The Chinese Commonwealth?

As the British Commonwealth (of 54 nations) is getting increasing irrelevent over the years (India's disastrous organising of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, did not help), the emergence of the Chinese Commonwealth is imminent.

The rise of the Chinese in economic and military terms would also help to enhance the economic strength of the overseas Chinese, although at the moment, there is a already a disproportionate dominance of the economy by the overseas Chinese, particularly in the ASEAN countries.

The world is full of Chinese and people of the Chinese origin. There is an estimate of over 40 million Chinese living overseas as a result of the global diaspora, in all continents of the world. Adding this figure to those in the Mainland China and Taiwan, there are about 1.41 b Chinese on earth. The sun used to never set on the British Empire but today the sun truly does not set on the Chinese people!!

China is not known to have expansionist policy of invading other nations nor it is its intention for the future (it has enough land and people to manage) but it will definitely like to have strong influence amongst countries within its backyard... particularly ASEAN countries which together have over 27.5m of the 40m overseas Chinese population. There are about 820K Chinese in Australia and New Zealand..... and you can expect more in years to come, some probably come from the estimated 7m Chinese from Malaysia.

So what does a Chinese Commonwealth mean to the overseas Chinese?

There are pros and cons... and one of the cons would be envy from local populace in the various countries where Chinese people strive... which could lead to resentments against the Chinese populations (we have seen many of these revolts and brutality against the Chinese in Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia)... The Chinese are typically quite loud and showy when they are doing well.... maybe it is a lesson not too late for the learning.... stay humble and low key??

Sex Education in Bolehland

By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 11/11/2010 Malaysian schools to introduce sex education Malaysia's deputy education minister said Thursday sex education would be taught in schools across the conservative Muslim-majority country next year, to tackle an epidemic of "baby-dumping". As it is still not resolved in the "1 Malaysia" concept, there are two Gods in Bolehland....Allah for the Muslims (and East Malaysia) and Tuhan for the Non-Muslim (and those in Peninsular Malaysia), one will not be surprised if there are two separate syalluses for such an important subject in the Malaysian schools. One for the Potongs and the other for the Tak Potongs???

Ketuanan Melayu or Malay Supremacy

Malay Supremacy?
Since the debate started many years ago, I still have not got the true meaning of such a claim.
Would people who are behind this claim feel proud and dignified over such a claim?
How do you measure supremacy of a race? Excellence in human achievements, intelligence and innovativeness; social behaviour, socio-economical achievements, academia and cultural influences etc.?
Or is it merely based on the capacity to hold on to political dominance, from the protection of the Constitution and by not protecting the rights of the other races as stipulated in the same Constitution particularly in the area of equal opportunities for education and public employment?
Is this a Supremacy through suppression or arrongantly holding on to the crutches?
How would this status of supremacy rank in the global communities and economies?
The "White Supremacy" (the last blantant suppression of the majority in terms of Apartheid in South Africa) has disappeared.
How long will this Malay Supremacy last?

New Villages 1Malaysia

"KUALA LUMPUR 8 Sept 2010: A gated neighbourhood can only be set up with the approval of 51% of the residents, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung."

Gated neighbourhood has been initiated since the last couple of years, particularly in the urban housing estates throughout Malaysia. There have been many debates on the legality and "environmental safety issues" and protests against this from certain quarters but mainly the residents are frustrated with the frequent occurrences of snatch thief and house break-in. Often these happened in broad day light.

Security is a paramount concern and the residents are desperate for measures to protect their properties and personal safety. Thus, a trend for local resident initiatives to set up their own vigilant committee to build fences and road blocks and guarded security gates, funded by the communities. Of course some are not willing to pay for this extra expenditure for whatever reasons, and so there are protest voices.

This Government response is after years of complaints from residents, who are now turning all the urban housing estates to modern day "New Villages" as they were set up by the British during the Malayan Emergency period in the mid-1950, to prevent insurgence from the communists and support of them from the communities, mainly Chinese.

It ironic that those 450 New Villages of those days (with about 500,ooo people) have now removed their gates and expanded to modern living towns of over 1.2m people, we are seeing the growth of more modern New Villages in the major towns and cities in Bolehland.

With the new IGP being in place from 13 Sept 2010, would the security of the population be improved?

59 going on 60

All the tigers and tigresses of my Class of '68 have or would be celebrating our 60th birthday in 2010.

I have "composed" a song to commemorate this turning point of our existence (adapted from the musical classic, The Sound of Music)..... sing along..

You are 59 going on 60
Baby it is time to think
Better beware
Be healthy and careful
Baby you are on the brink

Totally unprepared are you
To face the world of the aged
Tired and spent and scared are you
Of things beyond your ken?

You need someone
Greater and wiser
Guiding you what to do
My Lord is living and eternal
He will take care of you...

Flush toilet and Modernity

Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS in his book "The New Asian Hemisphere" said, "And if I were asked to name the date when my life entered the modern world, I would date it to the arrival of the flush toilet, when I was about 10 years old (in late 1950s)"

Many people of my age group from Bolehland and The Little Red Dot, can really relate to this, from personal experience. People in the West probably will not except for some Blacks in USA. The people in Asian like India and China are still experiencing this "metal bin or rubber bin" night soil system - sometimes only replaced on a weekly basis!!

My children born in the late 1970s in Bolehland and my grandchildren born in the early 2000s in Kiwiland would never understand nor appreciate this transition from pre modern to modern day living.

Like Professor Kishore, after the arrival of the flush toilet, the other modern day conveniences were added to our home, like TV, refrigerator, gas cooker (transition from the wood fire/charcoal stove)..... For me, all these were as recent as the late 60s!!

Today the modern world has leaped to another level of technological advancement in terms of electronics and integrated circuits which bring along computers, mobile phones, ipods and other luxury "want" items.

Although the mobile phones are generally affordable and available to many poor in Asia today (there is a need for more effective communication and information), many of these in the developing countries are still without the basic flush toilet, which very much depends on the respective government emphasis on public infrastructures.

Lest some of my generation forget, this entry serves to remind us not to take things for granted. And be thankful and grateful always.

Deal or No Deal?

This "Deal or No Deal" TV reality show must be one of the favourites of the Malaysian PM. Watching his Sibu by-election campaign video at Sibu Rejang Park on 15th May, 2010 has convinced me that this is true.

Najib was playing this "Deal or No Deal" game live with the people in Rejang Park by saying that if you return the BN candidate Robert Lau on Sunday, he would instruct on the following Monday, that a cheque of RM 5m (up from initial RM3m request, whilst he was speaking), be presented to the people, to help solve the flood problems in Sibu.

He even quoted his "deal" of RM3m to a Chinese school in the Hulu Selangor which he subsequently won BN the by election there several weeks earlier.

Unfortunately, for BN, they lost the Sibu by election by a small margin. Maybe RM5m was just a bit short.

The MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission), pressured by public uproar, has opened a file on this case in Sibu and may call on the PM in its corruption investigations.

Najib's recent retreat in Singapore has resulted in another big "deal" with the Singapore Government on the KTM land parcels at Tanjung Pagar, Kranji and Woodlands. KTM will move it terminal (and the immigration point) to Woodlands by July 1, 2011. The official deal will be pursued vigorously by the two countries' officials within the next 12 months...
Of course the public will not know how the game of "Deal or No Deal" was played behind closed doors cumulating in the press conference announcement of the "Deal" on 25th May 2010.

That is how 1Bolehland is being run.... deal or no deal?

1988 Personality Profile

This was conducted by the Company in 1988 in an organisational renewal exercise.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicators using the following 8 characteristics - Extraversion(E), Sensing(S), Thinking (T), Judging(J), Introversion(I), iNtuition(N), Feeling(F) and Perceptive(P)

Categorised under a "ESTJ" type which, according to the experts, has the following description:- Practical, realistic, matter-of-fact, with a natural head for business or mechanics. Not interested in subjects they see no use for, but can apply themselves when necessary. Like to organize and run activities. May make good administrators, especially if they remember to consider others' feelings and points of view.

It will be interesting to revisit the similar test done in 1988 to see whether these have changed now, after all these years? Probably - retired and tired?

Powderful Power

In politics, sometimes there appears an unofficial powerful figure behind the official power:-

In China: Jiang Qing
In Philippines: Imelda
In Taiwan: Wu Shu-Chen
In Bolehland: Rosmah

History sometimes also repeats itself....

Allah

The Catholic Church of Malaysia has been challenging the Malaysian Government and the relevent authorities on the ban of the use of "Allah" by non Muslims, particularly in the official translation of Bible in the local language.

Abdullah Zin, the de factor Minister for Islamic Affairs was quoted as saying " The Cabinet is of the view that "Allah" refers to the Muslim God and can only be used by Muslims who comprise 60% of the Malaysian's population."

I don't understand why in Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world today, the Government there has not claimed exclusitivity of "Allah" as the Muslim God.

I don't know the actual technical or scientific or theological arguments of the Malaysian Government. Maybe someone out there may want to give me an education on this? Is there an International Tribunal to rule on this matter?

But I can only guess the political motive.

Perhaps, administratively, the Malaysian Government has an option to win the court case by quickly making a Trademark registration of the word "Allah" with the Registrar of TradeMark. It will probably fit into Class 45 of the Trade mark Act: " Personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals; security services for the protection of property and individuals."

My God would not mind what name I call him as long as He knows that I believe in His son, Christ Jesus... who was, who is and who is to come.

Dream Centre, Section 13 Petaling Jaya

Sunday past, I was invited to attend a Celebration (they don't call it worshipping) at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church in Section 13 PJ. They call their church "The Dream Centre" (TM-registered) - where dreams come alive. It was alive alright, with live band (loud drum) and jumping girls supported by equally energetic choir boys and girls. The auditorium, converted and renovated from the previously Singer Machine warehouse, now can hold a comfortable capacity of 3000 people - fully air-conditioned and the Centre is organised like a business set-up - fully funded by the members!!

It is contemporary, lively (flag waving too) and charismatic alright .... encouraged to pray in tongue, raised hands and "repeat after me" slogans... I must say I was in unfamiliar terrority.

However, the message by visiting Pastor Dr Philip Lyn was appealing. Title: Spiritual warfare: Taking Authority, Speaking Faith.

I shall summarise the 45 minutes sermon by paraphrasing it into 4 sentences:

1. We live in a supernatural world and it is dangerous not to be aware of the ruler of this world - the Satanic forces - which are constantly trying to immobilise us.
2. We may not win the battle with our own strength but God has given us the authority in his Word (with Faith) to fight against Satan's strongholds.
3. Faith (cannot be copied or faked) is the substance (or title deed) promised by God... being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrew 11: 1)
4. Faith takes time to be built up - believing in God, hearing (rhema), reading his Word as cerebral knowledge; with meditation, turning them into substance in the heart and speaking it out with authority and confidence (Mark 11:32).

Senior Pastor Dr Daniel Ho reminded the Church not to give up on Bolehland..we as Christians can help to shape this nation into a better place for all.

Kamunting

To the world today, Kamunting is famous for its infamous Kamunting Detention Camp for the ISA (Internal Security Act) detainees. The Kamunting Alumni of several thousand people..includes many present-day prominent figures in Bolehland... like the current Chief Minister of Penang, his father - Mr Opposition Emeritus, the Leader of the Opposition , many Members of Parliament etc. who are devoted to shape and progress the nation through the democratic process. They were once considered as a "threat" to the country by the Government, particularly the Home Ministry.

Politicians should know that nothing is permanent, and if the people are tired of the rhetorics and lies and the old arrogance of those in power, they can be removed at the polls. The 308 General Elections, the so-called Political Tsunami, where several states fell into the hands of the Opposite, should serve as a wake-up call for those who are still walk the corridors of power. It is probably conceivable that the same ISA provisions could one day be "accidentally abused/misused" upon the present crop of executors of the same Act?

Kamunting was once a thriving tin mining district with many dredges - the floating excavators for tin ores. It was one of the biggest army bases during the British rule. In the late 60s and early 70s, Kamunting was the booming industrial town of Perak, during which time the Minister of Commerce, Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun, was the local MP for Larut and Matang District. Sanyo stood out for me as a big global brand in Kamunting then.

During the late 60s and early 70s, being a resident of Kamunting ...these were the memories of a simple living, growing up....

Hair cut by my friend's barber father Mr Lim, in Lorong 2

May 13 school holidays, school examinations cancelled

First dates with girl opposite who often invited me over for The Johnny Cash show on TV2

Occasional swimming sessions at the army camp

Cycling time to school over the Lake View hills

Yoke Choy primary school and All Saints secondary schools were prominent landmarks

Hunting for live frogs to practise dissection for Form Six practical examinations

Self taught typing using the Pitman course book

Earned my first pocket money as a popular maths tuition teacher to sis and her classmates

Friend of mine married an elder sister (who later died of sickness) and later married her younger sister

Finished off many expired canned food

Learning to lead as an Assistant Scout Master

Temporary teacher riding a Yamaha 150cc motorcycle

Dad wept for me

Beating of a future police chief

Ipoh, the present Capital city of Perak, also once a big name in tin production in the world, now can only boast of its famous "Ngah Choy Khai" (Bean sprouts and Steam Chicken) plus the recent State Assembly meeting under a big Yam Yam Tree, Kamunting has this Detention Camp which the local residents are not proud to shout about.

So Happy Malaysian

"I am so happy that I am finally confirmed as a Malaysian citizen," said Leong Chwee Chun (The Sun 17/9/09).

Madam Leong Chwee Chun, aged 64, from Kuala Pilah, was one of the 92 recipients of the Malaysian citizenship in a ceremony held at Putra Jaya yesterday. Madam Leong, still single, first applied for her citizenship when she was 28 years old or about 32 years ago! Her father had lost all the relevent documents during World War II. The Home Minister, who was hugged by her, was beaming from ear to ear, apparently very proud of this presentation ceremony and as if he has made a great achievement or a great favour to all those who had waited between 15-32 years for their citizenship..... there is still a backlog of some 10,000 cases still pending approval by the National Registration Department.

Looking at Madam Leong, I cannot help but offer some reasons why she is "so happy":

1. She is impressed with the National Registration Department for being so thorough and detailed in processing her application which has taken over 32 years.
2. She can now plan to get married and have children of her own who would be happy Malaysian citizens too.
3. She can now begin to contribute to the EPF (Employee Provident Fund).
4. She can now officially join a political party like MCA, so that her vote will count... hopefully .. to keep the Barisan Government in power.
5. She can now invest in the government-sponsored Amanah Saham 1Malaysia.
6. She can now apply for a Malaysian International Passport, to travel overseas and to see the world outside that she has missed the last 64 years...
7. She can now officially apply for emigration to Australia or New Zealand (like so many have done so..)

Why so many of you who have got citizenship since birth do not seem to be so happy? Be thankful lah ok?

Damansara

I first came to know this word DAMANSARA in 1977 when I joined ICI (Imperial Chemicals Industries) headquartered on the 10th and 11th floors of Wisma Damansara. This 12 storey office building, built in 1970 was the first of its kind to be built in the prestigeous real estate location in KL named Damansara Heights.
The British High Commision occupied the top floor which can only be reached by special dedicated lift from the basement. Today this building is due to be torn down to be incorporated into the proposed modern Damansara City Complex.
Damansara is one of the 36 subdivisions of Petaling Municipality in Selangor. It is named after the Damansara River which runs from Sungai Buluh to Shah Alam. Over the years, Damansara Heights has gained a very strong market branding and perceived high market value, there are so many places now tag on this name to enhance their status and prestige.
Let me try to list them (not in any particular order):
Damansara Utama; Damansara Jaya; Damansara Perdana; Damansara Uptown; Damansara Damai; Damansara Impian; Damansara Idaman; Damansara Legenda; Damansara Kim; Damansara Indah; Damansara Intan; Bandar Sri Damansara; Ara Damansara; Kota Damansara; Mutiara Damansara; Bukit Damansara; Jalan Damansara; Flora Damansara; Taman Bukit Damansara; Villa Damansara; Sunway Damansara; Pelangi Damansara; Lebuh Raya Damansara....
There is however two such places which have disappeared to make way for one of the existing Damansara..... they were the Damansara Village and the Damansara Estate (of rubber and oil palm).
The other name that is catching on is Saujana...
Someone somewhere will come up with the ultimate enhancement by naming something Damansara Saujana or Saujana Damansara!!
What is in a name you say?

Royal Kampung

This 99 years old Club, situated at Bukit Rotan, Kuala Selangor, is a legacy of the colonial masters who ruled the planting industry in Malaysia, up to the 1960s. Since the late 1980s these British and Scotish planters have either fully retired or have retrieved to Indonesia. Today there is practically none of them left in the Oil-palm dominated plantations in the Peninsula.
The logo of the Club carries the images of the three major economic activities of those glorious days - rubber, tin and oil palm.

Malaysia has now lost her world's Number One position in rubber and tin production and although she is still the world leading oil palm producer (with 3m ha plantings) this position will soon be taken over by Indonesia (with 6m ha of plantings, maturing).

Royal Kampung Kuantan Golf Club is unique in itself to be the only 9-hole plantation golf course which is accorded the royal status. Those who know the background to this royal charter would tell you that the close public relations with the Selangor Palace were the determinant factor, much to the dismay of the then District Officer who wanted to rule over the Club's future developments.

The Club house of 2009 has not been tranformed too much from those 1970s days when I first stepped into this Club during my business interactions with the planting communities. It is functional with a meeting/dance hall; a bar with two billiard tables; a Club office; a small pro shop and basic changing rooms for men and ladies.

This grand old tree must be as old as the Club. You can't miss it as you approach the Club entrance or when you are about to tee off as it is standing right at Tee Box 1/10. Many golfing enthusiasts and beginners have started their first golfing experience in this course, where the fairways are relatively flat and lined by matured trees. Unfortunately, many old trees are getting cut down or dying due to old age or disease. No apparent plans to replant new ones?

This golf course management has always been reflection of the high standards of estate management around the vicinity as most planters are members of the club. A poorly maintained and managed Royal golf course will a mirror image of the present day estate management mentality and standards. Lest we lose out to our neigbouring country, the young crops of planters should buck up, and soon.

The first/tenth fairway OB line stretches all the way from the tee box to the Par 4 green. Of course in almost every fairway, there is a lateral drain running across. All greens are elevated and hard. It is therefore a good practice ground for your chipping skills.

Hole no 4/13 Par 3 (199 meter from the blue tee) to me, is the signature hole of Royal Kampung Kuantan Club. On the right is a straight OB line (beyond which you would hit the Oil palms and squirrels) and just left of the green is a pond awaiting you, about 60 metres after the tree on the left. It is a hole which decide if you triumph or you break in any tournament here.

My sincere wish is that the Management will maintain the course for at least another 99 years, both for the golfers and club members but also for the tourists who would pass it when they come visit the "Fireflies" sanctuary at Pekan Kg Kuantan, about 3 km down the road.

For those who must have a good breakfast before teeing off at Royal Kg Kuantan, the attraction is at Ijok village where you can get Curry Tu Kah (weekends only).

Apa ini?

"The Home Minister today defended and justified last Friday's cow-head demonstration after meeting with the Malay-Muslim representatives of Shah Alam's Section 23 residents at his office" (MYSinchew.com 2/9/09).

The Home Minister has turned Defence Minister for Shah Alam Section 23!!!

One dialogue with the residents, the Minister has more or less made a ruling on behalf of the Attorney-General and the Police who are still investigating the more than 50 reports received from the Public about the incident. He was also quoted saying that "the police allowed the demonstration to proceed because the numbers of protesters were small.." I remember reading somewhere that any meeting of more that 3 persons without a police permit is illegal ? And this was allowed to proceed in public, accompanied by a severed cow head too!!

The Opposition of today should thank the Home Minister for this defence, which would be the perfect material for a power-point presentation at the next General Elections rallies. And if and when you then become the Government (in 2013 or earlier), please don't repeat such double standards in your administration and in words/actions.

Forgive them....

For they do not know what they are doing.... forgive them...

I don't believe true Muslim teachings lead you to protest and to deny others of a place to worship their chosen religion in a land where the Law provides for religious freedom. Using a freshly slaughtered cow's head is provocative and potentially can incite riots from the affected section of the population.
If this is not the Islam way, then why did this happen?
If this is a political maneuvering, misusing religion as a tool to achieve the goals and ambitions of some, then we must expose them. Playing with people's feelings and emotions can lead to serious repercussions and tragedies.
Rational thinking people must stay calm and not be manipulated by these acts and react.
A small group of the Section 23 Shah Alam residents used a cow's head to protest in front of the Selangor State Secretariat building yesterday against the proposed hindu temple in their neigbourhood. What will happen if some groups react tomorrow by presenting some dog's head or pig's head or chicken's head or cat's head in other mass demonstrations?
But we must voice out our displeasure and concern. This is not only an issue affecting HINDRAF or the Hindus.... other religious leaders must come out to condemn this. It's imperative that the leaders in power today should stop this unacceptable public showmanship and open challenge to believers of other faiths.
I only can pray....

Tun

There are broadly 2 categories - To Utter Nonsense & To Utter Nothing.

After 52 years

Jalur Gemilang

This Bolehland where I was born, bred, educated ..... toil, breed, vote and vote and vote, hope and hope and hope...
The above picture really has many long stories to tell..... and many of us know them first hand.
The big flag belongs to my Haji neighbour while the other one is mine. He is one good neighbour for the last 27 years and we are ONE people living next to each other but when we both turn on our TV sets, probably viewing different channels, we often see and hear different propaganda being drummed into our subconscious minds.
After 52 years, the very small flag, (obviously not flying very high and slightly pushed to the sideline), really reflects the feelings of many of us towards this democratic land . We had enshrined First World ideals into our Constitution, but still struggling with Third world mentality of governance.
In reality, the relative size of the flags also depicts the reality of economic cake distribution and other opportunities between the "protected" species and the "non"s.
Must this and can this go on for the next 52 years? Many of us may not be here.....will the small flag still be standing ?

My Park, maintained by DBKL

Newly built rest house at Kiara Park

This is a new facility at Kiara Park, completed about a year ago and still looking elegant and majestic against the green background. You can enjoy your ease, per entry, if you produce RM0.20 cash. If you are a jogger who has a habit of visiting this new establishment whenever you exercise or sweat, make sure you carry this minimum cash with you.

Readers may be impressed with the look from outside but if you were to be near it within a distance of 10m, you will definitely smell it!! There must be a leak in the underground piping system and DBKL has been duly notified surely. Maybe the contractor is being hunted to make good the defects or the "no smell guarantee" period has expired and needing to appoint a new contractor? The stench, to put it mildly, is repulsive and it really spoils the fresh air in this popular park, frequented by many - young and old (mainly oldies).

Let's hope that the problem will be fixed soon, otherwise the permanent residents there (the monkeys) may be even driven away, let alone the visiting 2-legged species.

I treasure this park where I sweat it out daily, before the incentive of the first meal for the day.