Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Party hopping in Malaysia(Mandarin text)
A good article about political frogging in Mandarin which is worth reading.
在308我们目睹了执政党在一夜之间丧失半壁江山、五州政权易手的惊人事实。不到一年的时间，我们看到霹雳州政权的戏剧性变化。206和506在我国政治史上堪称最重要的分水岭。个中发生的政治事件牵连了执政党、反对党、司法、行政（公务员、警方）和立法权的斗争，但是如果把事情简单化，整个事件的起因，就是——跳槽！
历来我国西马政治人物不乏跳槽举动。举例几个比较著名的，包括行动党的何文翰跳槽至马华，官至内阁部长，曾永森马华至民政再回到马华的草裙舞，沙巴团结党议员跳巢导致该党主政的州政府垮台等，以及牵连最广的霹雳州三剑客退出民联，成为亲国阵独立人士的跳槽事件。
纵观国内政治跳槽事件，绝大多数都是从反对党跳槽至执政党，或者在执政联盟内部更换政党。记忆中，国内只有一次显著的从执政党跳槽至反对党的现象，那就是安华在1998遭马哈迪革职后，安华的亲信和巫统党员大举退出巫统加入公正党或回教党的浪潮。从西马个别或集体跳槽原因加以分析，就会发觉起因总是围绕在几个主要的因素：不受主流派系接受而成为党内政治斗争的失败者，或者是以跳槽换取更好的政治权利。而且青蛙们对政治气候预测很有一手，选择跳槽的时机，都是风起云涌的政治环境，他们往往在那个时候是奇货，可以待价而沽。这样我们得出一个小总结，跳槽无关政治理念，而是利益关乎。
历来从行动党跳槽至马华的，不乏国会议员、州议员。他们都是有了一定党龄的行动党党员，也绝对不是政治初哥。不过，他们跳槽时往往忘记了行动党和马华在理念上有本质上很大的分别。行动党一路来的政治理念，莫过于贯彻“马来西亚人的马来西亚”，和马华党章“确保马来西亚宪法内华裔之合法权益和利益”何止南辕北辙。加盟马华无异典当一向来持有的政治理念，昔日在敌对政党争锋相对，不过加盟时却可以互相拥抱一笑泯恩仇。这个现实其实提醒我们，道德常常都必须让位于利益。
环顾国内政党，我们不得不对回教党的政治教育工作刮目相看。回教党是最为鲜少发生跳槽事件的西马国会反对党，党员拥有很强的向心力。我们尝试把这个现象分为两个阶段来解释。1980年代至2004年安华事件发生前后，回教党诉诸宗教意识来贯彻党内的政治教育以凝聚党员，结果回教党呈现给群众的是保守、宗教极端的面貌。2004年回教党在全国大选大败，掀起改革风，多名专业领袖打入领导层，取代以宗教师为班底而逐渐把回教党带入另一个新面貌——以回教为基础的中间温和路线——所谓的“埃尔多安集团”。回教党在308大选过后爆发党内路线之争，党主席哈迪倾向和巫统合作，欲走回马来民粹和宗教路线，不过立刻引来大多数党员的抨击而作罢。相比其他政党纯粹为了个人利益的斗争，回教党的路线之争相对就比较有建设性。我们看当回教党一党之首在欲脱离轨道与巫统合作时立刻受到党内的讨伐，相比之下，马华在蔡细历呛声跳槽时的处理方式就显得窝囊许多。平心而论，蔡细历采取的手段无异政治勒索，除了出发点是为了自己的政治前景，还绑架其他追随他的基层，以及把儿子押上作为政治赌注。这是一种很不负责任的行为。马华并没有勇气采取果断的手段来解决，反而劳烦巫统领导层开声理清蔡细历刻有的政治立场。华裔选民听在耳里，看在眼里，马华的软弱再一次展露无遗。曾经我对彭亨州马华坚持，就算少一个州议席也不重新接纳（或何启文所谓的“解冻”）丹那拉打州議員何业嘉成为马华议员的立场感到鼓舞。这种不畏的立场，才显得马华是一个重纪律、显党纲的政治平台。不过这个印象过后就因为蔡细历的草裙舞蒙上了阴影，严重破坏了马华的形象，如果马华会长理事会或纪律委员会不采取果断的决定，让事情得出一个结论，以后定然还有更多类似恐吓跳槽的勒索事件，马华的内讧只会无日无夜的延续下去。
我们看到历史上也不乏跳槽的著名人物。但是真正跳槽的并不是他们的躯体，而是跟随他们的政治理念和思想学说。他们寻求发挥他们学说的平台。把秦国改造为战国时代超级强国的公孙鞅，出生于卫国，前期在魏国从事政治工作，但是真正重用他的是秦国君主嬴渠梁。苏秦，合纵对抗政策的提倡者，在燕国获得重用，他本身是周王国人。范惟，秦国远交近攻外交策略的发明人，曾经是魏国的低级官员。还有很多诸如张仪、乐毅、吴起、孙膑等都是带着他们的政治理念投奔他国，而不是以宰相的宝座为他们的目标。他们当中很多也不是宰相甚至政府高级官员，只是君主的客卿（类似幕僚）。
比较和今日的政治青蛙，其中有认为副议长的职位不到喉而跳槽寻求更上一层楼、有些则认为没有部长职就不足以发挥作用。他们说出以上谬论作为跳槽的凭借，证明他们忽略历史、欺骗民众。用意就是为了掩盖贪婪的欲望。
我国两线制正处在酝酿的关头，此时此刻政治立场在权位、利益前面显得多么的无力。为杜绝青蛙政治，各个政党是时候重审个别的政治理念和路线。52年过去，无论执政党或反对党都没有重新审核创党至今的宗旨和目标，它们是否仍符合现今人民的物质和精神要求？是否仍然和现有的国际时势接轨？现在是时候开启引擎来反思。正确的政治路线辅以适当的政治教育是杜绝贪婪的青蛙最有效的方法。严明的党纪、严谨的党员招收将有助减少跳槽事件的发生。政党应该重质不重量，政党从权威政治体制转换为理念路线体制已经是一个无可逆转的步伐，越早转型可以帮助政党取得制高点，更容易获得人民的信任。
让我们拒绝跳槽，拒绝青蛙！
注：作者部落格http://thooi.blogspot.com/
在308我们目睹了执政党在一夜之间丧失半壁江山、五州政权易手的惊人事实。不到一年的时间，我们看到霹雳州政权的戏剧性变化。206和506在我国政治史上堪称最重要的分水岭。个中发生的政治事件牵连了执政党、反对党、司法、行政（公务员、警方）和立法权的斗争，但是如果把事情简单化，整个事件的起因，就是——跳槽！
历来我国西马政治人物不乏跳槽举动。举例几个比较著名的，包括行动党的何文翰跳槽至马华，官至内阁部长，曾永森马华至民政再回到马华的草裙舞，沙巴团结党议员跳巢导致该党主政的州政府垮台等，以及牵连最广的霹雳州三剑客退出民联，成为亲国阵独立人士的跳槽事件。
纵观国内政治跳槽事件，绝大多数都是从反对党跳槽至执政党，或者在执政联盟内部更换政党。记忆中，国内只有一次显著的从执政党跳槽至反对党的现象，那就是安华在1998遭马哈迪革职后，安华的亲信和巫统党员大举退出巫统加入公正党或回教党的浪潮。从西马个别或集体跳槽原因加以分析，就会发觉起因总是围绕在几个主要的因素：不受主流派系接受而成为党内政治斗争的失败者，或者是以跳槽换取更好的政治权利。而且青蛙们对政治气候预测很有一手，选择跳槽的时机，都是风起云涌的政治环境，他们往往在那个时候是奇货，可以待价而沽。这样我们得出一个小总结，跳槽无关政治理念，而是利益关乎。
历来从行动党跳槽至马华的，不乏国会议员、州议员。他们都是有了一定党龄的行动党党员，也绝对不是政治初哥。不过，他们跳槽时往往忘记了行动党和马华在理念上有本质上很大的分别。行动党一路来的政治理念，莫过于贯彻“马来西亚人的马来西亚”，和马华党章“确保马来西亚宪法内华裔之合法权益和利益”何止南辕北辙。加盟马华无异典当一向来持有的政治理念，昔日在敌对政党争锋相对，不过加盟时却可以互相拥抱一笑泯恩仇。这个现实其实提醒我们，道德常常都必须让位于利益。
环顾国内政党，我们不得不对回教党的政治教育工作刮目相看。回教党是最为鲜少发生跳槽事件的西马国会反对党，党员拥有很强的向心力。我们尝试把这个现象分为两个阶段来解释。1980年代至2004年安华事件发生前后，回教党诉诸宗教意识来贯彻党内的政治教育以凝聚党员，结果回教党呈现给群众的是保守、宗教极端的面貌。2004年回教党在全国大选大败，掀起改革风，多名专业领袖打入领导层，取代以宗教师为班底而逐渐把回教党带入另一个新面貌——以回教为基础的中间温和路线——所谓的“埃尔多安集团”。回教党在308大选过后爆发党内路线之争，党主席哈迪倾向和巫统合作，欲走回马来民粹和宗教路线，不过立刻引来大多数党员的抨击而作罢。相比其他政党纯粹为了个人利益的斗争，回教党的路线之争相对就比较有建设性。我们看当回教党一党之首在欲脱离轨道与巫统合作时立刻受到党内的讨伐，相比之下，马华在蔡细历呛声跳槽时的处理方式就显得窝囊许多。平心而论，蔡细历采取的手段无异政治勒索，除了出发点是为了自己的政治前景，还绑架其他追随他的基层，以及把儿子押上作为政治赌注。这是一种很不负责任的行为。马华并没有勇气采取果断的手段来解决，反而劳烦巫统领导层开声理清蔡细历刻有的政治立场。华裔选民听在耳里，看在眼里，马华的软弱再一次展露无遗。曾经我对彭亨州马华坚持，就算少一个州议席也不重新接纳（或何启文所谓的“解冻”）丹那拉打州議員何业嘉成为马华议员的立场感到鼓舞。这种不畏的立场，才显得马华是一个重纪律、显党纲的政治平台。不过这个印象过后就因为蔡细历的草裙舞蒙上了阴影，严重破坏了马华的形象，如果马华会长理事会或纪律委员会不采取果断的决定，让事情得出一个结论，以后定然还有更多类似恐吓跳槽的勒索事件，马华的内讧只会无日无夜的延续下去。
我们看到历史上也不乏跳槽的著名人物。但是真正跳槽的并不是他们的躯体，而是跟随他们的政治理念和思想学说。他们寻求发挥他们学说的平台。把秦国改造为战国时代超级强国的公孙鞅，出生于卫国，前期在魏国从事政治工作，但是真正重用他的是秦国君主嬴渠梁。苏秦，合纵对抗政策的提倡者，在燕国获得重用，他本身是周王国人。范惟，秦国远交近攻外交策略的发明人，曾经是魏国的低级官员。还有很多诸如张仪、乐毅、吴起、孙膑等都是带着他们的政治理念投奔他国，而不是以宰相的宝座为他们的目标。他们当中很多也不是宰相甚至政府高级官员，只是君主的客卿（类似幕僚）。
比较和今日的政治青蛙，其中有认为副议长的职位不到喉而跳槽寻求更上一层楼、有些则认为没有部长职就不足以发挥作用。他们说出以上谬论作为跳槽的凭借，证明他们忽略历史、欺骗民众。用意就是为了掩盖贪婪的欲望。
我国两线制正处在酝酿的关头，此时此刻政治立场在权位、利益前面显得多么的无力。为杜绝青蛙政治，各个政党是时候重审个别的政治理念和路线。52年过去，无论执政党或反对党都没有重新审核创党至今的宗旨和目标，它们是否仍符合现今人民的物质和精神要求？是否仍然和现有的国际时势接轨？现在是时候开启引擎来反思。正确的政治路线辅以适当的政治教育是杜绝贪婪的青蛙最有效的方法。严明的党纪、严谨的党员招收将有助减少跳槽事件的发生。政党应该重质不重量，政党从权威政治体制转换为理念路线体制已经是一个无可逆转的步伐，越早转型可以帮助政党取得制高点，更容易获得人民的信任。
让我们拒绝跳槽，拒绝青蛙！
注：作者部落格http://thooi.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 15, 2009
JPA 奖学金的问题年复一年
As the table left clearly shows, JPA has made it a specific point to award 80% of overseas scholarships to bumiputera students and the balance 20% to non-bumiputera students every years since 2000. Nothing was disclosed prior to that year.
以下的一篇新闻报告是2008年5月29日新洲日报刊登的，过了一年同样的优异生的不到奖学金的问题又重复。现在政府要把JPA奖学金交给内阁去决定，表面上是为了公平和透明，事实是我国的政府没有办法和能力去公平的对待各人民族。
政府的政策应该透明和要不分种族的培养国家人才。就好像首相说“1个马来西亚”，政府应该言而有信的推行任何利国的政策而不应用固打制来制造有损国民团结和国家繁荣的政策。
依斯邁阿當：提高透明度‧或公佈獎學金得主名單
依斯邁：考慮向學生說明失敗的原因
（布城）公共服務局總監丹斯里依斯邁阿當說，公共服務局將考慮為無法成功申請公共服務局獎學金的優異生說明失敗的原因，並交由政府決定是否公開展示成功申請者的名單，以提高透明度。
他說，公共服務局目前只是通知學生申請結果而已，但並未說明原因，但緊隨各方的質疑，公共服務局將探討其可行性。
他說，政府在今年將撥款17億令吉來資助2000名優異生到海外留學，另外撥出5億1800萬令吉給在國內就讀的優異生 。
他週三（28日）在公共服務局召開新聞發佈會，針對公共服務局（JPA）獎學金缺乏透明度和不公平的問題，作出澄清和解釋。
国内1万个奖学金
他也促請那些無法成功申請海外獎學金的優異生不要灰心，他們還可在6月份開始申請政府所提供的1萬個國內獎學金。
他說，優異生只要考獲至少9個2A（6個必修3個選擇科）就能申請由大學先修班至考取一等學位的津貼，大學的津貼一般是每月700令吉，而先修班預料可獲每月200令吉的津貼。
他說，扣除了2000名成功申請海外獎學金的優異生，共有4262名學生可申請上述額外的贊助。
他說，政府每年預料會撥出4000萬令吉來資助這項計劃，而整個計劃則須花費1億2000萬令吉。
他否認公共服務局在分配獎學金方面缺乏透明度，一般上，來自富裕家庭，或在面試時表現欠佳的學生，自己心裡有數。
他說，公共服務局目前只是通知學生申請結果而已，但並未說明原因，但緊隨各方的質疑，公共服務局將探討其可行性。
他說，政府在今年將撥款17億令吉來資助2000名優異生到海外留學，另外撥出5億1800萬令吉給在國內就讀的優異生 。
他週三（28日）在公共服務局召開新聞發佈會，針對公共服務局（JPA）獎學金缺乏透明度和不公平的問題，作出澄清和解釋。
国内1万个奖学金
他也促請那些無法成功申請海外獎學金的優異生不要灰心，他們還可在6月份開始申請政府所提供的1萬個國內獎學金。
他說，優異生只要考獲至少9個2A（6個必修3個選擇科）就能申請由大學先修班至考取一等學位的津貼，大學的津貼一般是每月700令吉，而先修班預料可獲每月200令吉的津貼。
他說，扣除了2000名成功申請海外獎學金的優異生，共有4262名學生可申請上述額外的贊助。
他說，政府每年預料會撥出4000萬令吉來資助這項計劃，而整個計劃則須花費1億2000萬令吉。
他否認公共服務局在分配獎學金方面缺乏透明度，一般上，來自富裕家庭，或在面試時表現欠佳的學生，自己心裡有數。
不排除有優異生被遺漏
他不排除可能有一些很優越的學生被遺漏，因此，當局讓學生上訴，以便將遺漏者重新歸納。
他也說，當局也有管道或促申請者提供家庭收入的證據，避免學生刻意隱瞞真實狀況。
依斯邁也說，當局在保送學生到海外醫學方面也面對一些限制，不能把學生送到不受大馬醫藥理事會承認的國家如美國、日本等兩大國留學，而一些大學也設有海外學生固打。
他也說，儘管這次有55%的土著學生獲得獎學金，但他否認設有土著固打，因為土著學生也包括東馬的土著，而且成績也很優越。星洲日報‧2008.05.29
他不排除可能有一些很優越的學生被遺漏，因此，當局讓學生上訴，以便將遺漏者重新歸納。
他也說，當局也有管道或促申請者提供家庭收入的證據，避免學生刻意隱瞞真實狀況。
依斯邁也說，當局在保送學生到海外醫學方面也面對一些限制，不能把學生送到不受大馬醫藥理事會承認的國家如美國、日本等兩大國留學，而一些大學也設有海外學生固打。
他也說，儘管這次有55%的土著學生獲得獎學金，但他否認設有土著固打，因為土著學生也包括東馬的土著，而且成績也很優越。星洲日報‧2008.05.29
Friday, April 24, 2009
"Malaysia Zero-burning policy." Peter Chin on 15th August 2006
Above are some of the photos taken yesterday by us and NGO to show the effect of open-burning.
"For years, fires ignited by palm oil plantation workers in Indonesia to get rid of oil palm wastes had contributed to the spread of cross-boundary haze. Malaysia, a few years ago, banned these burnings in its plantations."
15 August 2006
15 August 2006
Peter Chin-Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities
Sibu peoples have every right to be angry that the Natural Resources and Environment Board had issued permits for the open-burning in Sibu in defiance of the ban imposed by the federal government. The air quality must has reached a hazardous level yesterday as the photos above show.
We have had a press conference today urging the state government to immediately put a ban on any open-burning for the plantation industry. There simply isn't any "acceptable" standard when it comes to open burning, it causes health hazards as well as environmental destruction that is far beyond the extra cost of using other methods of handling the plantation waste.
Look at the open-burning in Sibu Yesterday by some plantations and we will get a feel of the truthfulness of the above statement by the government. Unless of course Peter Chin can come out to clarify that Sarawak is exempted from the above "Zero open-burning" policy and that the SUPP is in support of the open-burning policy.
David Wong
04-04-2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Batang Ai, no surprise at all
DAP Sarawak leaders were in Batang Ai yesterday to show our support for the PKR on polling day. We went day before dawn in order to reach Batang Ai early. Sibu team reached there earlier , at around 9:40 am and we went straight to one of the polling station which was a few kilometer from Lubok Antu town. We saw long queue waiting outside the polling centre which was quite abnormal. We talked to a few voters who told us that they have voted already and when asked which party did they choose, they answer without hesitation "memang BN".
We then asked them "ada duit kah?". Some turned away while one woman told me "ngadai duit" but her companion gave her away saying "sepulu aja untuk belanja". I told them that that can not be true because money seems to flow freely in this by election but they kept their mouth shut then.
I told Law Hui Ung, the special assistance to Wong Ho Leng, that the majority would at least be 1000 and above which he agrees readily. He told me that the people gathered there were very suspicious of our group of outsiders and some of them were taking our photos as well.
Our state chairman, who lined up with the other voters jokingly told us he wanted to vote as well. But he and 2 other guys presence were immediately been noticed by some of the voters there and told them " Are you guys making a mistake? You guys are not suppose to vote here." Ho Leng then told me "David, your rocket t-shit is selling our identity away." But I knew that the BN's guys there already notice us before we enter the compound and they do know the outsiders from the locals.
Anyway, we did meet up with our Kuching comrades who were led by our state secretary in Lubok Antu town and we proceed to visit a few other polling centres around Lubok Antu town. At SMK Batang Ai, we were told that 70% of the voters had voted although it was only 12:45pm. That reinforced my believe that the BN 3M (machinery, man power and money) are running smoothly and that the margin of BN's victory would further be increased.
Something note mentioning here is that a few PKR's MPs were at Lubok Antu and joined us in our ride to the polling centres. But not many Batang Ai folks even recognise them at all and they presence were most obviously been ignored by the BN campaigners. But they were the darling of the local media though who surrounded them for their views about the by election in Batang Ai. They were quick to respond that the circumstances and political landscape here is totally different from the peninsular Malaysia.
We then went back to the sleepy town of Lubok Antu at around 1:30pm as the heat, thirst and hunger were catching up on us. There we met James Masing, the chairman of Party Rakyat Malaysia, whose gang of around 12-15 were at the same food stall which we intended to visit. James Masing seen relax and they were still there after we left which shows that they were in no hurry and must be confidence of a victory.
The outcomes of the Batang Ai election did not surprise us at all. Like i said in my last posting here, the results are expected and the people have made their decision. It is their chioce (under any undue influence?) and that was what matter in Batang Ai. The rest of Sarawakians have to come to their sense that "money does matter" and it is money that makes the BN in Sarawak.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Great Expectations by Batang Ai folks?
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens must be quite fitting a play to account for the lives of the people living in the sleepy border town of Batang Ai. Many might not have really cared for the Great Expectations as the plot is not only complicated and winding but down to earth boring. Although those well articulated in the English language might be able to find the moral themes of affection, loyalty, self-improvement and ambition.
Batang Ai the modern replica of the Great Expectation? Many would say “You must be out of your mind.” But if one is to go to Batang Ai and look at the living conditions of the folks there one would really feel that the “class” differences between the people there and those living in the modern era. 90% of the people in Batang Ai do not have the basic infrastructures such as piped water, electricity, medical facilities, fire station and sewage system just to mentioned a few. They have been deprived of the developments and they have always been the forgotten ones except during this by election. But because of their simple and innocent nature, they are yet ready to fight for what are rightfully theirs.
So, what are the expectations of the people in Batang Ai? Do they have the same expectations of the people living in KL or Kuching or Penang? The answer to the questions would tell us the results of the 407 by election, no more and no less!
Many Sarawakians (not the local folks) have a lot of expectation for the Batang Ai by election. Many who met me in Sibu would ask questions such as How id Batang Ai? Are you going there? Why are you not there?
They are sending us a very clear message that they want change and they are hanging their hopes on the voters of Batang Ai. Many would regard the 407 by election as a referendum on “Change” and hoping that the Dayak community in Batang Ai would take the lead in Sarawak. They all know that if Sarawak is to change, we can not do it without the participation of the Dayak communities.
Many cynics would say “Do you really think that the rural folks are ready for change? How many voters can resist the temptation of money politics? The natives can not be trusted as they are cheaper to buy than Belacan (shrimp paste). These are insults to the natives here as they deserve better than the BN government and we are all responsible to the state of their affairs. They need our guidance and counseling as how they may empower themselves to be the agent for change and they can make a difference for themselves.
Do we all not have our great expectations? We all have our own dream, dream for better things in lives such as self improvement and ambition to achieve success, demanding good governance and justice for all. The problem is the conflict of our short term needs with our dream. Sometimes although we are know that we must do something for our future but our present circumstances demand that we have to do certain things in conflict with our long term goals. That is the problem faced by our fellow Sarawakians in Batang Ai, they have a lot of frustration and disappointment with the BN government but they simply have to accept the fact that the BN is the keeper of the resources that they are so in need that they can’t afford to offend.
On this note, I am to condemn the BN for the state of backwardness of Batang Ai as they are fully responsible as the only state government since we are part of Malaysia. They have the thick cheeks to come to Batang Ai and tell the folks that only the BN can bring development to them when the area is as developed as the undeveloped African nation.
If you ask me “Who is going to win in Batang Ai?”, then the above should give a good indication of the outcomes of the election tomorrow. Let the Batang Ai folks prove me wrong tomorrow.
In any event, the by election and the strong opposition challenge have made the poor folks in Batang Ai the real winners as the area has not seen such development candies for the past 45 years. But democracy and the dream of good governance would take the back seat if the voters are willing to trade long term prosperity with election candies. May be Charles Dickens would will able to write another great play out of the Batang Ai if he is alive today.
David Wong
6-4-2009
Batang Ai the modern replica of the Great Expectation? Many would say “You must be out of your mind.” But if one is to go to Batang Ai and look at the living conditions of the folks there one would really feel that the “class” differences between the people there and those living in the modern era. 90% of the people in Batang Ai do not have the basic infrastructures such as piped water, electricity, medical facilities, fire station and sewage system just to mentioned a few. They have been deprived of the developments and they have always been the forgotten ones except during this by election. But because of their simple and innocent nature, they are yet ready to fight for what are rightfully theirs.
So, what are the expectations of the people in Batang Ai? Do they have the same expectations of the people living in KL or Kuching or Penang? The answer to the questions would tell us the results of the 407 by election, no more and no less!
Many Sarawakians (not the local folks) have a lot of expectation for the Batang Ai by election. Many who met me in Sibu would ask questions such as How id Batang Ai? Are you going there? Why are you not there?
They are sending us a very clear message that they want change and they are hanging their hopes on the voters of Batang Ai. Many would regard the 407 by election as a referendum on “Change” and hoping that the Dayak community in Batang Ai would take the lead in Sarawak. They all know that if Sarawak is to change, we can not do it without the participation of the Dayak communities.
Many cynics would say “Do you really think that the rural folks are ready for change? How many voters can resist the temptation of money politics? The natives can not be trusted as they are cheaper to buy than Belacan (shrimp paste). These are insults to the natives here as they deserve better than the BN government and we are all responsible to the state of their affairs. They need our guidance and counseling as how they may empower themselves to be the agent for change and they can make a difference for themselves.
Do we all not have our great expectations? We all have our own dream, dream for better things in lives such as self improvement and ambition to achieve success, demanding good governance and justice for all. The problem is the conflict of our short term needs with our dream. Sometimes although we are know that we must do something for our future but our present circumstances demand that we have to do certain things in conflict with our long term goals. That is the problem faced by our fellow Sarawakians in Batang Ai, they have a lot of frustration and disappointment with the BN government but they simply have to accept the fact that the BN is the keeper of the resources that they are so in need that they can’t afford to offend.
On this note, I am to condemn the BN for the state of backwardness of Batang Ai as they are fully responsible as the only state government since we are part of Malaysia. They have the thick cheeks to come to Batang Ai and tell the folks that only the BN can bring development to them when the area is as developed as the undeveloped African nation.
If you ask me “Who is going to win in Batang Ai?”, then the above should give a good indication of the outcomes of the election tomorrow. Let the Batang Ai folks prove me wrong tomorrow.
In any event, the by election and the strong opposition challenge have made the poor folks in Batang Ai the real winners as the area has not seen such development candies for the past 45 years. But democracy and the dream of good governance would take the back seat if the voters are willing to trade long term prosperity with election candies. May be Charles Dickens would will able to write another great play out of the Batang Ai if he is alive today.
David Wong
6-4-2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Batang Ai, a 1st in many ways
DAP branches in Sibu sent a delegation of around 60 people to Batang Ai yesterday in support of the PKR for the Batang Ai (N. 29) by election. We went there in a bus and several 4WDs and left at 4.00 am sharp in order to be in time for the nomination which was set at 9:00 am.
We reached there at around 8:10am and the road leading to the nomination centre was packed with vehicles and we have to alight from the bus and marched to the nomination centre. I called up a comrade who reached there earlier and could heard the shouting of slogan in the phone and he told me that the supporters from the PKR out strength the BN. We were a group of 37 and we held our Rocket flags high walking into the stadium and the BN’s supporters and were booed by the large BN crowd. I waved back to them in contempt and our group held and waved our flags even higher and the PKR’s lead contingent welcome us with shout of approval. The tension ran high as both camps shouted at each other but the riot police and the steel barricades separated the two.
As I said, there were many 1st for today nomination; 1st, the small and sleepy town of Lubok Antu was made known to many Malaysian for the first time as RTM and many national media were there to broadcast the nomination LIVE, 2nd, 800 strong police force was dispatched to Batang Ai, which means 1 police officer for every 10 eligible voters and many observers think it is a waste of resources which could be better utilize to fight rising crimes in the state, 3rd, this is the first time the DAP sent a full force of state leaders and supporters in support of the PKR which shows the bonding of the opposition in the state, 4th, this is also the first time that the businesses in Lubok Antu are overwhelmed by bustling visitors especially from all over the country.
But I hope the most important and crucial 1st will be made on 407, that is the first time that the people of Batang Ai shall reject the BN. Sarawakian are all eyeing Batang Ai as the crucial test before the coming state election. Many Chinese are skeptical about the PKT chance as money politics and development promises are flying all over the place and they feel that the result is a forgone conclusion.
But lets there be hope that the people are seeking for change, after all after 45 years under the BN the people are still been depriving of the basic facilities such as clean pipe water and electricity and healthcare facility. Change is coming and the people of Batang Ai shall decide for themselves on 407!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Selangau-Mukah road is full of deathtraps
The Selangau-mukah road is a major trunk road linking Mukah, Oya, Dalat and Balingian to the outside world. The road is the only access to the outside world apart from a few flights a week from Mukah. Mukah is a fast growing town which plays a central role in the BN government's SCORE(Sarawak corridor of renewable energy) which the government is said to invest some RM 30 billion in the next few years.
However, the trunk road in question would reveal how much the government is committed to either the safety of the road users and the RM 30 billions SCORE project. The 68 km stretch of road, if i may call it a road, is not only full of potholes and you can see any lamp post at all along the road. There are many death traps along the road which would cause fatal accidents and yet nothing had been done to address the issue.
Most ironiclly, Balingian, the state constituency whose elected state assembly man is none other than the CM of Sarawak, is within the area while Mukah is the birth place of the CM. The CM has frequent visit to Mukah and yet it seems that he has no knowledge of the road's conditions. Or does he not know????
I had a press release of the issue and i urged the CM to travel by road the next time he visit either Mukah or Balingian. Sadly, the media refuse to publish my call for the CM to make it his personal agenda to find out the truth.
Many Mukah's folks who met me during my trip there request DAP to publicise the matter so that the BN's top leadership would be aware of the grivances of the people. My personal remark, sarcastic, if i may ,was “too bad there is no by election in Balingian or Muakh or else the issue would be addresses very soon". Was i wrong, just take a look at the Batang Ai!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Parenting and growing up
It was 12:55pm yesterday as I drove to SMK Bandar Sibu to pick up my second son from school. It was a routine job for me although many would say that we pamper our kids too much nowadays as the school is only a 10-15 minutes walk away from home. Today’s experience reinforced our believe that what we did all these while was well worth it. We shall continue to do so in the near future!
What happened? My wife saw a young boy walking under the hot sun and he was wavering and stumbling along the way and looked like he was going to collapse anytime. She stopped me and told me whether the boy looks alright. I took a good look at the boy andI felt that his conditions warrant my assistance. I parked my vehicle and walked across the road divider to examine him. He looked pale and visibly shaken as I approached him but told me that he is “ok”!
I told him that he is not “ok” and offered to give him a lift. He told me that he has gotten use to it already （我已经习惯了）。I wonder what he meant by that, so I probed further. He got a bit uncomfortable and refused my help. I was wondering whether I should let it go but my conscience told me that I have to do something about it. He then told me that he can not accept my help because he was not sure of my intention. I told him that my kids are his schoolmates and there is no reason why he can’t trust me. I even told him about my kids’ names to put him at ease.
Before we came to an agreement, a pick-up truck stopped by us and the boy entered the vehicle. I opened the door and saw the woman driver who was visibly disturbed by my probing. She asked me what was wrong and I introduced myself and told her what happened, She asked me “Is he not feeling well?” and then turned to the boy to ask the same question which he did not reply. She sounded annoyed as if the kid is causing unnecessary trouble or wny this stranger is probing so much.
I walked back to my vehicle and told my wife the whole thing and she agreed that there something isn’t quite right. First, there is the question of why the boy was walking home if the mother is picking him up in the first place? Secondly, why didn’t he just tell me that his mother will pick him up? Thirdly, he said he lives in Rejang Park which is at least 1.5 km away and was he telling me that he used to walk home by foot? Fourthly, why was he so suspicious of my assistance, I am sure I do not look like a rogue. Lastly，why was he pretending that he is fine when he couldn’t even walk straight?
Never mind the above, I did what I have to do and I am sure many of us would have done the same. I put this on the blog to tell the parents out there that there might be a lot about our kids that we do not know as they might not tell us everything. We need to spend time with them and pay more attention to them as we do not want to regret latter on. Our kids deserve our attention and love which can not be compensated by any other means. Parenting is never easy but so is growing up for the kids!
What happened? My wife saw a young boy walking under the hot sun and he was wavering and stumbling along the way and looked like he was going to collapse anytime. She stopped me and told me whether the boy looks alright. I took a good look at the boy andI felt that his conditions warrant my assistance. I parked my vehicle and walked across the road divider to examine him. He looked pale and visibly shaken as I approached him but told me that he is “ok”!
I told him that he is not “ok” and offered to give him a lift. He told me that he has gotten use to it already （我已经习惯了）。I wonder what he meant by that, so I probed further. He got a bit uncomfortable and refused my help. I was wondering whether I should let it go but my conscience told me that I have to do something about it. He then told me that he can not accept my help because he was not sure of my intention. I told him that my kids are his schoolmates and there is no reason why he can’t trust me. I even told him about my kids’ names to put him at ease.
Before we came to an agreement, a pick-up truck stopped by us and the boy entered the vehicle. I opened the door and saw the woman driver who was visibly disturbed by my probing. She asked me what was wrong and I introduced myself and told her what happened, She asked me “Is he not feeling well?” and then turned to the boy to ask the same question which he did not reply. She sounded annoyed as if the kid is causing unnecessary trouble or wny this stranger is probing so much.
I walked back to my vehicle and told my wife the whole thing and she agreed that there something isn’t quite right. First, there is the question of why the boy was walking home if the mother is picking him up in the first place? Secondly, why didn’t he just tell me that his mother will pick him up? Thirdly, he said he lives in Rejang Park which is at least 1.5 km away and was he telling me that he used to walk home by foot? Fourthly, why was he so suspicious of my assistance, I am sure I do not look like a rogue. Lastly，why was he pretending that he is fine when he couldn’t even walk straight?
Never mind the above, I did what I have to do and I am sure many of us would have done the same. I put this on the blog to tell the parents out there that there might be a lot about our kids that we do not know as they might not tell us everything. We need to spend time with them and pay more attention to them as we do not want to regret latter on. Our kids deserve our attention and love which can not be compensated by any other means. Parenting is never easy but so is growing up for the kids!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Run up to the 307 Debate-Hot!
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. 庆信培根《307辩论会》 胡逸山教授将担任主持人
(新闻/中砂)
（本报民都鲁28日讯）民都鲁区国会议员拿督斯里张庆信太平局绅与民行党砂州宣传主任黄培根之《307辩论会》主持人已经初步鉴定，由国内著名时评家兼教育家胡逸山教授担任。 允许担任主持人 据拿督斯里张庆信人民服务中心发言人披露，胡逸山教授已经允许担任当天的辩论会主持人，但也希望黄培根会满意由胡逸山教授来主持当天的辩论会。 如果黄培根有更好的人选，请尽早提出来，以便做出安排。 有关胡逸山教授的学历背景，他是在美国加里福尼亚大学毕业，分别考获法学博士、工学博士、国际工商管理硕士、机械工学学士、航空工学学士，以及德国文学学士。 ...
2. 双雄会砂州史无前例 陈则敏：好的开始
(新闻/南砂)
（本报诗巫25日讯）对于民进党拿督斯里张庆信与行动党黄培根即将展开的一场“华山论剑”，公正党诗巫区部副主席陈则敏博士认为此乃政坛好的开始。 他今午接受电话访问时，发表个人看法。 他说，无论这场辩论会的结局由谁胜出，或没有输赢之分，至少这是政界新开端。执政党勇于接受在野党的挑战应邀出席辩论会在砂州而言是史无前例。 “基此，我个人非常欣赏张庆信敢于站出来接受行动党的挑战。” 陈则敏博士指出，在野党从来都是打先锋挑战执政党，其个人认为黄培根有大将之风，毕竟没有临阵逃脱，反而积极备战。 ...
3. 与张庆信辩论 黄培根：已准备就绪
(新闻/南砂)
（本报诗巫25日讯）砂行动党宣传秘书黄培根说：“我已准备就绪，会依时出席辩论会。” 黄培根今早接受《联合日报》询问时表示，他已做好功课，从多方面做足功夫，以赴一场华山论剑 他表示，至目前为止，拿督张庆信邀请他前往民都鲁，张氏选择在民都鲁举办辩论会，他接受，毕竟民都鲁是张氏居住的地区。不过，他吁请张庆信必须尽速推选一个具有中立立场的主持人，因为时间仅剩10天，一旦主持人名单出炉，就必须着手筹办辩论内容与方式。 ...
4. 与张庆信辩论 黄培根：已准备就绪
(新闻/中砂)
（本报诗巫25日讯）砂行动党宣传秘书黄培根说：“我已准备就绪，会依时出席辩论会。” 黄培根今早接受《联合日报》询问时表示，他已做好功课，从多方面做足功夫，以赴一场华山论剑。 吁速推选中立主持人 他表示，至目前为止，拿督张庆信邀请他前往民都鲁，张氏选择在民都鲁举办辩论会，他接受，毕竟民都鲁是张氏居住的地区。不过，他吁请张庆信必须尽速推选一个具有中立立场的主持人，因为时间仅剩10天，一旦主持人名单出炉，就必须着手筹办辩论内容与方式。 ...
The historic debate-the first of its kind in the history of Sarawak-the press labeled it as 307 Debate-between the MP for Bintulu and the Chairman of the BN Backbenchers' Club, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing and the publicity secretary of DAP Sarawak, Mr. David Wong, was held on the 7th of March 2009 at the Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
In the run up to the debate, there was much anticipation by the general public as well as the politicians from the political divide. The Chinese Print media were more than helpful in publicizing the event with much front page coverage and even with details of the two debaters were not left uncovered.
The whole thing started with the political crisis in the state of Perak where the BN wrest away the duly elected PR government by using what we called the "political frogs" (defectors from the PR) on the 4th of Feb. 2009. That was actually just after the Chinese Lunar New Year and the self-proclaimed government by the BN took control of the state of Perak when the deputy PM, Dato Seri Najib, took the defectors from the PR to have an audience with the sultan of Perak. The Sultan of Perak refused the request of the Menteri Besar（Chief Minister)to dissolved the state assembly of Perak to pave way for fresh election to solve the political crisis based on his "interview" with the 3 defected PR's state assembly members.
Then in the central region of Sarawak, a town called Bintulu, its MP at the dinner function of one of the Chinese Association's dinner on the 8th 0f Feb., launched an attack on the DAP and the PR for what he said was "double standard" in dealing with the handicapped persons (oh, by the way, one of the defectors, Mdm Hee-DAP suffers from Polio）。He said that while the PR has always self-proclaimed to be the guidance of the less fortunate in the Parliament, their actions are a far cry when it comes to Mdm Hee.
I responded to his allegation in a press conference in Sibu and told him that he has twisted the whole thing around as it was Mdm Hee who have acted against the wishes of the Perakian as they voted (54%) for the PR and entrusted their mandate on the PR government. Furthermore, the pR government has implemented the policies in their election pledges such as the allocation of 1000 hectares of state land to the Chinese Independence Schools, the issuing of perpetual land titles, the granting of state land to the less fortunate in the state etc etc. I questioned Dato Seri Tiong on his stand on morality and democracy and told him that the BN has lost its basic integrity by robbing the people of Perak their constitutional right to choose their own government.
Then there were a daily crash on the Chinese print media between Dato Seri Tiong and myself until I challenged him foe a debate. It was almost forgone conclusion that Dato Seri Tiong would decline my challenge as the BN in Sarawak has always refused to face the opposition on matters that really matter to the people. But everyone was surprised when Dato Seri Tiong accepted my invitation for an open debate. He asked me to go to Bintulu while leaving the date of the debate to me. I responded that 307 (the eve of the political tsunami in 2008) and then the rest would be arranged by Dato Seri.
Many people called and said that they do not believe the debate would be possible as even a moderator would not be easy to seek in such a highly charged debate between the BN and the DAP. But they were surprised once again when Dr. Oh Ei Sun, a well learnt (double PhD. degrees) and well respected educationist and current affair analyst accepted the challenge even though he has live TV shows lined up for him.
The Stage (photo above) was set, a small auditorium in the Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce that can housed 500 was chosen by Dato Seri. Although the general public urged the organizer to change the venue because of the anticipated turn ups on the day, it was not entertained by the organizer (representative of Dato Seri). Too bad, I have no say and have to go along with it.
With the approaching D-day, the debate became the centre of attention, coffee shops talks were are geared to it while the press and media gave it all they can to make it lives up to its expectation.
So, did the debate lives up to the expectation? Would it become a wrestling match between the supporters of both camps? Would there be personal attack by both debaters? Would there be any unexpected last minute bombshells revelation by any camp or both the camps? Would there be unexpected last minute cancellation? Who would win the historic debate?
I shall leave them all to my next posting.
More Chinese news for the 307 debate are attached herewith;
與張慶信舌戰
黃培根：絕不輕敵
updated:2009-02-23 05:16:15 MYT
（砂拉越•詩巫）雖然辯論會在即，強敵當前，但完全沒有辯論經驗的行動黨砂州委員會宣傳秘書黃培根，還是信心十足，因為他深信對的錯不了，錯的對不了！
黃培根曾於2001年州選、2004年國選、2006年州選、2008年國選披行動黨戰袍出戰。選舉前的選民集會，累積他豐富的演講經驗，不過，他卻不曾參加過辯論會。
3月7日首度踏上辯論會場，黃培根的對手是以敢怒敢言見稱的民都魯區國會議員拿督斯里張慶信。黃培根說，此次是他的處女辯論會。唯他並不因此緊張。反之，很高興張慶信的應邀。
“辯論是民主最基本東西，畢竟一些民生課題必須透過辯論，才能讓選民看得、聽得更清楚。因為在辯論會上，辯論者可以現場提出疑問，另一方需即時給予解答。”
目前修讀倫敦大學法律系的黃培根今早受詢時說，此次辯論非兒戲，他絕不輕敵。
認真看待此次辯論會的黃培根表示，除了心理準備，他已收集一些相關資料。“畢竟第一次辯論，我要做些準備。辯論與演講不同，辯論的時間有限，且胥視臨場反應。”
詢及收集甚麼資料時，黃培根說，此次辯論的是政治人物道德觀問題，為此，有關霹靂變天、政治家、專家、普羅大眾、政黨領袖的評論、言論都是資料，當中以各階層民意最重要。
黃培根指出，不論這場辯論誰勝誰負，或者最后分不出勝負，但至少讓選民看出真相。行動黨有許多人有意到民都魯出席是場辯論會，但基於時間、交通等問題，可能並不是所有支持者都會到場。若時間許可，該黨主席黃和聯應該會帶隊到民都魯。“我們不想勞民傷財，民都魯當地也有行動黨人。無論如何，主席說過，所有的行動黨黨員都是我的后盾。”
（星洲日報�砂勞越．2009/02/22
updated:2009-02-23 05:16:15 MYT
辯論會料熱爆
民眾應趁早入場
updated:2009-03-05 14:02:42 MYT
（砂拉越．民都魯）307辯論會讓民都魯熱到爆，本報頻接讀者詢問，是否可預先取得入場券。
民都魯區國會議員拿督斯里張慶信與行動黨黃培根的辯論會，比預料中更熾熱。距辯論會尚有3天，目前幾乎已成市民碰面的第一個見面話題，大家都說值得出席聆聽。
不過，許多民眾擔憂屆時太多人出席，現場過於擁擠，後來者將不得其門而入。
一些對政治感興趣的民眾表示，為了不錯過這場辯論會，他們將於當天提早2至3小時進入會場。
本報向負責現場安排工作的張慶信服務中心工作人員瞭解，現場容納500名觀眾已算滿座，目前他們正在考慮是否爆滿後就不再允許後來者進入，以免造成現場出現過於擁擠現象。
（星洲日報�砂勞越．2009/03/05）
不接受預定座位
場地可容納500人
updated:2009-03-05 14:02:28 MYT
（砂拉越．民都魯）307張黃辯論會現場只限500人入場，為公平起見，座位先到者先得，不接受預定也不特別保留給任何一政黨黨員。
民進黨基杜弄區部署理主席江紹輝受本報記者詢及時指出，堪稱砂州政壇一大突破的307張黃辯論會，顯然已成了中區人民的一大焦點。為確保辯論會進展順利，有關場地的各方面籌備工作已在進行。
“這次場地是由張慶信一方負責，場地將低調佈置，將會加強保安，嚴謹看待現場的治安和出席者安全。”
他披露，為迎接這場辯論會，工作隊伍的初步討論結果，限定場內只能容納500人進場，以免場面失控；座滿後禮堂大門將會關閉。
江紹輝說，為公平起見，將不接受預定位子的做法，除前兩排的位子預留予社會領袖外，其餘的坐位皆公開予公眾，先到先坐。此外，入場者不被允許攜帶食物、廣泉水及具危險的物品。
為防不愉快事件發生，辯論會當天除有警方和交警駐守在現場範圍維持秩序外，也將安排後備軍協助。
江紹輝也說，這次的辯論會必吸引雙方的支持者到來助陣，為避免發生不愉快事件，他勸請各造以和為貴，盡可能遵守現場的條規，辯論會上彼此不分輸贏，所以支持者也必須心平氣和地接受辯論結果。
他指出，只要有興趣的人士都可以入場，早到場的人士就能找到好位子。基於場地外的泊車位有限，他建議出席者共車到場。
有關進一步的詳情和規定，他預料總負責人包章文上議員將會在近日內做出公佈；他籲請欲出席者多關注。
（星洲日報�砂勞越．2009/03/05張慶信 黃培根辯論會
胡逸山任主持人
updated:2009-03-01 07:49:34 MYT
（民都魯、詩巫）備受矚目的307朝野辯論會，已敲定由著名學者，亦是大馬前神童胡逸山博士主持，為砂州難得一見的政治辯論會再添賣點！
負責物色主持人的上議員包章文今日受本報記者詢問時證實，在國內外頗具盛名的著名時評人胡逸山博士，已經應允為3月7日的辯論會任主持人。
他透露，辯論細則將由胡逸山向張黃兩人接洽后方決定，包括辯論的主題及辯論模式等。
包章文表示，為公平起見，在邀請主持人時，必須考慮到主持人的背景，即非政治人物，也沒有政黨背景，方能讓人民信服。為能物色到合適的主持人，包章文可說是絞盡腦汁，最終才找到去年馬華黨選期間，曾主持馬華前副總會長拿督林祥才和馬華現任署理總會長拿督斯里蔡細歷政治辯論會的胡逸山。
另一方面，黃培根今午受詢時表示，他尚未接獲主持人人選已敲定的正式通知，但他對張慶信邀請到胡逸山擔任主持人感到十分滿意。
“我很高興，也希望這場辯論會能順利進行。”
（星洲日報�砂勞越．2009/02/28）
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
在警局的日历
今天下午收到一个我认识人的电话说她的儿子被警察拷留而警方还在她们家庭成员面前拷打她的儿子。
我在下午3点20分达到警局了解事件。可以说那个查案警官给我非常合理的理待和合作。我告诉他我不是要插手警方的查案工作，只要求警方用专业方式处理整个查案过程。我国的法律立场是一个人在法庭还没定罪前都是是无辜的（a man is innocent until proven guilty by the court of law).
有关查案警官承诺将以专业和合法的方式来处理整个过程。行动党很高兴我们能够跟警方合作和互相理解双方的立场。
黄培根
2009年正月20号
我在下午3点20分达到警局了解事件。可以说那个查案警官给我非常合理的理待和合作。我告诉他我不是要插手警方的查案工作，只要求警方用专业方式处理整个查案过程。我国的法律立场是一个人在法庭还没定罪前都是是无辜的（a man is innocent until proven guilty by the court of law).
有关查案警官承诺将以专业和合法的方式来处理整个过程。行动党很高兴我们能够跟警方合作和互相理解双方的立场。
黄培根
2009年正月20号
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Newspapers and the delivery man
Everyday we wake up to see the papers being delivered to our house or office without giving a second thought as how it reaches there. Often time, friends would complain about the late delivery as if it is a crime if they wake up without the papers being delivered to their very door. But i certainly have not heard of any praise for the good work done by the delivery man.
Yes, we all need information to survive and newspapers seem to be irreplaceable medium even as the electronic age and net-based media catch up. The papers in the hands is most convenient way for most of us, some bring them into the toilet while others consume the news together with their breakfasts.And many would found themselves lost if they found that there is no papers today as yesterday was a public holiday. Some publishers then use the catchy slogan like "365 days and not a day without newspapers!" to attract readers and subscribers.
Then why is the newspapers so important for us? Some would say it is simply a habit that can't be kick while others would argue that because it is food for thought for them more than simply news that they want to know.
And who are the persons behind the whole process so that we have papers in our hands everyday? Many would say "of course the reporters!" or else where got news to read and there are as many who would named the dailies and even the media Moguls as the persons behind the newspapers.Credits are given to those who are exposed to us just like the award-winning reporter or publisher for the good reporting.
Many never give a thought to the printing workers who work from 7:00 pm till past mid-night so that the papers are ready for delivery. But even less would say "it is the delivery men or women who made it possible!" To many among us, that is a low esteemed job that require no attention or mention at all.
My paper's delivery man delivers the papers to my doorsteps from around 2:00-3:00 am everyday and sometimes he was surprised to see me taking the papers from him at the wee hours of the day. Indeed, most would have slept deeply or consumed in their dreams at that time to even notice their presence.
How hard and difficult it must be to deliver the papers to hundreds of households and offices in a motorbike without break for 365 days a year? They have to deliver regardless of the weather conditions and the security conditions. They have to run into strayed dogs who chase after them as well as coming across some criminal elements day in day out but there is no escape for them unless they stop working.
So please spare them a thought the next time you pick up the newspapers or when you want to curse about the late delivery. Maybe he has met an accident before or after delivering the papers to your door steps or may be he has been admitted to the hospital for some unforeseen circumstances while trying to deliver the papers to one of us.
David Wong
10-01-2009
Yes, we all need information to survive and newspapers seem to be irreplaceable medium even as the electronic age and net-based media catch up. The papers in the hands is most convenient way for most of us, some bring them into the toilet while others consume the news together with their breakfasts.And many would found themselves lost if they found that there is no papers today as yesterday was a public holiday. Some publishers then use the catchy slogan like "365 days and not a day without newspapers!" to attract readers and subscribers.
Then why is the newspapers so important for us? Some would say it is simply a habit that can't be kick while others would argue that because it is food for thought for them more than simply news that they want to know.
And who are the persons behind the whole process so that we have papers in our hands everyday? Many would say "of course the reporters!" or else where got news to read and there are as many who would named the dailies and even the media Moguls as the persons behind the newspapers.Credits are given to those who are exposed to us just like the award-winning reporter or publisher for the good reporting.
Many never give a thought to the printing workers who work from 7:00 pm till past mid-night so that the papers are ready for delivery. But even less would say "it is the delivery men or women who made it possible!" To many among us, that is a low esteemed job that require no attention or mention at all.
My paper's delivery man delivers the papers to my doorsteps from around 2:00-3:00 am everyday and sometimes he was surprised to see me taking the papers from him at the wee hours of the day. Indeed, most would have slept deeply or consumed in their dreams at that time to even notice their presence.
How hard and difficult it must be to deliver the papers to hundreds of households and offices in a motorbike without break for 365 days a year? They have to deliver regardless of the weather conditions and the security conditions. They have to run into strayed dogs who chase after them as well as coming across some criminal elements day in day out but there is no escape for them unless they stop working.
So please spare them a thought the next time you pick up the newspapers or when you want to curse about the late delivery. Maybe he has met an accident before or after delivering the papers to your door steps or may be he has been admitted to the hospital for some unforeseen circumstances while trying to deliver the papers to one of us.
David Wong
10-01-2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Car pooling, ever heard about it?
Car pooling-the magic words at times of high fuels price and global warming?
People all over the world have been urged to pool their resources together to achieve maximum returns for their investments and also to save time and energy in the case of transportation. The metro transits and the aviation industry are the two most common examples of "pooling" and thus many developing countries including Malaysia are all eagle to invest heavily for the metro transits while the major airliners are demanding that the aircraft makers like Boeing and the Air Bus to come up with bigger and more efficient jumbo jets to cater for the "pooling" philosophy. But it seems that only the giant corporations and the government are taking the "pooling" seriously.
But how about car pooling in our everyday lives such as car pooling to go to work and sending kids to school? If we look around us, we can see that the idea of car pooling is really not a welcoming method for most of us. We see traffic been jammed up everyday around schools and cities and town centres because car pooling is not been recognised as an attractive way to travel. Although the people complaint about high fuels price, to them the inconvenience of car pooling is simply too much for them to bear and thus they seldom consider the car pooling as the alternative to save fuels and time and let alone the issues of Global Warming.
The governments had not done enough to promote car pooling as well. How much money and resources have been allocated to sell the idea,such as the number of awareness campaigns been spearheaded by the governments? The government must take the central roles in bringing awareness to the general public as to the advantages of car pooling from the economic view points to the environmental issues and of course to the issues about traffic jam that brings about wastage of fuels and time for everyone.
The ministry of transportation, the ministry of environment and the ministry of finance together with other NGOs should really look into the matter seriously. It should start with the government employees (almost a million of them) before the general public would rise to the challenge and make car pooling a way of life.
p/s I was deeply troubled by the ways the parents park their cars around the schools without due regards to the law and the convenient of other road users.These parents are setting bad example for their kids to follow and no wonder they become the "road bully" when they grow up!
People all over the world have been urged to pool their resources together to achieve maximum returns for their investments and also to save time and energy in the case of transportation. The metro transits and the aviation industry are the two most common examples of "pooling" and thus many developing countries including Malaysia are all eagle to invest heavily for the metro transits while the major airliners are demanding that the aircraft makers like Boeing and the Air Bus to come up with bigger and more efficient jumbo jets to cater for the "pooling" philosophy. But it seems that only the giant corporations and the government are taking the "pooling" seriously.
But how about car pooling in our everyday lives such as car pooling to go to work and sending kids to school? If we look around us, we can see that the idea of car pooling is really not a welcoming method for most of us. We see traffic been jammed up everyday around schools and cities and town centres because car pooling is not been recognised as an attractive way to travel. Although the people complaint about high fuels price, to them the inconvenience of car pooling is simply too much for them to bear and thus they seldom consider the car pooling as the alternative to save fuels and time and let alone the issues of Global Warming.
The governments had not done enough to promote car pooling as well. How much money and resources have been allocated to sell the idea,such as the number of awareness campaigns been spearheaded by the governments? The government must take the central roles in bringing awareness to the general public as to the advantages of car pooling from the economic view points to the environmental issues and of course to the issues about traffic jam that brings about wastage of fuels and time for everyone.
The ministry of transportation, the ministry of environment and the ministry of finance together with other NGOs should really look into the matter seriously. It should start with the government employees (almost a million of them) before the general public would rise to the challenge and make car pooling a way of life.
p/s I was deeply troubled by the ways the parents park their cars around the schools without due regards to the law and the convenient of other road users.These parents are setting bad example for their kids to follow and no wonder they become the "road bully" when they grow up!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas message
On behalf of DAP Sarawak, I would like to wish all Malaysian a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. As the year 2008 draws to its end, we need to pause and look back to the events that happened and history that has been made and hope that mistakes are avoided and triumphs be repeated in the New Year ahead.
Malaysia has seen the better days in the first half of 2008 as the world crude oil prices hit recorded high with its peak at USD 147 per barrel and Malaysia has seen the bountiful as well in the commodities prices of rubber and palm oil. But the October financial crisis in the US that spread like wild fire to the rest of the world had hit Malaysia like a curse as oil prices tumbled and commodities prices fell to recorded levels and we finally found ourselves in hot-water financially while the inflation that was triggered by the fuels price hike in June has yet been redressed.
2009 seems to be a year of uncertainty as many Malaysian are facing many huddles ahead with the BN government not doing anything to address the concern of the people as the biggest political party, UMNO, is too busy preparing for its March party's polls. So far it has only used the EPF money to inject RM 5 billion into Valued Cap Sdn. Bhd. as its only solution to the financial crisis facing the country and we do not even know whether it causes any ripple at all in the stock market.
More important to Malaysian would be the 916 effect on the mindset of Malaysian, the 916 has created a burning desire among the majority of Malaysian to see a change of the Guard. They were so intense in their desire that they cursed when the promise by Anwar to bring about the change of federal government did not materialize. But whet they did not know that without that promise, many Malaysian would never dream about the demise of the BN and the changing of the guard at the federal government.
So with the many set backs and triumphs behind us now, lets stand united as fellow Malaysian regardless of the color of our skin, the diversity of our cultures and the different faiths that we embraced, to face the challenge in the year ahead. The spirit of Christmas should lead us ahead in making a Malaysia for all Malaysian and a country that is equally shared by all Malaysian. After all, the spirit of sharing and giving is what X'mas is all about.
Marry Ximas & Happy New Year
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity secretary
24-12-2008
Malaysia has seen the better days in the first half of 2008 as the world crude oil prices hit recorded high with its peak at USD 147 per barrel and Malaysia has seen the bountiful as well in the commodities prices of rubber and palm oil. But the October financial crisis in the US that spread like wild fire to the rest of the world had hit Malaysia like a curse as oil prices tumbled and commodities prices fell to recorded levels and we finally found ourselves in hot-water financially while the inflation that was triggered by the fuels price hike in June has yet been redressed.
2009 seems to be a year of uncertainty as many Malaysian are facing many huddles ahead with the BN government not doing anything to address the concern of the people as the biggest political party, UMNO, is too busy preparing for its March party's polls. So far it has only used the EPF money to inject RM 5 billion into Valued Cap Sdn. Bhd. as its only solution to the financial crisis facing the country and we do not even know whether it causes any ripple at all in the stock market.
More important to Malaysian would be the 916 effect on the mindset of Malaysian, the 916 has created a burning desire among the majority of Malaysian to see a change of the Guard. They were so intense in their desire that they cursed when the promise by Anwar to bring about the change of federal government did not materialize. But whet they did not know that without that promise, many Malaysian would never dream about the demise of the BN and the changing of the guard at the federal government.
So with the many set backs and triumphs behind us now, lets stand united as fellow Malaysian regardless of the color of our skin, the diversity of our cultures and the different faiths that we embraced, to face the challenge in the year ahead. The spirit of Christmas should lead us ahead in making a Malaysia for all Malaysian and a country that is equally shared by all Malaysian. After all, the spirit of sharing and giving is what X'mas is all about.
Marry Ximas & Happy New Year
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity secretary
24-12-2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Dad, my shoes have become smaller!
Last week, my youngest kid told me "Dad, my shoes have become smaller!" as we were getting ready to go out. My immediate respond was "It is not that they are getting smaller but rather because you are growing up fast!"
Then it hit me that they are growing up fast and i have taken it for granted that they will always be the kids that they are and i can compensate them for the lost chance/time whenever i feel like it as simple as a push on the time-machine button just like in the movie "Back to the future" by Micheal J Fox.
Then an idea came up as i have to attend the DAP state committee meeting as well as the annual convention on the 13rd and 14th of December to be held in Kuching, i asked them whether they would like to go to Kuching with me. The answer is of course a foregone conclusion as i am writing this in the house of my in-laws in Kuching.
Today,we visited the Muzium in Kuching and did some window shopping around Cat city. To our delight was we ran into the mascot of the KFC at the restaurant and my wife did not miss the opportunity to arrange the photo session and was happily clicking away. Fortunately the digital age save me a lot of money as we can appreciate the photos without having to develop the films and it is also more enviromental friendly as well.
I am glad that i have spent some quality time with them although most of the time they have to go their own way as i was too busy attending the DAP's meeting and convention. At least we can mix official businesses with family outings if we want to. At least the next time my kid tell me "Dad, my ..." i would know that it is another sign of time passing by fast but i do not have to have a sense of guilt.
Then it hit me that they are growing up fast and i have taken it for granted that they will always be the kids that they are and i can compensate them for the lost chance/time whenever i feel like it as simple as a push on the time-machine button just like in the movie "Back to the future" by Micheal J Fox.
Then an idea came up as i have to attend the DAP state committee meeting as well as the annual convention on the 13rd and 14th of December to be held in Kuching, i asked them whether they would like to go to Kuching with me. The answer is of course a foregone conclusion as i am writing this in the house of my in-laws in Kuching.
Today,we visited the Muzium in Kuching and did some window shopping around Cat city. To our delight was we ran into the mascot of the KFC at the restaurant and my wife did not miss the opportunity to arrange the photo session and was happily clicking away. Fortunately the digital age save me a lot of money as we can appreciate the photos without having to develop the films and it is also more enviromental friendly as well.
I am glad that i have spent some quality time with them although most of the time they have to go their own way as i was too busy attending the DAP's meeting and convention. At least we can mix official businesses with family outings if we want to. At least the next time my kid tell me "Dad, my ..." i would know that it is another sign of time passing by fast but i do not have to have a sense of guilt.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
火箭吁人联党代声讨 二小事件扩至华小独中
新闻 08 12月 2008 20:53
（本报诗巫8日讯）砂民主行动党宣教秘书黄培根表示，行动党劝人联党把二小事件扩大到整个华小及独中的问题。 他说，行动党呼吁人联党在本月12日至14日的党代上，应该在党代上面声讨联邦国阵政府或州首长，为何使二小事件变成今日人联党之痛。
他续称，行动党也做出呼吁，如果人联党不能在这次的党代上解决二小事件，不能得到首长或者全国国阵主席（首相）的解决，那么人联党应该在党代上面检讨在国阵的地位。
“若人联党不能做到上述我们讲的话，那么在来届州选时，人民将会要人联党知道，他们已经不能为人民争取任何利益。” 他於今午的新闻发布会上表示，古晋二小的事件在今年选举中被人联党用来影响选民手中一票，人联党在选举中代表国阵，因此人联党的承诺就是国阵的承诺。
“砂人民可以看到，学校及学生都是国家的资源，既然抽税是政府的权力，我要问人联党，建校是谁的责任？” 黄培根认为，人联党已经失去了方向，他们现在把整个事件推给反对党。
他强调，全马人民包括砂州人民可以看到，在民联执政的几个州，民联政府在短短半年内已经做出了国阵政府43年执政以来所不能做的，那就是制度化地拨款给独中，或以地养校的方式来帮忙州内教育，几个州属已经做到了。
“如果今天砂州的政府是行动党组成的政府，那么古晋二小的事情不能得到解决的话，人联党才可以攻击行动党，问题是砂州政府是谁？”
他表示自己听说了首相将出席在人联党党代上，若人联党不趁这次机会把砂州的母语教育问题、独中拨款的问题提出，就不要在报章上作戏。 “只要首相在党代的一句话，就可以解决二小的事件。”
黄和联：人联无履行承诺 另一方面，砂民主行动党主席黄和联律师也针对二小事件表示，人联党的承诺就是要建中华二小，作为选举的承诺，没有履行的承诺，是为不该。 他强调，解铃人还须系铃人，系铃人就是人联党，不应该扯到行动党身上，作了承诺就该履行承诺，并表示人联党该醒觉，即刻要求联邦以及州政府公平对待各源流学校，包括常年系统化拨款。
（本报诗巫8日讯）砂民主行动党宣教秘书黄培根表示，行动党劝人联党把二小事件扩大到整个华小及独中的问题。 他说，行动党呼吁人联党在本月12日至14日的党代上，应该在党代上面声讨联邦国阵政府或州首长，为何使二小事件变成今日人联党之痛。
他续称，行动党也做出呼吁，如果人联党不能在这次的党代上解决二小事件，不能得到首长或者全国国阵主席（首相）的解决，那么人联党应该在党代上面检讨在国阵的地位。
“若人联党不能做到上述我们讲的话，那么在来届州选时，人民将会要人联党知道，他们已经不能为人民争取任何利益。” 他於今午的新闻发布会上表示，古晋二小的事件在今年选举中被人联党用来影响选民手中一票，人联党在选举中代表国阵，因此人联党的承诺就是国阵的承诺。
“砂人民可以看到，学校及学生都是国家的资源，既然抽税是政府的权力，我要问人联党，建校是谁的责任？” 黄培根认为，人联党已经失去了方向，他们现在把整个事件推给反对党。
他强调，全马人民包括砂州人民可以看到，在民联执政的几个州，民联政府在短短半年内已经做出了国阵政府43年执政以来所不能做的，那就是制度化地拨款给独中，或以地养校的方式来帮忙州内教育，几个州属已经做到了。
“如果今天砂州的政府是行动党组成的政府，那么古晋二小的事情不能得到解决的话，人联党才可以攻击行动党，问题是砂州政府是谁？”
他表示自己听说了首相将出席在人联党党代上，若人联党不趁这次机会把砂州的母语教育问题、独中拨款的问题提出，就不要在报章上作戏。 “只要首相在党代的一句话，就可以解决二小的事件。”
黄和联：人联无履行承诺 另一方面，砂民主行动党主席黄和联律师也针对二小事件表示，人联党的承诺就是要建中华二小，作为选举的承诺，没有履行的承诺，是为不该。 他强调，解铃人还须系铃人，系铃人就是人联党，不应该扯到行动党身上，作了承诺就该履行承诺，并表示人联党该醒觉，即刻要求联邦以及州政府公平对待各源流学校，包括常年系统化拨款。
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