Fainting is a symptom of an inadequate supply of oxygen and other
nutrients to the brain, usually caused by a temporary decrease in blood
flow. Blood flow to the brain can decrease whenever the body cannot
quickly compensate for a fall in blood pressure.
Causes
1. Fainting may occur if the heart cannot pump enough blood to maintain a
normal blood pressure. For example, an abnormal heart rhythm or a heart
valve disorder may impair the heart's pumping ability. People with such
disorders may feel fine when resting. However, they feel faint or actually
faint when exercising because the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet
the body's increased demand for oxygen. This type of fainting is called
exertional or effort syncope. People with these disorders may also faint
after exercising. During exercise, the increase in heart rate may enable
the heart to pump enough blood to maintain adequate blood pressure,
although just barely. When exercise stops, the heart rate (and the amount
of blood pumped) begins to decrease. However, the blood vessels in
muscles, which dilate (widen) during exercise to move more blood to and
from the muscles, remain dilated. (The arterioles in muscles remain
dilated to help supply oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue, and the
veins remain dilated to remove metabolic waste products produced during
exercise.) The decrease in the amount of blood pumped out combined with
dilation of the arterioles and veins causes blood pressure to fall, and
fainting results.
2. An abnormality of the heart called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (see
Cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) can also cause fainting that
usually occurs during exercise. This disorder may occur in younger people
as well as older people, particularly those who have high blood pressure.
If untreated, it can lead to death.
3. Fainting may occur if blood volume is too low. An obvious cause of low
blood volume is bleeding. Another cause is dehydration, which may be due
to diarrhea, excessive sweating, inadequate intake of fluids, or excessive
urination (which is a common symptom of untreated diabetes (see Diabetes
Mellitus) or Addison's disease (see Adrenal Gland Disorders: Addison's
Disease)). In older people, the use of diuretics is a common cause of
dehydration, particularly during warm weather or during an illness when
obtaining or drinking enough fluids may be difficult. (Diuretics help the
kidneys eliminate salt and water by increasing urine formation and thus
decrease fluid volume in the body.)
4. Fainting may occur if the vagus nerve, which supplies the neck, chest,
and intestine, is stimulated. When stimulated, the vagus nerve slows the
heart. Such stimulation also causes nausea and cool, clammy skin. This
type of fainting is called vasovagal (vasomotor) syncope. The vagus nerve
is stimulated by pain (such as intestinal cramps), fear, other distress
(such as that due to the sight of blood), vomiting, a large bowel
movement, and urination. Fainting during or immediately after urination is
called micturition syncope. Rarely, vigorous swallowing causes fainting
due to stimulation of the vagus nerve.
5. Fainting may also occur if straining reduces the amount of blood
flowing back to the heart. Fainting due to coughing (cough syncope)
usually results from such straining. Fainting after urination (micturition
syncope) or after a bowel movement is partly due to straining (in addition
to stimulation of the vagus nerve). Older men who must strain to empty
their bladder because of a large prostate gland are particularly
susceptible. Fainting when lifting weights (weight lifter's syncope)
results from the strain of trying to lift or push heavy weights without
breathing adequately during the exercise.
6. Fainting that occurs when a person sits or stands up too quickly is
called orthostatic (postural) syncope. It is particularly common among
older people. It is caused by orthostatic hypotension (see Low Blood
Pressure: Orthostatic Hypotension). In orthostatic hypotension, the
compensatory mechanisms, particularly the constriction of blood vessels
and the increase in heart rate, do not adequately restore blood pressure
when a person stands and gravity causes blood to pool in the leg veins. A
related form of fainting, called parade ground syncope, occurs when people
stand still for a long time on a hot day. If the leg muscles are not used,
blood is not pumped back to the heart. As a result, blood pools in the leg
veins, and blood pressure falls.
7. In older people, an excessive decrease in blood pressure after eating a
meal (postprandial hypotension (see Low Blood Pressure: Postprandial
Hypotension)) may cause fainting.
8. Fainting may result from very rapid breathing (overbreathing, or
hyperventilation), which may be due to anxiety. This type of fainting is
called hyperventilation syncope. Overbreathing removes large amounts of
carbon dioxide from the body. The decreased level of carbon dioxide causes
blood vessels in the brain to constrict, and the person may feel faint or
actually faint.
9. Rarely, fainting results from a mild stroke in which blood flow to a
part of the brain suddenly decreases. Fainting due to a stroke is more
common among older people. Many other disorders, such as a deficiency of
red blood cells (anemia), lung disorders, a decreased blood sugar level
(hypoglycemia), and diabetes can cause fainting, especially if the
compensatory mechanisms are also impaired.
10. Certain drugs may cause fainting. They include many of those used to
treat high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure. Doses of these drugs
must be carefully adjusted to prevent blood pressure from decreasing too
much.
Check out the following sites for more information on fainting
http://www.anxietynetwork.com/
http://www.merck.com/
http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/
Mad Sci Network.
June Wingert
Associate Scientist
Lexicon Genetics
Texas
www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/?ID=2287
Showing posts with label Resposibilities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resposibilities. Show all posts
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
HYDRATION & DEHYDRATION
Facts about hydration and dehydration. Did you know…..
Sweating is the body's major way of getting rid of excess body heat. We sweat to help regulate our body temperature. If we can't sweat (for lack of water), our body temperature spirals up and we quickly find ourselves at risk of heat injuries like heat cramps, heat stroke, and exhaustion.
As well as causing potentially fatal consequences, just being slightly dehydrated will result in your body's performance being lessened by 10%. It is important not to wait until you are thirsty to drink - by the time you are thirsty you are already dehydrating!
Signs of dehydration…
- An average person loses around 90 ounces of water a day.
- If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
- It takes a loss of only 1% - 2% of your body's ideal water content to cause dehydration.
- On a warm day a runner can lose one cup of water for every mile.
- Water has a profound effect on brain function and energy levels. Even a slight dehydration can - produce a small shrinkage of the brain, impairing coordination, concentration and thinking.
- You can supplement your fluids by eating raw fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, watermelon, and apples.
- Water helps maintain muscle tone and prevent your skin from sagging.
- Water helps rid the body of toxic waste and toxins.
Sweating is the body's major way of getting rid of excess body heat. We sweat to help regulate our body temperature. If we can't sweat (for lack of water), our body temperature spirals up and we quickly find ourselves at risk of heat injuries like heat cramps, heat stroke, and exhaustion.
As well as causing potentially fatal consequences, just being slightly dehydrated will result in your body's performance being lessened by 10%. It is important not to wait until you are thirsty to drink - by the time you are thirsty you are already dehydrating!
Signs of dehydration…
- Feeling chilly
- A throbbing head
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dry, itchy skin
- Dry mouth
- Feeling shaky
- Disorientation
- Unclear thinking
Drinking and running
Many organised races will have water stations en route and it is a good idea to make use of them. Half marathons and full marathons usually have drink stations that can provide you with an energy drink such as Lucozade Sport, as well as water. Energy drinks not only help to keep you hydrated, they also replace some of the vitamins, minerals, and salts that are lost during exercise. Walk through water stations to avoid spillage, and take frequent small sips to prevent overloading your stomach.
It is important to practice drinking water and sports drinks on your longer runs and get to know what suits your body. Suddenly gulping down an energy drink when you are not used to it may lead to an upset stomach. It is worth investing in a runner's drinks carrier that you can take with you for training sessions and races.
What you drink the night before a run can affect your body and its performance. Alcohol dehydrates you, and coffee and tea act as diuretics. The best drink for the evening before and day of a race is water.
source from http://www.runlikeagirl.com.uk/
Friday, July 24, 2009
KUOK GROUP'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY - NOTES
Robert Kuok Hock Nien's notes on the past sixty years
(On the occasion of Kuok Group’s 60th Anniversary 10 April 2009)
(1) My brothers and I owe our upbringing completely to Mother. She was steeped in Ru-Jiao – the teachings of Confucius, Mencius, Laozi and other Chinese sages. Ru-Jiao teaches the correct behaviour for a human being on his life on earth. Mother gently, and sometimes strongly, drummed into the minds of her three boys the values of honesty, of never cheating, lying, stealing or envying other people their material wealth or physical attributes.
(2) Father died on 25 December 1948 night without leaving a will. Following the Japanese surrender, he had re-registered the firm as a sole proprietorship. We went to court to get an appointment as managers, permitting us to continue to manage Tong Seng & Co. The judge said that, as there were two widows, the firm and the estate should be wound up.
(3) We decide to establish Kuok Brothers Limited. In mid-January 1949, five of us met at a small roundtable in our home in Johore Bahru. Present were my MOTHER, cousin number five HOCK CHIN, cousin number twelve HOCK SENG, my brother HOCK KHEE nicknamed Philip (a.k.a. cousin number seventeen), and myself (a.k.a. cousin number twenty). We sat down and Mother said, “Nien, would you like to start?” I said, “Fine, yes I will start.” To cut the long story short, we got started, and commenced business from a little shop house in Johore Bharu on 1 April 1949.
(4) As a young man, I thought there was no substitute for hard work and thinking up good, honest business plans and, without respite, pushing them along. There will always be business on earth. Be humble; be straight; don’t be crooked; don’t take advantage of people. To be a successful businessman, I think you really need to brush all your senses every morning, just as you brush your teeth. I coined the phrase “honing your senses” in business: your vision, hearing, sense of smell, touch and taste. All these senses come in very useful.
(5) Mother was the captain of our ship. She saw and sensed everything, but being a wise person she didn’t interfere. Yet she was the background influence, the glue that bound the Group together. She taught my cousins and my brothers and me never to be greedy, and that in making money one could practise high morality. She stressed that whenever the firm does well it should make donations to the charities operating in our societies. She always kept us focused on the big picture in business. For example: avoid businesses that bring harm, destruction or grief to people. This includes trades like gambling, drugs, arms sales, loan-sharking and prostitution.
(6) We started as little fish swimming in a bathtub. From there we went to a lake and now we are in the open seas. Today our businesses cover many industries and our operations are worldwide but this would not have been possible without the vision of the founding members, the dedicated contributions and loyalty of our colleagues and employees, and very importantly the strong moral principles espoused by my mother.
(7) When I hire staff I look for honest, hardworking, intelligent people. When I look candidates in the eye, they must appear very honest to me. I do not look for MBAs or exceptional students. You may hire a brilliant man, summa cum laude, first-class honours, but if his mind is not a fair one or if he has a warped attitude in life, does brilliance really matter?
(8) Among the first employees were Lau Teo Chin (Ee Wor), Kwok Chin Luang (Ee Luang), Othman Samad (Kadir) and an Indian accountant called Joachim who was a devout Roman Catholic and who travelled in every day from Singapore where he lived.
(9) I would like on this special occasion to pay tribute to them and in particular to those who were with us in the early days; many of whom are no longer here. I have already mentioned Lau Teo Chin (Ee Wor) and Kwok Chin Luang (Ee Luang) and Othman Samad (Kadir), there are others like Lean Chye Huat, who is not here today due to failing eyesight, and Yusuf Sharif who passed away in his home country India about one and a half years ago and the late Lee Siew Wah, and others who all gave solid and unstinting support and devotion to the Company. It saddens me that in those early difficult years these pioneers did not enjoy significant and substantial rewards but such is the order of things and a most unfortunate aspect of capitalism. However through our Group and employee Foundations, today we are able to help their descendants whenever there is a need to.
(10) I have learnt that the success of a company must depend on the unity of all its employees. We are all in the same boat rowing against the current and tide and every able person must pull the oars to move the boat forward. Also, we must relentlessly endeavour to maintain and practise the values of integrity and honesty, and eschew and reject greed and arrogance.
(11) A few words of caution to all businessmen and women. I recall the Chinese saying: shibai nai chenggong zhi mu (failure is the mother of success). But in the last thirty years of my business life, I have come to the conclusion that the reverse phrase is even truer of today’s world: chenggong nai shibai zhi mu. Success often breeds failure, because it makes you arrogant, complacent and, therefore, lower your guard.
(12) The way forward for this world is through capitalism. Even China has come to realise it. But it’s equally true that capitalism, if allowed to snowball along unchecked, can in many ways become destructive. Capitalism needs to be inspected under a magnifying glass once a day, a super-magnifying glass once a week, and put through the cleaning machine once a month. In capitalism, man needs elements of ambition and greed to drive him. But where does ambition end and greed take over? That’s why I say that capitalism, if left to its own devices, will snowball along, roll down the hill and cause a lot of damage. So a sound capitalist system requires very strongly led, enlightened, wise governments. That means politician-statesmen willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their people. I don’t mean politicians who are there for fame, glory and to line their pockets.
(13) To my mind the two great challenges facing China are the restoration of education in morals and the establishment of a rule of law. You must begin from the root up, imbuing and infusing moral lessons and morality into youth, both at home and from kindergarten and primary school upward through university. Every Chinese needs to accept the principle of rule of law; then you have to train upright judges and lawyers to uphold the legal system.
(14) Wealth should be used for two main purposes. One: for the generation of greater wealth; in other words, you continue to invest, creating prosperity and jobs in the country. Two: part of your wealth should be applied to the betterment of mankind, either by acts of pure philanthropy or by investment in research and development along the frontiers of science, space, health care and so forth.
****************************************************************
Tan Sri Robert Kuok Hock Nien (born 6 October 1923, in Johor Bahru, Johor), is an influential Malaysian Chinese businessman. According to Forbes his net worth is estimated to be around $10 billion on May 2008, making him the richest person in Southeast Asia. He is media shy and discreet; most of his businesses are privately held by him or his family. Apart from a multitude of enterprises in Malaysia, his companies have investments in many countries throughout Asia. His business interests range from sugarcane plantations (Perlis Plantations Bhd), sugar refinery, flour milling, animal feed, oil and mining to finance, hotels, properties, trading and freight and publishing.
(On the occasion of Kuok Group’s 60th Anniversary 10 April 2009)
(1) My brothers and I owe our upbringing completely to Mother. She was steeped in Ru-Jiao – the teachings of Confucius, Mencius, Laozi and other Chinese sages. Ru-Jiao teaches the correct behaviour for a human being on his life on earth. Mother gently, and sometimes strongly, drummed into the minds of her three boys the values of honesty, of never cheating, lying, stealing or envying other people their material wealth or physical attributes.
(2) Father died on 25 December 1948 night without leaving a will. Following the Japanese surrender, he had re-registered the firm as a sole proprietorship. We went to court to get an appointment as managers, permitting us to continue to manage Tong Seng & Co. The judge said that, as there were two widows, the firm and the estate should be wound up.
(3) We decide to establish Kuok Brothers Limited. In mid-January 1949, five of us met at a small roundtable in our home in Johore Bahru. Present were my MOTHER, cousin number five HOCK CHIN, cousin number twelve HOCK SENG, my brother HOCK KHEE nicknamed Philip (a.k.a. cousin number seventeen), and myself (a.k.a. cousin number twenty). We sat down and Mother said, “Nien, would you like to start?” I said, “Fine, yes I will start.” To cut the long story short, we got started, and commenced business from a little shop house in Johore Bharu on 1 April 1949.
(4) As a young man, I thought there was no substitute for hard work and thinking up good, honest business plans and, without respite, pushing them along. There will always be business on earth. Be humble; be straight; don’t be crooked; don’t take advantage of people. To be a successful businessman, I think you really need to brush all your senses every morning, just as you brush your teeth. I coined the phrase “honing your senses” in business: your vision, hearing, sense of smell, touch and taste. All these senses come in very useful.
(5) Mother was the captain of our ship. She saw and sensed everything, but being a wise person she didn’t interfere. Yet she was the background influence, the glue that bound the Group together. She taught my cousins and my brothers and me never to be greedy, and that in making money one could practise high morality. She stressed that whenever the firm does well it should make donations to the charities operating in our societies. She always kept us focused on the big picture in business. For example: avoid businesses that bring harm, destruction or grief to people. This includes trades like gambling, drugs, arms sales, loan-sharking and prostitution.
(6) We started as little fish swimming in a bathtub. From there we went to a lake and now we are in the open seas. Today our businesses cover many industries and our operations are worldwide but this would not have been possible without the vision of the founding members, the dedicated contributions and loyalty of our colleagues and employees, and very importantly the strong moral principles espoused by my mother.
(7) When I hire staff I look for honest, hardworking, intelligent people. When I look candidates in the eye, they must appear very honest to me. I do not look for MBAs or exceptional students. You may hire a brilliant man, summa cum laude, first-class honours, but if his mind is not a fair one or if he has a warped attitude in life, does brilliance really matter?
(8) Among the first employees were Lau Teo Chin (Ee Wor), Kwok Chin Luang (Ee Luang), Othman Samad (Kadir) and an Indian accountant called Joachim who was a devout Roman Catholic and who travelled in every day from Singapore where he lived.
(9) I would like on this special occasion to pay tribute to them and in particular to those who were with us in the early days; many of whom are no longer here. I have already mentioned Lau Teo Chin (Ee Wor) and Kwok Chin Luang (Ee Luang) and Othman Samad (Kadir), there are others like Lean Chye Huat, who is not here today due to failing eyesight, and Yusuf Sharif who passed away in his home country India about one and a half years ago and the late Lee Siew Wah, and others who all gave solid and unstinting support and devotion to the Company. It saddens me that in those early difficult years these pioneers did not enjoy significant and substantial rewards but such is the order of things and a most unfortunate aspect of capitalism. However through our Group and employee Foundations, today we are able to help their descendants whenever there is a need to.
(10) I have learnt that the success of a company must depend on the unity of all its employees. We are all in the same boat rowing against the current and tide and every able person must pull the oars to move the boat forward. Also, we must relentlessly endeavour to maintain and practise the values of integrity and honesty, and eschew and reject greed and arrogance.
(11) A few words of caution to all businessmen and women. I recall the Chinese saying: shibai nai chenggong zhi mu (failure is the mother of success). But in the last thirty years of my business life, I have come to the conclusion that the reverse phrase is even truer of today’s world: chenggong nai shibai zhi mu. Success often breeds failure, because it makes you arrogant, complacent and, therefore, lower your guard.
(12) The way forward for this world is through capitalism. Even China has come to realise it. But it’s equally true that capitalism, if allowed to snowball along unchecked, can in many ways become destructive. Capitalism needs to be inspected under a magnifying glass once a day, a super-magnifying glass once a week, and put through the cleaning machine once a month. In capitalism, man needs elements of ambition and greed to drive him. But where does ambition end and greed take over? That’s why I say that capitalism, if left to its own devices, will snowball along, roll down the hill and cause a lot of damage. So a sound capitalist system requires very strongly led, enlightened, wise governments. That means politician-statesmen willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their people. I don’t mean politicians who are there for fame, glory and to line their pockets.
(13) To my mind the two great challenges facing China are the restoration of education in morals and the establishment of a rule of law. You must begin from the root up, imbuing and infusing moral lessons and morality into youth, both at home and from kindergarten and primary school upward through university. Every Chinese needs to accept the principle of rule of law; then you have to train upright judges and lawyers to uphold the legal system.
(14) Wealth should be used for two main purposes. One: for the generation of greater wealth; in other words, you continue to invest, creating prosperity and jobs in the country. Two: part of your wealth should be applied to the betterment of mankind, either by acts of pure philanthropy or by investment in research and development along the frontiers of science, space, health care and so forth.
****************************************************************
Tan Sri Robert Kuok Hock Nien (born 6 October 1923, in Johor Bahru, Johor), is an influential Malaysian Chinese businessman. According to Forbes his net worth is estimated to be around $10 billion on May 2008, making him the richest person in Southeast Asia. He is media shy and discreet; most of his businesses are privately held by him or his family. Apart from a multitude of enterprises in Malaysia, his companies have investments in many countries throughout Asia. His business interests range from sugarcane plantations (Perlis Plantations Bhd), sugar refinery, flour milling, animal feed, oil and mining to finance, hotels, properties, trading and freight and publishing.
Friday, May 29, 2009
SOS! AUTISM CENTRE CLOSING DOWN - 14 JUN 2009
Dear friends,
I am publishing the article below and hope that you could help to spread the news and make a difference in someone's life. No help is too small to bring a smile onto another face.
We are not going to provide a free for all kind of services, but will be very affordable. We will have a trust fund setup to help those who cannot afford to pay for the service. Time is running out, 14 June 2009 is the deadline for the centre to cease operation.
Why am I here asking for help? I have no other way to go and seeking the help from whoever I can get my hand on to. We need the following: -
I am publishing the article below and hope that you could help to spread the news and make a difference in someone's life. No help is too small to bring a smile onto another face.
Both my sons are suffering from acute form of autism, and they have been going to this centre for the past few months. This centre was funded by a businessman via charity donation. Hence it has been offered as free service to those parents who cannot afford the full commercial service. I am one of those parent who need Early Intervention Program and cannot afford it.
The centre was headed by a very experience teacher in autism management and intervention. He is a retiree and if he left this job I don't think he will be actively working for the good of autistic kids again. I want to secure his service and take over the operation of the centre. I have the business experience and also autism management experience to turn this around.
The centre was headed by a very experience teacher in autism management and intervention. He is a retiree and if he left this job I don't think he will be actively working for the good of autistic kids again. I want to secure his service and take over the operation of the centre. I have the business experience and also autism management experience to turn this around. We are not going to provide a free for all kind of services, but will be very affordable. We will have a trust fund setup to help those who cannot afford to pay for the service. Time is running out, 14 June 2009 is the deadline for the centre to cease operation.
Why am I here asking for help? I have no other way to go and seeking the help from whoever I can get my hand on to. We need the following: -
1. Premise - prefer a corner lot house with some garden area where we can setup sand and water therapy area.
2. Musical - Since autistic kids are very artistic and musically inclined, I want to setup some musical class to explore their potential. Any good working Piano or Electronic piano are needed. Can Yamaha donate some? Anyone who know someone in Yamaha?
3. Art - Art supply for painting and others
4. Renovation - Can some good soul help to pay for the renovation and furnishing of the centre?
5. Telecommunication - Telephone, Fax and Internet access
6. Funding - We need at least one year of funding before we can be self funded. I will work out the requirement once we have more people come into play and willing to help
7. Teaching material - I have plenty in my house becasue both my sons are autistic and I have invested over the years.Anyone can help me to published all the above? I have 2 weeks to put thing together before they closed it down. 20 kids will be affected if the centre is closed down without giving them an alternative to go.
Regards
Shiok Guy
Thursday, May 28, 2009
BETWEEN LIVELIHOOD AND A MEGA ROAD?
After my last posting on the Jacob Walk (which was a 'copy & paste' work to be exact), I hardly have time to blog or even train for my coming maiden full marathon on 28 June 2009.
Almost every other day, I received calls from residents of Jinjang Selatan Tambahan wanting to know about their fate. Since I took up this case into my file in late 2008, I have made countless trips to this housing lot which was a former TOL (Temporary Occupancy Licence) land. The residents were invited to stay there by the then Selangor government in replacement of their land/house in Kg Malaysia, Batu Caves 40 years ago. Currently there are 525 plot sitting on this lot known as Lot 9714 Jinjang Selatan Tambahan.
Look deep into her eyes . . . . . . . . . . . the despair, sadness, frustration and . . . . I really don't know. But this sorry sight truly touched my heart to see so much sorrow on that wrinkle face not knowing where her future lies . . . . . . Is this really necessary? Is this how she should be treated after toiling the land - a former deserted muddy mining land with her own bare hands together with her husband and young children 40 years ago. Walked miles away and carry sands to bury the muddy plot for months. Then with the little earning of less than RM100, they bought bit and pieces of wood and more sands to build their homes.
11 May 2009 - More than 300 police personnels, enforcement personnels from DBKL and technicians from TNB intimitated and forced 17 houses to vacant their home at 8.30am when most of the young people were at work or school.
I received a call at 9.00am from a resident. Quickly switched off my computer, grabbed my tiny back-pack, camera phone and a note pad- and jumped into a taxi. Arrived at the scene within 30 mimutes. I was shocked to see so many enforcers intimidating and targeting 2 particular houses at the edge of the housing area whereby one is a senior citizen and another a young mother were at home with a few months old baby.
A young mother looking helplessly as TNB technicians happily taking order from DBKL to cut off her power supply
The presence of police and FRU to intimate 17 families
As time past, more villagers came forward to lend moral support and watched helplessly
DBKL enforcement officers on standby
TNB's technicians moving in to cut power supply of the 2 houses
The meter was removed
TNB team on standby
DBKL truck - ever ready to load and empty the houses and awaiting instruction from their boss - the Datuk BandarFew of the villagers and committee members of the residents association were at sight negotiating with the Chief Enforcement Officer not to demolish the houses as to allow them to contact the relevant authorities to get confirmation.
I called on the Human Rights Committees of the Bar Council to be on standby. Meanwhile few of the villagers and myself rushed to DBKL Head Office in Jalan Raja Laut trying to lobby for extention and seeking a dialogue session to end this predicament.
After waiting for hours at the Datuk Bandar's office where we were told that Datuk Saravanan (Deputy Minister of FT) and Datuk Bandar were deliberating on their issues. We were made to wait for 2 hours. And the final outcome - 3 Days extention!
Absolutely ABSURD! I was furious! WHAT? 3 days to get out with no clear direction? This is total violation on Human Rights!
After receiving a call from the Datuk Bandar's office, TNB's technicians restored the power supply to the 2 houses.
Is it really necessary to intimidate few innocent, naive and harmless villagers with such huge entourage of enforcers? Yes, this scene is not new to me as I have seen cases worst than this whereby villagers where beaten and being hospitalised in ICU (intensive care unit). However, the residents in this residential area hardly see more than 2 policemen patrolling their area and what took place that day had traumatised a handful of the elderly of late that they are having sleepless night ever since then.
This is not my first case but I have taken special interest to ensure that the villagers are being taken care and compensated accordingly.
I will keep lobbying for support from every sector and bring this matter to national level. It is sad that some unscrupulous individuals / developers have disregards for the wellbeing of other human kind. They did not hesitate to adopt dirty tactic to throw the weak and poor out in the name of development and to further enrich their bank account. It is more sickening when the higher authority who supposed to take care of the welfare and livelihood of those under their governance also conspires with these crooks.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
MALAY DILEMMA IS ELECTRIFYING
I find this article by Dina Zaman quite interesting . .. . . . . . food for thought . . . .
THE STAR
Thursday April 23, 2009
Malay dilemma is electrifying
A WRITER'S LIFE - By DINA ZAMAN
Money is the root of all evil, so says the old adage, and it’s still being played out in today’s materialistic society.
“Dina?”
“Pedia?”
“Apasal la, kita orang Melayu ni dah hancur?”
“Mana la saya tahu. Saya ni bukan tukang tilik.”
ARSHAD the electrician and I had been trying to sort out the wiring of the apartment. He’s like a cab driver; he knows everything and everyone, but he’s funny as hell.
He always has an opinion – from food to marriage to ghosts and politics – and he’s very reasonable, budget wise.
He hopped off the chair and waved a pen at me.
“I think, kan,” he said as he munched on an energy bar I had given him, “I think kan, pasal kan, kita dah lupa darat. Kita fikir duit, duit, duit, duit. And kita tak nak susah.”
He told me about the kids he watched over in his neighbourhood. There was this young boy who had magical feet. He could be the next Maradona.
So Arshad told his parents to develop the boy’s talent, get him out of the ghetto where they lived, and he could be Malaysia’s David Beckham.
The parents told him to shut up, the boy was not his son, and besides, it was better he worked at odd jobs to make money for the family. What talent? Kicking a ball is a talent?
These days, Arshad told me, parents were just lazy. They gave their kids handphones, let them play out way into the night, let them wander around, just so they would not inconvenience their parents.
Even though these parents were working class, they would rather give the kids money so as not to be bothered. Money can do wonders, even make them disappear for a while. Why bother moulding a kid into a star?
This example, he stressed while gulping down a Milo Fuse which I had made, was the real root of the Malay Dilemma. Money.
It was not lack of religion or Malay values. It is all about money. Doesn’t matter how much or little you have, so long as you have it.
Kid passes an exam, you reward him RM50. You have no money to treat your kid, your kid may shoplift or become a GRO when an adult.
“Maybe it’s not about having money,” I said blearily. It was 7.45 in the morning. I had made the poor man come to sort out the wiring before I had to leave for work.
“Maybe it’s because the Malays have so little money that by acting that way it is as if they have money. Reverse and sadistic psychology. You know?
Law of Attraction?”
“Ha? Law amende tu? No, no, no. Masalah orang Melayu adalah ... financial.”
I was flapping about in the apartment, worried sick I’d be late for work. This wiring thing had taken too long. And Arshad had to talk about the Malay Dilemma now.
“Dina. Kalau kita tak de duit, moral kita terbang!”
Sure we can have religious principles and adapt, but when you don’t have money and you see bangang people getting projects when they are so stupid, what’s morals. Hello money, come to me!
Arshad was enjoying himself.
By now I was fretting. I was going to be late for work.
“Look. You can’t say that about the Malays,” I said. What about the Chinese and Indians and everyone else who are in the same poop?
Ah-ha. The Chinese and Indians have their support system. They band and work together in their communities. They have their churches and temples.
You can say anything about them, but they help their people. Look at our masjids. They are monuments to worship, not a community.
“Apa nak jadi kita orang Melayu ni, Dina?”
I knew one thing: if I were late, I’d end up as kebab.
He looked at the energy bar I gave him. “Mmm. Best jugak biskut ni. Patut kau ni kurus. Orang breakfast makan nasi lemak, roti canai.”
Whatever, whatever, I said, as I hurried him and myself out of the apartment.
“Nanti I SMS Dina quote wiring, okay?”
“Okay! Ciao Arshad!”
“Ciao!”
And that was how I spent my Wednesday morning. Never knew electricity and the Malay Dilemma would have something in common.
The writer’s idea of bliss is to pass out by the beach with her books literally on her.
THE STAR
Thursday April 23, 2009
Malay dilemma is electrifying
A WRITER'S LIFE - By DINA ZAMAN
Money is the root of all evil, so says the old adage, and it’s still being played out in today’s materialistic society.
“Dina?”
“Pedia?”
“Apasal la, kita orang Melayu ni dah hancur?”
“Mana la saya tahu. Saya ni bukan tukang tilik.”
ARSHAD the electrician and I had been trying to sort out the wiring of the apartment. He’s like a cab driver; he knows everything and everyone, but he’s funny as hell.
He always has an opinion – from food to marriage to ghosts and politics – and he’s very reasonable, budget wise.
He hopped off the chair and waved a pen at me.
“I think, kan,” he said as he munched on an energy bar I had given him, “I think kan, pasal kan, kita dah lupa darat. Kita fikir duit, duit, duit, duit. And kita tak nak susah.”
He told me about the kids he watched over in his neighbourhood. There was this young boy who had magical feet. He could be the next Maradona.
So Arshad told his parents to develop the boy’s talent, get him out of the ghetto where they lived, and he could be Malaysia’s David Beckham.
The parents told him to shut up, the boy was not his son, and besides, it was better he worked at odd jobs to make money for the family. What talent? Kicking a ball is a talent?
These days, Arshad told me, parents were just lazy. They gave their kids handphones, let them play out way into the night, let them wander around, just so they would not inconvenience their parents.
Even though these parents were working class, they would rather give the kids money so as not to be bothered. Money can do wonders, even make them disappear for a while. Why bother moulding a kid into a star?
This example, he stressed while gulping down a Milo Fuse which I had made, was the real root of the Malay Dilemma. Money.
It was not lack of religion or Malay values. It is all about money. Doesn’t matter how much or little you have, so long as you have it.
Kid passes an exam, you reward him RM50. You have no money to treat your kid, your kid may shoplift or become a GRO when an adult.
“Maybe it’s not about having money,” I said blearily. It was 7.45 in the morning. I had made the poor man come to sort out the wiring before I had to leave for work.
“Maybe it’s because the Malays have so little money that by acting that way it is as if they have money. Reverse and sadistic psychology. You know?
Law of Attraction?”
“Ha? Law amende tu? No, no, no. Masalah orang Melayu adalah ... financial.”
I was flapping about in the apartment, worried sick I’d be late for work. This wiring thing had taken too long. And Arshad had to talk about the Malay Dilemma now.
“Dina. Kalau kita tak de duit, moral kita terbang!”
Sure we can have religious principles and adapt, but when you don’t have money and you see bangang people getting projects when they are so stupid, what’s morals. Hello money, come to me!
Arshad was enjoying himself.
By now I was fretting. I was going to be late for work.
“Look. You can’t say that about the Malays,” I said. What about the Chinese and Indians and everyone else who are in the same poop?
Ah-ha. The Chinese and Indians have their support system. They band and work together in their communities. They have their churches and temples.
You can say anything about them, but they help their people. Look at our masjids. They are monuments to worship, not a community.
“Apa nak jadi kita orang Melayu ni, Dina?”
I knew one thing: if I were late, I’d end up as kebab.
He looked at the energy bar I gave him. “Mmm. Best jugak biskut ni. Patut kau ni kurus. Orang breakfast makan nasi lemak, roti canai.”
Whatever, whatever, I said, as I hurried him and myself out of the apartment.
“Nanti I SMS Dina quote wiring, okay?”
“Okay! Ciao Arshad!”
“Ciao!”
And that was how I spent my Wednesday morning. Never knew electricity and the Malay Dilemma would have something in common.
The writer’s idea of bliss is to pass out by the beach with her books literally on her.
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