Jenis - jenis batuk

Apabila seseorang itu terbatuk - batuk, itu tandanya kesihatan mereka sedang terjejas. Dan apabila seseorang itu menyedari mereka terjejas dari sudut kesihatan, dia akan bertindakbalas mengikut keadaannya:

Batuk pelajar/mahasiswa
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

"Mintak - mintaklah bertahan sampai esok. Boleh aku ponteng sekolah/kuliah..."

Batuk orang miskin
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

"Harap - harap aku tak kena tahan kat wad. Tak mampu aku. Anak isteri aku..."

Batuk orang kaya
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

(Sambil melihat keluar tingkap)

"Hai...berkilat sungguh kereta aku. Sempat ke aku nak khatam buku panduan tu? Sempat ke aku nak explore kereta aku tu? Tak cukup 1000km lagi, tak boleh drift."

(Berjalan kembali ke meja sambil melihat kertas - kertas di atasnya)

"Hai, petang ni nak jumpa Tan Sri kat Golf Club. Malam esok nak ke New York bincang kontrak dengan Dato'. UHUK UHUK!!! Aiii...apasal lah sakit datang time - time nih? Tak boleh ke datang time Datin tengah membebel???"

Batuk orang beriman
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

"Kifarah dosa - dosaku yang lalu...Ya Allah, janganlah matikanku melainkan dalam iman..."

Jenis mana satukah batuk anda?

Fikir - fikirkan...

First-time experience is like a new car...

Every once in a while, I would have people coming to me asking how I managed to go about my day leisurely back in the days, when I was one of the leaders of a certain society.

And each time, I would answer the same story, but different versions. Following the Malaysian 12th General Election, I heard people questioning the ability of the new governments of Kedah, Perak, Penang, and Selangor. This is due to the fact that the respected governments had themselves a giddy headstart.

It was then I mentioned to them that a new government is like a new car. At the same time, I used this statement to answer the questions asked upon me. The engine represents the government. The driver represents the leader cum chief minister. The car itself represents the people under their responsibility cum nation.

When a new car is bought, the driver must not drive it at a high speed/rev. This is because the engine is still in breaking-down mode; meaning that friction between the piston and the cylinder is somewhat high.

Gradually, the friction decreases, and the gap between the piston and the cylinder loosens up. By the time it reaches 1000 kilometres, the engine is then able to gradually sustain higher speed. Over a certain period, the engine reveals its true power, and able to withstand a reasonable period.

If initially, the engine is forced up to maximum potential, it will then cause problems over the period to come. At the same time, it won't last as long as expected.

Same goes for a new government. The initial period is rough and slow. But, as time goes by, it will be able to administer smoothly.

In terms of society/organization/governmental leadership, consider the new engine as workforce/portfolio experience. Initially, it will be painstaking. But then, once you have been exposed to it frequently, you'll live life easily, and cruise leisurely down Route 66.

To sum up, everyone will face first-time in any sector. The experience in the sectors does not come overnight. It needs to be built and moulded overtime.

So, do not be afraid to face new challenges. Even those experienced in those challenges chickened out during their first day on the job.

World Without Borders

This morning, as I sat browsing the internet, I came across an article regarding the Schengen Agreement. This treaty was signed by five of the EU countries in 1985. In this treaty, these countries have agreed to abolish border checkpoints at the borderlines of these respected countries.

Usually, when we travel by land to a neighbouring conutry, we will approach a checkpoint plaza (similar to a toll plaza) upon reaching the international border. At this plaza, we will then be requested to submit our passport for stamping purposes. If you travel by car to Singapore very often, you will understand this regulation.

However, when crossing borders between the countries under the Schengen Agreement, there will not be a border checkpoint. Instead, one can just cross over into the neighbouring country, just like driving from Selangor to Perak.


The picture above was taken at the Italy-Switzerland border. It shows motorists queueing up at the border checkpoint, waiting for their passport to be verified and stamped, before advancing into Italy. This is a normal procedure when one wants to go into a foreign country by land.


The picture above shows a visible border between Belgium and The Netherlands (Holland). X marks the line. The NL abbreviation represents the Holland side, whilst the B abbreviation represents the Belgium side. One can simply cross over without having to submit their passport.


The above picture is another example of a checkpointless border. The right-hand side of the road is The Netherlands, but the left-hand side of the road is actually Germany.

A few weeks back, my colleague, Tee Chin Kuen (Ken) offered me a ride to the LRT station. Whilst in the car, we talked about having been in England. And then, he said to me,

"Actually, we can travel anywhere around the world freely. There shouldn't be such things as passports. There shouldn't be borders."

This set me thinking. Initially, there were no visible boundaries. One can travel in and out of a territory freely. It was only after a series of wars and conquers, were then led to the existence of boundaries. And, as tense arose between two rivals, checkpoints came into existence. Invisible boundaries were becoming visible and concrete by the day.

As if that was not enough, travelling papers (passport) were introduced to filter out nationalists, extremists, and revolutionists of national threat. Once filtration was done, one country was booming, whilst the other was headed towards depression.

When a nation of a certain country faces depression, he seeks to travel to the land that booms. Once migration becomes tense, visas were introduced to limit migrations.

When one wants to enter a country, he will be asked,

"What is your purpose of entry? Have you been to this country before? How long will you be in this country? Do you have an accommodation?"

In the old days, the Arabian Peninsula was one single territory. There were no boundaries. It was only after World War I did the boundaries began to emerge. What were once districts/counties became independent nations; Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, U.A.E., Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority. Each of these countries compete and conflict with one another, eventhough they were once a singular nation.

I have a dream. I dream that one day the Muslim countries will unite, and the boundaries between these countries will open, and the nations within it can travel freely from one country to the another. Not only the Muslim countries, but to all places in this world.

Buah hatiku...

Pagi semalam (Sabtu), aku pergi ke pejabat IDP di SS 15 untuk mendapatkan maklumat - maklumat pengajian peringkat ijazah di Australia.

Dalam perjalanan pulang, aku ternampak Addy (mekanik aku) tercagkung di luar kedainya sambil membaca Nanyang Siang Pau. Lalu aku teringat; buah hatiku (kereta aku...well...secara teknikalnya amanah abah) tidak sihat semenjak dua menjak ini. Alang - alang Addy tengah tak ada pelanggan, baik aku hantar kereta aku.

Tetapi, pada waktu itu, sku sedang membawa kereta lain. Maka, aku bergegas pulang ke rumah dan menukar kereta.

Aku memang tahu ada minyak menitik dari gearbox, tapi apabila diangkat kereta, aku ternampak benda lagi dahsyat. Rupanya buah hatiku mengalami kesakitan yang lebih mendalam.

Aku ternampak bahagian dalam tayar belah kanan ada kesan minyak terpercik. Apabila aku melihat drive joint, aku ternampak ada kesan hentakan, dan minyak gris meleleh - leleh.

Aku tunjuk kat Addy, dia tanya aku,

"You ada langgar barang ka?"

Aku jawab aku tak ada langgar apa - apa sejak kali terakhir aku servis drive shaft tu. Hasil kesan hentakan itu, drive joint itu pecah, dan tayar bergoyang - giyang. Maka, nak taknak, kena tukar langsung bendalah tu.

Aku bertanyakan 'kos rawatan' untuk menyembuhkan buah hatiku. Jumlah:

RM 420/=...itupun, sebab aku pelanggan setia (walaupun setahun aku di Permatang Pauh) dia caj workmanship sekali sahaja, serta tidak mengenakan harga untuk minyak gearbox.

Aduuii...koyak den. Malas aku nak buat muka tebal depan mak mintak duit servis. Pakai duit aku ajelah...

Stress...what about it, eh?

Stress is a phenomenon that befalls everyone in this world. Stress does not know gender, age, position, nor time. Everyone must face stress sometime in their lifetime. It is something that cannot be evaded.

A young person will be stressed thinking about his maturing age, whilst an old person about his health.

A husband will be stressed thinking about supporting his wife and children, whilst a wife about home economics.

An employee will be stressed about company expectations, whilst an employer about keeping the company going.

A poor man will be stressed about searching for money, whilst a rich man about not satisfied with the riches blessed upon him.

Why stress?

Each individual has their own reasons for being stressed. It's either caused by personal or professional reasons.

In terms of personal, most people face almost the same stressors:

a) Family problems
b) Death of an immediate relative/loved ones
c) Unsettled debts

In terms of profession, stressors vary according to the field of profession. Let's take a few professions for example:

a) Teacher: A teacher probably faces the pressure to ensure that his/her students excel in their studies. Not to mention students who have trouble finding themselves, or have mental issues.

b) Customer service personnel: On average, a customer service personnel can handle up to 50 or 60 customers a day; each with their own personalities. Handling a good-natured customer is nothing. Imagine a customer from the depths of hell...

c) Nurse: A nurse tends to sick patients everyday. Not to mention the injections, bathing, clothing...nappy-change. Imagine facing a grumpy ol' pappy (grandad) who thinks he's in his 20s...

d) Students: Students are being given a benchmark to achieve; be it grades in school, or GPAs in university. Imagine trying to achieve those marks, at the same time thinking of the consequences if having failed to achieve so.

When I was in university, I participated in a society. I started off as head of my faculty. Eventhough I had a portfolio, I was often 'pushed around' in the early days, since I was not among the others' range of close companions. I was stressed. But, I worked my way upwards, and after having achieved a higher rank, I avoided myself from mistreating others.

The stresses I saw in societies were those of trying to uphold the society's good name, meet deadlines, try not to disappoint the high council and companions, and most of all, trying not to drop out on academics.

Usually, when one is stressed, one tends to behave unusually. One can go into tantrums, most of the time not knowing what he's doing, saying, or writing. Therefore, if a friend of yours starts behaving ankwardly, let it be known that he/she is not at peace of mind.

De-stress!!!

Every entrance has an exit. If one enters the world of stress, one can leave it. The question is...how?

Everyone is creative in their own way when it comes to destressing themselves. The common methods are:

a) Smoking
b) Get drunk...yezzz...very very drunk
c) Eat til' thou can't face food
d) Take a hot bath (in Malay culture, mandi ayor kolah)
e) Look at greeneries

What about Muslims?

Okay, seriously a Muslim can't get drunk...though some don't give a damn thing about it.

In Islam, stress is considered a part of test by Allah upon man. Man becomes stressed from fear of the unknown, future, and death. Allah has mentioned in the Quran:

وَلَنَبۡلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡخَوۡفِ وَٱلۡجُوعِ وَنَقۡصٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡوَٲلِ وَٱلۡأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ‌ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
"Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere"

[AL-BAQARAH; 2:155]

So, how does a Muslim destress himself? How does a Muslim find 'inner peace'? It is revealed in the Quran:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَتَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ أَلَا بِذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ
"Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction."

[AR-RA'D; 13:28]

It shows that by remembering Allah, one is at peace. There are various methods in remembering Allah. But, the common method applicable by all, is by performing the solah (prayer); be it the compulsory, or the supplement prayers.

Praying itself stretches, relaxes the muscles, and regulates blood flow throughout the inner system. Prolonged bowing causes blood to flow into the brain, especially to the part unreachable when standing upright.

Another method is by reading the Al-Quran, or listening to its recitations.

Even other people of different religions; when in distress, they would head to the church, temple, or synagogue to seek guidance.

In conclusion; practice any methods to de-stress yourselves. But, by the end of the day, it is the remembrance of God that makes one fully de-stressed. True, other methods may eliminate stress. But, somehow, somewhere, you will not feel satisfied.

Recently, I asked a colleague how he managed to consume packets of cigarettes within one day. He told me that he was feeling stressed most of the time.

He then added that, it was due to his habit of skipping prayers that led him to be stressed in whatever conditions. I persuaded and encouraged him to start praying as how a Muslim should.

Alhamdulillah, following that, his consumption of cigarettes dropped dramatically.

Stress can happen to anyone regardless of age, time, and condition. It is something that one cannot evade. At some point in life, man will face stress.

However, despite the fact that stress is unavoidable, it can be maneuvered, given the proper techniques.

It is essential that man seeks proper medication to reduce or eliminate stress at any given time, be it medically, or spiritually. Because, not only does stress affect a man’s ability, it too taxes the immunity system, resulting in the deterioration of health.

The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"Your most ardent enemy is your evil self which resides within your body. If this soul is not checked, it will lead to unusual stress"

[BUKHARI]

Malaysia police tear-gas protesters (Al-Jazeera English)

(This article was taken from the website Al-Jazeera English - Asia Pacific)

Riot police have used tear gas against at least 2,000 ethnic Malays protesting in Kuala Lumpur against the use of English in local schools, witnesses have said.

The demonstrators were set to march to the royal palace in the Malaysian capital on Saturday to ask for the king's support in ensuring that all schools teach science and maths in Malay.

Police fired tear gas as the protesters began their rally from the National Mosque to the palace about three kilometres away, Hatta Ramli, one of the demonstrators, said.

"It was a peaceful march. They shot [tear gas] without any warning," he said.

Authorities in the former British colony started a programme in 2003 to resume teaching mathematics and science in English, believing that poor English-language skills were undermining Malaysian students.

But Malay teachers and linguists have said that the policy has come at the expense of modernising Malay in the scientific lexicon.

'Scores arrested'

Hadi Awang, president of Pan-Malaysia Islamic party (PAS), a conservative Islamic opposition party, was among those taking part in the rally, Hatta said.

At least 124 people were detained during the police operation against the protesters, the Star online news service reported.

Musa Hassan, inspector general of police, said the organisers had greed to only send representatives into the palace after afternoon prayers but PAS and Keadilan, another opposition party, turned it into a rally, he said.

"We had no choice but to use tear gas to disperse the crowd who refused to listen to police warnings," Musa was quoted as saying by the Star online news service.

About 60 per cent of Malaysia's 27 million-strong population is Malay, while 26 per cent is ethnic Chinese and eight per cent ethnic Indian.

Najib Razak, the deputy prime minister, said on Friday that English was important if Malaysia is to compete on the global stage.

But he said that the government would ensure that Malay was the official teaching language.

"Mastering foreign languages does not necessarily erode an individual's identity," he told Bernama news agency.

Police break up Malaysia protest (BBC World)

(This article was taken from the website BBC WORLD)

Riot police in Malaysia have fired tear gas to disperse thousands of people in Kuala Lumpur, who protested against the use of English in local schools.

Some 124 people were reportedly held, as the demonstrators tried to march to the royal palace in the capital.

The ethnic Malay protesters demanded a return to Malay as the teaching language for maths and science.

Both subjects have been taught in English since 2003 to improve pupils' poor language skills, officials say.

Language - along with race and faith - remains a sensitive issue in the multi-ethnic Malaysia, correspondents say.

'No choice'

The demonstrators chanted "Long live the Malay language!" as they marched through Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

Protesters said police started firing tear gas when they tried to march from a mosque to the royal palace, several kilometres away.

"It was a peaceful march. They shot without any warning," protester Hatta Ramli was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

Police said they had no choice but to use tear gas, saying the organisers had agreed that there would be no gatherings or rallies in the capital.

Police added that the organisers had also agreed beforehand to send representatives into the palace to hand in a petition against the use of English in schools.

Furthering my studies

Eversince January this year, despite going out to seek employment experiences, I've been making plans to further my studies. Currently, I'm an unofficial diploma graduate of Electrical Engineering (Instrumentation) [considered official once I've I received my scroll].

Recently, I've been enquiring on universities in Australia and United Kingdom. From what I've obtained, I paid special interests in these universities:

(United Kingdom)
1. University of Sheffield
2. University of Newcastle
3. University College London (formerly attended by father)
4. University of Portsmouth
5. University of Southampton
6. University of Reading (formerly attended by mother)

(Australia)
1. RMIT University
2. University of Melbourne
3. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
4. University of Newcastle (not to be confused with Newcastle-upon-Tyne of England)
5. University of Adelaide

When it comes to insisting on foreign studies, I faced two types of struggles that somehow paralysed me from holding on to my dreams;

The first struggle is that of 'busybodies'. These group of people had the nerve to ask me of my financial strength. Ask me anything, but NEVER ask me of family financials! It's personal.

It is something I am not willing to share, and something that I can not afford to answer.

The second struggle occurred a few months previously. I was told to forget all those 'nonsense', return to the Shah Alam campus and rejoin the religious society I previously participated as one of the administrators.

This statement struck me deep.

Who are you to tell me to forget all that I ever dreamt of and worked for??? Why must I leave what I've begun, and fulfill the 'lust' of someone else? There are hundreds more potential enough to take over and initiate where I left off. People come and go. Live with it. Let the younger generations take lead.

Why I never wanted to return to UiTM Shah Alam, you say? Well, I've lived there for 3 years, been briught up in that locality for 20+ years. Furthermore, having spent one year in Penang, I experienced the sweetness of student life, and ukhuwwah among brothers and sisters of faith. Therefore, I am hoping...should my plans fail, Penang will re-open its degree courses, and I can remain in Penang.

Anyhow, every dream hoping to be achieved is accompanied by struggles. And, it is these struggles that make success taste so sweet. You'll have to suffer bitterness before you encounter sweetness.

Pure sweetness is better than artificial sweetness...if you get what I mean :).

Besides, I've nothing to rush for. Furthermore, I'm not bethrothed to anyone, officially or unofficially. So, no need to rush. Live life slowly...until the right moment comes, and the right person approacheth. As Paul Simon said:

"Slow down. You're moving too fast. You've got to make the morning last..."

[SIMON & GARFUNKEL; The 59th Street Bridge Song]

Hopefully, I am able to fulfill my dreams...insyaAllah...

Scuffles at Malaysia parliament (Al-Jazeera English)

(Article grabbed from Al-Jazeera English - Asia Pacific)

Scuffles have broken out outside a state parliament in northern Malaysia after riot police and supporters of Malaysia's ruling coalition blocked members of the country's opposition from entering the building.

The incident took place on Tuesday as about 100 members of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) tried to enter parliament in the town of Ipoh in the northern state of Perak.

A group of 28 opposition legislators accompanied by their supporters had been trying to hold an emergency session of the assembly but found their way blocked by a makeshift fence and dozens of riot police.

"Go back!" several government supporters shouted as pushing and shoving broke out between the rival groups.

Both the governing and opposition coalitions claim they have the right to rule Perak, which has been embroiled in a tense political and constitutional crisis since January.

The state has had no function government following the defections of several opposition legislators in January.

'Double standards'

Police did not intervene, but stepped in to push back the opposition supporters when they approached the makeshift fence.

"This is utter rubbish. Elected representatives are not allowed to go inside," A Sivanesan, an opposition legislator, told the Associated Press.

"It is not in accordance with the law. The police [are] practicing double standards."

The crisis in Perak highlights the growing uncertainty in Malaysian politics after the ruling party suffered its worst ever election loss last year.

In the March 8 national polls, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition lost control of four states including Perak, as well as its long-standing two-thirds majority in parliament, conceding a large number of seats to the opposition.

Unconstitutional

Last month opposition legislators protested after claiming the state sultan had acted unconstitutionally in appointing Zambry Abdul Kadir, a BN member, as chief minister without waiting for a vote of confidence in the state assembly.

Following the sultan's endorsement, V Sivakumar, the state parliament's speaker and a member of the opposition coalition, suspended the legislature.

He later called for opposition members to gather for an emergency session – a move seen as symbolic rather than having any real prospect of returning the opposition to power.

After being blocked from entering the state parliament the opposition legislators retreated to a side street where they held the emergency session in the open air.

The meeting unanimously passed a resolution of confidence in the ousted government led by Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

"We are the rightful government ... Now the state has two chief ministers, one that is legal, one that is absolutely illegal," he said.

"The crisis must be solved ... through the dissolution of the state assembly."

Sidang DUN Perak: "Jika di atas pokok pun ia sah" (HarakahDaily)

Artikel dipetik dari laman web HarakahDaily

Abdul Aziz Mustafa
Wed Mar 04, 09 3:29:34 am MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Mac (Hrkh) Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Perak semalam tetap sah walaupun diadakan atas pokok, kata pensyarah Pusat Pengajian Sejarah, Politik dan Strategi Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof Madya Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff.

"Jika di atas pokok pun ia sah", Bernama memetik pandangan beliau ketika ditanya mengenai kesahihan "persidangan tergempar" itu yang diadakan di bawah pokok di luar bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan yang menempatkan Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak, di Ipoh pagi semalam.

Persidangan itu, yang dipanggil oleh Speaker DUN Perak V. Sivakumar, berlangsung selama kira-kira 30 minit bermula 10.20 pagi, dihadiri semua 27 ADUN PAS, DAP dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Mohammad Agus, yang juga seorang penganalisis poltik berpandangan bahawa tiga usul yang diluluskan itu juga sah dan tidak boleh dicabar di dalam mahkamah.

Usul-usul itu ialah menyatakan sokongan kepada Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin sebagai Menteri Besar; membubarkan Dewan bagi membolehkan pilihan raya negeri diadakan; dan mengesahkan keputusan Speaker Sivakumar melarang Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir dan enam anggota exco kerajaan negeri daripada menghadiri persidangan dewan.

"Sebelum ini Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak hanya ditangguhkan dan tidak dihentikan. Jika ditangguhkan, maka Speaker mempunyai kuasa untuk mengadakan persidangan tergempar itu tanpa mendapat perkenan Sultan," katanya.

Sementara itu, Presiden Majlis Peguam Malaysia Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan berkata perkara yang berlaku di Perak di luar dugaan dan membabitkan isu perundangan yang kompleks.

Sungguhpun ia tidak munasabah untuk satu pandangan konklusif mereka, sesetengah perkara itu hendaklah ditangani sebagai satu perkara prinsip, katanya dalam kenyataan.

Beliau menanyakan sama ada dibenarkan untuk mengadakan persidangan Dewan Undangan di luar Bangunan Sekretariat Negeri.

"Tentulah, Bangunan Sekretariat Negeri di mana Dewan Undangan Negeri patut diadakan.

"Bagaimanapun, Speaker dan Adun Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) dilarang daripada mengadakannya di satu tempat yang sesuai oleh polis dan ini membangkitkan isu serius mengenai kesahihan tindakan polis.

"Dengan itu Speaker tersebut tidak ada pilihan tetapi untuk bertindak dalam apa yang dilihat sebagai kuasa yang luas untuk mengadakan persidangan ini di tempat lain," kata beliau.

Beliau berkata ada pandangan berbeza, tetapi keadaan itu di luar dugaan dan Aturan Mesyuarat mungkin tidak meliputi sepenuhnya seperti keadaan yang tidak diingini, menyerahkan kepada Speaker dengan kuasa untuk bertindak mengikut keadaan kes itu.

Sreenevasan berkata keadaan itu tidak boleh dipertahankan daripada kritikan dan hanya mendesak untuk satu perkara iaitu pilihan raya negeri.

"Kini ada harapan untuk ini berlaku. Biarlah rakyat menentukan," tambah beliau._