Why I was never obsessed with my sister's obession....

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I indulged myself with my sister's latest obsession a few months ago. Being me, I simply cant resist trying new things, new hobbies and new challenges. My sister, Emi's latest obsession (though I dare not say for how long- she gets obsessed and bored too easily) is 'wall climbing'. understandably, being single, she has nothing else to climb.

It is a good exercise although I ended up with bruises on knee and thigh and had many scratches on both arms too. It was easier than I thought but of course, I attempted the easiest route... a 30 feet climb on auto belay. There are more difficult levels but I didnt like the idea of having my life depended on either another person to belay or the auto belay (the device that controls your fall and/or bring you down slowly once you reach the peak).

I read a shocking email today that affirmed my fear. The Garden International School Head of Secondary, Graham Wilson  (Aaraf's School) went for a local indoor wall climbing on 4th October 2009 and suffered a bad fall. He completed a 30 feet climb using the wall which uses an auto belay. He fell from the top on his back and legs when the auto belay device failed.


Graham broke both bones on his left leg, damaged his right leg and broke his spine in the lumbar region (vertebra L3 was basically crushed). Fortunately his spinal cord was not damaged and his surgery was successful.  His surgeon is expecting a full recovery to the leg but only 70% recovery on the back mobility. It will take another 3 to 6 months for full back recovery.

Totally madness.. it could happen to anybody.. me or emi or whoever. I attempted that same 30 feet climb on auto belay...... it was fun, interesting enjoyable but I think I will stick to my running, cycling and swimming for sports. Speaking of which, I owe you the first day experience at the bootcamp ala military training.

Stay tune


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When damage is done, it is time to take action... the Military Style !!

As in any other year, the month of Syawal that ended yesterday or was it 2 days before had treated us all too good with endless aidilfitri open house invitations aka eating feast. I am thankful that I am in most friend's list of invitation. My only regret is the time constraint to attend all those invititations but I am flattered and honoured to be remembered and invited. Thank you all for the invitations and my apology if I was not there. There are still a few more extended open houses next week although Syawal has ended.

The change in the daily staple food was quite damaging. An otherwise daily meals  without carbo, no rice and mostly organic oat diet was replaced by variety type of sinful rice from nasi dagang to briyani and endless desserts; almost triple if not more than the normal daily portion. As a result, the prominent extra inch around the waist and a few pounds in weight... the hidden result is the cholestrol, uric acid or glucose level that too would have been obvious with a blood check that is being avoided.

The gym and daily running suddenly felt heavy and unfriendly. There were only very few succesful attempts to run-train and gym-workout during the whole month of Syawal and that very few training was dreadful.

When the damage is self-inflicted, own effort is lacking and the laze kicked in... there is only one solution... by FORCE!! How...?

MILITARY TRAINING!!!

I registered myself (with Abu, Nawal and hopefully Rhiza Ghazi and Rose Emini) at the "Boot Camp". Attempts to drag other siblings especially Chempaka Emalin seems futile. She was more concern of 'life-lost' than 'fat lost' at the boot camp although I think she (being sentimental) is more scared of losing the fat that she befriended many years ago. During one of the gatherings, Nawal's friend, Anushia Siva Subramaniam introduced us the boot camp that was established in Australia in 1991. It is military inspired, outdoorgroup personal training program that utilises discipline base motivational training.

For only RM299 per month, the bootcamp consists of three, 60 minute sessions per week, for four weeks. The program begins with a Benchmark Workout that allows the instructor to assess our current strengths and weaknesses, and place us with other Recruits of an equivalent fitness level. This will enable the individual Section Commander to continually challenged us, without asking more than what we are physically able.

There were three training locations but I enrolled for the location at Padang Merbuk, Kuala Lumpur that was nearest to my house. The first training began tomorrow 19 October 2009... MONDAY at 5:45am.

I look forward to being sober from the whole month of food-overdose. I will blog the whole experience at the bootcamp....

Stay Tune!!

Happy Deepavali

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To all my hindu readers, friends and colleagues and all Malaysians... Happy Deepavali.

A special greeting to my ABP staff Saraswathy, fellow colleagues, Proton Edar Southern Region Head, Mr Raj, my lawyer Veera Naicker, my dentist Dr Thiruchelvam and the 'mummy's clan' Anushia Siva Subramaniam.

Sara has worked for me for almost 10 years and is also getting married during this Deepavali month. Congratulation Sara. May you have a blissful wedding. Anushia, thanks for inviting us to your Deepavali open house on Sunday, tomorrow and introducing us to the 'boot camp' ala commando training.

May we all have a wonderful celebration and a great weekend.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

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Not everything is rosey on Aidil Fitri

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It is customary  for most of my relatives to gather at my parent's house on the first day of Syawal since my mum is the eldest in her family of very many siblings. It was the same even when we were staying at our old Kelana Jaya house. 20 years ago, on the first day of raya, my life changed. I lost 10 kg during the fasting month without any exercise or a controlled diet... no it was without intention. I was way underweight and was all bones without flesh. The Lower Certificate of Education (SRP) exam was only a few months away. I kept falling sick with high temperature and frequented the neighbouring Clinic at SS5 only to be prescribed with more baskets full of medicine but the body temperature continued to boil.

It was in 1989, after performing the morning Raya prayer at the mosque I quickly rushed back home and went to bed without any food. Although I could feel my body temperature boiling hotter but I was freezing. I tucked myself under the duvet disregarding any relatives at the house. My house was packed with uncles, aunties and cousins that I can hear the noise from my room on the first floor although the door was closed tight. Nobody search and asked for me and I was grateful as I was really struggling in pain. Later in the late afternoon, another uncle, Dato' Dr Ramli Mohamad came and insisted for me.

He was shocked to see me so pale and thin akin of a zombie. He was the first that saw my sufferings. At school and home I was branded an addict. It was in the same year that the government launched an anti-Dadah campaign and advertised the symptom of an addict which a drastic lost in weight being the most prominent signal. I was penalised daily at school too when teachers mistakenly suspected I was on drugs. Dato Dr Ramli or more fondly known as Ayah Li, insisted that I should go for a thorough medical check-up with a specialist. Even if there is nothing wrong, it was best to be certain, he continued to insist. A few days later, my mum brought me to Dr Nik Isahak and I was diagnosed to have leukaemia.

Four days ago, that uncle that took special interest in me when nobody else did, passed away after a struggle with cancer.

I am lost of words of what to write but I cant stop replaying in my mind, thinking and feeling that moment when I was a teenager feeling so lost, feeling so weak, feeling so alone on the first day of raya although the house was packed with relatives but it was him that first saw me dying.

Although it was 20 years ago, memory last forever. I am glad that I was able to speak and kiss him a day before he was sedated and never gained consciousness. I miss you. I can only pray to Allah swt for his well being hereafter.

Al fatihah


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PEDA COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2009/2010

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The month of Syawal or the Eidul Fitri Eid Mubarak aka Hari Raya celebration aka eating month aka food overdose period is almost over.... but the hang-over from the food overdose is quite damaging. Beside the extra inch and a few pounds if not kilos of weight gained, workload @ work too is getting fatter. One of the many accumulated workload that requires urgent attention is the appointment of PEDA executive committees.

It is almost 2 weeks since PEDA held our Annual General Meeting cum election and as provided for by PEDA constitution, I have to appoint almost immediately the list of exco that will also determine the three signatories to sign cheques.

After much deliberation and discussion with a few parties, I decided to appoint the newbies.. aka the newly elected... aka virgins.. as the elite PEDA "exco members". Season committee.. aka old timer... aka senior committee... aka the warga emas.. including me having been a committee member for already more than 10 years should be given the extra space to breath.. (err.. maybe not me) with more workload given to the new kids on the block.

With new blood in as executive commitee, I look forward to revitalise PEDA with new ideas, new start, new energy and especially active participation.

The following is the new executive committee and ordinary committee members for the year 2009/2010.

PROTON EDAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (PEDA) 
COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2009/2010

Executive Committee

PRESIDENT                  : ARMIN BANIAZ PAHAMIN

DEPUTY PRESIDENT : DATUK YAHYA JAAFAR

VICE-PRESIDENT       : LEE LICK SAI

VICE PRESIDENT       : ABU LAIS WALLI MOHAMED

SECRETARY GENERAL : JEFF LIM SI HEONG

ASST SECT- GENERAL : FADZIL A. BAKAR

HON TREASURER      : ADAM KHAN OMAR KHAN


Ordinary Committee

SIAW SIEW BEE

FATHUL RAHMAN

MOHD JASMIN ISMAIL

JAFRI SAMAAH

MALKEET SINGH

DR WAN IKMAL DATO SERI WAN AHMAD

MOHD ZAINURI AB HALIM

Mohd Zainury was appointed as committee member on 15 October 2009. Now we have a well represented network with 2 committee members in each region; Mohd Jasmin Ismail and Mohd Zainuri representing PEDA @ East Coast region, Abu Lais and Jeff Lim representing PEDA @ Northern Region, Datuk Yahya and SB Siaw representing PEDA @ Southern region and other committee member @ Central region. PEDA constitution allow the President to appoint an additional 4 committee members which I hope to appoint dealers from East Malaysia.

I will publish PEDA committee members personal profile individually in due course. Each of them has beautiful stories to tell.. which is obvious otherwise they would not be elected as a committee member.

Stay tune..........

Budget 2010.. PEDA's perspective

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I was asked by RTM yesterday to comment today 9 October 2009 at 12pm on the soon to be announced Budget for the year 2010. Without being too detailed and meticulous on a long winding wishlist (as per the proposal submitted during the Ministry of Finance Budget Consultative Council meeting) and especially since I have no idea on the actual air-time given, I will summarize as follows.

The theme for Budget 2010 is to BUILD RESILIENCE AND REVITALISE GROWTH.

1. The Budget and governmental policies have to address the automotive eco-system in the entirety to build resilience and revitalise growth.

2. The automotive eco-system comprised of automotive manufacturers, assemblers, vendors, distributors, new car dealers, Banks, Insurance companies, used car traders, the potential buyer as well as the market as a whole.

3. Any failure in the eco-system will not build resilience but instead hinder the development and growth for the local automotive industry.

4. Domestic car sale is influenced by 3 major macro factors primarily, Banking facilities & packages; the People's Purchasing power (affordability and disposable income) ; and the saturated market.

5. Unlike developed countries where automotive manufacturers and distributors owned a financial arm and provide themselves financing packages to buyers, in Malaysia end-financing for cars depended solely if not heavily on Banks.

6. A continuous, flexible and cheaper Banking facilities & support will strengthened the manufacturers, assemblers, vendors and dealers.

7. An easier to obtained loan for car buyer will ensure a continuous and increasing demand for cars sales. If Banks were to revised the credit risk scoring for potential buyer (irrespective for whatever factor), car sales will fluctuate.

8. However, if the purchasing power at large are still affected by inflation or rising cost of living resulting from increasing cost of essential expenditures, automotive sales too will be affected.

9. The public's disposable income should be addressed by the Budget 2010.

10. To address the saturated market for automotive sales, the scrapping policy introduced under the 2nd financial stimulus should be extended. The scrapping policy should be made a long term objective to address the saturated market as well as for road safety and worthiness.

11. The government had announced the scrapping policy will end by December 2009 this year.

12. This saturated market too had caused second hand or used car value to significantly deteriorate that the car owner had to pay the Bank to sell his car (if the car owner cant afford to continue servicing his monthly car loan instalment due to retrenchment or rising cost of living) or to trade-in his existing car for a new car.

13. Perhaps the government can provide a proper valuation that took into account the period of financing that Banks are authorised/allowed to provide, so the public is not burden with 'unfair' valuation.

14. The valuation of second hand/used car should also take into account other details such as the vehicle mileage, accident-free history, serviced and maintained by authorised workshop, extra additional accessories etc.

15. If this 3 macro factors were addressed in the budget 2010, the automotive industry can be revitalised and strengthened.



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National Car Status

National Car Status....

1. The National Automotive Policy (NAP) was introduced on 19 October 2005 to SPUR the growth of the automotive industry in Malaysia through 5 objectives and 10 measures (to achieve the objectives) (see: NAP) . The revised NAP is expected to be announced soon.

2. The first objective of the NAP 2005, was to promote a competitive & viable automotive sector, in particular NATIONAL CAR manufacturers. What is the definition of a National Car?

3. Initially, a national car status would entitle the manufacturer with an exemption on import duties for CKD components and will receive a reduction of 50% on the excise tax resulting in a potential 20-30 percent price differential.

4. Currently there are 4 brandnames that is accredited or claimed to be a national car, namely Proton, Perodua, Naza Kia and Inokom... although the official announcement was only made for Proton, Perodua and NAZA RIA (not NAZA brandname).

5. The National Car status is awarded to manufacturers that comply to a minimum 'local content' percentage but according to a source, there was never a clear guideline on the actual percentage requirement of local content but industry source says only 40% local content was required.

6. Another requirement to be accredited as a 'national car' is to brand it a local name... hence the re-badging of name from Daihatsu to Perodua, Kia to NAZA.

7. The definition of what constitute a NATIONAL CAR should be re-visited.

8. It is no longer suffice for any manufacturer to be accredited a National Car status with only 40% local content (or whatever the percentage).

9. National Car should be a symbol of nasionalism and patriotism. A citizenship of the car sort of speak and should not be abused by Koreans or Japanese. It should be Malaysian DNA in the car and not Korean, Japanese or other countries.

10. When the national car project was launched 24 years ago in 1985; Proton began with the 'Rebadging' of Mitsubishi cars. 15 years later, Proton had acquired the necessary technical and technological know-how, to manufacture and gave birth to the first Malaysian car, Proton Waja. Proton Waja was designed, Researched & Developed and engineered by Malaysians.

11. Todate, Proton had given birth to 6 Malaysian made cars (from drawing board), with Malaysian engineering, Malaysian designs, Malaysian Technology, Malaysian Research and Development (R&D) and the team driven by Malaysian people (aka Malaysian DNA); namely Proton Waja, Proton Gen2, Proton Saga, Proton Savvy, Proton Neo and Proton Persona.

12. Perodua RE-BADGED and launched Perodua Kancil in1994. 15 years later, Perodua is STILL re-badging ALL PERODUA cars using Japanese design, Japanese technology, Japanese engineering, Japanese research & development, a project driven by Japanese. There were no Malaysian DNA except for bigger tyres and more spoilers.

13. To entice other foreign motor vehicle manufacturers worldwide to give birth and launch their new cars in Malaysia (and export to other country from Malaysia) and not just re-badging their cars, the National Car Status should be revisit and redefine.

14. The Malaysian National car status should be accredited to any manufacturers (NOT restricted to Proton) that invested in their design, R&D, engineering and technology in Malaysia.

15. Manufacturers whom are then awarded the National Car status should be supported and rewarded. The title National Car should be a prestige title with incentive (for R&D).

16. Now, National Car status no longer received any governmental grants, funds or incentives. All government grants, funds, incentives are extended to any qualified automotive manufacturer with a specific guideline requirements by Ministry of International Trade & Industry and Ministry of Finance.

17. Without any perks and benefits, National car status is only a symbol of nationalism which is why it is imperative for the National Car status to be re-define.

16. MALAYSIAN are NOT ENTIRELY DEPRIVED of a CHEAPER CARS because of Proton but instead DUE TO LACK OF ECONOMIES OF SCALE.

17. There are four (4) passenger & commercial vehicle manufacturers and 9 motor vehicle assemblers. All vehicle manufacturers & assemblers are under-utilized by more than 60%.

18. There are 21 Tier 1 vendors out of the 343 motor vehicle components and parts manufacturers whose capacity are also under-utilized.

19. Since the Government via Ministry of International Trade & Industry issues all the licences for vehicle manufacturers, assemblers and motor vehicle component & part manufacturers, the Government can via the soon to be revised National Automotive Policy, consolidate and rationalise the manufacturing and assembly plant as well as the vendors to attain a better economies of scale.

20. Once vehicles can be produced cheaper with the economies of scale, we will have the competitive edge to increase our automotive export.

21. Malaysians too will enjoy cheaper cars.

22. Nonetheless, there were other precedents such as the Banking, Insurance and Palm oil industries that was consolidated for the benefit of the public, industry and national interest.


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PROTON EDAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION 10TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ELECTION

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Yesterday PEDA held our 10th Annual General Meeting and election. Preparing for the Annual General Meeting was very taxing in both time and energy. PEDA is a non-profit organisation and all duties were performed voluntarily.... without any allowance, wages, salaries or any special perks, privileges or treatment from Proton Edar. Historically, some of PEDA committee members were even discriminated and blacklisted for being outspoken.

PEDA had always establish a good working-relationship as a bridge between Proton management and the dealers network though at times PEDA was misconstrued as a torn in the network.

The hardwork and dedication paid off and PEDA is now a recognised body by the authorities, Proton, as well as others in the automotive eco system. Through various discussions and meetings, PEDA had resolved many issues for the benefit of the dealers, Proton and especially the public.

Improvement in deliverables and services to the public is PEDA's ultimate objective. Our ultimate BOSS is really the customer. Without the support from the public and customer, there is no room for Proton or any of its dealer.

Part of the delegates awaiting the start of the Annual General Meeting

PEDA is now 11 years old and I (and a few from my committee members) am proud to be involve with PEDA since inception in 1998.

One of our delegate debating issues for resolutions

Proton dealers network now sell 80% of total Proton sales in Malaysia (including East Malaysia) with a total trade turnover exceeding RM5 billion, if we combined the total sales of all the dealers.

PEDA committee members listening to the delegates resolutions
(From left: Dato Nazir Sheikh Fazil, Jeffery Samaah, Dato Yahya jaafar, SB Siaw, Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Farizul Hazli Baharom, Fathul Rahman, Lee Lick Sai)

Proton dealers employed more than 3,000 employees (including sales representative) throughout Malaysia. Although my dealership is only 12 years old, some dealers (from EON) are more than 20 years old.

Another delegate debating issues

The committee and me answering some issues raised by delegates

Dato Nazir Sheikh Fazil introducing new resolutions for the members to accept

Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia 2009 - 2010 committee members elected at the 10th Annual General Meeting:

President: ARMIN BANIAZ PAHAMIN

Dep President: DATO' YAHYA JAAFAR

Committee members:

S.B. SIAW (Mr)

FATHUL RAHMAN BIN MOHD AMIN

LEE LICK SAI (Mr)

MOHD JASMIN BIN ISMAIL

DR WAN IKMAL DATO SERI WAN AHMAD

JEFFRY SAMAAH

ABU LAIS WALLI MOHAMAD

JEFF LIM

MALKEET SINGH

ADAM KHAN BIN OMAR KHAN

FADZIL BIN A. BAKAR

The outgoing and the new elected committee

(from left: Fadzil, Farizul Hazli Baharom (Pengerusi Majlis), Jeff Lim, Dato Yahya Jaafar (new Deputy President), Dr Wan Ikmal Dato Seri Wan Ahmad, Abu Lais Walli Mohamed, Dato Nazir Sheikh Fazir, SB Siaw, Armin Baniaz Pahamin (President), Fathul Rahman, Lee Lick Sai, KH Lim, Adam Khan, Mohd Jasmin)

As provided for by PEDA constitution, para 9.1 (a) President must appoint the executive committee that should comprised of the followings:

1) Vice President 1
2) Vice President 2
3) Secretary general
4) Assistant Secretary-General
5) Hon Treasurer
6) Assistant Treasurer

The President can also appoint additional 4 committee member from the delegate to complete the total 19 panel of committee members.

I will make the announcement soon.

(From left: SB Siaw, Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Farizul Hazli Baharom, Fahul Rahman)

Farizul Hazli Baharom, the meeting Chairman announcing the adjournment of the 10th AGM

After the AGM, PEDA hosted our Hari Raya open house from 12pm to 3pm that was attended by more than 400 people.






PEDA will continue to be a strong platform to serve the public (through our network of dealers), for our members (as a bridge to Proton) and to the authorities (to participate in any policies pertaining to the automotive sector).

I am grateful and thankful especially to PEDA's previous committee whose terms had ended. In particular, I am indebted to:

1) Tuan haji Wan Ahmad Sepwan (Former President)
2) Tuan Haji Razak bin Datuk Aziz (Former Vice-President)
3) Farizul Hazli Baharom (Former Secretary General)
4) Tuan Haji Che Ghazzali (Former committee)
5) Dato Nazir Sheikh Fazil (Former committee)
6) Nurkhairin Tan Sri Norian (Former Committee)
7) Alwin Teo (Former Committee)
8) Mr KH Lim (Former Committee)
9) Wan Sazrudeen Datuk Wan Zaid (Former Committee)



Stay tune for PEDA's new list of Exco members....

Inspirational dedication

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Work has been quite hectic after a whole week away from office celebrating Raya. Preparing for Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA) 10th Anual General Meeting (and election) and PEDA Hari Raya open house this weekend on Saturday 3 October 2009 added up to the already mountain high piled up outstanding work to complete..... that I neglected my blog update for almost a week. My apology.

There are so much to write and share which I will slowly start again... but for now, I want to share this email attachment that i received from Vin Yeoh.

I get touched and moved by songs too easily and sometimes can be quite emotional... but the way she dedicated the song especially to her beloved mother completely won my heart. There is no better love than the divine love for a mother.

Please watch below.. turn the volume up and watch it in private... in case there is tear drop...






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Finally I reconciled with my Girlfriend.. after 2 years!!

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Its been 2 years since I last held her... She has not change much and still look as pretty and sexy. We were introduced by a friend at Taman Megah 2 years ago... It was love at first sight. Her slim and sleek white body turned me on instantly although we have not spoken for 2 years. Her long white leg too is exactly as how I remember. She is half french and partly italian.

She was so irresistable, I was on top of her on the 2nd day we dated at Putrajaya... I held both her red curve tight as I sweat endlessly. My heart beat was so fast that I had to slow down a few times and after 2 rounds of almost 5 hours, I gave in to her although I wanted to continue... She was too smooth.

I had only rode her thrice before my busy schedule became a barrier and since its the Eid celebration, maybe she can find deep in her heart to forgive me.... and if she does, I promise I will care more and spend a few hours a week to sweat together.

Her italian name was engraved as Campagnolo....

She can move at 10 speed and she was made of titanium.


I chose her because she was the best... i tried Japanese Dura Ace but she jerked too much and was abit noise...











I had multiple orgasm the few times I rode her... She was so smooth at all the 10 positions.

The memory of the few times that I had with her lasted till now although we did not have any contact for almost 2 years.











She was also hard and expensive to maintain but its worth every single sen.........














Her rear was my favourite... She is so red in between.

She is a beauty... we finally reconciled and I took her into my house from her locked prison.

My girlfriend Time VXRS ULteam World Star Module..

I bought her 2 years ago to attempt the Ironman Triathlon @ GOTTO Island Nagasaki, Japan but had to abandon the Ironman when it was geographic & logistically not feasible... I was so eager to compete and bought Malaysian Airline ticket to Tokyo, Japan and discovered I had to travel and change 3 more flights to reach GOTO island where the event is held.

Since then, I locked my girlfriend in a special bicycle room at my house until this morning when I took her out.. bath and beautify her for the raya....

Now, I am all enthusiast to ride her and attempt the Ironman Triathlon again......... but in Langkawi next year in February 2010.

Ready or not............ here I cum..



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Salam Aidil Fitri.... Day 1

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Eidul Fitri Eid Mubarak

(Standing from left, Azhar Sulaiman, Rose Emini. Melor Edina, Raiqa, Rhiza Ghazi, Armin Baniaz, Nawal Aini,Amnan Bazli, Chempaka Emalin, Kasih Leia Exora. Sitting Pahamin Rajab & Zainab Mohamad. On the floor: Raisa, Leona, Aaraf, Raiqa, Rafel (Not in picture: Dr Teratai Edithy, Shazrul Azwa & Shazrai)

It is customary for family members to gather during Hari Raya and all my family members gathered after the morning prayer at my dad's house.. everybody except for Dr Ta, Wawa & shazrai were present. Ta, Wawa & shazrai were all in London celebrating only with kebab whilst we all had the best Nasi Dagang, chicken rendang, beef daging, kerang rendang, prawn curry, lamb rendang... etc etc etc.......

Gathering although customary but the spot light for the day was the food.

Of course, Hari Raya is also the time to seek forgiveness for past, present but not for future sins (if only that too is possible)... especially to dad & mum.. maaf zahir & batin.. used to lie alot during younger younger days.

The one & only darling Mom & Dad....


A big hug to the best Dad.. during high school, I regularly forged your signature to sign the report card when the result was not encouring.. Maaf Zahir & batin.

My Darling mother... when I was 15 years old, I broke your favorite vase at the old house and blame it on the maid , my thousand apology.. Maaf Zahir & batin.

....but of course, Hari Raya is also about posing..... Vanity is not just with girls......

but girls.. yaaa.. surely vain especially on the hari lebaran.. some really become lebar.

We had also visited our great grandmother... she should be... 105 years old now?

There are now 5 living generations... (see picture below) My Great Grandmother, her eldest daughter (my grandmother! she passed away but her brother, my grand uncle is still alive), her eldest grand daughter (my Mom), her eldest great grand daughter (my sister- Chempaka) and her eldest 'great great' grand daughter, kasih (Chempaka's daughter)...

I pray she will be around for the next hari raya... but thats what Raya is all about.. gatherings, gatherings and gatherings... visitations after visitations... food and food... and posing and pose and pose................ speaking of which, I had to post 1 last picture.. the photographer that was responsible for all this pictures, my sister EMI... otherwise, my picture may be extinct in all future functions.

There.. the credit goes to EMI for all the pictures posted (the young one in the middle).. She is my only sister that is not married.... anybody interested, can email to me the CV... but she doesnt cook!

Last but not least... there is only a few thousand pictures taken on the 1st day Raya, will post other pictures soon... now, need to bring Aaraf to collect more ang paws.

Stay Tune.......


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EID MUBARAK AIDIL FITRI

Its the time of the year again when I am lost of words to describe how lucky I am to be able to spend the Hari Raya with my beloved parent and siblings. A few days ago, my colleague as well as a dear friend lost his mother whom fought strong against many illnesses. I could not... I cannot... I cant even bear... I cannot even imagine the thought of being without my mother.. or father.. or any members of my family, no matter how strong I can be... I can never prepare for that day... Subhanallah.

As I hear the 'Takbir' from the neighbouring mosque.. I thought of my friend, Sidik and quickly went to my parent house...... and ate rendang kerang!! I can never grow old from my parent... I am grateful that my parent is well. I sms Sidik although it was already midnight and Sidik replied he and his beloved wife shahirah misses their mum and they cook her favourite food as if she is around to celebrate the Eid together. I can feel his pain, sadness and loneliness........

During this raya, I take this opportunity to apologize.. zahir & batin.. to my blog readers, to my friends, business partners, colleague, acquantainces, relatives, family members and especially siblings.. having inherited with temperamental trait, moodswing at times worse than women PMS, I am sure I have pissed, annoyed, irritates, bad mouth and offended many people.... again, please accept my apology, ampun & maaf.


On behalf of the management of Fasfik Sdn Bhd, ABP Auto Ventures Sdn Bhd, Mac Group, Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia and my other companies... SELAMAT HARI RAYA.


Have a wonderful raya and if you are driving.. please drive safe. I hope we can all forgive each other and start again with a zero-zero....



SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI


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Tun Mahathir is back in Proton...

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Rumours had been rife of Proton take-over by various parties. PEDA committee had our last meeting with Proton Chairman, Yg Bhg Dato' Nadzmi Salleh today before the next PEDA Annual General Meeting and election.

There are many uncertainties of the future direction of Proton. Many questions being asked if the present government under Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak will maintain the current Government Link Companies (GLCs) policy adopted by Tun Abdullah Badawi government or revert back to Tun Mahathir's privatisation policy.

The government too did not provide any clear indication although the industry is reacting as if the future direction is back towards privatising those GLCs... hence privatising Proton back to....... Kisai? Al-bukhary....?

Whichever direction the government is moving toward, I am relieved to see Tun Mahathir's new office as PROTON ADVISOR at the Proton Centre of Excellent.

Tun is scheduled to be at Proton twice a month every month to ensure Proton is on the right track.

With all the on-going speculations of Proton take-over, we believe in Tun Mahathir, Dato Nadzmi & especially Dato Syed Zainal Abidin to steer Proton back into its glory.......

PEDA OPPOSE AND OBJECT ATTEMPTS TO TAKE OVER PROTON

PROTON EDAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (PEDA)

PRESS RELEASE

PEDA OPPOSE AND OBJECT ATTEMPTS TO TAKE OVER PROTON

KUALA LUMPUR, September, "PEDA called on the government to put a stop on any negotiation and/or speculation on any attempt to take over Proton. Further speculation on take-over will destroy all the effort and initiative to revive Proton's goodwill, brandname and dealer's viability." Said Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Acting President PEDA.

Proton eco-system had suffered enough from various past speculation. The rumours on Proton take-over attempt has been rife on various blogs and local media by two giant corporation namely a collaboration between Yasmin Holdings and Naza Holdings led by Proton pioneer Dato Kisai Rahmat and the Al Bukhary group to buy majority Proton stakes from Khazanah.

The collaboration led by Kisai Rahmat to take over Proton was said to salvage the goodname of Proton from deteriorating further into industrial abyss. According to the source, the take-over attempt was necessary to replace the current incompetent management with the right people.

"PEDA vehemently object the move by Dato Kisai, Al Bukhary group or any other attempt to take-over Proton", said Armin Baniaz. The network is concern with any speculation that will affect and demoralise the dealers and vendors network that is currently slowly recovering from the recession and Proton sales downturn. The speculation will also affect Proton car sales when potential buyer "wait-and-see" for price revision or any new models expected from the new owners. Proton share price had also reacted to the speculation with an increase of more than 5.12% today.

Prior to the current management, Proton eco system suffered from alarming ex-stocks of more than 40,000 units that was not sellable due to the public's lost of confident in Proton, Proton car poor quality, lack of new model being introduced and the speculation of new buyer of Proton. Since then:

1. The 40,000 unsold stock was successfully reduced to the current manageable stock level despite the recession and automotive sales downturn.

2. Proton dealer's average sale has improved under the current management from less than 20 cars monthly sales average per dealer when Dato Syed Zainal took over Proton to currently more than 40 cars monthly sales average per dealer.

3. Proton market share from total industry volume had also improved from only 24% in 2006 and 2007, to 26% in 2008 and 30% YTD in 2009. Proton's forecast which is on track and a common goal shared by the dealer's network was to acquire 35% market share within 3 years.

4. Under the new management, 4 new model was successfully launched namely, Proton NEO (2006), Proton Persona (2007), Proton Saga (2008) and Proton Exora (2009). There were also various face-lift and upgraded version of existing models being launched to excite the market. Proton is also expected to launch the Perdana and Waja replacement in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

5. New Proton car quality had also improved from 4 highlighted concerns per car by customer (Concern-Per-Car or "CPC") during their car servicing to currently only 0.31 highlighted concerns. All concerns highlighted by customer via the dealers sales and service network are forwarded directly to Proton.

6. Proton does not need any new shareholders but a strategic alliance with a foreign partner that may provide better economies of scale in production cost and expand Proton market share abroad will be viable for Proton future planning. However, speculations, rumours or any attempt for take-over without any economic benefits to Proton network is damaging towards the network's recovery especially with the current rationalisation of the dealers network.

7. The government must stop further negotiation or any speculation for a take over and allow Proton, the dealers network and vendors to recover from the downturn via the continuation of current adopted policies.

8. It does not make sense to allow any group or giant corporation to take over Proton that is improving and on track with its KPI but it does make more sense for the current management to MBO Proton and stop further future speculation whilst steering Proton into becoming the number one national car maker.

http://arminbaniaz.com

Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis

PROTON TAKE-OVER ATTEMPT..... again?

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Proton for sale!! ....is an old news that was even capitalise by the opposition during the last general election. Everybody seems so eager to sell Proton and the public too seems receptive to the idea.

Thusfar, we have heard international automotive giant volkswagen, Mitsubishi amongst others whom are keen to buy Proton. Locally, the Al Bukhary Group, NAZA group are amongst the never ending giant that has been attempting to buy over Proton.

Yesterday, there was another Saga unfolded by Pasquale... another attempt or re-attempt to take-over Proton....... again.. by 2 giants. A collaboration by Yasmin Holdings and Naza Holdings led by Proton pioneer Dato Kisai Rahmat and an attempt or re-attemp rather by The Al Bukhary group to buy majorityProton shares from Khazanah.

According to the source, Dato Kisai is said to have obtained 'blessing' from Tun Mahathir whom was quoted as unhappy with how the automotive giant is being managed. This I can confirmed to be UNTRUE. A reliable source told me Tun Mahathir had diplomatically rejected both attempt; Kisai & Al Bukhary.

"The take-over is an attempt to salvage the good name of Proton and to revive Proton from the current management said to be a bunch of hypocrites with no balls." see: pasquale and rocky's bru for further details.

Since Tengku Mahaleel's tenure as the Proton Managing Director... Dato Syed Zainal Abidin's authority as the Managing Director vested by the Board was drastically reduced.. to a point of being 'power-less' with most decision to be made by the Board. Perhaps if Dato Syed Zainal is empowered with more authority, then the 'hypocrite with no balls' statement is applicable. Nonetheless, problems faced by Proton management now is not created by the current management but it was an inherited legacy.. the left-over from Proton's previous management when Dato Kisai too was a Director.

Since his appointment, Dato Syed Zainal & his team had successfully sold the close to 50,000 Proton ex-stocks that was the most critical problem faced by Proton then. The new management had also successfully improved the quality of cars... we seldom hear anymore complains on defective parts, component or even poor quality. The sales demographic ratio from previously malay dominated, now comprise of a good mixture of malay and chinese car buyers... to say the least.

If Proton is as bad as the ugly picture painted.. then why would there be so many interested buyers of Proton? for national service and the good name of Malaysia? ..... I dont think so..!!

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Sneak preview and the launching of Haliza Misbun's "Andartu Terlampau.. 21 hari mencari Suami" the movie..

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Today's date 090909 or 9th September 2009 marked another historic moment for BIG Productions Sdn Bhd and Haliza Misbun, its Managing Director. I was invited by Haliza Misbun for a sneak preview and pre-launched of a malay romantic comedy "Andartu Terlampau... 21 Hari Mencari Suami"... or directly translated.. "Spinster too much.. 21 days hunting for a Husband".

The pre-launched began at 6pm with a sneak preview of the movie and was hosted at the Bora Asmara restaurant, Sungai Penchala... 2 minutes drive away from my house.

Haliza was her usual hyper self, running through every corner of the restaurant attending to all guests and was overly concern with making sure the VVIPS were comfortable. Amongst the VVIPs were my Parent, Dato Jalaluddin Hassan, Erra Fazira but the main VVIP is the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Director General Mohd Mahyuidin Mustakim whom arrived 1 hour late.

The event although was delayed, began with a sneak preview.. which I pirated aka 'cetak rompak' as follows:



I like that part when Azhar was beaten up and bled in the toilet by a girl..? and he can still smile... of course its all an act but that part was hilarious.

The video was recorded with my BB Bold 9000 and was interrupted when the handphone keypad was automatically locked half way through recording.. as a result, it was split into 2 part and Part 2 is as follows:



Not bad for a movie clip recorded with a handphone.. maybe I should consider 'Piracy' or 'Cetak Rompak' as a business hah!

After the sneak preview, Haliza Misbun gave her speech welcoming the guest of honor, the media and other guests. She actually prepared a 3-page speech but the prepared text was lost in her hyper-ness rushing akin of 'lipas kudung?' that she spoke spontaneously without any written text... which was well said but what caught my attention was the part when she mention its been 18 years since her last acting performance with my brother in law Azhar Sulaiman in the movie 'Abang 92' which won many award. Haliza said, that was the first and the last movie she acted with Azhar until the birth of this movie "Andartu Terlampau..." which Azhar is one of the actor.
Haliza, after 18 years, surely anybody will be an Andartu..... heee joke lar. but if Andartu after 18 years... how to find a husband in 21 days? :-p find out soon when the movie is shown at the cinema!

I was surprise and shocked that the production of the movie only took 18 days!!! yes... only 18 days!!! that should leave other producers to shame... 18 days is very efficient by average standard. maybe it should be recorded in the Malaysia book of record.. or is there any other movie that was produced in less than 18 days?

The movie was acted by many prominent and popular actors & actresses namely... of course Haliza Misbun herself, Dato Rahim Razali, Erra Fazira, Ari Wibowo, AWIE, Azhar Sulaiman, Fahrin Ahmad, Fizo Omar, Azizi Chink Adnan, Cedric Lemaitre, Dato Jalaludin Hassan, Maimon Talib, Abby Abadi, Abon, Nilly Wahida Omar, Nik Sayyidah Mek and Fara Fauzana.

Haliza Misbun is a successful entrepreneur, an actress, a film producer and a good marketeer. Congratulation and well done to Haliza Misbun. I am always proud to see successful friends but Bora Asmara... food taste and service are relatively poor and there are rooms for lots of improvement.

The movie is Coming Soon to the cinema.. Stay Tune.


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Verify your Proton Showroom & sales personnel to avoid being cheated

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During my 12 years tenure as a Proton dealer and the Acting President of the Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA), I have had endless complains from the public, dealers, Banks as well as Ministry officials.

Complains can be summed up in 3 categories, namely (1) Public being cheated of their booking fees, downpayment and traded-in cars (which is not Proton Dealer's activity) (2) Proton Edar's customers higher credit risk scoring due to 'Fraud cases' and alarming Non-Performing Loans (NPL) and (3) Dealer's being blacklisted by Banks due to their customer's fraud cases & NPL.

Item (2) and (3) above contributed to the higher credit risk scoring assigned to Proton customers, an inherited legacy that is hard to reverse and is damaging to the overall Proton sales.

To mitigate the three (3) items above, PEDA had proposed to the Association of Banks in Malaysia for Banks to only accept hire-purchase loan application (for all new unregistered Proton vehicles) ONLY from AUTHORISED PROTON NETWORK which comprised of 282 authorised Proton showroom nationwide with a total authorised sales personnel of 2,946 sales representatives.

Currently, non-authorised showroom or non-authorised personnel such as used car dealers or brokers (freelance salesmen that is not employed by Proton Edar or its authorised dealers) are able to submit loan application for new Proton vehicle that may further contribute to fraud & high NPL. Authorised Proton showrooms and those in the authorised network had to comply to stringent regulated corporate image and high investment requirement and will not engage in any unscrupulous attempt to destroy their investment in contrast to non-authorised network that may just want to make quick & immediate sales (and may compromise on customers legitimacy via falsification of documents etc, eg. fraud).

Segregating this non-authorised showrooms and personnel may not completely eradicate fraud and NPL or reduce the credit risk scoring but it will mitigate the problem and eventually self-regulate the network by reviewing the employment and sharing across the industry making-known all the sales representative with repeated fraud or NPL cases.

To identify Proton Edar authorised showrooms & sales personnel, please click: Proton Network or www.proton-showrooms.info for further information. The website is still a work in progress and will constantly be updated.

The display and updates of all authorised sales personnel online is also a recognition for them who are committed and believed in Proton.

I urge the public to always check the authorised dealer or the sales representative that they are liaising with on the PROTON NETWORK WEBSITE above to avoid being cheated. All sales representative employed by Proton Network is listed on the website under their respective showroom/dealer.

Proton sales representative that will be placed under 'review' for repeated fraud cases or high NPL and may be entirely blacklisted by the automotive industry.

I would also like to urge other car distributor to verify their sales representative to avoid any sales representative from being 'multi-employed'. There are many Proton Sales representative that is simultaneously being employed by Kia, Perodua etc.


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PAS Youth Exco EDUCATION background

Updates:

The followings 15 PAS Youth Exco members differs from my earlier list of PAS Youth Exco members:

1) Azreen Ab Majeed
2) Ahmad Zaidy A. Mutalib
3) Juhari Osman - Pengarah Jabatan Amal
4) Dr Marzuki
5) Dr Abu Ariff
6) Ustaz Zaharuddin Mohamad
7) Fitri Alias
8) Ahmad Yahya - KEDAH
9) Ustaz Mohd Yusni Mat Diah – PENANG
10) Us Suhaimi Md Saad - PAHANG
11) Ustaz Kamarudin Sidek - MELAKA
12) Abdul Latiff Abd Rahman - KELANTAN
13) Ustaz Hasbullah Mohd Ridzuan - SELANGOR
14) Us Mohd Nor Hamzah - TERENGGANU
15) Mohd Khairul Anuar Mohd Wafa - NEGERI SEMBILAN

The above changes and addition, added up the total number of PAS Youth exco from my earlier list of 35 members (see: PAS Youth earlier list) to now 43 youth exco members similar to UMNO Youth Exco 43 members (see: UMNO Youth).

Their academic background was also updated and only 7 PAS Youth Exco members with an unknown academic qualification. My source informed me he is still trying to obtain the academic background of the 7 exco and will provide updates accordingly.

Thus, there are 84% graduates in PAS Youth Exco members as oppose to 21% known graduates in UMNO Youth exco members.

See below for full updated list & details (although the write up may be abit obsolete given the latest update)..... and after 1 month of request (via FB email to YB KJ), I have NOT received any updates from UMNO Youth for their Exco members educational background.... pathetic? probably there is nothing to update?

Thank you Saudara Zamak for the updates and I look forward to any updates from Saudara Tun Faisal via my latest email request yesterday.

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It has been almost a month since my last posting on UMNO Youth Exco members academic background which was harder to collate than I thought. Gathering PAS Youth Exco educational background was even harder.

Although emails was sent to various youth exco members to seek their respective committee members' past educational Curriculum Vitae but only a few responded. I will assume those that that did not respond to be without any tertiary education or University degree. Being a University graduate is an advantage and a credential that one should be proud and made public especially in Politic when the product is the Politician himself... unless they themselve do not possess any education to announced.

Ironically, in politics, educational background of politician was never publicized and yet, people supported and voted for individual rather than the Party manifest or resolution upheld... or do they?

I am surprised with the outcome.... 40% or 10 PAS YOUTH EXCO members are University graduates whilst 25 other excos are unknown, compared to 0nly 21% or 9 UMNO Youth Exco (see: UMNO Youth Education) members whom are university graduates with 34 exco members without any known tertiary education.

The outcome and the result herein, will be regularly updated once i received further information. The source of information are direct from individual exco via email, the Youth exco party members, their facebook information, google search and university alumni.


1) PAS Youth Chief (Pahang Chief): Ustaz Nasruddin Hassan At Tantawi (Al Azhar Tanta University)

2) Dep Youth (Terengganu Chief) : Ustaz Azman Shapawi Abd Rani (Degree in Arabic Language, University of Kaherah)

3) Vice Youth Chief: Ahmad Sabki Yusof (MCL, LLB. International Islamic University (1996))

4) Secretary: Kamaruzaman Mohamad (Wilayah Persekutuan Chief)( Bachelor of Science (Education, University Putra Malaysia; Masters in Science, MIS)

5) Asst Sec 1: Khairul Faizi Ahmad Kamil (Johor Chief) (Degree in Political Science, University Science, Malaysia; Diploma in Engineering, University Technology Malaysia)

6) Asst Sec 2: Ustaz Kamal Ashaari (University Al Azhar)

7) Asst Sec 3: Ir Hj Muhd Khairil Nizam Khairuddin (Degree in Engineering, University Technology Petronas)

8) Treasurer: Adram Musa (Bachelor Degree, University Kebangsaan Malaysia)

9) Information Chief: Suhaizan Kaiat (Degree in Computer Science, Master in Computer Science, University Technology Mara 1994)

10) Election Director: Firdaus Jaafar (Not Available)

11) Ustaz Nik Mohd Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz (Degree in Syariah, University Al Azhar)

12) Ustaz Riduan Mohd Nor (Masters Art (University Kebangsaan Malaysia), B. Arts (Hons) University Malaya, Dip Ed. University Malaya, PhD candidate (Education) University Kebangsaan Malaysia)

13) Ustaz Mohd Nazri Chik (Master of Syariah (University Malaya) (2002-2004), Bachelor of Syariah (Fiqh & Usul) University Malaya (1996-2001)

14) Zamakhshari Muhammad (MBA (2003) University Utara Malaysia), Bachelor in Science Pharmacy, Liverpool John Moores, UK (1996)

15) Mior Isfandy Mior Azizan (Degree in Fiqh and Polical Science, International Islamic University (2007)

16) YB Ustaz Nasir Zakaria (Degree in Syariah & Administration, University Malaya, Masters in Business Administration, University Technology Mara)

17) Ustaz Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah (Not available)

18) Zuraidin Abdullah (Degree in Engineering, University Technology Mara)

19) Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (Degree in Administration & Development, University Science Malaysia)

20) Abdullah Abdul Karim (LLB (Hons), University Kebangsaan Malaysia)

21) Dr Raja Ahmad Al Hiss Yaakob (Degree in Information Technology, International Islamic University, Master in Information Management System, University Technology Mara, PhD Political Science, University Of Manchester)

22) Anuar Ali(Degree in Chemical Science, University Kebangsaan Malaysia)

23) Ustaz Yussaine Yahya (Degree in Syariah, Al Azhar)

24) Mohd Sany Hamzan (Degree in Political Science, University Kebangsaan Malaysia)

25) Ustaz Mohd Fuad Osman (Bachelor Degree, University Malaya)

26) Ustaz Mohd Nazri Din (Degree in Education, University Putra Malaysia)

27) Zulqarnain Luqman (LLB Law, International Islamic University)

28) Azreen Abdul Majeed (Masters in Education, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, B.A. (Hons) University Malaya)

29) Ahmad Zaidy A. Mutalib (Bachelor of Science (Hons0 University Malaya)

30) Juhari Osman- Director Welfare Dept (Institute Kemahiran Belia)

31) Dr Marzuki (PhD Political Science, University of Lampeter, UK; Masters in Art, University Malaya; Bachelor of Arts, University Malaya)

32) Dr Abu Arif (PhD Engineering, Tokyo; Masters in Engineering University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology (UMIST); Bachelor of Engineering, Imperial College, UK.)

33)Ustaz Zaharuddin Mohamad (Master of Arts UK, Bachelor of Arts, Jordan)

34) Fitri Alias (Bachelor of Arts, University Malaya)

35) Ahmad Yahya (KEDAH) (Bachelor of Arts, Al Azhar University)

36) Ustaz Ya'akub Abu Seman (PERLIS) (Not Available)

37) Ustaz Mohd Yusni Mat Diah (PENANG) (Bachelor of Art Usuluddin, Islamic University Islamabad)

38) Ustaz Suhaimi Md Saad (PAHANG) (Not available)

39) Ustaz Kamarudin Sidek (MELAKA) (Not available)

40) Ustaz Hasbullah Mohd Ridzuan (SELANGOR) (Not Available)

41) Mohd Khairul Anuar Mohd Wafa (NEGERI SEMBILAN) (Degree Usuluddin, Al Azhar University, Diploma Usuluddin ; KUSZA)

42) Abdul Latiff Abd Rahman (KELANTAN) (Masters of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Jordan)

43) Ustaz Mohd Nor Hamzah (TERENGGANU) (Not Available)




I had in mind initially, PAS exco members being primitif and fanatic bunch, and probably hope to conclude the blog with majority being graduates from 'sekolah pondok' but I was surprised with the outcome especially when PAS almost double the graduate exco members in total percentage compared to UMNO Youth.

Ironically, todate, YB Khairy too did not reply my email requesting his exco past educational background although he proudly wrote and made known of his excellent academic achievement. Maybe he is not proud of his exco educational background?

This webpage will be updated regularly when any of the exco members or the public responded..

so Stay tune....

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