Where does this leave all the ideals that the prime minister spoke about in dealing with corruption?
On Police search PKR leader's office, home
Sadirah K: When the crunch comes it is the law that takes precedence not the espoused ideals of transparency, accountability and fairness. Pak Lah requested us to tell the truth to power, but, alas he has himself compromised by allowing such an issue to go this far. So where does this leave all the ideals that he spoke about in dealing with corruption?
Even the former prime minister has come out with an appeal to have these contracts reviewed. The public interest is not served by taking action against these opposition party leaders. Pak Lah can win a lot of votes and support if only he had the courage to review all these toll agreements that have corporate interests to serve rather then the rakyat's.
When you live and move in the airy fairy land of the political landscape, how much are such people aware of the day-to-day struggle of the people at large. Well, we have a vote and when the time comes this is the only weapon that we can use to express our outrage. Meanwhile, our faith in the politicians continue to erode just as much as our view of Islam Hadhari.
On Maika in the dark over Samy's payout scheme
Truly Malaysian: It is such a pity that the 60-year-old or 70-year-old still believe that the RM1 investment that he or she made in the 80s will turn into RM1 million in 2007.
Did it ever matter to the investors what RM1 is worth? Not really! The only thing that matters was what fast return it could generate. Was there any due diligence made? Not likely. We all love the fast bucks!
I feel very sorry for the poor peasant/estate workers. But in a way I don't because they are the same as Samy or his cronies - just that the latter was able to manipulate and achieve their own desire while the former are made scapegoats. Both were going for the fast bucks.
On Prepare for the drought next month
KSN: It is disgusting to read that the country is asked to prepare for drought soon. It is hard to understand and accept that a country like ours with an abundance of rainfall annually and mountainous and hilly catchment areas and with plenty of sites for dams, the government (which has been in power for 50 years) did not have the foresight and common sense to prepare and provide for a population of 25 million the basic need for water. How come? Can anyone explain?
The same logic should also apply on why with such rainfall, an abundant of fertile land and soil, we do not have enough food to feed our people - basic food like padi, vegetables, etc. Did not the country and our so-called leaders learn anything from the Second World War when, according to my father, they had to survive on tapioca.
We were busy building the biggest and tallest and so many other mega-projects which did not bring any benefits to the country so much so that ordinary citizens have little time to think and plan such "frivolous" matters as water and basic food.
On 50th anniversary overshadowed by race tensions
M Selvas: The move to invite the Malaysian public to come forward with constructive ideas to improve public administration is much complimented.
Presently, we can see most of the government agencies are dominated by bumiputeras, with very little involvement of other races. One must not forget that each race has their own talents and competence. As far as possible, the government should provide opportunities to non-bumiputeras, not based on race of course, but on talents, qualifications and willingness to contribute.
I believe the multi-racial environment at government agencies will promote a healthier environment which will then lead to better results as each party can come out with different ideas for changes. And, of course, this will mix all the races up at their respective workplace, understanding each other's culture, values, thereby promoting multi-racial harmony and ultimately political stability.
The commercial sector has realised the importance of having a good mix in staff force, mainly because of the need to satisfy manpower requirements during festive seasons.
Why our old folks claim that the races are in better harmony during Tunku's time? One of the reasons is that all races during that era worked together, tolerated each other in the sense that when one was having festival celebration, another ethnic group stepped in to help and work.
We do hope that the government will seriously look into this.
Aucklander: I rejoice on reading the latest column by SKY. But I want to protest his use of 'adopted homeland'. This maybe true for our forebears who migrated to Malaya as first generation Chinese Malaysians.
But the same cannot be applied to us third and fourth generation Chinese. We have no other land to call home other than Malaysia. I may have moved to another country for good reasons, but Malaysia is still home.
Happy Chinese New Year and Xin Nian Kuai Ler!
On MAS unfazed by long-haul AirAsia X
Yee: What is the incentive to fly to Malaysia when the airfare is so much more expansive. I do not understand the logic behind Malaysia Airlines and the tourism industry working to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination.
I discovered that if I was to fly from the United States to Kuala Lumpur and back, I would have to pay US$1,400. However, if I fly from US to Singapore I would only need to pay US$900. If Malaysia is promoting tourism, would it not be logical to lower air fares for potential tourists to stop over in Kuala Lumpur rather than pushing foreigners away and have them enter via Singapore?
I think perhaps MAS should relook at their entry flights to coordinate with the Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
