Wednesday, December 31, 2008
TO A HAPPY 2009!!
My new year resolution : Lets stay positive and centred no matter what happens. May 2009 prove to be a prosperous, happy and healthy year.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Obama, the New President of America
The world celebrates Barack Obama's win as the first African-American president of the United States. Indeed its a historic win over Republican John McCain. Today, Obama is one of the most powerful man in the world.
Read his victory speech below.
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, Chicago, Illinois: Text of President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech in Chicago on Tuesday, as released by his campaign:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
Read More
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Yoga is for everyone
But the National Fatwa Council doesnt think so. The report in the Star: The National Fatwa Council will soon come out with a ruling on yoga exercise.
The Islamic Development Department’s deputy director-general (operations) Othman Mustapha said the council’s chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, would make the announcement.
Othman told reporters this after opening the two-day seminar on Islamic Jurisprudence and Eternal Islamic Thinking at Universiti Sains Malaysia here yesterday.
On Tuesday, lecturer Prof Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Centre advised Muslims who have taken up yoga to stop practising it as it could deviate from their belief.
I think most Muslims would agree that nothing would deviate their belief in Islam, if they are true followers. I have been practising yoga for more than 2 years now. I dont remember learning anything about Hinduism nor have I become a pious Hindu as a result of yoga.
Yoga has made me more positive, centred, alert, healthier and happier.
Okay, here's a clear definition of yoga. Its not a religion. (maybe they feel since it originated from India more than 3,000 years ago, it must be something controversial??)....hhmmmm
Yoga is really a science to perfect one's physical and mental state. For me, it is a way of life to experience enduring health and happiness. And if you think its easy to achieve this, you must be joking!!
There is no short cut to it- my yoga teacher cannot stress enough on the importance of practice, practic, practice. Yoga is my only escape from the world that bombards us with unhealthy practices and bad news. It is a wonderful retreat where I am in harmony with myself and my surroundings.
With Yoga I am able to rectify my system and ensure I improve the quality of my life and my loved ones.
So, it will be a pity if my dear Muslim friends cannot experience this wonderful science.
The Islamic Development Department’s deputy director-general (operations) Othman Mustapha said the council’s chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, would make the announcement.
Othman told reporters this after opening the two-day seminar on Islamic Jurisprudence and Eternal Islamic Thinking at Universiti Sains Malaysia here yesterday.
On Tuesday, lecturer Prof Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Centre advised Muslims who have taken up yoga to stop practising it as it could deviate from their belief.
I think most Muslims would agree that nothing would deviate their belief in Islam, if they are true followers. I have been practising yoga for more than 2 years now. I dont remember learning anything about Hinduism nor have I become a pious Hindu as a result of yoga.
Yoga has made me more positive, centred, alert, healthier and happier.
Okay, here's a clear definition of yoga. Its not a religion. (maybe they feel since it originated from India more than 3,000 years ago, it must be something controversial??)....hhmmmm
Yoga is really a science to perfect one's physical and mental state. For me, it is a way of life to experience enduring health and happiness. And if you think its easy to achieve this, you must be joking!!
There is no short cut to it- my yoga teacher cannot stress enough on the importance of practice, practic, practice. Yoga is my only escape from the world that bombards us with unhealthy practices and bad news. It is a wonderful retreat where I am in harmony with myself and my surroundings.
With Yoga I am able to rectify my system and ensure I improve the quality of my life and my loved ones.
So, it will be a pity if my dear Muslim friends cannot experience this wonderful science.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Reporter Released
The Sin Chew Jit Poh reporter was released yesterday. On why she was arrested under ISA in the first place : Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said that Tan was detained because of alleged threats on her physical safety.
So, let me get this straight. She was arrested because there was a threat on her life but the person and his supporters behind the alleged threat is still at large? Okay, so ISA is not only used on those who are a threat to the public and country but also to protect people under threat. What lame excuse...
If that is not enough Syed Hamid also implied that the reporter was to be blamed for the public furore over the ‘Chinese squatter’ remark. Of course, its all her fault for doing her job and having the guts to expose uncouth 'leaders'. And Ahmad Ismail is the poor innocent bystander.
Well, one thing for sure, these actions will not intimidate people. ISA is used by insecure Government who has failed!
So, let me get this straight. She was arrested because there was a threat on her life but the person and his supporters behind the alleged threat is still at large? Okay, so ISA is not only used on those who are a threat to the public and country but also to protect people under threat. What lame excuse...
If that is not enough Syed Hamid also implied that the reporter was to be blamed for the public furore over the ‘Chinese squatter’ remark. Of course, its all her fault for doing her job and having the guts to expose uncouth 'leaders'. And Ahmad Ismail is the poor innocent bystander.
Well, one thing for sure, these actions will not intimidate people. ISA is used by insecure Government who has failed!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
A BLACK day in our country
The police have arrested Malaysia's leading blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, a reporter for the Chinese-language Sin Chew Daily Tan Hoon Cheng and an opposition politician, the Selangor senior state executive councillor and Seputeh parliamentarian, Teresa Kok under ISA yesterday.
Raja Petra, was charged in the Sessions Court on Aug 15 on three counts of criminal defamation over his statutory declaration on the murder of Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu. Tan Hoon Cheng is believed to have been arrested over her report on former Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s racist remarks while campaigning for the Permatang Pauh by-election last month.
Kok is believed to have been picked up in connection with a residents petition in Puchong over a mosque. She was allegedly accused by the former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo. (We dont even know if he has prove of this. Can I then accuse someone of inciting racial remarks just to see them arrested under ISA?)
Although it was anticipated, one was hoping it would not take place. Well, I suppose one cannot blame the Government, as they are left with no option! They needed drastic action to shut everyone up. Like they say, when all else fail, use the ISA.
While the Government continues making these grave mistakes, those detained under ISA becomes more powerful and popular - and rightfully so.
The man who made the racist remark, former Bukit Bendera Umno division chairman Datuk Ahmad Ismail, was not taken to task. He is a free man!!
We pray for the safety and well-being of those arrested. We hope they will be release soon.
Raja Petra, was charged in the Sessions Court on Aug 15 on three counts of criminal defamation over his statutory declaration on the murder of Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu. Tan Hoon Cheng is believed to have been arrested over her report on former Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s racist remarks while campaigning for the Permatang Pauh by-election last month.
Kok is believed to have been picked up in connection with a residents petition in Puchong over a mosque. She was allegedly accused by the former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo. (We dont even know if he has prove of this. Can I then accuse someone of inciting racial remarks just to see them arrested under ISA?)
Although it was anticipated, one was hoping it would not take place. Well, I suppose one cannot blame the Government, as they are left with no option! They needed drastic action to shut everyone up. Like they say, when all else fail, use the ISA.
While the Government continues making these grave mistakes, those detained under ISA becomes more powerful and popular - and rightfully so.
The man who made the racist remark, former Bukit Bendera Umno division chairman Datuk Ahmad Ismail, was not taken to task. He is a free man!!
We pray for the safety and well-being of those arrested. We hope they will be release soon.
Monday, September 8, 2008
To old school mates...
Having to meet old school mates after more than 15 years is truly exciting. More so to quench your curiosity of how they may have turned out to be. Are they successful, married, still single, with kids etc etc..
I had a pleasant time meeting up with some of my junior school mates at a friend's wedding last weekend. It's good to see these boys doing well and have become responsible adults.
Many I couldnt recognise. Some I really wanted to see but could not make it, others looked the same. I felt strange travelling down memory lane- the emotions and feelings stuck with these memories have become part of me.
I wonder why I never kept in touch with them. Old school mates are probably the ones who know you the best when you were in school.
Anyway, these junior boys have become men. What was I thinking?? Of course they grow up. Infact, some of them have strong opinions about the country, its policies and the government. I am quite sure, someday they too will become leaders.
To my old school mates from PD High School - cheers!
I had a pleasant time meeting up with some of my junior school mates at a friend's wedding last weekend. It's good to see these boys doing well and have become responsible adults.
Many I couldnt recognise. Some I really wanted to see but could not make it, others looked the same. I felt strange travelling down memory lane- the emotions and feelings stuck with these memories have become part of me.
I wonder why I never kept in touch with them. Old school mates are probably the ones who know you the best when you were in school.
Anyway, these junior boys have become men. What was I thinking?? Of course they grow up. Infact, some of them have strong opinions about the country, its policies and the government. I am quite sure, someday they too will become leaders.
To my old school mates from PD High School - cheers!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
New Morning by Yeo Yang Poh
A well written article worth the read
The 8th day of March 2008 is a milestone in Malaysian history; and the 9th, the following day, witnesses a new morning.
For half a century, Malaysians (for a variety of reasons both real and imagined) have got accustomed to living under a political monopoly, believing and fearing that any substantial change would be detrimental to their own interest. It was, in part, an indoctrinated fear.
That psychological shackle of fear has now been broken.
The Barisan Nasional (including its predecessor), having ruled the country since independence, is naturally wondering why its iron-fisted monopoly has been so suddenly and unexpectedly breached. For the sake of moving the nation forward, this enquiry, if it can be carried out with brutal and painful frankness, will be a meaningful one.
The reasons for this moment of truth are multiple and complex, almost too numerous to list. But I suggest that they include the following:
(a) There is no denial that the coalition formula was necessary for the attainment of independence. The spirit of working together, as equal partners, was both admirable and essential. Equal, that is, though not in terms of numbers, but in terms of rights and responsibilities. However, over the years, the gradual erosion of this spirit, brought about by the greed for power and wealth, has betrayed the essence of the coalition formula, and has turned it from a winning formula into an oppressive one.
(b) To maintain power and control, it became expedient to arrange politics according to race, in order to divide and rule, first along racial lines, and then along religious ones. The coalition becomes equal only in the payment of lip service. It gets increasingly difficult to convince the affected persons that this is a partnership of equals, while their representatives are compelled to continue insisting that it is.
(c) The preoccupation by the ruling elite in pursuing personal power and wealth, fuelled by an unbroken string of successes no matter how audacious their conduct has become, has entrenched a culture of ignoring the genuine needs and wishes of the people. The citizens' voices of appeal may grow louder and louder, but are met with either deaf ears or insincere promises that are repeatedly broken. Those who dare to turn up the volume of their complaints are harshly dealt with. But the people cannot be fooled forever. Carrots delivered just before each election might have worked for a while, but cannot work indefinitely. And the people cannot be cowed forever.
(d) For decades Malaysians with genuine grouses or who wish to offer solutions for societal problems were told to work "within the system". "If you want something (that ought to be yours in the first place), come and work within the system" is the fatherly decree issued throughout the years. That might be acceptable if the system in fact works. Alas, most experience of working within the system soon became "begging the system", with small successes and huge frustrations. Is it surprising, then, that a time will come when the people will say that enough is enough?
(e) A system of the above nature allows sycophants and leaders with personal agenda to thrive, while those who wish to reveal the truth and improve the lot of the people are at best ignored and at worst persecuted. Such is the perfect recipe for an eventual downfall.
(f) The above expanding phenomena, and many others, have manufactured a host of fatal problems such as endemic corruption, depletion of national resources, inequity in the distribution of resources, abuse of power, and the like; in short, an unfair society. It is a matter of time before simmering discontent acquires an erupting force.
(g) Arrogance on the part of the ruling elite (again because of their unbroken record of successes and the fear tactics that they have no reservation in using) makes them blind to the repeated warnings that things are about to boil over. The use of threats, splashed on the front pages of newspapers in the days leading to the election, sickened many, and probably backfired. Some of those threats had clear racial undertones. It was Malaysians who, in casting their votes, had surprised the Barisan by rising above racial divide (such as in Penang and Klang). The Barisan has underestimated the growing maturity of the Malaysian electorate.
There are of course many more reasons and causes than those mentioned above. If the Barisan wishes to regain lost ground in the future, it needs to sincerely pay heed to frank advice, and remedy its serious shortcomings.
Now that the political monopoly has been broken in a number of States, and the future prospect of breaking the same at the federal level has become an attainable goal rather than a dream, the Opposition (which is now the ruling party at some State levels) has a mountain of work ahead. So much hope is pinned on their shoulders.
Among the most important things that the Opposition must do are the following.
(i) They must never forget, not even in their sleep, that their much-improved victory is not their victory, but the victory of the people. Thus they must serve the people with humility and dedication. They should be proud, not of their success, but of the people who have enabled them to succeed.
(ii) Having been in the opposition for so long, some of them need to quickly learn the ropes of governing. Teething problems are inevitable. Be transparent and frank to the people, and remedy any errors as soon as they are discovered. While the people expect perfect bona fide and honesty, they will be forgiving about imperfections in the execution of tasks, when things are done transparently.
(iii) Identify and divide tasks into various categories: those that require urgent attention, short-term goals, long-term policies, and so on. Set timelines for each task, though not cast in stones, and make every effort to keep to them. Engage or employ the right people for the right jobs. Outsource if need be.
(iv) Pay immediate attention to issues that are most burning to the people, such as the economy, poverty issues, equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, security, etc.
(v) Set up effective oversight mechanisms immediately, especially in relation to financial matters, the processing and granting of permits and contracts, and corruption in the public sector. This must include a strict monitoring of the members of the Opposition themselves, to ensure that no corruption or cronyism is practised.
(vi) Set up effective mechanism to receive and address complaints from members of the public.
(vii) Opposition leaders at all levels, and in particular the top leaders, must ensure that there is no in-fighting among themselves, for this will quickly destroy the faith that Malaysians have placed on them by giving them this opportunity that is hitherto unprecedented in Malaysian history.
The challenge for the Opposition in the coming months and years is a huge one. There will be many more ways to fail in this challenge than to succeed. They have to be always vigilant, honest and humble. Opposition members are not exempt from frequent visits by the demons of human weaknesses. The same people who have put them there can as easily reverse the decision if they should betray the faith placed in them.
Checks and balances are essential for any system of government. This new morning in Malaysia will in the long run benefit all Malaysians, whatever their political persuasions may be. Let us all get down to hard, honest work.
Yeo Yang Poh
9/3/2008
The 8th day of March 2008 is a milestone in Malaysian history; and the 9th, the following day, witnesses a new morning.
For half a century, Malaysians (for a variety of reasons both real and imagined) have got accustomed to living under a political monopoly, believing and fearing that any substantial change would be detrimental to their own interest. It was, in part, an indoctrinated fear.
That psychological shackle of fear has now been broken.
The Barisan Nasional (including its predecessor), having ruled the country since independence, is naturally wondering why its iron-fisted monopoly has been so suddenly and unexpectedly breached. For the sake of moving the nation forward, this enquiry, if it can be carried out with brutal and painful frankness, will be a meaningful one.
The reasons for this moment of truth are multiple and complex, almost too numerous to list. But I suggest that they include the following:
(a) There is no denial that the coalition formula was necessary for the attainment of independence. The spirit of working together, as equal partners, was both admirable and essential. Equal, that is, though not in terms of numbers, but in terms of rights and responsibilities. However, over the years, the gradual erosion of this spirit, brought about by the greed for power and wealth, has betrayed the essence of the coalition formula, and has turned it from a winning formula into an oppressive one.
(b) To maintain power and control, it became expedient to arrange politics according to race, in order to divide and rule, first along racial lines, and then along religious ones. The coalition becomes equal only in the payment of lip service. It gets increasingly difficult to convince the affected persons that this is a partnership of equals, while their representatives are compelled to continue insisting that it is.
(c) The preoccupation by the ruling elite in pursuing personal power and wealth, fuelled by an unbroken string of successes no matter how audacious their conduct has become, has entrenched a culture of ignoring the genuine needs and wishes of the people. The citizens' voices of appeal may grow louder and louder, but are met with either deaf ears or insincere promises that are repeatedly broken. Those who dare to turn up the volume of their complaints are harshly dealt with. But the people cannot be fooled forever. Carrots delivered just before each election might have worked for a while, but cannot work indefinitely. And the people cannot be cowed forever.
(d) For decades Malaysians with genuine grouses or who wish to offer solutions for societal problems were told to work "within the system". "If you want something (that ought to be yours in the first place), come and work within the system" is the fatherly decree issued throughout the years. That might be acceptable if the system in fact works. Alas, most experience of working within the system soon became "begging the system", with small successes and huge frustrations. Is it surprising, then, that a time will come when the people will say that enough is enough?
(e) A system of the above nature allows sycophants and leaders with personal agenda to thrive, while those who wish to reveal the truth and improve the lot of the people are at best ignored and at worst persecuted. Such is the perfect recipe for an eventual downfall.
(f) The above expanding phenomena, and many others, have manufactured a host of fatal problems such as endemic corruption, depletion of national resources, inequity in the distribution of resources, abuse of power, and the like; in short, an unfair society. It is a matter of time before simmering discontent acquires an erupting force.
(g) Arrogance on the part of the ruling elite (again because of their unbroken record of successes and the fear tactics that they have no reservation in using) makes them blind to the repeated warnings that things are about to boil over. The use of threats, splashed on the front pages of newspapers in the days leading to the election, sickened many, and probably backfired. Some of those threats had clear racial undertones. It was Malaysians who, in casting their votes, had surprised the Barisan by rising above racial divide (such as in Penang and Klang). The Barisan has underestimated the growing maturity of the Malaysian electorate.
There are of course many more reasons and causes than those mentioned above. If the Barisan wishes to regain lost ground in the future, it needs to sincerely pay heed to frank advice, and remedy its serious shortcomings.
Now that the political monopoly has been broken in a number of States, and the future prospect of breaking the same at the federal level has become an attainable goal rather than a dream, the Opposition (which is now the ruling party at some State levels) has a mountain of work ahead. So much hope is pinned on their shoulders.
Among the most important things that the Opposition must do are the following.
(i) They must never forget, not even in their sleep, that their much-improved victory is not their victory, but the victory of the people. Thus they must serve the people with humility and dedication. They should be proud, not of their success, but of the people who have enabled them to succeed.
(ii) Having been in the opposition for so long, some of them need to quickly learn the ropes of governing. Teething problems are inevitable. Be transparent and frank to the people, and remedy any errors as soon as they are discovered. While the people expect perfect bona fide and honesty, they will be forgiving about imperfections in the execution of tasks, when things are done transparently.
(iii) Identify and divide tasks into various categories: those that require urgent attention, short-term goals, long-term policies, and so on. Set timelines for each task, though not cast in stones, and make every effort to keep to them. Engage or employ the right people for the right jobs. Outsource if need be.
(iv) Pay immediate attention to issues that are most burning to the people, such as the economy, poverty issues, equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, security, etc.
(v) Set up effective oversight mechanisms immediately, especially in relation to financial matters, the processing and granting of permits and contracts, and corruption in the public sector. This must include a strict monitoring of the members of the Opposition themselves, to ensure that no corruption or cronyism is practised.
(vi) Set up effective mechanism to receive and address complaints from members of the public.
(vii) Opposition leaders at all levels, and in particular the top leaders, must ensure that there is no in-fighting among themselves, for this will quickly destroy the faith that Malaysians have placed on them by giving them this opportunity that is hitherto unprecedented in Malaysian history.
The challenge for the Opposition in the coming months and years is a huge one. There will be many more ways to fail in this challenge than to succeed. They have to be always vigilant, honest and humble. Opposition members are not exempt from frequent visits by the demons of human weaknesses. The same people who have put them there can as easily reverse the decision if they should betray the faith placed in them.
Checks and balances are essential for any system of government. This new morning in Malaysia will in the long run benefit all Malaysians, whatever their political persuasions may be. Let us all get down to hard, honest work.
Yeo Yang Poh
9/3/2008
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