Thank You Hassan Marican

Been meaning to write for so long, but I have been stalling. I’ve become the typical bitch who whines about having meaningless life when there’s just so much around me. I’m degrading

Let’s just backtrack on things that bother me the most.

“Rakyat didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan”

How is that even possible when the most outstanding CEO in Malaysia, Tan Sri Hassan was ousted from the position he held best in 15 years to give way to his successor who is just as old? Talk about grooming young potentials when you know the new guy probably will be as good, but not better? Not to discredit him or anything, but MISC was PETRONAS’s. Come on, the only reason why MISC is doing very well is because PETRONAS is pumping money into the company in whatever venture we can think of! It’s subsidiary, MMHE is a given example of how MISC has prospered.

Until now, Najib has not disclosed the widely-publicised KPI, though it was supposed to come out sometime last year. Even the brainy Idris Jala can’t think of a fair KPI which will make the ministers look good on paper, cause honestly, I don’t think they can cope in a KPI-environment. Throw them in a multinational company, and they’ll be like needle in a haystack. Without crony support, they won’t survive! “Datuk siapa..”

I’m just a tee-bit irritated with the fact that my CEO was ousted. I may not like some of the policy he introduced, but he did well at the helm of the national oil company. If an outstanding leader like him can be thrown out as the government pleased just because he didn’t submit to politicians demand (remember the whole fiasco on Omar Ong and alas, the board had to succumb to Najib’s veto decision to put him there), what of me who is just a minor junior Engineer who has yet to make an impact in the company?

When Omar was elected to the board, I only thought of two things:

1. Mr President, now that Omar sits in our board, would this mean that the policy that you’ve uphold for the last 15 years need to be revamped? I mean, PETRONAS’s reputation has already been tarnished by the decision to bring back a default scholar into the company. So would this mean that we will open recruitment to those who have left for better opportunities in the Middle East and now crying back for a return to home country? I mean, we’ve been talking about shortage in quality manpower, and this is a great time to re-look at opportunities and making sure that we will have strong manpower to lead the company when Omar Ong takes over as CEO later.

2. There’s so much instability in the country and I felt the first-hand effect seeing Hassan bid farewell to thousand of staff who awaited him in the lobby of KLCC on the fateful 9 February. No matter what qualm Najib may feel for Hassan, a one week notice is just too demeaning. With Hassan’s extensive network worldwide, he should have been given the opportunity to bid proper farewell to not just his staff in over 30 countries, but also his peers from all over the world. Isn’t there such thing as work handover? (But then again, because the job of a politician is so damn easy, any Dick, Tom & Harry can pick up fresh. Oh well). So do I really want to work in this country or should I think about relocating myself to a more stable country? Or if I really want to work in some junk ‘place’, I should really think about a massive paycheck just to compensate the hardship I have to go through.

Ok so there it is. Venting out my frustration here. Enough said.

Cheers all. Salam 1 Malaysia.

ps: I do welcome the new boss who will be another charismatic leader to PETRONAS. All my support to the company, obviously!

Episode Geram: Malaysian Mentality

So i really hate all this Malaysian mentality. Da! what's up with all this politeness and all those so-called Asian courtesy- err, are you confuse between courtesy with just being stupidly-arrogant? Scenario today:

1. "Why your staff tak senyum kat i tu? Dia tak suka i ke?" I entered the bosses office and handed him the info he wanted. There was another lady in the office talking on the phone, and i did not stop,greet and smile at her. So i don't have the courtesy? What the!!!? Its not like i went to throw a banana at her, or put on a long face being displease at her presence there. I just didn't look at her and happily smile WHILE SHE WAS IN A FREAKING CONVERSATION. I thought it was rude to interrupt someone who's on a MIDDLE of a conversation? And apa peduli aku. Do i really have to be nice to every single person on earth!

2. You should address an older person by their title - in Malaysia, that means En, Puan, Cik etc. In anywhere else, you don't address people as Mr, Mrs, Miss something unless you are really trying to be those proper aristocrat (i think). Why do you have to call people by title (unless its a Datuk, Datuk Seri, Tan Sri, etc) if you are doing it on a professional level? Hmm.. i may be a bit bias here, but unless you are at least a Senior Manager or General Manager in my company, i don't think much of you. Professionally, everyone should be the same.

So yeah, i am being bitchy today. Probably didnt feel much loved these past few days.

Until then, the bitchiness rest.

Otw to Kuching.. Last Minute Entry

What is it about last minute tendency that encourage people to do so? Why can’t we plan our lives better, and not put off things until we are push to the very edge?

For me, a typical working day starts on mid-afternoon Sunday, and ends right up to before the Friday prayer. Don’t ask me why, it just is. Anything less than a mid-noon Sunday is considered hazardous, and anything later than the stipulated Friday working hour is considered normal.

Yesterday was a Thursday, but it felt like a typical Friday to me. Work finished by 1 pm, and by then, none of my bosses were around. Sigh. By then, I was already getting excited to leave for Kuching the next day (which is the sole reason why I am up at 4 am this morning, and sitting here with a couple of Toastmasters members on this chill Friday morning waiting for the 0710 flight).

So, there goes another non-productive ‘Friday’. But hooray.. Kuching, here I come!

Earth Hour = Media Hour?

I was impressed by the level of enthusiasm displayed by families, friends or even strangers in their cause to support the ‘Earth Hour’. Who could dispute the fact that 1 hour of energy saving would be of benefit to the environment, but what is it really about?

By Definition:
Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007, and achieved worldwide participation in 2008.

Simply translating that into:
Another commercial frenzy for the giant companies to show their support towards another humanity cause, to gain the media advantage and public recognition.

I don’t believe in the initiative, because for me, individuals need to do more than just switch off their light for an hour. I mean, you have 24 hours/day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, 12 months a year. Surely, there’s more than 1 hour in a year for us to conserve the environment.

But these giant companies are another case altogether. I mean, how else would they actually do some good to the humanity, if not for another media advantage? Malaysian TV are broadcasting their effort, the paper are writing about it, and people aka the most gained publicity are talking about it. So, why not?

Let’s just reap the advantage of this free promo. Let’s pretend as if we care!

If that’s the only way to gain participation for big companies so that they would actually support the cause, why not? Don’t we all use each other at some point in time?

Make sense?

Suhana Sebagai Emcee Berjaya

“Suhana, you’re in the wrong business. You should be in front of tv, and become a talk show host for kids tv. You just have the talent for it”

Hmm.. this is coming from a Norwegian Mat Saleh boss after I did very well emceeing our engagement session yesterday.

It can mean a lot of things, which are:

• “You’re fired, but I want you to quit on your own realisation and think that you can make a name in the show business. Ha ha.. the joke is on you”
• “These Malaysian.. You need to suck up to them, and they’ll warm up to you even more”
• “Please don’t embarrass yourself by becoming an emcee again. I can’t see you emceeing any other xxxx function”
• “You’re good, and I am honest” OR
• I wanted to go and check whether this guy is in the office, and because you were standing in front of his office, you can be my divertion. I will pretend to talk about just anything with you (sucks isn’t it)

There’s been a lot of office politics lately in this freaking Level 52, between the Mat Saleh and the orang Malaysia, that nowadays, you don’t know who to believe.

Believe in yourself? Heck.. I don’t have that much confidence anymore. But then, with the toastmaster program i've been going, i've been pretty much a confident speaker (of talking crap) and pretty good at emceeing. Haha.. Angkut bakul la plak (translation - picking up a basket - err... I know it sounds silly)

Moral of the story: None
The underline story: I emcee well (only informal emceeing that is). Please hire me.

Jawatan Ketua Wanita.. Sila Pilih Untuk Masa Depan Anda Yang Lebih Cerah Dari Mentol Restoran di Taman Melati Ini

So, in the case of Rafidah vs Shahrizat, given the opportunity to vote and determine the future of Wanita, who would you choose?

You have the veteran contender who has served ages in the organisation, losing only once in the Ketua Election only to come back to proclaim what is rightfully hers with Shahrizat on her winning side. Then on the other side of the court you have the cunning lawyer who once said, 'My words is my honour' and all hell break loose when she defy the earlier decision by the Exco and decided to go against the the No 1.

What is wrong waiting another 3 months before being officially declared as Ketua. Some say that its because, no one would have liked the idea of being position as the Acting Head, when you know for a certain that you could have been Head all along. Why wait 3 months before you get the position, when you can do it much earlier. Why the delay? Perhaps she should have think of that before agreeing in the Aug 4 meeting with all the Exco.

That's why Planning is important! (ehem ehem.. Planning Engineer talking. Give way).

When PM made a statement that he will sort things out once he's back from his Uzbek-Turkmen trip, and that the position should not be contested, Shahrizat came out and say, 'Yes, i will contest" a day after. Hmm...

I don't know whether it will be a healthy competition, now that the voters will be split, and if Rafidah wins, she will never give away the position to Shahrizat in June, or any other month! So, she'll train some new more candidates who can take up Shahrizat anytime. In the end, what will happen to Wanita section?

I leave it up to you. Do you think the position should have been contested?

Sign - Hijau Atau Merah?

Dear company collegue,
Anonymously written.

For your info, we have already stated our case to the management last Thursday. We have engaged the management enquiring them into getting clarifications for the new salary increment. Believe me, it did catch their attention. And on Friday, a group of staff have collectively stated their case to the advocates, hence HR. The two main issue that was brought up are the concern as the salary difference are not equitable throughout the years of difference, and that the salary gap between those with years of experience almost matches the salary of new entrant.

So far, the Carigali HR seems concerned and has been very helpful, and they are trying to seek further clarification from the Task Force. At the end, the group has demanded two things: HR to share the formulation of how the new salary is calculated and the justification on the differences for the salary adjustment. But then, there’s nothing else that can be done at this point in time.

If you choose to run petition, you can expect that it will trigger just the wrong side of the management. And look at this:

STAFF WILL REJECT
- New entrants are still getting the new salary increment regardless. So you can see yourself earning much lower than the new entrants.
- New allowance package will not kick in (your meal, travel, new salary progression, etc)

STAFF WILL ACCEPT
- We have stressed to them that loyalty will remain a concern

In the end, you see that you are in the losing end with only ONE option to choose from.

Don’t just give in to resentment! Perhaps you are angry that you are not getting what you deserve and started to compare against others. But the HR answer was that you are not supposed to make comparison. What you earn is Private & Confidential and you are not allowed to share it with others. In other words – it’s better than nothing, right?

So listen, I know that in the angry mode you’d be telling yourself that the company does not value your years of experience. The thing is, if you are an E1 in the market (a junior engineer in this case), the market does not treasure your experience and hence what they have applied here. So you would see that you are not getting much higher than the new entrants. Yes, the task force must have consisted of some older G that are probably envious to the current state in which we lack of E2, and E1 are mostly the doer nowadays. They don’t value our experience because during their times, you do not seek independence within 2 years of working experience. Well, they should wake up obviously. I doubt that there was any Technical personnel view accounted for when they came up with the salary revision.

But anyway, that’s an old issue. Let’s look ahead and work with what we have. Yes, pride should be accounted for. The company should reward us for our hard work, and differentiate performers with non-performers. But with debts of more than RM300 K, I am in no position to argue. Perhaps I should just reap the company of its knowledge and trainings, and ensure that I use this opportunity to enrich myself. Some might not be here long, but for some others, you’d realize that the package will reward you long term. They are making it up in other ways, ie. Salary progression increment which has doubled, new allowance package and revision to your current EPF. I had my first tantrum with the company on Thursday, but I soon settled off. Some say that I went back against what I believe so much, and decided to accept. But my answer is I do not want to be on the losing end.

Yes, I will accept. But at the same time, I’ll try harder into making the management listens. If I succumb to rejecting the offer, I might just not get anything. And dear friends, 16th September political uncertainty is something to ponder.

Anonymous?

Peace Not War

The first world war is what people terms as The End of War. Well, no one has then figured that it was actually the very beginning of a disaster.

What makes human think that they are superior? What has mankind do that they could be proud off?

Remember Hiroshima & Nagasaki – the mass massacre of more than 150’000 Japanese civilian and US prisoners of war, and injuring tens of thousand more? Imagine what the pilot must have felt the moment he agreed to take up the task of dropping Little Boy Bomb on the U.S. B-29 Enola Gay on August 6, 1945, which explodes with the force of 15kilotons of explosive AND three days later in Nagasaki, the Fatman bomb dropped by the U.S. B-29 Bock’s Car exploding with the force of 22 kilotons explosive. What then would be running through the pilot’s head when the nuclear weapon actually hit the ground?
You can see remain of dead bodies and shattered buildings within a mile. The survivors waited for death as emergency services were minimal. Cremation fires were burning day and night. This my friend, was THE merciless killings that had change the course of World War II.

At one time, Malaysia under the leadership of then Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reach-far in promoting peace and harmony.

Bosnia Herzegovina was a good example. The Muslims, Croats, and Serbs were racially indistinguishable, except perhaps for their religious belief. When Serbs and Croats partition the country among themselves through ruthless ethnic cleansing in particular the genocide of Muslims, it shattered the world.

Remember the Summer of 1994 in Srebrenica, a town in Western Bosnia Herzegovina where 8’000 Bosnian Muslim were murdered in a football field under the watchful eyes of the Peacekeepers (UNPROFOR)? After the United Nations peacekeepers withdrew their fleet, Malaysian troops (more than 10’000 in total) were the only one who has chosen to remain as garrison, and this are all done at our own expense. Tun Mahathir, enraged towards what was happening, went further than anyone in the matter. In the end, it just needed the push from the most powerful country in the world to put an end to it - when President Clinton finally made a stand and decided on taking some drastic measurement.

But the ‘powers that be’ may not be all that great. Iraq is a good example of how sometimes power and money can become the strongest motivating factor. After spending more than USD500 Bil (and USD3 Trillion long term) and losing more than 3,900 American coalition personnel, some say the US authorities are now moving in as parasites - reaping the oil benefit from the country. Iraqi civilians killed ranges from 81,532 to 1,120,000 where 70% do not have access to clean water, 80% without sanitation and 90% of Iraqi’s 180 hospital lacks the basic medical and surgical supplies. Whether the lives lost equate the Million of Barrels of oil gain, you be the judge of that. 79% of the Iraqi has already voted to oppose the presence of Coalition, and 64% American oppose the war in Iraq. But, did anyone cares to listen?

America has not been all that successful in winning their wars. Probably they still have not recovered from the deep cut of losing the Vietnam war.

Well, the deep cut of living years in oppression and detest towards the Western was the main reason that pushes Osama bin Laden to plan the perfect revenge on the America’s World Trade Centre Towers on September 11 killing 2,752 people. It may have well resulted in the invasion of Afghanistan, but it clearly shows that revenge will come your way at one point or another. And when it does, it is an option of whether you can fight back, or exemplify Japan during Hiroshima, where they picked up the pieces and recover. If the United States can plan the perfect war on Hiroshima & Nagasaki, why do they stumble when they are given back the taste of their own medicine? Isn’t there such belief as karma – what you give, you get back in return?

At this point in time, Malaysia is going to war amongst ourselves. Political drift have causes the people to forget the very reason that independence was achieved. Somehow, you’d see that sons and father argue about their belief, and husband and wife separated due to clashes in opinion.

We should consider ourselves fortunate that our democratic voices are being heard of, and that our kids ie Tan Hong Ming (from the PETRONAS TV commercial) do not know the meaning of races. Don’t let the fate of 13 May become another nightmare streak that may be repeated. Do not let this happen! Treat others the way we want to be treated. It is time to turn away from even the mini-war that we have amongst each other and unite towards making a better future.

So, turn to the person right next to you, and give a friendly shake. Be reminded to thank your friend and yourself for the wonderful country of Malaysia.

So, what happen in the past define us. We will not be able to go back in the hope of trying to change the past, but then rest assured that the course of the future is still something that we can steer. What happens now may be the present that we have chosen. But the future of tomorrow is still very uncertain. So, be cautious when making decision! Peace, and out.

Note: Again another Toastmaster Speech. Speech #7 from the Manual. Peace and out.

Bersumpah Atas Nama Tuhan

So, nowadays it has become a trend to swear in the name of the Most Merciful to proclaim you’re innocent. The ‘coffee-boy’ Saiful started the whole fiasco and now, even the top government officials who should have in the right mind, think better, has follow suit.

DPM solemnly swore that he didn’t know Alt Sha, and made his second swear right in a MOSQUE. Surely it catched the attention of the masses, even more amidst the grueling Permatang Pauh by-election.

Then the former Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said he would swear before God that he had nothing to do with the arrest of two Exco members and “invites” his successor Nizar to join him.

Looks like it has become a ticket to buy off innocence. Looks like nowadays, the law has meant nothing. Looks like we are nearing the end of the world.

I may not be a religious Muslim, but I believe in karma. I believe in the Almighty, and I dare not challenge God for the most obvious reason. Probably they are innocent (well, you are Innocent until Proven Guilty), but to play around with the Muslim belief is just NOT the right approach to shone your ingenuousness.

All in all, it looks like everything is steering towards making a big success in the PP by-election. The arrest of 2 Perak EXCO members by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) – plus another 3 non-EXCO, and the 15 cent reduction of petrol – coming earlier than the 1st September announcement, .. are among the surprises the government had on their sleeve. Seems like the battle is getting nastier as polls nearer.

I am still undecided. I would probably vote for Anwar, but I fear the changes that he’s going to make if he becomes the PM. I fear for the nation, and the rights of the Bumiputera. But at least, UMNO is now awake.

Let’s just pray for the stability of the country, shall we. Amin….

ps: Check this one out on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG9OohT5SAg

Tisu Bang...

Malaysians are a generous bunch.
Hmm, Malaysians are a generous bunch?
Aha, Malaysians are a generous bunch!

We may be skimpy on paying the tolls, parking ticket, that extra tips to the waitresses or some (ehem) even resort to stealing the papers and magazines from the office, but we never say no to those who offer tissues for a reasonable barter trade of your money.

The normal scenario where you see a blind old man accompanied by a young looking women, or a young boy from the Tahfiz school, or another familiar looking kid asking “Tisu bang”, or with the mini poster of “I-am-from-Rumah-so-and-so-and-we-need-your-donation-to-help-build-our-home”, or some “Please-Help-My-Sister-She-is-Suffering-From-Cancer”. This is some typical catchy phrases that would definitely attract you.

Somehow we think that giving money to the disadvantage is actually our legal ticket to any wrong doings we have done in the past. But I bet that there are somehow, perfectly two reasons why most Malaysians are a generous bunch.

Firstly.
Ladies, do you know that some boys are a show off! Boys, you are out on a date with this girl who got your heart beating fast that you can’t think straight. So you reach into your wallet in the hope that she would go ahh at the sight of your kind generosity to help the disadvantage.

Or let’s face the second reason.
Malaysian is just a generous bunch!

This is perfectly the valid reason why the very first thing I’ve done when I assume presidency of DDYPC is to organize a fund raising during the fasting period for 2 of the orphanages homes for 39 kids in Rumah Haluan Penyayang, Shah Alam and another 25 kids in Baitul Fitrah, Rawang. The effort put forward by the dedicated DDYPC committee has enabled us to collect more than RM 9’000 from the Development Division’s community. Not bad huh. These are the great Samaritan in PETRONAS.

However, this is not the typical scenario that you see overseas. Well, probably because they have completely eliminate the so called ‘Poor-Index’, or enforcing zero tolerance towards open charity such as what we see at the side of the street. And surprising, it has worked well as the people are not at all a thrifty.

Believe me or not, your act of giving openly, however good the intention it is, just does not feed all too well in this community.

Do you notice that the more you give, the list of people receiving multiply. Have you noticed that if you stay for two hours in places like Rasta or Uptown, you would eventually bump into the same “Tisu bang” again. Well, these people do the hourly sweep you see.

It is not my place to condemn, but some people say that they get a monthly income of approximately RM5K at least (tax free), which is 2 times bigger than the normal salary of a PETRONAS entrant. And some people say that we in PETRONAS enjoys the lavish benefit of Oil & Gas in this country. Hmm.. probably it is the best time to swap job. At 3 am when their shift is done, ‘through some personal experience’, you can see the handicap man drive away in that Honda that you always long for.

Hence people, listen. Realising this, why don’t you use your will power to channel your fund accordingly? It can be through zakat, or through various other efforts put by our company, PETRONAS. Remember the spirit of Energy Receive, Energy Return, Aspiring People Everywhere?
PETRONAS is the One-Stop-Solution for the Community.

Helping the kids – we have got the BAKTI program which helps underprivilledge students in improving their communication skills
Orphanage – Every year, we organize the Sentuhan Kasih for us to realize their dreams, and of course to give some duit raya as well
Community Service – Have you heard of the ongoing effort we are doing with the Penan, a community living remote off Sabah
Education – You can always volunteer to become a speaker at any of the Career Talk

And lots of other things on the list which continue growing. And right now, we have hundreds of dedicated PETRONAS staff serving voluntarily to drive the effort.

So, I am convinced that Malaysians are a generous bunch, and they just need to be directed to the proper way to channel their hard earn money and sweat. So, if you seek any advice, I can be consulted anytime as your Financial Adviser should you need to make that generous decision.

Aku DAN Minyak

This is what i talked about during my 3rd Toastmaster Speech in MCOBA building on Tuesday. Something very close to my heart.
---


To celebrate our anniversary, I asked my boyfriend to take me out to some place expensive. We drove around, and he made a quick stop in SHELL (mind me) and turn to me and said. “Sayang, this is the most expensive place I know”.
(Bam..) Well, of course he was just kidding around but this onviously is the impact of RM 1.92 vs RM 2.70

Oil price has made a shocking increase from the usual USD 30 to a startling USD 130 within this last 5 years. In it’s heavily consequence of subsidizing the masses, the government made a bold decision last month to increase the petrol from RM 1.92 to RM 2.70. Some says that the reaction by the government shows apathy to the suffering of its people.

Let me try to educate you how the RM 2.70 came about?
Fuel price in Malaysia is controlled by the government using a formula under the automatic pricing mechanism introduced in 1974.
The calculation is made based on the actual cost of petrol or diesel, the operating costs, margin for dealers, margin for retail oil companies and the balancing number of duty or subsidy.

This is how it is calculated:
Product Cost : RM2.7637
Marketing Cost : RM0.0692 (fixed)
Distribution Cost : RM0.0262 (fixed)
Dealers' Commission : RM0.0950 (fixed)
Companies' profit : RM0.05 (fixed)
Duty or subsidy : (RM0.30)
Total Pump Price = RM2.7041

So you see, no retail oil company or dealer makes money from the hike of fuel prices. Oil companies pay for the product at market prices, but have to sell low, so the government reimburses the difference, hence subsidy. So, let me try to spell this out clearly to you, we (PETRONAS) have NOTHING to do with the fuel hike.

In fact, we do not even earn as high in the increasing oil price scenario. Exxon Mobil who preached about being the top of the Big Four Company in world earns USD 40 Bil in 2007, just USD 1 Bil higher than the year before due to the increase in price in producing 1 barrel of oil, as any other Oil & Gas majors in the world including PETRONAS.

Friends, We realize the fact that as PETRONAS was set up in 1974 with the seed capital of RM 10 Million by the government, we are obliged to generate income and value back to its shareholder, which is the government. Hence, after 34 years of hard earned work by the people who are loyal to serving the nation, we can boast on our 2007 Year End Financial Statement of RM 570 Billion in accumulated profit in which last year, we proudly sit on No 121 in terms of revenue of the Fortune 500.

Some critics have the misconception that we had it easy just because we are an Oil & Gas company, but do you know that not all National Oil Company (NOC) stand as tall as us? There come about a perverse fact that PETRONAS Carigali, the arms of the Exploration & Production for PETRONAS is duly given the right to explore and produce the blocks in Malaysia just because we are a linked to a government entity. This statement is very misleading as much as it is not true.

As an operator in this country, PETRONAS Carigali has the same rightful ownership to the entire Oil & Gas field in Malaysia as other operators such as Shell, Newfield or even ConocoPhillips in its quest to bid for the national interest. In fact, most blocks offshore Sabah & Sarawak are operated by the other operators like the famous deepwater Kikeh by Murphy Oil or even the Shell’s MLNG. However, I do have to admit that having an Oil & Gas reserve on our very own backyard does have its perks on gaining the capability advantage.

PETRONAS is perhaps a National Oil Entity, for now. 20 years down the road, it might transform itself into an International Oil Company, where in the depleting Oil & Gas scenario in Malaysia at present, we will see the company aggressively venturing out to the International arena. Then it would be a question of whether the 65% of profit going back to the government is justifiable. It would be the sort of birthright that we dare not question.

I admire my bosses who have spent 20 or even 30 odd years serving the company, and indirectly the nation. These are the loyalist who could have resigned and work elsewhere and easily earning triple or quadruple the salary they are enjoying now.

Statistic which was released sometime in late 2007 made a comparison between the earnings of Oil & Gas technical expertise in different part of the world. No surprise there that the earnings of the locals in Asia Pacific are the lowest, in which the expatriate working here are earning 4 times higher than the same locals who has the same years of experience. You would see this scenario everywhere, regardless of which nationals they are from.

This, ladies and gentleman, is the sole reason why PETRONAS staffs migrate to other companies, especially in Middle East. Two years ago, the whole section of technician in MLNG of about 40 staff resigned and works in Middle East, and a lot of other pursuit by other individual soon followed. A colleague of mine who has worked for 6 years was offered a USD 10K salary plus benefit to migrate and work in the Middle East. At this critical point where there are lack of expert in the Oil & Gas field and the eagerness of other companies racing to offer better compensation, some of my collegue who merely work for 2 years even migrated to other service providers and consultant offices which are offering … a lot more.

Nowadays, the 30 something thousand of PETRONAS staff are mostly juniors. In my division of about 1,200 staff, 50% of them are junior staff with experience of less than 5 years. Can you imagine the struggle that PETRONAS has to accomplish in trying to excite the staff to continue being loyal to the national’s agenda?

So, it is not that PETRONAS boast about being a loyalist by being underpaid and serving the nation undividedly, but we are. Take our bonus away, take our other benefit, scrutinize our every movement and decision, and you take away those loyal ‘government’ servant who wants nothing more than loyally serving the nation.

So please hear us out. If you can’t support us, join us and then you see. Thank you.

Apa Hak Mereka?

This is what I read from some random blog:

… Our national wealth must be accounted for in a transparent manner. We need to know how much is earned by Petronas and we know in detail how this acquired wealth is being managed and spent. We need to know how much those in the ranks of hierarchy are being paid and how they are rewarded. What kinds of bonuses do they receive? How much is their gratuity when they retire?

And then Khir Toyo recent comment on his famous blog:
"Janganlah terlalu dipentingkan keuntungan beratus juta syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (Government Link Company - GLC) sehingga rakyat di bawah menderita. Apa penting diumumkan keuntungan besar syarikat ini tetapi rakyat tidak merasai apa-apa?" katanya.
Selain itu Khir juga menyarankan Petronas dan semua GLC negara mengumumkan keuntungan kepada kabinet sebelum kabinet memutuskan jumlah bonus yang perlu di berikan kepada mereka.

In the wake of the RM0.78 petrol increase, everyone now talks about the infamous role that PETRONAS plays in managing the price increase and the effort to solemnly share the burden of the rest of the population. I fret everytime I read a post about PETRONAS. How dare they talk like they own us (or probably the do. Gosh, what a realisation).

Malaysian are very oblivious about the world scenario. They are comparing PETRONAS to other governmental body which does not come close to generating even some minor revenue of the country, and they expect that we (PETRONAS staff hereafter) would want to share our well-deserved hard-earned value of bonus with the rest of the government bodies.

Look at this. It is bad enough that we do not get the market pay that we deserve, now we are being denied our only solace.

They (the community in large hereafter) often talk about globalisation and moving PETRONAS towards Global Championship, but how could we when we are being treated like a second class workers in a first class cash generating world? How do we compete with the likes of Shell, Exxonmobil, Total or even NOCs like Petrobras and CNPC when we are getting ridiculously un-competitive pay and benefit?

I’ve heard talks from unhappy friends who were seriously considering joining their other peers in Middle East, as they were not happy with the recent rumours of a 2-month bonus. (As the writer now listen to background noise of “Oi bersyukurlah”, “Ek ele.. 2 bulan pun nak komplen”, “Macam2 aa orang PETRONAS ni”).

We deserve so much more boys & girls. Please do not compare us conglomerate with your own (unless it is another Oil & Gas company), as we are pretty much aware of our net worth. I am still proud to be serving the nation, but with all this money tension all around, I may just drop my national pride and walk away.

Tahniah ATAU Takziah?

So, what is Mahathir trying to prove?

I am still in shock, and totally devastated to read the news of Che Det’s sudden exit from the United Malays National Organization.

The country is in deep drain. I was made known of his decision from reading the statement in Che Det’s blog and it got me startled. At first, I appraised the brave step he took to correct what went wrong in the party, but after some rationale thought (which came way after I commented on his blog – Tun, I respect whatever decision you have made, and will make in the future. And i always believe that you think things through before making them. Making a different to the world means big sacrifice. Well done!), it got me thinking.

How the outside world is looking at us? Would there be anymore stability when one of the most sought after leader in the country no longer have faith in its organization and decided to leave? Yes, he could condemn, he could right whatever is wrong but to quit from the party … what was he thinking?

I have the utmost respect to the guy, but it bugs me a lot to note that his departure from the party come at the expense of the country. I see that the foreigners are laughing hard at our face, and there goes the national credibility. Your hope of a great 2020 is shattered when you realise that Tun is no longer there to ‘direct’ and necessitate changes to the party. The great man becomes an average man overnight.

Is it the right decision? Will this mean that Anwar’s era would come sooner than what you would have expected?

Don’t get me wrong. I love Anwar. I bought Newsweek (which I don’t normally read) upon knowing that he was on the cover. That was a great reading by the way. And last week or so when he was in the 100 Most Influential Man in Times magazine, I quickly grab a copy before it runs out. Anwar’s story has always been a enjoyable reading.

But Anwar is no Tun. I would have a tough choice deciding the man I would love to administer the country (Anwar vs Mahathir) as each have its own strength and weaknesses, but I think Mahathir AND Anwar combination was the best the country has ever had. If only things were different then.

Anugerah Kebajikan Rakyat

Money matters have become a big issue lately. Certain organization made certain transfer worth Millions RM to certain other organization for fear that the future allocation would not reach its intended recipient. Bull. And now another organization follow suit.

I wonder why people are so upbeat when the $ comes into place. Why aren’t there anymore honesty and trustworthy among us all? Why has the world come to this?

With the new openness policy that the opposition offers, you bet there will be more transparency as to how and where the money would be source into. At least, I know that you know that they know that we are watching.

Then when all are unveiled.. the expensive trip, shopping spree .. you would have think that probably that they have something to hide. Obviously, people with big agenda will do so.

So now, we have other NEW organizations being set up for charitable work (so they say) which may be good in some way. At least these datins are doing some real good work, as now they know they are closely watched (with the kind of publicity they are getting now). At least now we have two organizations competing for the title, ‘Certain Rank Party’s Wife Organisation With the Most Fund Utilised”.

Ah well, such is life.

Perempuan itu ketuaku.. Aku Ketua Mereka?

What do you think of lady bosses?

I am currently in charge of organizing a very big event for my division, hence requiring a lot of planning and devotion towards making it a success. In this, I have to compliment myself and the rest of the team members, who are mostly ladies. We are one hardworking lass!

However, there is this certain lady boss who I can’t get along with (probably since Langkawi when she indirectly told me that I am slow).

During one of the meeting last week, we quarrel over simple issue like the seating arrangement for dinner. Of course both of us were trying to have our point across, and it didn’t matter to me that this lady is a Senior Manager in the company. Whilst everyone else did not have the gut to speak their mind, I became the only one vocal against the whole idea. Then came the interruption from the chairman (btw, it was very professional so none of the girlie-fight you see on tv).

I sat down and had a long thought after that as I looked at this lady who sits across me. “Would this be myself in 10-15 years from now?”

Lady boss are such a pain some time, or some might say a lot of time. But probably it is just typical that people stereotype ladies who have made it into that higher position? Boys, we are not too bad of a boss, really! Open up your mind.

I had my whole life flashes in front of me, and currently as the ‘boss’ of a certain organization in the company, I never did ask my team on whether I have been an agonizing torture to them. I must say that I am very demanding, but I do work hard along with them. I expect excellence, but who doesn’t.

I try to hide my seriousness by making silly jokes at time. A camouflage to disguise the fact that I do not like to be labeled a typical lady boss. But do they respect me?

So, what kind of a lady boss have I been, or would be in the future?

Bersihkan Halaman Rumah Anda Dahulu...

The coalition party wobbled over the appointment of the new Perak MB, and yesterday, PKR expresses dissatisfaction over the composition of the Perak state exco, wherein 8 seats are given to DAP and another 2 to the other parties.

To whoever it may concern,
Can you come to a consensus and decide in the best interest of the state, instead of your own party? When the Sultan asked for the candidates for the post of Perak MB, the three spokeperson for the party has earlier mention that they will accept the decision of the Sultan on who he deems fit to become the MB. Later, we learn that the top gun in DAP has instructed his committee to boycott the swearing in.

Ok, let’s see the big picture here.

First the Perak Mentri Besar swearing-in is called off. What can you expect next? They’ll boycott whichever meetings being chaired by then-MB?

Get your grip together guys. Whatever bright picture I have painted here at the back of my mind, has suddenly been clouded by this scenario. Shrewd. Geez… Now the Perak-ians will think, “Did I choose the right reformation?”.

Clean up your backyard!

On another note…

Who’s the smart one here? Surely it’s not the BN (although they are now laughing on their sofa eating popcorn while watching the mini-sinetron by the BA)…
It’s definitely my most handsome, intelligent, articulate Sultan Azlan Shah.

He wanted to know how the 3 parties are planning to make this coalition work, and he tested them with his selection of MB from PAS (which gain the lowest state seat of only 6, as opposed to 7 by PKR and 18 seats by DAP). His intuition pays off, and these DAP was not smart enough to read his plan. It’d be interesting to see what the Sultan has in plan next.

Pendapatku Ttg Pilihan Raya

So, the opposition is no longer the opposition, hence opening a new chapter of the country’s democratic excellence.

I won’t summarise much of what you may have heard or read in the tabloid, through various discussions (where you have actively participate or just a mere observer taking notes of other people’s genuine interest to the oh-so-interesting topic), or from the pleasant viewing of the news on the electronic mode. All in all, BN won by simple majority, lost in 5 states (namely Kelantan, Perak, Selangor, Penang and Kedah) and Pak Lah is again the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

I couldn’t exercise my right to vote eventhough I did register during one of those road shows in Suria KLCC (maybe I don’t fit that right profile of a voter) and wasn’t even bothered to seek justice to the inadequacy of the system to recognize me. But soon after, I regretted the fact that I did not.

I seriously thought that this election would be the routine electorate where in the end, BN would yet again prevail as the power of dominance. The result shocked me… but I was glad.

It shows that the people have bravely spoken their mind, and they wanted changes to happen right this instant. Perhaps this would open a great journey for the ramification of the government who is willing to provide more for its people. Perhaps after this, you could envisage the head to head Clinton-Obama debacle showdown happening to our very own BN vs BA leader. Perhaps it is a start to a better Malaysia as the current government sees the need to gain the trust of the people, and their promise to serve as the better ruling party. Lots of perhaps to this great post-election that I can already envision.

It’d be more interesting to see how new laws will get passed the legislature sitting, as there will more constructive feedback from 1/3 of the opposition (and I do hope its constructive instead of reenacting the hopeless effort of a 5-year old trying to piss off their parent) . There will be new initiative, and lesser laws imposed to silently kill the people (like tolls, petrol, etc).

Let’s just wait and see.

Other things on my mind:
1. Hoping that the stock market will show great improvement, after the sudden decline post- result
2. Anwar taking over the Lembah Pantai parliamentary seat
3. BN won 15 seats by slim margin of less than 200 votes. I wonder if those who didn’t manage to exercise their right to vote now feel somber pain
4. Independent who has decided to take sides after their triumphant (1 is joining PKR, and today, Tanah Rata’s Ho might return to MCA)
5. My babe Iddelz who was thinking of setting up her own party in 10 years to come. You go babe.


And on another note:
Clinton as the President? Obama as the Vice President?
Reverse that?
Wouldn’t US be a better country?

Indah ke Perkahwinan?

“Too often, the thing we want the most is the one thing we cannot have. Desire leaves us heartbroken , it wears us out. Desire wrecks our life”
Dr Meredith Gray

That was the ultimatum that I had the other day.

There has been so much unhappiness around me lately that I decided that yesterday was the much needed break that I want. Ignore the fact that it was my birthday; I felt that I needed time to reflect upon my life.

I guess I should be happy that I am still non-committed to a single soul. When friends pour out their relationship issues, I feel content that at least I do not have to deal with such heartbreaking dilemma. At least some part of it is true.

We are fools when it comes to love.

We marry young when we think that fulfilling our sexual drive is with utmost importance. Sometimes we succumb to the peer pressure or the longing of our partner for what they say ‘better future’.

Recently, I learned that marriage lives are not all that rosy and wonderful. When I should empathized with the torment my friends are suffering, I feel glad that I did not have anyone to angst about. (Well, who would want to marry me at this state of mind anyways?)

Why make such rash decision about marrying someone when you have a slight doubt about each other. When my best friend got married this year, I asked her over and over again, “Are you sure?” (sorry dear I had to use you as an example, but the fact that you don’t blog and no one knows you made it easier to blog about you. Haha. Forgive me later). They’ve been fighting for as long as I known them made it much harder for me to digest the fact that this girl who’s been my childhood friend is tying the knot with a guy whom she often cries over. But I guess their love for each other was stronger than the petty little things that they fight over.

Some friends of mine didn’t able to hold that love after marriage. What happen in between? Simple.. Men change after they got married.

Male egocentric.. chauvinist… all of the above.

The first half of the year was full of joy and happiness of knowing that your friends are getting married, but lately I have been listening about what he didn’t do, or what he has became after they are legally married. World is so twisted.

We don’t really know our partner very well that when we felt that we’ve made one big mistake, there is no turning back. Before this, there always were the third wheels when we get into a fight, but after married, you are forbidden to tell tale of your marriage to a single soul. Berdosa namanya. In other words, no more bitching about men to your girlfriends, or seeking advice from your male counterpart.

I guess I am never suited for married life, as I fear the commitment I am putting myself into. It’s not that I do not believe in the marriage institution, but is there such magic that led you to believe that investing your whole life to just one person would be wise? What is it likes to love someone madly, that you are willing to wake up next to the same person every single morning?

Sometimes we get married because we needed security. He may not be the one whom we have fallen madly in love with, but the one who would be willing to love us for the rest of their life. Question, should we choose the one who’d love us unconditionally, or the one whom we really long for? Which brings in more happiness?

After talking to a few married ladies, I feel scared about the idea of getting married. If I do get married, I feel like I would go cold feet right before one. Heck, I might not get married, and it scares me more. I am not sure what I want in life, and that is just silly of me.

But maybe its because I have not find the right person for me to spend my whole life with.

Wait, retract that. I have, but he’s non committal.

If he asked me to marry him, I might even give my consent right away. Well, if only…

So, what does that leave me?

A woman with lots of choices?

Girl power?

Angkasawanku.. Heroku...

10/10/2007 on 21:21 hours
Our first Malaysian astronaut blasted off to space on Soyuz TMA-11

I didn’t join the many Malaysians who went to watch the historical moment in Merdeka Square. It was such a relieved that I didn’t, after being told that the giant screen was not working, hence they had to resort to sharing the small screen TV provided. Not to say that I am not patriotic enough to have shared the joy with thousand others proud Malaysian. I do, yes I do, but I prefer to share my joy in the quiet comfort of my small home better.

So anyway, there have been mixed opinions about sending off Malaysian very first astronaut.

WHAT the fuss all about?
Could we have done it without having spent millions of taxpayers’ money into purchasing military helicopter equipments from Russia?
The achievement is not really ours to claim, as it would have been more meaningful had we gone into space with our very own space rocket.
Why couldn’t the government spend the money to further improve our domestic trade and economy?

While writing this, I am very much confused myself. I am not sure whether I supported the cause, or I just simply do not care. If not for the very strong objection from some anonymous citizen, I would simply choose the latter. Then I re-discover my passion for debate, hence this.

I felt proud knowing that one of Dr M’s visions has materialize. You couldn’t stop but wonder how he could think light-years ahead of other people. And your zealous crazy mind would have thought that his brain would be an interesting specimen to study (gosh… that’s some twisted mine I have).

When people ask me, am I proud? I would not have qualm to say yes. For me, we need heroes. While politicians have sickened me for their lack of creative contribution to the society lately, the general public has chosen to look elsewhere for source of inspiration.

Just like Dato’ Dr Mohamad Nor Khalid @ Lat who has done it with Kampung Boy, (btw, Dato’ is now in Washington as the only Asian to be invited to the International Comic Art Forum. He would also be there to launch his new book, Town Boy after the success of Kampung Boy which became no 1 for Editors Choice in the United States) AND SO did cicakman (which ability includes it’s power of fast healing, sticking to walls and ceilings and the ever-so-useful tongue-extension mechanism) our friendly occupants of most homes in Malaysia TO THE EVER SO FAMOUS Mawi, the chap next door. As both Lat & Cicakman are heroes envision by its creator, you’d feel excited knowing that Asmawi Ani and Syeikh Muszaphar Shukor al Masrie are heroes on our very own backyard, whom we groom and grow so fond off. While Mawi is the simple, good looking and yet very humble person, Syeikh Muszaphar comes in the form of a handsome, well established-doctor cum part time model, What else could you have ask for?

Five years from now, you are very sure that he would be entitled to a Datuk-ship, still remain a bachelor (for whatever reason you know) and would be ever-so famous and rich. He would be getting the same adoration from the public similar to what Mawi have enjoyed. I can already imagine looking at dozens of his billboards while driving, his many advertisement that will follow (as if he has not gotten use to that), co-starring in movies by Professor-Madya-you-know-who and then probably producing his own hari raya tracks.

Lalalala.. lalala… A new hero on it’s way! And he’s a yummy treat.

Negeri Kelantan Kebanggan .. KU? MEREKA?

MI and I were kissing goodbye, and wishing each other ‘Selamat Hari Raya’, when we then bumped into Jd. MI then asked Jd, ‘You are Kelantanese right’ and ended her conversation with something like, ‘Don’t marry many’.

I was quite shocked. If MI wasn’t a very close friend of mine, I would have found that the remark was very insulting. But knowing MI, and her innocent in understanding the Malay culture, I forgave her instantly.

Little did MI knew that I am Kelantanese myself (well, my parent that is). And when I told MI, she was shocked. “Now, does that change your perception about Kelantanese? See, they are not so typical. Haha”, Jd said. True, I am not like any typical Kelantanese. The ways I talk, walk and poise myself disarray the normal perception about people from Pantai Timur.

Living with parents who speak Kelantan at home doesn’t make me any more Kelantanese. I can honestly admit that I could not at all speak the native tongue. I have been living in KL ever since I was born. The only sibling of mine who is eligible to own property in Kelantan is my eldest sister, as she is the only one who bore the state birth certificate. I have to admit that none of my family member wears tudung (except for me mom), and we have been totally colonized by the urban upbringing. Except however, our big family signifies our origins. I would have to say that it has become a custom for Kelantanese to have a big family (hence mine) where the more kids you have signify more of your success. Then, come your children’s education. The further they go, the proud the parents would be. Well, that is the typical keluarga Haji Daud (my grandfather).

What is it about Kelantanese that scares off other people? I would have to rephrase that. What is it about Kelantanese that scares off KL people?

Nowadays, you could hear the dialect being spoken mostly in pasar malam, Chow Kit area, and discreetly in offices of high rising towers. Kelantanese has become an epidemic that is spreading fast all over the country. It’s not surprising as a typical Kelantan family could easily have 6 childrens, whom will all travel all over the state for promise of better future. Child 1 to JB, Child 2 to Malacca, Child 3 to Pahang, Child 4 & 5 to KL, and maybe Child 6 to take care of the sawah bendang back home. The more the merrier right.

So, what is it about Kelantanese kahwin banyak ni?

People have a lot of different perception about Kelantanese. These people are the group of people whom would cause rivalry in school dorms. Kelantanese like to stick to their own kind, mostly because they are more familiar with oneself OR maybe because people alienate them due to their differences? I never like to admit that I am Kelantanese, unless being interrogated in details. Why? I would be accused of ‘lupa daratan’ by the Kelantanese simply because I don’t speak the native tongue and I don’t act like one, OR being alienated by those who like to discriminate against one.

Bigotry.

I sometimes wonder why people from Kedah does not receive the same treatment? Is it because most of our leaders are Orang Utara, that we are so accustomed to them? Heck, I sometimes even speak Utara just to adapt to my surroundings. Why don’t we point out their flaws? Or, why not people from –Ganu? They are just next door to Kelantan! Maybe whatever flaws that Kelantanese have might rub off on them?

Have you heard of this phrase?

Kalau tidak malas, bukan Melayu
Kalau tidak tipu, bukan Cina
Kalau tidak minum, bukan India

If you’re not lazy, you’re not Malay
If you don’t cheat, you’re not Chinese
If you don’t drink, you’re not Indian

SO…
Each race has it’s own distinct character? NOOO..
But people from each state can simply be clustered into it’s set of bad vs good? YES? NO?

We are all racist in maybe the most minimal amount. I would say that deep inside, maybe I am. But lately, I just don’t care anymore. I take pleasure in telling other people that I am going back to Kelantan for raya this year, much to other people’s amazement. “You are from Kelantan?”, and the very same look that I have gotten use to.

I might not be so much connected to my roots, but I am proud that my family originated from somewhere. I enjoyed the scenic drive of watching kerbau, sawah and rumah kampong berdinding papan beratap zink. Now, we are persuading abah to move to Kundang, so that we can enjoy those kampong style environment whenever Raya. This small house can no longer fit the 11 grandchildren who comes back during Raya.

So, whatever it is, I am proud of my family, and the very place that my parent Haji Sidik@Sidek and Hajah Halimah originated from.

To all of you…
Selamat Hari Raya you all! Maaf Zahir & Batin.