Christmas Comes Early In 2009

Trying to look for some loose change at the end of year 2008 (what a year), I had been monitoring Shell since December 19, 2008. Suddenly, for four straight days, it's price had been plummeting down. On Christmas Eve, it closed at RM8.00.

The world recession news didn't help a single bit. The economic environment looked very gloomy. The financial institution were facing problems. Unemployment rates were very high. The American government tried dishing out financial aides to the affected institutions. That was on the international front.

Back in the home front, came February, there was a tussle between the ruling party, Pakatan Rakyat and the opposition, Barisan Nasional, on who hold the majority in DUN Perak. Out came "Lompat Parti", vote of no confidence, disputed resignation letters, failed attempt to dissolve DUN Perak, the order of the Sultan, the famous trees in the City of Ipoh, "Who is the legal MB?", the suspension of ADUN, etc., etc. Finally, the matter was brought to the court. The informal gatherings of loyal supporters for both sides on the decision day brought about some anxious moments.

Healthwise, swine flu flew in from Mexico. It did some damage by hammering the stock prices for several days. Even our country was hit by the epidermic. Our health officials had a tough and challenging times controlling the situation.

However, this is the good part, when the market closed on May 26, 2009, the price of Shell was RM10.60. This is 32.5% increase within 5 months. Merry Christmas!!

Limited Number Of Subject In SPM Examination

I am in favour of the goverment proposal to limit the number of SPM subjects to be taken by each student. Proving that someone can take 20 subjects and score straight A's doesn't mean that the person is a COMPLETELY successful student. Having photographic memory doesn't ensure the person can later be successful in his/her working life. It will definitely take more than that.

Annually, come April/May, there'll be people's champions fighting for straight A's (usually in excess of 10 subjects) students who missed the PSD overseas scholarships boat, some even can't get seats in the local IPTs. I have seen students who are very good at getting straight A's yet can't even speak properly in interviews nor getting good marks for IQ or MENSA tests.

The scenario becomes worse when the media are very keen in highlighting those students who scores straight A's in more than 10 subjects. It started with 11 straight A's, then the number increases proportionately with the years gone by. Currently, it is 20 (if I'm not mistaken).

In addition, this kind of culture affected co-curriculum activities and sports. It seems nowadays, that when a student is good in sports, he/she will most probably not that good academically. No wonder most Malaysian students stayed away from sports, thus, Malaysians found that it's hard to get an Olympic Gold Medal. Well, we could wait until 2016 when squash COULD be accepted an an Olympic event and Datuk Nicol David still the No. 1 ranked player in the world.

Let our students lead their normal childhood/teenage life. Let them enjoy the opportunities presented to them, academically, socially and sportswise. Forcing them to take extra subject during SPM examination doesn't ensure them a place in the IPTs nor give them licence to skip STPM or matriculation or even A-Levels before entering the IPTs. Let us be realistic.

Hurray For The Cavalry

The MACC has started investigating the Bukit Botak Land Scandal. The Malaysians would hope that it will clear all the unanswered questions pertaining to this issue. Make us, Malaysians, proud of our country. We WILL learn from our mistakes. Defend the rights of the LITTLE people (some 1,600 of them). We can do it, MALAYSIA!!!

Bukit Botak Land Scandal

Purely Criminal Breach Of Trust (CBT) being done by those in power. How can a group (81) minors (below 18 years old) each received the benefit of owning a piece of land.

Looking at the chronology of event, it started way back in 1985 and couldn't be resolved until today. One of my mentors would remind me that if a problem is not resolved quickly, then, there will be negative elements creeping in and complicates the matter. That's what happens here.

The problem had been dragging on and on, and increasing number of groups started to believe that they also can benefit from it. Initially, it was an intention to solve the squatters problem. Then only a group of squatters received their land titles. What about the remaining 1,364 (1,634-270) squatter families? Why the Double Standards?

Then, came the development of the 55.2 ha of land. Additional 9.6 ha of land was "sacrificed" (development incentive) by the state government to a private company. Free land for Delpuri Corp Sdn Bhd (DCSB) to develop as their own. Still, 1,364 squatter families awaits their plots.

To add salt to the wound, the families granted Power of Attorney to DCSB to develop their land - MONOPOLY. Now DCSB can do whatever they like! DCSB thought 82 out of 1,364 (a mere 6%) houses completed would justify the 9.6 ha they got from the state government. Still, 1,282 squatter families awaits their dream home.

Then came the change of developer. Another RM 40mil was dumped as infra cost. Still, no dream homes yet for the 1,282 families. Bear in mind, apart from these fiascos, the problem of missing names from the register list of squatters, outsiders' names being included in the register are negative elements, to name a few, creeping into and complicates the matter further. With the change of power in the state government, let's hope the name register remains intact.

Our IPT Among Asia's Top 100

UM 39th, UKM 51st, USM 69th, UTM 82nd, UPM 90th, .......

Don't even think or try to solve the above mentioned serial list. Well, it is not a serial list. It is the positions of our IPTs in the list of Asia's Top 100 universities. Congratulations to these varsities for making us, Malaysians, proud. Please keep on improving. It's about time that tertiary learning is made available to the students of the world, through proper promotions - good for our economy. How about those IPT's that didn't make the list - wake up and start to improve.

MB of Perak Part II

Come on, man!! It looks like a Ping Pong match. The hope of a by-election for the whole state of Perak had been put on hold. What a waste of time. The only loser in this case is the rakyat of Perak. While earning their salaries as State Assemblymen, they don't have to carry out their responsibilities fully. Some even earning double salaries - I hope the court case doesn't interfere those who are elected as MP as well as Perak State Assemblymen. Can Malaysia Boleh boleh?

MB of Perak Part I

The court has decided who is the legal MB for the state of Perak. The rakyat of Perak, finally, have somebody to govern their state. For the team who won this round, please proceeds to serve for the interest of the rakyat of Perak.


My periscope shows that both sides (winner & loser) use the letters of the law to the fullest, in order to keep their jobs. However, it would be better if the dispute is settled through the voices of the rakyat. This decision will carry more weight and will reveal the true strength of the winning team. Malaysia Boleh!