Umar ibn Abdul Aziz

"Rulers usually appoint people to watch over their subjects. I appoint you a watcher over me and my behaviour. If you find me at fault in word or action guide me and stop me from doing it."

One of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz quote that made him a great man. So what about this man that make him a great leader.

His works and words have widely quoted by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Lim Guan Eng. In many occasions including in one of his maiden speech in Parliament YAB Lim made mentioned of him. Even Ustaz Abdul Ghani, the homnourable Commissioner of PAS Melaka met me in the Court canteen one fine day spoke to me about the CM of Penang praised of this great leader and told me if I be CM* one day (haha, like I would) elaborate and follow this great leader, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz.

And so I am, learning and reading about this great leader.

Thanking the net, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz was an Umayyad caliph who ruled from 717 to 720. Umayyad caliph would mean the ruler from the Umayyad dynasty whom historically the second of the four Arab caliphates establish after the death of Muhammad the prophet. Caliphate would mean the Islamic form of government representing the political unity and leadership of the Muslim world. It is based on the notion of a successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad's political authority.

As a leader, He is known to be estremely pious and is disdainful of luxuries. He preferred simplicity depositing all assets and finery meant for the caliph into the public treasury. He abandoned the caliphal palace to the family of Suleiman and instead preferred to live in modest dwellings. He wore rough linens instead of royal robes, and often went unrecognized.

His modest lifestyle, gave me a finest impression of the lifestyle and mannerism of YAB Tok Guru Nik Aziz, the Kelantan Menteri Besar who lives in a modest kampung house in Jalan Melaka, whom I had the opportunity to visit two years go. In fact, my chinese and Christian friends in Kelantan was not only supportive but love their Menteri Besar who was and is seen not only pious but fair and just. That makes him "the big of a man".

Though Umar ibn Abdul Aziz had the people's overwhelming support, he went as far to publicly encouraged them to elect someone else if they were not satisfied with him but nevertheless no one ever took him up on. That equal check and balance and democracy of the state.

Historically, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz confiscated the estates seized by the Ummayad officials and redistributed them to the people, while making it a personal goal to attend to the needs of every person in his empire. This make him the people's leader. Understanding the need of the welfare of the people and seeing that the needs of the people is taken care of. The fighting of corruption and bribery was another area which Umar ibn Abdul Aziz practices by promptly depositing to the public treasury any gifts to him. This endears him amongst the people but at the same time, I believe, enemies within his courts.

He was not even encouraging war but prefered negotiations like when he faced Kharijite uprising and in fact, personally holding talks with two Kharijite envoys shortly before his death.

Interestingly, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz method of governing through Sharia, emphasizes the need to be fair, just, competent and with the full of integrity and accountability. YAB Lim Guan Eng had many time insists that the state government in Penang practices C. A. T. the acronym of Competency, Accountability and Transparency. But what about "Amanah Bersih dan Cekap" founded by the Barisan Nasional federal government in the 80s which dwindled to be of just lip services and words where corruption had become a core and a MUST in the civil service.

Anyway I am still having hopes with the recent enforcement and arrest by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) but then again what happen to the incident of alleged police brutality that caused suspects killed/murdered during police custody like Francis Udappayan and 21 years old Kugan and the many more. There are so many questionable conduct by those in authorities. What about our judiciary and it's legal system?

What about the hillslope projects that was authorised by the managers of our states? What about the extragavant expenditure of mega projects that cost millions of Malaysian ringgit? What about the failed EPF losses? Or what about the rise of our crime rates where cities like JB has become notorious for criminal activity. Or what about the simply arrest and later charged of those participating in so-called illegal assembly. Or in short what about our basic democracy and human rights? What about ISA and the other preventive and emergency laws that making a mockery of our constitution?

Or what about the standard of our educational system whether in our secondary schools or undergraduate universities which unfortunately we are no where close with our neighbour universities. What happen to the closing down of schools? What about the illegal immigrants in East Malaysia? What about the oil royalty to deserving Terengganu? What happen to dengue (denggi)? What about sexism by our ultras? What about racist and the keris factor? Or the racism of every race notwithstanding Malay, Chinese or Indian? What about Malay supremacy or ketuanan Melayu? What about Mat Rempit compare that to JERIT? What about the privatisation of government agencies?

Now, should there be a cry for Umar ibn Abdul Aziz core values in our system and administration. Remember, that Umar ibn Abdul Aziz was poisoned and murdered by a member of his court.

Shah Rukh Khan's Malaysian 'knighthood' postponed: official

Hmm looks like Datuk Shah Rukh Khan is not interested with the datukship...


Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan has postponed a controversial ceremony to award him a Malaysian "knighthood" because he is too busy, officials said Wednesday.

Khan is to be presented with an award from southern Malacca state which carries the title "Datuk", equivalent to a British knighthood, after a 2001 film set in Malacca boosted its profile as a tourist destination.

The award has proved contentious, with some questioning whether Khan is deserving or whether local artists and celebrities should be recognised instead.

"The ceremony has been postponed for now," a senior Malacca official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"We wanted the ceremony to take place over a weekend but Shah Rukh's schedule was such that we could not agree on a date so we are now working on a new one that will keep everyone happy, but it hasn't been fixed yet," he said.

Since the filming of Khan's 2001 movie, "One 2 Ka 4" at a popular resort in Malacca, the number of tourists coming from India has increased significantly, state officials say.

The 42-year-old heart-throb was to have received his award on November 29, in a ceremony aired live on India's top entertainment channel, Zee TV.

"The postponement of the award shows just how ridiculous it is to give such an award to Shah Rukh as Malaysia and the award most probably does not even picture on his radar," opposition politician Lim Kit Siang told AFP.

Malaysia has become a popular location for Indian films, which have a huge following among ethnic Indians and the majority Muslim-Malays.

Suddenly, the Government berjiwa Rakyat

Suddenly the government became thoughtful of the Rakyat.
Suddenly the government is listening to the plights of the Rakyat.
Suddenly the Rakyat became a concern of the government.
And what do the Government say.....berjiwa rakyat.

After kena left right and center then only the government put on hold the RM1.7 billion purchase of the Cougar EC 725 helicopters. Only when the Opposition, NGO and the public voice their concern, only then the government reacted.

And there they go again to say "Kerajaan Barisan Nasional berjiwa rakyat". What can I say, "berjiwa rakyat" my foot.

According to source in wikipedia, the EC 725 was developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search & Rescue. It was never tested during real combat or battle except for minor operation by the French Air Force such as to evacuate people from Lebanon during Operation Baliste in 2006 and the war in Afghanistant to support the coalition force. Well that is the only battle operation stated and Malaysia literally intended to buy not three or four but 12 units of untested battlefield helicopters.

Maybe I may want to ask the government whatever for? Oh yes maybe for peacekeeping under the UN banner. Whatever it is RM1.7 billion is not in our league and means. That money can be used for many many things for the Rakyat. In fact the government should not even consider it at the first place. Not even 2011.

Reviving Pulau Melaka?

After donkey years and after many borrowers were made bankrupt or threaten with legal action due to the failure of paying their loans, the state now plans to obtain a court order to seize the Pulau Melaka project.

However my only concern is, is the state able to revive this stalled multi-million ringgit reclamation project with a huge debt of RM1.10 billion. Is this project budgeted for by the state government.

For me, this will get messier but I'm crossing my fingers.

----- The Star

MALACCA: The state plans to obtain a court order to seize the Pulau Melaka project from the com­pany that was appointed to revive the stalled multi-million ringgit reclamation project.

State housing, rural development and project revival committee chairman Datuk Ghafar Atan said legal proceedings had been initiated against the company as it had failed to settle the land premium despite being given ample time to do so.

Speaking to reporters after a key presentation ceremony to homeowners at Taman Saujana Bukit Katil here recently, Ghafar assured buyers of the Pulau Mela­ka project that their interests would be safeguarded.

The RM1.4bil project, launched in 1996, involved mixed development on two man-made islands off the Bandar Hilir coast.

Although recording over RM190mil in sales, only one 45ha island was reclaimed and partially developed before the project stalled.

Earlier this year, the project was revived by court-appointed receivers with Phase I, Phase II and Phase III targeted for completion within 18 months.

Ghafar confirmed that 521 out of 612 four-storey shoplots had been sold under Phase I while 589 of 762 similar units and 85 apartments were sold under Phase II.

Phase I and Phase II were 90% and 85% completed respectively while the apartments under Phase III were completed, he said, adding that the apartments could not be occupied as the developers have yet to complete the plumbing and sewerage works.

Do We All need This?

When everyone is saving money and be thrifty, Malacca State Government unfortunately 'TAK FAHAM' and is doing totally the opposite. All because of one man's vision, Mr. Ali Ketam. His vision is making Malacca a super theme park destroying every inch of green environment as well as the cultural and historical rich Malacca.

Making Malacca a 'Disney' (He did say it proudly) at the expense of our money. With all the change including the mega million-million ringgit in beautifying the Melaka River, Eye of Malacca x 2 (seriously I am not joking there are two, one at Tun Ali and the other will be at Kota Laksamana), Menara Berputar and others billions SUDAH spend. His justification : TOURISM. I think the tourism industry can be strengthen by not making Malacca a Disneyland (with our money instead of Disney investing in Malacca) but strengthening Malacca uniqueness of it's historical and cultural richness.

There are many ways in strengthening tourism besides the above namely, Eco Tourism, Health Tourism, Education Hub tourism, Food Tourism and the many more. Making Disneyland using our money is spending unnecessary instead if he so desire a theme park, he should have lobbied for Disneyland to invest in Malacca. But of course in doing that there are many conditions for such huge player to have faith in our system such as a system that is free from corruption and nepotism and practices effectiveness and integrity in the administration. That in itself will automatically invite

Will there be Cost Cutting in Malacca?

Terengganu EXCO did just that, i.e. cost cutting (read here). Federal Government also did that albeit only 10%, I now wonder whether Malacca State EXCO will just do that. It's only 10%. It does not pinch either.

But then again, Malacca is spending lots of money for all type of construction namely, Eye of Malaysia oops Malacca, Theme Park somewhere in Klebang, Menara Berputar, Beautifying Malacca River, so call Medical Hub (I believe this is at 'perancangan' stage), Go Kart (somewhere out there), and lots more... all what I call at projek Melaka Mega. And yes not forgetting some Putrajaya type of construction that will cover a huge area in MITC. Here goes the million and million of ringgit.

Two issues I wonder:-

(a) Whether our State Government do likewise to heed the call by the Federal Government.
(b) How much is our state debt as at to date?

Any answers?

Malaysia got money meh?

I saw an excellent thought by my friend Maverick SM's piece and do allow me to do some cut and paste here. I am actually more interested in Maverick's part on our super corridors. Issue : Do we really have the money OR it is just a political ploy to fish for votes before the election.

Now the election is over and gone, will the federal government able to fulfilled it's promises with so many corridors declared at almost the same time. Not only that we have the Iskandar Corridor but we have the North, East and West corridors all over Malaysia.

Now hearing that there are no funds available for the second apace mission and the recent announcement by the Prime Minister that 9 Malaysia Plan may have to be delayed due to escalating costs. I wonder, why didn't the Prime Minister and the federal government foresee that cost will rise. As all prudent managers and administrators, the interest of the organisation is paramount.

As such the federal government should not be over ambitious in wanting to do this and that. AND since now cost is a concerned, the federal government will be shelving many projects and on the casualty list is the construction of a vital second bridge linking Penang to peninsular Malaysia.

According to the Prime Minister there were a number of reasons for the Penang 2nd Bridge project delay and they are the need to acquire the land needed to develop the project and the cost as the prices for materials have gone up.

I find this rather amusing. And I agree with SM Maverick's view of which I quote, "When this 2nd bridge project was mooted way back in 1996 the budgeted cost was around RM2 billion and should Mahathir had carried out this project at the same time as the KLIA project we could have saved RM5.5 billion. But then Mahathir rather have Twin Tower, Star and Putra LRT and another RM10 billion for Putrajaya, Wetland project, Cyber Entertainment Village, etc."

This shows short-sightedness of the federal government. They rather spend for the unnecessary projects rather than the seeing the plights of the people. This is where the federal government fails to work for the fifty years since Merdeka.

Can I now trust the Prime Minister?

Eye of Malacca part 2

Come August, Malacca will have a new tourist attraction. Yes, the Eye of Malacca. It will be located in muara Sungai Melaka at a land in Kota Laksamana. Just by the sea. Hmmmm..... what does this Eye made off? It must be steel or Iron or plastic plated on Iron or whatever. By the sea, don't you think it will RUST. I wander.

Anybody can correct me....

Datuk Seri, betul ke nak spend wang begitu banyak?

The Eye of Malaysia to become Eye of Malacca

"Satu lagi projek Kerajaan Barisan Nasional Melaka"

This would be a project that will continue to hantam Rakyat's money. How much? RM22.5 Million. Hellllooooooo.... what is it for? Tourism. So the Malacca state government is purchasing it. Every state don't want it but Malacca with a visionary Chief Minister decided to have it in Malacca by the Malacca river at Kota Laksamana.

I am now wandering how much a ticket per person. RM10? RM20 or RM30? If it is RM30 per person, the Eye need 500 people daily (which is impossible) kali dengan 30 hari kali 4 tahun, then if nothing happen the state government will just break even to RM21,600,000.00. And that is after 4 years. But mind you that is if you have 500 people daily minus all form of mechanical and electrical problems and of course maintenance. Will we be able to get back within 4 years? Well that was in March new report.

Now it was reported recently, together with the project, the state will be investing RM42 Million in a joint-venture project for the construction of an integrated complex to permanently house the Eye On Malaysia by year-end. It will be a 40-60 joint-venture agreement with operators of the Eye On Malaysia, MST AD Suria Sdn Bhd.

So from RM22 million to RM42 million. Our ADUNS will definitely ask for proper accounting.