Thursday, March 26, 2009

Antara Saf Berintegriti Dengan Yang Membawa Mati - A Kadir Jasin

My response to A Kadir Jasin's article entitled "Antara Saf Berintegriti Dengan Yang Membawa Mati"
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Sdr. A Kadir Jasin,

Saya tidak terkejut tetapi amat kecewa dengan pemilihan Ketua Pemuda baru.

Persoalan saya:
(1) Adakah para perwakilan (khasnya Pemuda) tidak sedar akan sentimen negatif terhadap Ketua Pemuda yang baru mereka pilih?
(2) Adakah poket sendiri lebih penting dari UMNO?
(3) Adakah rasuah amalan hidup mereka?

Banyak lagi persoalan yang berkaitan bolih diketengahkan. Tetapi yang penting adalah mesaj yang diberi olih Pemuda UMNO kepada dunia luar dengan pemilihan ketua baru mereka.

"Kami sokong pesalah politik wang asalkan kocek kami berisi..."

Yang memilukan ialah pemuda-pemuda inilah barisan pemimpin dikemudian hari.

Hanya ada satu cara untuk membendung perkara ini dari menjadi lebih parah!

Tolak UMNO...! 

Rakyat mesti tolak UMNO jika para perwakilan Pemuda UMNO sendiri tidak bermaruah dengan memilih pesalah politik wang...!!!

Mana keinsafan UMNO? Mana...?

Sekian.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Mini Budget: Stimulating the Rakyat

My comment to A Kadir Jasin's "Mini Budget: Stimulating the Rakyat".
_____________________________

Sdr. A Kadir Jasin,

I don't understand the politicians and their statements. I am not a graduate from Oxbridge or some Ivy League from Mars nor Venus. Maybe that's the reason for my severe lack of understanding...

Banks are not lending! Worse... credit lines, trade lines etc are being scaled back. In some instances, cancelled! How are we to do business?

Demand from our export markets are down. Some as much as 80%. Cancelling of orders started as early as June/July 2008...

Don't tell me the government doesn't know anything about all these!!! Even if the demand from some of our export markets are holding up (just about), these buyers' credit/trade lines, LCs etc. are either being reduced drastically or cancelled altogether! 

Would you sell your product to some overseas buyer without LC or other form of banking instrument to ensure payment?

Where does it lead us? I don't know...

Our domestic market is too small to cushion the impact of reduction in exports... More manufacturers cum exporters are starting to default in their loan obligations. NPLs would increase... 

Would the government consider CDRC2? Whispers from the grapevine gave some hints to that effect! 

I don't know... Like you, I am also no longer in the information loop!

I would accept another "Tour-Of-Duty" similar to the 1997/98 crisis... but unfortunately I am not from Oxbridge so I may not be recall for another tour/active duty. 

I may not be from Oxbridge but I certainly am not a MORON...nor do I sleep on my job and neither do I flip-flop!!!

Sekian.
Dari Borneo ke Minang

p/s: It is embarrassing for a PM to not understand whether an issue has been resolved or otherwise... especially if it involves a territorial dispute with a neighbouring country!

_____________________________________

Sdr. A Kadir Jasin dan para pengomen lain,

Given the failure of conventional financial system, I think the government should focus on moving towards and giving more prominence to Islamic financial system globally. 

Based on the little that I know, this will rid elements of gambling from the existing system plus some other undesirable elements that point towards an unjust system.

This is a golden opportunity to promote Islamic financial system as a credible alternative to the existing conventional one at a global stage.

What do you think?

Sekian.
Dari Borneo ke Minang

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Botak Man Responses to Jed Yoong’s Blog Posting Over Time – Compiled by DISQUS

3 months ago

In KJ, Jangan Main Dgn Api, Nanti Letup, Tak Boleh Kawal… on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Biarlah dia main api! Hopefully it will "meletup" in his own face... What do you expect off a person fighting for his political survival. Anything to cling on... only to realize his folly when it is too late!

 

1 reply

http://www.gravatar.com/avatar.php?gravatar_id=None&size=32&default=http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png

jedyoong Hi Man Botak,

 

Good day to you.

"What do you expect off a person fighting for his political survival.

Anything to cling on only to realize his folly when it is too late!"

Yeah, what will Barisan do in order to stay in power?

Will they be as desperate as Harun Idris on May 13, 1969?

Now it's Ipoh.

It's so sad. In my view, this death of a PAS MP is such an omen for Barisan yet they will not heed the signs.

天命呀! 天有眼阿!

 

6 months ago

In PERWAJA STEEL: Anwar Running Out Of Issues? On JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

Agree - Anwar would not be able to run a toothpick company! Seriously what has the guy got to show? He was never in any employment prior to joining UMNO. Please do correct me if I am wrong. He was living on words and more words. However after all said and done, I have to salute him for being able to convince almost everyone (Dr. M included) of his "brilliance"! He knows not much but his mind is sharp enough to "catch" ideas and words spoken and twist them to his advantage! Other than that, it's just an empty drum!

I know of a person who has crossed path with Anwar Ibrahim. Quote "Anwar always bring a book with him to "show" that he is a well read person. He would cite verses of the Quran to back his argument but unfortunately some of citations were totally out of context and I seldom see him for our Subuh prayers together (berjemaah) during retreat. He is asleep until after Subuh prayer window is over. But he will criticise those who do not perform prayers together (berjemaah)! Of all politicians, he is perhaps the most hypocrite of them all. Wonder what Dr.M sees in this man!" [Note: At that time Anwar Ibrahim was still in the government.]

Sekian.

 

6 months ago

In RM42.4Bil Lost To Defend RM, Valuecap RM5bil, RM7bil Stimulus, Dr M’s ‘Mega Projects’, Etc on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

Thanks for the response.

I think "Professionally" they squabble because they have to "defend" and develop their country. Despite all the public squabbling, LKY had his best surgeons on 24-hour standby when Dr.M had his first "heart-attack" some time ago.

I do not know much about Norway's history but I suppose the country had to undergo several evolution over its long history to what we have today. I do not know whether we could ever evolved into some thing similar after all the plundering over the past 5 decades by our "own" people and by the colonial masters before that.

Btw, regardless of whether we are a fan of Dr.M or not, we can agree that his intelligence is far superior than the current bunch of clowns we have now. Oh, one more thing he works hard! Ever been to his office while he was the PM? His table is full of files and he reads them!

Met him a few weeks ago at a wedding reception in Hotel Singahsana PJ. He looks quite frail but otherwise ok. I suppose age is catching up after all the workaholic years.

 

Cheers.

 

6 months ago

In RM42.4Bil Lost To Defend RM, Valuecap RM5bil, RM7bil Stimulus, Dr M’s ‘Mega Projects’, Etc on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

(1) Crooked Bridge

When the interest of our small (but rich) neighbour of paramount importance, we have to cancel the crooked bridge. Their economic well being is more critical compared to the rakyat's. You have to understand this logic. After all Dr. M did not graduate from Oxford or Cambridge or Harvard. What does he know? We do not want to offend our small but rich neighbour, do we? :cry:

(2) Double Tracking

Again the concern here is our neighbour down south. If we continue with the project, we won't have much left to contribute to our small but rich neighbour down south. We dont want to be accused of being a bully, do we? :wink: 

(3) RM7 billion stimulus

As we go higher in the hierachy, it would definitely going to cost more to get stimulated. Small time money cant even tingle the senses. :wink: Generally plans by the government are good. However over the years it could be noted that implementations are always crap! :cry: So where does that lead us?

The RM5 billion for Valuecap is just for my pocket! I introduced the RM7 billion to pacify the rakyat only. What? Do you seriously think I give a damn about the rakyat? They are only useful for me once every 4-5 years! :wink: 

Sekian.

 

6 months ago

In Joining A Triad (2) on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

Over time, triads change their ways and style. They also moved to legit businesses. So now everything is legit... No more "against the law". Maybe it would be a good idea to join some of the more organised triads... I think they can provide better "protection". hahahaha...

 

6 months ago

In Barisan Politics, Kick The Guy When He Is Down on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

This is the reality of life! Generally we do not have the guts to speak without fear or favour. The implications could be damaging to ones family and relatives. Those with guts tend to standout in a crowd. 

When the "power" guy is out, most of us would be out with our guns blazing. In a way, I pity Pak Lah. However I cannot say the same about KJ. I think the guy deserve to be imprisoned for life some where in Siberia.

The day he clinched enough nomination to contest for UMNO Youth Head marks a gloomy future for Malaysia!

 

6 months ago

In Sacrificing The Reporter, When The Editor Clears The Story on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

If what is said/quoted is brilliant, then I did say it and you quoted me right. However if it is not, then it never came from me!

Typical of politicians...

 

6 months ago

In EPF Piggy Bank, A Malaysian Super-Sub-Sub-Prime Crisis In The Making? On JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

RM5 billion could go a long way in reviving an economy if managed prudently. Putting into Valuecap is certainly not one of the options. After all the shit, who are they (Najib included) trying to kid?

Not surprised if Valuecap would start (may have started) investing in AirAsia and all those counters related to Shit-In-Law! I do agree with MCA on using ISA on SIL! But of course that would never happened. 

What the FISH do all those BAR-STEWARD care for the rakyat? Nothing!

 

7 months ago

In Another Annoying PKR Supporter on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

Bravo to you! I salute you!

I think it has been mentioned before but nonetheless I shall say it again here...

"PKR fellows are controlled by DISCARDS FROM UMNO...!!!" Just because they lost out and got discarded they want to preach against the very thing they are doing... nepotism, croniysm,.. what ever "ism" and of course "CORRUPTION!"

I am with you on the GOD stuff! Ideology can be changed! And Anwar is probably the biggest culprit! BUT HE TRUE AND LOYAL TO US of AMERICA and cowboy BUSH! Maybe he should just migrate to (hail the GREAT NATION!) US of AMERICA!!!!

That Anwar/PKR stinks and he/they is/are BAD NEWS to Malaysia...

 

7 months ago

In UMNO Kelantan + Penang Back Pak Lah’s ‘Transition’ Plan on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Hi Jed & Hi Piggy,

Annuar Musa will NOT hide his face! He would conveniently switch camps and/or insist that he was misquoted by the press and of course by the recorder/video etc. etc. Hahahaha

Know how stupid their statements & denials can be... Even my less than 5-yr old son can talk a million more sense then them (PAK LAH, NAJIB & ANWAR included)!

Sekian.

 

7 months ago

In Yet ANOTHER Deadline on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Zahar,

I like the way you called Brother Anwar yang pembohong tapi tak gila!

 

7 months ago

In History, PKMM, UMNO, Myths on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

ALL politicians are essentially the same. They alway amplify whatever little they do and while hiding the mego boo-boos they make.

Wanna change? Sure! But we must be brave enuf to admit the shortcomings and not flipping and floppings.

 

7 months ago

In So What If Anwar Is Pro-US? On JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

Anwar is not really pro-US or pro-democracy. He is just a greedy buger! Greedy for power and money!

I am afraid he would be a boneka-PM if he was to become one. Checkout stories relate by MCOBA schoolmates and retired teachers. You may unearth a lot of stuff about the man and his obsessions!

How about a teh tarik at mamak stall?

 

7 months ago

In Menjaga Maruah Negara on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

I should meet up with you at some mamak stall after the fasting month. It would be interesting to talk to you about politics.

What say you?

 

Man Botak @ Botak Chin

 

7 months ago

In… on JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

Jed,

I am getting so sick! So sick of Pak Lah, Najib and, not to forget, Anwar.

I don't what made you think Anwar was good for Malaysia. I think he is up to no good. He was, has been and will always be.

Heard a lot about Pak Lah and his kerajaan tiga beranak. Heard a lot about Najib and his women as well as Rosmah and the contracts etc. 

But have not heard anything so "bad" about Anwar! Other than the instant mee brand "Sodo".

Met up with your friends from the press few months ago i.e. after 12th GE, and was told of wife battery, womenising etc. etc. of the "reformed" Anwar. Any tinge of truth? Maybe, I dont know.

But from MCOBA fellows and "old-retired" teachers, YES. Common comment is "He is slick and he could convince that rain would not fall even on a raining day itself!" My response was "No shit?!" The reply was "NO SHIT! We have seen it too many times!"

I wonder whether the proverb on Leapord never losing it spot or whatever applies here.

 

Jed - Don't get too stressed out by this people or else sleep becomes an exclusive right of only a few.

 

8 months ago

In Hmmmmm. What Did Anwar Do For The Malays? On JED YOONG 熊玉鳳 جيد يوڠ

International Islamic University was NEVER Anwar's brain-child. He stake a claim to it but no one bothered to dispute it. IIU was Dr. M's idea from the very beginning. 

p/s: I envy you guys ability to keep updating your blog. Work commitments have virtually "prevented" me from updating mine.

 

 

Monday, July 28, 2008

FELDA - Part Two

In the first part, An Introduction, I wrote a really summarised history of Felda. I skipped quite a fair bit of details as I do not have the liberty of time to write a better piece. Nonetheless, in this Part Two, I would tempt to recall what has been said to me by friends and acquaintances.

Someone once said that Felda's reserved has dwindled to about RM1.5 billion from RM3 billion since Yusof Noor took over chairmanship from R M Alias a few years ago. I do not have any evidence to confirm or deny this statement. However, if we were to use simplified logic (maybe flawed), there are grounds to believe that this could be true. Since Yusof Noor took over, the following has been planned, of which some has been implemented:

(1) Felda sponsored Car Rally championship

(2) Felda United, the football club was formed

(3) More than RM100 million loan has been extended to Pahang state

(4) Investment of over RM300 million in a plant located in US

(5) Construction of a hotel resort worth about RM50 million

(6) Felda University has been approved but yet to be implemented

(7) Goodies handed out to settlers during the run-up to the 12th General Election

There are many other plans being put into place with some implemented. For now, let us examine each of the above and objectively determine the logic of each of them.

(1) Car Rally Championship
What has Felda got to do with a rally championship? For all intends and purposes, I do not understand the rationale for sponsoring this event. Officially excuse used is "Felda needs to establish a brand name". Establishing a brand name, yes but not through sponsorship of a rally championship! Felda is not in the business of producing auto parts and rally championship is way off its business activities!

(2) Felda United
Creating a football club to compete in the Malaysian league is a waste of time and money! Malaysian football scene is nothing more than a farce and sponsors are probably "arm-twisted" to sponsor the whole league. With very low turnout at stadiums and low viewership on television, there is simply no desired impact for sponsors. Such waste of time and resources, typical of Najib and Yusof Noor!

If the argument is to employ settlers sons to play for the club, then it would be another "bullshit" to put it mildly. Who actually gains? My guess is as good as yours!

(3) Loan to Pahang State
This piece of disturbing news came from the grapevine. According to unconfirmed sources, Felda extended more than RM100 million to Pahang State in the form of loan/advance. I do not have the details but I was told that the decision has been rectified during Felda Board of Directors meeting.

My take? Yusof Noor's tenure as Chairman of Felda depended very much on Najib. To applease Najib, Yusof Noor had to "provide support" to the ailing Pahang State coffers. It has been said that the loan/advance assisted in extending Yusof Noor's Chairmanship.

It bugs me to see a federal agency "providing support" to a state government when it is none of their business to do so!

(4) Investment in US
I was told that Najib insisted that Felda takes over a plant in US. Location? Some "ulu" place that is accessible only by train and road. Reason? I do not know but the official one given is nothing more than a crap!

The investment cost Felda more than RM300 million (of was it US$300 million). When an acquaintance mentioned this to me, my first reaction is "Shit!" Another waste of fund. Apparently now the plant is not really generating the money it was suppose to. Surprise? Not at all. In the first place, I think Felda overpaid for the investment. Second - it was purely an exercise to siphon money from Felda.

(5) Hotel cum Resort
Another scam to siphon money! If my memory serves me right, the hotel cum resort cost more than RM50 million. Location? You guess it right - Yusof Noor's home state! Rationale? Figure it out...

(6) Felda University
Yusof Noor also wants Felda to set up a university at an estimated costs of more than RM300 million. Why? Beats the hell out of me...

(7) Run-up to the 12th General Election
Prior to the 12th GE, Najib was busy handing out goodies by the dozens to settlers in and around Pekan. He learnt his lessons well. During 1999 GE (if I am not mistaken), Najib almost lost and only won on recount. The settlers actually shied away from him and refused to vote him in. Najib only won on recount then. During the 12th GE, he was not about to make the same mistake and there was a real danger that he could lose. So he made sure goodies were handed out by the dozens to settlers, just to make sure the votes goes to him. His strategy worked extremely well and he was voted with higher majority when other BN candidates won with fewer votes!

The above would suffice for now.

Part 3 would focus on Felda Group of Companies and the new management!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Why Proton is (almost) never an option when it comes to buying cars?

Recent newspapers coverage on the high maintenance costs of Proton cars, particularly Perdana V6 is not surprising. As expected, the response from Proton is one that reflects its continuous self-denial and arrogance.

I never owned a Proton nor have I ever visited a Proton showroom. But I am now driving the 1st generation Proton Saga. Battered with rust here and there, this Proton Saga proved to be reliable and relatively trouble free. I have never brought this Proton to an authorised service outlet because their prices are simply exorbitant! To me, the China-man having his makeshift workshop under the big tree is just as good, if not better in terms of diagnostics and pricing.

I refuse to buy Proton is stemmed from the fact that too many negative stories have emerged and reported. Despite all those, Proton and their dealers have continued to be arrogant! To be precise, BODOH-SOMBONG! I used to owned a Perodua vehicle. Contrasting from Proton, Perodua is more customer oriented. Customer complains, especially under warranty, have been tended to without much fuss and sour-looking expressions. In addition, Perodua has never been arrogant - "if you do not want to buy it is okay because there are a thousand others waiting in line..." This line of arrogant statement by Proton and their dealers has become "hard-wired" into my brain cells that I simply refuse to even visit their showrooms.

Can I be accused of being unpatriotic? Certainly! They can accuse me of anything they want but my conscience is very clear. Even if I buy a non-national car, I am subsidising the national car, Proton and Perodua! So for as long as I remain as a citizen of Malaysia and whatever non-national car I buy, I am subsidising Proton and Perodua. Subsidising Perodua is not an issue. It's just subsidising Proton that bugs me because they are a bunch of arrogant people!

Proton should change their tagline or motto to "Customers owe Proton a living and Proton don't depend on Customers"!