- Abolitionist for all crimes: 95
- Abolitionist for ordinary crimes only: 9
- Abolitionist in practice: 35
Poll: Do you support capital punishment?
Of late, we have heard a lot of talk in the news about the death penalty. Some of our politicians talk as if the death penalty has widespread acceptance.
So I am curious to know to what extent ordinary people really support capital punishment.
Personally I am against the death penalty for a number of reasons.
Globally, more and more countries are doing away with capital punishment. According to Amnesty International, more than two-thirds of the countries in the world have now abolished the death penalty in law or practice:
Wanted: Far-reaching reforms
I notice press reports mentioning the DAP’s three promises should Pakatan take over Putrajaya:
- RM1,000 annually for senior citizens
- Free nationwide wifi
- Abolition of the postal summons (saman ekor)
Capital outflow from Malaysia – where to?
Much has been said about the capital outflows from Malaysia. But where exactly are Malaysian firms investing in?
The top 10 destinations outside the country for Malaysian investments in 2009 were:
- Singapore – RM5.8 billion
- Hong Kong – RM4.3b
- Mauritius – RM3.4b
- Indonesia – RM2.2b
- The Netherlands – RM1.9b
Malaysia not very ‘happy’; many ‘struggling’
A Gallup global survey reveals that Malaysia is way down in the list of ‘happy countries’.
Respondents were asked how they felt the previous day and had to rate “whether they felt well-rested, respected, free of pain and intellectually engaged”.
Denmark is the ‘happiest’ country in the world, according to the Gallup survey results published in Forbes.
The ranking among Southeast Asian nations is as follows:
79 – Thailand
81 – Singapore
85 – Indonesia
91 – Burma (and Bangladesh)
94 – Malaysia and Philippines
96 – Vietnam
130 – Laos
148 – Cambodia
A ‘spy camera’ that beeps?
I see a ‘spy camera’ has been found in Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim’s office.
Oh my, there’s never a dull moment in Malaysia.
This is a so-called ‘spy camera’ – actually a video camera placed among the curtains – that beeps when the battery level is low. (That’s how the camera was found.)
An early general election?
What can we expect from the next general election, which a few believe may coincide with the Sarawak state election?
The last general election was widely described as a watershed general election, but real change is still some way off, although we are now closer to a viable two-coalition system.
New Botanic Garden chief seeks volunteers
The new Ketua Penguasa of the Penang Botanic Garden, Tengku Idaura, has a monumental challenge ahead of her in restoring and improving the Garden in line with best practices.
She is seeking the assistance of volunteer botanists and garden enthusiasts.
Says Tengku Idaura:
It’s heartening to read the comments about the Penang Botanic Gardens. After working here for seven days, I feel downright discouraged at the volume of tasks ahead of me. Most of all, can I remove all the unnecessary structures which the officials would declare as “structurally sound” and therefore…
Is this Obama?
Some light relief for a change. Enjoy.
Part Two below
Leaning Arch’s last stand
Watch the last few moments before the Leaning Arch at the Penang Botanic Garden came crashing down.
Oops! That wasn’t supposed to happen – Photo credit: guangming.com
Oops! That wasn’t supposed to happen – Photo credit: guangming.com The Taib saga continues
Have a look at the latest revelation in the ongoing saga of Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud.
Go to the Sarawak Report here.
An almighty C-R-A-S-H, a miraculous escape
The demolition of the ‘Leaning Arch of Penang’ at the Botanic Garden went horribly wrong when the large structure inadvertently toppled over, crashing through a metal hoarding.
At precisely 8.45pm, a hydraulic breaker mounted on a crane began slamming against the upper portion of the leaning arch. The jackhammer-like machine tore bits of concrete from the arch and eventually punched a gaping hole just above the centre of the arch. The arch didn’t stand a chance nor did it put up much resistance.
At precisely 8.45pm, a hydraulic breaker mounted on a crane began slamming against the upper portion of the leaning arch. The jackhammer-like machine tore bits of concrete from the arch and eventually punched a gaping hole just above the centre of the arch. The arch didn’t stand a chance nor did it put up much resistance. Anti-ISA protest greets Anifah in London
Apparently, the “Abolish ISA” chanting could be heard from inside the Malaysian High Commission in London. Foreign Minister Anifah got out of his car and came over to talk to those at the vigil for about half an hour.
Anifah meets the protesters in London on Sunday, 8 August – Photo by PocketFiat; see slideshow here.
Those who were already inside the High Commission waiting for his speech to them, apparently ended up waiting for quite some time.
0030: A group of about 30 people are protesting against the ISA outside the Malaysian High Commission in London.
Anifah meets the protesters in London on Sunday, 8 August – Photo by PocketFiat; see slideshow here.
Those who were already inside the High Commission waiting for his speech to them, apparently ended up waiting for quite some time.
0030: A group of about 30 people are protesting against the ISA outside the Malaysian High Commission in London. Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-08
- Ganesan orders Nizar out of the Perak State Assembly ; Nizar refuses to budge. LIVE – https: #
- Live – Coverage of Perak State Assembly sitting this morning #
- 300-400 people gathered at Brewster Road for the Ipoh vigil last night. (No arrests – apologies for incorrect info last nite). #
- Shu shi released. But has to appear in court tomorrow for mention of charge re section 19 police act. #
- They are now serving shu shi of awam with a warrant of arrest in penang in connection with a 2008 case. #
- The 4 arrested in penang will be coming out soon. We are waiting near the station. Abolish the ISA! #
- 4 people have gone into the police station in penang to post bail for the arrested 4. #
- Lawyer told me that ocpd promised that the 4 arrested in pg would be released on police bail tonight. #
- 30 people are holding an impromptu vigil outside Jelutong police station, penang. Motorists honking in support. #
- Cops have given 5 mins for pg vigil to disperse. But many already left. Others leaving now. They have made their point. #
- Syd Ibrahim chief of GMI and Mafrel arrested in PJ. #
- lly lighted their candles bright. I horned as I passed and they were so happy to respond, just like carnival time! Its officially over. … #
- tat one arrested. #
- Eyewitness from IPOH – vigilers gave polis the slip by gathering at the other side- other entrance of Parkson Grand on Brewster Rd. Ap … #
- Eyewitness from IPOH – PEACEFUL but one was arrested. I was driving, circling trying to get in but all entrances and exits were closed … #
- FWD fr eyewitness – Now we gathering in front of pj police station to show support. Fru in front of police station protect their station … #
- to catch ppl. #
- Suaram penang coordinator ong jing cheng arrested in penang. #
- Darshan Singh, Kris khaira, Chon kai arrested at ISA vigil at speakers square in penang. Now in truck. Cops outnumber protesters. #
D-Day is on Monday
That’s Demolition Day for the two Penang Botanic Garden arches – scheduled for Monday. Or rather it should be Demolition Night.
Cranes are expected to slam into the arches from 8.00pm to 11.00pm, and work is expected to last six days.
Cranes are expected to slam into the arches from 8.00pm to 11.00pm, and work is expected to last six days. My name is bond…
The government has been borrowing billions of ringgit through bond issues.
There are two main types of government bonds: Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) and Government Investment Issues (GII).
Plans were announced for 19 bond issues this year – 12 via MGS and seven via GII. Each issue raises about RM2-4 billion.
Edmund Bon on the ISA and basic rights
Edmund Bon discusses the ISA and our basic rights over PopTeeVee.
PICC and the risks of BOT
It is good to hear that the Penang government plans to stay put at its present offices in Komtar instead of building a “mini-Putrajaya’ (one of the hare-brained ideas of the previous administration). This, we are told, will save us RM1 billion in public funds.
We are also told the government will try to maximise its resources, to get more money so that it can continue its development and social programmes which are consistent with a people-centric government.
In the same spirit, I hope the state government will think along the same lines when it comes to the Penang International Convention Centre.
Taib’s hold on Sarawak loosens
It was supposed to be the highlight of Sarawak chief minister Taib Mahmud’s trip to the United Kingdom. But his visit to Oxford University’s Said Business School to give a special address did not go quite as planned – and underscored his and the ruling coalition’s rising troubles in a pivotal electoral swing state.
British activists caught wind of his 26 July visit and scheduled speaking engagement at the inaugural Oxford Global Business Forum and stationed themselves bearing critical placards at the venue’s entrance. In the event, Taib, who has been in power for nearly three decades, suffered the indignity of being reportedly transported in a blue, windowless van and then whisked through a kitchen to enter the venue.
6 foreign experts enlisted to Penang EMF panel
Six scientists, public health officials and experts have been enlisted to an International Advisory Panel set up by the Penang Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Radiation Protection Alliance.
They are:
- Dr Gerd Oberfeld, adviser for environmental medicine of the Austrian Medical Association
- Olle Johansson, associate professor, head of the Experimental Dermatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm
- Dr David Carpenter, Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, United States
- Dr Carlos Sosa, physician and surgeon in Medellin, Columbia
- Eileen O’Connor, Trustee of the Radiation Research Trust, UK
- Alex Swinkels, National Platform on Radiation Risks, Netherlands and Board Member, International EMF Alliance
Live – PR reps walk out after Nizar ordered out
The Perak State Assembly sitting today ended in chaos after Ganesan ordered Nizar out. Nizar refused to budge and all the Pakatan reps then staged a walk out.