Perak in Limbo: Snake oil and 'Gambir Sarawak'

Snake oil, that magic potion, which is supposed to cure anything ailing you from a headache to a complicated auto-immune problem is getting popular again. It's cousin, Gambir Sarawak, that aphrodisiac from the sap of some tree in Sarawak is enjoying similar if not disproportionate popularity. And all these soon after Malaysia sent its astronaut on a tour package to outer space. The aura and the tintillating heights of excitement are enough to launch Malaysia to Vision 2020 in good stead. Well, after some doubts by Mahathir Mohammad its impassioned proponent.

But wait, what's cooking in Perak? The Ruler internationally renowned for being a constitutional law heavyweight seems to have two Heads of government. The popularly elected and duly instituted Menteri Besar has been deprived of his legitimate function, whilst the usurper, has called on the decent citizens of Perak and addressed their conscience in the following words:

“[1] I understand the question and I want to make it clear that I would not be here if my position was considered illegitimate and illegal."

“[2] I ask from the heart that we show our readiness to the Sultan."


Zambry Abd Kadir (Phd.), Datuk [Please accept me as MB - Zambry to Perak people]

I can't honestly say I understand what this man is saying. No [1] - sounds like he's selling snake oil.

No [2] - that sounds like he's hawking Gambir Sarawak.

I hope on April 7, Polling Day for the 3 Bukits, if it ever comes, many Malaysians will be the wiser. Or someone will have to come down from the mountain and settle for lower bukits.

Only over, at the rainbows

We don't call the shots here
We don't make the rules
We take what we get
Get what we can.

And it's learning the hard way, here on the streets
You can't build a dream, without a plan.

Passion speaks
Let them hear you speak, for me
They play to win
We play for keeps.

It's not over 'til it's over
It's not over 'til we get it right.

The odds are against us
Say we don't stand a chance
When there's no giving up
No giving in.

When push comes to shove, you got to fight for what you love
You do what you must
Do what you can.

Passion, speaks
Let them hear you speak, for me
They play to win
We play for keeps.

It's not over 'til it's over
It's not over 'til we get it right. Get it right!

The odds are against us
You know we still stand a chance

There's no giving up
No giving in
It's not over!

M O R E at Malaysia Today

Bekenu : Mud magic, "Setarbak" and tombstones

Over the din of the mud slinging in the nation's Capital and the quagmire in Perak, Bekenu, Sarawak must be a refreshing rural rendevous.

There are large palm oil plantations in the region and there must be jobs around, hard work despite all the gloom and doom of the economy bustup. If you love rocks and formation and all geology, you could find something interesting there. You could find more oil under your feet. No, not above your brows: that's palm oil.

And the folks there are not really "uluish". They know brands and quality: they drink good coffee, "Setarbak". Next door there's a reminder for you to behave.

And what could give you the yen to go there has be the health pull - there are mud volcanoes there.

Who knows? Could make you healthier. Better than the mud they throw around in KL! That's for sure!

EPF - providing for whom?

These are the pix I took of the EPF Service Kiosk which is supposed to advise depositors what balances they have current with the Employees Provident Fund, where all the working Malaysians life savings are vested and invested.

As at 31.12.2007 EPF had RM318 bil in Total Assets which gave back RM17.1 bil to workers (contributors) and some minority interests. Some 20 months ago, workers in India got back some 15% instead of the some meagre under 5 % Malaysians got. At this rate, I wish I was an Indian national than being Malaysian! You wonder why the BN government has always been telling everyone, retirees don't save enough. If a comparison is made with that of India, you'd think that the BN Government stole half of Malaysians' savings and blame it on the old people. If you debate this too much, they say you "menderhaka" ! Cute, huh?

And if any pictures of the EPF Service Kiosk at a local bank in Kuching is any help, it could be telling us MORE than what meets the eye!

Well, LESS, actually!