Nonsensical, Egoistical, Righteous, Demented, Sanctimonious Authorities in Malaysia

Firstly: Malaysia Immigration Department denies detaining N.E.R.D

The Malaysian Immigration Department has denied detaining members of American hip hop group N.E.R.D after the Sunburst concert at Bukit Kiara in Kuala Lumpur on 22^nd March 2009.

"Following investigations, we found that the group did not receive permission from the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry to perform at the concert," Immigration Director-General Mahmood Adam reportedly said here today:

"After their statements were recorded, they were released with assurance from the concert organiser."

He added that the immigration would summon the organiser tomorrow for questioning while the group had flown to Indonesia.

Secondly: N.E.R.D cancel their concert in Jakarta Indonesian

In Jakarta, the American hip-hop group N.E.R.D. decided to cancel its weekend show in Indonesia after the authorities in neighbouring Malaysia briefly the detained members of the group, the event's organiser said on Monday 23rd March 2009.

The trio had been scheduled to perform on Sunday 22nd March 2009 in Indonesia, which is the the world's most populous Muslim nation.

Nirmala, a spokesman for the Jakarta event, said N.E.R.D decided to go straight home after experiencing problems following the Sunburst KL International Music Festival in Malaysia, hours earlier.

The group were briefly detained in Malaysia, aparently for failing to get a permit from the Malaysian Arts, Culture and Heritage Ministry, [which has strict requirements about clothing and behaviour on stage], something that in fact turned out to be the concert promoter's fault.

The earlier incident in Malaysia clearly made the artists nervous about continuing their tour.

The sanctimonious, narrow minded, shallow and blinkered authorities in Malaysia have once again excelled themselves.

What a bunch of Nonsensical, Egoistical, Righteous, Demented, Sanctimonious Authorities there evidently are in Malaysia!!!

Memento vivere !

Remember that you have to live !

The PROTES Rally at Kelana Jaya Stadium was A GREAT SUCCESS

Unless you believe what these guys said, according to BERNAMA:
click on names to link to stories:

Najib, Syed Hamid


Now to discuss the much mentioned 'moon'

I am not an expert on mooning, but it certainly didn't look like a 'moon' to me.

The Band 'Carburettor Dung' are not one I would watch, and their music is certainly not to my taste, it was perhaps the wrong venue and the wrong audience to perform before.

Having said that, if the Malaysiakini TV / YouTube video showed everything, then I cannot see what there was to be offended about.

All the lead singer did was lift up the back of his shirt, which exposed the top of his boxer shorts which were, as is the current style, worn higher that his lower slung jeans.

No part of a bare backside was exposed at all!

Let Calvin demonstrate what a 'moon' really is.


Those interesting in an instant party moon may like to purchase a pair of these shorts.




Honi Soit Qui Mal Pense

Evil to him who evil thinks

Waste not, want not; time and tide waits for no one

The Menteri Besar of Terengganu says no red carpet or souvenirs for him, and be punctual!

RED CARPETS DOWN THE DRAIN!

No red carpet or souvenirs for me please!

This is the Terngganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said's clear message to all those inviting him to their functions.

“I’m a worker. I work for the state, so there’s no need for gifts. There’s no place for me to put them,” he said to rapturous applause. Ahmad was speaking at a gathering of Wisma Darul Iman (The State Government Offices) staff in Kuala Terengganu, recently.

He also stressed that when it came to discipline there was no compromise, especially when it came to being punctual.

SHAMEFULLY LATE!

Ahmad said although people joked about ‘Malaysian time’, not only did he not find the term amusing, but considered that it was, in fact, insulting.

He added those who wanted to meet up with him, to do so in order to give constructive ideas and not to back-stab others.

Wise and heartening words from Ahmad Said, let’s hope that this will become the universally adopted practice throughout the length and breadth of Malaysia, in all State Governments, and throughout the Federal Government, and private sector too.

Doing away with presents, souvenirs, bouquets of flowers, corsages, red carpets, and all the other wasteful and unnecessary pampering and trappings will save vast sums of money every year.

Punctuality will also result in massive savings, both of time and money.

May I suggest that, if any guest of honour is more that five minutes late, then the function should commence without them, or perhaps all the other guests should get up and leave?

Non sibi sed suis

- Not for one's self but for one's people

YOU ARE: “ THE MAN IN THE MIRROR”

Michael Jackson’s song ‘Man in the Mirror’ also deserves a careful look.

If you want to make difference, change things for the better, make things right, look at yourself in the mirror.

You are the person who can do it.

Do not be a bystander, a meek and mild follower of the leader; think, analyse, and make an informed choice.

When you vote this Saturday, 8th March 2008, in Malaysia’s 12^th General Election, do so only after you have carefully decided what the best way forward is.

Three questions you may like to ask ‘The Man in the Mirror’ are:-

1. Do you want more of the same autocratic governance, where with a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the Barian Nasional can change the Constitution and laws without any checks and balances?
2. Are you, your family, friends and neighbours essentially better off now? True there has been some progress, but has this progress been as much it should have been; a few at the top have benefited enormously, a minority of others benefited to a lesser extent, and many people are experiencing stagnation, whilst many are actually worse off due to the increases in the price of fuel and foodstuffs?
3. Why is Malaysia so far behind our neighbour Singapore, in terms of the quality of life, standard of living, cultural development and infrastructure, when Singapore has zero natural resources but Malaysia is blessed with so many, such as oil, minerals, basic foodstuffs such as rice, as well as commodities such as Palm Oil, Timber, Rubber and so on and so forth?

There are of course many other pertinent questions to ask!

Here is Michael Jackson singing “The Man in the Mirror, the lyrics are below the video.

Please think about it, and ask the man or woman, in your mirror:

“Are you gonna make a change, for once in your life?”

It's gonna feel real good, to make a difference, to make things right.

MICHAEL JACKSON

"Man In The Mirror"

I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere
To Go
That's Why I Want You To
Know

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change)
(Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah)

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish
Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not
Alone?

A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
(Washed-Out Dream)
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place
To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With
Me
(Starting With Me!)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Ooh!)
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could've
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .)
Change!

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror,
(Man In The Mirror-Oh
Yeah!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While
You Got The Time)
('Cause When You Close Your
Heart)
You Can't Close Your . . .Your
Mind!
(Then You Close Your . . .
Mind!)
That Man, That Man, That
Man, That Man
With That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)
That Man, That Man, That Man
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
You Know . . .That Man
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Oh Yeah!)
Gonna Feel Real Good Now!
Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah!
Yeah Yeah!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Ooooh . . .)
Oh No, No No . . .
I'm Gonna Make A Change
It's Gonna Feel Real Good!
Come On!
(Change . . .)
Just Lift Yourself
You Know
You've Got To Stop It.
Yourself!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
I've Got To Make That Change,
Today!
Hoo!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Got To
You Got To Not Let Yourself . . .
Brother . . .
Hoo!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
You Know-I've Got To Get
That Man, That Man . . .
(Man In The Mirror)
You've Got To
You've Got To Move! Come
On! Come On!
You Got To . . .
Stand Up! Stand Up!
Stand Up!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Stand Up And Lift
Yourself, Now!
(Man In The Mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aaow!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Gonna Make That Change . . .
Come On!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know . . .
(Change . . .)
Make That Change.

WHERE ARE YOU?

LOOK AT YOURSELF AND MAKE THAT CHANGE!

Vote for Change!

Vote Wisely!

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!