Astro Sports Channel Price Increase

/* August 6th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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ASTRO struck a chord at the wrong time. Economy is not improving, and they see it fit to increase the price of the sports channels (channels 811-814) by RM12, meaning RM144 increase per year. Since my subscription is not bound by contract anymore, I’m seriously thinking about removing the sports channel. Just need to pay RM1.50 for teh tarik at nearby restaurant per trip, to watch EPL games.

Anyway, is the cost justified? For one the cost of licensing may be increasing for the football games. But the number of subscribers also increasing. Doesn’t it even out?

However, I think Astro screens too many advertisements. There are sponsors for the in-house programs like Toyota, Nokia, Maxis, etc. Why not have a channel without all these studio-based programs, and just show live telecasts of the games. I wonder if I’m also paying to all these sponsors as well.

Secondly, maybe they should split the sports channel into a few popular segments – soccer, F1, tennis, golf, general, etc. Just make it into mini packages which the customers can choose according to their needs. For people like me who just watch EPL and Champions League games, it will be a better option.

So how? Get rid of Astro? Its a strong possibility at the moment.

So far 15,000 over people had signed a petition protesting the price hike (or better still just disconnect Astro if you feel strongly about it since I don’t think Astro really cares what you or I feel). You can do the same at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/astropce/petition.html

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India Trip Day 3

/* August 6th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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Read the caveats here before proceeding.

The following are events that took place on 6th July 2009 and covers Thiruvanamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry route.

Photo of the day:

From D03-July-06-Tiruvannamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry

We checked out of our hotel, Arunachala Ramana Home around 7.30am. Went straight to the Arunachaleswarar (or Annamalaiyan) Temple. This Sivan temple is yet another Pancha Bootha stalam, where Lord Siva is represented as the fire element (earlier in Kanchipuram, he is represented as Earth element). We spent nearly 2 hours at the temple since its quite a big one (24 ha). The hill behind the temple is the Tiruvannamalai hill where Lord Siva appeared as a stripe of fire. Every full moon, the wick at the top of the hill is lighted and devotees walk around the hill (14km) – this is known as Girivalam. The most famous occasion is during the Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec) where the Karthigai Deepam function is held. It seems many famous actors and actresses also take part, including Superstar Rajinikanth. Read more about this stupendous place over here, and here. The city is also known for two famous gurus – Ramana Maharishi and Seshadri Swamigal. Ramana Ashramam is also located near the hill. The outstanding feature of the temple is the large gopurams.

From D03-July-06-Tiruvannamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry

We then took leave from Tiruvannamalai and headed towards next destination – Melmaruvathur which is about 100km away. We took the route that passes through a placed known as Gingee. Gingee is known for its fort which was building along the hills. We stopped for a while to take some pictures but did not climb up the hils as time was running short. We took early lunch at Vasantham Restaurant at Gingee town.

From D03-July-06-Tiruvannamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry

Even though we rushed, we arrived late at Melmaruvathur, partly due to our driver who is not so familiar with the road (and this will be a repeating theme throughout the trip). A bit about the temple here – its run by the Sakthi Peedam.  The head of the Peedam is Sri Bangaru Adigalar whom Amman transmigrates into, and provides Arulvakku (God’s word). The Athiparasakthi temple was closed for poojas when we arrived, but visitors can still enter and pray.We entered the queue,  saw photos along the walls and did our prayers. It was terribly hot, and walking barefoot outside the temple was not easy. We left around 2pm to our next destination – the picturesque and lovely Pondicherry.

From D03-July-06-Tiruvannamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry

A bit about Pondicherry (or Puducherry as it is known now) –  The small strip of land on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu was a French occupied territory until (there are four such regions in total), thus there’s an unique blend of French and Tamil culture here. The strip of land is vertical (north-south orientation), but the French influence is more towards the coastal side, while inner Pondicherry is Indianised. Pondicherry is not a state in India, but an union territory. To enter Pondicherry, non-Pondicherry registered vehicles have to pay a fee of Rs400 (and its the same for all interstate travels).  Pondi has a laidback feeling, a good sea view, and an urban look comparable with other cities in Tamil Nadu. And its a lot more cleaner too! No sights of men urinating anywhere.

From D03-July-06-Tiruvannamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry

We reached Pondicherry around 3.45pm.  We parked near the main temple in Pondicherry – Manakula Vinayagar Temple. We waited until the temple opened at 4pm. Did our prayers and then went to Sri Aurobindo’s ashramam which is located just about 40 metres from the temple. Its a quiet place. The samadhi of Sri Aurobindo (Aravind) and Holy Mother is situated here. We prayed for a while, but did not take any photos . We then returned to the Vinayagar temple. Took some blessing from the elephant.

From D03-July-06-Tiruvannamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry

Took a break and had coffee at Adyar Anantha Bhavan restaurant which is nearby the temple. The tea and coffee was superb. We took some time to search for hotel and in the end decided on Hotel Ajantha, which was close to the beach. It was a bit expensive but since we could literally hear the waves beating down on the rocks, couldn’t resist it.

Disaster struck at this point. While unpacking I realised that I forgot to bring the USB cable that connects the camera to the laptop! So, had to change plans a bit. We hit the streets to find a computer/electronic shops and boy, it wasn’t easy! We walked all around the main shopping area (Nehru Street) and finally managed to buy a 3 feet long cable for Rs25 (about Rm1.90 only!). In a way it was a good exercise as we got to see the evening life around the shopping area. The crowd was big and traffic was slow moving around the main roads.  Came back to room tired and retired for the day.

From D03-July-06-Tiruvannamalai-Melmaruvathur-Pondicherry

Full set of photos:

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Mystery Memorandum for 1Malaysia Carnival Batu Caves

/* August 5th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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I’m sure by now many are aware about the impending 1Malaysia Carnival at Batu Caves on coming Sunday (9th August 2009).

I first heard about via emails. There was no info on the organisers, but among the agenda was concerts, fireworks display, and visit by PM Najib. Event to start at 4pm till night. The emails urged the Indian community to attend so as to show support to the 1 Malaysia concept.

Today’s Star Metro provides more info:

THE 1Malaysia Batu Caves Carnival will be organised for the first time by Sri Mahamariamman Devasthanam and the Malaysian Hindu Council.

“Malaysians of all races must not wait for Thaipusam to turn Batu Caves into a carnival ground.

“The grounds of Batu Caves should reverberate to the joyful sounds of a carnival more than once a year,” Batu Caves temple committee chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said.

The three-day event, which will run from Aug 7 to 9, will feature cultural performances representing the three main races in Malaysia as well as other interesting shows.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will grace the event at 4pm on Aug 9.

“Datuk Seri Najib will be the first prime minister to visit Batu Caves during a non-Thaipusam period,” Nada-rajah said at a press conference at the Batu Caves temple office recently.

He added that since the prime minister had introduced the 1Malaysia concept, they wanted to play a part in helping him implement it.

Nadarajah will be handing over a memorandum to Najib during his visit. The contents of the memorandum will be revealed on that day.

“We are expecting more than 10,000 people to attend this carnival.

“We urge the public and not only the Indians to attend this carnival and welcome the prime minister and show their support,” said Nadarajah.

Obviously it will be the first time for Batu Caves because 1Malaysia was just introduced this year!

Looks like its a 3 day event ending on the 9th and all Malaysians are urged to attend. I’m not sure why Batu Caves Committee is getting involved in such things. Maybe as they mentioned, want to make Batu Caves are more lively place and not just visited on Thaipusam day.

The organisers should take this opportunity to educate and create awareness among non-Hindus about our religion,  so that common misconceptions (many Gods, eating beef, vegetarianism, reincarnation, karma, wearing vibuthi,  etc) are cleared. Perhaps by putting up exhibitions and distributing flyers (say “10 Things You Should Know About Hinduism” in trilingual), they can help foster better relationship between Hindus and non-Hindus. As it is, there are many non-Hindus who don’t know beyond Deepavali (murukku) and Thaipusam (kavadi)!

There are calls to boycott the event due to various reasons related to 1 Malaysia concept and the  Devastanam. Some comments are going around in the forums asking community to ignore the event, and questioning the expenses being incurred.

I’m also concerned with the “mystery” memorandum Nadarajah wants to handover. By attending the carnival, would it be construed as supporting the unknown memorandum? I won’t want to support something which is hidden from me without any reason.  So I have my reservations.

The organisers are expecting 10,000 people (a conservative number considering Thaipusam will see about 20,000 – 50,000 at any one time), but since there is opposition towards the carnival, not sure how it would turn out. I think the crowd will be there since its a carnival and youths like the fun atmosphere.

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Solution for Kg Buah Pala?

/* August 4th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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Lim Guan Eng says developer agrees to share the land with the residents (7.30pm today). He is to discuss with the residents, and if they agree, problem settled.  However, Nusmetro still talking about the residents moving out – perhaps to temporary housing? And what would the coperative say?

Demolition postponed till August 18 since the residents filed an appeal and appeal will be heard on that day only. Developer can’t demolish until appeal is heard and decided upon. So, for the moment, the residents can breathe easy.

 The way I look at it, options are quite clear – (i) buy back/reclaim land, (ii) share land, or (iii) compensate and move out/evict. Each of the solution may bring another set of problems – political, financial, legal, and social.

 

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Tuesday evening that the developer of the Kampung Buah Pala land has agreed to share the 2.6ha plot with the villagers.

He said he would discuss the proposal with the villagers at a meeting with them at Komtar which started at 8.05pm on Tuesday.

He spoke to reporters in a short press conference before the meeting began

Earlier, Bernama reported that the planned demolition of houses in Kampung Buah Pala Tuesday has been postponed, once again, to Friday, pending a solution to be worked out for the 23 families facing eviction from the area which is to be developed.

The villagers are scheduled to have a meeting with the state government Tuesday night.

State government representatives had met last night with the developer of the land, Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd.

Nusmetro Ventures executive director Thomas Chan said the company had come to an agreement with the state government to set Friday as the new deadline for the villagers to move out of their houses.

Chan, who was accompanied by the company’s lawyer, told reporters he would wait for the outcome of tonight’s meeting between the villagers and the state government.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy met the villagers Tuesday and said the draft of a solution was being prepared by the state government.

“We have also agreed to meet the residents at Komtar (where the state government office is located) at 7.30pm today to discuss the draft,” he told reporters after the meeting.

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KTMB approves land for school after 10 years!

/* August 4th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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 This news came out on Malaysiakini (July 28). The community which slogged for KTM in the yesteryears have to wait 10 years for an approval (and that too with the struggle of a political party). Syabas to KTM!  We should be thankful that at least they gave the approval.  Let’s give them full marks for the CSR.

The 10-year struggle by MIC to get railway land approval for the reconstruction of termite-infested SJK (T) Perak Sangeetha Sabah has finally seen the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel when Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) approved the application recently.

The wooden-double storey wooden building situated on a 0.3ha land along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak is in the heartland of the Indian community in Ipoh city and has an enrolment of 178 pupils.

Malaysiakini had recently highlighted this long-standing problem when the dilapidated primary school (right) could not accommodate the growing number of Indian schoolchildren in this area.

Today, Perak MIC chief G Rajoo told the media that all the pupils and staff of the school will be temporarily relocated at SK Buntong at the end of the month.

“The construction work on the new four-storey building costing RM2.3 million will commence on Aug 17 and is expected to be completed in a year’s time,” Rajoo stated.

Old school replaced

The old school, built in 1934 consisted of six-classrooms, will now make way for a 12-classroom new school.

On July 10, MIC president S Samy Vellu had expressed his frustration at KTMB’s refusal to approve the railway land for construction of the new school.

He is said to have wanted to take up the matter with Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat.

Rajoo (left) further stated that a total of RM 6 million has been allocated for the construction and expansion of three Tamil primary schools which includes SJK (T) Sangeetha.

The other two schools which will have a new extension wing each are SJK (T) Ghanthi Kalasalai in Sungai Siput with 10 additional classrooms and SJK (T) Tan Sri Datuk Manickavasagam situated in Tanjong Malim with six additional classrooms.

“Another eight Tamil schools will either undergo reconstruction or extension of the buildings,” said Rajoo.

The schools are: SJK(T) Ladang Beruang River in Tanjung Malim, SJK(T) Methodist (Malim Nawar), SJK(T) Ladang Kota Bharu(Gopeng), SJK(T) Ladang Batuk Rabit (Teluk Intan),SJK(T) Ladang Flemington(Sungai Sumun), SJK(T) Noba Scotia 2 (Teluk Intan), SJK(T) Jebong Lama(Matang) and SJK(T) Ladang Gabis( Padang Rengas).

Earlier, Samy voiced out his frustation (and he should do more of this so that the community can know who the culprits are):

“They have forgotten the sacrifices made by Indians who played a major role in the construction of the railway track from Ipoh to Padang Besar,” said Samy.

… “KTMB must remember that the railway track could not have been completed without the manpower of Indians. Many sacrificed their lives when the Padang Rengas railway tunnel was being built,” said Samy

“KTMB has conveniently forgotten the history of the Indian community’s contributions to the construction of the railway network,” he added.

He said there is a big Indian community concentrated in this area and more Indian children want to enrol in SJK (T) Perak Sangeetha Sabah.

“But there is not enough space to accommodate them unless KTMB gives permission to rebuild the school.”

Samy pointed out that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (right) had given RM100 million, and former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had allocated another RM30 million for the construction of 60 new Tamil schools.

The money is also for repairs and extension of buildings for Tamil schools in the country.

“SJK (T) Perak Sangeetha Sabah is on the list schools which is to benefit from the allocations, but KTMB is denying the Indian community the right to study in a newly-built school.

‘I’m going to speak Tee Keat’

“When we have the funds (to build new schools)… we do not have the land and, when we have the land… we do not have the funds,” said a frustrated Samy (below).

“I’m going to speak to transport minister Ong Tee Keat about this matter (KTMB’s decision not to allow MIC to build a new school),” he said.

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