Malaysian in CairoTo Avoid High-Risk Places

Malaysian Student Department (MSD) in Cairo is working around the clock keeping tabs on the students' well-being there.  Most registered student are confirmed safe and unharmed.  However those students not registered under Malaysian Student Department are adviced to do so immediately.  

It is well known rumours that has been spreading out that your family could avoid being taxed by the LHDN if they are not registered with the Malaysian Student Department.  Well as mentioned earlier this is just rumours.  Please co-operate with the government and Malaysian Embassy by notifying them upon your arrival and your current whereabout!!! This is to ensure MSD can protect you during any unwelcomed incident such as the riot that is currently happening in Cairo.  

Malaysian are adviced not to be involved with other country internal matters there and are adviced to focus on their studies!!!

Malaysians in Cairo safe — Wisma Putra

Posted on January 31, 2011, Monday

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian citizens, including students, in Egypt, which is besieged by street protests, are safe, said Wisma Putra in a statement yesterday.

It said parents should not be unduly worried as the Malaysian Embassy and the Malaysian Students Department in Cairo were keeping tabs on the situation.

Malaysian citizens have been told to avoid high-risk places and be vigilant at all times, said the statement.

It said the Foreign Ministry had set up an operation room (Tel: 03-88892746, 03-88874570 Putrajaya) for family members to make enquiries.

They could also call up minister counsellor Saharudin Hassan, second secretary Samsul Kahar Kamarudin or third secretary Iskandar Harman at the Malaysian Embassy in Cairo 00-202-37610013 extension 116 or 00-202-37610164, it added.

Meanwhile, MARA director-general Ibrahim Ahmad said the safety of Malaysian students in Egypt was under control and Mara headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and its office in Cairo were monitoring the situation.

He said Mara was working closely with the National Security Council and Wisma Putra on safety measures to be adopted by Mara students in Egypt.

Ibrahim urged Mara students to abide by the advice given by the embassy and avoid going to high-risk places.

MARA is sponsoring about 1,000 medical and dentistry students at several university in Egypt.

Family members can contact the MARA Education Sponsorship Division (Kuala Lumpur) at 019-2720649 or 019-3883121 for information. — Bernama

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SUPP Candidate Must Be Community Oriented And Never Compromise Racial Harmony - Dr George Chan

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam was reported by The Borneo Post, at the  book re-launching ceremony of a memoir by former state politician, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Yong.

Dr George Chan also reminded the Chinese to choose progress by staying and moving forward with Barisan Nasional and SUPP.   He also commented that Barisan Nasional has proven themselves to bring Sarawak and the Chinese community forward unlike any other parties. 

He also reminded the Chinese community to choose their representative wisely.  Put the candidate that will bring harmony to our community and not otherwise.  

During his speech, he honoured the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Yong.  

"...He was right in many things including his move in establishing the party"

Remain with BN to progress, Chinese told

by Antonia Chiam. Posted on January 28, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said yesterday that the Chinese must stay with the government in order to progress.  

 

“We must be inside the decision-making group for things to get done. There is no point shouting from outside as nothing can be accomplished,” he said at the re-launching ceremony of a memoir by former state politician, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Yong.

Dr Chan, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president, said history had proven Yong to be right in many things including his move in establishing the party.

“He (Yong) was everything a real politician should be.

He always told me not to worry about what others say as there will always be people who distract and say negative things. Just go ahead with what you believe is right, and history will prove you right,” he said.

Dr Chan pointed out that it was important for the Chinese to realise that the person they put up as their representative must be able to do things for the community and not just sweet-talk.

“Today, if the Chinese are not represented in the government, Sarawak would not have gone as far as it had.

Tan Sri Yong had helped to shape the racial unity that we have today, which enabled us to move forward in a fair and just society.

“Always be careful of people who sweet-talk as they can compromise our racial harmony and religious freedom,” he pointed out.

Dr Chan in his speech also commended Yong’s contributions to the state in the early days.

“His political foresightedness contributed greatly to the emergence of the state Barisan Nasional government in 1970, a political model stressing on power sharing, stability and racial harmony, which resulted in rapid social and economic development in the state.

“His wisdom, selflessness and righteous stand on issues such as Chinese education, communist insurgence, political detainees and the new villages brought about a significant change in the lives of people from all walks of life in Sarawak.

“Tan Sri Yong was indeed a great son of Sarawak,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to Yong’s son Philip, when the first edition of the book came out in 1998, there were already plans by Yong to re-edit it to include newer materials.

“Sadly the plan did not take place and my father passed away in 2001, shortly after his 80th birthday.

“I began the re-editing by rearranging the original material written in long-hand by my late father and making everything easier to read.

“Our family members and friends had helped a lot especially with the proofreading.

“Hopefully, the Chinese edition will be out by end of this year,” said Philip.

The memoir ‘A Life Twice Lived’, details the illustrious life of the late Yong, who served as deputy chief minister from 1970 to 1974 and as federal minister of science, technology and environment from 1982 to 1990.

He was the first local-born lawyer in the state and was involved in the formation of Malaysia.

Yong was one of the pivotal movers in establishing SUPP in 1959 and served as the party’s secretary-general for 22 years (1959-1981) and chairman for eight years (1982-1990).

‘A Life Twice Lived’ is now available at all major bookstores and is priced at RM25.

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Build Ethnic Bridge and Become Friends of Yayasan 1Malaysia

Congratulations to the board of trustees of Yayasan 1Malaysia for giving the platform to create and express the mind of the youth.  Now youth in Malaysia have the opportunity to join and become the Friends of Yayasan 1Malaysia.  For more information please see below article.

What is Yayasan 1Malaysia?

Yayasan 1Malaysia was established in July 2009 as a non-partisan, independent, and non-profit foundation with its vision being to engage all Malaysians in working towards national unity and the 1Malaysia concept.


The foundation is set up by a group of like-minded Malaysians who are keen to see the concept of 1Malaysia, which is guided by the Federal Constitution, become central in the lives of all Malaysians.


Board of Trustees include Professor Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Dato’ Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin, Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Dato’ Dr Ismail Ibrahim, Dr Peter Kedit and Ahmad Izham Omar.


BECOME ETHNIC BRIDGE BUILDERS INSTEAD OF ETHNIC HEROES SAYS YAYASAN 1MALAYSIA

Petaling Jaya, 19 January 2011- Yayasan 1Malaysia has issued a challenge to all Malaysians to make 2011 the year of ethnic bridge builders.

 

“We have enough ethnic heroes; what we sorely need are ethnic bridge builders who can neutralize the politics of hate that seem to be on the rise in the country” said Professor Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Chairman of Yayasan 1Malaysia.

Noting that most Malaysians are moderates who value the peace and harmony that exists in the country, he said that it was time for Malaysians to be aware and make a stand against divisive forces that sensationalise innocuous isssues.

“Respect and trust are the cornerstones of the peace we currently enjoy. Let us work together to eliminate ethnic biases and stereotypes which tear our social fabric and cause disunity. I urge Malaysians to choose unity above hate whenever they are  confronted with individuals and groups who sow the seeds of ethnic discord”, said Professor Dr Chandra Muzaffar.

On its part, Yayasan 1Malaysia has launched a support group called “Friends of Yayasan 1Malaysia”, to initiate and bolster national unity efforts in Malaysia.

“Being a “Friend of the Yayasan 1Malaysia” means becoming more closely involved in and taking part in specially organised activities aimed at further developing national unity and integration in a friendly and dynamic environment. It means sharing interests and concerns with Malaysians from all walks of life. Comprising individuals and organisations, this is a non-profit group under the auspices of Yayasan 1Malaysia (Y1M)” he said.  Individuals and corporations wishing to become a “Friend of Yayasan 1Malaysia” can register at Y1M website www.yayasan1malaysia.org.

Yayasan 1Malaysia also announced the launch of its new logo, to better reflect the energy, commitment and aspirations of the foundation.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, a Trustee of Yayasan 1Malaysia, and the driving force behind the logo change had this to say:

“The decision to have a new logo was made after careful thought and deliberation as a way to better reflect Y1M’s clarity of thought in achieving greater national unity.  Trustees also wanted a simple and yet dynamic logo that reflected the foundation’s name and its objectives”.  “The new logo has a contemporary look and while the colour is retained, it now comes in a more vibrant shade of blue. The logo’s shape and structure are more solid, grounded and balanced, making it easier to remember, recall and replicate with minimal distortion” said Tony. 

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Congratulations Taib-Ragad on Your Grand Wedding Reception 2011

Semicyber would like to share some moments from the Chief Minister of Sarawak wedding reception held in the New DUN Complex.  Attended by many VVIP across Malaysia.  A night to remember indeed!! 

Congratulations again to the lovely couple!!

Wedding of 2011 - A truly glittering wedding
Posted the New Straits Times 17, January 2011

HAPPY MOMENT: Taib and Ragad holding hands when entering their Grand Wedding Reception Hall at the DUN Complex

Datuk Seri Najib Razak congratulating Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Puan Sri Ragad Waleed Alkurdi at their wedding reception in Kuching yesterday. — Picture by Azahan Rosli

CONGRATULATIONS: Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhamad Salahuddin shares a light moment with Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Puan Sri Ragad Waleed Alkurdi. — Photos by Tan Song Wei and Jonathan Bullet

KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his Syrian wife, Puan Sri Ragad Waleed Alkurdi, were all smiles as they arrived at the hall of the new state legislative assembly complex for their wedding reception.

The couple greeted some 500 guests as they walked into the hall beautifully adorned with fresh orchids, Taib in his black tuxedo and Ragad in her white wedding gown, holding a bouquet of roses.

Among the guests were Sarawak head of state Tun Abang Mohammad Salauhuddin Abang Barieng and wife Toh Puan Norkiah and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Yesterday not only marked the wedding reception for the couple, it was also Ragad's 29th birthday.

Addressing the guests, Taib's son, Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir, said his aunt, Datuk Raziah Mahmud, who is Taib's sister, and her husband, Datuk Robert Geneid, introduced them.

Ragad was born in Damascus, but later moved to Riyadh at an early age. She studied interior design and likes fishing, singing and dancing.

The guests were enlightened when Mahmud recalled his conversation with Ragad five months ago in which she told him that she had dreamt she was going to be married to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia after he had whisked her away in a Rolls Royce.

Taib tied the knot with Ragad on Dec 18, last year at his residence at Demak Jaya, Petra Jaya. It was a private affair where only his family, relatives and a handful of cabinet ministers attended.

Taib's first wife, Puan Sri Laila Taib, a Polish-born Australian passed away in April 2009 of cancer. Married for 50 years, Taib and Laila have four children and 15 grandchildren.

Three of his children, Jamilah Hamidah, Sulaiman Abdul Rahman and Hanifah Hajar Taib, and their families were also at the reception.

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Sony PSP2 New Gadget to Replace Sony PSP-GO

Sony PSP2 is the new gadget that will hit us in  Q4 2011.  Below is the excerpt from the redmondpie reporter on this subject.

Sony PSP2 To Be As Powerful As PlayStation 3, Will Launch in Q4 2011?

It appears as if Sony is not going to let the Nintendo 3DS steal the show. Sony is expected to release the PSP2 within Q4 this year, possibly as early as October, and the first announcement is expected to be made January 27th.

It seems as this is going to be a high-end portable console. Sony has allegedly been telling licensees the device “is as powerful as the PlayStation 3”. The PSP successor will include a HD screen with twin-sick controls, and it may even incorporate phone functions, however this won’t be the primary use of the device. As this is what the PlayStation Phone or the Xperia Play will do. Sony is expected to release more information at GDC and E3, after the January 27th event. MCV reports there will be plenty downloadable content, smaller games and apps will be available via PSN. MCV also reports the PlayStation phone will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and it will only be capable of running smaller games.

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Sarawak Gets New Chief

The Chief of Staff for Rascom Camp has been announced. Congratulations to  Lt Col Kamarudzaman on his new appointment.  

However in another scene, the Cybertron, the new UMB BN Sarawak has also been established. The BN components in Sarawak has all agreed to appoint Abdul Aziz Adenan as the New Chief for UMB BN Sarawak. 

He is a also the PBB Youth Chief of Information, is a well-known computer literate and earlier  last year in 2010, had established the UMB PBB after witnessing the small by-election in Sibu. 

The time has come to unite all the BN Sarawak party component bloggers with the street bloggers to defend what it just!  With the appointment of the New Chief for UMB BN Sarawak, we will be looking at a drastic scenario where major component parties in BN Sarawak fighting in the cyber war and drilling for the coming election.

Congratulations to both New Chiefs and may the force be with you!!!

Lt Col Kamarudzaman takes over as new Ninth Brigade Chief of Staff

Posted on January 14, 2011, Friday The Borneo Post

SIBU: Lt Col Kamarudzaman Thani began his duties as the new Ninth Brigade Chief of Staff yesterday.

WITH FULL COMMITMENT: Mohd Nor (left) handing over duties to Kamarudzaman witnessed by Stephen (centre).

He replaced Lt Col Mohd Nor Kachut.

Mohd Nor will take up a new appointment in the Malaysian Army in Kuala Lumpur at the defense planning section this week.

In his speech, he called for full cooperation and commitment from the armed forces to improving the Ninth Brigade.

The hand over of duty was held at Rascom Camp at Mile 10, Oya Road yesterday.

Commanding Officer Of Ninth Brigade, Brigadier General Stephen Mundaw witnessed the handing over.

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What Happen to Non-Bumiputera Since 1960?

This is to answer why the government sector is lacking of non-bumi or non-Malays.  Report from Taipei Times showed that these people migrates to another countries. 

Malaysia struggling to prevent ‘brain drain’ as talent departs
Taipei Times

World Bank data show that while globally the number of migrants rose 2.4 times between 1960 and 2005, Malaysia’s diaspora registered a 155-fold increase

By Beh lih yi / AFP, KUALA LUMPUR

Computer engineer Wan Jon Yew with his wife and their baby girl pose in front of their apartment in Singapore on Tuesday.PHOTO: AFP

When computer engineer Wan Jon Yew left Malaysia in 2005 for a job in Singapore, all he wanted was to work in the city state for a few years before going home. Now, he says, he will never return.

With a family, a home and a car, he now plans to settle in Singapore for good — one of many Malaysians stampeding abroad every year in a worrying “brain drain” the government is trying to reverse.

“I wouldn’t consider going back to Malaysia, I won’t look back. If I were ever going to leave Singapore, I would migrate to Australia,” said the 28-year-old, who now has permanent resident status.

“It’s not about the money. I could have a better quality of life in Malaysia with my pay. I could have a semi-detached bungalow and have a maid there, but I would rather live in a government flat in Singapore,” he said.

Wan, who is ethnically Chinese, is one of some 700,000 Malaysians — most of them highly educated — who are currently working abroad in an exodus that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government is struggling to reverse.

The “brain drain” has a number of causes. Some have been lured by higher salaries, but others blame political and social gripes including preferential policies for Muslim Malays, who form the majority.

Many feel constrained by life in a country where the ruling coalition has been in power for half a century, and where progress on freedom of expression, the right to assembly, and tackling corruption has been slow.

A decades-old affirmative action policy which hands Malays and the indigenous groups privileges in housing, education and business, has been criticized as uncompetitive and improperly benefiting the elite.

As a consequence, many of those who have left are members of Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, who make up some 25 percent and 10 percent of the population respectively.

Last month Najib launched a “Talent Corporation” with incentives to woo back highly skilled workers and foreign professionals.

Malaysia has ambitions to transform itself into a developed nation by 2020, but a lack of human capital is a barrier to reaching that goal. 

World Bank data cited by the Malaysian press shows that while globally the number of migrants rose 2.4 times between 1960 and 2005, Malaysia’s diaspora registered a staggering 155-fold increase over the 45-year period.

“I don’t want my children to go through the unfair treatment,” said Wan, who believes Singapore offers “fair competition.”

“I’m not proud of being a Malaysian because I think the government doesn’t treat me as a Malaysian,” he said. “I would rather be a PR [permanent resident], a second-class citizen in a foreign country, than to be a citizen in my own country.”

Wan said his wife, an IT analyst, renounced her citizenship in July, joining a queue of about 30 Malaysians lining up to do so on that day alone at the Malaysian embassy in Singapore.

Commentators are skeptical over whether the government’s latest effort to reverse the “brain drain” will be successful.

“Money does have a significant role but the most important factor, I think, is opportunity. Malaysia is too politicized and opportunities are not evenly available to everyone,” political analyst Wan Saiful Wan Jan said.

In one example, he said academics are reluctant to work in local universities as they must sign a “loyalty pledge” barring them from, among other things, criticizing government policies.

Wan Saiful said the Talent Corporation will be “another expensive failure” if it does not tackle these structural problems.

“When I apply for a job, buy a house, register my children for school etc, why does it matter what my race or religion is? This should stop,” the analyst said. 

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DAP Guessing Game?

With the exposure of blunt story inside Sarawak Report, PKR Baru Bian is hiding away.  The fear of being summoned due to forging the SSM documents and publishing it with few edited pieces in their blogs. 

Chong and Baru Bian

This is the right time for DAP to take action and to gain back the majority after promising to give way to PKR's candidate.  The opposition fights among themselves to gain majority to be able to become the CM of Sarawak!? How can a chinese majority area be represented by PKR?  This is the issue being highlighted inside audie61's blog.  

Audie61 is convinced that DAP Chong Chieng Jen will not stand in Sentosa since SUPP Alfred Yap has turned that area into the grey zone for DAP?  DAP is rumored to put a new face coming from legal background, believed to have established a legal firm in Kota Sentosa?  Should they lose to SUPP Alfred Yap then they know the answer to spin that this is due to a new inexperienced choice?  

DAP Chong will likely battle SUPP in Padungan and trying very hard to convince PKR to fight elsewhere.  He is confident that he will likely hold the reigning title of The Idol of Chinese Youth.  He is clean and claimed that his fruits of labor could be seen in Kuching from the Spring shopping mall to Swinburne University Sarawak Campus establishment in Kuching?!!?

For more info please direct your cursor to these links below

1. Rajahmas
2. Kuchingitam
3. Audie61

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