Merry Christmas 2011 & Blessed New Year 2012

It's Christmas! This season will not be JOYFUL without the HOPE we found in the First Christmas. May your home and heart be filled with the warmth LOVE of God, family and friends during this season. Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Shall we all dance with this lovely and lively song "Feliz Navidad" by Michael Buble and Thalia.

Let us dance...

Bullying...

Recently, radio channels in Malaysia are broadcasting awareness messages against bullying and it caught my attention when one radio announcer mentioned that although bullying makes the bullied person stronger and more courages over the years, but the pain can still be felt...

I believe it is true, thinking back of the bad experiences being an alopecian back in high/secondary school, being the only guy with freak bald patches all over the scalp...

Will need make some time and do some research on the topic of "bullying". Research into the minds of a bully and the bullied...

God bless us all.

God makes us for a reason and nothing is in vain, we were made for so much more because there's a place for us...:)

Joshua

p/s: visit my other blog There's a place for us... or simply watch the youtube below and read the lyrics...

The lyrics of the song performed by Carrie Underwood- There's a place for us



There's a place out there for us

More than just a prayer or anything you've ever dreamed of

So when you feel like giving up, 'cause you don't fit in down here

Fear is crashing in, close your eyes and take my hand, yeah

We can be the kings and queens of anything if we believe

It's written in the stars that shine above

A world where you and I belong where, faith and love will keep us strong

Exactly who we are is just enough

There's a place for us

There's a place for us

When the water meets the sky

Where your heart is free and hope comes back to life

When these broken hands are whole again

We'll find what we've been waiting for, we were made for so much more

We can be the kings and queens of anything if we believe

It's written in the stars that shine above

A world where you and I belong, where faith and love will keep us strong

Exactly who we are is just enough

There's a place for us

There's a place for us

So hold on, hold on

There's a place for us

We can be the kings and queens of anything if we believe

It's written in the stars that shine above

A world where you and I belong, where faith and love will keep us strong

Exactly who we are is just enough

Exactly who we are is just enough

There's a place for us

‘Aunty Bersih’ promises to show polls reform panel how to fix system

By Debra Chong November 11, 2011

File photo of Ooi during the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, 2011.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Annie Ooi Siew Lan, the retired teacher dubbed “Aunty Bersih”, challenged today the polls review panel’s sincerity to electoral reform and vowed to show it her list of how to fix the system in the next seven days.

The slight, skinny 65-year-old became an accidental icon when she was pictured battling chemical-laced water cannons and tear gas shot by the police into the locked-down capital city to join in the Bersih 2.0 march on July 9 for cleaner elections.

She stunned the parliamentary select committee (PSC) today with her forthright manner from the start when she demanded the “vote to be given to everyone 21 years old and above.”

To this, she cited as examples nurses, doctors, soldiers and policemen on duty on polling day.

“We don’t want any more corruption,” said the short-haired woman dressed in a pale yellow top reminiscent of the Bersih T-shirt she wore on July 9. The coalition of 62 civil societies has adopted yellow as its colour.

The nine-man PSC appeared perplexed by Ooi’s statement.

Its chair, Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, explained that it was the panel’s aim and asked her for suggestions, which appeared to vex Ooi.

“There are eight demands out there. Loud and clear. I’ve no need to repeat them,” she said, referring to Bersih 2.0’s list of demands.

“Cakap pun tak dengar, ada yang dengar pun tak bertindak, apa lagi? Susahkah ini keadilan? [What’s the point of speaking further, those who hear don’t act, what else is there? Is justice so difficult?]” she asked.

When Kangar MP Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad ventured to reply that it was because those who qualified to vote did not do so, Ooi shot back: “Why is it so hard? Why so long and hard [to register voters]?”

“You want solutions? Solutions to what?” she pushed the panel to answer before promising to return in seven days with her list of practical solutions to carry out electoral reform.

“If the sick can’t go to the voting stations, can’t you do something about it?” she asked, her voice rising as with her temper.

“I speak for the voiceless. What you’re asking from me is solutions. I’m just a simple, simple, simple person,” she cried out, prompting Ongkili to plead with her to calm down.

Bersih 2.0 has been pushing the Election Commission to carry out eight steps they claim can be carried out immediately and will improve the electoral system before the next national polls are held, widely expected to be called early next year.

They are:

1. To update and remove dead voters from the electoral roll and in the long term, allow automatic voter registration at 21 years old.

2. To reform the postal ballot and open up voting for Malaysians overseas and not just limit it to those in the armed forces and public service.

3. To use indelible ink to prevent voter fraud.

4. To extend the campaign period to a minimum of 21 days.

5. Free and fair access to media.

6. To strengthen public institutions and uphold the rule of law.

7. To stop corruption by taking serious action on all allegations of corruption, including vote buying.

8. To stop dirty politics.

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Article adapted from http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

As simple as "Aunty Bersih" puts it to the Parliamentary Select Committee. The recommendation to the Government is "Change or be changed!"

Joshua

Earth: Population = 7 Billion

According to the United Nations estimate; on 31st October 2011, the human race reached a population milestone of 7 billion. As cheers and fears greet the symbolic "7th Billion babies" being born across the globe.

It is estimated that the world reached its 1 billion population milestone on 1804 and it took slightly over 200 years for the world to reach 7 billion. What an achievement! Better access to healthcare (lengthen life expectancy and reduced infant mortality and eradication/ prevention of diseases), education (empowerment of human capital, choice and progressive thinking), energy (fuel, gas, mass production of food) and awareness through the information age are among the main contributors to the population growth. It is something that all of us should be proud of.

Nevertheless, war, poverty, hunger, oppression, injustice continue to plague mankind. The earth as created by God can provide a comfortable and sufficient food and resources to feed all mankind, be it 7 billion or even 10 billion! As the saying goes, the world can feed every man on earth but can never feed the greed of mankind.

As it is written in God's word in 1 timothy 6:10 "for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil"

Resources and energy footprints are already leaving strains on the earth's abundance with climate change and excessive depletion of resources in the past several decades, leaving a trail of challenges to produce and provide the most basic requirement for survival : Clean water and food.

At the end of the day, it is the heart of every man that will decide the future of the human race. As the world marked the "7th Billion babies", let us recall the world's first baby being born: the child of Adam and Eve, Cain. Cain is the first infant being born in the world (According to the Bible), and after Cain, there was another child, Abel (Cain's younger brother). As all christians would know the story, Cain being the first person being born of man and woman had also became the world's first murderer.

As God said it in Genesis 8:21 "...every inclination of his [a man] heart is evil from childhood..." . All mankind can only find assurance in a peaceful, abundant and fruitful present and the future through faith in God and His words.

Today, we can be proud of the population milestones, but without God in our hearts, our worries and fear of the future of mankind is trustworthy and true.

Let us rekindle our hope in the coming Christmas season, where the answer lies to the Person's birthday that we all celebrate.

God bless

Joshua

Floods in Thailand & Earthquake in Turkey

Natural disasters of epic proportions are happening on a weekly basis while violence and oppresion continue to take place across the Arab world. Continue on with countless unreported or undocumented cases of injustice, human trafficking, slavery or sexual assaults happening everyday dampens our spirit.

While keeping our hopes alive, we must not slide into ignorance and heartlessness.





Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, we prayed that our hearts are willing to give generously.

Joshua

Alopecia Girls

My fellow alopecians and friends at the NAAF Conference 2011 Talent show...

Kiah is truly an amazing girl, I wish I have half of her courage and strength...





God bless us all, including all the alopecians like me :)

Proud to be an alopecian :)

Joshua

Heartless society

The incident and video footage pierced not only my heart but soul as well...A chinese toddler was hit, ran-over twice and 18 passerbys offered no assistance whatsoever...





A second video showed (recently happened) remarkable display of compassion and instinct by a dog saving another dog after it was hit. How people can be so heartless these days?...




Lord, forgive us.

Joshua

The Spirit of Christmas 2011 arrives...

The year of 2011 started with much pain, horror and sorrow. It's time that the Christmas Spirit to arrive, filling each heart again with hope, hope for a perfect love descending from the Heavens as in the First Christmas.

~Joshua

Malaysian police ethics

I was caught by the police for overtaking a vehicle along a double line lane.

Here's how it begins. Three cars (mine was the second) were trailing behind a lorry that is going at the speed of 60 km/h on a 80 km/h road. Perhaps all the three cars were impatient including myself. So we decided to overtake the lorry, simultaneously one car after another.

All three cars were caught red handed after the overtaking by two policemen in front. All three cars were stopped aside, suprisingly only me (the driver of the second car) was asked to get down from the car and proceed to another police who was waiting by the police car. The cars in front and behind me had children (presumbly family) in them.

So the police asked for my identification, so I gave both my driving license and identity card. So the conversation began:

Police: Can I have your Identity card?

Joshua: Yes. [Gave both my driving licence and IC]

Police: I'm going to give you a ticket for overtaking on a double line lane, do you want the ticket?

Joshua: I have break the law, what else can I do?

Police: The ticket is going to cost you RM 600.

Joshua: That much???!!! That's impossible, according to the law its only RM 300 maximum.

Police: This is OPS SIKAP (Referring to the special traffic police operation for the holiday season)

Joshua: That's not right, I didn't hear from anywhere that they raised the compound/ ticket.

Police (2): [The one who stop me and dealed with the other two drivers who were in their cars]

Police (2): Why did you overtake?

Joshua: The car behind me were following very closely.

Police (2): But you shouldn't.

Joshua: Yes, I break the law.

Police: So do you want a ticket?

Joshua: What else can I do, I have broken the law.

Joshua: [ Police 2 was walking back to the other drivers returning their licence] Did the other two drivers get a ticket else well? How come I am the only one getting a ticket while not the other two?

Police: [Panicked abit] if you dont want a ticket is fine.

Police (2): [ Walked back towards the first police officer and me by the police car]

Joshua: I broke the law, so did they? So why wasn't they given a ticket as well?

Police: [couldn't answer me while trying to return my identity card and driving licence]

Police (2): We didnt gave them a ticket and we're not going to give you one either.

Joshua: [I took out my mobile and start recording down the car registration number of the other two vehicles who are leaving now, while the police looked panicked abit]

Police: We're not giving you a ticket, we didn't asked you to sign anything right.

Joshua: Really, you can do that? but I break the law.

Police: We can let you off with a warning.

Joshua: Thank you sir [Walked back to my car and drove away]

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So, the moral of the story? If you break the law, bear with the consequences and deal with it. There's no need to break another law (corruption) to get away. Corrupt practices are so rampant these days, everyone in Malaysia knows it and a majority of them will get away by paying RM50 -RM 100 to the officer to get away from a summom/ticket (RM 300).

And so I was let off with a verbal warning for a traffic offence which I admitted. Three cars committed the offence and I'm the one who is given a ticket? Where is justice? If the police decide to give me a ticket still without giving the other two drivers. It will not be easy for the police when I file a COMPLAINT!

Perhaps, I should thank the other two drivers, if wasn't for them and I commited the offence alone. I will have to pay a RM300 ticket now...haha.

If we don't want a CORRUPT GOVERNMENT, we must not be CORRUPT CITIZEN or offer even a single cent of bribe as well!

Joshua

Selamat Hari Raya and Happy Merdeka!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Happy Merdeka to all muslims and Malaysians.

It has been quite a while since I last posted. Life has been somehow interesting and boring at times but the purpose of this blog is to "Speak up".

So, it's time to work hard, save the money and visit and spend time with people who matter the most to me in life.

Have a great holiday.

Malaysia needs greater independence from oppression, injustice, corruption!

Joshua

Malaysia: Police must bear full responsibility!

The Malaysian government led by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and the police must bear full responsibility of the death of its citizen, hand-cuffed by police and denied its fundamental right as a living being who required immediate medical assistance (Video began at 8 minit 48 seconds). The failure for the government and the police to bear responsibility will result in an immediate of loss of the government's moral authority and credibility to continue to rule the nation.

Those who watch this video, whether you're a supporter of the government or not which does not touch your heart and pierce your soul, I will pray to God Almighty to open your eyes and ears to the truth.

May God bless the soul of this freedom fighter and all the brave men and women, including people that I know personally.

Joshua

BERSIH 2.0 July 9th 2011

9th July 2011, Kuala Lumpur. Despite a widespread pre-event arrest, declaration of illegal organization, T-shirts...etc. Roadblocks, police check-points turning Kuala Lumpur into a Police-City Fotress, thousands of peaceful supporters of BERSIH 2.0 (A coalition for free and fair elections) managed to slip into the city demanding free election for all!

While the ruling coalition together with the police and media continue to downplay the rally, the fact is that many will remember the day, a day which also commemorated by Malaysians from all over the world, whether in Melbourne (Australia), Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (South Korea), London (UK), San Francisco, New York, Portland (US).

The oppressive crackdown mounting to failure to safeguard the right of peaceful assembly and fair election enshrined under the Federal Constituition will shed a bad light of the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) in the eyes of the people, the silent majority.

The country has never been so divided lately but 9th July 2011 has been a successful day uniting Malaysians from all walks of lives, all over the world demanding freedom and democracy. Instituitions like the Election Commission and the police have shown to be nothing more than puppets ensuring no voice opposing the BN goverment can be heard among ordinary Malaysians.

One fatality has been reported due to suffocation from tear gas during a struggle with the police. The ruling coalition, police and Election Commission of Malaysia must bear full responsibility of the death and failure to uphold the Constituition and failure to take heed of the Constituitional Monarch's advice. The ruling coalition's popularity is in serious risk of descending into the popularity of the fallen Middle East governments like Egypt and Libya.

A brave and courageous for many Malaysians! Bravo! Long live the people! Long live the King!

Hidup Rakyat! Daulat Tuanku!

May God continue to hear our prayers for freedom and justice.

Muslim extremist in Malaysia threatens to wage war against minority christians of the nation

Muslim extremist in Malaysia threatens to wage holy war/ jihad or crusade against minority christians of the nation...

It is sad that it has been more than 48 hours now since this extremist MP threatens violence against minority christians of the nation...and yet the authority fails to act against this threat of violence...

His threat is based on an unfounded piece article or two.

Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng calls for prayers for peace in the nation.

There's nothing much ordinary citizens like myself can do except to speak up for truth, justice, peace, hope and love and to pray.

God bless us all.

Joshua

Protect and defend Christians’ right to use the Alkitab — The Christian Federation of Malaysia

It seemed outdated but the issue has not been resolved and still relevant.

Joshua

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MARCH 30, 2011 — We are grateful to Almighty God for bringing together Christian leaders from across churches in Semenanjung, Sabah and Sarawak to address the current controversy surrounding the impounding of Bahasa Malaysia Bibles, the Alkitab, at Port Klang and Kuching. This decision weighs heavily on us because of the implications not only for Christians but for all Malaysians.

We are united in our reaffirmation of the freedom of religion and worship. Therefore, our position is that there should be no restrictions, proscriptions or prohibitions whatsoever on the bible or the use of the language of our choice in the practice of our religion, as it was in the days before and after the formation of Malaysia.

Christians, like any other Malaysian, are not demanding for anything beyond our constitutional and fundamental human rights as enshrined in Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The current controversy surrounding the Alkitab is just one of many issues that concerns Christians. There has been a systematic and progressive pushing back of the public space to practise, to profess and to express our faith. For example, the wearing and displaying of crosses and other religious symbols, the use of religious words and the construction of places of worship have been restricted.

When Christians express this concern, we do so not just for ourselves but on behalf of all Malaysians. Our faith forms a critical component of our identity as Malaysians in nation-building as enshrined in the first pillar of our nation’s Rukunegara: Belief in God.

As regards the offer made by the government on 22 March 2011, we respectfully state that this does not address the substantive issues. In point of fact, our previous offer made in 2005 to use the term “A Christian Publication” was only honoured in respect of one shipment of the Alkitab. Subsequent shipments were similarly held up and subjected to further arbitrary conditions for release.

In order to move forward, we call on the Government to commit itself once and for all to remove every impediment, whether legal or administrative, to the importation, publication, distribution and use of the Alkitab and indeed to protect and defend our right to use the Alkitab.

This includes revoking all orders made under the Internal Security Act 1960, which have declared the Alkitab as a threat to national security. Neither can the Alkitab be considered a threat to public order under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. We categorically reject the characterisation of our Holy Scriptures in this manner.

Instead, we see our Holy Scriptures as providing enlightenment and direction. In the words of the psalmist, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105). In the New Testament is stated the teaching that we hold dear and true: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16)

We remain committed to work with the Government for a viable and long- term solution where the detailed processes and procedures are made clear and unequivocal and so long as our fundamental liberties as enshrined in the Federal Constitution are not infringed.
As for the copies of the Alkitab that have been impounded and desecrated, we reiterate our position that the action of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) in stamping the bibles amounts to an act of defacement, disrespect and treating with disdain the holy book of the Christians.

Given the unfortunate experience of KDN’s tendency of taking arbitrary action without consulting affected parties or respecting the religious sensitivities of the Christian community, any decision to collect copies of the Alkitab which have been stamped and serialised would be with a view to prevent the possibility of further arbitrary acts of desecration, disrespect or destruction being committed against the Holy Scripture of the Christians by KDN and its officers.

We have left it to the two importers to decide whether or not to collect the Alkitab, based on their different specific circumstances and level of trust in the authorities and the processes in their local context.

Nevertheless, no matter what their decision is, we remain united in our common stand to uphold the principle of freedom of religion which includes the free availability without hindrance or obstacle of the Alkitab and all sacred scriptures in Malaysia.
We continue to call on all peace-loving Malaysians to pray for a dignified resolution to these critical issues in the life of our nation.

Dated this day 30th March 2011

Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee
The Christian Federation of Malaysia

Natural Disasters in Japan, Myanmar

In a very short period of several months into the year of 2011, scores of natural disasters and socio-political unrests in the middle east have tainted the hope of a peaceful and a good year for humanity.

Japan's earthquake has killed more than 10,000 and the death toll is expected to reach beyond 20,000. Hundreds of billions dollars are lost due to the quake. Nuclear reactor woe in Fukushima plant has only further worsen the properous nation of Japan. While kind and generous individuals and charitable organizations across the globe raise funds and provide aides, what kind of aide / help have we heard from huge profit-making multinational giant company like Toyota, Honda, Sony...etc? The only news I heard from the profit giants were only delays of reopening manucfacturing plants in Japan and minimizes loses due to the quake.

These corporate companies making billions of dollars a year have not pledge publicly how they would contribute to the disaster, while leaving the task of humanitarian aide and help of a leading role to charitable organisations struggling to raise a million or two dollars from ordinary and kind individuals in response to this much bigger than expected disaster in Japan.

All of us should not give up hope, live daily by thanking God, treasuring the blessings He bestowed on us daily as well as the friends and family that love us dearly. Make beautiful memories and build genuine relationships as we put selfishness, greed, wealth and power in a lesser priority in our life.

After what use if a person gain the entire world and lost his soul? as mentioned in the Bible. Therefore, live a fruitful life, a life for God and others. For those who doesnt believe in the existence of God, live a life for others...

That's all I have to say this time.

Joshua

Christchurch holds prayers for quake victims

Christchurch holds prayers for quake victims

As the residents of Christchurch and the citizens of New Zealand continue to mourn the loss and the path of destruction that the recent earthquake has brought, the people around the world must realize that life is so fragile and unpredictable. Therefore, we are reminded once again to live life to the fullest and treasure today because it is a gift, the reason why it is also called the present.

Let us live each day as our last, to love and to be loved. Remember God and those who are less fortunate than us. Christchurch as its' name will rise again.

Know that God loves you today and always...

Joshua

In Everlasting Loving Memory of Terry Gallagher

Terry Gallagher, 48 years was called home to be with the Lord on 27th January 2011. He was a great husband, a great father, a great son, a great coach, a great friend who has fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished the race. Now what is in store for him is a crown of righteousness. He has inspired thousands throughout his life and many many more to come...

Disease, suffering and cancer seem to have win the battle but it has lost war because Terry is now in a perfect place where love, life and good reigns forever and ever.

Terry left behind a great family wife (Mimi), Meghan and Rose (Daugthers) and Tommy (Son), brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends...

Visit the following websites for updates and his incredible journey and battle for the past 3 years...and be inspired.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/terrygallagher/journal

As Terry's wife, Mimi always end:

"Hug your loved ones today and everyday. Let those you love know how you feel about them. Count your blessings. Know that God loves you today and always no matter what."

Joshua