a woof woof issue

DAY by day I am beginning to realise PAS seems to have more common sense then the current ruling party (BN).
While I still do not agree with their objective of creating an fully Islamic state (which will lead to no cinema’s, bistros or other form of entertainment joints), but it looks Abdullah Badawi’s Islam Hadari seems to be no better then what PAS has been striving for thus far. Among others is naming the country and Islamic county.
Fact: It is only stated in our constitution that Islam is the primary religion of the country. Period.
Nevertheless, PAS took me by surprise with their open minded-ness in the killings of dogs in Seremban. Its commissioner Dr Rosli Yaakop was spot on to generate the true identity of Islam- that it doesn’t condone unlawful killing to any form of Allah’s creation, including dogs. It was reported 13 dogs were shot by the Seremban Municipal Council. In Seremban, owners are allowed to keep a maximum of two dogs per house.
However, I still curse PAS for killing of the beautiful Malay culture especially in the arts scene (eg. wayang kulit). Irony, Islam doesn’t believe in bomohs but yet the Malays seem to resolve their problems; from love issues to striking lottery by frequenting a bomoh. Haram and halal at their own whims and fancies….Sigh!
Try conversing with several Muslims around you and I bet 9 out 10 of them don’t know what is the main issue surrounding dogs, pigs and lizards (all claimed to be ‘haram’ animals). Most will give you different answers but all conclude the same- they have been drilled to despise such animals. In fact some have been honest to confess their respective religions teachers have drilled ‘myths’, belittling other religions as well. Very Un-Islamic I must say.
Checks online brought me closer to the truth. Dogs, like any other of God’s creation ought not to be despised by any sane Islam man or woman; as mentioned in http://www.islamicconcern.com/dogs.asp and http://www.submission.org/pets/dogs2.html. Heck, even the leader of Islamic country Pakistan, General Perez Musharaff keeps two dogs while it is a norm of Muslims to keep dogs in every other part of the world. Also, if you can’t keep them, it does not give you the right to mistreat them.
Every religion, including Islam is pure. It is men who screw it all up with their own interpretations, thus giving society a narrow definition of the whole concept. Maybe they ought to follow the teachings in proper order, and soon realise people will accept them even better then before.

Note: The author mantains his fullest respect towards all religions practiced by society.

-The Man Who Sold The World-

investment or sheer waste? -Part 2

And the print media has spoken.
Only Chris Sayer of Traxx Fm spoke on a positive tone during his short time on air at 10.05pm last night.
TV3 ran another series in questioning the setting up of the High Performance Centre in Hertfordshire, England and even ran an sms poll, which saw 95% of the supposed Malaysian voters NOT in favour of the centre.
However, the queries of the media is true to a certain extent, why bother speaking about something which the NSC has no clue of what's the next step. And if there were to be plans, why all the secreacy?
Also, how much has been pumped in to racky the place and consult the people wanting the project to kick start? Is it a transit point or a training centre, or merely just a hostel?
So much so now people are starting to question Youth and Sports Minister's Datuk Azalina Othman's 'decision' during her tenure. The investment of the paper Malaysian Today and now this. What's next?
Details below have yet to be answered as well;
1. Why London? No athletes of ours have seen the expertise of a Brit let alone camped there for training.
NSC Answer: Why waste so much of land at the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre when it could be used for sports as well.
2. Why can't we train in Malaysia and excel?
NSC Answer: Athletes perform well and will be able to suit to the climate.
Point to ponder....the heat in Africa is even worse but yet their athletes shine. Brazil is also located on the equator but yet are sports giants.
3. Is it justified to use RM490 million?
NSC: No! But if over the span of 10 years...hmmm....
4. Will this undermine Bukit Jalil Stadium?
NSC: No response
Point to ponder.....the money projected should not be focused in London alone but also dumped at the Bukit Jalil Stadia. This will ensure the management of the stadium allows schools to rent the facilities instead of a proposed complete ban starting from next year. Note, concerts are given the green light...sigh!

Hope NSC director general Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz's words that the grassroots will not be left out come true. And hopefully all this will come to a fairy tale ending...(giving NSC the benefit of the doubt).

Picture caption- Ramlan briefing the press on the centre last last Thursday. Note the highlighted area on the map.

-The Man Who Sold The World-

investement or sheer waste? - Part 1

WILL RM490 million be spent after all?
This was the main issue boggling the minds of many at the National Sports Council (NSC) earlier this evening (4.00pm) as the council’s director general Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz spoke to the press with regards to the issue.
And many were surprised with the outcome- Ramlan was quoted saying, “No where was there a statement issued by any authority with regards of the total amount set to be spent on a High Performace Athlete Centre in Hertfordshire, England”.
“Personally, it would be ridiculous to spend so much,” added Ramlan, brother of Malaysian Idol critical judge Roslan Aziz.
Let us rewind for better clarification. Democratic Action Party (DAP) main man Lim Kit Siang questioned Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman on the supposed RM490 million which her ministry is set to splurge on a centre based miles away. Kit Siang obtained his information based on the Singapore Straits Times (which seems to know more about Malaysia then the Malaysian Press…hmm..Siti’s wedding, bullet train by YTL, Mahathir’s bout…etc).
In Azalina's reply statement in Parliament, she denied any form of amount being used, stating the whole idea is in the midst of discussion. Later in another meet the media session, Azalina was quoted saying; “If RM490 million were to be used within the span of 10 years….”, an indication that not all the almost half a billion Ringgit will be used in one go. However, this was misinterpreted by the print media. This brought about to many parties questioning the governments’ decision in spending ‘too much’ on something not even located in the country.
This raised more eyebrows when earlier this morning, the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Najib Tun Razak, who is in Bangkok, said the government will not back down from this idea.
Nevertheless, during this conference at NSC, Ramlan mentioned no budget has been projected with regards to the centre thus far. This is due to the fact the centre will actually be housed in the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre, which is said to be currently owned by the ‘Lembaga Getah Malaysia’. The land was bought by the Malaysian government in 1971 for the purpose of rubber research.
Apparently, it is said there is a clause embedded in the contract between the Malaysian government and the current owners that the land will not be used for any other purposes with the exception of research. Also, it is up to the members of the board to decide and not for Lembaga Getah’s director general to allow the NSC to house their athletes.
However, Ramlan was bullish in acquiring the agreement from the current land owners, saying Lembaga Getah Malaysia is a government controlled unit. It must be agreed Ramlan’s detailed explanation with regards to the centre- which already has an under utilised football field, a cricket oval and reputable squash and badminton halls within the area- made a whole lot of sense. Also, the local county council are strict in their building regulations and even if NSC wanted to build another KLCC, it will be shot down. The current buildings have been classified as Class 2 Heritage structure by the council and thus cannot be removed or demolished.
What many failed to realised is that millions can be saved on transportation costs, hiring of coaches (don’t have to worry about accommodation and transport claims) and most importantly the time factor.
But why London? Squash queen Nicol Ann David is based in Amsterdam, cyclist Josiah Ng in the USA and national runner Norsheela Khalid is currently in Germany. Ramlan said it’s not all about honing the skills but also seen as a ‘forward base’ for the athletes.
“If they have two major competitions in Europe, we can save on flight tickets if they have a transit point in that continent. Furthermore, these athletes can learn a sense of responsibility instead of the cully molly attitude seen here,” Ramlan added.
This is certainly a plus point. Also the fact that not much will be spent on foreign expertise and locals can be sent there to further their skills- as coaches or researches. And since Ramlan has given his word of not depriving the grassroots at the expense of the setting up of this centre, then the Malaysian public have little to worry.
In fact, a pilot phase has already begun last month as the back up squash side was sent there. Snooker junior Moh Keen Hoo will be one of the many who would be happy with the setting up there as his wish to play in the English professional circuit could once again be a reality (his earlier stint didn’t materialise due to the short time frame and expense borne by the NSC). All said and done, the idea seems noble, but should not be done at the expense of the local athletes and the rakyat’s money. And the NSC ought to come up with better objectives to further calm the people’s fears on the whole project.
It would be years from now but there is a possibility for Malaysian athletes to make London as a ‘home away from home’.

p/s: Kudos to Chris Sayer from Traxx FM for his gentlemanly approach during the press conference. Sayer certainly put most reporters to shame. And one wonders what the press might have to say in tomorrow's papers. RTM1 played it passive with TV3 taking an opposite approach. Hmmm....

-The Man Who Sold The World-

education...is it ever enough?

IS education really important?
According to ‘Dictionary.com’, education means knowledge or skills obtained or developed by a learning process. In Latin, it means to train, to raise or to bring up.
Some argue education begins even before birth, via the actions of the parents which results in the child picking up a thing or two. This is how the process of education started, when the adults taught the younger ones on how to hunt, to pick fruits and even to make fire.
Nevertheless, there are many forms of education, loosely divided between formal and in formal education. Formal education, as in a proper schooling system, was evident in Egypt between 3000 and 500BC. Chinese students strived to make an impact as during the 200BC the imperial examination system was introduced. These are the very few instances which show formal education has made an impact ever since civilisation was born.
In fact, in most well governed nations, education plays top priority due to the fact it affects the public (or better known as the voters). Nevertheless, in today’s society, education is interpreted as being a scholar. The paper chase has made such an impact that society today view education in the sense of completing a certain requirement in order to obtain a certain qualification. This is best said as the paper chase.
While the numbers of applicants to universities begin to increase, the reasoning could be due to the increasing population. Nevertheless, many would argue the standards of education or the fact of acquiring education today is not as prestige compared to decades ago. Also, the paper chase mentality has created some societies (especially Asians) into examination monsters, whereby every single sense of education is only with regards to the examinations and nothing else. Thus, this explains the lacking of a thinking society. Foreigners love to invest here for two reasons; the value of our currency (compared to the American Dollar) and good workers. The term good workers here simply mean Asians are good workers but are never ambitious to become bosses. It will be wrong to generalise as some Asians have made it big. In Malaysia itself we have several big names who have made it into the richest bloke list as well.
Nevertheless, the concept of education via examinations is totally wrong and there is a dire need to change the concept. It is strange actually to see most Chinese and Indian parents forcing education upon their off springs with tuition classes coupled with piano and drama recitals. Guess it is part of the Asian culture as the Chinese then strived to make it into the imperial administration while the Indians felt government officers led a more stable and secured life. These are the same group of people who would shun the government service upon graduating.
Upon graduation, some pursue a masters degree, hoping to obtain a five figured pay scale only to be disappointed with interviews stating they are ‘over qualified’. Then these same group of people claim injustice as they have been played out by so called ‘unqualified or uneducated’ peers.
Such a judgement is very shallow as at times education cannot be obtained within the four walls of a classroom. In today’s job market, many industry see the need to have a more hands on approach, thus communication and body skills are instrumental. Also, diplomacy helps in the office environment filled with politicking.
To be fair to fresh graduates, companies too ought to change their policy in allowing room for graduates to learn the relevant fields. Clauses in adverts stating ‘at least 2 years experience’ ought to be removed and they ought to realise if they don’t give them a chance, who will.
All said and done, education is important, whether formal or otherwise. One should not be degraded just because he has no certificates or graduation photos pinned up in the house. Also, graduates ought to lower their expectations and believe everything good is an added bonus instead. Only then, will our unemployed graduates realise jobs are aplenty in the market and their arrogance and ignorance has cause them a spot in ‘enjoying’ working life.

-The Man Who Sold The World-

Uncreaming stupidity-The fall of a star

WHAT WENT WRONG?

was it a racist remark, insults to his family or was it just utter stupidity?Have your say in this poll. do leave your remarks and the best answer will get an all expense lunch paid for at a famous hawker centre in kl.

pic courtesy of bbc.co.uk

-about a girl-

King Kahn

EVEN kings cannot be satisfied.
He was once voted as the ugliest footballer, sued a dildo manufacturer for using his name (Oli K) and even left his eight month pregnant wife Simone for a former barmaid Verena Kerth which led to a public outcry.
Personal stories aside, Oliver Kahn, stands tall (1.88m to be exact) as being one of the most influential goalkeepers of this era.
Kahn will be best remembered during the 2002 Japan-Korea World Cup, pocketing the Best Player and Yashin Award despite the likes of Brazilian star Ronaldo scoring eight goals throughout the tournament. Kahn only missed three goals throughout Germany's trip to the finals, two of which were scored by Brazil in the finals itself to win the cup.
However, ‘King Kahn’ will fail to leave the scene on a high note. Despite three appearances in the World Cup, Germany’s numero uno man has yet to feel the satisfaction of lifting the 18 carat, 36 cm and almost 5kg (4.97kg to be exact) trophy.
It was only in the 2002 edition Kahn played as the man between the posts for the national squad in the World Cup series. In 1998, Kahn was benched for then goalkeeper Andreas Kopke while the 2006 edition sees Arsenal’s main man Jens Lehmann holding the fort.
However, later this evening will be Kahn’s final appearance in the World Cup as the German side plays Portugal in the 3rd and 4th playoffs, en route to earning his 86th cap, thanks to the generosity of coach and former international Jurgen Klismann who was quoted saying it would be unfair to not give Kahn such an opportunity for the last time.
Once the Bundesliga commences, he will mark his 500th appearance with Bavarian club Bayern Munich, whom he has been with since the 1995/1996 season. Kahn is set to leave football for good within two years time.
While Kahn will not be able to end his career on a high note as he expected, he is and will be the most influential goalkeeper of all time. There are very few individuals have made an impact in the international scene- Columbia’s Rene Higuita (best known for his scorpion kick), Paraguay’s Jose Chilavert and Mexico’s legend Jorge Campos- and Kahn surely deserves to be among the best the world has ever seen.
All the best to King Kahn and hope he will be able to troop off Stugart Stadium later tonight on a clean sheet coupled with a standing ovation. Danke und gutes gluck Konig Kahn!

-The Man Who Sold The World-

shut up!

IS a person considered ‘bad’ despite telling the truth?
Leave aside the current Dr M and Pak Lah tussle and lets look into our daily lives, how such instances effect us and how we as ‘the average joes’ deal with it.
Everyone of us have been in a situation where the other party has no idea of what the topic is all about, yet thrive to make a mark of authority. When questioned, the other party brushes off, either politely or harshly.
Personally, fire + fire = more fire, so at times the phrase silence is golden is best said. Nevertheless, how long can a person keep mum over something which is so wrong or silly as a matter of fact.
Even, we as ‘average joes’ find it tough handling friends and families. Now proportionate the magnitude to running a country and it gets even uglier.
Point to ponder, should a person who speaks the truth be seen as the ‘bad’ man? It today’s society it seems to be so, as people hate to be corrected and even better, people hate to be told they are plain dumb despite the fact they are dumb.
Now this leaves a mind boggling question; should people be corrected and make enemies, or leave things as it is only to see the destruction of another? Not so obvious an answer as many of us prefer the latter approach no thanks to our ‘licking the butt’ mentality.
Can I be blamed for telling someone off knowing for the fact the other person is all full of crap? It seems so but I prefer doing so then to live like a hypocrite. On the take of the former versus current premier, it’s for you to decide.
Too much has been said about it and every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to have an answer towards the issue. These are the same people who can’t even raise a proper family, teach their children some manners and love their wives as how they once promised. Hypocrisy at its best.
The only solution to all this- if people knew their substance a little better, and paid more interest towards the subject matter then less argumentative conversations would take place. But then again, that’s now how most people are brought up to be. Silence is golden….and speak when there is substance. Otherwise, shut up and learn!

-The Man Who Sold The World-