I am a Malaysian......

In my own country, very seldom we are acknowledged as Malaysians, out of political correctness, we refer ourselves as Malaysian Malay, Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indian, etc.. Occasionally, Some of us are being racially referred as the "Kaum Pendatang" or "the immigrants" by some individuals seeking cheap publicity and popularity along communal lines.

Occasionally and perhaps quite often, We are constantly being labelled with racial tags by some narrow minded individuals. Sadly, there are still some narrow minded Malaysians attempting to racialize the citizenship of Malaysians. As citizens, We have all contributed to the nationhood of Malaysia. All of us know what it take and what it meant to be a Malaysian. We have all learned to appreciate each other strengths and weaknesses, and we have all learned to live together in this blessed land. We are all first class citizens of Malaysia because of our great propensity to sacrifice and our willingness to give in the name of national interests. For those who still want to question each other's legitimacy of citizenship, kindly state your contributions to this country first before you open your smelly mouth.

In May 13th 1969, I was 9 years old then, Malaysians learned the bittered lesson of senseless racial riots caused by irresponsible communal instigators. Do we as Malaysians want to allow ourselves to be manipulated and repeat this painful and shameful history again ? Let us all be fair and sensible to each other's needs. If some Malaysians work very hard to built a castle for themselves, let them enjoy the fruits of their hard works. Let us not let jealousy rules our head to the extent of derogatorizing their achievements. Let us admire them and emulate their hard works to build life better for ourselves. Robbing from the hardworking citizens to enrich ourselves is the most despicable acts. Let us all value each other economic contributions as Malaysians and stand united to reject communal instigators.

Back in the good old days, irregardless of ethnicities, we are educated and trained to play games together, go camping together, eat together, etc. We were taught the strengths of diversities and the importance of unity and tolerance. When Mokhtar Dahari, Santok Singh, and Soh Chin Aun scored the goals in the Merdeka Cup tournaments, all of us cheered for Malaysia. When the national team beats Indonesia and China to brought back the Thomas Cup, the whole nation cerebrate as one. We all enjoy durian, nasi lemak, chap fun, roti canai, tosai, etc. There are so much cultured similarities in all of us. Needless to say, we are all proud to be a Malaysian. Ethnicity was not a issue then, we have learned to live as one big family extending helping hand and respect to each other. We must now learn to live as ONE again.

Let us all look beyond religions and skin colours and start acknowledging ourselves as Malaysians in a united country. I beamed with pride whenever I see a Malaysia flag being raised or the National anthem is played. For I know, I have sacrificed and worked hard to contributed to the success and economic miracles of Malaysia.

Sometimes traitors do disguised as community heroes with incredible rhetorics. There is no benefits for all of us, to be misguided by selfish and narrow minded parties or individuals, to belittled each other contributions. We acknowledge there are always morally bankrupt individual resorts to sow hatreds and mistrusts in any country. Let me put forward to you, a true patriot will never use religion and race as the agenda to gain popularity at the expense of national unity.

As citizens of Malaysia, all of us has been accorded certain privileges. Let us all learn to appreciate and share these privileges. Let us all not be blinded by selfish egos and greeds to seek more privileges. Let us all rise above religion and race to be a true global citizen in this globalized village with pride and dignity.

So, Mr troublemakers out there, there is an old saying that, you can fooled some people all the times, and all people some of the times. But only a fool thinks he can fooled all people all the times. As Malaysians, do we want to be a champion of human rights or do we want to be a shameless hypocrite. Of course we can go around condemning other countries human rights records, but, what credibilities do we have when we can't keep our house in order ? It is indeed very sad in mankind's modern history we do have international pariahs going around the world insincerely preaching human rights, peace, and love. It give me the impression that the one who shouted the loudest is the guiltiest!

Crying babies get the milks ? I don't have milk any more, but you are welcome to have my last cup of black coffee without sugar.....

Bigfoot Found in Johor Malaysia ?

Footprint casts hope of finding Bigfoot

by Chuah Bee Kim JOHOR BARU,

Feb 21st 2006 New Straits Times

Foreign journalists tracking "Bigfoot" in the jungles of Johor have made a plaster cast of a fresh footprint measuring 60cm by 30cm. Almost three times the size of a human foot, they feel the evidence indicates they are close to finding and filming the creature.
"This is very close to an actual sighting," said Joshua Gates, 28, who is part of a seven member expedition to the jungles of Kota Tinggi. Gates, who found the foot, is the host of Destination Truth, a new television programme to be shown over the Sci-Fi Network in the United States.
The Sci-Fi Network is an NBC Universal television network dedicated to programmes exploring the mysterious, paranormal, fantastic and unexplained. Gates and his crew have been in Kota Tinggi since yesterday to shoot a documentary on the creature.
The group travelled deep into the jungle and found the footprints in Kampung Lukut after searching an area covering 30 sq km.
"One of the footprints, showing five toes, was especially well preserved in the mud. We made several plaster casts of it."
"This is most credible evidence to date that the Bigfoot might indeed be roaming the jungles of Johor," he said.
"We believe we are on the trail of something really big."
"The size of the footprint doesn’t match that of any primate or animal we have ever seen."
"This is bound to stir a great deal of interest in the US when the documentary is shown."
"It might prompt more researchers and journalists to come to Johor in search of Bigfoot."

The Geneva Spiritual Appeal

The "Geneva Spiritual Appeal" was signed on Sunday October 24 1999 by Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders. To all the two faced "peace loving" and "God Fearing" political leaders, spiritual leaders and religious leaders of the world, have you done your part to honour the words as scripted in this Geneva Spiritual Appeal ?

The text of the appeal is as follows :

• Because our personal convictions or the religions to which we owe allegiance have common a respect for the integrity of humankind.
• Because our personal convictions or the religious to which we owe allegiance have common a rejection of hatred and violence.
• Because our personal convictions or the religions to which we owe allegiance have common the hope for a better and more just world.

Representing religious communities and civil society we appeal to the leaders of the world, whatever their field of influence, to strictly adhere to the following three principles:
1) A refusal to invoke a religious or spiritual power to justify violence of any kind,
2) A refusal to invoke a religious or spiritual source to justify discrimination and exclusion;
3) A refusal to exploit or dominate others by means of strength, intellectual capacity or spiritual persuasion, wealth or social status.

Grounded in the Genevan tradition of welcome, refuge and compassion, our appeal is open to all whose convictions are in accordance with these three demands.

Taiping Market

The Taiping Market, located in the heart of Taiping town, is the oldest market in Malaysia. This unique timber structure was built in 1884. It consists of two blocks. The first block was built in 1884 and the second block was built in 1885. Each Block occupies a land area of 220 ' by 60'.

Anyone out there has a photograph of Taiping Market to share ?

As published in the New Straits Times - February 16th 2006

Facelift for Taiping market

By Mimi Syed Yusof

TAIPING, Feb 15:

The wet market here, the oldest in the country, is slated for a facelift that will make it almost a twin of Kuala Lumpur's Pasar Seni. Municipal council officers will be visiting the Pasar Seni soon to identify features to be incorporated in the renovation exercise. They will also study the designs of wet markets in Malacca and Penang for an idea of what should go into the 122-year-old market. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the facade of the market, built in 1884, would be retained in the RM10 million project.
"We want to give it a new look in line with the move to turn Taiping into a heritage town," he said after chairing the state executive council meeting at the municipal council building here today.
The project will get off the ground under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, with work expected to begin next year. The 200 traders at the market will be moved to a RM5 million market to be built in Pasar Tupai on the outskirts of the town while renovation is under way. About 1.5ha has been earmarked for the market.
"Traders must be willing to change with the times and adopt different business strategies when they return to the Taiping market," Tajol said.
On the State Government's move to turn Taiping into a heritage town, he said certain development regulations needed to be adhered to by residents. "The municipal council has been asked to do a study of the average height of the existing buildings in the town.
"There is a limit to the development of high-rise buildings in Taiping. For example, maximum height for any structure located in the town centre, near and around the Taiping Lake Gardens and Jalan Istana, is four storeys," he said.

Valentine Day ( Chinese Version )

FAIRY OF THE MAGPIE BRIDGE
by Qin Guan Translated by Kylie Hsu

Among the beautiful clouds,
Over the heavenly river,
Crosses the weaving maiden.
A night of rendezvous,
Across the autumn sky,
Surpasses joy on earth.
Moments of tender love and dream,
So sad to leave the magpie bridge.
Eternal love between us two,
Shall withstand the time apart.

Chinese Valentine day falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month ( during the month of August 2006). It has been celebrated since the Jin Dynasty ( 256AD). This is probably the only Chinese celebration devoted to love and romance. The Chinese valentine day is not as commercialized as the western version. Gifts of flowers, chocolates, greeting cards, soft toys, etc. are not the norm. However, the Chinese ( girls) prepare fruits, melons, cosmetics, and flowers as offerings to the weaving maiden (Zhi Nu ) and the Cowherd Boy ( Niu Lang) for smooth romance and soulmate. At the end of the prayer, the fresh flowers are throw onto the roof of the house ( I am still trying to figure out what is the significant of this gesture ).

To all of you celebrating the February 14 St Valentine Day. Happy Valentine Day !!!!!

Happy Valentine Day !

Happy valentine Day, my friends. On this day, some narrow minded souls may use threats or violences to suppress this "undesirable" western tradition in the name of protecting their traditional values... How can a day dedicated to expression of love be a threat to traditional values ?

Valentine day is a harmless tradition originated from the west. It has been commercialized in most of of the world. But what harm can it cause to the Eastern's traditional values ? Let us be open minded. Let us not be a cultural morons. You are not obligated to cerebrate Valentine day if you feel offended by it. But, please do not prohibit or censor others for their rights to cerebrate.

In some countries, some citizens ruined the image of their governments, some governments ruined the image of their citizens, and some citizens and governments ruined the image of their religions by imposing thier narrow minded views on others.

My friends, Let us make use of Valentine day as another opportunity to express our love for our family members and our soulmates.

Happy Valentine Day to all of you...... From the bottom of my heart, may the almighty rid you of hatreds, may you be loved by your friends and your loved ones.

Soup of the day.....

I received this joke via email today. I liked it, and just to have a good laught, I am republishing it in this blog. No offend intended. I hope the Americans don't end-up having a mass demonstrations and burning down foreign embassies in Washington........


While visiting India , George Bush is invited to tea with Abdul Kalam. He asks Kalam what his leadership philosophy is. He says that, it is to surround himself with intelligent people.

Bush asks how he knows if they're intelligent.

"Allow me to demonstrate." Bush watches as Kalam phones Manmohan Singh and says, "Mr. Prime Minister, please answer this question: your mother has a child, and your father has a child, and this child is not your brother or sister. Who is it?"

Manmohan immediately responds, "It's me, Sir !"

"Correct. Thank you and good-bye, sir," says the Kalam. he hangs up and says, "Did you get that, Mr. Bush?"

Bush nods: "Yes Mr.President. Thanks a lot. I'll definitely be using that!" Bush, upon returning to Washington,decides he'd better put the Condoleeza Rice to the test. Bush summons her to the White House and says, "Condoleeza, I wonder if you can answer a question for me."

"Why, of course, sir. What's on your mind?"

Bush poses the question: "Uhh, your mother has a child, and your father has a child, and this child is not your brother or your sister. Who is it?"

Rice was puzzled and finally asks, "Can I think about it and get back to you?" Bush agrees, and Rice leaves. Rice immediately calls a meeting of senior senators, and they puzzle over the question for several hours,but nobody can come up with an answer. Finally, in desperation, Rice calls Colin Powell and explains the problem.

"Mr. Powell, your mother has a child, and your father has a child, and this child is not your brother or your sister. Who is it?"

Powell answers immediately, "It's me, of course."

Much relieved, Rice rushes back to the White House, finds George Bush, and exclaims, "I know the answer, sir! I know who it is! It's our Colin Powell!"

And Bush replies in disgust, "Wrong, its Manmohan Singh!" .

Merdeka Talkies - Pokok Assam's Village Cinema

Merdeka Talkies - The Pokok Assam Village Cinema.
This wooden structured building was probably built right after Malaysia obtained her independent from British Administration in 1957. As a young boy during the early seventies, I used to patron this place with my brothers and sisters to watch movies and stage shows. An entrance ticket cost 40 sens per adults. We used to share ONE adult ticket for 2 kids. This picture was taken in 30th Jan 2006. I felt very sad to see this former cinema being turned into a rundown eating place. To me, the Merdeka Talkies should be preserved as one of the historical building in the young history of Pokok Assam Village. Perhaps, the local town council should acquire this building, refurbish, and convert it into a multi-purpose community centre to serve the village folks of Pokok Assam.

Tulips Bloom on Taiping's Maxwell Hills

Visit Taiping, one of the oldest historic town in Malaysia.........


Thousands visit hill to view tulips
Story and picture by RASLAN BAHAROM
Friday February 3, 2006 – The Star

TAIPING: Blooming tulips on Bukit Larut have been drawing thousands of holidaymakers to the hill this past week. A local resident, SJK (C) Pokok Assam teacher Mary Ng, 40, who accompanied a group of relatives from Kuala Lumpur to the hill yesterday said she was impressed by the blooms.
“The tulips are beautiful and I feel proud that we can grow tulips here.
“Now, there is no need to go overseas to see such flowers,” she said while admiring the tulips at Cendana Hut, the tulip-growing site, which is about 1,128m above sea level.
Another visitor Nor Rashid Osman, from Selangor, said he had come to Bukit Larut after reading newspaper reports on the tulip-growing project. But Nor Rashid, 36, who was accompanied by his wife Zalina Mohd Nayan, 32, and their children Noratikah, eight and Noralia Akmal, seven, said more could be done to draw visitors. “The tulip-growing project is a good start to draw visitors to the hill but I hope the authorities explore growing other highland crops such as strawberries as is being done in Cameron Highlands,” said Nor Rashid. Despite the hill’s rich flora and fauna, Nor Rashid said he was unable to get in touch with anyone who could organise outings into the jungle.
He said he was also given the run-around when he wanted to book the jeep service to go up the hill.
“I came here on Tuesday afternoon and was told that I should come back at 8.30am the following day to book the jeep service to make the journey up the hill,” he said.
A spokesman from the Larut Matang and Selama district office, which runs the jeep service, said seven jeeps were used to ferry passengers up the hill.
“The jeeps had carried more than 300 visitors daily and in the past eight days, more than 2,400 people had gone up the hill,” he said. He also said all of the accommodation facilities on the hill were fully booked throughout the week.

In the name of God ?

I am a Taoist practicing Buddhism. I occasionally read the bible for references. I walk the middle path. The followings are my comments and observations of recent reported events. I respect humanity and I have no wish to offend any religion, race, or creed.

In May 2001, some misguided religious fanatic issued an edict deeming the two Buddha Statues, which are carved into a mountain in Afghanistan, as non-Islamic and ordered their destruction. Subsequently, these world's tallest ancient statues of Buddha was machine gunned, bombed, and destroyed.. The question here is, was sensitivity and respect being accorded by these arrogant rapists of civilization ? As a believer of Buddhism, I felt the pains and at the same time offended with lots of angers. The point here is, I am a civilized Buddhist. I don't hijack Buddhism and go around inciting hatred and violence. At the end of the day, evil doers shall be punished by God.

Few years ago, the Twin Towers of America was attacked by some fanatical religious bigots cheered by some misguided religious leaders with lame excuses. Thousand of innocent lives were lost. Did they care about the sensitivities, pains, and suffering of innocent people ? The American go on the offensive to hit back. The wraths of the ferocious eagle was felt. Violent does begets violent. An eye for an eye ! The American evened the score! So it seemed. The cowards now feared to step on the soil of America to launch violent and criminal acts. Europe now is seen as an easy target by terrorists using slightest unintended provocation to legitimize their attacks. Again, the sad fact remained that, religion has been hijacked by fanatics to achieve their own agenda. Along the way, simple minded people are provoked into emotional senselessness and innocent people are wrongly victimized. It is all about their selfish feelings ! Did they care about the feelings of innocent people ?

With regards to the controversial cartoons published in the Danish's newspaper and the subsequent unnecessary instigated violences around the world, instead of rationally understand why the cartoon was published, some choose to use violence and criminal acts to censor what they don't like to see or hear. Because, they claimed they are being provoked, it is their legitimate rights ! Peace be with you ? All I see is innocent and defenseless people are again being violently attacked in the name of religion. So they come in big group with offensive weapons, they vent their frustrations with violent intends, hooliganism rules ! might is right ?

Frankly, the cartoon should not be allowed to be published in the first place. It is an insult to Islam. But the sad fact is, it is already published and reprinted in several other countries by irresponsible media to gain readerships in the name of press freedom. The newspapers have apologized for the insensitivity and lack of respect for other religions. We should all just take it as it is and move forward. The misunderstanding should be settled in a peaceful manner with appropriate compensations in accordance with the rules of land. This is the basic tenet of civil society. All religions should learn to respect the common decency of denouncing violences and propagate peaceful mutual respect and cohabitations. Irresponsible calling for boycott of the entire country, inciting hatreds, indiscriminate murdering of innocent people, hooliganism, riots, and launching of violent attacks on the embassies merely reflect the lack of respect for humanity, low self esteem, and prehistoric barbaric cultures.

I call on all Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, etc. to exercise basic decency and sensitivity to stop making irresponsible communications to provoke and conduct insults on each other religions and faiths. If other people religions is not compatible with your own religion, please learn to respect these diversity of humanity. Insults and violences in the name of religion should be condemned in a civil manner. We are all children of God. All religions should be accorded the highest respect in accordance to the charter of United Nations. We should all learn to respect the law of the land. Only barbarians resort to violences ! Yesterday it was America, Today it is in Europe, tomorrow they may end up at your door step ! These hooligans are not defenders of their faiths, they are criminal law breakers with hiddened agendas, and should be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the rules of law, not rules of emotions, and definitely not rules of violences. Do not use religion as a avenue to bully other people simply because their religious practices are incompatible with yours. Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you....

May God bless the peace makers.