Sabahan's letter of woe - Lim Kit Siang's blog

As a new arrival to Sabah, I know that the conditions described are true.

However, I shall like to say that:-
1. Sabah do not have effective leaders, who could outplay those from the Peninsula. Total lack of exposure while living in their coconut shells.
2. Sabahans are generally too laidback to want to make a difference in their own state. Again, quietly remaining within their coconut shells.
3. The greatest mistake that the writer accepts as virtue, is to bar West Malaysians from Sabah. This has resulted in this lamentable situation where Westies have no inkling of Sabah or Sarawak. Is it the fault of West Malaysians, that to travel within our own country, we are subject to the indignity of undergoing immigration checks and then allowed to remain in the state for only 3 months? Unable to seek jobs or even to set up a legitimate business? Are West Malaysians aliens in our own country?

How are we to get to know you, understand you and help you grow economically, when we are not even welcome to Sabah?

This has been put into the thinking of Sabahans for 45 years that Westies are threats to their economy. See what has happened? Sabah has become rich exploitation grounds for UMNO and their friends. Free from competition, they forage without fear and damn the whole state to poverty.

This is not the fault of the ordinary West Malaysian out to create mutual wealth in Sabah.

It is Sabahans believing their corrupt leaders and the Federal Government, who returned only 5% of the state’s wealth to the state. Who accepted this trinket payout and gave away Labuan? You, Sabahans, did through your very own leaders that you elected into power, time and time again. And for what did you get in return? Interrupted water supply, electrical blackouts, floods, high prices of all consumer goods, potholed and untarred roads and more.

Yet, at the same time, they boosted their demographics agenda by importing illegal Filipinos and Indonesians. These work in their industries and plantation and logging plants. While the Sabahan urbanites exploited them as coffeeshop workers, cooks, road sweepers and even as steady suppliers of your seafoods and vegetables! Yet you now choose to complain and continue to keep legitimate citizens of our country away from your shores.

As Sabah slipped into poverty, most of you continue to vote in those orchestrating your demise, in the last General Election. There was no excuse since PR fielded many able candidates to you to choose.

Don’t blame others for your predicament. Do the right thing NOW and move to REFORMASI. Sabah has indeed the potential to be a shining state for eco-tourism of Malaysia.

Do it!!!! Tell your leaders in no uncertain terms "Time for change is well & truly OVERDUE!"

Of HINDRAF and Raya Open House

I am most annoyed by Wong Chun Wai's latest blog comments under the above title. Here is my comment left on his blog. I hope he will allow it to be published.

Quote:
You agree with the official tagline that HINDRAF politicised Hari Raya Open House. Yet, in the next breath, you say that that Open House is paid for by the taxpayers. I believe HINDRAF members are also taxpayers? Further, if the Open House is not political, then, the expenses should be borne from the private pockets of the hosts.

Please do not say the event is non-political but the taxpayers foot the enormous bill.

Besides what is wrong to ask for a favour during Hari Raya? Here we have women and children deprived of their loved ones during this "happy" and forgiving festival. Is it wrong then, to ask for some sympathy and forgiveness?

Forgiveness because their loved ones have NOT been proved guilty or even been charged in a court of law. Only that the people they are begging for help say so.

What exactly is so wrong that HINDRAF detainees' family members and friends have done that they should be chastised by the Government and, now, you? What is wrong for anti-ISA members to ask for release of the other detainees? Most of these detainees will not be with their loved ones. And for what crime? May I ask you that they have committed? When the authorities cannot find sufficient evidence to produce in a court of law?

Answer this! to justify your reprimand.

Another thing is this comment:-

Malaysia is probably one of the few countries where you can actually walk to the PM and asked for a photograph to be taken. This is the only place I can think of where there is a Raya open house and thousands would patiently line up for their turn to shake the PM's hand ..

I wonder what does Mr. Wong sees whenever he goes overseas? Does he look but do not see? All over Europe and the Americas, in law abiding & democratic nations, the nation's leaders reach out to shake the hands of their fellow citizens. Who do you think are shaking Obama's hands as he travel the nation? Only invited guests? Or senior journalists like himself?

Give me a break with all this crappy nonsense!

Perhaps, during this forgiving festive period, I should write it off as jet-lag and possibly still awestruck after meeting ex-President Bill Clinton and have had his photo taken with him.

The Political Stalemate drags on

It has been decided that UMNO will take longer to select their next leaders. It was postponed due to the Elections in March 2008, to December 2008. Now, the election date has moved again, to March 2009. Is there a time limit whereby an organisation/society MUST hold their AGMs?

In the case of UMNO, this continual postponements augur badly for Malaysia's political situation. In our current situation, UMNO contributes the Prime Minister to the nation, any continued delay in confirming the President of UMNO, delays the permanence of the nation's leader. This delay is translating to over ONE year after the last elections! Is this acceptable to the Rakyat?

51% of the electorate re-confirm BN as the party to rule Malaysia. To address the economic meltdown happening in the world. To have strong & permanent leadership to consider and implement strategies to counter the economic distress. Never mind the racial, social, judicial, infrastructural problems besetting our nation. How can we have a focussed leadership in Government when they are busy trying to decide who will lead UMNO and nation? We don't even know who will be the 2nd line leaders and the 3rd line implementors of any policy, if any, to address and simply run the country.

It is becoming a farce of a country SIX months after elections. Where no firm leader or cabinet is confirmed.

What new policy has been issued to address our distress? Raising petrol prices to unprecedented highs and recently, pushing it down again. An announcement of the fiscal Budget just before Parliament took recess? We see the debates and re-considered modifications only in the middle of October, onwards. When, will any, if any, of the policies be implemented? One year after the budget proposals? Afterall, we are not sure who will be Prime Minister, at least, until March 2009! In the meantime, we have a lameduck PM, still fighting for his survival SIX months after the Elections.

I am no expert on Constitutional law or Government. After SIX months, I am still waiting to read a proper discourse, from our Constitutional experts, on what the Rakyat can do to push through, or force the present Government to act or replace it with another who will. Obviously, the present Government is not ready to get down to the business of governance and the Opposition is unable to do so either.

The only avenue I am able to discern is sitting in Istana Negara and his Conference of Rulers.

I strongly feel that THEY must act quickly before our country goes to the "dogs" (written figuratively, of course).

Prayer for Permatang Pauh by-election

O God, we acknowledge You today as Lord, not only of individuals but also of nations and governments.
We thank You for the graces you have given us to exercise our political charity in Malaysia
We also thank You for the opporutnity of free choice offered to the people of the constituency of Permatang Pauh for electing a leader.
Lord God, give them the courage to exercise their solemn duty as citizens of Malaysia to vote on behalf of the whole nation!
Guide those voters with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit so that they may choose a suitable and trustworthy candidate to become the next Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

To date ...... 15 August 2008

Here we are, hours away from the official start of the battle for the future of our country.

Ironically, our future lie in the hands of a few tens of thousands of semi-rural folk on the Penang mainland. They will be kingmakers all, deciding whether we have shot at a two-party political system or we will need to wait for another 4 more years, for a second chance.

Thus, what can the rest of Malaysia do? How do we persuade our fellow Malaysians in this enclave to vote correctly, for the sake of the rest of us? Are these registered voters going to heed the call of 49% of their peers or side with the 51%?

If the voting trend remains the same as 6 long months ago, we will have a shot at a 2-party system for our beloved Malaysia on its 51st anniversary. On the other hand, if disenchantment has set in, as evidenced by the current PAS gathering, Malaysia could be in step back mode, once again. And that is the real worry among the 49%.

Thus, to those with family and friends and associates registered as voters in Permatang Pauh, do your persuasion for the next 10 days. Spend time & a little money to call and talk to them. Tell them, they need to do the right thing for Malaysia NOT just Permatang Pauh. Give our country a chance for change for the better. A Parliamentary Seat is not only about local politics on how many potholes on your road to work everyday. It is not only about whether your drains are still full of shit and needed cleaning 6 months ago and is not yet clean. Or that the town square is being swept clean every day.

This by-election is about larger things. It is about our livelihood, the quality of our lives and that of our children. It is about walking out of our homes in fear of our lives & freedom or with air under our feet, full of optimism and looking forward to a good day's work. Yes, happy to do a good day's job because we do not feel exploited and will bring home a decent clutch of ringgits at the end of the month. That when I smile and say "Selamat Pagi" to the people I pass, I do not see brown, black or yellow, but another fellow Malaysian going about his legitimate business. When was the last time we did smile at a fellow worker on the street and she smiled back and we did not bother about the colour of her skin? Those days will return if we can persuade the people of Permatang Pauh to vote the right man into Parliament.

The right man voted in on 26 August is not the end-all. But he is the start of a new beginning. He may even not be representing Permatang Pauh in future elections. But he will be the start for change in our country.

People of Permatang Pauh, please do the right thing on 26 August 2008.

The key word is "provocation"

And so, the next major episode that is Malaysian Politics was played out, today (16 July).

With an hour to spare, Anwar was on the way home before his next appointment with the Royal (?) Malaysian Police. His few minutes of rest and lunch was not to be. A special squad of police pounced on his entourage at about 1pm (his deadline to meet the police was 2pm), arrested him and bundled him to the Police HQ. All in about 15 minutes. Thus, Anwar had about 45 minutes for rest & lunch (i.e. 1 hour minus 15 minutes equals 45 minutes to spare).

But the Police forced the issue. "Provocation" or "provocative act" was the term expressed by Anwar's allies. The Government is trying desperately to force the issue, rile the supporting public to do something rash, something violent. This would have given the Government the excuse it is seeking, to declare a state of emergency and scuttle the possible change of Government.

They tried it during BERSIH's parade. They tried again at HINDRAF, partially succeeding. Then, many, many times more, the people protested but did not turn violent. The last was the massive gridlock of Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Yet, the people kept their heads and many even suggested passive ways to foil the plotters.

The authorities' are at wits end. Nothing seem to be able to trigger violence among the people. Their warnings of untoward incidents and uncontrolled rage among the demonstrators began to ring very, very hollow, indeed.

So, they did the thing that triggered a massive demonstration and clampdown 10 years ago. They sent their sledgehammer squad to bring Anwar in and well before he was due to report in. Hoping to PROVOKE a reflex reaction.

Congratulations to the wizened citizenry. None took the bait. They simply gathered, watched and waited. The massive police preparation to counter a violent reaction was simply a waste of resources.

I wonder if they will try the same tactics with Raja Petra, tomorrow? What will they think of next to PROVOKE the citizenry?

No, the correct way is Ghandi's way. Mobilise the population to use passive protests. Refuse to pay your income tax to the Federal Government. Pay instead to your favourite State government via zikat. Refuse to pay road tax. Refuse to pay any Federal taxes or dues. Overload the Government machinery with enquiries, requests, complaints, etc. Avoid tolled roads.

Add more HERE............................................

A campaign of civil disobedience is now overdue. Then, the sitting Government will fall.

Penang local councillor wants higher allowances

"Penang Island Municipal councillor Zulkifli Mohd Noor said the councillors' allowances should be increased due to the bigger responsibilities and duties expected of councillors now as compared to many years ago."

If theSun report is accurate, it looks like the mindset of Penang's Municipal councillors have not changed for the better. Apparently, the first order of their meeting is to seek financial gains for themselves before they are ready to discuss the needs of the citizens.

And what solid proposals have they come up with at their first meeting? Bicycles and more spending on CCTVs, as if CCTVs are the end all against crime prevention and justice.

This is followed by more piecemeal solutions by re-introducing free shuttle bus services to the inner city WITHOUT solutions to reduce the traffic density FIRST, but by adding to it.

So, the first order of business for Municipal councillors is spend on themselves first, and then, spend, spend and spend more money on piecemeal solutions. Even our sleepy PM has at least talked about cutting costs and savings, while these people charged with managing Penang thinks only of spending.

They should first be thinking where & how to get funds to finance the current expenditures before embarking on a spending spree.

I can truly understand the frustration of the CM of Penang having to deal with such a pile of councillors right in his adminstration.

Local elections are truly well overdue but do get rid of this lot quickly before the newly elected councillors have nothing to manage but overdrawn accounts.

Rejecting Hannah Yeoh

My heart bleeds for our school system. But, we can make it a better one. Instead of feeling personally rejected, Hannah should pursue the matter on an official level and confront the school authorities.

This is NOT just a personal rejection but a affront to a system the citizens want to have since March 08. A current system where everything is seen in a political eye - a system that we propose to reject in March 08.

Where are you NGOs? Is this a too small a matter to pursue? If you do not change the basis in which our children are being taught, how can you expect them to change when they are adults? Do you expect them to begin thinking the moment they come out of school?

Besides the current voter generation, we, who are seeking change in our country, must get down to the root of the problem. Our educational system. I do not mean just the school curicular, I mean the SYSTEM that our children are being educated. The mindset being implanted in them over the last couple of generations.

Are there no NGOs looking at the very root cause? How are we educating our future generations is just an important as transforming our current one.

Go for it! Seek an official explanation from SMJK Subang for the sake of our future generations.

So, it comes to pass - dull anti-climax

It did not require a technicality. Just a lack of numbers to bring all the anticipation of last week to naught.

The time is just not right ................... yet ...........

Parliament sitting 23 June 2008

My bet is for a technicality and a huge anti-climax to a so-called 'long weekend'.

Anwar has not been elected to Parliament, the numbers are not ready to move, if at all. This is just another of a series of jolts and minor eruptions. The main event is not ready to erupt .............. yet.

Project IC is a hot potato within Sabah. I wonder how many currently sitting MPs depend on those who received their ICs under this scheme? Thus, if this is unravelled by the Federal Government, how many will still retain their seats in a next election? No ............. so long as there is talk to keep the people happy but no real action, that would be just fine. The current population in the refugee camps, of course, and go to hell. They are no longer needed, but just in case .................. anyway.

If the authorities (whoever they are) removes just 1/3 of the current 'official' population, the demographics of many State and Federal seats will change. Some MPs are not keen for this to happen ............. ever!!!!

This issue requires major surgery by both the sitting Federal and State Governments to solve and the current ones are not ready to do so. Period.

The RPK declaration

So, RPK presents 'new' evidence to the Mongolian case. Yes, it is hearsay but pertinent and new. The Police took 72 hours to respond and MSMs blacked out the news.

So, what does it say about our current situation in Malaysia?

Now, rumours is that, at least, one named person is already missing and/or uncontactable. Does it not add credence to the declaration?

However, it is early days yet. Let us see how this game plays out. Likely the usual:- hammer the messenger and kids gloves with the orang besars. Then, the AG will declare - no further action.

Sub Judice? My foot!!!!

Off to Madrid ........... and tapas bars

Update: 16 June 2008

MADRID and CASTILLE - LA MANCHA
31 May - 08 June 2008

DAY ONE - Madrid
It was a 24-hour journey. 2pm (Malaysian time) check-in on 31 May and landed in Madrid Barajas Airport at 03:35pm (Malaysian time) on 01 June. A 4-hour plane change between the LCCT and KLIA, saw 3 great childhood friends (Alex, Joe and Albert) keeping me company, together with my younger sister, Ann, who happened to fly into KLIA at about the same time. Short sleep durations and time change took its toll on my concentration. It did not help that I landed at Terminal 2 for EU flights rather than the international flight terminal with better facilities. While purchasing my Madrid metro ticket for 3 days (E9.60) use, I walked out of the office without my precious laptop bag with all my documents. It was a wake-up call to concentrate.

Madrid is one of those countries that has an underground railway that does one connect directly to the main tourist centre. So, still rather dazed, I had to figure out the best route into the city's hotel/hostal hub of Puerta del Sol. The fewest line change was THREE. Line 8 (2 stations), then Line 4 (5 stations) and then, finally, Line 1 (15 stations) to Sol station. I boarded the first train at about 10:16am (local time) but was too much in a hurry to remember to check my arrival time (guesstimate = 45 mins).

You see, I was without reserved accommodation as I was seeking "best for least". Fatigue got the better of me and I settled on a nice room with shower and sitting toilet for E47/night, which was average. Dormirtory or simply a room with wash basin was cheaper. But I am getting too old for students' stuff like queuing for the common toilet, in the mornings. Problem was it was CASH only. So, I opted for just one night, saving my precious cash for small buys. I found another with the same facilities at E50/night but payable with Credit Card. So, this would be it for the duration in Madrid.

I had thought that on a second visit to a city and in the same district, I would be fine with directions. No way! The Puerta del Sol environs was a warren of streets looking like lanes criss-crossing each other, such that while aiming to go south, you end up east or west.

My first priority was to contact my two boys and wife plus a friend, who was in Spain, last week, and I wasn't sure whether was still here. No gratis internet or otherwise at the Hostal although Internet cafes abound. But, not when I am using my secure websites. While looking for Starbucks, which is known to have gratis WiFi, I found MacDonalds. Yes, 30-minutes gratis WiFi but the connection was so poor, I only managed to call Bibi in Singapore on Skype but not Malaysia. No emails or websites. Yahoo Messenger refused to connect, too. At least, it cost just about E5 for the French Fries and Fanta Grape (I think!). In between, I filled my tummy with 3 tapas (E1.40 each) and a glass of red wine (E2 per glass). After settling my 2nd night's accommodation, without realising that it was on the same street as the first, I told myself I needed sleep. It was 4:30pm local time and the real tapas crawling has not started.

I set my alarm for tapas time (7pm) but extended my sleep till 9pm (dinner time).

Being around Puerta del Sol, meant that one did not need to walk far for food. Just around the corner, they were dishing out "prawns in olive oil, garlic & pimentos", egg omelet and my softspot, pig's ears on a hot plate, served with salsa (local version of tomato sauce) and crusty bread. The portion was heavy but nicely tender and still crunchy, downed with a glass of Rioja Crianza and sucumbed to local Cerveza (beer on tap). Cost just under E10.

Plaza de Santa Ana was just around the corner and I was looking for Casa Matute, a tapas bar mentioned in "Spain's New Tapas". If it was still there, I did not see it after rounding the square THREE times. One down, 2 to go. These were located at 2 ends of my present position.

Locating my new Hostal took some time,again. Then, went about wandering the streets, again and made it to Gran Via, the main street of Madrid. Wandered into an Asturian bar for some Sidra (cider) from that region, served with a tapas of mussels for E2.50. I need to visit again ................ if I can find it, again. Found a Hot Chocolate Bar, tucked into a side street for a cuppa of warm thick chocolate sans the Churros.

It was midnight and time for more shut eye.

DAY TWO - still Madrid
Set the alarm for 8:30am but woke up by 6am. Finally, gave up cheap internet calling and telephoned the boys, who was creating havoc with their cousin at my sister-in-law, Ivy's home. I was getting desperate for a decent internet connection. Anyway, one of priorities first. See if I could find another of my Tapas Bar on my list. Albur was a good shot just 3 stops from Sol on Bilbao station. So, with my bags packed and room keys returned, off I went to find the Bar. It was great, the road was marked on the signboards on the way out of the station and I prowled the street, looking for "Albur". From one end of the road to the end, I could not locate it. So, I pulled out my notebook with the actual address on it ............. and I found it! It was closed but just a few steps away was "OLE Hostel". I went in to check it out. FREE broadbank PCs and FREE Wifi. No single rooms but 4 beds to a room, common bath & toilet. But the internet won me over. I rushed back for my bags and duly checked-in. While waiting for my bed, I connected to the internet and chatted with my wife and boys and checked out my mail. The second good point was the bed costs E18/night, paid with VISA, leaving my precious CASH to spend on food!

The room was being cleaned, so off I went for lunch. Where else but Albur. A Mencia Rose, a Rueda Verdejo and a red Mencia de Bierzo. All served with a plate of Tapas. Additionally, I ordered their Tortilla Patatas. The bill come up to E7.90.

My bedfellows soon checked in as I was trying to take my afternoon siesta. Three kids from 2nd year U in the Midlands, England. A 1st generation UK-Hong Kong boy with two female fellow students. Nice enough but they felt the generation gap.

Unable to sleep, I headed back to Puerta del Sol with my camera to capture some photos and take in more Tapas. I managed to find all the places I wanted to photograph except for the Asturian bar, where I wanted to try more of their food. What a pity. My stomach was acting up and jet lag seem to be catching up, so I headed back for an early night.

DAY THREE - last day in Madrid
I thought I'd spend time looking for something buyable for Bibiana, Bryan and Daryl. No chance, a small robot toy was E16 and handbags were going at E60 each at El Corte Ingles, the major hyperstore of Spain.

Lunch was good in the streets off Gran Via, the "Orchard Road" of Madrid. I loaded up with some Vitamin C from freshly squeezed orange and a sandwich of nicely marinated and pan-fried fillet of pork. Fresh orange was stiffly priced at E2.70 but began to feel better. Picked up a Golden Delicious apple (E0.43), earlier, which helped too. Then, into another cafe for some Sidra and a plate of Bacalao (salted Cod).

After siesta, I decided to explore the area around the hostel. I discovered quite a gem of a plaza. Mainly locals and enjoying their traditional social networking. I walked into Batza, a wine bar without my camera. A list of wines mostly unknown to me, even an odd region I have not heard of, too. I started off with a Godello white served with scrambled egg on a slice of baguette topped with tomato salsa & lumpfish roe and a generous plate of prawns & mussels bathed in olive oil and vinegar. The Rias Baixas white blend was served with Tuna pie and delicious slice of jamon on toast. The final wine was Pelatos de Bierzo red, which was the only wine I recognised. I asked for their tortilla and more jamon on toast. That was good for a touchy stomach. Continuing to wander the area, I came across a bakery serving empenadas with spinach and cheese and another filled with tuna, served up with "Cafe con Leche" (coffee with milk). A few doors away, the locals were selecting their fruits and vegetables from a Vietnamese-owned store. I joined in for one each of the many peaches and plums to fortify myself. Time for some news surfing at the hostel and an early night for the official business, the next day.

DAY FOUR - onward to Don Quixote country
My early night was interrupted by my 3 roomates returning at 2am. A typical time to rest for Spain. Good for them! I continued my rest and woke up early before the alarm bell. Was out of the hostel by 7am and on the Metro to Barajas airport to meet up with the rest of the business delegation.

Kota Kinabalu fine dining - a better experience

KOTA KINABALU RESTAURANTS
reviews - May 2008

A couple of days later, I came across an advertisement "French Wine Workshop" at the Hyatt Hotel, Kota Kinabalu. This would be my first foray into the wine drinking community of KK, so could not be missed. Draging my wife's cousin, Jocelyn, along, I signed up for the workshop inclusive of dinner at one of their 3 restaurants. Besides, it was her birthday, too, the day before.

This event is hosted by Sabah's latest wine merchant, AsiaEuro, who is already well established in Kuala Lumpur. They were introducing their Languedoc portfolio, Foncalieu Vignobles, one of the larger wine co-operatives in this vast French region. Their Export Manager, M. Jean-Francois Chabod, was on-hand to talk about their co-operative and show off 4 of their red wines. No white wines were showcased, something rather typical in Malaysia. All were vins de pays and he suggested were specially blended for the Asian palate.

The first wine was a blend of Grenache with dollops of Carignan & Merlot, among the other varietals. Distinctly sweet on the palate, the wine was soft and fruity with no discerning tannins (micro-oxygenation?). A rather pleasant fruit drink with some 12% alcohol.

The remaining 3 wines had a touch more tannin presence and finally the last with some hint of oak. All seemed anonymous in varietal character but supremely drinkable and forgettable.

Mr. Narendra Sinniah, Director of Food & Beverage informs that this is their second foray in a programme to introduce wines to Kota Kinabalu. I would say a good initiative and the choice of wines are a good introduction to enjoying this beverage. They have avoided the usual mistake of showcasing dry, tannic red wines or dry white wines that would turn off many a novice.

Since Jocelyn particularly enjoyed the last wine, a simple request for a remaining bottle to accompany our dinner at their Japanese restaurant, was acceded with grace. This would be highly improbable in snooty Singapore. Thus, we were ceremoniously led to the restaurant, presented to our table with the bottle duly served for us. Glass stemware, again, but of course. However, no mention of corkage, which is something I'll really enjoy dining in emerging wine markets.

Now, we were warned by our Japanese wine companions, earlier, that Hyatt's Japanese restaurant caters to local NOT Japanese tastes. I found it an intriguing comment and resolved to find out what they meant. Then, I shall pay their recommended authentic Japanese restaurant a try, too.

Service, although not refined, is pleasant and efficient enough.

The set dinner menu started with a amuse bouse of poached fish in Chinese fermented soya bean sauce. Almost Japanese but not quite, mainly lacking the hint of bonito flavour.

The main bento set revealed more local "tastes" influence. A dipping bowl of chillies in black soya sauce. The miso soup wasn't up to my expectations. The tempura was well done except that the good-sized prawn was less than fresh. The biggest concession to local tastes was the main dish that initially attracted me to this set option. - unagi. I was looking forward to a soft & oily portions of unagi slathered with sweet sauce and lightly grilled over charcoal. Instead, the unagi was presented as battered and breaded fish fingers that congealed the soft flesh due to the deep-frying. I fully understand the gentle warning, now.

The cost of this experience was reasonable at RM75 per person.

I look forward to their next monthly wine event, next month.

Kota Kinabalu fine dining - my first observations

KOTA KINABALU RESTAURANTS
reviews - May 2008

@mosphere
27th floor, Menara Tun Mustapha, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

12 years ago, at the occasion of my wedding, a group of my wine-loving guests scoured KK for wine. We found only compound brandy to satisfy our thirst. The situation has certainly changed dramatically with, at least, FOUR major wine distributors established here. The range of wine has also expanded with choices from New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, France, Spain and Italy, besides the current favourite Australian wines. It is also not simply regional choices but also some depth of quality on the shelves.

Despite numerous visits to this city, I have never found time to explore the restaurants at the "top"-end of the market. The comfort food of local restaurants with their reasonable prices for super fresh seafood, were too good to ignore. Alas, one's stomach can accept so much food at any one time.

This time, however, is different. It was my wife's birthday and a lack of lunchtime companions that spurred me to propose lunch at @mosphere. This is the literally the stratospheric restaurant of Kota Kinabalu. Located on the 27th floor of Menara Tun Mustapha, it is the highest restaurant in town. The newly installed revolving platform allow diners a 360 degree view of the outside scenery throughout an hour of dining experience.

The wait staff showed graciousness that comes naturally among the people of Sabah. Table service was technically good, but for a restaurant aiming to be top-class, lacks several minor points. The cheaper paper serviettes were used instead of linen. The breads could be better selected rather than simply plain or sesame seeded rolls, likely bought in, too. Wine glasses were simply glass. My hightened expectations dropped a few notches.

The lunchtime set menu was a significant price variation from the ala carte, at RM38 for a 3-course meal. My wife opted for the set of Salad Greens, poached fish and dessert. I decided to give the ala carte a chance to impress me.

The Salad Greens was simply that ........... greens. The poached fish was a firm-fleshed fish that arrived hard and overdone. Dessert was the saving grace and nicely presented.

My starter was Breaded Brie Cheese ............. which was simply fingers of hard Brie, breaded and deep-fried. The plate was 6 cheese fingers dressed with a bed of greens and served with a fruit-based salsa that looked like tomato ketchup. It tasted better than ketchup but I did not feel that it enhanced the Brie in any way.

My main course was Duck risotto cooked in the same consistency as the one that Gordon Ramsay slammed on the chest of a contestant in an episode of Hell's Kitchen. At a 45 degree angle, the risotto did not move a single millimeter. But the rice used was certainly Alborio because the waiter showed me a 500gm packet of Italian Alborio as evidence. I guess the cook lacked practice if the restaurant only buys 500gm packs of rice.

Two red wines by-the-glass is offered ............... both Merlots. I opted for the Chilean Cono Sur rather than drink Eaglehawk.

I declined dessert and shared my wife's.

The total bill came to about RM175.

A 3-party system in Malaysia?

Ah! Are we looking at the possibility of a 3-party system? BN, PR and a Sabah/Sarawak coalition (SSC)?

If so, it will be more exciting times. BN on one side, PR on the other and SSC holding the balance of power.

Even after the many years of political union, East Malaysians do not feel that they are 'whole' with the West. Politics are still Peninsula-centric and the media talks of Malay this and Malay that while the natives of EM are completely ignored. As if they do not exist except during the GE period. Then, promptly forgotten, again.

Now, it is not that just West Malaysians are solely to be blamed. The setting up of immigration barriers to West Malaysians had played a significant part in alienating Westiest from the East. The irony is that blocking the influx of Westies have allowed the migration of non-Malaysians to their shores.

Affordable commuting transport between our two lands is another factor.

How many Westies have taken a trip to East Malaysia - for a holiday or for seeking business opportunities? The flow is mainly the other way round as EM youths make their way to Universities and other institutes of higher learning in the Peninsula.

In this context, I must say that, at least one good thing about Air Asia, is that this airline has bridged the gap between East and West by making their fares affordable to ordinary citizens.

Now, there is no reason not the travel and visit East Malaysia. Then, one can learn and begin to understand the frustrations of our fellow Malaysians in Sabah. Seeing the infulx of illegal immigrants "encouraged" by a despotic government and finally, being given MyKads. In this way, eroding the majority of KDMs in favour of non-Sabahans.

In Sarawak, natural resources are being raped for the benefit of a few. Natives are being chased out from their traditional lands. Do we in West Malaysia care?

Thus, this GE is God-sent. This is a power play opportunity by the East Malaysians to extract all that is fairly due to them after years and years of neglect and rape.

1. First, give BN the opportunity to prove that they can deliver what is fairly demanded. Not just talk and assurances but ACTUALLY DELIVER on the long time issues, specially in Sabah.
2. Set a definite deadline for the implementation AND completion of the issues.
3. After which, the ball goes to PR's court in a vote of no confidence in the BN government. Say, September 16?
4. Then, PR will be given a similar kind of deadline to fulfill all its promises to the people of East Malaysia.

THAT IS HOW EAST MALAYSIA SHOULD DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION AFTER YEARS OF "COLONIAL" RULE!

Perak MB, get on with the job, please

Although I feel that Nizar must know his home ground best, I think he should take the necessary steps to smooth out his relationship with the Royal House, quickly.

I find that the point that has not been stressed enough is that:-
Yes, he certainly made a mistake in protocol by not consulting the Royal House before acting on the transfer. I am sure the Royal House would be happy to allow for that, being new to the job. After all, it was the Sultan, who selected him for the job of MB.

So, humbly accept that. Apologise to the Sultan. Produce the evidence regarding the subordination of Jamry and re-request that he be transfered, soonest.
I am sure that is what he is doing but unfortunately, the procedure takes time to implement.

Let us be patient and wait.

I would say the same to YB Karpal Singh. He is a man in a huge hurry and overflowing with frustration, and now feel is in the position to correct all the many things wrong with the Malaysian system. But driving roughshod over all and sundry, and the Royalty is certainly not sundry, rather had been rather supportive, is not the way to go. By kicking up a fuss with the Royals will not speed up the corrective measures but actually impede it.

On the other hand, the Kelantan speech is another matter. RPK admitted as much. Further, we are all humans, including Royals, and do err. We look forward to him finding the earliest opportunity to correct the error and set the record straight.

Perak is in a showcase position. They have the opportunity to show that the PR formula works - the best man for the job not the majority party crony. Further, they do have a huge job to do. I visited Ipoh town, last December, after many, many years of absence. I was simply shocked by the ghost town that is Ipoh central today. Street lights were dim and hardly anyone walked the streets. All the shops and eating places were closed. It was almost like the movies. As dusk approach, a certain evil creeps into town and envelopes it, until dawn.

Unfortunately, even the day does not bring much to be happy about. The old grand shophouses are in need of a major makeover. The main bus station near the railway station reminded me of the Kajang/Seremban bus station in the early 1970s. Again, not that Stesen Pudu Raya was any much of an improvement, these days. Just that it is a dirty concrete surfaces, now, rather than oily, slimy pebbled surface, then. What an improvement DBKL made in 35 years! Of course, the perpetual traffic jam during the day, where you could walk faster between Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan than by car or bus.

Let's cut out the negative and look at the positives. Otherwise, we will mire in the mud and rut that BN has dragged the country into.

Now, shall we all get serious about our country?

More than one month has passed. People are still doing analysis after analysis. Bitching about why they failed and the successful still patting themselves on the back.

More than a few commentators have vented their frustration at such a situation, including the dour New Straits Times (surprise!). Late, of course.

We all know what the electorate has said. All the commentaries say the same thing, more or less. So, BN, PR, time to go fulfill our expectations.

The list of undelivered promises is long. May we simply list them down on a huge wall in your respective operations room and go, "You there, you are responsible of point number one". "You, point number two", and so on and so on. 3 or 6 months down the road, then, we do a progress report card. RPK is good at this. So, let's ask him, kindly, to publish a Rakyat's list of jobs to be done and every 3 or 6 months, we will help him assess this list of things-to-be-done for Malaysia.


Then, we know for sure who is doing a better job - BN or PR. Then, in about 4/5 years time, we will bless one and condemn the other at the ballot box.

Sounds easy, eh? The devil is in the details!

Malaysia's favourite couple - Marina & RPK

So. Anwar held a huge celebration on April 14, while RPK & Marina celebrated their wedding anniversary at the same venue.

My best wishes were sent to Marina & RPK. Theirs was a true celebration. A celebration of consistency and dedication to each other, no matter what life threw at them. 35 years plus 5 is humanly a very long time. My warmest congratulations to them.

I do believe that the majority of the 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 people who were at the Club were there to congratulate this loving couple and wish them many more happy years together. Of course, if there happen to be another well-known personality there to draw their attention, what's the harm?

Will the authorities get similarly agitated and concerned if Siti Nurhaliza were to invite people to her announcement that she is finally on the family way? Would a gathering of more than FIVE fans cause such a police presence? Then, followed by an invitation to Bukit Aman? I think not.

The surprising thing was that the people responsible for distracting the crowd from Marina & RPK's celebration were asked to answer for the turnout! What a strange way to investigate a complaint.

They seemed to have got their facts all mixed up.

Now, I understand why the people served with an invitation to the police station were confused and had to seek legal advice before the interview with the police. I can imagine their utter confusion,

"Yes, we had a small party to celebrate Anwar's return to active politics".

"No, we don't know why the crowd turned up. The dinner was only catered for a few invited guests".

"We heard that RPK invited people to celebrate his 35th anniversary at the Club, too".

"Well, Anwar knows him so went up to congratulate him & Marina. But you know lah, Anwar was encouraged to speak more when he sees a crowd, so he did. That's all".

"Is it wrong to congratulate someone's 35 years of blissful marriage"?

"Is the crowd wrong to do that"?

"For some reason, RPK is loved by this many people. More fans than Siti Nurhaliza? Ha, ha, ha".

"I really cannot understand. He is not even half as handsome as Siti is pretty"!

Enough already! Let's get down to work.

Our Parliament begins sitting from end-April. That's not much time to prepare for the work at-hand.

Other than, YB Tony Pua, through his website, none of the other MPs seem settled down to ask their electorate for proposals and/or bills that should be presented in Parliament. I do hope that this is being done by both sides - PR and BN, but not being uploaded onto their websites.

This is simply because there is plenty to do over the next 4/5 years. A great deal of filth to clean up. Since more had be added under the previous watch. After cleaning out the rubbish, there is the re-decoration and reinforcement that needs to be done, so that our house, our country is new and strong again.

As RPK pointed out, a thunderstorm has gathered at the door. USA is undergoing a crisis of financial excesses. Europe is changing and reforming. China is an overgrown adolescent aiming to be an adult. India has awoken from slumber and taking its rightful place in the world. What are the consequences of all this? Rising commodity prices for one. Our favourite rice is in short supply and prices are rising. So are soya beans, cooking oil, fuel and gas among others.

All this spells challenges for Malaysia. As a relatively small country, we have to find our niche in the world. This is not easy. So both BN and PR must work together on it. Not by political bickering and laying blame on all and sundry.

Enough!

There can be no 100-day honeymoon as the storm is battering down the door. If BN pulls one way and PR drags another, Malaysia is in deep shit. Worse if PAS, PKR and DAP begin to pull in different directions and airing their outdated insecurities in public. This serves no purpose except to distract from the job at hand.

Just to remind all the YBs. You were elected to serve the people as best you can. We believed or are willing to take your word for it. We don't really care if you are BN or PR. Get on with the JOB!

Same thing at local state level. At least, there are some positive noises and news coming out. As far as we know, the Penang, Perak and Selangor governments have had their meetings and the machinery is beginning to crank up. Good plans are good so long as they can be efficiently financed with adequate income. Withholding Federal funds from the elected state governments is a really bad NO, NO. Not co-operating and ensuring funding from Federal to State will not just bring down the state but the WHOLE BLEEDING COUNTRY. Specially when the states are the key lynchpins of the whole economy of Malaysia. What are you trying to prove? That you can bring down the whole country by your own self serving blinkered eyes? The word T_E_S_N comes to mind. I think we still hang people like that. Unfortunately, during the last clean up, we managed to allow some dirt to remain. Sigh!

Alright all, finish with all the rhetoric and rantings. Time for celebratory congratulations are over. You were elected to a job, not selected to receive a prize. Get the documentary proof if you have something to prove and present it in ONE meeting. Not "Come back another time, ah?" Forcefully plant the files and documentary proof on the table at the first meeting, next time, okay? No second and third meetings. That's for evaluating the results of the 1st meeting.

Then, move on to the next agenda.

All the very best, YBs, you have a big job ahead.

Should Pakatan Rakyat accept cross overs?

But of course ............ but not at this time. Not yet, anyway.

This is not the time to accept elected persons from BN wanting to crossover to PR.

These people were elected for various reasons by the rakyat and some respect should be given to the electorate's choice. By crossing over these people could be viewed as opportunists with self interest rather than the interest of the rakyat at heart.

These people must prove to the rakyat and PR that they are sincere to serve the people and not shifting with the wind. To do this, they must speak out during debates, argue for what is right and vote, accordingly, with or without the Whip. These people can do as much good on the BN side as on the PR side of the benches.

When a good and worthy bill is presented by PR, they should support it and finally vote for it. However, if it is a poor proposal, they should help shoot it down. Whether it comes from PR or BN.

These people can work on the side of New Malaysia without politically aligned to PR. They should vote for the people, for the good of the people, no matter which side of the political divide they are from.

Only when they have proved their sincerity and walked the talk, may they be considered to officially join PR ................. at the next election. Sooner, if by their actions they are sacked by their own party and a by-election is called. If they did right for the rakyat, be sure that they will convincingly win any by-election.

For ordinary rakyat like myself, it will be a good thing to see who actually works for the people who put them there. No matter their political affiliations.

It is time that our elected representatives actually represent us, the rakyat's interest NOT the dictates of their political party's leaders. We elected them, they should represent us. Period.

There is no BN is bad and PR is good. Who is so naive that the political situation is simply black and white and no shades of grey in between?

I say, let the status quo remain. Elected representatives, prove that you are the right person elected and be ensured that you will be elected, the next time around.

Pakatan Raayat

The 3 opposition parties have taken the next logical step by forming Pakatan Raayat. Now, let us give them the opportunity to show that they are a true alternative political grouping to Barisan Nasional.

At the moment, it is cats, dogs and pigs of Animal Farm thrown in together heading towards a several common goals. These are goals that will take time to achieve and continue to implement. So long as they do not act separately as cats, dogs or pigs but as equal animals in the Farm, they should do well. And for the sake of our beloved country, we hope they do.

This is crucial as it appears that the other side has yet to come to terms with the changed environment. Their crony media are still acting as if nothing has changed. Government servants are yet to come to grips that there are new bosses in town. The rules at some states have changed and will continue to change ............ for the better, we hope.

A honeymoon of 100 days is optimistic to change ways that have existed for 38 years. The new brooms need to be sturdy and strong to sweep away all the filth & stench built up over the years. Maybe it is time for a new National Service callup. We have installed all those new brooms. These brooms cannot work on their own. Citizens with specialised expertise are needed to direct these brooms into the right nooks and cranies to clean out the rubbish.

Start with the 5 states. Declare a general callup for capable men & women to offer part of their time or all of it to help clean up the mess. Now, not only to clean the mess but redecorate so that foreign visitors may find us welcoming and are willing to invest and stay in our 'new' house. We will need nubile candidates who would go out and entice the world to our door.

Despite all her faults, YB Rafidah Aziz did a fine job. Emmulate her good points or even invite her to advise the marketing team. After all, she has gone back to be grandmother and have time on her hands. There is no shame is selecting the best talents we have, where ever or whoever they may be. So long as they are truly committed to a successful Malaysia.

KLFT administration

The running of Kuala Lumpur FT should be left in the hands of our elected MPs of KLFT.

The Federal Government has no business administering the most important city in the country, when only ONE of their kind represents the people of KLFT

Political Party hopping

The idea of voting a political party ticket should be abolished. The person seeking election as MP or State Assemblyperson should have his name printed on each voting ticket.

Afterall, we are electing the PERSON not so much the Party he represents.

This elected person will be personally responsible to the electorate and to represent them. Their association with a political party is secondary.

This has been proved sufficiently in GE2008, where everyone is voting the PERSON not the party.

This elected PERSON will have to face the electorate, NOT his party, and answer to them.

Thus, I say, this elected person should be permitted to associate with any political party he chooses, so long as that party’s policies meet the expectations of his electorate.

Remember, the electorate is the ‘bosses’ not the elected or his party or anyone else. The elected represents his constituents, no one else. Period.

Air Asia & its associations

Recently, the MP of Wangsa Maju posed a question to his electorate regarding Air Asia and its perceived political associations. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to comment on it.

However, I think it is a pertinent question as it affects our ability to travel efficiently throughout our vast country (viz. between East and West Malaysia) and throughout the region and the world.

I don't think anyone of us is privy to the accounts of Air Asia. As such, we can only judge what we can see sans rumours.

What I see is an efficient corporation that has made travel within my country a breeze. Efficient online & realtime bookings complemented by wide spread of booking offices and agents throughout the country. The air tickets are mainly affordable compared to alternative means of transport and specially versus its competition.

One example, I once flew Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu in 40 minutes, simply because the ticket price was the same as the alternative - a 6-hour express bus journey.

How Air Asia can do it and remain profitable, I cannot say. We are not privy to its accounts. But as a consumer, I am pretty pleased as Punch!

In short, if a company is able to deliver to meet its customers' needs and make a profit in the process, I say, "Good for you!"

Should a responsible Government support such a corporation? I say "YES!"

On the other hand, if YB Wee suggests that all its "profit" is from Government subsidies, then, he should institute an official inquiry on the real situation instead of speculating without concrete proof of the real situation.

I believe YB Wee's citizens' feedback questions are a novel way to go. But at the same time, besides the question, he should provide some background on his take of the situation he is seeking feedback on. This was the main reason I was unable to formulate a response to this question until now. I was not fully aware of the background pertaining to this question.