"The Obama Syndrome" - wow! what is this? I would define it as an impetus for CHANGE, a CHANGE invented by Barrack Obama. I have called it The Obama Syndrome.
I am a lecturer living in Malaysia. I wish also to introduce another terminology which I called “The Protest Syndrome”. Seen and taken in both context, the 2 syndromes have prompted people in the Middle East to energize a power so great that they are willing to come to the streets to die to shake up their corrupt Governments and leaders.
The Obama Syndrome has brought with it a message to autocratic rulers the world over that real power is still in the hands of the people and not them.
I watched CNN and BBC almost every other hour when I have the time and goes roaming into the world of cyber space whenever there is time. The world today is small, just a click will tell you who’s right and who’s wrong and what’s going on. This in itself is CHANGE. Even classified state secrets have been revealed, Wikileaks has proven this.
The recent upheavals in Tunisia and Egypt calling for CHANGE have made me to coin this thing I called “The Obama Syndrome”. It stems from the word CHANGE which he advocated. Barrack was the guy, now President of the world’s greatest country who polarizes this word “CHANGE” with democracy. He won his Presidency banking on it.
The United States, a free country where its Government is for the people and with the people, a state where democracy is the cornerstone of the system, gave a new meaning to people all over the world that CHANGE can bring with it new hopes and new beginnings.
Of course this syndrome for change picked up pace and now seems to be the crystal ball of all the Middle Eastern countries. From Tunisia to Egypt and Libya, mayhem has broken out due to the want of CHANGE. All have echoed for CHANGE and it still goes on at this very moment.
Today, I understand that it has spread to some women’s groups in India. They too want CHANGE due to the rising food prices in the continent.
But admittedly by all practical norms, CHANGE cannot be brought about overnight. It must first be made known by the people through some kind of protest, be it mild, drastic or otherwise. This protest for CHANGE can by itself develop into a syndrome, evidenced by the current happenings in the Middle East. I have called it "The Protest Syndrome".
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
A Man Disgraced
Egypt, a close ally of the US had a shock awakening when young minds rallied the call for their President, Hosni Mubarak to step down. People took to the streets, overcame police brutality and turned their Liberation Square into a makeshift campsite, it still goes on and the worst may yet to come.
After 30 years, their military styled President Mubarak was cornered, scorned and could be lynched if he was to appear at the Square but of course, he didn’t. He just fell out of favour, degraded as a man and blamed for all the unemployment and hardship that many Egyptians went through for the past 30 years.
The man who is a military veteran had lived and played by tactical games to rule and stay in power is eventually tested by his own citizens. Frustration however was shown by him when he admitted that he’s fed-up with his leadership role. Ironically he’s still holding on to power.
Mubarak is actually buying time for him to shuffle his cards although he knows that his aces are all gone. It would be interesting to watch what the man will do next amidst all the calls from world leaders for him to initiate democratic reforms immediately. Not until he does that, the so called pro democracy protesters have indicated that they will stay on at the Square.
As one journalist puts it, he is “a dead man walking”. Wow!
After 30 years, their military styled President Mubarak was cornered, scorned and could be lynched if he was to appear at the Square but of course, he didn’t. He just fell out of favour, degraded as a man and blamed for all the unemployment and hardship that many Egyptians went through for the past 30 years.
The man who is a military veteran had lived and played by tactical games to rule and stay in power is eventually tested by his own citizens. Frustration however was shown by him when he admitted that he’s fed-up with his leadership role. Ironically he’s still holding on to power.
Mubarak is actually buying time for him to shuffle his cards although he knows that his aces are all gone. It would be interesting to watch what the man will do next amidst all the calls from world leaders for him to initiate democratic reforms immediately. Not until he does that, the so called pro democracy protesters have indicated that they will stay on at the Square.
As one journalist puts it, he is “a dead man walking”. Wow!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
My Thoughts on RELIGION
Why? Can't we talk about it? Of course we can. People make us not to. How silly? But let's not argue, that would be foolish.
If you argue about religion, it will bring anger and perhaps endless quarrels as to what and who is right and wrong. Religion has obviously made we humans more aligned with modern living. It is alive and well. If it is not, then we have only ourselves to blame. Unless we opt to be atheists, we fear God and things we consider as GODs. Humans came as creatures to this planet Earth, the process of evolution has relentlessly changed us Homo Sapiens into “high breed” beings where thoughts and morals control our living today. We have changed from the killing animals we once were, hunting for food to survive, to the most mannered animals we now are. But we still kill, domesticate animals, slaughter them and eat them. We called ourselves civilized. And ironically, we also use religion to slaughter them and we say it is acceptable.
So what has religion got to do with life and how we think? Is it a guide, some kind of a rule, an unseen order that we ought to follow because some great men made it as such, Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha. "Who is Jesus?", some have asked, “Is he God?” Now, let that be answered by God himself. I am in no position to say he’s not for I am a Christian and I honour every religion on the face of this Earth. Neither do I want to ask why a Muslim can marry 4 wives. That’s their religion, their teaching be it right or wrong, and it would be foolish and a waste of time to argue on such topics. That brings us to the fact that religion is indeed a guiding star in our lives. We see it, watch it, learn about it, cherish it, quarrel over it and treasure it. It guides us on, forever twinkling.
Michael York of Bath Spa University College, Bath, UK defines religion as:
"A shared positing of the identity of and relationship between the world, humanity and the supernatural in terms of meaning assignment, value allocation and validation enactment. A religion need not accept or believe in the supernatural, but it takes a position on. Likewise, some religions deny the reality or at least value of the world, but they still take a position."
Another says "The word 'religion' comes from the same root as the word 'ligament.' Ligaments connect muscles to bones. So the root word means, 'to connect, to bind, to tie together.' "Religion' literally means, 'continuously tying it all together.' Is it not therefore, an obvious deduction that that which is supposed to help us tie it all together should not be used to tear us apart?"
So don’t quarrel over it. It’s stupid of you to. In the worst case scenario, we all have to tolerate one another and understanding can help us tolerate.
If you argue about religion, it will bring anger and perhaps endless quarrels as to what and who is right and wrong. Religion has obviously made we humans more aligned with modern living. It is alive and well. If it is not, then we have only ourselves to blame. Unless we opt to be atheists, we fear God and things we consider as GODs. Humans came as creatures to this planet Earth, the process of evolution has relentlessly changed us Homo Sapiens into “high breed” beings where thoughts and morals control our living today. We have changed from the killing animals we once were, hunting for food to survive, to the most mannered animals we now are. But we still kill, domesticate animals, slaughter them and eat them. We called ourselves civilized. And ironically, we also use religion to slaughter them and we say it is acceptable.
So what has religion got to do with life and how we think? Is it a guide, some kind of a rule, an unseen order that we ought to follow because some great men made it as such, Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha. "Who is Jesus?", some have asked, “Is he God?” Now, let that be answered by God himself. I am in no position to say he’s not for I am a Christian and I honour every religion on the face of this Earth. Neither do I want to ask why a Muslim can marry 4 wives. That’s their religion, their teaching be it right or wrong, and it would be foolish and a waste of time to argue on such topics. That brings us to the fact that religion is indeed a guiding star in our lives. We see it, watch it, learn about it, cherish it, quarrel over it and treasure it. It guides us on, forever twinkling.
Michael York of Bath Spa University College, Bath, UK defines religion as:
"A shared positing of the identity of and relationship between the world, humanity and the supernatural in terms of meaning assignment, value allocation and validation enactment. A religion need not accept or believe in the supernatural, but it takes a position on. Likewise, some religions deny the reality or at least value of the world, but they still take a position."
Another says "The word 'religion' comes from the same root as the word 'ligament.' Ligaments connect muscles to bones. So the root word means, 'to connect, to bind, to tie together.' "Religion' literally means, 'continuously tying it all together.' Is it not therefore, an obvious deduction that that which is supposed to help us tie it all together should not be used to tear us apart?"
So don’t quarrel over it. It’s stupid of you to. In the worst case scenario, we all have to tolerate one another and understanding can help us tolerate.
Monday, October 18, 2010
No Harm Done to Talk Politics A Little
Wow, it's great to be back after a long spell!
That's the problem with us, human beings, we can forget things and we come up with all kinds of excuses when things don't turn out to be what we have wished for. Sometimes we cursed, although not intentionally, it is bad. In my case, I will not make any excuses. I just wanted a break and I had it. So I am back.
Our mind is a powerful machine that can turn the world upside down, not physically but in the abstract, if we want it to.We are builders, creators, destroyers of our own.
I have been watching the political scenario developing in Malaysia over the past couple of months and interestingly enough, our PM has indeed been trying his utmost to win the hearts of the rakyat. It also tells me that things are not alright in Malaysia when he started to cross swords with the opposition in the socioeconomic arena besides the normal political gambit. The Budget he announced lately was mildly acceptable by the majority but I thought the 500 ringgit as bonus for civil servants is not helping many "fence sitters" in the civil service who were expecting for more. Poor guys! Oh sure, we do get them, the "fence sitters" in the civil service. Many are sitting there quietly but supporting the PR groups. I have a few friends who are, certainly. Well, that's their choice which is democracy working.
Elections in Sarawak will soon be called and it seems we shall be seeing many "old" faces, tough incumbents facing not a plastic wall this time around but a brick wall being put up by DAP, PKR, PAS and their supporters. They are by far way ahead when it comes to internet strategy based on my personal opinion. Let's see how well our BN friends will climb and overcome the brick wall. Just don't fall!
I am incidentally from SPDP or the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party and the candidates from Miri belonging to the Sarawak United Peoples Party who know me will need my support and the Party's support. As SPDP is very much part of BN unless Datuk Seri William Mawan thinks otherwise, any BN candidates in the 3 Miri State constituencies will be supported by us in SPDP. That's a fair deal.
Politics is politics, sometimes you have to play it by the ear. wow!
That's the problem with us, human beings, we can forget things and we come up with all kinds of excuses when things don't turn out to be what we have wished for. Sometimes we cursed, although not intentionally, it is bad. In my case, I will not make any excuses. I just wanted a break and I had it. So I am back.
Our mind is a powerful machine that can turn the world upside down, not physically but in the abstract, if we want it to.We are builders, creators, destroyers of our own.
I have been watching the political scenario developing in Malaysia over the past couple of months and interestingly enough, our PM has indeed been trying his utmost to win the hearts of the rakyat. It also tells me that things are not alright in Malaysia when he started to cross swords with the opposition in the socioeconomic arena besides the normal political gambit. The Budget he announced lately was mildly acceptable by the majority but I thought the 500 ringgit as bonus for civil servants is not helping many "fence sitters" in the civil service who were expecting for more. Poor guys! Oh sure, we do get them, the "fence sitters" in the civil service. Many are sitting there quietly but supporting the PR groups. I have a few friends who are, certainly. Well, that's their choice which is democracy working.
Elections in Sarawak will soon be called and it seems we shall be seeing many "old" faces, tough incumbents facing not a plastic wall this time around but a brick wall being put up by DAP, PKR, PAS and their supporters. They are by far way ahead when it comes to internet strategy based on my personal opinion. Let's see how well our BN friends will climb and overcome the brick wall. Just don't fall!
I am incidentally from SPDP or the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party and the candidates from Miri belonging to the Sarawak United Peoples Party who know me will need my support and the Party's support. As SPDP is very much part of BN unless Datuk Seri William Mawan thinks otherwise, any BN candidates in the 3 Miri State constituencies will be supported by us in SPDP. That's a fair deal.
Politics is politics, sometimes you have to play it by the ear. wow!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sarawak the Land of Rivers
The longest river in Sarawak is the Rejang river with the bustling Sibu town as its stopover. The widest in Sarawak is the Baram and it has Miri city to boast of its nice beaches. The state capital of Kuching has the Sarawak river where many sea battles were fought during the rule of the white "rajahs" and the Skrang has many tales to tell too in Sri Aman.
To any Sarawakians who say they hate Sarawak, I would say you are nuts! What a shame not to love one's home? What a shame not to appreciate the many rivers that nature has given us?
Sarawak is a beautiful land of rivers, abundant with Culture, nice untapped beaches and friendly people. Set aside politics, it is a place you can relax and called home. This is where I live, the city of Miri. The pace of life here is slow if compared to other Asian cities. It’s peaceful here, no hassle going to window shop or eat one’s favourite food at anytime of day. Bank robberies are unheard of here, although once in a while you get petty thieves disturbing the serenity of the place.
Miri deservedly got its "city" status 5 years ago in May 2005 and ever since, it has enjoyed what we Mirians called the Mayfest celebration. That's when colourful events are held throughout the month specially for its residents to enjoy in a spirit of brotherhood.
To any Sarawakians who say they hate Sarawak, I would say you are nuts! What a shame not to love one's home? What a shame not to appreciate the many rivers that nature has given us?
Sarawak is a beautiful land of rivers, abundant with Culture, nice untapped beaches and friendly people. Set aside politics, it is a place you can relax and called home. This is where I live, the city of Miri. The pace of life here is slow if compared to other Asian cities. It’s peaceful here, no hassle going to window shop or eat one’s favourite food at anytime of day. Bank robberies are unheard of here, although once in a while you get petty thieves disturbing the serenity of the place.
Miri deservedly got its "city" status 5 years ago in May 2005 and ever since, it has enjoyed what we Mirians called the Mayfest celebration. That's when colourful events are held throughout the month specially for its residents to enjoy in a spirit of brotherhood.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
When Love is Found
Today's world is full of hypocrisy and hatred that Love seems to be a thing of the past. If it is shunned by those who only live by the bullet, surely it is alive and well for Christians the world over because Love is the cornerstone of the religion we called CHRISTIANITY.
Love transcends words, the abstract will be told when two human beings fall in love. A loving couple will do just about anything for each other to create its beauty. When that happens, they are very much in love. It is bliss.
Love is the maker of life, the central pillar of our existence taught to us by Jesus. When it is honoured, cherished, practiced and remembered, it gives us solace and peace. Even without freedom, love exists, its tremendous power is beyond imagination.
And to cherish this word, I have here a short poem about Love. I wrote it about a year ago and it's here for you.
The night comes, the sun sleeps
The owls rose, the bats fly
Watch, the moon passes by
Just thoughts no words from the lips
True, it comes not once, you sigh
That feeling of love, we know not why
As memories unfold like stars in the sky
We pause, we thought
If sadness brings pain, love gives sense.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Make the Best of Life
Life is full of ups and downs which are only normal. Maslow’s theory of needs is great thoughts to align life to existence. Our existence is molded by us ourselves. It is also controlled by nature.
The important thing is for us to be appreciative of life itself, our purpose here on this planet. Are we here to create problems for mankind? Are we here to enjoy all things in their material form? Are we here because God has made us to be so? Or are we here to make the best of life albeit all the problems we have, to use what nature has to offer us?
Certainly today we have to live with whatever systems of government imposed on us and manage the tolerance from within us to what is happening around us, be it bad or good. We can avoid being participants to the system if so we choose or we can make life miserable by going against it. But life goes on and because we opt to be what we are, we must live life to the best we can. That “best” of course can either be morally right or wrong.
When we are appreciative of the things around us especially nature, we tend to find that there is a purpose in life. If we find solace in religion, in medicine, in science, we must not forget too, that wisdom is the key within us to make life more meaningful.
The important thing is for us to be appreciative of life itself, our purpose here on this planet. Are we here to create problems for mankind? Are we here to enjoy all things in their material form? Are we here because God has made us to be so? Or are we here to make the best of life albeit all the problems we have, to use what nature has to offer us?
Certainly today we have to live with whatever systems of government imposed on us and manage the tolerance from within us to what is happening around us, be it bad or good. We can avoid being participants to the system if so we choose or we can make life miserable by going against it. But life goes on and because we opt to be what we are, we must live life to the best we can. That “best” of course can either be morally right or wrong.
When we are appreciative of the things around us especially nature, we tend to find that there is a purpose in life. If we find solace in religion, in medicine, in science, we must not forget too, that wisdom is the key within us to make life more meaningful.
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