Guilin China

Guilin (Chinese: 桂林; pinyin: Guìlín) is a city in China, situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. The city has long been renowned for its unique scenery. I love the people and the karst formations especially.

Have respect for Najib please

I came across this article. I hope that Lim either removes it or tones it down since I felt much upset after a read.

from the blog of Lim Kit Siang

Excerpt:

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should go on leave from his duties as Deputy Prime Minister until all questions implicating his credibility, especially arising from the statutory declaration by private investigator P. Balasubramaniam, are investigated and cleared. Balasubramaniam’s statutory declaration dated 1st July and made public today in effect challenged the truth and veracity of various statements and denials by Najib in connection with the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in October 2006 – that Najib had not known or ever met Altantunya. Najib, as well as the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, cannot allow Balasubramaniam’s shocking statutory declaration to go unchallenged as it raises grave fundamental issues as to their fitness to hold high political offices in the land. Balasubramaniam’s shocking statutory declaration has brought back to Malaysians the emotional scene at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate’s court on 16th November 2006 when Razak was charged for abetting the murder of Altantuya, when his wife Mazlinda Makhzan lost her cool and shouted at journalists: “My husband is innocent. My husband is a good man. He supported me and protected me. Why are you writing all these stories about him. He is not out to become the Prime Minister. Why are they doing this to him?”.

Atlantuya Razak Baginda Nirmala

I had a bout of insomnia last night and just could not coax myself to sleep. I had this gnawing feeling inside of me. It dawned upon me that Razak Baginda was never guilty at all in the first place and he had probably wasted a whole lot of his time in jail due to unforeseen circumstances. How can he be guilty in this heinous crime that saw to the death of a Mongolian lass that was painted as someone alluring and a leech for money since he was charged for only abetting the crime? A puppet can only move if so controlled by the actions of the puppeteer. A person is not only innocent until proven guilty by a court of law but the most basic and cleverly overlooked fact is that the charge must be proper. But never mind that and never mind how long the case was painfully prolonged, I believe that there is a clause that a person cannot be tried for the same crime. It would be most unfair then if the 2 former UTK officers were not released as well. Life in jail is no fun.

As for Nirmala Bonat and her former employer Yim, true justice was served with her conviction of 18 years. Yim Pek Ha a housewife was taken back to Kajang Prison pending her application for stay of execution that will be heard today in the High Court. In this 2004 case that gained nationwide interest, for obvious reasons, it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that Yim had repeatedly subjected to acts of torture determined to cause the latter much pain and suffering. I'm pretty sure that this will serve as a strong reminder to all current and future employers not to ill-treat their servants. Not only is it wrong in the eyes of the law but it is also inhuman to carry out such acts. In a dream if Yim had murdered Nirmala or asked someone to cause her to disappear, she may have been released earlier (although it is still wrong but still better than subjecting the poor girl to physical abuse over and over again). A befitting punishment.

Life is controversial.

Malaysia sex for hire case - women laundering

Kuala Lumpur - Haslinda Merican M.A. Merican (43), former production house manager involved in drama and documentary productions and tourism promotions, has lost in her appeal against the conviction and sentence of 10 months jail and $5,000 (Ringgit Malaysia) fine for her role in the sex-for-hire case back in 1995. During the trial, the names and age of the women claimed to be artistes were disclosed in the court of law. They were aged from between 18 and 35. Justice Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah of the Malaysian High Court, in dismissing the appeal ruled that there was no misdirection of justice and that the ruling of the lower court would stay. A small price to pay for women laundering.

Of junk mail and contest scams --- so gullible

http://millionaire-living.blogspot.com/2008/11/dont-let-tired-excuse-of-winning.html

Vision Short Sight a Pearl of the Orient no longer a Heritage Site (soon)

Malaysian island could lose new world heritage status: A statement by the United Nations said on Monday that Malaysia's Penang island could lose its newly-acquired world heritage status because of a row over plans for four high-rise hotels.

Hubert Gijzen, the regional chief of UNESCO, the UN's cultural wing, who officially presented the listing to Penang and southern Malacca state at the weekend, said the body would send experts to help resolve the controversy. It is claimed that the hotels, all of which have been approved by Malaysian planning authorities, would be too tall under UNESCO's rules for world heritage listing. "I have spoken to the Malaysian minister of unity, culture and heritage and we agreed to set up a joint UNESCO mission of experts who will sit with the local government and developers to work this out," he told AFP. "The team will look at all angles and submit its findings and we will try to work it out but if after several rounds we cannot reach an agreement then the island will risk losing its heritage status," he said. "So I think this is the best way to resolve the situation and I am now waiting for the minister to write formally so that we can begin." Last week Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said his government was in a bind as the state could not afford to face legal action over cancelling the buildings which exceed UNESCO's 15-metre (49-foot) maximum height limit. He said three of the buildings were approved by a previous state government, and the fourth was approved before heritage status was granted in July. A member of the former state government has said the guidelines on the height policy had been amended to allow the buildings, and Gijzen said that claim would have to be investigated. "All countries have to go strictly by the guidelines which are rarely amended. If it violates the guidelines then it cannot be done," he said. The UNESCO boss said the determining factor would be the exact location of the buildings. "There is a matter of which zone these buildings are located in as the rules are very strict for the inner zone, less so for the immediate zone and there is some flexibility for the outer zone," he said. "If the development is outside the outer zone, it could be higher than 15 metres." The New Straits Times reported Monday that two of the four hotels would be located in the inner zone while the other two would be in the outer zone. Penang's capital, George Town, along with the port city of Malacca, were awarded heritage status after years of waiting for recognition. Penang's capital was honoured for its colonial-era pre-World War II buildings. Malaysia had hoped the heritage listing would boost tourism, which is a key foreign exchange earner. If only the powers that are were more far sighted.

Pardon me way to go Mr, George Bush

I expected Presidential Pardons to be in the utmost sense an act where common justice has failed. Current American President George W. Bush has since granted pardons to 14 individuals and commuted the prison sentences of two others convicted of misdeeds including drug offenses, tax evasion, wildlife violations and bank embezzlement. These pardons were announced yesterday and are Mr.Bush's first since March this year and come just as he will vacate his position as President of the United States of America. Who says he isn't a softie; even if the list were not of his own choosing.

Mr. Bush has undoubtedly been very stingy during his time in office about granting clemency, but still more grants can be expected. Including these recent ones, he has granted in total 171 pardons and eight commutations. That's still less than half as many as Presidents Clinton or Reagan issued during their time in office. Both were two-term presidents, just like Mr. Bush.

We Shall Overcome, Yes We Can: Barack Obama 2008

As I listen to CNN's live telecast of the victory speech by the man of the century, of change, of a new era, President Barack Obama, the first "black" President of the United States, I am inspired by his tag note of Yes We Can. It is the birth of a new era in world equality. It is a blessing to a world divided by differences.

Hopefully President BO shall overcome and lead the world to a better standing. People Power. Voice of the modern world thank you.

Congratulations many times over President BO. May you always remain blessed and true to your beliefs.

A Big Win for Barack Obama

It will not only be a big win for Barack Obama (BO) but for America as well should he win the Presidential Race. I've had CNN on live since last night and I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that he really does win big.

BO believes in peace, justice, humanity, and social change, and although we are miles apart I share those same ideals as he.

As a world leader, America has a lot to prove and electing BO as the next President of the United States will cement their community as one that is truly a society above all discrimination, especially that of race and skin color. A free society, a free nation, and a free world awaits you BO. Kudos.

An American Dream --- Barack Obama

I am voting (in spirit) for Barack Obama because we share a common faith in peace, justice, humanity, and social change.

Our faith was profoundly tested during 12 years of Reagan-Bush and 8 more of Bush-Cheney. America has fallen from the leader among nations to the pariah. Our economy is collapsing, our savings are vanishing, and our planet is in peril. Yet the powerful people and institutions who created this disaster continue to rule us - and rob us blind.

Barack Obama is an extraordinary gift to America and the world. Through compassion, intelligence, and hard work, he has overcome the enormous obstacles of race and lack of wealth. He is an inspiration to us all.

In just two years, he has built a movement unlike any in history. Thanks to his own family history, he has been able to bridge the divides of race and class to build the most diverse coalition in history. But we are not just temporary political allies - we are becoming one enormous family. And by focusing on the enormous problems we face as a people, he has given us Hope.

I am inspired by Obama's gifts of intelligence, compassion, optimism, and courage. I love his beautiful family, and the extended family he has helped us create. I want him to win, and much more importantly, for all of us to succeed. And I know it will be a struggle, every hour of every day.

We are in the fight of our lives, and of our childrens' lives. My vote is just the start of my commitment to that fight.

Seriously its a Joke and worth a Laugh

Abdullah Badawi was visiting Singapore and during a meeting with Brigadier Lee, he commented to him that he was so disappointed with his cabinet people for being stupid, and asked him how he managed to have such an efficient cabinet in Singapore. PM Lee said, ʽSimple, Abdullah, I choose able men for my cabinet.ʼ Abdullah asked, ʽYes, but how do you know that they are able?ʼ PM Lee replied : Just ask them simple questions to test their intelligence. They donʼt need to be too difficult. Let me illustrate to you.ʼ Just then, DPM Tony Tan was walking by, PM Lee called out to him, ʽHey Tony, come over here.ʼ Tony walked briskly over and PM Lee asked, ʽTell me, Tony, who is your fatherʼs son ?ʼ Tony Tan immediately replied, ʽMe ! Of course.ʼ PM Lee turned to Abdullah and said, ʽSee, all my ministers can answer such questions. Why donʼt you go back and try?ʼ Abdullah thanked PM Lee and left for Putra Jaya. Once he was back, he immediately summoned Home Minister Syed Hamid, and shot the question at him, ʽTell me, Hamid, who is your fatherʼs son?ʼ Syed Hamid was shocked beyond words and did not know the answer. After a while, he recovered and said, ʽBoss, let me find out and Iʼll tell you tomorrow.ʼ Abdullah, a bit disappointed, agreed, hoping that Syed Hamid will give him the answer the next day. Meanwhile, Syed Hamid was panicking that the PM was testing him. He tried desperately to find out the answer from his staff, but none of them knew the answer. The next morning, he thought a smart guy like Anwar must know the answer. So he phoned and when Anwar picked up the phone, Syed Hamid said: ʽHello, Anwar !!, I want to ask you a question. If you do not willingly give me the answer, I shall have you detained under the ISA.ʼ Anwar then agreed reluctantly and Syed Hamid asked: 'Tell me, who is your fatherʼs son?ʼ Anwar who was fuming at having been threathened over such a trivial question replied: ʽOf course it's me, you stupid!ʼ and he slammed the phone down. Satisfied that he got the answer, Syed Hamid confidently walked into Abdullahʼs office and said: ʽBoss, Iʼve got the answer to your question.ʼ Abdullah, happy that his minister wasnʼt that dumb, said, ʽSo tell me quickly Hamid, who is your fatherʼs son?ʼ Syed Hamid confidently replied, ʽItʼs ANWAR!ʼ Abdullah slapped his own forehead in disgust and said: ' No you stupid ! Itʼs TONY TAN !ʼ

I Remember Well for the Reason, a Season, and a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh..
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life by reading this in my blog.
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Be strong and in control

Not all confrontations and interaction with others need to be painful. You'll be able to confront any person or issue that you've been too timid to deal with and you won't be aggressive as long as you feel strong and in control. Cultivate your personality and actions to generate this strength and management as needed.

Thought of the Day

It's important to obey the rules of the road, both on and off the highway. Use all your wits when you deal with the life events you encounter and you'll be OK.

Cups of Kindness

In such modern (actually I do think that we are regressing with the many wars, domestic and local violence that's happening in this world we call our own) times, find time to visualize yourself drinking and sharing from the Cups of Kindness. This is a reminder that by giving of ourselves, we also receive. Maintain a certain degree of generosity towards others. Do not judge others easily nor lightly. Become a tolerant person. The strongest and most important source of kindness is from within you. Playfulness, kindness, and innocence are all sources of energy and well-being.

Play it straight

You sometimes when we have a not exactly trouble-free day? The atmosphere is charged with discouragement and uncertainty?

Well its only natural that you are inclined to distrust the good intentions of the people close to you and to question their love. It goes without saying that such feelings are diametrically opposed to creating an atmosphere of happiness and fulfillment... Be on your guard against an onset of the blues! You're feeling unsure about your professional ambition and in a difficult situation ---just be wary of false promises that you might receive. Play it straight.

Adopt a new philosophy

That's right! Get ready to adopt a new philosophy. Maybe you have been approaching your relationships in too much of a negative way. You could be thinking about problems rather than solutions. Try and break out of your old patterns. Don't spoil something that shows real promise with those ancient, negative attitudes! Try to be a better communicator. Share what is on your mind in a loving, affectionate way. Be different...go ahead it won't hurt you to try.

Razak's out --- bless Atlantuya's soul

The man's out. That's exactly how justice is served in Malaysia --- fair and square. I knew from the start of the case that Razak Baginda was innocent. He only had an intimate relationship with Atlantuya; so what if she's "allegedly" murdered by 2 special task policemen that he asked to help.

Being with another woman besides your legal married wife is not a crime and should never be. So he's innocent and so be it. From the pics in the local dailies, Razak certainly does not look in anyway like he's been to jail; in fact he looks like any regular rich joe on the street.

Even the grieving father (Dr. Shariibu) has gotten past his grief and has nothing more to say except that this is Malaysian justice. Hey! I take offence to that. malaysia for your information has a really good judicial system with an excellent track record! A man cannot be tried twice for the same crime!

Kudos Razak. I hope that you make up for lost time. God bless you.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - Malaysia Prime Minister in Waiting

That does it.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak son of one of Malaysia's great political icons, Tun Abdul Razak bin Haji Dato' Hussein Al-Haj(March 11, 1922-January 14, 1976) who was the second Prime Minister of Malaysia ruling from 1970 to 1976, is set to become the next Prime Minister of Malaysia after his predecessor Pak Lah steps down next year. This is confirmed by the overwhelming support Datuk Seri Najib received with the 140 nominations he has garnered for the top post in UMNO. His sole contender Ku Li has only received 1 nomination to date.

Datuk Seri Najib's father Tun Razak was the Prime Minister responsible in setting up Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition of political parties that have stayedin power in Malaysia till today. Tun Razak is also renowned for launching the Malaysian New Economic Policy (MNEP).

With Datuk Seri Najib taking on the role of our nation's top leader next year we look set to a sea of positive changes that will wash out the problems that have plagued us since the last change. Hopefully, the conditions of transparency, anti-corruption, and efficiency introduced by Pak Lah that brought about such problems will be reviewed and redefined to prevent its backlash from continuing into Datuk Seri Najib's tenure as the new Prime Minister of Malaysia.

As a Malaysian I am pleased that stability will once more return to our shores.