The Jongandhi Blog

Special Attention Everybody

2010-02-02T22:12:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

Please be informed that I'm no longer updating this blog spot. I can't afford the time to manage more than one blog. I'm now blogging here

I like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has visited this blog and posted their comments. I sure hope you would give my new site a chance as you have done for me here :)

Take care everybody!

Jongandhi

Perak State Assembly Crisis - MalaysiaKini Updates 7 May 2009

2009-05-07T15:31:00.000+08:00

Check here for more!

Just As The Seat's Becoming Warm...

2009-05-04T19:37:00.003+08:00

... I just went and pulled another Houdini! Something is wrong with this particular blogspot... it has been acting up pretty strange lately. It's been irritating so I've created another blog. Since I've got 2 official blogs running, I've decided to call the new one simply Jongandhi III.

With this new blog of mine, there will be simply the bare essentials to work with. I'm not particular anymore about how my blog looks like; I just simply want to post stuff that finds my fancy. And no Ad-Sense for me! I just couldn't figure out how that works!

Looks like I'm saying goodbye again to this blogspot! But this time I won't promise anything; I might come back or I might not.

It doesn't really matter anyway. Be good everybody!

Bye!

ttjwmgptm

2009-05-04T15:26:00.000+08:00

Ttjwmgptm
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

Perak BN MB Engage Bomoh Service? - MalaysiaKini SMS 04/05/09

2009-05-04T14:24:00.001+08:00

4/5: PAS Titi Serong state rep Khalil Idham Lim has accused Perak BN MB Zambry of employing a bomoh to remove Perak speaker V Sivakumar./MKINI
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

Visiter Tested A(H1N1)Negative In Penang - MalaysiaKini SMS 03/05/09

2009-05-03T21:11:00.001+08:00

3/5: A New Zealander in Penang who complained of being unwell and was warded yesterday has tested negative for the A(H1N1) deadly flu./MKINI
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

Swine Flu Hits Asia - MalaysiaKini SMS 02/05/09

2009-05-02T12:06:00.000+08:00

2/5: Swine flu hits Asia. Hong Kong - entire hotel quarantined after traveler tested positive; South Korea - a woman also tested postive./MKINI
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

Muslim Convert Challenges Govt's Conversion Ban - MalaysiaKini SMS 30/04/09

2009-04-30T21:52:00.001+08:00

30/4: Muslim convert K Patmanathan has filed suit challenging the recent cabinet decision to ban parents from secretly converting children./MKINI
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

Fw: BlackBerry Test

2009-04-30T21:40:00.001+08:00

------Original Message------
From: jongandhi@gmail.com
To: go@blogger
ReplyTo: jongandhi@gmail.com
Subject: BlackBerry Test
Sent: Apr 30, 2009 9:38 PM

Just testing whether this post would able to reach this blog via my trusty BB Bold.

Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

Back Again...

2009-04-30T21:11:00.004+08:00

...And I just cannot keep away from Blogger!

Well, at the end of the day simplicity is always the order of the day. No, I shall not indulge myself in Wordpress-bashing because I'm still keeping my site there active. Just think of it as having a few homes around web!

Pros and cons, ladies and gentlemen, pros and cons. So okay, I'll start write something here soon whenever I get some free time.

I feel so at peace here without the clutter!

Oh by the way....

I heard that Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan will be joining......

(Drum rolls...)

Gerakan!

See ya later! :)

Announcement : Wordpress it is.

2009-02-04T05:31:00.005+08:00

I've made my final plunge and have moved on to Wordpress. I've thought hard about shutting down this site. In the end I've decided to keep it for good times' sake. After all Blogger did opened the doors to the ever expanding blogosphere for me.

So from now on, Blogger shall become a library of sorts. I've been trying to export The Jongandhi Blog over to Wordpress but somehow features like video embedding for Blogger doesn't work for Wordpress. For instance, with Youtube, Blogger uses 'embed' whereas Wordpress uses 'URL'. So the Blogger postings with video can still be viewed here.

Anyway, I am now posting daily (whenever possible :) ) at The Jongandhi Herald and I'll catch y'all later.

Thanks!

John Gandhi,

The Jongandhi Blog

September 2008 - February 2009

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-26T09:33:00.000+08:00

Yes its that time again where the hard-working and industrious Chinese will be having their long breaks.

As usual, none of the Chinese shops are open (I'm posting this from an Indian coffee shop by the way awaiting my roti canai takeaways).

The Chinese has been contributing to our nation's economy even before the formation of Malaysia.

Now with the current political situation, we see the main 3 races; Malay,Chinese and Indian are at logger-heads with each other due to various reasons.

With that, I hope that this year will see some stability and of course prosperity in our nation. This can only be achieved through peace and understanding of one another.

I'm thankful that in Sabah, we still have the open-mindedness between races. The year has only started and the challenges are numerous. Unity within the state is crucial so I hope and pray that good things would come to pass.

Once again I would like to wish everybody a Happy Chinese New Year and may all of you will become blessed with health and prosperity.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

Bernama SMS 22/01/09

2009-01-22T21:14:00.000+08:00

KL 22/1: ASLI senior fellow in economis Dtk Gan Khuan Poh says M'sia economy will grow 5 pct this year/BERNAMA
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

MalaysiaKini SMS 20/01/09

2009-01-20T19:39:00.000+08:00

20/1: The High Court will decide on Feb 13 regarding which court is to hear blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin's criminal defamation case./MKINI

Sabah AG Quits : MalaysiaKini SMS 19/01/09

2009-01-19T19:58:00.001+08:00

19/1: Sabah AG Antony R Fernandez, who quit last Friday, denied his decision is linked to legal wrangle over 'Goddess of the Sea' statue./MKINI

Israel Withdraws - MalaysiaKini SMS 19/01/09

2009-01-19T12:40:00.000+08:00

Israel began withdrawing from Gaza as Palestinians count the cost of deadliest-ever offensive in the impoverished coastal strip./MKINI

PAS Wins KT: Updates From Malaysia Today (Final)

2009-01-17T21:58:00.002+08:00

Got these results from here

PAS strengthens lead at 9.25pm with 2,631 votes

As of 9.25pm, PAS's candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut leads with 2,631-vote majority.

Updates From Malaysia Today (2)

2009-01-17T21:21:00.000+08:00

Got this results from here

Latest from the PAS IT centre:

PAS won by 2,616 (unofficial)

Updates From Malaysia Today

2009-01-17T20:20:00.002+08:00

Got this results from here

Latest from the PAS IT centre:

PAS = 24,604

BN = 22,380

PAS leading by 2,224 (or is that 2,055?)

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/01/09 (5)

2009-01-17T19:57:00.001+08:00

17/1: KT by-election: PAS has extended its lead to 1,007 votes. Latest count from sources - PAS (19,487 votes), BN (18,480), Ind (117)./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/01/09 (4)

2009-01-17T19:37:00.001+08:00

17/1: KT by-election latest count: PAS leading by 778 votes. PAS (16,795 votes), BN (16,795), Ind (107). 40 pct of votes yet to be tallied./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/01/09 (3)

2009-01-17T19:03:00.001+08:00

17/1: KT by-election: BN is leading PAS slightly in early count. As at 7pm, both key candidates are at neck-and-neck./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/01/09 (2)

2009-01-17T17:52:00.000+08:00

17/1: Kuala Terengganu by-election: Polling closed at 5pm. Voter turnout around 80 pct. Counting to begin at 5.30pm. Results later tonight./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/01/09

2009-01-17T09:32:00.000+08:00

17/1: KT by-election: Polling day - both Umno and PAS candidates voted soon after polling began at 8am. Polling to close at 5pm./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 16/01/09 (2)

2009-01-16T16:42:00.000+08:00

16/1: EC chief Abdul Aziz Yusof refused to state reason for shocked resignation of KT by-election returning officer Mat Razali Kassim./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS : 16/01/09

2009-01-16T15:37:00.002+08:00

16/01: A Universiti Malaya student found two pig heads placed on a PAS flag in a surau located in the Islamic studies dept this morning./MKini

Proton Savvy : Thailand Top 10

2009-01-14T16:12:00.010+08:00

This is what I got in my sms today:

"14/01 : Proton Savvy has been voted as Thailand's top 10 cars in 2008 by The Nation's car writers/Bernama SMS."

Not bad Proton! This 'miracle car' a term coined by others due to its fuel saving features is definitely earning its title in spades!

Just to let you guys know that this car is great to drive around in especially when we need to run errands in the city. As you know one of KK City's main problem is parking and this little dude can squeeze into any legal corner available. Being an owner (mine is red but I wanted black hence the picture) I find it extremely useful and friendly towards the contents of my wallet!

I've tried searching for the report at The Nation website but to no avail. Instead I went over to the Bernama website and there it was. I suppose the story that was featured has not yet been released in its web-form.

I suppose that I'm feeling pangs of joy when I read this news. But in my honest opinion, the quality of Proton cars today isn't as robust and durable as the classic Proton Saga (1st Generation)...

Anyway, if given a choice right now, I'd jump at a Toyota anytime. It would either be a Toyota Yaris...

...or a Toyota Vios as shown below;

Meanwhile, I just have to be content with what I have. My Savvy is definitely easy on the fuel consumption especially during these rough times. However sometimes I feel the little car might conk out anytime while on the road (it happened before)! I suppose this is what you get when you buy a cheaper car, it has high features in certain parts and low in everything else!

I had the opportunity to test drive a Toyota Vios and it felt great! So that's the reason for my preference... oh well, I hope that this year's fortunes will be positive...

Ol Ai Wan Fo Krismas...

2009-01-12T21:53:00.003+08:00

I know I'm a bit behind about the timing of this post but I couldn't resist...

....And something for you dog lovers out there....

see more pwn and owned pictures

Bernama SMS 12/01/09 (2)

2009-01-12T18:11:00.000+08:00

PJ 12/1: MAS prepares to use biofuel if it is proven commercially viable. Now many airlines are testing the usage, says its MD Idris Jala/BERNAMA

Bernama SMS 12/01/09

2009-01-12T16:47:00.000+08:00

JB 12/1: CIMB Bank targets to approve at least RM6.8 bln business loans this year, similar to 2008. It sees no contraction in lending activity/BERNAMA

MKini SMS 12/01/09

2009-01-12T14:21:00.000+08:00

12/1: A successful entrepreneur has accused Tourism Ministry?s Pempena of victimisation, corruption and financial irregularities.Exclusive!/MKINI

MKini SMS 09/01/09 (3)

2009-01-09T19:12:00.002+08:00

Protest: 5,000 marched to US embassy. Hundreds put US, Israeli flags on fire in Kpg Baru. Mahathir spoke to crowd in National Mosque./MKINI

MKini SMS 09/01/09 (2)

2009-01-09T19:10:00.001+08:00

AirAsia: A fire broke out at LCCT terminal at 11.15am, forcing evacuation of passengers and staff, and the suspension of flights/MKINI

MKini SMS 09/01/09

2009-01-09T19:07:00.001+08:00

Mahathir Mohamad: Both candidates from Umno and arch-rival PAS are not the best choices for Jan 17 Kuala Terengganu by-election./MKINI

Somewhere In Time by John Barry (1980)

2009-01-08T20:59:00.005+08:00

John Barry is the composer who wrote the musical scores for the James Bond movie series, the Charlie Chaplin bio-pic Chaplin and this favourite of mine, Somewhere In Time which was starred by the late Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. The story is about a man who travelled back in time from the year 1979 to the year 1912 to search for the lady whose photograph he fell in love with. The ending was sad because... hey I won't spoil the plot; if you guys are really interested check the movie out over at YouTube...

Below is the original theme music to Somewhere In Time

While I was checking out the original version I also came across a guitar piece by Maestro Jose Valdez of whom I think is from the Philippines . I'm impressed enough to post his video here. It's an excellent guitar piece too bad about the background noise and all:

The next version by Ernie Vasquez, though not as full as the one above, was the one that inspired me to seek out the guitar tablature of this song. This version sounds sweet and easy...

If weren't for John Barry's music, the film wouldn't have any impact at all. In this case, the music helped the movie a lot. If the music were to be mediocre, even Superman himself won't be able to save the day... (Okay, okay... the time traveling theme is good but its predominantly a love story and with romance, one needs to have the mood... I'm getting ahead of myself and it's not even Valentine's Day yet!)

Anyway, do check 'em out to remind ourselves that love is still a force to be reckoned with and there's more to life than watching the upcoming by-elections this year...

MKini SMS 08/01/09 (2)

2009-01-08T20:01:00.000+08:00

8/1: Govt has withdrawn a ban on The Herald that prevented it from publishing its Malay-language edition in a row over the use of 'Allah'./MKINI

Dangerously Flirting With Wordpress...

2009-01-08T19:05:00.004+08:00

I was just fiddling around Wordpress.com's blogging features. I find it to be more sophisticated and user friendly in comparison to Blogger.com. I spent a couple of hours with it including importing information off this blog site to Wordpress.com. It can import my pictures but not my embedded videos and music. I guess I'd have to do it manually.

Anyway, I'm not yet ready to say bye-bye to Blogger cos it has its uses especially the go@blogger features which is essential for this blog. So maybe once Wordpress improves its mobile blogging I might consider crossing-over. So I shall stay on here...for now.

If you're slightly curious about the blog-site check out Jongandhi's Weblog. It's nothing much. Just a copy of this blog. I'm still experimenting with it.

This is fun. :)

MKini SMS 08/01/09

2009-01-08T18:10:00.000+08:00

8/1: Govt plans another economic stimulus package in addition to RM7 bil it unveiled last year: Finance Minister 2 Nor Mohamed Yakcop./MKINI

MKini SMS 07/01/09 (2)

2009-01-07T18:38:00.000+08:00

7/1: DAP's Fong Kui Lun retained Bukit Bintang parliamentary seat after challenger Dr Lee Chong Meng withdrew his appeal in Federal Court./MKINI

Back To School Blues Part 2

2009-01-07T13:48:00.000+08:00

Hokay. I'm back waiting for kid number 2 to finish class. I've sent kid 1 home already (we just live nearby so its cool).

Anyway, last night my kid needed help with his homework i.e Pendidikan Moral. I was disturbed to find out the only religion that was left out was Ugama Kristian. The rest are all there; Islam,Hindu,Buddha and Sikh. I had a hard time explaining to the poor confused child about our missing religion(the child's father is equally confused and poor by the way).

There are so many questions about issues that need answers in our country. And this is one of them... Why is Ugama Kristian is absent from Pendidikan Moral Darjah 4?

You know it would be very easy if I gave up Christianity in favour of Islam. The things that I'm doing now would have been super-smooth. Last year, a friend of mine converted to Islam because she wanted marry her Muslim boyfriend. A person forced to be converted to another religion in order to marry...

You know that writing about this is very depressing. Of course it is the Education Ministry's tactic to increase Islamisation of the whole nation. They go after our kids.

You want to talk about morality?

Okay, lets go.

Where is the moral in allowing a man to marry 4 times? Won't that bring hurt and disharmony to the 1st family? Of course it will! We are dealing with human feelings. Recently a family member of mine was abandoned by her muslim husband because he wanted to marry another woman. But what can she do? Complain?

Anyway that aside, we are stuck in a country full of bigots and hypocrites. It breaks my heart everytime I think about it.

Okay. Gotta go now. Kid 2 is out from class. Catch up later.

MKini SMS 07/01/09 (2)

2009-01-07T13:28:00.001+08:00

7/1: Court of Appeal dismissed prosecution's appeal against acquittal of Gombak MP Azmin Ali for perjury in ex-DPM Anwar Ibrahim's trial./MKINI

Back To School Blues

2009-01-07T12:22:00.001+08:00

I'm now outside my children's school waiting for them to finish. Both my kids are at the same school so its very convinient for us to fetch them. The only grievience that I may have is that I have pick them up at 2 separate times! Talk about being stressed this week! One comes out at 12 pm and the other at 1 pm. I'm still adjusting to this new arrangement the new year has given us.

I shall try not to complain :0)

Anyway, whoops... Gotta go...kid number one just came out...

MKini SMS 07/01/09

2009-01-07T11:52:00.000+08:00

7/1: A Suhakam inquiry panel today ruled that the police had used excessive force during Bandar Mahkota Cheras fracas on May 27 last year./MKINI

MKini SMS 06/01/09 (4)

2009-01-06T18:52:00.000+08:00

6/1: Due to public pressure, conglomerate Sime Darby announced it would pull out from a plan to take over National Heart Institute (IJN)./MKINI

Bernama SMS 06/01/09 (2)

2009-01-06T18:23:00.001+08:00

6/1 KL: Sime Darby will not pursue plans to acquire any stake in Institut Jantung Negara owing to public sentiment against the deal/BERNAMA

MKini SMS 06/01/09 (3)

2009-01-06T18:05:00.001+08:00

6/1: Police decided not to charge 5 T'ganu PKR Youth members who were arrested yesterday for putting up posters of Altantuya Shaariibuu./MKINI

Bernama SMS 06/01/09

2009-01-06T12:29:00.000+08:00

6/1 KL: Frost & Sullivan says M'sia's auto sales to drop 8.1 pct to 501,500 units in 2009 due to econ slowdown & limited new model launches/BERNAMA

MKini SMS 06/01/09 (3)

2009-01-06T11:47:00.000+08:00

6/1: KT by-election: Returning officer Mat Razali Kassim dismissed all 4 objections and confirmed the 3 candidates for Jan 17 polls./MKINI

MKini SMS 06/01/09 (2)

2009-01-06T10:46:00.001+08:00

6/1: KT by-election: One independent candidate Azharudin Mamat in addition to PAS and Umno. Nomination closed. Objection period: 10-11am./MKINI

MKini SMS 06/01/09

2009-01-06T10:42:00.001+08:00

6/1: Nomination day: Umno's Wan Ahmad Farid and PAS? Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut arrived at 9am at the nomination centre for KT by-election./MKINI

MKini SMS 05/01/09 (3)

2009-01-05T18:36:00.000+08:00

5/1: KT by-election: Mahathir Mohamad criticised Wan Ahmad Farid selection as BN candidate, saying he's a 'proxy' for outgoing PM Abdullah/MKINI

Bernama SMS 05/01/09 (2)

2009-01-05T17:36:00.000+08:00

5/1 KL: AirAsia to launch big regional sale for local & int'l destinations from Jan 6-18 Jan for travel period between Feb-June 2009/BERNAMA

Bernama SMS 05/01/09

2009-01-05T17:17:00.001+08:00

5/1 KL: Public Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary Public Mutual has declared a gross dividend of 7.5 sen for its Public Savings Fund for 2008/BERNAMA

MKini SMS 05/01/09 (2)

2009-01-05T12:28:00.000+08:00

5/1: MIC?s education arm MIED is rocked by a financial scandal over alleged awarding of contracts to cronies of a top leader./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 05/01/09

2009-01-05T12:26:00.000+08:00

5/1: Five PKR youth members were arrested in K Terengganu for putting up posters of murdered Mongolian woman, expected to be released soon/MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 02/01/09

2009-01-02T13:21:00.000+08:00

2/1: PKR lodged report relating to a slew of cases involving top politicians to test newly-minted Msian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)./MKINI

Of Holidays, Cockroaches And New Year...

2009-01-02T11:52:00.005+08:00

I'm now at the office though I don't know why I even bothered turning up at all!

We just had a holiday yesterday and today is a working day then tomorrow will be the weekend (?). Not many people are at the offices today and everybody is still recovering from last night's parties. Maybe they are still partying today.

Anyway, I was reading Tun Mahathir's blog when he touched upon the issue whereby we have too many holidays. I have to agree with him because it does indeed saps a person's enthusiasm for work. I called my friend today and he told me that he was sick, sick of not working! Apparently he was at home for the past few days. I must admit I myself was bored because all the guys I hang out with were busy doing their family thing. I even find myself completing 2 XBox 360 games within the past 2 weeks!

All that aside, I'm glad that most of my family and friends made it to the New Year of 2009. I have indeed lost some relatives and friends last year but I suppose that is what life is all about. Another friend returned my call (see what I mean?) and told me he has to attend a funeral that is going to be next door to a wedding reception tomorrow. He also told me he is going to both of them. The person who died was a young guy at age 31 who didn't drink nor smoke but succumbed to cancer. Then I said to him that we the drinkers and smokers are still around because we have developed the survival aspects of the cockroach...

Speaking of survival, a former Sabah State Minister was sentenced to 6 months jail by the Kota Kinabalu High Court for criminal intimidation. The sentence was to take place today but the former minister applied for stay of execution in order to appeal against the High Court's decision to the Court of Appeal. So he was released on RM 5,000 bail. Read more here.

I will be looking forward to a productive New Year of 2009 next week. As for now, I'll just stay on at the office to jot down few notes to plan for my company's direction.

Happy New Year Everybody And May God Bless You All!

A New Year's Greeting

2008-12-31T12:54:00.000+08:00

May you be as handsome as your mother thinks, as rich as your child believes, and may you have as many women as your wife suspects!
Kidding aside, I wish that you may have the courage of David, the meekness of Joseph, the faithfulness of Moses, the obedience of Abraham, the wisdom of Solomon, and the penis of Goliath! A prosperous 2009!!!

MalaysiaKini SMS 30/12/08 (2)

2008-12-30T19:48:00.001+08:00

30/12: Israel warned the blitz against Gaza Strip that has killed 360 people could last for weeks, as Hamas fired back with deadly rockets./MKINI

Bernama SMS 30/12/08 (4)

2008-12-30T19:18:00.000+08:00

Kl30/12: The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd (NSTP) today announced that its deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan has resign/BERNAMA

Bernama SMS 30/12/08 (3)

2008-12-30T18:34:00.000+08:00

Kl30/12: Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Salleh has been appointed as Proton Group chairman effective Jan 1, 2009/BERNAMA

Bernama SMS 30/12/08 (2)

2008-12-30T16:44:00.000+08:00

Kl30/12: The sole distributor of Subaru in Malaysia, Motor Image Sdn Bhd has reduced the price of Subaru's WRX STi 2.5 by 13 percent/BERNAMA

Bernama SMS 30/12/08

2008-12-30T16:38:00.000+08:00

Kl30/12: Low-cost carrier, AirAsia expects its world-class integrated call centre to be ready for service by Feb 15/BERNAMA

MalaysiaKini SMS 30/12/08

2008-12-30T13:54:00.000+08:00

30/12: About 500 people protested outside US embassy in KL against the deadly Israeli air strikes on Gaza Strip that have killed 360 people./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 29/12/08

2008-12-29T16:20:00.001+08:00

29/12: Tunku Mukhriz was today picked by a four-member council of chiefs as new NS ruler following the death of his uncle, Tuanku Ja'afar./MKINI

Gray

2008-12-28T00:38:00.006+08:00

4 more days to New Year.

So how do one wraps up 2008? I don't want to talk about March 8 and the events that followed after its groundbreaking results. Instead I would like to reflect, as a person, on how has 2008 helped shaped me.

Well for one; I'm opening to the idea of a gray world oppose to the acceptable black and white world. As far as I understand the world wasn't born yesterday especially about the topic of ethics. Mankind has struggled about right and wrong since before the biblical ages. And the outcome has always ended up in conflict because both sides had insisted that they were both right. I tried to be understanding towards the opposition when I myself faced with such situations. In the end I find myself being beaten just because I chosen not go for blow for blow ( in this case petty dramatic debates). I just can't see the point to the whole thing.

Anyway.

Recently a friend (former) called on me one day to purchase some dinner tickets for some Christmas dinner event. I obliged and told him that I'd be there. Few days before the event, while he was drunk at another event where my wife was part of the organizing committee. My wife reported to me that this friend (former) was trying to hit on her. Upon hearing this naturally I became upset but instead of coming up to the lowlife and give him a piece of my mind (and fist), I decided to opt out from the Christmas dinner without telling him. He did try to call both my wife and I but we simply didn't answer. So I stood him up that night leaving him to ponder on how to pay for that other half of the table. I guess he is pissed off with me right now because I was told that he didn't know the purpose of my actions. I'm sure he has already forgotten that episode with my wife due to his drunkenness. When the time comes, I will inform him of the reasons of my last minute withdrawal from the Christmas dinner.

My point in this tale is that mankind is forever struggling in morality. Normally I wouldn't do such a thing to friends but when a so-called friend starts disturbing a family member, I become very defensive. I will have my reasons and he would have his own. So how would we settle this? Usually people with lots of clout and money does stupid things like this. To vermin like these, a meeting won't have any effect. He'd just say that he was drunk and has conveniently forgotten his actions during his drunken stupor.

Anyway, I'm letting this one go. Its not worth my time to brood over this issue. That zygote will meet the consequences of his actions. Let nature run its course.

What have I gained this year? Plenty. But I don't feel like writing about them at the moment.

Only this one... I'm already figuring out about how the world works.

It is going to be an interesting 2009.

MalaysiaKini SMS 27/12/08

2008-12-27T16:53:00.000+08:00

27/12: Negeri Sembilan ruler Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who was the nation's 10th Agong, died at about 11.45am. He was 86./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 26/12/08 (3)

2008-12-26T18:10:00.000+08:00

26/12: Sarawak BN state assemblyman Wong Judat from SPDP has wanted to defect to PKR but appeared to change his mind, say sources./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 26/12/08 (2)

2008-12-26T14:40:00.000+08:00

26/12: Japanese production in Nov fell at the fastest rate in history as firms closed factories and cut jobs due to slumping global demand./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 26/12/08

2008-12-26T14:02:00.000+08:00

26/12: There are fears S'wak may use its immigration powers to deny entry to Peninsula-based politicians, including PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim/MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 24/12/08 (3)

2008-12-24T22:22:00.001+08:00

24/12: In an unprecedented move, FT MCA Youth went to PAS HQ in KL to submit a memo to protest the Islamic party's plan to implement hudud./MKINI

Christmas Wisecracks

2008-12-24T22:19:00.000+08:00

What's the difference between Snowmen and Snowwomen?

Snowballs.

Merry christmas !

MalaysiaKini SMS 24/12/08 (2)

2008-12-24T12:55:00.000+08:00

24/12: Lawyer Karpal Singh filed application in High Court to compel prosecution to appeal against analyst Abdul Razak Baginda's acquittal./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 24/12/08

2008-12-24T11:32:00.000+08:00

24/12: Ex-Umno PJ Selatan division leader Abu Zahar Hashim, who had alleged discrepancies in the RM1.6 bil Eurocopter deal, joined PAS today/MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 23/12/08 (4)

2008-12-23T15:40:00.000+08:00

23/12: Othman Omar named as new GM of Selangor state agency PKNS to replace controversial acting head, Low Siew Moi, a Chinese, starting Feb/MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 23/12/08 (3)

2008-12-23T13:12:00.000+08:00

23/12: Selangor exco and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok filed RM30 mil lawsuit against ex-Sgor MB Mohd Khir Toyo and Utusan Msia over the azan issue./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 23/12/08 (2)

2008-12-23T12:18:00.000+08:00

23/12: MCA sec-gen Wong Foon Meng warned Chinese community will lose out if they do not help keep Kuala Terengganu seat in BN hands./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 23/12/08

2008-12-23T11:28:00.001+08:00

23/12: High Court ordered Umno-owned Utusan M'sia to pay RM120,000 in damages to PAS info chief Mahfuz Omar for a defamatory article in 2001/MKINI

PHILIPPINES: Sixty two families of farmer face threats of losing land

2008-12-23T10:30:00.001+08:00

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-267-2008

<http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/support.php?ua=UAC-267-2008>

2008>

22 December 2008

---------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILIPPINES: Sixty two families of farmer face threats of losing land

ISSUES: Right to land; right to property; right to housing; right to
food; agriculture

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes with deep concern
over the plight of sixty two farming families who face the threat of
losing their land in the province of Bukidnon after they were
excluded as beneficiaries for land distribution despite the fact that
they have been farming the land for at least 15 years. Their names
were replaced with persons who have never cultivated the land.

CASE DETAILS: (According to information received from the Task Force
Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP-Mindanao))

The Don Carlos Bukidnon United Farmers Association, Incorporated
(DCBUFAI), where the 62 families affected farmers are attached, was
formerly the defunct BFI-Carlos Bukidnon Farmers Association. It was
first registered in 22 April 1997 with 224 members. After changing
their name, they had also obtained a new Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) registration no. H1999-00214.

However, their membership has reduced to 109, including the 62
families mentioned above who now face threats of losing the land they
cultivate and from which they get their means of subsistence.

Even before they became an association, these farmers had already
entered the landholdings of Bukidnon Farmers, Inc. (BFI) on
individual capacity from 1986. It lasted for succeeding years until
the management of the BFI had them recruited into planting corn and
other crops in between the coconut trees the BFI had planted
purposely to maintain its cultivation. But when the BFI close down
after having been sequestered, the farmers have not been given any
compensation.

At present, each of these farmers had been able to cultivate about
one hectare each. The period by which each of them had been
cultivating the land ranging from fifteen to twenty years
respectively which they planted sugarcane, corn and rice.

However, of the 109 members of farmer, it is learned that sixty-two
of them have not been included in the list as beneficiaries for land
distribution under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Programme
(CARP), a law which provides distribution of land to landless
farmers, which is being implemented by the Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR). This is despite them having been included in the list
during a pre-screening in 1996.

They were said to have been excluded from the list for reasons that
they were not in the original list which is not true. The reality
that the farmers have been actually possessing and since cultivating
the land for many years was also ignored. They, however, learned that
the new list of names of the beneficiaries recently issued are persons
who are either not residents of Don Carlos or have never cultivated
the land.

They have also learned that the land these farmers had been
cultivating have in fact already been covered by a Certificate of
Land Ownership Award (CLOA), which means the occupants have already
have the legal right to claim ownership under the CARP. However, they
only came to be aware of this until recently.

To affirm the farmer's claims, on 24 January 2000, the office of the
Barangay Reform Council (BARC) issued a certification which affirms
that the 62 families of farmers are residents of the place and has
since been cultivating the land reform for many yeas.

On 8 October 2008, the farmers filed a petition to have their names
included as beneficiaries with the regional officer of the Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Region X, in Cagayan de Oro City. The
certification that the BARC has issued was also included in the
farmer's petition which the farmers filed.

Nine days later, October 17, John Maruhom, DAR regional director,
forwarded the farmers' petition to Norberto R. Amora, provincial
agrarian reform officer in South Bukidnon. The endorsement has had a
notation and called for the attention of Adones Obsioma, chairman of
the Task Force BFI, for him to evaluate and take appropriate action.

On 6 November 2008, the farmers once again followed-up their petition
at Obsioma's office. Though his secretary has already confirmed of
having received the DAR communication but she was not aware of what
action he had taken, if there is any. His secretary also could not
tell exactly when Obsioma would return to his office.

On 7 November 2008, they made another follow up again by going to the
office of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) but they were
told that Obsioma was on leave.

On 9 December 2008, they wrote a letter to John Maruhom, DAR regional
director, informing him that for several occasions that they made
follow-up with Obsioma's office they have not been able to meet him
and always been told by his secretary he is not around. This prompted
the farmers to proceed to several offices of DAR in Maramag and Don
Carlos municipalities respectively hoping they could meet Obsioma to
do follow-up on their case. However their efforts failed to show
substantial progress.

On 15 December 2008, the farmers were once again told that Obsioma
was in Manila. Thus, at the time this appeal is being written,
Obsioma is yet to take action into concluding the farmer's petition
to have their names included in the list of beneficiaries. Under the
law, only the beneficiaries of the CARP upon DAR's assessment could
have the possibility of owning the land they cultivating under the
land reform.

SUGGESTED ACTION:

Please write letters to concerned authorities, in particular the
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), requesting for their immediate
intervention into their farmers' plight. The farmers' petition should
be acted upon without delay and that inquiries into the irregularities
in the exclusion of the farmers are beneficiaries; and the inclusion
of the names of the persons who are not actually farmers.

The AHRC has also written letters to the UN Special Rapporteurs on
the right to food and on adequate housing calling for their
intervention.

To support this appeal, please click here:
<http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/support.php?ua=UAC-267-2008>

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear ___________,

PHILIPPINES: Sixty two families of farmer face threats of losing land

Affected families: Sixty two families of farmers; residents of San
Roque and San Ramon, Don Carlos, Bukidnon; members of Don Carlos
Bukidnon United Farmers Association, Incorporated (DCBUFAI), an
organization of actual tiller farmers

Name of the responsible government agency: Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR), the government agency responsible for implementation of
the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Programme (CARP)

Status of the case: The farmers have already filed a petition with
the DAR to have their names included as the beneficiaries for the
distribution of the land reform. However, the failure of Adones
Obsioma, chairman of the Task Force BFI, to evaluate and take
appropriate action to have the petition resolve promptly aggravated
the farmer's plight of facing the threats of losing the land.

I am writing to express my grave concern about the plight of the
sixty families of farmers mentioned above who faces threats of losing
the land where they have since been cultivating at least for 15 years.

It is extremely disappointing that these farmers, despite them having
actually possessed the land and cultivating them for at least 15
years, their names have not been included in the list of
beneficiaries for land distribution.

Instead, the name of persons who are either not residents of the
place and never actually cultivated the land were included in the
list of beneficiaries which is completely high questionable. I could
not comprehend why the farmers who are supposed to benefit this land
are in fact facing threats of being deprived or lose their land. Not
only did this procedures questionable but also legally incoherent.

The farmer's plight, too, had been aggravated by the government's
failure, in particular chairman of the Task Force BFI, Adones
Obsioma; and the Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) office' to
have the farmers' petition to have their names included in the list
of beneficiaries be resolved without delay.

I have learned that since November 6 of this year, the farmers could
either not locate Obsioma at his office for several occasion as they
make follow up for their petition. Also Obsioma also failed to take
immediate action to respond the DAR regional office endorsement in
Cagayan de Oro for him to take action on the petition. It is
disappointing that Obsioma have continuously fails perform duties he
is obliged of doing and is expected from him.

Apart from that, the expansion of a pineapple and banana plantation
in their area has aggravated the scenario that would lose their land
unless the government responsible in dealing with their case takes
prompt action. The lack of concern to have the farmer's plight
resolve promptly as what is being shown by the public officials is
unacceptable.

It is disappointing that these farmers have had to endure threats of
losing the land they cultivated which would eventually have a
tremendous effect in their families as they would lose their means of
subsistence.

I fail to comprehend that although details and the evidences in this
case have provided that these families of farmers should have had
benefited this land under CARP; however, in the implementation of
this programme is otherwise. And even though were DAR itself have
identified these farmers as beneficiaries during their initial
screening it fails to upheld these farmers right by failing to act on
their petition promptly.

I therefore urge you to take an effective and adequate action in this
case.

Yours sincerely,

--------------

PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

1. Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

President

Republic of the Philippines

Malacanang Palace

JP Laurel Street, San Miguel

Manila 1005

PHILIPPINES

Fax: +63 2 736 1010

Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80

E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph corres@op.gov.ph>

2. Ms. Leila De Lima

Commissioner

Commission on Human Rights

SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue

U.P. Complex, Diliman

Quezon City

PHILIPPINES

Fax: +63 2 929 0102

Tel: +63 2 928 5655 / 926 6188

E-mail: chr.delima@yahoo.com chr.delima@yahoo.com>
or mtm_rodulfo@yahoo.com mtm_rodulfo@yahoo.com>

3. Datu Nasser C. Pangandaman, Al Hadj

Secretary

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Eliptical Road, Diliman

Quezon City 1104, Metro Manila

PHILIPPINES

Fax: +63 2 929 3088

Tel: +63 2 929 3460 / 930 0380

Email: busysquare@yahoo.com busysquare@yahoo.com>

4. John M. Maruhom, CESO, IV

Regional Director

Department of Agrarian Reform, Region X

Macaranhan, Carmen

Cagayan de Oro City

PHILIPPINES

Tel: +6388 723727/726 422

Fax: +63 88 858 2674

5. Mr. Norberto R. Amora, MPA

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II

Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office

South Bukidnon

PHILIPPINES

Tel: +63 88 8131 387

Thank you.

Urgent Appeals Programme

Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrchk.org ua@ahrchk.org>
)

2008>

<http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/support.php?ua=UAC-267-2008>

-----------------------------
Asian Human Rights Commission
19/F, Go-Up Commercial Building,
998 Canton Road, Kowloon, Hongkong S.A.R.
Tel: +(852) - 2698-6339 Fax: +(852) - 2698-6367

Heroes Season 3 : Villains

2008-12-23T05:39:00.005+08:00

Since we had kids, the TV Channels in the house has officially became their territory. So hence the alternative for me to catch up with my favourite series Heroes, I can either wait for the entire Season 3 DVD collection or watch it on YouTube.

Well I suppose I can do both.

When I first saw the show I thought it was one of best shows about superheroes on TV. These are superheroes minus the dorky and colorful tight-suits-underpants-outside. So in my books they're rather cool. Plus the story-line is excellent and makes me go,"so what's gonna happen next"?

Probably I should also catch up with other shows like The Ghost Whisperer and... hmm... I've forgotten what that other is called! Anyway the show is about a small town with lots of science experiments events and I will look it up once I remember what's show's name.

MalaysiaKini SMS 22/12/08 (2)

2008-12-22T19:08:00.000+08:00

22/12: Hindraf, outlawed since Oct, has embarked on a new campaign to seek release of its five leaders under ISA, by petitioning the sultans/MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 22/12/08

2008-12-22T19:06:00.000+08:00

22/12: DAP Lim Kit Siang wants PAS VP Husam Musa to clarify his remark the Islamic party will implement hudud as this is not Pakatan policy./MKINI

The Grumbling Chinese? The John Gandhi Ramblings...

2008-12-22T15:47:00.003+08:00

I just finished scanning through RPK latest 'No Holds Barred' posting. Recent complaints made by DAP and PKR triggered this post especially about the vernacular schools issue.

My bewilderment over West Malaysian politics will never cease. They spent so much time and energy fighting and complaining against each other over matters that is almost alien here. I believe that Sabahans in general don't take racial issues too seriously. In the end of the day, we tend to value friendship more and to forgive (maybe not forget) without conditions. By nature I think we are egalitarians. However this is rapidly changing.

Anyway, I had a chat with a colleague of mind and I was relating to him about an incident where I lent some money to a friend. Now this friend, I can tell you, is a person that I haven't yet known yet for a long time. But this person needed the cash badly and I haven't any excuses to offer, I finally agreed to help out against my better judgement which is to say "piss off". In fact after I gave the person the money I was already mentally playing out the event that money would have simply vanished along with the person. I had a good reason for being suspicious and skeptical because I was played 2 years earlier by a different, well, player which then resulted me of being poorer. But I always tell myself many times "I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they'll pay me back because at the end of the day they can't say that I never helped them and besides they might really need the money and I don't want to have sleepless nights over regrets that can be avoided if I had given my help."

So I lent the money to my friend and the person delivered back the money, in cash, on the day that when the repayment was promised. I was happy not only because I got my money back (no interest charged by the way) but also that it is pleasant to know that there are few people left in this world that are still honest and true. I would never forget that day.

That action alone convinced me that there is still hope for goodness in the human heart.

Anyway after telling that tale to my colleague, he said that out of 10 people in the world only 3 people would still be good. I laughed and asked, "Just 3 people? If you asked me it would be at least 5 good people left in the world!"

Coming back to RPK's article about the grumbling Chinese, I just don't understand why people can't just come together and sit down to meet and discuss about issues of the day and to solve things together. The racial polarization over at West Malaysia has widen and it looks like it's here to stay.

Sabah, I believe is already heading towards that same racial (and religious) polarization and the camaraderie that we used to enjoy is now quickly depleting. Sabahans, in general, blame the influence of West Malaysian for causing this changes by the introduction of UMNO to the State roughly 15 years ago.

With all these bullshits happening around I still have faith in God and in the human race that things will work out just fine to those who seek peace and harmony between all races.

Anyway this is just my own opinion.

Corruption : An Ordinary Joe's Take

2008-12-22T14:25:00.000+08:00

It has been a lousy 2 weeks.

This time is different from the rest of the challenges that I have to face. My project is dragging because we were doing it the ‘right way’. We are behind because we don’t play money with a certain government department.

Yes I am talking about corruption in our government system. Government servants won’t move to help unless there’s something in it for them. No matter how disgusting it may be in the end, we all still would have to pay certain ‘consultation’ fees just so that we can keep up with project development.

Coming back to our project; well it seems that we have no choice but to speed things up and that means we have to finally play money. Or else nothing will move.

I was in a moral dilemma over this issue. I didn’t want to get involved with this fucking corrupt practices. I wanted to go about it through merit because my team and I are capable and efficient to get things moving.

But in Malaysia this will never happen. Government servants are now so entrenched with corrupt practices that corruption has become an institution in our country.

When running a business, a business leader has to consider and manage employees salaries, bank loan installments, office rentals, telephone, electricity and water bills etc, just to ensure that the business survives its daily rigors.

And the bastards from the government departments would also expect their share in forms of money, women and booze.

Even with the MACC and JAC bills passed in parliament, I still doubt that we would observe any real changes yet in the current administration.

So I have decided to play along with the current government practices with minimal involvement at least for a while. Too many commitments and lives are at stake and we have to press forward to complete this project.

Anyway that’s the plan. The rest I will leave for God to decide...

MalaysiaKini SMS 20/12/08

2008-12-20T17:29:00.000+08:00

20/12: Deputy Home Minister Senator Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh is BN candidate for Jan 17 Kuala T'ganu by-election, announced DPM Najib Razak./MKINI

Erecterius Trouserius

2008-12-20T13:21:00.000+08:00

World's most dangerous snake:
ERECTERIUS TROUSERIUS (Trouser Snake)
Description-Varies from pink to black, fangless with highly venomous spit that can cause prolonged swelling lasting 9 months. Size varies from 3 to 9 inches depending on subspecies. Usually found in bedrooms but is known to appear in unusual places from time to time. Attacks women in the lower frontal abdomenal area but on occasions is known to attack men in the lower posterior area also.

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/12/08 (4)

2008-12-17T17:42:00.000+08:00

17/12: Sgor will hold public inquiry to probe contributions of 6 GLCs to defunct charity organisation helmed by the ex-MB's wife./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/12/08 (3)

2008-12-17T17:22:00.000+08:00

17/12: 21 rights groups urged police not to stop 'Ride for Change' cyclists as they end their 16-day nationwide tour in Parliament tomorrow./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/12/08 (2)

2008-12-17T17:17:00.000+08:00

17/12: MIC polls: Despite being the underdog, ex-VP M Muthupalaniappan is confident that he can oust S Samy Vellu as party president./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 17/12/08

2008-12-17T14:57:00.000+08:00

17/12: Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said the JAC Bill 'roars loudly, but crawls slowly' in addressing grievances about the judiciary./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 16/12/08 (3)

2008-12-16T18:49:00.000+08:00

16/12: Sgor police chief said Jerit cyclists stopped in Rawang to 'save children from being misused and exploited by irresponsible adults'./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 16/12/08 (2)

2008-12-16T17:26:00.000+08:00

16/12: The Witness Protection Bill was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat by Minister in the PM?s Dept Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 16/12/08

2008-12-16T17:12:00.001+08:00

16/12: MAS said it has begun talks with Australia's Qantas to form tie-ups including joint ventures as carriers face tough economic times./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 15/12/08 (3)

2008-12-15T18:12:00.001+08:00

15/12: Petrol and diesel prices will be reduced by another 10 sen per litre effective tomorrow, announced the government today./MKINI

Bernama SMS 15/12/08 (2)

2008-12-15T17:27:00.000+08:00

KL 15/12: The govt cut retail price of petrol and diesel by 10 sen a litre from Dec 16. Petrol Ron97 now RM1.80, Ron92 RM1.70 and disel RM1.70/BERNAMA

Bernama SMS 15/12/08 (2)

2008-12-15T14:36:00.000+08:00

KL 12/15: EPF filed 157 civil cases and 1,582 criminal cases against employers for defaulting on their employees's EPF contributions in q3/BERNAMA

Bernama SMS 15/12/08

2008-12-15T13:13:00.000+08:00

KL 15/12: MAS give four fare options to its economy class domestic travellers. It will be expanded to international travellers in Feb 2009/BERNAMA

MalaysiaKini SMS 15/12/08

2008-12-15T13:12:00.001+08:00

15/12: Anwar backed the proposed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission but at the same time also expressed several reservations./MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 13/12/08

2008-12-13T19:43:00.000+08:00

13/12: Swak CM Abdul Taib Mahmud said RM3 bil smelter plant in Bintulu to proceed despite major foreign partner Rio Tinto Alcan in deep debt/MKINI

MalaysiaKini SMS 12/12/08 (2)

2008-12-12T21:40:00.001+08:00

12/12: Minister in PM's Dept Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz has launched a verbal tirade against PPP, describing the BN component party as 'beggars'./MKINI