OBEE-MANCUSO

Siapa yang akan membela Nabi saw?

2012-02-01T16:33:00.000+08:00

Maulidur Rasul bakal kembali lagi dalam beberapa hari lagi dan saperti biasa hari mulia ini disambut dengan berbagai acara bagi memperingati hari kelahiran junjungan besar kita Muhammad saw. Perarakan-perakan juga akan diadakan disegenap pelusuk negara. Tapi sedih sekali setelah hampir setahun lebih berlalu selepas satu kejadian menghina Nabi besar kita dilaporkan, langsung tidak ada apa tindakan pun diambil keatas laporan kes ini. Kenapa mesti berarak beramai-ramai sedangan Nabi saw kita dihina oleh seorang murtad laknatullah dan tidak ada siapa pun yang peduli atau bertindak membela kemuliaan Nabi Muhammad saw.

Siapa yang dapat membela Nabi saw?

Penghinaan terhadap Nabi saw pula telah dilakukan oleh seorang padri Melayu murtad.Apakah mempersenda guraukan Nabi saw, Al Quran dan Islam merupakan satu kesalahan kecil dan boleh dibiarkan begitu saja? Sekurangnya tindakan diambil bawah Sek 298A Kanun Kesiksaan yang sedia ada.

Sedih bila mengenangkan Nabi kita,seorang individu teragung di dunia, diperlekeh oleh seorang murtad sedih lagi kerajaan yang yang kononnya kerajaan yang hendak menegakan syiar Islam bagaikan tidak peduli langsung.

Badrul Hisham seorang Melayu murtad laknatullah telah menghina Nabi sejak 2003 lagi dengan tersiar video di You Tube tentang ucapan laknatullah ini yang dibuat disebuah gereja di Sarawak. Ceramah laknatullah ini telah menghina Nabi, Al Quran dan Islam.Insiden ini hanya dapat dikesan oleh blogger terkenal Mahaguru58,dan satu laporan polis telah dibuat di Balai Dang Wangi dengan diikuti banyak gempar-gempur yang berlaku berkaitan kes ini.

Tapi alangkah sedih sekali perkara ini hanya sekadar wayang saja dan api yang nampak membara telah mati begitu saja tanpa apa ada yang peduli atau mengangkat satu jari bagi membela kemuliaan Nabi kita.

Sekali lagi nampaknya saperti biasa YB Menteri Dalam Negeri telah gagal melaksanakan tugas untuk mengambil tindakan tegas berhubung kes serius ini.Kelemahan ini boleh digunakan oleh setengah pihak untuk terus menghina Islam. Undang-undang ada tapi perlaksanaan nampaknya begitu rapuh sekali.

Bukan menjadi niat kita untuk menonjolkan imej sebagai seorang alim tapi dalam soal ini patutkah kita berpeluk tubuh dan berdiam diri dan dibiarkan Nabi dihina begitu saja? Tambah sedih lagi bila mengenangkan kita ada pula parti politik yang pemimpinnya berserban besar, berjanggut dan kononnya berhasrat menegakkan Islam di negara ini tapi semua membisu seribu bahasa.Apakah mereka ini ikhlas atau sekadar berdrama saja? Memang tepat kata mantan PM Dr M, " Melayu cepat lupa".

Hairan selepas setahun lebih berlalu tidak pula ada ahli parlimen Islam tak kira parti yang bangkitkan soalan tentang perkara ini di Parlimen. Dimana letaknya keutamaan kita? Seorang manusia istimewa dan tokoh utama di dunia saperti Muhammad saw menerima hinaan dari seorang murtad yang berpengetahuan Islam yang lebih nipis dari kulit popiah dan pengetahuan Bible murtad ini juga saya percaya lebih nipis dari bahan ternipis dalam dunia boleh menghina Nabi saw . Mungkinkah kita bakal terima balasan dari Allah swt atas kegagalan besar ini. Allahualam.

Kitab suci kita dihina.

Apakah begitu sukar untuk mengesan murtad laknatullah ini? Ini juga memberi gambaran tentang betapi lemah dan tidak berkesannya jentera perisikan negara kita. Osama dan Sadam pun jatuh akibat tindakan perisikan yang begitu berkesan tapi di sini seorang murtad laknatullah macam ni pula payah nak dicari.

Mungkin laknatullah ini telah pun lari keluar negara tanpa disedari oleh Kementerian Dalam Negeri. Sekiranya ini berlaku dan dia kiranya menggunakan dokumen perjalanan asing, maka keraayatan murtad ini sepatutnya dilucutkan bawah Art 24(2) Perlembagaan Malaysia. Tidak hairan jika nama murtad laknatullah ini juga tidak disenarai hitamkan oleh Imigeresen.

Menteri Dalam Negeri patut sedar dan memperkuatkan cengkaman berhubung keselamatan, keamanan dan keharmonian negara agar terjamin dengan sokongan satu rangkaian risikan yang berkesan. Siapakah yang menyiasat kes penghinaan ini,Kementerian Multimedia atau Polis DiRaja Malaysia? Takut pula jadi macam kisah Jabatan A sangkakan kes disiasat oleh Jabatan B dan Jabatan B pula sangkakan kes disiasatan oleh Jabatan A. Akhirnya tidak ada sesiapa pun yang buat apa-apa. Harap-harap ini bukanlah scenario dalam hal ini?

Oh ya! bercakap pasal kelemahan risikan,teringat pula kes lampau melibatkan Ayah Pin pemimpin Kerajaan Langitnya. Dilaporkan dulu Ayah Pin ini sering masuk dan keluar tanpa dikesan! Hebat demo, baguih betoi dia ni menyusup tanpa disedari.

Akhir kata segala puji dan selawat ke atas junjungan besar Muhammad saw dan doa saya agar Allah selamatkan Malaysia! Amin

Truth is just an illusion

2011-12-27T02:59:00.000+08:00

Guilty or Not Guilty

The nation will again be kept on her toes when the decision of this infamous sodomy trial involving former Deputy Prime Minister,Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) is announced. A sequel to a similar story occurred more than a decade ago that tore the nation apart. The sensational case of 1998 has in fact divided the general public into three factions. One faction of society swayed strongly to DSAI side, convinced that he was merely a victim of a grand conspiracy by the government while the other faction strongly believed that DSAI was indeed involved as charged. While a small faction, the fence sitters who chose to remain neutral. These three factions exist everywhere, in the public sector, the private sector and even in institutions of higher learning.

How did all these come about? The cause, to me, was rather obvious.The judgement passed then created a turbulence that led to this segregation of opinions. Whatever the situation my humble opinion points to the failure in the line of actions taken by the police on that matter. Probably a KGB like operation would have saved the nation unnecessary embarrassments and avoided the present political scenario. The unprofessional handling of the whole matter in 1998 was the main cause that threw us into this cauldron of uncertainty.The constant political upheavals too drained our financial resources. In short a Chua Soi Lek type of operation would be more effective to have the devil exposed and this situation we now face totally avoided.

By the way, I wonder in the Chua Soi Lek's escapade, who was the smart Alex who executed his operation so smoothly that his identity remained intact to this very day? Phew! Probably he was trained by the KGB? Well mister mysterious, whoever you are you surely is my kind of man and you would have been my first choice candidate for the post of our intelligence chief.So much for that, whatever has been done cannot be undone.Just like the Malay proverb 'nasi dah jadi bubur' that's exactly the situation we are in.It's best we look forward for the sake of unity and security of this country. A thing easier said than done all due to the failure to react appropriately when the 1998 case was known.

Come 9 Jan 2012 ,what do we expect next? We know the outcome of the case of 1998 which later swung in favour of DSAI who was then released from his 'Sungai Buluh residence'. The aftermath of this thriller saw the birth of 'Reformasi','Parti Keadilan','Hindraf' and other movements including "Bersih". 9 Jan 2012 is just around the corner and the pro DSAI supporters are already charting the course of actions to be launched and drumming up support to get DSAI released. The other faction too does not just sit down with folded arms and watch things go by.They too probably have plans of their own. Notwithstanding which way the verdict goes found guilty or not guilty, a turbulence will definitely further reshape our political landscape.A not guilty verdict too will interpret that DSAI again was an innocent victim of a grand conspiracy.A jubilant mood among the supporters with shouts of 'takbir Allahu Akbar' will surely and constantly echo aloud wherever this man, once the Deputy Prime Minister chose to visit.

D-day Jan 9

9 Jan 2012 is the time we wait for the second tidal wave concerned with the recent case of similar nature and charges preferred against DSAI by his ex aide. Though lots of controversies surrounded the investigation into this case, the honourable judge, will have to come to a decision after careful scrutiny and review all the evidences and facts presented before him, A tough decision but someone has to do the job don't they?

Of course we will again face yet another complex situation.As law abiding citizens of this beloved country we need to react in a manner that will not bring unnecessary disruptions to our daily lives.Planned demonstration will further strain our financial resources and create difficulties to the general public,As peace loving people we have to accept whatever the outcome may be.Those dissatisfied with the decision or the present government can use their executive rights when the next general elections comes and hope that we Malaysians can put our differences behind and come together once again like we once used to be. Phew! This is easier said than done.

For the members of the Royal Malaysia Police in the Klang valley, it means bad news as usual leave will be frozen and all are to be on' standby' a word hated by most serving in the Klang valley. But nothing to complain as members of the Royal Malaysia Police must realise that their responsibility to the nation is not a walk in the park which I learnt during my training days. Since 1998 street demonstrations and assemblies became a common affair.

Oh yes, don't forget to tune into the next episode of "Did He Do It?" concerning the controversial sex video clip that should be next after this episode, or is it just going to be filed away?

Lastly as a humble Muslim and just back from the holy land I always pray to Allah swt for the truth to prevail and when this happen it can be painful but like it or not, the truth is the truth and has to prevail. Instability and chaos will only bring miseries and therefore I again pray for Allah swt to protect this beloved country, avoid any catastrophe and let us enjoy progress,everlasting peace and above all racial harmony. Amin

Liku-liku menunaikan ibadah haji

2011-12-11T01:36:00.001+08:00

Perkmpulan umat Islam berbagai bangsa dan warna

Memang telah menjadi hasrat dan cita-cita setiap Muslim yang bertaqwa dan mempunyai kemampuan dan kekuatan pasti agar dapat ke tanah suci menunaikan rukun Islam yang kelima ini. Seruan Ilahi adalah amat penting bagi setiap insan.Tanpanya tidak akan tergerak hati seorang itu untuk menjijak kaki ke tanah suci walaupun bertubuh sihat dan berkemampuan dari segi kewangan.

Bagi saya sendiri urusan untuk menunaikan fardhu haji ini, satu ketika dulu, merupakan perkara biasa dan tidak diberikan keutamaan. Ramai juga yang berpendapat urusan haji lebih utama untuk orang yang sangat 'senior' sahaja. Namun Allah swt yang menentukan segalanya dan sedih mengetahui ramai yang gugur sebelum dapat sempurnakan tuntutan agama ini. Benar sekali urusan menunaikan haji perlu di selesaikan pada usia bila kemampuan dari segi mental dan fizikal sedang kuat.

Menara Makkah ciptaan rakyat Malaysia

Namun, selepas 61tahun mengedut udara di bumi Allah ini saya akhirnya telah menerima jemputan dari Ilahi untuk menunaikan kewajiban terakhir ini. Pada saat-saat keadaan fisikal bertukar dari hari ke hari maka bisikan-bisikan ke hati mempengaruhi saya agar mengambil langkah positif ini sebelum terlambat. Telah tiba masanya bagi saya untuk membersihkan diri dari segala gejala yang telah ditempohi dulu serta menghilangkan tompok daki yang menebal di sanubari. Ini bukan perkara yang tidak mustahil tapi agak sukar juga. Tambah pula pada usia sebegini saya sebenarnya seolah berada dalam 'masa tambahan' atau ' added time' saperti dalam perlawanan bolasepak. Saya bersyukur ke hadrat Allah swt yang sepanjang hayat ini telah memberikan kesihatan yang baik tanpa masalah yang rumit.

Setelah melengkapi kehendak Tabung Haji (TH) dan menjalani segala proses yang dikehendaki hati mula berdebar menunggu tarikh untuk berangkat. Kerisauan juga sentiasa bermain dalam jiwa maklumlah bak kata mereka ilmu saya ini belum cukup di dada dan apakah dugaan saya akan hadapi di sana nanti? Rombongan saya dijadualkan berlepas dari Pulau Pinang. Respon dari sms yang dihantar setiap pagi dan petang ke TH juga mengeciwakan kerana tidak mendapat respon yang diidamkan tapi teman-teman lain yang dipilih lebih lewat telah pun dapat tarikh berlepas mereka.

Rombongan kami yang terdiri dari empat orang masih berada dalam keadaan suspen. Suspen menunggu kami berakhir bila tarikh penerbangan terakhir dari pulau mutiara berlepas pas 19 Okt 2011 dan kekeciwaan dan curiga pula mula dirasai kami, takut di tolak pula pada saat-saat terakhir.Perkara ini pernah berlaku kepada seorang teman saya beberapa tahun yang lalu. Apakan daya semua ini disusun rapi oleh Allah swt begitulah kata orang.Kelegaan dirasai apabila pada 21 Okt 2011 kami dapat bernafas lega mengetahui keberangkatan ke tanah suci dtetapkan pada 26 Okt 2011 tapi akan berlepas dari KLIA dan bukan Bayan Lepas saperti kami harapkan.

Klinik TH di Makkah

Rantai pengenalan jemaah haji

Apakan daya pertukaran ini mungkin ada hikmah yang tersembunyi. Memang usaha TH dalam pengurusan keberangkatan jemaah haji Malaysia berjalan lancar namun masih terdapat banyak kelemahan yang dapat diperbaiki untuk jadikan TH salah satu badan pengendalian haji terunggul dan berkesan.

Terdapat kelemahan-kelemahan kecil yang seharusnya tidak timbul. Antara kelemahan yang perlu diberikan perhatian segera oleh TH demi memperbaiki khidmat kepada jemaah Malaysia adalah saperti berikut:-

1. Kurangkan kos pos - Kenapa TH harus menghantar gelang pengenalan diri melalui pos yang melibatkan kos. Pelik pula pasangan suami isteri yang tinggal serumah di kirim 2 bungkusan berasingan yang mengandongi gelang pengenalan masing-masing.Tidak dapat diterima kenapa tidak dimasukan dalam satu sampul saja?

Sepatutnya bagi menjimatkan perbelanjaan wang yang besar dalam penghantaran benda ini TH boleh menyerahkan gelang pengenalan diri ini semasa jemaah-jmaah datang menyerahkan paspot mereka di pejabat TH di mana TH telah menyerahkan bag dan barangan lain pada ketika itu. Wang penjimatan kos pos ini dapat digunakan untuk hal lain demi kebajikan dan keselesaan jemaah kita.

2. Kursus perdana dan haji juga tidak mengadakan taklimat ringkas keselamatan tentang langkah-langkah yang perlu diambil sekiranya berlaku sesuatu di tempat penghinapan di maktab, hotel dfan Mina. Bukan semua jemaah yang mempunyai pengetahuan tentang penggunaan alat pemadam api dan hos air. Prosedur menyelamatkan diri (evacuation) semasa berlaku sesuatu di penghinapan perlu diterangkan dengan jelas kepada semua bagi elakkan kehilangan nyawa jika berlaku sesuatu hal.

3. Penantian adalah satu seksaan, TH perlu tindak lebih positif dalam menyusun penerbangan jemaah ke Makkah.Apabila butir yang diperlukan dari jemaah telah lengkap diperolehi maka mereka ini boleh disenarikan dalam senarai penerbangan pertama,kedua dan seterusnya. Sekiranya ini dibuat maka bila ada pesawat maka terus diberitahu kepada semua yang tersenarai memberikan masa yang menasabah untuk jemaah membuat persiapan rapi. Apabila ditanya jawapan yang diberikan sama saja iaitu mennunggu pengeluaran jadual penerbangan. Masalah timbul pada jemaah yang tidak dapat buat kenduri doa selamat sebab jadual penerbangan belum diperolehi. Tak kan nak buat doa selamat sebelum ketahui tarikh berangkat apakan jadi sekiranya tiba-tiba tak dapat pergi. Macam mana ni?

4. Urusan 'check in' jemaah di Kelana Jaya perlu di kaji semula. Di kompleks TH di Bayan Lepas semua keluarga yang menghantar di hadkan sehingga satu kawasan dan tidak dibenarkan masuk ke kawasan kompleks.Proses berjalan dengan lancar. Kenapa pula di kompleks TH Kelana Jaya SOP berlainan. Semasa proses daftar masuk penerbangan kami hujan turun dan keadaan di Kelana Jaya sangat kucar kacir.Suasana sangat sesak dan orang ramai berada dimerata kawasan dalam kompleks yang menyulitkan proses periksa masuk jemaah.Mereka langsung tidak bertimbang rasa kepada jemaah yang perlu urusan untuk penerbangan ke tanah suci. Mungkin 1 atau 2 orang sahaja bagi setiap jemaah yang dibenar ke komplek untuk bantu jemaah yang akan berangkat.

5. Di Mina pula penyebaran maklumat perlu lebih berkesan. Pembesar suara yang mencukupi hendaklan dipasang disegenap pelusuk perkhemahan jemaah Malaysia supaya siaran jelas kedengaran dan setiap arahan dan hebahan sampai ke semua. TH menggunakan 'megaphone' alat pembesar suara tangan yang kadang menimbulkan masalah. Saya perhatikan khemah jemaah haji negara jiran kita mempunyai sistem penyampaian maklumat melului pembesar suara yang begitu jelas jadi kenapa kita pula yang ketinggalan?

Perkhemahan di Mina

6. Pergerakan menuju ke Arafah memang baik dan teratur pada mulanya. Jemaah diperuntukkan nombor bas masing-masing untuk dinaiki. Malangnya pergerakan selepas Arafah ke Musdalifah dan Mina menjadi haru biru bila jemaah diberitahu mereka boleh menaiki mana-mana bas yang kosong pada hal keadaan ini dapat dielakkan sekiranya mereka kekal dengan arahan terdahulu bagi semua mengikut nobor bas masing-masing. Pengumuman bahawa jemaah boleh menaiki mana-mana bas yang kosong menimbulkan keadaan 'stampede' yang tidak diingini.Kasihan melihat jemaah-jemaah yang lanjut usia dan yang kurang upaya yang tidak di pedulikan langsung. Maka adalah lebih baik mengikut arahan terdahulu agar mereka menaiki nombor bas mengikut nombor yang diperuntukan kepada mereka.

Masakan ala mana ni?

7. Dalam khemah di Arafah dan Mina juga sepatutnya ada petanda/petunjuk arah Kiblat. Memang terjadi kumpulan jemaah-jemaah yang bersolat berkiblat ke arah yang lain-lain disebabkan tidak ada petanda dalam khemah untuk tujuan ini.

Dapur di Mina -Mamat mana jadi tukang masak ni?

8. Tahun demi tahun terdapat sungutan yang sama berkait mutu makanan yang disediakan . Dalam hal ini TH patut tentukan mutu makanan yang berkualiti dan sesuai dengan citra rasa jemaah Malaysia. Makanan yang diberikan tidak sesuai dimakan oleh jemaah malaysia. Jelas TH akan hadapi masalah sekiranya jemaah jatuh sakit disebabkan masalah kurang makan. Makanan yang sihat akan jaminkan tubuh yang sihat. Hairan juga makan yang disediakan ini bukan citra rasa Malaysia pada hal kita dimaklumkan bahawa TH mengendalikan dapur penyediaan makanan di tanah suci. Apakah ada jawatankuasa 'food tasting' yang terlebih dahulu merasai masakan sebelum dipilih untuk dihidangkan semasa musim haji? Sekiranya persediaan makanan di kontrakan dalam hal ini Wafa Catering maka sepatutnya TH pastikan makan dapat diterima oleh semua.

9. Masalah perumahan terutama di Makkah merupakan perkara yang rumit, namun terdapat bilik yang tidak diberikan sekurangnya sebuah meja kecil bagi meletakkan minuman dan sebagainya. Juga perlu ada kipas angin kerana terdapat jemaah yang hadapi masalah dengan hawa dingin dan kipas angin dapat membantu keselesaan penghuni.

10. Saya dapat tahu dari seorang kenalan lama yang merupakan ahli jemaah haji Indonesia bahawa setiap jemaah mereka yang mengisi borang permintaan dibekalkan 20 naskah Al-quran secara percuma untuk mereka wakafkan apabila tiba ditanah air nanti. Malangnya jemaah haji kita hanya diberikan senaskah seorang padahal jumlah jemaah Indonesia jauh lebih ramai dibandingkan dengan Malaysia.

11. Taklimat ketibaan dan keberangkatan diadakan ditempat yang sempit dan kurang sesuai dengan jumlah jemaah yang ramai. Dewan 'banquet' hotel di hotel kami di Madinah tidak digunakan seharusnya TH menggunakan tempat ini sebagai dewan makan dan taklimat dan memberikan kesenangan kepada jemaah yang terpaksa makan di 'corridor' di bilik penghinapan.

Memang ramai yang sungut dengan masalah yang dihadapi tapi pada pendapat saya yang penting ialah makanan yang perlu diutamakan untuk memastikan setiap jemaah Malaysia semasa berada di tanah suci dikurniakan Allah swt dengan menikmati kesehatan yang baik dan dengan keadaan sedemikian dapat menunaikan ibadah haji dengan sempurna.

Kita juga terima bahawa Allah swt memang akan duga umatnya di tanah suci. Saya telah menerima suntik 'influenza' dan sehat sebelum berangkat namun kuasa Allah swt lebih besar. Saya jatuh sakit 3 hari selepas tiba di Makkah menghidap selsema dan batuk yan begitu dahsyat sehingga sampai ke tahap putus harapan untuk terus berada di sana.Namun kesabaran memng diperlukan demi menghadapi dugaan ini. Apa lagi semasa berkeadaan sedemikan selera makan juga hilang dengan hidangan yang langsung tidak membangkit selera sediaan TH.

Petugas yang ke tanah suci juga perlu faham mereka ke sana demi untuk memberi khidmat kepada jemaah sepenuh masa tambah pula merek di biayai oleh TH dan ini adalah wang ahli-ahli yang merupakan jemaah sendiri.

Semoga TH dapat terima segala tegoran dengan sikap terbuka dan memperbaiki keadaan demi untuk kebajikan, keselesaan jemaah haji Malaysia yang akan datang dan tidak sekadar 'masuk telinga kanan keluar telinga kiri'

When will this end?

2011-10-17T01:27:00.000+08:00

This time a land issue

Looks like we are a punching bag each time certain issues are brought up by our neighbour across the Straits of Malacca. Just cannot comprehend why there are certain groups there that don't seem to like us. Last year when a maid was abused by her employer here our Embassy in Jakarta got clobbered. Similarly issue about Ambalat sparked the same ferocious demonstrations happened at our Embassy and many more with same pattern happened.This has been going on for years. Is our bilateral relations that cordial? Why are matters not deliberated in a civilised manner and why must such uncalled for conduct take place.

As far as I am concerned good relations picture to exist only among the top echelon of both countries and of course this happens over golf sessions. When it come to grass root level, not much can be shout about.Let's take any sport between us.We can visualise the situation that normally prevail at these events. So this is indeed a great problem and needed to be addressed seriously. Possibly many more people to people exchange programmes should be on the government's agenda with the sincere hope to improve and foster greater relations about this pain in the you know where problem.

This time around it is the issue of 'illegal' land acquisition in West Kalimantan that was used as an excuse again to bombard our Embassy in Jakarta. What are the next issues on their check list? This is entirely unknown and we just have to sit and wait for the next wave.There seems to be no end in sight.

During my sojourn in Pontianak, West Kalimantan as the Police Liaison officer regular meetings and consultations were held between us and them. Apart from the operational meetings targeted on the remnants of the communist elements of the 'Pasukan Rakyat Kalimantan Utara' (Paraku) along the common border, civil matters and others matters of mutual interest were also deliberated.

In the early 80s "Rapat Kordinasi' (Rakor) meetings were held twice a year between military commanders from Malaysia and Indonesia.The border survey issue was also on the agenda. Subsequently both countries agreed on the border demarcation and no problem or anomilies were brought up on this. How come some smart Alex come up with this issue now?.

If someone removed the stones at certain stretch of the borderline then investigations should be conducted by both sides and have the culprit responsible for this serious act be brought to face the music. There is no need for all this stupid drama.

As Malaysian we should be proud that we are not in the same boat and can be said to be more disciplined. On no occasions did we ferociously attack any Embassy as what happened in Jakarta. Massive demonstrations at the US Embassy KL too did not reach the mark of what happened to our Embassy in Jakarta.During one of the demonstration at our Embassy, our national flag was strewn with faeces by the demonstraters.This is a grave humiliation and an act of sheer stupidity.

Of course the normal SOP of the Foreign Ministry is to sent a protest note and that's about all. Wait till the next incident another note and the Indonesian Foreign Ministry will have volumes of our protest notes.One prominent politician recommended that we call home our Ambassador in retaliation and I tend to agree and probably this will pass the correct message through.

Each time something like this takes place what we know from the media is that the demonstration only involved a small group of people.Now, if a small number was involved and no executive action was taken how can they handle if a few hundred thousands come out to protest. Sometime ago the 'screening of Malaysians' ops were carried out in Jakarta and again it was stated that only a 'few' were really involved. Well, if the number was small strangely, why nothing was done. Why these 'few' were allowed to put up road blocks to check on Malaysians and no arrests made for these illegal road block?.

We need to make sure that no violent protests happens again.But we can accept anything that's being done in a civilised and professional way. Don't expect too much on this either.

Of course we expect the Indonesian politicians to handle matters like this which affects our bilateral relations but on the other hand we too just can't fold our arms and forget about it.We must be kept informed of the line of actions taken and justifiably the Malaysian public should be kept abreast of what was achieved from the protest notes sent.

As mentioned earlier , apart from government to government exchanges, more people to people and group to group exchanges should be put in place with the hope that the grass roots level interaction is at the highest expected level and this can in a way improve our bilateral relationship. After all as they say we are 'serumpun'. At times I kept pondering as to why we bought the scorpene subs and Sukhoi jets?

Well, the ball is now at the Minister of Foreign Affair's feet.

Who cares?

2011-09-29T11:59:00.000+08:00

How this happened?

On a recent walk around KL with an old friend who came visiting from Pontianak I was shock to see some worrying cracks on the concrete rail behind the Dayabumi building leading to Pasar Seni. I was indeed curious to know what really caused these cracks? The little brain between my ears suggest that these cracks could indicate the possible existence of a subterranean stream or can also be due to the effect of the many earth quakes from across the Straits or for some other reasons I do not know.

Visible cracks

I wonder whether any checks or investigations were done on matters like this. Maybe no one realises this or it could just be that trivial matters like this usually go unnoticed. In short someone is sleeping on his job. Only when incident like a sink hole happened then fingers will start pointing up, down, left, right and center searching for a scapegoat. This, of course is our national trend.

What is the cause?

Even a minute matter like this needs to get answers about the cause.If there is no cause for alarm , then it is okay. But isn't prevention better than cure?

So who is responsible for this? I hope the relevant authority conduct investigations to establish the causes and ensure that nothing is actually wrong. Is this a construction defect? Aren't they supposed to ensure worries like this don't happen? If so, then why this and furthermore no rectification efforts were made. I am neither an engineer,seismologist nor geologist but,whatever the situation let's hope nothing serious occur and life can go on usual. May Allah protect us always!

Sacrifice of a brave journalist

2011-09-04T11:17:00.000+08:00

It is indeed a sad day for Malaysia and in particular to the Malaysian humanitarian group to Somalia. Noramfaizul Mohd Noor a member of the media group went with a mission to record all activities of the humanitarian group in Somalia and died a hero. However this was destined to happen and the risks are obvious to everyone. A war journalist can never avoid risks and that includes death.

However some important factors need to be focused to ensure the safety of future mission members and to maintained a high level of alertness. Recollecting my experience while in the Balkan, upon our arrival a security brief was given to all mission members. We knew clearly about the risks we faced and everyone of us left everything to Almighty God. The dos and the don'ts were made clear to us before we went on our various assignments. But although much was said we have to accept that fate knows no one and can strike without notice and this can be painful to accept.

Also on mission like this, like it or not, all should wear the flak jacket and helmet as a precaution each time on assignment as danger lurks in every corner. Hopefully future missions to conflict areas anywhere in the globe should undergo a proper briefing before departure as well as upon arrival. Necessary equipments should also be supplied to each and every member of the group including communication.Members should be physically fit as conditions, in particular, in conflict areas demands this. Probably some form of training is conducted here before departure to expose members to circumstances they might encounter at their destination.

Whatever the situation, what was done cannot be undone and what is more important here is that a lesson is learnt from this unfortunate incident. In a conflict area like Somalia, although the government is responsible for the safety of everyone, they cannot be totally blamed.One must clearly remember that the government faced limitations by years of conflict and the individuals concerned have to ensure his or her own security in a volatile zone like in Somalia.

We must also accept that this will not be the end and it will happen again because the risks are always there and everyone on a mission like this understands this very well.In conflict areas the risks cannot be eradicated totally. So at this juncture there is no point crying over split milk but instead we should focus our efforts to improve standards and plan for future missions.

Noramfaizul Mohd Noor, may Allah swt bless your soul and the family should remain strong in the face of such a calamity. It is hoped that whatever promises made to the family by the government is not a mere lip service but a reality.

Noramfaizul Mohd Noor, may Allah bless your soul. Alfatihah.

Menjelang 1 Syawal - Kenangan mengusik jiwa

2011-08-30T01:02:00.000+08:00

Meriam Raya tradisional Pontianak

Yaa! 1 Syawal yang di tunggu-tunggu sudah pun sampai. Sealiran dengan kedatangan Hari Raya dan di dalam keghairahan untuk berada di kampong halaman pada hari raya maka dijangkakan banyak kemalangan di jalanraya akan berlaku yang sepatutnya dapat dielakkan. Kewaspadaan dan bersikap lebih tanggongjawab boleh mengelakkan perkara ini.

Di kampong dan luar bandar pula bakal terdengar kejadian mereka yang cedera atau hilang jari akibat cuba mencipta mercun sendiri atau kerana bermain meriam 'artileri' ciptaan sendiri juga. Semua in ternyata mengundang bala di kala perayaan menjelma.Ibu bapa mestilah mesti mengawasi anak masing-masing supaya hari raya tidak menjadi hari bersedih pula.

Walau pun kerajaan mengharamkan pembakaran mercun dan permainanan apa jenis meriam pun dan disamping nasihat dan amaran bertubi-tubi tentang bahaya ini,namun semua ini saperti menuang air di daun keladi saja. Banyak bahan haram ini di seludup masuk ke sini dari negara jiran dan sudah menjadi perkara biasa saja. Pada malam ini pun telah mula bunyi mercun di sana sini. Sepatut risikan di pertingkatkan sepanjang tahun untuk melumpuhkan kegiatan ini dan sekali gus hapuskan budaya asing ini.

Di pinggir Sg Kapuas,Pontianak

Mengimbas tentang bermain meriam ini,maka teringat pula saya semasa bertugas di Pontianak,Kalimantan Barat pada tahun 80an dulu. Di sana permainan meriam raya merupakan yang paling hebat di seluruh Indonesia. Yang pelik, tak pula terdengar berita tentang orang yang cedera akibat bermain meriam semacam yang terjadi disini.Pada hal meriam mereka itu lebih besar dan bunyinya pun lebih dahsyat seakan macam perang di Iraq lebih kurang kuatnya.

Tambah pula meriam mereka di perbuat dari batang pokok-pokok besar. Tapi sekarang telah ada meriam moden diperbuat dari konkrit barangkali.Beberapa hari sebelum raya lagi dah mula 'perang' meriam disana. Suasana memang sungguh meriah sekali yang tidak dapat kita tandingi.

Pada waktu senja berdentam-dentum bunyi meriam mengisi ruang udara Pontianak hingga tak terdaya pihak berkuasa nak bendung hal ini. Apakan daya, ini sudah menjadi budaya berzaman masyarakat setempat di Kalimantan Barat. Satu tradisi sejak dari pemerintahan Kesultanan Melayu Pontianak lagi. Mainan meriam juga dikatakan berlaku di Lampung,Sumatra tetapi tak sehebat di Kalimantan Barat. Dentum-berdentum bunyi meriam raya ini pun berkesudahan dengan semuanya aman tenteram juga.

Setiap kali menempuh Ramadan fikiran saya akan melayang mengenangkan hari-hari raya saya di Kalimantan Barat.Pengalaman ini akan terus kekal terpahat abadi di sanubari saya. Berhari raya di perantauan buat pertama kali dalam hidup saya, itulah yang sangat bermakna kepada saya kerana suasana yang saya alami disana tidak pernah di rasai di negara sendiri.

Meriam moden sekarang

Pada yang berkemampuan dan kesempatan pergilah dan menikmati sendiri suasana hangat sebelum dan semasa hari raya di Pontianak. Tradisi pada malam sebelum hari raya dahulu juga sangat luar biasa sekali.Jalan-jalan di kota penuh sesak dengan motosikal dan kenderaan membunyikan hon serta bertakbir raya menandakan selesainya ibadah puasa dan hari raya telah pun tiba. Tapi dengar khabar perkara ini tidak lagi di adakan di telan pembangunan.

Suasana Ramadan juga membawa kesan yang manis pada diri saya. Bersahur di Pontianak juga sangat istimewa kerana warga kampong akan bergerak di sekeliling kampung memukul tin dan tiang letrik untuk bangunkan penduduk setiap hari untuk bersahur. Suasana berbuka puasa pula adalah saperti biasa dan masing-masing tertumpu di rumah.

Ketika itu tidak ada pasar Ramadan semacam kita disini. Di hotel pun tidak  di adakan makanan 'buffet' istimewa saperti kita di sini. Tapi sekarang  keadaan mungkin berubah kerana mengikut jejak pembangunan jiran mereka Sarawak.

Sembahyang terawih sangat menyeronokkan dari hari pertama hingga ke akhir.Masjid dan surau begitu meriah dan barisan saf-saf begitu penuh dari mula hingga ke akhir tidak saperti di sini yang semakin berkurangan bila semakin hampir ke hari raya.Tambah pula yang hadir berterawih termasuk yang muda,tua, lelaki dan perempuan.Di Pontianak kita tak perlu khuatir kerana di setiap 'gang' atau lorong ada masjid atau surau untuk beribadah. Alangkah baiknya sekiranya fenomena yang sama wujud di negera kita demi perpaduan ummah.

Di sana pun sama, sebelum tiba hari raya warga Kalimantan Barat juga akan berebut untuk pulang ke kampong halaman mereka. Setakat ingatan saya masa dulu tak juga berlaku kemalangan teruk macam yang berlaku di sini. Di pagi 1 Syawal kota Pontianak begitu hidup dengan warga kota berkeliaran ke masjid-masjid untuk solat hari raya.

Masjid Mujahiddin di Pontianak merupakan masjid utama dan mempunyai ciri seakan masjid negara dan menjadi tumpuan ramai. Hairan pula saya pada ketika itu, kerana mereka tidak gunakan dewan utama solat  sebaliknya menggunakan perkarangan masjid dan jalan raya sebagai tempat menunaikan solat raya. Solat raya juga di adakan atas jalanraya di hadapan markas tentera di Pontianak. Apakah tradisi ini masih diteruskan tidak saya ketahui pula.

Sebagai seorang 'bujang lokal' di sana, pada setiap hari raya tidak terasa langsung rindu terhadap kampong halaman sendiri.Sebaliknya saya rasa amat gembira berhari raya di perantauan. Pada hari raya juga tak terdaya saya memakan hantaran makanan dan juadah yang di berikan oleh kenalan dan jiran-jiran berhampiran. Kemesraan penduduk di sekitar tempat kediaman saya yang mengangap saya saperti saudara mereka. Ini membuat saya rasa tidak terasing diperantaun dan merasa sebagai sebahgian dari masyarakat setempat. Sehingga kini saya masih berhubung dengan rakan dan kenalan di sana dan inilah satu perkara yang penting bagi diri saya.

Memang niat di hati ingin kembali ketempat yang penuh kenangan dan memberi kesan dan pelajaran kepada saya.Apatah lagi penugasan di sana merupakan yang pertama kali dalam hidup saya meninggalkan tanah air. Tibanya saya di situ tanpa rakan atau saudara mara,namun satelah selesai tanggongjawab yang diamanahkan  saya telah dapati ramai kenalan yang pada mulanya dianggap sebagai rakan biasa telah berubah menjadi saperti saudara mara saya di perantauan.

Kita dijadikan Allah swt untuk saling berhubung dan mengeratkan silatulrahim sesama manusia dan itulah yang telah saya lakukan tanpa mengira darjat dan kedudukan seorang.Ini adalah matlamat penting dalam hidup kita.

Wahai Pontianak, Kota Khatulistiwa! Kau telah mengajar aku tentang makna penghidupan. Kau telah memberikan kesedaran agar aku bersyukur kepada Allah swt di atas apa yang dikurniakan. Pontianak akan tetap ku kenang selagi hayat dikandong badan!

Akhir kata,

"SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI "
"MAAF ZAHIR BATIN"

MRT- Don't miss the hospitals

2011-08-26T00:25:00.000+08:00

Bandar Tun Razak LRT away from HUKM

More coaches needed

The proposal for a new MRT line for the Klang Valley was put forward in June 2010 and received the approval at the end of 2010. Apparently construction will commence soon.This of course comes as a great relief to practically most residents in the Klang Valley. We will have to wait for the final details on the route this MRT will traverse. Among the destination quoted was Cheras and this is what residents in the area are praying for.So let's hope that fellow that is sitting on the chair making the decisions don't create a blunder again.

A Crowded Hospital Car park

Everyone agrees that hospital is a place never short of visitors and of course visiting this places are not for any entertainment either.People who come here are either sick, bringing the sick relative or friend or coming to visit someone. Again in a country like Malaysia most have cars due to an often unreliable public transport. You have to experience parking at most hospitals to understand about this urgent need to make sure future lines comes very close to or inside the hospital itself. Each time I visit hospitals like GH,UH or HUKM, frankly I curse the minister concerned for this glaring over sight.

Just go and have a tour of all hospitals, government or private, parking is the 'numero uno' problem. For people with high blood pressure finding a parking lot at a hospital can be stressful. So stops at government hospitals is a 'must not miss' point on the checklist as most 'rakyat' flock to this place rather than the private hospitals.

Maybe,the Transport Minister, should try drive his private car to HUKM in the morning and try park in the hospital car park and experience how stressful this will be.Perhaps go to General Hospital too and he might end up in a ward with high blood pressure.

So whatever the circumstances have a mind for the sick. For instance, the LRT stops at University station but never enters University Hospital (UH) or somewhere near for the convenient of visitors to this place as parking is limited and crowded at UH.

Mono rail passes through Chow Kit too don't enter into a nearest location at the General Hospital KL block. A 'walkalator' to the main block can be very convenient. Sadly all these are far from reality or expectations.

Important land marks and government departments along the proposed route should be high on the check lists of stops.Mid Valley which was up much earlier than the LRT line and is a traffic congested point at the complex. Surprisingly the LRT's nearest stop to the Mid Valley was at Abdullah Hukum, some distance away. You will sweat profusely walking to the Mid Valley from the station. Imagine how the traffic congestion at Mid Valley can be reduced if the LRT stop a short comfortable walk to this mall.

A station stop at Hospital UKM is not only timely but appropriate as well. Ask everyone the problem they face when going to hospitals and the majority will have this reason to tell. Undoubrtedly a stop at HUKM will ease the traffic congestion during sporting events held at the Stadium KL or the swimming pool. We are bidding to host the Asian Games aren't we? If that's the case then, this is probably a wonderful idea.

It makes us wonder whether public reactions are taken into consideration and some form of brain storming sessions are held before a final decision is made. It looked unlikely otherwise these shortcomings can be avoided. Places like hospitals and other important government departments and land marks should be on the stop checklist. Well, from wherever this new line will originate is not a vital question but the station stops are what people are interested in.

Daily traffic jam

It is absolutely good news to know that the line will be a reality but as mentioned the route and stations are vital and the general public on the whole must benefit.

As far as what most people are concerned with is the daily horrible jams clogging the city. A drastic reduction in the number of cars on the road will of course reduce stress, pollution and every one's precious time.

Another factor that needed due consideration on the part of the government is on the question of toll. I find it ridiculous paying toll to enjoy a jam, isn't that funny? I have been to countries with toll but not paying into enjoy the jam. I think tolls in the city should be abolished but the highway toll should remain.

While on this topic, as a parting shot let me relate a joke I knew during my service days a long time ago. "A man in Russia was sentenced by the KGB to 25 years of hard labour for calling the Minister of Transport a bloody fool. The man actually got 5 years for slender and 20 years for revealing a state secret.

Hope it is not the case here in Malaysia!!

TO ALL MALAYSIANS SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA

TO ALL MUSLIMS SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY

Awas Bahaya Di Jalanraya

2011-08-25T01:15:00.000+08:00

Bahaya di atas jalanraya

1 Syawal semakin hampir dan semua warga kota akan bergegas balik ke kampong masing-masing ke pangkuan keluarga dan ibu bapa. Pihak Polis tahun demi tahun sering mengingatkan tentang keselamatan di jalanraya. Seharusnya "Ops Sikap" tidak perlu di lancarkan sekiranya kita menggunakan pemikiran kita dan lebih bertanggong jawab semasa perjalanan pulang bagi menyambut perayaan.

Peruntukan ops ini boleh digunakan untuk pembangunan yang lain bagi rakyat.

Walau apa pun kita perlu pentingkan keselamatan sendiri, dan juga keselamatan orang lain.Oleh itu satu perkara yang di fikirkan penting dan perlu diingatkan kepada semua.

Berwaspadalah pada 'ular sawa' macam ini yang banyak dijalanraya yang menjadi antara sebab kemalangan berlaku.Pihak yang berwajib perlu lebih tegas tangani masalah ini sebab sering benda ini di dapati berada di atas jalanraya. Lebih bahaya lagi bagi penunggang motosikal apa lagi pada waktu malam. Ini adalah tanda kelemahan penguatkuasaan dan sikap ambil mudah sehingga dapat membahayakan nyawa pengguna jalan lain.

Sebagai langkah keselamatan dari segi jenayah pastikan 'speed dial' anda ada nombor talipon Pusat Kawalan Malaysia 0322663333 dan 22663444. Kenapa ini perlu tak manasabah kita membawa senarai talipon semua balai dalam talipon kita maka hubung saja Bukit Aman dan laporkan apa jenayah yang dikesan dan mereka tahu apa yang perlu dilaksanakan. Itu saja tugas anda,

Jadi kepada semua yang akan balik raya berhati-hati dan berwaspada pada cebisan-cebisan tayar ini demi untuk keselamatan semua.

" SELAMAT HARI RAYA MAAF ZAHIR BATIN"

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

2011-08-21T00:57:00.000+08:00

Our Jalur Gemilang

Yes, at the stroke of midnight the nation enters it's 54th year and simultaneously too Muslims in Malaysia and the rest of the world celebrate Eid Mubarak or Aidil Fitri. Throughout my entire life this is the first coincidence since we achieved independence in 1957. We have experienced Kongsi Raya and now here we are celebration a two in one again just like Kongsi Raya if not much better because the indigenous people of Malaysia is celebrating it too an not only confined to the major races.

I think this phenomena about celebration two in one, only Malaysia can experience the extraordinary. Why this can be so is because we are a multi racial country where others can't match up to our credentials. So Hari Raya can fall on same day as celebration by the other races. Isn't that something we need to be proud off.

On this day all Malaysian should show their patriotism by flying the "Jalur Gemilang" at home. However some see this in a different light that gives rise to presumptions. Are they not patriotic? This can be a sensitive question. I always advocated to the saying that 'action speaks louder than words'.So in a situation like this let it remain as it is. Only with time shall a person's patriotism and love for the country will be put to test.

As a former men in blue I am always proud first to be a Malaysian, next as a policeman. Strangely after my schooling I was a loafer of course. The family was not financially strong and so I had to resort to some odd jobs just to try stand on my own two feet. I applied for a number of jobs but was turned down probably the Almighty destined me to be a cop.

At times during my talk sessions with the various Resident's Association I will first emphasised about my patriotism. First being a Malaysian, secondly being a policeman of course. But not everyone are alike but I realised in the long run that I was destined by the Almighty to be policeman to serve the country.However like in all other departments there are people whose mere existence is basically to "fill up the blanks" that's about all. This is more true in the forces.

Patriotism, oh sure! I have done my part in whatever circumstance what about you? On two occasions I led my men and placed my life as well as theirs on the line to hunt down criminals for the sake of peace and public order. In one of the encounters I cheated death but sadly my Corporal went down. I know how it feels to have a comrade fighting for his life in your arms. Since then every second day of Hari Raya this sad drama creeps into my conscious. For my Allahyarham Corporal Kamaruzaman I pray Allah swt bless his soul.

At that time I felt like the whole world did not bother after all, that was the risks we have to face, so be it. Even after my role was over I still stand proud knowing that I have done by part for "Kerana Mu Malaysia" and will continue to do it whenever required. There are other occasions that I need not mention.

So what can be more patriotic? So just fly the flag as a simple gesture to show our patriotism but if you are hardcore then keep it flying all year round. But please ensure that the flag does not become a "kain buruk".

On this I recollect a disgraceful incident in Sept 2005 on my last visit to Singapore for our annual police veteran football series with the Republic Of Singapore Police. I insisted my police guide, Mr Mohd Noor, from the Singapore Police to take me on a simple tour and we stopped at Jalan Ampas where most P.Ramlee movies were shot and the FMS Railway station at Tanjung Pagar.

I stood with pride at this historical icon, the Federated Malay States Railway station on a foreign soil. But suddenly a couple of things changed my mood. The Jalur Gemilang that hoisted side by side with the Singapore national flag and the KTM flag all looked like "kain buruk".

How can this be? My visit to the station was in Sept 2005 and our Merdeka Day was just over, why on earth did they not change or at least throw the flags into the washing machine that simple? The old clock hanging at the railway station too was not functioning as well.Relying on the information from my guide,the clock has been in that situation for a long time. Are those working in Tanjung Pagar railway station from the St Nicholas home? They can show a little patriotism and responsibility can't they?

So on this Merdeka Day we need to change and be accountable on all matters under our control. I know situations like my experience in Tanjung Pagar happened here too. On 9 Jul as scheduled I was to return to my hometown Penang and took the sardine packed commuter to the KTM KL station only to be caught in the mob for the Bersih 2.0.I knew the several roads were closed but I have not the slight idea that there were restrictions placed on buses entering the city. I know not that the bus operator's office was also closed and they were temporary operating from the new terminal at Bandar Tasik Permaisuri.

I pushed my way out from the mob only to discover that food was also hard to find that morning. I proceeded on foot to Pudu Raya under the care full scrutiny of the men in blue. As I was carrying a bag and wearing the skull cap it obviously gave the cops the right impression that they should have. I of course subject myself to their spot checks without questions but never at any time revealed my past role. Why should I, after it is "game over" for people like me.

No buses were able to come in or out of Puduraya too, so I proceeded to take the LRT to Bandar Tasik Selatan bus terminal. Unfortunately my tank was about to be full and obviously had to go to ease myself.I headed to the gents only to find it locked and a notice clearly indicated "rosak".

Upon my inquiry with the Auxiliary Police on duty I was shocked from the answer given. Apparently the toilet was out of order a long time ago before 9 Jul 2011 and no efforts made to straightened things out right away. Are we not ashamed of such mentality.What can I say, as I got no choice but forced to distract my mind from my predicament or else I would have 'peed' in my pants.

Now on patriotism again, you can follow my previous blog on my meaningful experience attending the Indonesian Independence day. The level of patriotisn exhibited on that particular day is really something. Their celebrations were more solemn,full of protocol and more meaningful.

Year in year out we place more emphasis on entertainment. Probably someone with innovation in the government sector can introduce something more meaningful especially for the 30 August event. We know the night of entertainment also the dark side of our youths and many unpleasant incidents goes unreported.

I remember a directive from the government urging the various religions to conduct special prayers on this day. If ever he event at dataran Merdeka need to be held it howefer need a revamp and focus on patriotism and with a more meaningful atmosphere and protocol put in place.

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka

Probably a repeat of the same scenario undertaken by the late YAM Tuanku Abdul Rahman on the night of 30 August 1957 be emulated. His speech for instance can be read year in year out because people must be constantly reminded about the sacrifices and the spirit of independence.

Of course there is no need to bring down the Union Jack on that night as it will cause unnecessary embarassement. The ceremony too need not be too elaborate but should have some significance with the spirit of 31 August 1957. The Merdeka parade is undoubtly colourful and should proceed with probably some addition with a patriotic flavour.

Reflecting on my Indonesian experience during their independence day ceremony, I tend to wonder where was the original flag that was flown at the Selangor Club Padang 54 years ago, and the Jalur Gemilang raised on 16 Sept 1963 kept? Probably in our muzeum? We can't ask the British either.

This is the reason why I have always place emphasis on the need to always remember history. By the way, our Jalur Gemilang was designed by Mr. Mohamed Hamzah a young engineer from Johor employed by the Public Works Department. He passed away before his 75th birthday on 13 February 1993 in Jalan Stulang Baru, Kampung Melayu Majidee. Not many realised that it was one off us and not any "Mat Salleh" that designed it.

Our pride on the road

There is a statute that regulates the use of the national flag and anthem when it should be use and respected. This is hard to enforce I can say. Any act which appears to belittle the National Anthem and flag in the eyes of the public, is considered as not respecting the National Anthem and flag.

Police are empowered to arrest without warrant anybody found to be disrespectful towards the National Anthem or flag. As said it is hard to enforce and we are gradually losing the spirit of respecting our own flag and anthem. Since we ourselves don't bother what do we expect form the foreigners don't too.Actually they should being guests in this country they should as the saying goes 'when in Rome do as the Romans do'.Like wise we too should respect the flag and anthem of a foreign country and in reciprocate we get their respect.

This is rampant during sports events. Our own youths should show some form of patriotism but this is sadly absent. Only through the rigid enforcement of the law that can see a change in this attitude.A meagre RM100 fine means nothing these days and probably needed to be enhanced. Some arrests can be made as a warning and lessons to those who defy this national requirement. Sadly, Jalur Gemilang too can be seen lying on roads. I remember my training told me that the flag should not be allowed to dip the ground. But this was not observed strictly even at times by men in uniform.

Concerning a situation like during a football game it is not easy task to book an offender. I remember an experience on way to office and passed Puchong Perdana I noticed the area many motorists moving without helmet a problem those days. I noticed a lady with 3 passengers on a motorcycle and on top of that no helmets too. Well as she stopped to and was an easy target for me.

I approached and as usual, demanded her IC and driving license. To my surprise she got the former but not the latter. Spontaneously I directed my driver to issue her a ticket with the appropriate offences. At this juncture I was once questioned on my action as to why she was stopped when their are many more around but nothing was done.

My reply to her was also spontaneous as well I inquiring that if she goes fishing can she possibly catch all the fishes in the sea and with that it wrapped up my case.

On the national anthem and the national flag again I remember an incident during my service days. I and a friend visited Betong in south Thailand amidst a major joint operations going on with Thai army to flush the communist insurgents. Later in the evening me and my friend headed for a movie.

Suddenly the Thai national flag was shown and both of us sat as normal not knowing what it was all about.Immediately I felt a tug and a pull at my collar from the patron behind demanding us to stand.I did exactly that and it remained a lesson since. A similar move was done in Malaysia but later abandoned which indeed was a right move.

So for this Merdeka let us show some form of patriotism and most important for me is to work towards national integrity and do all things possible for a progressive, peaceful and strong Malaysia.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Maaf Zahir Batin.

Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan Yang ke 54

Flyers Nuisance

2011-08-19T19:15:00.000+08:00

A picture paints a thousand words.that's the way it is. Would you categorise the distribution of flyers to houses as a public nuisance ?

I am sure that if not all, most of us have experienced this. This form of irritation can drive us overboard each time we discover that letters in our boxes are soiled by the rain a result of the way these flyers were place in the box.

Most of those involved are foreigners and I just can't understand, don't they have letter boxes in their country or is it because back home they use pigeon service? Some locals are involved and sadly they behave in the same stupid manner too.

Moreover don't they not know the purpose of a letter box ?One thing for sure these numskulls were not specifically brief on their role. Perhaps this is merely a case of ' come take these bundle of flyers and go distribute them'. These numskulls too seems not to have the slightest idea of the consequences of their actions.Wonder why these numskulls can't just push the whole flyers into the letter box but prefer instead to stick them halfway in the letter box slot and caused the slot door be left ajar.

A tongue sticking out

All documents in the box are left to the mercy of the torrential KL thunderstorm.Each time after a heavy downpour all our letters will be drenched and soggy. Is this a difficult assiignment or are they specifically told to do it like way? Irrespective ot the type of letter boxes you have they just do the same. These numskulls just do not bother even slip flyers even though the house has been abondoned. How are these people paid if it is based on the number of flyers distributed than most employers are in for a ride as they too can just dump some or all flyers into the dustbin rub their hands and return to collect what was due for the day.

Maybe some someone can come out with water proof envelopes to eradicate this problem.It's sickkening to see important documents soiled by rain water making it illegible. The consequences can be disastrous and often also result in lost of valuable apportunities.

My instinct urges me to lay ambush and pounce on these numskulls and conduct a simple in service training regarding this. Putting a note by the side of our letter boxes telling these numskulls to do exactly what we want done with the flyers too is a waste of time. After all local or foreigners just can be bothered and prefer the easy way out.

So, we expect the employers to brief their 'macai' how exactly this needs to be done.Unfortunately they just don't bother either. The employers probably resides in apartments or condos and to them they dont't encounter this problem that we face.

Now, considering our important documents are soiled or ruined.Obviously this can sometimes caused a lost of business or other opportunities.Under this circumstance can those companies responsible be sued for such losses inflicted on us by their 'macai' with regards to the flyers problem? Probably a test case is necessary and only through this process will it drive some sense into the heads of those irresponsible lot?

So for heaven sake, as a amicable solution, let's hope they do it the right way.

Peringatan Hari Kemerdekaan atau Perayaan Hari Kemerdekaan kah?

2011-08-16T01:21:00.000+08:00

Kusno Sosrodihardjo @ Sukarno

Semakin hampir ke hari kemerdekaan teringat saya pada kenangan manis yang saya alami semasa bertugas sebagai pegawai perhubungan Polis DiRaja Malaysia di Konsulat Malaysia Pontianak,Kalimantan Barat, Republik Indinesia (RI) pada tahun 80an. Saya ingat bertukar ke California tapi silap tukar pula ke Kalimantan.ha! ha! ha!. Tapi tak apalah asalkan ada bunyi 'Kali ' nya pun cukup lah.

Walaubagaimana pun penempatan saya di Pontianak sedikit sebanyak telah mengubah pandangan saya terhadap apa yang dikatakan penghidupan sebab suasana hidup yang berbeza antara kita di Malaysia yang mempunyai serba kemudahan dan mereka yang di tengah khatulistiwa ternyata ketingalan dari banyak aspek pada masa itu. Saya dengan cepat telah dapat menyesuaikan diri dengan persekitaran baru saya.Maklumlah ini kali pertama dalam hidup saya keluar negara dan juga kali pertama bertugas di negara orang. Namun dalam masa yang singkat saya telah memperolehi ramai rakan dan kenalan. Sampai tanpa kenalan balik ke Malaysia meninggalkan ramai kenalan yang saya anggap sebagai saudara saya.

Antara perkara yang terpahat dalam kenangan saya sehingga kini sepanjang bertugas selama tiga tahun di situ ialah menghadiri peringatan Hari Ulang Tahun RI atau HUT.Indonesia mencapai kemerdekaan dari jajahan Belanda pada 17 Ogos 1947 lebih awal dari negara kita yang merdeka pada 31 Ogos 1957.

Upacara peringatan HUT ini selalunya bermula pada tengah malam 16 Ogos di makam Pahlwan yang terletak di pinggir kota Pontianak menuju ke pelabuhan udara Supadio. Pada malam ini anggota Komander militer Kalimantan Barat dan pemerintah tempatan akan berkumpul di makam pahlawan untuk upacara peringati yang bermula di sini. Mereka yang berkumpul sebelum tengah malam di dataran makam pahlawan akan menunggu detik 12 tengah malam untuk menyusul.Istemewanya peringatan HUT ini diadakan serentak di seluruh pelusuk RI dari Sabang ke Marueke Suasana malam yang begitu aman tenteram dapat dirasai di makam ini.

Mohamad Hatta

Apabila tiba tepat jam 2400   kesepian malam akan diganggu oleh bunyi tiupan   "Last Post" yang sangat menghayat hati semua yang hadir terutama saya yang berdiri tegak dan bangga mewakili Polis DiRaja Malaysia di upacara peringatan HUT mereka. Tiupan "Last Post" yang berkumandang di ruang udara makam pahlawan sangat mengudsik perasaan dan sanubari. "Last Post" ini akan disambut pula oleh   penuip bugle yang terletak di kawasan lain dan bunyinya seakan-akan bergelombang di ruang udara ditempat keramat ini.

Secara otomatik ianya membuat bulu roma saya berdiri tegak dan juga secara spontan dan tidak terkawal air mata mengalir membasahi pipi.  Memang terasa sangat sayu mendengar tiupan "Last Post" khusus bagi yang terkorban.  Para hadirin akan bertafakur selama tiupan 'bugle' berkumandang di udara.

Memang upacara peringatan ini sangat unik bagi saya kerana berlainan sekali dari apa yang dialami di tanah air sendiri. Kita    menyambut kemerdekaan sebagai satu perayaan dengan bermacam acara hiburan sebaliknya di sini peringatan hari HUT begitu serius dan bermakna menghormati mereka yang telah mati dalam nama memperjuangkan kemerdekaan tanah air mereka.

Memang sukar bagi saya mengawal perasaan dalam keadaan sebegini, apa lagi bila berdiri di kalangan kubur-kubur para pejuang yang terkorban demi tanah air mereka. Kubur-kubur disini tersusun begitu rapi  mengikut agama .Di setiap kubor pula dinyalakan lilin serta satu 'combat helmet' diletakan atas disetiap kubor . Keadaan gelap di makam ini hanya diterangi oleh cahaya lilin membuat kita merasa begitu sayu dan pilu bagi yang mempunyai perasaan.

Selepas acara hormat ini  Komandar Militer  daerah Kalimantan Barat sendiri akan membaca declarasi kemerdekaan Sukarno Hatta dan menyentuh jumlah askar Tentera Nasional Indonesia (TNI) yang terkorban di Kalimantan Barat termasuk Pertahan Sivil atau Hansip. Jumlah askar yang tidak dikenali yang di semadikan di pusara ini juga dinyatakan. Pada penghujung acara peringatan ini para hadirin akan menabur bunga di pusara ini tidak kira agama Ini pada saya sangat bermakna sekali.Segala-galanya dijalankan dengan penuh adat dan etika penghormatan kepada pahlawan yang gugur demi kemerdekaan.

Bendera Belanda

Pada acara keesokan pagi pula akan berlangsung upacara menaikan bendera merah putih di perkarangan kantor Gubenor Kalimantan Barat. Bila tercapainya kemerdekaan pada 17 Ogos 1947 oleh Hatta dan Sukarno mereka telah mengoyakkan jalur biru dari bendera Belanda dan kekalkan merah dan putih untuk dijadikan bendera Republik Indonesia yang kekal digunakan hingga sekarang.

Upacara menaikkan bendera juga merupakan satu lagi upacara yang dijalankan dalam suasana yang penuh istiadat. Ketika bendera merah putih Indonesia diarak ke tiang bendera lagu kebangsaan Indonesia Raya akan berkumandang semasa bendera merah putih ini dinaikkan.

Memang istimewa, bendera yang dinaikkan pertama kali pada tahun 1947 disini itulah digunakan pada pagi ini.Setiap tahun ketika HUT diperingati bendera yang sama digunakan dan akan disimpan selepas selesai acara peringatan ini. Acara diakhiri dengan pembarisan lintas lalu oleh ke empat-empat cawangan TNI, Terdiri dari angkatan tentera darat, laut, udara dan Polri.

Perwira yang terkorban

Dalam sambutan peringatan HUT ini jasa perintis dan pejuang kemerdekaan di daerah ini juga tidak dilupakan. Mereka yang masih hidup dijemput hadir bersama di upacara peringatan ini. Apa lagi mereka akan hadir dengan bangga akan memakai pingat-pingat dan bintang yang diterima.

Sebagai tanda menghormati jasa dan pengorbanan pejuang-pejuang kemerdekaan ini mereka akan duduk di barisan hadapan manakala jendral-jendral lain yang masih berkhidmat berada di belakang baris mereka ini. Ini satu penghormatan yang besar bagi pejuang dan perintis kemerdekaan.

Antara perintis kemerdekaan yang saya sangat sanjung dan kenal baik saya ialah Allahyarham Bapak Mahmud Suwigno dari Pontianak .Pada ketika itu usia beliau telah menjangkau 82 tahun dan telah dikurniakan Allah swt kesihatan dan ingatan yang sangat tajam.Saya kagum dan 'salute' orang ini. Mendengar cerita perjuangannya dan pengorbanan beliau membuat kita teruja dan sepatut menghormati insan sebegini yang melalui segalapahit manis dalam merampas kembali tanahair tercinta dari gengaman penjajah Belanda.

Bersama YDH Bapak Mahmud Suwigno (1983)

Belaiu telah ditangkap dan dibuang ke daerah terpencil di Papua (Irian Jaya) oleh penjajah Belanda. Pada ketika itu masih terdapat kaum asli tempatan yang memakan manusia di sana. Sayang sekali pada ketika itu langsung tidak terlintas dalam fikiran saya untuk mencatit segala pengalamannya dan peristiwayang menarik dalam nota peribadi saya. Maklumlah ketika itu mana tak pula terlintas akan wujud komputer dan alat canggih serta blog,FB dan sebagainya.

Makam Pahlawan, Ponyianak

Bagi kita memang sukar bagi menandingi apa yang dilakukan oleh pemerintah Indonesia ini sebab keadaan dari sudut mencapai kemerdekaan. Kita mencapai kemerdekaan dengan cara rundingan dengan pihak British manakala bagi Indonesia mereka menentang Belanda bertahun-tahun dengan mengalir darah dibumi Indonesia. Mereka mempunyai makam pahlawan dan kita tidak mempunyai makam sedemikian.

Mereka mengadakan 'peringatan' HUT tetapi di Malaysia kita pula adakan 'perayaan' Hari Kemerdakaan. Perayaan kita berunsur hiburan tapi berlainan di seberang sana. Bagi kita malam 30 Ogos adalah malam berhibur dan bersukaria. Bagi Indonesia malam 16 Ogos malam yang khusus mengenang mereka yang terkorban dan merupakan malam keramat.

Di Malaysia keesokan hari diadakan upacara naikkan bendera Jalur Gemilang dan lintas lalu. Saya juga pernah menghadiri pembarisan Hari Kemerdekaan kita namun perasan disanubari jauh berbeza dengan perasaan yang dialami semasa berdiri di makan Pahlawan amupun di upacara naik bendera di Kalimantan Barat.

Makam Pahlawan Pontianak

Apakah perlu diubah konsep kita sekarang? Apakah tiidak wajar untuk kita adakan upacara yang akan memberi kesan cintakan negara serta kenang jasa mereka yang telah terkorban dalam mengekalkan kemerdekaan yang telah dicapa dikalangan semuai.

Komunis telah mengancam negara kita sehinggag mengugat kemerdekaan.Saya terkenang rakan sepasukan saya dan yang lain yang terkorban akibat menentang pengganas komunis demi kemerdekaan dan kedaulatan rakyat.

Menghadiri peringatan HUT Republik Indonesia pada saya adalah satu pengalaman yang sangat luar biasa. Oleh itu sekiranya anda berada di Indonesia pada tanggal 16 dan 17 Ogos cubalah saksikan peringatan ini jika kesempatan dan rasailah sendiri apa yang saya katakan.. Apa mungkin disebabkan saya seorang ahli pasukan Polis DiRaja Malaysia maka jelas perasaan saya akan tersentuh. Saya fikir tidak, bagi semua yang mempunyai perasaan dan dapat timbang keadaan yang dihadapi sudah pasti akan merasai kesan yang sama.

Di sini kita acara kemerdekaan kategorikan sebagai perayaan hari kemerdekaan tetapi bagi Indonesia dikatakan sebagai peringatan Hari Ulang Tahun. Mana satu yang betul daa! Saya biar anda yang menentukan.

Akhir kata saya berdoa kehadrat Allah swt agar selamatkan Malaysia yang kita cintai ini dan kuatkanlah iman pemimpin-pemimpin negara kita agar dapat menerajui negara ini kearah kemajuan dan keamanan serta bertamadun dan tidak terceremus ke kancah kebinasaan danhuru hara.
Amin

Kepada jiran kita di ucapkan "Selamat menyambut Peringatan HUT .

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI KEMERDEKAAN KE 54

The forgotten Captain

2011-08-11T00:22:00.000+08:00

Probably many do not realise about the existence of a piece of colonial history connected with Penang. This is reference to the Protestant Cemetery located at Farquhar Street that remained obscure from most local as well as tourist alike. This is understandable as who the hell likes to visit a cemetery anyway?

I visited this location a few days ago and this probably was my third visit here throughout my entire life.Each time I stepped into this melancholy site my feelings rolled into a horror movie like site. There was practically no one else except me and the 'permanent residents' of this plot.An air of relative peace is what you can experience here. No wonder 'Rest In Peace' (RIP) is universally reserved for the dead.

Here lies Capt Francis Light

My thoughts did run a little wild on each visit here wondering what will happen if those 'residents' were to come and greet this lone visitor? A reminiscent of a scene in P. Ramlee's classic comedy movie "Pendekar Bujang Lapok" usually came to mind in a situation like this. This piece of relic is located towards the end of Penang Road just outside the hustle and bustle of the many entertainment outlets and watering holes of Upper Penang Road.

Forgotten

A visit here will give us a peep into the past of the situation on Penang island centuries ago.Sadly many went to meet Almighty God at a young age and why was this so? Some inscriptions on the tombstones clearly revealed the answer to this.A dreadful disease was the cause. Our understanding these days will list Malaria as the main cause apart from cholera as the next .

About 1760 the directors of the East India Company (EIC) had a vision to establish a naval base and a trading post near the Straits of Malacca to counter the paramount Dutch trading influence in the Malay Peninsular.The Dutch had their headquarters in Malacca and was the oldest European settlement here. Dutch influence subsequently ended in 1824 with the Anglo-Dutch treaty.

In 1771 Capt.Francis Light, the employee of a Madras firm and the captain of a trading vessel endeavoured to find a suitable site as a trading post. Between 1771 and 1776 Light had used the harbour of Ujung Salang or "Junk Ceylon" now known as Phuket.This harbour was dominated by the Sultan of Kedah upon the defeat of the Siamese by the Burmese and Junk Ceylon was used as a trading post. Then Warren Hastings decided to establish a trading base in this region and this induced Capt Francis Light, acting on behalf of the British EIC, to buy the island of Penang from Kedah. Penang became the oldest original British settlement in the Malay Peninsular. Annual payment for the lease of this island and Province Wellesley were made to the Sultan of Kedah and is still the practise to this very day.

The opening of this settlement attracted Indian traders from Madras and Chinese immigrants from China and Junk Ceylon where they were already mining tin there. From 1786 - 1805 Penang, which was a dependency of the Bengal administration, was under scrutiny of the EIC as a trading post . By 1800 Province Wellesley was purchased by Light from the Sultan of Kedah and added to Penang. In 1867 the administration of the Straits Settlement was transferred from the government of India to the Colonial Office in London. By 1799 with the opening of the "Prince of Wales" island and the influx of Chinese immigrants several Chinese secret societies were established here. (read more....)

Many do not realise that Capt Francis Light and his countrymen together with some Chinese were laid to rest in this little plot of land.This relic has been left in the present condition for a long long time. Generally a man like Capt Francis Light, who had experienced considerable difficulties to procure Penang for the British on the whole, should have been accorded some respect rather than to be left here without any form of recognition by his own countryman.

In such a case what do you expect from the local authorities when even the Brits don't bother? Have the Brits totally forgotten the man that planted the Union Jack on this island centuries ago? A restoration work was apparently carried out in 1894 about 117 years ago.Since then it was left untouched.

Maybe the Brits should not be blamed because no one bothered to bring this to their attention. Or there could be some other factors to make the British react in this manner.What more to say, actually we too face a similar trend here. As an example, like R.Arumugam our national goalkeeper and the legendary P.Ramlee suffered similar fate and it was only sometime after their demises did the government took recognition of their sacrifices and contribution to the entertainment world and national soccer scene. I guess this came a little to late.

Capt Francis Light in his quest to extend the influence of the British Empire to this part of the world, died and was laid to rest in Penang a land far away from home. Also ever since that very time, only an insignificant number of visitors came here to visit. Maybe this is the norm that the dead should be left in peace.

I tend to wonder if ever there were any adventurous local Malay, in the olden days, like Light who dare venture beyond our waters. Even though if there were to be one probably no one will ever know this as the maintenance of annal was definitely a weak point among us. Of course Dato' Azhar Mansor is one in the present era but then, his adventure was totally different as he did not annexe any territory for Malaysia.

Penang or Pulau Pinang was actually under the sovereignty of the Sultan of Kedah and no doubt that local inhabitants who were subjects of the Sultan of Kedah already existed on this island long before Light even set foot here.Surely there must have been some kind of history about Penang. Or can it be that the written records about Penang were hidden somewhere. But we can picture fishing villages dotting the whole coastline of this beautiful unpolluted island. So to take Capt Francis Light as the 'founder' is rather incorrect. He was in fact instrumental in opening up Penang island as a trading post.

Strange though, we've got traces of old colonial graves in our country.Now, what about the old graves of the locals residents of this island that died long before Light even came here? In this respect too where were those dead Muslim Sepoy garrisoned at Fort Cornwallis buried? In this case I must assume the role of either 'Indiana Jones' or the Egyptian archaeologist Dr Hawas and go on a mission to uncover this mystery and truth and put our history in the right perspective.

The Governor of Penang

Is it possible that our colonial masters intentionally eradicated traces of our own history for reasons best known to them? Only Almighty God knows, I don't know. Does someone out there know about this?

Oh yes!. It's 11 Aug 2011 today and on the same day in 1786 Capt.Francis Light raised the Union Jack in Georgetown. Penang was established as a EIC trading post by Capt Francis Light over two centuries ago.

Nothing is known about the history of Penang prior to the opening by Capt Francis Light.I wish some genius can invent a time machine so we can go back into time and be present to witness the flag raising ceremony by Capt Light. At the same time rewrite the history of Penang.

Finally to all the 'residents' of this Protestant Cemetery and their 'taikoh' Capt Francis Light,you can all completely "RIP" and fear not as your home was declared a heritage site and no sinister hands can ever take it away.You shall forever remain an integral part of the history of Georgetown, Penang.

Wonderful experience in Pontianak

2011-08-09T18:00:00.000+08:00

Equator Monument in Siantan (1982)

Each time when Ramadan approaches I can't help but think about those days in the early 1980s when I was the Malaysia Police Liaison Officer (MPLO) in Pontianak, the provincial capital of West Kalimantan. That was the first time in my career and life that I was out of the country. Hari Raya in Pontianak were the most enjoyable ever experienced throughout my life. The atmosphere and the hospitality was something not experienced here. Maybe because I was a foreigner.This was understandable as not many visitors visited this equator city which is not a tourist destination.

The friends I come to know

If we take a close look at the map of Borneo, Pontianak can be easily located. Founded on 23 October 1771, Pontianak stands on the confluence of the river Kapuas and Landak. My first encounter with this city dated back to my primary school boy days.Never for once did I expect that one day I will be right in this equator city.

I arrived in August 1982 amidst a severe drought in Pontianak.The following year the Malaysian Consulate was established. Ramadan in Pontianak was definitely unique month for me. When it was time for 'sahur' groups of youths will go around their area hitting tins and electric posts to wake the folks up for the morning meal in preparation for the fast. Breaking of fast was a normal affair in Pontianak as no bazaar Ramadan existed at that time. Maybe they too have it now, I don't know. By the way Pontianak is famous for the 'kueh lapis legit' or the layer cake.

The 'terawih' prayer was an occasion that everyone waited. Scores of people will congregate at the many mosques and suraus available throughout the town. Most lanes or "gang" as they are locally known have a place of worship. Interesting to note that unlike Malaysia the congregation remained the same throughout the whole month of Ramadan.As far as we are concerned the number will gradually dwindle as the end approaches.

Going to the mosque in Pontianak during Ramadan was really different from normal. In Pontianak as the Ramadan slowly approaches the end the atmosphere in this city changes. Loud explosions similar to an artillery fire especially along the river banks. The Pontianak cannons were fired only in the evening and this is a long time tradition since the rule of the Malay Sultanate in Pontianak. The Sultan of Pontianak used to fire cannons to mark the commence and break of fast. Since then the firing of cannons became a yearly tradition here.

These cannons were mounted along the river banks and decorated with Indonesian flags. Villages located along the rivers will be basically at 'war' during this period. The carbide came from donations collected from the villagers.

Of course the local marine police were kept busy plying the river trying to confiscate these cannons. The villagers have a strategy for this. At the sight of an approaching boat the cannons will be immediately submerged by ropes into the river and everyone disappear. The police normally will destroy whatever they could lay hands on by chopping them up.Nevertheless the sounds of cannons pounding will continue to fill the air once the law enforcement men left. However I see this as a token move by the police as they know very well about this local tradition in West Kalimantan.

Also they have loosen up on this operation.Another province known to practise similar tradition is Lampung in Sumatra. This vibrant atmosphere like in Pontianak cannot be felt elsewhere in the republic.

A big cannon

In Malaysia the 'meriam buloh ' or bamboo cannons were used instead with disastrous results. On the other hand in Pontianak the smallest cannons used were made out of a coconut trunk while the biggest from a big tree trunk that sometimes can accommodate at least one or sometimes two persons in the hollow, that's how big it is.The length of the cannon can be up to four meters. How do they do it? The trunk will be split into two halves and a hollow dug out the center from one end to the other. The trunk will then be spliced securely together with rattan and enforced with steel cables too. This is a wonderful local technology. The trunk will then be immersed underwater for sometime to strengthen it before use.

Our cannon at Bangka Belitung,Pontianak

Usually a litre of carbide will be placed inside the cannon and a pail of water poured and left to react for a couple of minutes. The mouth of the cannon will  be covered with newspaper. After a couple of minutes the cannon will be ignited and kaboom! The sound of artillery fire filled the evening skies over Pontianak. Strangely though, no casualties were reported till now.

When my tour of my duty ended in 1985, on the flight back I said a silent prayer and wished that someday I can return  to see the friends I left behind.Friends who are now like my own relations. Well, like what the locals said, people who came to Pontianak and have tasted the water here will eventually return someday.  I was indeed presented with the opportunity to be in Pontianak again for a Search and Rescue (SAR) meeting in 2005.I was indeed flabbergasted  about this return to my old hunting ground.Unfortunately the Pontianak I knew in the 1980s and the present day Pontianak was indeed in great contrast. Progress finally did catch up with this province of Indonesia and this spells good for the locals. A new airport and the town with buildings now exceeding four floors is an indication they are moving in the right direction. Frankly, I loved the Pontianak of the 80s where life was slow and people were friendly. It was congested then but more congested now. Cleanliness I think remain unchanged.

Wish I can be there again someday and of course preferably  towards the end of Ramadan which will be absolutely fantastic.
Insya Allah.

Unclaimed money

2011-08-09T01:52:00.000+08:00

Unclaimed Money! I would like to touch on this issue a rather important one as many are probably not aware that if your money remained idle for a certain period of time, don't be surprised if this cash was suddenly deposited with the unclaimed money department of the Accountant General. I had an experience with regards to my insurance money which was sent to this place and that caused me unnecessary inconvenience having to visit the office located at the Menara Maybank,Kuala Lumpur. In fact I remember they are still keeping a small sum of my money at the unclaimed money department as I lost the letter informing about the transition of my money to this destination.

I would like to touch on the following that if the 'Rakyat di dahulukan' that would mean that the 'rakyat' need not be made to run around for their money. That will be absolutely fine everyone. Well, coming back to my case,regarding my insurance money.Upon achieving my retirement age I went and consulted the company about my insurance policy money and to my surprise I was told that they had sent it to the Unclaimed Money Department after failing to trace my whereabouts. OMG! This must be a joke. How come, it was easy for them to deduct my monthly payment and they too can sent my yearly statement, yet this was the answer given. For me this is just sheer incompetency.

Now that's OK, at least I know my money was still intact and safe in the unclaimed money department.After the hustle I finally got what was due to me. Now let's move on to the part of the Accountant General' s responsible with regards to the unclaimed money. The list I got from my insurance company shocked me as, besides me, many people too had their money sent to the same destination as they too were not located. How ridiculous this sounded and also it indicated the lack of initiative on behalf in that department. I just don't know what the officers in the department responsible for handling this matter were doing. Of course we expect some efficiency on their part on this. At least they can run a quick check against the identity card numbers of those on the list with the National Registration Department for the latest whereabouts. Looks like they prefer to leave the list undisturbed in the file.

After all the registration department too will be able to tell whether the person is alive or dead. Further more, the registration department maintains a family tree of every individual concerned so the next of kin can also be easily traced to hand over the money to the one legally entitled to it. So then why was nothing done and the money allowed to remain for years with the unclaimed money department? Are they merely expecting some guardian angel to come and whisper in their ears about the whereabouts of those in the list?

Ok that's one issue. Now how do we tackle this situation. All of us are aware that EPF requires the contributor to name his or her beneficiaries.Similarly insurance company, Socso,Tabung Haji and some other financial institutions also required beneficiaries to be nominated. This obviously makes distribution of the monies simple as directed by the depositor.

So to make matters easy to depositors on this issue, I suggest that the MOF direct all banks to compel all account holders name their beneficiaries. In case the depositor dies then the hustle and problems connected to the money will not be an issue. There is no need to channel the money to Amanah Raya but merely follow whatever was stated in the beneficiary column. Under this circumstance the Amanah Raya just need to handle the property aspect of the person concerned. Cases of families members fighting over the cash money left by the depositor in his account upon his or her demise can be averted .

So all new and old account holders with all the banks in the country need to adhere to this regulation and only by this way we can be assured that there will not be a battle over the cash left behind because all will be taken care off. So if institutions like Tabung Haji, insurance company, EPF can ask for beneficiaries why not the commercial banks? The money need not go to the Unclaimed money or the Amanah Raya I hope the MOF can give a serious thought to this suggestion simply to make life easier for the 'rakyat'. That's about all.

FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE '1 MALAYSIA'

Adakah masjid dan surau dalam negara punyai sejarah sendiri?

2011-08-06T12:43:00.000+08:00

Asalamualaikum,

Masjid Kapitan Kling,P.Pg

Saya sangat tertarik dengan sejarah dan dengan informasi serta latar belakang satu-satu tempat atau peninggalan sejarah yang menarik baik dalam maupun luar negara. Ramai negara yang menyimpan rekod sejarah, perkembangan budaya dan cara hidup mereka dari zaman dulu hingga ke sekarang dengan begitu berkesan.

Sebagai contoh salasilah kerajaan British sangat lengkap dari mula hingga ke zaman ini. Cina juga mempunyai sejarah yang sangat menarik dari sudut apa pun. Tapi bagi kita di Malaysia perkara ini mungkin tidak boleh kita banggakan sebab banyak peristiwa silam yang masih tidak jelas.

Meyentuh hal ini maka timbul satu pemikiran yang pada pendapat saya mungkin penting dan berguna dalam mengekalkan warisan agama dengan catitan informasi dan data yang tepat dibuat tentang setiap masjid di segenap pelusuk negara bagi generasi yang akan datang.

Masjid Khan Mohamed,Pg

Pintu masuk ke Masjid Kapitan Keling

Saya tidak berniat menonjolkan imej sebagai seorang alim tetapi merasa prihatin juga setiap kali saya ke masjid maupun surau dimana saja, saya akan tertanya tanya tentang asal usul serta latar belakang tempat masjid atau surau itu. Kebanyakan masjid dan surau langsung tidak mempunyai informasi latar belakang dalam bentuk "plaque", atau batu dan sebagainya diletakan perkarangan masjid atau surau berkenaan.

Maka terfikir juga untuk berusaha untuk mengumpulkan maklumat latar belakang dan data setiap masjid dan surau dalam negara.Namun saya sedar perkara ini ternyata bukan perkara enteng. Maklumlah ini adalah satu tugas yang besar dan juga memerlukan biayaan yang tinggi. Tambahan pula projek ini tidak dapat dilakukan oleh seorang individu saja. Hanya satu kumpulan atau kerajaan saja melalui Jabatan Agama negeri masing-masing yang boleh mainkan peranan berkesan untuk menjadikan rancangan ini satu realiti. Tak tahu pula kalau-kalau telah ada usaha untuk berbuat demikian. Kalau stesen TV boleh keluar negara membuat berbagai rancangan kenapa ini tidak boleh dilaksanakan dalam negeri sendiri?

Masjid Rawana,Pg

Kita sedia maklum di Malaysia terdapat banyak masjid dan surau dari yang paling bawah sehingga kepada yang paling tinggi tapi informasi latar belakang mengenai tempat itu bagi pengetahuan pengunjung kebanyakan tidak dipaparkan langsung.

Perkara ini perlu diberi perhatian sewajarnya dan, pada pendapat saya, adalah satu-satunya cara yang baik menyimpan rekod mengenai aspek masjid dan surau di negara ini. Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa disetiap negeri baik di Semenanjung maupun di Sabah dan Sarawak terdapat masjid-masjid dan surau-surau yang telah berusia lebih satu abad. Ada juga masjid dan surau yang lama yang mempunyai sejarah menarik yang tersendiri. Apakah ini akan merugikan kita sekiranya di satu sudut masjid atau surau berkenaan diwujudkan sedikit informasi tentang masjid atau surau berkenaan? Sekurang-kurangnya kariah dan pelawat ke masjid atau surau akan mengetahui latar belakang tempat ibadat itu. Pada masa sama kita dapat juga kenangkan jasa mereka yang bertanggong jawab.

Pihak Jabatan Agama atau Jakim boleh mengambil tanggong jawab ini. Kerjasama setiap Jabatan Agama Negeri perlu di perolehi untuk tindakan yang dinyatakan dan pada masa yang sama dapat terbitkan buku sedemikian bagi negeri masing-masing.Buku yang lengkap dan menarik dapat dijual kepada orang ramai. Setiap masjid perlu ada sebuah naskah untuk simpanan di perpustakaan mereka sebagai rujukan. Buku ini hendaklah mengandungi gambar masjid dalam bentuk baru dan lama. Artifak lama seperti beduk, gendang raya jika ada boleh dimasukkan, lokasi ikut google earth, tarikh dibina, sejarah/latar belakang ringkas dan web site jika ada. Gambar AJK masjid yang pertama juga boleh dimuatkan juga kerana merupakan sebahgian dari sejarah masjid berkenaan.

Masjid Tarik Air,Pg

Semua masjid dan surau yang berdaftar dengan Jabatan Agama negeri boleh di libatkan dalam rancangan ini. Buku ini boleh dijadikan rujukan umat Islam serta yang bukan Islam yang berminat tentang bangunan lama dan yang baru dan juga sejarah tempatan

Masjid Melayu Kebun Lama,Pg

Pada pendapat saya sekurangnya dengan cara ini akan wujud dokumentasi latar belakang dan data masjid dan surau bagi memelihara warisan berhubung perkembangan Islam dari aspek masjid dan surau.

Sekiranya direnung dan difikirkan satu persoalan mungkin timbul, di manakah masjid yang pertama didirikan di Semenanjung Tanah Melayu? Saya percaya sudah pasti ramai yang mengatakan di Melaka, mungkin juga tidak di sana. Saya percaya ada yang lebih arif tentang sejarah Islam di tanah Melayu yang dapat bantu menerangkan perkara ini.

Dalam hal ini juga alangkah baiknya sekiranya segala maklumat sekecil mana pun dapat dicatitkan dan sejarah ringkas masjid dan surau dimuatkan dalam bentuk "plaque" yang dapat dipaparkan di pintu masuk masjid dan surau bagi pengetahuan umum. Ada masjid dan surau yang telah dirobohkan memberi laluan kepada bangunan baru, manum yang menyedihkan pihak masjid berkenaan tidak langsung menyimpan gambar masjid atau surau yang telah dirobohkan ini sebagai rekod untuk sejarah.

Sebuah masjid lama yang di dirikan oleh seorang warder penjara berhampiran Pudu Jail yang satu ketika berada di Jalan Hang Tuah telah dirobohkan. Di tempat yang sama telah dibangunkan sebuah masjid yang indah . Saya rasa tidak terdapat gambar atau catitan sejarah masjid ini yang disimpan atau paparkan di masjid baru ini, kalau ada Alhamdullilah! Meyimpan rekod adalah kelemahan kebanyakan kita.

Mimbar Masjid Tarik Air

Saya berharap pihak yang bertanggong jawab atau mana-mana badan Islam dapat mengambil iktibar dari sini dan melaksanakan projek ini untuk manfaat semua umat Islam negara ini. Bahan ini dapat disimpan sebagai pengetahuan sejarah berkaitan setiap masjid dan surau yang ada di negara tercinta ini.

Sekiranya perkara ini dilaksanakan maka saya percaya segala maklumat dan latar belakang dan data bersangkut rumah-rumah ibadat Islam dalam negara tidak akan luput. Bukankah ini juga merupakan satu jalan mendapatkan ganjaran dari Allah swt. Insya Allah saya harap ada yang dapat menyahut cabaran ini dan jadikan ini satu realiti.

Masjid Lama Lorong Gurney

Kearah ini juga semua AJK masjid perlu sealiran dengan kemajuan zaman dan sedar bahawa IT boleh memainkan peranan penting dalam mengembangkan syiar Islam. Iman-iman masakini juga perlu mahir dalam mengendalikan komputer.Setiap syarahan dan pelajaran agama boleh menggunakan komputer yang dapat menarik minat golongan muda untuk ke masjid. Penyampaian syarahan atau ajaran agama akan lebih menarik dengan kaedah IT. Alhamdullilah terdapat sebilangan kecil masjid terutama di lembah Kelang yang telah menyedari hakikat ini.

Saya juga menyokong satu usul dari DYMM Sultan Selangor tidak lama dahulu dimana Baginda Sultan tidak mengalakkan penubuhan surau-surau baru di kawasan perumahan. Sebaliknya Baginda menyeru semua umat Islam di Selangor memeriahkan masjid di kawasan masing-masing dan tidak di surau. Ini satu jalan yang positif bagi memenuhkan masjid dan ini juga perlu fikirkan secara serius oleh semua.

Pengalaman saya di Pulau Pinang semasa sembahyang Maghrib dan Isya' di sebuah masjid lama di Georgetown hanya terdapat 5-6 jemaah saja di masjid pada waktu solat pada hal terdapat blok perumahan rakyat sekitar 400 meter dari masjid ini. Kalaulah jemaah di perumahan itu datang beramai-ramai ke masjid ini dan tidak di surau mereka maka sudah pasti masjid ini akan lebih meriah.

Tidak dapat diragukan dengan apa yang dicadangkan ini akan menguntongkan semua sekiranya semua masjid dan surau dapat mengumpulkan sedikit maklumat tentang masjid dan surau masing-masing bagi didokumentasikan. Tambah pula satu "plaque" mengandongi sejarah ringkas masjid boleh dipaparkan untuk tatapan semua di setiap masjid dan surau dalam negara ini . Insya Allah.

Masjid Jamek Ar Rahmah Sg Way.PJ

Kolam air tawar Masjid Lrg Gurney,Pg

"SELAMAT BERPUASA"

My "Lang Cha" friend

2011-08-03T01:07:00.000+08:00

Ramalingam @ Rama

While on a leisure stroll in Georgetown trying to pass the time I bumped into Mr Ramalingam @ Rama my long lost good old friend. Rama is still the same tricycle peddler I have known.He has been using his pedal power for a living the last 41 years. During my service in Penang I frequently met him at Penang Road each time me and my team went for our usual 'soup'.However contact was lost when I left Penang on transfer to the federal city.

Rama, though only a tricycle man, is a gregarious man and survived mainly from taking tourists around Georgetown. The 'lang cha' in the local dialect is the only valuable asset that he owns and where he lays his hat was his home. Despite this hardship, Rama, a bachelor, lead a happy life and ensures his clients are happy too. Though not highly educated he has more or less a good command of English probably better than some my officers who served under me before. This is a clear indication of the success of the previous education system.After years on the job, he too has a good knowledge of the background and the history of the interesting places around Georgetown.

Rama regarded his 'lang cha' as a very close companion.The reason is obvious that without this three wheeled sedan chair carriage, it will spell disaster for this senior citizen. This is the humble profession that he has known all these years and what more important he enjoys being an 'abang beca' in Georgetown. At 61 this stout man peddles daily around the city hoping to pick clients. Except for the 'pouch' at the waist, overall he enjoys good health. Undoubtedly he must have met more people, local as well as foreigners, than most of us.

Earning an honest living has kept him in high spirits.Whereas some people earning high wages are drowned with problems and stress. How long will this go on? The answer from him, he leaves this to the Almighty.That's simple and no arguement on this either.Next time you plan a holiday in Penang let Rama add some spice to your holiday.He can take you and your family on a tour of this heritage town in his simple 'lang cha'. Communication is no problem as he carries a hand phone and can be contacted at 016-4074926.

To my old friend Rama,I wish you well and go on ahead and do what you like best and be happy. Keep your clients satisfied and may health be with you always.

Romboh Nandri

Ruang jalanan motosikal yang bernilai RM2

2011-07-30T14:56:00.000+08:00

Perlu mahir menyelit

Asalamualaikum,

Menunggang motosikal di Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur boleh dianggapkan sebagai satu cabaran besar dan memerlukan seorang penunggang motosikal berwatak cekal hati dan punyai konsentrasi yang sangat tajam kerana sentiasa perlu mengkaji situasi perjalanannya yang berubah-ubah. Saya juga sering bermotosikal bagi menjimatkan masa dan ini juga lebih praktikal bagi mengatasi masalah lalu lintas yang sentiasa sesak di jalanraya di Kuala Lumpur.

Lorong RM2

Motosikal bolehlah dianggap sebagai kenderaan yang mampu dimiliki oleh mereka yang berpendapatan kecil dan 'kapcai' adalah pilihan ramai berbanding motosikal mewah. Walau apa pun motosikal memainkan peranan penting dan ramai yang bergantong kepada motosikal dalam usaha mencari nafkah hidup termasuk juga posmen kita.

Dalam menunggang motosikal saya dapati satu isu yang menjadi masalah utama. Masalah yang dimaksudkan ialah berhubung dengan memandu kereta yang tidak langsung peka dan bertimbang rasa terhadap penunggang motosikal. Bukan semuanya begitu tetapi ada yang bersikap sedemikian di jalanraya. Memang diakui ada antara penunggang motosikal juga yang tak beretika dan beradap dijalanraya tapi apa pula dengan mereka yang berhemah. Tambah pula bukan semua jalan di Kuala Lumpur khususnya mempunyai lorong bagi motosikal. Kerajaan patut memastikan semua jalan baik di dalam maupun luar bandar yang bakal dibina diperuntukan lorong motosikal demi menjamin keselamat pengguna motosikal.

Memang tidak dinafikan kenderaan empat roda membayar ribuan ringgit untuk cukai jalan, mungkin juga ada yang berpendapat maka mereka mempunyai hak menggunakan jalan raya sesuka hati dan tidak hiraukan si penunggang motosikal yang terpaksa guna laluan yang sempit kadang kurang dari nilai cukai RM2 yang dibayar oleh motosikal.

Lebih selamat guna lorong ini

Bagi 'superbike' pula sekiranya berada dalam kesesakaan lalu lintas sorry beb,langsung tak dapat bergerak dan terpaksa menunggu sama saperti memandu kereta. Ternyata moto 'kapcai' lebih beruntung dalam situasi begini. Jadi apakah penunggang motosikal tidak layak mendapat keselesaan dijalanraya berbanding yang bermotokar?

Pemandu kereta banyak yang tidak kisah atau pedulikan penunggang motosikal. Cuba kita perhatikan semasa berlaku kesesakan lalu lintas, atau apabila deretan kereta berhenti disebabkan sesakan lalu lintas atau di lampu merah, penunggang motosikal terpaksa pandai selit menyelit antara motokar, bas atau lori bagi sampai kehadapan. Dalam pergerakan ini adakala terlanggar cermin tepi kereta dan ini menimbulkan suasana yang tidak diingini antara penunggang motosikal dan pemandu kereta berkenaan. Pada hal ruang yang diberikan oleh pemandu kereta membawa risiko berlakunya perkara ini. Pemandu kereta langsung menentukan agar ruang yang diberikan dapat dilalui oleh motosikal dengan senang.

Pemandu kereta juga ada yang berhentikan kereta terlalu rapat dengan kenderaan sebelah maka ruang laluan motosikal menjadi sempit. Ada pula yang berhenti dimana cermin tepi kenderaan mereka sejajar dengan cermin tepi kereta sebelahan dan ini juga jadikan ruang laluan moto menjadi sukar, tidak mencukupi bagi motosikal melepasi tanpa pergeselan berlaku kepada cermin 'wing mirror' kereta.Pendek kata kepada pemandu kereta tolong pastikan, dimana yang wajar, kita memberikan ruang yang selesa bagi si motosikal ni. Sekurangnya bagilah ruang RM2 itu atau lebih sikit untuk penunggang motosikal bergerak dengan selesa.

Adakala ruang laluan yang diberikan bernilai macam RM0.50 sen sahaja.Ini terlalu sempit bos! Kereta juga perlu pastikan susunan jarak antara satu kereta dengan yang dihadapan berada dalam 'saf' yang lurus. Dalam hal ini bukan macam nak tunaikan solat kena rapat, ni tolong jangan terlalu rapat hinggakan tidak ada ruang untuk motosikal melaluinya.Saya cuma sekadar mengingatkan sahaja sebab saya pun naik moto juga .Mudah mudahan pemandu kenderaan beroda empat dapat berikan sekurang kurangnya ruang RM2 itu kepada penunggang motosikal. Boleh kan?

Dengan cara ini kedua-dua belah pihak akan rasa senang.Namun demikian kedua belah pihak juga perlu meningkatkan etika semasa dijalanraya dan patuhi arahan lalu lintas terutama pada pemandu kereta bila hendak menukar 'lane' pastikan tiada motosikal yang berlalu dalam kesesakan. Motosikal pun kena waspada bila dok selit selit tu!

Juga sebagai peringatan yang penting kepada kedua dua belah pihak, JANGAN sekali kali 'bersms' semasa bermotosikal atau memandu kereta demi untuk menjaga keselamatan diri sendiri dan juga keselamatan pengguna jalanraya yang lain.

Saya yaikin kebanyakan kes langgar belakang melibatkan kenderaan yang berlaku dalam kesesakan adalah berpunca dari pemandu asyik 'bersms' semasa memandu. Penunggang motosikal juga asyik bersms danini boleh akibat masuk parit atau berada bawah kereta. jaga jaga brader, bahaya!

" BERHATI HATI DI JALAN RAYA KALAU TIDAK TAK DAPAT RAYA "
"SELAMAT MENYAMBUT BULAN RAMADHAN"

Malaysia - Singapore World Cup Qualifying

2011-07-30T01:00:00.000+08:00

The return Malaysia/Singapore World Cup Asian zone qualifying round was played at the Bukit Jalil stadium to a more than full crowd. Though initially I was not keen on going however an old football buddy of mine made an offer of a F.O.C ticket that I can't resist. After all it has been years I have not seen the national team in action.

Conveniently I took the LRT and the Bandar Tun Razak station looked normal as I saw no rush, business as usual. While the LRT chugged on I began to wonder what was the crowd going to be like.The electrifying atmosphere at Bukit Jalil stadium was felt once I stepped out of the station. It was like walking through a mardi gras festival.

Crowds gathered outside the gates in great numbers even when it was about 5 minutes to kick off. Congestion can be seen at the walkways and the staircase leading to the terraces an indication that no more seats were available.Horns blasting and the cheers from the crowd present was somewhat similar to the experience I had in the 2006 World Cup. Never was the situation this vibrant here and completely different from that of the 70s.

I wandered through the crowd and entered through the turnstile only to realise later that I got myself into the wrong section as my ticket indicated the main entrance. I guess this must have been fated so let it be.

Squeezing myself forward I manage to get a tight spot where I can only watch the game in between shoulders and ears of the layer in front, but honestly it was all worth the while. After all my ticket was F.O.C

The fantastic crowd must have broken an all time record but deep inside me I prayed to Almighty Allah for the safety of all in Bukit Jalil stadium. It would be unthinkable if disaster were to strike. Alhamdullilah all went well that evening even though I felt just out of a sauna.

When both teams entered the field ,whistles and horns blared.A disappointment with our supporters not giving the due respect to the national anthem of the Republic of Singapore. Happened on most football matches where the crowd don't even stand to honour the national anthem. Why must we behave this way and when can all this nonsense be all over.

Seemed like a tit for tat situation but why can't we just put them to shame about their uncalled for behaviour by showing some respect to their country here even though we were accorded the same treatment in the Lion City.I now wonder whether playing the national anthem is really a good idea and necessary?

Now, let's comment  about the game. Our team play a different ball game as compared to the away game. Our mid field needed scrutiny and must dominate the center of play.The Singaporeans were tormenting our half of the pitch. Our attacking force was not given the needed support at times out numbered by the opponents in the Singapore goal area.

Last Thursday night saw our team sank under pressure and a lapse in defence in the last quarter  of the game broke every Malaysian's heart. Our midfield failed to supply the ammunition for the forwards to torment the opponent's goal. Shafie Sali played his best but support deserted him.His goal shackled the Singapore custodian but no shots were aimed at the opponent's goal.Yes we are  sad that we should lose to an arch rival but that's football. 'Harimau Malaya' team must be commended as they were not intimidated by the 'mercenaries' on the other side and this is great spirit.

Keeping possession was lacking and loosing the ball up front must be reduced.The absence of some key players change the Malaysian ball game.Such a situation should not worry the coach as I believe those on the bench should be equally competent to be called upon any time. They must know that they are as good as the 11 on the field. This has to be so as football is a game of only 11 at a time. So those on the bench must have the fire in them ever ready to go to destroy the opponent.

Special credit goes to the goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi who brought out the best in him and displayed a brilliant game with   some unexpected saves.Only a late defensive error gave the visitors the draw they came for and our hearts sunk.

Undoubtedly this team needed more self confidence and for us to judge them on a couple of games with weak opponents can give us false hope. A conclusive opinion can only be reached over a certain set period and pitting ourselves with stronger opponents will give us the opportunity to make a more precise assessment. Players has to be consistent like   players of bygone era who remained in the national squad for quite some time whereas present players find this feat hard to match.

Now a general observation on this.Outside the stadium vendors have a field day selling team jerseys, both local as well as that of notable foreign teams. The notable foreign teams, whether club or country the jersey will bear the player's name and the number worn. As for Malaysia they do not carry the player's name but only "Malaysia" with a number because the players in the squad may not be in the national team for long. The change can come too fast. That's how I see it anyway.

The players can and must now focus themselves on discipline.This is most important.Representing the nation is not good enough as they must endeavour to penetrate into the more prestigious leagues like the Serie A, EPL or the Bundesliga. Even playing in the 'J League' is a great achievement already.This ambition is not a walk in the park and needed sacrifices but all worth the while. Whatever the circumstances prevailing now, our 'Harimau Malaya' team must focus themselves on future major tournaments and leave the past as history.
Losing by a narrow margin to a credible and formidable team is no shame if their game was played within expected standards which is indeed hard to achieve but, not impossible. Many players emulate their idols,in hair style and play attire.How wonderful if their style of play too matched the style of play of these classic players? Our players need to  have the passion to win planted deep in their hearts.

  Oh yes! Bukit Jalil stadium is indeed a fantastic arena. Last Thursday really exposed that the time has come that the country should have a stadium solely for football  like those in England. The overflowing crowd   could have been averted if standing only were made available by stripping off the seats at the terraces except those at the VIP area. Athletic meets can be at hosted at Stadium Merdeka as the crowd is much less.

Last exciting game I witness was the Penang/Singapore Malaysia Cup final in 1977 if I am not mistaken when Singapore beat Penang 3-2 in the extra time.That was a great final at the Stadium Merdeka with the big turn out of Singapore fans. At that time too, our hearts broke.

To ' Harimau Malaya' don't be disheartened we are with you so look up and roar all the way.

Are procedures followed?

2011-07-26T16:43:00.000+08:00

The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the the Teoh Beng Hock (TBH) drama concluded and the verdict of 'driven to suicide' was reached.The RCI identified 3 officers of the Malaysia Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) as responsible for 'driving TBH to suicide. While we do not question and respected the decision reached however, some pertinent questions need to be addressed after the findings.What are the actions that will be instituted against the 3 officers found responsible and, are changes required in the administration and future operations of the MACC?.

We are all aware that the MACC after all is an extension of the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA) and of course new officers  enlisted to this body can be inexperienced and some of them tend to feel almighty and harboured the impression that they can  send shivers down everybody spine if they come visiting.

We now have to wait to see what is in store for the 3 culprits found responsible for 'driving TBH to suicide'. With such a conclusion, the AG will now be placed in the hot seat and  will have sleepless nights too as they have to come up with a decision acceptable by all on these three culprits .

I tend to agree with the recent comments from a retired ACA chief that we should not question the "interrogation procedures" by the MACC. Are these three personnel 'scapegoats? The RCI consisted of professionals highly conversant in their own scope of responsibillity. Their findings came after careful study of every piece of evidence and moreover,in a case of a death, someone must be held accountable. In this process the RCI found them responsible so the question of 'scapegoat' does not arise. However I agree that apart from the three what about their superiors if  we question about the supervison and accountability? With this  it pushed us on to the next situation on the status of TBH in this drama.

Assuming that TBH was "interrogated" that will naturally list him as a "suspect" for whatever case it does not matter. I guess everyone will agree on this. Now, let's look at the other side of the coin, if he was called merely to have his statement recorded, then he should be listed as a "witness". In the litigation process, prosecution 'witness' will help the prosecution while the defence 'witness' will support the defence. I am not a legal man but there  can no doubts about this either.

As far as the Royal Malaysia Police is concerned, the supervising officer will normally be held accountable for actions of his subordinates a procedure followed till this very day. Many officers went through hell due to actions by their subordinates. Lack of supervision can lead to the decay of an organisation.However,despite measures put in place there  some bad hats always putting spanners in the works.

Administratively the Royal Malaysia Police have the Discipline Branch constantly breathing down the necks of all staffs irrespective of rank and status in the force. Highly probable that the Royal Malaysia Police is the only agency to have a such a 'watch dog' section Now do the MACC advocate the same? On this case there are bound to have some over zealous personnel seemingly without proper guidance and supervision acted in a manner against set norms which resulted in this tragedy.

Apart from internal instructions in the form of Inspector General Standing Orders (IGSO) for the force to follow, the AG's office too constantly poured instructions and procedures relating to many aspects of criminal investigations to the Royal Malaysia Police and one of such that I vividly remember was related to the handling of police detainees.

The instruction forbid detainees to be taken out of police lockups after sunset without a written approval from a senior officer. In addition to this proper and meticulous documentations were needed. Again assuming TBH was an accused person how come he was out of his lockup after sunset? They were neither taking him out for a raid nor to recover any physical evidence. Further more were there proper documentations made to this effect or that of his movements in the MACC office at that material time? My guess could be as good as yours. Entries especially connected with this matter if ever there was in any registers or books would have been missing, obliterated or tempered with.

Were the instructions and standing orders,if any, from the AG  filed by the MACC? Did the AG's office overlooked to include the MACC in their circulation. As a matter of fact, were the other departments involved with investigations, arrests and detention of individuals, such as the Royal Customs, Immigration, etc kept aware of the instructions from the AG or does all these only apply to the Royal Malaysia Police?.

The findings threw MACC into bad light and it will be a tremendous task as well as a slow process to be on track again.A similar situation was experienced by the Royal Malaysia Police on many occasions. This also gave a flimsy picture that the MACC apparently lacked urgency. TBH was found dead in 2009 and one would have expected that who ever that sat as boss would have taken the immediate steps to enhance security of all MACC offices nationwide to eliminate similar occurrences.

Surprisingly this was not the case. Early this year we were again shocked with the news about a Customs officer who again 'jumped to his death' in the MACC office dragging this establishment further into the dark waters. It was only after a lapse of 2 years and after the tragic death of Ahmad Sarbani that a circular was issued to enhance security in MACC offices.I think it came a little too late and what's the action taken on this failure?None so far as the officer responsible should be held accountable .. Sadly no one bothered and don't be surprised the officer concerned with this failure will probably be on the next promotion list.

Ok, is there a third category of witness, I don't think so? The media quoted TBH as a "saksi" or a "witness".  If TBH was  a witness then, what was he doing in the MACC office during the odd hours of the day? Witnesses helping in the investigations should be treated accordingly. Unfortunately this has always bothered me wondering about the actual status of TBH. A witness normally will have a statement recorded under Sec 112 Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) while for an accused person it will be recorded under Sec 113 of the CPC. Well, where shall we list him then? It is still unclear and no one knows what and why exactly TBH was there for?

Repairing a dented image is no easy task as experienced by the Royal Malaysia Police.The MACC must now look at itself and have the moral courage to act against errant officers and those who merely existed just to fill the blanks. Dedicated ones must be commended while those problematic characters weeded out. The country expects this organisation to dominate and needless to say, play an effective role to eradicate corruption at all levels and at the same time ensure the nation's vital survival.

Now whatever that was done cannot be undone so let's sit back and relax for the next episode involving Ahmad Sabrani. What is the story going to be like？Hope they don't browse into the book of excuses for a suitable answer. Not only the family of Ahmad Sarbani expecting an acceptable reason, the nation on the whole too expects the same. Let's hope the MACC pull up it's socks and be on track to do what is really expected of them.

Pudu jail ~ Why can't they preserve it?

2011-07-19T12:16:00.000+08:00

Pudu jail

Assalamualaikum,

Pudu Jail.

Gradually another of our criminal justice system's icon embedded right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur will be obliterated leaving just a small facade for the coming generations to ponder what this peculiar structure is all about.These future generations might not know the background to this structure unless of course, the structure itself can,like in a cartoon movie, give a run down of it's own existence.

Whatever the situation Pudu Jail will always remain notched in the minds of every senior residents of Kuala Lumpur including me, once a 'man in blue ' serving in Kuala Lumpur . Sadly this piece of relic has been earmarked for the development and a commercial complex will take it's place despite the glut of shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur. Can it be that some sinister hands were at work to see their scheme become a reality?

Among the lame reasons cited for the extermination of this famous icon was that this penal institution's location itself is no longger inappropriate as it stood right in the heart of the city.Unlike in most countries, prisons are located right in the heart of town and they still stands till this very day. In fact Pudu Jail should have been left right where it is standing to serve as a grim reminder for potential crooks to be aware that Pudu Jail can be their home.

Another hilarious reason cited was that this jail was no longer safe. They must just be joking, a structure like Pudu Jail that stood prominently from 1895 till this very day,without any serious incidents was said to be unsafe? Funny, a stadium hardly 2 years old came tumbling down and for that matter how safe are most of our present buildings in the country? Pudu can be proud of it's record and I bet there were no record of escape from legal custody reported connected with Pudu.

Apart from a sensational incident that happened in Pudu Jail where a lady Malay Magistrate on judicial duty inside was taken hostage by some prisoners no other serious drama took place herel apart from probably minor and normal incidents common in all prisons. Nevertheless as expected, the hostage drama in Pudu Jail had a happy ending. All praises went to the Special Unit of the Royal Malaysia Police for a job well executed.

The "Death Row", where inmates awaited execution formed an integral part of this jail with gloomy clouds hanging above this place.This was understandable as most inmates here have lost all recourse and waiting for the day of reckoning. The first foreigners hanged here were Australian nationals Kevin and Barlow convicted for drug trafficking that still carries the mandatory death sentence in Malaysia.Many on drug charges were hanged in Pudu Jail and this routine was carried on until Pudu Jail ceased to function when the new Sg Buloh prison started operation.It was not known how many inmates have kept their dates with the hangman since the existence of this jail Female inmates were segregated from the male and do not get any special treatment.

The Death Row too has it's eerie stories to tell. In one of the cells in Death Row it was said that a beautiful painting of a lady drawn by an inmate was said to shift it's location on the wall of the cell at night. How true this is,is not known but strange stories do go around. Death row was a gloomy and lifeless section of the jail. Apparently Fridays were designated as hanging days for death row inmates. On this day inmates scheduled to hang will be taken to take the stand on the gallows and after a brief ritual, according to the inmate's belief,in a flash he or she will be on the way to the next world.

Hanging usually takes place early in the morning.The clanking of the heavy steel cell doors opening and the sound of pounding foot steps will suddenly be punctuated by eerie howls and cries from the inmate scheduled to answer the date with the hang man. It must have been hard for the hangman, but someone has to do this job. The Directors of Pudu Jail probably have good, bad and ugly experiences to tell about this jail.

Canning was also a routine in Pudu just like in other prisons. This sentence by the courts was carried out by trained warders. Usually the prisoners wil be informed of this court order. This will be executed in one go as ordered by the court and not in installments as most people thought. Prisoners facing canning too will have sleepless night before facing the man with the rotan.

Canning is a skill arranging all strokes of the 'rotan' arranged neatly in three rows. The first strike sometime drew blood. To some with thicker buttock probably this happened after a couple of strokes. One thing for sure going to the toilet and sleeping on one's back will be a painful experience for some time.Prisoners were often helped to their cells after this session and the 'addidas stripes' will be permanently visible on the prisoner's butt

Pudu Jail was listed into the Guinness Book of Records for the longest mural declared In 1984. A talented inmate, Khong Yen Chong painted the mural of a local scene along the walls of Pudu.Apparently unable to finish the job he came back after his release and volunteered to finish the task. It probably broke lots of hearts including Mr Khong to see his mural disappear but Mr Khong need not worry as there are people who knows and appreciated his talent and contribution. His family can be proud of him as this achievement will remain recorded in the book of records.

Standing in front of the main entrance of this jail it makes us wonder what hidden secrets this institution held and who were the individuals that have been 'guests' of this famous prison over the years? I bet there certainly exists reliable records somewhere to answer this question?

Oh yes! Like it or not a modern shopping complex will next step in place to greet us all soon. Pudu Jail should be maintained as a heritage relic but sadly it is not the case and will soon be gone forever. Contrary to countries in Europe structures like this will be preserved. Pudu unfortunately was not listed and gazetted as a Heritage building under the Heritage Act. So they passed the "death sentence" under dubious circunstances.But how stupid can this be when a building like Pudu Jail could just have been automatically listed as a Heritage building as everyone knows it's age.Even a smart 5 years old can tell you this.

After the closure of Pudu Jail, it was briefly used as a police lockup but was later discontinued apparently due to 'economic reasons' and factor of safety. It would have been a wise move if this icon prison was used as a central lockup for Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent as the police was then facing a acute shortage of detention cells involving remand prisoners.

Due to this acute shortage, the Home Ministry even suggested a plan to acquire abandoned buildings transforming them into lockups. This move sounded ridiculous and absolutely absurd.A structure like the great Pudu Jail that stood the test of time over the years, should have been upgraded with state of the art systems and facilities and fully utilised as a central police lockup.

Pudu Jail was beyond doubt a more secure alternative compared to the normal police lockups.This can be proven by the various escape from legal custody cases reported from police lockups over the years. Also appropriate. a Criminal Court should be constructed on the open ground adjacent to Pudu Jail with a tunnel constructed from the jail leading to the Criminal Court next door. Prisoners scheduled for proceedings can be escorted from the jail to the court proceedings without any traffic jam and risks faced by the "Black Maria". Riding in the "Black Maria" was like being in a mobile sauna. Building a shopping complex is definately not a wise move as many malls are within walking distance in this Golden Triangle and can this proposed mall attract the expected patronage? The proximity of the LRT station is also convenient for relatives of inmates coming for visits.

For those who were connected with the Prisons Department it's sad to see Johore Bharu and Kuching prisons meeting the same fate as Pudu. A guessing game on the fate goes on involving other old prisons in Malaysia. We have to sometimes appreciate legacies left by our colonial masters and to remember history of monuments like these. For now the curtains came down on Pudu Jail or Penjara Pudu.In a matter of time the same fate will probably befall old prisons in Penang, Alor Star, Malacca, Sabah and the other states.The same unacceptable excuse of 'not gazetted as Heritage monument' will be cited to legalise the demise of other monuments of historical significance.

Oh mighty Pudu Jail! You are now awaiting in silence for the day when it will be your turn for a date with destiny when the swing of the demolition ball will strike deep into your heart and send you into the criminal justice system's annals.The generations to come will also not realise that you, once upon a time, stood majestically at this junction of Jalan Pudu and Jalan Hang Tuah. You served as a grim reminder to all irrespecitive of their status.

Well to Pudu Jail, after all these long years I salute and bid you " Adious! "

BERSIH not a legal entity

2011-07-06T15:30:00.000+08:00

Well, of late the nation has been put on our toes by the planned demonstration by BERSIH.

What we know the Registrar of Society confirmed the fact the this body is not registered and therefore deemed an illegal society and that is pretty obvious.

With all the think tank I bet in the organisation they should realise the requirement of our own domestic law regarding activities of societies irrespective whether it is a social organisation or political.

I have seen turmoil and chaos as a young lad in Penang during the 'ching gay' processions and the hartal that not only pulled the brake on social activities in the island but more serious than that it knocked a wedge between the races, I come from an area where my friends encompasses all three races and though we led saperated lifes and are scattered all over the country our once in the while congregation brought the same atmosphere that we enjoyed as kids and never changed one bit.

This is the greatest!

On this matter I must salute the Penang Police Contingent for taking executive actions on the recent demostration in Georgetown sending a signal that the 'men in blue' will not tolerate any form of actions that will catalyst scenario that if left unchecked might bring miseries of previous commosions we have encountered.

Even worst this might draw the nation backwards which nobody accept. As a retired 'blue blood' I always appreciate the sacrifices given by those before me going through the emergency, the confrontation and civil disorders.

Probably the organisers are keeping in step with developements in North Africa but our situation is very very different or are they thinking pulling something like this will bring the NATO to our door steps.

It is the wish of all level headed citizen of Malaysia to see the strong lads in BERSIH organised themselves and if it is for the good of the country establish a political entity get registered and let the fate of the country be decided in a civilised manner through the ballot box.

I suspect those who orchestrated the 9th July so called peaceful demonstration has other motives!

The pertinent question to ask can it be peaceful?

We say 50,000 in the parade and it only takes 1 in the crowd to create a scene that will eventually render the procession to be violent.

Let us see a probable scenario, If a person in the procession passes a policeman on duty who is there to ensure peace and this bloke passes an unfavourable remark or insults the policeman, I am sure that the police will caution this person and this probably will attract others in the procession to interfere and from one small incident this can be a tsunami of emotions and all hell might break loose!!!

That is why all level headed citizens who wants to see that the side A meets and talks to side B or C for an amicable solution, good for all and this talk must be placed on trust and professionalism must prevail at all times.

We the rakyat expect the best for all and the most important point mentioned before by Dr M who said which I still remember - " dont allow ourselves to be colonised again" and we must realise that this statement needs to be taken seriously that any turmoil or hostile situation begetting this country will bring in the UN who will be here for sure until kingdom comes and this to me will be a form of colonisation.

Osman Bakar's Trip to Incredible India

2011-06-30T00:35:00.001+08:00

In this photo: Kanyakumari South India July 2010. Incredible India.

I know most would prefer to travel in the comfort of an organised tour and of course most folks will prefer to travel in a place with all the pampering.

Actually India is an interesting place and from my point of view a tough place apart from other places like in Africa.

For a backpacker like me this was indeed a journey of a lifetime.

Seen what life is all about, running from the comfort of a cosmopolitan life in KL and retreating into a village living with relations who lack many of the facilities I know of.

Seeing is believing.This will remain permanently carved into the walls of my memory forever.

Many interesting places to visit in big and small towns .This place called Kaniyakumari is located at the southernmost part of India.

One gets to see the sunrise and sunset and of course the 'sun' gets to play the main role putting MGR into second place as the crowd will cheer once the sun shows her shining face........

Courtallam @ Kuttalam in Tamil Nadu has 5 waterfalls. During the rainy season crowds head for this resort something like our waterfall in Penang.

It is said that the water with its herbal contents is good for the health.

The long queue and huge crowd spoilt my plans to join the crowd in the festive mood.

Mind you the water is really cold!