One day, during my visit to one of my favourite coffee shops to indulge in my "lok lok" cravings, I discovered that the number of tables have reduced considerably. It appears that the authorities have recently paid the shop a visit and confiscated "lok lok" tables. Conversation with the workers soon point to the fact that many such shop owners pay enforcement officials a sum of money in return for "protection". It has become an acceptable practice and the norm. Such situations are not uncommon in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, little is done to rectify the situation. Perhaps many top officials and politicians themselves have too many skeletons in the closet. This only retards genuine efforts to stem this sinful tide. Much has been written about corruption till it gets eerily monotonous. In addition, Badawi's anti-corruption drive is lame and directionless. He seems crippled by the very machinery that he runs. His control over his subordinates also appears suspect.

Transparency International's poor ratings for Malaysia epitomises the ills plaguing Malaysia. Corruption breeds in the cover of darkness weakening the very foundation of civilised societies. Transparency is probably a taboo in Malaysian society. Even universities in Malaysia discourage freedom of speech and thoughts. This has resulted in limited creativity and lack of individual initiatives in the path of academic achievements.

Vision 2020 appears a distant possibility. I fear that the spirit of the vision has evaporated with the retirement of its visionary.

The demise of Malaysia's First Lady, Datin Seri Endon, has left a profound vacuum in the political and social arena. Many organisational posts traditionally held by the First Lady is now left suddenly vacant. It is unlike any other vacancy as there is no easy way of finding a replacement. Who should now fill that gap? The Deputy PM's wife? Perhaps. Or maybe a consort.

Whoever it is, the role of First Lady is surely up for grabs. I am sure it would be extremely difficult to fill the shoes of such a great figure like Endon. Her battles against breast cancer highlights her great determination to survive and the bravery in the face of adversity and extreme odds.

Losing one so dear is never an easy experience. PM Badawi's strong character is showing through, battling his emotions so well. I wish him well.

From The Sun,

Parliament gets its own department B. Suresh Ram KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to the establishment of a Malaysian Parliament Department, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz. The decision to establish the department was made on Sept 15, and will see it managing the affairs and administration of both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, he said. Speaking to reporters at Parliament Lobby here on Thursday, Nazri said the move was to enhance and improve the effectiveness of Parliament as well as the management of the august body. In line with this, he said the Public Services Department will appoint a Director-General soon to head the department, which would come under the purview of a minister (in this case Nazri, who is in charge of Parliamentary Affairs).cont..

Malaysian Parliament Department? What on earth is that? Putting this department under the jurisdiction of the federal government may result in a conflict of interest pertaining to matters of the Parliament and its staff. Moreover the Director-General will be appointed by the BN Government, thus indirectly putting certain powers of the Parliament under its authority.

Ultimately the Parliament should be an independant body. It is a house of elected representatives and no outer authority has the right to influence the decisions of the Parliament. I guess many aspects of this department and its responsibilities are not yet known. Are they there just to serve an administrative purpose as claimed? Why can't the Parliament resolve its own issues? Should the body not elect a team of their own to manage its administrative workload?

The government owes the people a greater explanation as to the actual purpose of this department lest it be deemed as another political ploy to hijack the parliament.

From The Star,

City status for PJ early next year PETALING JAYA: City status will be granted to Petaling Jaya in March or April next year, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo announced. Petaling Jaya, which is one of the oldest towns in Selangor, had met all the criteria for achieving city status, he said, adding that the Cabinet had approved the application for city status by the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ). cont..

The politicians are hailing the decision to confer PJ a "city" status. Sounds grand but what should the communities in PJ be expecting. The politicians are promising that the Municipal Council or to be City Hall will be more efficient from collecting rubbish to cleaning drains under their jurisdiction. The question is, will the MPPJ change its stripes. Afterall the people managing MPPJ will remain the same so will be their "trustworthy" politicians. What makes them think that things will take a drastic turn just by declaring PJ a city?

One drastic thing that is sure to happen is the increase in assessment rates, increasing the financial burden to an area that is already experiencing an escalation in the cost of living. Do PJians really want this city status?

Perhaps it would be wise to set things in order first before declaring oneself a city. Improving these recognised deficiencies should be the priority of the Municipal Council and state government not the gradious thought of a city. What is the point? Does Malaysia want to enter the Guiness Book of Records as the country with the most cities?

This exercise is plain pointless and sure to exhaust precious taxpayers' money.