A Cultural Black Hole in Malaysia

THINKING PROHIBITED

Absence of Classical music radio stations in Malaysia.

"Where ignorance is bliss

Why educate the masses

When people follow like sheep

Why awaken them from their sleep"

In Malaysia folks are living in a cultural black hole, since most Malaysians have absolutely no chance to hear classical music on their radios.

The only broadcaster offering classical music is ASRTO, the monopolistic subscription only censored satellite broadcaster. The classical music station named 'Opus' is not available on FM Radio, it is only available to ASTRO subscribers on Channel 862, there is also a jazz station on channel 865, creatively named 'Jazz', (both are available through a Digital Satellite Receiver) and "Opus' however also can be listened to via the Internet.

CLASSIC ASTRO

ASTRO Radio Opus does feed classical music 24/7, but in a 'no-brainer' sort of way, just an excerpts of a pieces of music, one after another, with no presenter to set the scene, and explain the piece of music, or introduce the orchestra performing, as well as to give background information about the composer.

In many developing counties in Asia, as well as in South America, Africa and throughout the developed world, there are numerous radio broadcasters which have dedicated radio stations which broadcast 'free-to-air' classical music to appreciative audiences.

In Malaysia, only those fortunate few, with a computer with access to the internet are able listen to classical music broadcast from around the world, however, for everyone else, there is no opportunity whatsoever to enjoy such stimulating music, in their own homes, or when travelling, except if one buys it on a CD.

Those residents of the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Johor, are a little more fortunate, as they can always tune their radios to a Singapore radio station, and be entertained with classical and jazz music on 'Symphony FM 92.4'.

This excellent radio station provides wonderful classical music, each piece is fully introduced and explained by someone who is knowledgeable about the music being broadcast, and who can help the listener fully appreciate it.

Imagine what the potential benefits of listening to classical music could be, road bullies could be soothed, dangerous drivers could be calmed, peace and harmony could prevail, if tension and frayed nerves could be soothed by delightful classical music.

The lethargic could be woken from their stupor, perhaps even “Tidak Apa-thy” (couldn't care less attitudes) could be converted to positive thinking and public mindedness, the possibilities are endless!

For the disabled, especially the visually impaired, radio is an ideal entertainment media, and classical music would fill an intellectual void which exists in their lives today in Malaysia.

It is too much to ask?
Just that simple step of introducing a good 'free to air' classical radio programme broadcast in Malaysia.
This would be absolutely invaluable to blind and visually impaired persons (VIP's) in particular, and to the entire population in general.

The time is ripe for an intellectual revolution, classical music on demand for everyone in Malaysia, is surely not beyond reach.

CLASSICAL RADIO STATIONS IN ASIA

MALAYSIA

Classical Music (No introductions and no commentary, 'no-brainer' programme)

ASTRO Channel 103, subscriber only satellite broadcasts and via the internet only

www.opusradio.com.my

HONG KONG, CHINA

RTHK

Classical

FM 97.6 - 98.9

http://www.rthk.org.hk/channel/radio4/

CHINA

Shanghai Media Group

Classical

http://www.smg.cn/

SINGAPORE

Classical / Jazz

Symphony 92.4

Symphony 92.4FM appeals to the sophisticated audience who enjoy classical music. Playing the best from great composers as well as today's rising talents in the classical arena,
Symphony 92.4FM is also an ardent supporter of the local music and arts scene.

http://www.symphony.sg/

TAIWAN

Philharmonic Radio Taipei

Classical

E Classical

on FM 99.7

Philharmonic Radio Taipei, with Real Audio and net show services for net broadcasts. It includes the largest on line classical music database in Taiwan which is searchable in the English or Chinese Languages. An on line discussion forum is open for classical music lovers in Taiwan.

http://www.e-classical.com.tw/Voice/radio/index.html

JAPAN

Tokyo

Shonan Beach

FM J

azz, Classical Music, etc.

http://www.beachfm.co.jp/

http://www.beachfm.co.jp/index_e.html

INDONESIA

Jakarta

Classical, News, Jazz (CNJ) Radio

on 99.90 MHz

INDIA

All India Radio

AIR Classical Music Channel

on FM101.1

SOUTH KOREA (ROK)

1 FM

on FM93.1

Classical Music

is "a channel of Korean Broadcasting System working exclusively on classical music".

http://www.kbs.co.kr/radio/1fm/main.html

IN SOUTH AMERICA

PERU

Filarmonia Radio

Lima, Peru

on FM 102.7

The cultural Radio of Peru (La radio cultural del Perú). Thanks to the initiative of a group of people interested in the promotion of the culture and the broadcasting of serious music, by the end of 1983 the Cultural Association Filarmonía was constituted , a non profit organization, whose primary aim is to establish a cultural radio in Peru with the best of classic music, along with educational and cultural programs. Filarmonia has more than 28,000 hours of recordings, and is an important part of the cultural patrimony of Peru.

http://www.filarmonia.org/

URUGUAY

Montevideo

Sodre CX-6

Sodre CX-6 became the first Institution of cultural activity of Uruguay. With just short- and medium wave transmitters, the Internet stream is the first stereo broadcast in 75 years. Recordings of their own Symphony Orchestra (Ossodre) , choir and vinyl records are being played.

http://www.sodre.gub.uy/

ARGENTINA

Radio Nacional Clásica
Buenos Aires, Argentina

The classical broadcaster for Buenos Aires RNA clásica

on FM 96.7

http://www.radionacional.gov.ar/

COLOMBIA

HJCK
Bogotá

on FM

HJCK is, since 1950, the only commercial cultural broadcaster of Colombia. Besides Blues, Jazz, Bossa Nova and Son Cubano it brings a lot of classical music. 24/7

http://www.hjck.com/

IN AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg

Classical FM

Classical Music

on FM 102.7

http://www.classicfm.co.za/classic.jsp

WORLDWIDE LINKS

100+ radio stations around the world, live-broadcasting classical music on the Web, with descriptions and AudioLinks.

http://www.classicalwebcast.com/index.html

The above list is by no means comprehensive, but gives an overview of what is available throughout the world.

Happy Listening!

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad

Nik Nazmi's agenda for his future constituency, is explained in the video below (in Bahasa Malaysia)



BLOGGERS UNITED

PLEASE, CONSIDER

GIVING THIS BLOGGER YOUR VOTE

http://www.niknazmi.com/wordpress/

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD

PEOPLES JUSTICE PARTY [Parti KeADILan Rakyat] http://www.harapanmalaysia.com/

CANDIDATE FOR SEAT IN THE SELANGOR STATE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

[DEWAN UNDANGAN NEGERI] SERI SETIA N32

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad blogs at www.niknazmi.com

He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree [LL.B Legum Baccalaureus ] from King's College, London and received his prior education at the Malay College, Kuala Kangsar.

In the United Kingdom Nik Nazmi was active in the UK Executive Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC), Federation of Students Islamic Societies and the National Union of Students, UK.

His commentaries on important current issues have appeared in Malaysiakini, the Sun, the Edge, in Malaysia, and internationally on Channel News Asia and the BBC World Service.

Nik Nazmi currently works in Kuala Lumpur, as Confidential Secretary to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and also as a director of a listed company.

Earlier in his career, he was a legal executive in a Malaysian corporation.

VOTE FOR
NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD
N32 SERI SETIA



VOTE FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Vote Wisely!

Tsjoch!

Open Your Eyes, Watch These Videos

Need to get a broader perspective?

Sick of BN Propaganda and Misinformation?

Take a look HERE


Cheerio! Chin-chin!

VIA VOTING, VICTORIOUS VICTORY!

CHECK HERE

Vox Populi, Vox Dei

The voice of the people is the voice of God

Public opinion is obligatory

In ten days time, on Saturday 8^th March 2008, Malaysians will vote in the 12^th General Election, votes will be cast for candidates vying for seats in both the Federal Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies.

The Barisan Nasional BN (National Front) Coalition, which has governed (controlled and manipulated) with more than a two thirds majority of seats in Malaysia's Parliament and has changed laws at their every whim and fancy, uninterrupted during the 50 years since Independence from the British. The print media and the local radio and television stations, are all BN government controlled are full of election propaganda praising the BN, the BN politicians and their perceived achievements. So much so that the opposition has not had a chance to be heard.

The war of flags, banners and posters, including enormous advertising signs by the side of roads and highways are spreading the BN ‘word’ disseminating self-praise, misleading information and propaganda.

Dubious statistics, hollow promises, veiled threats, unsubstantiated self praising report cards, empty talk and other forms of ‘blowing their own trumpets” by BN are to be seen and heard everywhere.

ASTRO Malaysia’s monopolistic satellite broadcaster, which offers censored delayed news and ‘sanitised’ entertainment programmes for a fee, is also showing BN advertisements over and over and over again, ad-nauseam, so indirectly ASTRO subscribers are unwillingly paying to be brainwashed by Barisan Nasional, how wicked and manipulative this is!

Will the Malaysia voters be mature enough to be able to see the wood for the trees?

Will they see through the empty rhetoric, distortions, lies and skewed statistics?

If they do so, and can vote freely and fairly to deny the BN the two-thirds majority, then there will be democracy in Malaysia for the very first time.

The message to each and every voter is:

VOTE FOR DEMOCRACY BY DENYING THE BN A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY

VOTE FOR A TRUE DEMOCRACY

REJECT BARISAN NASIONAL’S AUTHORITARIANISM, REJECT LIES, GREED, AVARICE, SELF-ENRICHMENT, AND RACIALISM.

VOTE FOR CHANGE

Then the people can shout out, loud and clear:

VICTORIOUS VOTERS

VOTED VIGOROUSLY,

VOTES VERIFIED,

VILE VERMIN VANISHED

Joy!

THE EROSION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION OF MALAYSIA

The Malaysian Parliament Building

Outside view

Inside view

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.” ~ Patrick Henry

There were inalienable rights and freedoms for the citizens enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

What has happened to those rights and freedoms?

They have been eroded, diluted and whittled away by subsequent changes, rules, regulations and subsidiary legislation.

Rights and freedoms have been gradually and systematically eroded, there have been hundreds of amendments to the Federal Constitution, in the preceding 50 years (averaging about 12 per year), how were these amendments made so easily?

How was it possible for the government to so easily dilute and make meaningless those very rights that were promised and guaranteed in the Federal Constitution?

The answer is simple, in order to amend the Federal Constitution, a two-thirds majority is required. Who gave the BN government a two-thirds majority, time after time after time?

You, the Malaysian Voters, you are yourselves responsible for the predicament you are in today. The erosion of fundamental human rights, discrimination, racism, lack of true justice, and so on.

The BN tells the people they need a two-thirds majority to govern effectively, not justly but effectively. The word ‘effectively’ here means, ‘as they like’, ‘to suit their own needs’, ‘to stifle dissent’ and what have you.


The fact that a government with a two-thirds majority is in the position to amend the Federal Constitution willy-nilly, accounts for the massive number of amendments that have been passed in the 50 years since Malaysia’s independence.

The spirit of the original document has been so diluted that the current ‘watered down’ Malaysian Federal Constitution bears only a superficial resemblance to the original version.

In Malaysia, to amend the Constitution, requires a simple two-thirds majority of elected representatives voting in Parliament, this perpetual 2/3 BN majority has been the magic key to the ease of passing any constitutional amendment and changing the basic fundamental law of the land.

Without a 2/3 majority, such Constitutional Changes are not able to be made, without any checks and balances, just to facilitate the governments whims and fancies

The question we must now ask is,

“Will Malaysian voters continue to allow the present government a free hand to further chip away their freedoms and rights which were enshrined and guaranteed in the Federal Constitution?

If the answer is NO, then 8^th March 2008 is the date and 08:00 am is the time to vote to deny the BN that two-thirds majority!

Mr. P Ramakrishnan's article on Malaysiakini, re this subject, which gave me some inspiration to write this post.


Lets toast to victory!

THOUGHTS TO DIGEST DURING THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD

RELEVENT QUOTES

"In a time of national deceit, telling the TRUTH becomes a revolutionary act"
George Orwell

"In matters of style, swim with the current.
In matter of PRINCIPLE, stand like a rock."
Thomas Jefferson

"There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall....think of it ALWAYS."
Mahatma Ghandi

from the Bard Robbie Burns, a wee memo to the pompous, the arrogant, the proud and the self important:-

Epigram—The Toad-eater

"OF Lordly acquaintance you boast,

And the Dukes that you dined wi’ yestreen,

Yet an insect’s an insect at most,

Tho’ it crawl on the curl of a Queen!"

ONLY THOSE WHO RISK GOING TOO FAR CAN POSSIBLY FIND OUT HOW FAR THEY CAN GO.........T. S. Eliot

and also from T S Eliot, The Wisdom of Humility:

“Do not let me hear

Of the wisdom of old men, but rather of their folly,

Their fear of fear and frenzy, their fear of possession,

Of belonging to another, or to others, or to God.

The only wisdom we can hope to acquire

is the wisdom of humility: humility is endless.”

from: Four Quartets, East Coker, [Stanza II] by T. S. Eliot:

Down the Hatch!

Pulau Batu Putih In Black & White

26 February 2008, 21:29 BERNAMA

Syed Hamid Blasts PAS For Politicising Pulau Batu Puteh Territorial Dispute

"KOTA TINGGI, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar says opposition political parties, especially PAS, should avoid politicising Pulau Batu Puteh as it was an issue involving national interests. Syed Hamid, the candidate for the Kota Tinggi parliamentary seat, said political parties should avoid politicising the territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore as it was now a legal issue. He described the action by PAS in bringing up the issue at a ceramah in Muar last night as narrow and not respecting the process of international law. It was not an issue to be used to fish for votes, he said. Malaysia and Singapore are awaiting the decision of the International Court of Justice at The Hague after having made their respective submissions late last year.” -- BERNAMA

Going by what Syed Hamid said (see BERNAMA article above) one can assume that he must perhaps think that Malaysia may lose the case; I have to agree with him!

The court case is now over, and the verdict is expected quite soon,

Horsburgh Lighthouse on "White Rock", ”Batu Putih”, or “Pedra Branca” – Malaysian Photograph submitted to ICJ at The Hague (This photo source: Singapore Straits Times)

The photograph above, taken from beyond Horsburgh Lighthouse, certainly does not show the true picture, it has obviously been either digitally manipulated or has been taken using a telephoto (zoom) technique which makes distant objects (in this case the coast of Johor) look much nearer than they really are. (By the way the photograph submitted to the court was apparently sourced from a blog!)

Having sailed passed Horsburgh Lighthouse numerous times, the view submitted by the Malaysian team at the International Court of Justice ICJ in The Hague appears to have been a pathetic, unprofessional attempt to mislead the court.

Having read the transcripts of the ICJ hearing, my comments with regard to the calibre and qualification of the Malaysian team at the hearing, are, that I find it regrettable that some members must either naive, inept or are perhaps purposely fudging the issues. As far as I am aware there was not even one Master Mariner in the team.

The choice of the team may perhaps have been the best available from a very limited pool of current civil service talent, but surely there are many retired Malaysian ladies and gentlemen who are English educated, who have vast experience and are knowledgeable in their own field and also well versed regarding the subject matter.
One wonders why these persons were not invited to join the team.

The chosen Malaysian team (local component), had some strengths, but it was heavily ballasted, and was no match for the strong team from Singapore.

It also appears the Malaysian side was less than efficient in their research, planning and preparation for the hearing last year at the ICJ in The Hague.

Going by what I have read in the transcripts, (which are freely available on the ICJ website), I am of the opinion that Malaysia will probably lose the case. The verdict will be out in the middle of this year then we will know for sure how well the case was presented.

The 'doctored' photograph, seemingly borrowed from a blog, obviously didn't help to instil creditability, and the offer to allow Singapore to continue to operate the Horsburgh Lighthouse [information obtained from ICJ transcript] (should Malaysia win the case) clearly demonstrated that Malaysia is not fully committed to undertaking its responsibility for overseeing the safety of navigation in what would, in that case, be Malaysian territorial waters. What a shameful situation.

Cheers!

BN MANIFESTO, FANTASIES or FACTS?

anag. for:

the true slogan: SLAM MAN MAKE TRAUMA

The gap between rich and poor is not very much!
(click on image for larger view)

The eight point manifesto by BN is a complete sham, it is a desperate attempt to sugar coat the bitter pill all Malaysians have been forced to swallow over the long uninterrupted domination of the Malaysian political scene by the Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition of racially based political parties which is in essence led, or perhaps it is more correct to say, controlled and manipulated, by the Malay (United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)

The poor have evidently been systematically oppressed and kept poor, and the education and cultural system has been skewed such that the poor have been ‘tuned’ to be eternally grateful to BN and it’s leaders for supposedly providing subsidises which, if one follows the script written by UMNO, have kept down prices of all essential goods. But in reality and in parallel with the supposedly low prices of goods, the income of the majority of Malaysians has also been kept unrealistically low.

What about the income of the top few percent of Malaysians?

They are undoubtedly filthy rich, having seemingly benefited by sucking the life blood out of the workers, who work for a mere pittance. These arrogant, selfish, greedy, unworthy individuals reside in palatial accommodation and drive their vulgar luxury cars at top speed on the highways, with complete disregard for other road users, flaunting the law with impunity and with apparent immunity too.

The price of petrol of at the present price of RM 1.92 per litre already far too high if one compares the price of petrol in developed countries like the United Kingdom, see here.

PETRONAS has, and is still, being used as a cash cow to bail out failed government linked companies, and billions of Ringgit have and are still being squandered, siphoned off, of otherwise misused over the years.

The man in the street always is the one to suffer, and yet the BN tells the people they have peace, security and prosperity:

This was reported in the BN controlled news today, 26 February 2008.

Barisan Nasional’s promises, which were outlined in a 21-page election manifesto, entitled “Security, Peace and Prosperity”, are “realistic and responsible” and not merely empty promises, its chairman Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.
“Our promises must be based on an awareness that the responsibility is on us to deliver. They are not empty promises or just to entertain the people, or irresponsible promises. We are not like that,” he said in launching the Barisan manifesto, containing a progress report on 76 major Barisan achievements in various sectors, he said.
“These are just the major ones and there are more. But if all the achievements are to be compiled, the report would be twice as thick.”
Abdullah also is reported as having said, “The Government spent RM43.4bil last year to help the people counter rising prices of global crude oil and commodities. Of this, RM35bil was for fuel subsidies.”
"RM29bil was spent on education while the Government subsidised 98% of the cost for health care."
"It is not possible to reduce fuel prices but what is important is that we are able to take measures to reduce the peoples expenditure"


Sounds like bovine excreta to me, and I am sure many others will have a similar opinion.

The government’s money which AAB says has been spent, in reality, is not the government’s money (the government has no money of its own), the money is the peoples own money derived from taxes and other payments and fees, so the truth is the people have been subsidising themselves, and furthermore a great deal of the peoples’ money has been squandered, misspent, frittered away and in all likelihood commandeered for political and personal gain.

John Lennon’s song, lyrics below, may inspire the people of Malaysia to take their power back from BN.

Power to the people by John Lennon

Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people, right on

Say you want a revolution
We better get on right away
Well you get on your feet
And out on the street

Singing power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people, right on

A million workers working for nothing
You better give 'em what they really own
We got to put you down
When we come into town

Singing power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people, right on

I gotta ask you comrades and brothers
How do you treat you own woman back home
She got to be herself
So she can free herself

Singing power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people, right on
Now, now, now, now

Oh well, power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people, right on

Yeah, power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people
Power to the people, right on

Power to the people Power to the people Power to the people Power to the people, right on

VOTE WISELY, VOTE FOR CHANGE, VOTE FOR OPENNESS, HUMILITY AND THE TRUTH.

Words- Simple or Big

READ, MARK, LEARN & INWARDLY DIGEST

• The prose below may not be new
• But it's so apt, the words so true
• To inspire the mind to think anew

• Empty words mean nothing much
• Petty gifts are bribes or such
• Honesty will win, so keep in touch

• On the eighth of March, election day
• Keep the truth in mind, don't be swayed
• Mark your cross to vote for change

MORE

DEMAND THE TRUTH

Words - Simple or Big

Simple words to say
Simple words to receive
Like "I love you"
Or "Go fly a kite"

Big words, difficult words
Like "misleading", "expectations"
Or deep thoughts prefacing with
"I beg to differ"
Sometimes they cause misunderstanding

But if given in sincerity
With no ill intent
Friends can live with some misunderstanding
Exchanging simple or difficult words

But beware sweet, rambling words

Coated with honey and wine outside

Loaded with arsenic and bile inside.

FOR CHANGE

Spero melior!