Please let the children live!

The Star carries the following news, a heart wrenching news about a six years old boy found dead near his mother in a house in Sibu. It just wrenched me to imagine that anyone could possibly put the hands on a six-year-old kid, David Ting (photo left) and took the life away from him, more so if that person is the very person who brought him into this sinful world of ours. According to the OCPD of Sibu, the boy apparently died from strangulation.

What has the boy done to receive the death sentence? It is the worst kind of crime that a human being can do and no words can describe the cruelty, inhumanity and atrocity of that crime. Was it the mother or some else? Was the mother the victim or the villain? If not the mother, then who?

Children is the weakest in our society and they are often the victims of the circumstances which they have no say over or no option to disown. They are not only the victim of broken families but also the victims of the society which we have created. They are trusting, sweet, innocent, weak and defenceless against adults brutality and evilly.

How can anyone actually take it in the heart to even purposely harm them, not to mention murder them? The society is sick and there are many sick and despicable men and women wondering around us and it is almost indefensible against them.

Let the law be more responsive to the needs for the protection of the kids in the country and let there be a safety net for those children from broken families lest that they become another David Ting.

To be perfectly honest, i would recommend the harshest punishment for this kind of atrocity against children and none more appropriate than mandatory dead by hanging. Not so much an eye for an eye but we owe it to our kids to give them the best protection that a civil society can afford. Let the whole world know that not only thou shall not kill but the law and the society can never forgive those child-killer, period.

David Wong
28-01-2008

Nation Monday January 28, 2008MYT 5:06:38 PM
Woman and son found dead in Sibu
By JACK WONG
SIBU: A woman and her six-year-old son were found dead in their double-storey house at Jalan Langsat here.
Police have identified her as Hung Yu Yuin, 34, and her son, David Ting Yu Soon.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Shafie Ismail said Hung was found hanging from the ceiling of the sitting room and Ting's body was found on the floor at about 7.50pm on Sunday.
He said the boy was believed to have died of strangulation as a piece of nylon string was found at the scene.
ACP Shafie said police were investigating the motive behind the deaths.
A police party rushed to the house after receiving a telephone call from Hung's neighbours as they heard someone screaming in the house.
Police had to break down the front door as it was locked from the inside.
Sources said Hung had earlier quarrelled with her husband over some matters, and that he was not around when the tragedy happened.

What kind of world are we living in?

SUPP's leader, a class of its own.

Below is a news report(mandarin) from United daily news reporting the speech of the youth leader of SUPP sibu branch. Mr. Benson Chua was reported blaming the DAP for the corruption of the BN government of which his own SUPP is a partner!

It shows the "intelligence" of the SUPP leaders and the characters and class of its leaders. On the one hand, he asks the people to give a 100% support to the SUPP in the coming election saying that if the 2 SUPP leaders in Sibu can not secure victory in the coming election, then there will be no "representatives" to represent the people, while on the other hand he wants the DAP (opposition) to supervise the BN effectively.

Mr. Chua is considered the 3rd highest ranking youth leader in the SUPP and his stand reflects those of the SUPP's youth leadership and SUPP central committee as well. By this standard, it shows the quality of the SUPP as a political party and its political ideology as a whole.

The ex- health Minister Dr. CSL should have learn from him and put the blame on his wife for not "supervise" his adultery. Abdullah Badawi should also put Mr. Benson Chua in the line-ups for the general election so that he can be appointed as a member of the cabinet as Mr. Benson Chua has the most "brilliant" mind that could tell the world that Malaysian corruption is the fault of the opposition and that the BN is actually the victim.

What kind of world are we living in? It is simply beyond my comprehension and for that matter, most of the human kinds that have a least an IQ of 10!!

David Wong
28-01-2008
今日要闻 晋汉斯省 拉让区 北砂 汶莱 半岛 国际 综合 体育 娱乐 论坛 特稿
蔡明成：反对党描黑 吓坏外人拒来投资
（本报诗巫27日讯）人联党诗巫支部青年团团长蔡明成指出，若是监督有效，我国就不会发生贪污腐败的事件。　他说，国阵贪污腐败是反对党的错，若反对党‘监督有方”，国阵还会这么腐败吗？　他表示，反对党只会描黑事情，吓坏有意前来的投资者，最终本地经济停滞不前。党派有责任发展地方　他于昨晚该党诗巫支部青年与妇女组主办的“鼠年行大运，数也数不完”晚宴上说，作为一名代议士，不管是来自国阵或反对党，只要是人民代议士，都有责任为地方带来发展。　蔡明成表示，反对党代表古晋及武吉阿瑟。但这两区的议员只会天天叫骂，以手指路、桥及水沟等问题，想借此引起群众不满。　他称，中选的代议士，就要设法为选区带来发展，而不是挑起人民的不满，任何问题都要与有关当局协商，讨论如何做得更好。　他表示，在这次的大选，必须要确保刘会洲及张泰卿再度中选，否则，就没有代议士为我们争取发展。

What do we do with a rotten apple?

Even Dr Mahathir Mohamed has told us that the government is ‘rotten’. What do people do with something rotten? Such as a rotten apple? Do we eat it? Or do we give it to our love ones? Or may be present it to our neighbors? Or we simply keep it wrap in nice wrapping? The answer is yours and only you know it.

Malaysia is governed by a bunch of monkeys whose business is of course "monkey business". You can't blame them for it is their nature to destroy everything that comes in their way, our freedom, our Constitution, our rights to equality and justice, our humanity and our decency.

But may be Malaysians are addicted to the BN like the drug addicts to the cocaine or crack? May be the voters have been brain-washed to tick the "weigh scale" in the ballot papers in every election, the party symbol of the ruling Barisan Nasional or national coalition front.

There was a joke that the Bumi only know the symbol of the BN and do not care who is the candidate and what he do or how he intends to serve. Another one goes like this "it doesn't matter who is the candidate, even a water Buffalo will do, as long as it is under the BN ticket!"

Malaysians have a long way to go and only they can make a difference and the political parties can only be as good as the voters. So what do we do with a rotten apple? We will see soon, i.e. in the coming general election.

David Wong
27-01-2008

Inflation, what inflation? Who is reporting?

Inflation is an abstract, it can't be seen or feel unless it is reported by the media, especially the print media. The BN feels that as long as the media did not report on the issue, then the people would not feel it. It is like "see no evil, speak no evil and speak no evil" type of fictional story the kids read.

According to a report by Malaysiakini, The DPM Najib and the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ministry Shafie Apdal have both held meeting with the mainstream media not to report on this matter or at least paint a brighter image about the issue.

With the approaching general election, inflation seems to be the biggest worry of the BN and the heat is on even among the UMNO bigwigs as how the inflation will affect the outcomes of the election. It has been admitted by both the PM and the DPM that the BN can't win as handsomely as in the 2004 general election and rumours have it that the BN is struggling with the 2/3 majority that it has enjoyed for the past eleven (11) general election, especially with the uncertainty of the Indian votes after the Hindraf rally in the capital.

The balance of power seems to rest on the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. However, with the 2006 state election of Sarawak as a reminder of the problems of the urban voters' dissatisfaction, the mood of the SUPP, the Chinese-based party in the BN, is uncertain. Sabah seems to be a better bet for the BN in all things go smoothly, with the palm oils prices at their peak and good tourism sector, maybe the BN can pull off another record win.

So, what is the next move? The BN has a high task to retent its Bumi votes first and inflation is a no-no for the BN and thus the Police had obtained a court ruling not to allow the rally organised by the Coalition against Inflation (protes) to take place today in the nation capital. The government last year gave the public services sector(86.6% Bumi) the biggest pay rise in history with a 25%-35% increment meant to secure their support for the coming election and thus inflation must not offset the feel-good effect of that strategy.

After that, the Chinese votes must be wooed and what better way than to re-open the SJKC Damansara (Chinese primary school) and the granting of RM 10 millions for the Chinese primary schools through MCA? The MCA would be proud to present to the Chinese community the "presents" of their pleading in the BN and forget that the education policies are those of the BN whom they are a part of. The MCA and the other Chinese based parties would tell the Chinese community how "liberal and open" is our Education Minister and of course of the PM in the coming election as they promised not to close the Chinese schools in Malaysia. But the Chinese community is facing the high cost of inflation as it prepares to celebrate the Lunar new year which falls on the 7Th of Feb. The noise on the street and in the coffee shop is not favorable to the ruling BN as peoples struggle to make ends meet in the months to come.

Then comes the Indian community whom the BN was caught by surprised by the Hindraf rally that saw almost 100,000 Indians going to the street. 130 supporters of the rally are still on hunger strike after its leaders went on hunger strike in the jail's cell following their arrest under the ISA. The PM Abdullah announced Thaipusam a public holiday for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as well as the setting-up of a cabinet committee to tackle hardcore poverty. But the Indian community leaders in general feel that a holiday for Thaipusam was over due and the announcement of a holiday after 50 year of Merdeka is itself the proof of marginalization of the Indian community and the BN did not set up the special mechanism like the NEP to address the pressing issues of the poor Indians.

Apart from the inflation, i hope Malaysian would look into all the issues such as corruptions, judicial rot, crimes and security, the NEP and mismanagement that prevent the country to march forwards and demand a Malaysia for all Malaysian based on equality, fairness and democracy in every sense of the words .

David Wong
16-01-2008

We have no chioce left but "change"

Democratic Elections, Shifting Values
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/58252008-01-19 15:17

For many countries or regions, this is an election year in which people can hope for changes by casting their votes. Of course, this may seem too optimistic as our experiences tell us that changes could be bad. However, our experiences also tell us that if there are no changes there is no likelihood to something good emerging.For this year, the most attractive election would be the presidential election of the United States. Even the presidential election is scheduled to be held at the end of year, state primaries have been carried out. It was said that this year's elections takes the longest duration as election campaigns were carried out since the end of last year.

Looking at our country, the election date is unclear, and candidates refuse to make comments while voters are confused. We do not examine policies, debate on concepts and we have no chance to ponder what kind of future we want. We are just waiting for someday when we have to get up from bed and cast our votes.
(By CHUA SZE CHIH/ Translated by SOONGPHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily.

What democracy when the PM decides everything
In Malaysia, the date of the general election is decided by the PM and only after he has the Inspiracy (inspiration in english). The state-owned media then becomes the machinery for the ruling BN to sing to their tunes and often used to blast the opposition, our Information Minister even claimed that RTM(Radio Television Malaysia) belongs to the BN. Government machinery then become the properties of the BN to ensure their electoral victory at the expense of the tax payers' money. There has never been what we called a care-taker government even after parliament was dissolved to oversee the transitional period as if BN is the only political party and as if BN will forever be the government of Malaysia.

General election without public debate
There has never been any public debate on television over policies and agendas for the voters to decide but only one-sided propaganda of the BN to boost about the developments it brought and films of yest er-years will be broad casted on state television to show the voters how far we have come forwards. Guilds and Associations were then summoned to organise dinners and functions so that BN's candidates can send their "love" messages out and of course developments funds would be given to these associations to show BN's benevolence.

Even the God's servant was used
In 2004 general election, a Chinese newspaper advertisement showed a pastor of a particular church in Sibu "promoting" one particular BN's candidates with praises as if he is the campaigner for the BN's candidate. I did not complain as i did not want the name of the church and God to be smeared by such a character. Oh, he did say after that he did not know that they would use his "innocent" conversation to use as campaign materials, but he should know that that was very sensitive during election time.

Intimidating the voters
Then of course, as Malaysian are all peace-loving and generally timid in nature, why not broadcast the chaos and bloody confrontations and insecurity in Iraq or Pakistan or better still those of our Asean neighbors to scare Malaysian seeking for "change" with the slogan "Malaysia is a heaven, don't gamble it away!"

The BN used the Indonesian riots as its propaganda before and i am very sure they will use Pakistan, Cambodia or Mymar as their propaganda materials this time around.The BN will divert the attention of the peoples from the rot in the judiciary, the Hindraff issues,the Chinese education woes, corruptions, crimes and insecurity ,the inflation and the fuels price hike , the NEP and all those scandals exposed by the Auditor-general 2006 reports by giving out candies and small grants to pacify each sector of the society.

Don't just blame the BN
But why blame all on the BN? Is it not the voters themselves who decide who is to form the next government or how big is the majority for the ruling political party or their pact? Malaysia has been ruled by the BN for the past 50 years since Merdeka and like one elderly Iban voter told me "Kalau BN Kalah, Kita tak ada Kerajaan". It is difficult for the country to rid of the BN and its barbaric rules as long as we are as ignorant as that elderly Iban voter!

The future holds bright for Malaysia as long as the peoples know how to "play" with politics such as the using of the equation of equilibrium, i.e. check and balance. So, let us make our first move in 2008 to curtail the BN's strength to within two-third (2/3) majority in the Dewan Rakyat (Peoples' Hall). That would be the "change" the country needs for better things to come after 50 years of rot.

David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.
25-01-2008

One for the Royal Commission and Justice

Commission rules holiday evidence relevant

The royal commission on the Lingam tape today (24-01-2008) rejected an application by lawyer VK Lingam to expunge evidence in regards to his holiday together with the former chief justice Eusoff Chin in December 1994.

The commission said it was allowing evidence to be adduced on the personal relationship between the two to be included in the inquiry.Following this ruling, Bar Council representative Robert Lazar is now continuing with his questioning of Lingam on his relationship with Eusoff.

The Commission has ruled that the relationship between Tun Yusof Chin and Lingam is of substance to the whole issue whether the appointment of the Chief Justice was arranged. This is an important step forward as it determines whether the Commission's scope of enquiry was limited to ascertain whether the person in the tape was Lingam and who was at the other end of the conversation. The Royal Commission must be given a free hand to ensure that the conversation was fully probed as to whether it contains other evidence that judicial has been "hijacked" and "manipulated" by the politicians and lawyer and business tycoons.

The sad thing about the whole thing is most of the public still do not bother about the Lingam case and feel that this is "normal" under the BN administration. Many might feel that "so what?" or "what can we do?" or "I can't even handle my own problem, why should i bother?". Of course, even many lawyers are "indifference" towards the whole thing as they are only concerned about their own welfare.

David Wong
24-01-2008

'It looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me."

VK Lingam, the lawyer said to be at the centre of the video clip on alleged judicial fixing, had declined to confirm or deny his involvement ever since the explosive footage was revealed last September.

If one is to look at his testimony, one will learn the new art of judicial defense. One just have to tell the magic phrase that "It looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me" and justice would stand by him. How the world would turn upside down if that by itself could be considered a defense mechanism.

The Malaysian judicial system is under probed because of the alleged judicial fixing, the Royal Commission set up has the one and only change to give what Justice truly deserves. If some smart lawyers or tycoons or politicians or ex-judges could think of "it looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me", then justice should counter that with " It must be free, it must be fair and it must be upheld."

Let see what the Royal Commission is make of and how the Malaysian in general would judge the Judicial rot in the coming election.

David Wong
22-01-2008

A sad father outside a supermarket

I met a middle-aged Chinese man outside the Kin Orient Plaza at around 8:00 pm this evening seemingly looking "lost and puzzled". I observed for a minute or so before i approached him. He was puffing on a cigarette as i walked towards him and he looked at me without any expression at all. I started with a stupid but friendly opening "shopping, my friend?" He answered with a simple "yeah" but he started to warm up a bit to this stranger who was me.

We then started on the Chinese New Year and how much does it cost a family just to barely make it for the festive celebration. He told me that the price increases of average goods are in the region of 30-50% but as high as 100% for certain essential items. He further revealed that he would rather stand outside the supermarket while his wife shops with his kids. I asked him "why didn't you join them?" He told me that that would make him bankrupt as his kids would demand him to buy more which he can't afford. He was angry at his lack of money to give his family what they want but sad that he can't help it.

He also told me that this would be a painful year as the flood in December 2007 and the new school year had burnt a deep hole in his pocket and now the CNY would definitely adds burden to him. Finally he told me in Foochow dialect "no government" which means the government is useless

The above innocent conversation revealed how good is our economy. The government can boost all they want about how good and how solid is our country's economy but the average Malaysians are facing price hike unprecedented and they are suffering in vain. All the oils money and the good palm oil prices only make a few rich while the rest of the Malaysians have to suffer fuel price hike and vicious inflation. But you can see the anger and the sadness in them if you spend time listening to them, they will pour out their sorrow and their anger even if they do not know you well.

After finishing talking to him, i introduced myself and he was glad that an opposition leader has listened and shared his hardship with him. He also told me that "you really sound like an opposition" but he likes it as i understand their problems and hardship. He also knew that i will be contesting the Lanang seat in the coming election but he is not voting in Lanang but i told him that it does not matter as long as he understands that we do need a strong opposition in the country so that we have "government" (in Foochow).

David Wong
20-01-2008

Phantom voters in Sibu?

Bersih rally in KL last year demanded the election commission to give Malaysian a free, fair and transparent election. However, it seems that Malaysian would be disappointed again in the coming election as the latest electoral rolls have revealed that the rolls are not "bersih" or clean.

We have found that in one of the constituencies in Sibu parliamentary district, namely Tanggi, there was a sudden increase of 1362 voters registered in the last quarter of 2007 (1-10-2007 to 31-12-2007). This is certainly shocking to us and thus we called up the election commission for clarification and was told that these are military personnel who were registered as Pos Undi or postal votes, which are considered 100% pro-BN.

Further enquiry by me revealed that these 1362 new voters in Danggi was "arranged and key-in" by Ibu pejabat or head quarter of the election commission. That means the whole thing was not done by the SPR or its Representatives in Sarawak as should be the case. How could someone key-in the names of new voters by "remote control".

It defies logic that there was such a large movement of voters within such a short period of time (3 months) as military transfer of such a high number of personnel's is rare as the country does not face any emergency or threat at all.

The Sibu seat is considered a hot seat by the BN and there is a total qualified voters of some 61,000 in number. Chinese voter accounted for nearly 63% of the qualified voters and thus it is a seat that both the SUPP and DAP are eyeing closely. However, the previous parliamentary elections' results showed that the SUPP-BN secured victories with the help of the postal votes.

So expect not that the electoral rolls in the coming election would be clean, as there are only as "bersih" or clean as the SPR itself.

David Wong
19-01-2008


【政坛风云】诗巫丹吉新选民暴增，黄培根：全属邮寄票

(诗巫18日讯）诗巫国会选区的选民大调迁，在去年10月1日至12月31日的第四季选民注册中，其中一区丹吉（TANGGI）暴增1362个新选民，民主行动党砂州宣传秘书黄培根对此数据存疑，特向选举委员会查询，证实是由吉隆坡的选委会总部所存档，为军人及其家眷的邮寄票。
　　
今天上午在新闻会上，黄培根表示，最新选民册显示，丹吉拥有2210个合格选民，其中200个是普通选民，2000个是军人，但是难以置信的是，上届国会选举时丹吉的选民人数才800多人，竟会在短短的3个月里暴增1362个新选民，而且还是邮寄票，也是投给国阵的“铁票”。
　　
黄培根指出，1362个新选民，尤其都是邮寄票，是可以决定来届国会选举诗巫选区的成绩。
“虽然选举委员会指全部是军人乃是正常的，无论如何，砂州民主行动党将会致函予选举委员会要求对该区新选民突增作出解释及调查真相，以给予人民一个交代。”
　　
黄培根说，民主行动党绝对相信在来届的国会选举中所使用的选民册还存在着许多的问题，在诗巫这个10多万人口的2个选区里，火箭展开为期6个月的新选民登记运动中，才作到2000多个新选民，而丹吉这个地方，竟然会有1362个新选民注册。
　　
他于今天早上拨电联络古晋的选举委员会，获知丹吉的1360个新选民是由吉隆坡总部所存档，全部是属于军人及其家眷的邮寄票。 不过，黄培根质疑的是，选民更换地址是平常的事情，但是军人不可能有如此大幅度的调动，而且也不知这些新选民是何人？从何来？因此觉得极不寻常。
黄培根呼吁选举委员会要作到最基本的职责，对不寻常的“选民大搬家”要作出调查，并给予选民一个清洁的选民册。

Please apply hypnotism to the dear Doctor !

Ex-PM of Malaysia , Tun Dr. Mahartir was mocked by a group for his "selective memory", the group held a short gathering outside a court complex with banners that read "Marhatir mudah lupa" (Marhatir forgets easily).

The mockery obviously refers to Marhatir replies in the court case nick-named "Lingam Tape" for the appointment of the Chief Justice of Malaysia (the highest ranking judge in Malaysia). Marhatir were grilled but he only replied to the questions that he wishes to reply and use the memory-lapse to some of the most important questions that might bring to lights whether the appointment of the Chief Justice was arranged by business tycoons, lawyer Lingam and some of the top bosses in Umno including the present minister of Tourism who was working in the Prime Minister department when Marhatir was the PM.

Marhatir was the key person in the scandal as he ruled Malaysia for 22 years and it was during his rules that the Judiciary has lost its Independence with the ousted of the Lord President of the supreme court (now the Federal court) which attracted much criticism from the oppositions and the Bar council of Malaysia.

The government must return the people a "verdict", that the Royal Commission must be given a free hand without interference to probe into the tape and the persons behind the fixing of the Chief Justice of Malaysia. If this case dies a premature dead because someone like Marhatir refuse to cooperate, then it would be the worst injustice to the country and the people of this country.

My suggestion would be if the needs arise, the western experts must be called in and even hypnotism should be considered so that no stone is left unturned in order to bring justice to Malaysia and Malaysian.

David Wong
18-01-2008

Birds of the same feather flock together!

Surharto, the dictator?

I was tuned in to the RTM radio 4 news on the 13th,9.00 pm and heard the news from Angansapuri and was amused by "...Surharto,former Indonesian dictator's condition was described as critical..."

According to the dictionary the word dictator is defined as "a person exercising absolute power, esp. a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession."

There is no dispute that Surhator was the dictator that ruled Indonesia for 32 years with an Iron fist backed up by the military's generals. But what amused me was the fact that the government-run rtm pronounce him as a dictator only after his retirement and not while he was in office. How would they call the ex-PM who also ruled Malaysia with an Iron fist and with the same absolute control over Malaysia for 22 years. How would they call Abdullah administration who has an absolute majority (91%)in the Parliament although not on the number of votes.

How are we to say that we are better than the Surharto regime when we have so many Acts such as the ISA, Printing press and publication Act, the OSA etc etc. Abdullah must make sure that he would not be labelled as such after he steps down and thus must ask Malaysian not to give the BN the absolute support.

On second thought, i wonder how the Indonesian government would react if they heard the news on RTM as i did. May be they would stage another protest just like the Rasa Sayang saga?

David Wong
16-01-2008

2008 will be an eventful year for Taiwan as well as for Malaysia

Taiwan has spoken, loud and clear.
At the close of counting, the official Central Election Commission said the Kuomintang had won 81 seats in the 113-seat Legislative Yuan, the Democratic Progressive Party won 27 and the balance went to minor parties and independents.

The main reason for the worst defeat by the DPP who came to power 8 years ago was Chen's China policies that have made Taiwan's once-vibrant economy to lose competitiveness and have raised tension in the edgy Taiwan Strait. After coming to power, the DPP has spent the last 4 years politicking instead of managing the country. Corruptions, mismanagement, cronyism and money politics have been the hallmarks of the Chen’s administrations.
Taiwan was once governed by the KMT until Chen’s DPP came to power in March 2000. Many claimed that democracy has finally landed in Taiwan then as KMT had ruled Taiwan with an iron’s grip since it moved to Taiwan after losing to the CCP in mainland China. Many would not expect Chen to win the 2000 presidency but Taiwanese proved them wrong by choosing for change and thus Chen was elected.

This time around, the people of Taiwan have spoken loud and clear that they want change again and they exercised their rights to pull off the biggest defeat for Chen’s DPP in the just concluded legislative council election. The Taiwanese had sent a very clear message to all the political parties that they will not be manipulated and they will play their roles in the democratic process to elect only those who can deliver.

Malaysian will go to the polls in the coming months to elect the next government and Malaysian will be given the chance to address the issues facing the country which far out weight those of the Taiwan’s. Judicial and political scandals, corruptions, inflations, crimes, racial tension and widening gap between the have and have-not will all be under scrutiny. I hope 2008 will be the beginning of the change that we have been waiting for 50 years.

David Wong
16-01-2008

Sex Vs. Race? Both are against Obama

Change, is that really what Americans want?

My opinion
American do not want to admit it but the Democrats primary in New Hampshire disclosed the underlying truth; that the country is feeling the chill in the spine that a colored person might run the White House after all. Obama came very close to it and almost knock off Clinton in the all important New Hampshire primary that would gives him and his campaign the momentum to finish off the Democrats' race in the Super Tuesday to be held on February 5th.

Although i did not follow the primaries in the US very closely, I did glance through the results and forecasts and the issues that were discussed by the front runners of the Democrats in the past days.

0n the 5th of February, after I finished our regular weekend go-around together with Wong Ho Leng (DAP Sarawak Chairman) and other comrades, we went for a quick bite at around 7:30 pm and as usual we discussed the political issues. Our subject of course touched on the US primaries as Obama win in Iowa has fascinated and surprised many as earlier polls all put Clinton double-digit lead over the African-American going into Iowa.

Ho Leng touched on the miracles and showing of the only Black candidate in the US primary race. At which time the results of the Iowa’s caucuses was 37.6% for Obama while Hillary only took the third place with 29.7% of the votes. But pollsters forecasted another Osama’s victory in New Hampshire as the polls showed Obama has almost a double digit lead over Clinton while Edward ran second.

Americans fear
But in New Hampshire,ordinary American and not only Democrats can cast their ballots and that would be more indicative than the Iowa’s caucus. Both the Obama and the Clinton camp needs to win the New Hampshire primary which would almost decide the winner of the Democrats’. If Clinton is to lose the New Hampshire, she would have almost bowed out but a win for her would leave the race open again. The odds are against Clinton and the momentum is in favors of a first African-American running for the White House.

However, I told ho Leng that I would put my money with the Clinton because of the view above-mentioned. That the American Presidency is an institution and not a person and that only the elites would decide who runs it and not public opinion. The powerful Unions, the rich defense contractors, lobbyists, and the religious organizations and of course the powerful Jewish community would decide the institution. But the most important is the conservatives and the White Folks would never allow their self-conscious and unconscious mind to allow the colored-folk to surpass them in politics, that the colored-folks could only excel in sports and entertainments in the land of the free.

From the Malaysians’ perspective
Obama win would bring a real change that we would to see as Malaysian are facing the increased conflicts and rising tension among the ethnic groups in recent years. The Hindraf rally brought to light the despair of the Indian community while the Chinese community is also anger by the BN’s policies such as the National Economy Policy (NEP), the quota systems in the education and economy policies and the rising Malays’ extremists within the Umno.

The Umno deputy President and the deputy Prime minister of Malaysia, Najib, had earlier said that “as long as there is Umno, there will be NEP...” This brought to light the BN’s intention of using the Malays Agendas to secure political dominance no matter how the other ethnic groups feel and no matter how they appeal to the government for equal opportunity and equal access to the country’s resources.

When will Malaysian see a change? In this multi racial and cultural country, Malaysian will only succeed through an All Malaysian Agenda instead of a restrictive and narrowly defined Ethnic-based Agenda. Only through political transformation and democratic means would this country continue to prosper into the next 50 years. We will need a bi-patrician system so that the people can be guaranteed that no one ethnic group would be left off and being marginalized to the extent that riots and hatred and racial polarization continue be the stumbling blocks to national development.

My stand
I write this article without any disrespect to all the candidates of either the Republican or the Democrats but to bring to light the need for change not only in the US as being proclaimed by both the Obama and Clinton campaign and to high light the political polarization within Malaysia after 50 years of the BN rule.

A country’s strength is drawn from its peoples and the change can only by brought by the peoples and not the political leaders. Whether there is a real and true change in America or Malaysia will in the end be decided by the peoples of both the countries. We will see what the peoples in both the country are made of in the coming months.

David Wong
13-01-2008

Who is the dark hand?

The downfall and the out pour
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said yesterday his downfall was caused by those who were suspicious of him and had used his indiscretion to their advantage.

"My biggest mistake was to think that upon reaching the federal level and being MCA vice-president that I should fulfil my duties by going to the ground and visiting all hospitals," he said at an unscheduled press conference when he turned up at the Health Ministry to clear his belongings.

"My advice to the new minister is, please go slow. Go too fast and you'll be the subject to political speculation," he added in his trademark sarcasm.

MCA's system as well as the BN system
"It's the political system -- when we work too hard, people think we are ambitious or have an agenda.

"My advice to the new minister is, please go slow. Go too fast and you'll be the subject to political speculation," he added in his trademark sarcasm.

Dr Chua refused to go into the specifics about his perceived enemies and chose his words carefully throughout the press conference.

The 5 culprits in Dr. Chua's down fall

First to be blamed, the technology
Of course, Dr. Chua should also say that the technology was to be blamed for his down fall, without the CCTV he would not be caught with his pants down, would he?

Second culprit, his adversary in the MCA
Political observers believe that Dr. Chua next political move is for the Jewel on the Crown of the MCA, the Presidency of the MCA. If that is true, then it was clear who he meant when he said that there was a political conspiracy to bring him down.

Third culprit, his hard work and ambition
He said that because of his hardwork in moving around a lot, he was seen as a threat.

Fourth, the pen and the reporters
Because the press mentioned that he has intended to mount a challenge, he was "chop off".

Fifth, he is a man
He is a man and it is "manly" to court around.

So, he was not at fault at all, they were to be blamed.

It is the tip of the iceberg!

A shame to the Malaysian government, especially the Chinese community
Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek who is also MCA vice-president admitted he was the "actor" in the sex video but refused to resign as the health minister and said "I serve at the pleasure of the prime minister, I will not allow (other) people to jeopardise or obstruct my duties."

He further accused the whole despicable episode as a " conspiracy within the party(MCA)" as if he was the victim of the whole episode of lust and infidelity. What he did not say was "many politicians are in my same league" and "they are just lucky that they were not caught on tape like me".

Dr. Chua should had resigned immediately after the incident as it was the only "right" thing to do. His initial refusal to resign indicated a man of with no remorse and a politician without integrity. And for this reason alone, he does not deserve "a grain" sympathy if you will.

The BN government and the whole country on International spotlight
The sex video had tarnished the name of the country and in particular the Chinese community as the news was broadcast in many countries. The PM must apologised to the whole country as Dr. Chua, as the health minister is a member of the Malaysian government Cabinet. We normally consider "Collective responsibility" of the Cabinet while talking about their decision but that goes as well to the government's "integrity and honour" as well.

Our sympathy is with his family
But our sympathy do go to his wife and children who are deeply hurt his act. His wife had earlier released a press statement today supporting his embattled husband in the wake of the sex video scandal.

She said “He has been a good husband, father and family man who have never shirked his responsibilities. But that statement was discounted 100% by everyone no matter how.

Bad Omen for the MCA and the BN
The scandal welcomed Malaysian into 2008 and this sure isn't a good start for the BN and MCA, a bad Omen indeed!

The Malaysian poll is expected to be called soon and the BN will be seriously tested in many areas of its failed administrations. The people are waiting for the day to come, and actually they can't wait any longer. So, Abdullah, please let it comes.

David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.,
2-1-2008

Malaysians spent the new year eve at petro station!

(八打灵再也31日讯) 即将跨入2008年之际，公众除了忙着参与倒数活动，随着“燃油1月1日起价”的传言不径而走，油站今天的生意也特别兴旺！

民众纷纷接获短讯，指燃油将在1月1日涨价，每公升汽油将调整40仙，隆市多家油站因此出现车龙。 尽管很多民众都抱着半信半疑的态度前往油站添油，不过，至今没有人证实燃油涨价的消息是否属实。

多个政府机构和相关单位一致否认这项消息。 他们也促请民众不要轻信谣言，并直言政府不会在1月1日调整汽油价格。 一些读者也致电报馆指出，蕉赖一带的油站也一度出现汽油供应短缺问题。不过，民众依然耐心排队，等候添油。

A New Year Eve at the petrol station
The above Chinese news was in most of the Chinese dailies, many lined up in the petrol stations until almost mid-night last night as news that there will be a petrol price hike of RM0.20 per lite on the first day of the new year 2008.

In Sibu, as i was returning home at around 10:40 pm last night, i saw a long queue along Pedada road that were almost 150 meters long and thought it was either a major accident or police check-point holding up the traffic. But as i got nearer to the petronas gas station, i realized it was the queue to pump up their vehicles out of the fear on the price hike.

The rumour of the petrol prices hike was circulated in Sibu at around noon as i also received sms from the general public about the rumour. My reply to one of them was "unless the BN is over confident of the coming election or else the petrol prices hike would only comes after the general election which is speculated to be held at around March." But peoples were rather line-up even on the eve of the new year just to "save" that extra RM 10-15. The BN government had in late last year announced that the prices of petrol and diesel would not be increased in 2007, this was an open announcement that they will be increased in 2008!

The DPM, Najib told the country that Malaysia government would be bankrupted with the current subsidy on petrol and diesel prices. That was a very strong indication that the government intended to call for the hike of petrol soon and thus the rumour was actually driven by the DPM, just before we welcome the new year of 2008.

The above Malaysians are constantly living in a state of fear, the fear that their economic and financial situations would get worst in 2008 as prices of all kinds of commodities and services have been increased by some 10-35%. Housewives who have to manage their families' budget were worst hit as there simply isn't enough to spread over with the reducing purchasing power.

The BN government has no measure to ease the fear and worry of Malaysian of their hardships with the news that it will cut back the fuel prices subsidy soon. Heavy inflation in the country is affecting almost every sector of the society except the ruling elites and their cronies. In the August House of Sarawak DUN, there were some BN's YBs who declared that the inflation rate is only 2%, they were either blind or deaf to be able to talk such "rubbish".

The sight of the peoples' scrambling to buy petrol before the new year eve was disturbing to say the least. It showed the peoples' fear of the price hike and also indicated the peoples' lack of confident that 2008 would be a better year. But doesn't it also revealed the fact the BN would not dare to increase the prices of fuels before the election?

So to those who scrambled to the gas station last night, it was simply a warm-up to the real episode after the general election, and that would be a real RM0.50 per liter price hike. Fellow Malaysian, get ready to rumble!

Happy New Year!
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.,
1st of January 2008