Monday, April 2, 2012

Lab-made organs anyone?

I am so happy with latest development in medical science.

Lab-made organs could help solve global organ donor shortage
http://www.medindia.net/news/lab-made-organs-could-help-solve-global-organ-donor-shortage-98685-1.htm

It is the happiest news indeed. If the development could push on the "fast forward" button, more lives can be saved, human trafficking related to human organ trading could be completely eliminated and thousands and thousands of patients in the waiting list will see rays and lights of hope and lives can be normal again.

I have always been looking forward for such development because I feel the future of organ donation should rely on medical science and the invention of machines which could sustain lives.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

My 7 Demands for Lynas

When issues get started, heated arguments began, I always take time to
1. See both supporters and opponents, what they say, do and how they react

2. Analyse both sides of the divide, regardless of parties

3. It will take me another week or weeks before I issue a statement or my opinions about things


What I agree with both Himpunan Hijau group and the opposition parties:
- I agree that we should take Bukit Merah as reference but it should be a learning curve instead of using it as a Stop Lynas point

- I agree on the possibilities of toxic wastes affecting people perhaps 30km radius of the plant

- I totally agree that if the plant is radioactive, measures must be taken to protect staffs and people around the plant

- I also agree with the many people supporting the movement, very rare we see movements of people and now even silent majority has taken things to street

But I also somewhat agree with the government and Lynas Corp on certain matters:
- that the plant is merely a plant with low radiation level, not like a radioactive plant as claimed by the opposition

- I agree that a Parliament Select Committee be established to look into the matter

- I agree that we have foreign direct investment and it will be very difficult to just stop the project and eventually lose interest from foreign countries to invest in Malaysia in the future. Now I know people also talked about government wants money and don't care about the people anymore - but let's just take things one by one

- I agree that the Department of Environment and AELB should be taking charge of all monitoring


Yet, both arguments - as many things are - both parties think they are right and has got no wrong. I disagree with that. Looking at both sides of the divide, I think both have their points but a question remains unanswered, 'What's Next?' Too often we see war of words, courses of blaming game but not a practical solution to the real issue.

It is not the number of people attending Himpunan Hijau that matters, it is how to solve the problem.
It is not how safe the goverment thinks Lynas is, it is how to solve the main problem pertaining the continuance or stopping Lynas

In my humble opinion, humblest of a human in Malaysia (and not an expert in this field), let me list my demands for Lynas:
1. AELB published that RM50 million deposit was to be paid by Lynas, but I think RM50 million does not justify. Learning from Bukit Merah which made the government spent RM200 million to clean the plant, the minimum deposit should at least be RM100 million

2. If it is true like what Himpunan Hijau claimed that the toxic wastes could harm people of 30km radius, Lynas perhaps should have an option for relocation for residents staying within 30km radius

3. The worry on radioactivity, I believe all staffs and people in and near the plant should be informed of the highest and lowest mSv counts every month, with all areas within the plant be installed a monitoring of the radiation level so staffs will know what they are exposed to

4. Since the government has given 12 years tax break to Lynas, perhaps we the rakyat should demand Lynas to allocate a dividend for environmental projects and for the benefit of rakyat.

5. I also demand Lynas to be more open and transparent! I'd like to see Lynas opening its doors for public visits and make it an educational visit by having people to explain and show the public how the process of rare earth extraction is being done.

6. I'd demand DOE and AELB to do their job real well, just like how oil palm industry and oil and gas industry are being strictly monitored. Secondly I'd like AELB and DOE to open their inspection sessions to the public, the rakyat, people staying around the plant and maybe Himpunan Hijau activists, perhaps each session is open to a fixed number of observers. How DOE and AELB do their inspection, what inspection standards are being used and how to determine safety levels, all these must be open to the public, more importantly the people around the plant.

7. Welfare of people working in the plant MUST not be compromised. I suggest and demand free full body checkup for all staffs at Lynas yearly. All risks and risk exposure to any radioactivity must be thoroughly informed to the staffs and made understood and signed by both parties before he or she starts working. Just like how it is a requirement for me to thoroughly understand the risks to donate part of my liver to someone. I did it after fully understanding the risks, including 1% death risk during operation and 10% risk of death due to infections.

If Lynas could not fulfill all my demands, I demand that Lynas leaves Malaysia for a better future.

[new] I disagree if we say, "go have Lynas somewhere else but not in Malaysia, but I want benefits of rare earth." A little selfish I think, because is the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) mindset.

I stand corrected on the numbers and certain values I may have wrongly stated.

More reading:
1. http://mynewshub.my/eng/2012/02/the-truth-about-lynas/

2. What is Radiation? http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/faqs/radiation.html

3. What is the safe level of radiation? http://www.epa.gov/radiation/understand/health_effects.html#whatlimits

4. Japan Nuclear Emergency: How Much Radiation is Safe? http://ecocentric.blogs.time.com/2011/03/13/japan-nuclear-emergency-how-much-radiation-is-safe/

5. Rare earth extraction process control method based on ion characteristic color detection http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5553842&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D5553842 (Paper presented by Hui Yang)

6.  Are Rare Earth Minerals Too Costly for Environment? http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/july-dec09/china_12-14.html

7.  China's Rare Earth Elements Industry: What Can the West Learn? http://www.iags.org/rareearth0310hurst.pdf

8. China's environmental watchdog tightens control over rare earth projects http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-11/24/c_131267958.htm

9. HOW DANGEROUS IS RADIATION? http://www.phyast.pitt.edu/~blc/book/chapter5.html

10. Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM V) Proceedings of an international symposium Seville, Spain, 19–22 March 2007 http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1326_web.pdf

[newly added for my reference]
11. [simplified understanding of rare earth and Lynas] http://www.thegreenmechanics.com/2012/03/of-rare-earth-and-lynas.html and Part II http://www.thegreenmechanics.com/2012/03/of-rare-earth-and-lynas-part-ii.html
Decide for yourself
Think about this. If Australians did not have to endure radioactive radiations from a supposedly Lynas plant back there, why would us Malaysians want to willingly subject our self to a highly risky endeavour?

Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone

Friday, March 30, 2012

PPP Politicians for Party or People?

I am more and more disappointed with the current political scenario in our country. More to be seen especially when the general election is drawing nearer.

Our country, and rakyat which I'm very much a part of, need good people, good doers and great workers to steer Malaysia to greater heights. People of the country who put country in their heart, not just the party.

We are no more a society of reason and thinkers. We have a partisan society and a puppetry country.

First it was during YAB Lim Guan Eng debates Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek. Looking at two camps of supporters, it didn't matter who said what, as long as Guan Eng said something, opposition camp raved. As long as Soi Lek said something, MCA camp cheered.

And then we were entertained with tow-truck sister shouting her petty issues. Suddenly, she got all the spotlight shined on her. The issues raised during the debates gone with the wind. When issues are raised, I often ask 'so, what's next?' And that question stayed lingering in my mind.

Then, Bersih 2.0, Himpunan Hijau were all so partisan - is either you agree or disagree and very often, according to you party's stand.

I understand what it means by loyalty and support. As a true supporter and true loyalist, I should do what I think is right for the people and country, not blind loyalist of a party.

Bersih 2.0 is for clean and fair election. Now, months after the rally, what has both PR and BN do for fair and clean election? The current government now set up a Parliament Select Committee for this matter and coming with ideas and solid solutions.

Our country needs moderation, thinker and reasonable people.

And then we see the 325 issue. The main issue was lack of Chinese educators in Chinese vernacular schools. However the rally turned into a whether-the-deputy-minister-got-punched issue. The petty issue of getting punched or not overshadowed the real issue pertaining the future of our children in Chinese school.

We now have politicians who fight for self and party. When can we have politicians for the people?

Having said that, I still can see a few silent fighters who are solving issues and working hard without much publicity. I hope in the next election we the rakyat will need to choose wisely candidates who can reason, thinkers, problem solvers, doers (instead of talkers) and hardworkers to steer our country to great heights. We need to catch up with our neighbours which will be overpassing us soon.


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Things just happen, the rest is up to ME to make it GREAT!

Chew Hoong Ling
016-3310325
016-2332993 (BBM)
www.hoongling.com

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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Satu Malaysia, Malaysian Malaysia, does it matter?

When I meet a Malay friend, I speak in Malay and when I see a Chinese friend I speak Cantonese, sometimes Mandarin or some broken Hokkien, Hakka, and a phrase of Hainanese "boh bat kong" (I don't know how to speak Hainanese!). Seeing an Indian friend, my tongue twists to Tamil with an immediate "yerperddi irrekerengge?" to ask "how are you?"

At times among Chinese friends, we speak Malay too! One such friend is Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. From the very beginning of knowing this idol of mine, we speak Malay more often than English or Chinese. Up to now, I still do not know what dialiect is Tan Sri Lee.

When Chinese get together, is normal to ask if you are Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese, Teo Chew, Foo Chow or Cantonese. Same goes to Indian and Malay friends.

It is in ME that I feel I am a Malaysian, the love for the country no matter what. It is the Malaysian in me that ticks on forms as "Lain-lain" and when asked to specify, I write "Bangsa Malaysia".

It is ME that I feel my country is my world, my country is the best and her name is Malaysia. It is ME because I BE the change I want to see in my country. People are often posted this to ponder "Ask not what the country can do for you but what you can do for the country." I took it seriously and when I put Malaysia in my heart, I do what I can to contribute to all the complaints I have in my mind.

My country is dirty? I clean my own home first.
My country has floods? I first play with flood waters, enjoy them and then help flood victims.
My country is developing lands on hill side? I first protest the action and try to see what else I can do.
My country has low number of organ donors? I first pledge organs myself and then organise more organ donation awareness campaigns.
My country has high road accident rates? I first drive carefully and ensure the safety of others on the road.
My country has high corruption rate? I first ensure I myself don't bribe or take bribes.
My country's inflation is high? Firstly I be frugal. Most often we see people overbuy things and eventually turn to waste.
My country's average income is low? I first educate myself and learn more knowledge to make more money.
My country has bad apples in it? I first be good and BE the change I want to see...

Be the change you want to see in this world ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a GREEN RIBBON this year

I read the news this afternoon

PAS wants to stop Valentine’s Day celebration
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/7/nation/10686706&sec=nation

Nasrudin said the movement was not out to punish those celebrating Valentine's Day.

“We are also not trying to assume the role of moral police. We are not enforcers.

“But, we want to help save the youngsters from falling into the Valentine's Day trap that promotes immoral activities,” he said.

I wrote to the papers expressing my humble opinion. Delinquents may not need a specific day to indulge in immoral activities but we Asians, who normally are shy to express love, may need a day to dig out the courage to say "I Love You" to spouses, parents, family members and friends. Therefore, why not on a Valentine's Day? So, what is so wrong about celebrating a day to promote love? Why must there be war over such a matter of celebration and also connecting the day with Christianity?

Let's get this a level higher, let us bring Valentine's Day a day of loving one another - regardless of family members or enemies. I know it is difficult but I'd call for all to pledge your organs on Valentine's Day. Let us all wear a green ribbon - which represents organ donation - during Valentine's Day.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Malaysians Dilemma

I feel like we are all in a dilemma.

At one hand we do not believe that the BN government could walk its talk, yet we have also seen flaws in the PR-governed states. Both BN and PR are finger pointing each other. The dilemma: how can my country move forward?

At one hand we say stop corruption but at times when in dire needs or organising an event, most of the time many asked an elected representative for funds - citing the myth that politicians have a lot of money. (Read my post at www.fikirlah.my) The dilemma: how can I reduce corruptions? Perhaps it begins with myself.

At one hand we see mainstream media reporting bias news, on the other hand we also see alternative media fool us as if we are stupid. The dilemma: when will we have clear, unbias news? Perhaps is better to use our own brains.

At one hand we always speak up when we feel things are not right but on the other, when asked to stand for election, many of these young vocalist do not dare to. The dilemma: when can we have people who keep talking, finally do something or participate in the government process to better our country?

The dilemmas affect all of us and I strongly feel that those who are vocal enough should bring it to the next level - to participate in the election process and better still stand in the election. We are the third force!

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Things just happen, the rest is up to ME to make it GREAT!

Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
www.organdonation.com.my

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Sunday, January 1, 2012

Most memorable moment of 2012

Had some unpleasant ending of 2011, well organising an event was never smooth flowing. When I want things done one way, some buggers wat things done another way.

It was an event I managed, I headed, I even sponsored the main prize, yet... Well, is okay, a learning experience.

"When you learn from mistakes, you have never failed at all"

But all good, I've never thought that ending the 2011 with lots of unpleasant moments will mean a beginning of 2012 most memorable.

Right after countdown 2012 we drew a few lucky draws.

Kwangchen, a friend who came all the way from KL to Kuantan to help us set up the settings for Kahwin4.0 - wrote his resolution: 'To win an iPad2 for my son'. We had all participants wrote their 2012 resolution.

This time Kahwin4.0 - JonathanFun had his first press conference prior to the event and gave his first talk at Kahwin4.0. Taeyong came and willingly volunteered to do Live Tweets, PostMeNow_MYSG a new found friend but very close Kahwin4.0 supporter - flew in from Singapore and start helping us as soon as he touched down.

I was at first disappointed with the lack of man power which I thought was arranged, there were people who came and gave suggestions but hands were not moving (a norm in any events), insisted things done their ways but then I have much gratitude to JonathanFun, taeyong, kwangchen and PostMeNow. All came without the need to call, all volunteered to help without the need to give instructions. All automatic volunteers!

And when we had a countdown and greeted everyone Happy New Year, we proceed with the lucky draw which an iPad2 which I so proudly and willingly sponsored. In fact Kuantan version was one most meaningful - all done without meeting - only BBM!

And when we come to the iPad2..... First draw... Announced the name, none took the prize, second name announced the person has left the party... And the third draw came and my eyes popped opened wide... The name on the resolution chit was '@kwangchen'!

My heart pounded hard, I felt so happy!

The most memorable moments...
1. I un-virgin-ised Jonathan with his first experience in giving a talk and having a press conference
2. I realised kwangchen's dream in getting an iPad2 for his son. He is a close friend despite from the opposition parties yet very supportive and always a true friend. When I did kayakforhumanity without much funds, he sponsored us whatever he could. Having an iPad2 for him is nothing a gift I would be giving him for his sincerity
3. Taeyong - never met for so long and came to support! She too, as all good people, got a prize!
4. I learnt a lot - and I believed I handled well a situation which I unwillingly do it but out of patience and wisdom, I had to do it but I'm happy now I've done this way instead of hard knocking ad bulldozing my way

As I sing songs in karaoke now with the group of friends, I really appreciate the past weeks - good and bad - what had happened.

2012 will be my year...


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Things just happen, the rest is up to ME to make it GREAT!

Hoong Ling
+6016-3310325
www.hoongling.com
www.organdonation.com.my

Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone