Hantu Laut
Come to 'Land Below The Wind' where the wind of change is still blowing far off the horizon. The wind of change didn't blow strong enough in the March 2008 General Elections. There were no nimbus clouds threatening a deluge that poured torrents of rain of protests to debunk and bring down the government.The gathering storms were far across the South China Sea, on the other side of the ocean.
Sabah politicians have always been wild and wily.This is where frog culture and money politics originated from, much to the consternation of the so-called sophisticated politicians from the West, appalled by what they see as immoral and shameful act of betrayal.Sabah was once the biggest thorn in the flesh of Federal leaders. Now, politics in the state are more tampered and less volatile.The frogs,toads and biawaks have migrated to the 'Land Of The Kings'.
Sabahans were very progressive, innovative and definitely very inventive when it comes to politics.In the past, we invented a foolproof system of keeping our assemblymen in line and from defecting, we made them sign undated letters of resignation before they can be nominated to stand for election.If any one of them try to be funny or contemplates defection after being elected, we affix a date to the undated letter and submit it to the Speaker of the Assembly.Presto! A by-election.Than some idiotic leaders from Kuala Lumpur interfered and said it was undemocratic and unconstitutional and forced us to stop the practice and brought the court of law to stop it.
Not exactly happy with that interference we decided we must teach these smart donkeys a lesson, we invented the frog culture, out of spite, to show the sophisticated Peninsula politicians how democratic we were. Next thing we knew the politics in Sabah is like a 'Yo Yo', you don't know whether you are coming or going.The democratic frog culture was not helping to keep political stability and those crooked assemblymen started making all sorts of demands and if you don't meet their demands they threatened to transform into a frog and before you knew it they have hopped over to the other side.
Many years later we became wiser and very careful, this time we must invent something lawful, something that our brothers in the West wouldn't object.
We went to the State Assembly and managed to secure majority approval of the members to pass an 'Anti-Hop' law that prohibits any elected representative from defecting or crossing over to another political party.They can only leave by resignation of their positions or failing which the positions fall vacant by virtue of the law and by-election must be held thereafter.We thought this it time would be fine, no one can defect, no one can argue or say it's wrong, because the law says so. Than, again, some smart-asses from Kuala Lumpur came and told us that this one was also wrong, it's against freedom of association and, therefore, against the Federal Constitution.They went to court and the court ruled in their favour and the law was repelled. Before we knew it, they have stolen a number of our assemblymen, made them cross over to their side and obviously we lost the government.
Well, to cut the story short and to whittle away the pain of being played out many times we decided if 'You can't fight them, join them' which we did and now we found ourselves in better shape than they are.In fact, we and our brothers in Sarawak saved the day for them, saved them from annihilation.They have never been in a more precarious position before than now.Even with our help they are still walking the tightrope and hopelessly have no idea whether they are going or coming and when they are going to lose the government that they have held for more than five decades. Now, how they wish they have the 'Anti-Hop' law to protect them.One frog has already crossed over to to the other side and some donkeys in the party were already calling for such law to be implemented.
We saw these problems about four decades ago and took action to make sure politicians do not use politics to serve themselves.Unfortunately, the more powerful force destroyed all our inventions to suit their purpose, now, how they wish they hadn't done that.
We were the champions.We are the champions.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
When The Buying Stops The Killing Stops Too
Hantu Laut
Happening right on our doorsteps.The slaughter of this most unnecessary way of earning a livelihood. This is the way they live and the only way they know how to supplement their meagre income.This is where poverty plays destructive role on nature and the environment.This is were government failed.This is where we have Fisheries Department that is completely dysfunctional and headed by idiots who sat on their arses and do nothing to educate the fishing community on the proper way to fish to protect the marine ecosystem and maintain sustainable balance of the resources.
From fish bombing, cyanide poisoning to slaughter of sharks,whale sharks,turtles and many other endangered marine species, the authorities have done nothing to bring this most shameful act under control.They only jump out from their slumber when something like this came to light and, shamefully, it is always concerned citizens or even more shameful, visiting tourists, who exposed such undesirable act. The Fisheries Department, Marine Police and those given the responsibility to police the sea and look out for such illegal activities are big bloody disgrace.They are always the last to know, when the damage are already done.
The recent discovery of shark finning in Mabul on regular basis is going to cause grievous damage to the marine ecology in the surrounding waters of Sipadan Island. The photos are evidence of the active participation of villagers on Mabul, a fishing community of lazy fishermen, who resort to the laziest way of catching fish, either bomb,poison or do what you see in the photographs.
Click to enlarge
Some may think it is all right to kill sharks just for their fins and discard the rest of the body.Considering the meagre amount of money you get for the fins and the huge damage you caused to the marine ecosystem you have to be a moron to do such a thing and, unfortunately, these people from the southern Philippines are morons and one of the laziest people I have came across and they will always be poor because they killed the very resources that suppose to sustain their livelihood.
It is a sickening trade and the Sabah government should impose a ban on shark finning.It has successfully banned the collection and consumption of turtle eggs, the same can be done to this awfully cruel trade.
There is no nutritional value in shark fins.Stop the buying and the killing will stop too.
Happening right on our doorsteps.The slaughter of this most unnecessary way of earning a livelihood. This is the way they live and the only way they know how to supplement their meagre income.This is where poverty plays destructive role on nature and the environment.This is were government failed.This is where we have Fisheries Department that is completely dysfunctional and headed by idiots who sat on their arses and do nothing to educate the fishing community on the proper way to fish to protect the marine ecosystem and maintain sustainable balance of the resources.
From fish bombing, cyanide poisoning to slaughter of sharks,whale sharks,turtles and many other endangered marine species, the authorities have done nothing to bring this most shameful act under control.They only jump out from their slumber when something like this came to light and, shamefully, it is always concerned citizens or even more shameful, visiting tourists, who exposed such undesirable act. The Fisheries Department, Marine Police and those given the responsibility to police the sea and look out for such illegal activities are big bloody disgrace.They are always the last to know, when the damage are already done.
The recent discovery of shark finning in Mabul on regular basis is going to cause grievous damage to the marine ecology in the surrounding waters of Sipadan Island. The photos are evidence of the active participation of villagers on Mabul, a fishing community of lazy fishermen, who resort to the laziest way of catching fish, either bomb,poison or do what you see in the photographs.
Click to enlarge
Some may think it is all right to kill sharks just for their fins and discard the rest of the body.Considering the meagre amount of money you get for the fins and the huge damage you caused to the marine ecosystem you have to be a moron to do such a thing and, unfortunately, these people from the southern Philippines are morons and one of the laziest people I have came across and they will always be poor because they killed the very resources that suppose to sustain their livelihood.
It is a sickening trade and the Sabah government should impose a ban on shark finning.It has successfully banned the collection and consumption of turtle eggs, the same can be done to this awfully cruel trade.
There is no nutritional value in shark fins.Stop the buying and the killing will stop too.
Many UMNO Leaders Seen At SAPP's Do.
Hantu Laut
Sabahans are known for their friendliness, generosity, hospitality and less partisan in politics.These harmonious relations can be seen at major festivals, religious or otherwise and putting politics aside, where Sabahans visited or hosted friends and foes with courtesy and civility.Religion had never been a dividing force for Sabahans.
At the SAPP's Chinese New Year open house many leaders from UMNO Sabah can be seen visiting its President Yong Teck Lee.Most of the UMNO leaders were from the ethnic association called USBO (United Sabah Bajau Association) let by its President Salleh Keruak. Also seen was Tun Sakaran Dandai, the President of USIA (United Sabah Islamic Association).The one that raised an eyebrow was Unity,Culture,Arts and Heritage Minister Shafie Apdal, who is reputedly close to Najib and rumored to be the future Chief Minister of Sabah when Najib becomes the prime minister.Others from the BN was Bernard Dompok and Edward Khoo and from PKR Jeffery Kitingan.
Some political analysts said something may be brewing on the political horizon.SAPP might be considering returning to the BN after Abdullah's departure.I think it was just normal visits on a festive occasion but than in politics any thing can happen.
Since most of the UMNO members who were there were from USBO.Is something brewing in USBO ?
Only its President Salleh Keruak would know, who is also rumoured to be wanting to become chief minister again.
After his disastrous term of zero economic development for the state that would be bringing back the Achillis heel and setting the clock back.
Sabahans are known for their friendliness, generosity, hospitality and less partisan in politics.These harmonious relations can be seen at major festivals, religious or otherwise and putting politics aside, where Sabahans visited or hosted friends and foes with courtesy and civility.Religion had never been a dividing force for Sabahans.
At the SAPP's Chinese New Year open house many leaders from UMNO Sabah can be seen visiting its President Yong Teck Lee.Most of the UMNO leaders were from the ethnic association called USBO (United Sabah Bajau Association) let by its President Salleh Keruak. Also seen was Tun Sakaran Dandai, the President of USIA (United Sabah Islamic Association).The one that raised an eyebrow was Unity,Culture,Arts and Heritage Minister Shafie Apdal, who is reputedly close to Najib and rumored to be the future Chief Minister of Sabah when Najib becomes the prime minister.Others from the BN was Bernard Dompok and Edward Khoo and from PKR Jeffery Kitingan.
Some political analysts said something may be brewing on the political horizon.SAPP might be considering returning to the BN after Abdullah's departure.I think it was just normal visits on a festive occasion but than in politics any thing can happen.
Since most of the UMNO members who were there were from USBO.Is something brewing in USBO ?
Only its President Salleh Keruak would know, who is also rumoured to be wanting to become chief minister again.
After his disastrous term of zero economic development for the state that would be bringing back the Achillis heel and setting the clock back.
Friday, January 30, 2009
UMNO's Woes:Pak Lah's Patchwork
Hantu Laut
Can you do politics without money? The answer would be 'yes' if it was yesterday but 'no' if it is today.Why so ? Because yesterday's politic was an honourable profession, people joined out of sincerity and pride to serve.Desire to serve the people, country and king. Ultimately, to do good and took pride in one's achievements and be remembered for having done good.The benevolence of politics rang louder before under Tengku,Razak,Hussein and even Mahathir, whatever sins he may have committed in the eyes of certain people. Today's politic stings and smell of pecuniary interests.
Today's politics attract different breed of cattle. It's like bees to honey, attract all kind of opportunists from the good, the bad and to the ugly.From the squeaky crooks to hopeless professionals.
First, let us look as to the motives of joining UMNO.Why are the Malays fighting tooth and nail for positions in the party? Who's to blame for the mad scramble to be office-bearers in the party and what are the rewards.
UMNO is business ! Big business!.You don't have to be smart to be in UMNO, you just need to be cunning, the more cunning you are the better it is, even better if you have that bit of kampong slyness in you.Then you look brazenly indomitable and intimidating.If you have gift of the gab and master of the glib than that will put you ten steps ahead of your nearest rival.The ultimate, the best of all, is if you have some money to invest, than you don't need the rest, the money will do the talking for you.Once you are inside the chamber of plenty the money you spent, your investment, will multiply thousand times and the return is immeasurable.
That's why money politics is rampant in the party.It's just irresistible.This regime of easy acquisition of wealth is not the fault of the rank and file, it's the fault of the leadership.They allowed it mainly to benefit themselves and those close to them.Now, it had become a monster they can't control.
The people are not stupid they can see how the ruling elites treated the nation's Treasury as their own coffers.How easy and how quickly one can become wealthy if one is prepared to sit in the rogues gallery.For some, they don't even have to be UMNO members, just hang on to the branches like flying foxes and with a bit of patience, perseverance and skin as thick as that of a buffalo hide, the pot of gold would come by.
UMNO is the route to El Dorado and it is for the taking, the first one to reach it will get bigger share, the slower ones might just get the crumbs or a crumb of hope.The windfall is guaranteed once you reach certain level in the party hierarchy.
Why is Pak Lah wasting time asking the MACC to nap the foot soldiers and washing dirty linens in public, bringing more shame and disrepute to an already tainted and disreputable party.Everyone knows almost everyone of those vying for positions in the party have dirty hands, none are less guilty than the others.Nap some and leave the rest out, what kind of message is he sending out to party members.
What's the use of the party Disciplinary Committee if it can't handle its own problems.The present Chairman Tengku Ahmad Rithauddin is too antiquated for the post and should have been made to retire long ago.He is just not cut for the job and is none the wiser.His recent call for the party to abolish the Putera, Puteri, Wanita and Youths wings to get rid of corruptions shows how bankrupt of ideas he is.He might as well ask for UMNO to be completely abolished as proposed by another antiquated and delirious politician, Lim Kit Siang of DAP.
Public perception is not going to change because he is not looking at the bigger picture.The people are not interested in what is happening in UMNO, they are interested in what is happening in government and the nation. This 'wanted to be seen doing something for change' is knocking on the wrong doors.It has not and would not achieve anything else other than opening the Pandora's Box.
The only hope UMNO has to salvage its sunken image is to have a thorough spring cleaning, head to toe.Selected patchwork is not going to help salvage the sunken wreck no matter how much historical treasures went down with it.
In accounting term, UMNO has a very sick looking 'Balance Sheet', it is too high gearing, it has more liabilities than assets and it has wiped out its net asset and the shares are worthless.In another word it is bankrupt and needs rehabilitation.
Remove your hand from the till, govern with fairness, transparency and accountability.
That's all what the people is asking for.
Can you do politics without money? The answer would be 'yes' if it was yesterday but 'no' if it is today.Why so ? Because yesterday's politic was an honourable profession, people joined out of sincerity and pride to serve.Desire to serve the people, country and king. Ultimately, to do good and took pride in one's achievements and be remembered for having done good.The benevolence of politics rang louder before under Tengku,Razak,Hussein and even Mahathir, whatever sins he may have committed in the eyes of certain people. Today's politic stings and smell of pecuniary interests.
Today's politics attract different breed of cattle. It's like bees to honey, attract all kind of opportunists from the good, the bad and to the ugly.From the squeaky crooks to hopeless professionals.
First, let us look as to the motives of joining UMNO.Why are the Malays fighting tooth and nail for positions in the party? Who's to blame for the mad scramble to be office-bearers in the party and what are the rewards.
UMNO is business ! Big business!.You don't have to be smart to be in UMNO, you just need to be cunning, the more cunning you are the better it is, even better if you have that bit of kampong slyness in you.Then you look brazenly indomitable and intimidating.If you have gift of the gab and master of the glib than that will put you ten steps ahead of your nearest rival.The ultimate, the best of all, is if you have some money to invest, than you don't need the rest, the money will do the talking for you.Once you are inside the chamber of plenty the money you spent, your investment, will multiply thousand times and the return is immeasurable.
That's why money politics is rampant in the party.It's just irresistible.This regime of easy acquisition of wealth is not the fault of the rank and file, it's the fault of the leadership.They allowed it mainly to benefit themselves and those close to them.Now, it had become a monster they can't control.
The people are not stupid they can see how the ruling elites treated the nation's Treasury as their own coffers.How easy and how quickly one can become wealthy if one is prepared to sit in the rogues gallery.For some, they don't even have to be UMNO members, just hang on to the branches like flying foxes and with a bit of patience, perseverance and skin as thick as that of a buffalo hide, the pot of gold would come by.
UMNO is the route to El Dorado and it is for the taking, the first one to reach it will get bigger share, the slower ones might just get the crumbs or a crumb of hope.The windfall is guaranteed once you reach certain level in the party hierarchy.
Why is Pak Lah wasting time asking the MACC to nap the foot soldiers and washing dirty linens in public, bringing more shame and disrepute to an already tainted and disreputable party.Everyone knows almost everyone of those vying for positions in the party have dirty hands, none are less guilty than the others.Nap some and leave the rest out, what kind of message is he sending out to party members.
What's the use of the party Disciplinary Committee if it can't handle its own problems.The present Chairman Tengku Ahmad Rithauddin is too antiquated for the post and should have been made to retire long ago.He is just not cut for the job and is none the wiser.His recent call for the party to abolish the Putera, Puteri, Wanita and Youths wings to get rid of corruptions shows how bankrupt of ideas he is.He might as well ask for UMNO to be completely abolished as proposed by another antiquated and delirious politician, Lim Kit Siang of DAP.
Public perception is not going to change because he is not looking at the bigger picture.The people are not interested in what is happening in UMNO, they are interested in what is happening in government and the nation. This 'wanted to be seen doing something for change' is knocking on the wrong doors.It has not and would not achieve anything else other than opening the Pandora's Box.
The only hope UMNO has to salvage its sunken image is to have a thorough spring cleaning, head to toe.Selected patchwork is not going to help salvage the sunken wreck no matter how much historical treasures went down with it.
In accounting term, UMNO has a very sick looking 'Balance Sheet', it is too high gearing, it has more liabilities than assets and it has wiped out its net asset and the shares are worthless.In another word it is bankrupt and needs rehabilitation.
Remove your hand from the till, govern with fairness, transparency and accountability.
That's all what the people is asking for.
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