杜絕快速致富詐騙‧明年修直銷法令
2009-12-12 19:51
（吉隆坡）國內貿易、合作社及消費人事務部長拿督斯里依斯邁沙比利透露，政府將於明年修改1993年直銷法令，以便更有效對付詐騙案件，尤其是快速致富的活動。
他指出，目前還有很多人涉及不法的直銷或快速致富活動，尤其是家庭主婦，損失數額不少。
因此，政府正在草擬修改直銷法令的法案，加入快速致富的金字塔式投資為一項罪行。
他今日（週六，12月12日）頒發特權卡給半島部份村長時說，這除了可以加強執法，還可鞏固現有銀行法令、1989年金融機構法令1965年公司法令。
“在其他機構包括國家銀行、警方和政府部門致力監督快速致富的活動，政府同時舉辦更多醒覺運動，以便國人不輕易相信這些投資方式。
此外，依斯邁沙比利說，政府即日起陸續為全國村長舉辦培訓活動、汲取法律知識和發出特權卡，以讓他們擁有正式的權力協助貿消部展開執法工作。首批村長共有248人，他們分別來自玻璃市、森美蘭、馬六甲、柔佛、彭享和登嘉樓。
培訓村長助貿消部執法他指出，貿消部在全國只有約2000名執法官員，無法監督全國各地的不法活動，尤其是郊區，導致郊外鄉區時常發生詐騙案。因此，當局需要各地方領袖，包括在當地德高望重的村長協助，監督物品價格等。政府授權村長執法的措施早在2000年開始執行，卻可能基於缺乏對法律認知，行動並不活躍。
其实有个更简易的退休储蓄计划。现在就了解个中详情。
“獲得授權的村長擁有與一般執法官員一樣的權力，他們有權進入建築物進行檢查，只不過不能發傳票和採取充公行動。如果要採取行動，必須通知執法組，由執法官員執行。兩者的關係就如警方和志願警衛團。”
他希望村長除了成為貿消部的耳目，應配合政府教育村民不要相信快速致富等詐騙活動，因為這些案件時常發生在郊區。
光明日報‧2009.12.12
2009年12月13日星期日
2009年11月30日星期一
太恐怖了！牙刷用3週含菌多過廁所水
太恐怖了！牙刷用3週含菌多過廁所水
* 專題特稿
* 焦點資訊 2009-11-26 13:48
1 of 2
俗話說“病從口入”，因此很多人都特別注意口腔衛生。每天刷牙，覺得這樣就能把好第一道關。但當你把牙刷伸進口腔時，有沒有想過，牙刷並非你想的那麼乾淨。
台灣牙科醫師經過化驗發現，使用了3週的牙刷，細菌數量高達百萬，等於超過9杯抹布水的細菌量，以及29個一元硬幣的細菌量，是馬桶水細菌含量的80倍！如果你的口腔恰恰有傷口，這些細菌就極易引發口腔疾病。即便沒有創口，大量細菌附在牙齒上，並在咀嚼中與食物充份混合，就會進入體內，等於喝了9杯髒水。
牙科醫師建議，如果浴室潮濕，牙刷要放在浴室外的乾燥處；如果浴室乾燥，就把牙刷放在柜子裡，千萬別放在洗手盆上或離馬桶近的地方，並且牙刷頭要沖上放，以免細菌黏附。
另外，牙科醫師指出，每天刷牙3次的人，應每月換一次牙刷；患有牙齦炎等口腔疾病的人，最好3週換牙刷；倘若患上感冒和其他傳染性疾病，等病好後，就應該換個新牙刷。
平時還要注意牙刷的清潔和消毒。專家提示，在用新牙刷前，先放在熱水中燙燙，既能軟化刷毛，又能殺菌。每次刷完牙後，要將牙刷在流水下沖洗，只在杯子裡擦是無法清潔乾淨的。使用牙刷7天後，就該用乾淨的白色棉線清潔一下刷毛底部。每隔15天，用對人體無害的消毒液給牙刷消次毒。
牙刷保養小貼士
據多倫多註冊牙醫黃呈強建議，購買附有顯示器的牙刷，那些牙刷中央附有藍色刷毛，當藍色刷毛刷至退色，大約2-3個月後，就要更換了。如果沒有顯示器的牙刷，可以憑肉眼觀察，當看到刷毛刷至開叉，就應更換。電動牙刷的刷頭道理相同，當刷至藍色刷毛退色，亦應更換。
清理牙刷方面，黃呈強建議牙刷用後必須放在清水中徹底清潔，把剩餘的牙膏沖洗乾淨。而最佳保存牙刷的方法，是必須掠乾；牙刷沒有水分存留，就不容易生菌生漬。此外，當牙刷出現黑色的污漬，就必須要更換。
日常生活中，很多看起來衛生的習慣，其實並不衛生。
白紙包食品：有些白紙在生產過程中被添加了漂白劑，而漂白劑在與食品接觸後會引起一系列化學反應，產生有害物質，極易對食品造成污染。
衛生紙擦拭餐具：中國質檢部門抽查結果發現，許多種類的衛生紙都未經消毒或消毒不徹底，含有大量的細菌，很容易黏附在擦拭的物體上。只有經過嚴格消毒處理的高級餐巾紙才符合衛生標準。
餐桌上鋪塑料布：餐桌上鋪塑料布雖然美觀，但容易累積灰塵和細菌等。而且有些塑料布是由有毒的氯乙烯樹脂製成的，餐具和食物長期與塑料布接觸，會沾染有害物質，從而引發許多疾病。
爛水果削掉再吃：有些人以為把水果爛掉的地方削掉，剩下的部份就可以吃了。其實爛掉部份的細菌和微生物已經大量繁殖，其中的黴菌可導致人體細胞突變而致癌。
起床就疊被：人每天都要排出大量的汗液。起床後馬上把被子疊起來，汗液留在被子裡，時間一長，不僅會有汗臭味，還會影響睡眠的舒適度，並給病原體創造生存環境。正確的方法是在起後先把被子翻過來，攤晾10分鐘再疊，最好每週晾曬一次。
長期使用同一種藥物牙膏：藥物牙膏對某些細菌有一定的抑製作用。但如果長期使用同一種藥物牙膏，會使口腔中的細菌慢慢地對其適應，從而產生耐藥性。（多倫多明報）
星洲互動‧2009.11.26
* 專題特稿
* 焦點資訊 2009-11-26 13:48
1 of 2
俗話說“病從口入”，因此很多人都特別注意口腔衛生。每天刷牙，覺得這樣就能把好第一道關。但當你把牙刷伸進口腔時，有沒有想過，牙刷並非你想的那麼乾淨。
台灣牙科醫師經過化驗發現，使用了3週的牙刷，細菌數量高達百萬，等於超過9杯抹布水的細菌量，以及29個一元硬幣的細菌量，是馬桶水細菌含量的80倍！如果你的口腔恰恰有傷口，這些細菌就極易引發口腔疾病。即便沒有創口，大量細菌附在牙齒上，並在咀嚼中與食物充份混合，就會進入體內，等於喝了9杯髒水。
牙科醫師建議，如果浴室潮濕，牙刷要放在浴室外的乾燥處；如果浴室乾燥，就把牙刷放在柜子裡，千萬別放在洗手盆上或離馬桶近的地方，並且牙刷頭要沖上放，以免細菌黏附。
另外，牙科醫師指出，每天刷牙3次的人，應每月換一次牙刷；患有牙齦炎等口腔疾病的人，最好3週換牙刷；倘若患上感冒和其他傳染性疾病，等病好後，就應該換個新牙刷。
平時還要注意牙刷的清潔和消毒。專家提示，在用新牙刷前，先放在熱水中燙燙，既能軟化刷毛，又能殺菌。每次刷完牙後，要將牙刷在流水下沖洗，只在杯子裡擦是無法清潔乾淨的。使用牙刷7天後，就該用乾淨的白色棉線清潔一下刷毛底部。每隔15天，用對人體無害的消毒液給牙刷消次毒。
牙刷保養小貼士
據多倫多註冊牙醫黃呈強建議，購買附有顯示器的牙刷，那些牙刷中央附有藍色刷毛，當藍色刷毛刷至退色，大約2-3個月後，就要更換了。如果沒有顯示器的牙刷，可以憑肉眼觀察，當看到刷毛刷至開叉，就應更換。電動牙刷的刷頭道理相同，當刷至藍色刷毛退色，亦應更換。
清理牙刷方面，黃呈強建議牙刷用後必須放在清水中徹底清潔，把剩餘的牙膏沖洗乾淨。而最佳保存牙刷的方法，是必須掠乾；牙刷沒有水分存留，就不容易生菌生漬。此外，當牙刷出現黑色的污漬，就必須要更換。
日常生活中，很多看起來衛生的習慣，其實並不衛生。
白紙包食品：有些白紙在生產過程中被添加了漂白劑，而漂白劑在與食品接觸後會引起一系列化學反應，產生有害物質，極易對食品造成污染。
衛生紙擦拭餐具：中國質檢部門抽查結果發現，許多種類的衛生紙都未經消毒或消毒不徹底，含有大量的細菌，很容易黏附在擦拭的物體上。只有經過嚴格消毒處理的高級餐巾紙才符合衛生標準。
餐桌上鋪塑料布：餐桌上鋪塑料布雖然美觀，但容易累積灰塵和細菌等。而且有些塑料布是由有毒的氯乙烯樹脂製成的，餐具和食物長期與塑料布接觸，會沾染有害物質，從而引發許多疾病。
爛水果削掉再吃：有些人以為把水果爛掉的地方削掉，剩下的部份就可以吃了。其實爛掉部份的細菌和微生物已經大量繁殖，其中的黴菌可導致人體細胞突變而致癌。
起床就疊被：人每天都要排出大量的汗液。起床後馬上把被子疊起來，汗液留在被子裡，時間一長，不僅會有汗臭味，還會影響睡眠的舒適度，並給病原體創造生存環境。正確的方法是在起後先把被子翻過來，攤晾10分鐘再疊，最好每週晾曬一次。
長期使用同一種藥物牙膏：藥物牙膏對某些細菌有一定的抑製作用。但如果長期使用同一種藥物牙膏，會使口腔中的細菌慢慢地對其適應，從而產生耐藥性。（多倫多明報）
星洲互動‧2009.11.26
2009年11月20日星期五
PM has met the leaders of opposing groups in MCA
20/11 PM Najib says he has met the leaders of opposing groups in MCA and they are now considering a formula he proposed to resolve the party crisis.
20/11 Government recorded an increase in dengue cases from Nov 8-14 over the previous week in all states except Perlis, Kedah and Terengganu: Health DG.
17/11 Ex Kota Siputeh rep Abu Hassan files appeal against High Court ruling that the state seat is vacant and he is no longer its assemblyman.
17/11 EC will appeal KL High Court decision declaring Kota Siputeh seat vacant depending on stay application hearing on Nov 20: Chairman Abdul Aziz.
17/11 Najib: Government respects court decision on Kota Siputeh vacancy but if an appeal against the decision is possible, the government will appeal.
16/11 KL High Court orders Election Commission to call a by-election for Kota Siputeh state seat in Kedah.
13/11 Raja Petra defamation case: KL sessions Court grants him a discharge not amounting to an acquittal since arrest warrant not served.
11/11 Anwar Ibrahim files RM 100 mil defamation suit against English daily NST and its former editorial chief over article published in 2002.
20/11 Government recorded an increase in dengue cases from Nov 8-14 over the previous week in all states except Perlis, Kedah and Terengganu: Health DG.
17/11 Ex Kota Siputeh rep Abu Hassan files appeal against High Court ruling that the state seat is vacant and he is no longer its assemblyman.
17/11 EC will appeal KL High Court decision declaring Kota Siputeh seat vacant depending on stay application hearing on Nov 20: Chairman Abdul Aziz.
17/11 Najib: Government respects court decision on Kota Siputeh vacancy but if an appeal against the decision is possible, the government will appeal.
16/11 KL High Court orders Election Commission to call a by-election for Kota Siputeh state seat in Kedah.
13/11 Raja Petra defamation case: KL sessions Court grants him a discharge not amounting to an acquittal since arrest warrant not served.
11/11 Anwar Ibrahim files RM 100 mil defamation suit against English daily NST and its former editorial chief over article published in 2002.
2009年11月19日星期四
新加坡‧老千以高回報為餌‧91人“投資”被騙3000萬
2009-11-19 17:05
（新加坡）30歲男子以高回報為餌，兩年多內吸引91名男女“投資”，騙取1300餘萬元（3120萬令吉）。
這名男子李福財27歲那年開始行騙，設立公司，佈下“龐氏騙局”（Ponzi），憑著三寸不爛之舌，騙人拿錢出來“投資”，然後把錢拿去揮霍。
一名54歲男子在朋友的介紹下參加“投資計劃”，他6次拿錢“投資”，總數180萬餘元（432萬令吉），最後血本無歸。
“龐氏騙局”是一種最常見的投資詐騙，為金字塔騙局的變體，公司以異常高回報率吸引投資者投入資金，然後以新加入者的錢付收益給參與者。
被告向客戶聲稱公司提供指數投資，包括美國道瓊斯指數、香港恆生指數及日本的日經指數。他聲稱通過海外證券行Dhana控股進行交易，因為它收取較低傭金。
事實上，Dhana控股是一家虛構公司，被告沒為客戶投資，而是使用“龐氏騙局”的手法騙錢。他把部份的錢拿去花掉，一部份當作回報支付給客戶。
以30%回報為餌
被告以高達30%的回報為餌，騙客戶拿錢出來投資。為鼓勵客戶介紹其他人投資，他保證每個月給客戶額外回報。
此外，他聲稱與客戶共同承擔虧損。
被告偽造投資文件，包括盈利與虧損承擔協議書以及風險披露文件。每個交易日，他會把偽造交易報告電郵給客戶。
2007年5月，一些投資者要退出，被告無法還錢給他們，便虛構一間海外證券公司Frank Mollis，聲稱以FrankMollis取代Dhana控股，需要時間轉移資金，因此會延遲付款。他還在網上設立FrankMollis網頁。
不過，一些投資者心中起疑，向警方報案。經過調查，警方在去年6月6日逮捕被告。
李福財週三（11月18日）在法庭承認164項欺騙和一項企圖欺騙控狀，法官判他坐牢14年。（人名譯音）
星洲日報／國際‧2009.11.19
（新加坡）30歲男子以高回報為餌，兩年多內吸引91名男女“投資”，騙取1300餘萬元（3120萬令吉）。
這名男子李福財27歲那年開始行騙，設立公司，佈下“龐氏騙局”（Ponzi），憑著三寸不爛之舌，騙人拿錢出來“投資”，然後把錢拿去揮霍。
一名54歲男子在朋友的介紹下參加“投資計劃”，他6次拿錢“投資”，總數180萬餘元（432萬令吉），最後血本無歸。
“龐氏騙局”是一種最常見的投資詐騙，為金字塔騙局的變體，公司以異常高回報率吸引投資者投入資金，然後以新加入者的錢付收益給參與者。
被告向客戶聲稱公司提供指數投資，包括美國道瓊斯指數、香港恆生指數及日本的日經指數。他聲稱通過海外證券行Dhana控股進行交易，因為它收取較低傭金。
事實上，Dhana控股是一家虛構公司，被告沒為客戶投資，而是使用“龐氏騙局”的手法騙錢。他把部份的錢拿去花掉，一部份當作回報支付給客戶。
以30%回報為餌
被告以高達30%的回報為餌，騙客戶拿錢出來投資。為鼓勵客戶介紹其他人投資，他保證每個月給客戶額外回報。
此外，他聲稱與客戶共同承擔虧損。
被告偽造投資文件，包括盈利與虧損承擔協議書以及風險披露文件。每個交易日，他會把偽造交易報告電郵給客戶。
2007年5月，一些投資者要退出，被告無法還錢給他們，便虛構一間海外證券公司Frank Mollis，聲稱以FrankMollis取代Dhana控股，需要時間轉移資金，因此會延遲付款。他還在網上設立FrankMollis網頁。
不過，一些投資者心中起疑，向警方報案。經過調查，警方在去年6月6日逮捕被告。
李福財週三（11月18日）在法庭承認164項欺騙和一項企圖欺騙控狀，法官判他坐牢14年。（人名譯音）
星洲日報／國際‧2009.11.19
2009年11月10日星期二
Selangor MB to declassify state information
10/11 Selangor MB Khalid says efforts underway to declassify state information including that on projects begun by previous BN administration.
9/11 Three BN assemblymen file suit against Selangor government and top officials, including Speaker Teng, to declare Selcat proceedings null and void.
9/11 Coroner’s Court orders Teoh Beng Hock’s body exhumed on Nov 21; second post mortem to be done the next day at Sg Buloh Hospital.
6/11 Anwar Ibrahim will not get all the documents he says he needs for defence in his sodomy trial after Court of Appeal dismisses his cross-appeal.
5/11 A(H1N1) Malaysia prepares for possible second wave after US issues alert amidst reports it has resurfaced in northern hemisphere: Health Minister.
5/11 Kelantan prince gets judgement in default against estranged wife Manohara and mother in his defamation suit: damages to be assessed later.
5/11 Federal Court dismisses application by ex-Perak MB Nizar to have 11-man panel to hear appeal against declaring Dr Zambry as the valid MB.
4/11 Government takes note of PAC recommendations, will not cover up wrongdoings in PKFZ probe; will consider actions according to the law: PM Najib.
4/11 Former MIED chief executive officer P.Chitrakala has filed three defamation suits against Samy Vellu, his wife Indrani and the Tamil Nesan.
4/11 Public Accounts Committee wants ex-Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy and former Port Klang Authority GM OC Phang to be investigated for CBT.
4/11 Federal Government will pay compassionate fund in the form of development programmes to Kelantan for its oil starting next year, says PM Najib.
3/11 Dr Chua says he has letter from ROS stating he is still legally MCA deputy president, letter was passed to him a Wisma MCA this morning.
9/11 Three BN assemblymen file suit against Selangor government and top officials, including Speaker Teng, to declare Selcat proceedings null and void.
9/11 Coroner’s Court orders Teoh Beng Hock’s body exhumed on Nov 21; second post mortem to be done the next day at Sg Buloh Hospital.
6/11 Anwar Ibrahim will not get all the documents he says he needs for defence in his sodomy trial after Court of Appeal dismisses his cross-appeal.
5/11 A(H1N1) Malaysia prepares for possible second wave after US issues alert amidst reports it has resurfaced in northern hemisphere: Health Minister.
5/11 Kelantan prince gets judgement in default against estranged wife Manohara and mother in his defamation suit: damages to be assessed later.
5/11 Federal Court dismisses application by ex-Perak MB Nizar to have 11-man panel to hear appeal against declaring Dr Zambry as the valid MB.
4/11 Government takes note of PAC recommendations, will not cover up wrongdoings in PKFZ probe; will consider actions according to the law: PM Najib.
4/11 Former MIED chief executive officer P.Chitrakala has filed three defamation suits against Samy Vellu, his wife Indrani and the Tamil Nesan.
4/11 Public Accounts Committee wants ex-Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy and former Port Klang Authority GM OC Phang to be investigated for CBT.
4/11 Federal Government will pay compassionate fund in the form of development programmes to Kelantan for its oil starting next year, says PM Najib.
3/11 Dr Chua says he has letter from ROS stating he is still legally MCA deputy president, letter was passed to him a Wisma MCA this morning.
2009年11月3日星期二
小資本創業‧從網絡開始
小資本創業‧從網絡開始
2009-10-28 14:07
佳禮中文網是我國論壇的老字號，瀏覽量相當高。 （圖：星洲日報）
*
經營了近10年的Lelong.com，是我國一家歷史悠久的拍賣網站。 （圖：星洲日報）
*
Lowyat.net是我國一個相當熱門的電腦科技英文論壇，也支援其它語文。 （圖：星洲日報）
1 of 3
經濟不景，錢不夠用。現在許多人都希望在正職之餘，利用空閒時間開始副業，而網絡的盛行正好開啟了方便的一扇門。可能許多人會覺得網絡商店，必須註冊.com域名，投資大筆的網頁製作費、宣傳費，如果自己不是來自IT這一領域，更加不知從何下手。
在網絡上，其實已有許多提供買賣的平台，大多數都是零資本就可以開店了，而且有許多好用的免費工具、高瀏覽人數和人氣。網絡上還有許多免費教程，簡明易懂，應該很容易上手。
網絡上做生意並不限制與物品買賣而已，其中也可以是教學課程，或各式各樣的服務。有了一個網上的平台，就可以把自己的貨品、教材、服務等推廣到世界各地。如果本身已在經營副業，比如說縫製手工娃娃，可以把成品放到網站，再配上一些教學和生動有趣的解說，無疑是另一種有效的行銷方式，最重要還是免費的。
這期會介紹3種現有的網上的買賣平台，也列出這些平台的好處與短處，讓大家自行研究，看看哪一些最適合，作為自己開業的平台。
●大型買賣網站：
EBAY（http://www.ebay.com.my）、Lelong.com（http://www.lelong.com.my）、Mudah（http://www.mudah.my）等。
大型買賣網站已有一定的模式與規則，如果一向來都在這些網站買東西，也可以在這裡開始買賣，而且一切都比較有保障，因為這些網站通常需要會員登錄，一切的交易也有記錄，況且還可省下架設網站的麻煩。這些網站的瀏覽量已經很高，而且到訪的網民大都是有購買慾的，只是展示物品的方式就一定要依照網站格式，能夠變動和編輯的部份並不多。
●開店貼士：
會員只需提供圖片和貨品資料，其它的流程就依照網站的程序進行，可減少出錯的風險。
●部落格：
Blogger（http://www.blogger.com）、WordPress（wordpress.com）、Xanga（http://www.xanga.com）等。
其實也可以用部落格來開始經營自己的小本副業。我比較建議的是Blogger，因為Blogger在Google的搜尋器已有一定的排名，更容易搜尋，而Blogger也可以做很多的更改，非常有彈性，還可加入許多3rd Party的好用工具。簡單來說，使用論壇及大型買賣網站，好處是已經有一定的瀏覽人氣，統一的購買流程，有管理員監管，而相反的，在部落格裡頭這些都需經營的部份，賣家可以決定自己的購物流程，買賣物品的呈現方式，自由度比較大比較親切，但是人氣宣傳方面則要多更多下心思努力了。
●開店貼士：
用部落格的好處是一切都可自己掌控，可以從零開始打造整個部落格設計，或圖片的呈現方式，互動性也比較強。但，卻需投入更多時間去經營、更新和增加人氣。
●論壇：
中文佳禮（chinese.cari.com.my）、JBTALKS（jbtalks.cc）、LowYat.net（forum.lowyat.net）等。
這些論壇的優點是每天都有高瀏覽量，如果已經熟悉論壇的操作，從論壇開設網購商店會更加容易。這些論壇通常都會有一塊園地是關於商業買賣的，基本上需要有一定的會員等級或分數，才能開始買賣。編輯論壇的帖子會比較簡單，因為編輯功能都是最基本的，但如果要更多如部落格的高級功能，就會有所局限了。
開店貼士：
不同論壇有不同的管理員和買賣規則，一定要先瞭解和遵守，如果違規可能會被警告或者關帖甚至關閉帳號。
星洲日報／新媒體‧‧作者：鄭捷心 2009.10.28
2009-10-28 14:07
佳禮中文網是我國論壇的老字號，瀏覽量相當高。 （圖：星洲日報）
*
經營了近10年的Lelong.com，是我國一家歷史悠久的拍賣網站。 （圖：星洲日報）
*
Lowyat.net是我國一個相當熱門的電腦科技英文論壇，也支援其它語文。 （圖：星洲日報）
1 of 3
經濟不景，錢不夠用。現在許多人都希望在正職之餘，利用空閒時間開始副業，而網絡的盛行正好開啟了方便的一扇門。可能許多人會覺得網絡商店，必須註冊.com域名，投資大筆的網頁製作費、宣傳費，如果自己不是來自IT這一領域，更加不知從何下手。
在網絡上，其實已有許多提供買賣的平台，大多數都是零資本就可以開店了，而且有許多好用的免費工具、高瀏覽人數和人氣。網絡上還有許多免費教程，簡明易懂，應該很容易上手。
網絡上做生意並不限制與物品買賣而已，其中也可以是教學課程，或各式各樣的服務。有了一個網上的平台，就可以把自己的貨品、教材、服務等推廣到世界各地。如果本身已在經營副業，比如說縫製手工娃娃，可以把成品放到網站，再配上一些教學和生動有趣的解說，無疑是另一種有效的行銷方式，最重要還是免費的。
這期會介紹3種現有的網上的買賣平台，也列出這些平台的好處與短處，讓大家自行研究，看看哪一些最適合，作為自己開業的平台。
●大型買賣網站：
EBAY（http://www.ebay.com.my）、Lelong.com（http://www.lelong.com.my）、Mudah（http://www.mudah.my）等。
大型買賣網站已有一定的模式與規則，如果一向來都在這些網站買東西，也可以在這裡開始買賣，而且一切都比較有保障，因為這些網站通常需要會員登錄，一切的交易也有記錄，況且還可省下架設網站的麻煩。這些網站的瀏覽量已經很高，而且到訪的網民大都是有購買慾的，只是展示物品的方式就一定要依照網站格式，能夠變動和編輯的部份並不多。
●開店貼士：
會員只需提供圖片和貨品資料，其它的流程就依照網站的程序進行，可減少出錯的風險。
●部落格：
Blogger（http://www.blogger.com）、WordPress（wordpress.com）、Xanga（http://www.xanga.com）等。
其實也可以用部落格來開始經營自己的小本副業。我比較建議的是Blogger，因為Blogger在Google的搜尋器已有一定的排名，更容易搜尋，而Blogger也可以做很多的更改，非常有彈性，還可加入許多3rd Party的好用工具。簡單來說，使用論壇及大型買賣網站，好處是已經有一定的瀏覽人氣，統一的購買流程，有管理員監管，而相反的，在部落格裡頭這些都需經營的部份，賣家可以決定自己的購物流程，買賣物品的呈現方式，自由度比較大比較親切，但是人氣宣傳方面則要多更多下心思努力了。
●開店貼士：
用部落格的好處是一切都可自己掌控，可以從零開始打造整個部落格設計，或圖片的呈現方式，互動性也比較強。但，卻需投入更多時間去經營、更新和增加人氣。
●論壇：
中文佳禮（chinese.cari.com.my）、JBTALKS（jbtalks.cc）、LowYat.net（forum.lowyat.net）等。
這些論壇的優點是每天都有高瀏覽量，如果已經熟悉論壇的操作，從論壇開設網購商店會更加容易。這些論壇通常都會有一塊園地是關於商業買賣的，基本上需要有一定的會員等級或分數，才能開始買賣。編輯論壇的帖子會比較簡單，因為編輯功能都是最基本的，但如果要更多如部落格的高級功能，就會有所局限了。
開店貼士：
不同論壇有不同的管理員和買賣規則，一定要先瞭解和遵守，如果違規可能會被警告或者關帖甚至關閉帳號。
星洲日報／新媒體‧‧作者：鄭捷心 2009.10.28
Five politicians, including Barisan MP, to be charged with graft
Published: Monday November 2, 2009 MYT 7:39:00 PM
Updated: Monday November 2, 2009 MYT 8:33:58 PM
Five politicians, including Barisan MP, to be charged with graft
By LOURDES CHARLES
PUTRAJAYA: Five politicians, including a Barisan Nasional Member of Parliament, a special aide to a Selangor state executive councillor from the DAP and a former special assistant to the mentri besar, have been arrested for corruption.
The remaining two arrested by the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) are the MP’s special assistant and a company director.
All are alleged to have committed graft or attempted to cheat the Government of thousands of ringgit in false claims.
All five are expected to be produced before the Shah Alam Sessions Court on Tuesday where they will be charged with corrupt practices and attempting to cheat.
The MP, who was formerly a state assemblyman, is alleged to made false claims by submitting invoices purportedly for the purchase of materials for a programme that never took place.
His special assistant, who was said to have abetted him and who submitted similar claims, is also expected to be charged with the same offence.
It is learnt that the former assistant to the mentri besar, a member of PKR, is also expected to be charged under the Penal Code with attempted cheating.
He is suspected to have tried to cheat the president of a government-linked company of RM50,000.
The money was purportedly meant for a state government function.
Also expected to be in the dock Tuesday is a company director who allegedly submitted false claims to the Hulu Langat district office for the purchase and supply of goods for several programmes that took place in the Teratai constituency, when no such programmes took place last year.
Blogger: Any body else?
Updated: Monday November 2, 2009 MYT 8:33:58 PM
Five politicians, including Barisan MP, to be charged with graft
By LOURDES CHARLES
PUTRAJAYA: Five politicians, including a Barisan Nasional Member of Parliament, a special aide to a Selangor state executive councillor from the DAP and a former special assistant to the mentri besar, have been arrested for corruption.
The remaining two arrested by the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) are the MP’s special assistant and a company director.
All are alleged to have committed graft or attempted to cheat the Government of thousands of ringgit in false claims.
All five are expected to be produced before the Shah Alam Sessions Court on Tuesday where they will be charged with corrupt practices and attempting to cheat.
The MP, who was formerly a state assemblyman, is alleged to made false claims by submitting invoices purportedly for the purchase of materials for a programme that never took place.
His special assistant, who was said to have abetted him and who submitted similar claims, is also expected to be charged with the same offence.
It is learnt that the former assistant to the mentri besar, a member of PKR, is also expected to be charged under the Penal Code with attempted cheating.
He is suspected to have tried to cheat the president of a government-linked company of RM50,000.
The money was purportedly meant for a state government function.
Also expected to be in the dock Tuesday is a company director who allegedly submitted false claims to the Hulu Langat district office for the purchase and supply of goods for several programmes that took place in the Teratai constituency, when no such programmes took place last year.
Blogger: Any body else?
2009年10月31日星期六
Credit card agents cry foul over service charge plan
Saturday October 31, 2009
Credit card agents cry foul over service charge plan
By JOSHUA FOONG
Government urged to withdraw service tax on credit cards
KUALA LUMPUR: Applications for new credit cards have dropped by 80% following the Government’s announcement of a RM50 service tax on each card starting next year.
The service tax, which was announced during the tabling of the Budget on Oct 23, is likely to affect more than 5,000 credit card agents and 18 credit card issuers.
With their rice bowls on the line, the agents have urge the Government to reconsider the proposal.
Card convenience: Some of the representatives from over 40 sales agencies holding up credit cards during the joint press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Francis Teow, who runs a credit card sales agency in Penang, said banks would not be keen to maintain their large sales force if they were not confident of achieving the desired sales target when the RM50 tax was enforced.
Teow and representatives from over 40 credit card sales agencies highlighted their concerns in a joint press conference here yesterday.
As for the Government’s argument that the RM50 was seen as a way to encourage prudent use of finances, Teow said a better alternative would be to raise the interest on the minimum monthly repayment from the current 5% to 20%.
“However, the Government is well aware there are many cardholders with substantial amount of outstanding balances in their credit cards.
“And if they increase the monthly minimum payment, many will default payment and non-performing loans will increase,” added Teow.
Credit card sales agency director H.K. Tan said the service tax would not only have a negative impact on sales agents but also on card holders as well.
“The newly imposed service tax will affect low and middle-class consumers.
“Many can’t settle their outstanding bills, imagine having to fork out another RM50 for service tax,” he said.
Credit card consultant Kevin Choong said it was not viable to burden the industry that had done much for consumers with the new tax.
“Credit cards have reduced the need to borrow from loan sharks. Imagine, people who do not have credit cards to avoid paying the RM50 service tax, they may need to carry a lot of cash and they will become easy target for thieves.
“Or, if in case of an accident in the middle of the night and you need to be admitted into the hospital, the credit card provides you with financial security,” he said.
Blogger: A RM 50 service charge on each credit card definitely affected the credit card agents.
When the brokerage of the share transaction was reduced from 1% to 0.6%, it also affect the remisiers. Many remisiers actually left the industry.
I have about more than 500 clients, but many have never buy even buy one share from me. Those who used to invest in the stock market, they are still doing it. Many have never come back because they are affected by the 1997 financial crisis and they have never made a come back until today.
I have been thru many unexciting years. When the market come back in 2007, I made some money but never like pre 1997 period. 2008 is bad again. 2009 is picking.
Brokerage is not an issue. They should not reduce the brokerage for retailer players. They can give fund managers discount based on volume. But when the securities industry was liberalised, the retail players and the fund managers enjoyed the same benefits. There is no incentive for the fund managers to play the market. Therefore, the market was not active for so many years.
When retail investors have no idea about the market, when they invest in the stock market, they are charged 0.6%(many years ago was 1%), they said expensive, when they invest in unit trust, they are charged 6%, they said reasonable.
Therefore, brokerage is not an issue to the retail players. All they one is for the share to go up, for the fund managers to be able to play the market and the retailers can make some money and they are happy.
When the remisers made money, they actually pay a lot of taxes. All incomes are recorded. The government benefited in terms of taxes.
The government should be thinking of increased the brokerage for retail players from 0.6% to 1 % so that the securities industry can make more money and the government can benefit more from a active stock market.
Credit card agents cry foul over service charge plan
By JOSHUA FOONG
Government urged to withdraw service tax on credit cards
KUALA LUMPUR: Applications for new credit cards have dropped by 80% following the Government’s announcement of a RM50 service tax on each card starting next year.
The service tax, which was announced during the tabling of the Budget on Oct 23, is likely to affect more than 5,000 credit card agents and 18 credit card issuers.
With their rice bowls on the line, the agents have urge the Government to reconsider the proposal.
Card convenience: Some of the representatives from over 40 sales agencies holding up credit cards during the joint press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Francis Teow, who runs a credit card sales agency in Penang, said banks would not be keen to maintain their large sales force if they were not confident of achieving the desired sales target when the RM50 tax was enforced.
Teow and representatives from over 40 credit card sales agencies highlighted their concerns in a joint press conference here yesterday.
As for the Government’s argument that the RM50 was seen as a way to encourage prudent use of finances, Teow said a better alternative would be to raise the interest on the minimum monthly repayment from the current 5% to 20%.
“However, the Government is well aware there are many cardholders with substantial amount of outstanding balances in their credit cards.
“And if they increase the monthly minimum payment, many will default payment and non-performing loans will increase,” added Teow.
Credit card sales agency director H.K. Tan said the service tax would not only have a negative impact on sales agents but also on card holders as well.
“The newly imposed service tax will affect low and middle-class consumers.
“Many can’t settle their outstanding bills, imagine having to fork out another RM50 for service tax,” he said.
Credit card consultant Kevin Choong said it was not viable to burden the industry that had done much for consumers with the new tax.
“Credit cards have reduced the need to borrow from loan sharks. Imagine, people who do not have credit cards to avoid paying the RM50 service tax, they may need to carry a lot of cash and they will become easy target for thieves.
“Or, if in case of an accident in the middle of the night and you need to be admitted into the hospital, the credit card provides you with financial security,” he said.
Blogger: A RM 50 service charge on each credit card definitely affected the credit card agents.
When the brokerage of the share transaction was reduced from 1% to 0.6%, it also affect the remisiers. Many remisiers actually left the industry.
I have about more than 500 clients, but many have never buy even buy one share from me. Those who used to invest in the stock market, they are still doing it. Many have never come back because they are affected by the 1997 financial crisis and they have never made a come back until today.
I have been thru many unexciting years. When the market come back in 2007, I made some money but never like pre 1997 period. 2008 is bad again. 2009 is picking.
Brokerage is not an issue. They should not reduce the brokerage for retailer players. They can give fund managers discount based on volume. But when the securities industry was liberalised, the retail players and the fund managers enjoyed the same benefits. There is no incentive for the fund managers to play the market. Therefore, the market was not active for so many years.
When retail investors have no idea about the market, when they invest in the stock market, they are charged 0.6%(many years ago was 1%), they said expensive, when they invest in unit trust, they are charged 6%, they said reasonable.
Therefore, brokerage is not an issue to the retail players. All they one is for the share to go up, for the fund managers to be able to play the market and the retailers can make some money and they are happy.
When the remisers made money, they actually pay a lot of taxes. All incomes are recorded. The government benefited in terms of taxes.
The government should be thinking of increased the brokerage for retail players from 0.6% to 1 % so that the securities industry can make more money and the government can benefit more from a active stock market.
112 yr old man marries 17 yr old girl
112 yr old man marries 17 yr old girl
Hundreds of people attended a wedding between a man who says he is 112 years old and his bride who is only 17.
The BBC reported Thursday that Ahmed Muhamed Dore - who already has 13 children by five wives - would like to have more with his latest, Safia Abdulleh.
"Today God helped me realise my dream," Dore was said, after the wedding in the region of Galguduud.
Old groom, teen bride...Dore said he had waited for Safia to grow up before proposing to her
Old groom, teen bride...Dore said he had waited for Safia to grow up before proposing to her
The bride's family said she was "happy with her new husband".
Dore said he and his bride - who is young enough to be his great-great-grand-daughter - were from the same village in Somalia and that he had waited for her to grow up to propose.
"I didn't force her but used my experience to convince her of my love and then we agreed to marry," he said.
The marriage, in the town of Guriceel, is being described by Somali historians as the first of its kind in the Horn of Africa nation for more than a century.
The reaction to news of the marriage has been mixed.
Some people said while it was allowed under Islamic law, they were concerned about the age gap, but others were happy that age was not a barrier to love.
Dore told the BBC he was born in Dhusamareeb in central Somalia in 1897 - and has a traditional birth certificate, written on goat skin by his father.
He joined the British colonial forces in 1941 and served as a soldier for 10 years. He later became a police officer after Somalia won independence in 1960.
Dore has a total of 114 children and grandchildren. His oldest son is 80 years old and three of his wives have died.
He hopes his new bride will give him more children.
"It is a blessing to have someone you love to take care of you," he said.
Published Oct 30 2009
Blogger: This man looks still healthy. We like to know what he eats daily or what he does to become so healthy. Some men reached 50 would have already had some "problem".How come he can do it?
Hundreds of people attended a wedding between a man who says he is 112 years old and his bride who is only 17.
The BBC reported Thursday that Ahmed Muhamed Dore - who already has 13 children by five wives - would like to have more with his latest, Safia Abdulleh.
"Today God helped me realise my dream," Dore was said, after the wedding in the region of Galguduud.
Old groom, teen bride...Dore said he had waited for Safia to grow up before proposing to her
Old groom, teen bride...Dore said he had waited for Safia to grow up before proposing to her
The bride's family said she was "happy with her new husband".
Dore said he and his bride - who is young enough to be his great-great-grand-daughter - were from the same village in Somalia and that he had waited for her to grow up to propose.
"I didn't force her but used my experience to convince her of my love and then we agreed to marry," he said.
The marriage, in the town of Guriceel, is being described by Somali historians as the first of its kind in the Horn of Africa nation for more than a century.
The reaction to news of the marriage has been mixed.
Some people said while it was allowed under Islamic law, they were concerned about the age gap, but others were happy that age was not a barrier to love.
Dore told the BBC he was born in Dhusamareeb in central Somalia in 1897 - and has a traditional birth certificate, written on goat skin by his father.
He joined the British colonial forces in 1941 and served as a soldier for 10 years. He later became a police officer after Somalia won independence in 1960.
Dore has a total of 114 children and grandchildren. His oldest son is 80 years old and three of his wives have died.
He hopes his new bride will give him more children.
"It is a blessing to have someone you love to take care of you," he said.
Published Oct 30 2009
Blogger: This man looks still healthy. We like to know what he eats daily or what he does to become so healthy. Some men reached 50 would have already had some "problem".How come he can do it?
要求重选·还欠4人 廖蔡17中委愿总辞
要求重选·还欠4人 廖蔡17中委愿总辞
2009/10/30 5:45:46 PM
●南洋商报
（八打灵再也30日讯）马华党争方兴未艾，随着廖派昨天呈信要求召开特大，要求重选之后，蔡派今天也表达强烈的重选意愿，甚至重提总辞之计，如今两派只差 4名票选中委，即可通过总辞以促成中央重选。
昨天联署签名要求召开特大的16个中委，有4人是受委中委，意味着只有12名票选中委联署，不过加上未出面的署理总会长拿督斯里廖中莱，有意重选的中委至少已有13人，若再加上蔡派的4个中委，总共已有17人。
三分二中委停职须重选
根据马华党章，只要三分之二票选中委停职，整个中委会便得进行重选。
随着原任署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生被冻结党职，以及拿督李成材于去年往生之后，马华中委会目前共有31名票选中委。要达到三分之二的人数，至少是21人。
王乃志：拉拢更多票选中委总辞
廖派要求重选的特大发起人之一的王乃志说，除了昨天联署签名要求召开特大的票选中委，他们也正在拉拢更多的票选中委总辞，以举行重选。
他今日对《南洋商报》说，只要得到多些票选中委的支持，就可以达到三分之二或21个中委辞职须重选的条件。
马华党章第41条文
如果超过三分之二或更多的中央委员会票选委员同时停职，剩下的委员将在该事件发生的3天内，在他们当中选出一人，在最短的时间内，即最迟不能超过该事件发生后的30天内，召集一项特别代表大会以选出一个新中央委员会。其余的中委必须负责管理党务，直到新中央委员会选出为止。但不能阻止任何前中委被重选连任。
Blogger: In accordance to article 41 of MCA constitution,
If two-thirds or more of the elected members of the Central Committee shall at any time cease to be members of the Central Committee the remaining members shall within
three (3) days of the day when that event occurs elect one of themselves to convene at the shortest possible time and in any event not later than thirty (30) days from the date of that event an Extraordinary Meeting of the General Assembly to elect a new Central Committee. Until a new Central Committee has been elected the remaining
members of the Central Committee shall administer the affairs of the Party. Provided that nothing herein shall prevent the re-election of any ex-Central Committee
Members.
If we were to see the eventual outcome of article 41, we will definitely have a fresh election of the central committee. Then again, who will be the next president of MCA?
2009/10/30 5:45:46 PM
●南洋商报
（八打灵再也30日讯）马华党争方兴未艾，随着廖派昨天呈信要求召开特大，要求重选之后，蔡派今天也表达强烈的重选意愿，甚至重提总辞之计，如今两派只差 4名票选中委，即可通过总辞以促成中央重选。
昨天联署签名要求召开特大的16个中委，有4人是受委中委，意味着只有12名票选中委联署，不过加上未出面的署理总会长拿督斯里廖中莱，有意重选的中委至少已有13人，若再加上蔡派的4个中委，总共已有17人。
三分二中委停职须重选
根据马华党章，只要三分之二票选中委停职，整个中委会便得进行重选。
随着原任署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生被冻结党职，以及拿督李成材于去年往生之后，马华中委会目前共有31名票选中委。要达到三分之二的人数，至少是21人。
王乃志：拉拢更多票选中委总辞
廖派要求重选的特大发起人之一的王乃志说，除了昨天联署签名要求召开特大的票选中委，他们也正在拉拢更多的票选中委总辞，以举行重选。
他今日对《南洋商报》说，只要得到多些票选中委的支持，就可以达到三分之二或21个中委辞职须重选的条件。
马华党章第41条文
如果超过三分之二或更多的中央委员会票选委员同时停职，剩下的委员将在该事件发生的3天内，在他们当中选出一人，在最短的时间内，即最迟不能超过该事件发生后的30天内，召集一项特别代表大会以选出一个新中央委员会。其余的中委必须负责管理党务，直到新中央委员会选出为止。但不能阻止任何前中委被重选连任。
Blogger: In accordance to article 41 of MCA constitution,
If two-thirds or more of the elected members of the Central Committee shall at any time cease to be members of the Central Committee the remaining members shall within
three (3) days of the day when that event occurs elect one of themselves to convene at the shortest possible time and in any event not later than thirty (30) days from the date of that event an Extraordinary Meeting of the General Assembly to elect a new Central Committee. Until a new Central Committee has been elected the remaining
members of the Central Committee shall administer the affairs of the Party. Provided that nothing herein shall prevent the re-election of any ex-Central Committee
Members.
If we were to see the eventual outcome of article 41, we will definitely have a fresh election of the central committee. Then again, who will be the next president of MCA?
2009年10月29日星期四
Trouble in PKR again?Badrul Hisham Abdullah quitting
29/10 Port Klang assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah announces he is quitting PKR, says has lost faith in party leadership.
29/10 Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim recommends that Port Klang assemblyman Badrul Hisham of PKR resign from his seat because of non-performance.
29/10 High Court grants application by Selangor MB to suspend paying Bank Islam Rm 66 mil pending trial of his claim against the bank.
29/10 Public Accounts Committee will table PKFZ report and its findings in Dewan Rakyat next Wedneday, says its chairman Azmi Khalid
29/10 The MCA must be given time to sort out its problems and the solution achieved should lead to a stronger MCA says PM Najid.
29/10 DPM Muhyiddin keen and call for single stream schools to promote unity and 1Malaysia concept, but says must get feedback from all parties first.
28/10 Former Science, Tech and Innovation ministry sec-gen Abdul Hanan Alang Endut claims trial at Shah Alam Sessions Court to 10 counts of graft.
28/10 Perak Assembly: Speaker R. Ganesan adjourns sitting to 11:20 am.
28/10 Perak: Pakatan reps walk out after ex-Speaker V. Sivakumar is not allowed into assembly wearing Speaker’s robe.
28/10 Perak State assembly sitting: Heavy police presence around state secretariat building in Ipoh. Sitting scheduled to start at 10am.
27/10 Family of political aide Teoh Beng Hock file application at Shah Alam Coroners Court to seek order to exhume his remains for second autopsy.
27/10 Feng Shui Master Wong Shi Lin said the good dates to exhume Teoh’s remains should be between Nov 10 to Nov 20, 2009.
29/10 Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim recommends that Port Klang assemblyman Badrul Hisham of PKR resign from his seat because of non-performance.
29/10 High Court grants application by Selangor MB to suspend paying Bank Islam Rm 66 mil pending trial of his claim against the bank.
29/10 Public Accounts Committee will table PKFZ report and its findings in Dewan Rakyat next Wedneday, says its chairman Azmi Khalid
29/10 The MCA must be given time to sort out its problems and the solution achieved should lead to a stronger MCA says PM Najid.
29/10 DPM Muhyiddin keen and call for single stream schools to promote unity and 1Malaysia concept, but says must get feedback from all parties first.
28/10 Former Science, Tech and Innovation ministry sec-gen Abdul Hanan Alang Endut claims trial at Shah Alam Sessions Court to 10 counts of graft.
28/10 Perak Assembly: Speaker R. Ganesan adjourns sitting to 11:20 am.
28/10 Perak: Pakatan reps walk out after ex-Speaker V. Sivakumar is not allowed into assembly wearing Speaker’s robe.
28/10 Perak State assembly sitting: Heavy police presence around state secretariat building in Ipoh. Sitting scheduled to start at 10am.
27/10 Family of political aide Teoh Beng Hock file application at Shah Alam Coroners Court to seek order to exhume his remains for second autopsy.
27/10 Feng Shui Master Wong Shi Lin said the good dates to exhume Teoh’s remains should be between Nov 10 to Nov 20, 2009.
2009年10月26日星期一
Indonesian Maid Mantik Hani dies in ICU, another big case
26/10 Indonesian maid Mantik Hani, rescued on Oct 20 after being imprisoned in a toilet, dies in ICU of alleged abuse.
25/10 Najib:The split in PAS is very serious but Umno is still open to possible Malay and Muslim unity talks with the party.
25/10 Family of Teoh Beng Hock to request for exhumation and second autopsy to be done by Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, says lawyer Gobind Singh Deo.
24/10 Muhyiddin: PAS facing leadership crisis with PAS’s NIK Aziz calling for special meeting to decide if president Hadi Awang should be retained.
24/10 Raja Nazrin: Malaysia’s judiciary should adopt more international human rights thinking and standards in arriving at legal decisions.
25/10 Najib:The split in PAS is very serious but Umno is still open to possible Malay and Muslim unity talks with the party.
25/10 Family of Teoh Beng Hock to request for exhumation and second autopsy to be done by Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, says lawyer Gobind Singh Deo.
24/10 Muhyiddin: PAS facing leadership crisis with PAS’s NIK Aziz calling for special meeting to decide if president Hadi Awang should be retained.
24/10 Raja Nazrin: Malaysia’s judiciary should adopt more international human rights thinking and standards in arriving at legal decisions.
2009年10月22日星期四
FBM KLCI closed down 0.04 at 1260 on Thursday
22/10 FBM KLCI closed down 0.04 pt at 1260; some 761 mil shares were traded valued at RM 1.2 bil. Gainers led loser 343 to 321; 273 counters unchanged.
22/10 Overnight Dow slipped 92.12 points, or 0.92 pct to 9949.36 but crude oil futures jumped USD 2.25 to USD 81.37 a barrel.
22/10 European stocks opened lower in trading in tandem with Wall St. At 4.08pm, DJ Euro Stoxx 50 was down 1.4 % and FTSE 100 Index slipped 1.2%. Would this pull down the Dow later in the night?
22/10 Maxis’ listing prospectus is expected to be released on Oct 28(Wed).
21/10 At 5 pm, FBM KLC closed down 5.7pts at 1260.1; shares of glove makers ended higher – Supermax rose 25 c to RM 3.85, Kossan up 13 c to Rm 5.24.
21/10 CIMB Thai bank sells office block in Sathorn, Bangkok for RM 100 mil as part of a rationalization exercise.
20/10 FBM KLCI closed up 4.2 pts at 1,265.7; 1.2bil shares traded, valued Rm 1.5 bil. Sarawak Energy rose 45 c to RM 2.59,. RHBCap lost 24 c to Rm 5.45.
20/10 Palm oil exports estimated to increase 1.8 % to 812,095 tonnes in the first 20 days of Oct vs a month ago-independent surveyor Intertek.
20/10 MAHB sees 3% to 4 % growth in passenger volume for 2009 vs earlier expectation of flat growth from last year’s 47.4 mil travelers-MD.
20/10 The money market is orderly and the need does not arise for intervention from Bank Negara – Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
20/10 Overnight Dow advanced 96.28 points, or 0.96 pct to 10,092.19; Crude oil prices climbed USD 1.08 to USD 79.61 per barrel.
19/10 At 5 pm , FBM KLCI closed up 4.7pts at 1,261.5; gainers led losers 439 to 291; 244 counters unchanged. Some 1.3 b shares traded, valued RM 1.3b.
19/10 Housing Minister: Renewed buying interest in homers indicates the economic downturn is bottoming out.
19/10 Shares of RHBCap to resume trading tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct 20, after the group announced the acquisition of 80% stake in an Indonesian bank.
19/10 PM: It is more important to ensure people are safe, comfortable and not saddled with economic woes than cutting the national deficit.
19/10 The usage of B5 biodiesel still at early stage; does not mean poor uptake. No Complaint so far for Government vehicles that use B5.
22/10 Overnight Dow slipped 92.12 points, or 0.92 pct to 9949.36 but crude oil futures jumped USD 2.25 to USD 81.37 a barrel.
22/10 European stocks opened lower in trading in tandem with Wall St. At 4.08pm, DJ Euro Stoxx 50 was down 1.4 % and FTSE 100 Index slipped 1.2%. Would this pull down the Dow later in the night?
22/10 Maxis’ listing prospectus is expected to be released on Oct 28(Wed).
21/10 At 5 pm, FBM KLC closed down 5.7pts at 1260.1; shares of glove makers ended higher – Supermax rose 25 c to RM 3.85, Kossan up 13 c to Rm 5.24.
21/10 CIMB Thai bank sells office block in Sathorn, Bangkok for RM 100 mil as part of a rationalization exercise.
20/10 FBM KLCI closed up 4.2 pts at 1,265.7; 1.2bil shares traded, valued Rm 1.5 bil. Sarawak Energy rose 45 c to RM 2.59,. RHBCap lost 24 c to Rm 5.45.
20/10 Palm oil exports estimated to increase 1.8 % to 812,095 tonnes in the first 20 days of Oct vs a month ago-independent surveyor Intertek.
20/10 MAHB sees 3% to 4 % growth in passenger volume for 2009 vs earlier expectation of flat growth from last year’s 47.4 mil travelers-MD.
20/10 The money market is orderly and the need does not arise for intervention from Bank Negara – Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
20/10 Overnight Dow advanced 96.28 points, or 0.96 pct to 10,092.19; Crude oil prices climbed USD 1.08 to USD 79.61 per barrel.
19/10 At 5 pm , FBM KLCI closed up 4.7pts at 1,261.5; gainers led losers 439 to 291; 244 counters unchanged. Some 1.3 b shares traded, valued RM 1.3b.
19/10 Housing Minister: Renewed buying interest in homers indicates the economic downturn is bottoming out.
19/10 Shares of RHBCap to resume trading tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct 20, after the group announced the acquisition of 80% stake in an Indonesian bank.
19/10 PM: It is more important to ensure people are safe, comfortable and not saddled with economic woes than cutting the national deficit.
19/10 The usage of B5 biodiesel still at early stage; does not mean poor uptake. No Complaint so far for Government vehicles that use B5.
MCA peace pact
22/10 Peace pact: MCA president Ong and his ex-deputy Dr Chua agree to work as a team to unite party, will ask sec-gen to review call for EGM.
Blogger: Suddenly we heard peace pact. This may mean there would not be any EGM.
Politics is a game of possibilities. Would Liow Tiong Lai be sideline? Maybe later on.
We shall see how it goes.
22/10 High Court rules that Dewan Rakyat proceeding in suspending Puchong MP Gobind Singh cannot be challenged in court.
22/10 KL Magistrates Court sentences Tian Chua to 6 months jail and RM 3000 fine for biting cop, the Batu MP is applying for a stay of execution because he wants to appeal.
20/10 PM Najib in Jakarta: Malaysia-Indonesia relationship consistently cordial; Indonesian President Susilo Bambang to visit Malaysia Nov 11.
20/10 Court of Appeal allows application by Dr Mahathir to strike out appeal by Anwar Ibrahim in a RM 100 mil defamation suit against the former PM.
20/10 Education Ministry looking at teaching Science and Maths in BM for Year One students beginning 2011, a year ahead of schedule.
15/10 Umno General Assembly: Najib says Umno must discard image as party being used to find income, must be inclusive and put people’s needs first.
Blogger: Suddenly we heard peace pact. This may mean there would not be any EGM.
Politics is a game of possibilities. Would Liow Tiong Lai be sideline? Maybe later on.
We shall see how it goes.
22/10 High Court rules that Dewan Rakyat proceeding in suspending Puchong MP Gobind Singh cannot be challenged in court.
22/10 KL Magistrates Court sentences Tian Chua to 6 months jail and RM 3000 fine for biting cop, the Batu MP is applying for a stay of execution because he wants to appeal.
20/10 PM Najib in Jakarta: Malaysia-Indonesia relationship consistently cordial; Indonesian President Susilo Bambang to visit Malaysia Nov 11.
20/10 Court of Appeal allows application by Dr Mahathir to strike out appeal by Anwar Ibrahim in a RM 100 mil defamation suit against the former PM.
20/10 Education Ministry looking at teaching Science and Maths in BM for Year One students beginning 2011, a year ahead of schedule.
15/10 Umno General Assembly: Najib says Umno must discard image as party being used to find income, must be inclusive and put people’s needs first.
2009年10月16日星期五
UN Security council added 5 new members
16/10 UN Security Council to get five new members in January, for a two-year term: Nigeria, Brazil, Bosnia, Lebanon and Gabon.
16/10 Malaysia sends aid to Philippines as it braces for third typhoon in a month, 773 people killed by first two storms.
16/10 Former minister Zaid Ibrahim, who left Umno for PKR, is going on six-month leave from party; denies this is due to PKR’s internal issue.
Blogger: something is wrong or rather something is happening. Maybe PKR should change.
16/10 Umno General Assembly: Najib says he is leaving his fate as party president to members with the implementation of party constitutional changes.
16/10 Malaysia sends aid to Philippines as it braces for third typhoon in a month, 773 people killed by first two storms.
16/10 Former minister Zaid Ibrahim, who left Umno for PKR, is going on six-month leave from party; denies this is due to PKR’s internal issue.
Blogger: something is wrong or rather something is happening. Maybe PKR should change.
16/10 Umno General Assembly: Najib says he is leaving his fate as party president to members with the implementation of party constitutional changes.
Ong pushes for polls to settle leadership crisis
Ong pushes for polls to settle leadership crisis
MCA to hold EGM to decide on fresh polls
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA is having another extraordinary general meeting but this time, it’s being called by Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat in a surprise move to settle the leadership crisis.
In chairing the much-anticipated central committee meeting yesterday, Ong said the EGM resolution that would be put before the central delegates was, whether there was a need for a fresh party election.
The MCA president, who was widely speculated to offer his resignation at the meeting yesterday, said he was always in favour of fresh polls following last Saturday’s controversial EGM “but there were certain quarters who were against this.”
Another major decision made at the CC meeting yesterday was the election of Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai as the new deputy president, replacing Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek whose resolution to be re-instated to the post on Saturday was rejected by the delegates.
Secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng will now have to organise the new EGM to be held during the annual general meeting expected next month.
Meanwhile, Liow said only a strong and united MCA could help Barisan Nasional in the next general election.
Blogger: By right, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat should resign and let Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai to take over. If he were to do that, there might be infighting again
If the EGM wants a fresh election, then there will be another fight. If the EGM were to decide not to have a fresh election, then it is status quo.
Political observers said that Ong Tee Keat should resign after the Oct 10 EGM because of the vote of no confidence. If he does not resign, it would mean he is morally wrong.
Chua Soi Lek was suspended because of moral issue. We have now two top MCA people who have done something which is morally not acceptable.
How about the central committee who had said they will resign together if the vote of no confidence passed against Ong Tee Keat. When the central committee did not resign, they also have done something morally wrong.
Thing is getting confused. Perhaps a fresh election can settle the leadership crisis issue. In anyway, do it fast and quick. Don't play politics again.
MCA to hold EGM to decide on fresh polls
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA is having another extraordinary general meeting but this time, it’s being called by Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat in a surprise move to settle the leadership crisis.
In chairing the much-anticipated central committee meeting yesterday, Ong said the EGM resolution that would be put before the central delegates was, whether there was a need for a fresh party election.
The MCA president, who was widely speculated to offer his resignation at the meeting yesterday, said he was always in favour of fresh polls following last Saturday’s controversial EGM “but there were certain quarters who were against this.”
Another major decision made at the CC meeting yesterday was the election of Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai as the new deputy president, replacing Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek whose resolution to be re-instated to the post on Saturday was rejected by the delegates.
Secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng will now have to organise the new EGM to be held during the annual general meeting expected next month.
Meanwhile, Liow said only a strong and united MCA could help Barisan Nasional in the next general election.
Blogger: By right, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat should resign and let Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai to take over. If he were to do that, there might be infighting again
If the EGM wants a fresh election, then there will be another fight. If the EGM were to decide not to have a fresh election, then it is status quo.
Political observers said that Ong Tee Keat should resign after the Oct 10 EGM because of the vote of no confidence. If he does not resign, it would mean he is morally wrong.
Chua Soi Lek was suspended because of moral issue. We have now two top MCA people who have done something which is morally not acceptable.
How about the central committee who had said they will resign together if the vote of no confidence passed against Ong Tee Keat. When the central committee did not resign, they also have done something morally wrong.
Thing is getting confused. Perhaps a fresh election can settle the leadership crisis issue. In anyway, do it fast and quick. Don't play politics again.
2009年10月14日星期三
Murugiah files 10 million suit
14/10 Sacked PPP youth chief Murugiah files RM 10 m defamation suit against party president M. Kayveas at KL civil registry.
13/10 Umno does not expect resistance from members on proposed amendments to party constitution, amendments necessary to curb money politics:Najib.
13/10 Universiti Utara Malaysia to present former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi with its Mahaputra award for his contribution as PM on Dec 12.
13/10 Umno does not expect resistance from members on proposed amendments to party constitution, amendments necessary to curb money politics:Najib.
13/10 Universiti Utara Malaysia to present former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi with its Mahaputra award for his contribution as PM on Dec 12.
2009年10月12日星期一
Bagan Pinang winning big boost for Barisan
12/10 PM: Barisan’s clear win in Bagan Pinang shows that people accept the 1Malaysia concept; hopefully it’s a point of rejuvenation for the party.
12/10 A young magistrate was remanded today after Kelantan MACC arrested him for alleged bribe-taking over a drug case.
12/10 Terenganu will offer a free honeymoon to any married couple facing a breakup; the package, with couselling, will be ready by end of 2009.
10/10 Najib launches Indian-based Makkal Sakti party, saying he is willing to work with parties in and out of Barisan that supported Government policies.
9/10 The International Olympic Committee has decided to include golf and rugby in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.
9/10 US President Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy, cooperation among people.
12/10 A young magistrate was remanded today after Kelantan MACC arrested him for alleged bribe-taking over a drug case.
12/10 Terenganu will offer a free honeymoon to any married couple facing a breakup; the package, with couselling, will be ready by end of 2009.
10/10 Najib launches Indian-based Makkal Sakti party, saying he is willing to work with parties in and out of Barisan that supported Government policies.
9/10 The International Olympic Committee has decided to include golf and rugby in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.
9/10 US President Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy, cooperation among people.
马华会重新党选？
马华会重新党选？
本报记者
周一, 2009年 10月 12日 13:18
10月10日的马华特大出现戏剧性的结局，翁蔡一起走，已经引起许多马华基层的猜测，马华将可能立刻再举行全国党选，解决党内的问题吗？ 特大过后，已经有不少声音表示马华应该立刻举行全国改选，重新选出领导层，解决目前群龙无首的局面。
不过，一些马华党要则认为，马华中委会有足够的能力来解决问题，包括如果翁诗杰真的卸任，也能够推选出新的总会长及署理总会长。
本月15日，马华中委会将会宣布翁诗杰的去留，以及接着下来马华的路要怎么走。
前马华副总会长冯镇安就公开呼吁马华总部，用最快的时间举行全国改选，重新选出新的马华领导层。
他强调，2300名中央代表皆有资格参与新的党选
冯镇安曾经出任三届副总会长及人力资源部长。他目前也是马六甲亚罗亚也区国会议员兼马华亚罗亚也区会主席。
马华总秘书王茀明已经指出，由于蔡细历已经恢复党籍，同时也是峇株巴辖区会主席，因此自动成为马华中央代表，拥有参与党选的资格。
From Malaysian Mirror
本报记者
周一, 2009年 10月 12日 13:18
10月10日的马华特大出现戏剧性的结局，翁蔡一起走，已经引起许多马华基层的猜测，马华将可能立刻再举行全国党选，解决党内的问题吗？ 特大过后，已经有不少声音表示马华应该立刻举行全国改选，重新选出领导层，解决目前群龙无首的局面。
不过，一些马华党要则认为，马华中委会有足够的能力来解决问题，包括如果翁诗杰真的卸任，也能够推选出新的总会长及署理总会长。
本月15日，马华中委会将会宣布翁诗杰的去留，以及接着下来马华的路要怎么走。
前马华副总会长冯镇安就公开呼吁马华总部，用最快的时间举行全国改选，重新选出新的马华领导层。
他强调，2300名中央代表皆有资格参与新的党选
冯镇安曾经出任三届副总会长及人力资源部长。他目前也是马六甲亚罗亚也区国会议员兼马华亚罗亚也区会主席。
马华总秘书王茀明已经指出，由于蔡细历已经恢复党籍，同时也是峇株巴辖区会主席，因此自动成为马华中央代表，拥有参与党选的资格。
From Malaysian Mirror
17 firms against corruption
Wednesday, 30 September 2009 00:12
SINGAPORE - Seventeen large organizations with businesses in Southeast Asia took part in the Governance and Anti-Corruption Conference 2009, declaring their commitment towards clean business practices for the first time.
"By signing this declaration, we publicly affirm that Siemens is continuously improving our established compliance program in dialogue with our partners, and is assuming a leading role in the field of compliance and transparency,” said Lothar Herrmann, president and CEO of Siemens Pte Ltd, whose firm was one of the participants.
“Compliance is an integral part of our business, and enables us to conduct business based on principles of integrity and responsibility - as acknowledged by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index."
Getting serious about corruption
Under the declaration, the signatory organisations announced their intention to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and provisions on corruption and unfair competition to promote a clean business environment.
shanmugam.gifIn addition, they intend to install processes that will ensure their respective units, affiliates, intermediaries and subcontractors to comply with the before mentioned laws, regulations and provisions.
“Corruption is a cancer that has been eating away at many societies in the world,” K Shanmugam, Singapore Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs said in his keynote address.
“It leaches out the structures and institutions of states and allows a small number of individuals to suck the blood out of the corpus of a state. Everyone, both in the public and private sector, has responsibility to fight this and safeguard integrity and create a clean corruption free environment.
“This anti-corruption and compliance declaration among private companies, civil society and public institutions is a useful step towards good governance and corruption prevention.”
250 delegates
The theme of the regional conference for this year was “Crisis, Stimulus & Integrity”. Organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, it was attended by about 250 delegates including those from leading businesses and institutions, as well as those from government, academia and public sector.
The conference focused on looking at the challenges facing the public and private sectors in Asia in the areas of governance and corruption prevention.
Preceding the public conference was a closed-door roundtable discussion, whereby 60 regional discussants from the institutions, government, academia and private sectors discussed and shared information on the best current practices and examples of corruption prevention in the ASEAN region.
“The crisis makes us focus on the need for growth and so much public funds are being spent on infrastructure and generating domestic demand,” said Simon Tay, chairman of SIIA.
“Yet, these stimulus expenditures need to be managed with good governance and integrity. There is a need to re-emphasize the commitment to good governance and anti-corruption. “
Therefore, SIIA is taking the lead to initiate a discussion and public outreach conference on these urgent issues in ASEAN, not just with governments and experts but also with the private sector.” - Malaysian Mirror
Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 September 2009 19:11
SINGAPORE - Seventeen large organizations with businesses in Southeast Asia took part in the Governance and Anti-Corruption Conference 2009, declaring their commitment towards clean business practices for the first time.
"By signing this declaration, we publicly affirm that Siemens is continuously improving our established compliance program in dialogue with our partners, and is assuming a leading role in the field of compliance and transparency,” said Lothar Herrmann, president and CEO of Siemens Pte Ltd, whose firm was one of the participants.
“Compliance is an integral part of our business, and enables us to conduct business based on principles of integrity and responsibility - as acknowledged by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index."
Getting serious about corruption
Under the declaration, the signatory organisations announced their intention to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and provisions on corruption and unfair competition to promote a clean business environment.
shanmugam.gifIn addition, they intend to install processes that will ensure their respective units, affiliates, intermediaries and subcontractors to comply with the before mentioned laws, regulations and provisions.
“Corruption is a cancer that has been eating away at many societies in the world,” K Shanmugam, Singapore Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs said in his keynote address.
“It leaches out the structures and institutions of states and allows a small number of individuals to suck the blood out of the corpus of a state. Everyone, both in the public and private sector, has responsibility to fight this and safeguard integrity and create a clean corruption free environment.
“This anti-corruption and compliance declaration among private companies, civil society and public institutions is a useful step towards good governance and corruption prevention.”
250 delegates
The theme of the regional conference for this year was “Crisis, Stimulus & Integrity”. Organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, it was attended by about 250 delegates including those from leading businesses and institutions, as well as those from government, academia and public sector.
The conference focused on looking at the challenges facing the public and private sectors in Asia in the areas of governance and corruption prevention.
Preceding the public conference was a closed-door roundtable discussion, whereby 60 regional discussants from the institutions, government, academia and private sectors discussed and shared information on the best current practices and examples of corruption prevention in the ASEAN region.
“The crisis makes us focus on the need for growth and so much public funds are being spent on infrastructure and generating domestic demand,” said Simon Tay, chairman of SIIA.
“Yet, these stimulus expenditures need to be managed with good governance and integrity. There is a need to re-emphasize the commitment to good governance and anti-corruption. “
Therefore, SIIA is taking the lead to initiate a discussion and public outreach conference on these urgent issues in ASEAN, not just with governments and experts but also with the private sector.” - Malaysian Mirror
Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 September 2009 19:11
2009年10月11日星期日
Isa wins with thumping majority
Isa wins with thumping majority
By SARBAN SINGH and ZULKIFLI AND RAHMAN
PORT DICKSON: Barisan Nasional’s Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad has won the Bagan Pinang by-election with a landslide 5,435 majority.
Isa, the former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar, polled 8,013 votes against PAS state commissioner Zulkefly Mohamad Omar’s 2,578.
The by-election was held following the death of Barisan Nasional’s Azman Mohamad Noor due to a blood disorder on Sept 4.
Azman had won the seat against PAS’ Ramli Ismail in the last general election with a 2,333-vote majority, polling 6,430 votes against PAS’ 4,097.
Isa thanked the people of Bagan Pinang for the victory, saying it was a win for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia concept.
"The people of all races have spoken and this is an endorsement of the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia concept," he told reporters.
Isa also thanked the Barisan machinery for working tirelessly during the by-election.
"I'm also happy that the Malays, Chinese and Indians are now with Barisan. I hope this will have a domino effect for Barisan in the future," he said.
Isa also thanked Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who has been leading the charge for the coalition here since nomination day, and Negri Sembilan mentri besar Mohamed Hasan.
Meanwhile, there were several minor scuffles in several places in the morning when supporters from both sides gathered on opposite sides of the Jalan Pantai in Teluk Kemang town.
Angry words and jeers were exchanged and some people were injured when they were hit by stones.
The following is a 'Live Coverage' update of the by-election.
7.50pm: Official result - Barisan’s Mohd Isa Samad wins with a huge majority, getting 8,013 votes against 2,578 for PAS’ Zulkefly
7.25pm: Official results with 15 boxes tallied: Barisan - 6,761: PAS - 2,014. Four more boxes remain to be tallied.
7.08pm: Official results - Siliau: Barisan 349, PAS 113; Sua Betong: Barisan 371, PAS 149; Sirusa: Barisan 136, PAS 78.
6.50pm: Unofficial result: Barisan's Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad wins with 7,821 votes and PAS' Zulkefly gets 2,480.
6.45pm: Official result for postal votes - Barisan gets 3,521 votes while PAS gets 601
6.05pm: The first ballot box from SK Si Rusa arrives
5.00pm: Polling ends. EC says voter turnout was 81.65percent or 11,157, including postal votes
4.00pm: EC says voter turnout is at 69.5% or 6,301 voters at 4pm, one hour before polling closes.
3.15pm: DPM Muhyiddin says the authorities may want to introduce a 'cooling off period' where party canvassers and supporters are not allowed near polling centres on polling day so that voters can cast their ballots without problems. He said this after a briefing at the Port Dickson district police headquarters.
3.00pm: Police and FRU continue to maintain strong presence at SK Teluk Kemang polling centre amid fears that supporters from both sides may again get into a shoving match
2.15pm: Mohd Isa stops for prayers at Kg Bagan Pinang mosque after finishing his rounds at four of the 8 polling centres - Ladang Bradwall, Ladang Siliau, Ladang Atherton and Ladang Sua Betong. He will go to the other four centres later.
2.00pm: EC says voter turnout at 2pm was 59.2% or 5,371 voters. More voters are expected to show up as the sky has cleared and the day is sunny. Many expected to turn up at the last minute to cast their votes.
1.45pm: State police chief SAC(I) Datuk Osman Salleh confirms that supporters from both sides have been detained. More police personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of voters who have yet to cast their vote, he added.
There have been several minor scuffles through the day but the situation is under control. Police have warned supporters to stop provoking each other.
Meanwhile, a policeman was injured after being hit by a stone as he tried to prevent fighting between supporters.
1.20pm: Official results will be announced after 8pm, following requests from electronic media for live coverage during prime-time news, says Election Commission.
Meanwhile, voter turnout was 54.14% as at 1pm, according to returning officer Abdul Wahab Shamsuddin.
12.30pm: Voter turnout was at almost 47% by noon, or 4,220 voters.
12.10pm: Situation at Teluk Kemang under control although supporters from both sides continue to engage in shouting matches.
Traffic is at a crawl as more arrive to cast their votes.
Police have broken up a scuffle between Pemuda MIC and PKR supporters in Ladan Siliau.
12.05pm: Several supporters from both parties detained after fracas outside SK Teluk Kemang.
11.30am: Police have mount roadblocks at Teluk Kemang as situation gets tense. One man has been detained. FRU has been called in to intervene. A police helicopter is patrolling the area.
11.30am: About 36% voters have cast their votes. The weather has improved, with sunny skies, but more rain is expected.
11.20am: Some PAS and Barisan supporters get into a shoving match, prompting the cops to intervene.
Traffic from Teluk Kemang heading to Port Dickson is still congested.
11.15am: Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan visits voters at Ladang Bradwell.
PAS' Zulkefly Omar visits Teluk Kemang voters.
11am: Voter turnout at 10am was estimated at 24.07%, with higher turnout expected in the next few hours. The Election Commission hopes for 80% voter turnout overall.
Isa is in Ladang Bradwall after meeting voters in Ladang Siliau and Ladang Atherton. He will complete his rounds in northern Bagan Pinang where four polling stations are located.
10.35am: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin makes his way to Ladang Bradwall after meeting voters at Port Dickson Polytechnic and SK Sirusa, where he was well-received. It is still drizzling.
10.25am: PAS supporters are claiming many army voters did not vote as a sign of protest.
10:10am: Sources have put voter turnout so far at more than 50%. However, the Election Commission has yet to confirm this.
A group of PAS supporters taunts Isa with "Isa rasuah" slogans, but he walks away unperturbed to meet Barisan canvasers.
9.45am: Barisan Nasiona's Isa Samad meets voters at Ladang Atherton. Indian votes are crucial here.
9.30am: PAS' Zulkefly Omar meets voters at SK Panglima Adnan. Supporters from both sides continue to taunt and shout at each other. Heavy rain in the area.
9.00am: The drizzle shows no sign of letting up, with possibility of a very wet day ahead. Supporters from both sides aren't letting up, though, despite having to stand in the rain.
8.55am: A stretch along Batu 7 Teluk Kemang has been turned into one-way as traffic gets heavier and more chaotic. Cops are present at every corner to assist.
8.48am: A convoy of truck carrying FRU personnal makes its way to polling centres to ensure supporters of both parties behave. It's drizzling again.
8.40am: Traffic along Batu 7 Teluk Kemang, which is the most popular beach stretch here, is at a standstill as voters make their way to SMK Teluk Kemang to cast their ballots.
8.25am: PAS candidate Zulkefly Mohamad Omar makes his way to SMK Bagan Pinang to meet voters.
Voters maker their way to polling centres in Ladang Atherton, Sua Betong, Ladang Siliau and Ladang Bradwall as showers ease.
8.20am: Despite a drizzle in several areas, hundreds of voters have turned up in Teluk Kemang. Supporters from both sides made last-ditch attempts to woo voters.
Heavy police presence at Si Rusa, Teluk Kemang, Taman Eastern and Kg Bagan to ensure smooth polling.
Heavy traffic along Jalan Pantai as picnickers make their way to Port Dickson.
Barisan Nasional candidate Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad makes his way to Ladang Siliau to meet voters there, the majority of whom are Indian.
8.00am: Balloting for the Bagan Pinang by-election began as soon as polling centres opened. Eight polling centres comprising 18 streams are involved. Police have advised voters to follow directives to ensure smooth traffic flow.
PORT DICKSON: It’s D-Day for voters in Bagan Pinang as they go to the polls Sunday to decide on their representative in the 36-member state assembly.
This will the the ninth by-election in the country after the March 8 general election last year.
The by-election is being held following the death of Barisan Nasional’s Azman Mohamad Noor due to a blood disorder on Sept 4.
The first-term assemblyman had won the seat against PAS’ Ramli Ismail in the last general election with a 2,333-vote majority, polling 6,430 votes against PAS’ 4,097.
This time, Barisan will be represented by Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad, 59, who is up against PAS’ Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, 45.
Mohd Isa, who was Mentri Besar from 1982 to 2004, was previously a six-term wakil rakyat while Zulkefly, who is also state PAS commissioner, had contested and lost the Lenggeng state seat on three occasions.
However, both will not be casting their ballots this time as they are registered as voters elsewhere.
There will be eight voting centres in this by-election — Taman Eastern, Ladang Atherton, Siliau, Ladang Bradwall, Sua Betong, Kg Bagan Pinang, Si Rusa and Teluk Kemang.
Despite being raised in Kg Bagan Pinang near here, Mohd Isa, who is also Teluk Kemang Umno chief, has never contested the seat. He was Linggi assemblyman for five terms and Jempol MP once.
A former Umno vice-president, he has had to give up his post after being found guilty of breaching the party’s code of ethics in 2005.
He was suspended for six years but this was later reduced to three.
Bagan Pinang is located in the Teluk Kemang parliamentary seat. Four other seats in the constituency are Port Dickson, Linggi, Chuah and Lukut.
Chuah and Port Dickson are held by the PKR while Lukut is under DAP. Only Linggi belongs to Barisan.
Barisan controls 20 of the 36 state seats in the state assembly. The Opposition has 15 seats, with 10 belonging to the DAP while PKR and PAS have four and one respectively.
Blogger: Some say that Isa winning with thumping majority will boost the stock market. Is there a relationship?
By SARBAN SINGH and ZULKIFLI AND RAHMAN
PORT DICKSON: Barisan Nasional’s Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad has won the Bagan Pinang by-election with a landslide 5,435 majority.
Isa, the former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar, polled 8,013 votes against PAS state commissioner Zulkefly Mohamad Omar’s 2,578.
The by-election was held following the death of Barisan Nasional’s Azman Mohamad Noor due to a blood disorder on Sept 4.
Azman had won the seat against PAS’ Ramli Ismail in the last general election with a 2,333-vote majority, polling 6,430 votes against PAS’ 4,097.
Isa thanked the people of Bagan Pinang for the victory, saying it was a win for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia concept.
"The people of all races have spoken and this is an endorsement of the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia concept," he told reporters.
Isa also thanked the Barisan machinery for working tirelessly during the by-election.
"I'm also happy that the Malays, Chinese and Indians are now with Barisan. I hope this will have a domino effect for Barisan in the future," he said.
Isa also thanked Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who has been leading the charge for the coalition here since nomination day, and Negri Sembilan mentri besar Mohamed Hasan.
Meanwhile, there were several minor scuffles in several places in the morning when supporters from both sides gathered on opposite sides of the Jalan Pantai in Teluk Kemang town.
Angry words and jeers were exchanged and some people were injured when they were hit by stones.
The following is a 'Live Coverage' update of the by-election.
7.50pm: Official result - Barisan’s Mohd Isa Samad wins with a huge majority, getting 8,013 votes against 2,578 for PAS’ Zulkefly
7.25pm: Official results with 15 boxes tallied: Barisan - 6,761: PAS - 2,014. Four more boxes remain to be tallied.
7.08pm: Official results - Siliau: Barisan 349, PAS 113; Sua Betong: Barisan 371, PAS 149; Sirusa: Barisan 136, PAS 78.
6.50pm: Unofficial result: Barisan's Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad wins with 7,821 votes and PAS' Zulkefly gets 2,480.
6.45pm: Official result for postal votes - Barisan gets 3,521 votes while PAS gets 601
6.05pm: The first ballot box from SK Si Rusa arrives
5.00pm: Polling ends. EC says voter turnout was 81.65percent or 11,157, including postal votes
4.00pm: EC says voter turnout is at 69.5% or 6,301 voters at 4pm, one hour before polling closes.
3.15pm: DPM Muhyiddin says the authorities may want to introduce a 'cooling off period' where party canvassers and supporters are not allowed near polling centres on polling day so that voters can cast their ballots without problems. He said this after a briefing at the Port Dickson district police headquarters.
3.00pm: Police and FRU continue to maintain strong presence at SK Teluk Kemang polling centre amid fears that supporters from both sides may again get into a shoving match
2.15pm: Mohd Isa stops for prayers at Kg Bagan Pinang mosque after finishing his rounds at four of the 8 polling centres - Ladang Bradwall, Ladang Siliau, Ladang Atherton and Ladang Sua Betong. He will go to the other four centres later.
2.00pm: EC says voter turnout at 2pm was 59.2% or 5,371 voters. More voters are expected to show up as the sky has cleared and the day is sunny. Many expected to turn up at the last minute to cast their votes.
1.45pm: State police chief SAC(I) Datuk Osman Salleh confirms that supporters from both sides have been detained. More police personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of voters who have yet to cast their vote, he added.
There have been several minor scuffles through the day but the situation is under control. Police have warned supporters to stop provoking each other.
Meanwhile, a policeman was injured after being hit by a stone as he tried to prevent fighting between supporters.
1.20pm: Official results will be announced after 8pm, following requests from electronic media for live coverage during prime-time news, says Election Commission.
Meanwhile, voter turnout was 54.14% as at 1pm, according to returning officer Abdul Wahab Shamsuddin.
12.30pm: Voter turnout was at almost 47% by noon, or 4,220 voters.
12.10pm: Situation at Teluk Kemang under control although supporters from both sides continue to engage in shouting matches.
Traffic is at a crawl as more arrive to cast their votes.
Police have broken up a scuffle between Pemuda MIC and PKR supporters in Ladan Siliau.
12.05pm: Several supporters from both parties detained after fracas outside SK Teluk Kemang.
11.30am: Police have mount roadblocks at Teluk Kemang as situation gets tense. One man has been detained. FRU has been called in to intervene. A police helicopter is patrolling the area.
11.30am: About 36% voters have cast their votes. The weather has improved, with sunny skies, but more rain is expected.
11.20am: Some PAS and Barisan supporters get into a shoving match, prompting the cops to intervene.
Traffic from Teluk Kemang heading to Port Dickson is still congested.
11.15am: Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan visits voters at Ladang Bradwell.
PAS' Zulkefly Omar visits Teluk Kemang voters.
11am: Voter turnout at 10am was estimated at 24.07%, with higher turnout expected in the next few hours. The Election Commission hopes for 80% voter turnout overall.
Isa is in Ladang Bradwall after meeting voters in Ladang Siliau and Ladang Atherton. He will complete his rounds in northern Bagan Pinang where four polling stations are located.
10.35am: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin makes his way to Ladang Bradwall after meeting voters at Port Dickson Polytechnic and SK Sirusa, where he was well-received. It is still drizzling.
10.25am: PAS supporters are claiming many army voters did not vote as a sign of protest.
10:10am: Sources have put voter turnout so far at more than 50%. However, the Election Commission has yet to confirm this.
A group of PAS supporters taunts Isa with "Isa rasuah" slogans, but he walks away unperturbed to meet Barisan canvasers.
9.45am: Barisan Nasiona's Isa Samad meets voters at Ladang Atherton. Indian votes are crucial here.
9.30am: PAS' Zulkefly Omar meets voters at SK Panglima Adnan. Supporters from both sides continue to taunt and shout at each other. Heavy rain in the area.
9.00am: The drizzle shows no sign of letting up, with possibility of a very wet day ahead. Supporters from both sides aren't letting up, though, despite having to stand in the rain.
8.55am: A stretch along Batu 7 Teluk Kemang has been turned into one-way as traffic gets heavier and more chaotic. Cops are present at every corner to assist.
8.48am: A convoy of truck carrying FRU personnal makes its way to polling centres to ensure supporters of both parties behave. It's drizzling again.
8.40am: Traffic along Batu 7 Teluk Kemang, which is the most popular beach stretch here, is at a standstill as voters make their way to SMK Teluk Kemang to cast their ballots.
8.25am: PAS candidate Zulkefly Mohamad Omar makes his way to SMK Bagan Pinang to meet voters.
Voters maker their way to polling centres in Ladang Atherton, Sua Betong, Ladang Siliau and Ladang Bradwall as showers ease.
8.20am: Despite a drizzle in several areas, hundreds of voters have turned up in Teluk Kemang. Supporters from both sides made last-ditch attempts to woo voters.
Heavy police presence at Si Rusa, Teluk Kemang, Taman Eastern and Kg Bagan to ensure smooth polling.
Heavy traffic along Jalan Pantai as picnickers make their way to Port Dickson.
Barisan Nasional candidate Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad makes his way to Ladang Siliau to meet voters there, the majority of whom are Indian.
8.00am: Balloting for the Bagan Pinang by-election began as soon as polling centres opened. Eight polling centres comprising 18 streams are involved. Police have advised voters to follow directives to ensure smooth traffic flow.
PORT DICKSON: It’s D-Day for voters in Bagan Pinang as they go to the polls Sunday to decide on their representative in the 36-member state assembly.
This will the the ninth by-election in the country after the March 8 general election last year.
The by-election is being held following the death of Barisan Nasional’s Azman Mohamad Noor due to a blood disorder on Sept 4.
The first-term assemblyman had won the seat against PAS’ Ramli Ismail in the last general election with a 2,333-vote majority, polling 6,430 votes against PAS’ 4,097.
This time, Barisan will be represented by Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad, 59, who is up against PAS’ Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, 45.
Mohd Isa, who was Mentri Besar from 1982 to 2004, was previously a six-term wakil rakyat while Zulkefly, who is also state PAS commissioner, had contested and lost the Lenggeng state seat on three occasions.
However, both will not be casting their ballots this time as they are registered as voters elsewhere.
There will be eight voting centres in this by-election — Taman Eastern, Ladang Atherton, Siliau, Ladang Bradwall, Sua Betong, Kg Bagan Pinang, Si Rusa and Teluk Kemang.
Despite being raised in Kg Bagan Pinang near here, Mohd Isa, who is also Teluk Kemang Umno chief, has never contested the seat. He was Linggi assemblyman for five terms and Jempol MP once.
A former Umno vice-president, he has had to give up his post after being found guilty of breaching the party’s code of ethics in 2005.
He was suspended for six years but this was later reduced to three.
Bagan Pinang is located in the Teluk Kemang parliamentary seat. Four other seats in the constituency are Port Dickson, Linggi, Chuah and Lukut.
Chuah and Port Dickson are held by the PKR while Lukut is under DAP. Only Linggi belongs to Barisan.
Barisan controls 20 of the 36 state seats in the state assembly. The Opposition has 15 seats, with 10 belonging to the DAP while PKR and PAS have four and one respectively.
Blogger: Some say that Isa winning with thumping majority will boost the stock market. Is there a relationship?
KC Goh predicted the MCA EGM outcome on September 1, 2009
MCA EGM: Delegates make dramatic decisions (Update 8)
MCA delegates make dramatic decisions
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA delegates made dramatic decisions at the party EGM on Saturday.
The vote of no confidence against Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat got through by 14 votes.
His suspended deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, failed to be reinstated as deputy president but was voted back as a member.
Party officials said the dramatic decisions of the delegates at the EGM would mean that they now need to look at the party constitution.
Under the Constitution, a party president can only be removed by a two-thirds of the delegates' votes.
Ong told reporters that he respected the results of the EGM.
He also said that the MCA Central Committee and Presidential Council will have to discuss the results.
Results of the voting on the three resolutions:
Resolution 1: That the members of the general assembly have no confidence in the leadership of president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
Adopt: 1155
Reject: 1141
Margin: 14
Resolution 2: That the presidential council's decision on Aug 26 in accepting the recommendation of the disciplinary board and the subsequent decision of the central committee (if any) to expel or suspend Dr Chua is annulled.
Adopt: 1204
Reject: 1095
Margin: 109
Resolution 3: That Dr Chua be rightfully restored as MCA deputy president.
Adopt: 1110
Reject: 1184
Margin: 74
Earlier Saturday, of the 2,307 delegates who registered for the EGM, only 2,304 cast their votes from 10.30am to 11.55am. Three did not collect their ballot papers.
The total turnout of delegates was at 96.93% attendance rate.
Delegates had to show their party membership card and MyKad to collect the ballot papers
No photographers and reporters were allowed in the hall.
The EGM decided that only the first three resolutions be put to vote and the remaining two resolutions deemed irrelevant.
After opening the EGM, speaker Datuk Yik Phooi Hong put the suggestion to the delegates, who accepted this through the show of hands.
Resolution 4 and 5 were scrapped as no appointment of deputy president had been made as Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek was not sacked.
No disciplinary action would be taken against those who called for the EGM.
The registration process for the EGM began on Friday and closed at 10.30am Saturday.
Dr Chua, who arrived at 8.10am, told reporters that he would accept any decision made at the end of the day.
Vice-presidents Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha also arrived early for the meeting.
Liow said he hoped the delegates would show maturity and make decisions in the best interests of the party.
Ong, who arrived at about 9.15am, was instantly greeted by his supporters, who cheered him on and gave him words of encouragement.
EGM guidelines state that any recount of votes would be allowed only if there was a difference of 1% of the total votes cast.
In the event of a draw, the speaker may exercise his right by casting an extra vote as provided for in Article 169 of the party constitution. But if the speaker elects not to vote, then lots would be drawn.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wee: EGM can resolve party crisis
1/9 MCA Youth Chief Wee Ka Siong says EGM is the only way to resolve party crisis; no need for two EGMs as subjects to be discussed are similar.
Blogger: There is a MCA faction saying that Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat should step down and paving the way for a new leadership. Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's membership should be reinstated. However, Dr Chua should give up his deputy president's position after the reinstatement.
Posted by KC Goh(吳繼宗) at 2:11 AM 0 comments
Labels: KC Goh, Wee Ka Siong
MCA delegates make dramatic decisions
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA delegates made dramatic decisions at the party EGM on Saturday.
The vote of no confidence against Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat got through by 14 votes.
His suspended deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, failed to be reinstated as deputy president but was voted back as a member.
Party officials said the dramatic decisions of the delegates at the EGM would mean that they now need to look at the party constitution.
Under the Constitution, a party president can only be removed by a two-thirds of the delegates' votes.
Ong told reporters that he respected the results of the EGM.
He also said that the MCA Central Committee and Presidential Council will have to discuss the results.
Results of the voting on the three resolutions:
Resolution 1: That the members of the general assembly have no confidence in the leadership of president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
Adopt: 1155
Reject: 1141
Margin: 14
Resolution 2: That the presidential council's decision on Aug 26 in accepting the recommendation of the disciplinary board and the subsequent decision of the central committee (if any) to expel or suspend Dr Chua is annulled.
Adopt: 1204
Reject: 1095
Margin: 109
Resolution 3: That Dr Chua be rightfully restored as MCA deputy president.
Adopt: 1110
Reject: 1184
Margin: 74
Earlier Saturday, of the 2,307 delegates who registered for the EGM, only 2,304 cast their votes from 10.30am to 11.55am. Three did not collect their ballot papers.
The total turnout of delegates was at 96.93% attendance rate.
Delegates had to show their party membership card and MyKad to collect the ballot papers
No photographers and reporters were allowed in the hall.
The EGM decided that only the first three resolutions be put to vote and the remaining two resolutions deemed irrelevant.
After opening the EGM, speaker Datuk Yik Phooi Hong put the suggestion to the delegates, who accepted this through the show of hands.
Resolution 4 and 5 were scrapped as no appointment of deputy president had been made as Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek was not sacked.
No disciplinary action would be taken against those who called for the EGM.
The registration process for the EGM began on Friday and closed at 10.30am Saturday.
Dr Chua, who arrived at 8.10am, told reporters that he would accept any decision made at the end of the day.
Vice-presidents Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha also arrived early for the meeting.
Liow said he hoped the delegates would show maturity and make decisions in the best interests of the party.
Ong, who arrived at about 9.15am, was instantly greeted by his supporters, who cheered him on and gave him words of encouragement.
EGM guidelines state that any recount of votes would be allowed only if there was a difference of 1% of the total votes cast.
In the event of a draw, the speaker may exercise his right by casting an extra vote as provided for in Article 169 of the party constitution. But if the speaker elects not to vote, then lots would be drawn.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wee: EGM can resolve party crisis
1/9 MCA Youth Chief Wee Ka Siong says EGM is the only way to resolve party crisis; no need for two EGMs as subjects to be discussed are similar.
Blogger: There is a MCA faction saying that Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat should step down and paving the way for a new leadership. Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's membership should be reinstated. However, Dr Chua should give up his deputy president's position after the reinstatement.
Posted by KC Goh(吳繼宗) at 2:11 AM 0 comments
Labels: KC Goh, Wee Ka Siong
翁蔡齊走‧翁詩傑：將商特大結果
翁蔡齊走‧翁詩傑：將商特大結果
2009-10-10 17:49
（吉隆坡）馬華特大表決揭曉，翁蔡齊走！
馬華中央代表通過第一項提案，對總會長拿督斯里翁詩傑的領導投不信任票。在第二和第3項提案中，被凍結黨籍4年的署理總會長拿督斯里蔡細歷得以恢復黨籍，惟不能如願恢復黨職。
雖然黨章無註明被投不信任票的翁詩傑必須辭職，但他之前聲明，一旦被投不信任票，他不會再眷戀權位。
翁詩傑是馬華黨史上第一位被投不信任票的總會長。
翁14票微差“出局”
翁詩傑在成績揭曉後沒有表示會呈辭，他說，他會在中委會及會長理事會會議上討論特大的結果。
大會議長拿督易沛鴻於下午4時03分公佈特大結果，贊成第一項提案的票數為1155票，反對的有1141票，8張廢票；翁詩傑是以14票微差“出局”。
第二項恢復蔡細歷黨籍的提案以1204票贊成，109張多數票通過，反對這項提案的有1095票，廢票5張。
第3項恢復蔡細歷黨職的提案，蔡細歷以74票之差飲恨，無法如願恢復署理總會長職。贊成此提案的有1110票，反對票有1184張，廢票是10張。
根據黨章，若總會長和署理總會長職同時出現空缺，中委會可以推選接任人選至下屆黨選。
翁蔡之爭勢均力敵，第一提案由於票數非常接近，兩者的票數相差少於1%，或約20票，出現兩度重算，激烈程度可見一斑。
馬華特大全部2380名中央代表，共有2307人報到，出席率高達96.93%，只有73人或 3.07%人缺席。不過，發出的選票只有2304張，有3人沒有領取選票和投票，而3項提案所領票數各不相同，分別是2291、2299和2290，這說明有的代表領票後沒有投票。
馬華特大3提案表決
1. 馬華中央代表對總會長翁詩傑的領導投不信任票。
2. 馬華會長理事會於8月26日對蔡細歷的判決，以及中委會對蔡細歷的判決（若有），全部撤銷。
3.繼第二項議案後，要求恢復蔡細歷的署理總會長身份。
結果：翁詩傑與蔡細歷同時離開，恢復蔡黨籍。
2009-10-10 17:49
（吉隆坡）馬華特大表決揭曉，翁蔡齊走！
馬華中央代表通過第一項提案，對總會長拿督斯里翁詩傑的領導投不信任票。在第二和第3項提案中，被凍結黨籍4年的署理總會長拿督斯里蔡細歷得以恢復黨籍，惟不能如願恢復黨職。
雖然黨章無註明被投不信任票的翁詩傑必須辭職，但他之前聲明，一旦被投不信任票，他不會再眷戀權位。
翁詩傑是馬華黨史上第一位被投不信任票的總會長。
翁14票微差“出局”
翁詩傑在成績揭曉後沒有表示會呈辭，他說，他會在中委會及會長理事會會議上討論特大的結果。
大會議長拿督易沛鴻於下午4時03分公佈特大結果，贊成第一項提案的票數為1155票，反對的有1141票，8張廢票；翁詩傑是以14票微差“出局”。
第二項恢復蔡細歷黨籍的提案以1204票贊成，109張多數票通過，反對這項提案的有1095票，廢票5張。
第3項恢復蔡細歷黨職的提案，蔡細歷以74票之差飲恨，無法如願恢復署理總會長職。贊成此提案的有1110票，反對票有1184張，廢票是10張。
根據黨章，若總會長和署理總會長職同時出現空缺，中委會可以推選接任人選至下屆黨選。
翁蔡之爭勢均力敵，第一提案由於票數非常接近，兩者的票數相差少於1%，或約20票，出現兩度重算，激烈程度可見一斑。
馬華特大全部2380名中央代表，共有2307人報到，出席率高達96.93%，只有73人或 3.07%人缺席。不過，發出的選票只有2304張，有3人沒有領取選票和投票，而3項提案所領票數各不相同，分別是2291、2299和2290，這說明有的代表領票後沒有投票。
馬華特大3提案表決
1. 馬華中央代表對總會長翁詩傑的領導投不信任票。
2. 馬華會長理事會於8月26日對蔡細歷的判決，以及中委會對蔡細歷的判決（若有），全部撤銷。
3.繼第二項議案後，要求恢復蔡細歷的署理總會長身份。
結果：翁詩傑與蔡細歷同時離開，恢復蔡黨籍。
2009年10月9日星期五
PM wants a strong and stable MCA
9/10 PM Najib says he wants a strong and stable MCA that can deliver the support of the Chinese community.
8/10 Health Ministry puts dried fruit, especially plum and prune, from China and others on level 5 alert for high lead content.
8/10 South Pacific hit by 7.8 quake, regional tsunami warning for areas around Vanuatu; 6.7 quake off Philippines coast, no tsunami warning.
7/10 Sabab put on Orange alert as tropical storm Parma, now over the Philippines, triggers heavy rains and strong winds.
7/10 Padang earthquake: 323 Malaysian students of Universitas Andalas can continue studies at local private colleges; government also offers fund.
7/10 State education directors asked to approve requests from schools for extra day off on Oct 20 to celebrate Deepavali: Muhyiddin.
7/10 Malaysia has no immediate plans to develop nuclear energy for power generation, looking at other options first: PM Najib in Paris.
6/10 A(HINI) all PMR candidates will go through temperature checks as part of preventive measures against the flu, says Education DG.
8/10 Health Ministry puts dried fruit, especially plum and prune, from China and others on level 5 alert for high lead content.
8/10 South Pacific hit by 7.8 quake, regional tsunami warning for areas around Vanuatu; 6.7 quake off Philippines coast, no tsunami warning.
7/10 Sabab put on Orange alert as tropical storm Parma, now over the Philippines, triggers heavy rains and strong winds.
7/10 Padang earthquake: 323 Malaysian students of Universitas Andalas can continue studies at local private colleges; government also offers fund.
7/10 State education directors asked to approve requests from schools for extra day off on Oct 20 to celebrate Deepavali: Muhyiddin.
7/10 Malaysia has no immediate plans to develop nuclear energy for power generation, looking at other options first: PM Najib in Paris.
6/10 A(HINI) all PMR candidates will go through temperature checks as part of preventive measures against the flu, says Education DG.
2009年10月7日星期三
Bitter lesson for Amber as friend is ‘missing’ again
Tuesday October 6, 2009
Bitter lesson for Amber as friend is ‘missing’ again
By NOORSILA ABD MAJID
No show
KUALA LUMPUR: Top model Amber Chia has learnt a bitter lesson — good business partnership and friendship is a volatile mix.
The 28-year-old said her contractual dispute with her friend, Yap Wen-Ji, has taught her a valuable lesson.
In tears: Chia crying during the press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday after waiting for about an hour for Yap to turn up.
“It (the crisis) is a good learning experience for me,” said the budding entrepreneur who recently set up her own event management company called Amber Creations.
“I’m trying to stay positive. I keep telling myself that everything will be all right.”
Chia continues to wait in tears for an answer from her former partner why their planned reality show — Malaysia’s Supermodel Search Presents Ford Supermodel of the World — had gone so wrong.
Yap, the creator of the troubled reality show, had failed to show Chia the franchisee agreement with Ford Models despite repeated requests.
Chia was stood up again when Yap did a no-show at the office of lawyer Rajan Navaratnam in Sri Hartamas after promising to come yesterday with the franchisee documents. Rajan is counsel for Chia.
Yap had promised Chia, the co-executive producer of the show and the contestants that she would reveal the documents in a joint press conference with Chia yesterday.
“I knew this would happen,” said Chia, choking with emotion as she waited for close to an hour for Yap to turn up.
n
“I did call Wen-Ji an hour ago. She said she would come with her dad and the papers. I was hoping we could settle things today and move on with the show.”
Following Yap’s failure to turn up for the press conference, Chia, through Rajan, has e-mailed and faxed a letter to Ford Models in New York, seeking clarification on the Malaysian franchisee matter.
“We are still waiting for Ford Models to reply,” said Rajan.
The “missing” Yap is expected to hold a press conference today.
Blogger:Partnership is always not easy. Amber's partner has to tell the truth and be sincere otherwise Amber will definitely be affected in some ways. I have some experience in partnership, it was a bitter lesson. Amber, I share the same feeling as yours. Cheers.
Bitter lesson for Amber as friend is ‘missing’ again
By NOORSILA ABD MAJID
No show
KUALA LUMPUR: Top model Amber Chia has learnt a bitter lesson — good business partnership and friendship is a volatile mix.
The 28-year-old said her contractual dispute with her friend, Yap Wen-Ji, has taught her a valuable lesson.
In tears: Chia crying during the press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday after waiting for about an hour for Yap to turn up.
“It (the crisis) is a good learning experience for me,” said the budding entrepreneur who recently set up her own event management company called Amber Creations.
“I’m trying to stay positive. I keep telling myself that everything will be all right.”
Chia continues to wait in tears for an answer from her former partner why their planned reality show — Malaysia’s Supermodel Search Presents Ford Supermodel of the World — had gone so wrong.
Yap, the creator of the troubled reality show, had failed to show Chia the franchisee agreement with Ford Models despite repeated requests.
Chia was stood up again when Yap did a no-show at the office of lawyer Rajan Navaratnam in Sri Hartamas after promising to come yesterday with the franchisee documents. Rajan is counsel for Chia.
Yap had promised Chia, the co-executive producer of the show and the contestants that she would reveal the documents in a joint press conference with Chia yesterday.
“I knew this would happen,” said Chia, choking with emotion as she waited for close to an hour for Yap to turn up.
n
“I did call Wen-Ji an hour ago. She said she would come with her dad and the papers. I was hoping we could settle things today and move on with the show.”
Following Yap’s failure to turn up for the press conference, Chia, through Rajan, has e-mailed and faxed a letter to Ford Models in New York, seeking clarification on the Malaysian franchisee matter.
“We are still waiting for Ford Models to reply,” said Rajan.
The “missing” Yap is expected to hold a press conference today.
Blogger:Partnership is always not easy. Amber's partner has to tell the truth and be sincere otherwise Amber will definitely be affected in some ways. I have some experience in partnership, it was a bitter lesson. Amber, I share the same feeling as yours. Cheers.
2009年10月5日星期一
CAR JACK PLOY IN SG.BESI
I received this article from the internet.
Subject: FW: CAR JACK PLOY IN SG.BESI--Please Read
23 September 2009
To my family and friends,
This happened to me today. Please take care.
I was visiting a specialist at Sg. Besi, located at a shophouse near
South City Plaza, Sg. Besi today with my 8 year old daughter. If,
like me, you are unfamiliar with this part of KL, its is adjacent to
The Mines, off the Besraya Highway. This was at 1 pm, broad daylight,
with lots of people about.
After the consultation, my daughter and I got into my car, a Toyota
Estima. I started the engine and was about to back out of the
streetside parking space when a bunch of men (in this case, of Indian
ethnic background) who were fussing around another car parked two
lots away turned around and started to gesture to me to stop. They
flashed police IDs and indicated that I should stop. I assumed that
something untoward had happened to the car, or its occupants (a
white MPV) which had its bonnet up and doors opened, and around 10
guys buzzing around it. I felt uneasy right away and (whilst with the
windows up & door locked) gestured to them that I would speak to them
a liitle further down the road. (away from so many guys).
A white van marked with the familiar blue "Polis DiRaja Malaysia"
insignia on the doors and bonnet drove up alongside and the two men
disembarked and showed me their IDs once again. They said that my car
road tax serial number was different from that registered to my
vehicle licence plate and that I should allow them to check the
chassis number of the vehicle by lifting the bonnet. I immediate
countered that by asking them " Eh, what exactly are you guys doing
huh?" They replied, " We are the police, cannot read ah? We are doing
our jobs." whilst gesturing towards their IDs. They also showed me
their mobile hand-held "checking unit" which looked all
"official-website-form" on it and showed me a number and pointed out
that this was different from that shown on my road tax sticker.
Since the sticker faces outwards I had no way of checking. I just
contered that with " Eh, if the number is different, its your
problem, not mine. Whats wrong with your computer system huh?" They
got very irritated. In the meantime, while this exchange was
happening, I was trying to call my husband on his moblie to verify
the road tax renewal (cos, y'know, us wimmin don't like to get our
hands dirty with this kinda thing).... Rang, couldn't get through
immediately, so to buy a little more time, I told the plainclothes
cops that I didnt't think that they were cops (altho I wasn't sure)
and that I wanted the check to be done in the police station. They
said, sure, to follow them to the station nearby.
They started to drive their police van and indicated for me to
follow them. By this time I got through to my husband and he just
said - " car jackers, don't follow them, this is bulllshit" I was
already panicking because there was like quite a few of the guys by
the car, and I wasn't sure if there were't any of the group tailing
me...whether I was a car sandwich or no.
So I gave my husband the van's licence plate and drove around
looking for the nearest access to the highway (tol plaza) The police
van followed me and I just kept smiling at them and gesturing for
them to follow me. (gila huh?) Then I stopped at the tol lane (The
Sg. Besi Tol) realised there is no tol office just the drivethrough
counter. (almost went to the smart tag lane out of habit... just see
how bodoh we can be) I just stopped there and told the girl at the
counter my dilemma...for about 10 minutes. The van went through the
toll and drove off. I waited to be sure no other vehicle was waiting
around, gave the girl the licence plate and asked her to call the
cops, although I had doubts about follow-through. Even at that time,
I wasn't 100% sure if they were genuine thugs or cops... because,
sadly, as we alll know... even the real thing looks pretty iffy in
this part of the world huh?
Anyway, my husband had called back to say that they had checked the
plate with Bukit Aman and they boys in blue do not have a vehicle
with that registration. I just kept drivin' and drivin' and drivin'
cos really, I had no idea where I was... until I reached Sunway
Pyramid. For the life of me I really don't know how I got there
(Since South KL is terra incognita), and mainly because I was so busy
checking my rear view mirror to see if any car was tailing me. My 8
year old daughter was getting a little nervous in the back there.
When we got out of the car as I had decided to have lunch at Sunway
Pyramid (I had to calm down right?) she turned to me and said... " I
think they wanted the car AND me" Oh dear god... I hadn't even
thought about THAT.
So please, do watch out. The van plate (which is probably fake...)
was WMK 3944. Doesn't matter, who and how and when, the ploys, I'm
sure, keep evolving, just be your most SCEPTICAL self at all times
when "OUT THERE".
Take care y'all.
Subject: FW: CAR JACK PLOY IN SG.BESI--Please Read
23 September 2009
To my family and friends,
This happened to me today. Please take care.
I was visiting a specialist at Sg. Besi, located at a shophouse near
South City Plaza, Sg. Besi today with my 8 year old daughter. If,
like me, you are unfamiliar with this part of KL, its is adjacent to
The Mines, off the Besraya Highway. This was at 1 pm, broad daylight,
with lots of people about.
After the consultation, my daughter and I got into my car, a Toyota
Estima. I started the engine and was about to back out of the
streetside parking space when a bunch of men (in this case, of Indian
ethnic background) who were fussing around another car parked two
lots away turned around and started to gesture to me to stop. They
flashed police IDs and indicated that I should stop. I assumed that
something untoward had happened to the car, or its occupants (a
white MPV) which had its bonnet up and doors opened, and around 10
guys buzzing around it. I felt uneasy right away and (whilst with the
windows up & door locked) gestured to them that I would speak to them
a liitle further down the road. (away from so many guys).
A white van marked with the familiar blue "Polis DiRaja Malaysia"
insignia on the doors and bonnet drove up alongside and the two men
disembarked and showed me their IDs once again. They said that my car
road tax serial number was different from that registered to my
vehicle licence plate and that I should allow them to check the
chassis number of the vehicle by lifting the bonnet. I immediate
countered that by asking them " Eh, what exactly are you guys doing
huh?" They replied, " We are the police, cannot read ah? We are doing
our jobs." whilst gesturing towards their IDs. They also showed me
their mobile hand-held "checking unit" which looked all
"official-website-form" on it and showed me a number and pointed out
that this was different from that shown on my road tax sticker.
Since the sticker faces outwards I had no way of checking. I just
contered that with " Eh, if the number is different, its your
problem, not mine. Whats wrong with your computer system huh?" They
got very irritated. In the meantime, while this exchange was
happening, I was trying to call my husband on his moblie to verify
the road tax renewal (cos, y'know, us wimmin don't like to get our
hands dirty with this kinda thing).... Rang, couldn't get through
immediately, so to buy a little more time, I told the plainclothes
cops that I didnt't think that they were cops (altho I wasn't sure)
and that I wanted the check to be done in the police station. They
said, sure, to follow them to the station nearby.
They started to drive their police van and indicated for me to
follow them. By this time I got through to my husband and he just
said - " car jackers, don't follow them, this is bulllshit" I was
already panicking because there was like quite a few of the guys by
the car, and I wasn't sure if there were't any of the group tailing
me...whether I was a car sandwich or no.
So I gave my husband the van's licence plate and drove around
looking for the nearest access to the highway (tol plaza) The police
van followed me and I just kept smiling at them and gesturing for
them to follow me. (gila huh?) Then I stopped at the tol lane (The
Sg. Besi Tol) realised there is no tol office just the drivethrough
counter. (almost went to the smart tag lane out of habit... just see
how bodoh we can be) I just stopped there and told the girl at the
counter my dilemma...for about 10 minutes. The van went through the
toll and drove off. I waited to be sure no other vehicle was waiting
around, gave the girl the licence plate and asked her to call the
cops, although I had doubts about follow-through. Even at that time,
I wasn't 100% sure if they were genuine thugs or cops... because,
sadly, as we alll know... even the real thing looks pretty iffy in
this part of the world huh?
Anyway, my husband had called back to say that they had checked the
plate with Bukit Aman and they boys in blue do not have a vehicle
with that registration. I just kept drivin' and drivin' and drivin'
cos really, I had no idea where I was... until I reached Sunway
Pyramid. For the life of me I really don't know how I got there
(Since South KL is terra incognita), and mainly because I was so busy
checking my rear view mirror to see if any car was tailing me. My 8
year old daughter was getting a little nervous in the back there.
When we got out of the car as I had decided to have lunch at Sunway
Pyramid (I had to calm down right?) she turned to me and said... " I
think they wanted the car AND me" Oh dear god... I hadn't even
thought about THAT.
So please, do watch out. The van plate (which is probably fake...)
was WMK 3944. Doesn't matter, who and how and when, the ploys, I'm
sure, keep evolving, just be your most SCEPTICAL self at all times
when "OUT THERE".
Take care y'all.
2009年10月2日星期五
RMAF planes carried students and other Malaysians from Padang
2/10 Four RMAF planes with 323 students and other Malaysians from quake-hit Padang arrived at Subang airport this morning: Dr Junaidy.
Blogger: This is what we called caring. Caring is not just saying it during the budget speech. It is doing it when the citizens need the help of the government.
Blogger: This is what we called caring. Caring is not just saying it during the budget speech. It is doing it when the citizens need the help of the government.
Who is Sunshine Tracy?
If you read Sin Chew's report on Oct 2, 2009 Page 26, you will know who is Sunshine Tracy? She is a Singapore model who used Super Import Nights to publicize herself. Read more on http://eatcookshoot.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-not-to-do-sunshine-tracy.html
What NOT to do - Sunshine Tracy
at 7:21 PM
Most models inspires to make it big. BUT however, please do not resort to such methods..... Bad publicity is NOT good publicity.
Super Import Nights (SIN), being one of the biggest event in Singapore gathers lots of international and local models in one location for couple of days annually.
It's also an event where photographers will LOVE to spent $10 dollars entrance fees to try out their photography skills on beautiful models from all over the world.
One big news from SIN this year? Sunshine Tracy reveals too much! Revealing her undies and pubic hair....
Source from STOMP, a self employed model at SIN show came with two photographers to shoot for her.
Self employed? Which means she's not under any companies? So any girls can just go to SIN and pick a car and "molest" the car just like that?
If you wish to create awareness, please do it in a slightly more positive way... I do not think Tracy will get more modeling assignments after such negative reports surfacing.
Regardless if she does it on purpose or not, always have enough precaution measures! Brazilian wax, nipple tapes or anything that prevents you from exposing yourself inappropriately. Better to be safe than sorry....
What NOT to do - Sunshine Tracy
at 7:21 PM
Most models inspires to make it big. BUT however, please do not resort to such methods..... Bad publicity is NOT good publicity.
Super Import Nights (SIN), being one of the biggest event in Singapore gathers lots of international and local models in one location for couple of days annually.
It's also an event where photographers will LOVE to spent $10 dollars entrance fees to try out their photography skills on beautiful models from all over the world.
One big news from SIN this year? Sunshine Tracy reveals too much! Revealing her undies and pubic hair....
Source from STOMP, a self employed model at SIN show came with two photographers to shoot for her.
Self employed? Which means she's not under any companies? So any girls can just go to SIN and pick a car and "molest" the car just like that?
If you wish to create awareness, please do it in a slightly more positive way... I do not think Tracy will get more modeling assignments after such negative reports surfacing.
Regardless if she does it on purpose or not, always have enough precaution measures! Brazilian wax, nipple tapes or anything that prevents you from exposing yourself inappropriately. Better to be safe than sorry....
2009年10月1日星期四
BN to consider accepting other Indian-based party
1/10 Kedah Assembly Speaker Dr Abdul Isa files suit against Kota Siputeh rep Abu Hassan and the EC to stop the former from carrying out his duties.
1/10 A 6.8-mag quake in Sumatera, 225km southeast of Padang, at 9.53am causes tremor in KL, Johor, Selangor and Negri Sembilan; no tsunami threat.
28/9 PM Najib: Up to BN Supreme Council on whether to accept other Indian-based parties into the fold, what is important is that they support BN.
28/9 Obama administration wants productive relationship with Malaysia, considers it a progressive and moderate Islamic country: PM Najib.
28/9 Herders bring 30 lorries of buffaloes, cows, goats to Selangor secretariat to protest state’s indifference to Ulu Yam landfill collapse.
25/9 Harvard Business School to undertake case study highlighting initiatives by PM Najib to tackle financial crisis, its alumni club here says.
24/9 India maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-I finds evidence of water across lunar surface, ending 40 years debate scientists say.
21/9 Najib: Government’s 2 stimulus packages impacting economy positively; construction sector grew 2.8 percent in Q2 from 1.1 percent in Q1.
20/9 Hishamuddin denies Malaysia is supplying arms to terrorists; says such allegations made with mischievous intent.
20/9 PM Najib to meet Samy Vellu again over MIC succession plan after last meeting in June, said it should not be seen as meddling in party affairs.
1/10 A 6.8-mag quake in Sumatera, 225km southeast of Padang, at 9.53am causes tremor in KL, Johor, Selangor and Negri Sembilan; no tsunami threat.
28/9 PM Najib: Up to BN Supreme Council on whether to accept other Indian-based parties into the fold, what is important is that they support BN.
28/9 Obama administration wants productive relationship with Malaysia, considers it a progressive and moderate Islamic country: PM Najib.
28/9 Herders bring 30 lorries of buffaloes, cows, goats to Selangor secretariat to protest state’s indifference to Ulu Yam landfill collapse.
25/9 Harvard Business School to undertake case study highlighting initiatives by PM Najib to tackle financial crisis, its alumni club here says.
24/9 India maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-I finds evidence of water across lunar surface, ending 40 years debate scientists say.
21/9 Najib: Government’s 2 stimulus packages impacting economy positively; construction sector grew 2.8 percent in Q2 from 1.1 percent in Q1.
20/9 Hishamuddin denies Malaysia is supplying arms to terrorists; says such allegations made with mischievous intent.
20/9 PM Najib to meet Samy Vellu again over MIC succession plan after last meeting in June, said it should not be seen as meddling in party affairs.
2009年9月30日星期三
Government succeeds in bid to strike out defamation suit by Chin Peng
30/9 Government succeeds in bid to strike out defamation suit by former Communist Party of Malaysia Secretary General Chin Peng and its members.
30/9 FIFA suspends Brunei FA, citing government interference, the country and its clubs cannot compete in international football competitors.
30/9 Tremors felt all over peninsula Malaysia, believed caused by 7.1 – mag quake in southern Sumatra at 6.17 pm, people evacuating some buildings.
30/9 Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami alert for Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Thailand. But later on, it said there is no tsunami threat from Sumatra quake.
30/9 Tsunami kills at least 19 people in the Pacific island nation of Samoa following an earthquake measuring 8.0; many more swept out to sea.
29/9 Some 33 cities in Asia Pacific, including Kota Kinabalu, Malacca, George Town and Ipoh, sign declaration pledging to tackle climate change.
30/9 FIFA suspends Brunei FA, citing government interference, the country and its clubs cannot compete in international football competitors.
30/9 Tremors felt all over peninsula Malaysia, believed caused by 7.1 – mag quake in southern Sumatra at 6.17 pm, people evacuating some buildings.
30/9 Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami alert for Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Thailand. But later on, it said there is no tsunami threat from Sumatra quake.
30/9 Tsunami kills at least 19 people in the Pacific island nation of Samoa following an earthquake measuring 8.0; many more swept out to sea.
29/9 Some 33 cities in Asia Pacific, including Kota Kinabalu, Malacca, George Town and Ipoh, sign declaration pledging to tackle climate change.
2009年9月20日星期日
MCA's top body revises decision to sack deputy president
MCA's top body revises decision to sack deputy president
By NG SI HOOI and BEH YUEN HUI
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA central committee (CC) has decided to suspend Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek for four years with immediate effect, revising the presidential council’s decision on Aug 26 to sack him.
“The central committee after due deliberation resolved to reduce the sentence meted out by the disciplinary board and endorsed by the presidential council.
“Hence, the decision to suspend his membership and party post,” the party’s highest decision-making body said in a statement issued after its meeting yesterday.
Meeting the press: Ong speaking to journalists after chairing the central committee meeting at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur Saturday. With him are (from left) secretary-general Senator Datuk Wong Foon Meng, vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
Party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat read out the statement after chairing the seven-hour meeting at Wisma MCA here.
“In dealing with any disciplinary action, whether or not there is an appeal, the CC has the power to review the presidential council’s decision and make a final decision constitution.
“There were precedents where the decisions of the presidential council had been reviewed,” the statement said.
Dr Chua did not file his appeal against the sacking before the Sept 16 deadline.
On the Oct 10 EGM, Ong told reporters that all the five resolutions remained intact.
The five resolutions are:
* TO move a motion of no-confidence against Ong;
* TO annul the presidential council’s decision to expel Dr Chua;
* TO reinstate Dr Chua as MCA deputy president;
* TO revoke any appointment made before the EGM; and
* THAT no disciplinary action be taken against the EGM requisitionists.
Ong said the CC also decided to lift the suspension of Ipoh Timur MCA division chief Datuk Thong Fah Chong with immediate effect.
Thong has been on a six-month suspension since July 28 for tarnishing the party image over a land matter in Pasir Pinji, Ipoh.
Meanwhile, CC member Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho said it was inappropriate for the committee to review Dr Chua’s sacking since an EGM was to be held on the matter.
Tan, who is aligned to the former deputy president, said the suspension would prevent Dr Chua from contesting in the next party election scheduled for 2011.
“Dr Chua left the decision whether to reinstate or sack him in the central delegates’ hands and did not appeal, thus the CC has no right to review the decision to sack him,” he said in a joint statement with the other two EGM requisitionists Loh Seng Kok and Datuk Chong Itt Chew.
He said it was not normal procedure for the meeting to discuss the matter because the party had approved holding the EGM.
The three left the meeting in protest over the CC’s decision.
Blogger:
This is what we called playing politic. This revised decision in a way will make the delegates think otherwise during the EGM. It has reduced the impact on the EGM to be hold on Oct 10, 2009 on the MCA central committee, especially against Party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
That is why they said politic is a game of possibilities. If you don't give up, anything is still possible. Life is also like that.
By NG SI HOOI and BEH YUEN HUI
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA central committee (CC) has decided to suspend Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek for four years with immediate effect, revising the presidential council’s decision on Aug 26 to sack him.
“The central committee after due deliberation resolved to reduce the sentence meted out by the disciplinary board and endorsed by the presidential council.
“Hence, the decision to suspend his membership and party post,” the party’s highest decision-making body said in a statement issued after its meeting yesterday.
Meeting the press: Ong speaking to journalists after chairing the central committee meeting at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur Saturday. With him are (from left) secretary-general Senator Datuk Wong Foon Meng, vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
Party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat read out the statement after chairing the seven-hour meeting at Wisma MCA here.
“In dealing with any disciplinary action, whether or not there is an appeal, the CC has the power to review the presidential council’s decision and make a final decision constitution.
“There were precedents where the decisions of the presidential council had been reviewed,” the statement said.
Dr Chua did not file his appeal against the sacking before the Sept 16 deadline.
On the Oct 10 EGM, Ong told reporters that all the five resolutions remained intact.
The five resolutions are:
* TO move a motion of no-confidence against Ong;
* TO annul the presidential council’s decision to expel Dr Chua;
* TO reinstate Dr Chua as MCA deputy president;
* TO revoke any appointment made before the EGM; and
* THAT no disciplinary action be taken against the EGM requisitionists.
Ong said the CC also decided to lift the suspension of Ipoh Timur MCA division chief Datuk Thong Fah Chong with immediate effect.
Thong has been on a six-month suspension since July 28 for tarnishing the party image over a land matter in Pasir Pinji, Ipoh.
Meanwhile, CC member Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho said it was inappropriate for the committee to review Dr Chua’s sacking since an EGM was to be held on the matter.
Tan, who is aligned to the former deputy president, said the suspension would prevent Dr Chua from contesting in the next party election scheduled for 2011.
“Dr Chua left the decision whether to reinstate or sack him in the central delegates’ hands and did not appeal, thus the CC has no right to review the decision to sack him,” he said in a joint statement with the other two EGM requisitionists Loh Seng Kok and Datuk Chong Itt Chew.
He said it was not normal procedure for the meeting to discuss the matter because the party had approved holding the EGM.
The three left the meeting in protest over the CC’s decision.
Blogger:
This is what we called playing politic. This revised decision in a way will make the delegates think otherwise during the EGM. It has reduced the impact on the EGM to be hold on Oct 10, 2009 on the MCA central committee, especially against Party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
That is why they said politic is a game of possibilities. If you don't give up, anything is still possible. Life is also like that.
Sisters in Islam file an application for revision and stay of execution of the whipping sentence against Kartika.
19/9 Sisters in Islam file an application at Kuantan Syariah High Court for revision and stay of execution of the whipping sentence against Kartika.
18/9 PM Najib says Remaja Perkasa Negara programme will be launched next January to rehabilitate illegal motorbike racers or matrempit.
18/9 MIC president Samy Vellu says he discussed his retirement plan with PM Najib last June and will stick to it; declined to give date.
18/9 PKA sues PKFZ turnkey developer Kuala Dimensi over computation of interest that may go as high as RM 720 mil:Lee Hwa Beng.
17/9 At least 16 people killed, including international soldiers, and 55 wounded in car bomb attack in Kabul in Afghanistan.
17/9 Indonesian cops confirm Malaysian born terror mastermind Noordin Mat Top Killed in raid in Java, fingerprint test positive, awaiting DNA results.
17/9 Former Selangor MB Dr Mohd Khir Toyo lodges police report at Shah Alam after allegedly receiving threatening letter this morning.
14/9 Shaaribuu Setev, father of dead Mongolian Altantuya, withdraws application for Public Prosecutor to appeal verdict; court strikes out case.
10/9 KL High Court struck out RM 218 mil suit by polls material supplier Elegant Advisory Sdn Bhd against UMNO for unpaid bills in 2004.
18/9 PM Najib says Remaja Perkasa Negara programme will be launched next January to rehabilitate illegal motorbike racers or matrempit.
18/9 MIC president Samy Vellu says he discussed his retirement plan with PM Najib last June and will stick to it; declined to give date.
18/9 PKA sues PKFZ turnkey developer Kuala Dimensi over computation of interest that may go as high as RM 720 mil:Lee Hwa Beng.
17/9 At least 16 people killed, including international soldiers, and 55 wounded in car bomb attack in Kabul in Afghanistan.
17/9 Indonesian cops confirm Malaysian born terror mastermind Noordin Mat Top Killed in raid in Java, fingerprint test positive, awaiting DNA results.
17/9 Former Selangor MB Dr Mohd Khir Toyo lodges police report at Shah Alam after allegedly receiving threatening letter this morning.
14/9 Shaaribuu Setev, father of dead Mongolian Altantuya, withdraws application for Public Prosecutor to appeal verdict; court strikes out case.
10/9 KL High Court struck out RM 218 mil suit by polls material supplier Elegant Advisory Sdn Bhd against UMNO for unpaid bills in 2004.
2009年9月10日星期四
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime records statement of Tiong King Sing
10/9 Bukit Aman Commercial crime department records statement of Kuala Dimensi CEO Tiong King Sing; believed to be over Port Klang Free Zone issue.
10/9 Sujatha inquest:KL Coroners Court sets Sept 29 to deliver its findings on the cause of death of actress K. Sujatha.
10/9 Sujatha inquest:KL Coroners Court sets Sept 29 to deliver its findings on the cause of death of actress K. Sujatha.
Cow head protest;12 people charged with illegal assembly
9/9 Cow head protest: 12 people charged with illegal assembly under Police Act at Shah Alam magistrates court.
9/9 HR Ministry has received complaints that Indonesian embassy here not renewing passports of maids paid less than RM600, will seek clarification.
8/9 Speaker vs Speaker case: High Court has struck out V. Sivakumar’s suit to be declared rightful Perak Assembly Speaker instead of R. Ganesan.
6/9 Pakatan Rakyat has only a 40 % chance of winning the Bagan Pinang seat because of the large number of postal voters:Guan Eng.
4/9 Tourist arrivals in Malaysia up despite global economic slump, A(H1N1) flu; 3.6% increase in the first 7months of year:Tourism Minister.
9/9 HR Ministry has received complaints that Indonesian embassy here not renewing passports of maids paid less than RM600, will seek clarification.
8/9 Speaker vs Speaker case: High Court has struck out V. Sivakumar’s suit to be declared rightful Perak Assembly Speaker instead of R. Ganesan.
6/9 Pakatan Rakyat has only a 40 % chance of winning the Bagan Pinang seat because of the large number of postal voters:Guan Eng.
4/9 Tourist arrivals in Malaysia up despite global economic slump, A(H1N1) flu; 3.6% increase in the first 7months of year:Tourism Minister.
High-powered taskforce to save PKFZ project
Published: Wednesday September 9, 2009 MYT 8:44:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday September 9, 2009 MYT 9:43:59 PM
High-powered taskforce to save PKFZ project (Update)
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
mazwin@thestar.com.my
PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet is concerned over issues arising from the scandal-hit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project and has set up a high-powered taskforce to oversee two aspects -- whether the project was carried out in line with good governance and to look into its future direction.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the taskforce would be headed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and would include Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, officials from the Transport Ministry and also professionals.
Najib said the Cabinet, which had discussed the PKFZ issue during its weekly meeting on Wednesday, had decided to divide the issue into three aspects, adding apart from the two aspects to be looked into by the taskforce, the other aspect -- to determine whether there was abuse of power, any wrongdoings or violation of law -- would be investigated by the police.
“This would be the responsibility of the police to investigate and for the Attorney-General to decide (on the findings and next course of action) later.
“On the issue of PKFZ, the truth is very important. The Cabinet wants a full and detailed investigation to be conducted,” he told reporters after breaking fast with Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials.
Najib said on good governance, the taskforce would have to determine if the element was not practised from the early stages of the project.
“We also want the taskforce to propose what we should do with the project and what could be done in the future so that we can maximise (its) value for money and to reduce the cost on the rakyat (the people) and taxpayers.
“Once we have the report from the taskforce, the Cabinet will study and determine the next course of action,” he said.
He said the taskforce, which would have its first meeting after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, has not been given a specific timeframe to conduct its findings, adding “they know this is a matter of urgency and the report should be tabled to the Cabinet as soon as possible.”
He said the Cabinet had also given the taskforce a guideline on its terms of reference, but declined to elaborate when asked if the terms would be publicised.
To a question, the Prime Minister said if there was abuse of power, action would be taken regardless “who the individuals are,” but stressed that the authorities would have to look deep into the case first to determine who was responsible and how serious the violations were.
Asked if the Cabinet was “minimising” Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat’s role, Najib said that was not the purpose behind the setting up of the taskforce.
“Why should I? We are in the same government. Don’t try to split (us). We all stand together. He (Ong) will not be in the taskforce but his ministry’s representatives are,” he said.
The Prime Minister also denied the move to set up a taskforce meant that the Government was taking the issue from under the Transport Ministry, adding its officials would be part of the taskforce.
“The (earlier) report done by the ministry would be considered by the taskforce but because this is bigger than the purview of the Transport Ministry, it is only appropriate that the Chief Secretary chair the taskforce.
“This is to underscore the Government’s seriousness on the matter,” he said.
Najib added that investigations conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police would continue even though the Cabinet has set up a taskforce.
“The MACC and the police are investigating the reports that they have received. Their investigations will continue,” he said.
Related Stories:
Move to discuss PKFZ issue in Cabinet lauded
Task force and Ong brief Najib on PKFZ problems
Freeze on bank account
PAC: Payments made to PKFZ contractor without approval
Ex-GM was ignorant
Party grateful Najib backing Ong in PKFZ probe
Various parties made disputed claims amounting to RM1.5bil
Updated: Wednesday September 9, 2009 MYT 9:43:59 PM
High-powered taskforce to save PKFZ project (Update)
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
mazwin@thestar.com.my
PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet is concerned over issues arising from the scandal-hit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project and has set up a high-powered taskforce to oversee two aspects -- whether the project was carried out in line with good governance and to look into its future direction.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the taskforce would be headed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and would include Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, officials from the Transport Ministry and also professionals.
Najib said the Cabinet, which had discussed the PKFZ issue during its weekly meeting on Wednesday, had decided to divide the issue into three aspects, adding apart from the two aspects to be looked into by the taskforce, the other aspect -- to determine whether there was abuse of power, any wrongdoings or violation of law -- would be investigated by the police.
“This would be the responsibility of the police to investigate and for the Attorney-General to decide (on the findings and next course of action) later.
“On the issue of PKFZ, the truth is very important. The Cabinet wants a full and detailed investigation to be conducted,” he told reporters after breaking fast with Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials.
Najib said on good governance, the taskforce would have to determine if the element was not practised from the early stages of the project.
“We also want the taskforce to propose what we should do with the project and what could be done in the future so that we can maximise (its) value for money and to reduce the cost on the rakyat (the people) and taxpayers.
“Once we have the report from the taskforce, the Cabinet will study and determine the next course of action,” he said.
He said the taskforce, which would have its first meeting after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, has not been given a specific timeframe to conduct its findings, adding “they know this is a matter of urgency and the report should be tabled to the Cabinet as soon as possible.”
He said the Cabinet had also given the taskforce a guideline on its terms of reference, but declined to elaborate when asked if the terms would be publicised.
To a question, the Prime Minister said if there was abuse of power, action would be taken regardless “who the individuals are,” but stressed that the authorities would have to look deep into the case first to determine who was responsible and how serious the violations were.
Asked if the Cabinet was “minimising” Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat’s role, Najib said that was not the purpose behind the setting up of the taskforce.
“Why should I? We are in the same government. Don’t try to split (us). We all stand together. He (Ong) will not be in the taskforce but his ministry’s representatives are,” he said.
The Prime Minister also denied the move to set up a taskforce meant that the Government was taking the issue from under the Transport Ministry, adding its officials would be part of the taskforce.
“The (earlier) report done by the ministry would be considered by the taskforce but because this is bigger than the purview of the Transport Ministry, it is only appropriate that the Chief Secretary chair the taskforce.
“This is to underscore the Government’s seriousness on the matter,” he said.
Najib added that investigations conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police would continue even though the Cabinet has set up a taskforce.
“The MACC and the police are investigating the reports that they have received. Their investigations will continue,” he said.
Related Stories:
Move to discuss PKFZ issue in Cabinet lauded
Task force and Ong brief Najib on PKFZ problems
Freeze on bank account
PAC: Payments made to PKFZ contractor without approval
Ex-GM was ignorant
Party grateful Najib backing Ong in PKFZ probe
Various parties made disputed claims amounting to RM1.5bil
2009年9月8日星期二
Personal account of house break-in at Damansara
Personal account of house break-in at Damansara
Written by a friend... (Photos at the end)
Dear All,
People always talk about people knowing people who have had their houses broken into. Well my home in Damansara got broken into yesterday!
I was home alone on sick leave and sleeping when I heard the loud sounds of someone hammering my front door. At first I thought it was my brother who had come back for something he had forgotten since he just left the house about 1-2 minutes ago and I didn't think much about it... only on the second loud thump did I realise something was amiss and got up to see what was going on but it was too late since there were already people in my house.
I heard voices though I could not hear what they said. They were walking up the stairs and I quickly locked my bedroom door and my toilet door. Once they realized my room door was locked, they started to ram down my bedroom door - I believe they still did not know that anyone was in the house at that time - But by this time, I had already opened my window and by the grace of God (I was having flu and sore throat), I started shouting "tolong" "tolong" "help"! It was a miracle my neighbors were still at home, and answered my shouts for help and responded.
When the idiot robbers heard the shouts and heard my neighbors responding, they ran out. My neighbors saw them leaving – the 2 Chinese guys who had entered my house and the driver, a Malay/Indon guy. They got into their new grey Honda Accord with the license plate WRL 1686 (they were probably fake plates!) and sped off.
After they left, I walked through my house and found that nothing was stolen as they did not have time although one of my parents drawers was opened and rifled through. They also took a pillow case in the hopes that they could fill it up with valuables but they discarded that at the front of my door while leaving. We also found a lighted cigarette burning by the side of my door, placed carefully at the edge of the shoe cabinet – can you believe they had time to freaking smoke!
Well, we called the police. They were slow as usual. The four of them didn't come into my house to check if anyone was still inside until we asked them to – idiots! They instead, huddle outside on my front porch taking notes on a tattered green 60 sen notebook. A policeman (the kind that has had too many goring pisang and kuih lapis) even asked me about my dad's fish and where my dad had bought them as he too wanted to buy the “ikan guppy yang berwarna-warni” for his house. (I have read this type of remarks many times before and should like to point out that the actual job of investigation of the crime is left to the I/O (Investigating Officer) after you have made a Polis Report, the patrol car officers are not trained in Crime scene investigating - Robert)
There were no dusting of prints, or taking of photos or collecting evidence like we see on TV. They just asked us to go to the police station to make a report and that was that. After thinking about it, I guess that was all I could expect. After all, who was I? No one famous, not someone with a “name or a pangkat”. I am just another face in the sea of millions.
So, here I am back at work. My doors are being replaced along with security alarms. I wish this didn’t happen but it did and this is my hope for all of you, to go home and to take a look at your homes and at the doors. As you may notice (see photos attached), they didn’t touch the locks. Locks don’t deter them.
They went right for the gates/grills/doors. So make sure your gates/grills/doors are of quality and if you don’t already have an alarm system, perhaps this is the right time to get one. This is one investment that will not let you down. I dread to think of my bedroom door breaking and of my wonderful neighbors not coming to my aid. I doubt I would be here sending this email out but by the grace of God I am here.
So, you know the drill, pass this on.
Written by a friend... (Photos at the end)
Dear All,
People always talk about people knowing people who have had their houses broken into. Well my home in Damansara got broken into yesterday!
I was home alone on sick leave and sleeping when I heard the loud sounds of someone hammering my front door. At first I thought it was my brother who had come back for something he had forgotten since he just left the house about 1-2 minutes ago and I didn't think much about it... only on the second loud thump did I realise something was amiss and got up to see what was going on but it was too late since there were already people in my house.
I heard voices though I could not hear what they said. They were walking up the stairs and I quickly locked my bedroom door and my toilet door. Once they realized my room door was locked, they started to ram down my bedroom door - I believe they still did not know that anyone was in the house at that time - But by this time, I had already opened my window and by the grace of God (I was having flu and sore throat), I started shouting "tolong" "tolong" "help"! It was a miracle my neighbors were still at home, and answered my shouts for help and responded.
When the idiot robbers heard the shouts and heard my neighbors responding, they ran out. My neighbors saw them leaving – the 2 Chinese guys who had entered my house and the driver, a Malay/Indon guy. They got into their new grey Honda Accord with the license plate WRL 1686 (they were probably fake plates!) and sped off.
After they left, I walked through my house and found that nothing was stolen as they did not have time although one of my parents drawers was opened and rifled through. They also took a pillow case in the hopes that they could fill it up with valuables but they discarded that at the front of my door while leaving. We also found a lighted cigarette burning by the side of my door, placed carefully at the edge of the shoe cabinet – can you believe they had time to freaking smoke!
Well, we called the police. They were slow as usual. The four of them didn't come into my house to check if anyone was still inside until we asked them to – idiots! They instead, huddle outside on my front porch taking notes on a tattered green 60 sen notebook. A policeman (the kind that has had too many goring pisang and kuih lapis) even asked me about my dad's fish and where my dad had bought them as he too wanted to buy the “ikan guppy yang berwarna-warni” for his house. (I have read this type of remarks many times before and should like to point out that the actual job of investigation of the crime is left to the I/O (Investigating Officer) after you have made a Polis Report, the patrol car officers are not trained in Crime scene investigating - Robert)
There were no dusting of prints, or taking of photos or collecting evidence like we see on TV. They just asked us to go to the police station to make a report and that was that. After thinking about it, I guess that was all I could expect. After all, who was I? No one famous, not someone with a “name or a pangkat”. I am just another face in the sea of millions.
So, here I am back at work. My doors are being replaced along with security alarms. I wish this didn’t happen but it did and this is my hope for all of you, to go home and to take a look at your homes and at the doors. As you may notice (see photos attached), they didn’t touch the locks. Locks don’t deter them.
They went right for the gates/grills/doors. So make sure your gates/grills/doors are of quality and if you don’t already have an alarm system, perhaps this is the right time to get one. This is one investment that will not let you down. I dread to think of my bedroom door breaking and of my wonderful neighbors not coming to my aid. I doubt I would be here sending this email out but by the grace of God I am here.
So, you know the drill, pass this on.
2009年9月2日星期三
News in brief
2/9 The act of burning the Malaysian flag by protestors in Jakarta does not reflect relations between the two governments: PM Najib.
2/9 Composer Audi Mok wins the Lagu 1Malaysia Kita contest with his song Malaysia Satu, beating 10 other finalists.
2/9 Java hit by 7.4 quake, epicenter 138km southwest of Bandung; Malaysian Meteorological Dept says no tsunami threat to Malaysia.
2/9 Cabinet has decided to retain the Indian Studies Department in UM, suitable Indian to be chosen to head it: HR Minister Dr Subramaniam.
2/9 Composer Audi Mok wins the Lagu 1Malaysia Kita contest with his song Malaysia Satu, beating 10 other finalists.
2/9 Java hit by 7.4 quake, epicenter 138km southwest of Bandung; Malaysian Meteorological Dept says no tsunami threat to Malaysia.
2/9 Cabinet has decided to retain the Indian Studies Department in UM, suitable Indian to be chosen to head it: HR Minister Dr Subramaniam.
2009年9月1日星期二
Wee: EGM can resolve party crisis
1/9 MCA Youth Chief Wee Ka Siong says EGM is the only way to resolve party crisis; no need for two EGMs as subjects to be discussed are similar.
Blogger: There is a MCA faction saying that Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat should step down and paving the way for a new leadership. Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's membership should be reinstated. However, Dr Chua should give up his deputy president's position after the reinstatement.
Blogger: There is a MCA faction saying that Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat should step down and paving the way for a new leadership. Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's membership should be reinstated. However, Dr Chua should give up his deputy president's position after the reinstatement.
2009年8月29日星期六
A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary
A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary
Probably the only taxi driver in this world with a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific accomplishments, I have been forced out of my research job at the height of my scientific career, and unable to find another one, for reasons I can only describe as something "uniquely Singapore". As a result, I am driving taxi to make a living and writing these real life stories just to make the dull job a little more interesting. I hope that these stories are interesting to you too.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Preface
Preface
Since the takeover of leadership by some western “big shots” a few years ago, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) of ASTAR, Singapore, a place I have worked for 16 years as a PI (principal investigator), a place that was once flourishing, promising, and pleasant to work in, has been in a mess. Bestowed with the kind of power they had never seen before, these once reputable scientists turned everything in the institute upside down. The previous democratic and consensus-oriented management system that had worked well for more than a decade in the past was thrown out of window and replaced by one that was marked by domineering, manipulation, and incompetence. What they lacked in experience of management, adequate understanding of the institute, and proper respect for fellow scientists as their colleagues, they made up for in arrogance, prejudice, and naked muscle of political power. Some PIs were sent packing, and some were promoted, all up to the new leadership’s manipulative and twisted standards. Despite my considerable contribution to building up this place into what it is today, I was among the first few PIs to be told to go. My employment contract with IMCB was terminated by May, 2008, without any forms of compensation given.
I was hence forced into a deeply difficult position. Becoming jobless at my age is perhaps the worst nightmare that can happen to any ordinary man, not to mention the loss of life-long career. Ever since I was informed of their decision sometime in 2007, when the economy was still booming, I had been trying hard to find a job. I had submitted countless CV and application letters to various places in Singapore including universities, government agencies, and private companies. Most of them, however, never responded. A couple of replies I did receive never materialized into anything positive. Later, the outburst of financial crisis world wide helped extinguish my last hope of finding a job anytime soon. By November 2008, I finally made a decision to become a taxi driver.
At the time like this, the taxi business is probably the only business in Singapore that still actively recruits people. I signed up for a training course run by a government-linked transport company in November, with a course fee of nearly $280. On paper, the Express Taxi Driver’s Vocational License Course, or TDVL, is supposed to run six days a week, five hours a day. But in reality, the daily course never lasted longer than 3 hours. The whole purpose of the course was to help you pass the test and get the license. It was divided into five sections, Rules and regulations, Routes and landmarks, Names and locations of buildings, Defensive driving, and General paper, which included subjects such as highway codes, vehicle maintenance, healthy living, etc. The instructors were either veteran taxi drivers or representatives from government agencies such as Land Transport Authority (LTA).
My class started on 1st of December, 2008, which consisted of more than 30 people. There were three classes running at the same time and all were about this size. The course was very easy. Every day, the instructors told us what to highlight on the manual and asked us to memorize them because these were the materials that were going to be tested. As long as you did that, it was impossible to fail the test. Even if you fail, you still have one year to take an unrestricted number of retest. With such ease, no wonder there are nearly 100,000 people possessing taxi driver’s license today in Singapore, almost 3 for every 100 Singapore citizens, children and infants included.
By the end of February this year, I finally received my taxi driver’s license, and thus began my new taxi driver’s career. This blog records some of the events that I have experienced as a taxi driver. They are all actual events and are presented as truthfully as possible. Special precautions have been taken to avoid revealing any specific information which may help in any way the identification of the persons described in these events. The purpose of this blog is to provide readers with the first hand accounts of my experience of converting from a veteran scientist to a rookie taxi driver in today’s Singapore. The views and encounters described in this blog may be insignificant, isolated, or biased. Nevertheless, I am sure some readers will find this blog interesting and helpful in widening their general perspectives on Singapore.
Finally, I want to thank my family for their trust and support, and for always being at my side to endure with me the trauma, the distress and the anxiety caused by my job loss. I also want to thank all of my customers, especially the ones who have shown their grace, kindness, and understanding to me when I made mistakes during my work. They are the important factor to encourage me to carry on.
Posted by Mingjie Cai at 1:58 PM
87 comments:
sh said...
Hi Mingjie,
My name is Say Heng and I am a journalist with The New Paper.
I chanced upon your blog by chance and have been fascinated about your encounters as a cabby here.
I would like to meet up with you to find out more about your stories.
I am contactable at sayheng@sph.com.sg or 63194079, and am looking forward to hearing from you!
August 13, 2009 6:04 PM
audrey said...
With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!
besides which, another option is tuition. Im sure many parents will pay big bucks for someone with a phd from stanford to teach their children. Subjects like general science, biology and chemistry are popularly in demand, and im sure that you are more than qualified to teach!
The average full time private tutor can easily make anything from 2-4k a month, and the demand for tuition is almost inelastic ;) something for you to consider perhaps? =)
nonetheless having read your entire blog from the most recent entry to this one, i suspect that you've learnt more from your stint about life than you may have ever did in your office perhaps? Far be it for me to moralize but im very glad that you have chosen to share these experiences of yours =)
August 14, 2009 12:33 AM
Melissa said...
Hello! I found your blog very interesting! I would like to sit in your taxi and hear your stories from yourself one day. Is this OK? How can I make a booking if so? Thank you very much! =D
August 14, 2009 4:51 PM
jx said...
I do have a need for cabs now and then and i rather sit your cab rather that of other taxi drivers. do leave a number so i can call you if im in need of one.
btw, stanford is my dream school. i hope to be able to read there one day. (:
August 14, 2009 10:46 PM
testtube said...
Many of us are very curious to know the 'unique' reasons for which your other job applications were ignored/rejected. Could you enlighten us?
August 15, 2009 1:12 AM
filmografik said...
I enjoy following your blog. Perhaps one day I might end up in your cab too.
All the best, and may you and your family be blessed always.
August 15, 2009 12:03 PM
Joseph said...
Old man, take care.
never forget to look after your own body.
it can be the most valuable asset or the worst liability for anyone.
August 15, 2009 12:33 PM
Qwerty said...
I suppose your decision to become a cab driver is by and large an act of protest against your former employer.
But if you're really in need of a better job, or when you realize that nobody in ASTAR would give a shit about a former employee, go to http://www.stanfordalumni.org and register for an account. Then click on the "Career Services" link and follow through.
It's completely free of charge and comes with a lifelong Stanford Alumni e-mail address, which may come in handy when you e-mail people about job opportunities.
Don't write off the worth of your Stanford degree so quickly, membership has its privileges.
August 15, 2009 1:32 PM
Attemptressinme said...
Hello,
EDMW Supports you!
August 15, 2009 3:09 PM
|SiLeNcE| said...
Hi Dr Cai,
I am one of your fellow ex-imcbean too.. how I miss the good old days when IMCB is still at medical drive... Sad to see that it's no longer the same anymore(I am glad I left).. Well life still goes on..... I think you should continue to try your luck in the scientific field... Dont give up(unless you are tired of science)..
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
RupertGee said...
I just want to thank you for your heart warming blog.
Also you should consider hosting the blog yourself, so you can put up Google Adsense advertisements. Your blog can then be an additional source of income for you.
Cheers!
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
loren said...
sir, please hang in there. i have enjoyed your blog, and i see the hardships that you go through, through your words.
i sincerely hope you are now on the way to a better job, one that you're more familiar with. i pray that you don't waste your knowledge and talent, mainly because singapore has need of it.
August 15, 2009 4:44 PM
Albert said...
Sir, I enjoy reading your blog and I appreciate the frank and sincere manner which you log your life as a taxi driver.
I'm sure more Singaporeans can benefit more from your talents if you could consider a career in teaching, rather than to put aside your knowledge and drive a cab.
Look forward to more of your blog posts, and hopefully, you would consider going back to the world of academics, where your contributions will be huge.
August 15, 2009 6:20 PM
Jia Min said...
Dear Sir,
Don't give up! (: It's awesome how you're still living life to the fullest with ur postive attitude, even if it means working as sth a far cry from ur previous profession! Either way, JIAYOU! :D
And yeppp I think the other comments made by ur blog readers are rly rly good! (: Like TEACHING/TUITION is rly a viable option! You could teach the sciences so you could still use ur expertise from Stanford (whoa) and A*STAR to good use, since its what you are passionate about, anyway. (((:
All the best! I hope to be ur customer someday! (:
-jiamin! (from yishun HAHA)
August 15, 2009 9:17 PM
lee said...
Dear Dr Cai, hang in there. I hope you will find a job soon or do whatever makes you (and your family) happier. And thank you so much for keeping this blog - I read everything so far and it has been interesting, entertaining and enlightening. -lee
August 15, 2009 9:20 PM
Lyn said...
Hi I enjoyed reading your blog...
God Bless you and your family!
August 15, 2009 11:09 PM
Recruit Ong said...
Hi prof, i hope you don't grant any interview to The New Paper. It is a tabloid and will simply sensationalise and distort whatever story they may hope to get from you. If it is the Straits Times errr.... well.... they will still spin but maybe can see how, of course if it is foreign press than just go ahead!
August 16, 2009 12:12 AM
Yustynn said...
Dear sir
I just wanted to thank you for blogging. I've just finished reading all your posts, and they have opened my eyes to a lot of things I never thought about before. I am sure a lot of people chancing upon this blog feel the same. It is so unique that, even as a taxi driver, you are stepping above your peers (not to say that taxi-driving is anything but "noble") to write this blog. The insights and lessons I've learnt are profound. I hope you pull through with finding a new job - much as I have gained by reading your blog, it surely is not worth it for the hardships you have to endure. I guess I'm trying to say this - you are making an impact on people's lives, and though I am sure you know that, I feel the need to confirm it. Thank you very much.
August 16, 2009 1:17 AM
eng60340 said...
heh.
with the press coverage. you will get a new job soon.
August 16, 2009 1:32 AM
Rayning said...
Hi Dr Cai,
I am impressed by your blog and the down-to-earth, real life perspective you present. Not to mention I do feel angry about hearing that you were 'remove' from your post so to speak, in the Defense Science field. I am very appalled that public servants are rendered such treatments as well and how unprofessional this is in HR perspective.
I'm also in awe of your fighting spirit to perserve in such challenging circumstances. Jiayou!
August 16, 2009 2:08 AM
The Master said...
Hello Mr Taxi Driver,
I think this blog one of the very few that ive read from front to back at one go... The observations and insights into people, their behaviour, very interesting to actually know how a taxi driver thinks. How many taxi drivers will be able to communicate their thoughts so fluently and effectively? Plus i think your academic background helps you to see and understand things that other laymen might otherwise miss, very nice combination, scholarly taxi driver.
Your ability to speak Chinese well also plays a big part in extracting untold stories from people we otherwise would not talk to.
I think you are pretty cool, and when i get back to Singapore, i will be really lucky to spend a few minutes with you to gain some of your insight and wisdom on society and people.
I wish you all the best, and hope you actually read the comments posted on your blog, some seem really helpful.
Good luck and God bless
August 16, 2009 3:18 AM
ILMA said...
Dr. Cai,
Why don't you consider becoming a teacher at one of the schools in Singapore? Need not be one of the Universities, but surely you could be a teacher in the secondary schools or junior colleges?
August 16, 2009 4:43 AM
Clarisse Teagen said...
Hello there.
I love your blog.
I hardly ever get to read of anyone who would post something such as this. Write a book. Malaysian Cab drivers have done it. I've seen it.
It's not as good as your blog. . . .
Keep up the good work. I shall be linking you to my blog. and Do take care.
August 16, 2009 10:57 AM
Jean said...
Dr, I'm not thanking you. Not at all. You put at risk my life long theory about the evil conspiracy of taxi drivers. However, I'm willing to let it pass for this once.
August 16, 2009 3:29 PM
fraunsay said...
Having a doctorate does not mean a job must be given to you.
it depends on the economy. if its bad, who needs to hire will hire if not they wont hire any.
but i do feel sorry for you - like all without phd's and out of job, i hope you land a job similar to your doctorate job.
But some may say, you already got a job - as taxi driver thanks to the transport company's program that helps people like you.
some may even say, be content, you already have a job now. think about those who have none.
hey officially, at least, now you are not part of the unemployment statistic.
August 16, 2009 5:12 PM
Michael said...
Hi,
I had been reading this blog from it's newest entry to now.
Many suggestions from others, but I know few will have the courage when the time comes, like you do.
I agree with you is that moving from a nice office to a so-called lowly job can be tough, but the lessons society or those less fortunate around you, teaches you much much more.
I, unlike you, chose to throw away everything I had built up, work in a foreign land, and till day, I am NOT disappointed at the lessons I had learned.
Have faith, old man! Regardless of age, it's the spirit that matters.
Salute, from a fellow friend...
August 16, 2009 6:19 PM
David Balasundaram said...
Dear Mingjie,
You recall we were former colleagues at IMCB, fellow yeast researchers and neighbors at harborview towers. Sorry to hear of your plight and the situation there. In a way, I am glad that left when I did. I have reinvented myself too and don't regret it now. Scientists have that amazing talent to metamorph into something new. What you did is daring. I am sure other productive ideas will flow. I admire Singapore a lot. However,Its a shame that SIngapore cannot make better use of its human resources.
All the best and good luck
David Balasundaram
August 16, 2009 7:44 PM
Michele said...
Hello,
Interesting stories you have on your blog. My name is Michele and I am a contributor to www.commonpeople.sg. Would you be interested in a video interview? You can email me at micadz@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. Take care!
August 17, 2009 1:12 AM
Temasek said...
Hi Mingjie,
The Temasek Review is looking for freelance writers.
We pay an attractive rate of between $20 and $40 per article.
Please email us at temasekreview@gmail.com if you are interested in our offer.
August 17, 2009 8:25 AM
News Update said...
Hey!
Are you still interested in Research jobs?
You should try European/US Universities.
They are looking for researchers and can provide funding....
Don't give up and continue to pursue your dreams...
If you find taxi driver job is not satisfying...
August 17, 2009 3:45 PM
snake86 said...
Sir,
this is one of the few blogs around that really struck me. i do wish and hope you will get a job befitting of what you have archived. If there is a chance you do west side booking do leave a number, i am sure your ride would be alot more interesting then other ones.
August 17, 2009 8:32 PM
xantho_cn said...
向来自中国的同胞致敬
相信你在这段人生的低潮中，会有超乎想象的收获
他日东山再起，必将一鸣惊人
——只是希望你不必再浅水中游弋太久。失去一飞冲天的能力就可惜了。
p.s. 非常喜欢你引用和翻译的那首古诗。更难得的是这份心境。
August 17, 2009 11:59 PM
swissfin said...
Congratulation to doing what needed to be done! I've had to lower my standard of living at one time. It is hard at first but then becomes a challenge to be mastered.
I've talked to one particular taxi driver who seemed puzzled at his colleagues' lamenting. When asked why he has a different approach to the crisis he mentioned that to him there was almost no decline in passenger numbers. Obviously he knows the people's travelling pattern and honks once in a while to alert a potential client.
All the best!
Dominik
August 18, 2009 3:49 AM
野茶客 said...
I fully understand what you have gone through as I have been through the almost identical situation in one of A*STAR's sister RIs. From your blog, felt like I have known you for ages and with your positive attitude adapting to changes, I am sure a better tomorrow will not be far from you. Hang in there and good luck.
August 18, 2009 4:20 AM
yeyyangguo said...
Hi Ming Jie,
Can we meet up? I'm Eng Yew, advisor to Scholars' Village (www.scholarsvillage.com) - a talent development centre. We can work something out together for your career. Please drop me an email at enquiries@scholarsvillage.com
Thank you.
August 18, 2009 10:50 AM
Brian said...
Dr. Cai,
Thank you for posting these interesting tidbits from your new life. I'm happy to see that it provides you moments of pleasure despite the obvious difficulty of your job.
I hope that some day soon you might reveal a little about what transpired in IMCB, and why you think it's no longer the scientific establishment it used to be. It's a little worrying hearing such things because I'm considering a career in the life sciences myself :p
August 18, 2009 12:30 PM
Xinmin said...
I read your article with tears. At the beginning, I was very sad, but at the end, I was so proud of you. I admire your courage and spirit. With these, nothing can beat you. As your former colleague, another PI in IMCB, we share a similar fate. I graduated from University of Chicago, working in IMCB for 19 years, publishing >50 papers (including 7 in 2008), trained many PhD, university, and polytechnic students. All the years of hard work and teaching don’t seem to count for anything. My lab will be closed down soon. You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service. More importantly, we have made our contributions to put Singapore on the world’s scientific map! Isn't it ironic that when the government is putting in considerable efforts to develop life science in Singapore, we lost or will lose our jobs? I may not have the qualification to become a taxi driver, but I will do my best in my life after IMCB, whatever that will be and to be like you. Even as a taxi driver, you live in a brilliant and wonderful way. I wish you all the best!
August 18, 2009 1:00 PM
singaporecabbies said...
audrey said...
With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!
Easier said than done. MOE is looking for someone younger. I am a graduate with 20 years of management experience, I submitted my application to MOE during their last round of recruitment to apply for post of management executive, and was rejected within the first week with a rejection email. I guessed their filtered out applicants by age. After all, there are many younger PR waiting ...
August 18, 2009 2:32 PM
旧人 said...
Dr. Xinmin wrote: "You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service...". Aha! But 19 years ago, you were a Foreign Talent! Now, you are a local. Doesn't that make a difference? Perhaps, you are not familiar with this very wise AESOP FABLE narrated at the 3:27 minutes of this video:
但见新人笑，哪闻旧人哭！
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ukpIEP1nM
你是旧人。哈哈哈！
August 18, 2009 5:35 PM
Xinmin said...
No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world.
August 18, 2009 9:54 PM
Alison Tuition said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Thank you for sharing your interesting stories with the public. I read many of the entries with eyes brimming with tears, touched by your courage and principles. The antics of passengers you exposed here reminded me of the importance of being gracious.
While parents would like a tutor who is familiar with latest MOE syllabus and exams style, if you are keen on tutoring, I'll be glad to assist on pro bono basis, in return for the enriching read.
Perhaps you can apply to be a lecturer in the polys or ITEs where your rich academic profile stands out. MOE, as singaporecabbies pointed out, seems to prefer younger graduates.
Anyway, you appear to be enjoying your new working environment. As the saying goes, it's a blessing to be enjoying your work. With the stories accumulated, your next publication would probably be a book instead of a journal article.
Cheers!
August 18, 2009 10:58 PM
Recruit Ong said...
"Xinmin said...
No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world."
You got conned, but u don't know it yet. I suppose u saw Spore's superficial and material "success", but don't know Spore's history well enough. In time u will realise your respect for him is misplaced... becos i think any decent human being has such a thing as moral compass in him/her to to tell right from wrong.
August 18, 2009 11:36 PM
ML said...
Dear Mingjie,
Guess one has to be an old guard to truly understand how you feel!
Reading your blog and Xinmin’s comment brought us back to the old days that we all worked hard together to bring Singapore to the forefront of the scientific and research domain within 10 short years. Your contribution as one of the leading pioneer can never be sidestepped and swept under the carpet. But alas, that’s history! Hardwork, dedication and commitment Count For Nothing!
Like David, he reinvented himself at the right time. Whether you are running a lab or driving a taxi, what matters most is you are happy, at peace with yourself and put bacon on the table. Sincerely I wish you all the best.
Best regards, Mui Luan
August 19, 2009 12:48 AM
joyinthelord said...
Dear Prof Cai
I was taught by you when I did my honours year in Biochem in NUS in 2002. I have not kept up with the research field since graduating and did not know about the changes in IMCB..
I really admire your courage and determination to move on and do the best that you can in the situation you are in. It would have been so much easier to give up and sink down into depression but YOU DID NOT and you are taking things so positively.
I am currently working for an independent school and may be able to ask if there are any teaching or research positions available. Would you be interested? Please email me at firstcor1614@yahoo.com if you are.
Thank you!
Wang Hui Ming
Class of 2002-2003, NUS Biochem
August 19, 2009 12:55 AM
Big Big Return said...
I admire your resilient spirit and mental strength! Actually I am sure lots of schools will be able to take you in in Singapore. Universities, JCs and Polys should be happy to take you in as a teaching staff with a difference - one who is able to teach resilience and strength to his pupils and students. Take care and all the best.
August 19, 2009 8:34 AM
split personality said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 19, 2009 2:41 PM
split personality said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
I read your entire blog from the most recent post. I greatly admire your resilient attitude and perseverance.
The stories and encounters are indeed heartwarming. They made me reflect upon life and my past attitude towards taxi drivers. Although I don't consider myself an obnoxious person, I might have overlooked some of my little actions and words that have inadvertently caused distress to them. Without reading your blog, I may never have made this realisation.
Your blog is indeed a great source of education on life's lessons and experiences. You have connected to a lot of people, me included. Keep your blog going, and more importantly, your ever-positive attitude! :)
Warmest regards,
Ron
August 19, 2009 2:44 PM
stephen said...
Good luck, man!
August 19, 2009 2:52 PM
traveler of Sg said...
I somehow agreed with entry by David Balasundaram about Singapore cannot make better use of the HR. Being a homegrown Singaporean, I think my country is still not up to the standard in aspect of many things. Sigh
August 19, 2009 3:57 PM
zhang said...
Dear Dr Cai,
I am truly touched by your stories. As a native Chinese, I am proud of your courages and flexibility. I do agree withmany people that it is a waste that you drive a taxi for living, given your quaification. However, I should comment that all jobs have their honours and enjoyment. Hope you have enjoyed yours. Good luck.
August 19, 2009 4:39 PM
shawn said...
Dear Dr Cai,
very nice blog.
it's very heartwarming to learn that you are doing your best to support your family.
yes, all must plan for the worst, in the future,
i have got myself a class5 lorry license last year as a backup plan, just in case my job in IMCB is no longer needed.
yes, its so sad to see all old colleagues left imcb, Dr Fu JL, BenLi, AGP, PeterLobie, Mrs Tay... to name a few.
all the best to you!
take care
August 19, 2009 5:39 PM
Xylec said...
Dr. Cai
I admire your courage and resilience. You came to Singapore and became a citizen, However, the country decided that an expat should run the place "better". Hence, many of you have to leave. Rather than mope and become depressed, you resolve to become a taxi driver. We salute your determination. There are many institutions where highly experienced PhDs have to leave: NUS, NTU, your institution. Seems like when they want you, they hire you...when they do not want you, you are left in the streets...at an age, where it is difficult to get employment. I hope the Ministers and director generals in Singapore are more sympathetic. After the restructuring, the chief will leave...we see this in other institutions. We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore. We salute you and your resoluteness in surviving. I am sure there will be many venues where they will more gainfully employ you.
August 19, 2009 7:37 PM
tho662003 said...
Sinagapore prides itself to be meritocratic society. Winners get to climb higher, losers have to join the rest as rejects and downgrade. Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat, you are probably near or at the end of useful life and have to make way for the young.
August 19, 2009 9:04 PM
KK said...
Hi, please have your talent in appropriate use. Reach us at skdx@yahoo.com
August 19, 2009 9:24 PM
Niki said...
I have never read any blog before this. After reading about you in the newspaper, I decided to look up your blog. I find your blog very interesting. One can see from your blog you have a flair for writing. You may want to consider putting your thoughts into a book. I am sure such a book will sell well.
I admire your courage to become a taxis driver. Not many people in your position will consider becoming a taxis driver. I am sure this blip in your career is just a transient period in your life. You will eventually find a better job. Recently I read that China is aggressively recruiting foreign trained PhDs. You may want to consider exploring job opportunity in this direction. Your stint as a taxi driver will definitely become one of your most memorable episodes in your life when you pursue other career options.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
Kian said...
I would like to encourage you to seek your passion in writing, even as a cab-driver. Historically, there are many instances of qualified people known for authorship than being doctors, engineers or scientists. I am also a "retired" PhD from a Singapore university and also seeking alternative careers - I should feel worse being a born citizen and displaced by "foreign talent". Maybe there will be many more like us. Our situation is an example of an impressive plan to fill Singapore with knowledge workers (such as 1000 PhDs) and since not all can become the "cream", fall thru the cracks as highly qualified unemployed. It seems such a criminal waste. But we can and will succeed in anything we try because the PhD trains one to overcome any intellectual challenges. Nobody owes us a living - even if we were attracted to this corner of the world and promised things that go sour.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
C H SIA said...
Hi Mingjie,
I agreed with Mui Luan that your blog actually brought back many good memories in IMCB. But that was in the past. IMCB has undergone many waves of Tsunami ever since the new management came on board, with singaporeans being terminated and replaced by foreigners who perform the same job duties at many times the salary. Changes have affected many greatly especially pioneers who have been with IMCB from the start to make it a world known research institute.
Think of it this way that you have groomed many Masters and PhD students which are doing well elsewhere. They have grown up and take a good time to enjoy life after working hard for so long.
Stay healthy no matter what (PS: same to Xinmin and Jianlin)
Chuan Han
August 19, 2009 9:58 PM
raymondw said...
Hi Dr Cai. Sorry to hear of your plight. You will survive this. When I left singapore for o'seas many years ago I had to go thru diffcult times as well starting right at the lowest again as a dr. I am now successful. Fortunes change and so will yours. Don't give up. I almost went to be a labourer just to see how is it?
August 19, 2009 10:04 PM
Ying Rui said...
In life, there are times when we are faced with challenges but we will, always survive it and morphed into a more resilient person. I was from the Life Science industry for 4 years and I knew exactly what transpired and to preserve my sanity, I have since left that industry and reinvent myself. I hope you will continue to believe ... when one door closes, the Lord will somehow leave an opening ... :) I am a true example of a survivor.
Take Care and God bless.
Rui
August 19, 2009 11:16 PM
searched for his goddess said...
Welcome to Singapore. thats all we can say. sighhh but you have courage, and I admire that.! good luck !
August 20, 2009 1:22 AM
头毛 said...
tho662003 wrote:
"Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat..."
That's NOT meritocracy! Meritocracy means employing people based on merits, not age! That is, a 50+ year old man should be as employable as a 20+ year old man, all things equal. What Dr. Cai is facing is really UNIQUELY SINGAPORE, and something that all of us will be facing one day - age discrimination due to 头毛白苍苍 (teochew song) (among many others discrimination e.g. suppression of wage due to influx of cheap labour and lack of minimum wage system etc).
August 20, 2009 2:29 AM
Lemi4 aka. fERDI:) said...
Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta is expanding rapidly I heard... You could also try other unis at Kuala Lumpur, etc.
Good luck Sir, God Bless, and thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.
August 20, 2009 3:05 AM
wtdba said...
Life is a process of experience. The value of the life is to share the experience. It will be great if we can put rest of things aside and enjoy life in it own way. It is easy to say but hard to do. Good luck and enjoy the life.
August 20, 2009 3:19 AM
Fabian said...
Dear Prof,
I hold you in high esteem for what you are and what you truly believe in, do not give up! Maybe you could look for other Universities to continue your research as your research truly benefit mankind. All scientists are contributing to the common good of mankind and in their own ways to the scientific fraternity.
Good luck and take care. Stay healthy as ultimately health is more important than work,don't overwork yourself as we always does in pursuit of perfection. The same wishes goes to Dr Cao and Madam Mui Luan. Take care always.
FL
August 20, 2009 9:35 AM
IPS said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Your blog is very popular in every institute of Biopolis these days. I find you are more charming in your blog than in the cell-cycle-regulation lectures you had given me in IMCB. Pen is a more powerful tool than research instruments which will make more Singapore residents to recognize your intelligence. Your blog strikes my heart and I admire you. You are really cool professor!!!!
from Genome Institute of Singapore, Biopolis
August 20, 2009 10:44 AM
unfair said...
可惜了！当蔡博士的博文最近被本地传媒竞相热烈报道的时候，ＩＭＣＢ的６个头头中的５个洋老人现在都还在国外游山玩水过度假日子呢（这次是不是又巧立名目拉好友坐商务舱乱花本地纳税人的钱就请ＡＳｔａｒ好好查一下吧？）！洋大人们应该是根本就没有看到这个最早还是从美加同行转给新加坡学术界的热门博客吧。。。或者是看过了笑一笑根本没有放在心上？
也请ＡＳｔａｒ彻底查一下这几个都比蔡博士年纪还大的退休洋老人自从来了ＩＭＣＢ以后都出了几篇好文章？！干了几件好事情？！他们把能够挑大梁干活搞研究出文章的建所老臣们陆陆续续都赶走之后，都把巨额经费花费到哪里去了？住豪宅的房贴？开名车的车贴？几倍于本地人的高薪？乱买仪器霸着不让别人共享？巧立名目付费请亲朋好友来本地逍遥度假带讲一课？
也难怪大家都怀念ＩＭＣＢ的旧日好时光，之前是三四个华人管理五六百号人，还同心同德创出了许多科研好文章；现在是六个洋人加一个华人管理四百多人，可是却人心涣散：经费只多不少，文章数目剧减！
不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？
眼看ＩＭＣＢ一世英名毁于一旦！博导们前程迷茫，博士们前途堪忧！
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
外人行动党 said...
Sigh! Election coming soon. This news of a PhD holder working as a taxidriver is very bad timing! 早不来，迟不来，偏偏这时候来！Need to refine my election speech and get the 154th-ranked media to twist the situation around!
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
YiJia said...
蔡博士你好！你的故事让我很动容。大丈夫能屈能伸，小弟我佩服得五体投地。希望好运接着就会伴随你。
衷心祝福你与你家人。
August 20, 2009 2:51 PM
KNNBCCB said...
楼上的"unfair"仁兄，
您"不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？"。
您这么一问，就显得没“学问”了。因为已迟了46年。如您在46年前就提出这个问题，就恰恰好了。因为，早在1963年，新加坡的真正的开国元老（不是李光耀）已说了：
"Sir, when the prime minister talks about defending our country, we find it hollow. This government has betrayed all the vital interest of the people to the British".
为了这番话，他没被提控，没被定罪，就这样坐了32年牢狱。不过，你还好啦，虽不免嫌后知后觉了些，但总算提出这问题来。你楼上还有一个叫xinmin的，至今还执迷不悟呢。或许他连谁是推翻殖民地政府的"Giant", 谁是挟洋自重的"political dwarves"，谁是真正的开国元老(闽东福安话版本哟！)，这段新加坡历史都不知道呢。呵呵。
或许这些新来的前中国人必须等多一代人，待他们孩子长大了，才由你们孩子来醒悟吧。我们这些祖辈就来了的老移民也是如此。呵呵！
August 20, 2009 3:06 PM
FirmwareMBA said...
Norway Life Science University
www.umb.no
August 20, 2009 6:39 PM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 12:23 AM
Taikonaut said...
Why don't you leave Singapore? Singapore is too small for you.
August 21, 2009 1:46 AM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 1:58 AM
breakout said...
Dr. Cai,
your blog is truely a wake up call for all PhD students like me. i used believed that academia is the last clean place on earth where fairness actually means something. how ignorant i find i was!
dirty polics trashed every dream from my childhood. what's happening to mankind is beyond my undertanding now. what is wrong with an institute consists of only ppl passionate abt science instead of twisted politicians? why can't we all be judged by how well we do science instead of manipulating others and sucking up to ur superior?
what happened to the faith of mankind where we believe that scientific advances are the actual pushing force for human evolution? are we all over this now?
or perhaps we are just a bunch of knuckleheads in denial of reality?
if we get a 2nd chance, stay the hell away from this tainted stinky place!
August 21, 2009 12:17 PM
bo said...
"We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore."
I just got my phd from a local univ and working as a researcher. After knowing your story and reading all the comments, I have made up my mind not to staying SG any longer if I got an oversea offer. I was reminded that SG is not as rosy as it looks like.
August 21, 2009 1:47 PM
onny said...
I read your blog from the newest to this page.. keep your spirit, hope we can learn something from anything. I salute for you as a good dad. that afraid to move to a whole new situation for ur family, child and wife. Just keep your heart&strength and still be a good dad for family ^^ 加油
August 21, 2009 4:27 PM
linda said...
It is really sad and depressing to learn what a mid-aged scientist have to go through in nowadays. I really admire the courage you have. Best wishes!
August 22, 2009 7:50 AM
猴年马月 said...
您就是又一个刘国栋啊。
典型的新加坡式“卸磨杀驴”。
August 24, 2009 10:40 AM
ryan said...
Jus read your blog from start-present. A really interesting read I must say, hope u continue to update us with the different happenings in your life. And I wish you all the best in whatever it is you may do.
August 24, 2009 12:35 PM
Joan said...
Hi Prof Chai,
It has been an inspirational story to read from the beginning to the end. Can not wait to see more...
I truly admire your survival, your dedication to your family
All the best of luck, I am confident that you will make your way up for you & your family
Greetings from Melb
:) (will watch out if there are opportunity for you here)
August 24, 2009 3:10 PM
Double Beans said...
Dear Dr.Cai
我把您的Preface转载到了一个SNS网站希望我的朋友阅读。已经标明转载来源与版权所属，并做好了与这里的链接。如果您觉得有何不妥请与我联系：wellsleeplz(at)gmail.com
SNS网站因为无法非实名访问所以如果您需要我可以截图给您。
感谢您为我及我的朋友带来的信心和勇气。
祝一切顺利，继续更新。
August 25, 2009 1:55 AM
Tataz said...
Dear Dr Cai, your story strikes similarities on my encounters, a friend who worked for government linked research on marine industry get laid off, and my father-in-law a taxi driver who was an engineer. It is perplexing to me why people of good qualifications turn to a lowly paid job and give up on finding monetary rewarding job. It is also equally perplexing that I have seen people with no qualifications making big bucks. Both groups of people become famous anyhow. For me, I am still struggling to be contented and guard my mind from not doing any silly things to lead to an extreme averse situation like yours. My last straw of course as I told my other colleagues in times of stress is I just become a monk and give up everything. But, of course, easier said than done. I enjoy reading your blog. And I think what you have done is unique and do create a lot of awareness to things/values that we all may forget at times. Doing the right things are not always profitable, and having the courage to do it, takes a lot of courage. I wish you be happy and resolve issues as fast as possible so that one day you will be free the burdens that you are carrying now. And thanks for sharing and taking the efforts to blog!
August 25, 2009 12:00 PM
owenvanc said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Your blog is the most interesting one that I've found and read so far. It's inspirational to see your perseverance to keep on moving.
I, Myself used to live and work in Singapore, but after a while I decided to move to another country for a better job offer. I personally think that Singapore as a country and as a nation can never value a good qualification such as yours.
Anyway a man have to provide for his family, so hang in there.
For me, if I have a Stanford's Phd. I would already be moving to Canada or the U.S.
What's so special about living in Singapore anyway.
August 25, 2009 5:52 PM
Jordan said...
I chanced upon your blog this morning and have just finished reading all the posts. There are much insights and inspirations to be found in your blog posts.
I think you are still working as a scientist though - as a social scientist. Thanks for sharing interesting accounts of your experience dealing with all walks of lives in the society. This blog could well become an invaluable social documentary.
Lastly, just like to say you have my respect and admiration for your courage and resilience, and to share something you probably already know:
"天将降大任于斯人，必先劳其筋骨，苦其心志，饿其体肤，....."
All the best!
August 26, 2009 10:38 AM
Jacky said...
Wa Lao eh SIR!!! Ur english so powerful go be teacher la. I am sure MOE needs talants like you!. Or else u can be part time property agent too! now the market very hot u may consider being a real estate consultant and earn some extra income. wadever it is life still has to go on la so dun feel so sad and negative k. stay positive and someday who knows things might get better. god bless you =)
August 27, 2009 1:26 AM
Bai Hu said...
Hi Dr. Cai, i m currently taking my PhD in NUS. After reading your blog, i m beginning to get cold feet already. I don't want to end up like you.
Anyway, i wish you all the best & hope that you will get your dream job soon.
August 27, 2009 8:06 PM
oryx said...
Oryx said,
Hi Dr Cai,
I dont normally read blog, but I find yours very interesting. Like me share with all others who have posted comments. We have to realise one thing that even though we are highly qualified, we will not have INCOME SECURITY. Meaning to say, a surgent depend on his hand to operate, but if he loose his arm, he lost his income. For as long as the job depends on you....you will not have INCOME SECURITY. Sometimes through no fault of yours, you loose your income as in the case of Dr Cai. So now, how to make sure you have INCOME SECURITY. Dr Cai and anyone interested to know how, can write to annalth33@yahoo.com All the best to you DR Cai.
August 29, 2009 12:42 PM
Probably the only taxi driver in this world with a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific accomplishments, I have been forced out of my research job at the height of my scientific career, and unable to find another one, for reasons I can only describe as something "uniquely Singapore". As a result, I am driving taxi to make a living and writing these real life stories just to make the dull job a little more interesting. I hope that these stories are interesting to you too.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Preface
Preface
Since the takeover of leadership by some western “big shots” a few years ago, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) of ASTAR, Singapore, a place I have worked for 16 years as a PI (principal investigator), a place that was once flourishing, promising, and pleasant to work in, has been in a mess. Bestowed with the kind of power they had never seen before, these once reputable scientists turned everything in the institute upside down. The previous democratic and consensus-oriented management system that had worked well for more than a decade in the past was thrown out of window and replaced by one that was marked by domineering, manipulation, and incompetence. What they lacked in experience of management, adequate understanding of the institute, and proper respect for fellow scientists as their colleagues, they made up for in arrogance, prejudice, and naked muscle of political power. Some PIs were sent packing, and some were promoted, all up to the new leadership’s manipulative and twisted standards. Despite my considerable contribution to building up this place into what it is today, I was among the first few PIs to be told to go. My employment contract with IMCB was terminated by May, 2008, without any forms of compensation given.
I was hence forced into a deeply difficult position. Becoming jobless at my age is perhaps the worst nightmare that can happen to any ordinary man, not to mention the loss of life-long career. Ever since I was informed of their decision sometime in 2007, when the economy was still booming, I had been trying hard to find a job. I had submitted countless CV and application letters to various places in Singapore including universities, government agencies, and private companies. Most of them, however, never responded. A couple of replies I did receive never materialized into anything positive. Later, the outburst of financial crisis world wide helped extinguish my last hope of finding a job anytime soon. By November 2008, I finally made a decision to become a taxi driver.
At the time like this, the taxi business is probably the only business in Singapore that still actively recruits people. I signed up for a training course run by a government-linked transport company in November, with a course fee of nearly $280. On paper, the Express Taxi Driver’s Vocational License Course, or TDVL, is supposed to run six days a week, five hours a day. But in reality, the daily course never lasted longer than 3 hours. The whole purpose of the course was to help you pass the test and get the license. It was divided into five sections, Rules and regulations, Routes and landmarks, Names and locations of buildings, Defensive driving, and General paper, which included subjects such as highway codes, vehicle maintenance, healthy living, etc. The instructors were either veteran taxi drivers or representatives from government agencies such as Land Transport Authority (LTA).
My class started on 1st of December, 2008, which consisted of more than 30 people. There were three classes running at the same time and all were about this size. The course was very easy. Every day, the instructors told us what to highlight on the manual and asked us to memorize them because these were the materials that were going to be tested. As long as you did that, it was impossible to fail the test. Even if you fail, you still have one year to take an unrestricted number of retest. With such ease, no wonder there are nearly 100,000 people possessing taxi driver’s license today in Singapore, almost 3 for every 100 Singapore citizens, children and infants included.
By the end of February this year, I finally received my taxi driver’s license, and thus began my new taxi driver’s career. This blog records some of the events that I have experienced as a taxi driver. They are all actual events and are presented as truthfully as possible. Special precautions have been taken to avoid revealing any specific information which may help in any way the identification of the persons described in these events. The purpose of this blog is to provide readers with the first hand accounts of my experience of converting from a veteran scientist to a rookie taxi driver in today’s Singapore. The views and encounters described in this blog may be insignificant, isolated, or biased. Nevertheless, I am sure some readers will find this blog interesting and helpful in widening their general perspectives on Singapore.
Finally, I want to thank my family for their trust and support, and for always being at my side to endure with me the trauma, the distress and the anxiety caused by my job loss. I also want to thank all of my customers, especially the ones who have shown their grace, kindness, and understanding to me when I made mistakes during my work. They are the important factor to encourage me to carry on.
Posted by Mingjie Cai at 1:58 PM
87 comments:
sh said...
Hi Mingjie,
My name is Say Heng and I am a journalist with The New Paper.
I chanced upon your blog by chance and have been fascinated about your encounters as a cabby here.
I would like to meet up with you to find out more about your stories.
I am contactable at sayheng@sph.com.sg or 63194079, and am looking forward to hearing from you!
August 13, 2009 6:04 PM
audrey said...
With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!
besides which, another option is tuition. Im sure many parents will pay big bucks for someone with a phd from stanford to teach their children. Subjects like general science, biology and chemistry are popularly in demand, and im sure that you are more than qualified to teach!
The average full time private tutor can easily make anything from 2-4k a month, and the demand for tuition is almost inelastic ;) something for you to consider perhaps? =)
nonetheless having read your entire blog from the most recent entry to this one, i suspect that you've learnt more from your stint about life than you may have ever did in your office perhaps? Far be it for me to moralize but im very glad that you have chosen to share these experiences of yours =)
August 14, 2009 12:33 AM
Melissa said...
Hello! I found your blog very interesting! I would like to sit in your taxi and hear your stories from yourself one day. Is this OK? How can I make a booking if so? Thank you very much! =D
August 14, 2009 4:51 PM
jx said...
I do have a need for cabs now and then and i rather sit your cab rather that of other taxi drivers. do leave a number so i can call you if im in need of one.
btw, stanford is my dream school. i hope to be able to read there one day. (:
August 14, 2009 10:46 PM
testtube said...
Many of us are very curious to know the 'unique' reasons for which your other job applications were ignored/rejected. Could you enlighten us?
August 15, 2009 1:12 AM
filmografik said...
I enjoy following your blog. Perhaps one day I might end up in your cab too.
All the best, and may you and your family be blessed always.
August 15, 2009 12:03 PM
Joseph said...
Old man, take care.
never forget to look after your own body.
it can be the most valuable asset or the worst liability for anyone.
August 15, 2009 12:33 PM
Qwerty said...
I suppose your decision to become a cab driver is by and large an act of protest against your former employer.
But if you're really in need of a better job, or when you realize that nobody in ASTAR would give a shit about a former employee, go to http://www.stanfordalumni.org and register for an account. Then click on the "Career Services" link and follow through.
It's completely free of charge and comes with a lifelong Stanford Alumni e-mail address, which may come in handy when you e-mail people about job opportunities.
Don't write off the worth of your Stanford degree so quickly, membership has its privileges.
August 15, 2009 1:32 PM
Attemptressinme said...
Hello,
EDMW Supports you!
August 15, 2009 3:09 PM
|SiLeNcE| said...
Hi Dr Cai,
I am one of your fellow ex-imcbean too.. how I miss the good old days when IMCB is still at medical drive... Sad to see that it's no longer the same anymore(I am glad I left).. Well life still goes on..... I think you should continue to try your luck in the scientific field... Dont give up(unless you are tired of science)..
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
RupertGee said...
I just want to thank you for your heart warming blog.
Also you should consider hosting the blog yourself, so you can put up Google Adsense advertisements. Your blog can then be an additional source of income for you.
Cheers!
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
loren said...
sir, please hang in there. i have enjoyed your blog, and i see the hardships that you go through, through your words.
i sincerely hope you are now on the way to a better job, one that you're more familiar with. i pray that you don't waste your knowledge and talent, mainly because singapore has need of it.
August 15, 2009 4:44 PM
Albert said...
Sir, I enjoy reading your blog and I appreciate the frank and sincere manner which you log your life as a taxi driver.
I'm sure more Singaporeans can benefit more from your talents if you could consider a career in teaching, rather than to put aside your knowledge and drive a cab.
Look forward to more of your blog posts, and hopefully, you would consider going back to the world of academics, where your contributions will be huge.
August 15, 2009 6:20 PM
Jia Min said...
Dear Sir,
Don't give up! (: It's awesome how you're still living life to the fullest with ur postive attitude, even if it means working as sth a far cry from ur previous profession! Either way, JIAYOU! :D
And yeppp I think the other comments made by ur blog readers are rly rly good! (: Like TEACHING/TUITION is rly a viable option! You could teach the sciences so you could still use ur expertise from Stanford (whoa) and A*STAR to good use, since its what you are passionate about, anyway. (((:
All the best! I hope to be ur customer someday! (:
-jiamin! (from yishun HAHA)
August 15, 2009 9:17 PM
lee said...
Dear Dr Cai, hang in there. I hope you will find a job soon or do whatever makes you (and your family) happier. And thank you so much for keeping this blog - I read everything so far and it has been interesting, entertaining and enlightening. -lee
August 15, 2009 9:20 PM
Lyn said...
Hi I enjoyed reading your blog...
God Bless you and your family!
August 15, 2009 11:09 PM
Recruit Ong said...
Hi prof, i hope you don't grant any interview to The New Paper. It is a tabloid and will simply sensationalise and distort whatever story they may hope to get from you. If it is the Straits Times errr.... well.... they will still spin but maybe can see how, of course if it is foreign press than just go ahead!
August 16, 2009 12:12 AM
Yustynn said...
Dear sir
I just wanted to thank you for blogging. I've just finished reading all your posts, and they have opened my eyes to a lot of things I never thought about before. I am sure a lot of people chancing upon this blog feel the same. It is so unique that, even as a taxi driver, you are stepping above your peers (not to say that taxi-driving is anything but "noble") to write this blog. The insights and lessons I've learnt are profound. I hope you pull through with finding a new job - much as I have gained by reading your blog, it surely is not worth it for the hardships you have to endure. I guess I'm trying to say this - you are making an impact on people's lives, and though I am sure you know that, I feel the need to confirm it. Thank you very much.
August 16, 2009 1:17 AM
eng60340 said...
heh.
with the press coverage. you will get a new job soon.
August 16, 2009 1:32 AM
Rayning said...
Hi Dr Cai,
I am impressed by your blog and the down-to-earth, real life perspective you present. Not to mention I do feel angry about hearing that you were 'remove' from your post so to speak, in the Defense Science field. I am very appalled that public servants are rendered such treatments as well and how unprofessional this is in HR perspective.
I'm also in awe of your fighting spirit to perserve in such challenging circumstances. Jiayou!
August 16, 2009 2:08 AM
The Master said...
Hello Mr Taxi Driver,
I think this blog one of the very few that ive read from front to back at one go... The observations and insights into people, their behaviour, very interesting to actually know how a taxi driver thinks. How many taxi drivers will be able to communicate their thoughts so fluently and effectively? Plus i think your academic background helps you to see and understand things that other laymen might otherwise miss, very nice combination, scholarly taxi driver.
Your ability to speak Chinese well also plays a big part in extracting untold stories from people we otherwise would not talk to.
I think you are pretty cool, and when i get back to Singapore, i will be really lucky to spend a few minutes with you to gain some of your insight and wisdom on society and people.
I wish you all the best, and hope you actually read the comments posted on your blog, some seem really helpful.
Good luck and God bless
August 16, 2009 3:18 AM
ILMA said...
Dr. Cai,
Why don't you consider becoming a teacher at one of the schools in Singapore? Need not be one of the Universities, but surely you could be a teacher in the secondary schools or junior colleges?
August 16, 2009 4:43 AM
Clarisse Teagen said...
Hello there.
I love your blog.
I hardly ever get to read of anyone who would post something such as this. Write a book. Malaysian Cab drivers have done it. I've seen it.
It's not as good as your blog. . . .
Keep up the good work. I shall be linking you to my blog. and Do take care.
August 16, 2009 10:57 AM
Jean said...
Dr, I'm not thanking you. Not at all. You put at risk my life long theory about the evil conspiracy of taxi drivers. However, I'm willing to let it pass for this once.
August 16, 2009 3:29 PM
fraunsay said...
Having a doctorate does not mean a job must be given to you.
it depends on the economy. if its bad, who needs to hire will hire if not they wont hire any.
but i do feel sorry for you - like all without phd's and out of job, i hope you land a job similar to your doctorate job.
But some may say, you already got a job - as taxi driver thanks to the transport company's program that helps people like you.
some may even say, be content, you already have a job now. think about those who have none.
hey officially, at least, now you are not part of the unemployment statistic.
August 16, 2009 5:12 PM
Michael said...
Hi,
I had been reading this blog from it's newest entry to now.
Many suggestions from others, but I know few will have the courage when the time comes, like you do.
I agree with you is that moving from a nice office to a so-called lowly job can be tough, but the lessons society or those less fortunate around you, teaches you much much more.
I, unlike you, chose to throw away everything I had built up, work in a foreign land, and till day, I am NOT disappointed at the lessons I had learned.
Have faith, old man! Regardless of age, it's the spirit that matters.
Salute, from a fellow friend...
August 16, 2009 6:19 PM
David Balasundaram said...
Dear Mingjie,
You recall we were former colleagues at IMCB, fellow yeast researchers and neighbors at harborview towers. Sorry to hear of your plight and the situation there. In a way, I am glad that left when I did. I have reinvented myself too and don't regret it now. Scientists have that amazing talent to metamorph into something new. What you did is daring. I am sure other productive ideas will flow. I admire Singapore a lot. However,Its a shame that SIngapore cannot make better use of its human resources.
All the best and good luck
David Balasundaram
August 16, 2009 7:44 PM
Michele said...
Hello,
Interesting stories you have on your blog. My name is Michele and I am a contributor to www.commonpeople.sg. Would you be interested in a video interview? You can email me at micadz@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. Take care!
August 17, 2009 1:12 AM
Temasek said...
Hi Mingjie,
The Temasek Review is looking for freelance writers.
We pay an attractive rate of between $20 and $40 per article.
Please email us at temasekreview@gmail.com if you are interested in our offer.
August 17, 2009 8:25 AM
News Update said...
Hey!
Are you still interested in Research jobs?
You should try European/US Universities.
They are looking for researchers and can provide funding....
Don't give up and continue to pursue your dreams...
If you find taxi driver job is not satisfying...
August 17, 2009 3:45 PM
snake86 said...
Sir,
this is one of the few blogs around that really struck me. i do wish and hope you will get a job befitting of what you have archived. If there is a chance you do west side booking do leave a number, i am sure your ride would be alot more interesting then other ones.
August 17, 2009 8:32 PM
xantho_cn said...
向来自中国的同胞致敬
相信你在这段人生的低潮中，会有超乎想象的收获
他日东山再起，必将一鸣惊人
——只是希望你不必再浅水中游弋太久。失去一飞冲天的能力就可惜了。
p.s. 非常喜欢你引用和翻译的那首古诗。更难得的是这份心境。
August 17, 2009 11:59 PM
swissfin said...
Congratulation to doing what needed to be done! I've had to lower my standard of living at one time. It is hard at first but then becomes a challenge to be mastered.
I've talked to one particular taxi driver who seemed puzzled at his colleagues' lamenting. When asked why he has a different approach to the crisis he mentioned that to him there was almost no decline in passenger numbers. Obviously he knows the people's travelling pattern and honks once in a while to alert a potential client.
All the best!
Dominik
August 18, 2009 3:49 AM
野茶客 said...
I fully understand what you have gone through as I have been through the almost identical situation in one of A*STAR's sister RIs. From your blog, felt like I have known you for ages and with your positive attitude adapting to changes, I am sure a better tomorrow will not be far from you. Hang in there and good luck.
August 18, 2009 4:20 AM
yeyyangguo said...
Hi Ming Jie,
Can we meet up? I'm Eng Yew, advisor to Scholars' Village (www.scholarsvillage.com) - a talent development centre. We can work something out together for your career. Please drop me an email at enquiries@scholarsvillage.com
Thank you.
August 18, 2009 10:50 AM
Brian said...
Dr. Cai,
Thank you for posting these interesting tidbits from your new life. I'm happy to see that it provides you moments of pleasure despite the obvious difficulty of your job.
I hope that some day soon you might reveal a little about what transpired in IMCB, and why you think it's no longer the scientific establishment it used to be. It's a little worrying hearing such things because I'm considering a career in the life sciences myself :p
August 18, 2009 12:30 PM
Xinmin said...
I read your article with tears. At the beginning, I was very sad, but at the end, I was so proud of you. I admire your courage and spirit. With these, nothing can beat you. As your former colleague, another PI in IMCB, we share a similar fate. I graduated from University of Chicago, working in IMCB for 19 years, publishing >50 papers (including 7 in 2008), trained many PhD, university, and polytechnic students. All the years of hard work and teaching don’t seem to count for anything. My lab will be closed down soon. You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service. More importantly, we have made our contributions to put Singapore on the world’s scientific map! Isn't it ironic that when the government is putting in considerable efforts to develop life science in Singapore, we lost or will lose our jobs? I may not have the qualification to become a taxi driver, but I will do my best in my life after IMCB, whatever that will be and to be like you. Even as a taxi driver, you live in a brilliant and wonderful way. I wish you all the best!
August 18, 2009 1:00 PM
singaporecabbies said...
audrey said...
With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!
Easier said than done. MOE is looking for someone younger. I am a graduate with 20 years of management experience, I submitted my application to MOE during their last round of recruitment to apply for post of management executive, and was rejected within the first week with a rejection email. I guessed their filtered out applicants by age. After all, there are many younger PR waiting ...
August 18, 2009 2:32 PM
旧人 said...
Dr. Xinmin wrote: "You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service...". Aha! But 19 years ago, you were a Foreign Talent! Now, you are a local. Doesn't that make a difference? Perhaps, you are not familiar with this very wise AESOP FABLE narrated at the 3:27 minutes of this video:
但见新人笑，哪闻旧人哭！
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ukpIEP1nM
你是旧人。哈哈哈！
August 18, 2009 5:35 PM
Xinmin said...
No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world.
August 18, 2009 9:54 PM
Alison Tuition said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Thank you for sharing your interesting stories with the public. I read many of the entries with eyes brimming with tears, touched by your courage and principles. The antics of passengers you exposed here reminded me of the importance of being gracious.
While parents would like a tutor who is familiar with latest MOE syllabus and exams style, if you are keen on tutoring, I'll be glad to assist on pro bono basis, in return for the enriching read.
Perhaps you can apply to be a lecturer in the polys or ITEs where your rich academic profile stands out. MOE, as singaporecabbies pointed out, seems to prefer younger graduates.
Anyway, you appear to be enjoying your new working environment. As the saying goes, it's a blessing to be enjoying your work. With the stories accumulated, your next publication would probably be a book instead of a journal article.
Cheers!
August 18, 2009 10:58 PM
Recruit Ong said...
"Xinmin said...
No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world."
You got conned, but u don't know it yet. I suppose u saw Spore's superficial and material "success", but don't know Spore's history well enough. In time u will realise your respect for him is misplaced... becos i think any decent human being has such a thing as moral compass in him/her to to tell right from wrong.
August 18, 2009 11:36 PM
ML said...
Dear Mingjie,
Guess one has to be an old guard to truly understand how you feel!
Reading your blog and Xinmin’s comment brought us back to the old days that we all worked hard together to bring Singapore to the forefront of the scientific and research domain within 10 short years. Your contribution as one of the leading pioneer can never be sidestepped and swept under the carpet. But alas, that’s history! Hardwork, dedication and commitment Count For Nothing!
Like David, he reinvented himself at the right time. Whether you are running a lab or driving a taxi, what matters most is you are happy, at peace with yourself and put bacon on the table. Sincerely I wish you all the best.
Best regards, Mui Luan
August 19, 2009 12:48 AM
joyinthelord said...
Dear Prof Cai
I was taught by you when I did my honours year in Biochem in NUS in 2002. I have not kept up with the research field since graduating and did not know about the changes in IMCB..
I really admire your courage and determination to move on and do the best that you can in the situation you are in. It would have been so much easier to give up and sink down into depression but YOU DID NOT and you are taking things so positively.
I am currently working for an independent school and may be able to ask if there are any teaching or research positions available. Would you be interested? Please email me at firstcor1614@yahoo.com if you are.
Thank you!
Wang Hui Ming
Class of 2002-2003, NUS Biochem
August 19, 2009 12:55 AM
Big Big Return said...
I admire your resilient spirit and mental strength! Actually I am sure lots of schools will be able to take you in in Singapore. Universities, JCs and Polys should be happy to take you in as a teaching staff with a difference - one who is able to teach resilience and strength to his pupils and students. Take care and all the best.
August 19, 2009 8:34 AM
split personality said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 19, 2009 2:41 PM
split personality said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
I read your entire blog from the most recent post. I greatly admire your resilient attitude and perseverance.
The stories and encounters are indeed heartwarming. They made me reflect upon life and my past attitude towards taxi drivers. Although I don't consider myself an obnoxious person, I might have overlooked some of my little actions and words that have inadvertently caused distress to them. Without reading your blog, I may never have made this realisation.
Your blog is indeed a great source of education on life's lessons and experiences. You have connected to a lot of people, me included. Keep your blog going, and more importantly, your ever-positive attitude! :)
Warmest regards,
Ron
August 19, 2009 2:44 PM
stephen said...
Good luck, man!
August 19, 2009 2:52 PM
traveler of Sg said...
I somehow agreed with entry by David Balasundaram about Singapore cannot make better use of the HR. Being a homegrown Singaporean, I think my country is still not up to the standard in aspect of many things. Sigh
August 19, 2009 3:57 PM
zhang said...
Dear Dr Cai,
I am truly touched by your stories. As a native Chinese, I am proud of your courages and flexibility. I do agree withmany people that it is a waste that you drive a taxi for living, given your quaification. However, I should comment that all jobs have their honours and enjoyment. Hope you have enjoyed yours. Good luck.
August 19, 2009 4:39 PM
shawn said...
Dear Dr Cai,
very nice blog.
it's very heartwarming to learn that you are doing your best to support your family.
yes, all must plan for the worst, in the future,
i have got myself a class5 lorry license last year as a backup plan, just in case my job in IMCB is no longer needed.
yes, its so sad to see all old colleagues left imcb, Dr Fu JL, BenLi, AGP, PeterLobie, Mrs Tay... to name a few.
all the best to you!
take care
August 19, 2009 5:39 PM
Xylec said...
Dr. Cai
I admire your courage and resilience. You came to Singapore and became a citizen, However, the country decided that an expat should run the place "better". Hence, many of you have to leave. Rather than mope and become depressed, you resolve to become a taxi driver. We salute your determination. There are many institutions where highly experienced PhDs have to leave: NUS, NTU, your institution. Seems like when they want you, they hire you...when they do not want you, you are left in the streets...at an age, where it is difficult to get employment. I hope the Ministers and director generals in Singapore are more sympathetic. After the restructuring, the chief will leave...we see this in other institutions. We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore. We salute you and your resoluteness in surviving. I am sure there will be many venues where they will more gainfully employ you.
August 19, 2009 7:37 PM
tho662003 said...
Sinagapore prides itself to be meritocratic society. Winners get to climb higher, losers have to join the rest as rejects and downgrade. Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat, you are probably near or at the end of useful life and have to make way for the young.
August 19, 2009 9:04 PM
KK said...
Hi, please have your talent in appropriate use. Reach us at skdx@yahoo.com
August 19, 2009 9:24 PM
Niki said...
I have never read any blog before this. After reading about you in the newspaper, I decided to look up your blog. I find your blog very interesting. One can see from your blog you have a flair for writing. You may want to consider putting your thoughts into a book. I am sure such a book will sell well.
I admire your courage to become a taxis driver. Not many people in your position will consider becoming a taxis driver. I am sure this blip in your career is just a transient period in your life. You will eventually find a better job. Recently I read that China is aggressively recruiting foreign trained PhDs. You may want to consider exploring job opportunity in this direction. Your stint as a taxi driver will definitely become one of your most memorable episodes in your life when you pursue other career options.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
Kian said...
I would like to encourage you to seek your passion in writing, even as a cab-driver. Historically, there are many instances of qualified people known for authorship than being doctors, engineers or scientists. I am also a "retired" PhD from a Singapore university and also seeking alternative careers - I should feel worse being a born citizen and displaced by "foreign talent". Maybe there will be many more like us. Our situation is an example of an impressive plan to fill Singapore with knowledge workers (such as 1000 PhDs) and since not all can become the "cream", fall thru the cracks as highly qualified unemployed. It seems such a criminal waste. But we can and will succeed in anything we try because the PhD trains one to overcome any intellectual challenges. Nobody owes us a living - even if we were attracted to this corner of the world and promised things that go sour.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
C H SIA said...
Hi Mingjie,
I agreed with Mui Luan that your blog actually brought back many good memories in IMCB. But that was in the past. IMCB has undergone many waves of Tsunami ever since the new management came on board, with singaporeans being terminated and replaced by foreigners who perform the same job duties at many times the salary. Changes have affected many greatly especially pioneers who have been with IMCB from the start to make it a world known research institute.
Think of it this way that you have groomed many Masters and PhD students which are doing well elsewhere. They have grown up and take a good time to enjoy life after working hard for so long.
Stay healthy no matter what (PS: same to Xinmin and Jianlin)
Chuan Han
August 19, 2009 9:58 PM
raymondw said...
Hi Dr Cai. Sorry to hear of your plight. You will survive this. When I left singapore for o'seas many years ago I had to go thru diffcult times as well starting right at the lowest again as a dr. I am now successful. Fortunes change and so will yours. Don't give up. I almost went to be a labourer just to see how is it?
August 19, 2009 10:04 PM
Ying Rui said...
In life, there are times when we are faced with challenges but we will, always survive it and morphed into a more resilient person. I was from the Life Science industry for 4 years and I knew exactly what transpired and to preserve my sanity, I have since left that industry and reinvent myself. I hope you will continue to believe ... when one door closes, the Lord will somehow leave an opening ... :) I am a true example of a survivor.
Take Care and God bless.
Rui
August 19, 2009 11:16 PM
searched for his goddess said...
Welcome to Singapore. thats all we can say. sighhh but you have courage, and I admire that.! good luck !
August 20, 2009 1:22 AM
头毛 said...
tho662003 wrote:
"Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat..."
That's NOT meritocracy! Meritocracy means employing people based on merits, not age! That is, a 50+ year old man should be as employable as a 20+ year old man, all things equal. What Dr. Cai is facing is really UNIQUELY SINGAPORE, and something that all of us will be facing one day - age discrimination due to 头毛白苍苍 (teochew song) (among many others discrimination e.g. suppression of wage due to influx of cheap labour and lack of minimum wage system etc).
August 20, 2009 2:29 AM
Lemi4 aka. fERDI:) said...
Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta is expanding rapidly I heard... You could also try other unis at Kuala Lumpur, etc.
Good luck Sir, God Bless, and thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.
August 20, 2009 3:05 AM
wtdba said...
Life is a process of experience. The value of the life is to share the experience. It will be great if we can put rest of things aside and enjoy life in it own way. It is easy to say but hard to do. Good luck and enjoy the life.
August 20, 2009 3:19 AM
Fabian said...
Dear Prof,
I hold you in high esteem for what you are and what you truly believe in, do not give up! Maybe you could look for other Universities to continue your research as your research truly benefit mankind. All scientists are contributing to the common good of mankind and in their own ways to the scientific fraternity.
Good luck and take care. Stay healthy as ultimately health is more important than work,don't overwork yourself as we always does in pursuit of perfection. The same wishes goes to Dr Cao and Madam Mui Luan. Take care always.
FL
August 20, 2009 9:35 AM
IPS said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Your blog is very popular in every institute of Biopolis these days. I find you are more charming in your blog than in the cell-cycle-regulation lectures you had given me in IMCB. Pen is a more powerful tool than research instruments which will make more Singapore residents to recognize your intelligence. Your blog strikes my heart and I admire you. You are really cool professor!!!!
from Genome Institute of Singapore, Biopolis
August 20, 2009 10:44 AM
unfair said...
可惜了！当蔡博士的博文最近被本地传媒竞相热烈报道的时候，ＩＭＣＢ的６个头头中的５个洋老人现在都还在国外游山玩水过度假日子呢（这次是不是又巧立名目拉好友坐商务舱乱花本地纳税人的钱就请ＡＳｔａｒ好好查一下吧？）！洋大人们应该是根本就没有看到这个最早还是从美加同行转给新加坡学术界的热门博客吧。。。或者是看过了笑一笑根本没有放在心上？
也请ＡＳｔａｒ彻底查一下这几个都比蔡博士年纪还大的退休洋老人自从来了ＩＭＣＢ以后都出了几篇好文章？！干了几件好事情？！他们把能够挑大梁干活搞研究出文章的建所老臣们陆陆续续都赶走之后，都把巨额经费花费到哪里去了？住豪宅的房贴？开名车的车贴？几倍于本地人的高薪？乱买仪器霸着不让别人共享？巧立名目付费请亲朋好友来本地逍遥度假带讲一课？
也难怪大家都怀念ＩＭＣＢ的旧日好时光，之前是三四个华人管理五六百号人，还同心同德创出了许多科研好文章；现在是六个洋人加一个华人管理四百多人，可是却人心涣散：经费只多不少，文章数目剧减！
不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？
眼看ＩＭＣＢ一世英名毁于一旦！博导们前程迷茫，博士们前途堪忧！
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
外人行动党 said...
Sigh! Election coming soon. This news of a PhD holder working as a taxidriver is very bad timing! 早不来，迟不来，偏偏这时候来！Need to refine my election speech and get the 154th-ranked media to twist the situation around!
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
YiJia said...
蔡博士你好！你的故事让我很动容。大丈夫能屈能伸，小弟我佩服得五体投地。希望好运接着就会伴随你。
衷心祝福你与你家人。
August 20, 2009 2:51 PM
KNNBCCB said...
楼上的"unfair"仁兄，
您"不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？"。
您这么一问，就显得没“学问”了。因为已迟了46年。如您在46年前就提出这个问题，就恰恰好了。因为，早在1963年，新加坡的真正的开国元老（不是李光耀）已说了：
"Sir, when the prime minister talks about defending our country, we find it hollow. This government has betrayed all the vital interest of the people to the British".
为了这番话，他没被提控，没被定罪，就这样坐了32年牢狱。不过，你还好啦，虽不免嫌后知后觉了些，但总算提出这问题来。你楼上还有一个叫xinmin的，至今还执迷不悟呢。或许他连谁是推翻殖民地政府的"Giant", 谁是挟洋自重的"political dwarves"，谁是真正的开国元老(闽东福安话版本哟！)，这段新加坡历史都不知道呢。呵呵。
或许这些新来的前中国人必须等多一代人，待他们孩子长大了，才由你们孩子来醒悟吧。我们这些祖辈就来了的老移民也是如此。呵呵！
August 20, 2009 3:06 PM
FirmwareMBA said...
Norway Life Science University
www.umb.no
August 20, 2009 6:39 PM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 12:23 AM
Taikonaut said...
Why don't you leave Singapore? Singapore is too small for you.
August 21, 2009 1:46 AM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 1:58 AM
breakout said...
Dr. Cai,
your blog is truely a wake up call for all PhD students like me. i used believed that academia is the last clean place on earth where fairness actually means something. how ignorant i find i was!
dirty polics trashed every dream from my childhood. what's happening to mankind is beyond my undertanding now. what is wrong with an institute consists of only ppl passionate abt science instead of twisted politicians? why can't we all be judged by how well we do science instead of manipulating others and sucking up to ur superior?
what happened to the faith of mankind where we believe that scientific advances are the actual pushing force for human evolution? are we all over this now?
or perhaps we are just a bunch of knuckleheads in denial of reality?
if we get a 2nd chance, stay the hell away from this tainted stinky place!
August 21, 2009 12:17 PM
bo said...
"We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore."
I just got my phd from a local univ and working as a researcher. After knowing your story and reading all the comments, I have made up my mind not to staying SG any longer if I got an oversea offer. I was reminded that SG is not as rosy as it looks like.
August 21, 2009 1:47 PM
onny said...
I read your blog from the newest to this page.. keep your spirit, hope we can learn something from anything. I salute for you as a good dad. that afraid to move to a whole new situation for ur family, child and wife. Just keep your heart&strength and still be a good dad for family ^^ 加油
August 21, 2009 4:27 PM
linda said...
It is really sad and depressing to learn what a mid-aged scientist have to go through in nowadays. I really admire the courage you have. Best wishes!
August 22, 2009 7:50 AM
猴年马月 said...
您就是又一个刘国栋啊。
典型的新加坡式“卸磨杀驴”。
August 24, 2009 10:40 AM
ryan said...
Jus read your blog from start-present. A really interesting read I must say, hope u continue to update us with the different happenings in your life. And I wish you all the best in whatever it is you may do.
August 24, 2009 12:35 PM
Joan said...
Hi Prof Chai,
It has been an inspirational story to read from the beginning to the end. Can not wait to see more...
I truly admire your survival, your dedication to your family
All the best of luck, I am confident that you will make your way up for you & your family
Greetings from Melb
:) (will watch out if there are opportunity for you here)
August 24, 2009 3:10 PM
Double Beans said...
Dear Dr.Cai
我把您的Preface转载到了一个SNS网站希望我的朋友阅读。已经标明转载来源与版权所属，并做好了与这里的链接。如果您觉得有何不妥请与我联系：wellsleeplz(at)gmail.com
SNS网站因为无法非实名访问所以如果您需要我可以截图给您。
感谢您为我及我的朋友带来的信心和勇气。
祝一切顺利，继续更新。
August 25, 2009 1:55 AM
Tataz said...
Dear Dr Cai, your story strikes similarities on my encounters, a friend who worked for government linked research on marine industry get laid off, and my father-in-law a taxi driver who was an engineer. It is perplexing to me why people of good qualifications turn to a lowly paid job and give up on finding monetary rewarding job. It is also equally perplexing that I have seen people with no qualifications making big bucks. Both groups of people become famous anyhow. For me, I am still struggling to be contented and guard my mind from not doing any silly things to lead to an extreme averse situation like yours. My last straw of course as I told my other colleagues in times of stress is I just become a monk and give up everything. But, of course, easier said than done. I enjoy reading your blog. And I think what you have done is unique and do create a lot of awareness to things/values that we all may forget at times. Doing the right things are not always profitable, and having the courage to do it, takes a lot of courage. I wish you be happy and resolve issues as fast as possible so that one day you will be free the burdens that you are carrying now. And thanks for sharing and taking the efforts to blog!
August 25, 2009 12:00 PM
owenvanc said...
Dear Dr. Cai,
Your blog is the most interesting one that I've found and read so far. It's inspirational to see your perseverance to keep on moving.
I, Myself used to live and work in Singapore, but after a while I decided to move to another country for a better job offer. I personally think that Singapore as a country and as a nation can never value a good qualification such as yours.
Anyway a man have to provide for his family, so hang in there.
For me, if I have a Stanford's Phd. I would already be moving to Canada or the U.S.
What's so special about living in Singapore anyway.
August 25, 2009 5:52 PM
Jordan said...
I chanced upon your blog this morning and have just finished reading all the posts. There are much insights and inspirations to be found in your blog posts.
I think you are still working as a scientist though - as a social scientist. Thanks for sharing interesting accounts of your experience dealing with all walks of lives in the society. This blog could well become an invaluable social documentary.
Lastly, just like to say you have my respect and admiration for your courage and resilience, and to share something you probably already know:
"天将降大任于斯人，必先劳其筋骨，苦其心志，饿其体肤，....."
All the best!
August 26, 2009 10:38 AM
Jacky said...
Wa Lao eh SIR!!! Ur english so powerful go be teacher la. I am sure MOE needs talants like you!. Or else u can be part time property agent too! now the market very hot u may consider being a real estate consultant and earn some extra income. wadever it is life still has to go on la so dun feel so sad and negative k. stay positive and someday who knows things might get better. god bless you =)
August 27, 2009 1:26 AM
Bai Hu said...
Hi Dr. Cai, i m currently taking my PhD in NUS. After reading your blog, i m beginning to get cold feet already. I don't want to end up like you.
Anyway, i wish you all the best & hope that you will get your dream job soon.
August 27, 2009 8:06 PM
oryx said...
Oryx said,
Hi Dr Cai,
I dont normally read blog, but I find yours very interesting. Like me share with all others who have posted comments. We have to realise one thing that even though we are highly qualified, we will not have INCOME SECURITY. Meaning to say, a surgent depend on his hand to operate, but if he loose his arm, he lost his income. For as long as the job depends on you....you will not have INCOME SECURITY. Sometimes through no fault of yours, you loose your income as in the case of Dr Cai. So now, how to make sure you have INCOME SECURITY. Dr Cai and anyone interested to know how, can write to annalth33@yahoo.com All the best to you DR Cai.
August 29, 2009 12:42 PM
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