RM270 million spent on English yet no results

Sometimes, I really wonder if the people in charge of formulating & executing policies are really qualified, or experienced. From the day Malaysia switched the medium of instruction from English to Bahasa Melayu, many people, including those who have gone through the system, could see that the standards have fallen. The negative perception of the various education related ministries & agencies have begun to be proven true with each passing year.

Here's the scenerio.

1. They acknowledge that our English standard needs to be raised.
2. But because they do not want to hire the local retired English teachers, they spend hundreds of millions to hire foreigners to teach those teachers.
3. And after years of dismal results, they decided to continue throwing good money after bad.

Wouldn't it be easier if they were to recruit people who are proficient in English and possess higher qualifications to be trained as teachers in the first place?

And where did these teachers studied in? The national schools.

Which brings us back to square one.

Isn't it obvious that they are going round in circles all these years?

What needs to be said has already been repeated enough through the years. Really, it seems that those in charge are not bothered to listen.

Sadly, we will never be able to find a permanent solution, like I have mentioned many times, everything is inter-related in Malaysia. We are only treating/hiding the symptoms because it is easy to do. The real cure, is too painful and I doubt it can be done.

Federal Hotel

The reality is that this country is an anomaly. Malaysia was "created" by grouping together various states comprising of various peoples & faiths, but based on shaky fundamentals. The only reason it has lasted this long is because of the wealth brought about by a strong economy which was brought about by the Chinese businessmen. Even at the time of independence, Malaysia did not have an international-class Hotel to host the delegates in Kuala Lumpur. The native Malays did not have the capabilities at that time. So, a Chinese businessman built the Federal Hotel.

Sometimes, I wonder, what would Malaya be like without the immigrants: the Sultans would probably hold more power. Or it could become a Republic like Indonesia. Maybe it would be like Brunei, whose Sultan was smart not to join the federation back then. Until today, the Sultan of Brunei is the absolute ruler of the country. Perhaps the Malays here would not share the same standard of living as the Bruneians but I doubt that the Malaysia would have prospered and developed as much either.

Anyway, back to education.

Begining this year, 2014, the PMR Form 3 exam will be replaced with PT3 school-based Assessment. Based on my understanding of the new assessment system, I have strong reservations. This type of system will only work when certain resources and conditions are in place.

1. Qualified & dedicated teachers
2. Class size of not more than 20 students per class.
3. School have proper resources and facilities.

Do we meet these conditions? The answer is no. 

In the past, the SRP (the predesessor to PMR) was used to stream students into Science or Arts streams in Form 4. For the Malays, it was, and still is, used to place the Malay students in Fully Residential Schools, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama, Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) including Sekolah Menengah Teknik (SMT) and Vocational Colleges.

So, with the abolishment of the PMR centralised exam, for non-Malay parents & students, it makes little difference because they will continue with Form 4 regardless. But I wonder what will happen if the students fail?

For the Malays, well, according to an Art teacher in Pahang, they are concerned that it will be abused by certain parents when they want to enrol their kids into one of the exclusive Malay schools.

In a country where there are 2 different higher education entrance exams based on race (STPM vs Matriculation), and the grading marks are classified as State Secrets, I suppose we should not expect too much. While our rankings in international assessments such TIMMS keep falling, the number of straight A's students keep increasing every year. How do you explain that?

I wonder if the parents out there still have faith in the current education system? Going by the mushrooming of International Schools or Private Schools in the country, it's evident.

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RM270 million spent on English yet no results

Anisah Shukry
 | March 24, 2014

The government has extended a contract for the English teachers' mentoring program in rural primary schools, even though it did not help English language UPSR results from sliding further last year.

kamalanathanKUALA LUMPUR: Despite the government paying RM270 million, a mentoring programme implemented since 2011 to improve English language teachers’ skills has had minimum impact on the quality of English among students and teachers alike.

The Dewan Rakyat was told today that the Program Penutur Jati Bahasa Inggeris (PPJBI), which hires foreign teachers to mentor local English language primary school teachers from rural areas, was unable to prevent last year’s UPSR results for the English subject plunging lower than ever.

However, the programme, which ran from 2011 to 2013, has since been extended from Oct 1, 2013 to Sept 30, 2015, at an additional cost of RM184.4 million, according to Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan.

He explained that the plan was aimed at yielding long term results.

“I don’t deny that there is a decrease (in UPSR results), but this is a long term plan. The 6,054 teachers in the programme were evaluated by their mentor based on the common European framework.

“The mentors found that the number of teachers categorised in the basic level (of English) had decreased, whereas the teachers categorised in the higher level had increased significantly,” Kamalanathan told the House during the question session this morning.

According to Kamalanathan, the percentage of teachers categorised in the lower band levels for writing skills had decreased by 7.8%, while the number of teachers who were in the higher levels had increased by 8.7%.

The teachers’ improvement in terms of reading were also similar: teachers categorised in the lower band levels had reduced by 9.92%, while those categorised in higher band levels had increased by 12.67%.

“The teachers have also shown an increase in listening and speaking. In [the lower bands], the number of teachers have reduced by 8.07%, whereas those in [higher bands] have increased by 6.73%,” said Kamalanathan.

RM21,000 per mentor

Zairil Khir Johari (DAP-Bukit Bendera) had earlier pointed out that the RM270 million allocated for the programme from between 2011 to 2013 equated to the government spending RM21,000 on a single mentor.

It involved hiring 360 mentors from three different companies: The British Council Malaysia, the British Education Group and SMR HR Group.

“This program has been going on since 2011, and now it has been extended… what is the rationale for extending this programme considering that last year’s UPSR results have shown worse results? It doesn’t look proportionate to the cost,” stressed Zairil.

But Kamalanathan stressed the programme helped expose teachers from rural schools to new concepts and theories, and had received positive feedback from the participants.

“They said when they apply their new knowledge obtained from the programme, they are able to fulfill the teaching and learning objectives in the English classes with no obstacles.

“This programme involves the participation of all English language teachers from standard one, two and three in 1800 schools,” he added.

- http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/03/24/rm270-million-spent-on-english-yet-no-results/

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PT3 replaces PMR, says Muhyiddin 

• Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) or Lower Secondary Assessment examination would be replaced with Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) or Form 3 Assessment, beginning this year.

• "PT3 replaces PMR. There is some form of assessment at the school level. The PT3 will be used as the basis to determine the entry of students into Form 4 whether in Fully Residential Schools, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama, Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) including Sekolah Menengah Teknik (SMT) and Vocational Colleges.

- http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/03/18/Muhyiddin-PT3-PMR/

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New Form 3 exam system open to bias, abuse, says education activist

The new exam system that will replace the PMR for Form Three students this year is open to bias and abuse, and could jeopardise the future of children from poorer families, said an education activist today.

Mohd Noor Izzat Mohd Johari (pic) said that unlike the old system, where the Form Three exam is produced and graded by an independent body outside the school, the new one, PT3 or Form Three Assessment, will be done by the teachers of each individual schools.

Since PT3 results are used by students to apply to elite schools such as residential schools and the MARA junior science colleges, richer, more well off parents could pressure teachers into giving their children better grades.

"This is the situation that we are afraid will happen. When parents come to school and ask that teachers 'take care' of their kids," said Mohd Noor Izzat who teaches art at a secondary school in Pahang.

 - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/new-form-3-exam-system-open-to-bias-abuse-says-education-activist

Selangor Water Crisis - Car washing and plant watering may be banned

Dire straits:A man looking out at the Ulu Yam Dam in Kampung Batu which is at a critical level.

Excerpts from the article below:

An official of the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) told The Star that once a “water emergency” comes into effect, it would give its minister wide ranging powers to curb water wastage, both private and public.

“A water emergency would mean the law might be enforced to ban the use of hoses to water gardens and using potable water for cleaning cars,” the official said.

Firstly, we found out the hard way that the state governments & water consessionaires have the power to turn off the water supply. Now, they tells us that the minister & authorities have the power to decide on the amount of water each person gets and how it is used. And they also have the power to presecute if you don't do as they say.


Why are the people being punished for the failure of those tasked to manage the country's resources? The real problem here is those in charge could not supply enough water to meet the demand. So, tell me, whose fault is it?

“We have to alter consumption behaviour at large. People are not really listening (to our warnings) because the tariff is so low,” said the official, who added that the situation was “worrying”.

People are not listening to you? I beg to differ. It is those in power who are not listening and failed badly in their jobs they are paid to do. Perhaps they should be fired and replaced with more competent people.

They could not provide enough water for the people's needs because water is too CHEAP??? What kind of logic is that?

We are very fortunate that the air we breathe is still free... or, perhaps one day they will tell us to stop complaining about the bad quality of air because we are getting it for free.

I really worry about the future of this country.

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Watering plants, washing cars may land you in trouble 

Saturday March 15, 2014 MYT 10:08:18 AM 

PETALING JAYA: Car washing and plant watering may be banned soon if the water levels in the dams show no sign of improving over the next three weeks.

An official of the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) told The Star that once a “water emergency” comes into effect, it would give its minister wide ranging powers to curb water wastage, both private and public.

“A water emergency would mean the law might be enforced to ban the use of hoses to water gardens and using potable water for cleaning cars,” the official said.

During a water emergency, Section 56 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 empowers Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili to prohibit or restrict both the general and specific uses of water, or limit it to certain hours of the day.

Surcharges could also be applied on those who use above what is considered a reasonable quota.

The law also states that those owning or using water supplies can be ordered to stop operating, with those failing to comply liable to be fined up to RM300,000 or jailed not more than three years, or both.

As an example, the official said, car wash operators might be ordered to cease operations during this time.

“We have to alter consumption behaviour at large. People are not really listening (to our warnings) because the tariff is so low,” said the official, who added that the situation was “worrying”.

Previously, The Star reported Dr Maximus as saying that a water emergency would have to be declared in as early as three weeks if rains did not fall.

Much of the peninsula has been hit hard by the heat wave, with little rain over water catchment areas serving densely populated areas such as Klang Valley.

Luas, the Selangor Water Management Authority, said on its website that the Sungai Selangor Dam – the state’s largest – dropped to 40.08% of its capacity on Friday morning.

On Thursday, Luas director Md Khairi Selamat said the dam’s critical level was 30%, which could be reached in 30 days if there is no rain.

Malaysian Water Association president Syed Mohamad Alhabshi said essential services such as airports and hospitals would most likely still enjoy regular supply in an emergency.

“I don’t know how long the emergency will last, but we’ll have to hold on until the next monsoon season after September,” he said.

Association of Water and Energy Research president S. Piarapakaran said a lot of economic activity would be disrupted during an emergency, and added that sufficient notice needed to be given, or else, chaos could erupt.

The last time a water emergency was imposed was in Malacca in 1991 when the Durian Tunggal dam dried up.

- http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/03/15/Watering-plants-washing-cars-may-land-you-in-trouble/ 

 

Selangor Water Rationing - More Areas Affected

Looks like it has gone from bad to worse. Water rationing will be expanded to more areas starting from 10 March 2014.

Visit http://www.syabas.com.my/ for the latest list of affected areas.

There were earlier reports on Negeri Sembilan facing water shortage a couple of weeks ago.

Why is Selangor the only state in Malaysia with an emergency water crisis? What has the state & federal government & their agencies been doing all these years?

Previous Post: Selangor Water Rationing

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Syabas escalates water ration, more areas affected

March 7, 2014

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 — Nearly 70 per cent more households in the Klang Valley will now come under the ongoing water rationing in Selangor, after state water utility Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) today expanded the exercise to include previously unaffected areas.

The expansion covers parts of the six districts that are undergoing the alternating supply schedule — Kuala Lumpur, Petaling, Klang/Shah Alam, Gombak, Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor — that had previously escaped the ration.

“The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) approved on March 6 the escalation of the water rationing plan from the Stage Two to Stage Three, which will include some additional areas in the district of Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling, Klang / Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor due to the reduction of treated water,” Syabas said in a statement today.

Stage three of the water ration will take effect on March 10 and is scheduled to go on until the end of the month if the weather condition does not improve.

The alternating schedule of two days of supply and two days without remain unchanged, as are the zone designations previously announced.

Consumers must rely entirely on stored water during days without supply.

The expansion now raises the number of households affected from the previous 431,617 to 722,424.

Syabas announced the first stage of the scheduled water distribution plans for three districts in Selangor: Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang, in February.

The water rationing for the 60,185 households in the three districts was implemented after the closure of water treatment plants Cheras Batu 11 and Bukit Tampoi.

It then expanded the ration to the six additional districts on February 28, before escalating it again yesterday.

The two plants were shut down by Syabas on January 28 after the hot spell caused ammonia levels in raw water sources to rise.

Water levels at two key dams at Klang Gates and Langat also continue to deplete despite recent bouts of rain.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/syabas-escalates-water-ration-more-areas-affected#sthash.mDrT5OCF.dpuf

Proton wants RM3bil to develop new models

Proton Tanjung Malim Plant

Some salient points gleaned from the article below:

• seeking up to RM3bil in development funding from the Government and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas).

Excise duties amount to about RM7bil if I'm not mistaken. Which is to say, to protect the local auto industry, consumers had to pay RM7bil. Proton itself, needs a little less than half that amount just to develop new models. I would like to ask the management of Proton, how much returns would they be able to get from that RM3bil fund? How many cars would they need to sell?

You can forget about all those billions already given. Count yourselves lucky if they don't ask for more later.

• not sure if Proton’s turnaround plan, which has an ambitious target of selling 350,000 cars by 2018, would have been carried out effectively

What turnaround plan? How many of these plans have they came up with all these years? The fact is, turning around is not possible after so many attempts. Every time Proton wants money, they come up with a turnaround plan. We've heard it all before.

• turmoil in management and the friction within the top management of Proton. 

All of them are just in it for the ride, enjoying the perks and big paycheck. Everyone knows Proton pays well.

• Proton deputy CEO Lukman quit his job a few weeks ago – the second time he has resigned.... Lukman was a tough boss and employees had difficulty adjusting to his demands....

This has to take the cake. This is the first time I've heard that the boss that has to resign when it is the employees that can't perform! What kind of company is that? And you want RM3bil so that they can keep their jobs?

• could find it tough to maintain its 2013 market share of 21%

Perodua has been maintaining a market share of 30%. Proton's market share is declining.

Malaysia's automotive industry has got to be the most screwed-up in the world. Creating Proton is one of the greatest mistake in this country's history. The people are still paying through their noses for this mistake, for 3 generations already!

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Up to RM3bil needed to develop new models

Wednesday March 5, 2014 MYT 12:00:00 AM

PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd is seeking up to RM3bil in development funding from the Government and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas).

However, the national car manufacturer – which has appointed Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah as acting chief executive officer (CEO) to replace Datuk Lukman Ibrahim – has not been successful with its efforts thus far.

“The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and Petronas have both declined to assist in the funding,” said a source.

Now a unit of DRB-Hicom Bhd, Proton has been seeking fresh funding to execute its transformation plan that will see new models being developed, including an electric car.

The national carmaker had first approached Miti last year for funding, but its request was turned down. The reason was that it couldn’t fully justify why it needed such funding from the Government.

It later approached Petronas, but that attempt has been futile too.

Coincidentally, the futile attempts by Proton to secure funding come at a time when the position of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Petronas adviser is a talking point.

On Dec 2 last year, Dr Mahathir had announced that he was quitting as adviser to Petronas. Subsequently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak urged him to reconsider his decision.

Petronas president and CEO Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas has declined to answer queries on the position of Dr Mahathir in the national oil corporation.

“Ask the Prime Minister. It’s the Prime Minister who appointed him,” said Shamsul in reply to a question.

It has been reported that Proton has committed RM3.8bil in investments until 2017 and needs more capital to be competitive and achieve its turnaround plan. Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua), meanwhile, has committed RM1.8bil until 2015.

Industry executives are puzzled as to why Proton deputy CEO Lukman quit his job a few weeks ago – the second time he has resigned.

The first was in July last year, but he was persuaded to return after a few months.

It came as a surprise back then, but auto executives are not surprised he has finally decided to call it a day at Proton. Word is that Lukman was a tough boss and employees had difficulty adjusting to his demands.

Auto executives are not sure if Proton’s turnaround plan, which has an ambitious target of selling 350,000 cars by 2018, would have been carried out effectively, given the turmoil in management and the friction within the top management of Proton.

“The plan is good and Proton has a real chance of pulling it off,” said one observer after Lukman left the company.

Proton is set to launch its global small car by June this year, but its financial performance in the latest quarter has cast some doubt on its prospects to compete with the liberalisation of the industry set to intensify under the latest National Automotive Policy.

Sales slumped by nearly 30% between end-September and December 2013 from its second quarter, and likewise, its market share. Proton had a good second quarter following the launch of the Saga SV, but could not maintain the sales stamina.

“It’s a challenging landscape and it can only get tougher and not easier,” said one auto analyst, describing the task ahead for Proton.

While Proton has its share of competitive issues, rival Perodua seems to be holding steady.

Perodua’s market share stood at 30% last year, and with sales projections expected to be flat in 2014 in an industry slated to see only a meagre increase in total industry volume, Perodua should maintain its iron grip on market share.

Proton, on the other hand, said analysts, could find it tough to maintain its 2013 market share of 21%. - SOURCE

Capitalism System

This is illustration has been around for sometime. Most people have already seen it. But I thought it is pretty good and I'm posting this for the sake of posterity.

This is the world we live in. It accurately illustrates who actually controls countries and the world.

We often pin labels on different strata of society like Upper-middle class, middle-class, lower-class, etc. Well, to me those labels does not amount to anything. Those are merely labels created by sociologists & governments to make the people think that all of them are middle or upper-middle class, high class, etc.

It is a fact that the more educated the people are, so often referred to as the middle-class, the harder it is for the rulers to control. Depending on the country, some rulers will use religion. Some will use race. Some use class. You name it, they've tried it.

Even those in business are actually working for somebody else. Those who control the corporations and governments are the real rulers. Sometimes, even governments have to bow to them.

In modern society, the people have inadvertently become overly dependent on governments for practically everything. From basic needs like food & water to education & jobs. And you need to pay for it.

Just take the current water crisis in Selangor as an example and you will realise whom actually controls whom. You have to literally beg them to supply water. Same with houses, electricity, security, food & fuel. In other words, you are at their mercy.

Those who control the wealth of the country rules. The fight for this control of wealth is what politics is about. That control has never been in the hands of the common people. The people think they have the power, when they overthrow governments, hold rallies & protests. They do have that power but all for a fleeting moment or until the objective is achieved. It merely transfers that power to another group of rulers, and the cycle repeats itself.

But there was a time when the people were more independent. They had land to build their homes & grow their own food, had wells to draw water, wood & kerosene for fuel. Perhaps even weapons like a gun or two to protect themselves. Rarely do they need to pay for their basic necessities. They were more self-reliant and independent.

Now, people have to work, build & toil for others for money. Only to spend it back on the very things they themselves built & create for others. Isn't capitalism wonderful?

People have actually lost more than they've gained.

Removing the race column – a move towards unity or suppression?

I share most of the writer's views on the subject matter. So, instead of repeating the points, I'm reproducing this article in it's entirety.

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Removing the race column – a move towards unity or suppression?

Will doing away with stating a person’s race on official forms really help enhance national unity? Or is it merely a temporary measure of sweeping the real issues at hand under the rug? A political diversion perhaps?

The Tired Eye, The Borneo Post

BORN and raised in Sarawak, the Eye does not understand how racial and religious tension in the peninsula has come to a stage where there is now a suggestion to do away with the ‘race’ column in identification documents.

The Eye does not understand why people cannot be proud of their respective ethnicities and yet celebrate the differences that make up this country, together in peace and harmony.

The recent suggestion by a federal minister, Joseph Kurup, to remove the need to state a person’s race on official forms seems to have received support from the National Unity Consultative Council and ordinary Malaysians.

Superficially, it seems like a good way to encourage national unity and do away with racial profiling.

But this suggestion has gotten the Eye both worried and annoyed.

Worried because it shows that Malaysians – those in the peninsula specifically, have to resort to such a move, just because they are unable to celebrate their differences.

Annoyed because this whole issue does not seem to have been well thought through by those who immediately jumped at agreeing with Kurup’s suggestion.

Some say that race doesn’t count and what matters most where national unity is concerned is the fact that everyone is Malaysian. Others say that the move to do away with filling up one’s race on official forms also augurs well with those who wish to protect their privacy.

But seriously, the country’s administrators will have to sit and really put their heads together on this one, before they go ahead and make another blunder. Will doing away with stating a person’s race on official forms really help enhance national unity? Or is it merely a temporary measure of sweeping the real issues at hand under the rug? A political diversion perhaps?

Eye suppose that some people have lost sight of what really makes Malaysia, Malaysia.

For years, we have promoted our nation’s tourism, bearing themes of diverse races, religions and culture living together in peace and harmony.

For years we have prided ourselves as ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’, where Malaysia is made up of a little of every country in Asia.

In some tragic turn of events, again, particularly for our fellow countrymen in the peninsula, one is no longer able to be proud of his individual ethnicity and yet still be Malaysian at the same time.

Let’s just say, thank goodness things are different here in Sarawak.

We are proud to be Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Malay, Chinese, Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Kayan, Kenyah, Berawan, Penan, Punan, Saban, Bukitan, Selako, Bisaya, Kedayan, Ukit, Sebob, Tagal, Murut, Kajang, Kejaman, Lun Dayeh, Lakiput, Tabun as well as a host of other indigenous groups found here.

Each with our own distinct language, cultures and beliefs. Yet we have no problems with intermarriage, or with living under the same roof despite different religions and beliefs.

And, what’s more, as proud as we are to be Sarawakians and Malaysians, we are first and foremost proud to have these ethnicities stated on our official identification papers. For these are our true identities.

Any social anthropologist will say that to have race erased from official documentation is easily saying that we are dismissing our individual histories.  And such a move will prove disastrous as it will mark the beginning of a loss of culture and identity.

To play down our individual ethnicities when filling official forms in the name of unity is as bad as saying our ethnic backgrounds are the reasons of the religious and racial rife that has come up of late in the peninsula.

What will we tell our children in the future? That we cannot be identified by our own individual ethnicities just because it might spark some conflict?

That Malaysians are so immature to the extent that we can only be identified in a homogeneous manner because that is what unity is about?

The problem of race conflict or disunity lies not in our individual ethnicities, but in the minds of bigots and extremists who are, in reality, cowards.

Cowards because they have within themselves an inferiority complex. Cowards who refuse to open their minds to the cultures and beliefs of others. Cowards who choose to be ignorant and hide behind their bully-facade.

Let us take a look at the recent US Superbowl advertisement brouhaha and how it brought out the ugly in Americans who have forgotten what it means to be an American.

A beverage company’s advertisement featured the American patriotic song ‘America the Beautiful’ sung in eight different languages, featuring people of different ethnicities and religions. It’s a beautiful advertisement, really.

But it immediately drew the fury of bigoted Americans who felt that it was unpatriotic to sing ‘America the Beautiful’ in any other language than English. They called for people with coloured skin to “go back to where they came from”. Sound familiar?

They forget that America was built on accepting immigrants from all over the world. They forget that no one in America, other than Native American Indians, can today claim that they are truly people of the land.

Yes, those who claim to be true blooded Americans today are descendants of immigrants. They are the ones who have forgotten their roots by adopting closed, homogeneous minds that shut out even the true natives of the land.

Malaysia is very much like America. A melting pot of Asia. Do we want to lose our own identities too, as what has happened in the big US of A?

Here in Sarawak, we are brought up to acknowledge and respect differences.  We work hard to preserve our diverse cultures, languages and dialects. We want our children to grow up wealthy, not in the monetary sense, but as wholesome people who are proud of their own backgrounds and still respectful of one another.

We take pride in our own ethnic backgrounds and make an effort to learn about others, so that we may better understand their lifestyle, and join in celebrating our diversity.

And yes, say what you want about Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, but as far as unity between different ethnicities in Sarawak is concerned, the man has done well to keep negative influences from the peninsula out of Sarawak. A true force to be reckoned with, he has clearly stated that there will no play of the superiority of one race over another here in Sarawak.

We now put our faith in his successor to carry on defending the unity that is uniquely Sarawakian.

As for the policymakers over there in the peninsula, address the root of the problem, instead of making blunders which will eventually destroy what makes Malaysia truly Asia. - SOURCE

 

Second Penang Bridge Officially Launched

Congratulations to the people of Penang & Malaysia! This is indeed the only significant piece of good news we have had since the beginning of the new year. In fact, I would consider this as the best news we've had in years.

The closest major news I can remember was 10 years ago in 2004, when Tun M retired... now, now, don't you guys dare to deny that you were absolutely ecstatic back then. Practically the whole country celebrated by giving a thumping victory to BN. :) Sadly the joy and hopes were only fleeting.

Anyway, a few notable facts:

1. The second bridge is named Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge
2. It's the longest bridge in Southeast Asia
3. Took 6 years to build
4. FREE for a month from today!

Malaysia can indeed achieve great things if everyone set aside their differences and work together.

We are wasting precious time and resources, fighting and arguing over petty man-made issues. We are letting ourselves be distracted by politics. It's been 10 years since Tun M retired, and it has been 10 years of politics. How many items of news appeared in the past 10 years that could be considered good news? Any accomplishments? Any news that made us proud?

None. We had news on rallies, protests, scandals, politics, politicians, more rallies, more protests, corruption, allegations, scandals and whatnot. Nothing tangible & meaningful.

Keep your eyes on the ball. Don't be distracted.

By the way, does Penang need another link (the proposed undersea tunnel)?

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Penang bridge has been named Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge

GEORGE TOWN: The second Penang bridge has been named Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made the announcement during the official opening of the bridge in Batu Maung on Saturday.

He said the bridge would be free of charge for a month from midnight.

The 24-km long link, which spans over 16.9km over the sea, is the longest bridge in South-East Asia.

It took six years to be completed.

The bridge has a capacity of 100,000 vehicles per day with its two car lanes and a motorcycle lane, linking Batu Kawan on the mainland to Batu Maung on the island.

It is 10.5km longer than the Penang Bridge.

Travelling time on the bridge is estimated to take about 30 minutes at 80kph. - SOURCE

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Addendum:

Why oppose undersea tunnel that improves Penang, Umno areas, Guan Eng asks Barisan media

The Penang Chief Minister hit out at the mainstream media for suggesting that the state government abandon the proposed third link between Gurney Drive and Bagan Ajam.

"Not only are the Barisan Nasional-controlled mainstream media against the proposed third link, but the excuses that they are giving are so flimsy," Lim said in a statement today.

"The media are arguing that traffic congestion has been eased following the opening of the Second Penang bridge by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Saturday."... - READ MORE HERE

 

Selangor Water Rationing

The Selangor State Government, Federal Government & SYABAS... these are the 3 parties the people of Selangor have to thank for making this possible... well done! Even Singapore, with limited water resources do not need to do this.

Water rationing will start from 2 March 2014 to 31 March 2014. Consumers will get water for 2 days and go without water for 2 days. Please refer below for the list of affected areas.

Luckily, some areas are spared. Those unlucky ones will have to bear with this for a month, maybe longer. When it comes to water resources planning, our wise leaders have decided to leave our fate in the hands of nature. Simply put, if it rains, you get water. If it doesn't, no water. River contaminated, no water. Treatment plant contaminated, no water.

In case anyone is wondering, it actually takes 5 years for both State & Federal Governments to come to an agreement on the construction of an additional water treatment plant. Nope, it's not built yet, but hey, at least they agreed to it. However, before this, the MB confidently assured us that there will be enough water for all.

Enough water for all in S’gor, KL: MB Khalid

Tuesday July 20, 2010

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said Tuesday that there was enough water supply for all consumers in the state and Kuala Lumpur till 2019.

“The Selangor government has consulted several experts and, based on our calculations of population growth rate, past and present water consumption rates, current production capacity and water levels in the dams, there will be more than sufficient water supply to meet the demands of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur consumers well up to 2019, he said in a press release Tuesday.

He was refuting the Federal Government’s contention that Selangor would have to initiate water rationing by 2014. - READ MORE HERE

It's ok. It's not his fault. How could he have known that 5 year later, there would be a severe drought in Selangor right? Never mind that at other times of the year, there's enough rain to flood the city.

So, after this fiasco, I suppose the Selangor State Government expects the people to be grateful for their hardwork? Perhaps even give themselves bonuses and another round of salary increment next year?

Let go through some facts:

1. Malaysia goes through dry spells like this EVERY YEAR. Please don't make it sound like the hot and dry weather is an anomaly.

2. It is the responsibility of the governments to ensure the sufficiency of basic needs like water. 

3. The water catchment has not dried out yet. There's still water there. This rationing is actually a done just in case. We must take precautions right? Too bad for those unlucky ones affected. And too bad it didn't cross the mind of our MB and his team 5 years ago.

4. This event actually shows us that the people are at the mercy of politicians and privatised resource providers (the corporations). They can turn off the taps and there's nothing much you can do about it.

I really wonder how did SYABAS managed to provide water for the past 5 years? And the Federal Government's prediction of water rationing happened just as predicted, on the dot. Impressive.

This reminds me of the nationwide power outage back in the 90s, which was the precursor to the existence of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). YTL Power was the first to be set up. And until today, the consumers continue paying for ever increasing electricity rates.

This water crisis reeks of the stench of politics. To me, this wasn't caused by the weather. It's man-made. Intentionally or otherwise, you be the judge.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) said water rationing from March 2 to 31 will affect Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor.

It is based on the rotation concept of two days with water supply and two days without water supply, it said in a statement here today.

The areas involved are divided into Zone 1 and Zone 2. Zone 1 is scheduled to get water on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 30th, 31st.

Zone 2 is scheduled to get water on the 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 24th, 25th, 28th, 29th.

Consumers in zones scheduled to get water are expected to get supply from 4pm for 41 hours until 9am, two days later.

Zones scheduled without water are expected to get disruption of supply from 9am for 55 hours until 4pm, two days later.

The statement said the longer distance between the pond, the premises and the height of areas will mean delay in water supply.

No water tankers and static water tanks will be made available for areas scheduled for supply cut except for death, feast, dialysis centres, welfare homes and government/private hospitals.

Syabas will not supply water to commercial and industrial users who can buy water by providing their own transport but subjected to approval.

List of the affected areas:

Gombak

Zone 1

1. Taman Keramat AU1

2. Taman Keramat AU2

3. Taman Keramat AU4

4. Taman Keramat AU5

5. Section 10 Wangsa Maju

6. Villa Wangsa Maju

7. Bukit Wangsa Mas

8. Bandar Manjalara

9. Sunway Harmoni

10. Sunway SPK

11. Desa Aman Puri

12. Taman Industri Ehsan Jaya

13. Section 5 Wangsa Maju

14. Section 6 Wangsa Maju

15. Par of AU4 Keramat

16. Taman Bukit Wangsa Mas

Zone 2

1. Kampung Sungai Merali

2. Kampung Puah

3. Kampung Padang Balang

4. Kampung Bandar Dalam

5. Taman Ibukota

6. Air Panas Setapak

7. Taman Setapak

8. Kampung Lee Kong Chian

9. Kampung Sungai Mulia

10. Taman Suria Setapak

11. Taman Setapak Permai

12. Kampung Kuantan Gombak

13. Taman Bukit Maluri

14. Sector A Bandar Sri Damansara (SD7-SD13)

15. Section 1, Wangsa Maju

16. Section 2, Wangsa Maju

17. Section 4, Wangsa Maju

18. Danau Kota (Area A)

19. Jalan Usahawan

20. Wangsa Melawati

21. Wangsa Delima

Kuala Lumpur

Zone 1

1. Taman Sri Sinar

2. Taman Sri Bintang

3. Taman Bukit Sri Bintang

4. Taman Prima Pelangi

5. Taman SSPK Segambut

6. Taman Segambut

7. Taman Segambut Permai

8. Taman Segambut Damai

9. Taman Segambut Muda

10. Taman Segambut Aman

11. Taman Bukit Segambut

12. Taman Indah Murni

13. Taman Prima Impian

14. Taman Desa Segambut

15. Kampung Segambut Dalam

16. Kampung Segambut Bahagia

17. Kampung Segambut Tengah

18. Kampung Segambut Gate

19. Jalan Duta Government Quarters Complex

20. Kensington Park

21. Changkat Kiara Bayu

22. Changkat Kiara Surya

23. Prima Duta

24. Menara Duta

25. Duta Ria

26. Mont Kiara Area

27. National Archives

28. Jalan Duta Government Offices Complex

29. Federal Territory Mosque

30. Examinations Syndicate

31. BPR Head Office

32. Persiaran Duta

33. Co-curriculum Development Centre

34. Hockey Stadium

35. Dato Keramat DBKL Flats

36. Jalan Padang Tembak

37. Jalan Semarak

38. Jalan Gurney

39. UTM, Jalan Semarak

40. Felda Building

41. Jalan Kent 1 to 7

42. Desa Pandan

43. Whole Area of Permaisuri

44. Taman Shamelin Perkasa

45. Taman Bandar Damai Perdana A & B

46. Taman Seri Bahagia

47. Taman Bukit Angsana

48. Taman Minang

49. Taman Damai Indah

50. Taman Bukit Anggerik 1 & 2

51. Taman Desa Baiduri

52. Taman Bukit Segar

53. Taman Bukit Segar Masera

54. Bandar Baru Segar Utama

55. Taman Bukit Segar Jaya

56. Alam Damai & Taman Len Seng

57. Bukit Cheras

Zone 2

1. Jalan Ipoh Mile 4 to Mile 5

2. Jalan Cenderuh

3. Jalan Kuala Kangar

4. Jalan Vethavanam

5. Jalan St Thomas

6. Jalan Khalsa

7. Taman Kok Lian

8. Taman City

9. Taman Sri Kuching & Taman Niaga Waris

10. Batu Cantonment Camp

11. Taman Impian

12. Taman Eastern

13. Taman Rainbow

14. Taman Bamboo

15. Taman Million

16. Taman Sheng Cheng

17. Taman Kaya

18. Segambut Industrial Area

19. Taman Sri Hartamas

20. Kiaraview

21. Kiaramas

22. Taman Duta Nusantara

23. Taman Duta Tropika

24. Hartamas Heights

25. Taman Pandan Jaya

26. Taman Cempaka

27. Taman Bakti

28. Taman Nirwana

29. Taman Putra Sulaiman

30. Taman Cahaya

31. Pandan Cahaya

32. Taman Dagang

33. Taman Tenaga

34. Taman Miharja

35. Taman Kobena

36. Sri Melaka Flats

37. Taman Saga

38. Taman Teratai

39. Taman Bukit Permai

40. Taman Mega Jaya

41. Tanan Seraya

42. Taman Melur

43. Kampung Cheras Baru

44. Taman Muda & Taman Mawar

45. Taman Putra

Petaling

Zone 1

1. Desa Petaling

2. Kampung Malaysia

3. Taman Salak Selatan

4. Kampung Baru Salak Selatan

5. Taman Gembira

6. Jalan Kuchai Lama

7. Taman Lian Hoe

8. Taman Salak Jaya

9. Pantai Dalam

10. Mah Sing U5

11. Tropicana Golf

Zone 2

1. Section 1, Petaling Jaya

2. Section 2, Petaling Jaya

3. Section 3, Petaling Jaya

4. Section 5, Petaling Jaya

5. Section 6, Petaling Jaya

6. Section 7, Petaling Jaya

7. Section 8, Petaling Jaya

8. Section 9, Petaling Jaya

9. Section 18, Petaling Jaya

10. Section 51A

11. Taman Sri Sentosa

12. Kampung Pasir Baru

13. Taman OUG

14. Taman Yarl

15. Bukit Jalil Industrial Park

16. PPRT Kampung Muhibbah

17. Ara Damansara

18. Bandar Utama 1-11

Klang/Shah Alam

Zone 1

1. Sungai Kapar Indah

2. Bandar Bukit Raja

3. Putra Heights/Bukit Lancung

4. Bukit Tinggi 1

5. Bukit Tinggi 2

6. Bandar Botanik

7. Bandar Puteri

Zone 2

1. Taman Aman Perdana

2. Bandar Setia Alam

3. Section 27

4. Section 28

5. Megahub

Kuala Selangor

Zone 1

1. Sungai Darah (left from Batang Berjuntai)

2. Jalan Raja Musa from Batang Berjuntai to 7th mile Tanjung Karang

3. Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and Taman Ilmu

4. Kampung Bestari Jaya

5. Bukit Belimbing and Hujung Permatang

6. Tanjung Karang from Pasir Penambang to Tanjung Karang

7. Sungai Gulang-Gulang and Parit Serong

8. Sungai Tengi Kanan

9. Puncak Alam Phases 1,2 and 3 and Shah Alam 2

Zone 2

1. Sungai Darah (right from Batang Berjuntai)

2. Batang Berjuntai

3. Batu Ijok between Jalan Datuk Muskam and Bukit Badong

4. Bukit Badong

5. Jalan Rawang between Batang Berjuntai and Kampung Kuantan

6. Jalan Kelab

7. Jalan Bukit Rotan

8. Bandar Seri Coalfields/Desa Coalfields Sungai Buloh

9. Seri Pristana

10. Alam Perdana

11. Kampung Sentosa

12. Kampung Seri Aman

13. Saujana Utama 3

14. Taman Alam Jaya

15. Batu 23 Industrial Area, Ijok

16. Jalan Meru Puncak Alam (McDonalds)

Hulu Selangor

Zone 1

1. Bukit Beruntung

2. Bukit Sentosa

3. Sungai Buaya

4. Bukit Teratai (Estate)

5. Bandar Country Homes

6. Taman Desa Mas

7. Saujana Rawang

8. Taman Teknologi

9. Taman Velox

10. Batu Arang

11. Kota Puteri

12. Sungai Bakau

13. Kota Emerald

14. Taman Garing

15. Rawang Intergrated/Sungai Dua

Zone 2

1. Rasa

2. Bandar Baru Batang Kali

3. Tamu Hill Park

4. Taman Semarak Batang Kali

5. MIEL Industrial Area

6. Taman Desa Alam Ria

7. Taman Bukit Rawang Jaya

8. Taman Bukit Rawang Putra

9. Taman Mutiara

10. Bandar Baru Rawang

11. Kampung Rajah/Pekan

12. Kampung Kenanga Rawang

13. Kampung Sungai Terentang/Kampung Baru

14. Kampung New Green Park/Taman Sri Hijau

15. Jalan Pahang/KKB Police College

16. Taman Arif/Teratai KKB

17. Taman KKB Utama

18. Kampung Dagang Setia/Kampung Kelapa KKB

19. Taman Ampang Pecah KKB

20. Taman Ampang Indah KKB

21. Taman Millenium KKB

22. Taman Damai KKB

23. Bukit Bujang KKB

24. Taman Tanjak

25. Taman Desa Rening Jaya

26. Kerling

27. Hulu Bernam

28. Taman Bernam Jaya

29. Taman Keliang Kalumpang

30. Taman Bahtera Hulu Bernam

31. Kampung Pinang Hulu Bernam

32. Kuang

33. Kundang

34. Tasik Puteri

35. Serendah

36. Ulu Yam Lama

37. Antara Gapi

38. Sungai Choh — Bernama

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/list-of-areas-under-second-phase-of-water-rationing-plan#sthash.bPnBlAzL.dpuf

More areas affected, from 10 March 2014: http://year1malaysia.blogspot.com/2014/03/selangor-water-rationing-more-areas.html