Pray for Malaysia - why?

The web address (URL) of the website "Blog for Change" is
pray-for-malaysia.blogspot.my
Just why was such a long web address plus with the word PRAY in the URL for this blog?

This blog was started way back in early 2017. That was before the historical 2018 12th General Election Election which saw Selangor, Penang and Perak falling into the hands of the opposition (plus Kelantan which stayed with PAS. That was after realizing how the ruling UMNO/BN government were lying to us about the true state of affairs of our nation. All we were reading were the mass media printed newspaper and TV!, TV2 and TV3. We didn't realize yet the bad shape Malaysia was in then. It was bad then. It is much much worse now.

After glimpses of the true state of affairs of the nation via online means, I decided to get involved by joining talks, protests, BERSIH, a political party and assisting our likely candidates for the state and parliamentary contests.

But we were also realistic and realized how difficult it would be to dislodge the ruling UMNO/BN government via elections that perhaps only prayers can change things. Pehaps it did.

I distinctly remembered how pessimistic we were about the chances of our then Parliamentary and State seats contestants Tony Pua and Lau Weng San when we were gathered to support the candidates nominations at SRJK Puay Chai in SS2. The cheer leader had to find ways and means to overcome our pessimistic mood.

So why PRAY in the web address? Well, I am not a great payer warrior plus I had then been of the opinion that chances for change the only way for reforms for the better for Malaysia was then so difficult that perhaps prayers would help. Since I am not a great prayer warrior, why not put the word PRAY FOR MALAYSIA in the URL?

Did that help? I don't know but I think the 12th General Election was a game changer and we were so surprised that our candidates Tony Pua (Pua Kiam Wee) and Lau Weng San won. So perhaps that powerful word in the web address did contribute. Thank you God.

BTW below is Tony Pua's autographed election poster for the 12th General Election. How did I get it? When the election result was announced, everyone was so surprised that many people were asking Tony Pua to sign on the election posters. When I saw it, I figured I too wanted one. And I treasure my humble role so much in my small contribution to the historical 12th General Election that I kept that autographed election poster till now.

Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki (PAS) again propose join BN. His excuse.

Remember PAS research centre director Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki? Remember that news about a leaked WhatsApp conversation about PAS joining while PAS was still a component party of Pakatan Rakyat?

PAS research centre operations director Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki, whose WhatsApp message about the party working with Umno went public, claimed that the message was about "analysing scenarios" of the party breaking away from Pakatan Rakyat.

Dr Zuhdi said on his Facebook page that the options of the party leaving the coalition was a request made by a PAS leader of the central committee WhatsApp group.

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/07/29/pas-dr-zuhdi-says-whatsapp-message-exit-senarios/#kjH2Iau5jCiLkzPt.99

"PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli also hit out at the PAS member, Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki, for the racial and religious tone in the leaked message.

In a sign of escalating tension between both parties as a result of the current Selangor menteri besar crisis, Rafizi also demanded that PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang state the number of PAS leaders who held such views."
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3303875/all

Zuhdi is now again reported for PAS to join BN (Barisan Nasional). His excuse?
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's "arrogance" and belittling of PAS' plan to form or be part of the next government has left the party with only two choices, a PAS strategist says.

PAS research centre director Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki said the choices are either for PAS to remain in the opposition, or to join BN in forming the next government.

What kind of morals/excuses can PAS offers to join in or support a corrupt and power abusing government just escape me.
(PAS still considering joining government with BN after general election)

Read more at https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/410096#u5ek1xzhRw0Pc7Wh.99

Penang, the next (hardware) Silicon Valley?

Every 2 years since 2011, I have had the good fortune to go on an all expense paid (by Google) trip to Silicon Valley and the search giant Mountain View headquater (Googleplex). Perhaps in future, I don't have to fly that far to the next Silicon Valley?

Penang has now been touted as the next (hardware) Silicon Valley as reported in BBC News: The Malaysian region that became a hardware hub
http://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-42686192/the-malaysian-region-that-became-a-hardware-hub

The Malaysian region that became a hardware hub
The small Malaysian state of Penang is punching well above its weight in the tech world through hardware manufacturing.

Similar to the way Silicon Valley developed, local engineers from big tech manufacturers are leaving to strike out on their own, creating a growing ecosystem. So could Penang be Asia's next Silicon Valley?

That BBC video quoted two Malaysian local startup - Vitrox (specialize in machine vision) and Cytron, and Cytron (specialize in (Raspberry Pi and Arduino compatible hardware and robotic kits) as such startups.

Please voters, turn up in huge numbers to overcome election cheating

Malaysian voters, please please please turn up in huge numbers to vote in the coming 14th General Elections to overcome electoral cheating which is expected due to the weak position of UMNO/BN and the redelination of the electoral boundaries by biased EC (Electoral Commission).

It had been reported in the Malaysian Insight that "Big BN win always follows redelineation, says analyst"
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/34007/

Not only you come out to vote, please also persuade your family, relatives, friends to come out to vote in huge numbers. Malaysia is in dire straits and urgently needs reform, so please do not ignore this urgent call.

But ignore this call if you intend to vote UMNO/BN (ex EC chief asked BN supporters to boycott election).

Really? Japan has more FDI than China?

Najib Abdul Razak has been reported by Malaysiakini to ask why China FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is a big issue when Japan's FDI is bigger than China's FDI.\https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/409655

Really? Japan's FDI is greater than China's FDI? I don't have direct information but I do clearly remember that China's FDI are not really Foreign Direct Investments but loans from China. And not only loans, it had been reported that these so called FDI are loans for unsustainable projects such as the ECRL (East Coast Rail Link) which is financed by China but creating huge debts for Malaysia, and it is reported that Malaysia will have problems servicing the loan from only the earnings from the ECRL.

PAS still considering joining government with BN after general election

PAS had frequently been accused of supporting/intention to join UMNO/BN and denied by PAS. But here it is loud and clear that PAS do have intention of doing what it had been accused of doing:

PAS masih pertimbang sertai BN selepas PRU
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/2018/01/23/pas-masih-pertimbang-sertai-bn-selepas-pru/

Here it is clearly been reported that Azman Ibrahim, a PAS leader and committee member of the PAS Central Working Committee (Ahli Jawatankuasa Kerja PAS Pusat) stated that PAS would consider cooperating with BN coalition after the 14th General Elections.

Why would PAS, a claimed religious/political party, cooperate with UMNO/BN, a coalition that practices crony capitalism and political culture runs on money. All religions eschew bribery, corruptions and stealing.

ex EC chief asked BN supporters to boycott election

Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, the former Electoral Commission chairman asked Barisan Nasional supporters who are afraid to voice out criticism of BN leadership to boycott the impending 14th general elections.

If he is only referring to BN supporters who may vote BN candidates, I support his call, otherwise I would call on them to vote for Pakatan Harapan instead. Why, because the corrupt BN government will not reform by itself. In fact Ambiga said categorically that it is imperative that the BN coalition should no longer govern Malaysia after such a huge scandal as !MDB.

I remembered witnessing Haris Ibrahim of People's Parliament had in 2008 (from memory) had torn a photocopy of Abdul Rashid in disgust at the actions of the EC chief then. I wonder is Haris would still do the same now.

Update: Dr. Mahathir claims boycotting elections is a BN ploy.

Azmin Ali, Zaid Ibrahim and Hulu Selangor by-elecion

Mahathir thinks that Azmin Ali is Prime Minister material but was not chosen. Why was he not chosen? My guess is DAP and Amanah is not comfortable with him as shown the tussles experienced in the Kajang move.

But what do I think of Azmin Ali? Perhaps Azmin Ali has the administer ability as shown by him becoming the Mentri Besar of Selangor. However, I too is not sure of what I really think of him, whether I would be comfortable with him eventually becoming the PM candidate.

Why? Perhaps has the political prowess to move around in political arena. But is he ruthless in this pursue?

I was polling agent for the 25th March 2010 by-election. I remembered meeting up with a group of other polling agents in Bangsar in the early morning of that day to carpool to Kuala Kubu Baru. And this was what happened. On the night before the by-election, we were informed that the voting center where we were supposed to be on duty was changed. Then when we met at Bangsar, there was another changed. Not only that, on the way to Kuala Kubu Baru, we were told of another change. I can't remember if on arrival at Kuala Kubu Baru if there was a fourth change in polling center.

All this was causing confusion. Why were there so many unnecessary changes till we were not sure because of all this confusion, there might be certain places where there might be some polling centers? Were there some sabotage? I can't say for sure but I have suspicions.

There are talks that Azmin Ali was not happy with Zaid Ibrahim in PKR and that he view Zaid as a threat to his position in PKR? Did Azmin Ali and his cohorts worked to sabotage Zaid Ibrahim chances in the Hulu Selangor by-election? I don't have the inside stories but if you have please leave your comments in the comment box below.

By the way, Zaid Ibrahim lost the by-election to P. Kamalanathan (the notorious hand kisser) by a slim margin of 3.6%

Mahdziir received well deserved slap from legal fracternity

Mahdzir Khalid received a well deserved slap for threatening teachers if they support the opposition from the legal fraternity and told to focus on the much needed improvement of the broken education system.

Siti Kasim told the minister that in fact he should not even touch on whether a civil servant should support one side or the other. It is someone democratic right who he wants to support.

Mahdzir threatened teachers not to support opposition????

The Kwong Wah online newspaper reported that Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid threatened teachers not to support the opposition or faced disciplinary actions, that they should resign before the ministry ask them to resign. For making such a threat Mahdzir received blistering attacks.

Frequently whenever ministers were attacked for their statements, they would immediately deny the report, claimed they were misreported, reported out of context, etc. In this case, the Star online reported that Mahdzir denied the report, that he only told civil servants, especially the headmasters, to be mindful of their positions.

The Education Ministry in a series of tweets claimed Mahdzir was only giving "fatherly advice", that teachers and educators should not support the opposition.

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/?p=457657
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/33288/
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/33609/

Wahid Omar: PNB, EPF to pay 1000 times more for Battersea project???

The Malay Mail Online reported that Wahid Omar claimed that it is MISCHIEVOUS? to say that PNB and EPF will be paying more than 1000 times more for the Battersea project.

However, what is not said is more important than what is said. Wahid only said it is mischievous, but he never direct his attention to whether is is true or not that PNB and EPF really is going to pay more than 1000x more for the project. So whether it is true or not was left to our conjectures?

In the absence of a clear statement, it is not too far fetched to believe that it really is true that PNB, EPF really will be paying more than 1,000 times more for the project. For if it is false, we can assume that Wahid will not hesitate to said it outright that those are lies.

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/wahid-omar-mischievous-to-say-pnb-epf-to-pay-1000-times-more-for-battersea#82VlCqC0FuOGHlVQ.97

Pakatan Harapan Parlimentary seats allocation by States

The table below list the number of seats allocated according to the States and the 4 Pakatan Harapan component parties:

State	Bersatur	PKR	DAP	Amanah
Perlis	2	1
Kedah	6	6		3
Kelantan	7	2		5
Terengganu	3	2		3
Penang	1	4	7	1
Perak	8	5	7	4
Pahang	6	4	3	1
Selangor	3	10	4	5
Kuala Lumpur	2	5	5
Negri Sembilan	2	2	2	2
Malacca	2	2	1	1
Johor	11	8	6	2

Below are the list of Parliamentary seats allocated according to the states and the 4 component parties. Click READ MORE to view

Amanah, PAS, Hadi and UMNO BN (and divorcing wives)

The progressive members of PAS left PAS and formed Amanah to continue cooperation with DAP and PKR. Why? Because cooperation of DAP and PKR become very problematic recent months especially with Abdul Hadi Awang leading PAS.

And some PAS members had been screaming for those who left PAS to form Amanah to resign their elected offices plus divorce their wives. But are their demands justified?

My opinions. PAS contested in past elections against UMNO BN in cooperation with DAP and PKR as Pakatan Rakyat plus the Common Policies Platform. This cooperation and Common Policies did not provide for Hudud. And certainly not one component party (PAS) leaving Pakatan Rakyat to form a Selangor State Government with the tainted UMNO BN.

And now Husam Musa, the former PAS Vice President, have come out to confirm what many already have accepted as fact that Hadi had conspired to leave Pakatan Rakyat to form Selangor State Government with UMNO BN with cooperation from a few PKR ADUNs after the 2013 elections (correction, it seemed it was during the Selangor Mentri Besar crisis when PAS was in loggerhead with DAP and PKR about removing Khalid as Mentri Besar).

That is clear cut betrayal of DAP, PKR, Pakatan Rakyat and especially those who voted for the opposition in the 2013 elections. So now with you tell me, with this, who should resign from their elected offices and divorce their wives?

Hadi conspired to form Selangor unity government with Umno, says former PAS veep

Katak Ibrahim Ali laughing? He shouldn't be

Why is Katak Ibrahim Ali (katak = frog) laughing? First, why is Ibrahim Ali commonly denigrated as a katak (frog). It was his habit of first wining an elected post with one party, then subsequently changing political party. That is, he, like a frog, jump from one party to another. Malaysians are particularly sore that he won the parliamentary seat of Pasir Mas on a PAS ticket(opposition) in the 2008 General Election, but subsequently leaped over to the much despised ruling Barisan Nasional.

So why is Ibrahim laughing? Because a significant number of Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen have removed them from PAS and subsequently joining newly formed Parti Amanah Negara, and another over to PKR intenting to form a new opposition coalition. So he claimed that his accusers have become katak themselves. So does that make Katak Ibrahim Ali "innocent"?

But Ibrahim Ali should wipe that smile on his face because these elected members didn't jump from an opposition party over to the ruling party. They jumped from PAS, component of the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat, but they intend to still continue as opposition in "Pakatan 2.0".

Their big difference from Katak Ibrahim Ali is that Katak Ibrahim Ali jumped from opposition party to that despised ruling party, a world of difference. So Katak Ibrahim Ali, you are still an incorrigible Katak.

Parti Amanah Negara is "PAS Asal". MPs no need to resign

PAS has been pushing for progressive members who joined the newly announced PAN (Parti Amanah Negara) to resign from their elected posts as MPs and ADUNs plus divorce their wifes.

This is my opinion. PAS members who contested in the 2013 General Elections contested and won while PAS was a component party of Pakatan Rakyat plus a manifesto that mentioned welfare state and which did not include Hudud. Voters voted for them because they contested on a PR "ticket".

When PAS reneged on the above, those who wants to continue with the Pakatan Rakyat spirit were thus forced to form a new party PAN that will continue to be a component party of PR, thus PAN is that original "PAS" (PAS Asal) which were with Pakatan Rakyat in 2013. Thus MPs and ADUNs of the newly formed PAN need not resign their elected posts nor divorce their wifes.

On the contrary, it is those MPs and ADUNs still remaining in PAS that need to resign as voters did not vote for them as an independent party and is no more that same PAS within the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

BERSIH 4 in Opposition States? What State is Kuala Lumpur?

Nur Jazlan, the newest trumpeter/spinmaster of Najib and UMNO/BN has now taken to "funny" statements and questions, the latest, "Why didn’t opposition states host Bersih 4 rally"

May I ask Nur Jazlan a simple question, what State is Kuala Lumpur? The sneaky BN had resorted to making Kuala Lumpur "Wilayah Persekutuan" (Federal Territory) and removing all State constituencies knowing well they would not be able to win.  But clearly Kuala Lumpur IS Opposition in character because of the 11 elected Members of Parliament, 9 are from Federal Opposition and a mere 2 are from BN. (Members of the Dewan Rakyat, 13th Malaysian Parliament)

And morally speaking, the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur should be elected by these 11 Members of Parliament.

The Church, congregation, sensivities re' politics

2008 and prior years, many Christians were hypersensitive if anything even remotely "political" were to be discussed or events even remotely "political" were allowed to take place in the Church. True or not I do not know, but I heard the pastor of St. Paul's Church in Petlaing Jaya allowed an event where politicians from the ruling Barisan Nasional party and the opposition presented their case so that voters can make informed decisions during elections. It was a bipartisan event with the Church not supporting any side. But I heard the congregation was in uproar to the extend the Pastor had to leave to lead another Church. (The Christian and the General Election: Core Issues)

Fast forward to 2015. 3 Catholic churches opened their gates to welcome anyone needing rest, free food or drink provided by unknown generous donors, portable toilets, showers, medical attention, even prayers if they need it. (BERSIH 4 at St. John's Cathedral)

Prayer Corner at Medical/First Aid center, St. John's Cathedral

And today I read that Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Reverend Julian Leow said Christians had the right to make a stand on matters they were concerned about. "It is their inalienable right as citizens to deliberate, communicate and act on matters of societal concern, be they political, social or economical," said Leow who is also the archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. (Uphold justice, bishops urge Malaysian Catholics in Merdeka Day message)

Najib say will not let nation down? He already has

Malaysia's worst Prime Minister Najib Razak proclaimed in his "Merdeka" speech that he will not let the nation down. How is that even possible? He already has let Malaysia down by his bad governance of the nation. He has spouted great flowery speeches but did the opposite of what he claims he want to do. He promised transparency but delivered the opposite. He promised to fight corruption but .... you can complete the rest yourself.

Contrast between BERSIH 1 and BERSIH 4

The first BERSIH mass protest in 2007 was a huge contrast to what was experienced from the peaceful BERSIH 4 in 2015. Armed police presence including the red helmetted FRU bearing rifles and shields were highly visible, but police presence was hardly felt this round, in any case in areas where I was present.

In Bersih 1, protestors were met with police vans and Black Marias standing ready to send protestors to lockups. In Bersih 4, protestors are offered free drinks and food from food trucks:


In Bersih 1, you will see police armed with revolvers stationed all around Kuala Lumpur, but in Bersih 4, a volunteer holds up the welcoming sign offering free medical attention and free food and drinks at St John's Cathedral:


In Bersih 1, as you turn the corner from Pasar Seni to Lebuh Pasar Besar towards Loke Yew Building, you will be greeted by menacing looking and armed FRU red helmetted riot squad, but in Bersih 4, you have many peaceful protestors holding up posters illustraing the ills of Malaysia, unhindered by the Police:


In Bersih 1, the presence of Malay Muslims donning white kopiah were overwhelming, but in Bersih 4, unfortunately they were not highly visible

Update: Ideally, we Malaysians should not be referring to race at all as good governance and corruption has no skin color. A commentator said BERSIH 1 80% Malays, but BERSIH that 80% attended but % diluted to 30% because of a huge turnout of non-Malays. Likely correct because of the huge increase in participants for BERSIH 4.


In Bersih 1, Dr. Mahathir who was then Prime Minister denigrated Bersih protestors, but in Bersih 4, he with wife participated in the protest although for only a short while:


Update: Unfortunately the peaceful nature of BERSIH 4 disturbed by a news update. Received news that FRU personnels were arresting Bersih 4 T-shirted protestors at Stathuys in Malacca.

BERSIH 4: HSBC and Medan Pasar

BERSIH 2.0 is now well funded. There were some big tents a Medan Pasar with what appears to be like air coolers or air conditioners. Not sure if they were meant for BERSIH 4 or for the national Merdeka activities:

Huge tents at Medan Pasar

Najib Razak in prison cell at HSBC?

Najib Razak in prison cell in front of HSBC

Even more portable toilets at HSBC/Medan Pasar:

Even more portable toilets at HSBC

Blog Shop at BERSIH 4/Medan Pasar?

Blog Shop at Medan Pasar

Fiesta Blog Shop at Medan Pasar

Posters galore at Medan Pasar:

Posters galore at Medan Pasar

Who is that lady with amazing hairstyle together with the chicken?

Amazing hairstyle lady with Chicken at Medan Pasar