53rd Independence Day

Today Malaysia celebrates its 53rd National Day. The Prime Minister called on Malaysians to contribute to the development of the nation. He also said that Malaysia should nurture an environment that would encourage its citizens to use their talents to help their country progress and to reduce the brain drain that has been occurring for many years.

It is ironic that our country educates the young and among these talented youth, many who go abroad to study do not return home to serve their country. Today I learned that someone we know is emigrating with his young family. Many young families have migrated in search of greener pastures and these are the crème de la crème of the nation.

The government has tried to woo those working abroad to return by giving them incentives but there have been few takers. I find it strange that many of my former students, when they happen to meet me on the street always tell me that they thought I had migrated to another country. My answer has always been the same: “Why should I? Malaysia is my home and this is a great country with fabulous food and friendly people.” The only thing that I don’t like is the hot weather. Sometimes it gets so hot that it becomes unbearable to be out in the open.

I was there in the Selangor Padang ( now known as Dataran Merdeka ) when the Union Jack was lowered and our Jalur Gemilang was raised. I was a pre-teen then and my dad had taken three of us there to witness the historical declaration of independence. Crowds of proud Malayans thronged the field and at the stroke of midnight, an independent Malaya came into existence.

Then in 1963, Malaysia was born when Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore agreed to its formation. Today Malaysia consists of the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah, 13 states in all. Singapore left to make her own way.
Today the current Prime Minister is urging all Malaysians to unite under the slogan “1Malaysia”. As far as I can remember, we have always been very united. In the schools that I attended, we never thought of ourselves as ethnic Chinese, Malays or Indians. We were simply young Malayans.

We schooled together, played together, argued together, ate together. I remember sharing meals in primary school. Not all of us had pocket money to buy food. Some of us brought food from home while the poorer friends had nothing. We did not think twice about sharing what we had. We used our hands to eat together. Drinks were just putting our mouths to the tap and drinking the water that flowed from it.

Come festive time, be it Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year or Deepavali, we would visit one another in groups, going from one house to another and enjoying the food in the “open house” concept. One did not need any invitation and everyone was welcome. Such was the hospitality of those days. I believe that these days, one often has to be invited before one would go visiting. Somehow there is this shyness, a reluctance to visit when there hasn’t been an invitation. Something from the yesteryears has been lost along the way.

I think the “1Malaysia” and the constant reminders that we are all Malaysians are one way of rekindling the old spirit. The adults can take a leaf from the children’s book. Children do not differentiate skin colors and are very happy to play together, learn together and grow together, sharing and giving. Children have a lot to teach us adults. “The child is father of the man.” Happy Independence Day to all Malaysians!

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A Senseless Act

Another innocent pedestrian became the victim of a snatch theft and she was fatally stabbed while fighting her assailant, who eye witnesses described as a young man.

Why did he have to kill her? Being young, he could have earned a decent living instead of preying on women, especially those who are middle-aged and more vulnerable. If one is willing to work, one will not starve. The point here is the willingness to do an honest day’s work instead of looking for the easy way out, such as snatching handbags, holding up students with a knife or abducting children for ransom.

Now he has robbed a family of a mother, a wife and sister. What sent this person into such depravity, to kill someone when she refused to give up her possession, most likely her bag? Now the police have revealed that they will have him soon, thanks to surveillance cameras and statements from eye witnesses. The only punishment for this dastardly act is the death penalty. He has taken an innocent life, now he has to pay with his own.

But for the grieving family, will this make a difference? Justice will be meted out but nothing can compensate for their loss, the shock of learning that a loved one has been snuffed out, just like that. No chance to say good bye, no chance to do the things together that have yet to be done.

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armless guitarist

Another example of a person who turned his disadvantage into a talent and inspires others.

God will help those who help themselves.

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Whatever you set your mind to, you can do it!

This is an illustration of what I wrote in my blog a couple of weeks ago. If you find yourself in an untenable situation, there are two things you can do. Wallow in self pity and give up or reframe the situation and find how you can turn it to good use. It won't be easy but if you are determined you can achieve what you set out to do.

This young Chinese did that and you can see the video to realise how hard the journey was for him after he lost both his arms in a freak accident.You know how hard it is to wriggle your toes to pick up something but to play the piano?? Using your fingers to play the piano is hard enough but using your toes?

Watch Lui Wei and share his triumph over the odds. Let him be an inspiration to all of us. All is definitely not lost. May he go forward and achieve more.

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A Small Tribute to La Sallians

My first encounter with La Salle, Kota Kinabalu was way back in 1973 when I was interviewed by Rev Bro Charles O’Leary, the Principal. He agreed to take me on as an English Language and English Literature teacher and I was to teach General Paper in the sixth form as well.

Those were the days when teachers who taught in both the junior ( Bridge, Forms 1 – 3 ) and the senior block had to walk between the two schools that were located in two different compounds about 5 minutes’ walk apart. They are still apart but the wooden junior block has morphed into a modern building complete with an archive where one can view the history of the school.

During my fourteen years at the school, I saw the school hall being built after years of fund raising through lion dances, tournaments, dinners etc, etc. spearheaded by the indefatigable Bro Charles and his trusty loyal band of old boys.

The strength of the school lies in the bond the old boys have with their alma mater and this bond grows strong with the culture that has been incalcated by the La Salle Brothers and the teaching staff all along.

It being an all boys’ school except for the sixth form where girls are admitted, it is quite different from other schools which are mostly co-educational. The School Rally is the song that rouses the spirit of the boys and every La Sallian, present and past knows this song and whenever they get together, they never fail to sing this song. It keeps them together in spirit.

I have gained in experience from being part of La Salle during those 14 years, having taught thousands of students and learnt from them as well. Friendships made among the teaching and non-teaching staff, some of whom have been called home by the Lord, still last and we still get together.

Every year, without fail, the old boys will invite the teachers who have taught them to the annual La Salle dinner where everyone reminisces about the old times. Each year as we teachers get older, we also see our former students growing greyer too. Some of them have children who have already graduated too. This is such a sweet gesture from them and we teachers are very touched each time they remember us.

The spirit of camaderie, the teasing and the laughter as old comrades get together, coming from different parts of the world to where they have already made their homes—this is the true spirit of being a La Sallian which is totally unique to La Sallians. The school is currently headed by an old girl and some members of the teaching staff are old boys themselves. This means that the school ethos, spirit and traditions will always be nurtured and held close to the heart.

The stalwart among La Sallians is Rev Bro Charles of course, an institution in himself, so dear is he to the old boys that they never fail to include him in their activities although he is now an octogenarian.

May the spirit of La Salle continue to light the path of all La Sallians!

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All is Not Lost

Change is the only constant in our lives. Nothing remains static. There are changes every day, minor or major and we flow along with whatever comes. By and large, we accept the changes if there is no choice. For example the increases in the price of consumer goods and fuel have to be accepted.

However big changes in our lives will change us.

For instance if you have been diagnosed with a terminal disease, you will most likely be devastated. Whatever you had been thinking about, before the diagnosis, whatever you care about, all these will change in the face of the future facing you.
Being human, the natural reaction is “Why me?” “What did I do to deserve such a fate?”
Depression follows and the person often loses the will to fight and consequently the disease overtakes him and an early demise follows.

However, is there an alternative? What if, faced with such a situation, you accept the diagnosis as the doctor is an oncologist but you refuse to be cowed. You are determined to remain optimistic. You are confident that you can fight and win. With such a mindset, half the battle is won.

It has been proven that people who have positive mindsets have a better chance of survival.

If you have lost your dreams, because of an unfortunate accident, will you throw in the towel completely and wallow in self pity?
You can always “dream a new dream” according to C.S. Lewis. It’s how you respond that will make the difference.

When dreams are shattered, you can become resentful and bitter, curse the situation you are in and the cause or you can look forward and find another dream which could turn out to be bigger and more meaningful.
All you have to do is to reframe the situation or setbacks in a positive light.

Ask the following questions:

What can be good about this? What can I learn from this that will benefit not only me but also other people? What can I do to turn this to my advantage?

Once you begin to think in this way, you will see the situation in a different light and you will experience a different outcome than if you remain bitter and rail against fate. It is better to focus on what you can be than what might have been. You will realise that all is not lost and in time you will realise your new dreams.

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Are you a Drifter or Goal-oriented?

The tragedy of life lies in not having goals to reach for. Without goals, we are just like flotsam, drifting along in the currents or a rudderless ship bobbing up and down on an open sea.

Having goals gives our lives purpose, meaning and direction. It is important to have personal goals.

You have to know where you want to go or you'll never make it anywhere.

In life's journey, do you have a destination? Which direction do you want to go? Have you a plan?

Is your journey mapped out?

Where do you see yourself in five years, ten years from now?

Along the way, do you break journey and take stock? Is the quality of your life satisfying or stultifying?

Too many people settle for making a living instead of making a life. It is good to know the difference.

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