The candidates from the both political sides for the by-election are now officially known to be the candidates for the Hulu Selangor constituency. What comes next? The battle of the wits and dirty linens hanging to dry in the moonlight will be the excitements in the “ceramahs”.
Campaigning against corruption and the erosion of civil liberties are the worthy pursuit in the Hulu Selangor by-election. The 7-2 victory in favour of Pakatan Rakyat could see the 8-2 score easily even with a thin majority. This is perceived by most hopefuls around the country, but it is yet to be a tested theory if it is applicable in Hulu Selangor.
Pakatan Rakyat is armed to the teeth and will definitely use the spotlight of this by-election to show their seriousness they take the problems to heart of this constituency.
Can PR machinery deliver the message to BN hardcore what is meant by corruption? Why should they think in the same line when they literally could hardly understand how corruption comes about?
The word corruption is too academic to them, not because they are illiterates but because they could not feel the impact it can create. Corruption can be easily interpreted as the rising cost of living without an iota to the knowledge how it derives.
Anyone can scream corruption till the cows come home in the nightly “ceramah” but the effect will remain lukewarm. Take for example, the DPM dares to openly declare that he is “Malay First” despite the grand promulgation of 1Malaysia, yet we see Indians and Chinese around him could accept with an open-heart!
When any community feels they have been neglected, money will fall from the sky for a total whitewash! This is the vivid display of corruption where people will submissively accept without any further ado. I will not say anything negative about these people because we have to understand their lifestyle and the way they think is unlike the urbanites.
Pakatan Rakyat does not have the privilege to make money falls from the sky, but has the personalities with quintessence to deliver the message why there should be a change. Instead of rhetoric in the nightly “ceramahs” which is a norm in the political sense, the educating process is equally imperative to deliver the message about what is really happening in the country.
It is not easy to gauge the people’s choice but it is with a positive sign that a narrow margin for victory is there for Pakatan Rakyat.
If the electorates fail to take this opportunity to be awaken from the Barisan Government for its greed and tribal devotion in enriching itself and its cronies, then Hulu Selangorians should blame themselves for their own folly.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
PR Official Announcement
The by-election fever is on in Hulu Selangor seeing Pakatan’s choice for Zaid Ibrahim as the candidate. This has thrown Barisan into turmoil by the “unexpected” move to retain the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat.
No matter who is the chosen candidate, the bottom line is – delivery. When the candidate is perceived by the electorates as their trustworthy representative who is there to hear their grouses will be the victorious candidate. This sentiment is made by Pak Samad, a local who seem pleased by what he heard and seen in the official announcement of Pakatan’s candidacy last night.
The estimated turnout at Serendah community hall was close to five thousand curious crowds. The mood is similar to all by-election campaigns where people from all walks of life will converge to make their presence felt. As a caution, the crowd size may not translate the acceptance.
Last night made no difference where Chinese and Indians were approximately at the headcount of thirty to thirty-five percent strong. Was it because of the coming by-election or was it because Zaid Ibrahim who is going to be their representative?
Ah Meng (as what he wanted to be called) said that he came out of curiosity and when pressed further, he admitted he was all for Zaid Ibrahim. However, an Indian gentleman refused to be identified, had no preference as long as the person who deserved his vote should be fair to those who are struggling for a living.
The woman folks shied away citing no comments and by respecting their decisions is better than to put words into their mouths, I guess.
When Barisan Nasional announces its candidacy this Thursday (15 April), then all political enthusiasts will be at their drawing board to figure out what the outcome will be.
It is difficult for Barisan Nasional to name its right candidate in this between the devil and deep blue sea syndrome. Are they going to create another “shocker” to field the ex-mentri besar like what had proven fruitful in Bagan Pinang?
17 April is just around the corner and the expected mammoth crowd could be more than what was seen in the last Bagan Pinang by-election. Perhaps, this is going to be the unprecedented experience for Kuala Kubu Baru folks to see the sudden influx of “outsiders” to transform their peaceful town into a fairyland!
No matter who is the chosen candidate, the bottom line is – delivery. When the candidate is perceived by the electorates as their trustworthy representative who is there to hear their grouses will be the victorious candidate. This sentiment is made by Pak Samad, a local who seem pleased by what he heard and seen in the official announcement of Pakatan’s candidacy last night.
The estimated turnout at Serendah community hall was close to five thousand curious crowds. The mood is similar to all by-election campaigns where people from all walks of life will converge to make their presence felt. As a caution, the crowd size may not translate the acceptance.
Last night made no difference where Chinese and Indians were approximately at the headcount of thirty to thirty-five percent strong. Was it because of the coming by-election or was it because Zaid Ibrahim who is going to be their representative?
Ah Meng (as what he wanted to be called) said that he came out of curiosity and when pressed further, he admitted he was all for Zaid Ibrahim. However, an Indian gentleman refused to be identified, had no preference as long as the person who deserved his vote should be fair to those who are struggling for a living.
The woman folks shied away citing no comments and by respecting their decisions is better than to put words into their mouths, I guess.
When Barisan Nasional announces its candidacy this Thursday (15 April), then all political enthusiasts will be at their drawing board to figure out what the outcome will be.
It is difficult for Barisan Nasional to name its right candidate in this between the devil and deep blue sea syndrome. Are they going to create another “shocker” to field the ex-mentri besar like what had proven fruitful in Bagan Pinang?
17 April is just around the corner and the expected mammoth crowd could be more than what was seen in the last Bagan Pinang by-election. Perhaps, this is going to be the unprecedented experience for Kuala Kubu Baru folks to see the sudden influx of “outsiders” to transform their peaceful town into a fairyland!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Pornthip – Not Coming
The following statement disturbs me greatly in the name of justice and fairness.
According to her, the Thai Foreign Ministry had received “signals” from the Malaysian government through “informal channels” suggesting that her presence at the inquest later this month would not be welcomed.
This does not necessary mean that it is true because what had transpired was through informal channel. However, in Malaysia, rumours usually turn out to be a disguise for the truth, what more to the “informal channel”.
I would like to keep what I am thinking with a tinge of hope that the Home Ministry will say it with pride- “This is rubbish, Pornthip is coming!”
At this point of writing, I felt for YB Gobind Singh Deo because he believes in his colleagues form the law fraternity, judiciary, police and the Home Ministry to do the correct thing.
According to her, the Thai Foreign Ministry had received “signals” from the Malaysian government through “informal channels” suggesting that her presence at the inquest later this month would not be welcomed.
This does not necessary mean that it is true because what had transpired was through informal channel. However, in Malaysia, rumours usually turn out to be a disguise for the truth, what more to the “informal channel”.
I would like to keep what I am thinking with a tinge of hope that the Home Ministry will say it with pride- “This is rubbish, Pornthip is coming!”
At this point of writing, I felt for YB Gobind Singh Deo because he believes in his colleagues form the law fraternity, judiciary, police and the Home Ministry to do the correct thing.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Power of the Arm
Lift your arm high when the needs arise and this is the very arm that is the symbol of your conviction, no matter to what the cause you are fighting for!
Social Injustice – the dreaded words have become the common cry of those been deprived. The worst of its kind is to silent the voice of the people by any government.
Around the world, we know that any government can ignore one person or one group, but they cannot ignore when more and more people are speaking out on critical issues.
With this very arm, people will stretch it high for the call to respect the people’s right, which is in a dire need.
It will be a great feeling when you arm is lifted by another and clasped together which symbolizes the arms of brotherhood. Together to lean on each other against adversities, the cohesiveness is perennial and to remain steadfast.
The arm that holds the light is not a lonely arm but the arm of freedom to shine for those who chose to be blind. The power within can strike the silent fear to the mighty power of injustice. With just an arm to hold a lit candle, it is akin to the truth of constant dripping that wears a stone.
A single arm raised with confidence is to harness courage. This is the arm that wants to be seen punching through the air without fear. No giant stands forever! Like David who brought down goliath with a slingshot swung with his arm.
In many Asian countries, people are outraged and take to the streets even those for the first time, to protest against their government for any injustice. Such protests are their last straw that can escalate into mammoth numbers to put the government to its knees.
Shouting slogans is incomplete without the arms raised together with the message. The deafening roar in any protest can send shivers down one’s spine, what more when it is done with the arms?
Social Injustice – the dreaded words have become the common cry of those been deprived. The worst of its kind is to silent the voice of the people by any government.
Around the world, we know that any government can ignore one person or one group, but they cannot ignore when more and more people are speaking out on critical issues.
With this very arm, people will stretch it high for the call to respect the people’s right, which is in a dire need.
It will be a great feeling when you arm is lifted by another and clasped together which symbolizes the arms of brotherhood. Together to lean on each other against adversities, the cohesiveness is perennial and to remain steadfast.
The arm that holds the light is not a lonely arm but the arm of freedom to shine for those who chose to be blind. The power within can strike the silent fear to the mighty power of injustice. With just an arm to hold a lit candle, it is akin to the truth of constant dripping that wears a stone.
A single arm raised with confidence is to harness courage. This is the arm that wants to be seen punching through the air without fear. No giant stands forever! Like David who brought down goliath with a slingshot swung with his arm.
In many Asian countries, people are outraged and take to the streets even those for the first time, to protest against their government for any injustice. Such protests are their last straw that can escalate into mammoth numbers to put the government to its knees.
Shouting slogans is incomplete without the arms raised together with the message. The deafening roar in any protest can send shivers down one’s spine, what more when it is done with the arms?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What You Say Is Who You Are
Now it looks like truth is no longer anchored in how one truly thinks it should be, but how it is used as a tool to spin with hidden agenda. This is the gambit that is appropriately referred to Zaini Hassan, a senior editor and columnist Dr Ridhuan Tee Abdullah of Utusan.
If one looks inside what really goes on in Malaysian politics, many politicians have unfairly misled the people far too long into believing what they have said.
Mainstream and portal media are often accused by politicians for misquoting them. The readers can judge for themselves any outright disingenuous message – which is synonymous to as lies!
Will Zaini Hassan and Dr.Ridhuan cry out loud tomorrow that they were misquoted? If so, then search yourself what has gone wrong and if otherwise, please flock with the unethical politicians. You should have the courage to be honest instead of spinning for those “you know better” than putting the blame on Malaysiakini.
You should look into what controversies you have written and said before resulting in a barrage of disapprovals and altercations, and for that reason, people are attuned to what is going on and are paying attention like never before about what you are uttering.
By merely allowing yourself to be used as a tool, you have brought shame to journalism or perhaps by doing so it pays even greater dividends.
Many a time when I write, and for journalistic reason, I purvey the truth with a balanced argument. When I am not sure about specific details, I don’t want to feel guilty for telling someone the wrong thing. Are you in this league?
The only aspect I can blame Malaysiakini is none other than telling the truth! And for this very reason, I feel proud for what Malaysiakini stands for and I am proud to sign my name to this article.
Sunny Lim Cheng Inn
(This article is taken from the CJ's column of Malaysiakini)
If one looks inside what really goes on in Malaysian politics, many politicians have unfairly misled the people far too long into believing what they have said.
Mainstream and portal media are often accused by politicians for misquoting them. The readers can judge for themselves any outright disingenuous message – which is synonymous to as lies!
Will Zaini Hassan and Dr.Ridhuan cry out loud tomorrow that they were misquoted? If so, then search yourself what has gone wrong and if otherwise, please flock with the unethical politicians. You should have the courage to be honest instead of spinning for those “you know better” than putting the blame on Malaysiakini.
You should look into what controversies you have written and said before resulting in a barrage of disapprovals and altercations, and for that reason, people are attuned to what is going on and are paying attention like never before about what you are uttering.
By merely allowing yourself to be used as a tool, you have brought shame to journalism or perhaps by doing so it pays even greater dividends.
Many a time when I write, and for journalistic reason, I purvey the truth with a balanced argument. When I am not sure about specific details, I don’t want to feel guilty for telling someone the wrong thing. Are you in this league?
The only aspect I can blame Malaysiakini is none other than telling the truth! And for this very reason, I feel proud for what Malaysiakini stands for and I am proud to sign my name to this article.
Sunny Lim Cheng Inn
(This article is taken from the CJ's column of Malaysiakini)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
No Child Is Too Ugly, No Parent Is Too Poor
I was having lunch with my wife in SS2 Petaling Jaya (5th. April), I told my wife to observe an elderly couple sitting a few tables away. They are in their late sixties, and a loving couple indeed - loving in the sense that they showed their concern for each other.
We were supposed to leave but decided to stay a little longer and to leave after them.
When we walked to the car park, I saw them standing in the hot sun trying to stop a taxi but in vain. My wife agreed that we gave them a lift if they were on our way.
They were delighted by our offer and for a moment I thought I had made a great mistake. They started to tell us their story until we reached their house.
They insisted that my wife and I should come in for a cup of tea and reluctantly we obliged.
It was a double-story terrace in a respected residential area which is actually out of our way home. The first thing that struck me was to write about them to which my wife kept reminding me to be sensitive about people’s life.
I asked and they obliged except that I should keep certain privacy and where they are staying. I think I had given my wife my best cynical smile how my “charm” could work on people.
Along our way home, I began to recall what I had read about parents and their children staying apart. I remembered one particular fantastic piece and was inspired by it.
Now, I am writing in my own way to tell you this touching story about this couple living together in their golden years. I hope you will enjoy it.
My child, your mother and I now live a comfortable life and we cherish all the happy years we shared together. Now you all have grown up to lead your own life and this has become a blessing to us.
When you were born I remembered how I rushed to the hospital without my denture. Your mother had hardly recovered from her birth pain was amused to see how excited I was. But then, you were just a baby to know that you were born into a family where luxury was not there to welcome you.
You came into our lives, a gift from above to cherish and love. Each day was a joy for us to treasure and to see you grow. Your smile and little frame moved our world. We had no complaints when you lay awake the moment we want to sleep. Your mother had to pat and coax you to sleep while her own eyes were heavy looking after you the whole day. She fell asleep not realizing that you still want to play.
I hated myself because I could not afford a babysitter but your mother had no complaints because she had you.
We know the reasons why you chose not to stay because we have become too grumpy. Not only we don’t see you often but also we have become strangers to our own grandchildren. Perhaps I have forgotten how to hold a baby but do you know my arms still remember?
Sometimes your mother would stand beside your empty bed and I pretended not to take notice. Your empty bed has so many fond memories to us.
Yes, I grumbled about your late nights and you took me for a pest. You could not remember the same way you grumbled when I refused to buy you toys because I don’t have the money.
Only if you have the time to listen then you will understand what I have to say. But time is the enemy that has made us fall apart.
If only you have a little patience, I could slowly remember what I have forgotten to do. And could you remember what you had forgotten to take to school and I had to rush it for you?
You called me names and that was cruel. I gave you a pet name because you are precious.
You stopped me from driving and sold my car so afraid that I might hurt myself. But you have forgotten how I held you in my arms with an umbrella over our heads. I wanted to keep you dry and I was drenched waist down.
I laid in front of the television inadvertently fell asleep and you rudely awaken me with your string of complaints. But you did not know I could hardly stay awake waiting for you to walk in the door.
Years had swiftly past by leaving your mother and me to keep each other safe. We have learnt to live in our own surreal world with a fervent hope to see you walk in with our grandchildren.
Perhaps you are too ashamed of us but your mother is still so protective of your long absence by keep kidding herself that you are busy. Are you?
By growing old, we have become a nuisance to ourselves. Senility has not overwhelmed us yet, except for our slow movements to get things done. You could not remember our patience when you started to learn how to recognize the alphabets, could you?
I wish for your mother to leave first than me. Again you will be annoyed by what I have said. I may be heartless but I am practical. I may be selfish but I am open-minded. If I leave first then who is going to look after her? All the memories will be too excruciating for her to rekindle.
The house will be empty when we are gone. I don’t want each day you wake up and blame yourself for knowing us too little for too long.
The only house we have is filled with the dwindling warmth- the warmth that has harnessed your parents love for you. Perhaps when the day comes, you will be standing beside our empty bed like a ritual you mother had done thinking about you.
To our new found friends, my wife and I thank you dearly because your story has taught us how to live with life. And to all young people who feel their parents are a burden, please take a moment to reflect over the reminiscence of your younger days how you were loved by them.
No Child Is Too Ugly, No Parent Is Too Poor. This adage has all to tell how we should understand filial-piety.
We were supposed to leave but decided to stay a little longer and to leave after them.
When we walked to the car park, I saw them standing in the hot sun trying to stop a taxi but in vain. My wife agreed that we gave them a lift if they were on our way.
They were delighted by our offer and for a moment I thought I had made a great mistake. They started to tell us their story until we reached their house.
They insisted that my wife and I should come in for a cup of tea and reluctantly we obliged.
It was a double-story terrace in a respected residential area which is actually out of our way home. The first thing that struck me was to write about them to which my wife kept reminding me to be sensitive about people’s life.
I asked and they obliged except that I should keep certain privacy and where they are staying. I think I had given my wife my best cynical smile how my “charm” could work on people.
Along our way home, I began to recall what I had read about parents and their children staying apart. I remembered one particular fantastic piece and was inspired by it.
Now, I am writing in my own way to tell you this touching story about this couple living together in their golden years. I hope you will enjoy it.
My child, your mother and I now live a comfortable life and we cherish all the happy years we shared together. Now you all have grown up to lead your own life and this has become a blessing to us.
When you were born I remembered how I rushed to the hospital without my denture. Your mother had hardly recovered from her birth pain was amused to see how excited I was. But then, you were just a baby to know that you were born into a family where luxury was not there to welcome you.
You came into our lives, a gift from above to cherish and love. Each day was a joy for us to treasure and to see you grow. Your smile and little frame moved our world. We had no complaints when you lay awake the moment we want to sleep. Your mother had to pat and coax you to sleep while her own eyes were heavy looking after you the whole day. She fell asleep not realizing that you still want to play.
I hated myself because I could not afford a babysitter but your mother had no complaints because she had you.
We know the reasons why you chose not to stay because we have become too grumpy. Not only we don’t see you often but also we have become strangers to our own grandchildren. Perhaps I have forgotten how to hold a baby but do you know my arms still remember?
Sometimes your mother would stand beside your empty bed and I pretended not to take notice. Your empty bed has so many fond memories to us.
Yes, I grumbled about your late nights and you took me for a pest. You could not remember the same way you grumbled when I refused to buy you toys because I don’t have the money.
Only if you have the time to listen then you will understand what I have to say. But time is the enemy that has made us fall apart.
If only you have a little patience, I could slowly remember what I have forgotten to do. And could you remember what you had forgotten to take to school and I had to rush it for you?
You called me names and that was cruel. I gave you a pet name because you are precious.
You stopped me from driving and sold my car so afraid that I might hurt myself. But you have forgotten how I held you in my arms with an umbrella over our heads. I wanted to keep you dry and I was drenched waist down.
I laid in front of the television inadvertently fell asleep and you rudely awaken me with your string of complaints. But you did not know I could hardly stay awake waiting for you to walk in the door.
Years had swiftly past by leaving your mother and me to keep each other safe. We have learnt to live in our own surreal world with a fervent hope to see you walk in with our grandchildren.
Perhaps you are too ashamed of us but your mother is still so protective of your long absence by keep kidding herself that you are busy. Are you?
By growing old, we have become a nuisance to ourselves. Senility has not overwhelmed us yet, except for our slow movements to get things done. You could not remember our patience when you started to learn how to recognize the alphabets, could you?
I wish for your mother to leave first than me. Again you will be annoyed by what I have said. I may be heartless but I am practical. I may be selfish but I am open-minded. If I leave first then who is going to look after her? All the memories will be too excruciating for her to rekindle.
The house will be empty when we are gone. I don’t want each day you wake up and blame yourself for knowing us too little for too long.
The only house we have is filled with the dwindling warmth- the warmth that has harnessed your parents love for you. Perhaps when the day comes, you will be standing beside our empty bed like a ritual you mother had done thinking about you.
To our new found friends, my wife and I thank you dearly because your story has taught us how to live with life. And to all young people who feel their parents are a burden, please take a moment to reflect over the reminiscence of your younger days how you were loved by them.
No Child Is Too Ugly, No Parent Is Too Poor. This adage has all to tell how we should understand filial-piety.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Why “Two” Is A Beautiful Word?
I cannot think of anything that does not “take two” to complete as a whole. It takes two sexes to generate reproduction, it takes two to tango, it takes two hands to clap and I can continue with the “it takes two” to no end.
Beauty and adversity walk side by side, a king needs his jester, a damsel in distress waits for her knight in shinning armour, and politically, the ruling party has to face its opposition. These phrases do not have to mention the “two” yet they encompass the numerical reality.
Two is a beautiful number even in the anatomy (how you are going to perceive it to be, is entirely your prerogative) like the eyes for example.
To correlate this topic, I would rather touch a little on the coming by-election in Hulu Selangor. We will be seeing two giants at each other throat and if any spoil spot (Independent candidate) comes along, which is a crowd, it will be wiped out with the deposit vanishing in the air.
It will be interesting to see how one washes the other dirty linens in the “ceramahs” while the other half of the two is trying to clean up the dirty linens with detergent of politics in order to stay viable.
What a mess it will be when two “ceramahs” are held at the same vicinity by two taunting parties. So, you and I (again two) will be having a tough time lending them our two ears to listen at two different directions!
We go and return from the “ceramahs” (again two physical actions) listen and get angry (two emotional exertions) discuss with friends and argue (two verbal efforts) and all ends in anxiety that can sum up in two words – Barisan Nasional or Parkatan Rakyat to win in the by-election!
Watch this humorous video clip about the “two things” we do and I am sure you will agree with me that “two” is really a beautiful word!
Beauty and adversity walk side by side, a king needs his jester, a damsel in distress waits for her knight in shinning armour, and politically, the ruling party has to face its opposition. These phrases do not have to mention the “two” yet they encompass the numerical reality.
Two is a beautiful number even in the anatomy (how you are going to perceive it to be, is entirely your prerogative) like the eyes for example.
To correlate this topic, I would rather touch a little on the coming by-election in Hulu Selangor. We will be seeing two giants at each other throat and if any spoil spot (Independent candidate) comes along, which is a crowd, it will be wiped out with the deposit vanishing in the air.
It will be interesting to see how one washes the other dirty linens in the “ceramahs” while the other half of the two is trying to clean up the dirty linens with detergent of politics in order to stay viable.
What a mess it will be when two “ceramahs” are held at the same vicinity by two taunting parties. So, you and I (again two) will be having a tough time lending them our two ears to listen at two different directions!
We go and return from the “ceramahs” (again two physical actions) listen and get angry (two emotional exertions) discuss with friends and argue (two verbal efforts) and all ends in anxiety that can sum up in two words – Barisan Nasional or Parkatan Rakyat to win in the by-election!
Watch this humorous video clip about the “two things” we do and I am sure you will agree with me that “two” is really a beautiful word!
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