DDF Taekwondo Academy

18 July 2009, I befriended Daing Daniel Fitri 3 years ago but it was only recently that I learn of his amazing achievements. At such a young age, Daing Daniel Fitri is not just a 4th Dan Black Belt instructor but he is also the President of DDF Taekwondo Academy with 5 other branches in Klang Valley. Daniel Fitri is the instructor for Aaraf Pahamin, my nieces and nephews Kasih Lea Ixory, Rafel Zicry Onn, Rees Pahamin, Kasih Iris Leona and Raina Edlyn Jasmine.

Daniel Fitri first learn Taekwondo when he was 6 years old and passed his junior black belt (Poom belt) grading three years later in 1996. The same year at the age of 9, he entered and won his first medal at the International Islamic University competition.

After competing and winning a series of competition and participating in various Taekwondo skill demonstration, his 'bakat' attracted the interest of Malaysian 4th Prime Minister YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah which saw BAKTI sponsoring Daniel Fitri in 1996 to pursue his training at the Taekwondo World Physical Education Professional Training Institute in Korea. At the institute, Danial was selected as the first non-Korean to be part of the 'Korean Little Tigers Team and demonstrated their talent at the World Cup Taekwondo in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.


In 1997, PEPSI sponsored Daniel Fitri to further his training at the Korean National University of Physical Education, Seoul Korea. Danial Fitri was under the supervision of the Taekwondo Dean Prof Lee Seung kuk.

Daniel Fitri was selected into Malaysia national junior team in 1999 which he participated and won Gold medals in most national and world Taekwondo competitions. He participated in the Malaysia Inter-university every year for 15 years and was acclaimed as a competitive fighter before retiring in 2007 to focus in nurturing younger generations via his Taekwondo Academy that was established in 2003. Since the establishment of his academy, he has produced 3 national team players for SEA and Asian Games.



Daniel Fitri's main Academy is at No 16c (3rd Floor), Jalan Memanda 5, Ampang Point, 68000 Ampang but Danial's other centres included:

A) Allied Martial Arts Gymnasium

Desa Sri Hartamas.

B) Ding Martial Arts Center

SS4 Petaling Jaya.

C) Taska Kindicare

Jalan Pakat, Ampang.

D) Tadika Senyum Chomel

Ara Damansara

E) Apartment Mawarsari

Setiawangsa

Daniel Fitri's achievements todate are summarized as follows:

	DATE		MEDAL/ Achievements	CHAMPIONSHIP
	14-17 Jul 1994		Bronze	International Islamic Universiti Malaysia (IIUM) Invitational Taekwondo Tournament
	21-22 Jul 1994		Emas	Youth Taekwondo Competition 'Rakan Muda' Petaling District School Division
	17-Feb-95		Demonstration	KL in association with UWPTA Taekwondo Demonstration Team, Grand Ballroom, the Legend Hotel
	03-06 Aug 1995		Silver	International Islamic Universiti Malaysia (IIUM) Invitational Taekwondo Tournament
	23-24 Sep 1995		Gold	1st Dumex Kids Taekwondo Championship, Kuala Lumpur (UWPTA)
	04 Mac 1996		Demonstration	Solo demonstration for ex Prime Minister YBhg Tun Dr Mahathir & Yg Bhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah (BAKTI) Carcosa Sri Negara
	23-24 March 1996		Silver	16thNational Youth Taekwondo competition Malaysia
	25-26May 1996		Demonstration	World Cup Taewondo Rio De Janeiro BRAZIL, Little Tigers Demonstration Team
	22-23 March 1997		Silver	17th National Youth Taekwondo Competition, Malaysia
	09-10 Aug 1997		Silver	2nd International Taekwondo Championship, Stadium Negara
	19-23 Nov 1997		Observer	13th Men and 7th Women World Taekwondo Championship, HONG KONG
	07 Nov. 1997		Demonstration	Solo Taekwondo Demonstration at the Grand Ballroom Hotel Equatorial, Bangi (Pepsi Nite)
	28-30 Nov 1997		Silver	Taekwondo championship Hanmadang 97, Chamsil Sport Complex, Seoul KOREA
	11-13 May 1998		Bronze	18th National Youth Taekwondo Competition Malaysia
	12-Jul-98		Demonstration	Solo Taekwondo Demonstration for DYMM Paduka Seri Tuanku Yang Dipertuan Negeri Sembilan (Seremban Marathon)
	12-21 Sep. 1998		Demonstration	Solo Taekwondo Demonstration for Commonwealth Game, Bukit Jalil
	20-Sep-98		Gold	Poomsae Event, Perwira In House Taekwondo Academy
	05-12 May 1998		Observer	Asian Games, Bangkok, Thailand
	02-04 Jul 1999		Gold	National Youth Taekwondo Competition, Universiti Malaya
	10-19 Aug 1999		Bronze	World Taekwondo Festival 99 & 2nd Korea Open,Chung Cheung College, Seoul, KOREA
	04-05 Sept 1999		Gold	19th youth Taekwondo competition, Malaysia
	23-25 Sept 1999		Gold	International Islamic Universiti Malaysia (IIUM) Invitational Taekwondo Tournament
	02-05 Dec. 1999		Gold	National Interclub Malaysia, P.Pinang
	01-02 Jul 2000		Gold	20th Youth Taekwondo competition, Malaysia
	24-27 Aug 2000		Gold	National Youth 'Rakan Wajadiri' Taekwondo competition Universiti Malaya at Bukit Jalil
	18-19 Nov 2000		Gold	5th National Interclub Malaysia, Johor Bahru
	30 Jun -06 Jul 2001		Bronze	4th Korea Open Chung Cheung college, Taekwondo championship Seoul,Korea
	08–11 Aug 2001		Quarter Final	1st Asia Junior Taekwondo Championship, Taipei, Taiwan
	10-11 Nov 2001		Gold	21th National Youth Taekwondo competition, Malaysia
	22-23 Jun 2002		Gold	22th National Youth Taekwondo competition, Malaysia
	26-27 Jul 2003		Gold	Close Kuala Lumpur Taekwondo Competition 2003
	02-03 Aug 2003		Gold	International Islamic Universiti Malaysia (IIUM) Invitational Taekwondo Tournament
	18hb-19 Okt 2003		Gold	8th Taekwondo championship National Interclub, Malaysia (selangor)
	20-21 Dec 2003		Silver	28th National Taekwondo Championship, Sibu, Sarawak.
	30 May-03 Jun 2004		Bronze	SUKMA X, Negeri Sembilan
	27-29 Ogos 2004		Silver	29th National Taekwondo championship, Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil
	31 Jul–1 Aug 2004		Gold	4th MMU Taekwondo Championship
	11- 14 Feb 2005		Gold (Best Player Award)	Martial Art Nation Rakan Muda 2005 (Martion UM)
	21-23 Apr 2006		Gold	UM Open Taekwondo championship 2006, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
	May-06		Gold	2006 MASUM Taekwondo Championship, Uitm, Shah Alam, Selangor
	15-24 Dec 2006		Bronze	13th ASEAN Taekwondo University Games, Hanoi, Vietnam
	May-07		Gold	2007 MASUM Taekwondo Championship, USM Penang.

I am glad my sister Chempaka Emalin introduced Daniel Fitri to me. He is so passionate about Taekwondo training and teaching that he gave additional classes a few times a week to ensure Aaraf a 6 year old child qualify for the junior black belt grading last week.

As a pleased and satisfied customer, I had to share Daniel Fitri's passion with anybody (from as young as 3 to even older than 50 years old) that is keen to learn and master the art of Taekwondo. Nonetheless, I am proud to see and support a young malay businessman in pursuing his dream to expand his Taekwondo Academy. Please call Danial @ +60122150263.



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Scrap Policy Scrapped by December 2009

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Today's New Straits Times reported the RM5,000 rebate provided under the 2nd Financial Stimulus RM60billion budget will be withdrawn in 5 months time (See: NST).

The government allocated RM60billion under the 2nd financial stimulus with the objective of stimulating the current economic downturn. The budget for automotive industry was only 0.3% from the RM60billion or RM200m allocated to the automotive development fund (see: MOF). The budget for the scrapping policy is part of the RM200million allocated. Todate, the disbursement or utilisation of the RM200m is unknown.

1. The scrapping policy was introduced as a short-term measure to sustain (without further deterioration), improve and even stimulate the automotive sales during this recession. The scrapping policy did not fully achieve the desired objective.

2. The scrapping policy is beneficial to build resilience to the automotive industry in the long run and not as an immediate stimulus. The current automotive industry with an already 2 car per household will soon affect the overall future car sales when the market is more stagnant without older cars being scrapped. Even todate, there are already an excess supply of second hand car in the market.

3. There were many scrap car applications that did not qualify under the Proton minimum car condition for scrapping, signalling a critical condition of vehicles being driven on Malaysian road (See: Proton scrap terms, Perodua Scrap). If these 10 year old car that is not-road-worthy is not mitigated, it will endanger other road users.

4. The scrapping of 10 year old cars is a good policy but not with an immediate result. The government should continue the scrapping policy for long term benefit (perhaps under a different budget). When the policy was introduced, the public took awhile to digest and understand the new policy but slowly there are demand for the public to scrap their old.

5. Without the scrapping policy, there should be more fund available from the RM200million budget allocated under the 2nd financial stimulus to be utilise for other better immediate measure to stimulate the automotive sale.

6. Before the government introduced the scrapping policy, Proton had already launched the Exchange Programme (similar to the scrapping policy). Now, Proton will probably continue the Exchange programme for selected models similar to the original program.

7. There are other external factors that may mitigate the success of the scrapping policy such as no infrastructure for scrapping when the policy was introduced. UEM, the appointed company to scrapped the vehicles were only collecting the scrap cars without scrapping them. Even now, the scrapping stockyard and all Proton showroom are flooded with old cars awaiting the pick-up for scrapping.

8. Without the car being scrapped, JPJ will not de-list the scrap car from registration. The government will only issue rebate payment upon JPJ de-listing the scrapped cars. Further aggressive campaign will probably affect both Proton and Perodua cashflow.

9. The scrap metal price was at the highest when the scrapping policy was introduced but now, the scrap metal price has drastically reduced probably signalling a short-term adverse viability to pursue the scrapping policy or for UEM to scrap the cars.

10. The objective of the scrapping policy should be re-looked and not limited as an immediate measure to stimulate the automotive sales. The safety of the other road user that may be affected by the not-road-worthy old cars and environmental friendliness should part of the scrapping policy objective.

11. To ensure a long term success, the scrapping policy should be driven by an independent organisation at the behest of the government, rather than being driven by Proton or Perodua with commercial but not the public's interest at large.


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Aaraf Junior Black Belt Grading

Aaraf Pahamin attended his junior Black Belt grading today on 11 July 2009 at the DDF Tae Kwan Do Academy in Ampang together with his cousins Rees Pahamin and Leona. There were all 6 years old.


One step & Free Sparing

Aaraf was overweight and his coordination as well as body composition affected his movements especially his kicking. He just love to eat and nothing else made his day except for food.

Aaraf completed his Year 1 at the Garden International School this month and is on 2 months summer holiday which I plan to engage his Tae Kwan Do master Danial to coach and design a weight lose and sparring programme to toughen him up.






Hopefully, he can be in the ideal weight and up to date with his cordination and movements by the time his school re-opens for his year 2 in September.


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The teaching of Math & Science (TLMSE/PPSMI)

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There were various voices of dissappointments in the blogosphere over the government's decision to reverse the PPSMI except for those in the corridors of power whom only echo whatever that is being decided. The strongest voice or probably the only personality that would stood strong publicly for or against any policy was from our ex-premier Tun Dr Mahathir.

Please support and give your opinion via the voting poll set-up by Tun Dr Mahathir at VOTE POLL .

Although those in rural states may not have access to internet or may not be IT literate to vote on TDM website, it is also doubtful, their actual voice too was conveyed to the Ministry for the Ministry to decide on their behalf.

That voting poll will give a clearer picture of the public's opinion rather than the unbeknown collation of feedback and research that the ministry said to have acted upon.

At the point this blog is published, 75% voted NO for teaching and learning in Bahasa Malaysia for Mathematics and Science.

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TLMSE... PPSMI

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I am frustrated with the government's decision to reverse the teaching and learning mathematics and science in English (TLMSE or PPSMI/Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris) back to Bahasa Malaysia (see: the Star) but I am more frustrated with component leaders echoing similar 'you are right sir' sentiment.

Quoting YAB DPM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from the star:

"Based on studies conducted in 2008, he said, the Ministry found that only a small percentage of teachers fully used English to teach the two subjects. On average, the percentage of those using English(to teach) during Mathematics and Science periods was around 53% to 58%,” he said, adding that only a small number of teachers were proficient."

Clearly, it is an implementation issue and does not require a policy reversal. I feel the Government should address the implementation issue and increase the number of teachers for PPSMI instead of increasing the number of English teachers (by an additional 13,933) that will only teaches English language (see also: NST).

13,933 additional teachers will be employed from the assistant teachers, retirees and foreigner as well as having additional period to teach English language. Why cant similar measures be taken to tackle the root of the PPSMI problem which is the lacking of proficient teachers to teach mathematics and science in English.

All the media reported without failure the PPSMI was Tun Dr Mahathir's policy that is being reversed probably to provoke yet another political drama over and above the recent attempt of Ethos appointment in Petronas and 3rd bridge link to Singapore akin of TDM vs Tun Lah crisis which i felt was uncalled for. TDM or Dato Seri Najib or Tun Abdullah were all our chieftans in UMNO and Barisan Basional. Malaysian voted for UMNO and Barisan Nasional because of the policy & resolution introduced and upheld by the party. If Malaysian needed to vote for a policy change, then we will vote for PKR, PAS, DAP or other opposition. There should be a continuity in any of the party's policy that was introduced especially those that will affect our future generation.

Echoing or being a Yes-Man in the party will only destroy Malaysia similar to last general election and I still have faith in both our new youth in cabinet Mukhriz Mahathir to stand strong in his policy & belief (and that of TDM) and our new UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin whom DOES NOT hold any governmental appointment to be a 'Yes-Man' in favour of any post. Khairy as the UMNO youth chief stand as an elected leader and not through any appointment and thus whatever stand UMNO youth made should be on its own without any influence, fear or favour.

Debating internally within the party is always healthier for a more balance view rather than the public voting for the opposition to balance the BN 'yes-man' act. Debating in parliament is usually hopeless since all Barisan members are expected to support whatever motion tabled by BN. Maybe the internal (within BN) debate is classified as Official Secrecy but surely, the public should know if a policy introduced are well debated.

Perhaps Mukhriz Mahathir needed to secure his future cabinet post and KJ had lost his 'SIL' influence to be vocal (on behalf of Malaysian for the PPSMI) or maybe I am not clever enough to understand why an implementation problem (for PPSMI) requires a complete reversal in policy.

Personally, through experience having studied Mathematics and Science in Bahasa Malaysia at Sekolah Kebangsaan, I had difficulties during University coping with the alien terms and jargon studying econometrics (which i learn in BM). I believe in PPSMI and if implemented correctly, will benefit our future generation but of course perhaps, at a possible cost of some votes during the next election.

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Identity Crisis......

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Proton network is burdened or has been burden for the past many years due to the over representation of Proton dealers/branches in the network at one juncture, with more than 400 sales dealers/branches in the network but what was the root that created the mess?

It is worth noting the whole episode arose when EON refused to contribute in Proton Research & Development when Proton was instructed by the government via the National Economic Recovery Plan (see: NERP para 3) to upgrade their R&D and product design capabilities. It was only proper for EON to contribute having prospered as a monopoly distributor for Proton car sales for more than a decade until the inception of USPD in 1996 (now known as Proton Edar).

EON refused to contribute and the episode began. In anticipation of terminating EON, Proton appointed more than 100 dealers (although with various objections from PEDA). Upon the appointment of 100s new dealers, Proton failed to terminate EON due to some political reason. EON distributor agreement was then re-negotiated. EON was reborn as a "Super Dealer" (instead of a distributor).

Part of the super-dealership agreement was for EON to buy and sell an agreed undisclosed number of Proton cars per year which EON did not fulfilled. The SUPER status will end in December 2009 but was re-negotiated... again... and EON was knighted as the MASTER dealer.

From a distributor, EON became 'SUPER' because Proton Edar could not terminate them. Then, EON became a 'MASTER' because EON could not fulfilled the SUPER agreement.

Whilst EON is suffering from Identity Crisis demanding to be Super and subsequently a Master, Proton dealers faithfully maintain their pride only as a dealer.


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VSS for Proton dealers.............

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The compensation paid to dealers to surrender their dealership was NOT a BAILOUT to dealers but merely to compensate Proton's previous adverse policy decision. The National Economic Recovery Council had expressly froze the appointment of new dealership in Para 17 of the NERP (See: NERP) but more than 100 dealers were appointed that resulted in the current endless predicament.

The compensation offered (RM150,000 average) was negligible when the RM1million compulsory capital requirement (before dealership appointment) was fully exhausted when dealers struggled to:

1) Compete and survived internally in a network with, at the highest, 400 dealers (as oppose to the optimum number of dealership in a 'good' economic condition of 150)
2) Compete with the under-declared imported cars
3) Shrinking Proton market share without any new saleable Proton model. (The proton Exora and Saga was only recently launched).

Proton dealers have a choice to either exit with the negligible compensation or to consolidate and become stronger or risk being terminated without any compensation. Either way, its a business decision that is not only affecting EDAM but the whole Proton network.

Nonetheless, EON Berhad and EON dealers agreement expires this year. Without renewing their agreement, Proton network is back at the optimum number of representation in the network.. but then again.. once a SUPER and now a Master, EON swam through their battle with Proton Edar and survived signing a new agreement.. but the fate of their dealers are still unknown.


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EDAM is frustrated..

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I read the Utusan Malaysia dated 2 July 2009 (see: utusan) and felt the need to clarify the press statement by EON Dealers Association Malaysia or EDAM that may be confused with Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA).

In the statement, EDAM expressed their regret and dissappoinment with the management of Proton Edar for offering them an exit plan with compensation.

According to EDAM President Dato Man Mat, EDAM dealers require more time to deliberate instead of the 2 weeks 'take-it' or 'leave-it' offer. Forgotten, the compensation scheme was offered even much earlier (2 years ago) and as Dato Man quoted in his press statement, 70 dealers had already accepted the offer and there is only 65 EON dealers left (from previously 135 dealers). Hence, the 2 weeks is probably the cut-off time from a more than 2 years old offer.

"Persoalan pembayaran pampasan itu, kata Man, sememangnya diperjuangkan oleh EDAM sejak 2007 yang menyaksikan bilangan ahli EDAM ketika itu sebanyak 135 buah, kini berkurangan menjadi 65 sahaja."

Dato Man further reiterate:

''Sekarang pun, ada kalangan ahli yang bersedia menerima pampasan itu kerana pengurusan Proton mengkehendaki pengedar melabur lagi, terutama dalam pemaparan imej korporat yang sama. Ini memerlukan tambahan dana yang tidak mungkin dapat kami semua penuhi."

Dato Man said the majority of EON dealers do not have the required fund to upgrade the showroom as per their new principle Proton Edar's (from previously EON Berhad) requirement. Proton Edar dealers had already complied and conformed to Proton Edar new corporate image renovation that cost them between RM300,000-500,000. EON dealers showroom was a legacy from EON and some of EON dealers is even without any airconditioning.

Personally, I believed the offer was extended in good faith and if the offer is not feasible, then EDAM members should just reject it. The offer was more than 2 years old and should have a cut-off time for the exit-plan acceptance. There must also be a deadline for the corporate image compliance that PEDA dealers had to earlier complied with. There were many PEDA dealers that was terminated for breach of Corporate Image compliance without even any compensation, hence, the offer to EON dealers was a cushion for their exit.

Dato Man further called for EON branches to be closed if the EON dealers had to surrender their dealership.

''Persoalannya, jika pengedar EON ditutup, mengapa perlu ada 32 cawangan EON pula? Mengapa tidak ditutup kesemua 40 cawangan EON supaya 40 ahli perniagaan EDAM boleh meneruskan kesinambungan hidup dalam penjualan automotif," ujarnya.

PEDA is opined and had on various occasion communicated and even appealled for the closure of not only EON but the Proton Edar operated branches as well to allow individual entrepreneurs to be nurtured and developed. Proton Edar unofficially accepted PEDA's proposal for the closure of Proton Edar operated branches but subjected to the majority of dealers are able to upgrade their showroom into a Platinum Showroom.

Proton dealers (PEDA & EDAM) have a choice to either exit with the negligible compensation or to consolidate and become stronger or risk being terminated without any compensation. Either way, its a business decision that is not only affecting EDAM but the whole Proton network.



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Maids... again..... Pls see the video

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I sympathised with Siti Hajar, the Indonesian maid that was badly abused by the single mother employer and strongly believed the employer should be punished as per my earlier blog posting (see: Maid). However, the following video breaks my heart and truthfully, we will never know what happens behind the scene... especially with maid!!!




I am very disturbed when I first saw the video @ Jejak Pujangga and had to share with my blog followers too. I hope that was not your children Ashraff. We should all install a hidden CCTV especially when our beloved children is left to the maid!!!


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Tribute to Micheal Jackson

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It is quite common for me to receive sms or even phone call early in the morning before sunrise but receiving an sms from my sister Mek Ta in London at 6am in the morning is extraordinarily uncommon. Her SMS reads: 'Micheal Jackson is dead! Are you sad?...'

I quickly replied in shock.. WHAT? WHEN? HOW?... and quickly google to read more.

She said '...an hour ago, its all over the news!' I was stunt... I have not been a great MJ fan in the recent years but I was the president of MJ fan club during childhood (not literally). I grew up with MJ songs and listening to Billie Jeans, Beat and Thriller brought back childhood memories when we were staying in Kelantan and Kedah.

MJ songs had a great influence in my upbringing especially when he alongside other singers sang "We are the World" that opens my heart to the underprivileged and unfortunate child of Ethiopia.



In 1988, I participated in the "World Run against Time" an event that saw the whole world running at the same time for another charitable cause. MJ song "Man in the Mirror" was one of the official song then and was repeatedly played during the event. Every time the song was played, i felt 'charitable'.

His brother Jermaine, whom is a Muslim ended the press conference with a statement 'may Allah be with you always....' Micheal Jackson (29 August 1958 - 25 June 2009), I am sad and mourn for the lost of a great Muslim brother. Al-fatihah.



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CIMB BANK Customer Appreciation Cocktail 2009

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It is almost 3pm and I was still swimming through piles of paper work at Fasfik corporate office, Damansara Perdana. Natasya knocked and entered my room reminding me of the 330pm appointment at the Grand Bluewave hotel, Shah Alam which I had replied to attend.

I was in my usual polo t'shirt today. Last year, I changed my daily working attire from the normal tie & suit to a casual polo t'shirt and sometimes in jeans adopting Tony Fernandes dressing down approach. Dressing down is more approachable and less intimidating for customers, staff and suppliers. Somehow, the American casual daily working attire is friendlier than the conventional British formal long sleeve, tie and suit but I am too casual for the CIMB function that clearly wrote: 'Working Attire' as the dress code on the invitation card... I am sure it refers to the usual long sleeved shirt and tie.

Being buried in paper work for almost two weeks I could not missed the opportunity to meet other business owners at the CIMB function. Socialising and networking is important for business which i have failed in favour of desk bound glued to computer routine. Nonetheless, there is a presentation on government guaranteed schemes that I wanted to understand. I have not met any business that qualify or have obtained approval under the recent stimulus package especially when the scheme is being offered through Banks.



I wore my blazer over the polo t'shirt to be less casual and arrived at the function in time for Mr Tan Leng Hock, CIMB Head of Business, Banking Division speech. Mr Tan indicated although the present trade environment is less encouraging, CIMB loan approval and disbursement has been healthy with 38% increase compare to the same period last year.

Paun Eliza Abdul Aziz, CIMB Head of Product Advisory group then presented the 2 government schemes under the Ministry of finance 2nd financial stimulus that is available to various businesses. The two government scheme that can be applied through commercial banks are the Working Capital Guarantee Scheme and the Industrial Restructuring Fund Guarantee scheme. The WCGS is for a minimum of Rm50,000 up to a maximum RM10million with a maximum shareholding of RM20m. The IRFGS is up to a maximum RM50m but the shareholding may exceed RM20m. The WCGS is open to all businesses in every sector but the IRFGS is only for a selected sector. For more information visit any CIMB branches or contact En Azali @ 0193168738 or Nurul @ 0192129844.

The speaker Steven Wong, Assistant Director General, Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia gave an informative overview of the world economic collapse and Malaysia current economic condition. Steven reiterated in America 40,000 companies are bankrupted this year thus far. Although various economist forecasting a world depression, Steven believed otherwise and expect the economy to slowly recover by year end.

Regrettably, I had to leave the function early to attend another appointment and missed the closing speech by Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, CIMB Head of Consumer Sales.


Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

First year Blog-Anniversary

My blog turned 1 year old since the first posting yesterday on Sunday, 21 June 2009 making the Sunday Extra mega special coupled with the Father's day celebration.

Tun Mahathir's chedet.cc turned 1 year old and received 20million hit count but i am happy with my humble slightly more than 20,000 viewing count.

I was first inspired to set-up my blog by a Fasfik crew whom blog his Fasfik outlet @ Putra Heights for marketing and promotions.

The blog write-up comprised of both personal & social sentiments as well as business and political observations and interest. Writing and maintaining a blog is challenging. Expressing thought and searching for the right vocabulary was never easy. I have learn to edit, improve expressions and convey messages both direct and indirectly into words but grammatical error seemed to befriend me... the more i re-read, the more i discover.

I have a lot more to learn and Abigail Adam (1744-1818) perfectly quoted "Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligent".

Thank you for all the support and encouragement.

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Special Sunday........

Sunday is always special because it is the only free-day in a busy & hectic week but today is extra special because it is the 'Father's day'.

Today is the 38th year since my dad gave birth to his eldest child, my sister, Chempaka Emalin. Being a dad for already 38 years with half a dozen children was not easy but we all grew up to be better than what my father had expected....... (or thats what we would like to believe hee).

Every year since childhood, mum will always gather the children to celebrate father's day with a get-together dinner or lunch. This year was no exception. The venue for this year was at an italian bistro, the Zucca @ Menara PGRM, Cheras. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the restaurant owner, Adlin whom recommended the chef special. We ordered almost half the menu and ate disgracefully without any regard to dieting.

Athough breaking the regular diet to celebrate our dad is a gesture of 'no holds barred' appreciation for him (as well as a reason to break the dieting), but any form of get-together luncheon or dining cannot expressed our love, appreciation and gratitude for a man that never complained or give up on his children... except for some thunderous screaming.

At 63, and a father for 38 years, we can only pray to the Almighty for your better health. There are time that we rebelled and there are time that we neglected you but there isnt a moment that we forgot the endless love and care you showered while raising us from child into adulthood.... even till today.

I remembered our first cinema trip when we watched 'the Superman' that left me fantasizing into becoming a superhero. I can still recall that moment you taught me to pray when i was 5 years old and our first Umrah when i was 15. I did not forget the first time you taught me to hold a golf club although i never picked up the hobby. We have such a good and great time that sometimes we forgot that we are already in our mid life. We can never be old with you pampering us always... It is impossible to even prepare or imagine for that one day.............. sub'hanallah.

Celebrating Father's Day is important but is only a small token of gratitude for a Dad that asked for nothing from his children except for happiness and health. If only love can be measure and the vocabulary is richer, then you will know how we all feel for you. There is no word that can express how much we all love you.. thank you for being what you are. I love you Happy Father's Day.

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Bank Negara, ABM, MAA..... & PEDA

On 12 June 2009, I received an invitation from Puan Sarina Said,Dep Director for the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) to attend a meeting with BNM that was requested by MAA. I attended the meeting on 15 June 2009 that was chaired by BNM Asst. Governor Dato' Muhammad Ibrahim. The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) too attended the meeting and was represented by CIMB, AMBank, Public Bank, EON Bank, RHB Bank, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank Berhad and Alliance Bank. Dato' Aishah, the President of Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) led the MAA council that was represented by Mitsubishi, Tan Chong, Proton, Perodua, Honda, Toyota and Daihatsu.

Although PEDA is already 11 years old, this was PEDA's first meeting with ABM and MAA together with BNM. I learn an important discovery, the approval or rejection period for Proton buyer's hire-purchase loan application should only take an average 1.5 days (subject to full documentation) as reported by the Association of Banks to the BNM survey.

This is indeed a good news for Proton Edar, Proton dealers as well as Proton customers especially during this economic downturn. Car Buyer should be able to get their car loan application status within a maximum of 48 hours.

PEDA will now conducts a monthly review with a sole objective to improve the car loan approval period for Proton buyer and determine: (1) the duration of loan approval or rejection and (2) the percentage of rejection. The outcome of the monthly survey will also act as an an economic indicator as the automotive sales industry is entirely dependent on the car buyer's loan approval/rejection percentage.

PEDA will email to BNM the statistical survey as requested, on Monday 22 June 2009. The outcome of the survey will also be made available to Proton network as well as the public via this blog.

PEDA is grateful and is pleased with BNM pro-activeness and sensitivity in the loan application predicament faced by Proton buyer. PEDA represent 70% of total proton sales in Malaysia or a total trade turnover (Proton dealers) of more than RM7billion per annum. PEDA is grateful to be included in BNM regular meetings.

The new driver of Malaysia under the stewardship of the Prime Minister YAB Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak as the Chancellor of the Exchequer had seen a pro-active transformation in various governmental bodies and especially the Central Bank of Malaysia.

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Fasfik @ Glomac

This week had been a busy week for Fasfik. It has been 2 years since Fasfik applied and submitted to become a vendor for TNB. TNB practices a strict appointment of vendor and it was tough to be shortlisted. The team from TNB visited and inspected Fasfik workshops twice before listing a long compliance that Fasfik had to adhere. Fasfik was also requested to submit a detailed pricing of our parts and services. Vendor application with a higher price will not be entertained.


On 15 June 2009, after 2 years, Fasfik was appointed a vendor and the vendor award presentation was held at the Wisma TNB, Jalan Timor by TNB Senior general manager Tuan Haji Md. Jailani Abas - Senior GM, Corporate Services Division. 2 years was a long but a worthwhile wait. Fasfik is thankful and grateful for the guidance and assistance extended by Tuan Haji Roslin, TNB General Manager (Logistic) and En Anas Ibrahim.

(Vendor award presentation by Tuan Haji Md Jailani Abas, TNB Senior GM)

Fasfik also participated in the Ministry of Human Resource "Train & Place" programme, a 'corporate social responsibility' sort of speak. Under the Train & Place programme, Fasfik undertake to train the unemployed Malaysians and offer them a job at the end of the training scheme. According to the 1st quarter 2009 economic report by the Ministry of Finance, the unemployed population is now close to 90,000



We had also run an internal sales drive incentive campaign to entice and reward our performing staff & branches. The highest sales performance for the 16 June 2009 was Fasfik @ Glomac located at G-G-07, Jalan SS6/16A, Dataran Glomac, Pusat Bandar Kelana Jaya , 47301 Petaling Jaya. Congratulation to Hassan @ Azahari and Isa Arshad.

(From left: Shafiq, Natasya, Ika, Rose, Armin, Hassan, Rashdan, Sanwa, Isa)

Hassan & Isa

At Fasfik, we recognised the importance of Fasfik crew members. Without our crew, there will not be any Fasfik. Fasfik will continue to participate in various training and re-training programme to further improve our services for the benefit of our customers.

Please do not hesitate to leave or provide us any feedback or comment at armin@fasfik.com




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Much ado about English...... and maids

It was a quiet weekend at home when everybody left for Melaka as a closing to the school holiday. I called a few friends to recommend some maid agencies to replace my existing maids that has been stealing from my house. I am deliberating recruiting maids from Philippines.

Thusfar, I had only employed maids from Indonesia and most of them have their own unique flaws. True that nobody is perfect but there must be a benchmark of the lowest grade. I could tolerate stupidity as I do not expect maids to be educated but maids that began stealing had crossed the line. Maids too have significant influence on the children (if the maid is meant to baby-sit). It is a major turn-off to see children grew up to speak Bahasa Malaysia in Indonesian dialect.

Filipino maids on the other hand were better preferred because of their fluency in English. Being farther away than Indonesia and lesser Filipino population in Malaysia, there is also less risk of them running away. I spoke to three friends whom had employed both Filipino and Indonesia maids. All three of them employed Filipino maids for the English speaking language. The quality of work and job performed are subjective.

While researching for Filipino maids, I discovered an embarrasing truth. There is a huge disparity in wages between the Indonesia and Filipino maid. The best marketing tool used by maid agencies to recommend for Filipino maids is the English speaking. The wages for Indonesia maids ranges between RM400 to RM500 per month but Filipino maid is at least RM1,000 per month.

This is the simplest illustration of the importance of English. The Filipino maids have been reaping the benefits of English while Indonesians are paid substantially lesser and Malaysians are still debating and deliberating learning English as a compulsory pass subject and even in math and science. There is no doubt that English determines the future wages and is important in our daily life... (from a normal work as maid to all other career).

However, it is sceptical that the majority of our students can easily pass English in SPM examination when the percentage of SPM exam failure for Bahasa Malaysia is still alarming although Bahasa Malaysia is our main language that we converse and speak daily.

It is not easy to command any languages especially for passing an examination but we have to start now or otherwise, crudely, soon the Filipino maids will be a part of our middle class population and earn better income than majority of our fellow Malaysians.

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Maid in Malaysia, make in Indonesia

I have had a few maids or house assistants or servants or house keepers or whatever commercial names they are called and all of them were from various parts of Indonesia. They all share similar traits of dishonesty and abuse.... No, not abused by me but they abuse the kindness that was extended.

Grocery bills doubled when they ate quadriple the amount for me but I still thought it was fair since they are expected to work hard. The house phone bill then doubled when they secretly used it for both local and international calls to their so called family members, still i tried to understand them being home-sick. Then Noritake, Royal Albert as well as other fine collections soon slowly dissappear when they broke it while cleaning (though they never admit). The worse moment was when one of the maid poked Aaraf's ear (after shower) until it bled and almost burst his eardrum, that had tested my patient. The latest being the lost of my Rolex and other watches, diamonds and jewelleries. When they were confronted, none of them admitted. We had to search the whole house but all those items remained missing and lost. I cannot charged them or cut their salaries without evident but i did terminate their service and send them back to Indonesia. This is a few of the many other misdeeds suffered with maids.

In the many maids that had been employed, all of them falsified their medical health record and even their real age stating 35 as the age in their passport when the are actual 48 years old. When we sent them back for another medical check up, we discover one of the maid had hepatitis!!!

Despite all that, I never hit, abused or even lifted a finger on any of the maids except for a thunderous scream, which they did fall sick for a few days.

I could not comprehend a worse grievances (to what i had to endure) for any maid to deserve the abuse that Siti Hajar suffered for 3 years (see: the Star). In fact, no human deserves any form of torture for whatever reason.

I am disgusted and felt for Siti. Her 43 year old, single-mother-employer's inhuman behaviour was repulsive and deserve the maximum punishment.

However, the Indonesia embassy, imigration and even their government should and MUST ensure the maids that were allowed to enter Malaysia conformed to certain strict standard quality, aptitude and attributes.

The lack of strict requirement and continuous falsification of information will lead to an influx of incompetent recruitments of maid that will provoked some temperamental employers and lead to unnecessary abuses.


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Bank Negara Malaysia

Bank Negara Malaysia

I arrived early for a meeting with the Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) and was greeted by a friendly lady Mdm Koid Swee Lian at the reception counter. We chatted unofficially at the entrance of Bank Negara Lanai Kijang, approximately 5 minutes away from the Bank Negara head office.

Various marathons and running races that i participated were organised that passed by the road to the Lanai Kijang but i never took notice of this Bank Negara building. We were directed to the staff cafe that is almost as beautiful as a 5 star hotel cafe and was seated at a 12 seater table. Lanai Kijang is residents for Bank Negara training centre that can occupy more than 299 residents.

Shortly after we were seated, three other officials from Bank Negara arrived and we introduced ourselves and it was then that i learn Mdm Koid is the Bank Negara Director of Consumer and Market Conduct. She was very friendly and pleasant that she can be easily mistaken for the receptionist or secretary. Together with Mdm Koid was En Abdul Rasheed Ghafur, Bank Negara Director for Financial Sector Development whom were as friendly as Mdm Koid. En Rasheed explained he purposely chose the staff cafe for a discussion to enable everybody to close rank at a friendlier environement and open up for any ideas and suggestions that is pertinent to the Malaysian public. Which i agree if compared to the serious bored and mono environment of a meeting room. Bank Negara policies are designed for the public and consumer at large, En Rasheed explained which is why Bank Negara want to listen to all the stakeholders view and suggestions.

I was impressed at the 'new' approached by Bank Negara. There was no authoritative arrogance that previously stink the government and authorities which i was prepared for today. We had various interactions and dealing with Bank Negara in the past when the Hire Purchase commission was revoked early in the new millennium.

Bank Negara was further represented by three other deputy Directors Ms Sarina Said from Corporate Communications, Ms Junaidah Mohd Said Financial Sector Development and Ms Lim Hsin Ying (pronounced as 'Singing' according to her) from media and promotions.

We had a good breakfast compliments from Bank Negara and a lengthy discussions on various issues. En Rasheed and Mdm Koid both gave the assurance, today's meeting will be the start and a platform for any feedback or suggestions.

If all Ministries and governmental bodies were to be as pro-active as Bank Negara Malaysia officials today, I believe we can steer ourselves out from the recession and move forward faster than planned. This is indeed the spirit of Malaysia Incorporated, Malaysia Boleh and 1Malaysia.

I look forward to various other collaborations with Bank Negara.


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Math & Science Fried with English Butter or Grilled in Malay Sambal Belancan (PART II)

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I had blogged this topic in December 2008 (PART 1) last year when the topic was widely debated. Now the debate is back as headlines in most medias again 6 months later, presumably due to a new Minister of Education.

Yes, learning Mathematics and Science in English had stirred an endless debate over and over again but when the dust had not settled, the capping of SPM subject was raised to avoid kiasu parents from abusing students with endless tuition and extra classes to achieve 20 'A's.

The debate or discussion for both issues is still on-going and now came into light yet another issue... English as a compulsory SPM pass subject (see:NST)

All these three issues share one similar obstacle which i feel the government is trying to address, the lack of competent teacher population to teach Mathematics and science in English as well as 111 electives for SPM subjects but why raise the English as a compulsory SPM PASS subject now?

The problem with teaching Mathematics and Science in English is less on the children or students capability to adapt. Children adapt better to changes especially during early years. Our main obstacle is in sourcing for capable teachers to teach in English. one of the reason to capped the SPM subjects to a maximum of 10 was also to address the shortage of teachers.

We will face similar issue making English as a compulsory pass subject. Do we have sufficient competent teachers to teach? Our government should be consistent with policies and avoid any flip-flop that we were recently famous for. We even failed with streamlining our own mother tongue with Bahasa Baku under Anwar Ibrahim due to inconsistency in approach.

For now, we should just resolved teaching mathematics and science in English and close the topic. Train our teacher population for better English competency and the English as a compulsory pass subject is a given.

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Valentine Willie an art gallery or political mockery..?

Valentine Willie....

I attended the Valentine Willie launching a dozen years ago when the Art gallery was first open in Bangsar and was impressed with the collections of art exhibited. I am a keen art enthusiast. While browsing the net for news and updates, i came across Valentine Willie on Barking Magpie blog that is in my blogroll.

Although i have not been to the Valentine Willie gallery for quite awhile, I have due respect to the owner whom continuously promote Arts that is still lacking compared to its acceptance in the western region. At a point, i too wanted to open an Art gallery.

When i saw @ barking magpie blog, Valentine Willie displaying the huge art by Fahmi Reza, I was stunned and shocked. Whilst i always kept the impression that Valentine Willie had gained such a reputation, the following display may just illustrate a ploy in desperation.



Although I am an art enthusiast, i do not appreciate and do not see any art in disrecpecting in such a manner our existing Prime Minister whatever the explanation given. I agree with Pasquale (see: BMpie), there is a thin line between an expression of art and exhibiting the smut disguised as an art piece.


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