Open House The Malaysian Way

1 1For All, All For 1: Residents of all 6 taman posing with D.O and wife. They are TSM,Pangsapuri Intan,Taman Permata, Taman Orkid,Pangsauri Permata & Taman Permai

The Open House concept

In a multi-racial Malaysia, we take pride of our Open House (Rumah Terbuka) concept during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

It is a time for everybody, young and old regardless of race and religion to come under one roof to celebrate and socialise together with plenty of great food.




D.O with Senior management of IPD Muar and Mr.Chew Ah Keng of Taman Orkid.

Everything is Opened-
the house, the door, the heart and the mind

During "Open house", everybody is always in a good mood. The host is happy, so does his many visitors.

Everything is opened in an "Open House"-the house, the door, the heart and the mind.





If you offended somebody intentionally or unintentionally, this is a time to seek for forgiveness-maaf zahir dan batin.

• This is the best time for the rakyat to ask the leaders for assistance & advice
• This is the best time for you to have the best family photo(konica time) taken with your beloved leaders
• This is the best time (lobby time)for housing developers to lobby for more contracts
• This is the best time for people to seek endorsement for their children's higher education

I say "the best time" because:

1. You do not require an appointment at all
2. The date,time and venue is always fixed. No postponement, no cancellation
3. Your target-the host is sure to be in a joyous mood to lend you his ears
4. The partner of the host is always there for you, to join in and listen to your story
5. You will be treated extra-special, feeded with plenty of food and drinks
6. Your children will be given first- class treatment too- with Duit Raya
7. If you are lucky, you will be leaving with a door gift and reminded to return next year
   

For all the valid reasons listed above, we, 30 residents from 6 taman visited the open house of Muar No.1 couple, the District Officer(D.O) and his wife at their Open House.









AOC leads the way
Our Muar Assistant OCPD, Supt.Lee Choon Guan,who happened to be a resident within the KRT Jalan Bakri area, led a high-powered delegation of residents to the D.O 's house.

The word "high-powered" was chosen because among of the 30 people, they were:

1. 1)AOC and wife
2. 2)CID chief & his senior officer
3. 3)Special Branch chief and family
4. 4)KRT Jalan Bakri Chairman
5. 5) KRT Jalan Bakri exco members
6. 6)Residents of Pangsapuri Intan,Taman Orkid, Pangsapuri Permata, TSM, Taman Permai and Taman Permata.
7. 7)The children, Wanita , Pemuda and senior citizens from all 6 taman.

If you don't believe it, look at the photos shown below:

















Muar No.1 couple - D.O & wife
Supt.Lee's high-powered delegation, is a good combination of many orang awam and his police officers.

All were greeted with a warm hospitality by Tuan Hj.Abdul Rahman and his lovely wife.

Pointing at the rows of high coconut trees surrounding his official residence, D.O says:

" Wow! So many of you here today to wish me Selamat Hari Raya! If I knew earlier, I would have asked my men to pluck down all the coconuts for all of you!"

" Enjoy the food, help yourselves and I will invite all of you to take a group photo after that".


D.O official residence
It was a brand new experience to visit D.O's official residence. The location?

If you are a frequent golfer, it is the big blue-colored villa on the same row with the Kelab Golf Tanjung.

If you are a daily jogger along the Tanjong beach , then it is that big house on your right from the car parking lot.

Yes, the official residence is a double- story building, with a classic British look, located at a very strategic and expensive location.

It has a breath- taking and scenic view of the beautiful Sungai Muar, not too far from the river mouth and Straits of Malacca.



D.O posing with Pemuda TSM ,Ms.Foo Jei Rong & Ms.Kelly Gan. Both are active young Muarians who holds CP very close to their hearts.





Seize The Day
Melbourne's famous newspaper, The Age has a beautiful tagline- seize the day. I love the tagline!

Our mission for our visit to D.O house is also to seize the day by:

1. 1)Celebrate Raya Aidilfitri with D.O & family
2. 2)Treat it as a meaningful community activity for our residents & neighbors
3. 3)Take it as a regular CP activity uniting residents with our men in blue
4. 4)To reinforce to D.O the importance of CP in long term for the entire district of Muar

For reason No.4, we shared with D.O a piece of our mind: One of Muar latest famous products, apart from:
1)Mee Bandung,
2)Satay,
3)Asam Pedas
4)Kopi 434

Would be 5) CP



*Friendly CP cops in action at Taman Sri Maharani Muar

1. 1)We are proud warga Muar and we had a burning passion for a peaceful, vibrant & prosperous Muar
2. 2)We should adopt CP to realise the goal of a safer town
3. 3)We should engage more peace-loving Muarians to step forward and play a part in CP
4. 4) CP is a simple and yet effective strategy
5. 5) CP can be copied & paste, by anyone, anytime and anywhere

To suceed CP, we require 4 things:

• 1) A dedicated team of forward- looking local police force
• 2) A visionary leader who is committed in pushing ahead with all strategic plans
• 3) A group of the "think-out-of-the-box"members of the local community
• 4) A people-oriented mass media that care about the local issues

CCTV s

Our D.O fell in love with the espression- "CCTVs", when we said to him everyone has a pair of free CCTVs,the human eyes.

He told us that he started to promote the term "CCTVs" everywhere he visited in his governing territory.

He wanted every Muarian to start activate their own CCTVs!

Preview

Nothing could beat our human eyes.

In CP, we emphasis on prevention measures. Make use of your CCTVs and be the eyes and ears to the police.

For example, in KRT Jalan Bakri(Jln Hj.Jaib,Jln Dato Hj.Hasan & Jln Bakri) we have about 2000+ residents.

Now, Imagine if every resident use their CCTVs the smart way to monitor the local situation in their area, it means we have 2000 pairs of CCTVs operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year non-stop.





What can 200 taman do for Muar ?

Martin Luther King once said "I had a dream" for America.

We "Orang Awam" also had a dream for Muar,that is for all 200 taman in Muar to start CP as soon as possible.

Every taman should form a Residence Committee(RC) or Persatuan penduduk.

Next, they should link up with the police and hopefully join the nearest KRT centre.

Every RC in a taman is a platform. According to D.O, it could be for 3 major purposes:
1) A clever platform for CP
2) Promoting semangat kejiranan
3) Kebersihan (rubbish & recyling issues)




Potential D.O Award for A Taman Cemerlang

One of our residents even suggested to D.O for introducing a D.O Award every year for the best managed taman or kampung that fulfill the following criterias:

1. 1)A taman that has an active RC,youth and wanita wings
2. 2)A taman that adopts CP with a low crime rate
3. 3)A taman that promotes racial unity & neighborliness
4. 4)A taman that is free from diseases, net and clean
5. 5)A taman that supports & partcipates in goverment's policies and blueprints
6. 6)A taman that has the least rubbish and supports recycling

The same resident says: "Tuan D.O, if I am allowed to suggest,try make it as a healthy competition among all the tamans."

"The winner of your D.O award will be enjoying many monetary benefits such:

1. 1)Getting new tarred roads for whole taman
2. 2)Extra TNB lamp posts for whole taman
3. 3) Free- of- charge landscaping design for whole taman
4. 4)An upgrade of a drainage system for whole taman"

If the above rewards worth RM 500,000 or more, it is definitely worth spending.

Just look at the spilled-Over effects after that. If 1 lucky taman won the Taman Cemerlang award,others will emulate.

The local government can then promote the successful model to other 199+ taman and kampungs in the entire district.

The award winning taman will definitely try harder to maintain its standards.

The rest of the taman will start to initiate,to adopt,improve, to comply and try to win over the award in the following year.




More D.O Awards......for Murians

If I were given a chance by D.O to suggest a thing for Muar, I would suggest D.O to create more awards to motiviate fellow Murians to be more creative, hardworking,passionate and patriotic to the town.

I would propose a D.O award each for 3 categories:

1. 1) Outstanding Muarian of the year
2. 2) Young Muarian of the year
3. 3) Woman of the year

It is a win-win situation for all.

After all, we must think- out- of -the- box.

Racial Harmony Begin From Young

Racial harmony has to begin with the young


(Datuk Johan Jaafar,known as J.J, is definitely proud of his Muarian identity. Grown up in Sungai Balang Besar, Muar, he always relates his happy childhood in his many writings over the years. He is a former editor-in-chief for Utusan Malaysia, and currently holding the chairmanship of Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka(DBP). This piece of writing, is a "Must-Read" for every Muarian & Malaysian. Touched by his story? E-mail him at :zulujj@tm.net.my)

Race relations are about people, not punitive measures, sanctions or court rulings. It is all about how we accept, tolerate and live with each other.

Perhaps too much emphasis has been given to the role of politics and politicians in ensuring harmony among the races.

Perhaps we are expecting too much from them. We are disappointed with them for playing the race card. We criticise the race-based politics that has redefined our existence as a nation.

We all know how racial issues are being played up unashamedly by some, sometimes without even realising the consequences of those actions.

We ought to look at ourselves: we the people. We have to find a people's solution to the problem. We matter. We can decide the destiny of this beloved nation of ours. We can make the difference.

Where politicians failed, we must take the initiative. Let's call it People's Initiative. We have to look beyond politics and politicians. We have to admit that our people are drifting apart. We have been talking about it quite a lot of late.

We even mooted the idea of a Race Relations Act. Again we are resorting to acts, laws and regulations. We must not fall into the trap of using laws and regulations to manage everything, more so race relations in this country.

Perhaps we should be asking ourselves why we drifted apart in the first place? Why were we more successful before? We pride ourselves as the poster boy in managing race relations among developing nations.

We have done remarkably well actually. Our track record is commendable. It's just that we need to do more. Things have taken a turn for the worse. Sensitive issues are being raised to fever pitch.

The 2008 general election saw the rearing of the ugly head of racial politics. We must heal the divided nation. We need everyone's contribution to make this place a harmonious one -- I don't mean the political definition of it, but the people's.

Let us look at the big picture. For one, we are segregated. Our children do not go to the same schools. That is one critical element to begin with.

We can argue about diversity and uniqueness, but in the end we miss the opportunity for our people to integrate from a very young age.

They live in their own enclaves, with very little or no contact with others. Interactions are kept at a bare minimum. The role of Bahasa Malaysia, the language that is supposed to bind us, is often taken for granted.

I have my own story to tell. I went to an English school in the 1960s. There were 24 of us in the class -- 16 Chinese, seven Malays and one Indian. It was the only English school within 40km of the nearest town.

We were pioneers. The village itself was a portrait of harmony. A row of Chinese shophouses had existed for as long as one can remember.

The Chinese boys and girls went to Chinese schools while all my friends went to Malay schools. But outside school, we were friends. Childhood in Sungai Balang Besar transcended race. Malay, Javanese and Chinese boys played together.

When the Chinese and Malay orchard owners found that their durians and rambutans were stolen, they knew the culprits were Chinese and Malay boys.

There was in fact the legend of Wak Samad, the gravedigger who saved Chinese families in my village when a parang-wielding mob rampaged through the area in the 1948 race riot in Parit Jawa.

Led by one Pawang Salleh, they came from Batu Pahat. When they reached my village, the remaining Chinese families were at the mercy of the mob. Wak Samad stood in front of the shops warning them that those people were his anak buah (wards). The gravedigger's words carried a lot of weight. There was no untoward incident in the village.

The story of Wak Samad is part of the local folklore remembered fondly by Chinese elders. My father was a barber in the afternoon, a rubber tapper in the morning. He rented a small shop in the village. His neighbours were all Chinese shopkeepers who called him Jakpo Gunting (Jakpo the Barber).

I spent lots of time with the shopkeepers' sons and daughters. I remember my father told me the Chinese even bought pork discreetly by special delivery so as not to offend the Malays.

One of my best friends at school was one bubbly Chinese boy, Wong Chin Hock. The other boy, Jumadi was the son of a movie theatre owner in Semerah.

We were so close that we called ourselves Panglima Tiga Serangkai (Three Warriors). We parted ways after Form Three.

But we made a promise -- every 10 years we were supposed to meet at a specific place, just for old times sake, regardless of what we do and who we are.

In 1978, 10 years after we made the promise, I went to the place that meant so much to us. I waited but they didn't turn up. I was there again in 1988 and 1998, and I was alone.

Early this year I did the same, and they were nowhere to be seen. I met them a couple of times over the years. But I never reminded them of the childhood promise we made. Perhaps they have forgotten all about it.

Perhaps I am being too nostalgic. But I wanted to keep my promise.

When I wrote a children's book entitled Tangan-tangan Kaku (published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in 1974), I immortalised Chin Hock as one of the three major characters in the novel.

My encounters with the various races since my childhood days have helped me tremendously in understanding others. Malaysians need that. We must begin from a young age.

Harmony is not just about going to Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or Deepavali open house. It is not just about superficial encounters. It is a socialisation process that takes time, patience and lots of understanding.

by Johan Jaaffar, NST 5 Oct 2008

Muar D.O Adopts Open Door Policy

Bangunan Sultan Abu Bakar Muar
Today, this building is one of the most recognised landmarks in Muar. It was named after the late Sultan of Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar.

The name "Muar", on the other hand was orginated from the word 'Muara",a happening town situated along the river mouth.

It was also named as Bandar Maharani by Sultan Abu Bakar after his beloved Sultanah, according to my history book back in secondary school,Sekolah Menengah St.Andrew.

As a child in the 1980s, I was a regular visitor to this building that houses many government agencies,including the District Officer's(D.O) office.

I would accompany my late father, a cikgu who used to carry with him many of the 'Urusan Seri Paduka Baginda" brown colored envelops as he entered the building.

He has dozens and dozens of friends serving in the civil service. Many of them had worked in this building before and now majority of them are leading a happy retired life.

Then in 1987, I had the honour of putting my thumb prints for my very first IC in life. Next was second renewal with an attached barcodeon it and then in 2003, when the Malaysian government went hi-tech with the introduction of MyKad.

Five years later in 2008 in the holy month of Ramadan, I had another honor of being an Orang Awam to accompany Muar OCPD and three peace-loving Muarians to meet our D.O to share with him the concept of Community Policing (CP) in Muar.


Photo left: CP salesmen in action!
From right: H.E.A Chief,Chief Inspector Hj.Abdul Wahab, OCPD Muar ACP Mohd Nasir bin Ramli, Pengawai Daerah Muar, Y.Bhg Tuan Hj.Abdul Rahman bin Jaffar, MPM secretary En.Jamaluddin, me, Chairman of Pangsapuri Intan,En.Nick Ng and Exco member of TSM, En.Pang Su Hai.




Knocking On The D.O 's Door
Meeting Muar D.O Tuan Hj. Abdul Rahman bin Jaffar was an eye-opener. His hospitality was superb.

Although we met for the first time,we were treated like old friends and of course we exchanged ideas like old friends too. Very open, very genuine and very sincere.

The condusive environment in his office had allowed all of us to speak honestly on topics ranging from local security & crime rate, our youth & cyber cafes, masyarakat penyayang & semangat kejiranan, all together straight from our hearts.

We were well-prepared that day, armed with all "evidences and proofs", we carried along 20 poster-sized Manila cards (TQ Mr.Pang for carrying those heavy evidences!!) posted with photos and newspaper cuttings to support our case.

In brief, we highlighted to our D.O the urgent need to tap on the existing successful model of Horizontal Policing at TSM and Vertical Policing a Pangsapuri Intan (pangsapuriintanmuar@blogspot.com) in CP, and introduce both to all the taman-taman and kampung-kampung in Muar district because:

1) IPD Muar was successful in engaging the public and local media to form a smart-partnership that proven to be effective & productive

2)The senior management of OCPD Muar, ACP Tuan Nasir bin Ramli is ever-ready to support a program like CP for all Muarians

3)The models initiated by both TSM and Pangsapuri Intan are now good models recognised by PDRM top brass for other Malaysian towns and cities to emulate


Our meeting lasted for more than an hour,an impressive record! D.O was impressed with our presentation on the concept of CP.

He says:

"You people are special. I must always ask my people here, invite them to listen to my talking (about local safety issues).

But you people are different. U knocked on my door today and do it the other way round. I am happy, congrats and please keep it up!"

D.O's answers are always with a valid reason. He proudly announced:"Your Persatuan Penduduk can survive till today because of 3 major factors:

1. Firstly, you all have a passion and a capable team
2. Second, you are a NGO, non-political linked
3. Thirdly, you already got a successful model on the ground
   

Two "Living-Dead" Local Government Agencies.....

D.O was upset and heart-broken when we expressed disappointment on 2 important pejabat tempatan which failed 400,000 Muarians for failing to:

1)promote neighbourliness & racial unity

2)to disseminate all important information about dasar-dasar kerajaan to the ground and to the man on the street

We said they are not perfoming, he 100% agreed.
We said it was a pity that they have been sleeping for years, he 100% agreed.
We said they were like "Living-Dead" agencies, he again agreed 100%!

Those 2 are "living- Dead" agencies in the district of Muar !

When I asked my 8 year-old neighbour to define "living-dead", she says:"Uncle, it is like a vegetable man, lying on the bed, still breathing but not moving!"

Then I turned to her a 12 years old brother for his own definition, he says:" Uncle, A useless man !!"

Therefore, "Living- Dead" could be defined as "Vegetarian,not moving and..... UseLess".

Note: To the bosses of the above two agencies mentioned,if you read this blog by accident, Congrats! To prove that we Orang Awam are speaking nothing but the truth, here is the test to prove your innocence:

1. Pick randomly 10 men & women on the street
2. And try to ask them whether your agency is doing a fine job.
3. Trust me, the answer will be the same like mine.
4. Don't be frighthened IF, the answer might be worse than my answer!

Photo Above: Mr.Lee Kuan Hwee of Pangsapuri Intan was seen introducing the CP handbook to D.O, witnessed by OCPD Muar, MPM secretary and residents fromTSM and Pangsapuri Intan Muar.


Photo Left: D.O praising Mr.Pang Su Hai, a pensioner for his active involvement in community service at TSM.

D.O commented that retired people would remain healthy if they practise:

1)regular exercise 2) social work 3)good deeds

(Congrats Mr.Pang, we are proud of u!!)


Tuan Hj.Abdul Rahman Bin Jaffar
What do I think of my D.O? Good question! I did not have the privilage to be associated with any D.O for the past 33 years in life.

I predicted all D.Os are super-important officers in Government. They are:

1. Very fierce;
2. Strict;
3. Impatient;
4. Maybe they don't even interested to listen to ordinary people, like you and me (for our two cent's worth of opinions)

I was wrong and terribly wrong. I wronged him for a wrong reason.

My D.O is friendly and approachable.
My D.O is a soft but firmed man.
My D.O is a good listener.
My D.O is alert (I should say Super -alert!) to current issues on the ground and articulative on his topics.

His secret weapons are his openess and great sense of humor.

He really calmed us down, made us all laughed at ourselves for 5 minutes straight (seriously... 300 seconds non-stop) before he lead us into serious discussion topics.

HE is a powerful diplomat !
HE has adopted an Open Door Policy for his rakyat !
HE is passionate about CP !
HE welcomes smart ideas for Muar !
HE knows what U are thinking, Don't play-play!

Dear D.O, TSM wishes you & family Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfiltri,Maaf Zahir Batin.We are ready to bring along residents from 6 taman to your Raya Open house soon.

(Tuan Hj.Abdul Rahman,sir, if you blog on this post, which I believe you will, post a comment! We (and all CP fans)love to hear from you, TQ!)

Phang's Mission To Help The Poor

Tan Sri Robert Phang

Date of birth: June 1, 1939

Place of birth: Teluk Bahang, Penang

Profession: Social advocate and philanthropist

Hobbies: Attending church, enjoying food and social work

Family: Three boys and two girls

FROM a humble beginning, Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin has earned a reputation as a vocal social advocate and philanthropist. He is an executive council member of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation and chairman of the Social Action Initiative Foundation, which has donated funds to many people, Despite about three decades of social work, the 69-year-old is not slowing down.

Phang lost his father when he was 10 months old. His mother, Chong Kooi Kiaw, found herself a widow with three young children to support at the age of 27. When Japan invaded Malaya in December 1941, Chong pawned her jewellery, sold everything and fled with her children to Singapore.

She worked as a washerwoman, babysitter and operated a small stall to raise her brood. Their life of poverty had a major impact on Phang's life.

"I recall the words of my late mother who told me, 'We come from a very, very poor family. One day, when you make good, make sure you take care of the poor people'.

"It takes the poor to realise what poverty is. That was the day I swore to myself, no matter what, I would make it in life," said Phang.

On his mother, he said: "She was a great lady, the best woman ever. "I have met with lots of disappointments and failures but she was always there to inspire me. "She used to say, 'We might be poor but that must not stop us from succeeding'. "

Although his beneficiaries are too many to name, Phang is remembered for helping cancer victims and for flying down to Sulawesi to secure the release of two Malaysian accountants held by Indonesian authorities for 55 days in 2005.

Q: Why did you do it?

"I just had to do it. Two lives were at stake." For his untiring efforts, he received a letter from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi commending him for his bravery. His belief in the Chinese proverb, "When the upper beam is not put right, the lower beam will never be right" has held true.

Q: Tell us about your early education

A: I began my primary schooling in Penang. When World War II started, my family left for Singapore where I only completed my Form One at Victoria School.

I came back to Kuala Lumpur 13 years later. It was a time of struggle. I spent almost 11 years of my childhood in Penang. My father died when I was 10 months old and I was brought up by my mother, who had a roadside stall selling cigarettes. She did many odd jobs to feed me and my two sisters.

Q: How did you start your career?

A: I began working when I was 13. I washed cars, was a car park attendant, a ticket collector and I helped my mother at her stall around the then popular BB Park in Bukit Bintang. I did many things.

At the age of 15, my sister married a Sarawakian, It was then that I joined a cigarette company as a salesman in Sarawak. I travelled the length and breath of the state and was intrigued by how the Iban community lived in their longhouses.

At 19, I met the late Joseph Eu, the principal of United Malayan Insurance Ltd, who offered me a chance to be trained in the field. I was sent to Hong Kong for six months. I became a general underwriter for two years but left as I did not have much job satisfaction.

At 21, I joined Cycle and Carriage, the Mercedes Benz dealership started by the Chua family, as a salesman and was transferred to their headquarters in Singapore.

After three years, I was promoted to supervisor and sent back to Kuala Lumpur. Within the next three years, I was promoted to sales manager. I was in my late 20s.

Q: How did you become involved with the Social Action Initiative Foundation (Saif) and the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF)?

A: Saif was formed on March 15, 1997, with people like Tan Sri Ibrahim Menudin, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Datuk M. Jegathesan leading the team.

The main objective of our social work was to help those suffering from terminal illnesses and to save lives. We also donated and awarded scholarships for needy students, especially in medicine. In 2004, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye asked me to join the MCPF to create anti-crime awareness.

We worked together with the Inspector- General of Police and heads of other enforcement agencies to come up with better measures to prevent crime in the country.

MCPF has 25 exco members and branches in all states to increase awareness on crime prevention and to educate the public on such measures. We were formed to bridge the gap between the public and the police to understand how and why crimes are committed as crime trends change quickly.

The organisation is also affiliated to the Asian Crime Prevention Foundation, based in Tokyo, under a United Nations Charter.

Q: What are the major causes of crime in Malaysia?

A: The crime rate is alarming in Malaysia today. Recently, the prime minister took a step in the right direction to promote urgency in fighting corruption. He has said that enforcement must be extensive, transparent and governed with integrity.

The cause of crime here can be attributed to various economic reasons of the "haves" and "have nots". The high incidence of crime is also due to the inefficiency of enforcement agencies, which are governed by the political environment of the country.

You can say that the causes are the result of the three "Es" -- economy, efficiency and education. The lack of positive moral values is another major cause.

The young have to be taught in school to distinguish between good and bad, to know that crime does not pay. This can be achieved with a better education curriculum, crime clubs for awareness, and the guidance of parents.

Q: What measures can be taken to reduce crime in the country?

A: Enforcement. Good officers are hard to come by. The increasing crime rate over the last four years has led to the increase of 6,000 police personnel and 2,000 vehicles to combat crime.

I believe there is a drain of experienced police officers as most of them have retired. As a result, the knowledge and efficiency of the police is being questioned. There is a vacuum of good officers.

Proper training can prevent crimes, such as corruption in government departments and agencies.

The negative perception by the public has to be arrested urgently.

Crime prevention has a lot to do with public confidence. It has to be done with integrity.

Q: Tell us about your family

A: I have five children -- three boys and two girls and most of them live and work overseas.

Q: How do you manage stress?

A: A strong belief in God and walking three rounds at the KLCC park.

Q: What is your favourite food?

A: Hawker fare and wine.

Q: Do you blog?

A: No, I only read it when I am featured.

Q: In light of Malaysia's 51 year of independence, what are your aspirations for the nation?

A: I hope that Malaysians realise the importance of the guidance given by their parents aside from a belief in a higher power. Poverty is never an obstacle to success.

Nothing comes easy in life. One must never create or invite trouble. Practise equality and humility in all that you do. Malaysians should continue to learn and earn their livelihood by hard work and never venture into crime.

By K. Harinderan Johor Buzz, NST September 2008

A Johor Born Crime Prevention Expert

Going on 'crime-time' TV

LIFE begins at 40, or so they say. But for Johor-born Kamal Affandi Hashim, turning 40 meant asking himself every day: have I achieved enough or do I want more?

Being human, it is only natural that the answer is that he wants more.

"This does not mean I want to live life in the fast lane.

"I'm neither on the fast nor slow lane. Life treats me well, meaning that I experience both the sweet and the bitter equally," said Kamal, a crime analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, who grew up in a Felda settlement.

Being a sceptic, Kamal never thought he would ever be seriously involved in the fight against crime. His initial passion was for photography and he worked as a freelance photojournalist in the 1980s.

The turning point in his life came when his father insisted that he follow his footsteps by joining the police force.

"As a teenager, I rebelled against the idea. I didn't want to follow in his footsteps.

"I ran away from home three times because he tried to force me to join the police force.

"I thought if I ran away from home I could convince them to drop the idea. But how wrong I was," he said.

Finally, he gave in and joined the police force at Pulapah Bahau in Ayer Hitam.

"That decision has changed the way I look at life.

"I started placing more importance on life itself, not only mine but others as well.

"I started looking at how I could save and protect lives," said Kamal.

"The training I underwent turned the playful boy that I was into the man I am now."

After seven years of service, Kamal made another big change in his life when he quit the force to study criminology.

He has now earned a doctorate in applied criminology and is regularly invited to give talks on crime prevention and safety courses.

Kamal made the headlines in 2004 when he embarked on a solo crime prevention campaign nationwide.

He is an executive council member of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation as well as the chairman of the foundation's youth outreach programme.

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Q: Do you have worries turning 40?

A: Who doesn't? It is a phase in everyone's life and different people handle it differently. For me, creating awareness among the people about crime prevention is the driving force that keeps me going. I feel that I am obliged to all Malaysians to impart the necessary skills to prevent crime.


Q: What is it like being a crime analyst?

A: I am a normal person just like anyone else. The only difference is that I have the knowledge, experience and skills to prevent crime from occurring. And other people can learn it too as it is important to guard yourself from danger.

I take my job seriously. I will be glad if I can make a difference in somebody's life from the knowledge they have gained from me. The keyword in fighting crime is "prevention" and there are so many ways of doing it. Sometimes, you don't even realise your own strength and ability when faced with danger. During my talks, I show people the skills that can save their lives.

Q: What is the crime situation in the Klang Valley?

A: Klang Valley is divided into two areas -- Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. These two areas border each other and have a parallel relationship. Whenever a serious crime happens in Selangor, the crime rate in Kuala Lumpur will drop and vice versa. In the city, serious crimes that frequently take place involve firearm robberies and murders while in Selangor, petty crimes like break-ins and bodily harm cases are reported.

Q: What is your view of today's television programmes like CSI where crimes are solved in a jiffy through forensic evidence ? Won't these programmes teach the criminals to cover their tracks after committing a crime?

A: Well for starters, television programmes are make believe. They are not real. The programmes last about 60 minutes while in real life it takes a long time to solve a case. Yes, you see fancy technologies and tools are used in television programmes but they are fiction.

There are standard operating procedures to follow to find and preserve the evidence. No crime goes easily undetected unless the offender is not human. Every strand of fibre or liquid from your body is like a tag. With the current technologies in forensic investigation, no criminal can get away easily but it takes 99 per cent investigation and one per cent luck to solve a case.

Q: You were in the police force for seven years. Where were you assigned?

A: I was attached to the serious crime division at the Shah Alam Section 11 police headquarters. I was a CID detective back then.

Q: Did you have any near death experiences?

A: It's part of the job. During one shooting incident, I was injured in my elbow but I did not notice it until I felt that the left side of my shirt was wet.

Something was dangling from the elbow. It turned out I was hit by the ricochet of a bullet fired by the assailants.

I am fine now and there are only scars from the injury now.


Q: You are also a film director and have produced a road safety awareness programme for a local television station. What is your next project?

A: It's not a done deal yet but I'm cooking up a cop series that I have called Anatomy.

Other than directing, I am still conducting my talks and solo campaign on crime prevention.


Q: What is your academic background?

A: I studied at Jubli Intan Renggam primary school and continued my secondary education at Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos. I completed my diploma in photography at Stamford College.

I did my degree in international relations at a private college before furthering my studies in the UK and completing a master's in criminology. Two years ago, I earned my doctorate in applied criminology in the UK.


Q: What would Kamal Affandi be today if he were still in the force?

A: . A darn good cop!


Q: What is your motto in life?

A: That diamonds are hard to crack, and always under-promise and over-deliver.


Q: Do you have a blog?

A: Yes. kamalfndhashim.blogspot.com. I do update it sometimes.

By Halim Said Johor Buzz 29, September 2008

Pangsapuri Intan Celebrates Lantern Festival 蓝宝石中秋庆"团圆"

12 September (Fri), MUAR- Pangsapuri Intan that situated at Jalan Hj.Jaib in Muar recently celebrated their annual lantern party with a strong turnout of 200 people.

As the traditions followed, it is a get-together for not only for Intan residents but a gatheirng of 6 nearby Residents Committees (RC) housing estates within the KRT Jalan Bakri,alongside with senior officers of IPD Muar.

This was a happy occasion for the children running around the playground with their favourite lanterns. All senior citizens had a wonderful time by telling the good old stories about their apartment and living experience at Intan.

Afterall, it was a good time for all RC of 6 tamans to meet up for good food, and to exchange
ideas and to suggest smarter ways to enhance the local security.
(Photo Left): "One Happy family at Intan": Ketua Balai Polis, Chief Inspector Noland, his lovely wife & 2 beautiful children joined in for the happy occasion!






(Photo Left): Mrs.Lee who came all the way from Melaka, Mrs.Ng an active Wanita Intan member and a resident


Intan RC is now a role model for "Vertical Policing"(We will share the success story in our future post) for other apartments and condos to emulate. They have been working closely along with the men in blue under the CP concept. Over the past one year, security had improved tremendously and a new CCTV system was put in place. Among all, the RC had united the residents towards a common goal by providing first class living with top grade security in mind.

Back to the party,the joyous occasion was graced by Assistant OCPD Supt.Lee Choon Guan and wife, DSP Khoo Leng Huat, ASP Shanmugan and Chief Inspector Noland Janah & family. Mr.Quek Bak Seng, Chairman for KRT Jalan Bakri, Mr.Koon Chew Fatt of RC TSM, Mr.Ng Meng Juan of RC Taman Orkid,Mr.Goh Chiak Hiang of RC Taman Permai and etc.
For further info, please refer to the following photos:





















"You Sing, I dance": Chairman of KRT Jalan Bakri, Quek Bak Seng and treasurer of Pangsapuri Intan Mr.Lee Kuan Hwee in action!





















Photo Above: Assistant OCPD Muar, Supt.Lee presented his famous hits dedicated to his dear wife and........errr..... all residents too!
















Photo Above: DSP Khoo and ASP Sham seized the chance to promote CP to the residents! DSP Khoo was seen making a point to a resident. He says:"CP is easy and effective! Anywhere anytime could be done by anybody!"















Photo Above: Songbird Gan Chin Lai teaming up with a resident for a classic Hokkien song!















Photo Above: Pemuda Intan with Mrs.Ng posing for the occasion!

Mooncake Party Unites Residents 秀丽中秋庆"团结"

Theme: TSM Mooncake Party 2008
In attendance: 300-330 people (included invited guests from Taman Permai,Taman Orkid,Pangsapuri Permata,Pangsapuri Intan & Taman Permata)
Date: 5 September(Friday)
Time:7 p.m.
Weather: Perfect

Objectives:

Promoting~~~:

1) Rumahku Syurgaku

2)Masyarakat Penyayang

3)Semangat Kejiranan

4)Concept "Perpaduan Teras kejayaan"




Photo Left: This year venue for Mooncake Party: Jalan Dato' Hj Hassan,Muar.














Photo Above: Look carefully at tagline on the purple t-shirt. It says:"A symbol of A beautiful woman.....!"









Photo Above: Celebrating the auspicious occasion along with our Malay & Indian neighbors!










Photo Above: Our children, our future~The Lim family!










Photo Above: Mr.& Mrs Chua Kuang Heng,the loving couple from Jalan 1A. Famous hits: Country Road and My Way.














Photo above: Yummy food, great music and good company!!









Photo Above: 3 "Gan & Roses" from Pemuda TSM, "Captain" Kelly, Nicol & Ker Zou.














Photo Above: "Captain" Kelly performed her favorite song for all residents!