Redang
1. I know this is subject that is quite basi (old) already but I think I need to say something. Someone is foolish enough to think that Pulau Redang should be turned into a luxury destination. In the first place, what is the purpose? Is it because Trengganu so 'poor' that you felt that Redang needed to be 'upgraded' to overcome the problem? and why Redang? why not Lang Tengah? First of all I must say Trengganu is my favorite state in West Malaysia...due to many reasons - its people, its orginality, etc. We even had our honeymoon in Redang!! Is it because Michelle Yeoh has bought a land and built her mansion with Jean (Ke)Todt in Marang? Is it because Vincent Tan wanted to upgrade its hotels in Redang but he put the plan aside because felt that there are too many local tourists there making the island look cheap? Is it because of the so called prestigious Monsoon cup and since Trengganu and Redang's standards are too low thus making it unattractive to the foreigners?
Apartheid and Genocide
2. Some Malaysians have wild imaginations. They seem to think that apartheid is actually being practised in Malaysia and another group thought that genocide did happened in Malaysia!! First of all, do they know the meaning of apartheid and genocide. I bet they did not even bother to look up at Wikipedia...let alone the available jurisprudence from the international criminal tribunals. The only unfortunate and worst thing that happened in Malaysia is 13 May - the racial riot in Selangor/KL. So look forward. We should encourage each other to use the right channels (dont give up!) and be more diplomatic (if you listen to people, the people listen to you back).
Basic knowledge of personal finances
3. Do we know that we should have savings of at least equivalent to our 6 months of our monthly salary at all times? Do you know that our EPF is not sufficient to support our retirement? Facts : Survey shows that many Malaysians spent all their EPF money within 3-5 years after they retired; the current life expectancy of a Malaysian Male is 70 and female is 75. Do you know that only 20% of Malaysians have life insurance/takaful? Many of us think that our employer's insurance(s) is more than enough. Do we know what inflation (I do not know who created this 'inflation') means? Do we know how to handle it? Just imagine, in 1980s, you could buy 10 hacks sweets at the price of 10 cent. Now you need at least 60 sen to buy 10 hacks sweets.
Islamic Laws
4. I am sad to see that even some Muslims in Malaysia are embarassed that Islamic Laws are being practised in some small areas and enforced by our Syariah Courts. I sense that they are being pressured by certain influential groups that uphold their so-called human rights to the extreme. These groups put religion at the same level of freedon of speech but yet they practised double standards. They allowed Muslim prophet to be depicted as terrorist but they put people in jail if someone denied the existence of holocoust!! Influenced by such propagandas, Muslims in Malaysia and other parts of the world decided to reject Islamic laws and/or Islam itself through their actions or inaction. They somehow contributed into the thinkings that Islam and/or Islamic Laws are oppressive, violent and orthodox (they want to be looked as modern and forward thinkers)!!
Success
5. I always believe that if you have the desire/hunger, belief and knowledge/skills you will be successful in whatever field you chose to be in! And money is just another by-product created by your success. But dont just think about money. Some people chose their fields and had success in the name of 'change' or just to get recognition. Thus, when you are successful, money, recognition, etc will follow you! and because of your success, you may have the time to devote yourself to your God, family, etc. and think big always!! the bigger your dream, the more successful you are!!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
From Arusha to Watamu
2 April was Good Friday and 5 April was Easter. So we had a long weekend but we did not know where to go.
On 31 March, our dear friend called us and invited us to follow them to go to Mombasa, Kenya. Mombasa is the main port of Kenya and at the same time is a tourist destination because of its beautiful beach (especially Nyali Beach).
We never been to Mombasa before. So why not.
The route that we took is Arusha - Moshi - Holili (Border town - Tanzania side) - Taveta (Border Town - Kenya side) - Voi - Mombasa. We departed at around 6am. When I started the car, my friend had already left Arusha. He said he wanted to pray Jumaat in Mombasa.
So we had to chase them as we did not want to get lost. My friend is a fast driver. If I drive 150km per hour he will do 170km per hour!! So they had to stop few times just to wait for us.
We arrived at Holili before 10am. To get into Kenya, you have to pass through 6 checkpoints. First, I have to register myself at the Tanzania police station stating that we are going to Kenya. Then to the Tanzanian immigration. Thereafter to Tanzanian Revenue Authority to get the permit to 'export' my car temporarily to Kenya. All that took us around 30 minutes. When we reached Taveta, we had to pass the last 3 checkpoints - Police, Immigration and Kenya Revenue Authority. That took us another 30 good minutes.
The area from Holili to Taveta was a no man's land. The road was really bad. But to go to Voi was even worst. It took us about 2 hours to reach there. Thank God for 4wd.
Then from Voi all the way to Mombasa was a breeze until we reached the hotel. Somehow we thought the hotel was a 'luxury' hotel but it turned out to be a rundown hotel. It was really nice if you look from outside. But once you are inside the rooms, it was like a YMCA hostel!! So we had to change hotel. We found a really nice hotel in Mombasa.
I told my friend that we wanted to go Watamu, a small beach town about 1-2 hour drive from Mombasa the next day. They said no but boy, we did not regret our decision! Watamu is great! The white sand beach is clean and the resort we chose was really good especially for families with small kids. My kids really had fun. Me and my wife had fun too. We also made some new friends there. We stayed there until Monday. We went back to Mombasa and stayed there for another night. We departed to Arusha on Tuesday.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
An Article by IKIM - I fully agree with him
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/30/focus/5937508&sec=focus
Let religion be the business of the experts
IKIM VIEWS By Dr WAN AZHAR WAB AHMAD
SENIOR FELLOW/DIRECTOR
Human rights advocates have been fighting for gender equality before the law and yet when Islamic law stands in support of their claim, they accuse syariah of being uncompromising, inhumane and discriminatory.
I am flabbergasted by the prejudices and misgivings of certain quarters against religious teachings. I am almost speechless when reflecting on the degree of denial and obstinacy shown by them.
A recent incident which seemingly took the nation by surprise is the purported outcry over the whipping carried out on Muslim (women) syariah offenders.
While the offenders themselves had no qualms about the punishment, many others became involved in an unnecessary controversy. Human rights advocates have been fighting for gender equality and yet when Islamic law stands in support of their claim, they accused syariah as uncompromising, inhumane and discriminatory.
It is understandable if the criticism came from non-Muslims. But when the rejection came from Muslims themselves, it is incomprehensible. They seem to glorify human rights doctrines more than honouring their own religious pronouncements, or the principles of true ethics and morality.
This is secularism. It represents a process of secularisation as certain quarters are influencing others to shy away from religion and good value system.
Islam does not lay rigid emphasis on punitive actions. The religion is about knowledge, education and the inculcation of good values. Islam asks Muslims to refer to a legal avenue to solve disputes only as a last resort. Even this is always preceded with words for forgiveness and mediation.
Islamic law does not differentiate between male and female offenders. In fact, in achieving salvation, Islam is giving equal opportunity to both sexes.
In the recent execution of the punishment, four male criminals were flogged. But the human rights vanguards chose to close one eye on this.
For the Muslims in this grouping, their secular inclination manifests their inadequate Islamic upbringing, resulting in confusion and ignorance. Even after being told the truth, they stubbornly hold firm to their misunderstanding.
For the non-Muslims, they appear to have lost a sense of adab, the sense of respect of other religions. Camouflaged under the pretext of human-rightism, they claim the right to interfere in a domain they have minimal or no knowledge about.
The Muslim and non-Muslim detractors simply defy authoritative religious precepts, authentic knowledge, reliable authorities, irrefutable historical facts, the rules of reason and logic, and the rules of ethics and morality. In the process, they have consciously or unconsciously become atheists, agnostics, sophists, and secularists.
It is amazing to learn the paradox that people conveniently acknowledge the authority of certain professionals in certain fields but hardly do the same in some other areas.
For example, many will not risk their health or life visiting unqualified physicians for their medical problems and later question the prescription given.
They do not dare challenge any registered lawyer, accountant, engineer, or architect for any matter within their respective fields of expertise and professionalism. Ironically, when it comes to religion, many believe that it is “free” for everyone to interfere with. I fail to understand this logic.
Our nation is blessed with many educated people but it appears that some do not have the wisdom that is supposed to come with education. A considerable number simply do not know their limit.
One of the signs of wisdom is to know one’s limit of knowledge. This implies that one is not supposed to comment on things that one is not well informed of. If one lacks knowledge on anything, one must first gather sufficient information and data before making any remark. Hearsay evidence or mere observation will not help solve any problem.
One must also do it with a clear conscience as one may need to alter or retract one’s opinion if someone else who is more knowledgeable points out the mistake in certain respects or in the entire subject matter.
Failure to fulfil the prerequisites means one is not wise. Not knowing the limit in a way signifies stupidity. If and when one does that and declines to take the right advice, one only exposes one’s ignorance and, worse, arrogance.
Knowledge is not something neutral. It is laden with values that one must not ignore: good and evil, right and wrong, beneficial and harmful.
In the context of a multi-religious society, everyone must be alert to each other’s sensitivities. If a non-Muslim is making unfair comment on Islam and its institutions, no sound Muslim will just keep quiet.
Similarly, if Muslims for example are questioning the rationality of the Christian concept of trinity, or the Hindu’s multiplicity of gods, or the practice of the caste system, the leaders and followers of these religions will not just shut up and do nothing.
Therefore, it is extremely important for all groups in our pluralistic society not to touch on each other’s sensitivities, especially those that pertain to theology and matters that have been granted by our Constitution.
Let us affirm the general position that matters of religion do not fall under the purview of any layman on the street, even an educated one, as there are conditions to be met. Let us maintain the status quo that religion is the business of those qualified experts and professionals.
Yes, religion is open to human interpretation, but not just by anybody. If one has fulfilled certain requirements, there will be no objection to engage in any religious discussion. In the case of Islam, this applies to everybody having the desire, determination and efforts for a better understanding.
Let religion be the business of the experts
IKIM VIEWS By Dr WAN AZHAR WAB AHMAD
SENIOR FELLOW/DIRECTOR
Human rights advocates have been fighting for gender equality before the law and yet when Islamic law stands in support of their claim, they accuse syariah of being uncompromising, inhumane and discriminatory.
I am flabbergasted by the prejudices and misgivings of certain quarters against religious teachings. I am almost speechless when reflecting on the degree of denial and obstinacy shown by them.
A recent incident which seemingly took the nation by surprise is the purported outcry over the whipping carried out on Muslim (women) syariah offenders.
While the offenders themselves had no qualms about the punishment, many others became involved in an unnecessary controversy. Human rights advocates have been fighting for gender equality and yet when Islamic law stands in support of their claim, they accused syariah as uncompromising, inhumane and discriminatory.
It is understandable if the criticism came from non-Muslims. But when the rejection came from Muslims themselves, it is incomprehensible. They seem to glorify human rights doctrines more than honouring their own religious pronouncements, or the principles of true ethics and morality.
This is secularism. It represents a process of secularisation as certain quarters are influencing others to shy away from religion and good value system.
Islam does not lay rigid emphasis on punitive actions. The religion is about knowledge, education and the inculcation of good values. Islam asks Muslims to refer to a legal avenue to solve disputes only as a last resort. Even this is always preceded with words for forgiveness and mediation.
Islamic law does not differentiate between male and female offenders. In fact, in achieving salvation, Islam is giving equal opportunity to both sexes.
In the recent execution of the punishment, four male criminals were flogged. But the human rights vanguards chose to close one eye on this.
For the Muslims in this grouping, their secular inclination manifests their inadequate Islamic upbringing, resulting in confusion and ignorance. Even after being told the truth, they stubbornly hold firm to their misunderstanding.
For the non-Muslims, they appear to have lost a sense of adab, the sense of respect of other religions. Camouflaged under the pretext of human-rightism, they claim the right to interfere in a domain they have minimal or no knowledge about.
The Muslim and non-Muslim detractors simply defy authoritative religious precepts, authentic knowledge, reliable authorities, irrefutable historical facts, the rules of reason and logic, and the rules of ethics and morality. In the process, they have consciously or unconsciously become atheists, agnostics, sophists, and secularists.
It is amazing to learn the paradox that people conveniently acknowledge the authority of certain professionals in certain fields but hardly do the same in some other areas.
For example, many will not risk their health or life visiting unqualified physicians for their medical problems and later question the prescription given.
They do not dare challenge any registered lawyer, accountant, engineer, or architect for any matter within their respective fields of expertise and professionalism. Ironically, when it comes to religion, many believe that it is “free” for everyone to interfere with. I fail to understand this logic.
Our nation is blessed with many educated people but it appears that some do not have the wisdom that is supposed to come with education. A considerable number simply do not know their limit.
One of the signs of wisdom is to know one’s limit of knowledge. This implies that one is not supposed to comment on things that one is not well informed of. If one lacks knowledge on anything, one must first gather sufficient information and data before making any remark. Hearsay evidence or mere observation will not help solve any problem.
One must also do it with a clear conscience as one may need to alter or retract one’s opinion if someone else who is more knowledgeable points out the mistake in certain respects or in the entire subject matter.
Failure to fulfil the prerequisites means one is not wise. Not knowing the limit in a way signifies stupidity. If and when one does that and declines to take the right advice, one only exposes one’s ignorance and, worse, arrogance.
Knowledge is not something neutral. It is laden with values that one must not ignore: good and evil, right and wrong, beneficial and harmful.
In the context of a multi-religious society, everyone must be alert to each other’s sensitivities. If a non-Muslim is making unfair comment on Islam and its institutions, no sound Muslim will just keep quiet.
Similarly, if Muslims for example are questioning the rationality of the Christian concept of trinity, or the Hindu’s multiplicity of gods, or the practice of the caste system, the leaders and followers of these religions will not just shut up and do nothing.
Therefore, it is extremely important for all groups in our pluralistic society not to touch on each other’s sensitivities, especially those that pertain to theology and matters that have been granted by our Constitution.
Let us affirm the general position that matters of religion do not fall under the purview of any layman on the street, even an educated one, as there are conditions to be met. Let us maintain the status quo that religion is the business of those qualified experts and professionals.
Yes, religion is open to human interpretation, but not just by anybody. If one has fulfilled certain requirements, there will be no objection to engage in any religious discussion. In the case of Islam, this applies to everybody having the desire, determination and efforts for a better understanding.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Top 10 Things in my mind
1) My wish is that one day that Malaysia will qualify for World Cup (football/soccer)...at the same time I am saying to myself "yeah dream on bro!!"
2) I want my kids to be professional sportmen/women...like my daughter - professional golfer (and they wear decent clothes, not like tennis, soccer, hockey players). As for my two sons, they can choose from this list - F1, European football, tennis, golf, etc, the ones that are lucrative and we can follow them when they are on world tour!! If they do not favour any of them, the next best thing to do is to be doctors, all of them and they must master one extra language other than Malay and English like Chinese, Arabic and French
3) FDI into Malaysia has gone down and keep going down.
4) Malaysia's ranking in hockey has gone down too. In 2003, we are 10th in the world, now we are 15th!! Come on!!!
5) Why investing in real estate in Malaysia (especially in KL, Selangor, JB and Penang) is not so hot like in Singapore, HK, India (Mumbai!), etc...is it because too much cheap lands, too many 'corridors', not too many people being crammed in the cities, not many can afford more than 500k properties, rigid and strict land regulations?
6) Che Det said that other cars except Proton and Perodua are expensive due to the government's policy to stop petrol-guzzling cars from coming into Malaysia and cheap cars will clog the roads in no time...I almost 'tertelan' ayam kampung!! Yeah right...as if Malaysia is so enviromentally friendly and Perdana does not guzzle so much petrol or Toyota Vios or Honda City 'eat' so much petrol...just admit it...they are just reasons, sedikit sebanyak all these policy dicipta ini menolong (mengikut pintu belakang or indirectly cakap orang putih) sangat Proton and Perodua!
7) I miss Malaysia so much it hurts
8) I have not finished preping my next witness...aarrgghhhh!!
9) I have to strategize on my next move on Malaysian share market especially when RM is going up (vs. US$)
10)You really can make money in Africa. Just look at China on how they 'dump' their goods (be it quality or not) in Africa!!
2) I want my kids to be professional sportmen/women...like my daughter - professional golfer (and they wear decent clothes, not like tennis, soccer, hockey players). As for my two sons, they can choose from this list - F1, European football, tennis, golf, etc, the ones that are lucrative and we can follow them when they are on world tour!! If they do not favour any of them, the next best thing to do is to be doctors, all of them and they must master one extra language other than Malay and English like Chinese, Arabic and French
3) FDI into Malaysia has gone down and keep going down.
4) Malaysia's ranking in hockey has gone down too. In 2003, we are 10th in the world, now we are 15th!! Come on!!!
5) Why investing in real estate in Malaysia (especially in KL, Selangor, JB and Penang) is not so hot like in Singapore, HK, India (Mumbai!), etc...is it because too much cheap lands, too many 'corridors', not too many people being crammed in the cities, not many can afford more than 500k properties, rigid and strict land regulations?
6) Che Det said that other cars except Proton and Perodua are expensive due to the government's policy to stop petrol-guzzling cars from coming into Malaysia and cheap cars will clog the roads in no time...I almost 'tertelan' ayam kampung!! Yeah right...as if Malaysia is so enviromentally friendly and Perdana does not guzzle so much petrol or Toyota Vios or Honda City 'eat' so much petrol...just admit it...they are just reasons, sedikit sebanyak all these policy dicipta ini menolong (mengikut pintu belakang or indirectly cakap orang putih) sangat Proton and Perodua!
7) I miss Malaysia so much it hurts
8) I have not finished preping my next witness...aarrgghhhh!!
9) I have to strategize on my next move on Malaysian share market especially when RM is going up (vs. US$)
10)You really can make money in Africa. Just look at China on how they 'dump' their goods (be it quality or not) in Africa!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Malays are Chinese?!!
I have been living in Arusha@Kilimanjaro for almost 5 years!!
Never once I have been called "hey Malay boy or man or Malaysian!".
The locals here are of the opinion that there are four types of people only in the world. The first - the Africans, the second - Muzungu (White people), the third - Indians and the last one - Chinese.
So either you are from Malaysia, Japan, Korea (N or S), Myanmar, Fiji, Kazaksthan, etc...you are Chinese or Mchina!!
I have been telling them, more than million times - No I am not chinese. They just laughed at me!! They said "look at this chinese...he is trying to be someone else".
So guys if you come here...dont be surprise.
Never once I have been called "hey Malay boy or man or Malaysian!".
The locals here are of the opinion that there are four types of people only in the world. The first - the Africans, the second - Muzungu (White people), the third - Indians and the last one - Chinese.
So either you are from Malaysia, Japan, Korea (N or S), Myanmar, Fiji, Kazaksthan, etc...you are Chinese or Mchina!!
I have been telling them, more than million times - No I am not chinese. They just laughed at me!! They said "look at this chinese...he is trying to be someone else".
So guys if you come here...dont be surprise.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Toyota
I think the issues with Toyota had been blown out of propotion.
Many people (especially the rivals) are jealous of Toyota's success. This is all about jelousy and/or greed and/or domination!
If you have read the books on Toyota you will be amazed how 'perfect' they are in every ways.
As Toyota said, it was initially a 'quality' problem rather than 'safety' problem. I believe them. Many many countries have somehow made Toyota as their national car.
There were no proof that there were accidents caused by this so called 'safety' problem.
I have used Hyundai, Proton, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mercedes and Range Rover..I must tell you that the best car I ever had is Toyota.
Toyota just made a profit of almost US2 billion. Because of this, they have to spend hundred of millions just to recall and 'fix' the problem.
BUT one thing for sure, when they explained the so called problem, they did not ever hide a single thing.
Anyhow, I will keep my fingers crossed and hope that Toyota will 'survive'. I just cant imagine a world without Toyota!!
Many people (especially the rivals) are jealous of Toyota's success. This is all about jelousy and/or greed and/or domination!
If you have read the books on Toyota you will be amazed how 'perfect' they are in every ways.
As Toyota said, it was initially a 'quality' problem rather than 'safety' problem. I believe them. Many many countries have somehow made Toyota as their national car.
There were no proof that there were accidents caused by this so called 'safety' problem.
I have used Hyundai, Proton, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mercedes and Range Rover..I must tell you that the best car I ever had is Toyota.
Toyota just made a profit of almost US2 billion. Because of this, they have to spend hundred of millions just to recall and 'fix' the problem.
BUT one thing for sure, when they explained the so called problem, they did not ever hide a single thing.
Anyhow, I will keep my fingers crossed and hope that Toyota will 'survive'. I just cant imagine a world without Toyota!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Oh...Penatnya!
Perbicaraan sudah mula sejak 25 Januari. Kami senaraikan 13 saksi untuk sesi kali ni.
Kami jangkakan kami sudah masuk ke tahap saksi ke-4. Tapi saksi ke-2 masih disoal balas.
Oh tidak...
Peguambela tertuduh pulak asyik menjawab je ngan Hakim2...sampai kena warning. Lepas tu dengan selambanya dia cakap ada unsur2 judicial bias pulak...
Esok nak jumpa saksi...proses 'preping'. Kena prepare saksi2. kalu tidak, ada yang mencarut dalam mahkamah...ya la, mana idaknya...kebanyakan saksi2 adalah survivors genocide.
Dan yang paling seram, ada jugak saksi2 kami adalah pembunuh2...this is what we called 'shaking hands with the devils'!!
Kena lah dengar kedua-dua pihak...yang kena dan yang buat...baru la nampak cantik kes...
kadang2 ngeri jugak cerita depa...'oh saya bunuh 9 orang je...1 makcik ni dan yang lain tu budak2 je'...'lepas kami bunuh depa...kami makan jantung depa mentah2 supaya hantunya tak dtg ganggu!' atau 'kami guna parang je'
naik bulu roma dibuatnya.
Kami jangkakan kami sudah masuk ke tahap saksi ke-4. Tapi saksi ke-2 masih disoal balas.
Oh tidak...
Peguambela tertuduh pulak asyik menjawab je ngan Hakim2...sampai kena warning. Lepas tu dengan selambanya dia cakap ada unsur2 judicial bias pulak...
Esok nak jumpa saksi...proses 'preping'. Kena prepare saksi2. kalu tidak, ada yang mencarut dalam mahkamah...ya la, mana idaknya...kebanyakan saksi2 adalah survivors genocide.
Dan yang paling seram, ada jugak saksi2 kami adalah pembunuh2...this is what we called 'shaking hands with the devils'!!
Kena lah dengar kedua-dua pihak...yang kena dan yang buat...baru la nampak cantik kes...
kadang2 ngeri jugak cerita depa...'oh saya bunuh 9 orang je...1 makcik ni dan yang lain tu budak2 je'...'lepas kami bunuh depa...kami makan jantung depa mentah2 supaya hantunya tak dtg ganggu!' atau 'kami guna parang je'
naik bulu roma dibuatnya.
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