Time to remember

True, I have not written any post  for a while now.

Now is the time to remember, “what goes up will come down”. Look at what is happening in Iran, thirty years ago they rejoiced in the streets to welcome a new era heralded by the late Ayatollah Khomeini, their Supreme Leader after the fall of their SHAH. Now they are fighting for a new era after thirty years of having a Supreme Leader. Innocents still have to die in the name of Iran as was before and also so many times before. Look around you there are many instances of good and bad times – time for growth followed time for death, time for enjoyment and time to cry, time for wealth and time for poverty. Only time can and will be humbled the Supreme, the Great or whatever as long that man forgets that there is time to wither and die and time to fall. Thus it is better to cherish every moment and every day rather than to mourn and groan.

Yet time alone will not be enough if you want change for the better to come in time for you, yourself, to enjoy the change you may dream of… So it is better to get one thing done at a time or day and cherish its accomplishment.

Our Prime Minister calls for 1Malaysia and then his Deputy calls for a Unity Government. Then lately, PM says BN can govern without a Unity Government. Believers will pray and said now we have a new agenda, yet nonbelievers are still hoping for the new agenda. Politics being politics, only the shrewd and cunning will win. But always remember, time will show that unless BN really change they will surely become the Opposition one blue day. When it happens, depends on how shrewd and cunning the PR group will be before the next General Election – or really how smart Najib is in using the System to rebuild credibility and strength for BN through the changes he promises.

In Sarawak some enjoy very good times still while many are still hurting. This Gawai could be merrier but some cannot even enjoy for one reason or another. It is very strange why for the first time after we launched the official Gawai for the State in 1988 after the Ming Court saga, Jabu was visibly absent at the National level Gawai celebrations. Rumors and speculations said that he is “sick” and needed a “by-pass”. Yet there is no official announcement. Is it time which is changing? Whatever it is, we should wish him well.

Yes, it is still time to celebrate Gawai. One village may still have their Annual festival this July as the date is yet to be confirmed. In Bau District, there were five villages that celebrated their Annual festival the traditional way, namely Kpg Grogo, Kpg Opar and Kpg Stass on the 30th May to 1st June followed by Kpg Serikin and Kpg Serasot a week or two later. In Lundu, Kpg Selampit ahd celebrated theirs with the help of the High Priest, High Priestess and two Priestesses from Kpg Grogo. During these Gawai celebrations, these were times to remember and share as visitors renewed their relationships and shared their successes and failures.

For the Bidayuhs, it is time to remember that 1908/09 padi is a Year OF KILOWONG. There were many complaints by farmers who found that their padi were harvested in many areas without any signs of the padi stalks on ground or within the farm area. A few even claimed that they saw momentarily “men in red” doing the harvesting. Upon checking with the elders, I was told that there is a year of the “KILOWONG” – the “unseen” doing the harvest to get their share. Yet there were farmers whose farms were spared. It is a year to remember and understand why the Bidayuh have to do various ceremonies during the farming season to ensure that they would be blessed with a very good harvest and a successful year.

2009 is also the fiftieth anniversary of  Dragon School, situate at 24th Mile of the old Kuching/Serian road. The pupils, as we were called then, of 1959 are celebrating the 50th Anniversary on July 4th. I am that old? Yeah indeed, it is time to get old and older. So as one grand colleague of mine always says, ” CONGRATULATIONS” every time we meet, I say “CONGRATULATIONS”. Why, because we are fortunate to live another beautiful day as every day in our pension years is a day of rejoice and blessing. Many of  my peers unfortunately cannot attend and I can say only to them, RIP unfortunately. Some choose not to attend. To them we say “CONGRATULATIONS” as you are still around to enjoy the good and bad times.

A big thank you to all who have sent me greetings. May God blesses you all always.

CONGRATULATIONS.

Embrace Diversity…..

My search for a topic relevant for our common survival ended when I read the following woods taken by O.E Bulter in her book, Parable Of The Sower from another book, Earthseed: The Books Of  The Living:

EMBRACE DIVERSITY,

UNITE  —

Or BE DIVIDED,

ROBBED,

RULED,

KILLED,

BY THOSE WHO SEE YOU AS PREY.

EMBRACE DIVERSITY

OR BE DESTROYED.

Malaysians and especially Sarawakians must think through this simple message in our quest to move up to the next level of development towards a real Parliamentary Democracy to safe guard our individual rights to reach our fullest potential, especially amongst those who cry for change for the better. The power of change lies from within as well as outside the individual, depends very much on our own character and motivation in life ….. However in order to invoke real change  around ourselves the power within is the important one.

Only we can sow the “proper seed”….

In Malaysia, BN has been able to govern since its formation in the early seventies as an effort to find a resolution to the racial divide which has heralded in the 1969 racial riots after that General election. It heralds in the New Economic Policy which recognizes the need to cater to the needs of the various races by reducing the economic gap between Bumiputra and non-bumiputra population. Winning Parties representing various racial and other interests have always been invited to join to form the Government by UMNO, the backbone of BN. PBS was accepted into BN after it toppled Berjaya, the BN partner during the election where even the PM promised to sink or swim with Berjaya during that State Election. Berjaya, however, was allowed to sink into a political oblivion… However PBS was kicked out later but because they still hold a considerable sway amongst the local voters, it has been taken back in to reduce politicking and also to ensure UMNO supremacy in Sabah.

However the need to unite amidst diversity was not accepted amongst the opposition parties especially between DAP and PAS until the last General election where the only “glue” was provided by the “de facto” PKR leader, Anwar Ibrahim. However that need was not accepted by PKR Sarawak State leader, Dominic Ng, who went on a three corner fight trying to wrest the Chinese majority seat from DAP in Sarawak. The unity amongst the main Opposition Parties in West Malaysia resulted in BN losing its two third Majority in Parliament for the first time in Malaysia history and losing four more States in West Malaysia.

In Sarawak, working in isolation and individually, only one seat, Kuching Bandar went to the Opposition. If only the Opposition parties worked together right from the beginning, BN could have lost at least six seats…. but divided, DAP lost Sarikei seat by 51 votes while PKR Independent lost its deposit in Sarikei!…  PKR lost Limbang by 676 votes in a two corner fight, and DAP lost Stampin by 3070 votes.

Furthermore domination of Sarawak politics by Taib in the last 28 years is due to his ability to unite the divided forces under BN banner under his battle cry of “politics of Development” publicly which in private could also mean “Development of (his)Politics” of dominance…. Destruction of SNAP through the formation of PBDS and later SPDP has paved the way for a total dominance as none of the existing parties in BN can go solo against PBB or BN and dislodged him from power. Furthermore the destruction of  PBDS through  the “instant formation” of PRS has further divided the contending Dayak power to remain subservient to the ruling power. The ability to use the divisive forces within BN and the political  “gamblers” was further demonstrated in the Batang Ai By-election, where BN won by a big majority, even though the local sentiment was against BN. The key was to unite the divisions through the power of money politics….

Now there are lots of talk about allegations of abuse of power, money politics, corruption, false promises, etc against the BN, but until the Opposition recognizes the need to embrace diversity and unite, BN will still has its day, no matter what…

In Sarawak, the continued division amongst the natives has allowed for total political dominance by Taib and his men since his return in 1981.

Until the natives can unite politically to seek a better future, a lot of unnecessary court cases regarding land and political pension will have to continue as both of these issues needed to be resolved by the Courts as appeals for real justice are being ignored for political convenience. Daniel and group had to bring their appeals for their rightful pension right o the Federal Court to have it resolved. They may even have to get another Court Order to get their rightful pensions.

Until we can unite amidst diversity, a lot of unnecessary woes will befall many as BN will use their might for purposes suitable for …..

Have a Happy Gawai season…

HAPPY EASTER HOLIDAYS

Have a Happy Easter weekend.

Because CHRIST came, died and WILL BE BACK AGAIN.

He came for a purpose but that purpose has been rejected even by the majority of HIS OWN CHOSEN people till to-day. His greatest teaching is for us “to love thy neighbor”. But how of many of us really DO?

Then FOR THE LOVE of the “CHOSEN people” and us, HE died ON THE CROSS for a purpose also – To cleanse our SINS, especially the original SIN – BUT how many try to avoid sinning?

In every Mass, believers will sing, “…. , HE WILL COME BACK AGAIN”. Sure, he will come back to collect every time one dies. But how many believers are ready to meet HIM without sins?

But what is your reaction now to my comments? Those who have condemned me will automatically condemn for a simple reason that it is that problematic human nature. The others may think about them and may let it pass or probe further…..

Whatever enjoy yourselves and have a BLESSED EASTER. LET JESUS CARRIES OUR YOKE….. as he had asked.

Najib, the Sixth PM

Despite all the negative speculations and heresay, Pak Lah, true to his word,  handed the post to Najib as promised and got his Tunship at the same time. So Najib was sworn in as the Sixth PM on Friday, April 3rd at 10.00 am at Astana Negara.

He then announced the release of 13 ISA detainees and the lifting of the six months suspension of Harakah(PAS newsletter) and Suara KeAdilan(PKR newsletter). Yesterday he made his “walkabouts” to three sites in Kuala Lumpur unannounced much to the pleasure and excitement for those who met him. He also has gone IT with his IMalaysia website and is on Flicker.

While his actions departed from his predecessors in the swiftness of its implementation, many skeptics have reservations whether he will continue to do all the things he promised in his maiden speech as PM. Just to-day in Sunday market, many still believe it is just for show. It is as if to say a new “BROOM SWEEPS WELL”.

His supporters in BN have said many things positive and hopeful. Jabu wants Batang Ai BN victory, as present for the new PM, though from what I heard quite an expensive present using taxpayers’ money. What if the 8006 voters decide to vote for PKR to win in two days time or give BN a smaller margin of victory than the 806 in 2006. A vote swing of less than 1% to PKR will make a bad day for BN.

Meanwhile PKR made another “Boo-boo” in Bukit Selambau. A promise of “NOT TO MISS” ceramah to all reporters turned out to be another election gimics of crossovers of  PPP members to PKR. Same in Sarawak, a crossover of PKR divisional Chairman was also announced. Only on the 7 April the verdict will be passed by the respective voters. After that, another day of paying for high prices for food and services for every Malaysians unless Najib can govern better than his predecessors or than expected .

Can he for instance reduce the costs of politics which have sapped our economy and lowers the buying power of the RINNGIT? Will he be able to convince Bank Negara to get the right Monetary policy and modernising our banking procedures and policies to be competitive with just Singapore? Will he revives the “ONE CENT” coin? For him to succeed, he has to reduce corruption legally as well as the legal “commissions” which are parked overseas?

There are many more issues which have to be dealt with including  race and religion. One concerned Malay told me this morning, “Can he stay away from Tun Mahathir?” Another question, “Will he be more dicisve than Pak Lah?”

Whatever he does will be closely watch. Any misstep, his political rivals will jump on his back immediately. His actions will be critical for all Malaysians as well as his longevity as PM.

Meanwhile we should give him the benefit of the doubts, because whether we like it or not he is PM of Malaysia and the “BUCK STOPS AT HIS DESK”.

“So that I may serve”

The above phrase was drummed up in our high school days at Dragon School fifty years ago to the young boys and girls coming from all over Sarawak from Tanjong Datu to Limbang representing all races and religion present in Sarawak at the time. At every school assembly in the morning we would be reminded of our obligations and the need for good behavior. We lived together like brothers and sisters. For two, three or five years we lived and learned together. Those were the classes of 1959, whether we were in Transition classes, Form I or Form IV.

Not only were students, but we were also the “gardeners, the sweepers or football field makers”. Yes, we learned and worked together. It was the good of times. It was also the time for opportunities to learn and work together.

When we finished Form III or V, almost everyone got employed as long as they applied for the right jobs, irrespective of whether they failed to get through to Form IV or Form Six. After sitting for Higher School Certificate at Upper Form Six at Tanjong Lobang School, we were offered jobs almost immediately. I was offered three different jobs from three separate Departmental heads and I opted to be a temporary Teacher. I then chose Serian Secondary School for my posting before I went to Canada for Medicine on a Colombo Plan Scholarship.

Yes, those were the good times. Most of us ended up with good careers and made our marks as heads of various Departments as Directors and so on. Nelson Liap Kudu and myself shifted to politics. Others like Julaihi, late Hillary Nyambau, Frankie Jurem, Putit, Sepuan made it to head their respective Departments, just to name a few. Our “Elvis”, Wilfred Amin remained as non recording artist. Sulong, our frankster (watch out), is now a Federal Judge.

Behind it all, it is the school motto which still influences what I had done, is and will be doing. That five little words can mean a lot if taken seriously to heart. It can mean even serving oneself although it may be considered by many “to be selfish”. However the inability to serve oneself render ourselves useless to the others. Once we have helped ourselves, then we can be of service to the others. As long as we don’t serve ourselves by or through deceit and guile but only through dedication and hard work, it should be acceptable. Otherwise nothing good will ever come out in the end.

This year, 2009, will be our Fiftieh Anniversary for the first batch of Form I, IV and two Transition Classes of 1959. There will be a “get-together” dinner in July. We will be able to meet again but for those who have gone “home” – may they rest in peace. How many I am not certain but I know a few only.

To all my friends, let us celebrate our 50th Anniversary and to my fellow Dragonians, “So that I may serve”. Happy Anniversary.

Politics- your future

My brother just told me of a story about how one of my uncle introduced “A political party to them” in the early sixties. He said in Bidayuh, “I bring to you a fishing gear, (sokoup), to fish and dirty your bathing place.” When one uses a “SOKUOP” to fish, one needs to clear all the stones and sand in that track of water so that not only the dirt goes into the fishing gear but the fish and shrimps which happen to be there as well. Anyway, the water downstream will be dirtied. Thus the Bidayuh expression of “Oku toban sokuop ngan dah bikalan ingan koluh” which was used by my uncle. Sure enough, many politicians and political parties only “dirty” the minds of their followers and confused the voters.

It aptly described politics as played by most politicians all over the world. Yet politics need not be dirty if  the voters want it to be clean. Politics and how it is conducted determined whether the “milk”, which is money collected through taxation, etc  from the cow or cows(taxpayers) are being distributed and used. Wonder whether all of you are aware of how capitalism, socialism and other forms of Government are described in terms of the cows and their milk and its use and distribution. Politics is about dirtying the mind of the people to follow the leader either without questions or no questions asked. It can mean either you as you are told by the “GREAT LEADER” or you suffer the consequences. Wonder whether Aldous Huxley’s “animal Farm” is fully practised in most Third World countries including Malaysia. It was supposed to be a satire about Communism but is there any difference from what is happening in Sarawak, I wonder.

Take “Batang Ai” byelection for instance, it is rumoured that PRS submitted only one name for the candidate to be considered on Saturday but a different person and name came out to-day as the candidate for BN yet it was introduced as the “perfect candidate” by SUPP President. What is going on in that BN meeting on Saturday? It was a good thing that Masing as a “very good” team player didn’t not announced the name of his party’s sole nomination before the BN meeting. It is wondered who is the “REAL” President of PRS. But that is Sarawak BN politics and how it is to be played.

Anyway it will not make an iota as to who wins Batang Ai, except the twelve million gained as announced finally for the tarsealing of the Batang Ai road, as it will not change the real dynamics of Sarawak politics. It will only be a winning for the winner alone plus the projects given during and before the by-election to the constituency by BN. However, whoever the winner may be, he will end up to be the loser in the long run. For the winner, it will continue to be a hopeless pursuit because one way or another he will be just another new player amongst a team of extremely experienced players. For the loser, he only has to pack  his bag and go into a political oblivion.

The only importance of the results of Batang Ai by-election is its function as the political barometer for BN Sarawak politics and for PKR in a Dayak majority area. BN, being the incumbent, cannot afford to lose the seat. If it does, they have  to say “goodbye” to its incumbency. If PKR loses despite having all the issues on their side, they will have to reconsider its approaches and place in Sarawak politics. Thus both sides have to put their “PERFECT” candidate to fight the BATTLE ROYAL between them.

Yet it is important for the future of Sarawak and your own future.

Politics – Essence of Life

My very friend, Audie, has asked me to write on this very controversial topic of Politics.

He remarked, “Politics is beautiful.” commenting on the Perak political saga between BN and PR power struggle there. Both sides of course win their sides of the argument as one other friend of mine remarked that the only winner in this game will be all the lawyers who will be handling the cases in court irrespective of whoever wins in the end. It will be a costly political game paid for by all the Taxpayers, eventually. The loser will be Malaysians as there will no work achieved as both sides will continue on politicking on others expenses.

I however told him that politics is not beautiful but it is an essence to life. It can be turned to  ugly with the dirt flying around by politicians who want to reap the harvest at the peoples’ expenses, especially where dirty is the name of the game. Nations will only develop to the level of the dirt around. Singapore is economically but though politically sterile better than Malaysia because their politicians are paid well and told not to be involved in Business. In other countries where politicians are required to fend for themselves are worse off economically than Malaysia.

Politics is the lifeline of any nation. Communist Russia fell because of the political system which eventually choked Communist Russia to death economically. When I was there with Tun Mahathir in 1987, I knew then that system will bring down Russia. We, as guest of honor, were well taken care off  – good food etc but when I roamed around the Departmental stores around the Kremlin area in our off hours there were not much stock on the shelves – Bau shop houses had more. When we were brought officially to their  Tourist stores, their workers were more interested in chatting amongst themselves than trying to sell their products. In fact one African- like customer was given a good dressing down by one of the Sales person. Understandably that even if they were to work hard they would get the same allowances or housing, so why worked hard?

China without Mr Deng Zhou Peng would still have the third world economy and not the present economic growth. USA with eight years of Bush and conservative approaches is presently in a very bad depression, with two wars to fight and two nuclear to be nations on the horizon. Even Britain is having trouble as well.

Barren Land due logging in the upper reaches

Looking closely around the world, politics matters in the well-being of every nation on earth. Switzerland who quietly mind their own business has the wealth from all over the world entrusted to their banks. Possibly every third World political leaders may have accounts there. The Swiss Francs is the only currency which appreciates in value. Worse is Zimbabwe which have to print notes in the million of  Z dollars where as a Zimbabwean Billionaire you may find it difficult to live well.

Dying river - now full sand and gravel from the logging upstream in the late eigthies

Dead Pool- now gravel pit

My pictures say it all even to this river and its surrounding areas.

Politics is indeed an essence for life. Look after it well, the citizens will benefit. Leave it to the dirty politicians and characters who even have to take  pictures of  “Eli in the nude” under dubious circumstances, it may look “beautiful” to my friend, Malaysia will lose in the end.

In Malaysia, according to many of my well meaning friends, who have been telling me that “one has to be dirty to get up”, playing with dirt will serve one’s purpose to serve oneself, but will be all right for our young nation in the long run? Can a father continue to rob his sons in impunity and expect his sons to do well in future? No, I am too old to steal from my children.

Malaysia is only peaceful to the present level for three and three reasons ONLY;

(1) small population with vast resources including Oil and gas,

(2) ISA and

(3) OSA!

BN is in power still with the above three plus a weak and divided Opposition who are at loggerhead over the “HUDUD” law issue.

Flooding in Sibu

Apparently Sibu is now not spared from flooding in the last one week. I was there on the 27th and 28th and the pictures you see now were taken yesterday, 28th morning.

Part of  the road cannot be used by most traffic because of the flood. there were many other stretches of roads around Sibu which were worse. Some houses in the hardcore areas were cut off from the main town areas.

The portion is worse, yet so much money must have been put into its construction but poor construction practices on peat soil will always see subsidence over time leading to lower lying areas subject to flooding. Poor car there, luckily it managed to swim through.

Lanang road under flood water again.

When can Lanang road be made to become flood free? Yesterday, to-day and every morning for the last one week,  similar episode occurred. It has been flooding in the morning and then dried out with the tide in the afternoon but back again in the next morning according to man in the picture, standing and wondering why the coffee shop is not open while the one on the opposite side does(see the next two pictures).

Bau Floods-Lessons to be learned.

Cleaning up time for the lady at Kampong Blimbin, Bau after the flood subsides on Monday. That night, the flood level was as seen on the cement wall, about eight foot of water where the lady is standing.

Natural disasters and how to overcome them had been, are and will be the challenges for every Government in power, including in USA where Hurricane Katrina had created havoc. In Malaysia we are mainly concerned with flooding. Unless every level of the Government is alert and concern about it, flooding will remain to be a nuisance to everybody affected, private or public.

One of my main concern while I had the power to address the problems caused by floods was to make make sure minimal disruptions to everyday activities and life because of communication cut-off. But it is sad to say, I was also the victim from Saturday 10th January to yesterday, the 12th when finally I was able to return at 8.00 pm swimming through the last protion of Batu Kawa road, a stretch of about 0.5 kilometer some at four feet of water, in my Landcruiser while other in smaller cars lined up to wait or had to used the Matang detour to Taman Malihah and Satok way. Luckily my vehicle could “swim”( but rather ploughing through the water) without an incident.

Krokong/Bau section Closed by Taiton low lying area.

Another five foot at the end of this section at the bridge would have the road passable throughout the flood. Even with the other parts clear on Monday the motorist still have to wait till about five pm before this section is clear of the flood water.

Yet my hassles and others delays and problems would have occurred if only the implementors and consultants who were employed by the Taxpayers had done their jobs MORE diligently. As to the Batu Kawa portion of the flooded road, I had told JKR about the need to raise that portion of the road earlier, but yet with the completion of the dual highway the level is almost the same as the old one, even though they should have learned the needed lessons during the 2004 great flood. Whose faults then for all the unneeded miseries caused by the present flood over the last few days. Even the District Officer was caught for two days without change etc. Luckily Bau Town was still open, so he could get what he needed. Like me only last night, he was able to go home. But for Bau hospital, they caught with one doctor working two days without relief while the others were stuck in Kuching and elsewhere. Luckily for the Government, there was no real emergencies except for the poor who got their houses flooded and suffered from the losses of their belongings, because they could not afford to buy or build houses in a non flood prone areas, like Kampong Pengkalan Bau, Buso and Siniawan as well Bidayuh villages like my own where I was stuck in my Kampong House for the last two days.

Rations reliefs were sent by helicopters yesterday though to my kampong and the surrounding areas affected by the flood, thanks to the concerned and hard work of the Bau Flood Relief Committee. In fact I met the Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri George and the Deputy State Secretary at Bau Hospital yesterday but unfortunately without the respective BN representatives from the Constituency. Presumably they were busy elsewhere though.

Immediate relief was going on quite well but the Government could have done better if they had marked all the flood sections of the roads with bamboo poles or other alternatives with clear signs to show how deep the flood level is. It would have made it easier for monitoring as well as for traffic to decide whether to “swim” through or not. These markers can be used for future planning especially in the upgrading of the main trunk roads.

For example Krokong/Jagoi areas need not be cut off from Bau if the Taiton section and a few more sections are raised by four to five feet. Bau needs not be cut off from Kuching if only the two portions, Siniawan and Kranji/Tanjong Durian, which were upgraded to make the old Bau road weather proof. Yet in some areas, it was under five to six feet of water, because of poor specifications by the Consultants and subsidence on certain areas because of substandard contract works, making the road impassable to traffic for two days.

Thus unless we have proper records of flood levels in flood prone areas to guide future planning and implementation of projects, we will have more unnecessary problems due to poor implementations by the respective agencies involved in future.

Man watching the "drowning" Bau District Police headquarters

This was on Monday afternoon. The flood level was about three foot higher during Sunday. It is said that the people have to “rescue the Police first” as their first floor had to be evacuated first. Luckily this time all the water-sensitive properties had been relocated to the first floor after the 2004 debacle, when they lost many items to the flood. But why this site was chosen by the Siting Committee knowing the area is flood-prone and secondly why didn’t the consultant insisted the site be dumped up to the road level at least. The Sebuku road, which still under water was known to everyone in Bau to be flooded to the present to everyone in Bau, except apparently to the Chairman of the Siting Committee and the Consultant to the project. It appears that the To Peh Kong Committee is more aware of the flood level than the Consultant, which designed the complex and supervised the contractor during the construction and the Siting Committee. What had gone wrong in between to make the Bau Police to be the first to be rescued?

Hopefully the Government has learned all the lessons so that future floods will be less disruptive, not only in Bau but throughout Sarawak and if possible Malaysia. The main trunk roads should be built to be weather-proof, meaning the level to which they must be constructed must be above the highest known flood level. Police stations and critical government buildings must be sited in a non flood prone areas, where possible. If not, then the site of any buildings should dumped to raise it above the known flood level at the very least. Access to these buildings must be also flood proofed where possible.

2009 – Happy New Year…

2008 is about to be gone to be replaced by 2009.

We wish everyone a Happy New Year. 2009 may not be as prosperous but it will be the year where we have to watch our purse more carefully as the world economy may recover slowly. For serious investors, it will be a year of opportunity as well.No doubt many have already made plans and resolutions for the new year while the others have not. It is important to know what we want to do and achieve if we want to achieve more in life. A general framework is needed so that the details can be fitted in as time moves on.

I like to break mine into various aspects of things which affect my future as well as those close to me. However whether I can fulfill all the goals set or not, it does not make me quit in my quest to be a better person or life at the end of the day. I start by deciding what I want my obituary will be like – the type of person that I will be remembered by, when my “external shell” is ready for burial. Next is my commitment to leave my village, my friends, my family and my country a better place than when I first found them.

Financial Needs

This is a key area where one must establish a goal. Without money, life will be a mess. With too much money, life can also be miserable as well. There needs to be a balance where life is worth living. Had I gone for too much money, there will be no STAR to-day. However without the money needed, STAR can only as much as it has up to now.

Thus for anyone who aspires to rise up to be on the top of the cream, you must plan your financial needs now. To ensure that you will have the fund you need for any of your plans, you will have to adopt the principles used by a very poor man who sought and followed the advice from a very rich old man, later he, himself, became the richest man in Baghdad. In accordance to the principles he learned, you must pay yourself at least 10% of whatever you earn and invest it in a solid investment with guaranteed interests every month. This fund can only be used to buy land or properties in a good area later. The other ninety percent is the only amount available for your daily needs and for paying your debts if any. Your target is always to be debt free… The more you can save and invest safely above the minimum of the 10% target the faster you will get rich.

Physical Needs.

There is no point to be rich and famous if you neglect your physical and health needs. Being a slave to medications or whatever before you are eighty means you have neglected your bodily needs to stay healthy. Your body needs time for work, relaxation and exercise. It also needs proper diet to meet your daily requirements. Whatever you eat and drink and make you feel fresh and alert is good for you except too much alcohol in whatever forms and also smoking, whatever amount. It is also advisable to stay away from those who smoke, as secondary smoking is bad for your lungs.

Spiritual needs

It is important in the present world of competing spiritual interests to be confident enough of your own faith so as not to be swayed into worrying about what will happen to you when you die. GOD has provide us with our own souls. Just listen to your own soul and be happy that you are alive and well and as our Deputy President, Dr. Dripin Sakoi, does, “He congratulates me for living another day!” I do the same to him. Yes every other day we live in peace , in harmony and in health deserves a “CONGRATULATIONS”.

It is also important to understand as much about others’ beliefs that I have made it a point to read as much as I can about the BOOKS of the GREAT religions of the world.

Family needs

No matter what eventually every man needs a family. It is not only the immediate but also the extended family. The closer we become the happier one can be. Only when the family is all right, only then we can really look after the bigger family, the State and the Nation. It is important we keep in contact and have quality time as much as we can or else we will lose each other.

In Malaysia, we have a number of occasions when families can get together as we celebrate a minimum of four New Years and many other holidays. Besides these holidays, IT has made it possible for immediate and constant contacts through phone calls, SMS, e-mails, Twitter, Facebook and Blogging. Thus interchange of information, ideas and help can be immediate.

Social Needs

Being more of a social animal, we also need to keep a circle of friends for various reasons. I found out that having many friends made my work easier as a politician, even as an opposition member. If we are lucky enough to have friends in the corridors of power, it would better still. The only thing about friendship is that it can also be a handicap if the character we portray or exude is offensive, unreliable or exploitative then one will asking for trouble. I have known characters who have a lot of friends and know a lot of people but command little or no respect.

Thus it is also important to cultivate relationships with honor and respectability.

Overall self development

Finally it is important really to ponder why are we here, now and then? Why are we born? What really is our part and role? Many missionaries from various faiths are ready to provide us with ready answers, but should be satisfied. If we are here to do GOD’S will, how are you going to know that will?

We have to survive to our present status using our five senses. What if there are other dimensions we have been schooled not to explore or believe? Should we not develop our sixth or seventh senses to really know what our soul is really like?

For a better future and a better New Year, we ought to know our real mission for being born by trying to know “what we yet to know”. It is only when we know we can move forward to be a better person. Only when we know more and do more than what we know and do, we can change our world to be a better place than it is now.

Now I wish you a VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. For Muslims, a few days late and the Chinese twenty seven days early, the Dayaks six months too early, showing that even for new years we differ, but we still share the same air, water and land. We do share the same struggle which is to live a happy, healthy and worthy life. Till our souls leave our bodies, we can suffer together or we can laugh together. The choice lies with us all….

HAPPY NEW YEAR, SELAMAT TAHUN BARU, ……