Teoh Beng Hock's Inquest - part 3

9 December 2009

Acclaimed Thai forensic pathologist Dr Porntip Rojanasunan, who attended the second post-mortem on Teoh Beng Hock last month as an observer, maintains her view that there was an 80% possibility of homicide and 20% chance of suicide in the political aide's death.

The flamboyant forensic expert had pointed out that among others a contusion on the right side of Teoh's neck as shown on the post-mortem pictures was compatible with injury caused by manual strangulation.

She also found penetration injury in the anal region which can be caused by inserting an object in that particular part.

She told the inquest the fracture of the skull might have been caused by a direct blunt force to the skull prior to the fall.

This raises a few questions in my mind.

1. how did the first post-mortem failed to discover such vital clues in such a high profile case?

2. was there a cover up?

3. if such glaring clues can be missed in a high profile case, would clues have been missed in all the other lower profile cases? How many criminals got away free? How many innocents sent to jail or the gallows?

4. would Teoh Beng Hock's name be banned as well like the name of the Mongolian woman in another high profile case?

5. would the authorities who insisted that Teoh Beng Hock committed suicide say that he sodomised himself, strangled himself, apply blunt force to his skull by himself and then, threw himself out of a locked window?

Malaysia's Brain Drain

2 December 2009

It was reported recently that the brain drain in Malaysia is the highest in Asia.

The government indicates that it is actively stopping it by attracting smart people to work in Malaysia. It is a good move. But, it is not enough.... unless the cabinet controls the United Nations. Then, they can demand goods and services from other nations at discounted prices due to our Bumi status. If the other nations refuse to comply, just send in the stormtroopers as usual. Very simple.

Before the cabinet gets all excited and get their underwear bunched up, let's remember that the rest of humanity does not live in a fantasy world.

Okay, drawing in the brains is a good idea. But, it is not enough. We need to stop brains from leaving as well. How do you fill a bucket with water if there's a hole at the bottom of the bucket?

So, how to encourage people to stay? Well, for one, don't keep telling them to leave. I keep hearing those in power say to people that if they are not happy, leave. And leave they did. That's how the brain drain started.

Change your policies to be inclusive rather than exclusive. As long as citizens believe that they have a share in the economic pie and have a say in what happens to their lives directly and indirectly, they will stay and work as a team with other Malaysians regardless of race, religion or position.

Corruption is another thing which drives people away. Significantly reduce corruption.

Let the Rule of Law prevail and people will stay.

Reassign the stormtroopers back to their original duty - defend the normal citizens from criminals.

In case someone says let's become an agriculture country. Yes, I've always been saying build more farms and fewer skyscrapers, shopping malls, office complexes, etc. But, agriculture does not mean that odd cow or tractor. To be successful in agriculture, we need new farming ideas, new farming methods, new farming tools and machines, etc. But, we need brains to come up with all that.

Yes, we can buy those from another country. But, that means out-flowing of funds. Eventually, the out-flow of funds from buying new technologies or machines will surpass the income from the agricultural goods.

So, no matter what industry the country intends to focus on, we need the brain power to succeed. Hence, we need to stop the brain drain. Hence, those in power need to change.

Syabas

1 December 2009

I've to say syabas (bravo) to Syabas. Before noon, I called Syabas that there's no water in my house (Taman Mayang). The girl checked quickly and efficiently and told me that a water pipe had burst along my road. She said water will be restored at 4pm.

Before 3pm, I checked the water and presto there's water. Soon after that, someone from Syabas called me to ask if the water has been restored.

This is what I call excellent service.

1. Prompt service.
2. Give an estimated repair time.
3. Meet the deadline.
4. Follow up with the customer.

Well done, Syabas! Please keep it up.

Brake Pads

29 November 2009

Made In Malaysia Brake Pads Are Killers

Road Safety Department director-general, Datuk Suret Singh, said that made in Malaysia brake pads could be the cause of the high accident rates in the country, reported Minderjeet Kaur of the News Straits Times dated 23 November 2009 (page 11).

From my personal observation while on the road, I see the newer cars speeding and weaving in and out of traffic. In all my years of driving, I've never seen an old car doing such things. So, how can old cars be blamed for accidents?

Anyway, now, they are saying we shouldn't be using locally made brake pads due to the poor quality. So, are they now saying that we should avoid Proton cars since they are locally manufactured? Mind you, I agree with them that locally manufactured products are not up to standard. But, all these years, the government has been asking us to buy locally manufactured products; claiming that the quality is good. So, now do we stop buying locally manufactured products since the Road Safety Department has found they are defective?

Little Taiwan 1 Utama

29 November 2009

My wife and I decided try out Little Taiwan at Lot LG 1Utama Shopping Centre (New Wing), tel: 03-7729 5582 on 27 November 2009. It's one of the newer eating establishments.

We ordered Homemade Pumpkin Cake, Toast with Garlic, Spicy Hot Ramen and Three Treasures Noodle. Incidentally, Jasmine Bubble Tea is not jasmine tea with the pearls. It's just jasmine tea with a little foam.

All the dishes were very ordinary. The portions were shockingly small. It was definitely not value for money. The service was good though.

Hong Leong Bank..... again

26 November 2009

I pride myself for being a very patient man. But, this time, Hong Leong Bank really tested my patience to the very limit. Thank goodness I could still keep my cool while speaking with their Customer Service staff.

I tried to log in to my online account to pay my credit card bills. I got this message:
G0020. Your account with Hong Leong Online Personal has been deactivated for security reasons. Please visit any of our nearest ATM to create new Internet PIN to Reset your Password. Alternatively, you may call our HL Online Customer Service at 03-7626 8899 for assistance.

Fine. I called the Customer Service. After listening to the recording of their promotion, instead of transferring me to a staff, the line went dead. I called again. This time, I managed to get to a staff. She said my online account was deactivated because I haven't logged in in 2 months. What is going on??? I've been paying my credit card bills via online banking every month. And they pissed me off on 20 November 2009 by doing maintenance during office hours which prevented me from doing my transfer. Anyway, she asked me to create a phone PIN and I was supposed to be transferred back to her. After creating the phone PIN, the line went dead again. Fine... I called again. Another girl answered. And she asked me to create a phone PIN again and I will be transferred back to her. After creating my phone PIN again, I was transferred to another girl. She didn't know what was going on. She said she will call me back. What is going on????

First, they prevented me from doing an online transfer due to their own incompetence because they didn't know how to get the server online again after the maintenance. Now, they deactivated my account for being inactive for 2 months when I've been using it regularly.

Bank Negara, you guys should do something about this poor service. Otherwise, bring back the Saturday banking days.

I got fed-up of waiting for the girl to call me. I called the Customer Service again. Got a Jossie Yap. I demanded to speaking with the manager. Naturally, she asked me what's wrong. I told her I spoke with 3 of her colleagues to get my problem solved and the last one who promised to call me back didn't call me back. She saw the note to call me back on her system. So, she assisted me. And she solved my problem while we were still on the phone. Simple. Her 3 colleagues failed to handle such a simple thing. I know reactivating the account is very simple. I've done it for my customers numerous times. Just a click here and click there. That's it. So, how come her 3 other colleagues failed to help me? Am I being harsh? I don't think so. I know how easy it is to reactivate an account. So, I know there's no excuse for them delaying me.

In Malaysia, the moment you ask to speak with the boss, the employees can suddenly perform miracles. Things which they "couldn't" do earlier could suddenly be done instantly.

One verification question all 4 girls asked me is very funny. How do I make my credit card payment? Ummm.... I called to say that I couldn't log in to make my credit card payment. So, how do I make my credit card payment? Magic?

Hong Leong Bank

20 November 2009

This morning, I tried to do a Hong Leong Bank online transfer from my savings account to my cheque account. I got an error message. I called the Call Centre at 03-76268899. The woman told me they were doing maintenance and to try later. I told her I need to transfer money to my cheque account urgently. She told me to call my bank branch to explain the situation.

I called the SS23 Branch (Taman SEA) and explained the situation and told Rafidah that it was the instructions from the Call Centre. Rafidah told me that her part of the job is to process the transaction. She gave me extra time.

I continued trying to do the transaction via the online system until the time was up and called the Call Centre again when I couldn't do it. This time, the Call Centre refused to pick up the phone.

I called Rafidah and explained the situation. She didn't bother to understand the situation. She told me she'll give me slightly long time to rush to the branch to manually do the transfer via the counter. She was getting irritated when I explained that it's their own online service which is preventing me from doing the transfer.

Okay, the Call Centre and Rafidah are both working for Hong Leong Bank. And both were pushing the problem to each other instead of helping the customer.

My family and I have been customers of Hong Leong Bank for decades. Is this the kind of service long-term customers can expect?

Yes, I agree that Rafidah had to do her job. But, understand the customer. And be more polite. I was doing all I can. What was I to do? Hack the Hong Leong Bank computer system?

As I don't have transport, I had to asked a friend to drive me there. Luckily, she was at home and was able to help out.

The crux of the matter are:

1. Hong Leong Bank should have made sure their online banking system is operational especially during working hours.

2. If their online banking system couldn't work for some reason, they should give leeway to the customer. If the online system is down for several hours, the customer should not be fined for issued bounced cheques. Once the online system is operational, the customer should be given 24 hours to do the transfer without incurring any charges or penalty. It is NOT the customer's fault that the online system is down.

3. The staff should be more polite. Hey, I didn't bring down the online system. I'm the victim here.

Should I have contacted Bank Negara (the central bank) about this? I've been lodging complaints with Bank Negara whenever problems come up. Initially, they thanked me for my complaints. Recently, they started asking me to go to the banks myself. Yes, those idiots at Bank Negara prefer to sit on their hands rather than do their jobs. That's how efficient our government agencies are. Malaysia Boleh? You judge while I roll of the floor laughing.

Medical Examination & Blood Donation At Kinrara Service Centre

18 November 2009

A free medical examination and blood donation drive at the Taman Kinrara MBPJ hall last Sunday was organised by Teresa Kok's Kinrara Service Centre. Well done, Teresa. That's what I call the hearts and minds tactic.

Was it a big project like building a road, a bridge, etc? No, it was just a plain medical examination and blood donation campaign. So, what makes it so special? Malaysians tend to think of action as doing something big or spectacular as worthwhile action. Why? Maybe it's how we think. Small minds like to do big things to give the illusion that they are big? No, it was special because Teresa took the time and effort to do something good for the people. That shows care. That shows love. Who doesn't love the MP who loves us?

I hope all PR assemblymen (and women) and MPs emulate Teresa Kok before it's too late. PR won seats last General Elections not on the strength of character of the candidates (with exceptions of course). I personally believe PR won the seats because the people were fed up with the current regime. People were (and still are) crying out for change. So, it was not so much a vote of confidence for some of the PR candidates but a vote of no confidence for the BN candidates.

Therefore, PR should follow up with action. As I said, no big action is necessary. But, action we must see. All internal bickering must be settled and set aside. You, PKR, DAP, PAS, must stand united. And don't think you can pretend to stand united in front of the cameras. The people are a lot wiser these days. And all the shortcomings of your predecessors must be rectified or at the very least attended to.

And PR people, remember that you were elected by the people and the people can choose not to re-elect you next GE. Be humble. If you do wrong, apologise. Being humble will endear you in the hearts of the people. Forget about revenge or rhetoric. Do roll up your sleeves and get to work. Time is running out. It takes a bigger person to forgive. It's a very small person who seeks to persecute. Guess the size of some in the cabinet. If your predecessor did something criminal, get a team of knowledgeable people to look at legal avenues. But, you still need to serve the people. Don't waste time whacking the predecessor. Otherwise, you're going to get whacked next GE.

I know the current regime thinks the people are stupid. But, Malaysians (and I don't mean any race in particular as race is irrelevant to us) of today are more street-smart. It doesn't mean that if the idiot blocks our internet access, we stop talking. During our forefathers' time, there was no internet and talk they did. So, PR, don't make the same mistake of thinking that the people are stupid. The people listen and watch and....... talk. During chit chats, names come up - names of those who work for the people and names of those who have yet to do something. From that, I can already gauge who have captured the hearts and minds of the people.

Tick tock tick tock.... time marches on.

Vincenzo Ristorante Italiano

16 November 2009

Vincenzo Ristorante Italiano Sdn Bhd, One Bangsar, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Telephone: 603-2287 1686. Fax: 603-2287 3685. Website: www.vincenzo-ristorante.com.

If you are thinking of going to Vincenzo, be prepared for a disappointment. My wife and I went there in the hopes of enjoying a nice and relaxing Sunday buffet brunch yesterday. Since it was so fully booked, we thought it must be a wonderful restaurant. Yes, you have to make reservation at the very least, one week in advance. Unfortunately, they didn't realise that it's the little things that matter.

Okay, let me start with the good points. Thank goodness there were good points. The seafood dish was very nice. It was a superb idea to remove the shell from the prawns' bodies; leaving the heads and tails intact. It allowed the nice sauce to seep into the prawns' flesh. At the same time, with the heads and tails intact, it makes for very nice presentation. The prawns and clams were fresh and big. Excellent.

I normally don't eat thin crust pizzas because they tend to injure my mouth. So, I tried out their thin crust pizzas very cautiously. To my delight, the crust was done perfectly - not too hard and yet not too soft. It was the first time in my life that I had so many slices of thin crust pizzas. Bravo!

The buffet brunch we took included 2 glasses of champagne each and free flow of sparkling wine, red wine, white wine and mocktail. When we arrived, the waiter wanted to pour us the champagne. We asked if we could have the champagne after our meal instead and he said yes. Towards the end of our meal, we asked for the champagne, the waiter poured us sparkling wine instead. So ... blatant cheating or hard of hearing?

I happen to know the difference between champagne and sparkling wine. So, we requested for champagne again. This time, we got our champagne. But, after filling my second glass, the bottle was finished and the waiter refused to pour my wife her second glass of champagne. Yes, it would mean he had to open another bottle. But, we are paying for a meal which includes 2 glasses of champagne. Naturally, we felt cheated.

We also asked for them to replenish the dessert about four times but it was not done. The waiters were either not bothered or too scared to come back to us with a status update ... at least tell us what's going on or what to expect! So, we missed out on some of the desserts. That is very unprofessional of Vincenzo. A fine dining restaurant should not short-change it's patrons.

During the course of our meal, I noticed a waiter who was extremely polite to the patrons but when he turned away from one of the patrons, he said very vulgar words to his colleague and they both smiled. I presume he was referring to the patron. Yes, the restaurant may be frequented by expats who won't know what they are talking about. But, as a fine dining establishment, professionalism should be kept high at all times.

We've been to other fine dining places and have experienced excellent service. Two places come to mind - Cilantro and the YTL hotel in Cameron Highlands. In any case, the service at Asian Rice Pot beats Vincenzo. Asian Rice Pot is in this blog. These three establishments have exceeded expectation. Vincenzo would learn much from them.

If we were dining at Cilantro, I'm sure they would have opened another bottle of champagne to pour my wife her second glass. At Cilantro, if the desserts were finished, I'm sure we wouldn't have to ask more than once to get them replenished. And at Cilantro, no staff would have used vulgar words or said anything negative about a patron whether in his face or behind his back.

Let me give you an example of Cilantro's exemplary service. Mango pudding came with the meal we ordered. But, my wife gave me her mango pudding as she doesn't take mango. Upon noticing that, the staff enquired if there's a problem. And my wife explained to them. The staff asked if they could give her something else. My wife declined but the staff insisted. So, my wife ordered some other dessert. No, Cilantro didn't charge us for that extra dessert. That is what I call exemplary service. The staff were attentive enough to notice my wife giving me the mango pudding and the staff went all out to make sure my wife left the restaurant happy. The extra dessert wouldn't have cost the restaurant much. But, it gained Cilantro a recognition.

At a fine dining establishment, it's the small things that count. After all these years, I still remember Cilantro for giving exemplary service. And whenever friends ask recommendation for a good fine dining establishment, we always recommend Cilantro. That small gesture of Cilantro's went a very long way for them.

I hope Vincenzo could learn a thing or two from Cilantro.

Vcd, vcd, vcd

13 November 2009

Malaysia is really becoming a joke of the world. I won't recap since the list would be too long. Anyway, now, it seems they are going to take action against those who possess even 1 generic vcd. Tsk, tsk, tsk.... I think the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs minister has nothing to do. I would really suggest he focus on cleanliness of fruits sold in hypermarkets here. A while back when I called to complain about rat feces and urine found on kiwi fruits sold at a hypermarket, the officer told me they are only interested in generic vcd peddlars.

What is their pre-occupation with generic vcds? Isn't public health more important? Who dies from watching generic vcds? Also, we have snatch thieves who cause deaths but get away with it and they are pre-occupied with generic vcds. Tsk, tsk, tsk....

By the way, the Ministry of Health has been issuing generic drugs and medicine via the government hospitals. MoH claims that the generic drugs and medicine are good. Maybe that's why the ministers and their family go for medical procedures overseas.

Hey, I saw the local council using generic vcds at their premise a few years back. They had a whole stack there and they were playing them for the public to watch/listen as we waited to pay our bills. Must have been the stuff they confiscated from the peddlars.

Anyway, let me get back to point. I'm aware that the various organisations are deprived of money when people use generic vcds. Yes, those branded drug and medicine companies are also deprived of money when we use generic drugs and medicine, right? So, if we are going to say no to generic vcds, we should also say no to generic drugs and medicine. Let's go branded totally.

Join The Police Force

13 November 2009

I want to join the police force. It's the best job. You get paid for not doing your work. In the private sector, if you don't perform, you're sacked. In the police force, if you don't perform, the public is demonising you. What a job! In the police force, your incompetence is protect by your pointy-haired boss who blames everyone else.

So, the crime rate is going up. It's not the police's fault. It's the public's fault for demonising them. Okay, let's rewind. Whose fault was it when the crime rate was going up and the public still had confidence in the police? The pointy-haired guy's fault?

Okay, maybe it's the figment of our imagination that the crime rate is going up. So, why are there so many guarded residential communities. Hey, I'm not talking about the rich people's area. I'm talking about the normal man-on-the-street areas. I feel like I live in a war zone. Want to visit a friend? Give your details to the security guards before they let you in. I remember the time when I could visit friends without going through various security check points. They renamed Port Dickson, Army Town. I think they should rename Petaling Jaya, War City.

Oh yeah, who's paying the police staff's salaries? The last I checked, it was us, the public, who are indirectly paying for every single police officer's salary. Apparently, it's okay for us to pay their salaries but, it's not okay for us to rightly criticise their shortcomings (to put it nicely).

So, next time if you see a murder in progress and call the police, don't hurry them. Let them finish their kopi O or teh tarik or whatever they are having. Let them take their time. You don't want to "demonise" them (as the pointy-haired guy says). Better still, just call the coroner. By the time the police arrive, they'll have to call the coroner anyway.

I've an idea, all you services, software and hardware providers to the police, you can give them lousy service/products. When they complain, say, don't demonise us.

So, when are they going to allow us to carry guns? This country is turning into a cowboy town. There's no sheriff in town. We, the people, need to protect ourselves. Wow! After 52 years of independence, we're regressing into the 1800s. I wonder if I'll bump into Billy the Kid.

Bailey & Me (and Toffee) - part 5

9 October 2009

Having two dogs is very useful. I get to observe how to behave. I noticed Toffee will bark to alert me someone is passing outside the gate. Once the person passes our house area, she stops barking. When we have visitors, she will stop barking once she sees me talking to the visitor. Sometimes, we strangers are at the gate, she'll bark until I tell her to stop. And she never went into a barking frenzy that she tried to bite me. She licks me a lot even when I discipline her but never bite. That is how I've always envisage a dog would behave.

From the very beginning, I've been concerned about Bailey's behaviour. He would bark at people passing by ferociously even after they are gone. He'll even try to tear out the wire mesh we put at the gate to go after the person. When we have visitors, he'll go crazy and bark non-stop even when the visitor has entered our house. He also bite me if I happen to be standing within range. Basically, he goes into what some dog trainers call "red zone". Sometimes, when being disciplined, he'll bite. He's totally different from any other dog I've encountered.

Both dogs are trained and disciplined the same way. Toffee learnt within two weeks. I've long suspected Bailey has mental problems even as a puppy. But, I've been hoping that he'll improve as he grows. Unfortunately, there's no improvement yet. Toffee's owner is very lucky. The person is getting a dog which behaves accordingly. As for Bailey, I wouldn't dare let him be near children without very close supervision.

Perhaps Toffee might be a bit difficult for the owner. After seeing how I unlatch the cage door and main gate, she's trying to unlatch the doors herself. So far, she couldn't unlatch the doors mainly because she's been using her mouth to do it. If she decides to use her paws, we're going to have a problem. Smart-aleck dog.

The Hacking Of Malaysia Today Website

8 October 2009

We will probably never know who ordered the hacking of Malaysia Today's website a while back unless a whistle blower steps forward.

So, just out of my own curiosity, I decided to analyse the event based on currently available information. I am not accusing anyone or any group.

Facts:

1. Malaysia Today website was brought down by hacker/s.
2. The site was attacked several times in the course of several days.
3. The site was brought down by professional hacker/s.
4. It was unable to determine who the hacker/s was/were.
5. The articles deleted were all critical or related to the Malaysian government.
6. Particular ministers who were very vocal about internet security, cyber crime, etc were strangely very quiet about this crime.

Okay, let us look at the hacker/s. In this analysis, we'll just assume the deed was done by a group of hackers. I might not be too far off from the truth in this assumption due to the persistent nature of the attack.

There are generally, two groups of hackers; the casual hackers and the professional hackers. The casual hackers generally, just evade the security measures just for fun. They just relish in the challenge and tend to leave behind messages like Kilroy was here, etc. These are sort of like the shoplifters in malls, etc. Some of them just want to show-off their skills to impress their peers.

The professional hackers are more dangerous. These can be considered the "hitmen" in the cyber world. They are paid for doing the deed. And their contract price is rumoured to be very high. They seldom leave behind a trail.

Now, from the facts I stated above, it would appear professional hackers did the deed.

Let's look at some of the facts again:

1. The articles deleted were all critical or related to the Malaysian government.
2. Particular ministers who were very vocal about internet security, cyber porn, cyber crime, etc were strangely very quiet about this crime. Mind you, this is a bigger crime than porn.

Questions:

1. Who would benefit from deleting articles critical or related to the Malaysian government? I seriously, doubt the Opposition Front (Pakatan Rakyat) would benefit from the act.
2. Why didn't the ministers who were very vocal about internet security, cyber porn, cyber crime, etc do anything about it?
3. Which group would have been able to transfer a big sum of money without raising any suspicions? I doubt the Opposition Front can even afford the services of the professional hackers.

So, which group was the employer? Now, depending on who their employer is, those professional hackers might be in danger themselves if someone finds out something and the employer decides to "clean house". Would it not be better for the professional hackers to come clean now?

Bailey & Me - part 4

1 October 2009

When Toffee arrived at our home for fostering on 28 September, I allowed Bailey and her to sort out their hierarchy on their own. Most dog training experts suggest letting the dogs settle their hierarchy issues on their own. On hindsight, I did notice Bailey was wary of her and she was testing her boundaries. The two of them fought from the first day. Obviously, both dogs wanted to be assistant leader to the humans.

My other mistake was, I allowed Bailey to discipline Toffee after I disciplined her. And they'll end up fighting until I break them up. Breaking up two fighting dogs with bare hands can be a bit dangerous, though. But, like Cesar Milan says, it's the energy we project. I didn't feel afraid but felt determined. So, I suppose that energy was felt by the dogs. Mind you, if both of them turned on me, I would have been in serious trouble.

Anyway, Charmaine said we shouldn't allow Bailey to put in his 2 cents. So, whenever Bailey tried to "scold" Toffee, I disciplined him as well. And after a few walks as a pack, now, both of them don't fight. They now play together. I don't sense the wariness anymore either. I suppose now, they both know that they are equal members of the pack. And the humans are the leaders.

Now, to convince Toffee that Guinness, the queen.... I mean, the cat, is not her prey. Must convince Toffee that Guinness is also part of the pack. Problem with Guinness is that, she hates walking on a leash. Yesterday, when I let Guinness out on the garden, Toffee scared the living daylights out of Guinness by attacking her. Guinness who always bugs us to let her out of their cage actually begged me to let her back into the cage. The queen was reduced to a disheveled pile of quivering fur. She doesn't bug us to let her out anymore. Poor Guinness. Hmmm..... wonder if a mug of beer would cheer her up.

Bailey & Me - part 3

29 September 2009

Yesterday afternoon, our friend brought her puppy, Toffee, for fostering. Initially, I thought she would be a small puppy. I prepared the puppy cage for her. When our friend arrived, I looked at Toffee and said to myself, Houston, we have a problem. Nope, Toffee isn't going to be able to squeeze into the puppy cage.

Under ideal situation, we should have let Bailey meet Toffee outside the gate (neutral territory). Then, the humans are to enter the compound, followed by Bailey and Toffee being the last to enter. However, yesterday, Charmaine was not back yet. So, it would have been too dangerous to our friend's children if I took Bailey out. Thus, he was tied up inside the compound. Toffee ran into the compound ahead of the children and I was the last to enter. This must have sent the wrong signal to Bailey.

The entire time, he was fearful of Toffee. And he walked with his tail and head all the way down. Our other mistake was, we allowed Toffee to jump on us. That's dominance. Anyway, I trained Toffee to use the garden as her toilet. I reminded her whenever she used the driveway as her toilet.

This morning, I found my driveway used as her toilet on 3 different locations. I proceeded to reprimand her. Bailey watched. Then, he proceeded to bully her immediately after that. She replied and there was a huge dog argument. I immediately reprimanded both dogs. Peace reigned. I have reclaimed my position as the pack leader. The dogs are the followers. All this while, the 2 cats were watching and thinking, why are the dogs so silly to get punished. Our 2 cats love watching Bailey gets punished.

Anyway, now, Bailey is walking with his tail and head up. He must have thought Toffee was going to be his replacement. Now that the ranks have been settled, we can focus on training Toffee with the help of Bailey, Guinness and Yoda.

Garbage Enzyme Way To Help The Environment

20 August 2009

I am doing a kitchen experiment - turning kitchen refuse into garbage enzyme.

*** Credit goes to Dr. Rosukon and Dr.(H) Joean Onn. ***

Garbage enzyme was developed by Dr. Rosukon from Thailand. She has been actively involved in enzyme research for more than 30 years and encourages people to make garbage enzyme at home to ease global warming.

Why do I want to do this?

By recycling our kitchen refuse, we can reduce the amount of garbage which goes either into the landfills or water. The other benefits are useful to the environment and us. From the day you start to make garbage enzyme, the chemical reaction will produce ozone gas. We all know that our ozone is depleting very quickly. This will help to replenish it. The enzyme converts ammonia to nitrate and carbon dioxide to carbonate. Nitrate is useful to plant life and carbonate is useful to sea plants and marine life.

What are the uses of this enzyme?

1. DIY natural household cleaners;
2. Natural household cleaner, air purifier, deodoriser, insecticide,
detergent, body care, car care, organic fertiliser, etc;
3. Methane gas released from disposed garbage can trap 21 times
more heat than CO2, worsen the global warming condition;
4. Removes odour. Dissolves toxic air released from smoking, car exhaust,
chemical residues from household products, etc;
5. Enzyme that flows underground will eventually purify the river and the
sea;
6. Reduces mosquitoes, flies, rats or cockroaches etc;
7. Natural antiseptic for your home;
8. Releases residues accumulated in the pipe of basins or toilet bowls thus, prevents drainpipe blockages.

Items required:

1. Airtight plastic container.
2. Water
3. Fruit and vegetable dregs
4. Sugar - (brown sugar, molasses sugar or jaggery) - Preferable
to use jaggery.

Steps:

1. 10 parts water (fill up 60% of the container) Please do not fill up more than 60% of the container because the kitchen refuse will release some water.
2. 1 part sugar (10% of the water).
3. 3 parts kitchen refuse (fill till the container is 80% full).
4. Close the container tightly. Open daily just to release gas for the first month.
5. After one month, keep the container tightly closed for another 2 months.
6. At all times, keep the container in a cool, dry and well ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight.
7. After 3 months, the enzyme can be used. But, keeping the enzyme until 6 months would give you a better enzyme.

Notes:

1. Do not use glass or metal containers that cannot expand.
2. You may gradually add your kitchen refuse. Fermentation process only starts when all the parts are complete.
3. Paper, plastic, metal or glass material cannot be converted into enzyme.
4. Oily cooked food, fish or meat will produce very foul smells. They are better for garden compost.
5. Adding pandan leaves, orange or lemon peel will produce a fresh smelling enzyme.
6. Ideal colour of the enzyme is dark brown. If it turns black, add a little more sugar to restart the fermentation process.
7. If a white, black or brown layer on top is found, ignore it.
8. If flies or worms are found in the container, ignore them. The fermentation process will dissolve them.
9. The leftover refuse can be reused the following ways:
a. for the next batch of enzyme;
b. fertiliser for the garden. Dry the residue, blend it and bury it in the ground;
c. purify sewage. Grind pour into toilet bowl, add some brown sugar and flush.
10. Do NOT store enzyme in the refrigerator. The enzyme has no expiry date.

Threat To Bloggers

18 August 2009

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/8/18/nation/4540459&sec=nation

Bloggers who incite hatred or harp on sensitive issues like race and religion in their postings can be prosecuted for sedition, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. He said the Government would put in place a mechanism to monitor and prevent seditious content from being displayed on blogs.

That excerpt is taken from Star Online. Please refer to the url above.

I saw the writing on the wall months ago. First Dr Rais Yatim tried to force bloggers to be registered. Then, Dr Rais Yatim asked for tenders for a filtering software. He claimed that the software will be used to filter porn sites. True, that software can be used to filter porn sites. But, it can also be used to filter any other site the government wants. Now, it seems from Hishammuddin's statement, the government is going to filter (at least some) bloggers' sites and charge bloggers under the Sedition Act. I predicted that's what the filtering software will be used for from the very beginning.

Okay, what is sedition, at least in the context of Malaysia? Saying/publishing/doing things which will upset a particular race or religion, correct? Has the government taken action against the two journalists who recently offended the people of a particular religion yet?

What happened to freedom of speech? Are the common Malaysians now denied of free thoughts and free speech? Is Amnesty International looking into this? Why is the government so afraid of the common Malaysians thinking for ourselves and voicing our opinions? I know those who have nothing to hide are not afraid of people saying anything.

Yes, a handful of bloggers may have posted some less-than-polite statements. But, from what I've read in the newspapers and on the television and radio, it's those who are in power who are saying a lot of less-than-polite statements about others. So, who is going to monitor the very ones who are monitoring the rest of us? I remember one guy even raised his kris during an assembly but not a single blogger has ever done anything close to that.

So, why come after bloggers? Is it due to the 8 March 2008 general election embarrassment those in power received from Malaysians? That defeat wasn't due to bloggers. It wasn't due to the opposition parties. It was mainly due to all the draconian laws/rules, corruption (as perceived by Malaysians) and mismanagement of the country. Therefore, the common Malaysians decided to say enough is enough.

Would more draconian rules/laws help the ruling party perform better in the next general elections? Come on. Think about it, guys. Put yourselves in the shoes of the common Malaysians if you can. The answer is very simple. Malaysians have always been very tolerant. For decades, Malaysians have looked the other way to corruption, mismanagement of funds, etc. But, there is always a limit which one can tolerate. Once that limit is reached, then, people will feel that something has to be done.

I believe typically, most common Malaysians including bloggers just want a fair and just government. Give us that and no draconian laws/rules need to be imposed because no one has anything to complain about.

And why is the government wasting precious resources to muzzle the common Malaysians when crime is so rampant that neighbourhoods have to resort to hiring guards to protect ourselves and our property? Why is the government wasting precious resources on honest Malaysians voicing our thoughts when our broadband is as good as slowband or narrowband or snailband? There's so much which the government can do to endear itself with the common Malaysians again. But, muzzling the common Malaysians like dogs won't work. The time of the big stick is past. It's time to look at the man in the mirror.

Our PM wants to be known as the people's PM. Dear Mr PM, if you wish to be the people's PM, you must first listen to the people. And all those bloggers, etc are trying to tell you something. Most of the complaints (even the less than polite ones) are clues for you to improve on and endear yourself with the people. If you listen and act upon it, you will surely be the people's PM. I don't know where you are getting your ideas that silencing the people will endear you with the people. I tell you clearly now, it will only distance you from the people. And someone somewhere will find another way to speak out. For decades, the people had to live in a society where the newspapers are controlled by the government, the television channels are controlled by the government and the radio stations are controlled by the government. In spite of all that, people's unhappiness grew and people still talked. You need to let people vent out their frustrations. For example, if you keep the lid on a boiling pot, the water will spill out. It's exactly the same with people's frustrations. You need to let out some steam so that the boiling water doesn't spill out.

Do not be afraid of criticisms. One can learn a lot from criticisms. Criticisms actually help one to improve. If you do not want to improve and be a better government, then, go ahead, try to stiffle the voices of the people. The next time the people speak will be in the next general elections and it won't be a shout. It will be a roar, a thunderous roar due to all the pent up steam. It will be a thunderous roar which will herald major changes. In any case, the people will still complain and talk. It may or may not be on the internet. There are coffee shops, mamak shops, etc.

Listen to the people. It's the common Malaysians who are paying the salaries of the ministers, various officials and the men and women in uniforms. I feel the ministers and police seem to have forgotten that their salaries are from the common Malaysians' pockets. It seems like the police think that the government is their boss when in fact, the common Malaysians are their bosses. And the common Malaysians are the bosses of all the ministers. If any minister or police wish to argue that their income is not from the common Malaysians, please tell me where you get your income from.

A few days ago on tv, I saw a politician being roughed up by the police. Please read the history books again. On second thought, our history books are so modified, I can't even tell fact from fiction. Forget history books. Look at Burma. The regime has been using strong-arm tactics for decades. But, they will fall just like the Berlin wall. So, be fair and just to all Malaysians and everyone will live in peace and harmony which is what the PM wants, correct? Most of us Malaysians are not emigrants. We were born and raised in this country. We are the sons/daughters of the soil. Our parents were born and raised in this country. And their parents and so on. So, each of us, no matter what race or religion, has a stake in this country. And generally, Malaysians just want to live in peace and harmony. So simple. Listen to us. Repel the draconian laws/rules. Let us tell you want we want and we concerns us. Do not muzzle us.

Antics Of A Deputy Defense Minister

14 August 2009

Last night, we went to KL PAC for a musical on National Service. To me, it was a comedy on NS. Like many KL PAC performances, it was a good spoof on NS.... errr... I mean good musical on NS. Our local talents from KL PAC have never ceased to amaze me. If the creative people at KL PAC is any indication, then, our local theatre and musical performers have definitely come a very long way.

Okay, everyone in the audience knew that those people on the stage are players or performers. We all knew that they are not real NS trainees or real military personnel.

The deputy minister of defense was in the audience. After the musical finished but while the performers were still on stage, the deputy defense minister was invited to go to the stage and say a few words to the audience.

He went to the stage and promptly did an inspection. Hello.... those performers were not giving him a guard of honour to inspect. I was shocked when he saluted the performers playing the part of military personnel. I also noticed the shocked/surprised looks on the faces of the audience and the performers.

No, he didn't say a few words to the audience at all. He said a few words to the cast though. I guess it's because we audience didn't go to the musical in our camo attire. Duh!

I sure hope we are not paying peanuts to the deputy defense minister because we all know what we get when we pay peanuts. If we are paying good money to the defense minister, I think we need a refund.

Let us pray that our beloved country doesn't go to war anytime soon. The enemy might be mistaken for visiting dignitaries and be invite to a formal reception. *shakes head*

Teoh Beng Hock's Inquest - part 2

13 August 2009

Some people believe there would be marks on TBH's hands if he didn't jump. My opinion is, if a person is standing at a 45 degree angle (facing down) and held by the belt from behind. Facing downwards, there is no way one can reach behind to grasp anything. Thus, no marks on the hands. In any case, I doubt we'll ever know the truth unless there are witnesses.

But, my main questions are:

1. Why would a man who is going to get married the next day commit suicide?
2. Why would a man who is going to have his first baby commit suicide?
3. How does a man jump out of a locked window?
4. If he got the key from someone, who gave him the key?
5. How did the window lock itself after he supposedly jumped?

It might be just me, but I smell something fishy in this whole incident. Things just don't add up to suicide.

I remember when I was about to get married, I made sure I even looked left and right a few times extra before I crossed the road just to make sure I'm alive and well to get married. Men don't jump off a building on the eve of their marriage. It doesn't make sense. If I hear news that I'm going to be a father soon, I'd be very happy. I wouldn't jump off a building. I'd be passing out cigars or something.

Will we ever know the truth behind this? I really doubt it. Will we ever know who were present, I doubt it even more. But, that's just me.

If the number of deaths under the care of our authorities are not so high, I think, not many people will even bat an eye. But, considering the increase in deaths under the care of our authorities, it is a cause for great concern. We are afterall the ones paying for the salaries of those whose duty is to serve and protect us, Malaysians. I hope the members of the various government agencies realise that it is not the federal government who is paying the salaries. It is the regular Malaysians who are paying the salaries.

Teoh Beng Hock's Inquest

12 August 2009

Yesterday's news, the doctors who did the autopsy on Teoh Beng Hock said that there were no defensive marks on his hands.

Does that support the government's claim that Teoh Beng Hock jumped through a locked window on the eve of his marriage? And he was about to have his first baby. Would any man who is about to have his first baby commit suicide?

Let's review the facts I heard so far.

1. Teoh Beng Hock was in a government building. Unless someone can tell me otherwise, I'll assume a government building is a secured building.

2. His broken belt with an unknown DNA was recovered.

3. The doctors said there were no defensive marks on his hands.

4. He fell through a window which is locked and only a few authorised staff had the key.

Since there are no defensive wounds on his hands, it reminds me of Raja Petra Kamarudin's theory that someone threatened Teoh Beng Hock and things went wrong. So, could someone have held Teoh Beng Hock out of the window by his belt and the belt broke? The lack of defensive wounds and the broken belt with the unknown DNA would fit in perfectly in this picture. This would also explain how a locked window was unlocked.

So, who was the person who held Teoh Beng Hock's belt?

Is Rais Yatim Curbing Freedom?

7 August 2009

Is Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim curbing freedom again? The moment he became the Information, Communications and Culture Minister, Rais Yatim proposed controlling bloggers. According to the radio this morning, Rais Yatim has announced a tender to install an internet filtering software to block undesirable sites. Apparently, this move is to protect Malaysians.

What undesirable sites is he thinking off? Bloggers sites? Malaysiakini? The Sun? Recent events have made me lose confidence in our government's efforts to "take care of all Malaysians". I have yet to hear of any action taken against the 2 journalists who desecrated the consecrated eucharist which is sacred to Catholics worldwide. But, if it were something done against a particular religion, you can bet the action would have been fast and excessive. So far, have these so-called powers to protect "every Malaysian" been beneficial to ALL Malaysians or only a certain group of people?

Recently, the PM announced that the ISA is being reviewed. I don't get it. If the ISA is being reviewed? Why propose another silly idea to curb freedom? Are the PM and the Information minister on the same page? Considering what the Information minister is proposing, it seems there are two possibilities:

1. the Information minister is implying that the PM is not sincere about reviewing the ISA;
2. the Information minister is blatantly disobeying the PM.

I wonder which possibility is correct.

I know China uses an internet filtering software. China is a communist country. Is the Information minister implying that Malaysia wants to become a communist country too? Come on, Rais Yatim, if you wish to do a good job, don't waste the money on the internet filtering software, use the money to improving the internet service in the country. Currently, our broadband service is more like snailband service. As Communication minister, Rais Yatim should improve the internet service. I throw you a challenge, Communication minister. Show to all of us your abilities as Communication minister by focusing on improving the internet service. If you succeed, then, you will go down in history as the Communication minister who really made a valuable contribution to Malaysia and to all Malaysians. Do you dare to take up the challenge?

A Martyr

22 July 2009

I've been reading a lot about the mysterious death of Teoh Beng Hock while under the care of MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission).

I believe he has become a martyr for democracy, justice and truth. How many more martyrs would the corrupt and oppressive regime demand of us to satisfy their own gains? Does our soil need to be irrigated by innocent blood for them to satisfy their own selfish needs?

I suppose Teoh Beng Hock's death will be swept under the carpet just like Altantuya's death and Kugan's death. No doubt the chaps who carried out the dirty orders were supposedly executed in the Altantuya's case. But, it was never revealed who gave the dirty orders. Just like in Kugan's case, no one was held accountable. I wonder how many more mysterious deaths which the regime has succeeded in keeping quiet? When will it all end? When there are no more innocents in this land?

Religious Tolerance In Malaysia

20 July 2009

A friend wrote an article on Malaysia Today that there should be due respect shown to the Catholics over the sacrilegious act committed by the two journalists. There was an immediate response that people should first respect the Muslim faith.

That was a very puzzling response considering that at no time at all did anyone from the other faiths shown anything disrespectful towards the Muslim faith that I can remember. Those of other faiths did NOT desecrate the mosque or the Holy Quran. And during the Muslim fasting month, my friends and I refrain from eating or drinking in view of Muslims as a sign of respect to them.

I do remember the Hindu and Buddhist temples being demolished or damaged. I do remember a Catholic children's first Holy Communion being disrupted. And recently, the sacrilege act against the Holy Eucharist.

God in any name is still God

19 July 2009

I cannot understand what is the issue over the use of "Allah" by non-Muslims. If my Muslim brothers and sisters believe that there is only one God and there is no other God, then, what is the issue. By believing that there is only one God, that means ALL of us are worshiping the SAME God.

God is God no matter whether we call Him Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, The Almighty, etc, etc. So, who has the right to say someone cannot use one of God's names?

From what I see, there are only one possible reason why someone can prevent the rest of us by calling God in any of His recognised names:

1. the person who wants to prevent us does NOT believe that there is only one God.

From my point of view, if I have to call God by a particular name, that means there must be many Gods and each God has a particular name.

So, which is which? Is there only one God as the Muslims profess in their daily prayer? If so, why is His name an issue?

Spying On The Catholics

15 July 2009

http://www.thenutgraph.com/the-furore-over-al-islam

As a former journalist, I'm appalled by what the reporters of the Al Islam magazine did for the May issue of the magazine. There is a very fine line between chasing a story and offending a person, a group of people, committing sacrilege against another religion, etc. A good journalist would not cross that line.

I understand about going after a nice juicy story. I felt that urge many times myself. But, one needs to temper that urge with respect and understanding for people.

What prompted that journalists to do such a thing? Did they think that they'll be protected? Did anyone outside of the magazine put them to it?

It's very amazing when I look back. When the two historical Buddhas were blown to smithereens in Afganistan, did you see street protests or death threats, etc from the Buddhists world-wide? No. When it was found out that the Muslim journalists took part in a very sacred part of the Mass - the Holy Communion; and later spat our and photographed and published it, was there any street protest or death threats, etc? No. In fact, a Catholic priest and Catholics actually forgave him.

But, I also remember the time when someone drew a silly caricature and there were world-wide street protests, riots, etc. I also remember the time when the Pope's speech was misinterpreted, there were street protests, etc. In fact, it the Pope's speech was even discussed in Parliament. My question is, will this blatant disruption of another group's faith be discussed in our parliament? This involves the people of the nation. This involves national security and national harmony.

In case some people are not aware of the seriousness of what happened, let me try to explain it in easier terms. How would the Muslims feel if a non-Muslim enters a mosque and desecrate the Holy Quran? How would the Buddhists feel if a non-Buddhist enters a temple and desecrates the Holy Relic of Buddha? To the Catholics, the Eucharist is that sacred.

Although each of us treasure our own religion, everyone of us are brothers and sisters in humanity. We tend to forget that. We tend to think of ourselves as a person of this particular race, religion or social status. We need to look deeper. We need to see that we are all brothers and sisters in the human family. Just like in any normal family, each sibling has his or her own particular preferences. But, we still sit down and share a meal on the same table. Why? Because we are a family. When we argue with our siblings, we still forgive. Why? Because we are a family. So, as siblings of the family of humanity, can we not forgive each other when one makes a mistake?

One day, if we say or do something which our siblings of the muslim faith find offensive, remember that we forgave you; we did not cause any violence in response to what you have done. In this case, proper and just action must be taken and then, forgiveness with follow.

We must remember that we are all siblings in the human family. There will be mistakes done. But, once restitution is made and justice is served fairly. And I really mean fairly. No sweeping things under the carpet. Then, love will prevail and will be forgiven. So, will justice be served fairly?

Dell gives pathetic service

18 June 2009

Dell has been sending me promotional mailers for a long time. In August 2008, I called Dell at 1800 88 0287 to request for a change of address. The staff said it was done. Subsequent month, the mailers still went to my old address. I called that number again and requested for a change of address. Again, the staff said it was done and the mailers still went to the old address.

25 May 2009, I got tired of calling them and decided to email to the address provided in the promotional mailer - apcc_msia_mail@dell.com. I requested for a change of address and an acknowledgement. No response. On 14 June 2009, I went to my old place and got another Dell mailer. On 16 June 2009, I wrote another email to that same email address and I cc it to my friend working there as well. This time, I was rather upset and my email showed it. She promptly wrote back to say that the email went to over 3000 Dell staff. Hmm.... I wonder why did Dell mailer ask customers to write to that email address for?

My friend gave me Onn Lay Kim, the Customer Service Manager's email address at Lay_Kim_Onn@dell.com. I immediately wrote to Ms Onn and my email promptly bounced back with the undeliverable error message.

Hmm..... I give up. I've done my very, very best to contact Dell but, it seems Dell doesn't want to be contacted. Is it deliberate? Wow! This is the service from a Multi-National Company. I'm shocked.

How long does it take to change a customer's address? When my customer informs me to update their address, I could get it done within a day. Is Dell computer system so ancient that updating of customer details take over 10 months? Hey, perhaps Dell would like to buy Writech computers instead. They are very much more reliable and efficient.

HSBC Staff Excels

9 May 2009

A few months back, we were approached by HSBC Assistant Team Sales Manager, Jeremy Sim Chee Wei at the Damansara Uptown, PJ, branch. He convinced us to sign up for the HSBC Amanah credit card. We did.

Yesterday, we received a thank you note from Jeremy (individually). Inside the envelope, was a small gift. Charmaine received a bookmark and I received a pen. It was a very unexpected but much appreciated gesture.

This is what more sales personnel from companies should be doing. No, customers don't expect an eight course dinner as a thank you. A small gesture goes a VERY long way. The pen will run out of ink eventually. But, I will still remember Jeremy.... not for the pen. But, for the effort of thanking me.

In that thank you note, he also asked us to let him know if our friends wish to apply for the credit card. Will we recommend our friends to get the credit card from Jeremy? Of course! Finding someone who serves you well is like finding a needle in a haystack these days.

HSBC board of directors, you have a good staff in Jeremy. Do all you can to keep him. I believe he's going places. I've had dealings with other HSBC staff and if you read the other articles in this blog, you'll know they don't measure up.

Jeremy Sim Chee Wei, thank you for your excellent service. Yes, we'll definitely recommend anyone to you. And we also look forward to giving you more business in the future.... even if you move to another organisation. You will be an asset to any organisation. Bravo! Keep this up and the sky is your limit.

Guinness & Me - part 1

8 May 2009

I think it was in January when we saw a kitten on the highway. I found a spot to stop the car and Charmaine went down to get her before anyone runs her over. She was in a bad shape. Just skin and bones and her eye had an infection. She has beautiful black-whitish-brownish fur. We took her to our vet immediately.

Other than starving and eye infection, she also had a fever. Feeding her the medicines and vitamin was a real tough chore. How she struggled.

Our intention was to foster her while looking for a good home for her. Due to the colours of her fur, I named her Guinness. Big mistake. Don't name a dog or cat if you don't intend to keep it. So, that's how Guinness became a member of the human-dog pack.

What have I learnt about cats? Guinness is our first cat.

1. Cats are different from dogs.

2. You can't play rough with a cat. It gets upset and the teeth and claws come out.

3. I don't know about other cats but Guinness has to sniff us first thing in the day just like the dog.

4. I also notice she loves to sniff everything just like that beagle.

5. Watch out for the teeth and claws. They are very sharp. I have the scars to prove it.

6. Keep your face out of the cat's teeth or claw range. She would strike for no reason while we pet her.

7. Watch the head. A cat's head can move like a snake. My face got bitten at least twice.

8. Beware of their tricks. Guinness is a cat with a bag of tricks. We keep her in our guest bathroom until she's bigger. We put a board at the door to stop her from coming out unsupervised. While we were on holiday, she managed to escape twice. Cats can really jump. When we are around, she'll pretend to hide but would quickly turn and zip out of the bathroom.

9. Discourage cats from biting or scratching you. When they are bigger, the experience isn't going to be very pleasant.

10. In the beginning, cats are very shy. So, leave them alone when they need to answer the call of nature. I notice that when I'm watching her, she turns her back to me whenever she answers nature's call.

11. Their claws are very bad for your furniture. Discourage them from clawing the furniture from the very beginning. Get them a scratch post. A simple one will do.

12. Wires are very dangerous for cats or any other animal for that matter. One bite and they're fried. So, discourage them from the beginning.

13. Get the tablet feeding device as soon as you can. It prevents injured fingers... believe me. But, watch out for the claws. They'll do their best to stop you from giving them medicine/vitamin.

14. Who says cats and dogs don't mix? Okay, I admit when we first got her home, Bailey was looking at her like his treat.... smacking him lips. Bailey loves catching and eating birds or any animal smaller than him. The trick is how you introduce them. We put her in a cage and put the cage out with him. We monitored the "introduction" phase closely. Any sign of aggression from Bailey and we immediately reprimanded him. A few days of that "introduction", we took her out of her cage and held her on our lap as Bailey starts to sniff her. Once we were sure the aggression was gone, we can let her down but monitor both of them very closely. Now, both of them play with each other like best friends whenever I take her outside.

15. Watch the tail. If the cat twitches the tail rapidly, be careful. It's getting upset.

16. Don't expect the cat to come to you for affection like the dog. The cat will tolerate your affection if it needs food or it's toilet cleaned. After that, it will dismiss you like the royal servant you are. So, get used to it.

17. On very rare occasions, Guinness allows me to let her lie down on my lap while we watch tv. Note the word "allow". When she wants to go back into her royal chamber, she'll let me know in no uncertain terms.

18. Cats are very fast. I mean very fast. So, keep your eyes on it at all times when you let it out.

19. Guinness knows whenever Charmaine is out of town. I don't know how she knows. But, she knows. Then, she'll ignore me.

20. Keep a lot of plasters and alcohol swipes handy. You'll need them.

21. Make sure your medical jabs are up-to-date. You're going to get a lot of injuries.

22. Bailey would instigate Guinness to play with him by offering her his hind leg to bite. At first we were wondering why was the dog trying to sit on the cat's face.

23. Never pull your hand away when a cat bites you. Their teeth bends in. If you pull away, the injury will be worse. I push my hand back at Guinness and she'll release.

So, should one keep a cat? Well, if you don't mind being a servant to His/Her Royal Highness and be tolerated to stroke him/her at his/her whim, then, it's ok. But, being a dog person, I find having a cat soothing (when she doesn't attack me). Guinness loves to ambush. So, to me, it's worthwhile to have Guinness. The antics she and Bailey gets to when they are together are interesting to watch.

Bailey & Me - part 4

8 May 2009

This morning when I was unlocking the main door, Bailey heard me and ran to the garden to hide. I was wondering what he did this time.

Anyway, I went out later. The moment I opened the door, I detected a slight whiff of urine. I also noticed my ole friend rushing under the car. So, I started sniffing the air just as my old beagle does. And he watched me from under the car. My nose led me to the car tyre. As usual, he did it again even though he knows he wasn't supposed to do it.

Bailey slowly crawled out from under the car and remained in the down position with his ears back. I scolded him of course. Well, looks like he's going to have a smaller portion for dinner.

Oh yeah, I read from somewhere that for dogs with digging problem, bury his poo in the hole and close it up. I tried it. The trick is to NOT bury the poo too deep. Make sure there's only a thin layer of soil covering the poo. This way, the moment he digs, bingo! pay dirt.

A few days ago, I was so frustrated that buried a big pile of poo in the hole. The incorrigible fella decided to break my rule and dug while we were sleeping. He didn't get to dig far to find my surprise waiting for him.

I wish I could have seen his face.

Bailey & Me - part 3

7 May 2009

It's been over a month since my mother-in-law played with Bailey. He's gradually re-learning his training. Yup, it took so long to re-train him. He's not back to his trained self yet. But, at least no more soiling on the porch so far. His digging has somewhat reduced too.

What did I do to re-train him? I gladly declare that I'm a Cesar Millan fan. However, his methods have not been completely successful on Bailey. Okay, maybe I did things wrong. But, unless Cesar is here to correct me, there's no way I can get things right. I also read many dog books and so far, none has helped much.

So, what do you do when all the dog training DVDs, books, etc. fail? Give him away? Whack the living daylight out of him? What if he loves to be whacked? Outsmart him? Reason with him? What if all else fails? I know dog experts say don't humanise the dog. I've always believed that a dog is just an animal..... until Bailey came along.

I've managed to get dogs I've met for the first time or a few times to sit, etc without any problems. I've even trained an old dog a few tricks. But Bailey.......

I know experts say dogs sense our emotions, etc and react accordingly. Dogs live for the moment. Okay here are some observations. I invite any dog expert out there who dispute my comments to please come and prove me wrong.

1. I saw Bailey about to chew a piece a plastic bag flown in from outside the gate. He looked at my balcony. I reprimanded him from the balcony a few times. He looked at my bedroom window. I reprimanded him from the bedroom window a few times. He looked at the sliding door of my hall. I reprimanded him from there many times. Then, he was about to chomp on the bag. I reprimanded him with a sound. His mouth opened and he dropped the bag instantly. He looked around trying to spot me. And quickly walked away from the bag and looked innocent.

2. He has either peed or pooed on the driveway and I'm unlocking my front door. I had no idea what he did as I couldn't see anything until I step outside. He runs away and hides from me the moment he hears me unlocking the door. Normally, he would lie down and wait for me to pet him. He couldn't have picked up my displeasure as I didn't even know what he did at that time.

3. He realised that with the current hot weather, he could pee on the driveway and it will be dry before I wake up. I suspect he did that a few times. Then, one day, I put my nose close to the ground and started sniffing during my inspection. Yes, I make an inspection every morning when I step out into the driveway. And I only pet him after he has passed inspection. When I smell pee, I reprimanded him and he immediately runs away.

So, how do I deal with such a dog? Believe me, I've considered giving him away many, many times. In fact, he is currently on probation. So, I've created a training regime through trial and error.

1. Whacking him isn't effective. He seems to enjoy it.
2. Reduce his food. That is more effective.
3. Fast him. Most effective. The next day, he's an angel.
4. Ignore him. He loves attention and ignoring him upsets him.

I've found a very effective way to leash/cage him whenever we want to drive the car in/out. He would obey the command to go to the leash area or go into the cage. And after the gate is locked, I'd release him and play fetch with him. He loves it.

Excessive Use of Power

7 May 2009

I heard from Tony Pua that an elected people's representative was recently arrested for wearing black while eating at a mamak store. What's going on? Since when the government decided to dictate what colour of clothes the citizens can wear? Do we live in a democracy or dictatorship?

Man! Chinese tradition is to wear black during mourning and funerals. The jails will be filled up very quickly if wearing black is an offense. And is the government going to reimburse the citizens for discarding our black outfits? Is the government going to the shopping malls to close down all the shops selling black attire? Wouldn't that hurt the economy considering that almost every shop sells some kind of black apparel?

What about the judges? Is the government going to arrest the judges and the lawyers? They wear black too. Gosh... the black cats. I think they will be arrested too. Poor cats. What is happening to this country? I don't think communist countries arrest their citizens for wearing a certain colour of apparel. Wow! What about our visitors from the Arab countries. I notice a lot of the women are garbed in black attire.

Is our Royal Malaysian Police discriminating against those in black? If black attire is not allowed, our Foreign Ministry better inform the world community. Imagine this scenario; a plane carrying tourists lands on Malaysian soil. The moment, the wheels touch down, our Gerak Khas (police commandos) storms in and arrest all those wearing black. Imagine the shock. But, Malaysia will surely be well known throughout the world as the only country to arrest people for wearing a particular coloured attire. What about skin? Is dark skin allowed or will people with dark skin be arrested as well. A plane touches down. Gerakan Khas moves in and say, "freeze! all dark skinned people must shed their dark skin or be arrested"! Wow! Another MY-wood production.

No wonder the house of the chief of police in Johore was burgled. Our police are too busy arresting innocent civilian while the real criminals are running amok. I heard of a woman killed during a snatch thief incident. Another woman is in coma from another snatch thief incident. Where were the police? Ah... they were busy arresting innocent civilians. So, who is going to protect us, the tax paying innocent civilians?

Pathetic Service at Companies Commission of Malaysia

Note: my apologies for the long absence. Please read my article on Maxis and you'll understand.

7 May 2009

I went to Companies Commission of Malaysia (aka. SSM - Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia) to renew my business registration yesterday. That was the last day of my business registration. No, I did not wait till the last minute to do a renewal. I tried to do a renewal as early as 31 December 2008.

When I went all the way to the SSM office in Shah Alam to do an early renewal of my business registration on 31 December 2008, I was told they cannot do it because it's too early. I brought cash to do it. What? They didn't trust the money issued by the Malaysian government? Their computer cannot do early renewal? If so, how do they do 5-year renewals? The 5-year renewals are pre-payment for 4 years. So, if they can do pre-payment for 4 years, why can't they do pre-payment for a few months? Are those people in SSM using our public money to invest in those Flintstone computers? You know the type where you have to chisel your information onto a piece of rock. If so, I'd be very happy to sell them better computers where you don't need to chisel anything.

Okay, after I was disappointed that I couldn't do early renewal, I asked the lady at the counter if there are any alternative way to pay my renewal. Yes she said. Use the internet. Ah... that's the way to go. I was estatic!

On 30 April 2009, I tried to do my renewal. Guess what? I couldn't find anything which says payment. I called up SSM. The girl said click Main to do payment. Okay, I did that. What I got was:

Could not connectCan't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysql/mysql.sock' (61)

I told her that. And she made a comment which implied that I was some dufus. Then, she tried it herself. She came back and said server down. So, who's the dufus now? She said the server will be up on 1 May. Fine. I tried again on 1 May and still couldn't get in. I have been trying everyday since then.

Yesterday, I got desperate so, I went all the way to KL to do my renewal. And their system was down at their office too. I asked the lady what am I going to do since I've been trying to do my renewal but their system can't do it. She said I've 7 days grace period from 6 May. After that, I will be fined for not renewing my business registration.

Not renewing my business registration???? Hey, I've been trying to renew my business registration since 31 December 2008! Why is it my fault that SSM is incompetent? I don't run SSM. Come to think of it, I believe the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs run SSM. So, SSM should sent the fine to the minister not to the public.

I tried again today and still got the same error message.

Observations / Comments:

1. If the government is truly sincere about improving service to the public, the government should really look into SSM.

2. Why does it take over a week and yet the server problem is still not solved? Did SSM hire Flintstones R Us as their computer vendor?

3. Why can't we do our renewal a few months earlier?

4. The SSM staff should be reminded that they are "Public Servants". Apparently, they still think they are little napoleons as our former PM so aptly called them. Public Servant means those who "serve" the "public". So, show some respect. The public is paying their salaries afterall.

5. When MBPJ, Immigration Department, etc can do early renewal, why can't SSM do it? Those agencies also serve the public.

6. When a citizen willingly pays his/her dues to the government, the government agencies involved should make things easier and pleasant rather than making it difficult and frustrating. How is the government going to encourage citizens to be honest this way?

Now, should I send my bill to the director of SSM or the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs? The transport cost was RM7 and the time cost was RM600 (for 2 hours).

Neighbours - Part 8

23 April 2009

This morning the other neighbour (an old man) mentioned that by hanging a garbage bag for garden refuse in the middle of my own garden, it attracts birds to his house. This has gotten me stumped the whole day. How does my garbage bag "signal" to birds to go to my neighbour's house? Is there a neon sign pointing to his house which I can't see?

To think in a logical sense, if for some strange reason, birds are attracted to my garden refuse, shouldn't they come to my house?

What's with the neighbours? We've always been polite and nice to them from the beginning. Are they trying to bully us just because we are new and we are younger? So far, those giving us problems are the older ones. Those neighbours our age are nice.

I notice their comments are always over things which are within our area. I'm always willing to listen to their suggestions about things within my area if they are paying for our bank loan. But, we are paying for our bank loan. So, what right do they have to say anything when it doesn't affect them? I'm not being petty or rude. But, my patience is wearing very thin. We moved here thinking we'll live happily and peacefully with the neighbours not having neighbours harrass us.

Arrest Warrant Out On Raja Petra Kamarudin

23 April 2009

I just heard that an arrest warrant has been issue on Raja Petra Kamarudin.

I'm unfamiliar with royalty or those in the corridors of power. I'm just a common man-on-the-street. So, here's my musings or questions if you may.

Over the past few weeks, I've heard the government talk about ALL of us respecting the royalty and not disrespecting royalty. I've even heard of civilians arrested for disrespecting royalty. I agree. We should respect royalty.

Out of respecting royalty, comes questions about the warrant of arrest for RPK.

RPK said that he couldn't attend the court hearing because he was in self-imposed exile for being "durhaka" (traitorous) to his family, the royal family of Selangor. RPK cited this is the punishment for any member of the Selangor royal family for more than 250 years. My understanding is RPK is punishing himself for whatever he did or did not do to his family. Apparently, it's the normal punishment for royalty for more than 250 years.

So, if RPK is arrested, he would not be able to continue his punishment (and maybe reconcile with his family?). I've heard of this phrase called "obstruction of justice". Does this apply to Malaysia? If RPK is punishing himself and someone or some group stops him, does that not mean an obstruction of justice?

If RPK is stopped from continuing his royal punishment, does that not mean that the person or group is disrespecting the royal family? I mean it's a fact that RPK is a royalty.

So, what are we to believe? The powers that be are sending conflicting signals. On one hand, people are arrested for disrespecting the royalty. On the other hand, a royalty might be stopped from carrying out a royal punishment - therefore, disrespecting this particular royalty. So, does that mean that the powers that be have to arrest themselves after arresting RPK? Then what? Oh my... what a confusing state of affairs.

Postmen Caught In Inaction - part 3

22 April 2009

Photos were taken at the park behind Jalan SS25/39, Taman Mayang, Petaling Jaya.

Top photo was taken on 20 April 2009 at 10:27am.


Middle photo was taken on 22 April 2009 at 9:36am. Our friend couldn't find his buddies here today. He quickly left when a jogger came along.


Bottom photo was taken on 22 April 2009 at 12:58pm. This was after the postman without the jacket just finished peeing right in the field. He didn't bother to hide behind the tree or anything. I couldn't reach my camera in time for the candid shot though.


Today, I received an email from Pos Malaysia's Wan Ezzety Kamarudin that my complaint has been escalated to the State Manager, Pos Malaysia Bhd, Selangor. Apparently, I will be informed of the outcome within 3 working days. I was even given the IMS reference number 412799.

Will see what happens next.

Maxis Wifi Broadband Service - part 3

18 April 2009

Yesterday when I was doing my usual internet work, the browser and email program stopped working. The Maxis USB modem (which came with the Maxis package) showed I was connected (as usual). After going through the pathetic Maxis for so many months, I knew it was another Maxis problem.

Thana from Maxis told me on 30 March that after 2 weeks, their vendor would have fixed the problem and if I still have the problem, I should call Maxis. Yesterday was 17 April. I know my maths is not very good. But, I do know how to count. 2 weeks is 14 days, right? Therefore, 17 April is more than 2 weeks. Perhaps these Maxis staff should be sent back to school to learn how to count to at least 20.

Kishan answered my call and was not polite at all. It was 7pm. As usual, he made it sound like it was my fault that Maxis wifi broadband is not working. I don't know what's the matter with these call centre people in Maxis. Like I have access to the Maxis server. If I do, I wouldn't be calling them, would I? And aren't the customers the one paying their salaries? They are the first point of contact with the customer.

Anyway, he said that I've exceeded my quota for the month! Quota? What quota?

1. When I first signed up for Maxis wifi broadband service, the sales person did not mention anything about quota. I told him that I'm online practically 24x7. I asked him if I could still do it with Maxis without any problems. He said yes but access to Bit Torrent is blocked. That's fine with me since I don't download movies or music.

2. I do understand about quota. Kishan mentioned that once the quota is reached, surfing speed is reduced. My question to him was why did the speed reduced to nothing? Yes, the Mobile Connect screen showed 1MB connection speed. But, nothing was moving.... emails, surfing. Nothing. He suggested I use during off-peak between midnight to 6am.

Okay, so by subscribing to Maxis which I'm paying $138 per month, I've to change my sleeping cycle in order to use the service. If we are looking at it this way, does that also mean that I should change Maxis' billing cycle and only pay Maxis 1 year later? It's fair, right? I've to stay awake at night to use the service. So, I should only pay 1 year later. If I'm to pay every month, then, I should get the service I'm paying for.

Dr Rais Yatim should look into this matter. I believe telcos cheating customers is more important than bugging bloggers.

Another issue is, I sent an email to Sandip Das, the Maxis CEO to complain about poor service on 1 April 2009. He still hasn't replied or called me since then. Hello... isn't Maxis a telecommunication company? And the CEO doesn't communicate with the paying customer? By the way, I've been a Maxis customer for over 10 years. And the CEO doesn't even reply or call.

Oh well, if Sandip is not interested in my business, once the 1 year contract with Maxis wifi broadband is over, I'm moving. And guess what? I'm going to transfer my mum from being my supplementary to my wife's supplementary. My wife is using Digi. Then, I'll also become my wife's supplementary.

I always prefer to deal with companies whose CEO and staff value me as a customer. Why should I give business to companies which don't value me?

Maxis, the ball is in your court.