Success

Success

"To laugh often and much
to win the respect
of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation
of honest critics and endure
the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others;
to leave the world
a bit better, whether
by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life
has breathed easier
because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

NECF MALAYSIA'S RESPONSE TO THE LINA JOY JUDGEMENT

NECF Malaysia is gravely disappointed by and dissatisfied with the Federal Court's dismissal of Lina Joy's appeal.First of all, the Federal Court's decision does not uphold the constitutional safeguard of freedom of religion. It is a person's fundamental right to profess a religion of her own choice free from compulsion or interference by the state or its institutions. Freedom of religion under the Federal Constitution can only be restrained where a person acts contrary to any general law affecting public order, public health or morality. Therefore, it defies all logic that Lina Joy's freedom to profess and exercise a faith of her own choice can be subject to administrative barrier in the NRD refusing to effect a change to her religious status except upon the order of the Syariah Court.

The foundational principle of supremacy of the Constitution over all other laws must be upheld.
NECF Malaysia is also deeply dismayed that the majority decision of the highest court has failed to bring about resolution to the present interfaith issues. By insisting that a person who no longer professes the religion of Islam but has embraced another religion to seek an order of the Syariah Court is equivalent to insisting that a muallaf (a convert from a non-Islamic religion who has chosen to profess Islam) who has attained the age of majority is obliged to seek the clearance of the religious leaders or authority of his former religion. Mutual respect and tolerance surely cannot be fostered without due regard to the principle of reciprocity.
In affirming the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court has perpetuated a most unfair and untenable position for Lina Joy and others in a similar dilemma. They now cannot enjoy the full rights as citizens as they are trapped in a religion which they no longer profess and are unable to lawfully marry, have children and live in accordance with the values, precepts and practices of the religion of their choice.

Finally, NECF Malaysia is extremely concerned that the Lina Joy case demonstrates the highest civil court retreating in the face of the relentless onslaught on their position as the third institution in a democratic system of government. In the hierarchy of the judiciary, the Federal Court is vested the judicial power of the Federation.

In this case, the judiciary has unfortunately failed to play its most important role of being both the guardians and interpreters of our Constitution. As an institution above the fray of politics, it is the only institution that can neutrally and without partisan considerations decide the serious issues raised in the Lina Joy case. It is constrained only by true and loyal allegiance to the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution, the twin pillars of our Rukunegara.

In the civil court's abdicating its judicial power in religious matters on the basis of Article 121 (IA) of the Constitution, the Federal Court is placing undue stress and strain on the government to legislate or amend related laws when the due exercise of its judicial power as interpreter of the Constitution would have brought about a fair and just resolution to the issues.

While the country has undergone a significant shift towards "islamization" since the 1980s, the proclamation of Malaysia as an Islamic country in 2001, though a political expediency, has had considerable psychological impact and further polarized Malaysian citizens of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Religious vigilantism has been heightened among not only the religious ones, but also the bureaucrats. Administrative actions whether in policies or laws are being implemented without scrupulous regard to the requirements of the policies or laws but with the imposition of syariah rules and requirements. For example, non-Muslim police women are to wear Muslim headscarves for the annual parade. The happenings in recent years are indeed grave concerns. Among others, there are religious authorities breaking up families in the name of religion, the custody tussles between a non-Muslim parent and a Muslim parent, and public morality based on the principles of a particular religion.

The Christian community acknowledges the special position of Islam as the State religion for ceremonial purposes, and recognizes the application of Islamic family laws to those professing the religion of Islam in areas outlined in the Federal Constitution. We uphold the sanctity of the Malaysian Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and it is our hope that the Prime Minister, who has publicly declared to be the Prime Minister of all Malaysians, would fulfill his promises to establish a clean, just, harmonious and prosperous nation.

The decision of the Federal Court sets a landmark example of making legal judgement based on religious sentiment and thus inadvertently disregarding the fundamental right of an individual to profess and practice the religion of his or her choice. In the light of this, NECF Malaysia urges all Christian leaders to encourage their congregations to set aside time, both corporately and privately, to pray for our nation as a whole, in the next few weeks and months. Let us bring to God these matters of extreme gravity and urgency, and humbly ask Him to intervene so that truth, righteousness and godliness will prevail in our land.

The very basic structure of our nation, our institutions, our Constitution and the Rukunegara must remain the solid rock on which Malaysia will continue to prosper and stand tall among the community of nations, and on which all Malaysians strive and thrive together as a multiracial, multicultural and multi-religious society. Let us, the concerned citizens of Malaysia, exercise our rights to make a good decision at the right place and at the right platform.
. Issued on 1 June 2007 .

Note:
NECF - National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (Website: www.necf.org.my)

unfairly treated

i realised how unreasonable she is when i had to explain to her why my junior needed to visit her father's grave last Sunday, instead of work.

That's when it hit rock bottom that this woman is heartless and the only way I am going to survive this was either to suffer in silence or resign.

Where is God when I really need Him?

Friday Bliss

It's finally Friday!!!

Ironically, I was just mentioning to Justin how fast these last few months have passed. It's just been like a major roller coaster ride for me, especially during my audit experience in MISC. However with every apparently unpleasant experience, there is always something to thank the Lord for. I had one of my staff who was not just not performing but seriously always missing in action resulting in nights before the actual deliverables deadline, the team had to spend close to 24 hours at the client's place finishing their work. That was just the beginning of more horrors to come.

Through this experience, I am reminded again of how important it is to know your values and stick to them. Guess the last few months, it has been tough to make a stand at work to be able to go for church events and be competent at church.

Last week on the Friday night which I was suppose to be at the healing rally, I had arrived in office at 6am, as I did the days before, to finish my work. I told my manager I would sacrifice Friday night if she allowed me to go for the seminar on Saturday. Guess what time I finished work? 7am on Sat morning. I have never been so drained out. I was both hungry and sleepy by the time I'd arrived home. Thank God for Jus and baby cos they came to office and were waiting for me to finish in the wee hours of the morning. Jus brought baby so baby could drive my car back home.










Tonight is Tung Ling grad. I must go. The people that matter to me are graduating.



God give me favor.

Just thot I would try it =P

You Are Somewhat Mature

You definitely act like an adult sometimes, but a big part of you is still a kid at heart. While your immature side is definitely fun, you're going to have to grow up sooner or later.

Are You Immature?

The aftermaths of screwed up transportation

This morning...to say I was pissed is to put it rather mildly. Last night, I was asked by Daniel whether I could lend my car to Yoyo so he could fetch people to Mentari. Fastforward to this morning....I was told by Meng Hong that the car is going to MMU. Meng Hong had always wanted to teach me the way to MMU so I would know the way so I quickly buzz Meng Yoe and told him I would take the load from MMU. It would be easier cos as soon as I'd dropped the guys off at church, I could go and grab Eunice, Noel and Intan for church (whom are always conveniently forgotten on Sundays by the transport arrangers. sigh).

The usual routine is I would have an early breakie with Meng Hong before we head out to fetch people so that didn't change today. I must say in the short span of half an hour or less, Meng Hong must have had close, if not, 10 phone calls, changing/ enhancing the transportation plans. So effectively I must have spoken 5 sentences to Meng Hong throughout the whole entire breakie.

Summary of the enhancement of "this" whole transportation plan is this....I was no longer required meaning I woke up early for nothing. Mind you, I have been averaging a good midnight and the week before I was averaging 3am-5am to leave my client's place to reach home and nap for awhile before I head out to work. So you can imagine I did not take it too kindly that the boys were "enhancing" the plan in such a short span of time.

After breakie, Meng Hong left for MMU. I parked my car by a playground I usually go to when I need some breathing space to think. I sat there.....fuming mad. Guess I am upset with the fact that how "convenient" it is for some to be "disorganised" in this area involving others when in fact if it were something they had to do in secular, it would be perfectly done way before time.

I thought about how much I have begun to hate Saturday nights/ Sunday mornings because of the changes that are constantly made. My dad once said that if someone willingly did something foolish, it is the person who asked him to do it the first place's fault. However, the second time the person does it again, then the person has himself to blame.

Today Louisa shared about how with the growth in 365, there will be a growing need for transportation. I so wanted to laugh an evil laugh but refrained from being seen as rebellious. I guess deep down I know that there are very few who are willing to travel to the far off lands.

Note: For the above, I am grateful and proud of Justin and Meng Hong cos gosh....MMU and Cheras are always theirs. Now I am OUG and my sis always get sent to Mentari to fetch a bunch of guys. Yippee!!!! to great planning.

Back to what Louisa was sharing. Guess deep down I knew the need in 365 is growing. Actually alot of needs are popping out everywhere.

I am determined to see something happen within the secondary school group. I have to say that I believe that the ground is harder due to parental objection and I hate to say this but the kids actually have manners so don't particularly jump at every opportunity to eat so it's not as easy to get them to come to church for makan as the college students.

Sometimes I feel like I am fighting for resources for the younger kids with AJ alone. I must think. What would make the younger ones tick? Any ideas, please feel free to share.

Am I like what my name means?

What Grace Eu Swee Leng Means

G is for Glorious R is for Radiant A is for Adaptable C is for Chic E is for Energetic E is for Earthy U is for Upbeat S is for Smooth W is for Wild E is for Earthy E is for Excellent L is for Lively E is for Extreme N is for Naughty G is for Gutsy

What Does Your Name Mean?

I am RAIN =P

You Are Rain

You can be warm and sexy. Or cold and unwelcoming. Either way, you slowly bring out the beauty around you. You are best known for: your touch Your dominant state: changing

What Type of Weather Are You?

I cant believe how old i am!!!!

You Are 17 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

The weekend is over ......

Found the show absolutely stupid!!!! Only opened my eyes for abt 15 minutes.....

After the stupid show, I can only thank God for the "leong cha"....

My baby was a real source of comfort during the movie....I practically had my jumper hood on throughout the whole movie. Un Terry agreed it was a stupid movie too. Not much strategy but hey, dun take my word for it cos I only heard it and not saw it. Definitely not made for girls with a soft heart like mine. Thank God for good dinner cos that took my mind off the slashing sounds I keep hearing in my head. And to think Abel thinks it's a good movie. Sigh.

Okie dokie. Nite nite

What kind of cake am I?

I didn't go for supper =(

My mind is on food =)

Hence the test

Behold the results....

You Are Strawberry Cake

Fresh, sassy, and romantic. You're a total flirt, who never would turn down a sugary treat. Occasionally you're a bit moody - but you usually stay sweet!

What Kind of Cake Are You?

What about me do people envy?

Well....according to Pritam, I havent updated my blog in awhile and the world wants to read. Alot has been happening at work, stuff which I prefer not to disclose (sounds so professional huh?). Anyway decided to do silly tests to destress.

People Envy Your Confidence

You have the attitude and self esteem to take on anything. Failure is beyond not an option for you - it doesn't even cross your mind. People envy your ability to take on any challenge ... and they're secretly afraid you think you're better than them. You don't. You're just sure of yourself.

What Do People Envy About You?

Guess what ice cream flavor am i?

You Are Rocky Road Ice Cream

Unpredictable and wild, you know how to have fun. You're also a trendsetter who takes risks with new things. You know about the latest and greatest - and may have invented it! You are most compatible with vanilla ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

Am I a Lady?

You Are 52% Lady

You're part lady, part modern woman. Etiquette is important to you, but you brush aside rules that are outdated or silly.

Are You A Lady?

Happy Chinese New Year 2007

On CNY eve, I awoke feeling super stressed cos there was some work I still owed my manager and also because I hadn't cut my hair and was dying to snip it off. My baby left for Penang at the wee hours of Sat morning. I went to trim my hair only to discover that my hairdresser was in one of her fabulous creative moods ie wanted to change my hairstyle and I said ok cos I was really up for the change =) Behold the hair. My aunty mentioned to me alot of girls in Singapore are doing this.

Managed to get whatever that I owed my manager done by afternoon only to zonk out for a nap in the afternoon. Had the coolest reunion dinner by far - buffet dinner at Sheraton Subang. Basically whacked a lot of potato and lamb and they had this amazing fondue. My cousins were digging into it like crazy =) Oh and they had this "DIY yi sang" so we made one of our own to eat.

Went to church on the first day of CNY and then to the usual grannys' places. Pigged out the whole entire day. My cousins and I tried to recreate a pic we took when we were little. But alas we all have grown both horizontally and vertically so the chair could not fit us all. But it was a good attempt anyhow. Then went to Popo's place and of course the highlight there was baby Jan, my lil cousie. Man, she's cute. Looking prettier by the day.

Spent the entire 2nd day lazing around at home, snacking, watching the "Heroes" series and sleeping. Exhausted after the horrible weeks of work since January. Then there is the open house on the 3rd day. Massive flow of food, not to mention people as well. Good shots of the day....taken with Su-Lyn and another with my Form 1 best friend, Li-Ann.

I had this cute shot with my baby with fishballs in our mouths.

I can't believe it's back to work tomorrow. Things to look forward to:-

(a) Li-Ann's open house ie gathering with close friends and partners

(b) Junie's open house ie the world will be there means I get to see Pritam finally....

(c) Buffet breakfast at Mandarin Oriental

(d) End of Feb ie salary is in

Thank God it's a two day week.

walking in the wilderness...

I have many calls every single day, from family, friends, juniors, managers, pastors, etc.

Constantly working and constantly tired.

Surrounded by people for every waking moment except private moments ie toilet minutes.

And yet...

In solitude, on wings of prayer

My soul ascends before the throne;

My only hope of strength is where

My heart and His meet all alone.

—Anon.

I hope so....really hope so....

My reflection of 2006

glad to see 2006 go?
yup

how old were you in 2006?
25

the best part of 2006?
meng hong

the worst part of 2006?
pwc

any new crushes in 2006? who?
hmmmmmm.....not a crush la

who will you never forget?
family
friends

who do you wish you didn't meet?
alex chan

did you have a boyfriend in 2006?
26.12.06

did you fall in love in 2006?
=)

did you catch someone in lie in 2006?
yes

did you call them out?
no

did you get caught in a lie? what was it?
white lie

funniest moment of 2006?
joshy farting at sam in the face

most embarassing moment of 2006?
none in particular

did you take any vacations in 2006? where?
england

any new hobbies of 2006?
none

did you get a new job in 2006?
pwc to ey

did you lose a job in 2006?
no

did you host a party in 2006?
cell gatheirng ocunted ah? got la my 25th bday party

where did most of your money go?
parents, petrol, church

what song will always remind you of 2006?

none in particular

what do you wish you'd done more of?

save more money

what do you wish you'd done less of?

work

biggest achievement in 2006?

trying again

biggest failure of 2006?

working too much

in 2006, did you lie to miss a day of work/school?

MC ada la

did you move in 2006?

from pwc to ey?

did you wish on a shooting star in 2006?

no shooting star

what was your greatest musical discovery?

that un lin thinks i play the piano well

what was the best book you read?

where rainbows end or meet...or something like that

what was your favourite movie of the year?

step up

what did you want in 2006 and got?

a new car

what did you want in 2006 but didn't get?

let's not go down this road

did you make out in public in 2006?

no

what kept you sane?

God

who did you miss?

meng hong when he was out of town

what one thing would have made your year immeasurably more exciting?

nothing really exciting la

did you drink too much in 2006?

coffee then yes la

your favourite commercial in 2006?

none in particular

something you couldn't leave home without in 2006?

phone, keys, money

how did you spend New Year's 2006?

cant remember dy

valentine's 2006?

working and have to put up with "gatal" clients

halloween 2006?

dun celebrate it

thanksgiving 2006?

dun celebrate it either

christmas 2006?

together with manja boy, my family, meng chern, and justin

your birthday 2006?

with family and friends

tell us a valuable lesson you've learnt in 2006.

(a) God heals

(b) Time heals

(c) It's possible to dream again

A San Fran Friday

Worked the entire yesterday so by the time my lil head hit the pillow, I could feel the surge of tiredness running through me. After saying a brief goodnight to manja boy, I dozed only to be awaken 5 minutes later at half past 11pm from my manager, asking me how I was. On a normal basis, I would say it was sweet but at that moment, "sweet" wasn't quite in my mind.

I've been here at San Fran since half past 7 in the morning. Manja boy has to be in KL by 8 plus so tada here I am....blogging and reading. It's a good stress relief. Hoping to be at prayer meeting tonight since I can't go to 365 tomorrow.

But let this not be an unhappy blog entry since it's Friday though the day makes no difference now that I have to work every day. Okok, shall not go down the sad road again.

Well a couple of things I've been reminded of. I miss being around my youths. I miss spending real quality time with Meng Hong. I miss spending time with my friends - Li Ann, Kah Leng, Ali, Bel, Jocelyn, Wei Yin. On this note, I've never been asked out by so many friends as this week (with the exception of my birthday season) and guess what?!? Not one of the times I could go.

Possibly the thing that I can look forward to is tomorrow I can wear casual and slippers to work. Muahahahhaha....sure beats wearing a G2 suit and looking pale when I am supposed to be this professional =P

And of course, there is Sunday. Love church. Been going to church every week of my life except for the week which I had to stay home when I had chicken pox. Considering that I got to watch "My Little Ponies", it was fine.

God is good all the time irregardless of the times when I don't feel on top of the world. And by the way, coffee is great.

My ring...

We all have had our fair (and unfair) share of experiences which have traumatised us or make us take extra precaution.

It took me a few years before I let go of my fears.

However God has been faithful in how He works things out.

Something significant was presented to me after one month. Every time I look at it, I smile. Every time I feel stressed at work, I look at it and it makes me feel better. Every time I am afraid, I will look at it and tell myself it's going to be ok.

Meng Hong gave me a ring for our one month anniversary. I was and am still very touched.

Thank you for being such a blessing to me. The last 2 weeks, you have been fetching me to and fro work irregardless of where it is and irregardless of the time (which is rather crazy the last few nights). Thanks for being such a rock and for being the kind and sweet person I've always known you to be. Appreciate you alot. Love you, by.

Work

Recently, my msn statement has changed to "please do not disturb unless necessary. thanks". Pathetic but true.

Work has been crazy. Surviving on coffee. Today is a public holiday. At half past nine, my sis and Justin are watching DVD downstairs. My boyfriend is here working with me. I am waiting for my colleague to either come here or let me know whether to meet her at office. Kill me. At present, life has nothing but work. Sigh.

I almost feel sick already. Sigh.