The Plot Thickens

Complex circumstances. Chartered Outcome.

Last night's late news alerted Malaysians further to the intricacies of politics.

The much awaited outcome of Perak's situation unfolded. And sighs went around.

"All is lost," many quipped. But really?

It's not over until it's over when it is over.

Yesterday, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang ordered his party assemblyman to stay away from the swearing-in of the Mentri Besar – but they chose to defy him.

Today, Kit Siang apologises to the Perak Regent for his statement over the appointment of Perak Pas secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as Mentri Besar.

There is more than meets the eye.

Keep watching. And praying.

Grace Young Adults Retreat 2008

Here are the details for YAF Retreat 2008. Taken from Klang YA President Hwai Tah's email!

Date: May 17-19 3D/2N (Sat - Mon). Monday is Wesak Day.

Place: Eagle Ranch Resort, Port Dickson (see http://www.eagleranch.com.my)

Cost: RM235 Price covers everything: accomodation (dorms), meals (buffets), hall facilities, variety of telematch games (facilitated), Go Kart and transportation (44-seater, air-conditioned bus). Complimentary facilities include swimming pool, jacuzzi, beach volleyball, basketball, futsal.

Other chargeable activities include paintball, horse riding, archery, canoeing (fish pond and sea), rafting, map reading/compass march, tracking, obstacle course, flying fox, absailing etc.

This retreat is open to Klang, PJ, USJ young adults and college students 18 and above.

Targetting 50 ppl. The workshops' theme focus is on 'Relationship Enrichment' conducted by non other but our beloved Ps John.

Registration starts this Friday in cell.

The planning team agreed that the full amount ie. RM235, which is transferable but non-refundable, is to be collected.

Cell leaders, please appoint rep from your cell to do this.

Availability of places is on 'first-come-first-served' basis. You can forward this to your cell members and friends who may be interested.

Complex Circumstances. Chartered Outcome.

Under the state constitution, the menteri besar has to be a Malay Muslim, but there is a provision that allows the Sultan to waive the requirement.

None of the 18 DAP elected representatives are Malay Muslim, even though the party controls the most number of seats in the new state government.

It is learnt that the three of seven Malay Muslim PKR assemblypersons were ruled out as they are deemed not to have suitable paper qualifications. This makes Mohamad Nizar, 51, the frontrunner as he has academic credentials and ranks high in the PAS Perak hierarchy.

Observers have noted that the three parties cannot automatically nominate Mohamad Nizar for the post, or the DAP would suffer severe political repercussions.

What's the outcome? What does it matter?

The outcome is certain. It has been decreed.

Whichever.

Offering the MB’s post to a Malay, either to PKR or PAS shows that DAP respects the state constitution of Perak. This gesture of DAP will win over Malaysians' hearts for sure, in particular, the Malays. This kind of gesture of DAP will also result in more Malays and Indian being endeared to the new move.

Ultimately, if a Chinese is appointed as MB in this new season reflects change.

Watch Perak

In last year's Merdeka Day 50 hour fast and prayer celebration, the pastors were given diferent states to pray for. I was given another state, I can't even remember which it was. But I distinctly remember asking Pastor Lai Leen to give me Perak instead.

Why?

Because Perak is the state to watch.

I distinctly remember praying a different prayer for the nation. That God will move the Perak royalty to initiate changes to the nation.

I believe this impression is shared among those who are watching the signs.

In fact, I'm wondering what's the possibility of the Perak regent Raja Nazrin Shah becoming Prime Minister. Is that allowed for under our constitution? If the laws of the land say it's not possible, then it must surely be otherwise.

Watch Perak.

One of the winds of change sweeping the world is a rising of leaders in their 50's. Not the older ones. Can you start counting who they all are?

Watch the United States. Is Obama in his 50s? Watch Australia. Is Kevin Rudd in his 50s?

Maybe those who you'd like to research a little bit check out the world leaders and the direction things are going. Let me know will ya? :)

A little background into Malaysia:

Malaysia has a unique system reflecting its history and the federal nature of its constitution. The nine sultans take turns to become king of Malaysia for five years (out of 13 states).
more to come....
Some facts about Raja Dr Nazrin Steven Shah.

Raja Nazrin, who was born in Penang on Nov 27, 1956, and received his early education from St John's Institution (Hey I was a Johanian too!) was appoint the Crown Prince of Perak when his father Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah became the ninth Supreme Ruler (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) from from 1989 to 1994.


When he married Zara Salim Davidson on May 17, 2007, Raja Nazrin declined state allocation for the ceremony. Bernama reports: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=261511

more to come....

LATEST!

News reported that Raja Dr Nazrin Shah consented to a DAP-PKR-PAS coalition to form the new state government.

The leaders remained tight-lipped on who the new Mentri Besar would be, saying that the matter would be decided at a tripartite meeting later in the night.

Perak PAS secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who won the Pasir Panjang state seat, and Perak PKR Jamaluddin Mohad Radsi, the newly elected Behrang assemblyman, are the two contenders for the Mentri Besar post.

Leader of the new coalition, Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham said: “Raja Nazrin Shah advised us to submit the names of those nominated for the post of Mentri Besar by tomorrow morning (today) and if possible, work out the portfolios and names of executive councillors.

Perak PAS commissioner Ahmad Awang said the names of three candidates, one from each party, for the post of Mentri Besar have been submitted to the palace and it is up to the Regent to decide who takes the post.

SMSes has gone out saying that Ngeh Koo Ham has been accepted as MB instead.

True or not?

NICHE DIVER

I'll be shifting all information and pictures and stuff on diving to another site to avoid clutter.

Haven't done the site yet, but the name is nichediver.blogspot.com

When I can manage my time better I'll come up with a professional dive site

Attention Attention Divers Wannabe and Experienced Sea Explorers

Have you been to Phuket?

I'm planning another dive to Phuket at the end April.
Here's some helpful information for those of you who are keen.

Nothing like doing your open water certification and straightaway exploring the exciting depths of the Andaman!

And instead of stressing out in an intensive 4day3night diving course on a local island, enjoy your 5day4night dives and holiday. Kill two birds with one stone.

How do you do it? Sign up for a customised training. Master your dive theories and practical dive techniques in the comfort and safety of a nice swimming pool first. Give your friendly diving coach more time to help you be a better diver.

What's your investment?
Only RM650 to getting your PADI Open Water Certification.

Which includes:
Five dive theory modules, quizzes, and a final exam
Five confined water practical dive technique modules
Inclusive of pool rental, dive equipment and personal gear, tanks, belts and weights

When you're ready to make the trip, (depending on luxury level) the cost ranges from a low RM700-1200 for a complete 5day4night certification package:

Which includes:
Four required assessment/training dives and additional FUN dive or more (subject to weather and time constraints)
Accommodation including breakfasts/lunches
Transit to/from jetty and/or dive sites
Rental of tanks, belts, weights, equipment, and boats,
PADI fees and your PADI Diver Card

FOR those of you who are certified divers and want to join me for some fun dives, it's as low as RM700-1500 depending how many dives and what type of dives you'd like to make!!!

From the choppy currents of Koh Doc Mai that will swirl you past a wall of aquatic splendor, to exploring the 83meter-long sunken Kingcruiser wreck 33meters plus deep that is home to variety of sea life, and other exotic dive sites.

Mahathir points Badawi the way

The right way to go is the Japanese Harakiri way. That was what our former prime minister has to say to our current prime minister.

Hmmm. fOOD for thought, eh.