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 25^th 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

The lesson Selambau can learn from UMNO youth election!

I refer to Malaysiakini’s report on “KJ’s election: Mahathir spews venom”

TDM, the number one critic of KJ once again took a swipe at him. Malaysiakini equated his condemnation to spewing venom. This time he directed his accusation to the collective youth members of UMNO for electing Khairy despite the disciplinary committee finding him of guilty for money politics.

But the night he was elected as chief, Khairy in his acceptance speech said “They thought Khairy is over, but here I am despite all the odds.” Yes, Khairy was correct; most of us thought Khairy did not have any chance of winning, but he proved us all wrong by winning convincingly.

Whether Khairy was involved in money politics or not we wouldn’t know and TDM’s allegation that the youth group bent over backward for Khairy is not easy to believe either. However what we do know is Khairy had strong opposition outnumbering his own supporters. Hence, in my view the use of SWOT approach would be useful to analyze the process of UMNO youth election and the contributory factors for KJ’s ultimate winning which in this case could also be a crucial lesson for PKR Selambau in the upcoming by-election.

Strength of opposition

For anti-Khairy faction – Khairy was opposed by majority of 486 votes.

For PR in Selambau – The nation knows of the anti-government mood of majority voters who favour alternative choice in PR.

Weakness of opposition

For anti-Khairy faction – The Disunity factor among opponents. Mukhriz and Khir destroyed their opportunity to topple Khairy by refusing to work hand-in-hand and instead they chose to test their individual strength, causing faction within those opposing Khairy. This obviously became advantage to Khairy.

For Opposition in Selambau – The selfish attitude among opposition groups and PKR’s failure to convince the disappointed factions especially the Indians on their choice of candidate has resulted in the emergence of many possible independent contestants. If PKR fails to keep them away, it might give BN an easy walk over victory. Such instance would be very unfortunate to those groups such as Makkal Sakti who ferociously fight the government for their rights and demands.

Opportunity for Opposition

For anti-Khairy faction - Had many favourable reasons to defeat Khairy – KJ was found guilty for money politics just few days before election. He had many critics including TDM. Many top guns including Muhyiddin were against him. Unfortunately KJ’s contestants missed to exploit these opportunities.

For Opposition in Selambau – Selambau is held by PKR. Majority voters support opposition move and a crucial number of Indians have become BN haters. Many recent incidents including the killing of six Indians by police are very fresh in people’s memory. All these could be advantageous to opposition.

Threat for opposition

For Anti-Khairy faction – Khairy was incumbent deputy chief. He knew the loyalists who worked with him for 11 years. The PM is his father-in-law. He is privy to certain privileged information. Also, Khairy played his role well, both as leader championing Malay rights and ultra-Malay who has the intelligence and competence. Understandably KJ opponents failed to overcome the threats.

For opposition in Selambau – PR’s inability to choose the most qualified and trustworthy candidate as we have seen in the case of Perak. The continuous attack by BN to disrepute PR politicians has caused severe damage in PR’s stability and good governance. More importantly the new UMNO line up led by Najib may cause people to reconsider a second chance to BN.

As the by-election is inching in, the underlying questions that remain unanswered are:-

1. Will the people who oppose BN realise their divisiveness is the strength for BN?
2. Can’t they see if a divided UMNO youth could bring victory to Khairy, could also a divided opposition bring victory to BN?
3. Why that is so important the candidate of your choice must get the opportunity and not others?
4. Can an independent who claims to represent one ethnic group with mere 9000 voters convince the majority Malays and Chinese to vote him in?
5. Are you prepared to see the Pakatan Rakyat losing to BN because of your doing and selfishness?

It’s only hoped Khairy’s election serves as lesson in the upcoming by election. Selambau folks, for heaven sake please do not be detracted by few disgruntled individuals who fail to see the big picture.

Read it in Malaysiakini

Will Najib release the 5 Hindraf leaders?

Now that Najib has become the president of UMNO, days away to assume the role of PM, can we expect him to do the right thing by releasing the ISA detainees especially the Hindraf Leaders?

I predict he would do so for few reasons.

1). He needs to show Malaysians that he is different from Pak Lah and his leadership style and he was not involved with his predecessor in detaining people.

2). Winning the upcoming by elections is seen as most important endorsement of his leadership. Releasing the 5 Hindraf leaders may diffuse the tension between Malaysian Indians and government. Strategically he could use it to woo Indian voters in Selambau.

3). He may be the PM of Malaysia but in the eye of many Malaysians he has full of scandals and his reputation is badly tarnished. Shifting people’s focus on freeing ISA detainees could give him the space to win back voters who have been angered over the political instability in Perak.

4). Nothing could hinder Najib if he wants to re-arrest the ISA detainees after their release. However the strategy to release them could pave him an opportunity to know if Indians had supported BN in Selambau.

So be prepared for some breaking news. I expect Najib to surprise Malaysians if he assumes the post of PM before 7^th, the by-election date. What say you?

10 MMMs I’ve come to respect most

You may ask what I mean by MMMs.

Well, it simply means Malaysian Malay Muslims. That’s right; over the last one year or so we have been listening and watching many pragmatic Malays in Malaysia. In many ways they demonstrate their positive beliefs and traits that affect the ordinary Malaysians especially the non-malays in one way or another.

Being a non Muslim who has been taught to respect other religions as my own, I have always maintained all religions including Islam are godly. Each time I’m faced with questions that ask me which religion is superior, I would recall the phrase my late father used to profess me; “river, no matter where it begins, always it confluences in the sea; likewise is the religion you embrace, you will reach the feet of god if you understand the meaning to truthfully follow its’ teaching” Hence, when I come across a handful of pragmatic notable Malay Muslims defending the equal rights of all Malaysians regardless of ones color and creed, they most certainly earn my respect. More of their likes in my view will help us Malaysians to become a truly multi-racial and multi-religious bangsa Malaysia.

The 10 Malaysian Malay Muslims whom I have come to respect are:

1) Spiritual Leader Tok Nik Aziz.

Representing a party that is known to be hardliners, his humbleness in life is exemplary to those who self-flatter themselves as religious Malay Muslims. His respect for others and their faiths and his virtue in treating all people as equal shows his true quality as religious person. He truly makes a fellow Muslim proud for his attributes and earning the respect of non-Muslim for fairness he displays.

2) Tunku Aziz – founder of Transparency International and VC of DAP.

To my understanding, Tunku Aziz is one of the few with admirable personality who never compromise principle and virtues for anything that comes his way. His position, actions and views have always emphasized the interest of all Malaysians based on equality, honesty and integrity. Tunku is a class by himself and a true Muslim compatriot who is highly respected by all right thinking Malaysians.

3) Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Like many Malaysians I first sympathized him for the inhumanely manner he was treated. He won my respect when he started voicing for fairness to other races. His call for ketuanan rakyat openly is something I find worth praising. His quote “anak melayu- anak saya, anak cina- anak saya and anak India pun anak saya” impacted me so much. If we could have leaders who claim to represent Malaysians to accept this mantra, Malaysia would soon become the dreamland of plural society.

4) Datuk Zaid Ibrahim – the former defacto law minister

I started admiring his courage and pragmatism when he became vocal in addressing the weaknesses in UMNO and government. His decency and ethical politics made him to outshine most Umno politicians. His choice to resign from the ministerial post over government biasness won my highest respect.

5) Raja Petra Kamaruddin- Malaysia Today

Born royal, grew up ordinary but lead a life of true warrior. His courage to voice against corruption, disparity and prejudice is not easy to match. His willingness to become a sacrificial lamb for good governance is adorable. I’m sure there must be thousands of Malaysians who are willing to accept RPK as their god brother or god son.

6) Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin – the legitimate Perak MB.

He was an ordinary man before GE 12. However, as elected Menteri Besar, he proved himself as one worthy leader. Though he comes from Pas which is pro-Malays and Muslims, as leader and MB Nizar demonstrated true professionalism. There will not be much to worry when leaders like Nizar run public office.

6) Haris Ibrahim

He is an ordinary lawyer and blogger (The people’s parliament) with extra-ordinary qualities that truly demonstrate his compassion and love for fellow humans. His tireless calls for equality among all Malaysians and to establish Bangsa Malaysia is something that has made him larger than life. Malaysians can be proud to have Haris Ibrahim as fellow Malaysian.

8) Azli Rahman

A Malaysian being in the profession of teaching, he now base in US. What made me impressed upon him is the way he articulate his impartial views on humanity, race and religion. Every word penned by him reflects his in-depth understanding and respect for fellow being. It would be tremendously great if Malaysia had a person like Azly to lead local educationists.

9) Dr.Syed Hussin Ali

He is a former UM lecturer specializing in sociology and anthropology and current deputy president of PKR. His qualities surfaced when he refused to contest in general election, a trait most politicians in Malaysia unable to emulate. His simple straight forward principle in life often amazes me. He may not be the shining star but his attributes are. Islam can be proud of this man.

10) Azmi Sharom

Azmi is law professor at UM and a columnist for ‘the Star’ daily. His column ‘The New Brave World’ is the favourite of many Malaysians. He is one of the open minded Malays who capture the many prevailing issues via his writing that are bothersome to Malaysians at large. Azmi Sharom is an exemplary of modern Malay who believes in himself and possesses the wisdom, quality and competence.

To all of you remarkable Malays, I am proud to calling you my Malaysian brothers; I’m proud to boast that my Malay brothers are truly amazing and if Bangsa Malaysia becomes a reality, it would be because of people like you.

Selambau Predicament

For most Malaysians who wished to see strong opposition, it was a relief when the Selambau state assemblyman resigned ending the month long speculation of his purported joining to BN. The reasons the ex-adun Arumugam stated for his resignation among others were intimidation and harassment by BN members. With such serious allegation one wonders why until to-date there no action is taken by authorities to probe into his complaints?

In the meantime Selambau electorates are facing a by-election to select their new assemblyman. Whilst MIC has had announced their candidate in Ganesan, PKR made their choice in novice Manikumar. Unfortunately many Indians and their related bodies, including Makkal Sakti in Selambau have expressed their disapproval over the PKR’s choice.

The unexpected reaction by Indians in Selambau is certainly a cause for concern. To be fair to these people, I think PKR especially Anwar must understand the choice of right candidate who is acceptable to majority locals is crucial. PKR should not take things for granted ‘perceiving any candidate will do and most Malaysians would accept one as long as they wear opposition’s cap’. And to make matters worst it is expected up-to seven candidates could be contesting for the seat. Such attempts by independents could bring disastrous result to PKR as votes could sway, resulting PKR’s possible loss in election.

Wanting to represent the rakyat is not an easy task be them Makkal Shakti or other independent Indian aspirants. Having a mere 7,000 Indians as voters does not guarantee any candidate a victory. One should remember, you are going against a mighty BN, unless you are united under one entity as strong opposition, chances to win is nothing but a hope.

Sensibly speaking, opportunity is there for easy win but will Indians in Selambau be sensible enough to outwit BN? It’s time for them to engage in some serious thinking.