money matters

Just recently, I was so bothered about how low my so-called incentives was. I mean it is so low that it was demoralising. It did not inspire me at all. 

  I was sour the whole week. So sour that I could taste it in my mouth. 

  So I spoke to my bosses, and I did get my explanation, finally. It was not so great explanation (thanks to Income Revenue Board), but at least I got my questions answered.

  Still, I shared my disappointment with my colleagues. Still sour.

  Until one day.

  It was Raya eve. And I was just leaving the office. Upon reaching the ground floor, I saw the office security guard. I call him 'pak cik".

  I was shocked to see him still working. He is a Muslim and was still working on the eve of Raya, while many had packed up to join their family members back home. So out of curiosity, I asked him if he is not joining his family back home in Keningau for Raya. He told me that he would be going home the next day (which was on the first day of Raya). He said his wife and children had taken the morning bus to Keningau.

  So, again I asked, why? Is it because his leave was not approved?

  He said he had decided to stay back for the bonus. I said well, ya, why not, for that extra $$$, I would work. Then he told me the amount: RM50. 

  And I thought to myself, there I was complaining and being sour for that small amount incentive, and there is this one guy who is willing to sacrifice his precious time with his family for that extra RM50. 

  It goes to show that we have so many things to be thankful for.

  We are just spoiled with our own greed. We are selfish. After all, we are human.

  To me, it was an eye opener. I believe his sacrifice was all worth it.

  

Lajim Ukin relinquished three Umno posts

KOTA KINABALU:  After seven months keeping mum about his future in Umno, Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin finally took the bold move to relinquish his three positions in the party on July 28, 2012.

  Liken himself as a 'candle, willing to be burned for the good of the people', the Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister announced his resignation as the Umno Supreme Council Member, Beaufort Division Umno chief and Beaufort Barisan Nasional chairman with immediate effect.

  “I did not rush to make this decision, and instead I have given it much thought. This political move is not for my own gain, but the decision was made based on the interest of the people that hungers for change.

  “For now, I have at least cleared the path for those who wish to vote for change, who is hunger for development, and to be at par with other states , who no longer wish to be treated differently … this resignation today (July 28, 2012) is for the people of Sabah, and it is important to strengthen our struggles to ensure the state will continue to be on the right track towards greater heights,” said Lajim, making his special announcement cum breaking of fast before hundreds wellwishers at his residence in Likas, near here.

  However, despite relinquishing the three posts, Lajim, who has been with Umno for 28 years and the Beaufort Member of Parliament, said he would leave it to the party leadership to decide on his fate in Umno, as well as the ministerial post.

  “I have my own principle, and I believe that it is not impossible that Umno would take action against me. It is up to them to decide on my Umno membership and my post in the cabinet, they can sack me anytime, and whatever their decisions are, I am ready,” said Lajim.

  He also claimed that at least 23 other Umno leaders have voiced out their interest to also leave the party.

  Currently in a movement, dubbed the Sabah Reform Front (SRF), Lajim said that he is partyless and was thinking of whether to continue his four decades involvement in politics.

  “If we wish to continue our political struggles, we would discuss with any parties under the Pakatan Rakyat who are willing to accept us. I do not know whether I would be defending my seat as I would leave it to my supporters to decide. If they want me, I would, If not, I will just assist the future candidate” he said.

  He also refuted rumours that he was offered the Chief Minister's post, adding that: “We are in the opposition, not the government.”

  Lajim also said that he was not forced to leave BN as there were rumours that he would be dropped from the coalition.

  “All I know is that I have raised my grouses to the Prime Minister over matters concerning the Sabah leadership, and my action today is to show them that I was not making false accusations,” he told reporters.

  Earlier in his speech, Lajim said it was time for the people to move forward and not be misguided on the myth that only Umno and BN that could bring peace and harmony to them.

  “Realities lie on the leadership in states like Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang, as they are better off than Sabah today.

  “I have let myself burnt before, when I sacrificed myself and left Parti Bersatu Sabah on Mar 12, 1994. Many has regarded me as 'katak' (frog), but my decision to leave PBS has helped to formation of the BN government till today.

  “But I realise that although Malaysia was formed for almost 50 years now, Sabah is still behind, in terms of development, our voices have fallen to deaf ears in the federal government. Many resolutions and memorandum were forwarded to the top leaderships by the many political parties from sabah and yet, nothing concrete has been done to materialise them.

  “That is why Sabahans are getting tired and we come up with slogans such as 'Ini kalilah' (This is it) and 'Mari tukar' (Lets change), and deep down their heart, they wish that Putrajaya would be toppled by a new government through Pakatan Rakyat.

  “Having said that, we continue to make calls for the setting up of the Royal Commission of Inquiry to overcome issues concerning the illegal immigrants, and many other matters, as we all want a new hope which is more positive, for the good of Sabahans.

  “We should not longer allow ourselves to be treated like a sheep, left in the barn, waiting for instructions from its master and probably one day be slaughtered. We have our morals and pride. In politics, ideology alone is not enough, we need to have a principle, and it is more meaningful. A person who is equipped with an ideology without principle is like a seaman without a compass. Only with compass would we be able to reach our destination,” he said.


(pix source: sinarharian.com.my)

2012 - yet another interesting and challenging year

  Just six days into the New Year and already I can't wait for it to end, but time is flying real slow. But having said that, I have reasons to be happy as some of what I wished to do this year has kicked off and hopefully it will be consistent.
  Twenty-twelve is expected to be an interesting yet challenging year for me, it involves a lot of things - physically, mentally and spiritually - and I am not quite sure I am ready for these tasks. Everyone hopes for happy ending, but no one can guarantee you that life would be as sweet as that in fairytales. While some of us hate gambling, we cannot run away from the fact that as some point in our life, we need to have the courage to gamble.
  Last year was a challenging year as well, but there were sweet memories to compensate the heartaches and sadness. I lost an uncle last year. A dear one. And how I wish he was with us as we celebrated the joy of moving into a new home. He could have been a regular in the house, much to the delight of my parents. But God loves him more.
  Of course, Korea tops the sweet memory list. It was a fun fun fun trip. Planned some trips this year, and hopefully we will get there someday, somehow.
  I made three resolutions this year, one may be a 'brought forward' material, but this time, I am determine to make it happen. All three involves a lot of commitments, and I believe with the support I get, I will be able to do it.
  With this, I pray to God that He would lead me to the right path, to guide me towards doing the right thing, to help me decide what is best for me...and I pray that He would help all my parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, aunties, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends wishes come true too.

Happy New Year people and may 2012 brings us greater health, wealth and laughter.