A Tribute To Michael Jackson

The death of Michael Jackson shocked the world. Never did it appear for a moment that with all the preparations and rehearsals for the grand concert in London, such a thing could happen. Something unexpected. But it did happen. Man can plan, God disposes. It simply means, we are not in control of our lives.

Michael Jackson came from a singing family, The Jackson Five, well known for their TV series in the late sixties and seventies. And naturally, the young Michael Jackson would become a full time entertainer, there was no doubt about it. The one thing which amazed everyone was, He not only did that. But he became a sensational singer and a pop icon to boot ! At a young age - when most performers would take nearly a lifetime to reach the top.

With his trademark dance style, he wowed the world from America to Malaysia. Nothing could stop the tsunami, everyone was doing The Moonwalk. With seven hundred million records sold, Jackson was a mighty big man. The one weakness, he was a great spender. Never counting the cost. Never Land Ranch was one of them. And stigmatized by accusations of being a paedophile which was later overturned by the court. Nevertheless, it affected his career.

Including his fanance were on a downslide. And these series of concerts, starting in London were designed for his comeback. To conquer the world once again with his exceptional singing and dancing. Unfortunately it was not meant to be. And Michael Jackson is now just a memory. Though a unique one at that ! R I P

Hill Cutting At Nambazan, Penampang - Bad For Environment

Hill cutting around districts in Sabah are taking place more frequently now. And this is a cause for concern. Not only is it unsightly but it also allow erosion to occur. If no measures are taken to rectify these damages, then flooding, landslide etc. will happen and endanger the lives of residents within this area. There is no denying that hill cutting is unavoidable because of reclaimation works nessitated by developments.

A case in point is Nambazan in Penampang where hill cutting have been proceeding for quite a long time. It is understood that the operator has the relevant permit to carry out the operation. Even so, it would still be appropriate in future for the authority to require that an evaluation be made first regarding its long term environmental impact before approval is given.

To minimise the aftereffect of hill cutting, conditions must be attached to the licence. That is, the operator is required to plant trees on the cutting site. And it must be strictly enforced. Otherwise it would just be an ugly place. At least with trees planted, it would ensure the coolness of its surroundings. Trees are good filter of hot air ( breeze and wind) because when it passes through the canopy of leaves, the hotness is removed. And the air is cooled.

The authority should also ensure that hill cutting should not be done on hilly terrains in which water catchment are located. As this may affect the availabity of water in future. Water is a fast depleting resources in most countries of the world. The more reason for the government to act cautiously and to make the conservation of water catchment areas its most important priority.

Finally naked hills are an eyesore and of course the most sensible action is to discourage hill cutting if possible. Nothing beats, well preserved hills with lots of greeneries. They add character and coolnes to the towns and districts.

The Solution To The Shortage Of Qualified English Teachers - Online English Studies For Students In School

There is no turning back, decision has been made to make English a compulsory pass in school examinations. Now is to find the best means to make the teaching of it most effective. How? Go online and this would solve the shortage of qualified English teachers. This is the easiest and the most sensible approach. It is indeed fortunate that Malaysia is wired(it has computer friendly system available to all areas of the country including rural places), thus making online communication effortless.

Next, get all the best English teachers, retired English teachers and also good English speakers to be a part of the working national council on the study of English in Malaysia and its implemenation which shall be established by the government. They will discuss in depth the problems faced by non-English speaking students( good idea to get feedback from students themselves). Come out with a plan on how this could be tackled plus books graded for the different classes. English grammar would be the most important component of the language and must be given the greatest attention.

For herein lies the weakness of most Malaysians when speaking or writing English. Grammar wrongly applied could give an inaccurate meaning from what was actually intended by the speaker or writer. To be properly heard or read, the grammatical form must be correct. English is a language that has to be studied beginning from the youngest age possible starting from the level of playschool. And this should be made compulsory too.

Anticipating strong objection from certain quarters, the government must have a continuous programme of campaigns to neutralise these negative effects. Like having ' English Language Month ' annually. And durng this month long period, story telling, writing, poetry reading(writing) and debates, etc. contests will be organised in schools, districts, states upwards to the national level. These are to help Malaysians focussed on the importance of the English language.

To further assist the above-mentioned measures, government must put up posters and billboards across the nation containing positive and motivating slogans pertaining to English being an asset to Malaysia. In this connection, slogan writing competition should be held to enable creative Malaysians to participate. Another important step is, for the government to hold a nationwide roadshow down to the village level explaining and clarifying why English is essential for the country.


When Bahasa Malaysia was implemented to be the National Language of the country instead of English, similar actions were taken. It helped greatly. And people came to accept the language.

Lest we forget, this issue is very important to Malaysia, to Malaysians and to you and me because it does not only concern the very survival and prosperity of our nation but also the survival and prosperity of each and everyone of us.

English! The Language Of Survival

Why should English be made a compulsory pass for students in examinations? The answer is only one word. Survival! Survival for Malaysia! Mastery of English means getting the latest knowledge and technology. Getting it fresh from the oven so to speak. And that would give lead time to the nation to make changes necessary for its wellbeing. To meet economic challenges and utilising the newest technical discoveries to help Malaysia be more competitive in the world's market place.

And all strata of Malaysians including non-governmental organisations, governmental and opposition political parties should not object to this policy. The question is, what do everyone in this country want?Prosperity! Not only for the nation but for each and everyone of us. If English can make Malaysia prosperous including you and me. Do you think, it is a good programme to implement in our educational institutions? I think, I need not answer that for you. You sort it out yourselves, whether prosperity is good for Malaysians?

English should not be politicised. It should be off limits to all. As mentioned earlier, when it can help the country to prosper, should we kill, the goose that lay the golden eggs? Definitely not! It's just stupid and illogical to do so. The proponents of Bahasa Malaysia should not be worried as regards to the effect of English on Bahasa Malaysia. Its position is already embedded in the country's consitution. It is forever the national language of this country and its official medium of communication.

That being the case, all Malaysians should be in favour of making English a compulsory pass in examinations for all educational establishments in the country.

Not Easy To Be A Civil Servant

Most people thought that to be a civil servant is just shaking legs. It's far from the truth. The civil servant is a trained professional. And his main reponsibility is to carry out his duties well. In other words, able to deliver the goods. His political master must appreciate that a civil servant is assumed to have given his best advice on any given administrative matter unless proven otherwise.

Sometimes politician want a government officer to do a particular assignment which is unethical. Just so his political agenda can be achieved. This will put the officer concerned in a very difficult situation. Unless the officer has been politicised. Meaning that he owes his appointment to his present post through political interference. In such a case, the officer will become pliable because he was indebted to the politician for his position.

When that happened, the civil servant is no longer serving the interest of the public at large but those of the politician. In that sense, he can be said to have lost his impartiality. Service rendered to the people would be done not on fairness but on political consideration. This will cause even the ordinary person to notice that what was not the right thing to do, was done. For example in the solving of problems, implementation of projects etc..

But most times, politician and civil servant cooperate for the common good. Implementing works that will bring the maximum benefit to the constituents/public generally. There is no conflict of interest. In incident where there is differences, then the politician must listen to the civil servant's views pertaining to the issue concerned. As mentioned above, since the officer is a professional, he is therefore competent to make recommendations or options as to the viability of the project.

The politician can, after hearing such justifications propose to the administrator to come up with an alternative plan to resolve the matter. And if it is still not in the public interest to do so. Then the politician must explain to the interested parties the reasons accordingly. Instead of overruling the recommendations of the officer.

The constituency would therefore be better served by politician who make use of the expertise and knowledge of civil servant when performing his duty as a state legislator or as parliamentarian.

Must Must Visit For Malaysians - Mount Kinabalu, The Highest Mountain In South East Asia

What better way to integrate Malaysians of various races than to visit each others' states to see their tourist attractions. And while in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu, the pride of Malaysia and the highest mountain in South East Asia should not be missed. It is 13,429 ft High. Located in the National Park in the district of Ranau. Malaysians in Sabah welcome our fellow Malaysians from the Peninsula to Sabah - Land Below the Wind.

It is about two hours drive from the state capital, Kota Kinabalu cruising at average speed. On the way, stop at Tampuruli, a town with its specialty Tuaran Mee (noodle), recommended to visitors because of its unique taste. Before reaching the base of the mountain, another stop at Nabalu, a place ( where a fair is held daily ) in which handicrafts , fruits even vegetables etc. can be bought. And finally, Bundu Tuhan meaning the Valley of God. A square, with an atmosphere like Nabalu.

Then onwards to the base of Kinabalu. While driving leisurely, you can feel the invigorating air. Refreshing and cool. And mood change occurs, becoming more relaxed and adventurous. If up to the mark, try to climb to the summit. Good to prepare for the ascent, with muscle training for the foot and thigh as well as improving the stamina. It's not a difficult climb but it's a long one. Other good alternatives are jungle treking and visit to Specimen Exhibition Centre, where plants, flowers, insects and animals are displayed. Also drop at the nearby Australian Soldiers Memorial ( built to remmember their death in liberating Sabah during the Second World War ).

Another, is to go to Poring for a spa like experience where you can bathe or dip in hot water. The water come from a spring and it contain sulfur which is good for the skin. Want to do some experiment! Put an egg in the water and it will cook. Accomodation is no problem. There are chalets, cabins and dormitories in the National Park. So many choices. Can also stay outside where there are similar facilities nearby.

This is a must, must visit for fellow Malaysians from the peninsula. Because Sabah is at the tip of the Borneo Island. The Tip of Borneo is another story. The number one reason is Mount Kinabalu. For as you drive up you can feel the sheer size of Mount Kinabalu, its physical presence is just overwhelming. Personal sharing as given above is just not enough.

You have to be here to know what I mean. And that will be one of your most unforgettable moments. In so doing, we are one step closer to integration.

Click the address below :

http://www.molon.de/galleries/Malaysia/Sabah/Kinabalu/Peak/

for a preview. As mentioned above, you have to be physically in the Land Below the Wind, to really experience the wonders and beauty of Mount Kinabalu.