The Life of Iranian President Ahmedinejad

Whatever perception I had about this man changed completely after reading this story. I wonder how fortunate Malaysians could be if our ministers had half of his attributes as far as managing public office is concerned. I received this via email from my lecturer friend. Please read ….

The FoxNewsTV (USA) asked the Iranian President Ahmedinejad,

'When you look into the mirror in the morning what do you say to yourself'? He answered: I see the person in the mirror and tell him 'Remember' you are no more than a small servant, ahead of you today is the heavy responsibility, and that is to serve the Iranian nation'.

Ahmedinejad, the Iranian President who astonished many when he first reached to the office of the Presidency by donating all the high valued Iranian carpets to one of the mosques in Tehran by replacing them with the low cost ordinary carpets. He observed that there was a huge extravagant lounge for receiving and welcoming the VIPs and he ordered it to be closed and asked the protocol office to arrange for an ordinary room only with wooden chairs.

On many instances he joins the cleaning staff of the municipality for cleaning the streets in the area where his home and the Presidency are located. Under his authority whenever he appoints any minister to his post he gets a signed document from him with many points particularly highlighting that he shall remain poor and that his personal and his relatives accounts will be watched and the day he leaves the ministry shall be with dignity, and therefore it is not lawful for him or his relatives to take any advantage of his office. First of all he declared himself for all the 'Big' wealth and the property he owned was a Peugeot 504 car, model 1977, an old small house inherited from his father 40-years ago in one of the poorest zones in Tehran. His accounts with a zero balance and the only money comes in to his a/c was from his salary from the university as a lecturer with an amount of US$ 250 only.

For your information the President still lives in that same house. This is all what he owns; the president of one of the world's important countries; strategically, economically, politically and with regard to its oil and defense. He even doesn't take his personal salary with the argument that all the wealth belongs to the nation and he is the safeguard over it.

One of the things that impressed the staff at the presidency is the bag the President brings with him every day, which contains his breakfast; some sandwiches or bread with olive oil and cheese prepared by his wife and eats and enjoys it with all happiness.

One of the other things he changed was his personal carrier 'the President's Aircraft' to a cargo aircraft in order to save the spending from the public treasury and he ordered that he will be flying with the ordinary airline in the economy class... He organizes meetings every now and then with all the ministers to know their activities and efficiency and he closed down the office of the Manager of the president and any minister can enter to his office without any permission. He also stopped the welcome ceremonies like the red carpet, the photo session or any personal advertisement or respect of any kind while visiting any place in the country.

Whenever he has to stay in any of the hotels he asks them to make sure not to give him a room with any big bed because he doesn't like to sleep on beds but rather likes to sleep on the floor on a simple mattress with a blanket...

Refer to some of the photographs which also confirm the above. The Iranian president is sleeping in the guest room of his house after getting away from his special guards who follow him wherever he goes and photo is taken by his small brother according to the Wifaq Newspaper which published this photo and the next day the photo was published in most of the world's newspapers and magazines and particularly the Americans. During the prayer you can see that he is not sitting in the first row.

And the final photo is of his dining room where the president is busy eating his simple meal.

Try comparing this with the emoluments and privileges our ministers get... Plus the amount they loot... Also a sum of 1.7mil spent for a trip to Disneyland by a state MB…

Perhaps the president is fine example of true Muslims that our Muslim ministers should try to emulate. Will they?

PM Najib could have done Better!

In my recent post “Will Najib release the 5 Hindraf leaders?” I had predicted Najib, upon assuming his premiership would surprise Malaysians and one that could be was the release of Hindraf leaders and other ISA detainees. My prediction came through; indeed, the new PM released 13 detainees, two from Hindraf.

But then frankly, Najib has missed his biggest opportunity that stood right before him. Instead of releasing all, he chose only 13 of them. For Hindraf this will not be seen as sincere gesture by the new PM. Any sensible person would know this is nothing but another attempt to convince Indians especially the Indian voters in today’s election.

I would not know who would win the election today but there are certain “Najib factors” that could result in favour of opposition, what otherwise could have been BN’s bright opportunity.

The release of 2 Hindraf leaders instead of 5 did not reflect the true aspiration of the government to regain Indians support. It appears to be a bait to convince voters than anything. Indians know this.

The latest report by the committee appointed by health ministry has somehow denied the strong evidence of brutality in Kugan’s death, disagreeing with the second pathologist port-mortem report. This could very well mean, the perpetrators responsible for Kugan’s death could escape sentence or even go scot-free.

Also another latest report that states the police had confiscated all evidences including photos and papers on Kugn’s case from pathologist office in University Hospital. It shows gross hard-handed attitude of authorities that can only be perceived as obvious attempt to destroy evidences.

If Indians in both Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang were to take these as considerations, I bet BN would not get the required Indians' votes to win convincingly.

In Memory of My Dearest Friend Anne!

A 36years old middle aged woman, charismatic, smiling always and one could never be angry with when she put a charming smile on her face. Her spontaneous guffaw could ease ones’ tensed moments almost instantaneously. That is Anne; I mean that is what she was, not only to me but possibly to anyone known to her.

So, on Monday 30-3-09 morning at 8.30 when I received a call from Uncle Vincent (Anne’s dad) telling me she was no more with us, I was speechless for a moment, shattered by the worst news that I had ever come across in the recent years. How could it be, what happened, when, why, so on and so forth, were the many questions I wanted to ask. But I couldn’t, refused to believe despite the fact the informer is her own father. I took some time to compose myself, asking Uncle Vincent when she left us. Uncle said it was on Wednesday 25th march due to an accident and the funeral was held on Friday. I felt more distressed this time, for missing to see or bid her farewell even in final hours of her lifeless journey. Anyway still being doubtful, I searched for the number of her closest friend Norjan, who confirmed was it true my dearest friend Anne had passed away. (The 2 hand-phones she used to carry had gone missing, being the reason why many friends including me were not contactable in time)

Yesterday (Tuesday) I traveled to her place at Ulu Tiram, Johor to pay my respect. When I reached at her house, it was her photo, instead of her to receive me. Even in the photo she looked so lively with her trademark smile. Only her parents were there, her husband was out to buy things. Placing the garland I bought around her photo, I tried in vain to control my tears. It was painful, really painful to come to term with the loss of my best friend so soon and so sudden. Being a man I didn’t expect myself to weep but that was what I apparently did in the presence of her beloved parents. My heart wrenched with sorrows added by the emotional pain of her parents who had lost their only child and daughter.

Anne Vinodhini Vincent Muthu was no ordinary friend; she was someone very special to me. It was eight years ago when I first got to know her. I employed her as my marketing staff in my company then. Cheerful and lively, the 28 years young woman soon became the top marketer, becoming my favourite staff. Her fluency in Mandarin and the charm to win even difficult customers often put my others staff in amazement and very often envious.

As in the case of any employer who rewards his deserving staff, I too recognized her strength by promoting her to assist me in my office administrative work. Over the next few years, she learned quite a lot of things in running a business. It was during this time, we became close friends. She would always buy gifts or presents not only for me but also for my children and wife during Christmas, birthdays and valentine days. Our bonding was genuine and she had always regarded me as her mentor. When my business faced with difficulties she was all the way there stood by my side. Only much later, she opted to venture into her own business.

There are many fond memories about Anne. Once I had a severe cough, very persistent lasted for days. That particular day I was in my room doing my work while coughing badly. Realizing the suffering I was in, Anne quickly went to the nearest shop to get some lozenges for me. It was so kind of her, and I was so appreciative for her thoughtfulness.

The other memorable event was, when she organized a surprise birthday party for me with the help of all my staff. It was my first grand birthday party involving non-family members; nevertheless I’ve always regarded Anne as my family member. The party was indeed one of my sweetest moments, courtesy of Anne.

I’m naturally very selective of my friends. I do not have big circle of them. A very few to name amongst and Anne was one but by all means she was no ordinary. She was my best friend and my only confidante so to say. Can she be replaced? I don’t think so; her care, her kindness and her zest that larger than her life, how could all that ever be replaced? Like she once told in her card to me, “thanks 4 changing my life in so many ways that is almost unforgettable even in another 100yrs to come; please remember no matter what happens in future you will be somebody that I will always keep in my heart.”

In so acknowledging her conviction, I shall now say, “though you are no more with us in this world, let me assure you; you kindness and loving friendship will always remain vivid in my thoughts until my last breadth."

And as I finished writing this eulogy in honour of you, my daughter Divhyia started reading it with tears in her eyes confessing she too missed you very much. My wife said she still could not believe this had happened to you. I know above all no words are enough to comfort your beloved family and friends who mourn your passing.

However deep in my heart, my dearest friend,

I believe god has better plans for you, perhaps he called you home too soon because he too needed an angle like you to cheer him up.

“May God Bless your soul and peace be upon you”

Just Me!

More on Anne’s fateful accident read here or here

p.s: I invite all friends known to Anne to share your thoughts here. You may post your thoughts as comment or article. For your articles to appear here please email them to rasupal@gmail.com