drcheah.com

Nuclear danger

2009-07-06T07:40:00.002+08:00

It still puzzles me that Malaysia is still entertaining the use of nuclear power. Have we truly exhausted all other possibilities? We are often fed with the notion that nuclear power is clean but that is certainly a misdirection.

Mankind has still not figuredhow to dispose of nuclear waste. It is currently being stored in special containment areas which are expensive to run as these waste stays active for years. So the cost is not ony to maintain the nuclear power plant but its deadly waste as well.

In the era of terrorism and piracy which is so rampant in South East Asia, radioactive materials will be juicy target. The consequences of such materials falling into the wrong hands is unimaginable.

I suggest that Malaysia invests the money in researching other more environmentally friendly energy sources. Solar power or other replenishable organic sources could be further explored.

Tower of Babel

2009-04-09T23:57:00.002+08:00

Ward rounds can be challenging, not just on the diagnostic and treatment front but increasingly on the communication aspect as well. Increasing number of foreign individuals that originate from a different culture and language are appearing in our local hospitals. Sadly, even many Malaysians cannot hold a conversation in our national language. As the number of patients speaking a foreign language increases, how best can we tackle the ensuing gap in communication?

Poor understanding of what a patient is complaining about can lead to a wrong diagnosis. Furthermore, explaining to the patient about his/her disease can then be an arduous and sometimes impossible task. Translators in our local hospitals are lacking. Despite most doctors speaking more than one language, the heterogeneity of our patient population makes learning all languages impossible.

With an expanding foreign labour force in Malaysia, it may be apt for local hospital authorities to put in place a translator service with help from foreign embassies. This will ensure a good delivery of healthcare to our foreign-speaking patients.

A sordid experience

2009-04-04T16:51:00.003+08:00

A decent into a calamitous ward, which was thought extinct after years of progress. Beds stacked beside each other like sardines in a can, where the stench of sweat from one patient could make the other puke. A place where nurses and medical officers scramble to ensure a decent level of service in a land that prides itself with its majestic twin towers. A hospital which is supposedly one that will treat its royals.

But surely the royals will never ever see the dehumanising condition that its subjects are dealing with. No, there is a plush haven for them, tucked into a quiet corner, where even the decor has been meticulously chosen. Its residents are always afforded personal attention by the higher echelon, ensuring a quick delivery of service.

Sadly, those not lucky enough to be born with a silver spoon, will have to make do with decrepit conditions prevailing in normal class wards. A daily statistic that clearly proves that they are functioning over its maximal capacity. Compounded by shrinking budgets, the direction of progress is sadly in the reverse. Administrators appear contented and solutions are extinct.

Alas, a new leader but an old face. A machinery that looks weary after decades of underperformance. An energetic display that is likely to fizzle out as we battle the economic storm.

The reality remains as I step into a 'battlezone' where lives are saved and lost, where the camaraderie of patients are respected, and young comrades are thrust into a surreal reality of our medical wards.

God help us all.

Dirty Politics

2009-02-17T22:16:00.002+08:00

Prying into one's private life and exposing it in such a heinous way is despicable. There should be a concerted effort in condemning such a trend in the strongest way possible. Publishing private photographs without prior permission is punishable under the law and is illegal. But who cares about being legal these days?

The takeover of Perak was clearly against the constitution. Sultan Azlan Shah showed little wisdom befitting that of a former Lord President. There was clearly no majority for either Barisan or Pakatan. Independants are just that .. independants. Verbal assurances of loyalty is definitely not legally binding. Their allegiance to Barisan should have been tested in a vote of no confidence in the State Assembly. To cut the story short, the takeover was more incorrect than correct.

The perpetrator who pictured Elizabeth Wong and distributing her photographs without her consent should be named and prosecuted. No politician should support and endorse such political blackmail. Those who do, are unfortunately, shallow minded thinking only of their political survival, even if it means sinking to pathetic depths.

To Elizabeth, such unwelcomed humiliation has raped your political character to the very core. Be strong and fight the urge to scurry to your corner in self pity. Instead display and flaunt your substance and show Malaysians the reason why Pakatan can take over the Federal Government come the next General Election.

Better Road Safety

2009-01-02T22:41:00.001+08:00

It is commendable that the Government is enforcing back seat passengers into belting up. Such a move may seem an inconvenience but it will certainly safe someone's life in the long run. There is more that can be done.

Compulsory installation of airbags should be strictly enforced in all vehicles. Local manufacturers have been exempted from installing this safety feature purportedly to keep the cost of the vehicle down. Many more lives can be saved by having airbags installed.

Minimum safety standards should be set before a vehicle is allowed on Malaysian roads. Results from crash tests should be scrutinised and safety recommendations be seriously considered. We know that many vehicles on our roads are death traps with poor design and inadequate safety features. Exported models are fitted with better safety mechanisms to fulfill international standards but unfortunately, local car manufacturers believe that Malaysians can live with a lower standard. Such nonsense should stop immediately.

Road conditions are paramount to safety. Pot holes and poorly maintained roads and signages can contribute to accidents. Better traffic systems should also be studied to improve traffic flow and avoid unnecessary bottlenecks and crisscrossing of vehicles.

If the Government is serious about car safety to the extent that inflated summons are issued to any violations, then they should look into other aspects of car safety as well. Let not the effort stop at just rear passenger seat belts.

Charging a minor for attempted suicide?

2008-12-14T12:58:00.002+08:00

From NST,

16-year-old girl charged with attempted suicide
11 Dec 2008
Sean Augustin

KUALA TERENGGANU: A 16-year-old girl was charged yesterday in the Court for Children with attempting to commit suicide.
The teenager was alleged to have committed the offence at the YT Midtown Hotel rooftop on Nov 21 by attempting to jump off the building.

Prosecution was handled by Nelson Ensit. The girl, accompanied by her mother, was unrepresented. Court registrar Kahirul Anuar set bail at RM2,500 in one surety and set Jan 22 for mention. It was reported on Nov 22 that the teenager threatened to jump off the ledge of the 10-storey hotel following a quarrel with her boyfriend. This is the first in many years that anyone has been charged with attempted suicide.

The measure is being taken after a spate of suicides and attempted suicides in recent weeks prompted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar to tell the New Straits Times that police were considering enforcing the law.

Will charging young individuals for attempted suicide reduce the number of cases in the future? I guess not. This puts the police in a very bad light as I fail to see the benefits of such a move.

Mentally disturbed or distressed individuals should be rehabilitated so as he/she can cope with similar stresses in future. Counselling or perhaps even medications can help individuals to recover from the traumatic circumstances in his/her life. Councillors in schools should be more proactive in advocating activities that can help identify individuals in dire need of help. They can also educate young minds on how best to cope with common stresses especially relationship failures.

Charging an individual in court because she attempted suicide only serves to increase the stress level for this individual who may eventually succeed in taking her own life. It is hardly an effective deterrent sentence. Similarly, many young individuals present themselves to the emergency department for drug overdoses, usually after a quarrel with their partners. Should we then charge them in court for causing unnecessary mayhem?

I suggest that the police should relook into their current mindset. Understanding the minds of such young individuals is paramount to battle rising cases of attempted suicide. Certainly charging one individual will not serve as a deterrent to future cases.

Meteor streaks across Canadian sky

2008-11-23T16:56:00.002+08:00

It appears a metoer has streaked across the Canadian sky and the size of the fireball as described indicates that it was of a considerable size. So how did we miss this? Scientists may be wondering how on earth did we miss this meteor as it travelled towards Earth? Had it slammed into the ocean it could potentially have caused another tsunami or perhaps it could have hit a populated city. Could our surveillance have been better? Or is the sky just too large for Man to monitor every inch in detail?

Yahoo News(with video)

Liberalise young minds

2008-11-23T13:21:00.002+08:00

I read Marina Mahathir's article in The Star with great interest. Her belief that teaching young minds about new ideas should begin at an early stage of their education. Leaving it to the university will probably be way too late. But late is better than never I suppose.

Those that have been through the local education system will attest to the fact that freedom of ideas and expression is not always welcomed. Any deviation from the syllabus will be deemed as recalcitrant inviting demerit points. One is taught what the Government or some powers-that-might-be, feels is the right thing. Stifling fresh ideas or renewed ideology is the task of administrators and academicians, backed by political forces.

Unfortunately when one goes into the real world, unfamiliar territory strikes fear and maladaptibility has resulted in poor performance with many fresh graduates failing to make themselves marketable. Marina's point that English will be the forte for marketability invites fresh debate about the quality of English among graduates. When some top academicians in our local varsities cannot hold a full conversation in proper English, one wonders if this is reflective of the graduates as well.

For local universities to shine, acedemicians and university administrators should never stifle ideas be it critical or otherwise. Debating sensitive ideas with maturity marks the arrival of an era of a developed nation. Resorting to school-day tactics of silencing critics will delay the march towards progress.

Despite the presence of an august parliament, many debates are not fought with decorum. Issues deemed sensitive are shoved aside and the debates that do happen are fraught with profanities and unsolicited interferences. Debating with professionalism backed by sound knowledge of the topic at hand should be the intended achievement. Sadly, many elected members lack simple insight and are elected based on a loose criteria, giving the electorate little choices.

I do not place much hope on the current generation of politicians but there is renewed energy emanating from the young, where public debates are being slowly embraced. Anwar Ibrahim vs Shabery or Guan Eng vs Tsu Koon, these are fruitful debates that not only allows the public to gain insightful impressions about their leaders but will certainly help them judge their performances as vocally imprinted.

Written media is not much help in terms of fair reporting. Even the blogosphere can be sometimes deceptively biased. But there is more choices now, thanks to the era of the internet, where ideas are abundant. This has hastened globalisation.

Malaysia needs to compete with countries and therefore repealing repressive laws, thus liberalising the minds of our citizens is paramount to nurturing a powerful nation. A nation that is not bound by fear but the thought that their potential can unearth limitless power.

It certainly begins with how we educate our young.

Yoga Haram : What Next?

2008-11-23T00:17:00.002+08:00

It is perplexing that religions become suspicious of activities purportedly from other beliefs. Despite yoga originating from Hinduism, it has no doubt evolved into an exercise regime, for which individuals of various faiths practise. Yoga lessons are offered even in fitness centers and when one participates in its activites, will realise that there are no religious elements involved.

The recent fatwa against the practice of yoga could result in a domino effect involving other forms of exercises as well. Taekwando and other martial arts originate from the monks in temples. Should we then not forbid these martial art practices in Islam as well?

Islam is not the sole religion banning its followers from participating in activities related to other religions. Christianity too is equally guilty of this conduct. Each religion forming concrete borders segregating themselves from the 'impurities' of others. I guess in part, religion itself does advocate its followers to dissociate themselves from indulging in perceived uncleanliness.

So in Malaysia, if we are not demarcated by race, we are certainly demarcated by religion. We continue to find it hard to transcend racial and religious confines.

So what next on the menu to omit?

UM : The reality

2008-11-19T16:11:00.003+08:00

The recent 'dismissal' of Dr Rafiah as Vice Chancellor of Univerity Malaya has resulted in a stabbing reply from this no-nonsense academician in malaysiakini.com. Her accusation of political interference in university administration is surely to unnerve many in the ruling UMNO party. Perhaps it was her strict administrative style that had led to her 'dismissal' having stepped on one too many tails. Her soon to be released book is bound to tell all on the on goings behind the curtain of Malaysia's oldest university.

Many university policies are questionable to say the least.

I remain a strong opponent of the Skim Latihan Akademik untuk Bumiputera or in short, SLAB programme. The intentions are noble, however, the selection process is not transparent and littered with cronyism. As a result, many who are accepted into specialist training programmes are totally inexperienced with undesirable working attitudes. Upon graduation, these individuals are expected to teach medical students about medicine when life for many of these future specialists were spent in a cocoon, oblivious to the Malaysian medical system and the humility of working in under priviledged areas.

Four years of Masters training at a university environment will not equip these individuals with the skills to steer medical students in the right direction. These trainee lecturers should be given stints in public hospitals under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and to experience the dire situations that arises daily in the practice of community medicine.

Writing this article itself puts me in a unfavorable light and might jeopardise future attempts at job appointments at this university. However, I feel that the university should have a paradigm shift in the creation of future policies if it is to reclaim its position as the premier university in Malaysia. Accepting weaknesses is paramount to UM's future survival. Denying that the rot is not as serious as claimed is foolish.

Choosing the right candidates for the job is important. Merely appointing individuals to make up the numbers will be unrewarding and dilutes quality, hastening its end.

Trolls in medicine

2008-10-12T18:46:00.002+08:00

Alright, this post is intended to vent some frustration on a certain individual who possesses extremely poor interactive skills. Perpetually holed up in a coccoon and oblivious to the existence of other beings, the process of metamorphosis into a creature began long ago. Perhaps the bombardment of radioactive particles have done some damage to whatever is left. Either a poor insight or a bizzare psychiatrical personality has resulted in such childish temperament. Despite a position that would otherwise be of envy, many shy away, giving little respect to someone who obviously does not deserve that accolade. We do not need such creatures, they are a relic of a bygone era, awaiting his expiry date. Many more are waiting to fill those shoes, eager to forget something totally worth forgetting. There is little hope and only God is left to judge this poor soul.

Happy Birthday

2008-10-11T09:45:00.002+08:00

Happy birthday to a very special someone today! :@

Medical Rituals

2008-10-07T16:41:00.000+08:00

Malaysia, once again, famous for all the wrong reasons. However, it is an important part of humanity and has been in existence in all shapes and forms for centuries. There are no rules here, anything goes. It is like creating games for children where the only limitation is one's imagination. So the question is, why do reasonably educated individuals fall for such a scam?

Vulnerability and desperation. When the 'sane' world offers little explanation to a problem, alternative views become a suitable substitute. From health to financial matters, the solutions from alternative sources are sometimes infinite. It's amazing that people will believe almost anything, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. From bizzare rituals to downright ludicrous concoctions, a cure is somehow always around the corner.

The placebo effect do assist alternative solutions to florish. Sure, there will be someone who will feel better and swear by its effectiveness. Clinical trials are almost never performed but those flocking to them could almost result in a stampede.

I remember how at one time a family sweared that a 'doctor' did perform a special surgical techniques that could remove water from the body for congestive cardiac failure, which was sutureless. He came with surgical plasters on his body. The family claimed to have seen blood oozing out and the 'surgeon' plucking things from the body. On removal of the plaster, only a superficial scratch that masqueraded as a surgical scar. It took some convincing talk before the family admitted that it was just a scam. They paid a few thousand ringgit for that.

Now that the Ministry of Health is allowing traditional medical practices to be set up in a hospital, i wonder if this will lend legitimacy to dubious claims or drugs. What regulations are in place and is evidence-based care important for this branch? Or are we perfecting the art of shooting ourselves in the foot!

Short on funds?

2008-10-01T00:45:00.000+08:00

I find this report recently in a local daily as perplexing. Slashing the budget of healthcare pushing the Minister of Health into a begging mode is ridiculous. When a hospital does not have a proper and well equipped emergency room, there should be an urgent need to rectify the situation.

Instead, there is a budget cut. Such development funds are vital to ensure that Malaysia stays at a satisfactory level of healthcare provision. As the current situation stands, there is already a lack of monetary backing in research and development, a field so vital if we are to become a developed nation in the near future. Sadly, the infrastructure itself is lagging behind in acceptable standards and certainly not to mention the human capital.

The public expects a high standard of healthcare but the mismatch in funding is glaringly evident. I suggest a budget cut in military spending which remains a huge priority, be made. Acquiring submarines in this neck of the woods is foolish as it is geographically inappropriate and certainly adds little to the line of defence.

Healthcare budgets worldwide is forever expanding. A more prudent spending and planning is essential, a well known fact even to any non-economists.

Another NS related death?

2008-09-23T15:16:00.002+08:00

Recently it was reported in local dailies that a selected trainee for national service has refused to report due to the recent death of her brother. Her parents, who obviously remain distraught about the untimely death, have been steadfastly adamant on keeping their only child with them.

This was compounded by the fact that the deceased had complained to the parents about the poor state of affairs at the national service camps. As the death had not occurred during the national service period but a few days after, the National Service committee felt that there was no basis for refusing her draft into the service.

There is still not much information surrounding the cause of death. When a young healthy individual drops dead, there should be valid concern about the cause. The National Service should not be too quick in absolving themselves of all responsibilities. Afterall it was only 9 days after the end of his training.

The sudden nature of his death should raise questions about the temporal relationship with the recently concluded NS training. Complains from the deceased about the poor water quality and general rundown condition of the camp, should be taken seriously by the NS committee.

There is obvious concern from the parents that the NS is not safe.

Many deaths around the NS training ground itself have been poorly investigated and to date, none of them has surfaced in the public domain. Comparisons with the death rate of the general population at this age is unfair as individuals going into training are supposedly well and healthy. Death rates of the general population may have taken into account individuals that are sick. Therefore, if you think about it, the death rate of these healthy individuals is rather alarmingly high to equate the national death rate.

Until and unless, there is more transparency into how the NS is run, there is little point in exposing one's children to such dangers. Indeed many are supportive of the programme but what about those affected by such unnatural deaths. Even the army or police does not have such a high death rate, do they?

So why are these young children dying at or surrounding the time of the National Service training? More questions than answers.

Related story here.

Origins of Hang Tuah: Lesson to learn

2008-09-21T15:04:00.004+08:00

I received several emails regarding the origins of Hang Tuah which facinated me in the process. Originally I thought that it was another one of those pranks that seems to circulate into my mailbox. As I searched the internet, I realise the complexity of these issues and the basis of such information.

I used to study in the history books about Hang Tuah, a now disputed Malay warrior of the Melaka Sultanate. His allegiance to the Sultan was unwavering that he eventually killed his comrade, Hang Jebat after he reneged on the Sultan. Thus Hang Tuah was a model Malay warrior. Well, at least, that is what was taught or at least recorded in the Hikayat Melayu.

Interestingly, there is now debate as to the origins of Hang Tuah. Was he actually a Malay? Or was he a Chinese or Javanese? Much of this is still disputable from my readings. However, the evidence is growing stronger that he was indeed NOT a Malay.

Shockingly, the Ministry of Education has purportedly removed this topic from the history syllabus in schools. Why? Was it not part of history, regardless of the origins of Hang Tuah? They could have been frank about the disputes on his background, although his identity was definitely that of a warrior to protect the Melaka Sultanate. Is it not what history should all be about?

Or did they feel that it will dent the shouts of 'Malay superiority'?

One thing is certain that makes Malaysia unique. The races in this country are so intertwined over the centuries that racial backgrounds are blurred. The allegiance of the Chinese to Malaysia is unquestionable over the centuries. Even the other races have contributed enormously to the richness in Malaysian history. Without which, Malaysia could not have been what she is today.

The moral of the Hang Tuah dispute should be that Malaysians are here for the country, to protect and defend if the needs do arise. Therefore racial squabbles and racists remarks smacks of disrespect to Malaysia and her history. It equates treason.

The Ministry of Education should not remove this important part of history. It does not make the Malays any less respectable but in contrary reflects the forward thinking of the Melaka Sultans at that time, when the West was still shrouded with racism.

Additional reading here.

Nuclear trouble

2008-09-21T01:47:00.002+08:00

Malaysia is officially going nuclear with TNB committing to a nuclear power plant. My objections to nuclear power is clear. It remains an unsafe way to harness power with unclear effects on the environment.

Nuclear wastes remain dangerous for years with currently no effective way of ridding them except to put them in refrigeration. Maintenance is costly with catastrophic consequences if standards are compromised .

Despite zero carbon emissions, it remains a constant danger and threat. Investments in high level security systems is also a must in this currently volatile world.

Are there really no other methods of harnessing power apart from fossil fuels? Should a country with zero experience in nuclear technology, toy with the idea of nuclear power?

Perhaps the billions of ringgit can be used to fund research in alternative energy sources. Unless and until the world knows what to do with nuclear waste, Malaysia should steer clear from this energy option.

A New Malaysia

2008-09-16T15:06:00.002+08:00

Dawn of a new era? A new hope for Malaysia.

Anwar has today confirmed that he has sufficient MPs for a takeover of the Federal Government. It is hoped that the transition will be smooth.

Recent spate of gross misjudgements of the current BN Government was the straw that broke the camel's back. To date, there has been no clear reasons given for the arrests of the journalists or Teresa. Despite clear evidence that would absolve Teresa from any misconduct, the police has decided to ignore that but instead justified the arrest for the purposes of investigation.

Do we see any similiarities with Myanmar? On one hand, we are condemning the brutality of the military junta there, but on the other, we are doing exactly the same misdeed. Malaysia has lost all credibility in its human rights status. Detaining someone without a clear evidence but based on hearsay and the fancies of the ruling politicians, signifies a authoritarian regime.

The BN Government has lost its footing under Abdullah and his ministers, namely, Syed Hamid Albar and Najib Tun Razak. Frankly speaking, I fail to see any of these people continuing in their current positions. Abdullah has been silent on the ISA arrests and left the dirty job to Syed Hamid who clearly is clueless on what to say. UMNO in general has left its "allies" in the dark. MCA, MIC and Gerakan are obviously against the arrests. So when Syed Hamid mentioned about a Government decision, which Government is he referring to?

It was obviously an UMNO decision. UMNO stands alone in this, not the BN coalition government. It's a sinking battleship, with the captain defiantly holding on to its controls.

We await a new dawn for Malaysia, where all malaysians fight for Malaysia regardless of race, for the benefit of all.

A diversion

2008-09-15T13:53:00.004+08:00

Recent ISA arrests that totally lacked judgement raises questions as to the rationale of it all. Why had they arrested these 3 people based on loose accusations, knowing very well that the repercussions will be immense?

I believe that this was done to divert attention from the planned September 16 takeover by the PR alliance. With the attention now diverted, there is less focus on wooing crossovers from the BN MPs.

Unfortunately, the ISA theatrics have put the final nail in Badawi's coffin. With large groups even within his own UMNO party deserting him, his position has become more and more untenable and his tenure as PM is coming to an early end. In addition, the cohesion of BN component parties is suspect following this fiasco.

We are at the verge of a change in Government after 51 years of BN rule. Will they go quietly or will all hell break loose? As we hold our breath for this historic political change, we hope that Malaysia in general gains.

Much resources have been wasted as we slide behind previously poorer neighbours. Accusations of corruption and mismanagement is not without basis although much has been ignored.

It is time to stop the rot. Malaysia needs to progress as a nation of multiple races. We are here to build Malaysia. Harboring ill feelings about other races will only damage Malaysia. For Malaysia to be great, we should all see beyond the colours of our skins. Fighting just for your race, like Ahmad Ismail, will only stall Malaysia from reaching greatness.

One lasting impression for Malaysians to savour is the moment when Lee Chong Wei kissed the Malaysian flag upon winning. Now this is what we need to focus on. Making Malaysia great.

Release Teresa now

2008-09-14T17:18:00.003+08:00

This original letter to the Masjid confirms earlier reports that the call to lower the volume of the loudspeakers for the azan prayers is false.

Even the blogger that propagated the issue has openly apologised for his ill-researched article. (http://www.pembelamelayu.com)

Saya baca dalam suratkhabar online, ada yang mengatakan mereka yang menandatangi petisyen ini sekadar mempertikaikan penggunaan speaker pada waktu subuh untuk bacaan surah dan kuliah subuh. Kesilapan saya ialah kerana menyangka biasanya kegunaan utama speaker pada waktu Subuh ialah untuk melaungkan azan Subuh. Kebiasaanya laungan azan adalah jauh lebih kuat daripada bacaan surah dan kuliah kerana ianya untuk menyeru umat Islam untuk bersama-sama berjemaah di masjid. Manakala bacaan surah dan kuliah biasanya adalah perlahan kerana hanya untuk didengari oleh jemaah dalam masjid. Mungkin saya telah membuat taksiran yang salah dalam soal ini dan menjadi keliru kerana cuba membandingkan perkara ini dengan Solat Jumaat yang mana khutbahnya tidak sekuat jika dibandingkan dengan laungan Azan.

Jadi, sempena bulan Ramadhan yang mulia ini, saya memohon maaf kepada semua umat Islam sekiranya penerbitan artikel dilaman web saya ini telah menimbulkan keresahan di kalangan umat Islam. Sememangnya, saya sepatutnya membuat lebih banyak kajian dan semakan sebelum menyiarkan artikel yang amat sensitif ini.

Saya harap saya akan dapat menjadikan pengalaman saya ini sebagai satu pengajaran untuk saya lebih berhati-hati apabila membuat sesuatu keputusan.

Now is time for Dr Khir to apologise openly to Teresa for this.

Syed Hamid Albar and the police should apologise as well. I think Syed Hamid should resign over this matter. He obviously had the authority to stop the arrests but failed to do so. Matters related to the ISA ends with him as the Home Minister. He knows that.

I wonder what reasons the Government will give this time.

Sign an online petition, Free Teresa Abolish ISA here

ISA to protect?? Come on!

2008-09-13T18:03:00.001+08:00

Home Minister, Syed Hamid clarified today that the Sin Chew reporter was held for her own safety due to alleged threats on her life!

How stupid does he think we are? Using the ISA to offer protection when there are other avenues? When did the ISA become a law to protect the 'innocent'?

The latest casualty is Teresa Kok.

Where is the Government going with this?

It is absurd

2008-09-12T23:05:00.000+08:00

The arrest of the Sin Chew reporter under ISA baffles me. It is clear that Ahmad Ismail uttered racist comments and what the reporter merely did was to report them as it happened. To date, Ahmad Ismail has not clearly clarified how he was misquoted apart from saying that it was historical facts. He remains defiant and at times taunting both the Chinese community and the Government. He remains free from ISA.

The entire community of journalists should condemn this action. This barbaric resolve equates us to the authoritarian Myanmarese junta. Reasons for arrest is purportedly for security and peace. Yes, but for whom?

What has the Sin Chew reporter done wrong? When did reporting a ‘crime’ became a threat to national security? Why is Ahmad Ismail still free when he clearly is the source of this controversy and in my opinion, poses more of a threat to national security. He remains influential and is free to hold advisory positions within UMNO. In 3 years, he will be back to active politics.

Ahmad Ismail sowed seeds of doubt about the citizenship and loyalty of the Chinese to his predominantly Malay audience. The intention of bringing up historical facts of the Chinese immigration to Malaysia is enough circumstantial evidence to support the fact that he intended to instill spite among the Malays.

Ahmad Ismail fits the profile of one that should be sitting in the Kamunting Detention Camp.

What has Tan Choon Heng, the Sin Chew journalist done wrong? In my eyes, nothing. She was merely doing her job. Ahmad Ismail did not deny uttering the said remarks. He should have apologized that it was open to misinterpretation. Instead his reactions clearly suggest malicious intent.

It is absurd!

Enough is enough

2008-09-02T00:36:00.001+08:00

Enough arrogance!

Recent statements by a senior UMNO politician referring to the Chinese in Malaysia as 'pendatang' , reflects the regressive mentality of UMNO. Instead of rebuking such statements, our PM has instead tried to defend him. I agree that this is a seditious remark.

UMNO is losing direction and until or unless there is a change in mindsets, MCA,MIC and Gerakan should rethink their participation in BN.

Rumours are rife and it appears that Malaysia may be facing another political tsunami. PR is at the threshold of power. despite valiant attempts by the PM to foil any takeover bids, it is obvious that he no longer commands the support of his fellow parliamentarians.

Even Najib is tainted by the still unresolved Altantuya case, where his foot imprints litter the case. Many leads point to him but unfortunately intentionally ignored. Even the Saiful sodomy saga is beginning to backfire, when Najib who initially denied meeting Saiful, had to backtrack when photographs that linked him emerged.

Despite a landslide victory by Anwar in Permatang Pauh, BN remains defiant that it in no way reflected the sentiments of the general public. My advice, wake up!!

After 51 years of BN rule, Malaysia is ready for change. Much of that has been shrouded by media brainwash before the era of the internet arrived. Even then, BN is bent on stifling the independence of the internet as recently displayed when they blanked out a pro opposition website! It's promise of non interference evaporating.

Enough is enough.

Trial by media

2008-08-23T00:11:00.002+08:00

Recent reports of a plastic surgeon 'slapping' a patient raises more questions than answers. Unfortunately, the verdict has been passed and the execution swift with the immediate suspension of this surgeon.

I have come to realise that higher authorities in Malaysia tend not to defend the integrity of their staff but instead succumb to pressures from the blood-thirsty press. Rather than allowing for a proper investigation to be conducted, suspension only translates to admission of guilt.

Conversations with individuals with direct contact with this surgeon reveals a mild mannered and hardworking surgeon in a field that requires years of rigorous training. Circumstances surrounding this 'slapping' incident remains iffy.

In the event that this surgeon is absolved from these accusations, damage has been done. Another precious resource is lost as a result of an over zealous administration who usually act only at the spinal level!

Nothing adds up

2008-08-07T21:47:00.006+08:00

The plot thickens as Malaysians are coyed into believing that Anwar is indeed a homosexual maniac. The story being presented to the public is filled with absurdities and one wonders why the Solicitor General even bothered to proceed with prosecution.

Now it appears that Anwar is charged under Section 377B which does not elaborate on whether the offence was consented or otherwise, all this when there is a provision under Section 377C to charge Anwar for committing carnal intercourse against the course of nature without consent. So if this act was consented, what was the motive of Saiful's accusation?

Saiful's trips to the DPM's office before the allegations surfaced for allegedly requesting for a scholarship is ludicrious. For someone with such poor university scores, going to the DPM's office for a scholarship is hardly a sound move. Rather than throwing out such an inappropriate request, the staff had the audacity to pose for photographs with this individual. Who is Saiful, a poor student, that he dares to circumvent normal procedures for requesting for a government scholarship?

The first medical report showed no evidence of sodomy. As a medical doctor, if an object has been forcibly inserted against one's will, damage to the anal canal will be apparent with tears and abrasions. Even consented anal intercourse will reveal such tears or at least previous scars. It does not take a gastroenterologist to recognise these damages and with 30 years of experience, Dr Osman is certainly competent enough to recognise them. So why was there a huge discrepancy between the medical report at Pusrawi and HKL? Who were the doctors that assessed Saiful at HKL and what are their credentials?

Saiful's demeanor during the initial press conferences to announce this sexual allegation was inconsistent with someone who was severely traumatised by such an act. He was confident and appeared proudly elated that he had gathered the courage to report on Anwar. Victims of sexual crimes are usually reclusive and the feelings of being violated is severely depressing.

The sodomy allegation should remain between Saiful and Anwar. Unfortunately the amount of press commentaries especially from Badawi and his government, who appear to have detailed knowledge of police investigations, is enough evidence of the presence of political interferences. The Attorney General or Solicitor General, despite being elected by the Executive, represents the people of Malaysia and not the PM. Unfortunately, the impression from press statements is that the AG or SG is actually answerable directly to the PM.

Any sane individual will attest to this shambolic court drama. It will be a fatal error to undermine the intelligence of the Malaysian public.