2014 Year of the Horse - Chinese Zodiac Forecast for Ox

Ox

Born in: 1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009

Personality

Intelligent and self-confident. Patient and methodical, helpful and hardworking. Although they might appear rigid and slow, a kind and active mind is beneath. A Natural born under works systematically, the Ox is responsible for family and believes in authority but is sometimes too stubborn and traditional.

The Ox or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. A person born during this year will be dependable, calm and methodical. A patient and tireless worker, he sticks to routine and conventions. Although he is generally fair-minded and a good listener, it is difficult to make him change his views as he is stubborn and often has strong prejudices.

Still, because of his steady and trustworthy character, the Ox person will be entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility. He will not fall short where duty calls. As a matter of fact, he should be careful not to get carried away.

The Ox likes: Tradition, Appreciation, Organisation, Sobriety and Routine
The Ox dislike: Gimmicks, Parties, Gossip, Laziness and Being Teased

Compatible Animals: Rat, Snake, Rooster

Overall Forecast

This is a smooth sailing year for the Ox zodiac. Unfavourable stars may be numbered a lot but are on par with favourable stars. With a lucky star shining brightly, it will bring your career to greater heights. Benefactors render strong support. so if you can ride on the momentum with greater effort put in, you can receive both wealth and fame. A Heavy Loss star will cause one who is greed to win and turn winning to losing. Take precaution of your health this year.

Your endeavours and projects in the pipeline will proceed smoothly. At work, everything is like a sea of calmness, and there are chances for promotion and grasp of authority. Problems that sprout out will be resolved easily. Avoid being schemed by vile people. You will breakthrough easily in any work obstacles. Your mind is lucid and full of ideas such that you can conjure lots of brilliant proposals. Students are able to progress with great speed.

Although health is better than last year, minor illnesses are inevitable. Avoid work fatigue; be mindful of your diet and sleep. While being mindful of surrounding, take note of home safety measures. Your affinity with others is excellent. Love may blossom well. Couples are more tender loving and able to embrace the flaws and faults of one another. Money and friendship does not go along side by side.

Career

This is a good year that suits your ambition, hold the chance and be outstanding. Your wild luck is as good as it, you will gain some profit is you are not greedy.

Love

You are a sentimentalist, try to keep it balance with rational. The world of love is not always so smooth especially for female who long for entertainment outside the family. The love affair is well received but can be quite negative this year; you have to control it well as not to be out of bound.

Wealth

The direct wealth luck is moderate, so no huge investment to be involved. Control your finance with extra effort, stop finding new source of income, just to maintain or, better still, if you can cut down expenses. Be realistic about it.

Health

The immune system is weak, take care of your eyes and throat. Try not to be burn the candles at both ends. Take care of your health and safety when you are overseas.


Article sourced from www.geomancyhut.com.sg

2014 Year of the Horse - Chinese Zodiac Forecast for Rat

Image from http://jodicchan.deviantart.com/art/Horse-Chinese-Painting-188074551

Chinese new year is just around the corner. The Chinese New Year begins on the 31 January 2014 to be exact. So, let have a bit of fun and see what the new year has in store for us. I'll be posting each animal sign in a series in the coming days...

 

Rat

Born in: 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008

Personality

The Rat is charming and humourous, honest and meticulous. Although they can give good advice, they cannot necessarily decide for themselves. May be power hungry, petty or greedy, Bright, sociable and highly ambitious. A true opportunist to reach the target. Passionate and good to her lover. Yet likes to gamble and spend lavishly.

The charm of the Rat personality is as universally known and loved as the Walt Disney character, Mickey Mouse. He could be forthright and honest but in such a disarming manner that you find yourself at a disadvantage.

Remarkably easy to get along with, hard working and thrifty, he will be generous only to those he is inordinately fond of, so if you get an expensive gift from him, you should certainly rate yourself high in his esteem. However, in spite of his penny-pinching ways, he will never be found wanting for admirers as he emits such fantastic appeal.

The Rat likes: bargains, Negotiation, Winning, Trust and Gambling.
The Rat dislike: Boredom, Timetable, Poverty, Loneliness and Reprimands.

Compatible Animals: Dragon, Monkey, Ox

Overall Forecast

Evil stars are in the house, which is worsened by the direct clash with the Horse zodiac; setbacks are inevitable. Fortunately, there are still many lucky stars around to cushion the impact. Mull over each business decision rather than to risk by rushing through, that may lead to dire repercussions. Evil stars are biding their time to wreck havoc, so please do more good deeds.

Career

You may carry on with your unique character as long as you are responsible in your job. No one dare to criticize you on this. But you also have to be meticulous as no mistake committed.

Love

Empathy and communication are important in an admirable affair. the longer both of you getting together, the mutual understanding will lead to a harmonic life. Good matches are the Dragon, Monkey and Ox.

Wealth

This year is the year of great promising, the wealth star is shining on you, everything is so smooth either in investment or entrepreneurship but do not involve in partnership as others' luck may not be the same as you.

Health

Your health condition has improved after long time of suffering. Watching out of illness related with your liver, urinary and stomach. Hygiene is very important. Also beware of accidents on road.


Article sourced from www.geomancyhut.com.sg

The Young Generation

21 Malaysians were arrested for staging a protest on 8th May 2013 over the 13th Malaysian general election results at the Merlion Park in Singapore despite being warned by the Singapore police not to do so. - SOURCE

Judge recuses himself from Queen insult case - SOURCE

This article appeared in The Star in June 2013.

.... A High Court judge has excused himself from presiding over a revision to set aside a 30-day jail sentence on a factory worker for insulting the Raja Permaisuri Agong.....

..... In February, Leong was sentenced to 30 days’ jail and a RM8,000 fine by the magistrate’s court in Balik Pulau for showing an obscene sign in the direction of the Raja Permaisuri Agong and a police officer at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas on Feb 11 at 11.50am.....

.... Justice Zamani was quoted in the application as saying “I am worried about the younger generation today ... I am worried because the younger generation does not respect older people ... The Chinese should respect the Malays, and the Malays should respect the Chinese, the Malays should respect the Indians and, the Indians should respect the Malays and Chinese ... Saya risau apa yang akan berlaku kepada cucu saya, cicit saya (I am worried for what will happen to my grandchildren).”....

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The above quote from the article struck a chord in me, not because I'm anywhere near his age group, but I suppose it is a view most parents would relate to. I noticed that the younger generation has not only become disrespectful, but lack manners and values. Not all, but it's prevalent enough to be noticed.

Respect. or the lack of in this case, is something that transcends race. The incident which the article referred to involved a Chinese, showing insulting gesture to the Queen. It is unacceptable.

Probably the one finger salute?

Malaysians have so much hate now. However, we must differentiate the object of hate. A person may hate a situation, certain policies, environment, actions, conduct, etc. But when it reaches a point where the hate is race, religion & persons, it is indeed the highest level of hate.

Which brings us back to politics. When both BN & PR emphasise so much on hate, there will be consequences. But then, what kind of politicians do we have? There are certainly many young faces these days but are they being used? Perhaps they are easy to manipulate? They are definitely being groomed, into the images of their handlers.

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Damansara assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin

Bukit Gasing representative Rajiv Rishyakaran

Lau Weng San of Kampung Tunku

DAP trio in bid to amend Selangor law behind Jais raid

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 — As confusion reigns over yesterday’s shocking raid by Islamic authorities on the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM), three DAP state representatives today banded together in a bid to amend the state law at the centre of the controversial action.

Criticising the so-called enforcement by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) and police yesterday as reckless and unprecedented, Damansara assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin, Bukit Gasing representative Rajiv Rishyakaran and Lau Weng San of Kampung Tunku called the raid a wake-up call to address the 1988 state law barring “Allah” and 34 other words to non-Muslims.... - SOURCE

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Apparently, these 3 relatively young & inexperienced politicians has proposed for an amendment to the Selangor Non- Islamic Religions Enactment 1988... Wow. Impressive... One would think such proposals could only come from the likes of Karpal, LGE, LKS, etc... since this law was drafted in the 80s when Karpal, Lim Kit Siang and co were already established politicians then.

It would be naive to think that the trio would issue such a proposal on their own, without orders from their senior party members. Come on, it's as plain as day.

Lately, there's a marked increase of young & inexperienced members elevated to public positions. You will also notice senior politicians are surrounded by them. Their inexperience and lack of grassroots support are precisely the reasons why they are put there in the first place. They pose no threat to the leaders and they do their bidding without question.

They can be sacrificed... politically speaking of course... when they draw flak and things get too hot to handle, they back down as fast as they can. Doesn't matter if they would end up looking stupid, it's their job to be.

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DAP reps to consult leaders after jumping gun on Selangor law

(MM) - Caught in a religious fire, two DAP assemblymen said today they will consult Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders on their next move after receiving flak for their hasty call to tighten a controversial state law that touches on minority rights.

Damansara Utama assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin (pic above) and her Kampung Tunku counterpart Lau Weng San said they stood by their proposal to amend the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) Enactment 1988, after the state’s Islamic guardians raided the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) and seized over 300 copies of the Christian holy books that contained the word “Allah”.

“Individually as a lawmaker, [I think] this enactment should be amended for the long-term benefit of the people,” Yeo told The Malay Mail Online when contacted.

“But [because] we want to move as a coalition, we will have to get all the lawmakers to agree,” she said.

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Of course you would need to consult other lawmakers silly girl... That's how the system works. Didn't they teach the 3 of you that during your first-day orientation? hahahaha...

But then the reward is too tempting to ignore isn't it? When the time comes, first becomes last, and last becomes first... your reward awaits you. In this life and beyond...

Religion: The Lack of Respect

Recently, I've posted on Zaid Ibrahim's take on conversion here: Zaid: Crackdown on conversions the way out of ‘Allah’ impasse

Today, I would like to expand a little more on the subject of religious conversion.

The chart above is taken from Buddhanet.net, which shows number of adherents in terms of percentage. The chart below presents the estimated absolute numbers.

Both Christianity & Islam are the world's largest religion, in that order. Adherents from both claims that their respective religion has been growing in numbers. I don't doubt it, since the world population is expanding, it's natural. But there's another important factor which has contributed to the growth, which is conversion through proselytisation.

Conversion

In light of the recent controversy surrounding the restriction of non-Muslims to use the word "Allah" which is one of the 35 words (or more perhaps?) in the list, it is imperative that we get to the root cause instead of the symptom.

As mentioned in Zaid's article, the root cause has always been conversion & proselytisation, which he suggested to be made illegal, and to which I very much agree.

Firstly, banning words will not solve the problem. Because the problem did not arise from words.

Secondly, even if the ban is lifted, it still would not solve the problem. Because the problem is not with the freedom to use those words.

We have to first ask why was this restriction implemented in the first place? Conversion.

Both would not agree to this because both wants to continue with proselytisation. And each wants to have the advantage, the upper hand... the higher ground. Which is why nobody seems to be interested to comment on Zaid's article.

This is what makes Malaysians the greatest hypocrites in the world... they would rather focus and debate on the religious scripts, history, language, who did what first, etc... chasing their own tails.

Apparently, this is not a new issue but dates back to the 80s...

MALAYSIAN BISHOPS RESPOND TO RESTRICTIONS ON BIBLES, ´SENSITIVE WORDS´ ISSUE

The bishops of Malaysia, responding to an attempt by the government to prohibit Christians from using certain words deemed sensitive to Muslims, say Christians have a right to use them all.

"Our Catholic bishops have taken up this matter and our stand is that we have the right to use all 16 words," said a report issued June 14 to Catholics by the Catholic Research Center here.

The report also listed incidents since a 1981 gazette notification banning the Alkitab (Indonesian-language Bible). This and subsequent events, it said, form a "concerted plan to deprive Christians of their rights to practice their faith freely, as guaranteed in our Constitution."

Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language) and Bahasa Malaysia are similar.
After correspondence between Archbishop Soter Fernandez of Kuala Lumpur and the Home Affairs Ministry, the banned words were reduced to four.

"However, we are still adamant, and insist that we guard our right to pray and use whatever words we have in the Alkitab," the report said.

According to the report, Catholic Sabah, newspaper of Kota Kinabalu diocese in East Malaysia, received a letter in February from the Home Affairs Ministry prohibiting use of certain Arabic words in Christian publications.

Officials enclosed alternative words for Christians, as follows:

Prohibited words Alternative
1. Al-Kitab (Bible) Baibel
2. Allah (God) Tuhan
3. Firman (say) Berkata
4. Rasul (messenger) Utusan
5. Syariat (teachings) Ajaran
6. Imam (believe) Percaya
7. Kaabah Tidak ada gantian
8. Ibadah (worship) Amalan
9. Injil Baibel
10. Baitullah Tidak ada gantian
11. Wahyu (revelation) Revelasi
12. Nabi (prophet) Prophet
13. Syukur (praise) Terima Kasih
14. Zikir (remembrance) Mengingat/menvebu
15. Solat (pray) Sembahyang
16. Doa (implore) Memohon

The 1981 ruling stated: "The printing, publication, sale, issue, circulation or possession of the Alkitab in Indonesian is prohibited, as it is considered prejudicial to the national interest and security of the Federation."

In 1982, the Council of Churches in Malaysia (CCM) wrote to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, asking him to lift the ban.

The CCM said it "denies Bahasa Malaysia-speaking Christians their fundamental right of practicing their religion, since the Alkitab is the only version of the Holy Bible available to them for their daily devotions and public worship."

The letter and request for a meeting received no response, but the government amended the notification to say, "The above prohibition shall not apply to possession or use in churches of such publication professing the Christian religion throughout Malaysia."

This, the report says, meant the Alkitab and Perjanjian Baru (Indonesian-language New Testament) may only be used in Christian church buildings.

Possession, use or distribution in homes, shops or any other place would thus be illegal and liable to punishment.

CCM representatives, including then-Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Selvanayagam of Kuala Lumpur and Jesuit Father Paul Tan, Catholic Research Center director, met the day following the 1982 amendment.

Then-Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Musa Hitam did not attend, but Datuk Rozhan Kuntom, meeting chairperson, said Musa Hitam would lift the ban, on condition that the Alkitab not be circulated among Muslims.

"As stated, according to the provision in the amended order," the report said, "Christians (were) not even allowed to buy their Alkitab from shops, nor allowed to possess their personal copies in their homes."

Church leaders met with Home Ministry officials in 1982 to discuss the amended order, and in 1983 several of them, including retired Archbishop Dominic Vendargan of Kuala Lumpur, signed a memorandum regarding the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia, the Alkitab and related matters.

"Christ-ians are in fact unable to purchase and therefore use the Alkitab in the performance of their religious exercise, due to the prohibition of their sale throughout Malaysia," the memorandum said.

"More and more of us Christians are using Bahasa Malaysia in our daily devotions and in our Church services, but are greatly disturbed and distressed because of this constraint placed upon us by the respective ban."

"It is almost two years now that Christians have not been able to purchase the Alkitab locally," they wrote.

In 1984, the Christian Book Center in Sibu City, Sarawak, East Malaysia, received a letter informing them that copies of the Alkitab and Perjanjian Baru ordered by them would be destroyed.

Christian leaders in Kuala Lumpur urged Musa Hitam to stop the destruction of Christian Scriptures, saying "the Christian Community in Malaysia regards this as a sacrilege."

After a letter was sent by Archbishop Fernandez and other Church leaders, a meeting was held with Deputy Home Affairs Minister Kassim, who decided:

1. The Alkitab copies held in Sibu customs would not be destroyed, but Perjanjian Baru copies held in Johor customs would be returned to Singapore.

2. The government would allow Christian leaders to appoint agencies importing the Alkitab, provided the government was informed.

3. The list of words such as "Allah," forbidden to non-Muslims, would be compiled and given Christians.

After further meetings, 10 outlets throughout Malaysia were authorized to buy the Alkitab and Perjanjian Baru from Indonesia.

But, the report says, the agreement did not filter down to minor officials.

In 1984, 450 copies of the Alkitab, 200 copies of the Perjanjian Baru and 1,860 other Christian books were confiscated in Sabah.

Kuala Lumpur Church leaders again protested to Home Affairs.

"And so, as far as the importation and distribution of the Alkitab and Perjanjian Baru is concerned, where do we stand? Only 10 authorized ´agencies´ appointed by Christian Churches are permitted to import them," the report said.

- SOURCE (It's a Catholic site by the way...)

I think it is common knowledge that both Christians & Muslims have been very active, if not aggressive, in their proselytisation efforts. However, in Malaysia, it is illegal to proselytise to Muslims, but not the other way round. In fact, as I've highlighted before in previous posts, the rights of Muslims (and the converts) reign supreme over other religions.

So, if both Islam & Christianity is expanding, then which religions are declining? My guess would be the Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus, and other minority religions.

Respect

Why are some people so eager to convert others to their religion? Is it because they think they are answering a higher calling, and made it their duty to do so? Or perhaps, deep down, it is actually a lack of respect towards other religions?

And nobody does it with more zeal and passion than some new converts, whom in their warped sense of logic, feel that it is their duty to ridicule & insult their own community's traditions, culture & religion, often to the delight and amusement of their new found "brothers"... in the likes of Ridhuan Tee, Ann Wan Seng, et al. Ask yourselves, is that the right thing to do? Why do they hate their own so much?

It is no wonder that there are so many cases of body snatching for Muslim burial, child conversions and custody issues. They feel that it is their duty, and right, to claim the body for an Islamic burial despite the protests from the family members of different faith, causing untold misery and sadness to the family. So, much for compassion.

On the other side, we have the evangelist Christians, born again Christians, or other smaller denominations like Jehovah's Witness, etc. building a vast network of members and churches within the country and without. You will hardly find a Christian family who have family members from different faiths. If a member converts, they will make it their duty to convert the whole family and their relatives as well.

Why? Because they think that it is their divine duty to "save" you. Because they think that your religion is false, fake, and you will be condemned to eternal hell. So much for respect.

The fact is, there is no freedom in religion. On one hand, they demand freedom, on the other, they restrict freedom. Humans can't deal with freedom of religion.

Death

Death is often the main motivation and factor that drives a religious conversions & proselytisation. Because it is the one thing that humans fear the most. Death. The more important teachings are forgotten or neglected. Adherents are more concerned about what happens to them after death, rather than the present. And it is because of this fear & uncertainty that drives humans to seek refuge in religions. Religions that promises forgiveness for all sins, an eternal life and a wonderful place specially just for them, will attract the most followers.

Why do we see so much negative issues in religion these days? So many bad things are done in the name of religion. A religion is judged  by the actions of their followers. When religion is exploited, you will see the terrible things done which reflects negatively on that religion.

We won't see the true virtues and values of religions in politics, in the news, in wars, rallies, protests, conflicts, etc. We don't see it in powerful politicians, the rich and powerful, big corporations. Instead, we see the goodness in our everyday lives, on a personal level, in the community level. We see acts of kindness when someone offers a seat to and elder, care for abandoned animals, rendering help to the less fortunate, across race and religions.

That, my friends, is how religions are meant to work, on a personal level. Providing guidance to do the right thing, to know right from wrong. It's what you do with what you already have, that is important. It's the intention that's important, not the amount.

So are the Buddhists worried about death? Whether we end up in heaven or hell?  I think not...

Like they say... go to heaven for the climate, hell for the company... :)

Tensions rise ahead of planned protests in Malaysian Bible dispute

Tensions rise ahead of planned protests in Malaysian Bible dispute

Catholic weekly ‘The Herald’ editor, Pastor Lawrence Andrew

While churches in Malaysia deny propagating Christianity to the Muslim community, Muslim organisations are planning a protest outside churches in and around Kuala Lumpur.

KLANG: While churches in Malaysia deny propagating Christianity to the Muslim community, Muslim organisations are planning a protest outside churches in and around Kuala Lumpur.

Organisers of the protest on Sunday say they are holding it to defend the exclusive use of the word, "Allah", meaning god in Islam.

Religious tensions are on the rise in predominantly Muslim Malaysia after a state Islamic religious authority raided a Christian distributor earlier in the week.

The authorities seized hundreds of Malay language Bibles and arrested two people for allegedly propagating Christianity among Muslims.

Churches and Christian lawyers say the accusations are baseless and demand that the authorities show proof.

They feel that their right to religious freedom, as guaranteed under the federal constitution, has been compromised.

"There is no evidence that the church has used the Alkitab (Malay language Bible) to propagate the faith to Muslims. There is no evidence at all. If there is evidence, the authorities must bring those to light," said Francis Pereira from the Catholic Lawyers Association.

"The people who come to our church are people who come to worship. We are not calling to Muslims, ‘come over, come over, join us’. No. We are not doing such things. And we have never done that. It's ridiculous," said Lawrence Andrew, parish priest at St Anne’s Church.

Many Malaysians are concerned with what they see as a rise in Islamisation.
Last year, a court of appeal ruled that a Catholic weekly could not use the word "Allah" in its Malay publications.

More recently, churches in the state of Selangor were reportedly ordered to stop using the word "Allah" in their prayers.

The Sultan had decreed that the word "Allah" was exclusive to Islam, which is the official religion of the state.

But some churches are refusing to comply. They say that the state Islamic religious authority, better known as JAIS, cannot dictate what churches can and cannot do.
"The constitution guarantees every person who professes his religion to practice it in freedom,” said Father Lawrence.

“We have only one constitution so when people divide the nation into two, we are saying we have to have two constitutions? We are having a separatist movement within the country? They must be charged in court for that.”

Some Muslim leaders, including those from the ruling party UMNO, have labelled Father Lawrence a traitor for going against the Sultan.

Non-Muslims in East Malaysia -- which is predominately Christian -- are allowed to use the word "Allah" but the word is still off limits to non-Muslims in West Malaysia.
The church of Our Lady of Lourdes has been the target for Muslims, who are planning a protest outside the church on Sunday.

There are some 400, mostly East Malaysians, of Christian faith regularly attending services there that are conducted in the local Malay language.

The police have given assurance that no protesters will be allowed to go near the church and that all the services and prayers can be conducted as per normal. - SOURCE

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Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam

Archbishop Pakiam prays that PM will remember where he came from

Archbishop emeritus Murphy Pakiam (pic) has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to cement his own call for an end to Muslim-Christian hostility by withdrawing Putrajaya’s legal challenge against the Catholic Church’s use of 'Allah.' The Archbishop, retired recently and now administrator of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, made the call in response to Najib’s speech at the National Christmas Open House in George Town, Penang when he called on followers of the two faiths to set aside their differences and seek common ground.
"What did he say? Even if the world talks and laughs about this 'Allah' issue, Malaysia will not allow (its use by non-Muslims), we (government) will defend the exclusivity of its use.

"This is not a man who was educated in our Catholic school. By talking like that, you are just a bickering politician. I am praying that Allah will enlighten him to become a statesman," the Malaysiakini news portal reported him as saying today.

Najib was educated at St John's Institution, adjacent to the Archbishop's house where the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) annual Christmas high tea was held today.

Pakiam said Najib was the one who should not stop preventing Christians from using the word 'Allah'.

Pakiam used Najib's experience in school as an example of how the Christian community had helped Najib as a boy in a Catholic school and respected his Muslim faith.

"From a small boy, from primary school until form 3, he (Najib) was there (St John's Institute).
"When it came to catechism (classes), his mother was disturbed because he was a small boy going to a (Christian) religious class.

"But his mother had confidence in our brothers and phoned Brother Matthew who said: 'Please don't worry, we will see that he doesn't go in'," the portal reported.

As such, Pakiam said he hoped Najib would do his duty and serve all Malaysians.
"You think I am not angry? But he is the prime minister, so I have to pray to God to please help him do his duty for the whole country and not just Umno," he said.

The Court of Appeal had in October overturned a High Court decision which ruled that the Home Ministry's ban against Christian publication The Herald from using the word 'Allah' was unconstitutional.

The Church is now appealing the decision at the Federal Court in the hope of reinstating the High Court's ruling.

Pakiam added that Najib's insistence of exclusivity for the word 'Allah' was inciting right-wing groups against the Christian community.

"He knows the law. He knows the judgment the judges gave and he (Najib) is saying: 'Oh, it's allowed there (Sabah and Sarawak), but be careful in peninsula. Don't stir this up. You are playing with fire.'
Legal experts have questioned the government's move to permit the use of the word 'Allah' in East Malaysia, yet continuing defending the Court of Appeal's decision.

The Court of Appeal had ruled that the word 'Allah' was "not an integral part of the Christian faith", a decision that affects Christians in both East and West Malaysia. - December 25, 2013. - SOURCE

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It seems that times have changed... these days, everyone blames the Prime Minister for everything. Yup. It's either the government's fault, or the ministers', or the opposition's (depending on the state you are residing, coz the opposition in one state is the government in another.). Sometimes correctly sometime not. However, there's one thing in common regardless of the position one takes in any issues. Respect, actually it's the lack of. There's just no more respect in society. There's no manners, no ethics, no respect. Are Malaysians heading back to the stone age?

This issue has been playing on for a few years already. Frankly, it looks like those involved have no intention whatsoever to find an solution. It's winner takes all. All or nothing. No compromises.  Then how do we expect to find a solution?

Now, even religious leaders & religious groups, have become radical.

Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) & Selangor UMNO planned a protest outside churches, which were called off. Stupidity has no limits.

Selangor Umno chief shelves church protest, other Muslims vow to rally on

Selangor Umno chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 — Amid public backlash, Selangor Umno chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar has cancelled a planned demonstration outside a Klang church tomorrow but warned that other Muslim groups are likely to hold gatherings to protest the Christian use of the word “Allah”.

When are these politicians going to stop?
Do they have limits?
Do the people still want to be goaded and led by these politicians?
Do the people from various faiths want their religious leaders to take radical stand?

We just love to play up race & religious issues don't we?

Just a reminder... There's a limit before everything comes crashing down. When it happens, nobody can stop it. The people should not depend on politicians to save you coz they are the ones who started it in the first place. And they will be the first ones to disappear when the SHTF. We've already seen this all over the world.

Is peace, harmony & stability important anymore? Or is winning all that matters?

Society can co-exist peacefully if left alone. Any issues can be solved when we have wise community leaders. Because at the very basic level, the needs of every community is the same... food, shelter, education, jobs, health, etc. But if issues are intentionally played up, creating tension & insecurity in society for an extended period of time, it eventually breaks down.

In the name of politics, youths are radicalised. In the name of politics, different races are pitted against each other. In the name of politics, religion is exploited.

At the rate things are going, even if we manage to avoid conflicts, Malaysian society will reach a point where it won't be hospitable anymore, especially so for the minorities.

What does the future hold?

Different races will be more divided, not that it matters anymore because by then, 90% of the population will be Malays & Bumiputras. You see, all these racial & religious issues are merely distractions and in some cases misplaced pride. It's always about the money. Wealth. Don't believe me? What is the NEP about? Why Buy Chinese Last campaign? ASB? Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Program (read here > BEEP)? (Now we know it costs 32 Billion to keep the PM's job) hehehe...

In short, why do the Malays need to build a protective wall around themselves? Money! Always was, always will be. The worst nightmare for the rich Malay elites is the day their poor fellowmen come for them, which is why the Chinese bogeyman is part of their protective wall. But as usual, instead of questioning honestly why the Malays still form the majority poor, the blame is deflected to the Chinese... But before the Malays start accusing the Chinese, please bear in mind that whatever the Chinese have (the fortunate ones at least - there are still poor Chinese around in case you haven't noticed), whatever they own, they worked & saved & paid for it. They did not get it for free ok?

I'm digressing...

Alright... so... where does all these lead to? In the near future, the divide among the Malays & Bumiputras will become more apparent. Specifically, the wealth disparity within their community. Today, it's already visible but just camouflaged by noise. If today the government is already stretched thin having to continue with the affirmative policies, imagine what it will be like as the population grows in years to come. Guess where the money will come from? The rich Chinese? I doubt you will find many then.

And also, as a result of the growing numbers of Muslim Malays, Islam & it's culture will dominate & permeate every aspect of life, from education to career & industry. The only reason Malaysia has been able to maintain & project it's current image in the past is due to the multi-racial composition of her population. Once Malaysia becomes more mono-racial, everything will change. There are statistics, forecasts, all sorts of data & charts out there that you may use for your own analysis. From my observation, it will be an uphill task to go the middle way. Just ask the Sultan of Brunei - Brunei to bring in tough new sharia law (Now, let's be honest and don't say that the possibility has not crossed your mind.. hehehe).

Today, we often hear stories from the older generation, those from the generation before independence, describing a totally different society & way of life back then. What's the difference between then and now? Take note of the constants & difference, and we will be able to more or less gauge what's in store in years to come. Minorities, especially, should take note. Whatever you are happy & unhappy about, the change you are trying to make, your hopes & aspirations of what the country ought to be... is it real or imaginary. And do you really have the power to make it happen? At what cost?

The truth is, how the future pans out, largely depends on the Malays themselves. From now onwards, the question is, "Apa Melayu Mahu?"

And with that, we shall begin the New Year which will see many beginnings, continuations and endings, from now on, and in years to come...

Is the Selangor government's performance impressive?

Is the Selangor government's performance impressive?

In the wake of Pakatan Rakyat politicians patting themselves on their backs for ostensibly their 'good' performance in governing their states, while their cheerleaders at large trying their best to justify their leaders' ridiculous paychecks and new cars, I thought it would be fun to list down my own set standards, just for the fun of it. More so, since PR politicians & their supporters like to set their own standards with regards to their accomplishments and achievements.

The general perception is that the people of Selangor are very happy and satisfied with the performance of PR. Among the achievements touted by the PR state government are; 2 Billion of surplus funds, transparency, corruption-free, increased investment, free water, etc...

Despite all that, has any of those factors had any meaningful impact on the people's everyday lives?

All I've seen and heard throughout the 5 year before GE13, and continues till now, are promises, excuses, and accusation. Day in day out, it's more of the same, BN and Federal Government's weaknesses, corruption, racism, religion, etc. Is this all the people want to listen to year after year?

It seems to me that the people are more interested in the wrongdoings and negative news about the  BN government rather that their own welfare. Are Selangorians satisfied with what PR delivered so far? Do you still think PR politicians are still the victims, bullied by the big & powerful BN? Take a good look at the GE13 results... PR today is not the same as the PR in 2008. They have gained tremendous power, and today, we are starting to see the symptoms of arrogance brought about by having too much power.

The people believe everything they are told without question. Question! Always question! Don't let yourselves be led by politicians. Utilise your common sense and think!

There's a saying, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The people should not make the same mistake twice.

For me, being a rather down to earth person, I would just focus on the very basic issues, Things that have a direct impact on the everyday lives of the people. The basic needs of modern human society:

1. Food & Water
2. Shelter
3. Clothing
3. Healthcare
4. Education
5. Sanitation

Water

Sure, free water is nice... but water is dirty with frequent disruptions. They predict that there will be water shortage in the future if additional treatment plants are not built. The reason they give is that the current water concessionaires are BN cronies and refuse to cooperate. Is that my problem? Am I the Mentri Besar? Stop giving excuses! You are supposed to solve the problem. It is your job. It will become the people's problem when you FAIL in your job! Why do the people vote you into office if you can't do anything? 5 years have passed...

Housing

Can the state government build affordable housing for the people? OF COURSE they can! States have land. They have PKNS. The people have waited 5 years for a concrete plan to address this basic need. But instead, we see more and more luxury housing mushrooming everywhere. None are even remotely affordable to the average person.

Healthcare

It is no secret that healthcare is already unaffordable in not just Malaysia, but countries worldwide. Healthcare has become highly commercialised. I've yet to see any initiative by the state to help the people. Can't they at least set up state-sponsored clinics and hospitals that charge minimal fees? Or mobile clinics? Community health centres? At least something, however small would be better than nothing.

Education

At the state level, can't the state provide assistance for education? For example, Chinese schools are always short of funds. They are practically privately funded. Every year, without fail, parents are requested to make donations for expenses, maintenance and expansion. Could the state provide some funding? provide land? subsidise school buses? subsidise student's uniforms or books?

Sanitation

This needs no further highlighting I think. Selangor is still as filthy as before. The level of cleanliness is still as bad as 20 years ago.  Partly to blame is the people's lack of civic-conciousness. Partly is the inefficiency of the states' municipal councils. Rubbish collection is inconsistent, drains are not maintained, pests not controlled, parks & gardens not well-maintained. However, they are very, very efficient when it comes to issuing compounds for illegal parking, illegal placement of tables and chair by coffeshop owners, basically, they are excellent in the collection of revenue.

Roads

States are responsible for non-federal roads, and the federal government has allocations for it. There are recent reports that says that Selangor has only used half of the allocation of more that 1 Billion (NST). Which explain the 3rd-world condition of the roads. Most neighbourhood roads have not been paved for more than 15 years. Sometimes, you can see them paving ONE stretch of road, and then disappear leaving the rest untouched. ONE stretch of road! Or they would just repaint the lines.

It's the same modus operandi as before, those visible will be dealth with. Those out of sight, is out of mind.

So, the question is, have they performed up to expectations like they claim they have. Have they improved the people's quality of life since 2008? Are they delivering the results they promised? I've not heard of a single enthusiastic comment from the common folks about how efficient state councils have become, or how tremendously their neighbourhood has improved, or initiatives that improved the people's welfare and alleviated their burden... something that the common people can be proud of. Perhaps the people's expectations are low...

Well, to me, to be honest, I have seen and felt little difference since Pakatan Rakyat took over the state. Perhaps I'm staying in the wrong part of town...

To be fair, it has not deteriorated badly either. It's just that why take credit which are not due and blow your own horns. There is so much that can be improved.

Let face it. PR took over developed and rich states. It does not take any effort at to administer it on their part. Where else in Malaysia will development take place if not in Selangor? If they can turn Perlis into Selangor, then I will be impressed.

Malaysia's Economic Outlook for 2014

Nomura: Subsidy cuts, GST will weigh on Malaysia’s economy for two years

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 - Source

Extract:
1... forecast gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates of 4.5 and 4.0 per cent in 2014 and 2015 respectively...

2... more optimistic about Malaysia’s economy than others, claiming Putrajaya is on the right track to restore foreign investor’s confidence in the long run...

3... Malaysia is among the nations which appear most vulnerable against the US Federal Reserve’s scaling back of its investment in the region, or quantitative easing

4... increase Malaysia’s inflation rate up to 3.5 per cent in 2014, and a whopping 5.2 per cent in 2015 due to the start of Goods and Services tax (GST) in April that year.

5... assumption that fuel prices will go up by another 10 per cent in the second quarter of 2014

6... prediction today that BNM will increase its overnight policy rate (OPR), a benchmark rate set by the central bank, from 3.0 per cent to 3.5 per cent in the second half of 2014...

7... stop subsidising sugar by the current 34 sen per kg...

8... electricity tariff in the peninsula will also increase by 14.9 per cent or 4.99 sen to 38.53 sen for every kilowatt per hour (kWh), and 5 sen for Sabah and Labuan.

---

Basically, it's time to be prudent with spending. The days of carefree consumption & easy credit are over. Through the years, subsidies have enabled Malaysians to enjoy a relatively comfortable life. Subsidies have also made us complacent. Is Malaysia ready to do without subsidies today? My opinion is no. But unfortunately, it can't go on forever either. But the savings should be used wisely, for education, medical care, social security, infrastructure, etc. But instead, the savings will be used to reduce government debts. It's payback time for the years of spending.

What is the ROI for all the spending? the hundreds of billions that we have to repay?

Realistically, I would put the inflation rate at double of those estimate, at 7% in 2014 and 10% in 2015.

Subsidies should have been gradually reduced during the economic boom in the 90s. But it was not done because the government could afford it. Besides, it would be a politically suicidal thing to do. The population was also smaller then. In 2013, Malaysia's population has grown to 29 Million, from 21 Million in 1998. That's 8 Million extra citizens to subsidise. That works out to an average increase of about 530,000 every year for the past 14 years. It is predicted that Malaysia's population will reach 35 Million by 2020, which is merely another 7 years from now.

If you think that resources are stretched today, with 29 Million people, imagine what it will be like with 35 Million.

You'd better pray hard that the economy grows at a faster rate than the population.

Will there be enough jobs for the people? Will the people have the necessary skills for those jobs? Will their income be sufficient to survive on? Does Malaysia have a favourable environment for businesses and to attract foreign investments in terms of stability, safety, infrastructure, human resources, costs, etc?

What we do today will determine our future.


What is certain is that the coming years will definitely not be easy. Best that we are prepared for it.

Always spend less than you earn.