bracing for difficult times ahead of us

It is going to be a grim outlook indeed. The American credit crunch as it is called is contagious. The fault lines apparently pass through Europe and are heading towards our shore. That is what the economists are saying. Our number one economist aka Najib Razak and his bunch of merry-men of lawmakers turned lawbreakers are saying otherwise. Malaysia’s economy is as solid as a rock. Funny though, secretly they are ransacking treasury for some leftover dough.

Will it hit us hard? Well, the extent depends very much on how fast we can instil measures to lessen the impact. If our response is fast enough, we may not have to resort to putting in money into the vacuum created by defective financial system of the IMF the world subscribed to.

Financial institutions’ penchants for creating innovative products that has subjective values and widely distribute them further increase their risks. As these products are not inside the balance sheet of the financial institutions, we are not able to detect them. We do not know who is badly exposed and by how much and who is credit-worthy and who is not. The flow of funds between banks stop as money market respond by freezing credits. Financial system becomes totally without credibility. People will chose to hold onto their money instead of dealing with banks. Governments scramble to guarantee savings to prevent massive withdrawal.

A new system has to be founded and that would mean a total reconstruction of existing financial system. Not an easy feat to achieve.

Already we are seeing prices of commodities, steels and other raw materials and oil come spiralling down. Cost of manufactured goods would be lower but demand falls a lot faster and hence recession sets in.

When we, a general public are grappling with these complex issues, we will be at a loss and require a caring, competent and responsible government to see us through these difficult times. But in our case, when our pilot and co-pilot are engaged in a power struggle, the country is running on auto-pilot en-route Bora-Bora, a sunny carefree holiday destination.

We are seeing a panic move by the finance minister and proposed for a propping up of the share market with a view of saving a few companies. This is a classic piecemeal solution that is devoid of aggregate effort and highly likely to be flawed.

Let us for God’s sake forget our differences and sit down together on a discussion table to finding solutions to these conundrums. We have to get passed this self-denial and look again at our budget and the country’s financial planning. A revisit is crucial in response to an already changing circumstance and new playing field. We must act fast enough and brace ourselves for an arduous spell ahead of us. We are indeed living in the most challenging period. This global village is small enough and Uncle Sam sneezes, we catch cold and if not attended to we will die of high fever.

Good night and good luck Malaysia, wherever you are.

troubadour

of peoples’ coffer, its custodian and the plunderer

The feeling is a “cloud nine” level! It is a real ecstasy and real feeling of jubilation! The heartless crook and criminal UMNO/BN goons time and again proved us right. These moronic idiots are so predictable. Or are we a hell lot smarter than these corrupt politicians? Perhaps both then! Oh, well, we are so good!

Their dirty hands are reaching into EPF (read PEOPLE) coffer again! When the nation is on the brink of bankruptcy and there is scanty fund available, the people are going to be victimised and trod on again. The story is almost always the same, and the players are also (Oh My God!) the same!

First the finance minister announced EPF fund to be used by Valuecap to prop up the market, the second finance reinforced the need and tried to justify the move citing profit would be made and then EPF went on to deny the move! Aha…! What is going on? Is there a shadow-play going on in public domain? We would welcome the move by EPF to not agreeing with the move. EPF is our old age retirement fund. Yes, you and I. We would stand to lose our pension fund if this crime is allowed to go on without a fight. We are talking about mega sin here. This is not a petty theft. It is a daylight robbery!

Those entrusted to manage this fund must be of highest integrity and honesty. They must safeguard peoples’ savings down to the last penny.

What will be their next moves then! Let us predict then! Maybe we can conjecture some crafty moves by these hijackers.

PETRONAS’s coffer! Well, they raided this treasure chest too many times already. But then again, who cares! Maybe the CEO of Malaysia to whom this state oil company answer to would relent. The robbers can prepare justification paper as thick as the phone book and the CEO can be hoodwinked into agreeing with the move. This is a viable alternative.

There are a number of favourite treasuries where they do not concern the non-Muslims. The Chinese and Indian community may not mind. After all, they are not contributing to these funds. These institutions could collectively syndicate considerable sum for all and sundry to feast on. This would be brilliant! Heading the syndicate would be the Pilgrims Fund (Tabung Haji). Smaller ones would be the nation’s main Islamic alms collection, the “Baitulmal” and all the states ones. Perhaps the rescue plan fund can be repackaged and sold to the unsuspecting public as a “People Development Fund” or the Malay-Muslim acronym would sound more palatable, “Tabung Pembangunan Ummah”. That sounds terrific. Definitely can close sale! How about “National Development Fund”!? This resonates well with the whole nation. The non-Muslim section would not mind and more likely even to support it.

How about Pension Fund? Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pencen can be duped again. They conceded before when the goons twisted the directors’ arms. They could try again. Who can stop these them? Most trustees were appointed through political conduits anyway. They would be subservient to their masters anyway.

How about states’ petroleum royalty? Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak oil royalty can be delayed and rerouted. It is a noble cause anyway. These oil rich states are under BN rule. UMNO trampled and squashed them thus far and yet they relented. Stretching them a little bit more will not be a problem. They are still barking like mad dogs in parliament. They are not likely to rebel. They are well fed and become submissive and compliant. BN parliamentarians from Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak are nothing but docile and obedient lot. Their loud howling and barking in parliament daily now is proof enough of their stupidity.

Then there is Chef Ministers Incorporated. BN govern quite a number of states. These chief ministers want to remain in power. They can be duped or coerced. Again it is a national interest anyway. This tagline is so powerful.

Manipulative minds work wonders. A friend remarked recently that politicians live longer because of their manipulative minds. Only the good die young. But what is not said is “the crooked live longer to incur wrath of the Almighty and live to see their plan destroyed and their castles turn to ruin”.

Goodnight Malaysia, wherever you are!

troubadour

courage and conviction to forge ahead

I read with disdain news of wasteful exchanges in parliament over “long gone” past performance of BN government in Anwar’s era. Do these BN Sarawak’s parliamentarians understand the meaning of collective responsibility? Anwar is no longer a BN man. As he was a BN/UMNO man in his heydays, he would have to uphold vision and direction of his then party. To bring up obsolete and redundant issues now is a sheer waste of taxpayers’ money. Parliamentarians are elected to enact laws for the benefit of masses, not to debate trivial, petty and frivolous issues en-route a cul-de-sac.

Lately in parliament, this fear of impending takeover of the government by the opposition has caused such a disarray and blinded the government’s parliamentarians to such an extent that they engage in wasteful debates and stupid squabbles choosing to attacking as strategy for defence. I watched in dismay while idiotic lawmakers made complete fools of themselves and irate political pundits. These mindless psychopaths do not deserve to represent the people in the hallowed house of parliament in the first place. This only explains the kind of manipulation that got in the way of their election into office. We have a bunch of idiots running the country now.

Both dependent government-owned and independent press tends to sensationalise reports, Hansard transcript brings to light a great deal of information. While words may not fully capture emotions and atmosphere of the debates in parliament they do to some extent give quite an expose.

We cannot help but sing praises to the informed lot in the opposition bench on their focussed and engaged manner of their conduct. It is heartening to note that they choose not to let their imminent conquest get in the way of pushing for reforms these very minutes, both in politics and most importantly the economy. A peek into backgrounds of the opposition’s parliamentarians reveals individuals with sound and impeccable and immaculate credentials and unquestionable commitment. Years of struggle against an oppressive regime and its self serving machineries taught majority of these people’s representative significance of struggle and how much trust electorates placed upon their shoulders. These are courageous human beings, dedicated and full of convictions.

Astute opposition leader also choose to let bygones be bygones. On a few occasions he openly declared his regrets for past omissions and commissions. This act of admitting one’s shortcomings with remorse and a promise to remedy them right not only made him appear chivalry enough but also humane enough to earn admirations from friends and foes alike. This is a mark of a genuine statesman.

Daily as parliament sitting gets under-way these unsung heroes led by the opposition statesman are teaching the BN goons the meaning of humility and trustworthiness. The conscientious amongst them will learn righteousness and modesty and may come to realisation that theirs’ is a lost course and will abandon ship in favour of joining hands with the respectable representatives. Together, these magnificent men and women will form a new government that have the moral right to govern and rule justly and earnestly. This will mark an era for a new Malaysia, a true government of the people, by the people, for the people and perish it will not from this blessed earth. Let the new democracy usher in with vigour and splendour. Long live Malaysia, a vibrant economy with people of diverse culture and background living in peace and harmony!

troubadour

universal declaration of social justice

I have always been fascinated with inspiring and insightful speeches. In my younger days I admired those who could muster public speaking skills. I would secretly picture in my head being able to command such a skill and imagined myself delivering powerful stimulating speeches. I would memorise phrases, idioms and words of wisdom and formed sentences in my head and delivered inspirational speeches before imaginary audience. It was breathtaking. And to borrow Salinger’s favourite phrase, I got real “kicks” out of it!

My “field of day” came when there was a selection process for speakers for the English debating team at school. Aspirants were asked to speak on any topic in front of the classroom. I remembered a friend who cited the lyrics to the song “Hotel California” by the Eagles in a poetic manner. It was hilarious and the whole class was laughing loudly with great joy.

I chose to deliver Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to the class. I thought that the speech was discerning and of course very motivating. I could still remember the whole speech in my mind to this day.

As one grows up, values set in and inevitably one find oneself in a position of leadership. The very least is we have our families and we are the reluctant leaders. We begin to place many universal values of goodness in our aspirations. Human rights, social justice and values a civil society should possess are suddenly of paramount importance to you. One begins to seek sources of inspirations.

Where does one turn to for motivation and inspiration, faced with such a noble and monumental task of educating humanity and finding solutions to cure ills? I had an interesting conversation with my subordinate yesterday on this “reference” point. I was professing consulting an expert and consulting right sources were crucial to finding credible and practical answers to problems in general and inevitably one’s values and belief dictates one’s source and direction. I turned to “classical sources” of my belief and found Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) “Last sermon” to be a truly inspiring speech and the Prophet’s reminder has stood the test of time and dimension.

In this sermon, the Prophet stressed upon 10 issues. These are:

To deliver a promise and fulfil trust.
To be fair and just in our conduct.
Prohibition of and to avoid usury (“Riba”).
To be a forgiving (for past wrongdoings and proceed on a clean slate).
Observing what is forbidden down to the smallest/trivial things.
Rights of man over woman and vice versa and to protect women at all times.
Uphold and observe the five pillars of Islam.
Men are created equal and Muslims’ brotherhood.
Everyone is answerable for his deeds (to the Almighty).
To use the Holy Quran and Prophet’s Teaching as guide and reference.

One has to read the Sermon carefully to be able to understand elements of Social Justice being outline by the Prophet (pbuh). For a full speech of the Prophet (pbuh) please visit troubadour's Attachment site at www.wandering-troubadour-attachment.blogspot.com.

troubadour

non-malay dpm to win over the informed lot – highly unlikely!: malaysiakini

It is not what you say that matters. Action speaks louder than words. Talk is cheap, walk it and you get immense followers. A strategy to pull wool over non-Malays eyes will not work. The non-Malays are already wary enough of this foul ploy.

UMNO will never see what we have been talking all this while. They continue to think that this is all about holding onto power and it is all a game. Governing a nation is no longer child’s play and it is a responsibility of an elected government in a fair and clean manner. As BN hold onto power is a direct result of cheating and swindling, they are not a legitimate government of the day.

Already the ground is buzzing with “excitement” over this newly cooked strategy? That is what spin doctors would like to believe. Non-Malays are not stupid to bite this savoury bait. I would be very happy if UMNO continues onto this path. You can promise the sky but the atmosphere thins out only a few feet above the ground. Over and above the atmosphere, the air is too thin and one will suffocate. Promising the moon and delivering molehills. “Cakap tak serupa bikin” (Talk is cheap). Theirs is a strategy full of deceptions.

But then again, looking on the bright side, if UMNO promises a non-Malay DPM, PR is already a credible government-in-waiting, full of niceties and goodness and blossoming into a caring government. What can stop us from doing the same when we take over and live it the way in should be: true power-sharing in a transparent well governed society. Oh life, it is full of bliss!

raising the corpse from the dead – najib disowned manifesto

Malaysiakini report on Najib’s unveiling of his manifesto if to be taken as a landmark effort by the Defacto PM is indeed a let-down. Now he disowned the manifesto when earlier on it was reported that it was his "support group" that released the Manifesto. We believed that it was indeed his own manifesto but having seen adverse comments in internet media especially, he chose to distant himself from the manifesto. He realised that ultra-Malay trail is but cul-de-sac and Malaysians have gone past racial politics.

What the manifesto does is it confirms our belief that this idiot is still practicing racial politics. This is the problem with a politician who seeks popularity based on a belief that Malays are parochial and racist enough to buy his distorted manifesto.

Najib’s think-tank must have fed him with some intelligence work. His old ministry the MINDEF’s intelligence unit must have cooked up something to convince him that this divide-and-rule is a sure bet. Propaganda disseminated through this underground network manages to convince many that Malay must not lose its dominance. This is the Malay section that is blind and dim-witted enough to buy their argument and swallow wholeheartedly and help to carry the propaganda further.

We noted that Malaysians loved to engage in political talk. Just give yourself a try. I did and found it very revealing. Conversation inevitably moved towards current politics. It was alarming to say the least that even those high up in society’s rank believed this Malay-must-dominate-the-politics mantra. When we went deeper we began to understand that this group generally belonged to the unintelligent and thick-skulled group and a fraction came from crony’s outer circle that benefit immensely from this corrupt government. However, on a brighter side, they made up only a small percentage of the general public. Let them continue to cry this mantra and their world would soon come crushing down.

Racism in whatever form is an antithesis of a civil society. No religion in the world condones racism and supremacy of a particular race and if there is a claim by any that their religion professes racial supremacy rest assured they are the deviants. These extremists survive and continue to garner support because society is still very much uninformed. Deliberate containment of information to select few is a mark of selfish leaders. These prophets of doom will continue to prey on uninformed segment of the society.

Choosing to resurrect the dead Najib went on to shove to us that this was what he promised his father on the father’s deathbed. This was nothing but a dirty strategy of raising the corpse from the dead. A promise made on a one’s deathbed does not legitimise a wicked deed. Swearing on one’s dead father does not legalise what is criminal. Continuing to make a fool of the general public is a sin of the highest order. He should be banished from this hallowed land of ours till he meets his Lord, if he has any.

Najib was crying foul over revelation of his misconduct attributing it to dirty tactic on the part of opposition and opponents alike. It is morally correct for one to expose misdemeanours. He dismissed charges of misconduct on both sms-exchanges with a crooked lawyer and expensive purchase of helicopters, ascribing them to again and again the dirty work on the part of his opponents. Little that he understands that a leader must not only be clean but he must also be seen to be clean. He has long lost his legitimacy to govern the moment he insinuated that it was his right to govern and not a responsibility bestowed upon him by electorates to govern in a just and faithful manner.

Najib knows that only the 2,000 or so UMNO candidates that matter. General public has little effect on him, at least for now since election time is 4 long years’ away. He round up the whole media to rally around him and together with his paid minions they continue to propel delusion in the heart of society and in doing so justifies his claim for the coveted premiership.

It is sad indeed that the outgoing premier is so naïve that he is trapped in his own web of deceit. His strategies are so transparent that they can only be attributed to his greenhorn advisers. Wisdom comes with age and his two key advisors namely his son-in-law and his son are novices compared to seasoned politicians like Najib, his perspicacious mentor Mahathir and a host of other shrewd minions that are propping this Defacto PM up. We can only watch in disbelief as the PM is slowly led towards his slaughter house. The murder would be a tragedy most foul in the history of this nation and we would regret this distasteful event soon enough and the only consolation is that perhaps we can write a correct history for our coming generation to learn a thing or two from this sordid affair.

Looking on the bright side, at least we have our cyberspace to continue this fight. We must lure this ferocious tiger out of the mountain. We must decide the battleground and we must have the will to survive. Ours is a noble course and God willing we will be triumphant. The good almost always wins over the crooked one. The onus is on us to forge ahead toward a better Malaysia where you and I and our children live to benefit from this blessed land of our forefathers. Long Live and goodnight Malaysia, wherever you are!

troubadour

the best of planner

In business and politics one will be inevitably faced with a situation where there is a need for change. This desire to change is almost always a move from an inferior state to a much more outstanding one. Managing change becomes an important subject of study.

We have seen turnaround of the Malaysia Airlines as one of a more successful change management. Earlier on in Malaysia there was a Shell Malaysia turnaround that has been quoted as exemplary change management in practice.

Likewise in politics, there is a constant need for change. Failure to address this will send a business entity or a political party into oblivion. In the aftermath of the 2004 general election in Malaysia, the writer had the opportunity to meet with and posed a question to Director of PAS Research, Dr. Dzulkefli Ahmad on whether there was a need to “reinvent” PAS having suffered a big electoral loss. He chose “repackaging” as the word to describe the change needed in PAS. Whether one is reinventing or repackaging an entity or product, there is almost always associated with change.

UMNO as political party is heading for destruction. Fifty years of rule with little change if goes by Ibnu Khaldun’s Theory of Social Science is in ripe age of destruction coming from, as the theory goes, internal conflicts as leaders engage in excesses.

Both Malaysiakini and Hrakahdaily carried news of severe internal conflicts that set a platform for final showdown that will lead to destruction. It is now an acknowledged war between the two warring camps, the PM and the defacto PM, both scuttle outwit and “kill” each other.

In this information age, everybody is equipped with tools to formulate strategy of war. Both forces of good and evil are acquainted with and masterly use old age war strategies to defeat the enemy. Both sides of the divide claim to master this Art of War. Little that they realise that, the Moral Cause of waging a war, determines success of war initiatives. If one wages war for the wrong reason one can never win it.

Planning is a key to successful outcome of a war. Understanding one self and the enemy, environments and so on increase chances of winning a war.

While we indulge ourselves in this knowledge of the Art of War, we must never discount the fact that there is a superior being out there watching us. An atheist may dub this Law of the Universe or Mother Nature or simply luck. But for the majority of this world’s population divine intervention can never be ruled out.

When the CEO of Malaysian Airline outline his methodology of change or turnaround for the then ailing airline, he went on to spell very clearly that seeking divine intervention was of paramount importance. Likewise PAS as a political party placed its success on sound moral cause, properly repackaged and they will agree unanimously due to the will of the supreme-being.

UMNO on the other hand clamours for change but lacks the will for change. Leaders scramble to maintain their power and position without regard for the people. They obviously want to cling onto power for the sheer reason of wanting to have access to material reward. The moral cause is a twisted one and as the rule goes its outcome is easily predicted. Sheer disaster and catastrophe to the nation and its people! Most glaring is their conceit and arrogance to claim that it is their (God given) right to govern and total disregard for God’s command to rule justly and honestly.

They plan, God also plan and God is the Best of Planner.

troubadour

malaysia emulating zimbabwe

BBC World news today (October 18th, 2008) reported that power sharing arrangement discussion between Mugabe’s party and Zimbabwe’s opposition party was underway but the opposition warned that limited power that Mugabe chose to bestow upon the opposition was far too insignificant to spur collaboration or formation of a respectable coalition. This cannot be too far away from what is happening at home-front. Initiative by the biggest BN coalition party UMNO in courting Islamist’s party PAS was a testimony of similar route taken by Mugabe’s party. In the absence of Mahathir on Malaysia’s political front, Mugabe has improvised lessons learned from his one time idol.

Enter round two of the Malaysia’s political mayhem! We would most likely be seeing Malaysia’s shrewd politician back in limelight. His disciple, Najib Razak’s likely ascension to the coveted PM position in Malaysia would see his skewed policy being shoved back to Malaysia public. His old age was perhaps his only setback. He might be receiving his Lord’s call before he could inflict more injury to Malaysian public. However, even with this divine intervention also if it were to happen, nothing could stop his twisted policy to be jostled into Malaysian public’s domain. Najib Razak, a defective clone of Mahathir would see to it that Malaysia would sink to her lowest ebb and be anointed as the leader of the third and lost and forgotten backward world.

If Mugabe’s trail was an indication of what was in store in Malaysia, we would still be seeing a scheme devised by BN core party to court the Islamist’s party be resurrected and gather momentum. Continuous assault on government’s opponents be it members of opposition or general public was evidence of UMNO’s move towards convincing people especially the Malays ethnic that they were loosing political control and becoming increasingly marginalised in their own country and subsequently push Islamist’s party to a corner and relent. As the ruling coalition was increasingly becoming more and more unpopular, this power sharing conduit was the only viable alternative at maintaining grip on the nation’s power and hence opportunity to ransack her wealth.

Zimbabwe’s ethnic makeup was far more complex and hence Mugabe’s mastery manoeuvres. There was a distinction between what we saw in Zimbabwe and what was happening in our home turf. Majority in Zimbabwe hailed this move as a way forward toward unifying the more than 40 ethnic groups whilst in Malaysia majority informed public riled this move as it lacked conscience and full of deceit. Furthermore, the fact that the proposal and subsequent coercion surfaced when government’s reputation was at its lowest point was a clear indication of Malaysian government’s dirty clandestine and ulterior motives.

While the world was embracing democracy, Malaysia hailed dictatorship, repackaged as “guided democracy”. The nightmare was about to begin.

troubadour

plundering the nation’s wealth while championing a reform?

Quote: “Without reforms truth is obscured and sentiment and innuendo reign supreme”, unquote. Yes, it was the famous SIL aka KJ quotation that appeared in the Star some time back. Funny that this comes from a person mired in controversy and whose hands are reaching into the nation’s coffer while basking under the sun wallowing in sheer pleasure in a party that resist all attempt at changing for the better.

Change or face people’s wrath! This is also their battle cry now. But they are the ones that prove to be the biggest boulders that block reforms.

How does a person institute change? How do we make sure that whatever changes that we want to do will be successful i.e. if we manage to “reform”. This is essentially managing change, or change management. Due to a need for any organisation to continue to change or face extinction, the subject has been a focus of many management gurus. The most influential and sought after change expert is John P Kotter.

Change involves people and their emotions, uncertainties and inconsistencies and therefore is very complex. A successful change or a reform requires LEADERSHIP and a bloody good one. Without the right leadership you can expect empty mantras and prevailing old school of thoughts instead of a rejuvenated entity. Kotter laid down almost foolproof steps towards leading a change. There is simply no shortcut and it is a science as much as it is an art.

Do you seriously think that UMNO can reform giving their current state of denial? I for one do not believe that it is possible. I have these words that I said time and again to my people that “If you are limping and people also point that out to you and if you think otherwise, you would continue to walk with a limp!” That is the classic form of denial.

Sad to say that there are those (disillusioned) lot that believe UMNO should and must reform. These are the minority though. Majority of those in power simply profess change but it is just a ploy to camouflage their act of robbing the nation of its fortune.

catch it when it falls – opposition’s delaying of no confidence vote: malaysiakini

It seems that the much anticipated move towards a no-confidence-vote against the PM and the BN government did not happen on Monday, October 13th. The opposition leader instead chose to engage on a debate on the budget and called for fresh new budget to be tabled by the government.

It is also interesting to note that the DPM chose to be absent from the sitting, preferring to frustrate the opposition and hiding behind tactical-ploy claim. The BN government is still mired in self denial and serious internal injury. Whatever the strategy that they employ, the people are simply not amused. They have lost the moral right to govern the moment they chose to ignore the sorry state of the country and the people.

With the decision on the date for the change of guard, outgoing PM is scrambling to ensure that his people are able to complete their projects and get paid for. They fear being robbed off their bounty. The incoming PM is putting his blockades all over the place to ensure that their supporters get their hands on the nation’s coffer. Even a small project value of which is as meagre as RM0.5 Million is being blocked, scrutinised and divided amongst their own kind, very much like a bunch of (40) thieves of the Arabian Nights. The country is in DOUBLE AUTO-PILOT MODE as both the pilot and the co-pilot chose to go about their own personal gains.

In a country where there is a solid economics foundation, politicians’ antics may not affect the country a bit but in a country like Malaysia now politicians’ frolicking courts disaster. In a world with no border, the impact is a hell lot more and the time it takes to recover is a lot longer.

Thailand’s economic fundamentals are strong unlike Malaysia. Thailand’s political turmoil has little impact to their economy. Democracy is ripe and alive in Thailand. Civil servants are free display their political inclination. Even government departments proudly choose faction they want to support. Government hospital in Bangkok was seen last week to express their resentment towards the government and the police by proudly proclaiming on a huge banner that they would not treat injured from government and police ranks. Such a display of hatred for the government, if happen in Malaysia, would incur the wrath of the ruling party and subsequent dismissal of the head of department and a host of other innocent souls.

With its economy on the brink of collapse, Malaysia cannot afford to prolong this political mayhem. Continued mishandling of the economy and the people will reduce Malaysia to the like of Zimbabwe and a host of other sordid third world countries.

Enter a new era where freedom of speech is upheld and injustice abhorred. This new era is about to begin. People’s hatred towards whatever initiative taken by the government has reached a maximum and tolerance level is almost at zero level. For satisfaction sake perhaps the opposition is lingering on this cloud nine level and wait in sheer pleasure and patience and contentment; waiting to just catch it when it falls. And fall it will.

troubadour

economist my ass

I wonder why there is still a reference being made of the DPM Najib as “the so and so ECONOMIST”? Hell. If he graduated at all from Nottingham University and having entered politics at the age of 22 years and remain a politician to this date qualifies him as “the economist”! Bollocks! What does he know about economics! Putting money in his own coffer for almost 30 years now and spend some come election time (within his beleaguered party UMNO or the general elections) must have taught him real economics I presume. No wonder the country is in such a mess save some insignificant sectors.

I believe some “pen-for-hire” journalists must have done really good work. Subsequent commentators swallow the lies, repeat them and now lies are taken as truths. Going by the same methodology, I must have been a bloody good engineer having graduated at the same ripe age as the DPM was, and the fact that I cannot even to this date understand “limits and fits” of the engineering feat! What a load of rubbish we have become.

Of course he speaks so well at international conferences, answers questions like a pro, on issues ranging from social degradation to international monetary fund. He is but an actor. Scripts are written by some other men behind the scenes, swallowed; chewed and minced and spit out at the right speed and sequence. Mr. Bean could do exactly just the same or perhaps better. No doubt he read some books but to call him an economist is a disgrace to the likes of MIER president and Rafidah Aziz. Rafidah taught economics in UM at one time. Even then she is never referred to as an economist.

Ok, he did run the state at one time. Also the ministry of defence! But he IS NOT A BLOODY ECONOMIST. He is just a bloody POLITICIAN, big ego little brain and desire as huge as the EVEREST. Incidentally, is Everest in Monggolia or is it in Timbuktu or are these two places in Monggolia. Well, I am not into geography. I am just an engineer much similar to Najib as an economist.

kudos PR government

A close personal friend narrated to me his experience with both UMNO/BN government & the PR state government on his plight for some assistance. This is a heartwrending piece from him as I encouraged him to pen it down to be shared with all of us. This is to demonstrate how ARROGANT the UMNO/BN government is and HOW CARING the PR government is. The PR government has indeed come out of the parochial and racial politics and demonstrated its capability to be a truly magnificent and caring government (at least at state level for now).

I salute those DAP, PKR and PAS people that came out all the way to help this man. If they continue to WALK THE TALK, it will not be long before we will see the rise of a truly deserving government of the day. Those DAP leaders and members in Cheras area have shown their unselfish and clour-blind attitude in helping, the very least emotionally, the man to continue to struggle to get out of relative poverty. I take my hat off to those PAS and PKR leaders that demonstrated their sincerity in helping this unfortunate man.

Please read the piece at www.wandering-troubadour-attachment.blogspot.com, written by a man I knew very well but request anonymity. This is just one story out of numerous incidents that I personally heard. Who says Malaysian are racists? Do not let the myopic minority be made example of the far-sighted and good-hearted Malaysians.

troubadour

malaysiakini: mixed reaction on pm’s decision (love and hate relationship!)

A comment by the Penang Watch coordinator can be taken as a good summary of Badawi’s term as the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia. BK Ong said that the PM’s departure is unceremonious and due to internal pressure (since external pressure rarely make any dent at all), will be remembered as a PM that allowed more democratic space and the part I like most and believe so is that “for the first time, the country has a prime minister who did not deliver any race-based speeches” (as I believe, his Malay-Chinese parentage and upbringing has some influence on this stance).

His (BK Ong's) concluding remarks (fear) is his and the general public’s perception that will become reality. There will be tremendous set back to democratisation efforts the PM had initiated and would allow his successor to resort to repressive laws and high-handed tactics to halt political opponents.

Welcome to your worst nightmare! God forbid!

There must have been something sinister delivered to the PM by Najib that prompted the old man to switch his stand almost instantaneously after their private talk immediately after the supreme council meeting. The blow was fatal.

As much as we feel rather helpless in this situation, there is a ray of hope that the PM would fight on to make sure that Najib bites the dust. In the word of famous quotes delivered frequently in UMNO, “It is not that I love Pak Lah so much but I hate Najib a hell lot more!”

malaysiakini: rotten timber replacing the crooked beam : abdullah decision within two days

I love Sakmongkol AK47 rapid shots at Najib in his blog: www.sakmongkol.blogspot.com. All those bloggers out there with conscience must take this cue seriously. There is definitely a bid to draw us away from focussing on Najib and this will avail him greatly as there will no publicity on him. And since publicity on him coming from the bloggers fraternity are all negative ones, avoiding or lessening it would safely guarantee his ascension to presidency a smooth one.

Let us not forget Bala’s first statutory declaration. Since in Malaysia rumours almost always come true in the end, claim of Bala being paid RM5 Million in his hideout in an island somewhere by an interested party to Najib’s presidency is alarming and adds further twist to explosive story of the DPM’s involvement.

We must not overlook the Altantuya’s murder trial where both defence and prosecution steered away from even mentioning the C4, or Najib. Nobody raised issues as to how the entire people around the DPM are involved and yet the person at the centre of it all is irreproachable.

The Saifool saga! Have they buried it deep in their over and done archives? Najib is at the centre of this issue whether or not he wants to keep it quiet.

Do not forget other scandals like the Business Focus i.e. the Naval Dockyard issue. Why the silence? Bailout was by Boustead Group. Amin Shah is now on self impose exile in the UK. The former UMNO choir boy is now in London to keep the real story tightly sealed. Mismanagement is the issue but those that conspire to award the contract to him should not be allowed to romp free and Najib is on top of the list.

Has everybody forgotten the Malaysian government’s submissive conduct in conforming to Uncle Sam’s call to justify their “War on Terror”? Government’s strategy went awry? “Al-Maunnah” was just the fringe of imagination of the Special Branch of the Malaysian Police. How could a bunch of campers dubbed “militants” at a later stage, stage a coup against a government having overcome an army weaponry unit and walked away with weapons of war? Najib was the Minister of Defence then! Similar to the World Trade Centre attack, the act was premeditated. A person accused as the ringleader was then tried and sent to the gallows just to justify Malaysia’s support on this War on Terror, a tagline being used to this very day to wage war against Muslims conveniently classified and read as “terrorists”.

Event succeeding this War on Terror was closures of many Islamic religious schools (Sekolah Agama Rakyat) by the government. Funds that was traditionally being channelled to these schools was bunged, forcing those on the brink of closures due to limited financial means to close shops. There was also hidden item that government wish it would never surface i.e. a review of Islamic schools’ curriculum where there was a total absence of “Jihad” subject which previously did not even touch the “arm struggle part of it. This is the mildest form of “Jihad” as we understand it. Najib again had a hand in all these.

We must always remember how the government manipulate Malaysia-Israel relationship. Inside the country where the whole mass media is under control, people are led to believe that Malaysia is very much against Israel and yet behind the scene Najib boasted how this relationship has blossomed to a level that make USA proud. Of course this speech was made outside the country and not at all taken up by Malaysian media. The truth is that we are hands-in-glove level where relationship with Israel is concerned. This hypocritical behaviour is a manifestation of how manipulative the government is when it comes to ensuring that the ballot box is filled with papers supporting them by hoodwinked electorates.

How about Defence spending during Najib’s tenure? The Scorpene purchase was just one example that was far too glaring to be shoved under a carpet. If we care to lift the carpet, more misappropriation of funds can be found.

We can go on and on deliberating on this misfit named Najib. Suffice at this juncture that we do not let ourselves be deluded further into believing that the departure of Abdullah Badawi and subsequent installation of Najib as the premier would resolve all issues and we would sail smoothly into the horizon. This event, if imminent would signify the beginning of the end for us as a nation, period! Leave the crooked beam alone! Rotten timbers are best kept as firewood! Perhaps we can use firewood to detonate a C4?
troubadour

malaysiakini: anti ISA activists’ encounter with the PM – what the future holds.

In Mahathir’s era, this would be unthinkable. At least for that fact, we have to thank the current PM. His other contribution as far as his tenure is concerned was accepting the defeat of 5 states in the March 8, 2008’s general election. These would be the two historical events attributable to him.

Would Najib’s era, if it happens, promise a better future. Highly unlikely! For a seasoned politician like him, having had excellent practices since his early twenties, the path that he would trot would be a treacherous and deceitful one. Mahathir perfected the devious ways and Najib would improvise and eventually invent more evil ways. Underneath that calm and composed man was a cruel and deceitful person according to his political opponents.

Harakahdaily reported that blogger Kickdefella highlighted that claims of Najib’s involvement in Altantutuya murder’s case were coming out in the open. There was a report of a number of letters purportedly signed by the DPM seeking clearance for the murdered woman’s entry visas at various embassies. Could this signal the beginning of a war between the PM and DPM, a bid to get the coveted title as the president of an archaic and antediluvian UMNO? Days ahead are getting more and more interesting.

In corporate marketing talk, perception is said to be reality. Public perception is never wrong. We perceived the PM as a mild mannered person but rather weak in leadership. It has proven to be true even though he started to use the draconian ISA against dissents, a contrast from his weak appearance. Circumstances made him behaved that way. Moreover he had his son and daughter (and son-in-law) to take care of. Can’t blame him, can you?

Najib’s tenure would be a darker era. Pray that this is just our nightmare and it would not come true. Even so, many would consider migration to seek greener pasture. God’s land is expansive and nobody should tolerate a tyrant!

troubadour

UMNO & PAS merger or is it acquisition of PAS by UMNO? views from a keen observer!

The strategy adopted was simple yet could rejuvenate UMNO and at the same time causing PAS to become docile. It was a double-edged sword inflicting pain both in forward thrust and reverse.

Often the simplest of strategy was the most effective one. On this score, the UMNO think thank hit a jackpot.

A common factor to both UMNO and PAS was sought. It did not take long for the think-tank to come out with a perfect go-between, a man respected by PAS up to the topmost and envied by corporate figures in UMNO and non-partisan business people.

The go-between was a very close friend to the challenger, the head of the opposition leader. He was the one that took care of the opposition leader’s family members and friends when the latter was languishing in prison. His was very kind to the opposition leader and a dear friend since schooldays. His willingness to be the go-between alone would be a very bitter act of betrayal to the opposition leader’s thrust on him. He would inflict great personal pain and also great injury to the opposition leader.

It was a story out of MI5 success files. The plan was concocted to “recruit” the go-between. There must be a hole somewhere that needed filling in. The target was hungry for a business to remain a formidable force in corporate scene. His good and unsuspecting nature, his genuine warmth and hospitality was the strength that was very brittle and susceptible to crack. He cared for the Malays. Often, Malays in general tended to generalise that helping the Malays means helping Islam. They would almost often bought the “Malays will lose their rights if governed by a weak and simple majority Malay-dominated government”.

Two likeable gentlemen were despatched to lay down a solid foundation. Both were in their prime, resolute and seasoned agents. They openly admitted to be working for the PM, housed in an office smack in the middle of the city under a foundation claimed to be custodian of a massive off-budget expenditure programmes. They were investing big. So enormous that it would propel recipient into the mega scale company. Vistas painted were so vivid that it ensnared the unsuspecting target. He bought the story down to the last drop of saliva.

Off they went with the company entourage on a global trip witnessing their success stories. The two gentlemen marvelled at the target’s Midas-touch. He was elated. His jubilant blinded his senses. He became an unwilling recruit that could forge the union of two traditional adversaries in the name of Malay unity and wounded a third interested party in the process. Perfect double-edged stiletto!

Representatives from both divides were assembled. It was made known that the DPM was also party to this initiative. PAS President and his Deputy attended. It seemed that key members of this Malay-Unity committee have one thing in common. They all hailed from Eaton of the East. These key members’ dramatic play cast gigantic doubt as to the conduct of the opposition leader’s in the eyes of PAS reps that were present. The objective was met. The doubt was cast in stone and carved to perfection. It would remain solid in the mind of the converted cynics for years to come. It remained solid to this very day.

The marriage was to be solemnised. What remained was merely getting official stamps from both parties. The PM wanted it done immediately. He wanted the victory to be his. His party would be saved and the new partner would discover the truth far too late that they will perish by then. The DPM wanted the union be deferred until he took over which as his soothsayers put, “in the very near future”. There was striking difference in the need of both the PM and DPM. Both were however cocksure that they would be at the helm where there could only be one leader. This revealed their treacherous ways.

RPK noses were everywhere. He smelled the move or perhaps he had deep throats running aloof. He threw his words to the wind. All hell broke loose. Another cyber warrior, Tulang Besi or Rahman Celcom aka Rahman Talib was also watching the game with keen eyes. He despised the union as he believed it would trigger the beginning of the end of PAS.

PAS Secretary General was flabbergasted with the initiative. How could his fellow Eatonians conspired to such a degree. This would kill his party and derailed overall plan of assembling a solid amalgamation of oppositions to challenge the ruling party.

The opposition leader was equally stunned by the initiative. They were all from the same side of the divide. How could his friend betray him? This was someone who was his confidant and a friend in need. A real friend indeed! But doubt about ability to govern with a simple majority and outnumbered by non-Malays in proposed new government was deeply planted into the target’s head that he dismissed the opposition leader’s initiative as a wishful thinking and an impossible task.

The talk took place at the outskirt of KL. It was a howling success. The target did his part too well in fact that cracks were apparent. It would not be easy to mend. It would perhaps cause PAS to be split into two. Once the seed of discord was sowed, subversive elements would follow and a wedge would be forced through the cracks. Tulang Besi called the group that marched in a different direct listening to a different drum as the UMNO FRACTION. Whatever the name was, the group would be a splinter that would leave a big mark

Things went quiet. Undercurrent was so huge that it was just waiting for the right time to burst. The go-between did his part. Those that surrounded him then disappeared without traces. He could not help but feeling very disappointed. He felt really used. He was drowning in self pity. It was a dangerous situation to be in. Left alone it would lead to disaster. And catastrophe it would be for the opposition leader.