Statesmanship

Bahasa mudah disebut sebagai negarawan. Ada sesuatu yang menarik dalam istilah itu dan sememang kita harapkan sesuatu yang menarik dari seorang negarawan. Saya suka mengupas dengan lebih dalam dilain masa, tapi buat masa ini, memadailah dengan mengatakan bahawa kita berasa SELAMAT dengannya sebagai pemimpin. Kita rasa kesejahteraan kita ini sebagai rakyat dijaga dan sentiasa terbela, malah kita rasa maruah negara juga dipelihara, dan akhirnya negara kita bukan melukut tapi beras gred AA11.

Nation Building

Nation-building is a normative concept that means different things to different people. The latest conceptualization is essentially that nation-building programs are those in which dysfunctional or unstable or "failed states" or economies are given assistance in the development of governmental infrastructure, civil society, dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as economic assistance, in order to increase stability. Nation-building generally assumes that someone or something is doing the building intentionally.

But it is important to look at the evolution of theories of nation-building and at the other concepts which it has both supplanted and included. Many people believe that nation-building is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, that is takes a long time and is a social process that cannot be jump-started from outside. The evolution of the Italian city-states into a nation, the German city-states into the Zollverein customs union and later a nation, the multiple languages and cultural groups in France into the nation of France, the development of China from the warring kingdoms, took a very long time, and were the result, not only of political leadership, but of changes in technology and economic processes (the agricultural and then industrial revolutions), as well as communication, culture and civil society, and many other factors.

I will try as best as I can to explore a little, into the general concept of nation building. Malaysia where I was born and reciding in now, will definitely be interesting enough to be dissected.

A leader and a nation

It would probably be wise for any leader to have strong linkages with the major forces of a nation; the financial institutions, arm forces, the police, judicial entity, economic players, NGO’s, and religious groups. There would probably be other important linkages or networkings . Good rapport will ensure smooth reign.

We may want to go even further and mention about linkages that has international bearings.

While a leader may want to gain good rapport in such networkings, he may also want to create new networkings. Then all out effort could be exerted to form new financial institution in your favor with your very own people in as an example.

But there would be tremors and ripples if he opts for this. He has to face it, or die with it, unless he is smart, farsighted and has prepared solid fool proof strategies.

I like to see the present crisis through this perspective, but I sorely miss the good warm ups and tactics. Therefore an assessment has to be made in a real gentleman manner, before air tuak (nira kelapa)changes to the real air tuak and become very sour!

Thanks, and may God bless all of us.

LEADERSHIP

LEADER
..........................Its about PROVIDING leadership, the impact of your own presence, and its about choosing the best option....................

Being a leader is not all about glitters, pomps, kompangs, the ribbons, the smiles, the handshakes, the laughter to whatever jokes you come out with. These are the mundane things, the unnecesary. These are things given to you by your very own people be it sincere or otherwise.

Being a leader is about providing leadership, a clear direction towards goal. Being a leader knows no warm up session. Being a leader isnt like being a little member to the pack. Being a leader is behaving like a hero in front of the team; dribbling, scoring and at the same time providing a solid defence.

In the final analysis, being a leader is assuming all responsbility.

Of course one may use as many team players or advisers. One may also use young people around, but leadership must be given. There is no such thing as total empowerment. If any of our leader subscribe to total empowerment, then it is like admitting that anybody can give a shot at it.

"Kamu buat, kamu jawab". That is so simple that guys like me, pak mat, usop, mid, pin, kiah, timah, leman, can also say. Hmmmm.... and we can also wind up a little toy to say nothing else except "Saya PM, saya boleh buat apa saja, bagi saya masa, Depa Iblis," or simply any phrase at all, stupid or otherwise.

Just a thought.

KUBANG PASU; as it happens

KUALA KRAI, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Two Umno state liaison committee chairmen have advised Kubang Pasu Umno division members against voting for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a delegate at the party general assembly in November. Johor Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and his Kelantan counterpart Datuk Seri Annuar Musa concurred that it would not be appropriate for the former prime minister to be seated among the delegates at the general assembly after having held the reins of the party for a long time

Thursday September 14, 2006
Razaleigh surprised that Dr Mahathir lost

JITRA, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad failed in his bid to get elected as a delegate of the Kubang Pasu Umno division to the Umno General Assembly in November.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Umno Thursday denied that the party and its leadership had lately taken action to put former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad to shame as alleged by PAS.Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib said party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had never been involved in any action which paved the way for Dr Mahathir to be put to shame.

HELSINKI, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has described as "very serious" the allegation by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that bribery was one of the reasons for his failed bid to be elected as a Kubang Pasu Umno delegate

MAHATHIR: the routes

Mahathir set up peace talks
05 October, 2006
No breakthrough as ex-PM helps attempt to ease conflict in South
Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad quietly helped arrange at least two meetings between Thai officials, including some generals, and Muslim separatist leaders on Malaysia's island of Langkawi, but the talks produced no major breakthrough, rebel and government sources said yesterday.

Umno also welcomes Lee's 'sorry' 04 October, 2006
Kuala Lumpur: Umno welcomed Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew's apology for his recent remarks over the systematic marginalisation of the Chinese in Malaysia, but took him to task for provoking Malaysia's former Premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Mukhriz Claims Stronger Support For Dr M After Bribery Exposure
PENANG, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth Exco member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir Wednesday claimed that support for his father, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had grown stronger after he exposed political corruption in the Umno Kubang Pasu divisional election on Sept 9.
There's no need for elections, states Abdullah
Borneo Bulletin - Oct 05 11:53 PM
Malaysian premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi ... "no reason to go to the ballot box". AFP KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday quashed speculation that he could call a snap election this year, saying he had

Malaysiakini.Oct 4, 2006
NEP 'It will destroy the Malays' .Surprising "end it" call made by retired Guthrie CEO, Khalid Ibrahim. By Bede Hong.

Mendepani Rasuah

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sedih kerana berdasarkan kajian Indeks Persepsi Rasuah (CPI) ke atas 158 negara, negara Islam yang terbaik hanya menduduki tangga ke-29.
Berucap merasmikan Forum Pertama Mengenai Antirasuah anjuran Pertubuhan Persidangan Islam (OIC) hari ini, Perdana Menteri berkata, jika purata mata keseluruhan diambil kira, negara Islam hanya memperoleh 3.06 daripada 10 mata, meletakkan negara-negara Islam di tempat ke-89.

Bila menyebut tentang gejala rahsuah dalam sesebuah negara, eluklah terlebih dahulu kita berundur sedikit jauh dari isu ini. Dalam keadaan sebegitu, skop pandangan menjadi lebih luas bersulamkan perspektif yang sesuai. Letakkan negara Malaysia dalam konteks Total Quality Management terlebih dahulu.

Jika SWOT analysis yang dijalankan oleh TUN suatu ketika dulu, menbedah segala-galanya, melihat persekitaran yang bersifat tempatan mahupun global, dan merencanakan tindakan strategik bagi kesejahteraan negara. Rasuah atau mengurangkan rasuah bukanlah objektif utama untuk dicapai. Gejala ini berpunca dari kurang penghayatan, kurang penerapan nilai-nilai murni dan juga kawalan-kawalan yang longgar.

Jika isu rasuah menjadi sesuatu yang bersifat matlamat strategik utama negara, akan kelihatan negara seperti bahtera di lautan yang tampak sibuk dengan aktiviti sampingan seperti mengecat dek supaya cantik. Nakhodanya pula berdiri ditepi tiang layar utama memantau kerja-kerja itu. Tiada siapa pun ambil peduli mengenai destinasi yang ingin dituju. Tiada siapa pun sedar tentang ribut mendatang. Tiada siapa pun sedar tentang tukun di depan menanti dirempuh!!!....

mencampuri

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 Ogos (Hrkh) - Kelantangan Naib Ketua Pemuda Umno, Khairy Jamaluddin dalam menafikan keterlibatannya dalam pentadbiran negara dilihat hanya mengesahkan bahawa menantu Perdana Menteri sebenarnya secara langsung mencampuri urusan negara, kata Pengerusi Lajnah Pengguna dan Alam Sekitar PAS, Haji Mahfuz Omar.
"Bila dia (Khairy) jawab isu-isu yang Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad pertikai, antaranya penjualan MV Agusta, ini mengesahkan bahawa beliau mencampuri urusan negara," dakwa Mahfuz.
Bagi Mahfuz, isu penjualan MV Agusta dengan nilai satu euro seharusnya dijawab oleh pihak pengurusan Proton dan Kementerian Kewangan yang secara terus berkait dengan isu tersebut
"Bila beliau (Khairy) seorang Naib Ketua Pemuda Umno yang jawab, ini mengesahkan keterlibatannya.Beliau bukan pegawai, menteri atau orang yang berkuasa dalam kerajaan, mengapa Perdana Menteri membiarkan Khairy yang menjawab.Ini menimbulkan persoalan," katanya lagi.........

Just the two of them

A pair ,
twins ,
sepasang ,
berdua ,
just the two of them


















Find in a Library: Just the two of them.
... • Title: Just the two of them. •. Author: Mary Anderson, Carl Anderson • Publisher: New York, Atheneum, 1974 ...

Tower Records - Buy "Just the Two of Us...Me and Them" on CD by Mindflow at Tower.com
Buy "Just the Two of Us...Me and Them" on CD by Mindflow at Tower.com. Free US shipping on Music, Movie and Accessory orders of $20 or more. Tower Records - Entertain Yourself


Just the Two of Them
Just the Two of Them. By Colleen Ringer. First impression. Amy Lorenzen/Devil's Tale Crystal, a single mother, and Maya, her daughter she adopted from Russia, stop playing with toys to share an affectionate moment. ... JUST THE TWO OF THEM. FROM SUDAN TO PHOENIX ...

Catching titles and put them in the bottle.

Special Book To Clear The Air
Bernama - Jul 14 7:28 AM

Syed Hamid denies sand rumours
The Sun Daily - Jul 13 5:56 AM

Declassified Documents Not For Circulation, Says Samsudin
Bernama - Jul 14 6:43 AM

MALAYSIA: Govt to publish book on issues raised by Mahathir
AsiaMedia - Jul 17 11:44 AM

Press Statement On Declassified Documents Pertaining To The Crooked Bridge
Bernama - Jul 14 1:58 AM

Govt Declassifies Confidential Documents On Bridge
Bernama - Jul 13 11:58 PM

Malaysian government's full statement on the 'crooked bridge' issue
The Sun Daily - Jul 14 2:56 AM

Crooked bridge: Allegations, facts and conclusions
The Sun Daily - Jul 14 2:56 AM

PM's Dept Replies To Dr M's Allegations On Scenic Bridge
Bernama - Jul 14 1:28 AM

Gerakan Lauds Govt Move To Declassify Bridge Documents
Bernama - Jul 15 7:28 AM

Documents Enable People To Understand Why Scenic Bridge Aborted
Bernama - Jul 16 10:14 AM

"Stop bowing to Singapore's demands" ....
Little Speck - Jul 28 11:24 PM

Dr M back from European vacation
The Star Online - Jul 22 4:56 PM

Abdullah Says He Has No Problems With Dr Mahathir
Bernama - Jul 19 3:43 AM

On Malaysia: "Is Mahathir's Reputation Fading Away?"
News From Bangladesh - Jul 20 11:38 AM

I'm ready to answer slander, says Khairy
The Sun Daily - Aug 04 2:38 AM

Mahathir: Try Malay-Chinese satay venture
The Star Online - Aug 05 5:12 PM

Not Correct To Say Malaysia Will Be In Recession Next Year, Says Dr Mahathir
Bernama - Aug 05 12:06 AM

Mahathir calls for ban on US dollar, pound to halt Mideast massacre
Islamic Republic News Agency - Aug 02 6:59 AM

Terjumpa dalam akhbar lama.

Just look at the photo, think a while, put available prameters together, assimilate, digest, synthesize and please dont make any judgement and say it too loud. Keep it to yourself through the layers of history. The followings are just extracts as i say terjumpa dalam akhbar lama. and as in chess; traps, threats, gambits, offers, are just preludes to the end game.

Sultan Says Anyone Can Have Go At Leading FAM
CAMERON HIGHLANDS, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) practises democracy and anyone who wishes to do so can vote the present management out at the next annual general meeting (AGM) next year, FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah said Sunday.

The Sabah Member of Parliament for Kalabakan, Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh, had described the ranking fall as shameful for the country.

He suggested that the leadership of the FAM be handed over to the management of the MyTeam football team so that improvements could be made to Malaysian football.

"Perhaps everyone wants to have a go at it because FAM announced that it is financially stable and has an allocation for the development of children's football in the country.
"It doesn't bother me, FAM is not mine. It belongs to the association," he said.

Wrangling over rankings a waste of time
Rokk Talk by LAZARUS ROKK
....While we can understand why the 146th ranking drew the wrath of Kalabakan Member of Parliament Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh, and why he even called for the resignation of the council. His suggestion, however, for the leadership of the FAM to be replaced by the management of MyTeam namely Khairy Jamaluddin and Jason Lo, bordered on insanity.

As for that response from Larut MP Raja Datuk Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar, who is also a FAM vice president, to offer citizenships to foreigners who are “highly talented”, why stop at just players? Why don’t we extend that privilege to foreigners who are “highly talented” administrators as well, especially since we all know that FAM’s administrators are certainly not of world-class standard either.

Abdullah: I am not Mr 10% – not even 1% .Sunday August 6, 2006
“This is not a minister of even 1%,” said the Prime Minister, who declared that he had never asked for kickbacks in the awarding of government contracts.
“I have nothing for myself. I don’t seek percentage from anybody who gets the job,” he said when opening the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party general assembly in Santubong, near here, yesterday.
“There’s no allegation. Nobody has said anything. I just mentioned it, in case anybody has some funny ideas.”

PM: Up to delegates
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, who has been the target of slander and allegations by various parties, would not hold the post of Umno Youth deputy chief if the delegates did not want him anymore.


ANALYSIS - Malaysia's Mahathir zeroes in on PM's weakness
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad is a political street-fighter with a score to settle with his handpicked successor, and he is about to punch where it can hurt most.
Mahathir, burning with a sense of betrayal, wants to take his attack on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to the main ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the seat of power and the political vehicle for majority ethnic Malays.
"The Malays still look up to Mahathir and I'm afraid this could cause the Malays to split again," said one political analyst who declined to be named

In Batu Pahat, Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz
said Khairy had been waiting for the right opportunity to respond to the personal allegations made against him by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“When Tun first blasted Umno, Khairy called me. I advised him to stay cool and wait for a good opportunity to reply,” he said after opening the Parit Sulong Umno Youth delegates’ conference.

Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik
In Tapah, Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik said Khairy should only respond if there was evidence.
Rahim, who described himself as having to handle a “tsunami of accusations” when he was Umno Youth chief, said:
“There is no need for Khairy to respond if the allegations were without evidence and was considered hearsay.”

Malaysian PM son 'will quit politics'
The Australian - Aug 05 11:48 PMMALAYSIAN Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law, who has been accused of being the power behind the throne, has offered to quit politics if he is a liability to the ruling party, a report said today.

Malaysia's ex-premier Mahathir vows no comeback: reports
AFP via Yahoo! News - Jul 29 1:09 PMMalaysia's former premier Mahathir Mohamad, whose attacks on the government have triggered speculation he wants to reclaim the top job, has vowed not to make a comeback, reports said.

Brotherhood in faith and brotherhood in humanity
News From Bangladesh - Aug 06 11:29 AMRecently Mr Anwar Ibrahim, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, visited Australia. He delivered a wonderful speech at the Canberra Islamic Centre, Australia on Thursday 20th July 2006. About two hundred people, representing the greater Canberra community, turned up at the event.

Regulating dopamine key to new pill to quit smoking
The Olympian - Aug 06 4:31 AMGRAND FORKS, N.D. - Something new, anything new, Dr. Thomas Cariveau said, is what it sometimes takes to give a smoker the confidence to quit.

'Benazir will not quit party post'
Pakistani Newspaper - Aug 06 11:33 AMKARACHI, Aug 6: Pakistan Peoples Party rejected a government demand that former premier Benazir Bhutto should quit the top party slot because of her alleged involvement in corruption.

Report: Olof Mellberg quits as Sweden captain
Sports Illustrated - Aug 06 5:43 PMOlof Mellberg will quit as Sweden captain while continuing to play for the national team.

Ricci threatened to quit if she missed out on bedding Justin
WENN via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News - Aug 05 4:40 AMActress Christina Ricci was so determined to land a sexy role in Justin Timberlake's new film she threatened to quit the movie business if she failed.

KWSP

Hentikan segera -- Skim unit amanah elak pencarum KWSP rugi lebih besar KUALA LUMPUR 6 Ogos – Kesatuan-kesatuan sekerja dan persatuan pengguna hari ini menggesa kerajaan dan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) menghentikan segera skim pengeluaran caruman untuk dilaburkan ke dalam unit amanah bagi mengelak kerugian yang lebih besar kepada pencarum.
Pencarum diingatkan berwaspada melabur – PM KUALA LUMPUR 6 Ogos – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hari ini mengingatkan pencarum Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) supaya berhati-hati jika ingin membuat pelaburan dalam unit amanah kerana risiko kerugian akan ditanggung sendiri.

Umno Tuaran sekat pihak cuba gugat parti

TUARAN: Pemuda Umno Tuaran perlu bekerjasama menyekat cubaan segelintir pihak yang ingin melemahkan kekuatan dan memecah-belahkan perpaduan dalam parti itu di bahagian ini

Siri jelajah Dr. Mahathir boleh gugat BN pada pilihan raya

TUARAN 6 Ogos – Tindakan Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad yang mengkritik kepimpinan negara dalam siri jelajahnya ke seluruh negara boleh menggugat UMNO dan Barisan Nasional (BN) pada pilihan raya umum akan datang, kata Setiausaha Agung UMNO, Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad

Khairy boleh letak jawatan bergantung pada perwakilan KUALA LUMPUR 6 Ogos – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hari ini berkata, Naib Ketua Pemuda UMNO, Khairy Jamaluddin boleh meletak jawatan parti jika sudah dianggap satu liabiliti kepada parti.
‘Penyebar fitnah umpama beruk sarkas goncang pokok’ KLANG 6 Ogos – ‘‘Kalau tiada angin, masakan pokok boleh bergoyang’’. Itulah peribahasa yang masih kedengaran ditujukan kepada Naib Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Khairy Jamaluddin walaupun beliau telah menafikan dakwaan berkahwin dengan pelakon, Maya Karin

Khairy tak perlu undur

KUALA LUMPUR: Pelbagai peringkat kepemimpinan Umno semalam menganggap hasrat Naib Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda Umno, Khairy Jamaluddin (gambar) meletak jawatan bukan penyelesaian terbaik untuk menyangkal fitnah terhadapnya. Sebaliknya, mereka menasihatkan Khairy bersikap rasional dan membuat pertimbangan teliti dengan mengutamakan kepentingan parti sebelum membuat sebarang keputusan.

Introductory Note.

Record squeeze: 21 people inside a mini

It is definitely not the usual way to get into a car. But anything goes when you are trying to set a new world record. Nineteen-year-old Soong Vic Kie was the last person to be squeezed into this Mini Cooper.