Blog Pedang Bertuah

Pedang Bertuah - Proof Read Services

2012-02-02T17:18:00.002+08:00

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English 101 - Writing Effective Paperwork

2012-01-26T23:56:00.002+08:00

Using the right words is really important when submitting your proposal for the Management's approval. Choosing how to position your proposal paper is also an art by itself so that you know what to highlight to capture their attention and what other less important items to put later in appendices or somewhere in the proposal content.

One simple example, would you able to differentiate between the 2 statements below? Which one is correct and which one is not?

1. Once approved, we shall proceed to equip the data centre with the latest firewall appliance to secure our network;

2. Upon approval, we shall proceed to equip the data centre with the latest firewall appliance to secure our network.

Answer: Both statements are correct! Nevertheless, as my previous GM put it, it is a matter of "perception".

If you choose Statement 1, it seems as if you will only take action after getting the approval. It can be after 1 day, 1 week delay or even after 1 month then only you will carry out the tasks and do the necessary.

On the contrary, if you choose Statement 2, it gives the impression that you are already in the "ready-to-go" mode and will take action the soonest you get the required approval.

The secret is, the Management really appreciates these positive tones in your paperwork. Your paper pretty much illustrates who you are as a Manager or as an important person in the company. Hence, choose your words nicely and structure your paperwork neatly to increase the chance of your proposal getting approved. Trust me, it works! :) All the best.

Anwar 901-Konek jer panjang tapi takde telur

2012-01-08T17:21:00.003+08:00

Makin menyampah aku dengan Anwar Ibrahim ni! Tak habis-habis nak heret rakyat ke dalam masalah peribadi dia. Dia yang buat taik, habis jelajah seluruh Malaysia ajak rakyat basuh taik dia.

Rakyat hakim negara?

Mahkamah dah bagi peluang untuk bela diri, tapi dia takde telur, menikus membela diri dari tempat peguam-peguam dia saja. Dah ler tu, cakap pulak merapu-rapu dan tidak relevan, sikit pun tak menyangkal bahawa dia tidak meliwat. Lepas tu, sibuk menjelajah seluruh Malaysia buat roadshow liwat konon. Kalau nak rakyat hakimi, kenapa tak bela diri dan biar pendakwa soal balas, lepas tu biar lah rakyat hakimi jawapan-jawapan yang diberi! Ini hanya berani buat roadshow saja, roadshow kan dia sorang bercakap, orang dengar saja, boleh lah temberang 200% dan takde siapa yang boleh argue. Dasar takde telur!

Ada pernah dia mengaku TIDAK meliwat?

Yang bodohnya ialah mereka yang termakan sentimen konspirasi lah, perbuatan jahat polis lah, mahkamah dikawal UMNO lah. Mana pernah dia mengaku yang dia tidak meliwat Saiful Bukhari kalau korang perhatikan betul-betul. Nak bersumpah laknat jauh sekali, macam-macam alasan diberi. Kes sondol china doll pun sampai sekarang belum terjawab ke mana hilangnya jam Omega.

Bebaskan Anwar 901?
Nak bebaskan siapa? Kan Anwar dah cukup bebas selama ni, ke luar negara memburuk-burukkan nama Malaysia. Bebas membuat jelajah di seluruh Malaysia dengan mendahului keputusan mahkamah. Buat drama keling dengan bersembunyi di kedutaan Turki kononnya nyawa terancam. Tak bebas lagi ker tu? Kalau sekiranya ditakdirkan Allah memang Anwar disabitkan bersalah, maka sumbatlah petualang negara ini masuk ke dalam penjara. Tak cukup lagi kah kemusnahan dan kemungkaran yang dibawa oleh manusia ini?

Kalau mencari tempat mandi,
Pertama teluk kedua pantai,
Kalau mencari pemimpin negeri,
pertama elok kedua pandai.

Sudah-sudah lah Anwar, berundur lah secara gentleman. Anda tidak layak ke Putrajaya kerana ianya tidak lebih daripada sekadar untuk memenuhi kepentingan peribadi tanpa memperdulikan hak dan kebajikan rakyat. Berdentum-dentam anda berbicara soal moral orang lain, sedangkan moral anda sendiri bercela, meragukan dan tidak terpelihara. Anda masih dengan sikap hipokrit waima semasa anda di dalam mahupun di luar kerajaan. Sekarang, apa yang anda ludah semasa berada dalam kerajaan, itu lah dijilat balik, tunduk menyembah DAP dan menagih sokongan PAS.

901... Check-mate!

Kerana DNA Y setitik, rosak susu sebelanga...

2011-12-28T07:01:00.002+08:00

Kerana DNA Y setitik, rosak susu sebelanga. Itu saja lah dapat diungkapkan terhadap perbuatan mahasiswa-mahasiswa bangang yang memperjuangkan kebebasan kononnya, walhal hanyalah tidak lebih daripada sekadar alat menjayakan agenda pembangkang.

Adakah kita akan 'less intelligent' berpolitik hanya kerana tidak berpolitik semasa di kampus? - Jawapannya TIDAK. Tolong lah sedar wahai anak bangsa ku, malu lah sikit pada Menteri-menteri kabinet di Singapura yang rata-rata oversea graduates dari Universiti terkemuka dan mendapat Ijazah kelas pertama. Ini nak demo sini sana, pelajaran cukup makan, kesedaran politik tengkorak kamu!
Adakah kebebasan bermakna anda boleh buat sesuka hati? -Jawapannya TIDAK. Amatlah kurang ajar bila datang ke tempat orang buat kecoh dan menurunkan bendera tetapi enggan meminta maaf. Mari kita beramai-ramai pergi ke rumah budak-budak hingusan ini, turunkan gambar family atau hiasan di dalam rumah mereka, buat kecoh dan jangan minta maaf. Agak-agaknya apakah reaksi mereka? Oh, takpe, saya tak marah, buatlah lagi... ini kan kebebasan?
Adakah kerajaan juga akan dipersalahkan bila anda grad dengan pointer cukup makan dan gagal mendapatkan pekerjaan? -Jawapannya TIDAK sebab you brought the fate upon yourself. Orang suruh belajar, korang nak berdemo, bila dah lingkup belajar nanti ingat pembangkang nak tanggung ke? Cuba perhatikan, ada tak anak Lim Guan Eng sertai mana-mana demo? Takde, sebab bapa dia jaga dia elok-elok. Kalau nak lingkup pun biarlah anak orang dan jangan anak sendiri, ye tak? Dah menganggur nanti mula lah tunding jari kepada kerajaan tak sediakan peluang pekerjaan dan sebagainya. Honestly speaking, kalau aku adalah majikan, aku sendiri pun tak akan ambil graduan macam korang untuk bekerja dengan aku..
Adakah dengan menumpukan pelajaran dan grad dengan cemerlang maknanya anda tidak patriotik atau tiada kesedaran politik? -Jawapannya TIDAK. Kita harus sedar bahawa kita sekarang berada di dalam situasi 'handicapped'. Kaum lain di Malaysia semuanya maju dan cemerlang menguasai ekonomi, bidang profesional dan akademik kerana fokus dan iltizam mereka yang jelas. Sebenarnya, menumpukan perhatian pada pelajaran bermakna anda berjihad untuk memperbaiki nasib anak bangsa, a national service to the country, menambahkan lagi golongan cerdik pandai dan profesional Melayu. Kalau anda berjawatan tinggi nanti, bukannya kami nak tumpang duit pun, itu adalah faedah untuk diri anda sendiri. Tapi kami akan turut berbangga dengan kejayaan anak bangsa. Bukankah ianya patriotisme bila kita berjuang untuk berdiri sama tinggi dan duduk sama rendah dengan orang lain?

Ingatlah anak bangsaku, berapa ramai pelajar di luar sana yang ingin masuk Universiti tapi gagal dan kecewa. Sedangkan anda yang diberikan peluang ini, mensia-siakan peluang sedia ada dan tidak bersyukur. Ingati dan hargailah penat lelah mak dan bapak bergolok bergadai semata-mata ingin menghantar anak ke Universiti. Inikah balasan anda terhadap pengorbanan mereka, dengan mendapat result cukup makan dan belajar sambil lewa?

Dan kepada yang masih keras kepala, ingatlah, korang memang telah berjaya masuk Universiti tapi anda belum pasti akan grad. Tidak ramai daripada anda semua yang mempunyai peluang jadi coffee boy sekiranya gagal dalam pelajaran, sebab korang tak cukup 'jambu'. Apa ertinya projek 16 September kalau dapat memerintah pun rakyat-rakyat dungu dan 'drop-outs', tidak berilmu dan tiada daya saing? Matlamat menghalalkan cara, sebab itu lah kalau menang kampung tergadai. Fikir-fikirkan lah... Kalau Mahasiswa yang mempunyai intelektual yang tinggi akan berfikiran terbuka dan mempertimbangkan maklumat dari kedua-dua sumber, bukan jadi pak turut dan obses satu pihak saja. Belajar lah bersyukur....

Pelajar Matrikulasi Masih Tidak Mendapat Tempat Di Universiti Selepas Rayuan - Kementerian Mendiamkan Diri

2011-09-19T12:09:00.000+08:00

Keputusan rayuan untuk kemasukan ke IPTA telah pun selesai diumumkan pada 16 September 2011 yang lalu.

Seperti yang yang saya jangkakan dan terbukti apabila pihak Kementerian masih melagukan rentak lama dan skrip yang standard tentang kegagalam pelajar Matrikulasi mendapat tempat ke IPTA.

1. Pelajar bersalah kerana tidak pandai pilih kursus dan hanya pilih kursus-kursus popular yang tempatnya terhad;

2. Pemilihan adalah berdasarkan Merit akademik dan kokurikulum;

3. Nisbah pelajar wanita yang melebihi lelaki maka harus diseimbangkan.

Namun begitu, persoalan saya seperti yang tersiar di ruangan ini pada bulan 17 Julai yang lalu masih belum dijawab Kementerian:

1. Jika sekiranya pelajar-pelajar tidak pandai memilih kursus ikut kelayakan, kenapa pihak Kememnterian yang sedia arif itu tidak menawarkan kursus yang mereka layak mengikut budi bicara Kementerian? Harus diingat, ketika permohonan awal dahulu, pelajar yang memilih “YA” untuk ditawarkan kursus selain pilihannya tetap tidak menerima tawaran dan disuruh membuat rayuan. Ketika membuat rayuan pula, Kementerian meletakkan penafian (disclaimer) yang pihak Kementerian berhak menawarkan kursus selain yang dipohon pelajar.

2. Apakah sebenarnya kelayakan masuk Universiti benar-benar bersandarkan merit kerana pelajar aktif pun tidak mendapat tempat? Kalau bersandarkan merit, anak saudara saya ialah Presiden Kelab Kembara di Pusat Matrikulasi beliau dan aktif dalam pementasan drama selain mempunyai CGPA 3.09. Tinggi sungguh lah merit diletakkan kalau aktif sebegini pun masih dikira belum cukup layak.

3. Ke mana hala tuju pelajar-pelajar Matrikulasi yang terpinggir ini? Adakah Kementerian akan membantu mendapatkan tempat di IPTS sebagai alternatif? Saya tidak kisah kalau pelajar tersebut gagal (sememangnya tidak layak) malah jauh sekali mendapat keputusan sekadar ‘cukup makan’, tetapi pelajar-pelajar terpinggir ini ialah pelajar-pelajar cemerlang dan bertungkus lumus selama dua semester di Pusat Matrikulasi.

4. Cuba kita lihat pengambilan Matrikulasi yang sebegitu banyak untuk tahun ini. Apa gunanya Kementerian begitu ghairah mengambil ramai pelajar Matrikulasi sekiranya selepas tamat pengajian, tempat mereka di Universiti tidak terjamin? Adalah lebih baik mereka ini menerima tawaran Diploma sekiranya mereka tahu kesudahan mereka adalah sebegini.

5. Merujuk kepada nisbah pelajar lelaki dan wanita yang tidak seimbang. Ini bukan maklumat baru kerana Kementerian sudah pun tahu semasa kemasukan pelajar-pelajar ke Matrikulasi mengenai berapakah jumlah pelajar wanita berbanding lelaki. Bukankah sesuatu yang tidak adil sekiranya ada di antara pelajar-pelaja perempuan Matrikulasi yang tidak mendapat tempat hanya kerana hendak diseimbangkan nisbah ini?

6. Kerajaan telah membelanjakan duit yang banyak membina Pusat Matrikulasi di seluruh Negara dan malah memberi pembiayaan penuh kepada pelajar-pelajarnya sepanjang mereka menuntut ilmu di sana. Bukankah satu pembaziran jika mereka ini dipinggirkan di hujung jalan?

Sememangnya Kementerian cuba berlaku adil dengan memberi peluang para lepasan STPM dan Diploma yang turut bertungkus lumus belajar untuk mendapat tempat di Universiti. Namun demikian, jangan dinafikan hak pelajar-pelajar Matrikulasi ini kerana beradanya mereka di Matrikulasi ialah sebagai habuan atas usaha keras mereka semasa di peringkat SPM dulu. Jika melihat dari sudut lain pula, siapakan lebih teraniaya antara ketiga-tiga golongan ini sekiranya tidak mendapat tempat ke Universiti? Para pelajar Diploma sudah boleh selesa menjawat jawatan Pegawai dengan Diploma yang disandang. Pelajar-pelajar STPM sudah semestinya lebih bernasib baik berbanding pelajar-pelajar Matrikulasi yang terpaksa mencari kerja hanya berbekalkan sijil SPM.

Sekiranya hendak berbicara tentang prinsisp adil pula, saya cadangkan tutuplah sahaja Pusat Matrikulasi dan biarkan semua pelajar bersaingan melalui STPM. Janganlah menganiaya pelajar-pelajar ini dengan membiarkan mereka menghabiskan 2 semester untuk belajar tanpa mendapat apa-apa pulangan selain kerugian masa dan duit Kerajaan.

Terima kasih.

Budak Matrikulasi 3 Pointer Pun Tak Dapat Tempat Ke Universiti?

2011-07-17T00:11:00.004+08:00

Updates: 18 July 2011 Dah ada Ibu yang complain kes yang sama
ARKIB : 18/07/2011

Ke mana arah tujuan pelajar matrikulasi yang gagal ke IPTA?
IBU PRIHATIN
Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru.

SAYA merupakan ibu kepada pelajar lulusan matrikulasi 2010/2011 yang mana keputusan kemasukan ke universiti untuk peringkat ijazah pertama sessi akademi 2011/2012 telah pun dikeluarkan 15 Julai lalu.

Anak saya tidak berjaya mendapat tempat di universiti yang ditawarkan walaupun melalui kelulusan beliau melayakkannya memohon kursus-kursus yang ditawarkan oleh universiti tempatan.

Beliau sudah pun membuat e-rayuan kepada pihak Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi seperti mana disarankan.

Yang menjadi tanda tanya saya, ke manakah arah tujuan pelajar lulusan matrikulasi ini? Mereka berusaha dengan sepenuh usaha untuk mendapat pointer yang bagus dan lulus serta melayakkan mereka untuk menyambung pengajian tetapi gagal mendapat tempat ke universiti tempatan.

Semasa sessi penerangan dahulu, kami ibu bapa dimaklumkan tiada seorang pun pelajar matrikulasi terpinggir daripada mendapat tempat di universiti tempatan kecuali gagal sahaja dan dibuang kerana gagal mendapat keputusan yang baik.

Saya ingin meminta jasa baik pihak Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi terutamanya Menteri Pengajian Tinggi, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin supaya peka dengan masalah yang dihadapi bekas pelajar matrikulasi.

Mereka ini berminat untuk meneruskan pengajian ke peringkat lebih tinggi lagi demi masa depan cemerlang, gemilang dan terbilang.

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0718&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Forum&pg=fo_04.htm
*********************************************************************************

Apa cerita sebenarnya ni? Anak saudara saya dapat CGPA 3 pointer pun still tak dapat tempat masuk U? Siap nak kena buat rayuan pulak lepas ni. Itu pun wallahualam akan dapat ke tidak.

Kenapa jadi macam ini? Buat apa bersungguh-sungguh ambil intake matrikulasi ramai-ramai kalau tempat di Universiti tidak terjamin?

Ada sesiapa kat luar sana dapat jawab kemusykilan saya ni?

1. Kenapa open intake matrik ramai giler tapi tak dapat sedia tempat masuk U?

2. Kenapa tidak bagi peluang pelajar-pelajar ni masuk jugak U walaupun bukan kursus yang diminta? (Sebelum ini pelajar berpeluang juga masuk U kalau tak dapat kursus yang diminta akibat saingan sengit)

3. Kenapa buang masa pelajar-pelajar ini selama setahun kalau end up tak dapat tempat di Universiti. Kalau result teruk lainlah or gagal memang jauh sekali harap simpati. Kalau mereka ini tahu ini jadinya, lebih baik dulu mereka ambil Diploma sahaja.

4. Apa nasib akan jadi pada pelajar Matrikulasi ini? Berbanding saingan lain, pelajar STPM sekurang-kurang ada STPM, pelajar Diploma dah boleh jadi pegawai.. pelajar Matrikulasi? Takkan nak minta kerja guna SPM? Sijil Matrikulasi bukan ada value! Takkan nak punish mereka-mereka ini for doing well in their SPM sedangkan tak diberi advantage langsung memegang tiket pelajar Matrikulasi?

5. Kenapa susah payah kerajaan buang duit berbelanja buka Pusat Matrikulasi seluruh negara dengan pelajarnya mendapat pembiayaan penuh bila at the end of the day product Matrikulasi diketepikan sebegini?

Kecewa betul... sebagai uncle saya kecewa, apatah lagi anak saudara saya yang menanggungnya. Kepada lepasan-lepasan SPM di luar sana, fikirlah masak-masak sebelum menerima tawaran Matrikulasi.

Jika ambil Diploma, anda ada lagi 2 tahun saja untuk tamat...jika tambah setahun, anda dah menggenggam sijil STPM... tapi ambil Matrikulasi? Anda mungkin bazirkan 1 tahun begitu saja, nak masuk IPTS atau nak minta kerja kena balik guna SPM... sayang betul ini terjadi kepada pelajar-pelajar cemerlang SPM suatu ketika dulu.

Good News, Bad News...

2011-04-14T17:08:00.012+08:00

Good News...

Jumaat lepas TV my mom kat kampung rosak. Takkan nak balik Aloq sekadar nak beli TV ajer? Lepas tu, teringat iklan Senheng yang anak dia antar TV balik kampung tu.

So, aku pegi lah Senheng. Memang bagus betul. Semua nya online. Aku order dan bayar TV tu kat cawangan Senheng kat Shah Alam, tapi warehouse kat Sungai Petani yang receive dan prepare order. Jumaat petang beli kat Shah Alam, Isnin petang Senheng cawangan Alor Setar dah deliver TV tu kat umah mak aku. Very convenient :).

Sejuk hati mak aku dapat TV baru. Bagus betul konsep Senheng ni, you can order from anywhere and send to anywhere in Malaysia. "Beza, memang berbeza..."

Bad News...

Berita 2 hari lepas (kalau tak salah) PM umum nak bagi rebate 15% cukai pendapatan untuk tarik rakyat Malaysia yang keje luar negara nak balik keje sini.

15%?! What? Dah ler pegi study oversea menghabiskan duit kerajaan tapi tak reti-reti nak balik. Sesen pun tak bayar balik duit scholar pulak tu. Dapat degree keje kat sana, spend duit kat sana. Apa sumbangan diaorg untuk Malaysia? Cukai tak pernah bayar, aliran tunai tak pernah masuk Malaysia in terms of spending dan sebagai. Lagi mau bagi muka diaorg ni ke, siap kasi rebate cukai pendapatan?

Ni yang angin ni, orang macam kita keje kuat, kena potong cukai dalam pay slip every month. Dapat bonus pun kena potong cukai lagi. Duit kita diperabih untuk bawa balik orang-orang macam diaorg? Dah ler aku dapat bonus 4 bulan pun tak terasa sebab kena potong cukai banyak. Takkan nak tunggu taksiran next year baru nak dapat balik lebihan bayaran? Yang tahun ni punya lebihan bayaran pun tak dapat-dapat lagi?

Bagi lah muka sangat kat diaorg tu, macam takde rakyat Malaysia lain sedia ada (yang banyak menganggur) yang berkelayakan nak diambil bekerja. Macam my cousin, kerajaan hantar study UK (dua-dua laki bini under scholar JPA), abis belajar kahwin, dan beranak pinak, keje sana tak reti nak balik. Padan ler JPA pun, apa jadi dengan bond 8 tahun ke 5 tahun untuk scholar tu, langsung takde follow up. At least, kalau dah berlagak sangat kaya raya keje kat luar negara, suruh diaorg bayar balik kos scholar tu so that ramai lagi student kita ada peluang sambung pelajaran ke peringkat lebih tinggi.

Happy birthday my son!

2011-02-26T13:35:00.003+08:00

My 1st son turned 4 today, 26 February 2011.

Happy birthday my son. May you grow up to be anak yang soleh and successful in your life.

And, may Allah bless you all the days of your life and future undertakings, insyaallah!

Daddy loves you :)

Tips Temuduga Untuk "Fresh Graduates" (Part II)

2011-01-17T00:02:00.004+08:00

6. Come early for interview but not too early

Many people always advice us to come early for an interview; at least 1 hour or so. The reason being is to avoid you feeling restless and panic if any unanticipated event happens, i.e car broke down, traffic jams etc. You will have an ample of time to handle should any of this thing happens.

What I want to add to the above 'usual advise' is that; it is good to come 1 hour (or more) early, BUT only enter the interview place 30 minutes before the interview. 30 minutes will be sufficient for you to fill in any personal data forms or anything.
This is because; many companies do not like people 'flooding' their reception area. They might think that you have no respect for time. This rule only applies for scheduled interview. For an open interview, crowd is something normal and has already been anticipated.

Therefore, if they ask you to come at 3.00pm, please don't come at 2.00pm. You have to understand that the company has made the necessary arrangements to make sure a smooth interview process. That is why only a certain number of candidates are entertained at a certain allocated session. By coming too early, you are becoming a liability to them and an 'eye sore' at the reception area. Respect the time, unless you are instructed by them to be in 1 hour early. If not, then 30 minutes will be just nice.

7. Don't worry so much about your English

Yes, trust me, the employer is not hiring an English teacher, so don't worry so much about your English. What the employer is seeking is the way you express your mind, construct your argument as convincing as possible and how mature are you in responding to their questions. This is what most Malay candidates lack of. Candidates from other races would just "belasah jer even English tunggang langgang".

This is the most important tip I got during my 1st interview (thank you Puan Sharifah, wherever you are). Usually, Malay candidates took quite sometime in answering because in their heads they are trying to translate their thoughts into English. They are also trying to get the best English words for that matter. It is quite normal for those who are not using English for their daily conversation though.

So, this is where the negative perception arises. It is not so much about how Malay candidates failed to provide excellent ideas, but the time taken to convey the message is the main issue. The delay in responding to questions will give the impression to the interviewer that you are not confident enough or hesitated to answer. You may have plenty of bright ideas and top class arguments but if you are wasting time looking for the right words, then it makes you look bad... as if you are not prepared, not confident and emotionally unsecured.

So, what to do? "Belasah jer" as it was told to me by Puan Sharifah. She said that the interviewer is more interested in your thoughts rather than your grammar. It is because; your grammar is something that is fixable later by sending you to any English short course. So, my dear friends out there, guys and girls, please, "belasah jer" and make your opinions heard!

8. Be prepared for IQ and Arithmetic Test

Some companies (mostly Banks and Factories) like to set an IQ test for the candidates. Don't worry, it's not quite to gauge how smart are you but it is more on how are you doing under pressure.

a) They want to know how you handle pressure - How many questions you can answer correctly in a limited time frame and in that stressful environment;

b) They want to know what kind of worker you will be - Are you carelessly try to answer all questions but failed in most questions in the attempt to do that? Honestly, no one ever managed to finish all the 100 questions in 1 hour or half an hour, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Answer it carefully but quickly. The number of questions does not count but the number of the correct ones will be your benchmark.

c) They want to quickly eliminate the non potential workers from potential ones (this is due to the number of people turn up for the interview which is usually very high).
So, I would like to share with you a few tests that you may DEFINITELY pass if you know the twists and turns.

Sharing my experience - Number crunching test:

I went for an interview back in 2002 in one of the Japanese electrical manufacturing company. The test; every candidate was given 1 sheet of paper containing simple numbers 1-9. There was 50 numbers in each row and there were 100 rows.

The instruction was very simple, add the 2 numbers side by side but only write down a single number (1+2 = 3 write down 3, if 9+8 = 17 just write down 7). The exam was timed, and for every row they gave 30 seconds only. When time's up 30 seconds, they would shout "NEXT!" to answer the next line.

Interesting enough, people were very eager to answer at the beginning and starting to slow down as the test progressed to the 30th or 40th row. Mainly it's because your hands already tired and you could no longer think straight.

At the end of the exam, what the HR people did in front of us was; he took a marker pen and started to link the lines (last answered in row 1 down to row 100). Hahahaha! Busted! For those who already slowed down half way, they would get a declining graph. Interesting isn't it?

Myself, of course I scored handsomely because my Business Math lecturer back at the University, Prof. Razak (thanks dear Prof) had already shared with us in class his experience and how to tackle this kind of test. What you must do is, 1) start slow, take your time 2) then only start answering aggressively towards the end.

The philosophy behind it was:

a) People is expected to perform better (improve) when doing repetitive/routine work (answering row 1 to 100 requires the same method of calculation).

b) People is expected to maintain a good performance as time progresses (if you show declining traits, it gives the impression whether you are a quitter or easily loose motivation)

c) It is normal for people to get really enthusiastic during the early employment (aggressively answer the early questions and slows down towards the end).

Sharing my experience - Cue Card Role Play:

This was one of my latest 3 interviews which I attended (my current job, the Islamic Bank and this one). It is a multi-national shipping company. There were 3 levels, 1) you have to pass the written test; 2) you have to pass the cue card role play 3) then only comes a formal interview.

What I wanted to highlight is the cue card role play. You are given 1 situation, then you must act (role play) to handle the issue. If you succeeded the 1st, a 2nd card will come with more challenging problem but you still maintain your role.

In my case, the situation was, I was a Factory Manager of a chemical company. People around the area started getting sick and they blamed my factory for causing the problem. My factory had all the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in place and we did not dispose any harmful material into the drain.

Card 1 : Villagers send their representative to talk to me and demand my company to pay for all their medical expenses.

Card 2 : The "green peace" demonstrate in front of my factory. They did not want to move until I meet their representative. All of them blocked any vehicle from entering the building by laying on the road.

Card 3 : The Y.B interfere and came with the Health Ministry Director. They demanded to close my factory for a week to do investigation.

Card 4 : An employee of my factory was sacked for disciplinary problem. As a revenge, he made up stories that my factory was polluting the drain with harmful material. The media is now covering the story.
Well, my tips to you guys is - defend your company at all cost! In fact, it's not like your company was involved in any illegal operation or anything. This was more towards 'crisis management' and showing your loyalty towards the company.

Of course, we will not just sit there and defend bluntly. Try to create something that was not mention in the cards i.e your company already got approval from Jabatan Alam Sekitar or complied with Akta Kualiti Alam Sekitar 1972 or anything you can think of that can give alibi to you. Be creative :)

After they were convinced with you, then only they would start with the formal interview (Level 3). This cue card was fun though, looking at the interviewers' faces when you counter their facts with made up facts which were not mentioned anywhere in the cards, ehehehe!

Tips Temuduga Untuk "Fresh Graduates" (Part I)

2011-01-03T10:53:00.010+08:00

Saya terpanggil untuk berkongsi tips temuduga ini memandangkan prestasi buruk calon-calon Melayu ketika ditemuduga di tempat saya bekerja. Amat sayang sekali kerana kelayakan akademik tiada masalah tapi kecundang sebab masalah-masalah lain.

Justeru, berikut disenaraikan tips-tips penting untuk 'survive' dan 'impress' temuduga pertama anda:

1. Hantar permohonan seawal mungkin

- Mulakan menghantar surat permohonan kerja ketika di semester akhir. Write in ke syarikat-syarikat berpotensi dan jangan sekadar menunggu iklan jawatan kosong. Ini adalah kerana, kebanyakan syarikat tidak akan mengiklankan jawatan kosong mereka sekiranya terdapat stok resume yang banyak (write-in applications) dan kualiti resume tersebut adalah baik. Ini menjimatkan masa syarikat menemuduga kerana tidak perlu menunggu tarikh tamat iklan untuk memproses permohonan.

Satu lagi kelebihan ketara ialah anda mendahului pesaing dengan bertindak awal dan peluang adalah lebih cerah. Contohnya, sekiranya ada graduan seramai 8 ribu orang pada 2010 dan anda dijangka tamat awal tahun 2011. Kebarangkalian anda dipanggil temuduga jika bertindak pada 2010 (ketika di semester akhir) ialah 1:8 ribu orang. TETAPI, jika menunggu hanya selepas tamat belajar pada 2011 untuk mohon pekerjaan, dengan andaian 8 ribu orang juga tamat pada 2011, maka, kebarangkalian anda dipanggil untuk temuduga ialah 1:16 ribu orang (8 ribu graduan 2010 + 8 ribu graduan 2011).

2. Kemasan resume yang cantik

- Susunan maklumat dalam resume mestilah cantik dan teratur. Mulakan dengan pencapaian akademik terkini (Ijazah) baru lah diikuti dengan diploma, stpm, spm dan sebagainya. Kebanyakan syarikat menerima beratus-ratus resume setiap hari, maka amat sukar untuk membaca resume panjang lebar dan lebih menjengkelkan jika maklumat tunggang langgang dan tidak tersusun rapi. Lagipun, yang meneliti resume adalah manusia dan bukan mesin. Manusia mempunyai kecenderungan dan mood berubah-ubah. Justeru, pastikan resume ada ringkas dan padat dan muka surat pertama mengandungi maklumat paling penting.

Pastikan juga resume ada tiada kesilapan ejaan (come on lah, kan ada spell check?). Kalau resume anda ada kesilapan ejaan, persepsi pertama majikan ialah anda seorang yang tidak teliti dalam membuat kerja kerana tidak membuat semakan dan tidak memperuntukkan masa secukupnya untuk menghasilkan satu mutu kerja yang baik - iaitu resume anda. Your resume is your masterpiece!

3. Buat 'homework' sebelum temuduga

- Rajinkanlah diri membuat kajian mengenai syarikat yang anda bakal ditemuduga. Tidakkah anda nampak buruk sekiranya memohon kerja di Company A tapi tidak tahu apa-apa pun mengenai kegiatan perniagaan Company A, malah siapa CEO Company A pun tidak tahu?

Ia bergantung kepada syarikat sebenarnya. Pengalaman saya di 'Oil and Gas', mereka tidak pentingkan berapa banyak kita tahu mengenai mereka sebab mereka lebih berminat dengan skill dan kelayakan kita yang boleh memberi sumbangan kepada mereka. Malah, semasa 30 minit pertama temuduga, pegawai HR mereka yang memberi taklimat mengenai syarikat mereka supaya kita faham dan kenal lebih lanjut.

Bagi sesetengah syarikat lain pula, kegagalan calon membuat homework tentang syarikat mereka menggambarkan calon tidak serius untuk menyertai syarikat tersebut atau tidak ada keinginan yang tinggi (passion) untuk bekerja. Oleh itu, pastikan anda buat kajian terlebih dahulu untuk mengelakkan persepsi yang salah ketika temuduga terhadap anda (rebah sebelum pergi berjuang).

4. Dress up for success

- TOLONG lah pastikan anda berpakaian kemas dan sesuai untuk temuduga. Terutamanya calon lelaki.... kemeja warna pink? (Sakit mata woo!) Tali leher Tazmanian Devil or Bugs Bunny? (How immature) Alahai... pakailah apa anda nak pakai SELEPAS diterima bekerja dan BUKAN semasa temuduga. Nak kata tidak belajar etiket, semuanya datang dari universiti terkemuka. Pakai tali leher, PASTIKAN kemaskan dan butangkan baju bukan tergantung tali leher macam model Bollywood. Kasut sport TIDAK sesuai dan TIDAK boleh dipadankan dengan office attire adik oi.

Apa yang menarik perhatian saya semasa kami menemuduga batch Executive Trainee tahun 2010 ialah sekumpulan 8 orang graduan datang dengan memakai kot/blazer. Walaupun dressing itu agak 'overkilled' untuk jawatan eksekutif, tapi mereka memang lebih menonjol berbanding ratusan calon lain. Persaingan adalah sengit, 30 kekosongan untuk diisi dengan 250 orang calon disenarai pendek. Oleh yang demikian, cara anda berpakaian memberi refleksi positif tentang siapa anda sebenarnya.

5. Esei pendek

- Kebanyakan syarikat akan membuat ujian esei pendek (English, of course) untuk menilai tahap penguasaan bahasa anda dan kemahiran mengolah idea. Berhati-hati lah menulis esei tersebut dan pastikan olahan idea logik dan berstruktur. Kalau anda sedar ada kelemahan dalam bahasa inggeris, ambil lah inisiatif memperbaiki diri supaya karangan esei anda tidak nampak seperti karangan pelajar Tingkatan 1.

Lucu? Sedih? Tapi itulah hakikatnya yang kami hadapi melihat calon-calon Melayu dengan kualiti karangan esei setaraf pelajar Tingkatan 3. Hendak dikatakan calon tersebut dah lama meninggalkan Universiti, ada fresh graduate juga dengan kualiti karangan yang sama. Kesalahan grammar boleh lagi kita pejam mata sebelah, tapi kalau keseluruhan olahan idea dan struktur yang tidak tahu mana hujung, hujah dan konklusinya macam mana?

Sekurang-kurangnya, kami boleh lagi menolong calon-calon tersebut dengan mengatakan "It's normal and expected, IT people is good with technical skill but lousy with report writing." Cuba anda fikirkan, jika anda tidak memperbaiki kelemahan diri, adakah anda sentiasa akan bernasib baik dan di'selamatkan' orang di tempat lain?

To be continued...

Kakitangan Awam Patut Mencontohi YB Datuk Nazri Aziz

2010-12-06T13:00:00.006+08:00

Macam bercanggah je pendapat saya dengan sebilangan orang, tapi itulah hakikatnya. Kakitangan awam wajib mencontohi YB Datuk Nazri Tan Sri Aziz.

Kenapa?

Walaupun dipanggil dengan macam-macam gelaran seperti 'tak kenang budi', 'kaki jil** bos' dan sebagainya, namun beliau konsisten mempertahankan bos beliau. Kita dapat lihat bagaimana beliau kukuh mempertahankan Tun Abdullah semasa dikritik Tun Mahathir dan kini beliau kukuh mempertahankan bos baru Datuk Seri Najib pula.

Mungkin pendekatan beliau agak 'kasar' atau 'keras' hingga dikatakan melupakan jasa Negarawan ulung kita Tun Mahathir, tapi konsepnya adalah betul. Ini lah yang patut dicontohi para penjawat dan kakitangan awam.

Apa yang berlaku hari ini?

Kakitangan awam banyak yang belot dan bertindak umpama 'gunting dalam lipatan'. Saban tahun meminta bonus dari kerajaan. Bonus yang dapat 'ditelan' tapi kesetiaan diberi kepada pembangkang dan bila di belakang sibuk memburukkan kerajaan.

Mereka inilah manusia-manusia tidak mengenang budi atau 'anjing yang menggigit tangan tuan yang memberi makan'. Kalau ditanya mengapa sokong pembangkang sedangkan kerajaan sekarang menjaga baik dan memberi mereka bonus? Jawapan mereka mudah, itu tanggungjawab kerajaan.

Menikam dari belakang...

Di sekolah-sekolah, ada segelintir guru yang meracun fikiran pelajar dengan ideologi politik sempit mereka dan tak habis-habis memburukkan kerajaan. Di GLC pula, penceramah-penceramah dijemput memberi tazkirah mengambil kesempatan menghentam kerajaan. AJK yang memanggil penceramah juga mempunyai agenda tersembunyi dan hanya menjemput penceramah-penceramah yang mempunyai kecenderungan politik sama seperti mereka.

Tanggungjawab satu amanah

Sepatutnya semua kakitangan awam memikul tanggungjawab dengan penuh komitmen untuk menjayakan misi nasional dan tidak mencampur adukkkan dengan pegangan politik diri sendiri. Ingin berpolitik? Terjemahkanlah dalam bentuk undi bila tiba Pilihanraya Umum nanti.

Sebelum itu, tanggungjawab dan taat setia anda adalah untuk kerajaan semasa (kerajaan yang memerintah) bukan untuk orang lain. Anda bertanggungjawab memastikan semua jentera kerajaan berfungsi untuk menyalurkan khidmat dan perancangan kerajaan bukan mensabotaj demi pandangan politik sempit anda.

Fikirkan lah halal haram duit gaji yang anda gunakan untuk memberi anak isteri makan sekiranya anda khianat menjalankan tugas sebagai kakitangan awam. Kakitangan awam adalah nadi penggerak sesebuah negara dan penentu kejayaan agenda nasional.

Kalau anda berasa tidak puas hati dan tidak dapat bekerja dengan kerajaan semasa, berhenti saja kerja dan jangan menjejaskan penat lelah rakan-rakan lain dalam perkhidmatan awam yang cuba memberi khidmat terbaik untuk rakyat.

Ini lah maksud saya kenapa "Kakitangan Awam patut mencontohi YB Datuk Nazri Aziz" kerana beliau fokus pada matlamat dasar dan bukan kepada pemimpin tertentu.

Malaysia adalah umpama satu bahtera yang besar dengan kerajaan sebagai pengemudi. Kakitangan awam pula ialah pendayung-pendayung yang mengerakkan bahtera tersebut. Cuba bayangkan bagaimana bahtera nak bergerak lancar kalau pendayung-pendayung berpeluk tubuh tidak mahu mendayung (dek protes tak dapat bonus)? Atau lebih buruk lagi, pendayung-pendayung (pro pembangkang) yang sibuk sabotaj mendayung ke belakang sedangkan orang lain sibuk mendayung untuk maju ke hadapan? Fikir-fikirkan lah...

Mana Pusat Informasi Bencana Negara?

2010-11-08T22:20:00.008+08:00

Secara peribadi saya berasa amat kecewa dengan kegagalan mendapat akses maklumat terkini banjir yang melanda negara terutama di kawasan Utara tanahair. Tidak ada satu sumber akses maklumat lengkap yang menyediakan kesemua info yang penting untuk rakyat.

Laman web Malaysia Airports Berhad, yang mengawal selia semua airport di Malaysia, tiada langsung hebahan tentang airport terjejas (e.g Airport Sultan Abdul Halim, Alor Setar) dan berapa lama ia akan ditutup? MAB tidak peka langsung dan malah tidak cuba menyalurkan maklumat yang perlu untuk masyarakat.

Berbeza langsung dengan PLUS yang sentiasa mengemaskini laman web dan khidmat pelanggan telefoni mereka untuk membantu rakyat merancang perjalanan dengan memberi pilihan-pilihan exit yang boleh dilalui dengan selamat.

Susah sangat kah nak menyediakan laman web utama menjadi rujukan mutlak bagi semua rakyat? Laman web malaysia.gov.my pun hanya sekadar laman web statik menyediakan link ke laman web-laman web lain. Laman web Majlis Keselamatan Negara pun tidak terkini dan interaktif, sekadar menyenaraikan kod-kod arahan dan prosedur. Laman web 1 Malaysia pun tak lebih dari laman web promosi dan aktiviti.

Sepatutnya, kita mempunyai satu laman web utama yang menjadi rujukan untuk semua kes-kes bencana. Di mana banjir berlaku? Jalan mana ditutup? Kawasan mana terjejas teruk? Operasi apa yang terjejas di kawasan tersebut? Apa alternatif untuk sampai ke kawasan tersebut? Apa nombor-nombor yang patut dihubungi untuk tahu maklumat lanjut?

Menyedihkan apabila terpaksa merujuk laman web MAS untuk mendapat maklumat terkini (bagi yang dijadualkan menaiki penerbangan MAS) dan harus merujuk laman web Air Asia untuk rujukan penerbangan Air Asia. Walhal, apabila airport ditutup, ia adalah isu nasional dan bukan sekadar masalah terpencil penerbangan MAS atau Air Asia.

Macam mana pula waris-waris yang berada di luar kawasan sedangkan ibu bapa dan saudara mereka terpaksa berpindah ke tempat pemindahan sementara? Bagaimana mereka hendak mendapat akses dan mengetahui maklumat tentang keluarga mereka? Bagi penduduk lain yang terjejas bekalan air tetapi tidak terlibat banjir, bagaimana mereka hendak tahu kekerapan lori bantuan air ke kawasan mereka?

Adakah cukup hanya menunggu berita di TV sahaja? Sedangkan berita yang dilaporkan adalah pelbagai dan bukan tertumpu pada isu bencana semata-mata. Paling ketara, ketika Pilihanraya kecil Batu Sapi dan Galas baru-baru ini telah menenggelamkan berita banjir yang berlaku. Adakah rakyat mendapat maklumat yang cukup untuk membuat persediaan?

Saya percaya semua orang sedar tentang hakikat ini, tapi kenapa tiada siapa yang berbuat sesuatu untuk memperbaiki kelemahan penyaluran maklumat ini? Tidak ada kah bijak pandai dalam perkhidmatan awam (yang menuntut diberikan bonus saban tahun) memikirkan hal ini dan mencadangkan langkah proaktif mengatasinya? Tidak adakah blog lain yang lebih berinformasi daripada sekadar menghentam sini sana (sama saja blog pro kerajaan atau blog pro pembangkang) tanpa tujuan? Menyedihkan....

Menara Warisan Merdeka tidak sentuh duit pelabur – PNB

2010-10-21T08:58:00.003+08:00

Oleh Mowardi Mahmud
pengarang@utusan.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR 20 Okt. – Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) hari ini berkata, pembangunan projek Warisan Merdeka yang mempunyai menara tertinggi di Malaysia, akan dibiayai melalui dana dalamannya sendiri tanpa ‘menyentuh’ langsung dana pemegang unit amanahnya.
Ketua Eksekutif Kumpulan, Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman (gambar) berkata, PNB, sebuah firma pelaburan terbesar di Malaysia, memiliki dana operasinya sendiri yang dikendalikan secara berasingan dengan portfolio dana para pemegang unit amanah.

‘‘Kami akan menggunakan dana sendiri yang dikumpul daripada keuntungan PNB sejak mula operasi (penubuhannya),’’ kata Hamad Kama Piah dalam satu taklimat tentang projek Warisan Merdeka di sini hari ini.

Pada taklimat itu, beliau menyangkal spekulasi bahawa projek milik PNB akan menggunakan dana amanah saham dan juga dibiayai oleh kerajaan.
Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dalam pembentangan Bajet 2011 pada Jumaat lalu mengumumkan bahawa PNB akan membina projek bersepadu melibatkan pembinaan menara setinggi 100 tingkat dengan mengekalkan Stadium Merdeka dan Stadium Negara, dua bangunan sejarah negara, yang turut terletak di kawasan yang sama.

Keseluruhan projek itu bernilai RM5 bilion, dijangka siap pada tahun 2015.

Hamad Kama Piah tidak menolak kemungkinan PNB mendapatkan sumber pembiayaan lain tetapi ia tertakluk kepada sejauh mana usaha berkenaan mampu memaksimumkan pulangan daripada projek tersebut.

Katanya, projek pembangunan itu yang bakal disepadukan dengan dua bangunan warisan sejarah itu, akan dimajukan oleh PNB dan juga anak-anak syarikatnya tanpa menolak kemungkinan penyertaan mana-mana pelabur asing,
Beliau menambah, projek Warisan Merdeka yang dimiliki sepenuhnya PNB melalui PNB Merdeka Venture, adalah melibatkan pembangunan bercampur berkonsep bangunan hijau, di atas tapak seluas 19 ekar untuk tempoh pembangunan selama 10 tahun.

Katanya, selain menara yang bakal menempatkan ibu pejabat baru PNB, projek yang akan dimajukan dalam tiga fasa, akan turut mempunyai unit-unit kondominium dan kompleks membeli-belah.

‘‘Ibu pejabat PNB sedia ada yang terletak di Menara PNB (Jalan Tun Razak) akan mencapai usia 30 tahun pada 2016 dan ia perlu dinaikkan tarafnya,’’ tambah Hamad Kama Piah.
Beliau menegaskan, projek Warisan Merdeka bukanlah baharu dirancang dan dimasukkan dalam Bajet 2011 tetapi telah dirancang sejak 2004 selepas kawasan tanahnya dibeli daripada Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Bhd. pada tahun 2000.

Katanya, sejak itu keperluan projek berkenaan terus dikaji dan Lembaga Pengarah PNB merasakan sekarang adalah masa terbaik untuk melaksanakannya setelah lama tertunda dan ketiadaan banyak projek besar dijangka memudahkan usaha mendapat kelulusan.
Selain itu, kata Hamad Kama Piah, projek berkenaan akan membantu menggalakkan pertumbuhan ekonomi negara.

Beliau juga berkata, projek itu merupakan usaha PNB menukar kelas aset dan mempelbagaikan portfolio berbanding hanya tertumpu kepada pelaburan ekuiti.
Beliau mengakui projek itu kecil saiznya untuk dilaksanakan selama 10 tahun tetapi menyatakan tempoh masa yang ditetapkan dalam memajukan projek itu adalah strategi ke arah memaksimumkan pulangan.

Hamad Kama Piah menjelaskan, tidak timbul soal projek itu berdaya maju atau sebaliknya berikutan lambakan semasa ruang pejabat kerana sukar untuk menentukan masa yang dianggap benar-benar sesuai.

‘‘Pembinaan projek ini tidak disegerakan sebelum ini bagi mengambil faedah tidak banyak bangunan hijau yang ada,’’ kata beliau.

Hamad Kama Piah menambah, pelaksanaan projek ikonik adalah bertujuan mencetuskan minat ramai terhadap pembangunan di kawasan berkenaan dan serusnya meraih pulangan yang diharapkan.

Sumber:

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=1021&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_04.htm

Nota dari blogger:

Kepada yang masih skeptikal dan tidak jelas, maka dapatkan lah dari sumber yang sah dan bukan percaya khabar angin atau dakyah Pembangkang.

MBA at last, hooray!

2010-10-09T22:30:00.008+08:00

Completed my MBA course today, alhamdulillah! My 2 years of struggle paid off :)

The funny thing is that my CGPA is far better than what I got for my IT degree 10 years back. It's even tougher this time since I have to balance work, family and study. Glad that I managed to go through with flying colors. Luckily there was no night class, only weekend classes.

Thanks my dear wife for your support, sacrifice and understanding. I am sorry Mak, had trouble balik kampung as frequent as I did before (quite tied up after I started my class). To my adorable sons, DADDY IS BACK!

:) I heard a lot of my friends and colleagues are starting their Masters program... It's just a thought, maybe one of these days having a first degree alone might not be enough for fresh graduates to secure a job. Competition is getting even stiffer nowadays.

Next on the list... hmm, taking DBA maybe? Insyaallah!

Hentikan lempar pembohongan

2010-08-19T09:35:00.005+08:00

Sumber: Utusan Malaysia Online
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0819&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_02.htm

Oleh MOHD. ASRON MUSTAPHA
mohdasron.mustapha@utusan.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR 18 Ogos -- Panglima Tentera Laut, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar memberi amaran kepada semua ahli politik supaya berhenti melemparkan pelbagai pembohongan mengenai kapal selam negara.

Sambil menafikan dakwaan Ahli Parlimen Lembah Pantai, Nurul Izzah Anwar kononnya kapal selam pertama negara, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman masih tidak boleh menyelam, Abdul Aziz berkata, pihaknya tidak akan teragak-agak untuk mengambil tindakan tegas terhadap mana-mana pihak yang berterusan mempolitikkan perkara itu.

"Kapal selam Scopene adalah aset strategik pertahanan negara dan ia bukan alat untuk meraih politik murahan. Kapal selam ini mempunyai keupayaan tinggi, diiktiraf sebagai antara yang tercanggih di dunia dan telah terbukti dalam operasi tembakan hakiki yang dijalankan oleh TLDM Julai lalu.

"Dalam operasi tersebut, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman telah berjaya menembak peluru berpandu bawah permukaan (bawah air) ke permukaan, Exocet SM39 Blok II pada kedalaman 55 meter di bawah paras air dan ia tepat mengenai sasaran yang berada sejauh 40 kilometer. Jadi di mana dakwaan kata ia tidak boleh menyelam?.

"Oleh itu, saya memberi amaran kepada semua pihak supaya berhenti menipu rakyat dengan melemparkan pelbagai pembohongan mengenai kapal selam negara. Kami lebih tahu mengenai keupayaan aset ini kerana kami yang mengoperasikannya dan bukannya ahli politik di luar sana," tegasnya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian sebagai mengulas tuduhan Nurul Izzah sewaktu ditemu bual oleh akhbar Indonesia, Kompas, pada 4 Ogos lalu kononnya kapal selam negara masih tidak boleh menyelam selain mendakwa pembelian aset canggih itu sebagai usang dan terpakai.

Mengenai tuduhan Nurul Izzah itu, Abdul Aziz berkata, Ketua Sel Pasukan Kapal Selam TLDM, Kapten Abdul Rahman Ayub telah membuat laporan polis berhubung pembohongan wakil rakyat Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) tersebut, di Balai Polis Hulu Kelang, semalam.

Menurut beliau, kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh Ahli Parlimen Lembah Pantai itu adalah contoh seorang ahli politik yang tidak bertanggungjawab kerana mendedahkan maklumat ketenteraan negara kepada negara luar.

"Betul atau tidak maklumat berkait dengan ketenteraan negara, ia tidak boleh sesekali didedahkan kepada negara asing. Ini soal keselamatan negara dan seharusnya ia dirahsiakan tetapi Nurul Izzah bukan sahaja berbohong malah dia juga memalukan TDLM, Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dan negara di mata dunia.

"Sepatutnya kita tanpa mengira ideologi politik berbangga dengan pembelian aset strategik ini kerana kapal selam adalah persenjataan deterrence (pencegahan) yang tidak semua negara mampu memilikinya. Rakyat negara lain, mereka marah apabila kerajaan tidak membeli kapal selam tetapi di negara kita ia dijadikan sebagai modal politik," jelasnya.

Komen blogger: Anak dengan Abah perangai sama jer, memburukkan negara tak habis-habis. Maklumlah, matlamat menghalalkan cara, bak kata dia orang.

My new sweetheart.... Hyundai Tucson 2010

2010-07-25T23:21:00.008+08:00

As much as I loved my 1st car which has been serving me for 6 years ++, It's time to give way to my new sweetheart Hyundai Tucson 2010...

3 months before delivery, and counting... :)

Malaysia Negara Pembangkang

2010-02-17T15:35:00.007+08:00

Dah lama tak kemaskini blog nih, gatal jer tangan nak buat posting baru. Maklumlah, awal tahun sibuk ngan training lah, exam lah, kelas lah. Anyway, posting kali ni dalam BM atas permintaan khas kawan-kawan sekelas sekolah menengah... nak martabatkan sastera bak kata diaorang. Yup, aku budak Sastera dulu, cikgu-cikgu masa sekolah dulu pun musykil camner aku boleh tercampak bidang aku keja sekarang :).

Apa pun, kembali ke topik kita... Malaysia Negara Pembangkang? Kenapa ya?

Pemimpin-pemimpin Pakatan Haram boleh buat roadshow sana sini dan tabur fitnah sesuka hati tapi takde sorang pun ahli UMNO yang kisah atau berani ke tengah buat laporan polis. -Hebat dia orang nih!
Pemimpin-pemimpin dan juak-juak Pakatan Haram boleh keluar apa sahaja statement sesuka hati atuk nenek dia orang mengenai kes yang sedang dibicarakan kat mahkamah atau yang baru dapat keputusannya; tapi sekali pun tak pernah kena dakwa "menghina mahkamah". -Hebat dia orang nih!
Pakatan Haram boleh buat fitnah, cipta gambar super imposed, kartun-kartun menghina tapi sekalipun tak pernah kena dakwa. Tapi, brader Jeffery Damien kena lak siasatan Polis? -Hebat dia orang nih!
Pemimpin Pakatan boleh lari dan main sembunyi2 di Kedutaan Turki kononnya takut ancaman bunuh. Takde pun siapa2 persoalkan benar tidak nya. Lagi menarik, keluar jer Kedutaan Turki terus tak takut langsung dan boleh berceramah sini sana dengan bebas. Tapi, bila Saiful diancam bunuh dalam Facebook, siap boleh dijadikan modal ceramah dan jenaka politik dia orang? -Hebat dia orang nih!
Pakatan boleh mengosongkan kerusi Parlimen atau Adun nyer sesuka hati sama ada beri laluan kat suami, sambung buat Master, kes takut bini dan sebagai nyer tapi tak akan ada orang persoal. Menyusahkan rakyat nak keluar mengundi balik, buang duit dan buang tenaga.. seolah2 pesta pulak lagak nya. Kalau menang, "Oh, rakyat memang memilih kami." dan kalau kalah, "Ini semua penipuan SPR". -Hebat dia orang nih!
Mereka boleh dipilih menjadi MB dengan budi bicara Duli Sultan walaupun kerusi yang diwakili ciput jer berbanding rakan Pakatan Haram. Tapi, boleh pulak claim mereka ialah MB pilihan rakyat. Pilihan Rakyat? Dehh, kot mana dipilih rakyat tu? Kalau ikut kerusi memang tak layak, kalau tak kerana undang2 tubuh negeri mensyaratkan MB mesti Islam maka kemungkinan tak merasa ler kerusi MB tuh. Still perasan MB pilihan rakyat? -Hebat dia orang nih!
Mereka boleh buat macam-macam janji, cerita dongeng, konspirasi itu ini, puaka itu ini tapi bila terbukti semua hanya fitnah takde pulak sorang pun pengikut yang terfikir atau mempersoalkan. Masuk pintu belakang lah, kita ada nombor yang cukup lah, balik-balik kena kencing pun pengikut dia orang masih setia dan fanatik (walaupun bilangan semakin berkurang). Hebat dia orang nih!
Mereka boleh ceroboh privasi orang lain dan merakam video curi... alih2 diangkat menjadi hero? Boleh jadi wakil rakyat pulak tu? Tapi, bila pekung di dada terbuka (terkangkang), maka menangis teresak-esaklah akak-akak tudung labuh mempertahankan Ratu Suci mereka konon nya ini semua angkara BN. Macam ni pun ada? -Hebat dia orang nih!

Cukuplah 8 dulu ye, untuk posting terbaru di tahun baru (ikut kalendar cina) sebab 8 tu banyaaak ONG lah!

Cerita banyak tak mau, tapi semua orang boleh fikir sendiri betapa sekarang Pakatan dah naik tocang. Menteri nak ambil tindakan pun takut dituduh "bermotif politik" pulak. Makin besar kepala lah dia orang. Dear Datuk, yang salah tu salah lah, apa mau takut ambil tindakan? Takkan harap populariti kot? Cuba bandingkan diri sendiri dengan arwah Tan Sri Megat Junid dan Datuk Syed Hamid masa pegang jawatan yang sama... biar dihentam, tapi berdiri kukuh mempertahankan tindakan. Mungkin jenaka Tuan Hussin Lempoyang mengenai jawatan Menteri Amaran Dalam Negeri ada benar nya.

Farewell 2009...

2009-12-31T12:04:00.007+08:00

Today is the last day of the year 2009. It has been a wonderful and prosperous year for me even though there were still some hick-ups here and there.

Well, I made some bad decisions and loose a few friends. But then again, managed to make some new ones and cherished the existing ones. Also met a few old friends through Facebook :)

What did I accomplish?

1. Managed to maintain my target of getting at least 1 IT Professional Certification every year;

2. Managed to fulfill my promise to promote one of my non-executive staff to Executive; a promise that I made when I first joined my current company.

3. Managed to get all my team ITIL Certified.

Any setbacks?

Health - Fainted twice in a day last weekend.

- Fainted 1st time when i was about to have my breakfast. Felt a sudden cold and dizziness and when I woke up, I was already laying on the floor.

- Fainted 2nd time as Doc was taking my blood for checkup. Even the Doc was quite surprise why. My blood test result all came out fine, except an increase in uric acid. But, gout should not have caused anyone to pass-out.

My hopes for 2010...

1. To see my beloved niece starting her university life;

2. To bring my mother to live with me. Now, she would not have excuse because my niece is going to university and she will be alone;

3. To complete my MBA;

4. To become a successful IT Manager.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a Happy New Year 2010 and may all your dreams and ambitions come true.

To all my friends and foes, kindly accept my sincerest apology for any mistakes that I've done as I've already forgiven yours. :)

Sedarlah Melayu lupa diri

2009-12-08T11:43:00.007+08:00

Taken from Utusan Malaysia 8 Dec 2009, very interesting to read. A good respond to those few ungrateful brats who are ashame to be Melayu.

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=1208&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Forum&pg=fo_01.htm

MALAYSIAKINI baru-baru ini menyiarkan artikel seorang Melayu produk Mara yang menulis mengenai betapa kejamnya BTN, tajuk artikel tersebut adalah BTN: Divisive, racist, politically-motivated.

Oleh kerana ia disebut sebagai pendedahan berani oleh wanita "Maluyu" produk Mara, artikel tersebut disokong oleh bukan Melayu. Malah mungkin Mariam Mokhtar merasakan diri beliau begitu hebat sekali, begitu Malaysia dan jujur.
Oleh kerana ia artikel berbayar dan saya tidak mahu buang duit untuk membaca coretan orang kecewa, di bawah adalah sebahagian petikan artikel beliau;
"For me, the seeds of poison were planted decades ago. Just before I went overseas to study, I was sent for 'orientation' at a Mara hostel to ostensibly prepare myself for life abroad. That weekend was a blur, and I recall four things:
1) Blocked toilets and flooded communal bathrooms.
2) Basic food, thus a friend's sister dropped off much needed rations of chocolates and 'kacang'.
3) How to wash your 'smalls' (underwear) in a cold country and have them dry by the next morning.
4) We assembled in small groups for out-of-door talks, in the school grounds. We were told that the Malays were the most supreme race in the world, we were God's chosen few, that the others were insignificant. We were warned about certain elements in our society..."

Isu ini sebenarnya bukan satu perkara besar, kerana semua orang maklum akan modul dan tujuan Kursus Biro Tata Negara ini. Tetapi ramai juga "Maluyu" yang dangkal akan sejarah, yang bodoh to read between lines, dan bebal memahami tujuan asal kursus Biro Tata Negara ini.
Pemimpin Melayu terdahulu sedar akan kebodohan kaum Melayu yang dijajah selama 500 tahun tanpa penentangan. Bagai rela dijajah asalkan senang, Melayu telah dibangunkan dengan nilai khianati bangsa, dengki dengan saudara sendiri, gelojoh mengejar dan mengekalkan kuasa, malas berusaha, tiada cermin diri mewajahkan sejarah, tidak mahu bersatu, sanggup berkerjasama dengan Syaitan asalkan periuk nasi terjaga, visi yang pendek dan tiada perancangan dalam kehidupan melainkan menyerah kalah pada ilahi seawal minit pertama kehidupan.

Oleh kerana semangat Melayu ini halus seperti benang dan jati diri yang bacul, Melayu condong menjadi lalang menyokong siapa sahaja yang memegang senapang. Bagai hamba yang tiada maruah, Melayu menjadi balaci, tali barut, tukang jilat kasut Jepun, British dan komunis.
Sehingga hari ini Melayu masih selesa menjadi hamba kepada Cina dan India. Apakah yang terjadi ini sekadar kebetulan atau ia satu gerakan terancang si penjajah yang mahu melemahkan bangsa Melayu yang 99 peratus Islam?
Wajar kita menghargai, mencintai dan mengingati Tunku Abdul Rahman bukan hanya kerana kemerdekaan dan Singapura, tetapi juga kerana pengorbanan beliau untuk menyedarkan Melayu.

Waktu selepas merdeka adalah waktu yang amat sukar menyatukan Melayu yang telah berpecah kepada penyokong British, Jepun, Komunis, Melayu, pengkhianat, barua, tali barut, pencacai kapitan Cina, pekerja estet, penduduk kampung pedalaman dan saki baki Melayu-Indonesia yang lari bersembunyi daripada pemerintah Republik Indonesia.
Usaha berterusan ini tidak disedari oleh kita termasuk Mariam Mokhtar kerana apa yang "Maluyu" ambil berat hanya pada diri sendiri semata-mata. Bagi orang Melayu, perjuangan menyatukan orang Melayu yang tidak pernah bersatu sejak 500 tahun dahulu tidak pernah berhenti dan didokong oleh setiap Perdana Menteri melalui pendidikan, Penyata Razak, DEB, BTN dan banyak lagi.

BTN sebenarnya memang platform untuk Melayu menanam sifat perkauman yang tinggi seperti yang ada pada setiap batang tubuh Cina.
BTN mahu menyatukan Melayu, mahu Melayu cintakan Melayu, mahu Melayu kuat (dengan bersatu bukan bercerai), mahu menterjemahkan semangat Hang Tuah yang berkorban demi kesejahteraan Melayu, mahu Melayu sedar akan sifat baik dan perasaan peribadi Hang Jebat tidak memadai membadai belenggu lemah yang menyelubungi perasaan Melayu, mahu Melayu menyingkirkan perasaan "Ah, tak pe," "Cina memang pandai berniaga susah Melayu nak lawan," "Biarlah, Cina kaya, kita makan gaji dapat gaji dapat makan cukuplah."

Pemimpin yang baik mahukan kaum Melayu kuat semangat dan berniaga seperti Cina. Siapakah yang bertanggungjawab menyedarkan Melayu akan pentingnya perilaku sekarang, demi masa depan anak keturunan mereka?

Perkara sama yang telah diabaikan oleh nenek moyang kita sejak menggadai Tanah Melayu selama lebih 500 tahun!

Apakah orang Cina, India, British, Malaysiakini, Mariam Mokhtar, Sin Chew Jit Poh, The Star, MIC dan lain-lain yang akan mengingatkan Melayu supaya berjuang untuk memecah penguasaan ekonomi mereka?
Apakah Mariam Mokhtar yang begitu bangga menceritakan bagaimana BTN meracuni Melayu untuk sayangkan bangsa Melayu sendiri sebagai perkauman.
Sifat PHD (Penting diri, Hasad, Dengki) adalah sifat semula jadi orang Melayu yang ditanam oleh penjajah.

Kerana kebebalan nenek moyang kita, Melayu tidak pernah mempunyai gerakan terancang seperti Freemason, Kristian, Persatuan Cina Seberang Laut dan Parti Koumintang. Yang ada adalah parti politik UMNO, Pas dan PKR.
Untuk melahirkan Bangsa Malaysia tanpa kaum adalah perlu semua orang berkorban, Melayu perlu korbankan DEB, terima pakai meritokrasi (layakkah Mariam ditaja Mara ke luar negara jika bersaing secara adil dengan pelajar bukan Melayu yang lebih cemerlang akademik), terima pakai tender terbuka (mampukah syarikat Bumiputera menyaingi kekuatan kewangan dan mutu syarikat bukan Melayu), kuota perumahan (mampukah Melayu membayar tunai memiliki hartanah dan rumah potensi tinggi jika ikut sistem First Come First Serve), mahukah Cina korbankan Sekolah Cina yang menjadi platform menebalkan semangat perpaduan Cina tolong Cina mereka, mahukah India yang kurang serba serbi bersaing secara adil sedangkan kasta atasan mereka hampir pasti tidak akan membantu mereka.

Memang ramai orang "Maluyu" profesional seperti Mariam Mokhtar. Mereka bersemangat menawarkan diri menghapuskan nilai kaum Melayu bagi memberi laluan kepada bangsa Malaysia tanpa kaum.
Saya bangga dengan orang seperti Mariam Mokhtar tetapi tidak memadai hanya fikirkan diri sendiri sahaja tapi tidak anak Melayu 100 tahun mendatang.

MUSTAQIM ABDUL RAHMAN
Batu Caves, Selangor

It's ALOR SETAR, who dumb enough changed it to Alor Star?!

2009-10-01T12:20:00.006+08:00

It was an eyesore driving back to my hometown in Alor Setar for Aidilfitri. All the signboard in PLUS highway displayed Alor Setar as "Alor Star". Who changed this? When did they change this?

Once again I would like to reiterate, it is ALOR SETAR and NOT something else!

From the information that I got, it was the previous MB that change it to Alor Star. For what? Sounds more commercial? How lame was that if he thought of leaving a legacy as the one who changed the capital town of Kedah to a more commercialized spelling. No wonder Kedah fell to PAS in the previous election. Serves him right!

I have lived for 32 years, Alor Setar is the spelling in my birth certificate, my IC, my parents' land title at Pejabat Tanah, registered in Pos Malaysia listing, in the text book, Malaysian maps, everywhere then suddenly one dude became MB and changed everything?

Hopefully DS Azizan, the current MB will change it back to what it should be. Don't let an idiotic former MB (who lost his own state and the worst of all Kedah's MB) inspiration to leave a stupid legacy destroyed everything which was preserved for so long.

Lagi-lagi kepala lembu... Pakatan Haram jangan spin isu!

2009-09-02T10:41:00.009+08:00

I took this article from Utusan Malaysia. A good reading. This problem is not only faced by Section 23 people in Shah Alam but also the current Section 19.

What is the core of the problem? The answer is Pakatan Haram wants to relocate an illegal Temple from Section 19 to Section 23 (majority Muslims), instead of the agreed Section 22.

Will Section 23 people involved in this chaos should Pakatan Haram proceed as agreed before? The answer is NO!

Will there be such a resistance should Pakatan Haram proceed relocating to Section 22 as agreed? The answer is NO!

Pakatan Haram wants to spin the issue. It is not a question of whether Section 23 people respect other religion or not. They are not against building the Temple for Hindus, but do it at Section 22 as agreed before and not in the majority Malay area.

Isu kepala lembu kerana bantahan masyarakat Islam diabaikan

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=0902&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Forum&pg=fo_03.htm

MINGGU ini masalah kepala lembu menjadi tajuk utama dan isu negara. Maka ramailah yang membuat komen tanpa mengetahui secara khusus kenapa ia berlaku. Memang mudah menyalahkan orang. Tanpa sebab besar tidak akan berlaku tindakan sedemikian.

Artikel yang ditulis oleh Abdullah Bukahri Abdul Rahim, meminta langkah drastik diambil oleh pihak Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) untuk segera mencuci tahi yang telah dipalitkan oleh kumpulan yang membawa kepala lembu.

Saya ingin menyatakan, tindakan penduduk Seksyen 23 Shah Alam adalah kerana bantahan mereka tidak diberi perhatian oleh pihak berkuasa. Kami yang tinggal di Seksyen 19 juga menghadapi masalah yang sama berhubung kuil yang telah berlarutan begitu lama.
Masalah di Seksyen 19 sudah memakan masa 21 tahun masih belum selesai hingga ke hari ini. Aduan, bantahan, perjumpaan telah dibuat oleh persatuan penduduk dan individu tetapi tidak mendapat tindakan yang sewajarnya.

Setiap kali kuil itu diarahkan berpindah pasti ada campur tangan pemimpin politik yang akan melewatkan proses itu. Campur tangan inilah yang menyukarkan pihak berkuasa untuk bertindak. Kuil itu yang pada mulanya kecil makin lama makin membesar tanpa pelan dan permit daripada pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT).

Selepas bekalan air dan elektrik dimasukkan, aktiviti mereka semakin hebat. Kuil itu hanya di seberang jalan rumah penduduk Islam Seksyen 19. Apa perasaan pembaca apabila setiap hari kami terpaksa mendengar lagu-lagu Hindu yang membingitkan telinga?

Bila mereka mengadakan keramaian mereka buat perarakan di hadapan rumah penduduk Islam. Gangguan bergendang keramaian berjam-jam lamanya. Terlalu banyak masalah sampingan yang terpaksa kami hadapi jika hendak disenaraikan di sini.

Aduan terpaksa dihantar dari semasa ke semasa kepada pihak-pihak atasan. Namun bila ada campur tangan politik perkara ini sering terbantut. Gangguan bising yang dihadapi semakin teruk apabila Pakatan Rakyat mengambil alih negeri Selangor.

Sikap toleransi pemimpin Selangor telah menyebabkan gangguan yang dihadapi semakin teruk. Mereka bergendang hingga ke tengah malam mengganggu ketenteraman penduduk tempatan.
Mereka hampir semuanya datang dari luar kawasan kami. Mereka berani mengugut jika ada penduduk yang menegur mereka. Botol-botol arak bersepah di merata-rata kawasan berhampiran Jalan 19/28. Gangguan bising pemuda India mengganggu kehidupan kami.
Kami merayu bantuan dan membuat aduan kepada pelbagai pihak tetapi tiada tindak balas. Ketika keadaan sudah menjadi kronik penduduk merayu bantuan NGO Islam. Tindakan drastik yang diambil oleh NGO Islam untuk membantu penduduk menyebabkan ada sedikit perubahan apabila gangguan bising berkurangan.

Pada 29 Disember 2007 maklumat yang diterima daripada Jabatan Perancang Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) memaklumkan kuil akan dipindahkan ke Seksyen 22.
Apabila Pakatan Rakyat berkuasa selepas Mac 2008, kuil itu hendak dipindahkan pula ke Seksyen 23, kawasan majoriti penduduk Islam. Penduduk Seksyen 23 sudah maklum apa yang dialami oleh penduduk Islam Seksyen 19, sebab itu mereka membantah. Malangnya bantahan mereka tidak diambil berat oleh kerajaan negeri dan diminta bertolak ansur. Jadi siapakah yang bersalah?

Apabila kepala lembu diusung sebagai tanda protes semua buka mata. Pelbagai bantahan kita dengar. Tetapi apabila masalah gangguan berlaku kepada orang Islam, SABARLAH!

HALI HARON
Shah Alam, Selangor

7 wasiat raja Melayu

2009-08-07T08:49:00.010+08:00

Oleh FAIZAH IZZANI ZAKARIA

KUALA LUMPUR 6 Ogos - Raja Muda Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah hari ini mengingatkan rakyat khususnya orang Melayu mengenai tujuh wasiat raja-raja Melayu yang menjanjikan kesejahteraan, kedamaian dan keamanan jika mereka bersatu dan berpegang teguh kepadanya.

Wasiat yang disampaikan semasa raja-raja Melayu menurunkan tandatangan persetujuan pembentukan Perlembagaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu pada 5 Ogos 1957 itu ialah:

Kami namakan dan kami panggil akan dia, bumi yang kamu pijak dan langit yang kamu junjung Persekutuan Tanah Melayu (sekarang dikenali dengan nama Malaysia).

Kami isytiharkan dan kami simpan untuk kamu dan kami benarkan kamu isytihar dan simpan untuk anak cucu kamu, selain gunung- ganang, tasik dan hutan simpan, Tanah simpanan Melayu sehingga nisbah 50 peratus, selebihnya kamu rebutlah bersama-sama kaum lain.

Bagi menjaga kamu dan bagi melindungi anak cucu kami serta harta milik kamu, kami tubuhkan Rejiman Askar Melayu selain untuk membanteras kekacauan dalam negara dan ancaman dari luar negara.

Kami kekalkan dan kami jamin kerajaan dan kedaulatan raja-raja Melayu memerintah negara ini.

Kami isytiharkan Islam adalah agama Persekutuan.

Kami tetapkan bahasa kebangsaan ialah bahasa Melayu.

Kami amanahkan dan kami pertanggungjawabkan kepada raja-raja Melayu untuk melindungi kedudukan istimewa orang Melayu dan kepentingan sah kaum-kaum lain (kemudian ditambah kedudukan istimewa anak negeri Sabah dan Sarawak).

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=0807&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm

ISA: APA KATA ANWAR? (Petikan Dari: Blog Depa Kata)

2009-08-04T10:05:00.007+08:00

Interesting post I read from Blog Depa Kata that I want to share with my blog readers:

http://depa-kata.blogspot.com/2009/08/isa-apa-kata-anwar.html

03 August 2009

ISA: APA KATA ANWAR?

Pada 24hb Mei 1994, semasa merasmikan Mensyuarat Agung Antarabangsa ke 27, Majlis Ekonomi Lembangan Pasifik (PBEC) di Kuala Lumpur, Anwar Ibrahim berkata:“Walaupun keadaan dalam negara sekarang adalah baik, namun tidak dapat dinafikan kemungkinan berlakunya ketegangan. Dalam keadaan seperti itu kebijaksanaan untuk mempertahankan ISA adalah perlu demi keamanan negara. Adalah tidak wajar untuk menghapuskan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) yang terbukti berkesan membawa keamanan dan kemakmuran di negara ini.”

Pada 28hb Oktober 1987, Anwar mengulas mengenai penangkapan beberapa tokoh politik tahun 1987 dengan berkata:“The goverment’s decision to ban all public rallies showed that it placed national security above the aspirations of certain politicians and political parties…..The government’s actions were carefully planned and placed priority on national interest not that of any particular group. There can be no compromise on national security in a multiracial country like ours.”

Inilah sifat manusia munafik, sekarang Anwarlah yang mengancam keselamatan negara dengan disertai oleh Haji Hadi Awang dan Lim Kit Siang. Anwar pernah ditahan di bawah ISA tahun 1974. Pastinya pengalaman itu membolehkan beliau mempunyai pendirian yang tegas walaupun semasa dalam kerajaan. Ini tidak, tahun 1974, ISA adalah zalim, kata Anwar. Bila jadi Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Anwar yang sama berkata, ISA mesti dipertahankan, dan bila jadi pembangkang, ISA dikatakan zalim semula. Biawak pun ada dua lidah saja, nampaknya lidah Anwar lebih banyak.

Kepada Haji Hadi dan pejuang-pejuang Islam dalam PAS. Betul ka demokrasi ada demonstrasi? Dalam kitab apa, saya pun nak baca juga. Mufti Besar Iran mengharamkan demonstrasi, dan hukumanya adalah ditembak. Saya tak dengar pun PAS atau PKR mengecam kerajaan Iran membenteras demonstrasi..Kepada YB-YB yang turut serta dalam demonstrasi yang menyusahkan rakyat, tuan-tuan adalah Pembuat Undang-Undang yang boleh bercakap, luahkan pendapat dalam Parlimen atau DUN masing-masing. Budak tak sekolah pun boleh menilai perbuatan YB-YB macam ini. Lebih-lebih lagi yang beragama Islam.

Fahamkah apa erti Qudwah Hasanah. Seharusnya pemimpin, apa parti politik pun perlu menunjukan contoh teladan yang baik kepada masyarakat. Bukan teladan yang tidak baik.

Ahmad Ibni Muhammad, dalam tulisan: Al-Quran dan Sunnah menulis:“Antara tanda-tanda kiamat, berlakunya mogok dan tunjuk perasaan. Ia merupakan ikutan budaya barat. Mereka keluar berarak di jalan-jalan membawa sependuk, berteriak, memekik-mekik, membaling batu, ‘ MEREKA MENYANGKA ITULAH SATU JIHAD DAN PENGORBANAN YANG BESAR”.

YAB Najib kata, pilih la dewan mana-man pun, kita bagi permit, nak jerit sampai pagi pun jeritlah, jangan menyusahkan rakyat. Anwar, PAS dan DAP sahutlah cabaran ini.

MP Pencen

Take a break... pamper yourself with some good movies!

2009-07-15T23:52:00.008+08:00

Today, I had the opportunity to watch the movie "Slumdog Millionaire"... a vendor of mine lend me his DVD (Thanks Arshad bhai...). Surprisingly, it's very nice! :)

Me and love story...

Frankly, I am not so into these kind of romance movies. Even the movie "Titanic" that everybody was excited about did not catch my attention... well, not that I totally ignored the whole movie though, certain scene did capture my interest ; you can guess which one, of course! Hahahaha! Guys will always be guys >:)

Ok, ok, back to the topic... I don't know how to categorize this movie, mainly it's about the struggle of a slumdog or a street kid to survive in a world of uncertainty. They inserted the element of romance which gave the story more colors and meaningful.

The last time I enjoyed this kind of love story when watching "Somewhere in Time" played by Christoper Reeves and Jane Seymore. Another one was "Stardust" played by Claire Danes and Charlie Cox. All of these 3 movies, the way they portrayed love is very nice, simple and universal. You should watch these movies for yourself to understand what I meant by that.

Nice story plus good line up of actors and actresses...

Of course, my favorite actor, Anil Kapoor starred in this movie. Then, comes this young chap named Dev Patel and the sweet Freida Pinto. Last but not least, the Gary Sinise look-a-like, Irrfan Khan which also contributed well to the overall story.

The story is quite simple, how a slumdog who entered the game show "Who wants to be a Millionaire" was accused of cheating simply because he did well. The rationale was that how come a slumdog like Jamal (the lead) was doing so well when lawyers, doctors, professionals failed to advance to that stage.

The uniqueness of the story was that, he was able to answer all questions not because he was a genius or educated, but, it was just simply because each question related to all his tough life experience he had to face since childhood.

Even the police officer who captured and tortured him during interrogation was speechless of all the hardship he's gone through. Love, brotherhood, humanity... we can see all of these elements in this one story. Now only I know why this movie won huge at the previous Oscar :)

Take a break and pamper myself...

Yup, it is certainly a very stressful month. A lot of dateline to meet, a lot of staff issues to handle, a lot of office politics to cast aside, a lot of job related assignments to take and study related assignments to complete.

Well, I did watched other nice movies like Transformers II - Revenge of the Fallen, X-Men Origin: Wolvarine and Punisher-War Zone, but, even I enjoyed watching these movies, it did not help to release my stress at all :)

Maybe I'm getting old, but nowadays, I would rather watch movies like this "Slumdog Millionaire" which is a non-violent, hahahaha. Next on the list, I am thinking of taking my two sons to watch Ice Age 3. Those two boys really love "Manfred the Elephant" because I bought them the Ice Age 1 and 2 DVDs.

Living up memories...

Going to see movies has been my routine activity since I started work. Lots of nice memories since then :)

1. My former colleagues back at PNB knew that I would always take MC on Wednesdays to see movie at KLCC because of the special rate

2. Shed tears with my housemates back then Alam and Rizal when watching "Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham".. we went to see it twice but still cried at the same scene :)

3. My wife got fed up because when we were dating back then, always watching movies, no other activities

4. I watched LOTR The Two Towers 5 times!

5. I sneaked out to watch Scorpion King during office hours (sorry Boss, ehehehe)

6. I watched Ice Age 4 times

7. Once, I watch 3 movies in a row! I did not exit the cinema, only change the theatre hall

8. Always went A.W.O.L with my colleagues to see movies at Alamanda when I was working with Shell IT back then :)

And the list go on and on...

To all my colleagues and friends, although there were times that we had our differences and arguments, but, I really cherished the nice things we went thru together. Thanks for being there.

Pakatan Rakyat - Jokes of the Century!

2009-06-20T09:48:00.008+08:00

Well, this time I feel like commenting about politics :). Once in a blue moon, my hand gets itchy to write about politic despite being only a bystander all these while. But, enough is enough; I am really fed up with the chaotic surrounding initiated by the opposition!

1. On Anwar and his court case...

Well, he did try his best through his daughter the MP, his Defense Attorney and himself trying to tell Malaysian people that everything is a set up and the evidences to be brought to court are baseless and maliciously created.

Heads up dude! Malaysian people are not stupid (except your followers, of course!). You said the evidences are not valid? Says who? Says YOUR DEFENCE ATTORNEY! Of course lar bro, if he says you are guilty, would you be appointing him as your defense in the first place, right?

If you are so confident that the evidences are baseless, why bother called for a press conference just to announce that? Just let the court decide.

:) What a joke, clearly you know this time around the evidences is beyond the reasonable doubt. That is why you are so desperate to launch a "pre-emptive" attack by letting the Malaysian people know you might end up in jail again; to gain their sympathy. Same old trick, "pre-emptive" - if you end up in jail, it seems like there is no justice and comes the conspiracy theory... just because you have already so called foreseen this! Hahahaha, isn't that funny?

2. On Nizar and his uncivilized behavior in Parliament...

Well Nizar, first of all, wake up! You are the one who self claimed that you are "The MB of people's choice". You are forgetting that if there was no written law to say that Perak MB should be a Muslim then you can kiss your dream goodbye because nobody is dumb enough to give that post to you since DAP won the majority seats!

It's the discretion of HRH Sultan Perak that put you as the previous MB. Don't forget that. "Patik sembah derhaka", my foot!

Besides, by having a slim majority of only 3 seats, your previous DUN was really fragile and can be taken down at any time! "Kembalikan kuasa rakyat?".. It was obvious that the Perakians already made their mind in the last election to let you rule only by 3 seats, why were you dumb enough not to understand?

Be a gentleman and accepts your defeat. It's not like the 3 ADUN crossed over to BN or anything, right? They declared to be independent and support BN.

:) What a joke, here you all are questioning the integrity of those 3 independent ADUN who supported BN. Have you forgotten that your beloved Penasihat Umum is a party-less MP? And yet, he got to be elected as the "Opposition Leader" in Parliament? Hahahaha, isn't that funny?

3. On Eli and her photo scandal...

Come on, get real man! A beloved boyfriend took the intimate picture and yet you said you are a victim? Obviously, it is not an issue of privacy or not. It is a question of morality, whether this type of MP is worthy enough to be an MP with that kind of low morale.

It was also not about whether she is a Muslim or not. If that is the case, Soi Lek also not a Muslim, so why previously all of you made such a big fuss about morality at that time?

:) What a joke, there we have all the "akak tudung labuh" crying to defend Eli because she was a victim of intrusion of privacy. How about Lawyer Linggam? Didn't he deserve the same right to talk anything in his own house? Yet the dude who filmed the scene got treated like some hero of justice... and yes, he even GOT TO BE AN MP TOO! Hahahaha, isn't that funny?

4. On PR and their promises...

Where's the hard evidence on Altantuya's case as promised? The 2 dudes were sentenced to death and yet you all rather quiet now in coming up with the evidence. What is this? Do you take people's life for fun? Is it only a tool to be used to your political gain?

You are the one who rallied to every corner in the world telling that you have strong evidence with the intention to smear the current PM name. If you are a champion of justice then come forward with all your evidence and save the innocents!

What? You are worried about your safety if to reveal all the evidences? Well, you can always hide at the Turkish Embassy, right :)

Where is your version of the national budget you promised which was said to be better than the one presented to the Parliament? Where is your list of ready-to-cross-over MPs you bragged about?

:) What a joke, you are good at public speaking, I can give you credit for that. The rest is nothing but empty cans. You guys contest only for popularity and not with the people interest at heart. That is why, all of you can just "suka-suka" resign and forced the rakyat to vote again. The best part, the rakyat keep giving back the mandate for seat to these people! Hahahaha, isn't that funny?

5. On my personal perception to the Opposition Leader...

My perception to him is VERY LOW. Why? This was the guy, when answering a question about AUKU in the Student Leaders Special Meeting with The DPM held in UIAM back in early 1998, "Kerajaan tidak menghalang siswa berpolitik. Tanggungjawab kamu sekarang ialah belajar. Ingat susah payah mak bapak di kampung. Dah grad nanti aktif lah berpolitik, pilih lah mana-mana parti politik hatta parti pembangkang sekalipun". Well, not the exact word by word but that was the speech I recalled because I was there.

Then, what happened when he was removed from the government later that year? Suddenly, "Mahasiswa harus bangun menentang ketidak-adilan!". Why? Just because your political career was threatened then it's okay for the students to hit the road for demonstration? Now, suddenly they don't have to think about their future or 'susah payah mak bapak di kampung'?

:) What a joke, this is the man of many faces. He would do anything just to get his ambition to become a PM a reality... as if the post of PM is his birth right!

Just give it a simple thought, a man who has no issue reciting "Wallahi, Wabillahi, Watallahi" when taking the oath as a Parliament member... but gave a lot of excuses and refuse to do so to clear his own name on the sodomy accusation. Timbang-timbang kan....

Anak sulung aku melecur badan disimbah air panas!

2009-05-30T00:06:00.005+08:00

Anak sulung aku melecur 10% bahagian depan badan dia terkena air mendidih! Kasihan sungguh anak sulung aku yang baru berumur 2 tahun ini. Even aku yang dewasa terkena api sikit kat jari, seminggu sakit tak hilang, tak sanggup aku bayangkan macam mana sakit anak aku ini.

Hari kejadian...

Selasa baru ni, pukul 4 petang, aku dapat phone call dari wife kat office yang anak sulung aku melecur disimbah air panas! Ya Allah! Panik aku. Nasib baik parent in law ada di rumah dan terus bawa anak aku ke Darul Ehsan Medical Centre (DEMC) kat Shah Alam. Aku dengan wife terus ke hospital dari office...

Masa sambut anak aku keluar kereta nak bawa masuk hospital, anak aku menangis teruk dan menggigil, menggeletar sebab terlampau sakit... pedih hati aku tengok keadaan dia macam tu. Kulit dah mengelupas, nampak isi putih kat dada, perut dan pinggang. Begitu seksa anak aku masa tu. Aku dah tak mampu berfikir time tu dan tak sempat bertanya pun macam mana benda tu boleh terjadi.

Terima kasih semua kakitangan unit kecemasan DEMC yang bertindak segera merawat anak aku. DEMC telah memberi rawatan awal dengan baik, tetapi tak dapat nak admit anak aku ke wad kerana DEMC tidak ada "Burn Unit". Kami di refer ke hospital kerajaan.

Anak aku masih menggigil, tapi dah berhenti menangis, mungkin time tu dah sedikit berkurang sakitnya.

What actually happen?

Masa kejadian, bapa mertua ku baru turun dengan anak aku dari tingkat atas. Bapa mertua aku ke depan tapi anak aku ke dapur. Bibik (maid) aku ada di dapur dengan mak mertua aku. Baru sekejap mak mertua aku masuk bilik nak solat, dengar anak aku menjerit. Bila dua2 mertua ke dapur anak aku tengah berdiri menggelupur nak buka baju sebab sakit.

Bibik claim anak aku cuba capai gelas berisi air panas dan tertumpah. Takde siapa pun ada nak buktikan. Mak mertua aku percaya saja. Wife aku pun percaya saja. The only thing mereka marah sebab letak gelas air panas terlampau dekat dan boleh dicapai anak aku.

Aku tak percaya langsung! Bull****! Anak aku tak pernah capai2 benda atas dapur. The only thing dia ke dapur, dia akan buka fridge cari vitagen kegemaran dia. Even doktor Hospital Sungai Buluh (hospital yang di refer) pun tak percaya. Kalau capai gelas dan tumpah, sure satu badan sampai ke kaki akan melecur! Ini hanya bahagian depan badan! Aku suspect dan even doktor tu suspect ini kes 'tertumpah' air panas ke badan.

I don't give a da**...

Really frustrated that both my wife and mother in law bought that story "capai gelas dan tertumpah". Dah lama aku bengang dengan bibik ni, sebelum ni, anak aku yang second jatuh terlentang dalam bilik air tingkat bawah sebab dia lalai tak jaga. Terhentak kepala belakang.

Kalau kau tak suka jaga budak, just say so, tak payah lah aku hire. Keje kat umah aku bukan banyak pun, aku expect fokus jaga budak dua beradik tu saja.

Aku tak ler kata dia sengaja curah air panas. Yang aku marah sebab lalai, and it was at the cost of my son! Kalau sengaja, confirm aku dah buat kes polis. Walaupun tak sengaja aku tak boleh tolerate kecuaian, dah lah tak mengaku salah. Nak expect aku simpan lagi maid macam ni? Hari tu jatuh bilik air, hari ni kena air panas, what next? I don't want to wait and take the risk to find out.

I fired the maid... get out of my house! Aku bukan jenis pemaaf... aku boleh bersabar kalau orang sakiti aku, tapi aku cukup pantang orang sakiti keluarga aku.

Latest follow up...

Pukul 10am hari Jumaat (semalam), aku bawak anak aku follow up dengan doktor pakar bedah plastik kat Hospital Sungai Buluh. Alhamdulillah, doktor cakap anak aku recovering well dan dia akan terus monitor. Doktor kata ambil masa 10 hari nak tengok kulit baru tumbuh, hopefully anak aku recover secepat mungkin, insyaallah. Kesakitan ni terlalu berat untuk budak yang baru berumur 2 tahun.

Terima kasih juga untuk kakitangan Unit Kecemasan Hospital Sungai Buluh. Tak dilupakan Dr Salina dan Dr Dinesh dari klinik pakar bedah plastik.

Peringatan ikhlas untuk semua...

Dear all, berhati-hati lah memilih orang gaji. Ikut luck juga lah, ada yang dapat elok, ada yang tak. Like in my case, my parents in law duduk serumah dan monitor orang gaji ni. Dalam monitor pun boleh kena jugak. Malang memang tak berbau. Hopefully, you all don't end up like what happened to me. Kesian kat anak-anak kita.

My tips on successful job interview... Part II

2009-05-05T17:37:00.012+08:00

This is the 2nd week we interview candidates to fill up the 3 vacancies in my department. What interesting about this week is we have a few very quality and outstanding candidates we are considering to hire.

As promised, this is Part II of "My tips on successful job interview". So, here we go...

#5. Be prepared for IQ and Arithmetic Test

Some companies (mostly Banks and Factories) like to set an IQ test for the candidates. Don't worry, it's not quite to gauge how smart are you but it is more on how are you doing under pressure.

a) They want to know how you handle pressure - How many questions you can answer correctly in a limited time frame and in that stressful environment;

c) They want to quickly eliminate the non potential workers from potential ones (this is due to the number of people turn up for the interview which is usually very high).

So, I would like to share with you a few tests that you may DEFINITELY pass if you know the twists and turns.

Sharing my experience - Number crunching test:

The philosophy behind it was:

a) People is expected to perform better (improve) when doing repetitive/routine work (answering row 1 to 100 requires the same method of calculation).

b) People is expected to maintain a good performance as time progresses (if you show declining traits, it gives the impression whether you are a quitter or easily loose motivation)

c) It is normal for people to get really enthusiastic during the early employment (aggressively answer the early questions and slows down towards the end).

Sharing my experience - Cue Card Role Play:

Card 1 : Villagers send their representative to talk to me and demand my company to pay for all their medical expenses.

Card 2 : The "green peace" demonstrate in front of my factory. They did not want to move until I meet their representative. All of them blocked any vehicle from entering the building by laying on the road.

Card 3 : The Y.B interfere and came with the Health Ministry Director. They demanded to close my factory for a week to do investigation.

Card 4 : An employee of my factory was sacked for disciplinary problem. As a revenge, he made up stories that my factory was polluting the drain with harmful material. The media is now covering the story.

Well, my tips to you guys is - defend your company at all cost! In fact, it's not like your company was involved in any illegal operation or anything. This was more towards 'crisis management' and showing your loyalty towards the company.

After they were convinced with you, then only they would start with the formal interview (Level 3).

This cue card was fun though, looking at the interviewers' faces when you counter their facts with made up facts which were not mentioned anywhere in the cards, ehehehe!

Moving on ...

Well, my arwah bapak once said, "Jangan tamak, offer mana datang dulu, itulah rezeki kita. Bagi peluang orang lain pulak"... Even I successfully gone through all the 3 interviews I mentioned earlier, my current job was the first to be offered. This is an Assistant Manager position while the other 2 were Manager positions. For the Islamic Bank, we mutually agreed that there was no room for negotiation as long as the status "contractual" remains. As for the shipping company, the offer only came 1 month after I started working here, which was too late. I would never leave my current company just for the sake of a better offer; even I could easily tendered my resignation in 24 hours during that probationer period. In fact, I felt bounded by duty because my current CEO, Datuk A personally interviewed me before I joined.

Part III will be coming soon ...

I think, enough already for today's posting. Insyaallah my Part III posting of "My tips on successful job interview" will be coming soon. I'm glad that I can share it with my readers. And, I'm pretty sure others out there have many interview experience to share. Feel free to drop a comment here and share them with the rest of the visitors. I thank you in advance.

My tips on successful job interview... Part I

2009-04-22T13:29:00.009+08:00

This week, I have the opportunity to interview candidates for 3 vacancies in my department which 2 of them will be reporting to me. The panels were the Head of HR, Head of IT (my boss), AGM Corporate Support (my big boss) and I.

However, I found it quite frustrating to see Malay candidates coming for interview with very few preparations, unsure and lack of confidence.

The situation...

It is such a waste because these people have the brains and the skills but were unable to 'stand out' from those many candidates or at least convinced the panels to hire them. I am not being racist; even though I have no problems working with people from any race but I feel that it would be much better if I can help my own race to get the job.

Sharing the tips on successful Job Interview...

For that particular reason, I will humbly share a few tips to be successful in your job interview. These tips had been given to me by Encik Salleh (my mentor and my Peers Counselor Secretariat advisor during my Universiti days) and Puan Sharifah (the Bank's HR Manager where I had my 1st job interview). In addition, I will also include the tips and tricks I picked up myself during my various interview sessions.

#1. Start early

This tip is specifically intended to those students out there. My advice, start sending your CV as early as possible. You can use your academic transcript or your result slips as supporting documents. You have to know that the recruitment process do not just happens overnight, the process normally takes about a few months. So, if you are in your final semester, then you should start sending your CVs now. The deal is that, by the time you graduated, the interview calls start coming in.

"Rezeki" is indeed one factor but, your timing to enter the job market plays an important role as well. If you waited until the time you graduates and then only apply for jobs... by the time you enter the market it is already flooded with fresh graduates like yourself. However, if you start early, the chance is that the competition for a post is not that much. Imagine this, if you start now, than you might only be competing with 3,000 other unemployed graduates (only a figure to illustrate my point); BUT, if you start later, then you will probably compete with a total of 3,000 unemployed graduates + another 3,000 fresh graduates like yourself. The probability ratio of securing a job has just shrunken about 50 percent!

#2. Do your homework

This is highly crucial - do the homework so that you are prepared to answer any questions the interviewer might probably ask. The most important thing is to know in depth of the position you are applying. If you are applying for an IT Security Admin post, better make sure you know roughly what the IT Security is all about. Then, you will not get caught speechless if being asked, "What are the IT Security standards that you will recommend for the company to implement". Or, another example is you have to know the difference between Finance Executive and Accounts Executive because the nature of the work is different between companies.

Also, do a background research about the company you are applying. Personally, I don't think this is mandatory. It is because, from my experience, there were 2 types of perception from employers:

a.) You have to know about the company to show how serious you are to join the respective company;

b.) You don't have to, that one can be learnt after you are being hired. They are more interested to know about you rather than how much you know about them.

#3. Come early for interview but not too early

This is because; many companies do not like people 'flooding' their reception area. They might think that you have no respect for time. This rule only applies for scheduled interview. For an open interview, crowd is something normal and has already been anticipated. Therefore, if they ask you to come at 3.00pm, please don't come at 2.00pm. You have to understand that the company has made the necessary arrangements to make sure a smooth interview process. That is why only a certain number of candidates are entertained at a certain allocated session. By coming too early, you are becoming a liability to them and an 'eye sore' at the reception area. Respect the time, unless you are instructed by them to be in 1 hour early. If not, then 30 minutes will be just nice.

#4. Don't worry so much about your English

So, this is where the negative perception arises. It is not so much about how Malay candidates failed to provide excellent ideas, but the time taken to convey the message is the main issue. The delay in responding to questions will give the impression to the interviewer that you are not confident enough or hesitated to answer. You may have plenty of bright ideas and top class arguments but if you are wasting time looking for the right words, then it makes you look bad... as if you are not prepared, not confident and emotionally unsecured.

To be continued...

I think that is enough for today's posting. I will definitely share with you other tips in my next posting when I have the free time. As I said earlier, it is not wise just to leave everything to fate; you have to work hard for it. And, working hard alone is not enough without a proper strategy to 'stand out' from the crowd and get noticed by your prospective employers.

Until then, happy job hunting and all the best for your future undertakings.

Income Tax?

2009-04-10T17:32:00.011+08:00

Yup, the title speaks for itself... the deadline is approaching, 30th April, to be precise. All I can say is that this year's Self Assessment result (2008 income) is the most shocking of all! I don't know about all of you, but RM 8,000 worth of tax-to-be-paid is ridiculously high.

Well, like we have a choice though. Of course the higher the income, the higher the tax you have to pay.

Combine assessment or separate assessment (with spouse?)

My personal advice to my friends out there, do it separately. Why?

1. A combined income will be greater in terms of number, so you might loose the following:

a) Personal rebate of RM 350;

b) Spouse rebate of RM 350

This is because, ONLY people with a taxable income of RM 35,000 and below is eligible for this.

2. For both working husband and wife, they will loose the EPF deduction because the maximum we can claim is only RM 6,000. So, if both of you, the EPF contribution exceed that RM 6,000, better split up, do a separate assessment.

3. By doing a separate assessment (for equal salaried husband and wife of RM 2,000 ++ per month), the chances are very high that you are not even qualified to be taxed (taxable income is less or insufficient). On the other hand, if you combine, your total income will be higher (RM 4,000 ++ per month), right? So, with limited number of deductions (EPF, Insurance, etc.), most likely your total income is taxable.

4. If you combine, your self exclusion will be RM 8,000 and the wife's will be RM 3,000. So, only RM 11,000 is deducted from your total income. However, for the case of a separate assessment, both of you will get a deduction of RM 8,000 each.

Tips on rebates and claims

1. Claim to the maximum for books and magazines (hahaha, who's going to check?);

2. Claim your parents' medical expenditure. See, it's not only 'barakah' to take care of your parents but it's also tax deductible as well. Never hesitate to serve your parents and take care of their well being.

3. For Muslims, I suggest you better make Zakat deduction for your salary. Not only that you will 'purify' your income by doing this Rukun Islam, but it will also contribute significantly to your tax outcome. This is because, other deductions only effect your gross income but Zakat give direct effect and solid deduction from the final amount of tax-to-be-paid.

Which one do you prefer? Pay Zakat which is wajib and be rewarded 'pahala' OR spend on paying Tax... which in the end, some 'moron' might use your hard earned money to pay 'ex-gratia' to the judges who are already receiving pensions. Or even better, another 'moron' who suggested to buy the capsule (one time use junk that is ready to be thrown as scrap metal) from Russia as a souvenir to remind Malaysians that we successfully sent a space tourist to ISS... ops!

In the end, it's still our money

When it comes to paying tax, every year I will curse those 'good for nothing' students who were sponsored by our money yet refuse to come home after graduation to serve the people. Same goes to my own cousin who can now brag that he can pay back in full whatever amount the government had spent to send him overseas. Have all these people forgotten their roots? Where are these people should the government did not sponsor their study back then?

In addition, I got furious when the 'morons' in power made stupid decisions and spend lavishly people's money (yours and mine) like their own. They should realized by now, why many people turned their vote to the opposition in the last election.

Moving on ...

I've just submitted my e-BE forms and yet to pay my tax (waiting for this month's salary, of course).

I used to be the 'unofficial tax reference' back at my old office. Most of the time, my friends and colleagues would asked me to complete mine first and used it as guidance to complete theirs. The good old days...

Even now, at my new workplace, I still carry the title 'unofficial tax reference'; but this time around is to my staff. Some of them even only starting to use the e-BE this year.

Well, it's not such a big deal. Glad that I can assist people however I can, within my capabilities.

Happy 1st Birthday, My Son!

2009-03-06T10:14:00.003+08:00

My 2nd son turns 1 today :)
I think he resembles me a lot when I was a kid. Emm, he might end up to be as chubby as me someday, hahahaha!

Unlike his big brother who is easily gets bored with the same toy, he is more focus and hardly distracted when he is doing something.

Happy birthday my 2nd son, daddy will arrange a combine birthday party for you and your big brother :) insyaallah!

Happy 2nd Birthday, My Son!

2009-02-26T07:37:00.005+08:00

My eldest son turns 2 today :)

Time flies very fast, it seems like only yesterday we celebrated his 1st birthday. Now my beloved son is 2 years old.

Nothing much to update (been busy lately since my last post) only that today is a great day because of two things:

1. My son's 2nd birthday;

2. My MBA 2nd semester result is out... scored awesomely!

Until then, to all my friends and collegues, "Have a productive and cheerful day ahead"

Job Market: Is it now really the "Employer's Market"?

2009-02-01T22:39:00.005+08:00

Employer's Market = Employer sets the terms and conditions while prospective employee just obey without question.

Frankly, the economic situation now might not give people like us (the workers) much of a choice or making demands in the interview. In fact, it's not even advisable for anybody to change job in this time of economic instability. The reason being is the tendency of big companies to shut down their overseas plant and to reduce their work force.

However, for the sake of 'testing the market', I went for an interview somewhere in December last year. Here is my story to share with you:

Terms and condition...

I went for an interview with this Bank for the post of IT Manager... it went pretty well, nothing much hassle with the interview though. The only thing I was not comfortable was the fact that they were offering a 6 month contract employment as a start. If I managed to meet the KPIs, then only a new Offer Letter with a permanent employment will be offered.

Me : What? Why did you put that kind of condition?

HR : Actually, it's not like we are going to terminate you after 6 months. In fact, the KPI that we set later is not something that impossible for you to meet.

Me : It's not about meeting the KPI, which I know that I will surely meet (ehehehe, ayat riak siut...). It's about principle. You are offering something that is uncertain. You can offer a permanent post with 6 month probation and still kick me out if I don't perform, right? Changing job is a big move, job security must be there. Just like when I worked with She** IT, it was even more strict because I had to serve a 1 year probation period. I had no problem with that condition because I knew it's a permanent position. In fact, I managed to complete my probation in less than a year.

Meeting Datuk CEO...

I thought at first, the interview was done for (judging from the way I criticized their policy). However, I got a phone call a week later to set an appointment for a 2nd interview with the CEO Datuk A. I said, if the terms and condition is still the same, then forget it, don't waste the CEO's time because I will not accept.

A few days later, I received another phone call; he said Datuk A wants to meet me the next morning. Huh? Are they serious?

The next morning I went to meet him. Then only I realized, the man who called me yesterday is the VP of Operations (hahaha, I thought it's same the HR guy I rejected a few days back). The meeting went well and both of them were very nice.

Me : Out of curiosity, Datuk, why in the first place you all came out with that policy?

Datuk A : Well, I don't want any 'passenger' in my team. If you didn't perform in 6 month, then bye bye, off you go. If I offer a permanent position with 6 month probation, I have to extend your probation if you did not perform. I cannot just dismiss you like that because then you'll go to the Labor Court complaining that you are not given enough chance and adequate training. I don't want to go through such headache.

Me : You got a point there Datuk, I agree. But, it's only good for the Bank. As for us, no security, we might be kicked out at any time due to contract status.

Datuk A : Hey, now is the Employer's market. A lot of people are looking for jobs. You cannot make demands, you have to concur with our terms and conditions. Economy is slowing down, large number of jobseekers are fighting to fill a very few positions. In fact, in your case, I should offer you a lower salary. (laugh)

Me : Hahaha, quite true Datuk, but, it goes back to the question, "Are you looking for a capable worker or are you looking for a desperate one?"

Well, we had our disagreement and decided to call off the interview. I did apologize for wasting his valuable time. In return, he gave me a few good tips to be successful in my career as he said I am still young and has very promising potentials. Thank you Datuk A for your kindness and golden tips :).

Moving on...

I believe in the amanah of carrying out your duties at your very best. At the end of the day, it's the money from our efforts being brought home to feed our family.

For those out there who are being retrenched by your company, I hope you will be strong to face this difficult time and I wish you all the best in securing a new job.

For those who are currently working, please strive hard and give your best because we'll never know if we might end up like our fellow colleagues from other companies.

For those graduates who are still unemployed, keep on trying and never to give up hope. Insyaallah, you'll be successful in finding your rezeki.

P.S : If I am still single, I think I might have grabbed the offer... and now is working at the bank, hahaha. But now, with a family to take care, the risks is just too high for me to take. A few of my friends said, "Rugi nyer tak accept" but all I can say is that, "takde rezeki, it was not meant for me in the first place".

What a hectic way to start the year 2009...

2009-01-06T14:18:00.012+08:00

Welcome 2009... alhamdulillah, I live long enough to see yet another year. So many things happened in December 2008 that it is dragging until this year. However, only now I have the opportunity to update my blog since I'm on a semester break.

Virus attacks...

Right before Raya Haji in December 2008, my company got a virus attack which was not that serious but it really pissed off the users. What the virus did was to set all the Words documents to hidden and creates a copy of itself with an exe file.

The cleaning was very tedious because Symantec only releases a counter signature after 6 days of the outbreak! Now, I am seriously considering to change our enterprise AV.

Due to Symantec was so slow in coming out with protection signatures, we got hit again; this time with a Worm early this year. Gosh! One down, yet another culprit showed up! This is even worse, the threat was low but the impact was very troublesome! It's obvious that everybody is trying to target Microsoft vulnerabilities, which this one also with no exception.

This Worm knows that everywhere in the world the AD (this one is the real Active Directory okay, not that "AD" I mentioned before, hahahaha!) protected the network by locking IDs after 3 to 6 times attempts to login with an incorrect password. The initial intention was to prevent unauthorized users from hacking into the account. But, this Worm is even smarter, it "purposely" triggered random password just to make the accounts to be locked. Bloody genius! Instead of trying to steal passwords, it generated fake ones to lock the account and caused Denial of Service (DOS). In other words, using the weapons (AD Security) against its own master.

Killing two birds with one stone...

What I did was, I called all of my team and the AV vendor of ours for a short incident resolution briefing. I listed down all that I wanted them to do and asked for feedbacks. As I went through, I did highlight that I am not just a new kid on the block. I was on the field before doing what they were doing right now. 8 full years as a System Engineer, which must count for something, not just any engineer but Certified to carry out my tasks... only now that I am doing a full time IT management at my current position.

I told them that whatever the process that they are so familiar of doing everyday is NOT necessary the right way. They had survived all these years merely because of luck, not because the process is correct. Now after the problem hit, then only they know that it was not the best way after all. I reminded them to keep an open mind because there are so many ways of getting a work done. Don't limit their selves just because they are comfortable with just one way of doing it.

Well, alhamdulillah, after the briefing the virus/worm cleaning exercise went smoothly and until today everything is running fine and no new threats detected.

Moving on...

This is what I learned from all this... you don't have to shout or raise your voice to make people realize their mistakes. You don't have to 'downgrade' people to prove how good you are. You don't have to react immediately when people pissed you off because in some cases it will just make things even worse.

It's a kind of "Reverse Psychology"... share your experience or achievements and be knowledgeable enough that eventually these kind of people will realize on their own where they stand. It works so far :)

How M.U makes my day happier :)

2008-12-18T16:28:00.010+08:00

True or not, football does bring different people together :) at least that's what happened to me. This morning, one of my GM reported that his PC was infected by virus. So, as a goodwill, I also attended his PC together with my System Engineer.
Then, suddenly my mobile phone rang; it was my big brother on the line. Of course, the phone rang with my favorite ring tone; MU theme song :). Then the GM looked at me at smiled, "Wah, MU supporter also eh?". Hahahhaa, it's the first time, he never smiled before. Then, we had a big chat about MU at his sofa while my System Engineer cleaning up the virus.

3 months before this...

Actually, this guy seemed a bit unfriendly to me since I joined this company. I don't know whether it is just my feeling or he really was not satisfied with me for something. Even so, I didn't bother much because our department is reporting to another GM.
One thing for sure; my company really represents the multi-cultural of Malaysia :) The CEO is a Malay- Datuk A, the GM of Corporate Services is an Indian- Mr S (the one we report to) and the GM of Operation is a Chinese- Mr K.

MU really saves the day...

Now that I know his interest :) it's a good start to build a rapport with another GM. It will make your life easier to implement any projects if you can be sure that you will be backed by two of the most influential people at my workplace. Else, you will fight like hell to defend any papers presented at the Board Meeting in order to get approval.
Good networking has its advantages. We'll see how it goes because I've got a lot of papers to present for next year's budget :) MU forever... hahhahaha.

Withdrawing article "Office Politics... Why the MEAN ones always benefit most?" Dated 11-Nov-2008

2008-12-12T22:41:00.004+08:00

It seems like my article "Office Politics... Why the MEAN ones always benefit most?" on 11-November-2008 triggered rather an offensive response from the people back at my old workplace.

Why? I guess, people just don't like to see their own reflection in the mirror :)

Taking rage on the wrong people...

I found out that my old colleagues which I mentioned in my previous post were badly pounded by other people back at the office. They have been criticized and scolded for so called "plotting a complot with me".

I don't get it. The article is mine, the blog is mine and I have full responsibility of anything I said; BUT why released their anger on those two? They didn't even have any clue that I was going to come out with such an article :) hahahaha! Sorry guys..

A favor to my friends...

It's not my policy to turn back on my words. However, as a favor to both of my friends, I am withdrawing the article for their sake (even though they didn't even have anything to do with it in the first place).

It's my blog, I can write whatever I want because I am looking it from my own angle. In fact, what so big deal about it... this is an anonymous blog (pedang bertuah) with an anonymous article, right? No names even mentions though, not like everyone in the world will know you :) dehh, you are not a rock star or anything.

Don't like what you are reading? Don't read... nobody is forcing anybody to do anything. Every person is responsible for his or her own doings.

An honest writing...

As I mentioned since the beginning of my first posting, whatever I wrote is manifestation of what I am feeling. I have no grudge with anybody nor any personal vendetta to take anyone down. It is me and how I view things from my own angle.

As for AD, he used to be one of my closest colleague. He even came for my Aidilfitri open house this year. I have no issues against him, but I was quite surprised when I learned recently that he was capable of doing such a thing. It's more like I am frustrated with him, disappointed. I thought I knew him well.

Moving on...

My apology to two of my colleagues who get caught in the middle of the unnecessary offensive response due to the article I wrote.

Will I apologize to anybody else involved directly as subject matter in any of my previous and future posting? NOT!! Hahahaha...

Well, feel free to leave any comments in my blog if you feel I got any of the facts wrong... that how things are, damage already done... I have gone through whatever I wrote in here. The only difference is the fact that you might be looking it in a different angle, your angle. There is no distinct right or wrong, it's how you perceive things.

:) so, in conclusion, jangan ler cepat melatah, saper makan cili terasa ler pedas nyer kan? Kalau article tak applicable, takyah ler react over sangat... ini Blog Pedang Bertuah, anonymous blog yang tidak signifikan pun kalau nak gaduh sama sendiri. Whatever it is, I will keep my stand, always!

Racism? Who is the Racist?

2008-12-05T14:59:00.008+08:00

The current development of Malaysian politics really got me disgusted and feeling uneasy. All those so called "wakil rakyat" regardless of the ruling party or the opposition were really 'tak sayang mulut' and struggling hard to be the champions of their own race.

What is this? Is it the voice of the people? Dehh, I don't think so! Each and everyone of those "wakil rakyat" had abused the trusts put in them by the multi-racial people during the last election. They are trusted to keep the harmony and peace in the country, but end up they are the ones creating tensions, conflicts and unnecessary provocation for their own political gains.

What is wrong with multi racial...

This is what unique about Malaysia... many race Melayu, Cina, India living together in peace and respect of each other. This is what the situation is everywhere in Malaysia. You can travel from north to south, from suburbs to towns, from the green of paddy fields to the beautiful mountains and feel safe, without prejudice and fear. This is Malaysia, and I truly believe that majority of Malaysians feel obnoxious with all the gimmicks and drama put on by those so call "wakil rakyat".

Where I came from...

I went to KSAH for my secondary education... my best buddies were Teoh Boon Seong, Gurveer Singh and Kumaralingam. Also I got Victor Andrag (current Kedah state footballer) and Cheah Kean Seng (former Kedah state footballer) as my sidekicks when I was a prefect. There were no gaps between us. We were Kolejians... there's no Chinese students, Malay students or Indian students... we were united as one, and KSAH is our Alma matter. Students did what students do best, study and have fun!

Same goes when I was in the University. Apart from my Malay best buddies, there were also Krishna, Kim Heng, Siva and Brandon Chan. In fact, when I was the Project Director for the University's 10th Convocation Expo, the one who supported me the most was my Deputy, Liew Tze Hui.

Moving on, I was the only Malay in my team when I joined the IT-arm of an Oil Company. No problems at all, in fact Chee Khean and Kok Cheong are still my best buddies even I am now at a new company. That's why the Oil Company upholds the principle of "Diversity and inclusiveness".

That's why... from where I came from... no such thing is racist. Only the politicians are making the unnecessary issue out of this, which I find it really disgusting! Let it be a lesson to us, NEVER to vote for these ungrateful brats again in the next election.

My personal views and hope...

I hope that the next PM will be stronger than the current because I believe only a strong PM can steer the country well and regain peace and harmony to the country. Previously, some people labeled Ayahanda Tun M as dictator... for me, a little dictatorship is essential to control these type of "tak sayang mulut" people from making a "suka hati tok nenek diaorang" statement that will plunge Malaysia into instability and racial tensions.

Then again, that is my personal view :)

Ayahanda Tun M's Aidilfitri Open House

2008-10-05T22:14:00.004+08:00

Nice one! Today my big bro and I went to Ayahanda Tun's Aidilfitri open house at Mines Resort City. The crowd was huge, not sure how many people attended but it was surely thousands!

I managed to salam both Ayahanda Tun Mahathir and Bonda Tun Siti Hasmah :) ... The last time I salam Tun was in Alor Setar in 1984 if I'm not mistaken (I was in Standard One), he was on a surprise visit to the then Pasaraya Komart (now, bangunan PKNK) when he met me at the vegetable section, shopping some groceries with my parents.

My Idol...

Tun Mahathir has been my Idol since childhood. Of course, with his long tenure, I was born and raised under his leadership as Malaysian Prime Minister. He is surely the leader who practiced "leading by example". I followed his approached since 1980's, when he introduced the punch card attendance system. You can see the leading by example concept when he always the one who came early to the office.

Anybody can talk the talk, can they walk the walk?

Anybody can brag about getting things done the best way, but can they really do it in practice? My Idol is the type of person who gets things done, not just by merely saying about it. It's very frustrating to see how today's leaders tried to deny whatever good he has done to the country by tarnishing his achievements.

Come on man, you keep mentioning about bad things he did but you yourself yet to prove your own worthiness! At least he did something for the nation, how about you? Curse those empty cans, did nothing but talk nonsense. But, I guess, they also did not have much choice do they? Hahahaha, just because you cannot highlight that you are better than Tun M, you end up digging trash to show that he is as low as you are. Really pathetic I might say, dude!

Why I didn't post any Politic comments in my Blog?

I hate today's politicians, the ruling party or even the opposition. I had a bad experience that led me hating this dude until today.

It was early 1998 when there was a meeting held at UIAM with the then DPM, involving all IPTA's student leaders. I was there. When answering to a question, he repeatedly said that, "Mahasiswa tidak patut libatkan diri dalam politik. Tanggungjawab kamu belajar. Pikir susah payah mak bapak hantar kamu datang belajar. Dah grad nanti, terpulanglah, masuklah mana-mana parti politik hatta pembangkang sekalipun."

Well the tone was different though, when he was sacked later that year, hahaha! Suddenly, he urged, "Mahasiswa perlu bangkit menentang kezaliman!"

Why? Just because it was you getting sacked, so the students no longer need to think about susah payah mak bapak eh? Suddenly it's 'Halal' to hit the streets for demonstration eh? Suddenly, no need to graduate and faced the possibility of having jailed just to save your political career eh?

Well, I am no fanatic of any political parties nor am I a member of any, I am just a bystander who are really disgusted with these kind of political drama and lust for power, claiming the title PM as if it's his 'birth rights'?

Now you know why, hahahaha...

I can go on and on, and on, and on ... like the everlasting battery advertisement :) when talking about my disappointments with current politics. But, why waste my time. This blog is personal, I'll keep it as one. Thanks my dear friends for reading, I will not bore you guys again with these political kedai kopi talks.

Moving on...

Ayahanda Tun dan isteri.. semoga Allah panjangkan umur anda berdua serta seluruh keluarga, dan dikurniakan kesihatan yang baik. Amin!

Ikhlas dari rakyat Malaysia yang tahu mengenang budi.

-Pedang Bertuah 5-October-2008 10:56PM

The legend is back in action!

2008-09-21T11:13:00.006+08:00

It's my first week at the new office and in a new position. It felt nice inside that I am where I am now. It boasts my confidence that I am somewhat had accomplished something great in life. True, I am busier than before and also bigger responsibilities are up my shoulder but that all of course comes with the package.

Staff reporting to me...

I have 7 staff reporting to me. They consist of 2 DBA, 2 HPUX Specialist, 1 Helpdesk Executive, 1 Security Administrator and 1 Network Administrator. Currently, only 8 are present since one of my staff is still on maternity leave.

The first meeting with the guys...

When I held my first meeting with my staff, I found out there are a lot of issues which I need to attend to regarding staff welfares, workload and a few technical related problems. There is one non-exec staff in my team who is performing Exec's level task which I felt that he earned an upgrade in job grade. I will do something about this so that his hardwork will be compensated accordingly.

I am hiring people to join my team... interested?

After assessing their workload, I found that they are indeed overloaded. I need to hire more staff for my team. My Boss allowed me to hire another 2 more staff to join my team. So, anyone interested? Salary is negotiable, because if you are worth it then the company is willing to pay. However, no fresh graduates please, I need the experience ones because they adapt faster to environment and are ready to execute any tasks given.

Summary of my first week...

Day 1 : Started smoothly. Held my first meeting to get to know my staff and to establish relationship.

Day 2 : Well, unlucky, the elevators not functioning in the morning. Had to climb up the stairs up to Level 12. Gosh! Pancit woo...

Day 3 : The CEO's hard disk crashed. Got my staff to rectify and temporarily set up a loan unit. Later in the afternoon, had a meeting with him in IT Steering Committee. He personally introduced me to the members of the meeting.

Day 4 : The internet is down in the afternoon. Got to answer calls and emails from the Senior Management... only my first week, already got pounded by other bosses! Well, this is what IT is all about. Nobody realize our existence until we hit problem, hahahahaha.

Day 5 : I sent email notifying that the internet connection was restored and all other related applications was back online. However, to my surprise, the internet was down once again! Gosh, we already rectified yesterday's issue yet we were hit by another one. Well, yesterday's downtime was caused by a Proxy Server related problem and today's one was caused by the firewall breakdown. How very rare to be hit with 2 different problems that cause 1 single effect - the internet being down.

Started off on the right foot...

Indeed, there were hick-ups here and there, but I guess I started off on the right foot. It brings back memories from my university days where I was being tested on my people management skill, my P.R with every level of management, crisis management and mentoring. Even though I did lead people in my previous job, but it was only in small project teams. This time, it's different, I have subordinates reporting to me. It's the time to go all out and prove myself. The legend is back in action.... me!

A blessing in disguise?

2008-09-10T10:28:00.006+08:00

A few weeks back, I met Kak Y and F at Ampang Park while having lunch with 2 of my best friends/colleagues. She congratulated me on my career jump and asked whether I was going to meet my former direct Boss? I said, why meet the one held me stagnant for 7 years? She said, indirectly, it's because of him I searched for other place to work and did quite successfully in return. It's a "blessing in disguise"...

A blessing in disguise... is it really?

Yes, I do believe that everything happens for a reason and it's God's will. But, is it appropriate to thank someone that treated us unfairly? Whatever he or she did to you, that is NOT RIGHT and should not had happened. And, surely it's not justifiable or should be given any credits just because you turned out in a better position later in life due to what they did to us.

And then, I also believe in retribution, whatever bad things you do to people today, you will surely get back in equal. What goes a round comes around! I have no grudge against them, don't have to, because I believe in this.

Looking back...

Actually, my former direct Boss was not that terrible per say. The only thing he was unjust to me was by holding me back on my career progression. That's why I said that I have no grudge against him. I still respect him as once a Boss to me. I did learn a lot during his supervision. He was a good mentor and never stingy in sharing all his knowledge.

But, I couldn't help but feeling frustrated because he didn't promote me. It was like he didn't acknowledge my skills and performance. It was more like "jauh hati" because of what he did rather than a grudge.

Life is short, treasure all you have

Indeed, our life is too short to spent on little things like dissatisfaction or frustration over the wrong doing people did to us. Enjoy your life the fullest and be happy of all the blessings and rezeki God has given to us.

Besides, IT is a very small industry, who knows, maybe someday you might bump to each other once again. But, I hope this time around we are at par or it's me in return that will become the Boss, right? Ehehehehe!

Insyaallah, it's all of God's will.

1st September...

2008-09-02T11:20:00.011+08:00

1st September, what so special about it? It fell on 1st Ramadhan, the first day for Muslim to perform 'puasa'. It's also my birthday anniversary... I am 31 years old. Happy birthday to me! Ehehehehe...

Yes, the figure 31, I am older by another year. What have I accomplished all these years? The ups and downs in my life journey... what is there to remember and what is there to cast aside?

What I remember about my childhood?

What I can truly remember was that being the youngest in the family has its advantages. Everyone in the family focused on me. The pamper and undivided attention from my parents and siblings.

But still, a pressure put on me to follow the example of those before me. I had to keep up with my eldest sister who was then studied at USM and the study-holic elder brother. Every time I wanted to watch TV, my mom would say the same words, "Pi baca buku, tgk macam kak dengan abang".

Well, it didn't break my confidence even a bit, but I took it as a challenge to prove that everybody has his or her own unique ways of studying. What can I say more, I managed to get top 3 in class every year and got to receive the present from YTM Raja Puan Muda Kedah during Speech Day. I had proven it once more when I got 5As for my UPSR in 1989 and emerged as top 10 in the school.

The story continues...

In my secondary school, my dad told my mom to cut me some slack because I was different from my other siblings. Since then, my parents approved anything I did and they had full faith in me.

Maybe it's a gift, but I realized that I have a very good memory. While others were struggling to do revision, I could still recall clearly what's been taught in class. Lucky for me also, I was taught by some very great teachers which undoubtedly the core of my successes.

Well, not bad, I got 6 Aggregate for my SRP in 1992 (the last SRP in Malaysia, later changed to PMR) and I scored 10 Aggregate for my SPM in 1994. I got 10 aggregate in my SPM because of my Bahasa Melayu flopped C4, ehehehe. My Bahasa Melayu teacher Cikgu Siti Rafeah (she was also my Sastera Melayu teacher) was confused because I scored A2 for my Sastera Melayu but instead flopped in Bahasa Melayu. I don't know what to say cikgu, it happens! :)

Guess what, I was awarded the Best Student SPM 1994 (Arts Stream) and emerged as the college top 5. I was also awarded the SAHOCA KL/Selangor Scholarship. SAHOCA is the Sultan Abdul Hamid Old Collegian Association. For SPM during my days, the best will get the Gold Medal Award from Sultan Kedah and another 4 top students will get the SAHOCA Award.

University days and work life experience...

My University days were even challenging and full of nice memories :) but I think I'll save that for my next post. Same goes to my work life.

Anyway, my resolve is to give my very best in everything I do while balancing my work and family life, Insyaallah!

Finally, I got the job!

2008-08-15T22:21:00.010+08:00

Alhamdulillah... I finally got the job I told you guys in my earlier post.

Actually I got the Letter of Appointment on Monday, 11th August 2008, but it took me quite sometime to update this blog since I only tendered my resignation today.

The job offer...

First of all, I am thrilled that I got the salary I asked for! I guess the interview with Datuk A was just a formality or sort. Even he himself never touched about salary during our meeting.

I'll get to have my own office (being a system engineer for 8 years, you don't get to have all this, ehehehe), my own dedicated parking space, subordinates who will be reporting to me and a few more perks that comes along with the whole package.

In addition, I'll get to have a regular working hours (more time to spend with my family), less weekend jobs (so I can concentrate on my MBA) and I can save a lot on tolls and fuel consumption (because my wife and I only need one car to go to work from now on due to same route, and, that I no longer need to commute to Cyberjaya).

Alhamdulillah, I am really grateful to God's blessing... just as my Mother put it, "rezeki anak-anak".

Tendering resignation...

I really caught my Bosses by surprise, because previously there weren't any indications that I am leaving. Besides, I was away for Microsoft Tech Ed SEA event in KL this whole week and only came in to the office today...with the resignation letter!

I would like to thank both of my Bosses for understanding and for supporting my career move. Even it's hard for them to let me go but the reality is, they couldn't give me any counter-offer since our company was just outsourced and a lot of procedures are still unclear.

My manager said, "It's a great loss for us that you are leaving, but I cannot hold you back from your career move by giving you promises I'm not sure I can fulfilled". Thanks Mr. Y, even just by having that thought in mind itself for me is enough, to show how much I am appreciated and acknowledged.

Moving on...

Quoting Uncle Ben in 'Spider-man' movie said to Peter Parker, "Great powers come with great responsibilities".

It's true. Now, I have a bigger responsibility as an Assistant Manager. If before this I kept complaining on how my superiors treated me, now, it's how I treat my staff will be in question! Hopefully, I don't turn into becoming like the people I hate... Hopefully, I can carry out my duties successfully... Hopefully, I can give all my efforts to compensate the trust that the company and the management put in me... Hopefully, my presence will give a positive impact to the company and the people around me, insyaallah!

Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims

2008-08-11T23:50:00.009+08:00

Project paper presentation:

On Sunday, 10-Aug-2008, I presented a paper on Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims for one of my MBA class (Law, Ethics and CSR). There were so many questions asked by my fellow classmates. I never thought that many of them have similar problems but not taken any actions.

The following are some info to help you guys who have problems with your house developer.

Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims

This tribunal was established in 2002 and started its full scale operation in January 2003. This tribunal was initiated and placed under the Ministry of Housing and Local Goverment. However, this tribunal only handles the claims of a value less than RM 50,000.00 only. You can claim any damages, default or whatsoever but within the stipulated maximum amount. This tribunal acts as an alternative to assist homebuyers to get compensation in an easier, cheaper and faster manner compare to a civil court.

The process...

1. You have to file your claims at the Tribunal (Headquartered in Pusat Bandar Damansara) by filling in Form 1 and pay a fee of RM10. The tribunal will stamp their seal in FOUR copies and TWO copies will be returned back to you.

2. You have to send ONE copy to the developer to alert them that a claim had been filed at the tribunal. Make sure you send by hand, registered letter, Poslaju or any means that may in return produce a proof of receipt. (This is important for the hearing)

3. The developer have to respond in 14 days if they have any defense statement or counter-claims. They may do that by filling in Form 2 also by paying RM10. If any defense statement were made, you can always make a rebuttal with a Form 3 justification.

4. The tribunal will then calls for a hearing and arrange a pre-hearing settlement if necessary.

5. During the hearing, both parties (homebuyer and developer) must represent themselves without any lawyer. I consider this fair, because we can charge head-to-head with them without fear.

6. The verdict will be known on the spot and an Award will be granted.

My personal experience...

My wife and I bought a house in Gombak but were unable to get the company loan. Our loan was rejected because the developer was not licensed and a few more doubts from the Sales and Purchase Agreement.

We decided to cancel the buying and take back our 1% deposit paid earlier. What happened was, not only they did not want to return our money but instead threatened us to pay an additional 1% to close file (cancel the buying) or face a lawsuit from them for the amount of 30% for breaking the S&P agreement.

I was furious, I hate people pushing me around.. so I filed my claim at the Tribunal. After the developer received my copy of Form 1, then only they tried to negotiate and apologized. Too late man, see you in court!

The hearing day came, my wife and I won the case and the developer were ordered to pay back our loses. It was a public hearing, so there were about 15-20 cases were in session for that day. We were called by our case number. The good thing I noticed during the hearing was that the Tribunal was at its best to protect the homebuyer. Many cases won and in favor of the homebuyer.

As a conclusion, know your rights, use your rights and nobody will take advantage on us.

The Best Job Interview Ever!!!

2008-08-05T16:23:00.005+08:00

Monday, 4th August 2008

I went for a 2nd round interview at one of the GLC (government-linked company), which headquartered in Selangor. This time, the CEO himself, Datuk A, interviewed me.

Actually, I was quite surprised when I got a phone call from the company's HR that I was scheduled for a 2nd interview with the CEO. I felt honored and delighted :)

The scenario....

I was made to understand that the CEO rarely interviews candidates. Most of the time the selection only endorsed by him, once the senior management decided on who had succeeded in the interview. It seemed that I was the one selected by my future boss and since the salary I asked for was beyond what is offered, so my application was forwarded to the next level, the CEO level.

The best job interview I had so far....

That day came, where I was brought by the HR staff to his office on the top floor. I felt just like home because Datuk A was very polite and the hospitality was great.

I anticipated that I would be asked to justify why I requested that much of a salary, or maybe I would get pounded by questions to prove am I worthy enough for that position. But things turned out to be really the opposite way.

He shared with me his passion for the company where he has been working for 16 years now, he outline all his expectations to me and my future department, he shared about the company's history on how he built the company to its current level now, and even shared with me his personal motivation and beliefs.

I was very impressed and at the same time motivated with the passion he showed. Insyaallah, I'll strive my very best for the company if hired.

Whatever the outcome will be....

Whether am I hired or not, and whether will I be offered the expected salary or lower... for me it doesn't matter. Whatever the outcome will be, this is the best job interview I had so far. And, thanks Datuk A for your time and willingness to share your secret to success with me.

So, wish me luck guys, this is an IT management position and a golden opportunity for me to take another career jump to secure my career life. Insyaallah!

My beloved school turns 100... !!!

2008-07-27T22:35:00.008+08:00

My beloved school Sultan Abdul Hamid College already turned 100 years old...
It's quite unfortunate that I could not be there in Alor Setar with all the proud Collegians and Old Boys to celebrate this wonderful mark of history.
The chronicles and glory
Sultan Abdul Hamid College (KSAH) was established on 8th December 1908 and the first Principal was Allahyarham En Mohammad Iskandar, the beloved father of Tun Mahathir. Since its establishment, KSAH has produced countless leaders, businessman, patriots and professionals.
To name a few, all of them including the 1st Prime Minister Al-Marhum YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Mahathir Mohammad, Sultan Muadzam Shah who is the current ruler of Kedah, Tan Sri Khir Johari, Tan Sri Dr Othman Yeop, Tun Ahmad Fairuz etc.
Once a collegian, always a collegian
This is the motto being passed from seniors to juniors.... that, we will always look back and be proud of our root, where we come from. All the great experience I got from KSAH really shaped myself of becoming what I am today. Thanks to all the teachers, friends and non academic staff that have made my secondary school experience the most valuable one.
Special thanks...
Sorry to all my great teachers that I lost contact with all of you... I pray for all your health and happiness, only God can repay your kindness. Thanks Mrs Murugesan for polishing my English in Form 3... Thanks Mr Thiagarajah for your Math lesson... Thanks Cikgu Hussein for recruiting me into KSAH debate team.... thanks Cikgu Zaitom for your trust to lead the Forum Remaja team... thanks Mr Segaran and Cikgu Dina, the best Prefect's advisor ever... Thanks Cikgu Zaitun, Cikgu Aziah and Cikgu Muliati for your kind attention... Thanks my favorite Form teacher Cikgu Norsiah, Cikgu Sharifah, Cikgu Siti Rafeah and Mr Ooi Eng Lee... and thanks to all the wonderful people that their names might not listed here, but I do appreciate all your kindness. And, an extra thanks to Cikgu Hussein, for the trouble coming to my house and met my parents to extend the invitation to the Best Student SPM 1994 award ceremony.
Pedang Bertuah - KSAH 1990-1994

2004 : The saddest day of my life...

2008-07-14T12:23:00.008+08:00

25th September 2004, my beloved father passed away. That was the saddest day of my life.

He was knocked down by a Pajero while riding his Honda C70, 6 days earlier. At first, the doctors thought that he only broke his ankle but they never noticed he suffered internal bleeding until he vomited blood on the 3rd day in hospital. He was then transfered to the ICU Ward. He had to rely on life-support machine after that. It was heart tormenting to see him in that condition, helpless that nothing I able to do to ease his pain. It was the heaviest test from God that myself and my family had to go through. We could do nothing but pray to God for His mercy and blessing. Then, in the morning of 25th September, my father peacefully gone to meet his Creator.

A day before the accident...

I took my father, mother and my niece to the Duty-Free Zone in Bukit Kayu Hitam, the day before the accident. We went sightseeing and shopping. He bought a nice shirt that he liked very much. Later that night was a father-and-son DVD night, where we enjoyed "Lord of the Rings III : Return of a King" together, while he was eating his favorite mangoes I bought him earlier.

The day of the accident...

I was supposed to go back to KL that night, only been back for the 2-day weekend break. That was my routine and still is, where I went back to my hometown Alor Setar every 1st Saturday of the month.

That morning, I had sore eyes, my eyes irritates and red. Before going out, my father held my head, reciting some 'doa' and blew it into my eyes. This was my father's specialty which he learned from my late grandfather, he can heal irritate eyes and few other illness. Never thought that, it would be the last gift of love from my father to his son.

Moving on, duty of a son...

Now it has been 4 years... not a single day that I ever forget my father. I tried my best to help my father for the life hereafter. I settled all the debts that I know of and carried out a Badal Haji (hire people to perform Haji on behalf) for my father. Spend at least 2hours every month to clear the grass and leaves off my father's grave. My prayers will always be with him.

I promised my father that I will take good care of my mother and niece. But still, if not because of the promise also, I will never neglect my mother and niece. A son's duty towards his parents is a lifetime responsibility even after he got married.

My sadness and happiness

I feel a bit sad that my father did not have the chance to see me get married... I feel a bit sad that my father did not have the chance to see my two sons, his first two grandsons, since the others are all grand-daughters... It is God's will....

But, I feel happy that I was able to make my father proud and happy. I knew that my father was always proud of me, but I noticed the sparks of his eyes the most in these three events :

1. When I was awarded Best Student SPM 1994 (Arts Stream);

2. When I got my degree scroll at my University graduation ceremony;

3. When I used my first salary to give him a Seiko 5 Automatic watch as a present.

He used the watch I gave him in 2000 until his last day...

Al-Fatihah, Bapak, I miss u very much....

My dream of a lifetime career...

2008-07-09T15:37:00.005+08:00

At first, when I made the decision to leave my 1st job which I had worked for 7 years, I thought that "this is it", this is the one I will continue to serve until I retire.

But it turned out that I must make another jump, (sort of) to secure the future of my career. Sadly I must leave this company also, but not much of a choice there, though.

This is how the story started

When I graduated from the university in the year 2000, I was accepted to work as Executive Trainee in Malaysia's premier investment holding company. Then, placed in the IT Coordination Department as an IT Executive. So excited and energetic as a fresh graduate should be, I started my career with full of hope and dreams.

7 years passed by, not even a single day that I regretted working there. But, the unfair treatment by my direct supervisor really tore down my motivation to work. The favoritism practiced by him in promoting only a few selected people really got me frustrated. He gave me nothing but excuses everytime I asked about my career progression and he had no standard criteria in promoting people.

My light of hope suddenly aroused

After 3 years trying to join the reputed Oil company, finally I got the job, to be part of the highly acclaimed team. It was like a hand reaching out to me when I was about to drown in demotivation, pulling me out to a safe place. Guess what, I moved to the new company with almost a 62% increase in my current salary that time. Alhamdulillah, really grateful to God's blessings.

I thought it will last forever

Now, the IT arm of the Oil company I worked for had been outsourced. Goodbye Oil company, no more nice dreams of settling down and end my lifetime career with it. Starting 1st July 2008, everything changed, though still supports the Oil company, but no longer as a staff nor any guarantees whatsoever. It's time for me to make a move, looking for a better position and company that secures my future.