Domination

In the animal world, domination is not necessarily about physical size but strength of spirit. We got Shadow, a year old male Labrador from my good friend and old schoolmate, Jason about 3 weeks ago. Shadow was infested with ticks and that posed a real problem. If not treated properly it could become a long term issue. And so the regime began; leaving him outdoors, spraying the walls and corners outside the house with anti-tick chemical, using anti-tick shampoo and finally, Frontline.

Prince Cheah, the alpha dog was only allowed to interact with Shadow after the Frontline treatment. The first picture shows Prince sneaking up behind Shadow.




















The second shows him giving Shadow a lengthy "lecture" after irritating and tiring out the latter for more than twenty minutes trying to climb on him (short video at the bottom).






















The third and forth show Prince stepping all over Shadow without regard for the difference in size! Prince has been the "top dog" since.

Changes; A Shared Life In Boxes...But If Only Time Could Be Saved In A Bottle.

The inevitable thing about moving to another house is the packing and the subsequent unpacking. There was just so much stuff this time around it is amazing how we collected them over the years. Our possessions.

For me it only actually began 24 years ago after Jeannie and I got married; as a bachelor, I "travelled light". For 22 years, Jeannie and I shared a life which I now can only re-live in a memory that will certainly wane with time. Along the way, the possessions we acquired have their own stories to tell. Many seem to serve as "memory recall buttons" as merely looking at them brings back thoughts that I never knew remained. The photos tell the most; a piece of clothing or jewellery; the hundreds of CDs and the particular songs; the letters we wrote to each other and the greeting cards; documents; certain utensils and so forth; and oh! the knick knacks!

For logistic expediency and convenience during packing, I decided that we put everything that could go into a box, into labelled boxes. Deciding what to pack was like deciding what I wanted to still remember or forget and I wanted to remember everything. They were decisions I could still defer till the unpacking so, virtually everything went into the boxes! Twenty over years of a shared life hastily packed into boxes; a shared life that now seems like it was too hastily lived and yet not.

Just as packing brought memories flooding back, so did the unpacking. It is now time to unpack; the time to choose. Though it is possible to keep everything but I do not want to. Thankfully, functionality and usefulness (or otherwise) of those possessions ensure many choices are made by themselves. As time will overtake time, I have left many decisions to the kids...over time, everything eventually becomes memory.

Trying to hang on to memories that seem locked in material possessions is like trying to save time in a bottle as Jim Croce's song goes. That would be foolhardy as memories fade with time and as memories move backwards, time moves forward. Even if things are written down (like a message in a bottle?), the essence will not be the same.



Just some of Jeannie's clothes



Stuff still in boxes







Even Prince remembers the bag Mummy sometimes carried for rugby outings now used to pack some of her Tupperware.




Time In A Bottle: Jim Croce
If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that Id like to do
Is to save every day
Till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
Id save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That youre the one I want to go
Through time with

If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
Ive looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go
Through time with

Cracks? So Soon? What Else Is New?

The Khalsa Warrior, Sardarji Karpal Singh was Jeannie's lawyer and we have deep respect for him.

It appears the "Lion of Jelutong" has finally said openly what many suspected was brewing inside him...Anwar Ibrahim is not up to the mark!

It brings to mind what one close confidante of Anwar told me about Anwar a few months ago; it was rather disconcerting. According to him, AI is apparently not as capable as he puts himself out to be, and depended on aides like himself to do much of the thinking for him. AI apparently is not such a fountain of new ideas too.

This Malaysiakini report opens up a new front:


Karpal to Anwar: Step down as Pakatan head
Feb 8, 09 5:54pm

In an outburst that could have deep implications for the Pakatan Rakyat alliance, DAP chairperson Karpal Singh today openly urged Anwar Ibrahim to step down as the leader of the alliance.

He blamed Anwar for the disarray in Pakatan which was caused by the PKR leader's continuous rhetoric of forming government with the aid of defectors from Barisan Nasional.

Karpal also had harsh words for his colleagues in DAP, especially party veteran Lim Kit Siang and party secretary general Lim Guan Eng - for their inconsistent stand on party hopping.

But the brunt of his anger was on Anwar, whom the veteran politician said had caused trouble in the opposition alliance.Karpal did not mince his words when he said that Pakatan needed a new leader.

"He (Anwar) has created enough trouble and it is time for him to bertaubat (repent)."

It's time Pakatan got itself another leader," he said in an amazing attack which will surely be picked up by BN leaders to portray the Pakatan alliance as a loose one waiting to collapse.

Karpal's biggest complain was Anwar' support for defections of elected representatives.

The Pakatan alliance took shape after the big victory enjoyed by PKR, PAS and DAP in the last general election. Together they took over four states, retained Kelantan and denied two-thirds majority for BN in Parliament.

After that Anwar had claimed that he had enough defectors from BN to form the federal government. However despite his repeated assurances, the takeover never materialise.

Then on Jan 25, PKR accepted an Umno state representative in Perak, with Anwar beaming in delight that this was to be followed by more defections.

However the tables were turned on Anwar and Pakatan when two Perak PKR state representatives and one DAP assemblyperson left their parties to become independents. Even the defected Umno man returned to his party.

As a result Pakatan lost control of the state government, allowing BN to take over.

He has a lot to answer forTalking to reporters in his office in Penang today, Karpal said that party-hopping can never be justified.

"I am somewhat confounded how Anwar could have openly espoused and encouraged crossovers after the people gave a resounding mandate to the Pakatan on March 8 last year," he said.

"In the public interest, and in particular in the interest of the Pakatan, Anwar has a lot to answer for creating the woes of the Pakatan now," he added.

Karpal also blamed the BN for practising the game of defections - giving examples of how the ruling coalition had pinched DAP leaders in 1979 and 1982, a period when Anwar was still with Umno and BN.

"I only hope Anwar did not learn of the morality, or rather immorality, of political kangaroos hopping form the opposition to the BN during the time he was in the BN."

Be that as it may, the intelligence of the rakyat should not be underestimated by politicians from either side of the divide.

"The trust of the people cannot and should not be taken for granted by elected representative," said the Bukit Gelugor member of parliament.

He added that the mandate to form a government must come from the people and not from crossovers.

He said that it was most unfortunate that there have been crossovers in Perak, resulting in the turmoil in that state now.

He added that the solution for the crisis in Perak lied squarely in the hands of the judiciary, given that the Perak sultan has appointed a new BN menteri besar and is poised to appoint a new exco on Tuesday.

"The predicament faced by the rakyat in Perak is the consequence of political treachery and large scale deception and commission of fraud on the voters by the assemblypersons who have deserted the party, the strength of which placed them in the state assembly," he added.

It is uncertain how other senior DAP leaders would react to Karpal's statement today.

Guan Eng was reported in the papers today as saying that Pakatan will speak as one on matters relating to Perak.

Karpal has for some weeks now been highly critical of the other Pakatan allies. Last month he warned that DAP would leave the alliance if PAS continued with its Islamic state and hudud law policies.

So Canggih?

Something from Malaysians Unplugged, Uncensored Blog:

Deciphering Perak Sultan's Cryptic Message to Mohd Nizar

Mohd Nizar had an audience with His Highness the Sultan of Perak on 4th February to request consent to dissolve the state assembly.

Siasah Blog reported Nizar as saying after his meeting with the Sultan:

"Menurut Nizar, pertemuan itu berjalan dengan baik sekali dan beliau amat terharu dengan cara Sultan Perak mengendalikan hal ini.

Katanya,

"Saya amat terharu apabila di hujung pertemuan itu apabila BagindaSultan berkata kepada saya dengan membaca satu potong ayat Al Quran. Ayat itu yang bermaksud: "Sesungguhnya Allah bersama dengan orang-orang yang sabar."

That is, according to Nizar, at the end of the meeting, His Highness quoted a verse in the Quran that says, "Allah is with those who are patient".

The following day, after his meeting with Najib's delegation, His Highness met Nizar and told him to resign immediately; if not, the MB's post will be deemed vacant. Soon after he swore in the new MB.

Speculation is rife in the blogosphere, firstly, by what is meant or intended by His Highness when he implied that Nizar should be patient, secondly, the speed in which the Sultan took in removing Nizar as MB, and the swearing-in of the new MB from Barisan Nasional.

For many Malaysians who had the highest respect for the Perak monarch as a learned man with wide and long experience in law and as a modern ruler making frequent "pro-rakyat" public statements, the out-of-character action by the Sultan caught them totally by surprise.

For many, they find it hard to imagine the Perak Royal Palace/the Perak Sultan would:

1. endorse the dubious actions of the defectors (two of them being charged in court for bribery and one of them changing his mind twice in 10 days) to bring down a legitimate elected government
2. not realise that in reality, BN and PR each has equal number of representatives and the three defectors did not join BN but as Independents
3. not realise the due process of the law enshrined in the State Constitution that a vote of no confidence in the State Assembly is required before dismissing the MB, since there was a similar landmark case in Sabah
4. not realise as a former learned judge and Lord President of the Supreme Court that he "acts" on the advice of a sitting head of an elected government
5. not recognise the impact of the March 2008 on the whole nation and the shift in the mood of voters
6. not recognise that if he does not agree to dissolve the state assembly and return the mandate to his subjects, he will be acting contrary to what he and his son, the Raja Muda, had spoken out in public about the sanctity of the constitution, the democratic process and the rule of law.
7. not realise that a BN-goverment (27 UMNO and 1 MCA with three independents)which might be alright for states like Kelantan and Trengganu would be not well represented for a faily multi-racial state in contrast to the representation in the PR coalition in government.
8. not realise that a BN-government dependent on 3 independents to stay in power is very unstable
9. not aghast with the sickening money politics and party-hopping aimed at toppling a government whether it is by PR or BN
10. not realise the negative impact on the palace's esteem and integrity to act against the constitution and the wishes of his subjects.

The question is WHY did the Perak monarch decide what he did?
Could it be the Perak monarch:

• is telling Nizar relinquish the government voluntarily to the BN so that what he had in mind, whatever it is we will never know, can be put into motion for the overall and long term well-being of the state and his subjects, as wise monarchs always do.
• was angry that Nizar went against his wishes despite his cryptic advice, so much so he acted immediately to dismiss Nizar and appoint the MB from BN to show his utter displeasure for not understanding his advice.
• is not too pleased with a non-Perakian ( ie DPM Najib) for having the gall to confront the Palace on the issue and for a non-Perakian getting directly involved in the political affairs of his state and the fate of his subjects
• is acting out his original plan irrespective of Nizar's decision, to ensure that the BN gets the government it desperatly wants, and gets it quickly through defection, even though the monarch is unhappy about it so that UMNO/BN loses the moral high ground . UMNO/BN had condemned PR/Anwar Ibrahim since the March election for trying to topple the Federal govt through defection, yet it was UMNO/BN which approached PAS and PKR to defect en-bloc to retain power in Selangor and Perak.
• is opening the door for PR/Anwar Ibrahim to move forward openly to capture the Federal Government through defections since BN/UMNO had done so by capturing the Perak state government by the same means
• is willing to pay the price for the bigger good of the state and country by laying bare the deceit and hypocrisy of the UMNO-led government on the issue of money politics and defections.
• in the final analysis, is doing an unspoken favour for the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

There are the other rumours of deals done by DPM Najib with the Palace for Perak state's development by the Federal Government if a BN-government is in place, since Federal funding support had been hard to come by since March 2008 election.
Of course, the other rumour surfacing is about the improbable link of the Perak crisis to GAMUDA's future.
Sandiwara on a major scale? So canggih?

The Rukunegara...again.

Almost exactly two months before the day Sultan Azlan Shah decided that Barisan Nasional has the right to form the state government of Perak, I blogged about the Rukunegara (Getting To The Core-The Right Of Belief) and one particular principle therein which I am not comfortable with-it's the first one actually; "Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan" or "Belief In God". Anyway that was not so much about God but the right to believe or not to believe. For most of us who have forgotten, the Rukunegara goes like this:

WHEREAS OUR COUNTRY MALAYSIA nurtures the ambitions of:

• achieving a more perfect unity amongst the whole of her society;
• preserving a democratic way of life;
• creating a just society where the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner;
• guaranteeing a liberal approach towards her rich and varied cultural traditions; and
• building a progressive society that will make use of science and modern technology.
  

NOW THEREFORE WE, the people of Malaysia, pledge to concentrate the whole of our energy and efforts to achieve these ambitions based on the following principles:

• BELIEF IN GOD
• LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY
• THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION
• THE RULE OF LAW
• COURTESY AND MORALITY

Today I am reminded of the Rukunegara, back to the days in Taiping, Perak when it made its first appearance in 1970. Fast forward 39 years and we have a Constitutional crisis in my home state. The Silver State is seemingly being bought and sold for a few taels (relatively speaking la) of silver! All this seemingly being condoned by a much revered Sultan of whom Perakians generally claim bragging rights over the other Malaysians. Yeop was proud that he had a Sultan who earned his spurs as Lord President of the Malaysian Judiciary before ascending the throne and who is well known in the international field hockey scene.

Why is Yeop (and other Malaysians) up in arms (here, here, here, here, here, here, ...) now? Why is there widespread protest on the streets and more so on the internet? What is clear is that Sultan Azlan's decision does not go down well with most Malaysians and more so with the majority in the legal fraternity. Just check out SOME commentaries here, here, here, ... .

Perhaps, it was deemed that a former Lord President will not be expected to make an error in law and that Malaysians will respect his decision of sacking Nizar and his state assembly...and not react. In any case, I await his written judgment...but wait a minute! He is no longer part of the judiciary...he is royalty who may have well made an executive decision as royalty. Sounds like schizophrenia huh?

We are generally a nation of law abiding citizens; innocent until proven guilty? It does seem as if we are "hanging" Sultan Azlan before the fact, but certainly the groundswell does mean something to him, and has bearing to the ultimate truth. The fact of the matter is that his decision is debatable and its consequence as a precedence will be recorded for posterity. Being debatable, why the dogmatism? The most equitable solution was surely a rakyats' referendum. Anyway all will be decided in the courtrooms and ultimately, at the ballot box regardless of what the courts decide.

Going back to the principles of the Rukunegara:

1. BELIEF IN GOD
2. LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY
3. THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION
4. THE RULE OF LAW
5. COURTESY AND MORALITY

Principle number 1 aside, what the fcuk is happening to our country?

Number 2; LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY?
Number 3; THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION?
Number 4; THE RULE OF LAW?

How do we subject ourselves to rule of law if apparently even the sanctity of the constitution can be disregarded by the act of an authority that is deemed supreme if not legally, at least formally. How does the rakyat follow the Rukunegara if they cannot reconcile loyalty to royalty with the supremacy of a constitution that has been unable to uphold the rule of law when wisdom is sought from royalty?

What about Number 5? COURTESY AND MORALITY? Courtesy seems to have gone out the vista in cyberspace (check out Rocky's attempt to swim against the tide and up the creek) since morality has gone to the Frogs!

Stand Up! If You Hate The French!!...err... Froggies

"Stand Up! If You Hate The French!!!". You will surely have heard this sometimes being chorused around a rugby stadium in a game (if you have been in, or watched one) involving a French (who are also referred to as "froggies") team. This very English tease dates back centuries to the middle ages and depending on the source, the reasons why the English refer to the French as frogs, vary.

One obvious reason is of course French cuisine and the fondness for frogs legs. Then there is another that relates to the French flag during the middle ages which had a blue background and a gold fleur-de-lys on it. The ignorant English, not knowing that the fleur-de-lys was supposed to be a flower, thought that it represented a gold frog. Hence "frog" became a derogatory term for the French.

Anyway, that is the beef between the English and the French. Lately, in Malaysia the frog is getting increasing mention, both in the mass media and also in conversations. Just like the usage by the English, the connotation of the word frog here lately is negative. In Malaysia we now have jumping elected state representatives (Aduns); unscrupulous and unprincipled public servants who give frogs a bad name! The French will surely say it is a bum rap for the frogs since these elected sycophantic political low-life cannot be better than our garden amphibian friend, the frog!

Saudara Anwar Ibrahim started the frog race last year after the March 8th GE and threatened to take over the government through cross-overs by defecting MPs. It was known as party hopping then (back then, the rabbit got the bad rap because of the reps!) but that fizzled after the non-starter on 16th September, 2008. Now that we are seeing the real McCoy, they are called jumpers (leapers?) and my home state, the Silver State (Perak) holds the dubious distinction where the latest made-in-Malaysia political drama is being played out.

Neither Pakatan Rakyat nor Barisan Nasional can claim to hold the moral high-ground. What is sauce for the goose (is sauce for the gander)! Afterall, this latest episode started out last week with the jumping of Bota adun, Nasaruddin Hashim to PKR.

That was followed by cousins Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Osman Jailu (both of the karaoke, China girls and corruption trial fame) jumping out of PKR before DAP's Hee Yit Foong did the same to her party. Then Nasaruddin Hashim leap-frogged over the three back to UMNO. Could he fit into a John le Carré novel as the classic double agent? Nah! I think he is just an opportunist!

All four look bad and worse still, they and the situation smell like shit! I wonder how many voters knew of them or their names when they voted for the political parties? It tantamounts to outright betrayal of the rakyat and makes a mockery of democracy. The three who hide behind the reason that they are now independents but aligned to BN mocks the rakyat even further! In the next election (bye, buy, general, or otherwise) in their respective constituencies it will be a foregone conclusion that they will lose i.e. if ever their new political masters decide to field them at all!

The three guys with a third leg jumping I probably can understand why but that woman, Hee? Who is Hee? Hee is a she! She must be the champion amongst them; who says polio victims cannot jump?

Whatever their stated reasons I am sure their time in politics is fast expiring. They must know this too, and the label they wear as traitors also marks them as being devoid of integrity. Certainly, if I were them and to have sacrificed public trust, I would demand compensation from the parties who benefit from my pariah label! They deserve to be tarred and feathered; or perhaps battered and deep fried.

I am unclear why former Lord President of the judiciary, Sultan Raja Azlan Shah decided the way he did. Of all the sultans he is most qualified in the law and certainly he was not under duress as claimed by the three who pre-signed resignation letters. Will we ever get a written judgement from Yang Mulia Tuanku? To the Rakyat I say..."Stand Up! If You Hate The Frogs!!!

Here are words from another embattled politician who has been expecting frogs in his garden; the Chief Minister of Sarawak had this to say in Malaysiakini:

Hijack' politics: Pakatan reaps what it sowed

Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud today argued that Pakatan Rakyat has reaped what it sowed.

The veteran leader said the political scenario in Perak should serve as a warning and lesson for Pakatan which comprises PKR, DAP and PAS.

In an obvious attack on Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, the chief minister said previously Pakatan had high hopes of forming the federal government through defections.

Therefore, he added, what transpired in Perak should serve as a lesson for Pakatan about forming governments through party hopping."Do not start this form of 'hijack' politics. This is a lesson for Pakatan. They have suffered the consequences," Abdul Taib was quoted as saying by Bernama.

It's payback time

According to Abdul Taib, the political twist in Perak was expected from the onset and what Pakatan is experiencing now, is payback for what it did to BN

Following the March 8 political tsumani which witnessed the opposition alliance denying the ruling coalition a two-third majority in Parliament, Anwar repeatedly claimed that he would form the federal government on Sept 16 through the defection of BN parliamentarians.

His deadline had created much excitement in the nation but it had failed to materialise.

Since then, Anwar has set his targets on Sarawak, claiming that Pakatan is poised to capture the state in the coming state elections.

However, Abdul Taib claims this would never happen.

In Perak, the 10-month-old Pakatan state government fell into turmoil after three of its state reps, two from PKR and one from DAP, quit their respective parties to become 'BN friendly' Independents.

As for the BN, I like what Tengku Razaleigh has to say in the Malaysian Insider:

Ku Li says BN faces public scorn over dubious crossovers
By Neville Spykerman

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 — Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said a large section of the public will be angry if the Perak Ruler does not dissolve the state assembly and invites Barisan Nasional to form the state government on the basis of dubious crossovers.

Writing in his blog, the Gua Musang Umno MP cautioned that taking control of Perak without getting the mandate of the people will spell disaster for BN in the next general election.

'Our taking control without resorting to elections would cement the enmity of the very people we should be trying to win back.

'Come the next general election, they are going to reject both our state and parliamentary candidates with greater vehemence, and not just in Perak.'

The former finance minister said contests in a democracy are not a fight for survival where anything goes but a competition to serve and BN must reform to improve its ability to serve with distinction.

He said this was a long-term goal which required immediate focus, adding that BN did not need questionable victories which he described as distractions but needed to upgrade itself to win elections again, fair and square.

Tengku Razaleigh said this was the only sustainable way for BN to win back the public.

He said Umno was in critical condition because of ethical failures and its biggest challenge was tackling corruption at every level.

'We are under close public scrutiny and unless we implement radical reforms and are seen to be doing so, we are finished politically come next elections'.

However, he said, BN was embroiled in 'winning back' Perak with the crossover of who he described as low-calibre individuals.

'The two assemblymen whose allegiance we have suddenly gained are under investigation for corruption, while the Bota assemblyman's justification for his record-breaking 10-day double-hop is an insult to the public's intelligence and nauseating in its insincerity.'

He said this open abuse, for personal gain, is what caused people to hate Umno.
Tengku Razaleigh also lashed out at the circumstances surrounding the defections.

'The mysterious disappearances, sudden reversals, and weak explanations, show ample signs of illegal inducement.

'No matter what the truth of the matter, let us not fool ourselves. People will not believe that these crossovers were honest. This mistrust will taint any government formed on the back of these crossovers.'

He said the celebrations over the Perak takeover were premature because the defections may or may not topple the state government.

'The Constitution and the role of the Ruler in such crises must be respected because defections are not a basis for the formation of a government. Elections are.'

He said the Constitution spells out a formal process for the formation of a government and the Ruler is sworn to uphold and protect this constitutional process.

'The menteri besar has sought the Ruler's consent for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly. The decision now rests with the Ruler.'

Lunar New Year Gathering At Liz Tan's

Liz Tan's Sarawak Laksa, Popiah and Rojak Buah went absolutely well with the beers and whiskey (KC Heah's 20 year old, 12 year Johnny Walker Black Label and Liz Tan's Glenmorangie single malt) and loads of festive cookies!

Took JJ along and he was bitten in the nose by Liz's Shih Tzu, DeeOhGee (D.O.G.). I am sure he won't forget this too soon!

Ridhwan's Rokiah; Taking Stock

My friend Ridhwan had been rather quiet about his wife, Rokiah's condition the last few weeks. I did not want to intrude and left them to their privacy after the second B17 protocol which was aborted for specific reasons. Today I noticed Ridhwan's latest post dated 30th January, 2009 entitled 2nd Report Card; I am heartened. Please read:


2nd Report Card - 21.1.2009
January 30, 2009 by randolph

So far:
B17, twice, Oct 08 1-19, Dec 08 11-26 (aborted after 16 days)
Transfer Factor Plus, Nov 08/Jan 09
Cellfood, started Jan 6, 2009
Carnivora/DMSO/Lymph Drainage/Lamonica, started Jan 19, 2009 + combination of Vit C, E, Selenium, others

Blood Test Results:

Overall CEA count:
Oct 20, 08: 1850
Dec 05, 08: 1156
Jan 21, 09: 493

Alpha Fetoprotein reading (remember - its mets to the liver):
Oct 20, 08: 7.3
Dec 05, 08: 3.9
Jan 21, 09: 6

CA-199 count:
High, being managed

CA-125 count:
Oct 20, 08: 204
Dec 05, 08: 157
Jan 21, 09: 109

Conclusion:
Cancer not only being controlled, but overall, cancer has reduced. The latest CEA count of 493 suggests that the count has dropped more than 100% since the last blood test, a good sign by any means. As always, there’s still a battle ahead, and we will fight the good fight with renewed hope and energy.

Obama Answers Mahathir? Yeah...You Wish! Listen Up Najib & Anwar!

I watched Barack Obama's swearing in ceremony and his inauguration speech. It seemed like a Hollywood movie the way the words were spoken so succinctly, forcefully and efficaciously. It seemed unreal and right out of a movie scriptwriter's keyboard. Notwithstanding that, Obama is obviously a great speaker and his words were inspirational.

I could not help noticing George Bush fidgeting in the background where he sat as everything Obama promised appeared counter to what the Bush presidency was about. In that sense, Obama seemed to be acceding to our Che Det's wishlist (or similar) but do not be mistaken, Najib and Anwar better listen carefully. Afterall, he did say; "...to those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist". 

The war on terror continues and there will be two additions; anti-corruption and environment conservation. But I can also imagine a certain Dr Jack Wheeler smiling cynically hearing the speech.

Nevertheless, Obama said the right things and referred to almost all the major ills facing our troubled world today. Whether he turns out to be the panacea, only time will tell but by identifying and admitting the problems alone, the world already has hope! My hope is that the problems will not turn out to be too big for the man we now refer to as the President of the US of A.

A sign that he is his own man was apparent when he was taking his oath of office before John Roberts, the Chief Justice of the United States. The latter boo-booed with part of the wordings but Obama was collected in ignoring the mistake and recited the right words.

Will Barisan Nasional have a place in Obama's world? CHANGE first la!

The full text of his speech as follows:


Obama's Inauguration Address: The Full Text



My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed.
Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.
The state of our economy calls for action: bold and swift. And we will act not only to create new jobs but to lay a new foundation for growth.
We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.
We will restore science to its rightful place and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality...
... and lower its costs.
We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.
All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long, no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.
Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.
And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched.
But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control.
The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.
The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.
Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.
Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.
And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.
They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy, guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We'll begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard- earned peace in Afghanistan.
With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet.
We will not apologize for our way of life nor will we waver in its defense.
And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that, "Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.
We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.
And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.
To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.
To those...
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. Oh! oh! Is he talking about today's Malaysia?

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.
We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service: a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.
And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.
It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break; the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.
It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new, the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old.
These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence: the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall. And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day in remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled.
In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by nine campfires on the shores of an icy river.
The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood.
At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words; with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come; let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you.
And God bless the United States of America.

Moving, Moving On...But Some Things Must Remain Unchanged

We had been unpacking at and prepping our new home in Puchong for a while now. There are so many boxes to open, so many things to decide and even more things to do! The neighbors must be wondering where these empty cardboard boxes outside our gate keep coming from; there is a new pile for the garbage man everyday!

I had never done this without Jeannie and even then, she made most of the decisions (and did most of the work!). This time around it is Krystyn who has to "learn by doing" and she has been doing a great job so far.

Afterall, she is the only woman of this household now. JJ is our "muscle man" and I wonder how this skinny fellow has so much strength to effortlessly carry some real heavy stuff.

In consultation with Hui Sin's mother, they determined that January 16th 2009 was an auspicious day to "move". So January 16th it was and though we are still not yet living there now, we spent our first over-night at the house last Friday (16th). Krystyn also cooked the first meal there and she is just as efficient like Mummy. Hui Sin cooked a good chicken curry and Elaine was over for dinner with hubby Gary.

Jeannie would have been proud to see Krystyn carrying on traditions; she has taught her well. The motivations behind such traditional practices are not grounded in religion but in good intentions and often, filial piety. They are some of the values that were imparted since young.

So many things have come to pass since Jeannie's untimely demise almost exactly one and a half years ago. For a while it had been just adjusting to Jeannie's physical absence and slowly, we are now doing things despite her absence. Jeannie had always encouraged the kids to grow and they are doing just that. Growth comes with moving on and moving into a new home is timely and symbolic. They are now charting their own lives based on much inspiration and values from Mummy.

However, some things do not change as Prince Cheah demonstrated. The first thing Krystyn did in the new house was to set up "Mummy's place". As soon as she played one of Mummy's favorite mantras on the CD player, Prince took to meditating as he used to do with Jeannie every morning for the years they were together. He has now claimed the space under Jeannie's photo as his own and did not move from there until the whole mantra finished. These photos tell the story. Later, when I can find them I will include past photos and audio/video for comparison.

Another thing that does not change is that we must always have our Taiping soy sauce...the best in the world! Even "Kajang mui" Jeannie loved it and we used to buy literally gallons from Taiping before it was sold in KL. The manufacturer is Kwong Bee Chun and the brand, Gold Deer.

Pre-CNY Tigers Gathering At Aliyaa

A gathering of Taiping Tigers at Aliyaa. The photos (courtesy of Tiger Chuah Lye Hock) tell the story:

Ho-hum...The KT By-Election Choices

This was from The Star Online today:

Yeah BN lost..that was only to be expected right? Right?

Personally, the moment BN announced its candidate, I lost interest in the actual election (and campaigning) process. PAS could field a monkey and still won...well maybe not, but any decent PAS candidate would have won because BN had already lost.

I would have enjoyed joining some Barisan Rakyat friends up in KT the past 2 weeks as they tried to do good work there, especially with the Chinese voters. The Chinese voters however, chose to behave typically Malaysian Chinese; they chickened out. They did not vote for change. Hudud anyone?

Factoring in all expected efforts and strategies from both sides, it just felt like BN was never going to win this one; whether with phantoms or premiums. The banal mainstream media hype and bias, and the equally banal and lop-sided alternative media pontifications and discourse made for a boring two weeks.

My question remains why the infamous Wan Ahmad Farid? Obviously it was not Najib's choice...or was it? Perhaps it was Hobson's Choice? The most common conclusion is that it was Bodohlah's (and therefore KJ's?) choice...but why did they choose to lose? Is there a bigger picture we do not see? Our Tun seems to think so:



Many opine that this by-election would be the measure of Najib. If victory meant so much to him yet he apparently did not have a voice (according to his damage-controlling spinmeisters) in the choice of candidate then what gives eh? Altantuya got yer tongue? Could the DPM be even lamer than the quack PM? Then, what the f(d)uck kind of a PM will he be come March? Who is holding his leash? We won't know for sure because there will be no curtain call but for some, it would certainly be curtains.

In the end, maybe we should not read too much into Wan Farid as the choice. It may merely be because he is the KT UMNO head and he had the deepest pocket with loose change to spare. Call it what you like: by-election or bye-election or buy-election; it looks like bye-bye Farid...for now.

A Dog's Life?

Some new pictures of Prince Cheah Ah Kow...