An extract from the news
2008/11/06
Cabbie rapes student By : Lee Shi-Ian
KAJANG: A university student was raped by a taxi driver on Monday night after accepting a drink from him.
The drink is believed to have contained a date-rape drug.The 20-year-old victim had boarded the taxi in Sentul about 8.30pm and asked to be taken to Jalan Imbi.However, the taxi driver, who was apparently charming and polite, said he had left his driving licence at his house.
He convinced the student to let him to go back to his house in Kajang to collect his driving licence before sending her to her destination.
The taxi driver, who was in his 40s, then offered the student a soft drink. She felt dizzy after taking a few sips.
The student only had a vague memory of what transpired after that. It is believed that the suspect took the victim back to his house where he raped her several times before helping her to dress up again.
He carried her back to his taxi and later dropped her off at an undisclosed location.When the victim regained consciousness, she immediately lodged a police report.
Unfortunately, she could not recall much of what had transpired.
She managed to provide police with a photofit of the suspect but was unable to recall where he had taken her or the registration number of the taxi.
A source said police were unsure how many women had fallen victim to the taxi driver as this was the first reported case in Kajang.
Police are advising women using taxis alone to be vigilant.Kajang police chief Assistant Commissioner Sakaruddin Che Mood confirmed the incident but declined to elaborate as investigations were ongoing.
To all parents, please help to ensure your child's safety. Do not allow them to go out alone at night. Taxi drivers aer no longer safe like in olden days. Who are we to blame?
Girls out there, becareful if you are alone. If you really need to go out at night please get one of your family member to fetch you.
I understand that most teenager prefer to go out on their own or with their friends BUT please understand your future is in YOUR OWN HAND. Parents maybe long winded or over protective like most teenagers thinks but its all for your own good.
Please let us all join hands to get raid of these culprits.
Hello readers. This blog is created with no intention to hurt or offend any person. Should you find it offensive I "beg your pardon" closed my blog and never view it again. If you like it do comment. All comments are welcome. At certain point, news' informations are paste up in this blog as to prove to reader that they are genuine cases. Thank you

Friday, November 7, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
LOOKING FOR JOBS
While having my breakfast one morning. A friend of mine came forward and started telling me about her problem.
She has a teenage daughter who is still schooling. She started trauntcy and was found working in a mobile shop and which her parents have no knowledge of it until the school inform them.
Dear all teenagers, I understand that with the situation of hiking prices in our daily use some of you are trying to make some income to ease your parents burden or maybe for your own extra pocket monies.
I do not deny, that some families are finding it very difficult to meet ends and your income does sometimes help.
Please understand that this is only a temporary measure, as you all are still schooling. Let us take a minute to ponder the following questions:
1. How long will this temporary working help you?
2. Does it not affect your studies?
3. Do you have enough sleep?
4. Do you have enough time to do revision or homework?
5. What is your ambition?
6. Are your parents aware of you a part time job?
7. Have they approve of it?
I was once a teenager before and I understand of having difficulties to meet ends. Anyway, all I know is that all parents are the same. THEY WANT THE BEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
She has a teenage daughter who is still schooling. She started trauntcy and was found working in a mobile shop and which her parents have no knowledge of it until the school inform them.
Dear all teenagers, I understand that with the situation of hiking prices in our daily use some of you are trying to make some income to ease your parents burden or maybe for your own extra pocket monies.
I do not deny, that some families are finding it very difficult to meet ends and your income does sometimes help.
Please understand that this is only a temporary measure, as you all are still schooling. Let us take a minute to ponder the following questions:
1. How long will this temporary working help you?
2. Does it not affect your studies?
3. Do you have enough sleep?
4. Do you have enough time to do revision or homework?
5. What is your ambition?
6. Are your parents aware of you a part time job?
7. Have they approve of it?
I was once a teenager before and I understand of having difficulties to meet ends. Anyway, all I know is that all parents are the same. THEY WANT THE BEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
GIRLS BECAREFUL
I came across this article today while reading the news and I wish to get this message across to all teenagers. At the age from 15 to 19. Please study for your future. Your education is your passport to your future.
Do not tarnish your future in these doings.
Girls out there PLEASE be careful.
NST Online » Local News 2008/10/28
Teenager raped by 8
KUALA TERENGGANU: A 15-year-old sneaked out of her Kampung Ajil home about 1.30am on Friday for a romantic tryst with her boyfriend.
It turned into a nightmare of sexual violence as she was gang-raped by her 15-year-old boyfriend and seven others, aged 15 to 19
Her boyfriend had taken her to a vacant house where he and three others raped her. She has identified the three as locals from her village, said a police spokesman.
He then took her to another vacant house in a nearby village where she was forced to have sex with four strangers.When they were done, he was dropped off at a friend's home.
She lodged a police report later that day.
Her boyfriend and an 18-year-old from the same village have been arrested. Police are searching for the remaining six suspects who are believed to be in hiding.
Do not tarnish your future in these doings.
Girls out there PLEASE be careful.
NST Online » Local News 2008/10/28
Teenager raped by 8
KUALA TERENGGANU: A 15-year-old sneaked out of her Kampung Ajil home about 1.30am on Friday for a romantic tryst with her boyfriend.
It turned into a nightmare of sexual violence as she was gang-raped by her 15-year-old boyfriend and seven others, aged 15 to 19
Her boyfriend had taken her to a vacant house where he and three others raped her. She has identified the three as locals from her village, said a police spokesman.
He then took her to another vacant house in a nearby village where she was forced to have sex with four strangers.When they were done, he was dropped off at a friend's home.
She lodged a police report later that day.
Her boyfriend and an 18-year-old from the same village have been arrested. Police are searching for the remaining six suspects who are believed to be in hiding.
Monday, October 27, 2008
SORRY
I am very sorry for not updating my blog lately.
Please accept my apology.
I shall be away for sometime but I will try to update you with the latest information whenever I can.
Thank you.
Please accept my apology.
I shall be away for sometime but I will try to update you with the latest information whenever I can.
Thank you.
Hari Bakti
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Buka Puasa at SMK Seri Mutiara
On 26th September I was also invited to the "Majlis Berbuka Puasa" organized by the "Panitia Pendidikan Islam SMK Seri Mutiara".
Also present are Pengetua of SMK Seri Mutiara, Puan Halimah and many of the school teachers as well as some of the PIBG members, Mr Lim, En Mohd Khairi, Ms Shereen Pan and Mr Tony Siew.
There were many foods left too. Hope everyone has enjoyed that evening.
GANGSTERS RECRUITING STUDENT
Another big issue for me as I read through the news today.
To all students out there PLEASE REMEMBER your PARENTS LOVES YOU. Please do not be lure into this trap......
To all parents please work hand in hand with the school, PIBG of the school and the police.
Thank you
Thursday September 25, 2008
Gangsters recruiting students with Genting holiday offers
KULAI: Gangsters have been offering holidays to Genting Highlands as perks to lure teenagers from a school here into joining them.
At least seven students from SMK Kulai Besar are believed to have been targeted by the gangs recently.
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said the students were approached after they left the school compound.
He said he was stunned to hear the methods employed by the gangs, including the holiday offers.
“The gangsters have also demanded fees of RM2.10 from the students,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting at the school with parents, teachers and representatives from the police and the state education department.
He said five reports had been lodged at the Kulaijaya police station over the matter. The police have been asked to conduct daily patrols outside the school compound.
He urged parents and students who have been approached by gangs to lodge a report, givinge an assurance that police would ensure the safety of the students.
Kulaijaya OCPD Supt Zulkefly Ahmad said the public could contact Insp Khairi Salleh at 012-964 2462 or the state police hotline at 07-2212 999 if they come across gangster-related activities.
To all students out there PLEASE REMEMBER your PARENTS LOVES YOU. Please do not be lure into this trap......
To all parents please work hand in hand with the school, PIBG of the school and the police.
Thank you
Thursday September 25, 2008
Gangsters recruiting students with Genting holiday offers
KULAI: Gangsters have been offering holidays to Genting Highlands as perks to lure teenagers from a school here into joining them.
At least seven students from SMK Kulai Besar are believed to have been targeted by the gangs recently.
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said the students were approached after they left the school compound.
He said he was stunned to hear the methods employed by the gangs, including the holiday offers.
“The gangsters have also demanded fees of RM2.10 from the students,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting at the school with parents, teachers and representatives from the police and the state education department.
He said five reports had been lodged at the Kulaijaya police station over the matter. The police have been asked to conduct daily patrols outside the school compound.
He urged parents and students who have been approached by gangs to lodge a report, givinge an assurance that police would ensure the safety of the students.
Kulaijaya OCPD Supt Zulkefly Ahmad said the public could contact Insp Khairi Salleh at 012-964 2462 or the state police hotline at 07-2212 999 if they come across gangster-related activities.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Put an end to bullying problem in schools
Hello,
Another extract from the Star News. Yes, we have to join our hands together to put a STOP to those bullies. BUT how is a question.
If everyone is fearful then I will say CONGRATULATION as these will go on and on.
Any parents or students had encounter these problem please voice out.
Let the Ministry/police/school be aware of these.
SCHOOL is a place for LEARNING not for SAMSENG OR FIGHTING .
Monday September 15, 2008
Put an end to bullying problem in schools
THE report, “Boy: Teacher watched as students beat me up,” (The Star, Sept 12) left me feeling angry and disgusted at how a preventable incident like bullying is swept under the rug.
As a former victim of school yard bullying, my heart goes out to the Form Four kid who went through this ordeal.
I also praise him and his father for coming forward with this matter.
At the same time, I would like to ask where is the justice when those 20 students who beat him up over a trivial matter are allowed to get away with their bad behaviour scot-free.
Unless these students are reprimanded and dealt with, they are likely to do the same thing to another student which may cause severe injury or death.
The teacher who chose not to come to the boy’s aid as well as having the cheek to tell him not to report the matter, is only giving all good teachers a bad name.
A teacher’s role is not only to impart knowledge in the classroom but to uphold good examples by condemning bad behaviour.
This teacher has let the victim down by letting the bullies get away. My question is whether this teacher only cared about defending the school’s reputation or was the teacher a coward who could not stand up to those 20 bullies?
There is no denying that bullying in Malaysian schools have become rampant and this makes parents and caregivers worry about their children’s safety.
All communities, relevant authorities and the Education Ministry must tackle the bullying problem in schools.
Bullying and violence do not deserve any place in a learning environment.
Moreover, we need to get to the root of the problem and find out what drives students to bully another student otherwise they are likely to continue doing this in their adulthood and are likely to end up becoming terrors on our streets like the samsengs and gangsters of today.
S. YIN,
Auckland, New Zealand.
Another extract from the Star News. Yes, we have to join our hands together to put a STOP to those bullies. BUT how is a question.
If everyone is fearful then I will say CONGRATULATION as these will go on and on.
Any parents or students had encounter these problem please voice out.
Let the Ministry/police/school be aware of these.
SCHOOL is a place for LEARNING not for SAMSENG OR FIGHTING .
Monday September 15, 2008
Put an end to bullying problem in schools
THE report, “Boy: Teacher watched as students beat me up,” (The Star, Sept 12) left me feeling angry and disgusted at how a preventable incident like bullying is swept under the rug.
As a former victim of school yard bullying, my heart goes out to the Form Four kid who went through this ordeal.
I also praise him and his father for coming forward with this matter.
At the same time, I would like to ask where is the justice when those 20 students who beat him up over a trivial matter are allowed to get away with their bad behaviour scot-free.
Unless these students are reprimanded and dealt with, they are likely to do the same thing to another student which may cause severe injury or death.
The teacher who chose not to come to the boy’s aid as well as having the cheek to tell him not to report the matter, is only giving all good teachers a bad name.
A teacher’s role is not only to impart knowledge in the classroom but to uphold good examples by condemning bad behaviour.
This teacher has let the victim down by letting the bullies get away. My question is whether this teacher only cared about defending the school’s reputation or was the teacher a coward who could not stand up to those 20 bullies?
There is no denying that bullying in Malaysian schools have become rampant and this makes parents and caregivers worry about their children’s safety.
All communities, relevant authorities and the Education Ministry must tackle the bullying problem in schools.
Bullying and violence do not deserve any place in a learning environment.
Moreover, we need to get to the root of the problem and find out what drives students to bully another student otherwise they are likely to continue doing this in their adulthood and are likely to end up becoming terrors on our streets like the samsengs and gangsters of today.
S. YIN,
Auckland, New Zealand.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
STRESS
Stress
A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience,Raised a glass of water and asked 'How heavy is this glass of water?'
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter.
It depends on how long you try to hold it.
If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.
If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.
'He continued,'
And that's the way it is with stress management.If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,
As the burden becomes increasingly heavy,
We won't be able to carry on.
''As with the glass of water,
You have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.
''So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down.
Don't carry it home.You can pick it up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now,
Let them down for a moment if you can.
'So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.
Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon,And some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet,Just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look goodIf you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can beRecalled by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again,It was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, Because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well.Just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* Birthdays are good for you.The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world,! But you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today...I did.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
English - Don't pronounce everything
Wednesday September 3, 2008
Don’t pronounce everything!
By LUKE TEOH
It is very common not to hear some of the vowels when we pronounce some words. These are called unstressed vowels.
A MALAYSIAN man who was on holiday at his sister’s in Toronto asked for an envelope from his niece but she could not comprehend what he wanted.
He repeated the word “envelope” a few times, yet his niece did not know what he wanted so he enunciated, “En-ve-luhp.”
But the Canadian-born girl was still puzzled so she went to ask her Malaysian-born mother what her uncle wanted.
The lady said, “He’d like an onv-luhp.”
What had confused the niece was that her uncle was unaware of the unstressed vowel in the word envelope and had pronounced it giving the word three syllables instead of the usual two.
What are unstressed vowels?
It is very common not to hear some of the vowels when we pronounce some words. These are called unstressed vowels. Such a vowel is shown in dictionaries as an italicised schwa or a bracketed schwa which tells you that the vowel is not usually pronounced in the word.
Here are examples of some words with the unstressed vowel missing in each word.
1. bre_kfast
2. veg_table
3. bus_ness
4. diff_rent
5. int_rest
6. myst_ry
7. sep_rate
8. choc_late
9. di_mond
10. ev_ry
11. hist_ry
Here are the pronunciations of some words with an unstressed vowel missed out in each word. Did you know the words? Check in a dictionary for the italicised or bracketed schwa.
1. temprature
2. mathmatics
3. camra
4. factry
5. poisnous
6. cemetry
7. Wensday
Here are some common phrases with an unstressed vowel in each phrase:
1. sister-in-law – sistrin law
2. mother-in-law – mothrin law (_thrin assimilated and pronounced as _drin)
3. father-in-law – fathrin law
4. brother-in-law – brothrin law
5. daughter-in-law – daughtrin law
6. Mr & Mrs – mistruhn misiz
Silent letters
Some letters in certain words are not pronounced, i.e. they are silent. Here are some common silent letters, showing where they occur:
1. bo plumber, plumbing
o bomber, bombing
o climber, climbing
o debt, debtor
o subtle
o doubt, doubting
2. co scent
o science
o scythe
o rescind
o sceptre
o descend
3. ko knob
o knack
o knight
o knuckle
o knell
o knead
4. g
o gnat
o gnash
o sign, design
o align, alignment
o gnaw
o gnarled
5. ho exhibit
o exhaust
o heir
o honour, honourable
o honest, honesty
o vehicle
6 . l
o salmon
o almond
o yolk
o walk
o alms
o palm
7. wo wrath
o writhe
o wreck
o wracking
o wriggle
o answer
8. p
o raspberry
o pneumatic
o psychology, psychiatry
o pneumonia
o pseudonym
o psalm
9. so isle
o aisle
o viscount
o debris
o island
10. to fasten
o listen, listener, listening
o often
o glisten
o christen
o jostling
11. u
o guitar
o circuit
o guillotine
o guilt, guilty, guiltless
o biscuit
o guard
Elisions
Elision – the ‘missing out’ of a consonant or vowel or both is also very common in informal speech.
1. elision of a vowel
o go away (go way )
o try again (try gain)
o run along (run long)
o may as well (may-s well )
o get another (get nother)
2 . elision of a consonant to must be
o left turn
o next day
o post office
o went up
do stand still
o a thousand ringgit
o could be
o bold face
o found out
o loved traveling
This is just a very simple and rather superficial explanation on the eliding of sounds in pronunciation as I am unable to use the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) on the computer.
For a more detailed explanation, one can refer to books on spoken English or pronunciation.
I have referred to Modern Spoken English by Thomas Lee Crowell, Jr (Late Professor of English, Columbia University and Hunter College), Listening to Spoken English by Gillian Brown (Professor of English as an International Language, University of Cambridge) and An Introduction to the Pronunciation of English by A.C. Gimson (formerly Professor of Phonetics, University College, London).
A dictionary is one of the most frequently used books for getting information and I have found the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English quite adequate for everyday use.
Should you have any questions on the pronunciation of English or phonetics, do contact me – luketeoh2@yahoo.com
Don’t pronounce everything!
By LUKE TEOH
It is very common not to hear some of the vowels when we pronounce some words. These are called unstressed vowels.
A MALAYSIAN man who was on holiday at his sister’s in Toronto asked for an envelope from his niece but she could not comprehend what he wanted.
He repeated the word “envelope” a few times, yet his niece did not know what he wanted so he enunciated, “En-ve-luhp.”
But the Canadian-born girl was still puzzled so she went to ask her Malaysian-born mother what her uncle wanted.
The lady said, “He’d like an onv-luhp.”
What had confused the niece was that her uncle was unaware of the unstressed vowel in the word envelope and had pronounced it giving the word three syllables instead of the usual two.
What are unstressed vowels?
It is very common not to hear some of the vowels when we pronounce some words. These are called unstressed vowels. Such a vowel is shown in dictionaries as an italicised schwa or a bracketed schwa which tells you that the vowel is not usually pronounced in the word.
Here are examples of some words with the unstressed vowel missing in each word.
1. bre_kfast
2. veg_table
3. bus_ness
4. diff_rent
5. int_rest
6. myst_ry
7. sep_rate
8. choc_late
9. di_mond
10. ev_ry
11. hist_ry
Here are the pronunciations of some words with an unstressed vowel missed out in each word. Did you know the words? Check in a dictionary for the italicised or bracketed schwa.
1. temprature
2. mathmatics
3. camra
4. factry
5. poisnous
6. cemetry
7. Wensday
Here are some common phrases with an unstressed vowel in each phrase:
1. sister-in-law – sistrin law
2. mother-in-law – mothrin law (_thrin assimilated and pronounced as _drin)
3. father-in-law – fathrin law
4. brother-in-law – brothrin law
5. daughter-in-law – daughtrin law
6. Mr & Mrs – mistruhn misiz
Silent letters
Some letters in certain words are not pronounced, i.e. they are silent. Here are some common silent letters, showing where they occur:
1. bo plumber, plumbing
o bomber, bombing
o climber, climbing
o debt, debtor
o subtle
o doubt, doubting
2. co scent
o science
o scythe
o rescind
o sceptre
o descend
3. ko knob
o knack
o knight
o knuckle
o knell
o knead
4. g
o gnat
o gnash
o sign, design
o align, alignment
o gnaw
o gnarled
5. ho exhibit
o exhaust
o heir
o honour, honourable
o honest, honesty
o vehicle
6 . l
o salmon
o almond
o yolk
o walk
o alms
o palm
7. wo wrath
o writhe
o wreck
o wracking
o wriggle
o answer
8. p
o raspberry
o pneumatic
o psychology, psychiatry
o pneumonia
o pseudonym
o psalm
9. so isle
o aisle
o viscount
o debris
o island
10. to fasten
o listen, listener, listening
o often
o glisten
o christen
o jostling
11. u
o guitar
o circuit
o guillotine
o guilt, guilty, guiltless
o biscuit
o guard
Elisions
Elision – the ‘missing out’ of a consonant or vowel or both is also very common in informal speech.
1. elision of a vowel
o go away (go way )
o try again (try gain)
o run along (run long)
o may as well (may-s well )
o get another (get nother)
2 . elision of a consonant to must be
o left turn
o next day
o post office
o went up
do stand still
o a thousand ringgit
o could be
o bold face
o found out
o loved traveling
This is just a very simple and rather superficial explanation on the eliding of sounds in pronunciation as I am unable to use the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) on the computer.
For a more detailed explanation, one can refer to books on spoken English or pronunciation.
I have referred to Modern Spoken English by Thomas Lee Crowell, Jr (Late Professor of English, Columbia University and Hunter College), Listening to Spoken English by Gillian Brown (Professor of English as an International Language, University of Cambridge) and An Introduction to the Pronunciation of English by A.C. Gimson (formerly Professor of Phonetics, University College, London).
A dictionary is one of the most frequently used books for getting information and I have found the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English quite adequate for everyday use.
Should you have any questions on the pronunciation of English or phonetics, do contact me – luketeoh2@yahoo.com
English - Letter writing
Another extract from the news cutting written by Luke Teoh , Ipoh
Friday July 18, 2008
No more punctuation
OPEN CHANNEL
IN the Seventies, in its Manual for Civil Service Typists, the British Civil Service recommended the omission of full-stops marking abbreviations and all non-essential commas outside the body of a letter – from the date, the inside name and address, and after the salutation and the complimentary closure.
This gave rise to a modern style of letter-writing, and this information has been disseminated to the teaching of letter-writing in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and several other Commonwealth countries. What about Malaysia?
Abbreviations
Mr (NOT Mr. with the full-stop)
Mrs
Dr
am / pm
Ltd
BA / BSc / MA / Ph D
UN / NATO / USA / UK
Addresses
Miss Joanne Kam
8 Jalan Lembu
Bukit Putra
31360 Sekandang
Letters – salutations and complimentary closures.
Dear Sam (NOT Dear Sam, with the comma)
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely (NOT Yours sincerely, with the comma)
Yours truly
I think Malaysian students should be taught this modern style of letter–writing, too. It has been more than 30 years overdue.
People can make judgements about you not only from what you say in your letters but from the way you say it: this includes the way you set out the letter and address the envelope.
Friday July 18, 2008
No more punctuation
OPEN CHANNEL
IN the Seventies, in its Manual for Civil Service Typists, the British Civil Service recommended the omission of full-stops marking abbreviations and all non-essential commas outside the body of a letter – from the date, the inside name and address, and after the salutation and the complimentary closure.
This gave rise to a modern style of letter-writing, and this information has been disseminated to the teaching of letter-writing in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and several other Commonwealth countries. What about Malaysia?
Abbreviations
Mr (NOT Mr. with the full-stop)
Mrs
Dr
am / pm
Ltd
BA / BSc / MA / Ph D
UN / NATO / USA / UK
Addresses
Miss Joanne Kam
8 Jalan Lembu
Bukit Putra
31360 Sekandang
Letters – salutations and complimentary closures.
Dear Sam (NOT Dear Sam, with the comma)
Dear Sir
Yours sincerely (NOT Yours sincerely, with the comma)
Yours truly
I think Malaysian students should be taught this modern style of letter–writing, too. It has been more than 30 years overdue.
People can make judgements about you not only from what you say in your letters but from the way you say it: this includes the way you set out the letter and address the envelope.
English - acronyms
An extract from the news cutting.
Friday July 18, 2008
All about ASAP and FYI and FYA
By CHRISTINE JALLEH
ONE day, a colleague turned to me and asked, “What’s FYI?”
“For your information.”
“What’s FYA?”
“For your action.”
“What’s WRT?”
“With reference to...”
Before the conversation dragged on any further, I quickly looked up a website on acronyms used in business communications and sent it to him via e-mail.
This conversation made me realise that the full meaning of many acronyms and abbreviations may not be immediately apparent for many people – students or working adults alike.
For starters, an acronym is a word created from combining the initial letters of each word. For example, For your action.
An abbreviation is a word shortened from its original form. For example, “Attn.” is an abbreviation of the word “attention” to convey the meaning “for the attention of”.
In general, a full stop is used for abbreviations where the last letter of the word and the abbreviation are not the same. For example, “Co.” (Company) needs a full stop but “Ltd” (Limited) does not. Acronyms do not need punctuation marks.
Below are some frequently used short forms in business communication like e-mails, faxes and letters:
a.k.a. – also known as
On Monday morning, Kay El, a.k.a. The Boss, walked in happily and greeted her assistant, Pee Jay.
approx. – approximately
Checking her e-mail, Pee Jay read, “Today is the boss’s birthday. Can everyone please slip off quietly to the cafeteria in approx. 15 minutes?”
ASAP – as soon as possible
Pee Jay opened up her daily planner and scribbled ASAP next to some of the urgent items on her to-do list.
Attn. – for the attention of
Leafing through the stack of mail to be sent out, Pee Jay asked her boss, “To whom should I address the cheque for the annual report?”
Her boss replied, “Just write ‘Attn: Ms. Chris-tine Jalleh’. She’ll know what to do with it.”
Bcc. – blind carbon copy or blind copy to. In this case, the carbon copy is sent to an e-mail recipient whose e-mail address is not visible to the cc or other bcc recipients.
“By the way, I think it’s better if you bcc me in your e-mail to Brown. We wouldn’t want him thinking that I’m supervising you for this project.”
Cc. – carbon copy, or copy to
“But I would like to be cc-ed on the e-mail to Mr Green as I have not yet introduced the both of you to each other.”
c/o – in care of, used when sending a document to A who will receive it on B’s behalf because B is away from the office.
“Boss, I think Christine is back in China this week. Would it be all right if I sent the cheque in care of her assistant? I’ll still write her name on top with c/o Ah Sis Tern below.”
COD – cash on delivery, where a person makes payment for an item purchase after it has been delivered.
“I’m also sending out the cheque for the set of Business English reference books we bought COD on eBay.”
e.g. – exempli gratia (for example)
Pee Jay replied to the e-mail, “Hi everyone. Please remember that the boss doesn’t like surprises, e.g. everyone shouting ‘Surprise!’ in the cafeteria.”
et al. – et alii (and others). Usually used to list co-authors after the lead author in a bibliography, this form is now popularly used to address the other people other than the recipient in e-mails.
She received a new e-mail, which read, “Dear Pee Jay et al., I was reminded that the boss does NOT like surprises ...”
etc. – et cetera (and so on OR and so forth)
This means that we will not be able to collectively surprise her by springing out of the cafeteria doors as we had planned, etc.
exc. – except
“Can everyone, exc. Pee Jay, be at the cafeteria in 5 minutes? We need to figure out a surprise without the surprise element. Thanks!”
FYI – for your information
Her boss’s voice brought the young assistant back to the present, “Pee Jay, I’m forwarding you all these e-mails FYI, okay?”
FYA – for your action
“Note that some of these e-mails are FYA ...”
i.e. – id est (that is)
After acknowledging her supervisor, Pee Jay decided to help her colleagues out and typed, “She’s in a good mood today, i.e. we won a new account and completed a major project.”
K – thousand, e.g. 450K = 450,000
“Just to give you an idea of her mood, it’s a 450K retainer for the first quarter ...”
PA – personal assistant
The immediate reply to Pee Jay’s e-mail read, “Thanks for the info, Pee Jay – you’re the best PA!”
p.a. – per annum (per year)
Pee Jay smiled and responded, “Haha, there is a reason why I’m paid RM65K p.a.”
p.p. - per pro (used when signing a document on someone’s behalf)
Looking back at her paperwork, Pee Jay signed some invoices on her boss’s behalf, inserting p.p. just before her signature.
Pto. – please turn over, used at the end of a page to indicate that there is a continuity to the text.
“By the way, please remember to type Pto. on the first page of the proposal you’re sending. The last time we sent it to him, he forgot to read the subsequent pages,” chimed in Kay El.
viz. – videlicet, namely
She got up and left a note on Pee Jay’s work station before leaving. Scribbled on it was, “Can I pass you my slice of birthday cake after I cut it? I really don’t need a lot of carbo, viz. refined flour, at my age.” The note ended with a wink.
Readers can go to http://www.acronymfinder.com/ to search for the meanings of over 4 million acronyms and abbreviations. This online dictionary also allows users to filter their search according to categories like information technology (IT), military and government, business and finance, science and medicine, organisations and schools, and slang and pop culture.
Friday July 18, 2008
All about ASAP and FYI and FYA
By CHRISTINE JALLEH
ONE day, a colleague turned to me and asked, “What’s FYI?”
“For your information.”
“What’s FYA?”
“For your action.”
“What’s WRT?”
“With reference to...”
Before the conversation dragged on any further, I quickly looked up a website on acronyms used in business communications and sent it to him via e-mail.
This conversation made me realise that the full meaning of many acronyms and abbreviations may not be immediately apparent for many people – students or working adults alike.
For starters, an acronym is a word created from combining the initial letters of each word. For example, For your action.
An abbreviation is a word shortened from its original form. For example, “Attn.” is an abbreviation of the word “attention” to convey the meaning “for the attention of”.
In general, a full stop is used for abbreviations where the last letter of the word and the abbreviation are not the same. For example, “Co.” (Company) needs a full stop but “Ltd” (Limited) does not. Acronyms do not need punctuation marks.
Below are some frequently used short forms in business communication like e-mails, faxes and letters:
a.k.a. – also known as
On Monday morning, Kay El, a.k.a. The Boss, walked in happily and greeted her assistant, Pee Jay.
approx. – approximately
Checking her e-mail, Pee Jay read, “Today is the boss’s birthday. Can everyone please slip off quietly to the cafeteria in approx. 15 minutes?”
ASAP – as soon as possible
Pee Jay opened up her daily planner and scribbled ASAP next to some of the urgent items on her to-do list.
Attn. – for the attention of
Leafing through the stack of mail to be sent out, Pee Jay asked her boss, “To whom should I address the cheque for the annual report?”
Her boss replied, “Just write ‘Attn: Ms. Chris-tine Jalleh’. She’ll know what to do with it.”
Bcc. – blind carbon copy or blind copy to. In this case, the carbon copy is sent to an e-mail recipient whose e-mail address is not visible to the cc or other bcc recipients.
“By the way, I think it’s better if you bcc me in your e-mail to Brown. We wouldn’t want him thinking that I’m supervising you for this project.”
Cc. – carbon copy, or copy to
“But I would like to be cc-ed on the e-mail to Mr Green as I have not yet introduced the both of you to each other.”
c/o – in care of, used when sending a document to A who will receive it on B’s behalf because B is away from the office.
“Boss, I think Christine is back in China this week. Would it be all right if I sent the cheque in care of her assistant? I’ll still write her name on top with c/o Ah Sis Tern below.”
COD – cash on delivery, where a person makes payment for an item purchase after it has been delivered.
“I’m also sending out the cheque for the set of Business English reference books we bought COD on eBay.”
e.g. – exempli gratia (for example)
Pee Jay replied to the e-mail, “Hi everyone. Please remember that the boss doesn’t like surprises, e.g. everyone shouting ‘Surprise!’ in the cafeteria.”
et al. – et alii (and others). Usually used to list co-authors after the lead author in a bibliography, this form is now popularly used to address the other people other than the recipient in e-mails.
She received a new e-mail, which read, “Dear Pee Jay et al., I was reminded that the boss does NOT like surprises ...”
etc. – et cetera (and so on OR and so forth)
This means that we will not be able to collectively surprise her by springing out of the cafeteria doors as we had planned, etc.
exc. – except
“Can everyone, exc. Pee Jay, be at the cafeteria in 5 minutes? We need to figure out a surprise without the surprise element. Thanks!”
FYI – for your information
Her boss’s voice brought the young assistant back to the present, “Pee Jay, I’m forwarding you all these e-mails FYI, okay?”
FYA – for your action
“Note that some of these e-mails are FYA ...”
i.e. – id est (that is)
After acknowledging her supervisor, Pee Jay decided to help her colleagues out and typed, “She’s in a good mood today, i.e. we won a new account and completed a major project.”
K – thousand, e.g. 450K = 450,000
“Just to give you an idea of her mood, it’s a 450K retainer for the first quarter ...”
PA – personal assistant
The immediate reply to Pee Jay’s e-mail read, “Thanks for the info, Pee Jay – you’re the best PA!”
p.a. – per annum (per year)
Pee Jay smiled and responded, “Haha, there is a reason why I’m paid RM65K p.a.”
p.p. - per pro (used when signing a document on someone’s behalf)
Looking back at her paperwork, Pee Jay signed some invoices on her boss’s behalf, inserting p.p. just before her signature.
Pto. – please turn over, used at the end of a page to indicate that there is a continuity to the text.
“By the way, please remember to type Pto. on the first page of the proposal you’re sending. The last time we sent it to him, he forgot to read the subsequent pages,” chimed in Kay El.
viz. – videlicet, namely
She got up and left a note on Pee Jay’s work station before leaving. Scribbled on it was, “Can I pass you my slice of birthday cake after I cut it? I really don’t need a lot of carbo, viz. refined flour, at my age.” The note ended with a wink.
Readers can go to http://www.acronymfinder.com/ to search for the meanings of over 4 million acronyms and abbreviations. This online dictionary also allows users to filter their search according to categories like information technology (IT), military and government, business and finance, science and medicine, organisations and schools, and slang and pop culture.
Monday, September 1, 2008
MUHIBBAH
Extract from the Star.
Saturday August 30, 2008 MYT 8:19:11 PM
Merdeka gathering of religious leaders to be held annually
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: For the first time since Malaysia achieved independence 51 years ago, a gathering of religious leaders representing various faiths was held Saturday. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants such a gathering be held annually as part of the country's merdeka celebration.
The Prime Minister said the inaugural gathering was a historical moment for the country as heads of various religions and communities gathered in the same hall to mingle.
"This is a historical and momentous time for all of us and I want similar gatherings be held every year when we celebrate Merdeka in years to come.
"We will find ways to improve and modify the gathering and see if there are opportunities for discussions to be held among the religious leaders. This is a perfect way to strengthen the bond among fellow Malaysians and we should not forego this golden opportunity," he said.
Abdullah was speaking at a "muhibbah" gathering attended by some 300 religious leaders and representatives of various faith groups, organised by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.
Present were minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, National Unity and Integration department director-general Datuk Azman Amin Hassan and Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddishm, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Datuk A. Vaithilingam.
The Prime Minister said that efforts and opportunities must be sought among religious leaders to meet, eat at the same table as well as exchange views as this is a good way to know and understand each other's religious perspective better.
"This will also help promote muhibbah (unity), tolerance and respect, which is extremely important in a multi-religion, multi-ethnic society like Malaysia," he said.
Saturday August 30, 2008 MYT 8:19:11 PM
Merdeka gathering of religious leaders to be held annually
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: For the first time since Malaysia achieved independence 51 years ago, a gathering of religious leaders representing various faiths was held Saturday. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants such a gathering be held annually as part of the country's merdeka celebration.
The Prime Minister said the inaugural gathering was a historical moment for the country as heads of various religions and communities gathered in the same hall to mingle.
"This is a historical and momentous time for all of us and I want similar gatherings be held every year when we celebrate Merdeka in years to come.
"We will find ways to improve and modify the gathering and see if there are opportunities for discussions to be held among the religious leaders. This is a perfect way to strengthen the bond among fellow Malaysians and we should not forego this golden opportunity," he said.
Abdullah was speaking at a "muhibbah" gathering attended by some 300 religious leaders and representatives of various faith groups, organised by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.
Present were minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, National Unity and Integration department director-general Datuk Azman Amin Hassan and Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddishm, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Datuk A. Vaithilingam.
The Prime Minister said that efforts and opportunities must be sought among religious leaders to meet, eat at the same table as well as exchange views as this is a good way to know and understand each other's religious perspective better.
"This will also help promote muhibbah (unity), tolerance and respect, which is extremely important in a multi-religion, multi-ethnic society like Malaysia," he said.
Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir
This is another extract from the Star.
I have met him before, when my mother was admitted to hospital in 2006. Know somethimg he is a very humble doctor. Great, doc, god bless you.
Monday September 1, 2008
Prof Khalid honoured with first Merdeka Award
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI
JOHOR BARU: For more than 30 years, Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir has been researching the human body’s response to stress and diabetes.
The efforts by the 60-year-old head of the Johor Baru Monash University Clinical School and endocrinologist paid off when he was honoured with the first Merdeka Award for Health, Science and Technology.
“The award will inspire me to work harder in my research,” he said in an interview.
The award is jointly initiated by Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell. The Star is the official media for the Merdeka Awards.
The first part of his research work, which started in 1973 at Monash University Australia, focused on how the body responds to stress and ways to modify the responses as its effects might lead to diseases.
Monday September 1, 2008
Prof Khalid honoured with first Merdeka Award
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI
JOHOR BARU: For more than 30 years, Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir has been researching the human body’s response to stress and diabetes.
The efforts by the 60-year-old head of the Johor Baru Monash University Clinical School and endocrinologist paid off when he was honoured with the first Merdeka Award for Health, Science and Technology.
“The award will inspire me to work harder in my research,” he said in an interview.
The award is jointly initiated by Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell. The Star is the official media for the Merdeka Awards.
The first part of his research work, which started in 1973 at Monash University Australia, focused on how the body responds to stress and ways to modify the responses as its effects might lead to diseases.

Prof Khalid explained that the second part of his research involved studies on the number of people with diabetes and the reason they suffered the disease.
Scrolls of honour: Prof Khalid holding up one of his many certificates testifying to his achievements in Johor Baru recently.
“We discovered in the early 1980s that 4.6% of the country’s adult population suffered from the disease and the number increased to 8% between 1996 and 1997.
“At present, the number continues to grow – between 10% and 12% are effected despite the Government’s efforts in healthy lifestyle programmes,” he said.
He noted that the orang asli community, even those near urban areas, were not affected by diabetes, unlike the Malays, Chinese and Indians.
“We are very interested to know why they are 'protected' from the disease whereas Aborigines in Australia are more prone to it compared to Caucasians,” he said.
Born in Nong Chik, Johor, Prof Khalid admitted that it was difficult balancing his research with being an endocrinologist, his duties as a professor and his family.
“Young researchers must understand that medical clinical research can be quite an arduous journey.
“Collaborating with intelligent, enthusiastic, and bright group of people is important as research is a team effort,” he said.
Prof Khalid’s main inspiration for becoming a doctor was former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, who treated him when he had chickenpox as a child.
He said Prof John Funder of Monash University also inspired him to become a researcher in stress hormones during his PhD studies.
He is no stranger to stature as his parents were none other than former law minister Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusof and the nation’s first woman minister Tun Fatimah Hashim.
Scrolls of honour: Prof Khalid holding up one of his many certificates testifying to his achievements in Johor Baru recently.
“We discovered in the early 1980s that 4.6% of the country’s adult population suffered from the disease and the number increased to 8% between 1996 and 1997.
“At present, the number continues to grow – between 10% and 12% are effected despite the Government’s efforts in healthy lifestyle programmes,” he said.
He noted that the orang asli community, even those near urban areas, were not affected by diabetes, unlike the Malays, Chinese and Indians.
“We are very interested to know why they are 'protected' from the disease whereas Aborigines in Australia are more prone to it compared to Caucasians,” he said.
Born in Nong Chik, Johor, Prof Khalid admitted that it was difficult balancing his research with being an endocrinologist, his duties as a professor and his family.
“Young researchers must understand that medical clinical research can be quite an arduous journey.
“Collaborating with intelligent, enthusiastic, and bright group of people is important as research is a team effort,” he said.
Prof Khalid’s main inspiration for becoming a doctor was former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, who treated him when he had chickenpox as a child.
He said Prof John Funder of Monash University also inspired him to become a researcher in stress hormones during his PhD studies.
He is no stranger to stature as his parents were none other than former law minister Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusof and the nation’s first woman minister Tun Fatimah Hashim.
Monday, August 25, 2008
GOOD OLD DAY. TAN SRI P RAMLEE NOT FORGOTTEN
2008/08/25
Malaysian diplomat speaks on the P.Ramlee way towards promoting harmonyZakaria Abdul Wahab, Bernama
'nstonline';
SINGAPORE, MON:
“Our country should play P. Ramlee films everyday. His films can teach us how we can live together happily and harmoniously like the good old days,” says the Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk N. Parameswaran.
Parameswaran made the comment when asked what his wishes are for Malaysia and Malaysians in conjunction with the 51st National Day celebrations on Sunday.
He said during the P. Ramlee era, all races could go for a Malay ronggeng or joget dance and mixed happily.
(Tan Sri) P. Ramlee, who died in 1973 at a young age of 44, was a Malaysian as well as Singaporean icon long known for his significant contributions to the local, particularly Malay, film and entertainment industries.
He acted in and directed many films that focused on multi-racial themes and people in Malaysia and Singapore, having good relations and living harmoniously.
“But I do not like what I see now,” Parameswaran said, adding that he felt that some racial and religious polarisation may have unfortunately emerged.
He recalled that when he was studying in Universiti Malaya, he and a Malay friend shared a room rented from a Chinese family at Paramount Garden in Petaling Jaya.
“I’m the product of May 13, 1969,” Param, as he being affectionately called by those closed to him, said tersely.Soon after graduation he joined the government service on May 2, 1969, and very soon after that May 13 broke out.
During the difficult days of the May 13 riots, he said the Chinese family helped by giving him and his Malay room-mate food.
“I knew what it was then, when Malaysia was in shambles,” Param said, adding that he disliked with what had happened.
But after the May 13 incident, the country and Malaysians moved forward, never to let such ethnic strife surface again.
“We became one country, blurring the lines of race and religion,” he added.
But Param felt that in recent years some people failed to perpetuate harmonious relations among the Indians, Malays and Chinese.
The High Commissioner wished that Malaysians would go back to the good old days like in the 1960s, like the days of P. Ramlee.
He said Malaysians should emulate what they see in the P. Ramlee movies, which depicted them living together in harmony.
“We should begin to appreciate the differences in our races and religions. I like to see this happen as it is important,” Param said.
In other words, a country with different races but all living in unity and with little discord. Param said he was proud that Malaysia had a system that accommodated all the different races.“You know, our Prime Ministers are protected by our Unit Tindakan Khas boys who come from all races,” he pointed out.
On the Malaysia Day celebrations in Singapore, Param said since it would fall on the fasting month of Ramadan, the high commission would celebrate it with a ’buka puasa’ event at a hotel with about 600 to 800 guests.
For his final wish come Aug 31, Param said, “I want a harmonious Malaysia.” And more P. Ramlee movies to show the way it should be.
Malaysian diplomat speaks on the P.Ramlee way towards promoting harmonyZakaria Abdul Wahab, Bernama
'nstonline';
SINGAPORE, MON:
“Our country should play P. Ramlee films everyday. His films can teach us how we can live together happily and harmoniously like the good old days,” says the Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk N. Parameswaran.
Parameswaran made the comment when asked what his wishes are for Malaysia and Malaysians in conjunction with the 51st National Day celebrations on Sunday.
He said during the P. Ramlee era, all races could go for a Malay ronggeng or joget dance and mixed happily.
(Tan Sri) P. Ramlee, who died in 1973 at a young age of 44, was a Malaysian as well as Singaporean icon long known for his significant contributions to the local, particularly Malay, film and entertainment industries.
He acted in and directed many films that focused on multi-racial themes and people in Malaysia and Singapore, having good relations and living harmoniously.
“But I do not like what I see now,” Parameswaran said, adding that he felt that some racial and religious polarisation may have unfortunately emerged.
He recalled that when he was studying in Universiti Malaya, he and a Malay friend shared a room rented from a Chinese family at Paramount Garden in Petaling Jaya.
“I’m the product of May 13, 1969,” Param, as he being affectionately called by those closed to him, said tersely.Soon after graduation he joined the government service on May 2, 1969, and very soon after that May 13 broke out.
During the difficult days of the May 13 riots, he said the Chinese family helped by giving him and his Malay room-mate food.
“I knew what it was then, when Malaysia was in shambles,” Param said, adding that he disliked with what had happened.
But after the May 13 incident, the country and Malaysians moved forward, never to let such ethnic strife surface again.
“We became one country, blurring the lines of race and religion,” he added.
But Param felt that in recent years some people failed to perpetuate harmonious relations among the Indians, Malays and Chinese.
The High Commissioner wished that Malaysians would go back to the good old days like in the 1960s, like the days of P. Ramlee.
He said Malaysians should emulate what they see in the P. Ramlee movies, which depicted them living together in harmony.
“We should begin to appreciate the differences in our races and religions. I like to see this happen as it is important,” Param said.
In other words, a country with different races but all living in unity and with little discord. Param said he was proud that Malaysia had a system that accommodated all the different races.“You know, our Prime Ministers are protected by our Unit Tindakan Khas boys who come from all races,” he pointed out.
On the Malaysia Day celebrations in Singapore, Param said since it would fall on the fasting month of Ramadan, the high commission would celebrate it with a ’buka puasa’ event at a hotel with about 600 to 800 guests.
For his final wish come Aug 31, Param said, “I want a harmonious Malaysia.” And more P. Ramlee movies to show the way it should be.
UNITY is the word
Friday, 22 August 2008
UNITY is the word
Well, do you agree. Whatever colour is our skin, our blood is still RED. Let us join our hands together. We are born, breed and nurture here, so we are MALAYSIAN. Stay united is the word.
NST Online » Letters2008/08/22
National day: Don't take unity for granted
By : TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Kuala Lumpur
AUGUST is of utmost significance to all Malaysians because it is the month to commemorate our independence.
It will be a smaller budget for the 51st Merdeka celebration when compared with the previous years, in view of the present austerity drive by the government.
But despite a drop in its budget, the 51st Merdeka anniversary should remain a spirited event to help remind Malaysians of the significance of the Merdeka celebrations.
We have been independent for 51 years. Although the Malaysian nation may not be perfect, it has weathered many storms and laid the foundation for the attainment of racial harmony and unity.
Let us not jeopardise what we have achieved so far through a spirit of understanding and accommodation. Let us not allow extremism and violence in whatever form to divide the nation, which is our birthplace, our home, our workplace and eventually our final rest destination.
As Malaysians of all races commemorate another anniversary of our independence, allow me to stress once again the very fundamentals that have brought us together, which are the principles contained in the Rukun Negara.
The Rukun Negara is our guide for nation-building and should be respected by all. It is a shared vision for national unity. Its principles should always be upheld and practised for we must never take for granted the stability, peace and harmony we have attained so far.
Many people are taking unity for granted. This is not a healthy development, for in a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural country like Malaysia, continuous efforts must be made by all Malaysians to nurture and reinforce unity.
Malaysians must be prepared to reduce their strong sense of ethnicity in order to achieve "Bangsa Malaysia". We should start accepting each other as Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, and should not be preoccupied with ethnic origin.
UNITY is the word
Well, do you agree. Whatever colour is our skin, our blood is still RED. Let us join our hands together. We are born, breed and nurture here, so we are MALAYSIAN. Stay united is the word.
NST Online » Letters2008/08/22
National day: Don't take unity for granted
By : TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Kuala Lumpur
AUGUST is of utmost significance to all Malaysians because it is the month to commemorate our independence.
It will be a smaller budget for the 51st Merdeka celebration when compared with the previous years, in view of the present austerity drive by the government.
But despite a drop in its budget, the 51st Merdeka anniversary should remain a spirited event to help remind Malaysians of the significance of the Merdeka celebrations.
We have been independent for 51 years. Although the Malaysian nation may not be perfect, it has weathered many storms and laid the foundation for the attainment of racial harmony and unity.
Let us not jeopardise what we have achieved so far through a spirit of understanding and accommodation. Let us not allow extremism and violence in whatever form to divide the nation, which is our birthplace, our home, our workplace and eventually our final rest destination.
As Malaysians of all races commemorate another anniversary of our independence, allow me to stress once again the very fundamentals that have brought us together, which are the principles contained in the Rukun Negara.
The Rukun Negara is our guide for nation-building and should be respected by all. It is a shared vision for national unity. Its principles should always be upheld and practised for we must never take for granted the stability, peace and harmony we have attained so far.
Many people are taking unity for granted. This is not a healthy development, for in a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural country like Malaysia, continuous efforts must be made by all Malaysians to nurture and reinforce unity.
Malaysians must be prepared to reduce their strong sense of ethnicity in order to achieve "Bangsa Malaysia". We should start accepting each other as Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, and should not be preoccupied with ethnic origin.
Parents: Teachers targeting Indian pupils
Friday, 22 August 2008
Parents: Teachers targeting Indian pupils
Another extract from The Star.
My personal comment: Well guess we have to believe it otherwise no one will dare to point out. But please do bear in MIND NOT all teachers are like these.
We also have to understand that teachers are human being too. They too have STRESS.
Friday August 22, 2008
Parents: Teachers targeting Indian pupilsBy WANI MUTHIAHKLANG:
More cases of teachers picking on Indian students here have emerged.
Several parents of children attending a primary school here have lodged police reports since November last year alleging that five teachers in the school had physically and verbally abused Indian students.
R. Sathasnam, 52, said he and another parent had complained to the school’s administration repeatedly but the abuses continued.
He alleged that these five teachers regularly hit the students and told them to transfer out of the school, as they (the teachers) were “fed-up of seeing their faces”.“One of the teachers called some Indian students derogatory names ,” alleged Sathasnam.
He alleged that many Indian students were slapped, kicked, punched and caned by these teachers for misdemeanours such as talking while lining-up to enter the classroom.
“My 10-year-old son was lifted-up by the ears by a male teacher and slapped and kicked for talking before entering the classroom after recess in February,” alleged Sathasnam.
He claimed his son’s ears turned blue-black and his cheeks swelled after the beating. When he rushed his son to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, the doctor there advised him to file a police report.
Another parent R. Viganaspary, 40, said her son was repeatedly hit on the head with a rolled-up newspaper and caned on the legs for not having a particular exercise book.
Meanwhile, Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs secretary Gunaraj George, who met Sathasnam and Viganaspary recently, said the coalition would present a memorandum on the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon.
“These are young impressionable children and the alleged incidents will only teach them to hate,” said Gunaraj.
When contacted, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator T. Murugiah said he would speak to the principal next week when school reopens.
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said he would comment only after he had seen copies of the police reports.
The alleged incident in the primary school comes on the heels of the transfer of a teacher from a secondary school in Banting. The teacher is facing an inquiry after she admitted to levelling racial slurs against Indian students.
Parents: Teachers targeting Indian pupils
Another extract from The Star.
My personal comment: Well guess we have to believe it otherwise no one will dare to point out. But please do bear in MIND NOT all teachers are like these.
We also have to understand that teachers are human being too. They too have STRESS.
Friday August 22, 2008
Parents: Teachers targeting Indian pupilsBy WANI MUTHIAHKLANG:
More cases of teachers picking on Indian students here have emerged.
Several parents of children attending a primary school here have lodged police reports since November last year alleging that five teachers in the school had physically and verbally abused Indian students.
R. Sathasnam, 52, said he and another parent had complained to the school’s administration repeatedly but the abuses continued.
He alleged that these five teachers regularly hit the students and told them to transfer out of the school, as they (the teachers) were “fed-up of seeing their faces”.“One of the teachers called some Indian students derogatory names ,” alleged Sathasnam.
He alleged that many Indian students were slapped, kicked, punched and caned by these teachers for misdemeanours such as talking while lining-up to enter the classroom.
“My 10-year-old son was lifted-up by the ears by a male teacher and slapped and kicked for talking before entering the classroom after recess in February,” alleged Sathasnam.
He claimed his son’s ears turned blue-black and his cheeks swelled after the beating. When he rushed his son to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, the doctor there advised him to file a police report.
Another parent R. Viganaspary, 40, said her son was repeatedly hit on the head with a rolled-up newspaper and caned on the legs for not having a particular exercise book.
Meanwhile, Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs secretary Gunaraj George, who met Sathasnam and Viganaspary recently, said the coalition would present a memorandum on the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon.
“These are young impressionable children and the alleged incidents will only teach them to hate,” said Gunaraj.
When contacted, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator T. Murugiah said he would speak to the principal next week when school reopens.
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said he would comment only after he had seen copies of the police reports.
The alleged incident in the primary school comes on the heels of the transfer of a teacher from a secondary school in Banting. The teacher is facing an inquiry after she admitted to levelling racial slurs against Indian students.
Where politician failed, Lee Chong Wei delivered
Friday, 22 August 2008
For your thoughts
Another new cutting for your thoughts.... An extract from The New Straits
Times.2008/08/22
HARDEV KAUR:
Where politicians failed, Chong Wei delivered
By : HARDEV KAUR
ON Sunday night Malaysians set aside their religious, racial and political differences to cheer Lee Chong Wei. They all rooted for him as he took on the world's number one badminton player, Lin Dan from China. Lee was the country's best hope for gold at the Beijing Olympics. And it did not matter that he was of Chinese descent; what mattered was that he is a Malaysian and that he was close to bringing home Malaysia's first-ever gold from the Olympics.
In the end it was not to be. But he achieved, even if it was for 39 minutes, something no party in the country has been able to -- unite the country and all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation.
Feuding politicians, even the candidates for the Permatang Pauh by-election, took a break from the campaign and set aside their differences for a common goal -- hoping to see a fellow Malaysian win.
Malaysians can rally around a common cause, if they want to. But the religious, political and social divisions that are rearing their ugly heads threaten the very fabric of society and all that our founding fathers stood and fought for.
As the country marks 51 years of independence at the end of this month, the hard work and the example set by the founding fathers should not be wasted. But it seems to be fraying and in danger of being destroyed by the differences that are beginning to emerge. As the country moves into the next stage of its independent life, its citizens should work together to forge ahead and strengthen the ties that bind us and not what divides us.
The leaders of the Malays, Indians and Chinese, in the run-up to independence, saw the importance and the need to cooperate and present a united front to the colonial masters and to live in harmony. After half a century of self government, Malay-sians should have learnt to live together in harmony. But unfortunately, disturbing trends are emerging. Gangster tactics are being used, as evidenced over the weekend with that attack on journalists who are there to do their job.
P. Ramlee movies, which we all never tire of watching no matter how many times they are repeated, have a multiracial and multicultural theme. The different races, cultures and beliefs coexist side by side in his movies, with no barriers. There are no religious police or self-appointed guardians of morality who break down doors and wake sleeping women and children, including foreign visitors.
It is still not too late to take stock of the situation. Malaysians are capable of proving to the world that we are citizens of a nation that embraces racial and religious harmony. The country has been held up around the world as an example of a success story in racial and religious co-existence. But with the disturbing trends that are emerging, we may not be an example for others to emulate. We may be seen as an example not to be followed.
A multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society living in peace and harmony cannot be taken for granted. Even Tunku Abdul Rahman admitted that "we have internal problems and these problems require our immediate attention". This statement by the Tunku is still very relevant and true today.
Perhaps even more true today!And in these difficult and challenging times when religious bigotry is beginning to exhibit its naked ugliness, Malaysians can and should lead the world in showing that different races and religions can co-exist. But unfortunately we are beginning to fall into the mould that others want us to -- that the different races and religions cannot live and work together.
The detractors will point to the ugly scenes of supporters of political leaders beating up journalists and meetings being disrupted by rowdy individuals and politicians.
Mob rule cannot be allowed in this country. Civilised and mature discussions on even the most sensitive issues can and should be held. This has been done in the past; why not now? Why are we, as a nation, bent on destroying all that we stand for? Demolishing the foundation that the founding fathers laid and all that has been built upon it so far?
Individual ambitions should be set aside for the greater good of the majority and of the nation as a whole. There are enough examples around the world to prove that selfish interests can lead a nation to ruin. No one benefits from the aftermath of "creative destruction".
As the country prepares to mark Merdeka, it is incumbent on all to ensure that peace and security is maintained. Political stability is one of the main pillars of a stable nation, which foreign investors look for before deciding where to put their money. The on-going political brinksmanship does not send the right signals to businessmen and entrepreneurs.
The global economic difficulties that lie ahead call for collective effort to meet the challenges head-on. We do not, and should not, be shooting ourselves in the foot. There is much to celebrate as Malaysia marks 51 years of independence, even as we deal with the internal problems. Let us not destroy what has been built, but strengthen the ties and move forward as a united nation proud of our diversity.
For your thoughts
Another new cutting for your thoughts.... An extract from The New Straits
Times.2008/08/22
HARDEV KAUR:
Where politicians failed, Chong Wei delivered
By : HARDEV KAUR
ON Sunday night Malaysians set aside their religious, racial and political differences to cheer Lee Chong Wei. They all rooted for him as he took on the world's number one badminton player, Lin Dan from China. Lee was the country's best hope for gold at the Beijing Olympics. And it did not matter that he was of Chinese descent; what mattered was that he is a Malaysian and that he was close to bringing home Malaysia's first-ever gold from the Olympics.
In the end it was not to be. But he achieved, even if it was for 39 minutes, something no party in the country has been able to -- unite the country and all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation.
Feuding politicians, even the candidates for the Permatang Pauh by-election, took a break from the campaign and set aside their differences for a common goal -- hoping to see a fellow Malaysian win.
Malaysians can rally around a common cause, if they want to. But the religious, political and social divisions that are rearing their ugly heads threaten the very fabric of society and all that our founding fathers stood and fought for.
As the country marks 51 years of independence at the end of this month, the hard work and the example set by the founding fathers should not be wasted. But it seems to be fraying and in danger of being destroyed by the differences that are beginning to emerge. As the country moves into the next stage of its independent life, its citizens should work together to forge ahead and strengthen the ties that bind us and not what divides us.
The leaders of the Malays, Indians and Chinese, in the run-up to independence, saw the importance and the need to cooperate and present a united front to the colonial masters and to live in harmony. After half a century of self government, Malay-sians should have learnt to live together in harmony. But unfortunately, disturbing trends are emerging. Gangster tactics are being used, as evidenced over the weekend with that attack on journalists who are there to do their job.
P. Ramlee movies, which we all never tire of watching no matter how many times they are repeated, have a multiracial and multicultural theme. The different races, cultures and beliefs coexist side by side in his movies, with no barriers. There are no religious police or self-appointed guardians of morality who break down doors and wake sleeping women and children, including foreign visitors.
It is still not too late to take stock of the situation. Malaysians are capable of proving to the world that we are citizens of a nation that embraces racial and religious harmony. The country has been held up around the world as an example of a success story in racial and religious co-existence. But with the disturbing trends that are emerging, we may not be an example for others to emulate. We may be seen as an example not to be followed.
A multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society living in peace and harmony cannot be taken for granted. Even Tunku Abdul Rahman admitted that "we have internal problems and these problems require our immediate attention". This statement by the Tunku is still very relevant and true today.
Perhaps even more true today!And in these difficult and challenging times when religious bigotry is beginning to exhibit its naked ugliness, Malaysians can and should lead the world in showing that different races and religions can co-exist. But unfortunately we are beginning to fall into the mould that others want us to -- that the different races and religions cannot live and work together.
The detractors will point to the ugly scenes of supporters of political leaders beating up journalists and meetings being disrupted by rowdy individuals and politicians.
Mob rule cannot be allowed in this country. Civilised and mature discussions on even the most sensitive issues can and should be held. This has been done in the past; why not now? Why are we, as a nation, bent on destroying all that we stand for? Demolishing the foundation that the founding fathers laid and all that has been built upon it so far?
Individual ambitions should be set aside for the greater good of the majority and of the nation as a whole. There are enough examples around the world to prove that selfish interests can lead a nation to ruin. No one benefits from the aftermath of "creative destruction".
As the country prepares to mark Merdeka, it is incumbent on all to ensure that peace and security is maintained. Political stability is one of the main pillars of a stable nation, which foreign investors look for before deciding where to put their money. The on-going political brinksmanship does not send the right signals to businessmen and entrepreneurs.
The global economic difficulties that lie ahead call for collective effort to meet the challenges head-on. We do not, and should not, be shooting ourselves in the foot. There is much to celebrate as Malaysia marks 51 years of independence, even as we deal with the internal problems. Let us not destroy what has been built, but strengthen the ties and move forward as a united nation proud of our diversity.
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