A productive Sunday......

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My ordinary Sunday usually began with a long distance of at least a 21km run training at Taman Tun Dr Ismail lakeside located beside the Women Institute of Malaysia at 6am. I broke the routine yesterday to be punctual at our fortnighly gathering with Dr Juanda Jaya, the Mufti of Perlis. I was always late for the gathering having participated in various running events that was always held on Sunday morning.

I first befriended Dr Juanda when we together performed our Haj in 2006... We (the members of our unofficial group called 'Zamrud' & Dr Juanda) were all alien to each other in Mecca. Gathered by Dr Juanda, we became so close and took a pledge whilst in Mecca to better understand the beauty of Islam and committed ourselves to regularly gather and learn from Dr Juanda whom voluntarily too committed himself in guiding us through the Quran & Hadith. We learn the translation of Quran and understand the Hadith from Dr Juanda Jaya at the fortnightly 'Halaqah' for more than 2 years now.

I missed Mecca, missed performing the pilgrimage and became more enthusiast in seeking deeper knowledge of Islam everytime I met Dr Juanda... My Mentor.

Unfortunately, the Zamrud gathering is a closed invitation only to our 2006, Zamrud haj group.. however, those whom are interested to get opinions from Dr Juanda.. can do so via his BLOG.. Dr Juanda Blog 1, Dr Juanda Blog 2.

Having spent half a day with Dr Juanda & the Zamrud group (a name borrowed from Tabung Haji package that we subscribed when we all first met), the other half sunday was spent at home and a father & son day out.

The usual father & son outing at the golf course or shopping or at some fine dining restaurants are too common. The sunday too was a break from that monotony outing. Instead, we went to One Utama Mall for a menicure and pedicure.

Grooming is always a choice. Many wanted to be groomed but avoided in fear of being teased or seen at the centre. Such is the stigma of many men... but nothing felt better than to have the feet and hand dead skin scrubbed and cuticles trimmed and nail buffed and polished.

We arrived early for our 5pm appointment and did not have to queue whilst others were impatiently queuing. We were comfortably seated and The menicure and pedicure took more than an hour to complete.

Dad had a good snore and was in dreamland for the whole period but quickly awoke for photos...

The sunday too was the wedding Yg Bhg Dato' Hanafi Mat Zin's daughter, Nurul Husna Hanafi & Azri which I could not attend as I attended the Zamrud gathering with Dr Juanda. My apology and congratulation to Dato Hanafi & family... and the newly wed Husna & Hery.

At the same time, my old schoolmates at Bukit Bintang Boys Secondary School held a get-together at the Chef & Brew restaurant, Damansara height that I could not attend for the same reason. My thousand apology.

Now... back to work.

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Ministry of Human Resouce prefer only PUBLIC BANK

Train & Place Scheme (TPS) or Skim Latihan & Penempatan (Ministry of Human Resource).

Train & Place programme was launched under the 2nd Financial Stimulus to eradicate if not reduce the number of unemployment due to the global recession.

Anybody who was retrenched, unemployed or graduates whom were not able to seek employment can qualify for the programme (see para 2.2 of the guideline attached below). Approved applicants will be paid between RM500 - RM600 per month for a 6 months training & placement programme.

Trainees will be trained and placed (depending on the chosen field) at the approved academy for training and placed at the participated company akin of being employed.

It is a noble program launched by the Government in March 2009 to cushion the impact and sufferings of the retrenched and unemployed public due to the economic downturn. However, Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam expressed on 20 May 2009 his dissappointed with the poor response (see: Ministry Website).

My company participated in the scheme in June as a small social contribution during this economic downturn and trained 100 unemployed workforce. The unemployed being unemployed do not have much disposable income and the administrative nature of registering the trainees had led to various delay in both submission and approval. As a result, on humanitarian ground, my company advanced the payment to the respective trainee allowance (that the Ministry suppose to pay for them) and is currently awaiting the Ministry approval for the advance payment claim appeal. The advance payment is over and above the lodging and transportation that we provide to outstation trainees at our own cost.

BUT this is not what I wanted to highlight but instead the Ministry of Human Resource requirement for ALL TRAINEES to have an active PUBLIC BANK SAVINGS ACCOUNT for the government training allowance payment to be made.

Why does the GOVERNMENT PREFER ONLY PUBLIC BANK when there are Maybank, CIMB, AMBANK and other banks. Trainee without active Public Bank Account will not receive the allowance from the Government (see the two attached guidelines below). Officials from the Ministry of Human Resource whom did not want to be name, said the regulation was made during Dato Seri Fong Chan Onn's tenure as the Minister of Human Resouce.

Our 100 trainees approached various Public Bank branches namely, Damansara Utama Uptown, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, , Jalan Pasir Puteh (Ipoh), Kelana Jaya and Sungai Chua, (Kajang) but many applications to open the Saving Bank Account was declined due to error in reading the MyKad chip. Public Bank had also refused to accept birth certificate or temporary letter from National Registration Department (for lost of MyKad) as an alernative. This had created alot of strain to the already very stressed unemployed.

Public Bank too refused to accept a minimum savings of RM10 although the Trainees’ Information Form KSM/TPS/1/09 was attached (see attached Guidelines on Claims below). Public Bank insisted a minimum of RM250 and took a minimum of 45minutes to even the whole day to open a simple saving account as oppose to 15 minutes at CIMB.

Yesterday, we wrote to the Central Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia) highlighting the trainee's predicament with Public Bank and was pleased when the issue was immediately resolved. The trainee were able to open the saving account without further problem. This problem could have been easily avoided if the trainee were given an option of available Banks to choose instead of only one, Public Bank.

I would like to also appeal for the MyKad quality to be improved given the various problem associated with Mykad chip and reader.

Enclosed below the extraction from the Ministry of Human Resource guidelines: (1) Guidelines on Implementation of the train & Place and (2) Guidelines on claim under the Train & Place Scheme( para 3 pertaining to the trainee) .


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GUIDELINES ON IMPLEMENTATION OF

THE TRAIN AND PLACE SCHEME

1. Objective
The objective of these guidelines is to explain the procedures for the implementation of the Train and Place Scheme (TPS) for retrenched workers and unemployed graduates seeking employment.

2. Target Group
2.1 Malaysian who have graduated with a diploma, degree or equivalent qualifications and have remained unemployed.
2.2 Malaysian workers who have been retrenched by the employers from all economic sectors including those who have been retrenched under voluntary separation scheme (VSS) and any person unemployed seeking jobs.

3. Training Providers Requirements Under The Train and Place Scheme
3.1 Training providers who are eligible to participate under the scheme must be approved by Ministry Of Human Resources (MOHR). They must register with PSMB and pay an administration fee of RM500.00 for each centre and appointed branches.
3.2 Training providers must attend briefings to be conducted by PSMB.

4. Procedure to Submit Trainees Information Form
4.1 Training providers are required to key-in information of the trainees from the Trainee Information Form (KSM/TPS/1/09) as per Appendix A, for trainees who have registered in JobsMalaysia and endorsed for placement by JTK. The information should be key-in through the PSMB’s online system at www.hrdf.com.my. Training providers must ensure that all particulars of the trainees are accurate especially name, IC number and bank accounts number. Trainees Summary Report is to be submitted to PSMB after information on trainees have been keyed into the system.

4.2 Trainees Information Form (KSM/TPS/1/09) and Trainees Summary Report must be submitted to PSMB by training providers at least one day before commencement of training and attached with the following supporting documents:
(i) A copy of new identity card;
(ii) A copy of an active Public Bank’s account book showing the name of the trainee, account number and latest transaction;
(iii) Training Session Plan;
(iv) For retrenched workers, a copy of marriage certificate for married trainees and copies of birth certificates for every child (if applicable).

4.3 If festives celeberations e.g. Hari Raya Aidil Fitri dan Adha, Hari Natal, Deepavali, Tahun Baru Cina or other public holidays falls during the training session, training providers can include additional holidays, if applicable, in the training session plan. Additional holidays declared by training providers must be replaced with an equivalent number of training days.

4.4 Training providers are required to submit application forms for a particular class only once according by class and not by individuals. Thus, 25 Trainees Information Forms must be submitted for a class of 25 trainees. If the number of trainees is less than 25, additional applications will not be considered.

4.5 Training providers are required to submit Trainees Registration Form (KSM/TPS/3/09) as per Appendix C to PSMB within one week from the day trainees report for training. This is to assist PSMB in the payment of trainees’ monthly allowances. Failure to submit this form will result delay in the payment of monthly allowances. Training providers are also required to submit information for trainees who have been approved but failed to report or withdraw from training by completing the Trainees Withdrawal/Quit Form (KSM/TPS/4/09) as per Appendix D.

4.6 Training providers are required to inform PSMB not later than 3 days from the date when trainee quits the programme by using the same form. If a trainee is absent from training for more than 3 days without valid reasons, he or she is also deem to have quit the programme.

4.7 Training providers are required to monitor closely trainees’ attendance and ensure that training is conducted as per training schedule.

4.8 Application for subsequent classes has to be submitted to PSMB after JTK has confirmed the job offers for previous class. The application, however, will only be processed subject to availability of funds and training providers have fulfilled all the terms and conditions for the previous class.

4.9 Training providers are required to keep all records relating to the Training and Place Scheme for the purpose of inspections and allow PSMB’s officers to inspect the records, if necessary.

4.10 From time to time, PSMB reserves the right to change or amend the terms and conditions of these guidelines to ensure the smooth implementation of the Train and Place Scheme.


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GUIDELINES ON CLAIMS

UNDER THE

TRAIN AND PLACE SCHEME

Paragraph 3.0 Trainees’ Monthly Allowance

3.1 Trainees’ monthly allowances will be paid directly to trainees’ accounts.

3.2 Payment for monthly allowances will be made through Public Bank saving accounts. Trainees are required to open a saving account at any nearest Pubic Bank branch before commencement of training. Trainees can open conventional saving accounts with only RM10.00 by presenting a complete of Trainees’ Information Form
KSM/TPS/1/09.

3.3 Monthly allowances of RM500.00 will be paid to each graduate trainee. Since the attendance is compulsory, RM19 will be deducted for each day trainee is absent from training (based on 26 days per month). Exception will be given to trainees with medical certificates issued by medical practitioners, except for maternity leave.

3.4 Monthly allowances for retrenched workers are between RM500.00 – RM800.00 subjected to number of trainees’ dependants. Rates of the allowances are shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Rate of Monthly Allowance
Category - Allowance (RM)
1. Single - 500.00
2. Married - 600.00 (Additional allowance of RM50.00 will be given for each dependant)
3. Divorcee / Widower - 500.00 (Additional allowance of RM50.00 will be given for each dependant)

3.5 Monthly allowances for retrenched workers will be subjected to a maximum of RM 800.

3.6 Failure of trainees to attend training will involve the deduction of monthly allowances based on Table 2 below. Exception will be
given to trainees with medical certificates issued by medical practitioners, except for maternity leave.

Table 2: Rate of Deduction on Monthly and Additional Allowances.

Monthly & Additional Allowances (RM)

Deduction Per Day (RM)
500.00 = 19.00
550.00 = 21.00
600.00 = 23.00
650.00 = 25.00
700.00 = 27.00
750.00 = 29.00

800.00 = 31.00

3.7 TPS providers are required to fax Trainees’ Attendance Form KSM/TPS/T1/09 as per Appendix E to PSMB on the last day of the month. (Fax No. 03-2087 6365)

3.8 Payment of trainees’ monthly allowances will be made within 7 days after complete Trainees’ Attendance Form has been received by PSMB.

3.9 TPS providers are obliged to keep all records related to training for inspection purposes and to allow the inspectoriate officers to verify all records, if necessary.

3.10 PSMB may from time to time change or amend the guidelines. TPS providers will be notified for any changes made to strengthen the implementation of the scheme.


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Blog, Facebook & MCA Youth Exco (Part v)

the list of MCA National Youth Exco Members for 2008-2011 is available at MCA YOUTH WEBSITE.

MCA (inc appointed & Invited) has a similar size of exco members to UMNO with 43 exco members compared to PAS 36 Youth exco member and AMK 46 Youth exco members.

MCA Youth exco are the worst IT savvy with only 3 MCA Youth Exco connected on cyber via both Facebook and personal Blog compared to 7 UMNO Youth, 8 PAS Youth, 5 AMK (PKR) Youth exco.

1) Youth Chief: Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong (see: Wee FB, Wee Blog)
2) Loh Chew June (see: CJ FB, CJ Blog)
3) Dr Kow Cheong Wei (see: Kow FB, Kow Blog)

and only 4 MCA Youth Exco that is registered ONLY on Facebook and without any personal blog compared to 14 UMNO Youth exco, 5 PAS Youth Exco and 10 AMK Youth Exco.

4) Dato' Chai Kim Sen (see: Chai FB)
5) Ong Soon Boon (see: Ong FB)
6) Toh Seng Cheng (see: Toh FB)

7) Chew Kok Woh (Sabah) (see: Chew FB)

... 4 MCA Youth is a blogger but are not registered on FB compared to 2 UMNO Youth, 4 PAS Youth and 6 AMK Youth Exco

8) Gan Hong Su (see: Gan Blog)
9) Chiew Lian Keng (appt)(see: Chiew Blog)

10) Dato Liow Tiong Lai (Pahang) (see: Liow Blog)

11) Wee Jeck Seng (Johor) (see: Wee Blog)

22 MCA Youth exco are non-existence on FB and does not own any personal blog compared to 20 UMNO Youth, 19 PAS Youth and 25 AMK Youth exco.

12) Yong Chen Leong
13) Yoo Wei How
14) Dr Chin Tung Leong
15) Yit Lee Kok
16) Lee Li Yew
17) Koh Chin Han
18) Chin Eu Boon
19) Yap Tian Hoi
20) Dep Chief: Dato Dr Mah Hang Soon

Appointed Youth Exco

21) Wong Yoke Loong
22) Haw Chin Teck
23) Ngwe Hee Sem
24) Wong Nai Chee
25) Tang Nai Soon
26) Chong Sin Woon
27) Datuk Chuah Poh Khiang

Invited Youth Exco

28) Gan Han Chuan
29) Wong Kim Long
30) Eng Hiap Boon
31) Teoh Hwa Cheng
32) Yeong Kian Seng
33) Ling Hee Keat

State Youth Liaison Chief

34) Hang Chin Peng (W.Persekutuan)
35) Wong Koon Mun (Selangor)
36) Wee keng Seng (Kelantan)
37) Boey Chin Gan (Kedah)
38) Foo Ming Chee (N.Sembilan)
39) Teh Chai Aan (Perlis)
40) Chin Wai Sun (Terengganu)
41) Dato Tan Chin Meng (Perak)
42) Chua Kheng Hwa (Melaka)
43) Ooi Chuan Aik (Penang)

ONLY 23% of MCA Youth exco connected on cyber either through FB or Blog or Both compared to 53% UMNO Youth, 49% PAS and 52% AMK (PKR) Youth. Clearly one of the reason why MCA is losing its popularity........ MCA is probably riding on UMNO Youth machinery for cyber support and cavassing.

Another significant obervation on cyber, opposition PAS and AMK openly displayed their exco HANDPHONE NUMBER on their official website but NONE with UMNO Youth & MCA Youth... hence, not only are the opposition are approachable on cyber but they are also easily contactable on their personal handphone.

Stay tune for MIC, Gerakan, PPP, DAP and other political party youth exco cyber analysis.....

How educated are our future leaders.. UMNO Youth Exco...

How educated are UMNO Youth Exco...


I came acrossed many friends whom never graduated but claimed they are graduates from various local universities and even from international universities. Verifying graduates are as difficult to authenticate similar to verifying honorific titles such as Tan Sri, Datuk or Dato'ship. In a society when majority are graduates and many are Datuk(s) and Dato'(s), everybody took for granted that everybody is as per what they claim to be because verifying it is pointless and a waste of time... almost impossible.

Being a graduate and a business owner, I had interviewed too many graduates that I could notice almost instantly when a person is a graduate or otherwise and locally or from overseas. Unlike the conferment of honorific titles, a person cannot act to be graduate especially in thinking and conversation substances.

Once, in the mid 90s, whilst being attached to Guthrie, Industrial Relation Department upon graduation, I had to write to various universities for verification (of Guthrie new employees) of their graduation and confirmation of their exam transcript but without success... except from a few foreign universities.

Now, with too many graduates, university registrars require (for verification) the actual year of graduation and their Degree subject major. Without this detail, the verification is almost impossible. Thus, the accuracy of information is of utmost important.

Akin of employment recruitment, we should know our leaders' credentials too before we vote and pledge our support for them. Obviously, our leaders should be smarter than us... to lead us. Otherwise, any uneducated man who are voted into PAS can claim anything as Haram or unislamic (as an example) under the Islamic banner, although really, he doesnt qualify to make any religious statement. Similarly, it will be embarassing to us when our leaders continuously having to rely on 'external' intelligence to make a stand.... without the externals, perhaps the reason for all the 'echo' statements....

My dad once told me during childhood... that Malays only have 2 career in mind as an ambition. First to be a politician and second to be an Artist (singing or acting) because both career doesnt require any education. Now that I have the resources to research... I hope the old 'dilemma' is Untrue....

Benchmarking University Bachelor Degree graduate as a minimum qualification, how many graduates are there in our UMNO Youth is the first part of many series to come. The source of information is via internet search such as Googling various local and foreign university alumni lists and past convocation record as well as browsing individual exco profiles on facebook, blogs and webpages. Those that is listed as "NO DEGREE" means their educational information is not listed or not available online or as it literally means 'NO DEGREE'* and those with graduate record, an email was sent to their respective university for verification.

I welcome any corrections or amendments to the posting and will update any inaccurate information if informed. As this blog posting is written, an email was sent via FB to: (1) YB Khairy for the list of his youth exco educational background, (2) Zamakhsari for PAS youth exco educational background and (4) Tan Wei Wun for the PKR youth exco (AMK) educational background. I do not believe their tertiary education background is a confidential information especially for politician whom suppose to be marketing/selling themselves, in fact I think they should be proud of their educational achievement(s) (if any).

I havent received any reply emails yet from any of them but thusfar, the result from internet research is as follows:

ONLY 9 out of the 43 UMNO youth exco is a University Bachelor degree graduates and only YB Khairy & Anuar Safian are a post-graduate Master degree holder.

1) Youth Chief : Khairy Jamaluddin, Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics & Economics; Oxford University, Master Legal & Political Theory; University College London (UCL) UK (1998). Khairy is the most qualified as far as education is concern.

2) Dep Chief (Management Committee) : Dato Razali Ibrahim, Bachelor in Law (LLB); Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) (1994)

3) International/Peace Malaysia: Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid, Bachelor in Law (LLB); University of Bristol, UK (1994)

4) Politic Education: Ali Mazat, Bachelor in Civil Engineering; University Malaya (UM), Malaysia (year graduation-unknown)

5) New Media: Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, Bachelor in Pharmacy; University Science of Malaysia (USM), Malaysia (1990)

6) Kelantan: Anuar Safian, Bachelor Entrepreneurship; American European University (distance learning?) (1993) Masters in Leadership; Oxford Centre for leadership (Oxcel) (2007).

7) Information: Dato Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Bachelor in Arabic Language and Literature; International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Malaysia (1996)

8) Debate & Resolutions: Lokman Noor Adam (Mara University of technology (UiTM) but unknown if its diploma or degree) (1993)

9) BN Youth & 1Malaysia: Mohd Faizal Ramli (appointed exco) Bachelor in Management & Marketing, University Science of Malaysia (USM), Malaysia (1995)

*34 UMNO Youth exco are NON University graduate!!???

10) Putera UMNO: Megat Zulkarnain Omardin

11) Art & Culture: Jamawi Jaafar

12) Socio Ethic: Mohamad Iruan Zulkefli

13) Asst Secretary : Megat Firdouz Tan Sri Megat Junid

14) Asst Treasurer : Dato Rozabil Ab Rahman

15) Rural Development: Datuk Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Razak

16) Urban Development: Tengku Azman Tengku Zainal Abidin

17) NGO Liaison: Suffian Awang

18) Pulau Pinang: Norman Zahalan

19) Wilayah Persekutuan: Rizalman Dato Mokhtar

20) Melaka: Karim Yaacob

21) Johor: Mohd Fadil Muskon

22) Sports: Datuk Ahmad Darus

23) Agriculture and Primary Industry: Zubir Zabidi

24) Soohaimi Shahadan (Economic & entrepreneur Development)

25) Hishamuddin Yahaya (Membership & Selection)

26) Mohd Gasing Saling (Education)

27) Syahrin Jamaluddin (Higher Education)

28) Ustaz Mohd Afandi Yusof (Religious)

29) Datuk Mohamad Khairun Aseh (Community Complain)

30) Shafiqurrahman Shamsuddin (Young Profesionals)

31) Nazir Husin Akhtar Hussin (Young Worker)

32) Badrol Hisham Zaki (Government Liaison)

33) Mohd Anis Hisham Abd Aziz (Perang Saraf) (appointed exco)

34) Khairul Azwan Harun (Youth Academy) (appointed exco)

35) Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman (Special function) (appointed exco)

36) Mohsin Mohd Yusoff (Perlis)

37) Badrol Hisham hashim (Kedah)

38) Maslin Sham Razman (Perak)

39) Suhaimi Mohd Ghazali (Selangor)

40) Mohd Helmy Din (Negeri Sembilan)

41) Abu Jimi Samat (Pahang)

42) Saiful Bahri Baharuddin (Terengganu)

43) Azman Ruslan (Sabah)

If 80% of our future leaders did not even possess any University degree...??? Maybe thats why Pemuda is against PPSMI... maybe they dont understand.. :-D just kidding..

*I am waiting impatiently for YB Khairy's reply to update the 34 non-graduate details (if my record is inaccurate)..... in the mean time, Stay Tune for PAS Youth exco educational background details.....

In case, YB Khairy is too busy with the people, I welcome his office or exco to update the details too... Without any update from anybody.. probably my statistic is regrettably true.

Note: this blog, will be continuously updated for latest information... hence, for any update from any party and/or upon verification received from their respective university...

Stay Tune

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Blog, Facebook & PKR Youth Exco (Part iv)

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The list of PKR Youth or AMK (Angkatan Muda Keadilan) for the year 2008-2011 is available at AMK WEBSITE.

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"Practice makes perfect" (John Adam (1761) was one of my favourite phrase. So easy it was searching for PKR Youth Exco or Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) members list having repeated the same for UMNO and PAS Youth exco members.

AMK has the biggest number of Youth exco members with a total of 46 youth compared to UMNO 43 youth and PAS 36 exco members.

From the 46 AMK members, only 5 AMKs are registered on Facebook (FB) and owns a blog compared to 7 UMNO Youthand 8 PAS youth exco.

1) Youth Chief: Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (see: Shamsul FB, Shamsul Blog1, Blog 2)
2) Vice Chief: YB Amirudin Shari- Johor (see: Amir FB, Amir Blog)
3) Asst Sec: YB Chang Lih Kang (see: Kang FB, Kang Blog)
4) Director Parliament & ADUN: YB Nurul Izzah Anwar (see: Nurul FB, Nurul Blog)
5) Exco: YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (see: YBNik FB, YBNik Blog)


....and 10 AMK with ONLY an FB account without any Blog compared to 14 UMNO Youth and 5 PAS Youth.

6) Tan Wei Wun (see: Wun FB, NO Blog)
7) Wan Khairul Ihsan Wan Muhammad (Kelantan Chief) (see: Ihsan FB, NO Blog)
8) Zara Zahari (see: Zara FB, NO Blog)
9) Amizuddin Ahmat (see: Amiz FB, NO Blog)
10) YB Chan Meng Kai (see: Kai FB, NO Blog)
11) Jafrien Muhammad (see: Jaf FB (dormant), NO Blog)
12) Latheefa Koya (see: Koya FB, NO Blog)
13) Mohd Najib Onn (see: Najib FB, NO Blog)
14) Muzaffar Shah Khairuddin (see: Muz FB, NO Blog)
15) Halim Aziz - N.Sembilan (see: Halim FB, NO Blog)


AMK has the biggest number of 6 exco with only a blog but without FB account compared to 2 UMNO Youth and 4 PAS Youth.

16) Director Strategy: YB Yusmadi Yusoff (P.Penang Chief) (see: NO FB, Yusmadi Blog)
17) Director Election: Fariz Musa (Terengganu Chief) (see: NO FB, Fariz Blog)
18) Ahmad Zaki Yamani (see: NO FB, Zaki Blog)
19) Pajudin Nordin (see: NO FB, Pajudin Blog)
20) Zamri Sapar - Perlis (see: NO FB, Zamri Blog)
21) Saiful Izham Ramli - Kedah (see: NO FB, Saiful Blog)


BUT there are 25 AMK Youth that is without both FB and Blog compared to 20 UMNO Youth and 19 PAS Youth.

22) Deputy Chief: Mohd Faris Musa
23) Vice Chief: Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin- Selangor Chief
24) Vice Chief: Tan Seng Toh- Melaka
25) Secretary: Zulkifar Ali Ariffin
26) Asst Sec: Mahharul Ismail
27) Treasurer: Mohamad Zamakhsari Ibrahim
28) Info Chief: YB S. Kesavan
29) Dep Info Chief: Shamsul Hidayat
30) Mohd Husaif Mohd Jalal
31) Abdul Rahmad Abdul Hackeem
32) Ahmad Nazif Johari
33) Eric Khor
34) Faizal Effendi Hasim
35) Ginie Lim Siew Lin
36) Hasmuzair Hassan
37) Muhammad Gaddafi Kamal
38) P. Saravanan
39) Hj Ramlan Roes
40) T. Kumar
41) Zulkifli Ibrahim
42) Rizal Jamin - Pahang
43) Anuar Zakaria - Perak
44) Md Zaman Mohd Tasi - W.Persekutuan
45) Abd Razak Jamil - Sabah
46) Rahamat Idil Latif - Sarawak

From the above, we can see that 52% of AMK are connected on cyber either through FB or Blog or both compared to 53% of UMNO Youth exco and 49% of PAS Youth exco.

But only 24% of AMK are Bloggers compared to 21% of UMNO Youth and 34% of PAS Youth. It is worth noting that my statistics only record youth exco members that owns a blog and register an FB under their personal name.

PAS Youth being an islamic party would probably sincerely register a blog personally under their own name (hence the highest percentage of bloggers) and maybe UMNO youth (with 21% bloggers) has not awoken from sleep BUT I believe most of AMK are bloggers and are blogging in-hiding under ANONYMOUS blogs and quietly dominating the blogosphere against the government... DSAI style even before the last election... so much so that UMNO didnt even know what hit them.

Suffice to say our presence on cyber too must be felt to be relevant.... Cut, paste, post and publish articles from the main stream media that is typical in most umno blogs & FB only displays lackadaisical effort and probably a signal that the secretary updated their blogs or FB page on their behalf.


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Chat with Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir

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Chat with Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir @ Facebook on Monday 10 August 2009 at 8pm. Mukhriz is also a Member of Parliament for Jerlun.

Click: Mukhriz Facebook account and Mukhriz Blog for further information.

See other Ministers on facebook at Minister FB.

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Blog, Facebook and PAS Youth Exco (Part iii)

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Pas Youth Exco list (Senarai Pemuda PAS) for 2009-2011 is available at PAS YOUTH WEBSITE.

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Shortly after performing my Friday Prayer, I came home for lunch.. I was deprived of home cook lunch for many weeks due to endless paper work and appointments. Whilst lunching at home, I turned on Bernama News and saw Mukhriz Mahathir being interviewed on the Internal Security Act or ISA protest. Its true what Mukhriz said, that we.. Malaysian had discounted and taken for granted the peace we enjoy under the shelter of the present system... including the ISA.

Maybe it is naive of me to disagree with the abolishment of the ISA but I observed whilst doing business in Thailand, Indonesia and travelled to Phillipines, Vietnam, Europe and other parts of the world, the racial harmony and peace in our country is far superior... hence, the system with ISA.

I had problem understanding PAS, DAP, PKR philosophy and resolutions but being civil minded, I took the effort to understand. I want to understand if the public voted for PAS or PKR (or other opposition) because of what they stood for or because of their personality?

I had as much problem searching for PAS exco line up as I had with understanding their resolutions. After hours of googling, facebooking and browsing the net, I found PAS Youth EXCO members list.

As a civilised citizen and a Kelantanese, I tried to understand the philosophy and resolution of PAS with failure.... but I never had any reason to even try to learn and understand their generals, machineries.. moreover their exco members... until now. Why? that is story for another blog posting....

PAS Youth Exco comprised of 36 youth member (including the appointed exco & state Youth Chief) as opposed to our 43 UMNO Youth excos (including the appointed excos & state Youth Chief).

Youth EXCO with both a Facebook (FB) account and a blog.

8 PAS Youth exco have both a Facebook (FB) account and a blog VERSUS 7 UMNO youth excos

1) PAS Youth Chief (Pahang Chief): Ustaz Nasruddin Hassan At Tantawi (See: Nasruddin FB, Nasruddin Blog1, Blog2)

2) Information Chief: Suhaizan Kayat (see: Suhaizan FB, Suhaizan Blog)

3) Khairul Faizi Ahmad Kamil (Johor Chief) (see: Khairul FB, Khairul Blog)

4) Ustaz Nik Mohd Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz (see: Abduh FB, Abduh Blog)

5) Ustaz Riduan Mohd Nor (see: Riduan FB, Riduan Blog)

6) Ustaz Mohd Nazri Chik (see: Nazri FB (Dormant), Nazri Blog)

7) Zamakhshari Muhammad (see: Zamak FB, Zamak Blog)

8) Mior Isfandy Mior Azizan (see: Mior FB, Mior Blog, BLOG2)

Youth EXCO with only an FB account but without any Blog

5 PAS Youth Exco have only an FB account VERSUS 14 UMNO Youth exco members.

9) Vice Youth Chief: Ahmad Sabki Yusof (see: Sabki FB)

10) Treasurer: Adram Musa (see: Adram FB)

11) Zuraidin Abdullah (see: Zuraidin FB)

12) Ustaz Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah (see: Sukairi FB)

13) Ustaz Sollehen Mukhyi SELANGOR (see: Mukhyi FB)

Youth EXCO with only a blog without FB account

4 PAS Youth Exco owns a blog without any FB account VERSUS 2 UMNO Youth exco

14) Election Director: Firdaus Jaafar (see: Firdaus Blog)
(note: too many Firdaus Jaafar on Facebook- didnt know which is the Pas exco)

15) YB Ustaz Nasir Zakaria (see: Nasir Blog1, Blog2)

16) Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (see: Sanusi Blog)

17) Mohd Taufek Abd Ghani NEGERI SEMBILAN (see: Taufek Blog)

Youth exco WITHOUT both FB account or Blog

19 PAS Youth Exco does not have any FB account nor blogs VERSUS 20 UMNO Youth exco.

18) Dep Youth (Terengganu Chief) : Ustaz Azman Shapawi Abd Rani

19) Secretary: Kamaruzaman Mohamad (Wilayah Persekutuan Chief)

20) Ustaz Kamal Ashaari

21) Ir Hj Muhd Khairil Nizam Khairuddin

22) Abdullah Abdul Karim

23) Dr Raja Ahmad Al Hiss Yaakob

24) Anuar Ali (note: too many anuar ali on facebook and google. cant find the correct person)

25) Ustaz Yussaine Yahya

26) Mohd Sany Hamzan

27) Ustaz Mohd Fuad Osman

28) Ustaz Mohd Nazri Din

29) Zulqarnain Luqman

30) Ustaz Ya'akub Abu Seman - PERLIS

31) Musoddak Ahmad - KEDAH

32) Ustaz Mohd Hafiz Nordin PENANG

33) Ustaz Norazli Musa PERAK

34) Ustaz Kamarudin Sidek MELAKA

35) Mohamad Zaki Ibrahim KELANTAN

SUMMARY

17 or 49% of total PAS Youth exco is connected on cyber either through FB or Blog or both VERSUS 23 or 53% of total UMNO Youth exco.

8 or 23% of total PAS Youth exco is connected on cyber through BOTH FB & Blog VERSUS 7 or 16% of total UMNO Youth exco

5 or 14% of total PAS Youth exco is connected on cyber ONLY through FB VERSUS 14 or 33% of total UMNO Youth exco

4 or 11% of total PAS Youth exco is connected on cyber ONLY through BLOG VERSUS 2 or 0.05% of total UMNO Youth exco

The total PAS Youth exco with an FB account is 13 exco or 37%

The total UMNO Youth exco on FB account is 21 exco or 49%

The total PAS Youth exco with a blog is 12 exco or 34%

The total UMNO youth exco with a blog is 9 or 21%

CONCLUSION

There are various way to interpret the summary.

In total percentage, 49% of total PAS Youth Exco against 53% of total UMNO Youth exco are connected on cyber either through FB or Blog or both.

34% of total PAS Youth Exco against 21% of total UMNO youth exco is a BLOGGER.

PAS.. with all the masjid(s), surau(s), schools and kenduri(s) as their canvassing ground is also strongly represented on cyber with more percentage of their Youth exco in the blogosphere... and they still have time for protests and demonstrations. UMNO Youth although maintain a bigger quantum in the number of exco(s), they have less representation in the blogging community.

Of course these are only statistics... the activeness of the registered exco on their FB account and Blogging updates is still subjective.

Reading both UMNO and PAS exco's blogs and 'FB status updates' are fun. A lot can be learn (in term of personalities) from just these reading. One major difference between UMNO Youth @ Facebook and PAS Youth @ Facebook... PAS 'requested' to befriend (on FB) but majority of UMNO Youth only accept those people requested to be friends. Hence, PAS Youth are more aggresive seeking for 'friends' from the unbeknown.

Doing the cyber analysis on the main 'taiko(s)' in PAS and other opposition excos should be more interesting.

Stay tune....

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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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