LET’S MOBILISE THE POLICE AND THE ARMY TO SOLVE TRAFFIC WOES IN KL….THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY DO IN OTHER JAMMED ASIAN CITIES…
Saturday July 30, 2011
It’s possible to solve traffic woes
VALLEY VIEW by FAZLENE AZIZ
ALMOST everyone has experienced being stuck in a jam while driving in Kuala Lumpur only to find out that most of the time it is due to indiscriminate parking by irresponsible people.
The parking in the Klang Valley has become a nightmare as motorists spend hours searching for a space only to find one that charges a bomb.
This results in many people parking by the roadside because their errands will only take a few minutes but in reality it takes a lot longer.
Busy road: Congestion in Brickfields due to doubleparked vehicles.
Some of the areas known for its parking woes are Brickfields, Jalan Raja Chulan, Leboh Ampang, Jalan Ipoh, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Masjid India and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
Most people will just park their cars by the road in front of the “no parking” or towing zones for two reasons — one they do not want to pay for parking and the other is due to the lack of parking space.
If you drive along Jalan Raja Chulan, especially near Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, you can see a stretch of luxury cars parked by the road, contributing to the already congested situation.
It makes one wonder if someone can afford to buy a car worth RM500,000, paying for parking inside the Pavilion car park should not be a problem but yet that is not the case.
The reason for this is just our “tidak apa” attitude. However, the same people, who indiscriminately park here would not commit the same thing if they are driving in Singapore.
The reason is there is no such tolerance in Singapore and the law is the law and no one is above it.
In Brickfields, it has reached a state where people are not bothered about the congestion they are causing.
During a recent meeting, Rukun Tetangga Brickfields B chairman S.K.K Naidu mentioned how people from outside commuting via KL Sentral were taking up parking spaces in the residential area.
He had said that most of them blocked the roads and caused inconvenience to residents. The reason is they are not willing to pay for parking.
The problem will get worse when the MRT is up and running and not all the stations have parking facilities. This will lead to future confrontation between commuters and residents over parking issues.
The government should look into this foreseeable problem and find solutions before it gets worse.
The LRT lines are a clear example of what can be expected in terms of parking woes in the future.
Therefore, ample parking spaces should be allocated to allow people to park and ride.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall has said there are ample parking spaces in and around the city but people are just not willing to adhere to the rules.
Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan also concurred that there were ample parking spaces available but most of the time people were just not keen to park and walk to their destinations.
He said perhaps the government should look into standardising the parking rates in the city.
The rates are inconsistent and people are not willing to fork out a lot of money for the space.
Saravanan had said there was a need to study the matter to ensure that the rates were affordable.
However, he added that better enforcement should also help address the indiscriminate parking in the city.
The mere presence of an enforcement officer in Brickfields has brought about a difference but there should also be civic-consciousness among the public.
It all boils down to our inefficient public transport system and the volume of cars on the road that is a major contributor to the traffic congestion.
An average household has three cars because many people feel it is better to drive than use the bus or the train, which are deemed unreliable.
In order to reduce our traffic woes, the public transport system has to work efficiently so that more people will use it and reduce the number of cars on the road.
Even if our public transportation system is improved, we should also change our attitude or the Greater KL that is being promoted will just be a myth for the government and the public.
________________________________________
© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Dr Ismail Aby Jamal
Born in Batu 10, Kg Lubok Bandan, Jementah, Segamat, Johor
Sunday, July 31, 2011
You have to organize your life so that you feel terrific about yourself most of the time………….
You have to organize your life so that you feel terrific about yourself most of the time………….
Seven Keys to High-Energy Living
July 31, 2011
Seven Keys to High-Energy Living
By Brian Tracy
Energy is a key luck factor. For you to be at the top of your form, to be action oriented, fast moving, and extremely productive, you have to have high levels of physical and mental energy.
For you to be able to take advantage of all the possibilities around you, and to have the continuous enthusiasm that keeps you and others motivated and moving ahead, you have to organize your life so that you feel terrific about yourself most of the time.
1. Eat the Right Foods
The first key to high energy is a proper diet. To perform at your best, you must eat the right foods, in the right balance, and in the right combination. Your diet has an inordinate impact on the amount of energy you have, how well you sleep, your levels of health and fitness, and your performance throughout the day and into the evening.
2. Watch your Weight
The second key to high energy is proper weight. Proper weight is essential for health, happiness, and long life. Being slightly under your ideal weight is best. As they say, you can never be too rich or too thin. If you are not happy with your current level of physical health, you need to set specific goals for yourself for the weeks and months ahead.
3. Exercise is Essential
The third key to high energy is proper exercise. The best activity for high energy and physical fitness is aerobic exercise. This type of exercise requires that you get your heart rate up into what is called the training zone three times per week. This training zone is about 120 to 160 beats per minute, depending on your age. You then keep it there for at least 20 minutes or more each session.
4. Get Lots of Rest and Recreation
The fourth key to high energy is proper rest. You need an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night to be fully rested. You need to take off at least one full day each week during which you don't work at all. You should take regular mini-holidays of two or three days each, every couple of months. You should take one and two week vacations each year when you relax completely and get your mind totally off your work.
5. Develop a Positive Mental Attitude
The sixth key to high energy is the elimination of negative emotions. This can be the most important thing you do to assure a long and happy life. Your ability to keep your mind on what you want and off of what you don't want will determine your levels of health and happiness more than any other decision you make.
6. Start a Personal Mental Fitness Program
The seventh key to high energy is for you to go on a 21-daypositive mental attitude diet, one day at a time. Resolve that, for the next 21 day, you are going to keep your mind on what you want and keep it off the things you don't want. You are going to think and talk positively and optimistically about your goals, other people, and everything that is going on in your life.
7. Become a Personal Powerhouse
The more you practice the health habits we have talked about, the more energy and vitality you will have. The more you keep your conversation focused on your goals and on the things you want, the greater the amount of strength and power you will feel. You will be more alert and aware. You will feel more positive and action oriented in every situation.
Action Exercise
Resolve to become intensely action oriented from now on; whenever you get a good idea or something needs to be done, move quickly.
Seven Keys to High-Energy Living
July 31, 2011
Seven Keys to High-Energy Living
By Brian Tracy
Energy is a key luck factor. For you to be at the top of your form, to be action oriented, fast moving, and extremely productive, you have to have high levels of physical and mental energy.
For you to be able to take advantage of all the possibilities around you, and to have the continuous enthusiasm that keeps you and others motivated and moving ahead, you have to organize your life so that you feel terrific about yourself most of the time.
1. Eat the Right Foods
The first key to high energy is a proper diet. To perform at your best, you must eat the right foods, in the right balance, and in the right combination. Your diet has an inordinate impact on the amount of energy you have, how well you sleep, your levels of health and fitness, and your performance throughout the day and into the evening.
2. Watch your Weight
The second key to high energy is proper weight. Proper weight is essential for health, happiness, and long life. Being slightly under your ideal weight is best. As they say, you can never be too rich or too thin. If you are not happy with your current level of physical health, you need to set specific goals for yourself for the weeks and months ahead.
3. Exercise is Essential
The third key to high energy is proper exercise. The best activity for high energy and physical fitness is aerobic exercise. This type of exercise requires that you get your heart rate up into what is called the training zone three times per week. This training zone is about 120 to 160 beats per minute, depending on your age. You then keep it there for at least 20 minutes or more each session.
4. Get Lots of Rest and Recreation
The fourth key to high energy is proper rest. You need an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night to be fully rested. You need to take off at least one full day each week during which you don't work at all. You should take regular mini-holidays of two or three days each, every couple of months. You should take one and two week vacations each year when you relax completely and get your mind totally off your work.
5. Develop a Positive Mental Attitude
The sixth key to high energy is the elimination of negative emotions. This can be the most important thing you do to assure a long and happy life. Your ability to keep your mind on what you want and off of what you don't want will determine your levels of health and happiness more than any other decision you make.
6. Start a Personal Mental Fitness Program
The seventh key to high energy is for you to go on a 21-daypositive mental attitude diet, one day at a time. Resolve that, for the next 21 day, you are going to keep your mind on what you want and keep it off the things you don't want. You are going to think and talk positively and optimistically about your goals, other people, and everything that is going on in your life.
7. Become a Personal Powerhouse
The more you practice the health habits we have talked about, the more energy and vitality you will have. The more you keep your conversation focused on your goals and on the things you want, the greater the amount of strength and power you will feel. You will be more alert and aware. You will feel more positive and action oriented in every situation.
Action Exercise
Resolve to become intensely action oriented from now on; whenever you get a good idea or something needs to be done, move quickly.
So, are there any problems when a Malaysian talks to a non- Malaysian in English?
So, are there any problems when a Malaysian talks to a non- Malaysian in English?
IT IS IN THE WAY YOU SAY IT
Sunday July 31, 2011
It’s in the way you say it
LET'S COMMUNIC8
By ALEX CUMMINS
While there may be a need to improve our pronunciation, there is no need to speak with a different accent.
MALAYSIAN pronunciation and the Malaysian accent are easily recognisable to anyone who has spent any time in the country or dealing with its people.
Whether it’s the wonderful way people here say the word “love” or the often rising intonation at the end of an utterance; pronunciation of certain sounds and Malaysian intonation differ from British or American English.
So, are there any problems when a Malaysian talks to a non- Malaysian in English? Most of the time, they can communicate successfully, without too much strain or misunderstanding (depending on the competency of both speakers of course!). Speaking face to face is much easier because there are visual clues to aid communication. However, when small changes of sound occur, for example, on the phone, a whole host of problems can arise.
How can we improve our pronunciation to overcome such problems? And if not just on the phone, how can we wow our colleagues and bosses with clear and precise pronunciation?
Do I need to get rid of my accent?
To improve your pronunciation, there is no need to lose your “Malaysian-ness”. In fact, a lot of people think that unless they speak with a kind of perfect “BBC English”, they are speaking incorrectly.
Similarly, Malaysians often find difficulty in understanding people with non BBC or Southern English pronunciation. I often hear people complain that they cannot understand the Australian or Scottish person’s “slangs”.
First of all, slang refers to vocabulary and not to pronunciation, so what you mean is “I cannot understand his/her accent”. Secondly, there are lots of accents which are difficult to understand even amongst native speakers — so don’t get too worried. The question is: how can we communicate with our Malaysian English accent across cultures? How can a Malaysian improve areas of his/ her pronunciation in order to communicate more effectively?
Areas of weakness
So what are some of the problem areas for Malaysians when it comes to pronunciation?
■ Vowel Sounds
Often vowel sounds pose a problem for Malaysian speakers. This can be because of the confusion between long and short vowel sounds like:“dark” (long) and “duck” (short), or simply the fact that some sounds can be fairly similar like: “man” and “men”.
■ Consonant Clusters
Words like “asked” and “crisps” pose considerable trouble for Malaysian speakers. They rarely appear in any of the languages spoken in Malaysia and involve some serious tongue twisting. Malaysian speakers of Tamil often find these easier than Malay or Chinese language speakers.
■ Word stress
Stressing a word incorrectly can disrupt the flow of speaking. A word like “infamous” is usually stressed on the second syllable in Malaysia, whereas correct stress should be on the first syllable (infamous means well known for something bad- not the opposite of famous by the way!)
■ Intonation
A lot of meaning can be conveyed by intonation, pitch and stress. All languages use this to convey meaning. However, for non- native speakers, doing this appropriately in English can be difficult. Take, for example, the phrase “thank you”. You would probably think that someone uttering “thank you” should be happy or appreciative.
Change the tone a little and we can create a completely different meaning behind the words, however: angry, disappointed, sarcastic or even ecstatic. It’s not just the words we use, but the way that we say them which creates the message.
How can I improve?
So, what is the best way to improve pronunciation?
■ You come across a new word at work. Let’s imagine the word is “deterioration”. You need to use it at a presentation which is coming up. How do you say it? Well, the best thing that you can do would be to check an online dictionary (like www.macmillandictionary.com). Not only does this provide you with the phonetic transcript which looks like /dɪˌtɪəriəˈreɪʃ(ə)/, but it also gives you an actual recording of a native speaker saying the word. If you can read the phonetic transcript— then you can even use a good English dictionary. Note that the apostrophe symbol (‘) is used to show where the main stress in the word is.
■ Buy a book to help guide you through sounds that you find difficult (I recommend English Pronunciation in Use Intermediate, Hancock, Cambridge University Press 2003) and make sure that you use the CD’s to help model your pronunciation.
■ Listen to a recording of a native speaker (or someone with very clear pronunciation) on the radio or TV. Record yourself saying the same thing and then listen back comparing yourself and the model recording.
■ For those extra difficult words and sounds, try and find out (by using a book like I suggested above, for example) how to produce the sound in terms of the mouth: the shape of the tongue, the position of the lips and the jaw. Where does the sound come from? Practise in front of the mirror, so that when you say “thoroughly”, you know what your, tongue, lips and mouth are doing.
■ Practise listening to a range of English accents being spoken. If your work involves having to speak to people from Aberdeen or Mumbai, get used to their accent. The more exposure you have to different accents, the easier it will be to communicate.
Good clear pronunciation impresses people and inspires confidence. Don’t set yourself unrealistic targets though. Oh and try saying this — Irish wristwatch.
Alex Cummins is a trainer with the Professional Development Unit of the British Council in Kuala Lumpur.
________________________________________
© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
IT IS IN THE WAY YOU SAY IT
Sunday July 31, 2011
It’s in the way you say it
LET'S COMMUNIC8
By ALEX CUMMINS
While there may be a need to improve our pronunciation, there is no need to speak with a different accent.
MALAYSIAN pronunciation and the Malaysian accent are easily recognisable to anyone who has spent any time in the country or dealing with its people.
Whether it’s the wonderful way people here say the word “love” or the often rising intonation at the end of an utterance; pronunciation of certain sounds and Malaysian intonation differ from British or American English.
So, are there any problems when a Malaysian talks to a non- Malaysian in English? Most of the time, they can communicate successfully, without too much strain or misunderstanding (depending on the competency of both speakers of course!). Speaking face to face is much easier because there are visual clues to aid communication. However, when small changes of sound occur, for example, on the phone, a whole host of problems can arise.
How can we improve our pronunciation to overcome such problems? And if not just on the phone, how can we wow our colleagues and bosses with clear and precise pronunciation?
Do I need to get rid of my accent?
To improve your pronunciation, there is no need to lose your “Malaysian-ness”. In fact, a lot of people think that unless they speak with a kind of perfect “BBC English”, they are speaking incorrectly.
Similarly, Malaysians often find difficulty in understanding people with non BBC or Southern English pronunciation. I often hear people complain that they cannot understand the Australian or Scottish person’s “slangs”.
First of all, slang refers to vocabulary and not to pronunciation, so what you mean is “I cannot understand his/her accent”. Secondly, there are lots of accents which are difficult to understand even amongst native speakers — so don’t get too worried. The question is: how can we communicate with our Malaysian English accent across cultures? How can a Malaysian improve areas of his/ her pronunciation in order to communicate more effectively?
Areas of weakness
So what are some of the problem areas for Malaysians when it comes to pronunciation?
■ Vowel Sounds
Often vowel sounds pose a problem for Malaysian speakers. This can be because of the confusion between long and short vowel sounds like:“dark” (long) and “duck” (short), or simply the fact that some sounds can be fairly similar like: “man” and “men”.
■ Consonant Clusters
Words like “asked” and “crisps” pose considerable trouble for Malaysian speakers. They rarely appear in any of the languages spoken in Malaysia and involve some serious tongue twisting. Malaysian speakers of Tamil often find these easier than Malay or Chinese language speakers.
■ Word stress
Stressing a word incorrectly can disrupt the flow of speaking. A word like “infamous” is usually stressed on the second syllable in Malaysia, whereas correct stress should be on the first syllable (infamous means well known for something bad- not the opposite of famous by the way!)
■ Intonation
A lot of meaning can be conveyed by intonation, pitch and stress. All languages use this to convey meaning. However, for non- native speakers, doing this appropriately in English can be difficult. Take, for example, the phrase “thank you”. You would probably think that someone uttering “thank you” should be happy or appreciative.
Change the tone a little and we can create a completely different meaning behind the words, however: angry, disappointed, sarcastic or even ecstatic. It’s not just the words we use, but the way that we say them which creates the message.
How can I improve?
So, what is the best way to improve pronunciation?
■ You come across a new word at work. Let’s imagine the word is “deterioration”. You need to use it at a presentation which is coming up. How do you say it? Well, the best thing that you can do would be to check an online dictionary (like www.macmillandictionary.com). Not only does this provide you with the phonetic transcript which looks like /dɪˌtɪəriəˈreɪʃ(ə)/, but it also gives you an actual recording of a native speaker saying the word. If you can read the phonetic transcript— then you can even use a good English dictionary. Note that the apostrophe symbol (‘) is used to show where the main stress in the word is.
■ Buy a book to help guide you through sounds that you find difficult (I recommend English Pronunciation in Use Intermediate, Hancock, Cambridge University Press 2003) and make sure that you use the CD’s to help model your pronunciation.
■ Listen to a recording of a native speaker (or someone with very clear pronunciation) on the radio or TV. Record yourself saying the same thing and then listen back comparing yourself and the model recording.
■ For those extra difficult words and sounds, try and find out (by using a book like I suggested above, for example) how to produce the sound in terms of the mouth: the shape of the tongue, the position of the lips and the jaw. Where does the sound come from? Practise in front of the mirror, so that when you say “thoroughly”, you know what your, tongue, lips and mouth are doing.
■ Practise listening to a range of English accents being spoken. If your work involves having to speak to people from Aberdeen or Mumbai, get used to their accent. The more exposure you have to different accents, the easier it will be to communicate.
Good clear pronunciation impresses people and inspires confidence. Don’t set yourself unrealistic targets though. Oh and try saying this — Irish wristwatch.
Alex Cummins is a trainer with the Professional Development Unit of the British Council in Kuala Lumpur.
________________________________________
© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Invoking time adjures man for a total devotion to God and to perform righteous deeds that can mitigate risks encountered, by engaging with one another in the spirit of truth, patience and constancy.
Invoking time adjures man for a total devotion to God and to perform righteous deeds that can mitigate risks encountered, by engaging with one another in the spirit of truth, patience and constancy.
Managing Risks in Life
Tuesday July 26, 2011
Managing risks in life
Ikim Views
By Mohamad Azhar Hashim
Fellow, Centre for Economics and Social Studies
Invoking time adjures man for a total devotion to God and to perform righteous deeds that can mitigate risks encountered, by engaging with one another in the spirit of truth, patience and constancy.
RISK is an inherent element that exists in every aspect of man’s endevours in this world. It is a fact that man’s life and his activities cannot be spared of risks. So prevalent are risks to man and his organisation that taking them has become an inevitable part of life.
As such, the term “risk management” has been pushed to the forefront in both micro and macroeconomic management in recent times.
It is now seen as a key contributor to the survival of an organisation, not only in braving the prevailing competitive business landscape, but also in facing the challenges brought about by unpredictable natural disasters.
Since risk is ubiquitous in every facet of human activities, it carries different meanings in different fields. As varied as the definitions are, all inadvertently include the relationship between time and change in value, particularly of losses incurred.
In financial activities, for instance, risk may be defined as a measurement of the potential changes in value of a financial instrument or investment due to differences in the operating environment at the present time and the future.
In this regard, risk management techniques will be employed to mitigate any possibility of the instruments or investments being reduced in value, or losses incurred due to the impact brought about by underlying risk factors.
Peter Lewyn Bernstein (1919-2009), an American financial historian, economist and educator, wrote a fascinating account on the understanding of risk in Against the Gods; The Remarkable Story of Risk.
The book journeys through the centuries of how man changed his perception of risk and relentlessly sought ways to mitigate it.
In addition, Bernstein revealed that a long time ago, man acknowledged his weaknesses before God in dealing with the uncertainty of nature and he would condone to whatever disasters that had befallen him.
Hence, managing risks was not necessary for man in the days of yore.
However, along the course of history, man became wiser and learned that he could actually measure risk and take appropriate methods to cushion its severity.
Thus, according to Bernstein, man is no longer at the mercy of the gods and is now able to control his own destiny as he is able to minimise risks, and evaluate probabilities and chances.
Furthermore, Bernstein relates to us many stories about how the current financial risk management tools, such as, insurance, futures contracts, options and others, had been developed throughout the centuries to protect man’s wealth against misfortune and unforeseen calamities.
Fourteen centuries have passed since Allah underscored the significant relationship between time and loss – the two core variables that underpin the modern risk management theory.
Allah declares in the Quran: “By (the token of) Time (through the ages), verily Man is in loss, except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual enjoining of Truth, Patience and Constancy.” (103: 1– 3)
Known as al-‘Asr or “The Time”, the quoted surah is one of the earliest to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad during his early period of prophethood in Mecca.
In spite of its brevity, al-‘Asr succinctly underlines a comprehensive teaching that man needs to heed in his worldly strife.
The companions of the Holy Prophet had reported that whenever any two of them met, they would never part without reciting surah al-‘Asr to each other.
Even the great Imam al-Shafi’i (150 – 206 AH) was once reported as saying that had nothing else been revealed in the Quran except al-‘Asr, it alone would have been sufficient to guide mankind.
Indeed, such power and importance within the three verses underlie the essence of the surah.
Al-‘Asr guides man to ponder upon the significant correlation between time and losses incurred, which is known today as a function for measuring risks.
In invoking time, it adjures man for a total devotion to God and to perform righteous deeds in order to lessen the impact of any risks involved.
Furthermore, al-‘Asr pronounces the way that man can mitigate risks encountered, that is, by engaging with one another in the spirit of truth, patience, and constancy.
Significantly, the brief and seemingly simple surah is actually loaded with a comprehensive and powerful foundation of risk management!
Nowadays, risk management practice is growing prominently in managing businesses and organisations.
A multitude of standards, frameworks and techniques have been introduced by various international organisations, which include the generic risk management principles and guidelines of ISO 31000: 2009 standards.
They cater not only for the purpose of making risk management a tool, but more importantly, of inculcating risk management as an integral culture for people at all levels in an organisation.
In this context, Islamic bodies can derive immense benefits from inculcating and internalising the teachings enjoined in surah al-‘Asr, for they provide Muslims with a solid foundation for a robust risk management culture and framework.
Despite the growing practice of risk management in businesses and organisations, risk managers should exercise caution in their reliance of their standards, frameworks or techniques.
For, no matter how polished or sophisticated they are, no one can ever act “against the will or the absolute power of God Almighty”.
________________________________________
© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managing Risks in Life
Tuesday July 26, 2011
Managing risks in life
Ikim Views
By Mohamad Azhar Hashim
Fellow, Centre for Economics and Social Studies
Invoking time adjures man for a total devotion to God and to perform righteous deeds that can mitigate risks encountered, by engaging with one another in the spirit of truth, patience and constancy.
RISK is an inherent element that exists in every aspect of man’s endevours in this world. It is a fact that man’s life and his activities cannot be spared of risks. So prevalent are risks to man and his organisation that taking them has become an inevitable part of life.
As such, the term “risk management” has been pushed to the forefront in both micro and macroeconomic management in recent times.
It is now seen as a key contributor to the survival of an organisation, not only in braving the prevailing competitive business landscape, but also in facing the challenges brought about by unpredictable natural disasters.
Since risk is ubiquitous in every facet of human activities, it carries different meanings in different fields. As varied as the definitions are, all inadvertently include the relationship between time and change in value, particularly of losses incurred.
In financial activities, for instance, risk may be defined as a measurement of the potential changes in value of a financial instrument or investment due to differences in the operating environment at the present time and the future.
In this regard, risk management techniques will be employed to mitigate any possibility of the instruments or investments being reduced in value, or losses incurred due to the impact brought about by underlying risk factors.
Peter Lewyn Bernstein (1919-2009), an American financial historian, economist and educator, wrote a fascinating account on the understanding of risk in Against the Gods; The Remarkable Story of Risk.
The book journeys through the centuries of how man changed his perception of risk and relentlessly sought ways to mitigate it.
In addition, Bernstein revealed that a long time ago, man acknowledged his weaknesses before God in dealing with the uncertainty of nature and he would condone to whatever disasters that had befallen him.
Hence, managing risks was not necessary for man in the days of yore.
However, along the course of history, man became wiser and learned that he could actually measure risk and take appropriate methods to cushion its severity.
Thus, according to Bernstein, man is no longer at the mercy of the gods and is now able to control his own destiny as he is able to minimise risks, and evaluate probabilities and chances.
Furthermore, Bernstein relates to us many stories about how the current financial risk management tools, such as, insurance, futures contracts, options and others, had been developed throughout the centuries to protect man’s wealth against misfortune and unforeseen calamities.
Fourteen centuries have passed since Allah underscored the significant relationship between time and loss – the two core variables that underpin the modern risk management theory.
Allah declares in the Quran: “By (the token of) Time (through the ages), verily Man is in loss, except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual enjoining of Truth, Patience and Constancy.” (103: 1– 3)
Known as al-‘Asr or “The Time”, the quoted surah is one of the earliest to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad during his early period of prophethood in Mecca.
In spite of its brevity, al-‘Asr succinctly underlines a comprehensive teaching that man needs to heed in his worldly strife.
The companions of the Holy Prophet had reported that whenever any two of them met, they would never part without reciting surah al-‘Asr to each other.
Even the great Imam al-Shafi’i (150 – 206 AH) was once reported as saying that had nothing else been revealed in the Quran except al-‘Asr, it alone would have been sufficient to guide mankind.
Indeed, such power and importance within the three verses underlie the essence of the surah.
Al-‘Asr guides man to ponder upon the significant correlation between time and losses incurred, which is known today as a function for measuring risks.
In invoking time, it adjures man for a total devotion to God and to perform righteous deeds in order to lessen the impact of any risks involved.
Furthermore, al-‘Asr pronounces the way that man can mitigate risks encountered, that is, by engaging with one another in the spirit of truth, patience, and constancy.
Significantly, the brief and seemingly simple surah is actually loaded with a comprehensive and powerful foundation of risk management!
Nowadays, risk management practice is growing prominently in managing businesses and organisations.
A multitude of standards, frameworks and techniques have been introduced by various international organisations, which include the generic risk management principles and guidelines of ISO 31000: 2009 standards.
They cater not only for the purpose of making risk management a tool, but more importantly, of inculcating risk management as an integral culture for people at all levels in an organisation.
In this context, Islamic bodies can derive immense benefits from inculcating and internalising the teachings enjoined in surah al-‘Asr, for they provide Muslims with a solid foundation for a robust risk management culture and framework.
Despite the growing practice of risk management in businesses and organisations, risk managers should exercise caution in their reliance of their standards, frameworks or techniques.
For, no matter how polished or sophisticated they are, no one can ever act “against the will or the absolute power of God Almighty”.
________________________________________
© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
How Many Primary Schools Could Be Built With RM24 Million?
How Many Primary Schools Could Be Built With RM24 Million?
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million, three weeks after the allegations surfaced in cyberspace.
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
“There is nothing I want to say because I have no time to address such things. Let (the blogger) say what he wants.
“This is slander but what have I not experienced? I have experienced it all. So, rather than address this, it is better I pay attention to public issues as these are more important,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian when accompanying her husband on his working trip to Kedah yesterday.
Screenshots of a Customs computer screen showed the ring, from New York celebrity jeweller Jacob and Co, was brought in under her name.
Comments (29)
written by Concerned_Citizen, July 29, 2011 23:59:41
She didn't buy it!? She just has to ask and those kaki bodet will pay for it! Ask how many bags that Vincent Tan and his sons have bought her!
written by imanj, July 29, 2011 20:25:45
2 things....Firstly is it RM 24 million or USD 24 million??
Secondly just 2 days ago on the article of 14.5billion boat owner Malaysian businessman is a fake,my comment was " yah sure everything is FAKE in Malaysia and soon there will be an article on The Ring being Fake etc...cause Malaysia's habit is to copy from another's idea "...mmmm looks like I have six sense..as this morning without my laptop,had to resign to read the paper and I laughed at the news of the denial on the ring..not at Madam but at the fact that I am pretty smart to guess the denial will come soon following the fake boat thingy...!
Errr maybe a 3rd thing...Maam why did it take 3 weeks to make this denial...yes maybe not purchased by own but a gift prehaps by husband dearie?!.......
It's okay really...all the ruckus in Malaysia is ok really..just wish the PM and his administration would show more courtesy when addressing issues and not be aggressive and hypocritical..
BTW the Prime Minister first commands the respect from Christians/Catholics and today he says not only to tolerate but accept other races....mmmm another today I say this tomorrow I say that..I am boss and so Like me or Else...!!!!
written by malaysianforever, July 29, 2011 18:50:50
Rosmah, you ada class lo! Birkins handbags. Diamond studded bracelets and now the diamond ring as alleged. You said that you have the poor at heart! My toes are laughing. If you really do, you should reduce the number of overseas travel. Each time lu puyai private jet terbang, minyak nya boleh buat satu low cost bagi orang miskin lo, And do you ponder how much money you have used at the poor's expense!!! Bullshit!!!
written by IbnAbdHalim, July 29, 2011 15:59:26
..and what about the childhood savings to buy the ring that was carried by Utusan Malaysia? Who invented the story?
written by JustJobe, July 29, 2011 15:19:06
When Barrack Obama was accused of not being a true American citizen, all he had to do was furnish his birth certificate to lay everything to rest. Instead, he let the republican tea-party folks (their opposition far right extremists) yell and share the accusation stories with their friends about how Obama is most certainly not born American. The story was so bizarre it would most certainly spread well. When the time was right, and everyone from his opposition was talking about this bizarre accusation, he released his birth certificate.
The story crumbles. Those spreading it now look like chest-thumping idiots. For nothing much he gets to make his oppressors look bad and reinforce his supporters.
Now lets look at the Rosmah24M story.
They let the story grow, and deny when it has spread enough, just like above.
The outcome? No-one that was already convinced that her and her hubby are guilty of fleecing us are going to change our minds... we always knew they were dirty to begin with right? So nothing changes there...
...but, now they get to spread articles to the MSM only heartland folks about how misleading the internet blogs can be.
If she bought the ring or got it as a gift at this stage is irrelevant.
What matters is now she comes out claiming to be a victim, and UMNO gets to portray the opposition blogs as a pitchfork wielding mob that would accuse the ruling government for anything we can get our hands on.
That's how i read this event so far anyways... .
written by malaysianforever, July 29, 2011 15:04:25
Rosmah, you have such heavy taste.Ha!Ha! How did the diamond end upinmalaysia if no one had prdered it?
written by AntiBN, July 29, 2011 15:01:09
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
Then you should sue the person who slandered you.
Once a liar, always a liar.
written by Eskay345, July 29, 2011 14:44:22
And since you, Fatmama are on "denial mode" why not also deny you had at least four "Birkin handbags".
But don't lah, because they had you on video ...
written by Nixcloud, July 29, 2011 14:30:51
we believe you roastmama, your lies are always in our hearts....
we believe you didnt buy the RM24million ring, it was too cheap for you
we believe you didnt sleep with some else's husband whilst you yourself is married
we believe you dont know who altantuya is
we believe you think ziana zain is the prettiest person alive...
written by SiHangChai, July 29, 2011 13:39:21
Who says that Rosmah bought the RM24m ring? Nobody really said this. But what was brought up by many citizens was Rosmah had a RM24m ring that was delivered to you. Whether it was a gift for personal favour or she really bought it but through indirect means, we do not know. What she has to answer is whether the RM24m is in her possession and she actually received it! Rosmah & Najib are not answering the questions at all.
written by a guest, July 29, 2011 13:38:47
This is the denial syndrome in the upper levels of UMNO. First, the p**imak said he didnt know who shitful is, then he said he came to see him to get a scholarship. Then records of aminah goes missing, murder- sumpah in masjid -deny deny deny.
Then the rapist also denied doing anything wrong. now, this fat arse has also denied doing anything wrong.
This is a new diease for which scientists need to find a cure urgently. It is called the denial syndrome.
It is worse than the aedes. ...
written by lakian, July 29, 2011 13:16:25
come on you jealous fellows,she is the "1st lady" of malaysia,simply she is you and me big mother,mother of a nation,wife of this can land,wife of every one.she cares,she loves and she protects,so you and me are obliged to contribute to gift our little heart of gratitude.24mil is too little,she sacrificed so much for the sake of our nation,our citizen,the most recent one,vacation in italy alone is merely more than this amount.be cool and gratefull.
written by arazak, July 29, 2011 13:07:36
Swear with Koran in Masjid lah. . ..!
Sure, you don't buy the diamond ring. It is just like you telling us that you are still a virgin! ...
written by uxzee, July 29, 2011 12:55:36
Why did APCO take so long to strategise this rebuttal from Rosmah ?Will Rosmah now sue Utusan for confirming that she actually bought the ring by suggesting that the money was from her savings from young ? This denial by Rosmah now will trap her even further as the proofs from customs invoice and many other documents are there stark naked for all to see.
Do not be surprised if suddenly all info on the Customs computers gets wiped out like Altantuya's entry into Malaysia got wiped out from Immigration computers. Remember, we are dealing with the same people. ..
written by ViewAct, July 29, 2011 12:39:08
Altantuya murder she denied... Well maybe she's right...
Now this one she denies... Well that put the altantuya murder denial in question too... Good move big mama rossie... You have just admitted that you could've been lying the last time too...
Next time when Najib got ousted, and being charged for "crimes", I wonder if you'll also deny you are his wife, or ever knowing him at all...
written by Prince of India, July 29, 2011 12:34:17
If u say its a slander how about your SMS u send that u bought the ring for your relative.
written by bkho, July 29, 2011 12:31:41
Eh, comeon lah, so either Utusan or Rosmah is lying lah. ...
written by durianbesar, July 29, 2011 12:10:39
you fcuking cunt.... you commited khalwat with Najib... answer the question ? YES or NO....
verdict... YES...
you cunt... you bought the diamond through proxy. answer the question ? YES...
ok.. guitly slut....
written by batsman, July 29, 2011 12:08:44
Aisehman - now customs import documents will also start to go missing.
written by ghane01, July 29, 2011 12:08:08
Than why did Utusan came up with a story that Rosmah had bougth the RM24mil ring with her own money,saved from the time she was 15 years old..Liars.........
written by Fart Fart Wah, July 29, 2011 11:58:39
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
and I also do not use botox for my buttox.......!!!!!!! ..
written by Pegasus, July 29, 2011 11:52:10
Once Liar always shall be one no matter what that porky fat mama says!
written by Bullchick, July 29, 2011 11:50:01
Of course Big Fat Mama-San did not buy the ring! It would have been too obvious! Did she deny that it was brought in under her name? In all probability, it was a gift from some admirer! Maybe Tan Kay Hock, Vincent Tan, Anandakrishnan, Jho Low, Gamuda, or anyone else? Your guess is as good as mine!!
written by SoundMan, July 29, 2011 11:42:58
Of course Rosmah did not buy it, she "has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million".
It was with the money taken from the people's treasury, so you are quite correct, correct, correct Rosmah the money did not come out your purse.
A slight technicality, Rosmah didn't 'purchase' the ring her own self. ...
written by pinsysu, July 29, 2011 11:36:46
did taxpayers purchase the ring?!
written by youngbags, July 29, 2011 11:34:04
DIAM LAR, Pembohong .
written by Ken Liew, July 29, 2011 11:11:45
Itu... bukan dibeli.. tapi diberi.... Bahasa melayu pun tak tau dengar.... Nasib perempuan pertama saya ni baik hati.... jika kejam, pasti gerak khas akan bantu saya tangkap pembohong yang sentiasa cari susah sahaja, tak payah dalam akhta yang mana, buat kacau, mesti ditahan....... macam 6 orang di Bersih tu... Bukan saya arah, itu tanggungjawab Polis tangkap pembohong.......
Takkan orang kasi barang, kita tak terima... macam Polis yang bertanggung jawab, orang ramai derma mereka tiap-tiap hari, kerana Polis Rajin berkerja juga..... Kita semua ini orang Baik, mesti dihormati oleh rakyat. Tak kira apa hadiah dan saguh hati saya terima. ...
written by singhkris, July 29, 2011 11:04:15
HI Rosie, sue the blogger like Rais Yatim did. Please do not dismiss lies just like this. Infact you should haev come out with a statement almost immediately. We are also waiting to hear from the Royal Malaysia Customs. They should have come out and said that the screen shots are not genuine. ...
written by justice seeker, July 29, 2011 10:59:30
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million, three weeks after the allegations surfaced in cyberspace.
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
“There is nothing I want to say because I have no time to address such things. Let (the blogger) say what he wants.
“This is slander but what have I not experienced? I have experienced it all. So, rather than address this, it is better I pay attention to public issues as these are more important,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian when accompanying her husband on his working trip to Kedah yesterday.
Screenshots of a Customs computer screen showed the ring, from New York celebrity jeweller Jacob and Co, was brought in under her name.
OH, YOU MEAN IT WAS A GIFT THEN SINCE YOUR DENIAL WAS ONLY SPECIFICALLY ON THE PURCHASE BUT NEVER ANY MENTION OF A GIFT???? A TECHNICALITY LIKE THIS CAN MEAN SUCH A BIG DIFFERENCE ON GUILT IN THE EYES OF THE PUBLIC YOU KNOW.
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million, three weeks after the allegations surfaced in cyberspace.
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
“There is nothing I want to say because I have no time to address such things. Let (the blogger) say what he wants.
“This is slander but what have I not experienced? I have experienced it all. So, rather than address this, it is better I pay attention to public issues as these are more important,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian when accompanying her husband on his working trip to Kedah yesterday.
Screenshots of a Customs computer screen showed the ring, from New York celebrity jeweller Jacob and Co, was brought in under her name.
Comments (29)
written by Concerned_Citizen, July 29, 2011 23:59:41
She didn't buy it!? She just has to ask and those kaki bodet will pay for it! Ask how many bags that Vincent Tan and his sons have bought her!
written by imanj, July 29, 2011 20:25:45
2 things....Firstly is it RM 24 million or USD 24 million??
Secondly just 2 days ago on the article of 14.5billion boat owner Malaysian businessman is a fake,my comment was " yah sure everything is FAKE in Malaysia and soon there will be an article on The Ring being Fake etc...cause Malaysia's habit is to copy from another's idea "...mmmm looks like I have six sense..as this morning without my laptop,had to resign to read the paper and I laughed at the news of the denial on the ring..not at Madam but at the fact that I am pretty smart to guess the denial will come soon following the fake boat thingy...!
Errr maybe a 3rd thing...Maam why did it take 3 weeks to make this denial...yes maybe not purchased by own but a gift prehaps by husband dearie?!.......
It's okay really...all the ruckus in Malaysia is ok really..just wish the PM and his administration would show more courtesy when addressing issues and not be aggressive and hypocritical..
BTW the Prime Minister first commands the respect from Christians/Catholics and today he says not only to tolerate but accept other races....mmmm another today I say this tomorrow I say that..I am boss and so Like me or Else...!!!!
written by malaysianforever, July 29, 2011 18:50:50
Rosmah, you ada class lo! Birkins handbags. Diamond studded bracelets and now the diamond ring as alleged. You said that you have the poor at heart! My toes are laughing. If you really do, you should reduce the number of overseas travel. Each time lu puyai private jet terbang, minyak nya boleh buat satu low cost bagi orang miskin lo, And do you ponder how much money you have used at the poor's expense!!! Bullshit!!!
written by IbnAbdHalim, July 29, 2011 15:59:26
..and what about the childhood savings to buy the ring that was carried by Utusan Malaysia? Who invented the story?
written by JustJobe, July 29, 2011 15:19:06
When Barrack Obama was accused of not being a true American citizen, all he had to do was furnish his birth certificate to lay everything to rest. Instead, he let the republican tea-party folks (their opposition far right extremists) yell and share the accusation stories with their friends about how Obama is most certainly not born American. The story was so bizarre it would most certainly spread well. When the time was right, and everyone from his opposition was talking about this bizarre accusation, he released his birth certificate.
The story crumbles. Those spreading it now look like chest-thumping idiots. For nothing much he gets to make his oppressors look bad and reinforce his supporters.
Now lets look at the Rosmah24M story.
They let the story grow, and deny when it has spread enough, just like above.
The outcome? No-one that was already convinced that her and her hubby are guilty of fleecing us are going to change our minds... we always knew they were dirty to begin with right? So nothing changes there...
...but, now they get to spread articles to the MSM only heartland folks about how misleading the internet blogs can be.
If she bought the ring or got it as a gift at this stage is irrelevant.
What matters is now she comes out claiming to be a victim, and UMNO gets to portray the opposition blogs as a pitchfork wielding mob that would accuse the ruling government for anything we can get our hands on.
That's how i read this event so far anyways... .
written by malaysianforever, July 29, 2011 15:04:25
Rosmah, you have such heavy taste.Ha!Ha! How did the diamond end upinmalaysia if no one had prdered it?
written by AntiBN, July 29, 2011 15:01:09
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
Then you should sue the person who slandered you.
Once a liar, always a liar.
written by Eskay345, July 29, 2011 14:44:22
And since you, Fatmama are on "denial mode" why not also deny you had at least four "Birkin handbags".
But don't lah, because they had you on video ...
written by Nixcloud, July 29, 2011 14:30:51
we believe you roastmama, your lies are always in our hearts....
we believe you didnt buy the RM24million ring, it was too cheap for you
we believe you didnt sleep with some else's husband whilst you yourself is married
we believe you dont know who altantuya is
we believe you think ziana zain is the prettiest person alive...
written by SiHangChai, July 29, 2011 13:39:21
Who says that Rosmah bought the RM24m ring? Nobody really said this. But what was brought up by many citizens was Rosmah had a RM24m ring that was delivered to you. Whether it was a gift for personal favour or she really bought it but through indirect means, we do not know. What she has to answer is whether the RM24m is in her possession and she actually received it! Rosmah & Najib are not answering the questions at all.
written by a guest, July 29, 2011 13:38:47
This is the denial syndrome in the upper levels of UMNO. First, the p**imak said he didnt know who shitful is, then he said he came to see him to get a scholarship. Then records of aminah goes missing, murder- sumpah in masjid -deny deny deny.
Then the rapist also denied doing anything wrong. now, this fat arse has also denied doing anything wrong.
This is a new diease for which scientists need to find a cure urgently. It is called the denial syndrome.
It is worse than the aedes. ...
written by lakian, July 29, 2011 13:16:25
come on you jealous fellows,she is the "1st lady" of malaysia,simply she is you and me big mother,mother of a nation,wife of this can land,wife of every one.she cares,she loves and she protects,so you and me are obliged to contribute to gift our little heart of gratitude.24mil is too little,she sacrificed so much for the sake of our nation,our citizen,the most recent one,vacation in italy alone is merely more than this amount.be cool and gratefull.
written by arazak, July 29, 2011 13:07:36
Swear with Koran in Masjid lah. . ..!
Sure, you don't buy the diamond ring. It is just like you telling us that you are still a virgin! ...
written by uxzee, July 29, 2011 12:55:36
Why did APCO take so long to strategise this rebuttal from Rosmah ?Will Rosmah now sue Utusan for confirming that she actually bought the ring by suggesting that the money was from her savings from young ? This denial by Rosmah now will trap her even further as the proofs from customs invoice and many other documents are there stark naked for all to see.
Do not be surprised if suddenly all info on the Customs computers gets wiped out like Altantuya's entry into Malaysia got wiped out from Immigration computers. Remember, we are dealing with the same people. ..
written by ViewAct, July 29, 2011 12:39:08
Altantuya murder she denied... Well maybe she's right...
Now this one she denies... Well that put the altantuya murder denial in question too... Good move big mama rossie... You have just admitted that you could've been lying the last time too...
Next time when Najib got ousted, and being charged for "crimes", I wonder if you'll also deny you are his wife, or ever knowing him at all...
written by Prince of India, July 29, 2011 12:34:17
If u say its a slander how about your SMS u send that u bought the ring for your relative.
written by bkho, July 29, 2011 12:31:41
Eh, comeon lah, so either Utusan or Rosmah is lying lah. ...
written by durianbesar, July 29, 2011 12:10:39
you fcuking cunt.... you commited khalwat with Najib... answer the question ? YES or NO....
verdict... YES...
you cunt... you bought the diamond through proxy. answer the question ? YES...
ok.. guitly slut....
written by batsman, July 29, 2011 12:08:44
Aisehman - now customs import documents will also start to go missing.
written by ghane01, July 29, 2011 12:08:08
Than why did Utusan came up with a story that Rosmah had bougth the RM24mil ring with her own money,saved from the time she was 15 years old..Liars.........
written by Fart Fart Wah, July 29, 2011 11:58:39
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
and I also do not use botox for my buttox.......!!!!!!! ..
written by Pegasus, July 29, 2011 11:52:10
Once Liar always shall be one no matter what that porky fat mama says!
written by Bullchick, July 29, 2011 11:50:01
Of course Big Fat Mama-San did not buy the ring! It would have been too obvious! Did she deny that it was brought in under her name? In all probability, it was a gift from some admirer! Maybe Tan Kay Hock, Vincent Tan, Anandakrishnan, Jho Low, Gamuda, or anyone else? Your guess is as good as mine!!
written by SoundMan, July 29, 2011 11:42:58
Of course Rosmah did not buy it, she "has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million".
It was with the money taken from the people's treasury, so you are quite correct, correct, correct Rosmah the money did not come out your purse.
A slight technicality, Rosmah didn't 'purchase' the ring her own self. ...
written by pinsysu, July 29, 2011 11:36:46
did taxpayers purchase the ring?!
written by youngbags, July 29, 2011 11:34:04
DIAM LAR, Pembohong .
written by Ken Liew, July 29, 2011 11:11:45
Itu... bukan dibeli.. tapi diberi.... Bahasa melayu pun tak tau dengar.... Nasib perempuan pertama saya ni baik hati.... jika kejam, pasti gerak khas akan bantu saya tangkap pembohong yang sentiasa cari susah sahaja, tak payah dalam akhta yang mana, buat kacau, mesti ditahan....... macam 6 orang di Bersih tu... Bukan saya arah, itu tanggungjawab Polis tangkap pembohong.......
Takkan orang kasi barang, kita tak terima... macam Polis yang bertanggung jawab, orang ramai derma mereka tiap-tiap hari, kerana Polis Rajin berkerja juga..... Kita semua ini orang Baik, mesti dihormati oleh rakyat. Tak kira apa hadiah dan saguh hati saya terima. ...
written by singhkris, July 29, 2011 11:04:15
HI Rosie, sue the blogger like Rais Yatim did. Please do not dismiss lies just like this. Infact you should haev come out with a statement almost immediately. We are also waiting to hear from the Royal Malaysia Customs. They should have come out and said that the screen shots are not genuine. ...
written by justice seeker, July 29, 2011 10:59:30
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million, three weeks after the allegations surfaced in cyberspace.
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
“There is nothing I want to say because I have no time to address such things. Let (the blogger) say what he wants.
“This is slander but what have I not experienced? I have experienced it all. So, rather than address this, it is better I pay attention to public issues as these are more important,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian when accompanying her husband on his working trip to Kedah yesterday.
Screenshots of a Customs computer screen showed the ring, from New York celebrity jeweller Jacob and Co, was brought in under her name.
OH, YOU MEAN IT WAS A GIFT THEN SINCE YOUR DENIAL WAS ONLY SPECIFICALLY ON THE PURCHASE BUT NEVER ANY MENTION OF A GIFT???? A TECHNICALITY LIKE THIS CAN MEAN SUCH A BIG DIFFERENCE ON GUILT IN THE EYES OF THE PUBLIC YOU KNOW.
University Lecturers Who Just Only Recycle Lecture Notes......
University Lecturers Who Just Only Recycle Lecture Notes
NSS Boss University lecturers only recycle lecture notes
The boss of the National Service Secretariat has come under fire for suggesting University teachers are undeserving of their book allowance.
Vincent Kuagbenu at the annual award ceremony for National Service personnel in the Ashanti Region, scoffed at the demands by University teachers for government to pay their arrears on book allowance.
The University Teachers Association Ghana (UTAG) is threatening a strike if government fails to pay the arrears.
But the NSS boss believes the university teachers have done very little or nothing to deserve a book allowance.
All they do, according to Kuagbenu, is to recycle notes year after year, and the results are the half-baked students churned out from the various universities with no employable skills and knowledge for corporate Ghana.
“I listened to the radio yesterday; they (lecturers) are saying that they are threatening strike because government has not paid them book allowance. How many books did they buy?” he quizzed, adding, “You are students who spent years in the university. Most of the lecturers recycle lecture notes every time, and they are producing people who cannot fit the labour market demands,” Kuagbenu said in a report filed by Luv FM's Kwabena Ampratwum.
The NSS boss said the unprecedented formation of the Association of Unemployed Graduates is testament to the failure by the university teachers.
Instead of fighting for book allowance, Kuagbenu insists the lecturers must be introspective and find ingenious ways of making graduates employable.
“If people finish the university and they don’t get jobs you don’t ask for book allowance you ask yourself what is making our products not marketable. We must be serious in Ghana,” he charged.
Vincent Kuagbenu did not also take kindly to the demonstration by tertiary students who are calling for a reduction in their school fees.
Describing the demonstration as a piece of “nonsense,” the NSS boss asked the students in the public institutions to find out how much their colleagues in the private institutions in the country are paying and be advised accordingly.
His comments have angered both University students and their lecturers.
The president of UTAG in the Ashanti Region Dr Oheneba Yankyira said the remarks by the NSS boss are unfortunate and misplaced.
He argued, he, Kuagbenu was taught by university lecturers in Ghana and if he considers himself efficient as the NSS boss, on what basis is he questioning the competence of those lecturers.
His remarks, Dr Yankyira stated, can only be an insult to the lecturers who taught him.
He further argued the issue of graduate unemployment cannot not necessarily be blamed on lecturers.
He believes the issue is more to do with non-existent jobs than lack of skills by graduates.
He said the duty of the lecturers is to provide knowledge to the students which will guide them in their job search- that they have done to the best of their ability- he noted.
Dr, Yankyira stated the arguments by Kuagbenu have no basis and at best a cheap political jibe to satisfy his employers.
A member of NUGS in the Ashanti Region, Emmanuel Addo told Joy News the statements by Vincent Kuagbenu are “careless” and must not be taken seriously.
NSS Boss University lecturers only recycle lecture notes
The boss of the National Service Secretariat has come under fire for suggesting University teachers are undeserving of their book allowance.
Vincent Kuagbenu at the annual award ceremony for National Service personnel in the Ashanti Region, scoffed at the demands by University teachers for government to pay their arrears on book allowance.
The University Teachers Association Ghana (UTAG) is threatening a strike if government fails to pay the arrears.
But the NSS boss believes the university teachers have done very little or nothing to deserve a book allowance.
All they do, according to Kuagbenu, is to recycle notes year after year, and the results are the half-baked students churned out from the various universities with no employable skills and knowledge for corporate Ghana.
“I listened to the radio yesterday; they (lecturers) are saying that they are threatening strike because government has not paid them book allowance. How many books did they buy?” he quizzed, adding, “You are students who spent years in the university. Most of the lecturers recycle lecture notes every time, and they are producing people who cannot fit the labour market demands,” Kuagbenu said in a report filed by Luv FM's Kwabena Ampratwum.
The NSS boss said the unprecedented formation of the Association of Unemployed Graduates is testament to the failure by the university teachers.
Instead of fighting for book allowance, Kuagbenu insists the lecturers must be introspective and find ingenious ways of making graduates employable.
“If people finish the university and they don’t get jobs you don’t ask for book allowance you ask yourself what is making our products not marketable. We must be serious in Ghana,” he charged.
Vincent Kuagbenu did not also take kindly to the demonstration by tertiary students who are calling for a reduction in their school fees.
Describing the demonstration as a piece of “nonsense,” the NSS boss asked the students in the public institutions to find out how much their colleagues in the private institutions in the country are paying and be advised accordingly.
His comments have angered both University students and their lecturers.
The president of UTAG in the Ashanti Region Dr Oheneba Yankyira said the remarks by the NSS boss are unfortunate and misplaced.
He argued, he, Kuagbenu was taught by university lecturers in Ghana and if he considers himself efficient as the NSS boss, on what basis is he questioning the competence of those lecturers.
His remarks, Dr Yankyira stated, can only be an insult to the lecturers who taught him.
He further argued the issue of graduate unemployment cannot not necessarily be blamed on lecturers.
He believes the issue is more to do with non-existent jobs than lack of skills by graduates.
He said the duty of the lecturers is to provide knowledge to the students which will guide them in their job search- that they have done to the best of their ability- he noted.
Dr, Yankyira stated the arguments by Kuagbenu have no basis and at best a cheap political jibe to satisfy his employers.
A member of NUGS in the Ashanti Region, Emmanuel Addo told Joy News the statements by Vincent Kuagbenu are “careless” and must not be taken seriously.
How does a society move from industrial to informational and then to a libidinal economy? And what would the social consequences of such a movement be in Malaysia?
How does a society move from industrial to informational and then to a libidinal economy? And what would the social consequences of such a movement be in Malaysia?
A REPUBLIC OF VIRTUE
Dr Azly Rahman
How does a society move from industrial to informational and then to a libidinal economy? And what would the social consequences of such a movement be in Malaysia?
If we were to characterise the socio-economic development of this nation from the time of independence through its phases of base-superstructural growth – we could see that Malaysian society has moved from pre-industrial to industrial, then through an informational stage to a libidinal one.
We have seen the change from race-harmony to madani (modern) to hadhari (civilised) to a 'tongkat ali' society, based on the national slogans we ascribe to each period.
We saw a genuine effort to engineer an evolution of society based on respect and accommodation of the variety of ethnic groups in the 70s and 80s. In the 80s and 90s, we saw the rise of sophisticated racism and the bipolar, yet subtle breakdown of race relations.
And as we entered the 21st century, we witnessed the rise of a strange brew of post-industrial tribalistic show of arrogance amongst and between different social, religious, and political groups.
We are seeing the rise of the 'tongkat ali' society – a society named after the male libido enhancement formula. The name itself may have derived from the name of Islam's fourth and most famous Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was assassinated by the clan of Muawiyyah in the battle of Siffin – a violent episode in the early history of Islam.
Driven by pleasure
'Tongkat ali' in the Malaysian context is a phenomena in itself. The root of this 'miracle sexual enhancement herb', common in the northern states of Malaysia, lies in a sectarian, religious historical movement and the marketing of it to Malay Muslims.
These days, one can find the extract in virtually all food and beverages – and even in toothpaste – so that society may become “sexier” and able to evolve masochistically. But exactly how this extract works scientifically is not known in the cultural context of Malaysia although its popularity is remarkable.
Malaysian men might be going libidinally crazy these days with the mass intoxication of this extract in all spheres of things edible. It is as if tongkat ali is the best discovery for Malays since their fool-mistaken-as-hero, Hang Tuah. This libidinal hero – who lacks both the intelligence and the critical sensibility to revolt against the libidinal sultan – embodies the ethos of this 'tongkat ali society'.
The 'tongkat ali society' is here. And for Malaysians it signifies the advent of an economic system that produces leaders and a rakyat that are hyper-ventilating in their pursuit of the meaning of the words peace, harmony and happiness.
Rather than seeking cerebral solution to social issues and meaningful living, we are seeing libido at play. Massive gambling, politician-buyouts, the awarding of billion-ringgit projects to political cronies, the birth of hate-groups and the rise and slow demise of racist politicians. All these are manifestations of the rise of the 'tongkat ali society'.
The death of reflective thinking
It is characterised by the death of a reflective society and the muting of critical sensibility. Because so much libido is embalmed in the minds of the powerful and so much power is given to the robber barons to plunder – society is now becoming an enhanced entity that cares more about the acquisition of wealth and property by any means necessary and less about the fate of generations to come.
The game plan in this libido-enhanced economy is to accumulate as much wealth as one can in the shortest period of time by using other people's money to become the best bubble economy in a country where bankruptcy is a guarantee.
A 'tongkat ali society' is also characterised by a libidinal economy and dispossessed youths. We put band aids on problems that could have been prevented through a sound education system and a thorough understanding of cultural change.
We also see the use of massive public funds to educate a small number of people who we call “gifted and talented” - leaving the intelligence and creativity of a large number of children unattended to.
The 'tongkat ali society' is now manifesting itself in the crudeness of ultra-nationalistic Malay political and non-governmental groups whose libido is wrongly channeled. Instead of improving race relations and ensuring a just and equitable economic system, it is channeled towards destructive and divisive ends.
The rise of the 'tongkat ali society' in Malaysia is a reality – as real as the proliferation of this libido-enhancing commodity.
DR AZLY RAHMAN, who was born in Singapore and grew up in Johor Bahru, holds a Columbia University (New York) doctoral degree in International Education Development and Masters degrees in the fields of Education, International Affairs, Peace Studies, and Communication. He has taught more than 40 courses in six different departments and have written more than 400 analyses on Malaysia. His teaching experience spans both in Malaysia and in the United States and in a wide range of teaching context; from elementary to graduate education. He currently resides in the United States.
Comments (3)
written by temenggong, July 30, 2011 16:46:19
If Umno leaders can foresee the impact of globalisation on Malays, then they will hasten meritocracy and world standards in education. There is no escape from this, since most business is going to be big business multinationals. The entire local GLCs and Malay businesses mean nothing and can vanish within a year.
If Umno want to see Malays become the neo-low level working class, then they should not tinker with the current mediocre system.
written by batsman, July 30, 2011 14:56:58
After all - we are now 28 million strong. ...
written by batsman, July 30, 2011 14:56:11
Does Kacip Fatima fit into the equation?
No…no cheong hei article this time. Very short one, for once. Street demos DO NOT undermine the country’s economy. Corruption does. Get it? Corruption! Corruption undermines the country’s economy. Not street demos. Street demos kick out the munafiq and fasiq leaders who are destroying the country.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
UITM Lecturer: Street Demos Can Undermine Country's Economy
(Bernama) - In the aftermath of the July 9 street demonstrations in the federal capital by an illegal organisation called Bersih 2.0 and groups aligned to it among them opposition parties, many individuals are perturbed by the potentially damaging impact of the protest on the country's economy.
University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Dungun campus political science lecturer Che Hamdan Mohd Razali acknowledged that the protesters' demands centred around freedom of speech and electoral reforms but noted that they they had not been able to substantiate their allegations but instead hurled condemnations at the government.
At a time when the government was trying its utmost to raise the living standard of the people and make Malaysia a high income nation by 2020 via the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), such aggression was a setback, he opined.
"The government is still banking on foreign investment to spur our economic growth. There is only nine more years until 2020 left. That's not a long period.
"It is therefore crucial that a peaceful and conducive situation prevails in the country so that investors will not hesitate to come," he said.
He said political and economic stability was important in ensuring peace. If there was a crisis in politics, it would jeopardise the economy, and vice-versa.
"Both are interlinked and critical as a basic element in the growth and development of the country," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Ariffin, a medical officer in the private sector, concurred that foreign investors would shy away from the country especially if the foreign media played up incidents which were just "a storm in a teacup".
He feared medical tourism which the country was trying to promote would be affected as well.
"Potential patients from other countries would think twice about coming here for treatment if they believe we are a troubled country," he said.
Another academician, Abd Ghapa Harun, Senior Lecturer at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's History, Political and Strategy Research Centre surmised that peace and harmony in the country could be sustained if the government readily responded to the issues that were being relentlessly harped on.
"For example, issues about corruption or the election - the government must respond to them immediately.
"Peace is not merely a demonstration-free situation. In a wider context, it is taking further measures to avoid confrontations including through dialogues and discussions before issues are blown out of proportion," he said.
Comments (12)
written by commonfolk, July 31, 2011 07:23:16
It is clear that this University Teknologi Mara Dungun campus political science lecturer Che Hamdan Mohd Razali had sided with the Devils of Malaysia (Umno).
2020 is just a political gimmick Mahathir used to prolong the life of Umno. How can Malaysia become a developed State with all those unequal racial policies?
Foreign investors does not come to Malaysia is just that Malaysia is not attractive enough and corruptions in Malaysia had eaten away their confidence. ...
written by reeperbahn, July 31, 2011 05:03:16
Medical Tourism?? do they mean all the people who go to Singapore seeking treatment? in the near future, without jobs, the people will have nothing to do and they can go and demonstrate everyday. these interlectuals will be sitting at home jerking off! VIVA MALAYSIA BOLEH!! ...
written by durianbesar, July 31, 2011 03:50:02
what this country needs is a change in regime..... get the fcuk out BN... you have done enough damage to all races who are citizens of this country. Go by meritocracy and get the best brains to run the country not half past six fcuking bungs and assessss.
Malaysia should be creative to attract foreign businesses to setup here .... forget the fcuking halal red-tapes.... the police fcuk ups and many other issues created by BN to skim off money....
written by amor patriae, July 31, 2011 03:42:16
At least Bernama included Ghapa Harun who talked some sense.
The rest, a typical representation of Malaysian academia. Even to bodek the government, they can only do in most vulgar way - no class whatsoever!
Sometimes, it makes one wonder if the government covertly made an unwritten policy to employ sub-standard materials to occupy public universities positions - in order to curb any form of intellectual dissent.
Its utterly disappointing to see many can't even articulate their thoughts consistently without defying common sense!!!
written by Davy McChester, July 31, 2011 03:30:13
If these three so-called intellectuals do not have the commonsense , foresight , hindsight ,what is really happening to the country ,Allah please do not stop blessing Malaysia ! These guys are certainly cohorts ,and abetting UMNOputras in destroying the fabric of Malaysia: its people ,its institutions,its judiciary ,its fair law enforcement. If they can't surmise : how could two low level officers who do not have the motive factor for the crime they have been charged and sentenced to death over the murder of the Mongolian lady involved in the Govt submarine procurement scandal(?). Surely the professors and dr lack critical thinking, therefore talk stupidly . Therefore ,do not expect any critical thinking human output from their domain. What a sorry state ! Demonstrations are avenues to release tensions when a Govt ignores the overwhelming public frustration over matters affecting the economy ,social health of the country and its people. Demonstrations are part and parcel of democracy and it is considered an healthy sign in any democracy in the world. . You cannot be more stupid than the three goons in this article. What an audacity to call themselves professors and doctors ? Take my ....for a ride !
written by flyer168, July 31, 2011 02:39:10
Thanks to Bolehland's Education System...
Guess they all missed out bigtime on this...
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education - Martin Luther King, Jr.
"No matter how noble the objectives of a government, if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life and breeds ill will and suspicion – it is an evil government" - Eric Hoffer, The Passionate State of Mind 1954.
Shalom.
written by flyer168, July 31, 2011 02:32:44
"At a time when the government was trying its utmost to raise the living standard of the people and make Malaysia a high income nation by 2020 via the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), such aggression was a setback, he opined."
Hello, why is the DPM suggesting this....
Food stamps being considered to cushion rising cost of living - http://thestar.com.my/news/sto...sec=nation
Instead of proper "Social & Economic Solutions" for the rayaat???
Has Bolehland reached the level of Greece & US Financial and economic Armageddon ???
You be the judge.
Shalom.
written by flyer168, July 31, 2011 02:26:48
"At a time when the government was trying its utmost to raise the living standard of the people and make Malaysia a high income nation by 2020 via the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), such aggression was a setback, he opined."
Hello, why is the DPM suggesting this....
Food stamps being considered to cushion rising cost of living - http://thestar.com.my/news/sto...sec=nation
Hello,
instead of proper "Social & Economic Solutions" ???
written by Oscar Winner, July 31, 2011 01:59:29
Too boost the economy, we must allow more C4 deaths, more purchases of submarine, fighter jets and more kickbacks, more TBH/Sarbani/Kugan deaths, more cronyism, more Perkasa ketuanan crap and SHIT 3X, more sodomy reruns, more Datuk T patriots, more CSL porn stuff, more bonkings, more Brikin bags, diamond rings and bangles for FLOM, more overseas trips and shopping sprees for the FIRST family, more money laundering..................and most importantly, at all times, bend over to be screwed, as this will attract more FDIs and more toursits, and will definitely help achieve vision 2020
written by onnyap, July 31, 2011 01:39:18
I will never invest in a country where the judiciary is not independent. My investment is only protected by the ruling government selective laws.
written by roggon, July 31, 2011 01:29:39
CHE HAMDAN-uITM, MOHD ARIFFIN (DR) AND ABD GAPA HARUN, ukm. tHESE 3 ARE EXAMPLES OF MELAYU BODOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!!!
written by Revolution, July 31, 2011 01:21:40
Brainwash again ...
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million, three weeks after the allegations surfaced in cyberspace.
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
“There is nothing I want to say because I have no time to address such things. Let (the blogger) say what he wants.
“This is slander but what have I not experienced? I have experienced it all. So, rather than address this, it is better I pay attention to public issues as these are more important,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian when accompanying her husband on his working trip to Kedah yesterday.
Screenshots of a Customs computer screen showed the ring, from New York celebrity jeweller Jacob and Co, was brought in under her name.
Najib Tun Abdul Razak is going in for a big shock, it may even be the cause of Mahathir Mohammed suffering a severe heart attack, I would not want to speculate more on that score, and to avoid that he -Najib, has to be extra careful in the selection of who stands where, in the next General Elections, not in the component parties but particularly in UMNO as deals have been struck to dump him come the next elections.
This should not come as a shock to many Malaysians, as he was not really the rightful heir to the position of Prime Minister, when Badawi was moved aside. For the "RAHMAN" equation to have been settled it had to be someone whose name began with the alphabet "N" but what the entire country forgot is that his name began with a "M" his name is Mohd. Najib.
UMNO insiders close to Najib say Mahahtir was aware of this and as such worried that Badawi who had removed Rafidah Aziz woudl do the same to Najib and Muhyuddin and replace them with Nazri to remain Prime Minsiter for the long term.
Now as some superstitious UMNO people are talking because of what has happened the next cycle has begun prematurely, and the next equation is "MAHATHIR" he has occupied the M prematurely and as such the next PM's name will begin with an "A" and that should mean Anwar Ibrahim they believe..
Some UMNO circles believe that Anwar is the ordained one to become Prime Minister, they say if he does not this nation is doomed, this belief is not only with those who have left UMNO but many who remain there, and they hold firm to the fact that Anwar will be back because that is his destiny, they even go as far as saying that is why the entire "RAHMAN" equation fell apart, it is a curse they say and that is a sign to the Malays.
So will Anwar become our next Prime Minister?
Within UMNO there is talk about who should be dumped come the next elections, and overtures have been made by existing members from UMNO to cross over. Najib has actually got a Hobson's choice to deal with, he may have to take all the people aligned with Muhyuddin or face the wrath of Muhyuddin's supporters, if he does that then he has to reckon with his own supporters who do not support Muhyuddin and of course he has the Kuli factor to deal with, poor Najib.
Going it alone he does not have too much choice, he lacks the ground support Muhyuddin has raked in during Najib's tenure as PM.
Now to add insult to injury both in Sarawak and Sabah there are potential candidates who know that the only way to serve their people is to go with the opposition, they now reside in the BN fold and are awaiting their time.
The opposition have learned their lesson from the last elections, the elections when Semangat and PBS had a coalition and now they have decided to play it cool and quiet, so whilst Najib goes on his rampage of the opposition the opposition is on a quiet rampage of the BN themselves in a vote us or vote them it does not make a difference campaign in the Eastern corridor.
Doubtful seats like Sungei Siput have been strengthened for the opposition with the detention of their MP under the EO. Neutrals are moving to the opposition as Najib together with his not so intelligent cousin tries all the wrong things in desperation.
Surprising though the UMNO's intelligence unit that used to garner all the information for their bosses and keep them fully appraised of such situations does not seem to be that intelligent anymore, the people are not giving them the news they once used to acquire so easily. Now it seems they are more preoccupied with finding out what Ambiga is after next and all intelligence is lacking in the handling of the situations that arise.
If UMNO was shocked by the results of the last elections the next one is going to be a disaster, a complete disaster.
The Rosmah Factor.
The grassroots are fed up with Rosmah, and she has single handedly given Muhyuddin a huge advantage over Najib, so much so they say Muhyuddin can even go for the position of PM right now if he wanted to, but Muhyuddin is playing it carefully, he wants Rosmah to wreck more damage to Najib.
His enemies within UMNO are disappointed with the Vatican diplomacy, they are waiting on when to play that card on him, they are fed up of the cronyism by which they were undermined when Mukhriz took centre stage after Khairy's fall, they are fed up with the 1 Malaysia call of Najib and are glad the rest did not accept it though, they want more education rights, they want more business licenses which the Najib government has not given them, they want everything they have been used to in this crutch mentality upbringing they are so accustomed to.
They now say Rosamh got 500 million ringgit from the Scorpene Submarine deal and they got peanuts,and even what they have is being taken away. Najibs' opponents in UMNO are fanning these issues to their own delight.
Mukhriz Mahathir will be defeated just like his father in 1969, Najib will come out with a majority to form a government, and an even thinner majority, Mahathir may get a heart attack all this is what the immediate future holds for Najib.
The infighting, the ruthlessness of the present leadership is very similar to what happened just prior to the capture of Melaka by the Portuguese they say, where it was actually his own people who let Sultan Mahmud down and allowed the Portuguese to win. It is a similar situation now except that it is all Malaysian this time and UMNO looks like they are ready to let Najib fall.
Many in UMNO look forward for a clean government, one that can be trusted and the majority do not think Anwar is made out to be what he is, the Trio helped Anwar more then Najib realises, in fact more than even Anwar realises.
The time is ripe for elections and ripe is yellow.
Related articles
• Bad is not enough, make it worse! (dinmerican.wordpress.com)
• 13th General Election: Najib's Unsettled mind? (afyassin.wordpress.com)
• The Doom of Ketuanan Melayu: UMNO in Sarawak (suarasabah.wordpress.com)
A REPUBLIC OF VIRTUE
Dr Azly Rahman
How does a society move from industrial to informational and then to a libidinal economy? And what would the social consequences of such a movement be in Malaysia?
If we were to characterise the socio-economic development of this nation from the time of independence through its phases of base-superstructural growth – we could see that Malaysian society has moved from pre-industrial to industrial, then through an informational stage to a libidinal one.
We have seen the change from race-harmony to madani (modern) to hadhari (civilised) to a 'tongkat ali' society, based on the national slogans we ascribe to each period.
We saw a genuine effort to engineer an evolution of society based on respect and accommodation of the variety of ethnic groups in the 70s and 80s. In the 80s and 90s, we saw the rise of sophisticated racism and the bipolar, yet subtle breakdown of race relations.
And as we entered the 21st century, we witnessed the rise of a strange brew of post-industrial tribalistic show of arrogance amongst and between different social, religious, and political groups.
We are seeing the rise of the 'tongkat ali' society – a society named after the male libido enhancement formula. The name itself may have derived from the name of Islam's fourth and most famous Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was assassinated by the clan of Muawiyyah in the battle of Siffin – a violent episode in the early history of Islam.
Driven by pleasure
'Tongkat ali' in the Malaysian context is a phenomena in itself. The root of this 'miracle sexual enhancement herb', common in the northern states of Malaysia, lies in a sectarian, religious historical movement and the marketing of it to Malay Muslims.
These days, one can find the extract in virtually all food and beverages – and even in toothpaste – so that society may become “sexier” and able to evolve masochistically. But exactly how this extract works scientifically is not known in the cultural context of Malaysia although its popularity is remarkable.
Malaysian men might be going libidinally crazy these days with the mass intoxication of this extract in all spheres of things edible. It is as if tongkat ali is the best discovery for Malays since their fool-mistaken-as-hero, Hang Tuah. This libidinal hero – who lacks both the intelligence and the critical sensibility to revolt against the libidinal sultan – embodies the ethos of this 'tongkat ali society'.
The 'tongkat ali society' is here. And for Malaysians it signifies the advent of an economic system that produces leaders and a rakyat that are hyper-ventilating in their pursuit of the meaning of the words peace, harmony and happiness.
Rather than seeking cerebral solution to social issues and meaningful living, we are seeing libido at play. Massive gambling, politician-buyouts, the awarding of billion-ringgit projects to political cronies, the birth of hate-groups and the rise and slow demise of racist politicians. All these are manifestations of the rise of the 'tongkat ali society'.
The death of reflective thinking
It is characterised by the death of a reflective society and the muting of critical sensibility. Because so much libido is embalmed in the minds of the powerful and so much power is given to the robber barons to plunder – society is now becoming an enhanced entity that cares more about the acquisition of wealth and property by any means necessary and less about the fate of generations to come.
The game plan in this libido-enhanced economy is to accumulate as much wealth as one can in the shortest period of time by using other people's money to become the best bubble economy in a country where bankruptcy is a guarantee.
A 'tongkat ali society' is also characterised by a libidinal economy and dispossessed youths. We put band aids on problems that could have been prevented through a sound education system and a thorough understanding of cultural change.
We also see the use of massive public funds to educate a small number of people who we call “gifted and talented” - leaving the intelligence and creativity of a large number of children unattended to.
The 'tongkat ali society' is now manifesting itself in the crudeness of ultra-nationalistic Malay political and non-governmental groups whose libido is wrongly channeled. Instead of improving race relations and ensuring a just and equitable economic system, it is channeled towards destructive and divisive ends.
The rise of the 'tongkat ali society' in Malaysia is a reality – as real as the proliferation of this libido-enhancing commodity.
DR AZLY RAHMAN, who was born in Singapore and grew up in Johor Bahru, holds a Columbia University (New York) doctoral degree in International Education Development and Masters degrees in the fields of Education, International Affairs, Peace Studies, and Communication. He has taught more than 40 courses in six different departments and have written more than 400 analyses on Malaysia. His teaching experience spans both in Malaysia and in the United States and in a wide range of teaching context; from elementary to graduate education. He currently resides in the United States.
Comments (3)
written by temenggong, July 30, 2011 16:46:19
If Umno leaders can foresee the impact of globalisation on Malays, then they will hasten meritocracy and world standards in education. There is no escape from this, since most business is going to be big business multinationals. The entire local GLCs and Malay businesses mean nothing and can vanish within a year.
If Umno want to see Malays become the neo-low level working class, then they should not tinker with the current mediocre system.
written by batsman, July 30, 2011 14:56:58
After all - we are now 28 million strong. ...
written by batsman, July 30, 2011 14:56:11
Does Kacip Fatima fit into the equation?
No…no cheong hei article this time. Very short one, for once. Street demos DO NOT undermine the country’s economy. Corruption does. Get it? Corruption! Corruption undermines the country’s economy. Not street demos. Street demos kick out the munafiq and fasiq leaders who are destroying the country.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
UITM Lecturer: Street Demos Can Undermine Country's Economy
(Bernama) - In the aftermath of the July 9 street demonstrations in the federal capital by an illegal organisation called Bersih 2.0 and groups aligned to it among them opposition parties, many individuals are perturbed by the potentially damaging impact of the protest on the country's economy.
University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Dungun campus political science lecturer Che Hamdan Mohd Razali acknowledged that the protesters' demands centred around freedom of speech and electoral reforms but noted that they they had not been able to substantiate their allegations but instead hurled condemnations at the government.
At a time when the government was trying its utmost to raise the living standard of the people and make Malaysia a high income nation by 2020 via the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), such aggression was a setback, he opined.
"The government is still banking on foreign investment to spur our economic growth. There is only nine more years until 2020 left. That's not a long period.
"It is therefore crucial that a peaceful and conducive situation prevails in the country so that investors will not hesitate to come," he said.
He said political and economic stability was important in ensuring peace. If there was a crisis in politics, it would jeopardise the economy, and vice-versa.
"Both are interlinked and critical as a basic element in the growth and development of the country," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Ariffin, a medical officer in the private sector, concurred that foreign investors would shy away from the country especially if the foreign media played up incidents which were just "a storm in a teacup".
He feared medical tourism which the country was trying to promote would be affected as well.
"Potential patients from other countries would think twice about coming here for treatment if they believe we are a troubled country," he said.
Another academician, Abd Ghapa Harun, Senior Lecturer at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's History, Political and Strategy Research Centre surmised that peace and harmony in the country could be sustained if the government readily responded to the issues that were being relentlessly harped on.
"For example, issues about corruption or the election - the government must respond to them immediately.
"Peace is not merely a demonstration-free situation. In a wider context, it is taking further measures to avoid confrontations including through dialogues and discussions before issues are blown out of proportion," he said.
Comments (12)
written by commonfolk, July 31, 2011 07:23:16
It is clear that this University Teknologi Mara Dungun campus political science lecturer Che Hamdan Mohd Razali had sided with the Devils of Malaysia (Umno).
2020 is just a political gimmick Mahathir used to prolong the life of Umno. How can Malaysia become a developed State with all those unequal racial policies?
Foreign investors does not come to Malaysia is just that Malaysia is not attractive enough and corruptions in Malaysia had eaten away their confidence. ...
written by reeperbahn, July 31, 2011 05:03:16
Medical Tourism?? do they mean all the people who go to Singapore seeking treatment? in the near future, without jobs, the people will have nothing to do and they can go and demonstrate everyday. these interlectuals will be sitting at home jerking off! VIVA MALAYSIA BOLEH!! ...
written by durianbesar, July 31, 2011 03:50:02
what this country needs is a change in regime..... get the fcuk out BN... you have done enough damage to all races who are citizens of this country. Go by meritocracy and get the best brains to run the country not half past six fcuking bungs and assessss.
Malaysia should be creative to attract foreign businesses to setup here .... forget the fcuking halal red-tapes.... the police fcuk ups and many other issues created by BN to skim off money....
written by amor patriae, July 31, 2011 03:42:16
At least Bernama included Ghapa Harun who talked some sense.
The rest, a typical representation of Malaysian academia. Even to bodek the government, they can only do in most vulgar way - no class whatsoever!
Sometimes, it makes one wonder if the government covertly made an unwritten policy to employ sub-standard materials to occupy public universities positions - in order to curb any form of intellectual dissent.
Its utterly disappointing to see many can't even articulate their thoughts consistently without defying common sense!!!
written by Davy McChester, July 31, 2011 03:30:13
If these three so-called intellectuals do not have the commonsense , foresight , hindsight ,what is really happening to the country ,Allah please do not stop blessing Malaysia ! These guys are certainly cohorts ,and abetting UMNOputras in destroying the fabric of Malaysia: its people ,its institutions,its judiciary ,its fair law enforcement. If they can't surmise : how could two low level officers who do not have the motive factor for the crime they have been charged and sentenced to death over the murder of the Mongolian lady involved in the Govt submarine procurement scandal(?). Surely the professors and dr lack critical thinking, therefore talk stupidly . Therefore ,do not expect any critical thinking human output from their domain. What a sorry state ! Demonstrations are avenues to release tensions when a Govt ignores the overwhelming public frustration over matters affecting the economy ,social health of the country and its people. Demonstrations are part and parcel of democracy and it is considered an healthy sign in any democracy in the world. . You cannot be more stupid than the three goons in this article. What an audacity to call themselves professors and doctors ? Take my ....for a ride !
written by flyer168, July 31, 2011 02:39:10
Thanks to Bolehland's Education System...
Guess they all missed out bigtime on this...
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education - Martin Luther King, Jr.
"No matter how noble the objectives of a government, if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life and breeds ill will and suspicion – it is an evil government" - Eric Hoffer, The Passionate State of Mind 1954.
Shalom.
written by flyer168, July 31, 2011 02:32:44
"At a time when the government was trying its utmost to raise the living standard of the people and make Malaysia a high income nation by 2020 via the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), such aggression was a setback, he opined."
Hello, why is the DPM suggesting this....
Food stamps being considered to cushion rising cost of living - http://thestar.com.my/news/sto...sec=nation
Instead of proper "Social & Economic Solutions" for the rayaat???
Has Bolehland reached the level of Greece & US Financial and economic Armageddon ???
You be the judge.
Shalom.
written by flyer168, July 31, 2011 02:26:48
"At a time when the government was trying its utmost to raise the living standard of the people and make Malaysia a high income nation by 2020 via the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), such aggression was a setback, he opined."
Hello, why is the DPM suggesting this....
Food stamps being considered to cushion rising cost of living - http://thestar.com.my/news/sto...sec=nation
Hello,
instead of proper "Social & Economic Solutions" ???
written by Oscar Winner, July 31, 2011 01:59:29
Too boost the economy, we must allow more C4 deaths, more purchases of submarine, fighter jets and more kickbacks, more TBH/Sarbani/Kugan deaths, more cronyism, more Perkasa ketuanan crap and SHIT 3X, more sodomy reruns, more Datuk T patriots, more CSL porn stuff, more bonkings, more Brikin bags, diamond rings and bangles for FLOM, more overseas trips and shopping sprees for the FIRST family, more money laundering..................and most importantly, at all times, bend over to be screwed, as this will attract more FDIs and more toursits, and will definitely help achieve vision 2020
written by onnyap, July 31, 2011 01:39:18
I will never invest in a country where the judiciary is not independent. My investment is only protected by the ruling government selective laws.
written by roggon, July 31, 2011 01:29:39
CHE HAMDAN-uITM, MOHD ARIFFIN (DR) AND ABD GAPA HARUN, ukm. tHESE 3 ARE EXAMPLES OF MELAYU BODOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!!!
written by Revolution, July 31, 2011 01:21:40
Brainwash again ...
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has denied she had purchased a diamond ring worth over RM24 million, three weeks after the allegations surfaced in cyberspace.
The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the allegation that was raised by a blogger, calling it yet another lie to slander her.
“There is nothing I want to say because I have no time to address such things. Let (the blogger) say what he wants.
“This is slander but what have I not experienced? I have experienced it all. So, rather than address this, it is better I pay attention to public issues as these are more important,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian when accompanying her husband on his working trip to Kedah yesterday.
Screenshots of a Customs computer screen showed the ring, from New York celebrity jeweller Jacob and Co, was brought in under her name.
Najib Tun Abdul Razak is going in for a big shock, it may even be the cause of Mahathir Mohammed suffering a severe heart attack, I would not want to speculate more on that score, and to avoid that he -Najib, has to be extra careful in the selection of who stands where, in the next General Elections, not in the component parties but particularly in UMNO as deals have been struck to dump him come the next elections.
This should not come as a shock to many Malaysians, as he was not really the rightful heir to the position of Prime Minister, when Badawi was moved aside. For the "RAHMAN" equation to have been settled it had to be someone whose name began with the alphabet "N" but what the entire country forgot is that his name began with a "M" his name is Mohd. Najib.
UMNO insiders close to Najib say Mahahtir was aware of this and as such worried that Badawi who had removed Rafidah Aziz woudl do the same to Najib and Muhyuddin and replace them with Nazri to remain Prime Minsiter for the long term.
Now as some superstitious UMNO people are talking because of what has happened the next cycle has begun prematurely, and the next equation is "MAHATHIR" he has occupied the M prematurely and as such the next PM's name will begin with an "A" and that should mean Anwar Ibrahim they believe..
Some UMNO circles believe that Anwar is the ordained one to become Prime Minister, they say if he does not this nation is doomed, this belief is not only with those who have left UMNO but many who remain there, and they hold firm to the fact that Anwar will be back because that is his destiny, they even go as far as saying that is why the entire "RAHMAN" equation fell apart, it is a curse they say and that is a sign to the Malays.
So will Anwar become our next Prime Minister?
Within UMNO there is talk about who should be dumped come the next elections, and overtures have been made by existing members from UMNO to cross over. Najib has actually got a Hobson's choice to deal with, he may have to take all the people aligned with Muhyuddin or face the wrath of Muhyuddin's supporters, if he does that then he has to reckon with his own supporters who do not support Muhyuddin and of course he has the Kuli factor to deal with, poor Najib.
Going it alone he does not have too much choice, he lacks the ground support Muhyuddin has raked in during Najib's tenure as PM.
Now to add insult to injury both in Sarawak and Sabah there are potential candidates who know that the only way to serve their people is to go with the opposition, they now reside in the BN fold and are awaiting their time.
The opposition have learned their lesson from the last elections, the elections when Semangat and PBS had a coalition and now they have decided to play it cool and quiet, so whilst Najib goes on his rampage of the opposition the opposition is on a quiet rampage of the BN themselves in a vote us or vote them it does not make a difference campaign in the Eastern corridor.
Doubtful seats like Sungei Siput have been strengthened for the opposition with the detention of their MP under the EO. Neutrals are moving to the opposition as Najib together with his not so intelligent cousin tries all the wrong things in desperation.
Surprising though the UMNO's intelligence unit that used to garner all the information for their bosses and keep them fully appraised of such situations does not seem to be that intelligent anymore, the people are not giving them the news they once used to acquire so easily. Now it seems they are more preoccupied with finding out what Ambiga is after next and all intelligence is lacking in the handling of the situations that arise.
If UMNO was shocked by the results of the last elections the next one is going to be a disaster, a complete disaster.
The Rosmah Factor.
The grassroots are fed up with Rosmah, and she has single handedly given Muhyuddin a huge advantage over Najib, so much so they say Muhyuddin can even go for the position of PM right now if he wanted to, but Muhyuddin is playing it carefully, he wants Rosmah to wreck more damage to Najib.
His enemies within UMNO are disappointed with the Vatican diplomacy, they are waiting on when to play that card on him, they are fed up of the cronyism by which they were undermined when Mukhriz took centre stage after Khairy's fall, they are fed up with the 1 Malaysia call of Najib and are glad the rest did not accept it though, they want more education rights, they want more business licenses which the Najib government has not given them, they want everything they have been used to in this crutch mentality upbringing they are so accustomed to.
They now say Rosamh got 500 million ringgit from the Scorpene Submarine deal and they got peanuts,and even what they have is being taken away. Najibs' opponents in UMNO are fanning these issues to their own delight.
Mukhriz Mahathir will be defeated just like his father in 1969, Najib will come out with a majority to form a government, and an even thinner majority, Mahathir may get a heart attack all this is what the immediate future holds for Najib.
The infighting, the ruthlessness of the present leadership is very similar to what happened just prior to the capture of Melaka by the Portuguese they say, where it was actually his own people who let Sultan Mahmud down and allowed the Portuguese to win. It is a similar situation now except that it is all Malaysian this time and UMNO looks like they are ready to let Najib fall.
Many in UMNO look forward for a clean government, one that can be trusted and the majority do not think Anwar is made out to be what he is, the Trio helped Anwar more then Najib realises, in fact more than even Anwar realises.
The time is ripe for elections and ripe is yellow.
Related articles
• Bad is not enough, make it worse! (dinmerican.wordpress.com)
• 13th General Election: Najib's Unsettled mind? (afyassin.wordpress.com)
• The Doom of Ketuanan Melayu: UMNO in Sarawak (suarasabah.wordpress.com)
GE13 would be one shocking General Election in the history of Malaysia.....
GE 13 would be one shocking General Election in the history of Malaysia
Rosmah and her USD120000 Birkin handbag, one of the many she has in different colours
By ViewAct
Has it ever crossed your mind how and why dirt keeps being kicked up against PM Najib and his wife recently? Yet there doesn’t seem to be much activity from his deputy. Have you also noticed that not many came to Najib’s rescue when he screwed up big time against Bersih 2.0? Instead of his “Championed” Malay brothers, we saw MCA sending two representatives trying to shine his dirty shoe but to no avail.
We also have a 24 million ring, and a “worth-a-fortune” bracelet allegedly belonging to the wife of the PM, and its photo and custom screenshot of the alleged purchase surfacing all over the internet. Well, this too receives much lesser “backing up” from all PM Najib’s assistants.
What is wrong with them now? Aren’t they very good at jumping at trivial issues to “show” that they are loyal to the President, and display the “Please do notice me and pull me up and give me a ministerial post or something like that” attitude?
Well, maybe they have smartened up and are now saving their breaths against making more mindless statements which will not only smear the issue further but make them look stupid. Just like what happened to the two MCA “tukang gosok” mentioned earlier. However, I think this is very unlikely as they wouldn’t possibly be that “smart”.
The other possible explanation would be that, PM Najib has lost the support of his “backupers”; and they have decided to leave him to rot whilst asking around to “guess” who’ll be put up next so that they can start “bodeking” him now. I think, very soon we’ll see someone coming out to say something “important” and tons of others will start making opened/press statements supporting him. This man would then be the likeliest person to be fielded as the next “PM” candidate.
Do observe their attitude and responses to statements made by any of their “high ranked” members and you may soon be able to guess who the man is. One character to look for is the one man who has hoped to get some high post by marrying a PM’s daughter, only to find that PM being replaced before he could reach safe grounds. His desperation will have him trying to impress the next potential premier-in-line, to regain what he lost in 2008. It wouldn’t be too hard to sniff this out as his “pheromone” level would surely be high then.
I sometimes feel pity towards our PM as he is facing threats and challenges everywhere. His rivals, his subordinates, and now EVEN HIS WIFE is threatening his position as a PM. I am amazed at how he managed to hang on amidst all these “stresses”. Maybe money’s the motivation. But now, his challenge isn’t only on threats to his POSITION. The threat is now on his character. He will either be seen as a man with no guts, or a man that would attract curses and spit when his name is mentioned. Why so?
GE 13 is just around the corner, and his reputation is already in the gallows. His “gang” is abandoning him as there is no where he can take them to anymore. They need a better “ship” to sail on. While his successor can still win the GE with a simple majority and retain his presidency during UMNO’s general assembly, Najib may not be so lucky as to go through all that now. His words are of very much lesser weight now and thus, UMNO is finding someone better to replace him before GE 13, or else, the majority (if there is any) would be even smaller. He cannot command the required support to sail through the election anymore.
For that same reason, he wouldn't be able to stage an exit like Pak Lah did, for the pressure from the rakyat as well as the opposition back then wasn’t as strong as it is now. Pak Lah was merely “inactive”; this one has too much “shit”. However, if he quits now, he would be seen as a coward, who fails in times of turmoil. And if he hangs on, he’s going to be ousted in a terrible manner too, and this would be a great shame to his family, especially to his late father. Besides that, his wife would surely get upset too as the jewelry and bags would stop.
He is thus stuck, cornered everywhere. Story after story of the wrongs he has done keep surfacing, and I have a feeling they come from within the party itself. Just like how the Altantuya murder case got linked to him, I think many more shall surface, and it is all controlled by someone sitting in a high chair behind them all, the one man who wished to literally OWN Malaysia indefinitely.
To me, the possession of the 24 million ring and the bracelet was a very stupid move by Najib and his wife. Someone might have seen her interest in jewelries and bags and cast the bait for her to fall for, and she did. Next time, if you want to assassinate a politician, GET THEM INTERESTED IN THOSE FANCY STUFF and gather evidence when they make purchases. Easier still, give it to them as gifts, and provide evidence of the transaction.
Correct me if I am wrong. Gifts given by a corporation or any leaders of any country to a minister and his wife officially are PROPERTY OF THE GOVERNMENT and not for individual possession. They cannot sell or transfer the possession of these items to any individual. Due to the nature of their position they should also not accept expensive gifts personally, especially when it is unofficial and done secretly. Such an act can be classified as a bribe.
So whether Rosmah bought the ring and the bracelet or not, they are doomed. If she claims that it is a gift, it would either be a case of bribery, or it would belong to the government and she would need to surrender it one day. On the other hand, if she claims that it was bought by herself, or by her husband, they would need to justify how they got the 24 million to buy that ring. And saying that they won Toto, Magnum or Damacai is totally unacceptable.
The next question would be, was she really wearing them, or was the photo doctored? This, I shall leave to the experts and witnesses who have or have not seen her wearing it. Hmmm, by the way, for someone to notice the ring in the first place, that someone must either be really “expert” in high classed jewelry or he/she was leaked the news by some hidden hands.
All in all, I have a feeling that UMNO is all out to kick Najib out. And they are not going to let him know until the very last minute. And by then, some devastating news would probably be deliberately leaked to get the public to force him down. At these crucial moments, a wrong move by PR’s leader would also land them in Kamunting; and GE 13 would be one shocking General Election in the history of Malaysia. However, I do hope I am wrong on this.
Comments (5)..
written by Bullchick, July 31, 2011 14:12:14
In any event, the goose is cooked (or the Pork is Roasted)! Read my Quran-swearing pink pouting salivating lips, it is the Mamak from Kerala who is behind all these coincidences! Why are the MPs asking for allocation from Moo Hee Dean? He is not the Finance Minister! Why is Moo Hee Dean officiating the "Doktor Turun Kampung" programme? He is not the Health Minister! Velly, velly interesting! Christmass is still a long way off, but the pink-lipped Santa is already making the rounds; RM1.1 million for Kedah Chinese schools, MIC boss made full minister, etc, etc, etc........!!!!! GE13 is just around the corner, lah. Diam lar, damn liar!!!! ..
written by arazak, July 31, 2011 13:53:52
It seems all Malaysians now knew about the RM24 million (or was it RM74 million?) "First Lady" ring.
My other half and I was walking along some shop houses near Setapak yesterday. We saw a banner hung across up front of a jewellery shop, "Ramadhan Special, Discount 50%". As it was quite sometimes I have not bought anything for her, we decided to see if there is something worth buying. There was already quite a number of customers in there; some couples and and some women, mostly Malays.
The sales girl behind the counter said the 50% discount are for the rings, bracelets, and ear rings at the end of the counter in two few special trays. Those jewellery are the ones some people had commissioned to make but did not come back to the shop to buy them. And these items had been left in the shop for more than 2 years. Some with precious stones and some semi-precious stones; ruby, sapphire, pearl, onyx, amethyst, etc.
Most of the items are odd sizes too; either too big or too small. I pity my wife because she could not find the correct size. If she found one, it is way too expensive. And I reminded her, paying bills is priority. She understood. Thank God!
But then in a jester she said aloud to the sales girl, "cicin macam Rosmah tu ada tak?". Everybody in the store burst into laughter. Seems everybody now knows about that RM24 million ring.
Ordinary people could not even buy a piece of jewellery at 50% discount, yet the self-proclaimed "First lady" could splurge RM24 million buying one. Maybe she does not know the true meaning of hard-earned money. The money she uses to buy the ring are easy money looted from ordinary people like you and I. No need to work hard to earn that money.
Still want to keep this thieving Najib-Rosmah regime? ...
written by NSTPravda, July 31, 2011 13:34:54
Read lah 1My Oaf 1My Qur'4n swearing pink pouting lip$
Why is it wrong that 1My beloved Ro$mak bought the USD 24 mil ring using money that she saved since she was suckling her mum? I swe4r on the Qur'4n that THAT is the whole unvarnished non C4 explosive truth. Al-tantuya-lah, please leave her alone as she has already missed her Italian holidays beccause of you renegades. Kotor bersih, rasuah akbar! ...
written by Barking out loud, July 31, 2011 12:35:37
I don't like some of the things he has done but sometimes I do pity him as he has never got a good day as the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
It seems like he has been facing threats from all corners all the time, his life must be extremely stressed to be aware of threats from his wife, The Owner, his rivals in UMNO and also the opposition. ...
written by bkho, July 31, 2011 12:29:12
Like a football team manager who has lost his dressing room, Jibby is waiting to be "sacked"!
Who wants to be Roman Abramovich?
Rosmah and her USD120000 Birkin handbag, one of the many she has in different colours
By ViewAct
Has it ever crossed your mind how and why dirt keeps being kicked up against PM Najib and his wife recently? Yet there doesn’t seem to be much activity from his deputy. Have you also noticed that not many came to Najib’s rescue when he screwed up big time against Bersih 2.0? Instead of his “Championed” Malay brothers, we saw MCA sending two representatives trying to shine his dirty shoe but to no avail.
We also have a 24 million ring, and a “worth-a-fortune” bracelet allegedly belonging to the wife of the PM, and its photo and custom screenshot of the alleged purchase surfacing all over the internet. Well, this too receives much lesser “backing up” from all PM Najib’s assistants.
What is wrong with them now? Aren’t they very good at jumping at trivial issues to “show” that they are loyal to the President, and display the “Please do notice me and pull me up and give me a ministerial post or something like that” attitude?
Well, maybe they have smartened up and are now saving their breaths against making more mindless statements which will not only smear the issue further but make them look stupid. Just like what happened to the two MCA “tukang gosok” mentioned earlier. However, I think this is very unlikely as they wouldn’t possibly be that “smart”.
The other possible explanation would be that, PM Najib has lost the support of his “backupers”; and they have decided to leave him to rot whilst asking around to “guess” who’ll be put up next so that they can start “bodeking” him now. I think, very soon we’ll see someone coming out to say something “important” and tons of others will start making opened/press statements supporting him. This man would then be the likeliest person to be fielded as the next “PM” candidate.
Do observe their attitude and responses to statements made by any of their “high ranked” members and you may soon be able to guess who the man is. One character to look for is the one man who has hoped to get some high post by marrying a PM’s daughter, only to find that PM being replaced before he could reach safe grounds. His desperation will have him trying to impress the next potential premier-in-line, to regain what he lost in 2008. It wouldn’t be too hard to sniff this out as his “pheromone” level would surely be high then.
I sometimes feel pity towards our PM as he is facing threats and challenges everywhere. His rivals, his subordinates, and now EVEN HIS WIFE is threatening his position as a PM. I am amazed at how he managed to hang on amidst all these “stresses”. Maybe money’s the motivation. But now, his challenge isn’t only on threats to his POSITION. The threat is now on his character. He will either be seen as a man with no guts, or a man that would attract curses and spit when his name is mentioned. Why so?
GE 13 is just around the corner, and his reputation is already in the gallows. His “gang” is abandoning him as there is no where he can take them to anymore. They need a better “ship” to sail on. While his successor can still win the GE with a simple majority and retain his presidency during UMNO’s general assembly, Najib may not be so lucky as to go through all that now. His words are of very much lesser weight now and thus, UMNO is finding someone better to replace him before GE 13, or else, the majority (if there is any) would be even smaller. He cannot command the required support to sail through the election anymore.
For that same reason, he wouldn't be able to stage an exit like Pak Lah did, for the pressure from the rakyat as well as the opposition back then wasn’t as strong as it is now. Pak Lah was merely “inactive”; this one has too much “shit”. However, if he quits now, he would be seen as a coward, who fails in times of turmoil. And if he hangs on, he’s going to be ousted in a terrible manner too, and this would be a great shame to his family, especially to his late father. Besides that, his wife would surely get upset too as the jewelry and bags would stop.
He is thus stuck, cornered everywhere. Story after story of the wrongs he has done keep surfacing, and I have a feeling they come from within the party itself. Just like how the Altantuya murder case got linked to him, I think many more shall surface, and it is all controlled by someone sitting in a high chair behind them all, the one man who wished to literally OWN Malaysia indefinitely.
To me, the possession of the 24 million ring and the bracelet was a very stupid move by Najib and his wife. Someone might have seen her interest in jewelries and bags and cast the bait for her to fall for, and she did. Next time, if you want to assassinate a politician, GET THEM INTERESTED IN THOSE FANCY STUFF and gather evidence when they make purchases. Easier still, give it to them as gifts, and provide evidence of the transaction.
Correct me if I am wrong. Gifts given by a corporation or any leaders of any country to a minister and his wife officially are PROPERTY OF THE GOVERNMENT and not for individual possession. They cannot sell or transfer the possession of these items to any individual. Due to the nature of their position they should also not accept expensive gifts personally, especially when it is unofficial and done secretly. Such an act can be classified as a bribe.
So whether Rosmah bought the ring and the bracelet or not, they are doomed. If she claims that it is a gift, it would either be a case of bribery, or it would belong to the government and she would need to surrender it one day. On the other hand, if she claims that it was bought by herself, or by her husband, they would need to justify how they got the 24 million to buy that ring. And saying that they won Toto, Magnum or Damacai is totally unacceptable.
The next question would be, was she really wearing them, or was the photo doctored? This, I shall leave to the experts and witnesses who have or have not seen her wearing it. Hmmm, by the way, for someone to notice the ring in the first place, that someone must either be really “expert” in high classed jewelry or he/she was leaked the news by some hidden hands.
All in all, I have a feeling that UMNO is all out to kick Najib out. And they are not going to let him know until the very last minute. And by then, some devastating news would probably be deliberately leaked to get the public to force him down. At these crucial moments, a wrong move by PR’s leader would also land them in Kamunting; and GE 13 would be one shocking General Election in the history of Malaysia. However, I do hope I am wrong on this.
Comments (5)..
written by Bullchick, July 31, 2011 14:12:14
In any event, the goose is cooked (or the Pork is Roasted)! Read my Quran-swearing pink pouting salivating lips, it is the Mamak from Kerala who is behind all these coincidences! Why are the MPs asking for allocation from Moo Hee Dean? He is not the Finance Minister! Why is Moo Hee Dean officiating the "Doktor Turun Kampung" programme? He is not the Health Minister! Velly, velly interesting! Christmass is still a long way off, but the pink-lipped Santa is already making the rounds; RM1.1 million for Kedah Chinese schools, MIC boss made full minister, etc, etc, etc........!!!!! GE13 is just around the corner, lah. Diam lar, damn liar!!!! ..
written by arazak, July 31, 2011 13:53:52
It seems all Malaysians now knew about the RM24 million (or was it RM74 million?) "First Lady" ring.
My other half and I was walking along some shop houses near Setapak yesterday. We saw a banner hung across up front of a jewellery shop, "Ramadhan Special, Discount 50%". As it was quite sometimes I have not bought anything for her, we decided to see if there is something worth buying. There was already quite a number of customers in there; some couples and and some women, mostly Malays.
The sales girl behind the counter said the 50% discount are for the rings, bracelets, and ear rings at the end of the counter in two few special trays. Those jewellery are the ones some people had commissioned to make but did not come back to the shop to buy them. And these items had been left in the shop for more than 2 years. Some with precious stones and some semi-precious stones; ruby, sapphire, pearl, onyx, amethyst, etc.
Most of the items are odd sizes too; either too big or too small. I pity my wife because she could not find the correct size. If she found one, it is way too expensive. And I reminded her, paying bills is priority. She understood. Thank God!
But then in a jester she said aloud to the sales girl, "cicin macam Rosmah tu ada tak?". Everybody in the store burst into laughter. Seems everybody now knows about that RM24 million ring.
Ordinary people could not even buy a piece of jewellery at 50% discount, yet the self-proclaimed "First lady" could splurge RM24 million buying one. Maybe she does not know the true meaning of hard-earned money. The money she uses to buy the ring are easy money looted from ordinary people like you and I. No need to work hard to earn that money.
Still want to keep this thieving Najib-Rosmah regime? ...
written by NSTPravda, July 31, 2011 13:34:54
Read lah 1My Oaf 1My Qur'4n swearing pink pouting lip$
Why is it wrong that 1My beloved Ro$mak bought the USD 24 mil ring using money that she saved since she was suckling her mum? I swe4r on the Qur'4n that THAT is the whole unvarnished non C4 explosive truth. Al-tantuya-lah, please leave her alone as she has already missed her Italian holidays beccause of you renegades. Kotor bersih, rasuah akbar! ...
written by Barking out loud, July 31, 2011 12:35:37
I don't like some of the things he has done but sometimes I do pity him as he has never got a good day as the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
It seems like he has been facing threats from all corners all the time, his life must be extremely stressed to be aware of threats from his wife, The Owner, his rivals in UMNO and also the opposition. ...
written by bkho, July 31, 2011 12:29:12
Like a football team manager who has lost his dressing room, Jibby is waiting to be "sacked"!
Who wants to be Roman Abramovich?
THE STORY OF THREE BLINDED MICE
(The Malaysian Insider) - A respected former senior judge has branded the three judges on the Teoh Beng Hock royal commission of inquiry (RCI) “three blind mice” for concluding that the political aide committed suicide despite lacking expert opinion.
Former High Court and Court of Appeal judge Datuk N. H. Chan said the commission had “no business” forming such an opinion as none of the experts it called upon gave the opinion that Teoh committed suicide.
He pointed out that this went against Section 45 of the Evidence Act 1950, which states that when a court has form an opinion on a point of science, the opinions of experts are relevant facts.
“Without any relevant fact, that is to say, without an opinion from an expert, a court is unable to form an opinion upon... the scientific point that Teoh Beng Hock took his own life. In this case, none of the experts gave the opinion that Teoh took his own life,” Chan said in an essay sent to The Malaysian Insider.
“The commissioners must not substitute their own opinion for that of the experts! Yet this was precisely what the RCI did! By assuming the mantle of a forensic psychiatric expert it came to the conclusion that Teoh took his own life.”
He added that the finding that Teoh was driven to suicide after relentless questioning from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers was also unfounded, and lamented the fact that the public still did not know how the political aide died.
The RCI unanimously ruled that Teoh, aide to Selangor executive councillor and Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, committed suicide as a result of pressure from aggressive and continuous questioning by anti-graft officers.
Comments (6)..
written by arazak, July 31, 2011 17:32:40
Not only blind. . ., but stupid UMNO dick suckers too! ...
written by malsia1206, July 31, 2011 17:08:32
The majority of the rakyat who do not have a legal mind by training have already found the RCI findings untenable.
It's a whitewash. Many can still find the deceased blood stains all over in the Report. It ain't over just yet. ...
written by batsman, July 31, 2011 17:07:38
That is why RCI judges must not have any bosses and be independent. Having a sitting judge heading the RCI casts doubt on the independence of the RCI. ...
written by batsman, July 31, 2011 17:01:41
So the 3 judges are saying they knew TBH's mind at the crucial moment he fell. I say they knew their bosses mind better based on possibilities and probabilities of real life. ...
written by batsman, July 31, 2011 16:58:36
Between aggressive and brutal questioning and a dead witness - there was a blank to be filled. Was it ..
a) Murder?
b)Suicide?
c)Accident?
d)Causes still unknown?
In line with how Malaysians are educated these days, the blank was filled out as b) Suicide. ...
written by NSTPravda, July 31, 2011 16:32:37
Read lah 1My Oaf 1My Qur'4n swearing pink pouting lip$
Aiyah, even our ex colonialist ma$ter and the Ular Syaitan says that "justice is blind", we your new ma$ter is just giving you a new improved version of ju$tice by making our judges blind, c**k-eyed or at leas clo$e one eye, rendering most of them the be$t that any money can buy. Bersih kotor, rasuah saya, C4 akbar!
Can we stop being angry people and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead?
Can we stop being angry people and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead?
Sunday July 24, 2011
Of Angry Birds and angry Malaysians
On The Beat
By Wong Chun Wai
Partisanship is so strong on both sides of the political divide that we have become angry Malaysians. Can we stop being angry and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead?
IF you watched the live proceedings of the British parliamentary hearings involving the Murdochs, you would agree that they were impressive.
Prime Minister David Cameron, in cutting short his trip to Africa to call for a special meeting of the Commons, was grilled incessantly by the Opposition. But he took it all in stride.
Although he could not bring himself to apologise for hiring a former staff of News of the World, Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper which has been accused of carrying out illegal hacking into mobile phones, he carried himself well, showing his willingness to take on his opponents.
The Speaker moderated the proceedings with finesse and we were shown what the Westminster parliamentary system, which our own Dewan Rakyat is modelled after, is all about.
A day earlier, also shown live, we watched the parliamentary select committees in action.
Never mind if there were disagreements, even accusations of perjury at times, but everyone spoke in measured tones. Everyone went out of their way to ensure there was dignity and decorum – except for the moment when a failed comic attacked Murdoch with a foam pie.
Now we all know about his young wife Wendi Deng. Her left hook and swift intervention by a constable were sufficient to wrest the loony away. Not much fuss there, and no need for an Emergency Order, for sure.
Compare that with our Malaysian politicians. With a general election looming, possibly by next March, the posturing seems to have become louder.
Don’t look far. Just read the blogs, the political websites and the comments posted. Many of us seem to contradict ourselves. We call for a better political culture with intellectual discourse and debate over policies and issues, but we often degenerate into name calling.
Instead of reading an entire commentary to consider the salient points raised, some enjoy picking up a single sentence or even a word to tear apart the writer’s opinion. There’s nothing wrong with this except that it often ends up in a distasteful round of name calling and personal attacks.
Regardless of our political affiliations, it is hardly the political road that we want for Malaysia.
If you support the opposition, you risk being labelled a traitor, communist, socialist, Jew or at least remotely Jewish-linked.
On the other hand, if you back the government, or are simply being neutral, you are called a running dog, coward, corrupt or a spineless person and your next three generations will be duly cursed. Of course, you would also be labelled a traitor.
In Parliament, MPs are suddenly transformed into verbal monsters with childish tantrums who, as they lunge at each other, call others by animal names.
If we read the postings on blogs and tweets, we can see many shouting about transparency and accountability but most opt to remain anonymous even as they run down others as cowards. So who is the coward in the end?
Perhaps it’s the fault of our education system, or our lack of proficiency to speak or debate in more than one language, or simply our political culture. Being articulate is surely not our strong point.
Maybe we have become so angry and fed up with what is happening that we no longer wish to be polite. Or have we really lost our marbles and are therefore unable to rationalise? Is it no longer politically correct to be moderate or neutral with the frightening emergence of the “us” or “them” syndrome?
The partisanship is so strong that both sides expect the media to be excessively pro-government or openly slanted to the opposition. An objective and unbiased media, to some, even means being openly hostile to the government. That has become the fastest way to be popular, fortunately or unfortunately.
Even fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin has found out, and lamented, that when he exposes scandals involving the government, he is a hero but when he does the same with the opposition, he is turned into a political pariah instantly.
If the government is regarded as being intolerant to dissent, the same attitude is also detected among the ranks of the opposition. In the fight for votes and power, the end seems to justify the means. Nothing is sacred.
So when we read about faked deaths in a recent demonstration, those who claimed to be righteous and demanded “truth and justice” can also become strangely silent. Malaysians do not know who and what to believe any more, what with new issues appearing one after the other.
There is too much contradiction and sacrificing of principles, all seemingly in the name of justice. Look at it carefully, however, and it is simply about the advancement of individual political careers and attempts to control Putrajaya.
The authorities have not been consistent. The police have stopped opposition ceramah, arrested those taking part in candlelight vigils and ridiculously nabbed politicians wearing yellow T-shirts with the word “Bersih”.
On the other hand, it is open knowledge that the opposition holds ceramah almost every other day. The demand for a 21-day campaigning period does not seem to gel. In fact, the ceramah is supposed to be a closed-door affair if its definition is strictly enforced, but many of them have turned into rallies.
In short, the rules are not consistent. Make it clear and easy for all parties to apply to hold such talks. Let there be fairness. The political and media landscapes have changed but many of our civil servants and leaders are still stuck in a time warp, and seemingly indifferent to it.
So we have officials who black out parts of an article in The Economist when one can easily access it online, or put hurdles out to ban the Bahasa Malaysia Bible when all it takes is a simple click to print the entire version from the Internet.
But emotions and scoring points seem to have become the obsession of many Malaysians. Is it any wonder that one of the popular pastimes among Malaysians is playing the “Angry Birds” game on their mobiles and tablets?
Can we stop being angry people and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead? Or better still, just laugh at them? It’s just the run-up to the silly season, as cynical reporters call it.
________________________________________
© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Sunday July 24, 2011
Of Angry Birds and angry Malaysians
On The Beat
By Wong Chun Wai
Partisanship is so strong on both sides of the political divide that we have become angry Malaysians. Can we stop being angry and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead?
IF you watched the live proceedings of the British parliamentary hearings involving the Murdochs, you would agree that they were impressive.
Prime Minister David Cameron, in cutting short his trip to Africa to call for a special meeting of the Commons, was grilled incessantly by the Opposition. But he took it all in stride.
Although he could not bring himself to apologise for hiring a former staff of News of the World, Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper which has been accused of carrying out illegal hacking into mobile phones, he carried himself well, showing his willingness to take on his opponents.
The Speaker moderated the proceedings with finesse and we were shown what the Westminster parliamentary system, which our own Dewan Rakyat is modelled after, is all about.
A day earlier, also shown live, we watched the parliamentary select committees in action.
Never mind if there were disagreements, even accusations of perjury at times, but everyone spoke in measured tones. Everyone went out of their way to ensure there was dignity and decorum – except for the moment when a failed comic attacked Murdoch with a foam pie.
Now we all know about his young wife Wendi Deng. Her left hook and swift intervention by a constable were sufficient to wrest the loony away. Not much fuss there, and no need for an Emergency Order, for sure.
Compare that with our Malaysian politicians. With a general election looming, possibly by next March, the posturing seems to have become louder.
Don’t look far. Just read the blogs, the political websites and the comments posted. Many of us seem to contradict ourselves. We call for a better political culture with intellectual discourse and debate over policies and issues, but we often degenerate into name calling.
Instead of reading an entire commentary to consider the salient points raised, some enjoy picking up a single sentence or even a word to tear apart the writer’s opinion. There’s nothing wrong with this except that it often ends up in a distasteful round of name calling and personal attacks.
Regardless of our political affiliations, it is hardly the political road that we want for Malaysia.
If you support the opposition, you risk being labelled a traitor, communist, socialist, Jew or at least remotely Jewish-linked.
On the other hand, if you back the government, or are simply being neutral, you are called a running dog, coward, corrupt or a spineless person and your next three generations will be duly cursed. Of course, you would also be labelled a traitor.
In Parliament, MPs are suddenly transformed into verbal monsters with childish tantrums who, as they lunge at each other, call others by animal names.
If we read the postings on blogs and tweets, we can see many shouting about transparency and accountability but most opt to remain anonymous even as they run down others as cowards. So who is the coward in the end?
Perhaps it’s the fault of our education system, or our lack of proficiency to speak or debate in more than one language, or simply our political culture. Being articulate is surely not our strong point.
Maybe we have become so angry and fed up with what is happening that we no longer wish to be polite. Or have we really lost our marbles and are therefore unable to rationalise? Is it no longer politically correct to be moderate or neutral with the frightening emergence of the “us” or “them” syndrome?
The partisanship is so strong that both sides expect the media to be excessively pro-government or openly slanted to the opposition. An objective and unbiased media, to some, even means being openly hostile to the government. That has become the fastest way to be popular, fortunately or unfortunately.
Even fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin has found out, and lamented, that when he exposes scandals involving the government, he is a hero but when he does the same with the opposition, he is turned into a political pariah instantly.
If the government is regarded as being intolerant to dissent, the same attitude is also detected among the ranks of the opposition. In the fight for votes and power, the end seems to justify the means. Nothing is sacred.
So when we read about faked deaths in a recent demonstration, those who claimed to be righteous and demanded “truth and justice” can also become strangely silent. Malaysians do not know who and what to believe any more, what with new issues appearing one after the other.
There is too much contradiction and sacrificing of principles, all seemingly in the name of justice. Look at it carefully, however, and it is simply about the advancement of individual political careers and attempts to control Putrajaya.
The authorities have not been consistent. The police have stopped opposition ceramah, arrested those taking part in candlelight vigils and ridiculously nabbed politicians wearing yellow T-shirts with the word “Bersih”.
On the other hand, it is open knowledge that the opposition holds ceramah almost every other day. The demand for a 21-day campaigning period does not seem to gel. In fact, the ceramah is supposed to be a closed-door affair if its definition is strictly enforced, but many of them have turned into rallies.
In short, the rules are not consistent. Make it clear and easy for all parties to apply to hold such talks. Let there be fairness. The political and media landscapes have changed but many of our civil servants and leaders are still stuck in a time warp, and seemingly indifferent to it.
So we have officials who black out parts of an article in The Economist when one can easily access it online, or put hurdles out to ban the Bahasa Malaysia Bible when all it takes is a simple click to print the entire version from the Internet.
But emotions and scoring points seem to have become the obsession of many Malaysians. Is it any wonder that one of the popular pastimes among Malaysians is playing the “Angry Birds” game on their mobiles and tablets?
Can we stop being angry people and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead? Or better still, just laugh at them? It’s just the run-up to the silly season, as cynical reporters call it.
________________________________________
© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
ISLAM UMNO WAHHABISI........HABISKAN DUIT RAKYAT!!
(The Malaysian Insider) - Wahhabism and Shia Islam are key threats to Malaysia’s security and should be kept under close watch to ensure they do not lead to extremism, a Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) official has said.
The National Security Council (NSC) put a group of clerics on its terror watch-list last week for preaching Wahhabism, a puritanical strain of Islam practised in Saudi Arabia. Several Shia Muslims have also been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for their beliefs.
“The biggest threat to the country at the moment is Wahhabism and Shia (Islam) ... extreme teachings,” Islamic Training Institute of Malaysia’s assistant director Zamihan Mat Zin told The Malaysian Insider before last week’s NSC meeting.
He said if the group was not watched, their teachings could potentially to threaten the ethics of Islamic affairs management in Malaysia.
“(The government) needs to curtail them to harmonise Sunni teachings in Malaysia.”
Zamihan stressed that, if left alone, Wahhabism and Shia Islam could “sow the seeds of extremism as seen in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Indonesia and Chechnya”.
He said certain parties were now actively promoting both teachings with financial assistance from foreign missions here.
“There are preachers who receive huge allowances every month... They will deny it if anyone asks them but we have proof,” said the cleric who is in the Quran and core knowledge division in the institute.
Zamihan added that, according to his research, Wahhabism and Shia Islam have about one million followers each in Malaysia.
He previously claimed that Wahhabism receives protection from politicians and has made inroads into religious agencies at national and state levels.
Zamihan also told The Malaysian Insider that the question of stopping the spread of Wahhabism should not be seen as a diplomatic issue but one of national security and mutual interest.
Comments (4)...
written by arazak, July 31, 2011 17:27:23
Ketua Pengarah, JAKIM
Zamihan Mat Zin,
Kenapa hipokirit sangat?
Di Mekah sembahyang tunggang-tunggek belakangkan Imam Wahabi. Bila sampai Malaysia, kutuk-kutuk kata Wahabi "terorist". Kalau Wahabi "terorist' jangan lah jejakan kaki tu kat Makkah. Muka tak tahu malu ke?
Saya akan hantar surat ke Kedutaan Arab Saudi, , ,, suruh mereka jangan bagi visa kat anda untuk pergi Saudi Arabia (jangan fikir saya main-main). Amacam, boleh? Kalau Saudi Arabia, negara "terrorist" tak payah lah saudara melawat Makkah, ya?
Melayu Bodoh. . ., Taksub dengan "Ketuanan". . ., kononnya hanya pengangan Ugama saudaralah yang paling "perfect" dan bukan pegangan orang Islam berbangsa lain! Bagi saudara, orang Islam bebangsa lain semua sesat. Sehinggakan orang Islam berbangsa Arab keturunan Rasulluah juga saudara anggap sesat.
Lagi sekali. . ., bodoh punya Melayu! ..
written by batsman, July 31, 2011 16:40:07
It takes 2 to fight. ...
written by batsman, July 31, 2011 16:39:21
Sounds like Jakim is not a small threat to national security either. ..
written by batsman, July 31, 2011 16:38:01
No wonder the zionists gloat.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Yes, we need more science graduates. Definitely. All agreed then? Except... ……….
Yes, we need more science graduates. Definitely. All agreed then? Except... ……….
Do we really need more science graduates?
16:38 20 July 2011
One thing everyone seems to agree on is that we need more science graduates (and here I mean science, technology, engineering and maths graduates, a group usually abbreviated to STEM). There are not enough people taking science degrees and something must be done.
The excellent people at Teach First, an organisation that places graduates in challenging UK schools, are the latest to wade into the debate with their new report, Addressing the STEM Challenge. This calls for more science teachers so we can better teach young people science so more choose to study the subjects at university.
The CBI, the business lobbying organisation, recently issued their 2011 Education and Skills survey (PDF). Of CBI members questioned, 84 per cent felt the number and quality of STEM graduates should be a priority for universities. The UK government even has a STEM strategy, which commits us to increasing the number of young people studying science subjects post-16 "to meet employer needs".
Yes, we need more science graduates. Definitely. All agreed then?
Except...
At the start of July, new data on what students who graduated in 2010 are doing now was released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. First, it shows us that initiative after initiative to try to get more young people into science don't yet seem to be having much impact. There are some minor changes in graduate numbers, but with the exception of a rise of 5.5 per cent in the number of maths graduates this year, there's nothing of great significance.
Second, we seem to have an awfully high unemployment rate for science graduates for a nation that apparently doesn't have enough of them. And, actually, the same goes for PhDs as well.
To give an example, last summer 12,000 psychology students and 10,000 history students graduated (I chose these subjects because they are two of the most popular - psychology is actually the fastest growing in the UK). In the same year, only 2200 physics students and 2400 chemistry students graduated (what's more, I'm a chemistry graduate and my wife a history graduate so it's a comparison that's close to my heart). But it was the physics graduates and chemistry graduates who were most likely to be out of work 6 months later.
From the cohort of graduates whose whereabouts were known about, 11 per cent of those physics graduates were still out of work 6 months after graduating, and only 3 per cent were in a job in science. (History and psychology did slightly better, at 8.5 per cent and 8 per cent of graduates unemployed respectively).
This is an issue because these are the figures that will be going onto the websites that the A-level students of the future will be using to check the employment prospects of the courses they're going to be paying a lot of money for. When they see the outcomes for science courses compared to other subject that aren't suffering a "shortage", some of them are going to wonder what on earth the fuss is about.
So, let's get it out there: Do we really have a shortage of science graduates?
There is an obvious answer, of course: we have a shortage of good science graduates. So, what exactly is the problem with the ones we do have? The CBI members tell us that they are short of "employability skills". Not technical skills. So, are they suggesting that our science students are spending too much time learning science and not enough time learning business?
Or maybe graduates are not as good as they used to be. Except here are the Association of Graduate Recruiters two weeks ago issuing survey findings that showed that their members (many of whom are also CBI members) think that the quality of graduates has gone up this year, a finding that, oddly, failed to be reported in the press. Take a look at PhD student Penny Sarchet's take on the survey here.
At the heart of this lack of clarity are a series of questions that never really get properly addressed, or when they do, don't get well disseminated. When we say we need more science graduates, what subjects do we mean? Is it all BScs? Do we mean biologists? If we need more chemistry graduates, is that all disciplines and specialities within chemistry? What other skills do they need?
Are we using the graduates we do produce properly? Are we telling them that they might need to do PhDs? Are some people trying to avoid asking or answering these questions because they fear that the next generation of scientists might be put off if they find out they might need to do lots of maths or take a PhD?
Now, does anyone know a group of people who like detail, wrangling complex problems and coming up with practical solutions, who don't take statements uncritically at face value, who are unafraid of hard work and who would really, really like UK science to thrive, to tackle these questions? Hmm, maybe we do need more scientists after all....
Do you agree with Charlie? Have you been unable to fill vacancies because there aren't enough candidates out there or because the candidates haven't been good enough? What skills are in short supply in UK science?
Graduates and students, what could universities do differently to prepare you for the world of work?
35 Comments
All comments should respect the New Scientist House Rules. If you think a particular comment breaks these rules then please let us know, quoting the comment in question.
kulaishi munyakayanza on July 20, 2011 5:18 PM
i think that scientific couses have been increasingly diffficulty that many student are not garanteered to graduate if they take them.maybe they should be made more easy and available
Victoria Hunter on July 20, 2011 5:29 PM
I'm doing chemistry at a very good university and I have literally no idea what job I'm going to get. My university has not been very constructive in advising us what we can go into as they see it as "you're here doing chemistry, therefore, you must go into industry or onto phd etc"
Universities should make other careers more advertised within sciences. I know myself that chemistry can lead to a lot of things, such as law and accountancy, but if I didn't already know this I certainly wouldn't hear it from my uni!
Although, I do think we need more science graduates, I think it's a case of where you graduate from though. There are too many people at poor universities expecting to get a job when they come out, but of course those employed are from the better universities.
Jed on July 20, 2011 5:33 PM
I think it takes longer for STEM graduates to find their niche. I think it's pretty usual for these types of graduates to spend a fair few years considering further options, be that more academia, government/private research, or whatever. The floods of psychology/history graduates will likely relatively quickly fall into graduate jobs somewhat unrelated to their degrees. This might explain the statistics up to a point.
Vicki M on July 20, 2011 5:39 PM
I agree with Victoria. I graduated from a molecular biology degree in 2009 with little idea of what to do next, found a job in biology for a year, and then decided to pursue my interest in stem cell research to PhD level. I still don't know what will come next. Universities seem very keen on funnelling people on into higher degrees, but most PhD scientists don't become group leaders. What happens to them? Friends who graduated at the same time as me have struggled to find anything relevant to their degrees (although this seems to be related to the region of the UK in which they live). There is little careers support at school or at university for those who don't already know what they want to do after graduation, except to take more degrees to increase you employability.
Bethan on July 20, 2011 5:51 PM
Internships and work experience can really help you get into a place of work. It shows future employers that you have the motivation to work 9-5 or shifts and have tried a range of work places before coming to work fresh from University.
Students often leave University with no real idea of what they want to do even after three years of studying. They should be taught to not worry and to just try something.
Some students are only driven by money and with over £10,000 worth of debt to their name, who can blame them. This burden over their heads means that they will only look for jobs within a certain pay grade often beyond their reach because of the experience they have.
There are jobs out there you just need to be innovative with your approach in order to get that interview. I found asking local businesses if they needed a Graduate worked well.
Students think that sending of CVs, letters and emails will get them a job. Some businesses will get so many applications that many good graduates will be overlooked.
Pro tip - find a local business that specialises in something you are interested in, knock on their door (maybe ring for an appointment first) and ask if they a Graduate for 2 months on minimum wage/free! You'll be surprised how many places would say yes. This work experience can then be a platform to go onto to a better position either in the local company or elsewhere.
Problem is after three years plus at University some Graduates would not have the communication skills to do this....
Bod on July 20, 2011 5:59 PM
Do we really need more science graduates?
Who is "we". This magazine is pitched globally and other economies don't seem to be having this angst.
I would suggest that graduates realise that their degree (higher?) is not the end of their learning and that they complement their skills with business.
They also need to get out of the world view that science is state subsidised and the tax payer owes them a living because they are just so wonderful and science really matters.
At this level you should be taking on leadership AND creating wealth that your knowledge and skills has potentially equipped you. Then with more entrepreneurs, opportunities AND flexibility (NO JOBS FOR LIFE mentality) there really will be a need for more science grads.
Dr Louise Hughes on July 20, 2011 6:13 PM
I graduated from my biology degree with first class honours (2000), did a masters (2002) and a PhD (2005) and 6 years later with significant experience STILL find that the job market is limited and the career path for science is practically non-existent. It is extremely difficult to get a faculty/lecturing position in academia, industry positions are very restrictive and as a post-doc you only have a certain amount of time before you have to do either of the above.
Additionally, following the academic route means that you cannot settle down in any one area of the country, if you even stay in your country of origin. It is the nature of doing post-doc that you have to relocate frequently (in my experience relocation costs are not covered), so settling down, starting a family and buying a house are out of the question. Academic wages are very poor considering the level of study and debt incurred to be able to get these positions. It may be different in other disciplines, but for biology I have encountered many many obstacles and several times have had to chose career over personal life. I would no longer recommend people take science as a degree, the career path and limitations on personal life are too much and you are not given this information ahead of time. Most of my PhD contemporaries have actually studied to enter other fields, such as nursing, dentistry and sales, among others, precisely because making a career out of science is difficult and as women in science they find having a family and continuing to do post-doc research with the excessive hours, stress and very few employee rights takes too much of a toll.
Neil on July 20, 2011 6:28 PM
how much can these employment statistics be attributed to decreased investment in science from the government?
Andrew on July 20, 2011 6:37 PM
I'm guessing the author chose psychology as an example of a non-science subject, but even in those universities where the psychology department is not situated within the faculty of science, it's usually practiced and taught as a science (i.e. not as a "social science").
Bianca on July 20, 2011 6:39 PM
I'm Brazilian and it's pretty much the same here. Graduated students are not recognized and valued as good employees. Specially those who go to the public universities, the one and only option is the mastership, the PhD and then you become a professor.
I graduated 3 years ago in Biological Sciences and I'm still unemployed. I've worked as a pedagogical assistant and as a receptionist but I couldn't find a job in my field. My diploma is worthless and I don't have the amount of experience they demand - even if you've just graduated, they expected you to have at least 1 year of experience in a factory/company/business, not an internship during your graduation period.
Now my next step is to get a master's degree and expect that by the time I finish it, I'll have a good job opportunity in my hands.
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 8:28 PM
Hello all,
Will try to get through comments today as I will be away for a couple of days.
Victoria
It can be an issue for advisers who do not feel equipped to deal with science students who don't want to follow the 'obvious' career path. I had exactly the same issues when I graduated from my chemistry degree. There are a good many options for science graduates and it would be nice if more were more widely publicised.
However, I do think your comment about 'poor universities' is a little wide of the mark. First, most universities - and certainly most with the funds to still offer a good physical science degree - are actually pretty good. Second, the stats show that graduates from 'worse' universities (depending on what you consider 'bad') still get jobs. It's perfectly possible for a Russell Group physics graduate to struggle to find work
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 8:32 PM
Jed, naturally, the non-vocational courses don't do jobs as historians or psychologists in general. Is a flexible qualification of that kind bad? Your hypothesis that STEM graduates take longer to find their niche is interesting, but I'm not sure there's much data to support it - and we'd need to know why.
A simple answer *could* be 'of course they take longer - we don't actually need that many scientists', and thus the question is answered.
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 8:36 PM
Vicki, there's a lot to what you say there. Universities have got better at supporting scientists and researchers in careers, though, especially through Vitae (www.vitae.ac.uk - interest declared as I have done work for them). But if you've been unable to access that support, it's not a lot of help.
If you're somewhere doing a PhD, it might be worth bothering the careers service about whether they have a PG adviser - you might be pleasantly surprised.
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 8:38 PM
Bod, point taken - this is a largely UK issue. But not completely - the US has its own graduate issues as anyone there will know.
But I've been asked to look at UK grads, so UK grads it is for the time being, I'm afraid. We have the best data and research on graduate careers, anyway (no matter what anyone else says).
Ryan A on July 20, 2011 8:41 PM
Do those (un)employment figures take into account the number of students with a given degree who go on to work on something related to their major? Science graduates might not be willing to take certain jobs because they feel that they HAVE to work in science, whereas non-science majors may not have that bias.
So we might need to teach some employable skills, which doesn't mean that we have to teach less science to these students. Computer programming, for example, is extremely useful in all areas of science and yet is very employable. I Know there are some physics programs which require their graduate students to take a computational physics class. Similar steps should probably be taken at other
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 8:57 PM
Louise, whilst I wouldn't go as far as not to recommend people go into science (do science! It's great!), the issues for women in particular get too little attention.
I talk to a lot of talented doctoral graduates who leave research, and I would say my experience is that the sector loses a disproportionate number of excellent women scientists for the very family and housing reasons you describe. It worries me.
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 9:00 PM
Neil, very, very hard to say. This isn't, though, a new phenomenon and so the roots are possibly deeper than that.
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 9:15 PM
Andrew, that's an annoyingly shrewd observation. I'll do my best to answer it properly.
Psychology is interesting to labour market data nerds like me for a range of reasons - because of it's rapid expansion, because it's changed from a vocational to a non-vocational degree in a generation, because of the counter-intuitive employability of psychology graduates, and also because of the behaviour of undergrads and PhD graduates.
Bear with me here.
At PhD level, psychology is commonly taken as a clinical discipline, and the outcomes for psychology PhDs reflect that - it unequivocally 'acts like a science'. Down the degree levels to undergraduate, though, and the outcomes look very much more like a social science. *But* it seems that psychologists are at their most employable if they don't flee from the stats and take decent maths modules.
Anyway, that's why I chose it. At this level it bears more in common with social sciences. If you think that's not a good answer, you can do a global search and replace in the piece and sub in 'geography' for 'psychology' and the point still pretty much holds. SOCIAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY before anyone gets any funny pedantic ideas.
Anyway, the whole choice of subjects is really illustrative. It's not 'science should be more like degree X', it's more 'if we need science more than subject X, how come subject X graduates do better than scientists'?
We need a better argument about science, essentially.
And now you know why my pieces get edited.
Charlie Ball on July 20, 2011 9:18 PM
Andrew,
Psychology is interesting for a number of reasons, but the brief answer (the Internets ate my longer one), is that at PhD level the outcomes for psychology grads have a lot in common with science grads in general because so many PhD psychologists are studying clinical psychology. But at first degree level, the outcomes look very much more like a social science because the students are mixing qualitative and quantitative techniques and not doing (and not really able to access) the clinical stuff.
Good spot, though.
bsand on July 20, 2011 10:11 PM
So what career do you recommend? What is the pay rate for history and psychology vs. the sciences, is it higher, lower or the same?
John on July 20, 2011 10:23 PM
The situation is the same in Canada. I have a Ph.D. in geology/geophysics. I have been employed ever since graduation fortunately and I am paid well. I started out working in geology but over time and moving around from job to job I changed the field of science I worked in several times. I am now working in a scientific field I had no background in and less interest in. It was very interesting at the start of my career but as I gradually moved away from geology/geophysics it got less and less interesting. I am now stuck in a field of expertise I have lost interest in and I am about ready to retire early or call it quits and try something completely different.
From my observations there is an oversupply of science graduates in Canada and many end up doing something else. I think going to university and getting a degree in arts or science or even some branches of engineering is a tired old mantra that worked well in the 50's, 60's and 70's but not longer works very well today. My advice to young people steer clear for the time being and find something else with more lateral mobility and in higher demand. When one is weary of the city one lives in it is nice to be in a profession that is in high demand anywhere.
Also forget academia unless you plan to spend the rest of your life stuck at the same university (boooring). My colleagues and relatives in academia tell me it is extremely difficult to find work in another university if you want to move.
John on July 20, 2011 10:41 PM
I read Dr Louise Hughes (July 20, 2011) comments with interest and I can sympathize completely with her situation. I have heard time and time again of Ph.D. graduates doing endless postdocs before eventually realizing the career options are really very limited and moving on to something else. It is sad and unscrupulous to waste a talented persons time when the possibility of work at the end is unlikely. Yes it is better to select nursing or dentistry or something else more gainfully employable in the first place. The bottom line is you have to feed yourself and your family and supply and demand rules the employment market for science graduates just like the financial world.
Don't trust universities to steer you in the right direction for a career path. They want more students and they want you to stay as long as possible as it brings in money from government contributions and tuition fees. The more students and the longer they stay the more money they get. The bottom line with them is money - not your best interests at heart.
Charlie Ball on July 21, 2011 8:45 AM
Ryan, I think there's a feeling that perhaps science students need to be taught to be better able to articulate their softer skills (they have them, but they're not well emphasised - hence the myth that all scientists are tongue-tied geeks who can't communicate).
Charlie Ball on July 21, 2011 8:48 AM
bsand - I recommend people do what they think works for them. This piece is more about the question of whether we can really carry on making a relatively broad claim about a need for science graduates, when the young people making their choices will see data that apparently contradicts the messages they're getting.
And consequently, whether we scientists have been a bit too uncritical in the face of an ostensibly attractive message. After all, I really like the idea of there being more science graduates. What's not to like?
Pete on July 21, 2011 9:53 AM
I believe a lot of companies are being too picky and are unwilling to train new employee's. Instead they put adds on Seek.com asking for minimum of 3 to 5 yrs experience in similar organisation.
It is becoming so difficult to even get the experience required, unless you still live with your parents and can donate your time to do free work for the company. This is too difficult for many who require a decent wage straight up in order to survive.
hmpws on July 21, 2011 10:24 AM
I have a Masters in Engineering. Now I am in the dilemma of finding a job or doing a PhD. This article/comments are steering me away from PhD pretty fast. At the same time, it will be very difficult to find a job, maybe I should consider a MBA instead?
Soren on July 21, 2011 1:48 PM
I'm a Swedish physicist turned engineer, and after after about 20 years of experience of industry and academia, I think what has happened is that the pace to meet time-to-market requirements has come to the point where it's much more important to be able to know the right tools, rather than being creative. Thd majority of engineers spend their time with redy-made tools and processes, and a minority developing new ideas. Companies are so slimmed these days that they rarely spend time and money on courses and education; you are supposed to pick up most of the work skills yourself. This is a sad trend and will lead to less people wanting to move into science and technology. I think also we need much larger moblity between academia and industry like in the US, this will improve the understanding of the needs of industry, as well as helping academia to teach courses with more modern tools.
Glen on July 21, 2011 1:50 PM
I'm in Chemistry (one year left) and the job prospects are pretty good actually. There are always job postings asking for entry level chemists or technicians making around 20$/hour which isn't bad at all.
Chemistry is needed in so many industries because companies need to know exact concentrations of certain things in their products for labelling purposes, legal purposes and other reasons.
Material science is also a big chemistry field
J on July 21, 2011 3:18 PM
It seems to me that industry, not academia, is saying "We need more STEM graduates", while it's academia where STEM graduates can't find jobs. The divide is striking -- so many specialties mentioned in the comments (chemistry, geology, biology) are crucial to so many companies, and they do hire new graduates (my spouse commented: "we did just the other day"). And companies are doing "real" science.
Stephen on July 21, 2011 4:11 PM
The problem here is the people you are asking to fill in the Surveys. Why are business leaders, whose sole function is to make as much money as possible, being asked any questions about the direction of education, and ultimately the direction of Society?
Asking a factory owner what skills his workforce is lacking or is too abundant in, and taking their advice on future Education policy is the most dangerous idea I've ever heard. Already our children are taught to perform functions, rather than to think and this is going to be a massive drain on innovation in this country. Luckily for us, the rest of the World seem to be following down this dead end.
We need to allow everybody that wants to earn a good degree the opportunity and support to do so. From Graduation it is up to the individual to make their own way. A free degree for everybody, with limits to the free courses available i.e. no Wind-Surfing/Football/David Beckham studies, and we will see new innovators and business leaders emerge, rather than the millions of Robots mass produced in state schools today, that follow procedure after procedure in order to perform the most redundant of tasks.
In whichever direction our society is headed, the most influential factor will be Education. The greater it's depth and variety, the more progressive our Society (sorry, that wasn't meant to rhyme). People like to talk about economics, crime, religion, politics, race and endless other social concerns, but Education is the Key to it all.
biogirl on July 21, 2011 7:37 PM
I found it particularly useful a series of professional development seminars and courses provided by the university where I did a postdoc. It gave me the opportunity to listen and talk to scientists from all different sectors beyond the obvious academia and industry dichotomy. It can be extremely helpful, as pointed by Charlie, to talk to advisers and counselors on that matter. Every Grad school should have a program like that. Regarding internships, even though some employees may not consider those if you apply for a job, they can be very helpful assessment of the options out there. Also, it is fine to change your goals and interests as you advance in your (professional) life. My interests switched completely from academia to industry and I'm very happy where I am now. Lastly, regarding women in science, I'm mother of two toddlers so I can speak a bit about it. In spite of all the challenges and hardships, I find it worthwhile and rewarding to do science. However, there are so many factors that compose into the big picture (supportive & flexible partner, supporting network of family and friends, supporting conditions - eg, daycare for the kids close/at work place, comprehensive benefits, supporting mentor, life style... just to name a few!) and of course, each one own's personality. What works for one may not work for other. There simply is no single answer/scenario for the women in science issue. It is very sad though that it is so hard and, because of that, many women chose to leave science due to the lack of appropriate support. Just my two cents...
Collin Burton on July 21, 2011 8:42 PM
As a molecular biology graduate in the US, I can say that I feel a little lied to when I heard all of the propaganda about STEM programs as a high schooler and undergrad. Now that I've been in the workforce for 4 years at a diagnostics company, my impressions is that there is an oversupply in the technical areas of our company. There are always between 10-30 sales jobs open, but maybe only 5 or so technical jobs. For the technical jobs, we get gobs or resumes from all over, including PhDs applying to be entry level lab technicians. US grad schools are distorting supply by offering graduate student stipends, when there is no demand for people that complete the program.
Roger on July 22, 2011 5:35 AM
As a master's student in health sciences right now, one of the most common things I hear is that it is a "wasteland" for jobs for science graduates. But I think this is far from the truth. Its likely from the way scientists are trained: there is a "formula" or "method" for everything and we just have to figure it out for finding jobs. This is one of the most common mistakes/approach to finding jobs I'm seeing from unemployed recent graduates. The approach goes: meet requirements, then get job rather than sell yourself as THE ONE. Reality is, even if your resume is perfect for a job, its not going to guarantee you a job. Think about it - if you were looking to hire someone, would you rather hire a trusted friend that is not necessarily perfect for your job, or gamble on someone who looks good on paper (be honest).
Maybe I'm just naive, but I certainly see value in my would be degree and I believe I can find a related job after. But I also know that I have to learn a lot that is not taught (and probably will never be taught) in the classrooms.
Roger on July 22, 2011 5:35 AM
As a master's student in health sciences right now, one of the most common things I hear is that it is a "wasteland" for jobs for science graduates. But I think this is far from the truth. Its likely from the way scientists are trained: there is a "formula" or "method" for everything and we just have to figure it out for finding jobs. This is one of the most common mistakes/approach to finding jobs I'm seeing from unemployed recent graduates. The approach goes: meet requirements, then get job rather than sell yourself as THE ONE. Reality is, even if your resume is perfect for a job, its not going to guarantee you a job. Think about it - if you were looking to hire someone, would you rather hire a trusted friend that is not necessarily perfect for your job, or gamble on someone who looks good on paper (be honest).
Maybe I'm just naive, but I certainly see value in my would be degree and I believe I can find a related job after. But I also know that I have to learn a lot that is not taught (and probably will never be taught) in the classrooms.
Tom on July 22, 2011 9:38 AM
I suspect 'we need more science graduates' sometimes really means 'we ought to get more sciencey people in non-science positions of power', which I'm all for but which requires teaching and careers advice to be open to the likelihood that science students won't go on to practice science as a career. Or it means 'we need more science-based industry', which again is very true but isn't going to spontaneously happen just because there's a greater supply of scientists - though that might be an argument for teaching scientists more business and entrepreneurship skills.
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