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

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.

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

Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone

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