Looking for a new job

Oh, let's assume someone has found a new job. Now, what to do? The company makes an offer. You are the chosen one. But does it end there? Is it really what you want? Is it really better? There is no telling for sure, but here are some hints on what to do and what not to do.

1. Make darn sure that the offer letter provided, an actual signed copy, black and white. You must have one copy. If you accept after much deliberations, sign it and return one copy. Fair enough.
   
2. For fuck sake, never accept anything verbally only.
   
3. Offer letter must have your salary and position hired. If possible, ask for a job description too.
   
4. What is the probationary period? What happens if you are not confirmed after this period? What's the extension limit on the probationary period? Is the termination clause clear and fair?
   
5. Check on the other benefits. Confirm that amount of annual leave. Are you allowed to carry forward the leave? Medical leave and benefits? Any monthly car park passes? Over-time policy clear? Working hours clearly stated? Don't demand for all of this, but please do make damn sure you have taken them into consideration.
   
6. Check how profitable has the company been. Do ask them. What's their business plan or direction? In other words, try your best to do your due diligent that the place won't go bust. First, ask them if they have been profitable and how much is their turnover.
   
7. Next, get the company registration number. Go to www.ssm.com.my. Search them up and get a report on the company from SSM. You can either visit a SSM branch or via website.It will cost RM 15 but it will be worth it.
   
   If you want to use the Internet to get the company's report, go to http://www.ssm-einfo.com.my/uni/findroc.php. Best if you have the registration number (such as 3121-X) or the name of the company. You will need a credit card too for online transaction. It's secure enough, IMHO.
   
8. Now, study the report from SSM. Do look at their profit and loss, and the financial state of the place. If no information is found (ie, the company has not submitted it annually) - well, I suggest you forget working for such a chinaman place, unless they pay darn well. Darn well is defined as at least 35% more than market value of your salary.
   
9. If it is a listed company (Berhad) - good news. You don't need steps 7. Just get your information from www.bursamalaysia.com. Annual reports are available. Statement from Bursa can be more accurate as they are somewhat properly audited. Better than some private limited companies.
   
10. Caveat - some private limited companies are known to manipulate their accounts. They will always post a profit and pay some tax. They will never post a lost. They will never post a large profit either. But these reports will still give a picture of what's installed for you.
    
11. If it is a listed company, what is the share value? Has it been falling? Any dividends lately? Do fund managers think it is a good industry?
    
12. Check if they have had tonnes of staff leaving or not. If there is a mass exodus, well - do try to find out why. Surely something must be wrong.
    
13. First indicator of a mass exodus. Did the company advertise for 30 vacant positions from Finance to Production? If they are, are they expanding? If not, the only reasonable conclusion has been a mass exodus. Be warned! The rats have jumped ship.
    
14. Ask yourself what you really want. Is this what you want? But really, you should have asked yourself what you want before applying for the job!
    
15. Never ever leave a place in spite. Make damn sure you are leaving for a better place.
    
16. Try to sense if there is anything wrong. For example, if they offer you the job immediately after the first interview and request for you to start work the next day - your warning lights should start blinking. Why is it so urgent? Do they plan well? Is there a disaster looming? Most of the time, it shows really shit planning. You sure you want the place? I am not suggesting you don't take the opportunity, but please make an informed decision!

I sure hope this helps. I doubt if the list is comprehensive, but it should be the minimum checklist for due diligence for job seekers.

Pan or Fire

I got a duress call from a lenglui. It started off well enough. She was indeed extremely happy and excited that she got a new job offer. That's when I turned it into a duress for her. Evil me. No bloody wonder she isn't dating me.

Let's call her Indy. Indy has been trying to change jobs for the last 12 months. Reasons are unclear but she did sight workload and bad pay. Fair enough. On Friday night, she was so happy to message me to say she was offered a new job and she accepted it. Resigned immediately and her current boss counter-offered, saying that he would pay what the new company is offering.

Indy, being a very pretty (tall, slim with a nice set of racks), told her boss an amount a lot higher than the actual offer. In any case (this is when beauty plans a part), the boss agreed, albeit verbally. She must be a good worker too. In any case, she wants to have the last laugh and told me she won't be accepting the offer. Yup, the grass does look greener on the other side.

I then proceeded to test if the grass was indeed greener. Things started to unravel at an alarming rate. Firstly, this new company didn't even give her a formal offer. It was just a short email. WTF. She accepted that offer and resigned from her current job. She didn't have a clue as the benefits, amount of annual leave or working hours. She sort of assumed it was a five day week.

Indy did ask for a formal letter, but the new boss apparently said they were busy with a new project. What the eff. Sure tells me how much they value their employee. Also, it does sound like this company is somewhat unethical. More like too chinaman like. Bad practices all around.

She was happy that her pay would be 24% more. Yeah right. I broke the news to her that if it is not 35% more, it is not worth it. The reason is simple. For such a scumbag company, they may not honour the EPF (11% from employee and 12% from employer) and the tax, which I assume it to be about 7%. They will happily make the monthly deductions but will forward no money to the IRD nor the EPF. Now, this really got her worried. She told me it was a start up company. A risk of them running bust too.

Indy got so upset that she just went offline. Oh bugger. She could not handle the bad news. So, I texted her the solution. Easy. Just accept the counter offer. Now, start looking for another job. The next new job would even pay better. Hehehe. I am sure this is what Wally would do.

For all the free advice, she owes me a latte. Hmm. I was hoping something more hot and steamy. Que sera sera.

Marketing Decree

Wow, I have so much to blog about, all of a sudden. Had a great weekend but it would have been better if I had sex. Sadly, no sex was involved. Anyway, more about the good stuff later. Comedy takes precedence.

Just completed a meeting - I am suppose to be the chairperson, but Madam C took over. I was kind of glad too. One of our products is facing some problems and we are not sure if it is a real problem or not. The initial plan was to cover all angles, but Madam C knew better. The customer has been complaining like crazy on our product, on product failure, etc. However, the customer has been doing a bad job of filing a proper complain, that is to return defects to us.

Naturally, part of the task is to find out if there are indeed defects. That was part of my plan. However, the plan also included matters related to public perception. As marketing, perception is everything.

Alas. Madam C decreed that only quality matters. Perception can take a backseat. Wow. This must be the first time I've heard from marketing that perception is not important - in her exact words. So, now, there is a decree out there. Quality is everything. Stuff perception.

Author's note: I completely disagree. It should be hand in hand. As far as marketing is concern, perception is everything. Quality is the effing QA Manager's job. Sure, we help, but it is his job. Our job is perception. So, heaven help Nible2.

They appear to forget that when it comes to buying, it is all about perception. Same goes for dating. Same goes for interviews. Is quality everything? No. Take bottled water for example. Heck, water is till water. We pay tonnes for water that we perceive to be better. To be cleaner. Do we know for sure? Heck no. As far as quality is concerned, as long as the bottled water does not stink or taste bad, we will buy it just because we perceive it as good.

Once again, heaven help Nible2. I sure wanna get the heck out of this place ASAP.

Big Bang Theory

Heck no. I am not about to rival Stephen Hawkins. That guy is just amazing.

Some clowns has taken up the bad habit of smoking in the office toilet. Every day without fail, it will stink - it's in the morning. Pisses me off. Then I noticed, they don't even bother to take their ciggies out of the toilet. They just leave it on top of the walls between the toilet cubicles.

Now, a good idea dawned upon me. Yup - I thought to myself, why not take a few of their ciggies away. Dig out the tobacco, put in a small fire-cracker, and cover it back with tobacco. I am sure that could be done. Easily. My my. That nasty idea did cheer up my day. Imagine them, sitting on the toilet and enjoying a smoke. All of a sudden, BANG! Hmmm. Would they wet themselves? Or maybe shit? It's OK if they sit, since they're already in the loo. It would be fun to see them fall into the toilet bowl.

Oh well, don't blame me for having bad ideas. The government has already warned. Smoking kills!

Boss Management 101

Madam C has been yelling a bit and condemning most, if not all, of my ideas or plans. What the heck. Guess what? Something dawned upon me yesterday. She was suppose to assign me some work. After describing what she wants done she asks me what's my idea of going around it.

What the eff. She would be sure to condemn it anyway. So, I gave her the most stupid and silly idea I could think of.

Guess what? It worked. That set her off like a barrel of gun-powder. She went off rattling about how stupid that suggestion was - which I admit, it was the worst I could think of. She went off tangent about something else. And it worked. After all the explosion, she forgot to assign me any work. Or maybe she thinks I am hopelessly incompetent.

Either way, Wally has survived. Getting extremely little work and in return, he gets to enjoy a fiery performance. Hehehe. That's just boss management 101. Oh, am I evil? Yes I am. Never claimed I am an angel. If someone makes my life miserable, I will make his or her life even more miserable. My history teacher taught me that!

Time Goes by So Slowly.

It is like living in that song by Madonna. Madam C has been making life miserable for everyone, and now, it is my turn. Gosh, she has to be one of the worst boss around. Gave me a long lecture today, saying that her way is the proven way. Then, talks bad about a few other head of departments. Some lady.

The part that I cannot take it is, to her, everyone's idea is stupid. Everyone is stupid, for that matter, except for her. We were suppose to do a survey and I suggested we collect data at a bank. She said that was stupid. Sure, she had a somewhat valid point - the banks may not allow it. But hey, how would we know unless we try asking the banks? Why disqualify ourselves without trying? I was thinking... hey look, if you are so smart, why don't you suggest where we could collect data? Alas, she could not think of a better place. She was sure fast to criticize but lacks a better idea from herself. What the eff.

I am happy to take suggestions, but lacking a better suggestion, I really suggest we just go with whatever we have. Critizing without offering an alternative has absolutely no value add. I could really get my 'tukang sapu' (janitor) to just say everyone's idea is stupid.

I can least be bothered about her. Thinking of all the business opportunities which I could make some money from. It is not just Nible2. Working from a cubicle hasn't gotten anyone well off, let alone being rich. Nothing much great can come out of working from a cubicle. Einstein didn't. Bill Gates didn't. So, for me, it is enough for working in a cubicle. It is time to cross to the dark side and be a business owner. And screw the heck out of the poor cubicle workers. Wahahaha.

In the meantime, my colleague N has resorted to selling 'durian' puffs in the office. Another was selling underwear. I guess this is what happens when they cut cost way too much and things start to fall apart.

Pigs behind Wheels

The saying goes, if pigs can fly. I would say, if only pigs can drive. When it comes to creative parking, it is surely Malaysia Boleh!

Parking right next to a round-about appears to be perfectly normal for this lady. Heck, she even finds the time to chat.

Picture is taken outside a Chinese school, USJ 1. She appears to be picking up a young gal, after school at about 6.30pm.

Hmmm. Is this the example we wish to set for our children.

Another view of the pig in question. The number plate is WQG 9125. Wonder if it will show up as first price in the 4D draw tomorrow.

This was photographed outside a biscuit shop in Ipoh. The yellow line marks a bus stop. What the heck. This is not a quick dash down to grab something from the shop. This joker is here all day long. The owner even has stuff left on the car to sun.

Yes, Chinese area too. You know, some Chinese in Malaysia can be so racist. Saying that the Malays think that the whole country belongs to the Malays - just because the park by the mosque every Friday.

To me, when it comes to parking, it is equal opportunity for all. Everyone can park where ever they want. So, it is indeed the pot calling the kettle black. Hmmm.

Number plate: AFR 2211

WKR 4017 - hmmm. I wonder what goes on in her mind. She double parks. But do note the empty lots on the opposite site of the road. What the eff.

Is it that difficult to just park properly? Surely it cannot be that difficult. Lawlessness. Once again, this is for all. Regardless of race.

Another view of jokers stopping anywhere they like. Some say, it's the police's fault. Law enforcement is not strict. What idiots.

This is a scence from USJ 1, next to a tuition centre. Hey. Great example to the kids eh?

Some of them have such nice cars, but alas, money can buy style but cannot buy taste. It looks good, but it stops there. Gosh. This is just terrible.

From Hero to Zero

I own two cars, one Waja and a Wira. I use the Wira frequently and trust me, it is no hero. Some say that we must support the national car. Some say maintenance is cheap. Well, I think it is bloody expensive. Let's look at the string of problems I've faced. I service my car every 5000km, oil change is every 10,000km - I use fully synthetic Shell engine oil.

33,700 km - Throttle body needs servicing. If I change gears while going down hill, the engine stalls. My mechanic tells me there is a carbon build up, or some sort of dirt. No idea if he is bullshitting me.

47,000 km - Air-condition expansion valve is dead. Very costly to change this. Cannot believe that the car starts to fall apart. It is only three years old.

47,900km - Tyres are dead. It has started to de-laminate. Tyres were Sime Tyres. They are really bad. Changed to Goodyear tyres. More money spent. Seriously, I expect the tyres to last till at least 60,000 km. The thread is still good but it is way out of shape. Heavy vibration.

50,000 km - Clutch pump leaks. Have to change the darn thing.

59,000 km - Noticed a severe lost of power. Engine starts consuming engine oil. Changed back to full mineral oil. Carbon deposit noted on spark plugs.

61,000km - No more black oil left. Mineral oil did not slow the rate engine oil was being burnt. What a waste. Only 2000km and all the engine oil is gone. Severe power lost. Had to go for a major overhaul. Piston rings are changed. Cost RM 1800, including changing clutch kit, water pump, timing belt, gear oil and overhaul the gasket. Cannot bloody believe that the piston rings will wear out at just 61,000km. They should last till 100,000km. I don't even rev my engine about 4000rpm. And yet, it drops dead. Car is only 4 years old!

Feels that Proton has a terrible quality issue. Quality is not just having a perfect car at production line. The parts are expected to last. Stupid Proton must be putting in cheap parts and now, I am paying for it. Wish I had bought a Honda City instead.

63,500 km - Celaka! The radiator motor died. Can you believe this? What kind of shit problem is this? My grandfather's 30 year old car, with more than 80,000km on it still has the original radiator fan motor. It's a Daihatsu, by the way. Swears never to buy another Proton. Good thing I noticed the temperature rising. Otherwise, I could have busted the entire engine.

71,000km - Front right headlight bulb busted. What the eff.

75,000km - Less than 5 years old, the bloody exhaust leaks. Had to change it.

Really, I think Proton has serious issues with quality. The car is failing a lot faster than it should. My mum's eight year old Iswara is performing a lot better. No radiator fan issue. No worn piston rings. Looks like Proton moves backwards instead of doing things better. The biggest problem I've noted with Honda City is that the number plate tends to have numbers fall of. When it comes to number plates, Proton does well. But sadly, that's about the only thing it does well.

Birth Control

Oh well - me talking about birth control is like Madam C talking about Marketing. A quick update on Madam C. Her first move as Head of Marketing - change the price list. She wants it to be based on costing. Que sera sera.

Back to birth control. While I am no expert, what shocks me is that most of my friends and net friends appear to take it very lightly, or not take any. I know of so many gals who would do it without any protection, all because they feel that if a guy doesn't cum inside her, she won't be pregnant.

Huh? I am no expert, but I am damn sure that's a high risk method. Firstly, even pre-cum can get someone pregnant. Secondly, never trust a guy to withdraw in time. I am a guy. I know what it is like. The natural thing for us to do, obviously, is to cum as deep as possible - not withdraw. It is just not natural. Nature has made us such.

So, for crying out loud, please take some pre-cautions. Do talk to a doctor about the pills. Don't just take them, or not take them. Make a informed decision, not just based on rumours. Most gals say pills are bad. I am not sure if it is bad or not, but please don't say it is bad until you have spoken about the pros and cons of the pill (or any other contraceptives) to a doctor. A good doctor, might I add. There is also Prostinor2. And of course, there's still condoms. Or just good old oral sex. But be warned - oral sex has other risks too. It is called STD.

Sometimes, it is better to be safe than very very sorry.

What boggles me is - pills are said to be bad. I just cannot see how can abortion be better. I think abortion is far worse, and made a lot worse when it is done illegally at a half-baked establishment.

The other thing I've noticed about teenage gals - they don't know they are pregnant till it is after 2 or 3 months. It surprises me. They manage so well with pregnancy. No morning sickness. No pain. No nothing. They can still move around freely. Wonders of being young, I suppose. I guess that's one reason why guys prefer younger gals - just for the purpose of reproduction. OK OK, I am a guy, but do understand. Guys hold only an ingredient for reproduction. The gals have the entire production line. It is just natural that a newer line is better. So, try not to blame the guys, OK? :P

Also, with the price of milk soaring, I am now wondering should I get a wife with big boobs. More milk means less expenditure on milk powder. (Is that true? I have no idea...) OK, that's somewhat selfish, but hey, mother's milk is best for the baby right? It's a win - win situation. So, naturally, guys like gals with big boobs. Try not to blame us, OK?

Yet another Reshuffle

Nible2 was somewhat shaken and stirred by yet another reshuffle at the top management. I ended up worse off, but then again - that's not the focus. Believe it or not, the Head of Technology is now the Head of Sales. Good grief. I have no idea how an IT guy can just head sales like that. Sure, cross-training is good but they should not be changed just like that. A former Information System manager, Madam C, is now Head of Marketing. Good grief.

To top it up, Madam C and the new Head of Sales is at loggerheads. It has been a hate-hate relationship since years ago. So, imagine Sales and Marketing busy slagging each other off instead of the competitor.

To say the least, I sure wish them all the best while I am planning my exit strategy. Something that Nible2 has not learnt. They must have the right person for the right job. I mean, frankly - I just have not seen Tiger Woods doing the 100m relay or Beckham having a go at tennis.

Where to turn to for help.

After the frantic search for NGOs to help Liz, my colleague, did manage to find WAO. Women's Aide Organization. They provide a wide range of assistance to women. Their website is http://www.wao.org.my/.

OK, this is kindda a lazy post for me, coz the rest of the article is just a cut and paste from one of their pages. However, I think this information is darn important. Information herein is based on their website on the 10 August 2008. Do check for accuracy or just call the Telekom Malaysia Directory Services for assistance.

WAO SERVICES (MALAYSIA)

Refuge WAO provides a home to battered women and their children. The refuge is also a centre for WAO's activities relating to family, women and domestic violence issues.

Telephone Counseling Telephone counseling is available to deal with women's problems, crisis situations and to provide basic legal information.

Mon - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs - Sun: 7.00 PM - 9.00 PM

Sexual Assault Helpline
A safe and confidential space for survivors of sexual assault to get emotional support, information and advice on their options and where to get further help.
Sat, Mon & Tues: 9.00 am - 6.00 PM
Wed, Tues & Fri: 9.00 am - 10.00 PM

Face-To-Face Counseling
Qualified social workers offer counseling sessions to women who may not necessarily seek shelter but want counseling. Appointments with social workers required.

Anak Angkat Programme
The Child Sponsorship Programme for the children of WAO's ex-residents. Monthly donations are made to meet the school expenses of a needy child.

Child Care Centre
A Centre for the children of WAO's ex-residents who have decided to live independently. The children are given a home, education at local schools and a support system to meet their physical, mental and emotional needs.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) 03-7956 3488 / 03-7955 4426
WAO Sexual Assault Helpline 03-7960 3030
All Action Women's Society (AWAM) 03-78774221 / 03-7877 0224

TELEDERA 1-800-883040
Women's Crisis Centre, Penang 04-228 0342
Befrienders 03-7956 8144 / 03-7956 8145

Cancerlink Foundation 03-7957 9310
Emmaus Centre 03-7957 7136
Pink Triangle 03-4044 5455 / 03-4044 5466

Malaysian Aids Council Infoline 03-707 7007
Bukit Aman General Line 03-2262 6222
Maid Abuse Hotline 03-2020999

University Hospital 03-7956 4422
General Hospital 03-2692 1044

Remember - help is only one phone call away.

Malaysian Media - How about raising the bar

It has been a long road since Merdeka. More than 50 years, coming to 51. Malaysian media, in particular the press, has come a long long way. But much is desired. My pet peeve is the lack of responsibility by the press. No, not to do with politics, but in humanity in general.

Suicides are the reality of our mortal world. But I hate the way it is reported. Firstly, why on earth would they report the method of suicide. In Australia, there are strict guidelines that methods of suicide shall not be reported. This is to prevent copycats. Or unintentionally giving the depressed bad ideas and causing self harm. Restrain would also assist the family of the victims - let's not put them under the spot light. It is obviously a time of crisis.

Frankly - why the eff is it important to report how someone killed themselves? Why would the public want to know? Isn't that just a cheap way to sell the papers? Come on guys. You can do better. I rather they put a naked girl on page three and to glorify someone's tragic end. While naked girls are a big taboo, reporting death in a careless manner is accepted by all.

In addition, all reports about suicide is usually followed by a paragraph - telling the general public that if they need help, they can call the Befrienders. Phone numbers would be included. The worse I've come across is, an article by The Star.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/9/17/nation/15459534&sec=nation

This is an article about a lifeline to teens in trouble. Guess what? The Star did NOT even bother to publish the contact details of the organizations it writes about. A long article about WAO - Women's Aide Organization. But too bad - it doesn't tell the readers who to call. What the eff. What kind of value add is that article? Wonder who the heck can I raise a ruckus and kindda force them to adopt more stringent guidelines.

And yes, if you need someone to talk to, do contact the Befrienders. Their website is http://www.befrienders.org.my/

The image on the left is taken from their website. Sure hope it helps. Hey. There is help. There are people willing to help. It is just a phone call away.

Pregnant - Part II

Well - more updates on the pregnancy case, the underage runaway girl. Since my last blog on her, I have met up with her on two occasions. She is / was staying in a new township in Puchong. Not accessible by bus. Taxi would cost her RM 35 just to reach IOI Mall. Sad.

Online, she was begging me to get her food. It was a long shopping list with many basic stuff for her to do her own cooking. Didn't have the ability to worry if it tasted good, but she was surviving on bread and instant noodles, despite her pregnancy. She was also craving for KFC. She's a teenager after all. Who wouldn't. Spent about RM 200 on groceries and some KFC for her. No, she didn't have the cash to pay me. So, it is pretty much charity work on my part.

Somehow I've managed to talk her into going back to her home. Yup. She started by calling her mum. She did tell me her mum asked her to return home. So, the good news is - she's Singapore right now, where her mum and brother is. Whatever it is, she always told me she misses her brother. She was just OK with the mum but hated the mum's current boyfriend. Complicated eh? Reminds me of Avril Lavigne's song.

Not sure how things will work out. At least this is one hurdle over. She will be back in Puchong just to collect all her belonging. I think I would end up being her free cab service. Frankly, I don't mind doing it. I rather see her back at home than end up dead in a botched up abortion at an illegal clinic.

Hmmm. This is one outcome that money cannot buy. I can only hope it goes well from now on.

Poor Confused Lost Souls

Nope - it is not about the souls roaming the streets during the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival. FYI - the festival falls on August 14th, 2008. So, keep your windows shut, lock your doors and get home early! Sometimes, people ask me - do you believe. To me, it is darn simple. If there is no harm in believing, what the heck - I believe and respect it. I rather err on the safe side!

Anyway, back to the topic. My acquaintance and colleague, Liz, is getting married soon. Naturally, it would be a big event for her - or for any gal for that matter. As a guy, I could understand, althought it would matter a lot less for guys in general.

Lately, I have noticed Liz to be darn stressed out at work. Apparently her to-be-hubby wants her in a green tutu which would make her look like a bright green Granny Smith. That's among her many problems. Mind you, the bloody wedding is still at least 6 months away. Talk about planning. There has also been other disagreement between Liz and her future hubby.

So, I asked her a question which really stir things up. "Do you want a happy wedding or the perfect wedding?" Ah. She gave me the LOST look. She wanted both I guess, but there is only so much we mortals can do. I asked her again, would she choose a perfect wedding or a happy wedding? She kept quiet. I decided not to push it any more. Making a gal sob at the workplace would be the last nail in the coffin for me as far as my reputation at work is concerned.

Really? Which would you prefer? Something with many screw ups that we can have a good laugh at the end of the day or something perfect but so tense. Hmmm. After all, this is what life is all about. So what if things are not perfect. The least we can do is be happy! Let me know your thoughts.

Mayday mayday

Nope - not about a plane crash but rather a series about air crash investigations. Very interesting show, which I think pops up occasionally on Astro. I've been kindda lazy at work and I've watched a good number episodes of Air Crash Investigators. The only sad thing is, I feel kindda depressed right now.

I've not been entirely lazy - watching YouTube in the office. I've been asked to chair a team of auditors for Nible2. We are to find out what went wrong, somewhere, somehow. So, I figured that watching how they investigated air-craft was interesting.

One particular episode, is about Eastern Airlines Flight 401. Actually, it was my case study back in university and I've completely forgotten about it. It has a strong message for management. Yup - you heard it right - management.

Essentially, the crash happened way back in 1972, off Miami. I won't dwell on the details of that crash, but essentially, the plane was brought down by a USD 12 problem. The indicator (light bulb) failed to indicate that the front landing gear was locked. It cause, a burnt light bulb. The crew was so engrossed in fixing the problem, they forgot to fly the plane. Alas, it crashed.

This is essential in my latest task - Nible2 has been so focus on cost cutting. The bloody entire company is worried about cost cutting. We forgot to fly the plane. We forgot that we are a technological company, not a cost cutting company, per se. We ignored so many things that we are to do. Cost went down, together with quality, number of research and new technology. And Nibble2 is suppose to be the leader in the industry. Everyone forgot to fly the plane. While cost cutting to a certain degree is OK, but really, it is the effing Finance Director's job. Not HR. Not Operations, not Engineering. Everyone must hand in hand, but they better remember to fly the damn plane!

Here's the first part, out of five parts, of Fatal Distraction.

Safety First

Well well, a short post. Terengganu Gov raised the issue - they wanted another car because of cost. But really, why hasn't anyone debated about safety. After all, it should be Safety First.

That's it. I wonder how safe are Proton cars. There is absolutely no emphasis on car safety in Malaysia. Proton Waja is one of the safest proton cars. But the results are at best, 3 star only - out of 5 stars. Ok, it is better than some China made cars, but really - after so many years in the industry - when will they do better? If the government is serious about road safety, lets force all cars, local and imported, to under-go crash tests. And PUBLISH the results. Now, I love to see that!

Some respond by saying that Malaysians not driving Protons are unpatriotic. I think manufacturing Milo-tins on wheels, aka coffin on wheels, isn't patriotic either. Frankly, I rather not die for my country this way!

Votes for Sale

That's right. Votes are indeed for sale in Malaysia. BN has offered up to RM 0.30 per litre of subsidy for petrol, while our friend Anwar Ibrahim made a more generous offer of RM 0.50 per letre of subsidy for petrol. I wonder will someone counter offer and dish out free petrol.

Yup, the politicians are into vote buying, be it the ruling or the former ruling. It does look like a Friends for Sale or Votes for Sale application out of Facebook. The sadder part is, most Malaysian votes are actually up for grabs this way. It is the mother of all lelong (auction) in Malaysia. Now, USA must be happy that free-trade and democracy is going well, hand in hand.

Anwar even went on to say, Petronas is profitable - so, the entire Malaysia should benefit from it. Huh? Did he read the Little Red Book by Chairman Mao when he was doing time? Petronas, by and large, is a private entity. Sure, some would argue the government shouldn't have sold it. But Anwar didn't bother to say - how much exactly of Petronas' profit is from Malaysia. I am pretty sure a large chunk of it is from overseas. So, why on earth so Malaysians get those profit? Wouldn't such statement scare the daylights out of foreign investors? What's next? Put for subsidized Intel CPUs for Malaysians?

The sad thing is, Malaysians enjoy being buggered. For the purpose of argument, let's say it is 50 cents per litre - the subsidy. And being patrotic, I drive a Proton Waja. Know something? Excise duty is RM 11843 while sales tax is RM 5758 for a stupid Proton Waja. So, the total tax is RM 17501. This is enough subsidy for 35202 litres of petrol. Assuming I use about 30 litres a week (or about 350 km per week, which is reasonable), it bloody takes me about 1170 weeks to re-claim my taxes. That works out to be 22 years. So, Anwar, go do something with yourself on the so called subsidy. It is actually pre-paid petrol, which in after 10 years, the car is rotten and I will have to pre-pay for more petrol. Ok, you may use more petrol, even by doubling it up to 60 litres a week, it is pre-paid petrol for 11 years. Will a Proton last 11 years? Mind you, these are based on a lousy Proton Wira. (I've not included road tax yet!).

A well played game indeed by the politicians. Using the rakyat's money to buy the rakyat's votes. Malaysia Boleh!

So, to my fellow "Votes for Sale" rakyat, please ask the bloody politicians to GET RID of the SUBSIDY. At the same time, GET RID of the TAXES! Now, I would like to see a politician say that. Otherwise, we are all just buggered, one way or the other. It doesn't matter if we are getting shafted by a gay guy or getting shafted by a lady with a strap-on. The nett result is, we are buggered!