Genting bus tragedy (Updated)

UPDATES

This is the latest on the tragedy by NST,

(Note to NST online editors : I had tried not to cut and paste from your website and instead just provide the link for readers to go to your webpage but I just can't seem to do so. Please do something to fix your links if you want to improve your readership. Also please improve your website's presence at Google news if you want more readers to read your stories.)

UPDATE - GENTING BUS TRAGEDY: Death toll climbs to 37

KUALA LUMPUR: At least 37 people were killed while 16 others were injured when an express bus overturned and plunged into a ravine at Km 3.5 Jalan Genting, near Chin Swee Temple at 2.45pm today.

The dead comprised 24 men and 13 women including the 40-something bus driver.

The crash is believed to be one of the worst in the nation's history.

Rescuers worked frantically to locate the bodies and the survivors, many of whom were flung out of the bus as it rolled down the 60m ravine.

It is understood that at least five were seriously injured.

The survivors were sent to the Selayang and Kuala Lumpur hospitals within an hour of the accident. 

The bus, which was initially believed to be carrying 53 passengers, was headed for the city at the time.

However, rescuers said the number of passengers could be more than that as they recovered another three bodies from the wreckage.

As at 6.50pm, rescuers, working in the rain, were still trying to recover the bodies, some of which were flung metres away from the bus.

The passengers are believed to be local and foreign tourists including from Indonesia, Thai and Bangladesh.

Rescuers told the NST that the trees and undergrowth had slowed down the momentum of the bus as it rolled down the ravine. 

Emergency and rescue personnel brought in a crane and jerry-rigged a bucket recovery system to haul up the survivors and the dead.

The task is labourous as only two people can be hauled up at a time.

At 7pm, Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department chief Azizan Ismail said rescue operations would continue for at least another two hours. 

Rescue personnel from various agencies were dispatched from Bentong, Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan.

Sultan Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah was among those who rushed to the scene of the crash to view the situation and find out about the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Bernama quoted Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) Emergency and Trauma Department head Datuk Seri Dr Abu Hassan Ashaari saying that five bodies had been sent to the hospital by 6.28pm.

Other hospitals the victims were sent to were the Sungai Buloh Hospital, Selayang Hospital and the Bentong Hospital.

To date, Selayang Hospital has released the names of the eight victims,  HKL (five), the Sungai Buloh Hospital and Bentong Hospital two each.

He said the victims were aged between 19 and 50 years. 

Bentong District Police chief Supt Mohd Mansor Mohd Nor said the search-and-rescue operation for the victims has been escalated using a special detection device to find and remove victims from a ravine. 

As of 8pm, two victims remained to be brought up from the ravine.

"After the victims are found, the rescue team will lift the bus to determine that no other victims had been thrown out of the bus or are trapped at the location of incident," he said.  

He said that among the 23 victims who were killed and had been winched up were Bangladesh, Thailand and China nationals.

  

He said a preliminary investigation revealed that the bus, which was descending from Genting Highlands, went out of control, skidded, hit a wall and plunged into the ravine.    

Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said a probe has been ordered to find out the reason behind the tragic accident.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal announced the formation of a special task force to orobe into the crash.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and survivors through Twitter tonight, and expressed hope that the rescue operation would be completed soon.

Read more: UPDATE - GENTING BUS TRAGEDY: Death toll climbs to 37 - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/font-color-red-update-genting-bus-tragedy-font-death-toll-climbs-to-37-1.341423#ixzz2ccD0yXZW

ORIGINAL POSTING

This is just in via NST alert,

NST 21/08 : Genting Bus Tragedy: Rescuers confirmed 33 people died while 16 others injured in crash. Rescue work still ongoing.

I have to admit that I was shocked when I saw the death counts of this tragedy.

Here is an early report of the crash by BBC -

Malaysia crash: Many feared dead as bus plunges into ravine

My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their life in this tragedy.

My prayers for those who were injured.

I hope to monitor for the latest on this disaster and will update this posting accordingly.

A lesson from the history of Singaporean Malays

At this previous posting of mine,

Singaporean Malays, are you all happy?

there was a commenter who I think tried quite hard to explain why the Malays of Malaysia should learn from what happened to their kith and kin in Singapore.

It's so that they will muhasabah diri and appreciate their jati diri as Malays.

It's not perfect, but I feel that the Anon's comment deserves a posting on its own, and so here it is.

Anonymous20 August 2013 17:35

To understand the plight of the Singapore Malays..
You need to understand the Modern History of the Malays

You need to know who were the Malays in Singapore at that time.
Who fought for the Malays interest,
and what happened in the end?
And what can we learn from this lesson.....

Back then, most of the intellectuals and the talented of the Malays are in Singapore due to the urban environment and
the British administration.

During that time... the most "educated" of the Malays are in
Singapore. They came from all over Malay archipelago to trade
or to study eg; Mahathir,Samad Ismail,Yusof Ishak,etc
It is also the place (Singapore) where Malay Nationalism took footing due to the knowledge and awareness.
It is also where the First Malay Newspaper set up
by the Malays for the Malays, Utusan Melayu (now utusan malaysia)

Back then, the newspaper were run and funded by the
Jawi Peranakan (indian muslim) and the Arabs and they
are not interested in publishing Malay's agenda but more
towards Islamic matters.

Utusan Melayu was set up by Yusof Ishak to fight for the Malay agenda and Singapore Malay Union (KMS) by Mohamed Eunos Abdullah to represent Malay interests which later spread to Johor to form UMNO.
It was important in the Malaysia History because
they spread the hidden agenda of the Malayan Union which will
take away the Malay interest in Malaya and the power of the
Sultans.

To cut the story short.....
Utusan Melayu later split into 2 groups
One group believe that the Sultan is obsolete and the reason
that cause the malays to be backward
and the other believe otherwise.

The one that believe that the Malays should fight against
monarchy and compete fairly with other races joined PAP.
Today, most of them are forever remembered as "Pengkhianat
Melayu" such as Othman Wok.
He spread propaganda of hate to the Malays in Singapore at
that time of UMNO cronyism and corruption.
(Today, history repeat itself as it is similar to PKR and Malay in DAP agenda)

Sometimes whatever we do, it may leave a negative impact
in the future. During that time, it may seems as its the right
thing to do but let's not forget the reality in life.
Not that the Malays are weak, but during that time the majority were not yet ready to compete. Today, the so called "multiracial" Singapore dream can only be seen as "Chinese" Singapore.
Malay voices or interest are silenced.

Today, the other party in Utusan that choses the right path
and believe that the Sultan, like it or not, they are the last line of defense for the Malay's interest....

Which is why, Mahathir keep on harping on about the plight
Singapore Malays ..... "don't let history repeat itself!"

To the Anon, who posted the comment, thank you.

Whatever police do, they will always be villains to some

As you all probably know by now, police are currently cracking down hard on the criminals following a spike of violent crimes including almost daily execution style killings of late.

Here is a report on that crackdown by the not so Malaysian government-friendly AFP,
Malaysian police kill 5, detain 200 in crime crackdown

The killing of five members of the notorious 04 Gang in a shootout in Penang earlier today had nonetheless resulted with this report by the Star newspaper which had of late been running a series of crime stories on its front page,

Why can't police fire warning shot, asks dead gang member's family

"What is the reason that they have to start shooting when they can just fire a warning shot?" asked a family member of one of those killed in the incident, according to the report.

Yes, why can't the police play nice?

Probably because the five guys shot dead were armed with guns and they were known for being behind a spate of killings in several states.

I'm just glad that none of the policemen involved in the operation were injured or worse.

Do note that "assisting" the families of the gunned down gang members was DAP's Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N Rayer,

Meanwhile, here is another crime-related report by the Star,

Man sues to compel police disclosure of probe result on wife's shooting death

Here are the excerpts of the report,

- It was reported that Foo's 22-year-old wife Pua Bee Chun was killed after police shot at a car driven by a man, believed to be her boyfriend, who was a crime suspect.

- In the Jan 18 incident, police fired at the car after the driver allegedly tried to ram into policemen following a 10km car chase.

- The man, who was unhurt, then surrendered and police discovered Pua at the front passenger seat with a gunshot wound.

Okay, first of all, what was the deceased Madam Pua, a 22-year-old mother of two children doing in a car driven by a man, believed to be her boyfriend, who is a suspected criminal?

The car, driven by the suspected criminal had tried to ram into policemen. What do we expect the policemen to do? Do nothing?

Do bear in mind that police had to chase the suspected criminal for about 10 kilometer before they shot at it.

The suspected criminal finally gave up, probably after realizing that his girlfriend, who was a wife of someone else, had been fatally wounded.

Then of course came the hero of the down trodden and defender of victims of the cruel an unjust police. Here he is, writing his wise words in a rabidly pro-Pakatan website,

RIDICULOUS of cops to force victims to sue govt: AG must intervene - Gobind

Here is an excerpt of what DAP's Puchong MP Gobind has to say,

"I call upon the Attorney-General to intervene and direct the police to provide Foo with the details he has sought. The Attorney-General should not make this a precedent, where individuals who have complaints against the police need to file actions in court for basic information.

"That would be oppressive and place the rakyat at a severe disadvantage in that they would have to go through the expensive and tedious process of litigation just to get the most basic of information.

"No wonder the people think so poorly of the police."

Well, I really don't fancy being a policeman. Their job is so damn difficult, especially for having to suffer from all these nonsense.

Singaporean Malays, are you all happy?

This was posted about the Singaporean Malays in the blog of DAP's supremo Lim Kit Siang,

The Malays in Singapore – no crutch mentality

and this is what I read in a report today,

Survey on plight of S'pore Malays

So, which one is the truth, Singaporean Malays are happy or not?

Two things I am sure the Singaporean Malays could be proud of are that the country's national anthem is in Malay and that the country's football team (which is currently the best in South East Asia) is predominantly made up of Malay players.

Nonetheless, this is what was highlighted in the survey about how Singaporean Malays feel,

GRIEVANCES: They feel their loyalty is being questioned, face widening income gaps and feel discriminated at work

Okay, I think there is some truth to this survey.

For instance, as for the Singaporean Malays' loyalty, I have been to the Istana three times in the past and at none of those occasions that I saw a Malay security personnel on duty there.

In contrast, you may see a lot of Malay policemen at the Singapore CIQ of the Causeway.

Are they trusted to only jaga those coming and going from and to Malaysia?

If there are any Singaporean Malays among readers of this blog, I hope they may enlighten us on whether they are truly happy with the social arrangement in their country.

Maybe, we Malaysian Malays could learn something from them.

Forced patriotism doesn't work one

The Merdeka Day celebrations are less than two weeks away yet I don't see much signs of it anywhere.

I think I can see more Pas flags hoisted up by private individuals than the Jalur Gemilang at their homes these days.

A neighbor of mine had a huge Pas flag set-up on top of a tree behind his house. He must have hired someone to put it there.

I also don't see people putting that small Malaysian flag on their car anymore. I remember that it was a popular practice several years ago.

Well, I'm not the extremely patriotic type either, but somehow this year, I sense that the "feels" of the Merdeka spirit was simply not there.

Maybe it's just me, but that's how I see it.

Or is it because I'm older now, that I find it harder to feel the celebratory mood? Something like not feeling overly joyous during Hari Raya as compared to when I was a kid.

The smart ministers also do not seem to have much idea of what to do to encourage a more patriotic mood...I think.

Here is a suggestion to enhance our patriotic spirit by our Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek,

Cinemas To Play National Anthem Before Showtime

Sorry to say la Mr Smart Minister, I think the idea is so 1950s.

Just imagine playing the national anthem at a cinema before a kung fu movie about to be played. How many in the audience do you think will bother to stand up?

I think even those who want to stand up will be embarrassed to do so.

It's just so not cool.

Imagine if there are only two or three couples in the cinema, who are more interested to snuggle with each other rather than even watching the movie. Do you think they will be bothered to stand up?

Some may not even want to go watch movie in the cinemas just because of this. Better to just buy pirated DVD and watch at home leh.

It is just not going to work la Mr Minister. In fact I think it will become just another joke or even an issue later on - patriotic people versus unpatriotic people. 

Then it will become another stupid argument complete with racial undertones which will further divide us.

Example:
"Apa pasal itu Cina tak mau berdiri masa main lagu Negaraku?," said a Malay busybody about a Chinese couple who are too busy with their own personal stuff at one corner of the cinema and couldn't care less what song was being played at the moment.

Whatever it is, I just don't think we should force people to be patriotic. 

Patriotism is this love for our country that we feel inside our heart. It needs to be inculcated, not forced.

Something about Nina...and younger men

Now, this is something from Iran which may be a good reason for all those recent proclamations on the importance of keeping the Syiah teachings from growing in this country,

Barred from office in Iran for being too beautiful

Okay, the Sunnis can be crazy too sometimes but stories such as these from the Syiah land of Iran surely tops them all.

Nonetheless, Miss Nina Siahkali Moradi is indeed beautiful.

The mullahs probably can't stand her beauty despite the hijab that she is wearing. 

Now I am wondering whether all those tudung wearing really did help in reining back the lust of men.

I mean, as in the case of Miss Nina from Iran, it didn't seem to help much. 

Then, how about this lady who not too long ago decided to wear a rather attractive type of hijab,

Ok, I know that for one thing, she managed to get herself a young husband, and quite proud to tell the world about it too. Good for her....I guess.

Hmmm, then, how about this lady who also previously didn'tt wear hijab when she was much younger and...hmmm...more attractive,

Well, I'm not really sure of her achievements other than almost giving TS Isa Samad a scare during GE13, but according to some websites, she also managed to marry a younger man (just by one year only though) in Southern Thailand over two years ago,

I'm not against the wearing of hijab or have funny theories about Islamic teachings not really making it compulsory for Muslim women to wear it, but for now, I'm comfortable the way I am.

Anyway, since I am at it, let me tell you all that I don't have any aspiration to be voted into office....nor am I interested in younger men. 

In support of Yelena

There are two types of people who seem to be above criticism in this world - the Jews and those who are sexually abnormal.

Those who criticize these people will be vilified and condemned in the world media.

Of course the world media is mostly controlled by Jews and to a large extent liberals who do not mind sexual abnormality.

The Jews are virtually untouchable. Anything negative said about them will invite the strongest reaction.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was branded a racist for stating the fact that "the Jews rule the world by proxy".

Actor and film producer Mel Gibson had his life and career ruined after he produced the film

The Passion of the Christ

which depicted the Jews in a bad light.

Those who are sexually abnormal seem to be equally untouchable these days.

I'm talking about the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans-genders). 

You simply should not say anything against them.

This applies even if a question was put forth to you on what you think of the LGBT.

An honest opinion which does not favor the LGBT will be turned in such a way that the person who opined it will be seen as a monstrous intolerant person.

That's what happened to Russian pole vault champion

Yelena Isinbayeva

You can read what happened to her here,

Russian pole vault champion criticises pro-gay athletes 

If you watch the video of the press conference which goes with the report, you would noticed that Yelena was responding to a question from members of the press.

What I suspected was that the journalist who asked the question was trying to get her to disapprove with the new Russian laws which ban gay parades or any public display of support for abnormal sexual behavior.

Yelena had instead expressed her support for the laws of her country and described it as disrespectful for others to display anything that encourages people to break those laws.

Now, Yelena has been branded as "so behind the times" and other such negative labels.

Back here in Malaysia, the momentum is building for the recognition of the LGBT rights as championed by most of the Pakatan leaders. Events such as 

Seksualiti Merdeka 

were supported by them.

Anything for the votes to power.

Those who goes against them are branded  "so behind times" too.

Personally, I don't care what people want to do with each other behind closed door. 

In fact, some of my good friends are gays.

But I just hate it when people shove their opinion right in my face and force me to accept what I had been taught as wrong since I was a child to be a normal thing that people must get used to.