Do what you do best!

Do what you do best
Tessie Lim

As a performance coach, what is the most common question you get asked and what is your response to it?
I'm often asked "how do I know what I am meant to do with my life?" My response is to seat the client comfortably and ask them to close their eyes and relax.
Then I would ask them to direct their attention to the things that they enjoy doing, and when doing these, they feel so right they get a sense that time just floats away…
For some people, this could be working with animals. For others, it involves working with many other people, and for yet others, they are most happy doing things alone. Computer geeks fall into this category!

We do our best when we do what we do best.
So begin by realising what your gifts and talents are, what you have a natural flair for, and what you could enjoy doing all day so it doesn't seem like work at all.
Then ask "what does this mean to me" and "how is this important to me?"
When we become aware of this, we are beginning to find our purpose in life.
When we live our life purposefully, we find that we are always focused on what we can do well that makes us happy… and because doing it has so much meaning for us, we are always looking for ways to spend more time on it and be better at it.

Living our 'Best Life'
You often talk about "living our best life." What does this really mean and how would you advise people to go about achieving it?
"Best" means "optimum", "most" or "full." Living my "Best Life" means that I live my life to the full.
To live my "Best Life" means I use all my talents to produce the fullest experience I can of the moments and hours each day.
To do this, I need power, the power to make choices, the power to get involved, the power to have a say. I need to be in control, to have influence over what I experience each day. To have all this, I need to be "self-referent."
This means I live by my principles, my beliefs and my understandings, not by what others tell me to do. To have influence, control and choice, I need power… to agree or disagree, the ability to think and decide for myself, if what I am doing will help or hurt me.
To Live Our Best Life requires courage because it involves doing what's right for us. This means having to say no sometimes because those things don't fit into our set of priorities.

We can start by checking that our attitudes are positive and that we have a zest for life.
Is being alive and happy important to us?
If yes, then we are on the right track!

That positive attitude will generate feelings of gratitude because we are always thinking how wonderful this is and how interesting that is and how lucky we are to be at that place at that time!

Life is beautiful!


***
Tessie Lim is the Founder of World Center of Personal Excellence, a company she set up for the purpose of enabling and driving dreams through facilitating and realising potential, defining purpose and meaning for an optimal life.

She is a certified performance coach with an extensive background in behavioural psychology, marketing, business and education. Her personal mission is to inspire the courage, confidence and the freedom to empower us to live our best life.

DOC.....is it TOO MUCH BEERS?

Too Much BEERS?!

PEOM * Time Tested Beauty Tips

***

Wonderful Peom by humorist and journalist Sam Levenson,

that was originally written for his grandchild.

.

The lengendary Audrey Hepburn loved it so much she made it her mantra,

including it in many of her lectures and talks as a UNICEF Ambassador.

.

The poem has since become more popularly known as

Audrey Hepburn's Secret to Great Beauty,

obviously reflecting how much she embodied the simple philosophies found within.

.

.

***

.

Time Tested Beauty Tips

.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

.

People, even more than things,

have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;

never throw out anybody.

.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands,

one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty in a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

.

the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,

but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows,

and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

***

The NEW + the OLD MINIs!

MINIs

the NEW + the OLD

the OLD!

the NEW!

the OLD with the NEW
the NEW with the OLD!

***

the YING + YANG

The Seven Mistakes Leaders Make

The Seven Mistakes Leaders Make

What leaders in corporations, educational institutions and government organizations need to know.

By Joanne Sujansky, Ph.D.

Leading a firm to success in today's marketplace is difficult. An uncertain economy and unpredictable market changes make many employees uncertain of what to do.

When leaders fail them, they either jump ship or stay on board, floundering and performing at reduced levels.

There are seven mistakes that leaders in corporations, educational institutions and government organizations typically make:

1. LACK OF TRUST.

Leaders develop a following by developing trust. When trust doesn't exist, employees look for someone else to follow, inside or outside the organization. Trust is based on integrity. It's all about being honest, keeping promises, being fair. Leaders are judged by what they do everyday. Lose trust ? you lose your followers.

2. FAILURE TO SHAPE AND SHARE A VISION.

You need to share the organizational vision and goals so employees understand the big picture. Realize that team members want to know where the organization is going and how that direction impacts their personal objectives. As events and circumstances change, communicate that to them as well. The more you reveal to employees the more leadership they'll feel they have. Help them to vividly see the future.

3. UNCLEAR EXPECTATIONS.

Each employee needs clear focus, especially during uncertain times. When employees see the economy turn sour or cutbacks occur, they naturally fear any change that could impact their own future. To keep those fears from surfacing, continually communicate with your employees and state your expectations of them. Tell them what you want, what they did right, what you expect of them and how you measure their progress.

4. INSUFFICIENT MODELING OF DESIRED BEHAVIORS.

You must demonstrate the behaviors that you want from others. When you take a leadership role, you actually lose some rights ? the right to let your performance decline, the right to blame someone or something else. There is no break time, it's 24/7 for showing others the way you wish them to be.

5. NOT ENOUGH PARTNERING.

When we reach out to others to achieve mutually desired results, we are partnering. Leaders must lead the way by partnering with other organizational leaders, employees, vendors, etc. Each person brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the partnering process. Leaders must think and talk in terms of "we," involving others in decisions that affect them and the business whenever possible.

6. FAILURE TO RETAIN TOP TALENT.

Leaders need to behave in a way that makes the "keepers" want to stay. Top talent wants to be recognized and praised for contribution. High achievers want some "room," some authority to do what they know needs to be done. They also want to be growing themselves while working with you to grow the company. Hold them back and they'll go elsewhere.

7. TOO LITTLE CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS.

The pressures of the day-to-day are felt by everyone. Leaders must find multiple opportunities to acknowledge individual and team accomplishments. Impromptu parties, award dinners and staff meetings are all ways to stop, say thanks and encourage further success.

***

Leaders need to avoid these seven mistakes or pitfalls. Today's employees have high standards for their leaders. They want to know what to expect, where the company is going and how they fit into the big picture.

My Birthday * 13 April 2008

BBQ Dinner Party at Ipoh Family Home

family members with dinner guests

More dinner guests

children singing happy birthday song

blowing the candles!

cake cutting

Sean wants to eat the cake lah!

all in the family!

great birthday presents too!

...like my new apron?

hanging corals made by Si Siew

New Dicionary!

DICTIONARY FOR WOMEN'S PERSONAL ADS

40-ish..............................49
Adventurous...................Slept with all your friends
Athletic............................No boobs
Average looking..............Ugly
Beautiful..........................Pathological liar
Contagious Smile............Does a lot of pills
Emotionally secure.........On medication
Feminist...........................Fat
Free spirit........................Junkie
Friendship first...............Former slut
Fun...................................Annoying
Gentle...............................Dull
New Age...........................Body hair in the wrong places
Open-minded..................Desperate
Outgoing...........................Loud and Embarrassing
Passionate........................Sloppy drunk
Poet...................................Depressive
Professional......................Bitch
Romantic...........................Frigid
Voluptuous........................Very Fat
Large frame......................Hugely Fat
Wants Soul mate..............Stalker
Widow................................Murderer


WOMEN'S ENGLISH

1. Yes = No
2. No = Yes
3. Maybe = No
4. We need = I want
5. I am sorry = you'll be sorry
6. We need to talk = you're in trouble
7. Sure, go ahead = you better not
8. Do what you want = you will pay for this later
9. I am not upset = of course I am upset, you moron!
10. You're very attentive tonight = is sex all you ever think about?


MEN'S ENGLISH

1. I am hungry = I am hungry
2. I am sleepy = I am sleepy
3. I am tired = I am tired
4. Nice dress = Nice cleavage!
5. I love you = let's have sex now
6. I am bored = Do you want to have sex?
7. May I have this dance? = I'd like to have sex with you
8. Can I call you sometime? = I'd like to have sex with you
9. Do you want to go to a movie? = I'd like to have sex with you
10. Can I take you out to dinner? = I'd like to have sex with you
11. Those shoes don't go with that outfit = I'm gay

Great Quotes!

We teach some by what we say
we teach some more by what we do
But we teach most by what we are.

***

You don't get to choose how you are going to die, or when,
but, you can decide how you are going to live,
here and now.

***

Remember:
people will forget what you said ...
people will forget what you did ...
But people will never forget how you made them feel....

***

'You Have to Learn Lessons Also from Others Mistakes
because you will Not Get Time to Do All the Mistakes on Your Own'

Five Things Happy People Do!

Five Things Happy People Do

Experts reveal the secrets of happy people.

By Gabrielle LeBlanc

From O, The Oprah Magazine, March 2008


Many of the new studies reaffirm time-honored wisdom ('Do what you love,' 'To thine own self be true'), there are also a number of fresh twists and insights.
Leading experts were canvassed on what happy people have in common—and why it's worth trying to become one of them:


They find their most golden self. Eudaimonia VS Hedonia

Researchers now believe that eudaimonic well-being may be more important. Cobbled from the Greek eu ('good') and daimon ('spirit' or 'deity'), eudaimonia means striving toward excellence based on one's unique talents and potential.

The effort to know and realize one's most golden self—'personal growth,' is now the central concept of eudaimonia, which has also come to include continually taking on new challenges and fulfilling one's sense of purpose in life.

'Eudaimonic well-being is much more robust and satisfying than hedonic happiness, and it engages different parts of the brain,' says Richard J. Davidson, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 'The positive emotion accompanying thoughts that are directed toward meaningful goals is one of the most enduring components of well-being.'


They design their lives to bring in joy.

It may seem obvious, but 'people don't devote enough time to thinking seriously about how they spend their life and how much of it they actually enjoy,' says David Schkade, PhD, a psychologist and professor of management at the University of California, San Diego.

Analyzing one's life isn't necessarily easy and may require questioning long-held assumptions. A high-powered career might, in fact, turn out to be unfulfilling; a committed relationship once longed for could end up being irritating with all the compromising that comes with having a partner. Dreams can be hard to abandon, even when they've turned sour.Fortunately, changes don't have to be big ones to tip the joy in your favor.


Taking action is key.


They avoid 'if only' fantasies.

If only I get a better job…find a man…lose the weight…life will be perfect. Happy people don't buy into this kind of thinking.The latest research shows that we're surprisingly bad at predicting what will make us happy. People also tend to misjudge their contentment when zeroing in on a single aspect of their lives—it's called the focusing illusion.

The other argument against 'if only' fantasies has to do with 'hedonic adaptation'—the brain's natural dimming effect, which guarantees that a new house won't generate the same pleasure a year after its purchase.

Happy people are wise to this, which is why they keep their lives full of novelty, even if it's just trying a new activity.


They put best friends first.

It's no surprise that social engagement is one of the most important contributors to happiness. What's news is that the nature of the relationship counts. Compared with dashing around chatting with acquaintances, you get more joy from spending longer periods of time with a close friend, according to research by Meliksah Demir, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Northern Arizona University.

One of the most essential pleasures of close friendship, Demir found, is simple companionship, 'just hanging out'.


They allow themselves to be happy.

As much as we all think we want it, many of us are convinced, deep down, that it's wrong to be happy (or too happy). Whether the belief comes from religion, culture, or the family you were raised in, it usually leaves you feeling guilty if you're having fun.'Some people would say you shouldn't strive for personal happiness until you've taken care of everyone in the world who is starving or doesn't have adequate medical care,' says Howard Cutler, MD, who co-authored The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World with the Dalai Lama. 'The Dalai Lama believes you should pursue both simultaneously.

So, for any die-hard pessimist who still needs persuading, just think of how much more you can help the world if you allow a little happiness into your life.


Gabrielle LeBlanc is a writer and neuroscientist in Washington, D.C.

By Gabrielle LeBlanc from O, The Oprah Magazine, March 2008 ©

What an Adventure Travel for a Malaysian!?

George Lo was thinking of take the "Bukima" Tour in New Zealand!

The Value of a Drink!

The Value of a Drink

'Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drinkI feel shame.

Then I look into the glass and thinkabout the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams .

If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered.

Then I say to myself,

'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'~ Jack Handy

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering

what the hell happened to your bra and panties.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'I feel sorry for people who don't drink.

When theywake up in the morning, that's as good as they'regoing to feel all day. '

~Frank Sinatra

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,

smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.'

~Henny Youngman

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not.'

~Stephen Wright

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'When we drink, we get drunk.

When we get drunk, we fall asleep.

When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.

When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.

So, let's allget drunk and go to heaven!'

~ Brian O'Rourke

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.'

~Benjamin Franklin

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a retard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Without question, the greatest invention in thehistory of mankind is beer.

Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention,

but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.'

~Dave Barry

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends

over and over again that you love them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To some ! it's a six-pack, to me it's a Support Group.

Salvation in a can!

~Dave Howell

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse

with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And saving the best for last, as explained by Cliff Clavin, of Cheers.

One afternoon at Cheers, Cliff Clavin was explaining the BuffaloTheory to his buddy Norm.

Here's how it went:

'Well ya see, Norm, it's like this...

A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo.

And when the herd is hunted,

it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first.

This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole,

because the general speed and health of the whole group

keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.

In much the same way,

the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells.

Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells.

But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first.

In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells,

making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.'

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering!

when you are not!

Life according to Woody Allen!

'Next Life'

***

by Woody Allen

*

In my next life I want to live my life backwards.

You start out dead and get that out of the way.

.

Then you wake up in an old people's home

feeling better every day.

.

You get kicked out for being too healthy,

go collect your pension,

and then when you start work,

you get a goldwatch and a party on your first day.

.

You work for 40 years until you're young enough

to enjoy your retirement.

.

You party, drink alcohol, and are generally promiscuous,

then you are ready for high school.

You then go to primary school,

you become a kid, you play.

.

You have no responsibilities, you become a baby

until you are born.

.

And then you spend your last 9 months

floating in luxurious spa like conditions

with central heating and room service on tap,

larger quarters every day and then Voila!

.

You finish off as an orgasm!

*

I rest my case.

DJs * Nomsta + Steve Aoki

DJ NOMSTA* is back at The Mansion for the Guest House series

after one successful rocking nite last month.

Known for his wide spectrum House Music

from the deep ends of Chicago-Detroit-San Francisco to the soulful NYC vibes

through the jazzy broken techy sounds of Europe,

he is most happy while spreading the truth of House Music

made specially for the global party creatures.

Popular Japanese DJ Steve Aoki

Aoki entertains Malaysian fans for the first time at the Black Circuit Paddock Party

in Zouk tomorrow

Photo of my son Si Siew......looking like Aoki!?

Take a Guess!

Photo of Si Siew or Aoki?

An Analysis of Malaysia's 12th General Election

An Analysis of Malaysia's 12th General Election

by
Asian Strategic Leadership Instititue * ASLI



1. Introduction

In our pre-election analysis, we estimated that the Opposition parties will win about 50 parliamentary seats and face a very strong challenge from DAP-Keadilan in Penang. We also warned of the strong wind blowing in the Indian and Chinese communities towards the Opposition. We did not and could not then anticipate the equally strong wave of Malay support for the Opposition which resulted in the Opposition gaining 82 seats in Parliament, denying the Barisan Nasional of its two-thirds majority, the first time since the May1969 General Election. We had in our pre-election analysis noted the possibility of a divided outcome with a strong Malay government against a strong non-Malay Opposition. However, this did not materialize as Malay support for the Opposition was also strong resulting in multi racial Keadilan winning 31 seats and PAS 23 seat in Parliament. In fact, the popular votes obtained by UMNO (35.5%) and ombined PAS/Keadilan (34.8%) was almost equal. Whilst the loss of Penang state to the Opposition did not come as a surprise after the first week of campaign with massive turnout at DAP ceramahs and large donations collected on the spot for the DAP candidates, the fall of Perak and Selangor was totally unexpected. What happened? What caused the massive swing?

Some facts on the 12th General Election should be noted and analysed. The Barison Nasional within Peninsular Malaysia failed to obtain a majority of popular votes cast. It only obtained 49% of the popular votes in Peninsular Malaysia whereas the Opposition had the majority of popular votes – 51%. UMNO won 35% of popular votes against 34.8% won by PAS and Keadilan. Although the Barisan Nasional won 140 seats in Parliament, 54 seats came from Sabah and Sarawak. So, without Sabah and Sarawak, Barisan Nasional will not have even obtained a simple majority in Parliament. If the Federal Territory was to be considered as a state, the Barisan Nasional actually lost 6 states. In Negeri Sembilan, it survives with only a 4-seat majority. In Pahang, Barisan Nasional even lost the state capital, Kuantan. Even the Barisan Nasional fortress of Johor was successfully penetrated by the Opposition this time with both DAP and PAS winning seats. There are no safe bastions for Barisan Nasional anymore.

Although, the Chinese and Indian votes have decisively swung to the DAP and Keadilan, causing MCA, MIC and Gerakan to lose massive support, it was totally unexpected for UMNO to lose in urban and semi-urban Malay seats like Titiwangsa and Lembah Pantai (in Kuala Lumpur city), Shah Alam, Ulu Langat, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, Gombak, Ampang, Sungei Petani, Merbok, Kulim, Nibong Tebal, Balik Pulau (in Penang), Parit Buntar and Bagan Serai in Perak. Barisan Nasional even lost Kuantan – the capital of Pahang and Indera Mahkota. With increasing urbanization with the urban population projected to increase to 73% in 2020, up from 62% in 2000, can UMNO prevent a slide in urban Malay votes? What made the urban Malays desert UMNO? This question needs to be addressed.

For the MCA and MIC, it was clearly their worst ever electoral performance ever. In 1969, MCA won 13 out of 24 seats contested (54%), whereas this year MCA only won 37.5% of parliament seats contested. Gerakan was totally wiped out in Penang – its stronghold. The DAP campaigned that a vote for MCA or Gerakan is a vote for UMNO to capitalize on the anger of the Chinese community over UMNO. Hence, the track record of MCA and Gerakan was ignored with an emotional swing against UMNO.


2. What the Election Results Mean

Several broad conclusions can be drawn from the 12th General Election:-

(i) It is a seismic shift in Malaysian politics.

A political tsunami as the Star headlines said. The old ways of campaigning may no longer work. Putting fear into voters' minds did not work. The use of mainstream media to create spin or to demonise the opposition was detested by urban voters and had a counter-effect instead. From feedback, many urban voters were turned off by the spin especially in NST and Star.

(ii) The victory of DAP, Keadilan and PAS in many areas showed that voters do not buy the argument that the Chinese won't support PAS and DAP won't get Malay votes.

As Dr. Farish Noor reported from the PAS Headquarters in Kota Baru on Saturday night (polling night), Kelantan PAS supporters cheered when the DAP gained control of Penang. So the notion that Malays won't support DAP was debunked that night in Kota Baru.

(iii) Makkal Sakhti (People Power), the cry of HINDRAF, caused a tidal wave of support from the Indian community towards the opposition.

This seismic shift of Indian voters contributed to the defeat of many Barisan National candidates, not only MIC candidates.

(iv) The Barisan Nasional's brand of race-based politics is no longer an attractive proposition to voters.

Chinese voters deserted MCA and Gerakan. Indian voters swung away from MIC. Many Malay voters switched to Keadilan, making Keadilan the biggest opposition party with 31 parliament seats. The Opposition parties won, not on race-based issues but across a range of issues that cuts across ethnic lines. The MCA and MIC lost whilst trying to portray themselves as defenders of their race. UMNO lost ground to Keadilan even with Anwar calling for an end to NEP. Is this then, a new paradigm for Malaysian politics that Malaysian voters are more taken in by wider national issues such as corruption, crime, cost of living, social justice and human rights which cuts across all ethnic groups rather than narrow ethnic issues that favour any particular race? Even MCA championing the cause of Chinese schools didn't get much support from the Chinese community. But, PAS delivered votes to DAP and Chinese voters supported both PAS and Keadilan. Should MCA remain purely a Chinese party when it lost more Chinese votes to the DAP or should it become a multi-racial party and widen its appeal to non-Chinese? This has set the stage for a new era of multi-racial politics in Malaysia, perhaps the beginning of a two-party system which is healthy in any democracy.

(v) The loss of Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Perak can perhaps be partially attributed to complacency in the Barisan Nasional camp.

Over-confidence in a proven track record may be another factor. In Penang, the non-Malay voters were unhappy with Gerakan for being unable or unwilling to stand up to UMNO. However, the Opposition's ability to capture, in particular, Penang and Selangor, the jewels in the crown so to speak, and even Perak to a lesser extent, will enable DAP and Keadilan to attempt to provide a new model of governance, which if they succeed, could further strengthen their grips on these states in the next General Elections and extend their support in other states like Negeri Sembilan (remember earlier point: Barisan Nasional only have 4 seat majority in Negeri Sembilan). However, if the DAP and Keadilan mess up, they will lose their opportunity and the voters in the 3 states Penang, Perak and Selangor may revert to the Barisan Nasional. It is however, unlikely DAP and Keadilan will squander their chance. It is left to be seen if the new State Governments in Penang, Perak and Selangor can deliver. If so, expect them to control these states for at least two terms if the state governments are administered well with good governance, accountability and transparency.

(vi) The point has also to be made that never in the history of Malaysia has the Prime Minister ever lost his own home state.

In Penang, UMNO/Barisan Nasional only retained 2 parliamentary seats, that of the Prime Minister and Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. The 12th General Election by any reckoning is UMNO's worst-ever performance, worse than in 1969 and 1999.


3. What Caused the Swing to the Opposition

The political tsunami was brought about by various factors, foremost of which is the perceived arrogance of power. All racial groups – Malays, Chinese and Indians have the perception that the Barisan Nasional did not hear or listen to the voice of the people. The Barisan Nasional mishandled the Bersih and HINDRAF protests. This show no tolerance for public assemblies and no outlet for grievances which resulted in the aggrieved parties voting against the Barisan Nasional in the ballot boxes. The Barisan Nasional's over-confidence and poor intelligence failed to identify growing anger an frustration of the people. The Prime Minister's challenge to Opposition supporters not to demonstrate but to take it to the ballot box also made many fence sitters and opposition sympathizers to vote for the opposition. The Barisan Nasional failed to effectively read the mood on the ground. Many urban voters in particular the fence sitters were put off by the propaganda, spin and one-sided coverage on TV and in NST and Star.

A contributory factor could be internal bickering over the choice of candidates within the Barisan Nasional component parties not only in UMNO but also in MCA and Gerakan. Apart from the above, other factors also contributed to the unprecedented swing in support to the Opposition.

These can be attributed as the 9C's:-

(i) Change :

A massive mood swing brought about by the opposition's promise of change and reform.

(ii) Crime :

Growing anger at the seeming inability of the Federal Government to tackle crime effectively.

(iii) Cost of Living :

Rising frustration over increases in the cost of living.

(iv) Corruption :

Growing perception that corruption has worsened over the past four years.

(v) Courts :

Disgust over the Lingham enquiry and concern about judicial independence.

(vi) Convergence of Issues :

All these issues coming to a head at the same time and perception that goverment is not listening or effectively addressing them. There is really no one single big issue but a convergence of issues that caused people to be dissatisfied and angry with the Barison Nasional.

(vii) Communications Technology :

The power of the internet and blogs to provide alternative information, that is downloaded, printed and distributed even to kampungs and new villages. With the spin in NST, more people trust the blogs more than the mainstream media.

(viii) Credible Leadership :

For the first time, the Opposition was able to present credible leadership and credible alternatives. The Anwar factor is pivotal. More than the 1998 reformasi campaign this year is much more an Anwar-coordinated campaign. DAP, Keadilan and PAS put up young, credible candidates. Lim Guan Eng, a Monash economics and accounting graduate, taking charge of Penang instead of his father Lim Kit Siang provided a younger and less belligerent face to the electorate backed by credible candidates like Prof. Ramasamy, Liew Chin Tiong and Jeff Ooi.


(ix) Campaign Strategy :

The Barisan Nasional's campaign strategy was much of the same. The old school approach –some carrots and sticks. It offered development on the one hand, it threatens on the other, warning the Chinese and Indian communities that they will have no representation in government. The Chinese and Indian voters didn't buy this argument this time. At one point in Penang, feedback from many Chinese voters is they don't mind not even having a Chinese Chief Minister to teach the Barisan Nasional a lesson. Promises and fear didn't work this time. UMNO also took Malay voters for granted. On the other hand, the Opposition's strategy was low-key, humble and non-threatening. PAS didn't speak of an Islamic State. DAP didn't campaign to capture Penang as was the case during Tanjung I, II and III. All DAP asked for was to deny Barisan Nasional two-thirds majority both in Penang and in Parliament. This softer approach compared to Kit Siang's aggressive style in 1990, 1995, 1999 won DAP many sympathetic votes. The use of blogs as alternative media was also highly successful.

For the Chinese voters, memories don't fade easily. Often politicians tend to think people have short memories. But the Chinese voters are still upset and aggrieved over the waving of the keris incident at UMNO Youth Assemblies and the racial rhetoric in the 2006 UMNO General Assembly. Chinese voters also perceived MCA and Gerakan to be too subservient to UMNO. For the Indian voters, HINDRAF was a key factor. The power of Makkal Sakhti (People's Power) is real and translated into votes for the Opposition throughout the country where there are sizeable number of Indian voters. For Malay voters, Anwar provided an alternative leadership. He read the Malay mood well. To the Malay voters in Anwar's campaign speeches, the NEP because of its over-obsession with Bumiputra equity, benefitted only UMNO Puteras and didn't benefit the ordinary people in the rural heartland. UMNO Youth was also perceived to be brash and arrogant.


4. Looking Ahead

With the 12th General Election provided is a timely wake-up call to all political parties. They need to change, reform and deliver.

For the Barisan Nasional, it means reinvention to stay relevant. For the Opposition in control of the 5 State Governments, it means the need to deliver what they promised. Can they work together?

The question, looking ahead, is how UMNO will react. Will it be magnanimous and learn the right lessons? Will it change and reform from within and lower racial rhetoric to win back non-Malay support or will it up the ante to become even more ultra-Malay to retain whatever Malay support it still has? Will UMNO remain united and cohesive or will there be a scramble for positions in its coming General Assembly and party elections? The internal dynamics in UMNO in the lead up to party elections need to be watched.

For the Opposition, the key question is whether the new State Governments in Penang, Perak and Selangor can perform and deliver and meet the expectations of the people? Will there be a witch-hunt against Barisan Nasional supporters? Will they be able to cooperate and work closely together? Will they gain the support of civil servants? Will they be able to cooperate and work with the Federal Government? What will be the impact on Government-Linked Companies controlled by or connected to these state governments?

For the MCA and MIC, the question is whether they should continue to narrowly fight for Chinese and Indian interests or should they reinvent themselves to become multi-racial parties like DAP and Keadilan and champion wider national issues such as corruption, human rights, judicial independence and economic opportunities.

For the Gerakan and PPP, the key question is whether they should continue to exist and if so, what is their niche in Malaysian politics? Should they bring about the merger of smaller parties in the Barisan Nasional including those in Sabah and Sarawak? Will the 2008 Election lead to the emergence of a two-party system in Malaysia?

For the Prime Minister, this is an opportunity to clean house. To listen more to the voice of the people and not to be disconnected to the feelings on the ground. We have in Pak Lah a decent man, a dedicated and pious Muslim. He should use his strength to reinvent himself and renew UMNO and Barisan Nasional. Credit ought to be also given to the Prime Minister for providing more democratic space and a fairer, freer election as well as for his stoic acceptance of the democratic voice of the people, and for not reacting ala the midnight snatch in Sabah in the mid-1980's or having an Operasi Lallang or May 13/NOC type reaction.

There is clearly a need to review certain National Policies that cause unhappiness and decisiveness. Will the Barisan Nasional leadership, be able, perhaps more willing to rise to the occasion to bite the bullet?

In the final analysis, despite the massive swing to the opposition, the Barisan Nasional still remained in office at Federal level and has a comfortable majority to provide continuity and political stability. This analysis provides some key facts and pose some key questions that need to be pondered over in the days and months ahead. Whatever it is, Malaysian politics post March 8, 2008 will not be the same again. It is time for a new beginning. A new era has begun. More importantly, to note that the morning after, most surveys showed that many Malaysians from all races and different walks of life felt good over the election outcome.

EARTH DAY * 2008

Earth Day on April 22nd

A Fantastic Underwater photo!

PERKS OF BEING OVER 50!

PERKS OF BEING OVER 50

1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, "Did I wake you???"
5. People no longer view youas a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to payoff.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18 Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list!

More Marriage Fun!

Marriage (Part I )

Typical macho man married typical good-looking lady,

and after the wedding, he laid down the following rules:

"I'll be home when I want, if I want and at what time I want--

and I don't expect any hassle from you.

I expect a great dinner to be on the table

unless I tell you that I won't be home for dinner.

I'll go hunting, fishing, boozing, and card-playing when I want with my old buddies,

and don't you give me a hard time about it.

Those are my rules. Any comments?"

His new bride said: "No, that's fine with me.

Just understand that there will be sex here at seven o'clock every night...

whether you're here or not."

(DARN SHE'S GOOD!)

***

Marriage (Part II)

Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary!

The husband yells,

"When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads,

'Here Lies My Wife -- Cold As Ever'!"

"Yeah?" she replies.

"When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads,

'Here Lies My Husband -- Stiff At Last'!"

(HE ASKED FOR IT!)

***

Marriage (Part III)

Husband (a doctor) and his wife are having a fight at the breakfast table.

Husband gets up in a rage and says, "And you are no good in bed either,"

and storms out of the house.

After some time he realizes he was nasty and decides to make amends and rings her up.

She comes to the phone after many rings, and the irritated husband says,
"What took you so long to answer to the phone?"

She says, "I was in bed."

"In bed this early, doing what?"

"Getting a second opinion!"

(YEP, HE HAD THAT COMING, TOO!)

***

Marriage (Part IV)

A man has six children and is very proud of his achievement.

He is so proud of himself, that he starts calling his wife,

" Mother of Six" in spite of her objections.

One night, they go to a party.
The man decides that it IS time to go home and
wants to find out if his wife is ready to leave as well.
He shouts at the top of his voice,

"Shall we go home Mother of Six?"

His wife, irritated by her husband's lack of discretion, shouts right back,

"Any time you're ready, Father of Four."

(RIGHT ON, LADY!)

***

THE SILENT TREATMENT

A man and his wife were having some problems at home

and were giving each other the silent treatment.

Suddenly the man realized that the next day

he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE),

he wrote on a piece of paper,"Please wake me at 5:00 AM."

He left it where he knew she would find it.

The next morning the man woke up,

only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight.

Furious, he was about to go to see why his wife hadn't wakened him

when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.

The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.

***

God may have created man before woman,

but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.

***

Send this to smart women who need a laugh

and to men you think can handle it

Be Happy Time!

Men!

Viagra?

Test Your Eyes!

Malaysia Decides * 2008 General Election

Tuesday March 11, 2008

Sack bad advisers, PM urged

By SIM LEOI LEOI and RAPHAEL WONG

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik let rip on the last day of his office in Government by issuing the strongest advice to the Prime Minister.

Change the advisers because they are giving the wrong advice, which partly led to major losses for Barisan Nasional in the general election, the Gerakan adviser said.Dr Lim, who retired from active politics last year, said although he still had confidence in Abdullah’s leadership, Abdullah had got to think a lot and much deeper on issues of the day and “do something.”
“There is no leadership issue. The advice given to him has been wrong. If his advisers have been giving the wrong advice, remove them all. If it’s been the right advice, why should we be here now?

Dr Lim was talking to reporters after handing over his Energy, Water and Communications Ministry tag at his office here yesterday.

Other reasons contributing to the losses included the arrogant attitude of some Barisan politicians, the lack of cyber campaigning and the discriminatory implementation of government policies by certain civil servants, he pointed out.
“The arrogance of the party in power must stop, such as the wielding of the keris and comments uttered during the Umno general assembly and in Parliament. All this must not be repeated.
“Gerakan, MCA and MIC know how to discipline their own members. Umno must do the same,” he said, adding that the “cowboys” were spoiling the name of the party.
The coalition’s members, added Dr Lim, should also conduct some soul-searching and clean up money politics: they should work for their party and not “suck” it.
The Barisan government, said Dr Lim, should have supervised the civil servants to ensure that the implementation of federal policies remained fair to all.
“Giving the excuse that our policies are good but not our implementation is not enough. It’s better for such civil servants to be thrown out.
“You cannot say that it’s the civil servants who are doing such things because as the ruling party, we have to take responsibility,” he said.
“And I will also take responsibility because I was part of the former Government,” stressed Dr Lim.

The Chinese and Indian voters, he added, were angry at the Government for such arrogant and discriminatory attitudes but both the Malays and non-Malays were also frustrated at the lack of transparency and the extent of corruption.
“Or else, the urban belt will not have fallen. We need to reassess our attitude and requirements must be taken to appease the Chinese and Indians. Maybe we need a new New Economic Policy,” he said.

MCA and Gerakan, Dr Lim also pointed out, had been working quietly and in camera on sensitive issues with Umno but “maybe this is not enough any more”.
“Over these issues, we must have our say or else the Chinese will run away from us,” he said.