Tuesday, March 31, 2009

CNN: No joke in April Fool's Day computer worm

No joke in April Fool's Day computer worm

(CNN) -- A computer-science detective story is playing out on the Internet as security experts try to hunt down a worm called Conficker C and prevent it from damaging millions of computers on April Fool's Day.

The anti-worm researchers have banded together in a group they call the Conficker Cabal. Members are searching for the malicious software program's author and for ways to do damage control if he or she can't be stopped.

They're motivated in part by a $250,000 bounty from Microsoft and also by what seems to be a sort of Dick Tracy ethic....

Click here to read report


Related reports:
CNN:
$250K Microsoft bounty to catch worm creator
Downadup virus exposes millions of PCs to hijack

The Star Online:
Singapore authorities warn of April 1 computer worm

The Malaysian Insider: Internet users: Beware of new malicious spam

Internet users: Beware of new malicious spam

SINGAPORE, March 30 - A new, large scale malicious spam, posing as an email from courier firm DHL is on the loose, warned IT security and control firm Sophos today.

It said in a statement here that internet users would receive messages that the courier company had tried to deliver a parcel to them on March 14.

"The messages also stated that they needed to print out the attached invoice which contained a zip file and bring it to the DHL office," it explained.

According to Sophos, computer users who fell for the scam and opened 'dhl_n756512.zip' would not see an invoice but actually download a malicious Trojan horse, known as Troj/Agent-JJP onto their computers, giving hackers remote access.

The emails all used the subject line, 'DHL Tracking number' but had a randomly generated reference number it said, adding that the scam was the second in the space of a week masquerading as DHL. - Bernama


Click here to read report.

Dale Carnegie: Enthusiasm

“What I do best is share my enthusiasm.”
- Bill Gates





Maintaining a positive attitude is important in every work environment. Here are some ways you can learn to create an enthusiastic climate and control negative situations in the workplace:
  • Don't criticize, condemn or complain
  • Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires
  • Show appreciation
  • Be a role model for your team

Dale Carnegie training website http://www.dalecarnegie.com

The Star: 550MW dip in power use for Earth Hour

550MW dip in power use for Earth Hour

PETALING JAYA: Electricity consumption dipped by some
550MW during Earth Hour on Saturday.

This, said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, was equivalent to the consumption of about
14 million 40-watt fluorescent bulbs....



Click here to read report.

What I Did During Earth Hour

Marilyn and I were in Kuching, Sarawak during the weekend.



During Earth Hour, we were at The Banquet Restaurant for David and Trincy's wedding dinner. Yes we switched off everything (lights and aircond) in our hotel room. Yes, we did our part.

David did ask the restaurant if they are participating, but they were not.

Well one missed opportunity to report another wedding dinner with the lights out.


Report on The Star Couple hold candlelight wedding banquet

Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Star: More tips on filing taxes (March 29, 2009)

Tax consultant company PremierOne continues to answer readers’ questions on specifications related to tax exemptions that range from dental treatment for parents to royalty income.\

From The Star http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/29/focus/3533365&sec=focus

IF I am paid a fixed monthly travel allowance (with EPF contribution) which covers fuel for travel within Peninsular Malaysia, parking and toll, am I allowed to take advantage of tax exempt benefits? – GOH C.H.

A. YES, with effect from year of assessment 2008, tax exemption is given on petrol card, petrol allowance or travel allowance and toll card for official duties provided by the employer. The tax exemption is up to RM6,000 per annum.

ARE dentures for parents eligible for tax rebate? – Lii

THE tax deduction for medical expenses for parents is up to a maximum of RM5,000.

Medical expenses that qualify would cover medical treatment for the parent evidenced by a receipt issued by a medical practitioner. It also includes dental treatment but this is limited to tooth extraction, filling, scaling and cleaning and does not include cosmetic dental treatment expenses such as teeth restoration and replacement involving crowning, root canal and dentures.

Therefore, the expense for your parent’s dentures would not qualify for the tax deduction.

On a separate note, it is important to differentiate that the RM5,000 maximum claim is for a tax deduction (i.e. to be deducted against your total income to arrive at your chargeable income) and not a rebate (i.e. a rebate is deducted from your income tax charge to arrive at your tax payable).

I HAVE two questions: 1) The RM3,000 rebate for purchase of computers every three years. I last purchased a computer in August 2006. Can I purchase a new computer now (March 2009) to enjoy the rebate again or do I have to wait after August 2009 or some other date?

2) My wife and I jointly own two commercial properties which are rented out. My wife is a full-time housewife and has no income. I am at the maximum tax rate currently and on combined assessment filing. Can my wife take up the full rental income or at least 50% of the income and file for separate assessment?

If only 50% of rental income is allowed, do we need to split the property expenses like quit rent, insurance and assessment 50/50 also? – William Tan

FIRSTLY, it is important to differentiate a tax deduction from a tax rebate. The RM3,000 maximum claim for the purchase of a personal computer for non-business use is for a tax deduction (i.e. to be deducted against your total income to arrive at your chargeable income) and not a tax rebate (i.e. a rebate is deducted from your income tax charge to arrive at your tax payable).

Prior to year of assessment 2007, a RM500 rebate was given for the purchase of a personal computer used for non-business purposes on a household basis once in every five years of assessment.

Currently, the relief given is a tax deduction for the purchase of a personal computer for non-business use up to a maximum of RM3,000 given on an individual basis once in every three years of assessment.

Since your claim for the RM500 tax rebate was in year of assessment 2006 under the old tax provisions, you will be entitled to claim the RM3,000 tax deduction for another computer purchase anytime after the new tax provision took effect from year of assessment 2007. Therefore, you may purchase a new computer now (March 2009) and claim the RM3,000 tax deduction. Provided the existing law on the tax deduction does not change, your next qualifying purchase would be in year of assessment 2012.

2) Since your two properties are jointly owned, each of you would declare half the rental income equally in your respective tax return. Any expenses expended to generate the rental income from the jointly-owned properties (for example, property quit rent and assessment, insurance and repair and maintenance) must also be split equally to be deducted against the rental income.

Your wife may elect for a separate assessment to report her half share of the net rental against her personal tax relief.

UNTIL last year, taxpayers could claim back excess tax paid on dividends received in 2007. Is this still possible in 2009? – Taxpayer

WHETHER you are still able to claim back the excess tax paid on dividends in year of assessment 2008 and 2009 would depend on the type of dividend that you receive from the company i.e. whether it is a franked (or tax deducted) dividend or exempt dividend.

With effect from year of assessment 2008 under the single-tier system, there is no further need for the company to deduct tax when paying dividends and any dividends distributed by the company will be exempt from tax in the hands of the shareholders.

However, transitional provisions in the tax legislation allow two options for companies with a credit balance in their section 108 accounts as of Dec 31 2007 when they want to pay dividends to the shareholders:

>The company can continue to use such credits in the section 108 account to pay franked dividends to shareholders up to Dec 31, 2013 or until the section 108 credits are exhausted, whichever comes earlier.

>Alternatively, the company may at any time make an irrevocable election to forgo the right to distribute franked dividends and pay dividend under the single-tier system.

The company, upon paying the dividend, is required to furnish the shareholders with a certificate warrant which will state whether tax has been deducted from the dividend or whether it is tax exempt pursuant to the single-tier system. If it is franked dividends, you can continue to claim back the excess tax paid, if any.

I AM a sole proprietor. I draw a monthly salary from my business net EPF deduction of 11%. My business pays the employer’s portion of EPF contribution (12%). I understand the 12% EPF contribution for its proprietor is not a tax-deductible expense for the business. For my personal computation of tax payable, can I utilise the 11% deduction as a tax relief lumped together with my insurance premium giving a maximum relief of RM6,000? – Lim Jun Kean

THE 11% employee portion of EPF contribution is considered as part of your gross salary and subject to income tax (in addition to the sole proprietor business profit) on you. You are however entitled to claim the 11% EPF deduction as part of the maximum RM6,000 together with the life insurance premium tax relief in your personal tax return.

I GET newspapers delivered to my home for which I get a monthly bill. Can I claim this as a deduction under reading materials?

Also, my mother has undergone ayurvedic treatment. Can I claim deduction under parents’ medical expenses? The expense is supported by official bills and receipts – S.Thiruchelvam

AN amount of up to a maximum of RM1,000 is deductible in respect of the purchase of books, magazines, journals or other similar publications (in hard copy or electronic form) for the purposes of enhancing knowledge of the individual, spouse or child. However, newspapers and banned reading materials are specifically excluded. Therefore, you cannot make a claim on your newspaper bills.

Medical expenses that qualify for the tax deduction for medical expenses for parents of up to a maximum of RM5,000 would include medical treatment evidenced by a receipt issued by a medical practitioner registered with the Malaysian Medical Council.

Unless the ayurvedic practioner is registered with the Malaysian Medical Council, the medical expenses will not qualify.

I AM a retiree with no regular source of income except for dividends on investment in shares. Since the amount of yearly dividends I receive is less than RM30,000, I regularly claim RM4,000 to RM5,000 tax rebate under section 110 (dividends). Lately, I have received many Tier 1 dividends which do not indicate the amount of tax paid on behalf of the shareholders. Being a retiree, can I claim the tax rebate? If not, then all shareholders including retirees are paying the corporate tax of 25% on their dividends received. With the banks’ savings and FD interest rate of 2% to 3% per annum, how are the retirees going to survive? I hope you can assist by bringing up the plight of the retirees during the next budget dialogue. – Lim

WITH effect from year of assessment 2008, the single-tier system took effect. Under this system, there is no need for the company to deduct tax when paying dividends and any dividends distributed by the company will be exempt from tax in the hands of the shareholders.

However, transitional provisions in the tax legislation allow two options for companies with a credit balance in their section 108 accounts as at Dec 31, 2007 when they want to pay dividends to the shareholders:

>The company can continue to use such credits in the section 108 account to pay franked dividends to shareholders up to Dec 31, 2013 or until the section 108 credits are exhausted whichever comes earlier.

>Alternatively, the company may at any time make an irrevocable election to forgo the right to distribute franked dividends and pay dividend under the single-tier system.

If the dividends you receive indicate that no tax has been deducted, these dividends would be either exempt dividends or dividends paid under the single-tier system. In both cases, the dividends are exempt from tax in your hands and you are not entitled to claim the section 110 tax credits on such dividends.

You are correct in saying that retirees are one of the most-impacted group as a result of the single-tier system since under the previous full imputation system, you are able to get tax refund from claiming the section 110 tax credit due to your lower personal tax rate compared to the company tax rate. This has been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities in the dialogues and discussions by the professional bodies.

I READ in the papers that the recent mini budget has increased the current RM6,000 tax relief per year of service to RM10,000 for retrenched workers. Is there a limit on the number of years and does it apply for voluntary separation and early retirement? – Worried Worker

THE tax exemption on compensation for loss of employment received by employees (including payment pursuant to a separation scheme where employees are given an option for an early termination of an employment contract) is increased from the current RM6,000 to RM10,000 per completed year of service with the same employer or with companies in the same group. It covers the voluntary separation scheme but does not cover early retirement.

There is no limit on the number of years of service. However, please note that the RM10,000 exemption is applicable on the number of completed years of service.

In addition, the increased tax exemption is only applicable on payments made in respect of individuals who have ceased employment on or after July 1, 2008. If the individual has ceased employment on or after July 1 2008, and tax clearance has been issued by the IRB with the RM6,000 tax exemption (prior to the mini budget announcement on March 10 2009), the individuals can make an appeal to the IRB for a reduced assessment.

MY wife and I have a combined assessment. However, my wife was retrenched from her company on Dec 7. She has not found a new job and has had no income since then. Do I still continue to submit the combined tax assessment for 2008 and subsequent years despite her not earning any income? – Ismail

YOU should fill code 4 – “Diri sendiri, isteri tiada punca pendapatan” under Part A5 – “Jenis Taksiran” in your tax return. If your wife has received the year of assessment 2008 tax return, she should complete and file a “Nil” return to the IRB, together with a cover letter stating that she has no income in 2008.

I OWN five units of properties with three units in joint names with my spouse and the others solely owned by me. My question is, every month my spouse will collect the rental on my behalf, and she also troubleshoots if there are problems with the houses. Since she uses her own transport, makes telephone calls, pays parking and toll fees, goes to the bank etc. can I pay her a salary for her help? My spouse is a housewife – Sam

THE tax law allows you to claim a deduction for expenses that you have expended to generate the rental income from your properties. These may include quit rent, assessment, insurance, repairs and maintenance, housing loan interest taken on the properties and rent collection fee paid to an estate agent.

As your wife is a “related party” and not a registered real estate agent, there could be more scrutiny by the IRB on the claim for the fee paid to her. For example, whether the fee payment is at market rate, whether the fee is commensurate with the services provided or is it excessive, etc. If a fee is paid to your wife, she will have to report the income in her tax return.

I WRITE academic books and earn a few thousand from the payment of royalty. Actually, I am not selling the books or doing any business from the sale of the books. The publisher does all the marketing and selling. I just do the writing. Every year I report the income from the royalty together with my salary from the Government minus some of the expenses. My questions are:

(a) Presently I am given the OG or the B form. Should I be using the SG form instead because I am not doing any business?

(b) How is the RM20,000 exemption considered in a case like mine? – Anonymous

THE IRB have treated your royalty income as a business source and issued you a Form B (under an OG tax reference number). On the basis that you receive the royalty income and presumably claim some direct expenses against it, the tax treatment of your royalty income would essentially be the same whether it is reported under a Form B or Form BE. The tax filing deadline if the royalty is treated as a business source under Form B is June 30 whereas if it is a non-business source, the deadline is April 30.

There is a specific provision in the tax legislation to exempt RM20,000 royalty income or payment in respect of the publication of, or the use of or the right to use any literary work. You should exclude the RM20,000 exempt royalty income and declare the net (after deducting related expenses) balance of royalty income in your tax return.

I WAS told by the officers at IRB that filling the HK-3 forms this year will be simple. I only have to fill in according to what is required by that form. Firstly, I don’t have to submit the dividend vouchers to the Income Tax office, together with the Borang BE.

Secondly, according to the instructions accompanying the borang BE, I have to correct/adjust for the Z, X and Y column. Is this correct? – K T KHOO

YES, you need to only submit worksheet HK-3 and are not required to submit the dividend vouchers in order to claim a tax refund on your dividend income.

If you are submitting your tax return via e-Filing, the computer system will calculate the re-grossing of the net dividends automatically. However, if you are submitting the hard copy of your return, you will need to compute the re-grossing yourself and complete the worksheet accordingly.

YOU mentioned about investing in the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN). What is this, and how does one apply for it? I’m a single father with two school-going boys. What can I do to reduce my tax deduction? – Andrew

FULL details regarding the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) can be found at www.ptptn.gov.my website for National Higher Education Fund Corporation (see box above for details).

PremierOne is a tax consultant firm that offers a high level of personal attention and service. Together, the group of partners, originally from one of the biggest international accounting firms, has many years of experience and expertise. For professional consultation, e-mail info@premierone.com.my

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Lets Order Omu Let

Saw this in a cafe in Kajang Metro Plaza.

Want a Hong Kong Omu Let Fried Rice?


Tomyam Chicken Soup, Free Ice Lemon Tea and Fish Ball Soup. All liquid. I will just order the Tomyam Chicken Soup, one soup will be enough for me.

*Pictures taken with SE K800i.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Dale Carnegie: Appreciation

“You have it easily in your power to increase the sum of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged.”
- Dale Carnegie





It only takes a few short seconds for you to pass along a compliment or lend a helping hand. It does not benefit you to go through days, let alone weeks, without showing others appreciation or gratitude. Here are some tips on how to begin doing so:
  • Smile
  • Make the other person feel important, and do so with sincerity
  • Offer honest appreciation
  • Be a good listener, encourage others to talk about themselves
  • Make it a point to give at least one compliment a day -- you may be surprised at how this simple act will improve your day, too

Dale Carnegie training website http://www.dalecarnegie.com

Full UMNO Results

From The Star Online

Muhyiddin the new No 2 (Plus full results)
Click link to read report http://thestar.com.my//umno/story.asp?file=/2009/3/26/umno/20090326222042&sec=umno

OFFICIAL UMNO RESULTS:
Deputy president: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin - 1,575 votes

Vice presidents: Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - 1,552 votes, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein - 1,515 votes, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal - 1,445 votes.

Big names who lost in the race for 25 Supreme Council seats:
Ministers: Datuk Shahrir Samad, Datuk Azalina Otham Said.
Mentris Besar: Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob (Pahang), Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman (Johor), Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu (Perlis), Datuk Mohamad Hasan (Negri Sembilan).

Big winners in the race for 25 Supreme Council seats: Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Senator Datuk Azian Osman, Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman.

COMPLETE UMNO LINE-UP:
Permanent chairman:
Datuk Paduka Badruddin Amiruldin ...................... (2272 votes)
Deputy permanent chairman:
Datuk Mohamad Aziz .................... (Uncontested)
President:
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak ..................(Uncontested)
Deputy president:
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin ................. (1575 votes)
Vice presidents:
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ....................... (1592 votes)
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein ..................... (1515 votes)
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal ..................... (1445 votes)

Supreme Council Members
Datuk Mustapa Mohamed .............................. (2259 votes)
Datuk Noh Omar ..................................... (2084 votes)
Datuk Seri Musa Aman ...................... (2084 votes)
Datuk Azian Osman .................................. (2060 votes)
Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman .......................... (2054 votes)
Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed ........................ (1854 votes)
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob ..................... (1838 votes)
Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin ..................... (1804 votes)
Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor .......................... (1705 votes)
Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi .............................. (1700 votes)
Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman ........................ (1685 votes
Datuk Idris Haron .......................... (1658 votes)
Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad ...............(1624 votes)
Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis ..................... (1622 votes)
Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah ........................... (1619 votes)
Datuk Dr Norraesah Mohamad ......................... (1611 votes)
Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid........................... (1584 votes)
Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohd Hanadzlah ................... (1529 votes
Datuk Hamzah Zainudin .............................. (1518 votes)
Datuk Bung Moktar Radin ............................ (1517 votes)
Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin ......................... (1481 votes)
Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique ....................... (1431 votes)
Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek .......................... (1377 votes)
Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh ............................. (1275 votes)
Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim ...................... (1265 votes)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Australian: Malaysia deputy Najib Razak 'unfit to govern'

From The Australian News...

Malaysia deputy Najib Razak 'unfit to govern'
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25241811-25837,00.html

A FORMER minister in Malaysia's ruling UMNO party has questioned the suitability of Najib Razak to take over the prime ministership because of his alleged links to corruption scandals and a murder case.

Radio Australia reported yesterday that Zaid Ibrahim, a former law minister in Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's Government told a Rotary lunch in Kuala Lumpur that Mr Najib, the current deputy, was unfit for the national leadership.

Mr Zaid singled out charges of cronyism over the award of military contracts, a recent power grab in Perak state and alleged links to the murder of Mongolian model, Altantuya Shariibuu, who was the lover of a close associate of Mr Najib at the time of her death.

The speech caused a sensation. "This is really the high noon of Malaysian politics, you could say," Razali Ibrahim, the head of UMNO's Johor youth wing, told Radio Australia.

"By going public, by making that speech, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim you may say pulled the pin on the doomsday machine of Malaysian politics."

Opposition politician Gobind Singh was last week banned from parliament for a year after he used the house to call Mr Najib, the Deputy Prime Minister, a murderer.

The Sunday Times of London reported that Shariibuu, 28, was shot and then blown up with explosives in 2006 to silence her demands for a share in an arms deal involving three submarines that were sold to the Malaysian government.

Two of Mr Najib's bodyguards have been tried in connection with the murder and are awaiting a verdict.

Mr Najib has strongly denied any involvement.

Delegates to UNMO's annual meeting are today expected to anoint Mr Najib as the new UMNO president, and cast their votes for key roles including deputy president and heads of the youth and women's wings.

In a speech to the UNMO assembly late on Tuesday, Mr Najib warned the ruling party it must embark on a radical overhaul to win back public support, or face the end of its half-century grip on power.

"What is at stake is nothing less than the very fate of UMNO," he said.

Mr Najib is expected to succeed Mr Badawi shortly after UNMO's five-day assembly concludes this week.

Lim Kit Siang, a leader of the opposition Democratic Action Party, said Mr Najib's legitimacy was at stake.

"For the first time in the country's history, no one who is going to become the prime minister has been caught with so many questions and inquiries, and this is something that has to be addressed and creates serious problems of a crisis of confidence," he said.

Umno General Assembly Update

Khairy Jamaluddin is new Youth chief
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/100947
Khairy Jamaluddin has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by winning the much-coveted Umno Youth chief tonight...
  • Khairy Jamaluddin (304 votes) - majority 50 votes
  • Mohd Khir Toyo (254)
  • Mukhriz Mahathir (232).

Shahrizat wins Wanita chief post
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/100991
In a stunning victory, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil today deposed reigning Iron Lady Rafidah Aziz as Wanita Umno chief....
  • Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (507) - majority 227 votes.
  • Rafidah Aziz (280)


Read news at Khairy, Shahrizat and Rosnah win in party polls
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/26/nation/3562678&sec=nation

Guardian.co.uk: Pupils To Study Twitter And Blogs

New syllabus in UK... more "educated" bloggers in the making :-D

Pupils to study Twitter and blogs in primary schools shake-up
• New curriculum will give teachers more freedom
• Second world war and Victoria not compulsory

Children will no longer have to study the Victorians or the second world war under proposals to overhaul the primary school curriculum, the Guardian has learned.

However, the draft plans will require children to master Twitter and Wikipedia and give teachers far more freedom to decide what youngsters should be concentrating on in classes....



Click here to read the report.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Where Is Your Superhero Costume?

Always keep your super hero costumes with you wherever you go.

Thai 'Spider-Man' to the rescue

*Picture from BBC news

An unusual disguise has helped a Bangkok fireman rescue an eight-year-old boy who had climbed on to a third-floor window ledge, Thai police say....

Click on link above to read report.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

An early Birthday For MIL @ Pangkor Village Seafood Restaurant

We had an early birthday dinner for Marilyn's mother last night at Pangkor Village Seafood Restaurant.

The restaurant in located in Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya, opposite Fatty Crab Restaurant.


The food, lalalalalalala...


Kam Heong Lala and fried tauhu


Fish head and Honey Chicken.


Fried string beans and deep fried prawns.


Don't forget the crabs.




The food was delicious. A recommended place to eat.

Address:
Pangkor Village Seafood Restaurant
No. 59, Jalan SS24/8,
Taman Megah,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Map (Blue dot):
Pangkor Village Seafood Resaturant

Sunset

Sunset in Sungai Long, taken last Saturday evening.

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Star: Samy Still MIC No 1

Samy Vellu retains MIC president's post uncontested (Update): "KUALA LUMPUR: KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu retained the MIC presidency for a record 11th consecutive term, after the party's presidential nominations closed at the party headquarters on Sunday."...

Click the above link to read the report.


Related news Democracy is dead in MIC, says presidential aspirant

The Star: Penang CM1 Quits

Fairus quits as Penang's Deputy Chief Minister 1 GEORGE TOWN: After several days of speculation, it has finally been confirmed. Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has resigned....

Click the above link to read the report.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Misty Morning @ Mahkota Cheras

I took these photos on a misty Sunday morning near Bandar Mahkota Cheras.


BBC News: USB Fingers

Do you want a USB finger...

Finn creates USB 'finger drive'
A Finnish computer programmer who lost one of his fingers in a motorcycle accident has made himself a prosthetic replacement with a USB drive attached.

Jerry Jalava uses the 2GB memory stick, accessed by peeling back the "nail", to store photos, movies and programmes....


* Picture from BBC News

Read report at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7949018.stm

Yahoo Messenger Scam, Spam Or Viru

I received some messages on diet supplements on my Yahoo Messenger this morning from a couple of friends. Should just ignore these messages.

Seems funny, cause my friends whom I received these messages are Chinese educated and their English is not so good (sorry no disrespect to them). I tried to reply to my friends, but they were offline.

The messages...
"I have been taking Acai Berry now for over a month and already lost 36 pounds, it is the same stuff that was on the Oprah show, Mikey and Karine lost so much weight too with no diets or excersise. Get it now, its only five bucks a bottle, we are living proof that it works like magic. Get it over at http://flaptear.com"

"Hey, how are you. Just wanted to let you know about these new supplements I tried. I lost 12 pounds in just a week and a half. Best thing, it only cost me $5. Check it out here: http://minebide.com"

"FInally after all this time I found the only way to lose a lot of weight in just a few weeks and not have to diet or excercise. I seen it on Oprah and the news, ordered it and lost 36 pounds in just a few weeks and still losing, they have it now for only five dollars order it at http://flaptear.com"

"Quick question, did you see that Oprah episode on losing weight? I found the same goodies for 5 dollars and I lost 9 pounds allready. See for yourself http://flapfade.com"





Canon Pro-Grip

Yup, purchase a Canon EOS and get the battery hand (pro-grip) at RM399.

My previous post Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip @ RM399


From Canon website

Lost Delayed Damaged Airline Baggages

Airlines 'lose one million bags'
Airlines around the world 'mishandled' 42 million bags in 2007 and irretrievably lost more than a million of them, a pressure group has said.
...
Complaints showed travellers without receipts for lost items were not being fully reimbursed, the AUC said
...

Read report at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7946953.stm


Read Malaysia Airlines Baggage On Arrival, regarding baggages on arrival.

Read Advise for travellers from MyBusinessTravel.com on Delayed, damaged, or lost baggage.


Most importantly always report missing, delayed or damaged baggage to the airline before you leave the airport, usually at the baggage reclaim area.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

1 2 3.... Ali Is Out

Ali Rustam its time to quit all your posts.

Ali Rustam barred from contesting

Mar 17, 09 11:29am
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/100340

Umno deputy president aspirant Mohd Ali Rustam has been barred from contesting in the upcoming party polls....


Way cleared for Muhyiddin
KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 - The path will be clear today for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to become the deputy president of Umno and deputy prime minister of Malaysia - but expect acrimony and ill-feeling to reign in the ruling party.

The outcome for the number two spot in Umno will be guaranteed today after Malacca chief minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam opts out from contesting for the number two position in the party or is suspended from Umno.

Sources told The Malaysian Insider that the party's top leadership has given the politician an option: withdraw from the race or face possible sanctions from Umno disciplinary committee.
...

Read report at http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/20573-way-cleared-for-muhyiddin


Ali Rustam banned from polls, Khairy can contest
The Star report http://thestar.com.my/umno/story.asp?file=/2009/3/17/umno/20090317163420&sec=umno


Ali Rustam remains Malacca CM, says Najib
The Malaysian Insider report http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/20593-ali-rustam-remains-malacca-cm-says-najib

Earthhour: Lights out

Lend your support, just a flick of a switch or switches.

From http://www.earthhour.org
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote –

Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth,
or
leaving them on is a vote for global warming.


WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.


From The Star Online
N
ext Saturday, turn off your lights for an hour.

WILL the Petronas Twin Towers join other world-famous monuments in switching off their lights for one hour at 8.30pm on March 28?

At the moment, it seems pretty unlikely...
...
So far, KL Tower has thrown its support behind the global movement...
...
WWF-M Earth Hour co-ordinator Abinesh Raj said the activities focused on raising awareness on climate change and not on actual emission reduction, hence, the buildings were selected for their prominence and visual impact rather than their emission levels. “Hopefully in years to come when the awareness is higher, we can get into the details,” he added.

Officially joining the global event this year, Kuala Lumpur is among 930 cities in 80 countries across 25 time zones that will turn off as many electric switches as possible at 8.30pm local time. Close to 80 businesses and civil organisations have signed up in support of the global event.

This year, Earth Hour is aiming for one billion supporters. The challenge will begin at precisely 8.30pm on March 28 when the diesel generators on the Chatham Islands, a small archipelago off the east coast of New Zealand, is switched off.
...
Read report at http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/3/17/lifefocus/3443135&sec=lifefocus


For details of participating entities and activities of Earth Hour, go to www.earthhour.org.my

3 Two Square: Promo



HP Warehouse Sales
Date: 20th - 22nd March 2009 (Fri - Sun)
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: Ground Floor, The Crest, 3 Two Square, Petaling Jaya


Used Car Fair
Date: 21st - 22nd March 2009 (Sat - Sun)
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: Boulevard, 3 Two Square, Petaling Jaya

Safer Rides For Motorcyclist

With the improved motorcycle lanes, I still see motorcyclist on the Federal Highway. It boils down to enforcement to make motorcyclist use the motorcycle lanes.


Hazard-free rides for motorcyclist
...more signboards, speed-breakers and safety elements installed at junctions, bends and tunnels and at entry and exit points of the motorcycle lanes along the highway

...big and bright signboards to warn the motorcyclists of tunnels, flood-prone areas and other hazards on the road and to remind them to slow down and stick to the speed limit.

...Reflectors and speed-breakers have also been installed and the dangerous bends and pedestrian crossings are now clearly marked.

At several danger stretches, like the stretch opposite the Avon Building on the Klang-bound side of the highway, concrete slabs with bright yellow lines have been painted to prevent motorists from veering off the lanes into the Klang River some 20m below.

Read report at http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/3/17/central/3382297&sec=central

Dale Carnegie: LIONS

I've got to share this with you... ROAR!!!!

“The royal road to a man's heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.”
- Dale Carnegie






Imparting information to people can be a challenging task, but following the LIONS formula will assist you in your approach and delivery.



Language easily understood
Illustrations
Organize thoughts
Narrow subject to key points
Summarize


Dale Carnegie training website http://www.dalecarnegie.com

2008 EPF Dividend 4.5%

Lower EPF dividend for year 2008 due to global economic crisis.

EPF declares 4.5% dividend for 2008
PETALING JAYA: The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Board declared a 4.5% dividend yesterday for its members, blaming the lower rate of returns on the global economic crisis.

EPF declared a 5.8% dividend in 2007.
...
The dividends will be credited into members’ accounts on March 23.


Read report at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/17/nation/3493990&sec=nation

Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip @ RM399

Canonites, saw this in The Sun paper today. Not sure if you need to buy the Canon EOS 450D to get the battery grip at RM399.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Dinner @ Fireman BBQ @ Jaya One

Had dinner at Fireman's BBQ Restaurant @ Jaya One, Petaling Jaya last Friday evening with my ex colleagues from Diethelm.



Buffer BBQ RM19.90++ per person. If you pay by Citibank card, it is RM19.90 nett.

It is eat all you want but be forewarned, no wastage please. They will charge for wastage, so don't be greedy.

We ate lots of greens. Overall the food was not bad.

MalaysianInsider: Convert allowed to renounce Islam

Convert allowed to renounce Islam
GEORGETOWN, March 16 – A Malaysian religious appeal court in Penang on Monday granted a woman’s wish to formally renounce Islam, in a rare case where Muslims are allowed to leave the faith.

Siti Fatimah, an ethnic Chinese woman formerly known as Tan Ean Huang, had converted to Islam in 1998 in order to marry her Muslim lover. In Malaysia, a majority Muslim country, non-Muslims must convert to Islam before they can legally marry a Muslim.

“It is clear from the evidence that she converted to Islam just for the sake of marrying an Iranian man,” Penang Syariah Appeal Court judge Ibrahim Lembut said in his ruling.

“She has never followed any aspect of the Islamic teachings and has been living a non-Muslim lifestyle right from the day of her conversion. This shows the conversion itself is doubtful,” he said....

Read report at http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/20484-convert-allowed-to-renounce-islam

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Birthday: Sarah Chong

Blessed 1st Birthday Sarah.



Cousins and friend


Bloggers @ work

Selangor Exco Discloses Assets

Selangor State Exco members declares their assets. How about the rest of the states, BN or PR?


Exco members disclose worth
...The information was loaded onto the website www.selangor.gov.my at about 7pm which crashed soon after...

Read report at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/14/nation/3480363&sec=nation


Penang to follow Selangor’s approach on declaring assets
GEORGE TOWN: The members of the Penang government will emulate the Selangor government’s move in declaring their assets and posting them online....

Read report at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/14/nation/3476205&sec=nation


Selangor MB to declare assets online by Tuesday
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he will post his income and assets on the state government website by Tuesday.

He blamed a computer glitch as the reason for the delay in posting his income and assets on the website due to too many declarations that had to be downloaded into the system on Friday...

Read report at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/15/nation/3484030&sec=nation



The Selangor State government official website... http://www.selangor.gov.my. You will need a PDF reader to view the declaration forms.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

What the Modern Woman Wants

Good reading...

Write Around the World - The Commonwealth Essay Competition
2004 First Prize Winner - Class A


A 15-year-old Singaporean student, Amanda Chong, has won the 2004 Commonwealth Essay Competition. Amanda, a Raffles Girls Secondary School student, beat more than 5,000 other contestants to win the £500 prize in the Competition organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS). She topped the 16-18-year-old category for the annual literary award, by submitting a short story in a higher age category as a personal challenge to compete with writers older than herself.

Amanda's winning entry, 'What the Modern Woman Wants', focuses on the generational conflict of values between an old lady and her independent-minded daughter.
...
In her story, Amanda describes the generational gap between the protagonist, Elaine, and her aged mother: "She will not be like me, the woman prayed as she watched her daughter grow up and drift away from her, speaking a language she scarcely understood. She watched her daughter transform from a quiet girl to one who openly defied her, calling her 'laotu' -- old-fashioned. She wanted her mother to be 'modern' -- a word so new there was no Chinese word for it. Her daughter had forgotten her mother's values. Her wants were so ephemeral; that of a modern woman."
...

What the Modern Woman Wants
Amanda Wei-Zhen Chong
Raffles Girls School (Secondary)
Singapore


Click on link below to read the essay (you will need a PDF reader)
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/%7B305966EC-DFBC-4D6A-AA59-7D154E3EBC07%7D_winningEssay.pdf

Friday, March 13, 2009

Earth Hour 2009

VOTE EARTH
YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE




From http://www.earthhour.org/about/

Vote Earth website http://www.voteearth2009.org


Earth Hour website http://earthhour.org.my (Malaysia)


This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.

YouTube: Nick Vujicic - Be Inspired

YouTube: Nick Vujicic - Get Back Up

Australia Nick Vujicic. Born with no limbs, Nick Vujicic faces obstacles every day of his life. It's not how you start, it's how you finish.

Selangor MB, exco asset declarations online on Friday

See how one sided The Star is... As at 10 am Friday Selangor MB, exco's assets not online yet.

The day has not yet ended. If they don't post the information by today, find out from the Selangor MB. Don't jump the gun.

The Selangor State Government official website http://www.selangor.gov.my

Thursday, March 12, 2009

American Idol.. Malaysian...

You know bout American Idol...




Here is the Malaysian Idle...

Yesterday... 1/2 Day MC

I was on 1/2 day medical yesterday morning. Why? See the picture...

A small infection in my right eye lid. Felt like a small stone was in my eye. Such an irritation, causing me to have red eyes.


The doctor gave me an eye drop, some antibiotics and 1/2 day off.


Much better yesterday afternoon after the 'puss' popped.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Maxis to bring iPhone 3G to Malaysia

Do you want an IPhone? There is no free lunch here. Must pay for the plan (RM375 plan) for 24 months if you want it for free.

Maxis to bring iPhone 3G to Malaysia on March 20



KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis announced on Wednesday that it will offer iPhone 3G 8GB for free on its iValue 4 plan from March 20.
...
Maxis will offer the 8GB and 16GB iPhone 3G models with four specially designed postpaid plans called iValue, all of which are voice-data bundled price plans, starting from RM100 per month.

For customers who sign up for a monthly commitment of RM375 over a 24-month period on the iValue 4 plan, the iPhone 3G 8GB will be free of charge....

Read more at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/11/nation/20090311181523&sec=nation

Click here to go to Maxis - iPhone.

DCIM SHOW 2009

Fellow media crew... I can't make it, I am not around :-(

DCIM SHOW 2009



Date :
27 - 29 March 2009

Venue:
Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Click here for more details.

HP & Intel® Biggest Warehouse Sale!

Sales near my workplace. Yoo brother Jo, coming for the sales?

HP & Intel® Biggest Warehouse Sale!




Date :
20* - 22 March 09

Time :
10am – 8pm

Venue:
3 Two Square, Section 14,
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Event details

If there’s ever been a time to splurge for a new computer, it’s now. The snazziest notebooks, stylish desktop PCs, powerful workstations and a host of other cool peripherals could be yours for not just low or lower prices but the lowest prices! Don’t miss out on the best deals in town.

* Exclusively for HP employees, Citibank / Maybank cardholders, media and students only.
** Please bring your proof of verification to enjoy this privilege.



Click here for details and map to 3 Two Square.