Speaking at the the press conference announcing his decision, Jeff reason's for joining the DAP is an eloquent expression of patriotism of a Malaysian. The statement illustrated that patriotism is an integral part of all Malaysians and not the monopoly of those who holding office or high positions. Among the few highlights he mentioned:

• Think "Malaysian First"
• Foster Real Racial Integration
• Give us good governance
• Wake up to knowledge-based economy
• Overhaul education system
• Uphold democracy
• Equitable distribution of national wealth
• Enrich the joe public

Rocky's Bru Ahirudin Attan, who recently along with Jeff was being sued for defamation by one of the mainstream newspaper the New Straits Times (NST), declared that he will walk with Jeff and even their defence lawyer Haris Ibrahim is ready to walk with Jeff.

Opposition Leader cum blogger Lim Kit Siang said blogging particularly socio-political blogging is not an end by itself but a means to an end and a time must come when bloggers must decide whether they should "dirty their hands" and make the transition from advocacy of their political ideals in cyberspace to enter the political terrain to be able to directly translate their ideals into action.

Politics 101 Malaysia hopes Rocky will join DAP in the future to help solve the image problem among the Malays, in which the Silo feels that DAP does not do anything to keep non-Chinese from joining while YienJee urged Jeff to expand his circle of influence and do more ground work to spread his ideology.

Meanwhile, Shawn Tan is elevated by the news as it's his main wish to see a competent opposition and a more accountable one.

Give the Gahmen a solid competition and make them sweat. This will just result in better government for the people. The current opposition just doesn't show that it's a viable alternative to our ruling Gahmen. Kick all the version 1.0 politicians out of parliament and replace them with the version 2.0 ones.

Well said.

While it's a new beginning for Jeff, it's a good start for the new generation of Malaysians too. Just like what Jeff said before he ended the press conference: HIDUP MALAYSIA! (LONG LIVE MALAYSIA!)

Youtube user debbieseraphina' captures the flooding from her coach window

Up to date, one of the Malaysia's major daily The Star's SMS alert reported that the number of flood victims in Johor has more than doubled overnight to 50,172 in 208 relief centres. Areas around the state capital Johor Baru were among the worst hit, with more than 20,000 people evacuated.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi assured that the Government would do all it could do to provide flood victims assistance, promised an extra RM500 (USD142.245) aid to each affected family. A foster village programme was launched to assist flood victims too and Malaysians are called upon to contribute generously.

Blogger xpyre was stuck at one of the worst affected area Kota Tinggi before authority cleared one of the exit to allow traffic to pass through. Blogger Linken Lim who was stuck at one of the affected area, did a round-up on the recurring situation and also publised a request for public donation from another blogger Marina Mahathir.

Mom's Daily was saddened by the flood and explained why many NGOs and groups likes to promote breastfeeding to ensure the survival of babies even in the midst of worst tragedy like this. Even the usually humourous Rojaks Daily paid tribute to kukujiao.com for his devotion in helping flood victims through real action. Malaysia need more good samaritan like him!

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Red Cresent Society (MCRS) is appealing to general public including private sectors, corporate, organisations for generous contributions towards the Malaysian Red Crescent Relief Fund set up to provide financial and relief assistance to people affected by the recent flood.

All cash contributions are tax-exempted and are to be made payable to:

"Malaysian Red Crescent Society" or Maybank A/C No - 5144 2210 3788 or call  Tel: +603 - 4257 8726, Fax: +603 - 4257 3537 (Operations Room) for details.

Despite diverse cultural and traditional backgrounds, the people of Malaysia have been able to coexist peacefully in unity and harmony.

However lately, the "Ethnic Relations" course that was introduced into the curriculum at University Putra Malaysia (UPM), has caused uneasiness among the public and a heated debate in the parliament. The course is said to contain inaccuracies in its course material relating to the May 13th 1969 racial riots, where the unfortunate incident has always been considered a taboo subject.

Famous Malaysia historian Prof. Dr. Khoo Kay Kim commented that ethnic relations is a sensitive subject that needs to be handled with care, and universities should not rush to get their teaching materials and content out.

Why do we always fall into the typical Malaysian pitfall of rushing into something, only to discover that the results are not up to expectations? Historical facts, for instance, need to be easily verifiable.

Writers dealing with historical facts must be able to give the precise source of where they get their facts. If the source is vague, then their facts will be highly questionable.

It is a rash statement because there is no evidence of who started the riots. It is a complex issue that needs to be studied from all aspects. It is important for historians not to pass judgment and be able to deal with hard facts coldly.

While blogger Ktemoc called it a half-past six book, blogger Penthesilea questioned the need of a text book for a class of ethnic relations. A simple Malaysian is wondering when Malaysians will learn to pick the good from the bad. Blogger Siva hopes Prime Minister will send correct message over the ethnic issue to the Cabinet and at the same time instruct his ministry to send circulars to all the universities, schools and government departments regarding this matter, in order to help the small minds to see the bigger issues.

As for Malaysia Opposition Leader and blogger Lim Kit Siang, he condemned the textbook and the Higher Education Minister Mustapha Mohamad for defending the indefensible and what Lim perceives as half-truths, untruths and the generally biased, tendentious and divisive accounts in the textbook as "historic facts" when they are in fact "historic lies". He too called upon Prime Minister to review all varsity courses and school history textbooks.

After a heated debate in Parliament over the Ethnic Relations course at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi’s decided to withdraw the book. Following the withdrawal, a new module for ethnic relations subject will be drafted soon, by a newly set up special committee.

Is That So would like to remind every Malaysian that while ethnic integration is never easy, however when taking our own path, let us not forget that the world is here for all to share. Minncandy believes that Malaysians need to own a higher degree of maturity, putting ownself in other people point of view and discuss sociopolitical matters rationally without hurting the other party.

And perhaps the most important for Malaysians, is that we must treasure the peace and the stability that we now enjoy as it's easy to take for granted what we have now. We must never again descend into conflict.

Peace, it is!

During the Chinese New Year eve, reunion dinner is a must, such as blogger Passion Flower, who is very excited to celebrate Chinese New Year once again, with the usual reunion dinner on eve and confess that "we Chinese, can eat till our hearts content". After the reunion dinner, blogger May was pondering whether she should try her luck on cards games, as part of the Chinese tradition.

Blogger Slickdrums commended the Chinese New Year celebration as a truly Malaysian festival, not so much a Chinese festival as our culture is a great big harmonised tune of all races. He called upon everyone to celebrate this festival and holidays ala Malaysian.

As for blogger Simon, feeling tired after hours of driving on the Malaysia North-South Expressway, reached destionation safely and relieve that there weren't any major accidents throughout the journey.

While most of us celebrate new year in conventional way through house visiting, The World of Fat 4  managed to post 22 entries on his blog, not reaching his initial target of 40 entries, in his very own way of welcoming the Chinese New Year. Same to minishorts.net as she is on a long break, so she thought it would be a good idea to spruce up her blog, with the help of blogger Edrei. Raymond.CC Blog provides some Feng Shui tips from a Malaysia master Lilian Too while blogger Hock Lai is ready to up the challenge of going-to-be a working adult, as told from the horoscope's perspective.

East-Malaysia Kuching blogger cynical-idealist is back to the hometown again for CNY celebration, her first in two years period while Bubble Bath was feeling homesick at foreign land, however she is equally enjoying there, especially the hype of firecracker celebration which is banned back here in Malaysia.

Sending greeting to friends and relatives is one of the must-do item on CNY too. Together with her family, blogger Jolene set out a different way of wishing Happy Chinese New Years to friends and family, by recording her family Chinese New Year message, albeit in a pirated way while blogger Edison posted a few fireworks photos, as a way of wishing Malaysians a Happy Chinese New Year!

Blogger Justin Wong preferred to celebrate his new year at home watching Astro (a subscription-based multi-channel satellite TV service) and having oranges, rather than following his parents to do house visiting. Un-chinese, that's how he labelled himself.

So, what is your resolution for the Year of Dog if blogger Zyban vows to quit smoking on the Chinese New Year?

We're thankful that the tapestry of Malaysia is interlaced by threads of understanding, sensitivity and love for one another. The cords that bind us together have stood the test of time. In years to come, let us be rich in the many virtues that cut across race and religion, including the virtues of patience, peace, love and goodwill.

Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone!

As usual, the fireworks display over KL on the count of midnight was fantastic, TV SMITH's Dua Sen captured one of the splendid moment and uploaded the picture via 3G not long afterwards. I guess, just like everyone, he must be very excited, of course!

Apparently, Malaysians are a bunch of people with lots of hopes. This time around, wish lists are abundance. paultan.org hopes 2006 will bring Malaysians more exciting automobile developments, together with his sum-up of the domestic automobile industry throughout year 2005. bob.jots reminds us to take action where it matters and start taking stock about what one really want to. KTemoc Konsiders summed up by saying that the most outstanding issue for 2005 must be the progress of the recovery post tsunami while The Vendetta wishes for more toleration and moderation, which was believed as the two key elements lacking in our counterpart of Earth.

While Darker Side of Saturn doesn't have any big plans for this new year, stability and asssuredness are something that he is looking forward. Same to blogger Drama Queen too, not joining the new year countdown but celebrating the new year with a bottle of wine and some junkfood. The_earthinc put up the top ten Malaysians environmental issue of 2005, which made this blog so different and special compared to others!

Also, prior to the new year, blogger Suanie had an early celebration with a group of bloggers, which including blogger Jeff Ooi and Mack Zulkifli too.

“No more wars. No more tsunami's. No more Katrina's,” the hope and wishes for 2006 of The Angelic Grace. “To be as nice as possible to everyone,” one of the 2005 resolutions achieved by blogger Felicity Quek, out of the 11 set. “Smiling is the second best thing you can do with your lips. So, please smile always,” another simple wish by blogger Kyels. nine3nine4 has a poem for everyone:

The path We walk was long, but We walk with a song.

There were fears and tears , but We also had reasons for cheers.

No matter how great the turbulence it gets !

We know that We will see it through !

We keep trying, We keep shining, We keep smiling

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining.

On top of that, I wish everyone a smashing Year 2006 and may you and your family are being blessed with abundance!

Earlier, Moorthy's widow Kaliammal Sinnasamy was seeking to declare that her late husband was a Hindu who practised the Hindu way of life prior to his death and never mention one single word of his purported conversion to her or her relatives. Subsequently, she filed a civil action in the High Court, only to be ruled out later the court will not disturb declaration that Moorthy was a Muslim because the matter was under the jurisdiction of Syariah Court. Only Moorthy's brother who is also a Muslim convert and the only family member that attend the funeral.

Majority of Malaysian public believes converts have the moral obligation to inform family especially if they were married and had children, where International Movement for a Just World President Dr. Chandra Muzaffar proposed a clause be included in the conversion certificate of the new Muslim that he would undertake to tell the family while Malaysia Human Rights Commission chairman Abu Talib Othman said the civil court should not have avoided the issue by merely ruling that Moorthy conversion to Islam came under the jurisdiction of the Syariah court.

[…] “The civil court should have considered the constitutionality of the amendment to the Federal Constitution, which was presented by the Government and passed by Parliament, and decide whether it is constitutional or not. Because in the matter of constitutionality, the civil court is competent.” […]

Also, the commision does not interfere interfere on matters that have been decided by the courts, however the commission could probe whether human rights principles have been violated in this case, if the family lodge a report with commision.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz too spoke the need for a ‘better way' to settle Islamic matters affecting non-Muslims and said that when there was a dispute over conversions, the case should be heard in a civil court where all sides can be represented while Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism feels that a subsection of the Federal Constitution should be repealed to make it clear that the Syariah Court has no jurisdiction to hear matters involving non-Muslims.

Politics 101 Malaysia believes the case which started off as a legal wrangle and progressed into a constitutional crisis, needs a political solution while Maobi dedicated a blogwatch on this case.

Malaysia Opposition Leader and blogger Lim Kit Siang will convene a parliamentary roundtable in Parliament this coming Thursday (5th Jan 2006) on what what Parliament could do to rectify the injustices emanating from Malaysia Federal Constitution Article 121(1A), where non-Muslims have no remedy in any court where their rights have been adversely affected by syariah court decisions.

So far, only the Senators Club has asked media to stop reporting on the controversy.

MackZul dedicated a blog entry to those who have lost and pray that those who live on, are living better lives and even though Chan Lilian can still feel the pain, she decided to put up her recycled post of her experiences in Penang during the tsunami. Lucia Lai, also from Penang, recalled the event and felt glad that she was part of the NGOs who attended to the victims, while another blogger prayed in silence to the dead and the living.

Then again, as we reflect a year on, alvinyv is able to sense that many of us wish we might not have done all we can do to help the survivors of that tragedy. True enough to say that, it's never too late to give and to help. But, as much of the donations weren't distributed properly, with very little going to the victims, trust and faith towards charity organizations shifted. Sad but true enough.

Jamloceng proposed using a “chained computer” or grid computer as the main factor in getting Linux to work as and early warning system. The blogger believes that through the creation of an open source system, affected countries will look at this code more seriously because this involves their life, and sharing of information between countries is important in order to create a more accurate system.

What worth mentioning is that, the model of communication forged by blogs during Tsunami has set the standard for web coverage of subsequent disasters.

Lets pray that something like this will never happen again and hope those who are affected by this disaster are able to find peace. Miss Muffin had written a poem for the souls who left us, who was taken away by the killer waves and who reminded how lucky one is.

You may have left us, but you will be remembered
You may have been abandoned, but you will still be deeply loved.
Your soul will be prayed for, your courage will be honoured.
You cry to no one, yet your loved ones cry out to you.

You gave up your precious life, so that someone else could lived
You braved your only life, so that someone else could be saved
Your soul will be remembered, your name will be spoken of.
You bow to no one, not even the killer waves of nature

Your endurance is our admiration , Your sacrifice touches our hearts
Your bravery belittles the waves, Your strength lets the living lives.

Gone you may be, but forgotten you are not.

Ah, there is still hope!