Pics from NZ :-D

Stock trapped- flood in Whangarei (nzherald 31 March)

Boat on Auckland Motorway (From nzherald 30 March)

Cardrona Bra Fence, Wanaka

NEP must be replaced - how true??

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/3/29/nation/17291408&sec=nation

NEP must be replaced, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: A new affirmative policy should benefit the poor of all races in Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in an interview on Al Jazeera (New tactic to get non-Malay vote for PKR. I thought he was the one who quite patriotic e.g. "Cintai Bahasa Kita", ABIM, Bahasa Melayu sebagai Bahasa Pengantar..)

He said the New Economic Policy (NEP) had only benefited a few rich Malays when it was meant for poor Malays (That's life, everywhere :-) rich => richer, poor => poorer. .even if we abolish NEP, do you think it will benefit average income people?? I don't think so..

“The Government should dismantle the NEP and replace it with a policy to benefit the poor of all races. A policy to correct the imbalance of the marginalised should be implemented. Everybody can say dismantle this and that..Does he actually offer some solutions? No...he only talk and complain ..

“The Government must introduce a policy without any racial lines to benefit all races,” he said in an interview on the channel’s Riz Khan talk show, in Washington.

When interviewer Anand Naidu asked Anwar how he planned on becoming prime minister when he was banned from political activity (until April 2008), he said that he was looking forward to a pardon (Even in PKR, he did not get 100% election to be party president. Improve internal issues in PKR first)

“It is up to the King to grant the pardon,” said Anwar.

On his anticipated election as the Parti Keadilan Rakyat leader in May, Anwar urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to allow him to lead the party (What?? allow him to lead the party, or country?? when he was DPM in 1990s, he almost sell the country. There's no such thing as second chance).

p/s: just my thought...sigh....

West Coast Expressway- a new hope...

Kabinet lulus LPB -- Projek Lebuh Raya Pantai Barat RM3b hubungkan Banting-Taiping
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/content.asp?y=2007&dt=0329&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm

I'm glad to learn about cabinet approval to continue the West Coast Expressway project. Here are several reasons why we must finish the project:

• Unlike those live in close to North South highway, people live in west coast are relatively average income family (if not poor) mainly farmers, fishermen, self-employed etc. Hopefully, the existence of West Coast expressway will give more opportunity to the locals to improve their economy and lifestyle.
• As most of us alert, the project was already started years ago. Gov had spent lots of taxpayers money to buy land for this project.
  
• Reduce traffic on North South highway- traffic on North South Highway is a nightmare especially during festive and holiday season. The presence of West Coast expressway may give another option to travellers.
• Economy- easy access to main cities may encourage more company to set up business along west coast. The cost of living in west coast is relatively cheap compared to along North South highway (my experience..:-))
• Fast connection between Port Klang and Penang- less traffic is an advantage for transportation..
  

Cervical cancer vaccine - subsidised price ??

I'm interested on an article in The Start dated 28/3/07

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/3/28/nation/17275239&sec=nation

Finally, 'Gardasil', the cervical cancer vaccine was approved by the Drug Control Authority of Malaysia last October. According to MAKNA, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cause of deaths among female cancer patients in Malaysia. It's a relief to know that the vaccine is available in Malaysia :-)

However, can everybody afford the price?? In the Star, it was stated that the subsidised price was RM999 (available from National Cancer Society of Malaysia). Is this an affordable price for average income people? In the US, the vaccine price was USD 360, while in New Zealand the price was NZD450. How many percent subsidy?? 10-16% ONLY..well, it's better than nothing...

When the late PM's wife past away of breast cancer, he promised good facilities for cancer treatment, meaning that the facilities should be reachable and beneficial to all Malaysian. With this introductory price, I hope at least 10% of Malaysia population can access the vaccine (even though I seriously doubt it...)

p/s: Basic income of low level government servant is RM800 per month..How on earth we can afford this price??? If I save RM100 a month, I may be able to get the vaccine by the end of the year...:-)

Mana lebih penting, Rawang-Ipoh atau Kuala Lumpur-Singapura?

Utusan Malaysia, 28 March 2007

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/content.asp?y=2007&dt=0328&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_02.htm

Here is the article about a double tracking project Rawang-Ipoh and High
speed train project Kuala Lumpur-Singapure.

KUALA LUMPUR 27 Mac – Antara projek landasan kereta api berkembar dari
Rawang di Selangor ke Ipoh, Perak atau projek kereta api laju Kuala
Lumpur-Singapura, mana yang lebih penting?

Itu yang dipersoalkan anggota Parlimen Johor Bahru, Datuk Shahrir Abdul
Samad yang mengambil contoh kedua projek itu ketika membahaskan mengenai
keutamaan kerajaan dalam melaksanakan sesuatu projek pembangunan.

''Saya tak faham kalau laluan dari Kuala Lumpur-Singapura itu dianggap
terpenting sehingga sanggup menimbangkan cadangan untuk membina kereta
api laju, kenapa pula program landasan berkembar dimulakan di utara.
Saya tak nampak di mana logiknya,'' soalnya ketika membahaskan usul
menjunjung kasih titah ucapan Yang di-Pertuan Agong pada persidangan
Dewan Rakyat di sini, hari ini.

Turut dipersoalkan Shahrir ialah mengenai kewajaran penglibatan
Singapura dalam projek kereta api laju itu yang sepatutnya
dipertimbangkan kerajaan.

"Kalau projek itu mahu diteruskan, maka perlu dibina jambatan, sebab
takkanlah kereta api ini terlalu pantas hingga tak perlu jambatan untuk
seberang Selat Johor.

"Singapura pernah menolak cadangan pembinaan jambatan baru ke sana
tetapi kini (apabila merasa projek kereta api laju itu menguntungkan
mereka), maka mereka mahu projek kereta api laju ini berhenti di
republik itu,'' katanya yang berpendapat kerajaan perlu berjaga-jaga
dalam memikirkan program pembangunan jangan sehingga menjadi bahan jenaka.

Kerajaan setakat ini belum memutuskan sama ada projek yang
diinisiatifkan YTL Group itu akan berakhir di Johor atau Singapura.

Perbahasan Shahrir kemudian dicelah Datuk Mohamad Said Yusof (BN-Jasin)
yang bertanya mengenai untung ruginya pelaksanaan projek berkenaan dan
kesan yang akan dihadapi Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA)
berikutan pelaksanaan projek kereta api laju itu.

Shahrir bagaimanapun menegaskan bukan isu untung rugi yang dipersoalkan
sebaliknya kerajaan perlu memikirkan mengenai kepentingan dan logiknya
projek kereta api laju itu dilaksanakan.

– Bernama

In economy point of view, the high speed train KL-Spore is far more
important than Rawang-Ipoh. More people travel KL-Spore than Rawang-Ipoh
for business and pleasure. Government has to choose either go on with
the high speed train KL-Spore or allow low cost airlines to fly
KL-Spore. We have to admit even though Spore is smaller than Malaysia,
they are more obvious in the "World Map" than us..If you can't beat
them, join them...

Prince probed for assaulting woman friend

Quoted from The Star 24 March 2007
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/3/25/nation/17249821&sec=nation

Nation
Sunday March 25, 2007

KUALA LUmpUR: A member of a royal family is being investigated for
allegedly assaulting a woman recently.

Initial investigations showed that the woman, in her 20s, was beaten up
after she supposedly two-timed the prince.

The woman, who claimed that she had earlier tried to lodge a police
report in the state, was forced to report the matter to the Federal
police headquarters in Bukit Aman as no one in the state wanted to
accept her report.

It has also been learnt that a married narcotics police officer,
supposedly involved with the woman, was transferred within 24 hours to
Sarawak to carry out desk duties.

The prince has also lodged a police report.

Police have begun investigations into the case and are said to be in the
process of recording statements from witnesses.

When I read this news, I don't even think about who's the guy but I'm
surprised to learn that Police have no balls to accept the report. As a
citizen, we have the right to make a police report and it's up to the
police to investigate the case.

On the same day, IGP wants 20% increment of police salary.
Increment for what?? For doing nothing???

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/3/25/nation/17231551&sec=nation

Cash Reward For Badminton

Quoted from The Star 23 March 2007
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/3/24/nation/17239935&sec=nation

"IPOH: Badminton doubles hero Koo Kien Keat received RM35,000 from the
Perak Government and state Barisan Nasional for making the state proud
at the All-England Championships and Swiss Open.
.
.
.
Tajol Rosli said the state was proud of Koo for bringing glory to the
state.

"If you repeat your achievement again next year, we will give you an
ever better prize," he told Koo"

My question to the Menteri Besar "Did you learn from history??" Probably
everybody already forgot the Sidek's performance after cash and property
awards in early 1990s..Not that I envy them but I hope we can offer
something better for them and useful for everybody.

Cricket World Cup-Pakistan's Coach Homicide

It's unbelievable to learn about Bob Woolmer, Pakistan Cricket coach death a day after Pakistan team lost in cricket world cup 2007. I watched Pakistani reaction on Fox news after Pakistan team lost the game on that day. A few hours later, they announced Bob Woolmer dead. Was it coincidence??

As an average citizen, I follow what's on prime news. I'm surprised to see how Pakistani reacted after their team lost- very emotional including burn flag. Moreover, the rumours about fixing match on Cricket World Cup make me sick. Even worst when the coach was killed. As a muslim, I hope Pakistani are not involved in all allegations. I can imagine, if any of those involved Pakistani or Muslim in particular, I would expect Western country will blame 'Muslim' in general.

With ongoing problems in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Syria, we don't need another issue for the 'west' to blame muslim...

How to survive PhD or how to keep motivated throughout PhD study..

I decide to write this blog to share my experience as a PhD candidate. To date, I have submitted my PhD thesis in engineering, and are waiting for my viva defense. This article may be only useful for those in engineering and science PhD...

1. Good relationship with supervisor- meaning that you must discuss your problems (professinally and personally) with your supervisor(s). I would suggest PhD is not about ourselves, but also our family and friends. Therefore, it's very important for a supervisor to understand our situation.
2. Keep yourselves busy- Sounds familiar?? If we are not that busy, we will start complaining about everything. Why?? Because we have so much time to think about other things e.g. your supervisor always busy for discussion, your friend know more than you do, etc..I suggest, find other thing to keep you busy. During my PhD study, I worked in as casual staff in library for 10 hours a week. I also did some lab demonstrations and marking for undergrad students. For entertainment and leasure, I always try to find time to travel or at least picnic. Not to forget, I shopped a lot for entertainment and reward :-)
3. Write throughout PhD study- I'm consider lucky because my supervisor always encourage me to write. My first conference paper was presented in less than 3 months I started my PhD. I wrote minimum of 2 journal papers or conference papers a year.
4. Keep your friends and family close (or closer)- believe me, we need friends and family support to go through this perid!
5. Give yourselves a break! - there are up and down period throughout PhD study. Don't force yourselves to keep study during this period. Sit back and relax, use this time to think on you next movement, next phase etc. You can even go for holiday.
6. Everybody deserve a break!- we are not machine..Even machine needs to be serviced after certain period. I suggest 1 month holiday a year. Use this period wisely to meet your long lost family and friends, holiday on the mountain and beaches...I love this..
7. It doesn't matter how hard or deep you fall. What really matter is how fast you rise...
   
8. Don't over confident- anything can happen during our study. It's up to ourselves to handle it.
9. Pray to God! We need help from Him to overcome problem...
   

More advice to come later...

A day in Auckland Zoo

Last weekend I had a chance to visit Auckland Zoo. It's quite annoying when some of my friends said "why should I go there?"...I should ask them, have they ever been there? or have they ever visited any zoo?? It's actually a typical Malaysian. We don't appreciate what we have. When I was a kid, my parents always brought us to Taiping's Zoo and National Zoo. We got to know lots of animal from there...Unfortunately, my younger brothers and sister did not get the same opportunity as me and my 2 elder sisters got...Nowdays, I think my younger brothers and sister have very limited general knowledge on animal...back to my visit..

Here are several photos taken from my visits:

If you want to be tall and slim, eat celery :-D

Cool Zebra

Me and the hut..

Flamingo- I like the way they stand with 1 feet...we can't even stand on 2 feet!


Remember this fairy tale? :-) live in dreams...

Asian Elephant- why I have to see this in NZ?? I should see this in Bangkok etc..hehehe

Hipopotamus--remind me of my friend..this hippo looks sooooo like her hahaha..

Hentikan perbelanjaan keterlaluan-Tan Sr Arshad Ayub

Bila baca article dari Utusan Malaysia bertarikh 23 March 2007, bagaikan tak percaya akhirnya seorang veteran dengan beraninya menegur sikap perbelanjaan tidak terurus kerajaan...mana nak nampak duit 2 million di kalangan 20 billion. Tapi bagi orang miskin, duit 2 ratus atau 2 ribu pun belum tentu pernah sentuh...fikir-fikirkan...

Penulis tidak menyalahkan kerajaan 100% tapi penulis berharap kerajaan dapat memikirkan kembali perkara-perkara berikut:

1. Elaun keraian pegawai kerajaan termasuk menteri, ahli parlimen dan ADUN- sejauh manakah perlunya elaun berikut? apakah impak kepada rakyat?
2. Majlis-majlis keraian- perlukah diadakan besar-besaran di tempat-tempat terkemuka?
   
3. Perbelanjaan ke luar negara- apakah kepentingan kepada rakyat dan negara? atau sekadar bersuka ria? Atau adakah sekadar untuk kepentingan politik? Perlukah duduk di hotel bertaraf 5 bintang? (dengan duit rakyat..)

Lagi soalan akan menyusul...

past, now and hereafter...

Why I choose 'past, now and hereafter'..??
Not that I'm an UMNO or BN fan (dulu, kini, selamanya..). Nor do I'm patriotic..:-)

The main reason I choose this motto is to remind myself that I'm accountable for what I've done, what I'm doing, and what I will do. I have to answer to the God almighty for every single thing I do..From God we came, to him we'll go...

Malaysian Bloggers

Congratulations to Malaysian bloggers for stand up for their rights on blog. It is a shame to the minister, Zam in particular for issuing such memo to mainstream media. In my humble opinion, his action has encouraged more blogs appear on the net...just wait and see...why did we develop MSC in the first place if our people are not allowed to be internet savvy?? Why did we invest in 'failed' broadband, wifi, 3G and the latest WiMax (4G) projects if our people are denied fully access to the so-called technology??

To the mainstreams media, although they are no longer allowed to refer to other blogs we should appreciate their contributions to previous coverage e.g. Zulkifli's and Dato' Johari's cases.

I guess our ministers are just not internet savvy (not all). Blog is not about politics and government issues only. Most of us use blogs just to write something about our life, dreams, activities etc...I wonder how many percent of the ministers ever read blogs??