Salam dari Bumi Anbiya

Ketika ini pukul 3.35 pm hari Isnin 22/9/08 di Kota Madinah.

Saya ketika ini berada diKota Madinah dan sedang bersedia untuk bertolak ke Mekah melaksanakan ibadah Umrah. Tiga malam di Madinah sangat menyeronokkan kerana dapat melaksanakan ibadah puasa bersama-sama jemaah dari seluruh dunia. Begitu ramai jemaah di Masjid Nabi, terutamanya mereka yang beriqtikaf. Selama 10 hari mereka akan 'mengurungkan diri' didalam mesjid untuk mengerjakan amal ibadat, selaras dengan sunnah Rasulullah.

Mengerjakan umrah sangat berlainan semasa dibulan Ramadan Karim ini. Semua jemaah berlumba lumba untuk mengerjakan ibadah walaupun didalam keadaan berpuasa. Iftar dimesjid Nabi adalah satu pengalaman yang baru kerana terdapat ramai dermawan yang menyediakan makanan berbuka puasa, dan mereka berebut rebut menarik jemaah untuk beriftar bersama mereka. Makanan Iftar di mesjid adalah sangat sederhana iaitu tamar, roti, yogurt dan air zam zam.

Walaupun cuaca panas terik yang mencapai sehingga 50 darjah celcius, dan hawa bahang saperti tinggal didalam sauna, ibadah berpuasa tidaklah terasa berat saperti yang dianggap ramai. Yang penting, kita kena sentiasa berteduh dan tidak terlalu lama berada dibawah sinar matahari. Air pula perlu diminum banyak ketika iftar dan sahur.

Insyaallah, kalau berpeluang, saya akan menulis lagi pengalaman berumrah dibulan Ramadan al Karim.

16 September: Anwar's Q & A with the press

Q: Who are the MPs concerned and will you reveal them?

Anwar: Questions are raised on who and where are they. We name them now and they get harassed immediately. So I'm telling you now that I will choose to confide in the prime minister.

And if he wants the list I will show the list at the meeting. Until the right opportune moment, we can't declare. We know how the system operates.

One Teresa Kok in detention is enough.

When will you meet Abdullah?

He has not given the time and date. He said he's thinking about it. There is no official reply - I read (about it) in Malaysiakini.

Although, you can't name the MPs who are jumping over, can you at least tell us the majority you have now?

We've a slight majority.

Can you give us the figure?

Of course, it has to be in excess of 31.

So how many are there, for now?

It keeps increasing by the hour... seriously. I'm not joking. This morning, I received a signed note from another member. What do you want to know? You want to know if we have the numbers. We've the numbers!

For now, it is not a major consequence what number it is. The important thing is we are in excess of the required number.

Can you confirm if this includes members of the present government?

There are members of the cabinet - ministers and their deputies. We've enough numbers.

What if the prime minister can't meet you now?

According to a decision made by members of the Pakatan Rakyat, we'll give him some time as he too is plagued by other problems in his party.

He is currently under pressure from within his party and we should give him more time to consider this in the interest of the country and guarantee a smooth and orderly transition.

This is one of our main considerations so that any moves made will be constitutional.

We the press would like to know how many you've got.

To me, what is important is we've a number in excess of 31. What is so critical about having the number of majority? The majority number will come in time.

Is there a deadline for Abdullah to meet you?

We've not given any ultimatum to Abdullah. We've said it is of national importance, it is incumbent and urgent for any sitting prime minister to respond positively in the interest of the nation and not just to appease the upheavals and turmoil within Umno.

How can you be sure that there will be a smooth transition as parties other than Abdullah may be involved?

For now, we have to deal with the prime minister. Officially, he is the prime minister. So he will have to be fully accountable and responsible.

What if there is a call for fresh elections?

We'll have to deal with it. But for now, our position is we have to write and deal with the prime minister.

Why don't you go directly to the king?

There are two considerations here. There is also a proposal there but the constitutional process and also the invoking the ISA and threats and intimidations have to stop.

Therefore, in our deliberations among the Pakatan leaders is that we will want to impress the government and the public that the security and the interests of the nation is paramount, even if it means a delay of a few days.

But I'm not giving excuses as alleged by the Umno-controlled media. We've the numbers. We can and are prepared to move.

There are concerns that your new alliance will not contain enough Malay representation.

I've stated that it's truly representative and I must allay the anxieties and concerns of some Malay and Muslim groups that they will be under-represented - there is no basis for this assumption.

Is there a cut-off point before you attempt a takeover?

We want to present a case that is responsible and is perceived to be quite conciliatory. We want the transition to be peaceful and therefore it is quite important that we give the right signals.

But there is a limit to one's patience, particularly when we've the numbers. So, I think that given a few more days, Pakatan leaders will have to sit down and reconsider its options.

Given the current situation, what makes you think that the prime minister will meet you? And what would you do if the meeting doesn't take place?

In any democratic civil institution the standard minimum procedure must be respected whether you like Pakatan or Anwar is immaterial.

The important thing is we now have the required numbers to form government. It is absolutely preposterous to quote the term used by the prime minister to deny this to engage with an alternative government.

Any responsible sitting prime minister would have no choice but to accede to the need to negotiate. We are not giving ultimatum. Whether he agrees or disagrees, we should never forget to negotiate.

Is September still your target?

We've the numbers to negotiate. In any other democratic country, we would at least be invited to discuss this matter. This does not happen here. Not only the prime minister but the media is also in denial.

(They said it was) Impossible to lose Selangor, Penang and Perak. Impossible to have a majority in Permatang Pauh. And now preposterous to form a government. When will they ever learn?

What evidence do you have of the crossovers?

I've signed notes and letters of commitment. I've no problem with that.

In the event that the PM refuses to meet you, what is your next step?

I believe he will meet us.

PM said today your intentions are a mere dream...

He is politician under siege. So you can believe him for sounding panicky and desperate. Even without our siege, he is already under siege.

Will you seek an audience with the king?

Our first option is to discuss this with the prime minister.

Do you have a list of the cabinet members for the new government?

Firstly, we will deliberate the major policies. Secondly, the formation of the cabinet will be discussed thoroughly with the parties.

Some issues have been resolved on the cabinet position but not all.

Will you include any BN politician in the new cabinet?

This will be discussed by the Pakatan parties later

Briani Gam Batu Pahat

Maaf terlebih dahulu kerana menguji anda semua didalam bulan Ramadhan dengan gambar briani gam Batu Pahat. Kalau di Batu Pahat, biasanya Briani Power yang bersebelahan Hospital Besar adalah lebih terkenal.

Ramai yang tidak mengenali Shah Briani Gam tetapi ia tidak kurang hebatnya (mungkin lebih lazat lagi). Kepada mereka yang akan balik kampong ke Johor melalui Jalan Muar-Batu Pahat, jangan lupa singgah di gerai Shah Briani Gam, sebelah kiri jalan 100m sebelum menyeberangi jambatan Batu Pahat.

Cuba jangan tak cuba. Harga pun berpatutan.

Adakah PKR terlalu haprak hingga sanggup memburu Katak sehingga ke Taiwan?

Empat pemimpin tertinggi PKR akan berlepas ke Taiwan untuk memujuk MP dari BN melompat ke PKR. Keempat-empat mereka terdiri dari Naib Presiden PKR, Dr Lee Boon Chye, Ketua Penerangan, Tian Chua, Timbalan Pengarah Pilihanraya PKR, Fuziah Salleh dan pakar strategi parti, Saifuddin Nasution.

Difahamkan kesemua mereka akan tinggal di Hotel Sheraton Taipei dan mereka akan dipujuk sekali lagi untuk menyertai PKR.

Dengan menghantar delegasi tersebut, PKR nampaknya terlalu 'desperate' untuk mendapatkan persetujuan katak katak BN melompat kepada mereka. PKR tak perlu nampak saperti sebuah parti haprak yang cuba meraih sokongan daripada musuh mereka.

16 September hanya satu 'milestone' taktikal PKR sahaja. Jika ianya terlepas, akan banyak lagi tarikh tarikh 'milestone' baru yang boleh boleh dicapai kemudiannya. Dalam keadaan BN yang berada didalam huru hara sekarang, tidak mustahil peralihan kuasa kepada PR dapat dicapai secara aman sedikit masa lagi.

PKR mesti menunjukkan yang ianya sebuah parti yang ada klas, tidak ngelabah dan mempunyai strategi yang bijak. Yang penting, rakyat mengharapkan peralihan kuasa dari BN kepada PR akan tetap berlaku, walaupun terpaksa menunggu sehingga Pilihan Raya umum 2012, Insyaallah.

Ahmad Ismail, is that your good luck charm ring too ???

Whats with the super big emerald ring mate?. Is it for good luck ?
HA HA, it seems both of you have run out of luck now !!!

Latest pictures on Makkah expansion - 4

Latest pictures on Makkah expansion - 3

Latest pictures on Makkah expansion - 2

Latest pictures on Makkah expansion - 1

Ahmad Ismail's defiance will boost PR's takeover of the BN government

Ahmad Ismail considers himself as not an ordinary Malay. He called himself an ultra nationalist. He is Penang UMNO's point-man and has the support of all UMNO warlords in Penang. His defiant behaviour reflects the defiance of the whole UMNO stooge in Penang. Even Pak Lah cannot tell them what to do. His bold disobedience to PM's instruction is supported by UMNO Penang.

UMNO has lost support of the Malays in Penang. The recent by election in Permatang Pauh showed that more than 60 percent of the Malays supported PKR, and that means for every three Malays, two of them supported the opposition.

By being loud now, they are trying to be relevant to the Malay community. They are playing the racial card and sentiment because they are desperate and losing ground. By trying to incite anger and hatred among the Penang Malays, they hope to be hailed as heroes and be relevant again.

The writer lived in Penang for many years and is well versed with all the politicking within UMNO there. The post of Ketua Cawangan and Bahagian UMNO will open up many doors to richness and great wealth. They will be brushing shoulders with the high and mighty of Malaysian politics as they are the King maker. Come party elections, there will be many infighting and corruptions to fish for votes. Even Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Penang is a political vehicle for these racial bigots.

The simple fact is that the Penang Malays are being betrayed by their UMNO leaders. The Malay community is still backward. They still live in shanty towns, the likes of Dhoby Ghaut, Kg Sg Pinang, Kg Valdor, Kg P Ramlee, Kg Ayer, Kg Melayu, Kg Sapuloh, Kg Jawa, Teluk Jelutong etc etc. There has not been any serious attempt to upgrade the living standards of Penang Malays. The crime rates and drug addictions among Penang Malay youth are high too.

But for Penang UMNO leaders, they live in huge bungalows, are always seen chauffeur driven in their gleaming Mercedes around town and have coffee talks in the best of hotels. For them, being a Ketua Bahagian UMNO is the pinnacle of their career, all the hard work, buying votes and lobbying to climb to the top has paid off. It is now pay back time for most of them.

The looming thread of 916 has send shivers down their spine. Anwar's civil society will make them obsolete. There will be no more contracts, chairmanship, import permits, free shares, pink forms, taxi permits, etc etc. They will become poor and powerless. There will be no more respect for them and most probably some will be put to trial, found guilty and send to jail. This spectre is unimaginable to them.

The Malaysian people has attained the political maturity as what can be seen in the recent General Elections. Malaysians will reject the bait to fan the flames of anger, and recognise this tactic by racist politicians who resort to gutter politics to cling to power that is slipping from them.

Ahmad Ismail's antic will only hasten PR takeover bid from the sinking BN government.

For the Rakyat: austerity drive, For BN MPs: Overseas trip.....spend spend spend??

In the wake of the recent fuel increases, the dismal economy and the near double figure inflation, the government told us to change our lifestyles and tighten our belt. Government departments were also instructed to trim down their budget and go on an austerity drive.

But for BN MPs, they can go on a sponsored 'holiday' overseas to learn new technology on farming. Haven't we heard that before, MPs and Council Councillors making countless trip overseas in the name of technology transfer or technical visits, but in actual fact they are wasting public fund with the public paying for their holiday.

So after this overseas trip, can we expect the BN Backbenchers to contribute whatever they have learn in improving our agricultural technology? Will they have a meaningfull debate in Parliament and find ways to improve the living standards of our rubber tappers and vegetable growers?

This is just BN way in pulling wool over our eyes to thwart the 16 September dateline. Are they so damn stupid, believing that, if they can prevent MP jumping ship by 16 September, the present corrupt BN government will be intact forever?

There will be 16 October, 16 November, 16 December,............. for them to deal with.

Will BN come up with other 'brilliant ideas' to prevent the inevitable...............

Some wish list this 16th September or any dates thereafter...

1. Abolish ISA.

1st August marks 48 years of existence of the draconian and infamous law called the Internal Security Act (ISA).The draconian ISA is obsolete in this era and is manipulated by the BN government to strengthen their position. ISA is the country’s most draconian detention law that denies a person the right to trial and natural justice. The ISA enables the Home Affairs Minister to detain a person indefinitely based on the suspicion or belief that the detention of that person is necessary in the interest of public order and security. Detention without trial is the antithesis of the rule of law and goes against the teachings of all religions, including Islam, the official religion of the country. Period.

2.Release all ISA detainees or charge them in the court of law.

All detainees must be release or charged them in court if they have committed any crimes. They have the right to take legal counsel and defend themselves in court.

3.Review all unjust preventive detention legislation and all restrictive and emergency laws.

All preventive detention legislation and all restrictive and emergency laws must be repealed.Among the preventive detention laws that continue to undermine human rights in this country are the Internal Security Act, Emergency Public Order Preventive Ordinance, Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, Restricted Residence Act 1933, Essential (Clearance of Squatters) Regulations, Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Official Secrets Act, and Universities and University Colleges Act.

4.All government projects must be open tendered and no more negotiated projects.

Implementation of projects through negotiated tender to cronies has been abused where cost of projects sky rocketed and overpriced.There must be transparency in the tendering system.

5.Free schooling from kindergarden to University.

It is the responsibility of the government to provide free schooling for all its citizen.

6.Free medical treatment for all citizen.

7.Provide suitable and affordable housing for the poor.

8.Provide minimum wage for all workers.

9.Reduce oil and food prices.

10.Make all TV, Radio and news media free from political interference.

Things I must do this Ramadhan........

1) Khatam the Qur’an during this blessed month. Recite every day from the Quran 20 pages, by the end of Ramadan I will complete the entire Quran. Or I will recite before each salat 4 pages from the Quran.
2) Perform the taraweeh prayers every night.
3) Host iftar (breaking of fast) for other people every day.
4) No music, No watching TV, No useless talk.
5) Give food to my neighbours.
6) Increase the dhikr.
7) Make many doa's.
8) Be good and do good to other people.
9) Repent endlessly
10)Perform the tahajud prayers every night.
11) Eat healthily and eat little during breaking of fast.
12) Perform more sunnat prayers
13) Give money to charity
14) Less talk and control my anger.