Again the flip-flop and blame games; judge these 2 press statements:
Anwar: Scrap use of English for Science and Maths
Monday, 29 June 2009 08:18am
©The Star
PETALING JAYA: Scrap the policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English and bring back Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction in the education system, said Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also called for the return of Bahasa Melayu’s status as the supreme language, which includes using it as the medium to teach Science and Maths in national schools and also strengthening its usage in Chinese and Tamil schools.
“This issue has become a controversy for far too long. We consider this policy a betrayal of Bahasa Melayu as our official language,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Anwar, however, conceded that it was important to master English and agreed that there should be constructive steps taken to improve the usage and understanding of the language.
“But how we do it should be decided by educationists and with consideration towards the national education policy.
“This includes not forcing our children to pass English as a compulsory subject in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) as this will result in many students, especially in rural areas, to fail,” added Anwar.
On another matter, Anwar questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s sincerity when announcing the government’s plan to introduce a new category of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships which would be based purely on merit.
“The last time when I suggested the plan, I was called a Chinese agent and a traitor to the Malays,” he said.
Anwar also lauded PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s proposal to have a debate with Najib.
He said an open debate would be the best way to clear up the accusations against the Kelantan Mentri Besar.
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OK now, read this from MI:
KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) continued its attacks today against the government’s decision yesterday to scrap the policy of teaching science and mathematics in English introduced six years ago.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said parents of children in urban national schools should be given the option of learning the two subjects in English because of the existence of better teaching facilities.
“If a sufficient number of parents want to continue in English it should be continued in English,” Lim told a press conference.
He hoped that his recommendation would prevent a confrontation between Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who said yesterday he was saddened by the Cabinet’s decision to scrap the policy introduced during his administration.
Meanwhile, PKR asked the government to immediately scrap the policy.
“We are of the view that the decision falls short of expectation and is a disappointment. It deliberately delays what ought to be implemented early,” said its deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali.
“What is disappointing is that the Cabinet decided that the termination of this unwise policy should take effect only from 2012 and not immediately next year,” he added.
Yesterday Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the scrapping of the teaching of mathematics and science in English in all primary and secondary schools effective 2012, citing failure to achieve its objectives as intended.
But Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said the government would also implement several new measures to improve the teaching of English in schools in an attempt to improve proficiency in the language.
It is easy and convenient for some people to blame and criticise whenever something goes wrong. Blame it on Najib’s administration or Koh Tsu Koon or BN as a whole. Is that what we want?


It is encouraging to hear what PM Dato Seri Najib Razak said this morning especially when he mentioned:
The DNA Bill was passed in Parliament recently amid protest by the Opposition. Pakatan fears that the law would provide ammunition to send Anwar back to jail again. Could that be the reason why PKR has Zaid Ibrahim as ’substitute’ now? Politics aside, we all know there is an advantage of collecting DNA samples and test; using it to identify criminals. Popular crime series such as “CSI” and “Law and Order” make solving crimes look easy – particularly with DNA evidence. In reality judges, prosecutors and defence counsels sometimes gloss over the possibility of lab mistakes and mixed evidence, which can lead to false positives and land innocent people in prison.
A few days ago I was asked to teach as a replacement lecturer for the subject Contract Law. The last time I taught in that same college was about one and a half years ago. So I had to read up the related textbooks and past notes. Among others, while reading some of the updated journals and periodicals, I discovered an interesting case analysis. If an advertisement in a newspaper, billboard, catalogues and display is accepted as an invitation to treat, wouldn’t it make sense the same applies to web advertisement? I am wrong. By the way ‘an invitation to treat’ simply means that the vendor/seller is inviting an offer from the purchaser, thus making vendor as the acceptor if there is a deal ie legally binding contract.
Idealism and pragmatism. This is what I like to answer to most political questions asked by my friends.
As the Parliament commenced its session today, the anticipated troublemakers are at show again. This time several of their MPs were in black headbands and chanting ‘Hidup rakyat’. Since the last general election, opposition parties have, in good faith, cooperated with other stakholders, particularly NGOs, professional bodies and university/college students, in an effort to condemn BN government. They want their voice to be heard so that BN will be washed out by next election. However, some of the Pakatan leaders have increasingly consider their socially unacceptable behaviour as part of the business to champion their struggle. In my previous posting of “BN: Do not be fooled by Pakatan”, I have warned that more of such unwarranted act to come, hence BN shall not dance to their tune or fall into the trap. Some say one has to misbehave when dealing with BN government. Is that what the rakyats want?
Is Gerakan’s future bleaking? Lately, I must say that some party leaders and insiders revealed that they are losing confidence and vision in the party. No one is contented with the rate the party is moving now. Previously before officially elected, President Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon announced that he will be concentrating on rebuliding the party and will not stay more than two terms. Generally the public view Gerakan as a sinking ship particularly after losing its political force in Penang. Regrettably most youth members are doubtful that Gerakan can return to its glorious days in the next 5 years or so. Everyone knows that there is a need to rebuild or revamp the party, thus the strength of the leaders to influence is inevitable to ensure unity and fighting spirit of that common struggles. Does the party has a common goals, ideals and objectives among the members now? Is it worth the struggles? Although the ideology and objectives are expressly stated, members do not seem to understand, just like the 1Malaysia concept voiced by some people. The truth is support is eroding unless one interprets that a party is all about that few people or is now a platform to satisfy personal interest. One may ask: isn’t that has been the way the game played all this while? As a result, the respective party leaders of different divisions and states are there to mind their own business. After all each of them do have their own base with various supports. Eventually it is a superficial appearance by having divisions/branches nationwide just to show that Gerakan is a national party. So, what is exactly the problem? Is it due to lack of funds, leadership quality or wavering vision of the members? It is a combination of factors. Some people think that where there is a vacuum, there is an opportunity. My main concern is how can Gerakan excel and be effective again.
Some still consider Huan as part of the youth, the VP will gain supports as he had done nothing wrong except for provoking Teng. Huan’s claim that he may leave the party along with 100 branches is a talking point too. Why 3 weeks? The Pemuda wants to investigate the true voice of the grassroots particularly among the youths. The public may perceives Gerakan is actively trying to revamp the party – a sign of democracy. On the other hand, the crucial question is whether what Huan did has a selfish agenda to promote his own cause, after all there had been implied records to prove his intention. Positively should the CWC decided to chop him off this time to prevent a floodgate or any similar threat, it would be a good move with the general election is still about 3 years to go. Actually would it makes any difference? What if that cause is for the benefit of the party as a whole?
While it is an unacceptable act by Pakatan to protest, vigil, strike or demonstrate, BN should be cautious not to dance in accordance to their tune. Whether it is a provocation or political struggle, BN should use the soft approach for the rakyats to justify those actions. The police force is suppose to be an independent body. The people would hate BN government more if they are acting harshly. Let the rakyat see how effective is the Pakatan government in ruling the respective states in such manner. Pakatan will spin the message that we are having an authoritarian government. BN need to play the game well to regain popularity. Issue such as demanding Chin Peng’s return should be considered as I really do not see any threat by such person at that old age. By allowing his return, it will more or less attracts some Chinese supports unless there is concrete evidence that MCP is still alive today, which is unlikely. I am sure Pakatan will provoke and stir more political problems in order to trap BN into unjustifiable arrest or unwise remarks so to maintain their support until the next election. In short the message required is nothing more important than having a fair and sensible government. Ultimately the government is to deal such predicament by understanding the voice of the people. Prioritise national interest – endure a truly united, successful and peaceful nation is the best solution.
“I have been advised by my lawyer that a declaratory relief cannot be stayed” said Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin yesterday. As a result ‘MB Nizar’ is applying to set aside the stay order. A friend recently asked: “Apa itu ’stay’? ‘Stay at home’ I tahulah!”
Ok the rumour is confirmed, unsurprisingly Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kah (along with YB Aw Kam Wah) is joining Gerakan. Both of them are the current Deputy Chief Minister and state assemblyman (Elopura) respectively. Last October over one hundred of them from Elopura consituency resigned from SAPP, including previous Deputy CM Datuk Tham Nyip Shen and political secretary Jimmy Wong. They chose to remain loyal to BN despite criticisms from SAPP supporters. Subsequently after about 2000 resignations from different SAPP branches, Datuk Raymond did not rule out the possibility of registering a new party.
Everyday we read and heard about robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape etc. Not a single entity can guarantee your safety if your handbag is held loosely on the street. In fact all can assure that it is a matter of time before the ‘peragut’ (snatcher) attacks. Laptops and handphones hidden in the car is definitely not secure anymore. Installing CCTV at home is also no more an effective measure to curb crimes. No doubt our public security is deteriorating, machetes and guns are everywhere, it is a frightening thing!
Did the state government make promises in people’s interest or just for publicity? Unfortunately government agencies often tend to be more interested in developing and maintaining their autonomy than in the implementation of policy or promises.
Recent matters of another possible by-election, income tax return dateline, 1Malaysia concept, increasing crime rates, resurrection of Dr. M etc do not really bother me. What pissed me off is a case whereby the tenant of a client shrewdly pretended to purchase the rented property in order to delay further payment. He then lodged a private caveat over the rented premises but refused to execute the sale & purchase agreement. When I applied to remove it, he withdrew the said caveat. Subsequently he again entered another one in respect of the same property and based on the same grounds. This clearly amounts to an abuse of the caveat procedure and to frustrate my client’s attempt to sell off the property. Although section 329(2) of the National Land Code prohibits such act, it is not exhaustive. This is because one can argue that by withdrawal of the first caveat was not caught by the 3 situations under sec.329(2) (ie court’s refusal, extension and removal by Registrar)
Perhaps I should put it as ignorant of the law. Being disappointed with the Federal Court decision yesterday, Perak DAP Ngeh Koo Ham who claimed to have 24 years of legal practice said that the political crisis is far from over. He commented “…the decision is a declaration. This in layman’s terms was only an expression of opinion without compulsive force on any parties concerned. So you are expressing an opinion on the legislative assembly while the legislative assembly has very clear rules governing themselves”.
Tidak lama lagi satu pilihanraya kecil akan diadakan di Penanti memandangkan bahawa Fairus telahpun meletak jawatannya sebagai Adun di kawasan tersebut. Alasannya adalah untuk membersihkan nama beliau ke atas segala tohmahan serta melanjutkan pelajaran. Betul ke ni? Sudah ada 2 ijazah Master masih tidak mencukupi?
Knowledge in the Public Interest? Yes, PM and many know that now but are they sincere? As it is, let us move forward and keep cranking, regardless of the criticisms on this new portfolio. Indeed KPIs are essential tools for both monitoring and improving the quality of any organisations or ministries. While the use of performance indicators is now well established in many companies or government departments, the results or services may have lagged behind positive developments. This has been due, partly to the unavailability of suitable data, but more to the lack of consensus, accountability and transparency about how fundamental performance measurement concepts should be applied in our government system. In another word, one may say it is a question of willingness or attitude. Therefore in developing KPI for governmental ministries, it is important to have a team that is well-versed and be equipped with the skills to identify and develop useful KPI. It is my humble opinion such task will be a challenging one in time to come particularly with some leaders already commented that KPI is an administrative matter, thus should not be exposed.
The above topic is nothing new; it has been an ongoing concerned issue by many pressure groups, Bar Council, NGOs and international bodies. Recent events add urgency to reconsider the need of the ISA. Our Prime Minister recent release of the 13 detainees on 5 April 2009 and promise to review the law without a specific time frame comes into question. It was also made clear by the PM that abolishing the law will not be a reality yet. Over the last weekend the relevant articles and views are again published by concerned individuals (in Malay Mail: 11.4.2009 entitled ‘Finishing point’ by Malik Imtiaz and in the Star dated 12.4.2009: “Time to repeal the ISA”).
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