fwded email...
This is a story about Malaysian society
Where the different races supposedly live in harmony
In 2003, came along a PM by the name of Badawi
Who led his party to a resounding election victory.
This is a PM whose promises are many
All his slogans are equally catchy
As a result, many people are taken in completely
By his humble and Mr. Clean personality.
First among his chief promises is to combat corruption immediately
That has everyone applauding loudly
But until today, all the major cases are still one big mystery
Lack of evidence or is he fooling us secretly?
Not long after, he introduced Islam Hadhari
Some complained there is only one version of Islam from the Almighty
Anyway, what is it all about, no one knows exactly
Except for some broad points outlined in theory.
Then, he said we need to cut our budget deficit quickly
Which started the dismantling of Tun M's legacy
This caused us to hear about the crooked bridge flip flop story
With all the accusations, what is fiction and what is reality?
By his own admission, his son is extremely wealthy
Because he controls a listed company by the name of Scomi
Was once implicated in the shipment of banned components to a Middle Easterncountry
But his son claimed ignorance and that's the end of the story.
He also has a son-in-law by the name of Khairy
Not elected but is UMNO Youth's deputy
Got entangled in the merged Avenue-ECM Libra entity
Which happened right under the nose of the PM-led Finance Ministry.
Then, we came across a foreign newspaper reporting factually
Of his adventure to see a yacht at a faraway place somewhere in Turkey
This is not true, he said insistently
But I don't see the newspaper issuing any apology.
Next, came the jet on the itinerary
Bought or leased, he is lucky that Malaysians are not financially savvy
The jet is also for the Agong's use, he said publicly
I wonder whether the Agong requested for one specifically?
Later, we read of his holidays in an Australian city
Staying in a mansion owned by someone whom an old man named as PatrickBadawi
We shouldn't be so critical if he was only away temporarily
Except for the fact that there was a major flood in our own territory.
Then, we get the case of Proton disposing off a subsidiary
Not for a large amount but for a mere penny
Many think behind the deal something's very fishy
Tun M's pet project is certainly going awry.
Overall, crime rates are going up highly
Confidence in our police is at its lowest historically
But the IGP got his tenure extended easily
He must be thinking everything's hunky-dory.
He has also been busy launching economic regions lately
Trying to attract foreign investments into the country
Sadly, some are saying that the northern development is benefiting a crony
While others argue the southern one will end up as LKY's colony.
You see, I can go on and on about this indefinitely
Because it is easy and I do not need to create any of them individually
They are all plucked from the web where the stories about him is a plenty
From promoting judges unfairly to always being sleepy.
Actually, I am just an ordinary Malaysian who cares about her country
And I have to state that I am not against him or his policy
For I do not care who is the Perdana Menteri
As long as the person is capable and trustworthy.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
syed hamid albar on bbc hardtalk...
i like how to reply, comment, tackle, mumble and fumble on replying questions posed to him... :) ...
he is definitely doing wat he supposed to do... to protect his rice bowl!... :) ...
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsa/n5ctrl/progs/07/hardtalk/albar13sep.ram)
p/s ; 50 long years into independence as a secular country, yet our ministers are being interview on this kinda subjects and yet day in and day out in the daily newspapers reporting on this kinda issues!...
he is definitely doing wat he supposed to do... to protect his rice bowl!... :) ...
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsa/n5ctrl/progs/07/hardtalk/albar13sep.ram)
p/s ; 50 long years into independence as a secular country, yet our ministers are being interview on this kinda subjects and yet day in and day out in the daily newspapers reporting on this kinda issues!...
rubella outbreak in klang valley?!?.. another serious incident swept under the carpet?!?...
saw this news in lks's blog... i thought this a very serious matter, which swept under the carpet due to the 50th anniversary?!?...
if the email from um is proven to be true, then the authorites have a lot to answer!...
did they choose to proclaim merdeka instead of asking people to becareful with this issue?!?...
p/s ; transparency is a history?!?...
An email from CL that there is a rubella outbreak in the Klang Valley which has been blacked out so as not to spoil the Merdeka anniversary celebrations.
Can the authorities in particular the Health Minister and the University of Malaya Vice Chancellor respond?
CL’s email:
There is an outbreak of rubella in the Klang Valley and possibly nationwide as well. Apparently this had been going on for the past two months but the power-that-be has chose to keep the news blacked out because of the impending 50th anniversary Merdeka celebration. The outbreak also occurred in the UM campus and the recently concluded convocation was almost marred. News of the outbreak in the campus only came out lately, in fact only a few days back.(see circular appended below). It is not immediately known how many students had been infected to date. However, official news of the outbreak has caused anger and anxiety among the “warga kampus”.
Rubella in the adults and adolescents is mild with nothing more than a flu-like illness with fever lasting a few days and associated with muscle aches and joint pains. Its mild nature cannot be said if an expectant mother who has no immunity, contracts rubella in the first 3 months of her pregnancy. The unborn foetus has a high risk of developing various abnormalities : small brain, cataracts, deafness, heart defects, mental retardation, etc.
Because of the non-specific symptoms, most cases of rubella are diagnosed as a viral illness. The rash over the body and enlarged lymph glands behind the ears are typical but can be easily missed if not specifically looked for. The rash is very faint and lasts no more than 48 hours and often missed in the dark skinned. Hence many infected persons are not aware that that they are infected. This is a highly infectious disease and an infected person can transmit the infection (airborne spread) from one week before till at least 4 days after onset of the rash. This implies that by the time the index case is diagnosed, he/she would have transmitted to susceptible persons in contact with him/her. This is the reason why outbreaks usually occur in hostels, schools, army barracks. This was probably what caused the outbreak among UM students staying in the residential colleges.
The illness is effectively preventable by giving rubella vaccine, which the government gave as a routine for female students in secondary three since 1986. However, this strategy has obviously failed to prevent one from getting the diseases because the immunization program selectively immunized females only. Transmission can still occur among males who in turn pass it on to susceptible females. This explains the reason for the current outbreak.
In 2002 the government started the routine MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) immunization of children at 1 year and again on entering primary one. This strategy is more effective and would stamp out rubella infection in the adolescents and adults. Students entering universities (at age 20 years) from now till 2022 will still be susceptible to the 3 diseases. To effectively control the outbreak now will require mass immunization with the vaccine of both male and female students. MMR is the ideal vaccine as it ensures that the vaccinee is also protected against measles. The vaccine costs less than RM20 if purchased in bulk. There had been instances of reports of measles outbreak in the past.
Events happening over the last two months have indicated that the current outbreak has not been handled in the proper manner. Firstly there is news blackout of the rubella outbreak. This was done so as not to spoil the merdeka celebration. By so doing, pregnant women are been exposed unnecessarily to risk of getting infected and subsequently delivery of an affected baby. Secondly the government, till date has not advised the public who had not have rubella vaccination in the past to go for vaccination. The vaccine is very cheap (about RM 2 per dose) but of course there is a shortage of the vaccine now. Thirdly during the fasting month there will be lots of mingling of people and those “balik kampung” setting the stage for mass transmission of the illness. From what is happening in the UM campus, the management has decided to vaccinate only the females first and then the males at a later date. Only rubella vaccine is used (about 3000 doses from MOH, a gross inadequate) not the MMR vaccine. This is an exercise in futility for two reasons: The males can still be infected and will continue to transmit the virus. The outbreak can never be controlled if only females are vaccinated. This is a golden opportunity to give everyone the MMR vaccine to protect against measles too. Otherwise it will be a matter of time before an outbreak of measles occur in the campus and nationwide. Measles is a very much more severe illness compared to rubella with many complications.
In short the government has attempted to cover up an outbreak of rubella in the country at the expense of risks to unborn foetuses. By not taking quick and proper measures it has allowed the illness to spread to a stage that the government is now in a helpless state.
Date: Sun, 09 Sep 2007 13:03:23 +0800
From: International & Corporate Relations Office
To: uminfo@list.um.edu.my
Subject: [Uminfo] RUBELLA ON CAMPUS
YBhg. Dato’/Datuk/Datin/Profesor/Tuan/Puan,
Please be informed that a number of students had been infected with Rubella, an infectious disease caused by a virus. A main concern with the rubella disease is the effect it has on pregnant ladies as it can be very harmful to the foetus. Therefore, it is imperative for staff and students who are pregnant to seek consultation at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
The symptoms of Rubella are fever and rashes. Apart from that, there may also be:
1. Conjunctivitis
2. Sore throat
3. Headache
4. Nausea
5. Tenderlymphadenopathy (particularly behind the ear areas - posterior auricular and suboccipital lymph nodes)
The University Management has taken several steps to address this issue and would like to seek lecturers’ assistance to inform and advise students of the above.
Thank you.
************************************************
International & Corporate Relations Office (ICR)
Level 1, Chancellery Building
University of Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Tel: 603-7967 3273 / 3423 / 3575 / 3334
Fax: 7956 0027
E-mail: icr@um.edu.my
Website: www.um.edu.my
(http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2007/09/15/rubella-outbreak-in-klang-valley/)
if the email from um is proven to be true, then the authorites have a lot to answer!...
did they choose to proclaim merdeka instead of asking people to becareful with this issue?!?...
p/s ; transparency is a history?!?...
An email from CL that there is a rubella outbreak in the Klang Valley which has been blacked out so as not to spoil the Merdeka anniversary celebrations.
Can the authorities in particular the Health Minister and the University of Malaya Vice Chancellor respond?
CL’s email:
There is an outbreak of rubella in the Klang Valley and possibly nationwide as well. Apparently this had been going on for the past two months but the power-that-be has chose to keep the news blacked out because of the impending 50th anniversary Merdeka celebration. The outbreak also occurred in the UM campus and the recently concluded convocation was almost marred. News of the outbreak in the campus only came out lately, in fact only a few days back.(see circular appended below). It is not immediately known how many students had been infected to date. However, official news of the outbreak has caused anger and anxiety among the “warga kampus”.
Rubella in the adults and adolescents is mild with nothing more than a flu-like illness with fever lasting a few days and associated with muscle aches and joint pains. Its mild nature cannot be said if an expectant mother who has no immunity, contracts rubella in the first 3 months of her pregnancy. The unborn foetus has a high risk of developing various abnormalities : small brain, cataracts, deafness, heart defects, mental retardation, etc.
Because of the non-specific symptoms, most cases of rubella are diagnosed as a viral illness. The rash over the body and enlarged lymph glands behind the ears are typical but can be easily missed if not specifically looked for. The rash is very faint and lasts no more than 48 hours and often missed in the dark skinned. Hence many infected persons are not aware that that they are infected. This is a highly infectious disease and an infected person can transmit the infection (airborne spread) from one week before till at least 4 days after onset of the rash. This implies that by the time the index case is diagnosed, he/she would have transmitted to susceptible persons in contact with him/her. This is the reason why outbreaks usually occur in hostels, schools, army barracks. This was probably what caused the outbreak among UM students staying in the residential colleges.
The illness is effectively preventable by giving rubella vaccine, which the government gave as a routine for female students in secondary three since 1986. However, this strategy has obviously failed to prevent one from getting the diseases because the immunization program selectively immunized females only. Transmission can still occur among males who in turn pass it on to susceptible females. This explains the reason for the current outbreak.
In 2002 the government started the routine MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) immunization of children at 1 year and again on entering primary one. This strategy is more effective and would stamp out rubella infection in the adolescents and adults. Students entering universities (at age 20 years) from now till 2022 will still be susceptible to the 3 diseases. To effectively control the outbreak now will require mass immunization with the vaccine of both male and female students. MMR is the ideal vaccine as it ensures that the vaccinee is also protected against measles. The vaccine costs less than RM20 if purchased in bulk. There had been instances of reports of measles outbreak in the past.
Events happening over the last two months have indicated that the current outbreak has not been handled in the proper manner. Firstly there is news blackout of the rubella outbreak. This was done so as not to spoil the merdeka celebration. By so doing, pregnant women are been exposed unnecessarily to risk of getting infected and subsequently delivery of an affected baby. Secondly the government, till date has not advised the public who had not have rubella vaccination in the past to go for vaccination. The vaccine is very cheap (about RM 2 per dose) but of course there is a shortage of the vaccine now. Thirdly during the fasting month there will be lots of mingling of people and those “balik kampung” setting the stage for mass transmission of the illness. From what is happening in the UM campus, the management has decided to vaccinate only the females first and then the males at a later date. Only rubella vaccine is used (about 3000 doses from MOH, a gross inadequate) not the MMR vaccine. This is an exercise in futility for two reasons: The males can still be infected and will continue to transmit the virus. The outbreak can never be controlled if only females are vaccinated. This is a golden opportunity to give everyone the MMR vaccine to protect against measles too. Otherwise it will be a matter of time before an outbreak of measles occur in the campus and nationwide. Measles is a very much more severe illness compared to rubella with many complications.
In short the government has attempted to cover up an outbreak of rubella in the country at the expense of risks to unborn foetuses. By not taking quick and proper measures it has allowed the illness to spread to a stage that the government is now in a helpless state.
Date: Sun, 09 Sep 2007 13:03:23 +0800
From: International & Corporate Relations Office
To: uminfo@list.um.edu.my
Subject: [Uminfo] RUBELLA ON CAMPUS
YBhg. Dato’/Datuk/Datin/Profesor/Tuan/Puan,
Please be informed that a number of students had been infected with Rubella, an infectious disease caused by a virus. A main concern with the rubella disease is the effect it has on pregnant ladies as it can be very harmful to the foetus. Therefore, it is imperative for staff and students who are pregnant to seek consultation at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
The symptoms of Rubella are fever and rashes. Apart from that, there may also be:
1. Conjunctivitis
2. Sore throat
3. Headache
4. Nausea
5. Tenderlymphadenopathy (particularly behind the ear areas - posterior auricular and suboccipital lymph nodes)
The University Management has taken several steps to address this issue and would like to seek lecturers’ assistance to inform and advise students of the above.
Thank you.
************************************************
International & Corporate Relations Office (ICR)
Level 1, Chancellery Building
University of Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Tel: 603-7967 3273 / 3423 / 3575 / 3334
Fax: 7956 0027
E-mail: icr@um.edu.my
Website: www.um.edu.my
(http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2007/09/15/rubella-outbreak-in-klang-valley/)
police brutality reaches a new height!... live bullet fired at ceramah crowd!...
the authorities did it AGAIN!...
loads of articles on this issue... think, so far malik imtiaz says it best!...
(http://malikimtiaz.blogspot.com/2007/09/of-peaceful-gatherings-freedom-of.html)
more reading details/articles at...
(http://bersih.org/)
(http://zfikri.wordpress.com/2007/09/09/firing-democracy-in-malaysia/)
(http://colour-blind.org/?p=1056)
(http://jelas.info/2007/09/09/flash-people-shot-live-bullets-used-in-terengganu/)
dun really hope for the current umno-led govt to act on this.. BUT wat are they gonna SAY (just comments) about this?!?... will they be throwing this case around?!?... no action will be taken?!?...
p/s ; God pls save malaysia!... the rulers pls save malaysia!...
p/s ; with the shit we are currently going thru for the past 2-3 years, it's only our own respective 'silliness/stupidity' to continue to vote for them in the next general election!...
loads of articles on this issue... think, so far malik imtiaz says it best!...
(http://malikimtiaz.blogspot.com/2007/09/of-peaceful-gatherings-freedom-of.html)
more reading details/articles at...
(http://bersih.org/)
(http://zfikri.wordpress.com/2007/09/09/firing-democracy-in-malaysia/)
(http://colour-blind.org/?p=1056)
(http://jelas.info/2007/09/09/flash-people-shot-live-bullets-used-in-terengganu/)
dun really hope for the current umno-led govt to act on this.. BUT wat are they gonna SAY (just comments) about this?!?... will they be throwing this case around?!?... no action will be taken?!?...
p/s ; God pls save malaysia!... the rulers pls save malaysia!...
p/s ; with the shit we are currently going thru for the past 2-3 years, it's only our own respective 'silliness/stupidity' to continue to vote for them in the next general election!...
selamat berpuasa!...
to all people of the muslims faith...
here wishing you and to all your loved ones a blessed puasa!...
have a meaningful ramadhan ahead!...
here wishing you and to all your loved ones a blessed puasa!...
have a meaningful ramadhan ahead!...
rm 224.00 for a set of four screwdrivers, rm 8,254.00 for a 3.1 megapixel camera, etc!...
there are people complain about the quality... they are people complain about the price too...
honestly... the question now is, do they really care about the quality?!?... a proper 'qc department' may be able to help...
i mean, come on.. as long as their own respective tummy is filled... why bother about the quality of the goods eh?!?...
uncle sam would be the best example... after tens of millions ringgit spent on renovating parliament.. but, still have defects to it.. wat he did next?!?.. ask for huge amount of money just to do survey and then bigger amount to repair it!..
p/s ; the renovated sections of the parliament is very impressive.. but, after spending millions of ringgit, some sections still remained the same fm the day parliament was built...
p/s ; fm the budget announced by aab couple of days back... approx rm 70 million is allocated for the parliament... but, allocation for jakim is approx 700% more!... any sense to it?!?...
Paying through the nose for tools
By ROYCE CHEAH, ELIZABETH LOOI and MANJIT KAUR
PETALING JAYA: Would you pay RM224 for a set of four screwdrivers?
Probably not, but that was what the Government paid to supply tools for students at the eight National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) around the country, according to the Auditor-General’s (AG) report.
The AG said the screwdrivers had a market price of RM40 and according to pictures in the report, resembled the average Philips screwdrivers you could buy in any hardware shop.
And it does not stop there – the AG went a step further by examining the prices paid for 12 other tools and equipment bought for the IKBN project, comparing it with market prices when the procurement was done in late 2002.
Among these were technical books consisting 10 titles that had a price tag of RM10,700 and a 3.1 megapixel digital camera that was bought for RM8,254.
For the 13 items that the report highlighted, the Government paid RM8.39mil more than the market price at that time.
According to the report, consultants for the Youth and Sports Ministry had reached an estimated price tag of RM399.67mil for the equipment for the IKBN project which later ballooned to RM767.98mil after two appeals by the ministry for additional allocations.
“The ministry said more money was needed in anticipation of a bigger student population and that getting equipment from the same supplier meant prices would remain the same.
“But there was no proof that market research was done to identify the prices of the items and equipment because minutes for the negotiation meetings were not prepared,” the report said.
It said without the minutes, the auditing team was unable to find out if efforts were made to reduce prices.
The AG also said that the ministry’s secretary-general (KSU) had signed off 11 contracts worth between RM7.99mil and RM74.2mil that were related to the IKBN project, on behalf of the Government.
“The KSU only has the authority to sign contracts worth less than RM5mil. Anything larger should be signed by the minister or someone to whom the authority has been given.
“However, during the audit, no such letter giving the authority to the KSU presented itself,” the report said.
The report said there were also discrepancies such as one supplier being paid more than the other for exactly the same equipment.
One example the AG highlighted showed one supplier getting RM1.24mil more than the other for identical engineering equipment.
(http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/9/nation/18832193&sec=nation)
honestly... the question now is, do they really care about the quality?!?... a proper 'qc department' may be able to help...
i mean, come on.. as long as their own respective tummy is filled... why bother about the quality of the goods eh?!?...
uncle sam would be the best example... after tens of millions ringgit spent on renovating parliament.. but, still have defects to it.. wat he did next?!?.. ask for huge amount of money just to do survey and then bigger amount to repair it!..
p/s ; the renovated sections of the parliament is very impressive.. but, after spending millions of ringgit, some sections still remained the same fm the day parliament was built...
p/s ; fm the budget announced by aab couple of days back... approx rm 70 million is allocated for the parliament... but, allocation for jakim is approx 700% more!... any sense to it?!?...
Paying through the nose for tools
By ROYCE CHEAH, ELIZABETH LOOI and MANJIT KAUR
PETALING JAYA: Would you pay RM224 for a set of four screwdrivers?
Probably not, but that was what the Government paid to supply tools for students at the eight National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) around the country, according to the Auditor-General’s (AG) report.
The AG said the screwdrivers had a market price of RM40 and according to pictures in the report, resembled the average Philips screwdrivers you could buy in any hardware shop.
And it does not stop there – the AG went a step further by examining the prices paid for 12 other tools and equipment bought for the IKBN project, comparing it with market prices when the procurement was done in late 2002.
Among these were technical books consisting 10 titles that had a price tag of RM10,700 and a 3.1 megapixel digital camera that was bought for RM8,254.
For the 13 items that the report highlighted, the Government paid RM8.39mil more than the market price at that time.
According to the report, consultants for the Youth and Sports Ministry had reached an estimated price tag of RM399.67mil for the equipment for the IKBN project which later ballooned to RM767.98mil after two appeals by the ministry for additional allocations.
“The ministry said more money was needed in anticipation of a bigger student population and that getting equipment from the same supplier meant prices would remain the same.
“But there was no proof that market research was done to identify the prices of the items and equipment because minutes for the negotiation meetings were not prepared,” the report said.
It said without the minutes, the auditing team was unable to find out if efforts were made to reduce prices.
The AG also said that the ministry’s secretary-general (KSU) had signed off 11 contracts worth between RM7.99mil and RM74.2mil that were related to the IKBN project, on behalf of the Government.
“The KSU only has the authority to sign contracts worth less than RM5mil. Anything larger should be signed by the minister or someone to whom the authority has been given.
“However, during the audit, no such letter giving the authority to the KSU presented itself,” the report said.
The report said there were also discrepancies such as one supplier being paid more than the other for exactly the same equipment.
One example the AG highlighted showed one supplier getting RM1.24mil more than the other for identical engineering equipment.
(http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/9/nation/18832193&sec=nation)
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