Police Brutality In Putra Heights Police Station, Subang Jaya

Alleged police brutality: Station identified
-by Muzliza Mustafa -

THE Putra Heights police station in Subang Jaya has been identified as the location where two suspects were filmed being beaten by a policeman, in a videoclip aired on TV3�s Buletin Utama on Saturday.

The two-minute clip, which shocked viewers, showed two men, handcuffed, sitting on the floor with several men standing around them.

One of the men, who was standing, landed a kick on one of the suspects� head and back, resulting in one of the men bleeding from the head.

Later, the cameraman was heard shouting to the suspects to lick a puddle on the floor, possibly the suspect�s own saliva. The suspect was seen wiping the floor with a piece of cloth.

Later, a man in a police uniform appeared and cleaned up one of the suspects. The uniformed man tried to pacify the other man who had kicked the suspect earlier, when the latter tried to kick again. He managed to hit a suspect with his heel.

Following the airing of the clip, Federal police headquarters special officer, Assistant Superintendent Azizul Mohd Taharin, visited TV3 headquarters in Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama, at 10.30am yesterday.

A recording of the clip was handed over to police to facilitate investigations.

Soon after, a team from Bukit Aman was sent to the Subang Jaya police headquarters at noon yesterday.

Sources revealed that the incident is believed to have occurred at the Putra Heights station in May. The suspects in the clip are believed to be foreigners detained in a robbery case. It it learnt that the suspects have since been charged in court.

Police have identified the policemen in the clip after checking their images with their database and believe that the recording was made using a cell phone.

Subang Jaya police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Fuad Talib was unavailable for comment as he is overseas. He is expected to return today.

Gillian Chung Nude Pictures taken in Genting Highlands?

HK Pop Duo TWINS, Gillian Chung nude photographs.

Twins exposed
-by Chow Ee-Tan - Malay Mail

SHE felt as if she was photographed in a toilet
That’s how Gillian Chung — one-half of Hong Kong pop duo Twins with sister Charlene — felt when pictures of her purportedly in a dressing room at Genting Highlands where they performed recently appeared in a magazine on Wednesday.

Hong Kong weekly newsmagazine Easy Finder splashed shots of her adjusting her bra, among others, with the headline, Ah Giu (Gillian’s nickname) Unhooked Bra by the Window.

Its article described Gillian as having no qualms changing in front of other staff and crew during Twins’ ‘live’ show at the resort on Aug 18 and 19! The photos have also been circulating on the Internet since Wednesday.

According to local Chinese dailies yesterday, Gillian, when contacted in Shenzhen, China, on Wednesday where she was fi lming, said the Twins were in a private changing room and she was standing next to a cabinet that was fi lled with many things.

“We had checked the room earlier but this had to happen. It’s horrible. I feel as if I have been photographed while going to the toilet.” Twins’ recording company Emperor Entertainment Group was quoted as saying that they viewed the matter seriously and will check the Genting Highlands dressing room. They plan to take legal action against the magazine, owned by Next Media Ltd, and would contact lawyers in Malaysia.

Twins’ Malaysian fans also condemned the magazine and paparazzi over the photographs.

Resorts World Berhad senior vice-president (public relations and communications) Datuk Anthony Yeo denied the photos were taken when the Twins were there.

“We have yet to determine that the photos were taken at Genting,” he said.

“How can one be certain?” When asked if they came across anything suspicious on the concert nights, he said they did not detect anything unusual.

“Our security people are always around to ensure that the artistes are taken care of. No one could go into the dressing room.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naked photos of Gillian Chung taken in Genting Highlands?

From a variety of sources including HK Headline News, AP, SingPao and articals from cantopopnews:








EEG are attempting legal action after photos of Twins' Gillian Chung changing were taken in Malaysia. Gillian was visuably very upset about it when asked about the photos and the possibility of the photos being published online because she is naked in the photos. EEG are taking legal advice in HK and Malaysia.

One photo showing Gillian in a bra was published by HK magazine Easyfinder issue #761 (also put on their website), the photo appears to have been taken through a peep hole. To date the HK licensing authority TELA have received over 100 complaints from people enraged by this violation.

Gillian Chung, along with Charlene Choi, are currently in Shenzhen filming. She is still upset about the secret filming of herself dressing in Malaysia. Extra security has been laid on to make sure there is no repeat incident. Gillian has spent a lot of the time in a low mood.

Meanwhile the angry reaction to the incident by fans and fellow artists has continued. The Hong Kong Journalists Association said the photography violated professional ethics and privacy. The media watchdog TELA has received hundreds of complaints and said the matter was being passed to the HK Obscene Articles Tribunal. There is also the possibility of legal action being taken by EEG against Easyfinder, the magazine that published two of the photos of Gillian undressing.

Its also possible that HK artists may march in protest against the actions of the paperazzi. In a further development the Malaysian Police are investigating the incident. A spokesman for the government said that a serious offence had been committed and would punish those behind the offence.


After Gilian Chung wears the bra, Gillian assistant handed her a yellow t-shirt. During the whole process of changing clothes, Gillian Chung looked at the mirror in front of her as if caring a lot about her look.


Tightening the bra - When Gillian Chung changed at the backstage, she initially went half naked on upper body, after wearing the bra, and adjusted the bra. At this point you can see that her breast is naturally large.


Half nude Gillian Chung.


Secure the bra - Gillian Chung knot the bra at the back at the end, without the help of the assistant.

Missing Girl FOUND!

Michelle Kirsten Tai (Sue) has been found in Bangsar on Monday the 21st of August 2006 at 8.30pm by some evening joggers who recognised her and were kind to sent her to the hospital. She was quite shaken but concious when she was found and she is safe back home with her loving family now.

Thank you to everyone for all the wellwishes and those who have helped in locating her whereabouts.

For reason/s on why she went missing?? From what i know, she was distraught with some personal problem......for more info please visit:

Michelle Kirsten Tai blog: http://www.blogger.com/profile/10370207

Julia's Blog: http://angelzparadise.blogspot.com/

Missing Person In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Please HELP!. Unofficial News.

This news is unofficial but it's real and her family needs your help.

Dear Malaysian,

This is message from one of the practical students, Julia Moh who had
worked in the office of my friend's cousin. She is now seeking help to locate
her friend.Please pass this on.

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry but I just have to this. One of my closest girlfriends,
Michelle, has gone missing. Apparently, she told a few people she was
going for an interview around / in Cheras Leisure Mall on Friday. The
interview time was at 5pm. She did not come home that night, nor the
next morning...until now. Nobody know exactly where she went cos no
proper address or contact was given by her. Everyone is looking high
and low for her now, and of course, everyone is now worried;
especially her parents.

A police report has been lodged and the help from Michael Chong has
also been seeked. But so far, there are no news from any party yet;
not even any of her friends. We tried calling her on her cell but did
not succeed to get through. It would be either out of coverage or the
voice mail. Several of my friends sms-ed her. Many did not get any
reply, but one did. The sms said that the phone (digi sim) has been
picked up near Cheras and the replier doesn't know who it belongs to.
The replier also added that the phone will be handed to the police and
he/she was in Malacca then. Till now, there's no news.

I beg all of you, my friends, to inform me (Julia-012-9268752) if you
ever saw this girl anywhere. She just turned 21 this year and it is
surely unfair if any mishap should befall her (touch wood). Please
help to keep an eye in search for the girl in the picture attached and
pray for her safety.Please inform as many ppl as you can too. Thank
you so much in advance.

Name: Michelle Kirsten Tai Sue Ping
Age: 21
Features: Long hair - just off her shoulders,with frindge, big eyes,
pouty lips, fair skinned, and is wearing a gold necklace with a key
pendant given to her by her mom.
Height: About 5' 5" / 5' 6"
Shoe size (dunno if this will help): 8 but she wears 9

Product Alert!!Dell laptop/notepad users. Please Read.

DELL Announces Recall of Batteries for Notebook Computers

Dell Computer Corporation of Round Rock, Texas, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 batteries used in notebook style personal computers. These batteries can short circuit, even when the battery is not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire.

Dell has received one report of a battery in a Dell computer short-circuiting and catching fire. The incident resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported.

Please visit https://dellbatteryprogram.com/Default.aspx for more info to find out if you are affected or not.

Dear Dell Customer,

Dell has identified a potential issue associated with certain batteries sold with Dell Latitude™, Inspiron™, XPS™ and Dell Precision Mobile Workstation™ notebook computers. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies, Dell is voluntarily recalling certain Dell-branded batteries with cells manufactured by Sony and offering free replacements for these batteries. Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire.

Potentially affected batteries were sold with the following models of Dell notebook computers or separately as secondary batteries:

• Latitude: D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800, D810
• Inspiron: 500M, 510M, 600M, 700M, 710M, 6000, 6400, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 9400, E1505, E1705
• Precision: M20, M60, M70, M90
• XPS: XPS, XPS Gen2, XPS M170, XPS M1710

In addition, these batteries may have also been provided in response to service calls. The batteries were shipped to customers between April 1, 2004 and July 18, 2006. The words "DELL" and "Made in Japan" or "Made in China" or "Battery cell made in Japan, Assembled in China" are printed on the back of the batteries. If your battery does not reflect one of these markings it is not part of this recall, and you may exit the site.

There is a two (2) step process to identify if your battery is affected:

1. Check if your battery model MAY be affected. If your battery is not listed, you are not affected.
2. Check if your specific battery PPID (Dell Part Piece Identification) is affected. This step is necessary to identify if your battery is affected. Only some batteries within each model are affected. If the battery is subject to this recall you will be automatically connected to a replacement order form.

Step 1: Is your battery model affected?

The following battery models, only, may be subject to recall:

1K055	C5340	D6024	JD616	U5867	X5333
3K590	C5446	D6025	JD617	U5882	X5875
59474	C6269	F2100	KD494	W5915	X5877
6P922	C6270	F5132	M3006	X5308	Y1333
C2603	D2961	GD785	RD857	X5329	Y4500
C5339	D5555	H3191	TD349	X5332	Y5466

These part numbers are printed on the back of the battery packs as illustrated below.

Outpouring of grief at final farewell to Puan Sri Rosaline

Kuala Lumpur, 10 August 2006

The funeral service for Puan Sri Dato’ Paduka Rosaline Chan Yee Hing at the home of YTL Group managing director Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Francis Yeoh and the family was an emotional one today.

The young and the old came from near and far to say their final farewell. A long queue stretched outside the house as they patiently waited their turn to pay their respects and attend the funeral service. The loss is not felt in Malaysia alone.

Over in Hong Kong, the news of the demise of Puan Sri Rosaline shocked her homeland, where she enjoyed celebrity status as a TV personality and actress before she married Tan Sri Francis.

It was a beautiful fairy tale that came true when Rosaline left a promising career in the limelight to marry a wonderful man and started a perfect family, blessed with five lovely children. Sadly, the fairy tale did not end with a ‘happily ever after’ with her death. The Hong Kong public never forgot the vivacious Rosaline as the media all over Hong Kong grieved for a very special daughter, a star that had dimmed.

At the home of Tan Sri Francis and his family, local media had to contend with Hong Kong media, including TVB, who despatched a team to document her home in Malaysia and the proceedings of the wake and funeral service for a special tribute programme.

“When I learnt about the grief sweeping Hong Kong, I began to understand that God is teaching me His ways – and Rose is now an eternal hero to many,” said Tan Sri Francis. “The children and I always knew that she will always be in our hearts; today, we know that she is also in the hearts of so many,” he added.

The image of Rosaline smiling as she touched the lives of so many in her very own personal way will forever be engraved in the hearts of many, indeed.

Visitors and well-wishers who turned up at the family home to share the grief and convey their sympathy with the family have been constant since Puan Sri Rosaline’s remains arrived from Singapore after she returned to the Lord on Saturday night.

The entire house was packed with friends, relatives and staff of the YTL Group of Companies during the funeral service. Strategically placed plasma screens provided guests a view of the proceedings in the living room of the home. The family's favourite hymn, 'It Is Well With My Soul' was sung while renowned flautist, Andrea Griminelli performed two pieces

A thousand bouquets of flowers, with accompanying touching messages of condolences filled every nook in the house and overflowed outdoors, filling the air with a heavenly fragrance. Indoors, Puan Sri Rosaline lay serenely in white, surrounded by a calm that belied the heroic seven-year battle she fought against cancer.

“She ran a good race,” Tan Sri Francis noted, which brings to mind 2 Timothy 4:7 from the Bible:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Indeed, she ran a good race and fought the good fight – her courage and determination will continue to inspire Tan Sri Francis and their children: Ruth, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua and Rebekah.

That inspiration fans out beyond the family. Media reports from everywhere – Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and even the USA – mark the significance of this remarkable woman.

The procession at Bukit Tunku.

Puan Sri Rosaline’s warmth and kindness will also be missed by leaders and dignitaries. His Majesty Yang DiPertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah spent almost an hour with Tan Sri Francis and his parents, YTL Group executive chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr) Yeoh Tiong Lay and Puan Sri Datin Seri Tan Kai Yong. Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as well as Cabinet ministers also came to pay their respects.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who arrived with several members of his family to comfort Tan Sri Francis told the press, “Our wives were such good friends.” The late Datin Seri Endon Mahmood died in October last year of cancer.

After the funeral service, the procession from the house stretched for as long as 2km, with Tan Sri Francis and the family walking alongside the hearse. Behind them, friends and relatives, leaders and members from the Full Gospel Assembly as well as a multitude of staff made a slow journey to the Jalan Duta Tennis Stadium.

From there, police outriders escorted the convoy of cars and buses to Nilai Memorial Park, where Puan Sri Rosaline was laid to her final resting place. May she rest in peace.

Pussy Cat Dolls in Malaysia!

Sharpening his CLAWS!-by Najmuddin Najib -
They're long since gone. But Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim seems to be choking on a furball.
The reason? The recent Pussycat Dolls concert, which he say went against local sensitivities and deceny Laws.
While admitting that his Ministry is powerless to do anything about it, Rais is pushing the Subang Jaya Municipal Coucil(MPSJ) to charge the organiser, Absolute Entertainment, with flouting decency laws.
Its gonna be a catfight...

THE Pussycat Dolls may have gone home, but the fur is still flying!

The concert organisers, Absolute Entertainment, may find themselves in hot water after incurring the wrath of Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, over the girls’ eye-popping attire and sexy antics during their concert at Sunway Lagoon last month.

If Rais has his way, the organisers could find themselves slapped with a fine for indecent behaviour!

When contacted yesterday, Rais confirmed that he would recommend that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) charge the organiser with indecency for the concert.

“The Ministry is not an enforcement agency and cannot take action. However, I will recommend that the local council take those behind the concert to task for flouting decency laws,” he told The Malay Mail.

Indecency, he admitted, was a highly subjective matter.

“It (indecency) has never been the crux of the courts. In my view, however, I believe that the way the Pussycat Dolls behaved on stage amounted to gross indecency,” he said.

He said the organisers had earlier given their assurance that the show would not include elements which could antagonise local sensitivities.

“However, it turned out that the Pussycat Dolls reportedly put on a show which not only featured scantily-dressed performers, but also included sensuous elements.

“We certainly didn’t expect this. Apparently, we’ve been taken for a ride by the Pussycat Dolls people. They’ve taken advantage of us,” he said, adding that he had been deluged with letters on the show’s content.

Rais also lambasted MPSJ for their apparent lax enforcement.

“I say again; the Ministry is not an enforcement agency, and we cannot have our officers rush over to see if everything is in order. That is beyond our jurisdiction.

“The local council, being the ones who issued the entertainment licence, should have at least ensured that the performance complied with the set guidelines,” he said.

He said the Ministry is interviewing all the relevant parties involved in the concert to get their side of the story.

“This includes the organiser as well as the venue owner,” he said, adding that investigations should be concluded within the next few days.

Rais said the Ministry would also be taking additional measures to ensure that incidents such as this did not recur.

He said he would propose to the Cabinet that PUSPAL (the Central Committee for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes), which is responsible for approving foreign acts in Malaysia, be required to sign a bond with the Ministry for subsequent performances.

“They (PUSPAL) will have to sign a bond with us to ensure that the guidelines are followed during performances. If the terms are breached, then the bond will be forfeited, resulting in substantial losses for them.

“This, I believe, is one of the ways to ensure that everyone toes the line,” he said, adding that the items will be presented to the Cabinet soon.

Adrian Wong, managing director of Absolute Entertainment, said he was unable to disclose any information as investigations were underway.

“We have been in touch with PUSPAL. However, we can only discuss the matter after the post-mortem meeting with PUSPAL,” he said.

A source from PUSPAL said the onus lies with the organisers to ensure that the guidelines are adhered to.

“We only issue the approval to facilitate entry and subsequent proceedings. Our aim is only to ensure that everything goes smoothly,” said the source.

However, the source hinted that the concert organiser should have ensured that the Pussycat Dolls’ attire complied with the guidelines.

“After all, the Dress Code clearly states what is acceptable and what isn’t,” said the source.

The source added that they were liaising with MPSJ on the matter. “MPSJ, as the local council, were responsible for issuing the entertainment licence. We need to see whether the show breached any of their regulations,” said the source.

Puan Sri Dato' Paduka Rosaline Chan Yee Hing - "She Ran A Good Race"

Puan Sri Dato' Paduka Rosaline Yeoh

Kuala Lumpur, 6 August 2006

Puan Sri Dato' Paduka Rosaline Chan Yee Hing has been called home to be with the Lord on 5 August 2006.

Puan Sri Dato' Paduka Rosaline Yeoh was called home to be with the Lord on 5 August 2006. Her courage and determination is a great source of inspiration for both her husband, Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh, and her children: Ruth, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua and Rebekah. She ran the good race.

Puan Sri Rosaline was born in 1952 in Hong Kong and enjoyed her career as a very popular television personality in Hong Kong.

She was married to Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh in 1982 and they have five lovely children, three sons and two daughters.

Since her marriage she has assisted Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh in her role as an interior designer for some of YTL's iconic projects including Pangkor Laut Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Residences and the Feast Village in Starhill Gallery.

She was awarded the Darjah Dato' Paduka Jiwa Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Mulia (D.J.M.K.) by His Royal Highness Tuanku Ismail Petra Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yahya Petra in March 2002.

She was very well loved by many because she was very generous in spirit. She was a great supporter of many charitable organisations and the arts.

Her courage and determination is a great source of inspiration for both her husband and her children: Ruth, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua and Rebekah.

She ran the good race.

The wake will be held at the residence, 12, Dalaman Tunku, Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur. Memorial services will be held nightly at 8pm.

The funeral service will be held at the residence on Thursday, 10 August 2006 at 10am and thereafter, cortege will leave at 11am for burial at Nilai Memorial Park.

Tel: 03-2073 2306, 019-389 4955, 016-688 0609.

Security And Safety Updates in Bandar Utama.

PM: Those who spread untruths on the Net will be detained

By IAN MCINTYRE

ianm@thestar.com.my

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Prime Minister has issued a warning – those who spread untruths and slander on the Internet will face the law.

If information in blogs, websites and online portals were incorrect, bordered on slander, caused disturbance or compelled the public to lose faith in the nation’s economic policies, their authors would be detained for investigation, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“We cannot allow such matters to flow through uncontrolled,” he told newsmen after attending a briefing on the proposed Islamic Civilisation Park in Pulau Wan Man here.

GOOD POTENTIAL : Abdullah measuring the size
of a nipah fruit after opening a nipah sap collection
and processing centre in Kelulut, Marang, Tuesday.
--Bernamapic

“They say all kinds of things, make all kinds of dubious claims. We cannot allow them to abuse the freedom earned under the media. If left alone, they can say or pass on all kinds of things.”

Abdullah also said that those who sent out such information via short message system (SMS) would also be held accountable.

“If they abuse the freedom – more than the present freedom given without any restriction – we cannot allow it,” he declared.

“Where in the world is there such a freedom, where one can freely spread incorrect information and slander without having to own up to it?”

Asked if he was calling for a control mechanism, Abdullah said he would leave it to the police to investigate first.

It was reported recently that the Internal Security Ministry was investigating several online sites following a string of misreporting that caused tension and confusion among Internet users.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was briefed on the proposed park’s facilities. It will have 21 replicas of historical monuments that feature Islamic architecture, including the National Mosque (Malaysia), the Grand Mosque (Mecca), the Dome of Rock (Jerusalem) and the Taj Mahal (India).

The centrepiece of the RM250mil park, which will be completed in June next year, will be a crystal mosque which can accommodate 800 people.

Abdullah also opened a nipah (mangrove palm) sap collection and processing centre in Kelulut, Marang, here.

He said the palm had long existed in the country but only its sap had been tapped so far to produce a drink while its parts had not been commercially exploited.

“The drink has now been bottled and marketed to as far as West Asia,” he said.

Abdullah said nipah, abundant along rivers in Terengganu, should be further exploited to produce more products such as brown sugar, vinegar and flavour for ice cream.

BLOG-WASH!!!

GUESS what? Weblogs (or Blogs) in Malaysia are not viewed as credible sources of information.

This was the findings of a Weekend Mail survey that saw 66 per cent of the 100 respondents interviewed questioning the credibility of blogs as a source of information.

The survey also revealed that 57 per cent of the respondents wanted bloggers to be made accountable by imposing certain regulations to deter irresponsible bloggers from posting sensitive, inaccurate and false information.

Those who called for bloggers to be monitored said blogs should only be used to share useful information, and not be an avenue to post exaggerated articles, or a place to blow your own trumpet.

That said, the remaining 43 per cent felt it was unnecessary to enforce any law on blogging, citing freedom of speech and good credibility as reasons.

Our survey also revealed that a majority of the respondents did not see the need to make it mandatory for bloggers to reveal their identities.

Some 64 per cent argued that it was sufficient for bloggers to use their nicknames.

The remaining 36 per cent want bloggers to disclose their personal details, for credibility and accountability’s sake.

Our survey was prompted by a statement last Tuesday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who had called on the mainstream media to take up the role of disseminating accurate information to counter untrue stories in some of the blogs.

“The media have their social responsibility to fulfil by avoiding news or gossip that could create tension. There is no need to be carried away by the sensationalism of such websites,” he had said.

Abdullah had also said that it was the media’s responsibility is to decide “whether or not to publish what is appropriate for the public”.



On Wednesday, Deputy Internal Security Minister, Datuk Fu Ah Kiow had said that the Government was looking into formulating regulations under the Printing Presses and Publications Act to monitor blogs in Malaysia.

“We will study if the Act should be amended to include the electronic media and the internet,” he had said.

Fu had said that there was a gap between the various types of media and this has prompted the Government to look into the possibility of setting up a unit to monitor them.

The blogging scene in Malaysia has grown in popularity in recent years, with many, including youngsters, politicians and former politicians, journalists and ex-journalists and even celebrities, starting their own blogs.

While there are no official figures, the number runs in the thousands. They come in all shapes and sizes, and talk about everything under the sun.

While the topics differ, and a majority of these bloggers stick to facts and figures to argue their cases, there are concerns that some blogs are being used to fan sentiments, spread rumours or used for character assassination.

In recent years, some blogs have gained popularity as an alternative source of information for a myriad of topics, ranging from lifestyle, recreation and hobbies, to news and current events, career development, philosophy, politics, social concerns, technical and spirituality.

The blogging scene in Malaysia has developed at such a tremendous rate that some of the top blog spots even boast of having sponsors.

While most of them stay above board by posting daily commentaries on their personal life, the government has not clamped down on the blogs dwelling into sensational topics like politics, government policies, racism, religion and even sex.

What are your thoughts on this? Please do comment.

BLOGS: Are Malaysians really rude?!

Bloggers have their say on 'manners'.
After Kuala Lumpur won the dubious honour of third rudest capital by a Reader’s Digest survey on 35 capitals, Malaysian bloggers responded accordingly.

Wingz from Everybodi Lafu Rojaks posted this justification on why KL people are so rude: “...what they don’t know is KL is also the only city with the highest number of Millionaires per square metre! Everyone seems to own a piece of road and because they own it, they can drive anyway they want.

“It doesn’t matter they are on the wrong side of the road or if they are endangering the life of other road users... it's their road and they can drive anyway they like! If you don’t like that, then go and buy your own road, ok!

“Today I was on my way to Carrefour Sri Endah when suddenly this millionaire in his Marsilee (on the wrong side of the traffic) charged towards me, knowing I would let him pass. He knew I would step on my brakes and let him have his way because I’m pretty damn sure he is the millionaire who bought this road (judging from the way he drives)

“So, the next time someone asks you why Malaysians are so rude, you tell them because most of the rude people are millionaires!

Mahaguru58 defended KL’s dignity and launched an attack on the survey in his blog Mahaguru58: “Selective reporting by it’s own media, I say!

“The average Americans in cities such as New York are known the world over to be the originators of foul speech and rude behaviour and they themselves disagree with the Reader’s Digest recent poll as to the rudest cities on the planet as shown by the Discussion column in Yahoo News today!

“I am not saying that Americans at large are rude, but based upon the years of exposure to the American media onslaught upon the world and seeing the crude behaviours of the world’s youths today aping the decadent lifestyles being pushed upon the ever impressionable youngsters of this planet trying to ‘out-American’ each other in their manners and ‘lifestyles’!

“I’d say that this is a lame excuse for Readers Digest to boost its circulation and to champion America’s image when it is reviled from every corner of the world...

“...If they are so polite in New York, then all those rising crimes in the ‘Big Apple’ must be pure fiction, being reported by the worldwide media. A crime takes place within every few minutes in New York.

“The reason people walk so fast in the streets of New York is because they are afraid of getting mugged and most avoid eye contact with others on the streets of the ‘Rotten Apple’, I hear from my friends and relatives who have been there and from the newspaper reports from the USA itself.

“To say, Kuala Lumpur is third rudest city on the planet is simply a biased view from those who choose to look for the negative angles instead of really coming to terms that rudeness exists in all people all over the world!”

Andreas from AlwaysWow thinks that Malaysians are not so bad: “They could have asked me and I could tell them plenty of stories – from all across the world. About Hong Kong’s turnaround, or my findings of a rude Malaysian jumping queue or those that behave rudely as interviewers.

“But then, I have plenty of good experience of great Malaysians – those that helped my mum during our recent holidays by opening doors, saying thank you, inquiring about her well-being in this country.

“She left Malaysia yesterday – and besides a little shock (a different story to be told this weekend!), she had a great time.”

The Go and Die blog writer believes that there are certain conditions for Malaysians to be nice and polite: “...anyhow Malaysians are VERYYYY polite to foreigners. I really don’t get this though. Once my uncle was being polite in an elevator to ask an American which floor did he want. But he didn’t do the same thing when a Malaysian entered the elevator. Sheesh. Oh well, I just kept quiet.”

Meanwhile, there are endless complaints from other bloggers, almost on a daily basis about how rude we Malaysians are to each other. It really doesn’t take a Reader’s Digest survey to see that whatever it is, we do have a problem with manners.

Here are two samples. One is from blogger Raymond who wrote: “...what I really detest most is when people smoke in a lift even though there’s a BIG no-smoking sign. It’s just simple common sense not to smoke in a lift because the ventilation is very bad in there. Moreover, it shows how inconsiderate and ignorant he is towards rules and regulations.”

And Zyrin from her blog Amende? talking about some rude Malaysians she encountered in cinemas: “First off, they were talking at the top of their voices during the trailers. Fair enough, give them a chance, the movie hasn’t started proper. And then the movie started...

“...the first few minutes of the movie had these characters conversing in Latin. The girls next to us were busy commenting and translating the Latin script to English. They were reading the subtitles. Out loud. Damn loud.

“Like, hello??? If you’re intelligent enough to buy a movie ticket for The Omen, one assumes you’re intelligent enough to read THE BLOODY SUBTITLES PROVIDED IN BOTH ENGLISH and MALAY since I’m pretty sure the movie director didn’t take it for granted that everyone understood Latin.

“I thought that was that, but nooo... more was to come. Not only were they continuously making EXCEEDINGLY LOUD smart aleck comments that even had the movie-goers in the row IN FRONT of us hissing and shushing, at one point of the bloody movie, one of them actually answered her phone AND CARRIED OUT A BLOODY CONVERSATION IN THE CINEMA.”

Oh well. Bring in the courtesy ads. See if that works this time around.


Quoted blogs:
1. Everibodi Lafu Rojaks (rojaks.blogspot.com)
2. Mahaguru58 (mahaguru58.blogspot.com)
3. AlwaysWow (www.alwayswow.com)
4. Go and Die (abekamal.wordpress.com)
5. Raymond C.C. Blog (www.raymond.cc/blog)
6. Amende? (rowanofthefive.blogspot.com)