Entries from January 2008 ↓

If we look back at the early Christian’s history, Christians had been persecuted because of their faith and because of what they believe in. Be it historically or happening in the era we are living right now, such persecution still occurs (Wikipedia: Persecution of Christians ). I want to draw to your utmost attention on the current disturbing statement issued by the Cabinet of Malaysia regarding on the ban imposed on the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims in their worship and in their publications. Let us get the picture right by going through the press statement issued by the Christian Federation of Malaysia dated 5th January 2008. I am not circulating this to invoke any resentment against the government of Malaysia but I am doing this in a manner of goodwill to promote better understanding between the multi-racial and multi-religious communities in Malaysia.

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA ) Address: No. 10, Jalan 11/9, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457 Email: cchurchm@streamyx. com

PRESS STATEMENT

THE RIGHT OF NON-MUSLIMS TO USE THE WORD “ALLAH” TO SPEAK OF GOD The Christian Federation of Malaysia expresses deep disappointment and regret with the statement of the Honorable Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Y.B. Datuk Dr. Abdullah Zin, as reported in the newspapers (The Star and The Sun) of 4th January 2008, that the Cabinet has decided against the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims in their worship and in their publications. It is wrong to prohibit certain sections of the Malaysian public against the use of a particular word in their daily prayers or in their publications. The word “Allah” is of ancient lineage originating from the Middle East and used by both the non-Muslims and Muslims for centuries all over the world. The word “Allah” is a pre-Islamic word used by Arab Christians before Islam came into being. The Holy Quran itself admits that Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the one and same “Allah”, (Surah 2:62, 2:133, repeated in Surah 5:69, and again in Surah 22:17). Bahasa Malaysia, the language of all Malaysians, has incorporated the word “Allah” which denotes the One and Almighty God into the language. Therefore, we maintain and we have always told the Government that we have the right to use the word “Allah” whether in our Bahasa Malaysia publications or otherwise. We urge the Government, in recognition of the universal heritage of religious terminology like “Allah” and others and in the context of Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, to recognize and uphold the right of all Malaysians to the continued use of the word “Allah” and appropriate religious terminology without restrictions. The restriction against the use of the word “Allah” by all Malaysians will put the country in a bad light in the international community. (signed) Bishop Dr. Paul Tan Chee Ing., SJ Chairman, Christian Federation of Malaysia 5th January 2008

All of a sudden, I felt very afraid. Who shouldn’t be? Our leaders might issue a ban out of nowhere anytime just because they think they should. Who shouldn’t be afraid when their basic rights are stripped off? For your information, according to the 2000 census, Christianity in Malaysia is a minority religion practiced by 9.1% of the population (Wikipedia: Christianity in Malaysia). It’s a small amount, ain’t it? In solidarity, we Christians should pray and be bold. Peter and Paul when put before the Council for teaching publicly in the name of Jesus answered the Council bravely, “You yourselves judge which is right in God’s sight - to obey you or to obey God.” (Acts 4:19) Take courage and pray. Let us pray for our nation, pray for our leaders and pray for our citizens. Our faith, our freedom!

I may appear to be carefree these few days but who the heck knows what I was thinking or what I am thinking now. I seek not your sympathy nor fellow feeling, I need your prayers. Simple and neat - prayer - is all I need right now.

Somehow you may want to ask why I was not around for these past few days or weeks, to tell you the truth, my phase one laboratory test is almost there. I have prepared the best I could and the specimens will be subjected to experimental testing starting tomorrow. Since I am using a new technique and method called Digital Image Correlation as well as being a first timer in handling this entire experiment, I got very anxious and stressful! Having too many variables to expect really freaks me out of my comfort zone. Within my smile there is a strong feeling of anxiety and stress. Within my bright eyes there is a brink of wondering in uncertainties. Within my laughter there actually lies an untold botheration. Within my soft-spoken words, there is a feeling of emptiness and worries.

Dale Carnegie’s word of wisdom on how to break the worry habit before it breaks you had so far calmed me down. “Put a “stop-less” order on your worries. Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth–and refuse to give it anymore.” Dale Carnegie

Stop! Don’t worry! Just face it! Just do it! There will be an answer! “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 (Good News Bible)

Dear Lord, I need you now because I am full of stress and anxiety. Reading your Word brings comfort, as I ask you to come and take my heavy burdens. I take each burden, one by one, and lay them at your feet. Please carry them for me so that I don’t have to. Replace them with your humble and gentle yoke so that I will find rest for my soul today. I receive your gift of peace of mind and heart. Thank you that I can lie down tonight in peace and sleep. I know that you, Lord, will keep me safe. I am not afraid because you are always with me. Please keep me daily, Lord, in your perfect peace. Amen.

I am sorry guys if I keep you worry or increase your Monday blues after reading my post, after all I need a place to voice out my feelings. I felt better now after admitting my fears and anxiety. Before I end my writing, do keep me in prayer again and also take time to listen to the song below. You will be amazed with the beautiful lyrics. You will. Download Let it Be - The Beatles

Cloverfield 2008

Multiple sightings of case designated “Cloverfield” camera retrieved at incident site U.S. 447 area formerly known as “Central Park” Captivating words such as “multiple sightings”, “retrieved”, “incident”, and “Central Park” caught my eyes when the movie was screened in the cinema theater. Little had I pay attention on the word “camera”. I wasn’t quite sure why the term “camera” even came into the picture at first until I finished watching the movie. I watched the film screened on the giant screen of Tanjung Golden Village, Johor Bahru. I am not going to spoil the movie by staying away from mentioning anything that might be too overt. Nonetheless, you should read on…

The plot was about five young gorgeous New Yorkers throwing their friend a going-away party the night a monster the size of skyscraper descends (jatuh) upon the city. The entire story was told from the point of view of their camera. The film is a document of their attempt to survive the most surreal, horrifying event of their lives.

Simply put, that should give you an idea what the movie is about. It’s more of a love hate experience. Cloverfield definitely will not be everybody’s cup of tea. I am not implying that everyone should agree that it is a good movie or a bad one. Try splitting the word “History” into two - ‘His’ and ‘Story’. Everyone has a story to tell, so do I. Filmed exclusively from a camcorder’s-eye view, it is indeed a refreshig experience. I felt like I was one of the character in the movie throughout the screening. I felt the jolting explosion, exploding fireballs and subsequent blackout. Giant monster terrorizing and dismantling the skyscrapers of Big Apple roamed in front of my very own eyes. My close friends died in the event. Interestingly, this is one of the movie with no couples making love in its entire scene.

Who would like to record their most intimate moment with a camcorder? Not unless you are being spied or recorded without your prior concern. [Hint: Dr. CSL's sex-tape]. At the end of the day, frequent squeamish jolts of visions while the characters were on the run causes quite a claustrophobic experience for me. There’s a lot of running in the movie, a lot! Overall, the movie was tremendously superb if you are expecting unconventionality. But if you lack imagination or are rather a down to earth person, then you might just forget about it.

Burger King
Site BK No.3 was sighted at Johor Bahru along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. After watching movie, four of us decided to visit the newest Burger King outlet in the city. Chings, WJ, CE and I decided to have a late night meal because we have to get ourselves away from the claustrophobic experience, we were like very dizzy after the movie.

0205 19/1/2008: I officiated the Burger King outlet before YAM Tunku Abdul Majid Idris Ibni Sultan Iskandar (Tunku Bendahara of Johor). I ordered the BK Double Mushroom Swiss. No one can tell how much I love cheese and mushrooms and beef! Yummy!

To date, as far as I know, there are three Burger King outlets in Johor Bahru. The first outlet was located at Permas Jaya, the second one at the Skudai Toll Plaza and the latest at the heart of the city. I wonder when will Kuching has her own Burger King? Wondering…