After tired of waiting for the government to introduce new toll structure like Singapore ERP now, I have finally decided to get a Smart tag. I bought it at RM100 with balance display feature. Well, don't get me wrong, I'm not supporting the government to collect more tolls. Smart tag really saves some time at toll plaza now.
It was sold at RM50 during 50th Malaysia Independence. However the trick were, that version did not come with balance display feature & limited unit available.
Hopefully the machine will be able to save some time.
- Find out what I'm doing, Follow Me :)
Merry X'mas & Happy New Year
Merry X'mas & Happy New Year to everyone.Happy Holiday to me too as I will be on 10 days leave.
See you next year!
Treasure hunt
Just back from first time treasure hunt. The experience was great. It really needs a knowledgeable person to win the treasure hunt. I have difficulty in guessing the question. For example, simple question: "Bank issue that is licensed to kill?" in Sri Hartamas. The answer will be "Restaurant Korean Bon" shop at the neighborhood.
We finished 6th out of 9th in media category. Hoping to join more treasure hunt to gain more knowledge & tricks. Thumb-ups for the first-timers like us.
We finished 6th out of 9th in media category. Hoping to join more treasure hunt to gain more knowledge & tricks. Thumb-ups for the first-timers like us.
Missed 2nd time good deal
Because of uncertain work schedule in 2009, I missed 2nd time good deal... It was AirAsia KL-London route travel between 11 Mar - 24 Oct 2009 at RM1387 for 2 ways (Booking 25th 8pm - 30th Nov 08). 
The first good deal that I missed was during AirAsia No Fuel Surcharge Free Ticket on 12th - 16th Nov 08. Imagine flying KL-Bali route between 22 June - 24 Oct 09 at RM70 for 2 ways. Really worth the travel.
AirAsia.com... Now everyone can fly...
The first good deal that I missed was during AirAsia No Fuel Surcharge Free Ticket on 12th - 16th Nov 08. Imagine flying KL-Bali route between 22 June - 24 Oct 09 at RM70 for 2 ways. Really worth the travel.
AirAsia.com... Now everyone can fly...
New Spectacles
I just bought new spectacles for myself & wife.
It is a photo-gray spectacle that will turn dark when exposed to UV. Quite old technology though. Haha.
Revolving Bintang Restaurant
Being recommended by colleagues, this restaurant is located at Golden Triangel KL, a fine dining with my wife for her birthday. The ambience environment with KL Tower & Petronas Twin Tower views are suitable for young couples like us to enjoy the night in a revolving way. It took about 70 minutes to make a round. We enjoyed 2 rounds looking at the beautiful night view & of course my pretty wife. I missed the nights.
The set meal & ala-carte dinner were good. The service was good as well.
The set meal & ala-carte dinner were good. The service was good as well.
On my way to home
On my last day of training in Cleveland, my colleague baked a pumpkin pie specially for me. Pumpkin is always associated to Halloween day in US. As the halloween day is approaching, I can see large pumpkin fruits or pumpkin shaped-products wherever I go.
Busy packing all my stuffs in the broken luggage for the past few days, it was really a challenge. Thanks for the shopping in US which made me in big trouble. I went Cleveland with 1 check-in bag & 1 backpack. But I came back with additional check-in luggage & hand-carry little bag.
On your mark.. Ready.. Go.. Cleveland Airport.. Los Angeles Airport.. Hong Kong Airport.. KLIA.. Home sweet home
Busy packing all my stuffs in the broken luggage for the past few days, it was really a challenge. Thanks for the shopping in US which made me in big trouble. I went Cleveland with 1 check-in bag & 1 backpack. But I came back with additional check-in luggage & hand-carry little bag.
On your mark.. Ready.. Go.. Cleveland Airport.. Los Angeles Airport.. Hong Kong Airport.. KLIA.. Home sweet home
Niagara Falls
Have you heard of Niagara Falls?
This was the first time I heard it when I was at Cleveland. My colleagues suggest that I should visit the falls. Well, being in US for the first time & different driving direction really made me think twice. After some googling, I was convinced and decided to visit there.
How far was it from hotel? Well, about 350km. 2 ways will be 700km. I made the effort to drive there 5.15am alone on the quiet & wide freeway (it is highway la but free one). I was indeed lucky that the Toyota Camry I rented has AutoCruise & GPS.
Driving all the way there, I paid USD3.85 for toll per way only. Imagine driving from KL to Sungai Petani will cost us RM35++. So toll in US is rather cheap.
I reached Niagara Falls at 9.00am. I took my breakfast & proceeded to my visit. I bought a USD30 package which entitled me for Niagara Adventure Theater, Maid of the Mist, Observation Tower, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Aquarium of Niagara & the list continues.
It was really a mystery falls. I took the boat ride to the base of American Falls. Well, you will get wet even though rain coat was provided. Then I proceed to take a "shower" at the Cave of the winds. The falls current was too strong that you will feel pain. Then I proceeded other places in the package.
I made myself stay till the night just to see the night view with lighting. Crazy right. Well, it was not me alone. I waited until 830pm & I managed to see the night view. Quickly snap the night view falls, I made my way home.
The visit was worth the travel although the journey was too long for me. I ended up reaching hotel at 130am.
The next time I visit the falls, it will be from the Canada side as you can get the full view from Canada.
Click here for photos
This was the first time I heard it when I was at Cleveland. My colleagues suggest that I should visit the falls. Well, being in US for the first time & different driving direction really made me think twice. After some googling, I was convinced and decided to visit there.
How far was it from hotel? Well, about 350km. 2 ways will be 700km. I made the effort to drive there 5.15am alone on the quiet & wide freeway (it is highway la but free one). I was indeed lucky that the Toyota Camry I rented has AutoCruise & GPS.
Driving all the way there, I paid USD3.85 for toll per way only. Imagine driving from KL to Sungai Petani will cost us RM35++. So toll in US is rather cheap.
I reached Niagara Falls at 9.00am. I took my breakfast & proceeded to my visit. I bought a USD30 package which entitled me for Niagara Adventure Theater, Maid of the Mist, Observation Tower, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Aquarium of Niagara & the list continues.
It was really a mystery falls. I took the boat ride to the base of American Falls. Well, you will get wet even though rain coat was provided. Then I proceed to take a "shower" at the Cave of the winds. The falls current was too strong that you will feel pain. Then I proceeded other places in the package.
I made myself stay till the night just to see the night view with lighting. Crazy right. Well, it was not me alone. I waited until 830pm & I managed to see the night view. Quickly snap the night view falls, I made my way home.
The visit was worth the travel although the journey was too long for me. I ended up reaching hotel at 130am.
The next time I visit the falls, it will be from the Canada side as you can get the full view from Canada.
Click here for photos
On my way to Cleveland
It was a long way for me to travel from KL to Cleveland, US.
I checked in at KLIA on 2008-09-20 0730 & reached hotel on 2008-09-22 0030. All the way from KLIA -> Hong Kong -> Los Angeles -> Chicago -> Cleveland -> Holiday Inn. 40 hours in total for flight + transit + drive to hotel. Note: No direct flight from LA to Cleveland on this day. What a bad luck.
Although I was on business class flight from KLIA to Hong Kong, I did not notice any different except for the meals & larger seats. Kinds of disappointed with the so-called business class. However, the business class flight from Hong Kong to LA was great with full-flat bed. The nightmare began on flight from LA to Chicago at 10 minutes before midnight. The pilot reported hyraulic leaks on the left wings & waited for 30 minutes before it departed. This has paniced everyone & hardly caught a nap. Besides, the bad weather condition made the night worst. Thus, I was completely blur when I was at Chicago O'hare Airport. For your info, I did not notice the boarding time & nearly missed the flight to Cleveland. I was completely not feeling fresh anymore.
I ended up reaching Cleveland after struggling for so many hours. I was completely surprised what happened to my luggage. It was taped with TSA (www.tsa.gov). Being the first timer to US, I did not realize what happened to my luggage.
Without wasting anytime, I took a shuttle to collect my car, aheem, a toyota camry version 2008 with GPS. This car was cool & comfortable but left-hand drive. With GPS, I was struggling how to read the GPS while driving. And I lost my way a few times.
I reached hotel after lost a few times into US residential areas. Wow, the houses were nice & cosy. I want it.... I checked in, took a shower, unpacked & surprised by my luggage was forced open by TSA. Because of fatiguedness, I slept for the day.
I woke up at 830pm to hunt for foods. To my surprised, I hardly found any foods. Because of jet lag, I just settled my dinner with McDonalds. Prepare my document for the next day work & good night... ZZzzzzZZZzz....
Click here for the 40 hours journey.
I checked in at KLIA on 2008-09-20 0730 & reached hotel on 2008-09-22 0030. All the way from KLIA -> Hong Kong -> Los Angeles -> Chicago -> Cleveland -> Holiday Inn. 40 hours in total for flight + transit + drive to hotel. Note: No direct flight from LA to Cleveland on this day. What a bad luck.
Although I was on business class flight from KLIA to Hong Kong, I did not notice any different except for the meals & larger seats. Kinds of disappointed with the so-called business class. However, the business class flight from Hong Kong to LA was great with full-flat bed. The nightmare began on flight from LA to Chicago at 10 minutes before midnight. The pilot reported hyraulic leaks on the left wings & waited for 30 minutes before it departed. This has paniced everyone & hardly caught a nap. Besides, the bad weather condition made the night worst. Thus, I was completely blur when I was at Chicago O'hare Airport. For your info, I did not notice the boarding time & nearly missed the flight to Cleveland. I was completely not feeling fresh anymore.
I ended up reaching Cleveland after struggling for so many hours. I was completely surprised what happened to my luggage. It was taped with TSA (www.tsa.gov). Being the first timer to US, I did not realize what happened to my luggage.
Without wasting anytime, I took a shuttle to collect my car, aheem, a toyota camry version 2008 with GPS. This car was cool & comfortable but left-hand drive. With GPS, I was struggling how to read the GPS while driving. And I lost my way a few times.
I reached hotel after lost a few times into US residential areas. Wow, the houses were nice & cosy. I want it.... I checked in, took a shower, unpacked & surprised by my luggage was forced open by TSA. Because of fatiguedness, I slept for the day.
I woke up at 830pm to hunt for foods. To my surprised, I hardly found any foods. Because of jet lag, I just settled my dinner with McDonalds. Prepare my document for the next day work & good night... ZZzzzzZZZzz....
Click here for the 40 hours journey.
心情故事
给你讲一个故事，：
献给所有未婚，将要结婚，和已婚的好朋友!!
(大家要看喔!很发人省思)
===============================================
我的母亲是个非常好的人，自小，我就看到她努力地维持一个家。
她总是在清晨五时起床，煮一锅热腾腾的稀饭给父亲吃，
因为父亲胃不好，早餐只能吃稀饭。
然後，还要煮一锅乾饭给孩子吃，因为孩子正在发育，
需要吃乾饭，上学一天才不会饿。
每个星期，母亲会把榻榻米搬出去晒，晒出暖暖的太阳香。
每天下午，母亲总是弯着腰，刷着锅子，
我们家的锅子每一个都可以当镜子用，完全没有一点污垢。
晚上，她努力蹲在地上擦地板，一寸一寸仔细地擦拭，
家里的地板比别人家的床头还乾净，打着赤脚也找不到一丝灰尘。
我母亲是个认真辛劳的好女人。
然而，在我父亲的眼中，她却不是一个好伴侣。
我成长过程中，父亲不只一次地表示他在婚姻中的孤单，不被了解。
我的父亲是个负责的男人。
他不抽烟、不喝酒，工作认真，每天准时上下班，
暑假还安排功课表，安排孩子们的作息，
他是个尽责的父亲，督促孩子在功课上有所成就。
他喜欢下棋、写书法，沉浸在古书的世界。
我的父亲是个好男人，在孩子们眼中，他就像天一样大，保护我们、教育我们。
只是，在我母亲的眼中，他也不是一个好伴侣，
我成长的过程中，我经常看到母亲在院子的角落中，暗暗无声地掉泪。
父亲用语言，母亲用行动，表达了他们在婚姻中所面对的痛苦。
成长的过程中，我看到、也听到父亲与母亲在婚姻中的无奈，
也看到、感受到他们是如此好的男人与女人，他们值得一椿好婚姻。
可惜的是，父亲在世的岁月中，他们彼此的婚姻生活都在挫折中度过，
而我，也一直在困惑中成长，我问自己：「两个好人为什麽没有好的婚姻？」
自以为是的付出
我长大後，进入婚姻，渐渐了解这个问题的答案。
在婚姻的初期，我就像母亲一样，努力持家，努力地刷锅子、擦地板，
认真地为自己的婚姻而努力。
奇怪的是，我不快乐；看看我的先生，似乎他也不快乐。
我心中想，大概是地板不够乾净，饭菜烧得不够好，於是，
我更努力擦地板，用心做饭。
似乎，我们两个人还是不快乐。
直到有一天，我正忙着擦地板时，先生说：「老婆，来陪我听一下音乐！」
我不悦地说：「没看到还有一大半的地方没有擦！」
这句话一说出口，我呆住了，好熟悉的一句话，
在我父亲母亲的婚姻中，母亲也经常这样对父亲说。
我正在重演父母亲的婚姻，也重复他们在婚姻中的不快乐。
有一些领悟出现在我的心中。
「你要的是？」我停下手边的工作，看着先生，想到我父亲.....
他一直在婚姻中得不到他要的陪伴，母亲刷锅子的时间都比陪他的时间长。
不断地做家事，是母亲维持婚姻的方法，她给父亲一个乾净的家，
却从未陪伴他，她忙着做家事，她用她的方法在爱父亲，这个方法是「做家事」。
而我，我也用我的方法在爱着我的先生。
我的方法也是母亲的方法，我的婚姻好像也在走向同一个故事
「两个好人却没有好婚姻。」
我的领悟使我做了不一样的选择。
停下手边的工作，坐到先生的身边，陪他听音乐，
远远地看着地上擦地板的抹布，像是看着母亲的命运。
我问先生：「你需要什麽？」
「我需要陪我听听音乐，家里脏一点没关系呀，
以後帮请个佣人，就可以陪我了！」先生说。
「我以为你需要家里乾净，有人煮饭给你吃，有人为你洗衣服.....」
我一口气说了一串应该是他需要的事。
「那些都是次要的呀！」先生说。「我最希望陪陪我。」
原来我作了许多白工，这个结果实在令我大吃一惊。
我们继续分享彼此的需要，才发现他也做了不少白工，
我们都用自己的方式在爱对方，而不是对方的方式。
幸福的路径
自此以後，我列了一张先生的需要表，把它放在书桌前，
他也列了一张我的需求表，放在他的书桌前。
洋洋十几项的需求，像是有空陪对方听音乐、有机会抱抱对方、每天早上kiss拜拜。
有些项目比较容易做到，有些项目比较难，像是「听我说话，不要给建议。」
这是先生的需要。如果我给他建议，他说他会觉得自己像笨蛋。
我想，这真是男人的面子问题。
我也学着不给建议，除非他问我，否则我就只是倾听，顺服到底，连走错路时也一样。
这对我实在是一条不容易学习的路，不过，比擦地板要轻松多了，
而我们在需求的满足中，婚姻也愈来愈有活力。
在我累的时候，我就选择一些容易的项目做，像是「放一首放松音乐」，
自己有力气的时候就规划「一次外地旅游」这样的事情。
有趣的是，「到植物园散步」是我们的共同项目、共同需求，
每次婚姻有争吵，去到植物园，总能安慰彼此的心灵。
其实，这也可想而知，原本我们就是因为对植物园的喜爱而相知相惜，
一起走入婚姻，回到园子就会回到多年前彼此相爱的心情。
问对方：「你要什麽？」这句话开启了婚姻另一个幸福之路。
两个好人终於走上幸福之路。
现在，我也知道父母亲的婚姻为何无法幸福，
他们都太执着用「自己」的方法爱对方，而不是用「对方」的方式爱另一半。
自己累得半死，对方还感受不到，最後面对婚姻的期待，也就灰心而死了。
既然上帝创造婚姻，我想，每个人都值得拥有一个好婚姻，
只要方法用对，作「对方要的！」而非自己「想给的！」
好婚姻，绝对是可预期的。
(*^_^*)
Source
献给所有未婚，将要结婚，和已婚的好朋友!!
(大家要看喔!很发人省思)
===============================================
我的母亲是个非常好的人，自小，我就看到她努力地维持一个家。
她总是在清晨五时起床，煮一锅热腾腾的稀饭给父亲吃，
因为父亲胃不好，早餐只能吃稀饭。
然後，还要煮一锅乾饭给孩子吃，因为孩子正在发育，
需要吃乾饭，上学一天才不会饿。
每个星期，母亲会把榻榻米搬出去晒，晒出暖暖的太阳香。
每天下午，母亲总是弯着腰，刷着锅子，
我们家的锅子每一个都可以当镜子用，完全没有一点污垢。
晚上，她努力蹲在地上擦地板，一寸一寸仔细地擦拭，
家里的地板比别人家的床头还乾净，打着赤脚也找不到一丝灰尘。
我母亲是个认真辛劳的好女人。
然而，在我父亲的眼中，她却不是一个好伴侣。
我成长过程中，父亲不只一次地表示他在婚姻中的孤单，不被了解。
我的父亲是个负责的男人。
他不抽烟、不喝酒，工作认真，每天准时上下班，
暑假还安排功课表，安排孩子们的作息，
他是个尽责的父亲，督促孩子在功课上有所成就。
他喜欢下棋、写书法，沉浸在古书的世界。
我的父亲是个好男人，在孩子们眼中，他就像天一样大，保护我们、教育我们。
只是，在我母亲的眼中，他也不是一个好伴侣，
我成长的过程中，我经常看到母亲在院子的角落中，暗暗无声地掉泪。
父亲用语言，母亲用行动，表达了他们在婚姻中所面对的痛苦。
成长的过程中，我看到、也听到父亲与母亲在婚姻中的无奈，
也看到、感受到他们是如此好的男人与女人，他们值得一椿好婚姻。
可惜的是，父亲在世的岁月中，他们彼此的婚姻生活都在挫折中度过，
而我，也一直在困惑中成长，我问自己：「两个好人为什麽没有好的婚姻？」
自以为是的付出
我长大後，进入婚姻，渐渐了解这个问题的答案。
在婚姻的初期，我就像母亲一样，努力持家，努力地刷锅子、擦地板，
认真地为自己的婚姻而努力。
奇怪的是，我不快乐；看看我的先生，似乎他也不快乐。
我心中想，大概是地板不够乾净，饭菜烧得不够好，於是，
我更努力擦地板，用心做饭。
似乎，我们两个人还是不快乐。
直到有一天，我正忙着擦地板时，先生说：「老婆，来陪我听一下音乐！」
我不悦地说：「没看到还有一大半的地方没有擦！」
这句话一说出口，我呆住了，好熟悉的一句话，
在我父亲母亲的婚姻中，母亲也经常这样对父亲说。
我正在重演父母亲的婚姻，也重复他们在婚姻中的不快乐。
有一些领悟出现在我的心中。
「你要的是？」我停下手边的工作，看着先生，想到我父亲.....
他一直在婚姻中得不到他要的陪伴，母亲刷锅子的时间都比陪他的时间长。
不断地做家事，是母亲维持婚姻的方法，她给父亲一个乾净的家，
却从未陪伴他，她忙着做家事，她用她的方法在爱父亲，这个方法是「做家事」。
而我，我也用我的方法在爱着我的先生。
我的方法也是母亲的方法，我的婚姻好像也在走向同一个故事
「两个好人却没有好婚姻。」
我的领悟使我做了不一样的选择。
停下手边的工作，坐到先生的身边，陪他听音乐，
远远地看着地上擦地板的抹布，像是看着母亲的命运。
我问先生：「你需要什麽？」
「我需要陪我听听音乐，家里脏一点没关系呀，
以後帮请个佣人，就可以陪我了！」先生说。
「我以为你需要家里乾净，有人煮饭给你吃，有人为你洗衣服.....」
我一口气说了一串应该是他需要的事。
「那些都是次要的呀！」先生说。「我最希望陪陪我。」
原来我作了许多白工，这个结果实在令我大吃一惊。
我们继续分享彼此的需要，才发现他也做了不少白工，
我们都用自己的方式在爱对方，而不是对方的方式。
幸福的路径
自此以後，我列了一张先生的需要表，把它放在书桌前，
他也列了一张我的需求表，放在他的书桌前。
洋洋十几项的需求，像是有空陪对方听音乐、有机会抱抱对方、每天早上kiss拜拜。
有些项目比较容易做到，有些项目比较难，像是「听我说话，不要给建议。」
这是先生的需要。如果我给他建议，他说他会觉得自己像笨蛋。
我想，这真是男人的面子问题。
我也学着不给建议，除非他问我，否则我就只是倾听，顺服到底，连走错路时也一样。
这对我实在是一条不容易学习的路，不过，比擦地板要轻松多了，
而我们在需求的满足中，婚姻也愈来愈有活力。
在我累的时候，我就选择一些容易的项目做，像是「放一首放松音乐」，
自己有力气的时候就规划「一次外地旅游」这样的事情。
有趣的是，「到植物园散步」是我们的共同项目、共同需求，
每次婚姻有争吵，去到植物园，总能安慰彼此的心灵。
其实，这也可想而知，原本我们就是因为对植物园的喜爱而相知相惜，
一起走入婚姻，回到园子就会回到多年前彼此相爱的心情。
问对方：「你要什麽？」这句话开启了婚姻另一个幸福之路。
两个好人终於走上幸福之路。
现在，我也知道父母亲的婚姻为何无法幸福，
他们都太执着用「自己」的方法爱对方，而不是用「对方」的方式爱另一半。
自己累得半死，对方还感受不到，最後面对婚姻的期待，也就灰心而死了。
既然上帝创造婚姻，我想，每个人都值得拥有一个好婚姻，
只要方法用对，作「对方要的！」而非自己「想给的！」
好婚姻，绝对是可预期的。
(*^_^*)
Source
ROM 08.08.08
08.08.08 marked the end of our single life. It also marked the beginning of our married life & the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic 2008.
We arrived at Taiping Buddhist Society at 930am after a photo session at Taiping Lake Garden. We pray at the main shrine (大雄宝殿), stupa & bodhi tree. Slowly, the crowds began to grow. Then, we went to register ourselves with the Marriage Registration Officer. After we checked our information on the registration form, we pen down on the lifetime contract dotted line which was followed by witness blessing.
After that, all the 16 couples proceeded to Great Compassion Hall (大悲殿) where the solemnization ceremony was held at 1115am for couples to sworn on the oath, exchange vows & wedding rings. The officer gave a fantastic sharing on life before & after marriage & ended up everyone on the floor laughing. The ceremony ended at 1215pm after a group photo session.
From now onwards, I join the uncles club. The next task will be saving money for the wedding ceremony on end 2009 or 2010. Stay Tuned...
Honey, I will take care of u. I promise!!!
Friends, thank you for the blessing & help.
Click here to see the important moments in my life.
We arrived at Taiping Buddhist Society at 930am after a photo session at Taiping Lake Garden. We pray at the main shrine (大雄宝殿), stupa & bodhi tree. Slowly, the crowds began to grow. Then, we went to register ourselves with the Marriage Registration Officer. After we checked our information on the registration form, we pen down on the lifetime contract dotted line which was followed by witness blessing.
After that, all the 16 couples proceeded to Great Compassion Hall (大悲殿) where the solemnization ceremony was held at 1115am for couples to sworn on the oath, exchange vows & wedding rings. The officer gave a fantastic sharing on life before & after marriage & ended up everyone on the floor laughing. The ceremony ended at 1215pm after a group photo session.
From now onwards, I join the uncles club. The next task will be saving money for the wedding ceremony on end 2009 or 2010. Stay Tuned...
Honey, I will take care of u. I promise!!!
Friends, thank you for the blessing & help.
Click here to see the important moments in my life.
What is this dish?
Can you guess what is this dish? I took this dish in Johor Jaya. It is called Fried Singapore Prawn Mee. Can you believe it?
It was a non-spicy mixture of yellow mee, laksa mee, prawn, egg & etc. It was very sweet..... No next time for me, please...
Can you differenciate this durians?
Can you differentiate the durians above?
It was 猫山王 (literally translated to English, Cat Mountain King), D24 & 101 (It is not Taiwan 101). When you see me buying this durians mixture, you should know that I don't know about durians & I'm cheated. There were different colours. Obviously, 猫山王 is the most yellow one & was very delicious.
[北京奧運會100天倒計時]主題曲
北京歡迎你
作曲：小柯
作詞：林夕
【陳天佳】迎接另一個晨曦 帶來全新空氣
【劉歡】氣息改變情味不變 茶香飄滿情誼
【那英】我家大門常打開 開放懷抱等你
【孫燕姿】擁抱過就有了默契 你會愛上這裡
【孫悅】不管遠近都是客人 請不用客氣
【王力宏】相約好了再一起 我們歡迎你
【韓紅】我家種著萬年青 開放每段傳奇
【周華健】為傳統的土壤播種 為你留下回憶
【梁詠琪】陌生熟悉都是客人 請不用拘禮
【羽泉】第幾次來沒關係 有太多話題
【成龍】北京歡迎你 為你開天闢地
【任賢齊】流動中的魅力充滿著朝氣
【蔡依林】北京歡迎你 在太陽下分享呼吸
【孫楠】在黃土地刷新成績
【周筆暢】我家大門常打開 開懷容納天地
【韋唯】歲月綻放青春笑容 迎接這個日期
【黃曉明】天大地大都是朋友 請不用客氣
【韓庚】畫意詩情帶笑意 只為等待你
【汪峰】北京歡迎你 像音樂感動你
【莫文蔚】讓我們都加油去超越自己
【譚晶】北京歡迎你 有夢想誰都了不起
【陳奕迅】有勇氣就會有奇蹟
【閻維文】北京歡迎你 為你開天闢地
【戴玉強】流動中的魅力充滿著朝氣
【王霞 李雙松】北京歡迎你 在太陽下分享呼吸
【廖昌永】在黃土地刷新成績
【林依輪】北京歡迎你 像音樂感動你
【張娜拉】讓我們都加油去超越自己
【林俊傑】北京歡迎你 有夢想誰都了不起
【阿杜】有勇氣就會有奇蹟
【容祖兒】我家大門常打開 開放懷抱等你
【李宇春】擁抱過就有了默契 你會愛上這裡
【黃大煒】不管遠近都是客人 請不用客氣
【陳坤】相約好了再一起 我們歡迎你
【謝霆鋒】北京歡迎你 為你開天闢地
【韓磊】流動中的魅力充滿著朝氣
【徐若瑄】北京歡迎你 在太陽下分享呼吸
【費翔】在黃土地刷新成績
【湯燦】我家大門常打開 開懷容納天地
【林志玲 張梓琳】歲月綻放青春笑容 迎接這個日期
【張靚穎】天大地大都是朋友 請不用客氣
【許茹芸 伍思凱】畫意詩情帶笑意 只為等待你
【楊坤 范瑋琪】北京歡迎你 像音樂感動你
【游鴻明 周曉歐】讓我們都加油去超越自己
【沙寶亮 滿文軍】北京歡迎你 有夢想誰都了不起
【金海心 何潤東】有勇氣就會有奇蹟
【飛兒 龐龍】北京歡迎你 為你開天闢地
【吳克群 齊峰】流動中的魅力充滿著朝氣
【5566 胡彥斌】北京歡迎你 在太陽下分享呼吸
【鄭希怡 刀郎】在黃土地刷新成績
【紀敏加 屠洪剛 吳彤】北京歡迎你 像音樂感動你
【郭容 劉耕宏 騰格爾】讓我們都加油去超越自己
【金莎 蘇醒 韋嘉】北京歡迎你 有夢想誰都了不起
【付麗珊 黃征 房祖】有勇氣就會有奇蹟
【全體】北京歡迎你 有夢想誰都了不起
【全體】有勇氣就會有奇蹟
【全體】北京歡迎你 有夢想誰都了不起
【全體】有勇氣就會有奇蹟
"Welcome to Beijing"
Another morning is coming, and brings in the fresh air
Our friendship will never change, just like the fragrance of green tea
My door is always open for you, and I'm here for you with open arms
You'd know me better when you hugged me, and you will love it here
Be my guest no matter you are from home and abroad
You are here as promised, friends we welcome you
I grow green plant at home to show you all the legends in the past
I want to plant in the soil to make you good memories
Friends and strangers, you are all my guests, and please be at home
No matter how many times we meet, there are still a lot to talk about
Welcome to Beijing, we will show you a brand new place
The charm of Beijing is full of life
Welcome come to Beijing, let's breath together in the sunshine
We want to make new record on this yellow soil
I always keep my doors open, to welcome the world
The old ages is smiling like youth, to welcome that day
We are all friends, please make yourself at home
With all the smiles, I am here waiting for you
Welcome to Beijing, May my music touch you
Let's working hard and try to go beyond ourselves
Welcome to Beijing, it's great to be able to have dream
Just be brave and there will be a miracle
Mandarin
Live
English Translation
Car Loan
If you are planning to get a car but the interest rate is too high or can’t find a guarantor, then don’t waste your time applying in tiger bank or ambank. Apply your car loan in a smaller bank like Affin Bank, you will be surprised your loan will be approved.
The guarantor is a big issue if the purchaser is less than 23 years old. In this day, who is willing to be the guarantor? Parents are the only possible candidates, I suppose. If your loan comes with a guarantor, your guarantor will be liable to your monthly installment if you failed to pay. It is better to opt for loan without guarantor so that you do not burden others if you fail to pay the monthly installment.
The interest rate is smaller issue. You can always get a better rate with higher deposit.
Why wait, identify your dream car, get ready your pay slips, bank statement & hunt for car loan in smaller bank. But the disadvantage is limited branch for smaller bank.
p/s: I’m not encouraging you to buy car even you cannot afford ya.
The guarantor is a big issue if the purchaser is less than 23 years old. In this day, who is willing to be the guarantor? Parents are the only possible candidates, I suppose. If your loan comes with a guarantor, your guarantor will be liable to your monthly installment if you failed to pay. It is better to opt for loan without guarantor so that you do not burden others if you fail to pay the monthly installment.
The interest rate is smaller issue. You can always get a better rate with higher deposit.
Why wait, identify your dream car, get ready your pay slips, bank statement & hunt for car loan in smaller bank. But the disadvantage is limited branch for smaller bank.
p/s: I’m not encouraging you to buy car even you cannot afford ya.
Flood
Got a shocking news from my brother that my house in Taiping got flooded with 14 inches high. I could still remember it happened once when I was in my primary studies.The damage was minimal as my brother managed to move the electrical items & some cupboards. However, the stinky water was really disgusting.
I will be back to Taiping this weekend to help clean up the house.
Interview
Have you ever ignorance to phone interview session that you have planned? My colleague & I had a very bad experience. Obviously 2 of the candidates scheduled phone interview did not go as planned. No news update from the candidates. They did not pick up the phone, wasting our time. What is wrong ya? Why cant they inform us earlier? No explaination from them though. These 2 candidates gave us a very bad impression.
Milestone completed.... phew...
Just a quick update, I have just finished one of my major task which kept me busy from end of March till now. It is over now & I'm having a good rest before I solve other to-do-list.... a lot though...
A Day Off
I had a day off today after a busy weeks for the month. I went to wife-to-be’s sister company family day in Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Polo Club.
This was my first time riding horses or to be exact, pony only. The pony I was riding is called “Albert”. Oooppsssss, it was not me who named it. It is hyperactive & I was afraid as the pony felt like running. Luckily, the house-guard managed to control the pony.
Then, we took another horse-cart-ride, this time it was horse. Though it was about 2pm under the scorching sun, the ride was comfortable with the cushion seat.
Though I just had pony-ride & horse-cart-ride for one round only, the experience was fantastic.
Is my wife-to-be qualified for a GT Girl? :-)
This was my first time riding horses or to be exact, pony only. The pony I was riding is called “Albert”. Oooppsssss, it was not me who named it. It is hyperactive & I was afraid as the pony felt like running. Luckily, the house-guard managed to control the pony.
Then, we took another horse-cart-ride, this time it was horse. Though it was about 2pm under the scorching sun, the ride was comfortable with the cushion seat.
Though I just had pony-ride & horse-cart-ride for one round only, the experience was fantastic.
Is my wife-to-be qualified for a GT Girl? :-)
燃油起價掀骨牌效應‧7月起更多物品漲價
The after effect of new petrol price on 5th June 2008 is the price hike in EVERYTHING. I'm sure everyone is affected by this new price. Check it out here.
My beloved waja bee sting antenna stolen
Today is my very first time parking at Mid Valley car park C level P2 lot C55. My beloved waja bee sting antenna was stolen. @&*#%@!#@#$#. Although it is common to hear that, but I was sad when this happened to me. It was really an unlucky day.I dont waste my time talking to Mid Valley cos the reply will be "Park at your own risk". Since the petrol price increase, expect more crime & we got to be careful.
Fuel Subsidy
I went to pos office Cyberjaya to claim my motor fuel subsidy early morning today. There were little customer at the pos office. I got my RM150 within 3 minutes.
The service was fast & efficient. Thumb ups for Pos Malaysia.
Source
The service was fast & efficient. Thumb ups for Pos Malaysia.
Source
Sime Darby Property: Parade of Homes
Nine townships developed by Sime Darby are in parade from 20th - 29th June 2008. Click here to search your dream house design & price.Bring your family & cheque book to grab your dream house at Sime Darby office in Taipan, USJ. It is indeed a good deal now. You will be able to save around RM10,000.
Some the special privileges are:
• FREE Sale & Purchase Agreement legal fees
• FREE stamp duty on transfer
• FREE loan agreement fees
• RM5000 rebate for any property purchased
• Stand a chance to win* prizes worth more than RM600,000
Just answer 2 simple questions after you have purchased the home of your choice between 20th June to 29th June and stand a chance to win* prizes
worth over RM600,000.
1st Prize :
One furnished Tropika Paradise Condo @ Subang Jaya worth RM300,000
2nd Prize :
One brand new BMW A116 worth RM185,000
3rd Prize :
One furnished Starville Apartment @ Subang Jaya worth RM130,000
*Terms & conditions apply
Check out your dream house now.
Source: Sime Darby Property: Parade of Homes
FireFox 3 Download Day
FireFox 3 will be launched on 17th June 2008 10am PDT (UTC-7), let's make this day in Guinness World Record for most software download in 24 hours.
It will be on 18th June 2008 1am (UTC+8) in Malaysia.
All fellow Malaysians, Stay Tuned....
ROM Form Submitted
I submitted the Registration of Marriage (ROM) Form with my dear at Taiping Buddhist Society (TBS) on 2008.06.06.
The documents needed were IC, birthcert, withness IC. Since we ROM at TBS, we needed to get ROM form from JPN -> bring to JPN for verification -> do a commission of oath at Taiping court -> finally submit form to TBS. Tentatively, the ROM date will be on either date below:
1) 2008.09.14 (中秋节:Mid-Autumn Day:15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar)
2) 2008.09.07 (8th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar)
3) 2008.08.31 (1st day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar)
Stay Tuned...
The documents needed were IC, birthcert, withness IC. Since we ROM at TBS, we needed to get ROM form from JPN -> bring to JPN for verification -> do a commission of oath at Taiping court -> finally submit form to TBS. Tentatively, the ROM date will be on either date below:
1) 2008.09.14 (中秋节:Mid-Autumn Day:15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar)
2) 2008.09.07 (8th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar)
3) 2008.08.31 (1st day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar)
Stay Tuned...
Dell Introduces Blu-ray Inspiron
This week Dell annonced the launch of their Inspiron 1525 notebook equipped with Blu-ray disc player for the very reasonable price of $879. With the help of Inspiron 1525, users can burn files, such as digital photos and videos, to a Blu-ray disc, but also burn and play traditional CDs and DVDs. Blue-ray discs are significantly superior to regular ones, as they can stock up to 50 GB of data.
”Blu-ray is definitely moving into the mainstream, ” said Dell spokeswoman, Anne Camden. ”If somebody is thinking of investing in a Blu-ray library, now's the time because not only are they able to watch it at home but they can leverage that library and take it on the road, and it's affordable to do.”
Recommended for high definition video formats for its disc burner capacity, the notebook also features a 15.4-inch high definition wide aspect display, with 720p resolution and an HDMI port, intended to facilitate connectivity to high-resolution displays and HDTVs.
The laptop PC sales are on a continuously ascending path, being close to equaling the desktops in total sales, which slightly dropped in revenue. Dell declared that it expects the notebook sales to exceed those of desktop systems over the next few years.
The Texan personal computer giant, the world’s second largest company after Hewlett-Packard Co, has reported a net income for Q3 of 766 million dollars, that is 34 cents per share, in comparison to the 601 million dollars, or 27 cents per share, during the same period of 2006.
Source
”Blu-ray is definitely moving into the mainstream, ” said Dell spokeswoman, Anne Camden. ”If somebody is thinking of investing in a Blu-ray library, now's the time because not only are they able to watch it at home but they can leverage that library and take it on the road, and it's affordable to do.”
Recommended for high definition video formats for its disc burner capacity, the notebook also features a 15.4-inch high definition wide aspect display, with 720p resolution and an HDMI port, intended to facilitate connectivity to high-resolution displays and HDTVs.
The laptop PC sales are on a continuously ascending path, being close to equaling the desktops in total sales, which slightly dropped in revenue. Dell declared that it expects the notebook sales to exceed those of desktop systems over the next few years.
The Texan personal computer giant, the world’s second largest company after Hewlett-Packard Co, has reported a net income for Q3 of 766 million dollars, that is 34 cents per share, in comparison to the 601 million dollars, or 27 cents per share, during the same period of 2006.
Source
2008 polls - interesting facts
Mar 10, 08 6:20pm
Barisan Nasional only gained about 51 percent of the popular vote from the 7.9 million ballots cast on Saturday.
However, it took 63 percent of the seats contested - or 140 of 222 seats in Parliament.
Interestingly, its peninsula-wide popular vote was only 49.79 percent, which effectively means that the opposition received the majority vote in this part of the country.
However, when converted to parliamentary seats, BN has 85 of the constituencies in the peninsula, while the opposition bagged 80.
Almost 40 percent of the BN's seats are in Sabah and Sarawak - 55 out of 140.
In 2004, BN won about 64 percent of the popular vote nationwide and 92 percent of the 219 parliamentary seats on offer then.
As the dust settles on the 12th general election, we highlight a number of quirky facts and figures.
Election trivia
- The youngest candidate was PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is 26. He defeated Seri Setia incumbent Seripa Noli Syed Hussin.
- The oldest candidate was grandma Maimun Yusuf, 89, who contested in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat. She lost her deposit.
- 56 also-rans from opposition parties and independent candidates lost their deposits after failing to secure one-eighth of the votes cast.
- The largest majority was won by DAP’s Teresa Kok against BN’s Carol Chew, by 36,492 votes in the Seputeh parliamentary seat in Kuala Lumpur.
- The smallest majority was just 14 votes for BN’s Hamdi Abu Bakar who beat Abu Bakar Haji Hussain of PAS in the Pengkalan Baharu state seat in Perak.
- Four pivotal players in the Lingam tape scandal also won: Loh Gwo Burne (who recorded the footage), Wee Choo Keong (lawyer who represented VK Lingam’s brother during the inquiry) and R Sivarasa and Sim Tze Tzin (listed as witnesses but eventually not called). All four are from PKR.
- There will be two ‘lone rangers’ in Parliament: Zulhasnan Rafique, the sole BN survivor in Kuala Lumpur’s 11 parliamentary seats - he took Setiawangsa; and DAP’s Chong Chieng Jen who won Bandar Kuching in Sarawak - the remaining 30 parliamentary seats went to BN.
- The biggest number of candidates was in the Sukau state seat, Sabah, where eight candidates ran, including five Independents.
Debutant politicians
Prominent blogger Jeff Ooi - whose campaign was done online and funds were raised through his website - won the Jelutong parliamentary seat in Penang for DAP.
Other bloggers are Tony Pua (DAP, Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary seat), Elizabeth Wong (PKR, Bukit Lanjan state seat) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR, Seri Setia state seat).
Civil society activists who succeeded were Charles Santiago (DAP, water-privatisation issues), Edward Lee (DAP, local community), Elizabeth Wong and R Sivarasa (PKR, human rights).
Biggest blows
The losses in BN component parties will result in vacancies in various ministries, forcing a cabinet reshuffle.
Ministers
S Samy Vellu (Works Ministry)
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry)
Zainuddin Maidin (Information Ministry)
Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin (Rural and Territory Development Ministry)
Deputy ministers
Chia Kwang Chye (Information Ministry)
G Palanivel (Women, Family and Community Development)
Tan Chai Ho (Home Ministry)
V Veerasingam (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry)
S Sothinathan (Natural Resources and Environment Ministry)
Donald Lim (Tourism Ministry)
Fu Ah Kiow (Internal Security Ministry)
M Kayveas (Prime Minister’s Department)
Parliamentary secretaries
Chew Mei Fun (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry)
P Komala Devi (Education Ministry)
Lee Kah Choon (Health Ministry)
Ng Lip Yong (Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry)
S Vigneswaran (Youth and Sports Ministry)
Rahman Ibrahim (Home Ministry)
Dr Mohd Ruddin Ab Ghani (Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry)
Yew Teong Look (Federal Territories Ministry)
The full team from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry all lost in the polls.
All top MIC leaders were wiped out - president, deputy presidents, two vice-presidents, women's chief and youth chief (one of the three vice-presidents, KS Nijar, did not contest).
Post-election quotes
Anwar Ibrahim, PKR de facto leader, quoted in Star today
Some mentris besar in the past spent half-a-million ringgit to renovate their offices. Such things cannot be an example in this new administration.
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Lembah Pantai MP at a press conference yesterday
(On whether she will vacate the seat to force a by-election so that her father, Anwar Ibrahim, can re-enter politics after a five-year ban): I have already started working in my constituency. The question does not arise.
PPP president M Kayveas, quoted in Star today
Prior to the elections, Barisan Nasional had kept on telling people to show their dissatisfaction through the ballot box. Now they have really shown it.
Sungai Petani losing BN candidate Zainuddin Maidin, quoted in Star today
It is not that they love PKR or PAS more that they voted against me.
The Chinese showed their resentment because of the economic backlash they often complained about. So, PAS and PKR should not be overly proud of their win (in Kedah).
The people may have to pay a price for their decision.
Source: 2008 polls - interesting facts
Barisan Nasional only gained about 51 percent of the popular vote from the 7.9 million ballots cast on Saturday.
However, it took 63 percent of the seats contested - or 140 of 222 seats in Parliament.
Interestingly, its peninsula-wide popular vote was only 49.79 percent, which effectively means that the opposition received the majority vote in this part of the country.
However, when converted to parliamentary seats, BN has 85 of the constituencies in the peninsula, while the opposition bagged 80.
Almost 40 percent of the BN's seats are in Sabah and Sarawak - 55 out of 140.
In 2004, BN won about 64 percent of the popular vote nationwide and 92 percent of the 219 parliamentary seats on offer then.
As the dust settles on the 12th general election, we highlight a number of quirky facts and figures.
Election trivia
- The youngest candidate was PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is 26. He defeated Seri Setia incumbent Seripa Noli Syed Hussin.
- The oldest candidate was grandma Maimun Yusuf, 89, who contested in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat. She lost her deposit.
- 56 also-rans from opposition parties and independent candidates lost their deposits after failing to secure one-eighth of the votes cast.
- The largest majority was won by DAP’s Teresa Kok against BN’s Carol Chew, by 36,492 votes in the Seputeh parliamentary seat in Kuala Lumpur.
- The smallest majority was just 14 votes for BN’s Hamdi Abu Bakar who beat Abu Bakar Haji Hussain of PAS in the Pengkalan Baharu state seat in Perak.
- Four pivotal players in the Lingam tape scandal also won: Loh Gwo Burne (who recorded the footage), Wee Choo Keong (lawyer who represented VK Lingam’s brother during the inquiry) and R Sivarasa and Sim Tze Tzin (listed as witnesses but eventually not called). All four are from PKR.
- There will be two ‘lone rangers’ in Parliament: Zulhasnan Rafique, the sole BN survivor in Kuala Lumpur’s 11 parliamentary seats - he took Setiawangsa; and DAP’s Chong Chieng Jen who won Bandar Kuching in Sarawak - the remaining 30 parliamentary seats went to BN.
- The biggest number of candidates was in the Sukau state seat, Sabah, where eight candidates ran, including five Independents.
Debutant politicians
Prominent blogger Jeff Ooi - whose campaign was done online and funds were raised through his website - won the Jelutong parliamentary seat in Penang for DAP.
Other bloggers are Tony Pua (DAP, Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary seat), Elizabeth Wong (PKR, Bukit Lanjan state seat) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR, Seri Setia state seat).
Civil society activists who succeeded were Charles Santiago (DAP, water-privatisation issues), Edward Lee (DAP, local community), Elizabeth Wong and R Sivarasa (PKR, human rights).
Biggest blows
The losses in BN component parties will result in vacancies in various ministries, forcing a cabinet reshuffle.
Ministers
S Samy Vellu (Works Ministry)
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry)
Zainuddin Maidin (Information Ministry)
Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin (Rural and Territory Development Ministry)
Deputy ministers
Chia Kwang Chye (Information Ministry)
G Palanivel (Women, Family and Community Development)
Tan Chai Ho (Home Ministry)
V Veerasingam (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry)
S Sothinathan (Natural Resources and Environment Ministry)
Donald Lim (Tourism Ministry)
Fu Ah Kiow (Internal Security Ministry)
M Kayveas (Prime Minister’s Department)
Parliamentary secretaries
Chew Mei Fun (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry)
P Komala Devi (Education Ministry)
Lee Kah Choon (Health Ministry)
Ng Lip Yong (Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry)
S Vigneswaran (Youth and Sports Ministry)
Rahman Ibrahim (Home Ministry)
Dr Mohd Ruddin Ab Ghani (Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry)
Yew Teong Look (Federal Territories Ministry)
The full team from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry all lost in the polls.
All top MIC leaders were wiped out - president, deputy presidents, two vice-presidents, women's chief and youth chief (one of the three vice-presidents, KS Nijar, did not contest).
Post-election quotes
Anwar Ibrahim, PKR de facto leader, quoted in Star today
Some mentris besar in the past spent half-a-million ringgit to renovate their offices. Such things cannot be an example in this new administration.
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Lembah Pantai MP at a press conference yesterday
(On whether she will vacate the seat to force a by-election so that her father, Anwar Ibrahim, can re-enter politics after a five-year ban): I have already started working in my constituency. The question does not arise.
PPP president M Kayveas, quoted in Star today
Prior to the elections, Barisan Nasional had kept on telling people to show their dissatisfaction through the ballot box. Now they have really shown it.
Sungai Petani losing BN candidate Zainuddin Maidin, quoted in Star today
It is not that they love PKR or PAS more that they voted against me.
The Chinese showed their resentment because of the economic backlash they often complained about. So, PAS and PKR should not be overly proud of their win (in Kedah).
The people may have to pay a price for their decision.
Source: 2008 polls - interesting facts
Q&A: No gentleman's agreement between us
Soon Li Tsin Mar 5, 08 9:04pm
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad clarifies that there was no gentleman’s agreement for his successor to serve only one term in this first of a three-part interview.
Malaysiakini: You previously said that this election could be the most corrupt. Ten days into the campaigning period do you still hold to that?
Mahathir: I have no evidence of such things because corruption is not something that can be easily proved but I suspect there would be corruption because I believe in the by-elections before there was corruption.
But of course in the general election, it is far more difficult because of the numbers involved but I am quite sure that if need be some people ... may resort to corruption. The top leadership may not know but (it could happen) in the ground level.
What corruption are we talking about? Is it money or phantom voters? You must have some idea of how it is done or how it could be done.
(Laughs) I don’t think it is possible to take away ballot boxes. Even phantom voters is quite difficult but what could happen of course (is) that a lot of money can change hands. Voters may be approached in marginal areas by whichever party - government or opposition - in order to get the few votes that would win the elections.
What about the issue of postal voters?
Well, the armed forces and police - they vote in front of their officers. I don’t think there were any observers. This time I am told there are supposed to be observers. Although I have not seen it, I saw it in the papers police voting but I have not seen the actual voting being done with observers from the opposition or government parties. So I cannot really comment on something that I really don’t know.
Is there any possibility that ballot papers are marked by their superiors?
I don’t think their superiors mark the ballot papers but the presence of their superiors creates an impression on the minds of the uniformed staff but I do know during my time there were a lot of votes cast against BN especially in 1999. That is why we barely managed to win.
Do you honestly think the Election Commission is independent?
Well, it is not subject to direct instruction but sometimes a government tends to presume that they are the authority, like fixing this and things like that. Actually all those things should be done by the EC. The government’s role is merely to dissolve Parliament. After that it is up to the EC but for the EC to say ‘I already know when the election (will be)’ that is all wrong.
We have not yet understood the meaning of independence. Although we are independent, we tend to sometimes play the wrong game.
What about the fact that the EC could be put under pressure such as the redrawing of boundaries where there could be consultation made between the EC and the government?
I think it is the local people who are very concerned about this. The government would not know. I think the local people of course may protest when new boundaries are drawn and I think by and large the EC listens to this because they cannot just draw any way they like, it must be related to the population in the given area. Otherwise you have some constituencies with huge number of voters and others are very few. PAS always makes a lot of noise.
Many are saying that the revoke of the indelible ink could work in BN’s favour. Why do you think the EC actually decided to reverse their decision or do you think they are justified to do so?
People in the rural areas, in particular, are not very sophisticated. In the old days, people used to tell them if you don’t like the party then cross it (laughs). Then the party they did not like (were given) a lot of votes. This time round, what happen is that somebody has apparently imported this ink from India and if they go around and started marking the fingers of the villagers, they go to the voting station and their fingers are already marked so they cannot vote, then they lose votes.
Do you think Malaysia voters are that gullible to buy into this sort of thing?
But this is a new thing. Marking the cross is an old thing, a lot of people know about that. But this is a new thing using the indelible ink on the finger. So you don’t need a big number of people, just a small number of people getting that thing (the ink) and not voting. It may make the difference between winning and losing for whichever party.
How many seats do you think the opposition will be able to win this time around?
Last time (BN) won 90 percent of the seats. Two-third means 66 percent. If it’s two-third, then it is already 24 per cent of the votes. That’s a big drop if that happens. That’s why my assessment is that there will be a drop but it will not be 24 percent. I think that the government would still win a two-thirds majority.
If the government won 90 percent of the seats (in 2004), how much do you think they would win this time?
About 70 to 75 percent.
What do you think of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis - the Malay belt - from what you have heard?
Malays are very loyal to their parties. The only time when they were not loyal was in 1999 when they voted against the government. So I expect a few seats to be lost in Kedah and a few more seats in Terengganu.
Kelantan would be a very difficult thing because although the margin is very small, Kelantanese have got a mind of their own, so to speak. If they are living in KL (Kuala Lumpur) they are very supportive of the government but if they are living in Kelantan, the peer pressure is very strong.
What about chances of your son, Mukhriz, in Jerlun?
I think he has a reasonable chance unless of course something unexpected happens. I should imagine that he would win by a small majority. But if somebody instructs Umno members not to vote for him then he will lose.
He has been given a difficult seat. Do you think this could be an attempt to kill him politically?
Well, there are a lots of talks like that, it’s almost Machiavellian to think of such things. Maybe there are a few people who thought that this is the intention, but I have not seen any positive signs of this thing being deliberately done.
What about Penang and the Chinese votes?
Even before the elections, from what I get to learn about the Chinese attitude, they are not happy with the government because of no business opportunities and things like that. So there will be a diminution of votes from the Chinese voters.
How much it will diminish is another matter, maybe even sufficient to cause the Gerakan and all to lose a few seats. Whether it’ll be sufficient for DAP and PKR to get the majority, I don’t think it’s possible. In Penang, maybe not (for the opposition to deny) two-thirds (majority).
Do you think the opposition is equipped this time around to put up a formidable fight or is it a case of the government being weak thus making the opposition look strong?
The opposition is not very smart - the way it approaches the elections. There are so many things that they can make an issue of and attack the government but I don’t see them doing that.
Issues such as?
Well, the economy and all that. They can’t argue on the economy because people are so taken up with the figures that the government has published but they can’t argue about such things. So they cannot convince the people and PAS is even unable to play the Islamic state card because PAS will lose non-Malay votes. By and large, the opposition is quite incapable of playing up real issues.
Instead they brought out a CD about me saying that I regret arresting (Anwar). I mean any stupid fool would have seen that it was a sarcastic remark made by me. But they make use of such things and this convince voters that they are not really knowledgeable about things or they are not very sophisticated in the use of the media.
And of course they said something about my attack on Pak Lah. Well, I did say those things because I was critical. Within Umno, it is possible to be critical without being anti-Umno or anti-Barisan Nasional.
What about the opposition’s promise that if they come into power, there will not be a fuel hike and they would give monthly allowances to certain groups by relying on Petronas’ money?
The opposition doesn’t seem to understand that it has fielded very few candidates from each party and they are not working together. There is no possibility for them to become the government. There is no possibility for them to win the election and form the government. I mean when you talk about it, people think you are silly.
That’s why I say the opposition doesn’t seem to understand the real factors that favour them. They talk about things they cannot do. Of course, they say ‘when we become the government’ but will you become the government? There has been 11 elections so far - your performance is terrible, you’re fighting each other.
In one of your speeches you were adamant that ‘Pak Lah bohong’. In what way did he lie?
(Laughs) Well, when he said they had no money to continue with the projects, that is not true. When I left, I made sure that the party, the government and the finances are in good shape. I don’t just leave because this is a retirement and (I was) not under pressure. This is a retirement I made on my own accord and I cannot leave the government (in a bad shape).
I wanted to resign in 1998 but if I left, the whole thing would be in shambles. You see what happened in the 1999 elections. So I stayed on to put things back in order. So when I am told that these projects have been postponed because of no money, this is not true, it’s definitely not true. If I was still the prime minister, I could go on not only with the projects that has already in the pipeline but also with new projects because we had money.
You know, when we wanted to build a new airport, people said this is very expensive. Somebody told me this is going to cost me RM20 billion. We built the airport, it cost us RM8 billion and it is the finest airport in the world. It is how you manage money that is important. Some countries like America has not a single cent but it still survives.
Abdullah has completed one full term as PM. There was talk that you wanted him to be there for only one term. Can you clarify that matter?
I want to say this, there was no gentleman's agreement on this but my thinking was that he should serve for one term and give Najib (Razak) who by then would be much older to succeed him, you see. We believe in a very smooth transition, you know. When one PM exits, a new PM who was the deputy takes over.
Was he on the same wavelength on you on that?
I don’t know.
Why did you choose to give Abdullah just one term and not longer?
If it is longer then Najib will be a very old man by the time he becomes PM. I have a great deal of respect for Najib. I have worked with him and whenever we give him a job, he will do it.
Why didn’t you just appoint Najib as PM?
Because I thought Abdullah was older and well, I thought he should be given a chance. I don’t want to show that because he went against me therefore I exclude him. I have accepted people who have fought against me and tried to bring me down.
With your plan unravelling and Abdullah intending to stay for more than one term, do you regret making the decision to appoint Abdullah as PM?
Well, in a way I regret but of course it is his right also to try and stay on.
If you were to give a report card for Abdullah, how will you rate his performance in the past four years?
I thought he has already delivered his report card? (laughs) Well certainly the bridge is not built, the railway is not built, the Bakun project was not implemented. It is up to the people to judge. You see, I would be bias.
Of course if you ask a former PM what he thinks of the new PM, he would say ‘oh, he’s not good’ and all that. That is normal and for the new PM if he wants to leave his mark but the unfortunate thing is that the mark cause some losses for us. That is why I was so critical.
Khairy (Jamaluddin) will be perhaps a minister after the elections and previously you said it will be disastrous. Why is that?
Because of the way he operates. I mean he is involved with Kalimullah (Hassan) in controlling the press, he has done [...] with regards to ECM-Libra and the acquisition of the Avenue assets. We also hear about (him) splashing money and things like that.
So you think he is going to become a pretty bad leader?
Well, he has said that ‘I can do these things because I get protection from my father-in-law’. Nobody should ever say that. Do the right thing - you don’t ask for protection from your father-in-law.
And that’s the reason why he wants Abdullah to continue as PM?
Well, I think it’s very comfortable to have you father-in-law always protecting you.
On the eve of the elections, what would be your message to Malaysian voters?
Vote sensitively. Vote not only with party loyalty concerns but also vote in order to have good people setting up a good government.
Would you argue to vote for a strong opposition?
Well, I believe in an opposition, I have always maintained that this country needs an opposition and they should be critical of the government without which we don’t have a mirror to look at our faces. We think that we are very beautiful but it is the opposition that keeps on telling us (this may not be true).
You know the government member (of parliament) sometimes they are ‘ahli bodek’ (apple polishers) they are always saying ‘you’re right’ and you have no means of assessing whether you are going in the right direction or not. So this country, if it loses its opposition and be like Singapore, then there will be disaster.
Source: Q&A: No gentleman's agreement between us
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad clarifies that there was no gentleman’s agreement for his successor to serve only one term in this first of a three-part interview.
Malaysiakini: You previously said that this election could be the most corrupt. Ten days into the campaigning period do you still hold to that?
Mahathir: I have no evidence of such things because corruption is not something that can be easily proved but I suspect there would be corruption because I believe in the by-elections before there was corruption.
But of course in the general election, it is far more difficult because of the numbers involved but I am quite sure that if need be some people ... may resort to corruption. The top leadership may not know but (it could happen) in the ground level.What corruption are we talking about? Is it money or phantom voters? You must have some idea of how it is done or how it could be done.
(Laughs) I don’t think it is possible to take away ballot boxes. Even phantom voters is quite difficult but what could happen of course (is) that a lot of money can change hands. Voters may be approached in marginal areas by whichever party - government or opposition - in order to get the few votes that would win the elections.
What about the issue of postal voters?
Well, the armed forces and police - they vote in front of their officers. I don’t think there were any observers. This time I am told there are supposed to be observers. Although I have not seen it, I saw it in the papers police voting but I have not seen the actual voting being done with observers from the opposition or government parties. So I cannot really comment on something that I really don’t know.
Is there any possibility that ballot papers are marked by their superiors?
I don’t think their superiors mark the ballot papers but the presence of their superiors creates an impression on the minds of the uniformed staff but I do know during my time there were a lot of votes cast against BN especially in 1999. That is why we barely managed to win.
Do you honestly think the Election Commission is independent?
Well, it is not subject to direct instruction but sometimes a government tends to presume that they are the authority, like fixing this and things like that. Actually all those things should be done by the EC. The government’s role is merely to dissolve Parliament. After that it is up to the EC but for the EC to say ‘I already know when the election (will be)’ that is all wrong.
We have not yet understood the meaning of independence. Although we are independent, we tend to sometimes play the wrong game.
What about the fact that the EC could be put under pressure such as the redrawing of boundaries where there could be consultation made between the EC and the government?
I think it is the local people who are very concerned about this. The government would not know. I think the local people of course may protest when new boundaries are drawn and I think by and large the EC listens to this because they cannot just draw any way they like, it must be related to the population in the given area. Otherwise you have some constituencies with huge number of voters and others are very few. PAS always makes a lot of noise.
Many are saying that the revoke of the indelible ink could work in BN’s favour. Why do you think the EC actually decided to reverse their decision or do you think they are justified to do so?
People in the rural areas, in particular, are not very sophisticated. In the old days, people used to tell them if you don’t like the party then cross it (laughs). Then the party they did not like (were given) a lot of votes. This time round, what happen is that somebody has apparently imported this ink from India and if they go around and started marking the fingers of the villagers, they go to the voting station and their fingers are already marked so they cannot vote, then they lose votes.Do you think Malaysia voters are that gullible to buy into this sort of thing?
But this is a new thing. Marking the cross is an old thing, a lot of people know about that. But this is a new thing using the indelible ink on the finger. So you don’t need a big number of people, just a small number of people getting that thing (the ink) and not voting. It may make the difference between winning and losing for whichever party.
How many seats do you think the opposition will be able to win this time around?
Last time (BN) won 90 percent of the seats. Two-third means 66 percent. If it’s two-third, then it is already 24 per cent of the votes. That’s a big drop if that happens. That’s why my assessment is that there will be a drop but it will not be 24 percent. I think that the government would still win a two-thirds majority.
If the government won 90 percent of the seats (in 2004), how much do you think they would win this time?
About 70 to 75 percent.
What do you think of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis - the Malay belt - from what you have heard?
Malays are very loyal to their parties. The only time when they were not loyal was in 1999 when they voted against the government. So I expect a few seats to be lost in Kedah and a few more seats in Terengganu.
Kelantan would be a very difficult thing because although the margin is very small, Kelantanese have got a mind of their own, so to speak. If they are living in KL (Kuala Lumpur) they are very supportive of the government but if they are living in Kelantan, the peer pressure is very strong.
What about chances of your son, Mukhriz, in Jerlun?
I think he has a reasonable chance unless of course something unexpected happens. I should imagine that he would win by a small majority. But if somebody instructs Umno members not to vote for him then he will lose.
He has been given a difficult seat. Do you think this could be an attempt to kill him politically?
Well, there are a lots of talks like that, it’s almost Machiavellian to think of such things. Maybe there are a few people who thought that this is the intention, but I have not seen any positive signs of this thing being deliberately done.
What about Penang and the Chinese votes?
Even before the elections, from what I get to learn about the Chinese attitude, they are not happy with the government because of no business opportunities and things like that. So there will be a diminution of votes from the Chinese voters.
How much it will diminish is another matter, maybe even sufficient to cause the Gerakan and all to lose a few seats. Whether it’ll be sufficient for DAP and PKR to get the majority, I don’t think it’s possible. In Penang, maybe not (for the opposition to deny) two-thirds (majority).
Do you think the opposition is equipped this time around to put up a formidable fight or is it a case of the government being weak thus making the opposition look strong?
The opposition is not very smart - the way it approaches the elections. There are so many things that they can make an issue of and attack the government but I don’t see them doing that.
Issues such as?
Well, the economy and all that. They can’t argue on the economy because people are so taken up with the figures that the government has published but they can’t argue about such things. So they cannot convince the people and PAS is even unable to play the Islamic state card because PAS will lose non-Malay votes. By and large, the opposition is quite incapable of playing up real issues.
Instead they brought out a CD about me saying that I regret arresting (Anwar). I mean any stupid fool would have seen that it was a sarcastic remark made by me. But they make use of such things and this convince voters that they are not really knowledgeable about things or they are not very sophisticated in the use of the media.
And of course they said something about my attack on Pak Lah. Well, I did say those things because I was critical. Within Umno, it is possible to be critical without being anti-Umno or anti-Barisan Nasional.
What about the opposition’s promise that if they come into power, there will not be a fuel hike and they would give monthly allowances to certain groups by relying on Petronas’ money?
The opposition doesn’t seem to understand that it has fielded very few candidates from each party and they are not working together. There is no possibility for them to become the government. There is no possibility for them to win the election and form the government. I mean when you talk about it, people think you are silly.
That’s why I say the opposition doesn’t seem to understand the real factors that favour them. They talk about things they cannot do. Of course, they say ‘when we become the government’ but will you become the government? There has been 11 elections so far - your performance is terrible, you’re fighting each other.
In one of your speeches you were adamant that ‘Pak Lah bohong’. In what way did he lie?
(Laughs) Well, when he said they had no money to continue with the projects, that is not true. When I left, I made sure that the party, the government and the finances are in good shape. I don’t just leave because this is a retirement and (I was) not under pressure. This is a retirement I made on my own accord and I cannot leave the government (in a bad shape).
I wanted to resign in 1998 but if I left, the whole thing would be in shambles. You see what happened in the 1999 elections. So I stayed on to put things back in order. So when I am told that these projects have been postponed because of no money, this is not true, it’s definitely not true. If I was still the prime minister, I could go on not only with the projects that has already in the pipeline but also with new projects because we had money.You know, when we wanted to build a new airport, people said this is very expensive. Somebody told me this is going to cost me RM20 billion. We built the airport, it cost us RM8 billion and it is the finest airport in the world. It is how you manage money that is important. Some countries like America has not a single cent but it still survives.
Abdullah has completed one full term as PM. There was talk that you wanted him to be there for only one term. Can you clarify that matter?
I want to say this, there was no gentleman's agreement on this but my thinking was that he should serve for one term and give Najib (Razak) who by then would be much older to succeed him, you see. We believe in a very smooth transition, you know. When one PM exits, a new PM who was the deputy takes over.
Was he on the same wavelength on you on that?
I don’t know.
Why did you choose to give Abdullah just one term and not longer?
If it is longer then Najib will be a very old man by the time he becomes PM. I have a great deal of respect for Najib. I have worked with him and whenever we give him a job, he will do it.
Why didn’t you just appoint Najib as PM?
Because I thought Abdullah was older and well, I thought he should be given a chance. I don’t want to show that because he went against me therefore I exclude him. I have accepted people who have fought against me and tried to bring me down.
With your plan unravelling and Abdullah intending to stay for more than one term, do you regret making the decision to appoint Abdullah as PM?
Well, in a way I regret but of course it is his right also to try and stay on.
If you were to give a report card for Abdullah, how will you rate his performance in the past four years?
I thought he has already delivered his report card? (laughs) Well certainly the bridge is not built, the railway is not built, the Bakun project was not implemented. It is up to the people to judge. You see, I would be bias.
Of course if you ask a former PM what he thinks of the new PM, he would say ‘oh, he’s not good’ and all that. That is normal and for the new PM if he wants to leave his mark but the unfortunate thing is that the mark cause some losses for us. That is why I was so critical.
Khairy (Jamaluddin) will be perhaps a minister after the elections and previously you said it will be disastrous. Why is that?
Because of the way he operates. I mean he is involved with Kalimullah (Hassan) in controlling the press, he has done [...] with regards to ECM-Libra and the acquisition of the Avenue assets. We also hear about (him) splashing money and things like that.
So you think he is going to become a pretty bad leader?
Well, he has said that ‘I can do these things because I get protection from my father-in-law’. Nobody should ever say that. Do the right thing - you don’t ask for protection from your father-in-law.
And that’s the reason why he wants Abdullah to continue as PM?
Well, I think it’s very comfortable to have you father-in-law always protecting you.
On the eve of the elections, what would be your message to Malaysian voters?
Vote sensitively. Vote not only with party loyalty concerns but also vote in order to have good people setting up a good government.
Would you argue to vote for a strong opposition?
Well, I believe in an opposition, I have always maintained that this country needs an opposition and they should be critical of the government without which we don’t have a mirror to look at our faces. We think that we are very beautiful but it is the opposition that keeps on telling us (this may not be true).
You know the government member (of parliament) sometimes they are ‘ahli bodek’ (apple polishers) they are always saying ‘you’re right’ and you have no means of assessing whether you are going in the right direction or not. So this country, if it loses its opposition and be like Singapore, then there will be disaster.
Source: Q&A: No gentleman's agreement between us
Mahathir: We need an opposition
Soon Li Tsin Mar 5, 08 8:41pm
exclusive Three days before polling day, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told voters that the country needs an opposition that can hold up a mirror to the government.
“I believe in an opposition. I have always maintained that this country needs an opposition and they should be critical of the government without which we don’t have a mirror to look at our faces. We think that we are very beautiful but it is the opposition that keeps telling us (that may not be true).
“You know the government member (of parliament), sometimes they are ‘ahli bodek’ (apple polishers). They are always saying ‘you’re right’, and you have no means of assessing whether you are going in the right direction or not.”
He told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview today that it would be a “disaster” if the country “loses its opposition” as in Singapore.
Looking a little frail in his trademark bush jacket since his second heart bypass in September last year, Mahathir gave his prognosis on this Saturday’s general elections.
He said the government would be able to retain its two-thirds majority but could lost a few seats in Terengganu and Kedah.
Mahathir also predicted that the government would win between 70 to 75 percent of Parliament seats on March 8.
In the 2004 general elections, BN won 90 percent of the seats. If Mahathir is correct, then the opposition could win between 55 to 65 seats, which will be a sizable increase from its current tally of 21.
Mahathir also did not think the Barisan Nasional coalition would be able to wrest Kelantan state government from Islamic party PAS.
"Kelantan would be a very difficult because although the margin is very small, Kelantanese have got a mind of their own, so to speak. If they are living in KL, they are very supportive of the government but if they are living in Kelantan, the peer pressure is very strong.”
Mahathir also believed that the opposition would do well in Penang, but not enough to win government, or deny BN its two-thirds majority.
Two clarifications
Mahathir also took the opportunity at the interview held at his Perdana Leadership Foundation office in Putrajaya to clarify that there was no prior agreement in which his handpicked successor would serve only one term as prime minister.
"I want to say this, there was no gentleman’s agreement on this but my thinking was that he (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) should serve for one term and give Najib (Razak) who by then would be much older to succeed him,” he said.
The former BN leader who spearheaded BN’s victory in five consecutive elections also ticked off the opposition for seeking to capitalise on something which he had said in jest.
In recent weeks, the opposition has been showing a video-clip at their ceramah where Mahathir was depicted to have conceded in a comical tone that he had brutally mistreated his then deputy, Anwar Ibrahim.
“I mean any stupid fool would have seen that it was a sarcastic remark made by me but they (opposition) make use of such things and this convince voters that they are not really knowledgeable about things or they are not very sophisticated in the use of the media,” he said.
Abdullah ‘lied’
Mahathir was also asked to explain why he had publicly accused Abdullah of lying.
“When I left, I made sure that the party, the government and the finances are in good shape. So when I am told that (my) projects have been postponed because of no money, it’s definitely not true.
“If I was still the prime minister, I could go on not only with the projects that has already in the pipeline but also with new projects because we had money,” he asserted.
When Abdullah came into power in 2003, he stopped a number of mega-projects that was inked under Mahathir’s tenure including the ‘crooked’ bridge to Singapore and the Bakun dam project.
Although Mahathir expressed regret for appointing Abdullah as his successor, he refused to comment on the former’s performance.
“It is up to the people to judge. You see, I would be bias. (It) is normal if he wants to leave his mark but the unfortunate thing is that the mark cause some losses for us. That is why I was so critical,” he said.
Mahathir slams Khairy
The Perdana Leadership Foundation chairperson, when quizzed about the possibility of Abdullah’s son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin being appointed minister after the elections, did not mince his words in criticising the ambitious deputy Umno Youth chief.
He said Khairy should not seek protection from his father-in-law.
“He (Khairy) has said that ‘I can do these things because I get protection from my father-in-law’. Nobody should ever say that. Do the right thing - you don’t ask for protection from your father-in-law,” he asserted.
Asked for his message to voters on Saturday, he urged them to vote wisely.
“Vote sensitively. Vote not only with party loyalty concerns but also vote in order to have good people setting up a good government.”
Source: Mahathir: We need an opposition
exclusive Three days before polling day, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told voters that the country needs an opposition that can hold up a mirror to the government.
“I believe in an opposition. I have always maintained that this country needs an opposition and they should be critical of the government without which we don’t have a mirror to look at our faces. We think that we are very beautiful but it is the opposition that keeps telling us (that may not be true).
“You know the government member (of parliament), sometimes they are ‘ahli bodek’ (apple polishers). They are always saying ‘you’re right’, and you have no means of assessing whether you are going in the right direction or not.”He told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview today that it would be a “disaster” if the country “loses its opposition” as in Singapore.
Looking a little frail in his trademark bush jacket since his second heart bypass in September last year, Mahathir gave his prognosis on this Saturday’s general elections.
He said the government would be able to retain its two-thirds majority but could lost a few seats in Terengganu and Kedah.
Mahathir also predicted that the government would win between 70 to 75 percent of Parliament seats on March 8.
In the 2004 general elections, BN won 90 percent of the seats. If Mahathir is correct, then the opposition could win between 55 to 65 seats, which will be a sizable increase from its current tally of 21.
Mahathir also did not think the Barisan Nasional coalition would be able to wrest Kelantan state government from Islamic party PAS.
"Kelantan would be a very difficult because although the margin is very small, Kelantanese have got a mind of their own, so to speak. If they are living in KL, they are very supportive of the government but if they are living in Kelantan, the peer pressure is very strong.”
Mahathir also believed that the opposition would do well in Penang, but not enough to win government, or deny BN its two-thirds majority.
Two clarifications
Mahathir also took the opportunity at the interview held at his Perdana Leadership Foundation office in Putrajaya to clarify that there was no prior agreement in which his handpicked successor would serve only one term as prime minister.
"I want to say this, there was no gentleman’s agreement on this but my thinking was that he (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) should serve for one term and give Najib (Razak) who by then would be much older to succeed him,” he said.The former BN leader who spearheaded BN’s victory in five consecutive elections also ticked off the opposition for seeking to capitalise on something which he had said in jest.
In recent weeks, the opposition has been showing a video-clip at their ceramah where Mahathir was depicted to have conceded in a comical tone that he had brutally mistreated his then deputy, Anwar Ibrahim.
“I mean any stupid fool would have seen that it was a sarcastic remark made by me but they (opposition) make use of such things and this convince voters that they are not really knowledgeable about things or they are not very sophisticated in the use of the media,” he said.
Abdullah ‘lied’
Mahathir was also asked to explain why he had publicly accused Abdullah of lying.
“When I left, I made sure that the party, the government and the finances are in good shape. So when I am told that (my) projects have been postponed because of no money, it’s definitely not true.
“If I was still the prime minister, I could go on not only with the projects that has already in the pipeline but also with new projects because we had money,” he asserted.
When Abdullah came into power in 2003, he stopped a number of mega-projects that was inked under Mahathir’s tenure including the ‘crooked’ bridge to Singapore and the Bakun dam project.
Although Mahathir expressed regret for appointing Abdullah as his successor, he refused to comment on the former’s performance.
“It is up to the people to judge. You see, I would be bias. (It) is normal if he wants to leave his mark but the unfortunate thing is that the mark cause some losses for us. That is why I was so critical,” he said.
Mahathir slams Khairy
The Perdana Leadership Foundation chairperson, when quizzed about the possibility of Abdullah’s son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin being appointed minister after the elections, did not mince his words in criticising the ambitious deputy Umno Youth chief.
He said Khairy should not seek protection from his father-in-law.“He (Khairy) has said that ‘I can do these things because I get protection from my father-in-law’. Nobody should ever say that. Do the right thing - you don’t ask for protection from your father-in-law,” he asserted.
Asked for his message to voters on Saturday, he urged them to vote wisely.
“Vote sensitively. Vote not only with party loyalty concerns but also vote in order to have good people setting up a good government.”
Source: Mahathir: We need an opposition
Losers & Winners In Blu-ray Victory
With the format wall is over, there is a lot of cost wasted on research-and-development. Some corporations win & other lost. Check below for the list of losers and winners:
The Losers
Toshiba Corp
NEC Corp.'s (NIPNY) chip division, NEC Electronics Corp. ( 6723.TO)
Broadcom Corp. (BRCM) which makes chips for a combined HD DVD-Blu-ray player from LG Electronics Inc. (066570.SE), also invested heavily in software for HD DVD
Intel Corp. (INTC) which publicly allied with Toshiba and HD DVD, did not develop hardware for one format or the other, so its investment losses are likely minimal.
The Winners
Sony Corp.
Sigma Designs Inc. (SIGM) which provides the system-on-a-chip inside the majority of stand-alone Blu-ray players
Samsung Corp. (000830.SE)
Sharp Corp. (SHCAY, 6753.TO)
Pioneer Corp. ( 6773.TO)
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.'s (MC) Panasonic
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) which together with Sony, makes the cell processor for the PlayStation 3 game console.
New Entrants
Mediatek Inc. (2454.TW)
Zoran Corp. (ZRAN)
So, it is indeed a challenge looking for a favorable strategic positions. Congratulation to the winners but sorry for the losers. For the new entrants, wish you the best.
Source
The Losers
Toshiba Corp
NEC Corp.'s (NIPNY) chip division, NEC Electronics Corp. ( 6723.TO)
Broadcom Corp. (BRCM) which makes chips for a combined HD DVD-Blu-ray player from LG Electronics Inc. (066570.SE), also invested heavily in software for HD DVD
Intel Corp. (INTC) which publicly allied with Toshiba and HD DVD, did not develop hardware for one format or the other, so its investment losses are likely minimal.
The Winners
Sony Corp.
Sigma Designs Inc. (SIGM) which provides the system-on-a-chip inside the majority of stand-alone Blu-ray players
Samsung Corp. (000830.SE)
Sharp Corp. (SHCAY, 6753.TO)
Pioneer Corp. ( 6773.TO)
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.'s (MC) Panasonic
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) which together with Sony, makes the cell processor for the PlayStation 3 game console.
New Entrants
Mediatek Inc. (2454.TW)
Zoran Corp. (ZRAN)
So, it is indeed a challenge looking for a favorable strategic positions. Congratulation to the winners but sorry for the losers. For the new entrants, wish you the best.
Source
Blu-ray vs. HD DVD
Each format has its own heavyweight industry backing. HD DVD is supported by Toshiba, Intel, and Microsoft, which will offer an add-on HD DVD player to its Xbox 360 game console this fall. Blu-ray is supported by Samsung, Pioneer, and Sony, which will build a Blu-ray drive directly into its upcoming PlayStation 3 game system.
The closest analogy is the VHS versus Betamax contest of the early 1980s, but the stakes may be higher now.
Why should you care?
The short answer is: You don't want to buy an obsolete format. The two technologies don't work together, and it is very unlikely that both formats will survive. Both kinds of players will work with "old-fashioned" DVDs, but if you want a high-definition video experience on a disc, right now you will have to choose one or the other. The next PC you buy may come with the option to include either an HD DVD drive or a Blu-ray drive. And with standalone players selling for $500 to $1,000, guessing wrong could be expensive.
What is the difference?
Blu-ray has a capacity advantage, offering 25GB of storage on a single-sided disc and 50GB on a double-sided disc. HD DVD discs hold 15GB (single sided) or 30GB (double-sided). Although this would seem to give Blu-ray a significant advantage, 15GB is enough room—just barely—to fit a high-definition movie.
HD DVD players and drives are a lot cheaper than Blu-ray devices. Blu-ray players will cost between $1,000 and $1,500 at launch. Toshiba's first HD DVD player, the HD-A1, is being sold for just $500.
HD DVDs are cheaper to make. Because Blu-ray discs use a very different technology from traditional DVDs, manufacturers will have to retool their production plants, and those costs will have to be passed on to consumers somehow.
Who is going to win?
Toshiba has officially announced on 19 February 2008 the end of HD DVD players and recorders after losing to Blu-ray Disc. The format war is finally over, Blu-ray Disc has won. Good Bye HD DVD.
Are you one of the HD DVD players and recorders victims?
The closest analogy is the VHS versus Betamax contest of the early 1980s, but the stakes may be higher now.
Why should you care?
The short answer is: You don't want to buy an obsolete format. The two technologies don't work together, and it is very unlikely that both formats will survive. Both kinds of players will work with "old-fashioned" DVDs, but if you want a high-definition video experience on a disc, right now you will have to choose one or the other. The next PC you buy may come with the option to include either an HD DVD drive or a Blu-ray drive. And with standalone players selling for $500 to $1,000, guessing wrong could be expensive.
What is the difference?
Blu-ray has a capacity advantage, offering 25GB of storage on a single-sided disc and 50GB on a double-sided disc. HD DVD discs hold 15GB (single sided) or 30GB (double-sided). Although this would seem to give Blu-ray a significant advantage, 15GB is enough room—just barely—to fit a high-definition movie.
HD DVD players and drives are a lot cheaper than Blu-ray devices. Blu-ray players will cost between $1,000 and $1,500 at launch. Toshiba's first HD DVD player, the HD-A1, is being sold for just $500.
HD DVDs are cheaper to make. Because Blu-ray discs use a very different technology from traditional DVDs, manufacturers will have to retool their production plants, and those costs will have to be passed on to consumers somehow.
Who is going to win?
Toshiba has officially announced on 19 February 2008 the end of HD DVD players and recorders after losing to Blu-ray Disc. The format war is finally over, Blu-ray Disc has won. Good Bye HD DVD.
Are you one of the HD DVD players and recorders victims?
Happy Chap Goh Mei
Just back from Chap Goh Mei celebration near the lake at Amcorp Mall. There were a lot of singles & couples with mandarin oranges (with name and contact no) in their hand. For the single, they were hoping to meet someone special. The female will throw mandarin oranges into the lake while the male will pick up the mandarin oranges. For the couples, they were joining the fun on this special day which is also know as Chinese Valentine's Day.I was not able to see Kongming Lantern (Chinese:孔明灯) this year. I could still remember I was releasing this lantern last year at Tanjung Harapan in North Port (Port Klang).
Happy Chap Goh Mei to everyone!
For your information, Chap Goh Mei represents the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year period as celebrated by Chinese communities.
藝人肥姐沈殿霞病逝
http://www.sinchew-i.com/sciWWW/node/6990?tid=51
沈殿霞從小就胖嘟嘟的，從小就喜歡唱歌、跳舞和朗誦，人越多的場合就越興奮。
（香港）肥姐沈殿霞人如其名，除了本身的體型與重量之外，個人演藝歷史，更不簡單，赫然是香港過去40年演藝歷史的縮影。
1947年出生於上海的沈殿霞從小就胖嘟嘟的，1958年她隨父母移居香港。很早就展現表演天賦的沈殿霞，從小就喜歡唱歌、跳舞和朗誦，人越多的場合就越興奮。肥姐13歲開始演電影，但其實她差一點就做不成藝人。
話說當時香港著名的邵氏影視公司正在招考肥仔肥妹童星，因為廣東人大多很瘦小，於是從小就長得白白胖胖的沈殿霞就這樣去趕考了。
沒想到剛接到試鏡通知就受到父親的極力阻撓。因為家中世代營商，一向疼愛女兒的父親希望她繼續讀書，堅決反對她去當戲子，最後還是她的世伯──大慈善家何英傑出面力勸，終於讓父親同意了她的試鏡。極富天資的沈殿霞果然沒讓父親失望，在試鏡後不久就拍攝了人生第一部電影《一樹桃花千朵紅》，成為自60年代以來“豬扒文化”的象徵。她上起承繼譚蘭卿、花碧霞等肥女丑路線，改造加創新，往下開創過去40年香港的肥女藝人路線。
90年代以後，沈殿霞升格為肥姐。“肥姐”一名，親切、強悍、略帶霸氣，她繼續在電視劇與電影（據統計她共演過七十多部）中演出，儼如無線的鎮台之寶之一，但曝光率已較前減少。
在《歡樂今宵》時期，“肥肥”的名字街知巷聞，是一個時代的象徵。在她超過40年的演藝人生中始終以胖胖的身材、近視眼鏡和宏亮嗓音成為眾人眼裡的開心果，有“肥肥”的地方就有笑聲。舞台下的她卻是情路坎坷的單親媽媽，與鄭少秋育有一女欣宜，已離婚多年，近來更因健康問題備受折磨。
現年61歲的肥姐，2006年9月初因為膽囊炎發作入院接受手術，半月後她再度病發並住進深切治療部，儘管家人一直對外宣稱沈殿霞並無大礙，但外界仍不斷傳出其心臟和肝臟衰竭且病情惡化。
隨後肥姐於11月杪出院，召開發佈會指自己健康好轉並返回加拿大休養。2007年初她回港，之後多次傳她肝腫瘤復發，於2007年7月13日度過其60歲大壽後，肥姐多次傳癌症復發頻接受化療，但她堅稱只是到醫院做例行檢查。
肥姐的病情拖至2006年尾至2007年初開始惡化，情況更令人擔心。與癌魔對抗了半年多的她，不但停止了一切對外活動，1月12日一早，更在姐姐、女傭及司機的陪同下正式入住瑪麗醫院腫瘤科接受治療。
據悉，她在肝衰竭和糖尿病的雙重打擊下，已經不大認得人，因此在醫生的堅持下必須入院。其後肥姐於1月21日再度因病情突變進院，一度傳出她病危，有傳其主診醫生盧寵茂為她進行單次療程費用由數萬元至10多萬不等的“標靶治療”，讓肥姐病情暫且穩定，並從深切治療部轉往普通病房。不過，就在此際，卻傳來肥姐居於加拿大溫哥華的年邁母親己於香港時間21日病逝，享年96歲。但為了怕肥姐受到刺激病情加重，所有人都瞞著肥姐。
沈殿霞從小就胖嘟嘟的，從小就喜歡唱歌、跳舞和朗誦，人越多的場合就越興奮。
（香港）肥姐沈殿霞人如其名，除了本身的體型與重量之外，個人演藝歷史，更不簡單，赫然是香港過去40年演藝歷史的縮影。
1947年出生於上海的沈殿霞從小就胖嘟嘟的，1958年她隨父母移居香港。很早就展現表演天賦的沈殿霞，從小就喜歡唱歌、跳舞和朗誦，人越多的場合就越興奮。肥姐13歲開始演電影，但其實她差一點就做不成藝人。
話說當時香港著名的邵氏影視公司正在招考肥仔肥妹童星，因為廣東人大多很瘦小，於是從小就長得白白胖胖的沈殿霞就這樣去趕考了。
沒想到剛接到試鏡通知就受到父親的極力阻撓。因為家中世代營商，一向疼愛女兒的父親希望她繼續讀書，堅決反對她去當戲子，最後還是她的世伯──大慈善家何英傑出面力勸，終於讓父親同意了她的試鏡。極富天資的沈殿霞果然沒讓父親失望，在試鏡後不久就拍攝了人生第一部電影《一樹桃花千朵紅》，成為自60年代以來“豬扒文化”的象徵。她上起承繼譚蘭卿、花碧霞等肥女丑路線，改造加創新，往下開創過去40年香港的肥女藝人路線。
90年代以後，沈殿霞升格為肥姐。“肥姐”一名，親切、強悍、略帶霸氣，她繼續在電視劇與電影（據統計她共演過七十多部）中演出，儼如無線的鎮台之寶之一，但曝光率已較前減少。
在《歡樂今宵》時期，“肥肥”的名字街知巷聞，是一個時代的象徵。在她超過40年的演藝人生中始終以胖胖的身材、近視眼鏡和宏亮嗓音成為眾人眼裡的開心果，有“肥肥”的地方就有笑聲。舞台下的她卻是情路坎坷的單親媽媽，與鄭少秋育有一女欣宜，已離婚多年，近來更因健康問題備受折磨。
現年61歲的肥姐，2006年9月初因為膽囊炎發作入院接受手術，半月後她再度病發並住進深切治療部，儘管家人一直對外宣稱沈殿霞並無大礙，但外界仍不斷傳出其心臟和肝臟衰竭且病情惡化。
隨後肥姐於11月杪出院，召開發佈會指自己健康好轉並返回加拿大休養。2007年初她回港，之後多次傳她肝腫瘤復發，於2007年7月13日度過其60歲大壽後，肥姐多次傳癌症復發頻接受化療，但她堅稱只是到醫院做例行檢查。
肥姐的病情拖至2006年尾至2007年初開始惡化，情況更令人擔心。與癌魔對抗了半年多的她，不但停止了一切對外活動，1月12日一早，更在姐姐、女傭及司機的陪同下正式入住瑪麗醫院腫瘤科接受治療。
據悉，她在肝衰竭和糖尿病的雙重打擊下，已經不大認得人，因此在醫生的堅持下必須入院。其後肥姐於1月21日再度因病情突變進院，一度傳出她病危，有傳其主診醫生盧寵茂為她進行單次療程費用由數萬元至10多萬不等的“標靶治療”，讓肥姐病情暫且穩定，並從深切治療部轉往普通病房。不過，就在此際，卻傳來肥姐居於加拿大溫哥華的年邁母親己於香港時間21日病逝，享年96歲。但為了怕肥姐受到刺激病情加重，所有人都瞞著肥姐。
Online petition for Lee Nian Ning
Have you signed for the petition on express bus safety?
Browse to BusCrashNoMore with the theme: ‘If this happened to her, it can happen to you’ to sign your petition.
Let’s pray for a safe journey home by express bus.
In loving memory of Lee Nian Ning
Browse to BusCrashNoMore with the theme: ‘If this happened to her, it can happen to you’ to sign your petition.
Let’s pray for a safe journey home by express bus.
In loving memory of Lee Nian Ning
Microsoft to acquire Yahoo! at $44.6 billion cash
How did Microsoft’s plan to acquire Yahoo! come about? As you know, both of them have different focus in their business. While Microsoft focuses on their Windows Operating System & Office Suites, Yahoo! on the other hand focuses on advertising sales.Microsoft has their own search engine, MSN, so does Yahoo!. They are planning to further challenge rival Google in online services. So, search engine war again.
For personal preferences, I prefer Google for their fast response & more intelligent search engine. It has never failed to give me the searches I want.
Google, keep up the excellent work.
Source:
Microsoft offers to buy Yahoo for $44.6B
Would a Microsoft-Yahoo deal out Google Google?
Microsoft-Yahoo Combo Could Accelerate Services Strategy
Chart: A Microsoft-Yahoo combo by the numbers
Nielsen Online December 2007 report
Google Lego Logo: Google Offers Lego 50th Birthday Wishes
Google has a special logo up on the Google home page last few days. The Google logo is made up of legos, to celebrate Lego's 50 year birthday.Google's culture has always had a special place for Lego. Google's first servers were "modded" up with Legos. The Google founders have admitted to having a special "fondness" towards Legos, and we all know that computer geeks can't get enough of their legos. Google has Lego art in their offices. Lego fans have built Google logos in Lego, and so have Googlers themselves.
If you visit Google.com last few days, you will see the logo. You won't see it after you do a search on Google, so there won't be a small Google lego logo. Google UK has the logo, so does Google France in addition to edition of Google serving the birthplace of Lego, Google Denmark. In fact, it appears all Google country-specific sites may have the special logo up for the day. That doesn't happen with all special logos, so this is truly an international celebration!
TAS Application Delivery Department Annual Dinner
TRW Automotive Services (TAS) Application Delivery Department Annual Dinner was held at La-La Chong Seafood Restaurant today. We occupied 4 tables. Among the important faces were TAS Manager & General Manager.
The dinner started with prosperity Yee Sang with wishes around. Among the popular wishes were Annual Increment, Bonus, 步步高升 & 身体健康.
Dishes were served one by one. The table was somehow too small to cater for so many dishes.
Properity Yee Sang
Shang Tong Soup with LaLa
Assam Siakap
Hong Kong Kailan
Thai Style Crispy Roast Chicken
Claypot Tou Fu
Spicy Squid
Yam Seng (Let's Toss)
Butter Prawns
In conclusion, we had an enjoyable & sumptuous dinner.
TAS, thank you for the treat.
May TAS go further in 2008.
p/s: click here for the daily comment on this restaurant.
The dinner started with prosperity Yee Sang with wishes around. Among the popular wishes were Annual Increment, Bonus, 步步高升 & 身体健康.
Dishes were served one by one. The table was somehow too small to cater for so many dishes.
Properity Yee Sang
Shang Tong Soup with LaLa
Assam Siakap
Hong Kong Kailan
Thai Style Crispy Roast Chicken
Claypot Tou Fu
Spicy Squid
Yam Seng (Let's Toss)
Butter Prawns
In conclusion, we had an enjoyable & sumptuous dinner.
TAS, thank you for the treat.
May TAS go further in 2008.
p/s: click here for the daily comment on this restaurant.
CNY 2008
Have you eaten any Chinese New Year (CNY) cookies so far? I took mandarin oranges & some cookies in office today.
BBQ House Warming
Pool side BBQ house warming at 8th floor in Sri Putramas II condo in Jalan Kuching last saturday was amazing. The thunderstorm night really worried us as it would spoil our BBQ. Luckily, it wasn't. Else, we would not be able to enjoy this wonderful pool side BBQ with breezing & windy air plus the fantastic atmosphere.
Refresh back, the last BBQ session i had was 1.5 years back. I miss the roasted chicken, hotdog & tit bits so much.
Chit chat with the usual gang besides admiring the condo. The 5th floor KLCC view condo was priced at RM241K with 1 parking (additional parking was priced at RM20K). It was 1170sqft with RM0.18 per sqft maintenance fee. The bonus was the developer gave some Samsung freebies like 2 unit of 1hp air cond, 29" TV, 2 doors fridge, washing machine, sofa set, dining table, kitchen cabinet & .... So it is almost a furnished condo.
Later, we called it a day at around midnight... ZzzZzzzZ...
Refresh back, the last BBQ session i had was 1.5 years back. I miss the roasted chicken, hotdog & tit bits so much.
Chit chat with the usual gang besides admiring the condo. The 5th floor KLCC view condo was priced at RM241K with 1 parking (additional parking was priced at RM20K). It was 1170sqft with RM0.18 per sqft maintenance fee. The bonus was the developer gave some Samsung freebies like 2 unit of 1hp air cond, 29" TV, 2 doors fridge, washing machine, sofa set, dining table, kitchen cabinet & .... So it is almost a furnished condo.
Later, we called it a day at around midnight... ZzzZzzzZ...
Google eyeing operations in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Web search engine giant Google Inc is interested to set up operations in Malaysia, citing the country's technology infrastructure and strategic location, newspapers reported on Sunday.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Google has started discussions with Malaysia's Multimedia Development Corp on establishing a base in the country.
"They want to make their presence felt in Malaysia. It will be a big boost for our ICT industry," he told reporters after meeting Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Abdullah said Malaysia ranked as the top users of Google in Southeast Asia, which was another reason why it would make sense to use the country as a base for its operations.
In Asia, Google has offices in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
Anniversary
