Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Are we humans causing global warming? Are you sure?


I waited until the day after ‘Earth Hour’ before placing this message in my Facebook.

‘Anas knows that Global Warming is a natural environmental change process repeated since the beginning of time; and the propaganda that human activities CO2 emissions is the main reason for Global Warming is one of the biggest bullshit in human history. It also shows that we humans have a false belief that we are far more significant than the Sun and Mother Nature’

Let me explain.

My second sister Aini (kakDek) brought back a globe for my nephew Erza the last time she balik kampong to Malaysia last hari raya. For reasons I cannot recall, that globe now is residing in my house.

The globe is bluer than any other color, obviously, as the earth’s surface is more water than land. If I were to use a marker pen and mark areas where we humans are actively living in, the majority of the earth will still be empty of people.

I boil water on a daily basis, you know for drinks, telur setengah masak, etc. I began to wonder, how long and what kind of heater do we need to boil(heat up) all the water from the sea and land on mother earth? I sometimes cook too. Now, how big a fire will I need to heat up all the land mass too? Now how about the air around us? Really ...can the last 40 – 50 years of human activities like industry, driving our loveable cars and riding of motorbikes do that? Hmm... kind of tak masuk akal...

The globe my sister bought is a really good one. It has not a flat surface. Instead areas where the land mass is higher like the mountains you have somewhat pimple like swelling. So like some human faces, the earth has loads of pimples. Some are still alive, the volcanoes. One of those pimples erupted in 1883, the Krakatao of Indonesia.

The ‘boom’ was heard 4600km away! The dust from the eruption fell as far as 2,500 km away. The finer fragments flew high into the stratosphere, spreading like cloud across the entire equatorial within two weeks. They remain suspended in the atmosphere for years to come, earth’s temperature drop several degrees for years. One pimple eruption from mother earth can cause that. Imagine if she farts! Do we really think we are that significant?

You know what, I am not a scientist. But, like all other humans, God gave me common sense. (Thank you, God!). We need to just look up for the answer, no not in prayer, look up at the sun. I think if there is any heater capable of heating the earth, its water and atmosphere, IT WOULD BE THE SUN!

That does not mean that I condone wasteful behavior. But I definitely, do not condone that we blindly follow the majority. Scientist, politicians, pressure groups, and religious leaders, included.

Now, go switch off your lights, he!he!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Tiger Meat and Parts for sale in Penang?


I grew up in Penang. A colourful state with colourful people, but, within the rainbow we also have some weirdness - some good and some bad ones.

While I am glad that the Penang State Government is thinking out of the box, but I would like to throw caution towards the idea of having a tiger park. While many parties have given various reasons for disagreeing with the idea, but they missed one very important downside; Tiger meat and parts as food, aphrodisiac, tangkai dan sebagainya...

When I was a little boy, during an excursion to Balik Pulau, I chanced upon four Malaysian brothers sitting in a corner of the durian plantation plucking out the brains of a monkey (macaque actually) with chop sticks downing it with brandy. The poor mammal was still alive - eyes rolling, head stuck in a hole made at the centre of the round table while the rest of its body hanging beneath the table, in frantic motion.

They first shaved its head, used a chisel and meticulously carved the skull out an almost perfect square ... and down it while exclaiming “ Ho liou lo....Ho liou lo!”

I will not be surprised if by now some Penang kakis are already planning to market Tiger paw, Tiger meat, Tiger KuKu Chiou, Tiger tongue, Tiger blood, Tiger satay, Tiger Kut Teh etc inviting customers from near (Penang market) and far (as far as Beijing or Taiwan). Get it?

But let’s not kill the idea. Instead of thinking big with Tiger, think small ... how about 40 ha of herbs,spice and special plants like traditional South East Asian ubat-ubat tradisional... the herb and spice corner at Batu Feringgi for example is really cool to visit... make that BIGGER AND INTERNATIONAL.

My Tagline for Penang is - "Keep Penang as Penang, please"

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Wil Yeo or Wil Yeo Not?

Of late I have been encouraging my corporate and business owner friends to blog about the Malaysia’s socio-political and economics situation. It is always good to hear and listen to feedback from a larger group of people and organizations.

One such person is Wilfred Yeo, a client – participant, now a friend. His blog has a witty name “ Wil Yeo or Wil Yeo Not?”. Wilfred has just written “Let the show begin”, it is about the current economic situation. He wrote,


“My last trip to Singapore was a few months back. I was window shopping and I noticed droves of people trying to enter into designer outlets. Yes, they literally needed to queue and I wondered to myself where the recession was? I shared this with Jessie and she jokingly said that these were not Singaporeans but Mainland Chinese, when I said that they were mostly dressed in shorts. The point I am driving here is, our friends from Kiasuland acknowledges that the recession has hit their shores and they have been taking measures ...

To read more click here
http://wilfred-yeo.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

An Alternative to the Keris

I read in the Malaysian Insider that outgoing Umno Youth chief Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein will reprise the controversial keris act. I sure hope he reconsider taking alternative actions.

(http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/20994-hishamuddin-to-show-keris-again)

I have an alternative idea. Instead of the Keris, I suggest, use a book as the symbol. You may want to print a picture of the Keris on the book cover for ‘kesinambungan’ of the old symbol to the new. The Keris will not be able to take the Malays far, but knowledge can. The Quran’s first word to mankind is to ‘Read’(Quran 96:1) and we are ask to pray “ My Lord, Increase me in Knowledge “ (Quran 20:114).

Furthermore, such a call using a book as a symbol will not only go well with the Malays but also our other brother and sister Malaysians. The Chinese for example shares similar values as Confucius suggested that “if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”.

It will not just be good but also smart for Malaysian leaders to find values that are shared by all even when talking to their specific group. If Hishamudin wants to be the PM someday, it is not enough to have the support and the follower-ship of the Malays, he will also need the support and the following of the Indians, Chinese and not to forget Sabahans and Sarawakian, too.

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Malay Agenda - by Tun Dr Mahathir

I have strong convictions that this speech by Tun Dr Mahathir will form the Malay agenda in the next few years. It will unite the Malays, bring stability back to Malaysia (This country will not be stable unless the Malays are united, read our history and you will understand why – also read about Sri Lanka to see the equivalent – especially what can and may happen if the main grouping in a country is split and at each other’s throat – war and the usage of the other groupings as punching bags! ).

Tun outlined in precise and simple language (if you understand the Malays and Malay Culture you will understand better the innuendoes he has embedded in his text) what is now in the hearts of the Malay masses, gave reasons, supported with historical events, gave them emotions and the spirit to pull together the millions of Malay hearts out there and making them ONE.

I do not think Tun is finish yet. This is just a beginning of a larger campaign. Tun, I envision is working to put back Malaysia on the correct footing by first cleansing, re-energising and re-modelling and enhancing the major group in Malaysia, the Malays.

While personally I wish we can work on all the races at once, I guess pragmatism in today’s politics demands the other.

Tun , thank you Sir!

To read the text of his speech -
http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/tun-dr-mahathir-melayu-perlu-usaha-untuk-ubah-nasib-dalam-cabaran-globalisasi

Constitutional Monarchy

We value food not bullets, clothes not uniforms,
homes not barracks. - The Tunku

At UM, I studied Economics, majoring in Public Administration – meaning I studied many papers dealing with Malaysian Politics. While I was always either absent or half asleep during the economy classes, especially macro and micro (I find this amazingly ironic because in my late 20s and early 30s I found them exceptionally interesting especially macroeconomics as I read them on my own! It takes a lot of talent to make those subjects boring. Kudos to the lecturers! ) I was an exemplary student of politics.

One of my favourite subjects was Malaysia’s Political Structure. We had some really good lecturers too, Shabery Cheek the current Minister of Information, Michael Ong who I think is Kit Siang’s good friend(I borrowed many of Michael Ong’s books especially Kit Siang’s writings and every of the books has Kit’s signature and wishes on them, I still keep the photostated copies hehe!!!) Firdaus Abdullah who was also a poet and many others.

I read many paper and books, attended hundreds of talks, forums and discussions about Malaysian Politics, History and Culture not because of the exams but because I found them drop dead interesting.

The Malaysian Constitution for example is an extraordinary document. Our history of Merdeka , how Tunku and Gang’s patience and cooperation in realizing our freedom without much fuss, shedding of blood nor riot is something I found not just as a blessing, but almost a modern day miracle. What’s waiting a few years if the results is saving human lives and arriving at a political system where civilians are the kingmakers instead of the military? When the British left us, we parted as friends. Compare all these with the other colonies and their history and we will appreciate better this country we call Malaysia.

One of the uniqueness of this history and what we have today is our democracy of a constitutional monarchy. A special system we inherited but today not appreciated by a good many that do not understand nor are aware of its beauty.

Here's an article taken from THE STAR about the subject that is worth reading.

Sunday March 22, 2009
The democracy of a constitutional monarchy
By SYED HAIZAM JAMALULLAIL and TUNKU ‘ABIDIN MUHRIZ

THE Conference of Rulers, a unique gathering of monarchs with origins in the Durbar of 1897, convened for the 216th time last week since its first meeting in this format on Aug 31, 1948. Throughout its history, it has made many important decisions as required by the Constitution, and has acted as a check-and-balance in the interplay between the branches of government.

Click here to continue http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/22/focus/3484321&sec=focus

Friday, March 20, 2009

Warren Buffett’s Advice for 2009

Hard work: All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. (At least make your investments get you second earning)

Spending: If you buy things you don’t need, you’ll soon sell things you need.

Savings: Don’t save what is left after spending; Spend what is left after saving.

Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

Accounting: It’s no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

Auditing: Beware of little expenses; A small leak can sink a large ship.

Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both feet. (Have an alternate plan ready)

Investment: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

note : do the above all the time, not just for 2009

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Dr Bala's Blog on Environment

Hi People! Dr Bala is a cool dude with an interesting take on the environment. You may want to have a look ... here's a snippet...Dr. Bala, wish you a great blogging time!


"Protecting the environment requires us to do more than just recycling our wastes and planting trees. Many of the root causes of environmental degradation lies in the way our nation?s Constitution is written, in the manner our laws are formulated, in the incentives that our taxation system provides, in the structure of government machinery and in the abysmal level of resources available for environmental protection ..."


At
www.planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com, Bala discusses current environmental management problems affecting Malaysia, articulates the real issues and root causes and offers glimpses of the ways forward.

New Politics 2012 ? What do you think?

If Obama can admit he ‘screwed up’, so can we
by

SLEDGEHAMMER
ADVERTISINGH
The Star Sat, 14-03-09

Marketing lessons from the world’s most successful political campaign.

WITH the coming Umno general assembly and the spectre of how elections play out in the country’s biggest political party, thoughts of what Roger Fisk, Obama’s former national events director, had to say about the politics of winning raced back to my mind. For a moment if we assume a political utopia in our midst and the next general election slated for 2012, here are some lessons I have paraphrased from the Obama campaign for our local political pundits to ponder on ...

The Younger Vote: A recent online poll by the Pulse Group, commissioned by Marketing magazine, asked 1,000 respondents in market centres if the power of youth would play a big role in the next general election. And a unanimous 96% agreed that youth will play a decisive role in the 2012 general election. The majority of the 4 million-plus citizens who were not registered as voters at the time of the last elections was in the age group between 21 and 35. Once they are convinced to be stakeholders in their political destiny, they will be the deciding vote.

Direct Talk: Obviously, nothing beats honesty and straight talk. It reveals that after all we are human. “I’m frustrated with myself, with our team. ... I’m here on television saying I screwed up,” Obama said in an interview on NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams. In reference to a couple of his key appointees, most notably former Senator Tom Daschle, Obama’s pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services, who stepped down after news broke he failed to pay nearly US$150,000 in back taxes. Even ad legend Bill Bernbach once said, “A little confession can get you a lot of compassion.”

Consistent Message: As Roger Fisk said, “We never had to wonder what our message was as Senator Obama always knew exactly what he wanted to say and where he wanted to take the country.” So flip-flopping is out, and sticking to a central core message is in. Call it brutal honesty, but the Pulse poll showed that 71% of respondents say our political players are detached from the realities of the day and what the electorate really wants.

Yesterday vs Tomorrow: 2012 will be a battle of yesterday against tomorrow and the respective ideologies. In the US elections, patriotism, experience and accomplishments were about yesterday. And “tomorrow” meant home and change. Taking a leaf out of that I’d say May 13 and communal politics are so yesterday. Tomorrow for us is about education, empowerment, openness and true independence of thought. Including inter-racial marriages.

New Media: No lengthy explanation required. John McCain does not use email. Period. The rest are in the facts: On Facebook, Obama has 2,379,102 supporters and McCain has 620,359 supporters. On MySpace, Obama has 833,161 friends and McCain 217,811 friends. On YouTube, Obama has 114,559 subscribers, McCain 28,419. And we wont even talk about Twitter!

Low Base Donors vs Money Politics: If the Obama formula of getting supporters to contribute small amounts of US$5 or US$10 to attend his rallies provided the impetus for his campaign to raise US$100mil in 11 months, the days of money politics may be over. You just cannot fight the power of the citizenry adding to the pot to fight the battle on fair ground. So maybe, we don’t have to pay people to attend rallies anymore.

Transparency: Obama launched www.recovery.gov so every American citizen can see where each dollar of the stimulus package is being spent. Citizens can track where every dollar goes on a daily basis. Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has also done transparency by declaring the assets of the state’s 10 executive councillors on their website yesterday. Assets declared include property, stocks and the amount of cash spent on official duties from March 24 last year – the date state assemblymen were sworn in – until now.

The good news is, according to the Pulse poll, 66% of Malaysians were upbeat that there was hope for change in the Malaysian political landscape in line with events that were happening around the globe, especially in the US.
Political pundits should also note that when the 1,000 respondents were asked what were their main sources of daily news, they cited newspapers (20%), television (20%), online newspapers (19%), blogs (14%), radio (13%), word of mouth (10%), RSS updates (3%) and Twitter 2%!

Harmandar Singh aka Ham (a family friend) is regional CEO of Sledgehammer Communications (M) Sdn Bhd

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Reason and Passion - Kahlil Gibran

Gibran's work The Prophet has been my favorite since the 80's. Here's Gibran on Reason and Passion.

And the priestess spoke again and said: "Speak to us of Reason and Passion."

And he answered saying:

Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against passion and your appetite.

Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul, that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody.


But how shall I, unless you yourselves be also the peacemakers, nay, the lovers of all your elements?

Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul.

If either your sails or our rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.

For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.

Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing;

And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.

I would have you consider your judgment and your appetite even as you would two loved guests in your house.

Surely you would not honour one guest above the other; for he who is more mindful of one loses the love and the faith of both.

Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars, sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows - then let your heart say in silence, "God rests in reason."

And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky, - then let your heart say in awe, "God moves in passion."

And since you are a breath In God's sphere, and a leaf in God's forest, you too should rest in reason and move in passion.

To read Gibran’s 'The Prophet' in its entirety click here -
http://leb.net/~mira/works/prophet/prophet.html


Malaysiakini – I wonder why?

I subscribe to Malaysiakini. Their tagline says, “News and views that matter ".

Yet there is no mention of my appeal letter (at all) calling for truce, which I really think that it does fall into “News and views that matter” as so many Malaysians seems to share the same feelings and thoughts. (I decided to make a search today. Malaysian Insider carried quite a few write up on it)

Almost every English speaking person I know have spoken and showed concern about it. The DPM even wrote an acknowlegdement about it at his blog and capped his 'mini budget' speech saying he has considered it. (The first national level politician that acknowledged and gave support to the letter was Dr Koh of GERAKAN).

So, I am curious. Why has Malaysiakini completely ignored it? Who owns Malaysiakini? Did someone direct them not to mention or acknowledge it? Are the people behind Malaysiakini against the call for truce?

Anyone can provide a rational explanation?

Hmm .. come to think of it ... the Malay dailies have been silent too ... ????? or did I missed it?

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Mukhriz Mahathir's Worldview of UMNO, Malay Dominance and Malaysia's Racial Balance

An interview by The Nut Graph with Mukhriz Mahathir. Highly suggest you read it.

Finally, I found a rational argument from an UMNO-BN man.

"Umno being the dominant party within the BN, right from the word go, we were open to, in fact we propagated this whole idea of power-sharing within the BN. And we defend that all the time by making sure that the number of seats allocated during the general election meets the requirements of all the parties involved.

Secondly, we do not practise a policy of assimilation. We consider the Malay culture as being the dominant one, but we do not force it on anyone. You do not see us going the way of Indonesia or Thailand, where other races are expected to immerse themselves into the dominant culture to the extent that their original cultures are nonexistent."

To continue click here - http://www.thenutgraph.com/mukhriz-malay-dominance-rights

Also read related articles by Dr Chandra here - http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2008/12/must-read-best-summary-of-our-ethnic.html

http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2008/12/revisiting-article-i-read-in-2006.html

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Interview with The SUN daily - 12-03-2009

Your ad was intended for politicians. What motivated you to do so?

Every company has to carry out its own corporate social responsibility initiatives. We have to do good for society. My company (training, development and consultancy firm Zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd) is in the business of promoting unity. We have been doing this for many years, especially during festivities and national celebrations when we place advertisements in the newspaper to promote unity among the different races. ....

Given the economic concerns, what should be done to brace for the downturn?


The BN government must make sure pump-priming goes to all states including those run by the Opposition. Even the business community shouldn’t pull back their investments. They must continue investing. Workers in organisations must be willing to work extra hard and make some sacrifices ...


click here to continue http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=31016

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

My note to Nik Nazmi

Bro, thanks for the article “anas, we hear you”. Though it would have been nicer if you spend less time selling your party and hanging shit on BN : D I guess you are just doing your job.

I would have been happier if you just agree to my plea at the end of the Dear Malaysian Politician appeal letter. Many of my friends who voted for the opposition are telling me they will not do the same the next time around, and a few are pist with your letter. You ended the letter negating my plea. Bro, Malaysians want truce, I hope both sides can comprehend this and act accordingly.

Anyway, I heard that you are a cool guy, I am glad. We need good people on both sides, BN and PR. Only way to make this country great is to have great leaders both in government and the opposition. I will vote a good person for MP and not care which party he or she is representing. That is the best way to raise the quality of Malaysian Politics.

Salam, anas

Note – Perhaps we should Teh Tarik some day

Nik Nazmi’s article http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/opinion/nik-nazmi-nik-ahmad/19870-anas-we-hear-you

Related article by Farish Noor
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/opinion/breaking-views/19926-one-year-older-one-year-wiser--farish-a-noor

It's the Economy, Sir!

REDUCING POLITICKING; FOCUSING UPON THE ECONOMIC CRISIS
by Dr Chandra Muzaffar
March 9, 2009

It is no coincidence that in the short span of 3 or 4 days Ruler after Ruler has expressed grave concern about the situation in the country. Their concern reflects the sentiments of the rakyat who are fed up with the excessive politicking that has characterized public life since the General Election of 8 March 2008.

Even people outside Malaysia --- as I discovered recently--- are astounded that leaders in government and the opposition are consumed with political manoeuvrings at a time when the whole world is focused upon the global economic crisis. Some of them are of the view that the antics of the politicians have brought Malaysia to the brink of political turmoil.

At the root of this politicking is the unbridled drive to acquire and enhance power, whatever the costs and consequences, among politicians on both sides of the divide at state and federal levels. Ethical principles mean little to them.

Their politics has not only created tension and antagonism, illustrated so starkly in the Perak crisis. It has also, it appears, increased corruption and abuse of power and has led to the further deterioration of ethnic relations. Intense politicking has also taken a toll upon certain institutions of governance such as the Election Commission, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Police and even the Judiciary.

Most of all, it has distracted our political leaders from concentrating upon the economy. With almost all exports – petroleum, palm oil, rubber, electrical and electronic goods—declining, unemployment escalating steeply, and the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) shrinking, the prognosis for the next few months is discouraging. Our leaders, regardless of party affiliation, should be responding to this Herculean challenge by implementing carefully thought-out policies and programmes that will ensure the well-being of the people in these difficult times. All their energies should be focused upon this challenge--- and not on how to engineer defections or to oust their political rivals.

Such a concentrated focus upon the economy may not be forthcoming for an obvious reason. The two major dramatis personae in the Malaysian political arena today, Dato Seri Najib Razak, the incoming Prime Minister, and Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Leader of the Opposition, will continue to be locked in combat for some time to come. Najib will want to consolidate and strengthen his position as head of government, while Anwar will go all out to topple him since his single-minded ambition is to become Prime Minister in the shortest time possible.

It is partly because of their fear of the disastrous consequences of this titanic tussle for power between these two personalities that concerned citizens like Anas Zubedy have proposed a truce that would help to reduce politicking. Najib and Anwar could perhaps seek to forge some agreement in the following areas:-

1)The formulation of anti-defection laws at state and federal level which would require an elected legislator to vacate his seat in parliament or the state assembly if he decides to resign from his party. Some existing provisions in the Federal and State Constitutions will have to be amended in order to accommodate the proposed legislation.

2)Joint efforts to improve Federal-State ties in accordance with their respective constitutions and in the true spirit of federalism.

3)The creation of ‘economic crisis councils’ at federal and state levels which will bring together the government and the opposition--- apart from other groups and individuals--- with the single aim of overcoming the economic crisis.

4)Joint efforts to improve ethnic relations by eliminating communal rhetoric, deepening understanding of the ethnic situation in Malaysia, and demonstrating through deeds a commitment to a balanced, all-embracing notion of justice for all communities.

5)Concrete measures to enhance mutual respect for their respective roles as Prime Minister, on the one hand, and Leader of the Opposition, on the other.

If Najib and Anwar make no attempt to reduce politicking and improve the political atmosphere in the near future, it is quite conceivable that the overall situation will deteriorate rapidly with all its dire consequences.

In such a situation, the rakyat would expect the Rulers--- specifically the King--- to help restore good governance through measures which accord with constitutional rule and democratic principles.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Good News

Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's mini-Budget speech.

In summary at the end of his speech, DS Najib said,

“Recently, there have been increasing calls by the rakyat for the Government and the Opposition to set aside political differences and focus on the economy. I personally acknowledge these calls and therefore, I urge all parties, including our friends on both sides of the aisle, and every Malaysian to work together and strive harder to build a better Malaysia on the basis of a strong and sustainable growth path.”

Thank you Malaysians for your support, we are almost there in getting a truce. I hope both sides will see the wisdom of truce and focus on the economy!

For the news and full text click here : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/20023-rm60-billion-stimulus-for-next-two-years

Kuasa Raja-raja Berperlembagaan

A few called and asked about the meaning of the item 4 of my recommendation in my previous post where I suggested,

“And finally, my final hope is for our Raja-Raja Berperlembagaan to use their influence and legal and Royal power to come and save the day if all fails!!!”

It’s like this. The Agong can choose any Member of Parliament to be the PM of Malaysia. Anyone whom he thinks would be best in managing and dealing with the country after consulting his fellow brother Royalties. For example, if they find both the leaders of the winning and opposing team as not up to mark, they may decide to choose someone else from the pool of MPs.

So technically any MP can be a PM (similarly, any ADUN can be a Menteri Besar of Chief Minister, as per the Perak example with Nizar). This is the beauty of our political structure that those who have made democracy their religion fail to appreciate. In our system, if both alternatives are wanting, we have another option. Understood?

Democracy is not written in stone, it is just a tool to manage society, we can choose to use or not use it as long as the results is the betterment of humankind.

So the Agong can choose Tengku Razaleigh, or Ustaz Hadi, Kit Siang or Loh Gwo Burn for that matter. But, if we do reach to this stage, it would probably be Tengku Razaleigh, as he has the experience and knowhow, expertise in economics, accepted by all the races (especially business people like me) and has no baggage. Perhaps as a caretaker PM till all these nonsense cool down!

Good luck fellow Malaysians.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

March 8th - A Call for a TWO YEAR TRUCE

Let us reflect

Today is March 8th, one year since PRU 12 but we are in a classic 'lose-lose' situation.

While it is understandable that BN does not see a need to celebrate as BN had the worst elections ever, the irony is that PR too will find it hard to celebrate although it was the opposition’s best general elections. This has taken place because of short sighted over politicking. Is this smart politics?

There is a third group that has little to celebrate. People like you and me, the Malaysian public. I like to call this group The Third Voice.

This is not the time for politics and using of our intelligence to manoeuvre legal and political avenues to gain power but it is THE TIME for actions based on wisdom. Wisdom that allows us to see that a truce is good for all parties.
This is the wisdom, BN and PR leaders can focus on two things.

One, make sure the nation survives through the looming crisis with minimal pain, and two, spend time building their own leadership team and party. Najib as the new PM will need to look into building a solid team to lead the country. Anwar can start forming a shadow cabinet and strengthen the Pakatan Alliance. We need a real strong Pakatan if we are to slowly but surely graduate into a two party system.

As a member of The Third Voice, I would like to see my choices so I can do my shopping the next general elections. So, two years of truce will be good for both parties. Both leaders can strengthen their internal organization instead of trying to break the other party apart via defections. Weak leaders try to win by weakening their enemies; great leaders win by strengthening their own people first.

If Malaysia is to have a two party system, Malaysians must trust that the new alternative is better than the old one. The new system must promise stability, rule of law and development minus corruption. So if we want a two party system, we must have an anti-hopping law so that each government will get 5 years to prove themselves, both at the federal and state level. Today, even with the winning party having a clear majority the political situation can prove to be unstable. How stupid is that?

If this continues then the rakyat will find a two party system not viable and see the need to give the winning party a solid 2/3rd or more like in the past. The opposition especially the DAP and NGOs have been working hard to deny the BN the 2/3rds majority for decades. Now that God has delivered your prayer in a silver platter with a few states under your care for practise of good governance and prove your worth, what did you do? Were you thankful? Or did you get greedy? Why did you become greedy? Who made you greedy? Guys, come on .... wake up!!!

Malaysians, Najib, Anwar and the appeal letter

Thank you to DPM Najib who has acknowledged the appeal letter. He said in his blog,

“His letter was not only fair, but clear in pointing out the real issues that we as a nation must focus on to move the country forward.” And, “To Anas Zubedy and fellow Malaysians: I acknowledge your call for a united and effective front among Malaysians. Together, we will strive to make Malaysia a better, stronger country that we can all be proud of”.

YB Anwar Ibrahim has yet to respond. I hope he will soon.

I have received so many smses, letters, messages through the Facebook, comments in my blog and people and strangers just walking over to give me a hand shake since the appeal letter and the Star highlighted the advert. Many of my business owner friends called and people I know in business share similar thoughts and feelings.

A few days ago before I present to a new customer my business proposal, one customer came forward, extended his hand and says that “first on a personal note, thank you for the appeal letter”. A different customer said almost the same words, as I was leaving the presentation room.

I was told that the appeal letter was also discussed from serious places like board meetings and humble places like the mamak stalls. Spouses discuss about it with each other, parents and children, friends and colleagues. Malaysians are saying the same thing, the letter represent their innermost hope; that it echoed their thoughts and feelings. Many wrote that they sokong 100 %. I hope our politicians lend us their ears. The one that does will get many votes in the next election.

I have taken 50 pages of full page adverts before this one but the reaction to the appeal advert is like a dream. My childhood friend Beng summarizes it well in an email, he is one of those who knew me since my primary one and empathise with my unity goal and dream, he said ,

anyway, coming back to the full page ad tat u took out today, i must say it's a brilliant piece of marketing. i know, i know.. i know tat u didn't do it for the purpose of marketing or any kind of commercial promotion and tat u really mean wat u said in yor open letter to our politicians; tat dey shuld focus more on the economy, less politicking, hijacking states, etc..

but tat's precisely where i'm coming from. when one means wat dey say, indirectly it becomes good marketing for their company, regardless of wat it sounds like. in business, all news is good news, unless of course dey are reporting u serving melamine laced teh tarik during yor seminars lah.”

What is next?

  1. My fellow brothers and sisters in business. Take out similar adverts, one each will do. Say that you support the idea for truce. Yes I know you support me, but taking a step further will be better. Make sure you place your signature in the advert. Marketing and advertising is my area of knowledge and putting your signature will carry more weight. My appeal letter carried mine.
  2. Those of you who has a list of sms blast blast this please “Contact your MP/ADUNs asap and tell him/her if you do not call for a truce and focus on the economy, you will not vote them in the next elections!”
  3. If you are a member of The Third Voice, BN and PR members who also share the same feel that this is not the time for politics, call, email, contact your MPs and ADUNs and tell them the same. THAT IF THEY WANT YOUR VOTE, CALL FOR A TRUCE NOW AND FOCUS ON THE ECONOMY.
  4. And finally, my final hope is for our Raja-Raja BerPerlembagaan to use their influence and legal and Royal power to come and save the day if all fails!!!


I will contact Nurul Izzah soon as mine is at Lembah Pantai.

Thank you Malaysians. Please do not lose hope, but we must also take action. Contact your MPs and ADUNs and do it now.

Happy International Women's Day - Mahani and Aini

Today is the International Women’s Day (IWD) and I promised Marina to write a blogpost. So here we go Marina!

I would like to talk about two of the three most important women in my life, my sisters. The other person is my Umi, my mother. I will write about Umi on mother’s day, God Willing.

My big brother Joe and I are very lucky. We have the most wonderful sisters in the world, Mahani (Kak Ani) and Aini or better known as Adek, that is Kak Adek to the two of us as the two boys came later.

Mahani

It was my eldest sister Kak Ani who not only mentored and coach me when I was little (I consider her as my psychological father; let me put it this way, when I was ten it was she who explained to me about sex, complete with diagrams and Q and A time!), but she at 17 quit college, started working and sent back almost all her income to support the family. We were part of the poverty group often cited by the government census in the 60s and 70s.

Kak Ani could have been selfish, continue studying and graduate for she was one of those smart kids who jump grades when she was in primary school. But she did not, the family came first!

To cushion the pain of growing up without much, as soon as she could afford it, she bought us birthday presents, raya presents and ‘no any specific reason to get one’ presents as long as the three of us younger ones can experience the happiness of opening and getting presents, something that was missing as she grew up.

Aini

My second sister Kak Adek’s biggest contribution towards my life I would say is her ability to love unconditionally. In her eyes we can do no wrong. That trait in her translated into the gift of self confidence in me. That deep sense of sureness that someone who loves you will always be there for you no matter where you are.

Like Kak Ani, she too gave and gave and gave, so that we the younger siblings will always fare better than them. It was Kak Adek who supported me through the early years in Universiti Malaya even when she was earning only RM 800 per month. I had RM 50 per month to survive with until I managed to get a study loan from MARA nearing my second year.

Each Thursday the day she volunteers to do night duty in a counselling NGO outfit, Kak Adek will belanja me makan. I always chose KFC as the idea of eating three pieces of chicken WITHOUT RICE was 'out of this world' then for someone who when he was little only gets to eat chicken about twice a year, Raya Puasa and Raya Haji. Poor Kak Adek, she had no heart to tell me that she was totally jelak of KFC!!

She also ‘sponsored’ me in my extramural activities like AIESEC and college projects where-which I sharpen my skills in leadership, organising and managing. These help me move ahead faster than the average when I started working. These activities need money and Miss Aini was there for me.

The Irony

I read that the IWD is an occasion to review how far women have achieved equality, peace and development. Ironically, in my case, it was the women in my life that gave me peace, help me develop and gave me strength and the confidence to feel and be equals with my contemporaries as I was growing up.

So Marina, I am happy to write for the IWD for until we both males and females make sure that the rights and full potential of women are ensured, the world will be at a loss. My sisters have proven that.

Especially to my Kak Ani and my Kak Adek, happy International Women’s Day. I love you both very very very very much and thank you for all that you have given. Talk to both of you tomorrow; my night at 10 30 pm as planned ya :)

Note :
The above picture L-R are Kak Adek and Kak Ani. They both reside in Austin Texas. This is my favourite picture of them together taken about 7 years ago at Magick River. My sisters and I have Afro hair if we allow our flock to grow and my brother’s are wavy. We probably have Negro blood somewhere along the way as we also dance with a groove, sing with a funk and walk with a funny swing!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

all I want for March 8 is ...

This Sunday March 8th is International Women’s Day and the one year anniversary of the Malaysian 12th General Election. I will blog something this Sunday for the IWD, I better do as Marina has sent a few of us blogger mates and I a gentle reminder :P

But today, let me introduce to you the Lagu Tema March 8. If you like it and agree with the message, pls sing and spread it. Parents pls teach your children to sing and spread it too.

Zubedy facilitators Sharon, Sudesh and Sheikh have kindly prepared a video example. As you will see, they really need the training job ...he!he!

Here’s the lyrics

All I want for march 8 is a two year truce,
A two year truce,
A two year truce!
All we want for march 8 is a two year truce,
Malaysian politicians please listen to us!!!


Sharon, Sudesh and Sheikh, thank you so much. As usual you guys know how to work hard and play hard, love you guys!

Interview with The Fairly Current Show - Popteevee



Hi people! I was interviewed by the fairly current show. They are a bunch of real fun, think out of the box young malaysians. I had fun working with them. You should check their work.
To watch my interview click here la ... http://popteevee.popfolio.net/default.aspx?e=65

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Interview with BFM 89.9

Hi People! I was interviewed by Freda Liu of BFM 89.9. It covers my business and the recent 'appeal' letter.

Click here to go to BFM site to listen -

http://www.bfm.my/Teh-Tarik-Unites-Malaysians-Anas-Zubedy-Zubedy.html

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Why Politics Can Wait ... All We Ask is Two Years Of Truce

Monday March 2, 2009 – The Star
The crisis reaches our shores
Global Trends By MARTIN KHOR


The tidal waves of the global economic crisis have hit Malaysian shores. The country’s GDP, exports and balance of payments have all been deeply affected.

THE effects of the global economic crisis reached Malaysian shores at the end of last year, according to data released last week by Bank Negara and the Statistics Department.
Malaysia had thus joined the growing list of countries hit by the global turmoil.


To read further, click here http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/2/focus/3380484&sec=focus

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Two Years, That's all we are asking for.

Fellow Malaysians, Peace.

We cannot stop politicians for being politicians. It is their job to struggle for power. But what we are asking is just a little sacrifice, two years of truce. Two years, that’s all!!! Accept the current status quo in the power equation and work on the economy. After that, they can continue their power chase to lead the nation.


In these two years, the leaders in BN and PR can concentrate on two important things. One is the Malaysian economy and two, strengthening their internal team.
As I suggested in an earlier blog “Weak leaders try to win by weakening his enemies, great leaders win by strengthening his own people first”. FPM Najib can solidify UMNO and Barisan while Saudara Anwar can create a real Pakatan.

FPM Najib has acknowledge our appeal in his blog, I quote “His letter was not only fair, but clear in pointing out the real issues that we as a nation must focus on to move the country forward.”

(clich here for full text
http://www.1malaysia.com.my/index.php?option=com_jb2&PostID=38&view=post&Itemid=60)

Saudara Anwar has suggested that his team need to do some soul searching before this March 8th. Ustaz Hadi called for a UNITY government.

Fellow Malaysians, perhaps hope is near.

I would like to highlight one of the comments for the ‘letter of appeal’ post by a lady who signed as Queen Mother. BN and PR, she is one of the reason why two years is not too much a sacrifice.

Peace, anas zubedy

From Queen Mother


Thank you for writing this. It means a lot because what you write, reflects what I am facing as a family and its so soothing that someone out there acknowledges our hardship.

I am a 34 y.o Mom to 2 kids and a wife to a dearly devoted husband.
I have DDD - Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life.


While disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant chronic pain.

But I have to work despite of this because with work comes insurance to pay off my medical bills.

My husband cannot do it alone on his income. Everything is just too darn expensive...even food wise.

Thank you Anas...from the deepest of our hearts