Monday, November 20, 2006

Fortnight

I'll be travelling back later. Pushing off at 4pm to LCCT to pick up Alvin Chan then to Rawang to pick up Eli. Expected time of arrival is 10pm tonight (20/11/06). Tomorrow Alvin and I will be going to Cameron Highlands to assist while Eli participates in the IMYF (intermediate methodist youth fellowship) camp. Please keep us in prayer.

1. Journey mercies as I drive and the rest go by bus
2. Favourable weather
3. Protection against everything that seeks to stop God's work
4. Enjoyable time
5. Health of everyone (about 90 people)
6. Pastor Daniel Singh to speak according to God's will
7. Most importantly, for God to move mightly

We will be heading back to Sitiawan on Saturday or Friday, can't remember. I will spend a week at home with my family. Pray for me personnally for:

1. God to reveal His will for my life
2. Directions
3. Guidance

These are in the areas of relationship, ministry and the transition from being a student to a working young adult. I'm hoping for a clear direction/instruction. =) Cheers everyone...God bless. There will be silence for a week.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Show me Your will...

Life seems to be a cycle,
Life seems to be a loop of events,
Sometimes it becomes a rehearsal,
Challenging at the same time.

I am lost,
I am troubled,
I am searching for an answer,
God will You answer?

I don't understand You,
I don't know what to do,
What is happening?
Please tell me.

Don't allow me to fear,
Don't allow me to slip away,
Don't let go,
Please draw me nearer.

Show me Your will...

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Dumb?

"Those who spread rumours and sms that there are 250,000 Muslims in the country who had become apostates should be detained under the Internal Security Act or the Sedition Act. The recent sms incident in Ipoh created an uproar among the Malays and the Internal Security Ministry should use its power to act against those who created this unrest."

On Article 11, he said that if such groups and others including the Opposition are allowed to do what they are doing, there will be rampant cases of apostasy. "What is most surprising is that many Muslims suport such groups. If we were to follow Islamic law, such people should be killed, but we don't do such things here."

"He questioned what Jakin and the ulama were doing about such allegations. "Don't play with fire...we (Muslims) will fight till the end."
(Source: The Sun, p. 4, November 15, 2006)

This is only one example of what a minister from the prime minister's department said. I can't stop but wonder how silly can one be by making such statements. It is filled with inconsistency and it is also contradictory. How can such a person be part of the leadership of a country.

Debate...

Since Pak Lah took over the helm as the prime minister of Malaysia, there has been endless debates, arguements and questioning of the bumiputera (read as Malay not bumiputera) right and the position of Islam in a multicultural and religious country. This I suppose is a contribution of his position on freedom of expression. We have been given such freedom but a limited one. Well, I cannot complain given that I have freedom to express my thoughts quite freely without fear of being abducted to the Kamunting prison under ISA. I should not take this freedom for granted to voice my grouses irresponsibly, though.

On the other hand, there are some in the Umno Youth that are taking their rights signed on the social contract for granted. Harbouring the passion of the Ketuanan Melayu while kissing the Keris is not going to ease the situation. It will provoke non-bumiputeras' to react. So is not this the chicken and egg thing all over again? I point my fingers at you and you do the same at me. This will not end. Khairy made a statement of stupidity yesterday saying other than the government's EPU's results are rigged. He mentioned this:

"What if I say we accept the 45% figure and having accepted it, we ask for 70%?"

"Surely, those who questioned the EPU figure will come up with a methodology
to say that the 70% equity had been achieved."

He went on to add that property ownership and so on and so forth should be included in the measure of wealth. So what is wealth? By definition, it is "property that has economic utility; a monetary value or an exchange value" (TMA mobile dictionary). According to this meaning, should not we question the essence of wealth which is economic utility, monetary value and exchange value? How can all these be realise if there is such thing as Malay reserved land (why not bumiputera reserved land? why the nepotism?)? How can a Malay realise the economic utility of the property if only Malays can reside on that property and develop it? Yes, the majority are the Malays, but if the per capita income of the Malays are not high enough how can they help one another? Moreover, the rich individuals will continue to become richer and take advantage of their poorer siblings? I see no advantage these have to them. Therefore, I think the current issue surrounding equity is internal, among Malays. While the Chinese become the scapegoat and the Indians and the rest become spectators. Are you migrating to Singpore soon? Nah!!!...same thing

Monday, November 13, 2006

The Altantuya case

Who is actually involved? I suppose this is the question on peoples' minds. I'm quite sure Abdul Razak Baginda isn't guilty of the murder but related in a certain way. Well, who are the policemen? Why aren't their names revealed? Will their names lead to the public discovering the actual persons involved? I think it would. The pressure now is on the new IGP and our PM to act. The PM had asked the police to investigate thoroughly. I suspect he knows who is involved. It is now not only the matter of justice but integrity and transparency. If the PM wants to increase his popularity by fulfilling his promises, then there should be no biasness in the charging of the culprit. All must be revealed once it has been processed and the charges produced against the guilty. There may be more than one person involved. I've been receiving information by word of mouth. The authencity of the message is still inclear. I reckon the truth will be revealed very soon. The baby's DNA may not match that of Abdul Razak's. If that happens, there would be a sudden twist in the whole story and I would sit back and watch the truth unfold. I hope for justice and transparency...

Thus far...

Since my last examinations ended, I've been doing nothing else but having fun. But the holiday mood is different this time around. It must be that I'm no longer going back to university as a fulltime student. I hope I hope.

Last weekend, the incomplete Flare team went to Ipoh for their retreat. They detoured to Sitiawan for about 6 hours. It was probably the very first time most of them tried Foochow delicacies. Right after lunch we played beach football from 1430 till 1700. I joined them and ended up putting a night in Ipoh with them. We had a great time chatting and laughing while downing some burgers for supper. Lizzie and I left Ipoh very early at 0725 in time for her to attend her mom's convocation while I caught up on my sleep. Feeling rejuvenated, I put on my not-so-elegant attire and head towards Damansara.

Pledge, turn and the prestige...those are the steps involved in carrying out a magic trick. The Prestige runs on a slow but captivating story line. Vengence seems to the be focus of the entire story. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie. Although there were parts where it could get a little gory. I enjoyed the movie, did I mention that earlier? Yes, I did and I deliberately do it. My appreciation and thanks goes out to Esther a.k.a cheeky girl who accompanied me. Oh! we had fun looking for my car. I had forgotten to take note of the parking bay where my car was. Silly me for causing her to walk 3 floors before finding it. So sorry.

I'm not good at creative writing. Hence, the incoherent flow of thoughts. I'll move back to writing on politics and others. Check out the latest update over at my photoblog and I have a flickr account.

Thus far...

Since my last examinations ended, I've been doing nothing else but having fun. But the holiday mood is different this time around. It must be that I'm no longer going back to university as a fulltime student. I hope I hope.

Last weekend, the incomplete Flare team went to Ipoh for their retreat. They detoured to Sitiawan for about 6 hours. It was probably the very first time most of them tried Foochow delicacies. Right after lunch we played beach football from 1430 till 1700. I joined them and ended up putting a night in Ipoh with them. We had a great time chatting and laughing while downing some burgers for supper. Lizzie and I left Ipoh very early at 0725 in time for her to attend her mom's convocation while I caught up on my sleep. Feeling rejuvenated, I put on my not-so-elegant attire and head towards Damansara.

Pledge, turn and the prestige...those are the steps involved in carrying out a magic trick. The Prestige runs on a slow but captivating story line. Vengence seems to the be focus of the entire story. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie. Although there were parts where it could get a little gory. I enjoyed the movie, did I mention that earlier? Yes, I did and I deliberately do it. My appreciation and thanks goes out to Esther a.k.a cheeky girl who accompanied me. Oh! we had fun looking for my car. I had forgotten to take note of the parking bay where my car was. Silly me for causing her to walk 3 floors before finding it. So sorry.

I'm not good at creative writing. Hence, the incoherent flow of thoughts. I'll move back to writing on politics and others. Check out the latest update over at my photoblog and I have a flickr account.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Stinky's Magic Show

The deco team for Monash Ball 2006 themed, Royale Escapade was so entertained by Stinky Stephen's magic act that we thought The Prestige only deserved 2nd spot. Abracadabra !! Poof! Stephen Stinks.=)

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Never fails...

The Lord never fails to amaze me when I least expected it. Praise God for I have finally completed my undergraduate life. I really really hope and believe so. He has been there through thick and thin. He never fails, never even when I failed big time. My life was a mess when He picked me up cleansed me and assured me again and again of His sufficient grace. I am glad for who I am today doing what I do. He constantly throws a big party for me when I'm down and out cold. I sometimes don't cherish those moments but whenever I realise Him doing that I feel so blessed. It is never be too late to say thank you, Father.

This season of my life has been tremendous. Looking back, I am really glad that I was retained one year in university. The failures in my academic field hasn't been a demotivator but of great encouragement to excel instead. I guess, when Jesus lives in you, life takes a different perspective. This one year has been the greatest year in university life. There was the CF homecoming for me. I redeveloped my photography skills, although I'm still early at the learning curve. Met many crazy "commies" and they in turn introduced me to the MUSA council. Life would never be this exciting with this bunch of wackos, nerds, geeks and last-minute-due-date-extension friends.

I can't go listing names as it will never fit this post. Everyone who has been in contact with me and has blessed or otherwise have all been a blessing. I don't recall any bad experiences. Everything happens for the good of those who love Him. I'm particularly blessed during this final examination period. I believe God has placed someone who has been of great support both in prayer and morale. Thank you for making this period more bearable and enjoyable. Now everyone knows exams can be enjoyable. I hope to do the same and more in return not for the sake of repaying your good deeds but out of willingness. He never fails...our failures in life are but only a glimpse of great successes to come. Trust in the Lord.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

When it becomes repetitive

When all you do is memorising theories after theories...of course after understanding them...is to find something more exciting to do. I realised this is the 2nd time I cut my finger nails and the 1st my toe nails this week. Very weird indeed. I wonder why? Now that I've finished cutting and blogging I shall go back to memorising...I've practically 2 books load of theories in my head now. Anyone wanna buy books written by me? International Business and Business Case Develoment for sale...selling like hot cake (ya right)...

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Examination Period Update

I haven't officially started writing my papers. Mine starts the day after tomorrow which is the 7th of November at 1:30pm sharp and ends the following day at rounghly 4:45pm. So, what have I been doing for pass few weeks? Studying of course!! Actually the amount of time put into studying is almost equal to the time I spent relaxing. Guilty? No, because I think it is very important to rest your either peanut or durian sized brain. It isn't a machine. Every neuron cell needs time off, else it will send electric pulse to the wrong places. Hence, people will call you "koo koo". And out of boredom I took pictures...
Here, let me share with you the sustaining power that keeps me going. Firstly, "cast all your anxiety to God" says someone. This I find very true. Through my years spent in Monash, I found this the most important piece of advice one can practice. Secondly, give God the glory for all you are going to do and have done. Study(work) and play as if God's name is at stake but don't worry if you fail. Try again for He stands by you. Thirdly, put in all the effort you can. Do all that is needed to excel and leave the rest to God. Fourthly, remember to relax not laze. Finally, something I discovered that enabled me to stay awake. Teh si ice!!!(read previous post and I finally slept after doing pass year paper at 6:30am and woke up less than 3 hours later) I'm not touching that drink again at night during supper! Poison. =) No, seriously, honey kept me going. I drink on average 4-5 glasses of diluted honey drink. At least the neuron cells are happy!
Cheers! All the best to those who haven't finish their exam and to those eagerly waiting their results (not fair that you finish earlier). I'll be showcasing some pictures of Sitiawan's famous landmarks by mid November. Stay tuned.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

0432

i CANNOT SLEEP...it's the stupid Teh Si Ice. I shouldn't have drank tea. Now I cannot sleep...and I cannot change into my sleeping shorts a.k.a boxer. I cannot sleep with it too. argghhhhh...I cannot sleep...i cannot sleep...i cannot sleep...

i may study instead.but it will break my norm.i normally don't study at this obscene hour of the day.crazy.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Caught off guard

He wears a white turban and robe. Rides a big scooter without helmet and thinks that the road is his grandfather’s. He should be in his 50s at least. I suspect he is an imam of the nearby USJ mosque. By the way, his scooter’s number plate is WMS 1877 and it is bright red. He crossed at a t-junction cutting in right in front of my car and missing the oncoming car by a few meters. My bro sounded the horn and the Malay fellow got freaking mad. He parked his scooter in front of our car and wanted to pick a fight. He came shouting at us and trying to force the door open to fight. Luckily I ask my bro to lock the door. He wind down the window a little bit to talk. But this unreasonable fellow shouted at us. I told him that the Ramadhan month just ended and you behave like this? My bro threatened to report it to the Police because he was becoming hostile. He replied by asking us to come out and fight and wanting to punch my bro. Luckily my bro was fast enough to wind up the window more. His fist hit the window and the plastic piece (can’t remember what it is called).

I didn’t want to say sorry because we didn’t do anything wrong. The horn was a warning that he was too near us and it was dangerous driving plus what would happen if we hit him. I am sure this fellow (you know by now the rage…and you bet I want to call him names and link him to the Taliban but thankfully Esther C’s sms sort of cooled my anger) will make a story up to the Police and we would get into trouble. What solved the issue? My bro said sorry and he hesitantly walked away while starring at us in a hostile manner. So you tell me, is the world’s view of Islam correct or wrong? It seems even in USJ 9, Subang Jaya, Malaysia the term self fulfilling prophecy is already taking place. Can you now blame us (non-muslims) for labeling muslims as terrorist and islam being a religion of violence? Look at what is happening. I am very disappointed with my fellow Malaysian. I have forgiven him and I’ve ask God for forgiveness for sinning in my anger. Readers, you should note that this is not an attack hurled against Malays. This may be a one off incident. Humans…too weak.