Friday, November 30, 2007

TWEST de AWFA?

What is Twest Awfa? I have heard this phrase coined by someone back in my university days. It's actually Together we stand (TWEST) Apart we fall (AWFA) loosely translated from the Malay saying, Bersatu Teguh Bercerai Roboh or is it the way round?

Malaysia is indeed a harmonious and peaceful country up until today and hopefully forever. May 13, 1969 was indeed a tragic moment in our infant nation prompting the government to promulgate and enforce certain rules and regulations to ensure that matters deemed sensitive will not be transgressed upon by anyone. Since then we all live in a relatively peaceful environment. Everyone are getting familiar with such condition thus anything that are seen as sensitive will be taken action.

Pak Lah's predecessor, Tun M in the 80's took a wider approach through his Operasi Lalang where many opposition leaders were detained under the infamous ISA. Since then, the executive part of the nation had tightened its grip over the so called freedom of speech among its citizens. This continue until Tun M step down in 2003, hence some welcome Pak Lah's reign as a new height in the history of our young but matured nation well certainly before the Hindraf incident.

Suddenly, the dreaded ISA emerges once more only because of the barred HINDRAF assembly. Therefore, what are we going to do? We are living in a time where everyone values freedom but then are we comfortable with utmost or unlimited freedom to the extent of hurting others' feelings? Or we prefer some kind of restriction to freedom?

Kudos to Pak Lah for his new approach of administration many luxuries which are not available during his predecessor are now enjoyed by Malaysians. At least, the oppositions and of course us are free to voice certain matters without fear or favour. We are free to share our views through various channels including the mass media be it the main or alternative medias such as the net.

Nonetheless, some feel that these are not enough as there are countless issues which remain unsolved through the years simply because of the existing laws, approach by certain quarters and of course our of self consciousness and reservation, fear and respect of other people feelings. Therefore, we resort to more tacit and diplomatic ways - through discussion and dialogues. Some are entertained while the rest go unnoticed, swept under the carpet. Sad but true. Hence we have the street demonstrations or malicious words on the net!

Freedom is never absolute as absolute corrupts. This is evident in our own Federal Constitution. Article 11(4) states inter alia.. federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam". In the study of law itself states that if there is a general rule it is bound to be some exceptions. These exceptions are analogous to restriction of our freedom be if it speech, assembly or whatsoever.

Living in a multiracial and religious nation like ours certainly demand certain restrictions therefore we have the agreed social contract upon the formation of our beloved nation. Such unwritten as well as written contract should be observed by everyone at all times regardless of his status. What transpired in other countries where clashes among people are common can be attributed to limitless freedom. I am certain that all will not want our peaceful nation be torn apart because of unchecked freedom.

However, as mentioned above the government or everyone for that matter should never turn blind eyes or deaf ears to grouses by viewing them as trivial and unimportant. They should really pay attention to grouses and complaints presented before them while at the same time do their utmost best to offer satisfactory solutions to concerned parties. Even the dreaded ISA will be able to control an outburst over some unresolved matters. Do not take for granted the feelings and sentiments of our fellow countrymen. Look and remember when Ferdinand Marcos who saw himself as invincible due to America strong backing was finally defeated by popular mass. What happened in Pakistan to Musharraf too should serve as a stern reminder to everyone. Some may say that Musharraf as a dictator by crushing the protesters but has it ever occurred to us that he is trying desperately to save his nation as he feels responsible towards it.

Never once occurred to me that my view here is to insinuate mala fide against anyone or the government but looking back we have gone through much sufferings and I sincerely do not want my only homeland turns into disarray.

Watan Marhaen
http://www.wangrakyat.net?reff=caeser76

p/s - Thank you Bro. Norhasdi for your TWEST de AWFA!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Opinion on a Sunday

This came out last Sunday in Forum@DailyExpress my favourite section of Sunday's news particulary when mine is published.Well, what dou think? The issue, I mean....

Wrong move by Ministry

SINCE early this year, most schools in Malaysia have adopted the one session school system whereby the schools start at about 7 in the morning and end at about 3 in the evening.
Now, instead of 35 minutes per period our children spend 40 minutes per period which, in my view, is a good thing as the time spent in school is optimised with learning i.e. formal learning.
However, the longer school session puts an onerous burden on teachers who now have become unofficial babysitters as one reader in your Forum recently correctly pointed out.
Most parents welcomed this approach especially after the Nurin incident and impounded by PM Datuk Seri Abdullah's proposal to extend school hours until four. But if not considered properly the proposal will further worsen our already pathetic education system.
Some schools under the one-school session have their recess at 1.20 for 40 minutes. During this "short" period, students as well as teachers will be having their rest or are they? Most students, especially those from lower income families, are loitering around because they do not have money to buy food.
I have seen with my own eyes, students actually having their "free" lunch from the tap! This is, of course, not healthy. They are supposed to have a proper meal for lunch not water from the tap.
Admittedly, the enforcement of the one-session school has been properly disseminated to the parents so that they will take necessary action by preparing meals for their children. However, sadly not all take heed. They might be mistaken that schools will provide free meals for their offspring.
More seriously, some students exploit the time to exact vengeance on other students. While others are having their rest, these unruly students incur havoc on others instead of resting for the second session in the afternoon.
Some schools, therefore, have to instruct teachers to baby-sit the students. After spending their time educating the students they have to continue babysitting them during the only time they should have their rest. When something horrible occur, all will point their fingers at teachers!
At about two, students will return to their classes and continue their study but are they really up to it? I am sure due to their age, 40 minutes are not enough for them to recuperate from the first session.
The second session in the afternoon ends up futile. Some might say that is better compared to if they are out of the school doing nothing or involving in detrimental activities. Again such opinion seems to support the idea that parents are not responsible, their only responsibility is to conceive children and providing them with adequate shelter, clothes and food. The rest is the teachers' responsibility.
At four, parents fetch their children home. All are tired by then, so everyone goes to sleep. Some are not bothered to be with their children because they have babysitters at home - and school - ticularly when my insights is publishedto do that for them. Some may say teachers deserve this because "their job is very easy while getting a fat salary".
Some may add they have to spend similar time working from 8 to 5 but they never complain. But, before we all agree to those points, are we all willing to teach, do clerical tasks, be a gardener, a cleaner, a prefect, a head class, a supervisor, a director, a servant, a baby sitter and many more arduous tasks at the same time from 7 to 4?
Many, I assume will say are you mad? We are not robots nor machines! Exactly!
I am a parent and before this I viewed being a teacher as the most relaxing job with a good pay. But after observing my children's school I wondered how could they willingly end up as teacher. They don't only use their voice but at the same time they have to use their physical and mental abilities. No wonder some teachers become mentally unstable along the way!
Besides, not all parents want their children to be in school most of the time as they, too, have some responsibility at home. What about those who are supposed to attend religious school either in the morning or afternoon?
As the national school's curriculum is different from religious school, parents cannot expect their children to be proficient in the Quran, etc.
Should we put the burden again on teachers, in particular religious teachers, as its their job anyway?
Before implementing the one-school session, our experts in the Education Ministry should have conducted a thorough study. Don't just use fully residential schools, urban schools and well-to-do parents as benchmarks.
Please consider those in rural areas which I believe make up the majority.
Do not just make a generalisation for all. Such act is not only unjust but can also be seen as having ulterior motive - one is the idea that parents really hate their children and want the teachers to discipline them.
Perhaps what triggered the PM to propose school periods to be extended until 4 was the Nurin incident. But bear in mind such incident happened during the evening well beyond school time! Do not suggest that teachers are also to be blamed for that!
Therefore, I urge the authorities to reconsider the implementation of such an inconsiderate scheme not only for teachers but our children. I dare to imagine that soon teachers will see their students as their enemies and tormentors and there will be even more mentally unstable teachers.

Watan Marhaen
Teachers are not B.A.B.Y S.I.T.T.E.R.S
http://www.wangrakyat.net?reff=caeser76

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Blogging Culture

Blogging is so much fun especially when we are doing the reading on someone else life. Some are very open 'bout their feelings particularly teenagers but I remember myself as very secretive, everything goes unnoticed and unspoken...well mostly. There's one blog which I'm monitoring closely. The reason, 'she' was my protege, sort of. I have known her since last year and I consider her to be a good orator. She's able to express herself clearly using good English.

I am still searching for a good blog, to be exact a diary containing the ups and downs of someone. That's why I did some research on the girl above and I know the fact that she has Friendster and there she willingly told the world that she has a brand new blog. Hopefully, she will continue her bloggings well through her life. If all those I know have something like this, I would very much enjoy it coz life is fascinating.

Alas, don't expect me to reply or comment on their blogs. I like to keep myself as conspicuous as possible but at the same time very close.. Eeerie? Haha, that's me! But if you are reading this, continue writing and sharing your thoughts!


Enjoy writing like I do!

http://www.wangrakyat.net/?reff=caeser76

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Holidays Part II

I am sure those on holiday will feel energetic or at least relaxed as they don't have to rush here and there meeting datelines, preparing reports and such. Yup, that's about it..relaxing with whoever or whatever you feel to be with.

Holidays are like that but gradually it will lost its lacklustre like what I am experiencing now. Fortunately I have my fav game...CM or is it FM, whatever and of course the NET! Without these two, surely I'll be knocking my head on the wall. But then these two will also lost their attraction or shall we say influence on me. But then, who am I to complaint....they'll start to lose me after hours..hehe. Even machines need rest, right?

Actually, I am still waiting for my supervisor on my draft. If not because of the money and time I spent, I'll be damn to continue with that. But, then again that thing also is one of the reason I keep struggling coz I have a dream....everyone call me by the name Dr. someday.What a feat then....

I have seen my colleagues got their Masters and a few with Phd. Surfing through the net and stumbling upon their names....quite a lot have become somebody while I still way far behind. But, again that's secondary..first and foremost is the fact that I love reading and writing. I can't live without reading, that's drug for me.


It's nearing December

http://www.wangrakyat.net?reff=caeser76

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Friends

Surfing through the net, a sudden realisation consume me when I stumbled upon names of both my peers and juniors. They may not realised that the person who viewed their profiles was someone they know though not so dearly!

Most of the time, I was green with envy as most if not all have become somebody with Masters as well as Phd whereas I am struggling with my proposal....hahaha. Some are already very seniors in their job W44, L44 or at least DS45. Some are even better at DS52! Better than my own boss....that's rezeki their fate.

Anyway, all these are kinda motivation for me... to strive towards a better future. So God, I'm begging You for Your countless Blessings!

May 2008....
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Saturday, November 17, 2007

Reminiscence

Once I remembered saying to my friends that I will not miss the past as I am eager to experience the future. How thrilled I was then. Now, years gone by I feel that I have to revisit my stand I do miss the past but still I haven't lost my interest of the future. What will I become? Will I achieve my dreams? Will I be happy? Those of things keep my 'daydreaming' alive somewhat.

But, what actually makes me miss the past? This is simple and trivial as it seems. Perhaps age do makes us miss the past day by day time goes by we aren't young as we used to be. Aging process makes me wonder to my past. As a Believer, thinking about the past is actually my reflection of the imminent death. Have I done enough to deserve all the glory after death or will I be languishing in His 'prison'? Na'uzubillah.....

Once, we were little kids now we ourselves are parents and seeing our parents aged makes me fear my life. But, turning to the past is impossible thus we should do our best to utilise and do whatever necessary for the everlasting Hereafter. Lets just pray and continue praying that we'll be beside Him, being His Loved Ones.Insya Allah.

Life's Brief Candle
http://www.wangrakyat.net?reff=caeser76

Friday, November 16, 2007

Holidays...

These days are not holy in any sense but rather days for relaxation? Days where are free to do as we please without having to abide by strict working schedules. Days where some can afford to wake up late, without the nuisance of the ever faithful alarm clock. But for some, these days are for revitalising the worn out bodies.

As for me, I have none of those luxuries as there is lots to do particularly my unfinished proposal which has been lagging for months. Hopefully, these so called holidays will revitalised my tired mind to work extra hard to complete the task before December. Initially, I thought it is not that hard but I realised that I lack the experience and the sharp mind?. My supervisor might be tired of me but what can I do, this is my first ever experience in preparing a proposal. If I were given cases to review then I think it would not be such trouble. Migrating to a totally different field is actually mind boggling and still is.

What a world!

http://www.wangrakyat.net?reff=caeser76

Thursday, November 15, 2007

KMK?

It's called Kumpulan Meningkat Mutu Kerja but for me honestly it is only Kumpulan Menambah Kerja with all the graphs, the Ishikawa fish bones and the likes. Who started this? Who created this misery for the staffs to endure? Why don't we think of a problem and solve it there and there, why should we endure the tedious and boring processes? They say the process is the most important thing and not the end result? Is this true? Why are we struggling through the process but in the end the result is not important? We spend so much time on KMK while abandoning our core business as well as our own flesh and blood just because we have to beat the quota.

This is an outrage and of course a waste of time, money and almost everything. Once, I was involved in this KMK crap and the 'bosses' had the audicity to announce that they managed to save costs through the process. What a liar! Some of us had incurred hundred ringgits just to do the things they asked us to do. In the end, we discovered that what we had been doing were actually way out of tune of the real purpose.. and the bosses did not even say sorry!

I think those who propagate this crap should really taste the hard works that we had gone through....WALK THE TALK MAN!

What a joke!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Isolated We Will Be

Islam is indeed caters for all not only for those in the Middle East although it has its roots there in the middle of a vast desert. It really is a universal faith for those who are willing to listen, willing to abide by its doctrine. Anyone who has an open heart and open mind will easily embrace Islam. One doesn't need a detailed timetable to go through his day as Islam has laid the foundation - the 5 times solat; from dawn till night, we are reminded of His Merciful...the Almighty

From all corners of the globe, Islam has certainly spread its blessings with no exceptions, exemptions. Sadly, Islam has now become alien even to its followers - those who utter the sacred mantra - There is no God but Allah Almost everywhere the faith is mercilessly attacked only because of the suicide bombings. But, have they really think about the reasons behind those bombings? Have they cared about the feelings of the oppressed?

The Prophet had long ago however reminded the faithfuls that one day at the end of time Islam will gradually become alien and isolated once again as it had initially. Islam was alien when the Prophet first propogated the words of Allah. Everyone including his own tribe renounced him, calling him names although before he was well known for his integrity.

Hence, we should held steadfastly onto the teachings of Allah and the sayings of His Beloved Prophet....insya allah we will be safe here and hereafter

Cing Ai Ching Ai
http://music.sina.com.cn/yueku/m/412557.html

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Song

In the afternoon, quite late I stumbled a song by the ex-convict, Akon on Friendster - Sorry, Blame It On Me. The song really touched me...actually the melody struck me, I haven't really listen to the lyrics but still as always the melody of any songs will be the main attraction. An ex-convict who managed to free himself from the stigma of being the dirt to one who's the jewl of the society. Astonishing....

Often than not, Malaysians seldom manage to free themselves from such negative connotation and such they lagged behind surrendering to fate as they always say. Among others, the singer seemed to convey his regret over his past on those very dear to him. Instead of putting the blame on others, he bravely owned the mistake. A quality we seldom have including me. Alas... I think we should all learn to forgive but should never forget lest we run into it again....

Blame it on me....
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Friday, November 9, 2007

Berkongsi

Belum dicuba manakan tahu....

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Kembara pun bermula...

Ramai berkata memulakan sesuatu amat payah terlalu sukar demikianlah yang berlaku ketika lembaran ini cuba dizahirkan. Kembara Marhaen mungkin serupa dengan blog lain, tiada bezanya. Terpulang pada anda, anda yang menentukannya. Teringat kisah pelawak tersohor Jerry Seinfeld (sic) yang muncul antara artis terkaya hasil komedi spontan tentang kehidupan seharian beberapa orang sahabat. Its about nothing! Demikian mereka gambarkan siri komedi tersebut. Namun sehingga kini setelah siri berkenaan 'berkubur' sejak 1998, sembilan tahun lalu, komedi 'tiada apa - apa' itu masih diminat dan disiarkan di seluruh dunia. Seinfeld terus mengaut keuntungan hingga kini! Memang menakjubkan...

Mungkin saya terlalu berharap agar blog hingusan ini mampu gah bersama blog lain...mungkin...Kembara Marhaen seperti namanya ingin berkongsi kisah hidup suka duka dari kaca mata dan perspektif sang Marhaen di bumi Malaysia.

Salam Kembara!