A friend of mine highlighted an article in Utusan Malaysia page 5 by a certain known or unknown writer named Zaini Hassan who touched on the decision by Sarawak's present Chief Minister to continue leading the Barisan Nasional Coalition in the next State Election. I am not talking politics in this post please, just trying to find out why he is mumbling on matters related to Sarawak. I would'nt reproduce his article here as I have no interest in his motive. I am just confused by what he has to say, especially on some of his statements which I would love to dissect.

He starts off rambling about the few SMSes he recieved from his friends in Sarawak who were disappointed about the Chief Minister's decision. Good Lord great balls of fire, I suppose he wrote as if he received a hundred or thousands of SMSes? It sounds like that, though he did not say, which motivated him to write his article to sound as if majority of the Sarawakians are unhappy. Come on Zaini, you did not give me your handphone number so I can send SMS to you also. But would that have changed his tone or is there some agenda which our Zaini has in mind. Rilek ler bro....kalau nak tulis tu biar lah seimbang dalam perbentangan. I am no fan of articles that lack balanced views or depict something else other than the real picture. I distinctly remember the time when some newspaper put the picture of Tengku Razaleigh using a Kadazandusun headgear many years ago and started spinning tales about the crucifix (cross)  design of the headgear. It sparked some kind of phobia (Christianphobia?) after that, I don't know but it proves how words can be damaging when one paints the wrong picture.

Give credit where its due: I noticed that Detik Daily (above) is kinder in words with their Tok Guru who has been Menteri Besar for 20 plus years. They acknowledged his contributions and his achievements. So why is Zaini aiming his guns at Sarawak just because he recieved some SMSes (still don't know how many)? The State's leadership popularity can't be treated like Akademi Fantasia where SMSes votes represent the majority as one person can send more than one SMSes. Its the votes at the ballot boxes that matters,

In summarising his article Zaini aptly this paragraph with Bak kata orang kampung, tiada siapa yang boleh menongkat langit. Atau jika tidak faham apa orang kampung itu bercakap, perpatah Inggeris pula berkata, nobody is indispensable. I'm sorry Zaini but let's not look at it from the 'indispensable' point of view but lets approach it from the right leader at the right time point of view. In the words that Detik Daily has for Tok Guru, Nadai Nama Nama will take recognizance for the achievements the CM has brought Sarawak throughout its 47 years within Malaysia. To stress my point, during World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill provided the type of leadership needed very much by the British to win the war. For Sarawak, I can say our present batch of leaders have the right leadership qualities and inspiration to bring us forward. I had the honour of being part of the SCORE (Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy) team two years ago and our State Planning Unit team had a tough time presenting our plans and directions to the CM. Surprisingly for his age I find that his mind, vision and plans for Sarawak goes beyond him as he sculptured SCORE, and its planned implementation. Although its realisation will exceed his time.....even beyond my lifetime, that is what we need - a visionary leader. I am sorry Zaini, but that is how I feel about it, but then again, this blog is about Nadai Nama Nama so I'll wave my peace sign. Nobody is Perfect....Nobody is Indispensable. I am a Nobody......and this means I am Perfect and Indispensable? Words can be confusing but don't confuse people, especially majority of Sarawakians intentionally. Cheers.

Lingga Training For Birds' Nests Entrepreneurs

The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) organised a 'Burung Walet' or birds' nest technical course in Lingga today and it was officially closed by the SEDC Chairman YB Datuk Hai Taip Zulpilip. About 60 participants of potential brids' nest operators attended the course.

In the picture above:YB Datuk Haji Talip Zulpilip arrived by helicopter at the Lingga Sub-District Office compound and greeted by the Sarawak Administrative Officer in charge Encik Wan Mazehi.

In his closing ceremony speech, YB Datuk Haji Talip Zulpilip stressed on the need to develop the birds' nest industry as Sarawak has a vast area of agriculture land that can be used to build structures that can attract these birds and encorage them to build nests.

One for the album: The participants having a group photo with YB Datuk Haji Zulpilip, YB Hajah Simoi Peri and District Officer Encik Bujang Budin.

I manage to have a look at the instrument that was being used to attract the birds to the nesting house/bird's farm house. Its a simple gadget that will send out chirping sounds of the birds (swiftlets) to attract them. One of the course lecturers exhibited how the thing works (as in the picture above). The file format of the birds' natural twitting was in the USB pen. Sure enough birds numbering 30 to 50 came above us encircling the Sub District Office.

However I did not managed to pick out the swiftlets as they were too high up above and flew too fast.So I guess I had to compensate that with the picture of the helicopter (Its a big bird anyway). If that pretty bird sitting beside the helicopter was due to the sounds made by the tweeting machine, I don't mind getting one of that gadget myself.

I wish all the future swiftlets entrepreneurs all the best in their future venture. It look promising. Cheers!

Nadai Nama Nama does not often poke itself into a politicians business but once a while they do say things that we would not expect them to say. I've read the book entitled 'Malaysian Politicians Say The Darndest Thing' and you do wonder why they say what they say. 'Its an Act of God' was Samy Vellu's trademark and I won't say if it was or was not a smart phrase but it may have been at that time. But Datuk Seri Nazri's "I am Malaysian First...." is worth Nadai Nama's attention as he challenges some invisible writer (Awang Selamat) who criticized him. Not that he does not have the power to find out who that writer is but he chose not to and gave a one statement that rhymes with Nadai Nama Nama's being Malaysian theme. I have the same words for those who keep dropping anonymous comments in my box, and that is, identify yourself and show your face you bigots. Internet gives you the freedom to express yourself or communicate with me but don't hide behind a nickname. Honestly I don't know how they see themselves after they make their post - proud that they have said their piece but it holds no weight because it could have been written by a monkey who's thinking of bananas maybe. Below is the letter by Datuk Nazri I picked from The Malaysian Insider for your viewing just in case you are all wondering why I made this post.

YB Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz at the Dewan Undangan Negeri with  YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri George Chan in Dec 2009. He preferred a different dress code as he had to go to inspect projects on the ground after the ceremony.....now this is a man who is ready to go to war with anonymous bigots.

This letter by Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz is in response to a Mingguan Malaysia editorial “Alahai Nazri ...” by Awang Selamat. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and MP for Padang Rengas emailed it from Bucharest, Romania, where he is attending the Malaysian-Romanian Inter-parliamentarian Friendship Group” meet from September 19 to 23, 2010.

BUCHAREST, Sept 20 — I have read the comments by Awang Selamat on me in his column. I want to make some clarifications lest readers be misled into thinking what he wrote is correct.

Firstly, I am never afraid to be criticised by the opposition. I would like Awang to come to Parliament and see and hear for himself the vitriol and attacks I received whilst defending the Government on issues related to the Prime Minister’s Office.

In my 33 years in politics, I was never spared by anybody who makes criticisms against me — including the recent comments by Awang. I don’t know about Awang himself, because I don’t even know who he is. I hope he can be a man like me and prove that he is not scared of criticism by coming out in the open and not hiding behind the pseudonym that he uses.

I am also not anti-Dr Mahathir (Mohamad). To me, so far he is the best prime minister I have served. However, as an ex-premier, there is so much left to be desired.

Awang should get out of his time warp and face the fact that I am now in the government as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and not vice versa. So it is Tun Mahathir who is criticising the Government and not the other way round.

Of course anybody, regardless of who criticises the government, will receive relentless attack in defence of the Government by me just as I had done in the past when Tun Mahathir and Tun Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) were the prime ministers.

Having said that, I want Awang to know that I am always sure who my boss is. It’s not (Lim) Kit Siang nor (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) because they are not prime minister of Malaysia, the chairman of BN or president of Umno.

I am not too sure Awang knows who his boss is because he undermines the 1 Malaysia policy of the prime minister and promotes the narrow racism of (Datuk) Ibrahim Ali who is not even an Umno member. Awang should be asking himself the question he posed to me.

Being civil to the opposition is the right thing to do in a democracy, because just like me, they are also elected by the people. Of course, Awang is caught in the time warp of those days where government MPs do not only not engage them but hate and dislike them in all circumstances.

Awang will never understand this because he is not an elected MP, put in the House by the voice of the people. Anyway did Awang ever think of how five PKR MPs could cross and be independents, if not for the civility shown by me to them as parliamentary affairs minister?

The number of crossovers to the independent caucus has exceeded the single MP from Pasir Mas, this so-called Malay Hero worshipped by Awang.

Incidentally, Umno has never asked or needed for Ibrahim to help us but the association with him will only cause us to lose votes.

Tun Mahathir himself told us about his loss in Kota Setar Selatan seat — a 90 per cent Malay majority parliamentary constituency — in 1969 to Yusof Rawa, where it was reported that Tun said he didn’t need Chinese votes. There is a lesson to be learned from this.

Of course, Awang will never understand because not only has he never offered himself as a candidate for the General Elections but readers don’t even know who he is.

Politicians like me who has stood for four general elections and won clearly have to be very careful in what we say and not be reckless like Awang. We need to muster all the votes regardless of race and we do not stay in the comfort zone as Awang does.

He can write and say anything irresponsibly and recklessly, knowing that he will never be punished by the voters.

That is why, Awang, if you asked what my agenda is, I think even school children will know that it’s to win the next general election and that Datuk Seri Najib (Razak) remains as prime minister of Malaysia.

I do hope that Awang also has the same agenda, unless of course his boss is somebody else. Finally I would advise Awang to stick to what he does and knows best and not try to meddle in national politics, of which he has shallow knowledge and zero experience.

He should concentrate in increasing his paper’s dwindling readership. It speaks volumes of their poor standards and performance when Utusan has to refer to the news report of the new electronic alternative media when it should be the reverse.

That will be his KPI and the measurement of his success in the field that he claims he represent well.

Mine is, of course, to win the Padang Rengas seat for Barisan Nasional in the next General Election regardless whether I am a candidate or not. Until then we shall see.

And yes I am a Malaysian first and Malay next. Does any bigot have a problem with that?

- End of article -

Datuk Seri Nazri sharing a laugh with the Dewan Undangan Negeri Speaker YB Dato' Seri Mohd Asfia and YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri George Chan

Datuk Seri Nazri performing the blessing ceremony for one of the emergency boats at the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak 

Way to go Datuk Seri Nazri! For 1Malaysia, Nadai Nama Nama supports your stand against these bigots wherever they are. We are all Malaysians first.

Sri Aman Celebrates Malaysia Day

The weather is on our side this morning as the Sri Aman folks geared up for Malaysia Day celebrations. Simple but meaningful, the Malaysia Day March on 16 September 2010 is organised at the Sri Aman District level by the Sri Aman District Office jointly with all the Members of Parliament and State Legislative members, government agencies, private sector and non governmental organisations from Sri Aman. As this is the first time Malaysia Day is gazetted as a holiday, 47 years after Sarawak formed Malaysia together with the States in Malaya, Singapore and Sabah, many Sri Amanians who witnessed the procession gave us a quizzical look but our waving of the Jalur Gemilang made them nod and wave, hopefully as a sign of acknowledgement of this special occasion.

Lest we forget, allow me to pick some excerpts of the Proclamation of Malaysia by the then Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Shah on 16th September where he declared the birth of Malaysia....."a sovereign democratic State founded upon liberty and justice, ever seeking to defend and uphold peace and harmony among its peoples and to perpetuate peace among nations."

The proclamation was read by Sarawak's Chief Minister, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, at the Central Padang on 16th September 1963, "...and whereas by a Proclamation made under section 2 of the Malaysia Act, the 16th Day of September 1963 has been proclaimed, Malaysia Day, now therefore I, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, the Chief Minister of Sarawak do hereby proclaim that Sarawak has this day attained independence as a State of Malaysia".

Many Sarawakians like me are glad for the recognition given to the importance of Malaysia Day. There's no need for me to go deep into history here as it has been something that we have highlighted everytime the issue of date for Merdeka comes. My previous blog postings also had highlighted how one can be confused with the dates especially how old our country is . If the original date of proclamation had been set as planned which was on 31st August 1963, then the idea of Merdeka to be celebrated on 31st August every year would be less controversial. The insistence by our fellow West Malaysians who makes the decisions and control the media (including air time) to continuously jam the idea of 31st August down our throat never went well with most Sarawakians (and Sabahans I guess?). Not much activities or programs were planned including the sacrifices made by these two Borneoean States were highlighted. If there was a way, it would be also ideal to appreciate 16th September and how Sarawak and Sabah contributed to the making of Malaysia possible. The two weeks delay to the formation of Malaysia which has been scheduled for 31st August 1963 was due to the United Nation's Mission to consult Sarawak and Sabah on their commitment to the Malaysia idea. Those two crucial weeks where Sarawakians (with Indonesia wanting us to be part of them also) and Sabahans (similiarly claimed by the Phillipines) accepted the union with Malaya and Singapore and to proudly declare themselves Malaysians should be recognised. So when Dato' Seri Najib agreed to make 16th September a holiday to commemorate Malaysia Day more meaningful, I was glad that someone had the political will to do so. History with regards to the date would now be corrected and this is just a start. But 47 years is a long delay and I know many other Sarawakians may not be as tolerant as Nadai Nama Nama. For me I am glad that someone is willing to listen and its not about winning an argument, a battle or war. Its about being respected as equal partners in this country which we have embraced for 47 years. If they say its 53 years then they better make sure they give us that six years (in ringgits and sens and common sense) development funds, with arrears, to 'catch up' with them but that is another matter. This is because if we took a time machine and travel back in time to 53 years ago to Sarawak one would see the Union Jack flying here instead of the Jalur Gemilang. Our loyalty 53 years ago was also to the Queen of England and we sang 'God Save the Queen' not Negaraku. Which is why I beg for common sense sometimes, especially in the calculation of how old we actually are as a nation. I won't dwell on the 20 Points of 18 Points for that matter as these are best left to politicians. Nadai Nama Nama is very poor in that area which is why most of the political related comments posted in my comment boxes will never get past my blog moderation approval. But hey we got a Malaysia Day holiday which means our politicians are on the right track.

I won't wallow to much into our country's confusing history. Instead its good to look ahead since we have been given this opportunity. The television and radio programs has been talking all about it all day, something that Malaysia Day never got for the past 47 Days. Today I will be joining my other fellow Sarawakians in Sri Aman to create history and also be part of history in celebrating Malaysia Day. Though I feel that the celebration should be ideally held at the Padang Central in Kuching if Sarawak should host it (as Sabah is hosting this year's celebration), the decision for Sri Aman to organise this simple procession is significant as it was here that peace prevailed in Sarawak after a Peace Agreement (Sri Aman Declaration) was signed at Rumah Sri Aman here between the Government and communist insurgents on 21st October 1973.

The Sri Aman Malaysia Day procession started at the new Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial dan Urbanisasi (KPSU) Sports complex. The procession will be led by the Sri Aman Resident Office and the Member of Parliament for P.202 Sri Aman, Yang Berhormat Tuan Masir kujat, the Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri for N.25 Balai Ringin, Yang Berhormat Snowdon Donald Lawan and the Sri Aman Resident, Abang Shamshudin Abang Seruji.

Ready to march: Though the organisers had targeted for 47 contigents, more responded and todays procession will involve 55 contigents.

The procession was accompanied with the Kem Pakit band playing patriotic tunes as the 3 kilometres march to the KPSU Old Field started 

The Jalur Gemilang and the State flag bearers walked side by side as the sun rose in the early hours of the morning

Along the way a patriotic cyclist who decorated his bicycle with the mini Jalur Gemilang and the 1Malaysia symbol joined the procession

Walking ahead for Malaysia - from left (front row): Abang Shamshudin Abang Seruji, Yang Berhormat Tuan Masir Kujat, YB Encik Snowdon Lawan and Encik Abah Ugi.

The view of the procession from the overhead bridge across the Sri Aman Hospital and Police Headquarters

Uniformity: The Sri Aman Public Works Department Contigent spotted their latest corporate uniform

A former colleague 'Chief' Latif Suhaili who is now working with the Sri Aman Agriculture Department walks in front (top right)

One of the winners of the Corporate Uniforms category: Sri Aman District Council

The teams continued the march past in front of the VIPs who waited at the grandstand of the KPSU Old Field

VIPs witnessing the March Procession at the Grandstand (from left): Abang Shamshudin Abang Seruji, Yang Berhormat Dr. Johnical Rayong, Yang Berhormat Datuk Francis harden, Yang Berhormat Hajah Simoi Peri, Yang Berhormat Encik Snowdon Lawan, Yang Berhormat Hajah Rohani Abdul Karim, Yang Berhormat Encik Mong Dagang, Yang Berhormat Tuan Masir Kujat, Yang Berhormat Tuan William Nyallau, Encik Bujang Budin, Encik Majuan Jeraie, Encik Abah Ugi

The colourful uniforms of the contigents of the Sri Aman Malaysia Day procession

The Ketua Masyarakat Iban of Sri Aman and their stylish hat salute

The Sri Aman Ketua Masyarakat Cina contigent

Sarawak United People's Party Youth being led by Cr. Jimmy Chong

The Persatuan Guru Sekolah Rendah (Cina) Sri Aman and their unique 1Malaysia selendang fashion

Spirited members of the many Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung that participated in the procession

Pancaragam SKJC Chung Hua Simanggang provided the band for the Schools Contigent

At the end of the March Past the Contigents gathered at the KSPU Old Field and treated to patriotic songs before the speeches started

The highlight was the raising of the Jalur Gemilang and the State Flag, done with style.

At the end of the event: Yang Berhormat Datuk Hajah Rohani posing with the 1Malaysia Bicycle together with the other VIPs

Nadai Nama Nama poses with the Sri Aman Resident Office Contigent. I so love the 1Malaysia and Jalur Gemilang and proud to be part of this historic occassion

At the end of the event I remembered a 'Merdeka' advertisement which was about a small Indian boy who was brought by the father to witness the Merdeka Declaration while being seated on his father's shoulders. And so it was with the many Sri Amanians who was trying to figure out what the procession was about. I saw a small girl who kept waving at the contigents passing by as they waved back to her with their flags. That is why this Malaysia Day is special as we can now start telling our children on how we come to this day and our continuous struggle (including our forefathers and Sarawakian heroes) to be recognised as equal partners in Malaysia. After 47 years, yes....after 47 years, and not 53 okay. Though some believed that Sarawak could have done it alone 47 years ago but thats just academic argument right now. I will put my foot down on this and say forming Malaysia at that time was the right step and it still is. Tunku Abdul Rahman rightly earned that Bapa Malaysia title for having that vision and may many more leaders with Malaysia at heart continue to lead us. It has been a long struggle and the people of Sarawak need to develop a solid foundation for our younger generations to keep the the spirit of Malaysia burning. Unity, Understanding, Tolerance and Respect for one another and the Law, Love and Patriotism for our country (all enshrined in our Rukun Negara) is the essential fuel for that 1Malaysia journey.

As the Theme for this Malaysia Day is 1Malaysia Menjana Transformasi, it is our fervent hope that 1Malaysia will bring positive transformation for Malaysia and all Malaysians. Terima Kasih Malaysia and Happy Malaysia Day.

After a month of fasting my Muslim family members, friends and colleagues will be celebrating Hari Raya come this Friday. I would like to take this opportunity to wish a Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri , Maaf Zahir & Batin 2010 to all celebrants. Take time to drop by the open houses of our Muslim friends. I know I will as it is a time to greet and foster a stronger bond and relationship with them.

Sincere wishes from Nadai Nama Nama ~ Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya 2010. Angpow mari mari :)