The Forgotten War.

Article by: Laurence M. Vance, Pictures by Pakmus.

Korean Peninsula.

The civil war in Korea from 1950 to 1953 that United States foolishly intervened in, and, for the first time for a major conflict, without a congressional declaration of war, is known as the Forgotten War. The number of American soldiers killed in this senseless war is over 36,000. Yet, Korea remains divided at the 38th parallel to this day just like it was before the war began. Talk about dying in vain. None of these soldiers died in defense of the United States; all of them died for the United Nations, for the foolish policies of Harry Truman, and for the failed diplomacy of World War II.

Kim Jong Ill.

Most Americans have no idea that there are still over 24,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea (some no doubt the grandchildren of the soldiers who fought in the Korean War). Fewer still probably know anything about the war that put them there in the first place.


There is another war that, incredibly, is fast becoming a forgotten war: the war in Iraq. I lamented last year at this time that we didn’t hear much about the war in Iraq anymore. Even though candidate Barack Obama pledged in 2007 that the first thing he would do if elected was bring the troops home and end the war, the war wasn’t an issue in the 2008 election. And before the electoral vote was even counted, Democratic opposition to the war had evaporated.

Iraq.

Now, on the seventh anniversary of the unconstitutional, immoral, aggressive, unjust, unnecessary, manufactured, manipulated, and senseless war that is the war in Iraq, the escalation of the war in Afghanistan has eclipsed any mention of the ongoing war in Iraq. And this in spite of the fact that there are still 130,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.

Sadam - hanged.

When I wrote about the Iraq war on its third anniversary, 2,317 American soldiers had died for a lie. On the fourth anniversary, that number had risen to 3,218. On the fifth, it was up to 3,992. Last year, on the sixth anniversary of the war, the number of dead American soldiers rose to 4,259. Currently, the death toll is at 4,385, with 157 of those deaths since Obama became the new commander in chief.

But, it is said, look how the number of deaths per year has fallen. Agreed. But that is no consolation to the father, mother, wife, or child of the soldiers who died in vain and for a lieyesterday, last week, or last month.

Although combat deaths are decreasing in Iraq (but certainly not in Afghanistan), increasing among returning soldiers are suicides, PTSD, broken families, substance abuse, unemployment, horrible memories, lingering injuries, shattered dreams, acts of violence, and criminal activity. And of course, the war is still costing the American taxpayers billions of dollars a week.

But even if only one American soldier had died since last month, even if only one American soldier had died since the last anniversary of the war, even if only one American soldier had died since Obama took office, and even if only one American had died since the beginning of the war, that would still be one too many.

Only the grossly naïve still think that those fighting and dying in Iraq are doing so for our freedoms or to keep us safe from terrorism. The truth is rather that since the war on terrorism began our freedoms have steadily deteriorated and we have created more terrorists.

Out of the five, only one is not a War Mongerer.

Before the United States invaded Iraq, not one American had been killed by an Iraqi since the previous time we invaded that country. But no U.S. soldier had to die in either war against Iraq. Bringing "democracy" to Iraq, ridding the country of Saddam Hussein, and destroying Iraq’s weapons of war were not worth the life of one American. They were not worth the shedding of one drop of American blood.

But that’s not all. No Iraqi soldiers had to die, no Iraqi civilians had to die, and no Iraqi children had to die between the wars because of brutal U.S. sanctions.

Yet, Americans who have lamented the senseless deaths of American soldiers, not to mention the deaths of countless numbers of Iraqis, and denounced this war from the beginning are the ones who have been labeled unpatriotic, un-American, communists, and traitors. This callous disregard for human life – American and Iraqi – is appalling, and especially among those who call themselves pro-lifers.

If you love what is left of our republic and want America to be loved instead of hated, blessed instead of cursed, admired instead of despised, and emulated instead of attacked, then you should want the United States to get out of Iraq and the Middle East – and stay out. Oh, it might take years, even decades, to restore America to favor in the eyes of world, but we must start sometime if it ever has a chance of coming to pass.

Do I think U.S. troops will ever leave Iraq? I can answer that with a question: Does the United States still have troops in South Korea?

KRU Mosque construction progress as at 19 March 2010.

The Minaret.

View from North East.

The Minaret two more stories to go.



The Main Hall.

Back portion of the Hall.

View from the North.

View from the back.

View from the back.

Main Hall.

View from the back.

Full view from the back.

Main entrance from the back (East).

Multi purpose Hall (annex).



The Mosque from Jalan Lengkongan.

View of the Minaret from my house frontage.

The progress and the pace are moving satisfactory on schedule. Insyaalah the Mosque can be completed for 2010 “Solat Aidiladha” and by the grace of Allah it may be possible for “Solat Aidilfitri”. All good intention would be Bless by the Almighty Allah. The weather had been kind and does not hamper all the construction work.

However, sad to note that the New Mosque Development Committee just cannot function as KRU Mosque Committee has not nominated anyone as Chairman of the New Mosque Development Committee. The former Chairman had been delegated as Vice Chairman and all existing Committee Members remained status quo as sanctioned by JAIS. For the sake of the House of Allah, all sentiments and political ideology should be restrained. There is lots of planning to be address to equip a newly built Mosque. Seeking of funds but currently the source is only from the Donation Safes at the Mosque. Administratively, the Development Committee remains stagnant. The few thousand Ringgits that the Development Committee had collected deposited at Bank Muamalat and Bank Islam had been agreed that JAIS to be the Trustee. The question of the Development Committee misusing the funds does not arise. So, what is the problem with KRU Mosque Committee for delaying the appointment of the Chairman? They had done enough damage for locking the Donation Safes for several months. The Kampong people are running out of idea but not to the extent of “solat hajat” to explode someone stomach.

We all just leave it to the Almighty for all that is happening and will be happening are all destined by Him.

Note: I am just recording history. Anyone interested on the photos, by all means, no permission required.

The Sultan.

One year old.

Born 01.04.1974 on April fool’s Day. He fooled me all right.

Breach delivery, decided to enter the world with his legs first. He refused to announce to the world of his entrance to the world which puzzled the Gynecologist and he was placed in the incubator couple of hours for observation.

Four year old.

When he was young he was allergic to cats and furs.

He has done things which I dare not, scuba diving and mingling with entertainment celebrities. Has been to places where I have not been. I hope he don’t try sky diving. He goes to odd places in the world.

The sea is now his favourite even though I never taught him how to swim.

Now adult - Deep in the sea.

Desert safari in Dubai.

At his throne.

Wonder what his next plan?

Watch the child grow.

Watch his eyes carefully. What is he trying to say?

Protection what the child needs.

The innocent look.


Would you hurt this cute girl?

Badminton - All England.

Early morning 15 March 2010, Malaysian time, Datuk Lee Chong Wei 28 won the 100th All England Men Single Badminton Championship. I bear witness to the live telecast when Datuk Lee won by 21 – 19 and 21 – 19 against Kenichi Tago 21 of Japan.

It was a straight set victory but the curtain dropped by a controversial call by the Linesman. Whatever, Malaysia had lost before by controversial line calls. It’s time that in sports we have to implement television to substantiate decisions. Henry used his left hand and took France to the World Cup Final in South Africa. How about that?

My prediction before the game, Datuk would surely win easily as Tago was unseeded but Tago had demolished two Chinese giants on his way to the Finals. Tago lead during the initial part of the first game and it scared a hell out of me. The young Tago was extremely good at the net and Datuk was trapped several times. The experienced Datuk Lee Chong Wei managed to overcome all the tricks in Tago’s bag and wrapped the game emerged victory within 27 minutes.

Lee Chong Wei in victory and Tago dejected.

Datuk Lee Chong Wei is the 5th. Malaysian ever won the Single Men All England title and to be the Winner of the 100th Tournament would be long remembered.

Syabas, Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

Heading for Holy Land.

Saudi Airline.

Everybody heading for the Holy Land. During this school break, either you go to a wedding or heading to the Holy Land.

My Mosque buddy, YM Raja Sahar with his wife, Dr Norkaedah and son, Syafiq left straight for Mekah by Saudi Air on 11 March 2010. I was at KLIA to bid them farewell and handed Raja the Saudi electrical two pin plug. They would visit Medina last before flying home on 24 march 2010.

Masjidilharam.

On 18 March 2010, my Kota Kinabalu friend, Haji Hasbullah @ Panglima would be heading for the Holy Land vide Royal Brunei from Sri Begawan. We were together during the Umrah/Cairo trip in April 2008. We became good friends since then.

I was on line with Hajah Rogayah and she told me her son Dr Sharif left for the Holy Land on 11 March 2010, perhaps he was on the same flight as YM Raja Sahar. I did not know otherwise I would have caught up with him at KLIA. Malaysian actress, Umi Aida was also on the same flight heading for her “akad nikah” in the Holy Land.

Medina - Masjid Nabawi.

At KLIA it is a usual daily affair that Malaysian Muslims are heading for the Holy Land. Some take the opportunity to transit in one of the Middle East countries or extend to Egypt or Turkey. We have various flights which finally land at Jeddah. To name some, MAS, Saudi Air, Gulf Air, Ethihad, Pakistan Airline, and Yemen Air. There are also connecting flights from Sri Begawan, Jakarta and Bangkok. We can also choose which class to travel and the Hotels to stay. The facilities are already in place, the bottom line is money and the intention (nawaitu).

It never happened before.

Thursday 11, 2010: After Maghreb at the Mosque. It was the night of reading the Yasin and tahlil. I took my usual seat right at the back leaning against the wall and facing the Mimbar. Haji Jaafar the Chief Imam was all alone at the frontage to lead the Yasin and tahlil.

What surprised me was I have never seen the Imam sat alone upfront. I have patronized this Mosque at most Thursday Yasin and tahlil reading since I moved to this vicinity since 1984 and I have never witnessed the atmosphere of Thursday evening which was so dull. The Nazir was around but he decided to sit quite a distance from the Imam. Perhasps he was scared that Imam Jaafar would ask him to assist on the recitation of doa tahlil. The other Mosque Committee members were nowhere to be seen. Where was the Secretary? Where was the Songkok Tajam? The three (3) other Imams were also missing. One Imam is in Sarawak, the other, normally very busy with his umrah business and the last one, God knows. Whatever, rain or shine I try to be present as the Mosque is only about one hundred steps away from my house.

During those days before Khalid Ibrahim took over the affairs of Selangor and Khalid Mohamed took over the Kampong, the Mosque was the place where the kampong people congregate every Thursday evenings. At least three Imams out of four would be presence. The Mosque Committee would sit upfront in line with the Imams. The Ketua Kampong as well the JKKK Committee Members would be present too. That was the time the kampong people could meet the Ketua Kampong and air their problem. Now if you want to see the Ketua Kampong, go to PAS Markas. Question is, how many people want to step in into PAS Markas?

Pre PR era, the Mosque community was very harmonious and the congregation on Thursday evening normally exceeded than the other evenings. There were no camps in the Mosque, then. Politics was never an issue and the Jemaah mingled harmoniously among them. During that era, PAS Members normally avoided the kampong Mosque and they conducted their separate activities at the Markas. Their perception, the Mosque Committee was UMNO Puppets. Currently when PR took over the state administration, the Jemaah gave way to PAS Members to manage the Mosque. The management of the Mosque is no better with the exception that Penceramah Ugama had increased by 100% fold. Certain Ustaz was terminated and replaced by PAS Ustaz. They have shifted all the Markas activities to the Mosque. The kuliah being delivered is rather similar to normally heard at Pas political campaign during pre election. We never heard words like “mangkok ayun”, “aku” and “aku tampar, mampoih” by Ustaz during pre PR era. The present Ustaz have no respect for senior citizens and women in the congregation. The Jemaah want to hear and learn about Islamic theology but at certain time they are being ridiculed by the young and rude PAS Ustaz. The Mosque Committee invited (not free) four (4) Ustaz to talk on “aqidah” alone. Each of them has their own versions and styles of presentations and the Jemaah are either confused or misled. When PAS Ustaz is to deliver the kuliah of the night, PAS Members from surrounding area would congregate at this Mosque. When it is not, PAS Members can be counted. These people only mix with people of their own kind. Is this what Islam is all about?

In the Mosque we should be liberal and belong to no political party. In the kingdom of Allah there is no political party, so as in the House of Allah. To me, right is right and wrong is wrong. Every right we do, Allah would bless and every wrong you do, you answer yourself. Don’t change things for the sake of just changing but of no beneficial. As it is now, till Doomsday, the Malays would never unite. It is the Malays themselves instrumental to the disunity. The PhD syndrome. The Penyakit of Hasad and Dengki (or dendam).

I am eagerly waiting for the coming General Election. I had given them a chance and I still prefer the Old Devils anytime. Regret? Yes maybe, but if you don’t try you never know.

Jump Ship.

PKR Jumpers.

Lately several MPs and ADUNs are leaving their political parties to become Independent. Their main reason that they are dissatisfied with the political party they represented. Most Malaysian voters are crying out loud for them to resign the respective constituencies for fresh election. Those who jumped ships are being curse with all sorts of name calling. Are we matured enough?

As I see it, these people who jumped ships are frustrated lots. They actually looked forward to Anwar Ibrahim September 16 agenda and if it materialized they might have become Minister, Deputy or Ministry Secretary General at the very least. September 16 was a total failure and their ambition to occupy Putrajaya failed. Actually for PKR, there was no proper and stringent formula when they picked candidates for the GE 12. Anybody would do. They never thought they could win but somehow the rakyat then was so frustrated with BN and the voters just chose anyone but BN. A typical example in Behrang Perak, a Postman became the PKR candidate, he won and later during the process of choosing the Menteri Besar, he got the cheek to be singled as the one. The Sultan who was once Malaysia Chief Justice, was wise enough to pick up the right one, even though he was not fully happy with his decision. When the Behrang man did not get the post, he jumped ship and throw the PR state government in complete turmoil. The case of Jelapang DAP Adun – just because she was not allocated a brand new Camry by the PR Menteri Besar, she too abandoned the ship. What a bloody cheap skate Assemblywoman?

The ex postman.


Camry Crazy

The trend in Malaysia, for a term they gave overwhelming victory to the Opposition. At the next, they revert and the Opposition fell to the ground. Lim Kit Siang and Hadi Awang were once not returned to Parliament. General Election 12 saw five (5) states went to PR, though one was wrestled back by BN. Federal government would not simply throw funds to the four states and the PR government has to struggle to comply end meet. When they cannot deliver due to lack of fund the voters would reject them at the very next General Election. Malaysian politic is very complex and unique. It has to confront with races and religions. The Malaysians are of several races, ethnic groups and of several faiths. The various races and religious believers are members of several political parties. We have the Malays in UMNO, PAS, PKR and some even in DAP. The Chinese in MCA, DAP, Gerakan, PKR and some even in PAS. The Indians are in MIC, DAP, PPP, PKR and now Hindraf. Everybody who is active in politics in Malaysia wants to be somebody or wanting to be awarded with government projects.

A typical case of jumping ship - N46 in Selangor the constituency of Port Klang.

It was predominantly an UMNO stronghold. During GE 12, Dato Zakaria’s daughter in law stood for BN and Badrul Hisham for PKR. Late Dato Zakaria astonished Malaysians by building an Istana with fourteen (14) rooms in a Malay dominant residential area of Pandamaran Jaya. How he accumulated his wealth, I decline to comment; only Allah knows. On the eve of nomination day, it was rumored that Badrul Hisham a Clerk in Transmile would stand for PKR. Nobody gave a chance to Badrul Hisham, instead PAS candidate stood a better chance. PAS was keenly interested for the seat but Selangor PKR Chief had already issued the credential to Badrul Hisham. Last minute negotiation was attempted that PAS would stand on PKR ticket provided Badrul Hisham would give way. Badrul Hisham went missing, kidnapped by some UMNO people and he only appeared only on the nomination morning. At that time UMNO still thought Badrul Hisham was chicken feed and easily trounced. UMNO blocked PAS from assessing to Badrul Hisham. To cut the story short, on Election Day, Badrul Hisham won. He himself was sleeping at home when the votes were counted. It surprised everybody including himself. BN at N 46 collapsed so as the whole of Selangor. Unable to swallow the defeat of daughter in law and Selangor in general, two days later, Dato Zakaria graciously abandoned the world and went back to the Almighty due to heart attack, so they said. Most of the top guns from Putrajaya attended the funeral.

Badrul Hisham Abdullah.

Badrul Hisham, to be honest, a simple kampong boy, living with his family in a simple kampong house, went to work daily in Subang as per any ordinary man suddenly an Assemblyman. Yang Berhormat! He was once an UMNO man, belong to one of the branches at Kampong Raja Uda. There are seven (7) UMNO branches in a small kampong. Badrul Hisham lack everything and there was no proper grassroots and registered members of PKR at Port Klang to support him. Badrul Hisham now had to work and report to Khalid Ibrahim the Menteri Besar. I know Khalid Ibrahim as I was once his Senior Manager when he was the CEO at Kumpulan Guthrie and I know his level of expectation. Badrul Hisham just could not cope with Khalid and to be fair, what can you expect from once a Clerk? No offence. In the meantime Badrul Hisham was enjoying his good sudden fortune dropped from the sky and began to neglec the people that voted for him. Badrul Hisham was playing hide and seek because he did not have the fund to throw around. Whatever he has, he started changing cars and even changing his house gate. Khalid Ibrahim instead nominated a proxy to handle the constituency allotted state funds and Badrul Hisham was duly upset that he was sidelined. Khalid Ibrahim suggested that Badrul Hisham to undergo some kind of treatment as he often doze off during the Assembly session. Badrul Hisham was so agitated with the comment and he jumped ship to be an Independent and the latest; his wife had filed a petition at the Syariah Court for a divorce. Without doubt, Badrul Hisham would only be a one term Assemblyman and would enjoy his lifetime pension.

Badrul Hisham won not because he was exceptionally an outstanding Politician. He stammers during public speaking. Badrul Hisham won due to protest vote against “that” candidate of BN. If that candidate was other than any of Dato Zakaria family members, the Malays in Port Klang would still consider. During that point of time, the hatred for late Dato Zakaria was up to the optimum level. If the Malays were so bloody cheese off what do you expect from the Chinese and the Indians?

The current scenario.

I am not surprise many are jumping and many more would follow suit. PKR did not do a proper planning to win and they did not expect they won. PKR simply put anybody without proper filtering, scrutinizing the background and educational qualifications. We are now in the 2000 era, not anymore in the 60s or 70s. The people are well educated to judge and on that respect we must give BN the credit for the educational facilities that was provided for all Malaysians.

We must always think whom to cross at the polling station when the next General Election comes around. Our simple cross consciously decides the fate of a nation. A simple job but the task is big. We must choose the party not the personality. We are yet to be matured enough to come to that stage.............

Even cow knows the rule.

In Malaysia, even cow are educated to observe the rules. The people must show better than the cow or at least follow the cows example.

Overnight in Bengkalis.

Shasha’s Dad invited me to accompany him for an official inauguration of ferry service from Bengkalis Indonesia to Muar Johore on 1 March 2010. Haji Adenan brought his family along and Shasha with little brother Darwis came along. We put up a night in Muar as Haji Adenan got to sort out the welcoming ceremony program and formalities with Muar District Office and Municipal Council Authorities.

The Mulia Kencana from Melaka to Bengkalis.

Shasha and Darwis in the ferry.

That cheeky little fellow - Darwis.

On 28 February 2010 we took the ferry “Mulia Kencana” from Melaka crossing the Melaka Straits to Pulau Bengkalis. The journey took us 2 hours 30 minutes and it was smooth sailing all the way. Since it was the first ferry ride for Shasha she was very excited and I chaperoned her to the upper open air deck to enjoy the sea breeze. I dare not take Darwis along as that little cheeky fellow was difficult to control.

Shasha at the open air upper deck.

They have landed at Bengkalis.

The ferry berthed at Benkalis Terminal and after all Immigration and Custom formalities cleared we checked in into “Pantai Marina Hotel”. The Hotel is a distance away from the Ferry Terminal situated on reclaimed land and facing the esplanade. It is a two star Hotel running on powered generator. It was announced through the room PA system that the generator would be down for minor repair and no current available between 1900 hours 2100 hours. We took the opportunity to stroll at the Esplanade and adjourned to town for dinner. We were joined by the Bengkalis counterpart.

Bengkalis town from the sea.

Pantai Marina Hotel.

Bengkalis town at night is completely dead. Surprisingly for an Indonesian town! There is no entertainment, disco, karaoke, and strictly no sales of liquor. It is strictly Muslim governance.
I had difficulty sleeping as the air condition was emitting warm air and it often tripped with a loud cracking noise like someone bashing the room door. I summoned the Service Electrician and we found out the air condition filter was completely choked. No one serviced the filter for ages. Bloody crazy!

The dome building is the ferry terminal from the Hotel.

The cargo terminal at the back of the Hotel.

Bengkalis Town.

The following day after breakfast I took Shasha for a trishaw (beca) ride around town and at the same I wanted to survey the town of Bengkalis. The becaman was once working at Guthrie Estate in Kluang. He grinned when I offered him RM 10 for his service. In the meantime, Haji Adenan was busy at the Bengkalis New Terminal and the pre inauguration ceremony. Back at the Hotel it was announced again that there would be no current. The only consolation I could open the windows for the sea breeze to cool off the room. I sat by the window and watched the panorama and melodrama at the Esplanade and by the sea frontage.

Bengkalis beca.

We checked out at 1100 hours as we had to make about 40 minutes by road through the kampong to the New Terminal at Selatbaru. Selatbaru Terminal is facing Melaka Straits whereas Bangkalis current terminal is facing Sumatra Island. Along the way as we passed the kampong I saw several beautiful Mosques. Selatbaru Terminal would be International and Bengkalis town Terminal would cater only for domestic. Selatbaru is gear for a Port in the making and within five (5) years, Selatbaru Port would be in the map.

The Office and Palace of the Bupati.

One of the Mosque.

When we arrived at Selatbaru Terminal there was a huge crowd and the fanfare. All the kampong people came out as the Governor (Gabenor) of Riau Province and Bapak Bupati of Bengkalis was around. The place was full with Indonesian Government Officials together with TV crews. We had no time to squeeze for our lunch. Our Passports was taken care by the Indonesian Immigration Officials as only three Malaysian adults and two children would be boarding the inaugural ferry service.

The Bapak Governor (Gabenor) and the Bapak Bupati with their wives boarded the ferry “Laksamana” and followed behind by the Government Officials. We boarded last as our row of seats had been reserved. I was surprised though unlike in Malaysia there would be “Doa Selamat” but at Bengkalis there was none. I thought Bengkalis is a strictly Muslim country.

The journey from Selatbaru to Muar in Johore took only about two hours but there was a delay when entering the Muar river estuary. It was low tide and the ferry had to move in slowly to avoid being stuck at the sandbank.

Muar reception committee welcomed the Bengkalis entourage with kompang, lion dance and fire crackers. We alighted last and back to Malaysian soil. The Governor and Bupati went to the District Officer’s residence and the rest to the Majlis Perbandaran Muar. At 1900 hours the same delegation make the return journey home to Bengkalis.

As for us, we took the car ride home and home sweet home at 2230 hours.