Clowning with ignorance

The PAS clown MP

Its obvious the Opposition is desperate of real political issues to belittle or make the ruling government look bad. PAS VP Mahfudz Omar attempted to manipulate the recent visit of US Navy Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington and accompanying vessels to Port Klang as a cheap political potshot.

Suara KeAdilan online story:

Kapal perang Amerika di M’sia, k’jaan ada agenda tersembunyi?

(Oleh Sidiqin Omar)

KUALA LUMPUR 8 Oktober: Kerajaan Umno BN digesa tidak menjadikan negara sebagai percaturan politik dunia dengan menempatkan tentera Amerika Syarikat (AS) di sini, kata Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena, Datuk Mahfuz Omar.

“Jangan jadikan Malaysia sebagai ‘base’ (pangkalan). Jangan dedahkan Malaysia sebagai tempat adu domba percaturan politik,” katanya merujuk kapal perang USS George Washington yang singgah di Pelabuhan Klang, semalam.

Bernama melaporkan kenyataan pegawai pemerintahnya, Kapten Greg Fenton, kapal tersebut yang memuatkan pasukan pesawat udara Carrier Air Wing 5 dengan 5,000 anak kapal akan berada di negara ini selama lima hari.

Laporan itu turut menyatakan enam projek komuniti akan diadakan, manakala lebih 500 orang kenamaan Malaysia akan dirai dalam satu majlis di atas kapal tersebut hari ini.

Mahfuz yang ditemui di lobi Parlimen menyatakan kebimbangan apabila USS George Washington dikatakan sebagai pasukan siap siaga untuk ‘bertindak melindungi dan mempertahan kepentingan maritim AS dan sekutunya di rantau Asia Pasifik’.

Laporan itu juga menyebut, USS George Washington dijadual menganjurkan 11 lawatan untuk ahli perniagaan Malaysia dan pegawai tentera.

“(Apabila) mereka datang untuk mengetahui maritim, sudah tentu mereka tahu tentang logistik. Adakah ada agenda tersembunyi?” soal Mahfuz.

Beliau tidak menolak kemungkinan kehadiran kapal pengangkut berkuasa nuklear itu turut bertujuan ‘mengimbangi’ peranan China di Asia Pasifik.

“Sedangkan, Malaysia sendiri ada kepentingan ekonomi dan sebagainya dengan China. Kita akan cadang membawa usul mempersoal tindakan kerajaan membenarkan kapal itu berlabuh,” tegas Mahfuz.

Mahfuz menambah, tidak ada jaminan perairan Malaysia akan selamat dari kesan radiasi akibat kehadiran kapal berkuasa nuklear USS George Washington sekiranya berlaku kebocoran.

“Apa jaminan bahawa kapal (dipantau) di bawah penjagaan baik? Kerajaan tak patut benarkan kapal nuklear itu berada di sini. (Kita) nasihat, tinggalkan Malaysia segera,” tegasnya.

Pada 8 Mac 2011, kapal ‘The USS Blue Ridge’, Armada Ketujuh dalam Tentera Laut Amerika Syarikat, pernah singgah di Port Klang Cruise Center (PCKK), kononnya bagi meningkatkan hubungan ketenteraan dengan Malaysia.

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Minister of Defence Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quick to debunk this baseless sordid attempt to politicize the matter and poise a danger either to Malaysian foreign relations or environmental issues.

The facts is that Malaysia has been enjoying great inter-military relations and co-operations with the United States, particularly the navies of both countries. The bi-lateral naval exercises between the two services of each nation’s armed forces is a testimony of the good working relationship, understanding and now, ability to share a lot of information, including naval warfare tactics and strategy.

One of such exercise is Co-Operation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). The 18th CARAT exercise was conducted in June.

6/13/2012 120614-N-KK935-020 LUMUT, Malaysia – The U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751) moors at Lumut Naval Base marking the beginning of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia 2012. CARAT 2012 is a nine-country, bilateral exercise between the United States and Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor Leste and is designed to enhance maritime security skills and operational cohesiveness among participating forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica Bidwell/Released) 18th CARAT U.S. – Malaysia Exercise Set to Start By Commander Task Force 73 Public Affairs LUMUT, Malaysia –The 18th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U. S. Coast Guard and the Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Malaysian Army, begins June 15, with the U.S. Navy Task Group and Marine landing force arriving the day before in Lumut, Malaysia. The exercise is designed to enhance maritime skills and operational cohesiveness among the participating forces. It also focuses on relationship building between military participants through professional military exchanges, sports and social events, and improving relationships with the civilian community through civic action projects and community service events. Capt. Dave Welch, commander, Destroyer Squadron 31, based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, leads CARAT Task Group 73.1. “CARAT Malaysia 2012 is a fine example of what this exercise is all about,” said Welch, who leads CARAT now for the second consecutive year. “We build on the past 18 years of cooperation, and find new exercises and methods to enhance our mutual understanding and build on the friendship and understanding between the armed forces of our great nations.” This year, CARAT Malaysia highlights include a combined command post exercise, installation of a solar powered electrical back-up system at a local hospital, community service projects, underwater explosive ordnance training, search and rescue training and a simulated attack with U.S. Marines and Royal Malaysian Army soldiers. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Timor Leste joins the exercise for the first time in 2012. While the training in each phase of CARAT varies based on shared goals of host nations and the U.S., a common theme is the development of maritime security capabilities, and increasing interoperability among participants. Skill areas exercised during CARAT include Maritime Interception Operations; riverine, amphibious and undersea warfare operations; diving and salvage operations; naval gunnery and maneuvering events, along with disaster response exercises. U.S. Navy ships participating in CARAT 2012 include the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL-751) and the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50). Other participants include Marines from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, who will work with Royal Malaysian Army forces, an SH-60 Seahawk aircraft, the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet Band, and others. Approximately 1,000 U.S. personnel are participating in CARAT Malaysia 2012. ***************************

It is obvious that these military exercises and US naval forces visitations to Malaysia would bring benefits.

The increase of number of USN ships visiting our ports also indicates the level of trust/confident they have in us from the security perspectives. Ifg they don’t feel secure they wouldn’t be here, the Americans are known for their overly concerned and even phobia when it comes to their personnel and assets of the armed forces’ security.

USN destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur during LIMA 2011

The amount of USN ships visiting our ports could also be viewed as one of the indicators on how good the bilateral relationship and cooperation between the two navies are. This is not withstanding a good foreign affairs and close diplomatic relationship between the respective Governments, representing the people of the two nations.

The good working relationship also is extended to other security agencies. This is particularly important as the security agencies share information and even intelligence, especially in the war against global terrorism. Royal Malaysian Police Anti Terrorism Task Force and the ATM Directorate of Military Intelligence share information and intelligence with their American counterparts and these cross-sharing mutually benefit both countries’ security operations.

KD Lekir in foreground, sailing close to USS Carl Vinson

In short, military co-operation between Malaysian and United States is an extension to both nation’s foreign relations.

Taking a more tactical point, any visitation of a CVN like George Washington or the recent visit of USS John C Stennis to the RMN naval base in Sepanggar Bay, Sabah would mean that there would be easily 5,000 sailors and airmen onboard. If considering 40% of each vessel get shore leave and spend the US Dollars in establishments such as F & B outlets, hotels, entertainment outlets and even local retail stores, it is like a ‘naval tourism’ came to town. Some of the US Navy personnel families are even flown to meet their spouses, father for brothers when they come ashore.

There are local contractors which will benefit from these visitations as the vessels needs uploading of food, water and supplies. There are also opportunities waste management system contractors.

CVN 74 USS John C Stennis with the Kinabalu range in the background, in the recent visit to RMN naval base Sepanggar Bay

Mahfuz is obviously an ignorant on technology. The US Navy has been operating nuclear powered air craft carrier, cruisers and submarines since 50 years ago. Their sense of safety and envrironmental with regards to these military assets have been near impeccable. The risk of such accidents is very low. Otherwise, nations such as Japan, South Korea, the Phillipines, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada, Panama, Egypt, just to name a few, would not have allowed these nuclear powered or even armed vessels to dock at their ports. Let alone, to have US Navy bases in these countries.

The PAS Vice President should get assistance from their party strategists, for talking points before he opens his mouth again. It is utterly sad the Pokok Sena MP is a political clown, extraordinaire.

Chamil Wariya should resign from MPI

CEO of MPI Chamil Wariya

Clearly DAP leaders are never into the freedom of press and media, nor expression. They are the least democratic lot within Malaysian political system. They take writers and newspapers to court whenever they can. Even if the piece is a fictional story. That is their defense mechanism.

Utusan Malaysia has been the constant legal process target of DAP leaders. In the case of DAP MP for Seputeh Teresa Kok Vs Utusan Malaysia and Dato’ Chamil Wariya for the fictional short story “Politik Baru YBJ” which was published in Mingguan Malaysia on 12 October 2008, it was decided that it would be settled out of court.

Published: Monday October 8, 2012 MYT 2:34:00 PM
Updated: Monday October 8, 2012 MYT 2:48:42 PM

Kok vs Utusan suit settled with apology, costs

By MAIZATUL NAZLINA

KUALA LUMPUR: Utusan Malaysia columnist Datuk Chamil Wariya andUtusan Melayu Sdn Bhd have openly apologised to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in a High Court here, as part of a settlement in a defamation suit filed by Kok against them.

The apology was read Monday by their respective lawyers before High Court judge Justice Dr Hamid Sultan Abu Backer.

He also ordered Utusan Melayu to pays costs of RM50,000 and to publish an apology in the daily.

Kok had filed a RM30mil defamation suit against Utusan Melayu Sdn Bhd, which publishes Utusan Malaysia, and Chamil on Dec 12, 2008.

The suit was over a short story written by Chamil, who is also Malaysian Press Institute CEO, which allegedly referred, either directly or by innuendo, to Kok.

The story titled YB Josephine was published in Utusan Malaysia on Oct 12, 2008.

Lawyer Sankara Nair acted for Kok while TKB Mohana Kumar for the Utusan group while counsel Zalil Mohd Mess for Chamil.

In her suit, Kok claimed Chamil’s article contained defamatory contents that either directly or by implication or by imputation referred to her.

Kok contended, among others, the article implied she was a racist, an untrustworthy person and a bad politician.

Kok, also a Selangor state executive councillor, said it lowered her esteem in the eyes of the public and exposed her to public scandal, ridicule, odium and contempt.

Among others, she sought compensatory damages of RM30mil from the defendants.

She also applied for an injunction to restrain the defendants from further uttering, speaking or publishing the impugned article or similar words concerning her.

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This apology came without controversy. Chamil’s apology to Teresa is not with a huge expense against Utusan Malaysia, where he worked once as an editor.

In his apology to Teresa, Chamil stated “Saya amat kesal bahawa hasil daripada sikap yang tidak bertanggung jawab dan beretika serta mala fide yang dilakukan Pengarang Mingguan Malaysia telah melaga lagakan saya dengan YB Teresa Kok dan akibatnya saya dan YB Teresa menjadi mangsa kejadian ini“.

The fact is that, it was Chamil who send his fictional story to Utusan Malaysia. He used the name “YB Teresa Kok, MP for Seputeh” in this short story. The editor-in-charge felt that the short story was worthy to be published, provided that they did not directly implicate the person named in the short story and offend the real YB Teresa Kok as a direct attacks against her. So, the editor-in-charge changed it to a fictional character “YB Su Lan, MP for Sepohon Beringin”.

Imagine what would Teresa have done had Utusan Malaysia published Chamil’s fictional short story in its original form and clearly stating Teresa’s name and constituency? DAP would definitely have cried ‘mainstream media attacking their leaders’, take the matter to town, would have probably gone to Parliament and demanded that the Home Minister then, to immediately withdraw Utusan Malaysia’s license.

For the record, in 2008 the Prime Minister was PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Home Minister then was Dato’ Seri Syed Hamid Al-Bar. In September 2008, Syed Hamid as the Home Minister signed the ISA detention orders for Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin, a Sin Chew Jit Poh journo Tan Hoon Cheng and Teresa Kok.

MPI

Chamil is now CEO of Malaysian Press Institute.

Background of MPI:

Malaysian Press Institute or popularly known as MPI, was instituted as a foundation on 13th of April 2007 under the Malaysia’s Company Act of 1965. Prior to that it was known as Institut Akhbar Malaysia (IAM), a non governmental organisation, registered under the National Society’s Act. IAM was established in 1968 by the Malaysian media with the support of the government via the Ministry of Information, mainly to provide basic training in journalism for Malaysian media practitioners as, unlike today, there was no journalism, media or communication school in the country then. It was then known as South East Asia Centre.

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Clearly, Chamil should resign from the MPI.

What ever Chamil was tasked or intended to do as the CEO of MPI, would be meaningless as he has clearly backstabbed his former employer and colleagues with his apology letter to Teresa dated today. He should have defended his own short story, because the changes made were not about impairing the content and substance of the fictional short story.

How would the entire presss community look at Chamil now, saving his own behind by back stabbing Utusan Malaysia in the process. Now that Chamil could be seen as ‘an unprincipled’ and a tool to demonise a mainstream media, how could he still be in the ranks of journos, let alone lead an organization that is supposed to train new journos.

*Updated 0030hrs 9 Oct 2012

Please also read someone’s thoughts about being betrayed and pro-Opposition plagiarism

Politik melalui gereja?

Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang dan Setiausaha Agung DAP Lim Guan Eng

Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng makin lantang membawa agenda politik ke dalam gereja, iaitu rumah ibadat penganut Kristian. Beliau mengesa gereja memainkan peranan politik, semasa bertemu 300 pemimpin gereja.

Laporan Malaysiakini:

Guan Eng gesa Kristian bersuara pada ketidakadilan

Susan Loone • Okt 5, 12 11:53PG
Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng berkata, penganut Kristian tidak harus berdiam diri walaupun merasakan mereka “tidak bersalah, suci dan tidak terlibat dalam perbuatan salah”.

Bercakap di hadapan 300 pemimpin gereja, Lim berkata, walaupun penganutnya bertanggungjawab di hadapan tuhan, penting untuk mereka menyuarakan “keadilan untuk semua” — slogan yang juga menjadi seruan Pakatan Rakyat.

“Gereja boleh memainkan peranan (menentang ketidakadilan) untuk mewujudkan masyarakat yang lebih kuat,” katanya dalam program dialog di negeri itu semalam.

Turut hadir exco negeri Abdul Malik Abdul Kassim, Wong Hon Wai dan Pengerusi Persekutuan Kristian Malaysia, Pulau Pinang Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam.

Dalam sesi dua jam itu, Lim yang juga setiausaha agung DAP diminta berkongsi cabaran yang dihadapi dalam menangani isu-isu berkaitan gereja sejak mengambil alih pentadbiran negeri pada daripada BN pada 2008.

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Gesaan Lim ini berbaur politik dan tidak sesuai diucapkan, dalam majlis yang jelas berkait rapat dengan kelompok pemimpin ugama. Jelas sebagai Setiausaha Agung DAP, Lim menggunakan platform majlis bagi pemimpin gereja untuk menyemai agenda politik Pembangkang. Ringkasnya, DAP menggunakan gereja sebagai platform politik.

Ini menyamai amalan yang dibuat PAS, iaitu menggunakan mimbar sebagai platform politik.

Menggunakan platform ugama dan mengambil kesempatan untuk menyemai bibit bibit politik, terutama ‘Politik Kebencian’ (Politics of Hatred) yang menjadi strategi Pembangkang telahpun memperlihatkan bagaimana masyarakat Malaysia boleh terbelah dan tidak bersatu padu. Contoh yang baik ialah apabila masyarakat Melayu dibeberapa tempat mula ditiupkan dengan fahaman politik sempit dan mengamalkan perbuatan yang memecah belahkan masyarakat, seperti ‘Masjid Dua Imam’ dan memboikot kenduri dan ziarah bagi kematian, semuanya angkara politik. Secara automatiknya, masyakarat menjadi lemah kerana perpecahan akibat ‘politik dalam mimbar’ ini.

Utusan Malaysia Saturday 7 Mei 2011

Rata rata platform ugama atau majlis keugamaan ialah tempat dan keadaan dimana orang ramai berhimpun untuk aktiviti kerohanian mereka. Mereka biasanya bersedia untuk mengenepikan hal duniawi sementara, demi untuk memberi fokus sekiranya tidak mengambil peluang itu untuk mengabdikan diri kepada Tuhan atau Maha Pencipta. Ianya keadaan dimana insan mencari ketenangan dan berada dalam keadaan yang terbuka dan amat mudah dipengaruhi, dimana segala urusan dan tekanan kesibukan sehari harian mereka diketepikan sementara.

Mengambil kesempatan penganut mencari ketenangan dan mengenepikan kesibukan urusan duniawi mereka untuk disuntik bertujuan menengahkan agenda politik dan mencari pengaruh wajar dianggap tidak sihat, beretika rendah dan mungkin dilihat sebagai menghasut.

Sekiranya gesaan yang dibuat Lim ini dibuat bukan diatas platform majlis keugamaan atau perhimpunan pemimpin gereja, maka pra-sangka DAP tidak menggunakan gereja boleh dielakkan. Namun, dipercayai Lim sengaja membuat kenyataan ini dalam ucapan majlis tersebut, demi mengukuhkan bahawa DAP memang menggunakan platform gereja bagi tujuan politik mereka.

Personaliti gereja dan DAP yang terlibat dalam majlis Red Rock Hotel pada 5 Mei 2011 dikenal pasti

Pada 5 Mei 2011 bertempat di Hotel Red Rock, Jalan Macalister, Pulau Pinang MP Jelutong Jeff Ooi telah menganjurkan sebuah majlis makan malam dimana pastor pastor Kristian yang giat terlibat dalam aktiviti pendakwahan Kristian di Sarawak, telah dijemput sama. Pastor dari luar Malaysia yang bergiat di Sarawak juga hadir. Ini juga adalah kebetulan DAP menganjurkan lawatan ADUN DAP yang menang dalam Pilihanraya Negeri Sarawak tiga minggu sebelum itu, berkunjung ke Pulau Pinang.

Dalam majlis itu, difahamkan mereka telah berikrar untuk “Menjadikan Kristian sebagai ugama rasmi Malaysia dan seorang Kristian diangkat sebagai Perdana Menteri”. Turut hadir ialah Ketua Pemuda Sosialis DAP Jelutong Ong Ah Tiong dan pemimpin DAP Pulau Pinang Phillip Thum. Apabila cerita ini terbongkar, negara menjadi gempar mengenai pendedahan ini. Ini bukti bahawa DAP menggunakan gereja bagi agenda politik mereka.

Pemimpin pemimpin politik terutama DAP melatah dan bertindak, termasuk mengeluarkan kenyataan dan membuat laporan polis. Seminggu selepas BigDogDotCom menyiarkan laporan itu dan Utusan Malaysia menggunakan laporan itu sebagai muka depan pada 7 Mei 2011, salah seorang ahli DAP Jelutong Mohamed Razali Abdul Rahman yang menghadiri majlis dan menyaksikan sendiri ikrar malam itu membuat laporan polis dan mengesahkan “Apa yang dilaporkan itu benar”.

Ahad menjelang Ramadhan tahun lepas dimana JAIS membuat siasatan mengejut di Damansara Utama Methodist Church dimana dipercayai hampir 100 orang Melayu sedang menjalani proses pengKristianisasi, Lim bersama pemimpin DAP lain Exco Kerajaan Negeri Selangor Teresa Kok dan ADUN Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh telah menghadiri upacara ugama untuk menyatakan sokongan kepimpinan DAP kepada gereja.

Adalah amat bahaya apabila Pembangkang terus menerus menggunakan platform rumah ibadat dan majlis keugamaan demi menyebarkan pengaruh politik. Tindakan seperti ini akan  semestinya mengundang reaksi termasuk orang ramai, sekiranya bukan tindakan oleh pihak berkuasa. Lim sebagai Ketua Menteri sepatutnya menggunakan peluang semasa bertemu pemimpin gereja untuk menyuburkan sikap kesefahaman dan toleransi antara kaum dan kepercayaan.

Semua ini, belum lagi mengambil kira Pengerusi DAP Perak Ngeh Koo Ham menghina umat Islam. Pemimpin DAP sendiri tidak adil. Lim sendiri pun tidak menentang ‘ketidak adilan’ ini. Dimana “Kepertanggung jawaban kepada Tuhan” sebagaimana yang dikatakan Lim kepada 300 pemimpin gereja itu?

Dzul seret FELDA ke Mahkamah?

Kemesraan antara Pengarah Besar FELDA dengan Pengerusi FELDA memberikan illustrasi palsu

Desas desus khabar mengenai Mantan Pengarah Besar FELDA Dato’ Seri Dzulkifli Abd Wahab berhasrat untuk mengheret Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Persekutuan (FELDA) ke Mahkamah makin rancak. Beliau dikatakan mahu dikembalikan jawatan lama, yang kini sudah dilaksanakan oleh pegawai lain.

Mantan Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan dan Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad dilantik oleh Perdana Menteri Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak pada Disember 2010, untuk menggantikan Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor. Ini merupakan sebahagian dari rancangan Perdana Menteri untuk mentransformasikan masyarakat FELDA dan merealisasi dan menjana semua perniagaan Kumpulan FELDA ke tahap yang lebih tinggi, termasuk pemain utama di peringkat global dalam produk berasaskan perladangan.

Dzulkifli telah didapati terlibat dalam usaha melengahkan, yang sebenarnya wajar dilihat sebagai cubaan mensabotaj penyenaraian FELDA Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH) lewat tahun lepas dan awal tahun ini. Walaupun dalam beberapa sessi perjumpaan dengan ketua ketua peneroka peringkat wilayah, ‘Gunting Dalam Lipatan’ ini telah memaparkan ‘lakunan yang baik’, terutama apabila memberikan jaminan “Saya akur dengan keputusan dan akan mempercepatkan proses penyenaraian FGVH”.

Pengarah Besar Lembaga FELDA Dato’ Seri Dzuleifli Wahab, Pengerusi Lembaga FELDA Tan Sri Isa Samad dan CEO FGVH Dato’ Seri Sabri Ahmad semasa sidang media. Lenggok ‘bahasa badan’ (body language Dzulkefli mebayangkan rasa hati sebenar beliau

Semasa perjumpaan dengan wakil wakil ketua peneroka wilayah di Melang Inn, Kuala Pilah pada 13 November 2011, Dzulkifli memberikan ikrar mengenai kerjasama penuh dalam proses penyenaraian FGVH. “Ini adalah keperluan. Saya adalah seorang pegawai Kerajaan dan melaksanakan ini tanggungjawab saya”. Semasa sidang media selepas majlis tersebut, beliau menjelaskan “Tiada berlaku rampasan kuasa”. Namun, pada mesyuarat khas wakil ketua ketua peneroka pada 23 November 2011 yang dipengerusi Dzulkifli, perbincangan bersekitar dalam nada menentang Pengerusi FELDA Tan Sri Isa, yang dinamakan Perdana Menteri sebagai Pengerusi Koperasi Permodalan FELDA (KPF) dan Pengerusi FGVH sebagai memberi kepimpinan diperingkat Lembaga Pengarah dan keputusan strategik mewakili kepentingan Kerajaan dalam gerak-kerja sebahagian dari proses penyenaraian.

Hakikatnya, Dzulkifli tidak mahu melepaskan jawatan Pengerusi KPF walaupun beliau dilantik kerana ehsan sebagai lantikan yang direstui Kerajaan. Sebaliknya, dalam mesyuarat Lembaga Pengarah KPF pada 28 Oktober 2011 yang dipengerusikan beliau, keahlian KPF Tan Sri Isa, Pengarah Urusan FGVH Dato’ Seri Sabri Ahmad, Mantan Pengerusi FELDA Tan Sri Yusof dan Mantan Pengarah Urusan FGV Dato’ Seri Mohd. Bakke Salleh.

Akibat dari itu, Perdana Menteri Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak bersetuju agar Dzulkifli di’hantar’ untuk menghadiri kursus diploma pasca ijazah di United Kingdom lewat tahun lepas.

Pegawai FELDA yang berkemungkinan besar mendapat pendapatan melebihi RM 1 juta setahun, dalam pelbagai kapasiti dan peranan yang dimainkan

Dalam keanenggan melepaskan jawatan Pengerusi KPF dan sekaligus rancangan awal Perdana Menteri untuk menyuntik syarikat syarikat bawah pengusasaan KPF seperti FELDA Holdings Bhd (FHB) kedalam FGVH dan sebagai timbal balas menerima 35% dari pegangan saham FGVH, telah gagal. Dalam rancangan awal Perdana Menteri mengenai penyenaraian FGVH sebagaimana yang diumumkan dalam ucapan Bajet 2012 pada 7 Oktober 2011, KPF akan menjadi pemegang saham terbesar FGVH.

Ini bermakna kesemua 112,635 peneroka FELDA dan selingan besar warga kerja Kumpulan FELDA, yang terdiri dari 220,o00 pemegang saham KPF akan menerima habuan langsung setiap tahun keuntungan FGVH, melalui dividen. Oleh kerana halangan dan ‘permainan belakang tabir’ Dzulkifli dan beberapa kepimpinan kanan KPF dan Lembaga FELDA sendiri, rancangan ini gagal dan penyenaraian FGVH dilakukan melalui ‘Plan B’.

Dzulkifli juga merupakan seorang pegawai FELDA yang beroleh banyak keuntungan peribadi. Beliau merupakan ahli lembaga pengarah dalam lebih 30 anak syarikat milik Kumpulan FELDA dan menerima imbuhan lumayan lebih RM 700,000.00 setahun disamping gaji dan semua kenikmatan sebagai Pengarah Besar FELDA. Kini, beliau telah di’bersara’kan dari sebilangan besar jawatan lembaga pengarah ini.

Sekiranya benar Dzulkifli berhasrat untuk membawa kes dimana beliau dikeluarkan dari jawatan Pengarah Besar FELDA dan masuk kejawatan pool, walaupun masih lagi menerima gaji dan elauns yang setimpal, bermakna beliau mengutamakan kepentingan peribadi. Ini juga mengukuhkan andaian selama ini penentangan beliau ke atas penyenaraian FGVH, termasuk mengagalkan suntikan anak syarikat KPF, adalah kerana kepentingan peribadi.

*Dikemaskinikan 900pm

Shadow Cabinet: Sabah & Sarawak in the shadows?

On Sunday during the ‘Jelajah Janji DiTepati’ which was organised in Seremban, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak challenged Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to name his ‘Shadow Cabinet’.  Opposition Leaders were quick to downplay Prime Minister Najib’s demand.

Tuesday October 2, 2012

‘Shadow Cabinet premature’

KUALA LUMPUR: A move by Pakatan Rakyat to name a shadow Cabinet ahead of the coming polls would be akin to “putting the cart before the horse”, said DAP vice-chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw.

“How can we come out with a list when we do not even know which of our leaders of calibre will win or not in the polls?” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

He noted that what was important is Pakatan’s ability to form a Cabinet with leaders of calibre if they are successful in the coming polls.

He reiterated that Pakatan had yet to decide on its shadow Cabinet and described talk of a list as fictitious.

“I am not aware of such a list (shadow Cabinet) as the Pakatan leadership has yet to announce one,” he said.

He also denied a report in a Malay daily stating that he described Pakatan’s goal of capturing Putrajaya as “day-dreaming”.

“I never said that and I merely told them what I am telling you now,” he said, adding that words were put his mouth.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that Pakatan should not talk about taking over the Government when it has not even formed its own shadow Cabinet.

He said having a shadow Cabinet is fundamental in being in the opposition which Pakatan failed to do.

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‘Shadow Cabinet’ is a practice in Westminster and Canberra. Opposition form their own ‘Cabinet’ to check on the ruling Government’s Cabinet portfolios on policies, issues and most importantly, the voters could have a basis to do a consideration to give the opposing party a chance to rule. The voters would understand or project how certain personalities could do a better job or not in the specific portfolios if and when they come to power.

However, the PR ‘Shadow Cabinet’ list appeared all over cybersphere today. It is believed to be originated from one of the senior PKR Leaders

Prime Minister: Anwar Ibrahim (PKR)

Deputy Prime Minister I: Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS)

Deputy Prime Minister II: Lim Guan Eng (DAP)

Ministers in Prime Minister Department: Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP), Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR), Mustaffa Ali (PAS)

Minister of Finance: Tony Pua (DAP)

Second Minister of Finance: Rafizi Ramli (PKR)

Minister of Defence: Salahuddin Ayub (PAS)

Minister of Education: Mohamed Nizar Jamaluddin (PAS)

Minister of Home Affairs: Azmin Ali (PKR)

Minister of Information, Communications & Culture: Fuziah Salleh (PKR)

Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water: Dr Dzulkfely Ahmad (PAS)

Minister of Rural and Regional Development: Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS)

Minister of Higher Education: Chong Chieng Jin (DAP)

Minister of International Trade and Industry: Husam Musa (PAS)

Minister of Science, Technology and Environment: Dr Che Rosli Che Mat (PAS)

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment: R Sivarasa (PKR)

Minister of Transport: Khalid Samad (PAS)

Minister of Tourism: Elizabeth Wong (PKR)

Minister of Works: Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PAS)

Minister of Health: Dr Lee Boon Chye (PKR)

Minister of Youth and Sports: Yusmadi Yusoff (PKR)

Minister of Human Resource: Gobind Singh Deo (DAP)

Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism: M Kulasegaran (DAP)

Minister of Housing and Local Government: Anthony Loke (DAP)

Minister of Women and Family Development: Zuraida Kamaruddin (PKR)

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR)

Minister of Federal Territory: Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR)

Minister of Plantations and Commodity: Teresa Kok (DAP)

This is an interesting list. PKR is represented by 12 MPs, PAS 10 MPs and DAP 8 MPs. The party which is expected to get the most seats is allocated the least cabinet posts and vice versa. If broken down by ethnic representation, 19 Malays, 8 Chinese and 3 Indians.

What is more interesting, there is only one MP who represent Sarawak and none from Sabah. Even the MP representing Sarawak is Chinese. There is no MP representing any of the Bumiputra ethnics from Sabah or Sarawak.

Considering that Opposition especially Anwar Ibrahim has been trying very hard to woo Sabah and Sarawak voters to ditch BN and support Pakatan Rakyat instead, when they come to power they don’t intend to appoint any of them as cabinet ministers. It means that their voice does not matter in the highest policy and decision making committee in the country.

This could very much reflect Pakatan Rakyat’s real attitude and their true colours.

No Birthday Wee-sh

Malaysia Airlines first A380-800 getting the traditional welcome at KLIA, as it arrives from Airbus Centre 29 June 2012

It is one minute to the end of the day. But yet, no ‘Birthday Wish’ from our own ‘Malaysia Airlines Watch’ Member of Parliament. Looks like the MP will miss the ‘flight’ to wish the national carrier, ‘Happy Birthday’.

YB Wee Choo Keong has been on the rabid track which is nearing obsession, chewing onto Malaysia Airlines since the ‘share suap’ announced 6 August last year. However, even though on 1 May the ‘share suap’ has been reversed and Tony Fernandes and co. are no longer in control of the national carrier, Wee has been still hard on his mauls.

He has been producing documents and information, which should be considered as ‘confidential’. One particular example is the complete passenger manifest of Flight MH 5439 from Toulouse to KLIA on 28 June 2012. This information should not be made open for public consumption, much like occupancy list in a hotel for any given time. Then again MP for Wangsa Maju probably is over zealous in ‘uncovering’ certain stories, clearly being fed by disgruntled personalities within Malaysia Airlines.

We would like to remind Yang Berhormat that he does not enjoy immunity for doing so in the public domain, unlike in the Dewan Rakyat when Parliament is in session.

Did the blogging MP ever think through the implication of putting the manifest into public domain? What if any of the names listed take Malaysia Airlines or Airbus Industrie to court, for  the negligence in divulging information which is deemed to be private and confidential?

Probably many would now think twice taking flights on Malaysia Airlines because their travel information could easily be leaked and eventually appear in public domain for scrutiny. The perception of the privacy of travelers is easily compromised, especially through elected representatives.

Without a ’40th Birthday Wish’ from Wee, it illustrates the indescriminate bashing attitude instead of using the bloggosphere as a communication tool to reach out to more people.  Moreover, the gross lack of having the positive and progressive intention for Malaysia Airlines. Probably he has been taken in by disgruntled Malaysia Airlines employees with their own specific agenda, who have been feeding him with a lot of privy information all these while.

If that is the case, then the respectable Yang Berhormat could lose credibility in anything that he champions from now on.

Happy 40th Birthday, Malaysia Airlines

Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman at the officiation of Malaysia Airlines System 1 Oct 1972

Forty years ago today, then Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman officiated the newly born Malaysian Airline System (MAS).

It came as a result from the separation of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, where Singapore wanted to concentrate on the international routes and full commercialization. Malaysia, was very committed to the national integration agenda and logistics and communication within Malaysia played a primary role.

How it started, Malaysia Airlines System B737-200

Business commenced at 4.30pm on 1 October 1972 from Subang International Airport with only six B737-200 to service its regional operations and and six F27 for domestic services. MAS now painfully has to re-build its international destinations, especially all the lucrative routes landing rights’ went to SIA, such as London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney. Captain Hassan Ahmad, the first Malay commercial airline captain certified by DCA, commandeered flight MH 601 to Singapore Paya Lebar Airport at this historic moment. Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman solemnise the event, of behalf of the Malaysian Government.

Captain Hassan later rose to be Director of Flight Operations. He also captained MAS’s first wide bodied aircraft when McDonald Douglass DC-10-30 started operations serving the ‘Kangaroo Route’ (LHR-KUL-SYD) and Tokyo Narita (TYO).

The image which etched into the minds of many Malaysians; the remains of a much loved Malaysian Prime Minister arriving from London

Malaysia Airlines started operating to London Heathrow (LHR) from 1 July 1974. Many may not remember this service. However, the memory of Jalur Gemilang draped casket taken out from the left aft door of the MAS B707 special return flight from London carrying the remains of Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Haji Abdul Razak Hussein on 15 January 1976 have been etched in the minds of hundreds of thousands Malaysians, including tens of thousands throng the Subang International Airport that evening.

Malaysia Airlines have been very dedicated in playing the primary role to ensure the national integration agenda is fulfilled. Malaysia has become a smaller place when Malaysians are able to travel in the far reaches destination, even in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak.

Malaysian troops wearing the colours of UN peacekeepers as part of the UNIFIL, boarding a chartered Malaysia Airlines flight at Subang for Beirut. It is a B777-200 (9M-MRP).

Malaysia Airlines annually brought tens of thousands of Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land. Malaysian troops, serving posts in Sabah, Sarawak or any other missions abroad which include under United Nations, have been ferried by Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia Airlines saw uppers and downers the past forty years. At its peak, it served 90 destinations in six continents over 400 flights per week flying the Jalur Gemilang on the ‘Nine Mike’ tailed aircrafts, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and every week in the year. It serves not only as a tier 1 premium national carrier for Malaysia but also as an extension to the Malaysian trade overseas. Most importantly, it serves with dedication as an extension of Malaysia’s foreign policy.

Fulfilling national obligations

It is important to go back to the reason for Malaysia Airlines’ formation under the flight code of MH. Malaysia Airlines will continue to fulfill those 5 national obligations.

a. To provide the people of Malaysia with an efficient and profitable air transport system which enhances the standing of the nation and the policies of the government.

b. To develop an efficient domestic service within Malaysia which also directly links Sabah and Sarawak with Peninsular Malaysia and contributes to the economic and social integration of the country as a whole

c. To select, train and develop local personnel using the most up-to-date and appropriate managerial techniques.

d. To provide simultaneously competitive and profitable international services which support Malaysia’s trade, tourism and other activities.

e. To contribute meaningfully to national aspirations and foster an organization which is in harmony with the multi-racial objectives of Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines first A380-800 getting the traditional welcome at KLIA, as it arrives from Airbus Centre, Toulouse, France 29 June 2012

It is time to move forward. Malaysia Airlines has to move away from all its legacy issues and change its ways of doing things. They are now able to offer new products as new assets such as the A380-800s, A330-300s and B737-800s starting to begin service and replacing old and lesser efficient aircrafts. The current fleet is 107 aircrafts where the assets would be rationalized as new assets are delivered. For example, as the third and fourth A380s start to operate, the remaining five fuel guzzling B747-400s would be retired with the last one operating KUL-SYD MH122 on 25 November.

The entire organization has to buck up and operate with lower cost as the new assets, new products and more aggressive marketing strategies and plan are put in place and executed, to bring in the much needed revenue and beef the cash position. They also needed to be creative enhancing their products and services. From November, twice daily flights to and return from London Heathrow would operate the A380-800s.

Malaysia Airlines new workhorse, B737-800

Malaysia Airlines is expected to join the One World alliance soon. This will provide better network and relationship with 12 other airlines, serving 810 destinations and a market size of 288 million passengers carried per annum. This is on top of the current 31 code share partners, of which five of them are part of the Star Alliance.

They say “Life begins at forty”. Now that Malaysia Airlines reached forty years and having a new lease of life, they should make the best of it. And so they shall. They will provide the world renown ‘Malaysian Hospitality’ and ‘Go Beyond Expectations’, as how they have done it last forty years.

Happy 40th Birthday, Malaysia Airlines. God bless.

Some of our earlier postings on Malaysia Airlines

*Updated 230pm

MALAYSIA AIRLINES CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF

WORLD RENOWNED MALAYSIAN HOSPITALITY

Monday, 1 Oct 2012, Kelana Jaya: Malaysia Airlines today celebrates its 40th anniversary of Malaysian Hospitality delivered to millions of guests from the day it took off as Malaysian Airline System Berhad on 1 October 1972.

The national flag carrier of Malaysia had its journey then mandated by the government of Malaysia to fulfil five national obligations.

a. To provide the people of Malaysia with an efficient and profitable air transport system which enhances the standing of the nation and the policies of the government.

b. To develop an efficient domestic service within Malaysia which also directly links Sabah and Sarawak with Peninsular Malaysia and contributes to the economic and social integration of the country as a whole

c. To select, train and develop local personnel using the most up-to-date and appropriate managerial techniques.

d. To provide simultaneously competitive and profitable international services which support Malaysia’s trade, tourism and other activities.

e. To contribute meaningfully to national aspirations and foster an organization which is in harmony with the multi-racial objectives of Malaysia.

Today, from its humble beginnings with a modest fleet strength of 6 Boeing 737-200 jets, 9 Fokker Friendship 27 and 3 Britten Norman Islanders, the airline has now grown to be the undisputed flying ambassador of Malaysia spreading its wings to 76 destinations across the globe.

It flies an average of 37,000 passengers on around 300 flights daily using an evolving fleet of the most advanced jet aircraft, delivering 5-star airline service through the world’s Best Cabin Staff.

At the event today in Kelana Jaya to commemorate 40 years of Malaysian Hospitality, the national carrier’s Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya paid tribute to the founding fathers for their vision to evolve a truly national airline to deliver the government’s promise of an organisation that contributed to the economic growth of Malaysia and also developing a highly skilled workforce from amongst the locals who are much sought after now globally.

“Over the years, Malaysia Airlines has seen much success, many highs and some lows. Today, Malaysia Airlines is synonymous for its Malaysian Hospitality or MH brand. MH is not just our airline code. ‘MH’ is Malaysian Hospitality,” he said.

“We are now known globally for this exclusivity, and we pay tribute of this success to the thousands and thousands of Malaysia Airlines employees, whom over the years and till today have worked together to demonstrate Malaysian Hospitality,” he added.

Contd/Page 2

The airline has built itself a strong brand name in the aviation industry for superior service and flight safety since 1 October 1972. It holds a lengthy record of service and best practices excellence, receiving more than 100 awards in the last 10 years from international bodies such as the UK based independent research consultancy firm, Skytrax.

This year, Malaysia Airlines marked the entry of its first A380 into the airline’s fleet by having its 5-Star Airline status renewed by Skytrax. The recognition comes at a time of great change within the national airline of Malaysia as it embarks on a series of improvements to repositioning it as a premium carrier.

This includes a thorough process to upgrade the momentum of 5-Star quality service delivery across all customer touch-points of the airline.

At its home base in KL International Airport, Malaysia Airlines’ First and Business class hospitality facilities in its flagship International Golden Lounge have been totally refitted to deliver a true 5-Star Lounge experience with many new and exciting amenities and services offered to customers.

To commemorate the 4 decades of flying as Malaysia Airlines and delivering the world renowned Malaysian Hospitality, the national flag carrier will launch a series of year-long activities to celebrate the 40 years of support from customers and staff.

Ahmad Jauhari provided a sneak preview of the delights by stating, “For the next 12 months, expect special commemorative gifts on flights, special menus and surprises at the Check-in and at Boarding. We’ll have open days for guests to see ‘behind-the-scenes’ operations at our engineering hangar, a special flight for underprivileged children and more. Also look forward to one of our aircraft that will be painted with our special ‘40 years of Malaysian Hospitality’ livery, an extra special guest experience for our customers who get to fly in that plane”.

He also added that, “Malaysia Airlines formal alliance membership of oneworld will be completed soon and the national carrier will start flying as part of the alliance by the turn of the year. The prospect of being able to offer improved global coverage and connectivity through an expanded network of great airlines to Malaysia Airlines’ guests is indeed very exciting. Our customers, in particular members of Enrich loyalty programme, will benefit from increased rewards and recognition whilst enjoying more seamless air travel options”.

This full membership in the alliance will improve the airline’s brand awareness amongst the alliance members’ customers and enhance load factors through additional partner traffic. These in turn will drive the hub connectivity to facilitate Malaysia Airlines global reach through oneworld’s network of some 800 destinations in 150 countries. The membership will be among the significant catalysts that will complement the airline’s efforts to win back customers and become a profitable preferred premium carrier as outlined in its Business Plan revealed on 7 December 2011.