Is it “National Service”?

Below is the detail of incidents occurred at Malaysia National Service:

2008

High fever, Kem Desaru Gerak Khas, Kota Tinggi, Johor, on 31 May. 58 trainees came down with vomiting and high fever on 31 May, and were admitted to Kota Tinggi Hospital. The incident began when trainees began to fall sick after returning to camp on 28 May, from the Wirajaya module (a two-day jungle trekking exercise). Food poisoning, Kem Barracuda, Setiu Agro, Terengganu, on 29 May. 67 trainees developed stomachaches believed to be caused by due to food poisoning on 28 May, barely a week after nine trainees from the same camp suffered the same ailment. Fourteen trainees were warded in the Setiu Hospital, while 53 received outpatient treatment. Four food handlers at the camp also received outpatient treatments at the same hospital. The food was catered from outside, as the camp's canteen had been closed after the May 23 incident when four of the trainees were warded for food poisoning. Food poisoning, Kem Barracuda, Setiu Agro, Terrenganu, on 23 May. Nine trainees fell ill due to food poisoning, with four trainees being warded at Setiu Hospital. The camp's canteen was subsequently closed down. Outbreak of unknown fever, Kem PLKN Jiwa Murni, Semanggol, Perak, in late April. At least 10 trainees were warded at the Taiping Hospital, while 80 others were being treated at the camp, and all trainees were given blood tests, for an outbreak of an unidentified fever. The Kerian district health office placed the camp under quarantine. The quarantine was only discovered a few days after being initialized, when parents were turned away from picking up their children for a scheduled weeklong break. Lost in jungle, Kem Lagenda Gunung Ledang, Jasin, Malacca, on 30 April. Twenty-three lost their way during a jungle trekking exercise at Asahan Forest Reserve. The instructor in charge of the group was subsequently dismissed with immediate effect for negligence.

2007

Food poisoning, Sri Impian Camp, Sungai Bakap, Penang, on 30 December. Trainees suffered food poisoning due to food served on the first day of camp, 30 December.

2005

Food poisoning, PDS Resort Camp, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, on 16 May. 60 trainees and instructors at Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara, Port Dickson Camp, Negeri Sembilan.

2004

Rape, Merang Camp, Setiu, Terengganu, on 28 February. A female trainee, 17, was raped by Corporal Zuki Mohd, 30, in a Perodua Kancil in the Rhu Tapai agro-industrial estate in Setiu between 7.28pm and 9.10pm on February 28. Zuki Mohd had been employed as a physical module instructor at Merang Camp. The trial began on 14 December 2004 at the Terengganu Sessions Court, and ended on 20 December 2005. Zuki, a military personnel from Kampung Bari Besar, Setiu, was convicted of raping the girl by the Terengganu Sessions Court and was sentenced to 12 years' jail and three strokes of the rotan. The female trainee later sued the trainer as well as the government for negligence. Lost in jungle, Ovai Wawasan Camp, Papar, Sabah, on 21 February. Around 600 trainees and instructors were lost for almost 12 hours after following the wrong trail during what was meant to be an hour-long afternoon hiking trip. Except for kitchen staff, trainees who had gone to church that day, and several staff members who stayed behind to keep an eye on camp facilities, close to the entire 600+ member camp were involved in the hiking trip. After close to 12 hours, a full name count was finally issued at 2 am.

Trainee Fatalities while serving Khidmat Negara

2008

Too Hui Min, 18, attached to Kem Geo Kosmo, Behrang, Selangor. Passed away on 7 May at Slim River Hospital, Perak, three days after she started complaining of constipation. The cause of death was later determined as being toxic megacolon - her colon had been swollen and the lining had thinned due to septicemia. Her family is desperate to know why she wasn't sent to the hospital earlier.The most recent letter publish at www.malaysiakini.com by the tittle "NS only 46 times less lethal than Iraq War" claim the figure to be 21. Afiz Zuhairi Ahmat Rozali, 18, attached to Kem Sentosa, Chenderiang, Perak. Died on 16 April at Teluk Intan Hospital, Perak, after a brief febrile illness. He was treated by camp paramedics several times before finally being transferred to hospital where he died in less than 24 hours.

2007

Teng Shian Shen, 18 attached to Kem Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan. Died two weeks after being asked to return home from her training at the Pasir Panjang due to breathing difficulties. Ili Ameera Azlan, 17, attached to Kem Ayer Keroh, Ayer Keroh, Melaka. Died on 18 January at Malacca Hospital, after suffering breathing difficulties. The parents were paid RM 35,000. Prema Elenchelian, 18, attached to Kem Kisana Beach Resort, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. The trainee from Kajang, Selangor, was found unconscious in a toilet at Jeram Linang (0230 hours) on 1 March. She was taken to the Tengku Anis Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Prema's death brought to 12 the number of trainees who have died since the programme began in 2004. Mohd Rafi Ameer, 18, attached to Cheneh Cemerlang Camp, Kemaman, Pahang. Died at 10.30pm on 3 September, after having fever for 1 week. Rafi had previously called his sister and told her that he had a fever, and that his leg had been swollen for nearly a week after he fell during training.

2006

Haziq Jaafar, 17, attached to Kem Padang Hijau, Kluang, Johor. The trainee from Kota Tinggi, Johor, died after a fight with another trainee at Kem Padang Hijau.

2005

Nurul Ashikin Karino, 17, attached to Kem Shan Sui, Tawau, Sabah. Died on 14 May after being injured during training. Karino Jalani (father of the deceased) claimed that he was not allowed to meet his daughter who fell and was injured as part of a training accident. S. Theresa Pauline, 17, attached to Kem Karisma, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. Died on 11 June after being admitted to the hospital on 23 May due to having fits. Her death was attributed to viral meningoencephalitis. Her father, S. Sarimuthu was paid RM 32,000.

2004

Awang Mohd Fazil Awang Borhan, 17, attached to Kem Simalajau, Bintulu, Sarawak. Died on 23 April in a drowning accident. He had been swimming with 36 other trainees at Sungai Cina, Matang, Kuching, Sarawak.T. Saravana, 18, attached to Kem Ethnobotany, Gua Musang, Kelantan. The trainee from 1614A Hospital Quarters, Taiping, Perak drowned while picnicking at Sungai Taman Wangi, Gua Musang, about 3 kilometres from his camp, with 250 trainees and 10 trainers.

NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINEES

Its a good programme which builds team work and discipline, shapes patriotism and united the Malaysians from various background, but the worsening problems causes more and more fatalities, injuries and unwanted incidents worry the parents. Take proper actions before Malaysians completely loose their commitment on the programme! Luckily I have not been registered as National service trainee. Judge yourself! The parents educated their children and rising them up and monitoring them grow from time to time, each and every stage, providing them the best, giving them what ever they wish, educating them, disciplining them, teaching them the faith toward God, respect elders and etc. Then come a day, when suddenly someone demanding their children to hand over to him in the name of “National Service”. The person brings these children away from the parent’s and they “kill” these children. And the person dares to say the death figures still in small number. Whats going on?

Olympic Rehearsal by China

China has held a rehearsal of the Olympics opening ceremony in the main venue for the Games, the 'Bird's Nest' stadium. Fireworks lit up Beijing's skyline as the rehearsal was carried out under tight security.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7510794.stm

The Beijing Games will show the world what the Olympic Games really are: a gathering of young people who share the same goal and the same enthusiasm for sport. As well as inviting the finest athletes in the world to compete against each other, the Games will also provide a stage for China to present itself to the world during 16 days and 17 nights of sporting celebration. Malaysia is one of the nations will be making their debut in the game. If only Squash were part of the Olympics, then Malaysia would be looking for more golds i guess. I am sure our athletes namely badminton players will try their best to ensure that the Malaysian flag is hoisted with the 'NegaraKu" music being played. History would be created and our first Olympian millionaire would be showing off his gold medal.

Good Luck Malaysia at the Beijing Olympic!

Facts About Beijing Olympic Games:

Opening date: 8 August 2008

Closing date: 24 August 2008

Country of the host city: People's Republic of China

People's Republic of China

For more details view official website of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games:

http://en.beijing2008.cn/

No PAS... No UMNO.... - Tok Guru Nik Aziz

TOK GURU

How about it, UMNO? Tok Guru has offered to dissolve PAS if unity is really what UMNO wants. Is UMNO willing to dissolve and form a new party based on Islam and open it for all non-malays? PAS did not mean "Islam Hadhari" concept.

It is true that Islam is for all the communities, but truth is not all communities are not for Islam and the Malays. Support for PAS from the other communities are not necessarily support for Islam. Am I right?

PAS may believe in equality and fair play to non-malays but the reality is they are playing religious in this issue. Why not suggest to form a liberal political party? Can't they? Or can they just leave religion out of politics?

What's wrong if create a secular Malaysia? As long as it does not effect the Islam as official religion.

"SET UP NEW ISLAMIC BASED PARTY"- TOK GURU NIK AZIZ

What Car You Think Our State EXCO Members Must Officially Use?

MERCEDES E200 KOMPRESSORS

Perdana? Merc? Camry? You think they need to buy expensive cars? Why not buy cheaper cars while nation currently facing massive inflation rate? Cars that cheap, lower maintenance and fuel efficient and mechanic can easily fix are more than enough for state EXCOs. After the next General Election, they will change cars again, so what you think? Rather than spending money on all these cars, they should spent on improving the quality of lives of the people. Then if the EXCO really want the Mercedes, they must work hard for the people in order to be qualified for 1st class treatment. How if EXCOs purchase cars within the same budget as a Perdana V6 Executive? At around 170k the Camry 2.4V is a value for money buy. Or even better the Camry 2.0G or lower spec 2.0E that retails under 150k each. You say? And dont forget to vote on the poll that I have created.

PIKOM PC Fair 2008 (II)

Dates and Venues

1 - 3 August 2008 11:00 am - 9:00 pm	KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50888 Kuala Lumpur Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru, Johor Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru Central Square, Sungai Petani, Kedah Jalan Kampung Baru, 08000 Sungai Petani Dewan Sri Mentakab, Mentakab, Pahang 28400 Mentakab
8 - 10 August 2008 11:00 am - 9:00 pm	Penang International Sports Arena, Penang Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Relau Mahkota Parade Melaka, Melaka Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Bandar Hilir Sabah Trade Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Jalan Istiadat, Teluk Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu Dewan Tun Hj Mustapha, Lahad Datu, Sabah 91100 Lahad Datu
14 - 16 August 2008 11:00 am - 9:00 pm	KB Mall, Kota Bharu, Kelantan Jalan Hamzah, 15050 Kota Bharu Pusat Dagangan Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Padang Hiliran, 21100 Kuala Terengganu Star Parade, Alor Star, Kedah Jalan Teluk Wanjah, 05200 Alor Star
15 - 17 August 2008 11:00 am - 9:00 pm	Berjaya Megamall, Kuantan, Pahang Jalan Tun Ismail, Sri Dagangan, 25000 Kuantan
12 - 14 September 2008 11:00 am - 9:00 pm	Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh, Perak Jalan Stadium Perak, 31400 Ipoh This event has been postponed to 12 - 14 September

A 27-Year High Inflation (7.7%), Fuel Price Increase Again?

ETHIOPIA

A new record set in Malaysia, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June spiked to a 27-year high of 7.7%. This information is just too hard for me not to share with people. It seems that, with price of oil increasing in the international market, the subsidy supported by the government increases more and more.

The government will not be able to sustain the subsidy without widening the budget deficit. It’s already tanking at 7.7% and should the oil subsidy be maintained by year end, our budget deficit might balloon up to 9-10% of GDP at the end of the year, at least that’s what my source is telling me.

I think the exact words used by my source were “the country is going to the dogs”. So, my friends, I wish I am proven wrong on this one. And we know Pak Lah and Najib has given their utmost assurance that oil prices will not be increased at all this year, but anything can happen in Malaysian economic and politics.

I have to say that now’s the time to take out your deposit and hedge everything: rice, sugar, milo, coffee, tea, mineral water etc. I know some of the items above a controlled item, but it seems the real prices always more than the government controlled price.

You can also go to your barber and hedge prices of haircuts, your school bus operator, your tuition center for your kids, your motor oil change mechanic, your mechanic for car maintenance and the monthly bills. Why don’t you try hedging with your Nasi Campur and your Roti Canai. For all you know they might agree and you could save a bundle in the future. Should we suffer like this? Most of the Malaysian has been living quite comfort, and the time now is for us to join the league of Zimbabwe, Sudan, Ethiopia and Haiti in the economic status.

HAITI

Malaysian or Malay?

Decades ago, Malay, Chinese, and Indian were divided into racial line. 13 may proved everything that racial sentiment still alive in Malaysia after independent. The major race, Malay is talking about their unity. Now my question is what will happen to the minorities? Can everyone start talk about their own race unity from today?

Malaysian politicians should realise that in this age of globalization, real competition comes from people of another country. The government should be mindful of the fact that race-oriented policies will dampen investments climate and people’s spirit to competency.

What we have in Malaysia is the majority seems to be vulnerable of themselves and their position. Minorities have no confident on majority’s ruling. Should DAP, Gerakan, MCA, MIC, PPP and HINDRAF start their respective race builds for Indian and Chinese unity? What will happen if everyone starts uniting among themselves? How about “BANGSA MALAYSIA” then?

If UMNO is sincere , why not talk to all PR component parties namely Keadilan, DAP and PAS jointly for a united Malaysia and help the PR government to rule the state now in their development programmes rather than spending huge sums of unnecessary and wasteful taxpayer’s money forming a parallel government in PR ruled states.

Malays should believe multiracial liberalism concept, then only we able to form strong and competent Malaysian. After 50 years of national independence we are still talking about unity among Malays, among Chinese, among Indians and among other races. These should be the issues of the past and now as Malaysian we should get on the progress and developments upon Vision 2020. Not more racial sentiments!

Poll Results

Who do you think delivered well in the debate?

Anwar Ibrahim - 57 (86%)

Ahmad Shabery Cheek - 6 (9%)

Both - 1 (1%)

No one-2 (3%)

Votes so far: 66
Poll closed

A total of 66 participated in the 48-hour Malaysiansunited poll on debate between opposition stalwart Anwar Ibrahim and Information Minister Shabery Cheek.

Its clearly shows that Anwar get the higher votes compare to Shabery. Anwar voted by 56 votes out of 66, its almost 86% compare to Shabery voted 6 out of 66 (9%). 1 vote voted for both debater and 2 for no one.

In my opinion, Malaysian voted against the sharp rise of fuel price and absolutely not for the leaders. Government must accept the Anwar challenge and must find proper solutions to overcome the problem that peoples facing today. Poverty rate badly rising in number each day. Rising in fuel price mean the peoples burden increased. Hope in future there will be no fuel price hike announces by government.

Thanks for the votes!

70% of Malaysians family affected - Do not increase petrol price anymore!

We shall not allows further increase of the petrol price in which results the further dipping of the country economies. In view of more than 70 percent of the average families in Malaysia whose income is less than RM 5,000, how can they survive while the pricing of the daily use items had jacked up due to this?

Higher petrol price means heavier burden for the people. The reduction of subsidy and the hike of petrol of 60% at RM2.70 per litre and the subsequent increase in prices of goods have put a strain on the people. To introduce subsidy is easy, but to abolish it difficult. Subsidy is to help truly poor people to be self-sufficient gradually. The recent reduction in subsidy and the increase in petrol price by 60% make life very tough. At present, the downturn in the economy and the decrease in the income of people make people nervous. The long queues at post offices to claim rebates reflect the situation.

The Government insists that it is using the levy of profits from the price hike, amounting to RM13.7 billion, to help poor people. In this unusual period, the Government needs to look after the people more. Besides saving energy, reducing wastage, increasing efficiency and using public fund more productively, the Government must ensure that there is no further increase in petrol price.

Blogs and SMSes

RAJA PETRA KAMARUDDIN - MALAYSIA-TODAY BLOGGER

Yes, if it’s true what was reported by Bernama, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal did warn that ‘A culture of lies spread via blogs and SMSes, if left unchecked, can destroy our civilization and the country’. Shafie further said, ‘The government is worried because a culture of lies via blogs and SMSes has reached a level that can destroy national culture and the country and thus must be contained fast.’

This message was targeted at Malaysians who believe blogs and SMSes and access their informations through the sources.

In other words, judging from Shafie’s contention, the formula for a safe and even thriving ‘civilisation’ and a secure nation is: people should stop believing in those ‘lying’ blogs and SMSes and instead rely completely on the mainstream media and other government-approved sources of information.

To a certain extent, it is true. However the government cannot stop the public from reading or accessing these blogs, SMSs or other informative related mediums. It is the right of the people. The public on the other hand, must always exercise caution should they want to rely on this information whether via mainstream or alternative media. The public must always remember to use their rational thinking should they want to rely on this information. Not everything that is relayed through the alternative media is correct; the same could be said about the mainstream media. Ultimately, it is the maturity and mentality of the public that will be the deciding facto.

For me blogs are the media to gain informations and political updates. My favourite of course Raja Petra, king of bloggers!