aonepakkopi - since June 2011

MALAYSIA MUST ALSO WAKE UP

2011-12-26T22:40:00.000+08:00

Groucho Marx said: “The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made. When the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.”

WAKE UP AMERICA..CANADA..EUROPE..AUSTRALIA..

Is this man (Groucho Marx) truly a genius? Please read the caption below: It is true...it DID happen!

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan".. All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.... substituting grades for dollars - something closer to home and more readily understood by all.

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Comments:

The matter could not be any simpler than that. On analyzing the gist of the tests, there are possibly the 5 best sentences or statements we could draw and all are applicable to the experiment:

1. The government cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!

5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

....and ...MALAYSIA MUST ALSO WAKE UP.

I could not think of any good reason for not sharing the above which was shared by someone. Perhaps you may have one good reason for not passing this on to others.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

2011-12-24T01:24:00.000+08:00

Wishing our esteemed readers and viewers

very Blessed Christmas

and

prosperous New Year 2012

QUOTED MESSAGE

2011-12-07T11:10:00.001+08:00

Message from Comedian - George Carlin

“The Paradox Of Our Time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and Pray Too Seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but Polluted The Soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And Always Remember: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

1. The above is re-quoted from my Christmas posting in “ex-tanjong” forum on 20^th December 2008.

2. Isn’t it amazing that George Carlin, a comedian of the 70's and 80's, very famous for "black comedy" could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate with its timeless relevancy?

3. May you be enriched by the message and aspire to inspire others to conquer not the outer space of cosmos but the inner space within selves.

TODAY IS A "GIFT" CALLED "THE PRESENT"

2011-12-03T20:25:00.001+08:00

"TODAY" IS A "GIFT" – That is WHY it is called

“THE PRESENT”

Dear Esteemed Readers & Viewers,

The origin of this story is unknown. I came across it when I went through my archives. It was sent to me some time ago. I find the story is spiritually uplifting and worth sharing herein.

Please spare one minute to read it. Think through the story. I pray it will impact your thinking....

THE STORY

Two men namely Baruch and Tobias were seriously ill. Both men occupied the same hospital room.

Baruch was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window.
Tobias had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation........

Every afternoon Baruch whose bed was by the window could sit up. He would pass the time by describing to Tobias all the things he could see outside the window.

Tobias who was in the other bed across began to live for those one hour periods where his world within would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside described by Baruch.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats under the watchful eyes of their parents.

Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As Baruch described all this in exquisite details, Tobias on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, Baruch described a parade passing by. Although Tobias could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as Baruch by portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of Baruch, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, Tobias asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, Tobias propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed. It faced a blank wall.

Tobias asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate (Baruch) who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man (Baruch) was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

MORALS OF THE STORY

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

It is heartwarming.

God bless!

aonepakkopi

THE STORY - WHAT IS IT?

2011-11-29T12:32:00.001+08:00

Camel and “Eye Of The Needle”

After the morning church service, the three old classmates decided to meet for special “laksa” at Goody-Goody food stall last Sunday. Finding an empty table was not an unusual waiting “problem” when the eatery was always full of customers especially so during Saturday and Sunday morning.

“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:23-24. Parallel versions appeared in Mark 10:25; and Luke 18:25).

The aphorism or figure of speech was used by Jesus in response to a young rich man who had asked Jesus what he must do in order to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered that he should keep the commandments to which the man said he had kept them. Then Jesus said in response: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." While the young man became sad and unwilling to sell all his possessions, Jesus’ disciples were astonished at the response.

The Conversation

Jiang Seng: “What is your understanding about the sermon preached this morning? .....I find it interesting how ‘wealth’ can be burdensome for rich people to ‘enter’ the Kingdom of God.....That teaching of Jesus Christ seems to discourage believers to become rich....”

Caleb Andang: “In this particular teaching Jesus Christ used the story of ‘The camel and the eye of the needle’ as aphorism to make hearers think of the unthinkable thoughts.....a figure of speech implying the unlikely or impossible.

Wanye Salih: “My understanding of “the eye of the needle” refers a gate in Jerusalem, which opened after the main gate was closed at night. A camel could only pass through this smaller gate if its baggage was removed and that the camel had to stoop and crawled on its knees in order to enter... I also read somewhere two other mentions about “the eyes of the needle” referring to: (i) that of ancient inns having small entrances to prevent thieves by night; and (ii) that of an old mountain pass. The entrance or pass was so narrow that camel-riders would have to dismount from their camels.”

Jiang Seng: “It was believed in the Old Testament time that being poor was a curse from God, and being wealthy and prosperous were blessings from God (Deut.8:18). The beliefs seem contradictory. If wealthy persons being seen righteous by God from their blessings cannot be saved, who can be? It does portray wealth as a hindrance to salvation. The concept of salvation is theologically difficult for me to understand........”

Caleb Andang: “As I see it- yes! Wealth can but not necessarily be a hindrance to salvation, and it is no more or less than many other things. Yeshua’s usage of the aphprohism or figure of speech (sempama jaku): “eye of the needle” was to correct the false assumption that wealth was always a blessing from God. More often than not the pursuit of wealth tends to isolate us from the workings of God in our lives. Wealth can overtake the words sown in our hearts thus robbing us of God-eternally promised treasures. This is fact and “truth” in reverse.....Under normal state it is difficult (but not impossible) for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God....... Beyond the impossibility is the possibility with God. In Jewish midrash it was recorded: "The Holy One said, open for me a door as big as a needle's eye and I will open for you a door through which may enter tents and [camels?]"......It is inferred that God only needs a sinner to open up just a crack for Him and God will come pouring in and set up room for an oasis. Jesus said: “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hear my voice and open the door, i will come in to him nd will dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev.3:20). The message and way to salvation is clear through the grace of God and God-sent-Word born as Yeshua al-Messiah.

Wanye Salih: “By the way, the Bible does not seem to have record on the existence of ‘the eye of needle’ by the wall of Jerusalem apart from being mentioned by Jesus Christ in His teaching .....I read an article and comments on this issue..... ”

Jiang Seng: “An aphprohism or figure of speech figure is an abstract concept or an idea being used to analyze and explain deep meanings of a particular subject matter... In this case the physical existence and variations over “eye of the needle”- be it the wall of Jerusalem, or of ancient inns; and of an old mountain pass; including a claim that kamilos (meaning camel) is a Greek misprint of kamêlos meaning ‘rope" or "cable’ are less important than the intended meanings and impacts of message of God’s salvation.”

Caleb Andang: “To me whether it was kamilos (‘camel’) or kamêlos (‘rope or cable’) is immaterial. It is the stark contrast between the small size of the needle's eye and the large size of a camel (or lesser size of a rope) is a crux of the message explaining how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God because of distraction by wealth and the difficulty to share when a wealthy person is too attached to his wealth.....There is a dierct connection between “eye of the needle” and a "rope" or "cable" in the trade of a “sewer” or a “cobbler”. However, by comparing the economic value of a “rope or cable” and the economic value of a “camel with its baggage of wealth”, I see the contextual relevance of the message in the aphprohism of “camel and the eye of the needle” above that of “rope and the eye of the needle."

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THE WALK ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BORDER

2011-11-06T00:16:00.000+08:00

Onward journey from Kumpang Langgir Engkilili in Sri Aman Sarawak Malaysia to Dusun Kedang Hulu Kapuas in West Kalimantan Indonesia

It took us about three and half hours to walk from Kumpang Langgir, Engkilili Lubok Antu in Sri Aman Sarawak Malaysia and across the international border to reach Dusun Kedang, Hulu Kapuas in Kalimantan Barat Indonesia on Friday on 21 October 2011.

LEFT: Bajau Biju CENTRE: Agnes L. Belon RIGHT: Anthony Belon

From Dusun Kedang, it took another three and half hours up-mountain journey to reach the site of Gunung Doa Segala Bangsa (or All Nations Prayer Mountain) Kedang. It was treking through jungle tracks with many leeches.

Comparatively the experiences were quite smiliar to that of my “child-and-teenage-hood" in the late 1950s - 1960s when inter-villages communications in those years were by means of rivers, footpaths and jungle tracks

The location of Gunung Doa Segala Bangsa Kedang is about 100 meters away from Sarawak in the Indonesian side of Sarawak/Kalimantan Border at N01.01376^o E111.70946^o. At the altitude of 604 meters above the sea level, the height was not high comparatively with other taller mountains. However, treking up Kedang Mountain up and down through steep valley-slopes was a great challenge. Especially so after a long lapse of many-many years.

Up-mountain journey - The scenery behind is of BUKIT TUGA (or Tree-Stump

Mountain) FRONT: Anthony Belon BEHIND: Bajau Biju

A section of up-mountain jungle track

Photo taken below Trig. Station point (@657 meters altitude) on S'wak-Malaaysia/ Kalimantan-Indonesia Border on 22-10-2011 during preliminary premeter-survey RIGHT: Bajau Biju CENTRE: Benji Jihen RIGHT: Alexander Paong

Trig. Station facing (a) Sarawak & (b) Kalimantan Barat Indonesia

Concrete-Border-Marking-Pole at Kedang Mountain between S'wak- Malaysia/Kalbar-Indonesia . Behind me is territory of Sarawak (22-10-2011)

Rare mountain snail locally known as "Tuntong"

Fellowship over lunch on Saturday 22-10-2011
From left to right: Pstr. Timothy; Anthony Belon; Agnes L. Belon; and Bajau Biju

Saturday night Bible Study & Fellowship (22-10-2011)
Pastor Timothy (of Nanga Wak Hulu Ketungau Kalimantan Barat Ind.) read Bible verses

Praying after planting of mangostin seedling near the Prayer House on Sunday on 23-10-2011.
LEFT: Pstr. Nanggun; CENTRE: Alexamder Paong; RIGHT: Bajau Biju: SQUATTING:Anthony Belon
Also planted near the site of the Prayer House: one rembutan seedling by Pstr. Nyanggun; and one mango seedling by Alexander Paong. The three types of fruit tree seedling were brought from Kuching.

Coming down from the mountain: TEAM WORK - Crossing Merakai River after heavy rain (Afternoon on 23/10/11)
Front: Bajau Biju followed by Agnes L. Belon; Anthony Belon; and Alexander Paong.

Enhanced by God-created mountainous environments, the three days and two nights staying up the All Nations Prayer Mountain Kedang were spiritually fulfilling. Inspite of my physical tiredness, the journey was indeed very refreshing.

Some members of the Team (22-10-2011)

Ready to depart on Sunday 23-10-2011

Departure on 23-10-2011.
View infront isThe Third Uppermost Waterfall in Merakai River

Second Uppermost Waterfall in Merakai River about 80 meters from the Prayer House. Located about 25 meters upstream from the Third Uppermost Waterfall

Third uppermost waterfall in Merakai River about 50 meters from the Prayer House. Located about 25 meters downstream from the Second Uppermost Waterfall

Fourth Uppermost Waterfall in Merakai River located about 35 meters downstream from the Third Uppermost Waterfall.
The steep-fall from top to downstream (or below) is about 300 meters.
Benji Behin sat on dry rock about 15 meters away from the steep-fall

A view of the legendry & historical BUKIT TUGA ( orTree Stump Mountain) in Hulu Kapuas Kalimantan Barat Indonesia

NOTE : It is biblical to establish All Nations Prayer Mountain. In this case the prayer mountain is called “All Nations Prayer Mountain Kedang”.

Isaiah 2:2-5 says: “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And it shall be exalted above the hills And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say:”Come and let us go up the mountain of the LORD, To the house of God of Jacob, He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people, they shall beat their swords into ploughshares And their spears into pruning hooks Nation shall not lift up sword against nation Neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come and let us walk In the light of the LORD”.

Yesaya 2:2-5 berbunyi demikian: “Akan jadi pada-pada hari yang terakhir gunung tempat rumah TUHAN akan berdiri tegak di hulu gunung-guuong, dan menjulang tinggi di atas bukit; segala bangsa akan berduyun-duyun ke sana dan banyak suku bangsa akan pergi serta berkata:”Mari kita naik gunung TUHAN ke rumah Allah Yakub, supaya Ia mengajar kita tentang jalan-jalan Nya, dan supaya kita berjalan menempuhnya sebab dari Sion akan keluar pengajaran dan firman TUHAN dari Yerusalem.” Ia akan menyadi hakim antara bangsa-bangsa; dan akan menyadi wasit bagi suku bangsa; maka mereka akan menempa pedang-pedangnya menyadi mata bajak dan tombak-tombaknya menyadi pisau pemangkas, bangsa tidak akan lagi belajar perang. Hai kaum keturunan Yakob mari kita berjalan dalam terang TUHAN”.

************************************

PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE LAUNCHING OF "CRIMSON TIDE ..."

2011-10-09T01:36:00.000+08:00

My photograph taken in late 1979 before my resignation in 1980
(1970 - 1980)

BELOW ARE PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING THE LAUNCHING OF "CRIMSON TIDE OVER BORNEO .." BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF SARAWAK ON THURSDAY 06 - 10 - 2011 AT SARAWAK CLUB KUCHING

Me and Ex-ASP Wilfred Gomez Malong -Recipient of second highest gallantry award Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB)

LEFT: Rtd. Deputy Commissioner Datuk Alli Kawi - Former Head Special Branch Sarawak

CENTRE: Me

RIGHT: Rtd. Asst. Comissioner Jeffrey Peron Samen - Former Senior Special Branch Officer. In 1973, he was Asst. Supt. of Police (ASP) holding the post of Divisional Special Branch Officer Simanggang

THIRD FROM LEFT: Rtd. Sgt Jaroh. On his LEFT is Rtd. Sgt. Jackson Nyipa. I am standing on the extreme right. Sgt. Jaroh and Sgt. Jackson were serving in "B" Coy Police Field Force Temudok Camp Simanggang. Both were involved in fire-fight with a spliter group of CTs led by Bong Kee Chook at Sg. Entulang/Kejatau about two km

behind Balai Polis Simanggnag sometine in early 1973.

Sitting by Table No.7 during the lunching of the said book.
The young lady with red dress is Ms. Sandra L. John from State Attorney General Chambers.
On my left is serving Supt. Abdul Malik from KDN Putera Jaya.
On his left is Rtd. - Supt. Awang Jaya Awang Adeni. My Squad-mate as Probationary Inspector Trainees (PIT) 4/70 at Royal Malaysia Police College.
On Awang's right side is ex-ACP Abdul Razak.

Autographing my photos in the book.

LAUNCHING OF "CRIMSON TIDE - UNTOLD POLICE STORIES..."

2011-10-07T00:42:00.000+08:00

THE BOOK ENTITLED: "CRIMSON TIDE OVER BORNEO - UNTOLD POLICE STORIES....."- written by James Ritchie with the late Rtd. ACP Thoo Kim Nyan & Dtk. Wan Junaidi Tku. Jaafar was launched by the Chief Minister of Sarawak this morning on 6th October 2011 at 10.30 at Sarawak Club Kuching.

The main stories in the book highlight the roles of Polis Di-Raja Malaysia (PDRM) Sarawak in fighting and eliminating the security threats posed by Sarawak Communist Organization (SCO) and its subversive and militant elements leading to the famous "Operation Sri Aman" in 1973.

The occasion was a very joyful and memorable one as it was a golden opportunity for meeting many old time retired "fellow-fighters" of various ranks from various units of PDRM Sarawak.

PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN DURING THE FUNCTION

(1) Retired DSP Dennis Bong (Extreme left) - Former Special Branch Officer putting on his decorative service medals.

(2) Retired DCP Datuk Alli Kawi (Second from left) - Former Head Special Branch Sarawak. I was together with Datuk Alli Kawi having lunch with Bong Kee Chook
(BCK) on the very day BCK came out of his jungle hide-out at Sepatak, Bayai Simanggang in 1973.

(3) Me - (Third from left) - Former Special Branch Officer (I resigned in 1980)

(4) Retired DSP Chai - (Extreme Right) Former Special Branch Officer

I had the opportunity to meet and shook hand personally with Tun Haniff Omar - former InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP). I also took the opportunity to "whisper" to him the reason for my resignation from the Police Force in 1980. There was one IGP's directive to stop officers from taking leave to study law then. Those who wished to do so had to resign.

PLEASE NOTE

I did not RETIRE as James Ritchie wrote in the book by my photograph which he took when James interviewed me about my roles as District Special Branch Inspector Simanggang during pre-Sri Aman in 1973.
I RESIGNED from the Police Force in 1980. Had I stayed on in the Force then, I would have retired in the year 2005 at the age of 56 years.

The IGP's Directive did not stop officers who really wanted to study law from resigning. About few years (after 1980), the Police Force encouraged its officers to take leave with/and without pay to go for degree courses in local universities including law. Tun Haniff Omar himself took leave to study law at University of Buckingham in UK (after I left).

Interested reader may read my: "THE UNTOLD STORY" which I posted on 25th June 2011 in this blog.

I'll write in due time two more series of my "THE UNTOLD STORY"

(a) The Chase from Simanggang (after BCK came out) to the killing of CT Liew Than Yew at Spaoh (1973)

(b) The Bau-Lundu Experiences (1976-1979) & The Death Border Scout Sgt. Jemat Anak Ningkan.

MOTIVATIONAL - An extract & photos below - Food-For-Thoughts-

2011-09-25T21:50:00.001+08:00

The Difference Between Preparation And Execution…..

A giant ship engine failed. The ship’s owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure how to fix the engine.

Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a young. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.Two of the ship’s owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something…..

Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars."What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!"So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."The man sent a bill that read:

************

"Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly"

(Proverbs 13:16)

News & Comments

2011-09-20T16:10:00.001+08:00

Quoted from Borneo Post - Date 22 Sep. 2011

News Headline: Parti Rakyat S’wak reaching out to ‘hostile’ groups

“.... it was best [approach = my insertion] to engage those groups........the party would hold a forum involving these groups to discuss current issues and other matters affecting the state, especially those involving the rural areas..”

Questions:
(1) Who are those people or groups?

(2)Will they be (favoured) members (selected) from (certain branches) among native NGOs like:
- Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU)
- Sarawak Dayak Graduates' Association (SDGA)
- Sarawak Daiay Iban Association (SADIA)
- Dayak Bidayuh National Associatio (DBNA)
- Dayak Bidayuh Graduates' Association (DBGA)
- Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA)
- Others - including groups or individuals from native-churches

In the dawn of the forthcoming election, the newspaper report sounds “politically soothing”. However, the measure of seriousness of the intended forum shall be determined by its forms [objective(s) planning ... implementation] and outcomes.

It is hoped that the dialogue is not just a window-dressing or become a one-time off event (or "anang-enda"); or a “talk-to” event, BUT a real “talk-with” function. It shall become counterproductive to hold the intended forum without the real spirit of openess. Therefore the parties must take the stand to agree and also to disagree on matters including approaches on issues under discussions.

I join others in commending PRS in its "new-found" or "added-value" strategy in pursuing its political adventure. All the best!

EXTRACT from Harvard Business Review - HBR

2011-09-13T10:56:00.002+08:00

September 2011

HBR Case Study: Culture Clash in the

Boardroom

by Katherine Xin and Wang Haijie

(Harvard Business Review) HBR’s fictionalized case studies present dilemmas faced by leaders in real companies and offer solutions from experts. This one is based on a teaching case at China Europe International Business School in Shanghai.

The room was already packed when Liu Peijin walked in. His flight from Shanghai to Chongqing had been delayed, and he had fretted about missing the training. But fortunately he’d gotten there in time. Liu knew his presence was important. As the president of Almond China, he wanted to show his Chongqing colleagues how much he cared about the topic under discussion: ethical business practices.

Taking his seat, Liu nodded at the head of HR, who was running the training. The two went way back: Both had been with their German parent company, Almond Chemical, since 1999, when it first established operations in China. Since then Almond China had set up two joint ventures with local partners—the only way foreigners could do business in chemicals in the country. Almond controlled 70% of the stock in one of them. The other was a venture with Chongqing No. 2 Chemical Company, in which Almond had a 51% stake and the Chinese directors were very active.

Liu sat next to Wang Zhibao, the vice president in charge of sales for the Chongqing joint venture. Wang looked skeptical. He was good at his job, having closed several key deals that had kept the business afloat during its early years. But he was also at the center of a conflict between the venture partners: The Chongqing executives were increasingly vocal about how difficult it was to operate according to European standards, particularly the rules against gifts and commissions. Such incentives were commonly accepted in China and routinely employed by Almond’s competitors. Trying to do business without them, Wang argued, was foolhardy. “This is China, not Europe,” was his refrain.

But the line between these practices and breaking the law was a fine one. Almond was headquartered in Munich and listed on the New York Stock Exchange as well as the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, meaning it was required to adhere to the U.S. government’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which specifically forbade the bribing of foreign government officials by U.S.-listed companies.

Liu kept an eye on Wang as the HR director explained Almond’s ethics regulations and the legal consequences of business bribery. Liu knew the rules made sales more difficult, but Almond’s policy was clear, and he wanted to make sure that every member of the sales team understood it.

He had taken the same hard line on safety and environmental practices. The production facilities in Chongqing had been built according to German national standards, and all the safety equipment—helmets, shoes, and protective clothing—had come from Europe. The Chinese partners had called these investments “wasteful” and “frivolous”—“luxurious expenditures” that the young venture couldn’t, and shouldn’t, afford. But, with backing from the head office, Liu had stood firm. Similarly, he’d insisted that the factory’s MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) waste be treated as a dangerous substance and processed with a special cleaning agent, in accordance with European standards, even though Chinese law didn’t mandate it. His partners had been dismayed at the millions of yuan this would cost. But Liu refused to compromise, because he had witnessed the consequences of lesser standards firsthand. Years before, when he was working for another Chinese chemical company, an affiliate’s chlor-alkali plant had suffered an explosion, injuring 200 staff members and residents of the surrounding area and halting production for more than a month.

The training was reaching its end, and the HR director signaled to Liu that it was his turn to speak. Liu hesitated slightly as he looked at his Chongqing colleagues. “At Almond, ethics are nonnegotiable,” he said. “We need to remember these laws as we go about our business. We are not just a Chinese company; we’re a global one.” Solemn, blank faces stared back at him.

As he left the room, he couldn’t help feeling that his remarks had fallen on deaf ears.

A DAY TO CELEBRATE...

2011-09-04T19:52:00.000+08:00

Some reflections on

16^th SEPTEMBER 2011 - A DAY TO CELEBRATE... DAY OF INDEPENDENCE

Preamble:

On August 31^st 1957, Malaya was detached and declared as an independent nation from the British Colonial Government. Malaya also became an ‘automatic’ member of British-created international political-economic blog which are territories formerly under British Colonial Rule called “Commonwealth” headed by Britain. Historically four days ago was 31^st August 2011 and which was Malaya’s 54^th year of independence from the British Colonial Rule.

The days from the date 31^st August 1957 were short of 6 years and 16 days to reach the date of Malaysia Agreement dated on 16^th September 1963. Thus, for any Malaysian (historian or academician or politician) to say and/or write and accept that August 31^st 2011 was Malaysia’s 54^th Anniversary of nationhood is deliberate in causing grievous political misnomer and gross distortion of true history.

Formation of Malaysia

On 16^th September 1963 Malaysia Agreement was signed between four distinctive territories namely: Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. When Singapore left in 1966, the Federation of Malaysia was left with three signatory- territories (i.e Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak). Subsequently through the due process of the so called “referendum” and “amended” laws, Sabah and Sarawak somehow were reduced from being equal partners to Malaya in Malaysia. They were made to become states equivalent to Johor and the rest of the constituent-states of Malaya.

For Sarawak and also Sabah, 16^th September 1963 was the day when the two terrritories (I beg to differ by not calling them as states in this context) were detached and became independent from British Colonial Rule. The Declaration was full of hopes and joys then for all “Sarawakians” because of: “Sarawak’s Independence (from British Rule) within Malaysia” or “Sarawak Merdeka Dalam Malaysia”. There were records to prove the facts in Sarawak Museum Archives.

In looking backward, for me, the hopes and joys of “Sarawak Merdeka Dalam Malaysia” felt in 1963 ended when Sarawak became state equivalent to Malacca...

Some fond memories

In 1963, I was the 3^rd batch of Form One of about 60 students attended Government Secondary School Simanggang which was renamed SMK Simanggang as part and parcel of nation-building programmes termed as “Malaysianization” and “other-nization” of education system and schools, as well as other national social, economic and economic functions aimed at creating ‘new’ (Malaysian) national identity and values in line with RUKUN NEGARA. I still remember very well about many national-building events such as “Berjaya Weeks” or “National Solidarity Weeks” organized regularly (by Jabatan Keselamatan Dalam Negri and Malaysian Information Service –MIS) in various towns throughout the breadth and length of Sarawak, including Pasar Simanggang between 1963 and 1966. The core focus of those public events was to instil Malaysian identity and loyalty in face of Indonesian military aggression along Sarawak-Kalimantan Border.

“Negara Ku” was played randomly (1963 – 1965) on purpose before the start of “tukis” or “wayang” in Simanggang Theatre (now Theatre Inn) to see who stood up indicationing of loyalty to the nation.

“Pentas Rakyat” which proceeded from “Berjaya Weeks” focused on nation-building and fighting internal security threats posed by subversive and militant threats staged by the outlawed Sarawak Communist Organization and North Kalimantan Communist Party (NKCP) following the June 1966 Peace Accord in Bangkok (end of Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation) until after the end of security Operation Sri Aman in 1973. Since then, the potential sources of security threats are internal. They include the elements:(i) Religious extremisms;(ii) Declaration of racial and/or political dominance and supremacy (chauvinisms) ; (iii)Presence of legal and illegal workforce (in millions) (iv) Knowledge-based society, and (v) In-coming influences of globalization.

This forthcoming 16^th September 2011 will be the 48^th Anniversary Nationhood of Malaysia. Sarawak is blessed on being nominated as national centre of pompous celebration of the historic date. The venue of the anniversary is said to be at the latest majestic landmark - which is the new complex of Dewan Undangan Negri (DUN) Sarawak in Kuching City. Kuchingites from all walks of life and age-groups including visitors from near and far are expected to enjoy watching the historical Sarawak Regatta fare as the highlight of daytime celebration.

Transformations

It is undeniable that much physical than non-physical transformations had already taken placed in many aspects in Sarawak during the last forty-eight (48) years. In considering the 48 years, it is not untimely and also not wrong for us (as loyal Malaysians-of-Sarawak-Origins) to ask ourselves honestly and answer (analyze) one soul-searching question: “Is Sarawak really independent under politics of federalism?” as intended by the founding fathers of the nation in the context of the Malaysian Agreement? Secondly, must we conform to transform and move forward truly in tune with democratic processes and choices to become more peaceful, caring, tolerance, harmonious and prosperous in the literal sense of 1Malaysia National Concept? One most challenging agenda in the task of national democratic transformation is to free ourselves (minds) from clutches or stigmas of all religious, racial and political supremacy.

To my fellow Malaysians

Selamat Hari Malaysia ke-48 Tahun

on 16^th September 2011 !!

aonepakkopi

To read some views

(i) www.sapp.org.my/pdf/msia_agreement_1963.pdf; (ii) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_Agreement - Cached;(iii)www.freemalaysiatoday.com/.../jeffrey-wants-malaysia-agreement-r...-Cached(iv) (iv) thebrokenshield.blogspot.com/2009/10/malaysian-agreement.html-Cached;(v) blog.limkitsiang.com/.../merdeka-social-contractmalaysia-agreement... - Cached; (vi) [PDF] No. 10760 UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND...untreaty.un.org/unts/1_60000/21/36/00041791.pdf;(vii)www.sabah.gov.my/openfora/subjects.asp?group=control.rmgroup - Cached ]

ONE REAPS WHAT ONE SOWS

2011-08-31T10:01:00.000+08:00

Qaddafi’s Libyan Loot Likely Lost

August 29, 2011

By Dan Hennessey

Daniel Hennessey, an international affairs and geography major at the George Washington University, is an outreach and communications intern at Global Financial Integrity in Washington, DC.

$33 Billion Illicitly Left Libya between 2001-2009, Says Global Financial Integrity

Since the forces of the Libyan Transitional Council entered Tripoli last week, Muammar Qaddafi has not been seen, presumably hiding or on the run from the revolution aimed at ending his 42-year rule. But as pointed out on ABC News last Wednesday, much of the money he looted from the country over the past 4 decades is still at large as well.

Citing Global Financial Integrity (GFI) research, ABC notes that at least $33 billion dollars left the country through illicit means in the past decade. Explaining the figure, GFI’s Monique Danziger noted:

Libya has the “spottiest” data reporting of the 162 countries that report financial figures to the IMF and World Bank.

“These are all puzzle pieces,” she said. “No one can say they have a wholistic estimate. You’re working with huge data gaps no matter what.”

Earlier this summer, GFI’s Tom Cardamone wrote a piece for Trust Law about the challenges of actually recouping money taken by Qaddafi and his fellow ousted dictators, Mubarak in Egypt and Ben Ali in Tunisia. In past recovery efforts, only about 1% of the money was ever recovered, based on a UNODC report . The U.S. and other nations were quick to apply sanctions in the case of Libya, freezing many assets which may help with the recovery process. In fact, some of those assets have already been returned to the Libyan people, with the Netherlands turning over some of the frozen money to fund medical relief efforts.

However, the process of finding all the illicit money is far from simple. Bank secrecy laws, the routing of money through shell companies and secrecy jurisdictions, and all sorts of other shady financial maneuvering will make the recovery process challenging. And in this case, as Robert Powell at the Economist Intelligence Unit notes , even if accounts are registered in Qaddafi’s name, the dozens of ways his name may be transliterated into the Latin alphabet makes tracking the funds even more daunting.

In order to prevent abuses of power like this in the future, it is vital that the U.S. and other nations take stronger measures to prevent illicit financial activity. Strong anti-money laundering programs, including greater scrutiny into the activities of Politically Exposed Persons would make tracking and preventing dictatorial graft easier. Making it harder to hide money in shell corporations with undisclosed owners will remove a key tool used to launder dirty money anonymously as well.

*************************************************

POWER CORRUPTS - ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY !

KASHRUT

2011-08-28T06:24:00.004+08:00

Abrahamic or Jewish dietary laws (called kashrut) are found in the Old Testament mainly in Leviticus - Chapter 11.

Leviticus is third among the five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) included in the Laws of Moses (Torah or Taurat Musa). The chapter warns and forbids practitioners of Judaism (Jews) from eating certain types of unclean animals/creatures for foods (hence for Jewish-Kosher-foods). In its strict application, the instruction also forbids direct contact between physical body and/or attires with carcasses of unclean animals/creatures.

The types of unclean animals and creatures are mentioned in verses 13 to 46 of the said chapter. Based on the descriptions in the verses, lists of unclean animals and creatures including their kinds below are found and taken from an internet-search (Reference: www.biblestudy.org/cleanfood.html).

Types of Swine :Boar, Peccary, Pig (hog, bacon, ham, lard, pork, most sausage and pepperoni)

Types of Canine - Coyote, Dog, Fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wolf,

Types of Feline: Cat, cheetah, leopard, Lion, Panther, Tiger,

Types of Equine: Donkey (ass), Horse, Mule, Onager, Zebra (quagga)

Others: Armadillo Badger, Bat, Bear. Beaver, Camel, Elephant, Gorilla, Groundhog, Hippopotamus, Kangaroo, Llama (alpaca, vicuña), Mole, Monkey, Mouse, Muskrat, Opossum, Porcupine, Rabbit (hare), Raccoon, Rat, Rhinoceros, Skunk, Slug, Snail (escargot), Squirrel, Wallaby, Weasel, Wolverine, Worm, All insects except some in the locust family.

Marine Animals wthout Fins and Scales: (i) Fish: Bullhead, Catfish, Eel, European Turbot, Marlin, Paddlefish, Shark, Stickleback, Squid, Sturgeon (includes most caviar), Swordfish, (ii) Shellfish – Abalone, Clam, Conch, Crab, Crayfish (crawfish, crawdad), Lobster, Mussel, Oyster, Scallop, Shrimp (prawn), (iii) Soft body – Cuttlefish, Jellyfish, Limpet, Octopus, Squid (calamari)

Sea mammals: Dolphin, Otter, Porpoise, Seal, Walrus, Whale

Birds of Prey, Scavengers and Others: Albatross, Bittern, Buzzard, Condor, Coot, Cormorant, Crane, Crow, Cuckoo, Eagle, Flamingo, Heron, Kite, Lapwing, Loon, Magpie, Osprey, Ostrich, Owl, Parrot, Pelican, Penguin, Plover, Rail, Raven, Roadrunner, Sandpiper, Seagull, Stork, Swallow, Swift, Vulture, Water hen, Woodpecker

Reptiles: Alligator, Caiman, Crocodile, Lizard, Snake, Turtle

Amphibians: Blindworm, Frog, Newt, Salamander, Toad.

Apparently from the lists, it can be seen that the biological habitats and the natural feeding-characteristics of those animals and creatures are unclean. Thus hygiene is valid reason for the ‘khasrut’ against eating meats and foods from the unclean animals and creatures.

Two Significances

(i) Consuming meats and foods from the unclean animals/creatures including physical contacts with their carcasses makes practitioners of Judaism (Jews) ceremoniously unclean. Because of bodily uncleanliness they are forbidden to participate in worship unless they clean themselves accordingly. It follows that physically-clean bodies (free from contamination, sickness and/or infections) makes worshippers ceremoniously clean and holy in their worship of God for God is holy. Nonetheless, the chapter does not say that ceremoniously unclean believers are sinful or rejected by God.

(ii) The chapter is a picture of many intentional or accidental occurrences which contaminate and disqualify believers in worshipping holy God. The emphasis is believers must be well-prepared, be cleaned and holy (conduct-wise) in worshipping God for God is holy.

New Testament Concept of “bodily uncleanliness”

The New Testament teaches that “bodily uncleanliness” is not a religious restriction to appear in worship before God. Jesus clearly says what defile man before God is not what he eats but man’s heart and what comes out of his mouth:

“and He said:’ Are you lacking in understanding also? Do you understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth came from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; ....’”(Matt.15:16-20) (See also Mark 7:18-23)

The crux of Jesus’ teaching about being right with God is beyond Pharisee-taught physical and ceremonious cleanliness. At the same time Jesus did not abolish the restrictions on eating unclean foods.

How does Leviticus Chapter 11 apply to Christians today?

This is an interesting question to discuss. To my personal knowledge, Seventh Day Adventist is one particular denomination of Christianity which observes food laws described in the chapter.

In the New Testament in Acts - Chapter 10 (verses 12 to 15), by Peter’s vision it is written: “....there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the airs ..... A voice came to him: “Arise, Peter, kill and eat!’... by no means, Lord I have never eaten things unholy and unclean .. the voice came to him again a second time: “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.”

Depending on situation as one-man's food may be another-man's poision. As for many Christians, taking “unclean” meats and foods (described in chapter 11) is not an issue but a choice through faith and by “prayer of sanctification in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

By man, the tendency to look at holiness is greater ceremoniously through external look including intake of foods and drinks. How can a man be holy from the outside when the inside is infested with much thoughts of filthiness?"..For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. ...."

The greatest reminder is what Jesus said (in Matt.15:16-20 and Mark 7:18-23). What defiles man is not come in and through his mouth, but what comes out from the mouth.

IF MEN ARE SO WICKED AND CARELESS WITH RELIGION, WHAT WOULD THEY BE WITHOUT ONE?

2011-08-18T02:09:00.000+08:00

After last Thursday’s evening devotion, the same group of friends met casually at a “kedai-pak-kopi” near Green Height Airport Road Kuching.

In starting their coffee-talk Alberto said and asked: “In reviewing history of wars, Christians were condemned for the Crusades or “Holy Wars”......In the light of what the Bible teaches, how do we seek to answer a question that: If Jesus Christ was still around during the Crusades, would He sanction the so called ‘holy wars’?”

Antonio replied: “The question is highly imaginative. However, I suppose that the question is well-intended and thought-provoking connected with real historical happening...it makes an interesting topic of open-discussions taken in the light of the recent and current happenings ....”

Earnesto was quick to explain saying: “As part of European history, Crusades had been badly misunderstood, miswritten and misinterpreted. The wars were sanctioned by Pope Urban II when he summoned the knights of Christendom through the Council of Clermont which met in 1095. Being Pope-sanctioned, the wars were portrayed as “holy wars”. In facts, the wars were direct responses to Islamic territorial conquests and expansions over Christians-inhabited lands in Europe during the 11^th and 12^th century. To “Christianize the wars” symbols of “The Cross” were used. The fighters or crusaders expressed sentiments of piety, self-sacrifices, and for the love of their Christian brethrens.....”

In joining the conversation Julio asked: “Whoever called the Crusades against the invading Muslim forces as “holy wars” were not quite right and abusive. How can any war be “holy” when it involved killings, taking women and children for sexual gratifications ... and slaves, plundering for war booths or treasury of wars.....?

Antonio said: “A war could not be “holy” in the light of what Jesus Christ said - God is God of LOVE and not of hate, revenge, slavery... not of an eye for an eye or not of a tooth for a tooth. Upon His death on the Cross, Jesus said of His accusers: Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”.....There are religious scriptures...... including some parts of the Old Testament did encourage and justify killings and torturing ...also suicides as an acts of love in defending or enforcing God’s truths and honour..... Who are we as human beings proudly acted in defence of God...I believe that God is more that capable of defending His truths and honour through believers who live their lives exemplary of God’s love, compassion, mercies and forgiveness. In the Gospels (or Injeels), Jesus was in total opposition against in the use of sword (in His defence by His follower) which is readable in Injeel (Matthew: 26 verses 51- 52).

Alberto quipped: “In each of world’s greatest religion, there is interwoven golden threads of truth which relate mankind one unto another... revolving around godly love, compassion, tolerance.... Thus mankind have been turning to religion in their search for ideal life.......Religion has been one of the most powerful moving forces in human history to forge unity in diversity in nation building until today.....Theocratic government is to unite and also to segregate (disunite) people in the name of religion....... If men are so wicked and careless with religion, what would they be without one? .... With regard to the Crusades, I see it historically as united defensive-war-actions (unholy alliances) among Christians against the invaders with the objective of pushing and keeping-out the invaders out of their conquered lands.

Earnesto added: “We can agree to agree and also disagree. So in order to understand better the reasons for “branding” the Crusades as “holy wars” , we need to be open-minded and dig deeper into the history about the relationships between Judeo-Christianity and Islam post -Jesus Christ’s era..... In looking at the history from a safe distance of many centuries, it is easy enough for anyone to scowl in disgust at the Crusades. Religion after all is nothing to fight over.”

Antonio quickly chipped-in: “As far as I understand it, there was nothing to justify the Crusades as being “holy-wars” in the context of what Jesus Christ’s teachings which was against “an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth”. When challenged by the Pharisees, Jesus Christ said the two foremost commandments were to: (i) Love the Lord God [Yehovah] with all one’s heart, soul and mind; and (ii) Love one’s neighbours as oneself. (Ref:Matt.22:37-40).

Earnesto said: “For the invading forces, territorial expansion was justified theologically in view of the religious concept in dividing the physical world into two spheres or territories namely Darul al-Islam (Territory of Peace) and Darul al-Harb (Territory of War). By the theological concept and interpretation, Darul al-Harb became the prime sphere of territorial conquests and expansions..... That explained the conquests of Palestine, Syria, and Egypt—once the most heavily Christians dominated worlds in the eighth century including North Africa and Spain. In the eleventh century, the Seljuk Turks conquered Asia Minor (modern Turkey), which had been Christian in term of religion since the time of St. Paul. The old Roman Empire, known to modern historians as the Byzantine Empire, was reduced to little more than Greece. In desperation, the Roman emperor in Constantinople sent word to the Christians of western Europe asking them to aid their brothers and sisters in the East....”

Alberto said: “With the historical happenings, it appeared the “holiness of religion” was infused and exploited strategically as divine authority or ruling to do something in the name of a religion. The Crusades are most misunderstood event in European history. Most of what passes for public knowledge about it is either misleading or just plain wrong. Nonetheless, Christianity as a religion naturally became a powerful “uniting force” tantamount to “coalition-of-rights-of-defence”- in defending fellow-believers (practically neighbours) from destructive invading forces. My personal view is that the Crusades were not and could not be termed as ‘holy wars” by the true standards and teachings of Jesus Christ.”

“Brother!” exclaimed Earnesto, “May be one way of looking at the Crusades (as act of love toward one’s neighbours) is look into the mind of Pope Innocent III who wrote to the Knights Templar: ‘You carry out in deeds the words of the Gospel by saying that: Greater love than this hath no man, that he lay down his life for his friends.'... May I also invite us to imagine that we were also in the midst of our fellow-believers at the material time of the Crusades and asked ourselves - what would be our reactions to the call made by the Popes? Like all warfare, the violence was brutal (although not as brutal as modern wars). There were mishaps, blunders, and crimes.

Alberto concluded: “We’ve discussed enough. To weave the memories of Crusades into intractable modern political problems is to exacerbate present-day hatreds...... In the propagation of its teachings, any religion including Christianity cannot be religion of peace as long as it remains intolerance and justifies violence in the propagation of its teachings. If men are so wicked and careless with religion, what would they be without one?”

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NOTE (18.08.11): Story of GENESIS 1 - Readable in http://www.histruths.blogspot.com

WHAT IS IMPOSSIBLE - BY GOD IT IS POSSIBLE.

2011-08-09T13:30:00.002+08:00

A dramatic TESTIMONY of an Indonesian Bible college student who came back miracoulously from death to life. Readable in http://www.histruths.blogspot.com

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." – Pericles

TRANSPARENCY IN ARMS DEALS ...

2011-08-03T10:31:00.004+08:00

In its press statement dated 30^th July 2011, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) said (as quoted below):

Transparency in Arms Deals Vital

“The arms trade is one of the most corrupt prone sectors. The impact of corruption in the arms trade has severe consequences for citizens, governments and nations.

The payment of kickbacks and bribes in defence purchases inflate the cost of weapons and this impedes the ability of governments to defend their countries. When there is high level of secrecy in arms deals, weapons may end up in the hands of criminals and violent dictators ending in the cost of many lives.

Transparency in the purchase of arms will assist governments in checking that arms do not

fall into the hands of those involved in criminal activities.

Taxpayers money intended for development needs such as education and healthcare have

often been diverted to the purchase of arms with dire consequences for social development

at national levels.

Member states of the United Nations are currently negotiating a UN treaty by 2012 to regulate the arms trade. Anti-corruption provisions will be an important part of the treaty.

Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) certainly hopes that Malaysia will not object to the inclusion of anti-corruption provisions in the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The 27 member states of the European Union and others such as Australia, Costa Rica and South Africa are supporting the inclusion of anti-corruption provisions in the ATT.

Exporting governments, importing governments and defence companies are already beginning to introduce tools and mechanisms such as Integrity Pacts for greater transparency and accountability in defence procurement. Some of these tools include civilian oversight of defence procurement. Strong anti-corruption tools and measures are vital in defence procurement as payments of bribes in defence purchases are widespread.”

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞.

Apparently the above press statement is self-explanatory which seems to have some connections with what Dr. Kua Kia Soong wrote which are readable in SUARAM website: www.suaram.net, Malaysia Today in www.malaysia-today.net as well as in

Free Malaysia Today in www.freemalaysiatoday.com

RANDAU PAK-KOPI : WAHHABISM

2011-07-31T17:33:00.007+08:00

Some members of AOG (“A-One-Group”) met again as usual during yesterday’s mid-Saturday morning for “randau pak-kopi” (or coffee-shop talk) down town in BDC shopping complex. The “randau pak-kopi” was typical socializing time to keep in touch and abreast with some recent news and events which seemed and might generate adverse effects on national security, politics and economy of the country.

Alberto (not his real name) said he read about Khary Jamaluddin's comment in ‘The Malaysian Insider’ about Wahhabism in Malaysia. In making particular reference to ‘The Malaysian Insider’ (dated 30^th July 2011), Alberto read (from the print out) and said:

(i) “...that Putrajaya had ruled out Wahhabism as a national security threat, and that Saudi Arabia did not propagate any violence in Malaysia through the teaching.”

(ii) “...that the NSC (National Security Council) has decided that while the practice of Wahhabism does exist in the country, but it does not pose any immediate security threat.”

(iii) “...that Malaysia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has been affected following the threat of Wahhabism being linked to the Arab country.”

Julio (not his real name) commented:

“With its admission about the existence and practice of Wahhabism, the National Secuurity Council had been very watchful in ensuring that the movement would not pose threat to the national security. The assurance came with relief under the current situation. Nonetheless, chains of current and future events in Saudi Arabia might have some influences since Wahhabism in Malaysia had its origin from Saudi Arabia..... the connection is undeniably natural.......Although the subject matter of Wahhabism is very Islamic in nature, Malaysian authority need to consider and make efforts to explain the matter to the non-Muslim-Malaysians who are ignorant......It is because security threats are conceren of all peace-loving Malaysians.............

For example in the old days, the authority went all out to fight communism as the enemy of democracy-loving citizens by telling and educating the public (irrespective of religions, races, and political affiliations) about the menace of subversive and militant communism in propagating communist ideologies using “The Red Book” (or “The Thoughts of Mao Tze-Tung”) through CUF (Communist United Front) organizations and activities, AND supported by militancy through tactical-war-ideology termed as: “Power Grows From Barrels of Guns."

Antonio cautioned the group that Wahhabism cannot and should not be equated with Communism.....The first one being religious in nature while the second one was being political in nature... But the use of militancy knows no bound between religions and politics.

Earnesto (not his real name) said:

“We must not say anything about religion of others that we do not know ....... Friends! Remember the saying: Do not trouble trouble until trouble troubles you! ...Do not ask for trouble , lah!”

Antonio butted in:

“What..Earnseto? Are you saying that you should not be bothered about something that may and will trouble UNTIL the trouble comes and affects you? When it does happen it is too late ......... Do not be negative and passive, lah! .... I do agree with Julio..... We need to be well informed ... But who is going to tell or explain to us and .... I strongly supported the proposal made by Julio to request the Government and/or YBs to take the initiative.....especially so in creating awareness among the unassuming and ignorant rural folks ... in longhouses. ”

Alberto said:

“We’re educated people. Do we’ve to wait for the Government or YBs to explain such matter openly as they normally do so on matters against their political opponents in TV and their-controlled newspapers and media.........

There are other sources of information such as alternative internet news and media....... to deepen and balance what we already know........ There are some people out there who preferred that we know less than them so that we become victims of ignorance by our own inactiivity or passivity...... .”

Sharing my thought on the above

Seen in the context of “people first” in tandem with 1Malaysia Concept, it is appropriate for the people-caring government to take corrective steps toward educating people on the subject matter as it may become menace and poses security threats.

A BEATEN AND BATTERED LION

2011-07-23T17:03:00.003+08:00

A BEATEN AND BATTERED LION....

On all counts SNAP refuses to bow down to the voices of doom. Mauled and badly wounded as it is, the fight ought to be brought to the finish; but a beaten and battered lion will need nothing less than a miracle to get back on its feet.

There is NO choice. SNAP MUST LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF THE RAKYAT, thus:

(i) There must be a complete overhaul of its leadership: a new, dynamic team of active, capable young professionals must be at the helm.

(ii) It ought to remain true to its multi-racial entity and veer away from its rhetoric stance: that it is a party of the Dayak, by the Dayaks, and for the Dayaks.

(iii) The approaches to change must be redefined, drastic, and radical. There is no time to waste. The situation is likened to a fish out of water; and no one is boarding a fast sinking ship.

(iv) For SNAP’s sake, its survival and future direction hinge on the leadership styles of the would-be-inducted leaders during the forthcoming TGA (ideally to comprise three-quarters in term of youthful leaders of 42 years old and below)

The forthcoming TGA scheduled on 24^th and 25^th September 2011 is the most appropriate and best time to undertake the above tasks to coincide with SNAP’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration.

Like it not, SNAP has to acknowledge that resources including money are the life-lines of a party to stay afloat and move forward (like other political organizations).

Lofty ideals are only fine on a bright sunny days BUT not so during and in the aftermath of “tsunami”.

SNAP’s must recognize the real need for strategic political alignment. There is no place for pride.

HEAR YE .... !!

The Illegalized Street-Walks......

2011-07-14T23:47:00.005+08:00

The Illegalized Street-Walks......

The initial effect and/or impact of Bersih's illegalized street walks toward the Indoor Stadium (09.07.2011) had already began which can be seen from (pro-UMNO) NST first-page headline (12.07.2011) entitled: "Election Commission to improve voting system".

Another profound impact of Bersih's street-walks was evidenced by the positive statement made by Zaki Zahid (member of UMNO's Youth executive council) who was interviewed by ABC Radio recently. He said he was considering sitting down with representatives from Pakatan to talk about Bersih's-eight-demands for electoral reform. Zaki Zahid opined that dialogue and debate were ways forward for younger generations. Whether the plan take effect or otherwise in the near future remain to be seen.

Albeit sketchy in nature, 'the thing (news and responses) speak for itself ' on the 'need' or 'demands', and 'warnings' for political reforms to facilitate 'greater transparency and fairer democratic election process' were already in the streets.

Report (on neutral) responses or messages from Malaysian Bar President Lim Chee Wee, and Human Rights Committee of Malaysia (Suhakam) Commissioner Muhammad Sha'aoni Abdullah were expressions of public support for the EC over its willingness to improve the voting system. Tacitly the responses also pointed out to the need for electoral reforms per 'demands' already made by Bersih.

Although the 'demand or request for electoral reforms' came sectional-ly from the opposing camp called Bersih, the 'demand' or 'request' (which transformed into recent street-request) was still "peoples' request" by and large.

As "peoples' request", it is in the public interest that the request (for electoral reforms by the people for the people) be considered in the context of "people first, performance now" - a core principle in Najib-1Malaysia's national performance philosophy. It follows that it is the expectation of many concerned Malaysians that the EC pursue its tasks dutifully and independently without any fear or favour from anyone wearing whatever colour of his/her shirts may be.

When and in what forms the electoral reforms to be pursued by the EC higly depended on the nature of the eight-points reform proposed by Bersih group viz-a-viz acceptance or rejection by the ruling group.

In so far as Sarawak and Sabah are concerned, such electoral reforms must not be confined exclusively on improving postal voting system. Electoral reforms must also include reviews and improvements on electoral system affecting sub-urban areas and in particular rural constituencies.

As I see it, such electoral reforms must also focus on three main areas described below.

1. The 'relatively new' or current system devised by the Election Commission (EC) in lumping names of registered voters in the electoral rolls by polling stations which cancelled the previous system in listing registered voters according to their longhouses or kampongs facilitated registration of phantom voters (i.e imported-voters who were not actual residents of the longhouses or kampongs and who had no connection with the constituencies except as "fixed-deposit" for candidates who sponsored them during election for money-sake).

In all fairness, the EC must revert back to the pervious listing of registered voters by longhouses, kampong or villages to ensure that registered voters were genunine residents or non-residents with birth, marriage and home-village connections. Through the previous system, local residents/voters were in position to identify the presence of registered phantom voters in the electoral rolls and lodge written complaint to the EC about registration of phantom voters.

2. The current practice of vote-counting by polling stations on the spot after the closing of voting time (in rural areas) is convenient as well as money-and-time saving. However, the practice defiles secrecy ethics and making a mockery of the principle of fairness in demcratic election.

By such system of vote-counting, it is almost 100% certain to to find out "who-voted-who" under vote-buying-winning strategy termed as "Pre-paid", "C.O.D", and "Post-paid" method reinforce by "veiled threats" on defaulters.

The system breeds money politics and corrupt practices. The system also encourage the use of political and criminal intimadation on voters in rural areas during election period, and political victimization or supression post election time.

To safeguard or reduce occurances of such malpractices is to go back to the old or previous centralized-counting system (however inconvenient and time taking the process may be) whereby tallying of votes were conducted according to boxes, and then mixed-up well before the process of vote-verification (i.e putting ballot papers accordingly into baskets alllocated to respective candidates) after which the votes were conunted and tallied as the last two stages.

3. Vote-counting ought to done during day time from early mornig to avoid technically questionable incident of "padam api" or "power failure" at night. Occurrence of darkness in counting center tends to undermine transparency in vote-counting process.

“SALUTE THE BIDAYUHS”

2011-07-11T23:04:00.004+08:00

Below is an article written by an old school-mate (retired forest officer) entitled:

“SALUTE THE BIDAYUHS”

Some readers might be obsessed by great news published in The Borneo Post on 14^th June 2011 captioned: “Dr. Jerip: Gov’t revokes licence to extract timber n Krokong-Tringgus area”. This is indeed unprecedented and almost unbelievable as far as revocation made due to water pollutions and encroachments into NCR lands.

Numerous protests in the past years over timber concessions and contractors in the forms of letters, blockades, human barricades and even litigations in court had not been seen to the extent of revocation. Complaints and appeals over pollutions affecting creeks, streams, rivers, siltation, and sedimentations due to the runoff and leaching, slope erosion, fish spawning areas and pristine home of many animals came to no avail.

In some concession areas, the problems were normally resolved by demarcating buffer zone but due to human greed, numerous complaints were made to competent authorities over illegal logging of this buffer zone. In Sarawak, wanton timber extractions are believed to be rampant and sporadic without adhering to the prescribed logging management plans. If enforcement could not cope up, why more timer licences issued?

While concurring to timber industry as one of the state’s major economies, there seem to be lesser mitigation towards the adverse logging impacts upstream. Authorities concerned must scrutinize these phenomena even before issuance of timber licence.

I SALUTE THE BIDAYUHS formerly called the Land Dayaks for their ability in propounding and resounding success toward this revocation. It should be emulated by other communities affected by adverse effects of timber extractions nearby their areas.

By Aki-Uchu (10^th July 2011)

Aki-Uchu ! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your informative article.
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Any reader wishing to contribute and share an article for publication in this blog spot may email your piece to me at: belona916@gmail.com

Please be informed that the right to edit and publish an article sent remains with me. THANK YOU

THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES

2011-07-08T12:11:00.054+08:00

“The Sword of Damocles” was a legendry story about Dionysius II. He was Greek ruler of Syracuse city in Sicily. The ruler apparently looked very happy with all the powers, riches, luxuries, comforts, etc........ which he inherited from his father (Dionysius I) including the ones he acquired personally over the years of ruling.

Character-wise, Dionysius II was a tyrant who could not bear or withstand any criticism made against him and/or his administration. In denial, he even employed court-flatterers to massage and inflate his ego. One day one of his favourite court-flatterers or fawner named Damocles said to the tyrant- king how he (Damocles) wished he could have an opportunity to be someone as powerful, fortunate and happy as the king.

On hearing his wish, Dionysius II said to Damocles: "If you think I'm so powerful and fortunate, how would you like to try out my life for a period not exceeding seven days? You’re at liberty to resign at any time within the period. "

Damocles decided and accepted the offer gleefully without a second thought.

As Damocles was enjoying the kingly seat on the throne on the first day, he was utterly shocked and felt very upset to see one very sharp naked-double-edged-sword dangled or hanged by thin old thread right above his head.

When dinner was served Damocles had no appetite to eat. The hunger was overtaken by the fear of an imminent danger from another similar sword hanged similarly right above where he sat by the dinner table.

He retired and was seated on a sofa made of sheep wool in the ante-room by the bedroom. Specially brewed coffee, superb wine and cheese were served in traditional manner. Damocles had totally lost his appetite.

Glancing around the big ante-room, he saw shelves all around neatly and fullly stacked with categorized files. There were: names of big companies; names of Dionysius II’s cabinet ministers; names of top civil servants; names of famous corporate figures; names of opposition leaders, parties and enemies (including eliminated list); ...... and names of individuals.

Flipping through few selected files, Damocles read and understood (for the first time) the strategic practices of Machiavellianism employed by Dionysius II (and by his father - Dionysius I) in ruling the city with "iron-claws". From the little that he read, Damocles saw evidences of excessive power abuses (including corruptions), and the use of “Money, Wine and Women” as tools by Dionysius II (and his father) to control his kingdom effectively.

From the shelf entitled “Department of Lies - Court Flatterers ”, he saw and read his own file. The passages were hand-written by Dionysius II which read: “Very well-educated, the best and most well-paid among the flatterers .... Most flatterers tend to be dangerous.... their flattering are lies and illusive... tend to make ruler carried away from the reality.... YET to employ them is very necessary to tell white lies publicly to camouflage the truths about the realities.....”

As he lay down to sleep on the kingly-bed that very first night, Damocles also saw another sharp sword suspended similarly from above the ceiling (like the first and second ones he saw earlier). The sharp sword pointed downward right on his chest at the area of the heart. Apparently the thin old thread of wool by which the sword was hanged could give-in anytime causing the sword to drop and kill him. The night on the kingly-bed was sleepless nightmare.

Damocles' perception and expectation of happy experiences were absolutely dislocated.

Realizing the imminent dangers 'everywhere' and fearful for his life, Damocles decided to back-out and ‘resigned’ as the first thing to do the next morning and returned to his normal life as the best ego-massager. Permission was granted.

Although life as court-flatterer was not so privileged and less fortunate, Damocles felt very much happier and safer to go back and serve in the "Court of Flatterers" (or "Majlis Ampu-Mengampu" if translated literally into BM) .

Note : Ref: William J. Bennett’s “The Book of Virtues” with my expanded version.

Comments

1.  It is a common perception or tendency to assume that a person is happy through
    appearances because of power, high positions, wealth and possessions.
2. The story depicts dangers and heavy responsibilities of a ruler in the arts of maintaining,
    strengthening and entrenching his position.
3. It was said: "The greatness of a man is measured NOT by what he does, BUT who and
    what he is." - Anon

THE PARADOXES OF CHOICE

2011-07-06T15:15:00.122+08:00

THE PARADOXES OF CHOICE

EXCEPT for the CHOICE to be born as a particular gender and into a particular family, race and/or religion, ALL of us who are born into this world are endowed with multiple FREEDOM OF (personal) CHOICE in life including an ungodly CHOICE of dying by suicide.

From the statement above, reader(s) may ask why I choose to mention and write something about CHOICE herein and what is the relevance?

I choose or my CHOICE to mention something briefly below about CHOICE is because a CHOICE is about achieving ones’ objective(s). CHOICE also makes the chooser its servant to live by the CHOICE he/she already made. On the other hand, CHOICE may and can also ‘enslave’ a chooser to become abusive and destructive.

In leadership position for example, leadership’s CHOICE to stay and sustain its ruling and/or dominating position (in government) is always crucial. Good intentions and the CHOICE of sound policies and good governance can and may slip-off or side-track toward nepotisms and cronyisms by which power-greed and self-enrichment breed corruptions and political oppressions.

Since an established ruling group has the democratic legitimacy of control over the state machineries and instruments, their natural CHOICE is to maximize and expand the use those machineries and instruments to formulate and implement policies or programmes toward positional entrenchment.

It is a natural CHOICE for people to group together to oppose nepotisms, cronyisms, corruptions, and political oppressions when they feel the effects and impacts on their livelihood and the nation.

It is the CHOICE of Bersih Group (in NGO’s style) to proceed OR not to proceed with its plan to hold peaceful demonstration (as scheduled on 09.07.2011) nation-wide. Either one, the CHOICE will have the immediate intended as well as far reaching impacts on the nation’s future. For the Bersih Group,it seemed that the CHOICE of peaceful demonstration is about achieving its ‘legitimate’ objective in “shaking” the authority in power from the allaged “deep denial-syndrme-slumber ” - "To have clean and fair election".

It is also the freedom of CHOICE of individual members of Bersih Group to stick OR back-out from participating in the planned demonstration.

It is also the most important CHOICE of BN leadership within its means to warn, discourage and contain the demonstration if and when it does take place. The leadership position of Najib-led BN is being challenged seriously outside the election process publicly by the CHOICE of a group of the country’s well-known professionals to lead and participate in the intended demonstration who seemed to be well prepared in facing the consequences of their CHOICE.

It is also the CHOICE of the Police to act reasonably and humanly in handling the demonstrators within the laws with professionalism in accordance with the Police Act and Regulations.

It is also a wise CHOICE of the Patriot Group to take heed of the kingly advice from the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to refrain from proceeding with ‘counter-Bersih-demonstration’ or adding insult to injury to worsen the situation.

WE (all) are either MASTERS or SLAVES (or victims) of OUR OWN CHOICE(s) in achieving our objective(s). Hence our respective attitudes are also being shaped and guided by the respective CHOICE(s) we do make.

THE CHOICE AND CHOICE OF METHODS TO FORGE CHANGES IN THE ELECTION SYSTEM IS OURS WITHIN, AND NOT COERCION BY OTHERS FROM OUTSIDE MALAYSIA.

THE PARADOXES OF CHOICE(s) ARE EITHER BLESSINGS OR CURSES TO OUR SELVES AND OUR COUNTRY.

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ADDENDUM #1

After reading today’s Borneo Post this morning (6^th July 2011), it is my CHOICE to include new information below. The objective of the CHOICE is to update readers on the latest development regarding the issue of such national importance.

It was a wise CHOICE of Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan (the chairperson of the demonstration) in seeking audience with the Yang Di-Peretuan Agong in order to resolve the matter. It was kingly CHOICE of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for consenting to meet with the chairperson.

The CHOICE by the organizer to call-off the street demonstration was in response to the offer made by the government to have the rally held in the indoor Stadium.

It was the government’s CHOICE to response affirmatively and transferred the burden of ensuring peaceful assembly to the organizer. The CHOICE was for the organizers (on behalf of themselves and participants) to keep their words in keeping peace throughout the period of the rally.

The outcomes of the CHOICE to compromise for both parties (the ‘demonstrators’ and the ‘government’) are crucial.

For the ‘demonstrators’, the new CHOICE of holding the demonstration indoor is about satisfying the effort and objectives in organizing the demonstration.

For the government, the CHOICE of allowing the rally to proceed indoor was a strategic response to control law and order as a matter of priority while promoting and maintaining democratic freedom.

The CHOICE seemed to be a ‘WIN-WIN’ situation in so far as the plan to hold and control the rally in-door is concerned.

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ADDENDUM #2 ( Thursday 07-07-2011)

Late last night, I watched televised discussion on Bresih-intended rally. One of the three speakers was Dato’ Sharil Samad. It was suggested that the rally be shifted from the Federal Capital to Shah Alam in Selangor.

The CHOICE is facing three main problems.

(1) Getting Police permit to assemble. The application for an assembly requires a minimum period of seven (7) days
of submission before the event. However, under special circumstances, the period may be lessened.

(2) Bersih is said to be ‘unregistered NGO”. If that is so, Bersh has no locus standi to make an application to hold
the assembly.

(3) What is the alternative CHOICE ?

A CHOICE or DECISION is indeed critical

It follows that every individual CHOICE or decision we made and will make for ourselves (our families ...government, organizations...) shape and guide our actions AFFECTING our own lives and that of others (consciously/unconsciously) beneficially otherwise detrimentally.

Life is full of CHOICES

A CHOICE IS NEITHER ABSOLUTE NOR PERFECT

But one has to make many CHOICES in one's life time.

THE UNTOLD STORY

2011-06-25T13:38:00.003+08:00

THE UNTOLD STORY

From “THE DISCOVERY OF THE BLACK HAND-MADE GLOVE” [between late Dec1972 and early Jan1973] to “THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT” [ on 20^th October 1973]

INTRODUCTORY NOTES

1. There were already a lot of stories written about Bong Kee Chok [BKC] and

Operation Sri Aman. The story below is not about “blowing-own-trumpet. The PURPOSE

is to tell my personal side of the story [or personal experiences] about what happened

before BKC was forced to come out to “talk and sign the peace” agreement with

GOM [Government of Malaysia] on 20 ^th October 1973.

2. It must be mentioned here that there were other former SB officers out there who

rather keep their own stories and experiences [in fighting the menace of subversive

and militant communist threats in Second Division ]to themselves . I know some of

them. In connection with “The Untold Story”, I am proud to mention three of my brother-

SB officers who were in “the-know” somehow [notwithstanding the SB ethic of “need-to-

know-basis”] about what happened between Dec 1972 and October 1973. They were:

(i) Rtd. ACP Jeffrey Peron Samen who was then Divisional Special Branch Officer of Second (now Sri Aman) Division

(ii) Rtd. DCP Dato’ Peter Nyomek Ngeap who was then DSBI Engkilili

(iii) Rtd. SAC (I) Dato’ Gingkoi P. Seman who was then DSBI Lubok Antu.

3. They were also many unsung heroes who had done covertly and excellently well in their

respective SB assignments. To them I dedicate this untold story now. In particular the

following persons who had served faithfully.

(i) The late SB Contract Insp. Kho Miu Teck;

(ii)The late SB Det. Sgt. Major Yeo Bujang and the late B/S Cpl. Mandoh who

managed to outdo and captured one CT in an armed combat while on discreet

investigation on CTs movement in Ulu Paku in Batu Lintang Undop

Simanggang (?? 965/1966.) The capture of the CT led to the surrender of his

[CT's own] wife who managed to escape during the scuffle;

(iii)The late Det. Sgt. Maj. Sigai Anak Kalom;

(iv) The late SB Det. Sgt. Chong Wen Sang;

(v) Retired SB Det. Sgt. Major Albert Makin; (vi)The late B/S Sgt. Jemat of Lubok

Antu –KIA during probing mission between Sg. Kayan and Sg. Butan in Matang-

Sempadi complex in 1978;

(vi) The late B/S Sgt. Lanyau of Engkilili.

(vii)The two brothers: the late B/S Cpl. Kaik anak Peng. Ngali and retired B/S

Cpl. Bullik Anak Peng. Ngali

(viii)The late SB Driver Cpl. Kalom Anak Stang.

4. THE UNTOLD STORY has four parts for easy reading. Some events are written in point

forms (to cut the long story short). Please take note also all the events mentioned

happened in their sequences within the period [i.e between December 1972 and

October 1973]. The time/dates/months of their occurrences are approximated from

memories in the absence of my official dairy books [1972/1973].

Part I – The Discovery of the Black Hand-Made Glove

Part II – The Immediate Security Alert ....

Part III –The SB Covert Operations

Part IV – My historic Lunch with Bong Kee Chook (BKC) and Alli Kawi

Part V – Conclusion

5. At the advice of Rtd. DCP Dato” Peter Nyomek Ngeap, Mr. James Ritchie [my friend]

interviewed me sometime in late 2010 on what I knew about BKC. During the interview,

James said he was writing his (new) book on BKC in connection with Operation Sri Aman.

Also, he said he had already interviewed Rtd. ACP Jeffrey Peron [who is now residing in

Bandar Sri Aman). I told James briefly about what happened before BKC came out to sign

the Peace Agreement on 20^th October 1973. Part of this : "The Untold Story" may also

appear in his book.

6. FINALLY, what I write in the story are facts based on my personal experiences during the course of my involvements during the period. With the history behind all the happenings, I am writing the story in good faith and in the belief that it constitutes neither breach of SB Charter nor breach of security of the state.

The story is just My Memoirs.

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PART I - THE DISCOVERY OF THE BLACK HAND-MADE GLOVE

In December 1972, SB (Serian and Pantu) received sighting reports on movements of unknown number of armed communist terrorists (CTs) believed to be members of PGRS (Pasukan Guerrilla Rakyat Sarawak) operating in Balai Ringin area [in Serian District] opposite Pantu [in Simanggang District] . Following verification of reports, SB ground investigations and mounted about two months covert operations within Balai Ringin –Sabal Kruin-Pantu complex between December 1972 and January 1973. I was personally involved in some parts being the DSBI [District Special Branch Inspector] Pantu/Simanggang then.

Actual sequence of events (approximated from my memories)

(1) One day about late December 1972/early January 1973 one team of SB’s STF

(Special Tasks Force) led by Chief Inp. LCS was despatched to locate the CTs hideouts in the area of Sabal Keruin in Balai Ringin.

(2) About after mid day, one CT was seen fetching water from the river. Upon drawing nearer, the STF team was fired from behind by one CT on sentry duty on “empra” [make-do-tree- top-observation post] or sentry post. The STF boys returned fire simultaneously and also shot the CT who was at the bank of the river. The CT died instantly, while the one on sentry jumped down and escaped. The dead male CT was identified as Lee Eng Tuan. He was former teacher in Chung Hua Primary School Pantu [about 1959-1962].

(3) About fifty meters away from the river, the STF team discovered on camp just abandoned by a group of about seven persons. It was about one to two weeks old.

(4)The group of CTs escaped immediately for an unknown destination. The camp was believed that of PGRS groups whose operational area was First (now Kuching & Semarahan ) Division.

(5)Through further search around the vicinity, the STF boys discovered another bigger camp strategically located and well-guarded about fifty meters away from the first camp. It was also about one month old and could accommodate about fifteen to twenty people.

(6) The DISCOVERY OF THE BLACK HAND-MADE GLOVE was right at the centre of the camp. The discovery confirmed that Bong Kee Chok (a.k.a Tien Shak Min by NCKP or Commander Yusof by TNKU] was in the camp. He wore glove to cover his [right] hand as protection for he lost his pointing finger as a result of explosion from home-made grenade (bomb).

(7) The discovery of the glove was an “information of immediate operational value”. Bong Kee Chok was in the camp and managed to escape. Until the finding, it was believed that BCK was hiding somewhere in Sarawak/Indonesian border area between Pantu and Balai Ringin.

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PART II - THE IMMEDIATE SECURITY ALERT ....

(1) The finding of the glove sparked off immediate security alert, mobilization and intensive military operations between Balai Ringin and Engkilili complex.

(2) Twenty four hours military patrol along the roads for about three months between Balai Ringin/Pantu/Simanggang/ Engkilili.

(3) Immediate Police road blocks were mounted simultaneously at the following

locations for few months.

(i) Serian/Simanggang Road at Pantu Road Junction

(ii) Serian/Simanggang Road at Lachau Road Junction

(iii) Junction of Simanggang/Serian/Sibu Road

(iv) Simanggang/Sibu Road at Batu Lintang Road Junction

(v) Simanggang/Sibu Road at Engkilili Road Junction

(vi) Simanggang/Sibu Road at Lubok Antu Road Junction

(4) Deployment of troops into the likely and suspected escape routes to

Sarawak/Indonesia Border areas.

(5) Deployment of troops in selected localities in Balai Ringin, Pantu, Lachau, Selepong,

Engkeramut, Nyelam, Po Ai, Batu Lintang Undop and Engkilili areas.

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PART III - THE SB COVERT OPERATIONS

Objective: BCK and his men must be “netted”

Covert Operation code-named: “Rahman I”

Through the stages of the covert operation (which we called “Rahman I” –after the name of Director of SB in KL then) I personally led “The Chasing Team” consisted of three STF boys [each armed with AR 15 auto rifle] and three Border Scouts [each armed with Sterling SMG] and one PFF-radio-operator [armed with SMG Sterling]. I carried my service-issued handgun and one (captured) AK47 rifle. We were in plain-cloth and dressed like “kampong folks” carrying our personal effects and foodstuffs using “ladong or selabit” and “engkalang or agak” instead of military haversacks.

The Chase began from early January until April 1973

(i) At Genting Rajang - by the boundary of 1^st &2^nd Division near Bukit Kawi Abok, Pantu

(ii) At Bukit Tunggal – near Kpg. Empaling/Kpg. Tekyuong Pantu

(iii) Sungai Mansau – about 5 km away from Kpg. Marau Kelasau, Pantu

(iv) Selantik Betong area– about 6 km away from Sg. Mansau / 10 km away from Pasar Pantu.

(v) Sg. Tebelian/ Rapak Tepus/Rapak Penyau/Rapak Gelu complex

(vi) Along Kara Road [Bangkong/Kandis/Pintau/Lachau complex

(vii) Empili/Punggu/Gua/Selepong/Nyelam/Klauh/Engkeramut/Po’ Ai /Melugu complex.

From traces on the ground, the CTS split tactically into several smaller [sparrow] groups after the contact with STF in Sabal Keruin/Balai Ringin.

Below is an outline of the CTs movements [obtained after the surrender of BSY, FKC, SK and BKK)

The smaller group from the first camp was led by Bong Sai Ying [BSY] who was the Political Commissar of PARAKU I & PARAKU II] and her husband named Fam Kwok Chang (FKC). The husband and wife proceeded to the main road heading for Engkilili, while two other groups (including one group of 3 Indonesian Dayaks) were to proceed to Batu Lintang and border area.

The bigger group from the second camp was led by BCK. The group split further into three smaller groups and to RV (rendezvous) at Sg. Mansau, and subsequently at Selantik Betong [located about 10 km away from Pantu Bazaar toward Tembawai Pulu and the old Rapak Tepus village]. The groups were unable to escape toward the border area because of intensive military movements along the main road and border patrols. The groups were forced to go by north-west direction with Simanggang/Serian reference point toward Simanggang, Batu Lintang and Engkilili.

The “Failed Ambush” at Bukit Bangku

A group of about three CTs were to have come near one particular rubber-garden to collect foodstuffs from certain food-dump between 11.00 pm and 2.a.m that night. They did not turn up that night. I personally led that “Failed Ambush” at Bukit Bangku by Jalan Gamang about 4 km from Pasar Simanggang in early May 1973. Our source played “double game”.

I was informed by XXX after his surrender that “they smelled” our ambush position and dare not come. Instead they joined another group to collect larger amount of foodstuff including one large sack of rice from another food dump located near Kpg. Gelam at the end of Gamang Road, Simanggang.

Police Field Force - PFF

Also in late one afternoon in early May 1973, there was a “Fire Fight” between one section of PFF [from 14 Bn “B” Coy of Temudok Camp led by Sgt. Jaroh Anak Jarit , and Cpl. Jackson Anak Nyipa] and one group of unknown number of CTs in the peat-swamp topography near Sg. Entulang [about 5km from Temudok Camp] and about 4 to 5 km from behind Police Station & Complex and Pasar Simanggang. There was no casualty. The group fled.

Covert Operation code-named: “Rahman II”

The “PUKAT” (net) at “seberai’ (across) Pasar Engkilili - Bong Sai Ying (BSY) and her husband Fam Kok Chiang (FKC) went into the net, sent message and surrendered to SB Engkilili through the arrangement with BSY's father [Bong Nam Siong] Their appeal to BCK and remenants of PARAKU I and PARAKU II to surrender were voice-recorded (in Chinese language) and broadcasted from the air using RMAF Nuri helicopter and Charlie Air craft. Simultaneously, hundreds of surrender-appeal leaflets signed by BSY and FKC with their photos and were released from the air over the area between Engkilili-Batu Lintang-Undup Tengah-Simanggang-Pantu and Balai Ringin and along the border area.

Some of the leaflets were picked up by some members of the armed CTs while the recorded voices of appeal to surrender were heard by the main and splinter groups as well.

The combination of SB covert operations, psychological warfare (or psyops) and military operations were effective in “netting” BSY and FKC and demoralizing remnants of the CTs. The main group led by BKC were immobilized in Sepatak/Empangu/Bayai area because of the intensive military presence and tight cordon.

Insp. Nyomek Ngeap (now Dato’ Rtd. DCP) was the DSBI Engkilili, and the late Det. Sgt. Chong Wen Sang (who was Corporal in rank then) were involved in the covert operation in Engkilili jointly mounted by SB Engkilili/STF team from SBHq. Kuching.

The ARREST OF “SOO KWANG” or SK [BKC’s 2^nd Bodyguard] at Engkilili Bus Stand was made by DSBI Nyomek Ngeap about mid-morning on 12^th October1973. From body search, SK carried no weapon and no document. However, from interrogation [to extract tactical intelligence of immediate operational value], SK claimed the he was personal peace-emissary of BCK, and revealed that another peace-emissary was BKC’s own brother named Bon Kee Kuen [BKK].

Both of them walked out of the tight military cordon successfully under cover of darkness. They came out to the road side near Bayai, walked and went inside to one [pre-arranged] motor vehicle already waiting at the location. SK and BKK were driven off. SK went out of the vehicle [still in darkness] after Balai Polis Engkilili and walked toward Engkilili bus stand. The plan for him then was to proceed by bus to Sarikei [to convey the peace message to the authority] by contacting his family in his home village in Sarikei.

Pending the arrival of SB supporting team from SB HQ, DSI Nyomek Ngeap did his job excellently. SK was taken SB safe-house in Kuching.

As for BKK, he was driven from Engkili to Simanggang bus stand in the same vehicle. The plan was for BKK to board Serian-bound bus on the same peace mission through his family in 27^th Mile Kuching-Serian Road.

From information from SB Engkilili, BKK was arrested at the road block mounted at Pantu Road Juncrion by the late SB Det. Cpl. Keloni Anak Singkin.

The ARREST OF “BONG KEE KUEN”or BKK [BKC’s younger brother] at SB mounted-roadblock at Pantu Rd. Junction was made by the late SB Det. Cpl Keloni Anak Singkin late afternoon 12^th October 1973. Cpl. Keloni was directed to take and keep BKK into a certain house nearby the road block until the arrival of SB team from SBHQ. Kuching. Meanwhile, late Contract Insp. Kho Muit Teck and I rushed from Simanggang to Pantu to attend to the arrest. BKK was unarmed [I remember his look was slim and thin. He wore dark long-sleeve shirt and dark khaki trousers and wore old rubber shoes].

According to Cont. Kho Mui Teck, BKK claimed he had one “sealed” document to be handed to the authority. SB team from SB HQ Kuching came about half an hour after my arrival and took BKK away to SB safe-house in Kuching.

Immediately after the arrest of SK and BKK, the “STAY PUT ORDER” was communicated to the ground troops who were manning tight cordon and patrolling around Sepatak-Empangu/-Bayai complex [or Undop Tengah].

It was confirmed that BCK and his group were already enclosed in

‘The Pukat’

According to the late ASP Michael Menggong Anak Panggit [GM], the order was very frustrating for him and his Border Scout troops on the ground. They were already ready to go for the “kill”.

Through security intelligence assessment (at that time), there was a secret plan for leaders of PGRS, PARAKU I (which became 330 Combat Unit) & PARAKU II (split into two and became: 117 Combat Unit & 1026 Combat Unit) and PARAKU III to meet to discuss the progress and future of NKCP militant struggles.

The plan was ‘confirmed’ by information extracted from recorded statements of certain Surrendered Enemy Personnel (SEPs). The information also appeared to collaborate with the ‘secret purpose’ on the part of BKC in despatching his personal emissaries [SK and BKK] to make contact with splinter groups of PRGS [led by Wong Hon ] operating in Balai Ringin in the First Division, and with splinter groups of PARAKU III [led by Hung Choo Ting] operating particularly in Sarikei District in the Third Division, .

The two prong-strategies for both SK and BKK were:

(i) In the event that anyone of them was caught, they were to say to the authority

that BCK was ready to talk peace.

(ii) If both were not caught, SK was to contact PARAKU III group operating in Sarikei to

create military incident as decoy to enable BCK and the man group walk out and

escape from the military cordon. Similarly for BKK. His part was to contact PGRS

group operating in Balai Ringin to create similar military incident to divert SB/military

attention away from the cordon area in Sepatak/Bayai Simanggang.

PART IV - MY HISTORIC LUNCH WITH B.C.K AND Tuan ALLI KAWI took place at The Residency took place several days after the arrest of SK and BKK.

I was tasked to wait for the arrival of Tuan Alli Kawi (HSB Sarawak) at The Residency in Simanggang (re-named Rumah Sri Aman after the signing fo the Peace Agreement on 20^th October 1973). He arrived at about 10.00 a.m from Kucching. Both of us waited for BKC [the "to-be-tamed" wild guest from the jungle] who arrived in taxi together with SK and BKK at about 10.30 a.m from Sg. Raya near Bayai.

While the three of us [BKC, Alli Kawi and myself] had lunch up stair, BKK and SK were downstairs having lunch with the SB team from Kuching.

“Latip-cooked” curry-santan chicken, curry-prawn made very sumptuous lunch. BCK and I had few glasses of beer while Tuan Alli Kawi had coffee after lunch.

I quietly noticed the missing pointing-finger of the right hand of BCK when he took off the black glove off his hand just before lunch. The glove looked he took off was similar by description of the glove was left and found by STF boys during the probing mission in Sabal Keruin in Balai Ringin in late December 1972.

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PART V - CONCLUSION

That was the first and last time I saw BCK in person. My few attempts to reach BCK lately (through XXX and former STF XXX & his wife XXX) were not successful. Also I was not able to reach his younger brother named BKL (not BKK) to reach BCK.

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It was reliably learned [many years later] that few high ranking politicians from SUPP were involved in negotiating the surrenders of armed CTs with Tun Andul Rahman Yakob (who was the CM then). It was also believed that SUPP gained much political leverage and mileage from negotiating the surrender with Tun Rahman. As part of the bargains, SUPP became very influential in formulating certain aspects of the economic and development plans then within the state Coalition Government.

It was a known fact that SUPP was heavily infiltrated and used by subversive elements of NKCP (or SCO) then as its main political front to promote Chinese-orientiated communism in Sarawak.

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FROM HORSES' MOUTHS

2011-06-24T22:41:00.011+08:00

FROM HORSES' MOUTHS

June 19^th 2011 - The Sunday Post (pg1 & 4)

Ex- YB Datuk David Teng (SUPP Treasurer) asserted that the Chinese community will embrace Barisan Nasional (BN) again if the ruling government adapts to changes and reviews certain policies “.... SUPP’s massive defeats during the recent state general election was caused by dissatisfaction because of (unsettled) issues arose from policies of BN affecting the Chinese communities ... Chinese are agile, elastic and realists ... The spring-cleaning must be launched... every Barisan Nasional component is obliged ....The largest component in particular should not shun the obligation ... the largest party (=PBB) essentially influences the whole Barisan Nasional .... BN had been in power for a long time ... in dire need of spring-cleaning .......wise and courageous leader must take up the challenge to see through a spring-cleaning ...”

June 20^th 2011 (Monday) The Borneo Post (Pg 5)

Re-elected YB Abdul Karim answered “Look at yourself in the mirror.... David Teng is still in ‘sleeping mode’ ... not able to see that the whole problem rest within SUPP which need total overhaul ... (Their loses have) nothing to do with certain policies of BN. SUPP is in dire need of ‘total overhaul’ because ... If their rejection of SUPP is purely due to the policies of BN, then how come PBB and the other BN component parties managed to deliver all or most of their seats?... that no government was free of weaknesses, the public were matured enough to see through such weaknesses”.

Comments

The assertion made by Datuk David Teng [quoted above] and the answer given by YB Abdul Karin [also quoted above] are points worth considering. Facts stated above make good ‘food-for-thoughts’.

The facts: "Chinese are agile, elastic and realists” implied that the Chinese communities were more than generally better and capable (education-wise, thinking-wise, business-wise .... wise .....wise.... wisely guided by Sun Tzu’s Arts of War) than other communities in Sarawak (patricularly so the Dayak- communities at large) in seeing, analyzing, seizing, exploiting and maximizing socio-economic benefits and business opportunities from within and outside BN policies (past and future).

Where SUPP had ‘failed [because of ‘political taboos’] in rectifying’ BN’s policies affecting the bulk of Chinese communities, DAP did its convincing job successfully in ‘saying’ and ‘exposing’ the ‘flaws’ in BN’s policies.

Being mainly Chinese-based and Chinese-supported party (until now), it follows that DAP is also “agile, elastic and realists” typifying the characters of the Chinese communities as described (above) by Datuk David Teng. In its political agility, DAP had formulated strategic plan(s) to expand outside their urban-controlled seats to “litmus-test” its brand of politics in [selected] native-dominated rural constituencies. For DAP to turn ‘red’ to ‘blue’ (or vice-versa) in the test, it must [through its own-designed rural-support-winning programme] conduct intensive, massive and progressive ‘mind-turning-cum-tuning’ aimed at de-conditioning and/or de-freezing the ‘well-established BN-infused values’ which are already rooted deeply in mind-sets of majority of the rural voters. Toward that objective, DAP already spoke openly of its intention and took one strategic step forward by proposing ‘merger between DAP and SNAP.

If SUPP trully felt that its defeat was largely because of certain BN’s policies which undermined SUPP's credibility, it was rightly pointed by YB Abdul Karim that the problem “rest within SUPP”. It appeared that it was SUPP's leadership falure in exerting its influences within BN and allowed itself to be weakened when the democratic choice of its leadership was controlled externally.

SPDP- PRS/BN losses

Why SPDP lost Krian and Ba’kelalan? According to Tan Sri William Mawan : “Krian and Ba’kelalan lost because we don’t know how to tell lie” [Quoted from: The Star, Sarawak Thursday 16^th June 2011]. The statement and argument seemed to imply that “those who won the election told better lies than who lost the election”.

As for PRS, the party reportedly filed an election petition to justify its loss aimed at nullifying the result of the election in Pelagus. It will be of public interest to watch what would happen to the election petition especially so in the event that YB George Lagong applied and accepted to become a member of PRS.

Cheers !