Uncle Ho's Diary

2012

2012-01-11T00:08:00.002+08:00

on the 11th day of the year 2012, i am down with a cold. the weather at my place is weird. 1 minute it could be hot as hell and the second it would be raining cats and dogs.

so what is new. nothing actually. a few interesting news.

nikon has launch the new flagship full frame camera. the D4. these are the specs of the new dslr.

16.2 effective megapixel, full-frame sensor (16.6MP total)

10fps shooting with AF and AE, 11fps with focus and exposure locked, 24fps 2.5MP grabs

91,000 pixel sensor for metering, white balance, flash exposure, face detection and active d-lighting

ISO Range 100-12,800 (extendable from 50 – 204,800)

MultiCAM 3500FX Autofocus sensor works in lower light and with smaller apertures

Two sub-selector joystick/buttons for shooting orientation

1080p30 HD video at up to 24Mbps with uncompressed video output

New EN-EL18 battery (21.6Wh capacity, CIPA-rated at 2600 shots)

Twin card slots - one Compact Flash and one XQD

the specs are good enough for an upgrade from the D3 and D3s.

on the judical side, anwar ibrahim has been acquitted from the charges of sodomy. not a hot news for me since i cant be bothered to give much attention to politics in malaysia.

River Of Life: Revitalizing the Klang and Gombak Rivers

2011-10-11T21:08:00.004+08:00

Kuala Lumpur, 1 July 2011 - YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, today, officially launched River of Life (RoL) project, aimed at revitalizing the Klang and Gombak Rivers into a vibrant and livable waterfront with high economic value.

Identified as an Entry Point Project (EPP) under the Greater Kuala Lumpur / Klang Valley National Key Economic Area (NKEA), the RoL project seeks to transform the Klang and Gombak River into an iconic waterway at par with the world's great cities such as London, Paris, Melbourne and Amsterdam by 2020.

"The government is seriously committed in moving ahead with its development agenda. Thus, the ROL project has been identified as a great contributor of economic growth whilst instrumental in improving the rakyat's quality of life," said YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

"This initiative, categorically divided into three components - river cleaning, river beautification, as well as river development, will not only bring development to the local economy but also increase the population income. I hope that, once completed, people will be able to benefit from this project," he added.

Along with the river cleaning project, beautification works will also be carried out along a 10.7km stretch of the Klang and Gombak river corridor. It is expected that with the river beautification, the value of the land in and around the 10.7 km will appreciate. Similar increases in land values had been realized in Singapore and Korea as a result of their river transformation projects.

According to YB Senator Dato' Raja Nong Chik bin Raja Zainal Abidin, Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-being, "It is our hope that the RoL will make a change in mindset to create an environmentally friendly and sustainable living for the urban communities. It's time we remind ourselves to put our civic minded and responsible hats on to keep our rivers clean and uncontaminated."

Led by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) under the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Well-being, today's marks an official launch for RoL project. In conjunction with the auspicious launch, 5 Master Planners had submitted their proposal for the Master Planning Competition under the river beautification component which was launched on the 12 April 2011. Each proposal will be assessed by a panel of appointed jurors based on their professional expertise.

In the spirit of greater transparency, the 5 Master Plans are made available for public to view and vote at www.riveroflife.com.my. Voting will be open commencing July 2nd and close on July 28th. Thereafter, the winning proposal will be announced on July 30th. Meanwhile, there will be a two day public briefing at Dewan Perdana Mestika, Institut Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur from the 4th to 12th July at the same venue. The public are encouraged to attend to enable them to have an insight into the individual Master Plans to facilitate their voting. The public would be able to cast their votes on the website.

DBKL is also currently in the midst of determining a Project Delivery Partner (PDP) to coordinate the River of Life Project. The PDP will also be announced in due course.
Official website: http://riveroflife.com.my/

River Of Life: Revitalizing the Klang and Gombak Rivers

2011-10-11T21:08:00.002+08:00

datuk ahmad jais pass away

2011-10-11T20:35:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Penyanyi veteran Datuk Mohd Jais Ahmad atau lebih dikenali sebagai Ahmad Jais meninggal dunia di Pusat Perubatan DEMC, jam 9.20 pagi ini dipercayai akibat masalah paru-paru.

Allahyarham Ahmad Jais berusia 75 tahun.
Menantunya, Amirul Izwan Razak, 28, berkata jenazah Allahyarham dimandikan dan disembahyangkan di Masjid Negeri Shah Alam sebelum dikebumikan di Tanah Perkuburan Islam Seksyen 21, Shah Alam, hari ini.
Penyanyi yang popular dengan lagu "Selamat Hari Raya" dan "Budi Setahun Segunung Intan" yang dinyanyikan bersama Kartina Dahari itu dimasukkan ke pusat perubatan itu sejak dua minggu lalu kerana kesukaran bernafas.

Allahyarham Ahmad Jais meninggalkan lima orang anak dan isterinya Mas Halilah Mas Nayeem telah meninggal dunia pada 22 Jun 2009.

Penyanyi yang mula berkecimpung dalam bidang muzik sekitar era 60-an mengadu penat selepas pulang daripada membuat persembahan di Batu Pahat, Johor, pada 8 September lalu, tetapi sakitnya mula serius pada malam 20 September lalu sehingga terpaksa menggunakan alat bantuan pernafasan di Hospital Pakar KPJ Selangor, Seksyen 20 di sini.

Allahyarham kemudian dipindahkan ke DEMC untuk rawatan lanjut.
Persembahan terakhir Allahyarham ialah pada majlis Rumah Terbuka Hari Raya Aidilfitri peringkat kebangsaan di Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang pada 11 September lalu yang turut dihadiri Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. - BERNAMA

Biodata.
Datuk Ahmad Jais (28 Mac 1936-11 Oktober 2011) telah dilahirkan di Kapar, Klang, Selangor pada tahun 28 March 1936. Beliau kemudiannya berhijrah ke Kuala Lumpur pada 1957 dan mula menyanyi di majlis keramaian seperti kenduri kahwin.

Pada Oktober 1959, Ahmad Jais berhijrah ke Singapura untuk mencuba nasibnya. Sebelum bintangnya mula bersinar, beliau pernah bekerja sebagai budak pejabat di Cycle & Carriage dengan gaji RM80 sebulan. Bakat seni dalam diri Ahmad Jais mula terbukti apabila memenangi pertandingan nyanyian pada 1959 dan 1960.

Pada tahun 1961, ramai peserta pertandingan itu yang membantah apabila dia ingin mengambil bahagian buat kali ketiga kerana Ahmad Jais merupakan penyandang gelaran. Beliau terpaksa mengalah dan hanya menyertai pertandingan Lagu Pop Singapura, dan dinobatkan sebagai juara Lagu Pop Singapura.

Pada tahun 1962, Ahmad Jais kembali menyertai pertandingan Lagu Asli Singapura dan sekali lagi meraih gelaran juara. Beliau pernah merakamkan lagu-lagunya di bawah label Panda Records bersama Orkes Selayang Pandang.

Kata orang, berakit-rakit ke hulu, berenang-renang ke tepian, bersakit-sakit dulu, bersenang-senang kemudian, kerjaya nyanyian Ahmad Jais mula terbuka luas apabila beliau mendapat peluang menjadi penyanyi undangan untuk Kumpulan Seriwarna yang membuat persembahan di Panggung Victoria. Pada zaman itu, panggung terbabit sering menjadi tumpuan golongan elit dan bangsawan. Ternyata kehebatan suaranya sewaktu menyanyikan lagu Di Ambang Sore diperakui tokoh muzik terkenal Singapura, Zubir Said yang banyak terbabit dengan dunia rakaman.

Selain Seriwarna, Ahmad Jais pernah menjadi penyanyi jemputan bagi sebuah lagi kumpulan muzik terkenal di Singapura, Orkes Melati Putih. Akhirnya namanya mula menjadi sebutan. Selain menyanyi secara solo, Ahmad Jais juga terkenal dengan lagu duet bersama pasangannya, Allahyarham Datin Rafeah Buang iaitu, Juwitaku Sayang dan Budi Setahun Segunung Intan (Kartina Dahari).

Album pertama Ahmad Jais muncul pada 1965. Album itu tidak lain daripada Kucupan Azimat. Sehingga kini Ahmad Jais sudah merakamkan lebih 100 lagu dalam 15 album, kebanyakannya dalam bentuk EP dan LP.

Dato Ahmad Jais turut terbabit bagi menjayakan Konsert Pop Yeh Yeh Suatu Evolusi 2007, di Stadium Malawati dan julung kali diadakan oleh Global Ads Workstation Sdn. Bhd.

Pada 23 Mac 2007, beliau diberi kepercayaan untuk mengadakan Konsert Bahtera Merdeka anjuran Istana Budaya yang diiringi oleh Orkestra Simfoni Kebangsaan.

Malaysia's 2012 Budget Full Speach By The Prime Minister

2011-10-08T08:31:00.002+08:00

Mr Speaker Sir,

I beg to move the Bill intituled “An Act to apply a sum from the Consolidated Fund for the service of the year 2012 and to appropriate that sum for the service of that year” be read a second time.

I begin the 2012 Budget speech by reciting the holy kalimah Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

1. Alhamdulillah, Praise be to the Almighty for His blessings on the people and our beloved country. As citizens with different faiths we have more reasons to be grateful to the Almighty.

2. Malaysia is a successful nation. In a short period, we have changed the face of the nation from being an agricultural and low income nation to a modern industrial upper middle income country. This success did not come easy. It was a result of hard work between the Government and the people who toiled together and held firmly to the principle of systematic planning and effective implementation. This is the blessing to a country with a responsible Government since independence. This is not a Government that makes empty promises but a responsible Government which always place the interest of the people above all and carries out policies for the benefit of the people and well-being of the nation.

3. This is not a norm but an extraordinary success. Looking back, there are many countries in the world which had more potential to succeed than Malaysia at the early days of their independence. However, they faltered midway even though they have vast natural resources and were not subjected to ethnic and socioeconomic differences as well as physical separation.

4. It is clear Malaysia’s development success story was not crafted in the boardrooms of skyscrapers. It is the result of the hard work of all Malaysians regardless of race, beliefs, gender or socio-economic status.

5. After 53 budgets, 10 Five Year Development Plans, three Outline Perspective Plans, all under the umbrella of the New Economic Policy, 1971-1990, National Development Policy, 1991-2000 and the National Vision Policy, 2001-2010, today we continue our journey together towards becoming a developed and high-income nation.

6. I started my administration with the guiding philosophy of 1Malaysia “People’s First, Performance Now.” It was followed by the implementation of Government Transformation Programme (GTP) with seven National Key Result Areas (NKRAs), Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) with 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) and New Economic Model with eight Strategic Reform Initiatives (SRIs). The Political Transformation Programme introduced recently will witness major changes in legislation to enable Malaysia to become a modern, progressive and at the same time, a functional democracy. To complement this, the Government will introduce several other transformation programmes. All these will culminate into the National Transformation Policy or DTN, effective from 2011-2020.

7. Inflows of foreign direct investment have regained momentum. Foreign direct investment increased six-fold to RM29bil in 2010, the highest growth in Asia. In the first half of 2011, it surged further by 75% to RM21.2bil compared with RM12.1bil for the same period in 2010. Private investment is expected to expand 15.9% in 2012, supported by the increase in foreign and domestic direct investments.

8. Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain strong. The banking and financial system remains intact with the risk-weighted capital ratio at 14.8%, far exceeding the international requirements of 8%. International reserves remains strong, registering RM414.5bil in 15 September 2011, sufficient to finance 9.5 months of retained imports as well as 4.5 times of short-term external debt. Income per capita is estimated to increase to RM28,725 in 2011 compared with RM26,175 in 2010.

9. Despite uncertainties in the global economy, moderation in external trade, increased inflationary pressures as well as geopolitical unrest, the country’s economic performance registered 4.4% in the first half of 2011. This growth is driven by expansion in the domestic economy, which remained robust. This growth momentum is expected to increase in the second half of 2011, spurred by a more vibrant private consumption and investment. Growth in 2011 is, therefore, estimated to expand between 5% and 5.5%.

10. In 2012, the global economic prospect is expected to be more challenging. The International Monetary Fund revised downwards the world economic growth to 4% and the world trade to 5.8%. This is due to the economic slowdown in the United States, Europe and Japan, inflationary pressures due to rising commodity prices, European debt crisis as well as slower world trade. These global developments would certainly have a direct impact on the Malaysian economy.

11. With these developments, the Government will put in place measures to stimulate domestic economic activities, in particular public and private investments, as well as private consumption. Private and public investments are expected to increase 15.9% and 7%, respectively, supported by higher foreign direct investment, implementation of the ETP and Second Rolling Plan (RP2) projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP). Private consumption is projected to increase 7.1% following higher disposable income and a more positive employment prospect. On the supply side, the services sector is expected to expand 6.5%, while the construction sector 7%. Therefore, economic growth in 2012 is projected between 5% and 6%.

12. In the 2012 Budget, a total of RM232.8bil is allocated to implement all Government development plans, which include the projects and programmes under the RP2, NKEAs, NKRAs and SRIs, focussing on the well-being of the rakyat. From this amount, RM181.6bil is for operating expenditure and RM51.2bil for development expenditure.

13. From the total operating expenditure, RM52bil is allocated for Emoluments, RM30.5bil for Supplies and Services, while RM96.5bil is for Fixed Charges and Grants. A sum of RM1.1bil is provided for Purchase of Assets and the remaining RM1.5bil for other expenditures.

14. For development expenditure, RM29.8 billion is provided for the economic sector to support the needs of infrastructure, industry and agriculture as well as rural development. A sum of RM13.6 billion is allocated to the social sector including education and training, health, welfare, housing and community development. For the security sector, RM4.4 billion will be provided and RM1.4 billion is for general administration while RM2 billion is for contingencies reserve.

15. The total revenue of the Federal Government is expected to increase 1.9% to RM186.9bil in 2012 compared with RM183.4bil in 2011. Taking into account the estimated revenue and expenditure, the Federal Government deficit in 2012 is expected to improve to 4.7% of GDP compared with 5.4% in 2011.

16. To address the impact of the increasingly challenging external environment, efforts will be taken to strengthen the domestic economy. To further support economic growth, the Government will implement a Special Stimulus Package through Private Financing Initiative. This approach has been successful in stimulating the economy through the implementation of productive projects and enhancing the well-being of the rakyat. Through this initiative, several public projects will be implemented such as upgrading and maintenance of schools, including construction of new blocks, upgrading hospitals, flood mitigation programme, upgrading basic rural infrastructure as well as construction of public houses, including housing for fishermen and low-income group. In 2012, total projects amounting to RM6bil will be implemented through the Special Stimulus Package.

17. With Almighty’s blessing, the 2012 Budget is formulated with the theme “National Transformation Policy: Welfare for the Rakyat, Well-Being of the Nation” and focus on five main areas.

18. The services sector is the largest contributor to the nation’s economy, accounting for almost 58% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Under the 10MP, the Government targets this sector to contribute 60% of GDP by 2015. The Government will further liberalise 17 services subsectors in phases in 2012 which include private hospital services; medical and dental specialist services; architectural, engineering, accounting and taxation, legal services; courier services; education and training services; as well as telecommunication services. This initiative will allow up to 100% foreign equity participation in selected subsectors.

19. The year 2012 is the first year for the implementation of the RP2 under the 10MP. RP2 will be allocated RM98.4bil with RM49.2bil each for 2012 and 2013. The RP2 will focus on high-impact development projects and contributes to economic growth. All new projects RM50 million and above, will undergo value management appraisal to ensure benefit to the rakyat.

20. Under RP2, the main projects to be implemented are: - Gemas-Johor Bahru double tracking rail project; - Lebuhraya Pantai Timur Jabor-Kuala Terengganu, Lebuhraya Pantai Barat Banting-Taiping, Lebuhraya Segamat-Tangkak and Lebuhraya Central Spine as well as the construction of Kota Marudu-Ranau road; and - Redevelopment of the Sungai Besi Kuala Lumpur Air Base.

21. In the 10MP, the Government allocated RM20bil under the public-private partnerships (PPP) Facilitation Fund provides a tipping point to assist the private sector develop projects with strategic value. Of this total, RM18bil is for high-impact projects while the remaining RM2bil is for projects involving bumiputera entrepreneurs. In 2012, the Government will allocate RM2.5bil under this Fund and an estimated RM300mil is for bumiputera entrepreneurs.

22. In 2012, the Government will allocate RM978mil to accelerate the development in five regional corridors. Among the projects to be implemented are the construction of Johor Bahru-Nusa Jaya coastal highway in Iskandar, Johor; heritage tourism development in Taiping in the Northern Corridor; agropolitan scheme in Besut in the East Coast Economic Region; palm oil industrial cluster project in Lahad Datu in Sabah Development Corridor; and Samalaju water supply in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy.

23. To accelerate the banking, finance and capital market, continuous effort is required to promote the development of a more integrated and comprehensive financial services. This can be achieved with the establishment of the Treasury Management Centre which will contribute to the development of Malaysia as a competitive financial centre in the region. To attract multinational corporations (MNCs) to establish their Treasury Management Services in Malaysia, the Government proposes the following incentive: First: Income tax exemption of 70% for 5 years; Second: Withholding tax exemption on interest payments on borrowings; and Third: Stamp duty exemption on loan and service agreements.

24. To accelerate the development of Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD), the Government proposes the following incentive package: First: Income tax exemption of 100% for a period of 10 years and stamp duty exemption on loan and service agreements for KLIFD status companies; Second: Industrial Building Allowance and Accelerated Capital Allowance for KLIFD Marquee Status Companies; and Third: Income tax exemption of 70% for a period of 5 years for property developers in KLIFD.

25. The Islamic financial industry has grown rapidly in the last decade, contributing 22% to the total financial assets compared with 6.9% in 2000. It contributes 11% to the total employment in the financial sector. The Islamic banking and takaful sector continued to record double digit growth during the last five years.

26. Malaysia’s sukuk market continues to be the world’s largest Islamic bond market, accounting for two-third of the global sukuk outstanding. We are also pioneers in creating innovative Islamic finance products. This year, Malaysia issued the world’s first Wakala Global Sukuk amounting to US$2bil which was 4.5 times oversubscribed, confirming the world’s acceptance of Malaysia’s Islamic financial products as well as the increase in investors’ confidence in the Malaysian economy. To further encourage sukuk issuance, tax deduction on expenses incurred for sukuk wakala will be given for a 3-year period commencing from the year of assessment 2012. Meanwhile, income tax exemption given for non-ringgit sukuk issuance and transactions is extended for another 3 years until the year of assessment 2014.

27. Currently, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are one of the innovative financial products. The challenging conditions during the 2008 financial crisis led investors to re-evaluate their investment risks’ appetite, leading to a shift towards ETFs. With the availability of this diversified portfolio across the full spectrum of equities, bonds and commodities, investors can venture into new investments opportunities through the ETF market. To further promote the development of ETF products, I-VCAP, a subsidiary of Valuecap Sdn. Bhd., will provide RM200mil as seed monies for shariah-compliant ETFs. This fund will provide a matching loan subject to a maximum of RM20mil.

28. Felda Global Ventures Holding (FGVH) will be listed on Bursa Malaysia by mid-2012 to raise funds for the company to be a global conglomerate. The listing will create another blue chip plantation company besides attracting international investors to Bursa Malaysia. The rights and interests of Felda settlers will continue to be protected by Koperasi Permodalan Felda as the majority shareholder. Felda settlers are expected to receive a windfall, with the amount to be announced before listing.

29. Realising the need for product diversification in the capital market to attract foreign and domestic investments, the Government provided a concessionary tax rate of 10% on dividends of non-corporate institutional and individual investors in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) up to 31 December 2011. To further promote the development of this industry, the Government proposes that the incentive be extended for a period of 5 years commencing 1 January 2012 until 31 December 2016.

30. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute about 31% to GDP, 56% to the workforce and account for 19% of total export. To further strengthen SMEs’ contribution to economic growth, a shariah-compliant SME Financing Fund totalling RM2 billion to be managed by selected Islamic banks will be established in 2012. The Government will finance 2% of the profit rate.

31. The failure of entrepreneurs is not totally due to their lack of business acumen but due to factors beyond their control such as economic recession and higher costs. Genuine entrepreneurs must be given a second chance to succeed. For this, the Government will provide RM100 million for the SME Revitalisation Fund. This scheme offers soft loans up to a maximum of RM1mil for entrepreneurs to revive their businesses. This fund will be managed by SME Bank and will be available from January 2012.

32. The Government will establish an SME Emergency Fund amounting to RM10mil to assist SMEs affected by natural disasters. This is a proactive measure to help SMEs to recover and restart their businesses quickly. This Fund will be channelled to SMEs in the form of grants and soft loans through SME Corporation and MIDF. The scope of financing will include procurement of equipment and machines to replace machines destroyed in the disaster, purchase of raw materials as well as repair and restore their premises.

33. Franchising local businesses will strengthen the Malaysian brands. To further support the development of the local franchise industry, the Government proposes that franchise fees borne by local franchisees be allowed tax deduction. The Government encourages local franchise companies to take this opportunity to strengthen and expand their businesses abroad.

34. To promote green technology and ensure sustainable development of the nation, full exemption of import duty and excise duty on hybrid cars and electric cars will continue to be given to franchise holders. This tax exemption will be extended until 31 December 2013.

35. In 2010, the tourism sector attracted 25 million foreign tourists with a revenue of RM56bil. To further promote tourist arrivals as well as domestic tourism, tourist destinations, in particular Pulau Langkawi, will be re-developed. The Langkawi Five Year Tourism Development Master Plan will be launched with an allocation of RM420mil. Among the initiatives to be undertaken are the restructuring of the Langkawi Development Authority, setting up a park rangers unit, upgrading museums, beaches and small businesses as well as providing a more efficient transportation system.

36. The Government will continue to assist the private sector in providing more accommodation to attract high spending tourists. To further encourage investment in hotels to be at par with world’s renowned hotels, the Government proposes that hotel operators in Peninsular Malaysia, investing in new 4 and 5 star hotels, be given Pioneer Status with income tax exemption of 70% or Investment Tax Allowance of 60% for 5 years. For hotel operators in Sabah and Sarawak, tax incentives had been given. In addition, the Government will corporatise the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council to promote and develop Malaysia as a main destination for healthcare services in this region.

37. The current rate of 5% on real property gains tax (RPGT) is not effective in curbing real estate speculative activities. If not controlled, it will put pressure on the price of real estate. In the long run, it will jeopardise the ability of the low- and middle-income groups to buy houses. To overcome this concern, the Government proposes the RPGT rate be reviewed. For properties held and disposed within 2 years, the RPGT rate is 10%. For properties held and disposed within a period exceeding 2 years and up to 5 years, the rate is 5%. Properties held and disposed after 5 years are not subject to RPGT. I am confident the revised RPGT rates are low and will not affect genuine property owners and will curb speculative activities.

38. Innovation enables the economic value chain to be shifted to a higher level. Innovation will trigger new ideas to be translated into viable commercial products and services. Hence, research institutions should re-strategise and commercialise their research and development (R&D) findings. In addition, innovation has to be internalised as a way of life and to be practised by all, even pre-school children. With this, I am pleased to announce 2012 as the year of National Innovation Movement. To realise this aspiration, the Government has planned several strategic initiatives with an allocation of RM100mil as follows: First: Conduct programmes to instil and develop innovation in schools and public institutions of higher learning as well as in rural areas. This programme will be carried out by Government agencies in collaboration with NGOs; Second: Continue to implement the Jejak Inovasi programme by the Malaysian Foundation for Innovation (YIM) to encourage development of new ideas and commercialisation of innovative products, particularly from the rural areas; Third: Introduce Cipta 1Malaysia Award (C1PTA) to recognise the most innovative inventions of students and youth at the national level. This programme will be carried out by NGO with the cooperation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation; Fourth: Inculcate a culture of innovation through reality programmes, documentaries on innovation and publication of articles with the cooperation of the media and YIM; Fifth: Ensure commercial viability of products through market validation. For this, the Market Validation Fund with an initial allocation of RM30 million will be established and managed by Malaysian Technology Development Corporation together with Malaysia Innovation Agency; Sixth: More than 300 intellectual properties in the form of new products and technologies from universities will be offered to the private sector for commercialisation. A Gross National Income (GNI) of more than RM30bil is expected to be generated by 2020; and Seventh: Organise the World Innovation Forum 2012 by YIM and Asia Business Angel Forum by Cradle Sdn. Bhd. This initiative provides a platform for networking between investors and financiers as well as the entrepreneur community.

39. To enable SMEs to commercialise research products, the Government will establish a shariah-compliant Commercialisation Innovation Fund totalling RM500mil with an attractive profit margin. This fund will finance SMEs whose products have undergone market commercialisation verification process. Effective 2012, this fund will be available at selected Islamic banks with the Government financing 2% of the profit rate.

40. Design services industry which requires creativity and innovation, can contribute towards enhancing product function and safety, reducing cost as well as fulfilling consumer’s preference. In addition, this industry also plays an important role to continuously improve productivity, quality and competitiveness of products. To promote creativity, innovation and modern technology involving local designers, the Government proposes the industrial design services be given Pioneer Status with income tax exemption of 70% for 5 years.

41. Knowledge is the pillar of civilisation and the foundation for excellence. Therefore, to achieve the aspiration of becoming a developed and high-income country, the Government continues to give priority to the development of the education system to produce talented, highly-skilled, creative and innovative workforce. The education sector will be allocated RM50.2bil in 2012. For the Ministry Education, development allocation amounting RM1.9bil will be spend on all types of school consisting of national schools, national-type Chinese and Tamil schools, mission schools and Government-assisted religious schools.

42. In addition, RM1bil will be provided through a special fund for the construction, improvement and maintenance of schools, particularly to cater for the immediate needs of schools. Of this, RM100mil each will be for the national-type Chinese schools, national-type Tamil schools, mission schools, Government-assisted religious schools, Maktab Rendah Sains MARA while the remaining RM500mil for national schools.

43. To provide a brighter future for all Malaysian children irrespective of their socioeconomic background, the Government will ensure quality and affordable access to education. Currently, students in primary and secondary schools are still required to pay RM24.50 and RM33.50, respectively, for co-curriculum, internal test papers, Malaysian Schools Sports Council fees and insurance premium. To ease the burden on parents, it is proposed that these payments be abolished commencing the 2012 school year. With this announcement, for the first time in history, primary and secondary education is provided free. The abolition of these payments would involve an allocation of RM150mil.

44. The private sector also plays an important role in providing quality education towards creating an excellent future generation. In line with this, the Government proposes private schools registered with the Ministry of Education and complies with stipulated regulations be given the following incentives: First: Income tax exemption of 70% or Investment Tax Allowance of 100% on qualifying capital expenditure for a period of 5 years; Second: Double deduction for overseas promotional expenses to attract more foreign students; and Third: Import duty and sales tax exemptions on all educational equipment. The Government hopes that the savings accrued to the private school operators will subsequently result in the reduction of school fees to ease the burden of parents.

45. Registered primary and secondary schools, including national schools, national-type schools, mission schools and Government-assisted religious schools often receive financial contribution from companies and individuals to upgrade school facilities. To encourage more charitable activities, contributions are eligible for tax deductions. This facility will be extended to all registered places of worship. The Government will expedite tax exemption approvals for education institution and all places of worship.

46. In addition, the private sector is encouraged to work together in strengthening the development of high-skilled human capital. To achieve this, the Government proposes tax incentives as follows: First: Double deduction on allowances paid by companies to the participants of internship program; Second: Double deduction on scholarship awards; and Third: Double deduction on expenses incurred to participate in career fairs abroad.

47. The Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) complements the national transformation initiatives. RTP will transform the rural areas to attract private investments, create employment and economic activities as well as provide opportunities for the younger generation to return and work in rural areas. Accordingly, the Government will implement several measures as follows: First: Establish Rural Transformation Centres (RTCs) to integrate services including collecting, processing and distributing agricultural products; banking and insurance, business advisory services; training and skills; as well as providing clinics and retail space. For a start, the existing National Agrobusiness Terminal (TEMAN) in Wakaf Che Yeh, Kelantan and Gopeng, Perak will be developed as RTC pilot projects. In addition, four more RTCs will be developed in Kedah, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak; Second: Establish the Professional Services Fund to encourage professionals such as lawyers, doctors and accountants to set up firms in small towns. For this purpose, BSN will provide RM100mil for soft loans with an interest of 4%. Loan instruments for such financing scheme will be given stamp duty exemption; and Third: Implement the Rural Mega Leap Programme covering 6,500ha in 11 Agropolitan Projects nationwide for the cultivation of commodity and cash crops as well as fish caged culture with an allocation of RM110mil. In addition, Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) will implement new planting and rubber re-planting programmes with an allocation of RM140 million benefiting 20,000 smallholders.

48. To strengthen the development of rural basic infrastructure in a more comprehensive manner, an allocation of RM5bil will be provided in 2012. Of this, RM1.8bil will be allocated for the Rural Road Programme and Village-Link Road Project to build a road network of 2,749km which will benefit 1.76 million rural populations. In addition, RM2.1bil will be allocated to expand clean water supply to 200,000 houses as well as RM1.1 billion for the provision of electricity supply to 39,000 houses in the rural areas, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

49. The implementation of Projek Penyelenggaraan Infrastruktur Awam (PIA) and Projek Infrastruktur Asas (PIAS), in upgrading basic infrastructure, particularly in the rural areas has been a success. Hence, the Government will continue to implement these projects with an allocation of RM500mil. These projects will provide opportunities for 29,000 Class F contractors, registered with the Contractor Service Centre.

50. The Government is committed to ensure the supply of clean water to the rural community, particularly in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak. However, the implementation of water supply reticulation projects in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak takes time. As an immediate measure, the Government has provided an additional 20,000 water tanks costing RM52mil for rainwater harvesting, benefitting 100,000 people living in the interiors of Sarawak. For 2012, the Government will expand this programme to Sabah with an allocation of RM50mil.

51. The water supply infrastructure in Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) areas is more than 50 years and is not operating efficiently to meet current needs. This resulted in a critical shortage and disruption of water supply in certain FELDA areas, particularly in Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. Hence, the Government will provide RM400mil to upgrade the water supply infrastructure in selected FELDA areas.

52. There are still estates without clean water. To overcome this, the Government will allocate RM50mil to connect the reticulation system in the estates to the main pipes. The Government also agrees that Water Supply Authorities apply the domestic tariffs for estate workers’ quarters instead of the industrial tariffs charged currently. The Ministry of Human Resources will coordinate and monitor the implementation of these programmes.

53. To provide greater access to banking services for the rural population, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) will appoint agents in the rural areas nationwide. In the next three years, BSN will appoint 5,000 agents. Services to be provided include saving and withdrawal transactions, payment of bills as well as purchase of Premium Savings Certificate. BSN will provide RM50mil for systems development, training of agents and operational costs.

54. The rural community frequently encounter difficulties arising from unreliable bus services. To provide a more comfortable, reliable and quality service, an additional RM150mil will be provided to the Public Transport Development Fund in the SME Bank. Stage, mini and school bus operators can apply for soft loans with an interest rate of 4%, to purchase or refurbish buses. This financing facility will be available from 1 January 2012.

55. The development and welfare of Orang Asli continue to be an important Government agenda. Currently, there are 190,000 Orang Asli nationwide with the majority residing in Pahang and Perak. For 2012, the Government will allocate RM90mil for the provision of basic necessities which include expanding the clean water supply project as well as income generating programmes. The Government empathises with the Orang Asli affected by the landslides at Sungai Ruil, Cameron Highlands. To ensure the safety of those affected, the Government allocates RM20mil for relocation to new housing areas.

56. The 2012 Budget will transform the civil service to be dynamic, responsive and centred on excellence. This includes a radical change in recruitment, placement as well as career development. A flexible remuneration system will be introduced to retain or terminate civil servants based on performance. Civil servants must accept this challenge and be prepared to change. Hence, the Government will introduce the New Civil Service Remuneration Scheme or SBPA as follows: First: Introduce an exit policy for underperforming civil servants and for those who opt to leave the service; Second: Improve the salary of civil servants through a single tier structure with additional increments to enable civil servants to continue receiving annual increments over a longer period. With this, the maximum salary for a particular grade will be higher. For example, under SSM, a teacher on grade DG48 receives a maximum salary of RM6,325.39, while under SBPA the maximum salary will increase 37.7% to RM8,710. For non-graduate teachers on grade DG34, the maximum salary under SSM is RM3,860.52 while under SBPA, will increase 39% to RM5,370; Third: In my recent Teachers’ Day message, I announced a better career path for graduate teachers. A teacher no longer has to wait 20 years to be promoted. In the new scheme with a time-based promotion, a teacher will achieve grade 44 on the eighth year and grade 48 on the 16th year of service. For non-graduate teachers under the current time-based system it will take 10 years to be promoted from grade 29 to 32, while under the SBPA it will only take eight years. Currently, promotions from grade 32 to 34 are based on vacancies. However under SBPA, a time-based eight years promotion will be applied; and Fourth: The Annual Increment has not been revised since 1991. Beginning 2012, the annual increment of civil servants will be increased between RM80 and RM320 according to the grade. In addition, civil servants who opt to accept the SBPA will receive an annual increment between 7% and 13%.

57. The Government realises the financial burden faced by pensioners. With the implementation of SBPA, more than 600,000 Government pensioners will benefit from a pension adjustment which involves an allocation of RM600mil. Effective 2013, the Government will implement an annual pension increment of 2% without having to wait for any review of the remuneration system or salary adjustments.

58. Advances in technology and medical science, low birth rates and aging population will have a significant impact on the burden of gratuities and pension payments. This phenomenon is inevitable and is faced by matured economies. Malaysia too will be in similar situation if the present retirement age is not extended.

59. Civil servants between the ages of 55 and 60 are capable of contributing based on their skill and experience. Therefore, the Government will extend the compulsory retirement age from 58 to 60 years old to optimise civil servants’ contribution. This extension will not jeopardise employment prospects for the younger generation as the public and private sectors will continue to create new job opportunities.

60. The Government holds to the philosophy and principles of self-improvement as well as life-long learning. For effective policy implementation, civil servants must equip themselves with knowledge and be able to think analytically and dynamically through life-long learning.

61. The Government will offer tuition fee assistance to civil servants to further their studies on part-time basis. In 2012, the Government with the cooperation of public institutions of higher learning will offer 5,000 masters scholarships and 500 doctoral scholarships for eligible civil servants, including teachers with an allocation RM120 million. The Government will also offer 20,000 places for diploma teachers to pursue their undergraduate studies. In this regard, the Government will allocate RM80mil for the first year. I am confident the civil servants and teachers will have a better career path and promotional prospects.

62. One of the eight SRIs identified to transform the country is the Public Finance Reform. This initiative will increase the effectiveness and transparency of public sector financial management. In addition, an effective and efficient tax administrative system is a precondition to widen the tax base and increase compliance by tax payers. Apart from strengthening the ICT systems of revenue collection agencies, enforcement measures will be enhanced through the implementation of integrated operations with other relevant agencies.

63. The Government also appreciates the service and contribution of employees who have completed their contract with Department of Special Affairs (JASA), Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture and Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat (KEMAS), Ministry of Rural and Regional Development. To assist this group in reducing their cost of living, the Government will provide a special one-off payment of RM3,000 to 4,300 individuals.

64. Policing in a modern and open society requires laws to be repealed, amended and a new framework formulated to strike a balance between national security and individuals’ rights. Policing philosophy introduced during the insurgency is no more relevant. We want the integrity and credibility of police force to be held in high esteem. We need a well-trained police force with modern technology, state-of-the-art equipment as well as sophisticated and scientific investigation and evidence gathering capability. For this, a special allocation of RM200 million will be made available. In addition, RM442mil will be allocated in 2012 for the development expenditure of the Royal Malaysia Police. Among the projects which will be implemented includes police housing quarters, purchase of communication and technical equipment as well as upgrading of headquarters, stations and training centres.

65. Peace and prosperity are not free. We enjoy peace and prosperity because of the sacrifices of the Armed forces, who are the country’s first line of defence. The welfare of the Armed forces will continue to receive the Government’s attention to ensure they are focused in carrying out their duties. Comfortable living quarters and conducive camp environment motivate positive work performance among members of the Armed forces. For this, the Government will allocate RM500mil under the Army Care programme to upgrade and maintain army camps and quarters nationwide.

66. There are 175,000 army personnel who retired with less than 21 years of service and are not eligible for pension. As a result, they face difficulties in obtaining jobs to earn a living. To reduce the burden of this group, the Government will introduce a special programme to enable them to venture into businesses as well as assist those who are qualified to obtain jobs in the public and private sectors. A total of RM50mil will be provided for the implementation of this programme.

67. Currently, there are more than 48,000 ex-members of the special constable and auxiliary police who served in protecting the country during the emergency era. They comprise of home guards, special constables, extra police constables, auxiliary police, women auxiliary police, women special constables and jungle scout.

68. In recognition of their contribution, the Government will provide a one-off payment of RM3,000 to each ex-member as well as widows and widowers totalling almost 62,000 people. This payment is expected partly reduce their cost of living expenses.

69. The Government is mindful of the plight of the rakyat due to rising food prices. To address this, the Government will undertake both short-term and long-term measures which includes the production of main food commodities such as rice, meat, vegetables and fruits through the following measures: First: Launching of the National Agro-Food Policy 2011-2020. This policy outlines four strategies; ensuring sufficient food supply, increasing the value-add of the agro-food sector, complementing and strengthening the supply chain as well as providing knowledgeable and trained labour for the agriculture sector; Second: Allocating RM1.1bil in 2012 for the development of the agriculture sector. Among the main projects are the Northern Terengganu Integrated Agricultural Development Project, Sabah and Sarawak Irrigation Projects, TEKUN and NKEA projects; Third: Expanding the scope of the Commercial Agriculture Fund to include innovative agriculture projects. Through this effort, the number and income of agropreneurs can be increased. An allocation of RM300mil will be provided; and Fourth: Extending the contract farming programme in ensuring sufficient food supply. This programme will be handled by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), where agricultural produce will be marketed directly through FAMA to farmers’ markets across the country. A total of 4,500 agropreneurs will be involved, encompassing 7,000 hectares of land. For this, an allocation of RM14mil will be provided.

70. Recently, there are groups trying to promote the concept of a welfare state. We congratulate them, as they only now realise this concept. However, the Government has long implemented various programmes to safeguard the rakyat’s welfare, such as: First: For every kilogramme of local super rice, the actual price is RM2.40. The rakyat pays RM1.80. The Government subsidises RM0.60 or 25% of actual price; Second: For every kilogramme of sugar, the actual price is RM2.50. The rakyat pays RM2.30. The Government subsidises RM0.20 or 8% of actual price; Third: For every kilogramme of cooking oil, the actual price is RM4.75. The rakyat pays RM2.50. The Government subsidises RM2.25 or 43% of actual price; Fourth: For every kilogramme of flour, the actual price is RM1.90. The rakyat pays RM1.35. The Government subsidises RM0.55 or 29% of actual price; These basic food subsidies require an allocation of RM2.3bil are enjoyed by all Malaysians regardless of their socioeconomic status.

71. Government subsidies are not limited to just food items. It also includes subsidies for petroleum products and cash assistance involving RM17bil. This includes: First: For every litre of RON95, the actual price is RM2.75. The rakyat pays RM1.90. The Government subsidises RM0.85 or 31% of actual price; Second: For every litre of diesel, the actual price is RM2.66. The rakyat pays RM1.80. The Government subsidises RM0.86 or 32% of actual price; Third: For every 14-kilogramme tank of cooking gas, the actual price is RM48.02. The rakyat pays RM26.60. The Government subsidises RM21.43 or 45% of actual price; 72. In addition, the Government will continue to provide subsidy for households with electricity bill of RM20 per month or less, implemented since 2009. This will involve an allocation of RM150mil and benefits 1 million households. All the subsidies, incentives and assistance totals RM33.2bil. All these are carried out in the spirit of “People First.”

73. For 2012, the Government will allocate RM1.2bil for the 1Malaysia Rakyat’s Welfare programme or KAR1SMA, which among others include providing assistance to poor senior citizens at RM300 per month; assistance to poor children of RM100 per month with a maximum of RM450 per month; as well as assistance and allowances to the disabled people between RM150 and RM300 per month. KAR1SMA, will ease the burden and benefit almost 500,000 rakyat.

74. The Government will undertake measures to ease rising costs and prices as well as reduce the burden of the rakyat, as follows: First: Increase the number of Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) nationwide in 2012. KR1M offers 250 types of 1Malaysia products, comprising consumer goods which are up to 40% cheaper. In view of the overwhelming response, the Government plans to open an additional 85 units in 2012 with an allocation of RM40mil; Second: Open 30 units of Agro Bazaar Kedai Rakyat nationwide to market agriculture produce and 1Malaysia brand products. In addition, the Government will expand the sales of 1Malaysia products in all outlets under the Retail Shop Transformation (TUKAR) programme, FELDA retail stores and convenient stores at petrol stations nationwide; and Third: Extend and promote the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia which offers popular menu sets at reasonable prices with a maximum of RM2 for breakfast and RM4 for lunch. Currently, more than 700 food operators are participating and this will be extended to 3,000 operators by end-2012. To further expand this initiative, the Government encourages all cafeteria operators in Government offices and the private sector to implement the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia.

75. To meet the demand for houses from those earning below RM3,000, the Government launched the My First Home Scheme in March 2011. To expand the scheme, the Government proposes to increase the limit of house prices from a maximum of RM220,000 to RM400,000. This improved scheme will be available to house buyers through joint loans of husband and wife beginning January 2012.

76. To enable buyers to own houses, the Government established the 1Malaysia People’s Housing (PR1MA) as the sole agency to develop and maintain affordable and quality houses, specifically for middle-income group. PR1MA will be the developer for projects on land owned by the Government. In this regard, the Government intends to develop several plots of Government-owned land around Sungai Besi and Sungai Buloh. The Government will also identify areas in the vicinity of MRT, LRT and other public transport system to be developed by PR1MA for housing projects.

77. In addition, PR1MA also welcomes the cooperation with private sector to develop similar projects. In this respect, several private developers responded to the Government’s call to provide affordable and quality housing. PR1MA will play a main role in ensuring that the distribution of the housing units will be transparent and fair through an open balloting system. In 2011, 1,880 houses will be built in Putrajaya and Bandar Tun Razak.

78. In 2012, a total of 7,700 houses will be built in Cyberjaya, Putra Heights, Seremban, Damansara and Bukit Raja. House prices under this scheme are lower than market prices as the land and facilitation funds are provided to developers. As an example, one apartment unit with an area of 1,000 square feet in Putrajaya is priced RM150,000 compared with the market price of RM220,000. The Government will also provide 100% stamp duty exemption on loan instruments for the purchase of houses.

79. Most houses are sold before construction starts and buyers bear risks of projects being delayed or abandoned. To protect buyers, the Government will encourage the construction of more houses using the build then sell concept. For this purpose, Islamic banks have agreed to provide shariah-compliant financing and undertake construction risks. Instalments only commence after the house is completed. This scheme will be implemented for houses costing RM600,000 and below.

80. There are many among the rakyat, especially the lower income group, who have yet to own houses. Therefore, the Government will continue to implement the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) by building 75,000 units of affordable houses nationwide under the 10MP. In 2012, RM443mil is allocated for the construction of 8,000 units for sale and 7,000 units to be rented.

81. The Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) programme, managed by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB), will be continued to help the low-income group to own decent houses. Under this programme, those with land but without a house or live in dilapidated houses are eligible for financing to build a house. SPNB will build 10,000 units in 2012. Each house costing RM65,000 will be sold for RM45,000 and the Government will subsidise RM20,000. For this, the Government will allocate RM200mil.

82. Apart from this, through the Abandoned Housing Rehabilitation Programme, the Government successfully rehabilitated and obtained the Certificate of Fitness (CF) for 82 projects involving more than 15,000 units. The Government will continue this noble effort with an allocation of RM63mil in 2012 to rehabilitate 1,270 abandoned houses. The Government will also allocate RM40mil for restoration and maintenance of public and private low-cost housing.

83. Expatriates also contribute to the economic development of the nation. The number of expatriates in Malaysia has increased to 41,000. To provide a more conducive environment for expatriates to continue working in Malaysia, the Government will allow the withdrawal of their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions for the purchase of a house, similar to the facility available to Malaysians.

84. The Government sympathises with fishermen who do not have fix income and rely mainly on their daily catches. Most fishermen live in dilapidated houses. The Government will establish the Special Housing Fund for Fishermen with an allocation of RM300mil to build and refurbish houses with basic infrastructure.

85. The Government will continue to provide quality health services for the rakyat, with latest equipment and better ambience. In 2012, the health services sector will be allocated RM15bil for operating expenditure and RM1.8bil for developing expenditure. This involves, among others, constructing and upgrading hospitals in Bera, Kuala Krai, Dungun, Sri Aman and Tuaran as well as to improve the maternity block in Hospital Putrajaya. The Government will also upgrade 81 rural health clinics nationwide and launch 50 new 1Malaysia clinics.

86. The Government endeavours to provide comfort to the rakyat. At any one time, 80,000 people use the Pudu Raya Terminal which was previously run-down and not well-maintained but was upgraded with a cost of RM40mil. Now, the Pudu Raya Terminal with a complete facelift is renamed Pudu Sentral.

87. Similar measures will be undertaken to upgrade Hospital Kuala Lumpur, which is the centre for health services in the city with 3,000 outpatients seeking treatment every day. To ensure the comfort of city residents, this 141-year old hospital, which is the oldest in Malaysia, will be upgraded to be the country’s premier hospital with state-of-the-art equipment with an allocation of RM300mil. Of this, RM50mil will be utilised to construct a new outpatient block.

88. The Government sympathises with doctors who have to work continuously for more than 45 to 120 hours per week. This situation is clearly not conducive for them to provide quality service. To ease the situation, the Government introduced a flexible schedule with an average of 60 working hours per week for housemen. To replace the on-call allowance for housemen, the Government introduced a Special Flexible Working Allowance of RM600 per month, effective 1 September 2011. For medical officers and specialists, the Government will also increase the overnight on-call allowance between RM30 to RM80, effective on the same date.

89. To increase disposable income and encourage savings among the low-income group, the Government will introduce Skim Amanah Rakyat 1Malaysia or SARA 1Malaysia. The scheme is available to households with income below RM3,000 per month and will benefit 100,000 households. Participants can apply for a RM5,000 loan with a repayment period of 5 years. At the end of 5 years, the participant is expected to receive an attractive net return. The scheme will be implemented by Permodalan Nasional Berhad in collaboration with selected financial institutions, effective January 2012.

90. To ensure that development of the bumiputera community is in tandem with economic growth, the Government established the Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) to coordinate and drive the transformation process to strengthen Bumiputera’s participation in businesses. For this, TERAJU will guide 1,100 high performing Bumiputera companies with potential to be listed on Bursa Malaysia. In addition, MARA will also provide financing to qualified corporate personnel to purchase equities as well as acquire company’s based on the Management Buyout concept.

91. The development of entrepreneurs is an important factor to boost bumiputera’s participation in the economic activities. In this regard, an integrated entrepreneur development programme will be implemented to enhance Bumiputera entrepreneur’s competitiveness, particularly in rural areas. Hence, the Government will allocate RM200mil for the development of Bumiputera entrepreneurs and contractors through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.

92. The Government is concerned with the plight of individual budget taxi owners arising from increasing operating costs. Furthermore, most taxis have exceeded their economic life. Apart from taking care of their welfare and improving taxi services, the Government proposes that budget taxi owners be given the following assistance: First: 100% excise duty and sales tax exemptions on the purchase of new locally made taxis; Second: Exemption from payment of excise duty and sales tax on taxis sold or transferred of ownership after seven years; Third: Abolish road tax on all individually owned budget taxis; Fourth: Provide interest rate subsidy of 2% on a full loan to purchase new locally made taxis. This loan scheme managed by BSN will be offered for a period of two years commencing 1 January 2012; and Fifth: Provide assistance of RM3,000 for the disposal of old taxis exceeding seven years but less than 10 years. For taxis 10 years and above, assistance of RM1,000 will be given. This assistance is granted for the purchase of new locally-made cars for a period of two years beginning 1 January 2012.

93. The Government hopes that these assistances will enable taxi drivers to deliver better quality service, be more customer-friendly and at the same time improve the country’s image as a tourist-friendly nation. For all the above assistances, private budget taxi owners are expected to benefit about RM7,560. This assistance will also be extended to individual owners of hired cars.

94. The Government is committed to ensure that no accused person is denied legal representation. Currently, about 80% of the accused in criminal cases appear in court without legal representation because of high legal costs. The National Legal Aid Foundation will ensure that every individual who is charged in court will be given free legal aid. For this, the Government will provide an additional RM10mil in 2012 bringing the total sum provided to RM15mil.

95. To assist the homeless, the Government established a social assistance centre known as Anjung Singgah. The centre provides employment referrals, temporary shelter and food, counselling as well as welfare assistance to the homeless. Currently, there are almost 1,400 homeless in Kuala Lumpur registered with the Social Welfare Department of whom, 250 are registered with Anjung Singgah. More centres will be established in Johor, Pulau Pinang and Sarawak.

96. The Government recognises the potential of women in leadership and managerial skills. Accordingly, the Government introduced a policy to encourage at least 30% women in top management and decision-making positions in the corporate sector. The Government will organise advanced management programmes for women with potential to become members of the board of directors, intensify advocacy activities for greater participation of women in the corporate sector and develop a database of potential women directors. Suitable training programmes to encourage female professionals to return to work will also be conducted. To implement these training programmes, the Government will allocate RM10mil.

97. In 2011, the Government allocated RM120mil to TEKUN. To incentivise small entrepreneurs, I propose that this allocation be increased to RM300mil. Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) will also provide RM2.1bil for micro financing to entrepreneurs, particularly for women. From this total, RM100mil each is provided for Malaysian Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs, through a special unit under AIM. The Government proposes that micro financing loan instruments be given stamp duty exemption.

98. Currently, cervical cancer is the second highest cancer cases amongst Malaysian women. Advancement in medical sciences has enabled this illness to be prevented through immunisation. At the moment, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has implemented free immunisation for Form 1 female students in Government schools, Government-aided schools, private and international schools from April to May 2010.

99. To enable more women to be immunised, the Government will provide free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation which will be implemented nationwide by the Lembaga Pembangunan Perancang Keluarga Negara (LPPKN).The cost of immunisation is RM150 for three injections. For this, an allocation of RM50mil will be provided in 2012.

100. To promote the health of mother and child, a hospital for women and children will be constructed in Kuala Lumpur through PPP with a cost of RM700mil.

101. The contribution of the youth is critical to the realisation of the nation’s aspirations. The young generation must be equipped with training and skills to ensure they play an important role in the country’s development. The Government will allocate RM320 million to implement various activities comprising skills training, leadership programmes, resilience and entrepreneurship at the state and district levels including contribution to Majlis Belia Malaysia, Majlis Belia Negeri and Majlis Belia Daerah.

102. Our efforts today are not only for us but for the future of our children. The potential of each group must be recognised. Idealism must be polished, creativity must be inculcated and talent must be nurtured.

103. The Government also realises there are constrains of institution in producing creative ideas. We need to ask, with the stringent financial structure, will the ideas of people like Bill Gates, the late Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, the Wright brothers, Thomas Edison, be successful? Ideas worth billions of ringgit may have been wasted. In view of this, as a pioneer project, the Government will establish MyCreative Venture Capital with an initial fund of RM200mil.

104. A total of RM200mil will be allocated in 2012 for skill training to youth who do not continue their schooling through the Strategic Action for Youth (SAY 1Malaysia) programme. This scheme will provide various skills training which will be conducted by institutions such as Community College, Institut Kemahiran Mara, Institut Latihan Perindustrian and Giat Mara. Trainees will be provided practical trainings in GLCs and private companies to enable them to secure employment.

105. Currently, futsal is increasingly popular amongst youth and sports enthusiast. To promote this sport, the Government has built a total of 1,100 futsal courts nationwide, while another 527 courts are under construction. In view of the popularity of this sport, the Government will allocate RM15mil to build an additional 150 futsal courts to achieve the “One Court for One Mukim” target. To increase recreational activities particularly football, the Government will also allocate RM50mil to build football fields with artificial turfs, equipped with floodlights at 30 selected locations nationwide.

106. High-performance sports including football, badminton, squash, bowling, diving, archery and cycling will also be given attention. The Government will provide an additional allocation of RM30mil, making a total of RM84mil, to train young potential athletes so they can compete and succeed in international sports competition.

107. The welfare of senior citizens has never been neglected particularly for them to obtain public amenities such as medical and transport services. For this, I am pleased to announce, from 1 January 2012, all senior citizens aged 60 years and above will be exempted from paying the outpatient registration fee in all Government hospitals and health clinics including 1Malaysia clinics as well as the Government dental clinics. They will also be entitled to a 50% discount on LRT and Monorail fares.

108. In the 2011 Budget, to ensure private sector employee and self-employed to have sufficient savings upon retirement, I announced a tax relief up to RM6,000 for EPF and life insurance be extended to the Private Pension Fund now known as Private Retirement Scheme. In order to ensure the welfare of retirees upon reaching retirement age to live a comfortable life, I propose: First: A new tax relief up to RM3,000 on contribution to a Private Retirement Scheme and insurance annuity for 10 years. Thus, the existing relief on Private Retirement Scheme and insurance annuity is rationalised; Second: Tax deduction on employers’ contributions to a Private Retirement Scheme for their employees; and Third: Tax exemption on income of Private Retirement Fund.

109. Currently, retirees have insufficient savings to bear the cost of living upon retiring. The study shows nearly 70% of the retirees used up all their savings within 10 years of their retirement. To increase savings for old age, the Government proposes that the employers’ contribution be increased from 12% to 13% for contributors who earn RM5,000 and below. This measure will benefit 5.3 million EPF contributors.

110. There are quarters who accused that the Government is only interested in mega projects worth billions of dollars. This accusation is grossly misleading. Is it not recorded in history that the Alliance Government was responsible for the establishment of the Ministry of National and Rural Development 50 years ago and pioneered a systematic development of rural areas? As a continuation of this noble tradition, the Government will give a new breath to rural development including traditional villages, long houses and new villages. Through the rural transformation programme or RTP, the Government will provide RM1 billion for the construction and upgrading of amenities such as multipurpose halls, surau, drains, small bridges, street lights including repairs of dilapidated houses. This initiative will be led by Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU).

111. Flood is one of the country’s main natural disasters and each year, the Government spends RM1 billion to bear the losses in various aspects of life. Currently, there are four million rakyat who still resides in flood-prone areas. As an early precaution, the Government will implement Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) in Perlis, Perak and Johor with a cost of RM1 billion. In Perlis, two RTB projects will be undertaken namely upgrading of Timah Tasoh Phase Two dam as well as widening and deepening of Sungai Arau. In Perak, three RTB projects will be implemented in Sungai Kerian, Sungai Kurau and Kolam Bukit Merah. Meanwhile, in Johor, RTB projects will be implemented in the town and Sungai Segamat.

112. To ease the rakyat’s high cost of living, the Government proposes to provide one-off cash assistance, as follows: First: Assistances of RM500 to households with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below. This unprecedented measure reflects the Government’s commitment to reduce the impact of the increasing cost of living on the low-income group. A total of 3.4 million or 53% of total households are expected to benefit from this assistance. This assistance involves an allocation of RM1.8 billion. To be eligible, the head of each household must register with the Inland Revenue Board Malaysia which is entrusted to implement this programme. This assistance will be distributed through banks and post offices; Second: Schooling assistance of RM100 to all primary and secondary students from Year 1 to Form 5 nationwide. As this assistance is targeted to low- and middle-income groups, families who can afford may opt not to receive it. This measure will reduce schooling expenses and is expected to benefit 5.3 million students which involves an allocation of RM530mil. This will be implemented through BSN; and Third: Book voucher worth RM200 to all Malaysian students in public and private local institutions of higher learning, matriculation as well as Form 6 students nationwide. This assistance is expected to benefit 1.3 million students with an allocation of RM260mil.

113. Currently, we are in the month of Zulhijjah and the fifth pillar of Islam calls its ummah towards Baitullah from every corner of the world. In this respect, the Government recognises that many of the low-income group face difficulties in registering due to insufficient funds to meet the minimum savings of RM1,300. Hence, to assist intending hajj pilgrims to register early to perform hajj, the Government will allow EPF to ring-fence RM1,300 from the Account 2 of contributors. Through this, the existing EPF savings of RM1,300 will remain with EPF but contributors are eligible to register for hajj.

114. The Government is confident that the civil servants will continue to enhance the quality of service and ensure that the national development agenda becomes a reality. Last August, the Government paid a bonus of half-month salary with a minimum payment of RM500 to civil servants and RM500 assistance to pensioners.

115. Recognising the support and commitment shown by civil servants towards achieving the national development goal, I am pleased to announce an additional bonus of half-month salary with a minimum payment of RM500 and an assistance of RM500 to Government pensioners. This will be paid together with the December salary this year. For 2011, this totals to one month pay with a minimum payment of RM1,000 for civil servants and RM1,000 for Government pensioners. This will benefit 1.3 million civil servants as well as 618,000 Government pensioners. The total bonus and assistance payments for this year accounts for RM4bil.

116. Realising the increasing responsibility and heavy workload of members of Parliament and the need to internalise a culture of new politics, in accordance with the Political Transformation Programme which I announced recently, the Government will review the current allowances and benefits of members of Parliament, on condition that both parties from the Government and the opposition agree, including the independent members. Upon this agreement, a revised allowances and benefits scheme will be made effective from 1 January 2012.

117. The 2012 Budget will continue with the tradition of placing the welfare of the rakyat and the well-being of the nation as our top priority. What is important is the creation of a brighter future for every Malaysian child, a future full of hope and prosperity, not fear or hatred. Over the last 30 months, the Government charted a clear path for our beloved nation to achieve the national vision. It’s not only about unity in diversity or improving public service delivery system or restructuring the economy but includes the Political Transformation Programme which will create a new path for Malaysia’s next phase of development where differences of ideas will be celebrated and not lead to never ending conflicts and where no individuals will be punished or side-lined for ideological differences. In an environment of global uncertainties, the strong support of the rakyat is mandatory for us to become a developed and prosper as a nation.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I beg to propose.

10th Sarawak State Election Results

2011-04-17T07:48:00.004+08:00

Election was held at 16 April 2011 starting from 8am till 5 pm at 1749 polling stations.
77 seats were contested with 213 candidates contesting and a total of 979,796 registered voters of which 18,363 are postal votes. The results are as stated below:

Weather on polling day was fair and sunny the whole day.

I’m back

2010-11-11T13:19:00.001+08:00

After being gone for such a long time I am happy to say I am back in the writer's seat. Since my leaving I had a chance to reflect and find new knowledge and insight about the things that not just going around myself but also around the world.

A little update on what I have been up to since my last post which was on the death of H1N1 in Malaysia which has quite down a lot not only in Malaysia but round the world. They are saying it will return as a super bug but if we keep on scaring our self shitless everytime they say there is going to be a superbug attack we will not get anywhere.

I have brought myself a camera. And I am improving my photography skills as we speak. Some pictures can be viewed at www.muzalli.blogspot.com or u can add me at my Facebook account which is http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656837864 . I hope to meet more people through Facebook. Just put a message in your friend request to me as "blog reader". So I can know who is requesting.

I am also now actively teaching photography class to my friends who wants to learn how to use a dslr. I'm no pro photographer but I am willing to share what I have to others who wants the knowledge.

That is all for now and I hope to update this blog more often now. Wish me luck and God bless us all.

Death realated to A(H1N1) In Malaysia

2009-08-16T01:06:00.002+08:00

what i was able to gather form the news stie www.thestar.com.my regarding death that are realted to A H1N1 as of thursday.

Death realated cases cause by A(H1N1) in Malaysia.

Thursday August 13, 2009
A (H1N1) claims six more lives

PUTRAJAYA: Two babies and a pregnant woman are among six new cases of influenza A (H1N1) deaths.
The six are a 10-month-old baby girl, a one-year-old baby boy, a pregnant 18-year-old woman, a 24-year-old man and two other men in their 60s.
The baby girl died from severe broncho-pneumonia while the baby boy died because of heart complications and pneumonia.
The boy had undergone heart surgery at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur before being referred to the government hospital for further treatment.
The pregnant woman died from severe pneumonia, while the 24-year-old man died from pneumonia and septicemia. The 60-year-old man who died had diabetes, hypertension and heart problems and was admitted because of fever and cough.
The sixth victim was a cancer-striken 62-year-old man, who was also a diabetic. He died from severe pneumonia.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who released the details at a press conference here yesterday, said that some 76 patients were being treated in isolation wards while another 21 were in the intensive care unit.
On another matter, Liow said schools should not close unless a high number of their teachers and students were absent because of A (H1N1) infection.
He said headmasters would determine whether the schools could function or not, after following advice from the state health directors and informing state education directors.
He also urged producers, suppliers and traders of mask and hand sanitisers to be responsible and not simply increase prices.
Meanwhile, Suhakam urged the Govern-ment to take definite steps to increase public awareness about the pandemic.
The commission, in a statement yesterday, expressed concern over the worsening situation, especially the state of preparation of public health defence.
In Johor Baru, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) graduates attending the university’s 43rd convocation this weekend have been told to fill up a health declaration form stating that they are free from influenza A (H1N1) virus.
In Kuantan, the Regent of Pahang’s consort Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar, who has contracted the virus along with their five children, said she had received various SMSes of support.

Wednesday August 12, 2009
A(H1N1): 6 more deaths, total fatalities at 44

PUTRAJAYA: There were six more Influenza A(H1N1)-related deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 44.
The latest deaths involved a 10-month-old girl, a one-year-old boy, an 18-year-old pregnant woman, a 24-year-old man and two other men in their 60s, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said here on Wednesday.
He also said that schools with suspected cases should not close entirely unless they could not function due to a high incidence of teachers or students being infected or under quarantine.
Liow said the principals of such schools would have to determine if this were the case, following advice from the state health director and after informing the state education director.
Liow also warned suppliers and traders not to indiscriminately increase the prices of facemasks and hand sanitisers to exploit the demand, adding that stern action would be taken against such profiteers
Tuesday August 11, 2009
Flu fatalities climb to 32

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia reported six more deaths related to Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total number of fatalities to 32.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said there was one death on Sunday while two people succumbed to the disease last Wednesday. Three patients died on Saturday.
It was only now confirmed that the five had died of A (H1N1) following post-mortem, he said, adding that the deaths were officially reported to health authorities on Sunday.
“Four of the victims had underlying risk factors,” he said. “In the last 24 hours, 203 new cases were reported, of which 15 were treated in Intensive Care Unit and 67 patients are in the isolation wards,” he said yesterday.
To date, the total number of reported cases in the country stood at 1,982. Globally, 208,155 people have been found to be infected by the virus and 1,688 people from 174 countries have died.
Dr Ismail advised those who showed symptoms and in the high-risk groups to seek medical attention, adding that anti-viral treatment was effective on patients who began treatment within 48 hours of showing the flu symptoms.
High-risk groups include children who are below five years, senior citizens 65 years and above, children and youth under 19 who have been taking asprin for long-term, pregnant women, those who suffer from asthma, chronic lung disease, organ failure, cardiovascular, liver and blood system diseases, diabetic, obese people and those with low immunity.
“Those who show light symptoms should be given symptomatic treatment, stay at home and limit their interaction with others.”
In Perak, state Health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said another institution - the Mara Junior Science College in Lenggong - had been ordered to close.
A total of 41 schools and institutions in Pahang have been closed but 11 had reopened, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said.
“The staff of the state health department are doing their level best to curb the spread of the virus.”
Published: Thursday August 6, 2009 MYT 1:27:00 PM
Updated: Thursday August 6, 2009 MYT 4:02:25 PM
A(H1N1): Death toll increases to 14 (Update)
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

mazwin@thestar.com.my
PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities urged the public not to panic and stepped up measures to contain the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak as the virus claimed its 14th fatality.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that as of 8am Thursday, the death toll had reached 14, the latest casualty being a 57-year-old pensioner who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension.
He was warded at the intensive care unit at the Putrajaya Hospital on Aug 4 and succumbed to acute pulmonary oedema on Wednesday.
Health authorities also recorded 16 new cases in the last 24 hours; all were local tranmissions with two new clusters reported. The number of people who have been infected in Malaysia stood at 1,492.
Dr Ismail also said that beginning Friday, all government hospitals, clinics and 22 private hospitals nationwide would be supplied with the Tamiflu anti-viral medication. Private clinics would be able to obtain their supply from the relevant pharmaceutical suppliers.
“The suppliers have given us the assurance that there is sufficient supply of anti-viral medication. However, I would like to warn doctors not to use the drugs as prophylaxis or medication to prevent one from getting the flu.
“This is because not only have such measures proven to be ineffective, they will also cause resistance to the medication as reported in the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Denmark and Canada.
“This move will also deplete the resources for such medication. Pharmacists are also warned not to sell the anti-viral drugs to the public without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr Ismail said.
Dr Ismail also said that not all who have developed flu-like symptoms need to be tested for A(H1N1) and urged the public not to panic or feel upset if hospitals send them home without taking throat swabs.
He said only those who were warded in hospitals and in high-risk groups would be tested for the flu.
“The technical commitee had decided on this because each day, the Institute of Medical Research is flooded with at least 500 applications for A(H1N1) tests and 80% to 90% are tested negative.
“We want to prevent wastage and overloading so that the institute can concentrate on detecting genuine cases and conduct tests which are more important and crucial,” he told a press conference Thursday.
Dr Ismail added that apart from conducting tests to confirm Influenza A(H1N1), the IMR was also responsible for looking for new virus strains and determining if the present virus is resistant to anti-viral medication.
He noted that so far, tests to determine both had been negative.
Dr Ismail also advised doctors and healthcare practitioners to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected with the flu after close contact with patients.
He added that unlike the SARS outbreak where none of the healthcare personnel were infected, the A(H1N1) flu had caused a few to fall ill.
He said the public has an important role to play to curtail the spread and must heed medical advice, especially when asked to go under home quarantine.
“One should not go out when asked to remain at home. Even when inside the house, one should confine himself to a room and strictly minimise contact with the rest of the household.
“I cannot impress enough how important it is for members of the public to be responsible and not to infect others when they are down with the flu, cough or cold, and to maintain high levels of hygiene,” he said.
Published: Friday July 31, 2009 MYT 5:01:00 PM
Updated: Friday July 31, 2009 MYT 6:12:05 PM
10yr-old with flu symptoms dies, post-mortem on (Update)
By CLARA CHOOI

clara.chooi@thestar.com.my
IPOH: Perak may have recorded its first influenza A (H1N1) death when a 10-year-old girl from Bagan Serai in Kerian succumbed to influenza-like symptoms.
State Health exco Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon told a press conference here that the girl, a pupil from SK Matang Gerdu, died at 5am on Friday at the Bagan Serai Health Clinic.
“She began suffering from fever, cough and breathing difficulties at about 3am and her level of oxygen dipped.
“After arriving at the clinic, she was given resuscitation but collapsed anyway and could not be saved,” he said.
Dr Mah added that the girl had already sought treatment from the clinic on Wednesday after suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection.
“However at the time, she was still stable and was sent home,” he said, adding that there were no reported cases of influenza-like illnesses from other pupils in the girl’s school.
He said that health authorities were still waiting for the post-mortem report in order to ascertain the cause of the girl’s death but suspects that it could have been from influenza A (H1N1).
If confirmed, the girl’s case would bring the country’s death toll from A(H1N1) to five.
Dr Mah also said five more institutions have been ordered closed for seven days since Friday, in addition to the nine already closed, with a total of 45 confirmed H1N1 cases.
The institutions are SJK (T) Simpang Lima with 12 suspected cases, SJK (T) St Mary and SK Wawasan Pekan Baru, all in Kerian, with 22 suspected cases in total, the Tegas Mesra National Service camp in Selama (unknown number of cases) and the Universiti Teknologi Petronas hostel in Seri Iskandar, Tronoh, with 192 suspected cases.
Dr Mah also warned the public against hiding possible A(H1N1) cases from the authorities, saying that it was an irresponsible act.
“We will not hide anything from the public because we believe it is important for them to be updated on what is going on,” he said.
Monday August 3, 2009
11-year-old boy is sixth H1N1 death

PETALING JAYA: An 11-year-old boy has died of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total number of deaths from the disease to six.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said in a statement that the boy died at 8.30am yesterday at Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Baru after having fever.
He was admitted into the hospital on July 29.
Dr Ismail said his condition worsened and he was admitted into the intensive care unit a day later.
He said further checks revealed that he was suffering from inflammation of heart and lungs.
“On Aug 1, he was confirmed to be infected with the virus,” he said.
The boy’s death follows the death of a 10-year-old girl from Bagan Serai.
Dr Mohd Ismail said the girl had been ill since July 27 but she did not suffer from any breathing problems when she received outpatient treatment at a private clinic.
On the night of July 28, the girl complained of breathing difficulties and received treatment at a Bagan Serai health clinic the next day.
While receiving treatment, she was in stable condition and did not complain of breathing difficulties or cyanosis and was given outpatient treatment including antibiotics and cough medicine.
However at 3am on Friday, she complained of breathing difficulties, fever and cough before arriving at the Bagan Serai Health Clinic for treatment.
While receiving treatment, she passed out. She was pronounced dead at 5.30am. The post mortem done at the Alor Setar Hospital on Friday revealed that she died of severe pneumonic changes.
Tests on phlegm taken from the girl by the Institute of Medical Research showed that the girl had the A (H1N1) virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Ismail said 39 new flu cases were reported yesterday, taking the total number of cases to 1,429.
Thirty-five of 39 were from eight new cluster cases while four were sporadic cases.
Of the 1,429 cases, 60% were local transmission while the rest were imported.
He said 19 cases, eight of which were in ICU, were currently in hospital and were being given anti-viral treatment.
In Ipoh, state Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said SMKA Shamsul Maarif Al-Wataniah in Tanjung Piandang, Kerian, had also been ordered closed after 38 people from the school developed influenza-like illnesses.
“This brings the number of institutions closed since the outbreak to 16,” he said, adding that 18 people are currently in various hospitals in the state for the disease.
Published: Monday August 3, 2009 MYT 11:10:00 AM
Updated: Monday August 3, 2009 MYT 7:24:19 PM
A(H1N1): Lady teacher, 51, is country's 8th flu death (Update 2)
By AUDREY EDWARDS and STEPHEN THEN

KUALA LUMPUR: A lady teacher, 51, from a Selangor school closed on July 27 died Sunday, making her the eighth Influenza A(H1N1) death in the country.
She had developed pneumonia and had underlying heart disease, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on Monday.
He said that a sample was taken after she died and the test results on Monday showed that she was infected by the flu virus.
He said that she had complained of cough, fever and difficulty in breathing and saw a doctor on July 27.
She was later hospitalised in Sungei Buloh Hospital on July 30 and then moved to Seremban Hospital where her condition worsened and she died of pneumonia.
Meanwhile in Miri, a 24-year-old native woman suffering from Influenza A(H1N1) died at 4am on Monday, a mere two weeks after giving birth to her first child at the intensive care unit of the Miri Hospital.
Her baby girl is safe, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said, adding that this was the state’s first reported death from the deadly flu.
The woman, from here, was warded on July 17 after she contracted the disease. At that time she was already in an advanced stage of pregnancy.
The hospital managed to help her deliver a baby girl a few days after she was warded. The baby has been handed over to her father, a labourer in his late 20s.
“This is the first death in Sarawak due to A(H1N1). We (the Sarawak government) have increased the alert level throughout the whole state now.
“Nobody can take this disease lightly anymore,” Dr Chan said.
The Miri Hospital tightened security and safety by several notches to prevent any spread of the disease.
Its director Dr Uma Devi had issued directives to staff not to allow little children to enter the wards if they are not there for any health-related purposes.
Visitors are not allowed to bring babies or little kids to the wards anymore. Old folk are also discouraged from entering unless they are there for health checks.
Smokers are also barred from coming near the wards.
Dr Uma said the tighter safety measures are needed as those who are weaker have immune systems that can be easily attacked by the H1N1 virus.
The Sarawak woman brings the total number of deaths in Malaysia to seven, the previous being an 11-year-old boy who died in Johor Baru on Sunday.
A(H1N1): Death toll rises to eight
Reports by FOONG PEK YEE, AUDREY EDWARDS, MAZWIN NIK ANIS, STEPHEN THEN, MARTIN CARVALHO, SYLVIA LOOI and DESIREE TRESA GASPER

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia reported two new influenza A (H1N1) deaths yesterday, bringing the total number of people who have succumbed to the disease to eight.
The seventh victim was a 24-year-old native woman who died at the Miri Hospital’s intensive care unit, two weeks after giving birth to her first child. She was the first A (H1N1) fatality in Sarawak.
The eighth victim was a 51-year-old school teacher who died in Seremban on Sunday, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
The Institute for Medical Research confirmed yesterday that the teacher had contracted the virus. Her tissue samples were tested after her death.
She had taught at a school in Selangor, which was closed on July 27 following the discovery of an A (H1N1) cluster there.
The onset of the disease began on July 23, and the teacher visited a general practitioner on July 27.
She went to the Sungai Buloh Hospital on July 30, and subsequently to the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban on Sunday after experiencing a shortness of breath. She was admitted to the intensive care unit where she died.
The native woman was warded on July 17. At the time, she was already in an advanced stage of pregnancy.
The hospital helped her deliver a baby girl a few days later. The baby is healthy and has been handed over to the father, a labourer in his late 20s.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the state had stepped up the alert level.
“Nobody can take this disease lightly any more,” he said yesterday.
The Miri Hospital has stopped children from entering the wards unless they are undergoing treatment.
The elderly are also discouraged from the wards, while smokers are barred altogether.
Hospital director Dr Uma Devi said the tighter safety measures were aimed at protecting those with a weak immune system.
Published: Monday July 27, 2009 MYT 4:21:00 PM
Updated: Monday July 27, 2009 MYT 6:44:09 PM
A(H1N1): Second death in Malaysia (Update)

PETALING JAYA: A 46-year-old Malaysian man who worked in Belgium, died from Influenza A(H1N1) on Sunday, making him the second victim to have died from the contagious flu since its outbreak in this country.
The man was reported to have died from “severe pneumonia with respiratory failure with septicaemic shock and acute renal failure” after seven days being treated at the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Subang Jaya.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the victim came back to Malaysia on July 4.
“He was alright until he went for a holiday with his family in Langkawi on July 13 when he developed fever and coughing.
“Upon his return from Langkawi, he sought treatment at a private hospital in Petaling Jaya on July 16 where his chest X-ray showed that he had pneumonia,” he said in a statement issued here Monday.
Dr Mohd Ismail said the man was then referred to the private hospital in Subang Jaya on July 19 and warded at the ICU.
He said tests conducted by the Institute of Medical Research on July 22, on a sample taken from the man’s throat confirmed that he had been infected with the H1N1 virus.
“Complications developed and the man died at 12.35pm Sunday,” he said, adding that 18 contact cases had been identified and only one had tonsillitis symptoms.
On July 21, a 30-year-old Islamic finance student from Indonesia also died from Influenza A(H1N1).
Dr Mohd Ismail said the latest fatal case was among seven cases categorised as sporadic or isolated.
He said six other local cases in the same category included three who were warded in the hospitals -- one for pneumonia and the others a five-month pregnant woman and a young student. The other three are from one family and they received outpatient treatment.
Dr Mohd Ismail also said that 49 new cases were reported Monday, all involving locals, bringing the total number of cases so far to 1,124 with two deaths. Of the figure, 574 were imported cases while the rest were locally transmitted.
He said 1,103 cases (98%) had recovered, another 10 cases were being given antiviral treatment and eight were treated at home. -- Bernama
Published: Thursday July 23, 2009 MYT 1:40:00 PM
Updated: Thursday July 23, 2009 MYT 6:32:20 PM
First A(H1N1) related death in Malaysia (Update)
By LOH FOON FONG

PUTRAJAYA: A 30-year-old Indonesian student became the first Influenza A(H1N1) related fatality here, although the cause of death was not the disease itself.
Initial investigations show that the cause of death was the result of a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm), Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
The first-year student at the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance, Kuala Lumpur, had other underlying medical conditions.
“Influenza A(H1N1) was not a direct cause of his death,” he told a press conference on Thursday.
The patient went back to Indonesia for a holiday and returned to Malaysia on July 5 and was reported to have been suffering a mild fever and cough, Liow said.
On July 21, the patient fainted while waiting for his medication after seeing a doctor at a private medical centre in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. He was given emergency treatment but his life could not be saved, he said.
The patient passed away at 11:50am and the medical centre recorded “cardiac arrest due to ventrical fibrillation” as the cause of death, he added.
“A post-mortem examination was carried out at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital on the same day and results showed that the patient was obese, had pneumonia, an enlarged heart and liver and pus-like material at the bottom of the trachea,” he said.
Liow said 20 specimens had been taken for virology, bacterialogy, histopatology, bio-chemical and toxicology tests.
The virology and bacteriology tests on lung tissues and the trachea showed the presence of Influenza A (H1N1) while tests on Influenza A (H5N1), dengue and leptospira were negative.
“We are still waiting for other test results and the cause of death will be confirmed once all the tests are complete,” he said.
Liow said 25 staff members of the medical centre in contact with the patient were ordered to self-quarantine themselves for seven days.
Seven of his room-mates and members of his study group at the college have been identified, and one of them had sought treatment for influenza symptoms.
The Ministry had carried out health checks at the college on Thursday, he said.
There were 18 new cases reported Thursday, 17 of them the result of local tranmissions and one was imported from a Malaysian returning from London.
Of the local transmissions, 13 were from four clusters in Malacca while the rest were isolated cases.
The four clusters -- Durian Daun Teachers Training College (five cases), Mara Foundation College (four cases), Mara Professional College hostel (three cases) and the Nilam Nursing School Bachang (one case) -- were ordered to close for seven days beginning Thursday.
Malaysia has a total of 939 cases with 573 (61%) imported and 366 local transmissions as of Thursday.
Of that figure, 11 (1%) received anti-viral treatment in hospitals, 922 cases had recovered and five cases (1%) received outpatient treatment at their homes.
On Thursday, The Straits Times in Singapore reported two more fatalities in the island republic, bringing its toll to three.
Both patients also had underlying medical conditions. They were a 13-year-old boy who had epilepsy and a 55-year-old man with motor neuron disease, a nerve disorder.
The first death, last Saturday, was of a 49-year-old man who had multiple health problems including diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

influenza map time line

2009-05-18T11:30:00.002+08:00

the A(H1N1) virus.

anyone who is interested in the timeline of the A(H1N1) can go to this link to view it. you must have flash player 9 installed.

A(H1N1) SWINE FLU. FAQs

2009-05-18T11:17:00.005+08:00

What can I do?

What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.

What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?

The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:

avoid touching your mouth and nose;
clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.

If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
rest and take plenty of fluids;
cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

What should I do if I need medical attention?

If possible, contact your health care provider before traveling to a health facility, and report your symptoms. Explain why you think you have influenza A (H1N1) (e.g. if you have recently traveled to a country where there is an outbreak in people). Follow the advice given to you.
If you cannot contact your health care provider before traveling to a health facility, tell a health care worker of your suspicion of infection immediately after arrival at the clinic or hospital.
Cover your nose and mouth during travel.

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.

(taken from the world health organisation).

2009-05-15T21:59:00.003+08:00

Malaysia confirms first case of A(H1N1) flu

By FOONG PEK YEE and DHARMENDER SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia on Friday confirmed its first case of the A(H1N1) flu in a 21-year-old student who returned from the United States on Wednesday morning.

All the 192 passengers on the Malaysia Airlines flight MH091 from Newark on Wednesday are urged to contact the Health Ministry by calling 03-88810200 or 03-88810300

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the case made Malaysia the 36th country to be affected by the virus.

“Malaysia is now on high alert,” said Liow, who is in London now, enroute to Geneva, for a World Health Organisation meeting. He added he would return earlier than his scheduled return next Friday.

Meanwhile, A statement by the Health Ministry's director-general, Dr. Ismail Merican, said the young man was hospitalised on Thursday for fever, sore throat and body aches.

Tests confirmed that he was infected with the A(H1N1) virus, the statement said. He is receiving anti-viral treatment and was in stable condition, it said.

Ismail said the ministry had contacted members of his family but they have not been placed under quarantine.

Ismail said his department was taking steps to protect public health and that there was no reason to panic.

Meanwhile, in Putrajaya, acting Health Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said later Friday that the fact that Malaysia’s first A(H1N1) patient managed to pass through the scanners at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) undetected was in no way indicative of scanners’ failure.

Kong said the scanners installed since the start of the global alert on the disease traced elevated body temperature levels in travellers coming into the country and did not pick out the 21-year-old student flying in from the United States as the symptoms were not showing yet.

He said the virus had a two to three day incubation period during which none of the symptoms linked to the disease were visible and that was why he passed undetected by the scanner after his flight landed at 7.15am on Wednesday.

He said the Health Ministry would continue to use the scanners at entry points and continue with all the precautionary measures it had taken since the global alert was first issued and there were no plans to tighten measures further.

“The ministry has taken all the possible precautionary measures to control and contain the disease after the WHO (World Health Organisation) issued a level five alert so we are calling on the public not to panic as the situation is under control.

“I also want to assure the people that we will make public any information related to the disease that we have just as we did with our first case confirmed today,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that a man from Bukit Mertajam held under observation at the isolation ward of the Penang Hospital has been declared free of Influenza A (H1N1).

"We just got a report that the blood test on the 26-year-old man was negative," State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said when contacted by Bernama Friday.

A test on a sample of his blood had been sent to Kuala Lumpur.

The man was kept for observation Thursday after he was found to have fever and symptoms similar to those of Influenza A (H1N1) on his return from the United States.

Two weeks ago, a New Zealand tourist was admitted to the isolation ward of the hospital for suspected Influenza A (H1N1) but a blood test also showed up negative.

taken from The Star Online.

i'm really am genuinely afraid for the health of m y family back in Sungai Buloh. Considering i have been living in sg buloh for almost my entire life i know the situation there is not good. there are a lot of legal and illegal immigrants from indonesia,myanmar,bangladesh, pakistan and other countries. that and also the risk of a highly transferable deases in such a small community that i am really affraid that it will spread like wild fire.

i have been in situation where a highly contagious desease was spreading and i had to go a 10 day quarantine period to determine either i'm infected or not and i can tell you this it is not a pleasant ordeal.

Save the dogs

2009-05-14T11:50:00.002+08:00

this story has been circulating around for about 2 weeks now and it has garnered a lot of attention from the general public and also from politicians who are just wanting for some free publicity to boost their images.(that is why i don't vote. i hate hypocrites aka politicians).

for the whole story and updates please go to this website

Trust????

2009-05-04T12:10:00.001+08:00

a friend of mind is going through some really tough times in a relationship. i can only say that it is apart of life and everybody will go through it. to my friend i dedicate this song to you.

Lost in a dream
Nothing is what it seems
Searching my head
For the words that you said
Tears filled my eyes
As we said our last goodbyes
The sad scene replays
Of you walking away

My body aches from mistakes
Betrayed by lust
We lied to each other so much
That in nothing we trust

Time and again
She repeats lets be friends
I smile and say yes
Another truth bends,
I must confess

I try to let go, but I know
Well never end til were dust
We lied to each other again
But I wish I could trust

My body aches from mustakes
Betrayed by lust
We lied to each other so much
That in nothing we trust

God help me please, on my knees
Betrayed by lust
We lied to each other so much
Now theres nothing we trust

How could this be happening to me
Im lying when I say, trust me
I cant believe this is true
Trust hurts
Why does trust equal suffering

Absolutely nothing we trust

Playing for Change

2009-04-30T02:01:00.004+08:00

Found this website by accident and i have to say that it is really interesting the concept and not to mention the wonderful rendition of familiar tunes by the various artist that are featured in the songs. some of the artist are not familiar to us because they are street artists or buskers from all over the world. here are 3 videos that are available at youtube.

song title: don't worry

song title : stand by me

song title: one love

there are to many performers and artist that are involved until i can't list them all but if you wish to know more then you can go to their home page

until then enjoy their music.

touching short film

2009-04-22T18:40:00.003+08:00

Chicken a la Carte

Director: Ferdinand Dimadura | Genre: Drama | Produced In: 2005

Synopsis: This film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

so everybody, just think before wanting to throw away that peice of chicken or ordering you next meal so that you don;t waste. pity the children of the world who dies because of poverty and malnutrition.

Cheap Laptops and IT Peripherals

2009-04-22T17:41:00.005+08:00

Found this blog that is having a sale on laptop s and it peripherals. the price is resonable and they have alot of other IT related stuff too such as antivirus and the other stuff.

Have alook at their web which is www.finesttech.blogspot.com.

here are some stuff that is currently on sale on their site.

<-------Lenovo T5800 @ RM2400

Lenovo IdeaPad S10 @ RM1550->

<-----Presario CQ40-401AU @ RM1860

There is a bunch of other models on sale so please have a look for yourself.

way to go Lim Kit Siang

2009-04-22T16:25:00.003+08:00

i'm not in to politic nor am i a registered voter because i hate the antics of these people or so called " choosen by democracy" lot but this news headline in The Star today really made me think that there some really intelligent behind all of their childsihness.

i have express my views regarding the quality of the internet in Malaysia which is a dismay considering that malaysia is trying to become a develope nation by the year 2020 yet out internet facilities are really out of date.

the article that makes my heart jump in delight was this :

Lim: Broadband roll-out is what Rais must focus on

PETALING JAYA: The Information, Communications and Culture Minister must focus on providing better broadband service, says DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang.

He said the roll-out of broadband in the country had been slow, and Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, in his new portfolio, should strive to be the “Minister for Broadband”,

Lim said he was shocked that Dr Rais had not uttered a single word about broadband in his 12 days of helming the ministry.

“It should be his most important portfolio especially at a time when there is so much broadband development internationally,” said Lim during a press conference yesterday.

He added that Malaysia would be crippled if there was no real minister for broadband.

On media freedom, Lim said Dr Rais should not try to bring back the old media controls which would be at odds with pledges made by the Najib administration.

Lim was referring to recent statements by Dr Rais which, amongst other things, had cautioned about legal actions against errant bloggers and stern warnings to the public to not abuse the Internet.

This article alone sums up my expectations regarding the future of the internet in malaysia. there is a new minister in office i really hope that he would make broadband and high speed broadband his first priority instead of attending to meaningless functions or launching or meeting of beurocratics shenanigans.

for once i would really like to see tmnet to be put straight and focus on providing quality services instead of excuses and idiotic T&C which they are so popular off.

hopes things will change. i really hope that things will change.

Grave of the fireflies

2009-04-21T01:57:00.006+08:00

anybody who is really in to anime should know this legendary movie "Grave of the fireflies".

this is a AMV that is like a synopsis of the movie.

The story goes like this :

Taking place toward the end of World War II in Japan, Grave of the Fireflies is the poignant tale of the relationship between two orphaned children, Seita (清太) and his younger sister Setsuko (節子).

The children lose their mother in the firebombing of Kobe, and their father in service to the Imperial Japanese Navy, and as a result they are forced to try to survive amidst widespread famine and the callous indifference of their countrymen (some of whom are their own extended family members).

The movie begins in Sannomiya Station, and shows the second main character: Seita, dying from starvation there in rags. A janitor comes and digs through his things, and finds a candy tin, containing Setsuko's ashes. He throws it out, and from there springs the spirit of Setsuko, Seita and a group of fireflies. The two spirits provide narrative throughout the story.

The film is, in effect, an extended flashback to Japan, at the end of World War II during the Kobe firebombings. Setsuko and Seita, the two siblings and protagonists, are left to secure the house and their belongings, allowing their mother, suffering from a heart complaint to proceed to a bomb shelter. They are caught off-guard by a batch of bombs dropped in their vicinity, although they survive unscathed. Their mother, however, is caught in the air raid and dies from burn wounds.

Having nowhere else to go, Setsuko and Seita go to live with their aunt, and write letters to their father. On the second day that they stay there, Seita goes out to get the left over supplies which he had buried in the ground to preserve before the bombing which killed their mother. He gives all of it to his aunt, but hides a small tin of fruit drops. This tin of fruit drops later proves a recurrent icon in the film.

Following cruelty from their aunt, who gives them barely enough food, insults them and sells their mother's kimonos for rice, which she keeps for herself, Seita and Setsuko finally decide to go and live in an old, abandoned bomb shelter.

Gradually, they begin to run out of rice, and Setsuko begins to starve. In desperation, Seita removes all the money from their mother's bank account, when he learns of his father's death. He buys a large quantity of food, and rushes back to the shelter, where he finds Setsuko hallucinating. She is sucking marbles which she believes are fruit drops and offers him 'rice balls' which are really only made out of mud.

Finally, she dies of starvation. Seita cremates her, using supplies donated to him by a farmer and leaves her ashes in the fruit tin, which he carries with his father's photograph, until his death.

i would really recommend this movie to everybody but if you are the moody type or easily touch by emotions i would warn you to stay away from this movie because you will be crying rivers like i did when i first say the movie many years ago and the images in that movie (the sadness, the human reaction ) is just to much for me to bear.

this is the scene that made me cry.

if you are interested you can get it online via ebay or amazon.

Proton Exora

2009-04-20T12:26:00.012+08:00

The highly anticipated MPV from Proton has been launched and it is called the Proton Exora. It looks like the APX Concept release by Lotus Engineering in 2006.

below are the two models.

<-------------This is the APX Concept.

This is the Proton Exora --->

well to be fair, lotus did came up with the APX concept as a platform for any manufacturer that was interested in it. the good thing about this platform that it is highly customizable to the car manufacturer with loads of layout that can be made for the chassis.

i had the time to go and check out the exora. the model that i have a look at was the 1.6 auto metallic m line. price at 70k++ depending on your interest rates.

i didn't took any external pictures as you can see them easily as an Exora past by so i took internal pictures. things that just not easily seen by normal people.

From exora

as you can see the Exora is a seven seater mpv and surprise-surprise the second and third row seats can fold down to create a flat even surface for laoding alot of luggage.

From exora

a cubby hole is located underneath the third row seats. gud for keeping first aids kits or anything else.

From exora

as you can see the lacking of the glove box in the proton iswara/saga blm and gen 2 was really notice by Proton and so they design not 1 but 2 glove boxes in to the Exora.

From exora

rear passengers are given their own air cond vents and the controller is sadly on the roof at the second row seat. but at least it is comfortable even in the third row unlike the toyota avanza where the third row seat is better off to children then adult being on them.

From exora

unfortunately the Exora only comes with 1 engine option and 1 gearbox option which is the 1.6 Campro CPS and a 4 speed auto box (as pic below)

From exora

. the gear lever is a gated type so you dont have to push any buttons on the lever to get into gear just push,pull and slide to either prefered gear. the gear lever action is really light and solid.

From exora

more cubby holes. there is 10 drink holders around the Exora but i only manage to find these.

From exora

new integrated cd player and radio with bluetooth support for phone by clarion . real positive move by proton to promote road safety by integrating the bluetooth system into their radio. the call can be made via the steering wheel. the radio also has an aux port so that you can also connect you media players (mp3/mp4/ipods) to the radio.

From exora

the normal controls for aircond, hazrad light and windows de-mister.

From exora

the cockpit panel. nice reddish glow. quite sporty if you ask me but in an MPV it just look strange.

conclusion.

well inmy honest opinion, the Exora has a lot to live up to. it is the most crucial product after the new proton saga that has to make people believe in proton again. the value for money is really good but i do think that the price could be cheaper and also more items as standard such as sat-nav(which is only available in the H-line)and also an overhead dvd player with screen (which is also in the H-line models.)

The engine could have been a bigger capacity. i was hoping for a 2.0 v6 but only a 1.6 Campro. it really makes me wonder because proton have a good relationship with Renault why didn't we use 1 of their engines to power the Exora like proton did for the Savvy.

i will buy it. that is my honest opinion. and i'm not paid by proton to say this but i would buy it if i

have a growing family.
travel alot.
always bring alot of stuf.
have alot of pets(dogs/cats) that follows me everywhere i go.
like to bring my whole family for road trips.
like to bring my buddies for teh tarik,football, etc sessions.
not looking for something that is more stylish.
and i'm able to stand the mockery of other people saying that proton builds bad cars which they do once in a while.

Have a good day everyone.

congratulations

2009-04-16T00:06:00.002+08:00

i would like to welcome baby Nurdina Athirah who was born on the 15 of April 2009 to this awesome world.

congratulations to amad and sue on thier first child. pictures will come as soon as they send it to me.

Gundam OO

2009-04-14T22:28:00.002+08:00

part 1

synopsis

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (機動戦士ガンダム00（ダブルオー） Kidō Senshi Gandamu Daburu Ō?) is the seventh incarnation of Sunrise's long-running Gundam franchise.

It is directed by Seiji Mizushima and written by Yōsuke Kuroda, and features character designs by Yun Kōga. The twenty-five episode series was officially announced by Sunrise during a 15-second trailer on June 2, 2007.

The series aired on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and Tokyo Broadcasting System from October 5, 2007 to March 29, 2008. On July 13, 2008, a trailer announcing a second twenty-five episode series was aired.

The second series began on October 5, 2008 and concluded on March 29, 2009. A movie sequel is planned for the year 2010.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is the first Gundam series to be animated in widescreen and in high-definition, as well as the first to be set in the non-fictional Anno Domini era.

The series is set in a futuristic Earth and centered around Celestial Being, a private paramilitary force and their efforts to rid the world of war and conflict with a series of unique and highly effective mobile suits known as "Gundams".

Google Chrome

2009-04-12T13:03:00.002+08:00

i've been using Google Chrome for about a month now and this is my review on it.

1. Really nice layout. clean no messy nav bars but can be intimidating to those who are used to Firefox and IE. There is an address bar but it also doubles up as a search bar too.

2. difficult to clean the download history. it is not in the download windows such as Firefox but in the customize and control Google Chrome sections.

3. Downloading is nice. speed difference is obvious from Firefox. faster(at least i feel it faster). have a nice little graphic to show how much have been downloaded.

4. Doesn't have integration with Free Download Manager. so if your using Free Download Manager like me then you have to do it manually.

5. i like the layout when you open a new tab. it displays 9 off the most visited sites that you go and also the most recent closed tabs also the book marks. you can even search you history via the history search tab.

6. low memory consumption. unlike forefox, chrome is very prudent in utilizing memory.

7. the click action is lacking or lagging. i'm not sure if this is due to my mouse of the browser itself.

that is all i have to say for now about firefox. if you are interested in using Google Chrome the download link is on the right.

thank you for reading.

my brute

2009-04-12T11:36:00.003+08:00

join mybrute.

a simple 2d fighting game where you just have to click and watch all the action happen.

here is the link : Mybrute

site updated

2009-04-11T19:22:00.002+08:00

i have make a new face for this blog.

someone told me that my blog was colourless so i put some thought into it and find a nice template as you can see from this orange hue. i also put up several links to popular applications such as winamp, flash players and other stuff that might be essential to make it the internet much more enjoyable.

i also deleted and entry becoz i was too lazy to redo the coding on that entry so it is gone to accommodate the new template.

i would really would like and comment and suggestion regarding this new layout so please feel free to comment.

HAIH. MALAYSIA'S INTERNET................

2009-04-09T23:15:00.002+08:00

this is the most recent speed test that i did using speednet.com

i'm currently speechless over the current internet quality in malaysia.
we are striving(trying) to be a develop nation by 2020 but out IT infra are just to ancient.

i'm currently having a lot of difficulties in accessing the internet. i really don;t understand why we as paying customers have to bear with idiotic internet speeds. i can;t use other service providers because there are non available in my part of the woods.

i have heard of lease lines and so called business lines from tmnet but the prices are exorbant. is this the malaysian way?? put high price for commodities that the people really needs? not only the internet but water and electricity tariffs are also going up but how come we don't hear the utilities company posing losses. which means they are making profits and does the profits profits the users? no they profits the managers and higer ups of the company.

if wishes do come true, i wish that malaysia would have a true, and united rakyat taht will voice out their displeasure with confidence and knowing that the goverment would hear the pleas and cries and actually do something about it then bickering about in the dewan rakyat like kindergarden pupils or to be more specifically like dogs fighting over a bitch.

to our elected MPs. stop your foolishness and do your job before you are asked on your death bed what have you done to help the people that put you into power.

najib's new cabinet.

2009-04-09T15:51:00.001+08:00

Najib names 28-member Cabinet (Update 3)

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's new Cabinet will have 28 members. Two ministries have been abolished.

New Cabinet line-up: Prime Minister and Finance Minister 1 - Najib

Deputy PM and Education Minister - Muhyiddin

Finance Minister 2 - Ahmad Husni

Ministers in PM dept - Nazri, Nor Yaakob, Koh Tsu Koon and Jamil

Transport - Ong Tee Keat

Maximus Ongkili - Science and Technology

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - Defence

Hishammuddin - Home

Shafie Apdal - Rural Development

Kong Cho Ha - Housing and Local Govt

Liow Tiong Lai - Health

Ng Yen Yen - Tourism

S. Subramaniam - Human Resource

Douglas Uggah - Natural Resources and Environment

Shahrizat - Women, Family and Community Development

Mustapa Mohamed - International Trade and Industry

Khaled Nordin - Higher Education

Rais Yatim - Information, Unity, Culture and Arts

Noh Omar - Agriculture

Shahziman Mansor - Works

Ismail Sabri - Domestic Trade

Ahmad Shabery Cheek - Sports

Anifah Aman - Foreign

Raja Nong Chik - Federal Territories

Earlier Najib left Istana Terengganu at about 11.25am after a 30-min audience with King regarding the new Cabinet line-up expected to be announced 3pm Thursday.

Najib arrived at the palace 10.57am to submit the list to Tuanku Mizan and left about 30 minutes later without stopping to speak to the media representatives waiting outside the gate.

He is scheduled to announce the new cabinet lineup in Putrajaya at 3pm. The new ministers and deputy ministers will take their oath of office at Istana Negara at 9.30am Friday.

Umno sources earlier said that Najib had spent the last five days juggling names and positions to take into consideration the requests and views of various Barisan Nasional component parties.

It is speculated that there could be as many as seven new faces in the line-up – most of them from Umno, while the party itself may give up a few ministerial posts.

Up till Wednesday evening, several Barisan component leaders had met with Najib and Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who will be named Deputy Prime Minister Thursday.

The message Najib had for all of them was the same – that Umno was giving up quite a number of posts and that they should also be willing to make sacrifices.

Najib is expected to downsize his Cabinet, which now has 27 ministries and 31 ministers.

At present, Umno has 22 ministers, the MCA four, and the MIC, Upko, SUPP, PBB and PBS one each.

The new Cabinet is expected to have between 20 and 24 ministries, with no more than 27 ministers. Several ministries are expected to be merged.

Insiders said the ministries which could be merged are Tourism with Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage; Education with Higher Education; Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs with International Trade and Industry; and Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries with Plantation Industries and Commodities.

There have also been suggestions that the Federal Territories Ministry be merged with the Housing and Local Government portfolio.

Three ministries – Works; Energy, Water and Communications and Science, Technology and Innovation – could also be merged into two ministries.

This means that seven new ministries will be created from 13 merged ones.

source: href="http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/9/nation/20090409114244&sec=nation">

speednet test speed

2009-04-08T00:24:00.002+08:00

well looks like the line is picking up.
but it is 1230 in the morning.

my internet speed by speednet.

2009-04-07T09:28:00.003+08:00

i'm making this post as a reference to the internet connection in my area for the whole week. it will be done at 9.30am, 1.00pm, 5.00pm, and if possible 12.00 am.

this is 9.30 for today.

taken at 8.57pm. getting slower.

to my wife

2009-04-06T12:53:00.002+08:00

most of my friends know that i just got married on the 25th of january 2009. but due to the matter that i'm working far away from my wife life can get really lonely and put a strain on the relationship.

i was watching macross frontier and herd this song. it sums up what i feel inside. so i dedicate this song to my lovely wife.

hope you enjoy it honey.

Mukah

2009-04-06T09:28:00.004+08:00

Went to mukah yesterday due to some business there. the last time i went there was a year ago.
It is to my knowledge that there are some major road works that have been going on for years. it is the upgrading of the road linking mukah to the main bintulu-sibu road. after a year of not going there i expected that the road condition have gotten better but i was really surprise when i reach the junction. it has gotten worst.

these are the pictures that i manage to take while being bounce all over in my 4x4.

Uncle Ho's Diary

2012

River Of Life: Revitalizing the Klang and Gombak Rivers

River Of Life: Revitalizing the Klang and Gombak Rivers

datuk ahmad jais pass away

Malaysia's 2012 Budget Full Speach By The Prime Minister

10th Sarawak State Election Results

I’m back

Death realated to A(H1N1) In Malaysia

influenza map time line

A(H1N1) SWINE FLU. FAQs

What can I do?

What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

What should I do if I need medical attention?

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

Can I travel?

Malaysia confirms first case of A(H1N1) flu

By FOONG PEK YEE and DHARMENDER SINGH

Save the dogs

Trust????

Playing for Change

touching short film

Cheap Laptops and IT Peripherals

way to go Lim Kit Siang

Grave of the fireflies

Proton Exora

congratulations

Gundam OO

Google Chrome

my brute

site updated

HAIH. MALAYSIA'S INTERNET................

najib's new cabinet.

speednet test speed

my internet speed by speednet.

to my wife

Mukah

feeling nostalgic

i'm begining to doubt the people around me.

commie bastard

Moving house

It is really irony

disturbed mind.................................................

bIg Fish

my new hobby

what has happened

songs that i listen when i was listening up

Kuroneko no tango

???????

i'm lonely and bored

nice video

Raya Pics

Hari Raya...............................What does it means to some of us.

Some pictures of my trip in Kuching

Sayang Di Sayang

Tangga-Tangga Ke Pintu Bahagia

fish head

Betrayed.......................

circle????

monday..... what can i say it is a monday

hmmm it is a sunday

rubella outbreak!!! what is a rubella anyway.

I'm homesick