JPA Scholarships : Non-Malays Will Never Be Grateful

I'm not a racist. Demi Allah I'm not a racist.

But sometimes, I can't help but to debate on race related matters and I'm sure many Malays like me are on the same page. The fact is, it is the non-Malays who usually stir up the hornet's nest - provoking us Malays to engage in racial polemics.

The current issue which is clear cut race-based driven, is the awarding of Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) scholarships. It is highly and intensively debated in Parliament and of course, the blogosphere. The culprit who started this is of course DAP's Parliamentary Leader, Lim Kit Siang. He questioned JPA's method and criterias when awarding the much sought after scholarships which he claims were given to undeserving candidates.

To cut a long story short, Kit Siang is accusing JPA of favouring the Malays rather than the non-Malays, or to be more specific, the Chinese. He claims for example, that a Malay student who scored 6As in the SPM exams can get a full JPA scholarship to study in the US or UK, while a Chinese student who scored 10As or 12As or 20As was sidelined, left to rot in the boondocks.

I pity the JPA actually. Although I wasn't a JPA scholar, I know that JPA is very, very meticulous in selecting its scholars. My friends who were awarded JPA scholarships back in the early 90s had to go through intense and rigourous interview sessions, grilled and baked by the panel of interviewers before they finally earned their stripes as JPA scholars. And surprise, surprise, my friends were not all Malays - it was a good mix of Malays, Chinese and Indians. At that time, they had to sign a bond with JPA - they were required to serve 10 years with the government.

And guess what? All my Malay friends are still with the government today, long after their bond expired. But my non-Malay friends - they did not even complete the bonds. They decided to buy out their bonds when they were offered better jobs with foreign companies. One of them ditched the government to join Ericsson and the Swedish company actually bought out his contract with the government.

You see? Where is the loyalty among non-Malays? Not a flicker of gratitude for the hand that fed them. Of course a sane person would leave for greener pastures but to me, when debating on this issue, that is not the point. The point is when they applied for the JPA scholarship, they pledged to serve the bond in full, they pledged to be loyal to the establishment that gave them this chance, they pledged everything, even the sun and the moon. But at the end of it, it's just sweet talk and as usual, JPA ends up as the fool. Worse, a large number (Malays included) even defaulted on the bond and poor JPA has to hunt them down for years and years, wasting more money to advertise the names of the defaulters in the newspapers and usually to no avail.

It is not just JPA's predicament but also a predicament faced by other major scholarship issuers such as MARA, Petronas, TM and TNB.

So, here's the million dollar question to Kit Siang and all those out there who are complaining and crying foul for being sidelined in their JPA scholarship applications.

ARE YOU WILLING TO SERVE THE FULL BOND WITH THE GOVERNMENT, BE IT 5 YEARS OR 10 YEARS??

CAN YOU PROMISE NOT TO DITCH THE GOVERNMENT WHEN A LUCRATIVE OFFER COMES FROM SHELL, EXXONMOBIL OR SOME SINGAPORE COMPANY??

If you can fulfill these pledges or promises, then you deserve the scholarship. If not, you can always try to apply for scholarships issued by nations friendlier to non-Malays. Singapore perhaps?

I'm So Happy...

Hahahaha, I'm so happy.

I'm so happy that my rise from bed at 2.45 am this morning to watch the UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United was worth every minute until the game ended at around 4.40 am.

I'm so happy to witness two beautiful goals by Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi in the 10th and 70th minute respectively.

I'm so happy that Christiano Ronaldo was locked tight by Barcelona's defence.

I'm so happy that Wayne Rooney looked more like a typical English bloke emerging from a bar on Friday night (which will be the case for him tomorrow when he swims in Jack Daniels to drown his sorrows).

I'm so happy that Sir Alex Ferguson was denied the most coveted silverware in club football.

I'm so happy for Barcelona for creating the treble this season.

I'm so happy that MU fans especially in Malaysia, will not have the bragging rights this time around.

I'm so happy that tomorrow will be my 10th wedding anniversary and Barcelona has already given me one gift - they roasted MU in Rome.

I'm so happy and I'll bet Arsene Wenger, Guus Hiddink and Rafa Benitez are also happy.....

PETRONAS MESTI DIBENARKAN BEROPERASI SEBEBAS MUNGKIN

Saya jarang-jarang menulis blog dalam bahasa ibunda saya iaitu Bahasa Melayu.

Namun, sesekali, apabila jiwa ini tersentuh, terutamanya apabila yang menyentuh jiwa saya ini adalah isu yang membabitkan masa depan saya, anak isteri dan negara, maka saya akan memberontak dalam bahasa ibunda.

Tiada yang lebih memuaskan hati saya ketika ini selain berkhidmat dengan syarikat minyak dan gas kebanggaan negara iaitu Petronas, dengan rasa syukur dan tenang kerana tahu bahawa syarikat yang amat saya sayangi ini dalam keadaan yang amat kukuh dan diterajui oleh individu-individu yang telus, penuh integriti dan profesional yang mahir dalam selok-belok menjalankan perniagaan dan pengendalian operasi minyak dan gas yang kian mencabar.

Generasi kakitangan baru seperti saya amat bertuah kerana generasi kakitangan sebelum saya yang berkembang bersama-sama Petronas dari awal 80-an sehinggalah kini telah memastikan syarikat kebanggaan negara tersebut melonjak dari kecemerlangan persada domestik ke pentas global yang lebih kompetitif, dalam usaha Petronas untuk mencari rizab-rizab minyak dan gas yang baru demi kestabilan dan kemakmuran ekonomi negara.

Semua sedia maklum bahawa Petronas merupakan satu-satunya syarikat negara yang menghuni senarai elit Fortune 500 sejak tahun 1992 lagi, semuanya berkat, kesabaran dan iltizam pengurusannya yang ikhlas dan serius dalam memastikan Petronas ditadbir urus dengan cekap dan berada di landasan amalan-amalan terbaik korporat (best corporate practices) yang membolehkan ia mendapat kepercayaan tinggi bukan sahaja dari kalangan rakan-rakan niaga globalnya seperti ExxonMobil dan Shell, malah juga daripada kerajaan-kerajaan tuan rumah (host governments) di mana Petronas beroperasi seperti Sudan, Mesir, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Myanmar dan Indonesia.

Dalam senarai Fortune 500 bagi tahun 2008, Petronas melonjak dari kedudukan global keseluruhan ke-121 (tahun sebelumnya) ke kedudukan ke-95, dengan keuntungan bersih RM61 bilion (US$18.1 bilion). Bagi kategori syarikat paling untung pula, Petronas mencatat rekod tersendiri apabila dinobatkan sebagai syarikat ke-8 paling untung di dunia, menewaskan gergasi-gergasi multinasional yang lain seperti Toyota dan Honda. Di kalangan syarikat-syarikat minyak dan gas pula, Petronas selesa di kedudukan ke-16 manakala dari segi keuntungan pula, ia menduduki tangga ke-6 dunia.

Keuntungan bersih yang dicatat Petronas ini sudahpun ditolak dengan pembayaran royalti, dividen dan cukai kepada kerajaan. Bagi tahun kewangan berakhir 31 Mac 2008, Petronas membayar RM67.6 bilion kepada kerajaan termasuk RM6 bilion dividen khas. Sejak ditubuhkan 34 tahun yang lalu, Petronas sudah menyumbang RM403 bilion kepada kerajaan yang dibelanjakan untuk pelbagai projek, infrastruktur dan kemudahan untuk manfaat rakyat. Untuk dimudahkan cerita, kira-kira 40% daripada pendapatan kerajaan disumbang oleh Petronas. Setiap satu ringgit yang diperolehi kerajaan, 30 sen adalah daripada Petronas. Begitulah pentingnya syarikat minyak dan gas negara itu kepada kita semua.

Saya yakin prestasi kewangan Petronas yang kukuh selama ini ialah kerana ia diterajui oleh individu-individu yang berbakat dan berkebolehan, yang merupakan legasi Allahyarham Tan Sri Azizan Zainul Abidin, bekas Pengerusi dan Presiden Petronas yang akan sentiasa dikenang sebagai orang yang bertanggungjawab menjadikan Petronas apa yang kita lihat pada hari ini. Kesinambungan kecemerlangan Azizan diteruskan pula oleh Tan Sri Hassan Marican dengan disokong barisan pengurusan yang begitu mantap serta diawasi dan dinasihati oleh Lembaga Pengarah yang turut dianggotai wakil-wakil kanan kerajaan termasuk dari Kementerian Kewangan dan Unit Perancang Ekonomi (EPU).

Presiden / Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Petronas pula melapor terus kepada Perdana Menteri, satu sistem yang telah digunapakai sejak penubuhannya pada tahun 1974, untuk memastikan campurtangan politik yang minima. Begitulah kebijaksanaan kepimpinan negara yang terdahulu ketika merangka dasar tersebut.

Hakikatnya, sudah terlalu banyak syarikat-syarikat berkaitan kerajaan yang tenat atau hampir gulung tikar kerana campurtangan politik yang melampau. Kini, saya rasa tidak sedap hati kerana berdasarkan cakap-cakap dan bisik-bisik di sana sini, Petronas mungkin berhadapan dengan nasib yang sama.

Semuanya gara-gara khabar angin di ruang siber, melalui penulisan beberapa bloggers yang mendakwa individu tertentu akan dilantik menganggotai Lembaga Pengarah Petronas. Individu ini dikatakan mempunyai kaitan yang rapat dengan orang-orang penting kepimpinan terkini. Secara peribadi, saya merasakan ini satu langkah yang berbahaya kerana individu yang dimaksudkan turut memiliki syarikat perniagaannya sendiri yang boleh mencetuskan "conflict of interest". Lagipun, semua sedia maklum bahawa anggota-anggota Lembaga Pengarah Petronas terdiri daripada Presiden Petronas sendiri, beberapa orang Naib Presiden Petronas dan wakil-wakil kerajaan Persekutuan yang merupakan pegawai-pegawai kanan Perkhidmatan Awam iaitu Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan dan Ketua Pengarah EPU. Ketua Penasihat Undang-Undang Kumpulan Petronas pula bertindak sebagai Setiausaha Syarikat. Semuanya cukup berkaliber dan memiliki kredibiliti yang tinggi.

Saya amat bimbang sekiranya benar individu yang disebut-sebut ini dibenarkan "menyusup" ke dalam Petronas. Walaupun anggota Lembaga Pengarah tiada kuasa-kuasa eksekutif, apa juga kemungkinan boleh berlaku. Segala maklumat yang dikategorikan sebagai "sulit dan persendirian" akan diketahui oleh beliau dan entah siapa lagi kerana ia lazimnya dibawa ke Lembaga Pengarah untuk perbincangan dan keputusan. Selama ini, Petronas sudah membuktikan ia mampu membuat keputusan-keputusan perniagaan yang bijak dan menguntungkan tanpa gangguan atau campurtangan politik. Cukup sekadar melapor terus ke Perdana Menteri dan kementerian-kementerian yang berkaitan.

Saya amat berharap YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dapat memastikan Petronas terus dibenarkan beroperasi seperti biasa kerana syarikat tersebut telahpun membuktikan berkali-kali saban tahun bahawa ia adalah berwibawa dan dinamik. Hasilnya dinikmati oleh seluruh warga Malaysia, samada kita sedar atau tidak. Saya percaya YAB Datuk Seri Najib mampu membuat keputusan yang baik perihal perlantikan jawatan-jawatan penting dalam Petronas kerana beliau sendiri merupakan bekas pegawai Petronas dan pasti sayang kepada syarikat yang pernah beliau berkhidmat, syarikat yang ditubuhkan ketika pentadbiran bapanya Allahyarham Tun Abdul Razak, Perdana Menteri ke-2.

Orang Amerika ada satu pepatah berbunyi "If it ain't broken, don't fix it." (Kalau benda itu tidak rosak, tidak perlu ia dibaiki). Saya rasa pepatah ini amat sesuai sekali untuk Petronas yang tidak pernah menghampakan apabila setiap tahun, ia melaporkan keuntungan yang besar, yang membolehkan ia memberikan pulangan yang besar juga kepada kerajaan dan rakyat.

Kalau kita sayang Petronas, kita mesti percaya dengan pengurusan yang ada untuk terus memajukan syarikat kebanggaan negara ini. Memanglah orang-orang seperti Tan Sri Hassan tidak boleh menerajui Petronas buat selama-lamanya, namun sekurang-kurangnya, biarlah generasi pelapis yang telah dididik oleh beliau meneruskan legasi syarikat tersebut untuk kemakmuran jangka panjang negara.

EUROCOPTER PURCHASE : CLASSIC CASE OF SOURGRAPE

A retired Armed Forces Captain, Datuk Zahar Hashim claims there were discrepancies in the tender process which led to French-German aviation firm, Eurocopter, winning the bid to supply the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) with 12 Cougar EC725 long-range tactical transport helicopters to replace the aging Nuri helicopters. The new Cougar choppers will cost the government an estimated RM2.3 billion.

As a military aviation enthusiast, I have been following the progress of the government's intention to replace the aging Nuri choppers with great interest, hoping that the folks at the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) would make a good choice for RMAF's long term use. I was quite happy when the government announced it has made a decision to purchase the Cougars, outbidding 3 other short-listed contenders - the American-made Sikorsky S92; the EH-101 (AW-101) Merlin of British-Italian firm Agusta Westland; and Russia's Mil Mi-17 Hip manufactured by Kazan Helicopters (under license from Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant which is the original manufacturer). I had always anticipated that it was either going to be the Cougar, Sikorsky or the Merlin, based on RMAF's requirement for a long-range versatile chopper with high capability for troop transportation and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). The Mil Mi-17 on the other hand, is more popular among Eastern bloc nations, with slightly older technology and less options / compatibility to be fitted with current state-of-the-art avionics and eletronic warfare systems.

To me, Zahar's two letters dated Oct 7 and 9, addressed to Deputy Prime Minister and former Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (also copied to the Prime Minister's Office, the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), the Public Accounts Committee and the Public Complaints Bureau) is a classic case of being a sourgrape. Obviously angry because his company Mentari Services Sdn Bhd who represented Kelowna Flightcraft of Canada (for Kazan Helicopters) lost the bid, he is now out to get Najib and those at Mindef, hoping to get full support from the Prime Minister, the ACA and the Member of Parliaments in the PAC.

I feel sad because a sore loser is attempting to screw up the purchase of a helicopter with a proven track record, both during peace and war times. Of course good things come at a price. Here's a simple analogy. Why do people spend a bomb to buy Mercedes Benz or BMW when they can get a Japanese, Korean or even Malaysian marque for a quarter of the price they originally paid for the mentioned German marques? Well, obviously the Benz or the Beemer offers something beyond what Malaysian-made vehicles has - be it performance, ride, handling, safety and other creature comforts, not to the mention state-of-the art features and other options.

Okay, let's look at another analogy which favours Malaysian-made cars, just to be fair. Let's talk about Russian-made cars. Would you rather be seen in a box-like Lada or the sleek Proton Gen-2? Common sense would tell you, of course the latter which is definitely sexier and ages apart in terms of technology from every aspect. The fact remains until today that Russian made cars such as Lada, Gaz, Moskyith and Iz are poorly designed and highly questionable in terms of reliability. But one thing is for sure, they are bloody cheap.

Which brings us to the Russian-made Mil Mi-17 Hip chopper, rejected by Mindef in favour of the Cougar. First and foremost, Zahar's company Mentari Services is obviously several layers down from the chopper's original parent company back in Russia. It is quite baffling when Zahar claimed his company is representing Kelowna Flightcraft of Canada, which is in fact merely an aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) company in British Columbia which I suspect is the marketing agent for Kazan helicopters in Canada. Even if Mindef decided to choose the Mil Mi-17 choppers, it would be much cheaper for the government to deal direct with Kazan Helicopters or better still, Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in Russia. Why even the need to deal with Mentari Services which obviously would charge hefty commissions and other hidden / discreet charges anyway? The Malayian government already have a good relationship with the Russian government, having purchased the MIG-29N and Sukhoi MKM-30 air superiority fighters under direct negotiations with the sole Russian government defence-related exporting arm, Rosoboronexport. In fact, the purchase of Mil Mi-17 would have had to be made through Rosobornexport which handles all sales of Russian arms to the international market.

Zahar also claims that the government could have save RM1.5 billion by opting for the Mil Mi-17 instead of the Cougar. He said that the government could have bought 30 units of the Mil Mi-17 for the amount paid to Eurocopter for the 12 Cougars. This is a clear cut case of quantity versus quality. We have lost too many airmen already each time a Nuri crashes. Will Zahar will be responsible for more lives if the Mil Mi-17 malfunctions mid-air?

Although I welcome the ACA and PAC's move to probe the Eurocopter deal, I hope the investigations would be done professionally and objectively with inputs and feedbacks from those who are experts in military aviation - the RMAF especially must play a pivotal role in defending their selection for the Cougars during the inquiry. When it comes to selecting the Nuri replacements, there should be no compromise for quality and safety. The MPs in the PAC especially, should not use this issue for political mileage. The business of defending our country's sovereignty via land, sea or air is no joke. It comes with a price. Just look at the defence budget for our southern neighbour and we'll know why. The last thing we want is Malaysia once again being the laughing stock for poor selection of defence equipments and arms. For this matter, the Opposition or potential opportunitist itching to capitalise on this issue for their own mileage should just shut up and leave it to our capable people at Mindef to handle this because it is their business to ensure the country is safe, with the aid of good defence capabilities. And don't even think of using the "waste of taxpayers' money" card for this one. As a taxpayer myself, I want my money to be spent on good defence equipment. I don't want my money to be associated with mediocre defence technology...

BOLLYWOOD STAR DATUKSHIP : ON WHAT GROUNDS?

The decision by the Malacca State government to confer the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) which carries the title "Datuk" to Bollywood hearthrob, Shah Rukh Khan makes me more convinced that the Malacca Datukship is one of the "cheapest" in terms of prestige and credibility, compared to other states. In fact, a harsher Malay word for it would be "koman."

I regard the conferment to Shah Rukh Khan as the "pinnacle of mediocracy" by the State government which has a tendency to award Datukships to any Tom, Dick and Harry.

Having served a former senior federal-level politician some years back (who also had the honour of being bestowed with a Malacca Datukship at that time), I noticed that the list of recipients for that particular year was not even close to being credible, authoritative and having done great services to the State, let alone the country. My conclusion at that time was, if you were a politician or government officer having served in Malacca for a couple of years and was in the good books of the Chief Minister or Yang Dipertua Negeri (Governor), then you're set to at least get the entry-level DMSM. Oh, and let's not forget the typical "mengampu" businessmen and lobbyists too.

Yesterday, the Artistes Association of Malaysia (Seniman) also filed an official protest over Malacca's move to make Shah Rukh Khan a Datuk at a press conference by its president Datuk Mustapha Maarof who said the Datukship for Shah Rukh belittles the credibility and creativity of local talent. And so did Film Directors Association of Malaysia president Ahmad Ibrahim (Mat London) who was convinced that Shah Rukh doesn't even know what being a Datuk meant. And I totally agree with him, which explains why Shah Rukh didn't even bother to attend the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Governor's birthday last Saturday. He was probably sipping cocktail in his mansion in Mumbai and said "Yeah, whatever" when his assistant conveyed him the happy news that he was now a Datuk.

I think I know the real reason behind the Datukship conferment. It's plain simple. Shah Rukh comes to Malacca for a special investiture ceremony next month, haves lunch or hi-tea with the Governor, Chief Minister and other State VIPs and then attends a meet-the-fans session in town to press some flesh, if he even bothers. And then he might shoot a scene from his latest movie somewhere in Banda Hilir and returns to India. And in a few months time, local die-hard fans of Shah Rukh will eagerly storm cinemas nationwide to catch a glimpse of Malacca again, just like they did in "One Two Ka Four" where one of the song scenes of the movie was shot in A Famosa Resort, Alor Gajah. This is how pathetic we have become, endlessly attempting to piggy-back on almost any opportunity which comes our way, all in the name of promoting our country for tourism purposes.

I'm going end this post with my two-cents worth of advice to the Malacca State government regarding conferment of Datukships to the undeserving, in my mother tongue - "Sudah sudah lah tu."

My Conscience Is Still Clear - ISA Must Be Maintained

Those of you opposing the Internal Security Act (ISA) or Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri better think again. In the first place, what makes you think that the silent majority wants this so-called draconian law to be abolished in the first place? Mana you all tau yang orang lain nak ISA dimansuhkan? For all you know, the ones supporting ISA outnumber you in figures more than you can possibly imagine.

Here's my point - NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. The arrest of Sin Chew Daily's Tan Hoon Cheng was necessary to dilute the thickness of the current racial sensitivity issue. Lagipun, she was only detained for 18 hours and the Home Minister already said that it was for her own personal safety jugak. If I was Tan, I'd feel honoured because I got the red carpet treatment from the police who is concerned about my safety.

Sometimes I wonder, our tendency to criticise the police lately, does this mean we could do a better job if we were them? Kalau pandai sangat bab-bab policing ni, why the hell didn't you all signed up to join the force upon graduation or after leaving school dulu? The Royal Malaysian Police's business is ensuring public order and national internal security. Faham tak? They know best how to handle the situation. Cut them some slack okay?

As for Teresa Kok and Raja Petra, it was high time they were detained under ISA. Teresa should have known better than to meddle with sensitive religious matters where in this case, she said that the Azan (call for prayers) should not be allowed to be amplified on loudspeakers at the mosques. What does she expect? That the Malay Muslims would say "Duly noted, YB Teresa, the Azan is gone with immediate effect?"

Many of you will hate what I'm going to say next but what the hell. I'm going to say it anyway. For far too long, the Malays have been too accomodating and because of that, finally, after 51 years, the non-Malays are showing their true colours and making their move like a lion waiting to pounce on the zebra. Teresa Kok wants to complain about the Azan. But have we Malays ever complained in public about the noise that the Chinese make during Chinese New Year - the deafening lion dances, the fire crackers, the stuffed pig right in front of our homes etc.? Pernah tak? Tak pernah! And the same goes for Thaipusam - have we ever complained about the massive traffic jams and road closures we have to endure to enable the Hindu Gods to have a clear passage from Petaling Street to Batu Caves? Pernah tak? Tak pernah!

Why? Because we Malays respect other people's right to practice their own beliefs and religions. But when someone like Teresa Kok starts making statements like these, of course hati orang Melayu akan terguris. And I expect all Malays reading this to concur. Because if you don't, then you lots are the ones who are going to make the Malays end up at the very bottom of the social hierarchy in this country in no time - just like the Malays in Singapore.We Malays are not racists. It is the non-Malays whom are testing our patience. Don't push it!

I am ending this note with a quote by Allahyarham Tun Abdul Razak, our second Prime Minister."SEKIRANYA ORANG-ORANG MELAYU GEMBIRA, MAKA ORANG-ORANG LAIN JUGA AKAN GEMBIRA DI NEGARA INI"

Think about it and re-think your thoughts on ISA. Tolong bersyukur, be grateful for what we have enjoyed and benefited so far. It is because laws such as ISA that we can sleep tight at night.

Semoga Allah s.w.t. merahmati tanahairku Malaysia....

When Our Numero Uno Soldier Speaks

Some may dismiss it as just another government official making a statement in response to the current political situation. But when the Panglima Angkatan Tentera or Armed Forces Chief talks, even if it was a mere whisper, you listen. And listen carefully.

Yesterday, our number one military officer, General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal called on the government to take stern action on anyone who raises racial issues as it is a serious matter which can threaten the security of the nation.

"Racial issues should not be raised as they are a threat to national security," he said, in light of the many polemics recently in relation to racial issues.

It wasn't just a call. It was a warning. And it applies to all, regardless of your political alignment. Whether you are UMNO, MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PPP, PKR, PAS or DAP. It doesn't matter whether you are Malay, Chinese, Indians, Punjabi or Chindian.

Just because many Malaysians believe that the country is drastically changing after the March 8 General Election does not mean that our security forces - both the police and armed forces are taking the situation lying down. No way. Just because some bloggers think they are God now because people read the rubbish they write in cyberspace does not mean that the country's administrative and security protocols which have been in place for the past few decades have been jeorpadised or weakened. Dream on.

Those of you who are fond of criticising our men in uniform lately better think again. The Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces already have in place their standard operating procedures to ensure public order and national security remain intact. Don't even think for a minute that they have become lackadaisical. They are pretty much alert. I know because I have close friends in the police, Army, Navy, Air Force and even the newly formed MMEA.

Just because the HINDRAF demonstrators got away relatively scot-free is not an indication that our security forces have gone soft. The Army could have deployed their tanks and armoured cars to crush the demonstrators if they wanted to. Let's recap history which took place not so long ago, in 1989 to be exact. Remember the Tiananmen Square protests? The Chinese government simply deployed hundreds of People's Liberation Army tanks and armoured personnel carrier to suppress and crush the protestors. The two-month long series of protests by intellectuals, activists and students which began in mid April was ended in less than a day using the might of the military. And guess what, the same Chinese government is still in power, the same people who organised the recently concluded 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. How about that?

Morale of the story - DO NOT underestimate the capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Our soldiers have an awesome reputation globally and this is recognised even by their counterparts in the United States and United Kingdom.

These boys have sacrificed a lot to ensure that we continue to enjoy a peaceful life in Malaysia. While they are patrolling our borders in the middle of the night, most of us are tucked comfortably in bed, snoring like nobody's business. And why can we snore like nobody's business? Because a soldier on duty that night said "Sleep tight my fellow countrymen. The only possible threat to you tonight are mosquitos. Leave the rest to me. Nothing else will bother you. Not on my watch...."