Peaceful Gatherings - Is It Possible?

It was a cool, dark night on 1st August, 2010 with a slight drizzle. Some would say that it's probably 'hujan rahmat' as the Almighty symphatizes with his creations who are gathering to commemorate the anniversary of the anti-ISA protest. Anticipation of a show of force by the men in blue is imminent as the time passes by close to the 30th minute after 2000 hrs. All possible entry points into AmpCorp Mall have been blocked and manned by the police.

The protestors gathered and walked across the carpark to the open field. The national anthem 'Negaraku' was sung loud and clear for everyone to hear. Is it a crime to gather in an open field to sing 'Negaraku' together. The men in blue don't think so and they're allowed to continue up to the end of the 2nd repeat of the national anthem. It's great to see Malaysians sing in unity. This is what the leaders of our beloved country have espoused - unity.

 As it was drizzling, the protestors marched into the shopping mall to seek shelter from the tears in the sky as possible arrest becomes imminent as time passes by, closer to 2030 hrs. Under the shade of the mall, candles are lighted up after 'Negaraku' is sung for the 3rd time. Shouts of 'Hidup Rakyat' and 'Mansuhkan ISA' is heard as the protestors made the call from the bottom of their heart as they yearn and demand for change.

The FRU stations themselves at the front of the main lobby, standing by in case the police riots. The protestors are a reasonable lot and are just gathering peacefully to highlights the ills of the country. It is feared that the police will riot, seeing peace in process. They wait for their instructions. Those manning the flea market are grumbling that the police's actions are hindering their business.

The protestors were observed walking in front of the FRU, inquiring with them on the reason why they were deployed in great numbers to 'monitor' a peaceful gathering? No, they are just following orders. Two FRU trucks were parked beside the open field, ready to imprison unlucky protestors who were caught. It's just a small truck, so not many will arrested tonight. Don't worry, the men in blue are nice people and won't arrest more than they have to. Only the popular ones will be detained for 'further questioning' in the prison cell while the others will most probably be counselled not to participate in this 'illegal' gatherings in future.

At the blow of the whistle, all hell breaks loose and everyone runs helter skelter. The men in blue rushes into the middle podium of the shopping mall. A protestor was manhandled and dragged to the awaiting truck. Photographs rushed to capture the violent scene as they wondered what could have warranted such a reaction from the men in blue? Nobody were instigating them. Most probably they received instruction 'from above' and had to 'menjalankan tugas' as dutiful public servants who have failed to apprehend the real criminals in the form of snatch thiefs, robbers, serial killers, etc. But arresting peaceful citizens seems to be their forte these days, although they're their paymasters.

The shoppers and onlookers were warned to stay away. Businesses were disrupted not by the peaceful protestors but the men in blue as tables and chairs were pushed aside in their haste to arrest the citizens. It was total chaos for about 5 minutes. Most probably the rest were spared because there was no more room for them in the little trucks. These scenes are likely to be the norm as the citizens demand for the repeal of an archaic law that oppresses the commoners who want change. Peaceful gatherings are not impossible, as long as the men in blue don't interrupt the peace process and citizens awaken to their rights in the democratic fight for justice.

A Team Who Plays Together, Works Together

Arguments, debates, debacles, etc. These words all point to the same thing - that there's some unhappiness on one party and the other demands an explanation or at least a justification on the action that caused the unpleasant situation. While there's intellectual value in debates, arguments and debacles almost always end up as a waste of time and resources for both the accusing and aggrieved parties. Should we instead spend more time on beneficial activities or continue to argue till the end of time? Would you gain satisfaction from maligning others? Have you considered the fact that others may do the same to you? Unproven assumptions and accusations will drive a company to disaster if not nipped in the bud, don't you agree?

In any company, whether there's only 3 employees or 3,000 employees, there will exist cliques amongst the employees working there. And why not? One should only choose to work with those who they are more comfortable working with. And why not? Why waste resources convincing the other party of need to work together objectively? Why waste time to convince the other party that there's a vital need to work as a team? Don't they already know that we have to work together for the good of the company?

Who will stand to benefit should there be teamwork amongst the employees? No, it's not the clients nor the bystanders to the arguing circus. Yes, it's the employees themselves who stand to gain if there's a concerted effort directed towards solving a work-related problem instead of wasting saliva on personal-related problems. Yes, the top management may even observe and recognise this visible teamwork effort by handing out the bonus the employees so much desire or even feel obliged to organise events that may further enhance the good relations amongst employees.

Now, a Family Day is not an obligation of the company to organise. It is an expensive event to organise - accommodation, food, activities and logistics. Especially so if the employees are great in number, adding the fact that most would have families coming along. However, Family Day is an event where the employees and their families get an opportunity to know each other better and may even further cement the good relations amongst the employees. Wives and children will get to play together and it is an excellent opportunity to mingle around, besides the Annual Dinner which normally consists of the employee and his/her spouse only. I mean, why not? What do we stand to lose for attending this meaningful event? Nothing much, I guess.

The programs and logistics takes months to prepare. Rooms need to be booked well in advance, taking into consideration that other companies/organisations may have the same idea in organising Family Day. The room access cards need to be collected and counter checked to ensure that they open the room they're supposed to open. Employees need to be allocated rooms according to their family size or if they're single, studio rooms which will reduce the chance of inter-mixing which is against the grain of most religions.

The most important thing to remember in Family Day events is that you have to be pro-active. You need to volunteer yourselves to participate in the games. You need to be more extrovert than normal. You need to introduce yourselves so that others may at least know your existence and have you participate in the games planned. Don't wait for the organising committee members to call/plead you to participate. If you're an introvert, well, this is an excellent opportunity for change. Don't worry, they won't bite, I'm sure. The main objective is to mingle around with the crowd, no matter who they are, whatever level of management they are.

However, the best activity in my opinion, would be the photography part of the whole event. In telematches, there's ample opportunity to capture scenes of activities, comedic action of the games participants, facial expressions as they struggle to complete the games, and kids are the best subjects for photography because they are most cute as they are guided by their parents in completing the games. Humans are great subjects for photography.

Of course, the satisfaction from taking photographs would be to know that others enjoy or at least agree with your shots. Comparing the photos with fellow photographers would be an excellent opportunity for learning - learning is a never ending process in whichever part of your life you're in. Any camera will do - it's the composition of the image that matters. Having an expensive camera doesn't always guarantee a good photograph.

In summary, if there's ever a Family Day being organised, it's best to stamp your participation in this great activity for nurturing and enhancing employee relationships. Unless you have other more important personal matters to attend to, of course. And that's most probably because after work, most of us would normally head home to our families and have individual family activities.A team that plays together will work together in a more harmonious working environment, I'm sure.  Well, at least that's what I believe in. All the angst would be set aside during the Family Day and who knows, it may change your working relationships for the better.  When there's a harmonious working environment, all he unnecessary knots would be released. Carpe diem!

Happy Parents Day - Why Not?

Babies are being born every second. With that, a couple becomes parents. Just imagine how many parents are created every second. And with the mortality rate that controls the population boom, we can be sure that new parents will be created and aged parents will end their contribution with their dignified passing. It's part of the cycle of LIFE. Just imagine what would happen if the mortality rate is low and the human population keeps on increasing? Overpopulation is not something pleasant as everyone would be rushing for food to ensure their survival and surely there would be a shortage of food then. Did you read that for earth to be given a chance to recover, 70% of humans must die?

For those of us who still have parents, we should be thankful and grateful for that gift. Sure, we didn't ask to be born. Therefore, our being born is more of a choiceless living? For those who are born with a silver spoon, they may say life has been great for them. However, for those who were born in the slumps, well, they may say has been great too...if they haven't had the opportunity to experience the other side of where they may be living in. Having said that, the rich will have their 'rich' problems while the poor will have their fair share of 'poor' problems. Well, the diversity of Life is what gets us moving as we begin to appreciate Life as it is and stop to smell the rose every now and then.

I'm grateful that my parents are still with me. Both are 66 and 64 years old respectively. Now that they're this old, I can really see how they've aged with time. From big, sturdy, able bodied adults who have taken care of me and nurtured me to being who I am currently, their faces are wrinkled and the melanin has contributed to the many spots on their skin as the UV rays work their way through and their weight has subsided a lot. Biology is wonderful, isn't it?

Once a while, when the the full moon blooms, I get a little melancholic. As I sit quietly contemplating LIFE, I also think about the family which I was fortunate to have been born into. To think that I used to be the little rascal who used to drive my parents up the wall with my pranks, and now grown up to have a kid and daughter who too, are driving me up the wall with their own unique pranks. That's the cycle of life, isn't it? Life, in its own humorous way. Discipline aside, it's wonderful to observe them as they grow up and the increase in their tenacity and energy is really great. Nerve wrecking it can be, but their growing up process is a fascinating real life drama to follow.

No, not only did I harass my parents, I remember my late grandfather chasing me up the tree as I climbed hurriedly to escape the cane. Stayed there for quite a while until he gave up. And to think of it, I spent a lot of my growing up years on the mango tree. Plucking the unripe mangoes and eating it on the spot. Thinking about it now sends shivers down my spine, as the sourness will cause my teeth to 'shake'. And not to mention, de-skinning the sugarcane with my bare teeth. And to top it all, I would climb onto the garage of the single storey bungalow without any assistance from the ladder. Walked on the sloping roof and climbing down eventually by the tree. That's how 'great' I was those days. Nowadays, just thinking of it makes my palm sweat!

On the other hand, I also helped my mum to make kuih bangkit, curry puffs and other cookies for Chinese New Year. I can still remember the dining table (which has since made way for a new marble top round table) messed up with white flour and the sound of knocking as we attempted to get the formed dough out of the mould, ready to be baked by the oven. The curry puffs made by my grandfather was great - I couldn't wait for it to cool down sufficiently to sink my teeth into it. The curry potato was heavenly, hot from the wok. And not forgetting the tons of kaya jam that I've eaten in my lifetime. You see, there's a jungle near my house (which has since made way for a housing estate in progress) where my grandfather collects matured coconuts. Once the coconut milk is squeezed out  to make kaya, the husk and shell is used as fuel to fry the waste coconut whites to obtain coconut oil for cooking purposes. Talk about multipurpose product of nature.

My dad stayed at the back of the violin class in order to learn the violin - to teach me back at home. Can you imagine the dedication to music? He himself learned the organ at age 30 odd. Perhaps to make up for the lost opportunity when he was young and couldn't afford it. And when I was in Form 3, when most boys would have gotten a motorcycle to bring sweet young things around, my dad used the amount of money that could have purchased a bike, to buy me a violin? What the hell, I cursed. When the rest of my buddies are busy feeding their growth hormones, I was doomed at home with the violin? Is it fair? Well, at that time, no. But I'm grateful for that now, as I have musical knowledge and am able to play a few other musical instruments. At least, I have something different from my friends. Music is a tool to get people together as music is a form of 'international language', understood by all.

Not forgetting the driving lessons before I was legally able to take driving lessons. It wasn't as easy as it looked as I learnt to estimate the size of the car and manipulating the clutch and gears to get the car moving while steering it at the same time. Quite a momentous task at that young age. But I was proud - to be given the trust and opportunity to drive. If I can remember correctly, I was about 15 years of age then. I didn't have the opportunity of owning a motorcycle as mum had deemed it as a dangerous vehicle. I eventually purchased one of my own (Aprilia) when I worked in Singapore and zoomed home one day to show them ... that, hey! I have a motorcycle now. 140 km/h on the highway was fun then.

Oh, there were one too many occasions where I was caned for both being naughty and stubborn. But I believe now that capital punishment was to discipline and mould me into what I am now. I could've been with bad company if not for the constant reminders with the cane. Likewise, I'm now using it on my daughter because she can get out of hand sometimes. But sparingly.

Dad used to be the discipline tyrant and mum is who I went to for consolation. I think it's the same for everyone, in a 'normal' family. I've never heard of mums who would cane their sons. But occasionally, I would get a rap on the head by mum if I had been a tad too stubborn and caused her anguish. No permanent damage from this.

And not forgetting the stray dog which we had grown to like. It began with feeding it with plain white rice. Being hungry, the dog appreciated our kind gestures and decided that we would be the family to have him. Both parents objected because of the additional member in the family but over time, the dog which we called 'Doggie' convinced them that it's special. Did I say before that it could de-husk the coconut? And pull us on our bicycle? It's a big dog and it stayed with us for about 10 years before passing on to the nether world. Memories, memories. Regretted not having taken more photos of our Doggie. It's only when it left that I realised that there weren't enough photos of it but for the fortunate few.

I could go on and on about how I was being brought up and how my parents dealt with my growing years. If I get too lengthy, you would most probably wonder why I'm babbling too much this time on this blog. But really, there's more to write and I would be honoured to share my life's experience with you. I'll leave it to some other title to write about. In the meantime, Happy Parents Day and why not? Why succumb to commercialism? Every day should be parents' day and we should cherish them while they're still alive even though I would feel tongue tied to express my feelings but I guess, action shows.  I never believed in visiting the grave and burning prayer material after their death. It's all hogwash and I won't know for sure whether they'd receive those objects that we burn for them. Again, Happy Parents Day.

Death - Is it Necessarily Negative?

Death is a word that strikes fear into everyone's minds. Or at least generates spooky feelings in relevance to ghosts - spirits who roam after death. Death is a macabre word that most people would want to avoid uttering. Death conjures up images of sadness, despair and doom. Why can't it conjure images of happiness, hope and bloom instead? What is it that prevents us from thinking positively about death? Should death be such a good thought, that everyone would rush to be on the bandwagon? Why should anyone avoid death like the plague? Why go to great lengths to prevent people from uttering the death word? Is it such a bad thing to think of death once a while?

Why is death always a negative thing? Of course, death separates us from our loved ones. But isn't it something good for them, that they're able to leave this world of suffering and cross over to the next world? Should we instead be happy for them, for they're crossing over earlier than us? It's like saying goodbye when the bus leaves. But then, the bus in the real world, will return. In the ethereal world, spirits of the dead will return. Physically, no but spiritually, yes. Death is like a journey. It's up to us to ensure that it's a pleasurable one. Your imagination will ascertain what to expect ahead.

Should we be happy for those who manage to leave earlier than us? Why not? Nobody thinks of separation in good terms. It's always thought of in negative terms. When the time comes for them to leave, it's more often a 'no choice' thing. Unless they committed suicide thing, of course. But then, suicide is a choice, no? Put that aside. Back to 'no choice' death. When the Reaper comes calling, it's time to go. Sometimes, there's no time to say goodbye. Maybe it's best that way, sometimes?

So, if you have to go, you have to go. We should be happy for them but the burden is on us to let go. Humans are a sentimental lot in nature and will run through a quick re-collection of the past and present when a loved one is about to leave this mortal world. While the loved one fades into unconsciousness, the one who's leaving will also experience quick flashes of their own past and present. It's normally during the point of death, that humans go through this stage. It's like a video recorder being made to run on excessive speed till its end of the tape reel.

Before dying, most probably there'll be regrets. Regrets of not saying what you wanted to say when the person was still alive, which makes you think why you didn't want to say it at all? Regrets of not doing something that you've wanted to do all this while, but procastinated till the last moment and having realised that you're no longer in a position to perform the tasks? It's not a good feeling to have regrets on your deathbed. During that time, there's more turning back. The bus has arrived and the door is open, waiting for you to board. No, there's no chance of throwing the ticket away. A helpless feeling isn't exactly a good feeling.

On some occassions, when there's instant death, there's no opportunity for reminiscing the past or even having regrets. Bang! You're dead. That would probably be the best way to go? If it's an accident, having the thought of being maimed for life or even having an arm or leg amputated would most probably be an unbearable thought for some. So, for these people, a quick launch into the ethereal world is the best way. No time to even think of loved ones they'd be leaving behind or even to consider whether the world awaiting them will be a good one, like what they've dreamed about all this while. Or like what their religion has preached to them, heaven is awaiting if you've done good. And when you reach the Gates, the Gatekeeper apologises and informs regretfully that you're not allowed into Heaven...but leave this for another blog, ok?

So, think of it. There's only 2 things certain in life - death and taxes. Why not relish death? I'm also reminding myself that death of loved ones is inevitable. As you age, you biologically slow down to a standstill (freeze). I've gone through 5 passings, I guess. Fortunately, nothing happened to my immediate family members...yet. I know I will have to face it one day. So fearful am I of this thought that I always think it's best for me to 'go' first. Then I won't have to shed tears for them. It's a painful event, I can imagine. I can also empathise with those who have lost their loved ones.

So, is death a negative thing? We should look at it positively. It will help us to overcome the doom and gloom. Thinking that the dead would be on their way to a better future, will enable us to overcome our grief faster than moaning over the death. The emotional suffering would be short. After the burial, we look at the gravestone and think of the legacy that was left behind and hope that the dearly departed would continue to think of us and drop hints of their visit every once a while. The Chinese will wait for the Hell Gates to open in the 7th Month whilst other cultures would have their own unique way to deal with the dead. Therefore, death is a good thing and we should be envious of those who have managed to leave early. For those who've left, please wait for us to come, ok?

The New Year - Is Everything Ok?

Another year has gone. 2009 is no more. 365 days of last year is the past now. Time and tide waits for no man (and ladies). Once it's gone, it's gone and turning back the clock's arms won't bring back last year. Not even reversing the date of the clock. But you can choose to fool yourself, if you want to. The past is the past and accept the new year as it comes. You can't hide in one corner and pretend that the new year hasn't arrived.

What has changed for this year? Well, at least you're one year older already. Whether aging has created a more mature 'you', only you can determine. New Year Resolutions will remain as mere statements unless you physically take action on it. It could be only one resolution but if it just remains as a thought, then you could perhaps make it your resolution to complete last year's unresolved resolutions. For those who have one too many resolutions, you can pacify yourself by completing as many resolutions as possible. 

I'm past making resolutions because I know I won't be able to accomplish it . Making resolutions only made me feel good. However, it doesn't feel good if I don't accomplish it. So, for this year's resolutions - there won't be any. Keep life simple. I hope I'm not alone in this. I hope there's many, many others out there who are like me. Keep taking photographs, enjoy the great food out there and enjoy life. Oops, that's sounds like 3 resolutions already.

With 4 churches having had molotov cocktails thrown at them and damaged as a result of the fire, one wonders what 2010 brings us. It's not a good start to the year but political anarchists have managed to bring uncalm to the country. No, they're not religious anarchists but rather, political anarchists who are bent on taking over the Selangor state by whatever despicable means. This event is like food - if you don't like it, just spit it out.

And that's what the rakyat is doing. Throw the bad away. They are not going to be sucked into this political game. The rakyat is now more politically aware, compared to the situation 30 years ago, where almost everyone had to depend on what the mainstream media churns out due to no other source of information. During those days, the rakyat can be fooled by propaganda because they had no way to verify the information. The internet has saved us. This is the Information Age. With many of us on Facebook and other social networking sites and blogs, we are helping ourselves by disseminating the right information around. Of course, cybertroopers will try their best to confuse us with their selfish propaganda but we're not easily fooled or taken in by their 'stories'. They are just serving their political masters. Leave them alone. We totally understand that they're just doing their job, albeit being paid using the rakyat's money.

The power of the internet knows no bounds. 'Stories' propagated by the MSM are almost always countered with the right information on the internet, with scanned copies of the original documents to boot. With just one click and the information is transmitted to interested parties. Many times faster than the slow mail, which sometimes don't arrive at all. With many of the netizens who are bent on spreading truth and those who can only live on truth, we're pretty sure that we won't fall for the lies found in the MSM. But it's ok. Leave the MSM alone. They too, are serving their political masters. In the nearest future, we can expect to see the printed media dwindling in readership as more rakyat are joining the wireless broadband bandwagon, where information is at the tip of their fingers.

So, the year didn't begin on such a bad note after all. Well, it seemed bad in the beginning. But the solidarity shown by our brothers out there, have shown that political maturity has risen to a level that we continue to support ourselves and remind ourselves to be rational and not to be taken in by the anarchist's actions. The support level in the cyberworld and amongst the netizens is so great because we have also at the same time, managed to filter out those cybertroopers from amongst us. For one, their grasp of the English language speaks loudly of the government's stance on going against the teaching of Maths and Science in English. But let's leave English for another blog. Their answers in public discussions show's how weak their English is and it's a wonder if anyone understands them at all. But for RM3,500 monthly allowance and given a pc to boot, it's the dream job of graduates who haven't found jobs in the real world due to their uncompetitiveness. Their salary is paid by our taxes.

The way we handle the challenges posed by a dying regime will encourage others to join our team. The team for change, that is. The rakyat will be able to compare the way our leaders handle the situation. On one side, we have instigators and anarchists who abuse the MSM to spread religious and racist remarks. On the other, we have people who pacify and explain to the masses that anarchists are at work and not to be taken in by their negative actions. As a result, we have a peaceful country and citizens who are rational in their thinking. For those churches who were torched, collect money from the faithful for the repairs. I'm sure there are many who will contribute to rebuild the houses of worship.

We will continue to be rational because we have positive leaders who are rational. We will listen to them and continue to do so, as they lead us to change. Many of us strongly feel that change is imminent and it's possible in the near future. That'll be our hope for 2010. We will let the anarchists do what they think they can do, and we will just sit back and enjoy the entertainment provided by these clowns. We choose peace. We will continue to demand for peace and equality and will not let ourselves be hijacked by the actions of a few. Life should be smooth sailing and we should take every effort to ensure it stays that way. Happy New Year.

It's Time For Change

Corruption. Wastage. Selective persecution by the 'authorities'. Collapsed buildings just recently completed. Cronyism. Nepotism. Murder of a foreign national. Expensive submarine purchase. Ships that were never delivered although additional money has been pumped in. Theft of jet engines, truck and tyres. Illegal takeover of an opposition held state. Court appointed MB put in place. Lighting candles, wearing black and peaceful gatherings are banned. Mansion owners who were not investigated and penalised although reports have been lodged with the anti-corruption agency. And so on and so forth.

We read about all these excesses and persecution daily both in the papers and internet. There's always a bad news almost daily. The news are what sells the papers. However, the papers have been instructed to publish more negative news on the opposition, in order to gain support and funding by their political masters. However, the traditional source of news have declined popularity as the government's voice, as the young and old indulge themselves in 'more accurate' news via blogs and internet news sites. The rakyat's distrust in the traditional media have reached the peak. Every little bit of news on the internet is now accepted as the gospel truth, contrary to what's published in the government controlled media. Facebook and Twitter groups are trying their best to spread the truth and to open the rakyat's eyes to the gross abuses by the dying regime and their conniving partners in crime.

Only those living in the rural areas and the old who don't have access to the internet, are still relying on the traditional media and are prone to being manipulated by what they read and watch on television. The fear propagated by these media is what make the rural folks retain their support for the dying regime. Traditional 'rights' are being snatched from them, these folks are being told. If you vote for the opposition, you will have less rights as a native of the country, they will say. If you want to 'sell' away your traditional rights, go vote the opposition in, and so the propaganda goes on. Do these people know what 'rights' they have and what they do not? Do they ever read the Federal Constitution which guarantees fairness and equality in treatment for all citizens?

Do they not want their fellow citizens to live harmoniously with them and share the same rights as a fellow countryman? Exactly what kind of rights do they expect to retain? The rights to the land they live on or the national reserves which continue to be plundered for a few ringgit? The rights to their special allocated places in tertiary institutions? The rights for 15% discount when purchasing houses even though they're not exactly poor when buying RM200,000 houses? The rights to worship in the houses of worship of only one particular faith, even though they could possibly be the minority in the housing estate? The rights of the privileged few who are guaranteed passes in the tertiary institutions so that they may 'progress' in life but payment of study loans notwithstanding? There are plenty of study loan defaulters out there who have good paying jobs but are reluctant to settle their debts due to an inefficient collection system. Even Datuks and Datins are amongst those who default on their study loans without nary an action taken against them in an effort to recover the debt.

As we mature politically as citizens of this beautiful country, we should allow mediocrity rule our thoughts. We have been cheated for 52 years by the regime who's main concern is to enrich themselves through dubious schemes and projects at the expense of the taxpayers. What have taxpayers benefited from the schemes and projects, but to witness the collapse of the structures that were only completed just recently? Where's the accountability of the authorities entrusted to ensure our money is well spent? Why are the excesses allowed to happen? Isn't there any monitoring body to guard the nation's wealth, making sure that the money is well spent? As far as the rakyat can see, projects are only awarded to cronies and family members of an elite few. Is this the only reason why politicians become politicians? The power to award projects, corrupts absolutely when there's no open tender to select suitable companies among the many. Even though transparency has been touted by the Prime Minister, the rakyat can see that it's merely hot air without a desire to really ensure transparency in the award of contracts, amongst others.

Do we accept mediocrity in the management of this country? Do we want to see our nation's resources get plundered for the wealth of an elite few? In the East, the virgin jungle has been raped for years, for the elite few to accumulate sinful wealth at the expense of the rakyat. Electricity and water supply has been wanting in the rural areas. Areas where villages are only accessible by boat or helicopter. Isn't it a wonder that after 52 years of plunder, the poor aborigines or the real natives of the country, continue to live in abject poverty? Children have to walk at least 3 hours across mountainous ranges just to attend school whilst others have to suffer the risk of 2 hours travel by boat. Why aren't the basic necessities provided after all these years?

It's time for change and the tide of change is riding high on the waves of public support. It's time to reject the mediocrity that has been forced upon us for thus long. We can do our part in this 'change' by first ensuring that we're registered voters. Go to the post office or the Rocket Cafe to register yourselves over a cup of coffee. It is our right as a citizen of this country, to vote. Do not allow yourselves to be a fence sitter. Every vote counts and we should ensure that the tsunami of March 2008 have greater force in the coming general elections. I'm betting on it being held in April/May next year. By the way, it takes 4 months from the time you apply, to becoming a full fledged voter in the system. Don't waste any more time. Don't waste the precious opportunity to take part in this change. Federal control is essential to access the already dwindling funds due to mismanagement of the country. We need to save what's left. Vote and ensure that your vote counts in making this country a better place, where Competency, Accountability and Transparency rules. Please vote for change! Thank you.

Life's Direction - Who's Responsibility?

Right or left? Stop or go ahead? Beat the red lights or follow the traffic rules? Overtake or be overtaken? Slow down or speed up? Employ the brakes when going downhill or make use of low gears to slowly traverse down to lowland? Questions after questions arise as we trudge on the daily grind of what we call LIFE.

While there are rules that have been created to guide us in making the above decisions, it is ultimately up to ourselves to decide for ourselves as only we are responsible for ourselves. Right or left? Well, it depends on where we're heading. If we had turned right when it should've been left, it's not really a big problem as we can still slow down and make the appropriate correction to head towards the correct direction by making a U-turn.

Precious time will be lost, especially if we're attending an interview or meeting a client for discussions. That's without question. However, rather than continue to head towards the wronged direction, it's wiser to make the U-turn and then try to make up on lost time. It is futile to continue to head in the wrong direction in the hope that it will somehow lead to the correct path. And only you, the one behind the driver's wheel can make that decision to correct yourself. There's no one to honk at you to tell you that you took the wrong path, for only you know the true path towards where you're heading.

To overtake or be overtaken? What are the stakes here? If you encounter a slow vehicle ahead, you can make the decision to activate the indicator lights and proceed to overtake the vehicle, provided that there's no oncoming traffic to hinder your safe cutting in front of the slow vehicle. It's your choice to overtake. Likewise, it is also your choice to let yourself be overtaken. If you're already driving at the maximum legal speed limit, allow other impatient drivers to overtake you. Again, activate the indicator lights and move to the left. There's no harm in allowing this. Do not let ego or pride prevent you from making a wise decision to be overtaken.

In LIFE, it is sometimes wiser to let yourself be overtaken rather than competing with the other party in a meaningless competition that will surely end in tragedy should both cars meet with an accident. In LIFE, we should ask ourselves what's the hurry to get to the destination. Whether slow or fast, we're going to reach it anyway, right? Provided that there's nothing to end that path abruptly. But we wouldn't know, won't we? If we decide to overtake, make sure that there's no obstacle ahead. Always ensure that no one is injured or hurt if we decide to overtake. Likewise, it is our responsibility to allow those who overtake, a safe passage too. Slow down instead of speeding up and allow that driver to cut in safely in front of you. It is the wisest and more appropriate thing to do since we're sharing a common road.

When we're heading down a hill, do you have a bad habit of relying too much on the brakes to slow down your vehicle before taking the corner? Do you realise that if the hydraulic fluid overheats due to constant use of the brakes, the brakes may fail to work as the fluid boils? Can you then, slow down the vehicle still? At this time, it is better to stop the vehicle and let the fluid cool down a little before proceeding with the journey. Well, only you can decide whether to use the brakes constantly or employ the low gears in tackling the tricky downhill situation.

If you're too negative in your view of life and its challenges or in your workplace, you're actually applying brakes to your progress in both your LIFE and employment career. Think of it - what advantage do you get when you're obstinately negative? There's more disadvantages than advantages to this poor outlook in LIFE. On the contrary, if you employ the gears to slow down the vehicle, it is akin to making the appropriate decision to either slow down or step back momentarily to view the problem on a macro level and then tackling the problem in the appropriate manner. This way, you won't be 'overheated' with your problem but instead, you would be in a better position to overcome the challenges faced. Having a positive outlook in LIFE is essential to ensuring that you're capable to face the onslaughts of living through this challenging LIFE.

All being said, you have to make many, many decisions in LIFE. People around you can either give you the appropriate nudge to get you back on the right path if you decide to stray, or they can also lead you astray at the same time. The choice of making the right decision lies with you and only you alone. So, make sure that you equip yourself with the knowledge on what's right or wrong and continue to built on your own values as you progress. Do not trust others too easily, but don't distrust others extremely at the same time. We were given this gift of Thought, so make full use of it and may it steer you in the right direction. Carpe diem!