Blog, Facebook & our Cabinet MINISTERS (Part ii)

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It would be interesting if we can analyse and perhaps observe the 'active'-ness of our elected representative on online-interaction compared to the opposition. It would be better if we could substantiate the substance of the online interaction between our leaders and the public versus to the opposition and the public.

Evidently, the blogosphere are dominated by the opposition canvassing for support online even before the last general election but perhaps if we stand united on cyber-space, we too can dominate the blogosphere but how many of us would take that initiative (to interact online without fear or favour) without any budget, sponsor, angpaw or recognition..... just wondering. Some of our elected representative just simply do not bother to own a blog or interact with the public on cyber.

Do not underestimate the influence of cyber politics.

I am currently compiling the list of opposition on facebook and blogs (starting with their youth exco) but I thought it would be interesting to first note which of our cabinet Ministers are online via facebook and took the initiative to own and update regularly their blog.

So again.. another long walk down the cyber alley and I stopped by the respective elected representative's cyber home aka Facebook (FB) and their blog.... luckily there are no dogs in cyber home, otherwise I would have been chased endlessly.

Surprisingly, most of our cabinet Ministers do own a cyber house (eg webpages, blog etc) but some.. must have over-spend on their 'real house' without anymore budget for a cyber home (although really.. it doesnt cost them a single sen)... or maybe their cyber home is so well guarded that i just cant find them.

After a long journey, I noted as follows:

Both our Prime Minister and his deputy has a Facebook (FB) account:

Malaysia Prime Minister: YAB Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak (see: PM FB, PM Blog)
Deputy Prime Minister (& Education Minister): YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (see: DPM FB)

Minister in the Prime Minister Department

All the four Ministers and 2 Deputy Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department as follows are without any Facebook or Blog:

Minister- Unity Affair & Performance Management: Dr Koh Ksu Koon
Minister in charge of Law & Parliament: Nazri Aziz
Minister- Economic Planning Unit: Nor Mohamed Yaakop
Minister Islamic Affair: Major Gen Jamil Khir Baharom
Dep Minister: Liew Vui Keong
Dep Minister: Senator Dr Mashitah Ibrahim


3 Deputy Ministers in the Prime Minister Department own only an FB account without any Blog.

Dep Minister: SK Devamany (see: SK FB)
Dep Minister: Ahmad Maslan (see Ahmad's FB)
Dep Minister: Senator T Murugiah (see: Murugiah FB)

In conclusion, only the Prime Minister owns a blog. The Deputy Prime Minister and 3 deputy Ministers out of the 9 Ministers & Deputies owns only a Facebook account.

Other Cabinet Ministers on FB and Blogs are listed as follows:

Finance Minister 2: Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Chor Chee Heong (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Senator Dr Awang Adek Hussin (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Wee Ka Siong (see: Wee FB)
Dep Minister: Puad Zarkashi (see: Puad FB - but Dormant)

Transport Minister: Ong Tee Keat (see: Ong FB)
Dep Minister: Abdul Rahim Bakri (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Robert Lau Hoi Chew (see: NO FB, Lau Blog)


Agriculture Development and Commodities Minister: Bernard Dompok (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Hamzah Zainuddin (No FB, No Blog)

Home Affair Minister: Hishamuddin Tun Hussein (see: Hisham's FB)
Dep Minister: Abu Seman Yusop (see NO FB, Abu Blog)
Dep Minister: Jelaing Mersat (No FB, No Blog)


Information, Communication, Arts and Culture Minister: Rais Yatim (see: Rais FB)
Dep Minister: Joseph Salang Gandum (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Senator Heng Seai Kie (No FB, No Blog)

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister: Peter Chin Fah Kui (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Noriah Kasnon (No FB, No Blog)

Rural Development & Territories Minister: Shafei Apdal (see: NO FB, Shafei Blog)
Dep Minister: Hassan Malek (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Joseph Entulu Belaun (No FB, No Blog)

Higher Education Minister: Khaled Nordin (see: Khaled FB, Khaled Blog)
Deputy Minister: Dr Hou Kok Chung (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Saifuddin Abdullah (see: Saifuddin FB, Saifuddin Blog)

Minister of International Trade & Industry: Mustapa Mohamad (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Mukhriz Mahathir (see: Mukhriz FB, Mukhriz Blog)
Dep Minister: Jacob Dungau Sagan (No FB, No Blog)

Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation: Dr Maximus Ongkili (see: Maximus FB)
Dep Minister: Fadillah Yusof (No FB, No Blog)

Minister of Tourism: Ng Yen Yen (see: NO FB, Dr NG Blog)
Dep Minister: Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib (No FB, No Blog)

Minister of Agriculture: Noh Omar (see: Noh FB, Noh Blog)
Dep Minister: Johari Baharom (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Rohani Abdul Karim (see Rohani FB, Rohani Blog)

Minister of Defense: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Abdul Latif Ahmad (No FB, No Blog)

Minister of Works: Shaziman Abu Mansor (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Yong Khoon Seng (No FB, No Blog)

Minister of Health: Liow Tiong Lai (see: No FB, Liow Blog)
Dep Minister: Rosnah Rashid Shilin (see: Rosnah FB)

Minister of Youth & Sports: Ahmad Shabery Cheek (see no FB, Shabery Blog)
Dep Minister: Razali Ibrahim (see: Razali FB, Razali Blog)
Dep Minister: Wee Jeck Seng (see: No FB, Wee Blog)

Minister of Human Resource: Dr S Subramaniam (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Maznah Mazlan (No FB, No Blog)

Minister of Domestic Trade & Consumer Affair: Ismail Sabri Yaakob (see: Ismail FB )
Dep Minister: Tan Lian Hoe (see: Tan FB)

Minister of Housing: Kong Cho Ha (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Miniser: Lajim Ukin (see: Lajim FB)

Minister of Women, Family & Society Development: Senator Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (see: Shahrizat FB, No Blog)
Deputy Minister; Senator Chew Mei Fun (see: No FB, Chew Blog)

Foreign Minister: Anifah Aman (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Senator A Kohilan Pillay (No FB, No Blog)
Dep Minister: Senator Lee Chee Leong (No FB, No Blog)

Federal Territories Minister: Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin (see: RNC FB, RNC Blog)
Dep Minister: M Saravanan (see: no FB, Sara Blog)


From the long journey.. I can only conclude, despite our cabinet minister's busy schedule, there are some Ministers that do take their own personal initiative to be 'connected' on cyber but some... really sucks! So much has been invested on technology and IT infrastructure and various policies has been introduced to make Malaysian an IT savvy and Malaysia as an IT hub... but if our own cabinet ministers are not even connected online........ ?

or perhaps Malaysian politicians are a train orator with pre-prepared text written by... special officers? Polsec? private sec? .......hehe.. no offense but I kind of like a quotient written by (cant remember) which say: "Legends are not born.. they are written"... such is the power of writing.

Lets make do and support our politician whom are well 'connected' and accessible anytime via the cyber and if we have time... maybe attend some of the ceramah(s) by the less IT savvy Politician as a show of support..... until then, Stay Tune for the list of opposition 'online'.. which may take a longer time since I have to find out who they are and also due to endless work schedule.. must also cari makan la......



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Blog, Facebook and UMNO Youth Exco... (Part i)

Update:

Jamawi Blog.

I've updated Wan Amizan, Tengku Azman, Suffiyan Awang Facebook account below (thanks for the feedback) please communicate if there are others that I have missed.. thanks

The UMNO Youth exco list for 2008-2011 (Ahli Jawatan Kuasa Pemuda UMNO) is available at UMNO YOUTH WEBSITE.

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Stay connected with UMNO Youth Exco via Facebook or blog... or can you?

I am a keen follower of various pro & anti government blogs as well as other socio political, apolitical, special interest, business and entertainment blogs. Cyber space is a good avenue for a balance view of current issues as well as a platform to get updates on friends, associates or even the competitor's activities....

Facebook (or FB) is the most popular site to get connected with almost everybody worldwide and blogging is the cheapest form of communication.. or marketing.. or politicizing.. or influencing..... as oppose to physical attendance at various ceramah(s), coffee talk or political talks... Of course, those looking for 'angpaw' or 'kissing ass' will still have to attend individual event.

Except for a few, most of UMNO divisions and branches website are quite a bore. They simply cut & paste and echo almost everything that can be read from the main media (the newspapers) but some of the UMNO division and branches websites are very informative detailing all the activities of their divisions and branches.

In an effort to stay and be updated with our elected and appointed leader's busy schedules at the comfort of my home or office, I searched to add their blog on my blogroll and follow them either on Twitter or Facebook.... The most active Cabinet Ministers on cyber space are Dato Seri Ali Rustam (see: DAR FB), Raja Nong Chick (see: RNC FB, RNC Blog), Dato Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein (see: Hisham FB) and Dato Muhkriz Tun Mahathir (see: Mukhriz FB, Mukhriz Blog)... but how many of our UMNO Youth Exco are well connected with the cyber supporters either through Facebook or Blog...

After a brief 'googling' and walking through the cyber space, i found out...

Only 7 UMNO Youth Exco with both Facebook account & personal blog

1) Youth Chief (& Politic Committee Bureau) : Khairy Jamaluddin (see: KJ FB, KJ Blog). The chief is the master... very active on Facebook and on his blog.

2) Dep Chief (Management Committee) : Dato Razali Ibrahim (see: Razali FB, Razali Blog)

3) International/Peace Malaysia: Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid (see: Zaki FB, Zaki Blog)

4) Politic Education: Ali Mazat (see: Ali FB, Ali Blog)

5) New Media: Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz (See: Faisal FB, Faisal Blog)

6) Kelantan: Anuar Safian (see Anuar FB, Anuar BLOG)

7) PUTERA UMNO: Megat Zulkarnain Omardin (See: Megat FB, Megat Blog Megat's blog though available but is DORMANT)

8) Art & Culture: Jamawi jaafar (see: Jamawi FB, NO BLOG)

14 UMNO Youth Exco with Facebook account but without any personal Blog

9) Asst Secretary : Megat Firdouz Tan Sri Megat Junid (see: Firdouz FB, NO BLOG)

10) Asst Treasurer : Dato Rozabil Ab Rahman (see: Rozabil FB, NO BLOG)

11) Information: Dato Reezal Merican Naina Merican (see: Reezal FB, NO BLOG)

12) Art & Culture: Jamawi jaafar (see: Jamawi FB, NO BLOG)

13) Socio Ethic: Mohamad Iruan Zulkefli (see: Iruan FB, NO BLOG)

14) Debate & Resolutions: Lokman Noor Adam (see: Lokman FB, NO BLOG)

15) BN Youth & 1Malaysia: Mohd Faizal Ramli (appointed exco) (see Faizal FB, NO BLOG)

16) Rural Development: Datuk Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Razak (see: Amizan FB, NO BLOG)

17) Urban Development: Tengku Azman Tengku Zainal Abidin (see: Azman FB, NO BLOG)

18) NGO Liaison: Suffian Awang (see: Suffian FB, NO BLOG)

19) Pulau Pinang: Norman Zahalan (see: Norman FB, NO BLOG)

20) Wilayah Persekutuan: Rizalman Dato Mokhtar (see: Rizalman FB, NO BLOG)

21) Melaka: Karim Yaacob (see: Karim FB, NO BLOG)

22) Johor: Mohd Fadil Muskon (see: Fadil FB, NO BLOG)


2 UMNO Youth Exco with a personal blog but without any Facebook account

23) Sports: Datuk Ahmad Darus (see: NO FACEBOOK, Darus Blog)

24) Agriculture and Primary Industry: Zubir Zabidi ( NO FACEBOOK, Zubir Blog)


Ironically, 20 UMNO Youth Exco are without both Facebook or blog. Maybe these people are the conventional and traditional politician whom rather meet face to face and gather supporters at Kedai Kopi or organised functions but then.. how often and how many people can you meet?

The list of UMNO Youth EXCO that is neither on Facebook nor a blogger are:

25) Soohaimi Shahadan (Economic & entrepreneur Development) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
26) Hishamuddin Yahaya (Membership & Selection) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
27) Mohd Gasing Saling (Education) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
28) Syahrin Jamaluddin (Higher Education) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
29) Ustaz Mohd Afandi Yusof (Religious) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
30) Datuk Mohamad Khairun Aseh (Community Complain) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
31) Shafiqurrahman Shamsuddin (Young Profesionals) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
32) Nazir Husin Akhtar Hussin (Young Worker) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
33) Badrol Hisham Zaki (Government Liaison) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
34) Mohd Anis Hisham Abd Aziz (Perang Saraf) (appointed exco) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
35) Khairul Azwan Harun (Youth Academy) (appointed exco) (see: Khairul FB, NO BLOG)
36) Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman (Special function) (appointed exco) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
37) Mohsin Mohd Yusoff (Perlis) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
38) Badrol Hisham hashim (Kedah) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
39) Maslin Sham Razman (Perak) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
40) Suhaimi Mohd Ghazali (Selangor) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
41) Mohd Helmy Din (Negeri Sembilan) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
42) Abu Jimi Samat (Pahang) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
43) Saiful Bahri Baharuddin (Terengganu) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)
44) Azman Ruslan (Sabah) (NO FACEBOOK, NO BLOG)

I am impressed with Melaka Chief Minister YAB Dato Seri Ali Rustam whom I would say.. the MOST ACTIVE on Facebook. Second place goes to YB Raja Nong Chick and Third, the Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin. I am abit dissappointed that the majority of the UMNO Youth EXCO that does not interact with the public on cyber space... especially when the Prime Minister YAB Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak are both a facebook'er and a blogger (see: PM FB, PM Blog).

The above are the list of UMNO Youth EXCO members on Facebook or Blogs. You can get connected with them on facebook but not with the 20 Youth exco that is none-existence on facebook. Stay tune for the list of the opposition PAS, PKR, DAP etc Youth Exco that is on Facebook or active on blogs.


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Armin had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb.... Armin had a little too much lamb

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I was overdosed with too much Lamb for 2 consecutive day and night when mum ordered and had 2 fat whole lamb freshly roasted at home for dinner. It was the best lamb... so juicy and tender that I had it again the next day after the dinner. Being overdosed for 2 consecutive days, I thought I should research abit to learn more if the constant lamb intake can be damaging to my already damage health.



When a recipe calls for Lamb, it refers to a sheep that is less than a year old. There are 5 cuts of lamb that is commercially available, namely, leg, loin, shoulder, breast (or shank), rack (or ribs). My favourite is the ribs!!

Nutritional benefits of Lamb (Source: Lamb)

The iron found in lamb meat is in a form that is easily absorbed by the body, Lamb is an especially good source of easily absorbed zinc and iron. Today's lamb meat is low in fat and is an excellent source of minerals. Lamb is also natures best source for amino acids.

The Seven Nutritional Benefits of Lamb

1. Lamb is an excellent source of high quality protein containing 63% of daily recommended protein allowance in a single serving. This high protein content may be bad for those with a history of Gout... like me.

2. Lamb is an ideal source of iron. An average portion can provide 20% of the recommended daily intake for men and 12% for women. The iron found in lamb and other red meat is in a form that is easily absorbed by the body. The inclusion of iron in the diet is vital in the formation of red blood cells.

3. Lamb provides 45% of the daily requirement of zinc, essential for growth, healing and a healthy immune system. Like iron, thyme zinc found in lamb is more easily absorbed by the body than zinc found in other sources.

4. Lamb is a great source of B vitamins, essential for metabolic reactions in the body. It can provide over 100% of the daily requirement of B12 and is a good source of thiamine.

5. Lamb also contains trace elements such as copper, manganese and selenium.

6. As a result of improved breeding practices, feeding practices, and butchery and trimming methods, the fat in lamb has been greatly reduced over the past twenty years. For example, lamb leg steaks may contain as little as 5.1% fat.

7. Half of the fat in lamb is unsaturated, which is good for us. Most of the unsaturated fat is monounsaturated, commonly found in the healthy "Mediterranean-type diet."

Cholesterol Concern

Lamb contains cholesterol that is associated with some form of heart disease and cancer as with all red meats. If cholesterol is a concern, all red meat too should be avoided.

With my unfriendly cholesterol count, I should be avoiding lamb but having followed Dr J.D. Adamo blood type diet (see: Dr Adamo and blood1), lamb is in fact one of the most beneficial menu for my blood type AB (see: blood type diet).

Somehow, since I started the blood type diet in November last year, I didn't have any Gout attack or any other problem when I was overdosed with lamb.

Maybe I should have another lamb meal for lunch..... hungry again!!!

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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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