Mechanism of the government is divided into two namely:
- The Dewan Negara (House of Senates) – 70 members
- The Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) – 222 members
The Dewan Rakyat usually commands more publicity because there are usually a lot of sensational debates.
The talk was focused on the Dewan Negara (Upper House) which is a body of 70 qualified legislators as provided for in the constitution:
- 26 elected (Each state elects 2)
- 40 appointed by the Yang Dipertuan Agong
- 2 from KLFT
- 1 from Putrajaya
- 1 from Labuan
Senators speak on behalf of communities or interest groups and they tend to behave more maturely and speak on issues more rationally through cooperation and tacit understanding.
Function of senator:
Very unfortunately, many Members of Parliament (MP) are not bothered or interested in laws as they are very tedious and most have got the wrong concept of being a Member of Parliament. Instead at most times, they tend to concentrate more on daily people’s problems and trivial matters.
105 out of 222 MPs are in the executive function and so making this group too influential and powerful. Many times, it is difficult for the legislators to challenge the executives. In fact, it has also become a concern as the executives are influencing the integrity of the judiciary. The Federal Government Administration comprising Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Parliament Secretaries as well as the State Government.
It’s very difficult to enact private members’ bills compared between Malaysia and other countries. Hence some YB have their fair share of grievances such as ratification of certain treaties and agreements that they worry about. Many times, the consultative framework is not in place and the realities to be faced in politics. Please be encouraged to visit the Parliament to get a better understanding on how the government works.
There are issues and lamented on the current development of the roles of legislators particularly those who are in the executive level. Instead of being officers to discuss on laws but most merely perform their roles blandly.
Generally, there are more quality debates and more public expression on issues nowadays. In fact, what was the kopi shop topic now find its way through the alternative medias.
Nevertheless, Malaysia’s society is still not ready for the conscience vote to be implemented and hence the need for the application of the whip.
Every one of us needs a financial plan. Financial Planning is not about buying insurance or unit trust, but it provides a blueprint to our financial decisions in life. In-depth financial analysis enables us to understand the impact of the financial decisions we make in relation to our financial well-being.
Effective wealth management can be achieved through an integrated program in analyzing our financial position, conducting financial planning and review, applying effective financial solutions and monitoring our assets based on the totality of our financial circumstances.
Wealth management is worthwhile at any age. Although younger people may have more options and decisions to make regarding their financial needs, changing laws and circumstances can lead middle-age people and seniors to have to adjust their financial plans and strategies as well.
To achieve the best results, take the following steps:
- Set realistic & measurable financial goals: Set specific targets of what and when we want to achieve the results.
- Understand the effect of each financial decision: Each of our financial decisions will affect many if not all financial aspects of our life.
- Re-evaluate your financial situation periodically.
Our financial goals may change over the years due to changes in our lifestyle or circumstances, such as an inheritance, marriage, birth, house purchase or change of job status. As such, revisit and revise our financial plan as time goes by.
Start planning as soon as you can: Do not delay our financial management. People who save or invest small amounts of money early tend to do better than those who do it later.
Be realistic in your expectations: It cannot change our financial situation overnight; it is a lifelong process and the results of which depend largely on our choice of actions. Events beyond our control such as inflation, changes in the stock market or interest rates, tax laws or unexpected worldwide infectious diseases will ultimately affect our financial management results.
In 1850, Sri Lanka was occupied by the Dutch and then in 1796, the island was ceded to the British. It’s in 1815 that Sri Lanka was united under British’s rule and obtained independence in 1948. At that time, its name is Ceylon, but was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Starting 1983, war erupted between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic conflict that continues to fester.
After two decades of fighting, the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formalized a cease-fire agreement in February 2002, with Norway brokering peace negotiations.
However to date, a reading of the text of the agreement gives the feeling that the LTTE got more than what they would have expected. There are many issues which are open to different interpretations and the Norwegians would be having a tough task in resolving the differences, given the rigid stand of people on both sides.
Tough tasks ahead: The Norwegians have done a commendable job in getting the two parties agree to a structured peace agreement. The test of the agreements and its implementation would depend on how sincerely the two parties are “willing to find a negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict”.
The task of the Norwegians is not going to be easy. The cease-fire agreement has plenty of fuzzy areas and is likely to be interpreted differently by both the parties. The very concept of full sovereignty of the whole country is likely to be disputed by LTTE even during the cease-fire period. The cease-fire is likely to continue indefinitely as substantive talks cannot make progress unless a semblance of normalcy is restored.
There are many social factors that need to be addressed in the war ravaged Tamil areas. The economy is one. A whole generation of youths male & female have grown under the gun culture. Perhaps a long tenure of peace which could make the people of Tamil areas safe & prosperous may make even LTTE to give up Eelam to accept an alternative.
Please meet my comrade in the 4th CALD communication workshop, Mohmood Ahmed Khan from Pakistan. We have many things in common, as we both 31 and also having the same zodiac of Sagitarius.
We have struggled through the mind boggling workshop where by we are bombarted by internet buzz words and a mouthful of high tech jargons that sounds like they are from Mars.
In Pakistan, Mahmood publish a news paper, the Daily Balochistan Tribune Quetta. As a political activist promoting liberal values, he is an active member of the Liberal Forum Pakistan.
Working side by side to accomplish what we come here for: to communicate effectively in the digital age. I believe Mahmood would not have a problem with it, as he knows Pashtoo, English, Brahvi, Persion, Punjabi.
I’m in front of a notebook with 20 over comrades liked via wifi. No, we are not killing each other in Red Alert. We are blogging.
Participants from 11 countries were brought together by CALD and DPP in this 5 days workshop starting 5 Sep 2006 which entitled “Political Communication in the Digital Age“, is the 4th CALD Communication Workshop, an annual event.
What is blogging? That’s the first question we discuss here starting yesterday. Our guru walked us through blogger.com, wordpress.com, feedburner.com etc just to make sure one thing: We can talk. No talking to ourselves, but talk to the world.
Why border?
Are these people so free and have nothing better to do? Well quite the contrary, these people have earned my respect for their bravery and resilient in fighting for freedom in their country.
I had dinner with excile that could not go back to his own country, had tea with a man that gave up good live and children abroad to live under threat everyday.
Suddenly, it struck me that blogging have a greater meaning to these people, and to me as well. In my mind, it’s just amazing to learn that there are persecution going on in places just beside our region. And blogging is the bridge that bring me to their reality.
So, have I created the blog? or the blog created a new me? We’ll see.
If raining is not bad enough, then falling in the rain should be enough to spoil my night. It’s truly a wet night in Taipei when I cripple back to my hotel.
Collected the souveniour for my trip here (rain water, that is) I quickly shower and change, then, I good for a night adventure again.
It’s the spirit of a young malaysian! yeah!
