Muslims await the holy month of Ramadan with great anticipation. But for me, no matter how many years of practice, Ramadan always brings great anxiety.
The mere thought of having to go through a working day without my daily intake of coffee and trusted nicorette chewing gum is, at the very least, daunting. Admittedly, it was worse when I averaged two packets of cigarettes a day. Those days, my friends would only call me on social matters after 6 pm.
From my observation, in the first two weeks, most of us crave for home cooked food and breaking fast with close family members. Maybe for the very same reason, most working people in the Klang Valley find it increasingly impossible to beat the treacherous traffic jams to achieve this. If I recall correctly, when I lived in Putrajaya, I managed to break fast at home twice in the first two weeks. The other times were spent in my car on the Seremban-Malacca highway.
One thing for sure, Ramadan is not like any other month. Somehow, we manage to ignore deadlines and outstanding tasks to find time to buka or sahur with friends. Alumni and old friends networks thrive during this month. Maybe its because everyone has dinner at the same time; regardless the reason, the bottom line is that it brings people together.
But it means more than this to so many people. Usually, it is when I go to the mosque to pay the obligatory zakat that the initial anxiety transforms. There are no words that can express the feeling I get at witnessing believers wholeheartedly increasing their efforts to obtain mercy, forgiveness and protection from God. It is a time when Muslims collectively commit to purify themselves.
This is evidenced by the abundance of Malaysians making the trip to Mecca to perform their umrah during this month. I was fortunate to have gone there a few Ramadans ago and the sights that awaited me were nothing short of amazing. The mosques were filled to the rafters. There was a common purpose, a sense that there is a force greater than any on this planet. This commitment can also seen here, where roads next to mosques are filled with cars of Muslims performing the Tarawikh prayers.
To me, the real beauty of Ramadan extends beyond personal sacrifices such as hunger and the commitment to do more to bring us closer to God. It reminds us that there are those who are less fortunate.
In a political scenario where populism is bandied about as a tool to win votes and to show that the government is not doing enough for the unfortunate, Ramadan illustrates there is another avenue that is still under-utilised for alleviating the problems faced by this segment. During Ramadan, welfare institutions like orphanages receive a spike in attention and assistance from Muslim individuals and companies because Ramadan provides clarity and definition to their every day suffering. Empathising and actually living it gives rise to different reactions. If only we can emulate this awareness on a more sustainable basis.
Ramadan is also beautiful because in a small way, it reveals the character of unity that embraces the differences of each individual. Personally, there have been many instances when non-Muslim superiors forced me to go back home in time for buka puasa. I still find it amusing (at the same time uplifting) that some friends refuse to eat or drink in front of me. This shows an understanding of the culture of Ramadan.
Hari Raya, which marks the end of Ramadan, is also a day celebrated by all Malaysians. It is a period where we can ask for forgiveness and strengthen the bond through the many open houses.
For me, at least on this day, it is an escape from the turbulent world of politics, and allows me to seek forgiveness from family and friends, leaving political differences safely at the gate.
The true spirit of Ramadan might still elude me, but for now the magic beauty is already there for anyone who chooses to see.
25.9.08
Tunda Lagi..
Anwar Ibrahim kini makin tersepit. Sudah dua kali dia menangguh "peralihan Kerajaan" dan ramai yang pada mulanya taksub dengan kepimpinan Anwar Ibrahim mula hilang kepercayaan.
Kesilapan Anwar Ibrahim ialah dia terlalu yakin dengan kebolehannya untuk memujuk 30 Ahli Parlimen BN untuk melompat. Kerana terdesak, Anwar Ibrahim mula menukar rentak permainan politiknya apabila melanggar dua tarikh yang ditetapkan sendiri. Kini Anwar ingin mengambil pendekatan "berhati-hati" pula.
Saya percaya taktiknya untuk memporak perandakan Barisan Nasional dengan memastikan SAPP keluar dari Barisan Nasional tidak menjadi kerana tidak mendapat persetujuan dari beberapa orang penting di dalam SAPP. Dia mengharapkan keputusan SAPP untuk keluar BN akan mencemaskan Ahli Parlimen BN. Namun jelas, ia tidak menjadi.
Perasaan cemas yang melanda Anwar mula menonjol apabila dia menidakkan Ketua Penerangannya sendiri, Tian Chua. Persoalan yang terzahir ramai ialah bagaimana Ketua Penerangan parti yang sama memberi maklumat yang salah?. Lebih-lebih lagi maklumat itu amat mudah sekali, adakah wakil dari PKR berjumpa dengan YAB PM?. Ya atau tidak?. Itu sahaja.
Anwar Ibrahim perlu akur bahawa sebagai pemimpin pembangkang tindak tanduknya ini akan membawa kesengsaraan kepada rakyat Malaysia akhirnya.Khusunya di dalam senario ekonomi global yang tidak menentu ini, kerakusan Anwar untuk meraih kuasa akan mengancam ekonomi negara. Malah terdapat NGO yang membuat laporan polis terhadap Anwar Ibrahim kerana menjejaskan kestabilan negara. Rakyat memerlukan kepimpinan bersama dan bukannya perebutan kuasa yang tidak demokratik.
Masalah Anwar semakin meruncing kerana PAS sudah mula terbahagi kepada dua. Harapannya untuk membentuk Kerajaan banyak bergantung kepada kesetiaan PAS untuk berada di dalam Pakatan Rakyat. Kini banyak pihak di dalam PAS yang mula menyoal hubungan PAS dengan PKR.
Namun yang demikian, ketika Pakatan Rakyat di bawah Anwar Ibrahim dibelenggu masalah, UMNO pula perlu kukuh. Desas desus perihal mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi yang kini terpapar di dalam blog-blog perlu segera ditangani. Kami berdoa, di dalam sinar bulan yang mulia ini, pucuk pimpinan akan dapat membuat keputusan peralihan kuasa yang terbaik, keputusan yang telah dibuat bersama sebelum ini agar UMNO tidak berpecah belah.
19.9.08
In The Ring > Finding our Obama
No matter the outcome of the US presidential election, Barack Obamas name has made it into the annals of history. Walking up to the podium at the Democratic convention in Denver as the presidential candidate, he must have shared the popular sentiment that the accompanying thunderous applause signified a faith in the promise of new political norms.
Obamas oratory skills have defined much of the way people view him. On my last count, his acceptance in Denver had been viewed over 600,000 times on YouTube alone.
Obamas promises of change and departure from the "old politics" resonate with young American voters who see him as a public figure who understands their concerns and aspirations. But at 47, he would be considered very young in Malaysia's political context one imagines that men and women his age would be, at best, a Cabinet member. It would appear that age is not so much a criteria as a necessity in Malaysian politics; it is further unfortunate that political conventions in Malaysia uncontestingly equate experience with age.
The irony is that the Malaysian citizenry is young, with the last general election seeing voters under the age of 40 accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the electorate.
Latest figures indicate that the percentage of young voters in the next general election would increase substantially. Yet, this segment remains very much under-represented at the national level; it would be difficult, I suspect, for a casual political observer to name just 10 under-40 Members of Parliament off the cuff.
A qualification is called for here. Just as old is not always gold, the presence of young politicians on the national scene does not guarantee the representation of voices and sentiments of Malaysias Generations X and Y. It would be insulting to our youth for us to assume that we could have a young politician with old ideals and have him or her appeal broadly to that section of the electorate. In fact, I was quietly taken aback when a young friend described a minister whom I thought was looked upon as youthful and vibrant as part of the old guard.
The answer could be as simple as one of a supply problem. In my line of work, I encounter many aspiring potentials with strong interest in politics. They have a very good grasp of political theory and are well versed in the art of policy making bringing a fresh outlook that could significantly contribute to nation building. Armed with large dosages of desire and the willingness to work hard, they should, in an ideal world, be able to climb the political hierarchy of any party with great ease.
But the reality is very different. These aspiring young men and women generally fall into two groups.
The first places idealism among the top motivating elements for participation in the cut-throat world of politics. After spending some time in the system, they often turn their back on active participation and end up either disillusioned or seek solace in becoming a member of the silent majority.
Members of the second group usually succumb to the demands of politics and gradually morph into beings that are a shadow of their once-selves.
Thus if we accept the reality of Malaysian politics as it is today that the demands for a successful career in politics include the ability to "bend" ones ideals we certainly need to construct a new brand of politics to make sure these young potential leaders remain engaged with their ideals intact. In charting this new reality, there must be the courage and the will to appoint more members of civil society young leaders with a different set of skills and beliefs in the decision-making level of our political parties.
In the presence of obvious talent and potential, erstwhile taboos must be set aside. Now, more than ever, the older generation must learn to accept that our youth simply do not conform to traditional political stereotypes.
Obama will feature on the Democratic ticket this November because somehow, somewhere, taboos were broken at different stages of his relatively brief political career.
Malaysias Obama is somewhere out there, yearning for his or her space. The onus is on us to create it.
Obamas oratory skills have defined much of the way people view him. On my last count, his acceptance in Denver had been viewed over 600,000 times on YouTube alone.
Obamas promises of change and departure from the "old politics" resonate with young American voters who see him as a public figure who understands their concerns and aspirations. But at 47, he would be considered very young in Malaysia's political context one imagines that men and women his age would be, at best, a Cabinet member. It would appear that age is not so much a criteria as a necessity in Malaysian politics; it is further unfortunate that political conventions in Malaysia uncontestingly equate experience with age.
The irony is that the Malaysian citizenry is young, with the last general election seeing voters under the age of 40 accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the electorate.
Latest figures indicate that the percentage of young voters in the next general election would increase substantially. Yet, this segment remains very much under-represented at the national level; it would be difficult, I suspect, for a casual political observer to name just 10 under-40 Members of Parliament off the cuff.
A qualification is called for here. Just as old is not always gold, the presence of young politicians on the national scene does not guarantee the representation of voices and sentiments of Malaysias Generations X and Y. It would be insulting to our youth for us to assume that we could have a young politician with old ideals and have him or her appeal broadly to that section of the electorate. In fact, I was quietly taken aback when a young friend described a minister whom I thought was looked upon as youthful and vibrant as part of the old guard.
The answer could be as simple as one of a supply problem. In my line of work, I encounter many aspiring potentials with strong interest in politics. They have a very good grasp of political theory and are well versed in the art of policy making bringing a fresh outlook that could significantly contribute to nation building. Armed with large dosages of desire and the willingness to work hard, they should, in an ideal world, be able to climb the political hierarchy of any party with great ease.
But the reality is very different. These aspiring young men and women generally fall into two groups.
The first places idealism among the top motivating elements for participation in the cut-throat world of politics. After spending some time in the system, they often turn their back on active participation and end up either disillusioned or seek solace in becoming a member of the silent majority.
Members of the second group usually succumb to the demands of politics and gradually morph into beings that are a shadow of their once-selves.
Thus if we accept the reality of Malaysian politics as it is today that the demands for a successful career in politics include the ability to "bend" ones ideals we certainly need to construct a new brand of politics to make sure these young potential leaders remain engaged with their ideals intact. In charting this new reality, there must be the courage and the will to appoint more members of civil society young leaders with a different set of skills and beliefs in the decision-making level of our political parties.
In the presence of obvious talent and potential, erstwhile taboos must be set aside. Now, more than ever, the older generation must learn to accept that our youth simply do not conform to traditional political stereotypes.
Obama will feature on the Democratic ticket this November because somehow, somewhere, taboos were broken at different stages of his relatively brief political career.
Malaysias Obama is somewhere out there, yearning for his or her space. The onus is on us to create it.
15.9.08
In The Ring > Our country – through their eyes...
In a few weeks, my grandfather will cross the 90 year mark. I marvel at the potential magnitude of nostalgia that could run through Atoks mind as he blows the many candles on his cake. Atoks birthday is a yearly reminder of the fact that he, my father and I are born exactly 30 years apart.
Of different generations and of different times, I often reflect on how each of us views this birth country of ours. Simply put, what holds true for Atok might not be the case with my father, and be completely alien to me. In the context of our 51-year-old nation, the fragmented manner in which we fathom our Malaya-Malaysia results in different concepts of national identity.
Atok was born in 1918, the year the First World War ended and post-Pangkor Treaty making him familiar with the realities of colonialism. At the beginning of World War II, he had just become an adult and was beginning to learn more about the Japanese invasion. By the time the foreign soldiers landed in Kota Baru, Atok was a husband with obligations, which makes me wonder how he found the courage and strength to brave a Malaya defined by a grave sense of uncertainty.
He must have asked himself in his quiet moment if his country would ever escape from the clutches of foreign control and exist as a sovereign nation. Questions like this, I am sure, plagued him.
On the other hand, my father was born in the pre-Independence era shadowed by instability owing to guerrilla operations that defined the Malayan Emergency. My father was 10 years old when the Merdeka Mission returned with success. Naturally, he wouldn't be able to relate to the struggle for Independence as much as Atok.
I hasten to speculate that through my fathers adult eyes, his real Malaysian experience was the tragedy of May 13 and the ensuing hope in the shape of the New Economic Policy. Overcoming the rubble and the hurt, he saw real opportunities opened up with the governments efforts to eradicate poverty, and more avenues for Bumiputeras to move up the economic value chain. The seeds of the Bumiputra middle class were sown, where solutions were laid out to correct the failures of colonialism.
For me, adulthood was seen in the context of the Asian Financial Crisis. I recall vividly the uncertainty of a final year law student about the prospect of Malaysias future. When the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchanges composite index plummeted, I questioned Malaysia's ability to overcome this shock. Would we ever be the same again? Could we regain our competitiveness in this increasingly globalised world?
A year later, I witnessed the height of the Reformasi movement where people, for the first time in the country's history since I was born, voiced out their collective grievances against the administration of the day. Coupled with the financial crisis, it was a period mired with confusion, uncertainty and a general feeling of discontent.
However, these worrying undertones offered a different exterior. Recovering from the crippling crisis, we saw a period of vast infrastructure development. The spanking new KLIA, majestic skyscrapers and highways signified the coming of the information age we are proud to be beneficiaries of today.
The conclusion though, remains the same: every single time we are faced with a challenge, the country survives, coming out stronger. But are we stronger as a nation? Divorcing ourselves from the cosmetics that define citizenship, are we truly one? Why is race still a divisive issue? These are the hard questions that even the greatest Malaysian minds today cant address.
The greatest fear I have is that when my son welcomes adulthood, looking out on the horizon of the country from the tinted window of his auto-pilot flying car, he finds we are nowhere closer to finding the answers to living together as Malaysians of various races and culture.
I know that Atok secretly wonders in amazement at the technological advances that now defines Kuala Lumpur but through the same eyes, he must wonder why certain things cannot change or have, in fact, become worse with time.
Of different generations and of different times, I often reflect on how each of us views this birth country of ours. Simply put, what holds true for Atok might not be the case with my father, and be completely alien to me. In the context of our 51-year-old nation, the fragmented manner in which we fathom our Malaya-Malaysia results in different concepts of national identity.
Atok was born in 1918, the year the First World War ended and post-Pangkor Treaty making him familiar with the realities of colonialism. At the beginning of World War II, he had just become an adult and was beginning to learn more about the Japanese invasion. By the time the foreign soldiers landed in Kota Baru, Atok was a husband with obligations, which makes me wonder how he found the courage and strength to brave a Malaya defined by a grave sense of uncertainty.
He must have asked himself in his quiet moment if his country would ever escape from the clutches of foreign control and exist as a sovereign nation. Questions like this, I am sure, plagued him.
On the other hand, my father was born in the pre-Independence era shadowed by instability owing to guerrilla operations that defined the Malayan Emergency. My father was 10 years old when the Merdeka Mission returned with success. Naturally, he wouldn't be able to relate to the struggle for Independence as much as Atok.
I hasten to speculate that through my fathers adult eyes, his real Malaysian experience was the tragedy of May 13 and the ensuing hope in the shape of the New Economic Policy. Overcoming the rubble and the hurt, he saw real opportunities opened up with the governments efforts to eradicate poverty, and more avenues for Bumiputeras to move up the economic value chain. The seeds of the Bumiputra middle class were sown, where solutions were laid out to correct the failures of colonialism.
For me, adulthood was seen in the context of the Asian Financial Crisis. I recall vividly the uncertainty of a final year law student about the prospect of Malaysias future. When the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchanges composite index plummeted, I questioned Malaysia's ability to overcome this shock. Would we ever be the same again? Could we regain our competitiveness in this increasingly globalised world?
A year later, I witnessed the height of the Reformasi movement where people, for the first time in the country's history since I was born, voiced out their collective grievances against the administration of the day. Coupled with the financial crisis, it was a period mired with confusion, uncertainty and a general feeling of discontent.
However, these worrying undertones offered a different exterior. Recovering from the crippling crisis, we saw a period of vast infrastructure development. The spanking new KLIA, majestic skyscrapers and highways signified the coming of the information age we are proud to be beneficiaries of today.
The conclusion though, remains the same: every single time we are faced with a challenge, the country survives, coming out stronger. But are we stronger as a nation? Divorcing ourselves from the cosmetics that define citizenship, are we truly one? Why is race still a divisive issue? These are the hard questions that even the greatest Malaysian minds today cant address.
The greatest fear I have is that when my son welcomes adulthood, looking out on the horizon of the country from the tinted window of his auto-pilot flying car, he finds we are nowhere closer to finding the answers to living together as Malaysians of various races and culture.
I know that Atok secretly wonders in amazement at the technological advances that now defines Kuala Lumpur but through the same eyes, he must wonder why certain things cannot change or have, in fact, become worse with time.
5.9.08
In The Ring > Opposing roles and goals
Not veering far away from general expectations, it was another eventful week in Malaysian politics. A few days after the Pakatan Rakyat win in Permatang Pauh, the government responded with a Budget, in it, policy actions that appeared to address the plight of the lower and middle class segment of society head on.
Permatang Pauh, apart from returning Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Parliament after almost a decade of absence, has revealed a new chapter in Malaysian politics. It was not so much the outcome as the emergence of the more sophisticated election machinery and communications technology involved that is an eye opener.
From what transpired in Permatang Pauh, we can say goodbye to the sentimental images of families making banners together, painting on a white piece of cloth individual messages that come from the heart.
Today, the well-oiled propaganda machines churn out concerted messages on banners printed in mere seconds, multitude sized T-shirts, masks, and you-name-it paraphernalia all just as speedily,
In ushering in this new era of politics, however, I feel that opposition leaders have yet to show maturity and the competency to rise above political rallies, ceramah, innuendos, conspiracies and staged walkouts. The response to the recently tabled Budget is an illustration of this failure.
To a large extent, in terms of policy initiative and the ability to think out of the box to challenge the government on substantive issues, the opposition has failed to meet expectations.
Criticism without intelligence will not fill the vacuum of the peoples aspirations to see quality debates that would transform into policies beneficial for all. The cornerstone of an effective opposition is to propose alternative policies. Parti Keadilan Rakyat did come out with a last minute response to the Budget but can this be taken as the collective voice of Pakatan Rakyat?
It is a steep learning curve. Household names like Jeff Ooi and Nurul Izzah have yet to capture the publics imagination and expectations. For a coalition that is hell bent on forming the government in a matter of days, the Pakatans collective policy lacks clarity and is absent of any strong champions.
With its newfound vigour, the oppositions functions should not be limited to the definition given by Tierney centuries ago that: The duty of an opposition is to propose nothing, to oppose everything and to turn out the government.
A few months after the March 8 results, prominent bloggers wrote about the need for the opposition to form a shadow Cabinet. Maybe due to political reasons within the Pakatan Rakyat framework, this has not materialised.
Many feel that the opposition should set aside their differences and form a shadow Cabinet that is able to give well thought-out feedback on all proposed legislation and not succumb to the desire to play politics at every turn.
Malaysians have proven again that they are a matured and rationale electorate. The message for change naturally transcends to Umno and Barisan Nasional. They, like the opposition, have to up the ante and make room for fundamental changes.
As with the 12th General Election, it is apparent that the electorate rejects negative politics and at the same time, positively responds to substantive measures that will benefit them directly.
The Budget highlighted awareness of this shift in thinking on the part of the government, but it is only a start. The opposition, with a new head at the helm, must realise that they too have an important role in Malaysia.
It is unfortunate that the spirit of Ramadan will not deter the continued drama in the sphere of politics. The sad truth is that the tug of war for the peoples support has not ceased since March 8. The estimate as to how long the politicking will continue and have to be endured in the event Sept 16 being postponed, does not augur well for apolitical Malaysians.
It is hard to explain to the electorate that their choice, made through the ballot boxes across Malaysia for a government with a strong opposition to provide check and balance, may not be acceptable to the politicians of the day.
Permatang Pauh, apart from returning Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Parliament after almost a decade of absence, has revealed a new chapter in Malaysian politics. It was not so much the outcome as the emergence of the more sophisticated election machinery and communications technology involved that is an eye opener.
From what transpired in Permatang Pauh, we can say goodbye to the sentimental images of families making banners together, painting on a white piece of cloth individual messages that come from the heart.
Today, the well-oiled propaganda machines churn out concerted messages on banners printed in mere seconds, multitude sized T-shirts, masks, and you-name-it paraphernalia all just as speedily,
In ushering in this new era of politics, however, I feel that opposition leaders have yet to show maturity and the competency to rise above political rallies, ceramah, innuendos, conspiracies and staged walkouts. The response to the recently tabled Budget is an illustration of this failure.
To a large extent, in terms of policy initiative and the ability to think out of the box to challenge the government on substantive issues, the opposition has failed to meet expectations.
Criticism without intelligence will not fill the vacuum of the peoples aspirations to see quality debates that would transform into policies beneficial for all. The cornerstone of an effective opposition is to propose alternative policies. Parti Keadilan Rakyat did come out with a last minute response to the Budget but can this be taken as the collective voice of Pakatan Rakyat?
It is a steep learning curve. Household names like Jeff Ooi and Nurul Izzah have yet to capture the publics imagination and expectations. For a coalition that is hell bent on forming the government in a matter of days, the Pakatans collective policy lacks clarity and is absent of any strong champions.
With its newfound vigour, the oppositions functions should not be limited to the definition given by Tierney centuries ago that: The duty of an opposition is to propose nothing, to oppose everything and to turn out the government.
A few months after the March 8 results, prominent bloggers wrote about the need for the opposition to form a shadow Cabinet. Maybe due to political reasons within the Pakatan Rakyat framework, this has not materialised.
Many feel that the opposition should set aside their differences and form a shadow Cabinet that is able to give well thought-out feedback on all proposed legislation and not succumb to the desire to play politics at every turn.
Malaysians have proven again that they are a matured and rationale electorate. The message for change naturally transcends to Umno and Barisan Nasional. They, like the opposition, have to up the ante and make room for fundamental changes.
As with the 12th General Election, it is apparent that the electorate rejects negative politics and at the same time, positively responds to substantive measures that will benefit them directly.
The Budget highlighted awareness of this shift in thinking on the part of the government, but it is only a start. The opposition, with a new head at the helm, must realise that they too have an important role in Malaysia.
It is unfortunate that the spirit of Ramadan will not deter the continued drama in the sphere of politics. The sad truth is that the tug of war for the peoples support has not ceased since March 8. The estimate as to how long the politicking will continue and have to be endured in the event Sept 16 being postponed, does not augur well for apolitical Malaysians.
It is hard to explain to the electorate that their choice, made through the ballot boxes across Malaysia for a government with a strong opposition to provide check and balance, may not be acceptable to the politicians of the day.
28.8.08
In The Ring > Standing up for our flag
On Sunday, we celebrate our 51st year of nationhood. As always, there are the parades and activities throughout the country to mark the significance of that date.
And rehearsals too, of marching bands and representative groups, so much so that the roads leading to the city stood still on Wednesday morning as fighter jets zoomed across the sky.
Merdeka is also the time for tear-jerker commercials and, for some, a walk down on memory lane of the fight for independence led by the multiracial partnership of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V.T. Sambanthan and many other great individuals.
The nation's challenges did not end with the securing of Independence. The proclamation of the formation of Malaysia had to be postponed because of the opposing views of neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines to the entity. Because our independence was achieved through diplomatic means, Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonialism. This led to the period of Konfrontasi, a time of great uncertainty.
It might be pure paranoia but I feel that this year, there are not as many flags flying from cars and houses as before. Discounting last years special 50th Merdeka celebration's, the anticipation of August 31 seems to have lost some of its vigour compared with the mood of previous years.
My concerns, however, became anger upon learning there was an active campaign on local blogs to fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down as a sign that we are a nation in distress. Distress?
I can't see an iota of logic in this. Are the proponents of this preposterous move aware of what their actions mean?
Every single country in this world has a flag. If you watched the just ended Olympics, you would have gained an insight as to what a country's or even organisation's flag means.
Simple, it means we exist. Flags announce our presence. Most importantly, it defines a country and its people and flags inspire and proclaim victory.
When our Lee Chong Wei lost the gold but won the silver, did you not see the Jalur Gemilang flying regardless?
Flags are certainly not mere colourful decorations. The belief in ones flag makes one even willing to die while fighting to uphold its meaning.
The Jalur Gemilang symbolises Malaysia as a country and each and every one of us, as its people. Each of us owns a piece of that cloth and what it symbolises. As such, our national flag must be held above and beyond the realm of partisanship, political and otherwise.
Why do you think the term desecration is used when one misuses or disrespects any national flag? Discretion has a religious connotation.
The Jalur Gemilang is one of the few remaining unifying themes that keep the dream of Malaysia alive. The spirit and hope of Malaysia is embodied in every aspect of the flag. The 14 red and white stripes represent each of the States and the 14-point Federal Star of equal width signifies equality of all of them.
Those who have been in support of this upside down idea must take a good hard look at themselves. If we accept the parameter that we are a nation under distress, how does flying the flag in such a manner solve our problems? At a time when the rakyats voice matter's most, we really don't need a silly stunt like this to aggravate and misrepresent our nation’s status.
Most of us may not be able to relate to the struggle and the anguish of achieving independence but logic tells us this respect the flag as you would respect yourself. No matter how angry or disillusioned you are.
When our flag was hoisted in Dataran Merdeka replacing the Union Jack in 1957, it wasn't a victory confined to those who had directly struggled for and achieved independence. It was a victory for each and every person in this country, dating back to when our sovereignty was first taken centuries ago.
The history of this bravery in fighting for our freedom is manifested in our flag that first came into being 51 years ago. And through out our history since then, even in difficult times from the Emergency through to the Confrontation and more, never has our flag been flown upside down.
It is a citizen's right to or not to fly the Jalur Gemilang in celebration of Merdeka or on any other occasion. But treating our flag in such a manner? What’s next, flag burning?
And rehearsals too, of marching bands and representative groups, so much so that the roads leading to the city stood still on Wednesday morning as fighter jets zoomed across the sky.
Merdeka is also the time for tear-jerker commercials and, for some, a walk down on memory lane of the fight for independence led by the multiracial partnership of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V.T. Sambanthan and many other great individuals.
The nation's challenges did not end with the securing of Independence. The proclamation of the formation of Malaysia had to be postponed because of the opposing views of neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines to the entity. Because our independence was achieved through diplomatic means, Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonialism. This led to the period of Konfrontasi, a time of great uncertainty.
It might be pure paranoia but I feel that this year, there are not as many flags flying from cars and houses as before. Discounting last years special 50th Merdeka celebration's, the anticipation of August 31 seems to have lost some of its vigour compared with the mood of previous years.
My concerns, however, became anger upon learning there was an active campaign on local blogs to fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down as a sign that we are a nation in distress. Distress?
I can't see an iota of logic in this. Are the proponents of this preposterous move aware of what their actions mean?
Every single country in this world has a flag. If you watched the just ended Olympics, you would have gained an insight as to what a country's or even organisation's flag means.
Simple, it means we exist. Flags announce our presence. Most importantly, it defines a country and its people and flags inspire and proclaim victory.
When our Lee Chong Wei lost the gold but won the silver, did you not see the Jalur Gemilang flying regardless?
Flags are certainly not mere colourful decorations. The belief in ones flag makes one even willing to die while fighting to uphold its meaning.
The Jalur Gemilang symbolises Malaysia as a country and each and every one of us, as its people. Each of us owns a piece of that cloth and what it symbolises. As such, our national flag must be held above and beyond the realm of partisanship, political and otherwise.
Why do you think the term desecration is used when one misuses or disrespects any national flag? Discretion has a religious connotation.
The Jalur Gemilang is one of the few remaining unifying themes that keep the dream of Malaysia alive. The spirit and hope of Malaysia is embodied in every aspect of the flag. The 14 red and white stripes represent each of the States and the 14-point Federal Star of equal width signifies equality of all of them.
Those who have been in support of this upside down idea must take a good hard look at themselves. If we accept the parameter that we are a nation under distress, how does flying the flag in such a manner solve our problems? At a time when the rakyats voice matter's most, we really don't need a silly stunt like this to aggravate and misrepresent our nation’s status.
Most of us may not be able to relate to the struggle and the anguish of achieving independence but logic tells us this respect the flag as you would respect yourself. No matter how angry or disillusioned you are.
When our flag was hoisted in Dataran Merdeka replacing the Union Jack in 1957, it wasn't a victory confined to those who had directly struggled for and achieved independence. It was a victory for each and every person in this country, dating back to when our sovereignty was first taken centuries ago.
The history of this bravery in fighting for our freedom is manifested in our flag that first came into being 51 years ago. And through out our history since then, even in difficult times from the Emergency through to the Confrontation and more, never has our flag been flown upside down.
It is a citizen's right to or not to fly the Jalur Gemilang in celebration of Merdeka or on any other occasion. But treating our flag in such a manner? What’s next, flag burning?
27.8.08
Kita Perlu Belajar Dari Permatang Pauh
Hujan yang membasahi bumi Permatang Pauh semalam tidak menghalang ribuan penghuninya untuk menunaikan tanggungjawab mereka sebagai warganegara Malaysia. Memendekkan cerita, esok Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim akan mengangkat sumpah di Parlimen dan akan terbukalah satu Bab baru di dalam kisah politik Malaysia.
Saya berkesempatan untuk menyaksikan sendiri aksi di Permatang Pauh semalam dan apa yang jelas dan nyata ialah UMNO dan Barisan Nasional perlu melakukan perubahan jika ia mahu terus memegang tampuk pemerintahan negara. Apa yang memeritkan ialah keaddan dimana kebenaran juga mungkin ditolak. Kita hidup dalam suasana dimana martabat persepsi lebih tinggi daripada kebenaran. Media alternatif seperti Malaysiakini dan Malaysia Today akan menjana persepsi, tidak kira benar atau tidak bagi meyakinkan rakyat.
Jentera Pakatan Rakyat kini sudah mula menunjukkan taringnya. Walaupun pada hakikatnya jentera BN masih lebih berpengalaman, namun saya khuatir jentera pembangkang tidak pernah sekuat ini. Ini dapat dilihat dari segi kain rentang, poster, kemeja, topi, perlaksanaan tugas tugas dan lain-lain.
Sukarelawan PR tampak segar dan bertenaga. Ini mungkin kerana mereka memegang harapan yang menggunung.Wujud satu pengisian dalaman yang perlu disuntik kembali kedalam sanubari setiap ahli UMNO. Kita tidak boleh lalai. leka atau alpa. Kita tidak mampu untuk taksub dengan kekuasaan di cawangan dan Bahagian sehingga kita lupa akan asas sebenar sesebuah perjuangan.
Dalam beberapa hari ini kita akan menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke 51, dan jika UMNO ditubuhkan untuk menentang Malayan Union, dan kesinambungan agenda itu Kemerdekaan, kita perlu berhenti sejenak dan fikirkan, apa agenda UMNO pada alaf baru ini? setelah lebih 50 tahun, kita perlu kenal agenda hari ini. Jika ia bukan untuk membantu bangsa Melayu secara keseluruhannya, ia bermakna titik peluh keringat pejuang UMNO sebelum ini tidak memberi banyak makna.
Ramai di kalangan ahli dan pemimpin UMNO yang masih berpegang kepada agenda pengisian membela bangsa ini, namun hakikatnya terdapat juga segelintir yang tidak meletakkan agenda perjuangan ini sebagai perkara utama dalam perjuangan mereka. Agenda sendiri dan kerakusan kuasa lebih penting dalam wadah perjuangan mereka. Rakyat yang bergelumang didalam kesusahan tidak dapat menerima pemimpin yang tidak mendahului keperluan mereka. Apa fungsi pemimpin jika tidak untuk membela nasib rakyat?
Bagi golongan muda pula, UMNO perlu meluangkan masa untuk menerangkan mengapa agenda perjuangan bangsa ini peri penting pada masa dan ketika ini. Survival bangsa memerlukan sokongan anak muda, dan tanpa mereka, maka sudah pastilah perjuangan UMNO tidak akan mencapai objektifnya.
Baru-baru ini saya ada terbaca cerpen yang ditulis oleh penulis Agung Usman Awang. Ia berkisar tentang seorang Ketua Pemuda Pusat yang melawat kampung dan akhirnya terjatuh kedalam bendang kerana tidak biasa turun kampung. Cerpen ini ditulis sekitar awal tahun 1950-an untuk mencerminkan hakikat bahawa pemimpin pusat tidak faham akan masalah orang di akar umbi. Jika UMNO berhentu mendengar suara rakyat di akar umbi, maka agenda UMNO sudah tidak tercapai.
Justeru, UMNO perlu bangun dari lenanya kerana ternyata, masalah ini bukan baru. Jika kita tidak bersatu membangunkan UMNO di dalam suasana bingit yang membakar ini, siapa lagi yang mampu membela nasib anak bangsa?
Saya berkesempatan untuk menyaksikan sendiri aksi di Permatang Pauh semalam dan apa yang jelas dan nyata ialah UMNO dan Barisan Nasional perlu melakukan perubahan jika ia mahu terus memegang tampuk pemerintahan negara. Apa yang memeritkan ialah keaddan dimana kebenaran juga mungkin ditolak. Kita hidup dalam suasana dimana martabat persepsi lebih tinggi daripada kebenaran. Media alternatif seperti Malaysiakini dan Malaysia Today akan menjana persepsi, tidak kira benar atau tidak bagi meyakinkan rakyat.
Jentera Pakatan Rakyat kini sudah mula menunjukkan taringnya. Walaupun pada hakikatnya jentera BN masih lebih berpengalaman, namun saya khuatir jentera pembangkang tidak pernah sekuat ini. Ini dapat dilihat dari segi kain rentang, poster, kemeja, topi, perlaksanaan tugas tugas dan lain-lain.
Sukarelawan PR tampak segar dan bertenaga. Ini mungkin kerana mereka memegang harapan yang menggunung.Wujud satu pengisian dalaman yang perlu disuntik kembali kedalam sanubari setiap ahli UMNO. Kita tidak boleh lalai. leka atau alpa. Kita tidak mampu untuk taksub dengan kekuasaan di cawangan dan Bahagian sehingga kita lupa akan asas sebenar sesebuah perjuangan.
Dalam beberapa hari ini kita akan menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke 51, dan jika UMNO ditubuhkan untuk menentang Malayan Union, dan kesinambungan agenda itu Kemerdekaan, kita perlu berhenti sejenak dan fikirkan, apa agenda UMNO pada alaf baru ini? setelah lebih 50 tahun, kita perlu kenal agenda hari ini. Jika ia bukan untuk membantu bangsa Melayu secara keseluruhannya, ia bermakna titik peluh keringat pejuang UMNO sebelum ini tidak memberi banyak makna.
Ramai di kalangan ahli dan pemimpin UMNO yang masih berpegang kepada agenda pengisian membela bangsa ini, namun hakikatnya terdapat juga segelintir yang tidak meletakkan agenda perjuangan ini sebagai perkara utama dalam perjuangan mereka. Agenda sendiri dan kerakusan kuasa lebih penting dalam wadah perjuangan mereka. Rakyat yang bergelumang didalam kesusahan tidak dapat menerima pemimpin yang tidak mendahului keperluan mereka. Apa fungsi pemimpin jika tidak untuk membela nasib rakyat?
Bagi golongan muda pula, UMNO perlu meluangkan masa untuk menerangkan mengapa agenda perjuangan bangsa ini peri penting pada masa dan ketika ini. Survival bangsa memerlukan sokongan anak muda, dan tanpa mereka, maka sudah pastilah perjuangan UMNO tidak akan mencapai objektifnya.
Baru-baru ini saya ada terbaca cerpen yang ditulis oleh penulis Agung Usman Awang. Ia berkisar tentang seorang Ketua Pemuda Pusat yang melawat kampung dan akhirnya terjatuh kedalam bendang kerana tidak biasa turun kampung. Cerpen ini ditulis sekitar awal tahun 1950-an untuk mencerminkan hakikat bahawa pemimpin pusat tidak faham akan masalah orang di akar umbi. Jika UMNO berhentu mendengar suara rakyat di akar umbi, maka agenda UMNO sudah tidak tercapai.
Justeru, UMNO perlu bangun dari lenanya kerana ternyata, masalah ini bukan baru. Jika kita tidak bersatu membangunkan UMNO di dalam suasana bingit yang membakar ini, siapa lagi yang mampu membela nasib anak bangsa?
22.8.08
In The Ring > Life, or something like it
Last Saturday, I spent a quarter of the day driving to Mak Toks house (my wifes grandmother) in Kangar, Perlis. Being politically correct, I always look forward to going back to Perlis but have to admit we don't make the trip nearly often enough.
We usually head down the long and winding highway during the Hari Raya festivities. With a fairly tight schedule, I never really have had the opportunity to absorb the majestic sights and scenes of our most northern State, the last Malaysian bastion before the Kingdom of Thailand. This time I was determined it would be different.
The picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and tranquility so real you can almost grasp it, greeted my arrival. At approximately 11pm on a Saturday night, the main roads were almost pitch dark, the town centre devoid of any life except for a sole warung serving but a handful of patrons. This is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Saturday night KL where life swings into action around the same time.
Waking up in the morning to a hearty breakfast of nasi ganja (thats what its called!), I sat at the front bench of Mak Tok's house. Amidst the lush greenery, the question that came to my mind was: what is the definition of the quality of life?
In the past, rural poor was a key problem in Malaysia. In view of this, policies were drawn up to eradicate rural poverty and to narrow the gap between the urban and the rural. Further, with industralisation, migration to the cities was looked upon as a measure to free oneself from poverty.
The rate of urbanisation increased exponentially. The current administration's refocusing on agriculture as a key economic thrust is geared towards alleviating the plight of the rural poor. With high commodity prices, their livelihood, largely dependent on produce such as rubber, has increased considerably. Rubber tappers driving Kancils are no longer peculiar sights. The corridor initiative has also brought back the lustre to the smaller town areas, prompting reverse migration.
On the other hand, urban poverty is fast becoming a real problem for the country like eight people living in two-bedroomed flats, the shabby standard of living in most squatter areas to the crime rate in densely populated areas and increasing reports of social and moral decay. These are common themes in our cities, and with so-called progressive development, urban poverty has truly arrived.
So, what is the measure of quality of life? Is it going back home to a low-cost rented apartment, after spending an average of 12 to 15 hours in front of a computer screen only to earn a meagre salary that barely makes ends meet? I am not writing in the context of the quality of life index that is used to determine how much water is available, but of that internal happiness that makes you say, convincingly, Yes, this is home.
Another aspect of quality of life that is proving to be a real concern is the spirit of living in a community. Maybe for some (me especially), losing ourselves in the never-ending rat race has made us forget about the shared responsibilities of living in a society. When was the last time you dropped by your neighbours house? When was the last time you sat in a coffee shop and knew almost everyone there by name?
In conversation with a friend, he let in that after retirement he would relocate up north, to a nice quiet place. Try his hand at agriculture, he said. His plans ring of a wanting, a home truth that is exemplified by more and more of our urban elite who are building weekend bungalows either in their hometowns or in areas like Janda Baik. Having a kebun is fashionable again. Ah, the greener pastures.
I confess I epitomise the city slicker, but the opportunity to savour kampung life is something I am mighty thankful for. Without exposure to this important perspective, Im sure I would have stuck to this notion of backwardness and idleness painted of rural Malaysia.
The divide is definitely narrowing, but sitting on Mak Toks bench on a breezy Sunday morning, I wonder who is actually ahead.
We usually head down the long and winding highway during the Hari Raya festivities. With a fairly tight schedule, I never really have had the opportunity to absorb the majestic sights and scenes of our most northern State, the last Malaysian bastion before the Kingdom of Thailand. This time I was determined it would be different.
The picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and tranquility so real you can almost grasp it, greeted my arrival. At approximately 11pm on a Saturday night, the main roads were almost pitch dark, the town centre devoid of any life except for a sole warung serving but a handful of patrons. This is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Saturday night KL where life swings into action around the same time.
Waking up in the morning to a hearty breakfast of nasi ganja (thats what its called!), I sat at the front bench of Mak Tok's house. Amidst the lush greenery, the question that came to my mind was: what is the definition of the quality of life?
In the past, rural poor was a key problem in Malaysia. In view of this, policies were drawn up to eradicate rural poverty and to narrow the gap between the urban and the rural. Further, with industralisation, migration to the cities was looked upon as a measure to free oneself from poverty.
The rate of urbanisation increased exponentially. The current administration's refocusing on agriculture as a key economic thrust is geared towards alleviating the plight of the rural poor. With high commodity prices, their livelihood, largely dependent on produce such as rubber, has increased considerably. Rubber tappers driving Kancils are no longer peculiar sights. The corridor initiative has also brought back the lustre to the smaller town areas, prompting reverse migration.
On the other hand, urban poverty is fast becoming a real problem for the country like eight people living in two-bedroomed flats, the shabby standard of living in most squatter areas to the crime rate in densely populated areas and increasing reports of social and moral decay. These are common themes in our cities, and with so-called progressive development, urban poverty has truly arrived.
So, what is the measure of quality of life? Is it going back home to a low-cost rented apartment, after spending an average of 12 to 15 hours in front of a computer screen only to earn a meagre salary that barely makes ends meet? I am not writing in the context of the quality of life index that is used to determine how much water is available, but of that internal happiness that makes you say, convincingly, Yes, this is home.
Another aspect of quality of life that is proving to be a real concern is the spirit of living in a community. Maybe for some (me especially), losing ourselves in the never-ending rat race has made us forget about the shared responsibilities of living in a society. When was the last time you dropped by your neighbours house? When was the last time you sat in a coffee shop and knew almost everyone there by name?
In conversation with a friend, he let in that after retirement he would relocate up north, to a nice quiet place. Try his hand at agriculture, he said. His plans ring of a wanting, a home truth that is exemplified by more and more of our urban elite who are building weekend bungalows either in their hometowns or in areas like Janda Baik. Having a kebun is fashionable again. Ah, the greener pastures.
I confess I epitomise the city slicker, but the opportunity to savour kampung life is something I am mighty thankful for. Without exposure to this important perspective, Im sure I would have stuck to this notion of backwardness and idleness painted of rural Malaysia.
The divide is definitely narrowing, but sitting on Mak Toks bench on a breezy Sunday morning, I wonder who is actually ahead.
21.8.08
Malaysiakini - Duit, Seks dan Pakatan Rakyat - MB Perak dakwa konspirasi politik?
Di tengah-tengah kesibukan Pilihanraya Kecil Permatang Pauh, dan tidak lama setelah isu muzakarah mencorak agenda Muktamar PAS di Ipoh tempoh hari, timbul isu baru dalam Pakatan Rakyat berkenaan dengan kes rasuah yang melibatkan dua EXCO Negeri Perak.
Laman web Malaysiakini melaporkan bahawa BPR, telah menahan dua ahli exco selepas mereka disyaki menerima suapan lebih RM100,000 sebagai balasan untuk mempercepatkan proses permohonan projek perumahan. Apa yang lebih menggegarkan ialah menurut kenyataan BPR, mereka juga disyaki terlibat dengan rasuah seks.
Menteri Besar dari parti PAS, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin mempertahankan dua ahli exconya dan mendakwa ia berpunca daripada konspirasi politik. Kedua-duanya adalah Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (PKR-Changkat Jering) (kanan) - exco pelancongan, modal insan dan NGO - dan Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (PKR-Behrang) - exco pembangunan usahawan, pertanian dan perdagangan.
Konspirasi politik? wajarkah bila berlaku sahaja kes yang melibatkan ahli parti politik Pakatan Rakyat, konspirasi dilaungkan sewenang-wenangnya. Kenapa Pakatan Rakyat berdiam diri sahaja apabila pegawai Kerajaan berpangkat tinggi seperti Kementerian Pelancongan, Kementerian Dalam Negeri dan lain lain dibawa kemuka keadilan?
Terimalah kenyataan bahawa BPR sudah berubah dan sesiapa sahaja yang melanggar undang-undang akan menerima nusibatnya.
Kesimpulannya ialah melihat kepada skandal yang melibatkan Pakatan Rakyat, terutamanya ahli politik dibawah PKR (TS Khalid di Selangor, insiden menumbuk oleh Loh Gwo Burne, samseng PKR yang kerap membelasah pemberita) benarkah Parti Keadilan Rakyat ini benar-benar boleh membawa negara ke arah kemajuan?
Apa yang nyata....Janji senang ditabur, nak kotakan bukannya mudah.
17.8.08
Mesyuarat UMNO Bukit Travers
Semalam, UMNO Cawangan saya, Bukit Travers, Bahagian Lembah Pantai telah selamat mengadakan mesyuarat cawangannya. Mesyuarat telah diadakan di Hotel Singgahsana, serentak dengan cawangan Bukit Bakong dan Bukit Persekutuan.
Bukan seperti banyak kisah-kisah di cawangan yang lain, tiada pertandingan di peringkat cawangan Bukit Travers tetapi Naib saya, Sulaiman Tajuddin telah meninggalkan Pemuda dan masuk kedalam UMNO induk kerana sudah melepasi garisan umur 40 tahun. Naib yang baru merupakan darah muda, Sdr Asmawi Ilham yang berumur 25 tahun. Terima kasih diucapkan atas segala sumbangan dan jasa yang telah ditabur oleh Sdr Sulaiman.
Ketua Cawangan, Raja Dato' Nong Chik Raja Dato' Zainal Abidin kekal sebagai Ketua Cawangan.
Dalam mencalonkan peneraju Bahagian pula, sudah tentu cawangan Bukit Travers mencalonkan Raja Dato Nong Chik sebagai Ketua Bahagian. Pada saat dan ketika ini, beliau mendahalui pencalonan berbanding dengan muka baru Haji Zahran dan Pemangku Ketua Bahagian En Yusri Ahmad.
Bagi saf kepimpinan Pemuda pula, cawangan Bukit Travers telah mencalonkan Tn Hj Sazali Kamilan, Setiausaha Bahagian sebagai calon Ketua Pemuda. Beliau telah mendapat 35 pencalonan (Lembah Pantai mempunyai 47 cawangan) dan nampak gayanya, beliau kemungkinan besar menang tanpa bertanding. Pada pemilihan sebelum ini, cawangan kami mencalonkan beliau sebagai Ketua Pemuda tetapi beliau kalah tipis dengan Ketua Pemuda sekarang Tuan Haji Norazmi.
Insya-Allah kita sambut era baru Pemuda Lembah Pantai.
Bukan seperti banyak kisah-kisah di cawangan yang lain, tiada pertandingan di peringkat cawangan Bukit Travers tetapi Naib saya, Sulaiman Tajuddin telah meninggalkan Pemuda dan masuk kedalam UMNO induk kerana sudah melepasi garisan umur 40 tahun. Naib yang baru merupakan darah muda, Sdr Asmawi Ilham yang berumur 25 tahun. Terima kasih diucapkan atas segala sumbangan dan jasa yang telah ditabur oleh Sdr Sulaiman.
Ketua Cawangan, Raja Dato' Nong Chik Raja Dato' Zainal Abidin kekal sebagai Ketua Cawangan.
Dalam mencalonkan peneraju Bahagian pula, sudah tentu cawangan Bukit Travers mencalonkan Raja Dato Nong Chik sebagai Ketua Bahagian. Pada saat dan ketika ini, beliau mendahalui pencalonan berbanding dengan muka baru Haji Zahran dan Pemangku Ketua Bahagian En Yusri Ahmad.
Bagi saf kepimpinan Pemuda pula, cawangan Bukit Travers telah mencalonkan Tn Hj Sazali Kamilan, Setiausaha Bahagian sebagai calon Ketua Pemuda. Beliau telah mendapat 35 pencalonan (Lembah Pantai mempunyai 47 cawangan) dan nampak gayanya, beliau kemungkinan besar menang tanpa bertanding. Pada pemilihan sebelum ini, cawangan kami mencalonkan beliau sebagai Ketua Pemuda tetapi beliau kalah tipis dengan Ketua Pemuda sekarang Tuan Haji Norazmi.
Insya-Allah kita sambut era baru Pemuda Lembah Pantai.
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