tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23966424617194400752024-03-13T08:45:36.232+08:00The JF BunchAll about us. What we see. What we hear. And what we feel.Jasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-32520848924450234152008-10-11T11:25:00.004+08:002008-11-11T18:44:43.431+08:00Malaysian Maladies - Part 2Without me realising, it has more than a month since I last update the blog. <br /><br />I thought nobody cares until I met someone last weekend during a "kenduri" I attended who asked why was it that I have not been updating it. It seems that he has been following the blog closely and finds the blog rather "interesting" to him.<br /><br />I was naturally glad that I do actually have a following among the surfers. Oh what a wonderful feeling.<br /><br />So, to keep up with the "obligation" of keeping alive one's blog, I present you the second part of Malaysian Maladies. All these pictures were taken during our "balik kampung" journey early last month.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SPAe05D_OXI/AAAAAAAAA5o/YV_dDVRVhr0/s1600-h/PA020373.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SPAe05D_OXI/AAAAAAAAA5o/YV_dDVRVhr0/s400/PA020373.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255734659160947058" /></a> <strong>Rubbish everywhere!</strong> We were flat dwellers ourself before moving to our current residence but I never come across a flat that was so dirty everytime I paid a visit there. This particular flat is at Batu Lanchang, Penang.<br /><br />So used to the dirty environment, the kids in the picture does not seem to mind the dirty environment and find it absolutely all right to them to play futsal.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SPAeWt6bvaI/AAAAAAAAA5g/_RTWLz8vzBA/s1600-h/PA030374.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SPAeWt6bvaI/AAAAAAAAA5g/_RTWLz8vzBA/s400/PA030374.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255734140772007330" /></a> <strong>Park Anywhere!</strong> Malaysians in general have no qualms to park their vehicle anywhere, so long that it is convenient to them.<br /><br />This picture was taken at the junction of Jones Road, George Town and proves the point that we can actually park anywhere, including at the junction of a road.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SPAdccSusNI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/2dVLWTwuIJI/s1600-h/PA050441.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SPAdccSusNI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/2dVLWTwuIJI/s400/PA050441.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255733139609661650" /></a> <strong>Emergency Lane, what's that?</strong> During our journey back home from Penang during the raya holidays, seeing fellow motorist overtaking obedient drivers via the Emergency lane was part and parcel of the balik kampung scene. Why queue, just "potong" from the left. Everybody does it, one's must be silly to follow the traffic rules. Traffic rules are there to be observed only when there are policemen around.Jasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-33626180985524610952008-09-14T11:37:00.007+08:002008-09-14T12:27:50.103+08:00The Malaysian Maladies - Part 1For some reasons, I tend to think that the enforcement of the social order in Malaysia has been deteriorating resulting in us seeing so many unacceptable practices becoming a norm in our everyday lives.<br /><br />In this series, I'm posting some of the example of what I'm referring to. So rampant, Malaysians have slowly becoming immune and starting to accept these practices as part of the Malaysian way of doing things.<br /><br />This "Malaysian Maladies" is of course might not be exclusive to the land known as Malaysia, as I'm pretty sure it is also rampant at other backward third world countries. For sure, you will not find these in our nearest and first world neighbour, Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHm1gfk_I/AAAAAAAAA4I/0P8C4F0zKsE/s1600-h/tadika.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHm1gfk_I/AAAAAAAAA4I/0P8C4F0zKsE/s400/tadika.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245716767247930354" /></a> The first malady is the hoisting of an extremely damaged national flag even though it is during the so-called Merdeka Month.<br /><br />Believe it or not, this despicable view was taken at a Kindergarten, a fully operational kindergarten where its students are seeing the "flag" on a daily basis.<br /><br />Respect for the flag is utterly zero with the management and teachers of this kindergarten, and the neighbours, well nobody seems to be bothered to tick off the the kindergarten or better still the local authority.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHTzvVCSI/AAAAAAAAA4A/M3mL6pnUi6k/s1600-h/017.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHTzvVCSI/AAAAAAAAA4A/M3mL6pnUi6k/s400/017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245716440355768610" /></a> While some might be indifferent on the flag that they fly at their premises, there are also those who doesn't seem to be thinking straight when picking a pole to hoist the flag.<br /><br />This pole for instance was picked to hoist the Jalur Gemilang during the Merdeka month and what do you see? It's a flag being hoisted at half-mast! So instead of celebrating the nation's 51st Anniversary of Independence, the nation is as if in mourning!<br /><br />Maybe, we do have a reason to mourn, with all the arrest of prominent figures like RPK and Teresa Kok, for reasons beyond the comprehension of any normal apolitical Malaysians like me.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHPdHoo2I/AAAAAAAAA34/5YpLxyaXOLU/s1600-h/013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHPdHoo2I/AAAAAAAAA34/5YpLxyaXOLU/s400/013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245716365564224354" /></a> Next is the selfish attitude of Malaysian drivers. Like the one in this picture, there is absolutely no respect to the yellow line which means "No Parking" along the lane, but as you can see everyone parks the car along this yellow line, not on one side of the road but on both sides!<br /><br />Further up is a taxi stop, guess who stops there? None other than more cars leaving taxi commuters having to waive for the taxis in the middle of the road. And the taxis have no choice but to drop and pick their passengers from the middle of the road!<br /><br />Very frustrating right? But this is what we at Leboh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur have to endure almost every day and at every hour of the day (especially during office hours). Where are Bandaraya and PDRM? Don't know! <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHKQWdWBI/AAAAAAAAA3w/i7x4jPVSGow/s1600-h/012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMyHKQWdWBI/AAAAAAAAA3w/i7x4jPVSGow/s400/012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245716276237391890" /></a> And lastly (for this series) is the nuisance motorcyclists who just refuse to use the dedicated motorcycle lane provided along certain expressways.<br /><br />This picture was taken along Kesas Highway, I just can't understand the mind of the motorcyclist pictured here. The motorcycle lane (which is much safer)is just beside the expressway but he chose to ride on the highway, racing with the speeding cars. <br /><br />I wonder who would be at fault if there is an accident involving a car and a motorcycle on an expressway like this. I won't be surprised if the driver of the motorcar is put at fault since it is an acceptable practice to ISA a journalist while the perpetrator (as reported by the journalist) is scot free (and going to be on a nationwide road show soon).<br /><br />Uniquely Singapore, I don't think so, I think "Uniquely Malaysia" is more appropriate.<br /><br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-5706865222289857492008-09-13T22:40:00.010+08:002008-09-14T00:17:57.720+08:00Farewell Maal, Welcome Back Nabira!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMvTW_X5G8I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/cs9znmn3keM/s1600-h/P9130319(1).JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMvTW_X5G8I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/cs9znmn3keM/s400/P9130319(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245518582925302722" /></a> <em>The Final Farewell</em><br />On 1st Muharram in Year 2006, on a day known as Maal Hijrah, JF2 found 2 little kittens, not more than five days old, crawling at the pavement in front of the house. "Ma, Pa, look I found two little kittens, can we keep them?", asked JF2. Looking at the helpless kittens with the mother nowhere to be found, we decided to provide a shelter for the two kittens.<br /><br />They were named Maal dan Higgy, taking the occasion of the day that we found them, Maal Hijrah. So since then, they have been part of the "household", fed and taken care of by the best of our ability.<br /><br />Though they are not "bred pets" but rather of "stray cats", the attention and care (which include medical care) given to them was at par to those accorded to Persians or other exotic breeds.<br /><br />Higgy however left us during last year's Raya holidays while in a boarding facility, leaving Maal alone. But Maal was never really alone as he regularly received visitors from other stray cats in their attempts to share Maal's food.<br /><br />There is one particular orange cat that Maal would always avoid contact. Perhaps the orange cat was rather aggressive. But he got along well with the others, he will let the "gang" consume his food without ever exerting any territorial dominion over his supposedly home.<br /><br />However, suddenly, out of the blue, he started to loose appetite and within a day got dehydrated and just lying helplessly last Tuesday.<br /><br />On Wednesday, Mrs. J brought him over to the neighbourhood's veterinary clinic for medical attention and he was subsequently warded for observation.<br /><br />Come Thursday, he actually showed a remarkable improvement. He looked healthier but he doesn't seem to be able to move anything other than his head.<br /><br />And come Friday, the veterinarian confirmed that Maal's brain was infected causing him unable to control his body movements other than the head.<br /><br />Due to this, he is no longer able to eat or drink on his own. In short, Maal is now paralysed. Maal is now a vegetable!<br /><br />On the veterinarian's recommendation, it was then decided that the most humane act is to end his suffering by putting him to a permanent sleep.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMvT9-hGAMI/AAAAAAAAA3g/8jaT2NUq5-U/s1600-h/P9130320.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMvT9-hGAMI/AAAAAAAAA3g/8jaT2NUq5-U/s400/P9130320.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245519252710359234" /></a> <em>Maal's Final Resting Place</em> <br />So today, after all the family members (except for JF1 who is spending the weekend at his hostel)bid farewell, Maal was put to sleep at exactly 11.00 a.m.<br /><br />He was then laid to rest under a shady tree opposite the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMvSqvDwjHI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/erLVzhFzVik/s1600-h/P9130321(1).JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMvSqvDwjHI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/erLVzhFzVik/s400/P9130321(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245517822631644274" /></a> <em>At long last, she's back!</em> <br />Such a sad day indeed, losing a pet, though came by uninvited but had surely brought colour to the house.<br /><br />The low spirit of the day got uplifted when Nabira, who was "hospitalised" for more than 2 months was brought back home. The car now look brand new and I would say that the workshop had indeed done a splendid job in repairing the damages "she" incurred from the traffic accident that occurred on 4th July.<br /><br />I have three months to check and see of anything not right with the car and hopefully, there would not be any. The rear sensor was conspicuously missing and the workshop has asked me to send the car back anytime for them to reinstall the rear sensor device which they had accidentally "forgotten" to install.<br /><br />So we now look forward for happier times ahead, starting with the fast approaching Hari Raya holidays as we will be on our "balik kampung" journey to the northern states of Penang and Kedah.<br /><br />Till then "Selamat Berpuasa" and if this is not too early, "Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri".<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-90466798692883384622008-09-06T10:09:00.007+08:002008-09-06T11:57:13.212+08:004 Hours to reach home!Up till last week, my exposure to the Klang Valley's public transportation has been exclusive to the Kelana Jaya LRT line and occasionally the KTM Komuter service. I'm a regular LRT commuter, using the service from Kelana Jaya Station to Masjid Jamek Station almost every working day.<br /><br />Occasionally, I would also be taking the KTM Komuter service from its Batu Tiga station to KL Sentral, where I would switch back to using the Kelana Jaya LRT line to disembark at Masjid Jamek.<br /><br />And this has been my routine for the last three years since taking up a position at my current office which lie smack in front of the Masjid Jamek Station.<br /><br />And from the three years experience I have with the public transporation that I'm used to, I have considered that our Public Transportation was really not bad (despite the occasional hiccups from time to time).<br /><br />But this assesment of public transportaion is perhaps due to the fact that I do not rely on public transportation wholely as as we use our own car to travel to the stations from home (and vice versa).<br /><br />This arrangement changed earlier this week when Mrs. J's office implemented a new woking hours in conjunction with the Ramadan month.<br /><br />Instead of finishing work at 5.30 pm, the office now closes an hour earlier at 4.30 pm but starts at 8.00 am (instead of 8.30 am) and a reduced lunch break from 1 hour to just half an hour.<br /><br />It's great to have the working hours adjusted as this would enabled its employees to reach home earlier to prepare for breaking of fast with the family members.<br /><br />Unfortunately, not all offices observe adjusted office hours. Mine, for instance is business as usual, making Mrs. J's adjusted working hours meaningless if she had to wait for me to arrive at Kelana Jaya LRT Station only about 6.00 pm.<br /><br />So we decided that Mrs. J should just go straight home after office and let me find my own way home using KL's Public Transfortation system all the way. And that's where my nightmare began! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHnBzQg1NI/AAAAAAAAA2o/_rbRDDboGIk/s1600-h/putra+lrt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHnBzQg1NI/AAAAAAAAA2o/_rbRDDboGIk/s400/putra+lrt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242725459361322194" /></a><br /><br />It was on the third day of Ramadan that I experienced the real pain of using public transportation. I started the journey home from office comfortably using the much familiar Kelana Jaya line, but instead of disembarking at Kelana Jaya station, I got out at KL Sentral Sentral instead. And I got there in less than 5 minutes.<br /><br />Once at KL Sentral, I had two choices, one, switch to KTM Komuter to Shah Alam station or two, take the RapidKL bus from KL Sentral all the way to the Sri Muda Bus Hub.<br /><br />I opted for choice No. 2 and proceeded to wait at the bus station besides KL Sentral. But I noticed something, there don't seem to be any bus servicing Sri Muda passing through KL Sentral Station. I remember taking the bus from that station once (when they first introduced the service), but where is the bus now?<br /><br />After going through all the embarkation bays and couldn't find one that could let me board a bus to Sri Muda, I went to check with a RapidKL bus personnel based at the station.<br /><br />I was then told to walk further to the "other" KL Sentral Station, the one belonging to Monorail as the bus now passes that station instead. (It's funny though that here are two KL Sentral Stations, one the real KL Sentral Station, and the other, the smaller station located about a kilometer away but still bearing the same name!).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHm3Hxd1ZI/AAAAAAAAA2g/oOpL1YWlUDA/s1600-h/klsentral+monorail+station.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHm3Hxd1ZI/AAAAAAAAA2g/oOpL1YWlUDA/s400/klsentral+monorail+station.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242725275889685906" /></a>So off I went to the other KL Sentral Station and joined to crowd all waiting for their respective buses.<br /><br />But all other buses passes by but not the one heading to Sri Muda! So after waiting for about half an hour, I headed back to the "real" KL Sentral Station to take the KTM Komuter service instead. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHmr-yxFiI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Sr-ZvoszhAQ/s1600-h/ktm+komuter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHmr-yxFiI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Sr-ZvoszhAQ/s400/ktm+komuter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242725084500661794" /></a> Within minutes (which was already about 6.15 pm), the KTM Komuter to Port Klang arrived and just like the earlier LRT ride it was also a smooth journey of about half an hour to my destination, the Shah Alam station.<br /><br />By 6.45 pm, I was already at Shah Alam KTM Station. Again I joined the crowd waiting for the feeder bus that would take me to the Sri Muda Bus Hub. But there I was, waiting in vain, 3 other Komuter passed but not a single bus arrived. At last there was this bus that finally arrived but its destination was to the other part of Shah Alam and not the one heading to the Sri Muda Bus Hub.<br /><br />So at 7.15pm, I decided to walk towards the main road which was about 2 to 3 kilomoters away. And along the way, I could hear the sounds of the azan signalling the time to break fast. But unlucky me, I was all alone walking by myself with nothing to break fast with.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHnJEsNyhI/AAAAAAAAA2w/Cic-iqMJLtQ/s1600-h/rapid+kl+bus.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMHnJEsNyhI/AAAAAAAAA2w/Cic-iqMJLtQ/s400/rapid+kl+bus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242725584300001810" /></a><br />At the bus stop along the main road, came a bus that took me to the Sri Muda Bus Hub. But the bus came only at about 7.45 pm and I reached Sri Muda Bus Hub half an hour later.<br /><br />At Sri Muda Bus Hub, the waiting game repeated. There were no buses, both the RapidKL Feeder Bus nor the Mini Bus until at around 8.45 pm, and it was the Mini Bus that arrived.<br /><br />The Mini Bus, which was very much a run-downed bus ( I wonder how Puspakom approed this bus for service with automatic door not working, air-cond kaput, and squeky sounds everywhere) finally brought me home at exactly 9.15 pm. A journey of 4 hours to reach home from office. Wow! What a shame! (I could have reached Penang I were to drive from KL!) <br /><br />I hope someone responsible for public transporation would re-look our public transportation service again and improve on the connectivity of the various modes of public transportation. It is a shame that while we do have a quite a decent public transporation modes like the LRT, Komuter, RapidKL buses and (eeee) the Mini Bus , the connectivity and synchronosation of the various services is still very much in disrepute.<br /><br />I have to keep on using the public transportation thoughout the month. For the next trip, I want to change the route. I would take the RapidKL Bus from Pasar Seni <br />all the way to Sri Muda. Let's see how long will it take. I'll keep you posted, just in case if you have any need to use public transportaton as well sometime.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-39033687669070633462008-09-04T22:54:00.006+08:002008-09-04T23:52:46.160+08:00Conman cum Thief Lurking<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMAB_gjd_lI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/85zxTTdu__Q/s1600-h/the+mall.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SMAB_gjd_lI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/85zxTTdu__Q/s400/the+mall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242192156841344594" /></a> <em>The Crime Scene</em><br />If my last post was about the streaker who disturbed my maid, this time around I'm going to tell you about a fully clothed conman cum thief.<br /><br />The story goes like this :-<br /><br />It was last Tuesday, the second day of Ramadan. I was at Kuala Lumpur's The Mall having a business meeting with a client going through some documentations to be executed accordingly.<br /><br />Half way through, our meeting was disrupted when my client got a call from his daughter who happens to do some shopping at the very same mall.<br /><br />She told her father that she had been "caught" for being suspected of shop-lifting. "What, Shoplifting! Is there a mistake or something?" asked the father.<br /><br />"It's definitely a mistake. I did not shop lift anything. I just bought something from Guardian and got into Parkson when this House Detective stopped me." explained the daughter. "Papa, please come here to help me out. I'm here at the Security's Office on the Third Floor." asked the daughter.<br /><br />"Okay, I'll be there in a jiffy."said the father.<br /><br />And so, he excused himself to attend to the more important matter in hand, leaving me alone at the meeting place.<br /><br />About ten minutes later, he came back along with the daughter. I asked, "So, what's the story?" "I think they're trying to be funny disturbing young girls. The House Detective who stop my daughter for suspicion of shop-lifting was no where to be found. And we were waiting at the Security Office like fools", said the father.<br /><br />"Emmm, something sounds not right. Why would a House Detective go missing after asking his "catch" to go to the Security's Office", I said.<br /><br />"Yeah, I think I'll go back there later to lodge a complaint against their House Detective, such a nuisance!", said the father, totally convinced that it was the Shopping Complex House Detective playing the fool.<br /><br />When we were just about to resume our discussion, the daughter, who was sitting on the next table besides us, suddenly cried "Papa, I've lost my purse!". Yes, she lost her purse, and how did she loose it? <br /><br />Well, apparently when she was stopped by the "House Detective", she was asked to follow him to the Security's Office. Along the way, at the escalator, the House Detective asked for the handbag to do a search. It was during this time that the "House Detective" skillfully took the purse away.<br /><br />After successfully and unsuspectingly stealing the purse, he then asked the girl to proceed to the Security's Office while he will follow suit later after getting some documents. And of course, it was just a trick so that he can escape without attracting any attention.<br /><br />So that's how my client's daughter got tricked. Tricked by an imposter impersonating as a House Detective targeting young and naive girls.<br /><br />A police report was later lodged and apparently, this method of stealing is a new modus operandi and quite rampant at The Mall.<br /><br />So for those frequenting The Mall, or any other shopping complexes for that matter, just be careful. Don't surrender your handbag to strangers, even though they might appear to be a person of some authority. <br /><br />What's interesting is that the image of the imposter was not captured by any CCTV installed at the Shopping Complex. He did his work all at "blind-spots", meaning to say that he has adequate knowledge on the various "blind-spots" in the complex. Who could he be? A former security personnel? I tend to believe that as otherwise, how would he know where to strike undetected!<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-77341229401903423272008-08-24T01:47:00.012+08:002008-08-25T13:34:19.088+08:00Psycho-maniac Streaker on the Prowl<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBPg-6tJrI/AAAAAAAAA1o/us6LXzMeB3o/s1600-h/P8230282.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBPg-6tJrI/AAAAAAAAA1o/us6LXzMeB3o/s400/P8230282.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237773794695521970" /></a>Saturday, 23rd August was perhaps my busiest day. Visits to three police stations were made. First, the Berjaya Park Police Beat; second the Section 15 Police Station; and third, the Section 11 Police Station.<br /><br />All these visits were made in relation to our lodgement of a police report over an incident involving two consecutive nights that scared our domestic helper.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBNhWyZPnI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/nAU70V2xK2k/s1600-h/police+report.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237771602079858290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBNhWyZPnI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/nAU70V2xK2k/s400/police+report.jpg" border="0" /></a>It all started last Thursday night when the maid was awakened by a stranger at 4.00 am. Showing a sign not to make any noise, the maid chased him away and ran to the family hall instead. She thought that would be her last encounter with the stranger but she was wrong. The next night, this time at a much earlier time, at 12.30 pm to be exact, the same stranger broke a glass panel and tried to reach her who was sleeping on the bed placed right next to the window.<br /><br />This time, instead of just asking her to keep quite, the stranger was bolder as he was completely naked. With one hand reaching out to her, the other hand was holding the penis in arousal.<br /><br />This time, the maid didn't just run away but she screamed for help. I was upstairs watching a Kopratasa's performance over Prima and upon hearing her scream, dashed down and yell to the intruder. He ran and within minutes, group of security guards and concern neighbours were at the backlane to render assistance.<br /><br />The intruder was no where to be detected but I strongly believe he must be somewhere near. Hopefully by lodging the report the security guards and the police could intensify their patrolling to detect any suspicious man and eventually capture the psycho-maniac person.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBOXSXh0RI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/wxxU4X8JZCk/s1600-h/P8230280.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237772528606368018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBOXSXh0RI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/wxxU4X8JZCk/s400/P8230280.JPG" border="0" /></a> So here's the broken window .......<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBO5n9R1KI/AAAAAAAAA1g/sn7NgHUPab8/s1600-h/P8230281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237773118517400738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SLBO5n9R1KI/AAAAAAAAA1g/sn7NgHUPab8/s400/P8230281.JPG" border="0" /></a> and the shattered glass panel.<br /><br />To my neighbours, please be on the alert and light up the back lane. (Actually, our back lane was brightly litted, making it easier for the person to ran away!)<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-75122714892569616872008-08-23T18:00:00.003+08:002008-08-23T19:24:26.102+08:00The Swing StorySo where will the votes be swinging to this 26th August 2008? Can the act of swearing in the name of Allah by Saiful and Najib able to swing voters over to BN? Will voters be swinging to BN just because the petrol price suddenly got reduced by 15 sen? Will there be 31 BN Members of Parliaments be swinging over to Pakatan Rakyat come 16th September 2008?<br /><br />We will only be getting the answers to these boiling questions as early as a couple of days from now while the rest on 16th September.<br /><br />But despite all that uncertainties, the JF Bunch has for certain got a new Swing! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmJc9daz_I/AAAAAAAAAzY/HP_jpJhL1Mw/s1600-h/P8160247.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmJc9daz_I/AAAAAAAAAzY/HP_jpJhL1Mw/s400/P8160247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235867172422209522" /></a> Made of Chengai wood, this new swing of ours is basically "home-made", not by me, but by Zali, a friend of ours. Produced out of hobby, this carpentry lover has produced all sorts of furniture for both indoor and outdoor applications.<br /><br />So amazed with his skills, we just asked one day on whether he would produced a swing for us. And as you have guessed, he gladly took up the assignment and got it installed at the patio last weekend. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmI5HQa19I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/uI8uFjpQE34/s1600-h/P8170248.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmI5HQa19I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/uI8uFjpQE34/s400/P8170248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235866556576749522" /></a> And now, and for the last few days, it is the swing where most of us spent time at, all other furniture are somehow went out of favour instantly!<br /><br />I know I tried to sell my <a href="http://jfbunch.blogspot.com/2008/04/who-wants-to-be-my-neighbour.html">neighbour's house</a> before (without success), but I wonder whether I can at least sell swings. Let me know. If any of you are interested in getting a new, nice and solid swing, send me an e-mail. I'll contact you and would give the details of the passionate carpenter.<br /><br />Let's Swing.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-60395981589777185642008-08-18T22:40:00.007+08:002008-08-22T11:58:51.149+08:00A Birthday Reception, Friday's style<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SK2V6dmrJDI/AAAAAAAAA0o/Bt0a7QLXPYw/s1600-h/P8160237.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SK2V6dmrJDI/AAAAAAAAA0o/Bt0a7QLXPYw/s400/P8160237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237006773313545266" /></a> We seldom have birthday parties. But we always have birthday receptions for all the members of the Bunch. A birthday cake is a must, be it being celebrated at home or at other venues.<br /><br />One of our favourite venue to hold a birthday reception is at Friday's. At the last birthday reception for my eldest two years ago, I was so impressed with the atmosphere created by the staff of Friday's in making the occasion to be a fun and memorable occasion.<br /><br />So this time around, we returned to Friday's for the birthday reception of my youngest who just turned 6 last weekend.<br /><br />True to my expectation, the birthday reception this time around was equally fantastic and fun.A group of Friday's staff perked up the day with their lively and charged up rendition of the traditional "Happy Birthday" tune plus another original acapella song.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmLXKqiYmI/AAAAAAAAAzo/h4Th2P3CxKw/%20%3Ca%20href="><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235868416594797506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmKlYXR48I/AAAAAAAAAzg/XjQvi-S-oJQ/s400/P8160231.JPG" border="0" /></a> It is a tradition at Friday's for the birthday boy (or girl) to give a speech using a gimmick microphone, usually a bottle or in the youngest' case, a pepper bottle. <br /><br />He didn't actually utter a word, probably a little embarrassed, but the Friday's staff was so good in saving the moment by rendering a speech by reading the child's mind through "telepathy". He was so good, so genuinely good. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmMPTk4GWI/AAAAAAAAAzw/CFkIyT04_Dk/s1600-h/P8160227.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235870236375783778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmMPTk4GWI/AAAAAAAAAzw/CFkIyT04_Dk/s400/P8160227.JPG" border="0" /></a> So the next time you want to hold a birthday reception among family members, do give Friday's a try. Kids have their meal for free. All the more reason to have it there, don't you think so?<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-56591644812514930732008-08-18T22:23:00.012+08:002008-08-21T00:23:24.055+08:00Homecoming to the "Last Fortress"<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmHQ69_EMI/AAAAAAAAAzA/0yWHNLVOf_Y/s1600-h/P8170258.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmHQ69_EMI/AAAAAAAAAzA/0yWHNLVOf_Y/s400/P8170258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235864766571811010" /></a> <em>The new UiTM </em><br />I am proud to be a product of UiTM. I graduated from two programmes of the institution, a Diploma in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Corporate Administration (Hons)(Company Secretary). The Diploma collected in the early eighties while the Bachelor secured just about eight years ago.<br /><br />Though it has been quite a while since leaving the campus, my ties with the institution never fades as I am still very much involved in the various programmes held at the institution in various capacities, the last as a guest speaker at the faculty's graduation night.<br /><br />UiTM is special to me. That was the place where I first learned to be truly independent at a very young age of barely 17, i.e. right after SPM. First time detached from the parents, it was at UiTM where we developed our true personality, ability and potential, very much on our own. <br /><br />New friends were bonded and most of them are still intact in contact. I had a beautiful time there, it was an life adventure that I would never easily forget.<br /><br />Being so special, I was naturally excited when I got an e-mail from the faculty (which was followed by a phone call by none other than the Dean herself who happens to be my former classmate) inviting me over to join in the fun of a homecoming event specially organised for the alumni of the institution.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmGLHvJPEI/AAAAAAAAAyw/CTqpUg1XnIo/s1600-h/uitm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmGLHvJPEI/AAAAAAAAAyw/CTqpUg1XnIo/s400/uitm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235863567408380994" /></a> <em>One of the Banner and Billboard placed and erected around the campus</em><br />So off I went, bringing along my eldest with me, to the Homecoming event last weekend. Instead of being welcomed by banner like "Welcome back dear Alumni", we were rudely greeted by giant billboards and banners like the one here, reminding the world that the land that you have just step in is the last fortress of the Malays, the Malay sanctuary under siege, etc etc. <em>(Actually, there were banners on the Homecoming event hanging at the lamp posts, but the black bannners were more prominent.)</em><br /><br />I was actually very embarrassed with all those billboards and banners as I don't see the rationale of putting them up in the first place. Just what is the point barking to tell the whole world that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institutional_racism">"institutional racism"</a> is your official ideology. A "university" that would only admit students from just a particular race and no other. What ideology do you call that if it is not simply "institutional racism"?<br /><br />I am so sorry for the VC for turning himself from a respectable academician into a politician who seems to be unperturbed manipulating the young minds to make noises out of practically nothing. Out of a mere suggestion that could not even be implemented if the policy makers currently in power insist on maintaining such policy.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmGug_vzwI/AAAAAAAAAy4/mqPCmxTZwWY/s1600-h/P8170255.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmGug_vzwI/AAAAAAAAAy4/mqPCmxTZwWY/s400/P8170255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235864175484325634" /></a><em>Fun and merry making</em><br />Well, I don't wish to be a politician myself, so I don't think it is wise for me to write more on the issue. Let's just talk about the Homecoming event itself.<br /><br />The Homecoming event is actually a three day event where former students can just report back to the colleges to rekindle their nostalgic memories of their Alma mater.<br /><br />At the faculty level, most faculties concentrated on just the last day with various programmes lined up. At the Administrative Sciences and Policy Studies Faculty, the Sunday starts with an aerobic session, telematches, various competitions, alumni talk, multimedia presentation, lucky draws and most importantly "luncheon".<br /><br />It was fun indeed to be there. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmHwasd57I/AAAAAAAAAzI/cld2x7IDesc/s1600-h/P8170259.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SKmHwasd57I/AAAAAAAAAzI/cld2x7IDesc/s400/P8170259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235865307664213938" /></a> <em>Serious talk</em><br /><br />But it was not just fun, we had serious session too. Mostly for the benefit of the current students, experiences of the various alumni were shared. Four of us spoke, 2 by alumni who chose to be serve UiTM as its lecturers, 1 by another alumnus now serving in the government sector (diplomatic service actually) and 1 (yours truly) being an alumnus who chose to be a practicing Company Secretary<em>(nothing to shout about actually!).</em><br /><br />All of us had the same basic education but we are certainly not the same now as we had chose the various different routes in getting at where we are now.<br /><br />My assessment of the Homecoming event? Well, I just hope there would be more of it in the coming years and I just hope that more alumni members would pop up to make the event more meaningful, more wholesome and more nostalgic.<br /><br />Thank you UiTM. Looking forward to be there again soon.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-61041667601210047492008-08-14T15:09:00.007+08:002008-08-14T15:34:16.115+08:00The Verdict is Out! 2 out of 3 are just like me!Stumbled into yet another interesting free software that at long last confirms who your children really look like, their mom or dad. Try it out by clicking onto the link in the attachments. <a alt="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter" href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter" target="_blank" title="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter"><img border="0" width="435" src="http://storage.myheritagefiles.com/N/storage/site1/files/43/08/62/430862_252103759d3a84bcdy3495.JPG" height="470"/></a><p><a href="http://www.myheritage.com">MyHeritage</a>: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter">Look-alike Meter</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/descendants">Descendants</a> <br /><br />My eldest looks more like his Mom.<br /><br /><a alt="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter" href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter" target="_blank" title="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter"><img border="0" width="435" src="http://storage.myheritagefiles.com/L/storage/site1/files/42/79/72/427972_707434203d3a846zkpqv46.JPG" height="470"/></a><p><a href="http://www.myheritage.com">MyHeritage</a>: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter">Look-alike Meter</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/family-history">Family history</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/genealogy-searches">Genealogy searches</a></p>href<br /><br />The daughter looks more like me.<br /><a alt="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter" href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter" target="_blank" title="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter"><img border="0" width="435" src="http://storage.myheritagefiles.com/N/storage/site1/files/42/56/82/425682_76123646ec3a84z8duvs98.JPG" height="470"/></a><p><a href="http://www.myheritage.com">MyHeritage</a>: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter">Look-alike Meter</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/ancestors">Ancestors</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/family-tree-software">Family tree software</a></p>="http://www.myheritage.com/page/lost-relatives">Lost relatives</p><br /><br />And so does my youngest!<br /><br />What about your children? Try it out.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-74525268797651153102008-08-10T21:31:00.007+08:002008-08-11T22:20:58.169+08:00Forever waiting!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJ7uXArWZcI/AAAAAAAAAyI/CEvdjB2KUbE/s1600-h/P7230112.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJ7uXArWZcI/AAAAAAAAAyI/CEvdjB2KUbE/s400/P7230112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232881896137319874" /></a> <em>Work in progress</em> <br />It has been more than a month now since we had that freak accident. And since then, the car has been and still is in the workshop for repairs.<br /><br />Initially thought that it will just be about three weeks to get the car back, taking into consideration of the usual processes of insurance claims etc etc,it has now gone far beyond my expectation.<br /><br />Not satisfied with the slow pace of things, I tried to find out what is dragging the matter and believe it or not, it's all due to huge discrepancy between the workshop's estimates and the adjuster's report. To the workshop, they need RM25,000 to repair the "small" dent along with the replacement of several other parts. To the adjuster, most of the proposed parts replacements can just be repaired. So in the end, the Insurance is only offering RM10,000 for the repairs to be done and up till the time I'm writing this entry, the offer is still pending acceptance. <br /><br />So the waiting game is still on. I wonder when I'll be getting back the car. One thing for sure, I've lost the NCD and come end August I would have to renew its insurance again with the full undiscounted premium.<br /><br />I really now look forward for the RM 650 government subsidy as I would really need the money!<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-59814529229514911722008-08-06T23:07:00.004+08:002008-08-07T00:33:50.643+08:00A wedding and a Fruit Feast<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJm_cduug5I/AAAAAAAAAxw/rvr2vGmV_f4/s1600-h/P7260114.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJm_cduug5I/AAAAAAAAAxw/rvr2vGmV_f4/s400/P7260114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231422937905398674" /></a> A fortnight ago, along with a group of friends from my former office, I went for an excursion to Melaka for a wedding and a fruit feast.<br /><br />A wedding of a former colleague who is now based in Ireland and a fruit feast hosted by another former colleague of mine.<br /><br />The trip to Melaka, in a chartered coach, reminds me of a similar excursion to Pangkor several years ago with more or less the same group of people. Though most of us are much older now, the fun and joy of travelling together are still very much intact.<br /><br />If previously, most of us were bachelors, now we have teenage kids as our children. And the things we talk about are things that we never talked before. We talk about raising children, children's education as well as retirement plans!<br /><br />In the trip, there were some of us who brought their children along. The fun is now is with the kids, as now almost all of us are known as either uncles or aunties, if not papas and mamas.<br /><br />So to welcome another former colleague into our world of family land, we decided to make a trip to Melaka to wish him well and as a gesture of strong bond of acquaintance.<br /><br />And I'm sure the bridegroom must be so glad seeing his friends taking the trouble to travel more than 200 km just to see him wed.<br /><br />Melaka's wedding reception is of a class of its own. Though the food was catered, the spirit of "Gotong-royong" is still very much alive with aunties in uniform serving as waitress and guys preparing additional dishes in big big "kualis". We were served with "dodols" too, something I had never had at any other weddings that I've attended before.<br /><br />Entertained with nostalgic songs, I just can't help but admiring the Deejay in charge as he was very different than any other deejays I've seen before. This deejay not only spin songs, he sings too. And he sings beautifully too, very much like a professional singer. <br /><br />There was not one song that he delivered poorly, all were delivered superbly. From the Malay favourites of the 70s, 80s, 90s and the 2000s to English and Hindi. All the songs were sung by heart, a perfect candidate to participate in the local game show "Jangan Lupa Lirik".<br /><br />Unfortunately, as our time was limited and the itinerary was pre-arranged, we could not spend much time at the wedding reception. Almost immediately after the arrival of the bride and bridegroom and while they were still on the dias for the bersanding ceremony, we had to leave for the next itinerary of the day, a visit to a fruit orchard. So we left without having the chance to even say a "Hi" or a "Bye" to the bride and bridegroom. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJm-xjNtvsI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Lzwse0G_x2M/s1600-h/rambutan.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJm-xjNtvsI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Lzwse0G_x2M/s400/rambutan.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231422200643174082" /></a> <em>Photo courtesy of Marjit</em><br />At the fruit orchard, the uncles and aunties were transformed into kids again. Everyone were overjoyed to see the so many trees bearing so many fruits. There were rambutans, mangosteens, "jambus" everywhere. And all we need to do was just pluck and eat - absolutely free of charge!<br /><br />Looking at the surrounding and its atmosphere, I guess most of us just can't help but appreciate the good country life, a life that either we had left or never had. I for one, never had a real "kampung", as my "kampung" was another city by the name of Georgetown, the Heritage City of the Straits.<br /><br />So there were no rambutans, mangosteens or "jambus" to pick, and if we need to eat any of those, we had to buy them from the market! Just like a couple of days ago, getting Mangosteens from MaxValu with half of them could not be eaten as they were already bad!<br /><br />So there goes the good memory of a short excursion to Melaka, a special thanks to all my friends who shared the experience together and especially to the host of the fruit feast - thank you very much, your rambutans and the side dishes really tasted good. Even your coffee tasted nice, I had cups of it, ummm, yummy yummy.<br /><br />As for Apen, the bridegroom, who is now back in Ireland with the new bride, "Selamat Pengantin Baru" - thank you for remembering us and letting us celebrate your joyous occasion.<br /><br />Jasni AJ<em></em>Jasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-34850760429483721142008-08-02T22:47:00.004+08:002008-08-02T23:50:47.538+08:00A Birthday to Remember (hopefully)It is not our routine to make visits to the stadiums for whatever occasions. My last visit to the stadium was about three or four years ago when I brought Junior to an almost empty National Stadium to watch a Pestabola Merdeka football match between Malaysia and Myanmar.<br /><br />Myanmar was luckier than Malaysia as they managed to have more spectators cheering them on, most of whom were Myanmarese nationals residing in the country (along with several other nationals staying here in huge numbers e.g. Indonesians, Nepalese, Bangladeshis and Vietnamese). So I guess, whenever the stadiums needs spectators, the organisers could just arrange for matches involving these countries to be held as the locals have been shunning the stadiums for quite some time now.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJR1Xb5hm-I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/rXG_WX1J5MM/s1600-h/P7280144.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJR1Xb5hm-I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/rXG_WX1J5MM/s400/P7280144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229934112770464738" /></a> But it was different earlier this week. We were at the ecstatic stadium for two consecutive evenings. First on Monday evening and next on Tuesday evening. On Monday it was quarter filled but on Tuesday it was three quarter filled. The crowd was large enough to form rounds of Mexican waves and Mexican waves we did for round and rounds during the half time break.<br /><br />Yes, we were at the Shah Alam Stadium for the Chelsea's friendly match with Malaysia, the last leg of their Asian Tour 2008. The match was on Tuesday evening but on Monday, there was this training session where fans (with passes) were allowed to get into the stadium to watch the team train.<br /><br />Junior has been a Chelsea fan ever since he started to love football. He has his room decorated with posters of Chelsea's stars and he had even bought an original Chelsea jersey using his own savings. <br /><br />So when the news that Chelsea would be coming to Malaysia broke out, I guessed he must have silently wished that his parents would get him a ticket to see his much admired stars in action in front of his own eyes.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJR0t_KRCVI/AAAAAAAAAxI/ZbAsWVcNH0E/s1600-h/P7290173.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJR0t_KRCVI/AAAAAAAAAxI/ZbAsWVcNH0E/s400/P7290173.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229933400681417042" /></a> Incidentally, two days prior to the match was his 14th birthday. So what greater birthday present could there be if not a ticket to the Chelsea vs Malaysia match! So a ticket he got to get, and I, having the privilege of being his papa, got to go with him as well. <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJR17CWPmtI/AAAAAAAAAxY/1YejIgK_BoQ/s1600-h/P7270125.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SJR17CWPmtI/AAAAAAAAAxY/1YejIgK_BoQ/s400/P7270125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229934724386888402" /></a> <br />To junior, Happy Birthday. I surely hope that you have enjoyed yourself. I love you son.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-65349062058476042072008-07-13T12:49:00.008+08:002008-07-13T13:49:43.376+08:00Bang! You're hit!<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmKWcaw9aI/AAAAAAAAAwo/dGIKo-HKe8A/s1600-h/093.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmKWcaw9aI/AAAAAAAAAwo/dGIKo-HKe8A/s400/093.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222357361103009186" /></a><br />You must be worried sick looking at this wrecked car.<br /><br />And you must be more worried if I were to tell you that this was the car that had actually hit us a week ago. Yes, we got ourselves involved in a motorcar accident last 4th July while we're on our way home en route into the Kota Kemuning township to pick up some medications from our family clinic.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmJ-1tFnRI/AAAAAAAAAwY/rXY46b0QZ_8/s1600-h/092.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmJ-1tFnRI/AAAAAAAAAwY/rXY46b0QZ_8/s400/092.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222356955573886226" /></a><br /><br />There were Mrs. J, J Jr. I and me in the car. It was J Jr. I's home weekend and along the way we were talking about plans to coincide his forthcoming 14th Birthday.<br /><br />Upon reaching the junction into the Clinic's street, I look up the road and thought it was safe for me to turn into the street. Turned I did, and before I realise anything, the car was hit by an on-coming car, as fast and as hard as anyone could have.<br /><br />And as a result, you can see for yourself the damage it had done to the car. <br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmKMzyiMQI/AAAAAAAAAwg/zTZih6BLGkM/s1600-h/096.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmKMzyiMQI/AAAAAAAAAwg/zTZih6BLGkM/s400/096.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222357195578028290" /></a><br />Luckily for us, besides no one was hurt, our car did not suffer the extend of damage as endured by the car that hit us.<br /><br />Well, we did rushed J Jr. I to the nearest clinic , the clinic that we had wanted to drop by in the first place, and subsequently to the ER of SJMC as he got his head swelled to an "extraordinary" size. Goodness gracious, the x-rays and scans detected no injuries other than the ordinary swelling outside the skull. The swollen forehead is still apparent until now, though the size has significantly reduced. But his face is still not like his normal face as he looks more like a raccoon now, you know, with black circle around the eyes.<br /><br />The doctor says that it would probably take a week more for all the bumps and black marks to disappear eventually.<br /><br />And due to the accident he was on Medical leave for the past week and shortly later I'll be sending him back to his hostel to resume his hostelite life.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmJvyL1AVI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/0yEyIlC9Otc/s1600-h/098.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmJvyL1AVI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/0yEyIlC9Otc/s400/098.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222356696931041618" /></a> As for the car, well it was towed to a workshop somewhere in Subang Permai, a place that till today I'm yet to pop up to see the progress they have made on the car. <br /><br />I was told that I would still have to wait for some three weeks for the car to be fully repaired.<br /><br />It shall be a long wait, but wait we shall do. What other choice do we have right?<br />So, in the meantime, "Berhati-hatilah di Jalanraya".<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-76153694396039482532008-07-13T12:31:00.017+08:002008-07-14T10:53:50.652+08:00A Night in the Woods<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmFqlxU1KI/AAAAAAAAAvI/sj18c8vCcy4/s1600-h/P7130102.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmFqlxU1KI/AAAAAAAAAvI/sj18c8vCcy4/s400/P7130102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222352209652798626" /></a> It is not an everyday experience to be at a such scenic place pictured here. Most of the time, day in and day out,we would be busily commuting back and forth the office, either by getting caught in traffic jams or caught in a packed LRT coach, everywhere seeing people rushing to their respective destinations, all within the all too familiar everyday and daily view. <br /><br />But yesterday was different. I was at this place. Enjoying the beautiful and picturesque view of nature, the calmness, the soothing sounds of the river flow, the chirping sounds of the birds and not forgetting the other cranky "noises" produced by the various insects. <br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmGFkw3HHI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/VY3aqlPNnPA/s1600-h/P7130101.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmGFkw3HHI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/VY3aqlPNnPA/s400/P7130101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222352673238883442" /></a> I was glad to take up the offer to drop by and spend a night at the Mind Development Camp organised for the Hostelites of Victoria Institution, in particularly for the First and Second Formers.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmIfmWXtXI/AAAAAAAAAwA/k8Jxk-GrJbE/s1600-h/P7120086.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmIfmWXtXI/AAAAAAAAAwA/k8Jxk-GrJbE/s400/P7120086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222355319364498802" /></a> I checked in at the camp at 8.30 last night together with my son who was not able to participate in the programme fully due to the fact that he was still on Medical Leave.<br /><br />Undoubtedly, it was a packed programme all right as the boys were presented with almost round the clock programmes from matters pertaining to discipline, grooming, purpose in life, swot analysis, case studies and the all encompassing appreciation of religious values.<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmIDB3wfDI/AAAAAAAAAv4/2W6Fuf_1J8M/s1600-h/P7120091.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmIDB3wfDI/AAAAAAAAAv4/2W6Fuf_1J8M/s400/P7120091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222354828536085554" /></a> But it was definitely not a purely all serious affair solely as the boys were given the space to enjoy themselves while absorbing all the stuff they're supposed to absorb.<br /><br />They had barbecue ..... <br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmGhYQ2MfI/AAAAAAAAAvY/nc5O3O59g4Y/s1600-h/P7130097.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmGhYQ2MfI/AAAAAAAAAvY/nc5O3O59g4Y/s400/P7130097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222353150919717362" /></a> ... "water polo" and other recreational activities throughout their 3 days 2 nights stay.<br /><br />But last night, it was a long and spiritual night indeed. The night was filled with a "Qiyamullail" programme, a programme that started at the wee hour of 4.30 a.m. Lectures on the religious perspectives were held, followed by the enchanting of "zikir" , performing of "solat hajat", "solat taubat", "solat witir" before ending it with "solat subuh".<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmoBa8gZqI/AAAAAAAAAww/XccddOS4Ho0/s1600-h/P7130105.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmoBa8gZqI/AAAAAAAAAww/XccddOS4Ho0/s400/P7130105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222389985279239842" /></a>All these took place at a place called The Woods Resort, a place near Ulu Yam, Selangor. It is actually a stone-throw away from the ever busy and bustling city of Kuala Lumpur and it is located along the Batu Caves - Ulu Yam route that passes through another scenic location, the Batu Dam.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmpkXBVvZI/AAAAAAAAAw4/WeOJIzgT2w8/s1600-h/P7130098.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SHmpkXBVvZI/AAAAAAAAAw4/WeOJIzgT2w8/s400/P7130098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222391685032820114" /></a>The place is currently closed to public but once reopened, there are about 20 chalets available for rental at a most attractive rate of RM100 a night. Each chalet can accommodate 5 occupants. Those not interested to spend the nights in the chalet can also just pay RM2 per head to gain access to the premise and have a picnic within the compound of the resort.<br /><br />We (my son & me) left the place this morning after breakfast, and I am really looking forward to revisit this place with the whole family once it reopens to the public. And I think you should too. See you there!<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-26810164606069469362008-06-29T23:16:00.004+08:002008-07-01T20:59:16.188+08:00The Inception of our Dream SurauWe have been staying at Bukit Rimau since Year 2000. In fact we were among the first "settlers" in the then brand new housing estate. <br /><br />When we first moved in, it was "hell" getting into and out of the estate. Cut from its actual link, we were forced to take a longer route home, passing palm oil plantation, road full of potholes, competing with hundreds of sand-carrying lorries and worst of all a flood prone road.<br /><br />We (a group of residents) fought and fought hard to get our link road via Kota Kemuning and come August 2002, exactly 2 years later, we got our link road.<br /><br />Things got better for the folks of the estate as four years later, our own dedicated interchange was completed providing multiple accesses for the housing estate.<br /><br />While we were busy fighting for our link road, we didn't forget on other facilities that we ought to have as well. One of it is a Surau. Initially told that we had to generate our own funds to build a surau on a plot of land provided free by the developer, it was discovered years later that the developer actually had an obligation to build the surau on a "build and surrender" concept, an obligation that was made mandatory on the developer. A fact that was conviniently not in the knowledge of the developer, the local authority as well as the religious department! Strange but true!<br /><br />By then, we had actually commissioned an architect to draw up the plans for the surau and we had actually submitted the plans to MBSA. So there was a change in plan. We sought redress with the developer and there were ding-dongs for two years before the developer finally agreed to the demands of the Committee for the developer to build a surau based on the plans submitted to MBSA.<br /><br />Last month, tenders were called, and last week, the site was surrendered to the successful bidder.<br /><br />And today, a ground breaking ceremony was held marking the inception of the physical development of our dream surau, An-Namira.<br /><br />As usual, I would be asked to write something about the event and here they are, my report of the day in Malay as published in <a href="http://http://jdmbukitrimau.blogspot.com">http://jdmbukitrimau.blogspot.co</a>m :-<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ELHYf2563b0/SGecPQwCs9I/AAAAAAAAADk/V93FQPwqAec/s1600-h/P6290071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ELHYf2563b0/SGecPQwCs9I/AAAAAAAAADk/V93FQPwqAec/s400/P6290071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217310479340450770" /></a><em>YB Shuhami melakukan upacara Pecah Tanah dengan menggunakan jentera pengaut</em><br />Penantian lapan tahun penduduk Islam Bukit Rimau yang mengimpikan terbangunnya surau di kariah mereka kini sudah hampir berakhir.<br /><br />Hari ini, Ahad 29 Jun 2008, Adun Sri Muda, YB Shuhami menghadiri serta menyempurnakan Majlis Pecah Tanah & Doa Selamat Surau An-Namira Bukit Rimau bagi menandakan bermulanya pembangunan fizikal surau tersebut.<br /><br />Dalam ucapannya sebelum melakukan upacara pecah tanah tersebut, YB Shuhaimi mengingatkan ahli kariah supaya sentiasa bersatu padu dalam mempertingkatkan ukhwah islamiah tanpa mengambil kira kecenderungan fahaman politik masing-masing. Selaku pusat kegiatan Islam setempat, institusi surau dan masjid haruslah merupakan satu institusi yang bebas dari sebarang pengaruh politik yang dikhuatiri mampu mengganggu gugat kesejahteraan setempat.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ELHYf2563b0/SGeb6AIv-6I/AAAAAAAAADc/GLxBcQGAYwA/s1600-h/P6290069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ELHYf2563b0/SGeb6AIv-6I/AAAAAAAAADc/GLxBcQGAYwA/s400/P6290069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217310114103425954" /></a><em>YB Shuhaimi (kanan) mengaminkan doa yang dipimpin oleh Ustaz Sobri (kiri)</em><br />Islam, menurut beliau, menuntut penganutnya sentiasa mengambil berat tentang kebajikan jiran. Penganut adalah dipertanggungjawabkan agar sentiasa memastikan kebajikan jiran tanpa mengambilkira anutan agama masing-masing. Berdasarkan ajaran itu, fahaman politik yang berbeza dikalangan jiran tidak harus dijadikan sebab untuk tidak mengimarahkan institusi surau.<br /><br />Surau An-Namira, apabila siap nanti, disyorkan supaya menjalankan pelbagai aktiviti keagamaan disamping turut cergas mengendalikan aktiviti-aktiviti yang bercorak kemasyarakatan.<br /><br />Bercakap bagi pihak Kerajaan Negeri Selangor pula, beliau memaklumkan bahawa pihak kerajaan disamping meneruskan dasar kerajaan dahulu yang mensyaratkan kemudahan surau disediakan oleh pemaju masing-masing, ianya kini mengambil sikap yang lebih terbuka dalam hal pembangunan rumah-rumah ibadat bagi penganut agama-agama lain.<br /><br />Tambah beliau, ujudnya rumah-rumah ibadat untuk setiap penganutnya adalah sesuatu yang dapat menjamin kebebasan serta kesejahteraan masyarakat dalam mengamalkan ajaran agama masing-masing sepertimana yang termaktub dalam perlembagaan negara.<br /><br />Beliau mengakhiri ucapan dengan mengajak ahli kariah menyumbangkan dana kepada Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Surau bagi membolehkan Jawatankuasa tersebut melengkapkan kemudahan surau apabila siap nanti. Untuk tujuan itu, sumbangan pejabat Adun Sri Muda sebanyak RM1,000 telahpun dijanjikan.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ELHYf2563b0/SGecpiJ4nTI/AAAAAAAAADs/4P7tXupY9h8/s1600-h/P6290076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ELHYf2563b0/SGecpiJ4nTI/AAAAAAAAADs/4P7tXupY9h8/s400/P6290076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217310930688843058" /></a> <em>Hadirin menikmati jamuan yang disediakan secara "potluck"</em><br />Surau An-Namira dijangka siap dalam tempoh 16 minggu (akhir bulan Oktober 2008). Rekabentuknya adalah mengikut citarasa Ahlijawatankuasa Pembangunan Surau An-Namira yang terdiri dari kalangan ahli kariah. Ianya kini dibangunkan atas pembiayaan pemaju Bukit Rimau hasil dari rundingan dengan Jawatankuasa Pembangunan An-Namira sejak dua tahun lalu.<br /><br />Jasni AJ<br /><br />Sila lawati <a href="http://annamira.blogspot.com">http://annamira.blogspot.com/</a> untuk liputan bergambar.<a href="http://jdmbukitrimau.blogspot.com"></a><a href="http://jdmbukitrimau.blogspot.com/"></a>Jasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-67778279568688925522008-06-27T22:44:00.003+08:002008-06-27T23:31:38.685+08:00Everyone's RelatedA few weeks back I got an invite from my brother, who in turn got an invite from our cousin, to join his family tree created though Geni.<br /><br />It is a very interesting and user friendly system provided free by <a href="http://www.geni.com">www.geni.com</a> which I think is useful for everyone to get to record your roots, trees and even forests as the family tree is expandable to cover almost everyone within your family circle that includes the family of ones spouse and family of the spouse's spouse.<br /><br />Try it out and I'm sure you'll be excited as I was (and still am) for the past weeks inputing all relatives whom I know. The best part of Geni is that you can invite any your relatives and get them to update as well making it an never ending lines family ties.<br /><br />I'm now introduced to new relatives, not really new though as they have been there all these while without me knowing that they are actually my relatives. How sad, isn't it?<br /><br />Before Geni, one of my granduncle attempted to produce a family tree book, during a time when computer was not around. Every page was type-written. I had the book somewhere but I just could not find it anywhere. Thanks to Geni, the family tree can now grow again.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-69706126034156746952008-05-22T22:01:00.003+08:002008-05-23T00:25:24.721+08:00Serving with hearts of gold<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SDV9N-RrzlI/AAAAAAAAAuY/I8oXCKzd0pU/s1600-h/P5220008.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SDV9N-RrzlI/AAAAAAAAAuY/I8oXCKzd0pU/s400/P5220008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203202623505419858" /></a> About a week ago, I received an e-mail from an officer from KPWKM (Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga & Masyarakat) extending an invitation to participate in a 2-day workshop on National Child Protection Policy organised by the Ministry.<br /><br />Naturally, being part of the team initiating and promoting Nurin Alert, I accepted the invitation believing that I could utilise that platform to continue pushing for the incorporation of Nurin Alert into the National Child Protection Policy. But I forgot to asked on what capacity was I invited. Was it as Nurin's uncle or as representative of the Citizens for Nurin Alert Society (C4NA).<br /><br />So a couple of days later, I called and asked, and in response, the officer told me that I would be there as a close relative to Nurin, the hideous crime victim that no Malaysians can ever forget.<br /><br />Though I would not be there as a team member of C4NA (as I would like to), I had nevertheless contacted my fellow Committee Members for any input that could be forwarded in the workshop that I would be attending.<br /><br />So come yesterday (21st May), taking a two days annual leave just to attend this event, I was at the Flamingo Hotel registering myself for the workshop.<br /><br />To my surprise and beyond my expectation, the workshop was not an ordinary workshop that I am used to. The workshop was a grand "workshop" with 70 over participants with the Minister officiating its commencement! It was like full scale Conference!<br /><br />I was tempted to dress casually but luckily I put on my office attire. Just to be on a safer side I brought my neck-tie along, just in case. And what were the other male participants wearing? They were wearing suits! Oh my my! So I quickly put on the neck-tie and hence avoided myself from having this inferiority complex amongst the Datuks, Professors and experts in the field of child protection, all of whom are the big names in the country.<br /><br />At the registration counter, the reception lady asked for my name and from which organisation I was from. So I told her my name and told her that I'm not representing any particular body but on my personal capacity.<br /><br />So the lady went on searching for my name from the very long list and alas, we found my name. Guess what was stated in the attendance list? It's Encik Jasni Abdul Jalil (Penulis Blog Nurin)! And the "Penulis Blog Nurin" was in bold!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SDV9YuRrzmI/AAAAAAAAAug/yqXsHPkmBXY/s1600-h/P5220016.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SDV9YuRrzmI/AAAAAAAAAug/yqXsHPkmBXY/s400/P5220016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203202808189013602" /></a> <br />Wow, this is a surprise, an extraordinary surprise. I have never thought that a "Penulis Blog" could be invited to an event alongside the 70 over experts representing a fairly comprehensive cross section of the stakeholders in the area of child protection. What a recognition!<br /><br />Frankly, before I accidently became a "Penulis Blog", I had never participated in any big event that had nothing to do either with my work, my involvement in community affairs or my studies. Child protection issues was never my cup of tea until I got stumbled into our frantic search for the then missing Nurin.<br /><br />When Nurin was discovered, dead, battered and abused, supported by a group of concern citizens, we started initiating Nurin Alert, a mechanism modelled after the much successful USA's Amber Alert, with the hope that no one else would face the bitter experience endured by us in searching and rescuing Nurin.<br /><br />It was due to this affiliation with Citizens for Nurin Alert that made me started to read more about child protection, started to meet influential personalities in pushing for Nurin Alert, started to give talks on Nurin Alert and of course started to write on the subject matter, though mostly are reproductions of reports and articles written by someone else but having relevence to the Nurin Alert initiative or anything on Nurin's tragedy.<br /><br />Before Nurin, I was just anyone else, fully oblivious on matters that we thought was not really affecting us. We like to leave these daunting tasks to someone else, anyone except us.<br /><br />And by attending the 2-day workshop, I had for the first time witnessed a group of people, people with hearts of gold, pouring energies and total passion in the cause of ensuring a better life of others.<br /><br />They spoke with genuine passion, they act on their sincere believe and they divulge their time and energy for a cause that does not not bring in monetary gains but loads of other people's problems that they have adopted as theirs.<br /><br />Hearing their pleas and their narration of incidences moved my emotion. On several occasions, I was teary eyed at the edge of crying listening to the sad stories they relayed.<br /><br />I am now convinced that this land is indeed blessed with this group of people, a group of people working tirelessly for the good of others.<br /><br />I am now also convinced that the nation is indeed heading towards achieving an environment of safe haven for children judging from the multiple strategies and action plans of the proposed National Child Protection Policy.<br /><br />Whether Nurin Alert will ever materialise as Nurin Alert is not that very important, the important thing is that the nation will be prepared to react appropriately, swiftly and effectively so that there will never be another Nurin, another Sharlinie, another Asmawi.<br /><br />The mechanism applied for Sharlinie and Asmawi was good, the mechanism was indeed ala-Nurin Alert. What is required now is the formulation of the mechanism so that the response to a missing child incidences would not vary depending on the personalities handling the matter or whose child went missing.<br /><br />One of the strategy identified in the workshop is the establishment of an early warning system to protect children in need of protection. And towards this aim Standard Operating Procedures for each and every scenarios would be developed.<br /><br />Though my involvement in the workshop was rather minimal, but seeing that efforts are being taken to address all issues affecting children, including those missing, was really reassuring.<br /><br />I am glad I attended the workshop. I hope to get more invitations to attend such events, not only to learn more but to progressively learning how to be a better person in helping others other thinking about yourself and your family all the time.<br /><br />Kudos to the participants and the organiser of the workshop. You are truly the gems of the nation, the saviour of the children of the nation. You also have my utmost admiration.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-92148923594945587622008-05-13T23:22:00.011+08:002008-05-14T01:19:52.178+08:00Dr. Fadzilah Kamsah & Syed Hamid Albar Transformers<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCmyYdnqL7I/AAAAAAAAAt4/zTnxgTLlsEI/s1600-h/HARON1981.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCmyYdnqL7I/AAAAAAAAAt4/zTnxgTLlsEI/s400/HARON1981.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199883378113523634" /></a>Who would have guessed or thought that these cute faces (excluding "Malcolm in the Middle") would in 27 years transformed themselves into someone else. Someone who are public figures and famous. <br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCmyuNnqL8I/AAAAAAAAAuA/6uMGW3TcHEc/s1600-h/P5130001.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCmyuNnqL8I/AAAAAAAAAuA/6uMGW3TcHEc/s400/P5130001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199883751775678402" /></a> But they just so did. So great the transformation, the public today could not be faulted if they thought that they saw (Dato')Dr. Fadzilah Kamsah meeting (Dato') Syed Hamid Albar at a Kopitiam joint at Semua House today. It's either they would think that Dr. Fadzilah is Syed Hamid's crony or due to the complete transparency, they could have thought that Syed Hamid might just want to get a tip or two on how to get more motivated in dealing with the perceived public rejection of Umno politics <em>(that is if the last election results have any bearings on such perception). </em>And they might have also thought that top politicians including ministers have now thrown away the feudalistic protocols and now find it okay to be "lepaking" around at places were the public goes to nowadays, perhaps after taking a cue from Penang's new Chief Minister's much publicised Economy Class flights instead of the more exclusive Business Class flights.<br /><br />So there these two chaps were, chatting away, covering various topics from health, career, family, friends etc etc etc. Emmm, something is amiss here. They talked like they are best friends who had not been seeing each other for quite a while, if not for quite a long time! Are they really Dr. Fadzilah Kamsah and Syed Hamid Albar? <br /><br />And the answer is a definite "No". They were just two ordinary people who happened to be resembling Dr. Fadzilah Kamsah and Syed Hamid Albar, in other words they were doubles. Doubles that normally switch places with the main actors for "dangerous" scenes. And these doubles were actually Haron and Jasni!<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCm54NnqL9I/AAAAAAAAAuI/J-gbpxhR3Rs/s1600-h/fadzilah.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCm54NnqL9I/AAAAAAAAAuI/J-gbpxhR3Rs/s400/fadzilah.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199891620155764690" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCm5_9nqL-I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/8I4lfqkTSPg/s1600-h/syedhamid.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCm5_9nqL-I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/8I4lfqkTSPg/s400/syedhamid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199891753299750882" /></a> Have a look at these pictures of the original persons. All Haron needs to do is to dye his excessive gray hair to black, while I have to dye my almost all black moustache to gray. And yes, both of us would have to wear the spectacles.<br /><br />For those who doesn't know who Dr. Fadzilah Kamsah and Syed Hamid Albar are, please click<a href="http://vangardx.net/blog/biodata-dato-dr-haji-mohd-fadzilah-kamsah/"> here</a> to get to know Dr. Fazilah Kamsah and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syed_Hamid_Albar">here</a> for Syed Hamid Albar.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-45186556379024156582008-05-12T22:59:00.003+08:002008-05-12T23:39:13.011+08:00He's now a Datuk?As I mentioned in my last posting yesterday, I thought of calling my Sarawakian friends, Haron and Radzali today just to say "hi" and keep myself updated with their latest stories.<br /><br />Well, I managed to get hold of Haron and apparently he is now in KL, just arrived from Kuching for an interview, i.e. an interview for a promotion.<br /><br />Right after the interview tomorrow, he would be flying back to Kuching right away.<br /><br />I wanted to see him tonight but we settled for a short meet-up after his interview tomorrow instead to catch up with old times.<br /><br />We chatted and in our short conversation, I came to learn of an unexpected breaking news! It seems that another one of my Sarawakian friend, Othman, is now a Datuk! Not "Datuk" the grandfather, but the honorary Datukship title bestowed by the Sarawak State Government.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SChbddnqL5I/AAAAAAAAAto/OfbL_ccXK6Y/s1600-h/jasni%26othman.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SChbddnqL5I/AAAAAAAAAto/OfbL_ccXK6Y/s400/jasni%26othman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199506331524542354" /></a><em>Datuk Othman & Me, 27 years ago</em> <br />Wow, Datuk Othman. That's great news. He must be doing exceptionally well to deserve it. Though, I still can't really verify the news but if it's true it is truly an honour to have known a Datuk, 27 years before!<br /><br />And if indeed Othman is now a Datuk, then he would be the second Datuk from among our peers to get such title after Azalina.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SChbl9nqL6I/AAAAAAAAAtw/CFFqWQO7s88/s1600-h/azalina.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SChbl9nqL6I/AAAAAAAAAtw/CFFqWQO7s88/s400/azalina.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199506477553430434" /></a><em>Datuk Azalina, 24 years ago</em><br />You may wonder which Azalina I'm referring to, well, it's Datuk Azalina Othman Said, our new Tourism Minister. When in college, we all know her as the Tae Kwon-do Black Belt Master, the iron lady who was both "physically" and "oratory" strong. I guess, the Ministership she's now holding is by no accident but rather reserved for her.<br /><br />Perhaps I could now start a series on my old buddies tracking them up on where they are now. So stay tune to read more of all the people whom I once knew.<br /><br />By the way, Haron is indeed a "Datuk" too as I have guessed earlier. He's now a proud grandfather of one. I think No. 2 is now fast approaching. <br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-17142724375579336542008-05-11T22:35:00.006+08:002008-05-11T23:45:55.595+08:00Sentimental KuchingPerhaps, besides Penang being our "hometown" where we head for Raya every year without fail; Jalan Jarret, Kuala Lumpur being the place I was brought up from year 1970 to 1978, Taman Bunga Raya, Setapak being our home and my parents place from year 1978 till it was sold a couple of years ago; UiTM Shah Alam campus being the place I studied from year 1981 till 1984 and later in year 1997 till year 2000; Taman Melati, Setapak being our first home as a family from year 1994 till year 2000; Kuching could be categorised as the most sentimental place that I (and we) had visited with fond memories covering three time frames, as a bachelor, as newly weds husband & wife and as a family.<br /><br />I first set foot on Kuching soil in November 1983 en route to Miri for my "vocation" training with Sarawak Shell Berhad. How I got to be there was simply of pure luck, resulting from my insistence of having my practical training in Sarawak.<br /><br />During my college days, we were asked to identify several organisations where we would like to have our practical training of about 1 1/2 month. Unlike others who chose to have their practical trainings at places nearby their hometown, I chose Kuching, of all places.<br /><br />I actually asked to have my practical training at Kuching Municipal Council (KMC) and in order to get there I was prepared to go there on my own expenses (own here means "parents"). But luck was on my side when at the very last minute Sarawak Shell Berhad offered 2 places for the students. As I was one of those who asked to be placed at Sarawak, I was eventually given the place.<br /><br />Having a vocation training at SSB was special, special because they sponsored everything, from airfare to accommodation to daily allowances. And if I remembered correctly, we were given RM1200 on the first day we reported for the training.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCcFVNnqL4I/AAAAAAAAAtg/tuCJVdcjOFw/s1600-h/kuching1984.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCcFVNnqL4I/AAAAAAAAAtg/tuCJVdcjOFw/s400/kuching1984.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199130156813922178" /></a><br />After one and a half month at Miri, I made a stopover of a number of days at Kuching, staying at my buddy's home at Tabuan Jaya. In fact, the reason why I wanted to go to Sarawak in the first place was simply that my buddies at college were mainly those from Sarawak. Hearing so much about Sarawak made me so eager to see, hear and feel Sarawak first hand. So that was my first experience being there at Kuching, way back in 1983/84. <br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCcFKdnqL3I/AAAAAAAAAtY/yi6z3loWxGU/s1600-h/kuching1994.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCcFKdnqL3I/AAAAAAAAAtY/yi6z3loWxGU/s400/kuching1994.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199129972130328434" /></a>I made a return visit in 1994, exactly 10 years later. This time around, I was with Mrs. J, on our first ever vacation together. <br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCcFCNnqL2I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/egXGcmmnlHw/s1600-h/kuching2006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SCcFCNnqL2I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/egXGcmmnlHw/s400/kuching2006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199129830396407650" /></a>So fond of Kuching, we decided to make another return trip to Kuching a couple of years ago, and this time with 3 additional members (and the maid)to revisit all the places we have been to (besides the new attractions like the <a href="http://www.dbku.gov.my/catmuseum.htm">Cat Museum</a> etc.) And Kuching remained to be as exciting as ever, a place that we as a family had really enjoyed ourselves.<br /><br />More importantly,I managed to visit at least two old friends, Haron and Radzali. Haron, I would think by now is a grandfather while Radzali must be fighting very hard against a serious medical condition he had when I last saw him. Come to think of it, I have not been checking on both of them for quite a while now. Perhaps I should call them tomorrow and ask how they are doing.<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-55318139470847828462008-05-07T23:21:00.006+08:002008-05-08T10:18:29.961+08:00Enticing Fools with Readily "Free" Complimentary GiftsI got a call yesterday from a caller who didn't even know who she was calling. It went like this :- <br />Caller : "Hello, 013-2040XXX".<br />Me : "Yes, this is 013-2040XXX"<br />Caller : "Oh Cik, maaflah mengganggu, saya Dayang dari XYZ Marketing, boleh saya tahu dengan siapa saya bercakap?" <em>(Oh Sir, sorry for disturbing you, I'm Dayang from XYZ Marketing, may I know with whom am I speaking with?)</em> <br />Me : "Aip, macam mana you call tapi tak tahu siapa you panggil?" <em>(Funny, how is that you're calling someone you don't even know whom?)</em><br />Caller : "Oh, your number is in our database and we just make calls randomly."<br />Me : "Oh I see. I'm Jasni. So how can I help you?"<br />Caller : "Begini Cik, kami ini adalah sebuah syarikat pemasaran yang baru memperkenalkan beberapa produk baru dalam pasaran. Kami inginlah menjemput Cik ke pejabat kami untuk satu sesi pengenalan untuk selama 45 minit sahaja. Cik tak perlu risau, Cik cuma datang, dengar presentation kami, kalau Cik berminat untuk melibatkan diri dalam memasarkan produk kami itu, Cik boleh sertai, kalau tak, Cik boleh sahaja berikan maklumbalas terhadap produk kami itu. Untuk masa Encik, kami akan memberikan tiket penerbangan dalam negeri untuk dua orang." (<em>It's like this Sir, we are a marketing company who had just introduced a number of new products into the market. We would like to invite you over to our office for an introductory session for just 45 minutes. You don't have to worry, you just come, listen to our presentation, and if you're interested to participate in the marketing of our products, you can join us, if not, you can always give us your feedbacks on our products. And for your time, we will give you domestic flight tickets for two.)</em><br />Me : "Malaslah nak dengar presentation-presentation ni,last-last kena beli tu beli ni." <em>(Aaah, I really don't fancy attending all these presentation sessions, we would end up being forced to buy this, to buy that.)</em><br />Caller : "Tak Cik, kami tak paksa orang. Percayalah. Paling tidakpun Cik dapat flight tickets percuma. Cik tak rugi apa-apa." <em>(No Sir, we don't force anyone. Trust me. At least you'll get free filght tickets. You have nothing to lose.)</em><br />Me : "Emmm, betul tak paksa-paksa orang. Duduk dengar 45 minit I dapat 2 tiket free?" <em>(Emmm, are you really sure that you won't pester me to do anything. All I need to do is listen to your presentation for 45 minutes and I'll get 2 free tickets?)</em><br />Caller : "Ya betul. Tak tipu punya. Cik datang ajelah. Cik boleh datang esok?" <em>(No, this is not a trick. Just come over. Can you come tomorrow?)</em><br />Me : "Mmmm, pukul berapa you nak I datang?" <em>(Mmmm, at what time you want me to be there?)</em><br />Caller : "Cik habis kerja pukul berapa?" <em>(At what time do you finish work?)</em><br />Me : "5 suku" <em>(Quarter after 5)</em><br />Caller : "Pukul 6 boleh sampai sini?" <em>(Can you be here at around 6?)</em><br />Me : "Where exactly is your office?"<br />Caller : "Kami kat Wisma Central, sebelah KLCC" <em>(We're at Wisma Central, besides KLCC)</em><br />Me : "Mmmm, dekat aje tu, make it 5.30 ajelah. 45 minutes aje kan?" <em>(Mmmm, it's quite near, make it at 5.30 then. It's only for 45 minutes right?</em>)<br />Caller : "Ya, 45 minit. Confirm ye Cik" <em>(Yes, it's only for 45 minutes. You're confirming right.)</em><br />Me : "Ye lah, see you tomorrow" <em>(Okay, I'll see you tomorrow)</em><br />Caller : "Okay, esok saya call lagi remind Cik ye" <em>(Okay, I'll call you tomorrow to remind.)</em><br />Me : "Okay."<br />Caller : "Bye"<br />Me : "Bye"<br /><br />So there goes the dialogue, no element of any obligations, purely on free will, but on top of all, there's a reward for just sparing 45 minutes of our time with them. Juat as what said by the caller, "what's there to lose?". Nothing at all.<br /><br />So today, as she had said yesterday, she called me again to remind of our appointment this evening. In fact, she called twice. Once in the morning and second, just before 5. When she called at 5, it was raining outside so I told her that I might not be able to make it. But she said, "Datanglah Cik. Office kami depan stesyen LRT aje, keluar stesyen, lintas jalan, sampai. Datang tau. Lambat sikit pun tak apa. Pukul 6 boleh sampai? <em>(Please come Sir. Our office is just in front of the LRT station, when you get out of the station, just cross the road, and you'll be here. You have to be here, okay. Never mind if you're bit late. Can you be here at 6?) </em> "Okay, okaylah, I'll be there", me giving in.<br /><br />So right after office, while it was still raining, (luckily not that heavy), I dashed out the ofice, crossed the street, got into the LRT, reached the KLCC station, dashed out to the street, crossed it and there I was at the office at 5.45.<br /><br />Introduced myself at the counter. The receptionist gave me a form to fill and after a few minutes my host came over and took me upstairs for he presentation session.<br /><br />She asked why I was there, was it simply for the free tickets or do I want to know more of their marketing plan. Well, I guess by now you must already know why I was there right, it's for the free tickets! But of course, I can't be telling her that. So I said, "Well, I'm here to listen to your presentation for 45 minutes and by the end of the presentation, I'm collecting my free flight tickets."<br /><br />"Oh, yes, you'll get your free tickets but are you opened for ideas that could top up your income. Additional income that you can use for holidays etc etc. When was the last time you had your holiday?", she asked.<br /><br />"Well, we just came back from Bangkok last month. And we have vacations at least once every year.", I responded.<br /><br />"Where else have you been?", asked her more. "Mmmm, well, we've been places, Jakarta, KK, Kuching to name a few.", I said.<br /><br />"You must have spent quite a sum for your holidays in Bangkok. How much did you spend?" she asked protrudedly. "Well, we did spend, but it was not that much actually. Why, you want to go there?" I asked.<br /><br />"No, just asking. I don't think I can afford to get there. It must be expensive there right?" she asked again.<br /><br />"Well, not really. Don't go to luxury hotels, pick the medium ones, after all we're there to see places, not staying just at the hotel. At most we would only be spending the nights in the hotel, during day time we'll be out hopping from one place to the other.<br /><br />The conversation continues on a casual basis for perhaps the first 15 minutes. After that we started talking about the various marketing models available in town. She asked whether I know anything about direct selling stuff. Of course I know, I told her. I have joined Cosway and recently Uptrend. Well, joining these schemes not for the money really but just to satisfy my own curiosity on the workability of both schemes.<br /><br />"Have you been making lots of money from the schemes?", she asked. "He, he, not a single sen!", I said sheepishly. "Nothing wrong with the schemes, but I just did not do my part of the bargain. I did not look for downlines. I simply joined and left it there, just like that." I said in trying to explain why I "failed" in the schemes. <br /><br />"What is your problem? Is it dfficult to find downlines?" she asked further. "Well, I think this kind of business doesn't fit everyone. I for one is really not suited for this. To invite someone over for some "business" is simply the most difficult thing for me to do.", I said.<br /><br />"There you are, this type of business structure is doomed to fail because looking for downlines is really a pain in the arse! And that's why our marketing plan fits you perfectly. With us, you just make a certain initial "investment", from time to time buy the products for your own consumption but leave everything else to us. We will look for your downline. All you do is collect your cheque every month, amount depending on how much your "investment" is." she said convincingly.<br /><br />She proceeded with the explanation on the structure of the marketing plan, really attractive I would say but then she's talking about big money! Minimum "investment" is some RM 25,000 with a guaranteed income of about RM 5,000 a month. Meaning the pay back period is just about 5 months. After 5 months, it's pure income all the way till eternity.<br /><br />Wow, what a splendid marketing plan. But where am I going fork out RM 25,000. Looking at me I guess she might have known that I might not be able to participate in such a "big" way. "But don't worry, let me call up my Manager and perhaps he can work out something for you.", said the host.<br /><br />Wah, a second chance. I thought there might be some sort of an easy payment scheme. How else could have they been successfull in getting ordinary folks like taxi drivers and school teachers participating in this scheme. Are everyone else have tons of money except me?<br /><br />Then came the Manager. He explained about the various schemes available and after several times of reducing the "investment" price, came up with the last & best offer of the day, RM7,500 for three "lots". <br /><br />A cooling 10 day period is given but in order to lock the deal, a deposit is to be given, amount subject to each discretion. RM1,000 was mentioned, much to my surprise. If I failed to pay up the balance within the 10 days period, the deposit will be forfeited.<br /><br />I offered a deposit of RM100 to give me time to really think hard about this new business opportunity. They accepted and started to prepare the receipt.<br /><br />While preparing the receipt, the Manager proudly gave me the "flight tickets" as promised earlier. It was not really flight tickets but merely a "voucher" stating our entitlement for a ONE WAY domestic flight ticket for two. Reading the terms and conditions, the voucher stated that booking for the flight must be made three months in advance and the voucher excludes airport taxes and other related charges. I asked what are these "other related charges". "Are these in reference to fuel surcharges and admin fee normally charged by Air Asia?", I asked. The Manager said, "Yes".<br /><br />To my horror and shock, I suddenly felt being fooled at the very first instance. "What! You're giving me free tickets that I can get them for free as well from Air Asia! Just what are you giving me? You're giving me nothing! This voucher is absolutely nothing!", I retorted.<br /><br />All sorts of things came to mind at that very instance. They wanted me to part with RM7,500 and tricking me into believing that I'm getting some special incentive just for being there but it is all nothing but just a trick, a trick, a trick, a trick.<br /><br />I snatched back my RM 100, and said "Sorry, I'm not going to be part of this nonsense. Good Night."<br /><br />So that was how I spent my precious two hours today, RM100 almost gone, RM7,400 to go within the next 10 days and given a worthless paper disguised as a special gift (of which was thrown back to them!). <br /><br />The host and the manager just kept quiet and let me go unhindered. I guess they do not want to create a scene as there were other potential "fools" to be tricked as well in the hall at that time.<br /><br />I might be the "fool" here for destroying my chance of making continuos money from such a "small" investment but how can I trust them if from the very beginning they are playing tricks on me.<br /><br />I have been getting free seats from Air Asia several times. All I need to do is to book online and pay the relevant fees, without the need to be "intimidated" though done rather graciously and professionally. (Why I said "intimidated", well they said that even taxi drivers can join, what more you. We're talking about pride here, you know (if there is any, that is))<br /><br />Well guys, there are sharks out there. Just be careful. Don't be so gullible to decide on an investment of a lifetime all within 45 minutes (or dragged 2 hours). If the scheme is really good enough, we should have been given the opportunity to ponder, calculate, assess and then decide.<br /><br />One thing for sure, never fall trap to this free air tickets any more. It's all pure trick - a trick and nothing more than a trick.<br /><br />"Hidup RPK"<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-40563808943585207692008-05-06T13:38:00.002+08:002008-05-06T14:29:27.228+08:00Third Class WorkersStill on the issue on foreign labour, I would like to relay what I witnessed at a Maid Agency I visited a week ago.<br /><br />I was there to arrange for a replacement for my maid of more than 5 years who will be returning to Indonesia for good.<br /><br />Though I wished she could stay on further but to certain circumstances, this wish is not possible.<br /><br />More on her later but let us go back to the scene at the Maid Agency.<br /><br />While I was busily perusing the biodatas of the available maids (not many though as there were only TWO left), came in two ladies, one the employer and the other the maid.<br /><br />The employer lady asked the Maid Agency personnel to advise her maid (I presumed to be newly employed) against the maid's wish to buy a handphone for herself.<br /><br />The Maid Agency, upon her request, and without asking the maid much, straight away pull the maid aside and started to lecture her on why she should not have a handphone. <br /><br />According to her, her purpose in life (that's while in Malaysia) is to serve her employer as a maid, and that's it! "You are not here on a social visit", she said. "You are here to work. And your work does not require you to have a handphone!", she added.<br /><br />"Doesn't your employer treated you fairly all these while, she gave you food, shelter and rest hours, what more do you need? Surely not a handphoe, but some sense of gratitude as you now have a job that earns money. Save as much money as you can and when you have completed your contract, you can then return to Indonesia and buy as many handphones as you wish!", she "advised".<br /><br />The maid then told her that ever since she started working, not once had she had the chance of calling back home to see how her family members were doing without her around. She said that she have kids and a husband. That's why she needed a handphone so that she can be rest assured that everything are under control and that she won't be duly worried over them. "I don't want to sneak using the house phone as clearly the "boss" doesn't like the idea of her using the phouse phone to call home", she then said.<br /><br />"No, no, maids are not entitled to make phone calls, especially long distance calls. Leave it to you husband who had sent you here to make money for the family. For all you know, he might have a new "wife" now, so why bother calling him up!", said the Maid agensy personnel.<br /><br />I was aghast upon hearing all these nonsense. How can they cut family ties just because she's here as a maid. It's just like modern slavery, work, work and work with no human emotions. The only difference is that they gets paid while slaves don't. I pity the maid as she had subsequently and eventually agreed not to ask for a handphone anymore, a handphone that she had earlier wanted (on her expenses).<br /><br />She then left with the employer, sad and dejected.<br /><br />Though it is premature for me to assess whether her employer is a good employer or otherwise based on the conversations I heard but personally speaking, I think the employer and the Maid Agency personnel are being simply cruel. What harm can it do if she's allowed to call back home once in a while to have a chat with her love ones. Why must you make one feel that she has no one now except her employer and the family of the employer.<br /><br />If I were her, I would surely be in an emotional crisis, what more to be able to perform (as a Maid) effectively and productively.<br /><br />Getting back to my own maid, I am proud to tell the world that we (the family) have always treated the maid with upmost respect that she deserves. She have a handphone (bought with her own money) but before getting one, she has been allowed to call back home from time to time. Each time she calls back, we can see the glow on her face, happy and therefore highly sprited.<br /><br />Every weekend, when we "jalan-jalan", she is together with us enjoying the weekend.<br /><br />She is also part of the entourage in every family vacations. Be it near or far. We have brought her to Sabah and Sarawak on our expense, something like our own employer would treat us occasionally if not annually.<br /><br />She has been to almost all the 3,4,5 star hotels, though not a room to herself but sharing with my two other kids. And since her marriage to a fellow countryman last December, she has been given leave on every weekend to be with her husband.<br /><br />And on top of that, she gets to get back to Indonesia every year for her own vacation at our expense. After all, with the cheap fare available from Air Asia, trips to Indonesia have been cheap anyway.<br /><br />That's how we treated her, no less than any other member of the house. And all these "priviledges" (if you can call it as priviledges) does not affect her work. In fact she became more responsible in dishing out her responsibilities, responsibly and effectively.<br /><br />I surely hope that my fellow "maid employers" would put themselves in the maid's shoes once in a while and try to appreciate that all of us are human beings after all. All of us need relationships, access to a telephone is one of the means to that.<br /><br />Happy Labour Day<br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-6696992417310345722008-05-04T00:17:00.004+08:002008-05-04T01:25:53.658+08:00Malaysia's Multi National LaboursSo we had just celebrated Labour Day a couple of days ago.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure those active in trade unionism would had participated in some sort of workers' rally(ies) to mark Labour Day listening to fiery speeches by the Union leaders.<br /><br />I for one have never attended to any of these workers' rallies throughout my working life eventhough I have been in the labour force for some 24 years now. For some reason, I have always been out of the loop where celebration of Labour Day is concerned.<br /><br />That being so, Labour Day has always been just another public holiday, nothing significant, nothing special.<br /><br />This year, though it has nothing to do with Labour day, but simply to take advantage of the mid-week public holiday, my neighbourhood's friends organised a "Dialogue with the YBs" event and I have got roped in to help out organising it. Tasked with the assignment to write a report on the event, I have done that as posted in my earlier posting.<br /><br />One of the issue brought up by a fellow neighbour at the dialogue with the YBs was on the flooding of foreign immigrants (read as foreign labours).<br /><br />The notion given was that the public is alarmed with the large number of foreign immigrants in the country, a situation very much unprecedented say about 30 years ago.<br /><br />His concern is very much true as the immigrants have bit by bit make their presence felt as they are now everywhere, no matter where you are or wherever you look at.<br /><br />At your home,they serve you as your maid; at the petrol station, they help filling up the fuel tank; at public amenities places, they maintain the cleanliness; at illegal hawking areas (like at the Masjid Jamek LRT Station), they hawks; in the LRT coaches, they commutes together; along the pavement at the shops, they operate cobbling services and at the the food stalls, the Myamnar children begs. In reality, they are everywhere and at some areas around Kuala Lumpur, certain strechs of roads are now practically their (i.e. foreigners') quarters. Areas like Medan Pasar, where there is even a "Bank" exclusively serving those from the Indian sub-continent as well as Jalan Silang where rows of shops are practically in existence because of them. Signages in Bengalise and Nepalise are standard features at these areas.<br /><br />In short Malaysia has really become truly Asia, not solely because of the multi ethnics locals but the large community of foreign labours from Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar (where the children seems to be more visible than the adults) and to a certain extend from the African countries and the Philippines.<br /><br />While other countries in the world seem to be in control of the foreign labours brought into their respective countries systematically, not many of us believe that the Malaysian government is doing a good enough job managing the influx of the foreign labours here. In fact, many of us tend to believe that all these influx are simply due to "close an eye" syndrome of the authorities (if not due to blatant corrupt practices).<br /><br />As pointed out by my fellow neighbour at the dialogue session, Malaysia is the only place on earth that allows foreigners to enter the contry with a "0" visa and this by itself provides opportunities for the foreigners to stay after finding some "suitable" jobs here after landing on our shores.<br /><br />I don't really know how true the claim of this "0" visa thing but seeing them around in big numbers really makes me worry of the nation's future. <br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396642461719440075.post-30375721235490371982008-05-01T21:12:00.015+08:002008-05-02T09:01:29.908+08:00Bersama YB BaruAmong the new effects of post-elections was the setting up of new institutions to act as bridge between the people and the new administration. At the grassroot level, a Jawatankuasa Daerah Mengundi (JDM) was formed and for the neighbourhood I am staying, such committee was established some three weeks ago.<br /><br />Headed by my good friend Fauzi, I was also invited to sit in as a Committee Member and my first assignment was to "cover" and prepare a report to be posted in the Committee's newly established blogsite on the Committee's maiden community project, Dialog Bersama YB.<br /><br />So, wearing the cap of a reporter, I was on field to carry out the task and this was what reported :-<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnDsTJR8BI/AAAAAAAAAsg/G6-Pg7-FfUo/s1600-h/P5010592.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnDsTJR8BI/AAAAAAAAAsg/G6-Pg7-FfUo/s320/P5010592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195398810969436178" /></a> Setelah bahang pilihanraya sudahpun reda, maka kini tibalah masanya bagi wakil-wakil rakyat yang menang menunaikan segala janji yang ditaburkan tempohari atau setidak-tidaknya pun memulakan usaha untuk mengotakan janji-janji itu.<br /><br />Sesuai dengan motto pasukan Pakatan Rakyat yang ingin memerintah mengikut kehendak rakyat atau setidak-tidaknya menjaga kepentingan rakyat umum, satu inisiatif untuk mempertemukan semula wakil-wakil rakyat yang menang dalam pilihanraya umum yang baru lalu dengan para pengundi yang telah memertabadkan wakil-wakil rakyat ini sebagai YB baru mereka telah dibuat oleh Jawatankuasa Daerah Mengundi (JDM) Bukit Rimau, sebuah jawatankuasa yang baru sahaja diujudkan baru-baru ini.<br /><br />Jawatankuasa Daerah Mengundi (JDM) Bukit Rimau ini dianggotai oleh wakil-wakil masyarakat sekitar Daerah Mengundi Bukit Rimau yang merangkumi sebahagian seksyen 32 Shah Alam yaitu Kemuning Greenville, Kemuning Greenhills, Berjaya Park, Rimau Indah, Rimau Perdana serta Bukit Rimau sendiri.<br /><br />Diketuai oleh Sdr. Fauzi, jawatankuasa ini walaupun bertunjangkan platform politik Pakatan Rakyat, namun anggota-anggotanya tidaklah khusus kepada ahli-ahli parti-parti dalam Pakatan Rakyat.<br /><br />Falsafah "Politik bukanlah segalanya" tapi keadilan dan kesejahteraan rakyat lebih utama, nyata penekatan pentadbiran baru negeri-negeri yang ditadbir oleh Pakatan Rakyat amat disenangi rakyat. Buktinya hampir 300 orang penduduk Bukit Rimau sudi melapangkan masa riadah mereka di hari cuti umum untuk menghadiri satu Majlis Dialog Bersama YB yang dianjurkan oleh JDM ini.<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnIVDJR8DI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Pm3KQCQmbGI/s1600-h/P5010596.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnIVDJR8DI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Pm3KQCQmbGI/s400/P5010596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195403909095616562" /></a><br />Kehadiran ramai penduduk di satu majlis yang biasanya sukar dapat dipenuhi memberi semangat baru kepada JDM untuk terus merancang beberapa lagi program sosial yang bakal melibatkan semua penduduk berbagai kaum dan kejiranan untuk masa kehadapan.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnDXDJR8AI/AAAAAAAAAsY/wQOTrczWa-w/s1600-h/P5010595.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnDXDJR8AI/AAAAAAAAAsY/wQOTrczWa-w/s320/P5010595.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195398445897216002" /></a>Sdr. Fauzi dalam ucapan alu-aluannya memperkenalkan institusi JDM yang antara lain akan berfungsi selaku jambatan komunikasi penduduk dengan wakil-wakil rakyat baru ini serta mengusahakan segala permasalahan penduduk dengan pihak-pihak berkuasa yang lain melalui wakil-wakil rakyat baru ini.<br /><br />Menurut Sdr. Fauzi, beliau amat mengharapkan agar penduduk menggunakan majlis yang dianjurkan itu untuk memberikan input yang bernas kepada wakail-wakil rakyat baru untuk mereka memahami permasalahan akar umbi rakyat dan serentak dengan itu dapat melakukan sesuatu untuk menyelesaikannya dengan berkesan.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnDBjJR7_I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/pRIdcKPTTxU/s1600-h/P5010599.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnDBjJR7_I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/pRIdcKPTTxU/s320/P5010599.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195398076530028530" /></a> Dengan jemputan utama terdiri dari YB Dr. Mariah Mahmud (Ahli Parlimen Kota Raja) serta YB Shuhaimi Hj Shafie (Ahli DUN Sri Muda), majlis diperlengkapkan juga dengan kehadiran Datuk Bandar Shah Alam, Tuan Mazalan Md. Noor serta Ketua Polis Balai Seksyen 15 Shah Alam, Cif Inspektor Khairoul Najmi Jaafar.<br /><br />Setelah setiap seorang tetamu utama menyampaikan ucapan pendahuluan masing-masing, dialog dimulakan dengan Sdr. Fauzi selaku pemudahcaranya.<br /><br />Berbagai isu diketengahkan dan diantaranya menyentuh soal keselamatan serta mutu syarikat-syarikat keselamatan yang mengawal kawasan-kawasan kediaman sekitar, kesibukan lalulintas di Persiaran Sungai Selangor, masalah banjir di Bulatan Bukit Rimau, kes-kes denggi serta puncanya, keujudan premis tadika tanpa berlesen, keujudan Akta-akta serta Undang-undang Kecil yang tidak memihak kepada rakyat atau yang memberi ruang kepada unsur-unsur yang tidak sihat seperti salahguna kuasa dan rasuah,ketiadaan Dewan Orang ramai di Bukit Rimau, kebanjiran pendatang asing ke dalam negara, masalah pembekalan air di kawasan Apartmen, gejala ponteng, lepak dan samseng pelajar sekolah, masalah jerubu, penyelenggaraan taman-taman permainan, status tanah perkuburan Islam Kota Kemuning dan tidak ketinggalan soal pembiayaan sekolah-sekolah aliran Cina dan Tamil.<br /><br />Respons yang diberikan terhadap permasalahan-permasalahan tersebut adalah seperti berikut :-<br /><br /><strong>Soal Keselamatan serta Mutu Syarikat-syarikat Keselamatan</strong> <br />Menurut Cif Inspektor Khairoul, semua syarikat-syarikat keselamatan yang menawarkan kidmat di kawasan-kawasan perumahan adalah tertakluk kepada peraturan-peraturan Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN). Walaupun mungkin terdapat beberapa syarikat-syarikat ini yang melanggar peraturan KDN seperti menggaji pengawal warganegara asing selain dari negara-negara yang dibenarkan, pihak polis selama ini mengambil sikap berlembut terhadap syarikat-suarikat ini dengan tidak mengganggu operasi mereka bagi mengormati kehendak penduduk yang inginkan kawasan-kawasan perumahan mereka dikawal oelh syarikat-syarikat keselamatan ini.<br /><br />Namun demikian, pihak polis akan mengambil tindakan tegas sekiranya menerima apa-apa aduan berkaitan syarikat-syarikat keselamatan ini dari penduduk. <br /><br />Beliau juga menambah yang tahap keselamatan di Bukit Rimau dan sekitarnya buat masa ini adalah baik dan terkawal. Atas pertanyaan salah seorang penduduk, beliau juga akan menghantar pegawainya untuk menyiasat kawasan tapak Balai Polis Bukit Rimau yang selama ini terbiar. Sekiranya perlu, langkah-langkah pembersihan akan dilakukan.<br /><br />Dimaklumkan bahawa nombor-nombor telefon pondok-pondok polis di Berjaya Park dan Kota Kemuning tidak tersenarai dalam Direktori 103, beliau menyatakan yang ianya akan disemak dengan Telekom Malaysia dan usaha akan dibuat bagi menyenaraikannya dalam Direktori tersebut.<br /><br />Datuk Bandar Mazalan turut menjelaskan bahawa terdapat peraturan yang berbeza bagi kawasan perumahan berhak milik strata dengan hak milik individu. Kawasan Perumahan berhak milik strata dibolehkan memagarkan kawasan perumahan mereka sebagai kawasan persendirian tetapi tidak kepada kawasan perumahan berhak milik individu. Kawasan perumahan berhak milk individu adalah kawasan awam dan dengan itu tidak boleh dipagar seolah-olah ianya satu kawasan persendirian.<br /><br />Pihak Majlis Bandaraya walaubagaimanapun tidak menghalang pendirian pondok-pondok keselamatan tanpa palang penghalang bagi mempertingkatkan tahap keselamatan setempat.<br /><br /><strong>Kesibukan lalulintas Persiaran Sungai Selangor</strong><br />Menjawab cadangan salah seorang penduduk supaya trafik di Persiaran Sungai Selangor dilarang digunakan oleh lori-lori tangki, Datuk Bandar Mazalan menjelaskan yang ianya sukar dibuat memandangkan jalan tersebut adalah jalan awam.<br /><br /><strong>Banjir di Bulatan Bukit Rimau</strong><br />Dalam pada masa pihak MBSA mengambil maklum tentang masalah ini, penduduk diberitahu oleh YB Shuhami bahawa beberapa perbincangan dengan pihak JPS telahpun dibuat bagi mencari jalan penyelesaian kepada lokasi-lokasi banjir yang telah dikenalpasti. Beliau yakin dengan beberapa lagi tindakan susulan, masalah ini akan dapat diatasi.<br /><br /><strong>Kes-kes Denggi serta puncanya</strong><br />MBSA mengambil maklum satu aduan yang dikemukakan penduduk berkaitan penutup "Inspection Chamber" milik Telekom Malaysia yang dibiarkan terbuka dan mungkin membiakkan jentik-jentik. Lawatan akan dibuat ke tapak yang berkenaan dan tindakan susulan dijanjikan.<br /><br />Sementara itu Datuk Bandar Mazalan memohon kerjasama penduduk memastikan tiada tempat takungan air di premis serta persekitaran masing-masing.<br /><br /><strong>Keujudan Premis Tadika Tanpa Berlesen</strong><br />Datuk Bandar Mazalan memohon maaf atas keujudan satu premis Tadika tanpa berlesen di Kota Kemuning yang berterusan walaupun telah dibantah penduduk sejak tiga tahun lalu. Beliau memohon tempoh sebulan untuk menyelesaikannya.<br /><br /><strong>Keujudan Peruntukan Akta / Undang-Undang Kecil "Negatif" </strong> <br />YB Shuhaimi berjanji akan mengenalpasti mana-mana peruntukan Akta atau Undang-undang Kecil yang tidak memihak kepada kepentingan rakyat atau yang memberi ruang kepada penyalah gunaan kuasa atau rasuah dan seterusnya memajukan cadangan-cadangan agar peruntukan-peruntukan itu dipinda.<br /><br /><strong>Ketiadaan Dewan Orang Ramai di Bukit Rimau</strong><br />Datuk Bandar Mazalan mengesahkan bahawa pihak MBSA tidak mempunyai peruntukan yang cukup bagi mendirikan Dewan-dewan Orang Ramai yang baharu memandangkan peruntukan sediada hanya cukup bagi menampung kos penyelenggaraan sahaja. Beliau berharap pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri yang baru dapat melakukan sesuatu bagi membantu MBSA melaksanakan projek-projek kemasyarakatan yang baru.<br /><br /><strong>Kebanjiran Pendatang Asing</strong><br />YB Mariah bersetuju dengan pandangan seorang penduduk yang kelemahan peraturan imigresen negara adalah salah satu punca kebanjiran pendatang asing di negara ini. Beliau akan menggunakan platform Ahli Parlimen beliau untuk terus menerus menyuarakan hasrat rakyat agar permasalahan ini ditangani dengan sesempurna mungkin.<br /><br /><strong>Masalah Pembekalan Air Apartment</strong><br />Datuk Bandar Mazalan memaklumkan bahawa peraturan baru yang berkuatkuasa mulai April lalu bakal menyelesaikan beberapa masalah yang berhubungkait dengan pemaju atau pengurusan Apartmen. <br /><br />YB Shuhaimi pula mengesyorkan agar Persatuan-persatuan Penduduk bagi sesetiap blok bergabung bagi mencapai tahap "kekuatan" yang lebih dalam berdepan dengan pemaju atau pengurus Apartment yang degil atau yang bermasalah.<br /><br />Menurut beliau lagi, di peringkat pentadbiran Negeri, satu pelan sedang dirancang bagi "mengharamkan" mana-mana pemaju degil serta bermasalah dari mendapat projek-projek perumahan baharu dalam Negeri Selangor.<br /><br /><strong>Gejala Ponteng, Lepak dan Samseng Pelajar Sekolah</strong><br />Cif Inspektor Khairoul menyatakan yang pihaknya tidak mempunyai kuasa khusus dalam menangani masalah-masalah ini. Oleh yang demikian, pendekatan pihak polis selama ini hanyalah setakat memberi nasihat kepada pelajar-pelajar terbabit melalui pegawai perantara polis yang dijudkan disetiap sekolah.<br /><br />YB Shuhaimi mencadangkan supaya pihak polis sekurang-kurangnya membuat lawatan berkala ke tempat-tempat yang dikenalpasti sebagai tempat "favourite" pelajar-pelajar itu berlepak agar pelajar-pelajar itu tidak akan lagi menjadikan tempat-tempat itu sebagi stesyen mereka.<br /><strong><br />Masalah Jerebu</strong><br />YB Shuhami memberitahu penduduk bahawa sememangnya punca-punca jerebu di kawasan Bukit Rimau dan sekitar telahpun dikenalpasti. Pihaknya sedang bekerjasama dengan pihak DOE untuk mencari jalan menyelesaikan masalah ini. Masalah yang berpunca dari pembakaran sampah sarap di tempat pelupusan sampah haram akan diberikan keutamaan manakala masalah jerebu yang berpunca dari pembakaran terbuka kawasan pertanian akan cuba ditangani sebaiknya.<br /><br />Walau apa-apapun, kedua-dua punca jerebu ini terletak diluar kawasan pentadbiran MBSA, demikian dijelaskan oleh Datuk Bandar Mazalan.<br /><br /><strong>Penyelenggaraan Taman Permainan </strong> <br />Datuk Bandar Mazalan mengesahkan yang penyelenggaraan Taman-taman permainan adalah terletak dalam bidangtugas MBSA. Pihak MBSA akan melawat semua tapak-tapak taman permainan dan akan mengambil tindakan-tindakan perlu.<br /><br /><strong>Status Tanah Perkuburan Islam Kota Kemuning </strong><br />Datuk Bandar Mazalan menjelaskan yang tanah perkuburan itu sedang dalam kes mahkamah dan dijangka disebut sekali lagi pada bulan Julai nanti. Beliau mengesyorkan penduduk menggunakan kemudahan tanah perkuburan moden pelbagai agama di Seksyen 21 sementara menanti hasil keputusan mahkamah terhadap kes tersebut.<br /><br /><strong>Isu Pembiayaan Sekolah Aliran Cina dan Tamil</strong><br />YB Dr. Mariah memberitahu penduduk yang isu ini sekarang sedang diperjuangkan oleh MCA. Selaku pembangkang yang bertanggungjawab, segala cadangan yang dibawa oleh MCA berkaitan sekolah aliran cina dan tamil akan disokong oleh ahli-ahli parlimen pembangkang.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnCoTJR7-I/AAAAAAAAAsI/r_lOBROv8FU/s1600-h/P5010605.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnCoTJR7-I/AAAAAAAAAsI/r_lOBROv8FU/s320/P5010605.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195397642738331618" /></a> Begitulah berakhirnya kupasan isu-isu yang dibangkitkan oleh penduduk. Sesungguhnya apa yang nyata adalah kepuastian penduduk terhadap tahap komitmen YB serta Datuk Bandar serta Cif Inspektor dalam menyelesaikan masalah mereka.<br /><br />Seperti biasa, mana bisa majlis berakhir tanpa santapan. Ya, jamuan secara ala kadar yang disediakan secara bergotong-royong serta sumbangan beberapa orang penduduk dijamah penduduk perbagai kaum dengan riang dan gembira.<br /><br />Dalam mengucapkan selamat tinggal kepada YB-YB baru mereka kedengaran suara-suara "jangan lupa datang lagi" ditujukan kepada YB-YB baru itu.<br /><br />Satu lagi projek kemasyarakatan yang berjaya - tahniah kepada JDM pimpinan Sdr. Fauzi <br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnCKDJR79I/AAAAAAAAAsA/vN9ESbGmCy4/s1600-h/P5010612.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AgqBmGrIKRs/SBnCKDJR79I/AAAAAAAAAsA/vN9ESbGmCy4/s320/P5010612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195397123047288786" /></a> <br /><br />Jasni AJJasni AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184798763738066783noreply@blogger.com2