Nadai Nama in BERNAMA


Datuk Seri Najib took time to mingle with the crowd at the 1 Malaysia tea-party in Putrajaya last month. - Picture from The Malaysian Insider by Choo Choy May

Nadai Nama Nama wish to thank BERNAMA for their article "Blogger Reveals The Other Side of Najib". The article which is based on my post about PM's Special Party with his Online Friends is reproduced below for your viewing.

The article was written by Rudy Rukimin Rambli

SRI AMAN, April 11 (Bernama) -- When Desmond Jerukan received the email inviting him to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's tea party at Sri Perdana in Putrajaya last March 13, he thought somebody was trying to play a joke on him.

However when the 41-year-old writer of 'Nadai Nama Nama' received a second e-mail inviting him to the function, he realised that it was not a prank.

"Before the event took place, I was really nervous and didn't know what to do although the organiser informed me about the dress code. The only thing that I could do shortly after arriving in Kuala Lumpur from Kuching was to buy a cheap necktie at Sungei Wang Plaza's Parkson," he told Bernama here.

As he is working in Sri Aman, Desmond had to drive for two hours to reach Kuching before boarding a one hour and 45 minutes flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Desmond, an administrative officer in the Sri Aman Resident's Office, said he will remember the trip for the rest of his life as he had never imagined that one day he would be sitting next to the Prime Minister at a tea party.

ONLINE

To Desmond, the tea party was an enriching experience as the only other chance for him to see the Prime Minister is during the official functions in Sarawak.

To be able to meet the Prime Minister in an informal event was a rare moment for him.

"I find him (Najib) to be really sincere in getting to know his online friends. For example when his officer called him through his handphone, Najib's immediate reply was that he was in the midst of an important function and asked the person to call back later," said Desmond.

Even after the function, the Prime Minister repeatedly told the bodyguards to allow his online friends to meet and mingle with him.

He said the Prime Minister even commented on the Black Eyed Peas song "I've Got a Feeling" that was played during the tea party saying that the song set the right mood.

Desmond said the Prime Minister has his own unique way of breaking the ice.

In his blog, Desmond wrote: "The Prime Minister and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were very casual. His friendliness also caught everyone off guard. He broke the ice with me by talking about my camera.

"My, My.... you have a serious looking camera there," And so it started with camera talk and I have to thank my Nikon D5000 for being a saviour."

With that ice-breaking gesture Desmond said the rest was history as he together with other online friends talked about many issues which the Prime Minister listened patiently and attentively.

"The only thing that I could not talked about at that point of time was about Liverpool because I am a big fan of the club but the Prime Minister is supporting Manchester United," he said in jest.

Desmond who has a degree in Applied Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia and Corporate Masters in Business Administration (CMBA) from Ohio University, United States, said the hi-tea marked a new era for the country's current leadership.

"So far no elected representatives have opened up their line of communication. The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib has created his blog, Facebook, Youtube and a website that has been constantly updated with the latest information," said Desmond.

As such, the Prime Minister has taken the initiative to be more accesible to the people by using the latest technology available and at the same time listening to their grouses.

WALK THE TALK

Desmond said Najib administration has brought a new level in walk the talk concept when he would try to solve the problem based on the feedback received from his online medium.

"For example, based on my own experience, through the 1Malaysia blog and Prime Minister's Department on May 2009, I reported the risks faced by parents, teachers and students when crossing the suspension bridge at Nanga Klassen Sri Aman as the cables are in danger of being disconnected from the bridge," he said.

"Several weeks later villagers at Nanga Klassen told me they saw several 4WD vehicles from the State Development Office of the Prime Minister's Department there. We were shown the letter from the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department for the construction of a RM400,000 semi-concrete bridge at Nanga Klassen," he said.

Desmond said the suspension bridge was the only way to Sekolah Rendah Nanga Klassem and although the elected representatives had tried their very best to get financial support from the relevant agencies it failed to get any attention due to bureucratic problems and financial constraints.

"I am monitoring the progress of the project and this proved that the Prime Minister's website has made it easier and faster to channel development funds to those who really urgently need it," he said.

He said the Prime Minister has shown the power of the Internet in disseminating and getting information as well as taking action for the targetted groups and it should be emulated by other leaders.

On the Najib's walkabout, Desmond calls for more of such walkabouts in the rural areas as not many villlagers have the opportunity to meet and shake hands with the Prime Minister.

On the tea party with Najib, Desmond hopes the event would not be the last as it can be used to as an alternative medium to listen to various problems from the grassroot level.

"The best thing during the event was the Prime Minister and his online friends were willing to exchange ideas for the sake of the nation," Desmond added.

-- BERNAMA --

For those who have not seen or been to SK Nanga Klassen, Sri Aman and their hanging bridge, here is a video presentation by their teacher Cikgu Charles B.

My online buddies also informed me that it seems some online portals like Malaysiakini, also picked up the article. I thank you all for the comments there made by their circle of readers (As stated in their comment box I need to pay RM20 to join them as subscriber to read the whole thing or say hello in there or join their discussion so I guess I'll skip). Its not always I get this attention from their RM20 (or more) paying readers but well when you pay, you have to say your piece or rugi nanti. Keep them coming please because I will keep the more aggressive ones to cherish for life. One day we can meet up maybe 20 years (if we are still alive) from now and we can identify which were the comments made by you. Really, the comical and funny comments almost made me have a heart attack due to laughing and rolling all over the floor. Maybe after 20 years our false teeth will fall off when laughing. I always remind my readers, this Blog Title is Nadai Nama Nama. Translated in Iban for those who do not know, it means "Nothing At All". So do not get 'excited' about Nothing At All. My loyal readers know this. The acronym is NNN, well its not as famous as CNN. My online hits performance seem to shoot up today. Gosh do I have to pay royalty or do I get royalty for my article being in Malaysiakini and people have to pay to read it there? If I allow comments from Malaysiakini readers in here can I charge RM20 per comment? So far about almost 10 are waiting to be moderated. It sounds tempting. Its also really a good time to promote about Sarawak now so please do come visit our beautiful State. Don't come only during elections to prove that you can stay (but not last) in a longhouse and then suddenly disappear after that. We hate that when some people like to put up a show, be it the opposition or ruling coalitions. Also do support the Sarawak-Bloggers site. Cheers mate.

Comments

Wah Desmond!

So lucky you. There is nothing bad about him as a person. It is just that, in the world of politics, it is difficult to satisfy everyone.

Suka la you? Hahaha
Bengbeng said…
wow, this is indeed a rare experience
Congratulations sir....hope our new bridge ( SK Nanga Klassen) will start it contructions soon..thanks coz our PM also take care and know about our bridge...Cheers.
Wow, congratulations on hitting the big time! ;-)
cyrildason said…
On behalf of the Sarawak Bloggers and myslef, I say "CONGRATULATIONS BRO!!"

-cyrildason.com