POK-KAM

Two Kids Looking For Parent Who Left 7 Years Ago.

2011-09-18T00:23:00.000+08:00


From the Daily Express dated 17 September 2011

Just doing my part in trying to help these two poor kids. Anyone happens to know their parents, please get in touch with Encik Liman asap at contact number 013-5543163.

How to Recognize a Psychopath

2011-09-14T07:29:00.000+08:00

by Wray Herbert

Hannibal Lecter is arguably the world's most famous psychopath. I know -- he's not real. Still, the anti-hero of "The Silence of the Lambs" embodies the chilling constellation of traits generally associated with this rare mental disorder. A highly-intelligent physician and psychiatrist, Lecter is superficially charming, even urbane -- at least when he's not cannibalizing his innocent victims. He is rarely emotional, and despite the brutality of his crimes, he shows absolutely no evidence of empathy or a guilty conscience.

Source : The Huffington Post

Telcos To Charge 6% Service Charge .

2011-09-09T20:15:00.004+08:00

Received this SMS from Digi today :-

Effective 15/9/201, prepaid reloads and prepaid SIM packs will be charged 6% service tax. Please visit digi.com.my for more info.

Haiya! Harga barang naik lagi!

This call for reciprocal and remedial measures. Foremost on my list will be less in entertaining those who made frequent "missed calls" or sending the much hated "Please call me back - smses".

Heck, if they can afford fancy-looking and modern handsets, then they can surely afford to make short but important calls.

More online chats ....

Pupil, 11, rapes cousin, 6, in Kudat

2011-09-08T22:58:00.002+08:00

Kota Marudu: An 11-year-old schoolboy raped his six-year-old cousin after watching porn in a house near Pitas.

The girl related the ordeal to her 27-year-old mother when they were walking home from a relative's house at about 5pm the same day.

Initial investigations revealed she was with the suspect's mother at their relative's house when the incident happened at about 2.30pm on Sept 4.

The girl's mother lodged a report after sending her to the hospital and the suspect was arrested later.

District Police Chief, DSP Mohd Isa Yusof revealed that investigations found that the boy had watched a pornographic movie prior to the incident.

He advised students not to misuse the Internet by watching and searching for non-beneficial images, movies or information.

Parents have also been urged to monitor their children to prevent them from being influenced by negative elements.

Source : The Daily Express

It is a strange and sad world out there. Sometimes controlled and selective censorship is a requirement to save our young ones ...

Only Chinese among selected 172 ecstatic

2011-09-08T01:16:00.000+08:00

Kota Kinabalu: It was like a dream came true for 22-year-old Chia Wen Chian when he was among 624 candidates in the country to be offered the post of a fire and rescue officer.

He said he was ecstatic when he received a letter of offer from the Fire and Rescue Services Department to go for training - the only Chinese among 172 candidates offered the post in Sabah.

"I know I have made the right decision to resign from my old job as an accounts clerk at a private company in Tawau for two years.

"I think my passion and ambition to be a fireman drove me to quit.

Source : The Daily Express

Well that's refreshing to hear. To be quite honest, I have yet to come across a Chinese fire fighter ...

Anak tinggalkan ayah di masjid

2011-09-08T00:59:00.000+08:00

LABUAN: Seorang lelaki warga emas rakyat tempatan yang dipercayai ditinggalkan oleh anaknya ditemui di perkarangan Masjid Negeri An Nur Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, petang Selasa.

Menurut mangsa Wahid Hussin, 71, beliau yang sebelum ini ditahan di Hospital Kuala Penyu kerana mengidap sakit lelah telah pergi ke Labuan dua hari lalu selepas doktor mengesahkan beliau sihat dan dibenarkan keluar dari wad.

Beliau yang tidak ditemani oleh sesiapa telah mengambil keputusan untuk terus pergi ke Labuan untuk menemui salah seorang anaknya, malangnya selepas beberapa jam berada di rumah anaknya, beliau telah diarah mengikuti salah sebuah kereta yang kemudiannya pemandu kereta berkenaan menurunkan mangsa di kawasan masjid An Nur.

“Kamu tunggu saja di sini… nanti ada orang akan ambil kamu,” kata pemandu kereta berkenaan sebelum meninggalkan pergi.

Source: New Sabah Times

Apalah punya anak ... mungkin juga ada dendam lama yang masih tersimpan. Tapi tidak patut seorang bapa yang uzur dan tua diperlakukan sedemikian. Apa dia sudah lupa apa ertinya perkataan dosa dan derhaka ...

Who is that in Bukit Jalil?

2011-07-21T21:58:00.002+08:00

And they all "sibuk-sibuk" about the coming MTV concert and they missed to notice this guy playing right now in Bukit Jalil. I mean right now, tonight. Anyway, he's a good football player. Got nothing against him.

Call to review teacher intake

2011-07-20T19:10:00.002+08:00

Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun urged the Education Ministry to review its teacher intake programme in Sabah.

He said Sabah loses about 700 senior teachers from the teaching circuit every year when they are re-posted to the peninsula.

The standard practice is that peninsula teachers after serving three years in the State would request to be transferred back to their hometown.

"In their place are junior teachers fresh from the training institute and this is one of the barriers to Sabah's education progress," he said, when representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman at the Institute of Teachers' Education Sabah Campus Zone Convocation 2011 in Wisma Muis, Tuesday.

Because of this Sabah would not be able to challenge its counterparts such as Terengganu where education progress is concerned. He suggested that the Education Ministry approve applications from particular areas.

"As long as the candidate qualifies, just accept him because we know that he will never leave Sabah. If the applicant is from Nabawan and applies to be posted in Nabawan, just accept it. With this, we are ensured that the senior teachers will remain in Sabah," he said.

He reiterated that Sabah is not against teachers from Peninsular Malaysia serving in the State.

Throughout his formative years, Masidi said he came to know many dedicated peninsula teachers who continued to serve in Sabah despite the opportunity to be transferred back to their home state.

To ensure that education in Sabah progresses, the authority concerned must take the necessary action.

Failure to do so would ensure Sabah's education level remains as it is. He said education in the State would forever be lagging behind its counterparts in the peninsula if this matter were not addressed.

A total of 296 teachers received their diplomas in various fields namely Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), mathematics, J-Qaf school-based teachers training, physical education and health, Islamic studies, counselling guidance, visual art, Chinese education and pre-school.

Source : Daily Express

Al-Fatihah - Titiwangsa MP Passed Away

2011-07-18T01:33:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 — Titiwangsa MP Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohd Ghazali passed away from cancer at Selayang Hospital tonight. She was 53.

A text message from her mobile phone number was sent to The Malaysian Insider stating that she died at 10.13pm.

“The body is being prepared to be sent to Masjid Al-Akram, Dato Keramat,” said the message.

Source : The Malaysian Insider

Obedient Hubby Club

2011-06-26T22:51:00.001+08:00

Read this piece earlier today and decided to share it with all you out there. Cheers!

It is with great interest that I read the articles on the Obedient Wife Club and hereby would like to out my two cents worth of idea. I hope it get printed in your newspaper.

I am thinking of setting up an Obedient Husband Club. Following are the criteria for husbands in Malaysia who want to join this elite club. I am sure all the wives and female in Malaysia will agree to the formation of the club.

Criteria for admission:

1. Must be able to do Washing (Clothes/Dishes)
2. Must be able to do General Cleaning.
3. Must be able to do Ironing.
4. Must be able to Cook.
5. Sex is not a must, but in the event required must be able to perform like a stud; although size does not matter but performance must be great and satisfying.
6. Last but not least, must be able to earn money to allow wife go shopping.

So to all you Husbands out there, if you can fulfill the above criteria, you are most welcome to join this elite club - The Obedient Husband Club.

Roland Ng
Daily Express Sunday Forum

Used car dealers against new rules

2011-06-07T18:20:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Frustrated used car dealers nationwide are protesting against the 18-point inspection requirement that was included in the amendments to the Hire-Purchase Act 1967.

Effective June 15, all used vehicles for sale will need to undergo Puspakom's 18-point inspection (B7).

FIFA gantung Mohammed Hamman dan Jack Warner

2011-05-30T12:29:00.003+08:00

ZURICH: Jawatankuasa Etika Persekutuan Bola Sepak Antarabangsa (FIFA) menggantung calon jawatan presiden, Mohammed Hamman dan Naib Presiden FIFA, Jack Warner manakala presiden persekutuan itu, Sepp Blatter bebas daripada sebarang penyelewengan.

Jawatankuasa yang dipengerusikan Petrus Damaseb, mendengar keterangan Hamman, Warner dan Blatter pada perbicaraan yang bermula dengan Hamman menarik diri daripada pemilihan jawatan tertinggi FIFA sekali gus membolehkan Blatter hadir sebagai calon tunggal.

Jawatankuasa Etika FIFA sudah membuat keputusan,” kata Blatter dalam kenyataan. “Saya tidak mahu mengulas secara terperinci. Tapi saya cuma ingin nyatakan bahawa saya kecewa dengan apa yang berlaku dalam beberapa hari dan minggu sebelum ini,” katanya - AFP

Berita Harian Online

Di mana-mana pun sekarang ini semua pihak kan cuba guna taktik dan permainan kotor politik. Menarik dan hampir serupa dengan taktik yang digunakan di sini.

Di antara sebab Bin Hamman tersungkur mungkin kerana FIFA belum bersedia lagi untuk diterajui oleh sesiapa yang berasal dari benua Asia. Terlebih lagi oleh seorang berbangsa Arab.

Tapi Bin Hamman pun bukan hero saya. Dulu dia juga yang jadi penghalang kepada sebuah Kelab terkemuka Inggeris untuk mengadakan beberapa perlawanan persahabatan di sini.

MyKad Error

2011-05-30T12:01:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Your MyKad may be safe in your wallet or handbag. But is it usable?

Over a million MyKad holders reported faulty chips last year after the cards were rejected at banks and at the Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and PLUS Bhd, among others.

Khairy explains why Azman removed

2011-05-30T10:51:00.001+08:00

KENINGAU: Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday said Keningau Umno Youth chief Azman Haji Ruslan was removed as Sabah Umno Youth chief to prevent a ‘cold war’ from escalating in the party.

Khairy said he had to change the leadership with a heavy heart as he wanted to save Azman and Sabah Umno Youth.

Speaking when opening the Keningau Umno Youth delegates’ conference at Hotel Juta here yesterday, he said the cold war had become an open secret. It not only existed in Sabah but also throughout the country, and Azman became the victim.

Source : The Borneo Post

Give chance to locals in interior of Sabah to become teachers

2011-05-29T20:06:00.000+08:00

TENOM: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Radin Malleh has appealed to the Education Ministry to immediately review and relook at the decisions of the interviewers during an open interview for the teaching profession, meant for the locals in Nabawan and Kemabong in the interior of Sabah, on May 7.

He said this was because many parents and students felt that the interviews were not conducted according to the intended target.

“The main objective of the interview is to give opportunity to locals in the interior of Sabah, especially in Nabawan and Kemabong, to become teachers,” he told Bernama.

However, he added that candidates from outside the interior districts had also been taken in, depriving the locals of the opportunity to become teachers.

Radin, who is Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) vice-president, said he was made to understand that initially the target groups for the intake were locals in the interior who achieved six credits including in Bahasa Melayu and History in SPM, and active in co-curriculum activities

“Scoring ‘A’ (credit) is not compulsory for the interior students of Nabawan and Kemabong. The interviewers came all the way from Putrajaya; they didn’t know who these candidates were, so they just picked at random and the qualifications applied were the normal one, for example, 4As for male candidates and 5As for female, thus depriving the locals in the area,” he said.

Radin said what was saddening was the fact that local education officers were not being involved at all in the intake process.

“Hence the main objective to give opportunity to the locals is defeated. This is not fair to the locals in Nabawan and Kemabong,” he said.

If these things go on, he said, the locals would be forever deprived of the opportunity to become teachers.

“That’s why the parents want the decisions be reviewed so that the locals are given the chance to realise their dreams.”

Radin said that schools in the interior including in Nabawan and Kemabong were still lacking in many aspects including infrastructure and information technology facilities.

These should be taken into account in the intake of teachers through open interview, he added.

Source : New Sabah Times

Avoid teacher transfers: Dept

2011-05-29T19:52:00.003+08:00

Tawau: The relatively poor academic achievement in the State is due to peninsula teachers being transferred to Sabah in huge numbers annually and then leaving the State when their time is up.

"More than 20 per cent of teachers are from outside the State," State Education Director, Datuk Dr Muhiddin Yusin, said, adding that about 700 to 1,000 teachers choose to be posted to their own State after completing their contracts here."Newly recruited teachers are normally those without experience.

Hence, the importance of keeping teachers with experience," he said.

One step that has been suggested to remedy the situation was for priority to be given to locals in the recruitment of teachers for Sabah, Muhiddin told reporters after attending the State Teacher's Day celebrations here.

"The proposal had a positive reaction from the Ministry during the recent Open Registration for Teachers, especially from interior such as Bangi Island, Tenom and Telupid.

"They have since carried out interviews in rural areas of Sabah to find suitable candidates to be trained as teachers," he said.

Speaking after launching the Teachers Day Celebration here, Thursday, he said about 20 teachers were issued with show cause letters for abseentism.

Stern action would be taken against those caught involved in other endeavours without prior permission from the school, Muhiddin said.

He acknowledged the increased passing rate in the UPSR, PMR, SPM and STPM in 2010.

For SPM, those scoring A were 152 compared to 95 in 2009. Sabah, for the first time achieved a passing rate of 94.87 per cent in 2010 compared to 92.54 per cent in 2009 in the SPM national level.

Arjunan A/L Selvamani (SM Sung Siew, Sandakan) received the Best Student Award 2010 national level.

While Syivero Patrick (SMK Kota Marudu) received the Best Student STPM 2010 national level in the rural category.

Source : The Daily Express

Masing to Perkasa chief: Mind your language

2011-05-26T12:23:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: PRS president Dato Sri Dr James Masing considers Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali’s call for Muslims to declare a “crusade against ungrateful Christians” as extreme and detrimental to the 1Malaysia concept.

Source: The Borneo Post Online

Prices of RON95, diesel and LPG to stay

2011-05-26T04:05:00.002+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: In a move that will please many Malaysians, the government has decided to maintain the prices of RON95 petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas for the time being.

Source: The Star Online

When the government first announced that the subsidies will be reviewed next month, I had this gut feeling inside telling me that there will not be any increase at all. Not so soon anyway.

For it is clear if they really go for it, then it will be their political suicide.

Oh, they will review it eventually for they had to. It is not sustainable for a government to set aside large chunk of its revenue on subsidies forever.

But then why make that announcement to only retract it later? Perhaps we have been subjected to a type of mind game. The type which portrays a government that cares with the rakyat welfare being the paramount importance.

This would win votes of course.

Rape victim cries foul over police treatment

2011-05-25T23:22:00.000+08:00

MUKAH: A 22-year-old female rape victim last Monday lodged a police report against a male police inspector claiming that the investigating officer used harsh and dirty words when taking her statements at the police station on Saturday.

According to her police report made available to local reporters at her workplace yesterday, the woman from a village in Dalat claimed that apart from talking to her in a high-pitched voice, the inspector also asked many foul questions like the size of the rapist’s private part, normal sex and oral sex, all of which she (the victim) claimed to be humiliating and not normal.

Source : The Borneo Post Online

Don't they have female officers in that police station at that given time?

Why I Work And Stay Overseas.

2011-05-25T07:06:00.000+08:00

Why I work and stay overseas — Alex Yap

MAY 24 — Rather than harping on race issue, I am writing as a Malaysian not as a Chinese Malaysian. My point is to get the new graduates in Malaysia to see the bigger picture, and hopefully my article can help them get a direction in their career.

Source : The Malaysian Insider

When scoring straight As comes to nought

2011-05-22T11:38:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Some top scorers are baffled that they have not been offered Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships despite having excelled in their examinations.

Yeoh Zheng Yi, who scored st-raight As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), said he thought he had done well during PSD's scholarship selection interview.

He was disappointed that he was not selected.

“My parents are retiring soon and my younger sister needs to go to college, too. I need this scholarship to ease my parents' financial burden.

“I would prefer to study engineering, particularly in Germany.

“But at this point, I wouldn't mind accepting any scholarship from PSD just as long as I get one,” said the student from SMK Tinggi Bukit Mertajam in Penang.

He said he was required to submit his parents' salary statements with his application.

“The form which is downloaded from the PSD website is no longer available now that applications for scholarships are closed,” said Yeoh.

SMK Taman Jasmin 2 student C.M. Vishnu Arvindran, who scored 9A+ and 1A, said he had not received the scholarship he had applied for.

“Yet, some of my friends who got 8A+ obtained their scholarship of choice,” he said.

He added that he had wanted a scholarship to do a degree course in medicine but was awarded one for a diploma in science.

Both students hoped they would still be awarded the scholarships after submitting their appeals.

Source: The Star Online

I could think of several reason why these two were "overlooked" but that would be mere speculations on my part. The best party to answer and offer explanations would be the PSD itself.

RON95 TO BE REVIEWED IN JUNE.

2011-05-18T00:12:00.016+08:00

It's been a while since I last update this blog of mine. Anyway, let me start by sharing this piece of good news from the The Star for everyone out there. Cheers!

Price of RON95 petrol will be reviewed in June: Ismail Sabri

IPOH: The prices of all petroleum products, including RON95 petrol, will be reviewed in June, said Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Tuesday.

Read more ...

Source: The Star Online

Hiatus.

2011-03-28T20:38:00.000+08:00

Been on self -imposed hiatus for the past month. Some catching up to do on personal unfinished business. Will be back blogging soon. Till then, cheers and enjoy life!

Power outage due to gas supply interruption – SESB

2011-02-21T20:33:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The major blackout experienced by consumers in most parts of Sabah on the night of Feb 18 that started at 8.30pm was due to a shutdown valve problem at the Petronas Sabah Gas Terminal.

SESB corporate service division general manager Wan Maria Othman Lee said the unfortunate incident had caused an interruption of gas supply to their Independent Power Plants namely, Teluk Salut, SBPC and Rugading leading to the loss of generating capacity of 200MW.

Source : The Borneo Post

I was at the King Fisher area waiting for my kids when the power outage happened.

Identity Thieves Steal More Than Money

2011-02-18T19:56:00.000+08:00

Identity theft can cost victims thousands of dollars as well as dozens of hours spent resolving problems as a result of it. But the consequences of having one’s personal information stolen are actually much broader.

Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another individual's personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

Source: Aol.com

Minor Win For Heritage Buffs.

2011-02-10T01:34:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Heritage lovers here have won a small battle in their fight to block the construction of a high-rise commercial building that would dwarf the Atkinson Clock Tower.

Source : Free Malaysia Today

A brave lady. Hope all concerned Sabahans will back her.

My Own Little Bit About The New Sultan.

2011-02-10T01:22:00.001+08:00

I remembered back in the early 90’s and it was in KK, I used to see a smart looking guy, with a smart looking mustache and smartly dressed too, who normally walks around with a pair of dark glasses on.

He always had a” tai-ko-tai” on one hand and a small black bag carried under the armpit on the other, and drove around in a Nissan Cefiro car.

What really had caught my attention back then about this particular man was the “tai-ko-tai” or hand phone he carried around with him.

Back then it was very stylish and also a very big deal to own and carry a "tai-ko-tai" around. Needless to say that it was a very expensive equipment and not many could afford to own one.

It is the generally accepted assumption then that hand phones, or cell phones are luxurious items and only the well-to-do or executives can really afford them.

And because it was expensive, ownerships are almost certainly exclusive. Maybe it was for that reason why people call it “tai-ko-tai”, for only a “tai-ko” can afford to “tai” it around.

So naturally I thought this guy was a "taiko" or some big shot of sort and I had this feeling of intrigue about him.

Over the course of time I managed to find out that his name was Datu Mohd. Akjan and that he's a businessman, had his mustache removed (pity he look presentable with one) then there was that news about him being detained under the ISA and then I just totally lost all interest about him.

I left for Sarawak in the mid 90's to work for a few years and had totally forgotten about him.

Then after my return to Sabah a few years ago, I heard about him again and this time with regard to his company over a certain project in Kinarut.

On and off again he was in the news but I didn't really take any notice until a few days ago. I couldn't help noticing the news because it was all over the Net and the local main stream media too.

Well, I shall reserve my comment about that as everyone else had vented their own fair share already and leave it to the Malaysian Government to decide over this issue.

Tragic Lessons

2011-02-09T08:13:00.000+08:00

Two women who fell to their deaths in separate incidents in Malacca and Selangor had voiced their intention to end their lives, but no one took them seriously.

Tempat Kegemaran.

2011-02-01T14:40:00.002+08:00

Ruang dalam Masjid Inabah Kamal Semporna. Di antara yang paling awal tiba dan sedang menanti masuknya waktu Asar. Kotak besar di sebelah kiri gambar ialah kotak kutip derma tabung masjid. Agak-agaknya berapalah jumlah tabung terkutip sekiranya kota itu penuh.

Saya memang suka semua masjid atau surau yang pernah saya masuki.

Namun di antara banyak masjid atau surau yang terdapat di kawasan Seporna ini, Masjid Inabah Kamallah yang menjadi masjid kegemaran saya.

Entah, mungkin dari kededukannya yang strategik, terletak dekat dengan tempat kediaman, adanya kemudahan tempat meletak kereta yang bersesuaian dan juga yang paling penting, sejak dari pertama kali mengerjakan solat di sini, selipar maupun sepatu saya belum pernah lagi di curi. Syukur.

Namun yang pasti, sejak usia pada diri ini kian lanjut, kesedaran dan keinsafan serta rasa tanggung-jawab pada ugama kian jadi menebal dan kini masjid yang dulu hanya tempat persinggahan wajib telah dengan tidak disedari berubah menjadi tempat kegemaran untuk diri ini.

New mayor Abidin a slap for the Chinese

2011-02-01T12:53:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Musa Aman, ignoring vociferous calls for a Chinese mayor for the Kota Kinabalu City Hall, has appointed former local government and housing permanent secretary Abidin Madingkir to the post.

Source : Free Malaysia Today

Hmm. A slap in the face you say? I don't think so. I don't feel any pain at all. Actually I don't give a hoot either whosoever the government chose to be the Mayor of our City.

Regardless whether he or she a Chinese, Muslim or non Muslim Bumiputera, as long as that individual chosen to be the Mayor can perform and discharge the given responsibility well is what really counts.

A truly responsible person will carry out his or her duties without any fear or fervor and for the good of the City and its population.

To fan racial sentiment over the appointment of a Mayor will not do us Sabahans any good.

Still, in the hope of appeasing everyone, maybe the State Government should consider conducting a research whether emulating Sarawak in dividing the administration of the vast City of Kuching into North and South is feasible and workable here for Kota Kinabalu.

How to Cope When Things Go Wrong

2011-01-29T14:56:00.001+08:00

by Gary Simpson

There are times in every person's life when things do not go according to the way we would like. All of us have our ups and downs. These can consist of periods of poor health, emotional problems, financial struggles, relationship challenges, accidents and the like.

Understand that these challenges are normal. We simply cannot exist in a "bubble of happiness" all of the time. It would be nice but life doesn't work like that - for anyone.

When things seem to be going poorly, there are two basic options open to you:

withdraw inside yourself and sink deeper and deeper into depression, probably weakening your ability to deal with future challenges.
work through your troubles as best you can and try to emerge out the other side, probably making yourself stronger and wiser for the experience.

Robert Schuller, a famous clergyman and prolific author, wrote a book which he aptly titled: "Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!" (ISBN: 0-553-24245-8). In his book, Schuller says: "Name your problem and you name your possibility." It is a book about faith and strength and hope. He encourages readers never to surrender.

When things go wrong, as they invariably do from time to time, try to "hang tough." Bad times always pass, eventually. You just need to see them through.

Like the light of day always follows the darkness of night, good times will be just around the corner for you.

[If you like this article and would like to use it on your own website or ezine you may do so ONLY if the article is not changed in any way and the final paragraph: "About the author," with all links intact, is included.]

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary's email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success"Zenspirational Thoughts" plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book "The Power of Choice."

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article32986.html

Siti Nurhaliza terima Anugerah Wanita Inspirasi di Bandung

2011-01-29T14:13:00.000+08:00

BANDUNG 29 Jan. – Penyanyi yang juga usahawan kosmetik dari Malaysia, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin menerima Anugerah Wanita Inspirasi pada majlis Malam Anugerah Kasih anjuran Ikatan Setia Kawan Malaysia-Indonesia (Iswami) yang berlangsung di sebuah hotel di sini malam tadi.

Reaq more ....

Source : Utusan Malaysia Online

Ah ... the general public will not be making a big issue over this. She earned it. Tahniah Datuk ....

You Say You Want A Revolution, But Be Careful What You Wish For

2011-01-28T20:15:00.001+08:00

The images of angry protesters in Egypt in Tunisia gathering in the streets are may look similar to the color revolutions that have rocked the world in recent years. However, they may differ in at least on one crucial point: spontaneity.

Source: RT News

Bacaan Kuat Selain Azan

2011-01-15T16:42:00.002+08:00

BACAAN SELAIN AZAN DI PEMBESAR SUARA PATUT DIHENTIKAN
Prof Madya Dr Mohd Asri bin Zainul Abidin

(sertai facebook DrMAZA.com)

Saya ingin mengulas sedikit tentang bacaan-bacaan –selain azan- yang menggunakan pembesar suara sehingga mengganggu orang ramai. Bacaan ini telah mengelirukan orang bukan muslim sehingga mereka menyangka ia azan. Sesetengah pihak cuba mempertahankan amalan tersebut atas alasan ia bacaan al-Quran atau zikir yang patut diagungkan. Mereka menyangka sikap keras mereka dalam hal ini adalah ‘perjuangan mempertahankan Islam’. Saya ingin mengulas hal ini seperti berikut;

Source : Minda Tajdid

Well, this comes from an individual who is well learned and versed in the field he is in. Of course knows very well what he is talking about.

Civil servants still using old way to communicate

2011-01-01T15:05:00.001+08:00

TUARAN: Most civil servants are still using the old method of communication, said State federal secretary Datuk Muhammad Hatta Aziz.

“Many of us still refuse to receive official letters through email and ask for the original copy to be sent through mail or fax.

Source: The Borneo Post

To think we are had just gone through the first decade of the 21st century ...

Water fluoridation for Sabah in 2011

2011-01-01T14:30:00.004+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Water fluoridation would be re-introduced into Sabah’s public water supply next year.

Health Deputy Minister Datuk Rosnah Abd Rashid Shirlin, disclosing this to Bernama here yesterday, said the project was under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Source: New Sabah Times

I honestly thought that all these while the treated-water we consumed were fluoridated. It's no wonder that I still gets to see "gaps" in some of the smiles almost wherever I go.

Oil seen hitting US$100 a barrel this year.

2011-01-01T13:02:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Will we see oil price exceed US$100 in 2011?

Quite likely, say analysts, as more quantitative easing by the US Government, coupled with strong demand from India and China drive oil prices to the three-digit level again.

Source: The Star Online

Biawak.

2010-12-20T09:28:00.000+08:00

I was at a "kampung air" in Semporna recently when I saw this creature - a monitor lizard or "biawak" lazying away in the afternoon sun oblivious to my presence.

Have to admit though this is my first time ever to come across a very fat "biawak" indeed. Wonder what happened to its tail though. It's a bit short. Must have lost it in a previous do-or-die battle.

Looking at the rubbish surrounding it - no wonder it is very fat. Food is abundance in the form of rubbish being dumped everyday into the sea.

Fender Benders: The Essential Accident Checklist

2010-12-20T08:50:00.000+08:00

by James Dacanay

Unfortunately, those little vehicular prangs and bumps are almost a certainty at some point in life. While a great motoring lawyer may be required to work through the legalities of a case, on the spot legal advice tends to be a bit thin on the ground immediately after an accident. There are, however some vital pointers that could make all the difference concerning insurance, legal issues and so on.

Very few people leave their house thinking “keys, wallet, phone…accident kit!” so the best advice is to be prepared. Keeping a few essentials about could prove a godsend, particularly if the motoring solicitors are called in and any legal issues arise.

Shock – the enemy of sensible thought everywhere. Even after the smallest of prangs a person can experience shock. This is the time when preparation and protocol come into play. Accurately recording an accident helps everyone – from the police and insurance companies to motoring lawyers.

Keeping an accessible accident kit needn’t be anything more than these essentials – pen, notebook, disposable camera (mobile phone cameras will often suffice) Of course these are things that are usually within arm’s reach of most people (handbags, etc.), but a designated kit could prove vital when judgment and sense aren’t necessarily at their best.

These are the six essential notes to take immediately after an accident:

1. The vehicles involved – colour, registration, model, etc.

2. The drivers – names, numbers and insurance details of everybody involved (possibly including witnesses if applicable)

3. The scene – location, time, weather and notable environmental issues that may have affected the accident e.g. extreme fog

4. Photo evidence – motoring solicitors, insurers and courts alike tend to view photographs as the most reliable witnesses

5. What happened? It’s vital to note this while it’s fresh in the memory

6. What do the other drivers say? It’s important to note this second or the memory could be clouded.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article297793.html

Note: Better still folks, it is still possible to avoid all the above-mentioned hassle by just driving safely and think safety.

Top 5 Online Scams to Avoid this Holiday Shopping Season

2010-12-01T15:18:00.000+08:00

by Carlo Orlando

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday officially behind us, Christmas is fast approaching. As such, online scamsters are working overtime to swindle as many victims as possible in response to the increased online traffic that comes with the bustling holiday season.

Source : www.infopackets.com

Semporna Umno wants Masidi to retract statement

2010-11-29T12:51:00.004+08:00

Kota Kinabalu: Semporna Umno Youth wants State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun to retract his statement that Semporna is the dirtiest town in the State.

Its Chief, Mohd Aziz Haji Jamman, said the Minister's statement had a huge impact on the State's tourism sector since Semporna is a major attraction for local and international tourists.

"His statement as Tourism Minister that is viewed as the Ministry's stand is not based on fact. Therefore the 'dirtiest town' status should be retracted immediately," he said.

Mohd Aziz told reporters they also wanted clarification on the source and research done that led to Masidi's conclusion.

"The Minister needs to go down the ground and not simply make assumptions because it really affected Semporna's reputation where the world famous Sipadan Island and Mabul Island are located," he said.

He said even if Semporna did have some problems with cleanliness it is not the time to point fingers but to assist.

There is also every possibility that the rubbish was those discarded by tourists on the island and washed ashore to the mainland since there is no proper waste disposal centre on the islands, he said.

He added that based on the movement's observation not all the tour operators take back the rubbish along with them to Semporna town and discard it at the site prepared by the Semporna District Council.

In this respect, Mohd Aziz said it was the responsibility of the Tourism Ministry to ensure the tour operators do their part to keep the islands off Semporna clean.

Mohd Aziz said the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry instead should be providing sufficient allocation to Semporna to assist in addressing the cleanliness issue.

Source : The Daily Express

Why do the need to ask Datuk Masidi to retract? Is it to deny the obvious which in the end will also not solve anything.

I don't know much about the surrounding islands but yes, Semporna is a dirty town but then again so do most of the other towns here in Sabah.

I know this for sure as I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit most of them - in fact more than once every year as my work requires me to travel a lot.

Who is to blame? I know for sure the local town council shouldn't be blamed alone as the public had much to bear their share of the blame too - their apathy towards the cleanliness of their surroundings.

However for Mohd. Aziz to start blaming the tourists and tour operators is really bad besides a public relation disaster and most laughable. Not wise at all. Does he wants all the tourists to run away and never to come back again?

Rubbish seen below a jetty on a recent visit to Kg. balimbang.

One only have to visit to the local villages especially along the coastal areas to get a rough idea about the whole picture.

Much as we want the local town councils to buck up, members of the public had to do their part too.

In the end it's everyone responsibility; politicians included.

A YB Given Explanation About Heritage And Nationalism.

2010-11-27T10:53:00.000+08:00

THE Atkinson Clock Tower again took centre stage at the close of the State Assembly sitting, with State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun stressing that development is only good when it does not harm any heritage site.

Delivering his winding up speech, Masidi highlighted to Kemabong Assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang - the proponent of a mixed development commercial building next to the tower site - that there was a difference between warisan (heritage) and monument, and the term history and nationalism.

He said the Atkinson tower was the only clock tower made from wood in Malaysia and the oldest and the only mechanical clock in Sabah, adding it is also listed in the wood clock tower world database.

"This clock tower is so significant that it received recognition from the Federal and State governments as a main icon on postage stamps during colonial times in 1918, 1950, 1954 and post independence on June 6, 2007," he said, adding it was placed fourth in a list of more than 100 clock towers picked by travellers' guide television programme, the Lonely Planet.

The Atkinson tower was gazetted as a monument/historical site under the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Enactment 1977 on Oct. 27, 1983, before that provision was cancelled on March 26, 1998.

"The tower was re-gazetted as a cultural heritage site under Section 4 of the Cultural Heritage (Preservation) 1997 on April 9, 1998, which was enforced on March 26 the same year," Masidi pointed out.

"Our country, particularly Sabah, has legislation like the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Enactment (Amendment) 2006 and Cultural Heritage Enactment 1998 that protect heritage and monuments.

"Considering that these legislation exist, it is quite clear here that the issue is not whether we allow or not the commercial building at the disputed site but ensuring all laws protecting heritage sites that are gazetted or historical structures are respected and preserved."

As he was getting to the end of his point, Rubin interjected, saying the clock tower could have been built anywhere in then Jesselton but probably the contractor picked the hill it sat on now.

"But it doesn't mean Atkinson died or was buried there," said the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (SHTDA) Chairman.

Towards this end, he was of the opinion that the site possessed no historical value, pointing out that Francis George Atkinson, the man the clock was named after, had tried to kill "freedom fighter" Mat Salleh.

Masidi responded that this was not a question of the history being good or bad but that it concerned the building of the centre at the disputed site.

He also said, in a loud voice, that if Rubin was concerned about glorifying a so-called wicked person, then why was the commercial centre he was championing also using the word Atkinson in its name.
Rubin tried interjecting but Masidi did not give way.

He cautioned against misplaced nationalism where one objects to every single thing left behind by the imperial administration, and in this context, wondered, albeit cynically, whether the State should also stop using the English language, remove mission schools, all of which were started by Missionaries.

"Don't compare historical buildings with history," he said, pointing out he never objected to any development provided it did not contravene any law protecting the gazetted clock tower.

Continuing his speech, Masidi said considering that the latest development plan submitted by the developer was a new one, the issue of seeking the green light from the State Museum Department did not arise.

"The approval must be obtained from the State Cultural Heritage Council, in line with Section 9(1)© of the Cultural Heritage Enactment (Preservation) 1997, and not from the Sabah Museum Director," he said.

He also concurred with Membakut Assemblyman, Datuk Hj Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, who stressed that whatever history or monuments, good or bad, must be protected as a reminder for future generations.

"This is my Ministry's responsibility."

Source : The Daily Express

Having finished reading the above article, one can tell which among the two YBs are really doing their job for the State and its people.

Datuk Rubin definitively will not get my vote come the next General Election. Alas, I'm not voting in Kemabong.

Free Tool Offered To Combat Firesheep Hackers

2010-11-24T13:36:00.001+08:00

By John P. Mello Jr., PCWorld

If the news of Firesheep--a simple Firefox extension that allows anyone to hijack social networking or webmail sessions over unprotected WiFi networks--has you worried, a free tool to protect you from Firesheep and its ilk released today by the Electronic Frontier Foundation is for you.

Read more ...

Source : www.pcworld.com

It is a known fact that free wifi as offered in some business establishments are not really safe. We are vulnerable to hackers attacks at these locations.

However there some good tools available for free out there in the web. We only had to work a bit to find them. The only drawback about the above tool is that it may not work at sites which does not support HTTPS.

The best alternative is still to source out there and purchase one which of course can be quite costly but it is our privacy that we are talking about.

Untidiness - A Stress Maker

2010-11-24T10:12:00.001+08:00

by Owen Jones

Untidiness certainly can result in stress and anxiety. It is very irritating to never be able to find things when you require them, especially if you are in a rush. Losing your car keys or your glasses or your purse in your cluttered home is a sign of a lack of organization, but it is a pain in the neck too because it wastes so much time and usually precisely when you do not have time to waste.

The issue is basically one of organization. Because it is human nature to hoard everything, our homes and offices soon become chaotic, so unless you have regular clear-outs or organize your junk well, you are going to lose things often.

Everything should have a place and everything should be in its place, that way you will know where to look for items. Tools should be stored in the garage, preferably on holders or nails on the wall. Gardening implements should be in the garden shed, likewise put away so that you can see what is out and where everything is. Kitchen gear should be in the kitchen, office paperwork should be filed away in cabinets or and folders.

You have to take the time to put things away when you have used them and not leave them lying around until you have 'a clean up later'. A clean up later is no good, you need to do it now. A stitch in time saves nine, as the old saying goes.

Documents should be stored as they would in a well-organized office. You may not have enough papers to warrant having a filing cabinet, but you can get a filing box that looks like a small, plastic suitcase, but they open from the top.

One side is hinged, so that it can open out and the case contains a dozen or so compartments which can be labeled for 'Insurance', 'Bank Statements', 'Credit Card Statements', 'Bills' et cetera. They are very useful and not expensive. This must also have a place, say in the wardrobe.

If you think that even this is going too far, then three shoe boxes can be used: one for 'permanent' items such as wedding certificate, birth certificate, passport, insurance, etc., one for the storage of items you have already dealt with like credit card and bank statements and utility bills and one for mail to be answered and bills to be paid.

Every year you can then go through the shoe boxes and package up items from the previous year or discard items that have become obsolete. Maybe a good time would be after filing your tax returns. In many countries, you have to hold on to tax records for seven years, so a fourth shoe box could hold the previous seven years worth of documents.

Clean out your attic or basement to make room for more junk. A good rule is, if you have not used something for five years, you do not require it, so sell it, give away or bin it.

Buy or make a key rack or just screw hooks into the back of your front door, that way you can hang your keys up when you come in and take them with you when you go out. Get a cord for your glasses and hang them around your neck. When you really do not require them, you can hang them up somewhere visible by the cord as well.

More Information:

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with financial stress. If you are suffering from any form of stress, please go over to our website now at Stress and Heart Disease

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article267229.html

Three-year-old boy takes 10km bus ride alone and unattended

2010-11-11T13:54:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: With his milk bottle in his hand, a three-year-old boy climbed onto a public bus on his own and went on a more than 10km ride before a good Samaritan brought him to a police station.

Bystanders recalled seeing the boy, who was wearing a red shirt, at the bus stop near the Sri Sabah Flats here at noon yesterday.

“A woman in her 40s noticed that the boy was alone and unattended.

“She then carried the boy when she got off the bus near Jalan Tun Hussien and took him to a police station to lodge a report,” Cheras acting OCPD Supt Abdul Rahim Hamzah Othman Supt Abdul Rahim said.

Police took photographs of the boy before handing him over to the Welfare Department in Jalan Pahang. His photographs were distributed at the Sri Sabah flats area where he was first spotted.

At 5.30pm, a couple came to the Cheras district police station claiming that their child had gone missing while the husband was washing his car.

“We could not reunite the boy with his parents as the welfare centre had already closed. We will return to the department today and send the boy back,” Supt Abdul Rahim said.

However, he said police would be conducting a DNA test to confirm if the couple were indeed the boy’s parents. Supt Abdul Rahim said if the test was positive, police would take action against the couple for negligence.

Source : The Star Online

If indeed they are the real parents then the relevant authorities should take action against them. This is total negligence if you asked me.

One thing still bothers me is that how did he ever managed or even be allowed to board the bus - unaccompanied in the first place. Then shouldn't the bus operators be charged for negligence too?

MCA demands action against Sarawak school’s halal food policy

2010-11-06T21:03:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — The MCA wants the Education Ministry to act against a Sarawak primary school for enforcing a halal food policy, which it claims is trampling on the rights of non-Muslim pupils.

The second-biggest party in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition said today that public school teachers do not have the right to force their own religious values on a multi-cultural student body.

Source : The Malaysian Insider

A worrying trend on the increase among schools in the nation where administrators tend to go overboard in their zeal to get things done. And it needed to be positively addressed and fast too. On this latest incident, a thorough investigation should be carried out to ascertain the truth from the whole episode and people should not be quick to jump to conclusion based on what is reported in the media alone.

Sembilan Tahun Tempoh Menunggu Untuk Haji Kali Kedua.

2010-11-06T17:33:00.000+08:00

MARANG 6 Nov. – Jemaah haji yang mendaftar untuk kali kedua selepas baru pulang daripada menunaikan rukun Islam yang kelima itu kini perlu menunggu sembilan tahun lagi sebelum nama mereka tersenarai semula.

Ini kerana Lembaga Tabung Haji (Tabung Haji) akan menyaring jemaah yang telah mengerjakan haji dalam tempoh sembilan tahun bagi memberi peluang kepada jemaah baru.

Source : Utusan Malaysia Online

Mungin tindakan yang sedikit drastik namun ia juga tindakan yang adil untuk membolehkan mereka yang telah lama menunggu dapat mengerjakan ibadah Haji yang dihajati.

Namun Tabung Haji kenalah juga ikthiar sesuatu untuk membolehkan mereka yang ingin mengerjakan ibadah Haji mereka dengan lebih kerap dapat dilakukan seperti yang diinginkan. Ini adalah hak bakal para jemaah itu sendiri mengikut kemampuan masing-masing. Sembilan tahun itu agak terlalu lama jaraknya dan pada hemat saya tempoh lima tahun adalah lebih adil dan bersesuaian.

Kita tidak mahu nanti ada pihak yang akan mengambil kesempatan dengan peraturan baru ini dan ada bakal jemaah yang tertipu nanti.

My Goodness!

2010-11-01T08:08:00.000+08:00

KEMAMAN: A teenager, unhappy at being spurned by her 27-year-old boyfriend, summoned the help of two female friends to “teach him a lesson”.

Source : The Star Online

EPF: Withdraw savings at 75

2010-10-28T22:06:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: All contributors to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) should withdraw their savings upon reaching the age of 75.

This is because no contribution would be accepted upon contributors reaching that age and no dividend would be paid on their savings.

Read more ...

Source: The Star Online

No need to worry about me though. God willing, I'll be withdrawing mine much earlier. Hopefully after my 55th birthday.

The Apple Chronicle And Its Latest Gizmo - The iPad

2010-10-24T20:54:00.002+08:00

by John Menon

Don’t millions of tiny electronic devices surround us? Right from our digital wristwatch, to our toaster and refrigerator in our homes, from car navigation system (GPS) to personal digital assistants — more so cellular mobile phones or laptops — can be seen on everyone, everywhere, every time. What matters the most is finding that right ‘chip-junk’ (pardon the satire on chipmunks) that will help us from going nuts with what these guys say nowadays – information overload.

Quite a few years back, not many were aware of any other so-called computer or machine than one, which ran on Windows, Doors, or whatever! However, there was one. Apple. Even before furniture-styled software for computers started burrowing into our simpler lives and causing panic over an otherwise fun activity – Freezing, in the Alps that is. With a highly advanced user-friendly interface and styled icons, which was not only 3D in appearance, but also supported transparency, thus making background items visible, made for a very intuitive and lucid user interaction with the computer, Apple PCs made for a formidable alternative to the Windows-run PCs. However, that’s just not it. This form, feature, and function was eventually extended to the world’s first personal music player — Apple iPod. Since the first of the series to the current 4th generation iPod, now called the iTouch due to touch screen functionality, carrying around a personal music player has now gradually evolved into a personal entertainment and communication gadget. Well, just prior to the launch of the Apple iTouch, Apple launched one of the world’s most anticipated and highly advanced GSM mobile cellular phones, the Apple iPhone. This marvelous electronic device has simply redefined the way we humans interact with an otherwise non-living, silicon-substrate based, man-made piece of light-emitting tablet. This gadget is a mobile phone, personal media player, instant messenger, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), GPS, weather and climate guide, real-time news receiver, and something short of your own personal assistant —all rolled into one. One could even discard their laptop, and this device would be more than enough to build a presentation from scratch in no time!

Just when there were enough clones to imitate the best personal handheld all-in-one gadget, Apple rolled out an even larger unit; to kick them all out! The Apple iPad. One can say it’s just a larger brother of the humble Apple iPhone. However, one must also consider that it can very well be a replacement for a laptop. Moreover, it also allows inserting a GSM SIM card through one side, and Voila! Read eBooks, Play games, tune in to some awesome music, catch up on good movies, surf the Internet, exchange emails, poke your friends at FaceBook, connect to your colleagues at LinkedIn, etc. at blazing speeds of the 3G GSM network in no time! Well, needless to say, Apple, with its technologically advanced gadgets makes doing things simpler!

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article238955.html

The Power of Confirmed Article Links

2010-10-18T11:35:00.000+08:00

by Guna Seelan

Article Marketing has been labeled as the underdog of Internet marketing for many years. Those who have thought about article marketing have often dreaded the amount of work that they have to put in. Discouraged by the quantity of time they have to commit to this strategy, most people reconsider using other methods of marketing online.

Many people who chose not to participate in article marketing don’t realize the mistake that they are making. To be honest with you, article marketing is one of the most powerful tools that any Internet entrepreneur can use. The reason why most people don’t take advantage of this type of marketing is because of the time it takes to accomplish reasonable success.

Most people don’t have the time that it takes to write a lot of the articles. But be mindful that if you choose a niche that can be easily dominated, it will not take a lot of articles to help you get your SEO where it needs to be. Some people are afraid that they won’t get any guaranteed article links so they skip this step of article marketing.

There are certain procedures that you can take to get this process moving. If you are determined about getting good results with article marketing you are going to need a few vital ingredients.

1. You are going to need a set schedule that you are willing to commit to. Without time management you are going to burn out quick.

2. You will need to fight against the negative thoughts of failure. If you work hard enough you will see results with article marketing.

3. Make sure that you do some intense research before writing your articles. Don’t plan on getting guaranteed article links if you don’t know what you are talking about.

If you are person who does not have the persistence it takes you will not get the results that everyone else is getting. The main goal you want to have in mind while article marketing is to get published article links. If you want to get guaranteed article links you need to make sure that you know your topic thoroughly and produce some quality content. At the end of each article you will have the opportunity to place your contact info in a resource box. This is where you will be able to place links to different sources or your website. If you get your article accepted you will then have published article links which will help your marketing greatly.

There are tons of article sites that will allow you to write and submit your content. But it does not mean that you will get confirmed article links. To get confirmed article links is the name of the game. Without this there is no way that you will see results. So instead of trying to sell your products in your article you should educate them.

AAL (Assured Article Links) service offers Guaranteed Article Links for your articles at less than 35 cents per one way link. AAL is the revolutionary service of submitinme.com which offers SEO services since 2002.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article232452.html

Sabahkini.net Now Available At Facebook And Twitter.

2010-10-11T14:23:00.010+08:00

After suffering numerous cyber attacks on it's website, the popular Sabahkini.net had taken initiatives to establish 'mirror' pages at Facebook, Twitter and Blogger.com. In the event Sabahkini.net is inaccessible, visitors may now had the option to either access Sabahkini.net through their Facebook , Twitter or Blogger accounts (readers will need to have accounts with the two social websites to have access).

Milik Siapakah Kapcai Ini?

2010-10-09T18:42:00.000+08:00

One really wet rainy day in a Sabah East Coast town. There stood a lonely 'kapcai' in the rain. All battered-up but still useful to some (Not me though, I rather take the bus). Got me thinking - If the traffic police or the JPJ really do their job, then this one really road-unworthy contraption would not be on the road. Another proof somebody, somewhere is still sleeping and yes, it's raining by the way.

Same Car, Different Nam

2010-10-09T15:08:00.000+08:00

by Dale Milton

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare may have written “What’s in a name?”, but according to auto manufacturers, the answer is “Lots!” That may be the reason why they release the same vehicle under different names in different markets. Like “letting go” for “firing” and “restructuring” for “layoffs”, this act too has a trendy name, or if you would have it, a euphemism - “badge engineering.” This practice is also known as “twinning” - creating twins of existing models.

If you consider yourself a car expert who can recognize one from a distance of half a mile, you may be in for a surprise the next time you visit a different country. The Chevrolet Optra you own may turn out to have quite a different name in Australia - Holden Viva, as a matter of fact. Move several thousand miles from Down Under to Far East and the same car is the Buick Excelle in China. Confused? Don’t be. You are experiencing the promotional strategy called badge engineering. We’ll try to explain why it exists in the first place.

Let’s start with an analogy: suppose you are a loyal supporter of the Notre Dame football team. Granted they are not doing very well of late, but you continue to support them, as do many others, hoping for a turnaround (this is assuming you are not a fan of Notre Dame’s traditional rivals like Michigan or USC). This is what marketers would call “brand royalty.” Therefore, if a marketer wants you to like a player, all he has to do is dress him up in the jersey of the Notre Dame team, and you will like the player by association with your favorite brand.

Extend this to automobiles. Suppose a manufacturer has two brands, A and B, in two different markets, X and Y. If a car of brand A is doing well in X, the manufacturer may consider introducing it in Y. But A has no presence in Y, where B has considerable brand royalty. In such a situation, it makes business sense to change the car brand from A to B before introducing it in Y.

Brand loyalty is not the only determinant behind having different names for the same car. Cost and time considerations also come into play. Often it makes more economic sense to expand the market for a tried and tested product than to design and manufacture a completely new one. And badge engineering is not restricted to having different names for the same car in different markets; sometimes, it may be implemented in the same market to target different market segments.

No discussion on badge engineering is complete without the mention of General Motors. Historically, GM has had several different brands under its wing, and has often implemented this strategy to expand the ranges of different brands in one market such as selling a single car as a Chevrolet, a Pontiac, and a Buick within the US. Sometimes, they are differentiated by certain characteristics usually associated with that brand. For example, Chevrolet customers expect tighter steering and suspension, whereas Buick customers expect a softer, more luxurious ride.

Also, GM has sold the same model under different names in different markets depending on brand loyalty and consumer perception. For example, when GM took over Daewoo’s passenger car division after the Korean company filed bankruptcy, it continued with the Daewoo brand in its home country. However, in Australia, Daewoo models were branded as Holdens while they were named as part of the Chevrolet brand in most other markets like India. That is why cars like the Daewoo Matiz hatchback became the Chevrolet Spark in India.

Badge engineering is not restricted only to big manufacturers with large portfolios. Sometimes, two companies cooperate to implement this strategy, either by trading off products that each brand lacks in its lineup or by pooling their resources to create a joint product, and then selling it individually. The third cooperative method is when one company allows another company, otherwise unaffiliated, to market a revised version of its product.

An example of the first method is the deal that was signed between Honda and Isuzu in the early 1990s. As a result of this agreement, the Honda Odyssey was branded as an Isuzu Oasis because Isuzu needed a minivan, while the Isuzu Rodeo was sold as the Honda Passport because Honda wanted an SUV in its portfolio. It is noteworthy that, to date, the Oasis is the only minivan ever to be sold by Isuzu.

An example of the second method is the 26-year marriage between General Motors and Toyota that led to the birth of New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI). While GM saw it as an opportunity to learn about Toyota’s legendary manufacturing processes (JIT, kaizen, etc), Toyota welcomed this venture for allowing it to gain a foothold in the American market. The first plant was opened in 1986 and closed earlier this year, but the products that were created by NUMMI can still be seen on the roads today. These include Toyota Corolla/Chevrolet Prizm and the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Another example would be the cooperation between Ford and Volkswagen that resulted in such cars as the VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy, and SEAT Alhambra.

An example of the third method of cooperative badge engineering is the Volkswagen Routan, which is simply a re-branded Dodge Caravan. Ford also entered into an agreement with Chrysler to sell the same car in a luxury trim as the Chrysler Town and Country. So, basically, the Dodge Caravan, the Volkswagen Routan and the Chrysler Town and Country are the same car.

A place where you can expect to see badge engineering is the luxury segment where a manufacturer may not have many brands in its portfolio, but has at least one mainstream and one premium brand. In such cases, a model from the mainstream line is often decked up with luxury items and improved electronics, and then sold as a model of the premium brand. Some may argue that the two models are different due to the changes made, even if cosmetic, but this is an argument that cannot be easily resolved.

Examples include the Lexus ES, which is simply a luxurious Toyota Camry, and the Acura TSX, which can be considered a premium Honda Accord. Even GM, whose Cadillac brand is considered a luxury brand and Chevrolet a mainstream line, has the Cadillac Escalade heavily based on the Chevrolet Tahoe.

In conclusion, as always, be knowledgeable about what you buy. Or as the ancients would say, “Caveat Emptor!” (Latin: Let the buyer beware).

Dale Milton writes articles for carbuyhelp.com, an online car buying and selling service. If you need help buying a new or used car or selling your vehicle, this site is the perfect tool!

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article225456.html

Tips on How to Maximize the Battery Performance of Your Dell Laptops

2010-10-07T15:00:00.002+08:00

by Dorica Lopez

It is known to many that the performance of portable laptops depends greatly on the performance of the battery that is being used. The life span of your laptop’s battery, on the other hand, depends on you as the user and so it is essential for you to know how you can maximize your battery’s performance. These are the principles that gave Dell the idea to come up with tips for consumers to be able to maximize the performance of the batteries of their Dell laptops. These are very simple things and if you are able to follow them, it will not be hard for you to save the battery life of your Dell laptops and make it last longer. Here’s how:

1. Make sure to properly break in your new batteries – you should know that when you purchase a laptop or any other device, the battery that comes with it is not yet fully charged. To be able to get its optimum capacity, you need to get the battery conditioned or cycled first. Make sure to charge your battery up to 4 or 5 times to make sure that it is already well-conditioned for use.

2. Prevent the memory effect – make sure to full charge and discharge the battery at least once or twice a month to avoid the memory effect.

3. Clean your battery – cleaning your battery using alcohol and cotton and make it perform better as dirt on your battery contacts can make its performance poor.

4. Regularly exercise your battery – this is highly recommended for those who are using an AC adapter for a long period of time. It is advised that you use your battery at least once or twice in an interval of 2 weeks. You should know that batteries lose its charge when stored for a long period of time and you might need to break in your battery when it happens.

5. Store your battery properly – when not in sue, make sure to store your battery in a dry, cool and clean place and make sure that it is free from heat or from any other metals.

6. Optimize your laptop’s Power Management Features – The Power Management Features in Dell laptops enable power conservation of the battery. To do this, you may set your LCD brightness at a lower level or lower down the speed of your processor to enable low power consumption.

Dorica Lopez is a freelance article writer and has written lots of various articles about technology, health, home and finance, etc. Dorica has used Dell Laptops for a number of years now and has used both Inspiron and Latitude models for working on. For more information visit europc.co.uk.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article219655.html

I'm Back!

2010-09-22T18:03:00.001+08:00

From the Daily Express - 21.09.2010

It's been almost 2 months that I last posted an article in this blog. Call it a self-imposed if you will for I needed some time off to recuperate. Been feeling tired of late and since last month was the fasting month and followed by the Raya celebration thereafter, I decided to take a short break.

Well I'm back and it's still not to late to wish all my Muslim readers a belated Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Dan Batin.

To start off, I got this news article that I wish to share with you readers. I'm sure this not isolated to Sabah alone. Wonder why this is so? I'm pretty sure all of us love our dear country very much.

I' m Rich??

2010-08-01T22:05:00.003+08:00

Got this stupid e-mail just now while clearing my in-box. It's an e-mail of some fraudsters at work.

As the e-mail is quite different from what I usually received, I thought would just post it here so you folks out there won't get burned. Have a nice week ahead.

The President Committee United Nations UN ATM card FCT,
ABUJA:OUR/REF:FGN/SNT/STB
Dear Beneficiary,

You are officially informed that an ATM Card numbered;6280512001110686 valued at $4.7 MILLION USD. has been accredited in your favor. contact courier office with information below,

* Full Name:
* Delivery Address:
* Phone Number:
* Gender:
* Age:
* Occupation:
* Country:
Payment Method (ATM)

Contact DHL SERVICE: DR WILSON COOK
Contact Email: dhldelivery2010@gmail.com
phone number: +23480 32904923

NOTE:You have to pay the courier company $$96.99 usd first before the delivering takes place. The delivery officer will provide you with instructions on how you are to make payment of the $96.99 only for the shipping of your ATM card

Remember that you are not paying any fees extra no matter what. Onceagain note that the actual DHL SERVICE Retail Price: $125.99 Your Price (Because of our contract signed): $96.99 ($29.00 Savings!).

Respectfully,
Amb. Anthony Moore
UN Envoy (African Region)

Political Blogger's Marriage Is On The Rock.

2010-07-26T09:47:00.064+08:00

According to the news article here, the marriage of two well-known husband and wife bloggers, Mamasita Mamamia! whose real name is Datin Nurulhuda Ghazali and political blogger Sakmongkol AK47, who is the former state assemblyman for Pulau Manis, Datuk Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz, 54 is on the verge of break-ups.

Read also Mamasita Mamamia's response to an earlier published article here.

Utusan Malaysia Online - Berita Utama

2010-07-26T09:37:00.000+08:00

Utusan Malaysia Online - Berita Utama

A Book That I Read.

2010-07-22T11:52:00.004+08:00

Read a book titled Fiqah Berinteraksi dengan Non-Muslim which was written by Ustaz Mohammad Nidzam Abd. Kadir, which I believe is still quite new in the market. I happened to stumble upon this copy yesterday from the Semporna public library.

Quite interesting, informative and a good read, but "Non-Muslim" is an English term and since this particular book is written in the Malay language, I'm sure a more appropriate and non-offensive Malay term is still available to be used.

The Demonizing Of DSAI.

2010-07-20T14:25:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR 19 Julai - Yayasan Masa Hadapan (FFF) yang diketuai Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pada pertengahan dekad lalu ditubuh dan dibiayai oleh Jabatan Negara Amerika Syarikat.

Read more ...

Source : Utusan Malaysia Online

Ah, excerpt of an article showing part of the ongoing and continuing process of demonizing DSAI. I'm no great fan of his, but one may begin to wonder what is it that the BN found in this man so threatening.

For interestingly enough, it had me begin to slowly feel sorry for this man. One man against the might of the entire nation propaganda machinery. Who knows, sorry may just transform into feeling of symphaty and support soon.

And who knows too that for someone to be feared by the government so much, may well be the someone we look forward to lead us to a new era of good governance.

For I have grown tired of a government who refused to learn from its mistakes ...

Vcitim Of Snatch Theft And Shot By A Scurity Guard.

2010-07-18T16:16:00.006+08:00

Man becomes a victim of snatch theft and shooting

JOHOR BARU: After allegedly losing more than RM5,000 to a snatch thief, another misfortune hit the victim – he was shot twice during an argument with a security guard here.

Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Zainuddin Yaacob said the incident happened at a moneychanger’s shop in Jalan Harimau Tarom at 5pm yesterday.

Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

There was a public outcry recently pertaining to a case where a cop was accused of being too trigger-happy. He was subsequently being charged over that incident and are presently waiting for his case to be heard and tried in a court of law.

A response in similar measure should be accorded to this security guard concerned. Carrying heavy weaponry or side-arm while on-guard duty is a big responsibility and surely we don't need another trigger-happy security guard.

Parents And Students Beware!

2010-07-18T11:19:00.001+08:00

Pic: Centre Charles Peguy

Sunday July 18, 2010
Degree not recognised

MY SON completed the Bachelor of Engineering programme with an established university in the Klang Valley and obtained an honours degree.

He recently applied for a job at a reputable engineering firm and was on the verge of being accepted, when he was informed that his degree was not recognised by the Board of Engineers, Malaysia.

We called up the board and it confirmed that it only recognises the four-year degree programme and not the three-year one.

This important fact was obviously not told to us during the time of my son’s registration at the university, when it should have been openly disseminated to all prospective students.

Why has this established university withheld such information from its students? Something is terribly wrong here.

Most universities that offer UK-recognised engineering programmes are for three years with an additional year for industrial training.

There will be many engineering students who will be graduating, but they will be unable to get jobs simply because of the board’s requirement.

I want parents of prospective engineering students to know of this requirement which I think is totally unfair.

Is there any recourse for graduates like my son? Many parents like me have worked hard to save so as to educate our children, and we feel this is an injustice on the part of the university and the board too.

HG CHEOK

Source : The StarOnline

Note : I've come to to realised much earlier that checking the accreditation of a any given university alone may not be enough. This article has confirmed my fear. So for all the parents out there, please take note.

Official Batik Attires For The Coming Merdeka Celebarations.

2010-07-17T15:09:00.009+08:00

Pic: Bernama

Najib Picks 53rd Independence Day Official Attire

PUTRAJAYA, July 16 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has chosen two official attires for the Independence Month and 53rd Independence Day celebrations this year.

Read more ...

Source : Bernama

Nice, although I must say I'm not a particular Batik fan myself. However, I do have serious doubt whether the above particular Batik are suitable for overweight and gendut male individuals.

Fancy That! (3)

2010-07-17T09:54:00.004+08:00

Pic: The Daily Express

10,000 Notebooks for free

Kudat: Some 10,000 1Malaysia notebooks will be given free to eligible Sabahans in phases as part of the Federal Government's initiative to achieve a nationwide 50 per cent Internet penetration rate target by 2010.

Information, Communication and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, said it was part of the government allocation to provide one million computers nationwide. Through the Multimedia Communications and Malaysian Commission (MCMC).

To get the free 1Malaysia computers, eligible recipients must be earning less than RM3,000 a month in urban areas and less than RM5,000 a month in rural areas. (????)

Read more ...

Source : The Daily Express

I fail to see how the gift of a lap-top will help the old man and his family in solving their immediate pressing needs.

For all we know, the recipients might just sell it off for quick cash after a few days. Take note, that particular area in Kudat is one the poorest in Sabah.

(Just curious, where will he get his lap-top recharge once his battery power runs out.)

Fancy That! (2)

2010-07-17T09:28:00.000+08:00

RM40bil in assets stuck
PETALING JAYA: Some RM40bil worth of assets and property left behind by deceased persons continue to be unclaimed due to poor administrative procedures in the distribution of estates to the rightful Muslim heirs.

Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

It's complicated. That's how I will describe my own experience in relation to these inheritance issues. Learned a lot after that and yep, it's complicated alright.

Fancy That!

2010-07-17T09:05:00.003+08:00

Indonesian Muslims told to change prayer direction

JAKARTA, July 16 — Indonesia’s Muslims learned today they have been praying in the wrong direction, after the country’s highest Islamic authority said its directive on the direction of Mecca actually had people facing Africa.

Source : The Malaysian Insider

Unhappy With Astro Service.

2010-07-16T11:05:00.001+08:00

An Astro subscriber claimed to have never missed paying her bills every month but still had her service disconnected twice.

The complainant, HASNI, in an email sent to Actionline, said that on both occasions she went to the Astro service centre at KK Times Square only to be left disappointed with the way the staff handled her case.

Read more ...

Source : New Sabah Times

A lecturer of a recent course that I'd attended last year had asked us to identify and work out a list - in our own opinion, the worse service providers available in the Country.

Guess who is on top of everyone's list?

Not Many Knows How To Cough And Sneeze Correctly.

2010-07-16T10:37:00.001+08:00

Alas, here’s more proof that most people have habits that aren’t very sanitary — and sometimes can be plain disgusting.

For a study, medical students secretly watched hundreds of people cough or sneeze at a train station, a shopping mall and a hospital in New Zealand. What they saw wasn’t pretty, with most people failing to properly prevent an airborne explosion of infectious germs.

The work was done in the capital city of Wellington over two weeks last August, at the tail end of a worrisome but fairly mild wave of swine flu illnesses. It was a time when the pandemic was international news, and public health campaigns were telling children and adults to be careful about spreading the virus.

Source : New Sabah Times

An Englishman Referee For The World Cup 2010 Final.

2010-07-09T18:08:00.003+08:00

Howard Webb - Wikipedia

After a lapse of almost eight years, we finally get to see another bald referee to handle a World Cup final game. This time, it will be the turn for Briton Howard Webb, to be the referee for the final game of the Fifa World Cup 2010 between Spain against the Netherlands, this coming Sunday which will be on the 11th July 2010. More details may be found here.

Pierluigi Collina - Wikipedia

But my all time favourite referee is Pierluigi Collina whom once hailed as the world best referee and yes, he's also a very bald man.

However, for this one:

Alien - www.proofofalienlife.com

Yep, he's bald alright but definitely not a referee.

The Malaysian Insider: Muftis At Odds Over ESQ.

2010-07-09T17:25:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Former Johor Mufti Datuk Nooh Gadot defended the Emotional Spiritual Quotient (ESQ) leadership centre today, after a decision by the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Council’s decision to declare it “haram” sparked a row about the suitability of its motivational programme for Muslims.
“The role of ulama (religious scholars) is to preach and not give judgment. The Prophet has reminded us of this very clearly,” Nooh told reporters during a press conference today.

Read more ....

Source : The Malaysian Insider

It is confirmed now: even the Muftis are at odd with each other over certain issues.

Difficult In Controlling High Blodd Pressure.

2010-07-08T14:36:00.004+08:00

Hard to control high blood pressure

KUALA LUMPUR: Four out of 10 adults suffer from high blood pressure in Malaysia, but only 26% of them have it under control.

The direct and indirect costs of treating high blood pressure was estimated at RM2,719 and RM7,511 respectively per patient last year.

Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

I have been taking Amlodipine Maleate 5 mg on regular basis for over a few months now. It's one of those pills someone takes if that someone is suffering from hypertension.

So far mine is is under control as it was detected earlier . Beside the drug alone, embarking on a totally new style of living and make necessary sacrifices like taking less of that favourite meat, do more of that physical exercises on regular basis and so on. (Taking less seriously about the local political scenes will be of great help too.)

In other words, embracing a healthy style of living is a must to avoid kicking the bucket much earlier that its time.

Taxpayers Unhappy With The Delay.

2010-07-08T13:41:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Many taxpayers are frustrated over the confusing tax deduction system and delay in getting refunds for overpaid tax amounts.

A taxpayer and salaried employee claimed he had not received a refund of RM15,000 from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

This amount was the accumulated tax he had overpaid over the past seven years. He was informed of the amount by the IRB.

Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

This is basd on my experience when dealing with the LHDN. I don't think it is that bad. The officers ( and they are always female officers) that I have met and dealt with over the years are cordial and eager to help in solving my problem. (Maybe its only in Kota Kinabalu).

The only snag is when they will have to refer certain cases to their HQ in the Peninsula. Then that will delay things a bit.

Guess I will have to wait a bit longer for my overpaid tax.

Taxpayers Overpaid By RM10 Billion.

2010-07-07T12:27:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 870,630 taxpayers overpaid their taxes by RM10bil in 2009, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein.

He told Pendang Member of Parliement Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman at the Dewan Rakyat that 838,644 taxpayers overpaid by RM8.6bil in 2008 while 654,606 taxpayers overpaid by RM5.4bil in 2007. Some 291,315 taxpayers overpaid by RM4.3bil in 2006.

He said as of last year, the Inland Revenue Board had yet to refund 150,757 taxpayers.

Read more ....

Source : The Star Online

Still waiting for my refund ...

How to Get Information Regarding Computer Hardware And Software?

2010-07-05T13:31:00.002+08:00

How to Get Information Regarding Computer Hardware And Software?

by beikashi

There are various books on computer hardware and software but if you are looking for an easy and quick way to find some practical information on these topics then Internet is a good medium. There are a few web sites that provide tips and information on computer and technology and can be quite useful for you.

Dutchgeek.com is a web site dedicated to such topics. Robin Bouwhuis who has passion for computers since childhood writes the content on this web site. The web site aims to provide quality content on various important topics related to technology. Not only the novice but also the experienced professionals can immensely benefit from it.

One of the greatest benefits of Dutchgeek.com is the simple way in which each and every topic is dealt with. Instead of using complicated technical jargon, everything is explained in an easy to understand language, thus allowing even non-technical people to grasp the tips from the articles.

The writer has rich experience in respect to computer and Internet and he regularly shares his experiences with his readers through his blogs. Not only you will get good advice and information, but the web site also provides several useful resources like links to download useful software. You can get links to Malware Bytes, Norton Ghost, CCleaner, Camstudio, and so on along with their reviews. The software resources are periodically updated so that a large number of people can have access to them.

At Dutchgeek.com, you will find articles related to virus protection, networking, web hosting, optimization, maintenance of computers, and so on. The articles are classified into various categories to enable the readers to easily locate them. Not only can you read the articles but also can bookmark them and share them with your friends and family members. There are various options available to social bookmark the articles like tweet, digg, delicious, Yahoo, and LinkedIn.

If you have any doubts, or you want to share your knowledge on any topic, or you want to express your opinions about any article, then you can use comment option available to post your suggestions or comments. Therefore, the site is not just a place to get information but also for discussions with the like minded people.

People interested in getting the latest information and posts, can subscribe to the Dutchgeek newsletter. An archive option is also available at the web site that allows checking the posts of the previous months.

If you frequently require information related to computers for personal or professional reasons, then Dutchgeek.com could be quite useful for you. Since the writer of this web site has been working in IT for several years, he has good idea about the problems faced by the people in this field and also about the kind of information that people generally look for. Dutchgeek.com could be your one stop destination for all the information on computer and technology.

www.dutchgeek.comhttp://dutchgeek.com/">www.dutchgeek.com> is a web site dedicated to all technology enthusiasts. The System Administrator, Robin Bouwhuis writes quality content on various topics related to computers. If have are the one who yearns for computer and technology related information, please visit www.dutchgeek.comhttp://dutchgeek.com/">www.dutchgeek.com>.

Couples Caught Daily On Terengganu Beaches

2010-07-05T12:33:00.001+08:00

10 couples caught naked daily on Terengganu beaches

KUALA TERENGGANU: As many as 10 couples are caught daily by anti-vice volunteers along the Tok Jembal and Teluk Ketapang beaches, which are increasingly becoming favourite haunts for sexual trysts.

Read more ....

Source : The StarOnline

Hmm... saban hari maupun malam, kerja sukarela macam mana sekalipun, tapi kalau sering menghendap dan mengintai kalau-kalau ada pasangan yang akan curi-curi mengentot boleh sakit jiwa dibuatnya.

Para sukarelawan sekali-kala hendaklah juga di periksa oleh pakar sakit jiwa. Takut nanti kerana buat perkara baik otak jadi biul pula kerana saban hari didedah pada perlakuan porno.

Bukankah ada baik jikalau diterangkan saja kawasan yang sering menjadi tumpuan kerja-kerja maksiat itu serta ditingkatkan rondaan polis pasa masa yang sama. Nescaya gejala tidak bermoral ini akan berkurangan tidakpun akan lenyap sama-sekali.

Tapi hendaklah waspada sikit. Janganlah sampai terlalu terang sangat. Risau pula sang penyu akan menjadi takut dan tidak lagi akan mendarat untuk bertelur. Hahaha ....

It Is Never Easy To Build Mosques In The US.

2010-07-03T15:15:00.002+08:00

Controversy Surrounds Construction of Mosques Across U.S.
By Lauren Green
Published July 02, 2010/FoxNews.com

They're separated by thousands of miles, but they share a common controversy: Mosques. Murfreesboro, Tenn., has joined a growing list of midsized towns in the U.S. that are embroiled in conflicts over proposed mosques being built or bought in their neighborhoods.

Read more ...

We hear them announcing all the time about how they are being champion of human rights, land of tolerance and many more of the goodness and never the bad yet here they are - "cakap tak serupa bikin" when it comes to the issue of building mosques in their midst.

So much for tolerance and all the hype. I guess whatever little tolerance they had left with them had all but gone after 9/11.

Still, I personally think it is not right to punish the majority against the action of the few. Least of all to see it happened in the US.

Hello!

2010-07-01T09:42:00.003+08:00

Haven't been updating my blog as much as I would like these few days as I were caught up with my work and also the frequent late nights due to the ongoing World Cup has taken its toll on me. : )

Will try my best to update as soon as I'm able. Cheers to everyone.

Al-Arqam Kembali Aktif?

2010-06-11T16:40:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Penemuan risalah dan buku diharamkan penerbitannya dalam serbuan Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS) ke atas ibu pejabat sebuah syarikat yang diasaskan Asaari Muhammad, Selasa lalu, membuktikan wujud cubaan menghidupkan kembali Al-Arqam.

Read more ...

Source: Berita Harian Online

Samada aktif ke tidak - entahlah. Namun di antara kek cokelat menjadi kegemaran kebanyakan pihak di KK ini bergelar "Kek Arqam".

Pernah juga sesekali terserempak dengan individu yang berjubah serta beserban putih ala tablig. Bila ditanya siapa gerangan mereka ini, jawapan yang diterima - ahli Arqam.

Latest On Bung's Marriage Saga.

2010-06-10T14:35:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on the validity of the marriage of Kinabangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin and actress Zizie Izette A. Samad was postponed Thursday by the Kuala Lumpur Syariah High Court to a date yet to be announced.

Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

There's a saying - when you want something so bad you have to really struggle hard for it. It calls for patience, peserverance and what not. Haiya! Mau kahwin pun susah ... :)

It's Not Finalized Yet.

2010-06-08T10:04:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR 7 Jun – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata, kerajaan belum lagi mengeluarkan atau memberi lesen kepada syarikat Ascot Sports Sdn. Bhd. (Ascot Sports) untuk menjalankan operasi pertaruhan sukan ...

Read more ..

Source : Utusan Malaysia Online

Just in case if the Government decides not to go ahead issuing the sports betting permit, wonder who will cry the loudest?

The Blaming Game Continues ...

2010-06-06T17:36:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu's Tamil Nesan newspaper added today the MCA, its The Star newspaper and Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek as forces behind the Anti-Samy Vellu Movement (GAS).

Read more ...

Source : The Malaysian Insider

They say Tai-Chi is good for the body and soul. Especially so the senior citizens. But it may not be that workable for this man.

The time to learn how to let go has finally come. Maybe after being in the helm for so long has made him forgotten how to do just that. Give someone else and much younger a chance to lead.

It will be a pity to see all those good works that he's done before will come to naught should in the end his leadership is being questioned and the calls for his ouster is getting louder.

Disgusting!

2010-06-06T12:32:00.002+08:00

A photo taken this morning showing one of the several large rubbish bins found scattered across the Semporna township with this particular bin located near to the Kolej Komuniti. The individuals seen in this photo were either cleaning, rummaging or scavenging the contents of the dirty bin without any protective gears. The saddest part is, how could an underage kid be even allowed at close proximity in such a dirty environment.

Some Semporna Photos. (2)

2010-06-02T11:36:00.005+08:00

A normal scene at a jetty located near the Scuba Junkie office in Semporna. Sea Bajaus unloading their harvest - sea weeds or as locally known here as latto.

To prepare for the long trip to Kota Kinabalu, the seaweeds are washed and immersed in sea water.

The seaweeds are carefully packed in layers of banana leaves to retain its freshness.

The seaweeds all packed-up and ready to be transported to Kota Kinabalu.

( Been using a Sony Ericsson W880i hand phone for the shots.)

What Some Social Sites Know And Whom They Tell.

2010-06-02T10:54:00.003+08:00

It is a good advice to not divulge too much of yourself on on-line social networking sites as this article here may explain why.

Although this particular case had happened in the USA who knows the day may come when it may well happen here too.

This is one of the reason why I kept my telling my friends and especially my kids to be wary of such sites and refrain from giving away too much information about themselves.

Majlis Tahlil.

2010-05-25T18:28:00.003+08:00

I've attended a 'Majlis Tahlil' last night located not far from where I lived which was already in the sixth consecutive night. Suffice to say that the location is in the East Coast of Sabah.

I don't know how it is being done in other places but I guess it should not be that too different because it's being done based on the similarity of the religion which is Islam.

Normally, everyone will congregate in the living room or any room spacious enough to accommodate all those present. After having complete reciting the Surah Yassin and the subsequent relevant doas, dinner or light meals will be served to all those present.

Finally before everyone leaves, the host will distribute token of money to everyone present as a show of his appreciation. As usual in any kenduri that I've attended before, I graciously decline to accept. My presence was only to offer prayer to the deceased and nothing more. The meal or refreshment served after the prayer session is already good enough for me.

It saddened me that I was called, although in a metaphorically way - stupid for not accepting the 'sedekah' or token of money from the host. As that person is much senior from me in term of age and family rank, I just kept silence.

There was no anger in me however only tinge of sadness. I had acted in a way which I think was the right thing to do. It may be their custom but I still find it rather strange and hard to adopt.

Rafflesia Health Hazard.

2010-05-25T11:03:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Clinical tests on mice have shown that traditional medicine using the Rafflesia flower can have adverse effects on the liver and spleen, claims a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) senior lecturer.

Read more ...

Source : New Sabah Times

Consumers will have to be extra careful not just on this particular product but on other traditional medicine products as well that's available in the market.

Majority Of Our Diplomatic Officials Lacked PR Skills.

2010-05-24T18:42:00.004+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Forget about learning a foreign language. Or, even making Malaysia stand out.

Most of our diplomacy officials attached overseas not only lack skills in public relations, but are also too shy when meeting with officials from other countries.

This assessment comes from none other than Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) executive chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam.

Read more ...

Source: Bernama.com

They may be only "malu-malu kucing" or worse - still trapped in their "jaguh kampung" mentality. Then any training should begin early preferably when they are still in secondary schools and not when they are too advance in age and not susceptible change.

Woman Blackmailed By Ex-Lover's Wife.

2010-05-24T14:47:00.005+08:00

A woman has been threatened by her former boyfriend's wife that sex video clips of her will be posted on YouTube if she attempted to recover the more than RM50,000 that the man owed her.

Read more ...

Source :www.dailychilli.com

I don't get it. Why did she allowed herself to be taped having sex with her lover in the first place. Trust? They are not even married yet. Sadly, she doesn't know that porno tapes are not allowed on Youtube.

The wife must really loved her husband so much that she's willing to forgive him even after seeing the tapes and had used the tapes for their benefit. The husband should be careful with his wife. Maybe she will not be so forgiving next time.

A good lesson for all ladies and gents out there.

ABIM : Why Award Betting Licence.

2010-05-24T14:15:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) today joined the growing number of opponents to the sports betting licence issued to Berjaya Group’s Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd, citing negative effects of gambling to Malaysians.

Abim president Muhamad Razak Idris urged the government to provide a public explanation as to why it has awarded a sports-betting licence and to review the World Cup 2010 betting licence amid public outcry.

Read more ...

Source: The Malaysian Insider.

Why? There may be lots of reasons and which only the Government could provide the satisfactory answers. I can think of one reason and that is the Government is desperate for fund.

Review on the subsidy for sugar could be next.

Scam E-mails.

2010-05-23T10:19:00.044+08:00

I have been receiving a lot of spam and phishing e-mails lately being the one I've copied below as one of them. Please call your bank as I did to check the veracity of any e-mail received. Never and I mean never, log-on to any of its link and divulge any of your personal information such as your password.

Be safe.

Dear Valued Customer,

Maybank security systems detected a serious (PR2) security problem in your account. Your account has been restricted due to several invalid login attempts from an unauthorized third-party. Your immediate attention is required to reactivate your account. Please be informed that your account will be temporarily closed if not activated now..

Active Below

Click here to update your Maybank account information

Thank you for Your Undersatanding and support (Note the word understanding spelled wrongly)

LDP Chided.

2010-05-21T13:05:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was yesterday chided for its criticism towards the Barisan Nasional (BN), with Sabah Umno Youth chief Azman Ruslan saying it could invite negative perception among the people.Ruslan said as one of BN’s component parties, the LDP should show exemplary way of strengthening the ties and cooperation between the state and federal governments and not the opposite.

Read more ...

Source : The Borneo Post

That is why most organization have their own unit called " Internal Audit".The LDP could be doing just that or there could be other ulterior motives.

Datuk B.M.

2010-05-21T12:47:00.006+08:00

It's everywhere. Be it in the office, under a shady tree or at a coffee shop table - people are making fun and joked about the MP of Kinabatangan, Datuk Bung Mokthar's present predicament. No need for me to go into detail about the predicament he's in as I'm sure almost everyone in the Country must have heard about his brush with the law after taking a second wife.

I hope people will not forget that Bung is not a common criminal here although his notoriously and controversial antics in Parliament is well-known and thus will earn him less or no sympathy at all by most quarters.

Understandably, a lot of comments were made out there but I think the one made by Dr. Asri the former Mufti of Perlis, here, are the most apt thus far and may provides the sought-after moral support and sympathy Datuk Bung deserve(?).

Still, I strongly believe that his family deserves sympathy and understanding the most from all parties. Without realizing it, the public had unwillingly dragged them along into scrutiny as-well while in their zest of demonizing Bung.

Thus, I hope this circus show will end soon for their sake.

Strange Tale.

2010-05-19T11:16:00.006+08:00

A classic case of too much of any thing is not good for anyone. Maybe a well-know star golfer can recommend him a good clinic.

KUCHING: Too much sex may not be good for a marriage, even for newlyweds.

A woman lodged a police report on Monday against her husband, aged 31, for alleged rape after hardly 16 days of what should have been wedded bliss.

Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

Dr. Asri - Don't Legalize Betting.

2010-05-10T11:09:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Mei — Bekas mufti Perlis Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin menggesa kerajaan mengkaji balik langkah mempertimbangkan kemungkinan mengeluarkan lesen untuk membenarkan pertaruhan dilakukan semasa kejohanan bola sepak Piala Dunia 2010 berlangsung bulan depan.

Read more ...

Source : The Malaysian Insider.

It is the same thing come every World Cup season. The heavenly season and most look forward to by all the gamblers and Ah Longs out there. After all it comes only once every four years.

The gamblers will lay their bets with certain bookies or among themselves on their favourite teams. If their teams wins then good. Should their teams lost however, they will continue placing their bets as the season progresses, only this time they will place their bets higher with the hope of recouping their previous losses.

And so the process continues until it finally reaches to a stage when they finally realized they had fully depleted all their money.

That's when the problems start. While some had the good sense to stop, there will be those who will do just the opposite. They will begin to borrow, against their good judgment, from the Ah Longs and continue betting. Heavens help them after that.

Then you will hear horror stories that certain So and So had lost it all betting in the games. And these So and So had gone into hiding while the Ah Longs are hot on their tails.

Only when the "dust" had finally settled that the losers will come to realize the extend of the "devastation" due to their indulgence - penniless, hardship on their families and worst of all they their self-respect in the process. Was it really worth it one may ask.

Maybe some of you readers might say that I had made this all up and only an exaggeration on my part. No my friends, I've it seen happened before. Not once but enough to learn good lessons from it all.

Gambling is a habit that is not discriminatory. It does not recognize one's religious denomination or race. It is open to anyone who likes to indulge in it. In the end, any gambling session produces winners and losers. While only a few wins the same cannot be said about the losers.

But this time however, the Government will have a big hand in producing losers should they they go ahead with their intention to legalize the betting for this coming 2010 World Cup.

It's All In The Attitude

2010-05-09T09:29:00.001+08:00

It's All in the Attitude

by Kenrick Cleveland

I AM YOUR ATTITUDE! I AM YOUR MASTER. I can make you rise or fall. I can make you a success or failure. I can work for or against you. I control your feelings and actions. I can make your heart sing with happiness. I can make you wretched, dejected, or morbid. I can make you angry and resentful. I can make you lonely, discouraged or depressed. I can make you sick, listless. I can be a shackle, heavy and burdensome. I can be a prism's hue, dancing bright and colorful. I can be nurtured and grown to be beautiful. I can never be removed, only replaced. I AM YOUR ATTITUDE! (author unknown)

It's human nature to have low points -- moments of doubt, or sadness, or feeling down, or road rage. We all have the spectrum of emotions bliss to sorrow, joy to misery. It's key to remember that all emotions are choices.

We choose to have and to hold the thoughts and emotions we experience every day. And with that choice comes a responsibility. When someone cuts us off in traffic or is wildly inconsiderate, we can either give them the horn (or the finger) and follow them at an uncomfortably close range, or we can let it go and not allow it to stick.

This, admittedly, can be very difficult. It's a crowded world. There are people who have no manners, who couldn't care any less that you have been inconvenienced by their rudeness. And yet, that's the way things will remain whether you choose to get angry and filled with rage, or whether you let it slip right off you like water slips off a duck.

I'm not saying there's no place for confrontation in life, but there is a time and place for everything and not every situation requires that level of intensity. If someone "steals" your parking spot, you can make a big deal out of it, or you can go find another one.

Even I have moments which are not ideal. I've come to realize, however, that these down times are totally unproductive and I have learned to reorient myself by enlarging the frame through which I'm viewing any given situation.

I've recently become aware of a technique that helps to remove you from the negative mindsets we can sometimes get in and prevent them from keeping us stuck. Here's what you do: Smile. That's it. Putting a smile on your face, a wide grin, really getting your dimples involved, this tricks yourself into feeling better. Don't take my word for it, try it. You're telling your unconscious that you are choosing not to dwell on the negative.

You are becoming the master of your attitude. Think of the people that are inconsiderate or rude, not as people who are trying to screw up your day, but as people who are testing your resolve to have a good attitude.

Kenrick Cleveland teaches techniques to earn the business of affluent clients using (http://www.maxpersuasion.com) persuasion. He runs public and private seminars and offers home study courses and coaching programs in (http://www.maxpersuasion.com) persuasion techniques.

Free Articles from PopularArticles.com: It's All in the Attitude

Datuk Salleh : Coal Among Best Solution.

2010-04-28T12:34:00.006+08:00

According to Datuk Salleh, the Science Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sabah - coal powered plants provides among the best solution to solve the power shortages faced by people of Sabah especially so in the East Coast region. Please read about it here.

Below is the copy of the article I've posted back in 18th December 2008, about the proposed coal powered plant to be set up in the East coast of Sabah. This would give readers some idea about my feeling and opinion regarding the whole issue.

It may seem now that "green power" is no longer the issue here but rather to source for the best and most economical alternative there is. Thus, we may very well see the option to go ahead with the Coal Powered Plant after all.

"Green" May Not Necessarily Be Clean.
Stumbled upon this website which tells you something about the consequences of utilizing coal powered plants.

Not too long ago, there was a big issue about the proposed coal powered plant to be set up in Lahad Datu which subsequently, was rejected by the State Government. Alternately, SESB then proposed another new location in Sandakan. They may have their reasons to opt for such method. One may be due to economical reason and also logistic limitations.

However, after going trough that article and also this piece, then all that green energy hype thing that they have been harping about, could all be just plain bull.

Some Semporna Photos.

2010-04-26T10:44:00.004+08:00

It's been years since I've last seen a lantern or float procession and never expected that I would see one here in Semporna. Well there it was ,held in conjunction with the just concluded Regatta Lepa-Lepa. Did not take any other photos as I just could not stand large crowds. Must be getting old.

Student Fell To His Death While Escaping From Religious Officers.

2010-04-24T17:22:00.007+08:00

GOMBAK: In his haste to escape punishment from religious officers, a college student who was alone with his girlfriend plunged to his death from the fifth floor of an apartment.

The 21-year-old student was believed to have panicked when several policemen and officers from the Selangor Religious Department knocked on the door of the rented apartment Saturday morning.

Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

This is so unfortunate. I wonder they (the religious and police officers) can sleep soundly every night after this.

Muslims Arrested For Buying 4D.

2010-04-23T19:15:00.004+08:00

KUANTAN: A total of 94 Muslims were arrested for buying nombor ekor (4D numbers) last year, the state assembly was told.

State Islamic Dakwah, Unity and Non-Governmental Organisation Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sahfri Ab Aziz told Syed Hamid Syed Mohamed (PAS–Semantan) that 41 were caught for the same offence in the first two months of this year.
Read more ...

Source : The Star Online

I believe this is a vice that is happening all over the Country and not Pahang alone. While this is in no way to demean my own place, but I also believe that a day "catch" in Semporna town alone over this type of vice will surpassed the two months "catch" attained as stated in the report any time. Something for the Government to solve with a more long-term effectiveness in mind.