Pak Lah is engulfed in the turbulence of never-ending corruption, only to surface now and then to gulp in some fresh air.


On Polls: BN can't repeat 2004, says PM

Ibrahim Musa K: It is really pathetic of Pak Lah to admit that he has not been able to change everything since taking over the premiership and worse still, after he was given the overwhelming mandate to clean up the government in 2004.

It would be naive for Malaysians to believe that he has changed anything at all. He continues to be swept up by the current of the ex-premier's brinkmanship, engulfed in the turbulence of never- ending corruption, only to surface now and then to gulp in some fresh air.

Don't tell me Pak Lah is resorting to cheap tactics while trying hard to catch some sympathy votes before the coming elections by his admittance. Goodness gracious!


On Thaipusam figures - Samy in denial

Inthiarmakkal: Is Samy Vellu misleading the public yet again? The answer is ‘yes’. The mainstream papers yesterday reported big crowds at temples at Port Klang, Batu Tiga, and Penang and several other places.

As Hindus have remained at the same number (more or less from last year to this year), how could there have been a ‘big’ at Batu Caves too? Unless, the same Hindus were present at the different temples at the same time! It’s simple logic. The year is 2008 and the people are more analytical. Samy Vellu is indeed in denial yet again.


On Lingam: I was 'bullshitting and bragging'

Lawyer Buruk 2: This is a clear case where a lawyer wants desperately to be a ‘lawyer buruk’ to cover his rear end. This ‘bullshiting and bragging’ bluff cannot be true; if it were then Tanjung Rambutan would be a better place for him to be ‘talking rubbish’.

Yee: Dr Chua Soi Lek must be kicking himself, as he could have used Lingam's famous line: ‘It sounds like me, it looks like me…’

He could still be health minister today. Perhaps he should have engaged Lingam to be his lawyer. As Mahathir said, he is a good lawyer and with that famous line, could have gotten Chua out of hot soup.


On Q&A: It was all a coincidence

Nirmala Naidu: He must be kidding. He should be disbarred. How much of a coincidence can it be? The four-day itinerary, travelling economy class, then business class then first class. And it was booked by both their secretaries. Shame on you Lingam. The Bar Council should charge you for perjury.


On BN meet: Samy, Kayveas lock horns

Nirmala Naidu: It is high time Kayveas left BN and joined the opposition. What is he waiting for? PPP has about half a million members.


On Mahathir did more harm than good

Meng: Dr Mahathir Mohamad was a fearless leader and a visionary. However, he had no need for accountability or any form of checks and balances. In his mind, he alone knew what was good for Malaysia and set out to accomplish it.

He placed his own people and yes-men in all branches of government - he even silenced the palace. However, all checks and balances have been eroded by Mahathir. As a result, if we had an evil and tyrannical prime minister, he would essentially be able to do anything he wanted.

Fortunately, we don't have such a leader yet. But we have little Napoleons who run around fulfilling their own agendas.


On Slower growth in 2008: MIER

Ah Chong: The government’s inflation statistics sends my blood pressure sky-high much like the prices of goods and services in Malaysia these days. It does not make sense and it is not worth looking into. Tell any member of the public that Malaysia’s inflation rate is 2% and he will tell you to go jump in a lake. If petrol prices and energy prices have soared 20% over the last 24 months, how can we achieve a 2% inflation rate?

My plate of ‘char kway teow’ has gone up 15%, my loaf of bread 30% and cereals 10%. My salary has only gone up 5%. Are Malaysians poorer today then they were five years ago? Of course they are.

I am not an economist, but I think there is something wrong with the people who calculate inflation rates. What other figures have they used to pull wool over our eyes?


On Anwar: Bumi policies affecting investment

Concerned Non-economist: I have come to the sad conclusion that the present leadership of my country has nationalised personal affairs and personalised national affairs.

I hope the leaders put aside their personal interests and translate Malaysia’s RM1 trillion import and export trade into an improved quality of life for the citizens of my country. It is still not too late.

If we start now, at least by the year 2020, our per capita income will surpass RM16,300 and take us to the status of at least a 'developing developed nation.'

It is of no use for the country to be rich if the citizens cannot afford to buy those things that are displayed in shop windows. Half the population is living hand-to-mouth and in debt. Leaders of my country, wake up before it is too late.


On 'Allah' term unique, exclusive

MH: I think it is time to stop the 'Allah' debate unless there are new arguments. The above letter refers to another letter Disallowing use of 'Allah' unconstitutional but fails to offer any substantive argument on the subject of constitutionality because the writer knows the other letter was spot on.

Instead, the writer recycles old arguments and demonstrates stubbornness in accepting what other others have honestly and clearly explained - that the term 'Allah' is not exclusive to Islam and its use even predated Islam.

I am sick and tired of reading letters from those who are still unable to accept the truth and still want to argue against all logic and truth that 'Allah' belongs only to the Muslims in Malaysia. All the historical evidence shows that the Arabs, Jews, Christians and other ancients all worshiped 'Allah'.

But unreasonable people will still argue that the sun revolves around the earth and persecute you if you disagree.