Thailand crisis: Protesters launch Bangkok 'shutdown'

Thailand is facing another political crisis. Anti-government protesters have started to shutdown Bangkok to pressure Yingluck's party to resign & to make way for an unelected people's council to oversee political reform. Basically, they want to overthrow the government...

Thai anti-government protesters block roads in Bangkok

Key roads in capital closed as demonstrators protest February elections

Anti-government demonstrators set up barricades Monday and turned back traffic on key roads in a bid to "shut down" Bangkok and thwart February elections and overthrow the nation's democratically elected prime minister....


....The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration be replaced by a non-elected "people's council" which would implement reforms they say are needed to end corruption and money politics. ...

... Most Thai and international schools in Bangkok were closed Monday, as were some major shopping malls. Many residents appeared to stay home, and traffic was light across much of the city....

.... The grass-roots pro-Thaksin Red Shirt movement, closely allied to Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party, has said it will mobilize its supporters to fight any coup. .... - SOURCE

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Economy to stay hostage of divisive politics

The Nation

Outcome of upcoming political turmoil should give an idea of how businesses will do this year

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Pics from: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696184-thailand-live-monday-13-jan-2014/

Twitter updates: #BKKshutdown #BangkokShutdown

Malaysia mundur kerana Melayu?

Is Malaysia backward (in terms of development) because of the Malays? Or more accurately, I think, is whether Malaysia would have made better progress if not for the Malays.

Frankly, I have no doubt Malaysia would be head & shoulders ahead of many of her neighbours in terms of development & economy if we did not have affirmative policies (which by the way, I think is necessary). Having said that, I think Malaysia could have also progressed much further if the Malays who received the assistance & support all these years had not squandered & abused it.

As I've written before, the economic cake is not expanding. There's not enough to go around anymore. How long more do you think the government can afford to keep dishing out billions? But most importantly is, where will the billions come from?

Let me put it in another way. The economy & the government's income has to exceed the rate of the population growth to be sustainable. But evidently, this is not happening in Malaysia. So, the government cuts benefits, subsidies & increase taxes, like what is done in other countries.

If the Malays themselves, who will form more than 80% of the population in the near future, do not grow the economy, there won't be enough to go around. If the Malays insists on depending on the government, they would also need to accept the reality that it would be at the expense of slower  economic & development growth.

SMEs have an important role in our economy. In recent years, we have witness these businesses fighting to survive, some venturing overseas due to the stagnant economy. If the economy does not grow and conditions become unfavourable, these businesses will either have to relocate to other countries, scale down or shut down. Based on some estimates, the participation among Chinese & Malays is almost 50:50. If the Malays were to grow, it'll be either through economic growth, or else, it would be at the expense of the Chinese. Guess which would be the most likely to happen.

According to the SME Annual Report 2012, small and medium enterprises represent 98.5% of the approximately 78,000 companies in Malaysia, with the remaining 1.5% made up of multinational and public-listed companies.

In many developed nations, SMEs are thought to contribute between 40% and 60% to gross domestic product and 60% and 70% of the employment, but the SME sector in Malaysia has not reached the mark yet.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently said, “SMEs in Malaysia contribute 31% to the GDP and 59% to employment. The SME sector has a lot of catching up to do as we work towards achieving developed nation status by 2020”.

(SOURCE)

Anyway, recent social & political developments have been an eye-opener for Malaysians. For the Chinese, they have come to realise that their place in this country is not as secure and safe as they thought. They have to overcome increasing obstacles in early life (education) and glass-ceilings in later life (career). Because inherently, they will never be able to fulfill the conditions imposed in order to assimilate with the Malays, which by constitutional definition must to be Muslims, observe Malay customs & traditions, and speak the Malay language as a first language. And with that, the Chinese will never be accepted as equal, just as the Chinese in Indonesia and Brunei.

Some are fighting to preserve their place & rights, and indeed they are most vocal. On the other hand, a good number of pragmatic ones have come to terms with reality, and have quietly decided that their future lies elsewhere and will try their best to give their future generations the opportunity that they and the generations before them didn't have. And to be prepared for any eventuality... Such is the fate of the Chinese diaspora... Perhaps it's time to move on... Wherever you are, just remember this:

"Observe developments soberly, maintain our position, meet the challenge calmly, hide our capacities and bide our time, remain free of ambitions, never claim leadership and avoid confrontation."

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Malaysia mundur kerana Melayu?

Dalam  buku “The Malay Dilemma”, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad menulis, jika kaum Cina dibiarkan bersendirian berniaga dan mengurus ekonomi negara mereka akan menjadikan Malaysia sebuah negara  maju.

Tetapi apakah Melayu hanya jadi pemerhati, kekal miskin tetapi berbangga kerana negara maju di bawah orang-orang Cina?

Atau Melayu meminta sebahagian daripada saham kekayaan negara walaupun  akan melambatkan kemajuan negara? Inilah dilema Melayu.

Imbas kembali, British perlu pekerja untuk membangunkan ekonomi dan perniagaanya di Malaya. British tidak mahu menganggu budaya dan agama orang Melayu kerana adalah dasar British, lalu membawa macsuk orang-orang Cina untuk bekerja dilombong bijeh, pekerja dan berniaga. Kaum India juga dibawa masuk sebagai  pekerja ladang dan buruh kasar.

Jika tidak berlaku krisis ekonomi dunia pada tahun 1930an,  yang menjadi punca British menghentikan pengambilan pekerja imigran,  besar kemungkinan jumlah Cina dan India mengatasi jumlah orang Melayu hari ini

Sedikit jumlah orang Melayu bekerja dengan British, terdiri dari kalangan anak-anak raja dan golongan bangsawan Melayu sebagai pembantu kepada pegawai-pegawai British atau sebagai kerani di pejabat.

Majoriti orang Melayu  selesa dengan sektor tradisional menjadi petani dan nelayan.

Setelah Malaya merdeka dan bangsa Melayu mengambil alih tugas British sebagai pentadbir, bidang ekonomi dan perniagaan seperti perusahaan makanan, pembinaan, perlombongan, getah, pemborong dan peruncit telah dan terus dikuasai orang-orang Cina yang kebanyakannya  menetap di kawasan bandar, pekan dan pelabuhan.

Di mana silap?

Penganalisis ekonomi berpendapat, dengan jumlah orang Cina yang telah menceburi bidang perniagaan dengan faktor kerajinan dan kegigihan mereka di samping kekayaan sumber asli negara sepatutnya telah menjadi negara termaju dan terkaya di Asia Timur.

Tetapi ia tidak berlaku. Di mana silapnya?

Ramai cendekiawan dan usahawan Cina percaya jika Dasar Ekonomi Baru (DEB) tidak perkenalkan pada tahun 1972,  Malaysia telah maju setanding dengan Singapura dan Korea Selatan. Setidak-tidaknya  status ekonomi negara lebih baik daripada Taiwan,  sebuah negara berteknologi tinggi yang sedang meningkat.

Korea Selatan adalah antara negara termiskin di dunia selepas perang dengan Jepun. Ekonominya bergantung pada pertanian semata-mata.

Korea Selatan  kerap diancam serangan dari Korea Utara. Taiwan cuma sebuah pulau yang dituntut negara China.

Seperti Korea Selatan, selain tiada sumber alam,  Taiwan kerap diancam serangan negara Komunis China yang sehingga hari ini tidak mengiktiraf kewujudannya.

Pada tahun 70an, Singapura, Korea Selatan dan Taiwan lebih miskin dari Malaysia, kerana negara-negara itu tiada sumber asli untuk di ekspot.

Tetapi pada hari ini pendapatan perkapita Korea Selatan empat kali ganda lebih tinggi dari pendapatan perkapita rakyat Malaysia. Manakala pendapatan rakyat Singapura adalah yang kelima tertinggi di dunia. Di
mana silapnya?

Melayu gagalkan DEB

Dr  Mahathir berhujah, DEB gagal kerana Melayu yang gagalkan, bukan kerajaan yang gagal. Bangsa Melayu yang menggagalkan usaha kerajaan untuk membangunkan bangsa Melayu itu sendiri.

Berbilion ringgit dana kerajaan di suntik untuk membesarkan kek ekonomi tetapi dibazirkan tanpa mencapai matlamat DEB.

Melayu kata Dr  Mahathir masih amalkan  budaya turun temurun. Tidak berusaha bersungguh-sungguh.  Terus mengharap kerajaan memberi  tongkat. Tanpa tongkat Melayu tidak mampu bersaing dalam perniagaan dan perusahaan.

Walaupun tidak pernah berkata bangsa Melayu jadi penghalang kepada kemajuan ekonomi negara tetapi Dr Mahathir  pernah keluarkan ayat  “Melayu haprak!”

Dr  Mahathir berhujah DEB gagal kerana orang Melayu. Manakala para cendekiawan dan pengusaha Cina berhujah, Malaysia gagal mencapai taraf negara maju kerana orang Melayu dan pentadbir Melayu  penghalang sebenarnya.

Menurut Prof Ye Lin-Sheng, seorang professor Universiti Singapura,  dalam bukunya “The Chinese Dilemma”, bila DEB dilancarkan, rata-rata pengusaha dan peniaga Cina tidak yakin orang Melayu boleh maju dalam perniagaan.

“Ianya berkenaan dengan budaya dan sikap orang Melayu yang suka “berbelanja sebelum menuai hasil”.

Katanya, fenomena yang berlaku selepas DEB, peniaga Cina bukan sahaja menghadapi tekanan untuk memberi ruang kepada peniaga  Melayu, tetapi juga daripada orang-orang politik yang terlalu berkuasa sehingga membelakangkan peraturan dan undang-undang dalam memberi kelulusan menjalankan perniagaan.

“The rules became less precise because race had entered the picture” (Page 11, The Chinese Dilemma)

Peniaga Cina terpaksa mengorban sebahagian keuntungan yang boleh dilabur untuk membesarkan perusahaan untuk membayar orang-orang politik dalam bentuk komisen, kickbacks dan sebagainya.

Mereka terlalu tamak

Ayat biasa peniaga-peniaga Cina terhadap rakan kongsi Melayu ialah, “Mereka terlalu tamak” tetapi “mereka tidak bersedia untuk membuat kerja”.

Mereka tahu, rakan kongsi Melayu atau peniaga-peniaga Melayu yang diberi saham dalam syarikat mereka bukan peniaga sebenar tetapi sekadar  wakil atau proksi orang-orang politik yang berkuasa memberi lesen perniagaan dan kontrak kepada syarikat.

Dr  Mahathir menulis dalam bukunya, pembangunan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi negara akan perlahan jika Melayu diberi saham dalam perniagaan dan perusahaan ternyata jadi kenyataan.

Sasaran 30% saham bumiputera dalam perniagaan dan perusahaan gagal dicapai. Insiden kemiskinan terus membebani bangsa Melayu dan bumiputera. Akhirnya Melayu gagal dan ekonomi negara juga gagal!

Sungguhpun sudah 40 tahun DEB berlalu, sikap dan budaya orang Melayu masih tidak berubah. Bangsa Melayu masih  asyik dengan isu-isu yang berkaitan dengan kuasa politik. Isu-isu berkaitan dengan bangsa dan agama.

Matlamat menjadi negara maju tahun 2020 masih samar-samar. Malaysia berdepan dengan pelbagai masalah yang berkaitan dengan soal pengurusan ekonomi.

Kedudukan politik yang tidak stabil berikutan berikutan kehilangan majoriti dua pertiga dalam parlimen, menyukarkan lagi parti  pemerintah membuat dasar-dasar yang boleh mendapat sokongan rakyat.

Persengkitaan kaum dan agama  berlaku secara terang-terang melalui insiden-insiden seperti isu kalimah Allah, rampas Bible dan banyak lagi yang menggambar ketidapuasan hati orang Melayu terhadap kaum Cina yang jelas memberi sokongan kepada parti pembangkang dalam dua pilihan raya umum berturut-turut.

Apakah ada kemungkinannya,  bangsa Melayu mengambil keputusan “berkerat rotan, berpatah arang” dengan kaum Cina. Mengorbankan soal pembangunan ekonomi demi mempertahan politik ketuanan Melayu mereka. - SOURCE

2014 Year of the Horse - Chinese Zodiac Forecast for Dragon

Dragon

Born in: 1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012

Personality

Magical, shrewd, intuitive, artistic and very lucky are the in the Dragon. Alternately, he can be stubborn, irritable and impulsive. At times, can also be rather worldly and hard to get close to. Full of vitality, self assured, bright and master of success. Somewhat proud and quick-tempered, the Dragon personality is always attractive.

The mighty and magnificent Dragon of mythical folklore never ceases to enchant or stir the imagination. The Dragon person is magnanimous and full of vitality and strength. To him life is a blaze of colors and he is constantly on the go. Egotistical, eccentric, dogmatic, whimsical or terribly demanding and unreasonable, he is still never without a band of admirers. Proud, aristocratic and very direct, the Dragon-born establishes his ideals early in life and demands the same high standards and perfection from others that he has for himself.

The powerful Dragon is difficult to contest, at times even impossible. He tends to intimidate those who dare challenge him. An angry, spurned Dragon could be like the big bad wolf at your door. He'll huff and he'll puff until he blows your house down.

In spite of his volcano of emotions, the Dragon cannot be said to be sentimental, sensitive or very romantic. He takes love and adulation for granted: they are his just due. But while he maybe stubborn, irrational and overbearing when irked, the Dragon can forgive you the moment he gets over his outbursts. And since things are supposed to work both ways, he expects your forgiveness for his errors, too.

The Dragon likes: Festivals, Control, Wealth, Comfort, Concerts, Antique and Decadence.
The Dragon dislikes: Boredom, Cold, Dullness, Hunger, Hypocrisy and Quietness.

Compatible Animals: Rat, Monkey, Rooster

Overall Forecast

Evil stars gather collectively to wreck havoc. Lucky stars are helpless. There will be vile people sowing discords during the year. Stay in low profile and be nice to everyone. Health luck is bad, and illness starts its invasion into your body. Take note of personal safety. Handle documents with extra care to avoid unnecessary litigation.

This year's luck is exceptionally bad, with many obstacles along your path. Adopt a defensive manoeuvre to get around it. Plan comprehensively in your business operations before moving forward. Vile people are causing lots of problems and enemies are encircling you as well. Just stay in a low profile and let the tide die down by itself. Do not rush on the decision making of any major business plans. Do your best to improve relations with your peers and don't go head-butt with your superiors. Students should really focus on their studies else grades will plummet.

Health status is terrible and illness causes its damage on your health. Food and personal hygiene are a concern as well as fatigue. Handle sharp objects with care and be vigilant when you are in the outdoor. Relationship luck with loved ones will be improved only if one embrace everything good and bad of the other person. Those who have someone in their mind should spur on.

Career

It is not a good year for you. Any business plans at the start of the year, should be conservative. Disputes are surrounding you, which will affect your work progress.

Love

Do not ask for troubles when you are holding a peaceful family life. The single is having good match while the married couple is leading to a honey life. Single has a great chance of meeting his/her Mr/Miss Right.

Wealth

Be honest with your wealth. Do not overspend this year. You may entangle with huge losses if investments are not wisely analysed. Do consider the capricious macro environment.

Health

Sickness stars surrounding you this year. Rest well and do not overwork. The elderly may suffer illness in the cold weather, be open minded and avoid getting angry to keep healthy.

Article sourced from www.geomancyhut.com.sg

Hundreds turned up to seek justice for Chee Gaik Yap

Justice has been denied for 8 years. If Ms. Chee Gaik Yap was still alive, she would be 33 years old this year, probably married with kids. Her family as well as concerned citizens have been seeking the ever elusive justice for Gaik Yap year after year.

What is most disappointing is that despite catching the main suspect, he is a free man today because the prosecutors were unable to prove his guilt.

A murder suspect can skip bail, escape to Australia, obtains PR status, then decides to return home, arrested again, put on trial where the court subsequently frees him. Have the prosecutors and the judge overlooked the fact that he ran away and went into hiding? If he was innocent, why run away?

Can you blame the people from questioning the integrity of Malaysia's judicial system?

Hundreds turned up on this morning at the Wat Siam in Sungai Petani, Kedah here to seek justice for Chee Gaik Yap, a marketing executive who was raped and murdered in 2006.

Among those are Chee's father, Chee Ah Sau as well as Bukit Berapit ADUN Lydia Ong and State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang.

The demands put forth by them include appealing to the Attorney-General to provide updates on the case development and to add a rape charge on the suspect.

Eight years ago, Gaik Yap, 25, a Universiti Utara Malaysia graduate, was believed to have been tailed by her assailant while jogging in the neighbourhood of Taman Ria Jaya in Sungai Petani.

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Hundreds turned up to seek justice for marketing executive who was raped and murdered

SUNGAI PETANI: Hundreds turned up on Saturday at the Wat Siam in Sungai Petani, Kedah here to seek justice for Chee Gaik Yap, a marketing executive who was raped and murdered in 2006.

The demands put forth by them include appealing to the Attorney-General to provide updates on the case development and to add a rape charge on the suspect.

Among those present are Gaik Yap's father, Chee Ah Sau as well as Berapit assemblyman Lydia Ong and State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang.

Eight years ago, Gaik Yap, 25, a Universiti Utara Malaysia graduate, was believed to have been tailed by her assailant while jogging in the neighbourhood of Taman Ria Jaya in Sungai Petani.

She was kidnapped, raped and killed before her body was dumped at the housing estate.

Car salesman Shahril Jaafar, 33, from Ayer Keroh, Malacca, was on trial for the murder that took place between 5.30pm on Jan 14, 2006, and 3.05am on Jan 15, 2006, near the Cinta Sayang Club in Taman Ria Jaya, Sungai Petani.

Shahril was acquitted of the murder charge by the High Court last year. - SOURCE

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2014 Year of the Horse - Chinese Zodiac Forecast for Rabbit

Rabbit

Born in: 1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011

Personality

Peace loving, impeccable manners in the pursuit of a good life, intelligent in business with creative mind but sometimes moody and indifferent.
A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon.

The rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty. His soft speech and graceful nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician.

Likewise, a person born under this sign will lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet and congenial environment. He is reserved and artistic and possesses good judgment. His thoroughness will also make him a good scholar. He will shine in the fields of law, politics and government.

The Rabbit likes: The arts, Comfort, Secrets, Riddles and Intrigue.
The Rabbit dislike: Decisions, Violence, Criticism, Untidiness and Dirtiness.

Compatible Animals: Goat, Dog, Pig

Overall Forecast

There are a basket of lucky stars gathering together with no obstacles. There are also be joyous news such as conception. Those in business are experiencing stellar performance and thus a good time to expand. Those working class are going through a good time as well with benefactors providing timely support. Mainstream income is strong while windfall luck fluctuates. Be mindful of your speech this year.

Even though one is perhaps affected by roll of words or gossips flying around, just be very cautious of your thoughts and speech. Just have forbearance and make matters small or none to get by. People who are employed are in for a good time if they make full use of the support from benefactors to develop further in one's career path. Pay raise and job promotion is probable; focus your energy sincerely at work to reap the justified rewards.

Your health luck is flat. Be forewarned of possible intestinal issues, so take note of hygiene. Take good care of the health of the elderly and young. Good affinity with others and vibrant activities with others will create love sparks for you, especially during the start of the year. Those married should stay clear of illicit affairs as it will cause to pay dearly in your career, family and health status.

Career

All in all the luck are good, especially for the female. The male is expecting unforeseen problems in the career, so straight forward and simplify in your undertaking.

Love

Love with integrity. Marriage couples have to be very careful when dealing with martial affairs. It can brings you joys and also damages. The damages can be so huge that may go beyond your imagination.

Wealth

The wealth is stable and progressing now, a right moment to lay your business plan. You are advised to be firmed when making decision on high-return business, not influence by the opinion of media. Use your fund wisely.

Health

Physical condition is in good terms for the first six months, thereafter, may have some problems in the later part of the year. Beware of old illness such as nose and skin problems. Please control your diet, eat more healthy food to avoid stomach and gut problems.

Article sourced from www.geomancyhut.com.sg

Selangor state govt must set aside differences with federal govt: Bible Society Malaysia

An update on the Bible-seizing drama... Basically, from what I gather, it's something like this...

1. The Selangor State Government and Pakatan Rakyat people says the Federal Government is responsible.

2. The Federal Government says otherwise, that it is a state matter.

3. DAP points the finger at Najib, insisting that the PM is responsible.

4. Federal Government says JAIS comes under the purview of Selangor state.

5. JAIS says it is not answerable to the State Executive or MB.

6.... etc... etc...

Both Muslims and Christians keep beating around the bush, avoiding the root of the problem, which is propagation/proselytisation/conversion. They would rather fight and argue over words, bibles, history, and whatnot, but are too cowardly to face the actual issue. In the meantime, the others will just have to live with it, while both continue to actively proselytise each other, as well as others of different religions.

But the main reason for playing up this issue, I believe, is political. It is a political hot potato, used to force Pakatan Rakyat into a crisis among its coalition partners. PAS is an Islamic party. DAP is led by mostly Christians. PKR... well, they can be whatever you want them to be hehehe... So, in a way, it's actually good that they are pressured to come out to state their stand on sensitive issues. Since they want to form the Federal Government, they must show the people that they can be trusted to co-operate effectively to maintain stability, harmony & peace among the multi-racial multi-religious population. Enough of sloganeering & rhetorics.

Anyway, RPK has posted a rather interesting piece with regards to this... What he says makes sense and I believe it is quite accurate...

The 1,000-year old turf war

What begs answers is (1) why was this 1988 law and that Article in the 1957 Constitution never challenged and opposed earlier and (2) why is the government eager to implement this law after so many years of this law being ‘silently’ around?

The challengers say they never challenged this law earlier because it had never been used before so it was not a problem until today, while the authorities say they never needed to use this law in the past because the Christians have always behaved themselves and never tried to convert Muslims to Christianity...

...I remember writing, ten years or so ago, that many Malays want to leave Islam to become Christians. ...

...If Muslims want to leave Islam to become Christians then it is the fault of the Muslims and not the fault of the Christians. Something must be wrong with Islam or the Islamic education...

...the National Registration Department (NRD) who revealed that they had received thousands of applications from Muslims requesting to change their Muslim name to a Christian name....

...The NRD, said this man, normally delays approval and instead ‘sends someone’ to talk to these people to try to convince them to remain Muslims. Some are even sent for ‘religious rehabilitation’ so that they can be ‘re-indoctrinated’. Eventually, many leave Islam quietly without applying for a change of name on their IC out of fear of being taken in for ‘religious rehabilitation’.

So Malaysia actually has many ex-Muslims who are now Christians but will remain in the closet just like gays because if they were to come out of the closet they would become a target.... - SOURCE

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Members of the Bible Society of Malaysia.

The Bible Society of Malaysia said the Selangor state government must set aside its differences with the federal government to resolve the "Allah" issue. 

SHAH ALAM: The Bible Society of Malaysia have had their statements taken from JAIS, the state Islamic authorities, who seized more than 300 copies of Malay-language bibles earlier this month because they contained the word “Allah” to refer to God.

The Bible suppliers do not know when or if the holy books will be returned.

It is now up to the Selangor state government to find a resolution.

The Bible Society said the opposition-run state government must set aside its differences with the federal government.

It feels old state laws that ban non-Muslims from using “Allah” in religious contexts need to change to keep up with federal enactments -- specifically Prime Minister Najib Razak's 2011 10-point solution, which had allowed Christians to import and distribute Malay language bibles containing the word “Allah”.

Lee Min Choon, president of the Bible Society of Malaysia, said: "The federal government has kept to the 10 points. This problem is a problem of the state. If the Selangor state government is prepared to embrace the 10 point formally, we'll be happy to forget about legal action because that would be a good enough, in our opinion, a good enough securing of the rights of the Christian community.”

Three Bible society members, including its president Lee Min Choon, met JAIS officials accompanied by a representative from the prime minister's department.

After more than two hours of having their members’ statements taken, the Bible Society has urged the Christian community in Malaysia to remain calm.

The Selangor government had directed JAIS to defer to the Home Ministry.

But the federal government has passed the buck back to the state and the Sultan of Selangor, who also oversees religious affairs.

There remains strong opposition from certain Muslim groups, which marched to JAIS headquarters.

Jamal Md Yunos, spokesperson for Muslim groups, said: "The Home Ministry may have approved the Bibles in different languages but this is for states where there are now religious enactments.”

More than 100 people delivered a letter of support for JAIS, commending the body for seizing the Bibles, and also warning the Selangor government against defying the Sultan's wishes. - SOURCE

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After Al-Kitab seized, DAP reminds Najib of 10-point solution

DAP publicity chief Tony Pua called on the prime minister to remember his own 10-point solution when dealing with the Allah row. — Picture by Choo Choy May

PETALING JAYA, Jan 2 — The DAP urged Datuk Seri Najib Razak today to intervene on the Selangor Islamic authorities’ raid against a bible distributor here, saying the prime minister could use the 10-point solution he mooted in 2011 to settle the “Allah” row.

DAP publicity chief Tony Pua said the Selangor Islamic Religious Department’s (Jais) raid of the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) earlier here today was not in line with the spirit of Islam.

“The leadership of this country needs to put its foot down and stop the entire circus over the term ‘Allah’,” Pua told reporters at the Damansara police station here today.

“It is up to Najib to stop this based on his own stamp of moderation, including the 10-point solution,” added the Petaling Jaya Utara MP, referring to the Cabinet decision in 2011 that allowed the Malay-language bible - the Al-Kitab - to be freely distributed in both the peninsula and East Malaysia. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/after-al-kitab-seized-dap-reminds-najib-of-10-point-solution#sthash.llqSYsuE.dpuf

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Govt allows import and local printing of Bible in all languages

PETALING JAYA: The Bible can now be imported into the country in all languages including Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia and in the indigenous languages.

It can also be printed locally and there is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.

These are part of a 10-point solution developed by the Government after being in dialogue with Christian groups, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

He hoped the solution would be received positively by Christian groups.

Below is the full statement by Idris on the 10 points provided to the media.

The Government confirmed that it has been in dialogue with the Christian groups to look into their specific requests on the Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia Bible and also other religious issues. Taking into account the polarity of views of the different religious groups, including the Muslims, the Government decided on a 10-point solution.

1. Bibles in all languages can be imported into the country, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.

2. These Bibles can also be printed locally in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. This is a new development which should be welcome by the Christian groups.

3. Bibles in indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak such as Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and Lun Bawang can also be printed locally and imported.

4. For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognition of the large Christian community in these states, there are no conditions attached to the importation and local printing of the Bibles in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.

5. Taking into account the interest of the larger Muslim community, for Peninsula Malaysia, Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia, imported or printed, must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross sign printed on the front covers.

6. In the spirit of 1Malaysia and recognising that many people travel between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia, there should be no prohibitions and restrictions for people who bring along their bibles and christian materials on such travel.

7. A directive on the Bible has been issued by the Ketua Setiausaha (KSU) of the Home Ministry to ensure proper implementation of this cabinet decision. Failure to comply will subject the officers to disciplinary action under the General Orders. A comprehensive briefing by top officials, including the Attorney General (AG), will be given to all relevant civil servants to ensure good understanding and proper implementation of the directive.

8. For the impounded Bibles in Kuching, Gideon, the importer can collect all the 30,000 Bibles free of charge. We undertake to ensure the parties involved are reimbursed. The same offer remains available for the importer of the 5,100 Bibles in Port Klang, which have already been collected by the Bible Society Malaysia (BSM) last week.

9. Beyond the Bible issue, the Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to work with the Christian groups and all the different religious groups in order to address inter religious issues and work towards the fulfilment of all religious aspirations in accordance with the constitution, taking into account the other relevant laws of the country. In order to bring urgency to this work, the Prime Minister will meet the representatives of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) soon to discuss the way forward.

10. The Christian Ministers in the cabinet will meet on a regular basis with representatives of the various Christian groups in order to discuss their issues and work with the relevant Ministries and PM in order to resolve them.

Dato Sri Idris Jala said, “I hope this 10 point solution will be received positively by the Christian groups as being fair and reasonable. We have to look for a solution that deals with the Bible issues and also put a way forward to handle other issues raised by the Christian groups”.

“I think the Bible issue is very unfortunate, and in the spirit of Lent, it is time for sacrifice, reconciliation and forgiveness.

"In our history as a young nation, we achieved a lot in a short period of time, but we have our shortcomings.

"The Government and our civil servants are not perfect as indeed all human beings are “beautifully imperfect” in the eyes of God.

"And for all our shortcomings in handling the Bible issue, I hope the Christians would find it in their hearts to forgive us.

"In my Church at SIBKL, we have been praying for a Christian revival to take place in our country. For all the hurt that exist as a result of our differences, I believe that we need healing, forgiveness and reconciliation in this country.

"The Bible says in Matthew 18: 21-22 “ Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times”. - SOURCE

2014 Year of the Horse - Chinese Zodiac Forecast for Tiger

Tiger

Born in: 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010

Personality

Courageous, active, and self-assured, a natural leader, passionate and independent. Possibly restless especially if born at night. Rebellious and dynamic. A warrior and center of attention. Quick tempered but considerate. Affectionate but careless. A roaring success awaits the Tiger.

In the East, the Tiger symbolizes power, passion and daring. A rebellious, colorful and unpredictable character, he commands awe and respect from all quarters. This fearless and fiery fighter is revered as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household: fire, thieves and ghosts.

The Tiger is a fortunate person to have around provided you are prepared for all the activity that comes along with his dynamic personality. The impulsiveness and vivacity of the Tiger person are contagious. His vigor and love of life are stimulating. He will arouse every sort of emotion in people except indifference. In short, the captivating tiger loves being the center of attention.

The Tiger likes: Changes, New experiences, Flattery, Surprises, Quality and Parties.
The Tiger dislikes: Boredom, Criticism, Ignorance, Responsibility, Laws and Slowness.

Compatible Animals: Pig, Horse, Dog

Overall Forecast

There are many evil stars and favourable stars are weak. Tread with caution. Beware of vile people seizing the chance to hammer you hard. Stay away from causes of gossips etc as it may lead to lawsuits. Your emotions must be under check; relax and cheer up. Beware of personal safety.

Whether you are doing business or at work, solidify your foundation. Striking without planning is suicidal. Be nice to those around you, or else they will become harmful to you. With such low luck, it is best to stay in low profile and adopt defensive measures. As unnecessary chatters are everywhere in the office, it is best to focus our time and ears at the right place, which is your works. Have patience and all matters will be resolved soon.

Your easily agitated temperament will cause your health to spiral down rapidly and become a cause for more illness. Stay cheerful and avoid getting into work fatigue. There may be injuries here and there if you are not careful. Drive safely on road within speed limits. Relationship with everyone, including your lover, is on the rock. If forbearance, sincerity, genuine care and concerns are present, only will relationship with colleagues, peers and loved ones be improved.

Career

Be vigilance in your career this year. Stay calm and ride along the wave. At times, the tide may has a sudden turn and cause all progress to be like pushing a cart up a steep hill.

Love

The course of true love never run smoothly on an obstacle path. This trend applies to both married couple as well. The proposed solution is to be empathy to each other and spend more time together. The relationship is fragile; you need to handle with care.

Wealth

The luck is plain and without surprise. Your personal income is getting better and may secure a small fortune in the second half of the year, especially on lottery, comparing to the overspending in the first half of the year.

Health

You will always feel tired this year. Do more exercise can improve the situation. preventive is better than a lot of cures. Avoid water activities is advised.

Article sourced from www.geomancyhut.com.sg