Let’s say no more on the subject

Daulat Tuanku, Daulat Tuanku, Daulat Tuanku

(sources:TheSundaily news)
Posted on 5 July 2011 - 08:58pm

THE KING has spoken. He said it, that “street demonstrations bring more bad than good although the original intention is good”. By any consideration it was a neutral statement that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin issued on Monday.

Whichever way it is read hardly anyone would disagree that it is an advice to the organisers of the demonstrations to avoid street protests and rallies as the collateral damage caused by them would be too costly, and could undermine and destroy much that the country has built all these years.

In a plural society such as ours it would cause tension between the races and worse it may cause animosity between them and also cause “a section of the people to be enemies with the government”. Because of this, peace, law and order would suffer.

While the “original intention is good” it could be exploited by those with all kinds of agenda and despite the best efforts of the organizers to keep their people in check things could still run out of control.

Indeed, the “original intention” about reforming the electoral system is good and it has been voiced by many people and organisations long before Bersih (the Coalition for Free & Fair Elections) made up of NGOs and political parties came on the scene.

The Election Commission had certainly not been deaf to the demands and had instituted several changes over the years, maybe not at the speed that some people wanted but it made those changes.

The demand for more reforms came to a head following Bersih’s formation and its first demonstration in 2007 where tens of thousands of people were involved.

In that demonstration, where a list of demand for changes to the electoral system was handed to the Istana Negara, several people were injured and the peace and order of the city were disrupted.

Since then more changes, not necessarily as a result of demands by Bersih, were made by the Election Commission including its readiness to implement a biometric system in the next general election to dispel the perception that there are phantom voters.

It is possible that Bersih thinks that the changes to the electoral system made by the commission were not wholesale enough or too slow and too few and for that reason that it planned another demonstration to take place on Saturday.

The fear and concern of many people is that the police, whose capability was severely stretched when handling the first demonstration in 2007, may be hard put to handle the situation effectively should Bersih and its coalition partners make good their boast of mobilising 300,000 demonstrators on Saturday.

Therefore, as the King warned it is in the interest of everyone to ensure that “this demand on democracy does not bring destruction on the country”.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also said that “when we any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultation and not follow our emotions”.

His should be the last word on the subject and considering that his statement has helped to calm the situation (the latest development is that Bersih has agreed to hold the gathering in a stadium) everyone else should cease saying anything more on the subject.

Poco a poco

      "Just song and healthy dance common in social interaction or festival as  it shall  be there for everyone to appreciate life with joy than anything else"

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(Sources: TheSunDaily - / Columnists :: Abiding Times - By Tunku ’Abidin Muhriz)

We all remember the anti-tomboy and anti-yoga fatwas, but new depths of idiocy were this week reached when Perak declared that it would uphold a declaration that poco-poco, the popular line dance, is haram. Anyone who has ever participated in a poco-poco session – whether by choice or compulsion – will appreciate its benefits to physical health, memory recall and social interaction. But frankly, defending the merits of each and every thing that some within the religious "elite" deem unacceptable is too much hard work. They are clearly bent on destroying everything that is fun about life. Rather, there must be a concerted effort to stand up to the social authoritarians who invoke religion to legitimise their prejudices.

Indeed, there are plenty of people who aren’t tomboys, who don’t do yoga, who don’t smoke, or drink, or listen to Najwa – but nonetheless do the poco-poco. And yet, it is only when their dance is under threat that they galvanise into action, ready to lobby the government to halt this infringement upon their personal freedoms. It is reminiscent of Pastor Martin Niemöller’s statement in which no one else remained to "speak for me" because others had already been silenced. Everyone, regardless of their preferences, must be reminded that with each passing day, the concept of individual liberty in this country lies buried under ever deeper layers of excrement, with the joget-loving Tunku Abdul Rahman turning once more in his grave.

....read more from Tunku ’Abidin Muhriz letters to thesundaily.com


Also, listen to the broadcasting by RadioSabahTV for the song 'Poco-Poco'

Review of nuclear plants proposal in wake of Japan earthquake

"How Possibly Does A Leader Going Round And Round A Track Help The Nation Grow? Do Be One Good Leader Like Those Who Let Our Voices Be Heard! " 

(source: masslive.com- The Associated Press news) March 14,2011


BOSTON (AP) — Sen. John Kerry is urging the Obama administration to rethink its push for a new generation of nuclear power plants.
The Massachusetts Democrat said the devastating earthquake in Japan that led to two hydrogen explosions at a tsunami-stricken nuclear power facility should automatically cause the administration to back off calls for new nuclear plants in the United States.
Kerry said Monday that new plants shouldn't be built until they can be designed to guarantee that the nuclear core won't break apart even under the most extreme kinds of stress like an earthquake.
He said without that guarantee no community will accept a nuclear plant nearby.
President Barack Obama has said the country needs to expand its energy sources, from wind and solar to a new generation of nuclear power plants.

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At the parliament in Malaysia,
(Source: SAPP official website)
It's time to review nuclear plant proposal

(Kuala Lumpur, March 22, 2011): Datuk Chua Soon Bui , Member of Parliament Tawau who is the Vice President of SAPP said while the world shared the grief with Japan on the Holocaust of the double disaster of earthquake and Tsunami which devastated Japan leading to millions homeless, and thousands of death.

"We Parliamentarians from Malaysia, and I from the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) shared the burden of sorrow and convey our deepest condolences to the Japan Government and the people of Japan.

"We mourned with Japan on the loss of lives, homes destroyed, we sympathized and concern to the families who lost their closed family members, relatives and friends, we understand the anxiety and agony for the missing, the burden of pain is beyond imagination.

She agrees with the government that it's time we extend our helping hands, to give assistance, offer our emotional and moral support, so that it makes it easier for them to brace through the challenges and sustain a high spirit to recover from these nightmares and hardship.

"The explosions of the Nuclear Plant in Fukushima, Japan have added more fear and anxiety to the people in the region on their safety and we pray that the matter will be resolved successfully so as to avert any possible disastrous aftermath.

"In the line of these devastation, we have much to learn from Japan on the efficiency of their authorities to combat the disaster, their strong social culture, their strong family and community ties, and the discipline of the people, the readiness of the people to face these emergencies.

"The recent visits to the DIET members of parliament (MP) by a delegation of 28 Malaysian Parliamentarians during our peace mission to Japan organised by UPF (universal peace federation ) were well received and fruitful. We are concerned that we have lost communication with the UPF Japan after the disaster and pray that they are safe and well.

WE FROM THE DELEGATION THE UPF WOULD LIKE TO CONVEY OUR SINCERE ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN TO REBUILD THEIR HOMES, THE INFRASTRUCTURES AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

"We are also saddened by threats faced by the people at the FUKUSHIMA nuclear plant explosions and also urged the relevant ministries and authorities to keep the Malaysian public inform on the contagious effect of the possible nuclear particles to Malaysia and food security.

She also would like to urge the Ministry of Energy, green technology and water to ABOLISH the building of the nuclear power plant in Malaysia especially in Sabah. She urge the Ministry to take hints from Germany whom had just announced its closed down of 7 nuclear power plants, Austria also object to building of this source of energy. I am confident that we can resolve to many other alternative renewable energy in Malaysia if we are for sighted enough for the benefits of our children and grand-children.

"The people of Sabah are worried and wanted to know whether the government has any policy in term of resources , training especially on disaster management in tackling radiation risks from a foreign country because Sabah is very near the neighboring Bataan nuclear power plant near Manila , Philippines and also many in China.

With this, she supported the motion of the resolutions.

Kota Kinabalu officially joins Earth Hour

(Source: The Borneo Post -by Nancy Lai)
March 18, 2011, Friday



(GOOD INITIATIVE... Masidi (fourth left), City Hall Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir (fourth right), City Hall Director General Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, Rizal and members of the organising committee giving their 'thumbs-up" to the Earth Hour initiative. Photo souce:TheBorneoPost)

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu will officially participate in the Earth Hour 2011 Campaign to show its support and concern towards climate change.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the Sabah Environment Action Council, together with Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, would lead the way by switching off non-essential lights for an hour on March 26, between 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

“In Sabah, Earth Hour will be practised for the third time. But this year, DBKK will be taking part in this campaign officially for the first time and will switch off more than 500 of its street lights for an hour, in support of this campaign,” he said at a press conference about the global event which will be observed on March 26. The areas involved will be City Hall’s Central Business District and the Jalan Tun Fuad all the way to Menara Tun Mustapha.

This effort reflects the Government’s seriousness in addressing the global climate changes, he said, adding that so far 188 individuals and 23 organisations have pledged their support to Earth Hour.

Masidi hopes that more local authorities will emulate City Hall and pledge their support to Earth Hour and the same goes to individuals as well as organisations in the state.

Those interested can register themselves through City Hall’s website, www.dbkk.sabah.gov.my or call the Earth Hour Secretariat at 088-244000 extension 422.

“Apart from that, DBKK will be organising a photography competition involving Kota Kinabalu, before and during Earth Hour.

“This is a good way to document society’s involvement in the campaign through the camera lens while instilling appreciation towards the environment,” he said and announced that the cash prizes will be doubled much to the delight of the organisers.

Winner of the photography competition will receive RM2,000 while the second and third place winners will receive RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively. There will also be five consolation prizes of RM200 each and all the winners will also receive a certificate.

EAC has also allocated RM5,000 to SM All Saints in Likas to implement a power-saving campaign in conjunction with Earh Hour. Among the activities planned are a song composing contest, mural drawing and electricity saving contest among the students’ parents, teachers and school staff.

Those participating in the contest will submit copies of their electricity bill to the school management and those who manage to reduce their bill by a minimum of 10 per cent will be eligible for a prize.

“This is a very good programme and I think we can consider giving incentives to those who manage to reduce their electricity bill by more than 10 per cent,” he said, adding that the campaign was in an experimental stage and if successful, could be considered to be expanded to other schools in the state.

Masidi urged more Sabahans to adopt a sustainable lifestyle by discarding old habits and adopting new ones such as recycling, reducing use of electricity, compositing among others.

“Easy things like saving electrical usage, choosing energy-saving appliances, using public transportation and recycling items can make a difference to the environment,” he said.

He also pointed out that being in the dark for an hour during Earth Hour was not enough to change or impact global climate.

It was the message to rejuvenate the environment and reduce carbon footprints that needed to be spread to societies across the globe, he added.

“As individuals, we can play a role in reducing greenhouse emissions such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane that contribute to increased global temperature, and by re-evaluating our lifestyles.

“Let us take it beyond the one hour and play our part in living a sustainable lifestyle,” he stressed.

Masidi also congratulated the Gaya Teachers Training College which is a member of the Sabah Environment Education Network (SEEN) for taking a proactive step towards reducing electricity use on its premises.

The six-month campaign from April to October last year saw the college’s electricity bill reduced by 35 per cent and saving RM55,747.15, Masidi said.

“This proves that we can save electricity by changing our lifestyle and attitude,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu general manager Rizal Ruriko Kasim said the hotel’s newly renovated pool area would be used as the venue for observing Earth Hour which is also observed by Global Hyatt worldwide.

It starts off with the lights being switched off at 8.30pm sharp and during that one hour, a video produced by WWF about the Earth Hour initiative will be shown to those who turn up in support of the event.

“We, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, show our support by being the venue and integrate whatever programmes City Hall and EAC have lined up,” he said.

Malaysia should learn from Japan & focus on Safer Energy Supply-by Charles Santiago

"Japan has had 60 years of experience with nuclear power,yet there has still been a history of accidents. Malaysia should learn from the lesson and use a more safer plan instead of propose NUKE Plan"

(Source:post by Charles Santiago-MP for Klang on March 14,2011)

Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Peter Chin yesterday indicated that Malaysia’s plan to build two nuclear power plants will proceed despite the nuclear emergency and meltdown in Japan.

He suggested that the “government will not do it secretly without informing the public”.

The Minister’s response comes two days after what is considered as the worst nuclear emergency involving a nuclear power plant since the Chernobyl disaster 25 years ago.

The tragedy surrounding the 11th March 2011 tsunami in Japan also signals a warning about the dangers of nuclear energy. Following the earthquake and tsunami, several Japanese nuclear power plants are in a state of emergency.

The New York Times reports that partial meltdowns had occurred at two crippled reactors and indicated possibilities of a second explosion. Four more reactors are facing serious cooling problems.

Japan declared a nuclear emergency when one reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant

Fukushima Daiichi 1, has experienced a partial meltdown and explosion.

Fukushima is one of the 25 largest nuclear power stations in the world.

The ongoing crisis at the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant in Futuba, just 150 miles north of Tokyo, suggests that nuclear plants pose a tremendous risk to the public and environment, even with safety protocols and management expertise designed to handle natural disasters.

Japan has had nearly 60 years of experience with nuclear power, yet there has still been a history of accidents. In 1999, there was a major accident at Tokaimura where a nuclear fuel-enrichment facility had an out-of-control reaction, leading to radiation leakage affecting hundreds of people and crippling the local agriculture industry.

If a country with as much expertise and experience as Japan can fall foul of nuclear accidents, then Malaysia should not go nuclear as the risks and costs of failure are too great.

The problem with nuclear power, compared to all other sources of electricity, is that if and when things do go wrong, the consequences are far, far worse. No problem can occur at a solar power plant that can lead to 200,000 residents having to flee for safety beyond a 10 km radius. This is what happened this weekend in Japan as Fukushima went out of control.

The Japanese government has ordered the largest mobilization of their Self-Defense Forces since World War II to assist in the relief effort.

In the Fukushima case, ironically, the earthquake knocked out the station’s own electricity supply, leaving the pumps unable to supply coolant to the reactor. The backup diesel generator was also knocked out by the waters of the tsunami.

A nuclear reactor is like a giant pressurised water boiler, it requires vast quantities of water to cool the reactor, which is why nuclear plants are usually next to rivers or the sea.

However, this leaves them vulnerable to water-related disasters such as tsunamis, floods and storm surges, or even droughts. Location near water also means that any pollution can quickly spread to other areas.

Malaysia sees more than its fair share of flood-related disasters. Any nuclear plant built locally could well suffer a similar problem.

The misfortune at the Fukushima plant has resulted in radiation levels 1,000-times the normal level in the control room and eight times over normal immediately outside.

Experts have already expressed concern that there is a possibility of a hydrogen explosion following further meltdown, and the culture of secrecy prevalent in the local political system – a culture the Barisan Nasional government shares – may make it hard to figure out what has gone wrong.

Japan has already suffered the scandal of the 1995 Monju plant leak that was covered up by the government-linked agency managing it.

Radioactive poisoning of the local population and environment is but one problem. The other is the economic cost of such disasters. Not only could a power plant worth billions be rendered so contaminated as to be useless, a surrounding 20 km area could also be left unfit for human use.

Furthermore, under Malaysia’s atomic energy law, nuclear plant operators are not liable for any damage resulting from natural disasters.

Japan embarked on nuclear energy because they lacked domestic fossil fuel alternatives, and because their industrialisation took place well before renewable energies such as solar power were widely available.

Malaysia has no such excuse as we have oil, gas, biomass, hydro resources, and abundant sunshine; not to mention that we are now set to be the world’s number three producer of solar cells.

26 April marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. This anniversary and the events in Japan should be a reminder that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Malaysia should exercise wisdom, forego nuclear, and pursue safer, cleaner and healthier forms of energy supply.

Thus, I call upon Minister Peter Chin to abandon all ideas to continue with the nuclear adventure.


Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang.

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Gugur Idea Nuklear called by Charles Santiago MP Klang
(Source: TVSelangor)



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Third blast heard at Japan nuclear plant - authorities
(source: at RT new - rt.com)

Malaysia urges residents to avoid coastal areas

Hope to provide more information or relevant links in this topic here to help more people keep alerting about current natural disaster like tsunami and eartquakes thus with precaution as far if possible to save more life!

(Would like to thank all parties and news media for their efforts and contribution) 

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Malaysia urges residents to avoid coastal areas
Malaysia on Friday urged residents of Borneo island to stay away from coastal areas following a huge earthquake off Japan, but said the country did not face the threat of a tsunami.
"Rough seas and high sea level are expected near Labuan and Sabah between 6:00 pm and midnight (1000-1600 GMT)," the Meteorological Department said, referring to the eastern state on Malaysian Borneo.

It said no tsunami warning had been issued for Malaysia and it would continue to monitor the situation.

A huge 8.9-magnitude earthquake rocked Japan on Friday, sending a 10-metre (33-foot) high tsunami slamming into its Pacific coastline.

It triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean.
(Source: Malaysia MSN news) on March 11,2011


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2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami


A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan at around 2:46pm on March 11 (JST) causing damage with blackouts, fire and tsunami. On this page we are providing the information regarding the disaster and damage with realtime updates.

The large earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for countries all around the Pacific ocean.


Local Japan Emergency dials:
171 + 1 + line phone number to leave a message
171 + 2 + line phone number to listen to the message

(Source: Google/Google Crisis Response-a google.org project)

Also, get information monitoring through
Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre by NOAA's National Weather Service


(Photo by courtesy from ptwc.weather.gov)