What a year it has been.
Did not write much for whatever reasons there may be.
A time to reflect what could and should have been done but did not take the time to do it and at the same time, a time to rejoice on the achievement and success the year has brought about.
Thank you GOD, for all the blessings in 2009 as we look forward to welcome 2010.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Greetings to all and may the holiday break rejuvenate us for 2010.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Not a walk in the park no more to be an Indonesian Cabinet Minister
Every other Indonesian TV channels, print titles, online news portal, blogs are at it...and it has been a flurry of news and activities, especially in Puri Cikeas where President elect SBY will picked his 2009 to 2014 cabinet ministers for an interview.
What strikes me most is how President elect SBY go about his business in selecting and scrutinize the "would be" ministers. What is interesting is that it does not just stop at the 30 minutes interview, those selected would have to undergo an extensive health check by a team of about 30 specialist doctors topped up with a 500+ Q&A session on the individual's state-of-mind. An appropriate "fit and proper" test for such a demanding job.
Over and above this, those selected to be in the cabinet will have to sign a performance and integrity contract which covers their first 100 days, 1 year and 5 year job performances. It also covers area of morality and corruption. This effectively allows SBY to sack under performing Ministers without hassle from any political pressure or lobbying and intervention. This goes to show how serious SBY is to reform Indonesia and to "MENGABDI untuk rakyak" as promised in his campaign trial. Over the next 5 years, I would see Indonesia surpassed Malaysia in most areas of good governance, corruption index, democracy, upholding of the law, human rights, economy and living standards.
I can't help but try to reflect on how this is being done in Malaysia, which obviously is very much different that lean towards secrecy and total news black-out. The fact there is relatively free speech and press freedom in Indonesia speaks volume for itself as the people are well-informed and knows what they are in for when they decided to vote directly for their head of state. To me, this is a much better deal than what Malaysia has to offer. Having said this, it is in my hope that Malaysian leaders will take note and start reforming and start serving the rakyat.
What strikes me most is how President elect SBY go about his business in selecting and scrutinize the "would be" ministers. What is interesting is that it does not just stop at the 30 minutes interview, those selected would have to undergo an extensive health check by a team of about 30 specialist doctors topped up with a 500+ Q&A session on the individual's state-of-mind. An appropriate "fit and proper" test for such a demanding job.
Over and above this, those selected to be in the cabinet will have to sign a performance and integrity contract which covers their first 100 days, 1 year and 5 year job performances. It also covers area of morality and corruption. This effectively allows SBY to sack under performing Ministers without hassle from any political pressure or lobbying and intervention. This goes to show how serious SBY is to reform Indonesia and to "MENGABDI untuk rakyak" as promised in his campaign trial. Over the next 5 years, I would see Indonesia surpassed Malaysia in most areas of good governance, corruption index, democracy, upholding of the law, human rights, economy and living standards.
I can't help but try to reflect on how this is being done in Malaysia, which obviously is very much different that lean towards secrecy and total news black-out. The fact there is relatively free speech and press freedom in Indonesia speaks volume for itself as the people are well-informed and knows what they are in for when they decided to vote directly for their head of state. To me, this is a much better deal than what Malaysia has to offer. Having said this, it is in my hope that Malaysian leaders will take note and start reforming and start serving the rakyat.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Here's to wishing all a Happy Deepavali.
May the Lights brings joy, happiness, good health and prosperity to all.
And may the Lights also light up the path for peace on earth, understanding and mutual respect for mankind.
And to those celebrating, enjoy.
May the Lights brings joy, happiness, good health and prosperity to all.
And may the Lights also light up the path for peace on earth, understanding and mutual respect for mankind.
And to those celebrating, enjoy.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
1Malaysia F1 Team
Wow... a 1Malaysia F1 team for 2010 season. What a great idea! (but my jaw dropped)
I am a keen F1 fan and would not miss a live telecast on any given weekend whenever there is one. But the question I have in mind after reading about this 1Malaysia F1 team is "Does Malaysia really need an F1 team?" Besides, what is 1Malaysia anyway?
I wonder what is the budget needed to run the F1 team apart from having a state-of-the-art F1 facilities complete with wind tunnel at Sepang. My estimates is in the hundreds of millions USD. And I kept wondering.....anybody know?
Given that today is the 46th Malaysia Day, what a nice present the current administration has to offer to her people and yet, there are still poverty in the country. I guess only the rich and powerful in Malaysia can dream of having such an idea.
And along with it, I fear for my tax money being flushed down the toilet. Damn it!
On the one hand, I sincerely think that having a F1 circuit in Sepang billed as "The HOTTEST race" is good enough in getting all the "positive" international media coverage. On the other hand, there are also news from Malaysia that manages to get international media attention but all for the wrong reasons.
I still love to watch F1, but I think Malaysia can do away with such luxury of having a F1 team for the time being. Use the money to reduce the suffering of poor and needy instead.
Update Sept 17 - I found the answer in Malaysia Insider here.
I am a keen F1 fan and would not miss a live telecast on any given weekend whenever there is one. But the question I have in mind after reading about this 1Malaysia F1 team is "Does Malaysia really need an F1 team?" Besides, what is 1Malaysia anyway?
I wonder what is the budget needed to run the F1 team apart from having a state-of-the-art F1 facilities complete with wind tunnel at Sepang. My estimates is in the hundreds of millions USD. And I kept wondering.....anybody know?
Given that today is the 46th Malaysia Day, what a nice present the current administration has to offer to her people and yet, there are still poverty in the country. I guess only the rich and powerful in Malaysia can dream of having such an idea.
And along with it, I fear for my tax money being flushed down the toilet. Damn it!
On the one hand, I sincerely think that having a F1 circuit in Sepang billed as "The HOTTEST race" is good enough in getting all the "positive" international media coverage. On the other hand, there are also news from Malaysia that manages to get international media attention but all for the wrong reasons.
I still love to watch F1, but I think Malaysia can do away with such luxury of having a F1 team for the time being. Use the money to reduce the suffering of poor and needy instead.
Update Sept 17 - I found the answer in Malaysia Insider here.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Happy Malaysia Day
Aug 31 is Merdeka day, Sept 16 is Malaysia Day
Whatever day it is, the best day is today and make sure you use that 24 hours well! Stay happy, cheerful, be positive, keep on smiling and be kind to each other and be kind to mother Earth too.
Yesterday is gone but what will tomorrow bring?
Whatever day it is, the best day is today and make sure you use that 24 hours well! Stay happy, cheerful, be positive, keep on smiling and be kind to each other and be kind to mother Earth too.
Yesterday is gone but what will tomorrow bring?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Merdeka - 52nd Malaysia Independence
Wishing all Malaysian a Happy Merdeka!
After 52 years of independence, the political elite are still talking about racial harmony in a country who boasts herself as being Truly Asia, how ironic.
As I see it, the problem lies not among the ordinary Malaysian as they will go about with their daily routine in work, family, friends, leisure, food and how they want to improve their life. Simple analogy but this is the case for most ordinary Malaysians.
Why Malaysia is still talking about racial harmony after 52 years? What is so wrong?
After 52 years of independence, the political elite are still talking about racial harmony in a country who boasts herself as being Truly Asia, how ironic.
As I see it, the problem lies not among the ordinary Malaysian as they will go about with their daily routine in work, family, friends, leisure, food and how they want to improve their life. Simple analogy but this is the case for most ordinary Malaysians.
Why Malaysia is still talking about racial harmony after 52 years? What is so wrong?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Selamat Berpuasa
Here's to wishing all my Muslim friends and visitors "Selamat Berpuasa".
May this fasting month of Ramadhan bring peace, harmony and joy to all irrespective of religion, race and color.
God Bless.
May this fasting month of Ramadhan bring peace, harmony and joy to all irrespective of religion, race and color.
God Bless.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Darn! If only Dr. M was right.
If only I am the master in Malaysia, what the heck am I working in Jakarta for? I could have easily stay home with my family, spend quality time, sip my favorite coffee and watch over my girls.
Damn, I have to work in Jakarta away from my family and to provide for my uni going daughter, save for my other slow learning daughter for her future and save enough money for my wife and me to retire when I am not able anymore.
As far as I am concerned, I am Malaysian. Why is the old man still talking on racial lines where his roots are also from an immigrant family? Shy lah!
Damn, I have to work in Jakarta away from my family and to provide for my uni going daughter, save for my other slow learning daughter for her future and save enough money for my wife and me to retire when I am not able anymore.
As far as I am concerned, I am Malaysian. Why is the old man still talking on racial lines where his roots are also from an immigrant family? Shy lah!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Indonesia Decides
As I watched the direct presidential election news on TV this morning, I can’t help but compare in my own way the differences between Malaysia and Indonesia.
The most glaring thing that came out of this is how democratic the process is and Indonesians have people power and a choice to choose their own President. In Malaysia however, the Prime Minister was chosen by about 191 UMNO division heads and as citizen of the country, I do not have that constitutional rights. Yet, those who are in power kept on harping that Malaysia is democratic. What nonsense is that!
Another point is that voting was carried out from 8am to 12pm and with only 4 hours voting time, a total of 176+ million eligible voters need to cast their votes. In all that hustle and bustle, the voting process was telecast live by at least 2 free to air TV stations with entertainment and live update coverages all over the country thrown in. This was followed by quick count conducted by Lingkaran Survei Indonesia (LSI), an independent pollster and at the time of writing (1.30pm), about 15% of the national results were in.
Now compare this to Malaysia, voting is from 8am to 5pm for about 15 million voters (I stand to be corrected on the figures) and the first results would only rolled in at about 11pm the earliest. On March 9 2008, I practically stayed up until 4am just to get the results and yet the reporting standards was very much left to be desired. As we know, the BN government lost their 2/3 majority.
Moments ago, I got a glimpse on TV that was telecast live from the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia. Indonesians working overseas get to vote too while I have to fly back to KL to cast my vote as the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta do not entertain her citizen for such basic democratic needs. The official line is that voting are for those in the government service and armed forces who served overseas. Geeezz!
These are just some examples from a layman point of view. And what is most important to note is that the “real democratic” process thrive in Indonesia in just over 10 years after the fall of the ‘Order Baru regime’ while it was a complete reverse in Malaysia after half a century of independence.
I can’t help but admire my Indonesian counterparts for having the will and leaders who have a real grip of what democracy is all about. When will our Malaysian leaders going to return the basic democratic principle and rights to her citizen?
Update @ 4.45pm
My 2 cents worth of observation telecast live on TV based on the interviews of the 3 Presidential candidates and their representatives.
Overall the election can be said to be peaceful and successful without any major hitches. On TV One, the quick-count has reached 99% level. As a yardstick and proven in the last 2 elections, the results pooled by quick-count can be deemed to be reliably accurate with a few points discrepancies.
Team 1, Mega Pro - 27.40% votes
Remarks made so far to me seems to be one of a sore loser without any real weight to it. I suppose should there be any problems or objections arising post result announcement tonight, this team will be the loudest with all sorts of accusation, all but my own gut-feel.
Team 2, SBY Boediono - 60.08% votes
By far, speeches made by the incumbent President can be considered to be very down to earth where one can feel his sincerity and honesty. The most prudent and fair speaker thus far. I suppose SBY is a true statesman and a by far the most deserving candidate to be re-elected. (Indication of a strong bull run at the Jakarta Indeks tomorrow)
Team 3, JK Win - 12.52%
JK seems to have accepted defeat from the body language although there is still denial, perhaps he did not expect to lose this badly. He looks totally different today as opposed to the campaign period. A total contrast. I wonder...will he "pulang kampung" as promised during the campaign period if he is defeated?
The most glaring thing that came out of this is how democratic the process is and Indonesians have people power and a choice to choose their own President. In Malaysia however, the Prime Minister was chosen by about 191 UMNO division heads and as citizen of the country, I do not have that constitutional rights. Yet, those who are in power kept on harping that Malaysia is democratic. What nonsense is that!
Another point is that voting was carried out from 8am to 12pm and with only 4 hours voting time, a total of 176+ million eligible voters need to cast their votes. In all that hustle and bustle, the voting process was telecast live by at least 2 free to air TV stations with entertainment and live update coverages all over the country thrown in. This was followed by quick count conducted by Lingkaran Survei Indonesia (LSI), an independent pollster and at the time of writing (1.30pm), about 15% of the national results were in.
Now compare this to Malaysia, voting is from 8am to 5pm for about 15 million voters (I stand to be corrected on the figures) and the first results would only rolled in at about 11pm the earliest. On March 9 2008, I practically stayed up until 4am just to get the results and yet the reporting standards was very much left to be desired. As we know, the BN government lost their 2/3 majority.
Moments ago, I got a glimpse on TV that was telecast live from the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia. Indonesians working overseas get to vote too while I have to fly back to KL to cast my vote as the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta do not entertain her citizen for such basic democratic needs. The official line is that voting are for those in the government service and armed forces who served overseas. Geeezz!
These are just some examples from a layman point of view. And what is most important to note is that the “real democratic” process thrive in Indonesia in just over 10 years after the fall of the ‘Order Baru regime’ while it was a complete reverse in Malaysia after half a century of independence.
I can’t help but admire my Indonesian counterparts for having the will and leaders who have a real grip of what democracy is all about. When will our Malaysian leaders going to return the basic democratic principle and rights to her citizen?
Update @ 4.45pm
My 2 cents worth of observation telecast live on TV based on the interviews of the 3 Presidential candidates and their representatives.
Overall the election can be said to be peaceful and successful without any major hitches. On TV One, the quick-count has reached 99% level. As a yardstick and proven in the last 2 elections, the results pooled by quick-count can be deemed to be reliably accurate with a few points discrepancies.
Team 1, Mega Pro - 27.40% votes
Remarks made so far to me seems to be one of a sore loser without any real weight to it. I suppose should there be any problems or objections arising post result announcement tonight, this team will be the loudest with all sorts of accusation, all but my own gut-feel.
Team 2, SBY Boediono - 60.08% votes
By far, speeches made by the incumbent President can be considered to be very down to earth where one can feel his sincerity and honesty. The most prudent and fair speaker thus far. I suppose SBY is a true statesman and a by far the most deserving candidate to be re-elected. (Indication of a strong bull run at the Jakarta Indeks tomorrow)
Team 3, JK Win - 12.52%
JK seems to have accepted defeat from the body language although there is still denial, perhaps he did not expect to lose this badly. He looks totally different today as opposed to the campaign period. A total contrast. I wonder...will he "pulang kampung" as promised during the campaign period if he is defeated?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What is the message?
Came across this billboard yesterday. Honestly, I am lost and have no idea behind the concept and the copy that reads "INVENTING THE FUTURE TECHNICALLY". On top of the visual which I missed out from my BB camera "SCHOOL OF COMPUTING". Yes, I am a bad photographer but.... hey what do you expect when trying to shoot from a moving car?
Friday, May 22, 2009
Got to get it out of my chest!
It has been almost 55 days since I last posted anything here. Looks like Earth Hour had a long lasting impact on me, so much so I did nothing. No excuses really, just not up to it after following the political news back home in Malaysia especially in the silver state of Perak.
With the new PM in place but the same old style of governing, nothing changes except that it makes me feel shy to be a Malaysian. Why? Just take a look at the action of the Police, the Judiciary and even the Royalties. No words can described how I feel on the sorry state of affairs in the political scene in Malaysia.
Incidently, I have no idea what is "1Malaysia, Performance Now" concept propagated by the PM... nice words but what I see is breaking the sanctity of the Malaysian constituition, please fill me in, I'm lost!
Just last week while watching TV on Indonesia's Presidential nomination, I can't help but envy my Indonesian counterparts cheering and clapping with 'sincerity and the emotional engagement' in front of the TV while SBY and Boediono was giving their speeches. It hit upon me then how far the democratic process in Indonesia has matured, in just 10 years, mind you as oppose to 52 years in Malaysia. And yet, we have morons in Malaysia shouting about race and what nought. I suppose this is the legacy of Tun M then.
With the new PM in place but the same old style of governing, nothing changes except that it makes me feel shy to be a Malaysian. Why? Just take a look at the action of the Police, the Judiciary and even the Royalties. No words can described how I feel on the sorry state of affairs in the political scene in Malaysia.
Incidently, I have no idea what is "1Malaysia, Performance Now" concept propagated by the PM... nice words but what I see is breaking the sanctity of the Malaysian constituition, please fill me in, I'm lost!
Just last week while watching TV on Indonesia's Presidential nomination, I can't help but envy my Indonesian counterparts cheering and clapping with 'sincerity and the emotional engagement' in front of the TV while SBY and Boediono was giving their speeches. It hit upon me then how far the democratic process in Indonesia has matured, in just 10 years, mind you as oppose to 52 years in Malaysia. And yet, we have morons in Malaysia shouting about race and what nought. I suppose this is the legacy of Tun M then.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Saturday, 8.30pm, March 28, 2009. Lights off please!
2,712 cities, towns and municipalities in 83 countries have already committed to VOTE EARTH for Earth Hour 2009, as part of the worlds first global election between Earth and global warming.
As for me, I will be doing my part from Jakarta, Indonesia. Now, will you join the world?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Medan Visit
Medan Hokkian Mee. Taste good but not halal. For those who want to check it out, they have a branch in Muara Karang called Bakmie Hock Seng, Ruko Central Bisnis Muara Karang, Blok 4/Z8 Selatan No. 11, Jakarta Utara.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A little "Feng Shui" goes a long way
Well, at least business has been kind to me since mid of last year. And in view of the cosmic direction in the year of the Ox, this fish tank with 8 gold fish (yang) and 1 black (yin) for balance (enhancing wealth) were placed in the auspice direction of the office to welcome good luck. Believe it or not!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Best Chicken Chop
Home cooked chicken chop, prepared by my lovely wife while back home in KL for the Ox Year holidays.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Gong Xi Fa Cai
2008 could not have been a better year for our business despite the world economic crisis. The 2 Chinese characters for the word ‘crisis’ of which the second character can be translated to ‘opportunity’ is where we look at things positively that makes all the difference.
For us, we have a friend who has some ‘feng shui’ skills. We make the necessary adjustment sometime in the 2Q of last year by re-arranging our sitting positions, hanging up a harvest painting, placing of some simple stuff like a blue doormat at the front door to balance the ‘chi’ directions is all there is to it. Mind you, this is not the kind of heavy ‘feng shui’ stuff that one have to knock down walls or move the position of the main door, it’s about balancing the ‘yin’ and ‘yang’. It is definitely not rocket science nor was it religion of any kind. Some say it’s a myth while others could not be bothered. For us, it works!
Obviously we put in a lot of energy, effort and time to our business and at the same time had lots of fun while at it. Along the way, we met a kind Samaritan who supported us financially and professionally. Two and a half years of heartache and misery overcame in just a matter of months. What a huge difference, a fairytale ending indeed.
As for 2009, yes, you guess it right…last Saturday on Jan 17 was a good day according to the lunar calendar where we did spring cleaning, adjust sitting positions facing the position to usher the good cosmic stars and added an aquarium with 9 gold fishes.
Starting from Jan 26, 2009 as we herald spring in welcoming the year of the Ox, I wish all friends and blog visitors…
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Wan Shi Ru Yi
Sen Ti Shian Gang
Nian Nian You Yu
For us, we have a friend who has some ‘feng shui’ skills. We make the necessary adjustment sometime in the 2Q of last year by re-arranging our sitting positions, hanging up a harvest painting, placing of some simple stuff like a blue doormat at the front door to balance the ‘chi’ directions is all there is to it. Mind you, this is not the kind of heavy ‘feng shui’ stuff that one have to knock down walls or move the position of the main door, it’s about balancing the ‘yin’ and ‘yang’. It is definitely not rocket science nor was it religion of any kind. Some say it’s a myth while others could not be bothered. For us, it works!
Obviously we put in a lot of energy, effort and time to our business and at the same time had lots of fun while at it. Along the way, we met a kind Samaritan who supported us financially and professionally. Two and a half years of heartache and misery overcame in just a matter of months. What a huge difference, a fairytale ending indeed.
As for 2009, yes, you guess it right…last Saturday on Jan 17 was a good day according to the lunar calendar where we did spring cleaning, adjust sitting positions facing the position to usher the good cosmic stars and added an aquarium with 9 gold fishes.
Starting from Jan 26, 2009 as we herald spring in welcoming the year of the Ox, I wish all friends and blog visitors…
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Wan Shi Ru Yi
Sen Ti Shian Gang
Nian Nian You Yu
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