Sunday, February 10, 2013

Views on a Few National Issues - Postings in Facebook Websites




1. Response on Issues related to Lynas in the website of Green Party of Malaysia in December, 2012.
 
    Sdra Azlan, have gone thru the 10 series Lynas Forum - 5 parts were covered by lawyers, 3 parts on environmental safety, 1 part by social organisation and only one part on scientific and technical aspect on ionising radiation and waste by Prof. Tan Kak Kheng. However, Prof. Tan was referring to a report of 1990. The Forum, in my view, is heavily biased towards politics. Thus the representaion at the Forum. Advancement in nuclear and radiation scieces is rapid. I would urge readers of this website to refer to the latest information on the of Rare Earth industries as contained in the Proceedings of Rare Earth Forum, organised by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and the the National Professorial Council (NPC). ASM is an august body of renowned scientists who are nominated and elected to be Fellows and Senior Fellows of the Organisation. Three sections of the Proceedings provide insights on the latest science and technology of Rare Earth i.e Rare Earths - an Overview; Thorium and Uranium Radiation Safety Measures and Regulation: the German Perspective; the Asian Rare-Earth Experience and related Research Activities. These info is available at this website: www.akademisains.gov.my/rare_earth.

2. Response on the issue of Changing the Government in the Website of Nicole Tan, the Politician on January 4, 2013 

     Hashim Bin Abdul-Wahab.  Dear Friends, I too want a political change. When a party has been too long governing the country it takes a lot of things for granted as few have indicated in this column n the most unhealthy of which is the acculturisation of corruption in our society But let us look at the two choices that we have. Will a change for a new coalition be the answer for the sake of change. I have my doubt based on a few considerations. One key consideration is leadership. One personality that the party has full trust in leading the govt unfortunately gets very little of my confidence because of his political history,personal n financially tainted background with dubious foreign connections which may not serve the interest of the country. The second important consideration is the political philosophy of each of the component party - one party is still racially chauvinistic n inspite of its claim a few of its leaders are already tainted with corruption inspite of being there for a short period of time n secular in its approach; another party still pushes for a religious state and already impose some of the enactments that appear to be impinging on the rights of the other races; the third party is of no significance in the coalition. Under the circumstances, can Pakatan govern? What is overriding for continued peace and economic dev is NATIONAL UNITY and any party that can deliver this inspite of some weaknesses, deserve my vote.

 

     Nicole Tan (陳麗群), the politician Hashim Bin Abdul-Wahab, I agree with you that NATIONAL UNITY is paramount for continued peace and economic development. Pakatan has proven that we can manage our states with stellar ability based on the report cards on their performances for the past 5 years by the Auditor General. Penang's CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) principles has should be the model for any opposition state to emulate. The component members of the Pakatan has come out with the Common Policy Framework and Buku Jingga to iron out the differences among them and they are bound by them. As proven by the stellar performances of the Pakatan states, let us have the opportunity to perform the same feat in Putrajaya. If we fail, then change us. The power is in your hands.

      Hashim Bin Abdul-Wahab Nicole Tan, for the reasons that I hv given in my earlier posting Particularly on the leadership issue, I am not willing to make that change as for now. The Common Policy Framework appears to be good on paper but disagreements among component parties on fundamental issues such as religion n leadership are already emerging. Though the administration of a few of the states may appear to fulfill the Competency, Accountabilty and Transparency (CAT) criteria but the ultimate considerations are: are we sincerely sharing the wealth of the states also to benefit the lower rung of society; that development is sustainable; that equal opportunities are provided for all strata of society; and that there is mutual respect for each other culture, faith n beliefs. The present govt in Putrajaya, inspite of the shortcomings which it strives to overcome like corruption, more equitable employment in the govt service which must be reciprocated by the private sector, has brought lasting peace; has made serious effort to seek a more equitable distribution of income among the population; has attained high rankings in ease of business, attractiveness as second home programs to foreigners , shopping paradise, one of the top tourism destinations in the world. Malaysia is doing so well. Why do we need to change?

      Nicole Tan (陳麗群), the politician 1. Leadership issue - I believe Anwar has paid the price after being incarcerated for 6 years. I believe that he has turned over a new leaf. Love of God is the foundation of both Islam and Christianity. Love of God is expressed through inter alia prayer, repentance, and surrender to God. God-loving Christians and Muslims "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and "remember Allah much" (Qur'an 33:21). Prayer allows people to understand God's greatness and their own unworthiness. Such understanding brings repentance, which is essential to receiving God's approval and forgiveness (Qur'an 20:82; Muslim 2:1142; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 15:7). Through cycles of prayer, repentance, and forgiveness, the believers' love of God grows. Therefore, let us forgive Anwar and let him do his part. 2. Common Policy Framework (CPF) -CPF is binding on all parties despite their differences. Pakatan is not like BN where the taikor (UMNO) dictates their will. In Pakatan, there needs to be constant consultation and deliberation to reach the consensus within the CPF. 3. Sharing of wealth with the lower rung of the society - Penang's Eradication of Poverty programme which was launched in 2009 managed to eradicate poverty in Penang in one year, which the BN government failed to accomplish in 51 years ! 4. Sustainable Development and equal opportunities - Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan managed to accomplish that as reported by the Auditor General. 5. Mutual respect - all the component parties in Pakatan are multi racial whereas BN's component parties are not. 6. Corruption. How can you say the current government strives to overcome corruption ? - (i) Acording to Wall Street Journal, Malaysia is ranked number one in the world in corruption. According to Transparency International, Malaysia scored worst in the 2012 Bribe Payers Survey. (ii) Malaysia ranks number three globally in terms of illicit capital outflow over a 10-year period from 2001 to 2010, according to Global Financial Integrity (GFI). 7. Malaysia is not doing well - our national debt is now RM620 billion and counting. 8. Shopping - our PM's wife and daughter were reported by foreign papers for having shoping sprees (lavish ones). We need a change !

Hashim Bin Abdul-Wahab You are aware Nicole that only God can forgive a human being' provided a person seeks repentance. But is this leader repentance of his past deeds? Is he forgiving? Not from the many statements he has made - he seeks revenge, he has an axe to grind and he wants blood. Following the New Year Address of this leader on the You Tube, I was surprised to see the appearance of his face - no glow, no smile which is an expression of lots of pain inside. He lived a life full of sandiwara and I am glad we still have many in your party ardently supporting him.

Hashim Bin Abdul-Wahab PR component party multiracial? How many non- Malays are members of PAS? How many Malays in DAP? The few that joined were disillusioned with the party and resigned. The classic case is YM Tunku Aziz. The party brought in Zairil and among the many Malay candidates that vied for the CEC the chauvanist Chinese delegates did not demonstrate sincerely the willingness to work together and the Malay candidates received few votes. None got into the CEC. The truth is that the party has so much to hide of its hidden agenda that it does not want things to leak out by having a Melayu in its midst. This morning I have a big laugh reading the report on the last DAP party election. What a farce when the party election machinery said that there was a technical glitch in the counting of the delegates votes that took place four weeks ago. Coincidentally, the DAP member that has no position in the party and govt and a nobody lost, and Zairil Khir Johari got in. UBAH DAP Style! Ingat semua orang bodoh macam lu org kah mau percaya ini cerita. Although the component party of BN is monoethnic but there is genuine consultation and mutual trust and cooperation. Of course in any alliance there must a taikor. A taikor comes from a party that commands the largest no of MPs and in Barisan it has always been UMNO.....PK state govts practice sustainable dev? Look at what happen to the hills that is the watershed areas of Pedu in Kedah; the hill dev in Penang meant for the Chinese rich; the Lojing land dev in southern Kelantan of which more than 4000 acres belonging to a company with the Perak DAP political family has interest in. All botak. Sustainable Development DAP style..... interesting that you have quoted TI report that Malaysia is the no 1 corrupted nation in the world. May I have the details of the methodology used, the nations covered - Russia, Latin America, Africa, Indonesia, India, China, Thailand, the parameters used to assess corruption. Dont forget too that TI is part of the dubious connection that PR has among the many organisations like the Soros Foundation and NeoDO(?) connected to Soros and the former ambassador of US to Malaysia, Mallot who wants to see their friend as PM of the country. Read ' The Confessions of an Economic Hit Man' by Tony Perkins to understand the political ramifications and intriques of the US-Jewish network of these organisations.
Nicole Tan (陳麗群), the politician Well, we have each given our points. We can agree to disagree. Let the people decide.
 



3. Response on the Issue of the Forthcoming Election (GE 13) in the Website of Planeof the Monyets on February 2, 2013.

MK, I must congratulate you for having read the national political scenario well. I have a few things to add. 1. Since the GE 12 election the Chinese appeared elated and euphoric over the results of the election with the DAP winning a record no of seats in Parliament. Many of the Chinese have abandoned BN linked parties for DAP and the victorious DAP candidates at the subsequent Sarawak election further consolidate the Chinese to support DAP without realising the consequence of their action. The Malays, whether in UMNO, PKR or PAS view DAP as a chauvanist Chinese party. Many, particularly the veterans, have not forgotten what the MCP, associated with the Chinese, has done to many Malay leaders then when they took over the country for around 14 days and the long Emergency period where members of the MCP assassinated thousands of Malay professionals, teachers, police men, penghulu, ketua kampung and other prominent Malays. It is important young Malays understand the history of the country during the Japanese occupation and the the Communist insurgency and the role of the Chinese as members of MCP and the link to socialist parties.
Also. many of the followers of DAP, through their various internet postings (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs) have shown disrespect for the Malays and Malay leaders particularly YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir (TDM), which will have a backlash of Malay voters on Pakatan candidates in constituencies with mixed racial make-up. With the Malays generally feeling that the Chinese are consolidating together, the Malay strategy is inclined to show their unity by voting for Malay candidates, whatever their poltical affiliations. But the long term effect of this bipartisan politic will be very adverse to the stability of the country which will have far-reaching implications in terms of politic, economy and social. It does appear that a significant no. of the Chinese are realising that instability of the country would have a greater adverse impact on their economic interest and as the election gets closer will swing back to support the pragmatic leadership of Chua Soi Lek, who appear to understand the psyc of the Malays, unlike leaders of the DAP

      2. Pas has been weekened recently because of a no. of issues - the conflicting statements on the use of kalimah Allah between the leaders and the Shura Council, the sacking of YB Hassan Ali from the party and YB Ustaz Nasharuddin from the Shura Council, that the party is yielding in to DAP on many sensitive issues, and the question of who to be the PM in case Pakatan is voted to occupy Putrajaya.
      3. TDM is still healthy at 87 and he has a lot of influence on the Malay voters both young and old at GE 13.
      4. The leader that Pakatan parties are promoting has credibilty problem as his political history and finance are tainted with cronyism, sex-related personal problems that he finds difficult to dissociate. The same is true with a few other PKR leaders whose personal life are being questioned...
      5. Yes, DS Najib is a natural politician, very well liked by many that cut across ethnic boundaries but unfortunately, as you have indicated, he carries a heavy baggage...With the the above considerations I believe if the BN have good candidates and that these candidates have the support of the respective divisional party leaders and with their overall reasonably good track records of ruling the country for more than 50 years, though admittedly there are weaknesses of their Administration, they will carry the GE 13 and with a bit of luck, get the two-third majority in Parliament.
February 2, 2013 at 3:16 PM


4   4. Response on Issues on Malaysian History in the website of Gongkapas Times Jan, 21, 2013.

 t       Interesting to follow the discussion. Just to share a little of Malay-Polynesian history. The Malays were originally grouped by historians as Austronesians (people of the southern islands) and with its related blood ties, the Polynesians, over the 60 000 years of its history, inhabited regions covering southern Thailand from Isthmus of Kra, Peninsular Malaysia, Island of Borneo, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Polynesian-Micronesian islands in the Pacific Ocean (Samoa, Fiji, Tonga,  Aoruaterea (New Zealand), Tuvalu, Tahiti and as far east as Easter Island etc.). The people of the region particularly in present Malaysia and Indonesia were subjected to Hindu and Buddhist influence for quite a period of time - the Vijaya and Majapahit Empires were Hindu kingdoms centred on the island of Java that extended as far as central Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Sumatra Indonesia. Islam emerged much later in the Malaysian history through Aceh in Sumatra and Melaka in the early 15th century. Malaysian history did not start with the Muslim sultanate in Melaka. We have to recognise the history that our ancestors were Hindus and Buddhists. 
         A few misconception that Malays are pendatang from Indonesia and the Orang Asli are the original people of the country. Orang Asli, the Malays, the various ethnic groups in Indonesia (Javanese, Balinese, Acehnese etc), the Philippinos belong to the same ethnic stock - Malay. It was the foreign colonisers (the Spanish, French, British and Dutch) that subsequently divided us into separate nation states of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaynesia, Brunei Darussalam...The Malays were seafarers and considered by the early colonisers, as very innovative in boat building. It is understandable as they move from one island to another among the myriads of islands in the Malay-Indonesia- Philippines region.   
          The Indonesian Archipelago is made up of more than 13 000 islands; the Philippines Archipelago 7 000 islands. Until today it is natural for these people to move from island to another - the Bangsamoro from Southern Philippines to Sabah; the Acehnese, Minang, Padang from Sumatra to Malaysia as they have a long history of blood ties. Borders of nation states are considered artificial barriers to their travels.
         Good references on history of the the Malays are 'The Malay Civilisation' by Prof Arof Ishak published by Persatuan Sejarah Malaysia and 'The Malays' by Milner published by ISEAS Singapore.

5. Healthy, Active and Happy Life in the webssite of Gongkapas Times 0n February 8, 2013.
       Hashim Bin Abdul-Wahab Getting sadder and tired of living as one gets older? It depends on many factors. A survey that has been undertaken reported that senior citizens face two challenges - finance and health. A survey report indicated that many Malaysians who have retired and withdrew their EPF contributions lost these savings within 3 years. Also, many do not have financial planning for retirement or if they do have a plan, it comes late in life, say at the age of 50 when they already have little time to save for their retirement. Inadequate financial condition is certainly a big stress to aging individuals particularly with increasing costs of medical expenses. So start saving early. Health is another factor but it does not come just like that, it has to come through regular exercises, proper diet, mental and intellectual activities etc. Having a purpose in life; having close circles of family members, friends, neighbours; involvement in community and spiritual activities are other ingredients for active, happy long life... I shall be 75 this Feb 23, I am leading a healthy, active and happy life. My own formula of healthy, active and happy living is shared in my blog postings - Dr. Hashim's JofHappiness.

Posted on February 9, 2013

 








 


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Lessons to a Healthy, Long, Active and Happy Life

The two books reviewed here -  The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner and The Longevity Prescriptions by Robert N. Butler

Our adopted daughter Noraini Sahak with her two daughters, Natasha and Melissa


     I have always been fascinated with active long life and have read quite a number of books that provide tips for living longer.  For a start of the year 2013 two books related to the topic came into my hand.  The Longevity Prescription was purchased at, what was claimed to be the biggest Book Sale in the World held in December, 2012 at the Mines Exhibition Centre, Balakong, Selangor and the second book was The Blue Zones, which belong to my adopted daughter Noraini, who happened to visit and stay with us on their return from Kazakhstan where her Australian husband is working, on the way to Brisbane, Australia where they will be living and Natasha and Melissa will attend their schooling in January, 2013. It took me two days to finish reading The Blue Zones.
    The Blue Zones, published by the National Geographic Society in 2012, was more absorbing between the two books as it narrates the results of the study undertaken in five regions with a significant number of centenarians, named as  the Blue Zones, located at: 1. Barbagia region of Sardinia Italy, 2. Okinawa Japan, 3. Loma Linda in California USA, 4. Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica, 5. Ikaria Island Greece.  The writer, Dan Buettner practically lived for a period of time with the communities in the regions to understand the daily routines, cultural and rligious practices, the food they consumed that contribute to longer and happy living.  He observed that the Sardinians work hard on their farms and do a lot of walking; have a simple, plant-based diet and drinkin moderate amount of red wine but with little meat; the family unit is close and respect for the elders; and they meet often with friends with lots of laughter.  The Okinawans whose ratio of centenarians to the population is 5 per 10 000 persons, on the other hand, live with a purpsoe (spirit of Ikigai); work daily in their gardens gowing herbs, ginger, sweet potato,  turmeric and other vegetables which provide their plant-based food besides soybean-based products; lead active community life. The 7th Adventist Americans in California, do plenty of exercises; involve in voluntary work; live on herbal and vegetable diet; close friendship; and drink lots of water.  The Costa Ricans life are also similar to the Italians, Japanese and Americans but they live in a location where the water is high in calcium which is their source of drinking water.  The author attributed the longevity of the Greek on the Ikarian Island to the diet composed of honey, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, herbal tea and some fish; rest; fasting and close relationshiop with the family.
     In his book, The Longevity Prescriptions, Dr Robert Butler who is President and CEO of the International Longevity Center, New York USA, identified and elaborated, based on his long research experience on issues related to healthy aging, the keys to a long, healthy life    

    Based on the study of the five communities as encapsulated by Dan Buettner in The Blue Zones and the research undertaken by Dr Butler as discussed in his book ' The Longevity Prescriptions', the important practices for living longer are:

        1. Live an active life physically, mentally and sexually. Physical - regular low intensity
            activity such as walking, gardening. exercises. Mental - reading, learn a new
            thing such as language, music; become computer literate; playing puzzles; travels
            Sexual - a survey indicated that 25% of those 75 years and older still enjoy their sex.

        2. Healthy eating - plant-based products of fruits, vegetables and legumes; plenty
            of water; avoid meat and processed food; practice as the Okinawans do - Hara
            hachi bu - eat only up to 80% full; fasting.

        3. Strong sense of purpose in life - simple purposes such as looking after the
            grandchildren, till a garden, community activities, writing.

        4. Nurture relationship - among family members, friends, neighbours.

        5. Have enough rest - 7 to 8 hours of sleep, short naps during the day

        6. Manage stress with spiritual activities, take a walk in the park, listen to
            music, share your problems with trusted friends.

        7. Be involved with the community - the mosque, surau

        8. Practice prevention - regular medical check-up for diabetes, choloestrol, heart,
            cancer, eye and dental

   I have actually lived over the years adhering to the above practices for healthy and active living.
However, reading the two books reminds me to continue adhering to these principles, correcting the strategies. I have reminded myself not to forget soybean-based products, turmeric and nuts in my diet.  I have listed the names of people that I need to continue nurturing friendship.  I have also decided to continue playing an active role in dessiminating messages to young and old on living a healthy, active and useful life.

Hashim  Abdul Wahab
7 February, 2013