Listen Listen Listen !

THE ORIGINAL:

LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN NAMAWEE STYLE

THE PARODY SONG

THE DANCE  REMIX !!!!

MY VOTE GOES TO.....LISTEN BY BEYONCE !!!!

My comments : res ipsa loquitor. Dont understand? Well, as Sharifah says...I have a degree and you have O Levels! (reminded me of a Muslim Convert Academic who keeps reminding people that his ideas has to be accepted because he has a PH.D even when his arguments are all flawed !!!)  he he he

Salam @ Peace

Khairy Jamaludin: Transformation by the Transitional Generation

I must confess that I am moved to analyse some parts of YB Khairy Jamaludin’s speech this time because, for a change, it is not rhetoric and more importantly, it contains various messages and analysis which I think we should think about.

On Rapera, since 2008, I have been advocating radical changes in the political landscape that will leave behind the old, inefficient and almost intelligence insulting ways of doing things. I have actually been advocating transformation in political thought since early 2000. I have spoken about these ideals to many politicians on both sides of the political divide. I do not think many understood nor were interested. They exhibited greater concern for political pragmatism.

Hence, it is refreshing when the UMNO Youth Chief said this in his speech at the UMNO Assembly recently: 

“In the history of human civilisation, there have been moments depicting transformation grounded in generational transitions. I believe a generational transition happens when change or transformation is not limited to new policies or new faces. More significantly, it ushers in an era of visionary leaders ahead of their time, who strive for profound transformations that lay to rest old norms and practices”.

Rightly, it is profound transformations that Malaysia needs today in the political arena. After more than 50 years of independence, the Rakyat is rightly fed up with feudalistic political behaviours. Khairy correctly analysed what he calls the “generational transition” has taken place and that “President, YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak is the first to have been brought up in the post-Independence era. It thus comes as little surprise that he understands that an epochal change is now occurring.” Some ideas do not come into fruition until such a transitional change takes place and it has in the person of Najib Tun Razak.

It is no secret that I am an ardent supporter of 1Malaysia. I was even concerned that Najib may not have the political courage to announce the policy, as admittedly, it has political risks for him within UMNO. Events have proven that Najib not only announced it but he is serious in developing it as the policy foundation of the Nation. Further, there has been much liberalization of democratic space under Najib’s government in line with the changes in the current generation. As Khairy, again, rightly pointed out:

“On the question of politics, the old worldview contained a simple logic: might is right. Force and might underpinned our actions in the past. When faced with problems, our immediate response was to arrest and jail people. When confronted with challenges, we literally “banned” them. This Cold War mentality might have served as well in decades gone by but the realities of the present demand a more measured and transparent approach. As a reflection of this approach, the Government will amend Section 15 of the UUCA to open the space for students to participate in politics. In my view, this is a bold step born out of a strong leadership committed to the change agenda”.

Any politician who is more concerned with preservation of power will not be bold enough to do away with draconian laws thinking that such legal powers can be used to quash political dissent. However, world view today has changed and this requires leaders who are able to cope and emphatise with this new world view. I agree with Khairy when he says “It would be fair to say that the Government Transformation Program and the New Political Model underlined by YAB President would not be possible without this new worldview. It is a new perspective requiring us to be bolder, more mature and more confident in facing the challenges that come with this new reality”.  Times have indeed changed and this is the opportunity to embark on true radical political reforms that will benefit the Rakyat and encourage transparent, efficient, intelligent  and ethical political behaviours.

Notwithstanding the reforms that Najib is bringing to the country, I share the same reservations about UMNO members that Khairy seems to have eloquently elucidated:

“In this context, I want to stress the importance of fully appreciating the meaning and implication of these concepts of generational transition and new worldview, as well as the philosophy that underpin them. It is utterly pointless to merely clap and cheer at the Prime Minister’s every announcement without understanding its rationale and purpose. Our support for progressive measures like the abolishment of ISA must be based on a deep appreciation of the demands of the new worldview, and not for the sake of sucking up to leaders”.

I have known, for a long time, that there are many capable, efficient and idealistic “1Malaysia” leaders in UMNO way before 1Malaysia came into the picture. However, these leaders who are truly Malaysian in spirit and in conduct have been suppressed from rising by the older generation “cold war” leaders who are caught up with the feudalistic political thoughts and conduct. It is therefore important that UMNO members understand the rationale and the purpose of the PM’s transformation programmes because it actually requires a major paradigm shift in one’s political outlook. 

It is actually irritating that some UMNO “has-been” leaders are being stumbling blocks to the radical changes that the PM is advocating. These old ways of thinking and the culture that “WAS”, stifles mental development in UMNO converting any creative young leader back into old age. Khairy echoed my thoughts when he said it thus; “Otherwise, we will be young in age, but ancient in mentality. This is no time to be cheerleaders who express enthusiatic support without knowing why we do so”.  I must however add that there are some young people in UMNO today who really behave old thinking that is the correct political behavior in UMNO!!! This has to change.

The other interesting parts of his speech concerns the systematic attempts by various parties to destroy key institutions of the Nation. I was actually wondering when some political leader was going to speak on this.  There is a big difference between being critical of our institutions and undermining them. For example.  you may be critical of the  judiciary but you do not encourage the culture of breaking the prison walls. 

I find it pleasing that the UMNO Youth Chief’s speech, though delivered at the UMNO and hence Malay forum, it is Malaysian in nature. This should be the way as UMNO had always been the backbone of the Barisan Nasional Government which had served Malaysians irrespective of race or religion.  There is none of racial overtones or rhetoric which dominated the 2008 assembly. 

Looks like the UMNO delagtes have taken the “que” from the party President – be 1Malaysian ! Racial and religious politics is outdated for now and highly repugnant. 

Well done Khairy. I hope you will be consistent with your views.

Peace!

I just want to meet the PM - says Namewee

Namewee and his brilliance.

SHOWDOWN 2011 TV8 - STREET DANCING !!!

First time I saw the program over TV8 today.   Since i have always liked dancing (other than law, human psychology, comparative religion, the Quran, music, etc, etc) i was glued to the set. 

I was impressed with the talent these young people have. The show is meant to bring out the best street dance crews into the limelight and also to shed light on the street dance culture. You can read more about the show here.

Young people have lots of adrenalin and energy and i think programs like these give an opportunity for the energies to be positively channelled.  We cannot suppress such energies under dubious “moral exhortations” like some self righteous people are inclined to do.

These dances require lots of training, discipline and determination. Choreography or team work is essential for crew dancing.  

I recall that i too had taken part in a dancing competition when i was in my teens doing the “Saturday night fever” !  After which i had worked as a part time DJ in one of the discos then without my parents knowledge (gila nak bagi tau!). Never smoked and never drank but I think I was a cool DJ !  Some of the patrons and my friends used to call me “Q DJ” because I loved discussing the Quran and God with them during breaks – whenever they tolerate me!!! (The truth is God has made us all multi talented and we can develop multiple healthy personalities if we resist "society's" persistence to box us into certain roles only).

I cannot help but notice that quite a number of the participants in the Showdown 2011 are Malays. I am not surprised since Malays are generally very creative and artistic.  Since there are quite a number of Malay participants, my concerns are two – when will a religious official come with a fatwa banning it? Or when will a self acclaimed Malay champion criticise it on grounds that of “budaya kuning” or “budaya barat”?! Susah jadi Melayu kan? Semua orang nak control, semua orang nak bagi nasihat yang tak dipohon.

As for me, I want to congratulate TV8 for providing this opportunity for the young to showcase their talents. And to the talented young – use your talents to make this world a better place for yourself and everyone else.

Peace and stay cool !

Salam !

p.s. one of my dreams that I could not achieve is to be able to talk about the Quran and God after a powerful dance performance on stage ! But in this country, I probably have to apply for  a permit for both from some stranger I dont even know !!! Ah well..:)

Lost Generation or Saviour Generation?

YOU WILL LOVE THESE GUYS!

You will love these guys – Suleiman mirza and mate. These two ordinary guys with extra-ordinary talents given the chance to express themselves.

Britons, you are great for allowing these two ordinary guys to achieve their dreams. Suleiman Mirza, a minority British of Pakistani descent especially is so talented! He has achieved his impossible dreams!

I love societies that allow young people to express their talents. Good job Britain’s Got Talent!!! God bless you all!

You can watch them here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaBsshIYT2w

Natasha Norza: The word is "live"

I have always been convinced that teenagers and even some preteens are very capable of “deep thoughts”. If only adults can make the time to recognize that.

Natasha Norza, a 13 year old was crowned the Bard of Garden International School for her deliverance of a thought provoking essay.

I had to reproduce it here as a timely reminder from this young person to us all:


“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a dreaded yesterday.

I came to a strange realization that life consists of a beginning, an ending and what people do is that they forget the middle.

Yesterday, all the strange movements outside, the distant noise nearby, it made the world seem empty, a nihility. I felt alienated, minuscule even.

Then, the world seemed to stop slowly, all time and space was slowed down in a blurry motion. It was a slow movement but subsequently, everything seemed to accelerate all at once. Suddenly, as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my chest. I had been liberated, reborn into the world to see all its beauty. I let myself fall into it.

I was awakened, there was no feeling of fear or absolute dread but I was left with the need to go on a pursuit of living life to the fullest and maybe one of the hardest things to achieve in this world - happiness. This pursuit, this journey motivates me to run faster, to move further and to take the next step forward.

To always look beyond this unrevealed skyline and never backwards. To be satisfied and not long for anything much else.

This journey has made me live with an uninterrupted state of optimism and joy.

To live: there is a deeper meaning. In living, there is a beginning, a middle and an ending. The word is live.

My journey ends with the unfailingly excitement of tomorrow”.


Natasha, congratulations and well done.

You have reminded us all that it is the journey that is important – to appreciate every single step. Thank you!

Peace !

REGULATE THE “HAPPY JOINTS” where the young hang out.

Image from here.

Life is about balance. While we can boast of high-rise buildings and various developments, in many other areas, we are still 3rd class mentality who refuses to acknowledge that fact. It seems as a nation, we do not have “a policy of balance” in many areas of our national life.

We are also a nation of contradictions. One area that I want to bring up today concerns youth.

While I too like to dance and listen to music, I believe that the authorities should seriously regulate the following:

1. availability and access of alcohol to young people;
2. the operating hours of pubs, discos and clubs (“entertainment joints”).

It appears to me that entertainment joints could just operate right up to the early hours of the morning. There must be a cut-off point. We cannot be encouraging a hedonistic culture to nurture when we know from other countries what the end result will be. The operating hours of such joints deep into the night only encourages young people to waste their life away and expose them to unnecessary personal and social problems. At the moment, the statistics may not show that there exists a major problem but even one kid gone astray is life that must be saved.

Entertainment, like everything else must be accompanied/tempered by responsibility and moderation. This is the value that we must inculcate in the young people. I am not with those who want to ban all ‘safe’ entertainment joints but I am also not agreeable with unbridled, unregulated entertainment places.

We have heard of the use of drugs of various sorts in these places. We also know how alcohol has been abused to take advantage of drunken young girls. We have to find a way to make these places a truly nice place to simply enjoy music and dance or simply to hang out and have good fun.

I recall in my younger days, we had discos. We did not have MTV culture then. But I remember the discos then were generally ‘clean’ (yes, there were drugs but hardly). There was even discipline in dancing. Of course, there was the occasional rare ‘outbursts’. I also remember that most of my friends drank coke or 7up because they did not like the idea of being drunk. When you are drunk, you lose your senses and without senses, you cannot enjoy. Even those who drank did not drink to the point of throwing up. What fun is there in puking?

I hope the licensing authorities and the relevant youth bodies seriously look into the above matter.

Peace !

This video shows the humiliation that can befall you when you over consume alcohol!

NOTE: THOSE WHO ARE AVERSE TO NUDITY OR FIND IT OFFENSIVE ARE WARNED NOT TO WATCH THIS VIDEO. (I posted this video to show how horrible loss of control can be.)