MUHIBAH IN MALAYSIA ?

Hello and YES its me again, after an absence for a few days (OK…OK…for a few weeks) I am back and as I have mentioned in my previous writings, I may not be able to post articles often, but I will from time to time, keep in touch with the world out there.

After coming back from Gummersbach, Germany, I wrote a very long article which was very well appreciated, not only by my friends who participated in the Leadership Programme, but also my Malaysian friends. Probably, that praises made me take things for granted, so much so, that I took things so lightly.

What I am going to write today is MUHIBAH. For my international readers – MUHIBAH means UNITY or could even me UNITED.

It has been a practice off late in some dinners that I have attended (mostly organized and hosted by the Government Agencies/Department) the host would mention in the menu card that the dinner for that day would be a MUHIBAH SET DINNER. In short it would mean that all races in Malaysia (Malays, Chinese and Indians) would be able not only to enjoy the dinner, but, would be able to eat all the food that would be served.

In Malaysia, there are many limitations when it comes to food. For example; The Muslims cannot ear pork, the Hindus and majority of the Buddhist cannot eat beef as for the Christians they are alright to eat anything as long as they are not a vegetarian or they have some self imposed regulation.

But when a menu in a dinners states it’s a MUHIBAH DINNER, then automatically it means that the food that would be presented on that day would be consumable by everyone.

I attended 1 lunch and 1 dinner recently, the lunch was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education – Graduation of the Community College Students in Malacca (200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur), it was indeed happy to note that they had listed that they were serving MUHIBAH SET LUNCH – not that I went there all the way for the food. I was keener to witness the success of the students who graduated on that day rather than the food. To my shock, they had served beef. HOW MUHIBAH could that be?

A few months ago, I attended a dinner which was hosted by the Selangor State Sports Award Dinner – it was a night where the best sportsman and sportswoman would receive their award for bringing honor for the state.

Again, I was very happy with the fact that the organizer had put on the table the menu card and it says ‘MUHIBAH SET DINNER’. How nice.

But it was not to be, they had also served a beef rendang and beef soup. Not that I went there all the way for the food. I was keener to share the crowning of the sportsman and the sportswoman who brought prestige to the state. HOW MUHIBAH could that be?

I still continued to eat (minus the beef) as I was very hungry on that day, I was angry, but, not sure to whom I should express my anger to, there was a caring Muslim gentlemen (whom I don’t know from Adam’s) who asked the waiter serving our table why did they now have altrenative food for the other races - and the waiter did well by acting stupid.

MUHIBAH is a MALAY word and if the host who is not MALAY cannot understand the true definition of the word – it is excusable. (I am not completing this sentence……)

My Views… Till today when a Muslim friend visits my home for a dinner, my wife and I make sure that the chicken curry which we prepare is slaughtered the Islamic way and we also make sure that there is no pork served or even cooked in the kitchen (infact both of us don't even eat pork). It only takes a simple step to make a friend comfortable and happy. Lets not say one thing and do something else.
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THANK YOU * TERIMA KASIH * NANDRI * SHUKRIYA * GRACIAS * MERCI * VIELEN DANK * RINGRAZIARLA * DANK U * OBRIGADO * спасибо * SIA SIA NE.

My respected readers,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you wherever you may be for reading my blog. It was indeed encouraging to see many of you reading my blog and at the same time giving me your comments. I am sure some of you are aware that some of your comments are not published as I have my own reasons. You could send me an email and I will respond to you personally.

In the meantime, I would like to inform you that I have readers from all parts of the world and continent who have visited my blog.

Following are some of the countries whose web surfers have visited my sight (source from http://www.statscounter.com/):

Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam and off course my fellow MALAYSIANS.

60% of my readers are Malaysians and the remaining 40% are from outside Malaysia.

From now on, my blogs would be in English and if I do use the Malaysian Language I would ensure that I have a line to explain the meaning of the word.

My Pietro Pietro PAPA friends, thank you for your encouragements as well. Mahendran, Amutha, Thomas Samuel, Novin and my PUTERA MIC brothers – Thank you for all your encouragement and also your advice and motivations for me to continue.

There were times where I wanted to give-up, but, THANK GOD! I DID NOT and I don’t think I ever will now.

MY VIEWS

Some have asked me to be critical, some have asked me to be more diplomatic, some have asked me to not to beat around the bush, some have asked me to write ; without fear or favour and a few have asked me not to waste my time in commenting in my blog. I have decided "TO BE MYSELF" and what you read here is my thoughts and only my thoughts and not adulterated.

A SHIP THAT NEVER SINKS.... FRIENDSHIP

Hello everybody.....I am back in Malaysia after a fantastic and excellent training i had on Liberalism in Gummersbach, Germany.

My gratitude to Era Consumer Malaysia for nominating me to attend this training and i would also like to express my sincere salutations and thanks to the Freidrich Naumann Stiftung for creating such an excellent module which was not only effective but I must say enjoyable.

The Chances and Challenges of Liberalism will always remain a challenge in many countries including Malaysia, its like if you want to see the rainbow you have to put up with the rain, in this context if you want to have Liberalism you have to put up with thousand of challenges.

I am not going to dwell in this topic in my writings today but will talk about it in time to come. Today i am just going to write about my new friends I made during the 14 days stay in Gummersbach, Germany.

I will start introducing them one by one starting from the left.

Alexandra Cuyegkeng (Philippines)

Alex was one of our facilitators. She was very active and I must say she was also very helpful to explain details to the participants. She made sure we all understood our assignments well and walked in and out of the training rooms to explain details.

Ikmal Dzhomova (Bulgaria)

One of the youngest girl in the group. I remember that when I was picked up from the Cologne Railway Station she was sitting in the van very quietly and I spoke to her when I got down and she told me that this was her first time and that she never went out alone and was afraid that she may not blend well with the others, but, after a few days she confessed that this was her best trip and she was very sad that she will be missing all of us soon. Ikmal was also one of our active participant; she never kept quiet and expressed her views very well.

Miguel Argueta Giron (Guetamala)

Never in my wildest idea would I have thought of having a friend in Guetamala. I would normally tease my friends in Kuala Lumpur and ask them the capital of Guetamala as not many of them knew the answer. Now, I have a friend there. Miguel or as we called him ‘Miguelito’ is a great man, he spoke both Spanish and English. Quiet but blended very, very well with all of us.

John Jaisey (Ghana)

One of the founder members of ‘Puetro-Puetro Papa’ group. John was like a brother, not only to me, but to all of us in the group. His favorite line: ‘Oh! No’. He was an all rounder, not only in sports, but in everything. Can you imagine he learnt to play the pools from Roberto and finally he beat Roberto on the same game? Fast learner. Plenty of Potential as he said ‘the biggest enemy of Liberalism in Ghana is ……..’ (You know what I mean John.) We also know his weakness and John don’t worry we wont tell anyone about Tequila).


Yolanda Duvenage (South Africa)

A very polished personality. I have enormous respect for Yolanda. She speaks fluently in Spanish and English that made her into the Spanish Discussion groups immediately. Very active participant and has contributed without mincing any of her word when we talk about poverty and education.


Sarinthon Sachavirawong (Thailand)

AKA Jyothi. She is probably the first Siamese person I met who can speak fluent English without any grammatical error. She blended well with all the participants and was like a teacher for many of us (including me). She knew of many things that is happening around us and the good thing was that she was willing to share them with everyone.


Birgit Lamm – Director IAF (Germany)

Well we could say that she was the Principal of the Academy where we were the students. She was strict especially when it comes to GT (German Time i.e. Punctuality). But, I must say as a person, she was a nice and friendly person. She was touched and infact confessed that our group was not only different but probably one of the best by the way of our thinking and also the surprises that we had.


Glenda Olid (Philippines)

Miss Peace (V). She is never in shortage of smiles. Glenda was like one of the life wires in the group. She had her own way to ensure that rifts amongst the participants were minimum (not that there were any). A very bubbly character and a very good Filipino Ambassador. She was always to lend support for all the activities planned.


Dieter Schonebohm – Interpreter (Uruguay)

All the while I thought he was a German and when I was informed that hew has a Uruguayan – I was shocked. His English and Spanish were very good. I know it is not easy being an interpreter. Interpreters can actually put you to sleep, but, not Dieter.


Rana Birden (Turkey)

The first person to arrive and the last one to leave Gummersbach. She was a great friend and was a mover in the group. She was actually like a guide to many of us who arrived on the first day. She was a good implementer. Whatever the group decides she would be there to ensure we complete them successfully. A great team player and she was a very active participant in all the activities


Saira Ansari (Pakistan)

Miss Hyper Active….is there any other word? I don’t know. She is a great photographer and has great sense in photography. I was impressed with some of the photographs she took and presented at the last day of the programme. Very active Human Rights person and she proved it when she sat in the panel where she was supposed to play the role of a Union Activist. I got worried actually. But, she did well and I am sure she will become a great person that Pakistan needs.


Loubna Amhair ( Morocco)

Ms. Smile and the Ms. Eyes of the group. She has a great smile which could easily make others who are sad to forget all their sadness. I must say I enjoyed my conversations with her and I did mention that her thoughts and opinion about Islam is something that I have great respect. I wish some of my Malaysian friends are like her. A very good ambassador on the Moroccan culture and I am indeed very sure that many of us have now learnt the tradition. Keep the smile Luna!


Ahmed Hassan (Egypt)

My second friend in Egypt after Ashraf El Banna and one thing common with them – they are real jokers. A camel and the pyramids he wanted to sell along with the sweets and by the way; he did sell a bungalow with a swimming pool and 2 crocodiles to Ikmal. I never saw him got angry or even upset. He was never short of gift, starting from the T-Shirt then the book mark then the paper print and in the van he gave me some stamps.


Wulf Pabst – Facilitator (Germany)

Mr. Wulf (WOLF). I hope FDP will one day form the Government in Germany and then Mr. Wulf will be the man to watch. Has great potential and if he is not in that cabinet – Liberalism has failed in FDP. Plenty of things to learn from him.


Roberto Dietrich (Romania)

One of the founder members of ‘Puetro-Puetro Papa’ group. He is like the future son-in-law for most of the female participants. Besides being a great guy and the most wanted guy amongst the female participants. He was also a perfect gentleman. A complete personality and a good friend. If I travel to Eastern Europe for a holiday Romania will surely be one of my stops, not because of the country because I must meet my brother Roberto again.


Chhuon Koy (Cambodia)

I don’t know who have him the nick name CODE NAME: JOHN. But I think no other name would have suited him well. He did not speak much and was very disciplined person. He had self imposed curfew. The amazing thing was that I got to know more of him during my journey back from Gummersbach to Bangkok. Nice chap and a very intelligent person.


Efraim Morais Filho (Brazil)

One of the founder members of ‘Puetro-Puetro Papa’ group. The Samba King and the King of many other things. Efraim, John and I had a chat after the dip in the pool during the trip to Dresden – the best chats we ever had, I think that chat we had brought us even closer and we respected each other more. The party king who was the spinner of all parties in the group.


Maryna Khromykh (Ukraine)

The youngest girl and can you imagine she is already talking about Liberalism. Has great potential in her life not only with her beauty but also with her ability to deliver messages. She was one of the most artistic person in the group and the other person is off course Saira Ansari.


Francisco Jarquin Urbina (Nicaragua)

Our Member of Parliament and the future President of Nicaragua – YES I will pray for his success. He is the only guy that could not speak English. But he is one friend who I interacted a lot. Infact, we both went shopping together. He spoke Spanish and I Spoke English and we both could not understand each other. YES I nearly cried when I had to hug him to say GOOD BYE. That’s what friendship could do – There can be no language barrier.


Elena Dimitrova (Bulgaria)

My best friend. She is a very vibrant girl and she is not afraid in not agreeing to any point raised. Her favourite words when not agreeing ‘No…No…” it has to be said 2 times in a row. I must thank her for extending her hospitality when I said I may decide to visit Bulgaria. She is a good team player and very active contributor for any idea. I am sure Elena will have a great future not only in her career but in her life. Yes, Elena, i will visit you in Sofia one day.


Claudia Medrano Bardales (Honduras)

Wife of the future President of Honduras. I must say all my Latin American friends are wonderful people, so mush so, that I have told my self that I must travel to their countries one day and soon. Claudia is always there to lend a helping hand to any one who needs it. She made sure that some of our messages in English get across to Francisco as well.


Borbala Baittrok (Hungary)

I don’t know if it’s the country or what, she always says that she is Hungry and I really don’t know if it has to do with the country. I was afraid to play table tennis with her as she was good and need not mention she was also a good table soccer player. A complete personality who got on well with everyone in the team.


Alejandro Lopez Tenorio (Mexico)

The Salsa Man and another great friend. Alejandro knew how to get along well with everyone. He was very savvy in his approach and how can I forget – another founder member of the Puetro-Puetro Papa Group. A good dancer! Especially when it is salsa. Wonder, if he is conducting some classes back in Mexico during his free time.


Dilshani Samaraweera (Sri Lanka)

A journalist by profession and also a journalist for the team. She is the first choice when it comes for the appointment of who is going to take the minutes for the proceedings. A quiet girl but very intelligent. I hope there are many more Sri Lankan in Colombo like her.


Nathee Jarupunphol (Thailand)

I won’t say the C word he is the Mr. Political Analyst for the Democrats in Thailand. I hope the Democrats will be able to win the election in Thailand. Nathee, not for your sake but for my sake. At least then, I have a good reason to go to Bangkok. Yes, BUDDY I will visit you soon.


Ribal N. Zwein (Lebanon)

No way can you be a terrorist. Ribal has great sense of humor and he can make people laugh easily. A wonderful friend, although I had my reservation on the first two days, but, once I got to know him, I realized that I was wrong. Ribal is a first class businessman and I have plenty of things to learn from him.


Maia Gogidze (Georgia)

Mommy!….I like the way John called her mommy. Maia means invisible, but, Maia was not invisible, she made sure she was there at all time and was a very active and dedicated team player. Her identity was her laughter. Maia, Maryna and John put them together in a room and if the laugh, no one can be sad.

Pablo Caravia – Interpreter (France)

Pablo was the man. He was a good dancer and a good sportsman. He was very creative in his jokes and at times I do wonder how he can interpret things without making anyone laugh. All the time I thought French people were very square, but, Pablo has changed that perception.

Feline Freier – IAF Coordinator (Germany)

Big sister to all. She is the 911 and made sure every aspect of the participants are taken care. A complete person as well. She is into everything and anything. Sports, dancing, discussion, excursions and you name it. I must say she was the dream queen for a person and to a certain extent she was very well protected.


MY VIEWS……… How I wish we could all meet again. I don’t know if we will ever meet again and when that thought comes in. it makes me sad. I take a look at all your pictures and become happy for a while, but after that its sadness again. We never knew each other from Adam’s and just within 2 weeks we have created a good relationship. I am a true believer of friendship just like most of you but I think the test is how we are going to maintain this everlasting friendship. MAY GOD BLESS all of you and TILL WE MEET AGAIN.

Weimer, Buchenwald, Dresden, Lommatzch & Erfurt - GERMANY

Never in my wildest dream would I have ever thought of travelling to Germany, but, even by chance I would have got to Germany, I would have either gone to Berlin or Stuttgart, but not to, the above towns.

YES! I got there all right and I must thank my dear friends at ERA CONSUMER MALAYSIA for nominating me to attend the seminar which I have briefly mentioned in my previous postings.

The Friedrich Naumman Stiftung as part of its seminar proceeding organised a Excursion to the above towns and I must admit it was a visit which was worth every bit of it.

I would write more about the seminar in my other postings. Now, I will write a summary of my visit to the above cities.

WEIMER

Weimer is a small town in the state of Thuringia, Germany and is a urban district and has a population of 64,361 people. It seems that it is one of the oldest cities as it has records from the year 899. According to history Weimer has some of the greatest cultural sites in Europe. But its speciality is in music.

Since I like history it was indeed a wonderful experience to visit the places which was once resided by Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Richard Strauss and many, many more historians and world renowned musicians.

BUCHENWALD
(PICTURE ABOVE IS THE MAIN ENTRANCE)

A place that should not have existed at all in the history. Apparently this place was used as a concentration camp during the World War 2 and was extensively use by Adolf Hitler. I hate that man for all the cruelty that he had created although he did well in creating Patriotism and Nationalistic value in all Germans. It was indeed very sad to see how prisoners’ were treated – VERY INHUMAN. They were not only tortured but they were simply treated like animals. Can you imagine, there were some prisoners who was killed in the pretext of medical examination and then they have a cellar to hang the body till its time to cremate them.

If the Buchenwald concentration camp is a sin, I would say the same about the detention centre in Guatanamo Bay, USA and the ruler of that State ………… (Fill in the blank).

Sorry!!!! Time is running out and I will continue with the writings about the other destination in my next postings. I will write a brief of the other towns that we all visited within the next few days.

As for my friends or shall I say my latest family members from all over the world. They are all an interesting character to get to know, although they come from various background but we have the same wave length of thinking. Along with me is a Deputy Governor of a state from Brazil, a MP from Nicaragua and a would be President’s wife from Nicaragua….and many many more. I am indeed very happy that the relationship which was created here will last long as we have decided to create a link that would be connected all time.

Staffs at the FDF have been great. They have made sure that every thing is taken care of. They are so very strict as far as timing in concerned, but, friends would know that – I am a person who would stick to my time as such, fulfilling that rule of law was never a problem.

MY VIEWS……. GERMAN is a developed nation and is so advanced but I miss MALAYSIA. There can be no other place in this world that’s as good as Malaysia, although plenty of the teachings here really make me wonder if Liberalism is ever possible in Malaysia.

Gummersbach, Germany

Many of my friends who have been visiting my blog must be wondering that i may have decided to be buried under this blog and may not hear from me.

WELL; please forgive me for not writing for some time now as I have been busy with plenty of work commitments and while being busy during that time, I was informed that I was selected to participate in a seminar to be organised by Freidrich Naumann Stiftung which would be held in Gummersbach, Germany.

I must than Era Consumer Malaysia for nominating me.

The seminar is being held now and I am right now in Gummersbach, Germany.

I would also like to take this opportunity to apologies to some of my friends whom I was not able to say GOOD BYE.

Anyway, since I am writing now, it is only proper for me to share with you some of the happenings around me till to date. Sorry, I don’t have any pictures to attach here but, at least for a start a simple backgrounder would be sufficient.

The Seminar which is titled ‘Chances & Challenges of Liberalism’ is organised by the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung = Stiftung means Foundation. The 12 days seminar is fully funded by the foundation and along with me there are 24 other participants from all over the world. To be specific I now have friends from South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Hungary, Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and along with my Asian friends from Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Sri Lanka & Pakistan. YES, Its True, my friendship empire is getting bigger and better.

The discussions here have been very encouraging and I am enjoying every bit of it, especially learning the curves of liberalism and democracy (which I believe will be the best of the political system available at this point of time).

We have so far discussed several issues;

1. Liberalism throughout the world.
2. Liberalism versus its opponents, conservatism and socialism.
3. Property: the guardian of liberty and precondition for a flourishing market.
4. Democracy, human rights and rule of law from liberal perspective.

We have many more subjects that would be discussed over the next few days and I am indeed looking forward to those few days.

I will update you soon and please bare with me should there be a delay.

MY VIEWS…….. Liberalism is good, but Democracy is better. But, then again, for some country it may not work. As far as I am concern, there is no other political system which has been effective than the democratic system in a multi racial, multi ethnic and multi religious like Malaysia. There are plenty of similarities between liberalism and democracy and I am sure a combination of both would be the best.

Bloggers Buff 2007

During my recent travels around Peninsular Malaysia promoting Putera MIC, i have been mentioning that at the present moment of time we are living in 2 types of World. One, the real world and the other one is the virtual world.

Plenty of things predicted in the virtual world turn out to be real in the real world. Not all, offcourse there are some culprits (whom i term them as shock sendiri) will super impose people's pictures with a hope that it will become true - fat hopes. I would like to suggest to them, why not super impose your mother, father, brother, wife or sisters picture or better still your own picture - How sick can one person be ?

Anyway, coming back to my topic - Putera MIC which was just formed a few months ago would be making a giant step - supporting the organising of the Bloggers Buff 2007. For me its a giant step for an organisation which is just 4 months old. I believe the future is in the ICT world, in a short time of 4 months i have realised that one of the 'Blue Ocean Strategy' learning for me is to create a strong link between Putera MIC and the Virtual world.

I have taken a task to swim in this virtual world, i may sink or i may be able to swim to the shore, but i am sure, with the team that i have organising the bloggers buff 2007 - i will not sink. I salute B Mahendran, Amutha, Praveen, Puvanan and all their team for succesfully organising this historical event.

I think we would be the 1st political party in Malaysia to organise a bloggers workshop.

Some time back, when our Dato' Seri Party President announced the formation Putera MIC and mentioned his wishes to create the 3G Leaders - Many were unsure if that is possible - I will not fail the task which has been given to me despite many challenges out there as I know we have the ability to create the 3G leaders.

My Views; Let us all swim in the blue ocean and feel the virtual worlds strength and this would be the only way where the community will have an advantage to be the champion.

Singapura. Berpura-pura !

My writings this week may sound a little critical. I am not writing this just because I received a comment from a reader to be critical, but, this is my personal experience during my recent working trip to Singapore.

I have always enjoyed my trips to Singapore; let it be on work, on holiday or just visiting relatives. Whatever the reason may be, I have always enjoyed my trip to that city.

My recent trip to Singapore was actually a memorable one, for one or two things that took place. Off course, during my previous trips I did not have an opportunity to walk on the streets of Singapore as much as I did recently.

Thank GOD I did not do that in my previous trips. If I would have done that, I may have known this fact much earlier.

1st Situation

I was walking for dinner at Little India, I got down from the LRT (which I must one of the best public transport systems in the world) and I walked at the shoulder of the road. Walking towards me was an old lady and she was about 60+. I saw her carrying a bag and I was careful not wanting to knock her as she was a little unstable. But it was fated, as I normally walk fast, accidentally her plastic bag hit my leg. I immediately said SORRY.

Her response shocked me and I was speechless. She stared at my face and said ‘You Idiot, You Stupid, You dashed at me’.

I just did not what to say. But, one thing for sure, I realized the word SORRY has no value there.

2nd Situation

I and a few Malaysian friends were at the Singapore Expo Hall 4, it was so crowded. At that time a couple was walking in front of us and then a promoter (little girl) went to the lady and complained to her that her husband slapped her. Off which, the lady shouted ‘Do you have a proof that my husband slapped you’ and the couple were arguing with the little gal. The husband was so disturbed with the entire situation and just went to the girl a pushed her to a corner, thank GOD that little girl did not fall or injure herself. She did not let them go, she ran towards them; she got hold to the lady’s hair and pushed her just like how the husband pushed her earlier. By this time, all Singaporeans were watching the entire situation (as though its WWF Fights Live in Expo). The couple was ready to retaliate, but thank GOD, my Malaysian friends were there, and they went in between and separated them and put a stop to the mess which was created. One thing for sure, that little girl had a blue black mark clearly seen on her cheek. Who hit her? I did not see – GOD did.

I must agree and admit, while the above situation was not good. I must confess that I did meet and interact with Singaporeans who were not only nice and friendly, but, very kind and light hearted. Who valued the word SORRY and THANK YOU.

YES..YES..the most important thing they actually did SMILE.

I just hope the younger generation of Singapore value simple words like SORRY, EXCUSE ME and not just asking “If I buy one can you give me one free ah?”

MY Views….. The SMILE campaign is working effectively, although more needs to be done. I think a campaign to value the word SORRY, THANK YOU, EXCUSE ME must be launched as well and they need to be strict in implementing campaigns like this. Just like how they have banned chewing gum in Singapore.

PUTERA MIC .....Here we come !!!!

Hello everyone and I do hope that you are all doing well and fine. I must say SORRY to you for not being able to post in my blog for sometime.

If I don’t write anything now, my buddy Mr. Thomas Samuel will probably be making an announcement soon that my blogspot is now officially dead! Hmmm, I will never let that happen. I am busy but will somehow mati, mati find some time to write here.

Its friends like Mr. Thomas, Mr. Mahen and my Puterans’ keep me going in this blogspot. Thank you guys…but please do give a knock on my head from time to time so that I will continue and remember that I have a blog and I must write about it. No use boosting that I am one of the few MIC guys who actually blog. Now its not only my name at stake – its me and MIC and some may even link it to BARISAN NASIONAL and later to the GOVERNMENT. Look at the effect, if I don’t blog !

I have been rather busy with my work and also some traveling to Machap in Malacca and Ijok in Selangor to do my bit (a little ) – but I am sure that it did bring in some valuable votes to the party that I have been supporting – BARISAN NASIONAL.

While Machap as expected was a breeze, the same could not be said for Ijok. Ijok was NO JOKE! We all worked very hard to ensure that BARISAN NASIONAL keeps the Ijok State Assembly Seat. I must say that MIC President Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu who is actually 71 years old (young) showed many young politicians (like me) what getting to the grass root means. He was there, day – night, rain – shine, walked and walked – from house to house. This is what I mean ‘GRASS ROOT POLITICIAN’.

Like some of the websites claim – There are 10 reasons by BARISAN NASIONAL won in Machap and Ijok and Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu’s name was in both the list.

While we were all happy with the vistory in Ijok, I must say that to a certain extent I was disappointed that my prediction of a majority of 2,000 votes did not happen (fell short by 150 votes). Now that’s not important any longer. My friend K Parthiban is a guy that would deliver and I am sure he will not only be able to make the people in Ijok happy, but he would be able to make MIC and BARISAN NASIONAL proud of him.

Ijok by-election was the first ever opportunity for my Puterans’ to be actively involved and as such I will never forget Ijok.

My Puterans’ did better than what I thought they could have done. We did not have anything, we only had a gentleman by the name of S VELL PAARI and he helped us and guided us to ensure that we did our share of work to ensure that MIC and BARISAN NASIONALS candidate succeeds in the election.

The presence of the MIC President YB Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu at our temporary office and his word of advice to all Puterans’ was indeed an endorsement to my fellow Puterans’.

‘I am indeed very happy with this beginning, this is a very good start and I am sure you will make all of us proud’ this was the words from YB Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu.

Putera MIC would be an official entity of MIC come 13th of May 2007 and we are all looking forward to in.

MY Views… Putera MIC is here to provide all of us a better tomorrow and this can only happen with your advice, support and motivation. Please do not be too selfish in giving us just that.

Moderation....Dulu, Kini & Selamanya

I was having a discussion recently with Michael and Cecilia two days ago. The reason we met was something else [An advertising proposal for my organization to consider] but, after that we begin to talk about healthy food and so called ‘unhealthy food’.

I told them that actually there is no such thing as healthy and unhealthy food. What is ‘unhealthy’ for some could be the most important food ingredient for some one else. This then took me back some years when I was employed with the Malaysian Palm Oil Promotion Council. In one of our trip to promote palm oil in Europe, the Malaysian Delegation was comparing palm oil versus coconut oil and the conclusion was that Coconut oil was more saturated than Palm oil [which is actually the truth]. Then came Dr. Mary Enig, she walked to us and told us that we should not be criticizing Coconut oil, because as far as she is concerned that it serves its purposes in some parts of the world. In Sri Lanka for instance, the population there consume Coconut oil in their daily food diet and the number of heart risk cases there is not that alarming as the population in Sri Lanka are active and they burn their calories very fast, unlike in Malaysia, where Malaysian don’t even walk to a supermarket which is probably 200 meters from their home. Dr. Mary Enig told us as long we can eat any type of food that we like as long as we know the limits or in other words, even food intake must be done in moderation.

The same goes to even drugs. I am sure many of you know that some of the drugs Heroine, Marijuana and etc are used to treat some patients with certain health complications. But an over dosage of drugs could lead to what has happened to Anna Nicole Smith [I pray even my worst enemies should not go thorough what she went through].

Water is very important in life; we need to drink 8 glasses of water daily. But plenty of water can make a person drown as well.

Sugar is an important commodity and just about any other food you eat, there would be a certain percentage of sugar, but too much of sugar would lead you to diabetics.

If you look back, there is actually nothing to say good or bad. It is how you take it. It is like a person looking at a glass filled with 50% of water and saying it’s either half empty or half full – it is actually how you look at the situation. But at the end of the day – you make the decision, what you want to do and what you don’t want to do. No one can force you to do things that you don’t like to do.

MY VIEWS…. As long as you know what your limits are, you will not make any mistakes. In Malaysia, we need to be a moderate thinker, then we will find Malaysia as a wonderful country to live. I have mentioned more about food, but please consider moderation as part of your life ingredient as well.

Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara

6 deaths so far. How many more ?

I believe life and death is not in our hands. Tuhan yang Maha Esa lagi Maha Penyayang has the sole rights to decide on that and we cannot appeal nor beg or bribe him to make a decision to favour us.

But then my dear friends, i am sure you have heard over the mass media recently that so far 6 teenagers passed away during their stint at the Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara. They died far away from their loved ones, they died without even saying good bye to their loved ones or the least to look at them for one last time - when i sit back and think about this, tears can flow.

I am not saying that the Management of the Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara is at fault, but, could there be a chance or could there be away on how we can overcome situations like this. Maybe a full medical check-up for all selected participants before they sign up for the Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara ?

There would be many reasons now by the authorities on how E. Prema passed away. But, what is even more important now is that - we should fine a away (if there is ?) to reduce or better still overcome the number of deaths at the camps of Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara.

The authority is going all the way to nab participants who skipped the training stint - YES, that is a good move. But, the authority should do their best to ensure that parents send the children to the camps without any hesitation.

But, my dear friends, i don't know what your thoughts are on this matter ?

MY VIEW'S.... Lets not have death number 7.

IM BACK

My dear friends and well wishers,

I must apologise for not being able to post comments or issues recently. I have been busy with work and as well as a new responsibility which i have been entrusted with. But nevertheless, being not able to write in my blog is not the right thing to do.

I hope you will be kind enough and forgive me for Missing In Action.

Public Relations in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality - Chennai, India

Hello everyone !

First of all you have to forgive me for not writing for some time now. Some of you may be aware that I have been on the move after organizing People’s Pongal. Infact after organizing People’s Pongal I attended a Public Relations Conference in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and the moment I got back, I continued organizing People’s Pongal and just finished the Pongal Fiesta in Malaysia.

I guess from now onwards, you will be getting more writings from me, infact there has been so many happenings around that I actually don’t know where to start from.

But, I think it is only right for me to let you know about my trip to Chennai.

The seminar was inaugurated on 19th January 2007 by the Chief guest of the event, the Hon'ble Minister for Tourism - Tamil Nadu - Thiru N Suresh Rajan and Mr Aswini Kakkar, Exec. Vice Chairman Mercury Travel and former Chairman WTTC made the Keynote Address. The full day business session of 20th had 10 speakers (Of which I was one of them) and 3 panelists, covering major integrated aspects of Travel Tourism and Hospitality.

As the Secretary of the Institute of Public Relations, Malaysia. I reiterated that Public Relations in this sector or for that matter in any sector - will be able to deliver higher returns than mere advertising thrust. In my presentation I proposed for a greater Public Relations initiative in India. I also shared with my Indian Public Relations friends how we in Malaysia have successfully promoted 'Pongal' as a national event for all their citizens to involve and celebrate, taking it beyond any cultural or religious barriers. In my true words 'It is all in the positioning and Public Relations can do and deliver better positioning'.

I was also invited to present 2 lectures after the conference. One was presented to the Public Relations Students of the Stella Marry College in Madras and another presentation was made at the SRM College at Ramapuram for their MBA and the faculty staffs. At both of the presentation, I spoke on How Public Relations was able to create unity in Malaysia.

I must say the Public Relations Practitioners in Chennai deserves more than a pat at their backs; instead, it would be nice to see more Public Relations Chapters in India to emulate what the Chennai Chapter have been doing. The hard work put by the Chennai Chapter was infact rewarded when the Public Relations Society of India awarded them the most active chapter in India.

During my short stay in Chennai, I manage to meet and got to know many Public Relations and Communication practitioners and I must say my meetings with them have all been very good and encouraging.

Before my departure to Kuala Lumpur, I did have an interesting discussion with Mr. Ramana – The President and Mr. Danny Dass the Deputy President and we shared some ideas on how a better working relationship could be created between the Institute of Public Relations of Malaysia and the PRSI – Chennai Chapter.

I am looking forward for my next trip to Chennai.

MY VIEWS….. It is nice to mingle around with fellow professionals who are Public Relations Purist. I have learnt plenty of things from them. I have always said that the Indian Community has a flair for Public Relations – I was not wrong and will not be wrong – We need to be aggressive in getting more of our Malaysian Indian students to be involved in this industry as the growth in this industry is enormous.

Public Relations in Chennai

I am pleased to inform you that i will be away in Chennai from 19th January 2007 till 24th January 2007. I have been invited by the Public Relations Society of India's - Chennai Chapter to present a paper at the Public Relations Seminar on Travel, Tourism & Hospitality. This seminar would be held at the Accord Metropolitan, Chennai.

I would be presenting a paper tittled 'Public Relations in the Tourism Industry'.

It is indeed an honor and privilage for me and the Public Relations Industry in Malaysia for this invitation and to present a paper in this conferance is yet another recognition for me.

I will try my best to do some posting and keep all of you updated from Singgara Chennai and in the meantime, all the best and may GOD bless you and all your loved ones.

Malaysian Indians & Public Relations Industry

Receiving my Public Relations Award for Organising People's Pongal 2004

by HRH Raja Nazrin - Patron of IPRM

I was again invited to be a guest on Astro Tamil News on 17th January 2007. This time, the subject of discussion was Malaysian Indians and the Public Relations Industry.

Public Relations is a profession that I have passion in practicing. I am glad that I have decided in a profession which has thought me many good things especially in handling publics.

For your information, in Malaysia there are many great Public Relations Practitioners who are Indians. I look at them as my mentors in this Industry; Practitioners like Mr. K Haridass, Mr. Valentine Siva and the names can go on. But one person, who I really look up to in the industry is a great man by the name of DATO’ MURAD HASHIM. This man thought me Public Relations. This man gave me a break in Public Relations; this is the man – whom I label as a very liberal and open minded Malaysian. I salute him for teaching me and training me to be a good Public Relations Practitioners.

Having said all that, can Malaysian Indians do well in this Industry or is this Public Relations Industry is meant to be a position to fill the quota for Bumiputra in Malaysia. If there are anyone out there thinks that it’s a position that is to fill the Bumiputra Quota – You are wrong.

Public Relations Industry needs practitioners who are liberal in their thoughts and ideas. They have to be clear in what they objectives are. They have to know what is Public Relations is all about. Not every one has the passion in Public Relations; a person just cannot practice Public Relations because he or she likes it. They must have passion in practicing Public Relations.

Malaysian Indians can actually do extremely well in this Industry. We have the strength in Language (Most of us are at least trilingual), We are willing to work very hard and are most of the time, very honest and faithful to the job that we are paid to do. All we need to do is to get the right qualification, and then a proper training and you are on the way to become a Public Relations Practitioners.

I did mention during my interview that I am willing to assist and Malaysian Indians who would like to study Public Relations – I would love to see more and more Malaysian Indians in this Industry.

The Institute of Public Relations of Malaysia (IPRM) has actually embarked on an Accreditation system, whereby we want to ensure only qualified persons can practice Public Relations in the near future. It’s a very good scheme which was introduced 2 years ago and we have now 41 Accredited Public Relations Practitioners in Malaysia of which I am one of them.

By 2020 we believe that there will be more Public Relations Practitioners in Malaysia and we better start working hard, not only creating Doctors, Lawyers and Engineers amongst the community but also World Class Public Relations Practitioners.

I know I can be a World Class Public Relations Practitioner and so can you.

MY Views.. Public Relations Practice will teach you many things, not only practicing what you will learn, but also, it will help you to be a better person and I think the best thing I like in Public Relations is that – it teaches me to listen more than I talk.

Marco Polo ! In our own way.

My dear friends, it has been a few days since I last wrote in my blog. If you think, that I have given up – then you are absolutely wrong. I have not and I don’t think I will give up bloging. I am actually beginning to like this, especially when I get comments from many friends from near and far. I will continue my journey in this blog world as long as I think my opinions would make sense.

Now you may say ‘cut all this crab, why have you been lazy?’.

Well, I have been very much involved in organizing People’s Pongal. Its reaching the D-Day and there are plenty of things to do, YES PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO.

I thank GOD for giving me a great team, who is working not only very hard but they are so dedicated. I will surely write about each one of them soon, so that the world will know who they are and I believe that anyone who is working hard should be rewarded. Since I don’t have much money to give them, the least I can do is openly say THANKS to them.

We have been doing very well in Pongal this time around, as readers of my blog, I think you guys deserve the latest and I shall just let you know some secrets.

We will be the first country in the world to celebrate Pongal in the International Airport. According to reliable sources, even in Anna International Airport they have not done this yet.

YAB Prime Minister has given a special message for Pongal which will be announced to all Malaysians on the 14th January 2007 and the best thing is that. We will call this celebration as ‘National Pongal Festival’ beginning from 2008.

For your information, our Pongal Celebration story was on the headlines in leading newspapers in India, Indian Express and The Hindu.

From 2007 Pongal will feature as an event that must be organized in all IPTA’s (Public Universities).

I am proud and happy with this achievement and I will continue to work on new thoughts and ideas. I have plenty of them and with the team I have – I know we will be going great places.

Please pray for us to have a successful event. If you have some time, do drop by University of Malaya on 15th January 2007 staring from 9:30 a.m. and let us all celebrate Pongal together.

Pongal Nalvazhtukal!

My Views.. Let us all be‘MARCO POLO’ of our own and find new ways and means to strengthen our tradition and culture. We should not be competing amongst us to be famous or who is more powerful then the others. But let us work together for the benefit of the community, nation and race.

Disabled Trader Treated Harshly

Many of us may have read an article with the above title on the Malay Mail Newspaper Page 8 - Friday, January 5, 2007.

I had so many calls asking me what actually happened and since I was a councilor at the Selayang Municipal Council, I think it is only fair that I explain what actually took place.

I have known the members of the Independent, Living and Training Centre (ILTC) personally and they are one group of people who are not only hard working but will not keep quiet in fighting for their right. I salute them and their hard work and will continue to assist them in any possible way.

I know Mr. Murugan, despite his disability he wants to do something on his own. He is a person who would like to work and earn so that he can feed his family. He is a friendly chap and has never failed to smile whenever he meets me.

I was very sad to note that he underwent some very unpleasant moments at the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang branch office in Rawang.

I am very disturbed with the way Councillor Mr. M B Raja handled the matter.

YES, Mr. Murugan did not have a license, but the enforcement officers should have been kind to him and should have told him to leave and they could have gone further by getting a application form for Mr. Murugan to apply – It is not something that cannot be done. When I was a Councillor, we have always requested the officers to use commonsense policy – off course, in Mr. Murugan’s case – they did not use it at all. Does Mr. M B Raja know how many traders within the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang are trading without licenses? I am sure he knows that better than me and many others.

It was indeed sad to note that Mr. M B Raja went to the MPS Rawang Branch office only because the Council President requested him to do so but not to go and help the ILTC members.

Mr. M B Raja said that Mr. Murugan was fortunate as he did not have to pay RM250.00 summons and was lucky to have his belongings returned. Mr. M B Raja – Mr. Murugan got wet in the rain, he got humiliated and he also got his pants wet, isn’t that unfortunate.


Mr. Murugan is a disabled person, how is he going to see Mr. M B Raja who has a office in Rawang which is located in the first floor. All Mr. M B Raja could have done is at least offered to get the form – go and see Mr, Murugan at his home and get the application forms filled. But no, he wants Mr. Murugan to go and see him at his office.

The ILTC members called everyone they knew to help them, they also contacted Mr. S Vell Paari and he immediately contacted me and requested me to assist them in all possible ways. Infact Mr. S Vell Paari who is overseas now on an official visit called again to find out the situation.

We are trying to assist Mr. Murugan with the license and also trying to get him a permanent stall nearby the schools so that he would be able to continue his business.

Let’s pray not only for Mr. Murugan but everyone else at the ILTC and all their members.

I would also like to thank Mr. Stuart Michael from The Star who not only went there to cover the news but also bought them food as they have been in front of the MPS - Rawang branch office from 1.00 noon.

My thanks to Sangeetha Nair from Malay Mail for driving to Rawang within a few minutes to ensure that the disabled people's problems are highlighted and also Mr. Malayandy from Tamil Nesan for highlighting this issue in Tamil Nesan.

MY VIEWS.. As a councillor it is our responsibility to ensure that we become the bridge between the authority and the people. Many forget, they think, they are only answerable to the authority and not the people.

People's Pongal 2007

I would like to invite all bloggers and visitors of blog to visit a special website (www.mypongal.com) that has been created by a few good friends of mine to promote People’s Pongal which would be organized on 15th January 2007 at the University of Malaya.

For your information, People’s Pongal have been organized since 2003 and started as a small event at the Sree Veerakathy Vinayagar Alayam with a participation of 320 families.

People’s Pongal was organized with an intention to promote the strong culture and tradition that belongs to all Malaysian Indian – I saw Pongal as an event that would not only bring all Malaysian Indian together but it could also bring an Unity amongst all Malaysian.

Pongal is a harvest festival. We thank the SUN, EARTH and the FARMERS. In Malaysia, I am sure you will agree with me that not many Malaysian Indians are involved in paddy farming. That does not mean we don’t celebrate Pongal, we do, infact we made it look more like a religious festival.

So I and my friends realized that we have a festival that would show the generosity and the sincere thoughts of the Malaysian Indian’s thus People’s Pongal was created.

It has been 5 years we have been organizing this event and we have won several awards;

• 
  Malaysia Book of Records 2003, 2004 and 2005 – for organizing the Largest Pongal Festival in Malaysia
• 
  Institute of Public Relations of Malaysia’s Crystal Award for the best Multi Racial Events.
  
• IPRM also gave me an award for creating People’s Pongal.
  
  Last year we organised People’s Pongal in Menara KL. We had more than 500 participants and more than 3,000 visitors witnessing and enjoying the celebration of this festival.
  
  We are now taking Pongal to another height. I guess, we would be the only country in the World to welcome visitors to a Pongal Ceremony…….YES; I will share this information with all of you soon.
  
  In the meantime, if you want to participate or help us please visit Pongal’s website and register your interest.

ASTRO Tamil News Interview

I was invited by Mr. Kanna Simathiri of ASTRO to talk about the reasons on why our Putran's shy away from the Ministry of Human Resources Funded Technical schools.

There was a news article recently saying that out of 20,000 places which was available nationwide only 400 places were filled by our putran's - which works out to be a mere 2%. For your information, the department has allocated 5,000 places for non-bumiputra students. Chinese students fill in about 800 places - They are also not to keen.

I did mention in that interview that Malaysian Indian based NGO's, Malaysian Indian Congress - Youth, Wanita and Puteri, Yayasan Strategik Sosial have always carried out awareness programmes to recruite our putran's and putri's to be enrolled in Government Funded Colleges like Giat Mara, IKBN and etc. This will continue.

Why are they not interested was the subject of the discussion?

My findings and thoughts which i shared with the viewers are as follows;

1. The courses offered by this Technical Schools are not subjects that would interest our Indian Students. I have noticed that our putran's prefer to be involved in trainings like mechanical, electrical or handy man and etc. They are not keen in subjects like interior decorations, cooking and etc. As such, parents would rather send their putran's to a private college to complete a certificate or diploma.

2. Some of these colleges are situated far away from the students home and parents are not to keen in sending their children far away from their sight. Not because they don't want to part away from them but they are trying to be protective so that their child would not be exposed to unwanted relationship with new friends.

3. Language should not be a barrier although it was found out by the Ministry that our students shy way when they are asked to talk in Bahasa Malaysia. I was shocked to hear that. I don't think there is truth in those findings. But if the findings are correct - i am shocked with this attitude or our Indian Children who shy away when it comes to taking in Bahasa Malaysia. Bangladeshi's, Nepali's and Pakistani's working in Malaysia have learnt the language fast and we are still learning - that's a disgrace.

4. Sad but the truth is, our putran's i was told are normally offered places where they have to travel quite a distance. Infact, at times there are colleges which is situated near, but they dont get a place there and when they ask why they were not given the place there. 'Tiada kekosongan dan semua dah penuh'......MACAM MACAM ADA.....

I have offered myself to help parents and children who want to enroll in these technical schools and if you know of any students who is keen, please do let me know.

Who are the moral guardians ?

It’s rather difficult for me to say if we have had a successful year in 2006, but one thing for sure – all of us did whatever we can do, to the best of our ability.

2006 has been a memorable year for me, infact every year that I have lived in this ‘Tanah Tumpahnya Darah Ku’ has never been short of any excitement and it will only continue and probably bring more surprises.

I met a friend by the name of Steven (his real name) and he shared one embarrassing moment he had experienced in Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia and I am sure he does not mind me sharing his experience with all of you.

During the recent fasting month Steven (Malaysian Indian) and his wife was out in KLCC – They were holding hands like any other happy married couple would do. He was smoking and they were having a nice stroll in the park. Then came the so called guardians of ‘Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan’ (The Islamic Department officers). They went to him and asked him to produce his Identity Card and he went to ask ‘Why?’ and they told that he has committed a crime by walking in in the park holding hands and that way on top of that smoking during the fasting month. (Please believe me – Steven doesn’t look like a person who should be fasting).

Thank GOD, Steven was prepared with some basic questions and I was glad that he did not loose his cool. Just imagine, if he had lost his composure and just given a knock on the head of the officer – I can’t imagine what would have happened.

However, the officers harassed him to the maximum and Steven stood firm in his decision in not giving his identity card and told them that he is ready to go anywhere to argue this matter.

Finally, the so called ‘guardian’s of moral’ left the place.

All this happening, just made me realize, that we need to be very careful with the system which has been adulterated by some officers of the law.

I must admit, that not all officers of the Religious authority are like that, there is a senior officer in Perlis who recently issued a statement with regards to his job and was later criticized for his decision by his fellow colleague’s.

What we need in this wonderful country of ours are broad minded Malaysian’s – we have to be liberal in protecting our race, culture, religion and rights in this country.

Malaysia has a good system – but when it comes to the implementation – We don’t fail badly but we fail miserably.

One of my wishes in 2007 is to identity the more Liberal Minded Malaysian.

Going back to Steven’s episode, we have to be ready and prepared for more situations like that. The question is – are we ready?

Do you know what your rights are?
Would you be able to be composed in such situation?
What would you do first when you are in such situation?
Do we deserve to be treated like that?

You must remember, every step you take, every move you make, someone is watching you. In Malaysia, it’s the same, but the problem is, they would not come to you and say “Smile – You are on Candid Camera” instead, they would say “Jom, ikut ke Balai!” maybe not that but something which is more like that.

My Views.. We need to be prepared and know what our rights are and how to react to such situation. But the most important thing – be composed, take a deep breath – count till 10, then begin your talking. Perhaps you would be able to handle – not only in those situations, but in any situation.