CONGRATULATIONS to all Malaysians and in particular to the people of Permatang Pauh for daring to make a change!
That tsunami of 8th March and the after shocks are still being felt....but we, the Princes and Princesses of the land, have yet to see concrete changes; even in the PR States. However, after 50 years, we can surely wait a few more months.
So, what lies ahead now, is there good reasons to celebrate our 51st birthday this coming Sunday.I would like to see more reflections this Sunday and my birthday wish would be that we learn from mistakes of the past and move on towards a brighter future. It would be a disgraceful failure if what we have coming is the same old thing in a different package!
Lets move towards a truly Malaysian Malaysia - Bangsa Malaysia - where we are one race with different cultural background and religious beliefs - ONE RACE, ONE NATION! Let us move towards being a society of concerned people, a caring society a truly MUHIBBAH Society. A society where we respect each other, treat each other the way we want others to treat us: where salt taste as it should and not leave a bad taste in out mouth.
I regret to read about the SALT Story in today's STAR. see link:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/27/nation/22176985&sec=nation
The Malaysia I hope to see is a Malaysia where we do not seek to exploit each other, but live and work together in harmony, for ourselves not for others to see. There must be sincerity in all that we do.....
Coincidentally, the Holy Month of Ramadhan coincides with our 51st Merdeka Celebration - so let us reflect and enrich ourselves spiritually as well.
May God Bless us all and Guide and Lead our leaders as we move towards a greater Malaysia for all!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Younger Breed - the next generation
A few months ago, I blogged about an Edward Ling, whom I see as the next generation leader, someone I am proud to have met.....
Today, I add on this short speech that the same Edward Ling gave during the recent DAP Convention, I sure am proud of this young man.....
"Good day,
Leaders of DAP, fellow delegates.
My name is Edward Ling, delegate from Damansara branch, now pro-tem Chairman of DAP Bandar Subang Jaya.
Let me start with a little story. There were a bunch of new recruits at boot camp. Their trainer said to them “For the next two weeks, you are going to do all of your training without changing any of your clothes”.
So for the next two weeks, the new recruits did all their exercises & training without changing their clothes. Finally after two weeks, the trainer announced “I have got good news for all of you. Today, I am going to allow you to change your underwear”
“Phew, finally!” sighed the relieved recruits.
Then the trainer continued “Tim, you change with Ken, Ken, you change with Reuben, Reuben, you change with Jack…....etc...etc...”.
The moral of the story here is that when we change, we must change for a good reason. We should not change merely for the sake of changing.
Much has been said about change. Malaysians has voted for change – our challenge to all Malaysians is to change their negative attitudes. However, DAP must also change as we propel Malaysia forward.
We speak about Malaysian Malaysia, but we need more concrete steps to achieve this.
Firstly to attract more Malays into DAP, we need to learn from the private sector – there is no need to reinvent the wheel – we can learn from some multinational companies and what they are doing. One idea is to practice what is called “diversity and inclusiveness”.
What this means is that we have to value the background, perspectives and diversity of all Malaysians, and strive to incorporate the needs and viewpoints of diverse communities in the design and implementation of policies.
A simple example would be to have more of our DAP meetings in Bahasa Malaysia. If this is not possible, have it in English, the neutral language. We should try to avoid using certain exclusive languages that only certain communities understand.
Let us not repeat the mistake of not being prepared to govern. Some of our leaders openly admitted that we were surprised to become government in the states that PR won on March 8th. Is DAP in Pakatan Rakyat prepared to govern Malaysia tomorrow? What is our blueprint for the country? What is our negotiation strategy with the rest of the coalition parties in Pakatan Rakyat? Are we actually able to propose new systems that will work immediately? I know for a fact that we have leaders who will be able to draw up a budget immediately (since we have come up with the alternative budget). However, what about other areas? We really need to attract the right experts and the professional into the party. When we become the federal government, we must not simply give positions such as ministerial positions to party leaders merely for the fact that they are party leaders. Don’t forget, we speak of meritocracy which means we have to fit the right candidates for the right jobs. Those who are not qualified for the job should not been given the task.
On a side note, it is important to reassure our voters in the last elections that the party is not sidestepping its promises to hold local council elections by having a concrete proposal on how we are going to implement this once we are in power.
I believe there are two key areas in which we must focus our energy and brain power - the Malaysian economy and education. In terms of these two key areas education, let us start to draw up a blueprint in which will truly propel Malaysia forward.
I also observe that DAP needs to rapidly grow its leadership base. Today, DAP leaders are wearing too many hats. We should strive to avoid giving too many positions to a single individual, but instead give the opportunity to raise and groom other young talented leaders. We need to do this in order for our leaders to be effective in their jobs. For example, today we have leaders who are elected representatives in both parliament and state assemblies, who hold state positions, are in the CEC and also hold a position in the CEC, etc, etc…
Let me now turn my suggestions to our friends in Pakatan Rakyat. Firstly I think it is good that we openly give suggestions as the saying goes “iron sharpens iron”.
To the groups in PKR and PAS who protested at the Bar council Forum, I totally disagree with reasoning of the protest. However, we must allow for freedom of speech as we so often talk about.
To PAS members who say that you are sidelined in Pakatan Rakyat, pleased be informed that we are equals. The statistics show that in terms of ratio, the number of councilors appointed to PAS far exceeds that of DAP.
Thank you."
Now you know what I mean about having faith in this guy.....
Today, I add on this short speech that the same Edward Ling gave during the recent DAP Convention, I sure am proud of this young man.....
"Good day,
Leaders of DAP, fellow delegates.
My name is Edward Ling, delegate from Damansara branch, now pro-tem Chairman of DAP Bandar Subang Jaya.
Let me start with a little story. There were a bunch of new recruits at boot camp. Their trainer said to them “For the next two weeks, you are going to do all of your training without changing any of your clothes”.
So for the next two weeks, the new recruits did all their exercises & training without changing their clothes. Finally after two weeks, the trainer announced “I have got good news for all of you. Today, I am going to allow you to change your underwear”
“Phew, finally!” sighed the relieved recruits.
Then the trainer continued “Tim, you change with Ken, Ken, you change with Reuben, Reuben, you change with Jack…....etc...etc...”.
The moral of the story here is that when we change, we must change for a good reason. We should not change merely for the sake of changing.
Much has been said about change. Malaysians has voted for change – our challenge to all Malaysians is to change their negative attitudes. However, DAP must also change as we propel Malaysia forward.
We speak about Malaysian Malaysia, but we need more concrete steps to achieve this.
Firstly to attract more Malays into DAP, we need to learn from the private sector – there is no need to reinvent the wheel – we can learn from some multinational companies and what they are doing. One idea is to practice what is called “diversity and inclusiveness”.
What this means is that we have to value the background, perspectives and diversity of all Malaysians, and strive to incorporate the needs and viewpoints of diverse communities in the design and implementation of policies.
A simple example would be to have more of our DAP meetings in Bahasa Malaysia. If this is not possible, have it in English, the neutral language. We should try to avoid using certain exclusive languages that only certain communities understand.
Let us not repeat the mistake of not being prepared to govern. Some of our leaders openly admitted that we were surprised to become government in the states that PR won on March 8th. Is DAP in Pakatan Rakyat prepared to govern Malaysia tomorrow? What is our blueprint for the country? What is our negotiation strategy with the rest of the coalition parties in Pakatan Rakyat? Are we actually able to propose new systems that will work immediately? I know for a fact that we have leaders who will be able to draw up a budget immediately (since we have come up with the alternative budget). However, what about other areas? We really need to attract the right experts and the professional into the party. When we become the federal government, we must not simply give positions such as ministerial positions to party leaders merely for the fact that they are party leaders. Don’t forget, we speak of meritocracy which means we have to fit the right candidates for the right jobs. Those who are not qualified for the job should not been given the task.
On a side note, it is important to reassure our voters in the last elections that the party is not sidestepping its promises to hold local council elections by having a concrete proposal on how we are going to implement this once we are in power.
I believe there are two key areas in which we must focus our energy and brain power - the Malaysian economy and education. In terms of these two key areas education, let us start to draw up a blueprint in which will truly propel Malaysia forward.
I also observe that DAP needs to rapidly grow its leadership base. Today, DAP leaders are wearing too many hats. We should strive to avoid giving too many positions to a single individual, but instead give the opportunity to raise and groom other young talented leaders. We need to do this in order for our leaders to be effective in their jobs. For example, today we have leaders who are elected representatives in both parliament and state assemblies, who hold state positions, are in the CEC and also hold a position in the CEC, etc, etc…
Let me now turn my suggestions to our friends in Pakatan Rakyat. Firstly I think it is good that we openly give suggestions as the saying goes “iron sharpens iron”.
To the groups in PKR and PAS who protested at the Bar council Forum, I totally disagree with reasoning of the protest. However, we must allow for freedom of speech as we so often talk about.
To PAS members who say that you are sidelined in Pakatan Rakyat, pleased be informed that we are equals. The statistics show that in terms of ratio, the number of councilors appointed to PAS far exceeds that of DAP.
Thank you."
Now you know what I mean about having faith in this guy.....
Monday, August 25, 2008
And the winds came calling again - and my heroes!
Back in Macao on Wednesday and Friday (22nd August) - Typhoon Nuri came calling. This time the typhoon was worst than the previous one. Stronger winds and certainly much more rain!
Gosh, that makes it two Category 8 warnings in a month.
Anyway, it has blown over now and last night was the closing of the Beijing Olympics. An impressive show indeed and Well Done - BEIJING! London has indeed a hard act to follow; but they will of course do just as well - I am sure of that.
What I feel sad is that now we have the Paralympics - the Olympics for the Challenged. These athletes whould be given greater recognition but they have been and continue to be in the shadows.There will be none of the Live telecasts etc and certainly far less media coverage.
These athletes are equally heroes: but society does not think so. :-(
Nevertheless, for me - they will be My HEROES
Gosh, that makes it two Category 8 warnings in a month.
Anyway, it has blown over now and last night was the closing of the Beijing Olympics. An impressive show indeed and Well Done - BEIJING! London has indeed a hard act to follow; but they will of course do just as well - I am sure of that.
What I feel sad is that now we have the Paralympics - the Olympics for the Challenged. These athletes whould be given greater recognition but they have been and continue to be in the shadows.There will be none of the Live telecasts etc and certainly far less media coverage.
These athletes are equally heroes: but society does not think so. :-(
Nevertheless, for me - they will be My HEROES
Lets Get Real...
Back in Malaysia to do Interviews.
Of the 21 people scheduled, 15 turned up. Not too bad.
However, I was kind of disappointed with some of the young people that I met.
They are young, mid 20s - with probably lots more of the world to see. However, some of them are conceited and unrealistic. At mid 20's how much experience can one have: yet these same people are trying to ask for rediculous salary - in axcess of RM10,000. Gosh, I just wonder what planet they are living in.
Many still have this idea that going to work overseas means "expatriate lifestyle" - whatever that means. Now, the world is getting smaller and smaller - working in one country or another really makes not much of a difference. Gone are the days whee you go overseas to work (like the Mat Sallehs in Malaysia ) you live like a Lord. In today's world, it is no longer so.
As young people, I would have hoped that their purposes of going to work overseas is to gain experiences which would not be available locally. Being able to save money is important - but not unrealistic amounts. Mindsets have to change.
Still, I was quite impressed with this lot of people that I saw. These same people, can make Malaysia proud as we "export" them to work elsewhere. I always hold to the principle that when I work overseas (which is most of my time) I am an Ambassador of my country.
Of the 21 people scheduled, 15 turned up. Not too bad.
However, I was kind of disappointed with some of the young people that I met.
They are young, mid 20s - with probably lots more of the world to see. However, some of them are conceited and unrealistic. At mid 20's how much experience can one have: yet these same people are trying to ask for rediculous salary - in axcess of RM10,000. Gosh, I just wonder what planet they are living in.
Many still have this idea that going to work overseas means "expatriate lifestyle" - whatever that means. Now, the world is getting smaller and smaller - working in one country or another really makes not much of a difference. Gone are the days whee you go overseas to work (like the Mat Sallehs in Malaysia ) you live like a Lord. In today's world, it is no longer so.
As young people, I would have hoped that their purposes of going to work overseas is to gain experiences which would not be available locally. Being able to save money is important - but not unrealistic amounts. Mindsets have to change.
Still, I was quite impressed with this lot of people that I saw. These same people, can make Malaysia proud as we "export" them to work elsewhere. I always hold to the principle that when I work overseas (which is most of my time) I am an Ambassador of my country.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
When the wind blew.......
Yesterday, the storm warning was at Category 8. This means that people are advised to stay in - as strong wind is forecasted.
I woke up as usual at 6:45 , to prepare breakfast and get ready for work. Turned on the television and heard the Category 8 warning for Hong Kong; changed channel to local Macao Channel and confirmed same Warning for Macao too.
At Category 8, there will be no public transport and most businesses would shut down. Television channels would give 30 minute updates on latest situations.
I stayed indoors - outside, the winds were coming on and off accompanied by rain. Fire truck sirens kept blaring away as trees were being up rooted.
With nothing much to do except the television and reading, it was thus terribly boring. By afternoon, the rain stopped, the winds slowed, wanted to come in to office but as the Category 8 warning remained, thus no public transport.
Went off to the supermarket around 5pm - yeah, thank GOD some were open for business and it was of course packed! The rain however, kept coming and off, sometimes with strong wind, thus making using an umbrella an almost impossible battle.
By 8pm, the announcement that the level has gone down to Category 3 - soon after, the rubbish trucks were already making their rounds, collecting garbage. Such efficinecy!
This morning, the rain is still there, on and off - but the winds are not so strong anymore. I hope it will all get blown away, and tomorrow is Olympic Opening...yeah!
I woke up as usual at 6:45 , to prepare breakfast and get ready for work. Turned on the television and heard the Category 8 warning for Hong Kong; changed channel to local Macao Channel and confirmed same Warning for Macao too.
At Category 8, there will be no public transport and most businesses would shut down. Television channels would give 30 minute updates on latest situations.
I stayed indoors - outside, the winds were coming on and off accompanied by rain. Fire truck sirens kept blaring away as trees were being up rooted.
With nothing much to do except the television and reading, it was thus terribly boring. By afternoon, the rain stopped, the winds slowed, wanted to come in to office but as the Category 8 warning remained, thus no public transport.
Went off to the supermarket around 5pm - yeah, thank GOD some were open for business and it was of course packed! The rain however, kept coming and off, sometimes with strong wind, thus making using an umbrella an almost impossible battle.
By 8pm, the announcement that the level has gone down to Category 3 - soon after, the rubbish trucks were already making their rounds, collecting garbage. Such efficinecy!
This morning, the rain is still there, on and off - but the winds are not so strong anymore. I hope it will all get blown away, and tomorrow is Olympic Opening...yeah!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
One month and......
Come this Friday, I would have been here for a month. This Friday, 8th August will also be the opening of the Beijing Olympics. This would also be the day I go and place my finger print for my BLUE CARD; that is the work permit here for foreigners.
The past few weeks, it has been really bright, sunny and hot. However, beginning yesterday, strong wind, cloudt and some rain. It is expected that the typhoon will hit by the end of the week!
What a shame - Beijing Olympics - just pray it will not be a wash-out.
I am looking forward to watching the Opening live on tv. Was thinking of going to Hong Kong and join in the crowd at the Open Area where they will show it on large TV Screens....but hmmm the weather does not look too promising.
If it rains in Beijing than pity; no fireworks i guess..:-(
Of course over this last few days, in the news on tv and in print, nothing else but the Olympics. Talk about the weather, the haze...and also the bombing. Yet another terrorist attack in China yesterday.....
I pray for a peaceful Olympics....
The past few weeks, it has been really bright, sunny and hot. However, beginning yesterday, strong wind, cloudt and some rain. It is expected that the typhoon will hit by the end of the week!
What a shame - Beijing Olympics - just pray it will not be a wash-out.
I am looking forward to watching the Opening live on tv. Was thinking of going to Hong Kong and join in the crowd at the Open Area where they will show it on large TV Screens....but hmmm the weather does not look too promising.
If it rains in Beijing than pity; no fireworks i guess..:-(
Of course over this last few days, in the news on tv and in print, nothing else but the Olympics. Talk about the weather, the haze...and also the bombing. Yet another terrorist attack in China yesterday.....
I pray for a peaceful Olympics....
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