Let's Dance!

Technorati tags: Humor, Politics, Tourism, PAS, Kelantan, Dance Club, Segregation, David Bowie, YouTube

The earlier Bowie-related post had an unintended side-effect... this bit of dance-related news.

Will the lambada be allowed?
(PDF version here)

Just for the sake of seeing what kind of "fun" one can expect at a totally segregated entertainment outlet, it may just be worth a trip to Kelantan next year during the height of VMY 2007. And no doubt about it - this latest announcement is targetted at trying to bring in more tourists for VMY 2007.

Damage control, too.

After the recent Kota Baru dress-code imposition, this seems like a damage-containment news release exercise, to try convince the world that Kelantan still values your tourist-dollars (or ringgit, Euro, or whatever your currency of choice).

But the conditions that surround these proposed tourist-belt entertainment outlets raises some interesting questions. The dress code, naturally, doesn't differ any from what one would expect.

Like, what sort of music would be allowed? Or, if the lambada would be allowed - for same-sex dance partners, of course, since males and females have to be segregated. And since discos won't be allowed, just what sort of dance clubs would these be in the first place?
(Walski's imagination runs wild, in the full post)

Would foreign tourists, for example, find appealing a dance club with a section of tudung-clad ladies jiggying to the spiritual rhythms of nasheeds - with the other section of the dance hall partitioned for the men, who would be boogying to the same rhythms?

And would live bands be allowed? Here's an all-girl band from post-Taliban Afghanistan (the first 30 sec is the newscaster speaking in German), called The Burka Band. Maybe they would be allowed.

Or how about raves? Yeah, of the culturally "Islamic" kind, no less.

The PAS-style dance club would probably be without the kind of lighting you would normally expect of a dance club - these would necessarily need to be brightly lit, thus diminishing the effects of colored lights, lasers, and strobes. Walski expects bright flourescents, nothing less (like the kind you get in badminton halls, or the tacky colored ones at roadside stalls).

But esteemed bloggr colleague KTemoc has a slightly different take on the news... one that is a little "happier", perhaps?

From the news report, it appears that PAS has not yet done their marketing research on the proposed "Islamic"-styled entertainment outlets.

State PAS Youth head Salahuddin Ayub said the party was trying to demonstrate a healthy form of entertainment in the Islamic context.

He said PAS leaders should not give up on their quest despite criticisms from certain quarters and attempts by Umno to politicise it.

Salahuddin said the wing will also meet with foreign tourists to find out what kind of entertainment activities they like in the country.

Walski wonders which tourists, from where, and how PAS plans to solicit their opinions - within two weeks, no less - as 2007 is just around the corner.

If for no other reason, however, these PAS-styled night spots will definitely be a novelty - perhaps from a tourism point of view, more bang-for-the-buck could be gotten by having foriegn tourist-only glass enclosed viewing galleries; observation rooms from which the tourists can observe the kind of "fun" the patrons are having.

Like at a herpetarium.

Walski's musical clarification note: The post title is borrowed from Bowie's 1983 album of the same name, which features a number of early 80's hits for the singer/songwriter/artiste, including the controversial China Girl (which incidentally, Bowie co-wrote with Iggy Pop some years prior to the release of Let's Dance, for The Idiot album).

The album marked David Bowie's (at the time) biggest commercial success, but was reviled by many long-time Bowie fans, as being a commercial sell-out.

But Bowie's foray into commercialism-friendly music was not to be his swan song - he has since mutated his music into a number of other esoteric forms since the early-80's, and remains as one of today's most enigmatic pop icons.

Click here for the full post......

Sunday Market Adventure

Technorati tags: Arts, Crafts, Sunday Market, Plaza Mont Kiara

Update: If you're reading this post after 6pm on December 17, 2006, most of the information is no longer valid. However, the cool wavy-woman candleholder is still available...

This post is brought to you live from Plaza Mont Kiara, where Walski is helping the Mrs with her first arts & crafts market venture.

One of the cool items we have on sale is the candleholder you see on the left. It stands approximately 12" tall, and is made from copper, with light-weight wrought-iron supports. As of 5 minutes ago, the item is still available.

Apart from this, we have hand-made candles, ornamental candles and glassware, plus batik-based placemat sets, bags and even throw rugs.

The candles are quite unique, and some came from the recent trip to Norway. Ideal Christmas gift your friends or loved ones.

So, if you live around KL, have some time to spare this afternoon, and are clueless as to what to do, hop on over and you may just get to meet with Walski... heh-heh. The market's open until 6pm, and is on every Sunday from around 10:00am. And for a change, the weather today seems to be cooperative.

And just in case the wavy-lady candleholder gets sold out, we're at booth number 114. We're participating in today's market primarily to see if there is a market for the kind of arts and crafts we're planning to get into as a business.

By the way, there are loads of cool stuff available at the various stalls this Sunday market (except food) - arts & crafts, clothes, shoes, costume jewelery, and even garden plants. The stall next to Walski sells some toys and used CDs. Walski's not had a chance to see what kind of music is available.

Business hasn't been too bad, for first-timers. We managed to sell quite a few items today, in particular the candles. For sure, if today is any indication, there definitely is a market for the stuff - we just have to find the right combination of craft types...

Always a first time for everything, eh?

Click here for the full post......

2007: A Space Oddity

Technorati tags: Space Oddity, Malaysia, Bolehnaut, David Bowie

Walski's minor warning: for some of you new to myAsylum this may seem like a very strange post...

This oddity of a blog entry has been inspired by The Malaysian's post, which subsequently led to Howsy's wild goose chase to actually find the elusive Angkasawan blog (how the hell Howsy actually found the blog from the Malaysian National Space Agency (ANGKASA) website remains a mystery).

MAJOR TOM WARNING: If you suffer from motion sickness, avoid checking out the ANGKASA website. Every damn thing floats on this site, to simulate weightlessness in space, it seems. Walski was so dizzified, that this old David Bowie video immediately came to mind.

Although Space Oddity is actually about another kind of space adventure (as in the spaced out kind), Walski can't help but wonder why on earth Malaysia needs astronauts (or angkasawan, in Bahasa Malaysia) - except, of course, they will be sent off Earth.

Speaking of angkasawan, what exactly is the official tag for the Malaysian astronauts? Walski's heard all kinds of silly epithets - Boleh-naut, Can-or-naut, Canai-naut, Tarik-naut... the last two in relation to the equally spaced-out idea of experimenting with making roti canai and teh tarik in the weightlessness and vacuum of space.
(more spaced-out thoughts in the full post)

In any case, the astronauts' blog really reads like any other typical personal diary-blog, describing the trials and tribulations of astronaut training. Howsy commented about the sparcity of the posts - Walski, however, thinks that it is actually a good thing. The blog is gawd-awful boring as it is! It talks about homework, cold weather, nice apartment (with 3 meals a day), and other pretty mundane stuff. But portions of it can be somewhat hilarious - from the post sometime in November (2nd last paragraph, emphasis by myAsylum):

Last night, we had Thanksgiving Dinner with the Astronauts at NASA Cottage. Turkey was on the menu. On Tuesday (21st. Nov), also at NASA Cottage, we had chicken curry prepared by JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronauts. That has been the story so far since we arrived. They cook, we eat.

We came, we saw, we ate.

Another snippet from the first, introductory post (last paragraph):

We remember Dato’ Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis’ note on how our launch to space is symbolic of the nation's launch into the new era.

Which, unfortunately, is true - a brand new era of sheer wastefulness, and mindless spending of public monies - the new RM 400M Istana, space exploitation exploration, bleeding thru the nose from the legacy of crappy negotiation skills (i.e. the CONcession agreements)...

Oh, and talking about legacies... when David Bowie first released Space Oddity in 1969, it was widely rumored that he wrote the song to coincide with Man's first moon landing. But actually, the song is about an astronaut that becomes "lost in space" - that's inner, and not outer space... which is later admitted by Bowie himself in the follow-up to Space Oddity, the haunting 1980 song Ashes To Ashes.

Listening to the chorus of this Bowie classic,

ashes to ashes funk to funky
we know major tom's a junky
strung out on heaven's high
hitting an all time low

the question, dizzyingly spinning in Walski's brain (no thanks, in part, to the weightlessness of the Angkasa site) is this:

Is Malaysia becoming a junky to records and empty achievements, our collective hard-earned resources becoming ashes, in a future historical footnote of foolish nationhood, bringing us collectively to an all time low?

Click here for the full post......

Some Islam-related news PPS overlooked...

Technorati tags: Islam, Malaysia, Progressive, Snoop Squad, ISA, Apostasy

While most everybody's attention yesterday had been focused on the rate hike for 5 highways in and around KL, two noteworthy news items seemed to have gone unnoticed (at least basing on what bloggers are talking about at PPS).

First: the newly appointed Mufti of Perlis, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, was in the news again.

"Invasion of privacy is against Islam" - Perlis Mufti
(PDF version of news item)

The message is loud and clear: No to Religious Snoop Squads.

In fact, invasion of privacy is un-Islamic. The mufti also commented on the recent raid on the elderly American couple in Langkawai, and also stated that it is an embarassment for religious officials to go around to hotels demanding guest lists. And as to the practice of publicity related to the raids:

He also questioned the practice of bringing along unauthorised people for khalwat raids such as the Press.

"What is the purpose of bringing along the media, and sometimes members of the public?

"Are we trying to shame a private individual publicly or are we really abhorring sins?"

The bad news is that the opinions of Dr. Asri only hold weight in Perlis, where he is the Mufti, as each state has autonomy and their own administration. The federal government merely has an advisory role.

The other bit of news has to do with ABIM (Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement), whose head Yusri Mohamad supported the call for the draconian ISA (Internal Security Act) to be used on apostates, made an about turn by expressing "regret over its statement last month that supported the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) against Muslim apostates" (via The Sun).
(more overlooked news in the full post)

Last month, IIUM (International Islamic University of Malaysia) Law Professor, Dr Zulkifly Muda stated that the ISA could be used against apostates since, as he claimed, "they could be deemed threats to public order and security". ABIM head Yusry, in an interview, stated that he supported this position.

The irony? ABIM is part of the Abolish ISA (Gabungan Mansuhkan ISA) coalition, better known as the GMI.

GMI chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the coalition, comprising 83 non-governmental organisations that want the ISA repealed, would raise the matter at its weekly meeting on Wednesday (Nov 6, 2006) with Abim or the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia to determine the organisation's stand on the issue.

Syed Ibrahim was commenting on a statement by Abim president Yusri Mohamad last week (Nov 29) at an International Islamic University Malaysia convention on 'Freedom of Religion and the Issue of Apostasy: Towards Practical Solutions'.

Yusri had concurred with a presentation on the use of the ISA against apostates, saying it could be used in extreme situations where apostates threaten peace, order and security, and where "the authorities have trouble compiling evidence".
(source: The Sun, Monday, December 4, 2006)

The meeting took place last Wednesday (December 13), and Syed Ibrahim stated that no action would be taken against ABIM or Yusri over the latter's support for using the ISA.

When asked what was Yusri's explanation, GMI chairman Syed Ibrahim stated that it would be better for Yusri himself to comment. Yusri, so far, has declined comment, and has asked the press not to pursue the matter further.

Walski's take? Some people should be a lot more careful, and think before they speak in support of something, especially something which the organization you represent is against. Makes you look kinda stupid and hypocritical otherwise.

Click here for the full post......

Enemy at the (Toll) gates

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Economy, Toll Rate Hike, Klang Valley, Cost of Living, Concessions

It's official.

Toll Hike for Klang Valley highways announced

After pre-warnings from Rocky's Bru and Jeff Ooi's Screenshots, The Star published the new toll rates yesterday evening. And probably that'll be all she wrote (for the Star, that is). The MSM has been "briefed" by the DPM to not make too much "noise" over the hike.

But surprisingly, it was Bernama that had more details. More on this later.

The Star stated that 5 highways around KL & the Klang Valley will have its rates raised by between 30 sen to RM 1, beginning January 1, 2007. Yes, Happy Fucking New Year, indeed. And all of the increases, going by the news report, are on the closed toll system highways (i.e. the fixed charge ones), namely (figures in parentheses are the current rates):

LDP: RM 1.60 (RM 1, increase of 60%)
Shah Alam Hwy (KESAS): RM 2.20 (RM 1.50, increase of 47%)
Cheras-Kajang Hwy, 9th Mile: RM 1.00 (RM 0.70, increase of 43%)
Cheras-Kajang Hwy, 11th Mile: RM 0.90 (RM 0.60, increase of 50%)
Karak Hwy @ Gombak: RM 5.00 (RM 4.00, increase of 25%)
Karak Hwy @ Bentong: RM 3.00 (RM 2.50, increase of 20%)
Guthrie Corridor Hwy: RM 1.40 (RM 1.00, increase of 40%)

Furthermore, according to Bernama, more toll rate hikes can be expected one year later in 2008.
(for whom the bells toll, and more, in the full post)

Samy Vellu said the next toll hike would be in 2008 involving seven highways. They are Ampang-KL Elevated Highway, the North South Highway, Kulim-Butterworth Highway, Second Link, Seremban-Port Dickson Highway, North Klang Straits Highway and Penang Bridge.

Now, looking at the highways whose rates have been increased, the one that Walski totally disagrees with is the LDP (Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong). First of all, this highway was pretty badly designed and during rush hour become close to gridlocked, particularly around the Sunway area. And for motorists living on the Kepong side, there aren't many alternatives to take, apart from using MRR2 (the most fucked up highway ever). It would have been a different story if recent improvements to the LDP were actually effective, or if there were alternative roads for motorists to take, or if the KL public transportation system were a viable alternative.

And as is usually the case, increased toll rates will translate to increased transportation costs, which then translate to costlier goods. Another increase in the cost of living - without any discernible increase in quality of life.

On a more cynical note, ever notice that Uncle Sam's hair-weave gets more luscious every time there's a toll increase? Walski really wonders why... well, you make your own assumptions, 'cause Walski ain't sayin' anything else...

The excuse, of course, is always the same: the Government is allowing an increase lower than what was asked for (per the concession contract), thus protecting the rakyat. Too bad the drafters of the contract didn't put in a quality clause, whereby motorists are guaranteed to get from point A to point B within a stipulated time - but then again, it would only benefit the motorists, so why bother, right?

Implementation of the rate increase will come almost one year after the increase in fuel price. Walski didn't say fuel cost, because frankly, the actual cost of producing the fuel is a highly guarded Official Secret in Malaysia.

But let's look at some basic analysis, and Walski has chosen LDP, out of the list of highways. Some information, which can be used for analysis, is available online, if you dig enough. Based on this report (obtained from BizNews Databank), the increase in the LDP toll rates would essentially reflect a RM 0.10 increase based on the initial intended toll of RM 1.50, which was slashed 33% (to the current RM 1.00) in 1999, for which, the Government would compensate Litrak (who own and operate the LDP under a 33 year concession agreement) RM 85 million per annum.

The agreement of the reduced toll rate, incidentally, ends Dec 31, 2006.

Litrak's corporate information, including the latest financial report, is available here. Walski has not had the time to go through the latest report in detail, but a cursory glance does indicate that they are well in the black.

According to the same Bernama report, despite the toll rate increase, the Malaysian Government would still have to fork out a total of RM 2.5 billion in compensation.

"Even with the increase, we have to pay so much in compensation. We have to compensate the reduction in the toll rates we are collecting from the public... the Government has to pay the balance.

"For LDP, for instance, the Government pays 50 sen for every car using the highway because according to the concession the new toll rate is supposed to be RM2.10 and not RM1.60 as we have announced," he said.

This, of course, stipulates that under the agreement no rate increases would have been allowed between 1999 and the present. The honest truth is that we do not know. Of course, the toll rates for LDP have pretty much remained at RM 1.00 for the last 7 years. But then again, neither has the LDP's capability to handle traffic improved much in the last 7 years.

Sounds like another round of excuses, hiding the fact that the whole concession model, at the end of the day, only benefits the highway operator, and not the road user. The LDP is a perfect example of design by political expediency, and up till today is perhaps one of the most congested highways around the Klang Valley. But Uncle Sam had this to say (from the Bernama report):

"Although we allow for toll hikes, we make sure the increase is not too high. We also pressure concessionaires to improve and upgrade facilities as localities developed and these costs are borne by toll operators.

"At the LDP, we ask the concessionaire to build four new interchanges and an overhead bridge. They have built the facilities, so we can't complain much. They are doing their job," he said.

Perhaps, they have. But Uncle Sam doesn't have to put up with the massive traffic jams day in, day out now, does he? And on top of that, as if adding insult to injury, having to pay to enjoy the jam!

Click here for the full post......

Is Malaysia really ready for VMY 2007?

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Tourism, VMY 2007, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, Tourist Attractions

And are we really serious about being a world class tourism destination?

A few news reports and blog posts prompted this post, namely:
The Star - Flies Plague Matang Complex
Screenshots - LCCT: Hand-written notice, 28 delays, 1 cancellation, up to 5 hours wait...
NST - More airport cabs to meet demand

As of today, we are a mere 17 days away from the start of Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

Is Malaysia really ready?
(more tourism thoughts in the full post)

A small disclaimer - this post is not about to solve all of Malaysia's tourism logistics problems, and for sure there are many. Along the way, we will also take a look at the presence of tourism related information online, while doing a little compare and contrast with tourism promotions from our neighbors to the north and south of us.

For sure, a lot of promotions are being carried out. Last month, when Walski was in Norway, he managed to catch VMY 2007 commercial on CNN. Online, a Google search of "VMY 2007" lists 126,000 hits (as of earlier today). There is also a cyber-campaign site, VMCC, through which one can send promotional e-mails and e-cards to invite guests to Malaysia (no blog campaigns, though). The VMY promo video can also be found on YouTube (there's more than one, in fact).

So, the word is getting out okay, it would appear.

But the VMY 2007 portal could do with a little bit of improvement, and it does somewhat pale to the tourism portals for Thailand and Singapore (which has even been nominated for a Webby). Not that it lacks content - one is able to zoom into some of the attractions that are available throughout Malaysia, and does have links to major hotels and travel agencies. But at a glance, the tourism authorities of Malaysia seem to focus more on "officially cultural" events, whereas the ones from our two neighbors include a lot of other activities, which can equally act as attractors to Malaysia.

It would also seem as though the tourism authorities have not really taken advantage of the viral nature of the web. For example, a tie-up with KLue could provide many additional entertainment events, which can act as added attractions. There are a number of Malaysia-based websites that focus on tourism, but sadly, these have not been linked to the portal. Similarly, another good leverage not taken advantage of has been travel-related sites such as Lonely Planet. Or on Malaysia travel or tourism related blogs, such as Malaysian Hotels Promotions.

Another disconnect Walski noticed is in the linkage between the VMY 2007 portal and the various state tourism sites. Take for example, the World Music Festival in Penang (July 20 - 22, 2007) listed in the events section of the portal. The weblink for more information points to the Minsitry of Tourism website, which doesn't have any information on the festival. Going to the Penang Tourism website was equally disappointing - no events for 2007 have even been listed yet. The Kedah Tourism site is even worse - it hasn't been updated since 2005!

But two state tourism websites that are rather impressive are the ones for Sabah and Sarawak. And for a change, the events calendars are kept up to date, and don't exclude entertainment information and links, unlike some of the other Malaysian tourism sites. The Sabah tourism site has even taken the trouble to provide multi-language support (similar to what the Singapore tourism site has done, although only Japanese is available currently). It would seem these two states definitely take tourism more seriously.

Overall, lots of online resources to look at, but unfortunately not as well integrated as they should be. It's not that Malaysia lacks IT expertise, but perhaps it's a creativity problem, or problems typical of bureaucrat-led projects.

And perhaps another area which the tourism authorities have taken advantage of is blogs. Maybe the antagonism that the government has against citizen reporting may have something to do with the absense of active promotions through blogging. Another wasted opportunity.

On the preparation front, however - are we really prepared? The lack of a rail link between KLIA and LCCT in itself is not a good start (Walski thinks that the LCCT was not a well-thought out project to begin with). And the fact that the LCCT is probably not the best run terminal in the country is also a painfully obvious drawback (and it only has to handle one airline). Walski's certain that there will be a rail link between KLIA and the LCCT eventually, but that will probably only become a reality long after VMY 2007 has ended.

And toilets. Overall, Malaysian toilets are nowhere as well-kept as Walski would like them to be. Most toilets are still wet and stinky, and we only have ourselves to blame. Walski doesn't see the toilet situation improving any during VMY 2007 (related post: You Say You Want A RevoLOOtion).

Once again, a main focus of VMY 2007 seems to be on the nation's favorite pastime - shopping (since no one's found a way to make gossiping a tourist attraction yet). The VMY 2007 lists several shopping events, including the annual Megasale Carnival (whose website, http://www.mymegasale.com/, incidentally, gives a "403 Forbidden" error!).

As for taxis, Walski wonders why the Government still insists on maintaining the monopoly by Airport Limos, and not allow street taxis to also pick up passengers from the airport. Although there are plans to increase the fleet size, why can't there be a system similar to Singapore Changi? The probable answer - enforcement. Malaysia simply sucks at enforcement. In the meantime, stories like these are commonplace, especially when it rains, and limo-taxis cannot get back to KLIA at a reasonable turnaround time.

If someone were to ask Walski - is Malaysia a world-class holiday destination? The answer would probably be - not yet. Yes, there are numerous wonderous sights and places to visit in Malaysia, but in terms of being tourist-friendly, we are yet to be at par with our northern and southern neighbors. We still have a ways yet to go to be as attractive a destination as Thailand or Singapore. Get there we can, but only if we really want to be a world-class tourist destination. Walski somehow senses some half-heartedness sometimes, within certain quarters.

While Walski doesn't doubt that VMY 2007 will be successful from a visitor headcount perspective (which always seems to be the bigger focus), one does wonder whether or not VMY 2007 will have an impact on creating more repeat-tourists, so thrilled by their visit to our country, that they would not hesitate to come back again and again.

And not just the tourists from the Middle East either.

Click here for the full post......

In Memoriam: Peter Boyle (1935 - 2006)

Technorati tags: In Memoriam, Peter Boyle, Obituary, Young Frankenstein

Most Malaysian's will recognize Peter Boyle as the grumpy and obnoxious father in Everybody Loves Raymond. Boyle passed away yesterday at the age of 71, after suffering from multiple myeloma and heart disease.

But perhaps Boyle's most memorable role for Walski is playing The Monster in Mel Brooks' 1974 classic Young Frankenstein, and in fact was Walski's introduction to Boyle.

His career in film and television, however, goes back all the way to the 1960's, with his first starring role being the title character in the 1970 film Joe.

His other memorable performance on film would probably be the character Wizard in Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed 1976 Taxi Driver, along side Robert De Niro.

The most recent already-released film in which Boyle appears is Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, where he once again plays Father Time. IMDB also lists two films in pre-production, in which Boyle would have appeared.

Click here for the full post......

Free Speech Hurts

Technorati tags: Free Speech, UltraMENJ, Hypocrisy

There are those whom, on the one hand, say that they champion free speech. But on the other, won't hesitate to tell those whose opinions or philosophies are opposed to their own, to "shut the fuck up", or to brush off those opposing ideas by wanting to "throw them into the sea".

This sort of behavior has a name. It's called hypocrisy. It's well and good to be on the giving end, but all kinds of epithets are hurled when getting some free speech in return.

Well, guess, what? Free speech hurts. Or more accurately, it can, if you let it. Or if you do not have the capacity to deal with free speech when on the receiving end. And free speech, in a sense, is a give-and-take kinda thing.

So, whether UltraMENJ and his blogging empire likes it or not, Walski refuses to shut the fuck up. UltraMENJ is free to sit on his high horse and spout his hypocritical thoughts as much as he wants, on his legion of blogs - that's his prerogative.

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it"
Voltaire

Related posts (the ones that got UltraMENJ's knickers in a twist):
- The New Apartheid
- Mutant Mullah: Hormone Overload
- and strangely enough, Credit where credit is due

Click here for the full post......

RFID number plates - The Next Monopoly Opportunity?

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Technology, RFID, Business, Monopoly

Some tech news that has been picked up by international media and websites, originally reported by the NST on Saturday (pdf version here).

Malaysia is to introduce RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tagged number plates sometime next year, in an effort to curb automobile theft. This has been also been reported, among others, by Silicon.com, The Inquirer UK, and Slashdot.

MyKad for cars... will it be called MyKar? Or MyKereta?

But typically, what would be the first thing car thieves do with a stolen vehicle? Remove the number plates. And since in a number of cases, automobiles are stolen not to be sold elsewhere, but to be chopped up for parts, this latest move may not entirely help in the detection of stolen vehicles, or prevention of cart thefts.

While no geek details have been provided, Walski hopes that certain informtion unique to a given vehicle (like chassis and engine serial numbers) would also be encoded in to the RFID number plate, allowing for better detection of vehicular fraud.

Initially, the new number plates will be issued with new vehicles, and later be extended to include all other on-the-road vehicles.

One thing in the NST report that caught really Walski's attention, however (emphasis by myAsylum):

"Only authorised mechanics will be allowed to fit the registration plate onto cars."

(more monopolistic tech thoughts in the full post)

And who are to be the authorized mechanics, Walski wonders?

Only guessing, but first dibs will probably go to Puspakom. Either that, or a new monopoly will be introduced to the Malaysian market, probably to be awarded to a chosen UMNOputera related company. Since strict enforcement of licensed mechanics is needed, and enforcement is the one area that Malaysia is notoriously bad at, a monopoly would be the easy way out - a no-brainer, really. Sorry for being so cynical, but this is Malaysia we're talking about.

The RFID idea is actually a good one, no doubt about it, and that's not what Walski's knocking. It's the implementation of it that remains a big question mark, and whether all qualified companies will be able to participate, or whether (as usually happens) only the select politically-connected ones will stand to gain.

Incidentally, Silicon.com also has a top 10 list of the best, worst and craziest uses for RFID technology. Walski's favorite from the list? Tagging school children in one Osaka primary school to monitor their movements (albeit only their school bags and clothing, not the kids physically).

Err... did someone say 1984?

Click here for the full post......

Holy Gadget Catalog, Batman!

Technorati tags: Humor, Trivia, Film, Batman, Gadget, Catalog, The Dark Knight

Walski's Bat-note: Since the last few posts touched on rather serious stuff, Walski figured it was time to change the pace a bit, and post on something a little more light-hearted...

Some people simply have too much passion, and time, on their hands. (Hat tip: Wired.com)

Ever wondered what gadgets Batman has used throughout the comic book hero's spectacular media history (from comics to TV to the big screen and everything else in between)? Well, wonder no more.

A Batman-cum-weapons enthusiast (presumably named Christopher Kainwind) has painstakingly cataloged every single gadget, device and weapon ever to have appeared in anything Batman.

Included in this massive cataloging exercise are 3 RPG (Role Playing Game) versions of the Batman character, Batman in video games, books, films and several generations of comic book Batmans.

The site also includes a section detailing what gadgets/weapons Batman should have!

Walski has to admit that it takes a lot of passion and patience to have generated such an inclusive catalog, and truly - hats off to Mr. Kainwind!! True, Walski's a Batman fan too - but this has to be the ultimate fan-tastic effort.

Meanwhile, in the Bat Cave...
(more Batman news in the full post)

While searching for other Batman-related material for this post, Walski stumbled upon a site called Batman on Film, a fan site dedicated to the Dark Knight version of Batman, popularized by graphic novel artist Frank Miller's 1986 retelling of the Batman mythos. The Batman on Film (BOF) site is a gem of a chance-find, and it has up-to-date information on the upcoming Batman film.

Yes folks, the latest film metamorphosis of the Batman character, Batman Begins, has a sequel due out in July 2008. Entitled The Dark Knight, Batman will once again be played by Christian Bale. Other actors slated to reprise their roles from Batman Begins are Michael Caine and Gary Oldman.

The sequel will also see the rebirth of The Joker, to be played by actor Heath Ledger. It will be interesting how Ledger will portray the popular villian, whose characterization by Jack Nicholson (in the 1989 Batman) is perhaps the best by far to-date.

Returning to helm the film will be director Christopher Nolan, and once again the film will be scored by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard (hopefully it will be as superb as their work on BB).

Walski will be honest - he usually doesn't think much of sequels, but if Batman Begins were any indication, The Dark Knight will definitely be worth the year-plus wait...

Click here for the full post......

Credit where credit is due

Technorati tags: Islam, Malaysia, Views, Progressive

Yesterday (Sunday, December 10, 2006), the NST ran a couple of interview with two religious ulamas, the newly appointed Mufti of Perlis, Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (the youngest mufti at the age of 35) and Deputy Mufti of Sarawak, Dr Juanda Jaya. (Alternatively, PDF versions can be accessed here and here)

Some common gists gleaned from both interviews include:
- The misdirected focus of Muslims on apostacy, whereby Muslims are more concerned about punishment, rather than why apostacy occurs in the first place.
- That Muslims cannot live in a coccoon anymore.
- The focus on petty issues, while missing the bigger picture entirely.
- That there is an aura of mistrust among Muslims towards "the others"

The views expressed in both interviews are perhaps the most intelligent and rational Walski's read from local religious figures of authority in a long time. And what Walski reads between the lines is that there are certain parties within the Muslim community itself sowing the seeds of unfounded fears, and that herein lies the bigger danger.
(more thoughts in the full post)

Indeed, these fear driven sentiments are way too easily believed by Muslims at large, perhaps because there is a certain hesitancy to question. But as Dr. Mohd Asri said in his interview (emphasis by myAsylum),

"Many Muslims know that some of the things that religious people talk about are contrary to scientific facts. But they dare not say anything for fear of being accused of being opponents of Islam.

What makes Muslims confused is the question of which is the opinion of an ulama and which is the textual evidence of Islam.

We can’t oppose the evidence of Islam, and what is in the Quran and Sunnah. But the interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah by the religious experts are open to evaluation."

Walski suggests you read both interviews first before offering any thoughts or comments. More so because they actually deserve a read.

Related to the two interviews is this editorial in the same newspaper (or the pdf version here),

And while Walski may not agree 100% with everything the two learned gentlemen have to say, it's noteworthy to point out the objectivity in putting forward their thoughts and arguments. Objectivity is one attribute that is sorely lacking in most religious discourse these days, with proponents usually resorting to hurling labels and making lofty and sanctimonious stands.

While some self-professed "protectors of the faith" continue to piss in the wind as usual, the views expressed by these two individuals are intelligent, sober and insightful.

Perhaps there is hope yet for the Muslim community, God-willing.

Click here for the full post......

Mutant Mullah: Hormone Overload

Technorati tags: Mutant Mullah, MENJ, UltraMENJ, Hormonal Imbalance, Nocturnal Emission, Verbal Diarrhoea, Rebuttal

Walski's foreword: It's been way too long since the last Mutant Mullah post. This rebuttal should really have come out earlier, but since Walski actually has a life outside of cyberspace, this had to wait a day. And so, without further ado, the latest, and grossly overdue, installment of the Mutant Mullah posts.

Cretin-like behavior of certain people, who are otherwise intelligent, can probably best be explained by hormonal imbalance.

Yes, UltraMENJ, Walski is talking about you.

In response (to use the word loosely) to Walski's earlier post, UltraMENJ's hormone levels must have simply gone off the charts, and away he went on one of his abusive verbal diarrhoea tirades. Among other things, he called Walski an annoying little asshole (which is not an issue with Walski; sticks and stones, and all that).

Why? Probably because Walski attacked the political party, PAS, which in his wildest wet dreams, he would like to one day represent in a constituent somewhere. That's what he mentioned in one of his posts sometime back anyway, so it's not something Walski made up.

Speaking of wet dreams, UltraMENJ gets them from time to time, because he's madly in love, it seems. Well, dude, do the rest of the blogsphere a favor, and get married (or jack off, whatever) ASAP. Enough of this hormone-laden pseudo-intellectual bullshit. Really. It just shows how shallow an individual you are.

In any case, the arrogant, self-righteous viciousness shown by UltraMENJ underlines why he would probably fit right in with the party he supports, PAS.

Like a condom.
(more hormonal thoughts in the full post)

So, with the hormone-laden tirade, out come the labels. Labelling is a favorite tool of UltraMENJ's. Like swine. And because he personally feels that liberal is a bad word, he uses that ephitet very, well, liberally. Of course, true to form, he also calls for imprisonment of what he calls pseudo-Muslims. And for someone who values free speech, UltraMENJ is ever ready to tell others, who don't see things the way he does, to STFU. Or "throwing 'em into the sea" - another favorite solution.

Is it just Walski, or isn't that just a tad bit, hypocritical? Perhaps UltraMENJ should just change the name of his blog to hypoCritical Thoughts.

Which is exactly the danger that Walski was highlighting in "The New Apartheid" post. UltraMENJ, of course, has done everyone a great favor by actually exhibiting such two-faced behavior.

Oh well, par for the PAS course. Which some say is only a Par 9, because lacking the full capacity to govern democratically, and justly, PAS probably couldn't go the full 18.

By the way, UltraMENJ did pose a very pertinent question: why hasn't the doom and gloom happened yet in Kelantan, and during PAS' reign in Terengganu? The answer: Probably because as much as PAS wants to believe that the laws they have in mind are superior, at the end of the day, they are still very much subject to the Federal Constitution, which limits the powers of state governments.

Yes, that same secular constitution that protects all Malaysians, regardless of belief. The same constitution that certain quarters are trying very hard to change, to the detriment of all Malaysians.

Perhaps, UltraMENJ, after you regain some calmness and intellectual rationality after this recent bout with hormonal imbalance, there is a book you should read, just for the heck of it. It's called Malaysia and The Club of Doom. And if you don't think it's worth buying, Walski will even go as far as purchase a copy for you, and mail it to you, gratis.

So, how about it? Up to the challenge? Who knows... you might just learn something useful.

Click here for the full post......

A Bloggerhood Welcome to Two Bloggers of Note...

Technorati tags: Blogging, Blogs of Note, IT, Technology, Politics, Musings, Blogsphere Service Announcement

Or otherwise known as VIBs - Very Important Bloggers

Walski just found out very recently that two important individuals have just entered the bloggerhood (which is what Walski calls the blogsphere). If you've been paying attention to the "What's New" section and Walski's blogroll (both situated in the sidebar), you'd probably already know by now.

First up is Disquiet, by eminent lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar (hat-tip to Jeff Ooi's Screenshots). MIS not only writes eloquently, but is a poignant poet as well.

And the second VIB is RantingsbyMM operated by Walski's favorite The Star columnist, Marina Mahathir (hat-tip to Sambal Belacan). Here, you'll find some musings behind Musings.

Walski wishes both of them a big myAsylum welcome. Their presence in the blogsphere is long overdue, and Walski hopes that you lot will go visit them soon.

On a slightly more personal note, Walski also found out that an old, old school friend, now living Down Under, has a blog, called GirlyIT, focusing on issues pertaining to women in IT. While it may be a bit Aussie-centric (at times), she posts some pretty pertinent stuff relating to the industry overall.

Oh, and remember the "How Malaysian are You" guest quiz, brilliantly put together by Brighteyes? Well, Brighteyes now has his own blog, called Gone to Silflay... Check it out. Lot's of good stuff there!

Thank you for your attention. This concludes Walski's Blogsphere Service Announcement... normal programming resumes...

Click here for the full post......

The New Apartheid

Technorati tags: Apartheid, Religion, Politics, PAS, Malaysia, Editorial

Related post: Kota Baru Cover-Up

Apartheid (literally "apartness" in Afrikaans and Dutch) was a system of racial segregation that was enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. South Africa had long been ruled by whites and apartheid was designed to form a legal framework for continued economic and political dominance by people of European descent.
(source: Wikipedia)

There is a new apartheid emerging in Malaysia. And for this post, the kid gloves of humor are off...

Some months back (in March 2006 to be exact), an article concerning the new apartheid, written by Marina Mahathir, caused an uproar among many Muslims, particularly the conservatives.

Then, yesterday, in response to the vocal protests against the enforcement of female workers' dress-code in Kelantan, this article appeared in the NST, quoting Kelantan Chief Minister Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

If this isn't selective justice, Walski doesn't know what is...
(pdf version of article available here)

This, more than anything else, underlines exactly what Ms. Mahathir was writing about back in March this year. And without realizing it, Nik Aziz has just confirmed her allegations.

Coincidentally, on the same day, one of Walski's favorite Mutant Mullahs, UltraMENJ, posted this rhetorical question: Will PAS be able to rule Malaysia?

If the latest move by Kota Baru is any indication, coupled with what Nik Aziz had to say about it, if PAS (God-forbid) ever does rule this country, then all Walski can say is "Welcome to the New Apartheid".
(more segregated thoughts in the full post)

If the apartheid of the old South Africa was along the lines of color and race, the New Malaysian Apartheid is defined along religious lines. One set of rules for them, and one set for us. Or at the very least, selective enforcement.

And it is this that Malaysia can probably look foward to if ever PAS were to come into power nationwide. So, to answer the rhetorical question posed by UltraMENJ: Yes they can - but to the detriment of the nation.

It would also not surprise Walski if the various Islamists (even those in government) start to align themselves with PAS as the next general election looms closer. Or another possibility is that UMNO may try to posture themselves as even more Islamic than PAS. And this is worrying for another reason - the further erosion of democratic rights in this country.

Some weeks back, there was a seminar held at the International Islamic University (UIA) entitled 'Religious Freedom and Apostasy: Towards a Practical Solution’.

Practical solution, or final solution?

The proposals mentioned during this seminar ranged from using the Internal Security Act (ISA) to imposing the death penalty on apostates (by none other than FatwaMan himself). This seminar was coverd by the mainstream press, but other than that was mostly ignored. Interested readers may read/download both the translated Berita Harian report and the associated New Straits Times articles (both in pdf), and also a related article from The Sun.

myAsylum will post on this separately in the very near future. Suffice it to say that the prospects of a more democratic Malaysia, particularly for those that are forced to wear the badge of Islam on their MyKads, is gradually becoming nothing more than a dream, slowly facing extinction like the dinosaurs.

Another reason, perhaps, why certain quarters are so adamant on insisting that a person's religion is emblazoned on their identity document - easy identification. Just like the Star of David which were forced upon the Jews in Nazi Europe of WW2.

Religious freedom enshrined in the constitution? Think again. The only way that would ever be a reality is if the original Merdeka Constitution is restored. This, of course, will probably be vehemently objected to and, rejected, by many Malays/Muslims, particularly those whom have bought into the defeatist seige-mentality opinion of "Islam under threat", lock, stock and two smoking barrels.

Democracy is a nice thing to harp about in garnering political support and eventually, the votes. But if PAS ever comes into power, who knows - we may just have a whole new Malaysian constitution to contend with. One that's based on a brand new religious apartheid.

With justice, and liberty, for none.

Click here for the full post......

Bring Out Your Dead

Technorati tags: Islam, JAIS, Cadaver Tussle, Religion, Malaysia, Monty Python, Bring Out Your Dead

Update (1928 hrs): The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has just been reported to have withdrawn its claims on Rayappan's body (from The Star). This is probably a very sensible move on the part of the council, and should be lauded. A good closure, Walski thinks, for the family of the deceased.

Update (1719 hrs): The Malaysian Cabinet has made a decision to step in. Read about it either via The Sun, or the BBC version. The Sun has also carried a related piece, discussing why this is more than just about religion.

Original Post:
This may not be news per se, but Walski felt that something had to be said about it. It concerns the latest tussle for the deceased. This time it is for the body of Rayappan Anthony, or Muhammad Rayappan Abdullah - depending on your point of view.

Now, this is not the first time this Cadaver Grabathon has happened, and not likely the last either. The players in this time's saga are Rayappan's family and JAIS (Selangor Islamic Affairs Department).
[update: And not JAWI (Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department) - Walski's apologies for the oversight]

You know, for some reason, all this seems so Monty Python-esque. And it reminds Walski of this classic scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Classic.
(more cadaverish thoughts in the full post)

And just as classic is the current tussle, which some bloggers, like Lulu, have described as another attack of the Body Snatchers.

It's really amazing that JAWI JAIS, who (probably) couldn't care less about Rayappan when he was alive, but jumped to the scene upon his death, almost like a carrion circling in the sky waiting for its prey to die. Almost as if they have a dead-convert detector device, or something equally disturbing like that. Truly astounding.

What few seem to want to realize is that Rayappan already made his peace with God, and chose the path he took on his own free will. While he was alive. No amount of talqin (prayer for the dead) is going to change the life he lived, and whether or not the choices he made were right or wrong is not for us to decide.

It's no wonder why Muslims the world over aren't catching up with the realities of the 21st century and the flattening world, when their energies are being so focused, for example, on making sure someone's buried correctly, per ritual.

While the so-called infidels of the world are advancing themselves by leaps and bounds, Muslims in this country (and probably elsewhere as well) are so shit-faced worried, harping on and on about "Islam is under threat! Islam is under threat!"

And if the so-called Muslim leadership don't immediately, and decisively, wake up from their fear-induced, siege-mentality stupor, and for once, smell the 21st century, they may as well be chanting "Bring Out Your Dead"...

Click here for the full post......

Malaysia, Internet Censorship, and psiphon

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Censorship, Internet, psiphon, IT, Technology

Gee, leave the country for 10 days, and all hell seems to have broken loose.

Walski agrees, in principal, with The Malaysian's end-thoughts on his post - blogging is here to stay. Yes, there have been implicit warnings from the Minister of Truth, the minister's Mini-Me (read: deputy minister), and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha - the latter wants to get bloggers registered.

Twenty-two years later, 1984 still looms over our heads

Having just visited the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam a few days ago, the cynical part of Walski is reminded of how Nazi Germany "registered" all their undesirables (the Jews in particular) - in lieu of extermination. But that's just Walski... In any case, Datuk Kong should know the headaches in even getting the pre-paid mobile users to register... Now, multiply that by a factor of 10,000...

What is probably more likely to happen is a crackdown on the Internet, like what the Chinese have done. Then again, this would go against the MSC Bill of Guarantees (not Multi-Storey Carpark, although we have a fair share of these, too, but the Multimedia Super Corridor) which states, among other things that it shall "Ensure no internet censorship".

Which also means that the promises of the MSC would remain just that - promises.

No, Walski doesn't think there is an imminent crackdown anytime soon. Despite what the confused Mininster of Truth has to say - he doesn't seem to know which ministry he heads sometimes, basing on his statements of late.

BUT JUST IN CASE... Walski stumbled across this neat application that circumvents censorship on the Internet. It's an application called psiphon (pronounced siphon) - hat tip to Asia Pundit.
(more on psiphon in the full post)

psiphon is an Open Source (GPL) application that essentially networks secure nodes on the internet, called psiphonodes (in censorship-free geographical areas) to act as distributed proxy servers, through which users (known as psiphonites) physically residing behind censorship firewalls connect, allowing free access to the Internet.

The psiphonite's credentials, of course, would be authenticated, using digital certification methodologies. The FAQ states that the user's ISP can still detect his/her online activities, but only connections to psiphonodes would appear, and not to the actual website(s) browsed.

The application was developed as part of the CiviSec Project run by the Citizen Lab at the Munk Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto.

The client-side app can be downloaded for free at the psiphon website. It is currently available for Windows and Linux platforms, while the Mac version is still under development.

While primarily designed to enable free access to censored sites, the psiphon FAQ states that most web-based applications will work, including blog-editing (for most blog platforms). The FAQ does warn that circumventing Net censorship may be illegal (definitely true in China).

Walski does hope that it doesn't get to the point where we'll be needing this tool. But speaking of warnings, MageP's Lab posted about a concern raised by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), in the wake of Kong Cho Ha's press statement. While any move to curtail access to the Internet would hurt the credibility of the MSC, censoring the Internet (or trying to) is still not beyond the realms of plaubibility.

Backpaddling may be the favorite Malaysian ruling party politician's sport of choice lately, but the guarantees of the MSC is definitely going to be one huge bicycle to steer backwards....

Click here for the full post......

Kota Baru Cover-Up

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Kelantan, Dress Code, Enforcement, Human Rights, Islam

Walski's note: Yup - Walski's back. In lieu of the recent travel-related post, which Walski still owes you lot, here's something more pressing in the meantime...

Here's yet another reason why Kelantan is not on Walski's Places-to-Visit list.

Kota Baru Cover Up Campaign...

Between keris-weilding morons, and another bunch of idiots wanting to cover everything up, this voter's choice is fast becoming a no-brainer... perhaps the only choice for any Malaysian wanting a country that's more liberated. But more on that thought some other time. Just think what a wonderful place Malaysia would be if (God-forbid) PAS were actually every to come into power nationwide.

While this enforcement notice apparently only applies to those working in food outlets and in shops, it wouldn't surprise Walski one bit if the enforcement would later be extended to anyone walking the streets of Kota Baru.

Once again, women are targetted as bearing the responsibility of men's behavior - the same mentality that blames rape on how the victim is dressed. Nevermind that the man is the one perpetrating the crime... it's all the women's fault.

Really, those supposedly "indecent women" should just move out of Kelantan and find work elsewhere. Of course, the move by the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) is not without reason (emphasis by myAsylum).

“But now, MPKB will no longer tolerate skimpy outfits, following mounting complaints from the public,” Mohd Azman said, adding that under the by-laws, women working in retail outlets should wear decent clothes.

Yes, folks, Abdul Public strikes again.

On a lighter note, however, this would probably serve as a great opportunity to promote a fantastic new high-tech garb that Walski introduced some months back, and is re-unveiled (pun intended) as part of this post.
(high-tech cover up garb, and more, in the full post)

Re-introducing the i-Burka...

Originally designed for Afghan fashion, the i-Burka fits well into the Kelantan landscape

For usage in Kelantan, the drab exterior could possibly be redesigned to incorporate a more batik-like design... oh, wait - that would attract too much attention, wouldn't it? After all, it's the attention the supposedly over-exposed women that sparked off this enforcement kick in the first place. According to Abdul Public anyway.

And while other Asian nations are moving ahead by leaps and bounds economically, our friends in Kota Baru are concerned about "our Asian culture and religion".

So, going by this logic, the navel-exposing saree cannot therefore be Asian. Hmm... looks like Asia has just lost another large country.

Of course, women's groups around the nation have not taken this news lying down.

In another article from the Star today, various women's aid and support groups have expressed their outrage over this latest stunt from our repressed brethren up north-east.

Perhaps Honey Tan, executive director of AWAM (All-Women's Action Society) says it best,

“It is not the job of the council to become the 'moral police', and if it is concerned about the community it serves, it should encourage men and women to respect each other regardless of their dressing''.

And Walski couldn't agree with them more - this is definitely a violation of human rights and personal space. But of course, to these Putrid Asinine Scumbuckets, there is probably no such thing as "personal space", especially when it concerns others. Double-especially when it concerns women.

Walski's only been to Kota Baru once, about 5 or 6 years ago, and one thing that struck him was the deplorable state of the roads in the self-proclaimed "Islamic City". It's not likely that Walski will make a return visit to find out if the roads have been fixed or not. Not any time soon, anyway.

One can only wonder how this news is going be received by the tourism industry. Walski's guess is that it won't be well-received at all. But who cares about tourism, as long as the women are covered, right? And after this, state-line checkpoints to ensure that the female tourists keep to the dress-code can't be too far behind...

Click here for the full post......

Groeten van Amsterdam

Technorati tags: Filler, Travels, Amsterdam

or, Greetings from Amsterdam, in English.

Metropolitan, liberal and just plain interesting...

And because the el-relatively-cheapo hotel Walski's staying at doesn't have broadband in the room, there will be a slight drought of posts until mid-week, when Walski's back in Malaysia and recovered from the time difference.

Suffice it to say, Amsterdam is one cool city... except for the friggin' rain - which, coupled with 10 degC temperature makes for one miserable time out. But the city itself more than makes up for it, it must be said.

The highlight of the trip so far? Visiting the Anne Frank museum (bet you thought Walski was going to say something else, didn't you?).

Sorry, no pictures or videos - yet. But not being able to do this in the room (they do provide a common area with free broadband) kinda puts a damper on doing a proper post.

Tomorrow (Sunday) is Walski's last day out of the country. Been keeping tabs with what's been happening back home, though. Doesn't look all that rosy, Walski thinks.

In any case, more posts coming your way soon.... stay tuned.

Click here for the full post......