My 2011 New Year Resolution: KISS

Yes, let us kiss 2010 goodbye which is already history. Let us kiss and make peace, not war, so that there is joy in this world.

And let us keep the politics in this country short and simple to bring hope to our children:

Kick BN out and let PR in.
If PR fails the rakyat, then let us kick PR out and let another alternative government in until there is light at the end of the tunnel in this country: politically,socially and economically. Period

Greetings to all

A Five Minute Management Course

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.

The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor.

Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in

front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets

to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door

neighbor,' she replies. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything

about the $800 he owes me?'

Moral of the story:

If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2:

A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident.

After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.

The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized

'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'

Moral of the story:

If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Lesson 3:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out.

The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'

'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'

Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep... 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.'

Puff! He's gone.

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'

Moral of the story:

Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 4

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'

The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:

To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Lesson 5

A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'

'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:

Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there...

Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him... As

the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:

(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.

(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE!!

Greeting to all my Hindu friends

My Dream

These are performers from China's Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe with hearing impairment, visual impairment and physical disabilities preforming during a show called 'My Dream'.

As we watched the performance with amazement and awe, it makes us wonder the level of determination and training endurance that they have gone through for such a spectacular show.

They have showed the world that disability is nothing. Disability is just a word like 'beauty'. It is the belief in oneself that makes the difference in making a dream possible.

Amazing act of flexbility

Let us imagine that the female performer is BN and the male is PR.

If only both political parties have such graceful cooperation and flexibility in the balancing of power, it will be a heaven in Malaysia.

Do you think this can happen?

Same time,same talk every year

Malaysia is truly a unique country.

Every year, the people celebrate a smorgasbord of festivities and with such a cultural pot of diversities, it is an envy of many. To any smart government, such diversities will be utilized like an asset for greater benefits of the country. However, in Malaysia such an asset is being treated like a liability, causing a slew of frustrations,anger and unhappiness among the people.

Like a great theatrical act, whenever a festive season approaches, the ruling politicians will call for unity, respect and blah blah blah every year.

Don't these politicians understand the meaning of walking the talk and stop talking the cock? Don't they realize that the people are already blase with all the politicking in the country?
Don't they know that there are so much of catching up to do in this fast world of globalization?

Sigh, maybe I should stop complaining and go watch movie instead.

Let us relax

The Hari Raya holidays are just around the corner and for those who have no concrete plans,I would like to recommend the following movies for your enjoyment. It is sheer classic humour at its best from some of the most funny actors of all times.

In contrast to the political happenings in this country which are making us cry,I hope these movies can at least make us laugh and cheer us up.So, in this festive season of forgiveness, let us steer away our thoughts from politics and enjoy the holidays.

To watch the movies in full, just click on the title and watch it from part one onwards.

Greeting to all muslimin and muslimat

To be or not to be?

The Chinese character for 'patience' is a very interesting one which I adore very much as it forms a core part of good values in life. It basically comprises of two words: the word 'knife' and the word 'heart' at the bottom. In simple explaination, it means that even when one's heart is being 'stabbed' with a knife, one must not retaliate.

Yes, even when you are being bullied,whacked,ridiculed and screwed by the politicians, you must not retaliate. No matter how hurtful it is, be patient my friend, just be patient. So you see how meaningful the word is and how it is being expressed: beauty and full of character.

This virtue, simple as it may sound, takes a lot of willpower of a person to control his emotions. Hence, the saying "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."

The virtue of patience is a very powerful tool when put in used in its proper perspective like in war, politics, sports and even gambling like in a poker game.

In the context of all the political happenings in Malaysia, where racial hatreds are being stirred and where animosities are being aroused by the political evils, we should be glad that there are no major clashes among the various races except for some fierce verbal rumblings. See how patience we Malaysians are.

I believe the patience of the people must be running thin now as we have been 'stabbed' on all fronts for far too long: corruptions, racism, injustice, inequality and religion extremism. Should we hold on to our patience and wait for the change within or should we unite to change this country?

After all, there is a Chinese saying: Even the monk also got fire.

Make your day

Something to make you smile and ponder


Courtesy of Arthur Baumann

Time for a good laugh

A little boy goes to his father and asks ........
'Daddy, how was I born?'

...The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway!

Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo.

Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe.

We sneaked into a secluded room, and googled each other.

There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive..

As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said:

You got Male!


Courtesy of Arthur Baumann

Some sound advice, hopefully it is still not too late

At long last, we have an UMNO veteran who is bold and farsighted enough to provide some sound advice to us all which I hope is still not too late for the people in general and the politicians in particular to change for the betterment of all in this country.

The following are extracts( in red) from Tengku Razaleigh's speech during the 4th Malaysian Student leaders Summit and my comments in blue:

The outspoken Umno veteran said that people must rid itself of racial politics if the country was serious in 1 Malaysia.

“So let us take 1 Malaysia seriously, and convert Barisan Nasional into a party open to all citizens. Let it be a multiracial party open to direct membership.

“PR will be forced to do the same or be left behind the times. Then we shall have the vehicles for a two party, non-race-based system,” the Gua Musang MP said during the 4th Annual Malaysian Student Leaders Summit here.

Well Tengku, since the post 3/08 political tsunami, the people have been hoping and praying for this two party system to take shape. Unfortunately, with so much of cynical politicking since then, it did not happen.

Tengku Razaleigh, affectionately known as Ku Li, pointed that racial politics has turned Malaysia into a sick country.

The politics in this country have not only make us sick but also the laughing stock of the world. But then, with such a propagandist like this, where do you think we will be heading?
The Kelantan prince said that the Najib administration must implement policies reflective of 1 Malaysia.

I tell you, this overused 1Malaysia thing is really making us equally sick. How can you promote this concept when there are two sets of laws:one for the ordinary and one for those in power?

“Our inability to grow up in our race relations is the chief reason why investors, and we ourselves, no longer have confidence in our economy. The reasons why we are behind Maldives in football, and behind the Philippines in FDI, are linked,” Tengku Razaleigh said.

“It’s not conservative or liberal to ask for an end to having politics, economic policy, education policy and everything and the kitchen sink determined by race. It’s called growing up,” he said.

We all know the reasons why we are always catching up with our neighbors: from rampant corruptions to an unfavorable education system and from flip-flop policies to dirty politics. And aren't we ready for change?

Tengku Razaleigh said that both BN and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) are responsible to ensure the country progress from communalism and race politics.

No Tengku, you are wrong. It is UMNO that is responsible to ensure that we stay away from racial politics because the reasons why we are in this shit point to UMNO. Thus UMNO, after having poison the minds of the Malays for more than 50 years, must now provide the antidote for the Malays to wake-up and embrace equality and fairness so that we can all walk tall together and be proud to call ourselves, Malaysians.

Plunge, plunging ...............plunged

OK folks, figures are out!

FDIs are declining and investors are shunning this country, which means the rice bowl of the people will be greatly affected.

And yet everyday, we read of the political goons and idiots talking about race and nothing else but race politics. If that is what they are good at, then let them do it. Let them irritate and enrage the people more. Let them demonstrate their idiotic mentality and stupidity for the world to see. Most probably, the investors have already seen it.

As for Pakatan Rakyat, it must seize this opportunity to highlight and let the people know that the economy of the country is plunging into the drain. It must attack the UMNO/BN led government on all fronts relentlessly and make them answerable to the people.

Because the rice bowl of the people is more important, PR must not be trapped into race politics set by those idiots. PR must shows its abilities to govern and bring much developments in the states that are under its control. It must stay focus to provide enough rice bowls for the people, not break them.

As for those racist political goons, let the people take care of them through the ballot box.

Crossing the border

If you cross the North Korean border illegally
You get 12 years hard labour.

If you cross the Iranian border illegally
You are detained indefinitely.

If you cross the Afghan border illegally
You get shot.

If you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally
You will be jailed.

If you cross the Chinese border illegally
You may never be heard again.

If you cross the Venezuelan border illegally
You will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed.

If you cross the Cuban border illegally
You will be thrown into political prison to rot.

If you cross the British border illegally
You will be arrested, prosecuted and sent to prison and deported

If you are an Indonesian and cross the Malaysian border illegally

You will get:
- My PR (Permanent Residence)
- A driving license
- Voting rights
- Job reservation
- Special privilege to be considered as a bumiputera
- Credit cards
- Subsidized rent or a loan to buy a house
- Free education
- Free healthcare

Oh Malaysia ! What a great country!

Malaysia really BOLEH ya!

Courtesy of Arthur Baumann

Subsidies and corruptions: Which one to remove first?

Related post: Its now or never

The fear mentality

It is indeed sad to see the need of the PM to pacify the UMNO delegates not to fear Singapore investments which the government is trying hard to attract into the Iskandar project.

In the first place, why must the PM pacify them? If they are indeed scared of the Singapore investments, will the government flip-flop again on its agreement?

Secondly, is the mentality of the UMNO delegates so shallow that they are not able to distinguish between what is good and bad for the country's economy?

Thirdly, why must there be a special fear for the Singapore investments only? Why not the other investments that are from other countries?

If the PM is sincere in removing the fear mentality in UMNO, then he must remove all the 'crutches' that have been supporting them for so many years so that they can 'walk' freely, willingly and eventually with the head held high. And in order to achieve this, he must fear no one. So Mr.PM, when all your predecessors have failed, can you succeed?

As it is now, it looks so pathetic for the PM to keep wanting to pacify the UMNO delegates.


Possibly related post: here

FIFA World Cup: Time to embrace technology

The match between England and Germany in the second round of the World Cup yesterday has provided some quality of excitement to the game and hopefully, as the tournament progresses, the fans can enjoy such quality in this beautiful game.

The hottest topic about this game is most probably not the victory of Germany but the shot by Frank Lampard which hit the goal bar that bounced down and back up off the bar again. An almost instant replay during the live telecast clearly showed that the ball has indeed crossed the line. To the horror of all, from the the Englishmen to the football fans, the referee waved to play on as if he has not seen it. If the referee is 'blind' or being blinded, how about the linesmen?

It is indeed pitiful that England has to relive the equally controversial shot by Geoff Hurst during the 1966 World Cup. Many has argued that the ball has crossed the line and to this day, it is still being debated. Unlike today, where video technology is in such an advance stage, whereby any shots can be replayed almost instantly from any angle and in HD too! If such technology is available, shouldn't FIFA embraced it to be used in future tournaments so that there is some fairness?

Since the controversial goal by Thierry Henry in the return leg playoff between France and Ireland, I have blogged about the use of video technology and how it should be implemented.

Kindly read here for the proposals.

Maybe for once, FIFA should listen to an outsider.

FIFA World Cup: Let's hail the Yankees!

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is already half-way through and the tournament is anything but exciting to-date.

We have witnessed how the top teams like England struggled to survive in the Group matches and the biggest shocker must be the elimination of Italy and France who are the defending champion and runner-up respectively in the last World Cup. Then there is Spain, which is the favourite to win the Cup by the pundits, is hanging precauriously for survival in the last group match. These countries are supposed to be the top teams in the world and they have the biggest and richest professional leagues. The players are being paid incredulously high which at times looked so outrageous that I wonder if football is being played by one or two players only. And it is for this reason, where monetary rewards overtake pride and dignity for the game, that I am never interested in any of the professional leagues, especially the English Premier League.

In the United States where the American football and basketball supersede all other sports in popularity, one cannot help but wonder how they managed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups and has now qualified for the Group of 16 round by beating Algeria. It is indeed delightful and exciting to watch the Americans attacking relentlessly in the match against Algeria with their never-say-die attitude. Ultimately the winning goal came, at the last minute of injury time. If only luck is not against the Americans, the score could be easily 3-0.

If the United States wins the World Cup, the booster dose for the popularity of football will be tremendous: both in the US and the world. Maybe for once, the cup should be won by an 'outsider' team so that it can breathe new life for the next World Cup.

Possibly related post: here

Its now or never

I believe many of us must have felt very disheartened after reading today’s Star paper on the removal of various subsidies by the government on this auspicious Wesak day. Maybe Lord Buddha has already enlightened the government on how to manage the country efficiently before it goes bankrupt by 2019.

If these removals can indeed save the country from bankruptcy, then it is the duty of all to accept and adapt to the many changes that are bound to affect our lifestyles in one way or another. But the question is: Is the removal of subsidies the only means to safe this country financially?

I concur with Tony Pua who is DAP publicity secretary that the government must also do away with the many wasteful expenditures which are actually black areas for massive corruptions with the creation of the many rent-seekers. If we are to look deeply into the financial management of the government, corruption is the greatest sin that is plunging the country into bankruptcy, subsidy being only a secondary factor. The list of financial scandals is just too long. Maybe someone can assist me in compiling the list.

The government must not forget that there are still many who possessed the siege mentality and the removal of these subsidies might make them want to run amok. Can the government contain them? Can the government utilize the saved money prudently, efficiently and fairly?

There is a Chinese saying that goes something like this: With extravagance, even if you have a mountain of gold, it will eventually be finished.

And Malaysia fits the saying beautifully: A country with plenty of natural resources like the mountain of gold which is being plundered by the extravagants and the corrupts.

May Lord Buddha, Allah, Jesus Christ and Lord Muruga bless us all.

Born to act

It has been a long time since I last watched and followed intently Cantonese drama movies that are produced in Hong Kong, until recently.

A few months back, while my daughters were watching a Cantonese drama series titled Rosy Business, I joined in and watched the first episode. As the story progresses, I started to enjoy and became engrossed with the storyline. When the first episode was finished, I requested for the second and then the third episode and watching them way past midnight.

What captivates me in this movie besides the storyline is the acting by the veterans and even the newcomers who both acted superbly and so naturally. There is the plot and sub-plot and then more plots and sub-plots making you sitting on the edge of the chair yearning for more. So, it is no wonder that both the lead actor and actress won the Best Actor and Actress Award in the Hong Kong movie industry last year.

There is one particular scene that is worth mentioning here.

When the lead actor (played by Wayne Lai), was caught for stealing because he was poor by the gangsters, he was set to be punished severely by the leader unless he is prepared to crawl like a dog with a dog bone in his mouth! When the bone was forced into his mouth and as he crawled along the street with the people laughing and cheering, his facial expressions of humiliation, anger and sadness was indeed heart wrenching.

Since watching this show, I subsequently began to follow many other drama series. The Hong Kong movie industry has improved by leaps and bounds with the many talented actors and actresses that are aplenty. In fact many of them were from other professions before they join the movie industry: beauty pageants, models, hair stylists and singers. And when they became actors or actresses, they just seem to act naturally and convincingly.

Are the people in Hong Kong born to act?

It is a well known fact that the society in Hong Kong is a very materialistic one, a kind of No Money No Talk. With a robust economy and the dynamism of the Hong Kongers in doing business, the chase for wealth is extremely competitive and strong. And many believe acting is where they can find fame and fortune. So, it is no wonder that one can easily find many of these Gen Y aspirants hanging around at the beaches and complexes flaunting their body hoping to be spotted by a film director for an audition.

Malaysians are also accepted. Do you want to try?

Is Malaysia a cursed country?

-->

We all know that Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of natural resources like oil, rubber, timber, oil palm and even gold that has made the country the envy of many. No doubt these resources have contributed greatly to the development of the country and despite of these rich resources, it has created a vast division among the different races with each wanting to fight for more distributions of the wealth. With the depletion of the country's wealth through the massive plundering by the corrupts seemingly with impunity,the fight will become more intense among the have-nots..

The different races of the country have created a cultural pot of diversities and a smorgasbord of food that make this country unique throughout the world and should made all Malaysians proud. It is a folly of the government for not doing enough to capitalize on this great asset of the country. Instead of the capitalization, we see a conceptualization of a fiercely racial base political rhetoric which has greatly divided the people. Instead of living in a heavenly place now, the politicians are making it hell.

When most of us have forgotten the horror of the May 13 racial riot and moving forward, we now have some political idiots who are led by one pigheaded idiot who wanted to organize an anniversary of this bloodshed event in the name of special rights and privileges as if the people are not already divided enough.

With so much of beauty and richness in this country and yet, there are full of hatreds and divisions among the people. When we should enjoy a good standard of living, we see so much of discords and dissatisfaction. When the country seems to be heading the right direction for political reforms, we see the implosion of racial threats.

When the world is envious of us, yet we have become the laughing stock.

If Langkawi has the Mahsuri curse, I wonder what curse does Malaysia as a country has and by who. Anybody got any idea?

Remembering the times

Do you remember the times when you were a baby and was refused the pacifier by your mother?
What do you do?

Like all babies, regardless of race, you start to cry and whine until your mother gives in and faithfully gives you the pacifier and you smile again. As you grow a little older and when your mother refused to give you some sweets to protect your teeth, you start to cry again and like all caring mothers, your mother will obediently gives you the sweets. Now, as you grow older, each time when you want something from the family and was denied, you start to make a ruckus in the family to attract attention until your demands are given.

As we grow older into adulthood, many of us must have realized that such a trait is utterly wrong and begin to repent and change to a better behavioral person. But then, there are also many who either refused or simply cannot change because such childish behavior are already ingrained too deeply in them.

Now, let us juxtapose the above scenario with Perkasa.

Do you see the many similarities?
Can you hear their demands?
Can you see how they seek attention?

I believe that if we do not give a damn about them, they might do something more sinister until its 'parent', Umno, gives in to their demands.

What do you think, we as 'parents' should do to such a defiant 'child'?

Related post: The spoilt child

Illusions and Perceptions

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate Pakatan Rakyat for getting rid of another froggie. This froggie assemblyman from Bakar Arang, Kedah although has stressed that his reason to quit had nothing to do with him being dropped as Kedah state exco member recently, the truth is for us to judge.

One of the reasons he gives is so stupendously stupid that it makes one want to puke:“I love Anwar but now I see Najib working, I am beginning to love him.”

It is akin to saying that this froggie loves his wife and if he sees another woman who is more beautiful and cooks better than his wife, then he will abandon his wife and marry the other woman.

This froggie must have been caught in an illusion created by the PR company that is engaged by the government to create a perception that Najib is working hard. Hence, the front page picture of Najib shaking hands with President Obama to let the the world knows that Najib is one of the privilege few who is able to meet the most powerful man on earth. With millions being spent to market his image, ultimately it is the people who will make the judgment.

As I have mentioned before, marketing is about perceptions. It gives you a sense, usually a false sense of what is to be portrayed. Some good examples are the many TV commercials like baby powder and health food. We see how the so called fortified milk powder with DHA that can make a child talk like an orator and study like Einstein. We also see another commercial showing a well known actress drinking a calcium drink so that her bones can be strong but without mentioning how much of calcium is being absorbed.

Let us not be fooled by those illusions that we perceived everything is all right and smooth sailing in this country. We have already being fooled for more than 50 years. We have gambled and already lost the future of two generations.

Let us wake-up and come to our senses to change this country for the betterment of all. We cannot afford to gamble the future of our children anymore.

We have failed you, Brother James

-->When you left us all of a sudden, your hopes and wishes were left for us to fend

Restaurant business continues to prosper and seems to be in good hands

Our brothers try as hard to improve the business as they can

But then along the way, the path to success was marred by brotherly rants

What do you expect when one seems to be in total control?

How can they work as one when another one is almost incommunicado?

When finances and all are in a state of improbable fold

The end of Gourmet Terrace is already foretold

Now, like a flash of lightning, the restaurant has been sold

There goes all your hard work and the many sacrifices untold

Deep inside me there is anger and I cried for your poor soul

Oh James, how can I redeem your pride and lost pot of gold?

For far too many times we have failed you again and again

I can see your anger, frustrations and disdain

Please James, I seek your forgiveness with a deep sense of heart pain

We need your guidance to the path of success without

anymore restrains

What is gone is already gone

For there is no point to moan but to look beyond

We will fulfill your wish for brotherly bond

So James, please go seek solace with God and not be torn

Related post: read here

Five lessons for Pakatan Rakyat to be relevant

1) Patience and not hasten

The major victory of PR during the March 08 general election has brought so much of cheers among the people that it almost changed the course of the political history in this country. Maybe the cheers were so loud that it has gone into the heads of its leader who boldly declared that it has the necessary numbers of MPs who will crossed over to PR and thereby giving it a simple majority to form the next government. This number game has caused so much of confusion and a sense of false hope that in the end it was the BN that capitalize on this to wrest power in Perak.

It will be a very different political scenario if PR had planned on how to win the hearts of the people and shows what it can do to guide the country to greater heights. It must be patience enough and allow time for the people to follow and understand its political struggle.

2) From jubilation to turbulence

With the failure of PR to form the next government, we can now see the true colors of some of its MPs. Because these MPs felt there will be no rewards for them if they stay with PR, they decided to jump ship and switched alliance to BN. Only God knows what, who and how much is involved. And because money is able to do wonders, we see how these froggies attack PR through the many sinister revelations. Whether these revelations are facts or fictions, it has done enough damage and cause so much of turbulence in PR. It is with great importance now for PR to put its house in order before more froggies will jump ship.

3)Focus and not hocus-pocus

By now PR must have realized that, by simply winning big in an election does not guarantee that all will be smooth sailing. There is no magic wand for PR to do what it wants wantonly. It should stay focus on its political struggle for the people and the country. It must be bold enough to discard the old political rhetoric of racism which the people despise the most. One of the ways to achieve this is for all the component parties of PR to show true camaraderie and to speak with one voice. PR need not worry too much on those political goons who seem to thrive and survive on racism, let all right minded Malaysians take care of them through the ballot box.

4)Careful selection for greater contributions

Ah, this is the mother of all problems in PR. You see how all those froggies who have jumped ship hurling accusations and criticisms against PR. No one has an iota of inkling in PR that this can happen because no one too foresee that PR can managed to win big in the election. So any one at that time who is willing to stand for the election can be considered without vexing the true credentials, ability and background of the candidates by the PR leaders with PKR being the greatest culprit. I believe PR must have learned this bitter lesson so that in future only quality candidates will stand for elections.

5)Change or be changed

We have seen how PR made silly mistakes and blunders and how they were made to eat humble pie by BN. We have also seen how PR being attack on all fronts by BN through its controlled mainstream medias. With all these negative effects, PR must start to plan its strategy and willing to change and adapt to the needs and aspirations of the people. Whatever mistakes PR have committed, we as voters must be equally focused to support PR so that justice and fairness ca become a reality to all of us. After all, it is change we want, aren’t we?

Where life is cheap

Last Sunday, when there was nothing much for me to do, I decided to pop into the cinema to watch the Academy Award winner movie, The Hurt Locker which won the Best Picture category for 2009.

The storyline of the movie is base on the sacrifices of the US Army soldiers who are on duty in Iraq to provide security and to flush out the insurgents. It tells of a group of soldiers and a time bomb detonator who patrol the streets of Baghdad. Each time when they are out on the streets, there is fear that one might not come back alive. And very often, they will think of their families back home. And soldiers do cry!

Although it is only a movie, what has been shown is basically what the US soldiers have to endure in real life situations in Baghdad currently. In fact the chances of them being killed are extremely high. Because the soldiers are not able to differentiate between the insurgents and the ordinary people, they become easy targets. And when the insurgents mingled with the public, they can open fire or detonate themselves as suicide bombers easily. In fact, many soldiers have been killed either by suicide bombers or road-side bombs which are planted as an ambush. When the soldiers are patrolling on the streets, the insurgents can open fire like snipers from the rooftop and windows from the buildings. In other words, these soldiers are like sitting ducks waiting to be 'slaughtered' like a sacrificial lamb! Even with the advance technology of stealth and the Predator, neither one can save them.

In such a guerrilla warfare, there is no way the US Army is going to win: neither the battle nor the war. They have lost in the Vietnam War and the Russians too have lost the war in Afghanistan. In both wars, guerrilla warfare were engaged through the effective use of the tunnels by the Vietcongs and the supreme rein of the mountainous regions by the Afghans. And now the insurgents and the terrorists have the suicide bombers. While the US soldiers seemed to enjoy their booze and good life in the army camp, the terrorists seemed to 'enjoy' death and therefore, have already won a psychological warfare against the US soldiers.

With such a high mental stress on the soldiers and the fear of death looming over their heads each day, I believe many are on the verge of mental breakdown. I hope the soldiers can be sent home the soonest possible and wait to fight a more meaningful war: a war which they can be proud to fight and to die for.

Peace or War? It depends on all of us.

How we respect one another.

How we listen to one another.

How we understand one another.

How we believe in one another.

The worst is over

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The bold declaration by the PM that the worst is over for the Malaysian economy must be music to the ears of many. But then, to the many business communities, such music may sound hollow and distorted as many will shake their heads negatively with regards to business performance.Many will tell you that business has been extremely slow and there is lack of purchasing power of the consumers. If the economy is on the road to recovery, then why it is that it does not correlates to the performance of the businesses of many?

Although there were many statistics to show that the worst is over for the Malaysian economy, I am no economist or a politician to argue or dispute the facts. But what I would like to highlight are these keywords from a different perspective and context: The worst is over.

Imagine that you have been suffering from a chronic disease that disrupts your life for many years. You suffer so much because it is so debilitating that at times you contemplate about suicide. One day, a doctor managed to cure your disease and tell you that the worst is over for you. And from that day onwards, you realize that there is hope in life.

Imagine that you have been trying very hard to make ends meet. You struggle with your meager income to feed and educate your children. And to add to your financial woes, there are many bills and loans to pay. At times you just feel so helpless and hopeless. One day, luck is on your side and you strike it big in lottery. Finally, the worst is over for all your financial woes and you felt relieved with a sense of elation.

Imagine that your life has been nothing but full of miseries. Your job is full of pressure and stressful. Nothing you do seem to be right: from the office to your home. You are not able to cope with all these pressures in life and seem lost. The whole world seems to be against you. One day God(it does not matter whose God) seems to on your side and ‘opens’ up the world to embrace you. You feel a sense of belonging and slowly you are creeping back to society and you see happiness in you and your family. Finally, the worst is over and you realize that the world is just so wonderful.

Happy Chinese New Year

May the Tiger roar in to bring peace, prosperity and good health to all.

When bad can be good

The group of protesters from non-government organizations that set fire to the cardboard effigy of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has the best of both worlds that can only be seen in this country. These protesters protested in the presence of the police force and when the effigy was burnt, the firemen were there to douse the fire, free of charge. In countries like Iran,Iraq and Afghanistan when the protesters burnt the effigy of the ex-President of United States George Bush, such services were not provided. So, in future, these protesters can carry on protesting and burning until the country goes up in smoke.

The menace of the mat rempits that has brought untold miseries to other motorists have been duly rewarded with a programme by the government free of charge so that they can be viewed positively. These rempits who act like king of the road have committed such crimes like gangsterism, terrorizing of motorists and bag snatching can now looked forward to the programme to plan their future. When they 'graduate', they can be street smart and continue their crimes in a more systematic way.

In the international scene, we have the love tryst of England's football captain John Terry with his teammate's ex-girlfriend. This seemingly explosive news which has caused such a media frenzy in England that the medias are willing to offer a few hundred thousands pound to have a first hand revelation from the lady. She is indeed having the best of both worlds: bedding a married superstar and be paid for the revelation. Oh yes, let us not forget about that American tiger who has been on the prowl in the golf circuit and has reportedly bedded more than a dozen mistresses. Are they going to be rich too? You bet. Do you think the world will believe what they will reveal? Who cares.

Characteristics of Human Nature

1) Greedy: One greed of a person is enough to bring unhappiness of a lifetime.
2) Dignity: With dignity, your respect has been earned.
3) Evil: Be careful of the evils in you, for retributions await you at every striking distance.
4) Kindness: Show you kindness and you will be rewarded with greater kindness.
5) Selfishness: Go it alone if you can and do not come back crying for there is no pity.
6) Bravery: Go seek justice for the people. Go protect the weak and the world will walk with you.
7) Stupidity: A severe case of disorientation of IQ and EQ.
8) Foxy: The twisting of facts and figures will ultimately tangled you in a web of deceits and lies.
9) Clever: Use it in the right context in life and good destiny will follow.
10) Arrogant: Make sure you do not fall. A fall will hurt you so badly that even you mother is not able to recognize you.

Now, list the name of the politicians that best suits any of the above characteristics.

Proton: You are not alone

It has been for many years that Proton has been the punching bag for the many motor critics at home and abroad. However, since the acquisition of Lotus, there has been some improvements both in designs and performance. But then, this is not enough to convince the critics and my first experience with the new Proton Persona is nothing but a total disappointment. Anyway, the car has been checked and fixed now and it has been plain sailing in terms of driving pleasure.

Maybe, just like human beings who are bound to make mistakes, Proton needs to be given a chance to prove itself to win over the hearts of the critics. Even the giant automakers are making costly and dangerous mistakes as reported here and here and here:
Toyota Motor Corp is extending to Europe the recall of millions of its most popular cars due to dangerous accelerator pedals, a further blow to the reputation of the world’s largest car maker.

Honda announced a recall for 646,000 2007 and 2008 Fit, City and Jazz models worldwide, after a fire hazard involving a power window switch resulted in a death in South Africa.

French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen is recalling 100,000 cars across Europe to change accelerator pedals on two models designed and produced in a joint venture with Toyota.

So Proton, you are not alone in making mistakes. But you must not ride on the mistakes of others to justify your faults. Show the world that you have learned your lessons and convince us that your time has come as an international market player in the motor industry and we will ride with you.

There are idiots and there is a fool

The year 2009 has not been a very good year for us as there is nothing much to celebrate: economically, socially and politically. So, let 2009 be another year in history or rather a year for us all to learn to be politically united to build a solid foundation for a better economy so that the rakyat can live in a harmonious way socially.

Before we can start the year 2010 on solid ground, some idiots have already started the new year on a fiery note by burning some churches in the name of Allah. This sickening act has already being condemned by many, as such I would not like to write about it. In fact the political scene in this country is so polluted that it is not worth anymore for me to write. In short, words just fail me to describe the happenings in this country.

So, let me write something else. Like my experience with my new car:Proton

I have just bought a Proton Persona MT which was delivered to me on the Christmas eve. Being Christmas and a new car, that is a double celebration for me. I cannot believe my luck as on the first day of driving the new car, there are already some troubles with it. Each time I reversed the car, the engine automatically turns off. The room light and the car bonnet lever are not working.

The next day, I took my family for a drive to Morib. To my horror, while I was driving, the tachometer (rpm meter) pointer points to the maximum and the Check engine sign was on. Although fortunately the engine was running normal, I was driving the car with full of anxieties and worries.

After the Christmas holidays, I called the dealer and Proton to lodge my complaints and which both parties duly attended to satisfactorily. To make the story short, after about a week in the workshop, the technician from Proton finally found the source of the problem: it was the wiring which was not fixed properly and therefore, affects the sensor of the car.

The car is all right now and I seem to enjoy driving it. It has power and surprisingly, it is very quiet inside. In fact it is more quiet than my daughter's Toyota Vios which I bought for her in the beginning of 2009. The handling and suspension of the car are up to my expectations and with the price of 50K, standard accessories, 15 inch sport rims and size 195 tyres, one should not ask for more with regards to performance.

And I have booked another Proton( a Saga) for my second daughter!

Some of my friends said I must be foolish to buy another Proton after what I have experienced with my new Proton Persona.

Well, since she truly needs a car for work and the price is within her budget, I hope she has better luck than me.