God grant me todaya wider view,
So I see others' faults through the eyes of You.
Teach me to judge not with hasty tongue,
Neither the adult ... nor the young.
Give me patience and grace to endure
And a stronger faith so I feel secure.
Instead of remembering, help me forget
The irritations that caused me to fret.
Freely forgiving for some offense
And finding each day a rich recompense.
In offering a friendly, helping hand
And trying in all ways to understand;
That I ...
Am trying to reach an unreachable star.
For the great and small ... the good and bad,
The young and old ... the sad and glad
Am asking today; Is life worth living?
The answer is only in, loving and giving.
For only Love can make man kind
And Kindness of Heart brings Peace of Mind.
By giving love, I can start
To lift the clouds of hate and fear.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Salam Saudara - Saudari
Last night, I had dinner at a Malay café which was located in the compound of the owner’s home. We were seated right infront of the main door of the house. The owner was having some kind of prayer session.
Anyway, visitors were coming to the house. As each group came, we noticed the way the younger ones would go up to the older ones to SALAM them, clasping both hands and bringing it to their lips. Now, it is scenes like this that makes me really and truly proud to be Malaysian.
My dinner friends who normally had negative comments on other cultures commented on the scene. She said; “see, the Malay community still keeps this aspect of their culture. So sad that the Chinese have lost this”.
How true it is. In our multi cultural society, instead of harping on the negative, let us pick up on the positive aspects of each other’s culture and make it a part of our own blend of intercultural mix that we shall call Kebudayaan Malaysia – The Truly Malaysian Culture! It is this soft touches that will bring us forward.
Let us forget the racial bias’ness, negative racial comments etc. I pray that our representatives in the House of Parliament will take note of this and start showing some respect. As our MP’s, people look up to you for leadership.
Name callings cannot be accepted especially from our “leaders” and more so, when in the Honourable House. I think our MP’s are actually cowards because they use the immunity shield of the house to call each other names.
I took offence last week when one MP compared the nuisance in the house to the market. If only the MP can “turun padang” and walk around the market. He would notice that our market folks are about the most polite people around. Everyone is either a “leng loi”, “leng chai” abang, kak; you hear no beruk or monyet from them!
It is thus my wish that this short write-up will bring our attention to the greatness and beauty of the multi cultures in our society. Let us stick to the positives aspects and promote them instead of comparing the negative.
MP’s, please do not compare our markets to the rowdiness of the Parliament. Instead, learn from the market and apply them in Parliament. There is absolutely no harm to call your fellow Parliamentarian, even those from the opposite bench, Saudara/saudari. I always find it rather “strange” to call each other YB??
Thank you.
Anyway, visitors were coming to the house. As each group came, we noticed the way the younger ones would go up to the older ones to SALAM them, clasping both hands and bringing it to their lips. Now, it is scenes like this that makes me really and truly proud to be Malaysian.
My dinner friends who normally had negative comments on other cultures commented on the scene. She said; “see, the Malay community still keeps this aspect of their culture. So sad that the Chinese have lost this”.
How true it is. In our multi cultural society, instead of harping on the negative, let us pick up on the positive aspects of each other’s culture and make it a part of our own blend of intercultural mix that we shall call Kebudayaan Malaysia – The Truly Malaysian Culture! It is this soft touches that will bring us forward.
Let us forget the racial bias’ness, negative racial comments etc. I pray that our representatives in the House of Parliament will take note of this and start showing some respect. As our MP’s, people look up to you for leadership.
Name callings cannot be accepted especially from our “leaders” and more so, when in the Honourable House. I think our MP’s are actually cowards because they use the immunity shield of the house to call each other names.
I took offence last week when one MP compared the nuisance in the house to the market. If only the MP can “turun padang” and walk around the market. He would notice that our market folks are about the most polite people around. Everyone is either a “leng loi”, “leng chai” abang, kak; you hear no beruk or monyet from them!
It is thus my wish that this short write-up will bring our attention to the greatness and beauty of the multi cultures in our society. Let us stick to the positives aspects and promote them instead of comparing the negative.
MP’s, please do not compare our markets to the rowdiness of the Parliament. Instead, learn from the market and apply them in Parliament. There is absolutely no harm to call your fellow Parliamentarian, even those from the opposite bench, Saudara/saudari. I always find it rather “strange” to call each other YB??
Thank you.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Let Me Hold Your Hands
Here is a short story with a beautiful message.
Little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of
scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so
that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You
hold my hand." "What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father. "There's a
big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something
happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my
hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my
hand go."
Hold the hand of the person who loves you rather than expecting them to hold
yours...
This message is too short......but carries a lot of Feelings.
Little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of
scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so
that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You
hold my hand." "What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father. "There's a
big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something
happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my
hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my
hand go."
Hold the hand of the person who loves you rather than expecting them to hold
yours...
This message is too short......but carries a lot of Feelings.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Demi Bangsa dan Negara
Yes indeed, like many other Malaysians out there, young and old, I am willing to give up my life to defend my country. This is “tanah tumpah nya darah-ku”. This is where I was born, and this is the land I will protect and defend.
When I say, “Saya rela mengorbankan nyawa-ku untuk mempertahankan Bangsa and Negara ku..” the bangsa I mean is BANGSA MALAYSIA! Having been born after 1957, I am a Malaysian in and out. I am ANAK MALAYSIA – 100%, full stop.
Therefore, I make special reservations when we fight for the freedom of the Hindraf 5. I cannot see myself supporting the cause when it is about 5 Indian guys! However, I support the cause that we should get rid of the ISA completely. Therefore, it is not the 5 Hindraf guys freedom but all detainees held under ISA.
In the same way, I fully support Raja Petra – and the fight to abolish the Sedition Act – not for any racially motivated objectives. We defend our rights to Freedom of Speech; the rights of all of us as Bangsa Malaysia living in a free Malaysia. I will lay down my life to protect our rights for the law to protect us, the citizens of this democratic country. I will fight abuses, where politicians from whatever party it is, abuse their positions for their own goals. We as Bangsa Malaysia, cannot accept any situations where the laws are bended or short-circuited for individuals interest as is obvious in the Raja Petra case.
As a proud Bangsa Malaysia, I will not accept when parliamentarians abuse their position of immunity in the house. The people’s representative cannot and must not insult the handicapped and get away with it. Likewise when they are disrespectful to our royalty, they too should be admonished. However, if they use their position and knowledge to advise on the rights of citizen, on the provisions of the constitution; it is their duty. The parliamentarians who instead harp on and turns it into a racial issue, should be “sent to hell” (meaning to have the full extent of the law on them).
Therefore, I laud the call of the Minister to Drop the ‘ketuanan’ issue unless of course the ketuanan is followed by rakyat; ie ketuanan rakyat. Indeed, as Bangsa Malaysia, we defend our rights, Ketuanan Rakyat is paramount – we are the masters of our own Malaysian Race.
The journey is long and winding but it can be reality when we can stand up and walk the talk. Let’s join hands in this long difficult journey for a better tomorrow for our children and their children.
When I say, “Saya rela mengorbankan nyawa-ku untuk mempertahankan Bangsa and Negara ku..” the bangsa I mean is BANGSA MALAYSIA! Having been born after 1957, I am a Malaysian in and out. I am ANAK MALAYSIA – 100%, full stop.
Therefore, I make special reservations when we fight for the freedom of the Hindraf 5. I cannot see myself supporting the cause when it is about 5 Indian guys! However, I support the cause that we should get rid of the ISA completely. Therefore, it is not the 5 Hindraf guys freedom but all detainees held under ISA.
In the same way, I fully support Raja Petra – and the fight to abolish the Sedition Act – not for any racially motivated objectives. We defend our rights to Freedom of Speech; the rights of all of us as Bangsa Malaysia living in a free Malaysia. I will lay down my life to protect our rights for the law to protect us, the citizens of this democratic country. I will fight abuses, where politicians from whatever party it is, abuse their positions for their own goals. We as Bangsa Malaysia, cannot accept any situations where the laws are bended or short-circuited for individuals interest as is obvious in the Raja Petra case.
As a proud Bangsa Malaysia, I will not accept when parliamentarians abuse their position of immunity in the house. The people’s representative cannot and must not insult the handicapped and get away with it. Likewise when they are disrespectful to our royalty, they too should be admonished. However, if they use their position and knowledge to advise on the rights of citizen, on the provisions of the constitution; it is their duty. The parliamentarians who instead harp on and turns it into a racial issue, should be “sent to hell” (meaning to have the full extent of the law on them).
Therefore, I laud the call of the Minister to Drop the ‘ketuanan’ issue unless of course the ketuanan is followed by rakyat; ie ketuanan rakyat. Indeed, as Bangsa Malaysia, we defend our rights, Ketuanan Rakyat is paramount – we are the masters of our own Malaysian Race.
The journey is long and winding but it can be reality when we can stand up and walk the talk. Let’s join hands in this long difficult journey for a better tomorrow for our children and their children.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Just Change It
March 8th 2008, would be a date in our history books: the great political change!
The rakyat, after 50 years of almost absolute rule by Barisan National, decided that enough is enough!
We took the bold step, we exercised our power; the power of our vote and voted for change.
Indeed, the election results were a surprise even to the, what is now known as Pakatan Rakyat. The battle cry of Peoples’ Power and Just Change It had worked. The people wanted change and they got it.
Now comes the days after the change. The government in the four “changed” states are slowly changing. They are introducing reformist ideas but certainly change does not come easy. The new government, apart from just changing must also need to “sell” this change ideas into the minds of the rakyat.
The rakyat who voted for change must also change their own mind-set. The thinking that came about over 50 years cannot be changed overnight but what is more important is the will to want to change. Sadly, most people do not want to see changes, it becomes difficult to handle. Even some politicians from PR still think they are the opposition in these states. Of course our BN friends will not accept the changes and continue to be in a state of denial.
So, despite the “tsunami”, by and large we have not really changed. This has prompted the honourable representative of Subang, Ms Hannah Yeoh to remark in her blog:
“People voted for change but their ways of thinking have not changed. They only expected the government to change but not themselves. For change to effectively be put in place, every person must play their role.”
Yes indeed, everyone of us must play our part in bringing change to this beloved country, to improve on what we already have and move forward in leaps and bounds.
However, the first step is to want to change. It will take a long time for change to really take place but all journeys begin with that first step.
Are we prepared to accept that nothing comes from just opening our mouth and complaining? We can complain but to see changes we must do our part to play our role. If we see something wrong, we must be willing to take that extra step and correct it rather than just talk and complain.
We must also realise that “under table”, “duit kopi” etc are all in the past. The changes that came about on the 8th of March swept out all these.
When we do something, it is not for the return of a favour later on. Yes, to show appreciation is a part of our Asian culture and we must keep that. However, we must see within ourselves the sincerity of these appreciation and the true meaning of each gift or token that is given. Infact, I encourage us to show appreciation by giving back what we have received.
If someone has helped us in a physical way, return that by helping out someone else. This way, that love shown to us, will shine on others too. It would have been wasted if after being helped by someone, we buy them an expensive gift. Than at the next moment we turn a blind eye to someone who needs help. To me, that expensive gift would be worthless!
We should also change our mindset to think that with money, we can buy all kinds of favours from within our community or from the government even. We took that first step towards change and lets continue that long journey. If each one of us, will stand-up against corruption, discrimination and abuses; things will change! Lets walk our talk instead of just barking.
If you get a summons for illegally parking, go pay up! You deserve it! Let’s all forget about that little RM10 tip. Let’s forget about going to the someone that you know, or the someone you voted for to help you cancel that summons. The “I know someone who knows someone else” mentality was swept out with the tsunami.
Likewise, we should not see our elected representatives as miracle workers, as people who would side track the rules for you. Forget about building first and getting our approvals later as was commonly practised previously. Forget about the fact that we are a big company, we can bully our way through the bureaucracy! Those days in Malaysia are on the way out.
We, the rakyat should continue to play our part, to expose all these irregularities and set us on the straight path again. It is indeed a road less travelled before but it leads to good governance, transparency and accountability. That is the change we all asked for. Lets just do it!
To all our elected representatives from both divides, join us in the journey along this road of change. We push, you lead. As you lead, hold on to these great words from YB Hannah Yeoh:
“I will NOT allow myself to be purchased by "favors", "hidden costs" or "gifts". I have an allegiance to God and my people to stay clean in the performance of my duty as a state assemblyman” Amen!
The rakyat, after 50 years of almost absolute rule by Barisan National, decided that enough is enough!
We took the bold step, we exercised our power; the power of our vote and voted for change.
Indeed, the election results were a surprise even to the, what is now known as Pakatan Rakyat. The battle cry of Peoples’ Power and Just Change It had worked. The people wanted change and they got it.
Now comes the days after the change. The government in the four “changed” states are slowly changing. They are introducing reformist ideas but certainly change does not come easy. The new government, apart from just changing must also need to “sell” this change ideas into the minds of the rakyat.
The rakyat who voted for change must also change their own mind-set. The thinking that came about over 50 years cannot be changed overnight but what is more important is the will to want to change. Sadly, most people do not want to see changes, it becomes difficult to handle. Even some politicians from PR still think they are the opposition in these states. Of course our BN friends will not accept the changes and continue to be in a state of denial.
So, despite the “tsunami”, by and large we have not really changed. This has prompted the honourable representative of Subang, Ms Hannah Yeoh to remark in her blog:
“People voted for change but their ways of thinking have not changed. They only expected the government to change but not themselves. For change to effectively be put in place, every person must play their role.”
Yes indeed, everyone of us must play our part in bringing change to this beloved country, to improve on what we already have and move forward in leaps and bounds.
However, the first step is to want to change. It will take a long time for change to really take place but all journeys begin with that first step.
Are we prepared to accept that nothing comes from just opening our mouth and complaining? We can complain but to see changes we must do our part to play our role. If we see something wrong, we must be willing to take that extra step and correct it rather than just talk and complain.
We must also realise that “under table”, “duit kopi” etc are all in the past. The changes that came about on the 8th of March swept out all these.
When we do something, it is not for the return of a favour later on. Yes, to show appreciation is a part of our Asian culture and we must keep that. However, we must see within ourselves the sincerity of these appreciation and the true meaning of each gift or token that is given. Infact, I encourage us to show appreciation by giving back what we have received.
If someone has helped us in a physical way, return that by helping out someone else. This way, that love shown to us, will shine on others too. It would have been wasted if after being helped by someone, we buy them an expensive gift. Than at the next moment we turn a blind eye to someone who needs help. To me, that expensive gift would be worthless!
We should also change our mindset to think that with money, we can buy all kinds of favours from within our community or from the government even. We took that first step towards change and lets continue that long journey. If each one of us, will stand-up against corruption, discrimination and abuses; things will change! Lets walk our talk instead of just barking.
If you get a summons for illegally parking, go pay up! You deserve it! Let’s all forget about that little RM10 tip. Let’s forget about going to the someone that you know, or the someone you voted for to help you cancel that summons. The “I know someone who knows someone else” mentality was swept out with the tsunami.
Likewise, we should not see our elected representatives as miracle workers, as people who would side track the rules for you. Forget about building first and getting our approvals later as was commonly practised previously. Forget about the fact that we are a big company, we can bully our way through the bureaucracy! Those days in Malaysia are on the way out.
We, the rakyat should continue to play our part, to expose all these irregularities and set us on the straight path again. It is indeed a road less travelled before but it leads to good governance, transparency and accountability. That is the change we all asked for. Lets just do it!
To all our elected representatives from both divides, join us in the journey along this road of change. We push, you lead. As you lead, hold on to these great words from YB Hannah Yeoh:
“I will NOT allow myself to be purchased by "favors", "hidden costs" or "gifts". I have an allegiance to God and my people to stay clean in the performance of my duty as a state assemblyman” Amen!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Good Bye To My Sister-in-law
Yesterday, travelled up to IPOH to bid farewell to my sister-in-law. She passed away on Sunday morning after a 2 years struggle with cancer.
May she rest in peace, to be free from the pain.
Her daughter, my niece JULIANA, is in London sitting for the finals of her Bar Exam. She is unable to return to bid her farewell. We all pray that the Good Lord will bless and guide her and give her strength in this difficult moment. May she see this not as a trial but as a challenge to strengthen her faith; as a preparation to face the challenges of life ahead of her.
Amen
May she rest in peace, to be free from the pain.
Her daughter, my niece JULIANA, is in London sitting for the finals of her Bar Exam. She is unable to return to bid her farewell. We all pray that the Good Lord will bless and guide her and give her strength in this difficult moment. May she see this not as a trial but as a challenge to strengthen her faith; as a preparation to face the challenges of life ahead of her.
Amen
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Our Future Is In Their Hands
Edward Ling, The Political Secretary to Hannah Yeoh. Now, this is one of the younger breed of guys with something in their heart. They need our support, our prayers and encouragement. They are our future.
Edward is indeed one I am proud to have met, proud to know him and am inspired by what he stands for.
Read more about him/ Click on the link below
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/mni/new-breed-of-malaysian-political-activists/showall.html
Edward is indeed one I am proud to have met, proud to know him and am inspired by what he stands for.
Read more about him/ Click on the link below
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/mni/new-breed-of-malaysian-political-activists/showall.html
Thursday, May 1, 2008
..Ah Beng to help you relax (thank you Zorro)
Ah Beng bought a new mobile.
He sent a message to everyone from his Phone Book & said,
'My Mobile No. Has changed.
Earlier it was Nokia 3310. Now it is 6610'
====
Ah Beng : I am a Proud, coz my son is in Medical College.
Friend: Really, what is he studying.
Ah Beng: No, he is not studying, they are Studying him
Ah Beng : If I die, will u remarry?
Wife: No! I'll stay with my sister. But if I die will u remarry?
Ah Beng : No, I'll also stay with your sister.
====
Ah Beng : People consider me as a 'GOD'
Wife: How do you know??
Ah Beng : When I went to the Fisherman's Wharf at Taman Desa last night, everybody said,
Oh GOD! U have come again.
Teacher: 'I killed a person' convert this sentence into future tense
Ah Beng : The future tense is 'u will go to jail'
====
Ah Beng told his maid: 'Go and water the plants!'
Servant: 'It's already raining.'
Ah Beng : 'So what? Take umbrella and go.'
====
A man asked Ah Beng why Ahmad Badawi goes walking in the Evening and not
in the morning Ah Beng replied Ahmad Badawi is PM not AM
He sent a message to everyone from his Phone Book & said,
'My Mobile No. Has changed.
Earlier it was Nokia 3310. Now it is 6610'
====
Ah Beng : I am a Proud, coz my son is in Medical College.
Friend: Really, what is he studying.
Ah Beng: No, he is not studying, they are Studying him
Ah Beng : If I die, will u remarry?
Wife: No! I'll stay with my sister. But if I die will u remarry?
Ah Beng : No, I'll also stay with your sister.
====
Ah Beng : People consider me as a 'GOD'
Wife: How do you know??
Ah Beng : When I went to the Fisherman's Wharf at Taman Desa last night, everybody said,
Oh GOD! U have come again.
Teacher: 'I killed a person' convert this sentence into future tense
Ah Beng : The future tense is 'u will go to jail'
====
Ah Beng told his maid: 'Go and water the plants!'
Servant: 'It's already raining.'
Ah Beng : 'So what? Take umbrella and go.'
====
A man asked Ah Beng why Ahmad Badawi goes walking in the Evening and not
in the morning Ah Beng replied Ahmad Badawi is PM not AM
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