Panicky Malaysians

After the petrol and diesel price hike was announced on 27th Feb,what did you do ? Just like a typical Malaysian,you drove to the nearest petrol station,fill up your tanks. Just to save a few ringgit.Never mind the few millilitre you would have burnt,making your way through the traffic jam,going to the petrol pump,queuing and coming back. And in a few days you are going to fill your tank again. So much hassle to save a few bucks. Malaysians are like this.Panic,rush rush, complain. Tomorrow everything's back to normal. Malaysians take a lot of time to absorb the realities. Always lose control of their senses . I am no economist,but I do know that nothing stays cheap forever. The costs of every damn thing will go up and never come down. Only commodities prices fluctuate. So learn to live with it.Be a survivor.Don't be a whiner.

PDK

The Social Welfare Dept was set up to assist the needy,the poor,the destitute,disaster victims and especially the disabled people. Many NGOs set up centres for the disabled,mostly in the towns and cities.Way out of reach of disabled persons in the rural areas.There are no public transport to get there and even if there was its not `disabled friendly'. How do these `special people' get the facilities enjoyed by their urban counterparts. The Welfare Dept introduced the Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) program.PDK means Rehabilitation Within the Community. This PDK centre is set up within the neighborhood.Any disabled person living in that area or nearest to it is entitled to register. Teachers are trained by the department . These `special kids' are taught living skills and basic education like counting,knowing alphabets,numbers,colours. Bigger kids learn handicraft,cooking and sewing. The department supervisors monitor the progress of the teachers and `students'. Sometimes these special kids join in with the activities organised by the community. Each PDK can have its own activity programs.Usually combined with their families and community members. The local health authority is supposed to make visits to the centres to check on the kids' health and the hygiene of the centres. My boy Shafiq is one of the students of the Pokok Macang PDK.I am a member of the management committee. The chairperson is appointed by the local MP,must be someone from the local UMNO or BN branch.Must be very close to the local politicians.Funny,this is a social body but politics still count. The treasurer is also a local resident.The rest of the committee are the parents of the special kids and the local health officer (normally a govt staff nurse). Presently,we don't have our own building.Now sharing the local community hall. A room is allotted for the PDK. Our MP Shariff Omar has donated a piece of land to build our centre.No action has been taken to speed up processing by the Land Office.Wake up Chairman ! Last Thursday,I attended a state level meeting of all the PDKs in Penang with the Social Welfare Dept in KOMTAR. There are 35 PDKs in the state.PW North has the most, 8 PDKs. I met all the chairpersons and reps of the various PDKs.Some are nice guys and some are pompous dictators and primadonnas. One lady was expressing her disappointment on her PDK (Ptg Damar Laut,SW Dist.) being placed 2nd to a Terenggannu PDK in a national level competition. One chairman (PDK Ptg Bendahari,PW North) sulked because the Welfare Minister Shahrizat could'nt officiate the opening of his new building. Some of these guys were bloody rude.Talking on the cellphones while the Director of the State Welfare was giving his opening speech.When they are appointed by their political boss,they don't have to respect the govt people.Hey Fool,this is the guy who is going to give you the money for your activities and other items.Show some respect. Some of them are really shameless.They dare to ask the Welfare Dept to organise trips to Sabah and Sarawak, with govt money.I doubt that they really care about the special kids and other disables they are supposed to protect and educate. Actually these people are the disabled - caring disabled,mentally challenged,addicted to free food,free everything. How can we have a caring society when the people who are chosen to care do not care at all,only care for themselves.

Reshuffle

Pak Lah finally announced his Cabinet reshuffle.It was not so `inspiring' don't you think. Many political `critics' seemed disappointed.Many sarcastic comments were made. Some people were happy and smiling. This is what Pak Lah has to say to his critics. ` I am not bothered by your comments.I am keen to see my task through.These people whom I have named can do the job.I will be keeping an eye on them.' People out there,don't underestimate the PM.I'm sure he knows what he has to do. He is running the country,not you. Too bad,he did't fullfill your `wish list'.This is not Akademi Fantasia.You cannot pick your minister by SMS. Its been two years since Pak Lah became PM. There are some changes being made slowly. At least ,there is some freedom to voice your opinions. Nobody would have dared to speak against Dr M.Remember Anwar Ibrahim. Even a patient man like Pak Lah can lose his cool if pushed too far.

Its Time To Stop

Its time to stop all this nonsense. Nobody wants to give in.Each side wants to uphold their rights. In the end,nobody wins.Every one lost their respect,their humanity. Some lost their properties,some lost their lives. We all got emotional and worked up.Then we should realise,it won't work out,ranting and shouting. There shouldn't be any needless violence.We all have to live with each other. We should respect others beliefs and others rights to exist. Instead of shaking our fists at each other let us be reasonable. Is it so hard to say sorry for publishing or saying something which you know will not be liked or tolerated by others. Is it so hard to protest without destroying people's property,without being violent. If everybody want their own way,we will never understand each other.

Insulting Cartoons.

Totally irresponsible ! Disgusting ! What am I ranting about ? Those revolting caricatures of Prophet Muhammad in the Danish newspaper. I've seen them (courtesy of some sickos who provided a URL link). Its not very nice,nasty and disgusting. The paper Jylland-Poste had apologised saying it is their priviledge to practise press freedom.They don't care if it offended the Muslims. Their PM supported them,he's sorry if the Muslims are offended but he says the press in his country are free to publish anything.And he has the bloody cheek to ask Muslim countries to protect Denmark's embassies and citizens from angry Muslim protesters. The cartoons have since been published in Norway,France,Italy,Germany and Spain. The US and Britain have warned their papers not to publish them.Good for you George and Tony.At least you have some respect for Islam. Protests and demonstrations,some turning into riots,are taking place in every Muslim city and European cities. My Muslim brothers,I know you are angry and upset with these stuck up Europeans. Boycott all their products by all means.Don't burn buildings and start battles . A few people have died unnecessarily. You misguided Islamphobics,if you really want world peace,learn up about other religions.Don't think you are so superior that you can get away with what you did. We will all be judged by God one day.

Maal Hijrah 1427

Muslims all over the world welcomes the Hijrah New Year 1427. The Muslim New Year is not celebrated in such a spectacular way like some other New Years.We sort of acknowledge this passing of time,and take note of its significance to our lives.There are special prayers (doa) at the end of the previous year and the beginning of the next year. We ask Allah to forgive our wrongdoings for the previous year and ask for guidance for the coming year. The Hijrah calendar was calculated from the day Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated from Mecca to Medina in July 622AD. The calendar was the idea of Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) Companion Saidina Umar Al-khattab,with the help of prominent Muslim astrologers and mathematicians.The calendar was introduced in 638AD. The calendar is divided into 12 months,just like the Gregorian calendar. Instead of 365 days,there are only 354 days.11 days shorter. Going by this calendar,you would be a year older when you reach the age of 35,and two years older when you reach the age of 70. Hijrah means migrate or move on.The concept of Hijrah in our life is to make a change for the better,to improve,to make a better life,change our mindset from negative to positive. But we should'nt just change for the new year,it should be ongoing and be a part of our life. Happy Maal Hijrah 1427 to all .

Fun with the Chinese Zodiac

Happy Chinese New Year to all and also to my semi-Chinese cousins whoever and wherever you are. Just browsed thru the Chinese zodiac to see what years we belonged to.This is what I found : My Dad (b.Aug.11,1918)-Year of the Horse My Mum (b.Oct.7,1925) - Year of the Ox Bro.Emran (b.Dec.15,1944) - Year of the Monkey Me (b.Jan.2,1947) - Year of The Dog Bro.Maher (b.Apr.12,1948) - Year of the Rat Bro.Adyll (b.May 5,1949) - Year of the Ox Sis.Jeniffa (b.July 13,1950) - Year of the Tiger Bro.Izron (b.Sept.13,1952) - Year of the Dragon Bro.Fajar (b.Dec.5,1954) - Year of the Horse Sis.Helinna (b.Nov.1,1960) - Year of the Rat My Missus (b.Dec.30,1954) - Year of the Horse Son Firdaus (b.Oct.27,1978) - Year of the Horse Son Fahmie (b.Sept.30,1981) - Year of the Rooster Son Fadzlil (b.Oct.25,1983) - Year of the Boar Son Shahman (b.Dec.23,1986) - Year of the Tiger Dotter Lina (b.Jan.19,1991) - Year of the Horse Son Shafiq (b.Aug.23,1994) - Year of the Dog Dot in law Zu (b.July 1981) - Year of the Rooster Grandson Hasif (b.Sept.12,2004) Year of the Monkey I looked up the characteristics of the relevant Years. You don't have to believe,its just for fun. The Rats (Maher and Helinna) Imaginative,charming,generous to those you love. Quick tempered and overly critical,inclined to be opportunistic. Careers : Sales,Writing,Critic,Publicist. The Ox (Mum and Adyll) Born leaders,inspirational. Conservative,methodical.Good with their hands. Chauvinistic,always demanding their own way. Careers: Skilled surgeon,General,Hairdresser. The Tigers (Jeniffa & Shahman) Sensitive,emotional,capable of great love. Tendency to get carried away.Stubborn about what they think is right. Hothead or rebel. Careers:Boss,Explorer,Race Car Driver,Matador. The Dragon (Izron) Full of vitality and enthusiasm. Foolhardy and 'big mouth' at times. Intelligent,gifted,perfectionist. Unduly demanding on others. Careers: Artist,Priest,Politician. The Horse (Dad,Fajar,Milah,Firdaus,Lina) Hardworking,very independent. Intelligent,friendly,can be egoistic. Career: Adventurer,Scientist,Poet,Politician. The Monkey (Emran,Hasif) Intelligent,clever wit.Extraordinary nature & magnetic personality. Well liked. Opportunist,distrustful of other people. Careers : Success in any field he tries. The Rooster (Zu,Fahmie) Hard worker,shrewd in decision making. Often speak their mind,seems boastful to others. A dreamer,flashy dresser,extremely extravagant. Career: Restaurant owner,Publicist,Soldier,World Traveler. The Dog (Me & Shafiq) Honest & faithful to those they love. Constant worrier,sharp tongued,fault finder. Career : Businessman,Activist,Teacher,Secret Agent. The Boar (Fadzlil) A splendid companion,intellectual,sets difficult goals. Sincere,tolerant & honest.Expects same from others. Incredibly naive. Career: Entertainer,Lawyer. After reading this,just take the good points and improve on it. Don't believe too much.This is all in good fun Happy Chinese New Year. Selamat Menyambut Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah).

You Must Not Be Rude

Malaysia is a free country. I believe in freedom of speech,just like any Malaysian. Its all right to express your views on anything you like. But you must not be rude and insult people.People's race,custom and religion. Recently there has been much discussion about Islamic laws.On why the civil court refused to interfere with the ruling of a religous court. About a deceased who had converted to Islam without his family's knowledge.He died under the care of his wife who was not a Muslim. His widow said,he did not practise his Islamic faith,while he was under her care,so he was to be given a Hindu burial. The Shariah court declared that he was still a Muslim and was given a Muslim burial. The civil court told the deceased's family that it was not empowered to change the ruling by the Shariah court. We feel very sad for the family,but that's the situation.Ain't nothing you can do about it. And then came the armchair critics and opportunistic politicians.Some non Islamic religous people were critical but they managed to express themselves rationally and calmly. The non-Muslim politicians and their supporters were demanding for a change in the Constitution.Let the civil courts override the rulings of the Shariah court.Some non-Muslim ministers even dared to send a memorandum to the PM. The PM stood firm ,there will not be any changes.And the non-Muslim ministers apologised to the PM and pulled back their memorandum. The Muslim ministers and government officers should not be arrogant.Show them the positive side of Islam.Point out where they have misstepped. There are still some people picking on this issue in the internet. Friend,if you do not know enough about Islamic laws or Islam,don't try to be a hero and do not insult Islam.