MGTOW

Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW /ˈmɪɡtaʊ/)

Recent events have awakened me to this fact. A little late but nonetheless, it should serve as a precaution for young men out there. I am not saying all men should follow MGTOW, but the reality is marriage and relationships are not suitable for some men. Modern family laws and popular culture are extremely biased towards women, thanks to the relentless propaganda portraying women as the victims in relationships. Unfortunately, laws which were meant to protect are increasingly used to attack men who find out too late. Things have become so bad that men stand to lose their assets and children in most divorce cases. Women are now empowered to abuse men, hit their husbands, provoke, and even frame men, who then find out too late that they will have an uphill task to prove their case. 

The institution of marriage is broken. Men could not be the men as nature designed. Women are no longer real women. Boys are being brought up by women to fear them, while girls learn from their mothers how to control men.

MGTOW is here to give you the other side of the story. Especially the consequences when things go south in a relationship, especially in a marriage, particularly those with children. 

Life actually has a lot to offer men, and relationships and marriage should be way down that list. 

As a takeaway, men should take steps to protect themselves from being framed with false accusations by some malicious women. As a result of the actions by those men who abused and exploited women, other decent men now find themselves open to dangerous accusations perpetrated by abusive women.

You can find out more here: https://www.mgtow.com/forums/

Running Shoes Lacing Styles

Getting a pair of running shoes that fit perfectly is not easy. Sometimes, we end up getting a pair that seemed to fit perfectly at the store, only to discover later that there are pressure points affecting our movements. Short of buying a new pair, we could try some lacing techniques which may be able to help.

I've tried technique No.2 in the chart and found it to be actually helpful. After a short time wearing my new shoes, I discovered that my toe area is a bit too tight on my right foot. The Forefoot Volume Lacing technique managed to alleviate the tightness and my toe area actually feel roomier.

I will put it to the test in the coming weeks to gauge the results.

RM50 million donation by Koon Yew Yin

By Koon Yew Yin

After the publication of my RM 50 million donation to the Penang State Government for building student hostels, many people including journalists and BMF Radio have asked me a lot of questions. They are curious because they have not come across something like this before.

Here are my answers:

I was born on the 6th Jan 1933. My father started a coffin shop at No. 8 Jalan Ipoh, KL about 100 years ago. When father retired about 30 years ago, my eldest brother inherited the coffin shop. As he got older, he found difficulty to compete with the modern undertakers and was forced to close the old shop about 2 years ago and my younger brother continued the coffin business with a smaller shop in Kepong, KL.

As I have 11 siblings, I always needed some things since I was a boy. I remember always feeling hungry when I was young. One can imagine how 12 children rushed for food during meal time.

This is why I want to help the poor. Besides my RM 50 million donation to the Penang Government to build student hostels, I have to date, given about 300 scholarships to help students from poorer backgrounds to complete their tertiary education.

As a young boy in 1957 I attended St John’s Institution, KL where I completed a 4 years Civil Engineering Diploma in Technical College (now known as UTM) under a PWD [now known as JKR) scholarship. I subsequently qualified as a Chartered Civil Engineer by self-study in 1962.

In 1967, together with 3 partners, I founded Mudajaya Construction Sdn. Bhd. and Gamuda Sdn. Bhd. In early 1980, IGB Construction Sdn. Bhd., Jurutama Construction Sdn. Bhd. and Mudajaya Construction Sdn. Bhd. grouped together and listed as a public company under the name of IJM Corporation Bhd.

In 1975 I sold Gamuda Sdn Bhd to Dato Lin Yun Ling and his partners.

In 1983 I had a serious heart angina. At the time heart by-pass operations could only be done in Mayo Clinic or Harley Street London and the casualty rate was frighteningly high. Before my heart surgery in London, I passed all my assets to my wife and children.

After my heart operation, I retired from being an executive director in Mudajaya / IJM Corporation Bhd and I started to learn how to make money from the stock market. In 1983-4 the Hong Kong stock market crashed because China wanted to take back Hong Kong. Almost all the Hong Kong investors were afraid of the arrival of the Communists and they sold their holdings as quickly as possible.

One of the most important investment lessons I learned was to be a contrarian investor, buy when everybody is afraid to buy and sell when everybody wants to buy. I started with only RM 200,000 cash and within a few years, I bought 46% of Kaiser Stock and Shares Ltd., a stockbroking company in Hong Kong.

After having read several investment books by famous gurus such as Benjamin Graham, Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, etc. together with my 32 years of experience, I wish to share my knowledge with people who are interested in investment. I believe in teaching people to make money. It is like teaching people how to fish instead of giving them some fish.

Q: Why do you write regularly on national issues?

A: In 1970 when the new economic policy was introduced, the GDP per capita of Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea were the same as ours. They became developed nations despite the fact they did not have natural resources like us. They did not even have timber to build houses. Over 40 years later, we are still not a developed nation due to bad management and corruption of the BN Government. I will continue to write to point out all the bad things of the Government until voters can vote the BN Government out of Putrajaya.

In 2009, I published a book called ‘Malaysia: Road Map for achieving vision 2020′ to show how Malaysia can become the developed nation it deserves to be. Unfortunately, we have not achieved a developed nation status due to the bad management and corruption of the BN Government. It is most unlikely we can achieve Vision 2020.

I have given all my children the best education that money can buy and I think they can find a good living without my money. As such, I want to help poor students complete their tertiary education. I personally believe that with a good education, they can earn enough to help their own families and other poor people. As I pointed out earlier, I have already given out over 300 scholarships to really poor students to complete their tertiary education. All my scholarship recipients are not required to pay me back the money I have spent on them. Instead, all they have to do is to promise me that they must not forget that I helped them when they were poor and they will have to help other poor people when they have money to spare. I sincerely believe some of them will continue to do charity after I die and if they practice the same system or philosophy I do, there will be more and more people contributing to charity.

Q: What are other charities or projects have you supported in a big way in the past?

A: About 10 years ago I paid for the construction of a large extension to the Salvation Army building in Ipoh. I also donated RM 350,000 towards the renovation of Ipoh Wesley Private School.

Q: Is it true that UTAR snubbed a RM30 million donation you wanted to give them back in 2009, also for hostels and why did you choose Penang as the state to undertake this and not any other state? Is there a particular reason?

A: 6 years ago, I offered to donate RM 30 million to UTAR for building student hostels under the same terms and conditions as I offered to Penang. However, the MCA leaders; who controlled UTAR owned all the land outside the university campus rejected my offer because they did not want me to jeopardise their lucrative property development business. They are greedy and just want to take advantage of the poor students.

As a result of the bad publicity, MCA lost almost all their seats in the last general election.

Subsequently, I invested all the RM 30 million in the stock market and I managed to make some profit. I chose to donate to Penang because the record shows that DAP is managing Penang very well and I wanted to support DAP.

Q: How long is the construction process expected to take place, and how many students are you aiming to help with this donation?

A: The Chief Minister has assigned the 3 top officials to assist my architect in designing and planning for the project. They are, Jagdeep Singh Deo, who is in charge of the State Town and Country Planing, YB Lim Hock Seng who is in charge of public utilities and Yew Tung Seang, Director of Building. The project is going ahead in top gear.

Our initial design can accommodate about 2,200 students. In fact, the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that the Government is willing to give additional funds if my RM 50 million was insufficient.

Preference will be given to poor students irrespective of race and religion, bearing in mind that about 80% of the 18,000 USM students are Malays. Currently USM can only provide accommodation for 1st year students.

Everyone is trying to make money every day. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to use their money wisely. They must realise that our ultimate aim in life is happiness. They will find great happiness if they can create happiness. If they give away some of their money to help poor people who will be happy, they will also be happy.

I have written in my will that after I die, all my remaining assets will be donated to help poor people to make them happy.

In conclusion, I wish to point out that it is not necessary to study overseas to achieve success in life and that we cannot take our money along with us when we die. I hope this article will inspire some readers to follow my footsteps in doing charity. You can tell your friends to read this inspiring story of an undertaker’s son.

Koon Yew Yin is a retired chartered civil engineer and one of the founders of IJM Corporation Bhd and Gamuda Bhd.

- http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2015/10/02/why-i-gave-rm50m-for-penang-hostels/

Teenagers

Canon Rock - Sungha Jung

Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli was formed with Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus. Unfortunately, they were exposed as frauds because none of the songs were performed by them. It destroyed not only their careers, but their lives as well. They were left to fend for themselves for something that was not created by them. They were used by the producer Frank Farian and the real singers took advantage and basked in their 5 minutes of fame. Rob Pilatus died of a drug overdose at the aged of 33. They suffered and paid the price for somebody else's mistake. Life can be cruel sometimes.

Bersih 4.0

It was certainly an interesting Merdeka weekend... for some. Evidently, those who attended Bersih enjoyed themselves, patting each others' back for fighting for Free & Fair Elections? or was it for Democracy? or... where's the damn list again? Nevermind, I doubt many actually remember the points on that list? It's was all about bringing down the Prime Minister!

Entertainment provided

They came....

They marched, sang & danced...

Hmmm, that guy's yellow T-Shirt looks kinda plain doesn't it?

They ate...

They slept...

under the scorching tropical sun...

Anyway, in case anyone missed the glaring demographic composition, I've not seen so many middle-class Chinese on the streets of Kuala Lumpur since... well, since, you know, ever.

It's nice to see them so passionate about their cause. Let's hope they've accomplished whatever they set out to do.

Although celebrating Merdeka Day like this is not my thing, I suppose that's what democracy is about. At least they were allowed to do their thing peacefully. I think the authorities handled things rather well this time and the attendees were well-behaved as well.

A few personal obervations from this Bersih 4.0 rally:

1. More than 80% comprised of Chinese.
2. Many who attended wondered why there were so few Malays. Perhaps, they should ask the organisers for the reason.
3. Despite the many reasons given, perhaps the Malays simply did not share the same sentiments as their Chinese brethen. Ok, ok, actually, they just did not feel like attending a DAP rally.
4. From the turnout, we can safely assume that among the opposition parties, DAP has the Chinese in their pocket, PAS has the majority Malay and PKR has very little. Makes you wonder how PKR ended up with the MB's post.
5. DAP has yet again, managed to make the Chinese suffer fools knowing full well that the Malays would not be there in great numbers. 
6. An important point that many chose not to highlight is the fact that, the reason the authorities allowed the rally to proceed peacefully, is because they do not see the Chinese as a threat to the government.
7. In Malaysia, the people do not get to choose the Prime Minister, only the party.
8. And most importantly, the Chinese are actually a well-behaved lot, I'm proud to say. 

The worries, concerns and insecurities felt by the Chinese community are shared by all communities in Malaysia. Who doesn't want a better future for their children? Just do not let yourselves be used especially by those with vested interests.

For instance, some politicians keep drumming into the people that the country is going broke, but at the same time, increasing their own salaries and perks. On one hand, they pretend to emphatise, while on the other, doing little to help.

Crime: Choo Gaik Yap Kidnap, Rape & Murder - Suspect sentenced to death

An update on this 9-year-old case. Justice sure takes it's time...

Earlier post in 2013: http://year1malaysia.blogspot.com/2013/06/crime-choo-gaik-yap-kidnap-rape-murder.html

Earlier post in 2014: http://year1malaysia.blogspot.com/2014/10/crime-choo-gaik-yap-kidnap-rape-murder.html

Businessman sentenced to death for 2006 murder

ALOR SETAR: A 34-year old businessman, Shahril Jaafar was sentenced to death this Sunday for the 2006 murder of Chee Gaik Yap.

Shahril remained calm when the judgement was delivered by Judicial Commissioner Datuk Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab.

Mohd Zaki said the defence failed to raised reasonable doubt in the case.

"I have no choice but to sentence you with the death penalty, the only punishment as stipulated in Section 302 of the Penal Code," he said.

Chee Gaik Yap

Chee, a Universiti Utara Malaysia graduate, was raped and her body dumped at the housing estate after being abducted while she was jogging in the neighbourhood.

She was believed to have been tailed by her assailant while jogging in the neighbourhood.

The public gallery was packed with friends and families of the victims and accused, as well as pressmen.

Shahril was charged with the murder of marketing executive Chee, 25, near the Cinta Sayang Club in Taman Ria Jaya, Sungai Petani, between 5.30pm Jan 14 and 3.05am Jan 15, 2006.

On June 25, 2013, the Alor Setar High Court acquitted and discharged Shahril from a charge of murdering Chee after finding that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case.

However on Oct 13 last year, a Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Linton Albert, unanimously set aside the High Court’s decision.

The case was re-mentioned on Oct 19 at Alor Setar High Court, with the prosecution team led by Kedah prosecution unit head Salim Soib while Shahril was represented by Shamsul Sulaiman.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/09/businessman-death-marketing/

10 Things Happy People Do to Stay Happy

By Lynn Newman

“Here’s a little song I wrote. You might want to sing it note for note. Don’t worry, be happy.” ~Bobby McFerrin 

I was one of those people that when asked what they want in life, would say, “I just want to be happy…”

In my past, I suffered from debilitating depression. There was a period when getting the dry-cleaning and buying toilet paper was difficult enough.

So, I made it my mission to study what happy people do to stay happy, then I started doing what they were doing. And my happiness increased until I became one of those people I used to be envious of.

Here’s a list I use now on a daily basis as a reminder to increase my happiness:

1. Give yourself permission.

Permission to be who you are; permission to laugh big, to cry when you need to, to fail brilliantly, to make stuff; permission to fall apart, breakdown, and get back up again; permission to be different and unique all onto your own; permission to go too far and reach your dreams.

2. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

Hold yourself with a “light hand.” Laugh at your foibles with amusement.

When things get tough or stress arises, lift your shoulders with an “oh well…” Know that it’s never as big or life devastating as your mind thinks.

Happy people trust that whatever glitch happens will work itself out.

They give a “Ha! Ha!” and a “So what? Who cares? Big Deal! Why not?” when met with resistances.

3. Don’t self-ruminate.

I remember a friend of mine from Mississippi saying, “Lynn, when are you gonna’ stop starin’ at your own belly button…?” (Insert: Southern drawl.)

I learned happy people don’t fixate on themselves and their problems. They don’t over-analyze the issue du jour.

When they start to get stuck on a problem or in their head, they put their attention on something else.
I remind myself to not have to have it all figured out: Get outside. Go back to your work. Plan something fun.

4. Don’t compare.

Comparison has been compared to a little death. When we compare ourselves to others, we harm ourselves.

Happy people know that they’re no better or less than another person. Someone will always be at a “more evolved place” and someone will always be “less-evolved.”

Note to self: Be concerned with only how to do your best and that’s all.

5. Make adjustments.

When something isn’t going your way, when your mood dips, or when you feel “off,” stay curious and self-aware. Fine-tune the energy in your body by making adjustments.

If you eat something that makes you feel poor, why eat it? Pay attention if that glass of wine the night before makes you feel crappy in the morning or that slice of pizza made you bloated or that ice cream caused you to crash, losing your focus and energy.

When you’re feeling stuck or heavy, take a walk, do something different than your normal routine, meet up with a friend.

If feeling anxious or stressed, tune-up with extra sleep, meditation/yoga or a hot bath…

6. Be of service and know how to take care of yourself.

Happy people want to give back. They have plenty to share. They volunteer, take time out to help a friend, offer to connect people to others for their betterment, and aren’t in need of getting anything back.

Commit to service but also stay aware of how to take care of yourself. When your energy gets depleted, remember to not give away to the point that you lose focus on your own emotional/mental/physical/spiritual health.

Have loving boundaries to care for yourself so that you have more to give.

7. Choose uplifting friendships.

When we have friendships and conversations that are uplifting, supportive, and loving, with people interested in our betterment, we are on a faster track to our own enlightenment.

If you hang out with someone and don’t feel great afterward, see less of that person and seek out other friendships.

Know which friends increase your happiness and nurture those relationships.

8. Be less interested in being happy and more interested in your peace of mind.

I used to think happiness was about being totally ecstatic. In order to balance out my feelings of hopelessness and depression, it seemed natural that my goal would be to be maximally blissed.
But with all the highs there’s a low—we eventually come down from it.

Remember not to get attached to the highs and focus more on experiencing peaceful aliveness.
When your life is at peace, there’s a relaxed balance; and the chances of sustained happiness and contentment increases.

9. Use your senses.

As they say, the ordinary is extraordinary.
Happy people receive pleasure from enjoying the simple joys in life, and usually they’re connected to our senses. This subtle awareness creates significant moments of happiness.
I discovered the pleasures I receive in the:

• Warmth of a teacup in my hands on a cold winter day
• Taste of a square of dark chocolate melting on my tongue
• Dance music in my cycle class that wakes me up
• Smile of a stranger on the street
• Aroma of my favorite essential oil and when people say, “You smell so good!”

Continue to mark pleasant sense experiences in your mind and carry them throughout your day to increase your spirits.

10. Don’t make your intimate relationships the end-all-be-all.

I used to think the person I was in a relationship with was there to give me my happiness rather than increase it.

Happy people understand that those they are in relationship with are an “addition to,” not a completion of them. They live full lives so that at the end of the day they have so much more to share.
A loving reminder: Don’t rely on your partners to shift your moods, heal you, or fill your empty spaces. And remember it’s not your responsibility to do that for your partner either.

Support is an important part of relationship. We’re there on the bad days with compassion and a loving embrace. We’re there on the good days to cheer.

But mostly, we rely on ourselves to give that to ourselves. We trust that our partners can wrestle with their own demons. We offer space for them to discover his or her happiness, while we focus on creating our own.

What might you put your focus on to continue to increase your own happiness?

Read More: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/10-things-happy-people-do-to-stay-happy/

Nepal Earthquake

Nepal earthquake: Death toll rises above 3,000

At least 3,218 people are now known to have died in a massive earthquake which hit Nepal on Saturday, say officials.

Rameshwor Dangal, head of Nepal's disaster management agency, said another 6,500 people had been injured.

Dozens of people are also reported to have been killed in neighbouring China and India.

Thousands have spent a second night outside after the 7.8-magnitude quake, which also triggered deadly avalanches on Mount Everest.

Vast tent cities have sprung up in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, for those displaced or afraid to return to their homes as strong aftershocks continue.

"We don't have a choice, our house is shaky. The rain is seeping in but what can we do?" 34-year-old shopkeeper Rabi Shrestha, who was sleeping by the roadside with his family, told AFP news agency.

Rescue missions and aid have started arriving to help cope with the aftermath of the earthquake, the worst to hit Nepal for more than 80 years.- Read More: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32475030

---

Nepal earthquake was a 'nightmare waiting to happen': Experts knew disaster was coming and were in Kathmandu preparing just a week ago.

• Earthquake experts met in Kathmandu last week to plan for similar disaster
• Scientists discussed how the overdeveloped area would cope with chaos
• At least 2,500 people across four countries have died in the earthquake
• Hundreds are still missing after avalanches buried Everest basecamp
• The quake struck just 11km beneath ground making its force even more destructive

- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3055731/Nepal-earthquake-nightmare-waiting-happen-Experts-knew-disaster-coming-Kathmandu-preparing-just-week-ago.html

The High Income MPs

Congratulations to our MPs whom just recently gave themselves an awesome pay hike which was passed in Parliament without a single objection. I suppose it was expected since the recent Selangor ADUN's massive pay hike not long ago. So much for austerity...

Since many swear by meritocracy and attracting talent with higher pay,  I wonder if finally, we will we be able to attract better quality people to serve us. Hahahaha... nah... that was a joke. Anyway, there are many who thinks they deserve the salary & allowance increments, which will more than double the current cost to the government. But hey, who are we to say otherwise...

---

Published: Saturday April 11, 2015 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Saturday April 11, 2015 MYT 12:27:28 PM

MPs give themselves a big raise 

PARLIAMENTARIANS have passed a Bill to raise their allowance from RM6,508 to RM16,000, a 146% jump.

The Members of Parliament (Remuneration) (Amendment) Bill was initially deferred for its second reading in last November after lawmakers sought to review the quantum of increase.

On Nov 28, MPs from both sides of the political divide agreed to relook the revision that will increase the allowance from RM6,508 to RM11,000.

The Bill, passed by the House yesterday without any objections, will also see the allowances for Senators increased from RM7,000 to RM11,000.

The allowance for the Senate president and the Dewan Rakyat Speaker was also raised from RM20,000 to RM31,000, while their respective deputies will see theirs revised to RM22,000, up from the initial proposal of RM16,000.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the new allowances would see the cost to the Government increasing from RM14.75mil to RM31.97mil a year.

MPs’ salaries have been revised in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005.

In the 2005 review, their basic pay was increased from RM5,916.90 (in 2002) to RM6,508.59, which is not inclusive of other benefits such as a RM1,200 driver’s allowance.

- http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/11/MPs-give-themselves-a-big-raise-Bill-passed-sees-increase-of-allowance-from-RM6508-to-RM16000/

GST

This is a brief update on current issues making their rounds in the media.

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

GST has started.… Happy GST-ing!!! Well, the bottom line is, any form of tax is bad for consumers but good for the government. And it is really pointless comparing and scrutinizing the prices of every single purchase you make. Prices have been increasing due to rising costs compounded with inflation.

The government would have less problems and controversy if the rate is lower, say at 2%-3%, and minimal exemptions, which will create less shock to the system and less problems for everyone.

It is unrealistic to expect prices to fall after GST. Which is why I find it extremely patronizing and childish of the government & businesses for engaging in all the publicity exhorting absorbing GST or lower prices.

Anyway, things will cool down in a couple of months and the people will adjust to this new tax.

But the question remains, to pay or not to pay the "Service Charge" at the restaurants?

- Don’t pay extra charge if unhappy with service

Hudud

Realistically, if the majority of Malays & Muslims want it, it will be implemented regardless of political affiliations. Many seem to forget that Islamic Laws are already enforced in Malaysia in the form of Shariah Laws applicable to Muslims but not for non-Muslims. Like it or not, Malaysia is more Islamised today than it was 50 years ago. The non-Muslims should really try to face reality and take a less confrontational approach. Also, the process of passing laws in the country is quite straightforward through voting in Parliament. If it gets enough votes, the bill gets passed and becomes law. Simple.

Anyway, I don't understand what the fuss is about, especially the hysterical reaction that DAP put up against PAS. It was after all, the DAP who asked the non-Muslims to support PAS. And now that PAS proposes the Hudud Bill, DAP blames he PAS President, UMNO, even MCA? Really?

Maintenance

Selangor roads are the worst! Okay, to be fair, most roads in the country are pretty shitty, but those in Selangor really are terrible. The same goes for other services such as rubbish collection, drain cleaning, trees and parks maintenance, etc. It is an absolute disgrace! What is happening before our eyes is a breakdown in management leading to dismal performance, efficiency and responsibility. And the result? Floods, potholes, and dengue outbreak.

Problem: Selangor still tops dengue cases in the country

Action: 87 developers in Selangor to be charged

Somehow, I don't think there will be any improvements anytime soon.

Politics

Well, it's a mess. Just sit back and enjoy the 'Animal Farm' because the people really don't have any say or control over political parties and the politicians. Following the political news is really tiring. Anyway,  I think the people will slowly come to realize who really has the upper hand. Those you put in power actually do not feel beholden to you.They actually have power over you.

Lee Kuan Yew's view on Malaysia

I think Lee Kuan Yew's observation on Malaysia was indeed quite accurate.

Anyway, had Singapore remained in Malaysia, I doubt he could have done what he did and achieved the same results for Singapore, or for Malaysia.

---

2015-03-25 13:29

Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE
Sin Chew Daily

Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, who had spent a lifetime being the architect of Singapore's prosperity, has died. In addition to building and fostering Singapore, Lee was also very much concerned about Malaysia and had always advocated the Malaysian Malaysia concept. In his book One Man's View of the World, he wrote that people of his generation have always believed that Singapore and Malaya should exist as one, adding that the British separated us after the war and made us colonies, but we fought to merge.

Singapore and Malaya finally merged in 1963, but racial disputes continued, even resulted in clashes. It forced Lee to declare in tears the withdrawal of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia on August 9, 1965.

Lee regretted the painful history. He said that if Tunku Abdul Rahman was firm enough to soothe the radicals, build a multiracial Malaysia, and let the Chinese and Indians share power in the police, army and administrative agencies, Malaysia will be more prosperous and fair than it is today. "Much of what has been achieved in Singapore could have been replicated throughout Malaysia. Both countries would have been better off," he added.

However, there is no "if" in history and everything is now unalterable fact. Lee had played an important role and should bear a certain degree of historical responsibility in the withdrawal of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia. History will have a fair judgement on this point.
As a leader closely related to Malaysia, Lee had always observed the development of Malaysia even after the withdrawal of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia, and expressed his views.  

In his book One Man's View of the World, he commented on Malaysia:

• The population structure of Malaysia will make it more difficult to shake Malay supremacy. Many Chinese and Indians choose to leave Malaysia and emigrate to other countries.
• Race-based policies is putting Malaysia at a disadvantage. It is voluntarily shrinking the talent pool needed to build the kind of society that makes use of talent from all races. They are prepared to lose that talent in order to maintain the dominance of one race.
• Eventually, the Chinese and Indians will exert little influence at the polling booths. When that day comes, with no votes to bargain with, the Chinese and Indians cannot hope to bring about a fair and equal society for themselves.

In the eyes of Lee, the "1Malaysia" slogan had not lived up to the excitement it created. He opined that Malaysians hoping that Barisan Nasional’s 1Malaysia concept can usher in a new era for race relations may be unrealistic, but those counting on the Opposition to do the same are not very much less so, as the chance of the opposition coming to power in the near future was a very long shot. Even if it comes to power, it will be almost impossible for the PR to abolish Malay supremacy.

Describing it as "an opportunistic ad-hoc group", Lee criticised the PR for not holding together by even a vaguely coherent set of ideas but by a common desire to unseat the government. He said that as long as PR does not actually occupy Putrajaya and does not have to implement multiracial policies, some semblance of unity can be maintained within the pact. "When it comes to the crunch, however, PR will not be able to do away with Malay supremacy. The moment the bluff is called and it is handed full power to push ahead, it will either be torn apart from within or be paralysed by indecision.

"If it attempts to move in any meaningful way, PAS, a Malay-Muslim party that will hold if not a majority of seats within the coalition, then at least a significant enough share to give it veto power, would block action in an instant.

"In doing so, PAS would be responding to the same electoral pressures that Umno faces from the Malay ground, Lee said.

He said that he regarded the Malays as the camp that will always control the majority seats of the Parliament and no matter which political party replaces Umno, and becomes the main party representing Malay interests, its style will not be far from Umno's.

Many people might not agree with the above comments of Lee but his observation was indeed unique, particularly his comments on PAS, which was very sharp and worthy of pondering and vigilance!

- http://www.mysinchew.com/node/107272?tid=12

Lee Kuan Yew (16 September 1923 – 23 March 2015)

Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew dies at 91

Lee Kuan Yew, the statesman who transformed Singapore from a small port city into a wealthy global hub, has died at the age of 91.

The city-state's prime minister for 31 years, he was widely respected as the architect of Singapore's prosperity.

But he was criticised for his iron grip on power. Under him freedom of speech was tightly restricted and political opponents were targeted by the courts.

A state funeral will be held on 29 March, after a week of mourning.

Read more here - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32012346

More Info:
http://www.rememberingleekuanyew.sg
http://www.facebook.com/rememberingleekuanyew

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He delivered on his promise to Singaporeans, which was to provide them with the basic needs like food, shelter, security, etc. and transform the island into a first world country.

Lemon Law

It's high time there are better laws to protect consumers. On one hand, Malaysia aspires to be a developed nation but on the other hand, not enough emphasis is placed on quality of services and products. With better consumer laws, businesses and manufacturers would be compelled to think about the level of quality of their services and products.

I've noticed that the current generation of consumers are more demanding. They have more choices and they have more purchasing power. In this time and age, it is absolutely unacceptable for consumers being given the shorter end of the stick. Most times, they have to go against established brands and multi-national companies just to protect their rights.

The sectors that should be better regulated in terms of consumer rights is Property & Automobile, both which happens to constitute the largest commitment by consumers. The existing laws for both sectors are far from adequate. In fact, it is the businesses which are better protected than consumers!

Thanks to the internet & various forums as well as social media, big businesses can no longer hide or ignore complaints & issues as easily.

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Protecting our interests Consumer group calls on government to implement ‘Lemon Law’

THE National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) has urged the Government to make laws to help consumers seek prompt settlement in disputes over defective products.

“It is time the Government introduces what is known as a ‘lemon law’ for motor vehicles and other product purchases, to protect consumers,” said NCCC director Ratna Devi Nadarajan.

Ratna said the Consumer Association of Singapore described it as consumer laws providing a statutory right of action against a trader or manufacturer involving the sale of defective goods, in situations where there has been a failure to comply with the warranty in a purchase contract.

Such laws obligate sellers to repair, replace, refund or reduce the prices of defective goods.

Singapore introduced the lemon law on Sept 1, 2012, which was added to the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and with related amendments to the Hire Purchase Act and Road Traffic Act.

This makes it easier for consumers to have their day in court without being given the runaround.

“Malaysians are often left with a sour taste (hence the reference to lemons) after paying for a product or service that is defective or not up to standard, especially more so now against the backdrop of rising costs of living.

“For example in renovation works, the grouse is usually poor workmanship or a hold-up in completion,” said Ratna.

“Most people may not understand the nature of lemon laws, but basically the laws will help consumers become better informed, enabling them to make trade-offs based on quality and price.

“This can signal to the market that product standards are of importance.

Read more here: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/12/18/Protecting-our-interests-Consumer-group-calls-on-government-to-implement-Lemon-Law/

Quit Smoking!

PROGRESS:

Week 14 (21 March 2015)

 I've just passed the 3rd month without smoking. My symptoms seem to be easing. I developed a skin rash on the face earlier which cleared up quite a bit in the third month. Sometimes, I still feel shortness of breath while at rest. The strongest trigger for cravings for me is stress.

Symptoms during the first 2 months:

• Mild depression
• Chest feels congested
• Cravings
• Rashes on the face

Week 2 (18 Dec 2014)

• Nasal congestion/stuffy nose
• Throat a bit sore
• Mild phlegm-induced coughing
• Not in the greatest mood
• Concentration improved a little
• Heart rate remained lower than before quit
• Overall withdrawal symptoms noticeably reduced

To stop tobacco addiction, governments should make tobacco a controlled substance, only available with a prescription to existing addicted smokers. This way, youngsters & non-smokers will not have access to tobacco products and nicotine addiction will be eliminated in one generation of current smokers.

Week 1 (28 Nov 2014 to 4 Dec 2014)

• Feeling tired, sleepy
• Extremely cranky
• Brain fog, trouble concentrating
• Easily irritated & angry
• Slept more than usual
• Hungry throughout the day
• Sense of taste less sensitive
• Noticed heart-rate dropped 10bps compared to before quit
• Eyesight seemed to be weaker

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Being addicted to any substance is never a good thing. Be it drugs, alcohol, nicotine, sugar, caffeine, etc.

Among all the substance addictions, drugs are the most dangerous. Second is alcohol. Third is nicotine.

It is the smokers who are the most demonised, bullied and discriminated by society, governments, and groups of pricks. It because of propaganda. When was the last anti-drug campaign you remember? Compared to the 80s and 90s, there are hardly any meaningful campaigns against grugs since then. And drugs abuse are flourishing worldwide.

Focus had been shifted to cigarettes and smokers instead. And these group of pricks were obviously delightfully championing it.

Smokers are easy targets because they are ordinary people.

For example, what are the odds that these self-righteous pricks walking up to a drug-addict to tell him off for doing drugs? On the other hand, these same pricks will bravely tell-off a smoker or show their disdain openly. Discrimination. Bullying. Classic.

Anyway, wouldn't it be logical if the governments were to use all those taxes from cigarettes collected to help the smokers quit, or render medical care for them? The taxes are collected from smokers anyways. Trust me when I say, smokers want to quit!

But you see, governments need the taxes! That's why they legalise tobacco. If it were for the good of the people, tobacco should be banned, like drugs.

So, I suggest those anti-smoking pricks to focus their hostility and anger at the government instead. I challenge you pricks to pressure the government to ban & make tobacco products ILLEGAL! That is the only way to stop people from smoking! Smokers will be grateful to you!

Everyone are hypocrites! If alcohol is bad, then ban it! Same with cigarettes, gambling, etc.

Here's something for smokers thinking of quitting: http://www.achoice2live.com/

To those pricks who think quitting nicotine is easy, "FCUK OFF & DIE!"

oh, by the way, I'm 7 days nicotine-free. It's not that bad really....

It's all the Chinese's fault!

When all else fails, just blame the Chinese.

That's the essence of Malaysian politics. I'm glad that these groups are vocal with their demands. At least now, the Chinese can't really be blamed for voting the way they did, nor being questioned with "Apa lagi China Mau?"...

Lay out all the cards on the table. Let everyone see and make their choices.

Don't say one thing but do another! I hope the rules are clearly spelled out once and for all... hopefully in my lifetime.

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Can Umno steer BN in the right direction?

by Khoo Kay Peng

Umno is making a big mistake if it caves in to the demands of Perkasa, a coalition of Malay rights groups.

In the run up to the party’s recent annual general assembly, Perkasa leaders were busy drawing up memorandums calling for the abolition of vernacular schools (especially Chinese vernacular schools), allowing only Bumiputeras to be exempted from repaying their National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loan schemes and others.

Once again, the group has chosen to target the Chinese community to bolster its credentials as an ethnic champion. What’s worse is that some Umno leaders are echoing some of the same demands leading up to their party’s annual general assembly last week.

Instead of supporting the president’s efforts to promote liberalisation, Wanita Umno has submitted a memorandum calling for the Sedition Act not to be repealed. Resolutions have been submitted to discuss a broad range of issues including the status of vernacular schools and suggestions to strip off the citizenship of non-Malays who are not fluent in the Malay language.

The party leadership should take notice that international observers are going to follow the proceedings very closely. Umno is the most dominant ruling party in the country and the resolutions passed in the party’s annual general assembly are going to have a major impact on how the country is going to be run.

Of course, Umno delegates have the right to freedom of expression.

However, the party must be reminded of its obligations as a ruling party and the consequences of its speech especially those that are racially charged and sensitive. Instead of blaming the Chinese for the BN coalition electoral setback, the party should conduct a self-evaluation on what the party has done wrong in order to improve its electoral performance.

Any ruling parties that refused to admit their weaknesses after decades of being in power do not deserve to continue to be in power. Making the Chinese community as its main political punching bag is not going to prove that the community is the main cause of the Malays’ dilemmas and grievances.

If the attacks persist, it is going to show that Umno, as the most dominant Malay-based ruling party over the last five decades, has failed to deliver as the leader of the BN-led federal government. It controls the administration and its resources. It has been able to implement any affirmative policies that benefited the Malays without any resistance from its partners in BN.

Who is to be blamed if the Malays failed to improve their socio-economic standards and conditions? Should the Chinese undergraduates be penalised just because not enough Malay graduates qualified for exemption from repaying their PTPTN loan?    

Some Umno leaders have said that the Chinese voters are easily duped to support the opposition. A few even suggested that these voters are part of a conspiracy to bring down Umno. The only fault the Chinese voters have committed is to exercise their voting right to elect a democratic government.

All political parties that choose to participate in the electoral process must respect the decision of the voters.

Some segments of Umno, especially those who insisted on blaming other races and religions for their leadership failure, are the biggest threats to the BN coalition’s political future. It would be foolhardy for any ethnic minority parties to think that they can displace the majority Malay leadership.

Most of the non-Malay voters did not vote for the BN because they had demanded better responses from the ruling BN regime for their grievances and problems. 

In this regard, MCA and other Chinese-based parties must work together with the moderate and progressive leaders in Umno to restore the confidence of Chinese voters in BN. These parties do not have to respond in similar fashion by bashing up the instigators.

MCA, Gerakan, SUPP and LDP can reach out to the Malay community by assuring them that the Chinese community encourages them to succeed and to achieve greater heights. Tertiary institutions linked to the parties could provide full scholarships and bursaries to Malay students who obtained good academic results. Chinese-based companies could offer top Malay students to work for them as management trainees.

It is important to debunk the notion that the Chinese community is the main cause of the Malay community’s weaknesses and woes. We must make an impression that meritocracy is the only yardstick for success. Individuals regardless of race or creed are encouraged to achieve greater success and contribute positively to national development.  

BN is only viable if Umno can help to steer it towards the right direction. The right path is to stay progressive and inclusive. Umno must ensure that it does not push itself and the BN further away from the moderate middle ground. 

Khoo Kay Peng is a political analyst and a management consultant. He believes that this nation can only progress with the collective will of its people. - See more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/Can-Umno-steer-BN-in-the-right-direction#sthash.4XIohkLB.dpuf

Khoo Kay Peng

We were once great

You know, as a nation, we were once truly great. Really. Malaysia excelled in sports, especially football and badminton. Many MNCs invested here. The economy was booming. Then we lost the plot.

Malaysia Airlines, I think, best epitomizes the state of affairs in the country.

During it's heyday, it was ranked among the BEST IN THE WORLD... yes, in the world!!! Travellers often gave high marks for their service and menu. Other airlines send their cabin crew to be trained in MAS Academy. Even their catering service was one of the best. MAS was once held in high regards by all.

Today, one plane was "stolen" aka "lost" in mid-flight. One more shot down over Ukraine. And MAS itself is insolvent. Ironically, there's no accountability. Zero. It is nobody's fault that the airline was run to the ground. Nobody is responsible nor accountable. That, in a way, reflects the prevalent attitude of those in government as well as society in general.

Malaysian society has changed.

In the old days, you can see and even feel the energy within society, in the streets, and among the people. People had hopes. People had dreams. People were happy and proud. People had a bit more integrity. They had a bit more pride and ethics in their work.

Now, there's no accountability. There's no enforcement. There are no ethics.

We are broken.

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Could MAS see the return of its glory days?

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flies thousands of passengers daily with many opting for the airline to enjoy the typical “Malaysian hospitality.”

The airline has won many accolades, especially for its in-flight services, thus it is not surprising that it was the number one choice for local and foreign travelers for years.

http://www.nst.com.my/node/46667

Can single-stream schools fix knowledge, racial gap?

That's the problem with people in Malaysia., even the so-called experts. They always jump into deep end without first identifying the root or cause of the problem. In the end, issues are mixed up and they find themselves back in square one.

First things first. What is the basic function of schools? Many would think education. But in many countries, including Malaysia, schools are also a place of indoctrination. But the real function of schools should be learning. Kids attend school to learn and to learn how to learn.

Who caused these problems which beset our education system? It's the adults. The problem is not so much on the syllabus or system or streams, but in the people. The very fact that some of these people think that schools are the solution to their problems is enough to convince many that nothing will change at best, or decline further at worst.

Which is why, adults are the biggest hypocrites. They are so prejudiced in their thinking that instead of identifying the cause, they rather do the same thing over and over again expecting different results.

Let's take the popular view of using schools to foster unity among races for example. The root cause is the adults. But the treatment is administered to the kids? The logic escapes me.

It's the adults from different races who can't get along, not the kids. Shouldn't the adults be made to attend special "single-stream" adult-schools instead? Shouldn't the adults be made to attend those National Service Training Camps, starting with the politicians first of course. Isn't it the adults who are instilling the same prejudices into their kids? The truth is, no matter how well kids mix with each other, even if some of their best friends are from a different race, each will take a different path and lead a different life in adulthood. Because Malaysian society is structured as such.

Even in countries with a homogeneous society, they still kill each other because of religion. So, do we prescribe the same solution to them? Get their kids and parents to mix with each other to "unite" them?

In terms of learning, what is the correlation between with the number of streams and the quality of education? Does having a single stream make better students, improve their learning, and expand their knowledge? Does it translate to better schools with better facilities and better teachers?

The problem is with the quality of teachers and educators, the people in government implementing education policies, the people who designs the syllabus, the people in charge of education, from top to bottom. The problems are created by people, and there too lies the solution.

We often hear about comparisons between education systems and syllabus with those from other countries. But we seldom highlight or compare the quality and training of the teachers, educators and administrators.

Focus on getting better trained people in the public education service, keep politics out & religions at home, and the problems will disappear. Simple.

Or perhaps not so simple for some of those who get mental orgasms by the mere thought of abolishing Chinese Schools :)

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Spotlight on education: Can single-stream schools fix knowledge, racial gap?

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Malaysia’s continuing slide down the global education pole has again reignited the decades-old debate to dismantle vernacular schools entirely and enforce a single-stream system.

However, experts at an education forum last night remain split in their opinions that a one-stream school system can repair the growing racial gap they blame for the country’s mediocre assessment in knowledge rankings worldwide.

“There should not be one stream of schooling in Malaysia,” Wan Saiful Wan Jan, chief executive of think-tank Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, told the 30-odd people who turned up for the talk titled “Should there be one stream schooling in Malaysia?”

He said the current education system was a “centralised mess” dogged by illogical policies and politicians who wanted to stamp their mark but did not really consider the effect on the students who would have to go through the changes.

“I believe the schooling system must be decentralised and depoliticised to get more people involved to plan its future,” he said.

The analyst believed that for decentralisation to work, however, policy-makers must first grapple with the idea that individuals have the right to make their own choices.

He also argued that if schools were to be used as a medium to foster unity, then focus should be given on the quality of the education rather than forcing everyone to conform.

“If the schools have enough quality, then it doesn’t matter what syllabus nor language is being used,” Wan Saiful said.

Panellist Zul Fikri too shared the belief that race issues must be kept out of education policies, but disagreed that abolishing vernacular schools was a practical solution to improving the knowledge levels.

“What we are looking at is a predominantly heritage and culture issue and not education,” said the founder and chairman of Teach for the Needs, a non-governmental organisation that provides tuition classes for underprivileged students.

“We have to let go of some of our fear that we hold on to now. Don’t talk about race in education. It is the content that matters and how they (students) are educated,” he said and floated an idea for a hybrid schooling system to stimulate cultural diversity to promote racial unity.

Another panellist, Lim Teck Ghee who heads the Centre for Policy Initiatives, also noted that politicians have attempted to thwart the national education agenda with partisan issues, but said vernacular schools should be seen as protecting minority rights.

He pointed out the proposal to abolish Chinese schools nationwide mooted by a junior Umno politician last ahead of his Malay party’s annual general assembly, purportedly as the vernacular schools were hotbeds for racism and anti-establishment sentiments.

“These schools have become a convenient scapegoat, particularly for the Malay public,” Lim told the forum.

He said critics of vernacular education have also not produced any study as evidence to back their claims that Chinese or Indian schools cause disunity.

Lim said that out of the 356 Chinese schools in the country, 314 have non-Chinese students; he added that in some of them, as much as 70 per cent of the student population were of other races.

“It’s not the racial sentiment that’s involved, but the pedagogy factor. How can you ensure that these (vernacular) schools are on a level playing field with national schools?” he said.

He pointed out the unequal public funding of the different existing school streams, alleging that most of the money was being funnelled into Mara junior colleges to ensure the Bumiputera-exclusive schools had the best teachers and facilities.

“This is where the disparity is, where the government has built up an elitist Malay education system that is sacred from the national education stream,” he said.

The researcher said that at the same time, the federal government appeared to be rolling back in its own initiatives to enhance unity among schoolchildren of the different existing streams and cited as an example, the Pupils Integration Plan for Unity that began in 1986 when Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi helmed the Education Ministry and was revived again in 2005 when the latter was prime minister.

He noted that the budget for the programme that aimed to stimulate racial interaction between Malay Muslim students in homogenous institutions such as religious and national boarding schools, and other ethnicities, saw its budget slashed from Rm 25.4 million in 2007 to RM2.4 million in 2011.

Independent researcher Nor Arlene Tan Khalid concurred with Lim that national schools were “very Malay-centric” but said the indoctrination of a mono-culture plagues vernacular schools too.

She disclosed that she was a product of a Chinese-medium school where students were barred from conversing in any other dialect but Mandarin.

A policy that forced the students to conform to a certain identity was unhealthy as it chips away at the diversity of Malaysia’s rich ethnic culture without necessarily improving the country’s educational standards, she said.

“There should be a single stream that can accommodate everyone,” Nor Arlene said, making a case for single-stream schools but decentralising the system by granting autonomy to the schools.

“We should be addressing other core issues such as why aren’t our students scoring in the Pisa tests,” she said, referring to the Programme for International Student Assesment conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development which tests 15-year-olds on their reading, science and math-solving abilities.

Malaysian students scored in the bottom quarter in the last assessment in 2012 the results of which were released in April this year, limping home at 39th place out of 44 countries.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/spotlight-on-education-can-single-stream-schools-fix-knowledge-racial-gap#sthash.repSeGMP.dpuf

High Pitched by NAMEWEE - 黃明志在中國【我是好聲音】飆高音

An outspoken & talented guy...enjoy!




another nice song of his...