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.

Two Day Adventure.

24 February 2010:

I had made an appointment with Azman Said that Malek and I would visit Carey Island meeting him at the Golf Course Clubhouse at noon. As we crossed the bridge connecting the mainland and Carey Island, I was surprised the normal Guardhouse controlling the entry to Carey Island was missing. Now, Carey Island is accessible to everybody. Before, we must have specific business to enter the Island. Golden hope Plantation was manning the island security by the main entrance. The main road is now beautifully tarmac right to the end of the Island.

We found the road sign to the Golf Course and now the whole complex is securely guarded by the new property owner, Sime Darby Plantation. There is a Research & Development Complex, Sime Darby Academy, Biodiesel Plant, Palm Oil Mills, Hospitals, Schools, eighteen holes (18) Golf Course and under construction Palm Kernel Crusher Plant.

We had lunch at the heritage Scottish Clubhouse and the atmosphere and surrounding was very peaceful. The chirping of the birds and the sea breeze relax the mind. To play golf at Carey Island is pretty cheap especially to Beginners. The green fee is RM 20 on weekdays and RM 30 on weekend and minds you, for the full day. Play until you collapse. The only setback is a walking course, no buggy no turf mate and no beers. Golfer has to pull their own golf bag trolley. The most appropriate golf course to reflex the lazy bones and muscles.

After lunch we drove to the end of the island and I was facing the Straits of Melaka. Out at sea, the ships were at the anchorage awaiting for free berth at Port Klang West Port. I looked at the ships and tankers at the open sea and my mind reflected to my nostalgic Esso and Guthrie days. However I was sadden by the Local Authorities for neglecting this area. The sea bunds were mostly eroded by the angry waves. It is not a good choice to camp, picnic or swim at the beach. I hope one day, someone decide to build a Resort at this part of the Island or at least an esplanade.

Since we were on the island we might as well visit the Mahameri tribe. We entered Kampong Judah and it was the wrong place. The tribe here does not do any wood carving. We found the right kampong and it was at Kampong Bumbun. The show room was completed but not officially inaugurated. We stopped at one shelter operated by Alias bin Sayor and he gave us a good briefing about the Mahameri people and their craftsmanship. They are very friendly people and they taught me some of their basic language. They speak fluent Malay, just like any Malay. Mahameri tribes at Carey Island stay at five (5) settlement or kampong. Their language is far different than the other Aboriginal tribes of the mainlander. Their religious belief is ancestral (moyang).

The Ministry of Heritage, Dr. Rais Yatim constructed eleven (11) small shelters where these people can do their carvings in comfort. I was fascinated with the young tribesmen who attentively do the carving and they are really proud of their skills. They also aired their disappointment that their tribes is been push around and sooner a golf course is in the making at the fringe of their kampong. They would be sandwiched. I consoled them, with that developments, they may get employed at the golf course. However, they told me on the other hand they find difficulty getting the right wood for their carvings as the jungles and swamps has been cleared. I tend to agree with them but what can I do? Some tycoon had secured the state land and in the process of emerging an alternative golf course on Carey Island. Alias bin Sayor invited us to Kampong Bumbun on 16 March 2010 for their tribal ceremony. We left the Mahameri tribe with their carvings and frustrations. It was an experience to meet them and I personally learnt a lot about them.

25 February 2010:

Mid morning, Malek and I send someone to KLCCT. Since we were around the Sepang area we decided to have a look at the Sepang Gold Coast Resort Project at Bagan Lalang. There is a massive project going on there and on the drawing board, the development would include four (4) Resort Hotels, three (3) traditional/ethnic resorts, Marina, Sea Frontage Township, Aquarium, Zoo, Theme park, Ecotourism AQrea and Oceanography Institute. New road to the Resort is being constructed avoiding the current traffic flow through a kampong. It is a very ambitious project duplicating the Gold Coast at Brisbane Australia. I wonder whether we can get the crowd similar to the Gold Coast Brisbane. The beach at this part of the world is not very conducive for swimming as it is muddy. I hope the Theme Park, Zoo, and the Aquarium would attract and enhance local tourism.

Resort Hotels out at sea.

My main idea intention to Bagan Lalang was to get some fresh fishes at the Beach Fish Market. I bought various and filled up the polystyrene box for two week rations.

Heading home, we took a slow drive along the coastal road. Most significant changes are the Morib Inn and its Golf Course. The Inn had been renovated with additional rooms and the golf course had been upgraded to eighteen (18) holes. It was my regular weekend course before I kept my golf set in the store room in 2003. I smiled when I passed the narrow Par 3 located adjacent to the highway. It was laughter all round when my ball swayed to the left, landed on the toad tarmac, bounced and chased a taxi. OB, out of bound and addressed another shot and spot on, on the green.

We stopped for lunch at Jalan Kebun Malay Warong for typical home cooked Malay food. I had “gulai lemak pucuk ubi” and half salted egg.

We reached home just after zohor.