ARCHIVE SIMPLE PLEASURES

moving announcement

2009-12-16T09:12:00.000+08:00

What do Nobel Laureates do on their days off?

2009-12-02T01:33:00.000+08:00

'Absolute Defeat'

2009-11-29T01:57:00.001+08:00

"Let it be known that your hostile policies have created a new world of enemies who will fight against you, and the earth is narrowing around you and you will always live the life of all bitterness and sorrow, because the policy of force and tyranny cannot and will not be accepted by anyone." – Mullah Mohammed Omar

A Conversation with Ingrid Mattson

2009-11-21T09:37:00.000+08:00

Ingrid Mattson, the first female president of the Islamic Society of North America

the italian man who went to malta

2009-11-19T03:57:00.000+08:00

Anak Anak Kita - Lirik

2009-11-11T13:36:00.000+08:00

Tok Guru Nik Aziz Sporting Spirit

2009-11-07T02:30:00.000+08:00

Nik Aziz saksikan Kelantan lawan Perlis.

Falsafah secara mudah

2009-11-06T12:03:00.004+08:00

After being harassed, former Mufti of Perlis, Asri spoke of Dictatorship, freedom, radiculosness of Tauliah, right to differ and individual liberty & enmity between individuals.

Insan dan Manikam.

2009-10-31T22:58:00.003+08:00

M. Nasir
Insan dan Manikam
Pencipta: M. Nasir (lagu), Loloq (lirik)
Album: Saudagar Mimpi

========================

Ya insan yang hadir
Dengarkan semua
Ku isytiharkan dengan hati terbuka
Ya insan yang daif
Insaflah semua
Manikam yang di sangkakan
Bukan yang asli
Hanya seiras dan serupa
Ya insan yang hagas
Awasilah semua
Maya yang indah
Ada kudisnya
Jangan terpedaya

Angin yang membawa berita
Pancaindera yang memang lemah
Mudah terkeliru

Pak tua menangis sendiri
Mengenangkan nasib diri
Walaupun puas mencari
Namun belum ketemui
Cik Buyung riang selalu
Damai dan senang hati
Walaupun tak berusaha
Dia ketemui

Dia ketemui
Apa dicari
Dia ketemui
Yang abadi
Dia ketemui

Alam yang membawa cerita
Pancaindera yang memang lemah
Mudah terkeliru

hidayah

2009-10-29T22:50:00.000+08:00

Artist: M. Nasir Album: Saudagar Mimpi

Senja memanggil pulang sang pegembara
Menangis ia
Melihat keperitan zaman pencarian
katanya
aku sendiri

perjuangan dulu hanyalah ujian
hanyalah bayangan
Untuk menghadapi perang yang utama
hanyalah diriku sendiri
dan hidayah selama ini
hanya engkau yang ku dambakan
dan semoga sejahteralah
engkau pada ku

Oh! hidayah
dan tanpa mu apalah aku
apalah aku tanpa hidayah

senja memanggil pulang sang penggembara
menangis ia
melihat keperitan zaman pencarian
katanya
aku Yatim

The Palestinian Representative's Speech at the UN

2009-09-03T05:02:00.003+08:00

The Palestinian Representative's Speech at the UN

'Before beginning my talk I want to tell you something about Moses. When he struck the rock and it brought forth water, he thought, 'What a good opportunity to have a bath!'

He removed his clothes, put them aside on the rock and entered the water. When he got out and wanted to dress, his clothes had vanished. An Israeli had stolen them.'

The Israeli representative jumped up furiously and shouted, 'What are you talking about? The Israelis weren't there then.

The Palestinian representative smiled and said: 'And now that we have made that clear, I will begin my speech.'

Muhammad PBUH in the eyes of Intellectuals

2009-06-19T01:56:00.000+08:00

Moon Split : Spliting of moon one of the miracle done by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and which is proven by science.

2009-05-28T05:22:00.004+08:00

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Books muhammad Miracle

AL-QAMAR (THE MOON)

Total Verses: 55
Revealed At: MAKKA

054.001

YUSUFALI: The Hour (of Judgment) is nigh, and the moon is cleft asunder.

PICKTHAL: The hour drew nigh and the moon was rent in twain.

SHAKIR: The hour drew nigh and the moon did rend asunder.

054.002
YUSUFALI: But if they see a Sign, they turn away, and say, "This is (but) transient magic."
PICKTHAL: And if they behold a portent they turn away and say: Prolonged illusion.
SHAKIR: And if they see a miracle they turn aside and say: Transient magic.

[the rest of the surah/chapter]

Famous last words — The Malaysian Insider

2009-05-11T07:30:00.001+08:00

MAY 9 — What a week it was. A fracas in the Perak state assembly for the first time in history. A show of force by police personnel inside the legislature for the first time in history. And complete disbelief across Malaysia of how badly the Perak crisis has been handled. The Malaysian Insider sieves through the rhetoric and picks out a few gems.

• “Changing party is a normal thing in a parliamentary democracy. Winston Churchill changed parties twice. In the United States, a Republican Senator recently crossed over to become a Democrat Senator. It is not unconstitutional to do so and it is also not illegal.” — Datuk Seri Najib Razak

Err, sorry Mr Prime Minister, you are comparing apples and oranges here. It is an insult to speak of Winston Churchill and Arlen Specter in the same breath as Hee Yit Foong, Osman Jailu and Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi.

Churchill was arguably the greatest war-time prime minister. In 1904 he joined the Liberal party because he disagreed with the revived protectionism among some elements of the Tory party. Twenty years later he severed ties with liberalism and joined the Conservative party. But even while in the Tory movement, he was dead set against its policies on defence and imperialism.

Arlen Specter was a Democrat when he was young but decided to join the Republican party and became one of America’s best known and most influential senators on its ticket. Several weeks ago, he joined the Democrats, saying that his philosophy had moved closer to that of Obama’s party.

Both men had something in common — they were/are viewed as standout politicians who only crossed the aisle for political ideology. Their actions did not cause the fall of their governments. Nor did they disappear from the scene only to surface a few days later with implausible stories.

Now let us touch on Messrs Osman, Jamaluddin and Hee. Osman and Jamaluddin have no political track record to speak off. Oh but they do have something in common — a corruption charge hanging over their heads. The subterfuge surrounding their defection and their feeble performance since only suggests that their decision to cross over was not anchored on political ideology.

In Hee’s case, she is on record as saying that she was dissatisfied at her second-class status in the DAP. Not once did the trio ever give the impression that they were defecting to preserve their political beliefs or dignity.

So Mr Prime Minister, bad comparison. Also, many Malaysians view the Perak power grab as illegal and unconstitutional not because of the actions of three unknowns but because of the cavalier manner in which the Federal Constitution has been treated by some of our institutions.

• “In the running of a democracy we cannot allow the tyranny of the minority to decide for the majority.” — Datuk Abdul Zambry Kadir

So true. That is why the task of electing a state government must always be in the hands of the rakyat, the majority. And when there is a deadlock in the House or a question arises whether a government has the authority and legitimacy to rule, it must be the electorate that unties that knot. What more when Malaysia professes to be a constitutional democracy.

• "I don't want to get involved in this. I just want to give my speech, so respect my speech, when I am giving it. You understand that? If you want to work with me in future, you have to respect my speech. Understand?” — Raja Nazrin Shah

Too late. It was way too late for the Regent of Perak to say that he did not want any part in the fracas in the state assembly. What happened on May 7 did not materialise out of nowhere. It did not happen in a vacuum.

The tug-of-war for power in Perak was a natural consequence of a refusal by the Sultan of Perak to dissolve the assembly and allow Perakians to decide who should represent them.

Respect has to be earned, even if you are next in line to the throne.

Admonishing the very lawmakers who many Malaysians feel are the victims in this saga is not a good start.

• “Hati mereka ada hantu.” — Hee Yit Foong

The press corps had a field day covering Hee yesterday. She had difficulty speaking fluently in Bahasa Malaysia or English, and she looked out of her depth. But that is not her fault. Lay the blame on the people who fielded her as a candidate in Jelapang, who did not put her through a thorough screening process and who did not bother to find out whether she could communicate with her constituents. Blame the DAP.

Tevez brings Devils within inches of trophy

2009-05-11T01:35:00.000+08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Carlos Tevez on Sunday helped Manchester United close on the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over city rivals.

Out-of-favor but inspirational striker Carlos Tevez helps Manchester United close on the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over local rival Manchester City.

First half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo (18') and the Argentine (45') on Sunday saw the Red Devils take a giant stride toward the title and reclaim the top spot with three games in hand.

United has 83 points from 35 games. Liverpool stands second with 80 points from 36 games.

The decisive victory in the Manchester derby leaves the defending champions needing only four points to lift the trophy for the third year in a row, CNN reported. The Reds can well secure the title before Liverpool even plays another game.

Scoring his 14th Premiership goal of a season in which he has made just 17 starts, Tevez, whose future at United is in doubt, underlined his feelings with his manner of celebration.

Tevez cupped his hands to his ears as he ran down the touchline while the United faithful chanted "Fergie, Fergie sign him up."

The 25-year-old has established himself as a clear favorite with the Red Devils and their fans for his all-action style.

The Argentine won Sir Alex Ferguson's admiration for his performance in United's dramatic win over Tottenham Hotspur. Tevez came on for Nani in the second half to help the Reds swap a 0-2 first-half defeat with a 5-2 full-time victory.

Memorable Goal - FC Porto 0-1 Manchester United

2009-04-25T17:32:00.002+08:00

April 17, 2009 - Cristiano Ronaldo hopes United's performance in the 1-0 win over Porto will bring confidence back to the team.

United marked their 150th UEFA Champions League game with a narrow win in the second leg becoming the first English side to beat the Portuguese club on home soil.

Ronaldo's rocket shot in the first half was enough to secure passage through to the semi-finals where Sir Alex Ferguson's side will meet Arsenal.

Reflecting on a testing spell for the Red Devils, the United star believes Wednesday's result will be a timely confidence boost.

Confidence
"This will give us confidence," he told Sky Sports. "The last five games we didn't play great and I hope this will change that."

Describing his goal, the Portuguese forward said: "When Anderson gave me the ball I think straight away to turn and shoot in the goal and I score a fantastic goal.

"It is the best I have scored.

"It was a fantastic strike and I can't wait to see it again on DVD. I am very happy with it."

Conceding that the semi-final against Arsenal will be tough, Ronaldo admitted that the prospect of competing against another English side in Europe is an exciting one.

"It's a fantastic thing," he said of the tie. "Arsenal play fantastic football.

"It will be a tight game. We know each other and I hope to win the tie and go to the final."

US Guantanamo guard converts to Islam

2009-04-14T09:28:00.001+08:00

As the US government moves to shutdown its detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, stories are emerging of the way it affected those inside.

Former inmates have talked about the deprivation and pressures they faced.

But Terry Holdbrooks was on the other side. He was a US soldier and he says he saw something in the behaviour of the inmates that changed him. He tells his story to Al Jazeera in his own words.

Lecture on Political Economy - Globalisation

2009-04-14T00:57:00.001+08:00

March 31, 2008 - A one hour lecture. 1993 until March 2006, Bill Emmott was the editor of The Economist, the world's leading weekly magazine on current affairs and business. During his tenure at The Economist, the magazine's circulation more than doubled to over 1.1 million.

Emmott is now an independent writer, speaker, and consultant based in London and Somerset, England.

Understanding The Financial Crisis--For Kids and Grownups

2009-04-06T19:48:00.001+08:00

September 30, 2008 - Having difficulty understanding the 2008 US Financial Crisis? Here's a short animated video that explains - visually!

High Flyer MU downed twice in a row.

2009-03-23T03:59:00.008+08:00

Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool

14 March - Liverpool came from behind at Old Trafford to re-ignite the Barclays Premier League title race with a stunning victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo put Manchester United in front from the penalty spot after Pepe Reina had brought down Park Ji-Sung on 23 minutes.

Fernando Torres bustled past Nemanja Vidic to level five minutes later and Steven Gerrard put the Merseysiders in front from the spot a minute before the break after he had been fouled by Patrice Evra.

Vidic was shown a straight red for a foul on Gerrard on 73 minutes and further punishment was inflicted as Fabio Aurelio curled home the free-kick.

Andrea Dossena lobbed Edwin van der Sar in the final minute to complete a magnificent victory and cut the lead on the champions to just four points.

Fulham 2-0 Manchester United

21 March - Fulham blew the title race wide open with a sensational win over nine-man Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

Danny Murphy put Fulham in front from the penalty spot when Paul Scholes was sent off for handling a Bobby Zamora goal-bound header in the 17th minute.

Zoltan Gera condemned United to their first back-to-back top flight defeats for four years when he scored a second in the 87th minute.

United's miserable afternoon was capped seconds later when Wayne Rooney was sent off for a second bookable offence.

source : http://www.premierleague.com/

see League table

MCKK

2009-03-13T19:26:00.001+08:00

* Maktab Melayu Kuala Kangsar, MCKK merupakan sekolah berasrama penuh pertama di negara ini, yang dibina pada tahun 1905. Ia begitu sinonim dengan murid-murid lelakinya yang mempunyai keperibadian, ketrampilan serta tahap intelektual yang tinggi. MCKK juga merupakan perintis dalam melahirkan ramai tokoh serta pemimpin tersohor seperti Dato` Onn Jaafar, Tun Abdul Razak dan ramai lagi, termasuk Menteri Pelajaran, Dato` Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.[video inside]

EUFA LEAGUE CUP LAST EIGHT

2009-03-12T18:11:00.003+08:00

Vidic made an early, powerful header against Inter Milan to give an early advantage to the Reds. Final Score: Manchester United 2-0 Inter Milan.

Cristiano Ronaldo hits a header after the half time to give Manchester United a 2-0 lead! Final Score: Manchester United 2-0 Inter Milan

First knockout round source uefa.com

	Agg.		First leg	Second leg
Atlético	2-2	Porto (ag)	2-2 Report »	0-0 Report »
Lyon	3-6	Barcelona	1-1 Report »	2-5 Report »
Arsenal (7-6p)	1-1	Roma	1-0 Report »	0-1 Report »
Internazionale	0-2	Man. United	0-0 Report »	0-2 Report »
Real Madrid	0-5	Liverpool	0-1 Report »	0-4 Report »
Chelsea	3-2	Juventus	1-0 Report »	2-2 Report »
Villarreal	3-2	Panathinaikos	1-1 Report »	2-1 Report »
Sporting	1-12	Bayern	0-5 Report »	1-7 Report »

Key:

p: Match decided after extra time and penalty shoot-out
ag: Match decided on away goals

First-leg home team shown first.
First-leg home team score shown first for both legs.

Lethal Liverpool too much for Madrid

2009-03-11T12:14:00.003+08:00

Source : uefa.com

Liverpool v Real Madrid

First knockout round

	Agg.		First leg	Second leg
Atlético	-	Porto	2-2 Report »	Preview »
Lyon	-	Barcelona	1-1 Report »	Preview »
Arsenal	-	Roma	1-0 Report »	Preview »
Internazionale	-	Man. United	0-0 Report »	Preview »
Real Madrid	0-5	Liverpool	0-1 Report »	0-4 Report »
Chelsea	3-2	Juventus	1-0 Report »	2-2 Report »
Villarreal	3-2	Panathinaikos	1-1 Report »	2-1 Report »
Sporting	1-12	Bayern	0-5 Report »	1-7 Report »

First-leg home team shown first.
First-leg home team score shown first for both legs.

Closed Zone

2009-03-08T14:51:00.002+08:00

The new animated film created by Yoni Goodman, Director of Animation for the Academy Award-nominated film "Waltz with Bashir", together with the human rights group Gisha. "Closed Zone" shows the closure of the Gaza Strip and its effects on the ability of 1.5 million human beings living there to fulfill their daily needs, as well as their dreams and aspirations

Closed Zone - Click here for more blooper videos

Waltz with Bashir - Cannes 2008

2009-03-08T14:28:00.001+08:00

Among the most intriguing movies selected for Cannes 2008 official competition, there's the animated documantary by Ari Folman, Waltz with Bashir. The director explores through memories and surreal images, the Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early eighties.

Bashir animator makes film on Gaza

2009-03-08T08:46:00.000+08:00

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:02:03 GMT | PressTV

A frame from Goodman's 'Closed Zone'

One of the creators of the Oscar-nominated animation Waltz with Bashir has released a short film about the recent Israeli war on Gaza.

Yoni Goodman's 90-second Closed Zone shows a Palestinian boy trying to chase a blue bird, but large hands block his way.

The film highlights Israel's tight blockade on Gaza, which has deprived dozens of Palestinians of medical and food supplies from the past 19 months.

"I'm very much against the Israeli blockade policy, and the last war was just a mistake," Goodman told The Jerusalem Post.

"People talk about Hamas, but there are many civilians there who are not Hamas supporters but who are suffering from this blockade," he said.

The blockade is a major issue in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and the UN and international aid groups say crossing points into Gaza must be opened to allow in much-needed living supplies.

The film has been launched online and Goodman hopes it can help people “see that there are people in Israel who are against war, who want peace," AP quoted him as saying.

Goodman says he started the project before the Israeli offensive against Gaza in December and that the conflict has affected his story.

Israel's three-week offensive against Gaza -- aimed at toppling the democratically-elected government of Hamas in the Palestinian territory -- left nearly 1,300 Palestinians dead, more than half of them civilians.

United, Chelsea in FA Cup semis

2009-03-07T11:35:00.003+08:00

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:35:13 GMT | PressTV

Carlos Tevez (R) shoots and scores his 2nd goal against Fulham.

Manchester United and Chelsea march into the FA Cup semi-finals raising speculations of a rematch of last season's UEFA Champions League final.

United thrashed Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage, moving a step closer to an unprecedented quintuple.

Carlos Tevez scored the opener for The Reds 20 minutes into the game, before curling in a magnificent 25-yard power drive 10 minutes from half-time.

Wayne Rooney found the bottom-left corner for the net five minutes into the second half making it 3-0 to United. Ji-Sung Park's 81st minute shot went exactly where Rooney had sent the ball some 30 minutes earlier.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson rested Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov before two crucial clashes one against Inter Milan in the Champions League and another against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Fulham's best goal attempt came early in the game when an Andrew Johnson effort was met with a terrible mistake by Edwin Van der Sar resulting in the ball moving towards the line, where it was bundled off by Nemanja Vidic.

Chelsea's Didier Drogba celebrates his goal.

At Coventry, Didier Drogba put Chelsea ahead in the 15th minute and Alex doubled the lead after a fine counter-attack with 18 minutes from time.

Manager Guus Hiddink praised Drogba describing him as a dangerous striker. "He is working hard and he is good for the team". "He, however, still has to make some small improvements in his game," the manager added.

Hiddink said that his side would keep up the pressure on Manchester United "for as long as they can mathematically catch them."

The Blues and The Reds could meet up at either the semifinal or the final. In other FA Cup matches Everton takes on Middlesbrough on Sunday, while Arsenal and Burnley meet in a fifth-round tie.

Champions League results

2009-02-26T12:23:00.002+08:00

Liverpool win 1-0 at Real Madrid

Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso (left) heads the ball overReal Madrid’s Lassana Diarra (right) during a Champions League, Round of 16, first leg football match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid yesterday.

— AP pic

MADRID, Feb 26 ( Malaysianinsider — AP)

— Yossi Benayoun scored with a late header yesterday to give Liverpool a valuable 1-0 away win at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 knockout match.

In a game of few chances, Benayoun powered Fabio Aurelio's curling free kick past Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the 82nd minute to give the English club an all-important away goal.

Casillas denied first-half scoring chances from Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso, while Arjen Robben created the Spanish champion's best effort with a rising shot that went through the fingertips of goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 71st but over the crossbar.

Both teams were largely restricted to long-range efforts. Alonso nearly caught Casillas off his line from inside his own half in the 45th but the Madrid goalkeeper backpedalled before tipping the ball over the crossbar.

Nine-time champion Madrid has underperformed in the competition in recent seasons and hasn't reached the quarter-finals since 2004. Nevertheless, president Vicente Boluda had predicted a 3-0 victory.

Madrid, which came into the match on a nine-game league winning streak, started the better of the two sides. Robben found Raul Gonzalez inside the area as early as the fifth minute, but Madrid's all-time leading scorer failed to beat Pepe Reina with his angled effort.

Reina again denied Madrid in the 16th minute, parrying Marcelo's hard drive.

Casillas dove to his right in the 21st to keep Torres' shot out, and the Spain striker appeared to hurt his right ankle soon after.

Robben was Madrid's biggest attacking threat, darting free into the middle in the 39th only to send his shot wide. A minute later, the Netherlands forward duplicated the play with exactly the same result.

Madrid coach Juande Ramos brought on Jose Maria (Guti)Gutierrez for Marcelo to start the second half but Liverpool pushed up with Alonso volleying wide in the 50th. Two minutes later, Robben dribbled through two defenders into the area but hit the ball into the side netting.

Torres didn't manage to snap his scoring drought at the Bernabeu as the former Atletico Madrid striker came off to jeers from the 80,000-plus in the 62nd, replaced by Ryan Babel.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard came on in the 87th for his first appearance after a three-week layoff due to a hamstring injury.

Liverpool will be without Riera for the return leg after the Spanish midfielder was booked in the 84th.

The second leg will be on March 10 at Anfield.

Chelsea defeated visiting Juventus 1-0 on a 12th minute goal by Didier Drogba, just his fourth of the season and first since Dec 26.

Giuseppe Rossi, a 22-year-old forward born in the United States, converted a tying penalty kick for Villarreal in the 67th minute of a 1-1 draw against visiting Panathinaikos after Robert Pires was fouled by Jakub Wawrzyniak. Giorgos Karagounis had scored on a 25-yard shot in the 59th that tipped off a hand of goalkeeper Diego Lopez and the crossbar before bouncing in.

Bayern Munich won 5-0 at Sporting Lisbon as Franck Ribery and Luca Toni had two goals each and Miroslav Klose scored once.

On Tuesday, defending champion Manchester United tied 0-0 at Inter Milan, Barcelona was held 1-1 at Lyon, Atletico Madrid tied 2-2 with visiting Porto and Arsenal beat visiting AS Roma 1-0. Second legs for those matchups will be March 11.

Shoe-hurlers target Israeli official

2009-02-25T10:30:00.010+08:00

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:06:01 GMT | PressTV

A shoe modelled after the ones thrown at the former US president George W. Bush

Pro-Palestinian protesters pelt an Israeli official with their shoes before he starts 'justifying' Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, Israeli reserves officer Ron Edelheit was about to brief an Amsterdam conference on the situation in Israel and Gaza when three protesters hurled four shoes at him, wrote Turkish daily Cumhuriyet, a Press TV correspondent reported.

The protesters, two men and one woman, had managed to get in the Apollo Hotel's venue where the Center for Information and Documentation on Israel (CIDI) had arranged a conference.

The shoes reportedly hit the Israeli official who served as the army spokesman during the recent 23-day Israeli attacks on Gaza.

The demonstrators claimed the lecture was meant to "justify the massive destruction Israel planted in the Strip," Ynet reported.

The attackers, whose identities are yet to be disclosed, were immediately arrested and accused of insulting the Israeli official.

"This was an actual physical assault - past the limits of good taste," said Edelheit.

"Once they throw a shoe - I'm in good company. Bush got two shoes thrown at him, I got four," he added referring to the Iraqi reporter Muntadhar al- Zaidi who earned worldwide fame for hurling his shoes at the former US president during a press conference in Baghdad.

About 50 protesters had also gathered in front of the hotel. Another hotel had been chosen to host the event but the location was changed after the officer received death threats.

Israeli envoy 3rd shoe-hurling target

2009-02-09T16:12:00.011+08:00

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:52:20 GMT | PressTV

Shoe-throwing has turned into a symbol of protest worldwide.

Iraqi protestors holding shoes demand the US forces to

leave their country.

Israeli ambassador to Sweden was welcomed by a shoe at Stockholm University as angry audience condemned Tel Aviv for attacks on Gaza.

Benny Dagan was giving a speech at a seminar on Israel's elections and the Middle East situation this week when a shoe and books were thrown at him.

The protesters shouted 'murderers' before throwing the objects including books, condemning Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Israel launched a 23-day unilateral war against the Gaza Strip in December, which left almost 1,400 people killed and injured at least 5,450 others.

The envoy was not injured as the shoe only 'brushed' his leg and the books did not hit him, AP reported.

Two suspects were arrested following the incident but they were consequently released.

The Israeli envoy is the third target of shoe-hurling, as the move has turned into a symbol of protest worldwide.

In December, Muntadhar al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist threw a pair of shoes at George Bush at a press conference in Baghdad.

The second shoe victim was the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao when he was making a speech at the Cambridge University on Monday.

PUISI TAHUN BARU CINA : KHATIMAH

2009-01-30T09:45:00.004+08:00

Khatimah

I

Kau tentu ragui taksiranku tentang sejarah manusia
Yang bermula bukan dengan Zaman Batu Insan Purba
Yang tidak tahu martabat dirinya dan peranannya di dunia
Yang melihat ke belakang penuh kemunduran dan derita.

Kau melihat masakini dengan segala permasalahan
Mengharap masadepan menjanjikan lebih kebaikan
Degan pengalaman silam dan masakini
Serta ilmu perubatan dan teknologi tinggi.

Kau menganggap perjanjian insan di Alam Sana
Tiada kaitannya dengan hidup kita di dunia.

Kau tidak patut meragui pandanganku ini
Jika kau mengakui, walau samar sekali
Akan kedatangan hidup ukhrawi tidak terhalangi
Babak terakhir kehidupan insani
Yang menjejaki segala niat dan amal kita di Sini.

Wajarkah kau menerima Babak kedua dan terakhir?
Babak Pertama di Alam Sana kau rela mungkir?

II

Kau mungkin berkata sudah lupa Perjanjian Dulu
Yang kau anggap mungkin tidak pernah berlaku?
Apa hubungannya dengan pergolakan di dunia ini
Kekadang difahami, kekadang sukat dimengerti?

Kau bimbang jika berpegang pada Perjanjian Dulu
Yang samara-samar diingat itu, kita tentu terbelenggu
Dengan masa lalu dan gagal melangkah maju
Mencapai kehidupan penuh bermutu
Agar dihormati kawan dan tidak ditindas seteru.

Walau pandanganku pada zaman kita ini
Tidak di fahami dan akan disalah –mengerti
Dulu pegangan ini dimiliki ulama, umara dan awam
Pegangan inilah memicu mereka memimpin zaman
Mengalah semua musuh, luaran maupun dalaman
Mengejar ilmu pengetahuan dari Mekah, Cina dan Yunan.

Tuhan pernah berfirman, dan kebenarannya tidak pernah diragukkan
Gunung dan langit berkecai jika memikul Risalah Tanzilan
Tapi Mustafa yang kerdil jasadnya membukti keunggulan
Memikul Amanah Suci dua puluh tiga tahun penuh cabaran.

Kita harus juga bisa membukti kekuatan
Bukan melihat Tanzil dengan warna kemodenan
Menolak Babak Awal dan Akhir sejarah insane
Yang menafikan martabat kita mengatasi semua kejadian:
Sama ada binatang, malaikat, tumbuhan,haiwan
Atau kehidupan mungkin ditemui di masa depan
Di atas bulan dan bintang-bintang gemerlapan

III

Kita masih bebas merubah cita dan cara lebih bertaqwa
Mungkin sekarang masih belum wajar berbangga
Perubahan kearah kebaikan inilah disebut pengislahan
Pembangunan sebenar bagi kita masyarakat insan kita.

Jangan sekali-kali pandangan ku di perkudai
Mengekalkan kelemahan dan kejahatan masakini:
Jika terjebak di kancah maksiat dan kezaliman
Kau bebas bertaubat dan menukar haluan
Bagai Umar al-Faruk dan Khalid Pedang Tuhan
Atau Ibrahim Adhan putera bangsawan.

Jika telah bertapak dalam kebaikan akal dan amalan
Kau bebas meningkat ke tahap tinggi mencapai ihsan
Mengekal makam sehingga bertemu tuhan
Seperti Ali dan sebarisan dalam perjuangan:
Atau seperti anak Nuh di dalam hujan dan kelam
Menolak tangan ayahnya memilih jahanam.

Jika kau sedang bertukar amal dan pendapat
Sentiasa berubah antara baik dan jahat
Kau masih berupaya bertekad bulat
Mendalami ilmu, menolak zann dan syakk.
Tetap berdiri, tidak lagi berganjak dalam akhlak.

Maulana Iqbal bermata tajam pernah menyaran
Tinjaulah ke belakang jika ingin maju ke depan.

Tinjauan kita pastinya bukan bermula
Pada titik terjadi makhluk benda dirasai indera lima
Yang masih di batasi ruang waktu di alam deria.

Renungan kita kembali jauh pada bila
Ruang dan waktu belum di kira
Di mana ruh telah mengenali Yang Maha Esa
Dan Tegas mengakui ketuhanan dan ketuanan-Nya
Dan beza darjat dan murtabat antara kita dan semua
Bila Amanah Agung diterima sukarela.

Kita lihat ke depan jauh melintasi hidup ini
Memikirkan nasib diri selepas ruh mengecap mati
Apakah Allah Taala redha menerima kembali diri ini?
Menyambut baik segala niat suci dan amal bakti
Segala salah dan silap akan dimaafi?

Merenung masa depan yang pasti datang
Malikul Maut tidak biasa dihalang atau dilambatkan
Dengan riyadah, pemakanan dan teknologi perubatan
Yang hanya merupakan iktiar tugas insan
Membanyakkan taubat atas silap dan kesalahan
Meningkatkan niat suci menambah amal kebajikan.

Malikul Maut akan tepat tiba saat dikehendaki.
Seperti tercatat di Lauh Terjaga lagi suci.
Merenung masa depan bererti mati sebelum mati
Sentiasa mengira-ngirai diri sebelum dihisabi:
Dengan siapa akan dikumpulkan nanti disana?
Dengan Fraun, Hamman, ibn Ubayy dan sepertinya?
Menyesal berpanjangan, memohon kembali ke Sini
Atau dengan Mustafa, sahabat dan pewarisnya?
Bahagia tidak kehabisan, kekal abadi.

Setiap diri berkuasa atas Panggung Agung ini
Banyak bisa diperbaiki : niat dan amal-bakti
Bermulalah dengan diri sendiri biarpun selalu dipuji
Dan selari, kaum keluarga dan institusi diamanati.
Masa terus berlalu, kubur tidak sabar bertemu
Mulakanlah hari ini : janganlah berlenggah dungu.

Dalam Terang
Prof Dr Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud

United on top with last-minute winner

2009-01-18T03:47:00.003+08:00

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:53:51 GMT

United's Berbatov (R) celebrates scoring against Bolton

Defending champion Manchester United has reached the top of the Premier League with a last-minute winner by striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The game against Bolton Wanderers brings to seven the number of 1-0 league wins United has managed to secure this season.

The sole goal was scored when Carlos Tevez provided a chance to Berbatov, who headed home a vital winner.

United has 47 points from 21 matches, one ahead of Liverpool -- which can reclaim the top spot with a victory over Everton on Monday.

Alex Ferguson's side has now kept 10 consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, equaling the record held by Chelsea.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defeated Stoke City 2-1 thanks to Frank Lampard's goal four minutes into stoppage time.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side stayed third, just ahead of Aston Villa which came from a goal down to beat Sunderland 2-1 away despite having striker Ashley Young sent off.

Chelsea has 45 points from 22 matches with Villa on 44.

Chelsea mesmerized by United triumph

2009-01-15T21:08:00.003+08:00

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:43:33 GMT | PressTV.ir

Defending champion Manchester United has leapfrogged Chelsea in the English Premier League following a narrow home victory over Wigan Athletic.

United is currently two points adrift league leaders Liverpool, which has 46 points. Ferguson's men still have another game in hand and would go to the top should they defeat Bolton on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney reacts after scoring the winner against Wigan athletic

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:13:14 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) was among several players booked in a high-tempo match.

Defending champion Manchester United makes a bold statement of its season intentions by defeating title rival Chelsea 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Goals from Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov allowed the English, European and world champions move within five points of Premier League leader Liverpool.

United now has 41 points with 19 played games, while Chelsea remains second, chasing Liverpool, which has 46 points from 21 games.

George W. Bush Invites you to his whitehouse farewell dinner

2008-12-25T10:28:00.003+08:00

Matrix 4 Thriller : BUSH FAREWELL DINNER

Throw a shoe at George Bush.

2008-12-20T12:19:00.002+08:00

You are welcome to throw shoes at the outgoing American President, who causes millions to suffer in Iraq and Afghanistan and seriously curbed civil liberties in America. [click here]

Throwing of Shoes at Bush has become a standard symbol of protest throughout the world against Bush's two terms US Presidency, where he has messed up the world peace, the US civil liberties, the US and world economy.

From Hollywood to Hajj - 6 Dec 2008

2008-12-07T08:57:00.002+08:00

Al Jazeera tracks down Omar Regan, a Hollywood actor who appeared as a double for Chris Tucker in the film Rush Hour.

Al Jazeera's Sami Zeidan reports from Saudi Arabia where he talks to Regan on his pilgrimage from Hollywood to Hajj.

KATA-KATA NASIHAT IBNU QAYYIM

2008-10-30T15:20:00.000+08:00

Di dalam hati manusia ada kekusutan dan tidak akan terurai kecuali menerima kehendak Allah swt.

Di dalam hati manusia ada keganasan dan tidak akan hilang kecuali berjinak dengan dengan Allah swt

Di dalam hati manusia ada kesedihan dan tidak akan hilang kecuali seronok mengenali Allah swt

Di dalam hati manusia ada kegelisahan dan tidak akan tenang damai kecuali berlindung, bertemu dan berjumpa denganNya

Di dalam hati manusia ada penyesalan dan tidak akan padam kecuali redha dengan suruhan dan laranganNya serta qadha dan qadarNya serta kesenantiasaan sabar sehingga menemuiNya

Di dalam hati manusia ada hajat dan tidak akan terbendung kecuali kecintaan kepadaNya dan bermohon kepadaNya.

Kesentiasaan berzikir kepadaNya adalah keikhlasan sebenar kepadaNya. . . . . . Andai dunia dan isinya diberikan kepada manusia masih tidak lagi dapat membendunghajat hati sihamba itu.

“Prayers to fulfill Desires”.

2008-10-21T11:55:00.000+08:00

There was only about a week, between Hari Raya and the PMR. So many put off or place on hold, by taking a break, their 6 days of Shawal fasting. Something has to be slotted in that period – “Prayers to fulfill Desires" - as well wishers, for extremely good results’ for kids taking their PMR and SPM, from parents, close relatives, friends and neighbours. Should I call – that a change is probably needed! A paradigm shift!

Me included, I was in KK doing the “same thing” for both my son sitting for SPM and PMR this year. After Fajr prayers – 1 bull and 1 Cow was slaughtered as aqiqah, and there was a special group handling them, turning into food. Then a PIBG meeting was held in the main School Hall, hailed as the Hargreaves Hall. After solat Asar a khatam Qur’an was done. Before Magrib, the Aqiqah food was served . After Magrib, Solat Hajat was done and Yassin was read, that reaches right to Insya’- After Insya’ supper was served. They had been doing this for the last5 years or so. I was told that lunch was served too, but I missed it for I went to prep school to see my form 1 son. As for me, the prayers were more for general wellbeing, albeit “Islamically”, of the students – which if necessary includes good results ( see Yusuf Ali’s poem below).

50 years after Merdeka. The people are saying that the “religious-Islamic” schools are being secularized and the secular schools are “Islamised”. Anybody not at home with that! Will it be for the better? InsyaAllah. One day, we may have Maahad Melayu Kuala Kangsar, among other things teaching science and IB. Will Hindraf ask for seats for their kids then, if its name is such?

Mum not worry about Mus’ab, here he is into food here, he is very skinny. He is the on the far right, in yellow. YB Sassy Teresa Kok should try the boarding school food and compare it to the one she got, in the police cell while under ISA, that may give her some sense. He is the PMR candidate in the family this year.

His Mum is worried, he is too much into Rugby. He already got College Colours for Rugby. He is second from the right, when he was in action in Bangkok , during the second semester of the school days. According to his coach he did manage to “touch down” on that day, initially awarded by the referee but later, he reversed his decision after concurring with the touch judge. Malay College did well this year, reaching the semi-final in the Perak League 2008. I do not remember about their match with UPSI, I heard that they beat UiTM Perak in the process. Muhammad will sit for his SPM this year.

Mufaddal is into everything as of now, In this photo, in choral singing. He joined the Wind Orchestra, Rugby and now seeking his mum permission to join the Silat Club. No wonder he losing weight very fast. He is in the first row, third from right. Eventually he will settle for less, we hope.

The description of the mother of all prayers:

First comes that beautiful Sura,
The opening Chapter of seven verses,
Rightly called the Essence of the Book,
It teaches us the perfect Prayers,
For if we can pray aright, it means
That we have some knowledge of God
And His attributes, of His relations
To us and His creations, which includes
Ourselves; that we glimpse the source
From which we came, and that final goal
Which is our spiritual destiny
Under God’s true judgment : then
We offer ourselves to God and seek His light.

A. Yusuf Ali – C.42 on al-Fatiha

Puisi - Sempena Awal Ramadhan

2008-09-02T16:41:00.000+08:00

Mendidik Haiwan:

Insan menyaggupi amanah mentadbir bumi
Sebagai makhlukNya paling ali dan ilmi.

Dengan ta’dib, insan berusaha mengenal segala
Mengingat semula semua nama yang diajari-Nya di Sana
Mengota janji termeteri melalui Bala shahidna!

Biarpun zahirnya zuriat Adam banyak persamaan
Dengan segala hewan dari chimpazi kepada lalat buahan
Namun ruh insan dan amanah tanggungan setiap ahlinya
Bagai langit dan bumi, bagai lilin dan mentari bezanya.

Genom insani dikatakan 60% sama dengan lalat drosophilia
40% baka kita tidak berbeza dari baka cacinbg dan sepertinya
Malah 99% sama dengan chimpanzi berkaki dua:
Bagi sekian Darwinis semua – itu lah hakikat kejadian kita:-
Haiwan terpintar dan tertinggi tingkat evolusinya.

Tentang perjanjian arwah dengan al-Khaliq tiada sesuai lagi
Ruh insan, bagi mereka, hasil perkembangan badan, baru terjadi
Wujudnya hanya di alam ini, akan terputus bila mati.

Pendidikan umat di seluruh dunia telah hilang punca asalnuya
Bagai laying-layang terputus tali di bawa angin kemana saja
Angin yang kencang di tiup jentera tuntutan haiwani
Tujuan, kandungan dan kaedah pendidikan bukan lagi insani.

Ta’dib menyemai ilmu pelbagai, menyempurna ahlak baik
Ruh insan mendaki mendaki makam menyuci mengenal al-Khaliq
Ilmu pelbagai perkara tentang dunia dan akhirat nan baqa
Di guna mentadbir bumi memikul amanah penuh taqwa.

Tarbiyyah melihat insan dengan sebelah mata
Walaupun pandangan tajam amat, yang tampak zahirnya saja
Kepandaian berharta dan mengurusnya disanjung tinggi
Ilmu mengenal Tuhan dan sunnah Nabi dibasa-basi
Bagai hidangan di papan iklan, lapar tiada terisi.

Banyak dibelanjakan bagi membina sekolah dan universiti
Yang kaya dan berpengruh menghantar ke luar negeri
Pintu universiti luas terbuka jika yuran terbayari
Atau jika pantas berlari menjulang nama pertiwi
Apatah lagi jika mengenal menteri bersamaan parti.

Dari sekolah hingga ke ijazah doctor falsafah pelbagai bidang
Manusia di ajar menulis, mengira dan pandai kemahiran
Pelajar di wajib menuntut ilmu keusahawanan
Agar bisa berniaga, sehingga semua diperniagakan:
Wanita berpipi licin menjaga tubuh pada sejenis atau lelaki
Ulama menjual fatwa pada penguasa yang membayar tinggi.

Pentadbir mencemuh guru sendiri jika kerusi disasari
Sarjana menabur bakti jika ganjaran memuas hati
Isteri menjadi setia selagi suami bergaji tinggi
Suami rela dihina jika isteri cantik, kaya, disegani
Si anjing kurap disanjung ilmuan tinggi jika kedudukan dikekali
Abu Jahal diimami walau Muhammad berada di sisi.

Madrasah di tengah kota di anggap merugikan
Pelajar dan ilmuan miskin hanya meluka pandangan
Hotel lima bintang dianggap lebih memanfaatkan
Ribuan pelancong mampu membawa jutaan pulangan.

Setiap haiwan terlalu pandai sukar diatasi
Ingatan mereka kukuh berakar dalam naluri:
Gajah bisa mengingati telaga puluhan tahun tidak disinggahi
Penyu beribu batu meninggal pantai pasti bisa kembali.

Salmona lama ke hilir mengecap nikmat di laut luas
Di perjalanan pulang, ribuan dibaham beruang lapar dan buas
Salmona pintar mendaki sungai menabur benuh, menunai amanah
Bangsanya menang walau nyawa sendiri terpaksa diserah.

Si tempoa cekap sekali menganyam sarang di dahan tinggi
Datang ribut taufan istana rekaanya bertahan, d kagumi.

Rimau bintang menyambar kijang, mematah tengkok
Sesaat bisa berjaya mengankat mangsa ke atas pokok
Walau sang singa lebih perkasa dan raja di rimba
Tapi tidak secekap si bintang mengankat mangsa:-
Dia tidak bisa merampas rezeki si bintang tangkas
Hanya menunggu di bawah menjilay bekas.

Al=Khaliq mencipta insan dari lumpur hitam
Supaya bisa bergerak seperti haiwan sekalian
Tapi di tiupkan permata halus sebahagian dari ruh-Nya-
Terpisahlah dari cacing, lalat buah dan segalanya
Maka terangkatlah martabat bila di ajar segala nama
Hinga Malaikat lebih bercahaya gagal menjangkau makna.

Kita bukan dari chimpazi atau orang hutan
Persamaan begitu banyak harus diperi ngatkan
Tapi perbezaan janin kecil membawa pemisahan mutlak:-
Chimpazi dan Orang Hutan tidak dihsiab di akhirat kelak
Kita tidak bisa lari dari Sirat, Mahshar dan Jahannam
Mungkin bertemu syurga dan bahagia tanpa kesudahan.

II.

Pendidikan bukan untuk melahirkan pengurus wang
Atau memastikan cengkaman kuasa berlangsung panjang.
Bukan peluang membina sekolah kos menjulang
Atau lubang membina menjual peralatan, buku teks anika bidang:
Itik hanya memerlukan kolam berair dan makanan biasa
Bukan air tapisan khas yang diimpot harga berjuta
Bukan dedak padi yang ditanam di atas bumbung
Atau yang dipesan dari Taiwan atau Hong Kong

Pendidikan milik insane beriktiar mendekati tuhan
Dari saat kelahiran hingga ke titik akhir kehidupan
Bayi yang baru menghendap keluar rahim ibunya
Diperingatkan dengan Azan dan Iqamah dikedua telingga
‘Apakah si bayi kecil dua jengkal bisa mengerti?” kau Tanya
“Seruan dalam bahasa asing, sedang mata belum pun terbuka?”
Dia mengerti, kerana baru saja meninggal Zaman Alastu
Dia mengerti, kerana dengan dunia ini, masih belum terkeliru.
Insan di hujung hayat wajar ditalqinkan denganBacaan Suci
Dan diperingatkan dengan dua kalimah ajaran Nabi.

Kau sangsi lagi,”apa gunanya ini pada diri menanti mati?
Bukannya bisa merubah sebarang keadaan di dunia ini.”

Pandanganmu hanya pada zahirnya keadaan
Kau ghaflah tentang hakikat bermakna menyerap kewujudan
Bagai oxygen tidak ternampak, tidak terasa, tiada berwarna
Wujudnya bisa dinafikan dalam perkataan sahaja:
Tanpanya dalam persikataran
Alam ini pasti menyaksikan kematian.

Insan yang hampir meninggalkan kefanaan ini
Bila ruhnya meronta mahu kembali ke tempat asli
Mata-hatinya, jika tersilau keliru selama ini
Kerana tersangat takjub dengan seri duniawi
Kini kembali terang menatapi hakikat ruhi nan ghaibi
Segala peringatan akan bertambah terang
Semua perbuatan dan niat fikiran akan tertayang.

Pendidikan bukan pengisi kebosanan kehidupan
Mempersibukan diri dari mengingati hakikat kepulangan.

Pendidikan daya usaha pelajar, ibu bapa, penguasa, guru:-
Mengotakan segala kata dan ikatan dalam perjanjian dulu
Mempersiapkan semua memikul amanah rela dipersetuju
Menjadi khalifah di Bumi, mentadbir Alam dan laut biru
Tulus ibadat bersukur tak terhingga
Kerana kewujudan dan keutamaan bangsa manusia.

Matematik, geografi, astronomi, bioteknologi, semua ilmu tabii
Setiap kumpulan insan dan bahasanya dan sejarah kaum insani
Ilmu yang telah lalu, dan yang sedang giat di kaji
Perlu di kuasai jika Perjanjian itu mahu di kotai

Umat ini bisa menjulang obor menyuluh kemajuan
Jika pemimpin, ulama, pentadbir dan peniaga tidak kesesatan
Tegas mengemudikan bahtera bangsa dengan kuasa pentadbiran.
Jika tujuan dan kandungan pendidikan dirubah sentiasa
Mengikut naluri sementara, mengekal kuasa sedekad dua
Dan meningkat laba:
Ajarlah insan menjadi haiwan - cepat-pintar bekerja.
Namun, Perjanjian Dahulu tidak akan terbatal jua.

Ingat! Cacing, chimpazi dan segala haiwan tidak dibangkitkan.
Kita harus memberi jawapan : tiada lagi helah, alasan.

Petikan dari “Dalam Terang”
Prof. Dr. Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud

Anak helang - Puisi Sempena MERDEKA

2008-09-02T16:25:00.000+08:00

Anak Helang

Seekor anak Helang
Meminta izin bapaknya mahu terbang
Ke lain padang
Melatih sayap mengembang
Mencari pengalaman
Menajam pandangan.

Tapi pada bapaknya menyata bimbang
Akan cabaran sengit bakal mendatang
Tentang kemungkinan hilang
Jalan pulang
Mengkhianati bangsa, menjadi petualang.

Bapaknya helang memberi pesan seorang guru:
“Silalah anakku sifatmu helang harus mendalami ilmu
Tapi ingatlah segala ajaranku kepadamu selalu
Kerangka dan dasar pengetahuan dalam dadamu itu
Sungguhlah benar, jangan kau curiga dan ragu
Perhalusi lagi, dan bandingkan dengan yang lain itu”.

“Harus sentiasa sedar harga diri dan peranan sejati
Tiada guna jika gagak berjuta, musuh bangsa, memuji tinggi
Walau bangsamu jumlahnya kecil, peranannya tersangat suci
Itu amanah kita dari azali, pilihan maknawi.”

Anak helang terbang jauh melihat alam pelbagai ragam
Singgah di suatu padang melihat gagak galak berkawan
Ramainya bukan kepalang, hitamnya menawan
Langit nan terang di waktu siang dipergelapkan
Bisingnya menguasai padang dan segala hutan
Sampah dan bangkai mencerminkan kelazatan.

Si anak helang menumpang gagak mengisi dada
Raja gagak melihat kemungkinan besar tiada tara
Jika berjaya menggagakkan helang mencari kuasa
Menumpas helang sebagai burung perkasa di muka dunia.

Selagi helang mengenal dirinya selagi itulah gagak semua
Gagal merebut takhta kerajaan burung segala.
“Jika si anak helang itu dapat digagakkan kita
Dia akan dipulangkan pada bangsanya
Dan berperanglah untuk kita.
Jika helang tidak lagi terbang tinggi di puncak sana
Jika matanya ditumpulkan seperti kita
Jika makanannya dibiasakan sampah, bangkai dan sisa
Dia akan menafikan bapak sendiri, tidak mengenali bangsa
Akan meruntuhkan sarang bangsanya; tak terdaya kita.”

Memang setelah bertahun berguru pada gagak semua
Bulunya dihitam-kilatkan menyilau mata, untuk diterima
Lagunya semeriah, sebising, senyaring burung pensisa.
“Menangkap rezeki penuh risiko di dada angkasa,
Merugi masa, dan tenaga”, katanya.
“Lebih mudah mencuri sisa di tong sampah saja”.
Sekian lama berguru, ia dinobat wira nan perkasa
Diutus pulang ke padang asalnya memikul cita
Merubah helang mengikut millah gagak belaka.

Pulanglah helang bertemu ayahnya guru awali
Ayahnya melihat terbangnya tidak menghelang lagi
Suaranya bukan lagi menyanyi lagu asli
Tapi lagu baru yang tidak pernah didengari
Sepanjang sejarah helang tidak didendangi.

Sepanjang zaman bangsaku melihat tajam perubahan
Insan kehilangan diri setelah lama berjauhan
Kejauhan zahir terlihat pada jarak zaman dan ruang
Kejauhan batin terbukti pada akhlak ang pincang
Terpapar dalam Kisah si Tenggang dan Malim Kundang
Dalam perubahan jiwa jutaan cendekiawan malang.

Anak helang kehilangan diri, disanjung gagak di luar negeri:
Pulang ke sarang asli berbulu hitam, suara nyaring ngeri
Menghalau keluarga sendiri, menganggap jahil guru awali
Ajaran Nabi dan pewaris tradisi disifat tiada sesuai lagi
Bagi meniti arus pluralisme dan cabaran globalisasi.

- Petikan dari “Dalam Terang”
Prof Dr Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud

Torres named - man of the match

2008-06-30T05:28:00.000+08:00

Torres named - man of the match Spain 1 Germany 0

Germany were outclassed, and for captain Ballack his catalogue of misery in major finals continues having lost two Champions League finals and also been suspended for the 2002 World Cup final when they lost to Brazil.

Match-winner Torres enhanced the reputation he forged at Liverpool last season, but this was an all-round effort for a side that is young enough to already be marked down among the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. . . more

Capt Casillas lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy for Spain

PAS: We're just partners in Perak

2008-06-24T01:09:00.001+08:00

Piala Hamdan Tahir : HKSBP

2008-06-12T22:34:00.000+08:00

Cagers are the CHAMPION, again

5th Championship: 26-05-08
against MOZAC 52 - 30.

the semifinal
against SMS Hulu Selangor 65 - 49

Group A Champ
4th game against SBPI Gombak 61 - 22.
3rd game against SESMA 50 - 33
2nd game against SMSKuching 62 - 40
1st game against SDAR 66 - 43

A blog on the Cagers activities

cagers in action

John Bolton escapes citizen's arrest at Hay Festival

2008-06-01T06:35:00.000+08:00

John Bolton, the former American ambassador to the UN, managed to escape a British journalist's attempt to place him under citizen's arrest Wednesday evening at a festival in Wales. He had brushed off an attempted citizen’s arrest at the Hay Festival in Wales as “comic”.

Mr George Monbiot argues that Bolton helped plan the war in Iraq when he was undersecretary of state for arms control at the State Department, using information he knew to be false.

Mr Bolton said the war was legal, partly because Iraq had failed to comply with a key and binding UN resolution after the end of the Gulf War in 1991. On the war's legality, he added: "This is not my personal opinion, this is the opinion of the entire legal apparatus of the US government."

Mr Monbiot blocked by security guards

A crowd of about 20 protestors, one dressed in a latex George Bush mask, chanted "war criminal" as Mr Bolton was ushered away. Mr Monbiot was blocked by two heavily-built security guards at the end of the one-and-a-half hour appearance, before he could serve a "charge sheet" on him. Mr Monbiot said moments later he was "disappointed" that he had been blocked from making the citizen's arrest.

"This was a serious attempt to bring one of the perpetrators of the Iraq war to justice, for what is described under the Nuremberg Principles as an international crime," he said.

A citizen’s arrest is legal in certain circumstances under the under the Serious and Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.

But Peter Florence, director of the Hay Festival, said on Wednesday that they had sought legal advice and been told carrying out such an arrest would be “completely unlawful” given the circumstances.

Countries to Adopt Cluster Bomb Ban

2008-05-30T18:36:00.000+08:00

30/05/2008

Countries from across the globe were to adopt a landmark convention banning cluster bombs in a formal ceremony on Friday, in a move supporters hope will stigmatize the lethal weapons as much as landmines. Diplomats from 111 countries were to adopt the treaty in a closing ceremony at Croke Park in the Irish capital after 12 days of robust negotiations at the Gaelic games stadium.

A Cluster Bomb Explsion

The convention, agreed Wednesday, outlaws the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. It also provides for victim welfare and clearing contaminated areas. Politicians and campaigners insisted it was a hugely significant pact despite the absence of key powers like the United States, China and Russia. Diplomats will adopt the treaty before Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin closes the conference.

Norway has spearheaded the treaty initiative and the convention is due to be signed in Oslo on December 2-3. States then have to ratify the pact. The United States, China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Israel did not participate in the convention talks, leading some commentators to question its worth. However, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere insisted the treaty would stigmatize the use of cluster bombs among those countries keeping their stockpiles.

Cluster munitions are among the weapons posing the gravest dangers to civilians, especially in heavily bombed countries. Dropped from planes or fired from artillery, they explode in mid-air, randomly scattering bomblets, with many civilians having been killed or maimed by their indiscriminate, wide area effect. They also pose a lasting threat as many bomblets fail to explode on impact.

The treaty is due to be signed in Oslo on December 2-3. The cluster munitions treaty requires the destruction of stockpiled munitions within eight years -- though it leaves the door open for future, more precise generations of cluster bombs that pose less harm to civilians. The treaty was welcomed by the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), an umbrella group of non-governmental organizations, which hopes it will stigmatize cluster munitions.

Courtesy almanartv

Malaysia to develop oilfield in Iran

2008-05-25T17:30:00.000+08:00

Fri, 23 May 2008 12:56:09

Malaysia signs a $300-million agreement with Iran for developing an oilfield in the Persian Gulf, a senior Iranian oil official says.

The memorandum of understanding, signed between the Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC) and its Malaysian partner in Kuala Lumpur, is worth $300 million at initial phase and is expected to grow to $1.5 billion later, Mohammad-Ali Ghayem, an IOOC director, said.

The joint project to develop an Iranian oilfield is part of a Tehran-Kuala Lumpur bid to expand cooperation in oil and natural gas sectors, Ghayem, director of the IOOC Engineering, Procurements, Construction and Project Execution, was quoted by IRNA as saying.

Ghayem did not name the oilfield. However, the field is located in southern Bushehr province in the Persian Gulf.

The contract will be finalized next month and its implementation phase will begin next year, he added.

Implementation of the project adds to the country's energy capabilities and creating 500 permanent jobs and 2,000 temporary jobs, the official concluded.

coutesy presstv

Dikir untuk PaK Lah

2008-05-21T01:50:00.000+08:00

EPL - Manchester United the Champions

2008-05-12T07:01:00.000+08:00

Rangers 3-1 Dundee Utd

2008-05-10T22:32:00.000+08:00

Page last updated at 13:26 GMT, Saturday, 10 May 2008 14:26 UK

By Thomas McGuigan

Novo punished United with some razor sharp finishing

Rangers moved to within a point of league leaders Celtic with a game in hand following a controversial victory over Dundee United.

Nacho Novo calmed early Rangers nerves in the seventh minute when he headed home Kevin Thomson's free-kick.

The Spaniard doubled Rangers' lead soon after with a superb volley. . . . read more

Championsleague semifinal liverpool 3 - Chelsea 2

2008-05-03T18:20:00.000+08:00

UK Culture - Rugby

2008-04-24T19:56:00.000+08:00

Muhammad emerging from a
tunnel formed by MCOBA
in the annual
MCOBA - MCKK match @
Oldboys weekend 2008

In the U.K, an old saying goes "football is a gentleman's game played by ruffians and rugby is a ruffians game played by gentleman". In most rugby-playing countries, rugby union is widely regarded as an "establishment," historically amateur sport, played mostly by members of the middle classes.

For example, many students at private schools and grammar schools play rugby union. By contrast, rugby league has traditionally been seen as a working and middle class, professional, pursuit. A contrast to this ideology is evident in the neighbouring unions of England and Wales. In England the sport is very much associated with the public schools system (i.e. independent/private schools).

In Ireland, rugby union is also associated with private, education and the "D4" stereotype, and this image of the spoilt, ignorant, wealthy rugby-playing jock inspired the best-selling Ross O'Carroll Kelly novels. In Wales, rugby is associated with small village teams which consisted of coal miners and other industrial workers playing on their days off.

Exceptions to the above include New Zealand, Wales, France except Paris, Cornwall, the Borders region of Scotland, County Limerick in Ireland, and the Pacific Islands, where rugby union is popular in working class communities. Nevertheless, rugby league is perceived as the game of the working class people in the English counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, and in the Australian states of New South Wales and Queensland.

In the United Kingdom, rugby union fans sometimes use the term "rugger" as an alternative name for the sport, (see Oxford '-er'). Also the kick off is known to be called "Rug Off" in some regions. In the US, people who play rugby are sometimes called "ruggers", a term little used elsewhere except facetiously.

Those considered to be heavily involved with the rugby union lifestyle — including heavy drinking and striped jumpers — sometimes identify as "rugger buggers". Retired rugby union players who still turn up to watch, drink and serve on committees rank as "alickadoos" or, less kindly, as "old farts". An alternative name for the game adopted primarily in local rugby comps is known as "Ra-Ra" referring to the pomp and circumstance associated with the sport

Because of the nature of the games (almost unlimited body contact with little or no padding), the rugby world frowns on unsporting behaviour, since even a slight infringement of the rules may lead to serious injury or even death. Because of this, governing bodies enforce the rules strictly.

French rugby league supporters sometimes call themselves "treizistes", reflecting the French title of their sport (jeu à treize). The epithet occurs almost universally in France, but its use has also spread to English-speaking countries.

Australia is unusual in that rugby league is by far the more popular of the two codes. Support for both codes is concentrated in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. The same perceived class barrier as exists between the two games in England also occurs in these two states, fostered by rugby union's prominence and support at private schools. Australian followers of rugby league usually refer to rugby league as "league", "footy" or "football" and rugby union as "rugby" or "union". A popular television show dealing with rugby league, called The Footy Show screens weekly during the NRL season and television coverage is generally known as Friday Night Football, Sunday Football and Monday Night Football.

New Zealanders generally refer to rugby union simply as either "football", "rugby" or "rugby union" and to rugby league as "rugby league", "football" or "league". In New Zealand, playing rugby football has a reputation as the epitome of manliness for both Māori and Pākehā (non-Māori), as symbolised by a haka (war dance) at the start of important games. Kiwis see rugby as the accepted substitute for military heroism and an excellent training ground for soldiering. If Britain won the Battle of Waterloo on the playing-fields of Eton College, New Zealand long saw its role in the British Empire as intimately connected with the football field. Popular Kiwi mythology sees the encouragement of New Zealand rugby in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the Imperial reaction to declining physical fitness in Britain's industrial slums.

(the above is UK Culture extracted from wikipedia, verbatim)

Chelsea 1-1 Wigan

2008-04-15T08:22:00.000+08:00

Page last updated at 20:56 GMT, Monday, 14 April 2008 21:56 UK

By Paul Fletcher

Wigan's late equaliser left Chelsea's players and supporters stunned

Emile Heskey struck with an injury-time volley to earn a point for Wigan and leave Chelsea's hopes of winning the Premier League hanging by a thread.

Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland made fine saves from Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou while John Terry hit the bar.

Chelsea eventually took the lead when Michael Essien struck from 20 yards. . . read more

New "kids" on the blog.

2008-04-05T18:42:00.000+08:00

When I say "kids" I don't mean small, what I meant is starters. RPK started blogging since DSAI (Datok Sri Anwar) was in the Sg Buluh Palace. I used to see him then at DSAI's corner lot house near Damasara Mosque. It was good and informative - Malaysiakini was free and popular then for us to be informed and have an update of DSAI's life then political, social - the court cases and his personal health including the blood HIV tests and the arsenic poisoning case.

I can't really tell when YB LKS started blogging before or after RPK ( Raja Petra Kamarudin ). For obviuos reasons YB LKS's blog was less intellectually informative and more related to his issues. Informative articles in YB LKS's blog are generally written by others and available to me through other sources including through my e-group. His interactive blog is good for we can read comments from others on issues he raised, gauge public opinions and make our own conclusion.

Take for instance his opposition to the MB of Perak being from PAS, not only him I too had a shock! I did anticipate that our "Barisan Rakyat" comrades would like to have a shouting match with YB LKS on his proposed 'swearing in' boycott. What shock me is his delayed reaction on realizing, the fact that we "Barisan Rakyat" supporters put DAP candidates there. The result was the YB's apology to the Sultan and Pemangku Raja Perak. That's the power of the internet. It is even more powerful than DAP's CEC. It reverses the DAP's CEC decision - public opinion did it at a lightning speed.

Clever people like Dr Khir Toyo would realized that. Why not he, when the President of Iran Blogs! He wants to stand as UMNO youth leader as televised by the RTM, then it may be more relevant if we were to assume that UMNO youth members are as IT savvy as their Barisan Rakyat counter part. There may be more UMNO personalities blogging in the near future. Have you visited our PM's blog?

Hopefully YB LKS has realized by now about Barisan Yakyat, he was so blank when it was raised after he made the protest was made. How on earth could he? When 3/4 of the signatories to the "Rakyat' Declaration" got elected as MP. Sdr Wee Chee Keong of MDP, Sdr Ronnie of DAP and Puan Dr Mariah of PAS except for Cik Gu Bad of PKR. His losses to Khairi, I believe is due to vote rigging, will PKR take his case to court?

Having said that, I personally feel that YB LKS owes Barisan Rakyat supporters an apology. Things have progressed well and Bravo to YB LKS, DSAI, DSA , TGHH for the recent crytalization of "Pakatan Rakyat", we do not tolerate nonsense and unnecessary critical of petty things. Have you all agreed to the tentative name "PR". It's okay with me!

Dr Khir Toyo's blog - a welcoming message.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Wadah Sebuah Perjuangan

Assalamualaikum w.b.t.

"Selamat Datang" ke blog ini. Insya-Allah, ia akan menjadi wadah untuk saya berkomunikasi dengan pembaca khusus dalam isu-isu politik dan sosial. Saya akan memanfaatkan blog ini untuk berbicara mengenai masa depan negara dan perjuangan UMNO sebagai wadah politik kit

On 1st April 08, my birthday, another interesting event took placed, YB Mohd Ali Rustam started blogging, is he positioning himself to contest for any post in the coming UMNO elections.

From: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

2008-03-30T06:49:00.000+08:00

Dear fellow Malaysians,

Thank you for voting Barisan Nasional back into power. It is with great honour that I will serve you for another term. I want to share with you what I plan to do in the next four or five years to fulfil your aspirations for the country.

You used your votes to send me a message – a message that I didn't hear earlier, but which I hear now, loud and clear. Yes, it was a wake up call for a rude awakening and me for all of us at BN. We must never take the Malaysian public for granted.

One of the loudest things I hear from you is 'No more arrogant, inflammatory and racist rhetoric'. I admit several of my outspoken ministers and yes, even my own son-in-law, have said things that hurt the feelings of many segments of our society, especially the non-Malays. I should have rebuked them immediately but I didn't.

I didn't share their views, I'm sure you know that, but I was complacent in thinking such comments would eventually blow over. Little did I realize that many of you had actually taken them to heart. As a prime minister for all Malaysians, I should have been more sensitive. The next time any Umno leaders say things that are out of line, I guarantee you I will slap them down straight away. And if they don't apologise for the hurt they cause, I will ask them to resign whatever posts they hold in the party or the government. That is how seriously I take the matter.

I was mistaken in thinking that Malaysians would be content and grateful just to have peace and security in this country. But after 50 years, Malaysia has grown up. We are becoming a developed nation. Peace and security is not enough. Economic development is not enough. The people want and deserve civil liberties.

As such, I am going to take steps to honour not just the law but also the spirit of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. That means getting rid of the Printing Presses and Publications Act. In addition, all government parties will be required to divest itself of ownership in news media companies. I know this means opening myself and my government to critical articles by journalists, but that's what free speech is all about. And I accept that.

People will no longer need to apply for a permit from the police to peacefully assemble and even to protest. Of course if they make a nuisance of themselves or become rowdy, law enforcement officers will have to do their job to ensure public safety. But your right to peacefully assemble will be respected.

I am going to get rid of the dreaded Internal Security Act and the Kamunting detention facility will be torn down and converted into some new commercial development. To be honest with you, I didn't want to detain those five Hindraf guys without trial. It's against my nature to do such things. But alas, I listened to advisors who been giving me wrong advice. They will be freed, as will other ISA detainees, but if there is evidence against any of them, they will be charged and have their day in court.

Speaking of courts, I will be asking the King to set up a new Royal Commission of Inquiry and this time, the terms of reference will extend all the way back to the controversial sacking of Salleh Abbas. Many learned lawyers have highlighted that it was that incident which started the rot in our judiciary. I know we might be opening a can of worms but let the law take its course. I am determined to repair our judiciary.

The Official Secrets Act will also be removed and replaced by the Freedom of Information Act. People rightly view the OSA as an impediment to catching crooks within the government. In contrast, a Freedom of Information Act will help us catch those crooks. When you first elected me, I was known as Mr Clean. Nobody calls me that now but by the time my second term ends, that's what you'll be calling me again. Just wait and see.

Last but not least – and I've really saved the best for last – I am going to initiate something that will end communal politics once and for all. Umno will soon stand for the United Malaysian National Organisation and all component parties in the BN will be invited to merge with the old Umno that we can become one big multiracial party. Also, the NEP will stand for Newest Economic Policy that will help all Malaysians regardless of race. Take that, Anwar!

None of the things I've mentioned is going to be easy to implement. There will be resistance like you wouldn't believe. But if I am going to regain the trust you first gave to me four years ago, I will have to earn it the hard way – by not just talking the talk but walking the walk. Last time around I asked you to work with me. This time, watch me work for you, to build a better Malaysia that you deserve.

Humbly,

Pak Lah

source malaysiatoday

No rush for Anwar

2008-03-29T03:46:00.000+08:00

BERNAMA'S APOLOGY

2008-03-15T21:56:00.000+08:00

March 14, 2008
YAB Sdra Lim Guan Eng
Chief Minister of Penang
28th Fl, Komtar
10502 Penang

Dear YAB,

On behalf of my colleagues in BERNAMA, I would like to congratulate your team and you for the recent victory in Penang.

I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise for the sloppy editing in the news story of March 12, 2008, which we mistakenly quoted you as commenting on the May 13 incident as well. The inclusion of the fact was intended to give background on the establishment of the NEP in 1971. Nevertheless, upon a thorough review, the inclusion of that fact along with your quote may have been inappropriate.

As we move forward, I would like to ensure you of BERNAMA's co-operation for your newly-formed government and shall always endeavour to help you promote the well-being of Penang and its people.

Yours sincerely,

YONG SOO HEONG
Editor-in-Chief

The Utusan-Bernama ruckus started when Guan Eng announced all government procurements in Penang will be through open tender -- something that the NEP did not address and went on to create cronies and entrench corruption in the system.

excerpts from Jeff Ooi's blog.

2008 polls - interesting facts

2008-03-10T21:38:00.000+08:00

Mar 10, 08 6:20pm

Barisan Nasional only gained about 51 percent of the popular vote from the 7.9 million ballots cast on Saturday.

However, it took 63 percent of the seats contested - or 140 of 222 seats in Parliament.

Interestingly, its peninsula-wide popular vote was only 49.79 percent, which effectively means that the opposition received the majority vote in this part of the country.

However, when converted to parliamentary seats, BN has 85 of the constituencies in the peninsula, while the opposition bagged 80.

Almost 40 percent of the BN's seats are in Sabah and Sarawak - 55 out of 140.

In 2004, BN won about 64 percent of the popular vote nationwide and 92 percent of the 219 parliamentary seats on offer then.

As the dust settles on the 12th general election, we highlight a number of quirky facts and figures.

Election trivia

The youngest candidate was PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is 26. He defeated Seri Setia incumbent Seripa Noli Syed Hussin.

The oldest candidate was grandma Maimun Yusuf, 89, who contested in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat. She lost her deposit.

56 also-rans from opposition parties and independent candidates lost their deposits after failing to secure one-eighth of the votes cast.

The largest majority was won by DAP’s Teresa Kok against BN’s Carol Chew, by 36,492 votes in the Seputeh parliamentary seat in Kuala Lumpur.

The smallest majority was just 14 votes for BN’s Hamdi Abu Bakar who beat Abu Bakar Haji Hussain of PAS in the Pengkalan Baharu state seat in Perak.

Four pivotal players in the Lingam tape scandal also won: Loh Gwo Burne (who recorded the footage), Wee Choo Keong (lawyer who represented VK Lingam’s brother during the inquiry) and R Sivarasa and Sim Tze Tzin (listed as witnesses but eventually not called). All four are from PKR.

There will be two ‘lone rangers’ in Parliament: Zulhasnan Rafique, the sole BN survivor in Kuala Lumpur’s 11 parliamentary seats - he took Setiawangsa; and DAP’s Chong Chieng Jen who won Bandar Kuching in Sarawak - the remaining 30 parliamentary seats went to BN.

The biggest number of candidates was in the Sukau state seat, Sabah, where eight candidates ran, including five Independents.

Debutant politicians

Prominent blogger Jeff Ooi - whose campaign was done online and funds were raised through his website - won the Jelutong parliamentary seat in Penang for DAP.

Other bloggers are Tony Pua (DAP, Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary seat), Elizabeth Wong (PKR, Bukit Lanjan state seat) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR, Seri Setia state seat).

Civil society activists who succeeded were Charles Santiago (DAP, water-privatisation issues), Edward Lee (DAP, local community), Elizabeth Wong and R Sivarasa (PKR, human rights).

Biggest blows

The losses in BN component parties will result in vacancies in various ministries, forcing a cabinet reshuffle.

Ministers

S Samy Vellu (Works Ministry)

Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry)

Zainuddin Maidin (Information Ministry)

Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin (Rural and Territory Development Ministry)

Deputy ministers

Chia Kwang Chye (Information Ministry)

G Palanivel (Women, Family and Community Development)

Tan Chai Ho (Home Ministry)

V Veerasingam (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry)

S Sothinathan (Natural Resources and Environment Ministry)

Donald Lim (Tourism Ministry)

Fu Ah Kiow (Internal Security Ministry)

M Kayveas (Prime Minister’s Department)

Dato' Dr Awang Adek Husin ( Finance Ministry)

Parliamentary secretaries

Chew Mei Fun (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry)

P Komala Devi (Education Ministry)

Lee Kah Choon (Health Ministry)

Ng Lip Yong (Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry)

S Vigneswaran (Youth and Sports Ministry)

Rahman Ibrahim (Home Ministry)

Dr Mohd Ruddin Ab Ghani (Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry)

Yew Teong Look (Federal Territories Ministry)

Dato' Hi Mohd Fatmi ( Defence Ministry )

Dato' Sazmi Miah

The full team from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry all lost in the polls.

All top MIC leaders were wiped out - president, deputy presidents, two vice-presidents, women's chief and youth chief (one of the three vice-presidents, KS Nijar, did not contest).

Post-election quotes

Anwar Ibrahim, PKR de facto leader, quoted in Star today

Some mentris besar in the past spent half-a-million ringgit to renovate their offices. Such things cannot be an example in this new administration.

Nurul Izzah Anwar, Lembah Pantai MP at a press conference yesterday

(On whether she will vacate the seat to force a by-election so that her father, Anwar Ibrahim, can re-enter politics after a five-year ban): I have already started working in my constituency. The question does not arise.

PPP president M Kayveas, quoted in Star today

Prior to the elections, Barisan Nasional had kept on telling people to show their dissatisfaction through the ballot box. Now they have really shown it.

Sungai Petani losing BN candidate Zainuddin Maidin, quoted in Star today

It is not that they love PKR or PAS more that they voted against me.

The Chinese showed their resentment because of the economic backlash they often complained about. So, PAS and PKR should not be overly proud of their win (in Kedah).

The people may have to pay a price for their decision.

RPK: The aftermath of the 'bloodbath'

2008-03-10T16:53:00.000+08:00

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Since yesterday I have been receiving a lot of phone calls from people who keep asking me what position I am going to hold in the government. I also have tons of e-mails in my in-box which I have either not read yet or have not replied to thus far. Firstly, can you please stop phoning so that I can get down to writing my article (anyway, I have switched off my phone so that I can complete this article). We can 'chat' about what the opposition needs to do later plus I will reply to all your e-mails once the dust settles.

Now, with regards to my 'position' in the government. No, no and no! I do not wish to hold any position in the government. I know some of you have threatened to 'protest' in front of the party headquarters if I am not offered at least a Senator's post. Hey, I do not want to be a Senator or Wakil Rakyat or anything at all for that matter. I just want to continue being plain Raja Petra Kamarudin, Editor and Webmaster of Malaysia Today -- so please drop all this talk of me 'holding a position in the government'.

Secondly, Malaysia Today is going to continue playing the role of watchdog and the conscience of the nation. We must continue to be the eyes, ears and voice of the rakyat and this must be done with me outside the government. Malaysia Today, which is already a nightmare for the ruling party, is going to now also be the nightmare of the five opposition-led state governments. And we are going to monitor these five states even closer than we watch the federal government.

Now, with regards to the talk floating around that Tok Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang has announced that Kedah is going to introduce Hudud laws; this is not true. Tok Guru confirmed he never made such an announcement. The trouble is, many of you wear these 'boycott the mainstream media' T-shirts yet you still read and believe what the mainstream media spins. Would you become terrible offended if I shout 'Bodoh punya orang!'? I really don't know what else to shout under these circumstances.

Let me repeat what I have said many, many times in the past. PAS does not have 150 seats in Parliament. In fact, PAS, DAP and PKR combined do not have 150 seats in Parliament. Read my lips. "PAS NEEDS 150 SEATS IN PARLIAMENT TO CHANGE THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY OR OF THE STATES!"

Anyway, 150 seats or no 150 seats, PAS does not intend to introduce Islamic laws, PERIOD.

Okay, can we now get down to some serious work? Our first task in hand is to set up an Ombudsman committee that will monitor all the five state governments of Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor. A man such as Tun Salleh Abas or anyone of his calibre must head the Ombudsman committee which will comprise of men and women of standing and with squeaky-clean reputations. They must be people like Gandhi and Mother Theresa both rolled into one. Yes, Malaysia does have plenty of such people.

The Ombudsman must be above the Chief Minister and Menteri Besar. It must have the power and authority to summon even the highest man in the state to come before the committee for questioning on anything at all that may be perceived as wrongdoing, transgressions, deviations, etc. And the Ombudsman must have the power and authority to recommend the removal of any public servant or politician who may have committed a breach of discipline, even if he is the Chief Minister/Menteri Besar.

This Ombudsman shall be responsible to the rakyat. The meetings and official inquiries it conducts must not be behind closed doors but shall be open inquiries where members of the public who may be interested in the goings-on can attend and witness the proceedings. Everything must be transparent and open to public scrutiny. There shall be no secrets. Public servants and elected officials work for the rakyat. The rakyat are the boss. So the 'boss' must be allowed to witness any public inquiry and proceedings convened to look into the conduct of their 'employees'. There must be no compromise on this issue.

The government must not be race-based, and certainly not religion-based. People chosen to head the agencies in any of the five states must be based on capabilities and not because that person is Malay, Chinese or Indian. Granted, the Federal Constitution of Malaysia may state who can be Menteri Besar while the election promise was, if the opposition wins Penang, then a Chinese shall be the Chief Minister. But that must be as far as race considerations prevail. For thereon no positions should be filled because we want more Malays or more Chinese or more Indians in the government.

If qualifications and capabilities become the criteria, then Malays, Chinese and Indians would automatically be represented at all levels of government. Just give him or her the job because he or her is the best person for the job and the racial balance would automatically happen. You do not even need to try too hard.

All ongoing projects must be reviewed. Those that have not taken off yet and which are clearly white elephants, projek mewah, above the recommended cost, etc., should be aborted. Of course, those that have contractual obligations will have to go on lest the state becomes embroiled in legal tangles. But they must be aborted not for the sake of aborting them or because they have been awarded to cronies of 'the other side'. This would smack of political persecution and witch-hunting, something the opposition has accused the government of perpetuating and something we should not do as well.

Take note that the federal government will certainly squeeze the states of funds so money will be very tight. The states will have to engage a high-powered team of financial consultants to advice them on how to run a state government and still develop the state with no money. Kelantan has done it for 18 years. They inherited a colossal amount of debt when they took over Kelantan in 1990 and yet still managed to pay off all the debts plus carry the cost of running the state in spite of no money.

The local councils are more corrupted than the infamous Royal Malaysian Police. This needs to be immediately addressed and many heads should be on the chopping block. The state governments must be ruthless with no quarters asked nor any given. Let there be a 'bloodbath' if necessary. And send the files of all these crooks to the Anti-Corruption Agency and demand that they be hung from the highest tree. The rakyat will gladly pay for the cost of the tree.

The Malays should stop talking about 'percentage of Malay representation', as should the Chinese and Indians as well. We certainly want a meritocracy rather than a race-quota-based system. Nevertheless, no race or community must be left out of the government. So a delicate balancing act between meritocracy, yet taking into consideration racial representation, has to be the game plan here.

Remember, the opposition won these five states plus denied Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in Parliament through promises and rhetoric. The consideration of the voters the next election will no longer be based on promises and rhetoric but on performance and delivery. Many promises were made this election. Now is the time to deliver them. Then, come the next election, the voters will either continue electing this same government into office or opt to change back to Barisan Nasional depending on how well or how bad the five state governments have performed.

If you think that winning these five states and denying Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in Parliament was difficult, then you do not know what difficult is. Winning five states and denying Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in Parliament was the easy part. The difficult part is going to be in maintaining the confidence and support of the voters. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi won 92% of the seats in 2004 based on promises and four years later got massacred when he did not deliver. The same thing can and will happen to the opposition as well come the 13th General Election if it does not perform and/or deliver its election promise.

Malaysia Today is watching. And we shall whack the daylights out of anyone and everyone who misbehaves or forgets his or her promise. The opposition won the five states and 82 seats in Parliament with the support of Malays, Chinese and Indians. It needed all the races to cross the finishing line. Just two races would not have achieved that. One race would have been even more impossible.

So remember who put you where you are today. Remember who gave you your job. The rakyat can hire and the rakyat can fire. We, the rakyat, made you and we, the rakyat, can break you. Just remember that and with God as our witness we shall not fail to do that if you fail to do what you promised to do.

*************************

18 Tahun Comel Sengoti

2008-03-01T21:21:00.000+08:00

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito
rakyat hidup makmur penuh bahgio
isle kito junjung adab kito jago
tok soh lah dok nok bohong kato tok buat gapo sekaro

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito

o… o.. o…

dulu demo kato meretoh 3 bule
kini sudoh nyato bule semakin tere
hati raso banggo hidup pun raso tene
kelate negeri kito teraju perubahe

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito

o… o.. o…

agamo isle jadi dasar kito
negeri kebajike utk rakyat jelato
doa siye male tok guru wak kijo
nok tengok rakyat kelate hidup ame sentiaso

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito

o… o.. o…

takaful kifalah utk wargo tuo
ibu tungga armalah pun kito amik caro
rumoh dhuafaat cakno keluarga bahagio
hok ni pas buat jange lah demo lupo

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito

o… o.. o…

maso mulo meretoh tok guru bue judi
akaun hok ribo tok guru tolok tepi
demo maroh belako kato MB ikut hati
hok ni kawe gak raso demo ni tok berapo reti

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito

o… o.. o…

gapo alase demo nok lawe kawe
hok mano kito buat keno denga isle
jange kito loghat biar lah kito pehe
baru kito ni sepakat pakat jago kelate

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito

o… o.. o…

negeri kelate negeri kebajike
koto baru pulo bandarayo isle
maghi kito sokong mari kito pege
semuga tok guru teruh peretoh kelate

18 tahun tok guru pimpin kito 2 X

maghi pakat sokong biar meretoh sapa ke bilo

courtesy jiwo kelate

Malaya's first Election.

2008-02-22T13:03:00.000+08:00

Pilihanraya umum pertama pada 27 Julai 1955. Parti seperti PAS, Parti Negara di bawah Dato' Onn, Parti Buruh, Parti Progresif Perak, Parti Perikatan bertanding dalam pilihanraya tersebut. Parti Perikatan menangi 51 dari 52 kerusi. 1 kerusi dimenangi PAS. Dengan kemenangan ini, kabinet telah dibentuk. Tunku Abdul Rahman menjadi Ketua Menteri yang pertama. Saksikan promo pilihanraya siaran TV pada masa itu yang mengajak rakyat keluar mengundi. Marilah mengundi.

Kak long - Abe Mane now betrothed

2008-02-09T04:26:00.001+08:00

On the 23 Jan 2008 a simple engagement was carried out at Abe Mane's uncle's house in Pangkal Meleret. Abe Mane would like to express the deepest gratitude for those who had willingly participated in the representation, discussions, cooking and who have jovially involved.

After a lunch at Pangkal Meleret the small delegation from the potential groom was taken to Langgar for tea.

Abang Mat (Kak Ze), Pak Teh Aziz,
Ali Imran ( Bakal Besan), Pak Su Leh.

To ensure the date of marriage coincide with the school holidays and matriculation holidays, the date of 16 August was selected, a week later, followed by a wedding reception party on the 23 August at the groom's place.

("mother in law to be" slips the Ring into the finger of "the
bride to be" )

For members of the family keluargawanishak & Tok Jenal do plan your holidays and make it to Kak Long's Walimah.

For Planning purposes - catering especially, Abe Mane hopes - Please Respond (Répondez S'il Vous Plaît) RSVP by
15 June 2008.

RSVP to hjmanan@mcoba.org title Kak Long or Madihah. This is to allow an easy search for me, in case I do not open my mails regularly.

Letter from Barack Obama on His Muslim Heritage

2008-01-28T15:25:00.000+08:00

Mon Jan 21, 2008 2:07 am (PST)

Letter from Barack Obama on His Muslim Heritage

There has been a lot made in the recent weeks about the Muslim history of my family. Some of the things that have been said are true, others are false, so I am writing this letter to clear up the misunderstandings on this issue.

Yes, it is true that I have a name that is common amongst Kenyan Muslims where my father came from and that my middle name is Hussein. Barack is a name which means "blessing" and Hussein is a masculine form of the word beauty.

Since there is nothing inherently wrong with the concept of blessings from God and the beauty He creates I fail to see the problem with these names.

Some will say wouldn't it be a problem to have a president with a name similar to the deposed and executed former dictator of Iraq?

My answer to this is simply no; rather it is the strength and beauty of America that the son of an African man with a "funny sounding" name, born under British Colonial Rule, can now be a serious candidate for the presidency of the United States.

My father was a Muslim and although I did not know him well the religion of my father and his family was always something I had an interest in. This interest became more intense when my mother married an Indonesian Muslim man and as a small child I lived in Indonesia and attended school alongside Muslim pupils.

I saw their parents dutifully observing the daily prayers, the mothers covered in the Muslim hijab, the atmosphere of the school change during Ramadan, and the festiveness of the Eid celebrations.

The man my mother was married to was not particularly religious; but he would attend the mosque on occasion, and had copies of the Quran in different languages in the home, and books of the sayings and life of the Prophet Muhammad.

From time to time he would quote Islamic phrases such as "no one truly believes until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself", "oppression is worse than slaughter", and "all humans are equal the only difference comes from our deeds".

Growing up in Hawaii with my mother and her grandparents, Islam largely escaped my mind. My mother installed in me the values of humanism and I did not grow-up in a home were religion was taught.

It was later while I attended college at Columbia University and Harvard Law that I became reacquainted with Muslims as both schools had large Muslims student populations. Some of them were my friends and many came from countries that our nation now has hostile relations with.

The background I had from my early childhood in Indonesia helped me get to know them and learn from them and to me Muslims are not to be looked upon as something strange.

In my experiences up until college a Muslim was no less exotic to me than a Mormon, a Jew, or a Jehovah's Witness.

After college I settled in my adopted hometown of Chicago and lived on the South Side and worked as a community organizer. Chicago has one of the largest Muslim populations in America (estimated to be around 300,000) and Muslims make-up some of the most productive citizens in the area.

I met countless numbers of Muslims in my job as an organizer and later on in my early political career. I ate in their ho

mes, played with their kids, and looked at them as friends and peers and sought their advice.

Therefore, when the tragic terrorist attacks of 9-11 occurred I was deeply saddened with the rest of America , and I wanted justice for the victims of this horrific attack, but I did not blame all Muslims or the religion of Islam.

From my experience I knew the good character of most Muslims and the value that they bring to America. Many, who did not personally know Muslims, indicted the entire religion for the bad actions of a few; my experience taught me that this was something foolish and unwise.

Later I had the chance to visit the homeland of my father and meet Muslim relatives of my including my grandmother. I found that these were people who wanted the same things out of life as people right here in America and worked hard, strive to make a better way for their children, and prayed to God to grant them success.

This is what I will bring to the office of the Presidency of the United States.

I will deal with Muslims from a position of familiarity and respect and at this time in the history of our nation that is something sorely needed.

source UKM

Australians and Iranians - minus the neo-cons

2007-12-02T02:43:00.000+08:00

Australian envoy visits Imam shrine
Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:14:35

Australian envoy pays tribute to late Imam Khomeini

Australian envoy to Tehran has paid tribute to founder of the Islamic Revolution late Imam Khomeini, calling him a global figure.

Greg Moriarty paid homage to Imam Khomeini by laying a wreath at his mausoleum in south Tehran on Wednesday night.

Moriarty noted that the Imam's thoughts and ideas were influential worldwide.

Imam Khomeini is revered in Australia, the envoy said, noting that no place exists in the world where people have not heard of such a great political figure and his unique ideas.

AR/FH/PA

'Australian vote shows Bush backlash'
Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:08:53

Japan's opposition chief Ichiro Ozawa

Japan's opposition leader hails Australia's election as a backlash against the US President, urging his country to revise its US policies.

"The election outcome was due to the Australians sentiment against the (Australian Premier John) Howard administration in blindly following George W.) Bush on every issue," said Japan's opposition chief Ichiro Ozawa.

He also expressed his regret over the Japanese reluctance in compelling their leaders to change the country's pro-Us policies.

Australian Labor Party leader, Kevin Rudd, won elections last Saturday.

He said he would move quickly to keep his election promise of bringing Australia's 550 front-line troops home from Iraq.

MMS/DT

4 sending large files

CLICK HERE For | Computing & Internet |

CLICK HERE For | Software & Hardware |

Muhammad & Rugby

2007-11-16T20:52:00.000+08:00

You guys probably heard the news by now that MCKK U-16 Rugby Team lost in their Semi-Final game of the Cup Championship to SSBP (Sekolah Sukan Bandar Penawar), the National Sports School. SSBP later became the eventual winners of the 4th BCHB-COBRA Rugby 10s Schools Invitational Tournament after beating SMKYP in the Final.

Muhammad squatting second from left

The final score, between them. SSBP beats MCKK 12 - 5, with MCKK fighting untill the last minutes

In the Final of the Schools Competition between SSBP and SMKYP (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Yahya Petra) Kelantan, the SSBP thrashed SMKYP by 43 - 0

Our MCKK boys could only watch but took pride of scoring a try against SSBP where no other schoolboys team in this tournament could do. They played their hearts out until the final whistle.

courtesy Br RMA ( with a slight edtion)

IAN DURY - WHAT A WASTE

You deserve to hear this Late Cockney Londoner lyrics (down the page) from the stage

US diplomats protest call-up to Iraq

2007-11-02T01:07:00.000+08:00

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:16:36

US dimplomats oppose call-up to Iraq

Roughly 300 US diplomats have protested against the State Department's decision to force Foreign Service officers to take jobs in Iraq.

In the largest diplomatic call-up since Vietnam, the participants objected to the enforced service at the Baghdad embassy as part of the so-called Provincial Reconstruction Teams.

This conscription is a result of a lack of volunteers willing to go to Iraq, and those who refuse service face dismissal. Many diplomats have described it as 'potential death sentence'.

The ethics of sending diplomats against their will has come under scrutiny even though the embassy staff is largely confined to the so-called “Green Zone”.

The President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) John Naland said a recent survey found only 12 percent of the union's membership believed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was 'fighting for them.'

Under the new order, 200 to 300 diplomats have been identified as 'prime candidates' to fill 48 vacancies next year. Those notified have 10 days to accept or reject the position. However, should there still be a shortage, diplomats may be ordered to go.

FBA/JC/PA

For More Hotels Click Here

Longtime Bush adviser resigns

2007-11-02T00:43:00.000+08:00

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:48:23 source pressTV

Karen Hughes, one of George W. Bush's last remaining advisers from his circle of Texas aides, has said she will step down this year.

Her departure follows that of close Bush aides Karl Rove and Dan Bartlett. The three from Texas are widely credited with Bush's rise to the White House.

Announcing Hughes' decision to leave the department in mid-December, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she had accepted the resignation "with a great deal of sadness but also a great deal of happiness for what she has achieved" and with the understanding that she would continue to work on several projects.

Hughes has spent the past two years trying to improve the image of the US abroad, especially in the Middle East.

She was responsible for trying to polish the image of the US overseas in the wake of the Iraq war and the damaging Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal.

But polls show no improvement in the world's view of the US since she took over. A Pew Research survey earlier said the unpopular Iraq war is a persistent drag on the US image and has helped push favorable opinion of America in Muslim Indonesia, for instance, from 75% in 2000 to 30% last year.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Trailer

2007-10-30T10:34:00.000+08:00

The Original Cheaper By The Dozen

2007-10-30T00:13:00.000+08:00

Disallowed England try?

2007-10-22T00:31:00.000+08:00

england rugby world cup final 07- the tri was ours

I agree, his foot hit the line before the ball was grounded. As much as I wanted England to win, the tri wasn't ours. :-

at 1:35 foot touches line before ball grounded

View all 8 comments

South Africa wins Rugby World Cup

2007-10-21T23:19:00.001+08:00

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 18:12:17

South African president Thabo Mbeki celebrates the victory.

South Africa has claimed the William Webb Ellis Cup after punishing the Rugby World Cup's defending champions, England, with a 15-6 win.

In the hard-fought title match, Percy Montgomery converted all of his four penalty kicks to goal.

Francois Steyn also kicked one long-range goal to score all of the points for the Springboks, who are now two times champions of the World Cup.

"It's unbelievable. We have been building and working towards winning and, ultimately we have won the World Cup," said Montgomery, the tournament's leading scorer.

England's points were all scored by the boot of Jonny Wilkinson, who kicked a penalty in each half.

While England fans applauded their team's performance at the Stade de France outside Paris, the British players were bitterly disappointed with the result.

"It's a shame that all that spirit counts for nothing. We gave it everything but it didn't go to plan. We are immensely disappointed," said England forward Martin Corry.

MD/JR/RE - Source Presstv

South Africa Rugby Team

2007-10-20T00:31:00.000+08:00

Argentina 17 France 12

2007-10-18T18:12:00.001+08:00

Highlights & Final Score Englang Vs France

2007-10-18T04:01:00.000+08:00

highlights from the semi finals against france

2007-10-18T03:46:00.000+08:00

height="350">

RWC07 Semi Final - Eng vs France (Part 14 - Second Half)

2007-10-15T13:01:00.000+08:00

RWC07 Semi Final - Eng vs France (Part 8 - Half Time)

2007-10-15T13:00:00.001+08:00

Type of Conspiracy ordained by Almighty

2007-10-11T16:57:00.000+08:00

Verse 9 & 10 Surah 58 - She That Disputeth

9. O ye who believe! When ye conspire together, conspire not for crime and wrongdoing and disobedience towards the messenger, but conspire together for righteousness and piety, and keep your duty toward Allah, unto whom ye will be gathered.

The next verse remind us of the sinister conspiracy peculiar only for devil.

10. Lo! Conspiracy is only of the devil, that he may vex those who believe: but he can harm them not at all unless by Allah's leave. In Allah let believers put their trust.

( Translation by Marmaduke Pickthall )

AL-SAHIFA AL-SAJJADIYYA
Dua - The Whispered Prayer of the Obedient towards God

The man who stands between US and new war

2007-10-09T22:07:00.000+08:00

Last Updated: 1:26pm BST 09/10/2007

Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, has taken charge of the forces in the American government opposed to a US military attack on Iran, writes Tim Shipman.

Pentagon and State Department officials say Mr Gates has set himself up as chief rival to Dick Cheney in a bid to thwart the vice president's desire to bomb the Islamic state.


	Defence secretary Robert Gates: a force for peace

Those familiar with internal battles in the Bush administration say Mr Gates has eclipsed Condoleezza Rice, the secretary of state, as the chief opponent of air strikes and is the main reason President George W.Bush has yet to resort to military action.

Pentagon sources say Mr Gates is waging a subtle campaign to undermine the Cheney camp by encouraging the army's senior officers to speak frankly about the overstretch of forces, and the difficulty of fighting another war.

Bruce Reidel, a former CIA Middle East officer, said: "Cheney's people know they can beat Condi. They have been doing it for six years. Bob Gates is a different kettle of fish. He doesn't owe the President anything. He is urging his officers to be completely honest, knowing what that means."

Officials say Mr Gates's strategy bore fruit when Admiral William Fallon, the head of US Central Command, charged with devising war plans for Iran, said last month that the "constant drumbeat of war" was not helpful.

He was followed by General George Casey, the army's new chief of staff, who requested an audience with the House of Representatives armed services committee to warn that his branch of the military had been stretched so thin by the Iraq war that it was not prepared for yet another conflict.

Gen Casey told Congress the army was "out of balance" and added: "The demand for our forces exceeds the sustainable supply. We are consumed with meeting the demands of the current fight, and are unable to provide ready forces as rapidly as necessary for other potential contingencies."

Mr Gates has forged an alliance with Mike McConnell, the national director of intelligence, and Michael Hayden, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, to ensure that Mr Cheney's office is not the dominant conduit of information and planning on Iran to Mr Bush.

Insiders say Mr Gates has ensured that Mr Bush has seen more extensive studies of the probable negative effects of an attack on Iran than he was privy to before the war in Iraq.

One CIA insider said: "Bush understands that any increase in real military hostilities in Iran right now could have a negative effect. Bob Gates is the only one opposed to it. He's the single person in the US government who has any standing with the White House fighting it."

Source Telegraph.co.uk

MCOBA Quad Colors is ANSARA Cup 2007 Runner-Up

2007-10-09T17:59:00.000+08:00

MCOBA Quad Colors football team is the runner-up in ANSARA Cup 2007 after losing to ANSARA Kuala Terengganu in the final game which took place at Petronas Permata Stadium, Bangi. Qaud Colors led the game 1-0 during the first half. 10 minutes before the game is over,the opponent equalized. In the end, Quad Colors lost 4-5 on penalties.

Under the leadership of Syed Khalid and Khairul Nizam, both from Class of '94, this is the team's best performance in ANSARA Cup. Thanks to the team for working so hard and coming so far. MCOBA is proud of you.

Peaceful Nuclear Rights

2007-09-04T10:19:00.000+08:00

Aziz: Stop discrimination in N-rights
Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:17:46
The Economic Times

Pakistan's PM says all countries have the right to access nuclear technology.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz says all of the world countries should exercise equal rights to peaceful nuclear technology.

In an apparent reference to a nuclear pact between India and the US, Shaukat Aziz said there should be no discrimination in developing nuclear technology.

Under the pact, New Delhi will get access to US nuclear technology, despite the fact that it is not an NPT signatory state. The US has repeatedly ruled out a similar nuclear deal with Pakistan.

Pakistan's Prime Minister reiterated that his country is duty-bound to meet its energy needs through all available means including nuclear technology and revealed that the construction of more nuclear reactors is underway in Pakistan.

He said all countries have the right to develop and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, under appropriate safeguards.

Thailand to build first N-plant
Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:58:47
The Times of India

Energy-hungry Thailand is planning to construct its first nuclear power plant.

Thailand is to build its first nuclear power plant over the next decade in a bid to cope with a looming power shortage, a top official said.

"The construction of the first nuclear power plant will take between 10 to 15 years and we are seeking 200 nuclear experts to help us," Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said.

Thailand's largest energy company will invest six billion dollars in the project, which is expected to be operational in 2020.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has said the planned nuclear facility would produce 4,000 megawatts of electricity.

Thailand heavily relies on natural gas for electricity production with 70 percent of the electricity needs being met from natural gas. The rest is coming from oil, coal and hydropower.

One third of the natural gas consumed in Thailand is imported, mainly from neighboring Myanmar, and EGAT sees nuclear power as a stable energy source due to worries over a future hike in natural gas and oil prices.

Lebanon opposition gives up condition

2007-09-03T08:52:00.000+08:00

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 09:03:48
Source: Reuters

Nabih Berri, Parliament Speaker and leader of al-Amal party

Lebanon's opposition has dropped its demand for a national unity government ahead of an upcoming presidential election, Nabih Berri says.

Lebanon's opposition has dropped a condition for its participation in an upcoming presidential election in parliament, said the opposition figure Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri .

The opposition, which includes pro-Syrian Shia Muslim Hezbollah and Berri's Amal group, had demanded a new national unity government with an opposition veto and a consensus presidential candidate as conditions for attending the vote, where its MPs are needed to make it valid.

"Let us come together to approve presidential elections on the basis of consensus and a two-thirds majority ... the opposition does not want a (national unity) government before the elections," Berri said.

Berri's announcement gave some ground in a political conflict with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's US-backed anti-Syrian government that has paralyzed Lebanon since November.

The constitution says parliament should meet on September 25 to elect a replacement for pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud, whose term expires at midnight on November 23. Opposition MPs are needed at the vote for a two-thirds quorum to be met.

Siniora's supporters have prioritized replacing Lahoud with someone independent of Syria ever since Syrian troops left Lebanon in 2005 after the killing of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri.

But Hezbollah is equally determined to keep the presidency out of the hands of political adversaries that are believed to be controlled by Washington, and little progress has been made on appointing a compromise presidential candidate.

Amnesty defends Muslim Brotherhood

2007-09-02T13:10:00.000+08:00

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 02:31:17
Sources: Agencies

The Muslim Brotherhood aims to bring Islamic law to Egypt.

Amnesty International (AI) has expressed great concern over the arrest of two Egyptian lawmakers from the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

"Amnesty International is deeply greatly concerned by the recent arrests, detention and prosecution on terrorism-related charges of leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood, apparently because of their peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of association and assembly," it said in a statement.

The brotherhood has been banned since 1954, and more than 400 of its members, including four leading activists, have been jailed in a recent clampdown by security agencies.

The group is Egypt's most potent opposition group and describes itself as a moderate Islamic organization that wants to bring Islamic law to Egypt. Under recent controversial constitutional amendments, no political party is allowed in Egypt that is religion based.

The Muslim Brotherhood has 88 seats in Egypt's 454-member legislature.

UEFA Champions League Group Stage

2007-08-31T13:48:00.000+08:00

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 02:59:56
Source: PressTV and agencies

UEFA Champions Leag draw is fixed

The group stage of the Champions League draw was made at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco and the 32 teams were split into 8 groups of four.

However one place in the group stage is yet to be filled, as the second leg of AEK Athens FC's third qualifying round tie with Sevilla FC was postponed to Monday 3 September due to the death of the Spanish club's midfielder Antonio Puerta on Tuesday. The eventual winners will play in Group H against Arsenal FC, FC Steaua Bucure?ti and SK Slavia Praha, newcomers to this stage.

The group stage for Groups A,B,C and D will kick off on Tuesday September 18, and for Groups E,F,G and H on Wednesday September19.

Group A: Liverpool, Porto, Marseille, Besiktas
Group B: Chelsea, Valencia, FC Schalke, Rosenborg
Group C: Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, Lazio, Olympiakos
Group D: AC Milan, Benfica, Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk
Group E: FC Barcelona, Lyon, Stuttgart, Rangers
Group F: Manchester United, AS Roma, Sporting Lisbon, Dynamo Kiev
Group G: Internazionale, PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce
Group H: Arsenal, (Sevilla or AEK Athens), Steaua Bucharest, Slavia Prague

MMN/RA

Iranian Volleyball Champ & player earns MVP award

2007-08-29T07:02:00.000+08:00

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:26:09
Source: Press TV and agencies

Iran's volleyball player Mojtaba Ghiasi

Iran's volleyball player Mojtaba Ghiasi has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2007 Boys' Youth World Volleyball Championship.

Alireza Jadidi, another player in Iran's squad, won the best blocker award at the tournament.

Indian Singh Mandeep was named the best scorer; Chinese Huang Bin the best attacker, Cuban Rolando Cepeda the best server; Argentinean Nicolas Uriarte best setter; American Erik Shoji the best libero and defender and Puerto Rican Dennis Del Valle the best receiver.

Iran's name has been etched in the volleyball history book after becoming the 2007 youth world volleyball champion for the first time.

Iran defeated China 3-2 early Monday in an all Asian final.

Birth and Marriage :

2007-08-28T00:22:00.001+08:00

On the 14th August 2007, Ghaz - Yu Nah had their third Child, a baby boy whom their parents named Muhd Iyad Mustakim.

On the 20th August 2007, Kak Ti - Mok Cik Noh organised a thanksgiving lunch to relatives and friends in Machang to celebrate their third child, Ahmad Nazipan marriage to Wan Nor Aida.

Iranian basketball team crowned as Asian Champion

2007-08-06T10:56:00.000+08:00

Tehran, Aug 5, IRNA

Iran-Lebanon-Basketball
Iran's national basketball team scored a victory over its heavy weight rival Lebanon and won Asian Championship, thus getting green card to attend 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

In final game, Iran's national squad got 74 points against 69 and grabbed the title.

The final match of Fiba Asian Cup was held in Tokushima, Japan on August five, 2007.

AFC Asian Cup 2007: Iraq vs. South Korea -- Penalty Shots

2007-07-27T22:47:00.000+08:00

AFC Asian Cup 2007 - semi-final | Saudi Arabia vs Japan 3-2

2007-07-27T22:37:00.000+08:00

Teen's Secret Travels - To Iraq, now Afghanistan

2007-07-19T00:59:00.000+08:00

AC Milan vs Liverpool

2007-07-11T17:12:00.000+08:00

- Champions League Final 07' Goals -

FA Cup Final - 19/05/2007 - Chelsea Champion

2007-07-11T17:10:00.000+08:00

Drogba scored Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0

Liverpool vs Chelsea Champions League

2007-07-11T17:09:00.001+08:00

Highlights Penalties

Liverpool 1 - Chelsea 0 (01.05.2007)

2007-07-11T17:05:00.000+08:00

AC MILAN Vs Man Utd. Champions League

2007-07-11T17:02:00.001+08:00

Second Leg - Goals Highlights

Don't Worry, Be Happy

2007-06-14T12:11:00.000+08:00

Performed by Bobby McFerrin

Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy......

Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate

Don't worry, be happy
Lood at me I am happy
Don't worry, be happy

Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
But don't worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy (now).....

There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy

Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon past
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy

Favorite Verses

2007-05-15T00:17:00.000+08:00

Many converts in their search for answers have in the process had become more poetic. True to Moa Tze Tungs words perhaps, he said “all revolutionaries are poetic”. These later converts look at life in a very different manner than most teachers at local schools, local hospital psychiatrists and Government paid television preachers who sees life as an okay and we err. They saw life as something not right and they too are missing something right. For example read Maryam Jameelah works in “western civilization condemned itself”.

It also interesting to note each prophet is given a dominance over the rest in a miracle that close to the social heart of its people. That’s why Solleh (as) was given a unique camel. Jesus (as) was given the cure for diseases and even death. David (as) the grace to defeat the might of Goliath and Moses (as) with his magic stick, for magic was not only dominant but also majestic during his time The prophet was given the Qur’an as a miracle. Since his time words have been used in communications of all kinds. of literatures through books, periodicals, telecommunications and now the computer’s web. Thus the Qur’an is as alive, not any less than when it was progressively revealed some 1400 years ago.

Some of the converts managed to get a hold to the Qur’an via gifts or own initiatives . The passage the first read chapter, The Opening was in fact, implementing the very meaning of the first revealed verse , Iqra’ (read). The first chapter is also known as the mother (Umm-ul) of Qur’an. It is an invocation to the Great One for guidance, in fact beseeching him for a straight path to exclude the paths taken by two kinds of deviants, first that has lost the path, gone astray and angered him and second type who had usurped the path, blinded others the true path and profiting from it while making others to follow their paths and hence challenging God himself, the extreme type.

Now we shall look at the verses . The converts were moved by the immediate reply that came in the early verses in the next surah which we will also see its translation and the terms or conditions that are placed before them if they are truly looking for and wanted guidance.

The Opening (7 verses revealed at Mecca)

1. In the name of Allah, the Beneficent , the Merciful
2. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds:
3. The Beneficent, the Merciful
4. Owner of the Day of Judgement
5. Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.
6. Show us the straight path
7. The path of whom thou hast favored; Not the path of those who earn Thine anger nor those who gone astray.

Al Baqarah ( revealed in Medina first 5 verses of 286)
(the surah following the Opening)

1. Alif Lam Mim
2. This is a scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance for those Who ward off (evil)
3. Who believe in the unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that “We bestowed upon them.”
4. And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee ( Muhammad ) and Which is revealed before thee, and are certain of the hereafter.
5. These depend on guidance from their Lord These are the successful.

Two things probably is worthy, regarding Ilmu Qur’an (Koranic Knowledge) to note here, the first concerning the arrangement. Note that Quranic verses are not arranged according to the chronological order they were revealed. It is a norm that student in the science of Quran would study in depths reasons behind, why a particular verse revealed. The Opening was reveal in Medina when early Muslims were persecuted and unable to practice Islam as a way of life. The second surah (Chapter) was revealed in Mecca where Muslims could implement a way of life in the midst of a cosmopolitan society of Mecca.

( all interpretations of the surah were of Marmaduke Pickhal's )

The FIrst Few Verses Revealed

Munajat

2007-05-13T00:22:00.000+08:00

Supplications (Munajat) of Khwajah
'Abdallah Ansari, the great saint of Herat.

I live only to do Thy will,
My lips move only in praise of Thee
O Lord, whoever becometh aware of Thee
Casteth out all else other than Thee.

O Lord, give me a heart
That I may pour it out in Thanksgiving
Give me life
That I may spend it
In working for the salvation of the world.

O Lord, give me understanding
That I stray not from the path

Give me light
To avoid pitfalls.

O Lord, give me eyes
Which see nothing but Thy glory.

Give me a mind
That finds delight in Thy service.

Give me a soul
Drunk in the wine of Thy wisdom.

Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street

2007-05-03T20:44:00.000+08:00

Windin' your way down on Baker Street
Light in your head and dead on your feet
Well another crazy day
You'll drink the night away
And forget about everything
This city desert makes you feel so cold.
It's got so many people but it's got no soul
And it's taking you so long
To find out you were wrong
When you thought it had everything

You used to think that it was so easy
You used to say that it was so easy

But you're tryin'
You're tryin' now
Another year and then you'll be happy
Just one more year and then you'll be happy
But you're cryin'
You're cryin' now

Way down the street there's a lad in his place
He opens the door he's got that look on his face
And he asks you where you've been
You tell him who you've seen
And you talk about anything
He's got this dream about buyin' some land
He's gonna give up the booze and the one night stands
And then he'll settle down there's a quiet little town
And forget about everything

But you know he'll always keep movin'
You know he's never gonna stop movin
Cus he's rollin'
He's the rollin' stone
And when you wake up it's a new mornin'
The sun is shinin' it's a new morning
You're goin'
You're goin' home.

DEBAT ANJURAN UIAM

2007-04-24T16:46:00.000+08:00

KOLEJ Melayu Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) dan Sekolah Alam Shah (SAS), Putrajaya muncul juara Pertandingan Debat Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia 2007 yang berlangsung di Auditorium Pusat Aktiviti Kebudayaan, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) Gombak, semalam.

Pada pertandingan merebut Piala Tun Sri Lanang dan Piala Munsyi Abdullah, MCKK selaku pasukan pembangkang menewaskan Sekolah Seri Puteri, Cyberjaya bagi kategori Bahasa Melayu yang membahaskan tajuk Peperangan Adalah Jalan Terbaik.

Sementara, SAS selaku pembangkang menjuarai kategori Bahasa Inggeris dengan mengetepikan pencabarnya, Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Star), Ipoh dalam tajuk This House Believe As That Open Source Software Should Be Made Mandatory In Government Offices.

Dengan kemenangan itu, MCKK yang dibarisi pendebat Aslam Abd Jalil, Mohd Amirul Asyraf Mohd Hanaffi, Muhammad Affendy Hasni dan Mus’ab Abdul Manan (simpanan) menerima Piala Tun Sri Lanang, wang tunai RM2,000, piala iringan dan sijil penghargaan.

Pasukan SAS yang diwakili Darimi Saadon, Muhammad Khalid Azizuddin, Nuruddin Abdul Aziz dan Hairul Abdul Rashid (simpanan), memperoleh Piala Munsyi Abdullah, wang tunai RM2,000, piala iringan serta sijil penghargaan.

Kedua-dua sekolah turut mencatat kejayaan berganda apabila Darini dan Muhammad Affendy diumumkan pendebat terbaik pertandingan akhir. Masing-masing menerima wang tunai RM300, piala iringan dan sijil penghargaan.

Naib johan kedua-dua kategori masing-masing menerima hadiah wang tunai RM1,000, piala iringan dan sijil penghargaan.

Pendebat terbaik keseluruhan dimenangi Muhammad Affendy bagi kategori Bahasa Melayu, manakala Muhamad Zuhri Kamil Mohd Sapii bagi kategori Bahasa Inggeris.

Hadiah kepada pemenang disampaikan Setiausaha Parlimen, Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim.

Hadir sama, Timbalan Rektor Akademik dan Penyelidikan UIAM, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Azmi Omar.

Pertandingan Debat Sekolah-sekolah Malaysia 2007 ditaja TIME Engeneering Bhd sebagai penaja utama, selain Petronas, Kesatuan Alumni UIAM dan IIUM Holdings Sdn Bhd, manakala akhbar Berita Harian selaku media rasmi.

Pertandingan tahun ini menyaksikan penyertaan terbanyak 162 pasukan membabitkan 810 peserta dan guru pengiring.

Berita Harian Sabtu 21 April 2007

BBBooootu, 21 April 2007

Sabtu, 21 April 2007

KELANTAN - Local delicacies

2007-01-21T01:38:00.000+08:00

( dedicated to a friend from Machang now living in New York )
Invented by the Kelantanese among them:

• Nasi Dagang

A brown glutinous rice (special glutinous rice) which is cooked with santan (fresh coconut milk) , blended onions and garlic and some spices (such as Malay:halba (fenugreek). Fish or chicken cook similar to curry comes as an add-on to complete the dishes. Add-on include a specially prepared sour salad consists mainly of cucumber.

The Nasi Dagang is one of the tastiest dishes in Kelantan and goes well with fish curry (the spices used are different from curry), sour salad, hard boiled eggs and chicken.. It is recommended to take only a small portion as it is extremely filling.

• Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu literally means "herbal rice". There are two version.

Kelantan's Original Nasi Kerabu is a "white rice", served with "tumis" gravy and served with local herbs, leaves and vegetables. Tumis is a thickened chilli based gravy fried in a wok.

Thiere is another the version, which is a dyed-blue (using herbs – a type of flower) rice without a "tumis" gravy.

Apart from that it is also served with deep fried small fish coated with spicy ground rice, fried fish crackers (keropok), salted egg, "solok lada" (fish fillet and coconut-stuffed green chillis), and pickled garlic.

blue Nasi Kerabu with Keropok

• Nasi Tumpang

Rice packed in a cone-shaped banana leaf. A pack of Nasi Tumpang may consists of an omelet, beef floss, chicken curry and sweet gravy.

The norm is, it come in three layers of normal rice, glutinous rice and red beans. It is said that it is traditionally meant for travelers. Dubbed by young locals as Apollo.

• Ayam Golek / Ayam Percik

Wood-fire broiled chicken ( marinated in a selection of spices) dressed with sweet coconut gravy. Ayam Golek / Percik is eaten with white rice in major family dishes.

To those who do not prefer the rich coconut gravy can take the broiled chicken can also be dipped into "cholek" - a hot chilli sauce ala Thai.

• Nasi Berlauk

Nasi Berlauk is a breakfast dish. Most Kelantanese have Nasi Berlauk is rice served with fish or chicken and vegetables cooked with tumeric and galangal infused yellow gravy for breakfast. Wrapped in banana leaves brings out the special flavour.

• Keropok

These are Kelantanese fish crackers. Their texture and colour are noticeably rougher and darker than the usual variety found on the.

• Keropok Gote

Kelantanese version of sausages. Made by combining fish flesh and sago, keropok gote is rolled into long firm sticks and then steamed or boiled. To enjoy it, one has to cut it into desired bite sized and deep fried. Different from Terengganu's keropok lekor, the Kelantan variety is thicker and longer in size and has to be fried to be eaten. Keropok Gote is probably the one snack which all Kelantanese children grow up with. It is a must have, at all school canteens.

• Kelantanese Laksa and Laksam

Laksa is white rice noodles served with curry and vegetables, is made differently in every state in Malaysia. The Kelantanese laksa employs the creamy white coconut milk gravy which is richer and has full-bodied flavour. The main ingredients of the gravy is fish flesh, although connoisseurs would certainly prefer the ones made of selected fish such as eels.

Laksam is served with the same gravy. Laksam is from ground rice, turned into paste, steamed after being flattened into thin plates. Allowed to cool then rolled. Served after scissor sniped into strips of 10mm wide. Laksam is unique to Kelantan, it originates here, though one may find anywhere in Malaysia today.

Laksam

Whenever you are in Malaysia, try them.