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NE-YO LIVE IN KL Concert 2010, Ignited By Xpax !!

NEYO LIVE IN KL 2010 Concert Presented By Xpax

The gentleman about town, and Grammy award winner, NE-YO will be performing in Malaysia for the first time! His debut concert NE-YO LIVE IN KL 2010, is scheduled for January 7th 2010, 8pm at Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach. Kuala Lumpur will be one of the various stops on NE-YO’s Year of the Gentleman Tour. The concert is expected to bring in fans locally as well as from neighbouring countries, such as Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

The concert organized by Phuture Phlow, is sponsored by Celcom with official radio station; Fly FM, official magazine; Junk, official online social network; Friendster with support from Facebook and Twitter.

Celcom Xpax - Got X, Got Ne-Yo, Got It All !! Ne-Yo Live In KL 2010 

Prior to the show, audiences will be entertained by the opening act, local jazz songstress Najwa Mahiaddin.

NE-YO is currently one of the hottest Pop and R&B singer-songwriters in the world. Ne-Yo’s hit songs "So Sick", "Closer "and "Miss Independent "all gained #1 spots on the Billboard charts and his #1 album In My Own Words has sold over 1.4 million records to date.

He first broke into the music industry in 2004 when he wrote the hit song "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario and continued to produce #1 hits: Rihanna's "Unfaithful" and Beyonce’s "Irreplaceable". NE-YO has also won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B song at the Grammy’s.

NE-YO Live in KL is also a concert with a cause: Due to the recent disasters that occurred in the region, Phuture Phlow has appointed Force of Nature (FON) as the charity beneficiary for the concert. In an effort to raise funds, 50% from revenue of VVIP charity seats will be donated to FON.

Phuture Phlow hopes that this celebration of international music, will serve as a platform to increase awareness of current issues, as well as provide a venue for music lovers to enjoy themselves responsibly.

Ticket prices are:
Phuture Zone RM 260 
Phlow Zone RM 170
Purple Zone RM 140.

Tickets will go on sale 18th November 2009 at all major Ticket Hotline outlets. For ticketing information, call: 603-7725-1177, or visit www.tickethotline.com.my. For further enquiries email: concert@phuturephlow.com

Article was extracted from the official press release issued by Phuture Phlow

Abdurrahman Wahid Biography - Story of Abdurrahman Wahid

Abdurrahman Wahid, born 7 September 1940 – 30 December 2009, colloquially known as About this sound Gus Dur, was an Indonesian Muslim religious and political leader who served as the President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001. The long-time president of the Nahdlatul Ulama and the founder of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Wahid was the first elected president of Indonesia after the resignation of Suharto in 1998.

Like many Indonesian names, "Abdurrahman Wahid" does not contain a family name. The name "Wahid" is patronymic.

Abdurrahman ad-Dakhil Wahid was born on the fourth day of the eighth month of the Islamic calendar in 1940 in Jombang, East Java to Abdul Wahid Hasyim and Siti Solichah. This led to a belief that he was born on 4 August; instead, using the Islamic calendar to mark his birth date meant that he was actually born on 4 Sha'aban, equivalent to 7 September 1940. He was named after Abd ar-Rahman I of the Umayyad Caliphate who brought Islam to Spain and was thus nicknamed "ad-Dakhil" ("the conqueror"). His name is stylized in the traditional Arabic naming system as "Abdurrahman, son of Wahid".

He was the firstborn out of his five siblings, and Wahid was born into a very prestigious family in the East Java Muslim community. His paternal grandfather, Hasyim Asy'ari was the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) while his maternal grandfather, Bisri Syansuri was the first Muslim educator to introduce classes for women. Wahid's father, Wahid Hasyim, was involved in the Nationalist Movement and would go on to be Indonesia's first Minister of Religious Affairs.

In 1944, Wahid moved from Jombang to Jakarta where his father was involved with the Consultative Council of Indonesian Muslims (Masyumi), an organization established by the Imperial Japanese Army which occupied Indonesia at the time. After the Indonesian Declaration of Independence on 17 August 1945, Wahid moved back to Jombang and remained there during the fight for independence from the Netherlands during the Indonesian National Revolution. At the end of the war in 1949, Wahid moved to Jakarta as his father had received appointment as Minister of Religious Affairs. Wahid went about his education in Jakarta, going to KRIS Primary School before moving to Matraman Perwari Primary School. Wahid was also encouraged to read non-Muslim books, magazines, and newspapers by his father to further broaden his horizons. Wahid stayed in Jakarta with his family even after his father's removal as Minister of Religious Affairs in 1952. In April 1953, Wahid's father died after being involved in a car crash.

In 1954, Wahid began Junior High School. That year, he failed to graduate to the next year and was forced to repeat. His mother then made the decision to send Wahid to Yogyakarta to continue his education. In 1957, after graduating from Junior High School, Wahid moved to Magelang to begin Muslim Education at Pesantren (Muslim School) Tegalrejo. He completed the pesantren's course in two years instead of the usual four. In 1959, Wahid moved back to Jombang to Pesantren Tambakberas. There, while continuing his own education, Wahid also received his first job as a teacher and later on as headmaster of a madrasah affiliated with the Pesantren. Wahid also found employment as a journalist for magazines such as Horizon and Majalah Budaya Jaya.

Overseas education
In 1963, Wahid received a scholarship from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to study at Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. He left for Egypt in November 1963. Unable to provide evidence to certify that he spoke Arabic, Wahid was told when arriving that he would have to take a remedial class in the language before enrolling at the University's Higher Institute for Islamic and Arabic studies.

Instead of attending classes, Wahid spent 1964 enjoying life in Egypt; watching European and American movies as well indulging in his hobby of watching football. Wahid was also involved with the Association of Indonesian Students and became a journalist for the association's magazine. After passing the remedial Arabic examination, he finally began studies at the Higher Institute for Islamic and Arabic Studies in 1965, but was disappointed. He had already studied many of the texts offered at the Institute in Java and disapproved of the rote learning method used by the University.

In Egypt, Wahid found employment with the Indonesian Embassy. It was during his stint with the Embassy that G30S PKI happened. With Kostrad Commander, Major General Suharto taking control of the situation in Jakarta, a Communist crackdown was initiated. The Indonesian Embassy in Egypt was ordered to conduct an investigation on university students reporting on their political views. This order was passed to Wahid, who was charged with writing the reports.

Wahid's displeasure at the method of education and his work post-G30S distracted him from his studies. Wahid sought and received another scholarship at the University of Baghdad and moved to Iraq. There Wahid continued his involvement with the Association of Indonesian Students as well as with writing journalistic pieces to be read in Indonesia.

After completing his education at the University of Baghdad in 1970, Wahid went to the Netherlands to continue his education. Wahid wanted to attend Leiden University but was disappointed as there was little recognition for the studies that he had done at the University of Baghdad. From the Netherlands, Wahid went to Germany and France before going back to Indonesia in 1971.

career
Wahid returned to Jakarta expecting that in a year's time, he would be abroad again to study at McGill University in Canada. He kept himself busy by joining the Institute for Economic and Social Research, Education and Information (LP3ES), an organization which consisted of intellectuals with progressive Muslims and social-democratic views. LP3ES established a magazine called Prisma and Wahid became one of the main contributors to the magazine. Whilst working as a contributor for LP3ES, Wahid also conducted tours to pesantrens and madrasahs all around Java. It was a time when pesantren were desperate to gain state funding by adopting state-endorsed curricula and Wahid was concerned that the traditional values of the pesantren were being damaged because of this change. Wahid was also concerned with the poverty of the pesantren which he saw during his tours. At the same time as they were encouraging pesantren to adopt state-endorsed curricula, the Government was also encouraging pesantren as agents for change and to help assist the Government in its economic development of Indonesia. It was at this time that Wahid finally decided to drop plans for overseas studies in favor of developing the pesantren.

Wahid continued his career as a journalist, writing for magazine Tempo and Kompas newspaper. His articles were well-received and he began to develop a reputation as a social commentator. Wahid's popularity was such that at this time, he was invited along to give lectures and seminars, forcing him to travel back and forth between Jakarta and Jombang, where he now lived with his family.

Despite having a successful career up to that point, Wahid still found it hard to make ends meet and he worked to earn extra income by selling peanuts and delivering ice to be used for his wife's Es Lilin (popsicle) business. In 1974, Wahid found extra employment in Jombang as a Muslim Legal Studies teacher at Pesantren Tambakberas and soon developed a good reputation. A year later, Wahid added to his workload as a Teacher of Kitab Al Hikam, a classical text of sufism.

In 1977, Wahid joined the Hasyim Asyari University as Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Beliefs and Practices. Once again, Wahid excelled in his job and the University wanted to Wahid to teach extra subjects such as pedagogy, sharia, and missiology. However, his excellence caused some resentment from within the ranks of university and Wahid was blocked from teaching the subjects. Whilst undertaking all these ventures Wahid also regularly delivered speeches during Ramadan to the Muslim community in Jombang.

Leader of Nahdlatul Ulama
Wahid's family background meant that sooner or later, he would be asked to play an active role in the running of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). This ran contrary to Wahid's aspirations of becoming a public intellectual and he had twice rejected offers to join the NU Religious Advisory Council. Nevertheless, Wahid finally chose to join the Council when his own grandfather, Bisri Syansuri gave him the third offer. In taking this job, Wahid also made the decision to move from Jombang to Jakarta and to permanently reside there. As a member of the Religious Advisory Council, Wahid envisioned himself as a reformer of NU.

At this time, Wahid also had his first political experience. In the lead-up to the 1982 Legislative Elections, Wahid campaigned for the United Development Party (PPP), an Islamist Party which was formed as a result of a merger of four Islamist parties including NU. Wahid recalled that the Government actively disrupted PPP's campaigns by arresting people like himself. However, Wahid was always able to secure his release, having developed connections in high places with the likes of General Benny Moerdani.

Reforming NU
By this time, many viewed NU as an organization in stagnation. After careful discussion, the Religious Advisory Council finally formed a Team of Seven (which included Wahid) to tackle the issues of reform and to help revitalize NU. For some members of NU, reform in the organization involved a change of leadership. On 2 May 1982, a group of high-ranking NU officials met with NU Chairman Idham Chalid and asked for his resignation. Idham, who had guided NU in the transition from Sukarno to Suharto resisted at first but bowed down to pressure. On 6 May 1982, Wahid heard of Idham's decision to resign and approached him saying that the demands to resign were unconstitutional. With urging from Wahid, Idham withdrew his resignation and Wahid, together with the Team of Seven was able to negotiate a compromise between Idham and those who had asked for his resignation.

In 1983, Suharto was re-elected to a fourth term as President by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and began taking steps to establish Pancasila as the State Ideology. From June 1983 to October 1983, Wahid became part of a team which was commissioned to prepare NU's response to this issue. Wahid consulted texts such as the Quran and Sunnah for justification and finally, in October 1983, concluded that NU should accept Pancasila as the State Ideology. To further revitalize NU, Wahid was also successful in securing its withdrawal from PPP and Party politics. This was done so that, NU can focus on social matters instead of hampering itself by being involved in politics.

Election to Chairmanship and first term as Chairman
Wahid's reforms had made him extremely popular within the ranks of NU. By the time of the 1984 National Congress, many began to state their intentions to nominate Wahid as the new Chairman of NU. Wahid accepted the nomination, provided that he had the power to choose who would be on his leadership team. Wahid was elected as the new Chairman of NU during the National Congress. However, his stipulation of choosing his own team was not honored. The last day of the Congress had begun with Wahid's list of team members being approved by high-ranking NU officials including outgoing Chairman Idham. Wahid had gone to the Committee in charge of running the Congress and handed in his list which was to be announced later. However, the Committee in question was against Idham and announced a totally different list of people. Wahid was outraged but was pressured to accept the changes made.

Wahid's ascendancy to the NU Chairmanship was seen positively by Suharto and his New Order regime. Wahid's acceptance of Pancasila along with his moderate image won him favor among Government ranks. In 1985, Suharto made Wahid a Pancasila indoctrinator. In 1987, Wahid showed further support for the regime by criticizing PPP in the lead-up to the 1987 Legislative Elections and further strengthening Suharto's Golkar Party. His reward came in the form of a membership of the MPR. Although he was viewed with favor by the regime, Wahid criticised the Government over the Kedung Ombo Dam project that was funded by the World Bank. Although this somewhat soured the cordial relationships that Wahid had with the Government, Suharto was still keen on getting political support from NU.

During his first term as Chairman of NU, Wahid focused on reform of the pesantren education system and was successful in increasing the quality of pesantren education system so that it can match up with secular schools. In 1987, Wahid also set up study groups in Probolinggo, East Java to provide a forum for like-minded individuals within NU to discuss and provide interpretations to Muslim texts. Critics accused Wahid of wishing to replace the Arabic Muslim greeting of "assalamualaikum" with the secular greeting of "selamat pagi", which means good morning in Indonesian.

Second term as Chairman and opposing the New Order
Wahid was re-elected to a second term as Chairman of NU at the 1989 National Congress. By this time, Suharto, embroiled in a political battle with ABRI began to ingratiate himself with the Muslim constituency so as to win their support. This venture reached a turning point in December 1990 with the formation of the Union of Indonesian Intellectual Muslims (ICMI). This organization was backed by Suharto, Chaired by BJ Habibie and included Muslim intellectuals such as Amien Rais and Nurcholish Madjid as its members. In 1991, various members of ICMI asked Wahid to join. Wahid declined because he thought that ICMI encouraged sectarianism and that it was just a means by Suharto to remain powerful. In 1991, Wahid countered ICMI by forming the Democracy Forum, an organization which contained of 45 intellectuals from various religious and social communities. The organization was treated with credibility by the Government and broke up meetings held by the Democracy Forum as the 1992 Legislative Elections approached.

In March 1992, Wahid planned to have a Great Assembly to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of NU and to reiterate the organization's support for Pancasila. Wahid had planned for the event to be attended by at least one million NU members. However, Suharto moved to block the event, ordering policemen to turn back busloads of NU members as they arrived in Jakarta. Nevertheless, the event managed to attract 200,000 attendants. After the event, Wahid wrote a letter of protest to Suharto saying that NU had not been given a chance to display a brand of Islam that is open, fair, and tolerant. During his second term as Chairman of NU, Wahid's liberal ideas had begun to turn many supporters sour. As Chairman, Wahid continued to push for inter-faith dialogue and even accepted an invitation to visit Israel in October 1994.

Third term as Chairman and the lead-up to Reformasi
As the 1994 National Congress approached, Wahid nominated himself for a third term as Chairman. Hearing this, Suharto wanted to make sure that Wahid was not elected. In the weeks leading up to the Congress, Suharto's supporters, such as Habibie and Harmoko campaigned against Wahid's re-election. When it came time for the National Congress, the site for the Congress was tightly guarded by ABRI in an act of intimidation. Despite this, and attempts to bribe NU members to vote against him, Wahid came through and was re-elected as NU Chairman for a third term. During this term, Wahid began to move closer towards a political alliance with Megawati Sukarnoputri from the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Capitalizing on her father's legacy, Megawati had a lot of popularity and intended to put political and moral pressure on Suharto's regime. Wahid advised Megawati to be cautious and to avoid being nominated as President during the 1998 MPR General Session. Megawati ignored this advice and paid the price in July 1996 when her PDI headquarters were taken over by supporters of Government-backed PDI Chairman, Suryadi.

Seeing what happened to Megawati, Wahid thought that his best option now was to retreat politically by getting himself back in favor with the Government. In November 1996, Wahid and Suharto met for the first time since Wahid's re-election to the NU Chairmanship and this was followed over the next few months by meetings with various Government people who in 1994 had attempted to block Wahid's re-election. At the same time however, Wahid kept his options for reform open and in December 1996, had a meeting with Amien Rais, an ICMI member who had grown critical of the Regime.

July 1997 saw the beginning of the Asian Financial Crisis. Suharto began to lose control of the situation and just as he was being pushed to step up the reform movement with Megawati and Amien, Wahid suffered a stroke in January 1998. From his bed in the hospital, Wahid continued to see the situation worsen with Suharto's re-election to a seventh term as President and the student protests which would turn into riots in May 1998 after the shooting of six students at Trisakti University. On 19 May 1998, Wahid, together with eight prominent leaders from the Muslim community were summoned to Suharto's residence. Suharto presented the concept of a Reform Committee which he had begun to propose at the time. All nine rejected Suharto's offer to join the Reform Committee. Wahid maintained a more moderate stance with Suharto and called on the protesting to stop to see if Suharto was going to implement his promise. This displeased Amien who was the most vocal out of Suharto's opposition at this time. Nevertheless, there was no stopping Suharto's fall and on 21 May 1998, he announced his resignation. Vice President Habibie now ascended to the Presidency.

Formation of PKB and the Ciganjur statement
One of the immediate effects of Suharto's fall was the formation of new political parties. Under Suharto's regime, political parties had been limited to just three; Golkar, PPP, and PDI. Now with his fall, new political parties were formed, the most prominent of which was Amien's National Mandate Party (PAN) and Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P). In June 1998, many from within the NU community began pressuring Wahid to form a new political party. Wahid did not warm up to the idea immediately, thinking that this will result in a political party which only catered to one religion and not willing to overrule his own decision to take NU out of politics. By July 1998 however, he began to warm up to the idea, thinking that establishing a political party was the only way to challenge the organizationally strong Golkar in an election. With that in mind, Wahid approved of the formation of PKB and became the Chairman of its Advisory Council with Matori Abdul Djalil as Party Chairman. Although it was clearly dominated by NU members, Wahid promoted PKB as a party that is non-sectarian and open to all members of society.

As opposition to the Government, Wahid, together with Megawati and Amien were willing to adopt a moderate stance towards Habibie's Government; preferring instead to wait for the 1999 Legislative Elections. Nevertheless, in November 1998, in a meeting at his residence in the Jakarta suburb of Ciganjur, Wahid, together with Megawati, Amien, and Sultan Hamengkubuwono X reiterated their commitment to Reform. On 7 February 1999, PKB officially declared Wahid as their Presidential candidate.

1999 elections and MPR General Session
In June 1999, Wahid's PKB entered the legislative elections. PKB won 12% of the votes with Megawati's PDI–P winning the legislative elections with 33% of the votes. With her party decisively winning the Legislative Elections, Megawati expected to win the Presidency against Habibie at the MPR General Session. However, PDI-P did not have complete majority and formed a loose alliance with PKB. In July however, Amien Rais would form the Central Axis, a coalition of Muslim parties. The Central Axis then began to consider nominating Wahid as a third candidate in the Presidential race and PKB's commitment towards PDI-P began to waver.

In October 1999, the MPR convened and Wahid threw his support behind Amien who was elected as the Chairman of MPR. On 7 October 1999, Amien and the Central Axis, who now had PKB on their side, officially nominated Wahid as a Presidential Candidate. On 19 October 1999, the MPR rejected Habibie's accountability speech and Habibie withdrew himself from the Presidential race. In the hours that followed, Akbar Tanjung, Chairman of Golkar and Head of the People's Representative Council (DPR) made it clear that Golkar would support Wahid in his bid for the Presidency. On 20 October 1999, the MPR convened and began electing for a new President. Wahid was then elected as Indonesia's fourth President with 373 votes to Megawati's 313 votes.

Displeased that their candidate had not won the Presidency, Megawati's supporters began to riot and Wahid realized that for this to stop, Megawati had to be elected as Vice President. After convincing General Wiranto not to compete in the Vice Presidential elections and getting the PKB to support Megawati for this election, Wahid was successful in convincing the demoralized Megawati to compete. On the 21 October 1999, Megawati competed in the Vice Presidential election and defeated PPP's Hamzah Haz.

1999
Wahid's first Cabinet, dubbed the National Unity Cabinet, was a Coalition Cabinet which consisted of members of various political parties: PDI-P, PKB, Golkar, PPP, PAN, and Justice Party (PK). Non-partisans and the TNI (Formerly known as ABRI) were also represented in the Cabinet. Wahid then went on to make two administrative reforms. The first administrative reform was to abolish the Ministry of Information, the Suharto regime's main weapon in controlling the media while the second administrative reform was to disband the Ministry of Welfare which had become corrupt and extortionist under the Suharto regime.

In November, Wahid made his first overseas trip, visiting ASEAN member countries, Japan, United States of America, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. He followed this up in December by a visit to the People's Republic of China.

After only a month in the National Unity Cabinet, Coordinating Minister of People's Welfare Hamzah Haz announced his resignation in November. There was suspicion that the resignation was brought about by Wahid's allegation that certain members of his Cabinet were involved in corruption while he was still in America. Others suggested that Hamzah's resignation was because of displeasure towards Wahid's conciliatory stance towards Israel.

Wahid's plan in Aceh was to give it a referendum. However, this referendum would be to decide on various modes of autonomy rather than to decide on independence like in East Timor. Wahid also wanted to adopt a softer stance towards Aceh by having less military personnel on the ground. On 30 December, Wahid visited Jayapura in the Province which was then known as Irian Jaya. During his visit, Wahid was successful in convincing West Papuan leaders that he was a force for change and even encouraged the use of the name Papua.

2000
In January, Wahid made another overseas trip to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum and visited Saudi Arabia on the way back to Indonesia. In February, Wahid made another trip to Europe visiting the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. On the way back to Europe, Wahid also visited India, South Korea, Thailand, and Brunei. March saw Wahid visit East Timor. In April, Wahid visited South Africa en route to the G77 summit in Cuba before returning via Mexico City and Hong Kong. In June, Wahid once again visited America, Japan, and France with Iran, Pakistan, and Egypt as the new additions to the list of countries which he had visited.

Cabinet dismissals
While he was travelling to Europe in February, Wahid began asking for the resignation of General Wiranto, who held the position of Coordinating Minister of Politics and Security. Wahid saw Wiranto both as an obstacle to his planned reform of the Military as well as being a liability to his Government with his alleged human rights abuses in East Timor. When Wahid arrived back in Jakarta, Wiranto talked to him and seemed successful in convincing Wahid not to replace him. However, Wahid would change his mind and ask for his resignation. In April 2000, Wahid dismissed Minister of Industry and Trade Jusuf Kalla and Minister of State Owned Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi. The explanation that he gave was that the two were involved in corruption, although he never gave evidence to back it up. This move soured Wahid's relations with Golkar and PDI-P.

Aceh
In March 2000, Wahid's Government began to open negotiations with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Two months later, in May, the Government signed a memorandum of understanding with GAM to last until the beginning of 2001, by which time both signatories would have breached the agreement.

Other overtures toward reconciliation
In March 2000, Wahid suggested that the 1966 Provisional People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS) resolution on the banning of Marxism-Leninism be lifted.
Wahid also moved to establish commercial relations with Israel, which aroused the ire of many Indonesian Muslim groups. This was one issue that arose in the briefing given to a Palestinian parliamentary delegation in 2000 by Riddhi Awad, their ambassador to Indonesia. Another issue was Wahid's membership in the Shimon Peres Foundation. Both Wahid and his foreign minister Alwi Shihab took offense at the inaccurate portrayals of the Indonesian President, and Alwi called for the replacement of Awad. However, Nurcholish Madjid pointed out that Wahid's personal neutrality toward the Israel-Palestine conflict should yield to the feelings of the "majority" of Indonesians, who support Palestine.

Relationship with TNI
When he ascended to the Presidency, one of Wahid's goals was to reform the military and to take it out of its dominant socio-political role. In this venture, Wahid found an ally in Agus Wirahadikusumah who he made Commander of Kostrad in March. In July, Agus began uncovering a scandal involving Dharma Putra, a foundation with affiliations to Kostrad. Through Megawati, TNI members began pressuring Wahid to remove Agus. Wahid gave in to the pressure but then planned to have Agus appointed as the Army Chief of Staff to which TNI top brass responded by threatening to retire and Wahid once again bowed down to pressure.

Wahid's relationship with the TNI deteriorated even further when in July it was revealed that Laskar Jihad had arrived in Maluku and was being armed by the TNI. Laskar Jihad, a radical Islamic militia had earlier in the year planned to go to Maluku and assist Muslims there in their communal conflict with the Christians. Wahid had ordered TNI to block Laskar Jihad from going to Maluku, but nevertheless they still made it to Maluku and they were then being armed with what turned out to be TNI weapons.

Buloggate and Bruneigate
2000 saw Wahid embroiled in two scandals which would damage his Presidency. In May, the State Logistics Agency (BULOG) reported that US$4 million were missing from its cash reserve. The missing cash was then attributed to Wahid's own masseur who had claimed that Wahid sent him to Bulog to collect the cash. Although the money was returned, Wahid's opponents took the chance of accusing him of being involved in the scandal and of being aware of what his masseur was up to. At the same time, Wahid was also accused of keeping US$2 million for himself. The money was a donation by the Sultan of Brunei to provide assistance in Aceh. However, Wahid failed to account for the money.

2000 MPR Annual Session and Cabinet reshuffle
As the 2000 MPR Annual Session approached, Wahid's popularity with the people were still at a high and politically, allies such as Megawati, Akbar, and Amien were still willing to support Wahid despite the sacking of the ministers and the scandals which he had been involved in. At the same time however, they were asking questions of Wahid. At the 2000 MPR Annual Session, Wahid delivered a speech which was well received by a majority of the MPR members. During the speech, Wahid recognized his weakness as an administrator and said that he was going to delegate the day-to-day running of the Government to a Senior Minister. The MPR members agreed but proposed that Megawati should be the one to receive the task from the President. At first the MPR planned to have this proposal adopted as a resolution but a Presidential Decision was seen as enough. On the 23rd August, Wahid announced a new Cabinet despite Megawati's insistence that the announcement was delayed. Megawati showed her displeasure by not showing up for the Cabinet announcement. The new Cabinet was smaller and consisted of more non-partisans. There were no Golkar members in this Cabinet.

Regional unrest
In September, Wahid declared martial law in Maluku as the condition there continued to deteriorate. By now, it was evident that Laskar Jihad were being assisted by TNI members and it was also apparent that they were financed by Fuad Bawazier, the last Minister of Finance to have served under Suharto. During the same month, the West Papuans raised their Morning Star flag. Wahid's response was to allow the West Papuans to do this provided that the Morning Star flag was placed lower than the Indonesian flag. For this, he was severely criticized by Megawati and Akbar. On 24 December 2000, there was Terrorist Attack directed against churches in Jakarta and in eight cities across Indonesia.

Gathering political opposition
By the end of 2000, there were many within the political elite who were disillusioned with Wahid. The most obvious person who showed this disillusion was Amien who showed regret at supporting Wahid to the Presidency the previous year. Amien also attempted to rally opposition by encouraging Megawati and Akbar to flex their political muscles. Megawati surprisingly defended Wahid whilst Akbar preferred to wait for the 2004 Legislative Elections. At the end of November, 151 DPR members signed a petition calling for the impeachment of Wahid.

2001 and removal from power
In January, Wahid made the announcement that Chinese New Year was to become an optional holiday. Wahid followed this up in February by lifting the ban on the display of Chinese characters and the importations of Chinese publication. In February, Wahid visited Northern Africa as well as Saudi Arabia to undertake the hajj pilgrimage. Wahid made his last overseas visit in June 2001 when he visited Australia.

At a meeting with university rectors on 27 January 2001, Wahid commented on the possibility of Indonesia descending into anarchy. Wahid then made the suggestion that he may be forced to dissolve the DPR if that happened. Although the meeting was off-the-record, it caused quite a stir and added to the fuel of the movement against him. On 1 February, the DPR met to issue a memorandum against Wahid. Two memorandums constitute an MPR Special Session where the impeachment and removal of a President would be legal. The vote was overwhelmingly for the memorandum and PKB members could only walk out in protest. The memorandum caused widespread protests by NU members. In East Java, NU members went around to Golkar's regional offices and thrashed it. In Jakarta, Wahid's opposition began accusing him of encouraging the protests. Wahid denied it and went to talk to the protesters at the town of Pasuruan; encouraging them to get off the streets. Nevertheless, NU protesters continued to show their support for Wahid and in April, made the announcement that they were ready to defend and die for the President.

In March, Wahid tried to counter the opposition by moving against dissidents within his own Cabinet. Minister of Justice Yusril Ihza Mahendra was removed for making public his demands for the President's resignation while Minister of Forestry Nurmahmudi Ismail was also removed under the suspicion of chanelling his department's funds to Wahid's opposition. In response to this, Megawati began to distance herself and did not show up for the inauguration of the Ministers' replacement. On 30 April, the DPR issued a second memorandum and on the next day called for an MPR Special Session to be held on 1 August.

By July, Wahid grew desperate and ordered Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security to declare a State of Emergency. Yudhoyono refused and Wahid removed him from his position. Finally on 20 July, Amien declared that the MPR Special Session will be brought forward to 23 July. TNI, having had a bad relationship with Wahid through his tenure as President, stationed 40,000 troops in Jakarta and placed tanks with their turrets pointing at the Presidential Palace in a show of force. On 23 July, the MPR unanimously voted to impeach Wahid and to replace him with Megawati as President. Wahid continued to insist that he was the President and stayed for some days in the Presidential Palace, but eventually left the residence on 25 July for a trip overseas to the United States for health treatments.

Schism within the PKB
After his impeachment, Wahid turned his eyes to Matori Abdul Djalil, who was the Chairman of PKB. Before the MPR Special Session, it was agreed upon that no PKB members would attend as a sign of solidarity. However, Matori insisted on attending because he was a Vice-Chairman of the MPR and participated in the impeachment process. Using his position as Chairman of the Advisory Council, Wahid sacked Matori as Chairman of PKB on 15 August 2001 and suspended him from Party activities before stripping Matori of Party membership in November. On 14 January 2002, Matori held a Special National Congress attended by his supporters in PKB. The Special National Congress re-elected him to the position of PKB Chairman. Wahid countered this by holding his own PKB National Congress on 17 January, a day after Matori's Congress ended The National Congress re-elected Wahid to the position of Chairman of the Advisory Council and elected Alwi Shihab as its Chairman. Wahid's PKB would be known as PKB Kuningan whilst Matori's PKB would be known as PKB Batutulis.

2004 Legislative and Presidential elections
In April 2004, PKB participated in the 2004 Legislative Elections, winning 10.6% of the votes. For the 2004 Presidential Elections, in which the people will directly elect the President, PKB nominated Wahid as a Presidential Candidate. As a Presidential Candidate was required Wahid to go on a medical check-up before he is officially enlisted by the General Elections Commission (KPU) as a Presidential candidate. While other candidates such as Yudhoyono and Wiranto passed their respective tests, Wahid failed to do so and KPU refused to enlist him as a Presidential Candidate. Wahid then threw his support behind his brother, Solahuddin, who was the running mate of Wiranto. On 5 July 2004, Wiranto and Solahuddin were knocked out of the race after coming third to the pairs of Yudhoyono-Kalla and Megawati-Muzadi. For the run-off elections, held on 20 September 2004, Wahid declared himself as part of White Group (Golput) which meant that he will not be using his right to vote.

Opposition to Yudhoyono Government
In August 2005, Wahid became one of the leaders of a political coalition called the United Awakened Archipelago (Koalisi Nusantara Bangkit Bersatu). Along with Try Sutrisno, Wiranto, Akbar Tanjung, and Megawati, this coalition criticized the policies of the Yudhoyono Government, specifically about the withdrawal of fuel subsidies which will bring the prices of fuel up.

Other activities
Gus Dur is the inspiration behind the Wahid Institute, a Jakarta-based nonprofit organization led by his daughter Yenni Wahid. He also serves as patron, member of the board of directors and senior advisor to LibForAll ("Liberty for All") Foundation, whose mission is to reduce religious extremism and discredit terrorism worldwide. Among numerous other writings, he is the author of a seminal article published in the Wall Street Journal on December 30, 2005 ("Right Islam vs. Wrong Islam") in which he called on "people of good will of every faith and nation" to unite to defeat the ideology of religious hatred that underlies and animates terrorism. Wahid discussed his suspicions regarding the involvement of the Indonesian government and the TNI (Indonesia's armed forces) in the terrorist bombings on Bali, in an interview in the documentary Inside Indonesia's War on Terrorism which as aired by SBS Dateline on October 12, 2005.

In September 2006, Wahid said that he was ready to contest the 2009 Presidential Election He confirmed this in March 2008, at a rally of his National Awakening Party (PKB) in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. Gus Dur and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, former Justice of the US Supreme Court stated their concerns about recent developments in Malaysia that seem aimed at defaming opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and threatening him with imprisonment in a manner which is reminiscent of the campaign to defame him in 1998. They stated there are plausible motives for some to manufacture a false case against him. They also mentioned that Anwar last year brought evidence to a royal commission that enabled it to conclude that there had been improper influence exerted on judicial appointments and more recently he brought forward evidence against the current attorney-general and the current inspector-general of police for the perversion of justice in his own prosecution in 1998–99.

Religious views
Wahid said:
All religions insist on peace. From this we might think that the religious struggle for peace is simple ... but it is not. The deep problem is that people use religion wrongly in pursuit of victory and triumph. This sad fact then leads to conflict with people who have different beliefs.
In a 2002 interview with Foreign Correspondent, Wahid explained his respect for Israel and posed a challenging "correction" to be addressed by his fellow Muslims:
Israel believes in God. While we have a diplomatic relationship and recognising diplomatically China and Russia, which are atheist states, then it's strange that we don't acknowledge Israel. This is the thing that we have to correct within Islam.

Personal life
Wahid was married to Sinta Nuriyah with whom he had four daughters: Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh, Zannuba Arifah Chafsoh (colloquially known as Yenny), Annita Hayatunnufus, and Inayah Wulandari.

Death
Wahid personally asked to be brought to visit Rembang and Jombang (both situated in East Java) despite his bad health condition. He had previously been admitted into a hospital just before he left Jakarta. During his visit, his health condition worsened and Wahid was admitted into one of the hospitals in Jombang on 24 December 2009. Following his return the next day, he was admitted into Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Central Jakarta in order to undergo a dialysis. He underwent dental surgery on 28 December after complaining of toothache. Wahid died on 30 December at approximately 6:45 p.m. local time (UTC+7) after his condition deteriorated because of complications from kidney disorders, heart disease and diabetes. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited the hospital prior to his death. Government will hold a state funeral for Wahid on 31 December, and flags will be flown at half-staff for seven days. He is buried next to the graves of his grandfather and parents at his birthplace, Jombang, East Java.

source: wikipedia

Indonesians bury popular former President Abdurrahman Wahid

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Thousands of mourners thronged roads Thursday in Indonesia to say farewell to late President Abdurrahman Wahid, a beloved, one-eyed cleric who reached out to religious minorities in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Wahid, who ruled for nearly two years of tumult as Indonesia embarked on a path to democracy in 1999 after three decades of dictatorship, died in a hospital Wednesday. He was 69.

A memorial service was led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono before the burial in Wahid's East Java hometown of Jombang, where about 10,000 supporters prayed over his remains, which were wrapped in white sheets.

The televised service began a week of national mourning during which flags will be flown at half-staff. Some official New Year's Eve celebrations were canceled.

There was a massive outpouring of sentiment for a man whose open style, impromptu joke telling and naps during his own speeches endeared him to the masses. Weeping admirers lit candles and incense and said prayers at vigils held at mosques, churches, temples, schools and landmarks.

Wahid, known fondly by his nickname Gus Dur, was a democratic reformer and proponent of moderate Islam who ultimately was unable to implement his ambitious ideas amid the financial and political chaos that dominated the vast island state of 235 million people during his presidency.

A White House statement said Wahid was "a pivotal figure" in Indonesia's transition to free government who "will be remembered for his commitment to democratic principles, inclusive politics, and religious tolerance."

During his short term, from October 1999 to July 2001, Wahid led a broad coalition of unity but was eventually impeached after firing Yudhoyono, then a Cabinet minister, for refusing to declare a state of emergency when the army positioned tanks facing the Presidential Palace.

Wahid had been in the intensive care unit of Ciptomangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta for the past week.

The former president died during surgery to remove a blood clot in his heart, said professor Yusuf Misbach, head of his medical team. Wahid's condition had deteriorated because of complications with diabetes and kidney failure, he said.

Wahid had struggled with illness for years and was confined to a wheelchair. Nearly blind, he also suffered serious kidney problems and diabetes.

Presidential spokesman Julian Pasha noted Wahid's widespread popularity, saying "we lost one of our greatest figures, who was very much loved by people from all walks of life."

Article By: Niniek Karmini

Jcrew Fenton-Fallon Necklace

Remember that lovely bow bracelet I wrote about the other day, well JCrew has a very similar necklace by Fenton-Fallon. And it only costs $295, so I don't understand why the less amazing bracelet is $198. But the necklace is so pretty. Too bad it too big for my petite frame. So I will continue to wait for the bracelet to go on sale.

Video of Chance Combs

Diddy's secret baby isn't so secret anymore. The little cutie has made her YouTube debut singing a Christmas carol. She looks so much like her little sisters, if you can call a few months younger "little sisters". But that isn't their fault. I hope the three of them don't become the Hilton sisters in fifteen years or so.

First Photos Of Poor Little Mason Dash

Thank God, that Kourtney Kardashian didn't name her newborn store after her son. Dash was her father's nickname. It is short for Kardashian. I know this because she is on the cover of this week's Life & Style magazine with little Mason Dash. At least she waited a whole week to have his photos taken, unlike Kendra Wilkinson who whored her baby out the moment they got him home from the hospital.

Best Places To Usher 2010, New Year Eve Countdown in KL and PJ Area.

Happy New Year !! Best Places To Celebrate 2010 in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya

IT's that time of the year again, as we sit back and reflect on what we have done throughout the year and look forward to better times ahead with the new year. Here is a compiled list of some countdown celebration venues for those who want to party the night away as they usher in the new year of 2010. Usual hotspots from Sunway Pyramid to Sungei Wang, not to mention Genting Highlands, Mutiara Damansara, 1 Utama and Solaris !!

1 Utama Shopping Centre, PJ

1 Utama 2010 Countdown Concert - Central Park Avenue

Celebrate the new year at the 2010 Countdown Concert that will be held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre’s Central Park Avenue. The diverse list of performers includes Beyond from Hong Kong, as well as local talents like Pop Shuvit, HaoRen, Joe Flizzow, Crossfire, Alvin, Will and Azizi. Be memerised with the spectacular international musical fireworks presentation as you count down to the new year. Admission is free. Revellers also stand a chance for an up-close session with their favourite artistes at the 2010 Zone via the 2010 Pass which are available from the concert’s partners. For details, visit www.1utama.com.my or call 03-7710 8118.

(2) Mutiara Damansara, PJ

Mutiara Damansara New Year's Party 2010 Concert Countdown

Usher in the new year with a bang at the first joint New Year’s Party brought to you by the Mutiara Damansara Commercial Centre, which comprises the Curve, e@Curve and Ikano Power Centre. The street party starts at 8pm, and features exciting performers, dancers and a superb fireworks and light display. The artiste line-up includes Faizal Tahir, Jaclyn Victor, Meet Uncle Hussain, Jym, Kay, Diplomats of Drums and Kuala Lumpur Drumline Corps. Popular DJ Joey G and international model Kylie Chapman will be the party’s emcees. For details, visit contact 03- 7710 6868 or www.thecurve.com.my (The Curve), call 03-7725 0277 (e@Curve), or contact 03-7720 7333 or www.ikano.com.my (Ikano).

(3) KL Live @ Life Centre, KL
Fresh from the success of the inaugural Future in May 2009, Future returns with a bigger and bolder instalment for clubbers to usher the New Year at KL Live @ Lifecentre. Be prepared for a full on sonic assault on New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) by electro misfits The Bloody Beetroots, and come the first Saturday of 2010 (Jan 2), Grammy winners and music pioneers Basement Jaxx will rock the decks. The gig features six great acts with two fresh debuts, and promises KL-ites two nights of unforgettable celebrations. The two other acts who will be performing on New Year’s Eve are Lapsap and DJ Goldfish, while DJ Azran and Victor will be spinning on day two of the party. For ticket purchase and details, visit www.axcess.com.my or call 03-7711 5000.

(4) Genting Highlands, Pahang

Genting Highlands New Year's Eve Countdown at Maxims Genting

Resorts World Genting will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Countdown at Maxims Genting Hotel Open Carpark. It will be held from 11pm onwards. Partygoers will get to watch the phenomenal display of fireworks that Genting is famous for as they usher in the year 2010. Admission is free. For details, visit www.rwgenting.com.

(5) Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, KL

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur The Place To Be For 2010 New Year Countdown !

A New Year Countdown will be held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Level 3, Connection. For more information, visit www.pavilion-kl.com or call 03-2118 8833.

(6) Solaris Mont’Kiara, KL

SOHO KL at Solaris Mont Kiara For Awesome Fireworks Display !!

Gather your friends, put on your party hat and get ready for a great night out under the stars at the Sunrise New Year Countdown 2010 at Solaris Mont’Kiara. From 7.30pm onwards, expect exciting live music and captivating dance performances. Be ready to bob and dance away to the eclectic Brazilian-infused sounds of Aseana Percussion Unit (APU) with beats created from a juxtapose of percussion instruments. Rock on with Ocean of Fire and be astounded by their amazing guitar skills as they showcase their interpretation of rock fusion music. Theatre extraordinaire Edwin Sumun will bring forth his funny side and keep the audience highly entertained as emcee of the night. See the sky on fire as fireworks blast off and confetti blanket the masses at midnight. For dining options, choose from SohoKL’s variety of restaurants offering an abundance of choices to suit all palettes. For details, visit www.sunrisebhd.com.

(7) IOI Boulevard, Puchong

The Palette, IOI Boulevard Will Be Hosting 2010 New Year Countdown !!

IOI Properties will be hosting what it touts as Puchong’s First New Year Countdown Party from 9pm onwards at The Palette, IOI Boulevard. The programme includes live band performances, games and a balloon avalanche. Free food vouchers will also be given away. For details, visit www.myioi.com or call 03-8064 8833.

(8) Centro Mall, Klang
Centro Properties Group is organising a Centro Countdown Party from 7pm onwards at Centro Mall in Klang. A variety of activities have been planned for the night, including dance performances, magic show, games, live band entertainment and fireworks during the countdown. Guests will also be entitled to food and drinks at special prices at the mall’s F and B outlets. For details, visit www.centro.com.my or call 03-3343 3011.


(9) Sungei Wang Plaza, KL

Hong Kong singer-actor Bosco Wong charming the fans with his performance.

City folk can look forward to Sungei Wang Plaza’s Street Party Countdown 2010 Celebration, which is co-organised with the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall and MCA National Youth. The event will kick off at 6.30pm in Jalan Sultan Ismail, in front of Sungei Wang Plaza, with a street diabolo performance, roller skate show and many more.

The highlight of the night is a concert featuring international and local Chinese artistes like Bosco Wong from Hong Kong; Peter Pan, Stanley Xu and Judy Chou from Taiwan; Chin from Thailand, and Malaysian stars Rynn Lim, Thomas Jack, Andrew Tan, Chen Keat Yoke and Suki Low. Sungei Wang Plaza will be extending 2000 VIP tickets (Standing Zone) to shoppers who buy RM100 and above in accumulated receipts within the same day, from any shops of Sungei Wang Plaza (except Parkson and Giant Supermarket) from Dec 7. The VIP tickets can be redeemed at the mall’s Information Counter, Lower Ground Floor, and is based on first-come-first-served basis. For more information, visit www.sungeiwang.com or call 03-2148 6109/ 03- 21426636.

(10) Tropicana City Mall, PJ

2010 Countdown at Tropicana City's 1st New Year Countdown.

Greet the new year with spectacular fireworks at Tropicana City Mall’s Countdown to 2010 celebration. The event will be held at the mall’s main entrance and kicks off from 8pm onwards. It includes a carnival show with balloon clowns and magicians, firebreathers, a samba percussion group and live music band performances. Shoppers also get to enjoy special discounts at selected shopping and dining outlets. For details, visit www.tropicanacitymall.com or call 03-7710 0101.

(11) i-City, Shah Alam

Talented violinist Joanne Yeoh

A state-level New Year’s eve celebration called Sambutan Ambang Tahun 2010 Selangor will be held at i-City’s City Walk in Section 7, Shah Alam, from 5pm till midnight. The event is jointly organised by the state government, i-City Berhad and four local councils - the MBSA, MBPJ, MPSJ and MPK. It is open to the public and features a host of multiracial performances, including those by local talents violinist Joanne Yeoh and the Sixth Sense. The celebration includes street carnival activities, cultural performances, drum line performances as well as a sale and exhibition on a variety of products by Small Medium Entrepreneurs like food and drinks, IT and telecommunication gadgets and electronic goods. For details, visit www.jbtnkorporat.blogspot.com or call 03-5522 2741.

(12) Kuala Lumpur 2010 New Year Eve Concert (Dataran Merdeka)
What: In collaboration with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Ambank group is organizing a massive New Year's eve concert with many of your favourite local artistes like Amy Search, HUJAN, Bunkface and DBKL's own orchestra, dancers and many more! Free admission yo !!

How to get there: Light Transit Railway (LRT), Masjid Jamek Station (Major LRT stations like Kelana Jaya, Bangsar, KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek, Dang Wangi, Kampung Baru, KLCC & Ampang Park will stay open until 2a.m for the New Year's Celebration)

Road Closure: From the traffic lights at Jalan Hishamudin or Jalan Raja, till the traffic lights at Jalan Raja or Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman beginning 7pm on Dec 31 until the celebration ends.

(13) Bukit Bintang

New Year Eve 2010 Countdown at Jalan Bukit Bintang

New Year's Eve Celebration (Jalan Bukit Bintang) What? The place to be for a New Year's Countdown and a display of some cool fireworks. Admission: Free

How to get there: Monorail, Bukit Bintang Station (All Monorail Stations are opened until 3a.m for New Year's Celebration)

Road Closure: From the traffic lights at Jalan Imbi or Jalan Sultan Ismail up to the traffic lights at Jalan Sultan Ismail or Jalan Bukit Bintang.


Secret Place to Watch The Best Fireworks Display On New Year's Eve - HERE

President Abdurrahman Wahid Died at age 69

Indonesia's former president Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, died in a Jakarta hospital at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday. He was 69 years old.

The former president had been undergoing regular dialysis for some time. He was hospitalized last week after traveling in East Java.

Gus Dur served as president from 1999-2001 during the turbulent years following Suharto's resignation in 1998.

Top 10 Best Spot To Watch Fireworks for 2010 New Year Countdown in KL,PJ !!

Here are the Top 10 best spots to view the fireworks around KL and PJ area for the 2010 New Year Countdown. From Ampang Look Out Point, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to Sunway Pyramid and Tropicana City Mall. Compiled by KLUE and this might be a slightly long post but who cares when there's nice stuffs to share !! Here are the top spots in non-biased order.

(1) Ampang Look Out Point

Ampang Lookout Point Has Panaromic View Of KL City for 2010 Countdown

This is the perfect spot for a panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur City skyline. Both romantic and breathtaking, the road that leads up to this little treasure is dark and winding, so be sure to leave early in the evening so you'd secure a parking spot. There are restaurants up here such as Gasoline, Haven, and the Bread and Olives Cafe where you can dine at with the best company, before heading over to the hill-top tower to enjoy the fireworks over the Petronas KLCC Twin Towers. Located in Ampang, the Look Out Point is a mere 20 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre for a beautiful escape.

Address Jalan Hulu Langat (B62), Ampang, Selangor.

(2) Tropicana City Mall

Tropicana City Mall 1st 2010 New Year Countdown Gathering

The brand, spanking new mall in the heart of Petaling Jaya, which serves many of its happy SS2, Damansara Utama and Damansara Jaya residents with its array of shops and cinema, will be celebrating New Year 2010 with fireworks, live band performances, fire breathers, a samba percussion group and magicians. The activities will be taking place at the entrance of the Mall and starts at 8pm, so expect a traffic jam along the NKVE which runs in front of it, as passers-by will probably stop to watch the fireworks.

Address Tropicana City Mall, No. 3, Jalan SS20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

(3) Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall

Scenic Nightview of Sunway Pyramid, Awesome Spot for 2010 Countdown

Subang peeps who are too lazy to drive to KL city to party will settle for the local mall's firework display which is pretty decent. Families can also enjoy the explosive colours from their backyard or garden, especially those who love having barbecue parties for the festivities. Precocious young adults can also head to Euphoria by Ministry of Sound to boogie the night down, while Bar Celona and the new Opera is within walking distance.

Address Sunway Pyramid, 15, Jalan PJS 11/24, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

(4) City Walk @ i-City, Shah Alam
If hearing motivational speeches which get you prepped for the year ahead is your kinda thing, then welcome the New Year with leaders Khalid Ibrahim and Teresa Kok. The event begins at 5pm with Orang Asli and multicultural drum performances, and later in the night, Selangor Menteri Besar will be delivering a speech to usher in the new year. The night comes to a close when the fireworks go off at the stroke of midnight and everyone has a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Address City Walk @ i-City, Seksyen 7, Shah Alam.

(5) The Curve

The Curve Annual New Year Countdown Concert 2010

The annual New Year's Countdown is not complete with a concert held at the Curve, organised by Fly fm. Last year it was a Masquerade Party, and this year we will see hottie Faizal Tahir and local powerhouse Jaclyn Victor heat up the stage at 8pm. Roads will be closed to house this event hosted by Joey G and model Kylie Chapman, so be sure to get there early to avoid having to park by the roadside and risk your car getting scratched.

Address 6, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya.

(6) Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya
For those of you who are adventurous enough, take a climb up Gasing Hill, one of the last surviving green lungs in the Klang Valley. There is a dirt path which many residents take for their morning walks, though there is overgrowth, so it is best to don a comfortable pair of sneakers than just flip-flops. At the end of the path, there is a little hut built on stilts where you can climb and take in the view of Old Klang Road and parts of the KL skyline, including the Petronas Twin Towers. An alternative would be to drive up Gasing Hill on one of the roads which will lead you to a telecommunications tower, and there are benches for you to sit on. The view may be blocked by a few trees, though.


(7) Jalan Bukit Pantai, Bangsar
This frequently travelled road is usually overlooked since cars just roll past without noticing, but there is a little spot along it which hosts the prettiest framed sight of the KL skyline and on New Year's Eve, you can park your car on the side of the road (make sure it doesn't obstruct traffic though), and walk down the road from Pantai Towers to enjoy the fireworks. The houses and condominiums in Bukit Pantai will also have access to the view, thanks to the high point of their construction.


(8) ASEAN Sculpture Garden, Kuala Lumpur

Nice view of KLCC and KL Tower

This garden, located within Lake Gardens in KL, boasts award-winning sculptures from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Brunei. The sculptures, mostly individual pieces, are magnificent and majestic. If you stand near the lake, you'll be able to see the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower looming above the trees, so if you're bold enough to go there at night alone, try this spot where the grass is soft and you can sit all night having drinks.


(9) Bukit Permai, Cheras

Bukit Permai Overlooking the KL City

This look out point which is not as spectacular as the one in Ampang will do, for those who live around this residential area. During the major celebrations like Merdeka and New Year's, many will crowd in this area to watch the fireworks over Kuala Lumpur. This not-so-cosy little nook is dubbed 'Little Genting', and is nestled within a labyrinth of houses so be sure to check out the map before you set out on your journey.

(10) Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Preview of fireworks In Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

An urban retreat for those who want to jog around the lake in the middle of it, go canoeing or just lie on the lawn to soak up the fresh air, this park is a household name for those who live in KL. If you want to watch the fireworks along with countless strangers and children, this is the place to be.

Address Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Jalan Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur.

Channel 4 prepares for its final Celebrity Big Brother

It was once one of Channel 4's most popular shows, and also its most controversial. Now the broadcaster is preparing to say goodbye to Celebrity Big Brother, which will conclude with its longest run - 27 days - when it launches on Sunday.

The famous Big Brother house has been given a makeover for the show's seventh and final season, with a look.. [read full story]

Nick Jonas Biography

Nick Jonas was born Nicholas Jerry Jonas on September 16, 1992. He's a singer, songwriter, and actor - one of the three brothers in the Jonas Brothers pop rock boy band. The Jonas Brothers group started as a singing career for Nick, but producers signed all three of them when they heard them. Kevin Jonas, Joseph Jonas and Nick Jonas are the stars of the Disney series Jonas where they play themselves.

Born in Dallas Texas, Nick Jonas was originally discovered by singing in a barber shop where his mom was getting a haircut. He was referred to a show business manager, and began singing on Broadway at the age of 7. Nick acted in several Broadway plays at a tender age.

Nick was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 13 and wears an insulin pump to help him keep a normal blood sugar level. He has partnered with four different charities to raise awareness and funds for diabetes.

In Summer 2007, Nick Jonas and brothers Kevin and Joe guest starred in an episode of Hannah Montana. Close to 11 million people watched the episode, breaking cable records. The Jonas Brothers filmed a movie, Camp Rock, where they played characters in a band - a real stretch we know.

By May 2008, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, and Joe Jonas were starring in their own Disney reality series Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream. It documented the lives of the Jonas Brothers during their tour Look Me in the Eyes. They are now starring in the Disney series called Jonas, where they play the Lucases, a family pop band that is trying to live a normal life. Sounds a bit like Hannah Montana.

Their second album Jonas Brothers was released in Summer 2007 and sold over three million copies. The Jonas Brothers' third album, A Little Bit Longer was released in August 2008. It sold over 2 million copies worldwide. Is Jonas Music taking over the world?

Nick Jonas Fast Facts:
Discovered as a child while singing at a hair salon.
Performed in his first Broadway show, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, at age 8.
Signed as a solo act with Columbia Records at age 11.
Drew inspiration from his struggles with Type 1 diabetes when writing the song "A Little Bit Longer."
Wears a purity ring symbolizing abstinence until marriage.

Nick Jonas Relationships:
Denise Jonas - Mother
Frankie Jonas - Brother
Joe Jonas - Brother
Kevin Jonas - Brother
Kevin Jonas Sr. - Father
Miley Cyrus - Ex-significant Other
Selena Gomez - Ex-significant Other

New Year Eve 2010 Countdown Party At MardiGras, 1 Utama.

2010 New Countdown at MardiGras, 1Utama

Celebrate New Year Eve 2010 Countdown Party At MardiGras, 1 Utama. The best place to relax, wind up, and club for a great time. This special event was invited by the cool chaps at Clubbing9.

* Door Charge.
RM30 inc. 1 drink (For Clubbing9 members)
RM45 inc. 1 drink (Non Member)


* Bottles Promotion before 11pm


RM418 x 2 bottles dewar
RM498 x 2 bottles black label
RM568 x 2 bottles hennessy


After 11pm


RM480 x 2 bottles dewar
RM550 x 2 bottles black label
RM600 x 2 bottles hennessy


Mardi Gras is situated at P292 Promenade Lakeside, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Damansara, PJ

RM50 Credit Card Tax To Start On Anniversary Date On New Year 2010

RM50 credit card tax starts New Year’s Day

Applicants issued with new credit and charge cards next year will have to pay the RM50 service tax upfront. For existing card holders, the charge will be imposed on the anniversary date of cards. Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, who confirmed this with The Star yesterday, said the Government would impose the service tax for credit and charge cards from next year.

“Existing cardholders will only be charged the service tax through their issuing banks upon the aniversary date of the card.

“For example, if the card’s anniversary date is in January, then you pay the tax in January. But if the date is in April, then you only pay the tax in April,” he added.

The minister’s clarification puts to rest nagging doubts among the millions of credit card holders in the country who have been raising queries since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the new tax when he unveiled Budget 2010 in October.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, had said that a RM50 service tax for principal credit and charge cards and a RM25 for supplementary cards would be imposed from January.

This has led to card holders asking if the charges will be imposed from Jan 1 or on the anniversary dates of the cards, which are usually issued for a three-year period.

Meanwhile, many banks in Malaysia are strategising to help customers pay the government service tax on credit cards effective Jan 1, 2010. The banks are willing to allow customers to utilise their points collected to help pay the tax charge.

Master Card and Visa Credit Card Issued By Various Banks

Other banks have also said that consumers could easily offset the tax with the many cash rebates offered with their credit cards.

Earlier,The Government had announced in Budget 2010 that an annual service tax of RM50 will be imposed for each principal credit card and RM25 for each supplementary card, in an effort to encourage prudent spending.