March 8th - A Call for a TWO YEAR TRUCE

Let us reflect

Today is March 8th, one year since PRU 12 but we are in a classic 'lose-lose' situation.

While it is understandable that BN does not see a need to celebrate as BN had the worst elections ever, the irony is that PR too will find it hard to celebrate although it was the opposition’s best general elections. This has taken place because of short sighted over politicking. Is this smart politics?

There is a third group that has little to celebrate. People like you and me, the Malaysian public. I like to call this group The Third Voice.

This is not the time for politics and using of our intelligence to manoeuvre legal and political avenues to gain power but it is THE TIME for actions based on wisdom. Wisdom that allows us to see that a truce is good for all parties.
This is the wisdom, BN and PR leaders can focus on two things.

One, make sure the nation survives through the looming crisis with minimal pain, and two, spend time building their own leadership team and party. Najib as the new PM will need to look into building a solid team to lead the country. Anwar can start forming a shadow cabinet and strengthen the Pakatan Alliance. We need a real strong Pakatan if we are to slowly but surely graduate into a two party system.

As a member of The Third Voice, I would like to see my choices so I can do my shopping the next general elections. So, two years of truce will be good for both parties. Both leaders can strengthen their internal organization instead of trying to break the other party apart via defections. Weak leaders try to win by weakening their enemies; great leaders win by strengthening their own people first.

If Malaysia is to have a two party system, Malaysians must trust that the new alternative is better than the old one. The new system must promise stability, rule of law and development minus corruption. So if we want a two party system, we must have an anti-hopping law so that each government will get 5 years to prove themselves, both at the federal and state level. Today, even with the winning party having a clear majority the political situation can prove to be unstable. How stupid is that?

If this continues then the rakyat will find a two party system not viable and see the need to give the winning party a solid 2/3rd or more like in the past. The opposition especially the DAP and NGOs have been working hard to deny the BN the 2/3rds majority for decades. Now that God has delivered your prayer in a silver platter with a few states under your care for practise of good governance and prove your worth, what did you do? Were you thankful? Or did you get greedy? Why did you become greedy? Who made you greedy? Guys, come on .... wake up!!!

Malaysians, Najib, Anwar and the appeal letter

Thank you to DPM Najib who has acknowledged the appeal letter. He said in his blog,

“His letter was not only fair, but clear in pointing out the real issues that we as a nation must focus on to move the country forward.” And, “To Anas Zubedy and fellow Malaysians: I acknowledge your call for a united and effective front among Malaysians. Together, we will strive to make Malaysia a better, stronger country that we can all be proud of”.

YB Anwar Ibrahim has yet to respond. I hope he will soon.

I have received so many smses, letters, messages through the Facebook, comments in my blog and people and strangers just walking over to give me a hand shake since the appeal letter and the Star highlighted the advert. Many of my business owner friends called and people I know in business share similar thoughts and feelings.

A few days ago before I present to a new customer my business proposal, one customer came forward, extended his hand and says that “first on a personal note, thank you for the appeal letter”. A different customer said almost the same words, as I was leaving the presentation room.

I was told that the appeal letter was also discussed from serious places like board meetings and humble places like the mamak stalls. Spouses discuss about it with each other, parents and children, friends and colleagues. Malaysians are saying the same thing, the letter represent their innermost hope; that it echoed their thoughts and feelings. Many wrote that they sokong 100 %. I hope our politicians lend us their ears. The one that does will get many votes in the next election.

I have taken 50 pages of full page adverts before this one but the reaction to the appeal advert is like a dream. My childhood friend Beng summarizes it well in an email, he is one of those who knew me since my primary one and empathise with my unity goal and dream, he said ,

“anyway, coming back to the full page ad tat u took out today, i must say it's a brilliant piece of marketing. i know, i know.. i know tat u didn't do it for the purpose of marketing or any kind of commercial promotion and tat u really mean wat u said in yor open letter to our politicians; tat dey shuld focus more on the economy, less politicking, hijacking states, etc..

but tat's precisely where i'm coming from. when one means wat dey say, indirectly it becomes good marketing for their company, regardless of wat it sounds like. in business, all news is good news, unless of course dey are reporting u serving melamine laced teh tarik during yor seminars lah.”

What is next?

1. 
   My fellow brothers and sisters in business. Take out similar adverts, one each will do. Say that you support the idea for truce. Yes I know you support me, but taking a step further will be better. Make sure you place your signature in the advert. Marketing and advertising is my area of knowledge and putting your signature will carry more weight. My appeal letter carried mine.
2. Those of you who has a list of sms blast blast this please “Contact your MP/ADUNs asap and tell him/her if you do not call for a truce and focus on the economy, you will not vote them in the next elections!”
3. If you are a member of The Third Voice, BN and PR members who also share the same feel that this is not the time for politics, call, email, contact your MPs and ADUNs and tell them the same. THAT IF THEY WANT YOUR VOTE, CALL FOR A TRUCE NOW AND FOCUS ON THE ECONOMY.
4. And finally, my final hope is for our Raja-Raja BerPerlembagaan to use their influence and legal and Royal power to come and save the day if all fails!!!

I will contact Nurul Izzah soon as mine is at Lembah Pantai.

Thank you Malaysians. Please do not lose hope, but we must also take action. Contact your MPs and ADUNs and do it now.

Happy International Women's Day - Mahani and Aini

Today is the International Women’s Day (IWD) and I promised Marina to write a blogpost. So here we go Marina!

I would like to talk about two of the three most important women in my life, my sisters. The other person is my Umi, my mother. I will write about Umi on mother’s day, God Willing.

My big brother Joe and I are very lucky. We have the most wonderful sisters in the world, Mahani (Kak Ani) and Aini or better known as Adek, that is Kak Adek to the two of us as the two boys came later.

Mahani

It was my eldest sister Kak Ani who not only mentored and coach me when I was little (I consider her as my psychological father; let me put it this way, when I was ten it was she who explained to me about sex, complete with diagrams and Q and A time!), but she at 17 quit college, started working and sent back almost all her income to support the family. We were part of the poverty group often cited by the government census in the 60s and 70s.

Kak Ani could have been selfish, continue studying and graduate for she was one of those smart kids who jump grades when she was in primary school. But she did not, the family came first!

To cushion the pain of growing up without much, as soon as she could afford it, she bought us birthday presents, raya presents and ‘no any specific reason to get one’ presents as long as the three of us younger ones can experience the happiness of opening and getting presents, something that was missing as she grew up.

Aini

My second sister Kak Adek’s biggest contribution towards my life I would say is her ability to love unconditionally. In her eyes we can do no wrong. That trait in her translated into the gift of self confidence in me. That deep sense of sureness that someone who loves you will always be there for you no matter where you are.

Like Kak Ani, she too gave and gave and gave, so that we the younger siblings will always fare better than them. It was Kak Adek who supported me through the early years in Universiti Malaya even when she was earning only RM 800 per month. I had RM 50 per month to survive with until I managed to get a study loan from MARA nearing my second year.

Each Thursday the day she volunteers to do night duty in a counselling NGO outfit, Kak Adek will belanja me makan. I always chose KFC as the idea of eating three pieces of chicken WITHOUT RICE was 'out of this world' then for someone who when he was little only gets to eat chicken about twice a year, Raya Puasa and Raya Haji. Poor Kak Adek, she had no heart to tell me that she was totally jelak of KFC!!

She also ‘sponsored’ me in my extramural activities like AIESEC and college projects where-which I sharpen my skills in leadership, organising and managing. These help me move ahead faster than the average when I started working. These activities need money and Miss Aini was there for me.

The Irony

I read that the IWD is an occasion to review how far women have achieved equality, peace and development. Ironically, in my case, it was the women in my life that gave me peace, help me develop and gave me strength and the confidence to feel and be equals with my contemporaries as I was growing up.

So Marina, I am happy to write for the IWD for until we both males and females make sure that the rights and full potential of women are ensured, the world will be at a loss. My sisters have proven that.

Especially to my Kak Ani and my Kak Adek, happy International Women’s Day. I love you both very very very very much and thank you for all that you have given. Talk to both of you tomorrow; my night at 10 30 pm as planned ya :)

Note :
The above picture L-R are Kak Adek and Kak Ani. They both reside in Austin Texas. This is my favourite picture of them together taken about 7 years ago at Magick River. My sisters and I have Afro hair if we allow our flock to grow and my brother’s are wavy. We probably have Negro blood somewhere along the way as we also dance with a groove, sing with a funk and walk with a funny swing!

all I want for March 8 is ...

This Sunday March 8th is International Women’s Day and the one year anniversary of the Malaysian 12th General Election. I will blog something this Sunday for the IWD, I better do as Marina has sent a few of us blogger mates and I a gentle reminder :P

But today, let me introduce to you the Lagu Tema March 8. If you like it and agree with the message, pls sing and spread it. Parents pls teach your children to sing and spread it too.

Zubedy facilitators Sharon, Sudesh and Sheikh have kindly prepared a video example. As you will see, they really need the training job ...he!he!

Here’s the lyrics

All I want for march 8 is a two year truce,
A two year truce,
A two year truce!
All we want for march 8 is a two year truce,
Malaysian politicians please listen to us!!!

Sharon, Sudesh and Sheikh, thank you so much. As usual you guys know how to work hard and play hard, love you guys!

Interview with The Fairly Current Show - Popteevee

Hi people! I was interviewed by the fairly current show. They are a bunch of real fun, think out of the box young malaysians. I had fun working with them. You should check their work.

To watch my interview click here la ... http://popteevee.popfolio.net/default.aspx?e=65

Interview with BFM 89.9

Hi People! I was interviewed by Freda Liu of BFM 89.9. It covers my business and the recent 'appeal' letter.

Click here to go to BFM site to listen -

http://www.bfm.my/Teh-Tarik-Unites-Malaysians-Anas-Zubedy-Zubedy.html

Why Politics Can Wait ... All We Ask is Two Years Of Truce

Monday March 2, 2009 – The Star
The crisis reaches our shores
Global Trends By MARTIN KHOR

The tidal waves of the global economic crisis have hit Malaysian shores. The country’s GDP, exports and balance of payments have all been deeply affected.

THE effects of the global economic crisis reached Malaysian shores at the end of last year, according to data released last week by Bank Negara and the Statistics Department.
Malaysia had thus joined the growing list of countries hit by the global turmoil.

To read further, click here http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/2/focus/3380484&sec=focus

Two Years, That's all we are asking for.

Fellow Malaysians, Peace.

We cannot stop politicians for being politicians. It is their job to struggle for power. But what we are asking is just a little sacrifice, two years of truce. Two years, that’s all!!! Accept the current status quo in the power equation and work on the economy. After that, they can continue their power chase to lead the nation.

In these two years, the leaders in BN and PR can concentrate on two important things. One is the Malaysian economy and two, strengthening their internal team.
As I suggested in an earlier blog “Weak leaders try to win by weakening his enemies, great leaders win by strengthening his own people first”. FPM Najib can solidify UMNO and Barisan while Saudara Anwar can create a real Pakatan.

FPM Najib has acknowledge our appeal in his blog, I quote “His letter was not only fair, but clear in pointing out the real issues that we as a nation must focus on to move the country forward.”

(clich here for full text http://www.1malaysia.com.my/index.php?option=com_jb2&PostID=38&view=post&Itemid=60)

Saudara Anwar has suggested that his team need to do some soul searching before this March 8th. Ustaz Hadi called for a UNITY government.

Fellow Malaysians, perhaps hope is near.

I would like to highlight one of the comments for the ‘letter of appeal’ post by a lady who signed as Queen Mother. BN and PR, she is one of the reason why two years is not too much a sacrifice.

Peace, anas zubedy

From Queen Mother

Thank you for writing this. It means a lot because what you write, reflects what I am facing as a family and its so soothing that someone out there acknowledges our hardship.

I am a 34 y.o Mom to 2 kids and a wife to a dearly devoted husband.
I have DDD - Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life.

While disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant chronic pain.

But I have to work despite of this because with work comes insurance to pay off my medical bills.

My husband cannot do it alone on his income. Everything is just too darn expensive...even food wise.

Thank you Anas...from the deepest of our hearts