Does BN Really Care about US?

Answer: NO

They Don't really Care About Us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!









Cave ab homine unius libri



Beware of anyone who has just one book





Concordia res parvae crescent



Work together to accomplish more

Part 2 The Gates of Hell Home at Kuala Kubu Baru

Where the Ray of Hope was extinguished

The Mindful Mariner's own comments:

This so called sheltered home (it is more like a Hell Hole) belongs to and is run by the Malaysian Government, through the Department of Social Welfare which is under the control of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

Disciplinary action needs to be taken from top to bottom, at both the Ministry & the Department; in fact the honourable thing initially, would be for the Minister (Sharizat Abdul Jalil) and the DG of the Social Welfare Department (Meme Zainal Rashid) to resign forthwith.

Then all types of care homes, shelters, orphanages and other similar institutions, public and private, should thoroughly checked and independently audited. After that they should all, without exception, be required to be operated to impeccable international standards of best practice.

Subsequently the Social Welfare Department should conduct regular frequent and comprehensive inspections of all shelters, care homes and orphanages for the disadvantaged in Malaysian society.

To ensure:

1. They are all fully equipped, sanitary and are run in a professional, caring, humane way.

2. That the are staffed by sufficient numbers of qualified, able, caring and dedicated staff.

3. That all the residents receive good quality, nutritional healthy food in sufficient quantities.

4. That all residents receive regular medical examinations and adequate health care.

And many other things, about which others are better qualified than me, need to be set out in full clearly mandating what has to be done.

PS But I am not too hopeful that effective sustained action will be taken.

There will be buckets of faux tears, sympathetic [or perhaps a better word is pathetic] remarks, much empty talking, but very little or more likely no effective action, as per usual!!!!

Commented on 05 July 2009 at 20:52

Reactions:

The statements by th Malaysian Bar Council:

Bar Council constitutional law committee chairman Edmund Bon said he was shocked to learn how the residents were being treated, describing it as “cruel and degrading”.

Statement by a human rights lawyer:

Amer Hamzah, human rights lawyer called on those responsible for the care of the residents to be charged with a criminal offence should there be any evidence of physical abuse resulting from the treatment.

See the news report HERE

Lots of reaction and a flurry of what is probably an attempt at 'clearing yardarms' and 'reactive damage control' from the government and their agencies:

Civil servants from the Social Welfare Department, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, volunteers and hoards of media personnel descended upon the home on Sunday 5^th July 2009, after the wicked, cruel and degrading conditions there were exposed by the Star newspaper.

Minister of Health Liow Tiong Lai, reportedly ordered his staff to check on the residents of the home in Kuala Kubu Baru, and said he was wants those who are confirmed to have mental problems, to be transferred to government hospital psychiatric wards for treatment.

Click HERE

Other related Stories HERE, HERE, & HERE

Oh Shit! Add a little to a little, and there will be a great heap.*

Watch out for the swarms of politicians!

*Adde parum parvo, magnus acervus erit

Of course the politicians involved, and their minions, will now be buzzing around like flies round a turd trying to gain political mileage out of the misery they have directly or indirectly inflicted on the inmates of government run shelter homes.

"Politicians love visible beneficiaries and invisible victims." Dr. Walter Williams

"God has no role to play in politics except to make sure politicians go where they belong. To hell." P.J. O'Rourke

"If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner." H. L. Mencken

In Malaysia the disabled in a shelter home are treated worse than animals!

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development

Sharizat Abdul Jalil

The Department of Social Welfare is her responsibility

This is a welfare home, one of seven, operated by The Department of Social Welfare, click HERE

"About 30 men, naked, some chained up, caged and covered in their faeces and urine – that is the scene inside locked rooms at the Taman Sinar Harapan home... " (Ray of Hope home, more like the Kiss of Death home!!!)

This Malaysian government operated shelter home (near Kuala Buru Baru hospital and adjacent to a golf course), close to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, is not a shelter home for the disabled, it is far worse than a goal!

Read the whole shameful exposé in the Star on-line, Click HERE & also HERE

So much for all the empty talk from the Prime Minister and his ministers in the Federal Government about how caring Malaysia is.

More deception and distortion of the facts.

Do those responsible, directly and indirectly for this shelter home, have no shame, compassion, love or basic decency?

They should be punished for their crimes against the helpless disabled residents of this shelter home.

Sadly this situation is very likely to be the norm is the six other Welfare Department shelter homes in Malaysia and in some of the private ones too.

Cui bono?

For whose benefit is it?

Dum tempus habemus, operemur bonum

While we have the time, let us do good

Ahmad Shabery Cheek has a Damned Cheek

Ahmad Shabery Cheek, do you remember his debate with Anwar Ibrahim?

According to Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, people with a disability should not be referred to as ‘disabled’ but rather be collectively labeled ‘People with Special Ability’ he reportedly said, as that that would “best fit their description”.

He said the term ‘People with Special Ability’ does not portray a negative perspective on the person with a disability.

“Many of them are not ‘disabled’ because they have special qualities that sometimes even a normal person cannot match. “For example, a paralympic athlete has such a high level of commitment, determination and competitiveness compared with a normal person,” he said.

Apart from sportsmen, they (disabled) have also contributed vastly towards the growth of a nation by being doctors, teachers, lecturers, businessmen and craftsmen, he said.

I would like to see the list of paralympic athletes, doctors, teachers, lecturers, businessmen and craftsmen from the disabled community in Malaysia, it cannot be a very long list, as most disabled people in Malaysia are living in poverty or are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

You may or not agree with him, I certainly do not.

He is just paying lip service to the disabled, garnering support and attempting to curry favour, and votes for UMNO / BN from the disabled community in the next election.

By implication, he had clearly stated that he considers the disabled to be 'abnormal people' when he said this, as quoted from the National News Agency BERNAMA report:

“At the same time, there are also normal human beings who become useless to the community, ‘disabled’ because people like drug addicts, criminals, beggars and jobless do not in any way contribute to the nation.”

Before he came out with the nonsense above he had handed out contributions to 140 children from six Department of Social Welfare community centres, during a charity programme at Kompleks Penyayang, Kampung Mak Chili in Chukai near Kemaman. You can bet your bottom dollar that the donations were from tax-payers money and not from the ministers or even UMNO or BN funds.

Ahmad Shabery Cheek is, talking rubbish.

A disability is nothing to be ashamed about, it does not portray negativity at all.

The WHO defines “Disability as follows:

Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.

An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations.

Thus disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives.

Disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. "An individual may also qualify as disabled if he/she has had an impairment in the past or is seen as disabled based on a personal or group standard or norm. Such impairments may include physical, sensory, and cognitive or intellectual impairments. Mental disorders (also known as psychiatric or psychosocial disability) and various types of chronic disease may also be considered qualifying disabilities. A disability may occur during a person's lifetime or may be present from birth.

In the United Kingdom, The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

The definition

For the purposes of the Act:

• substantial means neither minor nor trivial

• long term means that the effect of the impairment has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 months (there are special rules covering recurring or fluctuating conditions)

• normal day-to-day activities include everyday things like eating, washing, walking and going shopping

• a normal day-to-day activity must affect one of the 'capacities' listed in the Act which include mobility, manual dexterity, speech, hearing, seeing and memory

Some conditions, such as a tendency to set fires and hay fever, are specifically excluded.

People who have had a disability in the past that meets this definition are also covered by the scope of the Act. There are additional provisions relating to people with progressive conditions.

The DDA 2005 amended the definition of disability. It ensured that people with HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis are deemed to be covered by the DDA effectively from the point of diagnosis, rather than from the point when the condition has some adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

In Malaysia the disabled are condemned to live on the fringes of society, patronised, pitied, thrown the odd crumb here and petty hand-out there, they are all but ignored. Our disabled brothers and sisters are even feared by some, as they are regarded as bad luck, a 'pantang', or unclean and unworthy of respect.

Using a new expression, such as the idiotic ‘People with Special Ability’ will do nothing to help the disabled.

Anyway, how does one define ‘People with Special Ability’?

What is needed is a comprehensive Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) exactly as there is in the UK and elsewhere in the developed world, and it must be enforced 100%.

If not for the help of NGOs the disabled in Malaysia would be even worse off than they are now, as the Department of Social Welfare is not efficient in playing the role it rightly should.

Inhumanitas omni aetate molesta est.

Dum inter homines sumus, colamus humanitatem.

Dum tempus habemus, operemur bonum.

Inhumanity is harmful in every age.

As long as we are among humans, let us be humane.

While we have the time, let us do good.

Penanti Oh Penanti

Election Commission in Malaysia to go by the book in Penanti, for the first time ever!

The law spelling out a list of prohibitions on polling days will be strictly enforced for the first time ever during the 31^st May 2009 Penanti by-election, so the Election Commission secretary Ngah Senik, he also reportedly said, he clarified that since the law was passed in 2003, the Commission had not enforced it, “as enforcement is the prerogative of the police.”

“But this time around, we have requested for the law to be enforced”.

"Penanti will be the testing ground for it” he evidently told a media briefing in Seberang Jaya on Thursday 21^st May 2009

Under the Election Offences Act:

• No person is allowed to check the identity or names of voters in the Electoral Roll, solicit or influence them, or wait or loiter within 50 metres of polling stations.

• No one is allowed to wear, hold or carry any form of clothing, head covering, ornament, rosette, water bottle or umbrella showing the symbol of any political party within 50m of the station.

Election campaigners found setting up booths within 50metres of polling stations risk a RM5,000 fine, jail for up to a year, or both.

“A few political parties have given their word to abide by the election rules on polling day.”

“The Penanti by-election will be a good yardstick to measure the success of enforcing this law,” Ngah reportedly said.

Is Ngah doing his job properly for the first time at this by election only because the Barisan National coalition of Najib Razak (in effect Ngah's boss) has decided not to risk a massive defeat by contesting this by election?

One can but wonder.

Dum excusare credis, accusas

When you believe you are excusing yourself, you are accusing yourself

O tempora, O mores!

Oh, the times! Oh, the morals!

The Disabled score a TKO on Ibrahim Ali

NST photo by Rosdan Wahid.
(Click on image for a larger picture)

"UNDER ATTACK:Members of Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled confronting MP Ibrahim Ali (right) at the lobby of Parliament yesterday over his remarks about DAP MP Karpal Singh. Ibrahim says he will never apologise to Karpal."

"THE fiery Ibrahim Ali met his match at Parliament lobby yesterday when a group of disabled confronted him over an "insensitive" statement about DAP chairman Karpal Singh." More...

Use the link above to read about the foolishly ignorant, unapologetic and unrepentant MP Ibrahim Ali who gravely insulted all the disabled community when he questioned why MP Karpal Singh, (who was disabled and subsequently wheelchair bound after he was injured in a road accident), did not stand up to ask a question in the Malaysian Parliament, and then would not properly apologise for those remarks.

Is there any wonder MADD got mad?

Infinitus est numerus stultorum



- Infinite is the number of fools

Raja Petra Kamarudin, video of candlight vigil on 7th May 2008

Approximately 150 bloggers, politicians and other well wishers attended the vigil, which was held outside the Sungai Buloh prison, Selangor, which is situated just outside Kuala Lumpur.

Video courtesy of malaysiakini

Veritas Lux Mea



- The truth enlightens me / The truth is my light

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!

Stand up, and Speak out!

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