Perakians Working in Singapore Part 2 (Pics of A Once Happenning Little Town in Perak)

It has been quite sometime since Part 1 of Perakians Working in Singapore. Today I wish to share some pics of my father in law's hometown in Perak. These pics were taken duing his funerals.

I absolutely love these pics because it captures the simple beauty typical of small towns across Perak. These pics were taken using an average Nokia phone by a lousy photographer without much effort.


Its a beautiful little town at the foot of Cameron Highlands. At first glance, it looks no more than just another forgotten old folks town of Perak. But you really have to be there to feel what a great place it is. Your body and mind just feel totally soothe just by being there. The air and weather there are just awesome.


And there is a sense of history too. A sense of roots of where sub-modern and sub-urban people like me originates from. What we see now maybe some run-down houses and shops. But this was a rather happening place even before Merdeka. From 1930s to 1950s the town was fill with businesses and and other human activities(e.g gambling, prostitution and subastance abuse).


I know its hard to imagine but once upon a time there were crowds(Chinese, Indians, Ang Mohs etc) drinking and fooling around on these streets.


In the old days everyone travelling between KL and the northern states had to pass through this town. But the creation of North-South Highway left the town stranded from modern development.







Sending my father in law on his final journey across the streets he grew up.






At the cremation afterwards, the most delicious roast pork that I had ever tasted.

Apologies to Muslim friends !




Perak in Malay is silver. The British travel half the globe to plunder Perak riches. Chinamen were brought in to work tin minings. The rise of this town and many like it were the result of tin mining industry. And sadly with the demise of the tin minings, saw the decline of these towns.




Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Another Torrid Journey Home

Yesterday journey home is another horrendous one for the records. Started my journey at 5.10pm and reaching home at 7.40pm.

It was raining heavily from 5.15pm to 6.00pm. Visibilty at times was only 50 meters.I had no choice but to ride slowly (about 50-60 km/h). It felt more like NEE (Never Ending Expressway) than AYE (Ayer Rajah Expressway).

After toiling in the cold hard rain, I finally reached Tuas checkpoint at 6.10pm to be greeted by a virtual motorbike standtill. The operations yesterday evening were way slower than usual. Normally it only would take 30 minutes to clear a 60 meters que. Yesterday it was near to an hour.


From the video below, Block D1 was totally unused. You can see the motorbike traffic was not moving at all while the cars were moving pass the bikes slowly.




And 2 minutes later, I was still rooted to almost the same spot. Furthermore you can see a totally different set of cars next to me.



Till this day, I still cannot understand why Tuas checkpoint management rarely make full use of all three blocks (D1,D2 and D3) during peak period.

Is this a mission impossible to them?
Or did the cold rain yesterday lowered the metabolism of Tuas ICA officers causing slower clearance process?

Until they figure out how to improve the situation at Tuas, we tambak riders will have to carry on with our jiak lat life.



Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Female Tambak Riders

The above pictures shows 2 female kaki tambaks on motorbike at the 2nd link. One is the actual rider(penunggang) and the other is the pillion(pembuncing). There are lots of pillion female kaki tambaks who travels daily with their tambak riders husbands or boyfriends.

However, there are not many actual female tambak riders around. Maybe the less than 0.1% of total tambak riders population. But there seems to be more of them using Tuas Chechkpoint than Woodlands. Most of them probably lives in Gelang Patah area and works in Jurong/Tuas.

I wish to express my utmost respect to these tough ladies who weather the torturous motorbike jams at Singapore checkpoints everyday.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

ISA : A Draconian Means To A Benovalent Ends?

I had read Paula Khoo's blogpost HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE US ALL with some interest last week. It was about the ISA detention of Dr Lim Hock Siew by LKY. The heated discussions that follows, sort of made me wanting to add a few words here. The arguments can sort of be divided into 2 camps. The anti opression 'No draconian laws please' humanist camp and the pro-developmemt 'Crush the troublemakers' camp. From the humanist camp, you have your universal love and respect for human dignity. There shall be no excuse whatsoever to use evil laws and opression. Though I strongly support their principles, I am not going touch too much on it. Since they are mostly the usual stuff that sometimes fall into the trap of vocabulary elaboration. I also want to avoid sounding overly righteous and idealistic. It doesn't suit the image of a hardcore blue collar slave like me in a cosmopolitan city called Singapore. But I would rather share some thoughts on points made by the Arthur a LKY protaganist. These are points that I feel should be re-examined more directly. Our history books paints a scary picture of communist threats during the 1950s to 1970s. Indeed it could be scary indeed, had LKY not won Singapore could have became a leftist state like Myanmar and Vietnam. Thereby ending up as a military state with decades of under development. Arthur argues that Singapore at that time was in a fragile state. To focus on steering the ship he had to use draconian laws to overcome destructive left/communist insurgency. The success of Singapore today is a testament that he made the right call.

Lets check out of the matters raised by Arthur(Please read Artur's comment yourself at the link above) :

1) Dr Lim was leaning towards left and LKY towards democracy. Maybe more of LKY leaning toward UK/US anti communist stance. Is democratic spirit more alive in Singapore today than Malaysia or Indonesia? 2) The blanket term of 'communist/left movement threat'. Life was hard back then, so it was natural for people to incline more towards the left in search of fairness. Oppressive publication, societies registraton and detention laws was the mainstay of British colonial rule after WW2. The populist movements was driven more by anti-colonial sentiments than communist ideaology. And many that LKY was the extension of Britain. For example Fong Chong Pik in his memoir wrote that his detention by corrupt British backed cops was the turning point of him joining the left. 3) Teh Ching Wan is a straighforward corruption that became controversial. Did Mr Teh commited suicide because of his guilt towards the people of Singapore? Or was the pressure above too much too handle. If it is the latter, then it is a sad reflection of a society that to drives people to suicide in order to fight corruption. The courts fair action in dealing with Mr Teh case would have been sufficient to show the maturity of the Singapore estate. IMHO, anything else is just public relations( or worst political spinning). Another aspect that escape many of us, was the ammendments to the laws pertaining to the appeal of criminal and civil cases that follows Mr Teh case. 4) If LKY was not ruthless, he would have find it hard to rule. You are right, it was difficult for him to win populist support in the war of persuasion. With ISA/ISD he will guarantee win because it is his side who is doing the persuasion only. 5) Times are different, but Malaysia still uses ISA to stifle legitimate political dissent. Yes time are different. But things are still the same in some way. Legitimate political dissent is a threat to UMNO rule in the same way leftist movement were a threat to LKY rule at that time. For me, ISA should not be confused with left vs right, US Vs terrorists or UMNO vs Non-Malays. ISA is a trump card to stay in power when the chips are down. Basically anyone that controls the police and military hold this Dai Di (Trump Card for HK card game). The protagonist will argue that we need ISA to avert chaos. The antagonist will argue that ISA be abolished to prevent abuse. ISA and other oppressive tools is a manifestation of one individual /party quest for power to implement his ways or vision onto the society. So its back to the age old question of ' whether a benevolent end justify the ruthless means?'. Such justification process is a slippery path. We would even find it hard on how to define a benevolent end? Or to determine which is the lesser of multiple wrongs? Opressive rule thrives in society that over-relies on leaders and governments. Its sort of like a test of character and maturity of state (Not sure if anyone agrees with me on this). Is a society too dependent on its leaders to work things out for them? Or does masses play the leading role by moving together to find a way out of the mess? Regards, Kaki Tambak

Perakians working in Singapore Part 1 (Intro)

Last month while chatting with fellow blogger Pratamad, the topic of Perakians working in Singapore came up. He seems to bumped into people from Perak and Ipoh everywhere he goes in Woodlands. Well it's true that Perakians are everywhere in Singapore.

In fact they can be found in every corner of the world trying to make a living. At the checkpoints, you can always hear kaki tambaks speaking in Ipoh cantonese. Fyi Ipoh cantonese is very different from those in Pahang or KL.

Well, I'd always had a great deal this of interest in Perak. It is a place of great natural beauty. It has everything from mountains, waterfalls, rivers, sea shores and forest. Perak is also renowned for superb quality water with rich minerals from the mountains resulting in better taufu, tauge and hor fun.

And the food there is absolutely fantastic. You have good dim sum, ngah coi kai and the most delicious chinese banquet in Malaysia. Heck even the pork and poultry just tastes better.

Perak is also a state of rich history and heritage. Ipoh, Anson(Teluk Intan), Kuala Kangsar and Kampar has their fair share of stories and glories in history. It is also home of heavyweight some heavyweight schools like MCKK, SMK Sam Tet, ACS, SMK Anderson and Nan Hwa. Many top notch people are from Perak and I am not talking about Michele Yeoh only.

Wait a minute. If Perak is so great, why on earth is its people running about all over the world just to make a few bucks. Well more of that in later parts.


Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Guess what I spotted at 2nd Link?

A tortoise near 2nd link toll plaza Being on the motorbike for 3 hours each day can be really boring. So spotting this cute little thing on my way to work really lighten up my day. Sort of like the time I spotted an alligator while being stuck in a jam at Woodlands checkpoint.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Potong Jalan Diutamakan

For those who have used 2nd link before, you would surely have noticed some road cuttings on the stretch heading to Singapore between km 13.3 and 11.6. I have been meaning to post something about this strange occurrence at 2nd link for quite sometime. Finally took a few snaps to share it here.

These lines are hazards to motorcyclists. Fortunately tambak riders have good skills to overcome it.

Please click to enlarge.

Please click to enlarge.

Please click to enlarge. Click for a clearer close up.

If I am not mistaken, the cutting of asphalt such as this are for the purpose of repaving the roads.

Well the only problem is that the roads had been cut 2 damn years ago !!!!

When is PLUS(Projek Letup-Rayau UMNO Sulit) going to repave this bloody stretch ?????

Did someone cut the roads by mistake ?

Or did they plan the road cuttings a few years in advance??

Another 1Malaysia thingy ?

Motor accident didahulukan !!!

Potong jalan diutamakan !!!!

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Tambak Riders using BMW?

Can you spot a BMW here at Woodlands Checkpoint?

Here is a close up of BMW 3 series........

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Fuyoh!! Why this week so jam one?

Bumped into a tambak rider friend yesterday. I was complaining to him how Woodlands checkpoint jam suddenly became so bad this week. He said, 'of course lah Obama is coming to Singapore next week for APEC meeting. Hu Jing Tao also coming. I betcha next week they will tighten security even more. So be prepare for a more jiak lat traffic jam.' So enjoy the traffic jams at checkpoint next week. Courtesy of Singapore Government in collaboration with APEC leaders. Regards, Kaki Tambak

Wee Car Tseng - Buttock Minister

Taken from Uncle Zorro post:

WEE KAH SIONG

Deputy Education Minister

"It is also normal for the parents to say things like that when such incident occurs," he said.

(what would you say if it was your child?....better luck next time?)

Last week, I saw Wee Kah Siong commenting about Kampar bridge collapse on the news. Here is a guy who cannot stop talking cock arrogantly for one minute. I really hate it when Wee Ka Siong try to argue their way out of trouble. He totally shows no remorse on the tragic death of these young children. What an asshole. These children died because BN let half-baked people total control to force these children into half-baked programs/projects . Stop protecting your incompetent ministerial ass, civil servants and shitty contractors. Just resign.

Picture courtesy of Kaki Tambak (Please click to enlarge):

Feel free to share this around. Sincerely, Kaki Tambak

Justice For Beng Hock Memorandum : Thanks Johor For Your 6109 signatures.

Thank you Johor for your support in supporting Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor - Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK. We have managed to collect 6109 signatures in supporting our Memorandum. Suaram has compiled and passed the memorandum YB Er Teck Hwa who will eventually handover it to Prime Minister Najib.

Excerpt of Malaysiakini report on this Memorandum:

柔佛州子民为赵明福追讨公道行动委员会成功收集6109名该州子民和25个党团组织的签名，联署上书首相纳吉，要求公正彻查赵明福的离奇坠楼案。 该委员会代表方佩芳今午是在行动党峇吉里国会议员余德华的陪同下，到国会走廊提呈备忘录和签名给首相署副部长刘伟强。 国大党士姑来支部也联署 也是人民之声新山支部执行秘书的方佩芳披露，柔佛州子民为赵明福追讨公道行动委员会是在7月末开始收集签名，并成功在一个月收集6109名该州子民和25个党团组织的签名。 25个联署党团组织包括人民之声新山支部、柔佛人民力量、柔佛宗教司协会、人民公正党埔莱、新山等支部、回教党州联委会、行动党居銮支部等等。 其中，国大党士姑来支部也出现在名单。More at Malaysiakini

I apologized for not being able to find a Malay or English version. However it is our spirits that counts. To achive this level of support in Johor(BN stronghold) is no mean feat. IMHO, I believe Johor has made a significant breakthrough.

Although things has gone down quite a bit, please don't be discourage. We are heading in the direction. Please keep the fire burning.

Sincerely,

Kaki Tambak

Damn I Hate Fridays !!!!

Checkpoint traffic jams(vehicles or humans) on Friday evenings are usually the worst in the week.

Yesterday was no different. I reach Woodlands at 6.30pm. The motorbike que had already reached the bottom of the viaduct. I was only able to clear Woodlands checkpoint around 7.40pm. Betul-betul stuck dari siang sampai malam.

After queing for 20 mins, the checkpoint was still so far.

On the bright side a lot of tambak riders shut off their engine yesterday because the weather was cloudy and not hot. Lucky no rain in spite of the dark clouds. Or else I would be really crying in the rain.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Freedom Film Festival 2009 (FFF2009) Coming To JB

For those of you who do not know what Freedom Film Festival(FFF), it is actually an annual film festival organized by an NGO named KOMAS.

Their original site freedomfilmfest.komas.org has been taken down due to heavy bombardment by B-End cybertroopers. So I guess they are pretty independent. All is not lost, as they have created a new blog quickly to replace the original site.

KOMAS basically uses video and media creatively to narrate the different aspects of issues that do not get the any significant coverages in the mainstream media. Undercurrent issues that we must confront in order for our society to move beyond modernization and material development.

Hey I know this blog isn't trafically buzzing. Nonetheless I hope this post can somehow reach some in JB and Singapore. This film screening would definitely be a refreshing experience.

I would like to especially invite Singaporeans to come over check it out. It will be slightly different from the film fest that you have Singapore. In Singapore, the focus is more on the arty side. Singapore is home to a vibrant arts circle but it relies too heavily on govt and corporate support(esp GLCs). I am not saying there are some sort of direct control over media freedom or independence in Singapore. Its just that there isn't that much of a space to work on.

Hopefully FFF2009 can give a more independent take on some topics that are made controversial by our mainstream media.

FFF2009 in The Star :

http://star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/2/movies/4806175&sec=movies

Screening Schedules :

http://freedomfilmfest.blogspot.com/2009/10/freedomfilmfest-schedule.html

Film Sypnosis :

http://freedomfilmfest.blogspot.com/2009/09/film-synopsis-saturday.html#ALL

http://freedomfilmfest.blogspot.com/2009/09/film-synopsis-sunday.html#FOI

Admission is free. To get screening passes please contact KOMAS at :

Tel/Fax: 03 - 7968 5415

HP: 017 - 3749 887

Email: freedomflmfest@komas.org

Thank you.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Response to anonymous criticism

Got a pretty strong anonymous comment on my last post.

I would like to thank him for his concern on this issue. Although I am dead tired now and have to travel outstation tomorrow, I feel obliged to write a new post in response to his/her comments.

"Wah,bro, S'pore give you a chance to Earn S$$$$$$ and you are not grateful?"

Bro I am very grateful that I have been given a chance to earn the precious SGDs. I am so grateful that I am willing to take on 30% more workload than my Singaporean counterparts. I am also grateful to the extent that I happily receive 70% of what my Singaporean counterparts normally earns. To repay Singapore gratitude I am ever willing to help in driving Singapore economy forward so that SGD can go up even further. So that Singaporeans can buy plenty of goods from poorer country using their big strong SGD.

I am sorry if my incoherent writings does not contain enough goodwill . I am not perfect and won't pretend to be a sportng gentleman(I grew up in JB wat u expect).

Honestly Bro, do you think Singaporean government and bosses give a crap about my sense of gratitude. May I add, they don't pay me or other foreign workers for doing nothing. Singapore Inc has always been about the bottom line!!

"Just when the relationship between S'pore & Malaysia is getting warmer"

Bro, you have too much of mainstream stuff in your system. I suggest you try more of alternative flavored media. Malaysia-Today is a good start.

A gentle reminder :

i)During Abdullah Badawi administration, it was more of Khairy leveraging on his Singapore connections to get a turbo-political headstart. And Singapore got her fair share from such co-op. Search the 2006 archives Raja Petra writings to find out more.

ii)The current cross straits ties under Najib is definitely. It is so warm he is feeling the heat right under his balls. Try google 'Najib Mongolia Singapore hotel exhibition' if you know what I mean.

As much as I want to believe that foreign relations are about gentlemen diplomacy, I cannot ignore that everything everything just boils down to the bottom line!! Its just about getting the most out of any bargain.

'When do you think this KTM will ever be resolved?'

Bro, the more important question is how to properly resolve the issue. The tracks and station has been around for a 100 years. It did not prevent Singapore from becoming a first world country.

"'Do you think if it is true, Msia will lose out?"

Yes I do. It has more to do with my zero confidence in Najib, Anifah Aman and other bumbling BN goons.

"Why always think S'pore is too cunning and will always get the Cake and Msia only the Cream?"

I hope you take it as compliment that the Singapore government is full of intellegent quick thinking people.

An example of some creams that Malaysian licked:

i) Singapore landfilling causing the shipping passage of Tebrau Straits to narrow. Thereby negatively affecting Pasir Gudang Port and Tanujung Pelepas Port. You might argue who cares about lousy port operators like these two above, they are doomed anyway. Just use our super efficient PSA. Singapore development more important mah! Singapore 1 Malaysia Nil

ii) CPF withdrawal of Penisular Malaysians. Hey crazy meh, even Singapore citizens find it difficult to take money out of Singapore piggy bank. Singapore 2 Malaysia Nil

iii) Pedra Benca, Singapore could have won hands down with the sole fact that the Birtish gazzeted Pedra Branca as part of the Negeri-negeri Selat. Why did Singapore claim that it was terra nullius (uninhabitted empty land)? When it was a common knowledge that these islands were Orang Laut whose allegiance to the Melaka/Johor Sultanate is well documented inhabitted Pedra Branca and its surrounding island.

Why so kiasu in using terra nullius? Coming up with all sort of timeline and legal discrepancies to paint the picture that Johor Sultanate had never had any sovereignty or legitimate influence over these islands. The answer is simple winning the prize.

Singapore 3 Malaysia Nil.

iv) 2006 Kota Tinggi great flood. Did Singapore made transperent its operations record of Sungai Linggu reservoir(upstream of Kota Tinggi)? To convince the public that there was no negligence on Singapore operators that could have worsen the flood. Or could there have been steps taken to mitigate the extent of damage.

Water very important Singapore mah.No lah cannot reveal too much. Later terorrist attack Singapore people die lah. Kota tinggi just kampung folks, very nice people sure the understand one.

Singapore 4 Malaysia Nil.

We could go on non-stop in digging Malaysian government incompentency and Singapore ruthlessness in taking advantage of it. But lets just stop here.

Singapore is successful partly because of its good operation management. But the most important factor of its success is its ability to attract money from all over South East Asia. Southeast Asian tycoons, military rulers, corrupt politician and officers stash away their billions in Singapore.

Where does all these billions come from? They are suck from poor ordinary people of your poor neighbouring countries. Then all these poor folks will go to Singapore and work like hell to drive your economy.

So please forgive us ordinary folks for not being enthusiastic enough in your swap deal or prime CBD or IR real estate.

Singapore needs its neighbour as much as we need your Singdollars. But a little gratitude from Singapore would be nice.

My country is sick but I am not blaming Singapore. My bottom line is helping my country to stand up again. And I believe everyone has their on bottom line to chase.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

PS : I will be away for the next 3 days, have a nice weekend.

Anonymous, if your not from the Home Ministry (Malaysia or Singapore), maybe we can have Teh Tarik sometime.

Light at the end of the tunnel for KTM? So bright that we cannot see the lost of KTM Jurong Line.

Familiar filming site for SG soapy drama serials.

An article yesterday by The Malaysian Insider was very disturbing. It seems that MI tried to spin in favor of a land swap deal to settle the longstanding issue of KTM land in Singapore. What the article did not mentioned was the long forgotten KTM Jurong line that branches from Bukit Timah to Shipyard Rd. More info can be found in the 2 every good singapore blogs below : old-tracks-new-trail-bridge-on-river old-tracks-new-trail-in-search-of-river ulu-pandan-heritage-trail-8-bridge-that ulu-pandan-heritage-trail-9-lost ulu-pandan-heritage-trail-10-lost

I really like the way Peter and Chun See writes in their blogs. It feels great in the ways of how Malaysians would normally talk of their nostalgic past. Be it Ipoh, Penang, Kedah, Sabah and so on. Anyway back to the topic, you see the Jurong Line has stopped operations and has not been maintained by KTM for quite some time. Enroached by development, the Jurong Line land area has shrinked a lot over the years. During the British times, it was common for the KTM's track land to be as wide as 100 feet. Well rumours has been circulating in KTM circles, that PM Najib administration will quietly relinquish all of Jurong Line to the Singapore Government within a year. The shiny lights IR/Casino related carrot seems to made us totally unaware of the old Jurong Line being taken away right under our nose. If rumours Some would argue it is useless for KTM to hold on to their land in Singapore. Since KTM is another loss making government link company who cannot properly utilize or develop these SG lands in their hands. So just cut the losses and take the billions that Singapore goverment is offering. I say think twice. 1)Some might argue the lands were given to KTM by some outdated colonial legal agreements of the British. We cannot just dishonour an agreement (no matter how old) for the sake of a few quick dollars(well maybe a few billions). The same way Singapore argues that Malaysia cannot anyhow cut water supply to the island because of another dusty British legal documents. 2)The billions of SGD on offer might just dissappear into some BN politicains pocket. as in the case of 9 million Telekom shares dropping into the pockets of a prominent Indian leader. 3) Do we have the people intelligent enough to play in glitzy prime development. Playing in someone else backyard is by no means an easy feat. Just ssk Old Lee on how they got burnt in Suzhou. But the above 3 points are not the most important. The most important thing is Political Bargaining Power. Money we can get from other resources and industries. Its a well known fact that SG government is way more cunning and smarter than us. Malaysia need all the ammunition it can get. So its not good to become shortsighted and flimsily give away our political chips. BN's propaganda exercises is not a measure of a nation's sovereignty. Abdullah Badawi practically gift wrap Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore. The rot is even more worrying with Najib seemingly playing into the hands Singapore ever since he became PM. Tun Mahathir was one hell of a corrupt and crazy politician. But at least he did not wanted to be remembered as the man who sold out to Singapore. Any negotiations with Singapore is futile unless our leaders can stand up fearlessly with integrity even when chips are down. But with the bunch of Najib and his BN goons, it seems we will be outthought and outwtted in no time by Singapore government. PS : I am not anti Singapore government or anything like that. They are just not the people I would trust with things important to me (e.g my life). Regards, Kaki Tambak

2nd Link Touch 'n Go Chaos

On the 14 Sep 2009(yesterday), PLUS made Touch 'n Go as the compulsory payment method for 2nd Link tolls.

Morning was still ok for those going south into Singapore. But yesterday evening was chaotic at the motorcycles section heading north. As shown in the video above, it wasn't any much better earlier this evening either. I was stuck at the toll booth jam for about 10mins.

I must admit some tambak riders who cut que by riding onto the grass areas should be blamed partly for the chaos. Compared to the deadlock on the Singapore side, this is peanuts and they ought to have restrain themselves from exarcebating the situation.

However, one thing we should notice though is how very little cars, busses and lorries that are queing for toll payments. Somehow we tambak riders have sort of prevented the 2nd Link from being a 100% white elephants.

Maybe PLUS should consider increasing a few more toll booths for us tambak riders. But please don't increase the toll any further. RM1.60 per trip already very ciak lat.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Seductive SingDollar infects Sabah/Sarawak Too

Weeks ago I wrote on Tambak Money Carriers, runners who help corrupt cops stash their bribes in Singdollar.

In a post from Malaysia-Today entitled Selamat Moodeka, RPK mentioned that :

"Imagine how many bags you need to pack to bribe a Malaysian politician RM10 million in cash if you pay them in Ringgit compared to using Singapore Dollars. So the Singapore Dollar is more useful if you need to pay off a Malaysian politician. And this is why East Malaysians prefer Singapore Dollars instead of Malaysian Ringgit. So what is the purpose of Sabah and Sarawak being part of Malaysia when it is so difficult to deal in Malaysian Ringgit when bribes need to be paid?"

Its amazing how in South East Asia, that the Singdollar so seductive to the extent that almost all corrupt politicains and goverment officers drooling all over it. In Malaysia, whacking Singapore is the mainstay of UMNO propanda programme. And yet this UMNO supporters will bend over backwards to stash their loot in the currency of the so called Israel of S.E.A.

So Old Lee actually mange in taming the tigers(ditry ones) from Malaya using his almighty Singdollar. This perhaps could be Old Lee's greatest counquering legacy.

2 tigers cannot share a single mountain? Or 2 kucing jantan cannot share a single lonkang?

Please click to enlarge. All this MCA power struggle hoo haa have been given too much publicity lately. I mean it is public knowledge that CSL have been gathering troops to kick OTK off his seat. OTK will loose hands down in terms of grass root support. So he opted for a premptive strike. Its nothing but pure MCA syok sendiri political gamesmanship. People are just reading it as the tabloid stuff as it is. MCA has already lost its father figure status in the Chinese community. As for other communities, I doubt they have any sort microscopic kinship with them. The reasons for their continue existence has been reduced to serving BNs cronies business interest. So we have a huge organization with big portfolios reduced to a 'Yes men' role. Nowadays being a MCA fella is nothing you can shout out with pride on the street. Their only consolation are their share of ATM cash. And perhaps intimate personal friends too. So what do you think, 一山不能藏二虎 （2 tigers cannot share a single mountain)? Or 一沟不能藏两只猫公 (2 kucing jantan cannot share a single lonkang)? Just for laughs, Kaki Tambak

Kaki Tambaks Who Protects Singapore

Malaysians used to dominate the non-executive or blue collar level in the manufacturing, construction, shipyard, logistic, F&B and retail sectors. In the last 5 years however, their positions have been seriously under threat by Indian nationals and even more so by Chinese nationals (sometimes called Chinerians).

The security guard and auxiliary police sectors in Singapore are maybe the only area where Malaysians still have some foothold. Well maybe, for the upper spectrum only. In the security sectors, Malaysians are employed for their trustworthiness and English communication ability. Since many Malaysian Indians can communicate very well in English, they are widely employed as security guards in major hotels and buildings.

For the lower spectrum of the security guard industry - most of them are Thais, Burmese or financially challenged Singaporeans. Malaysian wages are too high at this level.

One month ago, I met a lady kaki tambak who actually lives in a taman next to mine. She is working as a security guard in downtown Singapore. After she related her daily struggles working in Singapore to me, I totally take my hat off for her.

To get to work she would tumpang van kilang from her home at 4:30am. Upon reaching Singapore at 6am , she would take other mode of transport downtown.

She then works dayshift from 8am to 8pm. After clocking out at 8pm, she would walk 10mins City Hall and then take MRT to Jurong East. She would reach Jurong East around 9pm, where she would then take bus CW3 home. If things go smoothly, she would probably reach home around 10.30pm.

She barely have enough time to sleep at home, before starting a new day at 4am. Sleeping during the journey to work would also be very difficult for her, because she has to keep on switching between buses, trains and walking.

I forgot to ask how many days she works per week. But the norm for security guards is 1 day off for every 2 weeks of work. There are lucky ones who work only 6 days per week.

Some may draw comparison of her plight with kaki tambak factory operators. But her situation is noticeably different in certain areas. Though her work is not as fast paced as those in factories, the traveling for factory operators are easier compare to hers.

In conclusion it is her daily traveling that arduously stands out than most of the kaki tambaks I know. Not even a tough nut kaki tambak like me can match her efforts in this area.

Sad to say, I have not bumped into her for the past 2 weeks. The last time I saw her, she was very tired. Not sure whether her exertion has finally taken a toll.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Note : CW3 is a JB-Singapore bus service that uses the 2nd link instead of the old causeway. It serves between Jurong East and JB(Gelang Patah, Bukit Indah and Tun Aminah).

Ah Long! Ah Long! Everywhere

Many Malaysians become kaki tambaks to pay off Ah Long debts(either theirs or their family). Many kakitambak although earning SingDollar still fall into the loan shark strangle. Any visitors to JB in recent years, would marvel at the vibrant campaign of loan shark advertising here. Ah Long banners are so widespread to the extent of JB could possibly occupy the No 1 ranking city in this area.We may not beat KL or Penang, in terms of technological or scholarly achievements. But by the look on our street, JB could realistically come out tops in loan shark advertising. The loan sharks in JB is pretty invincible. A friend's friend who failed to pay his debt was beaten up by Ah Long. When he lodges a report at the police station, someone(possibly an officer) remarked that it would be a pity these runners will be caught and convicted to a few years jail for merely doing their job. It would ruined their future and create more social problem. The Ah Long sympathizer probably meant that a lot of Chinese Sabahan youths are working as runner for JB Ah Long bosses. Anyone who has been to Sabah will probably know that the wages there are quite low and basic stuff (like Milo, newspapers, cars etc) are more expensive over there. To sum it up BN government(federal and state) has screwed Sabah big time. Part of the prosperity that penisular Malaysia enjoyed are really from by plundering Sabah and Sarawak resources; making their lives difficult. So it is some sort of retribution really to see these Sabahan youths coming over to JB, harassing and beating up people all over our town. Thrashing our streets with colourful Ah Long banners. However rampant as the Ah Long syndicate presence are, no one has heard of any Ah Long or their runners convicted in JB. I am not saying there aren't, only that neither the people I know nor myself aren't aware of any. While we wait for some strong action from PDRM, some scenic advertising for you guys to enjoy: Typical Ah Long's morning toolbox meeting, at all major JB kopitiams. Complimentary Ah Long name cards cum calendar delivered to to your doorstep twice weekly. Come in XL sizes too. This way to your nearest Ah Long. A friendly reminder of Ah Longs' number at the payphone. Ah Long Stickers on rain gutters. Cap mohor (rubber stamping) on shophouses wall .

Spray painted as per JKR requirements

Ah Long banners at major street signboard.

At least they never covered up the no. '3' , so that people won't get lost. Making TNB more colourful?

Tambak Johor : Money Carriers

The recent Singapore’s Distinguished Service Order awarded to our IGP Musa Hassan for his “outstanding contribution in fostering excellent ties and cooperation” between the Malaysian police and the republic’s police force. It got me thinking what actually how does PDRM plays a part in cross-strait relationships. Somehow it only reminded me of rumours that had been circulating around JB for quite sometime. Its like already part of JB mythical folklore that no one can or is willing to verify. Before I begin, I iterate my stand of not dismissing this rumour as dongeng punya cerita(fairy tale) or justifying it as the truth. As I have no contacts in PDRM inner circle, there is no way I can verify the truth or falsity of such rumours. Rumour has it that, there are these runners who crosses the causeway to Singapore carrying certain corrupt PDRM officers dirty money. Once in SG, these runners will help deposit the monies them into the officers or the officers' families account. Based on hearsay, these runners may carriy around RM50k to RM150k per trip (not sure whether in RM or SGD). It is also rumoured that these runners are your normal looking Chinese uncle and that they enjoyed quite a comfortable living from their professions. In 2007, Singapore government imposed a mandatory declaration for those entering and leaving Singapore with more than SGD30k in cash. However this is not a restriction on the cash amount that you can carry into Singapore. So one can actually carry SGD 1million into Singapore, provided you declare it to SG government that it is for a legitimate purpose. Not sure whether the the above ruling affects these so called rumoured money carriers. They can probably carry a smaller amount and make more trip. Or they could use better ways to avoid detection at checkpoints. If these money carriers exists then I assume they too can regarded as kaki tambak (people who crosses the causeway on a regular basis for work). Albeit a very shadowy type. Most kaki tambaks will probably close one eye to these rumoured money carrier. If these money carriers existence are proven true, then the morale of us normal kaki tambak will take a bit hit. Imagined all our hard eanred SingDollar that we fight daily to bring back, being siphoned back to Singapore just like that. It is already quite sad thinking of this possibility let alone proving it. Regards, Kaki Tambak

Reminder: Collection Of Memorandum Signatures

Hi all, First of all I would like say thank you to all those kind souls who had volunteer to go around and collect signature in support of the Memorandum Menuntut Keadilan Untuk Teoh Beng Hock, Negeri Johor. Suaram JB will be compiling all the signatures on 9th Aug 2009. So please send your signed form to you nearest collection center: 1)SUARAM JB Office 8A, Jalan Ronggeng 11, Tmn Skudai Baru, 81300 Skudai. Tel : 016-7782707 2)PKR Permas Jaya Office 28-02, Jalan Permas 9/3,Taman Permas Jaya. Tel : 07-3869488 3)PAS Kota Masai Office No 26, Jalan Bachang 9, Taman Kota Masai, 81700, Pasir Gudang. Tel : 013-6240995 4)YB Ng Lam Hua Office No 2-1B, 1st Floor, Block E, JOHBASE City Square, 8600 Kluang. Tel : 012-7337435(Mr Pan) 5)Pusat Khidmat Ahli Parlimen (YB Er Teck Hwa) No.1 2nd Floor, Taman Bintang, Jalan Sakeh, 8400 Muar. Tel : 017-6121201 (Mr Liew) 6)PAS Simpang Renggam Office No 17, Jalan Berlian 3, Taman Renggam Jaya, 86200 Simpang Renggam. Tel : 07-7554693, 019-7701830 (Encik Khairul) 7) DAP Paloh Office 23, Jalan 15, Taman Sri Paloh, 86600 Paloh, Johor. Tel : 016-7521358 (Mr. Lee) 8) DAP Yong Peng Office 6,(Tingakat Satu), Taman Madu 1, 83700 Yong Peng. Tel: 016-7521358 9) PKR Tangkak Office 1543, Taman Tangkak Jaya, 84900 Tangkak, Johor. Tel: 019-6104546 10) 新山留台同學會 Tel: 019-7550960 11) 昔加末中华公会 (Persatuan Tionghua Segamat) 27，（1st Floor) Jalan Genuang, 85000 Segamat, Johor. Tel: 07-9329900 Thanks, Kaki Tambak

Armed robbery at my neighbours

My neighbour got robbed tonight. Well this is the second armed robbery on the same street as mine. The modus operandi are the same. Basically the robbers tail their victims(so happens that both are female) to their home. Once the victims enter their car porch, one robber will smash the windscreen and for this case grab the victim's handbag. Another will standby at their getaway vehicle. The whole process takes around 30-45seconds. By the time me and my father unlock our door plus main gate and rush out(with our cangkuls), the robbers had already sped off. Our neighbour was pretty shaken but was not hurt. The police came around 5 mins later. They said there is only 1 patrol car for our Taman (population more than 10000 people). They can only be at one place at at a time. Cannot cover all the areas. I replied 'Of course lah, all the police go to KL or at highway arresting Anti-ISA protesters'. Anyway since we cannot really depend on the police to protect us, here are some points that you may find useful: 1) Try not to panic (easier said than done, but at least try lah) 2) Do not put valuables (handbags, handpnones, laptop, passport etc) inside your car where it can be easily visible and taken. 3)Try lookout for anyone who might be following your car. 4)If you are followed - stay in your car and keep your doors locked. Do not go into your car porch and stay in the main road so that you are visible to your neighbours. Sound your horn before the robbers get near to your car and wait for help. 5)In any case do not attempt to scuffle with the robbers. Most of them are armed with parangs. 6)If they try to get into your car, you must try to drive away. In a worst case scenario ram your into someone else car or whatever to get attention of others. Regards and take care, Kaki Tambak

Abolish ISA - A token of support from down under

The very little that I can do to support to Abolish ISA Movement.

Still stuck at work in SG.

My usual attire in JB and SG.

Too bad still haven't bump into anyone who shares the same fashion sense. For those who have such T-shirts, please wear it more often. Don't be too worry, at least JB PDRM still not yet kacau me for the past year or so.

Kaki tambak issues to be temporary on hold.

For the next two weeks, I will be concentrating on activities for Beng Hock's cause.

So kaki tambak related postings are to be temporary put on the shelves for now.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor - Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK.

Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor - Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK was launched yesterday at South Johor Press Club. Please visit SUARAM JB Blog regarding our Johor campaign. The memorandum will be sent to the Prime Minister when the signature campaign is completed.

At SUARAM JB Blog, you can download the memorandum statement for viewing. There are also signature form collection venue of major Johor towns where you can show your support by signing this petition.

There you can also find today's chinese newspaper clipings showing their coverage of the press conference to launch this campaign.

NST and The Star journalist was also to there to cover the press conference. However we have yet to locate any article in today's NST and The Star of our press conference. We will try again tomorrow with the use of a magnifying glass.

For those who have close friends and relatives in Johor area, please help to convey our request for their signature in support of seeking justice for Beng Hock.

Thank you,

Kaki Tambak

Pakatan Rakyat Ceramah at Taman Universiti, Skuadai

Attended the last part of PR ceramah last night at Taman U. Due to the police blockade, I had to limped about 150 meters. Caught only the portion by YB Lim Kit Siang. He as usual got the crowd growing. Other than that, it was your usual PR ceramah

But I was very dissapointed with the attendance. Excluding parties workers, it was at most 400 people. The 50 or so police personnel were just lazily wandering around and spatting mosquitoes throughout the ceramah.

You might say it is JB mah, what do you expect. The only reason to think that it was a OK turnout is because BN is still colonizing the minds of JB people.

The question is not whether to align ourselves to Pakatan. Its about rakyat showing unity in numbers. The least we can do is to show BN,PDRM,MACC etc that we mean business and keep them on their toes.

Do we honestly think that our angry kopitiam talk will actually put pressure on BN to the right thing? That things will eventually work out. That the opposition will do the dirty job for us.

Think again. If Pakatan Ralyat alone can force BN to reform then Beng Hock will be still alive and well. Like it or not PDRM, MACC and all civil servants work for UMNO and not the rakyat. So UMNO can bulldozed over anyone they wish and now they are out of control. Including you JB people who willingly voted for BN.

Fellow JB residents, even the mighty Sing Dollar you earned every month cannot saved this country. No matter how many Sing Dollars you earned, UMNO machineries and crony corporations will suck every cents of it.

So stop hibernating. Learn from your friends and families in Penang,Ipoh,KL,Kelantan and Selangor. Unite in numbers and fight.

For a start, you can sign "Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK" address to PM Najib. This memorandum was initiated by Suaram,PKR Johor and a few concerned citizens. And was later endorsed by other parties and NGOs in Johor. The target is 10,000 signature.

I will post the link to the memorandum asap.

Ceramah last night at Taman U.

Come on JB. We can do better than just a few hundred people.

Motorbike Skided on Expressway

I was involved in an accident this morning. My motorbike skidded on the expressway. Suddenly, I landed in the middle of the road with my bike on top of my right leg and couldn't move. Immediately I looked behind and prayed the tailing truck don't run over me. Fortunately it didn't and I am still here to write this post. The next thing I knew, some tambak riders appeared and whisked me(and motorbike) away to the road shoulders. Never managed to catch who they are. But I would really like to thanked them and also the EMAS personnel who help to push my bike to the nearby expressway exit. Somehow I manage to ride my bike to the nearest car park where my colleague came to fetch me to the nearest clinic. For no reason, my bike just skidded out of a sudden and I could not get it under control. I still had no idea why and how it happened. I mean I was just riding at 75km/h. Was not in a hurry. slept ok last night. Both my Michelin tires in good condition. Only slight drizzle not heavy rain. And I am a very careful and seasoned rider/driver. I still don't know why. It happened too fast(bing bang and it was over). Not even time to feel scared. Thakfully, this tambak rider lives on to fight another day No greater joy than to be still sitting at home watching my daughter play. Very lucky minor wounds only, no bones visible. Tear through my raincoat to my pants. After bandaged. After bandaged.