Followers

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

HAVE A MEANINGFUL WESAK -2023



Intelligence and talent without

SELF-DISCIPLINE are useless

One of the most common enquiries during our sessions with the younger generations is how to stay motivated and avoid the “hangat-hangat tahi ayam” syndrome. They find it a struggle to just stay focused on daily goals and tasks.
Meaning, while we debate whether science and math should be taught in English or Bahasa, the challenges on the ground are more fundamental – a cry for better self-control and the ability to stay the course. This is a problem across the board, not just among the young. The young are simply worse at dealing with it.
Self-discipline is a decisive skill for success and has wide implications in life. It is the cornerstone for healthy habits that fashion a good life and ensure high-quality work. With self-discipline, willpower becomes natural and as such we are able to resist short-term temptations, and practice delayed gratification to focus on long-term goals.
There is a need to create the right environment that can facilitate the culture of self-discipline, especially for the young. But first, we need to go back to basics. Are they sleeping and eating right? Do they exercise regularly? Do they constantly read new things? Do they have “a strong anchor” that makes their heart strong?
Lack of sleep alone can eat self-discipline for breakfast.
Intelligence and talent are important but without self-discipline we cannot complete tasks in a given deadline, at the quality required. We will not be able to stay the course taking repetitive actions that are likely to be tedious. Yet, only those who are willing and able to fight through tedious periods can be successful.
Until we pay serious attention to shaping the right environment to create the culture that builds self-discipline, our young, our people, our nation are simply unaware of our ill-fated future as we continue down our primrose path.
“Though one should conquer a million men in battlefield, yet he, indeed, is the noblest victor who has conquered himself.”
The Buddha
Peace, anas

Thursday, April 20, 2023

HAVE A MEANINGFUL AIDIL FITRI 2023

 


We have many “KEM BINA SEMANGAT”, but what we really need is “KEM BINA TABIAT”
An individual, a community or a nation who is constantly dependent on, in need of, or worse, yearns for extrinsic motivation to make things happen, can never be successful.
Yes, having a positive attitude is important and we spend a lot of resources to motivate people. But it is crucial to have a clear distinction between attitude and behavior. Attitude is a mental state, behavior is about actual practice. Attitude focuses on intentions; behavior pays attention to outcomes and performance.
To put it simply, “we do not have to like our boss, colleagues or subordinates”, but we still have to be professional, do our best to work with them and deliver results. Ditto our jobs. We do not need to like or love 100% of our tasks, but we must still deliver.
Failing to define this distinction clearly, we have created a new generation who are undoubtedly positive in their outlook, having grand visions, declaring lofty dreams to change the world, but failing to wake up early in the morning to take simple doable actions to make things happen. A generation who constantly needs a pat on the back for accomplishing the usual.
The belief that we continually need to feel positive, be encouraged and happy to get things done and make things happen, is a sickness. It is a flawed belief system and a myth.
What about the practice of delayed gratification? What about discipline – the inner ability to do what needs to be done? What about the sense of duty and responsibility? To do things because it is the right thing to do, not because you feel good doing it?
In short, we have failed to create a generation who is happy because they are performing. Who knows that a difficult journey makes the outcome worthwhile and gives true joy.
“I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” - Muhammad Ali
Success does not depend on moods; it rests on action and deeds. Not just on attitude, but more importantly, on behavior.
HAVE A MEANINGFUL AIDIL FITRI
Peace, anas





Friday, April 14, 2023

HAVE A MEANINGFUL VAISAKHI - Why we need INTERFAITH ACTION

Interfaith dialogue is good, but INTERFAITH ACTION is better.
What Malaysia needs is INTERFAITH ACTION. What is Interfaith Action?
It is Malaysians from different faiths coming together to take action for the good of the nation. Each one of us finding the motivation, energy and spirit from our own faith and unleashing pious fervor to do great work, make things right and correct wrongs.
Interfaith Action does not require us to visit each other’s places of worship nor share each other’s rituals or prayers. There is no need to worry about someone trying to proselytize another. If there is any change of heart, it would be because of the attraction to that someone’s good deeds, authentic values and fantastic moral character.
Interfaith Action seeks to harness our combined talents, cross-fertilize our creative energy and diversity, set free our artificial boundaries and germinate our potential. It takes place not in mosques, churches, temples, or any houses of worship. It directs us to where our interfaith togetherness and unity really count - the real world. To go where the poor and have-nots live. At the frontline against injustice and frauds. And, the forefront of new solutions and innovations that can bring us forward. Interfaith action focuses on real issues, not just lofty goals and the exchanging of pleasantries.
We can come together to tackle corruption, misuse of power, hypocrisy, homelessness, hunger, health issues, poor education, care for the elderly, pollution, unsafe neighborhoods and so on. Movements like the #RasuahBusters is a good example of Interfaith Action.
At work, Interfaith Action pulls us together to have good work ethics, integrity, to work hard and work smart. We stop each other from being lazy and tardy, curi tulang and not fulfil our job requirements. We encourage each other to be both efficient and effective and go the extra mile.
It is with Interfaith Action that we can truly share our common values – in deeds. We work together towards a common goal and create positive outcomes – through our faith, no matter which religion we profess.
We need INTERFAITH ACTION.
HAVE A MEANINGFUL VAISAKHI
“ With your hands carve out your own destiny”, Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539)
Peace, anas

Monday, February 20, 2023

Saving Humanity and Planet Earth (SHAPE) - Global Webinar

 



GUYS - GLOBAL WEBINAR WITH BIG NAMES AS SPEAKERS, peace, anas

Greetings friends,
Peace
Saving Humanity and Planet Earth (SHAPE) is an initiative to address the multiple crises that have brought us to the brink of the precipice.
JUST has been part of this initiative since its inception, and now we are calling for invitations to join us on our second upcoming Webinar to be held on 23rd February 2023, 4.00pm MYT
The main goal of this Webinar is to lay down a frank appraisal of both on-going and arising geopolitical crises, and draws lessons from the Ukraine war and set new pathways to global security
To Register for the Webinar, please click the link below:
We encourage all our members and friends to also share this Webinar with others among their networks of friends
If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us
Regards
Hassanal Noor Rashid
JUST Programme Coordinator
H/P: +6012-3621155

Sunday, February 19, 2023

LIFT SANCTIONS AGAINST SYRIA TO LESSEN SUFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE CAUSED BY THE EARTHQUAKE - BY Dr Chandra Muzaffar

 GOOD TO READ

LIFT SANCTIONS AGAINST SYRIA TO LESSEN SUFFERINGS OF
THE PEOPLE CAUSED BY THE EARTHQUAKE - BY Dr Chandra Muzaffar
The International Movement for a Just World (JUST) urges the
American, British, Australian, Canadian, Swiss and some
European Union and Arab League governments to lift the
unjust, immoral sanctions against Syria in order to lessen the
immense sufferings of the people caused by the massive
earthquake of 6th February 2023.
A number of local groups including the Syrian Red Crescent
Society have already made this call. Among individuals and
groups at the international level who also want sanctions
lifted is Helga Zepp LaRouche of the Schiller Institute. It is
reported that the US and EU have suspended temporarily
their sanctions. But this is not enough because it means that
they can be re-imposed at any time. If sanctions have to be
terminated once and for all, it is because there were no
justifications for them in the first instance.
The US began targeting Syria in 1979 by placing it on the list
of state sponsors of terrorism. This was largely because of the
support that then Syrian president Hafez Azad gave
Palestinian, Syrian and other Arab freedom fighters seeking
to liberate Palestine, Syria’s Golan Heights and other Arab
territories from Israeli occupation. It is an indication of the
degree of influence that Israel and Zionism exercise over US
foreign policy in West Asia and North Africa (WANA).
Between March and August 2004, sanctions were intensified
as a result of new allegations of Syrian interference in Iraq
and Lebanon which impacted upon Israel. By this time, the
Syrian government’s relationship with Hamas in Palestine and
Hezbollah in Lebanon and its close fraternal ties with Iran
were at the core of US animosity towards the resolutely
independent minded nation. Needless to say, Israeli interests
were prominent in all these US stances.
However, it was only after 2011, camouflaged by the socalled Arab Spring, that organised, aggressive US led attempts
to overthrow the Syrian government of Bashar Azad,
supported by some of its European allies and WANA friends,
gave birth to a whole range of new sanctions from travel bans
and asset freezes to prohibitions on exports and restrictions
upon the oil sector. The EU also joined the US in embargoing
the oil sector. 20% of Syria’s GDP came from oil. It has been
estimated that the country has lost 107 billion US dollars
from its oil and gas earnings since 2011.
Some Arab League states also froze Syrian government assets
as did Turkiye in 2011. But none of these actions had as
severe an impact upon the Syrian economy and State as the
capture of territories containing oil and producing wheat and
cotton by rebel groups linked to governments, ethnic
movements or terrorist outfits in the region. These groups
collectively known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are
led by Kurds with longstanding grievances against both the
Syrian and Turkish governments and are supported by the US.
They occupy parts of North West Syria badly affected by the
earthquake.
It is this fractured and fragmented country that Bashar Azad
presides over. It is a country in which 15.3 million people out
of a population of 21.3 million are in need of humanitarian
aid. Bashar’s power and authority have been further
weakened as we have seen by loss of control over vital
resources and by crippling sanctions. It is understandable
why his government was not able to respond quickly and
effectively to the earthquake catastrophe which as of 11
th February has killed at least 3,500 people. It is of course much
smaller than the more than 22,300 children, women and men
who have perished in neighbouring Turkiye.
Nonetheless, the Syrian tragedy demands a response that
goes beyond rescue and recovery operations. It is a colossal
tragedy complicated by sanctions which impede not only ongoing operations such as the flow of basic necessities and the
arrival of much needed personnel but also hinder medium
and long-term relief and rehabilitation work. This is why
sanctions have to be lifted immediately. This is why both
peoples and governments everywhere should make this their
priority plea.
The conflicts between competing groups the majority of
which are armed should also be brought to an end as soon as
possible. It is not going to be easy. One hopes that this
mammoth catastrophe will persuade some of the principal
actors in these conflicts to reflect deeply on what has
happened --- the unfathomable suffering of millions of
human beings on both sides of the Turkiye-Syria border. If
their suffering is to have any meaning at all, let it herald the
end of conflicts and killings along the border and in other
parts of Syria. In this regard, it is encouraging that the United
Nations has appealed to all warring parties to observe a
ceasefire with immediate effect to enable humanitarian
assistance to be channelled to the victims of the earthquake.
There is another glimmer of hope. Even before the
earthquake, on the 5th of January 2023, the president of
Turkiye, Recep Erdogan indicated that he wants to meet up
with the Syrian president, Bashar Azad, to discuss and resolve
their differences. Let us hope and pray that both men will
work towards such a meeting --- a meeting which will result
in a mutually acceptable solution to their problems. If the two
leaders who enjoyed a close friendship some time ago make
peace with one another, there is a strong possibility that
Turkiye and Syria will be able to come together on a firm
footing and most of the other protagonists will also be able to
bury the hatchet.
If that happens, the deaths of thousands --- especially little
children --- in one of the greatest tragedies in recent times
would not have been in vain.
Dr Chandra Muzaffar is the president of the International
Movement for a Just World (JUST).
Malaysia.
12 February 2023

Friday, January 20, 2023

Have A Meaningful Chinese New Year 2023 - LEARN HOW TO LEARN

WHY WE NEED TO LEARN HOW TO LEARN

Learning how to learn is a skill – a crucial one.
It is a much-needed ability not just for our fresh graduates and newbies but for anyone who wants to keep pace with the world and stay relevant. A skill that will help us learn new things, grow, develop and avoid becoming deadwoods.
Learning how to learn helps us find answers when ‘we do not know what we do not know’ thus avoiding our blind spots – the antidote of being ‘bodoh sombong’. Learning how to learn is an attitude. To learn how to learn we need to cultivate the curiosity of a child and the awareness that it is okay not to know everything and to look for answers. To ask questions, is actually, being smart.
Practising learning how to learn requires action and good habits. When given a task, especially a new one, do not rest just on our past laurels, experience and skills – just in case they are not adequate or worst still, obsolete. One must read, read, and read. Investigate and do some research. Be active in looking for mentors, coaches and teachers. Be quick to volunteer for tasks outside our job scope and what we are paid for. These habits ensure that we learn something we would have learned less well, more slowly, or not at all if left alone.
A person who practices learning how to learn is like a seed. A seed has potential. But it would not grow into a big, strong, beautiful fruitful tree without absorbing and making full use of resources from the outside like sunlight, water and nutrients. We can keep a seed in a bottle for years and it will remain a seed. Good seeds can go bad if they are kept too long.
Like a seed that grows into a strong tree, learning how to learn ensures that we make full use of all resources available and grow to our fullest potential.
HAVE A MEANINGFUL CHINESE NEW YEAR 2023
Let us add value.
Peace, anas

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Have a Meaningful Christmas 2022

 


Have a Meaningful Christmas


Why the Razak Report of 1956 recognises the importance of English

In today’s globalised world, the lingua franca is English where the vast majority of English speakers are not 'native' speakers. As a lingua franca, English is the bridge language making communication possible between groups of people who do not share a native language or common dialect.

English as a lingua franca, not only facilitates interactions for trade but also political, diplomatic, cultural, religious, arts and administrative, exchanges. It creates opportunities for scholars, scientists, thinkers, innovators and artists from different nationalities to work together.

Malaysia recognises the importance of English well before Merdeka. The Razak Report of 1956 made both the Malay Language and English compulsory for primary and secondary education. The Malay language with the purpose of uniting the nation while English to give our citizens the added advantage - as a crucial means to “ensure that no pupil shall be at a disadvantage in the matter either of employment or of higher education in Malaya or overseas.”

Over the years, we may have forgotten this well-thought-out endeavour. Our people, especially rural youths, are losing out and is at a disadvantage. It is time we revisit The Razak Report. We need to reflect on its recommendations and rebreathe its spirit. Going forward, put in place a plan for success.

Let us add value,

Have a Meaningful Christmas