My Inner Thoughts

It's been a while..

2011-12-07T12:38:00.001+08:00

Just when you thought that I have forgotten about "My Inner Thoughts" I'm BACK!

Apparently I have been away for more than a year, 2010 just went pass me like a flash.

I cannot imagine how I spent my 2010 or may I say I do not really want to re-live my 2010.

It wasn't the best nor was it the worse either, it was a year when the sky fell and the earth broke.

I must admit 2010 is the year I hit turbulent, head on or may I say, a storm hit me by surprise.

In 2010 I spoke to GOD, I asked him many questions and I was totally taken aback by HIS answers.

I learn and re-learn that the answers are not always YES. Sometimes you'll wonder why and you will

keep asking yourself why.

I've also learn that when he says "NO", HE has a better plan for you. For HE will never forsake you

and HE will never let you walk through the valley of darkness alone.

HE lifted me up and HE laid the path for me, and he said, "son, go on and don't look back"

And I'm back, with a stronger will, brighter vision, bigger hope and a clearer picture knowing perfectly

well that things can only get better.

I'm ALIVE

Let us make 2009 a great year for MALAYSIA

2009-01-01T00:32:00.003+08:00

Everyday we are bombarded by news about United States companies laying off staffs, US motor industries falling apart - seeking government bail out, airlines industry will be facing an inevitable cumulative loss of about 12 billions in total. Recession is setting in, bad news for electronic industry, demands falling, export reducing....bla bla bla...NOW, this is bad. Or rather they sound bad.
Let us ask ourselves, what else is new? We have heard so much of it since 1997 and we can gone through it as well. We made it.
See, the point I am trying to get at is - let us NOT talk ourselves into a recession. STOP it. WE will go into a recession if we believe that we are heading towards one. I am not being unrealistic and I am not living in a denial state too. I am saying that we can do something about it - rather than just talking about all these bad news and HOPING that things will get better -because it will not. Things will only get better when we ACT ON it.
There is a saying that if you tell a lie long enough - it will become true.
If you believe you are in the worst of economic situation, chances is you already are in it - your mind leads you in.
I believe that there are so many things we can do to get our economy going, we have projects to complete, education system to straighten, palm oil industry, medical tourism, hospitality industry, our electronic plants, our MSC flagships, the new super corridors, our agricultural and agro-cultural industries, etc. etc.
We should FOCUS on all our strengths and find opportunities - while the rest of the world are morning. I believe that in all chaos - there lies enormous opportunities - we just need to seek and not just hope to receive.

Most importantly, we must not succumb to misery and join the "herd decision" of surrendering to asymmetry information that says that we are going into a crash landing.

We know MALAYSIA well enough to let other countries predicting our 2009 or charting our path in 2009.
WE should take the course that we strongly believe is right for our country and create our own 2009 and work relentlessly to make 2009 a great year for all of us in MALAYSIA.

Believing in ourselves is the greatest strength we possess. After all We are MALAYSIA.

Have a Happy New Year -2009

Cheers, Fariz

Merry Christmas to all

2008-12-15T12:43:00.003+08:00

As usual, Christmas is around the corner...once again, I would like to wish all of you - A Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Regardless of what economists predict 2009 to be, my take is - live moderately, spend wisely, and find happiness in every little thing you do.

http://unitedpromos.com/2008HolidayCard/

Cheers!
Fariz & Family

You are wanted in the Conference room - NOW!

2008-11-11T13:28:00.008+08:00

At about 11.13AM this morning, one staff walk coolly into my room and said, " Fariz, you are wanted in the conference room - NOW.
But then I was busy...she was very insistent and she repeatedly said you are wanted, now...

Suddenly I asked myself...was it because I came late this morning?

I was never called into the conference room before...and what is the rush...NOW?
Anyway, I pick up my notebook, pen and head to the "cold" room - conference room is always cold. Leading the way, is the cool lady.
And boy, she was walking fast.

And I though...what's the rush...hello....lady...

The moment we reach the conference, she flung open the door and invited me in...OMG!!!

BANG !!!

The moment I walk in, I can see that everyone is already there...waiting patiently for ME.

And I heard a thunderous..."Happy Birthday to you..." Phew...oh...ok..catching my breath...no air, no air....
There was a cake with 1 candle on it and everyone stood up and says "Happy Birthday", and sung the traditional birthday song over and over again.

Wow...I felt so...uneasy (almost embarrassed) but very appreciative for what they have done for me.

I blew the candle and gave my "Birthday speech"...thank you, thank you...blah blah blah.

And we all had my birthday cake for breakfast...all well, ends well...

Oh...not finish yet....15 minutes later...guess what????

MY boss walk into my room and handled me....an "Ang Pow" - he said, "Its customary to give "Ang Pow" to birthday boy".

Wow...no air, no air (again)...this is getting better and better...with the ang pow on my hand I said Thank you shyly - suddenly I felt like I am a kid, out from school celebrating his birthday of sort.

And before he walk out from my room, he said, "oh...as for the trip to Penang, please go ahead as you plan, 2 nights stay is ok with me. Last week he approved 1 night stay, but now he said its ok, if I want to stay for 2 nights.

One good thing after another...I wish it never end. What will be next?

Well, hope my birthday wishes will come true...soon.

With this "Thank YOU" to you all...you are loved...by me always. Thanks for all the wishes and planning and all the little things you did to make my birthday a big "bang" -yesterday. Thank you, thank you.

Birthday boy, Nov 9th, 2008
Fariz

The Menu : My favourite part

2008-10-17T17:31:00.009+08:00

I was given a Menu to choose from and my choices are:

Appetizer: Prawn skewer with roasted red pepper sauce

Soup: cream of Zucchini

Salad: A combination of mesclun mix and romaine with asparagus, red pepper and crisp croutous.

Dressing: Creamy red pepper or Balsamic Olive Vineigrette - I choose the creamy red pepper.

Main course: Grilled mixed seafood with lobster & scallop in cognac cream sauce.
Tagliatelle pasta and roasted Mediterranean vegetables.

Dessert: Haagan-Dazs ice-cream with sundae toppings

Hot Drink: Me and my Starbucks coffee, freshly brewed coffee....yahoo...best!

And of course not forgetting snacks: chicken and lettuce sandwich
Twix candy bars

Red wine please...

2008-10-17T17:03:00.004+08:00

"Would you care to have some wine to go with your food sir?"
Looking blankly at the stewardess, I said politely, "yes, red wine please..." And she replied even more politely, "they are both red wine sir.." with a big smile on her face.
And I said, "oh..yes I mean this one ( pointing to the bottle she was holding that read -Bouchard 2005 Gevrey Chambertin (Pinot Noir) - obviously I was trying to "cover" my sheer ignorance of wine.

I have no idea about wine at all, besides I am not a drinker...not when I am drinking with my Leilanie. I know nuts about wine...I guess the only thing I know is red wine is red in color and white wine is (you got it !) white in color.

And that red wine goes well with red meat and white wine goes well with seafood. That much I know.

And yes, I had my wine, of course - taking it sip by sip.
While watching the movie - Hancock.

Day 1 in Chicago

2008-10-16T18:17:00.004+08:00

Day 1 in Chicago

2008-10-16T18:11:00.003+08:00

Day 1 in Chicago

2008-10-16T18:09:00.003+08:00

2008-10-16T18:03:00.002+08:00

Day 1 from Singapore to Hong Kong

2008-10-16T17:59:00.002+08:00

...and Anwar wins...

2008-08-26T23:26:00.005+08:00

With 15,671 majority, the choice is almost clear, the people has spoken. The people of Permatang Pauh has translated their voices to their votes -their choice of the ONE whom they believe can speak on their behalf in the Parliament.
The big question hanging in everyone's head now must be "what's next?" Now that Permatang Puah is won, what will happen?
Will Anwar form the next Government as he mentioned numerously? Will that happen in Sept 2008? What other obstacles will Anwar has to "fight" inorder to achieve his goal of forming a new, clean and uncorrupted government?
One thing for sure is, we can expect a louder parliamentary debates and a lot more issues coming from both sides of the parties. One trying to block and the other trying to expose.
To think about it rationally, it can be good as well as bad -both for domestic and international concerns.
When will this end, how long are we, the rakyat going to endue these "in-fighting" and how much opportunity cost are we going to burn.
My take is, all changes and implementations must be done fast, so as to restore our nation back to her feet. Too much valuable time has been wasted and we as a nation is lagging behind.
Maybe just maybe its time our country needs a major "clean-up", maybe its time we see "CHANGE" taking place for real.
Maybe the time has come for us to have a new governmental system that truely restore our pride and our honor in its respective places - and uphold the fundamental principles that are enshrined in our constituitions.
Maybe the time is NOW. Maybe Permatang Pauh's election result is the answer to our prayers.

GOD save Malaysia.

And the Light extinguished...

2008-08-25T00:57:00.002+08:00

All good things must come to an end, no matter how much we want to prolong it, it has to end. And it shall end. Maybe there is a reason to all these.
At 9.30PM local time, the Olympic flame was extinguished, to be lit again - 4 years from now in London.
Everyone goes "oh...its ending" and everyone wants more, more of all the excitement, more of the surprises, more of the spectacular show that the Chinese are showcasing. The commentator says, "only the Chinese can make the Olympic Rings on fire works...isn't that great.

Chinese New Year 2008

2008-08-20T22:55:00.003+08:00

Taken in 2008 - Chinese New Year. With me is my old friend -Andrew.

I'm BACK !!!

2008-08-20T21:33:00.004+08:00

HELLO........

Well, looks like time really flies, it has been a while since I last blog....I guess I took a year off. And many things have happened in that "one silent year" - not so silent for me though.

Many things have happened indeed, like the change of State Government for Selangor and a few other States, Oil price has hit rocket high, petrol price increases, toll increases, we moved to our new house in Setia Alam, busy with furnishing (and still busy...not really know what we are so busy with....ha ha ha), went to Vigan (Philippines -balik kampung), to Cameron Highlands, to Kuching...Olympic Game 2008...and so on and on.....

And I made sushi.....yummy.......

So now I know why I do not have TIME to blog...and I even forgot how to log-in...GOSH!!!

I am not too sure if my loyal "Fans" will still be around to visit me....but then again, I don't blame them if they have forgotten about me, nonetheless, I hope to see you ALL -soon.
Because I have many interesting issues to share....things that I see, hear and feel....

Till then, keep tuning in....cos I am BACK !!!

Don't Forget The COFFEE

2006-10-04T21:31:00.000+08:00

I received this "True Story" from an old university's friend and I find it to be really interesting and an eye-opener, especially to those who spend all their lives chasing after the CUPS and forgetting to enjoy the coffee. Read on........

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university lecturer.
Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the lecturer went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, some plain-looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling them to help themselves to hot coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the lecturer said "If you noticed, all the nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.
While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the better cups and are eyeing each other's cups.
Now, if Life is coffee, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it."

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Many people spend their lives running after the CUPS, BUT fail to see the coffee; and by the time they have all the expensive cups, the coffee runs dry.
And true, they have all the cups but no more coffee.
So don't let the cups drive you ... enjoy the coffee instead. Be like me, I drink coffee every morning and everyday and still loving it. Cheers...Fariz, the coffee drinker.

You are Fired

2006-09-15T06:38:00.000+08:00

Carolyn

by Donald J. Trump

As you may know, my former "Apprentice" Carolyn Kepcher is no longer with the Trump Organization and everyone wants to know why. I had to fire her but it wasn't like one of my dramatic boardroom scenes.

The fact is, I like Carolyn very much but she loved her fame and she loved her celebrity on "The Apprentice" and it was affecting her work. She wasn't doing her job like she used to or was capable of doing. So I felt that after 11 years together it was time for a rest.

I told Carolyn in the nicest way possible, "Go out and enjoy your family. Get a new job."

And I think she agreed that it was a good decision. We had a good run, but now it's over.

As far as "The Apprentice" is concerned, Ivanka replaces Carolyn next season. Ivanka did a fantastic job last year and she continues to amaze me with her talents. The show continues to be a monster hit and, as usual, I'm having a lot of fun.
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Lesson Learnt

As long as YOU are an employee NEVER (EVER):

Talk louder than your Boss
Appear on TV or Newspapers more often than your Boss
Accept any interviews from the media UNLESS your Boss as you to do so
Walk in front of your Boss
Talk faster and/or smarter than your Boss (Even if your Boss says nonsence, he is still right)
Correct your Boss in front of other people
Ask your Boss, "Where are you now?"
Show your Boss that you love your fame & celebrity status
Talk whenever your Boss is talking
Show your Boss that you are upset (Keep smiling - Bosses like idiots)

If you can do all the above 10 "NEVER" list, you will be quite safe and you will never live to hear the infamous line of Trump, "You are fired."

Performance Evaluation

2006-09-12T17:46:00.000+08:00

A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and pulled it over to the telephone.

He climbed onto the carton so that he could reach the buttons on the phone and proceeded to punch in seven digits. The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation:

The boy asked, "Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?

The woman replied, "I already have someone to cut my lawn."

"Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts Your lawn now." replied boy. The woman responded that she was very satisfied with the person who was presently cutting her lawn.

The little boy found more perseverance and offered, "Lady, I'll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of North Palm beach , Florida ."

Again the woman answered in the negative. With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver.

The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy and said,

"Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."

The little boy replied, "No thanks, I was just checking my performance with the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady, I was talking to!"

How nice if all our staff can do that...

Sorry seems to be the hardest word

2006-09-07T06:28:00.000+08:00

Sorry people, the "offer" has expired.
I have to retract what I said earlier (see below)...it's NOT my fault, you should have paid whatever summons you had yesterday morning.

"Now The Sweetener: Well, to counter-act the "not so attractive" budget, the Polis is giving a reduction in all summonses issued. The Polis said, "to lessen the burden on the rakyat...."

Sorry...if you are disappointed. Please allow me to say "sorry" on behalf of the Polis and all the relevant authorities involved.

I feel strongly that Malaysian should learn to say all these more often: "Sorry...", "Sorry, we have blundered", "Sorry, we forgot to ask the MP", "Sorry we err...", "Sorry we told the press too soon", "Sorry, now YOU have to pay more", "Sorry if we confused you", "Sorry, I asked you to close one eye," "Sorry, I sold your car to the other VIP", "Sorry, I WANT your husband so badly" .

Though they may seem like the "hardest words" (to say), but to the receivers - they are the "easiest words" to swallow. We Malaysians are very "forgiving" lot, we forgive and we forget....forget......forget.......forget.........once the dust settled....many things are forgotten.....

So tell me..........................who owes who an apology now?

I rest my case.

***Oh...by the way, I'm sorry if I did (or wrote) anything wrong here.

Budget 2007

2006-09-05T16:48:00.000+08:00

And as for the budget 2007...nothing to shout about. It looks like the Gov't servants will benefits a lot. They will get 2 months bonus (most of them), cola and higher pension for the retired. I am more interested in Individual tax relief, but there is non. Only increase in tax allowance for purchase on books & computers. Sin tax (Alcohol & Cigerattes) has also increased as expected -which is a good move. No more exam fees for all secondary schools - some relief here.

After the announcement of the Budget 2007 - the market is not even moving, the stock market which is usually "sensitive" to the budget announcement is NOT reacting. WHY?

All these tell us that, there is very very minimal impact the Budget is going to have on our economy and that the budget is NOT attractive enough to "arouse" domestic economy.

From an economist point of view, it is either the market is slowing down (dues to several factors - Gov't fiscal policy & monetary control, interest rates, Gov't external policies and the social-Political climate) or we are heading for another recession. The cycle is BACK, in 1987, 1997 next year is 2007. Question is: are we heading for another recession? Can our economy takes another beating? Can we pull through 2007? One thing is obvious, the recent budget does not seems to stimulate much activities in our domestic economy. Though it did address certain issues on the Finance Bill 2006, foreign tax, Corporate sector tax (lower by 1% if I am not wrong), re-defining "investment company" pertaining to tax, 9th M'sian Plan - all these are mostly for the Corporate sector.

So for income earners, or employees - there is nothing to shout about.

Now The Sweetener: Well, to counter-act the "not so attractive" budget, the Polis is giving a reduction in all summonses issued. The Polis said, "to lessen the burden on the rakyat...."

That much I can say about the budget 2007.

Personally, for 2007, my advise is be prudent, unemployment will rise (too many VSS, MSS, retrenchment), prices of goods will rise (inflation), petrol will rise (another round), interest rate will rise, domestic spending will fall, BANKS will TIGHTEN it's squeeze. In short, there will be "too many people" chasing after "too little money."

We will go into a mild "stroke" - our economy I mean. We could go into an inflationary recession if our economy could not recover from the mild "stroke". We will (wait and) see what the Gov't could do to tackle all these issues-in the most efficient manner - for the benefit of all Malaysians in the spirit of "Malaysia Boleh".

Malfil Club: Monthly Activity for September 2006

2006-08-28T06:48:00.000+08:00

Malfil Club Monthly Activity for September 2006

You are invited to attend………………………

What on? : Cooking & Baking Courses
Date : 9th Sept. 2006 (Saturday)
Time : 2.30p.m. to 6.00p.m
Venue : Nik and Zabeth’s home
(XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX)
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Facilitator : Ms. Arlene Diego

Note:
*We will all get to taste the food that we learn to prepare.

* You may bring additional food to add-on for our afternoon tea.

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Calling all Filippinos/nas, do contact me if you like to join us. We welcome you with open arms. There will be courses on both Filippinos food and Malaysian food...humm...yum yum....

Taman Negara: Breath-taking sight to behold

2006-08-25T01:09:00.000+08:00

Taman Negara: Breath taking sight to behold BUT back-breaking task to scale.

Then again, it was worth every drop of our sweat, it was beautiful and a total change from what we see everyday in the City.

Left: Taken from the Canopy Walk

Below: View from Bukit Terisek -
344 meters above sea level

Left: Sun set near the River (taken while waiting for our bus)

Below: Another view taken at the top of Bukit
Terasik

Left: Orang Asli Children

MALFIL Club

2006-08-22T06:23:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Filipino Club (MALFIL Club of Malaysia) was chartered by Puan Jamillah Abdullah (my mother-in-law) many years back.

Recently during the EGM, I was elected as one of the committee members, meaning that I will need to attend most (if not all) meetings and functions. Kool.
As you may have notice, I am the "rose" among the "thorns" - ha ha ha , this is so Kool.
Our first task was to visit the Embassy of the Philippines (see pic below) to brief his Excellency, Victoriano Lecaros about our whole year's activities and to extend our standing invitations to him.

I will tell you more about MALFIL in my next posting. I do not have the full detail now. All I know is - from left is Myra Esperanza (Secretary), Datin Neva (Committe member), Menchie (Treasurer), Ms. Gan (behind Munchi - Committee Member), Farhani Grace Raof (Vice President), Puan Jamillah Abdullah (President; presenting a gift to his Excellency, Philippines Ambassado), Michelle Reveche (Committee member), Emma Chin (Committee Member) and last but not least yours truly -

Our first activity will be on this saturday- to be held at our President's residence. By the way if you know any Filippino/s who is currently living in Malaysia or Filippinas who is married to Malaysian, you may want to introduce them to MALFIL. We will be most happy to welcome them to join our activities.
Till then, thanking you in advance. Mahbuhay!

Scomi, Penang Bridge, and more

2006-08-11T18:19:00.000+08:00

Last night while watching the TV3 late night news, our beloved PM warned that spreading lies can only create problems and cause instability in our society.

We should all tell the truth and not slander people and be responsible in what we say.

Last few days while talking to Annuar in an interview, our PM said very clearly that his son Kamal did not abuse their relationship and has not benefitted from any projects in Malaysia.

His son's business is in Oil and Gas and that his business trasactions are mostly done outside Malaysia. Because he could not make a living in Malaysia (ya...tell me about it....Me too)

Ironically on Thursday night, while watching TV3 late night news, I heard the newscaster saying that Scomi is keen to work with any party with regards to the new Penang Brigde project. Kamal apparently is a director of Scomi and is preparing to list Scomi in S'pore Stock Exchange.

I am not sure if the TV3 News is correct of not, but I know I heard correctly and clearly that "they are keen to work with any party with regards to the new Penang Bridge Project".

This may be a wrong move if Scomi decided to take on this project.

This may very well jeopardise our beloved PM position and it will give the opposition another "weapon" to attack our PM and his immediate family.

What will they think of next? I wonder....

From RUSSIA with LOVE

2006-08-09T12:20:00.000+08:00

I received this email today, a girl from Russia (with Full of love & tenderness as she puts it) and I replied saying that I am neither a European nor an American. But a Chinese man - and married ! So how?

I do not know if this is a real case of "run away from proverty" or a scam, what do you think?

And she signed off with "Kiss you", Wow.....I almost fell off my chair...oh...Natasha

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Hello my stranger,

I am so happy to see that you have decided to reply, I see it is very short letter. It is all right because you are astonished to get my letter. I want you to know that I have only good intentions and I have not any secrets. The thing is that I will work in your country for three months or so and I would like to meet a nice man to fall in love or just be closest friends. I don't want to live in Russia because I have not any chances here, it is hardly possible to explain from first time butI want you to know my plans. I will work in any shop, bar or restaurant the agency that i am going through will suggest me some locations. It will be my choice in the end as to what option to go for. So I will have a simple work till I improve my English. And I can choose any town of your area, agency will only help me to get a visa and all travel documents + some suggested placed to work in. My best friend last year met the man from the USA when she worked there for three months, too. She had two jobs. From morning till 4 pm she worked in amusement park and after it she worked as a waitress in some bar till midnight. She was very tired of course but made very good money there. It is special programm for young people who wants to work abroad and I think it is the right way for me, I am lost here, and I think that I look pretty enough to find a better place. I want to repeat the same way, it is only my chance to meet a nice man. I want to work in USA or in Europe or any nice country. I am full of plans and different dreams and I want to share my life with good man because I'm also full of love and tenderness, I know that I am not so beautiful like Hollywood Princess but I do hope to meet my Prince and I am sure he will be not be disappoined to meet me in the real life! This is why I am going to go through the same way. Well, I will close this letter and I do hope to get your reply.

I will leave russia in two weeks or so (I can't tell you everything exactly right now) and I would like to be sure that I have the man who waits for me there. I will work all day and I want to find a man to spend all free time together to get to know each other better. If you have any interest to meet me I will be more than happy to meet you too.I will tell you all details about me and my life if you like my pictures and want to meet me! please send picture of you too!!! I wrote to you with hfoxj@glorymorningz.comNow I write you from my personal mailbox personal@bestmailaddress.com, please write me back here and here only. I will be checking it often.

Kiss you ,

Natasha(this is my real name)

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I WANT to HELP, to SERVE and to make a difference in others.

2006-07-31T12:36:00.000+08:00

Today I wrote a letter to an old friend of mine in the Lions Club Dr. Chan Tiang Ho, to request his assistance in helping a family's friend. And I feel good, I hope this "project" will eventually materialized like all other projects that I have initiated in my Lions Club.

Give me all the blessings, for me and for aunty Ruby.

*** kindly be informed that I was known as Francis Tan, before I became Fariz Abdullah, in case you do not know who is Francis Tan.

I am still actively involved in the Lions Movement and I personally have initiated many interesting community projects in and outside Malaysia. "To Serve" is our motto.

..........................................................................................................................................................................

Dear Lion Dr. Chan,

How are you getting on? I have not seen you for many years and have not met you in an Lions' Conventions, you must have been very busy.

By the way, I hope you still remember me, Lion Francis Tan. I am now based in KL and have been here for many years.
I received this email this morning and would like to know if you could direct me to the right person in KL for such project. I know a lady who need our help. She is a Filipina married to a Malaysian many years back and is now living alone (under the care of welfare, relatives and friends) after her divorced quite a number of years ago. We call her aunty Ruby.
Her right eye has a whitish growth and is making her vision blur. She did mentioned to me about her situatuion and in fact I was just talking to her yesterday, that I could try to see if there is any Lions Sight First project in KL so that we could help her.
This email comes in at the right time, maybe its her luck.
Dr. Chan, will you be kind to find out more for me on this. I thank you on her behalf and GOD bless.
By the way, its really GOOD to be able to talk to you again after so many years (wonderful Lions' Years).
You take care and regards to your beautiful wife and family.

Yours in Lionism,
Ln. Francis Tan

Siti, Siti, Bad Siti

2006-07-19T15:38:00.000+08:00

Dear Siti,

What have you done to yourself?

You are suppose to be the goody goody girl next door, whom we all admired.

You are the role model for all the young and energetic Malaysian girls. You set the standard and they follow, you created the Malaysian culture of "good values" and "good moral".

But what is going on now?

You've just broke the hearts of many Malaysian. 'sigh'

You were once admired by the young, adored by the old and cheered by everyone

But now, all these people are feeling sorry for you and for what you have done -YOU let all of them DOWN.

We do not know why you are doing all these? Maybe you have re-defined the meaning of "Love is blind". Or maybe you have something else to prove.

Whatever you reason/s maybe, it's a BAD, BAD choice.

You must always remember that you are setting the stage for many Malaysian youngster to follow -you always lead and they always look to YOU for their inspirations.

You must not deny the fact that you are a public figure and NOT a private person. Whatever you do, do affect the public, this is the price you have to pay for being rich and famous.

We are happy for you that you are getting married, BUT we hate you choice. You've let us all down !

You have NOT done your role correctly, you are selfish because you only think of yourself when you decided to marry a "married man". Have you not think of all you fans who once "loved" you, who cheered for you, who supported you and most all of who make you what you are today?

NO you did not.

Much to our disappointment, you went ahead with your own little plan.

Your selfishness have sent a very strong message to all the young Malaysian; you are telling them that:

Its alright to wrack other people's family, as long as you are happy (it's fated)

Its perfectly alright to snatch other woman's husband if you need to (it's also fated)

As long as you are rich and famous, you need not listen to other, just do it

Its alright to make yourself as other children's mother once you've got their father

Where is your conscience, where is your family values and where is your moral? Siti, Siti, Siti, what have you done.

Too much damages, only God can judge. It looks like you are beyond the age of reasoning now. You have forgotten your "root", you core values, your social role & responsibilities, your people, your fans, and your GOD.

WE ARE DISAPPOINTED. Whatever it is, we hope you are happy (now), we have deleted you from our lives. This is the beginning of your "END", bye Siti...so long....

And we have replaced you with Misha Omar ;-)

Pulangkan Cinta hati Ku

2006-07-17T16:57:00.000+08:00

Beautiful....simply beautiful....

Seharum bunga yang menggoda
Sekadar dipandang usah dipuja
Kau pasti tak percaya
Kasih ku bukan, Untuk mu, sayang
Tiada ku sangka kau sungguh kejam
Kau rampas segalanya yang kau dendam
Namun takkan bahgia kehidupan mu
Bila bunyi bersatu
Kau milik ku
Pulangkan cinta hati ku
Oh hentikan lah menghantui ku
Pulangkan oh pulangkan lah pada ku
Ku pulangkan kesan hidup mu
Yang dikau musnah tanpa relaku
Bebaskanlah maafkan daku, oh kasih
Tiada kemaafan di sini
Kau ragut degupan hati ku ini
Akan ku jejakimu, kemana jua
Hingga akhir masa, sayang.....

Liar, Liar, Liars

2006-07-11T13:32:00.000+08:00

Are you telling Lies? Are you a liar?

I came across an article in the Newspaper yesterday that said that human beings have evolved to become "natural born liars."

How do we define "telling lies" then?

Telling a lie is an activity through which: One person deliberately, by choice, misleads another person without any notification that deception will occur. It does not matter whether the lie is accomplished by saying something false or by omitting crucial information. Those are just differences in technique, for the effect is the same.

Most people lie in everyday conversation when they are trying to appear likable and competent, according to a study conducted by University of Massachusetts psychologist Robert S. Feldman and published in the most recent Journal of Basic and Applied Social Psychology.
The study, published in the journal's June issue, found that 60 percent of people lied at least once during a 10-minute conversation and told an average of two to three lies.
"People tell a considerable number of lies in everyday conversation. It was a very surprising result. We didn't expect lying to be such a common part of daily life," Feldman said.
The study also found that lies told by men and women differ in content, though not in quantity. Feldman said the results showed that men do not lie more than women or vice versa, but that men and women lie in different ways.

"Women were more likely to lie to make the person they were talking to feel good, while men lied most often to make themselves look better," Feldman said.

It seems that lying has become part of our lives and we, human have been lyng so much that it has become so "natural". Isn't that worrying?

I do believe that sometimes we lie WITHOUT even knowing (or thinking) that we are ACTUALLY lying.

Like for example..."We teach our children that honesty is the best policy, but we also tell them it's polite to pretend they like a birthday gift they've been given. Kids get a very mixed message regarding the practical aspects of lying, and it has an impact on how they behave as adults."

So now, tell me...who is the liar?

Liar, Liar, pant's on FIRE !!!!

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY AND MORE MONEY

2006-07-07T10:02:00.000+08:00

Some say "Money is not everything..." I say..."Everything IS Money", in the real sense, everythnig needs money.

We, all of us living in this century cannot ignore or pretend that money is NOT an issue. We can no longer live in our own fantasy world trying to lie to ourselves that LOVE will conquere all. No, no, no my dear friends, LOVE is nothing without money. On the contrary LOVE will flourish when there is MONEY - true? In fact it is very, very true. Look around us and judge for yourself and observe all the things that are happening around us. Then you can tell me confidently whether money does make a difference in almost everything in lives.

MONEY is a sensitive issue and not many people like to talk about it, except me. I am a realistix person, I believe very much that MONEY is what makes the world goes round. NOT in the actual sense of its context, but in the realistic cent of our material world.

I am very badly affected by the word - MONEY. I could not say that I do not have enough and at the same time I could not say that I am contented with what I had. There is a saying, enough is never enough...and yes, I do not have enough of it -MONEY.

Then there are people who ask me, "How much is enough?" I think and I say, not enough...I want more. And more. Because there are so many things that I wanted and I could not afford. Things that others had, but I don't. Places that others went, but I have'nt. WHY?

WHY? Because of MONEY that's why! Idiot ! Oh, I'm so sorry, I usually get carried away when it comes to money. You see, I live a simple life when I was young, I live by my own little "motto" which I hold dearly even until today.

My motto: "I rather die rich than to live poor..."

Of course some of you may not agree with me, BUT that's ok, its fine with me, because it's MINE motto or credos, whichever you call it. I choose to live by my motto not because I am greedy but because I have this "FEAR" of not having enough MONEY. The fear of living poor, the fear of many things that money can do and I could not have the money to do them. The fact that I said I am not greedy for money is being proven by my generous donations I contributed through the Lions Club throughout the many years of my life. I love to do charitable works, I love to help, to serve ("TO SERVE", is the Lion's Club motto), to be useful to the society.

Money, money, money, is in fact nothing but "papers"- papers that is recognised by certain financial instituitions. But it is these papers that determine WHERE you stand in this society. YES, it is this very "papers" that tell everyone who you are, what you are made of, where do you come from, how do you live, why are you here, which places do you go for dinners, what car/s do you drive, what watches do you wear, where do you go for holidays (if any), and the list goes on....

You see, we are all being "judged" by our peers and our society everyday. We cannot avoid that. And if you want to be judged positively, you need to have "papers." Let us not kid ourselves and keep telling ourselves that "I am happy with what I have..." the fact is "how" happy is "your" happiness. Hey! get real...snap out of it....you ARE NOT happy, you are only lying to yourself, day after day, year after year, and by the time you closed your eyes - you are still lying...and yes, lying 6 feet under.

Now, tell me... WERE you really happy?

Many important decisions in this world are made by basing on nothing but - MONEY. Why is the United States so interested in the middle East?, What are the "things" the top executives of Enron and Worldcom are after? why are there so many countries picking-up on the reality show "Idol", why are there so many people joining reality shows? why do people join politics, why do people ask "the custom officers to close one eye", why do people allow themselve to be ran over by a train? why do people go for Ah Long (knowing the danger it entails), why are there so many robberies? why do you think Siti Norhaliza choose to marry (or soon to be married) to a divorced businessman? Why? Why? Why?

Keep asking and keep knocking your head...the answer is clear.

All crucial decisions are made based on the "need" or the "amount" of "papers"

Would Siti marry an ordinary man like me or any kampong man....NO WAY! Get real, she knows what she wants and nobody can stop her - not even her closest friends or relatives. Some sources have even said that her parents are apparently very upset by her decision to be married to a divorced man. Imagine our goody goody "girl next door" is being labelled as a "home wreaker", "husband snatcher". Every single person will conciously think for himself or herself; what they want when they made a life - decision.

Frankly, without any reservation, I believe that my sister would not had married my brother-in-law if he have nothing but just a life or love (to offer).

My good friend Andrew once told me..." If your father is poor, you are fated, but if your father-in-law is also poor - YOU are stupid ! Make sense to you...? (knock, knock, - knock your head now...hello...anybody in there????)

What was he actually saying? Choice. Making a choice, just like Siti -making a choice, the right choice.

And he continues to tell me that he is both fated and stupid........ well, what can I say.

In the final analysis, this paper that I talk about is indeed the very element that actually makes the world goes round. It is this very paper that makes you either happy or sad, it is this very paper that determines your morning kisses or your morning blues, it is this very paper that tells others who you are (and not who you are pretending to be), it is this very paper that creates the much needed respect for you and your family, it is this very paper that determines how many people will attend your funeral, it is this very paper that either "make you" or "break you" and it is this very paper we called MONEY.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY....

Till then.....love those papers darling, Fariz

My Thoughts - Robbers on Camry

2006-07-05T12:53:00.000+08:00

I could not verify the attached story, BUT whatever it is...... it's better safe than sorry.

WE MUST take precaution and watch out for this car (Camry).

One more thing, today's paper tells us all about our economic situation (more or less) and our surroundings - in times to come (next 3, 6 and 9 months).

Today, there are people dying, apparently committing suicide, allowing themselves and their innocent children to be ran over by a passing train in Seremban.

There are people dying, apparently shot dead by robbers in a robbery in Serdang. The victims were a chinese shop supervisor and a Malay security guard of Poh Kong Jewelries.

Many graduates are unemployed, and many shop owners and business people are finding it hard to make ends meet.

WHY?

This is an accumulation of a few events that lead to all these undesirable social ills, it started with an increase in petrol prices, then electricity (Tenaga), then inflation sets in, interest rate increases, banks tighten their lendings, increase in unemployment ..... and water rate will increase. All these are inter-related and it is all culminated in people who find that their money is getting smaller and smaller. And smaller....

The above "deaths" tell us very clearly that - THEY all died because of MONEY.
LACK of money.

Money drives them to their death, in the first case; it's by choice ( but the children have NO CHOICE, probably they do not even know), and in the second case, are VICTIMS of others (who want money).

Yes, you may say that money is the cause of all evils, BUT with no money, that evil is a very dangerous MONSTER !!!!

WE will see MANY OF SUCH INCIDENTS in the next 3, 6 and 9 months definitely. There will be more deaths, more bankrupts, more Ah Long problems, more people appearing in newspaper asking for donations (either for medical needs or otherwise), more unemployed youths getting into social problems, more family "fights" because of money, more divorces because of money, more people cheat/con others and more people being cheated or conned.

This is an expected flow of events and it has, and always will take a certain pattern. If we notice carefully, the "devil" is manifesting itself slowly BUT very dangerously. The devil - the seed of all evils is nothing but the silence cries of desperate souls seeking salvations - in the wrong ways (killing themselves or killing others).

As normal people, we can only watch and side-step and NOT get into the path of the devil.
Be very careful, be extra cautious and be very sharp to ensure our own safety.
That is all we can do.

SO take care all my dear family members and all my dear friends.

Warning - Robbers on Camry

2006-07-03T12:33:00.000+08:00

Here's what I got in my mailbox. Thought I'd share it with you :

Watch out for these car WMW 6638 Toyota Camry silver colour latest model with two to three Malay guys inside (young looking around age of 20~30 yrs old). They had robbed quite a number in Subang Jaya & USJ and they knew they were in hot pursuit by Police and local residents. Now they had changed their location and is now in Bandar Utama area. Please be aware and be more carefull and pls spread these words around. Also warned your hubby about this. There are so daring to commit crime during the day and using the same car and number. Below was the latest detail I copy out from Usj forum ( www.usj.com.my).

Just wanna share my experience , am the latest victim of the infamous silver camry !!!!!! Recently I have been reading alot on this forum , following the news on the silver camry . How would I expect that I would be their next victim !! It was a Tuesday afternoon , I went home for lunch , stayed till around 4pm . When I was leaving my house to the car , I saw a car parked right infront of my neighbours house , 2 malay guys waiting inside with the windows drawn.

As I was on my way out , I briefly confronted them asking whether who they were waiting for , they just pointed into my neighbours house n smile . Without suspecting anything , I made my way to my car which is parked across the road . While in my car i realised that I left my handphone upstairs at home so I locked my car and went back home to retrieve it , did not realise that they are still there . They super quietly tailed me into my house and force entry when I unlocked my door !!!! They took me upstairs and tie me up with just a pair of plastic cable tie , they bound my thumb together and imposibble to move as it hurts alot ! They took my TV , my moms laptop computer , 2 of my dads guitar , cassh , jewelry etc , they are so brave that when a passing car stopped to check , they still hav the guts to go out and tell the passing car nothing is happening , even pull me out and ask me to smile to them .

By then my neighbours are aware something is wrong so the 2 robbers forced me into their car and drove me to an ATM in Kota Damansara to withdraw money and later another ATM in Terminal 3 subang . They later dropped me off on the main road leading to the NKVE highway with RM20 to take cab . Very PRO ROBBERS I TELL U !!
Really hope to get them man !!