Saturday, May 31, 2008

The Price of a Road...

What did it take to open a road?



The Cabinet had to step in to make a decision to open the road. I am not sure why the Cabinet need to make such a decision.

One man still lies in intensive care.



and how did he ended up this way, check out the tugs that did that to him:






I pray Chang Jiun Haur recovers speedily.
I pray good sense prevail.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Pause to Remember!

When will they ever learn?

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

super intelligence, what's the use?

While in Penang recently, something during the seminar we spoke in blew my mind.

two kids waving their hands over a card to determine its contents - blind-folded

After our speaking session, was a last minute addition where two "qi-gong" masters spoke about the power of the qi and it ability to transform ordinary children into super intelligent kids. Wow!

After speaking, he got 2 kids up on stage and blindfolded them. There were given flash cards (chinese characters) and playing cards to be identified its content. Blindfolded, the kids would "feel" the cards and announce the content. One of them got most of it right and the other got some wrong. Sorry, I did not keep count.

What went through my mind was. "What's this has got to do with Dharma schools or its teachers?". While most of the speakers spoke of the need to improve ourselves to understand and overcome issues confronting our children such as managing stress and bringing up children's potential - but here we have something quite different and in my opinion, threw the topics off balance. Anyway, if the kids did get 100% correct, so what? This presentation blew my mind!

After the talk and presentation, Wai Leng witness the mother of one of the kids scold and beat this boy for not getting correct answers! When I was told of this, I was horrified - all that we spoke about seeing respecting our children as Buddhas (see previous post) seems to have come to naught!

When Wai Leng approached this mother and told her that a child needs time to be nurtured and guided, she stop the scolding. It was a good thing. Will it stop there? I pray and hope so for the sake of this young kid.

Talks in Penang

We recently concluded two talks in Penang. The first one on May 24 organized by FamilyPlace with Slone held at the ESL Connection in Jalan Burma. Wai Leng and I spoke about home education and homeschooling. Most parents who attended were concerned about their children's education and the quality of current schooling systems. Our conclusion, homeschooling is the way to go! After the talk, a parent email us strongly stating "we will adopt the unschooling approach". Great to know, parents are taking charge of their children's education.


with Wai Leng at ESL Connection speaking to interested parents

The next day, we were speakers in a Buddhist education seminar organized by Aloka Education Foundation. This event was an introduction to the perspectives of education and learning specially targeted to Sunday school teachers.


Wai Leng speaking to Buddhist Sunday School teachers @ the Caring Community Center

The key message was that every child is different and are geniuses in their own right. Dumbing down using one approach in school leaves many children unable to realize their potential. Parents need to take control and take charge - it does not matter is their children are schooling conventionally or homeschooling. Every child deserves the respect and dignity to be accepted for who they are.

Message to my Buddhist friends - In the Buddhist teachings, it is taught that "there is a Buddha-seed in all being". We would treat children differently if they Buddhas, right? So Buddhist centers should not replicate being schools, they should be points for educational transformation, bringing spirituality making learning holistic and fun. Sunday Dharma Schools need to more of a "skool" and to show that "Dharma's kool"!

Stay "kool"



Sunday, May 25, 2008

taking a break


I am currently in Penang for talks and workshops. Great time to take break and reflect on coming days.

Hope you are having a great weekend

Friday, May 23, 2008

Monday, May 19, 2008

Are Buddhist Insignificant?


or

WCIT, one of the world's most important event on information was held in Malaysia for the first time. The opening day coincided with the most important Buddhist holy days - Wesak Day. Incidentally, Wesak Day is a national holiday in Malaysia.

I wonder if the WCIT in Malaysia would ever be held on a Hari Raya or Christmas day? Are Buddhists important? It is important enough for Wesak Day to be made a National Holiday though. So why is such an important event have to held on this day, especially one day before that, the Malaysian PM made a historic visit to the Buddhist Maha Vihara?

So much appreciating each other's culture and religion.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

HAPPY WESAK

Everything is going to be alright!

If we change our attitude and outlook to life.


HAPPY WESAK EVERYONE!



PM VIsits Buddhist Maha Vihara, NO BIG DEAL

It took the PM 41 years to come visit the BMV. When he arrived, he was greeted by YB Dato Ong Kah Chuan, Tan Sri Koh Tsu Khoon.

What the local media DID NOT REPORT was the presence of YB Nurul Izzah, YB Fong Kui Lun and YB Wee Choo Keong. If the local MSM reported as is, it would mean that there would be more Pakatan Rakyat MPs than Barisan Nasional MP at the BMV. What took the Barisan Nasional 41 one years, took the Pakatan Rakyat a couple of months. Something to think about.

While we listened to the PM talk about the appreciation of unity and diversity of Malaysian cultures, the same day we had Dr M, rallying UMNO members in Johor using the race card.

It is good the Buddhist center becomes meeting ground for political differences, but more needs to be done.

I heard someone remarked, "Let's go see Nurul, she is more important and less difficult to meet. She might be the next government."


On this Wesak day, let's pray and radiate MORE metta to our political leaders.

We pray our beloved country be peaceful and prosperous.

Happy Wesak and May All be Well and Happy!

METTA

KV

Saturday, May 17, 2008

(Updated) Malaysian PM visits Buddhist Maha Vihara - after 41 years


It took 41 years for Malaysian PM to visit the BMV after Tuanku Abdul Rahman. In his speech, the PM emphasised on our multi-racial community working together. Also present were opposition member or Parliaments.

Updated:

Yes, I updated this posting in between the beehoon and the currypuff.

For a fairly good coverage of the event (other than the mainstream media), try this, it.s pretty well covered on www.hueymei.blogspot.com

Some interesting observation, see PM VIsits Buddhist Maha Vihara, NO BIG DEAL

Now for More Important Business


My car has been assigned to be official wedding car for the ceremony of David and Michelle. Thanks for giving me this honour.

May both of you have long happier years together ahead, and remember this car.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Lee Lam Thye Speaks.... (revised)

But does it make any difference?


My Letter published in Malaysiakini

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye,

When I read your letter, there was disappointment in me and the thoughts I wish to express reiterate what many parents have called for: Stop the NS programme!

With all due respect, I cannot comprehend how can you could publicly declare previously that most of the issues have been ironed out and in giving assurances to us parents you further claim: ‘We have a team to monitor the effectiveness of the co-curricular activities as well as the infrastructure and management at all camps’.

You also assured us parents that: ‘Another measure soon to be set up is the flying squad that would resolve problems related to welfare, cleanliness and conflicts immediately’.You ‘urged parents not to worry as steps had been taken to ensure the trainees were well taken care of at the 83 camps nationwide’.

Furthermore, you claimed that: ‘Trainees and their parents can also provide their feedback to further improve the programme".

Since then, another two young lives, with full of potential and a great future ahead of them, have been lost. Now in your latest statement you wash your hands stating: ‘There is only so much I can do as a non-executive chairperson given the fact that I do not have executive powers. I am never directly involved in the administration and management of the National Service Training Programme and the camps which fall squarely on the shoulders of the National Service Training Department's Director-General and his officers. Camp commandants take directives and instructions from the director-general and his officers.

So how could you make a statement before to give us the impression that you were in-charge and claim most issues had been ironed out and tell us parents not to worry? Immediately after another two lives are lost, you wash your hands and say its not your fault!

Why do you make claims and promises you cannot fulfill? What good is it being a chairperson who cannot make good on your promises? You wrote about the need to have a caring approach while your letter remained heartless - there was no apology for the deaths (of course, it’s not your fault), not even a word of condolence to the parents of the deceased. You continue to give, what I deem as, excuse after excuse. This proves you are not capable of this position and lack the principles to continue.

The National Service has come to a point where there is no more anything good about the programme. The camps are now regarded as ‘death camps’ and trainees think about how not to be selected into the programme. With over 20 deaths in its five years of existence, it is the best result you can claim, along with the many more complains of bullying, sexual harassment, indiscipline and what not. The people who are running these camps have little heart for the youths and obviously no consideration for their well-being.

I (among with many, many others if you care the read the alternate media and blogs) personally feel this programme is a waste of time and money which could be better spent elsewhere, such as in schools where at least, there are still teachers passionate about teaching and have the young people at heart.

Many parents have declared that they will resist this programme and I am one of them. I feel every parent should do this also and make known to you that this programme is a failure - something you have not yet admitted as the NS chairperson.

It is time for this NS be stopped and be stopped NOW.


K V Soon

------------------------
Reproduced from The Star. Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/13/focus/21226158&sec=focus

NS is good for youths

THE National Service Training Council, acting as an advisory body to the Defence Minister, cannot be unconcerned over yet another health-related death of a National Service Trainee Too Hui Min from the Geo Cosmo National Service Training Camp in Selangor.

Every time an NS trainee dies while undergoing training, I am devastated. I put myself in the position of the parents concerned and fully understand their sense of loss, anguish and suffering.

Since I accepted the appointment of Chairman of the National Service Training Council for a three-year term in June 2005, I have served with commitment and do my utmost best simply because it is a responsibility and a trust and I spend almost 90% of my time doing National Service duties.

I go to the office almost daily to assist the National Service Training Programme by providing feedback, complaints, suggestions and mete out advice to the National Service Training Department. I also spend a considerable amount of time listening to and attending to parents and needs of trainees who approach me from time to time.

In the course of two years, I have visited some 60 National Service Camps, giving motivational talks to the trainees while at the same time reminding the camp commandants and their staff to ensure the proper management of the camps.

I constantly emphasise the need to be caring to all trainees and treat them as if the trainees are their own children. I had also called on all camp commandants to take all the necessary steps within their powers to ensure camps are problem-free and strive towards zero-deaths.

There is only so much I can do as a non-executive chairman given the fact that I do not have executive powers. I am never directly involved in the administration and management of the National Service Training Programme and the camps which falls squarely on the shoulders of the National Service Training Department’s Director-General and his officers. Camp commandants take directives and instructions from the director-general and his officers.

The health and safety of trainees are among the many issues brought up by the council members each time the National Service Training Council meets. In fact the idea of mandatory medical check-ups for National Service Trainees prior to their participation in the programme was recommended three years ago but it could not be implemented by the Ministry of Health.

Just two weeks ago, I met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence to discuss the need to revisit the suggestion of compulsory medical check-ups for National Service trainees. I even recommended recruiting full-time doctors to be stationed in all camps.

But even with compulsory medical check-ups, there is no assurance that trainees, who have been certified healthy, will not fall ill in the course of their three-month stay in the camps. Hence, what is necessary is for all medical complaints of trainees to be properly investigated and attended to.

If sick trainees show no signs of improvement after 24 hours, they must be sent immediately to the nearest hospital for further treatment as stated in the Standing Operating Procedure. Camp commandants and the medical personnel in the camps must never take risks when it comes to the health of the trainees. Every illness must be treated seriously no matter how trivial it may be.

Calls from the public for each death to be thoroughly investigated, the results to be made public and action taken against those responsible must be carried out in line with transparency.

As chairman of the council I am compelled to state that each time a death occurs in the camps, it nullifies all the good work and efforts put in by the council and the Department to promote the National Service.

Although many improvements have been introduced since 2004, what really matters is the implementation of these improvements by the people in charge of the camps. In the final analysis, what is crucially important is whether all those given responsibilities and the trust to manage the camps discharge their duties with care, honesty, integrity and a sense of commitment.

To me the caring approach, attitude and culture towards trainees needs to be further reinforced if we are to prevent any more mishap. I maintain that National Service training is a good programme for building discipline, character and unity as has been testified by the vast majority of former trainees and their parents but it has to be properly managed by committed and truly caring people.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,

Chairman, National Service Training Council.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

May 13, 1969: Time to Move On

After 39 years, it is time to leave May 13, 1969 as a part of history to remind us about the fallacies of the past generation.

Let's end all racist remarks and comments and move forward as ONE nation. With challenging economic situations globally, we need each other more than ever!

Readings on May 13, 1969
1. Ho Kay Tat's One Day in 1969 (here), I like this article
2. May 13: Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riots of 1969 (here) and
3. here

More on May 13, 1969 click on WIKI here

Monday, May 12, 2008

Najib's Blame Game - Just STOP the NS Program

and save more lives!

In a statement published in malaysianinsider.com here, the DPM is quoted as saying "Currently, trainees are only required to show a written declaration indicating they do not have health problems. We are unable to determine the authenticity of the declaration".

It is really disappointing that our DPM choose to blame the parents for the death of NS trainees. Don't know what to say, don't say anything - just stop it! It is also disappointing that Lee Lam Thye as Chairman has gone into hiding and have yet to make any statement (not that it means anything). Dare not say anything, just make a call to STOP NS!

If schools cannot manage social integration after a kid spends about 11 years there, how can a 3-month, poorly planned, terribly operated program make any true changes?

If any social and cultural integration were to happen, it should start with the politicians - stop all the racists talks and really, truly work towards building a socially integrated Malaysia.


STOP THE NATIONAL SERVICE (aka NO-SENSE) NOW!


Friday, May 09, 2008

STOP THE NATIONAL SERVICE NOW! (updated)

UPDATED (May 10,2008)

What is really painful is the deputy prime minister now do not even bother to make any statement about this death although the NS programme falls under his Defense Ministry. Where is Lee Lam Thye with the crocodile tears? Such an important (or is it really important?) incident, it is sad thaty only a NS Training Council member came out with a statement promised that another internal investigation would be conducted. We cannot trust the words of Lee Lam Thye, the Chairman of the NS program, who is this junior office to make this statement?

Meanwhile the NS Training Department director-general was quoted as saying that the training programme will not be scrapped "just because of one or two deaths". We find this an absolutely insensitive remark when another life was lost.

This is more the reason to STOP THE NS NOW!



NS = NON-SENSE


Stop this NS NOW!

With claims that ALL ISSUES HAVE BEEN IRONED OUT, this NONSENSE (NS) has yet taken another live! This time it is Too Hui Min, a 7-As SPM student who had a bright future ahead of her.

How can entrust the lives of our children to people who do not care, who cry crocodile tears and tell us that everything is ok and fine? Whose heart is not really the children.

I do not intend to send my children to this NON-SENSE. If I go to jail for this - let me be the first to do it because we love our children.

I have said more than enough here, it has been poorly planned fron DAY ONE!

Speak you mind, tell the PM and continue to until this nonsense is stopped!


Thursday, May 08, 2008

My Candle for RPK

here's my contribution to light up cyberspace for Malaysia's King of Blogs. 

Glad to know RPK will be freed tomorrow.

I also acknowledge power of his (better) other half who wrote a note to RPK which stated "I want you home!" Behind every powerful man is obviously a powerful women. Salute to you Marina!

Time to repeal this ridiculous and out-moded Act among with the ISA, PPA and UUCA!









LANDMARK DECISION: Syariah High Court declares convert no longer a Muslim

The Syariah High Court in Penang has delivered a landmark decision allowing a Chinese convert to renounce Islam and revert back to her Buddhist faith.

Indeed, it is very timely and wind of fresh air. Signs of religions freedom is according our constitution is seeing some light. I appreciate Judge Othman Ibrahim's bold decision that reflects very positively of Islam.


More here 

Winds of change I hope...

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

RPK to change the our country?

It seems that Raja Petra Kamaruddin @ RPK has been ordered to surrender himself at Jalan Duta magistrate court at 9.30am, Tuesday May 6, 2007 where he is expected to be charged with sedition. I have been a regular and avid reader of Malaysia Today and to me it is sad to see the this happening. I suppose that post March 8, nothing much as changed. All the talk about transparency, respect for the people and its views comes down to whacking an individual with an sledgehammer - all because he something that someone took offense and could not (would not respond to.

The popular court will probably decided the outcome, irregardless of what the Federal Courts decide. This will be interesting to watch and I believe might change the course of this country. With this action, it may well seem that RPK may change the course of our country.

For those trying to educate their children (like mine), here's some reading from Wikipiedia.

The Sedition Act in Malaysia is a law prohibiting discourse deemed as seditious. The act was originally enacted by the colonial authorities of British Malaya in 1948. The act criminalises speech with "seditious tendency", including that which would "bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against" the government or engender "feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races". The latter provision includes the questioning of certain portions of the Constitution of Malaysia, namely those pertaining to the Malaysian social contract, such as Article 153, which deals with special rights for the bumiputra (Malays and other indigenous peoples, who comprise over half the Malaysian population).

Under section 3(1), those acts defined as having a seditious tendency are acts with a tendency:

(a) to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against any Ruler or against any Government;

(b) to excite the subjects of the Ruler or the inhabitants of any territory governed by any government to attempt to procure in the territory of the Ruler or governed by the Government, the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any matter as by law established;

(c) to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the administration of justice in Malaysia or in any State;

(d) to raise discontent or disaffection amongst the subjects of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or of the Ruler of any State or amongst the inhabitants of Malaysia or of any State;

(e) to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Malaysia; or

(f) to question any matter, right, status, position, privilege, sovereignty or prerogative established or protected by the provisions of part III of the Federal constitution or Article 152, 153 or 181 of the Federal Constitution.


Section 3(2) provides certain exceptions, providing examples of speech which cannot be deemed seditious. It is not seditious to "show that any Ruler has been misled or mistaken in any of his measures", nor is it seditious "to point out errors or defects in the Government or Constitution as by law established". It is also not seditious "to attempt to procure by lawful means the alteration of any matter in the territory of such Government as by law established" or "to point out, with a view to their removal, any matters producing or having a tendency to produce feelings of ill-will and enmity between different races or classes of the population of the Federation". However, the act explicitly states that any matter covered by subsection (1)(f), namely those matters pertaining to the Malaysian social contract, cannot have these exceptions applied to it.

Section 3(3) goes on to state that "the intention of the person charged at the time he did or attempted (a seditious act) ... shall be deemed to be irrelevant if in fact the act had, or would, if done, have had, or the words, publication or thing had a seditious tendency". This latter provision has been criticised for overruling mens rea, a legal principle stating that a person cannot be guilty of a crime if he did not have the intent to commit a crime.[1]

A person found guilty of sedition may be sentenced to three years in jail, a RM5,000 fine, or both.



Friday, May 02, 2008

It's the MPs, NOT about the telecast-lah

Dear Pak Lah, Cutting off the live telecast is NOT the answer, its the MPs. My 11 year old daughter can tell you that shutting live telecast is not the solution, better behaved MPs will be the solution. Sad to see the PM getting his priorities wrong - again. However I do agree on one thing - I am just as ashamed!

Keep the telecast going, WE HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!


Friday May 2, 2008
PM: Cancel telecast in Dewan Rakyat
By SHAHANAAZ HABIB


KUWAIT: The Prime Minister said he was ashamed at what had transpired in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday and agreed that live telecast of the proceedings should be scrapped.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was in the Dewan at the time, adding what happened was just “too much.”

“I felt ashamed if people watched television and saw what was happening in our Dewan. In my heart, I also felt that all this happened because there was a live broadcast at that time.
Warm welcome: Abdullah being welcomed by Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister Faisal Mohammed Al-Hajji Bukhadour (right) and Malaysian High Commissioner to Kuwait Datuk Ashaary Sani (left) when he arrived at Kuwait International Airport Thursday night. — Bernama

“Each (MP) wanted to make himself or herself seen debating or ‘aksi’ (acting) in the Dewan. That was how I felt,” he told reporters yesterday after a brief visit here to attend the 4th World Islamic Economic Forum closing session.

To a question, he said that if Information Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek decided to cancel the live telecast, he would agree.

He said the question of transparency of what went on during proceedings should not arise because sessions were open to all, noting that the media was free to cover the proceedings and report on whatever happened.

The public, too, were free to come to the Dewan to follow the proceedings, he added.

“There are no closed sessions. People can go in anytime the Dewan sits. That’s transparency. Whoever is interested to see if their MPs are talking in the Dewan or not also can come to KL when Parliament is meeting,” he said.

Abdullah also took to task MPs who used words like ‘Big Foot’ and ‘Big Monkey’ in the august House, saying that “words like that should not be used.”

He said that according to decorum, when an MP wanted to raise

a point of order or ask for clarification, he has to get up and wait

for the Speaker to acknowledge him.

“He or she cannot just speak whenever he or she pleases or shout. We have high quality microphones. Even when you speak softly into it, people can hear what is being said (so there is no need to shout),” he remarked.

Abdullah said if an MP who was speaking at a particular time refused to “bagi jalan” (give way) to another, it was not right to pick a quarrel.

“But there was all this quarrelling, accusations – and just no decorum.

Everyone wanted to talk at the same time. That is not right. I have been an MP for a long time and I know what has been (the practice),” he added.

On whether he still had confidence in new Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia to handle the proceedings, Abdullah said: “Give him a chance.”

He said Pandikar Amin was not someone without experience. Pandikar Amin has served as Speaker at the Sabah state assembly.

The Prime Minister later left for Mecca yesterday evening to perform his umrah.