Thursday, September 30, 2010

MCA should apologise to Chinese community, says Ong

Submitted by webmaster on Thu, 2010-09-30 18:18
By OTK’s Info Unit


PANDAN PERDANA (Sept 30, 2010): Pandan MP Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat says the MCA leadership should magnanimously apologise to the Chinese community over its controversial decision to acquire the vernacular Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press in 2001.

"It is alright to admit a leadership’s wrong judgment. The people, particularly the Chinese, also want MCA to be transparent on the venture.

"They want to know the monetary and paper losses, and also the extent of damage to Nanyang Siang Pau."

"Nanyang Siang Pau was the No.1 Chinese daily in terms of circulation but today it is only fourth, with its circulation dipping more than 60%."

"Where then is the justification to claim that the acquisition was right at that time," Ong asked.

The former MCA president was responding to reporters’ questions in a media conference at the 1Pandan 1Malaysia Pesta Tanglung (Lantern Festival) here last night. Ong, who was then the party Youth chief when the MCA leadership engineered the controversial acquisition, was among the"Team B” leaders who objected the venture on grounds of press freedom.

"Ask for forgiveness and perhaps MCA can win back some political goodwill from the Chinese community,” he said, adding that there was no way the party could shirk from responsibility.

The New Straits Times today quoted MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek as saying there was no need to apologise as the move in 2001 to acquire a RM230 million controlling stake in Nanyang Press Holdings was correct at the time.

"The question of apology does not arise. At that time, I supported the purchase because it was correct."

"An apology will not change the fact that we acquired the newspapers,” he said after chairing a presidential council meeting."

MCA lost the support of the Chinese community and sparked an intense party crisis after it purchased the newspapers. Six years later, the party sold its stake to the Sin Chew group in a RM64.7 million deal and in 2008, Media Chinese International Ltd was formed following a merger between Ming Pao Enterprise Corp Ltd, Sin Chew Media Corp Bhd and Nanyang Press Holdings Bhd.

Chua said since the purchase created a negative perception towards the party, the leadership decided to dispose it remaining shares after he took over the presidency on March 28.

The party’s investment arm, Huaren Holdings Sdn Bhd, announced that it had disposed of 60,394,191 shares, comprising a 3.6% stake in Media Chinese International last month for RM47.88 million.




From  http://ongteekeat.net

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Astro新闻多看点:PKFZ

Astro新闻多看点:PKFZ

Astro xīn wén duō kān diăn:PKFZ



Astro Host:周慧敏

Astro Host:zhōu huì mĭn



此采访录制于2010年8月7日

cĭ căi făng lù zhì yú 2010 nián 8 yuè 7 rì



嘉宾由拿督斯里翁诗杰和隆雪华堂执行长陈亚才,

jiā bīn yóu ná dū sī lĭ wēng shī jié hé lōng xuĕ huá táng zhí xíng zhăng chén yà cái,



一同­出席!采访内容关系到PKFZ舞弊案,

yī tóng-chū xí! căi făng nèi róng guān xì dào PKFZ wŭ bì àn



人民对敦林被提控上庭,

rén mín duì dūn lín bèi dī kòng shàng tíng



是否对国家司法重拾信心­?

shì fŏu duì guó jiā sī fă chóng shí xìn xīn­?



除了敦林,是否还有其他人涉及舞弊案呢?

chú le dūn lín,shì fŏu hái yŏu qí tā rén shè jí wŭ bì àn ne?



国阵政府是否对肃贪有了决心?

guó zhèn zhèng fŭ shì fŏu duì sù tān yŏu le jué xīn?



抑或那只是一­场戏,最后却会不了了之呢?

yì huò nà zhĭ shì yī cháng xì zuì hòu què huì bù liăo le zhī ne



普罗大众当然对此事各有所持!

pŭ luó dà zhòng dāng rán duì cĭ shì gè yŏu suŏ chí!



那对于拿督斯里翁诗杰和陈亚­才又会怎么说呢?

nà duì yú ná dū sī lĭ wēng shī jié hé chén yà cái yòu huì zĕn me shuō ne?



我们不妨听听两位的意见!敬请观赏!

wŏ men bù fáng tīng tīng liăng wèi de yì! jiàn qĭng guān shăng!




 PART 1

Part 2

Part 3

NTV7与翁诗杰面对面破解巴生自贸区疑团

NTV7与翁诗杰面对面破解巴生自贸区疑团

NTV7 yú wēng shī jié miàn duì miàn pò jiĕ Bā shēng zì mào Oū yí tuán



NTV7 Host: 李晓蕙

NTV7 Host: lĭ xiăo huì



此采访录制于2010年7月20日。

cĭ căi făng lù zhì yú 2010 nián 7 yuè 20 rì



前阵子,当大家在狐疑巴生港口舞弊案,究竟涉及了谁的时候,

qián zhèn zi,dāng dà jiā zài hú yí Bā shēng găng kŏu wŭ bì àn,jiū jìng shè jí le shéi de shí hou



但当在最重要阶段,突然被新任交通部长,勒令撤销彻查,

dàn dāng  zài zuì zhòng yào jiē duàn, tū rán bèi xīn rèn jiāo tōng bù cháng, lè lìng chè xiāo chè chá



为了要让人民知道更多的真相,

wèi le yāo ràng rén mín zhī dao gèng duō de zhēn xiàng,



今天,我们终于邀请到了揭发舞弊案的首要人物,

jīn tiān wŏ men zhōng yú yāo qĭng dào le jiē fā wŭ bì àn de shŏu yào rén wù



拿督斯里翁诗杰,来为我们破解和讲述PKFZ的来龙去脉。

ná dū sī lĭ wēng shī jié, lái wéi wŏ men pò jiĕ hé jiăng shù PKFZ de lái lóng qù mài



专辑内容当中,包括有:

zhuān jí nèi róng dāng zhōng, bāo kuò yŏu:



- 为何舍工地征用法令,而选择高价收购地皮?

- wèi hé shè gōng dì zhēng yòng fă lìng, ér xuăn zé gāo jià shōu gòu dì pí?



- 为何自贸区计划不公开招标?

- wèi hé zì mào Oū jì huà bù gōng kāi zhāo biāo?



- 成本125亿?!是真是假?

- chéng bĕn 125 yì?! shì zhēn shì jiă?



还有许多精彩的内容,有待君亲自聆听!

hái yŏu xŭ duō jīng căi de nèi róng, yŏu dài jūn qīn zì líng tīng!




 Part 1

Part 2

Part 3


Part 4

Monday, September 27, 2010

Louie Burke vs Hector Camacho 1985



By Randy De La O

On January 19, 1985 my cousin Louie Burke fought Hector Camacho at the Imperial Ballroom in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Larry Hazzard was the referee. I remember this fight well. It's hard to believe it's been a little over twenty five years. As was typical of the fights back then it was being televised during the afternoon and it was free.

I have never been a fan of Camacho, he's not my type of fighter,in or out of the ring, but there was no question that Louie had his hands full that day and there is no question that he was fighting an exceptional fighter in Camacho. Camacho started quick and it was an uphill battle for Louie and despite getting a golf ball sized mouse and his left eye cut, Louie, ever the warrior, fought a valiant fight and was actually gaining some ground in the last round. Louie, not the type of fighter to fight going backwards continued to press the action during the fight and willingly traded punches with Camacho in the center of the ring.

Due to problems with his left eye the fight was stopped after the fifth round.

The Boss

This story tells us not to be 'too kind' to our bosses. Here it goes:

There's this Jed Smith who was working for a multi-millionaire as a Security Guard. Early One morning, while the millionaire was driving out to catch an early flight to conclude a business deal, Jed Smith ran out from the guard house and stopped the millionaire's car just right in front of the gate.

He said 'Sir! Sir! Are you going to board a plane?'

'Yes, why?' asked the millionaire.
'You had better cancel the trip. You see, just a couple of hours back, I had a dream about the plane with U on it, going to crash.'
Curious over the early morning fright that Jed Smith had given, the multimillionaire decided to cancel his trip.

'You better be damn right for this is a million dollar deal.'

The following day, there was a news report that the plane which the millionaire was supposed to take had indeed crash landed.
'Thank God, I cancelled the trip', the rich man said realizing that what Jed Smith had said had come true, he summoned Smith to see him. When the guard was called that morning, the millionaire gave him his salary and FIRED him.

Why did he do that?

Think first.....

Still no idea?

Come on..... It is quite easy.....

Still Drawing a Blank???

Just imagine you are Jed Smith and you have Saved your Boss's Life..... Why on Earth would he Fire U...?

OK, since you do not want to 'Think' ...... like Jed Smith..... before you talk to your Boss.

Just Scroll down for the Answer.....






















ANSWER:

Jed Smith was supposed to Guard the house at Night. Not to Sleep and Dream all Night!


ADVICE:

So, GO BACK TO WORK, and don't try to save your boss's life. It's not worth it! Always save yourself first!!!

One line propOsals and funny rejectiOns

1. I wish I was one of your tears, so I could be born in your eye, run down your cheek, and die on your lips.
Reply : I don't mind where you die.. as long as you do!

2. Did you know they changed the alphabet? They put U and I together.
Reply : So, how many times did you fail kinder garten?

3. Are your legs tired? Because you been running through my mind ALL day long.
Reply : Yes, they are. I've been running away from you!

4. Are you lost? Because it's so strange to see an angel so far from heaven.
Reply : How many times have you been to heaven, anyway?

5. Do you believe in love at first sight, or do I have to walk by you again?
Reply : Yeah.. why don't you walk by and just keep walking!

6. What's that in your eye? Oh...it's a sparkle.
Reply : What are you on? Crack or cocaine?

7. Do you have a map? I just got lost in your eyes.
Reply : (too corny.. maybe a disgusted look would be enough)

8. You can forget about going to heaven because it's sin to look that good.
Reply : You can be sure of going to hell.. your stupidity will assure you of a place!

9. If I had eleven roses and you, I'd have a dozen.
Reply : So, that's your problem.. simple mathematics otherwise!

Ong Tee Keat response MCA Plate issue on Media





 Part 1





Part 2

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Staying alive in the face of danger

Saturday September 25, 2010
By JOLEEN LUNJEW
jlunjew@thestar.com.my


The ability to survive a bad situation is a skill all women must acquire.

RAPE, snatch theft, robbery, murder. Not to put a damper on your life, but it’s good to be a little paranoid because these things do happen. And not only to other people.

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you might be — you could be a victim. There have been cases where grandmothers were raped and young ladies kidnapped from supposedly secured places. Criminals don’t discriminate.

“Saying you have AIDS or you’re having your period won’t deter a rapist,” revealed safety activist Capt K. Balasupramaniam, founder of Malaysian Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (MVFRA, www.mvfra.org). “And don’t think that you won’t be a target if you don’t dress sexily. Some rapists only like ladies in tudung while others like overweight women.”


Workshop participants reacting to graphic images of rape and murder victims.
His words were a shocking revelation to the strictly female audience at a City Survival interactive workshop organised by Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia and Persatuan Belia Rakan Nusa.

The workshop, supported by the Women, Family & Community Development Ministry, was part of the ministry’s Child and Women Protection Programme: 1Malaysia Social Caring Initiative.

Bala was chosen to structure the programme as he had done case studies on violent crimes against women in Malaysia for more than 11 years. With his experience, he was able to give valuable tips on how to avoid, face and survive dangerous situations.

“We can’t completely stop crimes from happening but it is our duty to acquire life-saving knowledge and techniques to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones. For example, if robbers want to tie you up, tightly wrinkle your eyes shut before they blindfold you so you can open them later or try to bare your teeth when they put a plaster on your mouth as it will not stick to teeth.

“If they stuff rice or tissue in your mouth, it is very important to push them to the side of your mouth as these may expand in your throat and choke you,” advised Bala.

To drive home his point, Bala used graphic images of rape and murder victims (shown with the consent of the victims’ families) in high-profile and lesser-known cases.


It is important to buy good pepper sprays.

The most heinous crime which left an impression on everyone was that of a raped and murdered young girl back in the 80s who had a broomstick shoved up her private parts.

Other victims were burnt, drowned and strangled. And then there were the well publicised cases of Canny Ong, Nurin Jazlin and Audrey Melissa. Little Sharlinie Nashar is still missing. It makes you wonder how one can inflict such horror on another human being.

As each case study was highlighted, we were shocked to learn that a great number of cases remain unsolved and that many suspects were not charged and even set free for lack of evidence. One is currently working in Kuala Lumpur. It sends a shiver down one’s spine to know that such monsters are walking freely amongst us.

Bala said perpetrators usually get a thrill out of being in power. Thus, they like victims who are helpless such as women who are alone, so it is quite important to put up an act.

“I always say that a good pretender is a good survivor. Don’t feel self-conscious pretending. It might save your life,” he said.

Women who are home alone, for instance, should pretend that there are lots of people around. If you keep getting prank calls with no answer or heavy breathing at the other end, pretend to talk to people or imaginary dogs in the background and turn up the volume on the TV. Don’t let on that you are scared.

You can also invest in a loud hailer to create noise when there’s a break-in.

“Don’t just shout help. Nobody will know where you are. Shout out your address as well or use the loud hailer to pretend that the police have arrived at your place. Create as much noise as possible to frighten away the intruders,” said Bala.

If you have to fill up at a petrol station at night, always choose the pump nearest to the counter as it is the brightest and would be covered by CCTVs.

Don’t go for dates in quiet, secluded areas and don’t fall for bogus Jabatan Agama officers. Authentic ones would have female officers accompanying them.

If you’re using a taxi, don’t feel compelled to get in the cab if you don’t feel right. Give some excuse like you forgot your wallet or handphone.

If you start getting bad feelings when you are already in the taxi, call someone and inform them of your whereabouts and the taxi that you are in. Make sure the taxi driver hears your conversation.

“One of my participants, who is in her mid-20s, felt uneasy as her cab driver was making inappropriate conversation and he was driving in circles. She called her family to tell them where she was, the cab she was in and when she expected to arrive at her destination. After her call, the driver said that he couldn’t find the place and asked if he could drop her off so that she could take another cab,” said Bala.

Bala related yet another incident where a participant used the knowledge gained from his session.

“This happened just a few days ago in a bus on the PLUS highway. A guy in his 40s was molesting a young girl. The girl was crying and didn’t know what to do. Luckily, there was a girl in her early 20s, who had attended my session, in the bus. She went up to the driver and insisted that he pull over at the rest stop. She even called me to ask what else to do.


K. Balasupramaniam talking to workshop participants about security in the home.

“I’m very angry at the rest of the passengers because they tried to persuade the girl that it was nothing as they didn’t want their journey to be interrupted. They didn’t want the hassle. Victims should be aware of their rights. People who attend my sessions are more mentally prepared. They know to ask for help to prevent further damage,” said Bala.

Other than tips on avoiding and averting undesirable situations, Bala showed us gadgets that could be used to ward off aggressors such as door alarms, pepper sprays and how to turn items in our handbags into weapons.

Pepper sprays should be from reputable sources and preferably water-based with a ring at the bottom.

“Don’t buy China-made ones. The US-made ones are good as they have conducted proper R&D. The ring at the bottom is there for a reason — so you won’t drop it when you depress it. Some China-made ones have their rings on top. It is a self-defense product, NOT a key chain,” stresses Bala.

He also showed us various cameras cleverly disguised as normal everyday objects and taught us how to detect hidden cameras in changing rooms and toilets.

At the end of the session, Bala demonstrated some self-defence techniques and showed us how to escape a grab by targeting the perpetrator’s weak vital points.

“It is more important to free yourself and flee than to fight because most of the time the men can easily overpower their female victims.

“Aim for their soft spots. Don’t bother with their groin area as it is usually too far up to reach. Try for their nose, neck, little fingers or shins instead,” he advised.


K. Balasupramaniam advises women to carry bags with detachable straps so that they will come to no harm if their bags are snatched.

For minimal injuries in the event of snatch thefts, you should opt for a handbag with detachable straps. Bala said it was better to lose material possessions than to lose your life.

“If you care for your loved ones, don’t ask him to chase after the thief. Sometimes, it’s just better to let it go,” he said.

Housewife Chow Lai Seng, 44, came for the workshop as she wanted to impart the knowledge to her teenage daughter.

“I feel compelled to protect her by acquiring some knowledge on how to prevent and survive unwanted situations. I’ve learnt the importance of surviving, and not only fighting back. Everything I’ve learnt today would be a great asset to members of my group as well,” said Chow, a member of the Rainbow Single Parents Association.

Executive advisor of Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat believes crime prevention against women is the responsibility of everyone.

“The City Survival programme is both relevant and useful to the women under the present circumstances. I personally take it as a cross-gender concern and an intervention initiative in view of the escalating threats to women. It should in no way be viewed as merely a feminist concern,” he said.

More workshops, for women aged 13 and above, are scheduled to be held throughout the country.

Admission is free but a penalty will be imposed on those who fail to turn up after registration. Call Yayasan Bakti at 03-9281 3446 or Allan Tan at 017-398 3455.

Electric moment



Sunday September 26, 2010

By GEORGE WONG

g.wong@thestar.com.my




THREE years ago when we began reviewing portable GPS systems, the choices were limited - at least in this country. Now we are getting more variety from imports and home-grown manufacturers.



A parallel growth is happening in another sector beyond Malaysia, as car and motorcycle makers explore hybrid and electric propulsion. Even the MINI and Smart manufacturers are toying with electric scooters, and concept bikes are due to be shown at the Paris Motor Show next month.



Companies such as Zero, Brammo and Electric Motorsport are making a name for themselves as they are selling or due to sell production electric motorcycle vehicles, that are practical and even sporty in performance.
Honda is already in the electric scooter field while other big names like KTM and Yamaha are thinking of going electric as well.



Along comes Eclimo, a company that wants to shake up the personal mobility space on the local scene. It bills itself as the first Malaysian electric motorcycle maker, with plans to launch an electric bicycle and electric scooter soon after it received government approval to make them.



It is now awaiting parliamentary nod to gazette the laws that will allow the use of electric two-wheel vehicles on public roads.



Motorcycles are seen as the right platform to start pushing the electric envelope because they can be made and sold for less money than cars, while delivering greater efficiency and performance.



StarMotoring highlighted Eclimo and its scooter in April. This time around, it had a pre-production unit ready for the road



The Eclimo electric scooter, based on a Suzuki chassis, looks thoroughly stylish and trendy and certainly is nothing to be shy about being seen in.



It handles like a 125cc equivalent scooter is supposed to. It’s easy to slide onto the seat and move off, a feature that ladies will appreciate.



There is no clutch to deal with. Switch the ignition on, flip the master power switch at the base of the seat, twist the throttle and off you go. Twist the throttle some more for added speed.



There’s no engine or transmission to speak of in the Eclimo scooter, so the typical chugging sound is completely absent save for the whirring noise of an electric motor that is at the heart of the bike’s drivetrain.



The bike is light and maneuverable and women would have no trouble using it.
The electric motor in the rear wheel. Eclimo says it's well sealed so that even if half submerged in floods, water will not leaked in.

At traffic stops, the Eclimo bike is the only one that is dead quiet while other riders with their conventional bikes nearby are creating a ruckus.



Pick-up is commendable and acceleration to the 80kph limit is brisk and linear, with a 0-50kph dash recorded at 8s.



Speeds of 60-80kph feels decently fast enough when riding with body exposed to the environment.



The Eclimo scooter can weave in and out of traffic with the best of them – and irks other motorists just as much.



Disc brakes on both wheels provide effective stopping power and there’s regenerative braking everytime you squeeze a short lever on the left handle. Note that the left handle has a longer lever as well, a requirement by the Road Transport Department that the Eclimo scooter must have mechanical braking control.



As an electric bike, Eclimo’s own is quiet, easy to handle and good for the environment as no pollutants are emitted. But it has to be said that it is not entirely carbon-neutral. The power it needs from the national grid is still the result of burning coal and natural gas.



Standard scooters, with their step-through frame and small wheels, are by their nature designed for urban transportation. Maxi-scooters, with bigger wheels, a longer wheelbase and heavier weight are more adept and stable at long-distance travel.



At first glance, the standard-size Eclimo product might appear to be just another scooter. Look closer and three features stand out.


A speedometer and a charge meter.


The electric motor is the main point of differentiation between the Eclimo unit and the common petrol-fueled motorcycle. It’s huge and occupies the whole circumference of the rear wheel.



The in-wheel motor produces 100Nm of torque and peak output of 9hp (6.7kW), with continuous power of 6.7hp (5kW). Eclimo claims it’s sealed tight against rain and will not let water in even when the wheel is partially submerged.



Next is a three-pin socket that really says this is an electric bike.



A cord that looks like a computer cable is provided that hooks the bike to a plug point. It would have been nice to have a retractable cable for a neater implementation.



The rechargeable lithium batteries is of course the third feature that sets this scooter apart from the rest of the bike population in Malaysia.



Located under the seat, there are two banks of Li ion polymer batteries. The 2.2kWh battery pack takes 3-1/2 hours to be fully charged, and is 70% charged in two hours if one is in a bit of a hurry.



The 20kg battery pack can be lifted out of the bike and taken elsewhere for charging if required.


If you didn't know, you would have assumed the trendy Eclimo scooter is a regular petrol-driven bike. But it's rather special.



Each battery is rated to last 1,000 cycles or three years at 2,000km/month. It can be kept for more than six months if it is 50% charged.



The bike also has an underseat diagnostic cable that can be plugged into an external computer to check the state of the bike and reprogrammed the speed limit.



Manufacturer claims often are qualified and in this case the stated range of 100km is true only if you are a 70kg rider and travelling alone on a flat surface at a constant 50kph.



The writer weighed 75kg and during his brief stint with the bike made five pit stops and traversed two inclines on the stretch of the PLUS highway from Petaling Jaya to the Sungai Buloh overhead restaurants.



Speedwise, he ignored the 50kph guideline and pelted the bike at 60kph-80kph along the expressway, as any regular motorcyclist would do - at the minimum.



But the trip made it abundantly clear that while the Eclimo scooter can do the job on expressways, it is not at ease doing so as the rider will be speeding along with cars, lorries and trucks that are just inches away.



He also has to contend with crosswinds and headwinds that could be deflected somewhat if only the bike has a windshield or he is wearing a full-face helmet.



Such collective activity must have been too much for the bike to take. Before it could clock 50km, it ran out of “juice”. No matter how much the throttle was twisted, there was simply no go as a weak whirring sound emanated from the motor.



Fortunately, the setback happened in a commercial area instead of on a deserted road. A plug point was found in a car wash area that was low enough for the charging cable to connect to.



The bike bounced back to its normal pep and vigour after charging up for three hours.



But to be fair to Eclimo, if it was not as stressful a trip as the one we subjected the bike to, it could have made a round trip from, say Puchong to KL, with enough power left over to hop over to the neighbourhood 7-Eleven down the road.



Headlights weren’t bright enough at night but then the writer was speaking from the perspective of a person used to having the road ahead basked in multiple headlamps from a Virago cruiser.


No more visits to the petrol pump. A pair of Li ion polymer batteries that provides the 'juice' for the bike.



The dual meter cluster on our pre-production model shows a speedo on the left while the right one is the battery charge gauge.



On a small bike like this, the throw and intensity of the light could be better. However, it’s always a compromise as this will add extra load on the battery.



Note that Eclimo will be fine-tuning the machine before it goes to production.



At current electricity tariffs, it costs only 87 sen per charge of the bike. And because there are minimal running parts and an electric motor that is maintenance-free, it makes for low-running costs.



But at RM12,000, the bike will find it a hard sell to the general public until Eclimo can bring the price down.



“Price it between RM7,000 and RM8,000, and it will start to look attractive,” says a veteran motorcycle dealer who had tried out the Eclimo bike.



According to Eclimo spokesman KB Woo, “we are still working to bring down the price. All final pricing will be announced and made public once the government has gazetted EVs for road use.



“We are working with several financial institutions to provide an attractive financing package for buyers to own the e-scooter without heavy financial burden.”



We reckon businesses such as courier service companies or the pizza shops could be the first adopters of such bikes.



What follows if Eclimo gets its marketing formula right for its electric two-wheelers? Well, it’s eyeing compact electric cars as its next new frontier.




Eclimo Contact Info



Website:http://www.eclimo.com.my

Office:+603- 7885 9077

Location:E-01-03, Plaza Glomac, 6 Jalan SS7/19, Kelana Jaya Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 47301 Petaling Jaya




ecLimo Green Page : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114480311928310&v=info&ref=ts

Growing up means letting go

2010/09/26 NST

By Ong Tee Keat
WE just celebrated our 53rd birthday, so we can still be considered young. But one thing is certain, our country has matured and we are not spared the trials and tribulations associated with the coming of age.



As a father to three daughters, the youngest who has just stepped into adulthood, I now understand well the angst and challenges of bringing them up.



They demand more loudly (but thankfully, polite) to have a voice in decision making in the family, and to lead the life they think best suits them, although I have reservations about those decisions.





I experienced the initial difficulties of letting go but in the end I accepted the fact that as parents, we set the foundation for them and now it's time for them to stretch their wings and take flight.



There is a similarity between my personal experience to that of the government and its people. The political tsunami in 2008 showed that Malaysians are maturing, and the scenario is now different, with people more aware of their legitimate expectations, the freedom to be heard and access to the truth.



I am assured by the words of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who promised freedom of press. But as a Malaysian and elected representative of the people, I am confused and disquieted by news of suspension of editors and radio disc jockeys, and, more recently, statements that suggest the setting-up of cyber squads to monitor statements made on the Internet, such as Facebook (the latter conflicts with the MSC Bill of Guarantees).



In today's world, knowledge is king. This is spurred by the growth in technology.



Now that we have pockets of information everywhere, and these sources of knowledge are readily available and obvious for everyone to see, we are faced with a very real dilemma.



Which is reliable and which is not? Which ones should be read and which ones to avoid? Should the government exercise a paternalistic attitude by clamping down on such expressions and information? Is it possible, if at all?



Drawing experience from my own parenthood, I do not condone the extreme view that a parent should not have any influence over his or her child.



Similarly, we intuitively reject the anarchic claim that the government should have no justifiable power over its people, and that there should be no acceptable limit to the freedom of the individual.



Surely, we do not condone lies, slander and half-truths. Something must be done.



On the other hand, we are not and do not want a government that pays little regard to the liberties of the people -- a totalitarian state -- with a big brother watching our every move and word uttered.



What we as Malaysians want is somewhere in between these two extremes. A maturing or matured civilised community expects freedom to voice our hopes, desires or opinions, however unpopular they are.



I have frequently voiced my stand that there should be freedom of thought and discussion, subject to certain limits to what one is permitted to say in public.



The argument that the government should not tolerate information that is false or ones that causes confusion and ultimately cause destruction or disunity is overtly paternalistic.



It again assumes that the government knows best and belittles the intelligence of the people to tell the truth from falsity. More importantly, truth, falsity or half-truths will never gain by silencing the voice.



The act to suppress the truth (or even half-truths) will deny us the opportunity to exchange error, whole or partial, for truth.



But if we suppress lies, we lose in a different way because we are ultimately denied the chance to challenge, reconsider, correct, and perhaps reaffirm our true views.



There is also the issue of how certain is the government that the views raised or words uttered over radio, printed in the newspapers or uploaded on Facebook are damaging.



Should they be the arbiters of the truth or what is right? Shouldn't we be leaving the era of government knows best behind, or should we? Do we really want to know everything and the truth?



The answer is that we cannot afford to take a step back as a society that has achieved and grown so much over the past 53 years since Independence.



We should confidently shed the comforts of being spoon-fed with information, like a child, and not continue to live in blissful ignorance. Perhaps the truth may be too hard to bear, but this is a step into adulthood and into a perilous path that we all have to take.



Clamping down on an individual's liberty to express himself, even with falsity, will not only backfire but is virtually impossible.



The laws and regulations that impose limits on press freedom are also archaic. For example, the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Presses Act 1948 were legislated before independence and were designed to counter the threat of communist insurrection.



The act, which is now called the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, is ill-crafted to deal with the vagaries of the Internet, Facebook and information posted on blogosphere.



The only way to counter information or opinion that is considered damaging or untrue is not to clamp down on it but rather to tell the true story.



I can speak from experience when I handled the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) debacle. The allegations of fraud and misappropriation surrounding the project became a frenzy on the Internet and blogs, and it was eventually picked up in the news-papers.



Detractors and individuals with motives added their own spin and half-truths. I felt that the best way forward is not to come down on the naysayers and spinners of lies.



The best way to tackle the PKFZ time-bomb was to simply tell the truth.



* The writer is Pandan member of parliament.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Disabled entrepreneur can finally pursue his dream

Thursday September 23, 2010



PETALING JAYA: Ng Say Leng was nearly immobile with a worsening muscular dystrophy condition since he suffered a high fever as a year-old toddler.



But now the 31-year-old Internet entrepreneur can continue to pursue his dream of writing a motivational book inspired by his condition as he is now able to buy a motorised wheelchair with money donated by MCA central committee member Datuk Ti Lian Ker.



Ng had tried to seek donations and raise the necessary RM11,500 to purchase a reconditioned US-imported motorised wheelchair by selling five pens for RM10 on social networking site Facebook.



Ng, who lives at the Society for Independent Living Centre, had only managed to raise RM2,000 since July before his plight was noticed by Children’s Wish Society board member Alan Yip who helped spread news of Ng’s plight.

A dream come true: Ti (right, kneeling) handing the funds to Ng at Overseas Restaurant, Armada Hotel, yesterday. Also present are (from left) Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled executive director and pastor Sia Siew Chin, Chua, Selangor MCA chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei, Lee and lawyer Sheah Kok Fah.

“Like anyone with my condition, all I want is to be more independent to pursue what I want to do,” he said in an event where he was symbolically presented with a cheque by Ti.



Ng said the Facebook was a good tool if it is used properly.



“It depends on how we use it. Don’t use it to play games all the time. That would be a waste of time,” he said.



Ti said at first Facebook users did not take notice of Ng’s condition and plea as they thought he was using it to buy luxury items.



“But his is a deserving cause and he needs it because his condition is deteriorating. I want to send a message that a social networking site like Facebook should not be a source of tension and negativity,” he said.



Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong and Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong were present to witnessing the ceremony.



“A caring and sharing spirit is important to our Malaysian society. Malaysians must not lose sight of traditions of welfare and charity,” Lee said.

"MCA" car plates: Tee Keat shows proof

Husna Yusop

newsdesk@thesundaily.com




SEPANG (Sept 24, 2010): Former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat today produced proof that he had rejected a letter written by his senior private secretary asking for vehicle registration plates bearing the letters "MCA" to be reserved for MCA members.



At a press conference held at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here before departing for Alor Star this afternoon, Ong showed reporters the note, dated March March 16, that he had written on top of the letter.



"On Feb 17 I was still on sick leave after undergoing an operation on my heel. And no decision was made. And I came back for duty in early March.



"I could still remember when my secretary brought the letter to my attention because as usual I would go through all outstanding matters and check them to decide whether to reject or to accept.



"So, on March 16, 2010, I have minute it to my secretary, saying I did not agree with the matter because it was not proper. I also noted that I do not encourage it for other states as well," he said.



On Tuesday, current Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, who is also MCA secretary-general, had revealed to the press the letter dated Feb 17, 2010 after he was asked to comment about rumours that vehicle registration plates from MCA1 to MCA 9999 were to be reserved for MCA members when the issuance of "MBY" number plates was completed.



Ong also reiterated Kong should have verified the facts before issuing statements on the matter and contacted him for clarification if he was not clear about it.



“I have told him before, he can contact me anytime for explanation on anything. I am always willing to provide him any with the information needed. But to date, he has never contacted me for anything,” he said.



He added that any decision taken by a previous minister could be overridden by the succeeding minister.



Ong also said he reserved the right to institute legal action against Kong as he claimed Kong has resorted to name-calling by calling him a liar. "I feel very disappointed with this name-calling attitude. It does not suit the dignity of a federal minister. It has affected his image."

Smear campaign on Ong as Soi Lek tries to erase his influence



Saturday, September 25, 2010

Wong Choon Mei, Malaysia Chronicle
In a clear sign that his enemies within MCA were increasing efforts to shut him out, former president Ong Tee Keat has found himself at the centre of a storm in a teacup over car plates that bore registration numbers MCA1 to MCA 9999.



Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha, who replaced Ong after he was ousted in a messy power struggle that split their party down the line, had last week implied Ong abused his power by reserving the number plates for MCA.



Ong, the Pandan MP, has denied the allegations and walloped Kong back.



"What was revealed by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha was the memorandum dated Feb 17 and signed by my senior private secretary then. At the time, I was on sick leave following heel surgery. No decision was taken on this. I returned to work in early March. On March 16, outstanding cases were brought before me, some of which I approved and others I rejected, including this case - rejected," Bernama reported Tee Keat as saying.



The new ruling clique



Kong - ended PKFZ probe when he took over

Indeed, with a year to go for the MCA to hold its 2011 party polls, battle lines are already being drawn by current president Chua Soi Lek and his loyalists which include Kong. Already, Chua and his team appear to have forgotten their promises to close ranks and reunite the MCA. Instead, they appear to be busy consolidating their grip on the Chinese-based party.



This would include knocking out Ong and his supporters. In fact, they have already cut Ong loose by stripping him of the Transport portfolio. And with latest car-plates brouhaha, it looks like 'phase two' will involve a major smear campaign against Ong and his camp.



“It certainly looks like the new ruling clique wants to totally wipe out Ong Tee Keat’s influence in the party. First, the 9888 radio station scandal and now the car plates,” PKR strategic director Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.



Target

Tian was referring to the sacking of key staff at MCA-owned 988 radio station, including popular dee-jay Jamaluddin Ibrahim. 988’s flagship Zhao Dian Shuo Ma or Say Hi to Malaysia show is very popular with the Chinese-speaking crowd, who enjoy the discussions on current issues and regular phone-in sessions. The station has previously claimed an audience of more than a million listeners - a large number of whom are MCA grassroots.



Jamaluddin has lashed out at Soi Lek

Chua, who has been accused of shutting down the show because Jamaluddin was an ardent Ong supporter, had promised to lead MCA for only one year and to step down at the 2011 polls. But a string of recent incidents, including the promotion of his son to a deputy minister’s post, has sparked uneasiness that he will renege on his word.



“The next showdown will be much more dirty than the 2009 power struggle. Chua has already armed himself for war with his famous team of cyber-troopers," an MCA watcher told Malaysia Chronicle.



"He may go after Pakatan Rakyat and Perkasa but the real target is Ong, because at the moment, the mood in MCA is that at least Ong despite his angin is still more trustworthy. It also shows what a lack of talent there is in MCA. Nobody good will think of joining them."

Classic Photo: Frankie Baltazar vs Reynaldo Zaragoza - August 11, 1976

Frankie Baltazar (L) vs Reynaldo Zaragoza

"This was, as I remember it, Frankie's third fight, Boxrec says fourth, who knows, anyway, Frankie got robbed so bad that the fans held up the main event for about thirty minutes, fight was in Stockton, California, AKA Fat City" Frank Baltazar Sr.

Muhammad Ali Facts

      "I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round. "
                  Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942. He changed his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964 after joining Nation of Islam.
 "Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn't choose it and I don't want it. I am Muhammad Ali, a free name - it means beloved of God - and I insist people use it when people speak to me and of me.  "
By refusing to respond to this name, Ali's personal life was filled with controversy. Ali was essentially banned from fighting in the United States and forced to accept bouts abroad for most of 1966.

His Nicknames included: The Greatest, The Champ, The Louisville Lip or just 'Ali'
Muhammad Ali has been married four times and has seven daughters and two sons.
His height is 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)

Muhammad Ali won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

In his autobiography, Ali states that he threw his Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a 'whites-only' restaurant, and fighting with a white gang
Ali developed Parkinson's disease due to the injuries he sustained throughout his career.
Ali became famous for his pre-match interviews where he would 'trash talk his rivals talking in rhymes explaining how he would win.
 In 1999, Ali was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated and "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC.
When Clay beat Liston, he was the youngest boxer (age 22) ever to take the title from a reigning heavyweight champion in 1965.




Religion Of Muhammad Ali

Ali converted to the Nation of Islam in 1965, under leader Elijah Muhammad.
Ali converted from the Nation of Islam in 1975.
In 2005, he embraces spiritual practises of Sufism - a mystical branch of Islam

Vietnam War


1966: "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong ... They never called me nigger."
In 1967 Ali was arrested for draft evasion charges - he refused to fight in the Vietnam War.
Although he avoided jail he was not allowed to fight for four years.

Boxing Career

    His boxing record Total fights 61
    Wins 56
    Wins by KO 37
    Losses 5
Angelo Dundee traveled around the world with Ali, and he was the cornerman in all but two of Ali's fights (Tunney Hunsaker in 1960 and Jimmy Ellis in 1971). In 1997, after decades Dundee reunited with Muhammad Ali and appeared alongside him in a sentimental Super Bowl commercial. 
 One of his most famous sayings was: "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" - it referred to his unorthodox style of fighting

Fight of the Century. After being unable to box because of his conviction of draft dodging, Ali was finally able to meet the reigning heavyweight champion and Frazier in the ring on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden. The fight was known as '"The Fight of the Century," Ali lost his first professional fight of his career.


Rumble in the Jungle Ali regained his title on October 30, 1974 by defeating champion George Foreman in their bout in Kinshasa, Zaire. It was one of the greatest sporting upsets in boxing. Ali outdanced the tiring Foreman to knock him out in the 8th round.
Ali was named "Fighter of the Year" by Ring Magazine more times than any other fighter, and was involved in more Ring Magazine "Fight of the Year" bouts than any other fighter.

After Boxing
According to the Muhammad Ali Center website, "Since he retired from boxing, Ali has devoted himself to humanitarian endeavors around the globe. It is estimated that he has helped to provide more than 22 million meals to feed the hungry. Ali travels, on average, more than 200 days per year."
 Daughter Laila Ali also became a boxer in 1999

Muhammad Ali currently lives on a small farm near Berrien Springs, Michigan with his fourth wife, Yolanda 'Lonnie' Ali.
On November 19, 2005 (Ali's 19th wedding anniversary), the $60 million non-profit Muhammad Ali Center opened in downtown Louisville.