Another year of Joyous and Blisful Relationship

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39 years ago on 23 July my dad took the biggest challenge of his life. He became a husband, a son in law and the eldest brother to my mum's 13 siblings.... it turned out it wasn't much of a challenge for him but more for mum.. married into a family of 5 roaming temperous tigers. When the angel married the tiger, the beautiful, handsome and pretty us 6 children were born.

To record that outstanding achievement of a tiger being tamed and an angel being an angel as well as the sacrifices made in raising us 6 children, we agree to mark my parent's anniversary date, the 23 July as a historic date for us all to get married. Today, we celebrated my parent's 39th year anniversary, my elder sister Chempaka Emalin & Azhar Sulaiman 14th year anniversary, Mine, Nawal Aini, Melor Edina & Rhiza Ghazi 9th year anniversaries and Dr Teratai Edithy & Shazrul Asari 3rd year anniversary.

I have known Nawal for 4 years while I was employed at the merchant bank before we tied the knot. She was 19 years old then. We met during one of my business discussion at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club or KLGCC and was introduced by a close friend Razman Affandi (Jemey) & Naqia Nasruddin (Naqia). Nawal & Naqia were university mates. Jemey was one of my business partner then.

We had so much in common and always explore and discover new adventure. Together, we trained and climbed the Mt Kinabalu, we trained and ran our first marathon in London, sang out of tune (that's me), did the Powerman dualthon series, triathlon series, trained at the gym and went to various places clubbing.

Nawal is very understanding and adaptable to new environment. She sacrificed and left her single mother (her dad died of cancer a year before she knew me) to stay with me. I made a promise to myself when I was 16 years old that I will never leave and will see through my parent old age. Nawal supported and had never complained of that promise I made. 9 years later, even now, we still live with my parent. Naturally, she became part of my family almost instantly.

It wasn't easy for an outsider to live with the in-laws. Different individual has a different family values, protocol and different upbringing but Nawal immediately took my parent and family members as hers. When mum brought home my grandmother whose leg was amputated for diabetic, she took care of my grandmother. She accompany her when everybody else were busy at work, fed her and ensure my grandmother took her daily medication, tested her glucose level and even injected my grandmother her daily insulin. She took care of my grandmother akin of hers even better than me or any of my siblings. When my nieces and nephew were born, she took care of them as her own while my sisters were in 'pantang' and when they went to work.

She complemented my naturally born defect... aka bad habits. I love to eat but being the typical kelantanese chauvinist, I refused to cook or even learn (inherited or blame it on Dad heee). She learn and cook all the sinful Kelantanese menu especially Nasi Dagang and other favorites including, Nasi tomato, Nasi Briyani, pasta, pizza and all the mouth watering desserts. Probably the reason for my expanded 36" waistline within less than 3 years of marriage...

When I started dieting for health, she will browse the internet daily to find new healthy recipes and menu to cook.

During the wedding reception, part of Dad's speech read, "Nawal, you married the messiest person on earth and don't be surprised if you cant find him being buried in all the mess he made". Surely Dad knows me best and preparing to avoid the possible mess, her first day at home she restructured the wardrobe and labelled the cloth for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc........... Needless to say, all other items in the room are also labelled and structurally hidden that only she knows where its kept (and I cant mess it up). So everyday, I have to be extra nice to her, just to find anything... good tactic!

Nawal brought music and colours to my life with her singing and creativity. I quickly but quietly became aspired every time she sang that I bought the latest BMB Karoeke set for the house. She converted my boring typical 'white shirt and tie' banker dressing and the nerdy long-sleeved-tucked-in-jeans to the rugged untucked colourful polo shirt and jeans. Now, I cant remember when was the last time I actually shopped anything for myself.

She converted me into becoming metrosexual and introduced me to menicure & pedicure as part of being polished and even brought me to wax my leg before the ironman triathlon. Goodness, now I understand the pain ladies had to endure to look good. Waxing was a torture but it was an experience.

We are so passionate in our activities that we would drive all the way to Putrajaya every weekend to cycle and even travelled anywhere to participate in races and also clubbing. We would wake up at 5am daily to go to the gym or running and spend endless time laze in couch during weekends watching movies after movies... our passion too includes eating. When we indulge, we really indulge!

I have done various or too many bad deeds in my life but god must have loved me to bless me with a beautiful and loving her. Although it has been 9 years, it felt as if we had just met. Happy Anniversary darling. I love you. Happy loving Anniversary to my Parent and all my married sisters too. Instead of the usual dancing, singing and partying to celebrate the anniversary, this year, we will gather tonight for a prayer at our house to pray for a lasting happiness and healthy relationship. May Allah swt grant and bless our Doa and prayer.... Allah Huakbar.


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Cane & Beer

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The New Straits Times reported on 21 July 2009 the canning of Kartika Sari Sewi Shu-karno, a Singaporean female model for drinking beer and I too similar to Nuraina A Samad was shocked at the Pahang Syariah High Court 6 stroke of whipping/canning (with rotan) and the RM5,000 fine sentences (see: NST).

The sentence was provided for under Section 136 of the Pahang Islamic and Malay Traditional Practices Enactment 1982 (amendment 1987) and according to the judge Dato Abdul Rahman Yunus the canning is aimed at making the accused repent and serves as a lesson to Muslims.

Meaning, Muslim must fear being canned, whipped and fined to repent rather than the fear for the religion and God? What is becoming of us.. do we need a man-made law to make us a better Muslim? or do we want Malaysian Muslim to fear the sinful activities because of a man made law? and then Yahoo the moment they arrived in London, Sydney, Bangkok or overseas?

The 6 stroke of canning and the RM5,000 fine as a punitive measure especially for a first time offender will not serves the purpose as claimed by the learned Judge.

We preaches, practices and teaches Islam in Malaysia in the most prohibitive, restrictive and insecure manner. Last year, we were even insecure our Aqidah will be affected doing Yoga (see: Yoga) fearing the Hindu chanting (that is not understood by most Muslims) will destroy the Muslim belief.

We need to convey and preach the beautiful religion of Islam rather than communicating and imposing the punitive whipping and penalty so Muslims and non-Muslims can appreciate the real Islam as opposed to the prohibitive and restrictive form fearing the man-made law.

The sentence imposed will perhaps repent Singaporean and other foreigner from ever visiting Malaysia and a lesson to other Muslims in Malaysia to never drink in Pahang... but does that make them a better Muslim?

I have repented when I understood Islam better but if I was canned for committing a sin being a Muslim, probably i would ended up regretting being born as one Subhanallah.

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Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE)

I have expressed my sentiment for PPSMI on various occasions via this blog (see: PPSMI 1). There are other blogs too that had expressed similar sentiments in favour of PPSMI. Tun Dr Mahathir launched on 2 July 2009, a voting poll @ chedet on PPSMI that was closed 1 week later on 9 July 2009 with 100,154 votes. 86% or 86,324 voted against the teaching of Mathematics and Science in Bahasa Malaysia.

Concern and dissapointed parents with the government policy reversal then formed PAGE or Parent Action Group for Education with the objective to provide a platform for parent's feedback on educational issue and enable its transmission to the government.

Visit the PAGE blog and participate actively to pursuade the government to reconsider the reversal or perhaps give parents an option to choose.

Although I am not one of the directly affected parent but I have half a dozen of nieces and nephews that will be affected. Nonetheless, I am also a concern citizen.

Congratulation and well done to PAGE for the effort and initiative.

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Siemens Run 2009

(Photos compliment from pmtey and Shirley Sohg)


I have registered my self (of course with the help of Nawal & Emi) in almost all running races this year as a commitment for a healthy lifestyle but for the past 2 months, I have lacked in training and missed 3 important races namely the Standard Chartered International Marathon, Ipoh 21km International Marathon and the Seremban international half marathon.

With a mere 1 week training, I ran today, 19 July 2009 the Siemens 10km run 2009 and completed in 1 hour 10 minutes. It was my 27th recorded races since I start running in 2004.

I am pleased and was glad that I ran today's race. The Siemens Run was the best and most well organised race in all the 27th events I participated. In fact, very close to the organiser of the prominent Singapore Standard Chartered International Marathon.

The race started at 7:30am sharp and was flagged off by the Kuala Lumpur City Mayor Yg Bhg Dato Ahmad Fuad Ismail. The first 5km was quite hilly but I enjoyed the route. The water stations were located at every 2km and there were generous amount of water at every water stations.


There were many race marshals standing by the road side standingby to assist runners and I only saw one marshal on motorcycle which was good. I am against and anti motor-cycle marshals in any running races. The slow cruising marshal on motorcycle polluted the air choking most runners on the street. It is a running event and race marshal should either used bicycle or be on foot but in other running events, there were dozens of marshal on motorcycles.



The weather was perfect. There were no sun and it was quite windy but the route along Jalan Raja Laut at the last 3km was badly polluted. That was the only inevitable set-back.


The last km before the finishing line was the orgasm. There were loud party musics, traditional drums and beautiful young cheer leaders in short skirt. The cheer leaders were smiling, jumping and cheering all the way probably as strenuous as the runners.


For a registration fee of only RM10, the finisher gift pack was worth more than RM50 including a big bottle of Nivea lotion (retailing at RM30 i think) and various other items.

If there was a best organiser or best race contest, my vote will go to the Siemens Run 2009; 5 star rating, thumbs up and well done.... thank you. It was an orgasmic event.


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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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