To shout or not to shout?

Tribe Kuala Lumpur

2009-12-29T10:55:00.005+08:00

Many asked what it means. I would say it has multiple meanings. As a start, it was created out of frustration and anger...you know, that kind of anger when you need a helping hand and yet, those in the capacity to help are just standing around and watch. Not even a word of encouragement, only criticisms.

Of course...anger persist if I continue to view the situation from a negative viewpoint. Why not be optimistic and view the situation from a positive viewpoint? That's what I did and I remember about the policy of Big Big Boss about empowerment. Yeah...perhaps this is an opportunity for us to prove that the younger ones are equally good. Hence, the tagline T.R.I.B.E - Timely and Robust Initiatives through Better Empowerment.

Animals hunt in packs. But there's always limitation in what a pack could achieve, due to limitations of resources. Packs are not self-contained, and they could only hunt as much to meet their needs and nothing more. An exact reflection on divisions. To achieve more, there's a need to synergise, so as strengths of different packs could be leveraged for better results. Combining different packs together results in a bigger "tribe".

Tribe Kuala Lumpur will continue to be a brand which represents initiatives of young volunteers for the betterment of young volunteers, and ultimately, the people of Kuala Lumpur. Tribe Kuala Lumpur shall be a flagship programme championed by Bukit Bintang to network and unite other volunteers from different divisions in Kuala Lumpur to take on various initiatives from where the bosses have stopped. We believe in the strength of empowerment as encouraged by Big Big Boss and we want to prove that it works.

It takes two to tango

2009-10-27T16:15:00.004+08:00

This is the result of an online survey conducted by the Home Ministry's "News Portal"...yes, the same "News Portal" which I've talked about in "Am I Fat?" and "Am I Fat? (2)" back in August 2009.

Home Ministry appears to be concerned about public perception towards the Police. Hence, this survey.

Although it doesn't generate the same level of interest as compared to an earlier survey on the Internal Security Act, I found this survey rather interesting. In fact, the results are equally interesting.

It seemed that 1,252 of 1,652 respondents (76%) to the first question feel angry everytime they see a policeman. Well...not surprising, taking into consideration the sentiment of general public. Listen to the complaints of "coffee shop debaters", and you'll understand what I mean.

As far as public perception is concerned, Police in Malaysia is very much synonymous with corruption. When one come across a road block or a vehicle being stopped for inspection by policemen, many can't avoid making statements that almost pre-judged that such routine check would follow by an exchange of goodwill (read: bribe).

For those who like to pre-judge the conduct of policemen whenever the come across such routine check, I would like to ask them a question. Have you ever bribed a policeman?

If the response to the above is a simple "YES", I have a follow-up question....simply "why bribe?"

As much as like to think that our Police is a shame to the country, have we ever asked ourselves if we are also a shame for subscribing to the corrupt system? C'mon, it takes two to tango! It's a transaction, and you must have a willing buyer and a willing seller for the transaction to occur.

Greed prompts the policemen to misuse the authority vested on them by offering an offender a convenient way to get out of the situation. As far as the policemen are concerned, they're providing the offenders the convenience for a price. If there is no willing buyer for such convenience, the willing seller themselves would not be able to terminate a transaction. Simple logic. Yet people don't see it. They complaint...they scream...they whine, yet they don't realise they're actually a party to it. If you condone such practices, you have no right to complaint, scream and whine! If you think corrupt policemen should be sent to jail, you should join them as well, because it takes two to tango!

That reminds me of a conversation I had with a group of new found acquaintances...not long ago...just a couple of weeks back...when we were "called to the bar". Nothing legal, what I mean is the "bar" which serves drinks!

Within the group, there's a legal practitioner. Somehow, our conversation went into the issue of Malaysian Police, and this legal practitioner suddenly became a Karpal Singh wannabe. His fiery arguments condemning the Police...I gotta admit...was a bit scary to me. So I probed to find out why exactly he hated the Police so much...and as how I guessed it, it's about their infamous corrupt practices. He shared with me how he was forced to bribed traffic policemen in many situations over traffic offences. Without having to offend him, my subtle statement dropped a hint to him that he has no right to complaint if he was a party to those transactions, since he was a willing buyer in all the situations.

C'mon, if you do not believe in bribing, how could anyone forced you to bribe? To me, the term "bribing under duress" is bullshit. They don't whack the shit out of you to exort money. They don't point a pistol towards your head to make you bribe. It's your lack of courage to be responsible for your mistakes and offences that motivated you to bribe. If you're not prepared to face the penalties, then don't make mistakes!

I'm not trying to act holier than thou. I too, have my fair share of mistakes...not that I observe speed limit all the time. At least when I'm caught for that, I take responsibilities of my offences and I accept any kind of penalties within the limits of law with an open heart. Again, experience tells me that the term "bribing under duress" is bullshit, as I have always declined any offers made by the policemen to "settle here" and I'm still alive and kicking.

To those who complaint, scream and whine, think twice and ask yourself if your hands are really clean. Remember...he who comes into equity must come with clean hands.

I am confused…

2009-10-13T01:26:00.001+08:00

Politicians know best. It’s no rocket science. The best way to influence people’s mind is through education and mass media. Trust me, education and mass media can turn one’s mind around, no matter how sceptical you’re at first.

For those who grew up in Malaysia, you’ll definitely know a popular chocolate drink called Milo…a product of Nestle. In fact, Milo is basically part of every Malaysian’s life…in par with Maggi instant noodle (another product of Nestle) and Panadol (the national solution of all headaches). I vaguely remember Milo has a competitor called Ovaltine. Nevertheless, not many people would remember Ovaltine; basically Malaysians call chocolate drink as Milo. Be it in a coffee shop or a mamak stall, people order Hot Milo or Iced Milo. Nobody orders hot chocolate or iced chocolate. Forget about making an attempt to order Hot Ovaltine because they can never fulfil your request.

What makes Milo such a successful brand in Malaysia? I’m not too sure if they applied the same marketing strategy in other countries, but credits should be given to Nestle for knowing how to attack young minds in primary schools. Circa 20 odd years ago when I was still a primary schoolboy, the sight of a green-coloured truck entering the school compound was a reason to celebrate for all. Once every few months, this green-coloured truck would appear to give every boy a treat of Iced Milo. And Milo’s campaign include associating themselves with sports and hence, the green-coloured truck would promptly make its way to the school’s sports day as well, where every boy could get more than just a cup of Iced Milo while watching their peers running on the track.

Subtly, Milo told all of us that there is no other chocolate drink but Milo. And we were made to believe that, although you could easily spot Cadbury in most supermarkets.

Likewise, the Government (read: the ruling party) also told all of us since young that Communist is evil. This is done at the same place where the Milo cult started, i.e. schools. In history classes, they made us believe the cruelty of the Communist regime and the like, to the extent that the image of a crossed hammer and sickle, or 5-pointed stars, could send shivers to our spine. That’s what the ruling party wanted us to believe, just like how Nestle wanted us to believe that there is no other chocolate drink but Milo.

The fear towards the hammer and sickle is then continuously fuelled via the media. Come August every year, the mass media would add more hype to the National Day mood by recalling the experience of military veterans about how they fought the Communists…leading to the country gaining independence. But…wait a minute. Malaysia (or Malaya then) didn’t achieve independence from the Communist regime. We achieved independence from the British instead. It was the Union Jack, not a red flag bearing a yellow hammer and sickle, that was lowered at midnight of 31 August 1957 at what’s known today as Dataran Merdeka. Furthermore, those so-called war veterans were in fact soldiers in the British Forces. Even the Malay Regiment was once part of the British Army. However, this fact could easily be overlooked, because the Malaysian education system doesn’t make us think. I have the Australian education system to thank for that.

Communist is still an evil to most Malaysians. That’s what the ruling party wanted to portray. So as they could conveniently label any opposing political parties with socialist ideology as splinters of the Communist. Knowing the negative perception that most Malaysians have towards Communist, such distortion is a critical success factor to them.

Today, I came across a news report on the mainstream media about the proposal to set up a permanent secretariat to strengthen ties between the ruling party’s youth wing and the Communist Youth League of China. It’s ironic. If they painted the Communist as their sworn enemies all these while, why are they establishing ties with a Communist movement?

Being a Malaysian can be very confusing if you care to think.

Rakyat didahulukan via Formula 1? (2)

2009-09-27T01:04:00.003+08:00

It's a privately-funded project, jointly owned by Tune Group, Naza and Litespeed. The Government holds no equity in the project, either directly or indirectly. So exclaimed by its Team Principal cum CEO of Now Everyone Can Fly.

Do you expect me to be assured that taxpayers' money would not be involved? No equity ownership by the Government does not mean that the Government would not be financially involved. Money can still be channeled in the form of grant, just like what they did to help Proton report a profit and minimise losses in financial years 2008 and 2009 respectively. Mind you, the Government did not pump in the grant in their capacity as an indirect shareholder of Proton. They did that in their capacity as THE GOVERNMENT...in the name of national interest, the grant was disguised as part of its National Automotive Policy initiatives.

Uncle Tony was very careful with his words. He said the Government holds no equity ownership in the project. But nothing was mentioned about whether the Government would contribute financially. After all, the reported paid-up capital constitutes less than 55% of the amount budgeted for the first year.

And my guess is that the annual budget of RM308 million is a purely OPEX budget. What about the proposed Team Headquarters in Sepang, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions, if not over a billion? Who is footing the bill for the infrastructure? As what we've been made aware of, Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd is now wholly-owned by MOF Inc., whereas the circuit is currently owned by Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd, but the call option would mean that the Government would have to buy the circuit latest in 10 years from now.

Rakyat didahulukan via Formula 1?

2009-09-21T14:04:00.001+08:00

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (“FIA”) has, on 15 September 2009, awarded the 13th entry in the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship to a Malaysian team known as Lotus F1 Team, owned by a locally incorporated company known as 1Malaysia F1 Team Sdn Bhd, with the CEO of Now Everyone Can Fly as its Team Principal.

Much hype was created by extensive media reports about its launching by the Prime Minister. Nevertheless, some local media called the team as 1Malaysia F1 Team instead of Lotus F1 Team. Anyway, that’s irrelevant. Nevertheless, the replica of the race car which was presented to the Prime Minister during the launching bears a few “1Malaysia” logo, visible from almost all direction (except from the undercarriage).

FIA has reported that the 1Malaysia motorsports initiatives represent a partnership between the Malaysian Government and a consortium of Malaysian entrepreneurs. Well…looks like the Government is involved again. Hence, taxpayers’ money!

With spin doctors hard at work, many believe that funds would come entirely from the private sector. Someone told me…it’s the money of AirAsia, Naza and Proton combined, not mine and hence, I shouldn’t be bothered. Government is only giving their “moral support”. But I beg to differ.

I guess very few people would disagree that F1 is basically a game meant for rich men. The amount of funds involved in crashing the cars, trashing the specially-designed engines and burning the rubbers and fuel for just a season is beyond the imagination of average joe like me in my lifetime. No doubt F1 is a good R&D ground for carmakers, as innovations of their F1 technical team could be commercialised in their products. Compared to those private owners, carmakers have more reasons to crash, trash and burn. That’s perhaps why ownership of many privately-owned F1 teams changed hands to major carmakers in the recent few years. Among the examples – Honda’s takeover of BAT’s British American Racing, BMW over Peter Sauber’s Sauber Team. Nevertheless, the trend is making a reverse recently with Honda’s exit after selling their team to Ross Brawn. Now, even BMW has announced their exit after the end of 2009 season.

With the exit of 2 renowned carmakers from the game, I wonder how well F1 could suit into the business model and R&D agenda of carmakers focusing on passenger cars. It means absolutely nothing to a car importer/assembler like Naza as their competitive advantage lies in the ability to secure APs and rebadging. But I’m not going to focus on Naza, as there is no public interest involved.

Likewise, Now Everyone Can Fly can splash as much as they could into this 1Malaysia Team as long as they can justify that to their shareholders. I’m not concerned at all.

Instead, I’m more concerned about the involvement of Proton and Sepang International Circuit (“SIC”); ultimately, it’s public funds that we’re talking about.

It was reported that the 1Malaysia Team was a brainchild of none other than the CEO of Now Everyone Can Fly. It’s all about his ambitious dream to set-up an all-Malaysian F1 Team. Rather, is it because of his ambitious dream to be able to walk around the paddock and pit? And when he is unable to do so by himself, he has to drag the whole nation into this rich man toy by offering the Prime Minister opportunity to strengthen his “1Malaysia” brand so as the lame tagline could be in par with Red Bull, Marlboro, AT&T and Fosters?

In the pipeline of this 1Malaysia Team project is the Team’s future headquarters in SIC. As reported, SIC has allocated between 8,000 and 12,000 hectares of land for this purpose, and will be responsible in construction the physical infrastructure for this proposed headquarters, which would involve millions or may be, billions of ringgit.

SIC as a legal entity (i.e. Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd) was formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (“MAHB”), which has been disposed Minister of Finance Incorporated (“MoF Inc”) for RM1 in April 2009 as part of MAHB’s Non-core Disposals. However, the Circuit is still owned by Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (“MASB”), another wholly-owned subsidiary of MAHB. However, as part of the Non-core Disposals, MASB has granted a call option to MoF Inc, requring MASB to sell the Circuit to MoF Inc upon exercise. The call option is exercisable within 10 years, and if it’s not exercised within the call option period, it shall be deemed exercised on the last day of the call option period.

Those who’re old enough might still remember that the Circuit was once bailed-out by Petronas somewhere in 2001. And now, SIC is wholly-owned by MoF Inc. Whether the 1Malaysia Team headquarters will be built using the funds of SIC or MASB is not really a core issue. The core issue is that taxpayers money would probably be involved, considering the equity ownership of SIC and the call option granted by MASB. After all, MASB at present relies on government grant for maintenance and upgrade of the present Circuit…any guarantee that the 1Malaysia Team headquarters would not involve taxpayers money?

Next…Proton’s involvement. I wonder if Proton has the financial capabilities to fund their involvement using internally generated funds, when they rely extensively on the R&D grant from the government to report profits. Take a look at their audited results for the financial years ended 31 March 2008 and 2009. Profit before tax was reported at a decent level of RM144.3 mil in 2008 but turned into loss before tax of RM319.2 mil in 2009. These numbers were arrived after the recognition of R&D grant of RM193.8 mil and RM80.7 mil respectively. Assuming no grant being extended by the Government, Proton would have made losses before tax of RM49.5 mil and RM399.9 mil respectively. Which means, Proton should have made losses before tax for 3 consecutive financial years since 2007!

While renowned carmakers such as Honda and BMW are finding it difficult to sustain in the game due to financial reasons, what makes our Government think that Proton could do better than them, in terms of integrating F1 involvement into the business model of Proton? It’s interesting to note that Proton has presence in only 17 countries as far as export market is concerned, and in almost all of these countries, Proton is never well accepted.

Wonder how much of taxpayers’ money would be disguised as R&D grant in future for Proton to make the 1Malaysia Team a reality?

Transparency is needed. We need to know how much of taxpayers’ money is involved. We want to know the return on investment for the people. We ought to know the opportunity costs.

Otherwise, it appears more like the ambition of one man who wants to join the club of rich man toy, plus the desire of another man who wants to promote his political propaganda as a high-value brand is set to put more average joe in a worse of position.

Rakyat didahulukan or rakyat diperbodohkan?

Standing in the Eyes of the World (2)

2009-09-03T00:17:00.001+08:00

Yet another example of substance overdose. This time round, involving a former high-ranking propaganda master of those walking along the corridors of power.

In fact, the person in question actually stood in the eyes of the world almost 2 years back, at least for those who followed news reports by Al-Jazeera. Yes, he stood up on that historical day on 10 November 2007 as a laughing stock in an international news channel. If you still find the hints inadequate, he is none other than the then Minister of ~~Misinformation~~ Information.

He is alleged to have penned the following:

“Singapore sticks to a Third World democracy despite having a developed world mentality, while Malaysia has a Third World mentality but a developed world democracy.”

With all due respect to my friends in the Little Red Dot, I don’t mean to make fun of Harry Lee’s Third World democracy.

I just find the above statement a little amusing. Since when did Malaysia has a developed world democracy?

If Malaysia embraces a developed world democracy, the following would not happen on 10 November 2007:

(1) Submission of a memorandum on electoral reforms to the HM The King by the people, numbering hundreds of thousands.

(2) Chaos…almost standstill…in Kuala Lumpur.

(3) Dispatch of ambulances by First in First Aid (involving yours truly) to rescue victims of brutality.

(4) Malaysia stood in the eyes of the world as a laughing stock via Al-Jazeera, no thanks to the then Minister of ~~Misinformation~~ Information.

But I would have to agree with him, to a certain extent, when it comes to the statement “Malaysia has a Third World mentality”. Well, look around us, and you shall find some truth to this statement. But that’s because we’re led by leaders with Third World mentality, and unfortunately, the same people are walking along the corridors of power.

Without fail, Third World mentality has been injected into every system; education, civil service, media (largely due to the Ministry of ~~Misinformation~~ Information), enforcement, among others.

Standing in the Eyes of the World

2009-09-01T19:40:00.002+08:00

I know the above is the title of a song popularised by Ella during the 1990s, when Malaysia was still in the state of multiple orgasm. Credits should be given to the lyricist; the words hit accurately onto the softspot (or G-spot?) of those who walk along the corridors of power. With Ella's powerful vocal, the song boosted their ego even further.

But that was history, ever since the emergence of many "buggers"...I mean, a "bugger" with many buggering accusations. No more orgasms, only continuous pain in the ass in the last decade. But that feeling is only felt by commoners. Whereas, those who walk along the corridors of power continue to feel the hangover of substance overdose. And the substance is called "Standing in the Eyes of the World".

Just as the commoners have all forgotten about the "pleasure" we all had more than a decade ago, Alain Robert, a.k.a The French Spiderman sprung into action once more this morning. In his third attempt, he finally made it to the tip of Petronas Tower 2 this morning, attracting the attention from all over the world. Try doing a google search on "Alain Robert" and count the number of news items on this. Petronas Twin Towers, the almost forgotten structure is back in international limelight again. Alain help reminded the international community on the existence of the structures in Kuala Lumpur, once the tallest structure in the world. At least for today, Malaysia stood in the eyes of the world again, thanks to Alain.

Alain deserves more credit than Shah Rukh Khan for this effort. At least, Petronas Twin Towers got some publicity today, all over the world....something that Shah Rukh Khan did not offer to Malaysia. In fact, US border security workers could hardly recognise him, and we expect him to help promote Malaysia???

With that in mind, perhaps a Datukship for Alain? Hahaha!

Distortion of History

2009-08-30T00:50:00.001+08:00

Malaysiakini today published an article summarising the stories of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, as recalled by his son, Tunku Ahmad Nerang Putra.

Some interesting excerpts:

Part 1

He said Tunku Abdul Rahman had retorted: "I don't need the escort, those people behind me (Khir Johari and Jaafar Albar) are good enough."

After resuming the trip, Tunku Abdul Rahman had told those in the car that he had received a letter from Chin Peng (Communist Party of Malaya leader) that gave the assurance on the former's safety and supported his struggle for independence.

Tunku Abdul Rahman had even asked the police and British army not to escort him during his visits to black areas in Johor as he feared the presence of the security forces would endanger his life.

Tunku Ahmad Nerang said in reciprocation, his father had assured the safety of Chin Peng during the Baling Peace Talk 1956.

Part 2

"The train that we were on had to stop at Tapah station as the rail tracks at Tanjong Malim were sabotaged by the communists, forcing us to spend the night on the train".

They only knew the next day that the train was carrying many British soldiers and had come under the communists' threat.

Tunku Abdul Rahman later received a letter from Chin Peng who apologised over the incident as he did not know that Tunku Abdul Rahman was on board the train.

I’ve been trying very hard to finish reading the book “Alias Chin Peng – My Side of History” but never succeeded. Nevertheless, the bits and pieces which I’ve read, to a large extent, appears consistent with the accounts of Tunku Ahmad Nerang.

So different from how we have been taught in schools…that Chin Peng is an evil, Chin Peng is a terrorist, Chin Peng is no better than Osama bin Laden, the list goes on.

To me, both the Tunku and Chin Peng share a common dream, which is to establish a self-governing political system. What sets them apart was their political ideology and methods used in their attempts to achieve that common dream. Between the Tunku and Chin Peng, there was no saint nor devil…both were just men at work and, depending on how you look at it, both should be remembered for their efforts.

One more day before the country commemorate the 52nd National Day, I feel like commenting how facts are distorted over the years.

This is the season where the electronic media regularly plays some irritating patriotic song (no, I’ve nothing against patriotic songs, just that patriotic songs need not appear too military as we’re no communists). Most popular being the one popularised by the late Sudirman.

Accompanying such songs are messages about how much the military forces had sacrificed in order for the country to achieve its independence.

Hello?

Let’s do some analytical procedures…or in exact, reasonableness test. Between 1 April 1946 and 31 January 1948, Malaya was a British Colony. Whereas, it became more like a British Protectorate between 1 February 1948 and 30 August 1957. Hence, it was the British who was the political masters before we achieved self-governance through a PEACEFUL process. In the process, there were activists in both the right wing and the left wing; the former were friendlier to the Brits while the latter weren’t. The Brits were successful in clipping the wings of most leftists, leaving only the CPM as a potent force…probably due to their guerrilla capabilities dated back to the Japanese occupation days.

Hence, the fights during the Malayan Emergency were basically Brits vs Commies, and that coincides the beginning of Cold War. The Royal Malay Regiment was then a regiment of the British Army then. Obviously they were involved in the fights along with their “imported” counterparts, to protect British interest in Malaya. Of course the Brits wouldn’t want to see themselves being sent off unceremoniously with the hoisting of red flags in Malaya, as that would mean that they would lose their Sime Darby, Guthrie and the like for good.

No doubt, many local soldiers were wounded, some died while fighting against the Commies. But that was because they were fighting to protect British interest, not fighting for independence.

After all, our country did not gain independence through a war, but rather, through the wisdom of our founding fathers, Tunku et. al., who managed to achieve common dream through a very diplomatic way.

Considering the fact that the Tunku felt safer without security escort, as well as the assurance and apologies of Chin Peng as told by Tunku Ahmad Nerang, it shows that the Commies were only going against the Brits and not the whole Malaya as how it has been painted always through propaganda and education.

Please do not over-glorify those decorated veterans by elevating them to the status of George Washington. Malaya’s independence has got nothing to do with them as it involves no military campaign.

Malaysians aren’t stupid…we don’t deserve to be fooled in that manner.

Happy National Day!

Stupid!

2009-08-28T16:46:00.002+08:00

Stumbled upon something funny at the first glance. On second thought, I sympatise her family but not her. Read this:

Meanwhile, the same paper reported that a fan by the name of Kiki had threatened to take her own life after learning about Lau’s relationship with Chu.

“I am not strong enough to accept the fact. The only thing that can console me is for me to take own life so that you won’t forget me.

“I hate you! Go get married! My life would be your wedding gift,” said the fan whose comment was posted on an official website.

Ms. Kiki...to begin with, does the celebrity in question knows you personally? If the celebrity in question choose not to marry his partner, do you think he would ever consider marrying you? And do you think by taking your own life, the celebrity in question would remember you? What's the point of remembering you after your death? Do you get anything from taking your own life...I mean after you're dead? And giving your life away as a wedding gift...wow...an expensive wedding gift would perhaps costs a few thousand dollars....you mean your life is that cheap?

To acknowledge that her life is that cheap is an insult to her parents...and here you're, you have Ms. Kiki who is insulting her own parents whom would have spend all their savings in raising her.

I pity and I sympatise her parents...looks like the celebrity in question means a lot more to her than anything else, including her own parents.

To her and everyone else like her in this world, I just have a word to say..."STUPID!"

Technocrats as Bureaucrats

2009-08-28T10:40:00.002+08:00

Of course it's ideal. We need the best and brightest with vast experience to lead the nation. I trust technocrats more than career politicians with limited experience in areas besides instigating racial hatred, buying grassroots support, milking hard-earned taxpayers' money, among others.

We've seen technocrats being made as full ministers before, but what happen to them now? Don't have to go deep into history books. Zaid Ibrahim and Amirsham Abdul Aziz are good examples...recent enough.

Are those walking along the corridors of power willing to work closely with technocrats and prepared to face constructive criticisms in a professional manner? Well, if you want to get the best out of these technocrats, you have to change.

I don't know if we should congratulate Idris Jala. Instead, I wish him the very best of luck.

"Am I Fat?" (2)

2009-08-12T16:44:00.002+08:00

Fat Lady: Am I fat?
Respondent: Yes...
Fat Lady: Please tell me I'm not! You should tell me I'm not! I strongly urge you to tell me I'm not!

Those who've been following closely to the ongoing poll in the "News Portal" a.k.a. RTM 2.0, I believe you know what I'm trying to say.

"Am I Fat?"

2009-08-07T13:03:00.004+08:00

It was just yesterday that I realised the existence of the Home Ministry's "News Portal" (http://www.ikdn.gov.my). "News Portal"...hahaha...big words, but I guess it's just a narrower, Internet version of RTM. I'm sure everyone could guess how I came across this "News Portal"; no prizes for guessing it right.

Apparently, the "News Portal" has been running online surveys since June 2009. The online surveys, touches on issues surrounding the Ministry's responsibilities and juristictions, lasted between 7 and 14 days each. Results of the survey are published in the website.

I don't find the responses unusual; it is the questions which I find it rather amusing. Take a look at one example - a set of questions in the survey between 20 and 28 July 2009, complete with the response.

97% of the respondents felt unsafe. While the response wasn't surprising at all, I'm quite amazed that people in the Home Ministry actually need to run an online survey to get an answer.

Isn't it obvious that crime rate is escalating? I'm sure the Home Ministry has access to all the relevant statistics from the Police, so do you still need to run an online survey to ask the obvious?

In fact, I would expect the Home Ministry to be asking more intelligent questions to the Police, such as:
(1) Success rates in solving criminal cases. If the rates are decreasing, why?
(2) Ageing profile of open cases. For long outstanding open cases, why? What are the action plans to expedite the resolution of such cases?
(3) For petty cases in hotspots, what are the preventive measures being considered and executed?

Towards the end of this survey you smell some attempt to justify - the same old "it wasn't me / it wasn't my fault" stunt. Yes, crime is a global issue, but again, the severity varies from one jurisdiction to another. Never in history that our people feel so unsafe walking along the streets of Kuala Lumpur after sunset. Besides, leaving a laptop in the car is not a concern or issue in Singapore, but it's a great deal in our country. Why is that so? I'm sure the Home Ministry has the answer.

Home Ministry, it's silly to ask the obvious. It's like a fat lady asking you "Am I fat?"!

Aimless Roadblocks

2009-07-31T14:55:00.002+08:00

Implemented during the eve of Bersih Rally way back in November 2007. Later re-implemented for 3 days prior to the Hindraf Rally in the same month. Since, it has become part of the Police's SOP whenever a mass gathering is planned - all they do is to setup round-the-clock roadblocks on mainroads leading towards the city; merging the already congested 3-lane roads into 1.

Locations of such roadblocks are standard - Jalan Cheras (in front of the BHP Station after Taman Midah), Jalan Sungei Besi (near the old Airport), Jalan Damansara (Sprint Damansara Link, in front of the Shell Station opposite Section 16), Jalan Duta exit of the North-South Expressway, Federal Highway (near KGNS or Batu Tiga toll) and many more.

Driving to work this morning was hell, no thanks to such roadblocks, as there'll be 2 simultaneous rallies tomorrow.

As usual, they merged 3 lanes into 1, forcing all cars to move to the extreme right. They placed about 5 to 10 personnel standing close to the cars while they're criss-crossing. Not too sure what is their real intention but it took me 10 minutes to complete a short stretch which would usually take me less than 20 seconds. I mean, can they read from my face and my car if I'm going to participate in the planned rally tomorrow? Do you think I'm heading to the rally points like 30 hours before it is scheduled to start?

What exactly are they trying to achieve out of these roadblocks?

Hence, the abovementioned title for this blog entry.

From past experience, the Police with the help from mainstream media would spin the dissatisfaction of the public arising from the congestion and blame it on those rallies. It was protrayed that, if not because of the rallies, there would be no congestion. I beg to differ. The congestion is solely caused by the roadblocks, and I don't see a linkage between the roadblocks and the planned rallies. Let's put it this way, I'm a taxpayer and I expect public service of high quality in exchange of the taxes that I paid each year. I pay taxes for convenience, and not the opposite!

Police, your job is to make sure quality delivery of public service relevant to your scope. So that all of us could travel smoothly and safely to work. You're also expected to guarantee the safety of those who choose to participate in the rallies. Don't do unnecessary things which is irrelevant; by doing so, you're just going to cause problems to the public and as such, you fail in your duty!

p/s Imagine...massive traffic jam created by these roadblocks would also slow down the response time of emergency services such as ambulance and fire. Who is going to be responsible for any death caused by delays in resposne?

CPR vs Publicity

2009-07-24T15:17:00.001+08:00

Before I go into what I wish to comment, I pray for the speedy recovery of this distinguished person who collapsed yesterday. She is indeed among the most creative and talented Malaysians, and I admire her efforts in promoting unity in multi-culturalism through arts. Get well soon, Yasmin Ahmad.

Now... the main course. Main course today is about a young Dato' in the local entertainment scene; she was once a Goodwill Ambassador of the Malaysian affiliate of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. I read with slight disbelief two news reports in English this morning, on mainstream media and alternative media respectively. Both reported that the young Dato', together with a physician, have administered CPR to the victim. Perhaps I jumped into conclusion too early; she could have been misquoted. After all, we all know her level of proficiency in English - this fan of "Winnie the Poh-Oh" had great difficulty differentiating between "dimple" and "nipple". It's better if I rely on Malay media instead. A Malay news report that follows quoted her saying:

"Kami memutuskan untuk membaringkan Yasmin ke lantai kerana ketika itu Yasmin seperti sesak nafas dan tercungap-cungap."
"Siti dan Dr. Rohaya memberikan bantuan pernafasan dan saya cuba menekan-nekan dada Yasmin selepas itu. Kemudian dia dibawa ke hospital dan apa yang ajaibnya, setibanya Yasmin di hospital dia mula memberi tindak balas dan boleh bernafas."

Hence, my observations are as follows:

The victim appeared to have difficulty in breathing. Important point to note - DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING. Means, she was still breathing, right?
Based on how I understand from the news reports, the victim wasn't fully conscious, but I doubt her GCS was 3/15 either.
There was nothing "ajaib" (miraculous) at all if the victim could breath in the hospital. I suppose she was breathing all along, although with diffuculties.

A victim who presents the signs and symptoms as reported in the news would definitely require oxygen therapy. The use of airway adjunct may be required, depending on situations. Nevertheless, the fan of "Winnie the Poh-Oh" may not have all these readily available for her to administer to the victim at TV3. Knowing how to administer them is another issue.

But...you don't resuscitate victims if they are not suffering from cardiac arrest / respiratory arrest, hence you don't administer CPR. CPR is a combination of expired air resuscitation and external chest compression, and combination of the 2 techniques creates an artificial respiration and circulation. Although impaired, if the respiratory and circulatory systems have not failed, there is no need to create artiticial respiration and circulation! Of course, first aiders are thought to be prepared for the worst to come...but you don't act as if the worst has come when it has not. Nevertheless, it's imperative to ensure the victim's airway is maintained open.

Then, one of the following could be true:

This fan of "Winnie the Poh-Oh" was misquoted. That's to give her the benefit of the doubt la. After all, she could have responded to the press in English.
She could be one of those incompetent first aider that we've all seen. Wrong diagnosis, poor knowledge, being too nervous etc. etc. - we've seen too many, it's all possible. But then again, there was a physician on call at scene. Could be the physician's mistake instead.
She lied in return for publicity.

MACC

2009-07-18T15:20:00.001+08:00

I enjoy revealing and upholding the truth, and I’ve many times considered a career in enforcement. When I say enforcement, I’m referring to an investigative role. Please don’t get me wrong…I don’t fancy over-dressing in a pair of loud and elaborate uniform (often paired with think moustache and a big belly), walking around town issuing parking tickets and intimidating hawkers.

Throughout my 8 years in audit, I encountered 4 crossroads. My first encounter coincides with the expansion of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department; as they were actively hiring accounting graduates at a premium, it came across my mind to enrol in the Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police programme. Eventually I didn’t, as I thought Great Place to Work was still a great place to work then.

My fourth encounter, on the other hand, coincides with the then Prime Minister’s announcement on a complete revamp of the then Anti-Corruption Agency (“ACA”). Statements over statements by Pak Lah sounded very promising. About creating a new, completely independent anti-corruption establishment answerable directly to the Federal Parliament. About modelling the set-up and work practices after the famous Independent Commission Against Corruption (“ICAC”) of Hong Kong. About elevating the human capital by employing 6,000 professionals with relevant academic qualifications and experience as investigators.

The hype created by the then Prime Minister excites me a little, to the extent that I paid lotsa attention to the creation of what is known today as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (“MACC”), with the interest of joining them as an investigator. Subsequent statements brought me back to the reality…that any the shift from ACA to MACC wasn’t an overhaul, let alone a revamp. It was merely a rebranding exercise, or you can call it a facelift if you wish to (personally I think the term “facelift” is an overstatement).

It was a sloppy rebranding after all. When Telekom Malaysia decided to rebrand themselves (with a new logo and a new “TM” brand) back in 2005, there was a feel good factor all around. They played excerpts of Keane’s “Everybody’s Changing” accompanying their messages on electronic media, giving us all a feel that you can expect better services from those sitting in Menara Pucuk Rebung. Do you have such feel when MACC was officially launched in early 2009? I don’t. All that came to my mind was SSDD – same shit, different day.

Perhaps I was wrong about SSDD. That kind of shit that we see in MACC appears to be worse than the ACA days. At least I’ve not heard about fatality in ACA’s office in the past. Into the seventh month since the creation of MACC, someone just died after being interrogated by their investigators. Note that this fatal case was preceded by a string of allegations against their working practices – threats, physical and verbal abuse, insensitive remarks, fabricating evidence, selective efficiency/inefficiency, so on and so forth.

The latest fiasco affecting MACC is indeed a shame to the establishment, the Federal Government and the country. The reaction of those politicians from both the divide is indeed predictable. Being sceptical of MACC’s role all along, it’s difficult to expect the Pakatan camp to be calm, especially when the victim comes from their circle. If the Pakatan’s claims are true, that perhaps explains why the defensive approach of some from the Barisan camp. Of course, not all of them are emotional or irrational. In this case, the response from Tan Seng Giaw and Khairy Jamaluddin appears to be more objective and reasonable; I see them as not being driven by emotions. Notwithstanding, a thorough investigation by independent and professional investigators is vital. Unfortunately, I’m not too certain if those tasked with the responsibilities to investigate this case possess both the abovementioned qualities. I’m sceptical myself too.

Being apolitical, I thought about the case critically and objectively, after a thorough reading based on articles on mainstream media, as well as alternative media such as Malaysiakini and Malaysian Insider. I have the following questions:

(1) I understand that the enforcer of criminal law is trying to rule out foul play. Ruling out foul play, to a large extent, is to bring in the element of suicide. If it was a pure suicide without any element of abuse or foul play, how come the trousers of the victim was torn? Bear in mind, it was not a small tear like what we all have in our pair of “rugged jeans”. The tear was quite a long one at the hip region, as shown in the picture on Malaysiakini…to the extent that the pair of boxers that he was wearing was clearly exposed. That reminds me of my shallow knowledge of lifting an adult…a strong grip on the hip region is important.

(2) He is believe to be a witness, not a suspect. He was brought there to MACC to facilitate investigation, not to be interrogated. Reasonably speaking, there was no wrongdoing at his part, but it was believed that he had access to key evidence to prove the wrongdoing of someone else. In that case, what motivated him to commit suicide? If he was a suspect, he could have ended his life to hide facts about himself. But ending his life to hide facts about others?

(3) MACC claimed that he was released at 0345 hours on that not-so-fateful day. Eye witnesses last saw him in MACC’s office at 0600 hours. Nobody could tell his whereabouts between 0600 hours and 1330 hours. I wonder if he has in fact been released at 0600 hours when eye witnesses last saw him in one piece. Or was it the case that he was just taking a break from the “interview” at 0600 hours (just like another witness who last saw him when he was on his way to answer nature call). I recall my various experience giving caution statements to the IO in police stations. Towards the end of the interview, their SOP requires me to read the records in detail and they’ll make me to sign on the records if I believe the records are correct and complete. If the victim was indeed released at 0345 hours, I believe he would have signed on some documents; that could be an evidence that he was ever being released by MACC before the not-so-fateful incident took place.

(4) MACC is a high profile enforcement agency. I’m sure their offices are gazetted as high security area…where you can’t even get near to it, let alone entering it without a valid F14 pass. It is reasonable to expect that such a high security area is fitted with state-of-the-art security features. I personally don’t think that CCTV is anything close to state-of-the-art, hence I’m relatively surprise to note remarks that the not-so-fateful place is not fitted with CCTV. Of course, it appears that the spokesperson was non-committal in his answer when asked about CCTV. Come on, don’t tell me that personnel working in that office doesn’t know whether CCTV is fitted in that office or otherwise. Such question, I would even expect a tea lady to be able to answer.

(5) In the aftermath, another witness called in by MACC on the same day as the victims (one of the eye witness at 0600 hours) claimed that the was coerced to “tell the truth”. Is it so difficult to prove a transaction for 1,500 flags, so difficult that elements of threat and abuse have to be employed? MACC investigators, if you have difficulty proving a transaction worth just a few thousand ringgit, let me, an ex-Audit Manager, do some national service and give you a bit of coaching in this area. Of course, I can’t help anything more than auditing transactions, and you don’t find me of good help if your motive goes beyond proving a legitimate transaction.

Notwithstanding the politically motivated accusations against MACC, it appears to me that they’re far from being professional. If the image of ICAC of Hong Kong, as portrayed by film makers and TVB is indeed true, I think it takes a paradigm shift before MACC could even reach that level.

If the policymakers are indeed serious about having a highly professional MACC, I’m not too sure if any amount of retraining for the present group would help. If there’re any political will initiate a complete revamp on MACC for the betterment of the country, do consider changing the reporting line, and of course, replace the human resources with better and professionally trained individuals. Big 4 churns out a few hundred accountants with various level of experience in detecting fraud and control irregularities each year. Do consider them. After all, Big 4 is very multi racial, so you don’t have to worry about deviating from the concept of 1Malaysia etc.

Guinea pigs

2009-07-08T19:52:00.001+08:00

Our education policy changes rapidly – but the changes do not reflect any detailed research and study before implementation. Rather, it’s more like a trial-and-error stunt. It’s so ironic that any so-called revamps could be undone within years.

It’s like…well, we need to change because of this benefit and that benefit. Few years into the implementation, the earlier change was reversed in its entirely. Looks like the earlier change was a bad move. I wonder if there was any empirical evidence to support the benefits of change before it was implemented. If yes, those behind the so-called empirical evidence should be whacked. If not, those responsible in the policy change without detailed research ought to be shot.

Look, education is a serious matter…it’s about the future of the country. You can’t just make popular or unpopular decisions according to your whims and fancies. You should not treat our pupils as guinea pigs. It’s their future that we’re talking about!

And…I learned something new about the country’s system of government today. I thought the Education Minister, in his capacity as a member of the executive branch, reports to the Prime Minister, which in turn, is responsible to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and other branches of the Federal Government. But looks like the Education Minister now has a reporting line to a former Prime Minister who doesn’t belong to any branches of the Federal Government. I couldn’t find a better phrase to describe the occurrence if you don’t think it’s ironic.

Windows Live Writer

2009-07-04T18:11:00.001+08:00

If it wasn’t because of the virus attack on my laptop, I would not come across this programme. Well…let’s see if it would make blog posting much easier than the conventional method.

Let’s see if it works well…

Happy St. John's Day

2009-06-24T01:00:00.002+08:00

Remember the righteousness of John son of Zachariah (Yahya ibn Zakariyya).
Remember the courage and compassion of the Knights Hospitaller.
Remember our ideals towards the service of mankind.
Remember to wish your comrades in service today - Happy St. John's Day.

Saint John (Nabi Yahya), son of Saint Zachariah (Nabi Zakariyya), was the maternal cousin of Jesus (Nabi Isa). As a mission preacher, he is believed to have lived austerely, challenged sinful rulers, calling for repentance, and promising God's justice.

It was recorded that Mary (Maryam) conceived Jesus when Elizabeth was about six months pregnant. It is based on this account that the Catholic calendar placed the feast of John on 24 June, 6 months ahead of Christmas.

The Knights Hospitaller regard John the Baptist as their patron saint, as the first hospital built by them to treat and care for pilgrims in Jerusalem was built on the site of the monastery of John the Baptist. From a hospital, the Knights Hospitaller became a military order during the Crusade and the rest is history. It was later revived in the 19th century as The Most Venerable Order of the St. John of Jerusalem (or simply known as The Order of St. John), now a British-based royal order of chivalry. Nevertheless, the service of mankind as championed by The Order of St. John is no longer being carried out by The Order itself, but via 2 organisations that The Order has founded...i.e. St. John Ambulance (with presence in 39 countries) and St. John Ophthalmic Hospital (in Jerusalem).

Hence, 24 June...the Nativity of Saint John (Hari Keputeraan Nabi Yahya) is commemorated as St. John's Day by The Order of St. John, including the organisations that The Order has help founded.

p/s John the Baptist should not be confused with Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (John Baptist de La Salle, 1651-1719) a French priest and educationist who founded the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools (a.k.a. De La Salle Brothers), where the La Sallian educational institutions in many parts of the world are affiliated with. The name "St. John's" carried by that school located at Bukit Nanas in Kuala Lumpur was named after the founder of De La Salle Brothers...not Saint John (Nabi Yahya).

Go for it, and do us proud

2009-06-19T00:29:00.005+08:00

Throughout my 18-odd-years of association with First in First Aid, 2009 is indeed a special year for us in Wilayah Persekutuan. To my best knowledge, 2009 marked the very first time representatives from Wilayah Persekutuan were chosen to bear the country's flag...to compete against the representatives from the Little Red Dot in the Biennial Malaysia-Singapore First Aid and Home Nursing Competition.Our schoolgirls from Cochrane Road School, alongside other volunteers and schoolboys from Johor and Perak, will be competing against the Singaporean volunteers and schoolchildren this weekend in Singapore. I'm happy to be able to help shaped this group of schoolgirls as one of their trainers...to prepare them for the National-level Competition last month, as well as for this weekend's attempt against the Singaporeans.

Of course, the schoolgirls from Cochrane Road School have set another record for their school after being declared as category champion during the National-level Competition last month. The best result previously ever attained by Cochrane at the National-level was category runners-up...but that was 15 years ago. Yours truly, then a fourth former in Cochrane, was one of the participants then.

Travelling, food and lodging expenses for the girls are all provided for by the National Headquarters of First in First Aid. Of course, there're also incidental expenses that needs to be taken care of...and they're all funded by my version of PFI - Private Financing Initiatives. This is to avoid too much of a burden to the organisation. The hat has been passed around, and I am glad that the response from some of our Officers in Wilayah Persekutuan was very encouraging. Using the funds raised, we made everyone an apparel that they can prouly flash around.

Front zip...something unconventional as far as First in First Aid is concerned

Inspired by our UK counterparts

Back design - 3 variants depending on roles

The global outbreak of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 remains a great concern to date, at at time of writing, I was informed that Singapore has 77 confirmed cases. Definitely, we are not taking any chances. Protection and good personal hygiene is vital and everyone from Wilayah Persekutuan (including supporters) travelling to Singapore this weekend will be supplied with a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and plenty of 3-ply surgical masks...to be carried with them wherever they go.

It's important to sanitize our hands regularly, especially before touching the eyes, nose or mouth

Sometimes it difficult to avoid entering crowded areas...it's safer to have 3-ply surgical masks readily available

Total costs in making all of the above available for us in Wilayah Persekutuan amounted to approximately RM818. As it's all funded via PFI, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the contributers for their positive response towards my appeals, as follows:

(1) Dr. Loi Kheng Min, Principal Staff Officer (Administration) - RM200

(2) Mr. Michael Yeow Kiew Meng, Regional Superintendent (Operations) - RM100

(3) Mr. Andy Choo Chen Keong, Regional Staff Officer (Examinations) - RM200

(4) Mr. Wang Siew Hong, Hon. Regional Secretary - RM150

(5) Yours truly, the underwriter of the PFI - approximately RM168

To the girls, go for it and do us proud.

If I were a mechanic...

2009-06-18T18:13:00.002+08:00

I report to work, only to find out that the garage doesn't have essential tools for engine servicing and such. I query the foreman, and was asked to bear with it for the moment. Left without choice, I brought my own toolbox from home everyday. This routine continues and the foreman feels everything is all right as I'm able to service the cars everyday, without noticing that I've been using my own tools everyday. Come to a point, I think it doesn't make sense to cart my toolbox wherever I go...so I reminded everyone that the garage should be equipped with tools. Fair enough? No! I got reprimanded.

From simple servicing job, garage owner wanna go into providing all sorts of services, including paint job, tinting of windows, engine modification, installation of in-car entertainment system etc. Without realising that he doesn't even have the most basic tools for engine servicing in the garage, he started advertising all the new services. Obviously we don't have enough pairs of hands in the garage to do so many things. It's time to hire more people. Garage owner wanted top performers from high-end service centres, but only willing to pay the amount equivalent to the lowest paid mechanic in a road-side, "Ah Kow" type of garage. Obviously the garage owner failed to hire any. Concerned about our inability to meet the expectations, I voiced it out. But foreman say it's okay to turn our customers away...as they'll understand that we don't have enough pairs of hands to do so many things. Not convinced, I questioned the foreman if this would mean we're going to anger our recurring customers. Foreman became defensive and screwed me.

Dress Regulation Tutorial 2: Beret

2009-06-02T19:15:00.014+08:00

A beret is a soft round cap with a flat crown. Although it is traditionally associated with France, beret has now become a component of the uniforms of many armed forces, paramilitary forces and civilian organisations.

The soft crown of a beret can be shaped in a variety of ways. Notwithstanding, it is usually pulled to the right, with the insignia positioned above the left eye. This convention is followed in Malaysia. Some examples:

Members of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (commonly referred to as "First in First Aid" in this blog) in black beret.

Personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces (various regiments/corps of the Malaysian Army and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, as seen in this photograph) in beret of "assorted colours" as determined by the respective domicile units.

Beret has features that makes it very attractive to many uniformed organisations, although it does not offer any protection for the face against sun and rain. It's lightweight, and it can be rolled up and stuffed into a pocket without damage. Beret offers the convenience to its wearer not found in many other kinds of headgear, and it is a good choice for field duties.

It is for this reason that the leadership of First in First Aid in Malaysia decided to replace the standard headgear of all members from forage cap (male) / nursing veil (female) to beret effective 1 December 2007. While the older headgear was abandoned in its entirely in the voluntary service, they're still being worn by the cadets.

Officers in First in First Aid, on the other hand, are required to wear berets on Uniform No. 2 during operational duties while retaining the peaked cap (male) / bowler's hat (female) for use in all other events requiring the wearing of Uniform No. 2. In another word, berets are to be used by officers only when they're engaged in operational duties. For a grassroot officer like me, it is natural that I'll be using my beret more than my peaked cap because I'm mostly engaged on the field.

Yours truly, standing-by at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on 1 February 2008 during the Federal Territories Day celebration.

During events like the recent National First Aid and Home Nursing Competition (30 and 31 May 2009), I'm expected to attend with the peaked cap. Similarly, bowler's hat is expected for my female counterparts. Members continue to wear beret, being their one and only headgear.

It would be nice...if and only if the people in First in First Aid are all teachable. Unfortunately, many aren't.

Just 3o and 31 May 2009 alone, there were too many of our officers who came with the wrong headgear. Trust me, many of them are serial offenders.

Unimpressed with Now Everyone Can Fly...AGAIN

2009-05-04T23:30:00.002+08:00

If I'm asked to name an organisation in Malaysia that has consistently been pissing me off, it has to be Now Everyone Can Fly. They've been provoking my anger occasionally, since 16 September 2006. Today, Now Everyone Can Fly provoked me again. As promised, I've raised a complaint (Serial No. GSM09E08715), as follows:

My travelling schedule this week is abnormally tight, having to travel to the southern Peninsular, followed by Sabah, and later to the northern Peninsular, all in a matter of a week. I thought the web check-in feature offered by AirAsia would help reduce some anxiety but I’m proven wrong.

I’m scheduled to depart KLIA LCCT to Sandakan on 6 May 2009 at 7.15AM via AK5160. To avoid any morning rush, I decided to do an early check-in via the website this afternoon, just before I started my journey to the south. It makes sense to check-in early, since I’ll be heading straight to KLIA-LCCT from my southern location on 6 May 2009, early morning. It’s good that AirAsia allows web check-in as early as 48 hours before departure time. With a boarding pass in hand, I don’t have to rush when the sky is still dark.

All enthusiasm about your web check-in system soon turned into disappointment and anger...all within 4 hours.

Circa 3.15PM on 4 May 2009, I managed to complete my web check-in process...it was a breeze. But it soon turned into a disaster when the online boarding passes failed to load. I tried accessing the system again and found out that the seats have been confirmed, but the online boarding passes wouldn’t appear for another time; hence there is no way that I could print them.

A call to your call centre (03-21719333) circa 5.00PM confirms it. I was told that there is no way to retrieve the online boarding passes for another time, and I must obtain a duplicate from the airport check-in counter itself. Well, I appreciate the honesty of your colleague at the call centre.

As I was travelling on the road, heading south of Kuala Lumpur, I thought I should make a stop at KLIA-LCCT to get hold of the duplicate copy of boarding passes. Called your call centre once more when that idea struck my mind to confirm if I could obtain the boarding passes for AK5160 from the airport today. Your colleague replied me with an affirmative and hence, I proceed to KLIA-LCCT to ensure I have the boarding passes in hand ahead of 6 May 2009.

At the airport, a ground staff directed me to Counter 68 at the domestic departure hall to get a reprint. The queue at Counter 68 wasn’t really moving and within minutes, I was greeted by one En. Ainnur Yaqin from the Baggage Drop-off Counter. I explained my problem to him and he immediately replied that he could help me...so I proceed to his desk. Just when he was about to check my flight details, there was a sudden blackout of all the computers around his area. He apologises and requested that I take a short walk to the “S” Counters at the International Departure Hall to get my boarding passes. As an assurance, he provided me his full name and initialised on my travel itinerary.

Pleased with En. Ainnur Yaqin’s response, I proceed to the “S” Counters as requested. There, I spoke to another ground staff, who brought me to one of the counters and handed my request to another colleague of hers. Instead, the latter informed me that she could not fulfil my request because boarding passes could only be printed on the date of departure. She couldn’t provide me an answer when asked; her best reply was “COMPANY POLICY”.

Well, I don’t quite understand why exactly a reprint of boarding passes is not possible when I could check-in 48 hours before the departure time. She keeps insisting that web check-in is different from counter check-in, without giving any reasons. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I doubt that AirAsia has 2 different systems that are not integrated to each other.

At this point, my level of tolerance was already running low. I couldn’t understand why her words could be so inconsistent with the words of En. Ainnur Yaqin and your colleagues at the call centre. At this juncture, she refused to entertain me further and asked me to see her supervisor instead. Well, I feel it’s only right for someone else to come and see me at that juncture; not the other way round, and I’ve had enough of being directed here and there.

She walked away and spoke to her supervisor by the name of Mr. Mariapan Muthiayah. I waited for a while before finally being approached by Mr. Mariapan Muthiayah. I have to explain my problem to him once more (seventh time in within 4 hours), and he swiftly told me that my request cannot be entertained, again, due to “COMPANY POLICY”. Feeling dejected, I explained to him once more why I insist on having the boarding passes in hand ahead of 6 May 2009. And I reiterated my opinion that I couldn’t see why the boarding passes cannot be issued to me today when it could be issued via the web. Without giving me a reason, Mr. Mariapan Muthiayah insist that I could still appear at the airport at 6.45AM on 6 May 2009 to get the boarding passes reprinted before I board the flight. I reasoned with him that arriving only at 6.45AM without the boarding passes would be too risky, as I’ve had experience being turned away by AirAsia in the past. Imagine...what if the queue at the check-in counters on that morning is long? A 15-minute wait at the queue is enough to give AirAsia an excuse to throw me out of the flight. He responded by saying that I’m just assuming, and I shouldn’t be assuming that the queue would be long. I asked him if he could give me an assurance that the queue would not be long. As expected, he was not able to do so.

By now, I know that it makes no sense for me to prolong that conversation (or argument) with Mr. Mariapan Muthiayah. Perhaps he is right that it’s the “COMPANY POLICY” that doesn’t permit him to meet my request. Nevertheless, I recorded my dissatisfaction to him, and I have the following questions to AirAsia, which I expect a prompt reply: -

(1) While En. Ainnur Yaqin and your call centre colleagues informed me that an early reprint of boarding passes is possible, why the inconsistency with the statement of Mr. Mariapan Muthiayah and your colleagues at “S” Counter?

(2) Why an early reprint of boarding passes at the airport is not possible when it is already been made available for printing on the web?

(3) Why is there a need to restrict the access to online boarding passes more than once?

To summarise it all, I’m totally unimpressed and disappointed with AirAsia. If this is the best that AirAsia could offer, I need to reconsider if I should continue to patronise your services. It makes no sense to be treated that way for airfares which are not that cheap after all.

Beyond Unplugged

2009-02-25T23:45:00.003+08:00

My growing up years were partly influenced by Beyond. That explains my interests in rock and alternative music. And some dislike on commercial pop...particularly the "emo" type. It's worse if a touch of boyband is added.

Circa 16 years back, Beyond made a 1-night unplugged performance each in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. I used to have both the audio cassette and VHS of this unplugged performance...but both went missing. I've also sent the last VHS player at home to the museum, and has long abandoned the cassette player in my car.

Came across some clips on Youtube recently...reminds me of the good old days. For those who've not listened to the unplugged version of Beyond's signature compositions, hope you enjoy.

真的愛你 (Blues version) - paying tribute to mothers.

不再猶豫 - reminding us not to hesitate if we are determined to achieve success.

Have been searching high and low for a CD and a DVD of this unplugged performance. If you have an idea or a hint, please let me know. Thanks.

Stretching it too far

2009-02-17T14:30:00.003+08:00

Looks like the prediction of some political commentators are coming true. Perak is done, of course with lotsa drama and anger. Commentators pointed that Kedah and Selangor is next, simply because it's too difficult to shake Kelantan and Penang.

A Kedah State EXCO cum Assemblyman alleged that he has continuously been harassed and coerced for switching camps. Thereafter, he relinquished all his position...and there were talks about some "marriage scandal" involving him. If I were to match the bits and pieces obtained from different sources (mainstream media and alternative media), I presume that he was offered a carrot or a stick. He refused the carrot, so he got the stick instead...and the stick consists of threats and harassments. Well...who knows he was threatened with some evidence linking him with scandals etc. I guess...he quitted and ran into hiding so as there's no reason for anyone to offer him carrot or stick anymore...and eventually, whatever scandal that's tagged to his face would have no more news value when he's no longer critical or valuable to whoever's agenda.

Latest...we have another alleged scandal implicating a Selangor State EXCO cum Assemblywoman. Unlike her Kedah counterpart, the so-called scandal that's tagged to her is exposed...widely publicised. Is this another carrot or stick situation, where she refused the carrot, she got the stick in the form implicating her to a scandal?

Again, let's match the bits and pieces together. Media exposed about the existence of some nude pictures of her. It was reported that she appears to be sleeping. She did not use the same trick applied by Lingam (looks like me, sounds like me, but it's not me)...whereas she swiftly admitted it was her in the pictures but they were snapped without her knowledge and consent.

So that's clearly an intrusion of privacy, assuming my understanding above is accurate and complete. I just don't see what's so wrong with her. It's no different as compared to any situation if anyone peeps you while you're peeing or bathing. So if someone peeps me while I'm bathing after a workout in the gym, it that my fault? Worse still, if he decides to snap a few pictures of me standing naked in the shower room without my knowledge and consent, is that my fault? It's him that should be condemned....not me.

Right...some may say...why are you sleeping naked with another man in the room? The fact that she's single means she is most likely engaged in pre-marital sex. So what's the big deal? That's her choice...in fact, all matured adult do have a choice as far as sexuality is concerned. Whether to maintain your chastity until your wedding night or to fulfil your sexual needs ahead of any marriage commitments...it's purely a personal choice as either way, you don't contravene any provisions of the law.

Today, she offered to quit. Although I feel she doesn't have to as she did nothing wrong, I respect her for making such offer. It's clear that she didn't want the situation to be further sensationalised at the expense of her party. Well...that's a good, unselfish team player.

Look at the timing of these fiasco in Perak, Kedah and Selangor...issues after issues erupts one after another in a mere span of 3 weeks. And in a few weeks more, we shall witness a leadership transition at Federal level over many uncertainties and dissatisfactions. Can anyone really deny a conspiracy theory? I guess the upcoming leadership transition may not be the same as 31 October 2003. There's no feel good factor around, within the small political circle and beyond. Is the fiasco that we're facing today a result of concerted efforts to stimulate some of those within the small political circle into orgasm, so as to create some feel good factor to avoid untoward incidents during the transition?

To be honest, the politicking we're witnessing today has been stretched a little too far. General Election is done and over for almost a year. Both camps have been given a fair share of mandate by the people. Hence, please respect the mandate of the people.

I look at it in a very simple manner. As a citizen, I enjoy public goods and services provided by the Government, but I don't get them for free...I have to pay for what I enjoy...and that's what we called taxes. Also, I get to choose the people I prefer to helm the Government once every 5 years. This is as good as a situation where I'm a shareholder of a company whose principal activity is to serve its shareholders by providing certain goods and services for a price. As I enjoy the goods and services, I pay. But I get to also elect the Directors in the AGM.

How would you feel, as a shareholder, when the Directors and management personnel in your company keep fighting among themselves to the extent they've failed to focus on service delivery and quality of goods? What delivered to you is substandard but you're still expected to pay the full price. Well, Directors...be very clear...the shareholders gave you the mandate to run the Company and not to fight among yourselves. As long as the mandate is still valid, you have the bona fide duty to run the Company, faithfully and at the best interest of the shareholders. The shareholders approve a remuneration package for the Directors in exchange of their stewardship, not drama as they fight among themselves.

Do what you're supposed to do as mandated by the people. You have a bona fide duty. If we have members of the Executive branch at both Federal and State level keeping themselves busy with politicking, who's basically attending to the ministerial or councillor tasks?

Perak Drift and priorities of the authority

2009-02-09T00:17:00.003+08:00

Being apolitical and non-partisan, I do not wish to discuss on matters that I don't fully understood. I don't understand the mind of politicians and what drives their decisions while strong words like perjuangan and kepentingan rakyat churns out of their mouth every now and then.

If kepentingan rakyat is indeed on the top of their agenda, I think all these political drama could have been well avoided. Instead, please focus on cushioning the effect of the global financial crisis and tackling the rising crime rate.

If federal ministers and state executive councillors could spend more time on their executive duties rather than party matters, I'm sure many things could be tackled. On the other hand, I wonder if the time spent on party matters during office hours are deducted from their leave entitlement. If not, it appears that they're drawing salary as members of the executive branch without putting in the required efforts in exchange. One way or another, that's makan gaji buta!

Okay...the fiasco caused street demonstration in many parts of the state capital and royal town. As usual, battalions of riot police were dispatched in full force, even when it's just a peaceful gathering. Of course, the relevant would justify the deployment on grounds of security and public order. Fine, but not riot police in full force for every demonstration. How violent can a candlelight vigil turned out to be? During my student days in Sydney, I've experienced student protests organised by UTS, USyd and UNSW almost on every other Thursdays. No involvement of riot police...all we had was just 2 police patrol cars and a few outriders watching and escorting the demonstrators, and to ensure the demonstrators do not cause excessive inconvenience to others and vice versa.

We could have more police personnel patrolling our streets as part of crime prevention efforts if:
(1) The authorities are more sensitive towards kepentingan rakyat...demonstrations of all sorts are basically a channel for these demonstrators to make a point, usually serious dissatisfactions. When their needs and expectations are well managed at a reasonable level, it leaves very little chance for them to be seriously dissatisfied.
(2) Human resources in the police force could be better managed. At present, our police force has 2 different units which specialises in riot policing, i.e. the FRU and GOF, besides the LSF at each police district which are capable in riot policing. With rising crime rate, unsolved criminal cases would continue to pile up on the tables of the SIO, IO and AIO at each police district. Let's face it, some cases classified as petty crime are not meant to be solved...in fact, asking the victims to spend an hour with the AIO, to me, is a total waste of time. The most effective method to tackle petty crime is to step-up on crime prevention efforts. Make the presence of our men-in-blue being felt. While the riot policing specialists may not have adequate experience to help the SIO, IO and AIO on criminal investigation, I'm sure they've been adequately trained in crime prevention duties. Get more of them to patrol the streets...especially foot patrol.

I recall...during my childhood days, I could sense police presence in my housing area. Operating in teams of 2-4 (one armed with assult rifle), they used to patrol on motorcycles day and night. But that is history. Seriously...wherever I go, I just don't see any men-in-blue on duty.

2 Fast 2 Furious - Perak Drift

2009-02-04T19:59:00.003+08:00

Hahaha. I gotta admit...while participating in a public forum organised by the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board this afternoon, I made a few attempts to fetch the latest news about Perak Drift. Anyway, no juicy updates during the forum, and hence I could still pay attention to the discussion on financial statements presentation.

Anyway...The Star and Malaysiakini started churning out juicy news soon after, and I spent sometime reading them while sipping my cup of Hazelnut Latte.

Speaking from the persepctive of an apolitical rakyat, I just don't understand why politicians would wanna betray the rakyat's mandate. I thought we have all made our collective decision on 8 March 2008, and as a registered voter, I expect my choice to be respected throughout the period associated with the mandate given.

When a voter places an "X" on the ballot paper, fold it, and place it into a ballot box, his decision is either driven by his confidence to the candidate, the party which the candidate represents (...hahaha...or claims to represent...), or a combination of both. Judging from the unpopularity of many independent candidates during elections, I believe that the decision of voters in general is usually driven by confidence and preference over the party rather than the individual. Of course, there're some exceptions to this...some politicians are very well-liked as an individual. Take Lee Lam Thye for example. For many years up to my primary schooldays, he was the MP of Bukit Bintang...a well-liked one. Understood that Dr. Lee Chong Meng is quite popular among some of the constituents in Bukit Bintang as he did a fairly good job while serving as the MP of Bukit Bintang without being voted in. Notwithstanding the claims that Bukit Bintang has an unusually high number of postal voters despite not having any significant number of armed forces and police housing scheme, the majority secured by the incumbant has reduced as compared to the good old days of Lee Lam Thye. An average Joe in Tengkat Tong Shin who supports Lee Chong Meng told me that most of them liked Wee Choo Keong too, only if Wee Choo Keong bears the Rocket symbol rather than the Lighthouse symbol.

Back to Perak Drift. All in all, there're now 4 elected representatives who've belittled the wish and betrayed the trust of their constituents. Of course, 1 of them did it for a week and a half and make a U-turn today while another 3 just stated their intentions today. Elected representatives should be aware that they're not being put there simply because of their own credits. It's partly (perhaps wholly) due to the trust and confidence in the parties that they represent. In fact, many voters out there do not even know the parties inside out; only referring them by the way these parties branded themselves...e.g. Dacing, Bulan, Roket, Mata, Kepala Lembu etc.

Being apolitical, I really cannot understand the mind of politicians. I thought it's all done and over after 8 March 2008. In fact, I've expressed my wish for better service level from our politicians from both the divide here, taking into consideration the outcome of 8 March 2008.

Now, 4 of the elected representatives in Perak has betrayed the trust of their constituents (notwithstanding 1 who've made a U-Turn). It's best that the rakyat is consulted once more on their preference. Nevertheless, I trust that Paduka Seri Sultan Perak knows what's best for his subjects.

And...looks like the trustworthiness of some elected representatives are questionable. It's difficult to distinct the good ones from the bad. Perhaps, some sort of regulation should be put in place. Just like the role and impact of Sarbanes-Oxley Act and PCAOB to the auditing practice, simply because you can't really distinct good auditors from the bad ones.

First Aid Symbol

2009-01-31T13:24:00.010+08:00

This emblem requires no introduction to most in many parts of the world, but many in Malaysia may not have seen this, and it's too much to expect Malaysians in general to know the meaning of this emblem.

Well...to give the benefit of the doubt, this is an internationally-recognised First Aid Symbol, and it is recognised by the International Standards Organisation.

As how I understand it, this emblem symbolises an assurance of wellness. Green is the colour of calmness, freshness, health and growth while the colour white denotes peace and clealiness.

The First Aid Symbol is usually displayed on first aid posts to identify the presence of first aid facilities, as well as on first aid kits. Even on every Mercedes Benz sedan car, which are all factory fitted with a first aid kit, you can find the presence of the First Aid Symbol on it.

Unfortunately, many people tend to mistaken the Red Cross emblem (sometimes referred to as the Greek Red Cross, i.e. a red cross on white background) as the emblem representing first aid. Of course it's not true.

The history of Red Cross emblem could be traced to the conference organised by the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded at Geneva, Switzerland in October 1863 to address matters regarding neutral relief and protection of wounded soldiers on battlefield. Among other resolutions, the conference proposed a common distinctive protection symbol for medical personnel on battlefield, which is a white armlet bearing the Red Cross, and since became the protective emblem for those helping the wounded on the battlefield.

This emblem was adapted from the reverse of the Swiss flag, to honour Henry Dunant, the Swiss native and the founder of the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, which later becomes the International Committee of the Red Cross, forming part of the present day International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

As specified in the Geneva Conventions, the Red Cross emblem is to be used only to denote the following:
(1) Facilities for the care of injured and sick armed forces members;
(2) Armed forces medical personnel and equipment;
(3) Military chaplains; and
(4) International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement organisations, such as the ICRC, IFRC and national Red Cross / Red Crescent societies (e.g. Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia).

Of course, there were parties who were not too comfortable with the Red Cross emblem, and another two emblems were introduced later to denote the similar.

The Red Crescent emblem was first used by ICRC volunteers during the armed conflict between Russia and Turkey (1877-1878). Later, it was officially adopted in 1929, and 25 Islamic countries have recognised the Red Crescent emblem since in place of the Red Cross emblem.

Among others, Malaysia.

For the same reason similar to the Islamic countries, Magen David Adom (translated as Red Shield of David, the de facto National Red Cross Society of Israel) has refused to adopt both the Red Cross and the Red Crescent emblem, and was never recognised by the ICRC as they insisted on keeping their distinctive "Red Star of David" emblem. In response to this, a new emblem officially known as Third Protocol Emblem, also known as the Red Crystal emblem was adopted in 2005 and is now being used by Magen David Adom outside Israel.

Technically speaking, the Red Crescent emblem has been misused in Malaysia. You see the emblem on the entrance of every public hospitals. You see the emblem on ambulances. You see the emblem on those small first aid kits that you get from Guardian or Watsons. Even Mercy Malaysia once included the Red Crescent on their logo but have since replaced it with a red capital "C". I guess Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia must have flexed their muscle on Mercy Malaysia. As how I understand it, the Red Crescent emblem can only be used by Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia and by the Malaysian Armed Forces on their ambulances, medical camps and medical personnel in Kor Kesihatan DiRaja. Although not practiced, I believe Kor Agama Angkatan Tentera does have the privilege to use the emblem during war.

Ooppss...I've digressed too far. Supposed to talk about the First Aid Symbol but ended up talking about Red Cross. Anyway...I wonder why the First Aid Symbol is not widely used in Malaysia. First in First Aid do have banners and flags bearing the First Aid Symbol and they are used from time to time. Even so, many among Malaysians have no clue what it represents, as they are more familiar with the organisation's emblem than the First Aid Symbol.

Arguably, the white cross contained in the First Aid Symbol may attract controversies here in Malaysia...similar to the controversies surrounding the Red Cross emblem which give rise to the Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems. Well...some may say...why not create a new symbol adapted from the First Aid Symbol with a bit of ICRC's experience?

Hahaha...wouldn't work here in Malaysia. This is even more controversial from political perspective.

It makes sense

2009-01-30T23:26:00.003+08:00

But it's amazing...how the Executive can give its "green light" when they've "yet to make any decision".

From Malaysiakini, 30 January 2009, 1917 hours.

The RM1.6 billion KLIA East @ Labu has apparently been shelved following a meeting today between Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and the two key project proponents - budget carrier AirAsia and conglomerate Sime Darby.

According to sources, the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) - the operator of Kuala Lumpur International Airport - has instead been given the go-ahead with its original plan to build a new low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in KLIA.

However, AirAsia is believed to have what it wanted - to be consulted with the design of the new LCCT and lower airport charges for the use of the terminal.

AirAsia has long argued for low airport charges to enable the budget carrier slash fares.

The discount airline had on Jan 8 launched the bold plan for a dedicated low-cost airport near KLIA in Labu, Negri Sembilan, after expressing frustration over the lack of progress over MAHB's own LCCT plan.

The company cited efficiency, cost savings and the ability to better cater to the needs of its passengers as the main reasons for its move to build its own airport.

It also expressed fears that the existing LCCT in Sepang will not be able to handle the 15 million passengers it is expecting by end of this year and up to 27 million by 2014.

The current LCCT can only handle 10 million passengers and this will be increased to 15 million passengers when a new wing opens in two months.

AirAsia to send 'wish list' to MAHB

AirAsia has been waging a war of words with MAHB over high airport charges in the past few years.

A source familiar with today's meeting described the outcome as a ‘win-win' situation - MAHB will get more revenue from its new LCCT while AirAsia will have low airport charges.

It is learnt that AirAsia will submit a ‘wish list' to MAHB within the next few weeks.

The ‘wish list' is likely to include a separate runway for the new LCCT to facilitate quick aircraft turnaround.

AirAsia is also likely to insist on a low-cost airport design aimed at keeping airport charges to a minimum. The two - low airport charges and fast aircraft turnaround - are said to be crucial to AirAsia's business model.

AirAsia's KLIA East @ Labu project - to be built on land owned by project partner Sime Darby - has been criticised by a number of top bloggers, including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed, since it was made public.

Mahathir has questioned the need for four airports to serve Kuala Lumpur and that KLIA has enough land for four additional terminals and three runways to handle up to 125 million passengers a year.

The project was put in doubt after Najib, who is also finance minister, told reporters last week that while the cabinet had given the green light to AirAsia's airport, the government had "yet to make any decision" on the matter.

His announcement was contrary to a statement by Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat on Dec 21 who said that the government had approved the new airport at Labu.

Government's reversal

The government's reversal indicated that state-owned investment arm Khazanah Nasional, which has a majority stake in MAHB, was successful in lobbying Najib in the bid to protect its interests.

Prime Minister-in-waiting Najib is expected to express his opposition to the project when the cabinet relook at the controversy at its weekly meeting next week.

When contacted, AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes described today's meeting as "very positive".

'(It's) a big step forward for the development of AirAsia," he told Malaysiakini.

Also at the one-hour meeting this afternoon, where Fernandes gave a briefing on the ambitious AirAsia project, were Ong and officials from Economic Planning Unit.

Who is telling the truth?

2009-01-30T10:53:00.002+08:00

Since Now Everyone Can Fly has started its campaign on KLIA-East: The Rakyat's Terminal, World Class Airport Business has also done their part by publishing 3 statements on their website thus far...here, here and here.

After reading all these, I wonder who is telling the truth and who is not. I may be wrong, but it appears that the whole issue could be linked to the expiry of the 5-year waiver enjoyed by Now Everyone Can Fly on aeronautical charges.

Now Everyone Can Fly claimed that they have been treated like ostracised people thrown into the "warehouse" and has been shouting all along about connectivity and airside transport. Nevertheless, World Class Airport Business claimed that they have offered but it was turned down by Now Everyone Can Fly. That's something new to me. I thought Now Everyone Can Fly has only rejected marble floors and aerobridges. So who is telling the truth?

Now Everyone Can Fly claimed that they have not been consulted about the National Airport Masterplan and the permanent LCCT. If I understand it correctly, they said the National Airport Masterplan came out from nowhere when they started talking about The Rakyat's Terminal. Notwithstanding, World Class Airport Business claimed that the National Airport Masterplan study was initiated in July 2007 involving, among others, Now Everyone Can Fly. So who is telling the truth?

Now Everyone Can Fly has been putting all the blame on World Class Airport Business over delays in the construction of a permanent LCCT. 2014, to Now Everyone Can Fly, is too late. They need better facilities by 2011 to support their projected growth. They blamed World Class Airport Business for throwing them into the "warehouse", although we are all aware that the "warehouse" is actually meant to be a cargo warehouse, and the LCC operations from the "warehouse" is meant to be temporary. Well, World Class Airport Business now claimed that they have been pushing the authorities to consider the permanent LCCT since July 2007, but it was Now Everyone Can Fly who told the authorities that they prefer to stay in the "warehouse". And in less than 18 months, we have all these drama from Now Everyone Can Fly about how panicky they are etc etc. So who is telling the truth?

And the drama continues...with long haul flights. Now Everyone Can Fly claimed that it was their strategy to address the connectivity issue since there were lack of co-operation from World Class Airport Business and Malaysian Hospitality. Bringing Malaysian Hospitality into the discussion is too far fetched, when Now Everyone Can Fly itself did not cater for transfer of passengers between its own flights in the "warehouse" previously. Again, World Class Airport Business has reminded us about their offer for airside transport but it was turned down by Now Everyone Can Fly.

Having said that, the above parties are all business entities, and they want the best for their company and their stakeholders. Can't really blame anyone because different entities have different priorities. I look at this as being more of a national issue...about the country's economy and competitiveness, about safety, and about the reputation of the country in the aviation industry. To the authorities, please make a wise decision. We certainly do not need to have more wastage of resources. We certainly do not want to fall behind our neighbours. And we certainly do not need to be featured on "Air Crash Investigation" and "Seconds From Disaster" over NatGeo.

Happy Chinese New Year ¤ 新年快乐

2009-01-26T17:34:00.001+08:00

As we usher into the lunar new year, Kian Tong wishes you a Happy Chinese New Year, blessed with peace, bountiful surpluses, good health and success.
春节期间，建桐恭祝你新年快乐，岁岁平安，年年有余，龙马精神，万事亨通。

My first time: Mobile Blogging

2009-01-24T22:29:00.001+08:00

Not too sure if this works. Let's see how it turns out to be.

KLIA as an international airline hub

2009-01-21T23:31:00.003+08:00

I think that's the spirit behind the 30-year KLIA masterplan. To make KUL an aviation hub. To compete with SIN and BKK.

I'm sure it's a good business. Look at Changi today...I was told that Changi contributes 9% of Singapore's GDP. And our dear neighbour is set to remain a strategic aviation hub as KUL don't seemed to be able to give a challenge, let alone to unseat them. No thanks to many poor implementation in the past, and the latest which will set to fail the ambitious dream contained in the 30-year KLIA masterplan is none other than The Rakyat's Terminal.

Now Everyone Can Fly claims that it's a myth to regard KLIA as the hub, as the Kuala Lumpur should be regarded as the hub. All along, London and its 5 airports are quoted left, right and centre.

Aiya...as a passenger, all I care is convenience and nothing else. I don't know much about aviation industry, and I shall speak from the perspective of a passenger. If I can't get a direct flight to my destination, my best option is to stop by another airport...and that's what I call a hub. Obviously, I may have a few options on where I want to stop by. Besides time and pricing factors, another factor that I would definitely consider is convenience. Between stopping by London (where I need to commute from one airport to another) and another city which allows seamless transit...say, a matter of a short walk or a train ride from one terminal to another, I'll definitely choose the latter. The last time I stopped by Changi before returning to KLIA was roughly 8 years ago. From one terminal to another, it was just a matter of a 10-minute walk. Isn't that convenient?

If we are serious about making KUL an aviation hub, this is exactly what we should provide. Seamless connectivity, even between premium airlines and budget airlines.

Some may argue...as it is, there is no connectivity between KLIA Main Terminal and KLIA LCCT. Yes, that I would agree. Else I don't have to spend 25 mins on the road after I missed that Phuket flight more than 2 years ago. For that, we need to understand some history behind the present KLIA LCCT. That "warehouse" was constructed on ad-hoc basis, and it was never intended to be a permanent structure.

Now the question...why the ad-hoc measure? Hahaha...Now Everyone Can Fly should know best. The Federal Government decided to push everyone to KLIA. Means, they're not allowed to use SZB. Now Everyone Can Fly wasn't happy as the got charged for the marble floors and aerobridges. Malaysian Airports didn't have a immediate permanent solution then. Hence, the interim measure of constructing the "warehouse" to keep Now Everyone Can Fly happy, while effort was to be continued to construct a new facility, i.e. a new LCCT which is closer to the Main Terminal to ensure connectivity with the established facilities. Perhaps it's Malaysian Airport's fault too...as efforts to construct the permanent LCCT don't seemed to be moving.

Now Everyone Can Fly voiced their fears of losing to Tiger Airways which has the benefits of Changi. See...not that they're unaware of the strengths of Changi. But they keep harping on the disconnection between the "warehouse" and the Main Terminal. Well...how could then KLIA East resolve the problem? Reading all the selective commentaries makes me feel that someone is just cherry picking in disseminating facts. Some arguments are defended on the assumption that Now Everyone Can Fly would be forced to return to the Main Terminal. At other times, they speak from the point as if they'll continue to stay in the "warehouse".

Before I got distracted, I thought the intention is always about constructing a permanent LCCT adjacent to the present Main Terminal. Rather than speaking from the point of KLIA East vs KLIA Main Terminal or KLIA East vs "warehouse", why not focus on KLIA East vs new KLIA LCCT, if the whole idea is about making things better for the future?

Here, we may have tonnes of issues....among others, ERL line is too high, swamp land needs to be treated etc etc. Well...I would say I don't really know exactly where these locations are and how far they're from the Main Terminal. You know, things aren't as transparent as what you would expect. But I've heard about this KLIA Terminal 2 which was supposed to be in operational around this time if we follow strictly to the 30-year KLIA masterplan. Apparently the site for Terminal 2 has been earmarked since the beginning and it's supposed to be adjacent to the Main Terminal. The reason why this project is deferred is because the present Main Terminal, with a capacity of 25 million passengers, are still under-utilised.

Since Now Everyone Can Fly is so worried about not having enough space to park their spanking new Airbus, and 55 boarding gates are not sufficient, is it possible to tweak the masterplan a little by making Terminal 2 as the LCCT? There's already a site being earmarked, and it allows seamless connectivity with the Main Terminal. Perhaps, Malaysian Airports would have to scrap the marble floors and aerobridges away from the plan...else Now Everyone Can Fly will cry again.

At least, you don't have to duplicate so many facilities while ensuring seamless connectivity at the lowest cost possible. Well...I may be wrong, but I don't see why Now Everyone Can Fly need a runway for themselves when Heathrow has 2 runways only. KLIA also has 2...runway 14L/32R and runway 14R/32L.

I agree...you can't blame it on Now Everyone Can Fly. But the issue is whether the Federal Government is still serious about the 30-year KLIA masterplan and the dream to make KUL an aviation hub. Else, we can just watch (and watch) SIN and BKK continue to flourish.

This is just about money. I've yet to comment about the safety bit. Whether there's an ICAO strict recommendation on the 40km distance or not, it remains a mystery to me. But I just couldn't accept the justification given by Now Everyone Can Fly. I like their argument that the international standard requirement for distance between runways to be at least 2km apart, and the proposed runway for KLIA East is 7km away from KLIA's.

Hahaha...I think the concern now is not about the distance between runways, but it's the distance between airports. In Dubai or Atlanta, I'm sure all the runways in an airport are controlled by the same control tower. Likewise, both KLIA's runway 14L/32R and runway 14R/32L are both controlled by Lumpur Tower. I'm sure it doesn't apply to the proposed runway for KLIA East, which would probably be controlled by "Labu Tower" or "Darby Tower". I shall find out more about the mystery of safe airport distance.

"Polluting young people's mind"

2009-01-21T10:30:00.002+08:00

Writing about Rihanna's upcoming concert in Kuala Lumpur and the boycott proposal of a political party reminds me of many concerts which I've attended...not as an audience but as a first aid provider. In Malaysia, concert promoters are required to ensure all aspects concerning safety and public order are adequately addressed. Hence, no concert can kick-start without the presence of relevant service providers. First in First Aid has given me lotsa opportunities to "attend" concerts for free :) Yes, all kinds of concerts...local artistes, international artistes...different genre.

All these arguments about "polluting young people's mind" are usually targeted on international artistes...particularly those from the west...for whatever reason only the protesters would know best. Sometimes, you'll hear them arguing that "punk and rock is not our culture". Well...it's obvious that punk and rock is not our culture, but there're many other genre which is not our culture. Even Kitaro's music is not our culture...although his type of new age is where east meets west, the eastern element in his music is predominantly Japanese. Classical music is not our culture too...but why invest in a state-of-the-art Petronas Philharmonic Hall?

If "punk and rock is not our culture", why isn't there any protests against the concerts of our local "punk and rock" artistes? Well...I gotta say some of our local rock bands are pretty good, and once a year, there's a rock festival gathering many local rock bands. Called "Rock the World", the atmosphere gives you a Woodstock-like feel, but nobody kicks a fuss about it. With Avril Lavigne, riot policemen were deployed to keep protesters in check. Isn't it wierd?

The audience of Avril Lavigne last August were all well behaved, making my presence there with First in First Aid merely for regulatory reasons. Whereas for Rock the World, each of us attended to not less than 5 patients per rescuer, and we made at least 4 trips to the hospital throughout the show.

Simply ironic.

More boycotts...

2009-01-20T19:11:00.002+08:00

I'm no fan of R&B, and definitely not a fan of Rihanna.

Nevertheless, statements made by a political party's youth leader in respect of Rihanna's upcoming concert in Kuala Lumpur caught my attention today. Among others, he said that:

(1) Israel's ally, the United States, is funded by its public and this includes Rihanna who is currently living in California.
(2) It (Rihanna's concert) can be considered as supporting Israel's military offensive in the Gaza.
(3) The campaign of boycotting US products including their artistes must go on.
(4) It doesn't matter if Rihanna is involved in the issue, but to us (the political party), she is an agent of polluting young people's minds around the world through her songs.

I'm no fan of R&B...obviously I don't pay much attention on Rihanna. Can't really comment on how Rihanna has "polluted young people's minds around the world through her songs".

But...study the statements carefully. So what's the issue here? Polluting young people's minds or Israel's attack on Gaza? Personally, I feel this youth leader is confused himself.

Well...this political party has a history of protesting the concert of almost every other skimpily-dressed female artistes. I think his intention this time round is consistent with their past reactions towards Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, among others. So...what's the relevance of the Gaza conflict in this case? I think he has already acknowledged that it's irrelevant, simply by looking at Statement #4. Getting it mixed-up doesn't really help in spreading the message except that his statements would probably appear on the search result when someone performs a search on the Gaza conflict on the Internet.

Hhhmmm...I would prefer to see more intelligent statements made by our politicians.

Now...if we slice it as 2 separate issues:

(A) As a gesture of protest against Israel's attack on Gaza
Barbados-born Rihanna would probably be a tax resident of the United States, and I guess that's the reason why this youth leader is calling for a boycott. Does it mean we should boycott all 300 million odd citizens of the United States? Even some of them may not be taxpayers, I'm sure they're contributing to their economy in one way or another.

Going by this logic, and the logic of a former Prime Minister of ours, why not withdraw the scholarships of all government-sponsored and GLC-sponsored students currently studying in various universities across the United States? Just like how Rihanna and other Americans are contributing to their economy, our government and the GLCs are also contributing to their economy in form of tuition fees. Try that...I'm sure many parents would ended up crying in some politicians' offices and we'll get to watch that for at least 15 minutes on TV3's Buletin Utama. Even better on Bernama TV...such footage repeats every half an hour on Saluran 502.

By boycotting Rihanna's concert, do you think the United States or Israel would get the message? But I'm sure our very own Force of Nature Aid Foundation would get the message, as part of the concert's proceeds would go to them. In case if anyone have forgotten about this Foundation, they've helped in fund raising campaigns to address long-term recovery needs of disaster-affected communities. Among the projects funded - Asian Tsunami, South Asia Earthquake, Central Java Earthquake and Johor Flood. So...wanna boycott disaster victims of our own country and our neighbouring countries?

(B) Polluting young people's mind through her songs
Can't really comment on this...don't have time to study the lyrics of her songs. Anyway, I think the Malaysian audience is matured and intelligent enough. We know what's best for us. People who believe that her songs are "polluting" in nature has the option of not listening to them. Nobody is forcing anyone to listen to her songs.

So...why the big fuss? This kind of protest would only cause a few more battalions of police personnel to be deployed on that actual day. Otherwise, there'll be more policemen on the ground performing crime prevention duty.

Abide by the instructions

2009-01-17T13:41:00.002+08:00

This blog contains a collection of my personal babbles/rantings. Views on workplace issues, views on issues surrounding my voluntary involvements, as well as issues in general...happennings around us that we see and hear, with and without the aid of media.

Well...I'm sure my views may appear controversial to some. I stand to be corrected while taking full ownership and responsibility for my views. If indeed some of my views affects the sensitivity to the highest degree and will put the larger interest in jeopardy, I will place the larger interest ahead of my ideals.

For that matter, I abide by the instructions and relooked at one of the entry which I've posted on 2 January 2009, and on 17 January 2009, have done the necessary to safeguard the larger interest.

This is going to be interesting...

2009-01-15T11:34:00.003+08:00

I think I'll be joining the "Hall of Fame" soon. Better not delete or alter any contents in this blog...there's a possibility that it's gonna be tendered to the Court.

Hahahahahaha...

KLIA-East: The Rakyat's Terminal?

2009-01-14T00:52:00.006+08:00

Feel like writing about this since last week. But I was having trouble gathering sufficient info to write in a meaningful manner. Transparency has always been an issue in this country. Just when I was about to grumble, I found a so-called microsite managed by Now Everyone Can Fly dubbed KLIA-East: The Rakyat's Terminal

[UPDATE 30 JANUARY 2009: Noticed that the mircosite URL has been changed. Please follow this link instead -----> KLIA-East: The Rakyat's Terminal]

In Tony's address, he said: "Many, if not all, of you know firsthand what it’s like using the current LCCT, how cramped and uncomfortable it is. We at AirAsia share your pain but here’s little we can do since the LCCT is operated not by us but by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd."

Reminds me of 16 September 2006. Rushed to the clinic, back home, and then to LCCT. 20 minutes before the check-in counter was scheduled to close and I've just passed the ELITE toll at Sepang exit. Asked my friends to inform them I'm already on my way, and they assured my friends that I'll be allowed to check-in since Great Place to Work has chartered that flight to Phuket.

I arrived a few minutes after the scheduled closure of check-in counter. Limped all the way to get my baggage scanned and thereafter, limped all the way to the check-in counter. Tony's colleague was seated there but refused to issue me a boarding pass. I appealed for special consideration, explained the reason why I was late...showed him how bad shape my right ankle was. Appeal turned down.

Tony's colleague reasoned with us (yeah...he refused to issue a boarding pass to Vincent too). He has already printed the list of passengers and handed over to the cabin crew. Left without an option, Vincent and I decided to board the next available flight, operated by Malaysian Hospitality.

On my way to the Main Terminal...that's 1530 hours to be precise, Nataraj called...almost immediately, I asked "Hey, aren't you guys supposed to be flying already? How come you're calling me on your mobile?" He promptly answered "We got stuck...they're looking for Vincent and you."

Hahaha...wth? They refused to issue us boarding passes and they're looking for us?

They checked the boarding passes of all passengers 3 times prior to take-off at 1600 hours...45 minutes after the scheduled take-off.

Tony, are you sure you share our pain? Well...your colleague at the check-in counter did not owe me anything, it's his prerogative to refuse my entry. I was late anyway. Can't blame anyone. But the screw-ups of your colleagues got me into trouble instead...at least for the next 3 days.

Now Everyone Can Fly...except me. Ooopppsss...Vincent too. Now Everyone Can Fly...late.

p/s Still interested to pen my dua sen on this KLIA-East. Gimme some time.

Boycotts, boycotts and boycotts

2009-01-10T23:30:00.003+08:00

Don't take away my cup of Hazelnut Latte!

Not going to talk about First in First Aid today. While the world is expecting the worst to come as far as the economy is concerned, the long standing conflict between the Palestinian and Israeli took another turn for worse recently. Clashes after clashes over the last 60 years. Lost of innocent lives. Yet, it's still not enough for them. My mediocre understanding about Palestine vs Israel and Arabs vs Jews doesn't allow me to comment in a meaningful manner...so it's better not to try. Rather, I was attracted to comment a little on the comments made by a former Prime Minister of ours...to be specific, the only surviving former Prime Minister of ours at this juncture.

Earlier this week, he suggested a global boycott of the United States Dollar and US-made products (poor Coca-Cola got singled out) as a sign of protest over Washington's backing of Israel. Yesterday, he went a step further...urging employees of Starbucks and McDonalds to quit their job.

I'm not too sure if he has alternative plans for all employees of Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn Bhd and Golden Arches Restaurants Sdn Bhd...not forgetting, the employees of their franchisees too. There're 88 Starbucks outlets and 185 McDonalds restaurants throughout Malaysia. Here, we're talking about the employment of close to 10,000 Malaysians. Sir, have you considered about their 3-meals-and-a-shelter before you open your mouth? Unless if you've got a better option to offer to these people who're just trying to earn a living in a decent manner, please do not suggest any childish act which would not help the situation. Remember, your close ally who was implicated together with you in the infamous Lingam's correct-correct-correct fiasco is a shareholder in both the brands in Malaysia. You'll not be able to send a message to Washington by making 10,000 innocent Malaysians quit their job, but you'll definitely be harming your own ally. Our local economy is dipping down. Social problems are in a rise. Adding another 10,000 in the unemployment statistics would only create more problems to the country.

This is before we factor in the effects to the local vendors and suppliers to Starbucks and McDonalds in Malaysia. As consumers, we could live without Starbucks and McDonalds, but please do not apply your views as a consumer to the stakeholders of these businesses...especially the employees, vendors and suppliers, who're just trying their best to earn a decent living during trying times like this.

I'm not too sure if worldwide boycotts on American goods would change the situation. Assuming today's conflict happens during his tenure as the Prime Minister, I wonder if he's prepared to take the lead to boycott the Americans by wiping off all American interests in Malaysia, besides boycotting Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Starbucks. If he is still the Prime Minister, I would suggest that he consider the following:
(1) Drive all American multinationals out of MSC Malaysia, and drive them out entirely from the Malaysian shore...including IBM, Intel, Motorola, Lucent Technologies, Unisys, ExxonMobil, Sun Microsystems, Compaq and Cisco Systems. Guess how many innocent Malaysians would be out of job?
(2) Cancel all aircraft orders placed by Penerbangan Malaysia / MAS with Boeing. Consider destroying all existing Boeing-made aircrafts currently owned by Penerbangan Malaysia / MAS and rely solely on Airbus.
(3) Remove all GM-made vehicles out of our roads and showroom...which would affect Chevrolet and Opel. Don't forget your own Pontiac vintage. Biggest casualties - DRB and the AP-kings.
(4) Remove all American content from our TV, including pay TV. Ooppss...kinda extreme as I'll miss Discovery and NatGeo.
(5) Stop using computers...most of them are running on Intel and AMD processors, with hard disks supplied by Seagate and Western Digital, and OS supplied by Microsoft.
(6) Abandon the Internet...many parts are connected using routers and switches supplied by Cisco Systems.
(7) Let's not forget those in financial services...Citibank and AIG. Hahaha...all those with outstanding amounts with Citibank will be forced to repay immediately. Hhhmmm...what would happen to those with insurance policies with AIG?
(8) Btw, our Petronas Twin Towers was designed by Cesar Pelli, an American citizen. I know it's too extreme, but would you consider tearing it down?

Whatever boycott is only a childish act out of emotions. You know and I know it's not going to work. Think about better solutions to end the war than to make emotional statements.

Dress Regulation Tutorial 1: Medals

2009-01-07T23:02:00.009+08:00

Realised that my posting yesterday, highlighting some of the irregularities spotted on 14 December 2008, attracted a bit of attention. Some people may find it offensive, while there's a fair share who gave me thumbs up for that. One of our colleague even went on to suggest that I should post more pictures and make comparisons between what's right vs what's wrong. To quote his words..."comparing apple to apple".

Taking his advise, I feel it's good to take this platform to point out what's required as far as our Dress Regulations are concerned. It's basically for educational purposes...for the benefit of whoever who finds the green book too dry.

Due to the limited collection of pictures under my possession (lost most of my pictures prior to 2005 when my laptop crashed in Chennai), I may not be able to do this on regular basis. Subject to availability of training materials.

I shall kick start the first part of the series by mentioning about wearing of medals, specifically full size medals, as prescribed in Paragraph 3.7 of the Dress Regulations.

Typically, a medal is suspended from the medal ribbon measuring 1.25 inches x 2 inches. If a personnel has been awareded with only 1 medal (or is only entitled to wear 1 medal), the medal shall be worn in the form as how it was conferred to the personnel. It should be position in line with the vertical median of the left pocket. The bottom edge of the medal shall be positioned immediately above the top edge of the left pocket button. Example as follows:

Yours truly

However, if the personnel is entitled to wear more than 1 medal, the medals must be mounted court style. Court mounting of medals is when the medals are fixed to a backing made of buckram. The buckram is, itself, covered in the relevant medal ribbons and gives the medals a very attractive look whilst keeping them firmly fixed down which prevents damage from the medals banging against each other. The buckram used in court mounting has to be 3.5 inches high, so as it would cover up about two third to three quarter of the reverse side of the medal. To be worn in the same manner like how a single medal is worn. Some very good examples that we've spotted on 14 December 2008:

(L-R) Puan Tan Bee Bee, Tuan Nalliah Vellasamy - National Headquarters

Tuan Michael Yeow Kiew Meng, Wilayah Persekutuan

Tuan Tan Beng Lee, Kawasan Perak Selatan

There's also another mounting style, known as swing style (some countries called it ordinary mounting). Swing mounting is not allowed in SJAM, and if I'm not wrong, it's not allowed in most of the uniformed services in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there're a number of officers who've not been properly trained/coached/educated...whatever you called it. Doesn't matter because an error is an error.

Could you spot the double mistake in the way his medals are mounted?

Another swing mounting example. Medals are worn too high up.

Another common mistake is when multiple medals are not mounted together.

Very untidy, right?

There're many places which offers medal mounting service. Seriously speaking, there's no reason why we could get this wrong. Paragraph 3.7 of the Dress Regulations is such a short paragraph. Hopefully those who got it wrong will head to the nearest place providing medal mounting service and get it right from now on.

What annoys me on 14 December 2008

2009-01-06T14:16:00.006+08:00

No it wasn't the the shoddy planning. No it wasn't because of the near disaster as far as the Parade is concerned. No it wasn't because of the sub-standard skills of some participants of the Parade. No it wasn't because of the absence of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health.

I've been managing my own expectations pretty well the moment I checked-in to PULAPOL. Any surprises discovered after that have all been managed before 14 December 2008. In a way, I was pretty cool all along, as I've even prepared to face a disaster...and what turned out was only a near disaster (hahaha...it's still above expectations).

I was pretty cool all along...and marched onto the ground in a fairly good mood (of course, with a slight sense of guilt because of my voice)...until I saw these:

As early as 0800 hours, announcements have been made via the public address, reminding audience not to enter the Parade Ground. 2 official photographers had been appointed for this purpose. Nevertheless, it is our own officers who choose to ignore instructions.

While our foreign counterparts dressed smartly in their uniform...

...this is what some of our own people wore!

Never came to my mind that she belongs to the organisation, until I was informed with a big AFFIRMATIVE.

Puan-puan, mana aiguilette?

Tuan, name tag is not part of Uniform No. 1. On the other hand, there're 3 mistakes as far as the medals are concerned:
(1) Medals within the same family should not be worn together. If you look closely, the medal to his right is Jasa Cemerlang, and the other one is Jasa Terpuji. Both the medals belong within the SJAM Awards (Category 4 and Category 5 respectively). This is a universal protocol applicable to Order of Awards of all sorts.
(2) If there is more than 1 medal, the medals have to be mounted together, but Malaysia allows court mounting only. Swing mounting is not allowed.
(3) Medals should be correctly position so as the bottom edge touches with the top edge of the button fastened on the left breast pocket.

Wrong uniform. Shouldn't be wearing Uniform No. 2 unless if you're on standby duty of if you're manning the medical posts.

Aren't all these a matter of discipline?

Our Uniform, Our Identity

2009-01-06T01:22:00.003+08:00

To many business organisations, effective branding helps in setting themselves apart from others, particularly their competitors. Attractive logo and slogans play an important role in distinguishing an organisation or a product or a range of products from the rest. Depending on the success of various value creating activities, effective branding remain a core focus of many business organisations.

I'm sure we're all familiar with the cellular operators in Malaysia (forget about the legacy systems before the launch of GSM in Malaysia). From the initial 5 in 1995, mergers and acquisitions 8 years later saw a reduction to 3. Specifically, Maxis Communications Berhad acquired TIMECel Sdn Bhd and changed the latter's name to Malaysian Mobile Services Sdn Bhd. For a brief period, the 017 service runs parallel and independent from the 012 service until they were fully integrated. With the integration, both the 012 and 017 prefix come under Maxis, but they were facing difficulties assigning new postpaid numbers with 017 prefix...simply because people just lurveeee Maxis and its 012 prefix. Some say, having a 012 number printed on your calling card is akin to flashing an LV handbag around. Hahaha...ironic but true. That's the power of effective branding. Maxis may not have the best coverage among the 3 celcos then (...claimed Celcom), but it doesn't take long for them to be in the leading position in terms of market share, after losing it to Celcom due to the merger with TM Cellular.

Indeed, the various value creating activities engaged by Maxis since inception has effectively built a strong brandname which sets them apart from the rest. Personally, I find that green squiggle more pleasant looking that the blue-coloured bird. Of course, that's history. Now, the yellow man looks cuter!

First in First Aid, to me, is not very different as compared to any business organisations. Like business organisations in the service industry, we are also a service provider...and in this context, First in First Aid is a service provider in the provision of first aid and pre-hospital care services, besides training services in first aid. Like business organisations, we do have our stakeholders...among others, clients (we either call them as patients or trainees), employees (we call them as volunteers), sources of funds (we call them as donors) and shareholders (we also call them as volunteers, although they don't get dividends).

In business organisations, the management creates value from their activities using funds contributed by shareholders and borrowers, and set to return the surplus to them by way of dividends and interests, or simply retain the surplus for expansion. Like other organisations of similar nature, First in First Aid creates intangible values to the society from out activities using human capital (without consideration) contributed by volunteers and funds contributed by doners. As the organisation operate on a non-profit basis, insignificant surplus is accumulated for expansion. To a certain extent, there're lotsa similarities between a commercial entity and a non-profit organisation...both are in a business and both seeks to create value.

Due to scarcity of resources, service organisations on non-profit basis are also competing among themselves to attract the essential resources to enable value creating activities to happen. Such organisations also need to set themselves apart from their competitors. Quality of services is important, but it is not the single success factor. This is exactly like the case of Maxis vs Celcom about 5-6 years ago. Maxis does not have a footprint as huge as Celcom, but the former was perceived as the premium celco trusted by many. Hence, it's also about effective branding and packaging.

Naturally, the black-and-white uniform of First in First Aid is a branding element. Even the tagline "First in First Aid" is a branding element. But how effective is the branding campaign of First in First Aid? I would say it's very effective among our more advanced counterparts, particularly in Australia, and England and Wales. Whereas, it's the total opposite in Malaysia. Today, there're still many people who're not aware of this organisation, and I'm particularly annoyed if anyone refers the organisation that I volunteered with as "Red Cross". Hahaha...in fact, there is no "Red Cross" in Malaysia; the ICRC affiliate in Malaysia is known as "Red Crescent".

Well...we can't blame the public for being misinformed. We only have ourselves to be blamed for not being proactive in building a strong brandname of ourselves. Nevertheless...talking about effective branding in First in First Aid in Malaysia at its present state is wishful thinking. Currently, we even have problems inculcating that sense of respect among our volunteers towards our uniform, which is primarily a branding element.

Many of my fellow volunteers do not take their uniform seriously. To them, a baju is just a baju, a topi is just a topi. There is no sense of shame in them when they got things wrong. It's not difficult at all to get it right; everything is clearly spelt out in the Dress Regulations. To me, it's a self-discipline issue, coupled with shallow mindset. They failed to consider the consequences and detrimental effects of not dressing appropriately, especially when facing the public. Our image is at stake. It's unfortunate that most of them are serial offenders, despite being reminded.

Just imagine how Mr. TAK would react if someone in Maxis presents a red instead of a green squiggle as the corporate logo.

If the organisation is serious about effective branding, I would suggest that we start from the basic elements, such as the uniform. No point creating 1001 catch phrases when the message is not representative of the image of our volunteers. From the perspective of talent management, being lenient and popular at this moment would simply help to create more serial offenders in future...monkey see, monkey do!

Centennial National Parade - The Big Day

2009-01-05T12:30:00.010+08:00

Whatever amount of Manuka Honey and Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa don't seemed to help. Nothing changed despite the increased dosage.

14 December 2008 has finally arrived. But I woke up on that morning not in my best form. My voice wasn't exactly well, unfortunately there wasn't any contingency plan. I only have myself to blame for not strategising well.

Arrived Dataran Merdeka around 0655 hours...ahead of other participants. Dressed up, fixed up the wireless microphone (thank God I did not decline it earlier), catched-up with some long lost friends, and posed for some cameras for the next 30 minutes.

Team Wilayah Persekutuan - #1 Contingent

Despite the smile, I still cannot cope with the fact that I've lost my voice. By 0730 hours, it's time to get ourselves into the Parade Ground...in stages.

Preparing to march-in

Team Wilayah Persekutuan, the #1 Contingent, was made up of full members only. Meaning, no cadets. There's a reason why the National Headquarters requested for this, and there's a reason why my home region abide by this instruction.

Contingent #1: Not exactly good but boleh tahan

The subsequent 4 shots after #1 Contingent revealed those sub-standard moments contributed by participants from elsewhere, with cadets included. In fact, most of these jurisdictions allow premature admission of full membership. Not in my home region.

0800 hours - my turn to fall-in, and resume the commanding position.

What annoyed me later on was the attitude of many officers in First in First Aid who came to witness the Parade. By right, they should be all seated by 0800 hours but they didn't. Some crowded along Jalan Raja for their personal photography sessions. Others walked around the Parade Ground taking photographs. Into 0815 hours and these people still did not settle down, despite being reminded via public address. It's so embarassing, as it happens in front of all invited guests, including those representing our foreign counterparts.

It's also worth mentioning that many of those who turned-up to witness the Parade were not properly attired; very unbecoming for a uniformed organisation like First in First Aid. To these people, I would like to ask them if they know exactly the consequences of their misbehaviour.

That's a major issue in First in First Aid...self-discipline among its people...which hinders the progress of this century-old organisation.

The Minister's representative arrived at 0830 hours sharp. General Salute and Inspection follows.

Next...speeches. In aggregate, the Commander-in-Chief and the Minister's representative spoke for 45 minutes. As I stood right in front, I could not see if there're casualties among the participants, but I almost became one. The bracket holding the wireless microphone was so tight, it hurts my head. Into the 35th minute, I wanted to readjust the bracket so badly but decided to hold on.

So relieved when the Minister's representative uttered the words "Sekian, Terima Kasih". It's time for march past.

There's a reason why the National Headquarters requested for full members only, and there's a reason why my home region abide by this instruction. Compare the above with the following.

I can't say #1 Contingent was perfect, but at least they didn't embarass themselves. At least they've done their best...it's presentable...and I'm glad that all those efforts have not gone to waste. Nevertheless, the Parade was a near disaster on overall, no thanks to relevant parties who did not put much attention and effort into it.

This was followed by a moulage. Started right after the end of the Parade, so I didn't get any chance to witness the moulage, participated by members from my home region.

I'm proud with my colleagues from Wilayah Persekutuan, who've gone through the journey with me to give our best for First in First Aid, not forgetting for stuffing our foot into the mouth of many skeptics who've never failed to insult us. Notwithstanding, I think I could have done better as the Parade Commander.

As for the near disaster, I don't think it's entirely fair to blame on these poor participants. Perhaps they're just victim of circumstances, and I choose to blame their superiors instead.

I returned to PULAPOL on that morning with mixed feelings but I'm glad it's finally over. It's my wish that First in First Aid could operate with greater professionalism in near future. Indeed, change is inevitable.

Parade participants from Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang Combined Adult Division

Centennial National Parade - The Final Lap

2009-01-05T00:49:00.008+08:00

It was good to be back in PULAPOL after 5 years. Those who've served First in First Aid long enough would know that PULAPOL was previously the home to the annual National First Aid and Home Nursing Competitions...last held in PULAPOL way back in 2003.

My first opportunity stepping into PULAPOL was way back in 1994...at that point of time, I was in Form 4 and I was a Cadet Lance Corporal in First in First Aid. Represented Wilayah Persekutuan in the Ambulance Cadet Competition of the 36th National First Aid and Home Nursing Competition. Stepped foot there once more in 1996...this time as an Ambulance Member and representative of Wilayah Persekutuan in the Ambulance Adult Competition of the 38th National First Aid and Home Nursing Competition. Subsequently, I stepped foot in PULAPOL again for 3 consecutive years since 2001...in these years, I played the role as Team Manager / Accompanying Officer for Team Wilayah Persekutuan in the 43th, 44th and 45th National First Aid and Home Nursing Competitions. Although I continued playing the same role for Team Wilayah Persekutuan in the subsequent year, PULAPOL has ceased to be the home for this event since then. In a way, PULAPOL brings lotsa memories...good ones, bad ones. Indeed, the huge monsoon drain in PULAPOL became the centre of our attention for a few minutes; recalling how we used to cross it during Stretcher Drill...the rest is history.

There were 3 rehearsals lined up over 2 days; 2 afternoon sessions in PULAPOL on 12th and 13th December 2008 + a morning session at Dataran Merdeka on 13th December 2008. As expected, nobody understood the National Sergeant-Major during his briefing. I've offered him my presentation slides but he declined...well, at least I've done my best. When nobody understands him, let's not expect Rehearsal #1 to be smooth. Emotions running wild. Many felt they got screamed upon for no reason.

Team Wilayah Persekutuan - #1 Contingent

(L-R) CC#1, C2I/C#1, PC, P2I/C

Briefing for Officers

Bad news - things were far from perfect. But the good news - it's slightly clearer on what we should work on, moving forward. Significant improvement in terms of coordination between the Parade Commander, Parade Second-in-Command, and Parade Adjutant. I've known Mutho for many years (since those days when we crossed the monsoon drain together) but I hardly know Sanny until we stepped foot in PULAPOL this time. Well...he's a nice chap, and a very dedicated officer too. As a fellow officer, I'm impressed with him...his skills, his knowledge, his conduct and his convictions. Far better than any typical joe which I've met in First in First Aid. Although he doesn't belong to my home region, I look forward to opportunities to work with him in future.

We had a debriefing to wrap up our Day 1. Unlike Mutho, Sanny and myself (coined as CIMB, as in Cina India Melayu Bersatu), bosses weren't that honest in their comments, for whatever reason known to them. Message from CIMB...focus in fixing the weaknesses in the next rehearsal.

There weren't enough beds in the dormitory, hence I decided to give away my bed to others. Continued with Project Lenovo Pipers with Qi Kit and Duncan. Met up with Siva for some discussions about his National Conference presentation (running concurrently) before heading home, arrived at 0230 hours.

The efforts continued at Dataran Merdeka the following morning. We were joined by the top guns...those of 4-star and 3-star.

Handover: P/Adj to P2I/C

Handover: P2I/C to PC

Many have improved while there're also a significant number who have not put in enough effort. Definitely better than the day before but not to the level where anyone can be proud of. Some can't even sing Berkhidmat Bagi Manusia properly. Now, bosses announced that they were considering calling-off Rehearsal #3 scheduled to be held later in the afternoon, as they're satisfied. Not too sure if that's possible, since one of the participating state has not even arrived Kuala Lumpur after we've done with Rehearsal #2. I just hope they'll think before they speak.

Back in PULAPOL, some of the participants other than those from my home region were busy making afternoon plans over lunch, in anticipation that Rehearsal #3 would be called-off. I was glad upon hearing the National Sergeant-Major's announcement that Rehearsal #3 would be carried out as scheduled. There's a moment of long sigh in the cafeteria, and I wonder if these people who sighed were really that skillful and well prepared for tomorrow's big show.

The missing contingent finally arrived, and as we were about to kick start Rehearsal #3, God decided to give all of us a break.

There're indeed lotsa joy and laughter during the break. About 90 minutes later, God decided to send all of us back to the Parade Ground.

Except for the hiccups created by latecomers, everything else went on well, and we know that many of the participants are all fired-up to give their best shot the next morning in Dataran Merdeka.

13th December 2008 was indeed a very long day. A day that strains my voice box to the maximum. Indeed, I've overestimated my ability. PULAPOL reminded me of my powerful voice in 1996, to the extent that I've forgotten that I'm living in 2008. My greatest nightmare came through at 1730 hours on 13th December 2008...yes, I lost my voice by the end of Rehearsal #3 (SHIT!).

I don't know if Manuka Honey and Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa would be able to help me to regain my strength within the next 15 hours.

Centennial National Parade - Macam-macam Ada

2009-01-02T14:15:00.003+08:00

Strings of surprises, coupled with firefighting, is indeed tiring. Supposed to report myself to PULAPOL as early as 0730 hours on 12 December 2008 but didn't managed to show-up until almost 0900 hours. For that, I felt bad for making a comrade of mine waited for me.

I arrived without much motivation. It's more of dragging myself there to complete off what I've promised. Those from my home region arrived almost the same time, and I was wondering if they're going to be the only beret-only contingent in this Parade. From the beginning, the instructions are clear...the Parade should consists of officers and members only, cadets not included.

I settled down as streams of participants from all over the country started to take their respective places at the Hall. True enough, a majority of them were cadets. Well, I wonder what was actually the problem...which of these 3?

There's indeed very little members elsewhere outside Kuala Lumpur. So little that the cannot even pool 40 members to form a contingent. But I doubt. For the record, membership in Kuala Lumpur is the smallest, if I'm not wrong.
Instructions did not get through. Possible, but ironic, because information about Investiture Ceremonies doesn't get jammed up like this!
Instructions being deliberately ignored. Then, someone ought to be shot!

On top of that, each participating contingents seemed to send the youngest and most inexperienced officers to lead. What happen to the more experienced ones? Is there a concerted effort by the more senior ones to avoid? Well...I'm not surprised it's a form of bully towards the young officers, as the more experienced ones would prefer to watch from their seat under the canopy.

It's time to bathe under the hot sun...after the first 45 minutes, it's very apparent that most participating contingents didn't come prepared. Some officers, members and cadets could hardly march. So I believe they're mostly scapegoats, while the luckier ones escaped. Going by my usual rate when facing people from my home region, I would work very hard to turn things around. But not this time...I lose my motivation. After all, I don't see the logic of me barking everywhere when the bosses-in-charge choose to ignore their incompetency. Despite the far from average quality, bosses-in-charge choose to praise them instead of pointing to them areas for improvement.

To be fair, there're some good ones there. And there're also some who're very proactive. Those who came to me for lessons did not regret approaching me. Well...that's me. I'm more than willing to share my experience. However, those who ignored my advise is set not to learn anything from me anymore.

There's no need for me to stress myself if others are not helping themselves. Hence, my focus is back to everyone within my home region, our Parade Adjutant from a neighbouring state, and the more proactive ones among the scapegoats...mainly from up north and down south.

Later that night, we have to figure out alternative ways in the absence of a marching band. Technology has to be deployed, and I named the virtual "band" as Lenovo Pipers...after my faithful laptop.

I knew there's nothing much that I could do further. Continue stressing myself would not help anymore. Might as well just do my level best, shut my eyes and ears on those beyond my reach, and enjoy myself for the next 2 days.

Indeed we had some fun since we stepped our foot into PULAPOL.

Centennial National Parade - More Heart Attacks

2009-01-02T12:53:00.005+08:00

A marching band is an essential part of a Parade. A Parade must be accompanied by a marching band...no amount of great technology could replace it...a seasoned Parade participant would be able to tell you this.

As far as I know, First in First Aid has a brass band, based in Ipoh. I've heard about them, but haven't seen them in action before. Recently, I've been informed that Segamat has one too. I'm puzzled. In my 5 + 12 years with First in First Aid, I've not heard about it. Well...let's give the benefit of the doubt and don't question it if I'm not fully aware of the facts. A mid-level officer volunteered to help deploy this Segamat band to Kuala Lumpur. He with his usual self...convinced the bosses that everything is fine and there'll be no issue about deploying the band to Kuala Lumpur. But I know this person too well...all for the wrong reasons. I've known him for 10 years, and in the last 10 years, he has been hopping around like a frog in search for a higher ranking. Also, in the last 10 years, I've never seen him accomplishing any tasks. Seriously...I was doubtful if the band would ever appear.

Spot on...how I wish it wasn't a guess about the band but 4D forecast instead. I was right...no Segamat band in Kuala Lumpur. When shit hits the fan, such as this, it's time for 1001 excuses once more. As usual, someone would have to clean up the shit of this same person. SOS sent to the Armed Forces and Police. Later to Prisons. Nothing doing, only negative responses. Bosses gave up without trying hard. I soldiered on; sent SOS to Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, RELA and some schools. Replied with negative responses as well.

[A PARAGRAPH WITH 124 WORDS, DELETED BY KIAN TONG ON 17 JANUARY 2009 @ 1338 HOURS UTC+8]

Looking at these cock-ups, it makes me wonder if they're unavoidable from the beginning. I'm sure we could have done it better.

[A PARAGRAPH WITH 62 WORDS, DELETED BY KIAN TONG ON 17 JANUARY 2009 @ 1339 HOURS UTC+8]

Why exactly the bosses trusted "the Man who promised the Band" so much when we're all aware of his track record? One incident is enough to raise my skepticism towards anyone. I'm shocked that bosses don't learn after years of failure to deliver.

I took up the challenge to be the Parade Commander with very high hopes. By the time I stepped into PULAPOL in preparation for the first rehearsal on 12 December 2008, that last bit of motivation died down. I told myself...I'll only make sure I don't embarass myself and people from my home region don't embarass themselves. Anything beyond that, it's not my business anymore.

Centennial National Parade - The Heart Attack

2008-12-31T12:36:00.007+08:00

As expected, we did not get full cooperation and commitment from all relevant parties since the start of "warming-up" in my home region. Chief complaint:
(1) One division submitted close to 15 names, but none of them turned-up for training. Instead, their officers who have no intentions to participate in the Parade recorded full attendance...as a spectator!
(2) Another division failed in making any of its volunteers to participate. To cover the ineffectiveness, their officer raised an unofficial complaint to the top bosses of the region...saying that we applied peer pressure on him and such pressure is unjustifiable.

"Kamcheng kamcheng" is still the order of the day, and top bosses barked on the peer pressure issue. Well...there's no peer pressure involved. It's a matter of drawing the commitment from relevant parties. If cannot contribute, so be it and be honest la. There's no need to mask your own ineffectiveness.

In between, there are lotsa muscle flexing between the star-studded bosses. Well...it's their prerogative to flex their muscles as they have the necessary authorities to do so. But make sure you flex your muscles in the gentleman manner. Flex it and flash it to your intended audience. No point flexing it to an innocent soul and expect this innocent soul to relay the message to the intended audience. Although trapped, I will not be a messenger and approach Mr. B to inform him that Mr. A has muscles; likewise, Mr. B can forget about asking me to tell Mr. A the same.

Finally, I was chosen to be the Parade Commander...proposed by the National Sergeant-Major, seconded by the Chief-of-Staff (Training) and the National Treasurer. Was told that it wasn't a straightforward process. There're lotsa objections, but lacked substance...mostly personal attacks and some questions about my skin colour (hahaha...Malaysia ma). So I got chosen for being the best among the worst. Got invited to attend a meeting at the National Headquarters, so I thought it's about communicating the expectations to me. I was absolutely wrong. With another 27 days to go, they co-opted me into the Organising Committee, and that meeting was actually the first meeting.

As how you've guessed it...suprises came every 10 minutes during those meetings. With another 27 days to go, we were told that our own Brass Band is unavailable due to reasons only 1 person knows best. We were told that Pak Lah is jet-setting and has not picked-up the invitation letter dated February from his in-tray. Invitations to "dif-dif kehormat" has not been sent out. Usage of Dataran Merdeka has not been firmed-up. And a string of other surprises which would sent a person with weak heart six feet under.

I volunteered myself to pick up a few tasks, only to realise that the 3-in-1 souvenir programme book is barely 10% ready...and I was forced to help in that area as well. All these took place simultaneously as I was expected to conduct training sessions for every participant from my home region. Mind you, the expectations weren't communicated...it was assumed by those in authority.

Not that I couldn't take all these surprises; I'm well trained by Great Place to Work to take shit. What upsets me was more of the cold remarks passed by top bosses of the region. It's okay if you wanna pour cold water on me, but please do not insult our members. They're all working adults...not schoolboys. It takes some sacrifices for them to be fully committed towards the Centennial National Parade. As we are all working hard to give our best shot, the last thing we wanna hear are remarks that schoolboys could march better than them.

To me, First in First Aid is an emergency service organisation, not exactly an extra curricular activity for schoolboys. To me, the core human capital of First in First Aid lies on the volunteers, not the cadets. While many do not view the situation as how I see it, there's no need to insult my comrades. The more you insult them, the more attempt I'll make to put my foot into your mouth. Harsh as it may seemed, but that's a bad attitude that I have.

Anyway...I would like to share some pictures of our volunteers working hard to ensure they're able to give their best shot on the big day.

Centennial National Parade - The Skepticism

2008-12-31T11:53:00.003+08:00

Staging a Parade involving volunteers from all over the country is no easy task. It involves meticulous preparation. Unlike the standard practice in regular forces, it would not be feasible to put all Parade participants together over a long period for training when all of us are volunteers. My skepticism came almost the same time when those bosses at the National Headquarters were arguing among themselves whether to have a single rehearsal or multiple rehearsals before the big day, scheduled on 14 December 2008.

As an alternative, the National Sergeant-Major wanted upfront training for all Parade participants at their respective home region before amalgamation and fine-tuning in Kuala Lumpur 2 days before the big day. I was asked to draft a step-by-step guide to facilitate this process. The 14-page briefing notes was turnaround within a week sometime in August. I thought all relevant parties would have received them by September.

30 days into the big day, I realised I was wrong. The end users of my briefing notes have never seen them at all after 3 months. I didn't want to speculate the reason, as whatever excuses were simply irrelevant.

Don't blame me for being skeptical. In my last 12 years as a volunteer with First in First Aid (excluding the naive days as a cadet), there were 2 attempts made to stage a National Parade. Once in 1998...the scheduled date was 5 weeks away from Anwar's sacking. On the advise of the Government (due to those Reformasi rallies), it was called-off as Dataran Merdeka was deemed a high risk area. Second attempt in 2003...it was also called-off as Dr. M wasn't free as he was completing his 22th year as the Prime Minister.

With the kind of shoddy planning, I'm not surprised if the proposed Centennial National Parade may have to be called-off too. There's some similarities between 2008 and 1998, also between 2008 and 2003. Technically, we're facing a turmoil, both politically and economically. Like in 2003, our present Prime Minister is also heading towards the exit.

Notwithstanding, we started some "warming-up" in my home region in preparation for the big day, ensued by some "Acute Myocardial Infarction".

2008: SJAM Centennial Anniversary

2008-12-31T10:55:00.010+08:00

It's the last day of the year. Not a very good year for me, so let's not talk personal. Rather, 2008 is a very significant year for First in First Aid in Malaysia, so let's talk about the significants of 2008 to this organisation.

First in First Aid celebrates the 100th Anniversary of its services in Malaysia. Talks about the Centennial Celebration started 5 years ago. As an emergency service provider, however, we behave like one even when it comes to the Centennial Celebration...if you know what I mean.

Due to the manner plans are executed, many are kept in the dark on what's gonna happen in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration. All of a sudden, Pos Malaysia Berhad launched a collection of 3 stamps and a first day cover to commemorate the event. Followed by the commemorative coin launch by Bank Negara Malaysia the month after. Well...I would say the stamps, the first day cover, and the coins were pretty impressive.

Stamps and the First Day Cover by Pos Malaysia Berhad

Note: The rescuers featured on the RM1 stamp are volunteers attached to my Division, Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang Combined Adult Division.

Commemorative Coins by Bank Negara Malaysia

After the commemorative coins launch, it was all silent again. All the hype created by the stamps, the First Day Cover and the commemorative coins have died down, and by September, we were asking each other if the other activities to commemorate the Centennial Year would be carried out as scheduled.

All of a sudden, I heard that more than 60 volunteers of First in First Aid hoisted the SJAM Flag on Low's Peak atop Mount Kinabalu, the highest summit in South East Asia. The news came to me as a senior officer from the National Headquarters asked me why exactly Kuala Lumpur wasn't represented in that effort, despite the airfare subsidy offered by the National Headquarters. I was speechless as I wasn't aware of it.

In the following visit, I raised this with an officer at the Regional Headquarters. The reply really upsets me. Apparently, he assumed that none of the volunteers in Kuala Lumpur would be interested to scale Mount Kinabalu and hence, he felt it's unnecessary to inform us about the airfare subsidy.

Ladies and gentlemen, to shout or not to shout?

Into the 4th Quarter of the year, I didn't see any role that I could play as far as the Centennial Celebration is concerned. Until I was approached and being informed that I've been chosen as one of the likely candidates to lead the Centennial National Parade...yes, as the Parade Commander.

Speechless and skeptical. You'll know why when I continue my story.

In the last 157 days

2008-12-30T16:09:00.004+08:00

I've again abandoned this blog for about 5 months...157 days to be exact. Many things happen during this period.

Departure from Great Place to Work
Ceased to be a staff member of Great Place to Work after 2,945 days of joy and sorrows. Considered to be a long period by Big 4 standard. I was preparing to leave when the RQR guys were in town; all I have to say is that I'm glad, for 2 reasons - I was not involved in the review, and I don't have to suffer the aftermath!

Having said that, I have no regrets joining Great Place to Work 8 years ago (their "Join us, together we change the world" tagline was indeed very catchy). I might not have changed the world, but Great Place to Work has helped revealed my strengths and weaknesses, and shaped me to be a stronger contributor in the profession.

Le Tour de Malaya
The breather in between provided me with an opportunity to do something which I wanted to do for years - road trips. Although I did not managed to cover many places as planned, it was indeed satisfying.

Entering Managers of Value
Referring to my new workplace. Reported to work as planned and was sent to Beijing, PRC for a conference as early as Day 4. While the scope of work in Great Place to Work is very micro, Managers of Value provide me with opportunities to see things from a macro view. People here are more compassionate as compared to Great Place to Work. Working hours are significantly shorter.

Returning to First in First Aid
As stress level subsides to a tolerable level, I could now find some time to do something for First in First Aid. First task upon my return - Centennial National Parade, which took place on 14 December 2008. I'll share a little about this Parade later.

Well, some things just don't change in First in First Aid. Others got changed for worse. And I've been accused for insubordination about a month ago; this time, without any shouting involved!

Anyway, I have a little advised to my bosses and fellow comrades in First in First Aid:
Be more professional, act and think global,
Focus on deliverables, not internal squabbles!

Abandoned for 142 days

2008-07-26T15:08:00.002+08:00

Head and shoulders felt slightly lighter after I decided to make the bold move to leave Great Place to Work. Officially, I'm still a member of Great Place to Work for the next 9 weeks, and thereafter, I'll be jobless until 6 October 2008.

Once head and shoulders got slightly lighter, I remember I have a blog which has been long abandoned. 142 days to be exact. Reviewing the last postings makes me feel that "To shout or not to shout?" appeared a little like Rocky's Bru and the like, which isn't the intention. I was just speaking out what I felt at that point of time as I was so excited to exercise my right as a citizen of this democratic federation for the first time. Afterall, 140 days has passed since the a substantial portion of Malaysian voters has reminded all of us, candidates and constituents alike, the meaning of Makkal Sakhti. As a citizen who's entitled to cross the ballot paper once every term (without any political allegiance), I viewed the overall results positively. It serves as a strong reminder for the incumbant to buck-up, and at the same time, provided opportunities to the other camp to prove their capabilities; that all the promises and opposing views aren't mere lip service. Afterall, we citizens will get another opportunity to decide once more by 2013. Obviously, both sides would do their best to prove themselves being the better choice come 2013 and citizens should expect better service level from our politicans than ever.

Having the time to post this entry means I could now find some time to do something for First in First Aid - something long overdue.

Vote for Greater Extremism? You Decide!

2008-03-06T02:38:00.001+08:00

Malaysiakini's Question Time (2)

2008-03-05T04:34:00.004+08:00

Free access to all news items in Malaysiakini for a week. Take this opportunity to ensure you're able to make an informed decision on this Saturday.

Chew Mei Fun vs Tony Pua captured on video. Have a first hand feel of how shallow she is.

Aiyoh...Member of Parliament...Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development somemore. My friends in Petaling Jaya Utara, think before you vote. And do all Malaysians a favour to make sure she doesn't get a chance to be a member of Malaysia's legislation and executive.

Malaysiakini's Question Time

2008-03-04T05:27:00.003+08:00

In conjunction with the upcoming General Election, Malaysiakini pitches 12 questions to opposing candidates...akin to election debates...to allow voters to gauge their respective stand on "several hot button issues".

Question Time kick-started on 29 February 2008 with Bukit Gasing's Dr. Lim Thuan Sing vs Edward Lee. Followed by Kepong's Dr. Tan Seng Giaw vs Lau Hoi Keong, and Petaling Jaya Utara's Chew Mei Fun vs Tony Pua.

There're similarities in answers provided by the BN candidates...the answers are usually motherhood, shallow and non-committal. Not too sure if that's a reflection of their character and attitude.

Nevertheless, I'm puzzled by some of the answers provided in relation to the following questions:

Will you support that Petronas' accounts be made public?
LTS: Petronas have their annual report, so you can get their accounts from it. (But) you can’t demand any company to reveal all their accounts.
EL: Definitely.
TSG: We have always asked for it.
LHK: I believe Petronas is a public-listed company. They have their own auditors and public auditors.
CMF: I thought they already have their annual report. I thought the annual report is actually the accounts for (listed) companies to disclose to everybody.
TP: Absolutely. That is one of our platform in this campaign. The reason why MPs and state assemblymen in Malaysia are forced to do some of the work of local councils is simply because local councillors are not effective. They are not effective because they are not accountable to the public and (as such) they do things according to their own personal vested interest. So local council elections can be introduced so they will be accountable to the people and if they are not, they can be booted out in the next elections.

LKT says: Lim Thuan Sing, Lau Hoi Keong and Chew Mei Fun...do you know that Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) is NOT publicly listed? It's not listed outside Malaysia and it could not be listed on Bursa Malaysia. When the company is wholly-owned by the Federal Government (I presume it's via the Minister of Finance, Inc.), you can never maintain a minimum public spread of 25% to qualify for a listing status on Bursa Malaysia!!! Yes, they do publish annual reports, minus the audited financial statements!!! Perhaps I can make some money by giving some tutorial to them. I'm an accountant, want my service?

Will you support the idea of an Islamic state being established in Malaysia?
LTS: No.
EL: This is a question that is very close to most people. I am new to politics and I would like to be careful though I am following the issue. As it stands, I believe and support what the constitution says.
TSG: It cannot be because this is a multi-racial country. It must not be. It should never be established.
LHK: What’s the definition of an Islamic state? A lot of people are confused with that. This is the system now since independence, there’s nothing wrong with it. Everything is stated in the Federal Constitution.
CMF: Under the constitution, everybody has freedom of religion. Islam is just the official religion, that's all. But Pak Lah (Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) has already said that we are not an Islamic state and we go according to the constitution. The most important thing is according to the constitution. I think we are a secular state if you ask me.
TP: Absolutely not. We believe that a multiracial and multicultural country such as Malaysia has to provide protection to all religions such as the freedom of worship. We believe that the best form of government to protect all religions including the official religion is actually a secular state.

LKT says: Lau Hoi Keong, our Federal Constitution has never defined Malaysia as an Islamic State. Chew Mei Fun, Dr. Mahathir Mohamed has previously stated that Malaysia is an Islamic State. Recently, Najib Razak has also stated the same. I don't think Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has ever made his stand clear that Malaysia is not an Islamic State...he just maintained his elegant silence after Najib Razak's statement (perhaps he fell asleep when Najib Razak made that statement). Both of you...answer the question-lah!

Will you support the idea of abolishing the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
LTS: NEP has its functions. Of course, it has served its purpose. It has brought stability. Sometimes it’s not an easy answer of a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ (but) something else can be implemented which is more broad-based so it can serve all communities. There are urban poor of all races and rural poor of all races, so it should be adjusted. So it can focus on helping all communities.
EL: Yes, definitely.
TSG: We have always maintained this and to look into the policy and practice. There must be merit and need. Look at the situation such as the Orang Asli. Use meritocracy and they will be totally (left) out. How can people who live in jungle compare with people in town? How can they compete?
LHK: Yes, from my point of view.
CMF: I thought the NEP has already ended. The most important thing is that we must make sure that [...] you can actually help one particular race but in the expense of the other race. Everybody must be given a chance to have their own business and work together to create a win-win situation.
TP: Absolutely. We believe that the NEP as it stands today favours the rich, wealthy and influential particularly from the bumiputra community. It does not benefit the bulk majority of the bumiputras as well as the non-bumiputras in this country. So inequality in the country has been increasing rapidly and only with opposition and it's replacement with a policy that focuses on merit and needs, will the equality be reduced.

LKT says: Chew Mei Fun, I seriously doubt your credibility as a politician; as a legislator and as a member of the executive. Have you been dreaming or makan gaji buta all these while??? Let me tell you some facts. NEP, in its form, was supposed to be discontinued since 1990. But in substance, it has become a Never Ending Policy. One don't need to complete Pengajian Am in Form 6 to realise this...and you, being a politician, can be so ignorant. No wonder you choose to LLB with drainage issues instead of facing the mainstream!

Summary
BN fella are so pathetic. Not only that I've lost confidence in Dr. Jeffrey Goh. Those mentioned above also koyak!

Come to think about it...everyday, I've been reminded by the media that "We are on the right track...vote for Malaysia". With this kind of politicians, particularly Chew Mei Fun, I don't think we could ever be on the right track. No, I'm not going to vote blindly for Malaysia...my vote goes to an Intelligent Malaysia!

Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide (4)

2008-03-04T05:04:00.002+08:00

Time's up (and thumb's down) for Dr. Jeffrey Goh. I could only narrow it down to 2 possibilities:
1. He couldn't be bothered in answering his potential 'client' [believe in KPI kononnya]; or
2. My questions could be too challenging for him [ah...typical MCA].

I've now directed those questions to the incumbant...YB Tan Kok Wai. Let's hope that I don't have to push an undi rosak into the ballot box this weekend.

from: Kian Tong
to: cherasdap@gmail.com
date: 4 Mar 2008 05:01
subject: Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide

Dear YB Tan,
On 27 February 2008, I've received the campaign brochure of Dr. Jeffrey Goh, your opponent in the coming General Election. I would say that brochure is very colourful but lacked substance. Hence, a few questions played in my mind after reading them...of course I don't just read; I read and I think.

To my disappointment, Dr. Jeffrey Goh has remained silent for the past 4 days, despite 2 follow-up emails. I could only imagine the following possibilities:
1. More likely: He couldn't be bothered in answering his potential 'client', or
2. Less likely: My questions could be too challenging for him.

Whichever possibility, I'm now quite reluctant to put a cross beside his name on coming Saturday.

You may have briefly touched on those matters during your ceramah at Taman Midah night market last Saturday. Nevertheless, I would like to hear from you on your views as far as my questions are concerned. I'm not the only one who's interested; many of my friends are very interested to see some response to my questions.

Appreciate your response.

Thanks and regards,
Lim Kian Tong

Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide (3)

2008-03-03T04:57:00.002+08:00

It's almost 4 days since I raised those questions to Dr. Jeffrey Goh - no response yet. I think I'm going to give him another 12 hours to revert. Otherwise, I'll raised those questions to YB Tan Kok Wai instead.

I just want to make an informed decision come 8 March 2008. Please don't deprive me from this right.

My most recent email to him is as follows:

from: Kian Tong
to: info@mcacheras.org.my
cc: cherasdap@gmail.com
date: 3 Mar 2008 04:56
subject: Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide

Dear Dr. Jeffrey Goh,
More than 88 hours has passed since I first sent you an email - it is most unfortunate that I've yet to hear from you. I thought that you've recently told The New Straits Times that as a businessman, you're very focused and believe in KPI. Perhaps your KPI need to be refined, particularly when it comes to timely response of client emails.

I'm still expecting a response from you on those questions which I've raised. In addition, I would like to raise 2 matters with you, which suits the definition of community-based issues affecting the people of Cheras. Although you've identified community-based issues as a key issue, nothing has been put forward for further discussion. Hence, may I raised the following issues instead and would like to hear your stand and plans on the following:

KL Downtown Night Market
Located at the carpark adjacent to Kuala Lumpur Velodrome and Tunku Budriah Children's Home, this is a commendable initiative of DBKL and PENGASIH as it provides opportunities for ex-addicts to start a new life. However, the suitability of its location is doubtful. Without any proper parking facilities (as the parking bays have all been occupied by the stalls), haphazard parking has caused massive traffic jam along Jalan Cheras and Jalan Yaacob Latiff, especially on Friday and Saturday night. Such obstructions to smooth traffic may affect those rushing to the nearby Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in life and death situations.

As it attracts huge crowd past midnight till wee hours in the morning, I don't think it's appropriate to locate the KL Downtown Night Market next to an orphanage.

Any plans at your end to resolve this matter?

Mat Rempit
Bandar Tun Razak has, in recent years, becoming a Mat Rempit infested area. Due to the close proximity of Taman Midah with Bandar Tun Razak, nuisance created by these so-called "Mat Cemerlang" has spilled into my residential area.

Last week, En. Mohd Sulutan Ali, a Taman Midah resident became the latest victim of Mat Rempits of Bandar Tun Razak...who were all dressed in T-Shirts bearing the familiar "Sedia Gempur" battlecry and the familiar blue and white logo which appears in every campaign posters of yours.

How can you help us to resolve this matter?

I've waited for a response for the past 88 hours. I seriously hope that I could obtain answers from you within the next 12 hours. In the event if I don't hear from you after 100 hours since I sent you the first email, I shall try to obtain some answers from the incumbant instead.

It is absolutely okay if you refuse to answer any of my questions, but at least, you should revert to inform your inability/refusal to answer. Keeping quiet would simply reveal the truth behind all promises that you've made to all Cheras constituents.

Thanks and regards,
Lim Kian Tong

Pot calling the kettle black

2008-03-02T22:27:00.003+08:00

On 28 February 2008 at Penang, YAB Dato' Sri Deputy Prime Minister said:
(1) "Mereka ini, bila jumpa dengan orang-orang Melayu, cakap lain. Bila jumpa dengan orang Cina, cakap lain. Bila jumpa dengan India, cakap lain." - in reference to a party on the other divide.
(2) "...dan kerusi itu pun, mereka cuba jadi macam kerusi pesaka, nak pass daripada isteri ke suami, dan tempat lain pun, dari anak ke suami." - in reference to an opposition icon.

View the video for details:

Study the 2 remarks carefully. Don't you think it's akin to the pot calling the kettle black? Statement #1 does not require any further elaboration...any informed Malaysian citizen would know exactly what had happen over the years. Lest we forget the Suqiu episode in 1999 - 2000. The Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall along Jalan Maharajalela almost got torched down by Pemuda UMNO barely a year after UMNO gave its support in principle to Suqiu before the 10th General Election. None of the requests went through, but MCA (UMNO's partner-in-crime) still claim in front of the Chinese community that they're the "bodyguard of the Chinese".

On kerusi pesaka, YAB Dato' Sri Deputy Prime Minister is the incumbant MP for Pekan constituency, a seat which he contested for the first time during a by-election in 1976, as the seat was left vacant following the death of his father. And in the 12th General Election, we have witnessed the following kerusi pesaka on BN's list:

(a) Labis (Parliament) - Vacated by Chua Soi Lek (of the Chua Soi Lek vs Angeline Yam video fame) for his son.
(b) Kota Samarahan (Parliament) - Vacated by YAB Tan Sri Chief Minister of Sarawak for his son.
(c) Port Klang (Selangor State Assembly) - Vacated by Zakaria Deros (of the Istana Zakaria fame) for his daughter-in-law.

Malaysians are not as stupid as what you politicians thought.

Youth for Change

2008-03-02T06:17:00.002+08:00

Creative video clips by Youth for Change ("Y4C") to create some form of awareness. I'm not trying to spread any message, but I think it's worth sharing this as we're entitled to make an informed choice but mainstream media is not helping, as far as informed choice is concerned.

romPAK LAH - this is my favourite

Ubah Gaya Hidup - quite good

YB vs Blogger

Setem YB

Mat Cemerlang? Or Mat Suckers?

2008-03-02T05:53:00.003+08:00

My sympathy to En. Mohd Sulutan Ali...another victim of UMNO-endorsed Mat Rempits. So happen, this victim lives in my neighbourhood, Taman Midah.

Dr. Jeffrey Goh, the presence of Mat Rempit within our constituency (due to its close proximity with Bandar Tun Razak) can be regarded as a community issue for us. As you've pledged not to be a "NATO" in your campaign brochure, would you be able to help tackle this issue?

Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide (2)

2008-03-01T18:43:00.005+08:00

I've been eagerly waiting for the reply from Dr. Jeffrey Goh over the last 2 days, but to much disappointment, I've yet to hear a single word from him in respect of my queries. Some of my friends are equally anxious as they're very interested to hear from him too.

You see, people like us think. We don't cast our votes blindly - the whole process of casting our vote may take less than 5 minutes but any adverse effect would haunt us for up to 5 years. We are all entitled to make an informed decision, and we want a chance to make an informed decision. The media is not helping and hence the very least that we could expect is to hear it directly from parties concerned. Keeping silent would not help, Dr. Jeffrey Goh.

My follow-up email to him is as follows:

from: Kian Tong
to: info@mcacheras.org.my
date: 1 Mar 2008 11:16
subject: Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide

Dear Dr. Jeffrey Goh,
48 hours has passed since I first sent you an email filled with various questions regarding your campaign brochure. I reckon that your schedule is stretched as there are so much to do within such a short campaign period as fixed by the EC (or rather, by the Caretaker Federal Government in substance).

Nevertheless, I would really hope that you could put some thoughts to the queries that I have raised. I have shared my thoughts on your campaign brochure with many of my friends in Cheras of similar age group, background and mindset; and none of them actually felt that my queries being irrelevant. Instead, they're all so interested with your reply that I've been getting phone calls in the last 24 hours, checking if Dr. Jeffrey Goh has reverted to my queries.

Just like me, I think these people also believe that you have to prove your point before you could expect to win our votes. In tackling this segment of constituents, poster wars alone would not help. In fact, usage of banners of criticism in nature (e.g. those with cartoon images of a cannon and paper plane) may bring negative impact to voters who are able to think "outside-the-box".

I am still very much interested to hear from you because what matters to me is substance, not form.

Thanks and regards,
Lim Kian Tong

Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide

2008-02-28T21:47:00.005+08:00

The 12th General Election will be held in about 10 days from today. Come 8 March 2008, I'll be casting my maiden vote. As a constituent in Cheras, I would have to choose between the incumbant Member of Parliament from the Democratic Action Party and the challenger from the Malaysian Chinese Association, a component party of the Barisan Nasional coalition, which commands the majority in the previous Parliament.

Yesterday, I received a campaign brochure from the challenger, which has outlined 5 key issues to support his aspiration to be the new Member of Parliament for Cheras. It touches on some of the issues which are deemed very relevant to typical urban Chinese constituents from the middle and lower-middle classes; among others, issues on security, environment and Chinese education. I'm sure his campaign brochure raises the eyebrow of some but I choose to digest them critically. In fact, I'm eagerly waiting for the campaign brochure of the incumbant as I would like to do the same on the incumbant.

Anyway, the application of critical thinking with strong sense of scepticism when reading the challenger's campaign brochure has brought about an e-mail, which I've sent to him this morning. I'm still waiting for a response after more than 11 hours but I'm sure with all the ceramah to attend and pasar to visit, it's rather unfair if I expect him to revert at similar speed of what my bosses would expect from me.

Perhaps, you may want to apply some critical thinking while reading my e-mail, as follows:

From: Kian Tong
Date: 28 Feb 2008 10:55
Subject: Change for a better Cheras - appreciate your response before I decide
To: info@mcacheras.org.my

Dear Dr. Jeffrey Goh,
Firstly, I wish to congratulate you for being entrusted by your party to contest in the coming General Election for the Cheras constituency. From your campaign brochure which I received yesterday, I noticed that you are not a resident in Cheras and hence, may I extend you a warm welcome to Cheras.

I believe the decision of your party to place you as their flag bearer in Cheras is a testimony of your capability within your party, as Cheras, like many other urban constituencies, has always been regarded as an opposition stronghold.

By way of introduction, I am a Cheras constituent of Chinese origin, born and raised in Cheras. Like all other tertiary educated, urban professional, I believe in critical thinking when weighing any issues with strong sense of scepticism.

Being a first timer in the coming General Election, I have an important decision to make over the next ten days (further elaboration is unnecessary). After reading through the English section of your campaign brochure, I have a few queries for you. I appreciate your response on these queries before I make any decision come 8 March 2008.

You have highlighted five key issues for us to ponder, and I have questions for each of the key issues, as follows:

Local Issue #1: Security

You are absolutely right in pointing out that security issues can create an extremely dangerous environment if not properly tackled. Could you elaborate further on your plans in tackling security issues in Cheras if you are elected as our representative in the Parliament?

I thought the Royal Malaysian Police ("PDRM"), with strength of 93,348 personnel, is the federal agency under the Ministry of Internal Security (with our YAB Dato' Seri Prime Minister as its Minister) that has been tasked to maintain law and order within the boundaries of our country – Cheras included. With the rise of criminal activities threatening our security, isn't this a reflection of the ineffectiveness of PDRM and hence, the ineffectiveness of the Ministry of Internal Security?

To my best knowledge, a Member of Parliament is a legislator and not a law enforcer, a representative of the people and not a criminal investigator. I don't see how a change of Member of Parliament or a change in the representing party would help tackle this issue. If your rationale is that Members of Parliament from parties other than your party would not be able to effectively lobby for enhancement in the service delivery of PDRM, I think this rationale is totally unacceptable. With the rising crime rate and many high profile cases playing in everyone's mind, I don't think YAB Dato' Prime Minister or YDH Tan Sri Inspector-General of Police would need anyone to remind them on the issue on security, and that Malaysia (and Cheras) is not so selamat, aman and makmur after all. Even your party leaders would share the same sentiment as yours as far as the security issue is concerned. Why not effect a change within the system via your leaders, as how they have always preached? Don't you think any efforts which you may make in future as a backbencher in the Parliament to tackle the security issue and the ineffectiveness of PDRM's service delivery is akin to a change from outside the system? Can you ensure that you will not be required to toe-the-line as instructed by your party Whip, and speak up this matter for us without fear or favour?

Local Issue #2: Environment

Again, you have rightly pointed out about sanitary and infrastructure issues, which haunt mainly citizens and tax payers living in constituencies represented by Members of Parliament from parties other than your party. Rubbish-filled streets and badly maintain roads, among others, are a nuisance to us although we are taxed under the same regime as our counterparts living in constituencies represented by your party.

As far as I know, the concession for solid waste management in Kuala Lumpur (including Cheras) is currently held by Alam Flora Sdn Bhd ("Alam Flora"), a member of a well known Government-linked Company, DRB-HICOM Berhad. With all these complaints about rubbish-filled streets in Cheras, isn't this a reflection of poor service delivery by Alam Flora? If Alam Flora is responsible for the sanitary issue that is haunting us, why on earth are we still contracting them to do something which they are not capable of, using revenue collected from assessments? Are you trying to imply that the service delivery of Alam Flora would immediately improve from the moment Cheras gets a new representative from your party?

On the other hand, the Federal Government collects revenue in form of personal taxes and corporate taxes via the Inland Revenue Board from individuals and body corporate respectively. In return, it is the Federal Government's responsibilities to provide public goods and services; upkeep and maintenance of public roads included. On this front, the Public Works Department ("JKR") and Kuala Lumpur City Hall ("DBKL"), as agencies under the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Housing and Local Government respectively, are tasked with the responsibilities to maintain our public roads in Cheras. When roads are poorly maintained, isn't this a sign of flaw in the provision of public goods and services at the Federal and Local Government levels?

At times, I keep wondering if there are double standards when it comes to the provision of public goods and services by the Federal and Local Government levels between constituencies represented by your party and constituencies which are not. Mind you, the Inland Revenue Board, Royal Malaysian Customs and DBKL do not discriminate when it comes to collection of revenue. Why is there a need to discriminate when it comes to provision of public goods and services?

Is there any guarantee that the environmental issue could be resolve if your party is elected to represent us? With or without your party's representation, I felt that the environmental issue should not be an issue in the first place as the two mentioned ministries are headed by your party President and his counterpart from MIC respectively.

I am sure you can promise to highlight such issues to the relevant agencies to be addressed. However, the environmental issue that you have brought up for deliberation is a matter of service delivery by the Federal and Local Governments. When it comes to the provision of public goods and services, I don't think any of the agencies involved would have to be reminded; they are duty-bound to provide public goods and services as taxpayers have paid for them. Just like I don't have to be reminded to get to work every morning.

Local Issue #3: Community

What's exactly the community issue that you're trying to bring forward? There is not much of substance being discussed. Mind elaborating further?

Local Issue #4: Transportation & Traffic

Nobody could ever deny that traffic issue is the mother of all issues in Cheras. I reckon the situation has got worsen after the end of Metramac Corporation Berhad's concession over the privatisation of Jalan Cheras. More and more people are using it since it's free. However, could you single out the lead factor which causes the deterioration of traffic condition in Cheras?

Circa 2004-2005, the traffic condition in Cheras has turned from bad to worse as Jalan Loke Yew is being widened by contractor MTD Capital Berhad. At that time, I was praying hard for March 2007 to come immediately, as that was the scheduled completion date. We are stepping into March 2008 in two days time and the situation there today is not very different from the situation a year ago. Looks like the project is taking forever to complete. Who's fault is that and who is to be blamed?

Local Issue #5: Education

Much have been said about increasing the number of Chinese primary schools until your party president was featured in almost all print media lately, hugging YB Dato' Seri Minister of Education. I am sure the demand for more Chinese primary schools would be high in Cheras, as its constituents are predominantly ethnic Chinese. It appears that both your rival in the coming General Election and yourself are speaking on the same tune on this matter with affection.

However, I choose to look at the education issue beyond primary level, because primary education alone doesn't bring one anywhere. The demands for entrance to public universities are equally high, and we have all heard of cases where non-Bumiputra aspirants who have met the grades failed in securing seats in public universities. For a brighter future of Cheras and of Malaysia, don't you think that it's even more important to ensure that nobody who have met the grades are denied the right to pursue tertiary education in public universities (and more important, in discipline of their choice), without any distinction of race, colour or creed?

What are your views and plans on this? What about the views and plans of your party on this matter?

Appreciate your response – it would definitely help in making that crucial decision come 8 March 2008.

Regards,
Lim Kian Tong

My people management skills...sucks...

2007-09-07T21:55:00.000+08:00

My 2 hats in "Great Place to Work" and "First in First Aid" respectively require skills in managing people. Have been doing it for years but yet I felt I've not mastered such skills at all. Something must be wrong somewhere.

"Great Place to Work" is a professional environment where everyone speaks the same language. Everyone is trained the same way and hence, characters are built on the same platform. Everyone has strong commitment towards their responsibilities, displays maturity in every action and maintains a high degree of professionalism at all time.

To the extent, delays in responding to phone calls and emails are regarded as cardinal sin in "Great Place to Work". I guess I've improved in this respect but not perfect, as I still get screwings from bosses for delays in responding to communications during "disastrous" periods. It's quite obvious that I've failed in managing my bosses and their expectations, and I take these screwings with a pinch of salt; afterall, these are valid screwings to enhance greater professionalism in me.

However, "First in First Aid" is a different ballgame altogether. Perhaps the diversity of people in "First in First Aid" makes it difficult for everyone to speak the same language. We were required to get ourselves on ground again last weekend in conjunction with the celebration of a historical moment of our nation. Instructions from bosses came a little late, hence the relay happen very ad hoc. Being a volunteer myself, I can understand how difficult it is to communicate in an ad hoc manner (especially when we don't meet daily, making any efforts to disseminate news a little tougher). Being a volunteer myself, I also believe in putting our heart and soul into the voluntary work which we've pledged to shoulder, with the attitude and commitment which is no less than what we would strive in our work which pays us a shelter and 3 meals, even if voluntary work is purely voluntary without any remuneration.

2 mediums of communication was put into good use, but the response was poor. No, I'm not blaming those who returned negative responses; it was the silence by the majority which upsets me a little. The situation went on further when one of my fellow volunteer claimed that the silence on her part wasn't a mistake of hers, but blamed it on me for making stern remarks on her silence. Anyway, that's history (I hope).

Internet is a powerful tool...I knew it since I started using it more than 10 years ago. It's via the Internet that I found out a slight dissatisfaction of another fellow volunteer over a small occurrence (which I wasn't even aware of) while we were on the field during the historical moment. It's a petty occurrence which Auditors like me would call it "immaterial" but yet it annoys her. Area of coverage is large, of course there's a lot of walking involved. Returning to the point where we started requires some 10 to 15 mins walk. Everyone on foot patrol, including myself (being the highest-ranked personnel on foot patrol) walks. I'm aware there's an ambulance who're heading to the same destination, and 2 fellow volunteers have wanted to hop into the ambulance to avoid a "long" walk. No doubt, I overheard their conversations but it wasn't directed to me so I choose to ignore on grounds that everyone on foot patrol should return the same way as we came. On the other hand, she took that conversation as a hint to me to allow them to take a ride with the ambulance.

I wasn't just a leader to my small circle of fellow volunteers while on ground; I'm also playing the role as a leader to all volunteers outside my circle. Can't be giving preferential treatment to anyone while making others to suffer. With 80 volunteers on foot patrol, what makes both of them so special that I have to put aside the sense of fairness in me to provide convenience to both of them? Mind you, I walked with everyone!

On one hand, I'm upset with some of my fellow volunteers for their attitude, which doesn't reflect maturity and professionalism to the level I expect. They're not the ordinary Ah Bengs and Ah Lians along the street - these are people who're tertiary-level qualified! On the other hand, I blamed myself for my failure in moulding them to become good volunteers. Perhaps, I've been too nice to them all these while and that puts me in a dilemma if I should be more direct and blunt. To shout or not to shout?

After 361 days...

2007-05-29T12:05:00.000+08:00

Just came back from a tour of duty for SJAM in Kuala Terengganu roughly about 12 hours ago. One of the small talks during the trip reminded me the existence of a blog called "To shout or not to shout?" which I've abandoned for close to a year...to be exact, it's 361 days.

What has happen to me in the last 361 days?

Career - Still an Audit Manager in that self-proclaimed "Great Place to Work".

Voluntary involvement - Still a Divisional Superintendent in that organisation which claimed to be the "First in First Aid".

Appearance - Gained a few kilos, but far from the "obese" category. New additions include strands of gray hair on my scalp.

Life - Don't have.

Tours of duty - "Great Place to Work" brought me to a few places, i.e. Phuket (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Chennai (India). More to come, perhaps. The furthest "First in First Aid" ever brought me to was Kuala Terengganu. It's via the tours of duty over the last 361 days that I've developed hatred towards "Now Everyone Can Fly". They might as well change their tagline to "Not Everyone Can Sigh". How I wish that everyone else can fly via other airlines and they can die instead.

Principles - Not much of a change...my dislike towards hypocrites remain.

Health - Aching everywhere, from lower back to finger.

Wardrobe - More and more white shirts and black trousers. My taste got changed by my profession.

Car - Old faithful Toyota Corolla is showing signs of ageing. Eagerly waiting for the launch of an all new Toyota Corolla Altis.

Accomplishment - Finally, that piece of shit called D****m was cleared in my hands after a change of 4 managers within 6 months. Now, another piece of shit called W****E has just landed on my hands.

Failures - Whoa! Many! My pet projects - CALM and CRU, which was supposed to be put in place since last year, have not progressed as scheduled.

Dilemma - Yes, still wondering whether to shout or not to shout. Kinda disappointed with my counterparts who show no courage in making changes.

Manager's Fault

2006-06-02T23:49:00.000+08:00

More than 7 months has passed since I last posted something here. Circumstances just doesn't allow me to post anything...running out of time, running out of ideas.

Life is kinda sucky ever since we kiss 2005 goodbye. 1 January 2006 was another turning point in my career, but not something worth celebrating. More than 5 months has passed since I became a Manager in my workplace...and seriously speaking, my work has never been so frustrating.

From a 2-week stressful assignment in India to the worst busy season I ever had to some "clearing-shit-of-others" mission in a f***-up place called D****m, I've never had a good break for an extended period. My commitment with SJAM is affected...I couldn't fulfill some of the promises I made to my colleagues in SJAM...I'm sure they're disappointed with this.

I'm feeling the heat of how terrible a Big 4 could be. The reality is...as a Manager, I'm squeezed in-between the bosses, the staff, and the clients. I've finally realised that, in the perception of bosses, every failure can always be attributed to the Managers.

Managing recoverability

In audit, efficiency of each engagement is measured by recoverability of time cost. Low recoverability is a norm in Malaysia due to the mismatch of our chargeout rates (set based on first class standards) against the actual remuneration received from our clients (determined based on third class mentality). Malaysians in general do not see the value in an audit...audit is perceived as a fault-finding exercise required by the law.

It's a challenge for us, the Managers, to maintain a handsome recovery rate without compromising on quality and timeliness. Managers are always the one to be blamed when recovery rates are low...because low recoverability signifies inefficiency of the engagement team...as if we've failed in controlling all those "fake and purposely-inflated" costs.

Of course the simplest way to achieve hansome recovery rates would be to victimise your team...make them work after office hours without charging time. Stress them up until they become slow by 0100 hours without proper compensation. Sounds good, huh? But think twice before you try...coz the blame will go back on Managers for not adhering to the firm's policy. Subordinates will hate you, while bosses will brand you as unprofessional and inethical.

No choice, you may wanna work hard to ask for a higher fee...but with that third class mentality, your client thinks that you're trying to corner them at gunpoint. And you're doing and facing all these shit...being scolded and humiliated by your clients...at no additional compensation.

Either way, it's Manager's fault.

Delivering our work

High staff turnover is the number one characteristic of Malaysian auditing. Getting recurring team members in your engagement is a great challenge. Clients will scream at Managers for having too many new faces in the team, even before you start an audit.

The learning curve is steep...and Managers are expected to coach them. When you spend your time coaching them, you won't have enough time to complete your own work...and it's your failure. When you put more focus on your own work, you're accussed for not coaching them enough. But each of us have the same 24 hours, don't we?

Either way, it's Manager's fault.

Administrative matters

Not enough with practice matters, it's also our responsibilities work on administrative matters...billings, collections, appraisals etc.

It's our fault if our WIP is high. It's our fault if clients don't pay on time. It's our fault if we don't give a monthly commitment of our collections.

Untimely submission of staff appraisal is Managers' fault (because we didn't sign-off on time, or we did not chase them to prepare one)...but untimely submission of Managers' appraisal is not Partners' fault, it's still Managers' fault.

Hey...have we forgotten that we have to review the work of our subordinates and at the same time, attend to our own sections...and we have to coach them too!

Either way, it's Manager's fault.

Quality

In a third class mentality...client treat auditors as accounting tutors. Nobody takes ownership of their own financial statements, thinking that an audited financial statements are the responsibilities of auditors.

Managers review the financial statements...but it's as good as redrafting them. When you make changes, you'll be blamed for doing unnecessary work for your clients. But if you don't...and push them back to the third class clients, you'll still be blamed for not being able to correct errors.

Either way, it's Manager's fault.

AUDIT MANAGER...SUCKS!

Al-Fatihah

2005-10-22T04:34:00.000+08:00

My deepest condolences to YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family on the demise of his beloved wife, YABhg Datin Seri Paduka Endon Mahmood on 20 October 2005 @ 0755 hours.

The sad news came to me via an SMS message from Dr. Loi Kheng Min when I was preparing to start my day. It was a cold morning in Klang Valley...drizzling...the sky was gloomy...as the nation mourns the loss of the woman behind a great leader. Dr. Loi's message quickly reminded me of a function more than 5 years ago...in August 2000 to be exact, when I met Allahyarhamah Endon when she accompanied her husband, who was then the Deputy Prime Minister to officiate the opening ceremony of a government-initiated programme on women at Suria KLCC. Well, I didn't had any opportunity to speak to her then as I was caught to deliver a briefing to Pak Lah about the initiatives of the organisation I represent on that day...none other than St. John Ambulance of Malaysia. Well, I would say that Pak Lah is the most down-to-earth politicians that I've met in person...irregardless of political divide.

Though I've never interracted with Allahyarham Endon, I'm sure she was a very strong personality...judging from the manner she coped with her illness. Again, stories about her strengths in fighting the big 'C', which appeared on all dailies yesterday (21 October 2005) reminded me of my late father, who was defeated by the big 'C' more than 9 years ago. Like Allahyarham Endon, he was equally strong in fighting Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma for 9 years and 3 months before he left us on 27 July 1996. He stretched his life 18.5 times longer than the 'remaining lifespan' of 6 months initially predicted by his physicians in 1987!

**********

Semoga roh Allahyarham Endon ditempatkan bersama-sama dengan roh orang-orang yang soleh.

**********

Meanwhile, I'm particularly concerned with occurrence such as those mentioned in the following news report:

Bernama.com
Malaysian National News Agency
Mimos To Help Trace E-Mail Culprit
General
October 21, 2005 19:02 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Institute of Microelectronics Systems (Mimos) will work with the police to investigate a Bernama news report circulated through e-mails by mischief makers, declaring next Monday as a public holiday following the death of the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, Thursday.

A spokesperson of Mimos Berhad said they were aware of the incident but were waiting for police investigations.

The spokesperson said the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) could also put in its personal request to the National ICT Security and Emergency Response Centre to investigate the matter.

"We serve individuals and organisations on computer-related incidents and network security," he said.

He said internet protocol address, headers in image and destination port numbers had to be traced to detect the original source.

Bernama's technical manager Abdul Halim Hafiz Mohamad Radzali lodged a police report at the Sentul police station Thursday.

Sentul OCPD ACP A. Thaiveegan said investigations have been transferred to the commercial crime unit of the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters.

He said the case would be investigated under the Computer Crimes Act 1997.

The Act provides for a framework to counter computer offences such as unauthorised access top computer material, crimes of fraud and dishonesty through the computer as well as unauthorised modification of contents of a computer.

Thursday, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Datuk Azman Ujang denied the news agency had ever released such a report.

The report was faked by inserting an additional paragraph pertaining to the purported public holiday into the original report released by Bernama on Endon's death.

Bernama was inundated with telephone calls from members of the public seeking clarification on the matter after they received copies of such e-mails which carried the Bernama credit-line.-- BERNAMA

What had happened to Malaysians in general? Nothing better to do than to think about a day-off on every national figure's passing? Sad...and I mourn for Malaysia for the above.

NSTP-PwC Malaysian Humanitarian Award (3)

2005-07-02T18:00:00.000+08:00

An article from the News Straits Times, 2 July 2005, page 22:

KUALA LUMPUR, Fri. - Family physician Dr Lee Hoo Teong has devoted the past 27 years towards elevating pre-hospital care and first aid training standards through his involvement with the St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM). As regional commander of the Federal Territory chapter of SJAM, Dr Lee, 62, is responsible for the organisation's administration, welfare and discipline. His contributions have changed the way service providers deal with emergency response.

Among his achievements:

championed the need for ambulances manned by trained personnel;
was behind the creation of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a basic course by HUKM, the first of its kind in Malaysia;
instrumental in introducing the Highway Emergency Ambulance Service to address the high fatality road accidents during festive seasons; and,
established the Emergency Medical Assistance Service (EMAS) to address the inadequacy of emergency public ambulance service in 1998.

This free service, which provides 24-hour emergency and pre-hospital care to city dwellers, has since handled 8,000 cases. EMAS has equipped ambulances with automated external defibrillators, which have increased survival rate of sudden death cases by 40 per cent, and created the Quick Response Motorcycle Squad. In 2001, the EMT was launched to train ambulance personnel in paramedical sciences at degree level. Since its inception, 55 trainees have passed the course. Dr Lee's proudest contribution was the motivation of young people to join SJAM. In 12 years, SJAM has trained 400 youths over 18. "One of our aims is to teach children first aid and pass that knowledge to others," he said. SJAM, Dr Lee said, could now respond to emergencies in 15 to 30 minutes within a five-kilometre radius, faster than other ambulances but far behind the five to six-minute response time in Western countries.

NSTP-PwC Malaysian Humanitarian Award (2)

2005-06-22T18:31:00.000+08:00

52 nominations have been submitted for this year's NSTP-PwC Malaysian Humanitarian Award for three different categories, namely the Young Humanitarian category (23 nominations), Lifetime Humanitarian category (18 nominations) and Team Humanitarian category (10 nominations).

As reported in the media yesterday, the nominees are:

Young Humanitarian Award

Murugeswaran Veerasamy (Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and FT), Syed Aliwi Shaib (Seri Mastana Single Mothers Association), Anantha Rao Appalasamy (Malaysian Progressive Welfare Association), Ng Kah Choong (Sungai Siput (U) Buddhist Association Youth Circle), Siva Kumar Narayanan, Edmund Bon (Messrs Chooi & Co), Petrina Satvinder (New Covenant Community), Lam Chee Hong (Perak Family Planning Association), Azlina Mehtab Mohd Isaq (Penang Umno Complaints Bureau), Balasupramaniam Krishnan (Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association);Pastor Sia Siew Chin (Beautiful Gate Foundation for Disabled), Datuk Suresh Shannon (BI Charity Foundation, Youth and Sports Experimental Aircraft Association), Chong See Mun (Women's Aid Organisation, Unicef), Jayanthesan Kulasingam (Carerity Volunteer Development Programme), Nurliza Abdul Latiff (Down Syndrome Society of Malaysia), Muhammad Nabil Vethivell Abdullah (Down Syndrome Society of Malaysia), Ivan Kennedy (El Shaddai Community Service KL), Chieng Jin Ek (Anti-Dengue Educational Committee Rantau Panjang), Ahmad Khairiri Al-Hadi Md Yusop, Muhammad Ibrahim Iqram Abdullah (Al-Iqram Counselling Services), Loi Fui Fen (Hospis Malaysia), Rahinah Ibrahim (Spiritual Care Service, Stanford University Medical Centre) and Cheryl Lim Peng Peng.

Lifetime Humanitarian Award

Cecil Rajendra (Malaysian Bar Council), Dr Lee Hoo Teong (St John Ambulance), Kanan Sandran (Anti-Crime Association of Malaysia), Manogaren Segaran (Sultan Idris Shah Foundation for the Disabled), Amar Singh Mangal Singh, Rasammah Naomi Bhupalan Rajendram (National Council of Women Malaysia), Anthony Sivabalan Thanasayan (Bivai Special Dogs), Sivasangararao Guruvaloo (Independent Living and Training Centre);Dr Shamsul Anwar Sulaiman (Aman Malaysia), Krishnan Ramaya (Grace Community Services Bhd), Poong Lai Chan (Down Syndrome Society of Malaysia), Adeline Vanaja Joseph (National Cancer Society of Malaysia), Lee Kum Ngow, Rizal Abdullah (Al-Taqwa Voluntary Body, Malacca Religious Council), Datuk Zubaidah Ariff (Malay Women's League), James Nayagam (Shelter Home), Mohamad Sazali Shaari (Malaysian Federation of the Deaf) and Datuk Mohd Safari Abdul Manan (Seri Mengasih Centre).

Team Humanitarian Award

Shree Raghayendra Hindu Teaching Association Johor Baru, Miss MalaysiaIndia Care Association, Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia, Beautiful Gate Foundation for Disabled, Down Syndrome Society of Malaysia, Resource and Wellness Centre, National Cancer Society of Malaysia, El Shaddai Community Society, Era Consumer Malaysia, Sathya Sai Central Council of Malaysia and Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur.

Noticed the name in blue and bold? That's my boss in SJAM, the Regional Commander of SJAM Wilayah Persekutuan, a true unsung hero. I guess I've answered why I was so busy before the end of nomination period on 17 June 2005.

Quotes that caught my attention

2005-06-17T02:55:00.000+08:00

"Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow." - William Pollard

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." - Alvin Toffler

"Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open." - Sir James Dewar

The above are some of the quotes that really caught my attention today. To me, they are very meaningful - I shall remind myself of these quotes in all I do.

Perhaps I should't shout too much, instead, remind my bosses about the spirit behind these quotes (if, and only if, they listen).

NSTP-PwC Malaysian Humanitarian Award

2005-06-11T04:17:00.000+08:00

"Sometimes when we are caught up in our busy lives, we tend to overlook that there are people and communities out there who truly need help." - YM Raja Datuk Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Executive Chairman, PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia

I quoted the above from the speech of my boss during the Presentation Ceremony for the inaugural NSTP-PwC Young Humanitarian Award on 12 August 2004 at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur. I concur with the opinion of Raja and would like to add on...sometimes when we are caught up in our busy lives, we tend to overlook that there are many people out there who devote much of their efforts to put a smile back on those who in truly in need, without expecting any returns or recognition. These are the unsung heroes.

Despite whatever negative perception people have on PwC (as defined by www.urbandictionary.com), there's still a humane side of my employer...at the very least, the CSR efforts of PwC is far greater than the other Big 4!

The Award seeks to bring national attention and recognition to Malaysians for outstanding public service and who have gone beyond the normal call of duty to perform selfless deeds of a humanitarian nature. The Award also acts as an impetus to further encourage the recipients and for others to emulate.

Last year, the Panel of Judges, led by former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Musa Hitam shortlisted 3 finalists from the 35 nominations. One of the finalists is a volunteer in SJAM. I've known this person for the last 15 years...we attended the same school throughout our secondary schooldays but went separate directions as we move ahead in our chosen career path. However, our common interest keeps us together until today...not only that both of us remain dedicated volunteers of SJAM - we are attached to the same Division!

The nomination paper was signed-off by Lim Kian Tong; the nominee (and finalist) was Siva Saravana Kumar. Citation of the Panel of Judges on my comrade:

"Siva Saravana Kumar's contribution is an inspiration to all youths in terms of the dedication and hard work this young man gave to the St Johns' Ambulance operation in his spare time. Despite full time studies as a medical student, he did emergency work with the Brigade and attended no less than 195 cases in 2003, all on a purely voluntary basis, and at some sacrifice of his self interest and career priorities in terms of study time. Siva is from a poor background and has had to struggle to reach university level that represents his own start in life. He nevertheless devoted time and energy for others."

I just cannot describe my feelings when I got to know that he outshined many others who boasts to have served in war-torn countries, who claimed to be courageous simply because a bullet got lodged beneath the skin out of an accident, who claimed to have championed the cause of certain individuals in need (at the expense of others)...the list goes on. For that moment, I know that the Panel of Judges were looking for true unsung heroes...and I believe that's the way it should be. The feeling was good...especially when you know that you have played a pivotal role to turn everyone's attention to this unsung hero. None of my close colleagues in PwC knows Siva in person, but they have all heard about him...and admired him very much. A year has already passed, but he is still a subject in our chit-chat at work.

There are many other unsung heroes in SJAM...who have always been on the frontline to help the suffering and needy without being appropriately recognised. As an accountant, I'm more of a backroom boy and I shall continue my efforts as a backroom boy to turn everyone's attention to another unsung hero. Yes, I'm currently working on a nomination paper for this year's NSTP-PwC Malaysian Humanitarian Award. Writing up a proper nomination paper may be tedious and time consuming...but I think it's worth the effort...especially when you realised that you have successfully turned everyone's attention of the unsung hero of your choice.

Could not disclose much of the work that I am doing currently until the end of the nomination period, which is next week. Stay tuned.

9th Malaysia Plan and the Chinese-type primary school issue

2005-03-19T23:45:00.000+08:00

I have to admit that I seldom read newspaper these days. Time just doesn't permit me to flip the broadsheets or tabloids, no thanks to my job. By the way, I think I've never mentioned about my job here. I'm actually an Auditor...in the payroll of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Dispite the little time available, I still make a point to quickly browse some news sites such as The Star Online for latest updates. Screenshots... is also another source of news, particularly the more controversial ones.

Of course, one of the controversial issue since 11 March 2005 was the Chinese-type primary school issue stirred by Utusan Malaysia in respect of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA)'s memorandum on the 9th Malaysia Plan, unveiled on 10 March 2005.

Over the past week, readers of mainstream print media have been presented with various attacks targeted at MCA. Finally on 13 March 2005, the Prime Minister gave his view but unfortunately, it was quoted out of text.

In the follow-up clarification provided by the Prime Minister's Political Secretary (Chinese Affairs), he stressed that the statement "building more Chinese primary school will negate national unity" was not the central thesis and spirit of the Prime Minister's statement. But what interests me was the Prime Minister's opinion that "the best way to promote national integration is to have various races mix when they enter secondary level". This opinion supports the Prime Minister's stand "that the government will continue to respect provisions in the constitution and guarantees under the Education Act that non-bumiputras may obtain their education in primary schools in their mother tongue".

I came from national education background, hence the national-type Chinese schools issue is not very close to my heart. I agree with the Prime Minister that dual-stream education system will not bring us any good (that's why I don't really support the existence of Chinese independent secondary schools).

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister's opinion that "the best way to promote national integration is to have various races mix when they enter secondary level" really caught my attention. I share the same opinion...national integration is very important in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society like ours. Somehow, it is very important to build the trust and tolerance among people from different ethnic group...and it has to be built from young. Hence, the education system is the best avenue to achieve this. Besides the propaganda embedded within the syllabus, mixing pupils from different background would certainly help in strengthening national integration.

If this is the aspiration of the government, then it's about time that the government should consider the following:
1. Abolish Chinese education system at secondary level by converting them into national schools, and
2. Open the doors of boarding schools to non-Bumiputras.

Bear in mind, to achieve a total mix of various races, we should not make any schools exclusive to a single ethnic group. Boarding schools such as the Maktab Melayu Kuala Kangsar, Sekolah Alam Shah and Kolej Tunku Kurshiah should open their doors to non-Bumiputras if the government is serious about upholding the Prime Minister's aspiration to promote national integration by having various races mix at secondary level.

SJAM Watercooler is up and running again

2005-03-17T02:20:00.000+08:00

Since it was hacked on the morning of 14 March 2005 and the subsequent locking to prevent massive traffic from Indonesia, SJAM Watercooler is now up and running, and maintains its popularity among Officers and Members of SJAM.

If you wonder what SJAM Watercooler is all about, it is actually a forum site maintained by the SJAM National Headquarters. From its humble beginning weeks before we ushered into 2003, the forum gained momentum with active participation from the grassroots until it became rather controversial at one point of time. Since beginning 2003, I've been 'shouting' alot in the forum, championing various organisational issues that is close to my heart...to the extent that the SJAM community all over Malaysia started to know who Kian Tong is, although they've not met Kian Tong in person. Of course...some of my opinions were viewed as radical; to the extent that my name was mentioned in many of the bosses' meetings. Feedback that I got wasn't very encouraging...renewing the dilemma of 'To shout or not to shout?'

Anyway, it is through SJAM Watercooler that I started to make friends with fellow grassroots from other states. In many situations, common opinion brings us together...it's nice to know that I'm not alone at times.

They're here to earn a living, give them a little respect

2005-03-16T03:15:00.000+08:00

After making the last entry on Monday evening, I was thinking to myself whether Indonesians who're seeking a fortune here have been mistreated by their Malaysian employers. I started to recall many incidents that I've heard, involving my neighbours' Indonesian domestic helpers.

The 2 neighbouring families closest to mine (by distance, not by relationship) have 2 Indonesian maids each...but turnover is kinda fast. Unofficially, their maids and my family's has a so-called 'union' where they'll exchange stories and experiences when their 'Tuans' and 'Nyonyas' are not around. Generally, I've been told by our maid that their bosses don't really treat them well. About being overworked, about not getting sufficient food etc. etc.

Anyway, take a look at restaurants around KL on weekends, you'll see lotsa family gatherings...maids included. But the maids are there not to enjoy the good food and atmosphere, but they're there usually to take care of toddlers while the rest just eat, drink, laugh and enjoy themselves. Poor maid would finally get her food after everyone is done...luckier ones might get a plate of fried rice, unlucky ones would have to settle for leftovers! Don't you think it's sickening?

That's not the extreme. There were occassions where the maids of my neighbours send SOS call to my mom, asking for food. Hahaha...funny but true...simply because their 'Tuans' and 'Nyonyas' have gone up to Genting Highlands for the weekend, without leaving behind a single sen for the maids' 3 meals!

To my fellow Malaysians: We're already in our 21st century...and they're not slaves. It took them a lot of pain to leave their family and work here...hoping that tomorrow is better than today for themselves and their families. Treat them with a little respect as they're humans too.

For the information of all readers, we have an Indonesian 'Kakak' in my family too. Sukarni is her name, from East Java. In another 7 weeks, Kakak will be celebrating her 9th anniversary working with my family. Seems long, right? That little respect is the key. There's nothing wrong with asking her to sit with us at the same dining table...like 1 family. Like us, they need rest too, so there's no need to overwork them...not to mention, they need some form of entertainment too. It's not too much at all to invite them and join in the easy sessions in the TV room during the evenings.

Disputed borders

2005-03-14T23:30:00.000+08:00

Over the past week, I came across various reports in Jeff Ooi's Screenshots about hacked Malaysian sites; hackers from our Nusantara neighbouring state claimed responsibility by writing anti-Malaysian slogan and such. This morning, even the SJAM Watercooler, the forum site of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia was not spared. I noticed this at 0926 hours, and immediately contacted Jimmy Low, the forum administrator. SJAM Watercooler is currently unavailable...perhaps Jimmy and We Tak are planning to burn midnight oil to prevent similar 'cracking' in future.

What actually causes such a serious outcry among Indonesians? Website hacking, flag burning, street demonstration. Solely because of the disputed maritime borders off Sabah and East Kalimantan? (Indonesians called it Ambalat Block and East Ambalat Block, while the Malaysians called it the Y Block and Z Block) Or is it linked to the massive deportation of illegal immigrants from Indonesia by the Malaysian authorities?

Well...borders are basically high-level bilateral matters that should be solved diplomatically, or via international justice. That means, leave the issue to the elected governments of both the state...there's no need to be emotional. A war is definitely not a solution...look at Gaza Strip and West Bank (since 1967), Jammu and Kashmir (since 1947)...never ending dispute without any apparent solutions till today.

But if the anger is resulted by 'Ops Tegas', I think Indonesians should understand that the affected ones are illegal immigrants, who've breached the immigration law. And Malaysia, as a sovereign state, has all the right to deport illegal immigrants according to her immigration law. Arguments about how Indonesians are abused here in Malaysia has little relevance since offenders have been accordingly dealt with using the criminal law. Malaysian citizens and Indonesian citizens alike, are subject to the Malaysian criminal law within the boundries of Malaysia that does not discriminate nationality.

Malaysians and Indonesians alike should remain calm, lets not act based on emotions. Think for a moment, if Malaysian are blood suckers, we wouldn't be the first to respond to Acheh on 26 December 2004...we wouldn't contribute millions of ringgit into rebuilding the province affected by the earthquake...and we wouldn't have spent taxpayers' money into sending firefighters, medical practitioners and aid workers there (not to mention, portable water treatment plants).

35 days to go...

2005-03-13T23:05:00.000+08:00

The voluntary body that I mentioned in my maiden posting refers to St. John Ambulance. I've been attached to SJAM for 14 years...started as a cadet in school, then became a full member before I got commissioned as an Officer. Currently a Divisional Superintendent...that's equivalent to a Captain in the Army...or a Lieutenant in the Navy.

On yearly basis, there'll be a National-level First Aid and Home Nursing Competition, where the best of each Region will compete for the National Championship. This year's National Competition is the 47th, scheduled to be held on 7 & 8 May 2005 in Kuala Lumpur. Regional representatives are selected from Regional-level Competitions...and Area-level Competitions (for Regions other than the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur). In 35 days time, I'll be putting the representatives of my Division into test at the Regional Competition.

Speaking about First Aid and Home Nursing Competitions, I've participated twice at National-level...once in the cadet category and once in the adult category. Subsequent years, I've involved myself in preparing participants. In the recent 4 years, I managed and trained the representatives of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur to the National-level Competitions. That 4 competitions left a lot of bittersweet memories in my mind, but I've decided not to take up this role again right after the competition in 2004. It's never interesting doing the same thing over and over again.

Over the years, the Competition has become less realistic...and most participants have deviated from the pure objectives of the Competition. More often, participants are trained to win the Competition...and the kind of training they've undergone doesn't make them competent first aiders at all! Ironic, huh? But that's the fact. More often, most of the participants have been trained hard, but not trained smart.

Anyway, I just kick-started the training for the representatives of my Division this morning...first training from the series of 5. Many people thought that I'm crazy...make do with just 5 sessions...but I believe 5 is sufficient, if time is spend efficiently. Certainly, high degree of self-discipline is required from everyone. Afterall, my objective is to make them work effectively in a team as they're already competent first aiders. Winning or losing, it's no big deal. Last year, our representatives became overall champion at Regional-level with 6 training sessions, I believe we can improve on the work process to cut down on hours. The 6-hour session we had earlier today was rather fruitful, let's hope that the remaining 4 sessions in the next 35 days are equally effective.

Looking forward to weep tears of joy on 17 April 2005, and if possible, 8 May 2005.

My maiden posting

2005-03-13T21:55:00.000+08:00

Just a year ago, I have no freaking idea what a blog is all about. Until I was introduced to Jeff Ooi's blog...and thereon, I make it a point to visit his blog everyday. It was mainly due to the kind of issues he discuss in his blog; issues on national politics, corporate governance and transparency. Of course, I started to notice some of my friends were into blogging...after visiting some of their blogs, I started to wonder to myself if I could also blog. My main concern is, of course, time...24 hours in a day is just too little for me. Working in a firm and in a profession that takes away more than half of my 24 hours in a day, I wonder if I have the strength to maintain a blog if I ever started one.

Ah...heck it! Finally I've made up my mind...why don't give it a try? No harm starting one anyway. It's good to share my thoughts with others anyway. Perhaps, I could just turn it into an avenue for me to let go my frustrations in times of trouble.

To shout or not to shout?

That the name of my blog. Took me 2 minutes to come out with this name. By nature, I'm a very noisy person. My voice is loud...sometimes it appears like I'm shouting though I don't mean as such. But that's definitely not the reason why this name was chosen. The name basically represents the dilemma that I face in a voluntary body that I belong to. It is an established voluntary body that exist for 128 years and can be found in almost every part of the world. I've been attached with this organisation since my schooldays and today, I'm a grassroots leader. Being a true grassroots person, I place great importance on welfare of volunteers...but sometimes, it doesn't seem to run parallel with the priorities of bosses. As a uniformed body steeped with paramilitary tradition, working order of this organisation is basically governed by various regulations. Being a true grassroots person again, I have no problem coping with such requirements and I'm a keen believer of total compliance...but sometimes, it's sad to see others deliberately turn a blind eye against the requirements and yet, they escaped without being reprimanded.

I've being very vocal all these while, championing the welfare of my colleagues and reprimanding offenders, but instead, I had faced music many times for being noisy. Sometimes, such incidents really kills my motivation to carry on, but the brotherhood in the organisation keeps my spirit alive. More often, I would ended up in this dilemma..."to shout or not to shout?"