Arise Malaysia!

1Malaysia is only achievable if we believe in: One destiny for all,Malays, Chinese, Indians and all ethnic groups living in harmony,
All races with various cultures learning to respect one another,

Agreeing with each other in love,

Yearning for greater unity,

Sacrificing their own agendas; and If individualism is replaced with inter-dependency.

Arise Malaysia, This is your time to reveal your glory!

KUMARATHEVAN BALAKRISHNAN, Gua Musang, Kelantan
letters@nst.com
2010/09/17

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 Malaysia Day thoughts: Let's do more for unity
KUMARATHEVAN BALAKRISHNAN, Gua Musang, Kelantan
letters@nst.com.my
2011/09/16

I AM proud to be a Malaysian. Though I was born more than a decade after the nation gained independence, I love this country because I was nurtured to be patriotic by my parents since young.
I believe Malaysia is a land flowing with "milk and honey", and blessed with different cultures, languages, natural resources and opportunities.

On Aug 31, we enjoyed the Merdeka Day holiday. It was the first time we did not "celebrate" Merdeka Day on its actual date. We are celebrating it today, together with Malaysia Day.

Fifty-four years ago, we received our independence from the British. What a proud moment it was when our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj declared "Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!" in the presence of the rakyat.

At that precious moment, those present would have felt that the dream of total freedom had come to pass and a new era of harmony and progress had begun.

In 1963, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore joined Malaya to form Malaysia. However, Singapore pulled out of the federation two years later.

Today, we celebrate the 48th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia. But, after so many years, some questions still linger in the minds of people. Are we truly liberated? Is there freedom of expression, press, speech and religion? Are human rights respected? Do we still believe in unity or is it just propaganda? Is there equality? What's happening to our education system? Why is there a brain drain? Why is there racial polarisation? How long or how far will racial and religious issues drag on?

The list may go on, but each one of us must make a stand and put our hands together to bring about a greater transformation in our nation.

Look at Great Britain -- the orderly, developed, civilised, multi-racial and democratic nation. Once a global empire, it fell prey to deadly riots last month. "Great" doesn't mean anything if there is no mutual understanding and unity in a plural society. It's a lesson for us, too.

Don't take unity and peace for granted as it is precious. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, we should move from tolerance to acceptance to achieve greater unity.

Let's stop pointing fingers, throwing accusations, disrespecting the sanctity of places of worship, publishing controversial articles or photos, condemning one another's beliefs and politicising sensitive issues which could cause racial tension.

As faithful citizens, we have the responsibility to show our patriotism by loving our country and countrymen. Respect for one another is essential. All Malaysians must take efforts to be sensitive in handling issues relating to religion and culture for the sake of inter-religious and racial harmony.

The government should emphasise, in every way possible, the five tenets of the Rukun Negara: Belief in God; Loyalty to the King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law; and Good Social Behaviour and Morality.

All quarters -- government and non-government -- should continue to combat social illnesses and provide jobs for the unemployed, and better jobs and positions for those who are capable and deserving without looking at one's religion or colour.

The government should continue to create better education opportunities to tackle unemployment, gangsterism, drug addiction and trafficking, and the increasing problem of unwed mothers and dysfunctional families.

To ensure the success of nation building projects, those in power should not forget the wholesome approach of helping all races, especially the poor and the needy.

Imagine how wonderful it would be if all races attend open house gatherings during festive seasons, sit together to watch sports events on big screens, take part in multiracial programmes, go camping or on outings, sit and chit-chat at coffee shops or warung makan or eat durians together, just like some of us continue to do and as we see on television advertisements.

I'm not saying the government, non-governmental organisations or citizens are not doing anything to achieve this; I am saying let's do more.

It's time to learn from past events and do something drastic to improve our lives. I believe all will be well if we practise moderate living, acceptance and mutual respect for one another.

Let's continue to pray for unity and peace. Together, we can make Malaysia a better place to live by building a healthy lifestyle and creating a lasting legacy.

Negaraku

Kids singing Negaraku for Malaysia Day & Merdeka celebration at KJGR Gua Musang, Kelantan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6uEbWbfZJY&feature=share

www.youtube.com

Patriotic family

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Patriotic family

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

The Jalur Gemilang is the pride of this household in Ipoh.

« Seen this somewhere

Proud to be Malaysian

Friday September 16, 2011

TRULY I am proud to be a Malaysian. I love this country because I was nurtured to be patriotic by my parents since childhood. I believe Malaysia is a land flowing with “milk and honey” – blessed with so many different cultures, languages, natural resources and opportunities.

On Aug 31, we enjoyed the Merdeka Day holiday. Probably this was the first time we did not really “celebrate” Independence Day on the actual date. We will do so today, which is also Malaysia Day.

Don’t take our unity and peace for granted. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, we should move from mere tolerance to acceptance to achieve greater unity among our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society. We should start to walk this path.

We have the responsibility to show our patriotism by loving our country and our countrymen regardless of race, culture, religion or language. Due respect for one another is paramount.

All Malaysians must be more sensitive in handling religious and cultural issues for the sake of religious and racial harmony.

Stop pointing fingers, throwing accusations, showing disrespect for the sanctity of places of worship, publishing controversial articles, photos or advertisements via mass media, condemning one another’s beliefs and politicising sensitive issues that could cause racial tension.

The Government should emphasise even more constantly, in any way possible, the five tenets of the Rukunegara – Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law; Good Social Behaviour and Morality.

All quarters – Government and non-governmental organisations (NGO) – should continue to combat the various social illnesses and provide jobs for the unemployed and better jobs and positions for those who are capable and deserving without looking at one’s creed or colour.

We must also encourage youngsters to pursue higher education and take up self-improvement courses even as the Government continues to create better education opportunities for them.

To ensure the success of the nation-building process, we should not forget to help the poor and the needy of all races in whichever way possible. If we decide rightfully, we can be a blessing to our beloved country.

Imagine how beautiful it will always be if all races attend open house gatherings on festive seasons, sit together to watch sports events on big screens, take part in multi-racial programmes, go camping or on outings, sit and chat at coffee shops or ‘warung makan’ or eat durians together.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the Government, politicians or NGOs and the citizens are not doing anything.

I’m just emphasising on learning from past events and what’s happening around us.

I have worked in a Malay press for years and most of my friends are Muslims. I join in buka puasa and festive open house events in the office or in their houses and even attend functions organised at mosques.

I believe all will be well if we practice moderate living, acceptance and mutual respect for one another. Let’s continue to pray for unity and peace. Together we can make Malaysia a better place to live in.

Selamat Merdeka and Happy Malaysia Day! God bless Malaysia.

KUMARATHEVAN BALAKRISHNAN,

Gua Musang, Kelantan.

Mari mengisytiharkan “Merdeka!” Dalam Setiap Situasi

PENDAPAT
Jumaat Ogos 26, 2011
 


LIMA puluh empat tahun lalu, kita menerima kemerdekaan daripada British. Ia adalah satu saat yang membanggakan apabila Perdana Menteri kita yang pertama Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj mengisytiharkan: “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” di hadapan rakyat pelbagai kaum, agama dan budaya.

Saya pasti, waktu itu sudah tentu imbasan masa depan yang cerah memancar di mata nenek moyang kita.

Pasti mereka merasakan bahawa impian untuk hidup dalam kemerdekaan sepenuhnya akhirnya telah tercapai dan mungkin satu impian baru untuk hidup dalam keharmonian dan pembangunan progresif ke arah kejayaan telah ‘mengandung’ dalam fikiran mereka pada saat yang berharga itu.

Bangsa Melayu, Cina, India dan kaum-kaum lain pada ketika itu mula bekerjasama sebagai sebuah gabungan untuk memastikan negara kita terus menikmati kebebasan, perpaduan, ketahanan dan meneruskan usaha untuk mencapai kejayaan yang lebih besar.

Kini sudah tentulah renungan masa lampau ini akan memberikan harapan baru bagi kita untuk manghadapi masa depan yang lebih cerah, lebih-lebih lagi ketika rakyat sedang membuat persediaan untuk memperingati ulang tahun Hari Kemerdekaan negara kita sekarang.

Beberapa soalan lazim yang masih berlarutan dalam fikiran beribu-ribu rakyat negara kita ialah: "Adakah kita benar-benar bebas –masih adakah kebebasan bersuara, akhbar dan agama? Masih adakah hak asasi manusia di tanah air ini? Adakah kita masih percaya kepada perpaduan atau ini hanya satu propaganda? Adakah terdapat kesamaan? Apa yang sedang berlaku kepada sistem pendidikan kita? Mengapa terdapat penghijrahan cendekiawan? Mengapa terdapat keunggulan sesuatu kaum dan polarisasi? Berapa lama atau sejauh mana isu-isu perkauman dan agama akan berterusan?”

Rakan-rakan yang disayangi, senarai boleh berterusan tetapi kita mesti membuat satu pendirian dan berganding tangan untuk membawa transformasi yang lebih besar dalam negara kita.

Ya, saya percaya, kita pasti memerlukan campur tangan Tuhan untuk perpaduan nasional dan keamanan.

Lihatlah Great Britain – sebuah negara yang teratur, maju, bertamadun, berbilang kaum dan demokrasi - yang merupakan empayar global pada satu masa dahulu dan pernah memerintah sebahagian besar dunia termasuk negara kita, kini telah menjadi mangsa rusuhan baru-baru ini.

Kegagahan sesebuah negara tidak bermakna jika tiada persefahaman dan perpaduan dalam sesebuah masyarakat majmuk. Ia benar-benar satu pengajaran yang baik untuk dipelajari.

Oleh yang demikian, jangan ambil isu perpaduan dan keamanan dengan sewenang-wenangnya! Ia amat berharga. Apabila Perdana Menteri kita, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak beberapa kali mengingatkan rakyat untuk bergerak dari bersikap toleransi semata-mata ke tahap penerimaan bagi mencapai perpaduan yang lebih besar di kalangan masyarakat berbilang agama, kaum dan budaya, kita harus mengambil ikhtibar untuk membawa perubahan.

Berhenti menuding jari, melemparkan tuduhan, menodai kesucian tempat ibadat, menerbitkan artikel, gambar atau iklan-iklan yang kontroversi melalui media massa atau saling mengutuk kepercayaan orang lain dan mempolitikkan isu-isu sensitif yang boleh mencetuskan ketegangan kaum.

Sebagai warganegara yang setia, kita mempunyai tanggungjawab untuk menunjukkan semangat patriotik terhadap negara kita yang disayangi juga terhadap rakyat jelata walaupun kita berbeza bangsa, agama, budaya dan bahasa.

Sikap menghormati antara satu sama lain adalah amat diperlukan oleh sebuah negara seperti Malaysia.

Kerajaan perlu memberi perhatian yang lebih serius dan sentiasa mengingati rakyat dengan pelbagai cara tanpa mengenepikan lima prinsip Rukun Negara iaitu Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan; Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara; Keluhuran Perlembagaan, Kedaulatan Undang-Undang; Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan.

Semua pihak - kerajaan, pembangkang mahupun pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) - perlu terus memerangi pelbagai gejala sosial dan berusaha untuk mewujudkan peluang-peluang pekerjaan kepada yang menganggur dan jawatan yang lebih baik bagi mereka yang berkebolehan dan berhak tanpa melihat kepercayaan atau warna kulit seseorang.

Selain itu, kita juga mesti menggalakkan anak-anak muda untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi dan mengambil kursus-kursus pembangunan diri sementara kerajaan terus mencipta peluang pendidikan yang lebih baik untuk membendung kadar pengangguran, gangsterisme, penagihan dadah dan penyeludupan, peningkatan masalah anak luar nikah dan keluarga pincang.

Untuk memastikan kejayaan projek-projek pembinaan bangsa, kita tidak harus lupa pendekatan baik untuk membantu semua bangsa terutama orang miskin dan yang kurang kemampuan dalam apa jua cara yang munasabah.

Jika kita bersatu hati untuk membawa perubahan yang drastik, kita boleh jadi satu rahmat kepada tanahair tercinta ini.

Bayangkan betapa indahnya untuk terus melihat semua bangsa dijemput makan bersama di majlis berbuka puasa, menghadiri majlis keramaian dan perkahwinan pelbagai kaum, duduk bersama menonton acara sukan pada skrin besar, mengambil bahagian dalam program-program melibatkan masyarakat majmuk, pergi berkhemah atau makan angin, duduk dan bersembang di kedai kopi serta warung makan atau makan durian bersama seperti apa yang dipraktikkan oleh segelintir masyarakat dan juga sepertimana kita sering melihat dalam iklan TV.

Jangan salah faham, saya tidak menuduh bahawa kerajaan atau ahli politik, NGO dan warganegara yang lain tidak melakukan apa-apa tetapi saya hanya mengatakan bahawa sudah tiba masanya untuk kita semua belajar dari masa lalu serta daripada situasi yang berlaku di sekeliling kita dan segera melakukan sesuatu yang drastik dan lebih munasabah untuk memperbaiki kehidupan kita.

Saya pernah berkhidmat di sebuah syarikat Melayu selama bertahun-tahun dan kebanyakan kawan-kawan saya adalah beragama Islam.

Kami menikmati masa kami bersama-sama, saya sering menyertai mereka dalam acara berbuka puasa di pejabat atau di rumah mereka dan juga menghadiri majlis yang dianjurkan oleh pihak masjid. Kami juga membincangkan perkara-perkara yang berkaitan dengan agama dengan rasa hormat yang sewajarnya.

Saya percaya, semua akan baik jika kita mengamalkan pendekatan yang sederhana, penerimaan dan sikap saling hormat menghormati antara satu sama lain. Jadi mari kita mengisytiharkan “Merdeka!” atas situasi-situasi yang kita hadapi setiap hari dalam hidup dan masyarakat kita sehingga ia tercapai.

Terus doakan untuk perpaduan dan keamanan. Bersama kita boleh menjadikan Malaysia sebuah tempat yang lebih baik untuk hidup.

Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

TOWARDS SUCCESS

Story and photos by: Kumarathevan Balakrishnan.

EGGS, few toothpicks and plasticine were given to young participants at a brainstorming session called the “Solid Eggs”.

Each one of them are required to work as a team to form a ‘shield’ around the eggs using the tools given to them to make sure the eggs remain unbreakable when it’s dropped to the ground.

Some of the participants were successful in their attempt and proved that all things are achievable if they practice teamwork.

About forty participants who attended two different sessions for primary and secondary school students respectively enjoyed the Character Building and Motivation Programme namely “Towards Success” organised by KJ Generation Resources (KJGR) in Gua Musang, Kelantan recently.

The special programme conducted by a team of motivation trainers from Serdang, Selangor was filled with excitement and full of activities.

"It was truly a fun filled moment. ‘Spider-web, crab soccer, human knots, tiger-cabbage-goat, shape building (participants blindfolded) and you fall-we catch’ were among some of the team building and problem solving activities used to help participants understand the challenges and ways to be successful in life.”   

“The whole programme is designed to prepare students for exams and future undertakings. We also distributed to the students a lot of leaflets from various varsities in the country to build their confidence to look beyond their limitations,” said the team leader, Rena Esmeralda.

Besides providing many tips and giving motivation talks, the team also shared their college and university’s experiences to encourage the students to always aim high and achieve greater heights in life.

“Towards the end of the programme, the participants were given a slot to showcase their talents. Each team performed a skit in English to show some attributes of good character and how it helps others and make them to be a successful person,” she added.

KJGR’s principal, S.Josephine said, the centre which focuses on building character and teaching English the easy way will continue its effort to organise more educational programmes such as this in the near future.

Photos:

 

Participants taking part in the “Solid Egg” activity.

   

Happy: The participants enjoying themselves as they learn some useful study technique tips.

    

Teamwork: “You fall-we catch” and “Spider-web” were among the activities used by the trainers to encourage teamwork among the participants.

  

Talentime: Participants unleashing their hidden talents by staging skits in English.

Rejoice: Some of the participants rejoicing after receiving their certificate of participation at the ‘Towards Success’ – a character building and motivation programme in Gua Musang.

Ends.

This image stinks!

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Piles of rubbish near Pasar Borong, Selayang, Kuala Lumpur, makes the whole area look unhealthy.

Published on Star Thumbnails on Tuesday, 5-July-2011

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Doesn’t fit the bill

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Having too many bills/posters posted near road signs is a ‘consonant’ struggle for road-users at Jalan Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur

Date : Friday, 20-May-2011

Stop Look Go
Motorists are confused with so many signboards including properties for sale/rent near traffic lights at Jalan Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur. Swift action of the authorities is essential to avoid accidents.

Yearn To Live In Peace

The Prime Minister's call on all quarters to calm down and stop exploiting the issue of a purported attempt to make Christianity the official religion of the country and his advise to avoid any religion-related debate to create tension among the people must be taken into serious consideration.

I believe no one should jump the gun by pointing fingers to one another and creating disunity among our multiracial society. We have been holding to our peace for more than 50 years; Don't ever loose it in the name of religion.

We should stand together and stop any situation that could cause polarisation among the people of our beloved country. Malaysia is for all Malaysians regardless of religion, race, language or colour. Do not let the effort of our Premier to take 1 Malaysia concept to a greater heights becomes null and void.

No doubt, touching on religious issues are so sensitive like “playing with fire” and we should be careful handling it. No point arguing matters that has been reported by media that quoted bloggers. That's a shame!

Utusan Malaysia had recently published on it's front page quoting two blogs which claimed that a meeting had taken place in Penang, attended by Christian leaders who want Christianity to be the official religion in Malaysia. However, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has dismissed the report as a fabrication.

The Malay daily was only been issued a letter of caution by the Home Ministry for its article 'Kristian Agama Rasmi? (Christianity the official religion?)' that was published on May 7 even though the ministry considered it as "alarming to the public" and an article which contradicted the Printing Presses and Publishing Act 1984.

The government should also come out with strict guidelines to make sure that the media does not play up sensitive religious issues that will propagate hatred among citizens and disrupt racial harmony. The press should take full responsibility over it's reports that are published.

I truly hope the police will make a fair and just investigation into the case that is in their jurisdiction now. The truth will prevail! While then, let all parties stay calm and not to be indulge in any controversies that would jeopardise racial harmony.

Christians in this country have been facing so many tough times – arson attacks on churches last year, slapped with the 'Allah issue', Malay Language Bibles confiscated and now facing allegations that Christian leaders want Christianity to be the official religion in Malaysia – but never ones they slammed the government by rioting or causing national tension.

No matter what, Christians for generations have been praying for the peace of our country and for the well-being of the rulers and national leaders according to the Holy Scripture. They have been always involved in social concern works and nation building projects.

At the moment, our nation is in the eyes of the world for some achievements we are making. We might be loosing our reputation in the global arena due to these senseless issues. Don't let our foolish arguments shy away global investors. We should be transformed in our mind sets before bringing transformation in our country's economy and other things.

PM said that Malaysia upholds the Constitution which means Islam is the official religion and other religions are free to be practised. This is among the important principles that have been the main pillars in the formation of Malaysia as a nation and cannot be questioned. Hope everybody understands it by respecting one another and abiding by the law.

Recently, PM had a fruitful meeting with Christian leaders. Prior to that, he also had a meeting with Islamic leaders and intellectuals. I believe that he and the government officials should have similar dialogues with other religious groups and non governmental organisations (NGO's) from time to time to enhance greater unity and brotherhood.

As peace loving citizens, let us continue to promote love and tolerance by rejecting the enemy of peace. UNITY is achievable if all Malaysians rise up to the occasion and show:

Unconditional love,No partiality,Interdependent,Trust one another andYearn to live in peace.

Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Bed & (no) breakfast

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Date : Sunday, 8-May-2011

by Josephine Kumar

Specially designed for drunk drivers.

Hidden driver, watching tigers

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

“Don’t worry Mr Driver, we will look after your car,” said the pride leader. Picture taken in Cameron Highlands.

Date : Wednesday, 13-April-2011

Crouching tiger, hidden hydrant

This hidden fire hydrant in Gua Musang could cause dangerous delays.

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Date : Sunday, 10-April-2011

mStar Online : 10 Cara Untuk Mempromosikan 1 Malaysia

mStar Online : 10 Cara Untuk Mempromosikan 1 Malaysia

PENDAPAT

Rabu Mac 30, 2011

10 Cara Untuk Mempromosikan 1 Malaysia

Oleh B. KUMARATHEVAN

KITA harus belajar dari nenek moyang kita tentang cara untuk hidup secara harmoni.

Gaya hidup bangsa kita pada masa lalu telah menunjukkan kepada kita bagaimana masyarakat zaman dahulu tinggal bersama dalam toleransi dan penghormatan tinggi terhadap bangsa-bangsa lain, budaya dan agama walaupun berhadapan dengan beberapa insiden dan kejadian kecil yang tidak diingini.

Pada pandangan penulis, adalah sesuatu yang memalukan jika kita gagal untuk terus merangkul keunikan Malaysia ini.

Sepuluh cara yang dapat membantu mempromosikan konsep 1Malaysia untuk menggalakkan perpaduan yang lebih besar di kalangan masyarakat pelbagai etnik di Malaysia adalah seperti berikut:

1) Orang dewasa harus menunjukkan teladan yang baik dengan menghormati jiran tetangga, rakan sekerja, teman atau seseorang daripada bangsa lain.

2) Orang dewasa tidak harus berbicara secara negatif tentang bangsa lain atau agama lain secara sembarangan atau terbuka.

3) Jangan memanggil seseorang dengan panggilan yang kurang enak di dengar terhadap orang daripada bangsa yang berbeza.

4) Anak-anak harus didorong untuk bergaul dan bermain bersama kanak-kanak berlainan kaum tanpa melihat perbezaan di antara mereka agar semangat kekitaan dapat dipupuk dari peringkat awal lagi.

5) Guru-guru terutamanya pengetua sekolah atau para pendidik di institusi pengajian tinggi harus memainkan peranan yang lebih besar dengan memberi motivasi kepada para pelajar dan meraikan kepelbagaian budaya di antara rakyat negara kita.

6) Kerajaan melalui agensi-agensi tertentu harus menganjurkan acara-acara yang lebih mantap dan menyeluruh untuk mempromosikan perpaduan yang lebih besar. Jangan tunggu musim perayaan atau pilihan raya baru hendak menganjurkan sesuatu.

7) Organisasi bukan kerajaan (NGO) termasuk persatuan, kelab dan pertubuhan perlu bekerja sama dengan syarikat multi nasional atau industri kecil untuk menganjurkan kegiatan sukan, seminar dan kem-kem yang merangkumi penyertaan semua bangsa.

8) Kementerian Pelajaran harus mempertimbangkan untuk melupuskan sistem kuota bagi membolehkan cabaran kesetaraan yang positif dalam sistem pendidikan.

9) Para pemimpin agama yang sepatutnya menjadi soleh dan takut akan Tuhan harus berlatih mengamalkan sikap toleransi yang tinggi dan selalu bekerja untuk menyelesaikan perbezaan pendapat di kalangan masyarakat berbilang kaum dan agama secara ramah dan kondusif.

10) Para ahli politik perlu bijaksana dalam membuat kenyataan atau ketika mengambil keputusan mengenai isu-isu yang berkaitan dengan masyarakat berbilang kaum. Dengan sepuluh pendekatan ini, saya percaya kita boleh mencapai perpaduan yang lebih dinamik dan membantu merealisasikan hasrat 1Malaysia secara lebih sistematik.

Sekian untuk renungan dan iktibar kita semua.

- Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Tilt head to insert coin, thank you

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Any neck sprains caused while paying for your parking in Gua Musang is deeply regretted.

2 Malaysians among world's '100 most inspiring people'

2 Malaysians among world's '100 most inspiring people'

KUALA LUMPUR: Two prominent Malaysian women have been included in a New York-based global advocacy’s list of 100 most inspiring people around the world for their work in advocating the rights of women and girls.

Zainah Anwar - who founded Sisters In Islam (SIS) and is the project director of Musawah, an international collaborative group for equality and justice in the Muslim family - and blogger, women’s rights and HIV/AIDS awareness advocate Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir were named in the list put out by Women Deliver.

Zainah and Marina joined the rank of other distinguished personalities including former US first lady Laura Bush, ABC news anchor and tv personality Christiane Amanpour, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, CNN Hero of the Year and anti-sex trafficking activist Anuradha Koirala, talk show host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey and Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

The list, announced in New York yesterday, was compiled based on the recipients’ work in improving the lives of women and girls in the fields of health, human rights, politics, economics, education, journalism and philanthropy.

Zainah who occupied the seventh position in the list, said she was informed of her inclusion in the list in mid-February.

“It is an honour for Sisters in Islam's work to be recognised at the global level. Our work breaks the myth that Muslim women are oppressed and victimised, and further breaks the myth that Islam is inherently a religion that discriminates against women,” she said.

Zainah described her biggest achievement was in empowering Muslim women to claim their right to be treated as human beings of equal worth and dignity.

She added Musawah, which was initiated by Sisters in Islam two years ago and led by an international committee of scholars and activists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco, Gambia, Nigeria, Iran, the United States and the United Kingdom, had become a source of hope for change in the Muslim world.

The organisation was also invited to Geneva to give briefings to the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee).

Meanwhile, Marina, who occupied the 57th position, said Women Deliver contacted her through her blog last week.

“I am very honoured to be named in the list. I think it’s nice that Malaysia is recognised. It makes people aware of Malaysia and we get international recognition. People will also take us more seriously,” said Marina who is also a SIS board member.

In a press statement released yesterday, Women Deliver president Jill Sheffield said last year had been “widely viewed as the year women’s issues finally came to the fore in international development.

“This list recognises those who successfully navigated the corridors of power, along with those on the front lines, who have worked to expand the rights and choices for girls and women everywhere,” she said.

Other countries in the region mentioned in the list were Cambodia and Philippines with one and two representatives each. Representation from Sub-Saharan nations was the highest with 26 names followed by the Middle East and North Africa with 20 names.

Women Deliver, launched in 2007, promotes and advances the health of girls, women and mothers and serves as a global source of information for advocacy and action.

Among its advisors are Amnesty International, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)

Read more: 2 Malaysians among world's '100 most inspiring people' http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2Malaysiansamongworld_s_100mostinspiringpeople_/Article/#ixzz1Fe63UDYm

You can make a difference

SPEAK UP! :: Letters KUDOS to MCA for its efforts to set up mobile service vehicles to serve the poor in the rural areas by providing free services such as health screening, counselling, legal consultation and crisis relief. Though the government and some NGOs are making efforts to help those who are in need and to promote racial unity, there are thousands who have been overlooked. Let’s stop blaming one another. All the efforts of some quarters to tackle the problem of the needy will be in vain if there are those who don’t take the responsibility to participate in nation building. Recently, a friend of mine sent me an encouraging email. He shared a little bit about Mother Teresa’s humility that taught the world the true meaning of love through charity. In 2008, I had the opportunity to watch the movie about the life story of Mother Teresa. There were tears in my eyes. That movie inspired me to take the challenge with my family to help in whatever way we can, especially in promoting unity. Just as her selfless work among the poverty-stricken people of Kolkata became an inspiration for me and my family, so I believe it will challenge every citizen to the core to make the difference in our society, nation and the world. Mother Teresa said: "God admires us not for what we do but for how much love we put into what we do. Together let us build a chain of love around the world." Whatever we are able to do, though it may seem to be unrealistic, out of date or insignificant to human minds, it doesn’t matter, just continue to pursue the higher calling by helping the poor and the needy with nation building in mind. "Legends leave behind legacy, so take the challenge to make the difference!" Kumarathevan BalakrishnanGua Musang

KJ Generation Resources newsletter (2011)

KJ GENERATION RESOURCES newsletter

Dear friends, 2010 was a great year for us and we thank God for the many wonderful experiences. 

We had the opportunity to conduct motivation seminars besides coaching the students to speak in  English at our training centre (KJGR) that focuses on character-building programme. The students showed interest in learning and progressed quite well.

Since we started to teach English and character-building programme in Gua Musang in October 2009, we have taught quite a number of students of various races including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli and Pakistani.

They were aged between 5 and 55 years old. There were many others who attended the seminars that we had organised. Our seminars was facilitated by trainers and professionals from Malaysia as well as from overseas including America, Australia, Finland, South Korea, Mexico and Indonesia.  

We are continuing our effort to help educate and motivate the students who will be attending our trainings this year. We have started our classes for 2011.

Our aim is to teach English the easy way, organize motivational and character-building programmes, nurture the spirit of unity among people of different culture, race and religion besides organizing social concern activities. 


As we are involved in this community development and nation building programme, we are in need of financial and material support. You are most welcome to partner with us to touch and transform the community here.

Yours sincerely,

B.Kumarathevan and S.Josephine Kumar

Managers of KJ Generation Resources

Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia.

016-4734313 or 016-4687414

"BUILD CHARACTER, BUILD LIVES!"

 

K.Joash Kumararaj presenting "Humpty Dumpty" (Bollywood version)

‘Attractive’ rubbish

‘Attractive’ rubbish

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Instead of attracting tourists to Cameron Highlands, the rubbish pile found at the Simpang Pulai road bend leading to the hilltop will only attract flies and diseases.

Date : Friday, 10-December-2010

Note: Hope the authorities concern will take swift action.