Thursday, July 17, 2008

DON'T GIVE YOUR BLOOD SAMPLE

This is an interesting comment to an article in Malaysia Today. Its related to the DNA forensic technology. Its written by chiongguo..

If DNA sample is collected through blood the plasma in the blood could be separated from the blood cells using centrifuge. These plasma contains the DNA which could be planted on bed sheets or wherever.

DNA sample taken from hair or mouth swipe has to be amplified using PCR. This means the presence of other chemicals in the sample. To fabricate and plant evidences using these DNA samples would be less likely and would need the cooperation a lot of people and the samples could be re-tested by independent authority if the court orders it.

To fabricate evidence the best bet is Anwar's blood sample. The fact that the oxford boy knew what to ask means that they had all along intended to plant the evidence.

I had posted this on the internet about 10 years ago but Anwar's lawyer did not pick it up. Whatever way you give DNA sample DON'T GIVE YOUR BLOOD SAMPLE.

Was Anwar drugged the night he spent in prison and blood sample taken from him ?
Why the police needs Anwar DNA

The police at the moment is still investigating the alleged sodomy case and I belief they don't have sufficient evidence to convict Anwar. They have the video footage taken at the apartment and perhaps some induced witness .They have measured Anwar dick and he was strip naked for the physical examinations but they still cannot prove that an anal penetration actually occurs.

The missing piece to complete their jigsaw puzzle is Anwar DNA. DNA forensic technology will be able to prove that the sodomy actually occurs or not. To do that they need the victim DNA and also the accused DNA coupled with bodily fluid taken from Saiful anus. The fluid or anal swab of the victim should consist of the victim and also accused DNA fraction. The key portion of the autoradiograph probe analysis of various DNA samples in a rape investigation is shown in the figure below. Couldn't find a sodomy sample and rape is the closes sample we can use to describe the DNA forensic technology.

DNA profile analysis

DNA evidence is most powerful when used to demonstrate that an individual is not the source of biological evidence in a criminal investigation. In the case of a rape, if the male fraction of the DNA evidence contains alleles that are not shared with the suspect, then the suspect could not have deposited that sperm. The suspect would be excluded as a possible source of the DNA found during the sexual assault exam.

Notice that in this set of evidence, the victim's DNA profile serves as an internal control. The victim's known blood sample (lane 1) should, and does, match the female fraction of the DNA from the sex assault exam (lane 4).

In contrast, the defendant's known blood sample (in lane 2) does not match the male fraction of the evidentiary DNA (in lane 5). All it takes to exclude a defendant is a single band in the evidentiary lane that is not found in the defendant's lane. In this case, the defendant does not have the top band in lane 5, thus he could not have been the source of the DNA in lane 5.

Now if the police don't have Anwar blood and DNA sample to mix with Saiful's ,they wouldn't have a solid or concrete evidence to nail Anwar,that is on the assumption that the police are fabricating evidence to charge Anwar.

Coincidentally ,at the parliament,Khairy suggested that Anwar should give his DNA voluntarily when Anwar ,his lawyers and Azizah didn't even know about it yet. How is it that Khairy knows the police needs Anwar DNA in advance ? Is he part of the gang that conspire to topple Anwar?

Anwar should be careful that his DNA is not taken from him at all cost as it could be the single most important evidence that will send him to jail for a long time.

Lastly.I'm no expert in DNA forensic and I'm just simply gathering what I can from the internet and try to join all the pieces together. For better confirmation please consult an expert in this area.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Abdullah Badawi To Retire By 2010




AAB has announced that he will pass on the baton to Najib by mid 2010 and it was well received by all the UMNO leaders attending the meeting today. He was given the standing ovation for announcing the date for transition of power to his deputy and this should provide some stability within UMNO in the coming days. I’m also expecting more announcements by division head in support of AAB and Najib for the No1 and No2 position respectively .


TDM is quick to point out that Najib will not be the next PM because AAB will crucify him before the due date. This is highly debatable but the possibility is there if one were to consider how AAB twisted his words in some of his previous statement. He has the reputation of changing his mind quite often…flip-flop leader.


However,from UMNO perspective,it will be wise if all the division leaders accept this proposal as a contest for the top post will leave the party fragmented and its vulnerable to attack from the opposition.Only a stronger UMNO will be able to guarantee that those in power will be able to rape this country in broad daylight. From the standing ovation AAB received I’m confident that his position as PM and president of UMNO will not be challenge internally. Ku-Li and Muhiddin will not be able to garner the required nominations to even contest in the election.


Next,on the VNC scheduled on Monday,I don’t think there will be any impact on AAB. Firstly, the motion needs the approval from the speaker and I doubt he will think this is an important issue that warrants an urgent debate. Secondly,there will not be any vote on this motion…. I understand the PR intentions to proceed with this motion but doesn’t it seems the timing is not right at all and it also indirectly indicates that they don’t really have the numbers to overthrown the BN government in September. If they have the numbers ,wouldn’t it be better to announce this motion at a later date and a vote count is initiated to eventually take over the government?


However,by tabeling this motion they are able express some of the rakyat predicaments due to the recent petrol hike and also some of the weaknesses in the government fiscal policies . Its good if the rakyat are able to see this debate live as it will creates some awareness about PR efforts in fighting for the rakyat. If and that’s a BIG IF its allowed by the speaker,the time will be about one hour and if there are too many interruptions on monkey matters ,nothing much can be accomplished by this motion.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

RM 436.36 million Allocation For Houses Of Worship In Three Years




Saw this article at Bernama.com and couldn't help but feel sad that the government is unfair in allocating funds for the development of houses of worships. A mere 8.16mil was allocated since 2005 and its breakdown is as follows..

Hindu temples 3.39millions

Buddhist temples 3.17millions

Churches 1.6millions

The allocation for building mosques is 428.2millions.

I'm not saying that the government should allocate a large percentage of the funds for other houses of worships but a mere 8.16 millions in comparison to the overall allocation is only 1.9% . The balance 98.9% are use to build mosques.

I let you guys be the judge to this,is it fair? By racial composition the allocation should be more then 1.9% and yet the government still can say that they are fair to all races and the PM still has the cheek to say that he is the Prime Minister for all Malaysian. My last word...fair to all Malaysia my foot!!!

The article link .. http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=343637

Friday, June 27, 2008

IT’S HIGH TIME TO REVIEW THE PETRONAS OIL ROYALTY AGREEMENTS






In view of the shicking developments as inevitable results of the sudden oil price hike, I woul like to raise several issues with regards to the situation in Petronas which I believe most people are niot aware of. This is especially pertinent in the face of several revelations, such as the fact that the oil wells in Sabah will dry up six years from now. The issue has also been raised that Petronas “could go bust in 2018”, forcing us to ask: Where have all the huge amounts of Petronas money gone to?
Had Petronas been managed so badly that despite it being the nation’s biggest money earner, it is now facing the possibility of going bust (bankrupt)?


The first problem with Petronas is the fact that it was designed to be a secretive organisation. The Petronas agreements have been claissified secret. Why? What clauses are in the agreement that the people should know? This secrecy also include the secrecy of Petronas’ detailed annual report which is shielded from public scrutiny, making it an organization without pubnlic accountibility.


The other shocking revelation that had came to my knowledge is that 80% of the oil produced by Petronas is not sold directly to the world market but is channelled through six ‘option holders’ who obtain the supply from Petronas below market prices. These option holder agents are the ones reaping the benefits in the oil price hikes. Who are these people? Why are there in the first place? Whty had such a system been created for Petronas? Are these people in fact representing certain private interests?


It is also understood that this supply through the option holders is sold by contracts with a binding agreement for 20 or 30 years, causing huge losses for Petronas when oil price increases, as Petronas would then have to continue selling at the old agreed price. Only 20% of Petronas’s supply is sold through direct open bidding.


Because of these arrangements, Petronas is sadly not maximising its revenue by dealing direct with the open world market. Instead it has been incurring inculculable losses for the nation and for the people. How much this monstrous loss is, we will never know.
The Members of Parliament and the state government should boldly raise up this very important issue in Parliament or directly with the federal government for the benefit of the oil-producing states.
As soon as possible, leaders of the oil producing states should seek for a review of the oil royalty rate and push for a differentiation of prices and benefits for the oil-producing states and the non-oil-producing states.


This review is being offered by the alternative government which is committed to giving the oil-producing states at least 20% oil royalty. This is a window of opportunity for all of us to demand for a review of the Petronas agreements, and to make Petronas more open and transparent.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat also demands that the system of having the six option holders be abolished. A new system should be created in which the three oil-producing states are in control of the marketing arm of Petronas, to make make Petronas trade directly in the world market with the aim of maximising revenue for the benefit of the nation.


Obviously, Petronas is a huge business orgasnisation which is not accountable, secretive, and has been open to a lot of abuses, including the decision to use its revenue to bails out various individuals who faced bankruptcy as results of the Asian economic crisis ten years ago. It the federal government truly wants to be responsible and accountable to the people as it claims it wants to be, it can begin to prove its sincerity for excellent governance by looking into the problems with Petronas.


- DATUK DR. JEFFREY KITINGAN


Comments: Who are these option traders? Its shocking if its true that such a system exist within Petronas.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

ACTUAL PETROL PRICE RISE IS 23 SEN



Saw this article on business times today :


PRICES of petrol at the pumps have actually risen 23 sen a litre and not 78 sen, after factoring in the cash rebate of RM625 a year given to vehicle owners, says Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.


He said the rebate is targeted at helping the needy people, not the rich or unscrupulous such as smugglers.


"Some people question the rationale of increasing petrol prices by 78 sen and then giving rebates. There is a difference.


"If we were to increase petrol prices by 23 sen without giving any rebate, this will benefit all, including the rich and unscrupulous smugglers who do not actually need subsidised fuel," he told reporters yesterday after officiating the launch of AmanahRaya Bhd's Annual Report 2007 and the Safeena Islamic Marine Fund in Kuala Lumpur.

"This was one of the main reasons for the restructuring of subsidies, especially on fuel," he said.


Comments : My dear 2nd finance minister, have you consider the consequences of this drastic hike? Even if your reasonings that the actual hike is only 0.23 is logical,it will not prevent unscrupulous traders to take advantage of this to hike their prices. The enormous inflationary pressure from this hike will harders to tackle then the enforcement upgrade needed to check on those smmuglers. Even with the present rebates system,rich people are still benefitting. A rich man with several BMW or luxury cars below 2000cc will still be getting their rebates even if they only use the cars occasionally. If smuggling is the main issue,then better enforcement is the right and proper solution. You don't burn down the whole house just because of a few mosquitoes.



In the case of diesel, Nor Mohamed said its price remains at RM1.43 a litre as 80 per cent of the users are on the fleet card system.



"The price of diesel was increased by RM1 to RM2.58 per litre, but for those in the transportation business, the price remains at RM1.43. Previously, the difference between those using the fleet card and subsidised diesel was 15 sen. Now, it is RM1.15," he said.



Five billion litres of diesel are used per year, of which four billion go through the fleet card system."This means that 80 per cent of users pay RM1.43. There is no change in price," Nor Mohamed said.



He added that the days of crude oil prices hovering at US$40 to US$50 (RM131 to RM164) a barrel are over."Crude oil prices may fall, but in the long term, it will remain at a high level, probably between US$80 and US$120 (RM262 and RM392) per barrel," Nor Mohamed said, adding that of the current US$130 or US$140 (RM425 or RM458) per barrel pricing, about US$30 or US$40 (RM98 or RM131) are merely "speculation premium".








Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Hell hath no fury….and the longest medical word….




You know the saying: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”. Certain shocking allegations makes one wonder the possible extent of a woman’s fury. It sort of made me feel uneasy throughout the weekend wondering what might be in store for the nation the coming week. But here’s a joke I read in the MMR forums to lighten up your day. Humor helps in times of trouble

A woman arrived at the Gates of Heaven.While she was waiting for Saint Peter to greet her,she peeked through the gates. She saw a beautiful banquet table. Sitting all around were her parents and all the other people she had loved and who had died before her. They saw her and began calling greetings to her,’Hello - How are you! We’ve been waiting for you! Good to see you.’ When Saint Peter came by, the woman said to him,’This is such a wonderful place! How do I get in?’ ‘You have to spell a word,’ Saint Peter told her.‘Which word?’ the woman asked. ‘Love.’ The woman correctly spelled ‘Love’ and Saint Peter welcomed her into Heaven. About a year later, Saint Peter came to the woman andasked her to watch the Gates of Heaven for him that day. While the woman was guarding the Gates of Heaven, her husband arrived. ‘I’m surprised to see you,’ the woman said.‘How have you been?’ ‘Oh, I’ve been doing pretty well since you died,’ her husband told her. ‘I married the beautiful young nurse who took care of you while you were ill. And then I won the multi-state lottery. I sold the little house you and I lived in and bought a huge mansion. And my wife and I traveled all around the world. We were on vacation in Cancun and I went water skiing today. I fell and hit my head, and here I am. What a bummer! How do I get in?’ ‘You have to spell a word,’ the woman told him. ‘Which word?’ her husband asked. ‘Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis’, she replied.

In case you’re wondering, Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is allegedly the longest English word and according to the Oxford English dictionary, is a factitious word which is supposed to mean “a lung disease caused by the inhalation of very fine silica dust causing inflammation in the lungs”. In real life, we just use the term silicosis, but gee, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to use “Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” in a game of Scrabble (and I wonder how much that would score!!)

Monday, June 23, 2008

PETRONAS .. IS IT A WELL MANAGED COMPANY ?



Of late ,many people are questioning Petronas due to the recent fuel price hike by the government. Among the issues are,the missing pages of its financial report,why its only accountable only to the Prime Minister , why are we paying more for fuel when Petronas is experiencing higher profits and many other issues. These problems crop up because it is not transparent with its disclosures and many aspect of Petronas are still opaque.

Some bloggers are saying that we should evaluate Petronas as a business entity but they forget that it is not an ordinary company. It is linked to the government under the Petroleum Act and you can’t just analyze it solely on its own . They are just like Siamese twins and you can’t separate one without having a significant impact on the other. Remember that the person with highest authority over Petronas is not its chairman or board of directors but the Prime Minister of Malaysia which also is the head of gevernment.

Philharmonic orchestra

Petronas spend 500millions to established this orchestra which consist 96% foreign musicians. The reality is that the orchestra is an elitist extravaganza by Petronas which has no real desire to 'Malaysianise' the orchestra. They have toured China and Australia at enormous expense without any apparent realisation that having a European conductor conducting an orchestra called Malaysian with a 4% Malaysian participation is a national disgrace and insults the intelligence of the Chinese and Australians.

Petronas should take a leaf out of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's book. Its musicians are mainly Asian and they perform Western music to high standards. They even have a recording contract with the respected Swedish recording company BIS. The Singapore government did not fund the orchestra at its inception. It was formed primarily by local classical music lovers who raised funds individually and through business sponsorship.

Such is the nature of Petronas' fiscal responsibility in a time of economic uncertainty and containment. The idea that a country of 25 million people which has the Twin Towers and has sent a Malaysian into space cannot produce a choir of sufficient standard to sing with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is nothing short of a national insult and tragedy.

Private Jets

Why can’t they fly MAS ? Why can’t they support our own national carrier ? How many planes do they have ? Is it more than one? The cost of maintaining theses planes are not cheap and how sure are they using the planes for their own personal trips? In this current inflationary situation ,the government is asking all Malaysian to help reduce wastages by conserving energy and cut down on unnecessary expenses. Now, using a private jet to fly just a few executives to certain destinations is not exactly leading by example is it? Or is it because they have so much oil that they can afford to waste?

Windfall Tax

If the government can impose a hefty 30% windfall tax on plantation companies, why is it that they can't impose a windfall tax on Petronas ? Crude price has quadruple and Petronas is making hell a lot of money from this .

Petronas is profiting from the country natural resources which rightfully belongs to every Malaysian and it is the only right and proper thing to do by contributing back to the people. Petronas and the government are merely custodians of our country natural resources and they have fail miserably to address the welfare of its people with this abundant wealth .

Petronas had generated a total profit of RM570bil since its formation in 1974 to last year, of which RM335.7bil had been given to the Government (in taxes, royalties and dividends) as revealed by Hassan, Petronas had not explained how the remaining RM55.4bil had been spent after a reinvestment of RM178.9bil of its profits. We currently among the lowest in the world in term of reserves . Hassan Marican's statement that the national oil corporation could go bust by 2018 , did they reinvest well?

UAE
population = 4,380,000
oil reserve = 97 billion barrels
production rate = 2.5 million barrels per day
Reserve life = 107 years

Kuwait
population = 2,851,000
oil reserve = 99 billion barrels
production rate = 2.5 million barrels per day
Reserve life = 108 years

Saudi Arabia
population = 24,735,000
oil reserve = 260 billion barrels
production rate = 8.8 million barrels per day
reserve life = 81 years

Iran
population = 71,208,000
oil reserve = 136 billion barrels
production rate = 3.9 million barrels per day
reserve life = 74 years

Nigeria
population = 148,093,000
oil reserve = 36.2 billion barrels
production rate = 2.3 million barrels per day
reserve life = 43 years

Venezuela
population = 27,877,000
oil reserve = 80 billion barrels
production rate = 2.4 million barrels per day
reserve life = 91 years

Malaysia
population = 27,452,091
oil reserve = 4.8 billion barrels
production rate = 550,000 barrels per day
reserve life = 33 years

Data obtained from EIA shows that last year Petronas contributed 52.3bil to the government when the average crude price was at USD64.20 Average crude price this year,lets assume its only USD 110…as such Petronas contribution this year will be around = 89.6bil. Now my question is…if Petronas is expected to contribute almost 90bil to the government this year and the actual subsidy estimated by Sharir is around 30bil if the fuel price is not increased, why is it that the government still needs to remove the subsidies? The government will still have about 60bil which is more then last year. Last year contribution was 52.3bil but the subsidy was 8.8bil.,so net subsidy, the government still have 43.5bil (last year) This year the net contribution from Petronas should be 60 bil without subsidy and 90bil – 4bil (current subsidies) = 86bil with partial subsidies. So WHY ! must they take away the subsidies? Could it be that Petronas is not generating that much income for the government and thus the removal of the subsidies? If that is the case then I’m not surprise if one day Petronas will end up like Pertamina ,being milked dry by the government. There are also rumours that Petronas sold its crude in advanced at a lower rate to Japan with contracts lasting a few decades. I just couldn’t understand why the government needs to take away the subsidy if they have higher contributions from Petronas this year. Perhaps someone can provide better insight into this...cheers!