Its all about the party - stupid!

This post is about all the political shenanigans in Perak.

It has always been a well known fact that in Malaysia - when you vote, it is all about the party. From the 'Dacing' to the 'Roket' to the 'Bulan'. It is all about the party. So - when people who most people cannot remember their names changes their 'emblem' - it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

I have never agreed that elected representatives defect from one party to another. I never agreed that Anwar's insinuations of doing it last September and I have never agreed of Najib doing it today.

It sets a bad precedence! These people are TRAITORS! I cannot believe that Hee, who claimed to be a DAP member for 22 years would forever tarnish her name for such a move! A traitor is always a traitor - untrusted, unloved... the scum of the earth.

Now, if 30 BN reps cross over to Anwar - the BN has no more moral high ground. Any anti-hopping law is a sham! This may turn out to be a Pyrrhic Victory... if Anwar does get the numbers - BN may just get swept away by the seeds they have just sown.

However, this also gives me pause regarding the quality and integrity of the PR politicians we have voted into office. If their loyalty can be swayed - how can they truly say that they serve the rakyat who put them in office?

I truly fear for this country of ours...

Doing the Deeds...

Onto a lighter note...

Another one of my friends, Jon is about to embark into a life changing journey! He and another friend of his is about to go around the world - for 500 days no less!

They have started off by starting a website for the journey - We Deed It!. They will be starting off in April from London and from there around the world!

Included (subject to change of course!) in the itinerary is the Trans-Mongolian Railroad, the Beijing-Lhasa Railway with a potential sojourn into North Korea! The journey is also open to anyone who wants to hop on and hop off at any part of the trip! So join them!

This Mad Cow here is contemplating to join them in at least one part of the journey :)

...Thinking about an old and absent friend...

Its 3am and I have just had a sudden bout of wakefulness - was having a fitfull and restless sleep throughout this still and silent night.

I has been a weird night - with me recalling an old old friend I have not seen for almost 10 years (excepting roughly an hour around 5 years ago). It was a friend I used to have deep feelings for, my oldest friend...

I used to have daily conversations with her - even when we were overseas. Those phone calls dwindled with time - to weekly, forthnightly... monthly, quaterly and yearly over the years. Then one day, around 3 years ago - she dropped off the air and the internet. Almost as if she wished to disappear and forget her past.

I do not know why I suddenly remember you, my friend - I just hope that you are well and safe. And that your old friend here, who has known you for more than 20 years, prays for you...

Of Aspirations...

About an hour and a half ago, Barrack Hussein Obama became the president of the United States of America. It makes me almost want to be an American instead of a Malaysian... Almost.

Although I am not a fan of Obama - of which I still think he has too much style than substance. I am more a fan of Clinton - less rhetorical, less kumbaya. But I can feel a tingle on my spine when he took office.

Here he was, a half African American, a minority in his own country, taking the the nation's highest office. Many say a realisation of a dream. I was both elated for America and driven to despair.

Despair? Yes, Despair...
For in this nation I call home under the current system - I cannot even aspire to hold the highest office of the land. I am a third generation of my family that lived here, grew up here and love this land as fiercely (or I would like to think) as any in this country. But unless there is a change, I can never ever lead this nation... NEVER!

I am not even saying that I am capable of doing the job - but it would be wonderful even if that avenue is open to me. An avenue that all Malaysians irrespective of creed, religion or race can aspire to...

For until then, let us not demean Americans and call them arrogant. Let us not needlessly boycott their products. Let us not protest in front of their embassy. For today, at 1 am Malaysian time, at noon Washington time - they are indeed a better nation, a better society, a more equal society.

A society that - From Every Mountainside, Let Freedom Ring...

Its not about products... stupid!

You know what - we Malaysians are STUPID!

Boycott Coke? Starbucks? How petty can we get?
Grow Up!

Why not boycott Intel & AMD as well? They are American companies?
Why not boycott HP? Seagate? Western Digital?

What about Agilent? Oh Wait - What about Pfizer? MSD?
WAIT! We cannot forget! Let us BOYCOTT BOEING! Stop getting on Boeing Planes!

Stop Using the Internet! - it is so obviously an AMERICAN creation.

The Luxury of Politics...

I was talking just the other day with a guy I know from business - and we were talking about the politics in our country - about the MCA, about PR and about Anwar. All very common topics of the day.

However, he pointed out a very interesting story about his experiences with a guy down south. This guy is in a rather bad position right now, with his finances in disarray and dependencies and liabilities stacking up. Apparently, this gentleman has utterly no interest in politics whatsoever - yet he was a former (and probably still is) MCA member.

The reason of his lack of interest in politics is because right now - he is too busy trying to make ends meet. And he sees no way politics or the government is able to assist him in anyway. In fact, he thinks that what the government and politics in this country is doing is even detrimental to him and his family.

To him politics is a luxury - as he is more interested in fulfilling his basic needs 1st!

But is politics a luxury? Politics can effect change to the most remote of people in a country of which the government cares. Politics and political offices are caretakers of the people's collective hopes, dreams and resources. I think that politics is not a luxury - but rather we have to look at the Luxury in Politics.

Confused? Luxury in politics means the little luxuries we can have in our political systems - like having ideologies and stands on issues. I have personally identified myself as centre-right and have argued my position on issues like abortion, to economy, to small government.

This may be because from a young age I have been interested in politics and have followed Reagan, Clinton, Howard, Rudd, Thatcher, Blair, Clinton (the lady), Obama and Cameron. Political systems that have established itself over the years to be a platform of national issues and policies. Democracies of the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

But now I realise these are luxuries in politics. It is unfortunate that in our country - our political system is so inherently flawed that issues are buried and factions and races are brought into the fore.

I have more than once declared my unease at the fundamentalist policies of PAS, the socialist policies of PKR and DAP. I have made myself clear that I identify myself with the policies of UMNO and MCA - conservative policies. Policies that I feel will benefit the people.

But I have been blind - events from yesterday once again opened my eyes. I cannot support UMNO and MCA any longer - because my adherence to conservative policies is a Luxury in Politics that our nation can ill afford.

Only when oppression, heavy handed police action and government abuse (throwing in weak leadership - e.g. MCA leaders who cannot even build his team) is overcome before we can be able to fight our fights on issues and policies.

Now we only have ONE ISSUE to fight - Justice & Equality for all the People. I want a country where I can stand shoulder to shoulder with my fellow citizens of any creed, race or denomination - as equals before the law and the government. I want a country where I could aspire to run for the highest office of the land - Not to win mind you, just the opportunity to run for the Prime Minister of this country.

I am not saying this because of the recent Obama victory in the states - I am more a Hillary supporter. I am saying this because of the symbolism of Obama's victory in the US - that it is indeed a country where all men are created equal... and I see the stark contrast of this right here in Malaysia.

I find that our foreign minister's statement supporting Obama before the US elections a mockery - for if Obama was Malaysian, he would not have even the opportunity to run for the Prime Minister of this land...

Liverpool & Jesus

I would quote from a recent conversation I had with a few of my closest friends.

One of them was commenting that he has managed to convert two people to Liverpool but laments that he has lead no one as yet to Jesus.

Why is converting people to Liverpool 70% as good as bringing people to Christ?

*grin*

Because - before you can even comprehend God and His relationship with you... you need to realise one important thing...

YOU NEVER WALK ALONE!

This post celebrates Liverpool's victory over Chelsea and Portsmouth and signifies the writer still prays feverishly for further Red Victories!

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

by Dr. Bob Moorehead



I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."
I have the Holy Spirit's power.
The die has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won't look back,
let up,
slow down,
back away,
or be still.

My past is redeemed,
my present makes sense,
and my future is secure.

I am finished and done with low living,
sight walking,
small planning,
smooth knees,
colorless dreams,
chintzy giving,
and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence,
prosperity,
position,
promotions,
plaudits,
or popularity.

I now live by presence,
lean by faith,
love by patience,
lift by prayer,
and labor by power.

My pace is set,
my gait is fast,
my goal is Heaven,
my road is narrow,
my way is rough,
my companions few,
my Guide reliable,
my mission clear.

I cannot be bought,
compromised,
deterred,
lured away,
turned back,
diluted,
or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
hesitate in the presence of adversity,
negotiate at the table of the enemy,
ponder at the pool of popularity,
or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I must go until Heaven returns,
give until I drop,
preach until all know,
and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own,
He will have no problem recognizing me.

My colors will be clear.

I am not ashamed of the gospel . . . Romans 1:16

Missing Australia...

Just a feeling... :)

Liverpool 3 - 1 PSV Eindhoven

*Grin*
Stevie G scored his 100th Goal!


Steve Gerard Gerard...


Too Good to be True...

Acoustic Curves...

Bring Back Our Independence

There has been talk recently in the press and openly amongst many of my friends that the best thing Chinese based parties can do is to pull out of the national government and gives its support to the opposition to effect a transition of power that will be a "Second Independence".

While talking to a friend last week (or rather a week and a half ago), I was told that the MCA is a servant party and has always been a servant party since the beginning of the relationship between UMNO and MCA. It was said that this is reflected in the 'servant' ministries allocated to the MCA - ministries of transport, health, human resources, women & family planning - even local government. Nothing important like Defense, Finance or International Trade, always reserved for UMNO. This has been echoed by other friends and family.

I feel the need to set the record straight. The initial MCA-UMNO relationship is not that of servant-master but of equal partners. I want to share a vital piece of the puzzle - that the birth of our nation was almost a stillbirth - one that was prevented because the Malays of UMNO and the Chinese of MCA later with the Indians of MIC came together to fight for independence.

Back then, prior to independence and the existence of the MCA-UMNO Alliance, the major parties of the MCA, UMNO and the IMP (Independence of Malaya Party, a multi-racial party) each pushes its own agenda, often in conflict with one another. UMNO has its motto, Hidup Melayu! (Long Live the Malays!) much to the discomfort of the Chinese in Malaysia.

The first test of achieving self-governance leading to independence was in Kuala Lumpur. In 1952, Kuala Lumpur held its Municipal Elections. There were 12 seats that was contested and the vote was expected to be fragmented between UMNO, MCA and the IMP with no one party able to govern with a solid majority. This is because at that time, Kuala Lumpur is a Chinese majority area. UMNO, the largest Malay party at the time, decided to field 6 candidates and the MCA in response, urged it to field a multi-racial slate. Negotiations and contacts between the two parties gave birth to a MCA-UMNO alliance, as equal partners. As a result, the combined MCA-UMNO Alliance gained 9 out of the 12 seats. An MCA member was given the honour to being the Alliance leader in the council. UMNO, under Tunku changed its motto to Merdeka! (Independence!).

This Alliance (together with the MIC which joined later in 1952), using the formula formed under the Municipal Elections, went on to win election after election, culminating in winning 51 out of 52 seats in the 1st National Elections in 1955 - forming a strong united government that could demand and gained independence in 1957, a mere 2 years after the national elections and a mere 5 years after the formation of the Alliance.

The first cabinet post-independence is as follows:-

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra -- Prime Minister, Defence, Foreign Affairs
Tun Abdul Razak Hussein -- Deputy Prime Minister, Defence (1958)
Abdul Aziz Ishak -- Agriculture and Cooperative
Tun Dr Ismail Datuk Abdul Rahman -- Trade and Security
Tun Henry Lee Hau Shik -- Finance
Tun Omar Yoke Lin Ong -- Labour and Social Welfare
Tun V.T. Sambanthan -- Health
Tan Sri Haji Sardon Jubir -- Works, Posts and Telecoms
Datuk Suleiman Datuk Abdul Rahman -- Natural Resources and Local Government
Abdul Rahman Talib -- Transport (1958)
Tun Leong Yew Koh -- Justice (1960)
Tan Sri Mohamad Khir Johari -- Education (1958)
Tun Tan Siew Sin -- Trade and Industry (1958), Finance (1960)

This composition reflect a relationship of equal partners not of master and servant! MCA was awarded the important ministries of Finance, Trade & Industry amongst others. How come the MCA today is so different? so diffident?

Why is it today supremacists can scream Hidup Melayu! a slogan that has been discarded before independence? Why is it that the Chinese can be called 'squatters' when we are equal partners in the formation of this country? Essential in the first baby steps that lead to independence? It is my opinion that if MCA did not work with UMNO, there will be no independence in 1957 and we would be under the British yoke even until the 1980s (Brunei gained independence in 1984).

We are equal partners. We are friends, co-workers and neighbours - Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban and many others. We are a multi-racial society. Don't worry about the concept of a 'Second Independence' - Bring Back Our Independence!

Padang Musim Bunga...

New Worry...

Malaysia to go nuclear with RM11 billion NUCLEAR power plant

Think Homer Simpson...

Centrist...

Well, it has been a hectic week - of running around (like a headless chicken, I might add...) for work as well as... more work, albeit of a different kind.

It is today, of all days that I have realised a role that I have been constantly called to play, be it at work, at home, with friends and on special projects.

That is the role of a centrist - and I am using the word liberally. Not so much so as a centrist in politics (although I believe my views merit me a slightly right of the center position) But rather a centrist in the sense of the person steering the center course.

I think that has made me almost like a moderator in many issues between many of my contemporaries, ranging from between my parents, my friends or between business partners. It is not a role that I relish, as I feel constantly caught in between... *sigh*

But I hope God gives me strength... if this is the role I have to play...

Of Equal Measure...

Datuk Dr Ma’amor Osman made an interesting statement today in the newspapers - of which I think merits an appearence in my thoughts...

"The detentions are proof that the Government does not remain silent in matters involving racial sensitivities and the Federal Constitution.

“Matters such as these should be viewed seriously because, if ignored, they could incite hatred in the people, especially the Malays, because their special position has often been disputed by certain quarters,” he claimed.

So my dear Datuk, I would say that in view of the greatness of this government in doing so, might we suggest that we arrest the racist nutjob of Penang? Because...

"The suspension of just 3 years by UMNO is proof that the Government remains silent in matters involving racial sensitivities and the Federal Constitution.

Matter such as the one in Penang should be viewed seriously because, if ignored, they could incite hatred in the people, especially Malaysians, because their democratic position has often been disputed by certain quarters."

Stop having different standards my dear friends, apply the law on equal measure as stipulated in Article 8, Clause (1) of the Federal Constitution or don't apply such a law at all.

Article 8 (1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.

And God Bless Malaysia... God bless us all...

A Babel-ical Victory!

Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United

A match that will surely enter the annals of the neverending Liverpool - Manchester United rivalry.

Let's just say I am very happy and contented and put it at that... A victory at Anfield, our 1st in ages vs Man Utd. Caught snippets of the match, the Tevez goal at 3 minutes, Brown's own goal thereafter and a terrific 2nd half.

Indeed...

Babel-icious :P

Image by Alex Livesey - Getty Images
Obtained from http://liverpoolfcclips.blogspot.com/

Into the West...

Lay down,
your sweet and weary head.
Night is falling.
You have come to journey’s end.

Sleep now, and dream
of the ones who came before.
They are calling,
from across a distant shore.

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see.
All of your fears will pass away.
Safe in my arms,
you’re only sleeping.

What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home.

And all will turn,
to silver glass.
A light on the water.
All souls pass.

Hope fades,
Into the world of night.
Through shadows falling,
Out of memory and time.

Don’t say,
We have come now to the end.
White shores are calling.
You and I will meet again.
And you’ll be here in my arms,
Just sleeping.

What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home.

And all will turn,
to silver glass.
A light on the water.
Grey ships pass
Into the West.

Professionalism...

I quote

"Is that professional? He (Koh) is the state BN chief and he severed ties with Umno, how can he perform (his duty) like that? Who is acting emotionally now?"

Professionalism?
Ask this monkey below if what he did was ultra professional?

Idiot in Penang...

I was initially very angry at the comments of a certain idiot from Flaghill in Penang...

Then I realised - there is no point being angry.

If a person pees on the pavement in front of your home - you have every right to be angry!
But if a dog pees on the same pavement - you don't get angry - its just a dog, probably a mongrel, a paria imported from the south pacific islands...

So - that is the spirit!
He is just a paria pendatang dog...

Above all...

Above all powers, above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Above all powers, above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all