The Day Shall Surely Come!

Was talking to a young accounting professional the other day who was a staunch BN supporter. I asked him why? Good policies? Credible leaders? His answers brought sadness to me. After so many years of independence, we now have citizens accepting their position as second class citizen. He says BN is the only choice and that we should accept the reality that UMNO is in control and that BN is the only choice compared to the other BA parties, I probe further, what about corruption and lack of accountability? He acknowledges the sad state of affairs but that we should accept it as part and parcel of life in Malaysia and to look at the positive and not the negative. WOW! How convenient!

I was distraught and thought to myself, is this guy for real? I can tell you it is for real! He is real, he believes that he doesn't have a choice as he isn't a bumiputra. I thought again, isn't this what I hear so often among believers and leaders of the church? Many of us are adopting this position of apathy, lack of imagination and desire to seek changes in the world around us. This reluctance to act is shrouded in the guise of contentment, thankfulness, maturity and other nice sounding attributes. This unwillingness to seek changes, to rock the boat is scary.. the need to maintain status quo and to stay in the comfort zone isn't what I think any thinking believer should do. Isn't it any wonder that the world looks at us Christians as people who are just interested with 'religious' matters, with no real answers for the dying world? This position to me is untenable. We are the salt and light of the world. We are relevant to this world, we have the answers, we seek to establish the kingdom of God here on earth, not just in what many of us like term as the 'spiritual' sense but in every aspect of our earthly life. While we have been rightly taught that we are pilgrims passing through and that this world is not our home, yes not our eternal home but nevertheless it is our home for now and we must do whatever possible to shine and project what eternity would look like to those currently living in darkness. There is more to the gospel than just going to church, singing a few nice songs, making some noise, have our ears tickled and then go home with a good feeling. Jesus Christ did not die the violent, painful death on the cross just for us to have a nice peaceful life. NO! Far from it, Jesus died for us that we may have life and life more abundantly and that means we are transformed by the renewing of our minds to be like Him, to do His works, to stand up for the oppressed, heal the sick, cast out demons, set the captives free.. all that is simply not possible if we stay in our comfort zone and resign ourselves to this half cook concept about abundant life, falling asleep in the light while the world is perishing in darkness. We must be prepared to rock the boat, seek change and challenge convention when it is in conflict with Godly values. Only by committing ourselves to be more aware and alert would others be able to see the light in us and taste the salt we bring. Only by what we say and do would others be drawn to the light on the hilltop. If we should have to suffer the consequences, so be it! Afterall, people were drawn in droves to Christ in the early church days even if it meant having to be the lion's next meal or the target of scorn and ridicule by their peers. They saw the light, they saw Christ in the believers, that was why they called the believers Christians, literally little Christ.

I am perplexed, many of my peers are too occupied with their earthly pursuits to be bothered by the intensity and seriousness of their calling. I believe that day will come when we would held accountable for all that we have done, all that we have tried doing and all that we have never bother to do during our brief passage through life. Lord forgive me... my eyes aren't focus on the cross. I repent...

Bagus! Bagus! Terbagus!

What a great cabinet! We now have a brandnew cabinet, one that is clean, efficient, of integrity, untainted, incorruptible who will lead us all onto excellence, distinction and glorious! That's what we get by giving them such a overwhelming victory. Can't help but wonder.. what if we had just given them a simple majority? I believe if that had happen, we would have seen serious action from the top to institute change. Well, we blew it and once again it is back to the 'good' old days, business as usual for all. What is wrong with so many? Can we have some depth in our thoughts? Or is there something wrong with me?

I think I shall stop writing about my hopes and dreams for a ideal country. It is proving to be pretty depressing for me. The more I think of it, the worse I feel. I shall bring my petitions to God and keep my mouth shut.. only problem is I am not sure if that is what He wants me to do. He has called me to do many things and keeping quiet when things are not right is never one of it. Got to do some soul searching...

A Long Way Off!

Last night was my third homecoming in two months at KLIA and I must say with each subsequent visit, the airport is getting from bad to worse. The service, the maintenance, the people who greet visitors. I thought of listing them all down but am really tired of complaining all the time. For Malaysia, could the people in charge do something? Visit Hong Kong's airport, Kansai, Osaka or even Changi and tell me that KLIA is ok...

Blind, Deaf and Mute!

I am depressed.. obviously we malaysian have a long way to go before we attain the malaysian identity. No race, no religion, no fear, no wealth based politics...

We must answer one day for choosing to be blind, choosing to be deaf and mute.. we are just too comfortable and complacent. All the best, my fellow citizens!

Now We Wait... and wait..

A resounding win for the ruling coalition. I must congratulate BN for the strong performance despite of how everything was tip in their favour. This is something we all have to accept, the people's voice must be accepted. The people has responded to the PM's request for a strong mandate to act, so now we will wait... I pray and hope that we do not have to wait five years to discover that it was all talk, rhetoric and no substance. Pak Lah, the ball is at your court! And syabas!

Messy! Messy! Messy! SPR...

What a mess, no proper lines, room to room, long wait, long walks. Here is Malaysia Boleh! again for all of us. My dad who is close to 80 years old had to wait, queue, my mum who has difficulty walking had to do the same as well, my poor wife had to queue in the sun while other jump the queue as there were no clear instruction and enough officials to keep order. Spoke to the policeman and he is equally frustrated. Officials manning the counters, fiddling with their touch pad, and keying in long IC numbers to give people wrong rooms.. so many just gave up and went home. What's happening? Is this just happening in the two polling centres in Tmn Midah or all over the nation? So much for SPR being ready for the election. Hey can we vote SPR out too since they aren't performing?

We Must Vote!

Read a thought provoking opinion 'Why I will not vote' by A. B. Sulaiman on malaysiakini. Must say that I agree with most of what he has to say.. however, I believe we must continue to have hope, hope for change and that change is possible. For if we lose hope that we would cease to live, it is because of this hope in us that we can continue to fuel our capacity to fight and strive for a better Malaysia. We must not, we should note stay away from the ballot box, I say we vote! Vote as our hearts leads us, not out of fear but out of what we want to see in future.

The Old Man Said...

Was in a the state of Pahang yesterday, about two hour drive from KL. Was driving through a particular kampung with lots of BN flags, and buntings. One small route that I took was rendered unpassable due to some kampung folks cutting down some coconut trees, they were having a kenduri of some sort. I waited for them finish up so that I could pass, I notice an old man just at the side cutting the leaves off. I wound down my window to have a chat with him and inevitably he asked me who I thought was worthy of our votes, I did not dare to state outrightly my stand but did explain myself on the few issue which I thought was wrong and should be corrected, this was because he was wearing a BN t shirt, in a typical BN area, or so I thought. Well, he simply said this... "Kerajaan ini tak boleh pakai!" That's it! He further mentioned that though he is a member of the political party, he felt that there was something grossly wrong with the way things are done, the corruption, the way BN conduct its' campaign. In the kampung area they portray that they are more islamic, while in the chinese new village, they said that a vote for the opposition is a vote for islam. The road was cleared and I had to go, before parting, I couldn't resist but to ask him why was he still wearing the t shirt... well, his answer was simply this.. "dalam hati, dia orang tak tau!" He was going to vote with what he thought is best.

I believe in freedom
I believe in peace
I believe in transparency
I believe in religious freedom
I believe in development
I believe in prosperity
I believe in justice
I believe in stability
I believe in fairness
I believe in education
I believe in rule of law
That's why I WON'T be voting for the present people in control.

1st Is Wrong, The 2nd Is Also Wrong!

Race based politics is wrong! Religion based politics is wrong as well!
To move our country ahead, we have to cast aside those who practice the above. There is no place for race or religion based politics in my ideal Malaysia. These two way is wrong.

In my ideal Malaysia, race and religion cease to dictate public policies and development direction. The ideal government looks after its' citizens irregardless of their race or religious inclination. The colour of our skin, the shape of their physical appearance should not hide the fact that deep inside we're the same, flesh and blood, all created in the image of God. The poor and destitute ought to be given aid, not just monetary but aid with the aim of improving their living conditions and standards. The more industrious be given the motivation and impetus to excel further. Everyone shall be given equal opportunity. Every citizen would be given a sense of belonging. Education for all, amenities for all, housing for all, healthcare for all and opportunities for all.

In my ideal Malaysia, criminals will suffer consequences for their actions. Corruption will be dealt with swiftly and judiciously. The legal framework and justice system would make it difficult and laborious for those contemplating misguided ideas of getting rich fast. The law in my ideal Malaysia will be swift, just and fair to all. My ideal Malaysia is a place where development of human ingenuity, values, moral, godliness, happiness and contentment is the main anchors for national policies. The wealth of the nation is measured by the well being of the citizens not the amount of physical buildings and stupefying achievements.

In my ideal Malaysia, it would matter no more who the leaders are, their ethnic origins is rendered inconsequential as they seek the betterment of their fellow countryman.

My ideal Malaysia is starting to materialise before my very eyes... as I see beyond race and creed. To speak against injustice, to fight for my fellow Malaysians, to stand with my fellow Malaysians, to grief with my fellow Malaysians. To celebrate with my fellow malaysians.

Anwar Forgotten?

Nope! He is not forgotten, at least not by me or most of the people I know. While I am no fan of his, I have seen how he was treated unfairly and unjustly. He has done nothing to qualify the time in Sg. Buloh. His family should never have to suffer his absense. It is most cruel and represents the peak of oppression to put a man behind bars just for daring to challenge another's position. However, I believe this episode has left a deep impression on many including DSAI. What kind of a country we want for our children? I certainly hope that we could raise up more leaders with integrity and noble values. Certainly not the likes of those I've seen thus far. I have no joy in seeing politicians hopping around, changing their allegiance at every turn. They represent the lowest form of living creatures. I guess we have to wait still for a couple of generations before we see Malaysia in its' best. I like the BN's slogans, but I doubt they can deliver as promised as they had been in power far too long and the system are rotting under their care. The whole election exercise shows how 'FAIR' they are. From the media coverage to the EC's way of conducting business, I would say we have very few good man around. If this is how they view fairness then I shudder to think of the future they promise. Malaysians must not forget, we have short memories but we must take time to refresh our memories. This country needs changes...

Too Little, Too Late

Back from KB last night where we had a project there. The flags are flying all over the place and I couldn't avoid the inevitable question, politics that is. The man on the street says that BN can bring about more development, at the same time he laments the blatant disregard of the law and the corruption that is going on, as glaring as the sun shine which everyone can see but not the ACA or the leaders. This brings me to what my better half had to say on the coming election just this morning, "BN means bankrupt nation, not just in monetary terms but in moral, ethics, ideas and lots more" ... true?! I personally think that there is a need to bring about a change in our country. The question is how to go about it? To those who think that it is possible to bring about change, positive change to our country by just going to the ballot boxes once in 5 years, I am afraid that the change they are looking for is still a long distance away.

The new PM has started the ball rolling in wanting people to work with him, why, we even saw some officials taken to court and charged for acts of corruption. To me these actions are too little and a little too late. While many seem to feel good about these efforts and presume that more would follow under his administration, I for one have not forgotten the many issues left pending, unanswered by the present administration. I remember how the Lord President Tun Salleh Abbas together with two Supreme Court judges were removed, the way and manner they were removed is simply mind boggling. I remember how people with no values, principles maneuver in the most disgusting way to put down people with integrity and uprightness. These very same people are well and functioning in the present administration. It is a sad state of affairs. I for one wish that reforms will materialise for the benefit of the man on the street. However, a wish is not good enough. All thinking Malaysians need to change their mindset, address their fears and confront each day, each act of injustice, each person they encounter with well thought out responses. To do this we need the wisdom from God, by keeping ourselves informed and in tune with all the happenings around us.

I look to the opposition but find no comfort for various reasons, however I do profess a distinct admiration of what they do, how they continue to persevere despite of the obstacles they face every step of the way. Our opposition are far from being able to govern but we have to start somewhere, my response to this predicament is this. The BN can continue to rule for the next five years but I will do my duty and patriotic love for the nation by denying them the two third majority they seek. They can rule without the two third, if they improve I'll give them support but if things are status quo as per what happen with the bersih, cekap, amanah slogan of years gone by then I am prepared to jump into the unknown deep end. What have I got to lose? Afterall, haven't we have lost our freedom to speak our minds, freedom to assemble, freedom to debate and express alternate views, the rights to disagree... the list goes on.

Talk to the people on the street and you will detect a tinge of fear on their part of the present administration, fear that they would be victimised with no jobs/projects if they choose to disagree with the ruling party. This is fundamentaly wrong. No one should have to live in fear for their different views. Everyone is entitled to express their views and state facts and reasons to substantiate how they arrive to their conclusions. Take away this freedom, you take away all the checks and balances needed to keep Malaysia on top. This coming election, I pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, Leaders to speak with God given conviction and all Liars be damned for misleading the common people. The people elected by the people must have the capacity to resist personal enrichment and contribute by way of words and action to the greater good of the man on the street. Good night!

"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!"

Luke 12:47-49

The Least We Could Do!

Many of us choose the easy way, apathy, indifference, or just plain lazy. We need to at least voice our position, that is the least we could do for a better Malaysia.


"I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
Elie Weisel

"You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power; maybe not in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result..."
Mahatma Gandhi

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
Proverbs 21:15

A Windy Day.

It's a hot but windy day, took my mama to the doctor this morning. She is suffering from a bad cough and needless to say, we had to turn to the doctor to prescribe medicine to help. She had been seeing the doctor more frequently lately.. I think her resistance to bacteria and viruses is weaker. I pray that she would get well soon.

Dad called later to check if I was free to bring him shopping in the afternoon so we went, got home only at 7+. A tiring day but a good day nevertheless.

Polling day is 21st March 2004. I hope everyone would give more thought into who they would vote for and what kind of Malaysia they want for the future. I think, we had lost quite a fair bit the last 10-15 years, would be good if we had more people with integrity and accountability up there. And zero RACIAL issues... we Malaysians should reject all attempts to split and rule us. All Malaysians should have access to a decent life, justice, equality, quality service, safety, level playing field, diversity in views, more bite in the ACA, more function and less forms ... these are some of the things I would like to see in the future. Oh! and do away with the corrupt officials!

Good night!

I am back!

Sorry for a long silence, was out of the country on some business... will write again