REALITY....

A Decision Gone Dreadfully Wrong

2009-08-30T18:20:00.005+08:00

PPSMI: 'Declining scores prompted policy reversal'

KAMPAR: The command of Malaysian students in Science and Mathematics subjects have been on a steady decline forcing the Government to revert the teaching of the subjects to Bahasa Malaysia and other vernacular languages.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Trends Report showed Malaysian students’ position in Mathematics dropped to 20 from 10 while Science went down from the 20th place to 21.
"Data showed that when English was not used to teach the two subjects 30 years ago, there was an increase in the number of graduates and professionals."
"And when it was changed in 2003, our students could not cope with the change in language," he said Friday.
Speaking to reporters after opening the Fifth Malaysia Festival of the Mind at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) here, Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, said the ministry's records also showed a decline in the students’ ability in learning the subjects.
"If we continue, we will see double jeopardy and I do not want Malaysians to face problems later," he added.
Muhyiddin had on Wednesday announced that the subjects would be taught in Bahasa Malaysia or in the mother tongue in vernacular schools from 2012, while English would be given prominence by beefing up the teaching of the language.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/10/nation/20090710165700&sec=nation

Dear all sincere apologies for not posting anything new recently. Anyway, I know this has been an issue that has surfaced for months and there is no way i can impart any influence on, however due to the post i uploaded last year, I have to restate my statement.

Look at what our deputy prime minister is saying, we are changing for the greater good because results are on the backward trend. How on earth can this man be appointed if he does not even comprehend simple common sense? Results are declining because your standards are rising you imbecile pillock. What does it really mean when your students are scoring 2 dozen distinctions but could not face the challenge the world presents them with.

Look at the past, where our forefathers, or rather our fathers really embraced the Higher Certificate Examinations before the Mahathir era, getting a distinction is like scoring straight for today. However people of this generation usually converse in english with confidence and tend to have a stronger vocab base than you and I. Why? because they were educated the correct way.

And i have yet to come to the english bit yet. With the rest of the world trying to catch up with the global english "outbreak", we are going to allow the rest to move forward because our students are afraid of english. Come on people, when you have a disease you search for a remedy; ironically when you have weakness have a way to curb it. We have to confront the situation where by our students do not have a good command of the global language and instead of easing their pain towards their fear, inflict them with more. Additional hours of teaching english and consulting other country about their teaching method is utterly rubbish, waste of more public funds. I say you shouldnt be able to get your SPM certificate without have at least C6 for english, and for the part of the examination board make sure the paper is of Cambridge 'O' levels standard or higher. I am darn confident with the fear of not graduating strike into the pupils heart, they will have no choice but to take english seriously.

In the decision to revert teaching of science and maths back to Malay and other languages, I have nothing to say other than it is a decision to be regretted in the long run. With declining english standards our students are already suffering, having such help induced into their lives taken away, we are helping them to dig their own grave. Having personally gone through this malay system, studying abroad had made me realised how far i am behind and how much extra effort i have to put in. So remember those who are still having maths and science in english, you are given a previllage that neither the past nor the future can enjoy, so make good use of it

Must Visit

2009-05-30T20:52:00.008+08:00

Well, it has been some time ago that I made a trip to Hong Kong, hence i revisited the pearl of the orient 6 months back, and found the truth between a true and fake gem. It matured and grew in value with time, so did Hong Kong.

Stark contrast laid before this archipelago of life, technology and tradition. With Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Lantau bustling with the modernities, the new territories set back to a pictures scene of the 80ths.

Still a foodies haven, as well as scenery junkie's Mecca, a trip there is really irresistible. As I always said, a picture speaks a thousand words, let it fulfil its potential.

Tai O fishing village, Lantau Island

Hong Kong Island taken from Kowloon

Expanded view Venetian Macau

The Venetian Macau

Hong Kong Tram Service

RM1000 Dim Sum Anybody?

RM 2000 Steamboat

Life in the High Seas

2009-04-14T21:45:00.007+08:00

Life is so unpredictable, with each tide gushing into the shore and back to the abyss, destiny of our life clings on to the next tide we encounter. Well it has been really some time since i coughed out something for my blog, time to reflect upon the last two months. Destiny has waved its magic wands to me in the direction of a shipyard, and the spell has been cast for me to remain there for the next 4 months. And what a 4 months it will be, as i found out after working there for the first week.
The company in question is Jurong Shipyard Private Limited.
Expertise: Off Shore Deep Sea Oil Rig Construction
Location Singapore, Classified
Environment: Harsh, Hot and Humid
Learning Experience: Abundant
Well like I used to murmur, A picture speaks a thousand words, let it fulfil its purpose

Exercise in the morning is part of our job scope

Construction in full swing

Rigs side by side

Akan Datang!

PS:All Pictures Posted here are rights of Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd

Unlawful usage of these photos will be severely punished.

A Car to Die For

2009-03-04T09:57:00.007+08:00

Was it Wednesday or Thursday, hmmmm... Anyway i was prowing along the streets of Jalan Bukit Bintang near Ritz Carlton Hotel until a large crowd aroused my curiosity. Initial thoughts were some illegal gathering, but second thoughts after examining the dressing of those men, put my suspicion at bay. Fine men in fine suits surrounding something.

This was what I stumbled upon.

Maserati Gran Turismo RM1.1 million

Maserati Quattroporte 4.8L RM 1.3million

Man these cars are gorgeous. Beautiful pieces of engineering costing a handsome million each. Even the smell and touch of the interior feels a million quid.

First World Ambition, Third World Reality

2009-03-03T13:23:00.004+08:00

3 years ago, while launching the new Low Cost Carrier Terminal in KLIA, our Prime Minister said that we are heading towards becoming a regional hub for low cost airlines and that we have a world class facility that cost over RM 200 million to cater for that purpose.

Well since the opening, i had not paid the facility a visit and was assuming that passengers going in and out are enjoying our hospitality. However reality spoke in honesty. When i finally decided to drop by, reality had never been so far away from what has been promised.

The entire terminal was dirty, messy, horrible, unbearable, terrible, dreadful, awful, appalling etc. etc. etc. All the words u could cough out of the dictionary that bears the meaning bad can be used as an adjective towards the KLIA LCCT. The following are just a few flaws that i manage to extract from this eye sore.

Air condition was below par- Temperature at 30C

The terminal was so crowded that passengers waiting had to sit on the floor.

No proper sitting or waiting area for the passengers.

Ventilation was so bad that exhaust fumes from aircraft seeped into the terminal.

No proper signage in the Check in counters.

The terminal was basically built out of zinc roof and God knows how much of the 200 million has gone into corruption..

Construction was still going on and there was dust everywhere.

This is becoming like PUDURAYA bus terminal.

Air Asia's motto is Now Everyone can Fly. For the LCCT is NOW EVERYONE CAN DIE. For pete's sake MAHB have given Air Asia a pig's sty as an airport terminal. It not low cost, its basically no cost. So lousy was the terminal that i feel ashamed to be a Malaysian

Merry Christmas

2008-12-18T16:54:00.012+08:00

After all my grumbling and mumbling about the Malaysian education system, lets look forward to this festive season. As a car freak, I would really love to have my own for Christmas, perhaps in 20 years time, maybe. Anyway many gorgeous looking road crawling machines have emerged silently recently and they all are really something special to have for this festive season.

Ferrari California

Nissan GTR

Aston Martin DB9

Porsche 911 GT3

Audi R8V10

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Come on, realistically most of us wont have the money or the bravery to spend whats little left of us in one of those. So instead we should console ourselves and be contended with what we will most likely end up with

Perodua Myvi

Proton Saga

Or judging by the current financial and economical situation, and the unstable petrol prices, we are better of going back to the past, to where our ancestors pledged their trust to, or realistically speaking to the only thing we might be able to afford.

Bicycle

SO MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY, HOHOHO!!!!!!!!!!

Bleak Reality

2008-12-17T18:51:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas everybody. It was nearly a month ago since I posted anything, just to pronounce how busy I was. With FIVE datelines running near, two tests greeting this festive season, whats there not to like? Everything. Anyway through the last few postings, I was very critical and harsh on the Malaysian education system, or was it HONEST? This time though, its reality that we have to face studying in public institutions in Malaysia.

As I said before, the true reflection of the success in our education system could be found in university rankings, hence let me help with that.

2008 rankings Universities Country
1 HARVARD University United States
2 YALE University United States
3 University of CAMBRIDGE United Kingdom
4 University of OXFORD United Kingdom
5 CALIFORNIA Institute of Technology (Calt...United States
6 IMPERIAL College London United Kingdom
7 UCL (University College London) United Kingdom
8 University of CHICAGO United States
9 MASSACHUSETTS Institute of Technology (M...United States
10 COLUMBIA University United States
11 University of PENNSYLVANIA United States
12 PRINCETON University United States
13= DUKE University United States
13= JOHNS HOPKINS University United States
15 CORNELL University United States
16 AUSTRALIAN National University Australia
17 STANFORD University United States
18 University of MICHIGAN United States
19 University of TOKYO Japan
20 MCGILL University Canada
21 CARNEGIE MELLON University United States
22 KING'S College London United Kingdom
23 University of EDINBURGH United Kingdom
24 ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of T...Switzerland
25 KYOTO University Japan
26 University of HONG KONGHong Kong
27 BROWN UniversityUnited States
28 École Normale Supérieure, PARISFrance
29 University of MANCHESTERUnited Kingdom
30= National University of SINGAPORE(NUS)Singapore
30= University of CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles (U...United States
32 University of BRISTOLUnited Kingdom
33 NORTHWESTERN UniversityUnited States
34= ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUEFrance
34= University of BRITISH COLUMBIACanada
36 University of California, BERKELEYUnited States
37 The University of SYDNEYAustralia
38 The University of MELBOURNEAustralia
39 HONG KONG University of Science & Techno...Hong Kong
40 NEW YORK University (NYU)United States
41 University of TORONTOCanada
42 The CHINESE University of Hong KongHong Kong
43 University of QUEENSLANDAustralia
44 OSAKA UniversityJapan
45 University of NEW SOUTH WALESAustralia
46 BOSTON UniversityUnited States
47 MONASH UniversityAustralia
48 University of COPENHAGENDenmark
49 TRINITY College DublinIreland
50= Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de LAUSANNE...Switzerland
50= PEKING UniversityChina
50= SEOUL National UniversityKore a, South
53 University of AMSTERDAMNetherlands
54 DARTMOUTH CollegeUnited States
55 University of WISCONSIN-MadisonUnited States
56 TSINGHUA University China
57 HEIDELBERG UniversitätGermany
58 University of CALIFORNIA, San DiegoUnited States
59 University of WASHINGTONUnited States
60 WASHINGTON University in St. LouisUnited States
61 TOKYO Institute of TechnologyJapan
62 EMORY UniversityUnited States
63 UPPSALA UniversitySweden
64LEIDEN UniversityNetherlands
65 The University of AUCKLANDNew Zealand
66 LONDON School of Economics and Political...United Kingdom
67 UTRECHT UniversityNetherlands
68 University of GENEVASwitzerland
69 University of WARWICKUnited Kingdom
70 University of TEXAS at AustinUnited States
71 University of ILLINOISUnited States
72 Katholieke Universiteit LEUVEN Belgium
73 University of GLASGOWUnited Kingdom
74University of ALBERTACanada
75 University of BIRMINGHAMUnited Kingdom
76 University of SHEFFIELDUnited Kingdom
77 NANYANG Technological UniversitySingapore
78= DELFT University of TechnologyNetherlands
78= RICE UniversityUnited States
78= Technische Universität MÜNCHENGermany
81= University of AARHUSDenmark
81= University of YORKUnited Kingdom
83= GEORGIA Institute of TechnologyUnited States
83= The University of WESTERN AUSTRALIAAustralia
83= University of ST ANDREWSUnited Kingdom
86 University of NOTTINGHAMUnited Kingdom
87 University of MINNESOTAUnited States
88 LUND UniversitySweden
89 University of CALIFORNIA, DavisUnited States
90 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UniversityUnited States
91= Université de MontréalCanada
91= University of HELSINKIFinland
93= Hebrew University of JERUSALEMIsrael
93= Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenGermany
95 KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Scie...Korea, South
96 University of VIRGINIAUnited States
97 University of PITTSBURGHUnited States
98 University of CALIFORNIA, Santa BarbaraUnited States
99= PURDUE UniversityUnited States
99=
University of SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom

There is no Malaysian university seen here, or in fact you will have to scroll all the way to 250 before UKM appears. This is a justification on how "successful" our education system has been. Its absolutely amusing on how UM has dropped from 50 to 400 in 2 decades, and to the dear tax payers out there, remember you have been paying through your noses, having a sizable portion your hard earned income slashed to pay ministers who knows next to nothing and tarnish our once renowned education system.

What else we could foresee in this situation for the future, lets see University of Bangladesh overtaking us?? I foresee a bleak future to our leaders to be out there. With such appalling standards in our system, its a perfect breeding ground for rubbish in the society. I am so sorry for the kids who are bounded by this system, you are the brightest star with your light being diminished each day and your potentials being flushed down the drain. Hopefully there is a silver lining within the clouds for this bunch of true hopes.

Happenings lately......

2008-11-16T01:46:00.003+08:00

Busy times are catching up with me. Stupid Human Factors now needs me to do some utterly useless research for some debate which make no sense. Why should someone ever debate on a fact? Hence a waste of valuable learning capacity doing something for the dumb(the lecturers) for no reason.

While fuzzing through all these dismay, I manage to stump upon an interesting topic from our government

Decision on medium for teaching Science and Maths after analysis

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry will carry out an in-depth analysis of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) results before presenting its findings at a roundtable discussion.

Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he would present the recommendations from the roundtable and results from other studies conducted by the ministry to the Cabinet.

“Only then will a final decision be made on whether to continue teaching Science and Mathematics in English or go back to Bahasa Malaysia.

“The UPSR results are not the only factor which will be used to decide as we need to look at other studies as well as the views of stakeholders expressed earlier,” he said in a statement. The policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English was implemented in phases, beginning with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003.

The 518,616 pupils who sat for the UPSR this year were the first group to have started studying the two subjects in English since the policy was introduced. Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said he would chair the roundtable discussion early next month.

“Stakeholders who attended earlier roundtable discussions will be invited to attend,” he told The

Star.

Alimuddin also dispelled rumours that some schoolchildren who wou-ld be starting Year One next year had received Science and Mathematics textbooks in Bahasa Malaysia. “That’s not possible, and I want anyone who has received such books to write to me personally,” he said.
He added that schools would only distribute textbooks for next year one week before classes were to start.

Decision to return teaching in Malay? It would be absolutely foolish for anyone to take such acts. It will turn the country in to its own ice age, isolated from the rest of the world. Anyone who has taken the SPM in Malay know that they will have to do some catch up when they enter universities as modules are all taught in English. To make the matter worse, many foreign universities DO NOT recognise our qualification based on merely the fact that the teaching medium is in Malay Language. The government had already put enough Malaysians in trouble before they even enter tertiary education and finally decided to alleviate our grieves by changing certain subjects back into English, Now they want to revert back? Those who has the slightest thought of supporting this act will kill the country.

Even with such subjects like maths and science taught in English, it is still not sufficient to justify the standard of our paper qualification. I propose and entire revamp of the system. Look what have Singapore done. They have stuck ed to the roots of education by retaining the Cambridge GCE 'O' Levels in it's system, and thus understanding the essence of recognisable qualification which lies in the origin of the subjects itself. During the good old days where our forefathers took the MCE(malaysian certificate of examination), only a handful can score and A, and during then Malayan university was one of the top ranking in the world, why? Its because it was based on the cambridge system and hence gained world wide recognition.

Its time we return to the time where our education system supersedes those in the other parts of asia. Start changing it back into and entirely english education system and slowly progressing towards GCE recognition. Make Malaysians proud by giving us a chance to receive world class education, and with that a world wide recognition. Its time to reconcile, Minister of Education. We are too far behind, and you have failed miserably in your duty. Give us what we want and not what you feel we should have.

Life in Reality

2008-11-02T23:50:00.004+08:00

It has been a little more than a week since I posted anything. Life goes on as usual for me however the contents within it has changed tremendously. Only just 3 weeks ago I was enjoying a great holiday that was due for over a year and now all that looks displaced in a distant memory. First there was the start of my last semester in Singapore Polytechnic which turned out to be the most challenging ever, then came the assignments and finally the icing on the cake, Final Year Project.

For my menu of disasters, first the entree- the modules. Nothing surprising, instead nothing inspiring. Firstly let me do the derivation of my course- Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. Sounds fun eh, nope nothing further from it that the reality. Then came with it the modules that suck big time. Human Factors, have you ever heard of such module? A module that teaches about human nature and the environment. Its already boring enough with its contents and it gets worse when a sick lecturer is stirred into this concoction of shit. Here are the breakdown of what such sick person expects of a common sense module.

Human Factors
-Debate+Formal Report of 1500 words
-Answering questions with no correct answer(ambiguous)
-Exam
And finally, only 1 % of the students get A
Officially this guy needs the mental ward in the hospital.

Then there is another module that complements the above- Aero Materials
-Assignment=build something after intense research and write a 5000 word report on it
-Test and examination that is designed to fail every student.

Not forgetting another 5 modules to be added to this.
What have my fellow Aero Engineering friends and I done to deserve such treatment!!!
Well as I said this is the reality to be embraced, and what a harsh reality it is.

Scholarships

2008-10-20T21:40:00.003+08:00

This article has always been an agenda where Malaysians always keep at heart but are constantly unhappy of. Just as we thought the government is trying to give help to all races by providing scholarships to the needy ones after a poor showing in the elections, here comes the truth behind Jekyll's real image, Hyde.

Parliament: VIPs’ kids getting scholarships?

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister’s Department was queried if overseas scholarships were given to Ministers’ and Mentris Besar’s children despite not doing well in examinations.

Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) said he received information that VIPs’ children who did not deserve scholarships had their applications approved.

“I want to know if this is true and if it is true, why these children were given scholarships? They do not qualify,” he said in a supplementary question.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Johari Baharum (BN- Kubang Pasu) replied that he would take note of the claim and give a written reply if there were any VIP’s children receiving scholarships through unlawful means.

He said that the Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships were offered according to merit.
“Academic achievement constitute 70%, socio-economic background 10%, co-curriculum (activities) 10% and the interviews carry 10%,” he said.

In another supplementary question, Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent - Pasir Mas) asked if the
Government would consider the economic background of applicants instead of academic achievements when approving scholarship to help those in rural areas.

Mohd Johari replied that scholarships had to be given based on merits otherwise the applications could be rejected.

“It’s a good suggestion, but if we send these students to universities say in Australia, they must qualify academically to even enter the university,” he said.

source http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/20/nation/20081020182615&sec=nation

In the first place why should minister's children should even be considered as a candidate for the scholarships. Their parents earn buckets full of cash that could feed them for their next generation. Ministers do not pay taxes and whole lots of other stuffs while schools and institutions are financed by tax payers. Should they be even allowed into school???

These scholarships are supposed to be given solely to those who really needs it and not these free spending ministers' children. I agree that academic results are of primary consideration, however family back ground should be held at a higher regard here.

Talking about sending scholars overseas, we shall also question Malaysia's education standard. More on that in the next post...

World's Most Versatile Fruit

2008-10-13T00:43:00.004+08:00

Man this is kind of hard. There is nothing much happening lately so focus has been on life. Not human life but more on plant life. You see human can live in almost every nook and cranny of earth, can a plant emulate that??? Lets see..

Ground Papaya

Drainpipe papaya

Papaya Split

Serpentine Papaya

Papayapartment

Rubbish of Society and Chinese Community of Malaysia

2008-10-05T19:23:00.005+08:00

Reflecting back on the last few weeks, Malaysia has suddenly re-emerged as murder haven, with a plethora of cases taking place in various jurisdictions. One of these that I am going to highlight is the kidnap cum murder case of 16 year old Lai Ying Xin. The following article notes the convicted,

Teens among four charged with Ying Xin's murder

JOHOR BARU: Four people, including three teenagers, were charged at a magistrate’s court here with the kidnap and murder of 16-year-old Lai Ying Xin.

When they were brought into the courtroom, it was packed with people including the girl’s relatives and friends.

Only hairstylist Teh Kim Hong, 22, was produced in the dock, while the teenagers — two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old — stood at the side.

The four were charged with intentionally murdering Ying Xin between 9.45pm on Sept 11 and midnight on Sept 12 at Lot 2841, Jalan Alor, Bukit Kulai in Kulai Jaya.

They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with murder, which carries the death penalty.

On a second charge, the four were alleged to have kidnapped Ying Xin at 9.45pm in front of a hypermarket along Jalan Kulai-Air Hitam in Kulai Jaya with the intention of demanding a ransom of RM60,000.

If found guilty of kidnap, the offender can be sentenced to death or life in prison.
If not sentenced to death, those convicted of kidnap can be whipped.

Facing char ges: A policeman escor ting the four accused to be charged with the murder and kidnap of Ying Xin at the Johor Baru magistrate’s court yesterday. — Bernama

But the teenagers, if found guilty, will be detained at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

When the charges were read out in Mandarin, all four nodded their heads to signal they understood the charge. No plea was re- corded for either charge.

Magistrate Nor Shahid Abd Malik set Dec 10 for mention pending the chemist’s and post mortem reports.

Ying Xin was kidnapped and murdered after which her partially-burnt body was dumped in some bushes.

Police found the body in Taman Putri, Kulai, on Sept 16.

The cause of her death was strangulation.

Article adapted from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/27/nation/2132324&sec=nation

Take a look at the society that we are living in today. What kind of retards are infesting our streets. I mean, take a look at yourself, can you come to terms with taking a rope and strangle a helpless person, more so when the someone is of the same race as you. Its as if a small dog is biting another one to death. Do you find such gruesome acts in the canine community, i doubt so. So what can we say about us human, well, worst than animals i guess. Furthermore, those involved are only in their adolescent, what more can these monsters do if they are released back in the wild. Blame their parents for not teaching them? Failure of school education? Nope. This shouldn't be the case. They should blame themselves. Absolute failure of self morality, stupidity and idiotism.

Its already wrong to have committed a a kidnap, how about murder? Its utterly unforgivable. I propose 30 years behind bars with whipping for each before given the death penalty, and nope, the juveniles should not be exempted from this. These punishment is supposed to inflict fear into these criminal's soul, and inflict it shall. Hopefully these rubbish are punished in the harshest of ways and may God not have any mercy on them.

Ought To Be Shot

2008-09-23T14:50:00.005+08:00

Food products from China tainted? First time we heard of it? Nope. Chinese products has long been in the history of contamination and many other consumption concerns. Death are common in all cases involving chinese manufactured food contamination and the most recent does not beg to differ. The latest case even involves innocent toddlers who can even speak for their agony. These insane producer ought to be shot for such inhumane act. Anyway the following was an article i picked up from The Star paper that says how little tolerance the world has towards food safety issues.

China goods ban widens

PETALING JAYA: The Government has widened its ban on dairy products imported from China to include confectionery which contain milk, chocolate (including white chocolate) and other food which contain milk.

The decision was based on the latest information received from Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) which found melamine in “White Rabbit Creamy Candy”, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry’s food quality and safety department director Noraini Mohd Othman said the widened ban would include “White Rabbit Creamy Candy” and flour-based confections like biscuits.

“The ministry will seize such products found in the local market,” she said.
Noraini said Malaysia already had an existing ban on any milk or milk powder from China, adding that although the country had imported dairy products from China, the milk in these goods was sourced from Australia and New Zealand.

“As a preventive measure, the ministry has also imposed a Level 6 or automatic rejection on all imported baby milk powder, milk and dairy products via the Food Safety Information System.”
Noraini advised consumers to be aware of the types of items which have been banned and to dispose of any existing goods they might already have.

“Retailers are also advised to report to the nearest state health department or office if such products are sold on their premises,” she said, adding that importers and agents have to stop distributing such products and immediately contact her department.

Noraini said the ministry would also take food samples from across the country to check for the presence of melamine, adding that if it were detected, those involved in the distribution chain could be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed a maximum of 10 years, or both.

Consumers can contact the ministry at 03-8883-3503 for more information.

On Friday, Singapore’s AVA suspended the import of all milk and milk products from China and

instructed retailers and importers to recall such products.

Three products were found to contain melamine - “White Rabbit Creamy Candy”, “Yili Brand Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt” and “Dutch Lady” strawberry-flavoured milk

Article adapted from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/23/nation/2094296&sec=nation

I would like to applaud Malaysia for being so stringent towards this matter. The government for once has not let us down by assuring one of our basic neccesities are not neglected. Even sweets and other dairy products are not spared, which proves how potent this stuf melamine is. Anyway the following picture shows what is Melamine

As we know from the past, there are many other more chinese products that were in trouble of putting people in the coffin, Do share with us all about the others food stuff that the chinese have killed people with.

Reality...

2008-09-17T01:09:00.006+08:00

Well talking about reality, its very much alive in the automobile world where we have to face it, many of us if not all will not be able to own our dream car in our life time. Hence what we do? We admire. Admire shall you.

Ferrari Enzo F50- Priceless. There are only 399 in the world

Bugatti Veyron 16.4- The only unit in Malaysia is in NAZA motors hands. RM 14 million each

Porsche Carrera GT- You can't own one of these anymore. Its out of production since 2007

Mercedes Mclaren SLR-price RM 7 million

Lamborghini Reventon- Only 22 in the world

Aston Martin DBS-Cheapest of the lot at RM3.5 million

ISA Act in Question

2008-09-16T09:32:00.002+08:00

Coming back to our political battlefield, where it has taken another bend, three person held under the ISA for threatening national security. Since that action was taken rave reviews has been pouring out of various individuals and community alike, many stating dissatisfaction. Hence these events (as always when some governmental decision is criticised) prompted reactions from within the cabinet. Just look at the following

Issues should not be queried openly, says Syed Hamid
THE three arrests made under the Internal Security Act (ISA) were a government decision and should not be questioned by any minister, reported Utusan Malaysia.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said this as a response to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim’s statement that judicial laws should have been used instead of the ISA.

Syed Hamid said Malaysia would be in a crisis if every minister with his own stand started questioning another minister’s decisions openly in the media.

“Zaid is a Cabinet member and if he has his own opinion, he should bring it straight to the Prime Minister. If one Cabinet member carries out his duty and another one openly criticises it, I don’t know where we will go or what will happen,” he said.

PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub had spoken out against the United States’ summoning of Malaysia’s top envoy, Ilango Karup-pannan, regarding the three ISA arrests, reported Berita Harian.
“
They are only pretending to sympathise. We should remember what the US did to Third World countries previously when they clearly had hidden agendas.

“The three arrests under the ISA happened in Malaysia. No matter what, the citizens and government alone should determine the outcome,” he said.

sources www.thestar.com.my

Well I would try not be too critical of my remarks here, but what i can say is that our hopeless system is again coming up with double standards. IF the arrest on this three individuals were possible why isn't any action taken against others who in the past has sought to put the nations racial harmony under the knife. A good example was some so-called leaders and his associates in the north who was the source of such racial statements. Not much was done against that particular individual(You know who i am talking about) and he was not put under ISA, so why should this three noble individuals. Come on, we, the rakyat residing in the 21st century, with education standards of the west, can surely think. If confidence in the government was anywhere to go, it would be down the drain, flushing over the SMART tunnel.

China,,, Some more

2008-09-10T17:45:00.009+08:00

After my Singapore poly friends and me spent 6 weeks of boring, mundane, educational and routine work, we were released from our cells, a.k.a holiday la. So we had our choice of entire china on our palms, and decided to go for, well of all choices, beijing. Erm you would be wondering, come on with all this imagination Beijing, we got to be nuts to travel to visit another city. Ah there is where the con ends and the pros cements itself in. It Beijing 2008 for God's sake, no better time to visit the city of course. So yet again, I will leave the talking to the pictures. Best moments are always better portrayed in colours, enjoy! We also manage to catch a glimpse of Shanghai on our way home.

Pearl of The Oreint, Shanghai

World fastest train, the maglev 430km/h

Peking Duck Banquet, cost us an arm and a leg.

2 duck 2 pot of tea RMB(Yuan) 650

Inside a chinese train from Beijing to Xi'an. 11 hours ride

Beijing Train Station. Easily 50 times bigger than KL Sentral

Micheal Phelps's second home this year( still under construction that time)

Imperial Palace or forbidden city

Modern take on an ancient architechture?? 天坛 temple of heaven

Yup these flowers are real

Total length: 6400km, visibility: from the moon

China

2008-09-08T15:54:00.015+08:00

Now something more about myself. Went to China Xi'an for Overseas Industrial Training Programme during February for nearly 2 months. Here are some photos of that memorable experience. I was based in a town called Yan Liang about 60 km away form Xian city. Restricted to outsiders as it was a secret aircraft production town. Based in Xian Aeronautical Polytechnic Institute we spent time socialising with locals as well as touring around the ShaanXi Province. Well a picture speaks a thousand words, so let it do its job.

We also went mountain climbing at Mount Hua. Started climbing at 9 pm and reached the 2160m peak at about 4 am. Nearly froze to death. No harnesses to help us tackle the slippery slopes, cliff angles at near 90 degrees and more. However all efforts and death cheating stunts were well rewarded with frost bites, fatigue, satisfaction as well as stunningly beautiful views on the top of the mountain. Well worth all the effort.

Singapore Polytechnic 1 Mount Hua 0

Hua Shan and me

sheer beauty

seen snow this thick?

Mount Hua(华山) -15 Degrees

Its emperor Qin below me. Yup we are on his tomb.

Such loyal soldiers, they have not been moving for over 2000 years

Dog Meat Anyone?

Fancy some snow. Well it snowed like hell when we spent our first day there

Accomodation Chinese Style. Not Bad eh!!

1 aircraft engine coming through mate

Xian City, Cheap and nice

Are we immigrants??? NOT!

2008-09-08T15:22:00.004+08:00

Again on the Ahmad issue calling us immigrants who do not deserve equal rights as malaysian chinese, this is the oppositions take on the statement made.

Kit Siang questions Ahmad's silence

Kuala Lumpur: DAP Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang( Father of DAP Penang Chief Lim Guan Eng) has questioned wjy there has been no public response from Bukit Bendera UMNO division chief Ahamd Ismail over his racist statement against Malaysian Chinese.

Lim asked whether Ahmad, who shown no contrition or remorse since he made the racist remarks 9 days ago, was fully confident that he has the mainstream support of Umno leaders and members, encouraging him to show contempt for the nationwide furore.

Saying Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's apology on behalf of Ahmad was "inappropriate, inadequate, and unacceptable", Lim said the apology could not be acceptable if Ahmad continued to be defiant and unrepentant.

" Even if he tenders an apology, the question 0f adequacy will arise, following the precedent set by the Cabinet in the Wee Meng Chee case over his Negaraku rap video clip last year, when the Cabinet rejected Wee's apology as inadequate," Lim said in a statement.

Lim said Najib should apologize on behalf of himself as Najib had failed to reprimand Ahmad immediately after he made the remarks during the Permatang Pauh by-election ceramah on Aug 24 where Najib was present.

Wow what a statement from Lim Kit Siang, but I could not agree with him any less. Why does a mistake that could ruin the nations harmony as a multi racial country be forgiven. If Wee was not, So shouldn't Ahmad. These are the kind of pests that need to be eliminated before a country can move forward, and there is no other choice but to punish these culprits severely before they take our beloved country as their breeding ground. If Lim Kit Siang disagrees with this action, so should all Malaysian Chinese. ALL HAIL DAP.

Racist Remarks??? Absolutely true.........

2008-09-08T01:08:00.005+08:00

Oohhh This month has been terrible in Malaysian politics. Threat of Anwar taking over the country on September the 16th, Ong Tee Keat the transport minister getting rid of corrupted delinquents and then there is Ahmad Ismail. Not easy eh trying to be Malaysian and living with all this, but that is part and parcel of life here and it makes life more interesting unlike mundane north korea where only one leader is known to exist and also politics in some country nearby, well you know who.

I picked up this article on the media that was dated not too far in the past, a reaction from parties on the Ahmad Ismail issue.

Chinese died defending country, says Ka Chuan

IPOH: The Chinese gained citizenship by sacrificing their lives for the country, said MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.
Some 300,000 Chinese died defending the country during the Japanese Occupation in the 1940s, he said.

“That was about 20% of the population then. They had joined the Anti-Japanese Army to fight the invasion when the British left us helpless.

“And this was what made the British give us citizenship. It wasn’t gained without any sacrifice or contribution on our part.

“Our citizenship had been exchanged with our courage, blood, sweat and tears for the country,” he said after opening the Perak Wanita MCA convention here yesterday.

Ong was responding to remarks made by Bukit Bendara Umno division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail on the Chinese during the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Calling Ahmad irresponsible and naive for making the remarks, Ong said the issue should be put to a rest for the sake of racial harmony and unity among the people.

“We are all Malaysians. We need to stand united instead of being suspicious of one another,” he said.

On Ahmad’s demand that Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Chinese community leaders apologise to him, Ong said:

“It is not about who should apologise or who should withdraw from Barisan Nasional but about respecting each other’s rights.”

Selangor Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said Ahmad’s remark damaged racial relationships and the MCA would have to review its ties in Barisan.

Outgoing Perak Youth chief Datuk Tan Chin Meng proposed that the MCA leave Barisan if Ahmad refused to apologise for his statements.

“The younger generation of Malaysians are born here. What Ahmad said was degrading to the younger generation,” he added.

Article adapted from www.thestar.com.my

Well, these comments were voiced from parties within the Barisan Nasional Coalition and they have all been very conservative( I am not going to share the more extremist of remarks). Now its the turn of the rakyat to make themselves felt on this issue. To make matters worse, Ahmad is suing the media saying for misquote when his comments were clearly audible to all present at his speech. Should he or should he not be punished for attempting to arouse a destructive issue to the nation?

Public Transport Disaster

2008-09-02T19:11:00.001+08:00

Dear readers, I am back with more critisism, or well, suggestions for improvements as some would say. Either way its for the benefit of the country. My journeys out of the nation has taught me lots about efficient public transport. However, ours is an eyesore, busses, trains and taxis all part of this so called "community".

Well enough about taxis, I am here to highlight the issues concerning our public transport system that involves public busses and trains, more on busses later. Not too long ago, I bumped into a caucasion that was travelling for the first time to Kuala Lumpur, he was on the KTM Commuter train bound for Port Klang where he was supposed to alight at Subang Jaya. Buying tickets were not an issue as the self-service machines are easy to use (this is about the only plus point). I saw this guy at the plat form trying to search for the train he was supposed to board. There is where the long list of prblems began. Since the Kuala Lumpur station is in the intersection of 2 different Commuter lines, 4 different trains past by there. All 4 lines share the same platform and passengers have to keep an eye out for the right train to board. Eventhough there were indication boards, the destination and timing were all out of sorts, furthermore announcement were too soft to be deemed audible. This person approached me and enquired about his journey. As I was due the same direction as him, I told him to follow me. We exchanged words throughout the journey and there was when I started to feel embaressed. He was describing public transportation back in his homeland and that caused me feel that we were back to the stone age. This experience enlightened me about how poor was our train system.

The following are just some problems that I encountered, there are more to be exploited:

-Announcement onboard were only made in Malay and are not clear.
-Staff at the station were not people friendly in their field and are OUGHT TO BE SACKED.
-trains were too full at peak hours, there is no place even to stand.
-20 minutes interval for train is just simply unacceptable.
-Lightings are not good at stations and could be described as worse than a nightclub.
-Shelters does not cover over the trains.
-Security issues where there were cases of robbery in stations.
-AND all these problems applies to KTM Commuter only, imagine what will the rest be like.

We greet our foreign friends with such "hospitality" and expect them to return with more friends. Come on wake up, how much time more do we need before are aware of such shame that we are putting oursleves in We are living in the 21st century with a public transport system of the 18th where cows and elephants roam the streets. I feel sad and utterly disgusted being a Malaysian.

Nation's Disgrace

2008-06-29T02:18:00.002+08:00

Singaporean Taxi
Disgusting Malaysian Taxi

I came across this article in a Singaporean newspaper, where I would have imagined the malaysian press to be too afraid of publishing due to its sensitive issues regarding another of the country's achilles heel. It reads.

M'sian Taxis among worst in the world

The service offered by Malaysian taxis is among the worst in the world, according to a survey by a singaporean magazine. Readers of The Expat, which has a monthly circulation of 6000, gave the Malaysian taxi service a big thumbs down compared to those in 22 countries. More than 200 expatriates from 30 countries took part in the survey, News Straits Times reported. Their comments on malaysian cabbies range from "a national disgrace","a source of national shame","a serious threat to tourist","rude bullies" to "extortionist".

Respondants complained the most about overcharging and taxi drivers who would not take passengers who refused to pay a flat rate much higher than the regular fare. The survey covered five main aspects, namely quality of taxi drivers' manners, taxis' availability on the street, theri availability by the phone and drivers' knowledge of the job. Malaysian taxis scored the lowest in ALL categories polled. On a 10 point scale, malaysian taxis got scores of 3.8,4.4,4.4,5.5 for each of the 5 aspects listed. This was in contrast to the scores earned by taxis in Singapore 8.6,8.0,8.1,8.8 and 8.7.

Malaysia's Taxi Operators Association chairman Aslah Abdullah said he could not deny the findings. "Still, you also need to check what the fares are in the other countries being compared, because that's where the problem lies."

Well well, another reality check. If Malaysia was trying to achieve first world country status via this segment it can forget it for the next century.

First and foremost, no one does the taxi business like what Malaysia does, offer contracts to small operators and allow them to run it however they like. There we can observe that QC will get out of hand because there are just too many operators. This should be a government thing, or at least at semi-government stage, where only one major privatised company is allowed to run taxis and all operations monitored by the government.

Secondly is the stupendous attitude of many taxi drivers who trully tarnish the image of a nation. Demading fixed fares, negotiating, refusing to take passengers to certain locations and so on. HEY taxi drivers out there, cut the CRAP, your duty as a taxi driver is to shut up, let the passenger in, start the fare meter and drive them to where ever they want to go. Take a good look at how the Singaporeans are getting it done, the you will know what it is like to be a true WORLD CLASS taxi driver. Oh, just to add salt to the wound, the survey above also includes other Asean countries like Thailand and Indonesia and yet Malaysia somehow managed to finish behind them.

Finally, there is the vehicle. How can an old junk Proton Iswara of the early 90s be given the duty to protray the country's image. Its dead cramp at the rear with air-conditioners no stronger than a ceiling fan. Its time to change. A Toyota Crown used by Singapore is big enough to swallow TWO of our such protons and still manage to carry a passenger while Thailand uses brand new Toyota Vios. I bet a Perodua Myvi can do better than a Proton Iswara. Oh last but not least, to Mr Aslah Abdullah, stop giving excuses and start using your brain to help paint a better image of our wonderful country to the outside world. I am sure people wouldn't mind paying more if all this nonsense about Malaysian taxis' were reversed.

Reality Check for My Beloved Nation

2008-06-26T19:17:00.000+08:00

Here is why there are more people that is going to get swallowed by the waves of inflation with the current situation in our nation. All that could be done has not been dealt with and the edge of both poles are widening.

Can A Family Man With Salary RM3,000 Survive In Malaysia ...!>

> Can a family man with Salary RM3,000 survive in Malaysia

> Let's do some simple calculations here.> In Malaysia , the average family income is RM3,000 /month (where father works, mother doesn't).

> I understand there are many families whose> monthly income does not reach RM3,000,

> but, to make things simple,

> let's take RM3,000 as the figure. Ok lah, right?>

> Okay, let's start rolling with a family which has

> Papa, Mama, 1 daughter and 1 son. Ngam-ngam ....>

> Calculation starts...

> Electricity and water bill: RM100> (No air-con, No home theatre, No water heater ... ok?)

> Phone bill ( Telekom): RM100>

> Meals for a happy family: RM775> (3 meals on RM25/day, RM25 for 4 persons...?)

> Papa makan / teh-tarik during working hrs: RM155> (RM5/day, RM5 ... can eat what?)>

> Car repayment: RM400> (A proton saga aeroback, 7 yrs repayment)>

> Petrol (living in city, traffic-jam): RM300> (go to work, bring son to school,> only can afford one car running)>

> Insurance: RM650> (kids, wife and myself)>

> House repayment: RM750> (low cost housing repayment for 30 yrs,> retired still have to work to pay!)>

> Tuition: RM80> (got that cheap meh? i don't think so)>

> Older children pocket money @ school: RM20> (RM1/day, eat bread?)>

> School fees: RM30> (enough ah?)>

> School books and etc: RM100> (always got extra to pay in school)>

> Younger children milk powder: RM50 (cannot have the DHA, BHA, PHA one, expensive)

> Miscellaneous:> RM100

> (shampoo, rice, sauce, toilet paper)

> Oh wait!!! I have to stop here, so...

> No Astro,

> no movie @ cinema,

> no DVD,

> no CD,> no online,

> cannot KFC,

> cannot McDonald,

> cannot go Park walk during weekend (petrol expensive), no chit chat on phone with grandparents, and etc...

> Let's use a calculator to total up... WALAO EH! Shit! RM3,610 already...

> EPF belum potong, income tax lagi........already RM3,610 ....

> How to survive lah tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian ???

> Our Deputy Prime Minister asked us to change lifestyle?

> How to change? Don't eat? Don't work? Don't send children to school and study?

> Besides that, I believe in Malaysia population, there are millions of rakyat Malaysia which still don't earn RM3,000/month!!!

> What is this? Inilah Malaysia Boleh... Sorry ... it should be Malaysians Boleh , because we're still alive and kicking!!

> Our politicians must be mad!!!!

Well as we can see the situation is getting out of hand with many on the streets living through their skins. Have we heard of leadership by example? Maybe this should be the time this can be effected. Leaders driving local cars, paying taxes, paying for their own vacation, paying for their children's education and so forth. If the rakyat are not enjoying what they are having, lets face the fact, aren't they Rakyat Malaysia as well??