John O'Reilly hoisted his beer and said, "Here's to spending the rest of me life between the legs of me wife!"
That won him the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night!
He went home and told his wife, Mary, "I won the prize for the best toast of the night"
She said, "Aye, did ye now? And what was your toast?"
John said, "Here's to spending the rest of me life sitting in church beside me wife."
"Oh, that is very nice indeed, John!" Mary said.
The next day, Mary ran into one of John's drinking buddies on the street corner. The man chuckled leeringly and said, "John won the prize the other night at the pub with a toast about you, Mary."
She said, "Aye, he told me, and I was a bit surprised meself. You know, he's only been there twice in the last four years. Once he fell asleep, and the other time I had to pull him by the ears to make him come..."
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Surprise Visit...
Yesterday, all officers from my section were called in to the director's room, she informed us that someone important was coming to see us.
We were all very surprise as we didn't really know who was coming, so we discuss what to present/say later...
suddenly the security officer(lady) was knocking at the door asking all officers to come out...
so we lined up to greet the VIPs....
it was the contesting candidate with the former minister.... going around... having chit-chat... with the people in the area....
We were all very surprise as we didn't really know who was coming, so we discuss what to present/say later...
suddenly the security officer(lady) was knocking at the door asking all officers to come out...
so we lined up to greet the VIPs....
it was the contesting candidate with the former minister.... going around... having chit-chat... with the people in the area....
Sunday, February 24th, 2008 ,Borneo Post
Unchallenged contenders
By Raynore Mering
How many more will be elected unopposed today? Since 1969, only 27 candidates have made it to the ‘exclusive club’
THERE is a club that all aspiring elected representatives dream of joining but only a handful have gained entry out of the hundreds of candidates who saw action in parliamentary elections in the state.
To become a member of this club, there is only one requirement — win unopposed.
In the nine parliamentary elections in Sarawak since 1969, only 27 candidates had enjoyed the comforts of the club while others battled away.
Today is nomination day again and chances are good that there would be new members who will join the club.
The question is how many? More than the six in the 2004 parliamentary election perhaps?
To win uncontested on nomination day is to have a massive load taken off a candidate’s shoulders.
With his place assured in parliament, he keeps his dates on the campaign trail but mainly to thank his constituents.
And if he is a party candidate, he goes where he is needed to shore up support for the contending candidates from his party.
A candidate who has won uncontested may have won his battle but not his party’s war.
The first parliamentary election to have uncontested victories in Sarawak was in 1978 with Datuk Amar Stephen Yong in Padawan, Datuk Luhat Wan in Baram and Racha Umong in Bukit Mas.
Since then, there have been uncontested victories every time the parliamentary polls were held.
The year 1995 was a bumper year for candidates who won uncontested when eight in total were ushered into the club.
That year, the candidates who won unopposed were three times Datuk Amar Dr Sulaiman Daud (Petra Jaya), Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (Kota Samarahan), Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Batang Lupar), Jawah Gerang (Lubok Antu), Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas (Betong), Datuk Abang Abu Bakar Abang Mustapha (Kuala Rajang), Tan Sri Law Hieng Ding (Sarikei) and Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad (Mukah).
The two elections with the second highest number of unopposed candidates were in 1982 and in 2004 with six candidates each.
In the last parliamentary election, the unopposed victors were Taib (Kota Samarahan), Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim (Batang Lupar), Datuk Wahab Dolah (Kuala Rajang), Alexander Nanta Linggi (Kapit), Datuk Peter Chin (Miri) and Henry Sum Agong (Bukit Mas).
Taib, the Chief Minister and the state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, and Dr Sulaiman are the only two parliamentarians to have won unopposed three times in Sarawak.
Taib won uncontested in 1982, 1995 and 2004, while Dr Sulaiman experienced it in 1982, 1986 and 1995.
What makes the club even more exclusive must be that all who have passed through its gates are from the BN and a majority of them are from the state coalition’s backbone, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), of which Taib is president.
But candidates who win uncontested are not without their critics.
“It’s a win by default. In sports term, a walk-over. They haven’t proven that they have the support of the people,” said a critic.
However, in a country that practises democracy, which is a little hard to swallow and luck has nothing do with it too.
The fact that many of those who win unopposed are political heavyweights and that some of them can win without breaking a sweat in more than one election must mean something.
Surely, their performance and popularity among constituents as well as the political situation of the day would have played on the minds of their opponents as they decided right up to the time the nomination centres opened whether or not they should join the race.
So maybe when a candidate wins uncontested, his opponents had come to the conclusion that their cause might not be worth the trouble and that they would rather not lose time or money — there’s a lot one can do with an election deposit of RM10,000.
After 11am today, the contenders in all 31 parliamentary seats in Sarawak should be known but how many will go on to join the club of unopposed winners is still anybody’s guess.
Some political observers reckoned that there could be more uncontested wins this election.
“My feeling is that because the election is held in a little of a hurry, some parties may be unprepared and I doubt if the independent candidates have enough time to search for funding,” said a senior politician.
He believed that while it was almost certain that all urban seats would be contested, there would be some rural seats that could go unopposed to the BN.
When told that land seemed to be an issue in the urban areas, he replied: “Land will be a minor political issue. By and large, I think it would go quite smoothly for BN. I think there could be more uncontested seats.” Another politician, however, disagreed as he believed that there were enough prevailing issues now to encourage people to make their stand during the polls.
On top of that, he expected the opposition parties to contest in more seats, even fighting each other in some seats.
All opposition parties in Sarawak, including the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and the State Reform Party (STAR), are expected to contest in the coming election.
“I won’t be surprised if there is no uncontested win this election with the exception of maybe one or two seats. A lot has happened since the 2004 election in the state and country as a whole,” he said.
Baring any slip-ups by the BN candidates that could disqualify them from the race today, it is very unlikely that the opposition members will ever get to throw their feet up in the exclusive club of unopposed victors.
The possibility is even more remote if they are independent candidates, who are permanent fixtures in every parliamentary election.
A total of 163 independent candidates have entered the fray since 1969. And if the club for the unopposed is exclusive, the club for successful independent candidates would be even harder to enter though not as many politicians dream of joining them.
Unchallenged contenders
By Raynore Mering
How many more will be elected unopposed today? Since 1969, only 27 candidates have made it to the ‘exclusive club’
THERE is a club that all aspiring elected representatives dream of joining but only a handful have gained entry out of the hundreds of candidates who saw action in parliamentary elections in the state.
To become a member of this club, there is only one requirement — win unopposed.
In the nine parliamentary elections in Sarawak since 1969, only 27 candidates had enjoyed the comforts of the club while others battled away.
Today is nomination day again and chances are good that there would be new members who will join the club.
The question is how many? More than the six in the 2004 parliamentary election perhaps?
To win uncontested on nomination day is to have a massive load taken off a candidate’s shoulders.
With his place assured in parliament, he keeps his dates on the campaign trail but mainly to thank his constituents.
And if he is a party candidate, he goes where he is needed to shore up support for the contending candidates from his party.
A candidate who has won uncontested may have won his battle but not his party’s war.
The first parliamentary election to have uncontested victories in Sarawak was in 1978 with Datuk Amar Stephen Yong in Padawan, Datuk Luhat Wan in Baram and Racha Umong in Bukit Mas.
Since then, there have been uncontested victories every time the parliamentary polls were held.
The year 1995 was a bumper year for candidates who won uncontested when eight in total were ushered into the club.
That year, the candidates who won unopposed were three times Datuk Amar Dr Sulaiman Daud (Petra Jaya), Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (Kota Samarahan), Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Batang Lupar), Jawah Gerang (Lubok Antu), Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas (Betong), Datuk Abang Abu Bakar Abang Mustapha (Kuala Rajang), Tan Sri Law Hieng Ding (Sarikei) and Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad (Mukah).
The two elections with the second highest number of unopposed candidates were in 1982 and in 2004 with six candidates each.
In the last parliamentary election, the unopposed victors were Taib (Kota Samarahan), Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim (Batang Lupar), Datuk Wahab Dolah (Kuala Rajang), Alexander Nanta Linggi (Kapit), Datuk Peter Chin (Miri) and Henry Sum Agong (Bukit Mas).
Taib, the Chief Minister and the state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, and Dr Sulaiman are the only two parliamentarians to have won unopposed three times in Sarawak.
Taib won uncontested in 1982, 1995 and 2004, while Dr Sulaiman experienced it in 1982, 1986 and 1995.
What makes the club even more exclusive must be that all who have passed through its gates are from the BN and a majority of them are from the state coalition’s backbone, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), of which Taib is president.
But candidates who win uncontested are not without their critics.
“It’s a win by default. In sports term, a walk-over. They haven’t proven that they have the support of the people,” said a critic.
However, in a country that practises democracy, which is a little hard to swallow and luck has nothing do with it too.
The fact that many of those who win unopposed are political heavyweights and that some of them can win without breaking a sweat in more than one election must mean something.
Surely, their performance and popularity among constituents as well as the political situation of the day would have played on the minds of their opponents as they decided right up to the time the nomination centres opened whether or not they should join the race.
So maybe when a candidate wins uncontested, his opponents had come to the conclusion that their cause might not be worth the trouble and that they would rather not lose time or money — there’s a lot one can do with an election deposit of RM10,000.
After 11am today, the contenders in all 31 parliamentary seats in Sarawak should be known but how many will go on to join the club of unopposed winners is still anybody’s guess.
Some political observers reckoned that there could be more uncontested wins this election.
“My feeling is that because the election is held in a little of a hurry, some parties may be unprepared and I doubt if the independent candidates have enough time to search for funding,” said a senior politician.
He believed that while it was almost certain that all urban seats would be contested, there would be some rural seats that could go unopposed to the BN.
When told that land seemed to be an issue in the urban areas, he replied: “Land will be a minor political issue. By and large, I think it would go quite smoothly for BN. I think there could be more uncontested seats.” Another politician, however, disagreed as he believed that there were enough prevailing issues now to encourage people to make their stand during the polls.
On top of that, he expected the opposition parties to contest in more seats, even fighting each other in some seats.
All opposition parties in Sarawak, including the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and the State Reform Party (STAR), are expected to contest in the coming election.
“I won’t be surprised if there is no uncontested win this election with the exception of maybe one or two seats. A lot has happened since the 2004 election in the state and country as a whole,” he said.
Baring any slip-ups by the BN candidates that could disqualify them from the race today, it is very unlikely that the opposition members will ever get to throw their feet up in the exclusive club of unopposed victors.
The possibility is even more remote if they are independent candidates, who are permanent fixtures in every parliamentary election.
A total of 163 independent candidates have entered the fray since 1969. And if the club for the unopposed is exclusive, the club for successful independent candidates would be even harder to enter though not as many politicians dream of joining them.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Menang Pantai
It’s 10 for Barisan now
KUCHING: Barisan Nasional won the Igan parliamentary seat uncontested after independent candidate Junak Jawek, the sole challenger, withdrew from the race.
Igan, one of three new seats in Sarawak, now goes to Barisan candidate Datuk Wahab Dolah.
Datuk Wahab Dolah.Wahab was formerly the MP for Kuala Rajang, which has now been renamed Tanjong Manis after Igan was carved out of it.
This brings to 10 the number of seats won uncontested by Barisan nationwide since Sunday, with five coming from Sarawak.
Barisan took seven parliamentary and two state seats on nomination day.
The coalition bagged four of the 31 parliamentary seats unopposed on nomination day in Sarawak.
The returning officer for Igan, James Chas, said Junak submitted his withdrawal notice at the Matu district office at 12.45pm.
Junak Jawek He said the candidate did not give any reason for his withdrawal.
Junak, 56, previously stood as an independent candidate in Sarikei in the 2004 general election (only for parliamentary seats) and in Meradong in the 2006 state elections.
He lost his deposit on both occasions as he only polled 864 votes in 2004 and 117 votes in 2006.
The seats won by Barisan on nomination day were Tanjong Manis, Kanowit, Selangau and Kapit.
KUCHING: Barisan Nasional won the Igan parliamentary seat uncontested after independent candidate Junak Jawek, the sole challenger, withdrew from the race.
Igan, one of three new seats in Sarawak, now goes to Barisan candidate Datuk Wahab Dolah.
Datuk Wahab Dolah.Wahab was formerly the MP for Kuala Rajang, which has now been renamed Tanjong Manis after Igan was carved out of it.
This brings to 10 the number of seats won uncontested by Barisan nationwide since Sunday, with five coming from Sarawak.
Barisan took seven parliamentary and two state seats on nomination day.
The coalition bagged four of the 31 parliamentary seats unopposed on nomination day in Sarawak.
The returning officer for Igan, James Chas, said Junak submitted his withdrawal notice at the Matu district office at 12.45pm.
Junak Jawek He said the candidate did not give any reason for his withdrawal.
Junak, 56, previously stood as an independent candidate in Sarikei in the 2004 general election (only for parliamentary seats) and in Meradong in the 2006 state elections.
He lost his deposit on both occasions as he only polled 864 votes in 2004 and 117 votes in 2006.
The seats won by Barisan on nomination day were Tanjong Manis, Kanowit, Selangau and Kapit.
Busy..busy..busy
Last night i went home at about 11.15pm, the latest since i worked here, preparing slides presentation ...
During my time at R&DO, the latest was 3am and coming down at 7am during the Sarawak Regatta 2006.
The thing is bak ditu, sidak te tuai, megai dunia, megai opis tu, kelalu endak nemu bagi masa, endak meri jako pemutus nama ka di jako iya, nadai meri pemberat enti jako perunding iya.
Baka manuk putus pala, aku meda sidak tu ngaga kerja,
....
nama kah nyadi menoa kitai tok...
During my time at R&DO, the latest was 3am and coming down at 7am during the Sarawak Regatta 2006.
The thing is bak ditu, sidak te tuai, megai dunia, megai opis tu, kelalu endak nemu bagi masa, endak meri jako pemutus nama ka di jako iya, nadai meri pemberat enti jako perunding iya.
Baka manuk putus pala, aku meda sidak tu ngaga kerja,
....
nama kah nyadi menoa kitai tok...
Monday, February 25, 2008
Election Fever
Yesterday, i was driving my family around Bangi after sending my sister to UKM, we noticed the Banner war between PAS and BN.
My mother mentioned to my son that if I was still in Kuching, he wouldn't see his father because of the election.
I would be on duty in the Mambong Parlimentary seat at Siburan. It is a wind of change but still work is work, busy with the Mid Term Review....
Any sponsors for air tickets back to vote?...I would have voted in Mambong anyway...
'
The previous election was between incumbent Dr. James Dawos Mamit and Mangan....
Heard that Mangan is supporting Dr. James now....
My mother mentioned to my son that if I was still in Kuching, he wouldn't see his father because of the election.
I would be on duty in the Mambong Parlimentary seat at Siburan. It is a wind of change but still work is work, busy with the Mid Term Review....
Any sponsors for air tickets back to vote?...I would have voted in Mambong anyway...
'
The previous election was between incumbent Dr. James Dawos Mamit and Mangan....
Heard that Mangan is supporting Dr. James now....
Friday, February 15, 2008
Cayalah
'Sarawak factor' points to fewer no-contest seats By : Analysis by Roy Goh
NST, 15.2.2008
KOTA KINABALU: When the Barisan Nasional won the 2004 elections in Sabah with a landslide victory, it came with 15 unopposed winners.
Can they repeat the feat of sweeping nine parliamentary and six state seats in the same manner this time around? Not likely, even BN representatives say, because opposition candidates want to field more candidates this time.But will the opposition win many more seats? Not likely either, say the same BN representatives."It's the Sarawak factor," said BN component Parti Bersatu Sabah's Labuk incumbent Datuk Seri Micheal Asang, who was among the unopposed winners in 2004.
He was referring to the 2006 Sarawak state election where the BN stronghold was rattled when DAP won six seats, PKR one and two others fell to independent candidates."But it's not as if they (opposition) will stand a chance against the BN in Sabah by fielding more candidates. They may think the 'winds of change' will blow this way, but the ruling coalition has served the people well. "It will work against them. They may be able to influence constituents in urban areas particularly the Chinese voters but the effect will be minimal," Asang said.Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh of Umno believed the number of unopposed would not be as great as in the previous election but he was confident his seat could be won by the BN, even if there was a contest."The reason is simple. I have served my constituents well and I am prepared to face the elections," said Ghapur who has been in politics since 1975.Papar MP Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin agreed that there would be fewer seats won uncontested next month, but the BN was set to win back most, if not all, of the seats it won in 2004.DAP Kepayan chairman Steven Jimbangan also believed the Sarawak factor would not have any effect on Sabah voters as the issues differ."It gives us motivation but as far as tackling the real issues at hand, it's different," he said and agreed that the BN would not be able to garner seats without any contest."There is a greater semblance of a pact among the opposition now and when the time comes, things will fall into place for us."
NST, 15.2.2008
KOTA KINABALU: When the Barisan Nasional won the 2004 elections in Sabah with a landslide victory, it came with 15 unopposed winners.
Can they repeat the feat of sweeping nine parliamentary and six state seats in the same manner this time around? Not likely, even BN representatives say, because opposition candidates want to field more candidates this time.But will the opposition win many more seats? Not likely either, say the same BN representatives."It's the Sarawak factor," said BN component Parti Bersatu Sabah's Labuk incumbent Datuk Seri Micheal Asang, who was among the unopposed winners in 2004.
He was referring to the 2006 Sarawak state election where the BN stronghold was rattled when DAP won six seats, PKR one and two others fell to independent candidates."But it's not as if they (opposition) will stand a chance against the BN in Sabah by fielding more candidates. They may think the 'winds of change' will blow this way, but the ruling coalition has served the people well. "It will work against them. They may be able to influence constituents in urban areas particularly the Chinese voters but the effect will be minimal," Asang said.Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh of Umno believed the number of unopposed would not be as great as in the previous election but he was confident his seat could be won by the BN, even if there was a contest."The reason is simple. I have served my constituents well and I am prepared to face the elections," said Ghapur who has been in politics since 1975.Papar MP Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin agreed that there would be fewer seats won uncontested next month, but the BN was set to win back most, if not all, of the seats it won in 2004.DAP Kepayan chairman Steven Jimbangan also believed the Sarawak factor would not have any effect on Sabah voters as the issues differ."It gives us motivation but as far as tackling the real issues at hand, it's different," he said and agreed that the BN would not be able to garner seats without any contest."There is a greater semblance of a pact among the opposition now and when the time comes, things will fall into place for us."
In the front row of decision-making
The Star, 15/2/2008
Minister Effendi Norwawi bids farewell, saying one should not overstay and must make way for new blood and talent.
"For me, I think I have accomplished most of what I set out to achieve when I rejoined the Cabinet in February 2006. We have re-branded the Economic Planning Unit. I believe it has now regained its stature as a trusted, independent key unit of the Government.
Its new organisation structure established new strategic departments like the MDI – Malaysian Development Institute (a full-time team of economic experts charting future economic directions of the country), PPP – Public Private Partnership Unit (to develop stronger, effective mechanism of collaboration and partnership between the Government and private sector) and the specialist private financing initiatives (PFI) unit, and a more structured and stronger Bumiputra Commercial and Industrial Community unit.
I was allowed to select my own team and (EPU director-general Datuk Seri Dr) Sulaiman Mahbob and team are some of the best professionals in government service today that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. "
Good luck to Datuk Seri...
Minister Effendi Norwawi bids farewell, saying one should not overstay and must make way for new blood and talent.
"For me, I think I have accomplished most of what I set out to achieve when I rejoined the Cabinet in February 2006. We have re-branded the Economic Planning Unit. I believe it has now regained its stature as a trusted, independent key unit of the Government.
Its new organisation structure established new strategic departments like the MDI – Malaysian Development Institute (a full-time team of economic experts charting future economic directions of the country), PPP – Public Private Partnership Unit (to develop stronger, effective mechanism of collaboration and partnership between the Government and private sector) and the specialist private financing initiatives (PFI) unit, and a more structured and stronger Bumiputra Commercial and Industrial Community unit.
I was allowed to select my own team and (EPU director-general Datuk Seri Dr) Sulaiman Mahbob and team are some of the best professionals in government service today that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. "
Good luck to Datuk Seri...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
My Valentine is across the South China Sea
At this moment, she is attending an interview in Kuching...
me and Edmund were at home at least, Edmund is being taken care by his grandparents...
I have to stay back at work for the MTR 9MP...
me and Edmund were at home at least, Edmund is being taken care by his grandparents...
I have to stay back at work for the MTR 9MP...
Valentine Day
Valentine's Day: QuotationsLove is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
-Aristotle
-Aristotle
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
-Lao Tzu
-Lao Tzu
My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.
-William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
-William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable.
-Henry Ward Beecher
-Henry Ward Beecher
Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.
-Anais Nin
-Anais Nin
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward in the same direction.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires; To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
-Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
-Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
-Helen Keller
-Helen Keller
Love does not dominate; it cultivates.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
-Zora Neale Hurston
-Zora Neale Hurston
Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love.
-Leo Tolstoy
-Leo Tolstoy
Love is like quicksilver in the hand. Leave the fingers open and it stays. Clutch it, and it darts away.
-Dorothy Parker
-Dorothy Parker
I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.
-Alice Walker
-Alice Walker
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other waythan this: where I does not exist nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.
-Pablo Neruda, "Love Sonnet XVII"
-Pablo Neruda, "Love Sonnet XVII"
Roy Keane- i admired him for his skills and determination, also his hero was Glenn Hoddle...as with yours truly...
Keano supported Spurs as a kid although he doesn't like admitting it. (Who can blame him?) His hero was Glen Hoddle.
Strengths
Awareness / Creativity - His passing and creative play is excellent. Roy is fantastic at intercepting passes and reading the midfield.
Determination - Keano's drive and motivation, coupled with a fierce will to win, is the stuff of legend. Winning is everything to Roy Keane.
Leadership - The inspirational leader of Manchester United, Roy can be everywhere at once: up front scoring goals, winning tackles in midfield or helping the defence out of trouble.
Tackling - Few get past Keano. Either he wins the ball, or he takes them out.
Army seizes smuggled sawn timber
The seized sawn timber which was believed to have been smuggled.
By Roger Francis
By Roger Francis
BAU: Soldiers from the Third Malaysian Infantry Brigade yesterday morning seized 409 pieces of sawn timber near a jetty at Kampung Stass and arrested two locals for smuggling timber from Indonesia using Sungai Berunas near Kampung Stass.During a patrol in the jungle at Kampung Stass last Monday, the soldiers stumbled upon the sawn timber near the jetty.It is believed that the sawn timber were brought from Indonesia through Sungai Berunas.The sawn timber was believed to have been smuggled into the country where a local will sell them to individuals.There are five entry points along the border where individuals can bring in timber from Indonesia.The entry points are at Lubok Antu, Biawak, Batu Lintang, Tebedu and Sematan. The Third Malaysian Infantry Brigade has been stationed and operating in Serikin to monitor smuggling activities. The soldiers monitoring the border however, only found a few people smuggling logs and sawn timber using the ‘Jalan Tikus’ in the area.The value of the sawn timber seized were estimated to be RM 20,000 by officers from the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) who were also at the scene yesterday.The two locals, aged 61 and 77 years, who were arrested were later brought to the Bau police station for further questioning.They are expected to be charged under the Timber Industry Development Corporation Ordinance 1977 for timber smuggling.The Brigade Commander, Brig General Jeyabalan S, who rushed to Kampung Stass after being informed by his men, when met by the reporters said: “My men have done a very good job and we have close cooperation with STIDC, PUSAKA and the police to put a stop to smuggling along the border.”When asked whether Sungai Berunas has been used to smuggle controlled items, Jeyabalan said they did not know but assured that his men would continue to monitor smuggling activities along the border.
This issue was discussed long time ago, good to see enforcement being made, need more collabration from other enforcement agencies...sometimes it need flying squad to come in and dust up the area...
Crocs Soar for up
By Fitzpatrick Ricky,ET, 13/2/2008
KUCHING: Sarawak can stand tall after their triumph against visiting Pahang on Monday at homeground. Like an awakening giant of bygone days, the Crocs again proved with determination and patience their true potentials to register their fourth win of the season at Sarawak Stadium on Tuesday night. The State team are now on track to become one of the teams to beat in the Super League as they shot four ranks up the league’s standings.Sarawak fans have every reason to be proud of strikers Nyom Nyom Aloys and Mohd Rafdi Abdul Rashid who were on target in the 9th minute and 81 minute respectively. As a result of the homesters solid defence, Pahang only managed to score in the last minute of play.With the victory, the Crocs are now in 8th placing to send a warning to other rival teams that they need to be more careful next time they meet with the Crocs, especially here at once-feared Sarawak Stadium.The Crocs have shown much improvement and it is not too early to say they are ready to start afresh in the second round of the league. Team manager Razali Dolhan in a brief post-match interview said that the Crocs have shown commitment in bringing more victories to Sarawak - a much-needed boost to rally more supporters to come to Sarawak Stadium.With a more synchronised team, plus the guidance of new head coach, Kunju Jamaluddeen, the Crocs were able to face Pahang, although a more experienced team, and convincingly bring them down.Razali added that even without a full squad, the Crocs managed to put in the goals. During the match, a mix of team formation of 4-3-3, 4-2-4 and 4-4-2 were put into play, depending on the situation of the match.With thousands of fans filling the Stadium, it is no wonder the team were filled with determination to win as cheers from the crowd sounded like a thousand warriors’ war chant. And the surprise presence of the Head of State, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin did add to the Crocs long-awaited comeback as heroes.
KUCHING: Sarawak can stand tall after their triumph against visiting Pahang on Monday at homeground. Like an awakening giant of bygone days, the Crocs again proved with determination and patience their true potentials to register their fourth win of the season at Sarawak Stadium on Tuesday night. The State team are now on track to become one of the teams to beat in the Super League as they shot four ranks up the league’s standings.Sarawak fans have every reason to be proud of strikers Nyom Nyom Aloys and Mohd Rafdi Abdul Rashid who were on target in the 9th minute and 81 minute respectively. As a result of the homesters solid defence, Pahang only managed to score in the last minute of play.With the victory, the Crocs are now in 8th placing to send a warning to other rival teams that they need to be more careful next time they meet with the Crocs, especially here at once-feared Sarawak Stadium.The Crocs have shown much improvement and it is not too early to say they are ready to start afresh in the second round of the league. Team manager Razali Dolhan in a brief post-match interview said that the Crocs have shown commitment in bringing more victories to Sarawak - a much-needed boost to rally more supporters to come to Sarawak Stadium.With a more synchronised team, plus the guidance of new head coach, Kunju Jamaluddeen, the Crocs were able to face Pahang, although a more experienced team, and convincingly bring them down.Razali added that even without a full squad, the Crocs managed to put in the goals. During the match, a mix of team formation of 4-3-3, 4-2-4 and 4-4-2 were put into play, depending on the situation of the match.With thousands of fans filling the Stadium, it is no wonder the team were filled with determination to win as cheers from the crowd sounded like a thousand warriors’ war chant. And the surprise presence of the Head of State, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin did add to the Crocs long-awaited comeback as heroes.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Timor Timur
East Timor declares state of emergency
By GUIDO GOULART, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
DILI, East Timor - East Timor declared a state of emergency Tuesday after attacks on the country's top leaders in a failed coup left the president in "extremely serious" condition with gunshot wounds.
The assassination attempt Monday against President Jose Ramos-Horta and the failed attack on Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao — East Timor's the independence icons — thrust the desperately poor country into a fresh crisis amid fears of more unrest and political turmoil.
Surgeons operated on Ramos-Horta for three hours overnight to remove bullet fragments and repair his chest wounds, Dr. Len Notaros, the general manager of the Royal Darwin Hospital, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Tuesday.
"His condition remains extremely serious but by the same token, stable," Notaros said. "The next few days will be the telling point."
Ramos-Horta, who won the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to the decades-long Indonesian occupation, was shot in the chest and stomach by gunmen in two cars around dawn Monday, officials said.
Rebel soldiers separately attacked Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao's motorcade an hour later. He escaped unhurt.
The country's top fugitive, Alfredo Reinado, and one of his men were killed in the attack on the president. One of the president's guards also died.
Acting President Vicente Gutterres announced the two-day emergency in an address on national television. The order allows authorities to ban demonstrations and gives police extended powers of search and arrest.
"Our country is right now in an extraordinary situation where a state of emergency will bring us back to normality," Gutterres said during the announcement. "I ask for your help."
As he spoke, international soldiers and police patrolled the streets of the capital, Dili, where many shops and businesses were closed. There were no immediate reports of unrest.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon decried the "brutal and unspeakable attack" on Ramos-Horta. The Security Council in a statement Monday called on the nation's people to remain calm and for its government "to bring those responsible for this heinous act" to justice.
South Africa's U.N. Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo, who led a council mission to East Timor, told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York that the president was shot as he took his regular morning walk.
"One report is that they went to the house looking for him and discovered that he was on his walk and that's where they attacked him," Kumalo said. "He's a very simple man ... a man of the people and sometimes you pay a price for that."
Ramos-Horta, 58, first underwent surgery at an Australian army hospital in East Timor before being sedated, attached to a ventilator and airlifted to the hospital in the northern Australian city of Darwin.
Notaros said Ramos-Horta's wounds indicated he had been shot two or three times. The most serious wound was to his the lower part of his right lung near his liver, and would likely require more surgery. There was also a risk of sepsis infection, Notaros said.
The fragments will be handed to Australia Federal Police for the investigation into the shooting, Notaros said. At least one fragment was being left in his body, and was not thought to be threatening, he said.
Gusmao called the attacks a well-planned operation intended to "paralyze the government and create instability."
"I consider this incident a coup attempt against the state by Reinado and it failed," Gusmao said. "This government won't fall because of this."
Reinado was among 600 mutinous soldiers dismissed by the government in 2006 — a move that triggered gunbattles between security forces that later spilled over into gang fighting and ethnic unrest.
At least 37 people were killed and more than 150,000 people forced from their homes in the unrest, which also led to the resignation of the country's first post-independence prime minister.
Reinado was arrested but escaped from prison after several months.
He was charged with murder in connection with the 2006 violence, but had remained in hiding and had threatened armed insurrection against the government.
Despite the outstanding charges, Ramos-Horta had met with Reinado on several occasions in recent months to try to persuade him to surrender.
Damien Kingsbury, an Australian academic and expert on East Timor, predicted the slain rebel leader's supporters might stage demonstrations, but said the heavy presence of international soldiers and police should be sufficient to maintain order.
The streets of Dili were calm after the attacks, and Gusmao said an overnight curfew was in place. The United Nations, which controls security in the country, said checkpoints had been set up on main roads.
"I appeal for Reinado's supporters to remain calm and reflect on his death," Gusmao said in a televised address to the nation. "This is not the time for people to kill each other."
_____
Associated Press reporters Rohan Sullivan in Canberra, Australia, Chris Brummitt in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
Maybe some of our soldiers will be send there again, heard about good rapport about sarawak police and soldiers that had served there... hearsay only...
I remember that a top malaysian officer resigned because of internal matters...
Liverpool Draw again!!!!
Catch Chicken kah?
Ngap Sayot!!!
Surprise he didn't scored...what a load of rubbish....
Ha!Ha! make up your mind....Rafael Benitez praised his team for their performance in the goalless draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but admitted the Reds could perhaps have won the game.
Liverpool moved back into fifth place in the Barclays Premier League table with the point gained in London. Benitez's side are now three points behind Everton with a game in hand.
Taking into account his side's recent away record at Chelsea, Benitez felt there was a lot of encouragement for the Reds to gain from this display.
"Normally to get a point away at Chelsea is a good situation but in the first half we had some good chances to win the game," said Benitez.
"In the second half we had to defend more but we did that well and also had some half chances close to their box. We could have taken three points but it's not easy when you play against a good team.
"I was pleased with the team, especially the first half performance because we created some really clear opportunities. Crouch had some good chances but as team we showed character and the commitment of every player was very positive.
"Chelsea are a very good team with very good players starting with their goalkeeper. To create the chances we did was very positive for me. If you cannot take your chances you know that is the difference between winning and drawing sometimes.
"Overall I would say to get a point here is not bad but when you have chances like we did to win here today you must be disappointed.
"The plan as always was to win the game and we didn't play for a draw. We were attacking and did almost everything that's needed for winning."
"We now need to think about trying to take three points in every game we play. We now have two important games in the FA Cup and Champions League coming up and we need to think about them.
"In terms of our position in the table we need to keep working hard and play as we did today if it's possible. If we can do that against the other teams then I'm sure we will start winning.
"Every game is important for us and it doesn't matter what competition it is. We want to finish in the top four and we need to think about the next three points at home against Middlesbrough."
The boss also had words of encouragement for Martin Skrtel who gave an accomplished display at centre half alongside Jamie Carragher.
"Martin did well," said Benitez. "His fitness was good and I think he will get even better because he is learning English, and tactically he will also improve the understanding with his teammates."
Rafa never seem to get it right, pick your best 11 and rotate players when they need a rest or out of form, not when the player is on form and played his best... it's mental torture playing under Rafa...
SCORE
Multi-billion ringgit plan to transform Sarawak
BINTULU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the multi-billion ringgit Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy yesterday, an extensive development plan to lift the population’s standard of living by utilising the state’s natural resources.
The prime minister said the Sarawak Corridor or Score would transform the state by the year 2030.
“I put my faith in the quality of human capital in the state and I am confident that you can be on par, if not better, than the other states in terms of holistic development which would benefit every strata of society,” Abdullah said to a cheering crowd of more than 10,000 at the waterfront here.
“The government is committed to ensuring the success of Score with our partnership with the private sector but this doesn’t mean that ordinary people will be left out. There is room for everyone in this specialised development plan.”
Pointing out that a positive mindset was as important as the necessary human capital, Abdullah said the billions of ringgit in investment in Score must be complemented with commitment and hard work from all concerned.
“What we are launching is a masterplan which is achievable by 2030. We are not starting from zero but from a comfortable platform. As Malaysians, we have the capabilities and what we need to do now is just add value.
More inside news at nadai.nama
Kudos for Sarawak....
BINTULU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the multi-billion ringgit Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy yesterday, an extensive development plan to lift the population’s standard of living by utilising the state’s natural resources.
The prime minister said the Sarawak Corridor or Score would transform the state by the year 2030.
“I put my faith in the quality of human capital in the state and I am confident that you can be on par, if not better, than the other states in terms of holistic development which would benefit every strata of society,” Abdullah said to a cheering crowd of more than 10,000 at the waterfront here.
“The government is committed to ensuring the success of Score with our partnership with the private sector but this doesn’t mean that ordinary people will be left out. There is room for everyone in this specialised development plan.”
Pointing out that a positive mindset was as important as the necessary human capital, Abdullah said the billions of ringgit in investment in Score must be complemented with commitment and hard work from all concerned.
“What we are launching is a masterplan which is achievable by 2030. We are not starting from zero but from a comfortable platform. As Malaysians, we have the capabilities and what we need to do now is just add value.
More inside news at nadai.nama
Kudos for Sarawak....
All races in the Police Force
Tuesday February 12, 2008
Keep the retired cops, says Abdullah
SIBU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Abdullah wants selected police officers and personnel who had retired over the last three years to be re-hired.
The Prime Minister said this was one way of quickly recruiting the additional 60,000 personnel for the force.
“And those who are going to retire between now and the next three years, tell them not to retire. We need you to work,” he said during a community dinner hosted by Sarawak Barisan Nasional at the SMK Sacred Heart’s Centennial Hall here.
Abdullah, who is the Internal Security Minister, said the force should also continue to recruit and train new personnel.
“I want to see future recruits in the police to include the Chinese and the Indians. We want to see all races in the police force,” he stressed.
Keep the retired cops, says Abdullah
SIBU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Abdullah wants selected police officers and personnel who had retired over the last three years to be re-hired.
The Prime Minister said this was one way of quickly recruiting the additional 60,000 personnel for the force.
“And those who are going to retire between now and the next three years, tell them not to retire. We need you to work,” he said during a community dinner hosted by Sarawak Barisan Nasional at the SMK Sacred Heart’s Centennial Hall here.
Abdullah, who is the Internal Security Minister, said the force should also continue to recruit and train new personnel.
“I want to see future recruits in the police to include the Chinese and the Indians. We want to see all races in the police force,” he stressed.
PM in Sibu
Tuesday February 12, 2008
Pak Lah: Don’t be racial
Stories by STEPHEN THEN, JACK WONG and SHARON LING
SIBU: Malaysians must not harbour racial prejudice in their hearts, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The Prime Minister said there should not be any confrontation among the races as it would jeopardise peace and stability.
“I want Malaysia to be a peaceful country. We must maintain the good reputation of our country,” he added when opening the RM7mil-SMK St Elizabeth Mill Hill Franciscan Centennial Hall at Jalan Oya yesterday.
Abdullah said Malaysians should respect and help each other to live in harmony and urged teachers to instil in their students love for the country and goodwill to one another.
Regardless of race or religion, Malaysians were all comrades in nation building and bringing development to the country, he said.
On education, he gave an assurance that the Government would not forget to assist Chinese and Tamil national-type primary schools as well as mission schools.
“We will not neglect these schools and bring them into the mainstream of educational development.”
Abdullah urged students to excel in science and technology, as only then would they be able to help implement development projects and tap the country’s vast natural resources.
Citing an example, he said although oil palm and rubber were not native to Malaysia, the two commodities had brought wealth to the nation through the efforts of local researchers who come up with many value-added products.
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud praised SMK St Elizabeth teachers for their dedication in helping to produce many top students and achieve excellent academic results for the school.
It should trickle down to people on the ground...
Pak Lah: Don’t be racial
Stories by STEPHEN THEN, JACK WONG and SHARON LING
SIBU: Malaysians must not harbour racial prejudice in their hearts, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The Prime Minister said there should not be any confrontation among the races as it would jeopardise peace and stability.
“I want Malaysia to be a peaceful country. We must maintain the good reputation of our country,” he added when opening the RM7mil-SMK St Elizabeth Mill Hill Franciscan Centennial Hall at Jalan Oya yesterday.
Abdullah said Malaysians should respect and help each other to live in harmony and urged teachers to instil in their students love for the country and goodwill to one another.
Regardless of race or religion, Malaysians were all comrades in nation building and bringing development to the country, he said.
On education, he gave an assurance that the Government would not forget to assist Chinese and Tamil national-type primary schools as well as mission schools.
“We will not neglect these schools and bring them into the mainstream of educational development.”
Abdullah urged students to excel in science and technology, as only then would they be able to help implement development projects and tap the country’s vast natural resources.
Citing an example, he said although oil palm and rubber were not native to Malaysia, the two commodities had brought wealth to the nation through the efforts of local researchers who come up with many value-added products.
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud praised SMK St Elizabeth teachers for their dedication in helping to produce many top students and achieve excellent academic results for the school.
It should trickle down to people on the ground...
Time flies....
It has been nearly 7 months since i worked in Putrajaya, life is great but takes a while to settle down... it is easy because i have the family with me...nothing beats the feeling of coming home from work to see the faces of your family and love ones especially my little boy...Edmund
Lion Dance
By Gerald Chung, Eastern Times
KUCHING: After the long Chinese New Year break, businesses are returning to normal. More food courts are resuming their normal operations and shops are beginning to open, ushering in good health and fortune for the Yyear of the Golden Rat.
Lion dance performances are carried out to bring luck as well as to ward off evil spirits.
A random survey around the city yesterday showed that despite being a Sunday, lion dance troupes were spotted all over the city, visiting businesses that opened up. The lion dance is always a crowd puller, especially at eatery outlets.
During the Chinese New Year, it is a tradition for lion troupes to go from shop to shop to perform. Normally, the shop owners would ‘feed’ the lion with oranges, lettuce and of course, a red packet filled with money. This generosity would bring prosperity to the business for the coming year.
Some shop owners would place obstacles in the path of the lion during the feeding ritual. Frequently, the lettuce with the red packet would be hung up high in the doorway or open space and the lion dance performers would have to use their skills to retrieve the food and the red packet. This obstacle performance was always a crowd puller as it involved acrobatic stunts.
The origin of the lion dance is linked closely to the origin of the Chinese New Year celebration. In ancient times, a mythological creature known as Nian terrorised China and devoured people on the eve of the New Year. The only animal that managed to overpower this beast was the lion.
Thus, in an attempt to frighten off the beast, villagers decided to mimic the lion by making lions from cloth. Hence, the tradition of the lion dance was born, and it has become a must for the occasion since. Often, the lion dancers are accompanied by two other masked dancers who act as jokers to provoke the lion. The dance is commonly performed to the beat of the Chinese drums and the clanging of cymbals.
During the next few days until the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, lion dancers will continue to travel from place to place to perform, with the hope of earning a few dollars more.
They are usually hired to perform at individual homes and business premises such as shops, hotels and shopping complexes during this auspicious period.
Spend the First CNY away from Sarawak, no usual bang of the fireworks, just stayed at home, did hear sound of lion dances around the neighbourhood, no warfare like the ones in Kuching-kenyalang and green road (people say if you go to the Chong Lin Plaza at midnight for CNY, you will have a clear view of the fireworks...tsk..tsk...)
Check in at nadai.nama for his views on the fireworks in Kuching...steady
KUCHING: After the long Chinese New Year break, businesses are returning to normal. More food courts are resuming their normal operations and shops are beginning to open, ushering in good health and fortune for the Yyear of the Golden Rat.
Lion dance performances are carried out to bring luck as well as to ward off evil spirits.
A random survey around the city yesterday showed that despite being a Sunday, lion dance troupes were spotted all over the city, visiting businesses that opened up. The lion dance is always a crowd puller, especially at eatery outlets.
During the Chinese New Year, it is a tradition for lion troupes to go from shop to shop to perform. Normally, the shop owners would ‘feed’ the lion with oranges, lettuce and of course, a red packet filled with money. This generosity would bring prosperity to the business for the coming year.
Some shop owners would place obstacles in the path of the lion during the feeding ritual. Frequently, the lettuce with the red packet would be hung up high in the doorway or open space and the lion dance performers would have to use their skills to retrieve the food and the red packet. This obstacle performance was always a crowd puller as it involved acrobatic stunts.
The origin of the lion dance is linked closely to the origin of the Chinese New Year celebration. In ancient times, a mythological creature known as Nian terrorised China and devoured people on the eve of the New Year. The only animal that managed to overpower this beast was the lion.
Thus, in an attempt to frighten off the beast, villagers decided to mimic the lion by making lions from cloth. Hence, the tradition of the lion dance was born, and it has become a must for the occasion since. Often, the lion dancers are accompanied by two other masked dancers who act as jokers to provoke the lion. The dance is commonly performed to the beat of the Chinese drums and the clanging of cymbals.
During the next few days until the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, lion dancers will continue to travel from place to place to perform, with the hope of earning a few dollars more.
They are usually hired to perform at individual homes and business premises such as shops, hotels and shopping complexes during this auspicious period.
Spend the First CNY away from Sarawak, no usual bang of the fireworks, just stayed at home, did hear sound of lion dances around the neighbourhood, no warfare like the ones in Kuching-kenyalang and green road (people say if you go to the Chong Lin Plaza at midnight for CNY, you will have a clear view of the fireworks...tsk..tsk...)
Check in at nadai.nama for his views on the fireworks in Kuching...steady
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