كبيبسن: اد اف دڠن شين شين ؟

Lovely Green Tea vs Seductive Tiramisu

I’m not sure if you guys have heard of the above-mentioned phrase, which can be loosely translated to: Finish off the Barbarians on 15th day of 8th lunar month.

As historical mysteries would have us believe, the Han Chinese under oppressive Mongolian rule during the Yuan dynasty (1271 – 1368CE) were trying to stage an uprising against the Mongolians during the Mid-Autumn Festival one year. To spread the message around in a tightly-scrutinised society, where Mongolian special branch (SB) officers were stationed in every neighbourhood, they concealed a tiny slip with the afore-mentioned message within mooncakes, and passed the mooncakes around to all potential comrades.

Whether or not it work, it’s just a legend.

Of course, that’s not the only myth for Mid-Autumn. But whatever I can chroniclize here, surely there are tonnes more of detailed information related to this topic in Wikipedia. Instead of repeating the same story time and again, why not guys look at the yummylicious homemade ice-skin mooncakes produced by my sweetheart’s sister-in-law, Putra Height-based Boon Leng.

The one on your L.H.S. is Green Tea flavor, with enriched tasty lotus paste within, while the one on your R.H.S. is aptly named Tiramisu flavor, with strikingly-sweet toffee-like content encasing a cheese ball resembling the usual salted egg yolk.

Since it’s dengan ingatan tulus ikhlas from my sweetheart, I’d really fallen in love with these mooncakes. Better off, she has picked up the mooncake-homemaking tactics from the sister-in-law, therefore next year onwards we will be able to enjoy an endless supply of homemade mooncakes, rain or shine, with the heartfelt compliments from See my dearest, who is currently drafting her investigative report on Al-Qaeda and Terrorism.

Mwahs dear, the homemade mooncakes are were extremely delicious… Love you always, and lest we forget, 『中秋節快樂』 , a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all of you across the universe.

Gema takbir menyentuh kalbu,
di pagi Syawal menjelma lagi,
Keampunan diminta,
Kemaafan diseru.

We wish to convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family as well as bride-to-be of the late Teoh Beng Hock. The deceased, 30, due to get married happily with his fiancee today July 17th, 2009, was a dedicated political operative as well as administrator, a helpful colleague, and a wonderfully intellectual friend of mine.

He was found dead at approximately 1:30pm on July 16th, 2009 (Thursday), at the 5th floor (podium roof) of Plaza Masalam, Section 9 Shah Alam, after allegedly being released by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) Selangor branch at 3:45am earlier the same day, from its office at the 14th floor of the same building, where he probably fell from. He was interrogated in relation to suspcted misappropriation of State Assemblyperson allocations.

He was reported to have requested to rest somewhere in SPRM office, instead of returning home straight after the interrogation. According to SPRM sources, he was last sighted alive at 6am that day. Whether he fell or was pushed from SPRM office, and his whereabouts for the whole morning, was anyone’s guess.

All pro-establishment mainstream media are trying to down play the issue, and even irrationally and provocatively suggested if he committed suicide. But logic tells that to take one’s own life on the eve of one’s wedding sounds extremely weird, to put it mildly. He was not even the suspect, hello? We solemnly demand for nothing less than an eye for an eye, and the murderer must be brought to justice as soon as possible.

I can’t help but recall that he was among the first person I got to know in the state government. As political secretary to Exco in-charged of Pembangunan Kampung Baharu dan Penyelesaian Kilang Haram, he was based in the 16th floor of State Secretariat building.

I would never forget his sincerity when he first extended his warm hand and asked softly, “I am Beng Hock, political secretary to YB…”

He provided me a temporary shelter to recharge whenever I needed a break from the hectic day. Exco offices were not unlike clinics, long queues were formed every morning to seek the portfolio holder’s assistance in all kinds of dilemma one can imagine. However, Beng Hock, together with his colleague Hew Kim Boon, were always helpful in providing guidance.

It was Beng Hock who show me the directory where names and extension number of every staff from heads of departments to administrative assistants in each of the offices could be found. It was also Beng Hock who provided me a listing of all media outlets in Klang Valley when announcements were to be made.

Not only that, Beng Hock was eager to check out the makan places around Shah Alam. The first time he asked me to joined him, I rode in his Kancil car and headed for the shops around Concorde Hotel. Quite a few shops there, and even a shopping mall called Plaza Masalam, I made a mental note.

During the journey, he asked where I live. He told me he commutes from Kajang everyday, and that one way toll alone would cost like 5 bucks, therefore, he would like to locate a house or apartment somewhere closer, perhaps Petaling Jaya or Puchong. I am not sure if he had moved, and he had never revealed to me anything regarding his fiancee either.

We entered something like a simple Chinese restaurant. Everything from horfun soup to chicken chop was available. I couldn’t recall what did I order, but for beverage I took iced coffee.

In fact, there were a variety of funny drinks in the menu, for instance passion fruit juice and blueberry milk shake. I told him my reluctance to try something unknown, while he told me, “How are we supposed to know if it tastes great, without first giving it a try?” Until this day, this pronouncement of courage is still fresh in my mind. And lest we forget, everytime we had lunch or coffee together, it was he that rush to foot the bill.

Beng Hock was always a busy young man. From my observation, he had more meetings to attend to than any other personal assistants in SUK. Perhaps his employer had other commitments to take care of, thus Beng Hock had to take his place often. For that, he came to me quite a few times to borrow ties of different colours that suit his shirt. I once proclaimed that Beng Hock was the busiest PA in SUK, while he reciprocated with “And you are the best dressed…” Thank you, Beng Hock, for your compliment. I’m flattered.

Few months later, I read in newspaper that Beng Hock’s employer assigned him to collect the keys of community halls within Seri Kembangan state constituency, and needless to say, eventhough many stumbling blocks stood in between, and he was given all kinds of nasty labels by the former MCA assemblyperson, he still managed to accomplish the mission. Just that I wonder, what does this petty stuff have to do with a political secretary?

If I’m not mistaken, I last met him in Kelana Jaya stadium, during the ceramah in the middle of September 2008. Recently, I added him in Facebook, but seems like he hadn’t spare some time to approve me. How sad. The picture of him sitting at the edge of a seaside resort chalet is cute though.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our friend is unfortunately gone. Surely all of us are dissappointed, but I can feel he is still with us. May God blesses him. Someone must be accountable to this homicide! Evil Umno Barisan Nasional, their running dogs bastard Suruhanjaya Pembunuh Rakyat Malaysia and all the culprits must be held responsible! Our beloved country should not degrade to become China, Venezuela or Zimbabwe. Screw 1Malaysia!

They showered us with chemical-laced water, suffocated us with tear gas, held us up in lock-ups, incarcerated us in gaols for years, beaten us brutally, punched our leaders, naively believed violence could halt the progress for freedom and democracy. Perhaps they became too big-headed after losing Manek Urai by-election by a mere 65 votes. And now, they murdered a great friend of ours. I can be cool on anything else, but definately not a murder.

My dear compatriots, the time is ripe to speak up, and stand up against the upsurpers and oppressors, unless we want our future generations to endure further Umno Barisan Nasional torments. Lawan tetap lawan, let’s stand up and revenge for Beng Hock, stand up for Justice, stand up for Malaysia, stand up for you and your loved ones!

Surat terbuka kepada seluruh warga Manek Urai, Kuala Krai, Kelate

اونديله ڤاس د ن ٤١ مانيق اوري
Undilah PAS di N41 Manik Urai

جڠن ترڤداي دڠن کراجأن ڤرڤادوان
Jangan Terpedaya dengan Agenda Kerajaan Perpaduan!

Kerajaan Perpaduan merupakan isu palsu yang tidak perlu dilayan, kerana Umno hanya berangan-angan untuk mendakapi kerjasama Pas dan memancing simpati rakyat, apabila survival parti terkutuk itu sendiri tergugat.

Jika Pas dan Umno bergabung, kita bakal menjadi penjahat yang bersekongkol dengan syaitan, seluruh warganegara akan terus dijajah dan diseksa, manakala rakyat sekalian terutamanya masyarakat Melayu Muslim khasnya akan kehilangan wadah yang lantang mempertahankan kepentingan kita.

Hanya mereka yang ingin menghancurkan PAS dan memudaratkan Pakatan Rakyat akan mewar-warkan betapa moleknya agar melacurkan diri dan menjadi boneka dalam Kerajaan Perpaduan.

ڤرتاهنکن ميڽق دان گاس کلنتن
Pertahankan Minyak dan Gas Kelate!

Kelantan Darul Naim sebagai negeri pengeluar petroleum dan gas asli harus diberikan pampasan sewajarnya dalam bentuk royalti seperti yang diperolehi Terengganu Darul Iman.

Kini, kekayaan bumi yang dicarigali dari perairan Kelantan dibawa ke Perlis melalui saluran paip yang merentasi Pattani Darussalam, manakala royalti dibayar oleh Petronas kepada Perlis.

Kezaliman sebegini tidak boleh diganti dengan sebatang jambatan baru yang menghubungkan Manek Urai Baharu dan Lama, kerana anak Kelate lagi pandai bestari daripada pembesar-pembasar UMNO Barisan Nasional yang sapu khazanah negara serta wang rakyat!

ککلکن اوروس تدبير چکڤ دان برعمانة دکلنتن
Kekalkan Urustadbir Beramanah dan Cekap di Kelantan!

Selaku mantan Setiausaha Kerja kepada Exco Kerajaan Tempatan, Kajian dan Penyelidikan, rintihan yang banyak sekali saya meneliti adalah berkaitan dengan ketidak-cekapan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) iaitu Majlis Perbandaran dan Jajahan mengenai kelulusan pelan pembangunan dan bangunan (Development and Building Plan Approvals).

Saya sentiasa diberitahu para arkitek, pemaju dan ahli-ahli profesional yang berkaitan yang datang mengadu, sememangnya PBT di negeri Kelantan adalah antara yang paling cekap dan beramanah di Malaysia. Mereka bukan sahaja amat profesional, malah tidak pernah sekali menyusahkan para pemohon dengan segala permintaan yang tidak masuk akal. Segala permohonan akan diluluskan asalkan syarat-syarat dipenuhi.

Apakah kita ingin suasana yang pro-perniagaan dan mesra rakyat ini dimusnahkan oleh minate-minate Umno Barisan Nasional yang menyulitkan hidup rakyat, dahagakan kekayaan dan gilakan kuasa?

Lawan tetap lawan, undilah Pas di Manek Urai!

Our so-called “friend”, Pakatan Rakyat component party Democratic Action Party (DAP) is at it again. It was only in early February, that Pakatan Rakyat state government in Perak Darul Ridzuan collapsed due to the pull out of assemblypersons (cum multi-millionaires).

Just because of some minor hiccups in the municipal administration, DAP Kedah suddenly decided against its better judgement, if any, to pull out from the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS)-led Pakatan Rakyat state government in Kedah Darul Aman, on 30 June 2009, Tuesday.

This latest spat between our two Pakatan Rakyat allies is not unexpected. However, the cause that triggered it was appalling indeed — demolition of an illegal pig abbatoir.

Fine, it was said to be the only in Kedah. And by wiping it out from the world map, Kedahans that consume pork religiously would be deprived of fresh and affordable supply, hence lose their cultural identity.

We do not dispute lack of merit of the state government in allowing Alor Star City Council (MBAS) to carry out the demolition.

However, as we know, the rationale for the abbatoir’s demolition is well-croniclized. It was located next to a river, therefore members of the public were afraid if it could cause environmental disaster. And let’s not forget it’s operating illegally, and had already been given an extented grace peroid of another month to relocate at the end of May.

Yet, political considerations should not be totally absent. Temples, cemetaries, pig-farming, pork-selling, 4D betting centres and even karaoke joints, health spas and massage parlours, or what they called “ethnic culture”, is very close to the heart of a huge segment of Malaysians across cultural backgrounds.

Hence, while we should definately uphold rule of law, we do wish all government agencies could be more compassionate and sensitive to people’s needs, provided it doesn’t jeopardise rule of law, as well as health and environmental issues of course.

For the miscommunication and lack of damage-control, perhaps every other stakeholders in the state government should share the blame partially. But then again, they are still new, and principled statesmen are not necessarily used to being held ransom by childish sulking politikus.

The way laypersons like us look at it, it is totally unacceptable for DAP Kedah to walk away merely because of minor incidents such as Tuesday’s. The ugly episode could have been averted had they discussed every aspect the issue transparently and sincerely.

It was reported that some of their city councillors tried to further extend the grace period in council meeting but to no avail. But one really wonders why should such extra extension be granted? Culdn’t the concerned DAP leaders find them an alternative site, suggest it to the state leadership, or maybe even assist them in application for a license? What service-oriented they talking about?

Come to think about it, pigs in Alor Star are temporarily spared execution, while villagers in Kampung Lorong Buah Pala (High Chappral) in Bukit Gelugor, Penang are going to lose a century-old roof above their head. Ironically, this party is a member of our Pakatan Rakyat, instead of Barisan Nasional.

It is indeed intriguing when state DAP leaders made such rash decision. Was it their own, or were they merely following commands from their boss, like our brutal police officers often claim?

It reminds us of DAP Sarawak’s withdrawal from Barisan Alternatif soon after Al-Qaeda jihadists hijacked aeroplanes to crush into World Trade Center, New York, and in no time followed by DAP’s total pull-out, only to shamelessly rejoin after the March 8th political tsunami.

Most probably, it is a calculated strategy for DAP to squeeze for more benefits from its Pakatan Rakyat partners, and all would be ironed out once they get what they desired, everything from garbage collection contracts to licenses for health spas where that’s more than meets the eyes, and DAP national leadership would then happily announce the DAP Kedah’s homecoming to state government.

As a matter of fact, it was completely unrelated to our deep-rooted principles such as freedom, liberty, democracy or anything in between. Thanks to an illegal abbatoir, they reared their ugly face once again.

If pigs are the paramount concern that they are willing to sacrifise every other principles on which Pakatan Rakyat is formed for, perhaps we should really solve it by appointing a single DAP assemblyperson in each state, preferably the state chairman to be the Exco in-charged of “Temples, Cemeteries, Pig-farming, Abbatoirs, Pork-selling, 4D Betting Centres, Karaokes, Health Spas, Massage Parlours, Cybercafes, Garbage Collection and everything in between”. Then we can leave everything else to the trustworthy, capable, accountable and transparent KeADILan and PAS members.

It is unlucky for history to repeat itself. It is even more unfortunate that KeADILan and PAS have no choice but to bear with the unpredictable childishness of DAP to bring about the reform agenda long coveted by Malaysian public.

As the government-in-waiting, we should portrayed a disciplined and principled image. With pigs friends like these, who needs enemies? If they refuse to learn from past mistakes and behave, KeADILan should be more self-reliant and win sufficient seats in the coming general election, else we would be held ransom by these thugs selagi ada bulan dan bintang.

Reality is harsh, but it is the culprit that should be reprimanded or even penalised, not the reform-oriented Malaysians.

Apabila Najib Razak melawat ke Temasek baru-baru ini, beliau menonjolkan niat murninya untuk terus menjalinkan hubungan akrab dengan bekas negeri kita itu.

Secara sekilas pandang, isu-isu tertunggak di antara dua negara termasuk (1) Tanah Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) di Singapura, (2) Pengeluaran simpanan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pusat (CPF) oleh pekerja Semenanjung Malaysia di Singapura, (3) Penggunaan ruang udara Malaysia oleh pesawat Tentera Udara Republik Singapura (RSAF), dan yang penting sekali, (4) Bekalan air kepada Singapura, ataupun tidaklah penting sangat lagi, NEWater
kan sudah ada.

Masa berlalu tanpa mu menyedari, isu-isu baru seperti jualan pasir, Batu Putih (Pedra Branca), gantian kepada Tambak Johor (Causeway, Woodlands Crossing) et cetera et cetera pula terbangkit. Kesemuanya belum diselesaikan melainkan Batu Putih yang dikurniakan kepada Dinasti Lee oleh Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) di The Hague pada 2008.

Ketika menziarahi Perdana Menteri Democratic People’s Republic of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong di Istana Orchard Road, Najib memberi jaminan kepada Lee junior bahawa kita akan mengekalkan silaturahim antara dua negara yang diberikan nafas baru setelah Dr. Mahathir berundur.

Kalian pasti ingat, Abdullah Badawi membatalkan projek “Jambatan Indah” (Jambatan Bengkok / Scenic Bridge) yang dirancangkan Dr. Mahathir untuk menggantikan Tambak Johor sebelah Malaysia, beliau juga giat mengalu-alukan para pelabur Singapura untuk melabur dan berniaga di Iskandar Malaysia (Iskandar Development Region). Ini amat menceriakan warga Singapura yang bosan dengan karenah Dr. Mahathir yang dianggap asyik flip-flop dan senantiasa berubah mengikut emosi (atau cuaca).

Demi meneruskan persaudaraan yang rapat, Najib bukan sahaja berikrar tidak akan menghidupkan kembali sebarang rancangan menggantikan Tambak Johor, bahkan mencadangkan agar sebatang jambatan baru dibina di antara Penggerang di sebelah Timur Johor, dengan Changi di sebelah Timur Singapura.

Temasek pula menyuarakan minat untuk melanjutkan sistem keretapi bawah tanahnya, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) ke Johor Bahru, serta melebarkan dan menaik taraf Tambak Johor, yang memang telah usang kerana sudah berumur 85 tahun, iaitu sebaya dengan Minister Mental Mentor Singapura, Lee Kuan Yew, yang baru Le Tour de 1Malaysia. Dengan izin Tuhan, MRT ini diharapkan dibina dengan pertimbangan yang sewajarnya agar mampu diintegrasikan dengan sebarang sistem keretapi bawah tanah yang bakal dibina di sebelah Johor, if any.

Sambungan MRT ke Johor Bahru memang idaman ramai. Puluhan ribu warga Johor, tua dan muda, menggunakan Tambak untuk menuju ke pejabat, kilang dan sekolah, kerana peluang pekerjaan yang dianggap lebih luas (sebelum kemelut subprime), gaji yang lebih lumayan dan sistem pendidikan yang didakwa lebih bermutu.

Bayangkan, terdapat bebudak chomell yang datang sejauh Ulu Tiram terpaksa bangun pukul 4 saban hari agar tidak lewat masuk kelas. Penduduk kedua-dua kota pasti dapat menikmati manfaatnya jika rancangan tersebut termeterai.

Pada hemat saya, tidak ramai yang menentang idea sambungan MRT ke Johor Bahru, dan juga penaiktarafan Tambak Johor. Kita sebagai warga yang prihatin, amat mengalu-alukan prasarana yang lebih selesa memandangkan trafik menyeberang Selat Tebrau masa kini sudah kian sesak.

Walau bagaimanapun, seperti kata Eddin Khoo, pengulas isu semasa dan aktivis persembahan tradisional, “You may hate Mahathir, but you are nonetheless a Mahathirist.” Saya sebenarnya setuju dengan matlamat yang ingin dicapai oleh Dr. Mahathir dengan menggantikan Tambak Johor.

Sebagai tambak, dukacitanya ia telah menyekat pengaliran air di antara sebelah Timur dan Barat Selat Tebrau. Ini memudaratkan ekosistem laut di Selat Tebrau. Sebagai contoh, duyung (dugong) yang pada suatu ketika dulu sentiasa aktif berlepak di Selat Tebrau kini kian menghilang.

Sekatan ke atas pengaliran air juga bermaksud laluan pengangkutan air sudah terputus. Kapal dari Stulang yang menuju ke Pantai Lido, yang masing-masing terletak di sebelah kiri dan kanan Johor Bahru, kini terpaksa mengelilingi seluruh wilayah Dinasti Lee.

Demi agama, bangsa dan negara ekologi, ekonomi dan effisiensi, Tambak harus dirobohkan. Cuma saya keberatan untuk bersetujui dengan pendekatan bersifat bermusuhan yang diambil Dr. Mahathir. Kita inginkan kedamaian dan persahabatan, bukan berlawan sesama sendiri, sungguhpun kita boleh bersaing dari segi ekonomi, ideologi, kebebasan dan apa sahaja.

Jambatan bengkok bukan penyelesaian elok pun, memandangkan ia akan menjadi sebuah tugu peringatan mengenai betapa “diplomatik” dan “mesra” rejim Umno Barisan Nasional yang memalukan negara kita.

Tidaklah saya tersinggung sangat jika gantian kepada Tambak gagal disegerakan. Sebenarnya, Singapura pun bukan jahil sangat tentang kebaikan Tambak digantikan, cuma mungkin berhasrat memperkudakannya sebagai bargaining chip untuk menyelesaikan isu-isu tertunggak lain.

Saya yakin, suatu hari nanti pasti sebuah jambatan yang indah dan lurus dapat dibina, mungkin (1) ketika BN dan PAP terguling, ataupun (2) ketika bekas negeri ini kembali ke pangkuan ibu pertiwi. Dan rasanya syarat (2) tidak mungkin berlaku selagi (1) belum ternyata.

Namun yang membimbangkan, saya ternampak kecenderungan pemerintah dan media Dinasti Lee untuk menggabungkan penaiktarafan Tambak dengan sambungan MRT. Entahlah jika ini bermakna MRT nanti akan didirikan di atas Tambak yang dinaik taraf. Jika betul, hancurlah sebarang harapan Tambak diganti suatu hari kelak.

Pasal Jambatan Ketiga di Pengerang pula, sebenarnya ia bukan satu keutamaan buat masa kini. Mungkin sektor pelancongan dan logistik akan berkembang lebih pesat jika laluan diperbanyakkan, tetapi bagaimanakah pula dengan permintaan, dengan jaraknya yang jauh dari bandar dan kadar tol yang sudah pasti takkan murah?

Kedudukan yang jauh sekali dari kegiatan ekonomi akan memastikan adalah mustahil ia menjadi pilihan popular. Walaupun Second Link (Tuas Crossing) juga bukan pilihan terutama kebanyakan pengunjung, sekurang-kurangnya ia memungkinkan laluan yang lebih menjimat masa kepada pemamdu Singapura yang ingin menuju ke Utara seperti Kuala Lumpur dan Pulau Pinang (dan bukan Johor Bahru), melalui Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan.

Jambatan Ketiga di Pengerang pula tidak menguntungkan sesiapa, melainkan jika seseorang pelancong asing yang pesawatnya mendarat di Changi ingin terus mengunjung ke Desaru atau Tioman, ataupun ikan dan udang yang malas nak berenang, itu je. Tolonglah mengamalkan lebih sedikit prudence dalam mengendalikan dana awam.

Bagi kebanyakan kita, laluan yang terus menghubungkan kedua-dua kota tetap menjadi keutamaan, baik jambatan moden yang lurus, perkhidmatan MRT yang cekap atau kedua-duanya sekali.

Tahap kita memerlukan Jambatan Ketiga lebih kurang sama dengan Masjid Kristal rasanya. Mungkin ada baiknya kerajaan belanjakan sedikit duit untuk menyiasat apakah yang telah berlaku kepada bumbung Stadium Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu dahulu.

六四北京大屠殺發生了二十年了。二十年來，中國經濟在一黨專政下迅速蓬勃發展，但政治上的集權統治，及經濟上的保護主義、重商主義依然盛行。不但外資被各級政府的朝令夕改、苛捐雜稅折騰得團團轉，勞工更毫無勞工權益可言，生態環境也如世界末日將至似的，被大肆破壞也在所不惜。

各種有名無實的口號，從江澤民的「三個代表」到胡錦濤的「和諧社會」，都是為了延長共產黨的非法統治，與民族、民權、民生毫不相干；國防、司法、宣傳系統都為執政黨，而非政府掌控，民主選舉更是遙不可及。

西藏、新疆等少數族群爭取民族自決權益，就被指責為鼓吹分離主義。去年五一二四川汶川大地震中，周圍房社相對來說都相安無事，只有學校──接近七千家的中小學一一應聲而倒，貪腐無能造成「豆腐渣」工程的嚴重程度令人嘆為觀止，連馬克思見到了都會從墳墓裡跳起。

只要口袋有錢，如今中國人要買Nike運動鞋、吃滿漢全席都不成問題。只是，難道這買鞋的自由、吃飯的人權就是人權了嗎？買到山寨版iPhone電話還無關緊要，要是喝攉了三聚輕氨的牛奶丟了命，上訪挨打有用嗎？

美國國務卿希拉蕊柯林頓首次以國務卿身份訪問北京，竟然完全對中共極權統制之下發生的各種侵犯人權事件絕口不提。難道為了救市等短期利益，外界就應該對同樣也是人類的十三億同胞的非人生活視而不見？這是否是傻乎乎聽信「是的，我們能夠改變」而投票作出改變的「自由派」支持者所願意見到的呢？

被中共開除黨籍的學者劉賓雁，在其文章「中國有塊殖民地」中指出，中國大躍進成為世界工廠，靠的主要就是廉價勞工。農村的農地因發展被剝奪，農民只好到都會打工，其中不少就算沒受騙，也遭到剝削。

中國勞工的痛苦境遇，也給外國勞工造成了不少的損害。中國剝奪勞工權利、鎮壓工人罷工、禁止獨立工會，又不實施社會主義最喜愛的最低工資，成功把中國出口貨品的價格壓得很低，外國製造業被迫關門大吉，其中單在美國就有近百萬勞工因此失業。

研究顯示，假如允許獨立工會存在，中國工人的工資就能立即增長兩倍到七倍。美國工會組織因此要求美國政府對中國進行經濟制裁，提高中國貨的關稅，要求中國承認工人的權利。但看共匪臉色做事的白宮卻沒這個勇氣。

共匪搶錢日漸猖獗，民間對人權也日益覺醒，根據記載，中國近年來平均每年發生一萬次稱為「群體事件」的民眾抗爭。2006年7月，由台灣通緝犯陳由豪主導的騰龍芳烴（廈門）有限公司獲得國家發改委批准在福建省廈門市海滄區興建計劃年產80萬噸「對二甲苯」（PX）的化工廠項目。

由於廠址毗距廈門市中心不足十公里，市民擔心化工廠健康受危及，因而群起反對此計畫。廈門PX項目示威爆發，兩萬市民於2007年6月1日上街遊行示威。當時，老共想盡辦法阻止民眾上街，甚至攔截電信網路中包含「遊行」、「PX」等字的sms，不過卻未得逞。即使如此，這並不代表中國人民完全沒有機會上街遊行。

2005年初，聯合國醞釀擴大安全理事會常任理事國席位，日本也是其中一員。會費繳得多，也熱心參與國際救援工作的日本，把「出錢、出兵、貢獻大」列為申請出任常任理事國的理由。

由於懼怕安理會中的民主自由力量增加，威脅本身邪惡軸心惡霸的地位，中共在國內鼓吹法西斯納粹式的極端民族主義，鼓動某些愚昧的民眾上街示威抗議。當年3月至4月間，中國各地冒出了一系列大型遊行抗議活動，也被中共視為人民擁有集會自由的證明。

針對這件事，沒有誰比前北大新聞系副教授焦國標在「我舉雙手贊成日本加入聯合國安理會」一文中所形容的更生動：「民眾還自發痛恨一黨專政呢，他們怎麼不上街砸黨委？民眾還自發詛咒摧殘言論自由呢，他們怎麼不遊行去搗毀各級宣傳部？民眾之所以鬧反日，是因為他們只能鬧反日，他就不敢鬧反一黨專政。」

無論是在愛心覺羅氏、蔣家還是共匪統治之下，中國都不曾缺乏富有正義感的有識之士。從五四、六四，到民運份子籌組中國民主黨，以及異議人士創立「獨立中國筆會」，在在證明了這點。

2008年，一批體制內外的知識份子草擬了名為「零八憲章」的替代憲法，確立自由、民主、人權為立國根本價值，為中國邁向現代化豎立了三權分立的憲政基礎。

無奈，老共視三權分立、多黨制民主選舉等「西方帝國主義」價值觀為洪水猛獸，堅決死命緊捉「中國特色」憲法中的真理「中國共產黨一黨專政」不放。

深怕喪失政權的共匪，因此將「零八憲章」發起人，本來早就住家長年遭監視，電話遭監聽的維權學者劉曉波等打入不見天日的大牢。

2005年，廣東省汕尾市東洲鎮政府為建設汕尾火力發電廠，而徵用了大片耕作農地。擁有原土地使用權的村民，認為沒有得到政府合理征地補償，因而便自發輪流持續維權抗爭。12月6日，汕尾武警向村民開槍，根據官方報導至少三十人以上喪命。

雖然過後少數人獲得國家賠償，但條件卻是家屬必須封口，從此再也不談論此事。後來，2008年五一二四川汶川大地震中，家長為因校舍倒塌而身亡的學生爭取賠償時，中共再次耍出這招。

四天後的12月10日「國際人權日」，正在香港特別行政區訪問的國民黨榮譽主席連戰受訪時，無視幾天前在廣東汕尾這違反人權的血腥鎮壓，癡人說夢地自我表述：「如果要做新天地的主人，就要眼光向前看，拋棄歷史的悲情，不要當歷史悲情的奴隸。」

不但如此，衣錦還鄉卻不敢透露自己曾經在中華民國中選及擔任副總統的連永平同志，還於膽敢主動向國家諸位領導匯報，為了加速台灣被祖國統一，他決定將「聯共制台」！

請教一下榮譽主席，解放軍東南沿海部署的上千顆瞄準中華民國台灣的飛彈，是否也是連主席、胡主席「聯共制台」策略的優惠配套之一呢？

2009年中共人大、政協兩個「橡皮圖章」召開前夕，全國人大委員長吳邦國還高調吹唱：「三權分立不適合中國」。去年是改革開放三十週年，今年是中國淪陷六十週年，老共將高調歡慶，各級宣傳部、報章都開始歌功頌德，電視台也開始花天酒地製作特備節目，但民眾期待實行多黨制自由民主依然遙遙無期。

當然，只要傳媒繼續被當權者玩弄於鼓掌中，網路也繼續受到政府監控，要有效將正確訊息傳達給廣大民眾必定有其困難。在馬哈迪口中的小中國是如此，在13億漢滿蒙回藏的大中國亦是如此。

資深新聞從業員，熱愛研究歷史及哲學的本地年輕優秀部落客張文詩小姐準確無誤地指出，缺乏新聞自由是六四天安門大屠殺的主因。

「政府控制糧食及材料的供應，以內部價格壟斷貨源，然後以黑市天價在市場上賣，使商家及民眾無法以合理價格購買必需品，直接導致通膨高居不下，這就是學生高呼的「反官倒」。話說回來，六四帶給我們什麼啟示，最主要還是提醒了我們新聞自由的重要！

當年江澤民查封上海《世界經濟導報》，中南海也通過社論，激發民運及媒體加入示威，它讓我看到傳媒作為政治喉舌的利害，就二十年的政途，看言論自由的開放。

據當年《世界經濟導報》記者張國偉說，中國今天對新聞的控制是加緊，而非放鬆。趙紫陽也說，當年正是因為「426社論」，才導致一場流血事件；顯然文字鎮壓，矛盾更大。

張國偉還說，現在的中國媒體型態出現一批自由撰稿人，他們對言論的表達騰出了空間，也對政府投下不信任票，乍看之下，我們也面臨這種局面，靠自由撰稿人，尤其是網路撰稿人來監督政府，傳媒已失去了監督能力。」聰明伶俐，對時事變化分析得精微透闢的文詩一針見血地指出。

事緣，當時由於中共改革派領袖胡耀邦逝世，北京各大學學生在天安門廣場為胡耀邦舉行的悼念活動，而活動在數日內迅速演變成大規模的抗議示威，反對政府中存在的權威主義，並提出了經濟改革與政治民主化的訴求。

4月25日，上海《世界經濟導報》刊出批評中央撤掉胡耀邦及同情學生遊行的文章，時任中共上海市委員會書記江澤民原本要求該報更換有關文章後出版，但該報在原處留白抗議，江澤民則決定沒收當天出版的30萬份《世界經濟導報》。報章留白引起海內外巨大回嚮，最後報社被查封。

在北京，鄧小平及多名政治局成員堅信運動受極人操控，必須強硬遏止。4月25日，中共高層起草《必須旗幟鮮明地反對動亂》一文，把學運定性為「極少數人發起的反革命動亂」，做為社論在當晚中央人民廣播電台、中央電視台播出，次日在《人民日報》頭版發表，後來稱之為「四二六社論」。

把追求民主自由的學生指控為「反革命動亂」，引起極強烈迴響，也激發了學生繼續鬥爭到底的決心。許多政府機構的工作人員都加入了學生集會的行列。最終，害怕喪失政權的中共，在最高領導層的指示下，命令軍隊進城展開血腥鎮壓，引發了人神共憤的天安門屠城。由此可見，操控新聞正是六四慘案的導火線，但世界各極權政體的領導人能否因此覺醒呢？

新加坡東亞研究院院長鄭永年在今年5月26日於新加坡聯合早報發表的「中國解決權、錢、民衝突刻不容緩」一文中解釋說，解決中國基層無政府狀態早已刻不容緩，假設決策當局不聯合「民」一起對抗「權」與「錢」，最終強迫民成為唯一的變革力量，那歷史告訴我們，革命就不遠了。

柏林圍牆倒下了。顏色革命的骨牌效應也在東歐、蘇聯、中亞各國蔓延。中國只有一個方向，從五四到六四都是指向這個方向。不實現民主化，世界各國包括美國、日本、香港、台灣等，即使目前還能從與共產黨同流合污，摧毀中國環境，剝削中國勞工中吃點甜頭，遲早也會因為社會各界被共產意識型態滲透、各行各業被紅色資本壟斷而倒大楣，走上諾貝爾經濟獎得主海耶克說的「通往奴役之路」。

即使新興民主國家會因政治開放經歷某種程度上的學習摸索階段，經濟自由化也免不了帶來短暫的陣痛，但總比被任豬宰割更值得。每一條生命都是珍貴無比的，別讓在水深火熱中受苦受難的十三億優秀中華兒女再等二十年！

2009年6月22日晚間8點30分完稿於吉隆坡

Lately, the annual “Top-scorers-denied-scholarship” fiasco rears its ugly head again. Since most of these deserving students are ethnic Chinese, certain quarters are alleging that this intransparency of scholarship awarding is a blatant racial discrimination. Ask any apolitical Chinese aunty, even BN supporters, they will tell you so.

My friend, Sri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi propels us to look at the broader picture. It affects many deserving Malaysian top-scorers across the board. Thus, to address the brain drain, he suggested in his The Malaysian Insider article Biasiswa, Polemik Kaum dan Pengajian Tinggi, that we should focus on how to improve the selection process, and its transparency. True enough, I agree totally.

But that’s not all, in my humble opinion. This scholarship fiasco is in fact a conspiracy.

It could be an merely an overlook, if it happens once a blue moon, and doesn’t victimise bright kids from a particular ethnic group all the time. But when it became an annual brohaha, I guess it’s more than meeting the eyes.

Therefore, it is a conspiracy in two ways.

First, it is delibrately done, in order for MCA and other non-Malay BN component parties to portray themselves as the hero of their respective groups. Had government been so mindful in awarding scholarships and all other tit-bits in a fair manner, what are there for them to fight for? If there’s none, how could they try to persuade us that we must vote more of them into Parliament anymore? Obsolete isn’t it?

But it is beyond that. The above-mentioned reason only benefits the non-Malay BN component parties, while Umno is cast in a bad light as the ursurper of other ethnic group’s constitutional rights. Thus, for Umno to reap the benefit as well, there is a second purpose for this annual fiasco.

To award more of the scholarships to average students, the brainy young Malaysians will have no choice but resort to pay for their overseas tertiary education out of their own pocket. To reimburse their expenses, many will choose to remain overseas and earn more greenback after their study. This can, in the long run, effectively wipe out  intellectuals from Malaysia.

With these government scholars being not-so-bright students, our civil service and statutory boards will in the future be staffed by these mediocre personnels. Few people will dare to challenge Umno BN’s leadership, as they realise they are less productive and can’t secure any employment beyond the public service. As a result, there will be stability, as far as BN’s grip on the country is concerned.

Get rid of future enemies, do it whatever it takes, it will pay huge dividents. I might be wrong, I stand to be corrected. No offence to the current batch of scholars. But the problem is so real, and hence we do wish more smarties are recognised, and sponsored by our taxpayers’ money, and later be given a chance to serve the country.

Our civil servant population is 4 times bigger than their regional counterparts, per-capita, but what efficiency is there? Public Works Department (JKR) is the most efficient federal agency. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is the most efficient local authority. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) is the most effictive anti-graft body in the region, or so they claim. Just imagine.

Those who don’t think this is a conspiracy please stand up.

All the best wishes to shweet, pretty and adorable Vice President of Anwar Ibrahim Club, Miss Marini Kamal & Shauki the Mr. Kekaseh! Be there on April 11, 2009, Kota Damansara.

I hate to say this, but I feel uneasy about the way things are in KeADILan’s campaign for the by-election of N29 Batang Ai, Sarawak.

I have no problem with the candidate, Jawah Gerang, per se. As the 5-term MP for Lubok Antu, in whose parliamentary constituency our N29 is located, I am sure he is capable of hitting quite a few more cords with the local long house dwellers than his BN opponent by the name of Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.

The source of my acute uneasiness is how Jawah became our KeADILan candidate. Frankly, I have no idea how he was chosen. Seems like our Borneo counterparts, such as Dayak Baru, Dayak Nation, The Broken Shield etc love him. Yet, why was the other contender for KeADILan’s nomination, Nicholas Bawin, who has been a party member slightly longer, missed the boat is anyone’s guess.

To underscore the significance of this, it should be noted that Nicholas was recommended by Datuk Jeffrey Kitingan over Jawah, and as a matter of fact, Nicholas is also the Ketua Bahagian of KeADILan Lubok Antu division, and lost in the previous 2006 Sarawak state election to the deceased YB by a mere 800 plus votes. More importantly, he has been fighting for Native Customary Rights Land (NCR Land) for the Dayak community for many years and is well known by Sarawakians within and beyond Batang Ai.

My worry of course is rooted in the shadow behind Jawah. It is public knowledge that Jawah is funded by Datuk S’ng Chee Hwa, one-time Deputy President of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), prior to then PBDS President Datuk Leo Moggie’s retirement.

Post Leo Moggie’s retirement, as we all know, a devastating infighting rocked PBDS. Both camps had their own AGM, elected own sets of office-bearers as well as set up their own HQs, which unsuprisingly resulted in its de-registration by Registrar of Societies (ROS), Sarawak. While S’ng also contemplated of retirement, his son, Larry S’ng, was sent to contest for one of the state seats and won, upon completion of his college, at the age of 23.

Larry went on to form Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) together with others from the Datuk James Jemut Masing camp in the now defunct PBDS. Unortunately (or fortunately), it didn’t last. This time, Larry took it up against Masing, another catastrophe dawned on their brand new party, and Larry was sacked from PRS, though not from Taib Mahmud’s state cabinet where he is an assistant state minister in-charged of I don’t know what, where he continues as a partyless “BN independent”.

When Anwar fell from grace, S’ng senior played some very important (and definately more disgusting) role in ensuring Anwar’s downfall. If you still remember, Nurul Izzah went as far as saying, the family could forgive anyone but S’ng.

Now, was Jawah chosen as our candidate over Nicholas, because he comes with a bigger complimentary warchest, with the most sincerest heartfelt compliments from vengeful Datuk S’ng and son?

This worries me. Already, we heard news that the cleavage between different keADILan factions in this campaign is wider than ever. Anwar did appoint Nicholas as Jawah’s campaign manager, hoping they would close ranks. Yet, Jawah camp shun all the Nicholas supporters. Not only that, they re-appointed a new campaign manager, by the name of Dominique Ng. Thus Nicholas and gang are effectively made redundant. And you see our friend Malcolm is smiling.

The S’ngs are using whatever platform they can lay their fingers on for their ultimate revenge, wrecking the platform in the wacking process. PBDS is now RIP while PRS is on the edge of. Why should we KeADILan, Malaysian public’s only aircraft carrier to freedom, be turned into their personal combat longboat for revenge?

Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban, Salam Reformasi, and don’t forget to check out the live update of N29 Batang Ai By-election at http://www.linasoo.com/batangai.html, set up by our staunch supporter Lina Soo.

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