Saturday, October 18, 2008

post-Malay Rulers Council

Dear all (with due respect to Rahmin, Zainizam, Dahl & Martz),
I have posted a fairly lengthy entry on that issue in Retorika. Since it is about Malay, the entry posted is written fully in Malay. Many thanks for your thoughtful ideas. Cheers.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

gimme a break

I am following Che Det & Gopeng Boy's blogs without fail. I love the way both of them put their words on blogs, as if they are right before me, speaking their hearts out. I wonder how it is like to write and post entries on blogs at their age - other than spending time on newspapers, gardening, or traveling. I was thinking if I could do the same when the time comes. Before, I wished I could write novels or feature articles, and get them published. However, I am a bit sarcastic with the initial idea. I thought - after following Che Det & Gopeng Boy very closely - I would rather spend more time reflecting on things that I really wished to talk about and get them shared on the internet. I will keep on reflecting.
Note: I have just read a book given to me by Dr Nooraini, "The unrebutted charges against Tun Salleh Abas" authored by Peter Aldridge Williams Q.C.

Monday, October 13, 2008

it takes more than mere courage

The present situation of the UMNO election provides at least two interesting scenarios with regards to the study of leadership: 1 - personality or traits of leaders are still relevant when it comes to deciding and accepting leaders despite much challenges posed either by behaviorism or situational views on leadership; and 2 - as far as the UMNO election is concerned, leaders are made, not born.

Mukhriz is cruising steadily - thanks to his attributes (cool, patience, intelectual, and perhaps 'down-to-earth'). Should it be mentioned that Mukhriz is Tun Mahathir's son? Yes, he should be proudly so. But that doesn't warrant him a 'bye' though he has - until last night - secured the minimum quota needed for the election (39 that is). Mukhriz is looked as a young leader - and mind you, he is not known as a young 'Malay' leader - and his involvement in NGOs, Aman Malaysia in particular, puts him right in the spot where altruism (and empathy) is what people are always sought for in a leader's personality. Thus, Mukhriz provides a simple, straight-forward model of leader that surpasses the very traditional concept of reference power; Mukhriz is not a martial arts guru, nor does he is a 'warrior' that needs a keris or currency notes to build his reputation as a leader. Any ways, I personally think that Mukhriz needs a bit of an effective salesman traits and strategies, and that i believe, can be easily retrieved, no other than in his own parents home.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

direct vs less direct

Raimee was asking whether the Malay style of discoursing remains the same, i.e less direct when making a point. I think the feature is still dominating. However, I doubt whether the degree and emotion remained unchanged. There is a great difference between Malay traditional discourse with that of academic writing or perhaps the language of mass communication. If i may quote Prof Emeritus Asmah Omar's (in Malay in its sociocultural context 1987, Kuala Lumpur: DBP:47)
"In traditional Malay Malay discourse, as it was in traditional Malay life, directness of expression was considered rude and uncouth, even in admonishing a child. Directness was then correlated with lowbreeding."

Friday, October 03, 2008

morning dew

A flower blooms out of darkness; we seldom appreciate intangible returns for we only wish to have a good look at what we have right before our eyes. Eid is the best moment to perhaps reflect on this very distinctive juncture of uncertainties. I hope my prayer answered, God willing.