Love needs no pedigree

I was at the Penang FoodEx last Saturday and I saw something which I have forgotten for quite some time, something which reminded me of childhood and my love for animals, something which made my heart sore.  Among the huge array of exhibition booths, was a simple stall made up of 2 tables, a few boxes of flowers on sale and a signboard filled with pictures of adorable cats as well as dogs. What the exhibitor was involved in has got nothing to do with the food industry whatsoever, however what they were offering was far more precious than a full stomach. They were helping the homeless find love in this cruel cold world. Alphabets in blue on a white background spelled the word which was once so familiar to me – SPCA. [http://www.spca-penang.net]

SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is the oldest animal welfare organization in the Malaysia and has been working relentlessly ever since it was founded in 1948. It is a non-profit organization which runs entirely on public donations and funds raised through fund raising activities as well as merchandizing. I remember visiting the pound on many occasions when I was a kid and thanks to the generosity of the public, it is now an even better place for volunteers and animals alike.

A heartbreaking fact is that although the premise is able to accommodate quite a number of homeless animals, however the available space will never be enough. Should these animals failed to be adopted, they will be put to sleep sooner or later.

There will always be reasons for humans to fight and kill one another, but these animals have committed absolutely no crime and carry no ulterior motives. They can provide us with companionship as well as love, and all they are asking for is to be loved and cared for in return.

Time is running out for many of the animals. Show some compassion and save lives by adopting pets from SPCA. [http://www.spca-penang.net/spca_penang_adoption_photo_galle.htm] A small act of kindness from us, a life-changing experience for both ourselves and our newfound friend.

Love is universal.

Love does not discriminate

Love needs no pedigree.

What a beautiful tree it is!!

Wanted to capture this moment in history but did not have the time to do so until now. The restlessness in Perak is indeed a historical point in Malaysian politics ever since independence and May 13. OK, inclusive of the recent election and future ones. *Praise the lord*

It is such a wonderful feeling knowing that more and more Malaysians have opened their eyes and started to speak up.

Malaysia now has its very own symbol of democracy. No, I am not talking about the parliament, but the Tree of Democracy. Besides placing a bookmark in the country’s politics, it also produces oxygen. Neat huh? I bet the sore losers are trying to have it chopped down…

Long live democracy… and the tree!!??

Talking the walk & walking the talk

As I got into the office today, I heard a very short story which changed my mood for the rest of the day.

It rained pretty heavily yesterday evening and while on her way out from the factory car park, a lady colleague had an accident with another guy. Both car owners got out from their vehicles and got trapped in the rain as well as disagreements. In the midst of their conversation, the male driver made some very discriminative remarks.

The lady driver is a supplier stationed on-site while the male driver is an employee of the factory. I am not sure whether the words were meant to make him seem more superior, but the remarks he made on the employment status as well as seniority of the other party as unacceptable. He subsequently wrote an e-mail to the lady’s sponsor.

The question I have  is how one’s employment status as well as seniority related to an motor accident? Does being a supplier means one is less educated? Does one’s age justify his/her intelligence? Does being a lady means she does not know how to drive and should take whatever abuse thrown at her? What part has a boss play in accidents unrelated to work?

US companies claims that they support the Federal Government’s ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act)[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employment_Non-Discrimination_Act], but does it covers employment statuses? How many of their employees adhere to it? How do you know that people working in a company actually  follow the established Code of Conduct? Although there is a clause stating that no retaliation will take place upon reports of ethical or legal misconducts, however that is usually not the case. The end result is scoring a perfect 100 for ethical compliances, which again paints an unrealistic corporate image.

Code of Conduct of the MNC mentioned above stated that employees need to treat one another with respect. What is the definition of the word employee in this case? Does it include suppliers working on its premise? Are they being protected against discrimination? If not, then these people will have to fend for themselves as their employers will definitely not take any actions against their customer. After all, why bother when you are making good money?

Do you think that being ignorant is the most therapeutic thing one can do under such circumstances? If your answer is yes, then that explains the difference between you and me. I have self-respect, dignity, and I stand up for what is right. The world is not a fair place and of course justice does not prevail all the time, but I would rather die trying than to sell my soul.

Any idea which MNC am I talking about?

Intel – voted as one of the world’s best employers, and where obnoxious people naturally think that they are smarter than you.

*Fart*

Sorry, can you repeat the question?

Who is the rightful Menteri Besar of Perak? That seems to be the trendiest discussion in town. In order to determine if what has been done, what is happening, what should happen next, or even what should have been done are democratic, we need to look at the big picture and re-examine the facts. Certain parties have laid down their aces and is playing by the royal status quo, but are their actions ethical or even make sense?

Culprits of the current political tornado in Perak are 2 assemblymen and 1 assemblywoman who switched from being Alliance members to independent. My question on this is, when one is being elected as a member of one party, why is he/she allowed to jump parties or become independent and still keep the seat? Under many circumstances, candidates were being chosen based on the parties they represent. The people put their trust in these parties, because they do not know the candidates personally most of the time. So why are provisions in the constitution allowing assemblymen/assemblywomen to retain their seats under such circumstances? The correct procedure should be to have another election. If the concerned assemblymen/assemblywomen wish to continue serving the people, they may contest again.

With reference to the above, the position of Menteri Besar should be filled by representative of the ruling party based on the election results. It is undemocratic not to let the people choose who they want as leaders. An individual should not be given the authority to decide on behalf, namely the Sultan as he may be influenced by various factors. The people may respect him as a royalty, however in order to do what is best for the people, leave the decision to them. A ruler who is fair, just and considerate needs to listen and be reasonable.

Kings and queens are persons of the past. They are not in any way more superior compared to normal human beings (well except for the wealth and benefits) whether they are royal by blood or by marriage. We do respect them for their statuses, but then again they should not get involved in politics unless as voters and except if they run for congress. They may continue to carry their titles but the rest should be left to the democratic system (as if) adopted by the country.

Malaysia is supposed to be a democratic country, but what is our system saying now? Where aren’t cries of the people being heard?

For those who caused the unrest, please have some dignity and return your seats to the people. The people have spoken and they clearly do not want you anymore. What makes you think you will be able to retain them in the next election? Is this just some kind of circus show for your own benefit? If it is, then I offer you my standing ovation. You have put on quite a fancy masquerade.

As for those who is ignoring our pledge, why is the seat so important? Why are you taking over with brute force? You may have the advantage to many things (such as the police force) being the central government, but do you think that will make the people like you? Do you have something to gain? Your petty tricks disgust me!!

The curtain is drawn and the showdown has begun.

May the people be victorious.

May democracy wins.

Clapping with 2 hands

All individuals below the age of 18 years old need to have consent from their legal guardians when making decisions with legal implications. Why is that so? Because they need advises from matured-thinking adults to help them make the correct choices (hopefully) in life. These guardians are deemed responsible for whatever actions taken and should be able to dispense useful advises based on life as well as personal experiences.

Coming back to the topic, how can a 15-month old child be converted to another religion solely by the consent of only 1 parent? If a person’s religion and faith is not being documented legally and does not affect family members then it is fine. However becoming a Muslim most of the time (please do not be offended, I have not heard of any instances which anyone is being converted from Islam to any other religion legally) is a one-way ticket in Malaysia. In order to change your believes, a Muslim will need to seek the approval from Syariah Court, and that I doubt will be granted easily.

a 15-month baby has yet to have the required mental ability to make decisions, left alone those which will change her way of life forever. Obtaining consent from both parents should be the correct way to do this, even though both adults are no longer together. If they need to get it done, then they will need to sit down and talk things over. As an individual still fully dependent on her parents, who gives 1 parent the rights to decide on behalf of all? Is that parent more dominant than the other? In what way?

Individuals should be given the freedom to choose his/her own believes in this world. We should be given the right to choose what to or not to believe in. Religion and faith should not be inherited, unless it is by choice. Forcing one to believe in something which they in fact do not will not yield any results, because deep down inside you and I know there will be something else.

So what do you think?

Who really killed Ying Ying?

What happened to Ying Ying? Who was the real murderer? Until today, all I have are speculations. Honestly speaking, I have totally no idea how the case went and what were the results of the investigation. There did not seemed to be any outcome. It just ended abruptly.

OK, so he hung himself in the hospital, but did he do it? Why did he hang himself? Did he even do it? If she was not an accomplice and had nothing to do with it whatsoever, why did she lodge a false police report? Was a petty fine justifiable? Why was the false report not linked to the murder? Why did the investigation not go on? Did they have enough evidence to prove that he was the only person involved?

Why? Why? Why?

All these questions are still being left unanswered to me.

Personally, I question her credibility.

I have doubts… doubts…

My Yahoo!® Malaysia Answers

Open Question:
Although i am not a Christian but i wish know how many of you here agree with the word Allah use in Catholic magazine?

I mean do you agree with the word Allah use in the Harold Magazine? Why they must use the Allah for God instead of Lord and Father,what are they fighting for actually? I have no offense against any party either Christian or Muslim. Thanks

Your Answer:
The word Allah carries the meaning of "The one God". It is an Arabic word and has been in use by Jewish and Christians alike for thousands of years. It is a word, not an copyright-reserved invention and thus all should be allowed to use it as per their intention, as long as no harm is being done unto others. If the reason of banning the use of the word by non-Muslims is to avoid confusion of any sort, then perhaps the government should be looking at Islamic education as to how can anyone be confused about their own religion and faith. I doubt that Islam is that fragile and can be easily shaken. In order to truly know the meaning of a religion, one has to truly understand and interpret it by himself/herself, not blindly follow what is said or done by others. Guidance can be set in order to give believers a good start, however the steps taken further down the road of discovery has to be made by individuals so that they realize the true meaning of their believe and life.

One needs to see and learn, as merely looking will not bring him/her any closer to God.

[http://malaysia.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090228194528AA2Gh9J&r=w#GaZyXEP0DnPj0mRtsds.]


Open Question:
If Perak State call for fresh Election, do you think BN will win or Pakatan will win?

Just your comment and opinion only, not to insult anybody.

Your Answer:
If it is to be a fair election, then Pakatan will win. However, there are many "things" which BN might do to secure the victory. Personally, I feel that representatives who turn independent after winning seats should be disqualified because there are possibilites that they were being chosen for the parties they represent. The seats should be opened up once more and if the candidates truly feel that the are indeed popular among voters, they may stand again to prove themselves correct.

[http://malaysia.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApoYB7dQKp_ghJGAXPKftqIPahV.;_ylv=3?qid=20090301005511AARJ4lB]


Open Question:
Name me interesting facts about Malaysia...?

I am on this project to find out more about Malaysia. You can tell me both good and bad facts about the country, preferably facts that are geography/development-related. Such as details about the people, population and how developed the country is....
Thank You (:

Your Answer:
Malaysia is indeed a very special country.

• Inflation has dropped tremendously since Q3 2008 (accordingly to last night's news) and yet the prices of necessities continue to go up, up, and up!!
• When the price of petrol increases, it was because we had to adjust according to the International market. When it goes way down, we no longer need to do that, and furthermore we must have a floor price for it.
• It is perfectly OK for members of other parties to join us, but when the opposite is about to happen, we form laws to prevent that from happening.
• Non-Muslims cannot use the word "Allah".
• Members of the Parliament make noises like monkeys by beating the benches as signs of mockery.
• Women are being used as objects of humor in the Parliament.
  You go into power despite unwanted by the people.
• When something happens to structures built during your "reign", those were the acts of God. Anything that happens after you have stepped down, you are no longer responsible because you are just a civilian.
• You insisted on TV that the country's economy will not be affected when there is a global economy slowdown.
• You get vacation allowances and need not file them as part of your taxable income.
• You vowed not to return home until your party wins a certain constitution during election, but was on your way immediately once the seat fell.
• There is only 1 fixed line service provider.
• Broadband service is horrible despite the exorbitant charges, and most of the time they ignore your e-mails or blame it on your computer.
• Someone from your party makes an extremely discriminative remark and all he gets is time off. If an opposition makes the same remark, he/she is to be detained under ISA for causing racial up-stir.
• You can be detained under ISA for your own protection. You will be treated like a criminal even though the involuntary detention is for your own good.
  
  I guess that is enough for one day, because there are lot more from where these came from.
  
  [http://malaysia.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090301000601AAZFT9a&r=w#GaZyXEP0DnPj0mRtsds.]

Bite me Smarty-pants!!

I had no choice but to revisit the topic because some mad moolah from UMNO  made a stupid statement on 8pm TV3 news just now. According to Mr-know-it-all, the “kamus” (dictionary) and 3 to 4 encyclopedias clearly stated that only Muslims can use the word “Allah”. He subsequently mocked Nik Aziz (depicted here with Anwar Ibrahim) that he should read the publishing to enlighten himself. His behavior was uncalled for, and of course statement unfounded.

Seriously, I do not know which encyclopedias Mr. Big Mouth was referring to, but my attempts to prove him correct were futile.

My searches via Google revealed the below:

• The notion of Allah in Arabic theology is substantially the same as that of God among the Jews, and also among the Christians, with the exception of the Trinity, which is positively excluded in the Koran, cxii: "Say God, is one God, the eternal God, he begetteth not, neither is he begotten and there is not any one like unto him." Let it be noted that although Allah is an Arabic term, it is used by all Moslems, whatever be their language, as the name of God. (It does not say non-Muslims cannot used the word) [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01316a.htm]
• The word "Allah" is the perfect description of the "One God" of monotheism for Jews, Christians and Muslims! "Allah" is the same word used by Christian Arabs and Jewish Arabs in their Bible, centuries before Islam came. On page one [1] of Genesis in the Old Testament, we find the word "Allah" seventeen [17] times. (Again, it does not state the exclusiveness of the word) [http://www.godallah.com/]
• Allah (Arabic: الله‎, Allāh, IPA: [ʔalˤːɑːh]) is the standard Arabic word for God. While the term is best known in the West for its use by Muslims as a reference to God, it is used by Arabic-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, in reference to "God". The term was also used by pagan Meccans as a reference to the creator-god, possibly the supreme deity in pre-Islamic Arabia. (Yet again, even the world renown online encyclopedia did not mention that the word is only for Muslims) [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allah]

Nik Aziz, a very big thank-you for helping to paint the big picture. And to whoever you are who made the crappy statement on TV, please think before you speak. I apologize for not knowing your name, because your existence does not concerns me.

To those who played a part in imposing the ban on Catholic Heralds, your ignorance amuses me…

My new interest

I have not been a person who does a lot of things online besides reading for quite sometime, but recently I found myself jumping into the Facebook bandwagon, and worst of all I have taken a liking to one of the games - Pet Society.

To be honest, I love it because it does not require much brain power (which I obviously do not have). All I had to do was to visit friends and run around in the stadium to gain points and earn some money to buy stuff.

As I went along stopping over at the neighbors, more rooms are being added into my house which started off as a one-room property. Yes it is indeed exciting as my pet’s house grow larger, however there is still a need to furnish the place and damn, cost of living in Pet Society is high!!

So how long will I be able to stick to this? I do not have a definite answer but I sure do hope my pet gets to live in comfort when I retire.

But why not?

Since when is there a law to ban usage of certain words? This can never happen to the rest of the world but then again, this is Malaysia. This country is not like the rest of the world, simply because it is not. Malaysia is a country where a lot of structural problems were acts of God. I think you get the idea.

So why is the Catholic Herald not allowed to use the word “Allah” in its publishing? Did they publish anything discriminating? Did they question the faith and religion of other fellow human beings? Islam is a religion that has a lot of good teachings, thus I do not see how the use of this word in non-related materials can do any harm. One thing for sure, I hope those morons in the parliament do not think that the faith of Muslims can be so easily shaken, just like what they thought of practicing Yoga. Wake up! In support of free speech, all beings are equal and thus we should be given the rights to express ourselves and of course, defend ourselves should we fail to agree with one another.

We learn and advance by sharing knowledge and thoughts. The process allows us to agree or to disagree, subsequently providing us the opportunity to share in return our point of views.

I do not wish to dwell in this topic, because it simply does not make sense. After all, the lawmakers are a mindless bunch.

Malaysia, truly Asia.

P/S: If you fail to hear from me any time after this posting, it means I have been detained under ISA by the police for my own protection.