OPA 2010 AGM - Some Suggestions for EXCO

I'd just attended the OPA AGM after missing last year's AGM as I was then attached to the Political & Security Co-operation Directorate of the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. It was good to be back as I'd attended most of the AGMs since the turn of the millennium save for 2009.

Some turned up to get an update as to what's happening to/in RMC in view of the recent "media exposure". I would say that it was a rather "tame" affair compared to previous years' AGM. The comment of the AGM for me without any shadow of doubt should go to OP Ismail Ashaari - "....kita ni JANGAN jadi BODOH macam Bxxxxxx xxxxxxxL, benda dah elok tapi....". Everybody had a good laugh!

In the meantime, some suggestions from a Life Member(LMA 247) of the OPA since the mid 1990s who have also donated to the OPA:-

1) DONATION DRIVE for OPA Building & Education FUND
~ since it has been decided during the AGM to put up the list of donors on the walls of the OPA building, AGAIN...why not have another donation drive for those who wants their name to be on the wall for a minimum buy-in of say RM200-500. The names can also be "adjusted" to reflect a higher donation similar to what OPA does for the VIP tables during the Annual Dinner. Perhaps, past contributors might even want to "top-up" their donations to ensure a higher standing!!??

2) PORTFOLIO IDENTIFICATION & LOG Books
~ It is hoped that OPA President would implement permanent portfolio similar to Cabinet posts or Government Ministries.

~ Among suggested portfolios would be Legal, ICT, Building, Entrepreneurship & Networking, PR & Communications, Welfare & CSR, Special Projects.

~ the implementation of the posts should then go hand-in-hand with the implementation of the log book system whereby certain or important matters are logged and/or documents tracked.

~ Hence, an EXCO member might be in-charge of a few portfolios but the log books will be separated and well-documented for incoming EXCO members to act as their reference and ensure certain documents especially vis-a-via legal & finance do not enter for a want of a better word...the "Lombong Sg. Besi Zone".

3) SELL the OPA Building & BUY Premises all Over Malaysia

~ Selling the OPA Building will enable the OPA to buy at least 5-6units of RM1million 3-storey shoplots in all major towns namely Penang for the Northern Chapter, JB for the Southern Chapter, KT or Kuantan for the East Coast Chapter and of course for Sabah & Sarawak...not forgetting one for KL and perhaps Putrajaya. In addition, the OPA would then have around RM4-5million...money in the bank.

~ Apart from having multiple revenue streams and reducing OPA's single property(OPA Building) risks, having more premises would ensure that there are more activities organised involving a wider spectrum or myriad of ex-Puteras. Inadvertently, brand "OPA" or "Old Putera" will be enhanced around Malaysia.

~ The OPA should then set up a REIT to manage all their properties which would be self-funding anyway (provided the properties are tenanted on the Ground & 1st Floor..whilst the respective Chapter utilises the top floor.

~ It can even be envisaged that the proposed OPA REIT would one day have properties overseas...located where there is a number of OP expats or migrants.

4) In the event OPA do not sell the building and its anchor tenant moves out, SUGGEST the establishment of the following:-
A. Paid, Dining & Accommodation Services for Members and ex-Puteras;
B. Paid, Business Centre Services (similar to Virtual Offices set-up for new start-ups and/or SMEs).

CABINET of LOSERs & UNelected!

Am saddened by the recently announced mini-cabinet reshuffle.

Saddened, due to 2 reasons:-
1) OTK being dropped; and,
2) Losers being appointed to cabinet.
Though by convention, appointments are the prerogative of the PM...When will PM Najib or his advisors ever learn?? The dropping of OTK just confirms the widely-held notion that the government is "covering" MCA and UMNO in the BILLION RINGGIT PKFZ scandal. Moreover, is the current crop of elected BN MPs so incompetent to be made Ministers or Deputy Ministers or is Malaysia starting to become a republic like the USA where most of the appointed Secretaries are not elected officials!!??

In our case, by appointing losers - the voice of the masses are overlooked for political expediency!!??


LOSER Ministers or Deputy Ministers:-
LOSER 1 - Shahrizat Jalil ( LEMBAH PANTAI )
LOSER 2 - Koh Tsu Koon ( BATU KAWAN )
LOSER 3 - Donald Lim ( PETALING JAYA SELATAN )
LOSER 4 - G.Palanivel ( HULU SELANGOR )

...another case of trying to WIN the BATTLE but, LOSING the WAR???

On another note, I could not for the life of me fathom how MIC's Deputy President is a Deputy Minister whilst his "junior" who is a Vice-President is a full-fledged Minister. I supposed this might be the PM's message to MIC - ...get your house in order or I'll "screw" the lot of you regardless of rank!

10k BOMBA RUN for "IRM-Ekspedisi Merdeka KL London: Library for Orphanage Project"

Today MY Weltanschauung participated (...and COMPLETED!) in my first 10k run in 16years. Purpose of MY Weltanschauung participating in the run was to collect funds for the "IRM-Ekspedisi Merdeka KL London Project for the setting-up of Libraries at 40 Orphanages in Malaysia".




Wearing the Nos C2223(in Green) I'd Initially just wanted to walk and finished the torture....but was carried away in the moment to run due to the atmosphere....i.e. Cameras, Photographers, Fire Engine Siren.....in short, paparazzi! TQ to supporters who turned up to cheer. I don't think I'd qualified within the time frame...but I was given a Certificate as well either due to MY being drenched with sweat or, the organisers had more leftover certificates for those in the Junior Veteran (Group C) category.

I would like to thank generous donors:-
1) Assoc. Prof. Habibah Wahab of USM.
2) Mr. Stephen Wong & Ms. Gina Tan of KL.
3) OP Adam Tham
4) Mimpi Muor Restaurant, Mutiara Damansara.
5) Miss Shireen Jasmin of Bkt. Damansara.
6) Mr. Mohd Faizal and M/S Hazelin & Associates of JB
7) Perfect Know-How Sdn Bhd & Leverage Consulting of PJ;
.......and, last but never the least,
8) Ms. Fariza Zakaria & Family.
.......and various other donors and supporters for pledges/donations made and encouragement/motivation given.

Total Collected as at time of posting is RM 1,102 + Set of Books.

It is envisaged that MY Weltanschauung next charity project will be to take part in a Walk/Run in support of the Genocide Remembrance Initiative-Malaysia (GRIM), Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) and Rumah Titian Kasih respectively.

Please register your pledges for MY Weltanschauung's future initiative(s) here(in the Comments Column) or, privately via e-mail ( to amirulblog@gmail.com ). TQ.

ALLAH and its Usage!

MY Weltanschauung Readers,

I'd receive an e-mail re the "usage of Allah" issue from an old friend.
His last article on " A Hung Parliament in UK" was published many moons ago when he was reading Law at Leeds University,UK.

I'd would like to add a fact that the usage of the word "ALLAH" has been gazetted in several states in Peninsular Malaysia but surprisingly not in Sarawak or Sabah (despite UMNO having been in power for a number of years!).

The following article is his opinion. Though excerpts/ edited version of this article have been published in a local newspaper, MY Weltanschauung is posting his article in its entirety.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
From: MOHD FAIZAL AHMAD

80050 JOHOR BAHRU, JOHOR


Dear Mr Amirul / MY Weltanschauung,


As a Muslim, I am deeply concerned about the on going controversy surrounding the usage of the term Allah by the Catholic Weekly, the Herald. Over the past few weeks, debates on this subject have certainly dominated the headlines but the contending parties are no closer to finding a solution to this somewhat contentious if not explosive issue.


While both sides must be allowed to exhaust their legal options to the fullest extent, I believe that any pronouncement by the appellate courts too will not present parties to this conflict with a rounded and satisfactory solution. If anything it will only serve to persuade them to take up a more legally entrenched position. And as can be seen with any human construct system, the concept of law and the notion of justice can at times albeit paradoxically, be at variance if not mutually exclusive.


From the Muslim’s side, we have had some meaningful and intellectual contributions to this debate by several eminent scholars and jurists. The bone of their contention appears to be that the usage of the term Allah by the Christians is contextually flawed be it from a historical, linguistic, legal or even theological perspective. Essentially, there exists no justification whatsoever for the Herald to insists on the same. In point of fact, since the advent of Islam, they argue Muslims have always used the term Allah to refer to God and therefore its usage to the Muslims is as exclusive as the Pope is Catholic.


On the other hand proponents for the Herald’s cause have pointed out that in neighbouring Indonesia certain section of Christians have been known to use the term Allah in reference to God. Therefore, there is no reason for imposing restriction on the choice of language. This view is not without support from certain segments of the Muslim community. They feel that the Muslims should concentrate on strengthening their religious beliefs (aqidah) instead of wasting their efforts and anger on such pedestrian issues like semantics.


Be that as it may, it is imperative to note that the majority of Muslims in this country are opposed to the idea. To them, the concept of oneness or unity of God is central to the beliefs of all Muslims. Therefore it would be totally unacceptable that the existence of Allah can be explained in any other way let alone via the Trinity concept subscribed by the Catholics. Additionally and by any stretch of imagination, it cannot be pragmatically argued that the Catholics in this country would be severely disadvantaged if they are prevented from using the term Allah in their sermons or publications. To date there exists no statistical evidence to show that such a prohibition would seriously impair their ability to preach and practice their faith. The Herald episode to me is certainly a new phenomenon. Perhaps it is the result of our constantly evolving democratic society which has seen considerable progress over the last thirty years. By and large, it cannot be disputed that the majority of Muslims in our country are a tolerant lot who believe in peaceful co existence with their non Muslims neighbours. And their moderate stance on many issues has certainly contributed significantly towards the stability and prosperity of this country. Therefore, the recent attacks on churches around the country must be speedily and firmly dealt with by the authorities. Such senseless and dreadful acts of vandalism are not only incompatible with the spirit, letter and intent of Islam or any religion for that matter, but can also destroy the very fabric of our multi racial and multi religious society. This must never be allowed to happen if the ‘1 Malaysia’ concept is to be promoted and embraced as the national ideological statement for this new millennium.


One constructive proposal which deserves serious attention is the idea to set up the National Consultative Council on Religious Harmony by Dr Chandra Muzaffar. The powers roles and functions of the council must be properly defined to avoid confusion. It must be borne in mind that in 2005, many Muslims strongly opposed the idea to set up an Interfaith Commission as they fear it was an attempt to usurp the powers of the Malay Rulers on Islamic matters. To dispel such fears and anxieties, it is pertinent that such reservations be addressed from the on set. Membership of such a council too must be representative of all the major religions in this country. At the very least the council must serve as an effective and condusive forum to discuss contentious religious issues of our times.


In the final analysis we have until recently, often been cited as an exemplar nation for our management of racial and religious issues. The Herald’s case presents both Muslims and Christians in this country with the unique opportunity to demonstrate that spirit of tolerance, compassion as well as accommodation in seeking a perennial solution to this impasse. To succeed, the constructive participation of all religious as well as political leaders from both sides of the divide remains quintessential. This I believe will be our greatest challenge as a plural society. And if we succeed in overcoming this obstacle with great aplomb, then and only then should we allow the praises to rain unchecked.



Faizal, JB

Inaugural Eminent Person Lecture Series - TDM, Attended!

" The SUN NEVER SETS on the British Empire,
COZ GOD DO NOT TRUST THE BRITISH IN THE DARK " - TDM

Attended the Inaugural Eminent Person Lecture Series organised by my alma matter i.e. the Asia-Europe Institute(AEI-UM) at Nikko Hotel, KL. The guest speaker was none other than former premier Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and he gave a talk titled "ASIAN in the 21st Century ".

TDM was in his element and he shared his views on amongst others China, India & ASEAN . On Middle East, his thoughts are that they will never develop because after giving their respective greetings i.e. Salam or Shalom (both of which means peace)...they will then proceed to harm, attack and/or bomb each other

Overall, a morning well-spent!

IF, General Elections were to be held in Malaysia today -WHO Would You Vote for?

MARCH 2010 UPDATE::

P.94 Hulu Selangor, Selangor by-election. MY Weltanschauung's Poll extended!

SEPTEMBER UPDATE:

Bagan Pinang, NS by-election. MY Weltanschauung's Poll extended!

MY Weltanschauung have decided to extend the Poll conducted due to the just announced Bagan Pinang, Negeri Sembilan by-elections. Prior to announcement & Update, 21 votes have been casted!

Please vote. TQ.

In conjunction with the Permatang Pasir by-elections, MY Weltanschauung is conducting a general poll to gauge the general sentiment of people on the ground i.e. the silent majority. The poll is titled " IF, a General Election were to be held in Malaysia today -WHO Would You Vote for? ".

The last political poll conducted by MY Weltanschauung was in February of this year...in response to the Perak Constitutional crisis. The question asked - "Which Party Should Determine the Formation of the PERAK State Government? ". Poll was closed on 31st March 2009. The results...from 32votes cast are as follows:-

• 01 (3%) - Palace/Sultan
• 01 (3%) - BN
• 02 (6%) - PR
• 06 (18%) - Courts
• 22 (68%) - Rakyat via Fresh Elections

Hence, it can be said that even though there are pockets of support for the 4 out of 5 different institutions involved in the plot...the silent majority prefers for fresh elections to be called!

Malaysians are MATURED....it's some POLITICIANS who are IDIOTS!

In Europe, the Annual SILLY season happens during Summer...normally, around June or July. The 1st August 2009 "ISA incident" ( peaceful march, constitutional protest, mob demonstration....depending on who you talk to ) has enabled Malaysia...in her aspirations to become a developed nation by 2020, to narrow the "SiLLy" development gap to just about 1-2 months behind!

At a time when the world is in a severe economic downturn and as such focus should be on getting all Malaysians (...irrespective of Religion, Race or Sex ) safely through murky waters, the clowns ( both BN & PR politicians )...with the travelling circus in tow i.e. followers on both side of the political divide are acting like Somalis pirates.......hijacking ships (equals economic recovery) for their own personal political agenda!

Why MY Weltanschauung call some BN politicians IDIOTS :-

• Peaceful Assembly ENSHRINED in Malaysian Constitution
  Notwithstanding qualifying clauses, Article 10 (b) states that:-
  
  " all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms "
  
• Democracy Benchmark
  Protests happens in matured democracy like Washington, USA or London,UK
  and is credited with ending the Vietnam War and Poll Tax...amongst others!
  
• Spending Stimulus
  Desperate times calls for revolutionary thinking! Malaysia's *foreign minister Anifah Aman comments vis-a-vis ASEAN approach towards Myanmar is a case in point! I would say having more protests actually stimulate the local economy by enriching the hawkers & petty traders...amongst others. This is because a protest is actually an EVENT.....and like most events, RM have to be spent!

" There are 3 types of LIES - Lies, Damned Lies & Statistics "

I do not know where the FT Minister( an alumni of the RMC ) got the figures of RM100-200m losses as a result of the "incident"...it would be interesting to see how the *FT minister qualifies his statement as compared to what an actuarist tabulates! I beg to differ with the FT Minister as I believe that well attended Protests actually adds value to the economy. Examples:-

1. Increased TRANSPORTATION Spending
   - Toll, Petrol, Plane/Taxis/LRT/Bus fare and/or charter etc.


2. Increased F & B Spending -


3. Increased MERCHANDISE & Related Items Spending
   - T-Shirts, Caps, Badges, Posters, Newspapers etc.


4. JOB CREATION & Increased SALARY
   - Overtime Pay and/or Allowances for Reporters, Security personnel, DBKL Cleaners etc

Why MY Weltanschauung call some PR politicians IDIOTIC:

• H1N1 Spread
  With the H1N1 outbreak in Malaysia spiralling out of control, only the extremely dumb will say that having hundreds of people let alone thousands...in a dense area a smart move - unless they think that SMART is the name of a car!
  Note: *IF ONLY.....SMART countries had imposed a travel ban earlier!
  

• Getting KIDS involved
  COWARDS get kids involved in their fight! ...but then again, in certain 'conflict' countries - kids are bearing arms.

MY Weltanschauung RM177 comments:

Najib's honeymoon is over!

at the end of the day, the ONLY person/body who came out of it with something is the Malaysian Police esp FRU who managed to get some practise after a long hiatus. After all ASEAN did not have the *ASEANAPOL-Police HQ in KL for no valid reason.

Perhaps it's time for a 3rd force in Politics
...something like the Liberal Democrats in UK!
Partai Kunci ( KEY Party )...ANYone???