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.