Power Brand 2011 Award

27th March 2011

Congratulations to PAG for receiving the 5th Malaysian Power Brand 2011 Award for Outstanding Achievement of Best Quality Products and Services in Civil and Building Construction Category.

Mr. YK Lai, Chairman & Managing Director of PAG receiving the Award from YB Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Malaysia.

Presentation of the Certificate of Achievement by Prof. Dr. Denver Tan, Organizing Chairman & President of Asia Entrepreneur Alliance.

That's me ... ugly man has no face!!!

PAG was the specialist contractor for the Design and Build/Turnkey Project of the Integrated Transport Terminal, Bandar Tasik Selatan and the Elevated Highway connecting Jalan Hang Tuah-Jalan Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka, Kuala Lumpur. Currently, PAG is also involved in the Penang Second Bridge Project as the specialist sub-contractor for China Harbour & Engineering Construction.

ManuLife Award Nite 2011

My son and his wife had another wonderful evening at Manulife Award Nite 2011.

It was another good year for them.






Congratulations to William and Pauline. Hope 2011 will be another great year of success for them, in business and in life - wealth accumulation and the beginning of parenthood. William and Pauline will have their first child next month. They will be parents, and they will have a new phase in their lives, with an addition to the family, and a new challenge in life's journey.

Lessons for Today

There's an old sea story about a ship's Captain who inspected his sailors, and afterward told the first mate that his men smelled bad.

The Captain suggested perhaps it would help if the sailors would change their underwear occasionally.

The first mate responded, "Aye, aye sir, I'll see to it immediately!"

The first mate went straight to the sailors berth deck and announced, "The Captain thinks you guys smell bad and wants you to change your underwear."

He continued, “Leo you change with Jerry. Tony you change with Bert and Bob you change with Ed."

THE MORAL OF THE STORY:

1. Someone may come along and promise "Change", but don't count on things smelling any better.

2. Most often than not, the message delivered may not be what you had intended it to be.

Quotes for Today

"Statistic exist so that we can go out and contradict them"

--- Jose Mourinho

"It boils down to your beliefs. Goals are useless if you write them down without a strong belief that you can achieve them. It is all about determination and personal targets."

--- Lee Chong Wei

Berita Harian Newspaper pokes fun at Japan's tsunami disasters

By CNN iReport -

Local Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian published a caricature in their editor's column today that depicts the popular Japanese cartoon character Ultraman as trying to outrun an incoming tsunami.

The publication has received tremendous criticisms by readers, who accuse the editors as being "inconsiderate and distasteful". Several political leaders have even stepped out and demand a public apology, to which the editors promptly made on their publication's Facebook fan page.

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SOURCE:

(1) ireport.cnn.com
(2) Berita Harian apologises for ‘tasteless’ tsunami cartoon


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An 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan on Friday, triggering tsunami warnings around the world.
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LATEST NEWS ON JAPAN EARTHQUAKE

(1) Insured losses from Japan quake could hit $35 billion
(2) Scramble to avert meltdown after Japan earthquake, tsunami
(3) Japan nuclear crisis worsens as country braces for second huge earthquake
(4) Japan faces worst crisis 'since WWII'
(5) Japan death toll likely over 10,000 after earthquake, tsunami


***

MALAYSIA SENT 15 PEOPLE TO RESCUE JAPAN

PEKAN, March 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is rushing disaster assistance personnel, sniffer dogs and doctors to help with search and rescue efforts in Japan.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, said 15 members of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), and six dogs would leave for Japan in two C-130 aircraft at 6pm Saturday.

"This (assistance) demonstrates our sympathy and support for the government and people of Japan," Najib told reporters.


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SOURCE: BERNAMA NEWS
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POST SCRIPT:

We hope the 6 dogs that we had sent to Japan will do a good job and not let our country down ... the job is damn tough and the dogs must truly behave as a team and sniff well. It is an emotive act that will fill us with great pride and, especially, of gratitude from the Japanese people. The dogs must understand that it is an act of recognition, loyalty, solidarity and love for humanitarian. They must humbly feel unquestionable pride for belonging to Malaysia. Our strength has been, is and forever will be, our unity. We have proven this with our 54 years of complete devotion and fidelity to our history of unity, trust and love. This tenacity and fortitude will help us continue to be a leading charitable nation. Our charitable act should become increasingly significant. That's why we strive to use this occasion as the best opportunity by which we can prove to the world that we are better and more just. We stand together in this charitable endeavor to assure Japan and the rest of the world of our utmost charitable culture and devotion.

***

Real Madrid President's speech in 2011 Insignia presentation

Dear Honorary President, Members of the Board, Club Members and friends of Real Madrid.

Every year, we celebrate a ceremony like today's, one of the events most anticipated by the Madridista family. It is an emotive act that fills us with great pride and, especially, of gratitude. It is an act of recognition, loyalty, solidarity and love for an institution that is proud of its 109-year history, and that possesses enormous strength and excitement to continue building the future.

It is also a day of reflection. It is a day in which we must ask ourselves why we are here. I always say that, withouot a doubt, the best thing this club has are its members. You have all contributed to make Real Madrid's legend eternal. Some with a 25-year passion, others with an unshakeable loyalty of 50 years, and others by keeping the essence of our values for 60 years. That is why I, as President, regard this act as one of our greatest examples. You are the strength that has turned Real Madrid into an unquestionable team and a worldwide icon.

The sentiment you have shown for the Club throughout all this time is part of a culture that has been maintained throughout our history. An identity that has allowed us to become what we are, and to face the utmost demands without a care for difficulties.

With your devotion, you have contributed to help Real Madrid be acknowledged in the entire world, not just for its achievements in sports, but also for its values. These are indestructible principles that last generation after generation and that constitute this club's raison d'etre. Talent, respect for opponents, honesty, devotion, sacrifice, solidarity and the constant strive for victory are, and must always be, the unchangeable signs of our identity.

You and your dreams are the most powerful reference we have to guide our work and our strategy at the helm of this institution.

You've spent a great part of your lives -in some cases all your lives- devoting your passion and love to Real Madrid. You've shared difficult times and moments of unforgettable victories. You've felt the sadness that comes from unrealised dreams, and also the satisfaction of seeing your wishes come true.

This devotion makes us wish to acknowledge you and express our gratitude today. My words as President carry more affection for all of you today because you are the strength of our institution, our guarantee for success and the security for our future.

We have all walked on common ground together and we humbly feel unquestionable pride for belonging to Real Madrid.

This pride allows us to face the greatest sports challenges in order to keep the worldwide prestige that turned Real Madrid into a universal club and a leading international institution admired by millions of supporters.

In order to face all of the great challenges that lie ahead, it is essential that we all unite. Our strength has been, is and forever will be, our unity. You have proven this for 25, 50 or 60 years of complete devotion and fidelity to our history. This tenacity and fortitude will help us continue to be a leading sports, financial and charitable institution.

To belong to Real Madrid is all this, and also to assume great responsibility. We all have the responsibility to maintain and improve this immense legacy so that future generations feel the same respect, devotion and pride for the Club we feel right now.

Throughout is more than 100-year old history, Real Madrid has always set an example for modernity and has placed us at the forefront of any sports institution.

Today's Real Madrid has nothing to do with the Real Madrid that was founded by several enthusiasts back in 1902. It is now a universal, modern and exemplary club. But we're here because those who created the Club were able to instill this special feeling of Madridismo in future generations. We inherited this from our elders and we have the responsibility to hand it down to our children.

And we must continue to advance firmly placed in modernity and defending our values, in which we have great faith. That must be the path to follow.

Those of us who are privileged to belong to this institution must work without rest to continue being leaders on and off the pitch. It is always difficult to win; history has taught us that. But if we head in the right direction, if we are patient enough, and if we offer total devotion, then success and victory will come our way. We have already laid the solid ground work, the essential stability and the adequate strategy to achieve this.

Institutional stability and serenity is an essential strength to have nowadays, and we have it mainly thanks to you.

This Real Madrid has a mission and a chellenge before it: to some day become the Best Club in the 21st Century, just as it was the Best Club in the 20th Century. And not just on the sporting field. We must take a new and important leap to perfect the functioning of our infrastructure, and to further boost and promote the image and international projection of Real Madrid.

We must continue to grow financially so that this team always belongs to its Club Members and may always compete with any opponent, no matter how powerful.

We must also set a charitable example through our Real Madrid Foundation in every country. Our charitable compromise should become increasingly significant. That's why we strive to turn the Foundation into the best tool by which to help the world be better and more just. I also know we will stand together in this charitable endeavour.

The 21st Century Real Madrid will be exemplary, more active, stronger, more modern, more agile and -naturally- always in pursuit of victory, just as we learned from our master: Honorary President Alfredo di Stefano.

You must never forget that you, the Club Members, are responsible for, and the owners of, this club. That is why it is your duty to continue making of Real Madrid an unquestionable example to follow.

During more than 100 years, we've become leaders in sports, finances, facilities, solidarity and the reaffirmation of our values.

Real Madrid was born to win through hard work and sacrifice. We Madridistas believe that hard work and sacrifice are not incompatible with fair play. The constant search for success and fair play are no doubt part of the special DNA that defines both us and the behaviour we've had throughout our history. We have strongly defended our institution against wrong behaviour and we will continue to do so.

But if we are ready to continue defending fair play and blameless ethics within our institution, then we must fight for this also in the sporting world we belong to. For many years, this institution has showcased what we've come to define as 'class'. Class is earned by acknowledging the merits of our opponents, but also by defending what we believe is just. Class is also earned by denouncing irregular behaviour both on or off the pitch. It is also an example of true Madridismo to defend Real Madrid from what we believe to be unjust, irregular or arbitrary. And that is exactly what our coach, Jose Mourinho, does. What Jose Mourinho says is also an example of Madridismo.

I ask you to continue to feel proud of what you are, of your sense of belonging and of that feeling called Madridismo. And of that responsibility, too. Because pride for this club comes from knowing that we, the Club Members -who regard ourselves as the owners of Real Madrid-, are just the administrators of this universal feeling. And that feeling we administer is a service to millions of supporters we must never forget.

Real Madrid belongs to all and there are no age, ideological, national or cultural differences here. Real Madrid has no frontiers. It is universal, and the diversity and plurality of its members and supporters makes the unity of Madridistas even greater and stronger.

I hope today proves unforgettable for you because it is no doubt a very important day for this club. It is a day of just and fair recognition of you all and of those who may not be here today, but who once taught you about the spirit of Real Madrid.

Thank you for your support, your firmness, your strength and for everything you give to Real Madrid each day. Thank you for your everlasting passion for Real Madrid. Thank you for your devotion. Thank you for everything you've felt along the way. Thank you, because you are Real Madrid.

Thank you all.

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SOURCE: www.realmadrid.com
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Thought's for Today

"No written word, no spoken plea
Can teach our youth what they should be,
Nor all the books on all the shelves.
It's what the teachers are themselves."

A favorite poem of John Wooden (Author unknown)

The character, rather than education, is man's greatest need and man's greatest safeguard, because character is higher than intellect. While it is true the difference between men is in energy, in the strong will, in the settled purpose and in the invincible determination, the new leadership is in sacrifice, it is in self-denial, it is in love and loyalty, it is in fearlessness, it is in humility, and it is in the perfectly disciplined will.

Thirteen Virtues of Benjamin Franklin

1. TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

2. SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

3. ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

4. RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

5. FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

6. INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9. MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloths, or habitation.

11. TRANQUILITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12. CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

13. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

From The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

A trip to Memory Lane

1993 was an important year towards my career direction. That was the year I took a bold step to Kuala Lumpur in search for a job. It wasn't my first vocation ... I started working after I graduated in 1978 but 1993 was the year that was significant to my career path. In February that year I resigned as a General Manager of a construction outfit - it was an abrupt decision (due to differences with my boss). So I decided to drive down to KL in search of a job; as without job means without income and I had no savings at all.

My driver, or should I say, my ex-driver (since I had resigned; the driver is paid by the company and should not be driving me anymore) insist that he will drive me to KL. I told him that he can't as the company will be angry and would sack him. But he insist and he said he doesn't want to continue with that company and will continue to drive me even without pay.

We drove two hours and reached KL. Along the journey I brought with me The Star newspaper and I spent the two hours journey reading the news advertisement, looking up for employment opportunity. Almost reaching KL I say a tiny advert (about 50mm x 50mm) of a company looking for a project manager for a high-rise building project in KL. I straight away called the phone number indicated and I was told that I can have a walk-in interview immediately.

When I arrived at the office which is a double-storey terrace shoplot located at OUG (somewhere around Jalan Kuchai Lama) my senses tells me that this must be a small scale construction company. I rang the bell at the door and a nice-sweet lady open the door to welcome me as she was the person that took my call.

The company has only two staff in the office - the secretary-cum-purchasing officer-cum-account's clerk-cum-office assistant-cum-jack of all trade. She does everything that needs to be done at the office except quantity surveying works which is performed by a handsome man (around 30+). Of course there was another man - an elderly man - who is the boss, sitting in a room. I was taken to the room and introduced to that man. His name is Mr. Chew and everyone called him Uncle Chew. At the interview he asked me if I had high-rise building construction experience. I told him NO but I assure him that I have the ability to learn quickly and I am confident to perform to his expectation. To my surprise ... he gave me the job with a pay of RM3,000.00 nett; which means I had to pay for my own lodging, car and fuel. I needed a job desperately and I had to accept it.

So, that was how life began ... a new beginning, a new struggle, a new job, a demotion (as I was GM yesterday then), and a new life.

That project which I was engaged to manage is Robson Height Condominium, which is near Thean Hou Temple, off Jalan Syed Putra. It was completed in 1994 and after Completion I left Uncle Chew to join Pilecon Bhd and later, Suncon Bhd.

Today, coincidentally, I had an appointment at Thean Hou Temple. When I arrived at Thean Hou, the tall building along the left-side of the road caught my attention - it's my project: Robson Height Condo!!!

The first thing when I got down from my car, is to take my hand phone and take a few shots - so delighting to come back here and see my project.


My family members were with me.

They had to hear my old story ... I had to tell them ...

The building still looks good and sound.

The management must have done a good job of upkeeping and maintaining it well.

I'm so proud of this job that Uncle Chew entrusted to me!

Anyway, coming back to the visit to Thean Hou. Actually I had to be at Thean Hou, not because I had to pray. Today is my son's day of appointment; he and Karen was to be legally bonded - we are there to witness their marriage registration.

See ...

they took their oath ...

They both swore - I DO!!!

Karen's mother, brother and sister attended.

Me, my wife, my eldest son and daughter-in-law attended.

Henry's friends were with us too.

We all celebrate! It was a great day!

I had one advice for my son Henry: From today onward, you will find that you have to earn more as your needs have been altered significantly. The wedding ceremony is October this year and I presumed that he will be a father by next year. Mine was 30 years ago ... and my first child was born 11 months after. Now is my children turn. Oh, it also remind me that I am old ... an old man who will be a grandfather soon.

***

Thoughts for Today

"The point of philosophy is:
- to start with something so simple as not to seem worth stating, and
- to end with something so paradoxical that no one will believe it. "

— Bertrand Russell

***

Parables of the Constitutional Chinese

“I would not say I am a Chinese or Malaysian of ethnic Chinese origin. My mother tongue and home language is Chinese, my culture and tradition is Chinese and I am a Christian.

The constitution defines a Malaysian as a person who is a granted citizenship by operation of law or by virtue of any of the provisions of the Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1948. Once he is a Malaysian citizen, he is a Malaysian, not an immigrant. He can be a Malaysian of Chinese origin, or Malaysian of Indian origin, or Malaysian of Bugis or Javanese origin; but he is Malaysian, and no more an immigrant, just like Mahathir.

That's the same with those other who were immigrants and whose mother tongue and home language is now Malay, not his ancestor's mother tongue who may be Tamil or Javanese, who claim his culture and tradition is now Malay and is now a Muslim.

The Malaysian Constitution defines a Malay as a Malaysian citizen born to a Malaysian citizen who professes to be a Muslim, habitually speaks the Malay language, adheres to Malay customs, and is domiciled in Malaysia (or Singapore).

NOTE: Habitually speaking Malay language, practice Malay customs and being a Muslim isn't sufficient - he must also be a Malaysian citizen born to a Malaysian citizen.

The criteria to be a Malaysian citizen are:

1. Any person born before Malaysia Day who is a citizen of the Malaysia by virtue of these provisions; or
2. Any person who immediately before Merdeka Day, was a citizen of Malaysia by virtue of any of the provisions of the Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1948, whether by operation of law or otherwise
3. Any person born within Malaysia on or after Merdeka Day and before October, 1962
4. Any person born within Malaysia after September 1962, of whose parents one at least was at the time of the birth either a citizen or permanently resident in Malaysia, or who was not born a citizen of any other country
5. Any person born outside Malaysia on or after Merdeka Day whose father was a citizen at the time of his birth and either was born in Malaysia or was at the time of the birth in service under the Government of Malaysia or of a State
6. Any person born outside Malaysia on or after Merdeka Day whose father was a citizen at the time of the birth if the birth was, or is, within 1 year of its occurrence or within such longer period as in any particular case was or is allowed by the Malaysian Government, registered at a consulate of Malaysia or, if it occurred in Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei or North Borneo, registered with the Federal Government
7. Any person born on or after Malaysia Day, and having any of the qualifications specified below
8. Any person born within Malaysia of whose parents one at least is at the time of the birth either a citizen or permanently resident in Malaysia and
9. Any person born outside the Malaysia whose father is at the time of the birth a citizen and either was born in Malaysia or is at the time of the birth in the service of the Federation or of a State and
10. Any person born outside Malaysia whose father is at the time of the birth a citizen and whose birth is, within 1 year of its occurrence or within such longer period as the Malaysian Government may in any particular case allow, registered at a consulate of Malaysia or, if it occurs in Brunei or in a territory prescribed for this purpose by order of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, registered with the Malaysian Government.
    

Gaining citizenship

A person can become a citizen of Malaysia either by registration or naturalization. In cases by registration, where a person is by operation of law is a citizen but have yet to be registered, such person is entitled to citizenship upon application and be registered as a citizen of Malaysia. For cases by naturalization, this refers to the process of admitting a person not a citizen of Malaysia to citizenship. This is subjected to the requirements and conditions of the Federal Government. Any person holding Malaysian citizenship is also disallowed to hold any other country's citizenship. Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship.

Those applying for citizenship by registration must have "an elementary knowledge of the Malay language". Those applying to become naturalised citizens must have "an adequate knowledge of the Malay language" and have resided in the country for ten of the past twelve years, including the twelve months immediately preceding the application. These requirements are set out by Part III of the Constitution; however, as there is no objective definition of what constitutes elementary or adequate knowledge of Malay, in practice, the tests are often subjective, sometimes even varying in whether a written knowledge of Malay is required.

Mahathir said it was obvious some Malays were descended from people of the Indonesian islands, India and the Arabian peninsular.

“Having come here they were assimilated after they identified themselves completely with the Malays by adopting the Malay language, their customs and traditions and by being Muslims."

Do we become Constitutional Malaysian through assimilation or by virtue of the law of the land?

My ancestor is Chinese and I am a Malaysian by Chinese origin. My Indian friends who are Malaysian citizen are Malaysians too, and they are of Indian origin. My Indonesian friends who are Malaysian Citizen are Malaysians too; but they told me they are Javanese origin, Bugis origin, etc - ALL ARE MALAYSIANS WHO WERE ACCORDED WITH MALAYSIAN CITIZENSHIP BY OPERATION OF LAW!!!

So what is the problem? Mahathir was Prime Minister of Malaysia for 22 years; yet he seems to have a problem with this, is it or is it not?

***

REFERENCE ARTICLE:

Malays are not immigrants, says Dr M

***

Parable for Today

When we wake up in the morning, we have two simple choices:

Go back to sleep and dream; or

Wake up and chase those dreams.

The choice is ours.

The problem often is,

we wake up, forgot about those dreams, and

continue to be awake at sleep mode and daydream.

Then, it's time to sleep again.