Twitter games: Najib tops list with 33,000 followers

Saturday September 18, 2010
By THO XIN YI
thoxinyi@thestar.com.my

REACHING politicians to hear their thoughts or highlight your problems has never been so easy.

Just log on to Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/) and you can find many of them giving their opinion on current issues, telling their followers where they are and what they are doing.

Topping the list is none other than Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) with 33,000 followers.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (@drchuasl) — who had earlier urged every MCA leader to join Twitter — tweets actively, too.

The ministers who are making their presence felt on Twitter include Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (@ Hishammuddin), Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (@liowtionglai), Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil (@ ShahrizatJalil), Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong (@ weekasiongmp), Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin (@ Peterchinfahkui), Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (@ MukhrizMahathir), Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Senator Gan Ping Sieu (@ganpingsieu) and Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong (@chuaty).

Fast and reliable: Get links to StarMetro stories and follow our reporters as they cover the Klang Valley via twitter.com/thestarmetro.

Among the MCA leaders who have joined the bandwagon are former Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng (@hwabeng), former Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun (@chewmeifun), former Minister of Transport, former MCA President Pandan MP Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat (@talk2otk) and MCA presidential council member Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn (@fongchanonn).

Twitter is not always about serious issues for Selangor MCA Youth Chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei (@drkowcheongwei), who sometimes tweets about his plants and fishes.

To him, Twitter provides an interaction without border. He can discuss his political views and send out motivational words or wishes to his followers.

On politicians from both sides criticising each other on Twitter, Kow said he would not support meaningless quarrels.

“Politicians should challenge with facts, debate on differences and display their talents while at it,” he said.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) interacts heavily with his followers, while MIC Youth chief T. Mohan (@MohanThangarasu) sets an example for his youth members in using Twitter to disseminate information.

“My youth and Putera boys are very active on Twitter. I monitor their tweets although I don’t always reply. But when there is a need, I answer their questions.

“Twitter makes it easier for them to get some important facts and data from the party leaders,” he said.

He added that he used Twitter to counter allegations towards MIC and Barisan, besides keeping himself updated with the happenings around the world.

Avid interactor: Khairy has 14,000 followers on Twitter.

“Twitter also provides a platform for transparent and open discussions,” Mohan said.

Former Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok (@ LohSengKok) likes Twitter as it is a speedy and straightforward way to reach out to his friends.

“I joined Twitter just recently to keep track of the “most talked about” topics and to get the latest news even before it is published in the news portals.

“For me, I mostly tweet about political and social issues. On Aug 27, I tweeted that the Constitution of Malaysia came into force on that day 53 years ago, which was an interesting information to share with all,” he said.

In addition to those who were mentioned in an earlier story (Staying updated through social media on Jan 30), the MPs and assemblymen in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor who have joined Twitter are Klang MP Charles Santiago (@MPKlang), Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan (@PKamalanathan), Titiwangsa MP Dr Lo’ Lo’ Ghazali (@Docmarjan), Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul), Selayang MP Willian Leong (@Selayang97), Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah (@n_izzah), Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng (@limlipeng), Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah (@SivarasaRasiah), Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San (@ lauwengsan), Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M. Manoharan (@mallaw), Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah (@Ean_Yong) and Teratai assemblyman Jenice Lee (@jeniceleeyh).

Seputeh MP and Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok (@teresakok) said she was influenced by DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang (@limkitsiang) to start tweeting.

“Lim was the one who got us started on emails and blogs years ago. Lately, he always talked about Twitter and it caught my interest and so I decided to find out for myself what it is all about,” she said.

She provided updates mostly on her whereabouts, the press conferences she had, her thoughts on current issues and if time permits, her jogging sessions.

“I try to avoid fiery arguments on Twitter. It is for me to share what I see, feel and think for my friends and followers to know me better,” she said.

Kow: He also tweets about his plants and fishes.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo (@GobindSinghDeo) agreed that some people abuse Twitter.

“We listen when there is constructive criticism and refrain from engaging in unnecessary conflicts,” he said.

The Twitter user since April added that he liked Twitter for its spontaneity and convenience, besides updates that were informational, short and straight to the point.

Some councillors, too, make use of the social networking and microblogging service. They use Twitter to provide updates relevant to their jobscopes and programmes initiated by the councils, among others.

Councillors who can be found on Twitter include those from Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) Sufari Tinnin (@joe_Sufari) and Dr Loi Kheng Min (@kmloi), Petaling Jaya City Council Tiew Way Keng (@ TiewWayKeng) and Latheefa Koya (@ LatheefaKoya).

MPSJ councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran (@rajiv4malaysia) said Twitter is a fast and easy way to communicate with the residents.

“Sometimes, the residents also highlight their problems to me through Twitter,” he said.

MCA Central Committee Members (2010- ),State Assemblyman for 3 terms (1995-2008) Dato' Ti Lian Ker (@tilianker)

Myself Terence Choong a simple Malaysian (@TerenceChoong)

The States of MALAYSIA ~Perlis Indera Kayangan

Perlis (Jawi ﭬﺮليس) , is the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. It is bordered by the state of Kedah to the south. Perlis was called Palit (Thai: ปะลิส) by the Siamese when it was under their influence.

The capital of Perlis is Kangar and the Royal capital is Arau. Another important town is Padang Besar, at the Malaysian-Thailand border. The main port and ferry terminal is at the small village of Kuala Perlis, linking mostly to Langkawi Island.

Capital~Kangar
Royal capital~Arau
Area Total~810 km2 (312.7 sq mi)

Perlis was originally part of Kedah, although it occasionally came under rule by Siam or Aceh. After the Siamese conquered Kedah in 1821, the British felt their interests in Perak to be threatened. This resulted in the 1826 Burney and Low Treaties formalising relations between the two Malay states and Siam, their nominal overlord. In the Burney Treaty, the exiled Kedah sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was not restored to his throne. 

The Flag of Perlis

Perlis Coat of Arms

The States of MALAYSIA ~Pahang Darul Makmur

Pahang is the third largest state in Malaysia, after Sarawak and Sabah, occupying the huge Pahang River river basin. It is bordered to the north by Kelantan, to the west by Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, to the south by Johor and to the east by Terengganu and the South China Sea.

Its state capital is Kuantan, and the royal seat is at Pekan. Other important towns include Jerantut, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh and the hill resorts of Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Bukit Tinggi and Fraser's Hill.

The Arabic honorific of Pahang is Darul Makmur ("Abode of Tranquility").

Capital~Kuantan
Royal capital~Pekan
Area Total ~35,964 km2 (13,885.8 sq mi)
Federated into FMS~1895
Japanese occupation ~1942
Accession into Federation of Malaya~1948

Politics and Government

The constitution of Pahang came into force on February 26 1959. The constitution proclaims that Pahang is a Constitutional Monarchy

The Sultan of Pahang is the constitutional ruler of his state and he holds office for life. The 1959 constitution states that the Sultan is " the fountain head of justice and of all authority of government " in the state. He is vested with the executive power of the state, is the Head of the Religion of Islam in the state and the source of all titles and dignities, honours and awards in the state.

The state executive council is established by the 1959 constitution. Its consists of the Menteri Besar  , who is its chairman, and ten other members. The Sultan of Pahang appoints the Menteri Besar and the rest of the council from the members of the State Assembly.

Pahang is divided into 11 administrative divisions: Bera, Bentong, Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Kuantan, Kuala Lipis, Maran, Pekan, Raub, Rompin and Temerloh.

The Flag of Pahang

Pahang Coat of Pahang

The States of MALAYSIA ~Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

Negeri Sembilan (Jawi: نڬري سمبيلن; Chinese: 森美兰; English: "the State of nine") , is one of the 13 states that constitutes Malaysia. It is located on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just south of Kuala Lumpur and is bordered in the north by Selangor, in the east by Pahang and in the south by Malacca and Johor.

The name is believed to derive from the nine districts or negara (now known as luak) settled by the Minangkabau, a people originally from West Sumatra (in present-day Indonesia). Minangkabau features are still visible today in traditional architecture and the dialect of Malay spoken.

Unlike the hereditary monarchs of the other royal Malay states, the ruler of Negeri Sembilan is known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar instead of Sultan. The election of the Ruler is also unique whereby he is selected by the council of Undangs who lead the four biggest districts of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau, making it one of the more democratic monarchies.

The capital of Negeri Sembilan is Seremban. The royal capital is Seri Menanti in the district of Kuala Pilah. Other important towns are Port Dickson and Nilai.

The Arabic honorific title of the state is Darul Khusus ("the Special Abode").

Capital~Seremban
Royal capital~Seri Menanti
Government  Type~Federal constitutional elective parliamentary monarchy
Area  Total~6,645 km2 (2,565.6 sq mi)
Federated into FMS~1895
Japanese occupation~1942
Accession into Federation of Malaya~1948

Constitution
The Constitution of Negeri Sembilan came into force on 26 March 1959. It is divided into two sections. The constitution establishes that the state's form of government is constitutional monarchy.

The official constitutional title of the Ruler of the state is Duli Yang Maha Mulia Yang di-Pertua Besar Negeri Sembilan  and he holds office for life. The state's constitution proclaims the Yang di-Pertuan Besar is vested with the Executive Power of the state, is the Head of the Religion of Islam in the state and is the fountain of all honour and dignity for the state.

Unlike Malaysia's eight other Royal Malay states, the Ruler of Negeri Sembilan is elected to his office by the territorial chiefs of the state. These chiefs are titled Undang. Only four of the Undangs have the right to vote in the election for the Ruler of the State. They are:

• The Undang of Sungai Ujong
• The Undang of Jelebu
• The Undang of Johol
• The Undang of Rembau

The Undang themselves cannot stand for election and their choice of ruler is limited to a male Muslim who is Malay and also a "lawfully begotten descendant of Raja Radin ibni Raja Lenggang".

The State Executive Council is established by the 1959 constitution. It consists of the Menteri Besar, who is its Chairman, and ten other members. The Menteri Besar and the other members of the council are appointed by the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar from the members of the State Assembly.

Current states and sub-states of Negeri Sembilan
    * Jelai (Inas)
    * Jelebu
          o Jempol
    * Johol
          o Ulu Muar
    * Rembau
          o Gunung Pasir
    * Sungai Ujong/Seremban
          o Teraci
    * Tampin
 

Original states of Negeri Sembilan

• Jelai (Inas)
• Jelebu
• Johol
• Kelang (a district in Selangor)
• Naning (a district in Malacca)
• Rembau
• Segamat and Pasir Besar (Segamat is now in Johor State and Pasir Besar is in Tampin)
• Sungai Ujong
• Alu Panah (now divided between Jelebu and Pahang State)

Current administrative districts of Negeri Sembilan

• Jelebu
• Jempol
• Kuala Pilah
• Port Dickson
• Rembau
• Seremban
• Tampin

The Flag Of Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan Coat of Arms

The States of MALAYSIA ~Malacca (Melaka)

Malacca (Malay: Melaka, dubbed The Historical State or Negeri Bersejarah among locals) is the third smallest Malaysian state, after Perlis and Penang. It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca. It borders Negeri Sembilan to the north and the state of Johor to the south. The capital is Malacca Town. This historical city centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008.

Although it was the location of one of the earliest Malay sultanates, the monarchy was abolished when the Portuguese conquered it in 1511. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor, rather than a Sultan, acts as the head of state now.

The state of Malacca covers an area of 1,950-km2, or 0.5 percent of the whole area of Malaysia. The state is divided into 3 districts: Central Melaka (Melaka Tengah) (314 km²), Alor Gajah (660 km²), and Jasin (676 km²). Malacca sits upon the southwestern coast of Malay Peninsula opposite Sumatra, with the state of Negeri Sembilan to the north and Johor to the east. Malacca is also situated roughly two-thirds of the way down the West coast, 148 km south of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia and 245 km north of Singapore and commands a central position on the Straits of Malacca. The state capital Malacca Town  is strategically located between the two national capitals (of Malaysia and Singapore, respectively) and connected with excellent roads and highways. Malacca still harbors no train station, though the terminal at Tampin, Negeri Sembilan is easily accessible. However, a domestic airport terminal rests in Batu Berendam.

The offshore Pulau Besar, Pulau Upeh and the exclave Tanjung Tuan are also parts of Malacca.

Capital~Malacca Town
Area Total ~1,650 km2 (637.1 sq mi)
Malacca Sultanate~15th century
Portuguese control ~24 August 1511
Dutch control ~14 January 1641
British control ~17 March 1824
Japanese occupation ~1942-1946
Accession into Federation of Malaya ~1948

Malacca is administered by its State Assembly  and Executive Committee (EXCO). The State Assembly represents the highest authority in the state and decides on policy matters. The EXCO is responsible to the State Assembly and comprises members who are appointed every five years by the political party in power. It is headed by the Governor (Yang Di-Pertua Negeri) who is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

The Chief Minister's Department is the administrative pillar of the State Government, and is responsible for the overall administration of the State, as well as its political interest. The administrative complex houses the Chief Minister's office, as well as the office of the State Secretariat. For administrative purposes, Malacca is divided into three districts under separate jurisdiction:

• Malacca Central District & Land Office
• Alor Gajah District & Land Office
• asin District & Land Office

These offices render various services and facilities to the people in their daily lives.

Popular historical attractions

• Fort A Famosa: Constructed by the Portuguese in 1511, it suffered severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion. The plan by the British to destroy it was aborted as a result of the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808.
• St. John's Fort: Reconstructed by the Dutch in the third quarter of the 18th century, the cannons in this fort point inwards towards the mainland because at that time, the threat to Malacca was mainly from inland rather than the sea.
• St. Peter's Church: Constructed in 1710 under the Dutch administration, the church is the oldest Catholic church in Malaysia. Its facade and decorative embellishment is a mix of both eastern and western architecture. Its bell was delivered from Goa in 1608.
• St. Paul's Church: Constructed by the Portuguese captain, Duarte Coelho, this church was named "Our Lady of The Hill", but was later turned into a burial ground by the Dutch for their noble dead, and renamed "St. Paul's Church". Currently the church is part of the Malaccan Museums Complex. The body of St. Francis Xavier was interred here temporarily before it was taken to Goa, India.
• Christ Church: Constructed in 1753, the structure reflects original Dutch architecture. The building houses hand-crafted church benches, jointless ceiling skylights, a copper replica of the Bible, a headstone written in the Armenian language, and a replica of "The Last Supper".
• Francis Xavier Church: This Gothic church was built by a French priest, Rev. Fabre, in 1849, to commemorate St. Francis Xavier who is also known as the "Apostle of the East". St. Francis Xavier is credited for his Catholic missionary work in Southeast Asia during the 16th century.
• Stadthuys: Constructed in 1650 as the residence of the Dutch Governor and his deputy, the structure reflects Dutch architecture. It is today the "Museum of History and Ethnography". The museum exhibits traditional wedding clothes and artifacts of Melaka, dating back to its days of glory.
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple: Located along Jalan Tokong (formerly Temple Street) in the core zone of the Malacca Unesco World Heritage Site. It is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia and grandest temple in Malacca.
• Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat): This street is famous for its antique goods. It is also famous for its carnival-like atmosphere during weekend nights.
• Portuguese Square: Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours.
• Tranquerah Mosque: The oldest mosque in Malacca.

In order to attract more tourists to Malacca, the State government has built a number of museums to house its rich cultural heritage.

Key people from Malacca
The following is a list of historically significant as well as well-known contemporary personages who are either born in Malacca, or otherwise, significantly linked to the history of Malacca:

• Tun Ghafar Baba, Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister (1986–1993), UMNO Vice-President (1962–1987), Malacca Chief Minister (1959–1963).
• Ibu Zain, was a pioneer for Malay man (Srikandi) in education, nationalist and politics in Malaysia.
• Shirley Geok-lin Lim, award winning novelist, writer and Professor of English, University of California at Santa Barbara
• Maria Jane Dyer a.k.a. Maria Jane Taylor, born in Malacca in 1837, pioneer missionary to China, daughter of Samuel Dyer and Maria (Tarn) Dyer, she became the wife of James Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission.

Flag of Malaka

Melaka Coat of Arms