WOW THREE YEARS AND STILL COUNTING.

DANG! Its already 3 years and PR is still holding on despite the nefarious onslaught of the government apparatus – the scurrilously opprobrious media invertebrates, rheumatoid judiciary, decadently effete EC, purchasable and obnubilate civil service, the namby-pamby wishy-washy venal Police, and the two-bit densely dumb and inefficacious MACC.

Congrats Pakatan Rakyat.

Of course we lost Perak because the DEVIL(s) and the above-mentioned played their roles to the T! Admittedly Pakatan collected a few strays pre308, but thankfully like all sewage they flowed effortlessly into where they rightfully belonged – the sludge pond of ejected rejects either to biodegrade or contaminate whosoever is insane enough to consort with them.

So how is Pakatan faring?

Stoically well, let me volunteer; admirably acceptable despite all the unscrupulous hurdles put up every step they progressed. Of course, like most fledglings some flexed their muscles ahead of time and stumbled embarrassingly. But like everything, weaknesses, missteps and faults are part and parcel of the learning curve and maturing process. I always hold that we must not dwell too much on weaknesses. Nobody can claim infallibility! If we know our strengths, we need to nurture and work assiduously on these strengths and invariably weaknesses will either disappear or be less obvious. Like vultures the government in office will scavenge and make capital of Pakatan witnesses.

What then are Pakatan strengths?

Good incorruptible governance, despite grudging federal aid, if any, and cooperation. The rakyat’s needs are very basic. Give them good governance whereby everybody gets a share of the economic cake that they worked for and are thus entitled to.

It is believed that the 4 Pakatan states collectively have surpassed economically against the BN controlled states.

I produce here a Penang CM Lim Guan Eng’s press release that never appeared in the BN controlled media. This may have appeared in the alternative media but I have purposely embargoed it for this occasion, the 3^rd Anniversary of Pakatan governance in Kelantan, Penang, Selangor and Kedah:

Penang Is The No.1 State For Total Capital Investments In 2010 Attracting RM 12,238 Million, Up Nearly 5 Times As Compared To RM 2,165 Million In 2009 And Comprising 26% Of Malaysia’s Total Investments Of RM47,177 Million For 2010.

According to Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), Penang is the No.1 state for total capital investments in manufacturing projects in 2010 attracting RM 12,238 million, up nearly 5 times as compared to RM 2,165 million in 2009. This is the first time in history that Penang has topped the list of investments amongst all states and is the highest investment received ever. This success is due to the hard work by the 1.6 million Penangites together with state government leaders and agencies as well as federal government agencies from MIDA and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

Penang’s investments were derived from new investments of RM 2,846 million and expansion by existing investors of RM 9,392 million. Clearly these figures only captured those industries that sought incentives from MIDA and not the new or expansion investments that did not require grants from the federal government.

The significance of this historic achievement is highlighted by Penang contribution of RM 12,238 million to Malaysia investment constituting 26% of Malaysia’s total investments of RM 47,177 million of 2010. Yesterday Minister of international trade and industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed announced a 45% increase in Malaysia 2010 investment performance from RM 32,637 million in 2009 to RM 47,177 million in 2010. Penang moved up from No. 4 in 2009 to Nol 1 in 2010, increasing by 465% from RM 2,165 million in 2009 to RM 12,238 million in 2010.(see attached)

The 465% increase in investments in Penang reflects confidence in the energy, expertise and entrepreneurship of our human talent. Further this is an affirmation of the state government’s strategy of promoting Penang as a location of choice based on 7 critical success factors(CSF) of growth:-

1. Ready availability of skilled human talent;

2. Effective and efficient supply chain management;

3. Competent and reliable logistics and communications hub;

4. Strong Intellectual Property protection;

5. Good governance and effective leadership;

6. Building creativity and innovation in science and technology;

7. Livable and intelligent city.

Penang believes that CAT governance of competency, accountability and transparency have also built confidence that a government with integrity can make things happen and both execute and deliver. Penang was not only the best performer in managing state finances in Malaysia according to the Auditor-General Report for 2009 but also received accolades for anti-corruption from Transparency International.

As the newly-crowned champion amongst all states in attracting investments, the Penang state government wishes to congratulate the people of Penang. With the best financial performance, the best state in clean governance, the best green practices and now the top performer in investments, Penangites can now proudly say “Penang Leads!”.

TOMORROW IS ASH WEDNESDAY.

The penitential month

begins with

Ash Wednesday.

GOD WILL FORGIVE YOU

ONLY IF YOU COME CLEAN!

YOU STILL HAVE TIME,YES?

HERE

LOOKS LIKE IT, SMELLS LIKE IT, DEFINITELY DURIAN!

http://www.facebook.com/durianfm

Check this out people!

AN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY DEDICATION

Fauzi, Ariff and I went into Umbai to check out its ikan bakar on the eve of Merlimau polling day. The fare was so so. I was distracted by an old Malay lady that resembled my favorite Aunty Zainon of Jalan Pauh, Taiping. This Aunty Zainon look alike was mopping the eatery complex at 6:00pm. I thought she should be at home with her family awaiting family dinner. I gave RM50 to Ariff to discretely give to her.

I dedicate this posting to her and those of her age who I am sure worked and continue to work to make ends meet or to help out the family.

I salute them on International Women's Day.

+++++

I also dedicate this posting to Kuantan resident Ah Mei Chey (sister) who I met at every by-elections since Sibu. HERE

This posting too is especially dedicated to these lady-scavengers from the richest state – Sarawak. I read about them on the morning of polling day in the Sarawak Report.

Nuratiqah binti Abdullah told us she is 34 years old and has three children aged 8, 9 and 15. Her family lives in resettlement area but on land without a Temporary Occupation License. Therefore she is unable to access basic utilities such as water and electricity. At night, her house is lighted up with only one bulb running from a car battery.

The home was partially damaged when fire broke out 3 weeks ago. The children’s school uniforms were lost in the fire. Her husband is jobless and occasionally joins her at scavenging. An invalid father-in-law lives together with them. He receives RM150 in welfare monthly.

Nanong binti Sidek is aged 37. She lives within the resettlement scheme. Her dependents are two young children; son 12 years, daughter 9 years, for which she receives RM200 in child welfare support monthly. Her husband deserted the family 4 years ago.

She lives with an aged father, who suffers from diabetes and heart ailments. She formerly worked as waitress in a coffeeshop, but was unable to withstand constant scolding by employer. She has been scavenging since 2008.

Kiat anak Resat is 69 years old. She too resides in Kampung Stutong Baru, which forms part of the Stampin Resettlement Scheme. The resettlement scheme itself is made up of 1154 lots of land. She formerly worked at a construction site for 6 years before she took to scavenging for the last 4 years.

Her husband is wheelchair bound due to a stroke, for which they used to receive welfare of RM60 per month for 2 years until it stopped. She has 5 grown up children; her 3 sons have no fixed income (one is an alcoholic), her 2 daughters are already married with families and contribute little support.

Down the road from the dump can be found some of Kuching’s wealthiest developments. Taib’s other son Abu Bekir’s apartment at Village Grove is about 300 meters away and he must pass them every day.

Betty anak Gelangyan is 22 years old and the newest to the group. She is also from Kampung Stutong Baru. Her mother is 43 years old and unable to work as she suffers from epilepsy, for which she received welfare of RM70 per month for 2 years before it stopped.

Betty works in coffeeshop RM400 per month to support her family and a 19 years old school-going sibling. To try and supplement their income she started scavenging 4 months ago.

Our source told us that according to the ladies, although they keep some of the salvaged items for personal use, they also try to use it to barter for foodstuff such as rice with the neighbours or with the local grocery shop where they live.

I TIP MY CAP IN SALUTATIONS TO THESE LADIES.

LIVE FROM MERLIMAU.

This report will follow a different format. I will try to upload every 15 minutes. Fauzi and Ariff are on their rounds sending me their sms. I have to record these myself....put them together in sequence. I apologise. But we try to do the best with what we have. I am at the DAP op centre.

+++++

810PM

This media centre has stopped giving us the results. No reasons given. I am sorry....we sign off and thanks for your support.

On-the-spot analysis: Malaysiakini

As expected, BN will retain both of its stronghold state seats. The winning margin for seats is much higher than in 2008.

In that general election, BN won Merlimau by 2,154 votes, and Kerdau by 1,615.

All eyes are now on whether BN is able to regain its winning majority which it obtained in the 2004 general election.

In 2004, BN won Merlimau by 5,087 votes, and Kerdau by 2,565.

750pm Official

BN 3214

PAS 1239

MAJ 1575

720pm

BN 5962

PAS 2339

Chinese votes going to BN

710pm

BN 5872

PAS 2319

705pm

BN 4632

PAS 1756

630pm centre

Yes, we can wait for the results at the PAS media…and I have FMT's attractive Stephanie Sta Maria beside me.

I WILL ONLY GIVE THE MERLIMAU RESULTS.

430pm

Was just informed that facilities to get voting returns would not be available at this DAP centre. Have to head for the PAS sedang Media. Was there yesterday but was not impressed with assistance for today. Late last night I was told that the UG (Unity Group)group in PAS was running the show. I’ll be off there in a bit and hope to bring you the results as they come in. Stay well everyone.

332pm

Throughout the day, just outside this DAP centre Pakatan supporters have been bantering NON STOP against a BN crowd across the road. Ah Mei Chay is still in the front waving her PAS flag andjoining in the chants. BN called for reinforcement and a group of Indians in orange tees joined them and was welcomed by Pakatan chants: Beli apa, dapat berapa.

The most popular chant was of course “Altantunya” and consistently punctuated with: BN, BN, SIAL.

Sarawak’s Taib was also the subject of the Pakatan chants. It is hot inside here but I am appropriately entertained.

320pm

Voter turnout in Kerdau is 75.62% or 6,805 voters having cast their ballots whilst over here at Merlimau the voter turnout in is 66.8% or 7,133 voters having cast their ballots.

310pm…..USB not with Ariff….must be with my other things…but thankfully connection is restored.

Over lunch, my PAS UNTUK SEMUA cap attracted a group of 3 Chinese resident. They asked me to join them. I never miss an opportunity like this. Strangely they did not ask me about PAS. Instead they asked me what I thought of MCA. I directed that question to them. Tong answered: We are MCA members but did not vote BN this morning. MCA can’t find a decent leader. What type of party is this? Porno star is now leading the Chinese. 2 top guys are being charged. MCA is now very quiet about this and tell us this rubbish about PAS. We are not stupid!

Looks like “loyalty” is no more the cheap commodity that MCA peddles all along. I took the opportunity to mention what Michael Chong is doing now for Hisham. Tong said: “MCA will do anything for UMNO….even…..(I can’t put this in print…..but you are free to deduce…..).

I told them that I had to get back to blogging. They did not allow me to pay for my lunch.

120pm

Lost internet connection…..waiting for my USB that is with Ariff

100pm

MP Kota Melaka Sing Tong Him is reported to have lodged a report at the Merlimau police station after he received information from PAS and DAP supporters that RM100 cash was being distributed at a house near the Multipurpose Hall at Permatang Bukit Merlimau .

A reporter just informed me that Sim a China Press photographer and two others went to the house and photographed an MCA councillor and three others giving money to voters. He was asked to delete the pics. Don’t know if he did. This is vote-buying no?

1230pm

Taking a lunch break as my two guys have gone missing…..no dispatch from them.

So, think about this – this from the WHISTLER

MCA Michael Chong is some special aide to Keris Hisham. Mike is on a recruiting spree to recruit RELA membership amongst the media people and giving them ranks from Major up.

Comedic, the things that are happening. Michael Chong has been recruited to partner Umi in UMNO campaign against Pakatan??????

Uppercaise…..give us your sense on this, can?

1214pm

Voter turnout as of 12noon in Kerdau is 65.29% (5,874). In Merlimau, it is 54% (5,746).

1210pm

DAVE in KL asked to have this checked out:

Military presence with AK47 heavy around Masjid Negara since Friday. 6 truck-loads seen around Medah Tuanku.

Anyone with information?

1200noon

A reader sent me this from Malaysiakini . I reported this incident earlier:

"No ,Umno is clean. It's they (the Pakatan states) are corrupt", he (ALI RUSTAM) adds, citing the 'robbery' of timber in Kelantan over the past 21 years , and the stealing of sand in Selangor.

When asked the disciplinary action taken by Umno for money politics, he is quiet.

Moments later, he lashes out at Pakatan, calling its supporters "bloody fools".

"They are bloody fools. They have no morals. Ya lah, they are bloody fools"he says.

This reminds me of that "shit, shit, shit" guy. I am told that he is not allowed in Merlimau.

shanghaistephen said...

Sybas to you, Ariff and Fauzi.Bet the weather is perfect for polling.
But shame on the police as usual for chasing away the AlJazeera team. Guess they are afraid of the power of blogs....remembering Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan,Libya and a host of other Arab nations waiting to strike back.
Take care Fauzi and Ariff on your rounds.

p.s. sitting at home, itchying and frustrated for not being in the thick of polling there with you guys.sigh !

March 6, 2011 11:56 AM

1130am Kerdau:

Voter turnout as of 12noon is 65% (12,5874).

1100am

Voter turnout in Merlimau as of 11am is 43% (4,571).

1040am

CM Ali Rustam is across the road from my post. I did not know until I hear: Rasuah, Rasuah Ali Rustam….Ali, Ali, samseng Rustam….This chant chased him away in quick time. The Special Branch videocam man is having a field day having us on file. This video man trained his video camera on Ah Mei Chay…..the hardcore DAP grandma from Kuantan. Since Sibu, I have never missed her at by-elections since. She is filmed waving her PAS flag and from where I am, she is engaging the BN crowd verbally. Such passion.

10.32am

Voters turnout as of 10am - 30% or 3,175 voters.

1025am

Quite normal, this blood is thicker than water. Police did not allow PAS supporters from crossing their barrier whilst BN supporters can. The police still believe that they must kow tow to BN. Dang, we pay their salaries not BN! Of course they are too thick to understand that.

1010am

From a reader: Yesterday it was announced that teachers will get a raise. Firemen too have been promised a raise. Najib is confident….GE soon

My reply: Cheques were given out yesterday but postdated to Monday (if BN wins which they will.) But receipients of these cheques insist that Cash cheques be given. You know what that means……they don’t trust! Its “lu tolong gua, gua tolong lu” that even across the South China Sea chinaman and Deputy Chief Minister George Chan has been sucked into….

The chant going around in Merlimau yesterday: YB GO, MONEY COME. But those who prefer to die must do it before 28 April. After that, the law will not allow any more by-elections.

1000am

Picked this up from a reporter from a Chinese press who just returned from the Merlimau Pasir polling district: Two TV reporters from Aljazeera are chased out by the police from the school compound as they tried to interview voters. Who gave the orders? That’s not nice, knowing the part AlJazeera has been playing globally.

9:15

Merlimau has 64.9 percent Malay voters, 20.8 Chinese voters, 14.8 Indian voters and 0.2 others.

Most of its seven polling stations have a good mix of races, although Chinchin (PAS candidate Yuhaizad Abdullah's hometown), Permatang Serai (the only station won by PAS in 2008) and Penguin Samak have more than 60 percent Malay voters.

The largest number of Chinese voters at 273 votes reside in Ayer Merbau while Jasin Lalang and Merlimau Utara have large portions of Indian voters at 357 and 229 votes respectively.

900am

Merlimau: Roslan Ahmad queues up at one of the polling saluran only to find himself entering the wrong room to cast his vote. I am told he is a decent fellow. I hope he will not be tainted by Ali Rustam…..as usually happens to new Aduns.