Years ago, I remember my parents told me that the main threat to Malaysia was from the communists. At that tender age, all I knew was that 'communist' was a three-syllable word that implied an external threat. Today, I believe we are facing real threats in our country, not from external sources but from within - leaders who by their words, actions, policies, have caused us to lose confidence and faith in them. Do our politicians have a heart to serve?"
In so many events such as the TBH controversy, the "Allah" issue, MACC do's and don'ts, missing jets or Skyhawks or Scorpene submarines or GST etc, we can see how leaders and commenters partake in vitriolic debate, but in our heart of hearts and conscience, we know that their words do not impact us at all. If our leaders hope to achieve political influence and desire to make statements that are effective and constructive, they have to speak from THEIR hearts to touch OUR hearts. Their words and actions must speak to our feelings and take into consideration our desires, fears, anger, hopes, and above all, the collective good of our nation.
Intellectual or rhetorical arguments presented by certain leaders do not necessarily influence political orientations, especially if it is evident that someone else or an organization had been commissioned to write that speech or formulate a program upon instructions from leaders. Some could make decisions by mentally assessing the pros and cons but we have to acknowledge that many are still guided primarily by feeling. There could also be those who are subliminally influenced emotionally by certain developments in the country, and use their thinking faculties to justify the stance determined by their emotions. In such a scenario, politicians must appeal to their underlying feelings to influence them.
Let us admit it. Each of us has our own desires and a myriad of feelings about our country such as fear, anger and love/compassion. There are politicians who can successfully appeal to these desires by implementing policies that match our needs such as lower taxes, or improvements in education standards.
At the same time, we all know that there could be politicians who love to evoke fear by their statements or insinuations which alarm us and increase our anxiety and sense of helplessness. By doing so, I wonder if they realize that such mindless and heartless statements do nothing but spur us to close our hearts to their messages and we would prefer to cling to familiar sources of security which may not necessarily be the status quo any more. When one has fear, one tends to be desperate for security and needs reassurances but these are not forthcoming from the leaders who instead, seem to enjoy making veiled threats and allusions which could cause our feelings to spiral into anger in an attempt to make sense out of nonsense!
Currently, there is a dangerous trend of events which can stir anger that may escalate in political protest. In some ways, anger can mobilize people into action which may lead to change or destruction. Far too often, it remains anger AGAINST a group and is not channeled into anger and action FOR a group. In such a climate, it could mean that actions could be disguised by the veneer of justice and good intentions for a covert purpose rather than for noble intentions.
As such, people could lose their faith and hope in such leadership. Even if statements were forthcoming, one would test and assess these to see if words match actions and trends and if these don't match, again, confidence in leaders would be undermined. It almost seems as though some leaders have no consideration of how the rakyat may feel when they do not speak up against unfair statements made by other quarters or when there are double standards in policies or procedure. All this only serves to weaken their national image.
For a 52-year old nation, it is saddening that we have yet to reach the stage where we are capable of caring for everyone regardless of class, creed and color because of certain myths and stereotyped practices. We raise our flags on Hari Kebangsaan and sing our National Anthem with gusto at official events but beyond such token acts, we have yet to gel together as a nation with a cohesive and acceptable national identity to see ourselves as one. Why? We must ask ourselves if our leaders genuinely want us to move in that direction. While on one hand we may have feelings of compassion for some needy people, it could be difficult to extend our feelings and desire to care for others beyond the boundaries of our families. Why? Because others in the community remain distant for many reasons and we still see others through race-tinted lenses! How sad! Is this practice endorsed and encouraged by certain quarters for a hidden agenda?
It is obvious that with the prices of goods going up and the increase in the cost of living, many of us are overwhelmed by the demands of everyday living and we are trying to maintain control by controlling our emotions. Some may try to assuage our struggles in our own ways and we may be too inward looking to realize the bigger picture that has so many problems that affect our personal problems.
In my heart, I truly wish and pray that our leaders and their subordinates would address our deepest concerns. If they want us to vote them into power, they must convince us that they genuinely care about the struggles of our lives and they must show us in real terms by the congruency of their actions and policies that they are sincere in working towards our betterment.
But do we see it? We see so many new policies and projects with fancy sloganeering - all which need lots of public expenditure and look good in blue-print but may not necessarily work. While they may proclaim how much they are doing it for our good, our leaders must communicate with the rakyat on a deeper level - from their hearts to our hearts. We are not looking for fancy jargon or sentimental words, but rather through heartfelt expression translated into political actions which reflect their values. We do not need leaders or even former leaders to ridicule themselves with statements that bring shame to our nation in the international arena which may in fact cause a drop in FDI or even trade sanctions. There is absolutely no room for arrogance and self-glorification if they intend to serve the rakyat and the country.
Leaders with a heart can help us see and experience national unity and how we can work towards living in harmony in real terms by spreading messages of tolerance, equality and justice. Can they do that?
Throughout the history of many nations, we have seen how some famous political leaders made the most impact because of the messages they shared which spoke to citizens' desires, fears, anger, hope and love for the nation. Leaders like Martin Luther King demonstrated a beautiful combination passion with compassion, anger with resolve, and clarity of thought and language with inspiring vision. Upright leaders will naturally show a firm stand on justice and condemn ill-fated policies whilst spreading messages of hope and the vision of a promising future for all. Such leaders leave a legacy for others to emulate and to appreciate.
Reality bites. Do we see this in our country?
The next elections could happen sooner than we think. I am sure our political leaders desire to win our confidence to vote them again. If so, it they have to define our collective concerns and delineate these from their personal concerns. Their political agenda must be true and pure and their subordinates have to support them wholeheartedly and resist making a fool of themselves by coming out with conflicting statements. In short, they must not only address national issues but must also seriously consider the struggles and needs of the rakyat regardless of class, creed or color.
The time has come for leaders or aspiring leaders to put down their artillery being used against one another. They have to strip off their armor, to feel and reveal their genuine hearts to us, to speak to our hearts from their hearts.
The rakyat are tired...we are downtrodden, suffering and truly fed up with all that we see before our very eyes. Can the leaders please find in in their hearts to genuinely serve people and not give the impression that certain programs are being put into motion for other reasons than specified? Can our leaders find it in their hearts to uphold truth and justice and to ensure that all organizations/ bodies do the same without showing fear or favor to any party or group or individual?
If they can do all that and show us that they have a heart to serve the rakyat and this country and not their own party or hearts or interests, I am sure the rakyat will vote them into power.
If not, it will be a defining moment in our country when we voice our discontent via the ballot box.
It is all up to them. Show us you have a heart! We do have hearts that feel and care and we remember too, even if you may have forgotten...
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Recently a guy in Paris nearly got away with stealing several paintings from the Louvre. However, after planning the crime, getting in and out past security, he was captured only 2 blocks away when his Econoline ran out of gas. When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied: "I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh."
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Mary Poppins was traveling home, but due to worsening weather, she decided to stop at a hotel for the night. She approached the receptionist and asked for a room for the night.
"Certainly madam", he replied courteously.
"Is the restaurant open still?" inquired Mary.
"Sorry, no," came the reply, "but room service is available all night. Would you care to select something from this menu?"
Mary smiled and took the menu and perused it. "Hmm, I would like cauliflower cheese please," said Mary.
"Certainly madam," he replied.
"And can I have breakfast in bed?" asked Mary politely. The receptionist nodded and smiled. "In that case, I would love a couple of poached eggs please," Mary mused. After confirming the order, Mary signed in and went up to her room for the night.
The night passed uneventfully and next morning Mary came down early to check out. The same guy was still on the desk.
"Morning madam...sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you," Mary replied.
"Food to your liking?"
"Well, I have to say the cauliflower cheese was exceptional, I don't think I have had better. Shame about the eggs tho....they really weren't that nice at all," replied Mary truthfully.
"Oh...well, perhaps you could contribute these thoughts to our Guest Comments Book.
We are always looking to improve our service and would value your opinion," said the receptionist.
"OK, I will...thanks!" replied Mary....who checked out, then scribbled a comment into the book. Waving, she left to continue her journey.
Curious, the receptionist picked up the book to see the comment Mary had written.
"Supercauliflowercheesebuteggswerequiteatrocious!"
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A noted biologist, who had been studying little green frogs in a swamp, was stumped. The frog population, despite efforts at predator control, was declining at an alarming rate. A chemist at a nearby college came up with a solution: The frogs, due to a chemical change in the swamp water, simply couldn't stay coupled long enough to reproduce successfully. The chemist then brewed up a new adhesive to assist the frogs' togetherness, which included one part sodium. It seems the little green frogs needed some monosodium glue to mate.
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The French will eat almost anything. A young cook decided that the French would enjoy feasting on rabbits and decided to raise rabbits in Paris and sell them to the finer restaurants in the city. He searched all over Paris seeking a suitable place to raise his rabbits. None could be found. Finally, an old priest at the cathedral said he could have a small area behind the rectory for his rabbits. He successfully raised a number of them, and when he went about Paris selling them, a restaurant owner asked him where he got such fresh rabbits. The young man replied, "I raise them myself, near the cathedral. In fact, I have ... a hutch back of Notre Dame.
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Two caged canaries
Once upon a time there were two canaries in a cage. Naturally, one was male and the other female. After many months, the male decided to meet the female. So he scooted over to her side of the cage and said,
"Since we're in this together, why don't I move over to your side of the cage!"
The female canary replied, "No, thanks!!"
So he went back to his side but found he could stay there no longer. Once again, he moved to her side of the cage. This time he asked,
"I am sorry I was to forward the first time. Why don't we get to know each other first."
To which she replied again, "No, thanks!"
Resigning himself to return to his side of the cage, he languished about for a bit then made one final effort. He went halfway across the cage and stated,
"Well, could we at least talk?"
This time she replied, "Oh, I am so sorry I have been so mean. You see I just learned I have a canarial disease called, "Chirpies" and I hear it is untweetable."
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An elephant was drinking out of a river one day, when he spotted a turtle asleep on a log. So, he ambled on over and kicked it clear across the river.
"What did you do that for?" Asked a passing giraffe.
"Because I recognized it as the same turtle that took a nip out of my trunk 53 years ago."
"Wow, what a memory" commented the giraffe.
"Yes," said the elephant, "turtle recall".
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Gift for Snow White
Snow White received a camera as a gift. She happily took pictures of the Dwarfs and their surroundings. When she finished her first batch she took the film to be developed. After a week or so she went to get the finished photos. The clerk said the photos were not back from the processor.
Needless to say, she was disappointed and started to cry. The clerk, trying to console her, said,
"Don't worry. Someday your prints will come".
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Next socio-political post will be up later.Have a nice day.
This letter was written by Fra Giovanni Giocondo to his friend, Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513. Born in Venice, Giocondo would become a priest, a scholar, an architect and a teacher. He was indeed a true 'renaissance man.'
In 1496 Giocondo was invited to France by the King and made royal architect. If you've ever been to Paris and walked across the beautiful bridges Pont Notre-Dame or the Petit Pont -- both of these were designed by Giocondo.
I am posting this letter as an encouragement to those of us who may be feeling blue...to know that there IS always hope no matter how dark the day. It is not blind idealism ...think - law of atrraction or faith or whatever. The bottom line is negativism cripples us and makes us too weak, pessimistic for our own good. May today and everyday of your life be filled with showers of blessings and hope for tomorrow. Take care and God bless you and yours always. Have a nice day.
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I am your friend and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not got, but there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in today. Take heaven!
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant. Take peace!
The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach is joy. There is radiance and glory in the darkness could we but see - and to see we have only to look. I beseech you to look!
Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by the covering, cast them away as ugly, or heavy or hard. Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love, by wisdom, with power.
Welcome it, grasp it, touch the angel's hand that brings it to you. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, believe me, that angel's hand is there, the gift is there, and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. Our joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts.
Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty - beneath its covering - that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven.
Courage, then, to claim it, that is all. But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are all pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home.
And so, at this time, I greet you. Not quite as the world sends greetings, but with profound esteem and with the prayer that for you now and forever, the day breaks, and the shadows flee away.
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Take care, dear reader. Have a great day!
