Makan Makan Kota Kinabalu

Surau Arson Attack as taken from the StarOnline

2010-01-22T14:55:00.001+08:00

Friday January 22, 2010

Two surau hit by arsonists

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

newsdesk@thestar.com.my

MUAR: Two separate surau in two villages in Sabak Aur and Parit Beting, located about one kilometre apart, were partially damaged in two arson attempts.

In an immediate reaction, Muar district officer Mislan Karmani called for calm and said the acts of arson were the work of “some crazy people who want to create fear and disunity among Malaysians in Muar.”

In the first incident, the Surau Sirrahtulrahim at Jalan Ismail in Sabak Aur had its curtain and parts of the wall scorched.

Village head Idris Sehan believed someone had splashed kerosene near the window on the front wall. Passers-by put out the fire at 2am yesterday.

Over in Parit Beting, the surau at Jalan Salleh had its side door burnt and a window broken.

The damage was only noticed at 11am when some children went to the surau to attend a Quran class.

Mislan called on all village heads and community leaders in the district to look after all houses of worship in their respective areas.

“The incidents are not related to race or religion,” he said.

Johor deputy police chief SAC I Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said no one should exploit the issue and the police should be allowed to handle the investigations.

SAC I Jalaluddin, who was accompanied by Johor OCCI SAC II Datuk Amer Awal, said police believed the two incidents were caused by the same people.

Anyone with information can call Johor police at 07-2212999 or the Muar police at 06-9526001.

3 Malaysian churches firebombed taken from CBC News World

2010-01-08T13:54:00.001+08:00

Malaysian Churches Burned Down

Last Updated: Friday, January 8, 2010 | 12:06 AM ET

The Associated Press

Three Malaysian churches were hit with firebombs Friday, extensively damaging one amid a growing conflict over the use of the word Allah by non-Muslims, officials said.

The attacks sharply escalated tensions in the Muslim-majority country ahead of planned protests by Muslims later Friday against a Kuala Lumpur High Court verdict that struck down a three-year-old ban on non-Muslims using Allah in their literature.

"I condemn these actions because they will destroy our country's harmony," Prime Minister Najib Razak told reporters. "The government will take whatever steps it can to prevent such acts."

Najib said he has told the national police chief to step up security at churches and other places of worship.

The Dec. 31 court decision incensed many Muslims, who see it as a threat to their religion. Hateful comments and threats against Christians have been posted widely on the internet, but this is the first time the controversy has turned destructive.

The ruling was on a petition by Malaysia's Roman Catholic Church, whose main publication, the Herald, uses the word Allah in its Malay-language edition.

The first-floor office in the three-storey Metro Tabernacle Church was destroyed in a blaze a little after midnight, said Kevin Ang, a spokesman for the Protestant church. The worship areas on the upper two floors were not damaged and there were no injuries.

Kuala Lumpur police Chief Mohamad Sabtu Osman said a witness saw four people on two motorcycles breaking the glass front of the church and throwing an incendiary object inside before fleeing.

He said police found a wrench, an empty gasoline can and two scorched motorcycle helmets at the scene. The church occupies a corner plot in a row of shops in Desa Melawati, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur.

"We are still investigating," he said. He also urged Muslims not to participate in the planned protests.

Separately, Molotov cocktails were thrown into the compounds of two other churches before dawn, causing minor damage in one and none in the other, church officials said.

Rev. Lawrence Andrew, the editor of the Herald, said many churches have employed extra security guards. "Most churches are taking precautions. They are aware it may just blow up," he said.

The government has appealed the court verdict and the High Court has suspended the decision's implementation until the appeal is heard.

Dr M calls for proof on allegations by Barry Wain taken from theSTAROnline

2009-12-26T08:19:00.002+08:00

Published: Friday December 25, 2009 MYT 2:12:00 PM
Updated: Friday December 25, 2009 MYT 6:43:32 PM

Dr M dares Barry Wain to prove allegations

By SIRA HABIBU

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has challenged author ofMalaysian Maverick: Mahathir in Turbulent Times to provide documented proof that he had burnt RM100bil during his tenure as prime minister.

Dr Mahathir said he reserved his right to sue author Barry Wain, who is with Singapore think-tank Southeast Asian studies, for libel.

He said the country would have been in deep financial trouble if it had lost such a hefty sum, adding that the government had honoured its financial commitments even during slow economic growth.

Highlighting three instances that cost Malaysia a fortune, Dr Mahathir had stressed in his blog that the quantum of losses could not have exceeded RM10bil.

He attributed the losses to London Metal Exchange ruling that its tin speculators need not honour contract to sell tin as they did not physically have the produce; to Bank Negara’s trading of foreign currencies, and to Bank Bumiputra’s losses in Hong Kong.

“Altogether I don’t think the amount lost added up to RM10bil even,” said Dr Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir also pointed out that during his 22-year tenure as the prime minister, Petronas had paid the government RM126bil.

Whereas during Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s five-year tenure, Petronas had paid RM270bil as it enjoyed unprecedented profits due to high oil price.

The former premier also welcomed DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang’s proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to set up a royal commission to ascertain if he had burnt RM100bil on grandiose projects and on corruption.

Dr Mahathir said the commission should comprise foreigners and representatives from Transparency International, and that it should also investigate Abdullah’s regime to ascertain which projects were financed using Petronas funds and the costs involved.

The commission should also investigate the amount of losses due to the cancellation of the crooked bridge and Johor Baru-Padang Besar railway projects, he added.

Dr Mahathir said the proposed commission should be given full access to government documents and accounts for the period between 1981 and 2009, adding there should be no cover up.

“Depending upon the result of the commission, I reserve the right to sue Barry Wain, Lim Kit Siang and Malaysiakini.com for libel for a sum to be disclosed later,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also said that Wain would not criticise Singapore leaders as his colleagues who had written such stuff had lost in the defamation suits filed against them.

Updated News on Borneo - Dec 2009

2009-12-24T16:00:00.000+08:00

http://www.borneoecotours.com/uploads/newsletter/eZone/29/

Malaysian Transexual Marries in the UK, and now worries for her safety - Taken from TheStar online

2009-12-03T08:31:00.001+08:00

Thursday December 3, 2009

Transsexual worries for safety after negative reactions to ‘marriage’

By CHOI TUCK WO

LONDON: Malaysian transsexual Mohammed Fazdil Min Bahari is afraid to return home due to the negative reactions over her marriage to a Briton.

She has received a lot of negative e-mails and comments from people, some even accusing her of insulting the Malaysian government.

Mohammed Fazdil or Fatine, said she felt frustrated that people did not understand she had come to the United Kingdom because she wanted to be with the man she loved.

She added that she could not do that in Malaysia and people in the country seemed to be taking a religious point of view over the matter.

“I am so frightened to go back. I am worried for my safety,” she said in response to what she claimed was the inaccurate portrayal of their love story by a Malay tabloid which caused the negative reactions.

Controversial ‘marriage’: Mohammed Fazdil or Fatine and Young posing for a photo after they were married in a civil partnership in the UK last May.

Speaking up for the first time after The Sun newspaper in London broke the story, Fatine said she did not know what to do as her family had already disowned her.

“I’ve spent hours on the phone asking for forgiveness. I love them but I can’t change what has happened,” said the 36-year-old makeup artist.

Fatine said it was a shame that the article had twisted their story as it was never their intention to insult the Malay community.

“They also put my father’s name in it, which was unnecessary and my mother is now afraid to leave the house,” she added.

Fatine also said that she understood that the Malays were very traditional and that “people like me aren’t acceptable”, but she hoped things would cool down eventually.

Fatine, who married Ian Young in a civil partnership in May, faces deportation back to Malaysia after her Leave to Remain visa was rejected by the Home Office over an “incorrect” photograph.

A second application with a passport photograph with a white background as required, instead of blue, was submitted for reconsideration but it was also thrown out in October.

The pair has just submitted their third application for a Right to Family Life under the Human Rights Act in Britain.

On Monday, Immigration director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman said the department might take action against Fatine when she returned home as it viewed problems like overstaying seriously.

Young, 30, however, maintained that Fatine’s application was still being processed by the UK Border Agency and she should not be classified as an overstayer.

“All we want is to be married, happy and living together.

“The only way we can do this is over here in the UK,” said Young, who runs a property maintenance company.

He said the article also made it sound like they were trying to make a mockery of Muslim laws, which was never their intention.

“As a result of the way we have been portrayed, I now feel that we would be in more danger than ever if we were to try and live in Malay-sia,” he added.

A looming Indonesian Invasion?? Taken from the StarOnline

2009-10-08T14:54:00.001+08:00

Published: Thursday October 8, 2009 MYT 2:10:00 PM
Updated: Thursday October 8, 2009 MYT 2:36:31 PM

Security forces on alert for ‘Bendera invasion’ (Update)

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

mazwin@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s security forces, particularly those guarding the coastlines, have been put on alert after an Indonesian group threatened to invade the country on Thursday.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said any security threat to the country and its people would not be taken lightly, whether or not the attacks take place.

“Our security forces are on alert. They are ready and prepared to meet whatever threats that may come our way. We are always on guard,” he told reporters on Thursday.

However, he said there were no reports of sightings of Indonesians entering the country bearing “long bamboo poles.”

On Sept 28, The Daily Chilli reported that Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat (Bendera) had amassed bows and arrows, samurai swords and bamboo spears for an invasion of Malaysia.

Their mission is to “avenge” all alleged wrongs committed against Indonesia.

The group managed to attract media attention and frenzied supporters with its war cry of “kill Malaysians” and was the same group that set up roadblocks at Menteng, the heart of Jakarta, to “sweep” Malaysians off the street recently.

Both Malaysian and Indonesian authorities scoffed at the idea, saying the threats should not be taken seriously.

Border patrols stepped up
In KUCHING, the Royal Malaysia Police have stepped up security at all entry points from West Kalimantan to Sarawak as a precaution following threats from Bendera, national news agency Bernama reported.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohmad Salleh said patrols by the General Operations Force had been doubled starting Thursday, especially at the Tebedu and Serikin border posts and several illegal trails at the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.

“So far, we have not received any report of moves by the group known as Bendera to enter Sarawak,” he told reporters after the Sarawak police contingent’s monthly assembly and Aidilfitri open house at its headquarters here.

Mohmad said police would also set up roadblocks at major roads leading in and out of the state besides monitoring the industrial and plantation areas where many Indonesians were employed.

He said a police team from the Criminal Investigation Department had surveyed the areas and so far nothing unusual had happened, Bernama reported.

He also said that so far there had been no reports of Malaysians going to Kalimantan being threatened or those there being disturbed.

SBY asks Indonesians not to harass Malaysians - Taken from the Jakarta Post Online

2009-09-11T17:01:00.002+08:00

Don't harass Malaysians, SBY says

Erwida Maulia and Ary Hermawan , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 09/11/2009 3:11 PM | World

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told the Indonesian public on Thursday not to harass Malaysian citizens residing in the country, saying the actions taken by a group of nationalist earlier in the week were "excessive".

The president said the group broke the law and risked harming ties between Indonesia and Malaysia when it set up a road block in Central Jakarta looking for Malaysians to "sweep" out of the country.

"The *Indonesian* government has done our part. We have officially protested and taken diplomatic actions. We are working, and the Eminent Persons Group *a group established to improve Indonesia-Malaysia ties* is working. Why does there have to be such excessive actions?" said Yudhoyono at the Presidential Office.

The President reminded the nation that about 1.8 million Indonesian citizens are currently working, living or studying in Malaysia, and that they could face the consequences of the harassment.

"On principal issues, like territorial boundaries, we have to be firm. On the Ambalat dispute, on things related to national sovereignty, we're being firm. On other issues I believe there is still a better way out," the President said.

The Jakarta police dispersed a group of people who conducted an ID check targeting Malaysian nationals on Tuesday, following a series of spats between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur over their alleged cultural "theft" and ongoing border disputes.

Malaysia is concerned by the incident and has summoned Indonesia's Ambassador, Da'i Bachtiar for clarification and to assure the safety of its citizens living in Indonesia.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry issued Wednesday a statement urging the Indonesian government "to take the necessary actions in order to ensure the welfare and well-being of Malaysian citizens in Indonesia are taken care of, as well as to ensure that such aggressive actions of certain extremists in Indonesia are curtailed immediately."

Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Nanan Sukarna said on Thursday the police could not ban citizens from expressing their opinions, but made it clear they would not tolerate flag-burnings or the interrogation of members of the public.

Nanan however played down Tuesday's bullying by the nationalist groups, saying the media should not hype such incidents. He added that there had been no official request from the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta to boost security near their premises, although the activists said they planned to conduct the next rally near the embassy.

"We will do our job as usual," he said.

Susilo Makes His Comments on SWEEPING MALAYSIA - Taken from NST Online

2009-09-11T12:12:00.003+08:00

Susilo against 'Sweeping Malaysian' campaign

2009/09/11

By Shuhada Elis and Alang Bendahara

KUALA LUMPUR: A day after the Malaysian government conveyed its concerns over the “Sweeping Malaysian” vigilante campaign in Indonesia, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yesterday described his citizens’ action as “excessive”.

Susilo said the campaign was against the law and would put ties between Indonesia and Malaysia at risk.

On Tuesday, Indonesian activists of Relawan Ganyang Malaysia had conducted a raid on a street in Central Jakarta, hunting for Malaysians. They did not find any.

The Jakarta Post quoted Susilo as saying that the Indonesian government had done its part by sending protest notes and taking diplomatic action.

“We are working, and the Eminent Persons Group (a group established to improve Indonesia-Malaysia ties) is working. Why does there have to be such excessive action?” he had said while opening a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Office yesterday.

He also reminded the nation that about 1.8 million Indonesian citizens were currently working, living or studying in Malaysia, and that “sweeping” the streets for Malaysians could harm their presence.

“Let’s think about how to manage problems more wisely. On principal issues like territorial boundary, we have to be firm.

“On the Ambalat dispute, on things related to national sovereignty, we’re being
firm.

“On other issues, I believe there is still a better way out — good solutions that don’t need to involve violent actions that are against the law, moreover during Ramadan,” the president said.

Although the Malaysian government has not issued any ban on travel to Indonesia following the campaign there, Malaysians are taking precautions by cancelling their holidays to the republic.

Tour agencies are reporting “thousands of ringgit” in losses.

The agencies have been recording cancellations over the past week.

QS Travel Services Sdn Bhd executive director Noraida Othman said her company had been receiving phone calls from clients day and night.

She also received messages asking whether it was safe to go there. Noraida said some 100 clients had cancelled their trips to Jakarta, Bandung and Bali, which had resulted in losses of up to RM30,000.

These three Indonesian cities are among top destinations for Malaysians. Travellers are opting not to take risks with their safety as threats against Malaysians in the republic have escalated over the past few weeks.

Yesterday, Jakarta Post reported nine rallies in the Indonesian capital.
One of them was held in front of the Malaysian embassy there, a foreign ministry official here said.

Noraida said those who had already paid for their trips had no other choice but to continue with their plans to holiday in the republic.

“About 30 people are going to different parts of Indonesia in the next few weeks but they need to be assured of their safety. Who can provide them this assurance?”

A Sinisini.com spokesman said Malaysians were afraid of the demonstrations held in Indonesia.

The company, which operates online, has noted a drastic number of cancellations, especially for tour packages to Jakarta.

“There have been more than 50 per cent cancellations as of today.
“People pay for holidays to unwind and enjoy themselves, not to worry about their safety.”

He said besides the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, the current situation had added to the losses the tourism industry was suffering.

However, checks with local carriers AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines found there were no cancellations so far by passengers flying to Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry and the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue regular reports.

An operations room has been set up to receive reports of any related incidents from members of the public, especially Malaysian citizens currently in Indonesia.

It can be contacted at 03-88892746 and 03-88874570 (Wisma Putra) or the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta (+6221-5224947 and +6221-5224971).

The rape of young Penan girls: Cops want more info - Taken from theStarOnline

2009-09-10T17:14:00.000+08:00

Published: Thursday September 10, 2009 MYT 4:04:00 PM
Updated: Thursday September 10, 2009 MYT 4:38:00 PM

The rape of young Penan girls: Cops want more info

By STEPHEN THEN and SHARON LING

MIRI/ KUCHING: Sarawak police say they would not be able to nail the loggers who raped and sexually abused Penan women and girls in timber concession zones despite a government report that confirmed these crimes -- not unless they get detailed information.

The Women and Family Affairs Ministry has confirmed that these crimes -- first uncovered by the Bruno Manser Fund on its website, then highlighted by local media -- had taken place, but police said they need detailed information that can lead them to these rapists.

The head of the Criminal Investigation Department in Sarawak, Senior Asst Comm 2 Huzir Mohamed, told The Star on Thursday that the police need more detailed and specific information like names, dates and places.

“We need the names of specific victims, where they can be found, more accurate information on the dates and places of the incidents and descriptions of the people who had committed these (sexual crimes).

“We need to interview these victims. If the report is too general and not precise, it will be difficult for us to probe effectively.

“The ministry must furnish us with more details,” he said when was asked whether the police could launch an investigation to pinpoint the rapists following the ministry’s public disclosure that there had been numerous cases of rape and sexual abuse against Penan girls and women in Ulu Baram in northern Sarawak.

When they first investigated the case, the police found no evidence of these crimes, Inspector-Gene ral of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said in November last year.

However, the continuing public outcry over the horrific crime prompted the Government to study the matter more deeply.

The 111-page report was compiled by a special committee set up by the ministry on Oct 8 last year.

The committee visited numerous Penan settlements in Long Item, Long Kawi, Long Luteng, Long Belok and Niah and said that it had identified several Penan girls and women who had been raped and sexually violated.

The committee members, made up of representatives from several ministries, spoke to these victims in the settlements, as well as two victims who were brought to the Women’s Aid Organisation shelter home in Selangor.

The two victims, aged 17 and 21, had also lodged police reports in Bukit Aman.

“For every case, the committee had difficulties in getting the exact dates of the incidents because the victims could not remember the exact details,” the report said, stressing that these incidents happened years ago.

The report described the testimonies of a 17-year old “Cindy” who said she was raped when she was 12.

She said she was raped by a logging company worker (the name of the company was also disclosed) inside a boarding school, outside the school and when she took a ride on the logger’s vehicle from Long Kawi to Long Lama.

Raping 10yr-old girls
Another girl “Bibi” said she was raped twice by a logger named “Johnny” and she became pregnant in 2005.

The report said the victim told the committee that she did not lodge a police report because she did not know where to go to do so.

She was also uneducated and afraid, said the report, adding that some of the victims had been sexually violated when they were only 10.

The report also said schoolgirls were often molested by lorry drivers while travelling to school in timber company vehicles.

It documented one incident in which a 14-year-old girl’s breasts were touched by a lorry driver. In another incident, a lorry driver tried to molest a group of 10-year-old girls but they managed to escape.

The report highlighted the vulnerability of Penan schoolgirls to such abuse because of their dependence on timber vehicles to transport them to and from school.

“The Penans are overly dependent on timber companies because logging tracks are often the only means of access to their villages,” it said, adding that schools and clinics were four to six hours away by logging track and the Penans were too poor to afford their own transport.

The report said the Penans were also afraid that the authorities may not believe them and would accuse them of trying to create trouble for the logging companies.

The report, however, said that there are Penan women and girls who had admitted to having sexual affairs with some of these loggers, adding that there were some who had married these timber workers.

In the report, the ministry did not recommend what the police should do nor provide exact details of the criminals, where they could be found or if they are still working with the timber company concerned.

Addressing the issue
A copy of the report was released to PKR women’s chief Zuraida Kamaruddin by the ministry on Tuesday and subsequently madeavailable on the Sarawak-based blog Hornbill Unleashed.

On addressing the sexual abuse, the report called for programmes to be conducted to raise the awareness of the Penans on personal safety, sex education and violence against women.

It also recommended the appointment of “trusted” lorry drivers and student management assistants to escort Penan schoolchildren back to their villages.

The report also found that the Penans had little access to registration, healthcare and education due to their poverty and the remoteness of their settlements.

It said many Penans did not have personal documents while their children had a high drop-out rate at school.

“All these issues are closely related to imbalanced development. The lack of infrastructure such as roads and public transport make it difficult for the Penan to communicate with the outside world including government agencies.

“The Penans also feel neglected because of negative perceptions and prejudices against them,” it said.

As such, it said there should be greater involvement of the Penans in the process of making decisions which affect them.

Meanwhile, the Bruno Manser Fund, which first broke the Penans’ allegations of sexual abuse last September, welcomed the release of the task force’s report.

However, it voiced concern that the report apparently did not have any legal consequences for the perpetrators.

“It is high time that those responsible for the crimes described in the report will face the legal consequences of their conduct,” it said in astatement released on the Borneo Project website.

Torture by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission - Taken from theStarOnline

2009-09-10T08:25:00.001+08:00

Thursday September 10, 2009

Assistant manager: MACC officers tortured me during questioning

By WANI MUTHIAH

SHAH ALAM: The “mystery witness” accusing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission of torture during questioning has turned out to be a 23-year-old assistant manager.

T. Sivanesan, who was brought in by the legal team holding a watching brief for the family of political aide Teoh Beng Hock, claimed that he was beaten up by commission officers in September last year.

He testified at the inquest into Teoh’s death that he was hit on his body and buttocks with an iron rod wrapped with a newspaper and blindfolded with a yellow towel when held at the Selangor MACC office in Plaza Masalam from Sept 4 to Sept 9 last year.

Sivanesan, who works with Puncak Rezeki Makmur Sdn Bhd, said three officers - known only as Zulkifli, Ashraf and J - had gone to his house in Jenjarom on Sept 4 and asked him to accompany them to their office to help with some investigations.

“When I was there, an officer called Mohan came in and told me in Tamil that if I didn’t speak the truth, the place would become hell,” he said, adding that the officers later brought in a pair of handcuffs together with documents for him to sign and admit his guilt.

Sivanesan claimed that the beating started after midnight when he was taken to a dark room and accused by a tall, bespectacled officer of being “stubborn”.

“He slapped my cheeks five or six times and told me to sign the documents. When I still refused, he ordered me to strip down to my underwear,” he said.

He claimed there were about 10 to 15 officers in the room then, one of whom - who was known as Ashraf - used a profanity and a racial slur against him and beat his genitals with a cane.

He said he twice blacked out during the interrogation to wake up with a packet of ice cubes shoved down the front portion of his underwear.

He later gave in and admitted his guilt because he could no longer bear the pain.

Sivanesan said he lodged a police report on Sept 11 last year and was treated at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang for injuries on his head, genitals and kidneys.

Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor executive councilor Ean Yong Hian Wah, had been summoned to the state MACC office at the 14th Floor Plaza Masalam here for questioning on July 15.

He was found dead on the fifth floor service corridor of the building the following day.

In PETALING JAYA, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said the chambers wanted a revision to the coroner’s decision to accept Sivanesan’s statement, which he stated was “totally irrelevant”.

“We feel the inquest has diverted from the original aim and want it to be back on track,” he added.

TEOH'S INQUEST DAY 17 - Taken from TheStarOnline

2009-09-08T13:27:00.001+08:00

Published: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 9:05:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 1:06:34 PM

Teoh Inquest (Day 17)

Follow the developments here and on Twitter

1pm: Abdul Razak says there is no need to put witness on the stand just to discredit him and ask irrelevant questions as 'this is not a trial.'

12.45pm: Gobind disagrees with Abdul Razak. He says the police report has accusations implicating the witness (Mohd Ashraf).

Gobind questions the 'fear' that the MACC has regarding the matter. "Why the fear? If you haven't done anything wrong, then say you didn't do anything wrong."

Gobind insists that Mohd Ashraf would have the chance to counter the allegations if he is allowed to take the stand.

Abdul Razak says Gobind cannot implicate Mohd Ashraf because after viewing the report, Mohd Ashraf's name was not mentioned in the report.

Gobind says the report stated 'several MACC officers' and Mohd Ashraf is a MACC officer.

Lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, for the Selangor government, supports Gobind's argument, saying Mohd Ashraf works for the MACC at the time the report was lodged.

12.35pm: Court resumes with Abdul Razak saying that the police report is irrelevant to the inquest for a few reasons. One is that the person who lodged the report on Sept 11, 2008 is a suspect while Teoh was a witness.

11.50am: Lawyer Tan Hock Chuan (representing the Attorney-General's Chamber) suggests that police report Gobind Singh Deo mentioned on Aug 28 (relating to abuse and torture by MACC officers) be given to Datuk Abdul Razak Musa, the lawyer for MACC. Gobind agrees.

Court takes a short break for parties to view the report.

11.24am: 19th witness MACC officer Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus, 25, recalled to the stand for the second time.

Executive councillor Ronnie Liu walks in and sits at the front row of the public gallery.

SHAH ALAM: The inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock will resume at 11am Tuesday after a week’s hiatus.

The proceedings are expected to be explosive given that the lawyer holding a watching brief for Teoh’s family, Gobind Singh Deo, has been allowed to bring in a “mystery witness” to testify against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was summoned to the state MACC office at the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam to be quizzed over the alleged irregular disbursement of state funds on July 15.

He was found dead at the building’s 5th floor service corridor the next day.

An inquest had been ordered to probe his death.

The mystery witness had lodged police reports against several Selangor MACC officers alleging that they had brutalised him when he had been hauled up for questioning.

It is believed some of the MACC officers mentioned in the police report were also being called as witnesses in the Teoh inquest.

According to sources, the witness would only be brought in after all the MACC officers involved in Teoh’s case have been grilled.

Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas had adjourned the proceedings to Tuesday on Aug 28 to give time for the MACC officers to seek legal counsel.

He had also informed the MACC officer who had testified on Aug 28, Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus, that he need not answer any questions that he feels would implicate him.

Malek Imtiaz Sarwar is heading the legal team holding a watching brief for the state whilst counsel Tan Hock Chuan and DPP Mohd Abazafree Mohd Abbas are assisting Azmil Muntapha.

Datuk Abdul Razak Musa is holding a watching brief for the MACC.

Sabahan Beauty Daphne Iking's Case - Corporate Figure accused of Enticing this married Lady - Taken from TheStarOnline

2009-09-08T13:04:00.003+08:00

Tuesday September 8, 2009

Iking case in December

KUALA LUMPUR: The highly-anticipated case involving a corporate figure who is accused of “enticing” married celebrity Daphne Iking will be heard on Dec 9 and 10 at the magistrate’s court here.

This is pending a decision of the High Court for another magistrate to hear the case.

Celebrity docket: Iking’s husband is embroiled in a legal battle with a corporate figure over her.

Magistrate Mohd Faizi Che Abu kept the dates for hearing after counsel for Choy Khin Ming, Akbar Din Abdul Kader, told the court that he had filed an appeal at the High Court Registry on Aug 26 against Mohd Faizi’s ruling on Aug 21 not to allow the case to be tried by another magistrate.

“The notice of appeal has been filed and the court has acknowledged it,” Akbar Din said.

However, no date has yet been fixed for the matter to be heard by the High Court.

Iking’s husband – Ryan Chong – and Choy are embroiled in a legal battle with the former accusing Choy of “enticing or taking away or detaining with a criminal intent a married woman”, a crime under Section 498 of the Penal Code.

If found guilty, he can be jailed up to two years, fined or both.

Only Choy was present in court yesterday, accompanied by a friend.

Heading the prosecution on behalf of Chong is lawyer Wong Kian Kheong, while, besides Akbar Din, Jagjit Singh stood for Choy.

Also in court was Iking’s counsel Ravi Nekoo.

Akbar Din had earlier sought for the case to be tried by another magistrate on the grounds that Mohd Faizi had heard the statement of complaint and issued the summons against Choy.

This is Too Much!! Why do these stupid people do this? Article taken from TheStarOnline

2009-09-08T13:00:00.003+08:00

Photo taken from : http://suomenkuvalehti.fi/kuvat/2009/09/07/malaysia-temple-protest

Published: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 12:02:00 PM

Cow head protest: A-G’s decision lauded

PETALING JAYA: The MCA Non-Government Organisation Liaison Bureau has lauded the Attorney-General’s decision to charge the protesters responsible for bringing a cow’s head to a controversial demonstration over the relocation of a Hindu temple to Section 23, Shah Alam.

Bureau chairman Datuk Ti Lian Ker said the Aug 28 incident involving 50 protesters went against the Malaysian political culture of consensus building in a legal and peaceful manner.

“We hope that the decision to charge these illegal demonstrators and those who had inflamed religious and racial sentiments will be consistent and without regard of their political support or affiliations so that the rule of law prevails,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

The protestors had dragged the decapitated head of a cow, stamped and spat on it during the protest. The cow is considered sacred by Hindus.

Ti said the police and the A-G should also charge residents who “committed criminal assault and battery” against Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad in last Saturday’s dialogue.

“Both are elected representatives of the people. The uncouth mob behaviour displayed by several residents -- such as carrying a chair in a display of violence to an elected official -- must not be allowed or encouraged,” he said.

Ti said that actions like street protests against the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English was a form of political blackmail by an “aggressive minority against the political will and desire of the silent majority.”

“Of late, we have seen Malaysians developing a tendency to resort to mob antics and violence to express themselves.

“This trend of violence in whatever name must be stopped and there should no justification given. An offence is still an offence,” he said.

KK IS OUT OF SUGAR!!!!

2009-09-07T08:38:00.004+08:00

Photo from : http://www.phyast.pitt.edu/~micheles/scheme/sugar.jpg

OMG.. The whole of KK is out of sugar.

Though it is a known fact that too much sugar is bad for health, but fact remains that we still need sugar.

I went out to the whole of KK City yesterday and every supermarket is OUT of this commodity.

To the Malaysian Government : WHAT ARE YOU DOING??????!!!!!

Kuala Dimensi - Port Klang Free Zone Project - Money Laundering Suspicion - Taken from theStarOnline

2009-09-05T08:44:00.003+08:00

Saturday September 5, 2009

Freeze on bank account

By LOURDES CHARLES

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have or dered a bank to freeze about RM140mil in the account of Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd, the turnkey developer of the controversial Port Klang Free Zone pro ject.

It is learnt that Commercial Crimes Inves ti gations Department (CCID) officers have asked the bank to freeze the account as the money is believed to have been derived from the Port Klang Free Zone project.

Sources said the CCID officers were also be lieved to have traced several hundreds of millions more in another account and were making arrangements to freeze that account too.

It is learnt that the CCID officers invoked Section 44 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act to freeze the account pending investigations.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan also briefed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the PKFZ investigations yesterday.

Police investigations were initiated following a report lodged by Port Klang Authority (PKA) chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng.

“We are going through all documents pertaining to the project to ascertain if there are any shoddy dealings or misappropriation of funds or any other criminal of fence.

“A special task force has been set up specifically to investigate the matter, and we need time to go through every document,” he said.

Musa said his officers would be calling up the parties involved.

He urged those to be called up to cooperate to ensure a speedy in vestigation as it was of public interest.

Meanwhile, Deputy CEO of Kua la Dimensi Sdn Bhd Datuk Faizal Haji Abdullah said in a statement: “KDSB (Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd ) confirms that several of its accounts have been frozen. The accounts were frozen late yesterday afternoon.

“We regard this as part of the investigation process and we are giving our fullest cooperation to the police. In the meantime, KDSB is taking advice on the legality of the freezing orders.”

A task force, set up by the Transport Ministry had on June 10, found possible fraud, including overcharging and unsubstantiated claims running into hundreds of millions of ringgit by Kuala Dimensi.

The eventual amount in dispute could run up to as much as RM1bil.

Kuala Dimensi chief executive officer is Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, is treasurer-general of the Sarawak Progres sive Demo cratic Party. Kuala Dimensi’s deputy chief executive officer is Datuk Faisal Abdul lah.

The task force comprised Skrine partner Lim Chee Wee and PricewaterhouseCoopers Adviso ry Services’ managing director Chin Kwai Fatt, and senior executive director Lim San Peen.

PKA chairman Lee Hwa Beng lodged two reports – one with the police and the other with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com mission (MACC) – upon receiving the 370-page report with 2,500 appendices from the task force.

Lee in his report said the task force had found that Kuala Dimensi had:

> POSSIBLY made fraudulent claims on electrical infrastructure worth RM55.8mil, which had yet to be carried out on the site, and 33kv supply works and civil infrastructure works worth RM83mil, as TNB had rejected the proposal for Kuala Dimensi to undertake the work;

> NOT provided any document to support its claim of at least RM231mil as preliminaries under the development agreements, besides making claims for items it was not contractually entitled to, such as procurement of a performance bond and payment for insurance premiums totalling RM5mil;

> NOT justified its claim for variation works of RM62mil under Additional Development Works and New Additional Development Works agreements;

> APPEARED to have made an “over claim” for hotel works for which Kuala Dimensi had claimed RM69.6mil compared to the quantity surveyor’s valuation of RM44.7mil.

> NOT produced any invoice or payment voucher for the RM61mil which the company claimed was professional fees and expenses incurred; and

> CLAIMED RM254.9mil as extra work done even though the purported revised works fell within the scope of the original works envisaged in the main development agreement.

Breaking News - Earthquake in Indonesia's TasikMalaya - Taken from Indahnesia.com

2009-09-02T16:23:00.001+08:00

LIPPO CIKARANG - An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter Scale struck 143 kilometers southwest of Tasikmalaya at 14:55 local time. The quake was felt as far as Yogyakarta and Jakarta. A tsunami alarm as been issued.

* 142 km (88 miles) SW (226°) from Tasikmalaya, Java, Indonesia
* 144 km (89 miles) S (190°) from Bandung, Java, Indonesia
* 156 km (97 miles) SSE (159°) from Sukabumi, Java, Indonesia
* 242 km (150 miles) SSE (164°) from JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia

Spiderman Gets FINED!! Taken from theStarOnline

2009-09-02T12:49:00.001+08:00

Published: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 11:22:00 AM

"Spidey" fined RM2,000 for trespassing Petronas Twin Towers

By LISA GOH

KUALA LUMPUR: French “Spiderman” Robert Alain Philippe was fined RM2,000 after he pleaded guilty to criminal trespass for scaling the Petronas Twin Towers.

The 47-year-old was fined the amount in default of two months jail at the KL magistrate’s court on Wednesday.

He had scaled Tower 2 of the Twin Towers early Tuesday morning and succeeded in his third attempt to conquer the building about two hours later.

He first tried to scale the building on March 20, 1997, and made a second unsuccessful attempt in 2007, after which he was freed without charge. Each time he reached the 60th storey before being intercepted by authorities.

Anwar Ibrahim's Case to Continue - Taken from the StarOnline

2009-09-02T10:56:00.000+08:00

Published: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 9:58:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 10:01:33 AM

Nov 3 date for mention of Anwar's case

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial and application to strike out the charge will be mentioned at the High Court on Nov 3.

High Court judge Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah set the new date after Deputy Public Prosecutor Nordin Hassan informed him that the Court of Appeal had set Oct 23 to hear an appeal by the prosecution over the ruling to supply certain documents to the PKR adviser.

Spiderman CAUGHT!! Taken from USAToday.COm

2009-09-01T16:50:00.002+08:00

'Spiderman' held after Malaysia Twin Towers climb

Posted 19m ago | Comment | Recommend


	By New Straits Times, AFP/Getty Images

French "Spiderman" Alain Robert raises his arms after successfully scaling Malaysia's Petronas Towers Tuesday, his third attempt on the nation's tallest structure, in Kuala Lumpur. The 46-year-old began climbing the 88-story building before dawn and reached the top before being discovered by security officials.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Police arrested a French climber nicknamed "Spiderman" on Tuesday after he scaled Malaysia's iconic 88-story Petronas Twin Towers, police said.

Alain Robert sneaked past security early Tuesday to climb to the top of Tower 2 of the landmark buildings in Kuala Lumpur before he was detained, said city police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman.

Robert is being investigated for criminal trespass, which carries a maximum jail term of six months and a $850 fine, he said.

Robert has already tried to climb Malaysia's Twin Towers twice but only reached the 60th floor both times before he was arrested. His last attempt was in 2007.

The 47-year-old has climbed more than 70 skyscrapers worldwide, including the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower and Taipei 101, according to his website.

Fuel Prices Up AGAIN?!?!?!?! Taken from TheStarOnline

2009-09-01T13:15:00.002+08:00

THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday September 1, 2009

RON95 price up 5 sen to RM1.80

By NURBAITI HAMDAN

PETALING JAYA: The newly introduced RON95 fuel is now selling at RM1.80 – five sen higher than its previous price.

RON97 has been upgraded as a premium product and its price has increased from RM1.80 to RM2.05.

Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consu-merism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the new prices were decided based on the current automatic pricing mechanism.

“Although the price is now 5 sen higher, the Government is still subsidising 33.81 sen per litre (of RON95) which is equivalent to RM304mil monthly,” he told reporters after the launch of Primax 95 by Petronas here yesterday.

Currently, the Government is subsidising RON97 for 42.72 sen per litre.

The cost for RON95 went up 102% from US$40.75 (RM143.79) per barrel to US$82.30 (RM290.40) in December last year and in August respectively.

“If there are any changes in global prices, we will revise our prices accordingly. It is up to the Economic Council to decide.

“RON95 also adheres to the EURO2M specification, which is less polluting,” said Ismail Sabri, adding that consumers would get quality petroleum products at subsidised prices.

With the new pricing, he said, RON92 has been phased out as its usage was only 5% of the total petrol sales in the country.

In April last year, the then Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said the Government was considering the use of petrol with higher research octane number (RON) to reduce fuel subsidies without hurting the lower-and-medium income groups.

Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hashim Othman said petrol stations could easily re-calibrate their pumps to adjust to the new prices.

He said petrol dealers would make a slight gain with the price increase as they had bought their current stock at the old price.

Kartika - Taken from theStarOnline

2009-08-29T08:25:00.000+08:00

Saturday August 29, 2009

Investment, image and Kartika

By VANMALA SUBRAMANIAM

How much has her case affected Malaysia’s attractiveness?

LAST Tuesday was one of those rare days where Malaysia made the front page of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and theFinancial Times. Alas, it was not for another feel-good story about Asia’s astonishing economic recovery, but rather the controversial case of Kartika Seri Dewi Shukarno, the part-time model who had been sentenced to six lashes of the cane for drinking beer in a Kuantan hotel.

The Kartika saga has generated much negative publicity for Malaysia.

Questions have been raised about Malaysia’s image as a moderate majority Muslim nation.

Amnesty International and other campaigners have urged the courts to drop their sentence, calling it “cruel, inhuman, degrading and prohibited under international human rights law”.

This is a time where local and regional economies seem to be switching into recovery mode. Slowly but surely, credit is becoming available.

Investors, both local and foreign are on the prowl, albeit cautiously, for lucrative markets. Economic competitiveness among Asian nations is increasingly intense. Surely this is not the time for negative publicity.

“Definitely not,” says Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, chairman of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI).

“Bad publicity leads to poor confidence and lower investment. The Kartika case exposes the ambiguity in our country’s laws. As long as the laws remain unclear, investors will be confused and inhibited about Malaysia. If you feel insecure about a country’s laws, why would you want to put your money here?”

Recent history has shown us that investors are no fans of instability. Bank Negara statistics indicate that the political ruckus that followed the March 2008 election results caused a plunge in foreign direct investment inflows.

Navaratnam’s views are echoed, somewhat, by International Movement for a Just World (JUST) president, Dr Chandra Muzaffar. The prominent political scientist believes that the Kartika caning episode will have an immediate impact upon some business circles, especially in the West.

Others however, beg to differ. The situation is not so bad, they say. An economist for a prominent regional bank dismisses claims of lower investor confidence in Malaysia due to the bad publicity generated from the Kartika case.

“I don’t think it is of overwhelming significance. Foreign investors will invest in a country if they see profitable returns. The recent liberalisation policies of Najib’s government have definitely succeeded in catching the interest of investors. So this caning case will not make a huge difference.”

Chief economist for Ratings Agency of Malaysia (RAM), Dr Yeah Kim Leng also believes that despite the Kartika case being splashed on the front covers of major financial newspapers it is unlikely to affect economic confidence and sentiment.

But the Kartika caning case is not the only incident that has exposed the dichotomy between liberalism and conservatism in this country. What if this becomes a trend?

“If there is a trend, it is quite conceivable that a negative image of Malaysia will begin to form in the minds of some investors from abroad,” says Muzaffar.

Navaratnam, also the former chairman of Transparency International, points out that the frequency of incidents such as the Kartika caning will only serve to dampen potential returns the country might have got from the recent liberalisation policies introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Regardless of the extent to which the Kartika episode has affected investor confidence in Malaysia, the events of the past week bring to light the economic costs of political hue and cry. For an export-led country in a highly competitive region, stability is the name of the game.

“I would want to put my money where my mouth is,” says Navaratman. “Indonesia is a secular country, and increasingly stable. Their government has made a concerted effort to tackle corruption. We cannot afford to lag.”

At the end of the day, are foreign investors going to be deterred from investing in Malaysia over the Kartika case? Perhaps not and probably less if in the end her whipping sentence is not carried out.

But if more such cases come up, they may be a cause for concern, not just for foreigners but for Malaysians themselves who will ask the inevitable question: “How much further?” That has the potential to permanently erode confidence within the country itself, far more damaging than a temporary erosion of the image of the country in the eyes of foreigners.

Michael Dacre Killed in Jetpod Crash - Malaysia - Taken from TheStaronline

2009-08-17T10:20:00.002+08:00

Monday August 17, 2009

Inventor killed in Jetpod crash

By RASLAN BAHAROM

TAIPING: A prototype of the ‘flying taxi’ belonging to British-based Avcen Ltd crashed and burst into flames during a test flight from Tekah airstrip, killing its inventor Michael Robert Dacre.

Dacre, 53, who is also Avcen’s managing director, died in the 12.30pm crash yesterday. He was piloting the newly-assembled Jetpod.

Disaster scene: Fire and rescue personnel checking the wreckage of the Jetpod which crashed during the test flight in Taiping yesterday.

Avcen Limited Malaysia is based at Patimas Technology Centre, Technology Park, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur and Dacre had intended for the eight-seater flying taxi to be ready in 2010.

Taiping deputy police chief Supt Syed Abdul Wahab Abdul Majid said Dacre suffered severe burns and injuries and died at the scene.

The incident was witnessed by many residents including retired soldier Halim Hamid.

Halim, 50, who resides at nearby Taman Saujana Jaya said he was scooping shrimps to feed his pet fish at a pond about 50m from where the aircraft had crashed.

“Earlier, I saw it revving down the runway thrice but it could not take off and later another three times in the opposite direction.”

“However, on the fourth run, the jet took off but at about 200m high, it shot vertically to the sky before veering to the left and falling to the ground.”

“There was a loud explosion when it crashed and firemen who were at the scene managed to put out the blaze,” said Halim.

He said the Jetpod, brought in parts in a lorry container, arrived at the airstrip about a week ago.

Police personnel at the scene were seen collecting the pilot’s burnt and dismembered limbs from the wreckage before sending them to the Taiping hospital mortuary.

Some of the residents said a co-pilot had wanted to accompany the deceased on the test flight but the latter was against it and decided to fly alone instead.

Several Royal Malaysian Air Force personnel were at the scene to check the wreckage of the aircraft.

Sabah Borneo Black Pearls

2009-08-14T13:17:00.004+08:00

These pearls have been in my possession for quite some time. I bought it for my friend's mom and just realised that I have never posted it to her since promising it several years ago.

Was wondering, should I start selling Sabah Pearls on the net? Sounds feasible and I love doing business.. I think I should reach further to overseas audience in order to make the business feasible..

Several Tests on Teoh were not done?? - Taken from Bernama Online

2009-08-13T16:42:00.001+08:00

August 13, 2009 15:26 PM

Forensic Expert Admits Several Tests Were Not Done

SHAH ALAM, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Several important tests were not done at the place where Teoh Beng Hock's body was found, a police forensic expert told the inquest on Thursday.

Investigating officer Chief Inspector Mazli Jusoh said he also did not examine the body for fingerprints, his clothes and belt worn during the incident.

He also did not take measures to determine where did the chalk marks on the sole of Teoh' s right shoe came from.

"Its not my job to examine the body," said Mazli 31, from Selangor police headquarters forensic branch.

Asked by lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar why no analysis was done on the black stain on Teoh's pants to check if it was a match to the dent in the floor where the body was found, Mazli said: "Not done."

"So, the black stain on his pants was caused by the floor was only an assumption?" Malik asked to which Mazli agreed.

He also testified that no tests were done to compare scratch marks on the window at level 14 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office with the belt worn by Teoh.

Malik Imtiaz: "Was dusting (for fingerprints)) done on the wall outside the window at level 14?"

Mazli: "No, I only checked visually (by looking out the window)."

He said that he took two swab samples from the sofa where Teoh was sitting and lying in the office but did not do polylight test.

Polylight test was also not done at level 5 where the body of Teoh, political secretary to a Selangor Exco member, was found on July 16.

The proceeding before coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas continues tomorrow.

QBar's Special Show - Friday 14th August 2009

2009-08-13T08:55:00.003+08:00

Qbar's Upcoming event -Friday Fourteenth August 2009

ALL BLACK NIGHT

The 'Girls' would be putting up a special show.

The Haze is GONE!!

2009-08-12T14:00:00.002+08:00

Photos taken from my office

The Haze in Kota Kinabalu seem to have disappeared overnight..

Was it the rain? or we're just blessed?? :D

Perseid Meteor Shower Tonight? Look at the skies.. Hope it doesn't rain

2009-08-12T13:11:00.002+08:00

This was taken from the National Post site http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2009/08/11/look-to-the-skies-tonight-annual-meteor-shower-peaks.aspx

Look to the skies tonight: Annual Perseid meteor shower peaks

Posted: August 11, 2009, 5:19 PM by Scott Maniquet

Weather-permitting, tonight and tomorrow night should offer a great chance to see some celestial activity as the annual Perseid meteor shower hits its peak.

The Perseid shower happens when the Earth passes through debris left from the Swift-Tuttle comet which last came this way in 1992.

You can follow meteor sightings on Twitter at #perseid or #meteorwatch.NASA offers some advice for the best viewing. For aspiring amateur astronomers, cnet.com lists some useful websites to help you get started.

* I am made to understand that the best view would be to the NE (North East) Horizon.

Day 6 of Teoh's Inquest - Taken from the Staronline

2009-08-12T12:58:00.000+08:00

Published: Wednesday August 12, 2009 MYT 10:08:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday August 12, 2009 MYT 12:17:21 PM

Teoh death inquest: Day 6

Follow the inquest on Twitter

12.05pm: Court resumes and plays the recording before the coroner.

Although the recording showed only Teoh’s back, Insp Mohd Zulaimi identifies Teoh entering Plaza Masalam on July 15 based on his clothes.

Questioned by Tan Hock Chuan later Insp Mohd Zulaimi said there was no recording of Teoh leaving the building.

11.45am: Court takes 15-minute recess to set up white screen and computer to play the CCTV recording of Teoh entering Plaza Masalam on the day he was questioned by the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers.

11.35am: Insp Mohd Zulaimi told the court that he was ordered by his superior to review the CCTV recording to check the time when Teoh entered Plaza Masalam.

Based on the recording, he said Teoh was seen entering Plaza Masalam through the lobby on the 4th floor at 18:08:55 hours. The date was, however, not stated.

11am: Court resumes with Inspector Mohd Zulaimi Zubir from the Shah Alam police headquarters’ crime department taking the stand as the 11th witness.

10.37am: Court takes a 10-minute recess to allow the police forensics team time to prepare before taking the stand.

10.30am: Lawyer Tan Hock Chuan, appointed by the Government to assist the coroner, said senior consultant pathologist Dr Khairul Azman, 51, and UMMC forensic pathologist Dr Prashant Samberkar who were supposed to take the stand this morning are unwell and are unable to testify.

Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas said if both men can recuperate by Thursday, they could take the stand then.

SHAH ALAM: The inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock resumes Wednesday.

Tuesday’s hearing stopped at the 10th witness Dr Khairul Azman Ibrahim, a senior consultant at Forensics Department Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah who said that Teoh died of multiple injuries caused by a fall from a high place.

He had said that the post-mortem showed no signs of a struggle or defensive injuries.

Dr Khairul said the political aide had 22 fractures, abrasions and bruises when the post-mortem was conducted on him on July 17.

Teoh landed on his feet and slanted to the right based on broken ribs, he said.

Based on the bad smell of the body, he said, Teoh could have died less than 36 hours before the post-mortem that was done at about noon.

Teoh, 30, political secretary to Selangor Exco Ean Yong Hian Wah was found dead on July 16 on level 5 of Plaza Masalam after giving a statement as a witness into alleged abuse of state government allocation at the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office.

Teoh's Inquest Follower Questions - From theStaronline

2009-08-12T08:18:00.001+08:00

Wednesday August 12, 2009

Ardent follower stuns inquest with complaint

SHAH ALAM: A member of the public at the inquest into Teoh Beng Hock’s death stunned everyone present when he stood up and told the coroner he could not observe the demonstration on how the deceased fell to his death from where he was sitting.

Self-employed Hor Boon Chung, 51, broke the silence in the room when he told the coroner that he could not see pathologist Dr Khairul Azman Ibrahim’s demonstration on how Teoh might have landed on the ground.

The lawyers representing the family, Selangor state government and Bar Council, as well as those assisting coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas, all stared in disbelief when they heard Hor’s complaint.

Thinking that Hor was a member of Teoh’s family, Azmil Muntapha told him to enter the bar area where lawyers sit to have a closer look.

“Please come to this side. He’s a family member, isn’t he?” the coroner asked.

When he was told that Hor was not a family member, Azmil Mun-tapha told him to stand behind the wooden partition that separates the bar area and public gallery.

Within minutes, Hor spoke up again.

“Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas, I can’t see,” he said.

The coroner then told Hor that he could view the video recording of the proceedings once it was uploaded on the Attorney-General’s Cham-bers website www.agc.gov.my.

Hor, who has been attending the inquest since Day One, then returned to his seat.

An ardent follower of the inquest, Hor said in an interview later that it was important to know how Teoh had fallen as that was the focal point of the case.

He said he came to the court on his own to follow the inquest closely.

He carries around a black-and-white poster of Teoh, and often shouts “Justice For Teoh” whenever the media interview any of the lawyers involved in the inquest.

Teoh's Injuries - Taken from MySinChew.com

2009-08-11T18:35:00.000+08:00

Teoh Beng Hock's injuries consistent with fall

2009-08-11 18:03

SHAH ALAM: The coroner’s court was Tuesday told that Teoh Beng Hock suffered from injuries consistent with that of a fall and the autopsy showed no signs of defensive injuries or a struggle.

He had broken and fractured bones on various parts of his body, arms and legs. His skull and jaw were also fractured. Numerous parts of his body sustained internal bleeding.

Government pathologist Dr Khairul Azman Ibrahim, the 10th witness to testify at the inquest, said he conducted the autopsy on the dead DAP political aide, together with Dr Prashan Nareshsandenkar, a medical expert from the medical department of Universiti Malaya, after a request by Teoh’s brother.

“Inspections on all parts of the deceased’s body indicated no signs that the deceased had sustained injuries from self-defence or struggling prior to his death,” Dr Khairul told the inquest.

The findings would, at least for now, quash any allegations that the 30-year-old political aide to Selangor DAP exco Ean Yong Hian Wah was pushed to his death.

Dr Khairul said it was possible that Teoh could have landed on his feet and fell forward after post-mortem showed his ribs were broken.

Earlier, Teoh’s family lawyers, led by Gobind Singh Deo, asked that he read out the autopsy report in English as several significant details had been missed out.

The inquest resumed today after making a second visit yesterday to Plaza Masalam here, where Teoh’s body was found.

The stains found at the stairwell were confirmed not to be human blood by Tan Hock Chuan, who is leading the Attorney-General’s team at the inquest.

However, he said he had no objection to Teoh’s family lawyers studying the four strands of fibre found at the site yesterday.

Teoh was found dead , on July 16 on the rooftop of a five-storey building next to Plaza Masalam, where the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has its Selangor head office on the 14th floor.

He had been taken in as a witness in a probe into alleged misuse of state funds. He was due to register his marriage to his two-month pregnant fiancée Soh Cher Wei the day he was found dead.

Today's session has been adjourned until 10.30am tomorrow as Dr Khairul took ill midway through proceedings. (
By Syed Jaymal Zahiid/themalaysianinsider)

Teoh's Inquest - Language used questioned - Taken from NewStraitsTimesonline

2009-08-11T17:58:00.001+08:00

Teoh Inquest: Witness' choice of language questioned

2009/08/11

SHAH ALAM, Tues: Gobind Singh Deo, the lawyer who is holding a watching brief for Teoh Beng Hock's family, today questioned the action of a forensics expert witness who gave evidence in Bahasa Melayu in the inquest headed by coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas here.

Gobind Singh said the witness, Dr Khairul Azman Ibrahim, 51, senior consultant at the Forensics Department of the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR), Klang, should give his evidence in English as the his post-mortem report was in that language.

Other then Gobind Singh, the matter was also raised by lawyer Rajpal Singh, who is holding a watching brief for the Bar Council and the lawyer for the Selangor givernment, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, on the sixth day of the inquest.

Gobind Singh said several pieces of important information in the report were not stated by Dr Khairul Azman when giving evidence in Bahasa Melayu.

"Another forensic expert, Dr Prashant Naresh Samberkar, will give evidence in English so we ask the witness to speak in English or we ask the court to advise the witness (that if he wants to speak in Bahasa Melayu) to provide accurate evidence based on the post-mortem report," he said.

Lawyer Tan Hock Chuan, appointed by the government to assist in the inquest, said there was no issue if the witness wanted to give evidence in Bahasa Melayu as the post-mortem report had been marked as evidence and a copy given all sides.

"I admit the witness had left out certain information contained in the post-mortem report but he has nothing to hide. It is up to him to speak in Bahasa Melayu or not," he said.

Rajpal Singh said if Dr Khairul Azman had prepared the report in English and if he wanted to speak in Bahasa Melayu he would have to translate the seven-page report.

Malik Imtiaz said the witness was not forced to speak in English but if needed he should give evidence in English on the most important parts.

Tan then said based on Section Eight of the National Language Act the witness had the right to choose the language.

Azmil Muntapha on hearing the arguments asked Dr Khairul Azman to choose and if he wanted to speak in Bahasa Melayu he was to provide detailed clarification based on his report. -- Bernama

English Please.... Teoh's Inquest further news Taken from theSunDaily.com

2009-08-11T11:42:00.000+08:00

Teoh Beng Hock inquest: Forensic specialist gives testimony

SHAH ALAM (Aug 11, 2009): Forensic specialist consultant at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang Dr Khairul Azman Ibrahim took the witness stand this morning at the inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock.

Khairul was the one who performed the post-mortem on Teoh on July 17, together with another doctor who will be called in the afternoon.

After about 90 minutes of testimony, coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas called for a 30-minute recess at about 10.40am as Khairul was coughing badly.

Earlier, Khairul gave an outline of what he found on Teoh's body and his clothes while referring to photographs.

As Khairul had opted to speak in Bahasa Malaysia, Gobind Singh Deo, the lawyer for Teoh's family, pointed out that parts of what he said did not fully reflect what was in the post-mortem report which was written in English. This led to some arguments with the government-appointed lawyer Tan Hock Chuan.

And the investigation continues - Taken from the Staronline

2009-08-11T09:54:00.001+08:00

Published: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:02:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:47:36 AM

Teoh's inquest: Updates (Day 5)

Follow the developments on Twitter

9.30am: Dr Khairul Azman Ibrahim, 51, senior consultant at Forensics Department Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, called to the stand.

SHAH ALAM: The inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock resumes Tuesday.

Monday’s hearing was cut short to allow pathologists and forensics experts to test two stains on the stairway between level 14 and 15 of Plaza Masalam.

Gobind Singh Deo, who is holding a watching brief for Teoh's family told reporters Monday, that the stains were not blood.

Results of the tests on the stains are expected to be made known in court Tuesday before Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas.

In other developments, Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, Thailand, whose expertise had been requested by the state administration, would not be at the inquest.

She would be represented by her associates Dr Triyarith Temahivong, Chief of Clinical Forensic Medicine at the institute, and Police Lft. Col. Somchai Chailermsooksant, forensic scientist and Chief of the institute’s Crime Scene Unit.

Last week, DNA scientist Dr Seah Lay Hong told the court that it was possible that force was exerted on Teoh just before he died, suggesting that his death could be “not accidental”.

She said it was a hypothesis that force was applied at the tear region of the belt worn by Teoh in order for the rupture to occur.

Dr Seah, of the Chemistry Department, said it was “one of the many possibilities” that Teoh may have been held back by the belt for the tear to have occurred.

Dr Seah also said that swabs from Teoh’s damaged belt had the DNA of two other unknown males apart from his own. One of the unknown males was tagged as Male 1.

The DNA profiles of 157 individuals were compared with that of the two unknown males but none of them matched, she said.

Dr Seah also said that DNA profiles from swabs taken from the back outer side of a blazer consisted of a mix of male DNA types matching that of Teoh and Male 1.

Development on Teoh's Case - Results for Bloodstain - Taken from theSundaily.com

2009-08-11T08:24:00.001+08:00

Stains found on stairway not blood
Tan Yi Liang and S. Tamarai Chelvi

SHAH ALAM (Aug 10, 2009) : Preliminary tests on stains found on the emergency stairway between the 14th and 15th floor of Plaza Masalam show that they are not blood but a form of anti-rust paint.

Gobind Singh Deo, lawyer for Teoh Beng Hock's family, told this to reporters today after forensic experts tested samples of the stains.

Earlier, Azmil Mustapha Abas, acting as the coroner, had allowed an application by Gobind for the forensic experts to carry out tests on four stains found during the coroner's visit to the building on Friday.

Among those who conducted the tests were chemist Dr Seah Lay Hong -- who testified at the inquest last week -- a police forensic team and another forensic team from the Chemistry Department.

"They have told us there is a high possibility that it is a form of anti-rust paint which looks quite similar to blood, but this is subject to confirmation after laboratory tests," Gobind, who brought in independent experts Somchai Chailermsook Sant and Amidon Anan to conduct their own tests, said.

"This is what they initially told us and we accept it for now.

"We are satisfied with what has happened today but you must remember that today is nearly three-and-a- half weeks after the incident, so time has taken its effect, and certain things that we had hoped would be done earlier were not done, but we will take up these issues in the course of the inquest when these witnesses are called."

Gobind also said fibres found on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam, where Teoh's body was discovered, could have been from Teoh's pants.

"At the scene, we found certain fibres which we believe were from (Teoh's) trousers but the chemists will have to assist us there and they will inform us once they have examined the fibres and the trousers," he said.

He said the tests on the fibres, which could give an indication of how Teoh fell, were expected to be completed today.

Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, a lawyer for the Selangor state government, also said many people would have passed through the Selangor offices of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam.

"I think it is important to note that the significant delay in the tests today, and also considering that the MACC is a public office, a lot of traffic goes through the office and that would have had an impact, so it would be a bit of a miracle to find anything new at this stage," he said.

Azmil Muntapha fixed tomorrow for the presentation of the test results. He also said he would make a ruling on the relevency of the presence of certain witnesses in the court.

Sales of Alcohol in Selangor to Continue - Taken from AsiaOne News online

2009-08-08T12:24:00.001+08:00

Khalid: Alcohol sales to continue

Sat, Aug 08, 2009
New Straits Times

By: Mazlinda Mahmood

SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA - The sale of alcohol will continue to be allowed in Muslim-majority areas in Selangor but the state will adopt a self-regulatory system to ensure it is not sold to Muslims and minors, starting here.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim announced this after a 90-minute meeting with Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) officials and representatives of shops selling alcoholic drinks, including 7-Eleven and KK Group of Companies here yesterday.

The decision is a rejection of a call by Pas to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages in all Muslim-majority neighbourhoods in the state, and renders as null an void the letters sent by MBSA in May to 7-Eleven stores to stop selling alcoholic drinks.

It was earlier reported that Pas would propose a draft regulation banning the sale of alcoholic drinks to Muslims and minors in convenience stores in Muslim-majority neighbourhoods in all 12 local councils.

"We do not need to have many laws, so this self-regulatory mechanism may be an unexpected decision.

"Actually, there is no regulation that says alcoholic drinks cannot be sold," Khalid said after the meeting, adding that the mechanism would also apply to supermarkets and hypermarkets.

The self-regulatory approach would be based on market demand and stores would stop selling alcohol altogether if there is no demand from consumers.

The approach includes no display of alcoholic drinks while purchase could only be made upon request at the cashier's counter.

"7-Eleven has conducted self-regulation, and of the 52 stores they have in Shah Alam, 10 have stopped selling alcoholic drinks. This is because they feel that there is no demand as most of the residents are Muslims, so they do not sell.

"Therefore, the state government is of the opinion that it is better if we use the concept of self-regulation instead of imposing more rules and regulations that may not be effective and counter productive," he said.

Shops selling alcohol have been given a month to adopt the system.

Khalid said the state government would draft a standard formula for the rest of the state next month.

KK Group of Companies chief executive officer Datuk Dr Douglas K.K. Chai said the system was a good step but admitted that it would affect business.

"I think this is a good step and we hope the system will work out at the end of the day."

It was earlier reported that 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd executive director Ng Su Onn said the company was very strict about its policy of not selling liquor to Muslims and minors below the age of 18 and have fired employees for breaching the policy.

MBSA mayor Mazalan Md Noor said the council would adhere to the menteri besar's decision to adopt the self-regulatory mechanism and fully cooperate with retailers to make the system a success.

The issue of alcohol sales in Muslim-majority areas surfaced after state Pas commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali called for state executive councillor Ronnie Liu, who is also in charge of research and studies, to be stripped of his local government portfolio after he ordered seized beer to be returned to the 7-Eleven outlet in Section 8, a Muslim-majority area.

There are about 350 stores in Selangor and, of the total, 17 are in Muslim-majority areas in Section 1 to 24, Shah Alam, while KK Group has over 40 outlets in the state.

Meanwhile, about 100 state Umno Youth members gathered at the Shah Alam City Council's office to support its action in seizing the alcoholic drinks at the 7-Eleven store recently.

Led by Shah Alam Youth chief Azhari Shaari, they also criticised Liu's interference in the incident.

Selangor Pas Youth has accused Umno of politicising the issue.

"While we strongly object to Liu's interference, the alcohol issue did not originate from the DAP or the Pakatan Rakyat government but from the failure of Umno/Barisan Nasional's policies which had caused disruption in the state," its deputy chief Ahmad Zaidy Abdul Mutalib said in a statement.

--NST

Alcohol Issue in Selangor - Taken from theStarOnline

2009-08-08T08:15:00.001+08:00

Saturday August 8, 2009

Set up disciplinary panel to punish Hassan, Pakatan urged

PETALING JAYA: Selangor DAP has called on the Pakatan Rakyat leadership to set up a disciplinary committee to punish Selangor PAS state commissioner Datuk Dr Hassan Ali.

Its deputy chairman, Tony Pua, said Pakatan would face repeated breaches of discipline if the committee was not set up.

In a press conference yesterday, Pua questioned Dr Hassan’s motive in his open rebuke of state executive councillor Ronnie Liu who had done his duty by returning illegally seized goods to its rightful owner.

In another development, the Selangor Umno Youth said it supported the Shah Alam City Council’s move to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages in Muslim-majority areas in the state.

“We hope the council would not be afraid of pressure from any quarters while enforcing its laws,” Shah Alam youth chief Azhari Shaa told reporters after leading some 100 people to the council building to present a memorandum to Mayor Mazalan Md Noor yesterday.

Azhari said the youth movement also supported the council’s move to seize 70 cans of beer from a 7-Eleven outlet in Section 8 on July 29.

On Selangor’s move to allow convenience stores to practise self-regulation when selling alcohol, Azahari said the state could do whatever it wanted but Umno Youth would stand by the council’s decision.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) meanwhile weighed in by proposing that the sale of alcohol at 24-hour convenience stores in residential areas be stopped.

Its secretary-general, Muham- mad Sha’ani Abdullah, said children and teenagers would have easy access to alcohol if it was sold openly.

“We are not talking about banning alcohol.

“We are talking about controlling its sale,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Muhammad Sha’ani said the federation has been misconstrued as supporting PAS’ proposal to ban the sale of alcohol in Muslim-majority areas in Selangor.

Update-Update-Update - Taken from Bernama .com

2009-08-07T16:16:00.001+08:00

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=430980

August 07, 2009 15:54 PM

Counsel To Request Investigation On Teoh Pushed From Plaza Masalam

SHAH ALAM, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Counsel Gobind Singh Deo, who is holding a watching brief in the inquest on Teoh Beng Hock's death, may request for investigation be conducted on the possibility that the political aide was pushed from Plaza Masalam where he was earlier questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

He said he would submit the application to coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas for an order be made to the police to conduct such an investigation.

"So far, the inquest proceeding is directed at an investigation into a theory that Teoh fell or committed suicide.

"However, the possibility of Teoh died after being pushed was not investigated," he told reporters after visiting Plaza Masalam, here, and the spot where Teoh was found dead.

Teoh, 30, political aide to the Chairman of the Selangor State Committee on New Villages and Illegal Factories Management, Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16, on the fifth floor corridor of Plaza Masalam, after giving a statement as a witness in the investigation into the misappropriation of Selangor state government funds, to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Selangor located at the plaza.

Gobind said so far, witnesses in the inquest proceedings were only willing to testify on the possibility of Teoh being killed after falling from the building or suicide.

"There was no investigation on the possibility of Teoh being pushed. It is not that it was not investigated, perhaps it was overlooked," he added.

On Friday, the coroner's court held a visit to Plaza Masalam and also the spot where Teoh was found dead on June 16.

Azmil Muntapha, accompanied by three court staff, arrived in a police pajero at about 9.30am and and then went up to the 14th and 15th floor of the building, where the MACC office is located, before going to the fifth floor where Teoh's body was found.

-- BERNAMA

Cops told to investigate ‘new details’ in Teoh case - from MySinCHew.com

2009-08-07T14:48:00.000+08:00

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/27984

2009-08-07 14:29

SHAH ALAM: The police have been asked by a coroner’s inquest to investigate “two new details” which could prove significant in learning how Teoh Beng Hock died, lawyer Gobind Singh Deo told reporters Friday after the court visited Plaza Masalam here, where the DAP man was interrogated by graft busters before being found dead.

But Gobind, who is representing Teoh’s family, stopped short of disclosing what the details are, merely stating that the police have been asked to investigate the newly found evidence.

“I would just leave it for the police to investigate them. That is the appropriate thing to do,” he said.

He explained that investigations into Teoh’s death could still continue even at this point because “police had not embarked on an investigation of murder, or a non-accidental death, which could mean he was pushed.”

Gobind added they were now waiting for a written reply from foreign forensic experts who may be called in next week to aid the inquest.

Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, who is representing the Pakatan Rakyat-run state government in the inquest, said there were still many questions left unanswered over the circumstances surrounding Teoh’s death.

The state is keeping an open mind on the possible causes of his death and have not ruled out the fact that he may not have fallen to death, as is widely-speculated, he said.

It is for that reason that the state is sharing resources with Teoh’s family, he added.

Malik said they have sent the preliminary reports from the police, including the autopsy and forensic reports to two experts in Thailand and Australia respectively and hoped to receive their written views over the weekend.

The 30-year-old political secretary to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah had been questioned overnight at the office tower block which houses the Selangor branch of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged misuse of state funds.

His body was found on an overhang nine floors below the next day, July 16, the same day he was to marry his sweetheart.

Magistrate Azmil Muntapha Abas, who is acting as coroner in the inquest, led today’s entourage, which included lawyers for the federal Barisan Nasional (BN) government, the Selangor government and Teoh’s family.

Azmil arrived at the site close to 10am. The group headed first to the MACC office on level 14 before walking up the internal staircase to level 15, to examine the extra rooms occupied and where Teoh may have been taken to before his death.

They also visited the fifth floor to gain entrance to the overhang where Teoh was found, before making their way to the security office a floor below which houses the closed-circuit television (CCTV) screens.

Lawyer Cheow Wee, who is holding a watching brief for the Bar Council, said the visit was important because it helped them “visualise” the surroundings described by the first six witnesses who discovered Teoh’s body and understand better the circumstances leading to his death.

He also told reporters the inquest questioned three to four MACC officers on duty today and noted the coroner had especially directed questions to them. But Cheow declined to elaborate on what was asked.

The inquest will continue in court on Monday with the government pathologists taking the witness stand. (By Syed Jaymal Zahiid and Debra Chong/The Malaysian Insider)

Inquests Group Visits MACC Office - Taken from TheSundaily.com

2009-08-07T12:57:00.001+08:00

Teoh Beng Hock inquest: Coroner visits MACC office

SHAH ALAM (Aug 7, 2009): The Teoh Beng Hock inquest entered its fourth day with coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas visiting the state Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office located on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam in Section 8.

Azmil, government lawyer Tan Hock Chuan and Gobind Singh Deo, lawyer for Teoh's family and others, arrived at the complex at 9.45am and immediate visited the MACC office, and in particular the room where Teoh was questioned, and where he went after that.

At 10.50am, the group went to the balcony at the 5th floor where the 30-year-old political aide's body was found on July 16 to get a better idea of the layout of the place.

After spending about 20 minutes there, they moved to the security room at the 4th floor.

The inquest is being held to find the cause of Teoh's death. Teoh was found dead on the fifth floor of the building, after earlier being questioned for about 11 hours by the MACC as a witness in a case of alleged misappropriation of allocations for several state assemblymen. Teoh was political secretary to state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah.

Fifteen days have been set aside for the inquest. On Monday, testimonies of expert witnesses will continue.

Updated: 11:51AM Fri, 07 Aug 2009

Antiviral flu for H1N1 in Malaysian Hospital - Taken from the TheSTaronline

2009-08-07T08:50:00.002+08:00

I HOPE THIS IS TRUE!!

Friday August 7, 2009

Hospitals and clinics to get anti-viral drug, says Ismail

Reports by MAZWIN NIK ANIS, YENG AI CHUN, JADE CHAN and JACK WONG

PUTRAJAYA: Starting today, all government hospitals, clinics and selected private hospitals will have the influenza A (H1N1) anti-viral drug Tamiflu, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.

He, however, cautioned that all anti-viral drugs should not be taken as a preventive measure as this could result in the virus developing resistance to medication.

“Pharmacists are also warned not to sell anti-viral drugs to the public without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr Ismail told a press conference here yesterday.

He said that besides all government hospitals and clinics, 22 private hospitals nationwide would be supplied with Tamiflu.

Private clinics would also be allowed to obtain stocks from relevant suppliers.

“The suppliers have given us the assurance that there is sufficient supply of anti-viral medication,” he said.

Dr Ismail also warned doctors not to use anti-viral drugs to prevent a person from getting the flu.

“Not only have such measures been proven ineffective, they will also cause resistance to the medication as reported in the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Denmark and Canada,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the move would also deplete the resources for such medication.

Dr Ismail advised doctors and healthcare practitioners to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected.

He said that unlike the SARS outbreak where none of the healthcare personnel were infected, the H1N1 flu had caused a few to fall ill.

The death toll from influenza A (H1N1) rose to 14 with the latest casualty being a 57-year-old pensioner who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension.

He was warded at the Putrajaya Hospital on Tuesday and died of acute pulmonary oedema the next day.

Health authorities also recorded 16 new cases in the 24 hours before 8am yesterday, all being local transmissions, bringing the total number to 1,492.

Abuse Video - NOT Teoh - Taken from MalaysiaToday.com

2009-08-06T17:37:00.001+08:00

Video of Teoh being abused in custody is not him

THURSDAY, 06 AUGUST 2009 08:42

As the news of the inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock starts, so have all the speculations and accusations. On Sunday August 2, an SMS were circulating calling for people to check online (YouTube) to view a video that showed how the late Teoh was assaulted and abused during custody. The video showed some five or six officers of which one of them claimed to be a cop beating up a man who was being interrogated.

The link then spread like wild fire and very soon thousands have already viewed how badly a person (alleged to be Teoh) is being treated when in custody. While there is no claim in the site that the person in the video is Teoh, it depicts a frightening view of how suspects are being treated when being interrogated. According to the blogger who uploaded the video, “I would also like to present to you here a short video clip sent to me by a reader of this blog which exposes the obnoxious treatment of a suspect in custody.”

Reports confirmed that the person in the video was not Teoh but ultimately it is the manner by which the person was treated which raised eye brows. Some point of transparency should be in place to ensure that suspects are treated fairly and that such violence must not be allowed or condoned in any way.

Smoke 40 Cigarettes As Punishment??? WHY?? - Extracted from TIMES online

2009-08-06T17:31:00.002+08:00

From Times Online

August 6, 2009

Pupil forced to smoke 40 cigarettes in two hours as punishment

A 16-year-old pupil at a school in Malaysia was forced to chain-smoke for two hours after he was caught with a cigarette

Leo Lewis, Asia Business Correspondent

More News relating to Teoh's Death - Taken from MYSinchew.com

2009-08-05T17:12:00.001+08:00

Mohd Ridhuan Tee must apologise to Teoh’s Family: DAP youth chief

2009-08-05 16:12

LETTER

It is sickening to see that a person with supposedly strong academic credentials and high religious stature can produce such cruel and heartless remarks over the issue of Teoh Beng Hock’s unborn child.

By twisting a dreadful tragedy with his zealous agenda against “bastard children” in his Utusan Malaysia article, Dr. Mohd Ridhuan, the vice-president of the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association, has caused immense emotional damage to Teoh’s family.

Whatever superficial sympathy Dr. Mohd Ridhuan has for Teoh’s family is lost when he chooses to harp on the status of the child, whom he labels as an illegitimate child. Dr. Mohd Ridhuan has also compared Teoh’s child to the children of “Malay-Muslim girls who have sex with Muslim or non-Muslim partners with or without consent”, who are born without taking their father’s names.

By comparing, with blatantly racist language, an unborn child of an engaged couple who is painfully separated by the fiance’s mysterious death, to children who are results of unplanned conception, Dr Mohd Ridhuan has shown everyone how low he can go to hurt other human beings with broken logic.

As if that wasn’t enough, Dr. Mohd Ridhuan produced another hurtful article to slam his critics, labelling two Chinese language dailies – China Press and Nanyang Siang Pau – as racist, for highlighting his own racist outbursts. You can’t get more hypocritical than that.

DAPSY condemns in the strongest possible terms, the decision by Dr. Mohd Ridhuan to produce such insensitive, racist, zealous and hypocritical writings and the decision by Utusan Malaysia to publish them. DAPSY calls on Dr. Mohd Ridhuan to immediately apologize to Teoh’s family and to China Press and Nanyang Siang Pau, for all they have done is to reveal and reject his nasty character.

Loke Siew Fook
DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Chairman and MP for Rasah
4 August 2009
Petaling Jaya

Inquest on Teoh's Death Adjourns and to Continue - Taken from NewStraitsTimes online

2009-08-05T16:40:00.002+08:00

TEOH BENG HOCK'S INQUEST: Inquest adjourns, to resume tomorrow

2009/08/05

Rita Jong and Jennifer Gomez

UPDATED 1.55pm

One of the MACC officers, identified by the sixth witness from CCTV pictures, was believed to be the last person who saw Beng Hock alive.

This was revealed by Tan Hock Chuan, a lawyer in the AG's team during the inquest.

No names were given. The last witness for the day, Abdul Rahman Rahim was on duty the day of the incident.

The inquest was adjourned at 1.35pm and will resume at 9am tomorrow.

EARLIER REPORTS: Wan Rosli Wan Adam who is the fifth witness in the inquest identified pictures taken from the CCTV showing MACC officers leaving Plaza Masalam at 1.48am and 4.05am.

They include Beng Hock's recording officer and another who had interviewed the political aide.

Corporal Abdul Karen Othman from the Shah Alam police control room told the inquest he received a call from a Plaza Masalam security guard informing him a body was found.

It is believed to be a Chinese and may have committed suicide.
Abdul Karen is the fourth witness.

Lawyer Karpal Singh just entered the court.

Third witness, Mohd Khairul Izwan M. Nasir, a senior assistant security guard at Plaza masalam said he wento the the fifth floor corridor after being alerted by maintenance personnel.

He saw a body lying to his right and there was dry blood near the head.
He called police and covered the body with a black plastic bag for safety reasons.

Second witness, Mohd Ridzuan Samsuri, a technician at Plaza Masalam said he climbed through the rooftop to the service corridor on the fifth floor and noticed the body was not moving and that there was blood.

He said the person was pale and looked like a Chinese man. He panicked and immediately alerted his supervisor via walkie talkie.

EARLIER REPORT: Witness Siti Zabedah Yahya said she saw Teoh Beng Hock's body on the 5th floor corridor.

She was on the 19th floor and had wanted to close a window when she looked down. She thought he was resting or sleeping but felt strange as it was hot, so she dropped a screw to wake him but the person did not move.

Inquest begins. Lawyer Tan Hock Chuan who is in the Attorney-General's team told the court that to date, specimen samples were taken from 157 people including MACC officers, cleaners and police personnel.

Hearing commence with the first witness, a woman security guard, Siti Zabidah Yahya, 41.

The Teoh Beng Hock's inquest resumes today at Shah Alam magistrate's court.

Ean Yong Hian Wah arrives at 9am

Teoh Beng Hock's family members arrived in court for the inquest hearing at 8.30am.

Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo who is representing Teoh's family, arrives in court at 8.40am.

Press members who have been queuing since 6am, were finally allowed into the courtroom at 8.30am.

Ean Yong Hian Wah arrives at 9am

Parties involved are getting ready before Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas makes his appearance to begin proceedings.

And the Official Questioning Starts - Taken from TheStraitsTime.com

2009-08-05T16:13:00.001+08:00

August 5, 2009 Wednesday

Updated 3.55 pm

Inquest into political aid's death

The government ordered the inquest after opposition groups held protests demanding to know what happened to Teoh. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA began an inquest on Wednesday into the mysterious death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock who apparently plunged from the 14th floor of anti-corruption offices where he was being questioned.

'We want to find out how Teoh met with his death,' the lawyer representing his family, Gobind Singh Deo, told AFP at the start of the inquiry, which is scheduled to run for 15 days.

Teoh's body was found on July 16 on the roof of an adjacent building after he had undergone questioning late into the night at the offices of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The government ordered the inquest after opposition groups held protests demanding to know what happened to Teoh, an assistant to a member of the state cabinet in Selangor, which is ruled by the Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance.

The inquest began with testimony from two witnesses, a building technician and a janitor, who testified on the condition of Teoh's body when he was found sprawled on a balcony.

A total of 97 witnesses will be called, most of them MACC officers.

The inquest falls short of the opposition's demand for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Teoh's death, which they argue would be more independent.

'We have grave doubts. But we suspend judgement to give the inquest a chance to prove itself,' said veteran opposition legislator Lim Kit Siang, who attended the inquest.

'The people want a royal commission as it will command public confidence... The public do not accept this inquest because it is based on a police investigation,' he told AFP.

The anti-corruption body has said that on the day he was found dead Teoh, who was not himself under investigation, had been questioned until 3.45am and then chose to rest in the building after being discharged.

It said he was seen at 6.00am the same day, sleeping on a sofa, and was not seen again until his crumpled body was discovered that afternoon. He had been due to get married that day, to his fiancee who is in the early stages of pregnancy. -- AFP

DNA Results - Teoh Beng Hock's case - Taken from theStar online

2009-08-05T14:19:00.001+08:00

Published: Wednesday August 5, 2009 MYT 11:31:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday August 5, 2009 MYT 11:59:41 AM

Duo's DNA do not match those found on Teoh

SHAH ALAM: DNA samples of Kajang councillor Tan Boon Hwa and Lee Wye Wing do not match those found on belt and coat belonging to political aide Teoh Beng Hock, says Gobind Singh Deo.

Gobind, who is holding a watching brief for Teoh’s family said this at the start of the inquest into Teoh’s death.

Both Tan and Lee who reportedly refused to give their DNA samples earlier to assist in Teoh’s inquest had submitted their samples to the Chemistry Department last week.

Both men had said that their saliva samples were taken and they clarified that they had not refused to give the samples but could not do so according to the time given by the department as they had prior work engagements.

On the anonymous blog http://t4tbh.blogspot.com, which had been speculating on the cause of Teoh’s death, Tan said he would discuss with his lawyers if he should lodge a police report.

The blog stated that Tan and Lee were Teoh’s suspected murderers as they had refused to give their DNA samples to assist in the investigations.

It added that DAP leaders like Karpal Singh, Gobind Singh Deo and Lim Kit Siang were helping them cover up the murder and blame it on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

What I think of the Current Situation in the Country

2009-08-05T12:38:00.007+08:00

I came across a blog, which was recommended to me by a friend, which had some pretty powerful messages. http://advocateviews.blogspot.com/

It is up to you readers to decide on what's true and what's not, as everyone is entitled to their own opinion, or are we a free nation still?

What lies in our hearts, should be spilled out and discussed. WHY? Because it is the only way to bring problems out in public and.. well.. resolved.

Surely as a nation that prides itself on the harmony and integrity of its multi faceted people, we should also be a nation of smart people as interaction brings forth development and creativity.

Surely I am missing something here, because I don't see this.

Why is there segregation? Why is there fear? What is hindering us from truly meeting our potentials? Ask yourselves this.

The answer is there. It only needs a little courage to get it out.

And a little piece of advice to all my friends : Violence never solves anything. Do it peacefully and with a good heart.

~Peace~

Najib: Govt willing to provide venues for people to vent anger - Taken from TheSTAR online

2009-08-03T08:25:00.000+08:00

Monday August 3, 2009

Najib: Govt willing to provide venues for people to vent anger

By NELSON BENJAMIN and HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

MUAR: The Government is prepa-red to provide suitable venues including stadiums for people to gather and air their grievances or opinions without having to resort to demonstrating on the streets, said Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said people should not take part in street protests as it would only inconvenience others.

“We can provide them stadiums where they can shout themselves hoarse till dawn, but don’t cause disturbance on the streets,” said Najib in commenting on the illegal assemblies in several areas in the federal capital on Saturday.

He said there were stadiums in Opposition states like Selangor that could be used for such gatherings, adding that it was unnecessary to inconvenience other road users.

Najib also defended police actions, saying that they were done in the interest of public order and safety.

Asked if more Opposition leaders would be arrested in connection with the demonstrations, Najib said it would be up to the police to decide based on the findings of their investigations.

Speaking to reporters after opening the Pagoh Umno delegates meeting here yesterday, Najib said the police have a duty to preserve safety and order and could take action against those responsible for disrupting the peace.

“It is up to the authorities. Street demonstrations should not continue,” he said.

Najib added that the Opposition were trying to portray the Govern-ment as cruel.

On a statement by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a gathering in Muar two days ago that the Opposition would start attacking Umno’s bastion in Johor, Najib dismissed it as wishful thinking.

He expressed confidence that the state leadership would be able to quash any such attempt.

Protesters Arrested - KL - Taken from the NST Website

2009-08-01T15:00:00.001+08:00

Aug 1, 2009

M'sia arrests protesters

KUALA LUMPUR - POLICE arrested dozens of Malaysians who tried to take part in a street protest Saturday against a law allowing detention without trial, opposition activists said.

Opposition parties were expecting thousands of demonstrators to march through Kuala Lumpur in what they hoped would be the biggest protest ever aimed at pressuring Malaysia's government to scrap the Internal Security Act, which provides for indefinite imprisonment without trial of people regarded as security threats.

Government authorities warned they would not allow the protest, saying it could undermine public peace.

Police began arresting people outside the city's main mosque three hours before the planned demonstration, said Salahuddin Ayub, vice-president of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party.

The party's news website and other Malaysian media said at least 51 have been detained in various locations, mainly people wearing opposition T-shirts and headbands.

Police set up roadblocks across Kuala Lumpur to prevent demonstrators from reaching the city center, sparking massive traffic crawls. Riot police backed by trucks mounted with water cannons fanned out at train stations and shopping malls where the demonstrators intended to gather.

The protesters planned to march to the national palace to submit a petition to Malaysia's king, the constitutional monarch, to denounce the Internal Security Act.

Human rights groups estimate at least 17 people are being held under the act, mainly for alleged links to militants and document forgery.

Human rights activists have long decried the decades-old act, instituted during the British colonial era, saying it is sometimes used to jail government critics and dampen dissent.

Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday urged people not to join the protest. Mr Najib has promised to consider amending the act, though government officials have repeatedly said it is necessary to safeguard national security. -- AP

More on Teoh's Case - Taken from thesundaily.com

2009-07-30T16:17:00.002+08:00

Boon Hwa to provide his DNA sample in 2 days: Gobind
Giam Say Khoon

PETALING JAYA (July 30, 2009): Kajang Municipal Councillor Tan Boon Hwa who failed to provide his DNA sample for the Teoh Beng Hock's inquest on Wednesday, will do so within two days, said his lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, who is also acting for Teoh's family.

In a press conference today at the DAP headquarters, Gobind reiterated that witnesses Tan and Lee Wye Wing are willing do give full cooperation to the authorities in uncovering the truth behind Teoh's death.

He clarified that Tan had to attend the inquest on Wednesday when he was summoned by the police to provide his DNA sample in the morning.

He said once he can reach the investigating officer who summoned Tan for the sample, he will bring Tan to the police station for his DNA sample to be collected.

As for Lee, an employee of the company that supplied flags to a state government project, Gobind said he is currently overseas and once he returns, he will get him to give his DNA sample.

At the Teoh death inquest on Wednesday, government-appointed lawyer Tan Hock Chuan had told the coroner's court that two people, who he did not name, had refused to give their DNA sample to help police find a match for the DNA trace of an unknown male found on Teoh's body.

(More later)

Updated: 02:50PM Thu, 30 Jul 2009

And the plot thickens..

2009-07-29T17:11:00.003+08:00

TEOH BENG HOCK Teoh Beng Hock

I read this on my email this morning and extracted it from Bernama's website.. Click the link if you wanna see the real deal.

July 29, 2009 17:03 PM

Unidentified DNA Trace Found On Teoh's Blazer, Inquest Told

SHAH ALAM, July 29 (Bernama) -- The DNA trace of an unidentified man was found on the back of the blazer and belt of political aide Teoh Beng Hock who fell to his death at the Plaza Masalam here on July 16, the inquest into Teoh's death was told today before it was adjourned to Aug 5.

Government-appointed lawyer Tan Hock Chuan, who is assisting the inquest conducted by coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas, told the court the "mystery man" had yet to be identified although samples of DNA were taken by the Chemistry Department from 102 individuals.

Tan said that besides the DNA trace of the "mystery man", Teoh's DNA trace was also found on the blazer and belt.

"Samples were taken from 102 individuals to determine whether their DNA profile matched the unidentified DNA trace. The DNA profile reports of 90 of the individuals are ready while the remaining 12 have yet to be obtained.

"I was also informed by the investigating officer that two people had declined to have their DNA samples taken," he said.

Teoh, 30, political aide to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16 on the fifth floor corridor of Plaza Masalam here after having given a statement as a witness to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over allegations of misuse of funds by Selangor state executive councillors. The MACC office is located on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam.

On July 22, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that an inquest would be held to determine the cause of Teoh's death. He also said that a royal commission of inquiry would be set up to determine the standard operating procedure of questioning of witnesses and suspects by the MACC.

At the inquest today, Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, who is holding a watching brief for Teoh's family, wanted to know whether the DNA profile of any of the 90 individuals matched the DNA trace of the unidentified man.

He said this was one more reason why the court should adjourn the hearing, pending the outcome of the whole process of DNA profiling. Tan said it would be better for the chemist himself to say whether any of the 90 DNA profiles matched the DNA trace.

Earlier, Gobind Singh had asked for an adjournment of the inquest for at least 10 days to allow time to study all the reports relevant to the case.

He had also said that the hearing should be adjourned until a reply from the prime minister to a request for the cause of Teoh's death to be determined by the royal commission of inquiry to be set up in connection with the case.

"If the prime minister accedes to the request, then there is no necessity for this inquest," he said.

Gobind Singh said the family was attending the inquest under protest, not with any intention to belittle the court but to convey the stand that the cause of Teoh's death should be determined by the royal commission of inquiry.

He also questioned why Teoh's family were not given notice of the inquest as legally required, which was at least two weeks from the date of death.

Outside the court, Gobind Singh commented on the matter of the two individuals who had declined to have their DNA samples taken, saying: "I don't know who they are. I can only assume because two people came to me today and said they were requested yesterday evening to go to the 'balai' (police station)."

He said he knew one of them but not the other.

"It is not that they did not want to cooperate but they could not make it (to the police station) as they had to attend court today.

"What importance is that they have found DNA traces on the body. I think it is very important for me to identify who it belongs to," said Gobind Singh, expressing the hope that the police would wrap up their investigation and send the report to him.

He said he was happy with the adjournment, and added that it would give time to prepare the case in greater detail.

"I think the granting of the adjournment set the right direction since we have just been given the documents, post-mortem report, forensic report, DNA report, chemist's report and, therefore, certainly we need time to consider these reports.

"We also need time to give these reports to our independent experts to give their independent opinion on it. It is necessary for one of our lawyers to fly overseas to meet the experts to get their opinion directly," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Never Look back and ask "why", but look forward and say "why not"

2009-07-28T11:38:00.002+08:00

This I got from my email and thought I wanted to share with you all.

A very valuable lesson to learn...

Interesting quote from the movie "Why did I get married?"

In most cases, especially in relationships, you will only get 80% of what you NEED and you will hardly get the other 20% that you WANT in your relationship. There is always another person (man or women) that you will meet and that will offer you the other 20% which is lacking in your relationship that you WANT. And believe me, 20% looks really good when you are not getting it at all in your current relationship.

But the problem is that you will always be tempted to leave that good 80% that you know you have, thinking that you will get something better with the other 20% that you WANT. But as reality has proven, in most cases, you will always end up with having the 20% that you WANT and loosing the 80% that you really NEED and that you already had.

Be careful in deciding between what you WANT and NEED in your life.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have. "Wow, this girl in my office is a real looker. But it's not her Wynona Rider features that got me. I'm crazy about her because she's also understanding, intelligent, tender - so many things that my spouse is not"

Somewhere along the way, you'll find a woman or a man who will be more charming or sensitive. More alluring. More thoughtful. Richer. Have greater sex appeal. And you will find a woman or man who will need you and pursue you and go loco over you more than your spouse ever did.

Because no wife or husband is perfect. Because a spouse will only have 80% of what you're looking for. So adultery takes place when a husband or wife looks for the missing 20%. Let's say your wife is melancholic by nature.

You may find yourself drawn to the pretty clerk who has a cherry laugh no matter what she says: "I broke my arm yesterday, Hahahaha . . .."

Or because your wife is a homebody in slippers and pajamas, smelling of garlic and fish oil, you may fall for a fresh-smelling young sales representative that visits your office in a sharp black blazer, high heels, and a red pencil-cut skirt Or because your husband is the quiet type, your heart may skip a beat when you meet an old college flame who has the makings of a talk show host.

But wait! That's only 20% of what you don't have.

Don't throw away the 80% that you already have!

That's not all. Add to your spouse's 80% the 100% that represents all the years that you have been with each other. The storms you have weathered together. The unforgettable moments of sadness and joy as a couple. The many adjustments you have made to love the other. The wealth of memories that you've accumulated as lovers.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have.

But faithfulness happens when you start thanking God for what you already have.

But I'm not just talking about marriage. I'm talking about life!

About your jobs.
About your friends.
About your children.
About your lifestyles.

Are you like the economy airline passenger that perennially peeks through the door of the first class cabin, obsessed with what he's missing? "They have got more leg room! Oh my, their food is served in porcelain! Wow, their seats recline at an 80% angle and they've got personal videos!"

I guarantee you'll be miserable for the entire trip! Don't live your life like that. Forget about what the world says is first class. Do you know that there are many first class passengers who are miserable in first class -- because they are not riding in a private Lear Jet?

The main message???

If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are, you are first class!

Qbar KK - The 'Girls' are at it again!

2009-07-27T15:40:00.007+08:00

QbarrabQQbarrabQQbarrabQQbarrabQQbarrabQQbarrabQ

Back to school - Wondering what it would feel like to be in school uniform again.

Apart from the obvious fetish or a weird sense of dressing, no one would dare get back into those rayon slacks and crisp-ironed white shirts.

But the people at QBAR did!

Word on the event spread quickly. 'Everyone' was probably just dying to dress up, especially since Halloween is another 3 months away.

So when the night of the event came, it turned out looking like tear out of a Manga Page ; men, women, manwoman, womanman came in their old uniforms and old school ties.

I must admit, I was not there, but from the photo, I gather that it was a night of sizzling fun!

Dr. Birute Galdikas strikes again!!

2009-07-27T15:02:00.006+08:00

First to confirm declining Orang utan birth rate

PRIMATOLOGIST Dr Birute Mary Galdikas 63 is the world’s foremost authority on orangutans, having spent 40 years living among these creatures in the forests of Indonesian Kalimantan. Thanks to her research, man now has a better understanding of his closest cousin which may even have pleased Charles Darwin, who famously pondered on the origin of the species.

She is one of three western women to dedicate their lives to studying apes, the others being Jane Goodall (chimpanzees) and late Dianne Fossey (gorillas) who was murdered by poachers. While both Jane and Diane worked in Africa, Galdikas turned to Borneo – and all looked upon Dr Louis Leakey as mentor.

Galdikas is Founder-President of Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) dedicated to the conservation of wild orang utans, and their rainforest habitat. Her research camp, dubbed "Camp Leakey", which she established in Tanjung Puting National Park (Kalimantan Tengah) 38 years ago is now a world centre for orang utan studies and tourist destination.

Now an Indonesian citizen, the Lithuanian-born Dr Galdikas' efforts in lobbying for the preservation of the tropical rainforests, in Kalimantan Tengah, resulted in saving close to two million hectares of forests for the orang utans.

She reckoned, her dedication to the orang utan cause also cost her first marriage with both her first husband and some who grew up with orang utans deciding to return to western civilization. She decided to stay on and has since remarried a rice farmer who is also a Tribal President. She has a son and daughter from him.

Dubbed by some as Mother Theresa of the Orang Utan, she recently visited Sabah where she talked to Daily Express Special Writer Mary Chin and Chief Editor James Sarda about how she ended up becoming best friend, spokesperson and saviour of these creatures.

DEALING with apes, particularly studying their behaviour the past 40 years in the forests of Kalimantan, afforded an opportunity to Dr Birute Galdikas to confront one of man's most pressing questions - did we evolve from apes as Charles Darwin theorised more than a century ago?

She recalls posing a question as an 11-year-old to a Roman Catholic priest in her class about evolution.

"Instead, the priest asked me a question. He said, 'if human beings descended from monkeys (as some believe), then why don't we see monkeys evolving into human beings right in front of our very eyes today?" '

When she went to study orang utans and learned about evolution and biology; that was one of the questions that was in the back of her mind.

"I mean, other people would have answered that much better than I ever could. But that was the question that I asked and continued to ask, and that was what the Roman Catholic priest asked me.

"I was like an 11-year-old girl and I couldn't answer him. I knew nothing, but it was a legitimate question."

When pressed whether she is a believer in Darwinism or the story of Genesis as found in the Holy Bible, DrGaldikas has this to say.

"It's not a question of whether you believe in it or not. It's not a belief. It's a fact. It's a very fine fact that evolution has taken place on this planet."

Asked if the evolution was coming down from apes to man, she suggested there must have been a proverbial missing link somewhere when this transformation happened but that the information we need is not available.

"No, I think it's coming down from creatures who were our ancestors and also the ancestors of humans. So we share ancestors with the great apes but the creatures that were our ancestors, say 10 million years ago, weren't like the apes we find now and weren't like the people we find now.

"There was something a little bit different. But if we encounter them on the streets, we probably would say that they were apes. So, yes, we share a common ancestor with the great apes," she theorised.

"We can't avoid saying so because if we examine our DNA, we share the same genetic sequences with chimpanzees.

"Ninetynine per cent of our genetic sequences are identical with those of chimpanzees. So the reality of evolution cannot be denied. The reality of our ancestry cannot be denied, but has nothing to do with religious belief."

According to her, even Darwin himself said something to the effect that maybe God started the whole process off "but that process of evolution is a very viable one.

"It did happen and continues to happen but not in the macro ways that people suspected."

Dr Galdikas has in the course of her 40 years in the Indonesian jungle, also made some significant findings about orang utan behaviour that has contributed to the body of knowledge about these primates.

Firstly, the extreme birth interval of orang utan females.

"Before my work, people thought that orang utan females gave birth once every three or four years. After I had worked in Kalimantan for maybe 20 years, I was able to document the fact that orang utans have the longest birth interval of any wild mammal in the world.

"In Kalimantan a female orang utan gives birth once every eight years. When I first published this, people were surprised, saying then they are very vulnerable to extinction. Well, that's true."

Expanding on her findings, scientists who worked in northern Sumatra several years later found their combined data showed that over there the orang utans gave birth on average once every 10 years.

"I was the first person that brought this to world attention.

Dr Galdikas also found that wild orang utans gave birth for the first time once they are 16 years of age.

"I have also done work on reproductive behaviour of the males and the fact that you have two classes of males. You have males who are basically fully adult and. capable of mating but they like to have cheek pads.

And we have the cheek-padded branch males who tend to be more dominant."

According to her, it has been very interesting to see what are the conditions under which a sub-adult male basically desires to be a branch male or cheek-padded male.

"This is because in the lifetime of an orang utan it seems to depend on the presence of other males in the vicinity. So if you have a lot of branch males in the vicinity, then the sub-adult male isn't going to become a branch male.

"He is going to wait because the competition is too extreme. Now if you have just sub-adult males in the vicinity and not branch males, then sub-adult males are going to become branch or cheek-padded males very early," she pointed out.

She said the different kind of reproductive tactics by these two classes of males not only has consequences for individual orang utan life histories but it also has consequences for orang utan evolution.

"So, if as is happening now, branch males or cheek-padded males are being shut out because they are not visible, then that is altering the selection process for orang utan males in general," she said, adding she has done a lot of work on the reproduction of the males.

Generally, male orang utans are not successful in attracting sexually receptive females until they have developed large cheek pads. Female orang utans find these cheek pads attractive.

Extracted from the Daily Express Sabah, Sunday 26^th July 2009 Page 7.

Becoming Rich from the Internet

2009-07-21T08:47:00.003+08:00

I received a mail from an old friend this morning and this is what he had to say: -

Hi,

We have all heard stories about some poor chap who started a business on the internet and went on to make an indecent amount of cash. Personally, I’m a skeptic but there are just too many such stories to ignore that there is a chance the internet is really a money making instrument.

So….I have decided to go on a quest to experiment and see if this might really work out. At this point in time, I have absolutely no knowledge about starting and maintaining a business online. Common sense tells me that I’ll need to find out and learn among others, the following

How to identify and workout deals to get products to sell
A business oriented website vs. conventional websites – how to setup and what are the differences?
How to get hits on search engines
payment methods
logistics…..the list goes on

I will learn all this and I will put it to the test. But first things first, before anything can happen I need to create something called an “opt in list” and here is where I’ll need your help. An “opt in list” is basically just a list of people who are interested in purchasing goods online. Sounds insignificant but for an online business, it is bargaining power to access online business communities. By being in a list, you indicate that you are open to receive ads and promotions via email.

For me, creating this list itself is an experiment. I would like you to be part of my “opt in list”. If you have doubts about buying and selling online, the 2^nd part of my email is my 2 cents worth about the subject. Here’s what you do to be included in my list.

Instead of replying to this email, write an email with the subject “Opt in list” and send to kevin.chiu76@gmail.com Try not to use your office time and email to do this as I do not intend to steal your company resources.
Preferably, you may indicate in the email, what you are interested to receive promotions on.
If you own an online business, I would appreciate if you could share your experiences with me.
Pass this email to some friends of yours (preferably someone I do not know) who may be interested. This is not a chain letter so if you decide not to do anything, nothing will happen to you. But wouldn’t you like to try and see what happens? After all, you’ve already read so much.

I cannot offer you anything for being on my list because obviously I haven’t made anything from this. I can promise you though that the email you give will not be abused. I also encourage that if you are interested to setup your own online business, I’ll share with you all my resources and whatever I learn from this.

The above 4 steps are necessary simply for the reason that I want the people in my list to be a little serious about this whole thing. Then after you’ve done it, allow some time for me to set it up properly.

So that’s that, as promised I’ll share with you my experiences on buying stuff online. I have only bought flowers, a rare electronic tool, computer parts and plane tickets off the internet…..so far so good. Delivery time is excellent and price is way below what I would have to pay if I bought the same items in a conventional manner.

For those who have never tried buying online, some benefits include

Access to goods not available locally
Lower price because there’s no need to cover costs such as rent and other overheads.
Goods delivered to almost any address and you shop from anywhere with internet access.
Unlike stores, there are no operating hours
No long queues at the counter and you don’t even need to take cash out of your wallet.

But just to be fair, there are some limitations to shopping online

Some online businesses only deliver to certain parts of the world
Although there are other payment methods, you almost certainly would need to have a credit card.

When we buy or sell on the internet, it is a whole different business platform. In retrospect, we are buying from and selling to the whole world! Every year it is estimated that an additional more than 200 million people world wide get connected. So the market size itself is growing at an exponential rate. Even if a miniscule portion of that number shows interest in what we’re selling, it’s a lot. But you probably knew that already.

As you can see, my knowledge now is rather shallow. But I intend to change that……Let’s find out what happens

hmm... very interesting

When the Old are young again

2009-07-20T14:14:00.001+08:00

Coming Soon - A new feature on the recent event at QBar..

FOOOOOOD - KK's Thien Thien Restaurant

2009-07-17T15:27:00.002+08:00

The Marketing, Admin and IT team had the opportunity to try out one of KK's better known HALAL Chinese Restaurants, fondly known as Thien Thien Restaurant to the locals. Located on Jalan Pantai, adjacent to the City Hall HQ, this restaurant would quickly fill up for lunch and dinner.

Susan and the Boys

The Girls

The most popular item on the menu would of course be the quickest to prepare such as Chicken Kon Low Noodle and Spicy Chicken Rice. But being savvy (and discerning?) diners, we were there because we wanted to try out several of its recommended dishes.

Beancurd and Bamboo Shoot

Chicken in Black Vinegar Sauce

Bak Choy with XO Sauce

Seaweed and Seafood Soup

One thing was certain, when the food arrived, our table went silent.

Why?

Because everyone was happily eating.

The food was good and engredients were fresh, plus it wasn't pricy for a popular restaurant.

Can't wait until the next lunch outing..

Bunga - Flower , Raya - Big

2009-07-16T16:59:00.005+08:00

Savour one of Borneo's best in services and facilities.

A great experience just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Bunga Raya - This tropical genus of 220 species of plant produces brightly colored flowers, some with flamboyant petals that could liven up even the most listless of souls.

My story is directed towards Gayana Eco Resort, in their ever expanding horizon has succeeded in coming up with the Bunga Raya (the local malay name for the Hibiscus) which is a high-end Island Beach Resort like no other.

This exclusive retreat offer packages that matches its 5-star service reputation, and to top that, personalized facilities that could make most beach resorts envious.

The timber villas are nicely tucked away in the tranquil and hidden Polish Bay on Gaya Island, with a 1-km stretch of white sandy beach fronting it. Each villa is built to reflect the simple but elegant architectural style that is unique to Borneo, and blended-in carefully with the natural surrounding vegetation for the aesthetic pleasure of discerning guests.

The launch in August 2009 sees the completion of 2-years of hard work and planning, and the simultaneous start of operation for its 47 units of accommodation, which ranges from Standard Villas to Royal Villa. Facilities at the resort includes an Infinity Pool, a Jungle Spa, Trekking Course, a Dive Centre, Water Sports Centre, Conference Facilities for 200 people, a Fitness Centre, a Wine Cave and a Beach-Bar & Grill aside from the Clubhouse which commands a grand view of the South China Sea.

By the way, the resort is for grown-ups only! Children under the age of 12 are not allowed. This we were told was set in to conserve the pristine conditions of the island which is far from the hustle, bustle and stress of the city.

When you're old, go for a facelift...

2009-07-16T11:16:00.002+08:00

I was pleasantly surprised the other day, while walking along Wisma Merdeka. The old food court is going through a facelift and looks great! For those who don't know where it is, it is on the 2nd floor, old wing of Wisma Merdeka.

Just to tinkle your senses, here's what you might see when you get there..

Sukau (pronounced as SoooooCow)

2009-07-13T17:00:00.002+08:00

Now as I am writing this, a tiny bat brushed past my face twice. The area is serene, while the air is clean and the environment – almost magical. As if the air itself is infused with vigor and life.

Not 5 minutes after Winston came up to me to hand me my room keys, Saat the Lodge Manager pulled me away from the growing crowd that was congregating around Mr. Teo, the Managing Director of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

"Good!" I thought.

This would give me the opportunity to empty my bladder which has been retaining fluid for the whole 2-hour overland journey from Sandakan to Sukau.

But then again, odds would always play cruelly against your will. I was brought to the Information Gallery instead.

"Macaques.." Saat said.

I looked at him oddly and then asked him why, after several seconds of uncomfortable silence.

He pointed to one of the hanging Coconut Pots which barely had a living plant in it, and explained that a troop of long-tailed macaques have been hanging around the lodge and eating the flowering orchids. Apparently they have acquired the taste for orchids, especially the bright succulent ones.

And as I nodded in comprehension, we reached the information gallery which was at the other end of the verandah. It was rather cool, like a scene out of a jungle movie, with shaded areas complimented by warm lighting and Borneo motifs, quite fashionable as it had the minimalistic décor effect that everyone was after nowadays.

Strolling further down, I realized that we were already walking along a covered pathway, apparently 1.45 km which looked pretty mysterious.

I had to remind myself constantly that I am in the rainforest of Borneo, the real thing, not museum stuff that we are all used to. The sounds, the darkness, the dampness, the smell….

Wait a minute! What about the 'Sights'?

Well, this was explained to me in detail by Saat that unlike the grasslands of Africa, animals in the deep rainforests are masters of camouflage. You may smell them, you may hear them, but don't be disappointed if you don't see them. They're there alright, perhaps calmly looking down at pale-skinned bipeds (humans) walking past, just occasionally croaking, or chirping, or hooting to get us all excited every once in a while. And to think that we rule the world. SHEESH!

One thing is for sure though. It is pretty obvious why this piece of heaven is called a rainforest. The very air that you breathe in causes your nostrils to go damp. My bed is damp, my shirt is damp, the floor is damp, and even this notebook that I am writing on is limp from the moisture in the air. Scanning the parameters of my room, a bible sits all crinkly on the nightstand, while my bed-side lamp flickers from the surge in electricity, which gives it the effect of candlelight, but brighter.

Don't get me wrong about the dampness though. It's surprisingly cooler here than in the bustling city, and obviously quieter, evident from the efficiency and speed of my writing. Finally, for once I can hear myself think again.

Recalling the rest of the evening that just went past, I think I should have taken the boat up so that I could ride the Kinabatangan to spot wildlife, and now I am jealously admiring the excitement felt by the guests that witnessed an Orang Utan and a troop of Proboscis Monkey during the afternoon boat trip. I promised myself that I'd be on the first boat out for the River Safari in the morning.

I am hungry. The faint smell of garlic sweating over a hot stove from the nearby kitchen has enticed my appetite. Oh dear! Now I am thinking of the superb lunch I had with a couple of friends at Sim Sim Market in Sandakan earlier; juicy and flaky grilled fish and rice, with a generous helping of Calamari and vegetable ala Java. There were 3 of us eating but I only paid RM 25. BARGAIN!!

Back to reality. Apparently dinner is an experience on its own here at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Firstly, I have never seen that many people in batik sarong, and secondly dinner is served on the jetty, under the stars. Best of all is, at the sound of 3 gong beats, dinner is announced 'served', just like at a western country farm, except with Borneo Class added to it.

Dinner was delightful, about 1 hour after everyone has taken their meal, Brett (the workaholic Ozzy) and I finally sat down to have ours. The meal was buffet style with a mixture of local delicacies and western favorites, but what astounded me was the soup which was super-super good and made me want to go for second or third helping, if only pride wasn't an issue.

Oh! I almost forgot. Before we sat down, while comparing our prowess at alcohol consumption, Stinky the Fishing Owl came splashing into the water and then bounced onto the river bank. To be honest with you, I thought Stinky was a dog at first and wouldn't believe it when Brett told me it was a fishing owl. As far as my eyes could see, it was a brown thing moving about in the grasses and was pretty big. And then Brett explained that the Fishing Owl is one of the biggest of its kind and are pretty common along the Kinabatangan. Hmm.. I am more motivated to go on the morning river cruise now.

Realizing that I was one of the last at the jetty (Brett left earlier as someone was looking for him), I slowly made my way back to the lounge. I could see that the slideshow was already on, but what really caught my attention were two enormous geckos on the wall. Looking more like miniature dinosaurs instead of tiny lizards, these animals could apparently grow up to 1 feet in length, compared to the 3 inches for the common house gecko and 1.5 inches for certain forest geckos. The giant Borneo Gecko emits a 'Tok kay' shrill repeatedly as a mark of territorial dominance. I was awed as I've never seen geckos this big in my life. Wish I had one at home.

An Australian lady here told me that she had always wanted to visit Borneo ever since she first heard of it when she was 13. Now, 45 years later, she finally fulfilled her dreams. I asked her, what made her want to visit Borneo and she replied "the animals, the tribes, the rainforest, the name Borneo". It made me feel blessed to hear this from someone else. I now realize that a place that so many people call home, and sometimes take for granted, is a fantasy to many others, an ambition and even a lifelong dream. I am truly humbled to be living in such a place.

(The Morning After)

"Yang.. Bangun Yang…" my alarm clock went off.

The time on my mobile phone indicated 5:30 am, but I know better that all my timepieces are set 15 minutes faster, so this would be a good time for a short snooze… zzzzzzzz…….

"Knock Knock!!!" two loud raps on my bedroom door suddenly pulled me out of dream state.

Morning cruise!

Took a quick shower, rushed out and was greeted by Fernando the river guide. He asked whether I wanted to join the early morning ox-bow lake trek, which I said yes to, and so he looked at me from top to bottom, which made me self-conscious for a moment until I realized that everyone else were in trekking gear, while I was in my Joseph Aboud shirt and Rip Curl Denim shorts. I SEE!

"Hahahaha.. Stupid me!"

I am not dressed appropriately for the trip; even I wouldn't approve myself trekking looking like this. Trekking the damp forest with leeches crawling up my pants? No way Jose!

*Sigh* Another 1.5 hours until breakfast. Well, this would be a good time to look around the lodge, and perhaps go back to the room for a quick shave.

7:15am rush-rush to the jetty. Mr. Teo was already having breakfast with Saat and we are supposed to ride up to Bilit to drop Mr. Teo for a dialogue session with other operators in the area. I'm relieved that the ideally relaxed condition gave me enough time to grab some marmite on toast and coffee before catching the boat.

I was told that the Sukau Rainforest Lodge has several tree planting sites along the mighty Kinabatangan. Mr. Teo mentioned that the company is continuously searching for barren patches of land along the river to replant trees for forest regeneration. Well, based on what I see, the idea seems to be working. The pilot project which started in the year 2000 has trees over 15 feet tall now, while there are several other sites for replanting which has been granted to Sukau Rainforest Lodge by the Government. What a great way to give back to the environment I thought.

As we were leaving Bilit, I could hear Mr. Teo talking passionately about his experience setting up the lodge, and how in all his effort, tried to bring the local community out of the 'poverty' state of mind through job and business opportunity, and training. 15 years down the line and he is still strongly fastened to his ideas and efforts. I like the idea that one should believe in the power of persistence as it will always pay off in the end. Although progress in terms of human resource development is slow in these parts, the fruits of efforts put in all these years are also beginning to show.

The trip back was a breeze. It was already mid-morning and I didn't expect to spot wildlife as most have retreated back into the coolness of the forest canopy. So I just laid back a little to catch up on nap for a minute or two… or twenty..

Kari Boardwalk connects the jetty to the lounge, and was named after the original owner of the 7-acre land that SRL is on now. As a matter of fact, room number 3 was also named after Kari. Come to think of it, other rooms are also named with the likes of Dr. Dale Straughan (room 1), Dr. Dino (room 2), Dr. Junaidi (room 4), HRH Prince Henrik (room 10, Arq. Hector Caballos (room 11). All of which have visited the lodge once or twice, or 23 times like Dr. Dale.

Just to share with you about an SRL personality, Winston Marshall. He's a white, 60 something man who works as a naturalist here and apparently been living on Borneo for the longest period of time learning about our plants and animals. Witty but deep in knowledge, Winston organizes talks, or walks after breakfast at 10:30am and never ceases to amaze people with his know-hows on local plants which he conducts along the Elephant Walkway (aptly named as a section has been left open to allow elephants through).

As usual, Winston was in the lounge talking to a group of people. He always seems to attract a crowd as he weaves his knowledge into stories. Looking at him, this thick-glassed, heavy framed chap doesn't seem like the type person that would impart knowledge, but looks can be deceiving. Never judge a book by its cover people always say. Winston speaks fluent Malay too By the way, so he sure knows his way around.

"Doooong…. Doooong…Doooong"

Three sounds of the gong temporarily drowned forest sounds to announce that lunch was served. Today's menu included Chicken Curry, Butter Prawn and Sabah Vegetables. It was good and wholesome, cooked all the way through Malaysian style. I had another long chat with Brett about today's happenings. 10 guests checked out this morning and 19 more are on their way up, expected to arrive at 3 pm. This place is always bustling with people. Good sign!

Walking back to the lounge after our meals, Brett showed a group of Australian guests a DracoDraco – or a flying dragon which was hardly visible, unless you looked really hard and closely. It actually changes colours, and this specimen has taken on the colour of the bark it was on, so to the untrained eyes, it may look like another twig.

This reminded me of something I wrote earlier; "you don't see them, they see you".

But, then again all morning Brett has been spotting these creatures which are supposed to be Masters of Disguise. Maybe Brett has special eyes, or maybe he is a gecko incarnate. Whatever it is, he is doing a wonderful job of keeping the guests on their toes with his reptile encounters.

I need to remember "bring a flask of coffee for the Bilit Cruise later". Hopefully wildlife sighting would be good.

The lounge rumbled as the wooden floors started shaking. Lodge staffs were running back to pick the laundry as the first droplets of rain pattered on the roof.

No wonder it was very warm earlier. The warmth was tell-tale sign of the impending rain. Rain is good, rain is cooling. Hang on!! Rain for 2 minutes?!

"Hahahaha… My wish was short-lived." My consolation would be the overcast of clouds, so still it has gotten slightly cooler.

The lounge is bustling all over again. In-house guests have started appearing for afternoon tea. Nothing like a hot cup of locally roasted coffee with freshly made 'Pisang Goreng' or Banana Fritters. An SRL ritual apparently. I LIKE!

The group of 19 guests just arrived, all looking fresh and happy, apparently from the excitement of seeing a herd of Borneo Pygmy Elephants along the boat ride from Sandakan.

Hmm… Yeoh Siew Hun, a prominent media figure just walked past along with the group of people that just arrived. I checked with the in-house boat schedule and I was assigned the same boat as her for the trip up to Bilit. This would be good. Looking forward to my first boat Safari.

(A few hours later)

Well, I need to ask you. Have you seen an Elephant in the wild before? Better yet, have you ever seen a Borneo Pygmy Elephant in the wild before? No? Well I have and there were lots of them. 3 bulls, countless cows and 3 calves as far as my eyes could see them. I love elephants! And seeing calves was a good sign that the population is growing.

Ok, I'd have to be fair here.

We also spotted several troops of Proboscis Monkeys, lots and lots of Long-Tailed Macaque or Crab Catching Macaques, many bird species including the Rhinoceros Hornbill, the Storm Egret and a couple of Fishing Eagles. Oh dear! I can't even remember all of them now as the excitement took over my emotion. And best of all, I got pampered on this boat ride as local coffee and pisang goreng was served by Hamit our guide and boatman.

"This is too much..Just too much" Siew Hun said with a contented tone in her voice. Diana and Tim smiled in agreement.

This place is simply amazing. The number of animal sighting was tremendous. This fact only dawned to me when I saw Siew Hun recording our sightings on the board within a span of 6 hours. Although we couldn't catch a glimpse of the Reticulated Python or Orang Utan along the way, what we saw made-up threefolds in terms of experience. I can't wait for tomorrow's early morning cruise. Hamit, our superb guide said our quest would be to look for Orang Utans. I'm excited!

We finished the evening off with late dinner, where Saat had so kindly arranged to separately prepare it, along with a bottle of Red Wine and under the moonlit sky, in the middle of mystifying Borneo, above one of the greatest rivers in Asia. We chatted the night away talking about the elusive Borneon Clouded Leopard, and local legends of the Orang Sungai. Nothing could be more perfect.

(The Morning After)

"Oh well…" I sighed.

No Orang Utans again this time. But we got to see many other animals including the Smooth Otter, the Oriental Darter, several troops of Proboscis Monkeys, 4 Pygmy Squirrels, one Mangrove Snake, and a crocodile and so on. Such a great experience! It is a wonderful feeling to be able to get close to nature again. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to hear myself think again and it is a wonderful feeling to be able to smile from the heart again.

As I leave and bid my thanks and goodbyes to Saat, Brett, Asmudi, Winston and Zilah, I cannot help but feel sad that I am leaving this place. Only two nights here and already I feel very much at home. I will miss the gibbon calls, I will miss the sounds of the insects, I will miss the yellow waters of the Kinabatangan, and surely I will miss the people that have made my stay here so great! I wish I could stay here longer. I wish that I could return here one day.

I'm NOT Dead!!!!!

2009-06-22T14:57:00.003+08:00

Ok Guys,

I have been contemplating for the past half year, whether or not to continue with my blog. Doc Roddy has asked me more often than I could remember if I was serious about the whole matter, so I think I better address this issue immediately.

Just because I don't make money out of it, doesn't mean I should give up.. Or should I wear my smart shoe and blog about what people wanna know?

Would it be about sex and scandal?..... erm... nah! I want less people to hate me. My exes already do and that's enough bad energy for me.. So NO!

Should I continue talking about food and nightspots? .... erm.. Maybe.. But then again, I never go out anymore, so scratch that!

Or should they be about my life? Big warning.. My life may bore you to death.. Talking about my 'laling' (darling) and how I am in love isn't exactly a catalyst to entice appetite.

Well, one thing for sure, I will be writing about my trip to Sukau and Sandakan this week, and based on Kenny Sia's posting (Visiting My Ancestors in Sandakan), I am suddenly curious as to what the whole commotion is about. Mind you, my last visit to Sukau was more than 10 years ago so I am expecting a lot of changes. *keeping an open mind about it*

My House Set for Raya

2008-10-04T10:57:00.002+08:00

Hard work pays off, and this Raya I've worked hard to restore the house to it's former look..

Someone should send me to the gallows for not updating this BLOG

2008-10-03T10:53:00.005+08:00

Sorry people.. I have been procrastinating again with the blog, since I've been pretty busy with work and all. Finally a break this Raya and I'll begin my posting with the celebration I have at home.

Tomorrow itself, my family will be organising Raya Open House and we're expecting about 150 guests.. Two sessions, one in the afternoon from 12:00pm - 3:00pm, and one in the evening from 7:00pm - 10:00pm.

My mom will be preparing some all-time favourites such as Rendang and Curry and her Kesturi Chicken, so now she's busy overseeing work in the kitchen.

As for me, I was designated driver / and meat carrier for the market trip this morning. Don't laugh, the meat (chicken and beef) weighed a whopping 20 kgs combined and you know how painful it is when the plastic bag handle stretches down onto your fingers.

Plus, I was the one doing the hard work baking cookies and all, so nyeh nyeh.. I get to rest a bit today.

Anyway, here's wishing all readers Eid Mubarraq and Maaf Zahir dan Batin..

it's MY party and I'll CRY if I want to!!

2008-08-22T21:41:00.002+08:00

Serena Bte Mohd. Adam Abdullah's 2nd Birthday

"Alcohol Restricted, Baby Formula only Please.."

Coming soon

Makan Makan Kota Kinabalu

Surau Arson Attack as taken from the StarOnline

Friday January 22, 2010

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

3 Malaysian churches firebombed taken from CBC News World

Last Updated: Friday, January 8, 2010 | 12:06 AM ET

The Associated Press

Dr M calls for proof on allegations by Barry Wain taken from theSTAROnline

Published: Friday December 25, 2009 MYT 2:12:00 PMUpdated: Friday December 25, 2009 MYT 6:43:32 PM

By SIRA HABIBU

Updated News on Borneo - Dec 2009

Malaysian Transexual Marries in the UK, and now worries for her safety - Taken from TheStar online

Thursday December 3, 2009

By CHOI TUCK WO

A looming Indonesian Invasion?? Taken from the StarOnline

Published: Thursday October 8, 2009 MYT 2:10:00 PMUpdated: Thursday October 8, 2009 MYT 2:36:31 PM

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

SBY asks Indonesians not to harass Malaysians - Taken from the Jakarta Post Online

Susilo Makes His Comments on SWEEPING MALAYSIA - Taken from NST Online

The rape of young Penan girls: Cops want more info - Taken from theStarOnline

Published: Thursday September 10, 2009 MYT 4:04:00 PMUpdated: Thursday September 10, 2009 MYT 4:38:00 PM

By STEPHEN THEN and SHARON LING

Torture by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission - Taken from theStarOnline

Thursday September 10, 2009

Assistant manager: MACC officers tortured me during questioning

By WANI MUTHIAH

TEOH'S INQUEST DAY 17 - Taken from TheStarOnline

Published: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 9:05:00 AMUpdated: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 1:06:34 PM

Teoh Inquest (Day 17)

Sabahan Beauty Daphne Iking's Case - Corporate Figure accused of Enticing this married Lady - Taken from TheStarOnline

Tuesday September 8, 2009

This is Too Much!! Why do these stupid people do this? Article taken from TheStarOnline

Published: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 12:02:00 PM

KK IS OUT OF SUGAR!!!!

Kuala Dimensi - Port Klang Free Zone Project - Money Laundering Suspicion - Taken from theStarOnline

Saturday September 5, 2009

By LOURDES CHARLES

Breaking News - Earthquake in Indonesia's TasikMalaya - Taken from Indahnesia.com

Spiderman Gets FINED!! Taken from theStarOnline

Published: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 11:22:00 AM

By LISA GOH

Anwar Ibrahim's Case to Continue - Taken from the StarOnline

Published: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 9:58:00 AMUpdated: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 10:01:33 AM

Spiderman CAUGHT!! Taken from USAToday.COm

Fuel Prices Up AGAIN?!?!?!?! Taken from TheStarOnline

THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday September 1, 2009

By NURBAITI HAMDAN

Kartika - Taken from theStarOnline

Saturday August 29, 2009

Investment, image and Kartika

By VANMALA SUBRAMANIAM

Michael Dacre Killed in Jetpod Crash - Malaysia - Taken from TheStaronline

Monday August 17, 2009

Inventor killed in Jetpod crash

By RASLAN BAHAROM

Sabah Borneo Black Pearls

Several Tests on Teoh were not done?? - Taken from Bernama Online

QBar's Special Show - Friday 14th August 2009

The Haze is GONE!!

Perseid Meteor Shower Tonight? Look at the skies.. Hope it doesn't rain

Day 6 of Teoh's Inquest - Taken from the Staronline

Published: Wednesday August 12, 2009 MYT 10:08:00 AMUpdated: Wednesday August 12, 2009 MYT 12:17:21 PM

Teoh's Inquest Follower Questions - From theStaronline

Wednesday August 12, 2009

Teoh's Injuries - Taken from MySinChew.com

Teoh's Inquest - Language used questioned - Taken from NewStraitsTimesonline

English Please.... Teoh's Inquest further news Taken from theSunDaily.com

And the investigation continues - Taken from the Staronline

Published: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:02:00 AMUpdated: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:47:36 AM

Published: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:02:00 AMUpdated: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:47:36 AM

Development on Teoh's Case - Results for Bloodstain - Taken from theSundaily.com

Sales of Alcohol in Selangor to Continue - Taken from AsiaOne News online

Alcohol Issue in Selangor - Taken from theStarOnline

Saturday August 8, 2009

Update-Update-Update - Taken from Bernama .com

Cops told to investigate ‘new details’ in Teoh case - from MySinCHew.com

2009-08-07 14:29

Inquests Group Visits MACC Office - Taken from TheSundaily.com

Published: Friday December 25, 2009 MYT 2:12:00 PM
Updated: Friday December 25, 2009 MYT 6:43:32 PM

Published: Thursday October 8, 2009 MYT 2:10:00 PM
Updated: Thursday October 8, 2009 MYT 2:36:31 PM

Published: Thursday September 10, 2009 MYT 4:04:00 PM
Updated: Thursday September 10, 2009 MYT 4:38:00 PM

Published: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 9:05:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday September 8, 2009 MYT 1:06:34 PM

Published: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 9:58:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 10:01:33 AM

Published: Wednesday August 12, 2009 MYT 10:08:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday August 12, 2009 MYT 12:17:21 PM

Published: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:02:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:47:36 AM

Published: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:02:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:47:36 AM

Published: Wednesday August 5, 2009 MYT 11:31:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday August 5, 2009 MYT 11:59:41 AM