Reformis to Go NUDE..

When I first read about Reformis applying for a nude protest, the first question that came through my naive mind was, even if the police gave them the permit, I wonder whether they will keep to their word and strip??

In Malaysian context, to even walk in the streets shirtless would have been obscene and most probably if its my female counterpart, the police would have brought you into lockup as its said to disturb the society at large since we're 'conservative', not like Western societies.

Nonetheless, its my personal believe that this would yet be another political 'sandiwara'. I would definitely want those who refute my claim to prove that if all things failed and none of the demands made by Reformis are materialise, Reformis will really strip nude in protest. Why even bother putting 'lee way' or escape route like "We wanted a police permit to strip in front of the State Secretariat as a sign of protest but we were denied it, so, now we will stalk the Mentri Besar and go butt naked when we get the chance,” said movement president Ramlan Abu Bakar.

Just strip in public in protest to show your dissatisfaction. It would get you on front page anyway. Unless like I said earlier, its all just a show or putting some spices into our dull Malaysian robotic life where everything is in denial and scandal as claimed by people on TOP!!

Just to add somemore spice to all this wayang kulit also, please ensure some religious body are present when Reformis strip. Because at that time, the whole strip protest would turn into a religious issue too. You would have some religiously upright person or Pak Imam criticising on their act ('their' meaning the Muslim involve; I'm assuming that Reformis are made out of Malay member only) which are un-Islamic and the show goes on.

I wonder how much more longer could the sane and responsible Malaysians take all this nonsense that's happening. Once in awhile, we appreciate some 'spices' in our dull life but at certain point in time, don't these guys have better methods or alternative to solve problems/complications??

Having said all those above, its my sincere hope that our present Government and Opposition take to heart that WE the laymen are getting upset with all these nonsense. Please don't test our patience or we-the younger generation-will arise and ensure that your 'empire' of 51 years will crumble. That is our promise!!

HIDUP MALAYSIA!! And LONG LIVE MALAYSIANS!!

May the good LORD bless our little step to betterment (CHANGE sounds too cliche in today's context)

What the h%&# is wrong with us??

Its been some time since I pen down my thoughts but nonetheless, I'm glad we Malaysians did not change much even after turmoil in political parties, tsunami all over the show (I'm kind of sick of the word 'tsunami') and hangat-hangat tahi ayam here and there.

Well, to get into focus-I'm referring specifically to few issues that has been going on.

Release of Baginda which did not came much as a surprise to me as I was just awaiting for the time to happen since he was caught. I mean (let's be realistic)..with all the accusation and claims, let's not forget about the statutory declaration..it had to come from somewhere which is of course 'baseless' as if you're that high up in the government, even if you don't know how to C.Y.A, there's always a lembu to do that job, right? Otherwise how can min.s.ters have enought $$$ to send their kids to overseas for education and here in Malaysia, they shout how good is our education level and how much we should be proud of our University. Such a mockery to intelectual minds. These same guys who promote Malaysian university and send their own child overseas are also the same 'monkeys' who pay many many super-brains of Malaysia overseas to study with scholarships..only to realise that they are not coming back!!! (How stupid can this nation be?)

Whoopss!! Looks like I am stupid!! Because I just realise that our leaders are super poor actors. Mere rhetorics when someone mention that non-Malay or more accurate media term is minority of this country can be the Prime Minister of Malaysia!! Woohoo...the MALAYSIAN DREAM!!

I am really dreaming if I bought any of those words because any layman would know that the only way to get there is if you control the majority in the coalition (blue or green doens't matter). BN with UMNO would soak their keris with my blood before I reach the first step towards being the next PM while Pas would announce that all Malays who support me has deviate from the true teaching of Islam with some justification that appears from God knows where and both sides playing the racial card again which is the Royal Flush in desperate moment to uproar the narrow minded friends.

Hmm..my article may sound very bleak and vulgar to some..rude maybe..

But at the end, I want all (regardless of what ethnicity you relate yourselve to) to think of what do we want to achieve at the end, where are we heading now and how we want our neighbours children to survive? Someone said that Malaysia has its own Obama, a minority man (Indian Muslim) as the PM which is Tun Mahathir himself. But let me challenge you with this question..when has our beloved Tun Mahathir called himself a Indian Muslim?? I'm sure if he said that during UMNO presidency election 2 decades ago, he wouldn't have been where he was in our history now. Malaysian politicians (of all fractions, race and creed) should stop talking about rhetorics which only happens in 'Alice in Wonderland' because Malaysia's suffering and bleeding is real and severe.

Let us arise together as One Voice to carry each other's burden side by side, holding hands in times of need without worrying too much on whether the other hand is halal or haram. The nation will only surface when we are looking from the same surface or submerge pulling each other down.

What do you want??

p/s C.Y.A means COVER YOUR ASS

Hay-Wire

As much as I think I'm doing well but deep down, I believe somehow or rather I am emotionally not. Being brought up to be able to handle my emotions rather well enough has in deed help me walk through this path of loving a love one.

Today marks the first month of my mother's demise and the day at office seems different too. It didn't really feel that I was in a depress mood or anything, but somehow I was not able to focus well on my work. Losing pace on things that were needed to be completed and forgetting task that were suppose to be handled..that just didn't seem ME!!

Somehow my mother's presence in my life had a big impact and I'm glad in a way that she did make a HUGE effect on me. It would be a sad news if somehow whom you call Mother or Father or whosoever with a family tie has gone and there is nothing to feel lost about.

I pray to God that with her 'going HOME', she would continue to play a large impact in my life still to continue to trust and obey in a 'being' who I call HEAVENLY FATHER and SAVIOUR. My mom hold on to her faith in her dying moment so strongly that each and everyone who came was touch by her. In that way, I would like to commemorate this wonderful wife, mother, sister, teacher, friend, daughter in law etc..

God has definitely bless you as how you bless others. You will always remain in my heart and I pray you would look upon me (dad, Jie and Mei) each and every day.

I Love You!!

A Beautiful Journey

24th of October would bring some other more meaningful meaning to me after 2008. Other than being the same day of Pahang Sultan's birthday, the day that I graduated from my GIP Programme in Nielsen Malaysia..something more meaningful happen..

*****
My mom went home to be with the LORD, Yahweh Elohim
*****

My mom has been hospitalized for quite some time since she started to have constant fever which doctor mis-diagnose as menopause symptom. It was only about 6 weeks ago that doctors confirm she has liver cancer (unknown primary source). My family decided to take her home for palative careas we wanted her to enjoy what is remaining in her wonderful life.

I'm glad to say thaat mom did not lose her faith in this time of trials and suffeering, in fact, she was the one who encourages us not to compromise our faith in Christ in times of pain and loss ootherwise all our praise and prayers seem so fake for the years we profess our faith in the Lord who has, is and will always shadow our every step.

My mom's life is really a testimony for others and it is shown through the impact she has left in lifes throughout her 50 years of living; 26 years as a loving wife and mother. I was really encourage to see that her friends and church members from as far as Penang, KL and Singapore actually travelled to Kuantan to pay their last respect. She had students who are now working adults or parents to their own children coming to see her before her demise proves that my mom had impacted their life positively as an educator. (my mom is a primary school teacher)

As a mother, she has always been my comforter and counsellor especially in my love life. Always ready to listen when her children has something to discuss or just plain talk. Writing this sentence reminds me of the time when she would spend time talking to me as she marks her students' exercise book. Well, I don't think I could do much justice to such a selfless mother who puts her childrens first above all things.

For those who are reads my blog, you would realise that I seldom or never had written anything about my family because its not my nature to post anything related to my family. However, I have to make an exception in this time as I feel strongly to share what this wonderful women I call 'MOTHER' has done to impact not just my family but to those around her.

Below is some pictures to commemorate her return to home in heaven, where angels sing and Christ awaits at the thrown to award my mom her prize for finishing the good race on Earth.

*****

Celebrating her 26th Anniversary with loving husband (my dad la!!)
*****
With her ex-colleagues in Selayang Hospital
*****
Family pic with Uncle along
From left: ME,dad,young sis,elder sis,mom,uncle
*****
My mom's coffin (front view)
*****
That's me giving some testimony about my dearest mom. Can't control my tears, so my dad needed to console me
*****

My mom's going home to heaven was a peaceful journey. What I want to say the most is treat your love ones well and cherish all the moments you have with them (for bad or for worst) because trust me, you will start thinking of even the bad memories which turn out to be so sweet in fact. Love your dad and mom people and love all those around you.

It's been a long break for the Thinker

Many of friends have been wondering where have I gone to or whether I've quit from blogging after leaving campus and started working.

Anyway, I'm back into the blogging atmosphere and would continue to write on issues that I think I may contribute to building critical thoughts and critics from readers.

Malaysia is indeed going through interesting time with no special reference whether its good or bad, but in a way that is hopefully going to rebuild this nation to awaken from its short-coming and ignorance created by our politicians and fore-fathers. They indeed help build Malaysia to where and how it is now but let's not forget that they 'contributed' to all our calamities in terms of allowing race sentiments to be played each General Elections, allowing wrong interpretation of what Ketuanan Melayu (malay supremacy), what special rights are meant in the Federal Constitution, what do we mean by social contract that was agreed upon.

With OKT leaving the second largest component party of BN as president, we're able to observe what are the sentiments that component parties are feeling. UMNO being the 'tai ko' in the family has all the decision making influence. There's no point denying actually since we all are aware of the reality. Example, the Prime Minister must gain the trust of the majority which we all know is UMNO President then when comes to decisioin making for the nation, UMNO supreme council supercedes the Cabinet of Malaysia in reality.

Am I saying that UMNO is a big bully? Are all the leaders or Ministers from UMNO not sincere in building this nation based on shared values and national identify rather than racial identity?

In fact, I wonder which politician can explain to me what is the meaning to be a Malaysian? How do you describe who is a Malaysian? Its a very complicated issue if you ask me. Reason due to how this nation was build historically (and that means going even before Parameswara's time, government text book answers).

Stay tuned for more insights on my little thougths...

Who cares if Anwar is just another Pinocchio?

The following article is written by someone who is my senior in UM, as I was told. His name is Mr. Khoo Kay Peng and here is one article written by him which I would like very much to share. For creditability, it's taken from malaysiakini.com.

Khoo Kay Peng | Sep 26, 08 5:22pm
Some people are too fixated with deadlines and Anwar Ibrahim. It does not matter if a change of government does not happen on 16/9, 23/9 or 1/10. It does not matter if Anwar is just another Pinocchio. Even if Anwar becomes the next prime minister, he will not be able wish away our problems instantaneously.

MCPX

There is no short cut to solve our political and socio-economic problems. Instead of arguing on the dates, it is best for Malaysians to work together to set the agenda for the next prime minister and his administration.

If Anwar fails to take over government, do we abandon our desire for change? The movement for change is not about Anwar or his party alone. It is about our desire to make our country a fairer and better place to live in. Anwar as prime minister or Najib as prime minister will have to deliver the exact same results for the society. Nothing less.

We cannot ignore this momentum for change. Since the Mar 8 General Election, many more Malaysians now believe a change for the better is not something remotely impossible. Those elites who rule this country at their whims and fancies will soon have to realise that the right to govern comes with a huge responsibility to deliver goodness for the society.

We should not argue over dates. It does not matter if a change of government materialises on 16/9, 23/9 or 1/10. The reality is a change has begun and it is impossible for this momentum to be rolled back. Any coalition governing this country knows that it cannot again rest on its laurels.

Shouldn't we then work together to set the next agenda for the new administration? Surely, whoever leads the country must ensure that Malaysia flourishes on the rule of law. In the light of the current abuse of draconian law such as ISA, we should call for the repeal of all draconian laws which trample on universal human rights.

A loud signal should be sent to the next PM that we cannot tolerate a home minister like Syed Hamid Albar, who despite his legal qualification, is totally clueless about fundamental human rights. A person like him must not be given a full access to absolute discretionary power.

Next, we want to reinstate judicial review to provide a necessary check-and-balance on unlimited ministerial power. Separation of power is key to a healthy democracy. Anwar or Najib must be committed to reviewing the ministerial power.

Anwar is committed to abolishing the ISA. Is Najib willing to do the same?

A key point to the agenda is the imminent review of the New Economy Policy. This policy was introduced as a result of the outcome of the inclusive Goodwill Council. Clearly, after 38 years of its implementation, the policy has failed to close the intra-community income gap especially among the Malay-Bumiputeras.

Dr Mahathir, in one his blog posts, admitted the problem of giving contracts to a selective few because of the non-performance of Bumiputera companies. Those who are allocated equity shares tend to sell them off for quick money. By selling down, the Malay equity shareholding will forever be below the desired 30 percent level.

If the NEP is not fixed and its abuses curbed, local investors will be deterred to invest locally. A continuous outflow of funds affects domestic job creation, economic growth and industrial development.

Is Najib prepared to review the NEP which is a sacred cow of his party? Anwar has promised to abolish the NEP and replace it with his New Malaysia Agenda despite being accused of negating Malay rights. Current implementation of the NEP is detrimental to Malay rights.

After nearly 51 years of independence and hundreds of years of co-existence, the next PM should strive to unite all races in order to create a truly fair and equitable Bangsa Malaysia. Political rhetoric must be carefully managed to reduce racial frictions. Rightly, the curtain should come down on race-based politics.

Continuing to harp on Malay supremacy or the controversial social contract is not going to take this multiracial society forward. Are we not ready to move forward just because politicians claim that we are not? Malaysians should decide their own fate and not allow a bunch of self-centered politicians to do it for us. A united Malaysia is better than one which emphasises race divisions.

Now, can we agree to lose our fixation with dates and focus on the next agenda? Malaysians must show that we are dead serious about change. Most people are resistant to change including you and me. But change we must in order to build a Malaysia where everyone with the right skills, determination, talent and creativity can flourish.

Otherwise, we should blame our shallowness.

Why is Najib apologising on behalf?

Click above to read on Haris Ibrahim's posting or read below, except taken from malaysiakini.com:

VoxPop: 'Why is Najib apologising?'
Sep 3, 08 10:40am
On
Ahmad-bashing continues

Stephen Ng: Bukit Bendera Umno division head, Ahmad Ismail who made a racist remark recently during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign did not apologise. Instead, it was the Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who made a public apology on behalf of Umno.
It is not an understatement to say that all Malaysians abhor the racist remarks made by Ahmad in his capacity as Umno divisional chief and for him to claim that he did not mean what he had uttered is as good as saying that his words and actions were that of an underaged person.
As a divisional leader, Ahmad should be personally responsible for the remarks that he had made, and we urge the deputy prime minister as the BN whip to take disciplinary action against Ahmad.

As an observer of Malaysia’s political drama, I am impressed by Anwar Ibrahim’s reprimand of the Penang deputy chief minister as well as the sacking of the Selangor menteri besar’s aide over allegations of improper conduct. It shows that no one is spared the axe if a wrong is done.
On the contrary, the nation has seen how the former state assemblyman of Selangor, the late Zakaria Md Deros, escaped any form of disciplinary action after a controversy involving him and his family was revealed.

I cannot help but urge Najib to exercise his authority as BN whip. The unhappiness expressed by the Chinese in Malaysia cannot be placated by an apology by Najib. Ahmad as divisional chief should take personal responsibility for his seditious comments.
The sad part is that he had uttered these words in the presence of the DPM and under the watchful eyes of the police as well.


Nantha Kumar: Well, proof that the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government practices racism has finally been revealed. What is the prime minister going to say now after all his talk of unity and respect for people regardless of race or religion?

His own party is now talking about racism. This is the main reason why the Barisan ship is sinking and very soon it will be gone. To Umno, please stop stirring up such negative sentiments. People are sick and tired of your political double-talk and hypocrisy.


MILLIONTH CITIZEN: So, Mr PM, the rakyat is waiting to see what action you are going to take against Ahmad Ismail for making such inflammatory racist remarks. Many police reports have been lodged by various parties on the matter. Don’t tell me you are going to remain silent? What action are you going to take to correct this racist man?

Such racist arrogance can only be displayed by Umno. Where is Ahmad? Why isn’t he explaining himself? Has his bravado deserted him now that he is in trouble? Come out and defend yourself. We, the rakyat, are waiting for an explanation.


Chuacj: The prime minister said Ahmad did not mean what he said. Does this mean the issue should be swept under the carpet?

In the world of Umno, if you take a gun and shot somebody, will there be no case if you say you didn’t mean to commit murder? If Ahmad didn’t mean his words, there are only two explanations as to why he made the remarks.

Firstly, it was an honest opinion straight from the heart. This means the words just came out from his mouth without going through his brain. If this is the case, then Ahmad is a very dangerous man as he is full of hatred. Just think want will happen if he has more power.
Secondly, he purposely played up racial sentiments to pit the various races against each other. If this is the case, shouldn’t he be charged under the Internal Security Act?


Pendatang/Squatter/Immigrant: This is an appeal Lee Chong Wei. As described by a prominent politician, you are an immigrant. You did not represent your country to win a silver medal at the Olympics. The medal you won is worthless.

Maybe you should send that medal elsewhere, where it will be appreciated. Winning a medal means nothing if your country does not recognise and appreciate you for it. And I don’t mean plying you with money and gifts.


Eileen: I come from a kampung where the Chinese and Malays lived side by side in harmony. I remember during Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, our kitchen would be full of kuih, ketupat and beef curry.

And during Chinese New Year, my mother would be busy making tons of kuih bakul for all our Malay friends.

During the local fruits season, our house would be full of rambutan, mangosteen and durians, fresh from the backyards of our Malay friends.

We were all very naive and lived happily together. We didn't know what racism was until ‘ambitious’ politicians introduced it to our lives when they came to our village to canvass for support. They used racist policies to pit us against each other in order to cling on to power.
For the past 51 years, politicians have been poisoning us. This was especially evident during the March general election and the recent Permatang Pauh by-election.

After 51 long years of struggle, is it too much to ask that we all get along and respect each other? I hope the rakyat will bury their differences and give Anwar Ibrahim a chance to lead Malaysia forward.

Ponderish Term

As I was reading the morning papers and saw that our DPM mention for the first time (at least for me) on printed media the term Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indian as he apologise for the statement made by Bukit Bendera UMNO Chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail.

This term caught my attention as I personally have been discussing and pondering much on how should it be. Question that I ask myself is whether I am a Chinese Malaysian or a Malaysian Chinese (as Najib said).

Some define that the proper term should be Chinese Malaysian as 'chinese' is the adjective, thus, making Malaysian the core meaning behind.

Nevertheless, I am still not sure and would appreciate anyone who would enlighten me which is ME!! Am I a Malaysian Chinese or Chinese Malaysian??

--although it doensn't make a big difference which one is which but it does when someone purposely wants to 'fight' on the issue-- (@_@)

On the other note, although I'm glad the UMNO deputy made an apology but I must comment that it doens't sound sincere as it is also claim that he spoke on his personal capacity.
What I want to say is that our leaders should be more responsibility and accountability when making such statements as YOU represent the people. Have balls to admit you made such a statement and be bold enough to stand up to face the concequences. This damn politicians (many of them) can say anything and hide behind their so called BIG figures. PKR sama, sekarang UMNO juga sama.

Can someone tell me which politician that I can look up too currently? Many seems corrupted or too wise to remain behind the scene and appear 'holy'. Or am I disillusion now after the tsunami??

Are we ready for Inter-faith Dialogue?

With all the tsunami that hits our shores and cast HOPE for the nation to truly have a chance to revamp itself from the baggages that were laid by the wave in the form of 'dacing' that never left the shores, I believe the nation at this time is going through a very interesting period.

Reform is and never will be a comfortable for all-that's why it is called reform. Nonetheless, let me clarify that the reform I am talking about is definitely not about shouting in the streets and throwing water bottles at each other like cave man in pre-historic times (oh ya, cave man didn't have water bottles right? So, maybe stone??)

Reform I am referring to come in terms of inteliectual discourse where civilise human beings regardless of his or her up-bringing and teaching are able to sit together and talk about issues pertaining to socio development and let thoughts fly around. Spoken with humulity and humbleness while accepted with good faith.

Time to throw away the 'rubbish' that we are being fed and told to hear and obey for half a century. Read the article below which I stumble upon or click here to read


The future of our interfaith dialogue


The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats.
---Azly Rahman

dr.azly.rahman@gmail.com
http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/

Must engaging in dialogue on religion be painful? Must it be greeted with hostility? Or is it a moot question—that the answer lies in what we failed to have done through our education system, decades ago?

I have faith that we will one day be ready to appreciate interfaith dialogue. On this note, I too believe that we will one day appreciate philosophical discussions and scientific debates. My experience conducting interfaith dialogue every semester in the American classroom setting gives me the assurance that we will be ready. It would be good to one day know that our corridors of academia are filled with passionate discussions on the self, the universe, God, and fate of humanity.

The core of each religious foundation is there for us to explore and to learn from. We need to escape from being trapped in the particular and liberate ourselves into explorers of the universal. Of course this will take time given the nature of class and caste system we are in; developments that have impacted upon our consciousness. But evolve we must, if we are to see a progressive country emerging out of these ruins of communal politics, immorality of modern capitalism, and persistent religious misunderstandings. Ignorance is the greatest enemy of knowledge, as the sage Socrates once said.

What is interfaith dialogue?

The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats. Educators of peace and social justice must not give up. In a country in which we have for example Center for Civilizational Dialogue in Universiti Malaya, and in a country wanting to be known as a "moderate country with a Muslim majority", we are seeing contradictions. It will get uglier if we fail to reflect upon the means and methods of religious dialogue. We do not know much what each one of us believes in and what are the rituals and practices of our neighbours. We do not know what scripture they read, let alone the meaning of the prayers, the doa, zikir, the pujas, and the mantras. We lack the knowledge of the fundamentals. This is understandable – fear governs our consciousness and directs our actions and ultimately reproduces itself inter-generationally. Religion is a "sensitive" issue, they say--- which needs desensitization, I would contend.

Back to the protests on the Bar Council forum. It is a misrepresentation of what Muslims are and a reflection of how we have approached not only dialogue on religion but also on other "sensitive issues" as well. In this environment and in this regime where exploitation of issues are orchestrated by opportunists at the expense of peaceful dialogue, we will always be at the losing end of education for critical consciousness and for peace.We must go back to the drawing board of our approach to teaching religion in terms of curricular design and how to juxtapose or even infuse it with core idea of humanism and rationalism. This will take another few decades given the complexity of our society and how it has evolved in line with the "half-bakedness" of hypermodernity.Here in the United States, I have just finished teaching two summer classes on "Religions of the World" and Introduction to Religion" in a college where I have also been asked, for the last three years, to teach "Islamic Scriptures".

I find it liberating to conduct classes after classes in which my students not only are American and foreign-born Muslims but also Jews, Christians, Catholic, Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics, and even Pagan. At the end of each semester, they have a different perception of each other -- more in-depth understanding of what could have remained antagonistic. We read the Quran and the Hadiths and look at the scriptures from a hermeneutic perspective, situate it in the present and projecting it into the future. Most often, our discussions on jihad evolved into a reflection on the struggles for the human self to explore suffering, violence, and liberation in all religious traditions. It includes passionate discussions on media representation of the concept.

Dialogue in Malaysia?

I often wonder if what I am doing is possible in Malaysia but I certainly have the confidence and hope that given the most peaceful way to approach it, a lot can be gained. Essentially religious dialogue need not be painful. It ought to help foster deep understanding and dispel misconception of ANY religion. It ought to make us become deeply religious and to learn to explore what others believe, to respect them, to learn from the universal themes of spirituality, and ultimately to contemplate our existence within the context of the struggle between Good and Evil and to evolve as more ethical and rational beings – so that we may participate better as political and social beings..I believe we need to revamp undergraduate foundation courses in our public and private to include one that teaches the classics of the thoughts of the Eastern and Western tradition and the scriptures of the major religions. But then again, our university students are not even allowed to be involved in politics and to engage freely in public forum on political matters – how might this be possible with interfaith dialogue then?We have a long walk to mental freedom and to a philosophical understanding of Islam and other religions. Unfortunately we are now known as people who are good at disrupting dialogues. I hope this perception will change.

But then again, education is about hope, peace, empathy, intelligence, and liberation -- these we must use as a basis for a new design once we see major restructuring efforts under way, undertaken perhaps via a new political, social, and educational arrangement.

Let us look at possibilities in interfaith dialogue.

Let education for peace and justice do that.

[NOTE: I have gathered some background materials on various major religion as on my website http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/. Please scroll down to the very end]

Political Revival or Another Political Tsunami

As I await in the noisy hall of my beloved ex-college hall for some decent internet connection and to check out how is the poll counting going on in Permatang Pauh, some thoughts just flowed in my mind.

As Malaysians who awaits the official number of the polls, I wonder whether we are going towards political maturity or just another political tsunami where voter's choice and faith are treated lightly and I might even term as 'trash'. Both sides of the fence promise something really beautiful in words and when they are in power, the task suddenly becomes too big or too complicated to resolve in 'short' duration.

I'm torn in between the two candidates of BN and PR (sorry to leave out Mr. Hanafi) because I believe as much enthusiasm as he possess, he is just a plankton among the whales.

If BN wins and DSAI loses in the by-election, that means DSAI would need to hide his face in the most secluded area of the world due to embarassment and lost of faith by the people of his so-called strong hold in Permatang Pauh. However, if DSAI wins the by-elections and especially with a higher majority, our opposition would garner more firm grasps in Malaysian political arena. Having said that, I hold my doubts how would our country experience this transition period and go through political maturity (which I hope could happen).

Anyhow, I think its fair enough to say that all politicians' hand are not clean in terms to get to where they are now and today. Somewhere along the line, their hands are tied and may have been dirty by others' dirt. Nonetheless, I believe if the motive of these political leaders are always focus on the rakyat and strive to reach "ideal" nation-state, for the good of all Malaysians then I would put my vote to the ballot for this man or woman. It is definitely not easy trying to please anyone and everyone, but as long as the Good For All is preserve then I guess that is as perfect as we can get...for now...

2008 is definitely a wonderful year for Malaysians and definitely for me personally. Reason is because I thought of leaving this country for greener pasture when the chance come to my door step. However, I may re-consider that option as things seems to be GREENER here than before.

Suddenly, 'I have a Dream' by Martin Luther Jr came to mind.

***This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."***

In the context of Malaysia, maybe I could have the liberty to change it to ***This note was a promise that all men, yes, Malay as well as Chinese, Indian, Sikhs, Kadazan, Dusun, Melanau, Lumbawang and the many indigineous people of Malaysia, would be guaranteed the "unalieable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."***

Let's be brave enough to DREAM

For the LOVE of nation, race and religion

These are the few words that are always being said by many people especially in the political arena. Nonetheless, I wonder whether race and religion is really necessary anymore in this age. Am I saying that we should forget 100% clean of race and religion? Definitely NO!!

What I am trying to imply is that we should focus 100% on nation-hood while letting race and religion tail behind. Nation-hood is the only way forward for Malaysians to be truly Malaysians-eating the same nasi lemak and roti canai in the morning and drinking the same teh tarik during tea time without being afraid of intentional food poisoning for ethnic cleansing.

The trend has begun for everybody in Malaysia to swear by the name of Allah. It first started by the famous Saiful who nobody knew before the scandalous event, then comes the ex-MB, Deputy PM and who knows who else more to come. I'm by far no Islam scholar, but it seems to me that the sacred name of GOD is simply challenge among the low-beings that He created long long time ago before creation started. It seems that anybody and everybody is so eager to swear by the Holy Name that I don't think they are really scared of 'Laknat' anymore. Religion should be left out in political gimmick (no matter how holy you try to justify the means).

What makes matter worst is when 'holy man' of Islam puts other religion to blame. Claiming that its a Christian way to swear by God's name on the Holy Bible. Just to justify my claims, everybody can check the 10 Commandments that God-Jehovah Jireh gave to Moses. Thou shall not use the name of God in vain. Click on the link and see for yourselve. Of course, if wikipedia is not a trustworthy source for some, do flip through the Holy Bible and see for yourself.

Back to what I want to share.

I strongly believe that religion should never be used to gain political sympathy especially twisted tales and narrow interpretation. Authority on religion should be the final bastion of redeeming and protecting the cause. Individuals who are overly zealous would come across as Jihad warriors and praise by those who holds the same faith but at the same time, I also believe that Allah would not condone rude and vulgar manner used on yet believers as they are His creation too.

By the way, I don't understand what's the whole fuss on the usage of the word Allah by non-Muslims in this country too. After all, it's only an Arabic equivalent to the word God.

Wiki: Allah (Arabic: الله, Allāh, IPA: [ʔalˤːɑːh] pronunciation (help·info)) is the standard Arabic word for 'God.'[1] While the term is best known in the West for its use by Muslims as a reference to God, it is used by Arabic-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, in reference to "God".[2][1][3] The term was also used by pagan Meccans as a reference to the creator-god, possibly the supreme deity in pre-Islamic Arabia.[4]

Check this out too while you're browsing along in cyber world.

*Chao*

"Praying hand for True Peace and Unity in Malaysia"

HAPPY WOMAN'S DAY ALL...

 

 

RESPECT A WOMAN (who deserves and earns it the right way)

BECAUSE.... 

 

 You can feel her INNOCENCE in the form of a daughter
You can feel her CARE in the form of a sister
You can feel her WARMTH in the form of a friend
You can feel her PASSION in the form of a beloved
You can feel her DEDICATION in the form of a wife
You can feel her DIVINITY in the form of a mother
You can feel her BLESSING in the form of a grandmother
Yet she is so TOUGH too...
Her heart is so TENDER... 

NAUGHTY...
      So CHARMING... 

So SHARING... 

So MELODIUS...
  She is a WOMAN
And she is life!!! 

To all the wonderful woman that I know, I hope you have a fantastic woman's month and woman's day.

Hope you won't forget how special you are!!! 

 

MERDEKA..Seriously??

It's been a long long while since I last blog due to work and a change of lifestyle. I've move on to the next phrase in life where an undergraduate becomes a graduate and turns into the corporate worker. Hopefully the turnover would be some sort of caterpillar turning into the beautiful butterfly. Sadly, it's not always like that nor is it always common to be smooth free transition.

Anyway, talking about transition and changes that is happening in my personal life. Our country Malaysia is definitely going through some changes in its own context too. Ever since March 8 of 2008, many people from the analyst to the Pak Cik at the mamak stall are talking about it. You have many 'brave' voices coming out from almost every nook corner of the country. Political party talking about leaving status quo to move on and become more matured (meaning no more race based politics), you have Bar Council organising forum that are deem 'sensitive' by our little fear-ish section of the community and the government giving out monetary 'helps' in Permatang Pauh for 'sudden' development plans. Arrgghh..let's not forget the bravery of undergraduates to march on the streets for certain issues that are said to undermine Malay Supremacy and Islam (referring to the street protest by UiTM and UIA respectively).

Malaysia is indeed going through some interesting times in 2008.

However, I cant stop pondering and wondering, where are we exactly going after 51 years of Independance? Have we truly become the melting pot of races and culture? Are we truly living the slogan of Visit Malaysia Year; Malaysia-Truly Asia? Are we truly harmonious and united or does that only happens few times a year during open houses where FREE food are available?

It depends on what relative scale are we comparing ourselves to actually. What do I mean by that?

I remember being answered by our smart politicians when questions such as those above are asked by me some time ago. They would always compare to countries that are worst off than Malaysia where civil war is happening or happened, corrupted governments that are unable to provide decent living for its citizens, bloody killing happening on the streets and ultimate question always quoted was: 'Adakah saudara mahu perkara 15 MEI berlaku sekali lagi?''translation means 'do you want the incident of 15 May to happen again?'

I believe Malaysia and Malaysians as a whole should be given more credit than that answer because we are better off than the examples I have mentioned.

Each time when the citizens of Malaysia who are enlightened enough want to have a discussion on issues relating to mutual understanding and socio-development, the government officials from various political parties says these are sensitive issues that may incite heated argument. I would not disagree fully with this argument, nonetheless, I believe Malaysians are now more matured to sit and listen and discuss compared to times like 70s or 80s where racial sentiment are not stable yet.

Merdeka means freedom in many ways but largely interpreted as FREE from the dominion of British occupancy and control. However, I opine that it was merely a change of foreigners controlling us to local politicians controlling us to their benefit. For too long has our nation been supress by racial and religion baggages. I would argue that it was so during the late 1950s but HEY!! Malaysia is 51 years old now!! After such a long time, we are (politically) still so much concern about race and religious battle for rights. When someone talks about liberalise the education quota systems, the last bastion of the Malays need to be protected even though there's still 90% more to go. Some body organise talk on Islamic issues that affects the community at large, someone must go ahead to be zealously protecting the religion when the authorise body to do so is quiet. When certain party of the opposition who so happen has Chinese Malaysian majority, the other fraction are scared that their land and welfare are threaten.

It just goes to show we still don't trust each other politically. Why I mention politically is because if all races are not involved in active politics, all these conspiracy theory does not arise. Don't believe me, do some observation.

After 51 years of celebrating Merdeka where all races and culture are bonded to perform to the world to see, showcase our uniqueness and beauty, all the millions that are thrown in to make it wonderful..have we truly enjoyed Merdeka?? Do all citizens who are born under the same Malaysian sun, speak the same Bahasa Melayu, saluting the same Jalur Gemilang treated similarly? Can the 'foreigners' who came from China and India 51 years ago able to say loudly that they are Malaysians without being shout 'balik Cina' or 'balik India'? Can poverty that hits all without relation to race be truly eradicate without special economic policies?

Malaysia has come a long way from what we were and manage to do well in many areas. We are developing and still developing even though certain 'obstacles' exist in our midst. For those who envision a Bangsa Malaysia, Malaysia for Malaysians or whatever terms, please be affirmative in your stand and do not be dismayed because this is the land we shall live and die for. Be the change we envision it to be. Let's carry the race and religion burden together as a nation if its deem rightly to be so otherwise let's just throw it away and progress without the need to be reminded constantly whether you are of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Singh, Jawa, Bajau etc descendant. Lets find a common stand where we can truly live together as ONE nation, calling Malaysia as our home and live peacefully with everyone respecting the rights to live and practise its own religion freely without being threatened or showing supremacy and superiority to others who are deem marginalise.

Lets celebrate the coming Merdeka on 31st August and many more years to come as MALAYSIANS and singing Negaraku proudly and upholding the constitution and Rukun Negara with respect and reverance.

Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..

Daulat Tuanku..Daulat Tuanku..
Daulat Tuanku..Daulat Tuanku..
Daulat Tuanku..Daulat Tuanku..
Daulat Tuanku..

Correct me if I'm Wrong..No Sedition Intented

I manage to get hold of internet today and decided to write something about our current state of affairs. My inspiration comes from our daily Malaysian news and today, I manage to read an interesting article on The Star online news. The title of it is Bid to ensure temple concert watched only by non-Muslims
It always intrigues me when issues such as said arise as I opine that it is very narrow-minded intepretation of religious teaching. Before moving on with my thoughts, I would like to say that this particular post does not intend to be seditious or insulting. I would expect lots of critism (which I hope would spur further discourse on Unity and Intergration).

Based on the article that was written in The Star, I would like to put forth my point on some issues which may be deem raw writings but certain to appreciate feedbacks.

First of all, in a nation that is going through many upheavals since March 8, 2008 or may I say political evolution, I would have to say that our society at large need to be more mature and evolve as time goes by (in saying so, I mean in terms of religious and race view). As I can see from all the hoo-hah happening, I just wonder how much longer are we Malaysians suppose to keep quiet, be ignorant and foolish all the time with all the nonsense being fed into our mind. During the earlier days, we were told that NEP (or DEB in Malay) is design to liberate our poor citizens. Have you wondered what happen to such a noble cause? I mean poverty still exist at large and may I be brave enough to
remind my Malay brothers and sisters, rural poverty and urban poverty among Malays are still lingering around even after about 20 years UMNO promise toffee and sweets and everything nice. Have you ever wondered why the implemetation of 10% discount when buying house IF you’re bumiputera? If not, then put this basic equation to your calculator. A Malay who has a monthly income of RM 100,000 compared to a padi farmer who only gets a meager RM500 a month. Who deserves more financial help? In fact, it should be propose that this income level of RM 500 should be given more than 10% discount.
A logical and objective mind would ask these quesetions, as it just does not make sound economic judgement. Implementation of these policies just make the gap of the rich and poor widens. Back to the example I’ve given, 10% out of RM 100,000 is RM 10,000 while 10% out of RM 500 is only RM 50!! Can you believe that comparison?
Just imagine what can a padi farmer do with RM 10,000? Groceries, study loan for their school-going children, machinary to help in farming and the list goes on.

Secondly, the issue on religion. I am no religious speaker or self-proclaim holy practinioner. Nonetheless, I personally believe that religion is something close to heart and personal to each being. Therefore, state and religion needs to be separate in implementation and administrative (Using religion's common value is acceptable though). May I again state that I’m in to intention to slander or ‘kutuk’ any religion as even Christianity which is the faith I profess and practise has gone through its own dark ages. Therefore, the main point I would like to put forth is to create awareness that no one religion is the best because each religion and faith is personal to each and everyone. Love your religion and may no one trample on it for it is sacred. Understanding is the preface to unity, intergration and mutual LOVE.
When the religious-state imposes rules and laws for the general population, that will definitely not go well with other religions. To keep it simple, a non-Muslim would appreciate if s/he is given ample space to worship and venues to conduct prayer while a Muslim would respect a non-Muslim who is not compulsory to fast during Ramadhan.
If administrative personnel are matured enough to see the difference and be objective and not one-way thinking, I believe ONLY then can the nation move on.
Moving back to the article that was quoted, I would like to comment that our society should be treated with respect. What I mean by saying so, is to allow them to make the decision themselves. By covering up the area and hoping that Muslims would not go near it is childish because human beings have brain to rationalise. If they want to take part, by hook or by crook, it's still going to happen. By teaching that Allah forbids them to do so and creating conviction in them would be much more effective than trying to cover things up (which we Malaysians are so damn good at; where's the unity our leaders are shouting about to the international scene? In practical, I opine it does not exist).

I shall keep my post at this for the moment. I will await comments and critism before revealing more. In an era of tech-savvy-ness, blogging can be dangerous =p

The Thinker awaits…

Morning Prayer

I received the following prayer from a friend and I find it so meaningful that I just need to share it with all. I believe you do not necessary need to be a believer in Christ to comprehend the beauty of the prayer as it could apply across (almost all) to all faiths. Take time to read and ponder as you move on. Peace be upon you and you and you...

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day.

I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so tha t I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God. And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it w ith others. I pray for those who don't believe.

But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..

This is my prayer.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

WANTED

Campus have come alive with vibrant young people for yet another semester in 2008/2009. And as the campus comes back to life, I think it's time for me to pen down some thoughts that have been lingering inside the Thinker's brain.

As I was partially involve again this year to welcome all these new faces into this 'great' university (I wrote 'great' because certain things looks greener from the outside but not when you're inside for 3 years like ME), I look and ponder upon how we-Malaysian public university actually carry out our Orientation. Orientation basically last for a week and I strongly believe that this one week is not about training their (freshman's) leadership skills or get them accustom to university life as many of my peers and below opines. I definitely beg to differ because this noble acts cannot be possibly formed within a short span of a week. I would say that our actual aim in this whole orientation is to orientate our freshman to help them transit from high school into tertiary education. Providing them with vital information to ensure they know who to meet or which department to go when problem arises (such as changing of courses, external education funding, dissatisfaction of services by student affair's department etc) are vital and of much more importance than compared to winning some cheers competition or sports. I mean these events are good to spur the 'Cinta Kolej' spirit or meaning esprit de corp among fellow college residents, however, have we forgotten that we have another one year to do so? (Point to ponder)

As an ex-senior in my residential college and current serving Students' Representative Council member, it saddens me when certain complains by students are actually preventable if university orientation would have been more info orientated, where freshman are not too tired from practising cheers till the wee hours to listen to these boring yet useful sessions. For example, how many students are aware that after official announcement of exam results, students have 2 weeks to lodge a request for re-mark with exam department if they are not satisfied with it? For two years, I've receive this same scenario and the only thing I could do is to pity them because the rule (as unfair as it is) has been stated clearly in students' handbook. As much as I would like to help, there is only so much I could as stipulations exist.

Orientation and freshman entering University keeps me thinking of how much things would be different IF ONLY our seniors are of quality in terms of academic and also people skill. I realise that not many seniors in university are concern about their social-political environment nor are they interested in welfare/charity activities. Their sole purpose in life is to study hard, get good grades and graduate only to realise that it wasn't enough to qualify them for a good job opening. In that sense, I have to agree that our students are quite pessimistic. Nonetheless, as much as I would like to blame the existing system to spoon feed and exam orientated, students themselves have to take charge of their life and destiny. Don't blame the people around you or the surrounding or even our lousy education system because at the end of the day, employers out there are not interested to hear your grouses and dismays. What they want to know is how you overcome it and triumph! Thus, bringing me to why i named this post as WANTED. If you have watched the movie, the last sentence the actor asked was "So what the hell are you doing with your life?"

As crude as it may sound, that statement actually make good sense to me. Each day we go through the same system, same life and things seems to be 'normal' and dull. But what the hell are you doing with it (life)?

In student life and campus context, I believe that means taking charge on your study timetable and juggling between academic and recreation. On a more complex level, I strongly say that students, especially undergraduates should be daring enough to be vocal and voice their thoughts according to ways deem polite and proper in our society. No point complaining till the cows come home because they never will.

If you are not satisfied with something going on, talk to your supervisor or fellow or master or what name they go by. If that fail, write an official complain letter to student affairs division. In the worst scenario, be prepared to have gatherings of student to show your dissatisfaction to the administration of the university. I nearly did that in my university when the administration were said to be doing some 'funny' decision without the students' consent.

Therefore, my advice is to TAKE CHARGE of your life and charter how the water should flow and not follow the current blindly like a clueless boat. Make full use of this short span of 3-5 years of study to get ready to face the real world.

Dua Lagu Bermakna..Menyembah Allah

Two lyrics to share with all that are meaningful and nice to hear. These two songs I learn from Camp Cameron 2008 from Manisah and Fredda. (Thanks for teaching me the songs!)

Bapa Yang Kekal
Kasih yang sempurna telah
Ku terima dari Mu
Bukan krana kebaikan ku
Hanya oleh kasih karunia Mu
Kau pulihkan aku
Layakkan ku 'tuk dapat
memanggil Mu, Bapa

Kau beri yang ku pinta
Saat ku mencari
ku mendapatkan
ku ketuk pintu Mu
Dan kau bukakan
Sebab Kau bapa ku
Bapa yang kekal

Takkan Kau biarkan
Aku melangkah hanya sendirian
Kau selalu ada
Bagi ku
Sebab Kau Bapa Ku
Bapa Yang Kekal

This next song, I'm not sure what's the title, but just appreciate the lyric ya..

Roh kudus tercurah di tempat ini
Urapan-Nya yang ajaib memulihkan umat-Nya
Roh kudus tercurah bagi g'reja-Nya
Memulihkan umat pilihan-Nya

Hari ini lah harinya Tuhan
Saat pembebasan tiba
Belenggu dosa t'lah dipatahkan
Mari bersorak bagi Dia

Anggur baru tercurah
Urapi umat-Nya dengan sukacita
Minyak baru tercurah
Penuhi Umat-Nya
Nyata kuasa-Nya

Columnist that I Respect

This is exactly why I love this guy so much. DR Azmi always have a way to put things into perspective and make you understand what he wants to project without being 'biadab' as some would say. I mean each and every Malaysian or those who have interest in Malaysia would be able to understand what the article below means.

I recommend you to read his articles which are publish fortnightly (if not mistaken) in The Star or you could find him in the Columnist section of the online portal. Of course at the same time, read up on other columnist too as their views are really good for feeding your intellectual mind and who knows, you may generate your own thoughts too based on their arguments. I would just take this opportunity to introduce Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi-another columnist on The Star who happens to be a law lecturer too. I only have good things to say about him although I've yet to see or meet him. (Would have a chance to meet him when I attend a forum next week where he is a panelist)

So, enjoy the article I've attached and ponder how our government spend tax payers money 'wisely'. I would be bold enough to agree upon what is said because my experience in SRCUM has made me seen 'things' that change my trust in how government works especially in the higher echelon. Nonetheless, it does not mean we MALAYSIANS or rakyat as papers always refer should sit and do nothing. It's up to us to stand up and take accountability on how this nation works and function in totality. Alright...back to the actual agenda...enjoy the article...

Thursday June 12, 2008

Suffer the children ... of some

BRAVE NEW WORLD
By AZMI SHAROM

Without exotic foreign holidays, life will no longer be the same.

The sun was setting as the Proton Perdana crunched up the gravel driveway of the bungalow on Jalan Kia Peng. The man sitting in the back seat was oblivious to the gentle glow of dusk that bathed the large well-manicured gardens.

His heart felt heavy and his stomach was knotted.

He was going to break their hearts and there was no way out.

“We are here, sir.”

The voice of the driver shook him out of his deep thoughts. With a barely audible grunt of thanks, he stepped out and with leaden feet walked towards the door.

Before he reached it, the huge oak edifices swung open. A small woman in a blue uniform retrieved his suitcase and collected his shoes as he slipped them off. He hardly noticed her, either.

From within the house, there were sounds of a loud X Box game in progress and young children shouting. The man walked into the living room. Expensive Italian furniture was arranged around a 40-inch plasma TV, its sleek modernity a stark contrast to the gaudiness of the sofas and armchairs.

A boy and a girl were transfixed by the screen, watching monsters get beheaded. A woman lounged in an armchair, her diamonds glittering.

“Listen, everybody, I must speak to you,” said the man.

“Not now, Papa, we are reaching level five,” said the boy.

“No, now,” said the man.

The sombre tone of his voice cut through the shrill screams from the video game. The children and the woman looked to the man, their normal indifference suddenly replaced by unfamiliar concern.

Seating himself, the man leaned on his elbows and stared at the floor.

In a voice quivering with barely suppressed emotion, he started to speak.

“Darling, children, I am afraid we can’t go to Orlando Disneyland this year.”

“Where are we going then?” asked the girl. “England? Europe?”

“We can only go to somewhere in Asean.”

The gasps from the family just about drowned out the crack in his voice as he finished his sentence. Then the barrage of questions started. Why? What happened? How can this be?

As the voices rose to a crescendo, the man snapped, tears running down his face as he screamed, “The oil price has gone up and we can’t go on holidays around the world any more!”

“But, darling,” said the woman, “I already told the girls I would bring back for them oranges from Florida. How can I face them in Carcosa at our high tea tomorrow?”

“Papa, you promised Disneyland. I hate you! I hate you!” shrieked the boy as he stormed out of the room.

“Wait, boy!” he called out. “You must try to understand. The whole nation is suffering. We must make sacrifices. It is for the good of the country and for the future.”

But it was too late; the boy had already disappeared into his bedroom. Soon, the sound of heavy rap played at full volume could be heard.

“Oh, darling. Think about the children. How are they going to face their friends at the international school? Where are we going to go on holiday?”

The man wiped away his tears of frustration and held his head as he thought of what to say.

Suddenly, he looked up and with a smile bordering on the maniacal, he said: “What about Singapore? Or we can even go local. Let’s go to A Famosa in Malacca. It’s fun, they have a theme park and an animal and cowboy show. Malaysia Truly Asia! Heh heh heh ...”

His laugh petered out as the girl and the woman stared at him icily, slicing through his forced jollity.

For the longest while, nothing was said. Then the rap music abruptly stopped. The three looked up as the boy walked back to them.

“I understand sacrifice, Papa. And I think I have the solution,” he said.

The family stared at him, hope shining in their eyes. “We can all go to Hong Kong Disneyland!” he exclaimed excitedly.

The man broke down again and buried his face in his hands. Between his gasping sobs, he cried,

“Oh, my son, my poor, poor boy. Don’t you know? Hong Kong is not in Asean.”

“Arrrgghhh!” the boy screamed and ran back to his room, wailing, “I hate you! I hate my life! I want to die!”

The girl, unable to bear the pain any longer, stood up. She loomed over the broken shell that was her father and said, “I know we all have to suffer because of the oil price, Papa. But why do WE have to suffer SO MUCH?” Then she too stalked away.

The man stared into the middle distance.

His pain was almost too much to endure. The only sound in the room was the clinking of his wife’s diamonds as her bosom heaved with racking sobs.

It barely smothered the sound of his shattering heart, for without their exotic foreign holidays, life would never be the same again.

Camp Cameron 2008

I couldn't believe that technology has back fired on me. After spending half an hour typing about my experience of Camp Cameron 2008 and trying to put some picture here, but suddenly the wireless hang and whatever I've typed before this just go up in smoke..haih..

Anyway, since my mood is not really good in the sense of losing everything in just a few seconds. I think I'll just upload some pictures and write some other time in Part Two.

I wonder what Mama is staring at?? Don't scold me lah...

Chalet 11 on their first outing

University Act to Act UP

Learning Curve of News Strait Times (page H3)on 8th June 2008 (Sunday)wrote an article concerning the University and College University Act 1971 (UUCA) or more fondly known as Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (AUKU) to many local undergrads. The article was written as a responds to the committment of the government to seriously look into the concerns held by student leaders from all walks of ideology. Some want it abolished and some want reviewing, I wonder how many else don't hold an opinion to it.

In my capacity of assisting to shape certain things that happen in this little world of mine called campus, I have my stand on UUCA or AUKU. To me, abolishing this act serves no purpose as what undergrads are not satisfied is not with the whole Act but to certain provisions in it. Undergrads of Malaysia these days have seen the wider and bigger world where educated citizens play the check and balance system as its not easy for politicians to 'screw' their way through and expect the Rakyat to believe just as it is. Education has help us see the wider picture and therefore grow passionate on certain issues which are close to our heart.

Although AUKU doesn't forbid undergrads to express themselves and voice their opinion, the Act does hinder the practise of speaking your mind out as the provisions given are not clear in meanings and the usual problem would arise in its implementation. Certain students from certain ideology (not parties because party does not exist physically in campus;not allowed too =p)face more 'presecution' if I may put it that way when things seem to go otherwise for students on a different ideology when arguments break out.

My concern would be more on promoting undergrads who are aware politically of their surrounding, being passionate on economic issues, fairness in all treatment regardless of race, religion and ethnicity; which to me is what our BN government is thristing for too. Nonetheless, things always look good and presentable on paper, great visions and missions, wonderful phrases to descibe how we see Malaysia in year 2020 BUT my question is WHICH PART OF IMPLEMENTATION can we see that happening?

Questions I would like to raise and ponder in respond:
1.) If NEP was sincere in helping the hardcore poor, how come we still have many poor villages suffering without electricity and water? (Let's not even get started with East Malaysians suffering in the interior)
2.) If equality in economy share is of great concern to surpress poverty, how come policies such as discount rates for Bumiputera ONLY when purchasing property being practice? With logical mind, does a millionaire or billionaire of Bumiputera descend deserve that kind of financial help when compared to the poor farmer in the sawah padi trying to eek a living when both are Bumiputeras?
3.) If our constitution has promise that Malay Special Rights are there to stay, why is the leading party of Malaysia (BN-UMNO) playing the tune to spark racial dissatisfaction when giving public speeches? (Is that necessary?)
4.) If our constitution has promise the freedom of practising the belief/religion you have, why then do government interfere when courts are ruling religious based cases? Shouldn't the matter of religion remain between the believer and his/her GOD; unless and until it causes MAJOR national disunity (which remains subjective to the interpretation of individuals)
5.) If the nation would truly want to progress and develop to compete with other countries, should not Meritrocacy outshine Quota system? Wouldn't we as Malaysians want to see the BEST candidate be in leadership position rather than 'pakar main politik'. I mean I would not mind voting/supporting the best candidate even though he/she is of different ethnicity; be it a Malay, Indian, Chinese etc brother or sister because at the end of the day, we are all Malaysians right?

Price Hike Again??

I believe the nation has been shock again by the price hike announced on such a short notice by our government. What a wonderful way to thank voters who voted in March 08'. Which actually leads me to think whether the cabinet actually appreciates the votes they have attained?

I've two things to comment on the recent price hike, which I would just comment briefly as I believe knowledgable Malaysians would have thought of these few points and might have actually tackled it even deeper.

Firstly, from the economic point of view, I believe the subsidy system is not a long term solution as the government would not be able to sustain growth and efficient management. We can claim that our oil price is the lowest in the region but thinking back, the subsidy only benefits the rich more than the poor. Simple analysis, who uses car that consumes more petrol? Who drives further and longer journeys? Is it the poor fellow who tries to fork a living on a motorcycle or the business man/ government officer who plays golf and sauna every evening? Of course, let's not forget how 'generous' the government has been all these years, giving subsidy to neighbouring countrymen who earns relatively more but spend like lords in Malaysia.
Besides the point above, the society would need to look deeper into the matter as WE need to realise that all these subsidies are from tax payers eventually. The government is not stupid in its planning either. Subsidy would definitely come from another source without us realising. I can't comment further or elaborate much as I don't have the facts with me but thinking along this line would help us see the bigger picture.
White elephant projects need to go, individual MEGA projects need to be more transparent for RAKYAT to know where is our hard earn money going to, special priviledges given to ministers and family need to be reviewed and etc. People in power always have ways and means to cover their ass and its up to YOU AND ME to ensure that doesn't happen. Ask questions and query their actions!!
To conclude my first point, it was time to review (or raise) our petrol price. But read on to my next point....

Secondly, speaking from a voters point of view, I have to say that my confidence in the promises of the current government has been shaken. I admire and respect Pak Lah for who he is but I guess, even he has his downfall (Let me clarify that I'm neither a Tun supporter ok!). Barisan National or Pak Lah has promise that price of petrol would not be raised within the short span if they win the 12th General Elections but shortly after winning with a smaller majority, price of petrol went up with a HUGE percentage if compared to before. Understanding that our economy doesn't permit subsidies to linger too long but my point is that the current government had promise the RAKYAT and it is very dissapointing when I heard about this news. In other words, I come to conclude that our government's promises are just saliva in the air!!
This issue of saliva in the air seems to be common feature in government department. Just to side track awhile ya..I've this experience in University when I question about certain elauns for the student facilatator during orientation. The Vice Chancellor promised to raise the amount from RM100 to RM120 in 2006 and when I question in 2007 (a year later) why the elauns is not out and whether the amount would be as stated in the promise, I was answered very sarcastically by the then TNC who has move on to be the VC in another local Uni that whether we submitted a letter to his office regarding this matter when he was personally there when VC promise it. I was so shocked to hear such reply coming from an academician cum politician in campus because it means that promises made in public, in front of more than 1000 students hold no ground...WTH!!

SO,that's all I have to say on this issue. Our county is going through evolution at the moment and I pray we who are AWAKEN would stear this nation towards betterment. Racial biasness and hatred instilled by the government or our forefathers need to be left behind. We need to de-learn to re-learn. I'm glad to say that I've some good Malay friends who exchange ideas with me during this term as student council Vice President and I would like to just mention a few here; its ironic that these are the people who are labeled opposition in student movement: Hilman and Shahir. We don't always see our points eye to eye (arguing at times) but at least they are honest enough to acknowledge and be frank with me, unlike certain leaders we have.

May ALLAH the almighty, the Alpha and Omega give us blessing to carry on the good fight!!

White Blouse Sexy??Attract rapist??

It's a wonder how come certain people would come out with such statement, saying that the way women folk or gals dress would cause them to be rape and sexually hurt in certain ways. When I notice this claims by such body who claims to be wise in religion, that 'blasted' me off..

I would agree that the current material is too thin and it is not so decent for our society especially in the interest of the girl herself, reviewing on the material should be of concern and not because it encourages rape and it gets more sick when certain male chauvinist in Malaysia's political arena have the 'stupidity' to utter that these women should just lay there and enjoy it since they can't change the situation. It saddens the intellectual minds of Malaysians that we are having these kind of leaders in our midst.

Nonetheless, that is what happens when you have an ideology who goes to the extreme and logical mind would not compensate nor comprehend.

If you are interested, see what Marina Mahathir has to say on this issue.

The Thinker is Back!!

Hi peeps,I'm officially back to the blog atmosphere again after spending 3 weeks 'bertaubat' in Cameron Highlands. I was away in a beautiful place call Lutheran Lakeview Chalet to spend time thinking about life and God; what are the things to re-focus back in life after 3 years in campus.

My oh My..how shock I was when I came back to my 'normal' life to find out that quite a few interesting things has taken place. I'm not sure where to start my pace again but I'll try to blog on few issues I find interesting (in campus and the general world).

Below is an interesting email I received from a friend. I'm not sure whether it's authentic but I sure do pray it is as this is how our Politicians should be-an example to the Rakyat and not squandering
tax payer's hard earn money by enjoying themselves. We (the Rakyat) are skeptical at all politicians; from the tiniest prawn to the biggest whale as they seem to be un-trustable. And I know how it feels to be a politician as I myself am a small prawn (if not a pawn) in campus politics =p

Enough of blabbering..read on...


Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang

This is written by Ning Baizura's manager & photos taken by him. CM travelling alone - wish him really safe journey & hope it is worth the effort to save Govt. money.

Friday, May 02, 2008
As Ning and I were lining up to board our flight to Penang on Wednesday afternoon, I spotted a familiar face standing in front of us in the queue. So I whispered to Ning.

Me: Look in front of us. It's Guan Eng.
Ning: Who?
Me: YAB Mr. Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Penang.
Ning: No lah.
Me: Yes lah! I know how he looks lah. It's the CM lah.
Ning: Takkan CM jalan sorang sorang. If he's the CM, where's the bodyguards and the officers and the rombongan and kaum kerabat?
Me: Tak percaya? Watch and learn.
So I walked up to Yang Amat Berhormat, introduced myself and asked to take a picture. He smiled and obliged. YAB CM: Hey, I know you! You're Ning Baizura!
Ning: YAB Lim, good afternoon.
YAB CM: Come, come, we take a picture. Vernon, here's my card. Email me the pictures OK.
Me: Definitely, sir.

Ambik kau. CM pun peminat katanya!
Ning and I really felt honoured. But we felt more surprised that the Chief Minister of a state was travelling all by himself like any normal rakyat jelata. But the biggest surprise in store for us was yet to come.

As usual, we sat in First Class. I expected the CM to be seated somewhere in front of us but then I realised he wasn't in First Class. Where did he disappear to??? I popped my head round the curtain that veils First Class and Economy Class and guess who I saw sitting in the front row seat of Economy quietly reading the newspapers?

YAB Mr. Lim, you have my deepest respect. You have made history by being the first Chief Minister in this country to sit in Economy Class whilst in office as Chief Minister. You really mean what you say when you talk about cost-cutting. Sir, you have shown me leadership by example.

Of course I asked permission to take his picture sitting in Economy and he laughed. And I said I'd blogged about it and he laughed some more, and gave permission. Ketua Menteri yang berjiwa rakyat.