Conducting An Interview Today

I got to conduct an interview at 3pm today to fill one SAP Sales & Distribution (SD) support consultant position.

We need the extra headcount, based on my personal view, our capacity is in dire need of growth to support the 6 countries in Asia and 2 Europe countries.

Currently in my SD support area, there is only one consultant, and that is me.

Its Official, Anwar Is Opposition Leader

Anwar Ibrahim, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia is now officially the opposition leader in Parliament.

Sworn in, Anwar is Opposition Leader
Aug 28, 08 10:19am
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88718
PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is today officially parliamentary opposition leader.

The newly-elected Permatang Pauh MP was sworn in this morning at the Dewan Rakyat....

Malaysia Today Website Blocked

ISPs ordered to cut access to Malaysia Today website
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/28/nation/22187596&sec=nation
PETALING JAYA: All 21 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country have been ordered by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block the controversial Malaysia Today website, an industry source revealed.

...Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin lashed out against the blocking of the online portal, saying it was a breach of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) charter.


Malaysia Today blocked! Order from MCMC
Andrew Ong | Aug 27, 08 5:29pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88683
In a rare move, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered all internet service providers (ISPs) to block controversial online portal Malaysia Today.
...
"It is being blocked because we found that some of the comments on the website were insensitive, bordering on incitement," he told Malaysiakini.

... first time such curbs have been initiated against a non-pornographic website, posing questions as to whether the government is reneging on its no-Internet censorship pledge.

Under the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Malaysia 10 Point Bill of Guarantees, the government promises to ensure no internet censorship.
...
Local internet users however can still access the website by typing in Malaysia Today's IP address or an alternative web address in their web browsers....

Only 435 Restaurants Can Charge Service Tax

Check the Royal Malaysian Customs' website for the list of restaurants that can charge service tax.

News on The Star paper...
Only 435 restaurants can charge service tax, says D-G
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/28/nation/22184614&sec=nation
PUTRAJAYA: Some restaurants are still charging the service tax although only 435 premises nationwide are still eligible to impose the 5% tax since the government raised the sales threshold to RM3mil on July 1.

...the public could go to the department’s website to check the restaurants which still have the licence to charge service tax....


Royal Malaysian Customs' website http://www.customs.gov.my

NAMES OF RESTAURANTS STILL LICENSED UNDER THE SERVICE TAX ACT 1975
http://www.customs.gov.my/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=269&Itemid=191

Bandar Makhota Cheras:Grand Saga Seeks Compensation

News from yesterdays TheSun paper 27.8.2008 (Wed)... Grand Saga seeks compensation from govt

Suhakam: Bandar Mahkota Cheras Inquiry

Updates on Human Rights Commission's (Suhakam) public inquiry on alleged police brutality

BMC: Cop admits using force
Rahmah Ghazali | Aug 27, 08 9:49pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88716
A police officer today admitted the police used ‘force’ against 23-year-old mechanic Chang Jiun Haur after the latter allegedly refused to come out from his car during the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) fracas on May 27...

Anwar Wins:Official

Anwar Ibrahim wins Permatang Pauh by-election, he won with a majority of 15,671. He is back as an MP, and would be made Opposition Leader.

Results:
. Anwar (PKR) 31,195 votes
. Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah (BN) 15,524 votes
. Hanafi Hamat (Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia) 92 votes. Lost his RM15,000 deposit.

Resounding win for Anwar with 15,671 votes
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/27/nation/22179975&sec=nation

Anwar Wins: Unofficial

Unofficial results fro MalaysiaKini, Anwar Ibrahim wins the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Unofficial: Anwar wins with BIGGER majority
Aug 26, 08 7:17am
LIVE UPDATES 8pm: Unofficial: Anwar is the winner, obtaining a majority of 16,210 votes. He garnered 26,646 votes while Arif Shah Arif Omar got 10,436.

My Training This Week: ITIL

I will be having training in Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) , today (9-1pm), tomorrow Wednesday (9-1pm) and Friday (9-6pm). Venue... in house.

It will be a very busy week, as this training will take me away from my daily work. I foresee, I will be clearing this weeks work next week.

According to Wikipedia, ITIL is a set of concepts and techniques for managing information technology (IT) infrastructure, development, and operations.

We really need this in our organization, where it is currently not managed well, in all areas.

ITIL website
http://www.itil-officialsite.com
http://www.best-management-practice.com

Lunch Today @ Tram Car Restaurant

Had another local dish, Cantonese style fried bee hoon + kuay teow. No bad, but a little salty.

Breakfast Today @ Simon Delight

I had a change in my breakfast menu today. Instead of roti kosong, I decided to go for tosai. Cost RM1.20.

What is Tosai... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosai as per Wikipedia...

The Dosa - (Tamil தோசை), also known as dhosai or thosai, is a South Indian crêpe made from rice and lentils. Dosa is a typical South Indian food, taken as breakfast or dinner, and is rich in carbohydrates and protein.

Friends 1 Million Free Seats On Air Asia

1 Million Free Seats
Booking Period: 26 Aug 2008 - 31 Aug 2008
Travel Period: 1 Apr 2009 - 31 Jul 2009

The 1 Million FREE seats promotion starts on 26th August (GMT +8) at 0000 hours.

Of course it is not exactly free, you will still need to pay for the fuel surcharge, tax and others....

Sunday Service (24.08.2008)

We had a good worship service yesterday.

Stephanie lead the worship, with Joshua Ong, Daphne, Sheila and Rosalyn as her backup singers. Musicians were Joanne, Emmanuel and Alex. Good job team.

I really enjoyed the worship and prayers yesterday, eventhough I was on duty as an SE.

Pastor Dexter and Lily are back from their travels.

Joshua and Linda Sim and their 2 children came from Singapore to join us for our service. Joshua is Pastor Nicholas' son.

Guess who came in all the way from down under to join us for worship. A few of us saw him walked in, but others only knew he was with us when he prayed out loudly during worship.

Here he is sharing about his and his family's adventure in Australia. Good to see you Samuel.

Flower arrangement from aunty Sally, as usual she did a wonderful and beautiful arrangement.

*Photos taken with K800i

Lunch After Sunday Service In Taman Mutiara

I did not manage to take the picture of the restaurant, it was raining heavily yesterday afternoon.

The shop name (to be updated later if I can remember it...) is located in Taman Mutiara, next to Tayton View and right opposite (oppositre the highway) Leisure Mall in Taman Segar. The restaurant is next to One Station kopitiam.

We used to eat in this restaurant frequently, but not now, the distance from home and the traffic is not favorable.

(Picture clockwise, from top left) We had taufu kang, sweet sour fish (deboned, and picture taken with one piece left) and that green veg. All delicious.

Thumbs up from daddy again. Marilyn loves the taufu kang, a dish we will recommend.

Of all the restaurants we ordered this dish from, this restaurant serves the best tauhu kang. It has the taste, closest to shark fin soup.

Oh ya, not forgetting the price, RM10 each for the veg and tauhu and RM12 for the fish.

Sunday Breakfast @ GrandCity Restaurant PJ

Breakfast before Sunday service, we went to Grand City restaurant in section 11, near University Hospital. A change of restaurant instead of Kanna Curry House.

We had paper tosai (picture top-left). Andrea enyoying her meal (top-right).

(Picture-left middle & bottom) Appam served with coconut milk. We ordered 3 pieces.

Another thumbs up from daddy. Will visit this restaurant again in the near future.

Lunch Lastweek: Fong Lim Restaurant In Taman Bukit Anggerik

The family and I had lunch last week in Taman Bukit Anggerik, Cheras (I was a former resident in this taman).

The place is Restaurant Fong Lim, a new noodle shop which serves pan mee.

We had their signature 'Malat' pan mee-pinch (picture, bottom-right), which is spicy. The homemade minced pork pan mee (picture top-left) and minced pork emperor mee (looks like wanton mee noodle, and looks so alike the picture top-left). taste good, the children like it so too the daddy.

Price small bowl (RM4.50), big (RM5.00) a bit on the pricy side as compared to a normal kedai kopi.

So a thumbs up from daddy, good food but a bit pricey.

My apologies to those not in Malaysia to taste the food here in my blog. :-)

Permatang Pauh By-Election: Advantage To The Needy

Looks like those in need are benefiting from this by election.

Money and groceries for votes
Beh Lih Yi | Aug 24, 08 10:08pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88462
Allegations of vote-buying and electoral irregularities, including names missing from the electoral roll, intensified as the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign entered its final lap.

MCA
This afternoon, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen openly handed out envelopes containing RM200 to 156 Chinese elderly at a function in Permatang Pauh.

Strangely, all of the beneficiaries were required to fill up a form, submit a photocopy of their identify card and had the thumb prints taken three times on a form.

...Ng - who is also MCA Wanita chief - denied the money she gave was a form of bribery. Neither was it a form of election goodies, she stressed.

She said the money was given out by the National Welfare Foundation, a government-linked non-profit organisation she heads...

MIC
Next to Ng's function was a MIC function which was attended by the party chief S Samy Vellu.

The former minister also doled out daily necessity items like rice, cooking oil, biscuit and pail to 75 single mothers. It was however not known how much these items cost....

PKR
The goodies also poured in from the opposition's camp. At a function in Penanti this afternoon, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail gave out financial aid to a group of single mothers.

...The money were given out under her capacity as the chairperson of the Aman Foundation.

Penangites In Permatang Pauh Go All Out and Vote

Penang is on holiday on 26 August 2008, go support your candidate in the Permatang Pauh by-election. Pray that the right candidate wins.

Public holiday for by-election causes a stir
Monday August 25, 2008
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/25/nation/22163716&sec=nation
PENANG: Tomorrow will be a public holiday for the state “to ensure a full turnout of voters for the critical Permatang Pauh by-election”, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said...

Homemade Dinner

Ok, detour from politics and fuel prices, back to food.

Dinner tonight, yum yum, home made Steamboat.

Holiday In Penang On Tuesday 26.8.2008? Permatang Pauh By-Election

How are the majority of the rakyat in Permatang Pauh going to vote in the by-election on Tuesday 26 August. It is a working day.

The BN govtman is soooo "clever", shows that they have their hands on the Election Commission's decision to set the date on a Tuesday.

Now it is up to the Penang state govt to do something about it.

By-election: CM may declare holiday
Chan Kok Leong | Aug 22, 08 7:41pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88362
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has not ruled out the possibility of declaring a state holiday next Tuesday to allow voters to cast their ballots in the Permatang Pauh by-election.

"Currently, the state government is not planning to declare Tuesday as a public holiday unless we have to,” he told reporters at a press conference today. "But we are not closing the door on this subject either, in case Barisan Nasional comes up with sudden tactics to stop voters from coming out to vote.”...

Fuel Price Drop Tonight Midnight

There will certainly be no queues at petrol stations tonight.

But there could be many vehicles breaking down on the road tonight, due to empty fuel tanks, because drivers might want to squeeze (even thought their fuel gauges shows near 'E') as much as can before midnight tonight.

If your car fuel gauge shows near 'E' you might as well pump RM1 of fuel before midnight.

This fuel price reduction could be caused by the coming by-election in Permatang Pauh. BN wants to tarik hati rakyat.

I don't think prices of essentials will drop drastically too.

Gov't slashes petrol price by 15 sen
Aug 22, 08 5:34pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88353
The government today announces reduction of petrol prices with RON97 grade down by 15 sen from RM2.70 to RM2.55 per litre at the pumps beginning midnight.

...RON92 petrol from RM2.62 to RM2.40 a litre (down 22 sen).

.. diesel from RM2.58 to RM2.50 (down 8 sen)

No Fuel Drop Before Sept 1?

PM Badawi doing it again, he said "We've already decided to take the average oil price (for that month) at end of each month to determine the new price, which would be announced on the first of the following month."

Next think you know, Fuel Price Drop Tonight Midnight.


PM: No fuel price reduction before Sept 1
Chan Kok Leong | Aug 14, 08 1:18pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87775
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today reiterated the government will not reduce petrol prices before Sept 1 in the wake of falling global prices....

Medical Leave On 20.08.2008

Some questions my friends asked me yesterday...
"Why was my blog not updated yesterday?"
"Why was I not online on Yahoo messenger?"


That shows that something was not right yesterday... well I was on medical leave, had problems with my stomach. Not co-operating to digest the food that I ate.

Lunch @ Pappa Rich Restaurant

Yes, another food picture. Lunch today at Pappa Rich Restaurant at 3 Two Square.

I had Pappa Rich Nasi Lemak (RM8.90).

Picture from their menu...


There are no chili or green leaf on the rice. Only 2 slices of cucumber and not 3. The kacang and ikan bilis are crispy. The curry chicken is nice and slightly spicy.

*Picture taken with Sony K800i.

Overall I like the nasi lemak at Tram Car restaurant. This one at Pappa Rich is also worthy for my stomach.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras: GrandSaga Counterclaim

In today's theSUN (19.08.2008), page 6.

Grand Saga Files Counterclaim Over Barrier

Lunch @ Dim Sum Bright Restaurant

Dim Sum Bright Restaurant, located at 3 Two Square, opposite Toyota service centre section 19.

I had kong po kai fun (RM5.50). The food is so so... not too tasty and not too spicy, eventhough they cooked it with cili padi.


In my previous blog Dim Sum Bright @ 3Two Square, the price was...
. Siew mai - RM 4.80
. Char siew pau - RM 4.00

Due to stiff competition from other restaurants and cafes around 3 Two Square, now all dim sum cost RM3.00. They added other dishes (and set lunch) as well, like sweet sour chicken or pork, kong po kai fun, etc... to attract customers.

The restaurants which are attracting the most customers in 3 Two Square are The Tram Car Restaurant, Restoran Nasi Kandar Zulkifli and Old Town Kopitiam.

My Laptop Memory Upgrade

Since my laptop battery KOed (Dell Laptop Battery KO) on me, I requested for a replacement and also a RAM memory upgrade from 0.5 GB to 2 GB.

My network specialist colleague temporary upgraded my RAM memory to 1 GB until the new chip arrives.

The Little Drummer Boy's Drumming Experience

I played the drums yesterday during worship service, as Alex our regular drummer had to travel outstation.

During practice on Wednesday, I was so unsure of the drum beats, since I am not a drummer. I usually play the bass and my favourite is playing the guitar.

From Thursday to Saturday I listened to some of the songs in MP3, just to familiarize myself with the beats of the songs. But while listening to the songs, I got distracted by the sounds of the guitar. :-P

It is just not the same as practicing the songs regularly, i.e. it is just 'theory'.

What was my thoughts on Sunday? I felt slightly anxious. I was 'called' to fill in the 'gap' and that is what I did.

During the worship sorry to say this, but I felt it was like an exam for me. Not being a practicing drummer, I just wanted to keep the beat and timing as far as possible and this resulted in me not able to worship like I wanted to.

I know I shouldn't think of it like this, but I did. Sorry Lord.

I praise God all went well (I think so...), with minimal (or is it more than minimal...) mistakes... yes I did make mistakes.

Sorry to the team if I was not myself on Wednesday and Sunday.

Beijing Olympics: Malaysia's 1st Medal: Silver

Lee Chong Wei lost to a better player tonight, China's Lin Dan.

Congratulations Lin Dan and congratulations to Chong Wei for being the 1st Malaysian to get a medal, during this Olympics in Beijing.

Marilyn, my mum and I watched the finals just now on RTM1 to lend our moral support.

Badminton Final Results
LIN Dan (CHN) bt LEE Chong Wei (MAS) 21-12 , 21-8

Family Day: Movie Wall-E

We watched Wall-E at TGV Cheras Selatan this morning. This is the second time the children has watched a 'big screen' movie in a cinema.


After the show we had steamboat lunch at Johnny's Restaurant.


Saw a clown near the Jusco supermarket.

*Photos taken with Sony K800i

Beijing Olympics: Malaysian In Action-Badminton

Congratulations to Lee Chong Wei on winning your badminton semi-final match against Lee Hyunil of Korea.

Wish you all the best in the finals, go for Gold. Malaysia cannnn.....!!!!

Results
LEE Chong Wei (Malaysia) bt LEE Hyunil (Korea)
21-18 , 13-21 , 21-13

Dangerous Driving

Saw this car in front of me on the way home today.

This car was driver my an elderly man, and I assume the two kids sticking their heads outside the window are his grandchildren.

I followed them from Bandar Mahkota Cheras to Bandar Sg Long. All the way, the kids were happily sticking their heads and bodies out the side windows. The picture below here shows the kids trying to touch the coconut tree leafs.

I shudder to think what would happen if they get knocked by a passing car or motorcycle.

Lunch @ Tram Car this Time With The Family

I had a late lunch with Marilyn, Ashley and Andrea. We went to the Tram Car Restaurant (yes... no picture), near my office. Why near my office, cause I only have 1 hour (and no more) for lunch.

We ordered the set lunch Sweet Sour fish with rice (come with pumpkin soup, dessert (the gave us 2, for the children and tea), Yong Chow fried rice, mushroom soup and a garlic bread.

Total price RM34.85 (inclusive of 10% service charge)
. Set lunch RM14.90
. Fried rice RM8.90
. Mushroom soup RM4.90
. Garlic toast RM 2.00
. Water (2) RM1.00

K800i Emergency Calls Only

I was having problems with my Sony Ericsson K800i. It kept showing 'Emergency Call Only'. I could not receive nor call out. I had to switch off and on, and than the normal network could be found.

I thought it could be the phone problem. Did reset the phone but after a day it started again.

This week after checking online forums regarding this problem, I tried one solution, that was to deactivate the 3G settings.

. Goto Settings
. Under the Connectivity tab, choose Mobile networks.
. Choose GSM/3G networks
. Select GSM only.

There... solved. So far so good :-D

'Smart' User Using The SmartTag Lane'

Last night at around 10:35 pm, as I was going through the 50 cents toll (SmartTag lane) on the East-West link (of Connaught highway), there was a dark coloured Kenari in front of me.

At first the driver was unsure if he/she wanted to use the SmartTag or the cash lane. Finally the car turn into the SmartTag lane.

Guess what the car stopped and out popped the hand of the Smart' driver who tried to use the Touch & Go (T&G) card. It did not work. The driver tried to contact the operator via the intercomm. It was like a full minute, waiting but no one came.

So the driver started reversing. Of course I can't reverse, as there were a few cars behind me. Finally when I manage to reverse by a meter, my SmartTag went 'peeeep' and the barrier opened, and the car in front of me went through without paying.

As I drove through my Tag went 'peeep' again. Twice :-(

Dell Laptop Battery KO

My laptop battery just KOed today. So will have to use the AC adapter and hope there is no power failure.

Will check with my network colleague next week when he returns from training, to replace the battery and maybe upgrade the laptop memory :-)

Hillsong - This Is Our God: Healer

I bought this latest album from Hillsong This Is Our God.

Watch the 'In every season' documentary (click link below) before listening to the music. Listen to Michael's sharing regarding his song 'Healer'.
. Hillsong website http://www.hillsong.com/music/section.php?xSec=796
. YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SzMqjzHYfE



...It was a night of unified faith and expectancy, with moments all will never forget such as when Michael Gugliemucci (picture above) who has battled his own health crisis against cancer for two years, walked confidently on stage, oxygen tank in hand, declaring the promise of God and boldly singing the words to his song 'Healer'.

. The song posted on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4xsWldmqAo

What Does The Olympic Emblem Represent?

Olympic Emblem

What does the 5 rings of the Olympic emblem represent... read on


Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_symbols

The emblem of the Olympic Games is composed of five interlocking rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red respectively) on a white field. This was originally designed in 1913 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. These five rings stand for passion, faith, victory, work ethic and sportsmanship.

...These five rings represent the five parts of the world which now are won over to Olympism and willing to accept healthy competition.

The current view of the International Olympic Committee is that the emblem "reinforces the idea" that the Olympic Movement is international and welcomes all countries of the world to join.

As can be read in the Olympic Charter, the Olympic symbol represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.

However, no continent is represented by any specific ring. Though colorful explanations about the symbolism of the colored rings exist, the only connection between the rings and the continents is that the number five refers to the number of continents. In this scheme, The Americas are viewed as a single continent, and Antarctica is omitted.

The current 5 continents are Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.


Ask Yahoo
http://ask.yahoo.com/20020214.html
According to the Olympic Charter, the five-ringed symbol "represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games."

While the charter isn't explicit, many believe that the colors of the flag-- blue, black, red, yellow, and green on a white field -- are used because at least one of these colors exists in each of the flags of the nations participating in the Olympics. This may be true; however, the notion that each ring represents a specific continent is not.

The five interlocking rings represent the five continents brought together by the Olympic Movement...

Farewell Lunch For Colleague Joey

Yesterday was Joey's last day in this company.

A farewell lunch at Tram Car Restaurant by some of us colleagues (old and new) for our technical manager. Missing from lunch was our company's #1 and #2.

All the best Joey (photo-right).

'Jihad' in Malaysia.

Watchout 'Jihad' in Malaysia, declare by Wanita UMNO...

Shahrizat declares 'jihad' against PKR leader
Aug 12,
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87633
Wanita Umno has reportedly declared a "jihad" or holy war to prevent opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim returning to Parliament in a by-election this month.

"It is a jihad because this individual should not be given the chance to destroy the country's political stability and prosperity," women's wing deputy chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said...

VoxPop: Shahrizat's feeble, desperate 'jihad'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87696
‘But she should have realised that her action is the last thing a Muslim should do. She does not understand the concept of jihad, otherwise she would never dare say something like this.'...

My Schedule For Today

Lets see, other than handling my daily support issues and change request, I've got...
. 10:00-11:00 am - Meeting for a new project (SAP Solution manager and e-Catt)

. 11:00-12:00 pm - ICT Audit (With auditor from Holland)

. 1:00-2:00 pm - Lunch meeting at Dutch Lady (new Change request)
.. We had nasi goreng ayam, tapued from the canteen

Fake Singing - Beijing Olympics Opening

Starlet Lin Miaoke mimed at Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/beijing_olympics/story/0,27313,24169753-5014197,00.html
LIN Miaoke, the cute nine-year-old girl whose solo Hymn to the Motherland added a human touch to last Friday's opening ceremony, has since been outed as a fake after being flooded with commercial offers.

The ceremony's music director, Chen Qigang, revealed that Lin (Photo, right) was not singing but miming to a recording by another girl, Yang Peiyi (photo, left), who was dumped from the starring role because she wasn't as pretty and had uneven teeth...

UiTM Protest

Bumiputras protecting their rights in UiTM.

10 per cent proposal causes thousands to march
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 – Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim thought it was a good idea for Universiti Teknologi Mara to open up a bit by giving a 10 per cent intake quota to non-Bumiputra students.

...his proposal would raise the education quality as well as instill the spirit of competition among students at the UiTM which currently doesn't admit non-Bumiputras.

He was in for a rude shock this morning when thousands of UiTM students marched to his office in Shah Alam to protest the idea.

Banners such as "UiTM Hak Bumputera Selamanya" (UiTM will forever belong to Bumiputras), "Selamatkan UiTM" (Save UiTM), "We are not racists, we are just activists protecting our rights" and "10% = 12,000 non-Bumi — Malays' and Bumis' rights are being denied" were displayed during the students’ march, allegedly with the approval of the university administration...

Fake FireWorks - Beijing Olympics Opening

Cool huh, the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony fireworks...

Olympic fireworks faked for TV
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/olympics/62-olympics/2879-olympic-fireworks-faked-for-tv
LONDON, Aug 12 — The global television audience of more than three billion people watched in amazement as a series of giant footprints outlined in fireworks proceeded through the night sky from Tiananmen Square to the Bird's Nest stadium — except they were watching a computer animation....

Mr Baoz! Is Coming To Town

Taiwan bao is coming to Kuala Lumpur. Check out their website MrBaoz.

My colleague forwared me some pictures of Taiwan baos. I think it looks like a combination of pastry and moon cake.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) From October

Mobile phone users can switch providers without changing numbers from October
Tuesday August 12 2008
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysian-news/34-malaysian-news/2849-mobile-phone-users-can-switch-providers-without-changing-numbers-from-october
From October, mobile phone users throughout the country will benefit from the "Mobile Number Portability (MNP)" system which allows them to switch service providers while retaining their numbers...

...mobile phone users in Kuala Lumpur would start to enjoy this benefit from September

...the charges... a RM25 ceiling has been set,"

ISA Action On Bar Council?

Where is the religious freedom in Malaysia...

PM leaves it to Home Ministry to decide action on Bar Council
Tuesday August 12 2008.
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysian-news/34-malaysian-news/2864-pm-leaves-it-to-home-ministry-to-decide-action-on-bar-council
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday that he would leave it to the Home Ministry to decide whether to take action against the Bar Council including using the Internal Security Act and Sedition Act for organising the "Conversion to Islam" forum in the federal capital on Saturday which resulted in a tense situation....

Breakfast @ Simon Delight

I tried another nasi lemak bungkus, this time at Simon Delight. Personally not as good as the one I had at the 3 Two Square food court, but much better than the one in Kanna Curry House.

Nasi lemak and teh see, RM 2.70.

Permatang Pauh By-Election Website

Website for Anwar’s by-election bid in Permatang Pauh.

Web Rasmi Pilihanraya Kecil Parlimen http://www.permatangpauh.com

Who Wants To Migrate?

Even Dr M is talking about it... "If he comes Prime Minister, I will get out of the country. Give everything to him,"

Dr M will migrate if Anwar becomes PM
Sunday August 10 2008
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2784-dr-m-will-migrate-if-anwar-becomes-pm
KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 10 — Saying he did not want anyone like Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim "who stabbed him in the back" as Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday he would rather migrate if the former deputy prime minister succeeds in toppling the Barisan Nasional government....

The Bar Council Controversial Forum on Conversion To Islam

Some news report on the protest against the Bar council's forum on " Conversion To Islam"

PKR mulls action against protest leader Zulkifli
Sunday August 10 2008.
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2801-pkr-mulls-action-against-protest-leader-zulkifli
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat will decide whether disciplinary action would be taken against its Kulim Bandar Baharu MP Zulkifli Noordin for stoking racial and religious sentiments when demonstrating against a forum here.

"We are going to discuss the matter. Zulkifli claims that he is there as a member of Pembela but he is still a party member....

PKR condemns protest against Bar Council forum
Sunday August 10 2008.
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2793-pkr-condemns-protest-against-bar-council-forum
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat has condemned the wild protest action against the Bar Council forum yesterday, expressing regret that the "fiercest" among them was someone known to be a lawyer and Member of Parliament who pretentiously claimed to represent all Muslims.

It was a direct reference to PKR's own Kulim Bandar Baharu MP Zulkifli Noordin who led the protest and the storming of the forum hall here which prompted the police to ask the organiser, the Bar Council, to call off the session only an hour after it started.

PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali said the party took a serious view of the rough action taken by a small band of the demonstrators who shouted rude and uncivilised language against some of the organisers and participants of the forum....

Bar Council forced to stop forum early
http://wSunday August 10, 2008
www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/10/nation/22049458&sec=nation
KUALA LUMPUR: The Bar Council went ahead with its controversial forum on Conversion To Islam yesterday, but was forced to stop it about an hour after it began following advice from the police and noisy intervention by protesters....

Moments of chaos during forum
Aug 9, 08 6:31pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87539
Chaos erupted in the Bar Council auditorium today when several demonstrators entered the venue to disrupt a forum on religious conversion.

One of the demonstrators, wearing a green and white Malay Student Front (GPMS) shirt, started the verbal melee when he grabbed hold of a microphone and lashed out at the crowd of about 100 participants.

...“I represent Umno. Stop this forum” declared the unidentified individual who also uttered “Don’t insult Islam” and “You! Chinese, Indians, go to hell!”....

Syed Hamid: Event cut short to avoid tension
Aug 9, 08 5:59pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87536
The Bar Council's forum on "Conversion to Islam" held in Kuala Lumpur this morning was ended early to avoid tension and prevent the situation from getting out of control, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said.
...
Syed Hamid said that although the country practised freedom of speech, the sensitivities of others must be respected.

He hoped that the Bar Council got the message that "there are certain things that are out of bounds for public discussion, even if held in a private place."...

Rival groups unified in protest
Aug 9, 08 4:10pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87532
In a rare display of solidarity, rival Muslim groups today put aside their political differences and joined forces in protest of a controversial forum on the Federal Constitution....

Protesters stop Bar's 'conversion' forum
Aug 9, 08 9:41am
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87519
About 300 protesters gathered outside the Bar Council headquarters demanding that the lawyers group halt its controversial forum on ‘Conversion to Islam’ this morning.

The Bar Council today, adhering to the advice of the police - and an angry mob at its doorstep - wrapped up its half-day forum on 'Conversion to Islam' at 10am, an hour after it had started.
...
Shouts of “babi”, “pengkhianat” and “balik China” were heard as forum participants trickled out of the venue. ...

YouTube
300 protest Bar's 'conversion' forum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVhZetxTjZE

Lunch @ The Manhattan Fish Market, Alamanda

After some 'minor' shopping at Alamanda, Putrajaya on Saturday, we had lunch at The Manhattan Fish Market.

Sunset @ Home (01.08.2008)

To end the 1st day of August, I caught the sunset from my home...

Durian @ Home (01.01.2008)

Our own durian feast at home last week to celebrate the new month of August :-p

We got the durian seller to open and pack the durians for us, so no 'thorny' issues at home.

Illegal Parking At University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

This is another part of life in Malaysia, motorist parking where they are not supposed to. Everyday without fail, motorist will park their vehicles illegally outside UMMC (University Hospital) at Jalan University.

Traffic is made worst if there is a bus which stops at the bus stop, making the road from a 3 lane, into 2 lanes (due to illegally parked vehicles) and 1 lane (bus stopping at the bus stop)

080808 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony Durian Feast In Kajang

More pictures...

...and Van, no we didn't gobble up all the durians. Philip gave the cell members some to bring home to enjoy for another day.

080808 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony Durian Feast In Kajang

Our cell group met in Kajang last night to watch the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. It was also a durian feast night for us. Burb....

Cell fei lo ship. Mobile blogging via Sony Ericsson K800i.

Déjà vu: Now Doc In Hiding

Got that Déjà vu feeling? First PI Bala now Dr Osman (from Pusrawi Hospital).

Enough in doc's SD to drop case
Aug 8, 08 2:59pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87484
The statutory declaration by the doctor who initially examined Saiful Azlan Bukhari should suffice for the prosecution to drop the sodomy charge, said PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim today.

"Contents of the statutory declaration clearly shows that the doctor was forced to fabricate evidence...

...The Burmese national also claimed that he was ‘intimidated’ by the police numerous times and has since gone into hiding together with his family for fear of their safety given the intense interest the case has generated.

...Anwar also said that was worried about the safety of the doctor as there was a probability that the latter might be "kidnaped and forced to retract his declaration."...

"... He might then be forced to say that he actually did a frontal check up instead of a rear check up or he actually did a check up on the ear instead of the anus and got confused along the way," he quipped....

08.08.08 Happy Birthday Paul B

Hi Paul B. Happy Birthday to you.

From all at home in Malaysia.

New Restaurant Pappa Rich @ 3 Two Square

There will be a new restaurant opening soon at 3 Two Square. Now under renovation, Restaurant Pappa Rich. The Pappa Kopitiam website http://www.pappakopitiam.com.my.

They have existing outlets in:
. Bandar Puteri Puchong
. Selayang Mall
. Bukit Tinggi 2, Klang
. Kota Damansara
. Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall

Anwar: Revelations

First it was the medical report from Hospital Pusrawi (Pusat Rawatan Islam) in Jalan Tun Razak
by Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid Doctor:

No evidence of sodomy (Jul 28, 08)
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/86834
...according to his medical report which was recorded at 2.14pm, found "zero active bleeding", "zero ulcer or pus", "zero tear and scar" in Saiful's anus.

Then the alibi...
Watertight alibi: He had meeting with 5 people (Aug 7, 08)
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87448
Anwar Ibrahim's lawyer revealed that his client was indeed at the Desa Damansara condominium at the time of the alleged sodomy but was there for a meeting with a number of people.

“We have a watertight alibi and we have given the alibi (and their names) to the police during police investigation,”...

...Anwar has never denied that he had been to the condominium...

Anwar's Case Politically Motivated?

Its raining here outside my office in PJ. The earth is crying for Malaysia, for her government and her people. This case is even highlighted in international medias.


Amnesty says charges against Anwar politically motivated
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2645-amnesty-says-charges-against-anwar-politically-motivated

WASHINGTON, Aug 7 — Sodomy charges against opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may be an attempt to stop him from running for election to Parliament, Amnesty International said yesterday.

"Ten years ago, the government used a similar charge of sodomy against Anwar Ibrahim and kept him in jail for six years. The conviction was ultimately overturned," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific director. "In 1998, Amnesty International considered Anwar Ibrahim a prisoner of conscience. Today, there are again indications that the government is not playing by the rules in this case."...

Anwar Ibrahim charged with sodomy
Thursday, 7 August 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7546448.stm
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been formally charged with sodomy against a former male aide....

Lunch: Pork Noodle

My lunch, dry pork noodle (RM4.00) at Seaview restaurant. Haven't been to this kopishop since last week.