Islam Dilemma in Malaysia.

Something to ponder about.

以上です。

A passion for fast cars

The Star
By NURBAITI HAMDAN

PETALING JAYA: She looks like an ordinary girl-next-door but her achievements are anything but ordinary. At 18, Latifah Hamzah has achieved much more than her peers and her future is looking brighter by the day.

Latifah, or Hani as she is fondly known, will be attending the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on Thursday after scoring 45 points – the maximum score – in the International Baccalaureate (IB) examination in May.

With such an exceptional score, MIT was not the only university that offered to accept Hani – Yale, Princeton, Cambridge and Imperial College have also opened their doors.

Hani will be reading mechanical engineering in MIT, a subject that she is most passionate about.

“I am fascinated by anything that moves, be it trains, aeroplanes or cars, especially fast ones!” exclaimed the Ferrari F1 team fan who lives in SS3, Petaling Jaya.

So passionate is Hani about her favourite racing team that she did a presentation on Ferrari’s data for her MIT admission interview.

“I compiled what was available of Ferrari’s technical notes from all the races last season off the F1 website. I looked qualitatively and theoretically at how it improved the car’s performance,” she said.

Born to a Chinese mother and a Malay father, Hani’s achievements did not come as a surprise to her close-knit family as she has been an outstanding student since young.

She scored 7As in Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (2001) in SJK (C) Puay Chai; she was a top scorer in the National Curriculum Tests 2003 in The Alice Smith School and obtained 13As for O-Levels in her boarding school, The Sevenoaks School, in England.

Hani is multiligual – she speaks English, Mandarin, Malay and French.

Despite the emphasis on academic excellence prevalent in our society, Hani has proven that one can excel in studies and still be a well-rounded individual.

She plays the violin and piano and music has taken her to many cities including Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Taipei as a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra.

Hani keeps fit by playing football and tennis as well as snorkelling. Being the outdoor person that she is, Hani has climbed Mount Kinabalu (although she had to stop at Laban Rata due to altitude sickness) and attended the Outward Bound School.

However, Hani, who was born in Subang, maintains that there is “nothing different” about her.

“I do not feel any different because of some stuff printed on some sheets of paper. Although it is nice that I got 45 points (for the IB exam), that doesn’t mean I was any less capable before the exams.

“The achievements are nice to look at but it is no substitute for friends and family. Achievements have to be built on for them to really mean something,” said the Kimi Raikkonen fan.

Asked about her dream job, she answered: “I want to be team principal of the Ferrari F1 team!”

以上です。

Words from the richest investor in the world

"I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars; I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over."

"I violated the Noah rule: Predicting rain doesn't count; building arks does."

"If you have a harem of 40 women, you never get to know any of them very well."

"In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield."

"It's only when the tide goes out that you discover who's been swimming naked."

"Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and do well."

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."


Warren Buffett (1930 - )

以上です。

Kesan minda gajah sarkas

Mingguan Malaysia


Orang Melayu dalam perniagaan sering dianggap mempunyai sikap ingin cepat untung, mudah putus asa dan mahu segala-galanya dibantu untuk berjaya. Sikap seumpama itu jika dibiarkan berterusan, ia akhirnya akan menyebabkan orang Melayu tidak akan ke mana. Sebaliknya mereka akan terus ketinggalan dalam bidang ekonomi.

Namun begitu dalam mengejar kejayaan, orang Melayu tidak harus melupakan lunas-lunas Islam. Mereka harus melaksanakan perniagaan demi mendapat keberkatan di dunia dan akhirat.

Justeru dalam usaha menyedarkan orang Melayu berhubung perkara ini, Ketua Eksekutif Kumpulan Johor Corporation (JCorp) yang juga Naib Presiden Dewan Perniagaan Islam Malaysia (DPIM), Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim mewujudkan gagasan yang dipanggil Jihad ekonomi.

Malah, Muhammad Ali juga mahu orang Melayu menghapuskan minda gajah sarkas yang dianggap beliau hanya merosakkan golongan itu untuk mencapai kejayaan.

Dalam pertemuan dengan wartawan Mingguan Malaysia, ZULKIFLEE BAKAR, AMRAN AHMAD dan AZMAN IBRAHIM, beliau yang telah berjaya meletakkan nama JCorp di persada antarabangsa mengulas mengenai kesan minda gajah sarkas ini kepada ekonomi orang Melayu dan kenapa mereka perlu melepaskan diri daripada pemikiran seumpama itu jika mahu berjaya.

MINGGUAN: Apakah sebenarnya yang cuba ditonjolkan melalui jihad ekonomi dan bagaimana konsep itu boleh membantu peniaga-peniaga Islam untuk maju?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Apabila kita sebut tentang jihad ekonomi atau perniagaan, ia adalah konsep sama yang turut diperjuangkan oleh Gagasan Badan Ekonomi Melayu (Gabem). Kita di Dewan Perniagaan Islam Malaysia (DPIM) menerima konsep jihad ekonomi sebagai asas perjuangan, malah menjadikannya sebagai penyata misi dewan.

Mungkin istilah jihad itu boleh menyumbang sedikit kontroversi terutama apabila ada orang Islam sendiri yang bimbang dan takut, istilah tersebut akan mengundang tuduhan negatif oleh orang bukan Islam. Ia disebabkan jihad sering kali dikaitkan dengan keganasan. Namun begitu sebenarnya kita tidak perlu ragu dan bimbang kerana jihad bukan bermakna keganasan seperti yang didakwa.

Terdapat 40 ayat dalam kitab suci al-Quran yang menyentuh tentang jihad dan peperangan dan 20 ayat daripada semua ayat itu membawa jihad yang dipanggil dalam surah Al-Furqaan iaitu Jihad dan Kabilah. Maknanya, jihad yang lebih besar dan utama ialah menentang hawa nafsu dan keperluan mengatasi tuntutan nafsu yang merosakkan kita.

Bagaimana jihad ekonomi boleh membantu orang Islam dalam aspek perniagaan?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Dunia perniagaan menyajikan keadaan dan ruang yang mencabar nafsu manusia, terutama umat Islam kerana membabitkan aktiviti penjanaan harta kekayaan dan peluang untuk orang mengambil jalan ringkas sehingga menghalalkan segala cara, menipu, merosakkan alam sekitar dan menjual binatang yang dilarang untuk mengaut untung.

Di sinilah wujudnya peranan para peniaga Islam kerana kita memang mahukan kekayaan setelah ketinggalan sekian lama, tetapi kaedah dan cara yang digunakan dalam mengendalikan perniagaan itu yang berbeza. Apa yang dibimbangkan ia menjurus kepada cara merosakkan diri, keluarga dan alam sekitar jika tidak berpegang kepada ajaran Islam sebenar.

Oleh itu kita kena cari jalan dan kaedah menjalankan perniagaan yang serasi dengan ajaran Islam kerana walaupun bisnes bermatlamatkan keuntungan, menjana kekayaan dan mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan, tetapi kita perlu cuba menghindarkan diri daripada sifat tamak-haloba, rakus dan elemen individualistik sehingga merosakkan akhlak dan peribadi usahawan.

Kita perlu seimbang dan cuba mengelak daripada melakukan perkara-perkara yang tidak berakhlak dalam dunia perniagaan dan korporat walaupun belajar mengenai corak pengurusan Jepun, Singapura, China dan barat yang tidak mengenal soal halal haram, syurga neraka dan tidak mempercayai kewujudan tuhan.

Jadi, adakah usahawan Islam turut terikut-ikut budaya ini?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Mungkin kadang-kadang kita boleh terlupa, alpa dan terikut-ikut dengan budaya rasuah, berkaraoke, minum arak seperti yang diamalkan oleh peniaga bangsa lain.

Sebenarnya, ajaran Islam memberi kelebihan dalam dunia perniagaan. Jika kita kaji konsep brek kenderaan, kita akan mendapati ia ada dua fungsi iaitu memberhentikan kenderaan dan satu lagi yang sering kita abaikan iaitu dengan adanya brek itu, kita berani untuk memecut laju. Cuba bayangkan kalau kereta kita tiada brek, tentunya kita tidak berani untuk memandu laju.

Oleh itu, hukum syarak juga diibaratkan sebagai brek yang membolehkan peniaga Islam untuk berkembang maju, namun ada had yang perlu dipatuhi agar tidak berlakunya kecelakaan atau kemalangan.

Kaedah ini telah membuktikan kejayaan kerana banyak syarikat tempatan antaranya Petronas, syarikat-syarikat milik kerajaan (GLC) dan Kumpulan JCorp yang telah menerapkan konsep jihad ekonomi dalam berniaga.

Sejauh mana penerapan konsep jihad ekonomi di kalangan usahawan Melayu akan berjaya?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Selalunya, faktor utama yang menjadi punca kegagalan usahawan Melayu ialah sikap kurang yakin dengan diri sendiri yang diburukkan lagi dengan konflik fahaman songsang yang disebarkan oleh ulama-ulama yang tidak faham soal perniagaan.

Ulama-ulama ini mengatakan peniaga hanya mahu mengejar soal kebendaan dunia dan ini menyebabkan ramai usahawan Melayu yang teragak-

agak dalam menjalankan perniagaan dan akhirnya mereka mengundurkan diri.

Kita mesti ketepikan konflik dengan menjalankan perniagaan yang serasi dengan jiwa dan nilai hidup dengan selalu bersolat, berpuasa dan berzakat agar tidak wujud keraguan dalam diri.

Ini penting kerana jihad perniagaan bermakna berniaga bukan untuk kepentingan diri atau peribadi, pengorbanan untuk agama, bangsa dan negara, tidak melanggar hukum syarak atau undang-undang dan mencapai keuntungan.

Konsep jihad ini sebenarnya sangat kuat, ia mampu menyedarkan usahawan mengenai kepentingan berniaga untuk kemajuan agama, bangsa dan negara. Apabila sedar perkara ini, usahawan akan lebih bersemangat untuk menebus maruah dan berjuang habis-habisan bagi mencapai kejayaan dan bersyukur.

Apabila kita berjihad, orang luar juga mudah memberi sokongan kerana memahami usaha itu bukan untuk kepentingan peribadi dan oleh kerana itu, JCorp tidak melakukan penswastaan atau belian kuasa pengurusan (MBO) kerana lebih cenderung kepada pengurusan cara wakaf yang menyerahkan hak milik kepada Allah Taala dan manfaatnya dinikmati bersama.

Mengenai Islamofobia atau ketakutan terhadap aktiviti umat Islam, apakah perkara ini wujud dalam senario semasa dan menyekat perniagaan?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Dari pengalaman dan pengamatan saya, perkara seperti itu tidak berlaku dan kita harus ingat bahawa matlamat akhir perniagaan ialah jualan kepada pengguna dan pembeli.

Sebenarnya, golongan pengguna dan pembeli ini tidak mengambil kisah mengenai hal-hal berkaitan agama kerana kesemua mereka ada persamaan iaitu tidak mahu ditipu dan suka peniaga yang amanah.

Dalam sesetengah perkara, Islamofobia mungkin menjadi halangan tetapi bagi saya, apa yang lebih penting ialah reputasi perniagaan tidak tercalar dan jenama terus menyinar.

Kebanyakan orang barat tidak faham mengenai jihad kerana jihad dalam bahasa Inggeris ialah holy war atau peperangan suci. Mereka tidak tahu bahawa Islam secara jelas menyebut tiada peperangan yang suci, Islam adalah agama keamanan dan jihad itu hanya boleh dilakukan jika ada bukti orang teraniaya, tertindas dan ia tidak boleh dibuat sesuka hati, dan ada batas-batas seperti tidak membunuh wanita yang lemah serta anak-anak kecil.

George Bush guna istilah crusade apabila berlaku tragedi 11 September dan merosakkan fahaman orang barat mengenai Islam. Crusade tidak sama dengan jihad, tetapi dalam agama Kristian, Pope atau Paus mempunyai kuasa untuk memberi keampunan kepada orang yang pergi perang.

Bagaimana cara untuk menerapkan nilai jihad ini dalam warga korporat Islam?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Cara terbaik ialah dengan menunjukkan teladan menerusi bukti kejayaan usahawan yang mengamalkan konsep jihad perniagaan. Pertama, mereka mesti menjalankan perniagaan yang menguntungkan dan disusuli dengan corak pemikiran yang betul.

Kita harus ingat bahawa orang Melayu berada dalam kedudukan minoriti dalam dunia perniagaan pada masa ini walaupun bangsa itu menguasai lebih 60 peratus daripada populasi negara, jadi, kita kena berusaha memajukan diri.

Dua bulan lepas, Tan Sri ada menyebut tentang gajah sarkas di kalangan orang Melayu

MUHAMMAD ALI: Saya membawa contoh gajah dalam perumpamaan tersebut kerana kita semua tahu gajah adalah binatang yang hebat dari segi kekuatan dan saiz badannya.

Namun, sesuatu yang agak pelik kerana gajah sarkas yang diikat dengan rantai kecil tidak mahu merentap rantai itu untuk lari dan bebas seperti binatang lain.

Saya percaya ia berlaku kerana ketika ditangkap mula-mula dahulu, kaki gajah diikat dengan rantai besar dan cuba direntap berkali-kali, gajah tetap gagal melarikan diri dan akhirnya ia berputus asa.

Apabila putus asa dan kemudiannya diberikan makanan dan minuman secukupnya, gajah berkenaan mudah berasa selesa dan tidak lagi ingin bebas.

Bagaimana keadaan ini boleh dikaitkan dengan orang Melayu?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Sama juga, jika kita diberikan tongkat yang banyak, kita juga akan mudah berasa selesa walaupun terus dijajah.

Orang putih dahulu menjajah kita dengan mereka menjadi pegawai dan orang Melayu dilabelkan sebagai kakitangan. Kini, walaupun kita telah merdeka untuk tempoh 50 tahun dan dapat memerintah negara dengan bebas, rakyat kita masih dipanggil kakitangan.

Apabila bergelar kakitangan, bagaimana negara mahu bergerak sebagai ekonomi berteraskan pengetahuan kerana rakyat bekerja menggunakan kaki dan tangan sahaja tanpa berfikir.

Sebenarnya, kita sendiri yang tidak mengubah keadaan itu dan terus membawa minda gajah sarkas menuju masa depan. Kita tidak menilai semula keadaan ini dan ini mungkin apa yang berlaku hari ini.

Hari ini, wujud cubaan membawa masuk tulisan Mandarin, kita dahulu berkompromi soal ini dengan sanggup mengenepikan tulisan jawi sebagai tolak-

ansur dengan tulisan Cina dan India yang menerima tulisan rumi tetapi hari ini mereka mahukan semula tulisan itu.

Mungkinkah perkara ini berlaku kerana cengkaman politik orang Melayu yang semakin lemah?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Berbalik kepada cerita gajah sarkas tadi. Kita selesa dan menjadi lemah sehingga tidak sedar berkenaan kuasa yang kita miliki sebenarnya. Dalam perniagaan, jika kita pandai mengurus, pegangan saham sebanyak 30 peratus sahaja sudah cukup untuk membolehkan seseorang itu menguasai keputusan.

Bagaimanapun, orang Melayu terutama generasi muda hari ini tidak boleh dipaksa untuk berniaga secara serta-merta. Ini berbahaya kerana statistik global menunjukkan peluang untuk gagal sangat tinggi di kalangan mereka yang cuba berniaga pertama kali dan saya khuatir golongan ini terus berputus asa. Setelah gagal pada kali pertama, mereka turut hilang sokongan daripada ahli keluarga terutama ibu bapa yang selama ini mewarisi pekerjaan warisan sejak turun-temurun.

Perjuangan ini adalah untuk jangka masa panjang dan cara terbaik ialah bekerja dahulu bagi mereka yang sudah mempunyai pekerjaan tetap demi mencari pengalaman dan membina jaringan sebelum mula berniaga.

Namun ada juga orang Melayu yang mendapat projek atau kontrak segera?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Itu yang saya khuatir dengan golongan yang mendapat peluang perniagaan terhidang depan mata, memperoleh secara mudah hingga menyebabkan mereka tidak mahu berfikir, hilang semangat juang dan tidak mampu untuk berdikari.

Bagi saya, kerajaan harus meneruskan DEB tetapi menggariskan sempadan dan had, tegas dalam pelaksanaan dan tidak memberi banyak tongkat selain memastikan hanya yang layak mendapat peluang perniagaan.Begitu juga halnya dalam pemberian biasiswa, bantuan kepada yang layak sahaja.

Apa pandangan Tan Sri mengenai usaha-usaha menghapuskan DEB?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Pemahaman mengenai DEB boleh dianggap berbeza-beza antara satu dengan yang lain. Salah satu cabang dalam dasar itu ialah mana-mana syarikat yang ditubuhkan mesti menyerahkan 30 peratus pegangan saham kepada orang Melayu.

Apabila ia menjadi dasar, ini bagi saya satu kesilapan kerana tiada sesiapa boleh memaksa untuk menyerahkan hak. Sama juga dengan andaian banyak pihak di kalangan bukan bumiputera yang mengaitkan campur tangan kerajaan dalam pelaksanaan dalam dasar itu, justeru, apabila berbicara mengenai DEB, semua pihak kena faham segala aspek atau sampai bila-bilapun masalah tidak selesai.

Kita kena selalu berpegang pada prinsip keadilan yang diterima pakai oleh semua kaum dan memberi definisi kepada keadilan agar semua pihak mendapat bantuan sewajarnya.

Apa pesanan dan harapan Tan Sri kepada orang Melayu agar memahami kuasa ekonomi juga penting selain kuasa politik ?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Orang Melayu harus menyedari keperluan untuk berdikari dan jika ada keperluan untuk menentang arus dari segi menolak tongkat kerajaan jika mengetahui ia mampu membawa kemudaratan, maka kita perlu berani untuk menolaknya.

Kita lihat sahaja cara orang Cina berniaga. Apabila tidak menerima tongkat dan berdikari dalam berniaga, mereka ternyata mempunyai semangat juang yang tinggi dan berwibawa sehingga mampu bertahan dan kembali berkembang selepas melepasi krisis ekonomi.

Orang Melayu diingatkan jangan jadi seperti cerita itik yang terbang mencari kepanasan ketika musim salji, mereka singgah di satu kawasan dan dijamu dengan makanan sehingga tidak lagi mahu terbang. Mereka menjadi selesa dan apabila orang tidak lagi memberi makanan, mereka panik, tidak tahu berusaha dan akhirnya mati kelaparan.

Minyak, Petrol, Gasolin...

Harga petrol sudah naik di Malaysia sebanyak 40% daripada RM1.92 kepada RM2.70. Ya sana sini di mana-mana sahaja orang berbicara tentang hal ini.

Sana minyak sini minyak. Minyak sudah naik. It has already taken effect. When? Today ! When was it publicly announced? Last night!!! Apa mau bikin. Harga barang-barang lain juga pasti akan naik. Bank Negara Malaysia menyasarkan peningkatan inflasi pada tahun ini akan mencecah sehingga 5%. Hai kalau begini, simpan duit dalam Fixed Deposit pon tarak untung wooo.

Minyak sana sini. Dalam masa terdekat ini bersedialah untuk kesan domino yang akan melanda. Setelah Malaysia dilanda Tsunami Politik, kini negara dijangka akan ditimpa kesan peningkatan harga minyak yang secara langsung mempengaruhi kenaikan mendadak harga barang dan utiliti secara besar-besaran.

Fenomena peningkatan harga bahan bakar ini di seluruh dunia memang tidak dapat dinafikan. Kesan global. Tetapi yang menjadi persoalannya adakah peningkatan sebanyak 40% secara mendadak dan tiba-tiba itu wajar sedangkan sebelum pengumuman dibuat oleh kerajaan, rakyat sudah dibebankan dengan peningkatan harga barang-barang keperluan lain dan makanan seperti beras, gandum, produk tenusu dan sebagainya. Itu sebelum kenaikan harga minyak. Bagaimana pula kesan selepasnya!!

Agak menghairankan. India bukanlah negara pengeksport minyak. Tetapi India hanya mengenakan kenaikan sebanyak 10%. Jepun pula menaikkan harga minyaknya baru-baru ini daripada ￥152 kepada lebih kurang ￥185. Kalau ditakrifkan mengikut taraf hidup di Malaysia, ianya sama seperti peningkatan daripada hanya RM1.52 kepada RM1.85. Tidak cukup dengan itu, kerajaan Jepun juga mengambil tanggungjawab melapor dan membentang di Parlimen justifikasinya mengapa peningkatan sebanyak lebih kurang ￥30~40 itu perlu dan tidak dapat dielakkan. Telus!!

Kerajaan Malaysia juga telah mengumumkan bahawa mulai 5hb Jun, polisi penetapan harga minyak akan berubah dimana ia akan di sandarkan dan ditentukan mengikut harga pasaran antarabangsa. Begitu juga dengan struktur subsidi juga telah bertukar. Cuma yang menjadi kemushkilan saya sekarang ialah, sekiranya harga minyak pasaran dunia menurun, adakah kerajaan Malaysia akan mengambil tindakan yang sama untuk menurunkan harga minyak di pasaran Malaysia?!

以上です。

What is Islam?

Islam is not a new religion but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events that have come to be associated with their faith.

How does Islam guarantee human rights?

Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Quran itself: 'There is no compulsion in religion'. (Quran; 2:256)

The life and property of all citizens are considered sacred whether a person is Muslim or not.

Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Quran speaks of human equality in the following terms:

O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honoured of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All Aware (Quran; 49:13)

(from: http://www.islamicity.com/ )

Equality of Human Beings

Islam not only recognises absolute equality between men, irrespective of any distinction of colour, race or nationality, but also makes it an important and significant principle, a reality. The Almighty God has laid down in the Holy Quran: "O mankind, we have created you from a male and female." In other words all human beings are brothers to one another. They all are the descendants from one father and one mother. "And we set you up as nations and tribes so that you may be able to recognise each other" (Quran; 49:13).

This means that the division of human beings into nations, races, groups and tribes is for the sake of distinction, so that people of one race or tribe may meet and be acquainted with the people belonging to another race or tribe and cooperate with one another. This division of the human race is neither meant for one nation to take pride in its superiority over others nor is it meant for one nation to treat another with contempt or disgrace, or regard them as a mean and degraded race and usurp their rights. "Indeed, the noblest among you before God are the most heedful of you" (Quran; 49:13).

In other words, the superiority of one man over another is only on the basis of God-consciousness, purity of character and high morals, and not on the basis of colour, race, language or nationality, and even this superiority based on piety and pure conduct does not justify that such people should play lord or assume airs of superiority over other human beings. Assuming airs of superiority is in itself a reprehensible vice which no God-fearing and pious man can ever dream of perpetrating. Nor does the righteous have more privileged rights over others, because this runs counter to human equality, which has been laid down in the beginning of this verse as a general principle. From the moral point of view, goodness and virtue is in all cases better than vice and evil.

This has been exemplified by the Prophet in one of his sayings thus: "No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man, or the black man any superiority over the white man. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from clay" (al-Bayhaqi and al-Bazzaz).

In this manner, Islam established equality for the entire human race and struck at the very root of all distinctions based on colour, race, language or nationality. According to Islam, God has given man this right of equality as a birthright. Therefore no man should be discriminated against on the ground of the colour of his skin, his place of birth, the race or the nation in which he was born.

(from: http://www.witness-pioneer.org/ )

Excerpt from: Malaysia Today (Raja Petra Kamaruddin)

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Barack Obama at Wesleyan Commencement Ceremony

Full Text of Barack Obama's Prepared Speech

Wesleyan University Commencement
Sunday, May 25th, 2008
Middletown, Connecticutt


Thank you, President Roth, for that generous introduction, and congratulations on your first year at the helm of Wesleyan. Congratulations also to the class of 2008, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your graduation.

I have the distinct honor today of pinch-hitting for one of my personal heroes and a hero to this country, Senator Edward Kennedy. Teddy wanted to be here very much, but as you know, he’s had a very long week and is taking some much-needed rest. He called me up a few days ago and I said that I’d be happy to be his stand-in, even if there was no way I could fill his shoes.

I did, however, get the chance to glance at the speech he planned on delivering today, and I’d like to start by passing along a message from him: “To all those praying for my return to good health, I offer my heartfelt thanks. And to any who’d rather have a different result, I say, don’t get your hopes up just yet!”

So we know that Ted Kennedy’s legendary sense of humor is as strong as ever, and I have no doubt that his equally legendary fighting spirit will carry him through this latest challenge. He is our friend, he is our champion, and we hope and pray for his return to good health.

The topic of his speech today was common for a commencement, but one that nobody could discuss with more authority or inspiration than Ted Kennedy.

That is, the topic of service to one’s country – a cause that is synonymous with his family’s name and their legacy.

I was born the year that his brother John called a generation of Americans to ask their country what they could do. And I came of age at a time when they did it. They were the Peace Corps volunteers who won a generation of goodwill toward America at a time when America ’s ideals were challenged.

They were the teenagers and college students, not much older than you, who watched the Civil Rights Movement unfold on their television sets; who saw the dogs and the fire hoses and the footage of marchers beaten within an inch of their lives; who knew it was probably smarter and safer to stay at home, but still decided to take those Freedom Rides down south – who still decided to march.

And because they did, they changed the world.

I bring this up because today, you are about to enter a world that makes it easy to get caught up in the notion that there are actually two different stories at work in our lives.

The first is the story of our everyday cares and concerns – the responsibilities we have to our jobs and our families – the bustle and busyness of what happens in our own life.

And the second is the story of what happens in the life of our country – of what happens in the wider world.

It’s the story you see when you catch a glimpse of the day’s headlines or turn on the news at night – a story of big challenges like war and recession; hunger and climate change; injustice and inequality. It’s a story that can sometimes seem distant and separate from our own – a destiny to be shaped by forces beyond our control.

And yet, the history of this nation tells us this isn’t so. It tells us that we are a people whose destiny has never been written for us, but by us – by generations of men and women, young and old, who have always believed that their story and the American story are not separate, but shared. And for more than two centuries, they have served this country in ways that have forever enriched both.

I say this to you as someone who couldn’t be standing here today if not for the service of others, and wouldn’t be standing here today if not for the purpose that service gave my own life.

You see, I spent much of my childhood adrift. My father left my mother and I when I was two. When my mother remarried, I lived in Indonesia for a time, but was mostly raised in Hawaii by her and my grandparents from Kansas . My teenage years were filled with more than the usual dose of adolescent rebellion, and I’ll admit that I didn’t always take myself or my studies very seriously. I realize that none of you can probably relate to this, but there were many times when I wasn’t sure where I was going, or what I would do.

But during my first two years of college, perhaps because the values my mother had taught me –hard work, honesty, empathy – had resurfaced after a long hibernation; or perhaps because of the example of wonderful teachers and lasting friends, I began to notice a world beyond myself. I became active in the movement to oppose the apartheid regime of South Africa . I began following the debates in this country about poverty and health care. So that by the time I graduated from college, I was possessed with a crazy idea – that I would work at a grassroots level to bring about change.

I wrote letters to every organization in the country I could think of.

And one day, a small group of churches on the South Side of Chicago offered me a job to come work as a community organizer in neighborhoods that had been devastated by steel plant closings. My mother and grandparents wanted me to go to law school. My friends were applying to jobs on Wall Street. Meanwhile, this organization offered me $12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car.

And I said yes.

Now, I didn’t know a soul in Chicago , and I wasn’t sure what this community organizing business was all about. I had always been inspired by stories of the Civil Rights Movement and JFK’s call to service, but when I got to the South Side, there were no marches, and no soaring speeches. In the shadow of an empty steel plant, there were just a lot of folks who were struggling. And we didn’t get very far at first.

I still remember one of the very first meetings we put together to discuss gang violence with a group of community leaders. We waited and waited for people to show up, and finally, a group of older people walked into the hall. And they sat down. And a little old lady raised her hand and asked, “Is this where the bingo game is?”

It wasn’t easy, but eventually, we made progress. Day by day, block by block, we brought the community together, and registered new voters, and set up after school programs, and fought for new jobs, and helped people live lives with some measure of dignity.

But I also began to realize that I wasn’t just helping other people. Through service, I found a community that embraced me; citizenship that was meaningful; the direction I’d been seeking. Through service, I discovered how my own improbable story fit into the larger story of America .

Each of you will have the chance to make your own discovery in the years to come. And I say “chance” because you won’t have to take it.

There’s no community service requirement in the real world; no one forcing you to care.

You can take your diploma, walk off this stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and all the other things that our money culture says you should by.

You can choose to narrow your concerns and live your life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America ’s.

But I hope you don’t. Not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate, though you do have that obligation. Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get here, though you do have that debt.

It’s because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our INDIVIDUAL salvation depends on COLLECTIVE salvation.

Because thinking only about yourself, fulfilling your immediate wants and needs, betrays a poverty of ambition.

Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential and discover the role you’ll play in writing the next great chapter in America ’s story.

There are so many ways to serve and so much need at this defining moment in our history. You don’t have to be a community organizer or do something crazy like run for President. Right here at Wesleyan, many of you have already volunteered at local schools, contributed to United Way , and even started a program that brings fresh produce to needy families in the area. One hundred and sixty-four graduates of this school have joined the Peace Corps since 2001, and I’m especially proud that two of you are about to leave for my father’s homeland of Kenya to bring alternative sources of energy to impoverished areas.

I ask you to seek these opportunities when you leave here, because the future of this country – your future – depends on it.

At a time when our security and moral standing depend on winning hearts and minds in the forgotten corners of this world, we need more of you to serve abroad.

As President, I intend to grow the Foreign Service, double the Peace Corps over the next few years, and engage the young people of other nations in similar programs, so that we work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all humanity.

At a time when our ice caps are melting and our oceans are rising, we need you to help lead a green revolution. We still have time to avoid the catastrophic consequences of climate change if we get serious about investing in renewable sources of energy, and if we get a generation of volunteers to work on renewable energy projects, and teach folks about conservation, and help clean up polluted areas; if we send talented engineers and scientists abroad to help developing countries promote clean energy.

At a time when a child in Boston must compete with children in Beijing and Bangalore , we need an army of you to become teachers and principals in schools that this nation cannot afford to give up on. I will pay our educators what they deserve, and give them more support, but I will also ask more of them to be mentors to other teachers, and serve in high-need schools and high-need subject areas like math and science.

At a time when there are children in the city of New Orleans who still spend each night in a lonely trailer, we need more of you to take a weekend or a week off from work, and head down South, and help rebuild. If you can’t get the time, volunteer at the local homeless shelter or soup kitchen in your own community. Find an organization that’s fighting poverty, or a candidate who promotes policies you believe in, and find a way to help them.

At a time of war, we need you to work for peace.

At a time of inequality, we need you to work for opportunity.

At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again.

Now understand this - believing that change is possible is not the same as being naïve.

Go into service with your eyes wide open, for change will not come easily. On the big issues that our nation faces, difficult choices await. We’ll have to face some hard truths, and some sacrifice will be required – not only from you individually, but from the nation as a whole.

There is no magic bullet to our energy problems, for example; no perfect energy source - so all of us will have to use the energy sources we have more wisely. Deep-rooted poverty will not be reversed overnight, and will require both money and reform at a time when our federal and state budgets are strapped and Washington is skeptical that reform is possible.

Transforming our education system will require not only bold government action, but a change in attitudes among parents and students. Bringing an end to the slaughter in Darfur will involve navigating extremely difficult realities on the ground, even for those with the best of intentions.

And so, should you take the path of service, should you choose to take up one of these causes as your own, know that you’ll experience frustrations and failures.

Even your successes will be marked by imperfections and unintended consequences. I guarantee you, there will certainly be times when friends or family urge you to pursue more sensible endeavors with more tangible rewards. And there will be times when you are tempted to take their advice.

But I hope you’ll remember, during those times of doubt and frustration, that there is nothing naïve about your impulse to change this world.

Because all it takes is one act of service – one blow against injustice – to send forth that tiny ripple of hope that Robert Kennedy spoke of.

You know, Ted Kennedy often tells a story about the fifth anniversary celebration of the Peace Corps. He was there, and he asked one of the young Americans why he had chosen to volunteer.

And the man replied, “Because it was the FIRST time someone asked me to do something for my country.”

I don’t know how many of you have been asked that question, but after today, you have no excuses. I am asking you, and if I should have the honor of serving this nation as President, I will be asking again in the coming years. We may disagree on certain issues and positions, but I believe we can be unified in service to a greater good. I intend to make it a cause of my presidency, and I believe with all my heart that this generation is ready, and eager, and up to the challenge.

We will face our share of cynics and doubters. But we always have.

I can still remember a conversation I had with an older man all those years ago just before I left for Chicago . He said, “Barack, I’ll give you a bit of advice. Forget this community organizing business and do something that’s gonna make you some money. You can’t change the world, and people won’t appreciate you trying. But you’ve got a nice voice, so you should think about going into television broadcasting. I’m telling you, you’ve got a future.”

Now, he may have been right about the TV thing, but he was wrong about everything else. For that old man has not seen what I have seen.

He has not seen the faces of ordinary people the first time they clear a vacant lot or build a new playground or force an unresponsive leader to provide services to their community.

He has not seen the face of a child brighten because of an inspiring teacher or mentor.

He has not seen scores of young people educate their parents on issues like Darfur , or mobilize the conscience of a nation around the challengeof climate change.

He has not seen lines of men and women that wrap around schools and churches, that stretch block after block just so they could make their voices heard, many for the very first time.

And that old man who didn’t believe the world could change – who didn’t think one person could make a difference – well he certainly didn’t know much about the life of Joseph Kennedy’s youngest son.

It is rare in this country of ours that a person exists who has touched the lives of nearly every single American without many of us even realizing it. And yet, because of Ted Kennedy, millions of children can see a doctor when they get sick. Mothers and fathers can leave work to spend time with their newborns. Working Americans are paid higher wages, and compensated for overtime, and can keep their health insurance when they change jobs. They are protected from discrimination in the workplace, and those who are born with disabilities can still get an education, and health care, and fair treatment on the job. Our schools are stronger and our colleges are filled with more Americans who can afford it. And I have a feeling that Ted Kennedy is not done just yet.

But surely, if one man can achieve so much and make such a difference in the lives of so many, then each of us can do our part. Surely, if his service and his story can forever shape America ’s story, then our collective service can shape the destiny of this generation.

At the very least, his living example calls each of us to TRY . That is all I ask of you on this joyous day of new beginnings; that is what Senator Kennedy asks of you as well, and that is how we will keep so much needed work going, and the cause of justice everlasting, and the dream alive for generations to come.

Thank you so much to the class of 2008, and congratulations on your graduation.

Besto Regardo,
No doubt Senator Barack Obama is one of the great orators. His speeches always strike a chord of mine.

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Hadis: Wanita yang terbaik

Dari Abi Hurairah (RA. ) Rasulullah ( SAW) pernah ditanya: “Siapakah wanita terbaik” (solehah) . Jawabnya: “Ialah wanita yang menggembirakan kamu bila dilihat kepadanya dan sentiasa patuh dan taat bila disuruh, tidak menyalahinya pada dirinya dan hartanya dengan apa yang dibencinya (Hadis Riwayat Nasai dan Baihaqi).

Huraiannya:

Dalam hadis ini, Rasulullah saw menggambarkan bakal isteri yang solehah itu ialah wanita yang menawan dan pandai menggodanya. Disamping bersikap taat dan patuh kepada arahan suaminya dan tidak akan menyalahinya dalam sebarang kemahuannya (yang tidak bertentangan dengan agama) dalam pergaulan dan perbelanjaan hartanya. Itulah wanita solehah yang harus menjadi pilihan hati kaum lelaki.

Kesimpulannya:

Wanita terbaik bakal wanita pilihan itu ialah wanita yang solehah iaitu mereka menarik pandangan suami dan sentiasa taat dan mengikut kehendak suaminya.

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Mengatur Langkah

Sudah lama tak mengarut dalam blog ni. Maklumlah dihimpit kesibukan yang tidak kunjung padam. Sudah lama juga tidak mengarang dalam Bahasa Melayu. Terasa rindu pula untuk bermain bahasa.

Ungkapan "Man's life begins at 40" sudah acapkali kita dengari. Tapi persoalan yang timbul di kotak mindaku ialah kenapa 40 tahun. Apakah itu tidak terlalu lambat? Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan 'life' di sini. Adakah ianya membawa erti bahawa pada umur 40 tahun seseorang lelaki itu sudah sepatutnya meniti suatu titian hidup yang stabil dalam erti kata dari segi kewangan, status sosial, mental, emosi, hubungan kemanusiaan dan kebijaksanaan?

Buat diriku secara peribadi, i set my `life' to begin at 30.. Ini membawa erti, pada ketika umurku 30 tahun, aku sudah berupaya menikmati suatu taraf kehidupan yang dinikmati oleh mereka yang secara umumnya berumur 40 tahun. Tapi apakah piawaian yang diguna ukur untuk menetapkan ciri-ciri kehidupan yang stabil yang perlu dicapai oleh khalayak yang meniti umur 40 tahun adalah sesuatu yang perlu dianalisa secara lebih menyeluruh dan khusus.
Erti pencapaian hidup bagi seseorang insan adalah suatu yang subjektif dan topik yang sangat luas untuk dibincangkan.

Hanya tinggal lebih kurang 2 tahun sahaja lagi sebelum umurku mencecah genap 30 tahun. 2 tahun bukanlah satu tempoh masa yang lama. Sudah tiba masanya yang kritikal bagiku untuk mengorak ayunan langkah yang lebih panjang dan pantas. Kaut sebanyak mungkin pengalaman yang mampu ditimba. Asah setajam mungkin daya memikir yang disegarkan dengan kematangan berhujah dalam menyatakan pendapat. Kesabaran, berhemah dan berprinsip. Inilah antara kualiti-kualiti yang seharusnya digilap dan diserlahkan bagi menzahirkan impianku. Impian My life begins at 30...

Salam mesra. Hingga berjumpa lagi di lain edisi.

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Anwar Ibrahim in 'Time' magazine's 100 most influential people in the world

He is not in Parliament yet and is still putting finishing touches on a coherent Opposition in Malaysia but Time magazine have picked Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2008.

He shares the platform with the Dalai Lama, Hu Jintao, Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Aung San Suu Kyi, Rupert Murdoch, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and others.

This is the fifth annual list of leaders, thinkers, heroes, scientists, sports stars drawn up by the US news magazine. The de facto leader of Pakatan Rakyat is one of a clutch of Asians who were listed in the leaders and revolutionaries category. The format calls for a prominent individual to write a short essay about each person on the top 100 list.

Anwar’s citation was penned by Paul Wolfowitz, the former US Deputy Secretary of Defence. This is what he wrote:

"During the 1990s, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a group of US Senators organised a forum to exchange views among East Asians and Americans. Asked at one session about the role of Islam in politics, Anwar replied, 'I have no use for governments which call themselves Islamic and then deny basic rights to half their population.'

"This devout Muslim leader was an impressive and eloquent advocate of tolerance, democracy and human rights. So we were shocked by his arrest and trial in 1998 on charges of corruption and sodomy. I felt his real 'crime' had been to challenge Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, whose impressive record will be forever stained by his treatment of Anwar.

"I joined Senator Sam Nunn and others to speak out in Anwar's defence. When he was finally released from prison in 2004, US policy on Iraq was unpopular in Malaysia, and Anwar was harshly critical. It would have been easy for him to disown our friendship, but he is not that kind of person. He kept the channels of dialogue open, even while making clear our disagreements.

"Anwar, 60, is back in the centre of Malaysian politics. The coalition led by his wife Wan Azizah has become the main Opposition bloc. His future role can be determined only by Malaysians. One can hope that they will embrace his brand of tolerance, valuing dialogue across political differences, and that this courageous leader will continue to play a leading role on the world stage."

This recognition for Anwar comes at a time when he is still trying to stabilise the alliance between the DAP, PKR and Pas, and find a place for himself in the new political landscape of Malaysia. He was barred from contesting the election on March 8 because his conviction for abuse of power.

Over the years, Anwar has tried to fight off claims that he is a stooge of the United States and the West. That was one of the main planks in Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attack on Anwar after sacking him from government and Umno in 1998. More recently, Anwar has had to defend his ties with Wolfowitz, who resigned as the head of the World Bank in shame and is viewed as one of the hawks in the Bush administration which encouraged the US to invade Iraq in 2003.

Still, Anwar’s inclusion in the top 100 list shows how far he has managed to rehabilitate his reputation since his conviction on sodomy was overturned by the Federal Court in 2004. In Malaysia, he has been touted as the prime minister-in-waiting and abroad Anwar has recaptured the media headlines.

The TIME 100

Leaders & Revolutionaries

* Dalai Lama
* Vladimir Putin
* Barack Obama
* Hillary Clinton
* John McCain
* Hu Jintao
* George W. Bush
* Jacob Zuma
* Anwar Ibrahim
* Kevin Rudd
* Bartholomew I
* Ben Bernanke
* Muqtada al-Sadr
* Robert Gates
* Michelle Bachelet
* Sonia Gandhi
* Baitullah Mehsud
* Evo Morales
* Ma Ying-jeou
* Ashfaq Kayani

Source: (The Malaysian Insider) Malaysia Today

Besto Regardo,
Go Anwar, go Anuar.

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My Sacrifice by Creed : Tribute to Anwar Ibrahim

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia Prime Minister in waiting. By god's will.

After many relentless ordeals he endured, passed, and still keep on surviving with an earnest gesture of goodwill, i am very pleased to have this charismatic leader as the next Premier of Malaysia. For the time being, i can't think of other better candidate except him. Well, the perception can change anytime though. But for now, he's the man.

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Let's get works done

My fellow gentlemen,

Malaysia has decided and the verdict is out. It is already evenly one week after this beloved country of ours, outrageously smitten by what all those political analysts and pundits termed it as a 'political tsunami'.

Flashing back on the day of March 9th as a day after the fateful polling date, i woke up from my atrocious sleep with full of anticipation and excitement. It felt like a new world was born, with new fresh air to breath and it appeared to be a such wonderful day.

I'm so delight and grateful because above all, the 12th General Election was successfully conducted and changes for the new government to step into several certain states are being done orderly with out so much immense trouble. Of course there are few unwanted events occured, initiated by a few quarters of selfish 'dickheads' and 'nincompoops', which unconsciously propelled things to be more complicated, as some have gone too far in their attempt to turn a state into a bloodbath turmoil by agitating the fire of racial polemic on street.

Undeniably, i was disgusted with Lim Kit Siang's credulous statement which issued impulsively in response to PAS YB Ir Mohd Nizar's appointment by the royal household of Perak as the new MB of the state even though Kit Siang had revoked it back and apologized later on. Fortunately, blessed with the wisdom of Perak's King, the tussle has been loosen out. DAP should have been aware that it alone without any strong backup by PAS and PKR supporters will never ever managed to accumulate such magnanimous votes it is enjoying now. Therefore PAS-PKR-DAP coalition must at utmost, put the interest of the people and country above theirs. They must work diligently together as a proof to the people that they are reliable and there would be no regret on people's side for putting them at where they are standing now.

We, the people who put you there, and we, the people can kick you down from there. So watch out and don't try us! There's no more time for hanky panky dowry and bickering among yourselves but let's get down to work and start serving the people!! Rakyat has been so hungry for too long for a credible and clean governance and rakyat want you to act and walk your talk.

So far, i tend to see that Lim Guan Eng seems to be a professional leader. I haven't heard yet any policy or suggestion coming out from his mouth that to marginalize or deprive any race or quarters off their rights. Let's give him his grace chance since he just being at the helm for merely a week for god sake!
Thus, what UMNO Penang has done to take things to the street, while they are the ones who slammed the oppositions all this while is very unwelcome.

Besides that, what Ali Rustam the Vice President of UMNO said that the federal government should stop all the development projects which have been planned for Penang hence the Penangites are deemed to be realized who's the boss now, is only reveal the true colours of this man. On the other hand, i really applaud Koh Tsu Khoon stance who hits out with his statement that all the projects must be proceeded for the benefit of people and UMNO Penang shouldn't did as what they have done recently in front of Komtar's building as it was so improper.

For all i care now is i want the best for Malaysia and i don't give shite whether it comes from UMNO, PAS, PKR, DAP, MCA, GERAKAN, MIC, PPP or whatsoever. I'll hail the one who speaks, acts and thinks for the betterment of rakyat and i'll screw up the one who serves the rakyat like pariah but he himself thinks and acts like the worst pariah of all pariah in this world.

Last but not least, i would like to congratulate all the people regardless their political affiliations who is able to think deliberately and to stay calm in a peaceful manner despite being provoked by irresponsible groups. Banzai Malaysia!!

Besto Regardo,
Ingenuity and maturity is our culture.
Peace and Love Malaysia.

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10 signs you love someone...

TEN:

You feel shy whenever they're around.


NINE:

You smile when you hear their voice.


EIGHT:

When you look at them, you can't see the other people around you, you just see him/her.


SIX:

They're all you think about.


FIVE:

You realize you're always smiling when you're looking at them.


FOUR:

You would do anything for them, just to see them.


THREE:

While reading this, there was one person on your mind this whole time.


TWO:

You were so busy thinking about that person, you didnt notice number seven was missing.


ONE:

You just scrolled up to check & are now silently laughing at yourself.


Besto Regardo,
Actually a friend forwarded this to me. And i can't help from laughing at myself after coming to number three until number one. It's so true. I think the person who discover this signs is a genius. Fantastic!


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Ajal jodoh di tangan tuhan ?

Ya, itulah yang bisa diperkatakan oleh sebilangan besar ummat di sebelah kepulauan nusantara khasnya. Ungkapan ini juga tidak dinafikan dijadikan sebagai perisai yang mujarab acapkali aku diserang dengan soalan cepu emas (Cepu emas ? Kenapa ya ?), yang secara asasnya bererti " Bila pula kau nak kahwin ?".

Lalu aku dengan selambanya akan menjawab, " Hai, kalau sudah ada jodoh sekarang pon bisa aku kahwin. Tapi ajal dan jodoh itu kan urusan tuhan." Hehe..poyo tak jawapan yang semacam tu. Sudah menjadi fitrah bagi insan yang normal untuk mempunyai teman - bukan yang biasa tapi yang istimewa melebihi segalanya yang lain.

Apabila sudah sampai ke satu peringkat kehidupan, kita akan merasakan bahawa hidup ini kurang bererti, kurang enak, dan pudar keceriaannya. Kita mula merasakan bahawa kita juga inginkan teman yang istimewa seperti juga orang lain. Agaknya inilah juga perasaan yang menyelebungi Adam a.s sebelum dianugerahkan Hawa kepadanya. Maka apabila dipertemukan jodoh oleh Yang Maha Pencipta, maka terungkaplah kata azimat percintaan. Seperti apa yang tercetus antara Uda dan Dara, Romeo dan Juliet, Antony dan Cleopatra serta Awie dan Erra di dalam cerita Sembilu.

Aku tidaklah begitu terdesak (Cheii kononnyelah) tetapi aku juga tidak menafikan akan kepentingan berteman. Dulu aku tidak begitu meyakini akan hakikat "Ajal jodoh di tangan tuhan". Dulu, aku berpendapat jodoh itu ditentukan oleh manusia. Bukan aku seorang tapi ramai juga yang berfikiran bahawa jodoh perlu dicari dan diusahakan. Kalau tidak, ngak ketemu sampai ke tua. Hehe memang mudah ya untuk melempar kata-kata bermodalkan air liur, hakikatnya hingga ke lubang cacing tapi belum ku ketemu. Mungkin perlu terus mencari kerana jodoh itu bukannya tiada tapi cuma belum berjumpa. Tetapi apa pun bagi aku yang pasti, perihal mendapatkan jodoh bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah seperti memakan kacang menglembu. Ada pula yang berpendapat, jodoh tidak perlu dicari kerana ia akan datang dengan sendiri. Dan aku sekarang lebih enak dengan pendapat yang kedua ini. Ya, bagi aku, kalau bukan jodohnya untuk kita, ada saja yang susah dan terhalang, ada sahaja yang tidak kena, tapi kalau sudah jodohnya, segalanya akan mudah terjadi dan terjalin. Hati kedua-duanya dengan cepat mudah menerima. Kata orang, ada Chemistry gitu. Dan itulah yang semoleknya dan paling ideal.

Begitu juga dengan ajal. Suatu perkara yang agak rumit untuk dirungkaikan oleh pemikiran bathil manusia. Ramai orang yang takut dan cemuh apabila diperkatakan tentang ajal tetapi ada juga yang suka dan gembira apabila mendengarnya. Yang takut dan cemuh berfikiran bahawa ajal kematian itu suatu yang gelap, menyakitkan, sunyi, tidak ada hala tuju dan kosong - null. Tetapi bagi yang gembira, mereka berfikiran bahawa ajal itu merupakan suatu proses transit dari satu dunia yang penuh kepincangan, kepalsuan dan fitnah, ke suatu alam baru yang kekal abadi selamanya. Ke suatu dunia baru yang penuh cahaya kebenaran, nikmat dan bererti serta titik noktah destinasi perjalanan hidup iaitu bersua dengan tuhan rabbul alamin Yang Maha Agung. Apakah ini suatu yang pasti ? Bagaimana aku tahu sedangkan diriku sendiri bukannya pernah merasai ajal dan alam selepasnya itu ? Ya memang benar aku tidak menempuhinya, dan memang benar tidak ada sebarang cendekiawan, ahli saintis, ahli teologi, ahli sihir mahu pun seorang manusia pon yang mampu membuktinya secara zahiriah. Namun hati ku masih tetap berpegang dan yakin bahawa di sana ada dunia yang baru selepas kematian. Aku yakin kerana aku adalah orang yang mempunyai keyakinan - I'm a man of faith.

Tetapi tidak dinafikan bahawa apabila orang yang tersayang pergi meninggalkan kita selama-lamanya menjemput seruan ilahi, rasa sedih dan sebak akan menusuk jauh ke dalam jiwa. Sedangkan Rasul Muhammad S.A.W bersedih yang teramat sangat apabila ditinggalkan Khadijah, isteri kesayangan, dan Abu Thalib, bapa saudara kesayangannya, apatah lagi kita insan biasa.

Disebalik itu, jangan pula kerana ingin menuju ke alam kekal abadi, kita mengabaikan langsung kehidupan duniawi kita dan mengambil tindakan bodoh seperti membunuh diri sebagaimana yang diamalkan oleh beberapa kultus dan ajaran sesat sebelum ini, kononnya sebagai tiket ekspres untuk lari dari kebobrokan dunia menuju ke 'syurga'. Sebabnya, bukankah telah dikhabarkan kepada kita, bahawa faktor yang akan menentukan kebahagian atau kesengsaraan kita di alam seterusnya ialah amalam-amalan kita di dunia kehidupan kita ini sekarang.

Beberapa masa kebelakangan ini, kita dikejutkan dengan beberapa siri kematian di kalangan orang-orang terkenal. Benazir Bhutto, Suharto, Ishak Baharom - bekas mufti Selangor dan juga Lolok, penulis lirik yang berkarisma. Semuanya pergi meninggalkan dunia yang fana ini selama-lamanya. Walaupon mereka mati dengan cara dan sebab musabab yang berbeza, tetapi hala tuju dan destinasi mereka adalah sama - ke alam barzakh. Semoga roh mereka dicucuri rahmat Tuhan Yang Menghidupkan dan Mematikan. Amin.

Dan akhir kata dari aku, "Kahwinlah kamu sebelum kamu dikahwinkan"...ngehehe uhuk huk. Yes, abang aku sudah nak kahwin, aku harapkan semuanya baik dan selamat hendaknya. Barulah line clear lepas ini. Bukan untuk aku, tetapi untuk adik-adik aku lah pulak. Aku?...Haa aku tunggu Nagasawa Masami, Sawajiri Erika, Takeuchi Yuko dengan hmmm...siapa ya seorang lagi ? Kena cukupkan kasi empat, barulah power

以上です。

Bill Gates: The skills you need to succeed

VIEWPOINT
By Bill Gates
Chairman, Microsoft

One of the most important changes of the last 30 years is that digital technology has transformed almost everyone into an information worker. In almost every job now, people use software and work with information to enable their organisation to operate more effectively.

That's true for everyone from the retail store worker who uses a handheld scanner to track inventory to the chief executive who uses business intelligence software to analyse critical market trends.
So if you look at how progress is made and where competitive advantage is created, there's no doubt that the ability to use software tools effectively is critical to succeeding in today's global knowledge economy.

A solid working knowledge of productivity software and other IT tools has become a basic foundation for success in virtually any career.
Beyond that, however, I don't think you can overemphasise the importance of having a good background in maths and science.

If you look at the most interesting things that have emerged in the last decade - whether it is cool things like portable music devices and video games or more practical things like smart phones and medical technology - they all come from the realm of science and engineering.

Today and in the future, many of the jobs with the greatest impact will be related to software, whether it is developing software working for a company like Microsoft or helping other organisations use information technology tools to be successful.

Bill Gates
Lifelong learning is vital

Communication skills and the ability to work well with different types of people are very important too.

A lot of people assume that creating software is purely a solitary activity where you sit in an office with the door closed all day and write lots of code.
This isn't true at all.
Software innovation, like almost every other kind of innovation, requires the ability to collaborate and share ideas with other people, and to sit down and talk with customers and get their feedback and understand their needs.

I also place a high value on having a passion for ongoing learning. When I was pretty young, I picked up the habit of reading lots of books.
It's great to read widely about a broad range of subjects. Of course today, it's far easier to go online and find information about any topic that interests you.
Having that kind of curiosity about the world helps anyone succeed, no matter what kind of work they decide to pursue.

Bill Gates is chairman, chief software architect and one of the founders of Microsoft, the world's largest software company. From July 2008 he will end his day-to-day involvement in the company and focus on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and its global health and education work.

Besto Regardo,
And to me, one simple task one could do to gain knowledge is reading, reading, reading and asking the experts. Ops sorry that would be counted as four.
Alright Anuar you lazy bonehead, commencing from today you are commissioned to read　completely at least, one 'intellectual' material per month. Ehem ehem...tuuuut stuff should be subsided...gradually. :-P

以上です

The 90/10 Principle

What is this principle? Ten per cent of life is made up of what happens to you, while 90% is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us.

We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic.

We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.

How? By your reaction.
You cannot a red light but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react. Let's use an example.

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks a cup of coffee onto the business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react. You curse.

You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticise her placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready to school. She misses the bas.

Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles and hour in a 30mph speed limit.

After 15 minute delay and throwing US$60 (about RM220) because of a traffic fine, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home.

When you arrive home, you find a small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning.
Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policemen cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".

You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those five seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's okay, honey, you just need to be more careful next time." Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive five minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?
Two difference scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you reacted. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction. Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll of like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comments affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out, and so on.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose the temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off. Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them

Who cares if you arrive 10 seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin you drive? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out frustration ion the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse.

Now you know the 90/10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90/10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It can change your life!!

By Stephen Covey (Management Guru)
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Stephen Covey is the author of international best seller The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

以上です。

Nilai baik warga Tokyo wajar dijadikan teladan

Oleh Mohamad Muda (Yang berkunjung ke Tokyo dan Kyoto, Jepun, baru-baru ini)

KATA orang, kalau ke Jepun atau mahu maju seperti masyarakat negara matahari terbit itu, jangan jadi seperti orangnya, tetapi ikut nilai dan budaya hidup serta disiplin kerja mereka, antaranya tekun, menepati masa, menghormati orang lain dan sentiasa mengutamakan kebersihan.
Memang benar, walaupun cuma seminggu berada di Tokyo dan Kyoto ketika mengikuti lawatan kerja rombongan Yayasan Pelajaran Mara (YPM) memantau pelajarnya di dua bandar itu baru-baru ini, amalan nilai positif di kalangan masyarakat negara berkenaan dapat dilihat di mana-mana, terutama dari segi kebersihan.

Sebagai contoh mudah, sebaik penulis bersama rombongan YPM keluar bangunan terminal Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Narita, selepas enam setengah jam penerbangan dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), mata tertumpu ke suatu arah (sekali pandang macam kandang) yang turut tersedia beberapa tempat membuang puntung rokok - tempat khas untuk merokok rupanya.
Dari segi kecanggihan terutama sistem pengendalian dan pengurusan penumpang, pada pendapat penulis, KLIA jauh lebih hebat berbanding Narita. Bagaimanapun, Narita ada kelainan sedikit kerana turut menyediakan tempat khas untuk perokok di luar bangunan terminalnya, barangkali untuk menjaga kebersihan persekitaran.
Di KLIA pun ada disediakan kemudahan sama di luar terminal, tetapi berbeza sifatnya. Malah, di negara kita di mana-mana, terutama di bandar dan tempat awam, malah perhentian bas tepi jalan sekalipun, ada disediakan tempat membuang sampah dan puntung rokok. Hairannya, puntung rokok tetap bertaburan.

Keadaan itu dipercayai berpunca antara lain kerana perokok tidak memanfaatkan kemudahan disediakan, sebaliknya masih membuang puntung rokok ikut suka. Kedua, bekas habuk rokok itu sendiri tidak dibersihkan pihak berkenaan sekalipun kandungannya melimpah hingga menyebabkan bau dan menyakitkan mata memandang.
Apa yang ingin penulis nyatakan ini bukan mengenai bahaya merokok kerana semua orang tahu kesan dan akibatnya, tetapi dari sudut kebersihan dan disiplin. Dakwaan bahawa perokok pengotor dan tidak berdisiplin adalah benar selagi mereka yang ketagihan tembakau itu tidak berusaha mengubahnya.

Tanggapan itu mampu diubah jika perokok sendiri sedar tanggungjawab mereka, antaranya menjaga kebersihan - tidak mengamalkan budaya jentik atau pijak puntung rokok merata-rata. Selain itu, mereka seharusnya merokok di kawasan sesuai atau difikirkan tidak mendatangkan kemudaratan kepada pihak lain, khususnya perokok pasif.
Sebagai contoh, ketika mengunjungi beberapa tempat tumpuan ramai di Tokyo, antaranya Asakusa yang memasarkan pelbagai barangan kraf dan cenderamata, Akihabara terkenal sebagai pusat barang elektrik dan elektronik, Ginza yang mempunyai pelbagai gedung pakaian jenama, Ueno tersohor dengan peralatan golf serta Takeshita Street di Harajuku, tempat tumpuan remaja moden Jepun, penulis perhatikan rata-rata perokok Jepun memanfaatkan kemudahan disediakan.
Mereka bukan saja memastikan puntung rokok dibuang di tempat disediakan, malah terlebih dulu berhenti atau berdiri berhampiran ketika melepaskan 'hajat' itu dan hanya berlalu pergi selepas selesai. Apa yang membanggakan, orang luar termasuk dari Malaysia juga berbuat demikian, tidak pula menjentik atau memijak puntung rokok itu merata-rata.

Jika di Malaysia dilancarkan kempen 'Tak nak merokok', di Tokyo pula ketika itu berlangsung kempen 'Jangan buang puntung rokok merata-rata'. Oleh itu, tidak hairan jika di beberapa kawasan tumpuan penulis kunjungi itu terlihat di mana-mana tergantung sepanduk kempen berkenaan.
Dalam hal ini, walaupun penulis difahamkan masyarakat Jepun memang kuat merokok, tetapi kerana disiplin dan sentiasa mengutamakan kebersihan, bukan tiada tetapi agak sukar untuk melihat perokok di kalangan masyarakat negara itu yang merokok sambil berjalan terutama di tempat awam, apatah lagi ketika membuat sesuatu pekerjaan.

Satu lagi aspek yang sempat penulis lihat dan rasai sendiri, walaupun remeh tetapi besar ertinya, ialah sikap menghormati orang lain di kalangan masyarakat yang suatu ketika dulu dicop sangat ganas itu, terutama sewaktu penaklukan negara kita lebih enam dekad lalu.
Selain mementing dan menepati masa, orang Jepun kini dilihat sangat menghormati tetamu atau orang lain. Contohnya, seorang pemandu van sewa berkali-kali memohon maaf kerana dia tidak sempat memakai kot sewaktu kami menaiki vannya, pada hal pakaiannya ketika itu kemas termasuk bertali leher.

Dalam pengalaman lain, peniaga atau penjual tetap mengucapkan terima kasih kepada pelanggan sekalipun tidak membeli barangan mereka selepas membuka atau mencubanya. Sambil tunduk hormat, mereka tersenyum lebar, bukannya mengomel atau mengata pelanggan, walaupun penat melayan.

以上です。

Iklan Raya Petronas 2007

Setiap ketibaan 'festive season' maka tidak kurang diantara kita yang akan menunggu buah tangan yang bakal disajikan oleh Petronas yang sememangnya mempunyai reputasi dalam menghasilkan koleksi iklan yang kreatif, bermutu tinggi dan berupaya meninggalkan kesan di hati sanubari.
Syawal bakal menjelma lagi. Maka dikesempatan ini, ingin saya mengucapkan,

　　　　SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI & MAAF ZAHIR BATIN 　　　　　　　　 　 KEPADA SEMUA

Besto Regardo,
"Burung apa ayah?"..."Burung murai"..."Burung apa ayah?"..."Burung murai,"..."Burung apa ayah?".."Burung apa ayah?"...."Burung apa ayah?"..Kalau aku kecik-kecik dulu tanya soalan berulang kali kat ayah aku, mau kena pelempang Jepun bagus punye hinggap kat muka. Kalau dah besar pulak, ayah aku tanya berulang kali, aku menempelak macam mamat dalam kisah iklan tu...pon aku akan kena pelempang dan di tambah flying kick. Tapi nanti kalau aku dah tua, aku nak test anak aku dengan bertanya soalan yang sama berulang kali macam dalam kisah tu. Kalau anak aku jawab dengan nada yang tension macam mamat tu, aku akan jawab seperti ini, "Itu bukan burung murai...itula burung ngko...kahkahkahkah" sambil pelempang Jepun aku pulak hinggap kat muka anak aku..Moral dari kisah yang dipaparkan dalam iklan tu ialah dari peristiwa sebegitulah maka terciptanya peribahasa "Mulut murai"...Sekian. Cheers everybody...it's Raya time..yeahhhh. Tapi aku kat sini biasalah raya sensorang pasal aku Hans Solo.

以上です。

秋が来た、そして三連休だ！！

結局、秋の季節が出てきた。しかし現在は１０月になっても関わらずまだまだ暑いと感じられる。もしかしてこれは俺だけの考えかなと思ったけど、同僚に聞いたらやはり同じような答えで言い返った。やっぱり地球温暖化が関係しているのだろうか。これからあるいは来年、再来年、５年後、１０年後。。。世界もそうだが、何よりも人々はどう暮らしているのだろうかが心配だ。

今週の週末が何か若干長く感じられる。明日も休みだし、体操日である為日本全国で休日になるわけ。体操日か。今の俺は明らかに運動が非常に不足だよな。でもそんな関係ない。。そんな関係ない。。へへ小島しおうのネタとぱっくり、申し訳ないけど。三連休だぜ。良いんじゃないか。しかし、休みということは良い事であっても、俺の気持ちには何か気がすまないと。。だってば、やる事がないもん。。。結局、詰まらないの日になってしまい。何か役に立つ事をすれば良いと思うだけど、何をすれば良いのか中々自ら決められない。インタネット及びテレビ。。それだけかな？さああ、本でも読めようか。情けない男になりたくないなああ。俺なんてこういうふうになるわけないじゃん。でも右側の画像は俺がいつもやっている事だと思う。ただ俺の体性がデブじゃなくてタフの方だ。。うふふふ

今はこの本を一生懸命に読んでいる。。。へへへ、いいえ実はぼちぼちでやっている。

以上です。

There must be a better way to alleviate poverty

By : Johan Jaaffar

IT is a familiar sight at most eateries in the city. There will be people with every trick in the book coming to your table asking for money. Some have perfected the art of begging — it is almost impossible not to give. Some would call it harassment of a charitable kind, others find it simply a menace while many would welcome these people as an excuse to give away their hard-earned money.
After all, what is RM1 when the price of a fried ikan kembung is as much as RM6 in many eateries. But the problem is, they keep coming back. Begging is a vocation replete with techniques, rules and artistry.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not against unfortunate people who live in abject poverty. I have worked with many non-governmental organisations to alleviate the misery of the poor. However, the hardcore poor still exists among us. At least six per cent of our people who actually live from hand to mouth. In fact, the prime minister has made it his obsession to address the issue. We must not hand poverty to the next generation, he told the Umno general assembly not long ago.

But there is more to it than just begging. What I saw and found out irked me. Begging is big business for its “promoters". Back in the early 1990s, the paper I edited investigated a syndicate running a begging scheme. They had vans sending these people to various locations in the city — bus stations, major thoroughfares, shopping complexes and markets. Many of the beggars were foreign mothers with small children. They were placed at strategic locations and were made to look destitute. The monies collected — which were substantial — did not benefit the beggars.

Beggars and promoters exploit the good side of Malaysians. We are just too charitable. And we easily fall prey to such scams. Many of these so-called beggars do not deserve to be on the streets. Many of them are healthy, even those who are disabled should resort to other ways of making a living. No, they don’t want help, they just want it easy.
There was a frail old woman who used to frequent my favourite watering hole in Bangsar. She was almost 70. She was selling kuih bahulu and batang buruk for RM10 a plastic bag. She could have begged but she chose to earn her money. There are many street performers making their rounds in Kampung Baru. These will sing you a song for a ringgit or two. Busking is the only way, probably, to see them through college or simply to survive in the city. There was a blind man who carried a sign that said, “Pak Ali Bekam". The art of extracting “dirty blood” from the body is an age-old tradition. Pak Ali earns about RM30 a day performing his Dracula-like ritual. He could have begged.

There is no reason to beg in this country, full stop. For Muslims, there are just too many of the state-managed institutions to take care of the poor. Every Muslim has to pay zakat every Hari Raya. The proceeds are meant for the poor. Of course, sometimes I wonder where the money goes to considering there is still poverty among Muslims in this country.

The government, too, has undertaken various schemes to help the poor. Yet, from time to time, the press highlights how the poor survive in atrocious living conditions. I blame the welfare officers and wakil rakyat for their oversight in such cases. And, of course, the leakages in the delivery system.

This is a land of plenty. No, I don’t mean everyone is fortunate enough to berbuka puasa at five-star hotels most of the time, drive expensive cars or have second homes in faraway lands. No one is born equal. But there is enough for everyone to ensure there is food on the table, their children can go to school and to pay bills. Of course, there are the rich and famous living in their enclaves replete with an army of maids and helpers.

On the other hand, there are the flat and squatter dwellers. And many among us have to work hard to earn a decent living. True, being charitable is one of our positive attributes. But we must look at the bigger picture in managing the beggar menace. You can’t change anyone’s life by giving out RM1.

I am impressed by the many charitable works done by various quarters. There are philanthropists who give out billions to charity. There are also ordinary people who have done wonderful things to mankind. I saw on Oprah recently how a cheque of US$1 million (RM3.6 million) donated by legendary rock star Jon Bon Jovi had helped families devastated by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to rebuild their lives. There was the story of John Wood who made himself rich working for Microsoft. In 1998 while visiting Nepal he saw how children were deprived of books. He left the company to set up Room to Read, a non-profit organisation that promotes books and literacy in many Third World countries. After all, education is an escape hatch from hopelessness and despair.

There are many who were inspired by the sight of poverty and destitution.

They did something about it. The worry is, we are largely ignoring the plight of the poor. There is another world out there away from the bright lights, the glamour, and the affluence. It is solely guilt that propels us to give money to those who beg. By condoning begging, we can’t help the beggars in the long run.

There must be a better way to solve poverty. There must be a strategy to eradicate poverty once and for all.