Heidfeld on Hungary explosion: It was a lot more scary!

One of the moments of yesterday’s Hungarian GP, which McLaren’s Jenson Button won ahead of Seb Vettel and Fernando Alonso, was Nick Heidfeld’s explosive incident. The German’s R31 caught fire when exiting the pits for the second time on lap 25, leading to an explosion. He was unharmed.

Apparently, the pitstop took longer than usual due to a wheelnut issue, and Lotus Renault GP believes the R31′s forward facing exhausts overheated while the car was stationary, setting the bodywork on fire. Getting up to racing speed didn’t douse the fire, but made it worse. Heidfeld then parked his car at the side of the pit exit and leapt out. The car’s sidepod then exploded, and other cars had to dodge the debris.

This wasn’t Heidfeld first hot incident this year, as his car also caught fire in free practice at the Spanish GP. “It was a lot more scary. At Barcelona I looked left, saw a small fire and had time to stop. This one, I looked straight, saw the fire and it got hot,” he told Autosport. “I really felt the temperature. It was a bit scary – much more than Barcelona.”

“They are still looking into it. The stop was a bit longer, so that might be one of the reasons, but it is not like the stop was very long – it was not that I was stationary for 20 seconds or something. We are still investigating,” he added.

Their cars may be running hot, but the performance is not. Lotus Renault GP left Hungary without points and have just scored six points in the last four races, in contrast with the 42 points they bagged in the first four races. They are currently fifth in the Constructors’ championship with 66 points, 14 behind Mercedes GP Petronas.

© 2011 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Mon, 01 Aug 11 06:39:31 +0000.

Related posts:

1. Eric Boullier on Heidfeld: Good, but not good enough
2. Nick Heidfeld writes encouraging open letter to Kubica
3. It’s confirmed: Nick Heidfeld will fill in for Robert Kubica in Lotus Renault GP
4. Nick Heidfeld: ‘I don’t think I could have done any better’

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Program Ramadhan : Kalamullah

Rancangan ini memaparkan bacaan surah beserta tafsirnya oleh Ustaz Tarmizi dan wakil pelajar hafazan sekolah-sekolah Tahfiz dari serata Malaysia yang membaca dengan bertarannum. Setiap episod dengan bacaan surah terpilih akan membawa konsep ’kisah dan tauladan’ yang boleh dijadikan pengajaran umum.

Rancangan ini akan bersiar setiap hari selama 30 minit pada jam 5.3opagi dan penonton boleh menikmati suara merdu tahfiz dari seluruh Malaysia selepas azan Subuh berkumandang. Versi 5 minit akan ditayangkan pada setiap hari jam 8.55pagi, Isnin – Khamis jam 2.55 petang dan Jumaat – Ahad, jam 4.50ptg.  Jangan lepaskan peluang anda menikmati suara merdu daripada tahfiz muda berbakat dari seluruh Malaysia.

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Program Ramadhan : Kias Ramadhan

Mari memupuk kesedaran dalam mengumpul amalan sepanjang bulan Ramadan dengan berkongsi 12 dosa-dosa manusia yang biasa dilakukan sepanjang bulan mulia ini bersama Zainal Ariffin Haji Ismail seperti sikap tamak dan kedekut, tabiat mengumpat, amalan berponteng puasa, menipu dan terlalu ikutkan nafsu. Turut dipaparkan ialah sikap boros, berpura alim kucing, sedekah, anak derhaka termasuklah perasaan dendam dan dengki menerusi cerita ringkas (mini drama) yang dilakonkan oleh artis-artis tanahair seperti Radhi Khalid, Imuda, Sabri Yunus, Johan As’ari (Juvana), A R Badul, Ako Mustapha, Tania Hudson dan ramai lagi. Program ini turut menampilkan pelbagai watak dan kisah benar dan releven dari spektrum kehidupan masyarakat sekeliling.

Rancangan penuh ilmu ini akan bersiar setiap hari Rabu bermula 3 Ogos pada jam 11.00malam sebanyak 4 episod. Jangan lepaskan peluang sekali menonton cerita ringkas (mini drama) yang akan dilakonkan artis-artis kegemaran anda.

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Program Ramadhan : Singgah Sahur Bersama Personaliti TV3

Bersesuaian dengan konsep ”Tangan yang memberi lebih mulia dari tangan yang menerima”, program Singgah Sahur meneruskan kesinambungannya dengan mendekati kumpulan atau individu yang kurang bernasib baik dengan menyampaikan sedikit sumbangan dan seterusnya mengerjakan ibadah sunnah dengan menjamah hidangan sahur bersama mereka. Rancangan ini yang ditayangkan pada setiap hari Jumaat dan Sabtu pada jam 12.35 pagi akan disiarkan sebanyak 7 episod bermula 5 Ogos ini. Pada penonton yang tidak berkesempatan untuk menonton rancangan ini, siaran ulangan akan ditayangkan pada hari Sabtu dan Ahad pada jam 5 petang mulai 6 Ogos.

Seperti tahun-tahun sebelum ini, sekali lagi Ally Iskandar bersama personaliti TV3 yang lain seperti Nor Azzura Azizul Azman, Fiza Sabjahan, Nurul Syuhada, Azizah Ariffin, Teh Syuhada, Ahmad Fedtri Yahya, Hazrena Kassim, Zainal Ariffin, Hazlin Hussain, Syarida Sharif dan Aidid Marcello bakal singgah ke Hospital Sungai Buloh untuk bertemu dan bersahur bersama insan-insan gelandangan (tiada rumah) di Anjung Singgah Yayasan Kebajikan Negara, mangsa-mangsa tanah runtuh di Pusat Latihan Yadim, Penjara Kajang Wanita,  Kompleks Anak-anak Fakir Miskin Al Hasanah Klang, Perkampungan Etnik di Sarawak, peneroka Felda Ijuk, Stesen KTM dan Puduraya Kuala Lumpur serta banyak tempat lagi.

Istimewanya rancangan Singgah Sahur kali ini, episod pertama (1 jam) akan disiarkan secara langsung pada 31 Julai jam 12.35 pagi di Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor dan episod akhir (1 jam) pula akan disiarkan secara langsung pada 28 Ogos jam 12.35 pagi di Hentian Puduraya.

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Program Ramadhan : Dari Masjid Ke Masjid Tanah Tenggara

Selepas sambutan di luar jangkaan untuk musim pertama yang lalu, dokumentari istimewa Dari Masjid Ke Masjid kembali bersiaran menerusi musim terbaru bersama Ahmad Fedtri Yahya untuk menghayati keindahan aspek seni bina masjid-masjid di Asia Tenggara seperti Thailand, Vietnam dan Kemboja.

Di sebalik peranannya sebagai tempat beribadah bagi golongan minoriti yang beragama Islam di negara-negara tersebut, ikuti kisah-kisah unik, sejarah dan adat resam penduduk tempatan. Program ini telah memberi perspektif baru kepada pelancongan ibadah setiap muslim yang berkunjung ke negara-negara bukan majoriti Islam. Kepada penonton yang minat untuk merungkai senibina masjid di Asia Tenggara, jangan lepaskan rancangan ini yang akan bersiar setiap hari Rabu pada jam 6.oo petang bermula 3 Ogos ini.

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“Saya Tak Tahu Dia Putuskan Pertunangan” – Elia, Bekas Tunang Khairul Fahmi.

Semalam, penjaga gol Malaysia, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat mengeluarkan kenyataan mengenai putusnya tali pertunangannya bersama Elia di akhbar Metro Ahad. Menyusul selepas ini adalah kenyataan Elia atau nama sebenarnya Aimie Harmelia Mohd Hashumi yang menceritakan krisis hubungan mereka kepada Harian Metro (sumber asal).

Menurut Elia, kenyataan Khairul Fahmi kepada Metro Ahad semalam memang mengejutkan diri & keluarganya kerana mereka tidak tahu bahawa penjaga gol itu akan memutuskan tali pertunangan di dalam akhbar. Elia juga menafikan dakwaan Khairul Fahmi yang telah berbincang dengan dirinya terlebih dahulu mengenai perpisahan tersebut.

“Saya langsung tidak tahu dia mahu putuskan pertunangan kami. Saya hanya mengetahuinya melalui akhbar (Metro Ahad) hari ini (semalam). Dia tidak pernah cakap apa-apa mengenai keputusannya (putus tunang), tiba-tiba dia keluarkan kenyataan dalam akhbar membuatkan saya dan keluarga begitu terkejut,” kata Elia kepada wartawan Harian Metro.

Elia menyatakan yang dia cuba berbincang dengan Khairul Fahmi mengenai krisis hubungan mereka sejak sebulan yang lalu, namun sering mendapat pelbagai alasan daripada bekas kekasihnya. Sikap tidak endah Khairul Fahmi terhadap dirinya menyebabkan situasi hubungan mereka makin retak.

Enggan berselindung lagi, Elia menegaskan bahawa dia mempunyai bukti kukuh mengenai hubungan Khairul Fahmi bersama orang ketiga dan percaya hubungan mereka retak kerana faktor itu. Apatah lagi selepas diselidik, Elia mendapati Khairul Fahmi sememangnya rapat dengan wanita itu sebelum mereka bertunang lagi. Ditakdirkan tuhan, tak lama selepas itu seorang wanita datang berjumpa dirinya dan mengakui mempunyai hubungan istimewa bersama Khairul Fahmi.

Walau bagaimanapun, Elia terkilan dengan sikap Khairul Fahmi yang membuat keputusan memutuskan tali pertunangan & menghebahkan di akhbar tanpa berbincang dengan dirinya terlebih dahulu. Sedangkan, banyak persiapan telah dilakukan untuk majlis perkahwinan yang dirancang berlangsung pada Oktober ini.

Pada masa yang sama, ibu Elia sedih dengan pertunangan mereka yang putus di tengah jalan. Namun, ibu Elia meminta Khairul Fahmi supaya memutuskan tali pertunangan bersama anak gadisnya secara baik.

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Rizal Doesn’t Deserve This

By Jarius Bondoc (The Philippine Star)

A Twitter message caused a stir in Kuala Lumpur political circles last week. Two reasons. It sullied the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. And it allegedly was tweeted by Dato Zainab, wife of Malaysian envoy to Manila Dr. Ibrahim Saad.

Translated from Bahasa Twitter-speak, it went “That’s usual. Anwar Ibrahim is clearly pro-Christian, an admirer of Jose Rizal the infidel Malay! Oh yes, don’t forget…”

(Original: “@BikMama2U: @datozainab Biasala tu, @anwaribrahim mmg pro-Kristian, pemuja Jose Rizal si Melayu kafir tu! Oh ya, jgn lupa…” See http://twitter.com/datozainab/status/92163428017373184)

The tweet spoke of Anwar Ibrahim, former deputy prime minister, now Malaysia’s Opposition head. He is visiting Manila to lecture Friday at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Topic: the influences of Rizal and Ninoy Aquino on ASEAN leadership. The event is timed with the yearlong celebration of Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. August marks the martyrdom of Ninoy (1983) and the passing of wife President Cory (2009).

Prime Minister Najib Razak’s long-ruling party loathes Anwar so, and is striving to deflate his political clout. In 1999 Razak’s mentor, PM Mahathir Mohamad, charged Anwar with corruption and sodomy. In jail Anwar was so inspired by Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that he read the novels twice. The court acquitted him in 2004, but with a caveat to shun politics for five years. He sat out the 2008 federal election, yet his party won unprecedented five of 13 states. Weeks later he was indicted anew for sodomy.

Witnesses have flip-flopped; still trial is to begin this August 8. In 2010 Anwar won a special parliament poll, and came close to snatching the PM post by seven votes. Meanwhile, Razak is under fire for hundred-million-euro kickbacks as defense minister in a 2002 submarine purchase, and the murder of a Mongolian model. Three weeks ago riot squads broke up a protest in Kuala Lumpur, aiming teargas canisters at Anwar’s head. One hit an aide marching beside him in the eye.

Calling Rizal an “infidel Malay” is insolent, to say the least. He is honored in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines as “The First Malay.” In the late 1800s long before independence revolutions, he had advocated equal treatment by British colonialists of Malays, the Dutch of Indonesians, and Spaniards of Filipinos. Shrines, parks and halls dedicated to Rizal abound in Malaysia (and Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Sri Lanka, North and South America, Germany, Belgium, England, Russia and Spain).

Rizal is described as the “pride of the Malay race” for his prolific works. He was a painter, sculptor, sportsman, educator, doctor, biologist, novelist, essayist, diarist and poet. He spoke many languages, mostly European, but also Malay, Chinese, Hebrew, Arabic, and his native Tagalog.

Though born a Catholic, Rizal fought the Spanish friars, calling “a double-faced Goliath” the corrupt religionists and abusive colonialists. Extremist Muslims use “kafir” derogatorily to refer to non-Muslims, as in, “all infidels must die.” Overzealousness breeds Islamist terrorists, like the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu-Basilan, who in turn incite Christian right-wingers like the recent Norway massacrer. If true that a diplomat’s wife is defiling the memory of Rizal as “infidel,” then it not only drives a fanatical religionist wedge in Southeast Asian ties. It also derides global peace efforts through interfaith dialogue.

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Kita Semua Jadi Mangsa Umno BN

Harakah

Sudah dua kali hak saya sebagai warganegara Malaysia dihalang untuk bebas bergerak dan bersuara.

Pertama pada 9hb Julai 2011 saya dihalang untuk berada di beberapa lokasi di Kuala Lumpur dan semalam saya pula dihalang untuk mengajukan soalan kepada Timbalan Pengerusi SPR, Datuk Wan Ahmad Bin Wan Omar kononnya atas arahan orang atasan.

Walaubagaimana pun saya mengucapkan tahniah kepada Sinar yang telah menganjurkan “Dialog Apa selepas 9 Julai?” dengan mempertemukan Bersih 2.0 dan SPR. Bersih 2.0 telah dianggap sebuah pertubuhan haram oleh Menteri Dalam Negeri.

Secara tidak langsung Sinar sudah berani menyangah pandangan Menteri Dalam Negeri dan lebih mirip kepada pandangan Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan YB Saifuddin Abdullah yang menggangap Bersih 2.0 bukan sejenis pertubuhan tetapi sejenis aktiviti NGO yang berdaftar.

Sebenarnya saya mahu mengajukan beberapa soalan kepada Datuk Wan Ahmad iaitu berkaitan dengan Double Voting, Daftar Pemilih, Pengundi Pos dan Advance Voting.

Pada 7hb Oktober 2009 telah diadakan pertemuan antara SPR dan pemimpin PAS yang dianggotai oleh Dato Mustafa Ali , Dato Abdul Halim Abd Rahman, Tuan Hj Mohzit bin Mohid dan saya sendiri.

Pemuda PAS telah mengemukakan senarai 253 pengundi pos yang bertindan.

Mereka mempunyai nama sebagai pengundi pos di Bagan Pinang tetapi mempunyai nama yang sama di tempat lain. Pertindanan ini telah berlaku dalam pilihanraya umum 2008.

Dalam perbincangan itu SPR telah berjanji untuk menghapuskan pertindanan ini. Malangnya pertindanan ini masih lagi berlaku pada tahun 2011. Pertindanan ini bertentangan dengan perkara 119 Perlembagaan Malaysia.

Saya mempunyai terlalu banyak bukti pertindanan ini.

Dalam kenyataan Dato Wan Ahmad kepada The Star pada 24hb Julai 2011, bahawa beliau bersetuju bahawa terhadap kad pengenalan klon dalam daftar pemilih SPR yang sah. Secara tidak lansung juga SPR telah mendaftarkan pengundi yang tidak sah. Itulah yang dinamakan pengundi hantu.

Persoalannya mengapa SPR menafikan pengundi hantu?

Walaupun saya tidak dapat mengajukan soalan tetapi soalan ini dapat disampaikan oleh Tuan Hj Mohzit Bin Mohid.

Malangnya Dato Wan Ahmad menjawab bahawa soalan itu hanya sesuai untuk kerani sahaja bukan ahli suruhanjaya diraja sepertinya. Beliau hanya bertanggungjawab terhadap dasar-dasar dalam SPR bukan membuat kerja kerani.

Sepatutnya Dato Wan Ahmad tidak memberi jawapan seperti itu. Terbukti jawapanya telah di “boo” oleh penonton. Persoalannya apakah dasar yang dipakai oleh SPR jika masih terdapat pertindaan pengundi walaupun telah ditegur pada tahun 2009?

Apakah dasar SPR membenarkan nombor kad pengenalan yang diklon dibenarkan masuk dalam daftar pemilih SPR yang sah?

Saya berpendapat bahawa SPR sebenarnya terperangkap dalam kerangka politik sempit Umno, Barisan Nasional. Pembaharuan yang mahu dibuat oleh mereka tidak mendapat sokongan pemerintah.

Contohnya apabila SPR memperkenalkan pengunaan dakwat kekal pada tahun 2008 maka Pengerusi SPR di ajukan dengan persoalan keselamatan negara yang tidak masuk akal.

Inilah bukti bahawa SPR sebenarnya bukan badan bebas untuk melaksanakan pilihanraya yang bebas dan adil. Sampai bilakah SPR mampu melepaskan ikatan daripada pemerintah yang zalim? Yang menjadi mangsa adalah kakitangan SPR seperti Dato Wan Ahmad yang terpaksa menjawab segala persoalan yang tidak mempunyai jawapan. Beliau sendiri pun tidak boleh menerima jawapan yang beliau sendiri berikan.

Itulah hakikat kerajaan zalim Umno Barisan Nasional yang wajib ditumbangkan dalam pilihanraya akan datang. Bantahan saya kepada SPR selama ini adalah umpama pukul anak sindir menantu sahaja. Kita semua rakyat Malaysia menjadi mangsa kepada kezaliman kerajaan Umno Barisan Nasional.

SUHAIZAN BIN KAIAT,
PENGERUSI PEMULIHAN DEMOKRASI DAN MOBILISASI, PEMUDA PAS MALAYSIA
KETUA PEMUDA PAS NEGERI JOHOR

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Pilihan Raya Olok-Olok: BN Boleh Hilang Perak, Negeri Sembilan

The Malaysian Insider

Barisan Nasional (BN) boleh kehilangan Perak dan Negeri Sembilan pada pilihan raya umum ke-13, demikian menurut keputusan pilihan raya olok-olok melainkan parti-parti komponennya meletakkan muka-muka popular yang berpotensi dan memastikan jentera di peringkat akar umbi menjana sokongan pengundi.

The Malaysian Insider difahamkan pilihan raya latihan yang diadakan baru-baru ini menunjukkan BN boleh kehilangan sehingga 15 daripada 56 kerusi di Johor, dikuasai Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Persekitaran itu tidak pernah diduga tetapi BN telah hilang enam kerusi di Johor pada pilihan raya umum 2008.

Daripada enam kerusi itu PAS menguasai dua manakala DAP pula empat.

Difahamkan Perlis, di mana BN menguasai 14 daripada 15 kerusi, kemungkinan akan kehilangan beberapa kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri dan salah satu daripada tiga bahagian Parlimen di tangan Pakatan Rakyat disebabkan kemarahan penduduk negeri itu mengenai isu Wahabi termasuk tindakan meletakkan Mufti Perlis Dr Juanda Jaya dalam senarai pengganas.

“Pilihan raya olok-olok ini menunjukkan banyak kelemahan. Dan, isu Wahabi tidak membantu,” kata satu sumber Umno kepada The Malaysian Insider.

Seorang pemimpin Umno yang semakin meningkat juga memberikan sentimen yang sama sambil menegaskan, BN perlu meletakkan muka-muka baru untuk menyegarkan kedudukan perikatan itu sementara memastikan jentera peringkat bawah peringkat aktif bagi mendapatkan sokongan menyeluruh.

“Masalahnya ialah jentera Umno boleh bekerja jika diberikan motivasi, tetapi ahli parti komponen kelihatan tidak diberikan motivasi,” kata pemimpin Umno itu.

Beliau mendedahkan bahawa Umno hanya boleh menang 27 daripada 59 kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri di Perak meskipun BN memerintah semula negeri itu sejak awal 2009 ekoran tindakan melompat parti melibatkan tiga wakil rakyat dari Pakatan Rakyat.

Pada Jun lalu, Umno negeri itu yakin boleh menang 33 kerusi dengan Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir menolak laporan The Malaysian Insider bahawa kemenangan hanya boleh dipastikan jika calon yang betul dipilih kali ini.

Difahamkan beberapa pemimpin Umno bahagian di Perak keberatan untuk berkempen atau mendaftar pemilih baru melainkan mereka pasti akan menjadi calon pilihan raya umum ke-13.

“Umno Perak kuat dan boleh menang 33 kerusi negeri tetapi pemimpin-pemimpin bahagian tidak mahu bergerak kecuali mereka atau calon pilihan mereka diturunkan,” kata sumber Umno ketika itu.

Pada Mac 2008, Umno bertanding di 34 daripada 59 kerusi Dewan Undngan Negeri di Perak dan menang 27 kerusi manakala MCA pula satu. Pakatan Rakyat memperoleh 31 kerusi.

“Keadaan tidak berubah di Perak dan kini keadaan yang sama wujud di Negeri Sembilan memandangkan pembangkang menjadi semakin kukuh, melihat pada kemungkinan Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan tidak akan kekal sebagai menteri besar,” kata sumber Umno.

Mohamad disebut-sebut akan bertanding kerusi Parlimen.

Kata sumber itu, mereka melobi dengan kuat untuk mendapatkan kerusi Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan.

“Tetapi mereka lupa bahawa kemenangan ketika pilihan raya umum 2008 adalah tipis,” katanya lagi.

Di negeri itu, BN menguasai 21 daripada 36 kerusi manakala 15 dimenangi Pakatan Rakyat, yang yakin untuk mengambil alih negeri itu kali ini.

Pakatan Rakyat yang terdiri daripada DAP, PKR dan PAS kini menguasai kerajaan negeri Kelantan, Kedah, Pulau Pinang dan Selangor selain memperoleh 82 kerusi Parlimen.

Perikatan itu menyasarkan akan memperoleh lebih banyak kerusi kali ini dan mengurangkan lagi majoriti BN pada pilihan raya umum ke-13.

Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak tidak memberi bayangan bila pilihan raya umum akan diadakan tetapi timbalannya Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin telah memberitahu BN agar bersedia untuk menghadapi pilihan raya umum dalam waktu terdekat.

Kebanyakan penganalisis dan pemimpin pembangkang menjangkakan pilihan raya umum akan diadakan dalam tempoh setahun ini tetapi ada juga mengatakan ia kemungkinan diadakan seawal November ini selepas Bajet 2012 dibentangkan di Parlimen awal 7Oktober dan sebelum perhimpunan agung tahunan Umno.

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Hello Kitty Giveaway

New video!

Link to Giveaway: my Facebook Page.

You can get the Hello Kitty BB charger at: LOLOLOOK.com

That’s all bye!!

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Malott Dares “Never Cheated” Najib To Implement 4 Key Election Reforms

Malaysia Chronicle

Former US ambassador to Malaysia John Malott has dared Prime Minister Najib Razak to put his money where his mouth is and prove that UMNO “has never cheated in any election” by implementing 4 key reforms, including allowing foreign observers and the use of indelible ink.

In a hard-hitting open letter to Najib and sent to Malaysiakini, Malott – who is believed to have been barred from entering the country due his outspokeness – urged Najib not to keep reneging on his word.

“You say that Malaysia’s elections are free and fair. Now you have a chance to prove it to the outside world and remove all doubts. And if your party wins, then the Malaysian people – and the world – might finally be convinced,” wrote Malott.

“As a result of the developments on July 9, the world is now paying increased attention to Malaysia. In particular, we now wonder how free and fair your nation’s elections are. We have learned that some of your country’s citizens believe that Malaysia needs electoral reform. On July 9, they marched with a coalition called Bersih 2.0, and they called for free and fair elections.”

“You responded by declaring Bersih illegal and suppressing the ‘Walk for Democracy’ with overwhelming police force. The world noticed your heavy-handed reaction, and it wondered why a peaceful demonstration calling for fair elections bothered you so much – so much so that you were willing to risk Malaysia’s international reputation – and give your country and yourself a major black eye.”

No reason not to implement

Malott called on the Malaysian leader to push through 4 easy to implement and effective electoral reforms. Outlawed polls pressure group Bersih 2.0 had asked for 8.

The concessions that Malott advised are:

1) Allow international groups to observe your elections. Based on your assertions, they will find nothing amiss, and their reports will give credibility to Malaysia’s election results.

2) Allow observers from all political parties to witness the postal balloting that takes place on military bases. For years, the opposition has said that something is amiss. But since you say that Umno never cheats, I am sure that they will find nothing wrong, and you will be vindicated.

3) Let’s put an end to all the accusations about phantom voters by using a simple, effective and cheap solution – indelible ink.
Your Elections Commission wants a super-sophisticated biometric system, but there is no way it can be in place by then – and many people worry that it can be manipulated. Indelible ink works – just ask the world’s largest democracy, India. I don’t think anyone has ever disputed the results of India’s elections in over 60 years.

4) Finally, let RTM be truly independent, like the BBC and NHK and the public broadcasting systems in Australia, France, Germany, and elsewhere in the world. RTM does not belong to Umno. It belongs to the people. As long as RTM – funded by all the people of Malaysia – acts as the propaganda arm of the 25 percent of Malaysians who voted for Umno, no one can believe that Malaysia’s elections are fair and free.

Reason for over-reaction – refusal to give up power

Indeed, Najib has disgusted a lot of Malaysians, both at home and abroad with his over-reaction to the rally. He and his UMNO party had feared it could trigger a wave of consciousness for social reform, and blaze a trail for Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat coalition to win. The next national polls is not due to be called until March 2013, but local experts say the latest Najib will delay is early next year.

In the runup to the rally, the greater Najib’s paranoia and the more brutal the police crackdowns, the more fiercely the people rejected his leadership. On D-Day, July 9, some 50,000 filled the streets of Kuala Lumpur. They locked arms, chanted, and sang the national anthem. By then it was clear, Najib had mishandled the rally. A slew of global rebukes followed, and to save his dignity, Najib is insisting that Bersih had ulterior motives, and wanted to topple his government. The UMNO-owned Utusannewspaper even suggested that Bersih was the work of ‘Jews’.

By now, all of the nearly 2,000 people detained in the runup to and during the July march, have been released. Six socialist leaders remanded under the draconian Emergency Ordinance for rekindling communism and waging war against the King were freed just a day ago.

Time is running out

Bersih chairwoman Ambiga Sreenevasan has begun a public debate with the Election Commission deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar. So far he has agreed to extend the 7-day campaigning period but refused to raise it all the way to 21 as Bersih had requested.

Sad to say, this is about all that the EC is willing to concede. Wan Ahmad has even insisted that he was powerless to implement changes and only the Najib administration could do so. Legal experts have said that this was a lie as the federal consititution clearly empowered the EC.

Hence, there is growing nervousness now. Some believe that Najib would declare a police state rather than to agree to reforms as there is a strong chance that he might lose in a free and fair competition. Hence, a recent round of calls both from within and outside Malaysia for him to pursue a wiser and fairer course of action.

“Governments that manipulate elections have lots to cover up. But you say that your elections are free and fair, so that means you have nothing to be afraid of showing to all of us in the outside world, not to mention your own people,” said Malott. – Malaysia Chronicle

Malaysia Chronicle appends below the full-text of his rather hard-hitting statrment

An open letter to PM Najib

You say that Malaysia’s elections are free and fair. Now you have a chance to prove it to the outside world and remove all doubts. And if your party wins, then the Malaysian people – and the world – might finally be convinced.

As a result of the developments on July 9, the world is now paying increased attention to Malaysia.

In particular, we now wonder how free and fair your nation’s elections are. We have learned that some of your country’s citizens believe that Malaysia needs electoral reform. On July 9, they marched with a coalition called Bersih 2.0, and they called for free and fair elections.

You responded by declaring Bersih illegal and suppressing the ‘Walk for Democracy’ with overwhelming police force. The world noticed your heavy-handed reaction, and it wondered why a peaceful demonstration calling for fair elections bothered you so much – so much so that you were willing to risk Malaysia’s international reputation – and give your country and yourself a major black eye.

When you returned from your visit to Europe, you declared that Malaysia’s elections truly are free and fair, and that Umno has never cheated in any election.

I am glad to hear that.

Because it means that in Malaysia’s next general elections, you have nothing to hide.

Governments that manipulate elections have lots to cover up. But you say that your elections are free and fair, so that means you have nothing to be afraid of showing to all of us in the outside world, not to mention your own people.

Therefore, I am sure that you are willing to readily agree to the following proposals:

1) Allow international groups to observe your elections. Based on your assertions, they will find nothing amiss, and their reports will give credibility to Malaysia’s election results.

2) Allow observers from all political parties to witness the postal balloting that takes place on military bases. For years, the opposition has said that something is amiss. But since you say that Umno never cheats, I am sure that they will find nothing wrong, and you will be vindicated.

3) Let’s put an end to all the accusations about phantom voters by using a simple, effective and cheap solution – indelible ink.

Your Elections Commission wants a super-sophisticated biometric system, but there is no way it can be in place by then – and many people worry that it can be manipulated. Indelible ink works – just ask the world’s largest democracy, India. I don’t think anyone has ever disputed the results of India’s elections in over 60 years.

4) Finally, let RTM be truly independent, like the BBC and NHK and the public broadcasting systems in Australia, France, Germany, and elsewhere in the world. RTM does not belong to Umno. It belongs to the people. As long as RTM – funded by all the people of Malaysia – acts as the propaganda arm of the 25 percent of Malaysians who voted for Umno, no one can believe that Malaysia’s elections are fair and free.

So, my dear Prime Minister, it’s all very simple. You say that Malaysia’s elections are free and fair. Now you have a chance to prove it to the outside world and remove all doubts. And if your party wins, then the Malaysian people – and the world – might finally be convinced.

If you refuse these suggestions, then the doubts will linger, and your assertions about the honesty of Malaysia’s election will continue to be questioned.

Sincerely,
John Malott

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Perutusan Ramadhan 1432H

Alhamdulillah, dengan limpah inayah dan izinNya maka kita dapat memulakan ibadah Ramadhan untuk sekalian kalinya tahun ini.

Sabda Rasulullah SAW, “Telah datang kepadamu bulan Ramadhan, di mana Allah melimpah ruahkan di dalamnya dengan keberkatan, menurunkan rahmat, mengampuni dosa-dosa kamu, memakbulkan doa-doa kamu, melihat di atas perlumbaan kamu untuk memperolehi kebaikan yang besar dan berbangga mengenaimu di hadapan malaikat-malaikat. Maka tunjukkanlah kepada Allah Taala kebaikan dari kamu. Sesungguhnya orang yang bernasib malang ialah dia yang dinafikan daripada rahmat Allah pada bulan ini.”

Ramadhan adalah bulan pembersihan dan penyucian jiwa, di mana Allah memberi ruang sekondusifnya untuk umat Islam beribadah demi mengimarahkan Ramadhan. Justeru wajarlah ia dimanfaatkan segenap masa agar Ramadhan

Semoga Ramadhan kali ini dapat dimanfaatkan sebaiknya oleh kita inshaAllah.

ANWAR IBRAHIM

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Video : Tutorial Senaman Harimau Bersama Eman Manan.

Di sebalik bantahan sekumpulan pihak mengenai drama Tahajjud Cinta, drama arahan Erma Fatima yang didokong oleh lakonan pelakon popular seperti Fazura, Shahz Jaszle & Fauziah Gous ini terus mendapat perhatian ramai. Ramai yang memuji teknik sinematografi yang ditonjolkan oleh pengarah berkenaan berkualiti tinggi. Jalan cerita juga penuh dengan isi tersirat di samping bermain dengan isu-isu yang berat.

Kami tak mahu berikan review yang panjang lebar & membosankan dalam entri ini. Cuma, paparan Tahajjud Cinta episod ke-4 tempoh hari menampilkan aksi Eman Manan yang gagah melakukan senaman harimau yang sering disinonimkan dengan kemampuan batin.

Jujur kata, inilah pertama kali kami didedahkan dengan teknik senaman harimau. Kami cuba mempraktikkan gerak gaya Eman Manan untuk tujuan kesihatan. Ya, kesihatan’lah!

Kalau anda nak mencuba, silakan. Pastikan anda berada di bawah pengawasan mereka yang lebih berpengalaman.

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Singapore Update: Most Expensive Chicken Rice Ever

3rd day in Singapore … which was yesterday… also the last day for this SG trip with family.

Aunt brought us to Meritus Mandarin Hotel to try the most expensive chicken rice ever.

The restaurant is called Chatterbox.

This chicken rice costs $27.. which is about RM67 in Malaysia. Wow.

We drove back to KL after lunch.

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