The Coagulated Political Community

Condemn this, condemn that. Criticise here, criticise there. Profanities flying everywhere as supporters of the political community try their best to outdo themselves, trying to make

themselves stand out and hopefully, their respective parties will get some votes from the citizens. Quite a few have even earned themselves the title of racists as they tried too hard to 'defend' their community, not realising that the country is made up of many races who are also struggling to make a living like themselves, people who desire to have a sense of belonging in this piece of land they call home.

It had been a tiring 5 years since 2008, with many of us glued to Facebook, Twitter and other popular social media sites daily,updating their statuses with their opinions on the political drame unfolding as GE13 approaches. Some even let their political selfs take over their 'normal' lives, providing 'analysis' after analysis on the local political scene. These people make it their mission to spread political awareness to those who have been sceptical as to their influence on the election's results. They breathe and sleep politics, as some might rightfully deduce.

Back in 2008 when FB was still at its infancy stage, there were no high speed broadband

connections quite as speedy as they are these days. 514 kbps or even 1Mbps were 'super' speeds those days but yet, the netizens were busy tapping away on their keyboards as they put forward their opinions and tried to cultivate the same school of thoughts politically. And one's updates were viewed by the 700,000 odd FB members then. There were no groups like what we have these days. The groups were designed to make it difficult for paedophiles to reach out to children.

Race and religion were the hot topics debated back then, as we tried to rationalise the differences in opinion. In summary, we agreed to disagree. However, politics was what kept us together through the years and we have made each others' friends and stuck through the years. Malays, Chinese, Indians...we were the citizens of Malaysia.

When citizenships are mentioned, foreigners invariably come to mind, as to their actual role in society besides earning their rice bowls, far away from their homeland. Socially inept, they kept largely to their own communities, living in squalid conditions that beggars disbelief, that one could live in a chicken coop. However, their roles in society have 'diversified', as observed in the recent polls. Their presence in the country is much needed by the people of a certain political divide as the foreigners provided an easy avenue of political support in the form of votes.

Now, this will rile up the citizens as the government allowed them to have a say in the running of the country albeit in an illegal way. Despite the denials, evidences of these foreigners at voting stations continue to be ignored by the officials who merely 'reassured' the citizens that as long as these foreigners are on the electoral list and posses an IC, they're allowed to vote. Coupled with the blackouts, the winning votes were rigged and Voila! we had the winner at 1.00 a.m early Monday morning.

While the country did not Change! or Ubah! as the members and supporters of Pakatan Rakyat had hoped, the struggle will continue although they deserve to take a rest after intensely rallying the 1st time voters and fence sitters to put their votes for the cause. Mammoth street gatherings were organised to speak out against unfairness in the electoral system, as they struggle to cast the demon out. However, the demon remained entrenched in the system for yet another 5 years or that's what it seems until the internal revolt takes place.

Until then, the winner is allowed to bask in the glory or winning or wallow in shame for a reduced majority, thereby casting the entire coalition into a risky situation where a sudden change of heart may result in cross overs which will transform the political landscape once again. Malaysians have spoken up, and they have shouted loud enough, that fairness and a corruption-free society is what the country direly requires, to secure a better future for the next generation. It's not a 'Chinese Tsunami'. On the contrary, it's a Malaysian tsunami as the well-read and well-connected join hands to alter the future of the country and steer it out of the quagmire of rot that it's submerged in at the moment.

Congratulations to the people who have made it possible to win with a bigger majority than before and kudos to those who stuck through thick and thin. Change! and make sure it's complete at the next opportunity.

Polls A-Calling

Pakatan Rakyat this, Pakatan Rakyat that. Barisan this, Barisan that. Opposition this, Opposition that. Revelations this, revelations that. We're right, you're wrong. Conspiracy this, conspiracy that. Gatherings here, gatherings there. Tear gas here, tear gas there.

These are some of the words splashed across the mainstream media daily. Whether the internet, the age old newspapers, the idiot box or the radio. We have no choice but to see or listen to these words being bandied around as political parties and their supporters up their ante on campaigns as the polls loom closer around the corner (or at least that's what most of us think, although the last call for polls would be in March 2013).

Many of those well-meaning folks, would have adviced the young voters to register themselves as voters. The apathical young voters who have the influence and might to decide on governments. The ones who spend most of their waking hours on the internet, scouring the web for information relevant to their areas of interest. But one can't put aside the influential and formidable online news website : Malaysiakini, the select choice of news agency that's credited for being the more neutral and brave in putting forward their views on the local political scene.

Fence sitters are the bane of political parties. Either they're not interested in carrying out their patriotic duty for the country in ensuring their government of choice rules the motherland or they're still lounging in the thoughts that their will never amount to anything. Well, they must be told in no uncertain terms that every vote counts, as the battle against illegal voters is an uphill task, legitimised by a corrupt regime that strives to ensure it's political survival albeit against an uprising new tide of new generation of voters who're more vocal and dare to exhibit their thoughts and actions in the open arena.

While the youth are allowed to absorb the political news from both sides of the political divide, one must already have decided on which party he/she will vote for. Being pussy footed about this decision may cost the country another 5 years of political struggle as corruption and racial anarchy reigns supreme. It should be clear to the youths by now, which side is the more peaceful and forward looking, and potential choice of government for the next 5 years. There is no right or wrong party to support. Make the choice and openly support the side which has been chosen.

While youths may be the decision makers, those who have not cast their votes before, may also cost the future of the country. These potential voters, might not think that their votes will amount to much. However, it should be hammered into their grey matter, that every vote counts. They are potential kingmakers. Both these groups of potential voters are being reached by the agents from sides of the political divide. The youths being closely in touch with technology and information, are called upon to spread the word of truth against the lies and might of the great propaganda machines of the current leadership and convince their brethern to cast their votes when the time comes.

Whether a better government comes into rule or not, these group of potential voters must realise that's indirectly their fault for not performing their duty as permitted by law. The apathical voters must cast their doubts aside and make their choice so that their government of choice is given an opportunity to proof their administrative skills, in managing the country well and free from corruption so that the citizens are able to enjoy the benefits, funds which are apportioned from taxes on their incomes.

Spread the word and convince all voters and potential voters alike, to carry out their patriotic duty to protect and serve their country from further plunging economically into an abyss. Take a look at our closest neighbour down south and dream that one day, Malaysia, may achieve the prosperity and efficiency of a well managed country that rose from an island swamp. To a better world, Cheers!

Whither The End Of CNY Celebrations?

Year after year, moons after moons, the festivities of the annual Chinese or Lunar New Year are celebrated with laughter (could it be due to the large doses of alcoholic beverages?) and merriment the world over. Traditionally served by the Chinese culture, the festivities are celebrated by all, irrespective whether they are Buddhists or Christians, as it is fundamentally a cultural celebration. That's the greatness of being a Chinese, culture being one of the most important aspects.

During these festivities, family and friends join in to add to the laughter and merriment. Friends and acquitances vary in degree of bonding to oneself. Friends being those you can depend upon to provide a listening ear (not only to borrow money) when you're down. Friends being those who don't feel obliged to accompany you during your moments of sorrow or instances of happiness. Acquitances being those who give a myriad of excuses when you need their company the most. Acquitances being those who work great together but once out of the work environment, go far away to their own respective corners of the world to hibernate before the next work day arrives after a brief sojourn of a thousand jumping sheeps on the bed.

Family members are those connected by blood relations. A relation that cannot be spliced by choice. A relation that sticks together with you until the time you leave the earth for the heavens (if it exists). A relation that you cannot erase from the family tree. As they say, blood is thicker than water. Well, what do you expect? There's plenty of plasma and other components that makes the fluid of life what it is.

Lunar New Year celebrations begin with the receipt of red packets from your parents, relatives and friends when you're young and single. In the later stages of life when you're married, you're required to depart with cash to the younger ones who have not yet settled down. However, once you start having kids, you may 'recover' some of your dearly departed cash. That's how the world order works or at least how we make it out to be.

The crunch of life begins when you've arrived at mid-age. At this period of time, relatives may be 'going off' in a hurried manner as some may have reached their 60s or somewhere later than that. For some, relatives and friends could be departing to the netherworld earlier than expected. It is during the period of festivities that their presence could be sorely missed. At this point, we're rendered to moments of melancholy under the influence of the bright full moon.

In these moments of melancholy, we're driven back to the times when we were younger and everyone was very much alive. When we used to receive red packets after a handshake, wishing each other 'Happy New Year'. This 'period' of happiness often brings us back to the time when we were 15 years old or younger. When neither care or worry affected us, as we light up fireworks and firecrackers for once in a year.

There will come a time when we're truly bereft of the living aged ones who have accompanied us on our life journey. When that time comes, we will depend on the younger ones to humour and entertain us, as we march through this procession of Life. Having said that, cherish your moments of celebration for the new year as anything can happen before the next lunar new year arrives...

Winning Or Losing - Is It Important?

Giving in, making way for others...these are some of life's dilemmas. Should we give in all the time and follow the middle path, according to the teachings of one religion? Will giving in, make us a better person? How will others perceive us? Is it important how others perceive you? Does that question rank highly in your mind daily, as you struggle to make a living?

What does giving in entail? It means not being opiniated and happy to follow others' suggestions or orders. It means not questioning the rationale behind the request or proposal. It means just doing as told or suggested. It means not having the will to seek answers to the questions that you keep in your heart, afraid to let your doubts be known to the people around you.

Will making way for others make one a benevolent person? Easing others' concerns, will create the impression that you're big hearted, willing to not take credit for your efforts in a project. They say action speaks louder than words. Therefore, you choose the path of benevolence. Is it the right choice? You think that letting others have their way is something that religion has taught you. But will you be at peace with yourself?

As a people's representative in the form of Members of Parliaments, benovelence is a required virtue. The people elected you into position with hopes that their concerns are highlighted in the parliament, to be enacted into laws as the need may be. Or to amend existing laws to reflect the current needs. Difficult as it may be, going against the unequal number of opposing sides, laws may or may not be debated after the first hearing, depending on which side is disadvantaged.

Have the opposing sides given way for the good of the majority? Do they make way for proposals that are beneficial to the people? It has yet to be seen, however. The Speaker being the event controller, he may decide to support the government of the day, to the detriment of the opposing side who may be highlighted the genuine needs of the society at large.

It can be deduced that politics and work life are no different. You'r basically practising politics in your daily work life. If you're good at politics in the workplace, you're suited to represent the people. Conversely, if you're good at politics in the people's arena, you can survive well in the workplace. You see, politics is something that we can't avoid in our daily lives. We put on masks as the need may be. At the end of the day, we take off this mask and bask in the comfort of our family at home.
 
Giving in or making way for others, is a way of life. Having said that, it is not wrong to be opiniated either. Proposals can be improved or torn apart for betterment. Ultimately, it is about working or existing harmoniously with each other. It's not a battle between right or wrong. It's about convincing others that there's more to Life than the continuous debate between right or wrong. It's about deciding to be happy living. It's about synergy in life.

Human Relations - Wither Without?

Scrawny faces, ugly looks, sour expression, blank looks, etc. These are some but the types of facial expressions that humans can summon with the tweak of a group of muscles. Facial expressions speaks greatly about the emotions that human beings face at any particular point in time. Such is the beauty of the creation of the human body, amongst other great tools that we have.

When you're in an train, do you offer a blank look at the person who's tightly squeezed into the space in front of you? Do you look up at the ceiling instead of the pretty lady's cleavage? Do you look away from the good looking guy who may be hoping that you'll give him a glance? Or do you look down on the floor, admiring the myriad of shoe patterns and styles that adorn the feet of the train's passengers as they rush to work or on the way home to a nice home cooked dinner?

Will you offer a 'Hi!' when your eyes meet the eyes of the person opposite you? Or even a hint of a smile? Are you afraid that the person may think that you're interested in him/her? In fact, yes you are interested but for the sake of striking a conversation only. For how do relationships begin without any action contributing to the start? Even a smirk goes a long way to spark an interest in mutual desire to know each other better.

Human relations are an important part of a person's life. We don't live exactly in a static world devoid of human contact. Whether face-to-face or via social networking sites in the cyberworld, human interaction makes life meaningful. Humans are sociable creatures who need the company of other human beings for comfort. To share happiness, sorrow and a host of other activities that will elude a person who lives in solitary.

In the workplace or in any other kind of interaction with human beings, it is important that we understand how the social humans work. We depend on colleagues in one way or another. Nobody exists in unity in an organisation. Tolerance is a vital social value as not everyone may share the same opinion as you. Neither do they have to agree with what you want to say or do. Too much of pride will cause your own downfall. Humbleness will put you close to people's hearts and this will certainly oil your path to a greater future.

In politics, one can be a maverick and mow down everyone in one's path. However, what does it achieve? It will only lead to your alienation from the rest of the party people and supporters. No matter how opinionated one may be, it pays to stop and listen to other's views on certain subjects, if not all. Politics is a gathering of a group of people with a common belief and it's better to organise a large group for any change to happen in a meaningful way. To do so, humans must be able to present their views in a palatable manner.

 

It is only through many discussions and understanding one another, that society will be able to accept each other for we're born with every little difference that makes ourselves unique. The world would certainly be a boring environment if everyone's the same replication of a divided gene. Robots we shall be, devoid of any expression or actions. These mechanical creatures only perform as programmed. Do we want to be like a robot?

Human relations are an inevitable component of Life. Accept it that others are not you. Likewise, your personality doesn't constitute others' outlook towards Life. Be nice to people, and there's a higher chance that people will be nice to you in return. We're on the same journey of Life and it's better that we walk along a path of Happiness. Life is not a choiceless world. Make the right choice and may you enjoy living a satisfying life.

Change Is Difficult But Inevitable

Year in, year out, day in, day out, we have to slog or drag our poor soul through this drama called 'Life'. Like it or not, we have to force ourselves out of bed and face the day, with the bravery befitting a soldier defending his nation. On the other hand, we could be more optimistic and begin the day with the desire to change the world and therefore, excited to get out of bed because there's so much ahead of us to accomplish? Which one of this scenario would you desire?

There's no doubt that you have to get out of the comfortable bed sooner or later. But what are you going to do for the rest of the day? Is dragging yourself through the day a good choice? Or are you going to decide on buying a fake M.C and call it a day and mope for the rest of the day in bed at home?

As you mope in bed, the flowers would've bloomed and getting ready to soak in the sun's rays to generate the day's food supply so that it can last the day, before it calls it a day when the sun sets. Won't it be a better choice to rise and shine, and actually anticipating excitedly to step into the office, eager to tackle the challenges which the workplace is bound to give you? Won't this lead to a more meaningful life, a fuller one, that you will live to regret when you're lying on bed counting down the last minutes and seconds to your life? Will you lie on the bed, reflecting on the regrets that wouldn't have been had you taken on 'Life' with gutso and anticipation? Will you leave this world with a heavy sigh?

No doubt the daily grind of travelling to the workplace is a challenge in itself. What with the need to send the kids to school (public transportation is an uncertainty in itself but let's keep it for another topic), face the traffic congestion amidst an exploding full bladder and eventually finding a carpark when you arrive at the workplace? I'm sure many of us can empathise with those who are facing this similar or near similar scenario for 5 or 6 days a week. Faced with the prospect of going through this daily cycle repeatedly for at least 30 years will definitely kill the desire to live for any ordinary person. But it's rather a no choice thing, right? Everyone goes through it and what makes you different from the rest of them?

 Add to this, the concern for where the country is heading politically. The landscape has changed since 2008, with more people getting vocal with their opinions in social networking sites and blogs. Within the ever borderless world, conversations take place within seconds around the world. Nothing can escape the notice of netizens who spend their life behind the computer screen, scouting for things of interest to entertain themselves. Mainstream media is being rejected on a larger scale due to the mistrust, that the MSM is a voice of the current goverment. They need to renew their publishing license, right? Go take a walk or jog and exercise your worries away.

Putting the worries of maintaining a job and the country's political direction together, is definitely going to give you sleepless nights. With so much uncertainties, what does the future hold for us? Are we secure in our current jobs? Will inflation and the jobless scenario aflict us in the next two years? 'Life' is just like water flowing in a river - it keeps on flowing past boulders and any obstruction that gets in its way. Water has been known to carve through mountains, creating beauties of nature that we appreciate once a while.

When you're faced with an obstacle, do you take a step back and refrain from advancing further in 'Life'? Do you fear the unknown? Or would you get to know the unknown and together with like minded people, strive to move past the source of obstruction? Maybe alone, you won't be able to do it, but together, no obstacle is ever so big that it cannot be surpassed. Can we make it happen? The decision is in our hands.

Or are you just going to pause and stare at the unknown, like the gecko on the right? Of course, it's the easiest 'solution' when faced with a problem. In Buddhism, there's nothing wrong or right. But you have answer your own karma. It goes around until you realise what you should've changed. Will the current government satisfy your desire for a competent, accountable and transparent management of the country? With hundreds of thousands of citizens leaving the country yearly for better prospects in a foreign land, doesn't it speak volumes about the government? Coupled with the abuse of the justice system to oppress the opposition movement, do you have any minute hope at all for justice to be meted our in a fair and just manner?

Are we going to be like leaves fallen to the ground, after our life has been squeezed out of us under an oppressive leadership. Are we going to just shrivel up for people to run over us? Or are you going to take part actively in a movement that's changing the country for sure. For better or for worse, if we don't give it a try, we will not know the result. What have we got to lose anyway? We have already lost much, to politicians who incite racial unrest with impunity, knowing that the law will 'protect' them from being ever penalised from their crime while opposition members are arrested at the slightest provocation? Are we going to let ourselves be trampled further by oppresive leaders?

I say we arm ourselves with knowledge (not from the MSM) and make the decision for change. It's no point lounging in the comforts of the home and complaining. Do something about it. Together we can. Change is imminent and we must make sure it happens. If change had taken place earlier, we would not be in the dire economic situation we are in now. After this change, may our lives sail smoother. We head towards the mountains and make sure we're able to go over it.

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.