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Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Merdeka food for thought

The nation will celebrate its 49th anniversary as an independent nation. Within a period of nearly half a century, Malaysia has gone through a lot of things – all of which contributed towards the maturity of the nation. Within this short period of time, the nation has successfully transformed itself from a sleepy backwater British colony known for its tin into a dynamic, vibrant and examplary developing nation.

It used to be that the National Day celebration was commemorated only on 31st August. In the past few years however, the commemoration of the nation’s independence spans for a month, between 17th August until 16th September. Many activities are conducted during this period – all with the intention to instill national pride and to rekindle the past struggles of our forefathers.

The post-independence generation needs to be reminded of how things were during the colonial times, the Japanese occupancy as well as the Emergency. This generation today lives in a nation which is a far cry from what it was before independence. The country has changed and developed for the better. It is this generation that is reaping the rewards of the labours of the preceeding generation in fighting for the nation’s independence.

Therefore, it is indeed a pity if today’s generation do not truly comprehend or appreciate what independence stands for. The last day of August is more than just a public holiday.

This very special day is more than just a day to simply celebrate without really knowing what the celebration is actually for. Even the celebration should be conducted in a manner befitting that of independence – not pure hedonism and having fun for the sake of it. It is imperative, especially for the post-independence generation, to really understand, be aware and be thankful for the gift of independence as bestowed to the multiracial and multireligious society of Malaysia.

This gift of independence is from God as a result of the hard work and tireless efforts undertaken by countless of people that came before us. It would indeed be a waste if their painstaking endeavour – oft-times accompanied by tears and blood – goes unnoticed by today’s generation.

When we say “understanding independence”, it does not simply mean to utter the word “Merdeka”, rather understanding independence requires us to realise the worth and importance of independence to the people of Malaysia. In other words, independence is not just about exclaiming that we are independent, but also it is about the need to ensure that the independence that we achieve is protected.

When we say “be aware of independence”, it goes beyond simply knowing when and where the National Day parade is taking place. Instead one who is aware of independence would be equally aware of the need to ensure that the future generation of the nation would also be able to live in an independent nation. As such, we should realise that there is still much to be done, in particular in ensuring that the nation would not fall victim to neocolonialisation, which is far more dangerous than military subjugation.

When we say “be thankful for our independence”, it is essential that we realise that it is not sufficient for us to only express joy and delight on 31st August. Indeed expressing happiness for our independence is justifiable as we are no longer subjugated to foreign powers, but far more important is the need to express our gratitude to Allah SWT for providing us with this gift of independence. As such, it is pertinent for us today to express our thanks to Allah SWT as this invaluable and precious gift is not given to all nations. Even nations which are already independent may not enjoy the bountied showered on us by Allah SWT.

Unfortunately, many forget the need to be thankful and grateful for the independence that we have achieved. As stated in the Quran, translated thus:

For God is full of bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.
[Al-Baqarah (2): 243]

How then do we show our gratitude for the independence that we now benefit from? Surely there are many ways for us – in particular the current young generation – could manifest our gratitude. For one, the post-independence generation must always ensure that the independence that has been achieved 49 years ago is safeguarded and preserved. As much as we enjoy being independent today, we must remember that it is our duty to guarantee that the future generations would also enjoy the same.

We do not want our children and grandchildren putting the blame on this generation for failing to uphold independence. This is particularly more so in view of neocolonialisation. In the past, colonialisation is mainly in the form of territorial expansion and military conquest. But today, colonialisation has taken a new form and meaning – hence the term neocolonialisation – that can take place in many forms.

We need to prepare ourselves to face these challenges. This preparation comes in many areas, such as building our economic strength, maintaining political stability, forging social integration, mastering all areas of knowledge and technology, enhancing our defense capabilities and many others. This is in fact in line with what is mentioned in the Quran, translated thus:

Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war…
[Al-Anfal (8): 60]

While the Quran mentions on the need to muster military strength, the scope of mustering strength could further be widened in view of today’s context. Today military strength alone is not sufficient. The much needed strength in knowledge and technological mastery is equally, if not more, important.

Thus, the challenge to build all these needed strengths within our country lies with today’s young generation. There must be a sense of patriotism and nationalism in today’s generation. There must be a strong love and pride for this nation that we call home.

It is, therefore, the duty of all Malaysians – regardless of religion and race – to continue to preserve this priceless gift called independence. Our country had been under foreign powers for a total number of 446 years, from the day the Portuguese conquered Melaka until the day the Union Jack was brought down and replaced with our national flag.

Today we have been independent for just under half a century. This period of independence is, in actuality, miniscule compared to the period that we were under foreign powers.

Are we willing to throw away over four decades of independence, and barter it for four centuries of hardship as experienced by our preceeding generations? The answer lies within this generation – ourselves.

Merdeka spirit?

We put up two flags in front of the office last week in view of the coming Merdeka day. The next day, one of the Jalur Gemilang went missing. At first, I thought it was blown away because of the torrential rain and strong wind the evening before.

But apparently, I thought wrong.

According to the security guard, the flag must have been stolen. This is because the wooden pole holding the flag was purposely broken.

I know that everybody is in the celebratory mood of Merdeka. But stealing flags? I never thought anyone would do such a thing. Then again, I have been wrong before.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Spiked


For the first time since I ran this blog, the volume of visitors reached its highest peak last Friday. Granted, there were only 20 visitors last Friday, but considering this blog is not a political blog nor a celebrity blog, I consider that number a respectable one.

I welcome all visitors to this humble blog. Keep on coming and I'll keep on blogging.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Pluto downgraded

Finally, it happens.

After years of seemingly endless debate, on 24 August the International Astronomical Union has demoted Pluto from a planet to a "dwarf planet." More about this can be read here.

So, better start rewriting the textbooks on astronomy, because now the Solar System is left with only 8 planets.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Canon rocks

I am a fan of classical music. My favourite is Pachelbel's Canon (or Kanon in German). Lately, we have seen remixed version of classical music --- a few of them tastefully done, the rest decidedly less so.

Last night, I chanced upon a rock version of Canon at YouTube. I'm not much of a fan of rock music. But somehow I like this rendition.

Have a listen to Canon the rock version.

New book is out

Forgot to update on this earlier.

The latest book that I edited - my third this year - is out. This book entitled Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Biosafety: An Islamic Perspective is co-published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC) in co-operation with Yayasan Ilmuwan.

The book is free and can be obtained online here, and will be launched by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on the 29th of August.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Orange sun

Hazy days are back. Haze seems to be an annual affair at this time of the year. So far, it hasn't been as bad as last year, but still these past couple of days, you could actually see the haze getting thicker.

Notice how orange the sun is. That's a good indicator that the air is hazy.

Remember to drink plenty of water. Stay indoors and minimise outdoor activities for the time being.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Brain in the kneecap

There is a Malay phrase "letak otak di lutut" referring to stupid actions. The phrase literally (more or less) translates to the title of this posting.

I am very much fed up with the stupid acts of teens and twinks who ride their motorbikes like people without brains. Even if they do have brains, probably it's located in their kneecaps.

Almost every evening after 6 o'clock, a bunch of youths would gather along Jalan 1/56 in AU3 Keramat. Most of them would start racing and doing crazy stunts along the busy road zigzagging other vehicles.

If I were a betting man, I would be willing to bet that:
  1. Most of these kids don't have proper licences
  2. Most of these kids are from the neighbourhood
  3. Since this neighbourhood also include police and army quarters, most probably most of these kids are children of police and army personnel
Fortunately, I'm not a betting man. But I really hope something is done about this. These youths may be doing this because of the adrenalin rush, and probably because they don't have anything better to do. I remember about a decade ago, someone got killed along the same road because of illegal racing. Do we have to wait for another person to get killed?

What a waste for someone to die like that.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Five seconds of glory

Last week was convocation week at Universiti Malaya. My wife and I both received our master scrolls - my wife on Tuesday afternoon while I got mine the following morning. The convocation ceremony at Malaysia's oldest university was ceremonial and grand. Truth be told, this is my first experience in attending university convocations.

The wait before you actually receive your scroll is long. And it all lasted for about 5 seconds. But it was a memorable 5 seconds. After all the hard work that was put in over the last couple of years, this 5 seconds will be forever etched in my memory.

The journey however is far from over. I've successfully climbed up a hill, but now I'm beginning my climb up a taller hill. Hopefully, I'll get to the PhD hilltop in 2 years time, insya-Allah.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Smiling goat

Couldn't resist but to share this one thing that makes me smile this morning. It's from Utusan Malaysia.

I'll say no more...

Praying for peace

The end to the Middle East conflict is no where in sight. In fact, it seems to be escalating. I, for one, can only pray for the conflict to cease for the sake of the lives of the innocents. I also hope that the conflict does not escalade into Syria and Iran.

Meanwhile, at home, we see many quarters voicing their concerns over the conflict. Unfortunately, some are taking advantage of this conflict.

I'm quite sure many have received short messages through the mobile phone, asking that we pray for our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon, and that the message should be forwarded to 10 other people. I received several similar messages. But I didn't forward a single one. Not because I do not pity the plight of the Palestinians or the Lebanese people. On the contrary, I do pray for them.

But think for a second... who benefits the most when messages are forwarded? Definitely not the Palestinians and not the Lebanese people.

Those who benefit are those who own the telcos.

Forget the sms. Just pray for peace.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Silent anger

This past few weeks, the Middle East conflict have been dominating the news. I have been keeping tabs on the goings-on but have refrained from writing or saying anything till today. Why? Mainly out of frustration.

We know for a fact that the Muslims are incapable of defending the Muslim brothers in Palestine and Lebanon. The most we can do is to provide lip service. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is busy doing just that --- organising conferences. There is no real unity in the Muslim world. The OIC is just a talk shop, but cannot do more that that.

Here in Malaysia, we have people demostrating and trying to be street champions. Yeah..., what a way to do it. This is stuff which is nice to watch on television and read in the papers. Wonder if this person has the guts to be in the frontline in Palestine or Lebanon. Sure, by demonstrating, we have a way to vent our anger and show our frustration for the whole world to see. But what comes after that? Would the Zionists stop their military assaults? Would the US and British leaders start supporting the plight of the Palestinians and the Lebanese?

In a way, I agree with the suggestion of Tun Dr. Mahathir. Hit them where it hurts them most. Stop using their currencies. That'd dent their economies somewhat. Think about it.

In the meantime, I will resume my silent anger position.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Where were you 10 years ago?

I had a long work-related discussion with En. Mazilan yesterday evening. Towards the end of the discussion, I said something along the lines of, "Wonder where we'll be in 10 years time?"

This September marks my 10th year as a working person. Looking back to 1996, I never actually gave it any serious thought as to where I'd be in 2006. Frankly speaking, this past 10 years have been colourful with bittersweet experience. Yet, I believe I have reached and achieved so much in this period of time. Every time I hit a new high, I'd challenge myself to go further, deeper and higher. Otherwise, I'd easily get bored with the same old things.

Which brings me to where I am today. I left my old organisation partly looking for new challenges, opting to take the road less travelled. This new job, while familiar in terms of scope, is challenging. I hope this would fuel my enthusiasm to continue working.

Wonder where I'll be in 10 years time?