A Slap on the Face?

As expected the outcome of the match was 2-1 no matter how one prefers to look at it. Bottom line is the voice of the people prevails. To some people nothing has changed and most probably none will. It is indeed a sad scenario when lessons after lessons are not learned. Only time will tell but for the sake of future generations let common sense be the guiding principle for the nation!

The Tide Is High

So it is another round of those bruising battle coming up. A lot is at stake with both corners claiming a good win. Alas, will this be the end of a long war or was it just another another skirmish?
It is indeed full of hope that the end is nigh and proper life can go on.....

Race Relations

When I was a small kid I lived in a small village which is connected to the outside world by a boat service crossing the Perak River. There were a few cars used as taxis to ferry village folks to the nearest town. Most of the time, groceries were brought to the village by the few grocerers who in exchange for village agricultural products manage to ensure the village people have what it takes to survive another day. The village is a one race village.

Due to the history of the village which was involved in intense fighting with the communists pre-Merdeka Day, there were a lot of suspicious against one particular race. It was more for security reason than anything else, I would say. Of course when your father or relatives were injured or killed fighting of communists, who were made up of only one race, defending your country this kind of feeling is quite understandable. There was no other mean ofcommunication than transistor radio.

As I grew up I noticed a slight change in this perception. Slowly I began to see men and women of the other race cycling through the village to go to the other end. Lateron I discovered that these men and women were farmers tending to land plots rented from the village people. For some reasons, a few of the village people were close friends to those farmers. Perhaps they were already old to work on their farm lands hence allow the farmers to work while they collect some money from this venture. These farmers would just go about doing their business, working hard. They lived quite a distance away but they will be there early in the morning and always go back late evening just before sunset. Perhaps the last boat trip for the day. There was never any incident that can be related to racial problems.

That was the time my interest in knowing the other race strated to come to my mind. I tried to find a way to communicate with them but they were mostly reserved perhaps knowing full well the sentiments at the time. I even subscribed educational megazines which have spaces on learning their language. Anyway as a 10 year old, it was a tough interest!

Then there were programs for primary school students to create awareness and better understanding among the races in the district. I remeber when I was selected to attend a Scout Camping over a weekend in town. I befriended a scout from another school who happened to be of another race. I was trying to make him comfortable after he had a fall which resulted in cuts and bruises. We became friends until I left town for my secondary school education. I wonder what he is doing now. His father owned a shop in town and was doing quite well. My school mates and I visited his house which was at the back of his father's shop during one of the festive seasons. His shop is no longer where it used to be when I tried to look for him a god ten years later. There was another occasion when a group of us together with our teachers became the guests of 3 schools fullof the other race in the district. I was surprised with the way we were greated, treated and feted. I was really touched knowing that the students from these schools were also looking forward to hear about our village life, them being the town life.

At about the sametime my elder brother used to run a shop cum training school in town. Next to his shop was a textile shop run by the otherrace family. I used to go over to my brother's shop on Fridays to Sundays just to keep his company. During the day I used to play chess with one of the shopowner's son. He then invited me over to watch TV shows at night after he closed his shop and they had taken their dinner. Of course I would accept his invitation especially when there were good shows on TV!

So these were my experience in race relations at a very young age. That was in 1970's when the nation was just recovering from another milestone in its young life. It did not occur to me to be more careful than necessary, not just because they are not the same race as mine. Of course I saw more to this side when I spent five good years in a boarding school in a big town. Most of the teachers there were of the other races especially those teaching critical subjects. I never had any problem with them. In fact many of them I could consider as very good people - more than just good teachers! I am sure my outlook on life was shaped up by some of these events. They probably set the foundation for my principles. It was all trust and sincerity that mattered to me. In fact I must be thankful for this early education which would later on become a very good asset duing my days away from home studying overseas. My horizon was widened mixing with more people of diversed background in the classes and campus. I also managed to build better friendship with my fellow contrymen of different races.

At the end of the day, the law of the nature will rule supreme. You get what you give, in return. What goes around comes around. Finally, for every action there will be a reaction!

Let's work towards a better New Dawn!

Opportunities Abound!

On my recent trip back to my hometown I took a slightly different route than I usually did. It was rather pleasant, yet full of discoveries.

One thing I noticed is that there are so many opportunities to take this country to greater height! From developing new areas, preservation of natures gifts right through bringing about monumental changes to the people's life. It is all there for the taking. Only the brave and the adventurous would take full advantage of this. It is indeed a matter of time..

Another Reflection

I was invited by someone to attend a charity dinner the other day. It was for a good cause, I thought. I was quite surprised to see the turn out. It was quite a good crowd with all the tables occupied with at least 70% if not more. I have been to other charity dinners before but nothing compared with this one. It was simple yet very touching, not withstanding the cause. The organiser did not invite any prominent entertainers as one would expect with fund raising dinner. Instead the entertainment was provided for by the very target that the fund is raised. It was a genuine request and of course it was a good opportunity to demonstrate how worthy the cause is.

The dinner culminated in a talk by Sheikh Yassir Fazaga, all the way from Orange County in the United States. What a talk it was. What attracted me most was the way the message was conveyed with full sincerity and the significance of the fundraising cause. Although the topic was 'Self Imaging' below are some of the points worth pondering:

1. In spreading the message of Islam, the task is not in converting people but rather conveying the message
2. Muslims should not live in self pity
3. Do not worry about what others say about or how others see you but rather what you say and how you see yourself
4. Self Imaging is not about showing off but rather portraying the innerside outward
5. The significance of caring for the orphans as the Prophet PBUH himself was an orphan

"Seest thou one, who denies the Judgment (to come)? Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (withharshness) And encourages not the feeding of the indigent. So woe to the worshippers who are neglectful of their Prayers Those who (want but) to be seen (of men) But refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs." Al Ma'un

The cause for the charity was for the HOME of HOPE (Rumah Harapan) Al-Khadeem.

Pertubuhan Al-Khadeem
Lot 1034 Jalan Cempaka Sungai Kayu Ara
47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
+603 7726 4146
+603 7726 4149 (fax)

Thank you

What Fed Up?

It was rather sickening to read about a few people who think they are so important in other people's life, saying they are getting fed up with the current political situation in this country now. They wanted to go on strike! They do not want to blog anymore on the two hottest issues being played out now. They wanted to shutdown on people who talk about these two issues. All this while they were supposed to provide an alternative views and now they are complaining! Go to hell! By all means go on strike, shut down others views and go and kick a cat if that makes you guys happy. So what? Who ae you to dictate other peoples life?

Anyway, these people say they are fed up with the politicians actions. Did they ever think of those people affected by the allegations? Their families, friends and relatives? For the past ten years I do not think these jokers can get anywhere near to understand what these 'victims' went though. In the excitement to getting fed up, they forgot the real issue here. The issue of credibility. Why only question one side not both sides? Why the gun is only trained on one target not both? I am sure there are people who wanted this kind of situation to happen i.e. to divert the real issue.

It is a mess indeed but did any of these fed up guys ever ask the question, who started it all?

Big Picture's Puzzle

The Year of the Rat has really been nothing short of excitement! It was rather fitting if one were to look at the current happenings and compare with the famous story of 'Who Moved My Cheese'. It so happened that a pair of rats was also the main protagonist of the story. It demonstrated how the rats were more prepared to face the consequence of losing their cheese as compared to the two guys! It was like David vs Golliath thing.

Anyway, the big picture is still blurr at this stage. Although I can probably envisage the Big Picture may consist of four major pieces in the puzzle frame. The first piece was the events leading to the March 8 GE. The second piece was more related to the March 8 night and the events that followed. The third piece of the puzzle is comparable to the first 100 days period of the new climate. All these pieces are generally in place. However the question remains on the fouirth and last piece of the puzzle. Will it give a picture of old or new climate? Will it bring hope or despair to the people? Will it become a reality or remain illusionary? We are nowhere near the final draft.

However it woulod be interesting to note that the last pice of the puzzle, although it holds key to the Big Picture is actually the canvass for those events created in the other 3 pieces. If one cares to look closely a few clues have been unravelled along the way. Nothing seemed to be what was apparent on face value. The intrigues are in fact sub plots of a big drama. Nobody dares to guess which way it will end. One thing is certain, nevertheless, it is war time. It is the Winner takes All stage. No turning back. Whoever comes out second best will probably bleed until the last drop of the blood. What a pity it would be if truth does not prevail!

The funny part is the key to the final piece of the puzzle may not be found anywhere in this country. Rather it could be at a far away town at the centre of a continent. Worst still a dead woman could have the final say. At the end of the day it all boils down to lust translated into a three letter word. In this case it is SEX. We shall wait for further clues....

100 Days of Ding Dong

When the sun rose on 9th March 2008, it was like a new dawn with rays of hope. Indeed some hopes are higher than others but still many were hoping for better life. This kind of hope is still there, nevertheless. However the earlier optimism is slowly diminishing withthe kind of ding dong and flip flop being shown. I am talking about the 4 PR governed states. Yes it was not easy to come and occupies the vacant sits with the little experience in governing. It was a very steep learning curve if success were to be gained over nights... This is quite understandable. However the basic element of being together among the PR components that is communicating with each other is obviously not resolved. You still get an excited member easily pronounced about certain things without proper communication internally. Then the oethers had to back pedalled. Then you also have a top guy happily says things on top of his head giving an impression that every action/decision he makes should be told to the Rakyat. He is then seen like another flip flop legend. The question is why can a proper mechanism be put in place to avoid opening your backside to be whacked. This is knowing that there are so many out there who want to see the backside whacked left, right and centre.

Unless the lessons are learned, and learned fast, weakenesses identified and strengthened, gaps closed and rectified, life will be tougher for the next whatever remaining of the 363 x 5 days term to the next election! It is sad that with all the hopes, some PR government seems to fall in the same trap befallen the previous BN governments. While the intention may be good or all done in good faith, the art of governing is far from satisfactory. But then again that is the challenge that we ought to face and overcome. Here hoping that things will only get better!

The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Epilogue

I am not sure how the critics considered this book as 'more exciting than any thriller' (Philip Pullman) or 'admirably spare and amazingly exciting' (Rachel Cooke, New Statesman). I may be bias but the story was rather ordinary except for the way it was presented, in a flashback technic. Just like when one's mother would relate a family story, except in this case it was related to a stranger - with no name. The experience Changez went through was not dissimilar than many who took the same journey. A journey undertaken at a relatively young age when one is bound to discover many new things in life. In this case, it was a discovery of Princeton, Underwood Samson & Company and Erica. The disenchantment experienced by Changez with Erica and Americain general was nothing new regardless of 9/11. A person who grew up in one culture then moved to another culture would definitely feel the conflict. It is the challenge in managing this conflict will make one becomes either a steel or a plasticine!

Indeed, to me the true reason for the meeting between Changez and that American did not become abundantly clear at all............

Friendship

Every now and then one may ask what friendship is all about. Some may see this as being once companion in time of need. Companion in the sense of a shoulder to cry, an ear to listen and probably a source for a piece of advice. More often than not one may face a situation when many friends will be there when the weather is fair. When the times are rough, not many people will stand the test of friendship. This is quite common in terms of political interest. A powerful politician will have so many friends that he or she can float in the air from the firends aura. The moment he or she loses the political power then most of the friends will disappear if not all. Worst still nobody want to be associated with him or her regardless of the good deeds they had benefited from him or her.

So, the point is one has to be careful in having a friend. A person will be very lucky to have friends who can and will be there when they are needed. Alternatively it will be a nightmare to have friends who can backstab like 'trusting the fence, the fence eats rice'. A wise man says that a good friend is the one who will defend you in your absence!

Love (1)

What is love, really?

No, I'm not talking about it since many people just celebrated 14th February. The date when lovers are supposed to act out of lve for the loved ones. I bet most of them do not have even a good clue what love is all about. Let alone the true meaning of loving. So, I'm going to throw a challenge to those who can see - though not necessarily agree - my perspective of LOVE.

From Microsoft Words Thesaurus

LOVE = affection (n.), adoration, friendship, tenderness, feeling, fondness, devotion, ardor
= feel affection for (v.) adore, worship, be in love with, be devoted to, care for, find
irresistible, be keen on, be fond of

More Minuses than PLUS

About a year ago I wrote on this same matter regarding traffic management during festive seasons to reduce possible congestions on the (PLUS) highway and the Federal Highway. PLUS then responded that they took note of the issues and had instituted measures to prevent such a situation. I am not sure how effective these measures were during the festive seasons upto the first day of Chniese New Year, last Thursday when I had first hand experience.

Granted, there will be more vehicles on the road but on that particular morning when I was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh the following were observed and experienced:

1. No proper and adequate traffic management initiatives was visible. Two lanes were open along the upgraded section between Sg Buloh and Tapah. The third lane though has been completed was not in use. Flexible posts were erected to demarcate the boundary between that third lane and the other lane in use. Unfortunately, there were some mindless road users who chosed to drive thru the lane, not only creating danger to other users but creating more bottlenecks further ahead when there was any obstruction. There was nobody monitoring or controlling this blatant breach of traffic rules. It was almost who dares win. Sad to say, most of the offenders were those driving MPV, SUV and big vehicles. Then, somewhere along the same stretch a contra flow lane was opened along the southbound lane. Hence there were 'four' lanes for the northbound traffic. One would have thought that traffic would flow smoothly. Unfortunately it didn't. The reason? Both the contra flow lane and the 'unofficial/emergency' lane merged to the two operational lanes at the same location. So, obviously a severe bottleneck was created. Only one guy, probably a labourer was trying to direct the traffic or rather to 'civilize' the drivers. How could that be possible if PLUS had spent more time with scenario planning? I am sure this simple matter need no Angkasawan standard to figure it out. As a result of this omission (or minus) on PLUS's side how many users were inconvenienced, let alone those who missed appointments since it took at least two additional hours to get to Ipoh.

2. The 1-800 PLUS line is displayed everywhere along the highway, on the toll tickets and everywhere else deemed relevant to the PLUS. It was supposed to be the contact point for people wanting information on situation along the highway. For instance, with better information, one could come up with another plan like exiting at the next point. It was most regretful that my calls went unaswered for the best part of the period I was stuck in the jam. It was almost one hour between 10.30 nad 11.30 am. I was indeed in real need of a service from PLUS. But where are they? It is a pity for every PLUS highway users to be put into this kind of predicament yet still having to pay the same amount for toll at the end of the highway. No wonder they keep making money. Can't PLUS spend some thot to have a better management system at the control or call centre? Whatever the reason offered, it is really an excuse. If they had to attend many calls at the same time, can't they come up with a better telephony which can put the callers in queue and to be attended to?

3. As an alternative, I made a few calls to the Bukit Aman traffic control centre. What a surprise! Every call was attended to promptly with a lot of smile. Syabas to Kpl Roslan and the team! Although their resources are also limited i.e. relying on information provided by their field team, which incidently consisted of one peronda and a helicopter, at least they rendered better service than the other party, at least from my experience on that day.

In short, being the operator of the main trunk access from North to South of the Peninsular, PLUS should do more and better. I dont think they would require a lot of money to get this done. Even if they do, it will be not much compared to the amount collected during the festive period. Further more, PLUS would have nothing to lose but everything to gain while at the same time playing a role of a good corporate citizen contributing to the social well being of all Malaysians or at least those highway users. An effective and efficient traffic management would result in stress free trips especially when those trips are to improve family relationships and friendships among us.

It is my earnest hope that those in authority including the Majlis Keselamatan Jalanraya, Jabatan Kerja Raya, Polis Di Raja Malaysia could work together with PLUS and other relevant local authorities to come up with a comprehensive traffic management plan before the next festive or holiday seasons. This would definitely further enhance our domestic tourism industry because judging by the increasing number of vehicles already on the road/highway and with more to come on stream, the upgraded PLUS Highway alone would not guarantee a better travelling experience.