Being Philosophical, Entrepreneurship, Life as it is..., Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Motivation & Self Growth, Reflective Spiritual Journey, Sarawak, My Home No comments yet

A New Year, A New Hope, A New Direction

By on January 24th, 2012

Aldric Talk

2012 kicked off with a bang! We toasted to the new year – family and family’s friend alike.

2012 has many in store: opportunities, threats, uncertainties, joy, possibilities, and –above all else – hope, Faith & joy.

In the twelve months of 2011, I can say I have a better outlook towards life. More optimistic and harmonised. What can I say: beginning July 2011, I began involving myself in productive activities which I love, and beginning to love all over again.

In 2011, I saw a reunion of sorts with family members. Bittersweet were the experiences, but building and enriching they are. I’m left wondering how I can make a better difference for them – moving them forward into directions we can only imagine!

The human potential is infinite – as our Creator has willed it so.

Goals accomplished

P1000304new

I must admit that I have accomplished many goals. Among them which I can share with you are:-

  1. Obtaining my Malaysian driver’s license – May 2011.
  2. Passed the National Examinations Board of Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health – June 2011.
  3. Attended and obtained a Basic Train-the-Trainer Certification from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Malaysia – July 2011.
  4. Paid off my outstanding Maxis & Astro debts – August 2011.

Opportunities Awaiting in 2012

The future is uncertain. But with faith and perseverance, good counsel and prayer, I know it can be tackled.

For certain, this year is the year I graduate with my Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health from a local private college. Although my current CGPA is 3.98, the prospects are uncertain due to some technical issues. Personally, I look forward to collecting that scroll. But I surrender this to the Almighty and those relevant. Thy will be done.

I have submitted my application to a prospective employer. A career path which conforms to the calling I have in life. I know that the person-who-decides have received my application. Although it was briefly missing – thank God it was found! Should I be accepted, I’ll be doing what I love in ways that I love. Certainly there are the perks. But what I find more important is being able to make the difference and reach out to many who are beyond those four walls.

I’m doing an internship at the moment. Have been at this for a while now. Although before this I was a volunteer. Here’s where I saw many things which have gradually changed my outlook towards life. I was there at a wedding, at baptisms, at funerals and at memorial services. Participated in the annual retreat, caroling and even helped in a 7-day camp!

As a speaker, I’m growing in experience. I’m talking on topics I never knew I would in the past. Ample opportunities waiting for me to ask, seek, prepare and deliver. I’ve been sharing informally with many I lost track of how many times. I am grateful. Smile

Thy Will Be Done

This was probably the hardest phrase to accept. Easy to recite, but to embrace it is a whole dimension of challenge! 2012 will be great – I look forward to it. Open-mouthed smile

Being Philosophical, Culture and Entertainment, Life as it is..., Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Motivation & Self Growth, Random Thoughts, University and Student Life No comments yet

Remembering 2011…

By on November 14th, 2011

An orchid blooms in the garden. One of the many pictures to commemorate 2011 Anno Domini. Initially I wanted to write this post as the 25 Things before 25. But I couldn’t reach 25 items…

In 2011, here are among the many blessings, trials and tribulations that occurred in my life:

A Driver’s Licence

For the purpose of privacy protection, I would not post the image of my driver’s licence. After about 2 months filled by driving theory courses, examinations and actual driving lessons, I finally got my licence on May 3rd, 2011!

The whole affair cost RM1,600 – including the expensive RM300 for dismissing my driving instructor. He could barely smile, talk properly and much less focus on the teaching. He’d make a good Additional Mathematics teacher. When you make a mistake in calculations, you can erase and redo. But when you knock someone or something…?

Looking forward to May 2nd, 2013, when this Malaysian Probationary Driver’s Licence will expire to be replaced by the full licence.

NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health

NEBOSH stands for the UK-based National Examinations Board for Occupational Safety and Health. This body has been awarding certificate and diploma programmes in this field across the world. I sat for the classes for ten weekends beginning January to March 2011.

On June 20th, 2011, the results came from the UK. I passed all three papers! Open-mouthed smile

IGC1: Management of International Health and Safety

IGC2: Control of International Workplace Hazards

IGC3: International Health and Safety Practical Application

By passing the three papers, I received this qualification/certificate:-

Basic Train-the-Trainer – NIOSH

Towards the end of July, 2o11, I had the opportunity to attend a Basic Train-the-Trainer certification course conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Malaysia. NIOSH can be dubbed as the training arm of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

Lost 4.00 CGPA

No A

After four semesters of a 4.00 CGPA, I finally got my first B-! >.< While I appreciate every A I get, I fear that the stream of As would reflect poorly on me. Having a high number of As mean nothing when the knowledge cannot be translated into application.

Now I’m in my 5th semester. The final examinations are next week. My aims? A stream of Bs or B+.

Just so you know, I’m doing my diploma programme at the moment. Only 2 years and 4 months, including the 2 month practical period. Tentatively, the January – April 2012 semester is the final academic semester for my batch.

This is then followed by a 2-month practical. Upon completion of the practical period, we are required to present to the college our activities and sit for an open-book Exit Exam.

I’m looking forward to completing this phase and finally graduating! Open-mouthed smile

Travel with Friend

Believe it or not, I have never travelled outside the borders of the Sarawak town I’m residing in without a relative! This year, a friend of mine who is working as a surveyor engineer with one of the inspection firms in Sarawak brought me along with him several times to Bintulu. While he does his job, he shares with me the things he has to do. Compared to what he does, it’s basically a peek into the more elaborate world of occupational safety and health. I dub it my “academic field trip”.

Thanks, Alvee! I really appreciate it.

Undisclosed events

2011 saw many accomplishments that – one year ago – feels so impossible.Two years ago, it would be unimaginable!

Certainly, there are many sad bits of events. There were several deaths in the extended family. I didn’t realise that I would partake in the Requiem Mass of a distant aunt/grandaunt (yes, the deceased was both my aunty and grand aunt). I joined some others to visit her and her sister several times. Little did I know that our familial ties were more intricate than I ever knew. But, I’m glad I knew her and her family before she finally answered His Eternal call.

The more startling event in 2011 happened mid-year. It forced me to re-examine myself. A simple movie triggered the age-old emotional turbulence that only few can understand. I had a hard time struggling with that call, just as I am struggling to know who I really am, who I want to be, and who will I become…

But that, dear friend, is a story for the future…

Appreciating History, Civics and Social Issues, Dissecting the Constitution, My Malaysia, Putra Perdana Politics, Sarawak, My Home No comments yet

Problem at the Source

By on July 11th, 2011

The Government of Malaysia will always be the Government of Malaysia. Whether it’s formed by the incumbent (Barisan Nasional) or the opposition’s confederation (Pakatan Rakyat). The Executive is endowed with such power awarded by the Federal Constitution, by the Law passed by Parliament, by convention and precedent and by the decisions of the court.

What these institutions of government can and cannot do are created and determined by the Federal Constitution.

  • Can a Member of Parliament NOT be elected and, instead, be inherited? Yes, as long as the Federal Constitution permits it so.
  • Can a member of the Armed Forces become the Prime Minister of Malaysia without being elected? Yes, as long as the Federal Constitution permits so.
  • Can the Yang DiPertuan Agong act on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and ignore those from the Federal Government? Yes, as long as the Federal Constitution permits it so.
  • Can we declare the legal profession and the courts illegal & disband them all together? Yes, as long as the Federal Constitution permits so.

Have you noticed the trend/pattern?

Thanks to the Federal Constitution, it is the Federal Constitution which is the basic law of Malaysia. Anything that is contrary to Malaysia’s Federal Constitution is unconstitutional & void. To a certain degree, it can be illegal.

What you see of Malaysia today is the product of the Federal Constitution. The problems & solutions that we see today are a product of that Federal Constitution.

But that’s the legal source of all the problems we face today. The Government can and cannot do stuff because of the Federal Constitution.

Beyond the legal scope, there’s another source of the problems that we face today… That source is the real source.

This source is one that has the power to deflect faults and blame it on other sources or parts of itself.

This source is the Citizens of Malaysia.

Appreciating History, Civics and Social Issues, Dissecting the Constitution, Life as it is..., My Malaysia, Putra Perdana Politics, Sarawak, My Home No comments yet

It’s HOW you say it, not WHAT

By on July 11th, 2011

Everyone has some ideals they want to convey. Some want to raise the problem faced by elections & improper governance, others may want to speak out against the discrimination against their sex, physical ailments/disease, or religion.

Everyone has an idea of what a perfect world is. And when they can meet up with other like minded people, it’s wonderful for them. They get to share & expand their vision.

The Fascists, the Nazi’s, the Soviet Union & Imperialist Japan wants to create a better nation for their countrymen. The Nazis, fed up with the state Germany was in post World War I wanted to create a strong nation. Japan needed to support their demands for raw materials & food. Despite the Period of Terror after the French Revolution, Robespierre & gang wanted to advance the ideals of equality, fraternity and freedom.

Mother Teresa & Diana, Princess of Wales, both wanted to create a better place and a better world to live in. They spoke out against and lend a hand to alleviate poverty. Martin Luther King, Jr., wanted to fight racial prejudices and segregation through the civil rights movement.

To create a realm that conforms with the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Roman Catholic Church began the inquisition in the Middle Ages. Anyone suspected of witchcraft, heresy or anything unChristian is guilty of that allegations.

When it comes to peace, we can have a sit in or a demonstration. We can write blogs and create websites advancing the cause. Similarly, we can take to the streets to demand peace. We can each strap a bomb on ourselves to “fight for peace”.

With all that illustrations, you should get the point. If you still didn’t, here’s the message I’m trying to convey: it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.

Life as it is..., Random Thoughts, Reflective Spiritual Journey No comments yet

Judas – The Song of the Moment

By on June 26th, 2011


Pre-Blog Entry Statement

For the Christian Fundamentalists & Biblical Literalists, this post will be a shock. After all, many gave Gaga all sorts of names: ranging from the Antichrist to a more sexual-diabolical ones. In my view, she is nothing more than an accomplished performer who makes us think and examine the issues of the day. The Catholic Church had the Inquisition & Christiandom the Witchhunts of the Middle Ages. I’m not going to take part in a Inquisition 2.0.

As a disclaimer for the more naive ones, this post in no way represents the view of any church or Christians. It’s my personal view and interpretation. You’re more than welcomed to discuss, but if you want enter into a tirade of attacks, don’t bother.

How Judas became the Song of the Moment…

A couple of days ago, I watched The Rite. If you haven’t watched it, you can read the plot on Wikipedia. For you who resent going to another site, here’s the storyline taken from IMDb.com:

Michael, the son of a funeral director grows indifferent to his father and joins a Seminary. On his way to the course completion, he is overwhelmed by a strong lack of faith. His religious beliefs are further jolted when he sees a young girl haplessly dying in a road accident for whom he reluctantly performs the ritual to absolve her sins. His mentor still believes in him and urges him to go to Italy to take an exorcism course hoping that he it would strengthen his faith in Christianity. In Italy he attends a session from Father Xavier who soon becomes aware of his skepticism. As a result he sends him to an eminent Jesuit exorcist, Father Lucas, whose ways though questionable are quite effective. He witnesses the exorcism of a sixteen year old girl but still seems unconvinced. Father Lucas explains him that it takes multiple sessions over a long stretch of time to completely free a victim from the omen…

Watching The Rite opened up a can of worms – no, it has nothing to do with the exorcism or “supernatural powers of an ordain clergy”. It’s not the storyline that triggered the emotions and intrapersonal debate – it’s the character. Specifically, the protagonist – Michael Kovak.

As you can see in my past posts, I’m someone who believes in the existence of a Supreme Being, in a Creator. But I am not a believer of dogma & religion. I rationalise that the name of the Church, Religion and God has caused more massacres, murders and crimes than anything else. Throughout human history, religion has caused a lot of harm, I reason. I believe in God, but I am a sceptic of the religion(s).

Just like Michael, I can recite all the words in the prayer book. I can attend all church events, functions and prayer circles. I know the words. I know what it means. Yet, they mean nothing to me.

Where outward expression is concerned, I’m not consistent. At one moment, I can be a devout person. In another, a hardlined sceptic. After that, another set of “born again” moments followed by “opting out”.

What led me out and in of faith? I hate how religion is made from a personal faith into a commodity, a brand of sorts. Instead of focusing on the philosophies and teachings of the religion, its believers focus on the restoration/preservation of communal pride. Instead of loving, they – and their leaders – practice disenfranchisement, segregation, separation and discrimination. Instead extinguishing the hate, believers fuel the prejudices using Holy texts!

Instead of love, peace and care, the approach used is a modification of the Inquisition-inspired philosophies of hard reprimanding, torture and ridicule: what was once upon a time physical, has turned to mental/psychological.

Specifically to Christians, instead of welcoming the outcasts, it is practice to further alienate them. I don’t remember Christ alienating people.

Now, selective application of the Bible is rampant. To justify their own beliefs, the Bible is used as a tool. Yet, they blatantly ignore other aspects of the Bible! When you feed them back the verses from the same book, they say it’s replaced or changed in interpretation.

Going Deeper

The doubt, the resentment made me decide to renounce the facade and focus on practice. The ideals of secularism began to appeal to me. And so, towards secularism & nihilism I moved. I believe that everything is relative – and still do.

But what The Rite brought forth from my soul’s abyss is something, I fear, which will tear down the normal order of things and end the status quo. The flicker of vocation.

For you non-Christians/non-Catholics/non-Anglicans, vocation – in the Anglican perspective – means:

Having a vocation means giving over your life to service in ministry within the Church. For some, that vocation will be to ordained ministry as a deacon or priest.

Since the age of 10 or 11, I have been called to join the clergy. Ask me at that age, I’d confidently say to you I want to study Theology and become a priest. That was the age I read the Bible cover to cover. My favourite books were Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Proverbs and Numbers.

In late 2009, I expressed this to a priest in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur. Due to some subsequent events, I lost contact with him… I’m currently debating whether I should.

The Hurdle

There are some inner demons and secular/civil ambitions that I have which holds me back. Or, as the song goes, which I cling on to…

Unlike the normal “Christian” approach, I don’t blame the worldly & temporal things that’s holding me back. It is me who cling on to these things as I cannot imagine a world where I’m ordained into the clergy/ministry.

I can balance religious life and science. In my view the two go hand in hand. What I cannot see is me amidst the conservative framework of the Diocese of Kuching & Province of South East Asia…

Arts, Being Philosophical, Culture and Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Life as it is..., Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Mastering Communication, Motivation & Self Growth, NLP In Life, Random Thoughts No comments yet

A Diploma/Degree–Sign of Commitment, not Intelligence

By on June 26th, 2011

How often do you get the statement “So-and-so must be intelligent because he has a Diploma/Bachelor’s Dgree/Master’s Degree/Doctorate”? In my view, it’s a mistake to assume diploma holders & graduates as having high intelligence just because they have that certificate. Instead, I see it as a sign of commitment to yourself, to your excellence.

Not all who have an academic qualifications are intelligent. Similarly, not many who are intelligent have an academic paper – or need it. Leonardo da Vinci, Muhammad Ali and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe are polymaths who lack the proper academic qualifications but have contributed to the body of science, arts and culture.

 

Ten Prime Intelligences

Since I subscribe to Tony Buzan’s 10 prime intelligences (The Genius Formula), one’s ability to have a degree merely covers part of the 10 and fails to encompass all 10. Just so we’re on the same page, Tony Buzan’s 10 prime intelligences are:

  1. Verbal Intelligence – your brain’s ability to know vocabulary and to know the relationships between the words in the vocabulary.
  2. Numerical Intelligence – your brain’s ability to play with the alphabet of numbers.
  3. Engineering Intelligence – your brain’s ability to manipulate space in your mind.
  4. Creative Intelligence – Your brain’s ability to use the imagination, space, colour and dimensions and to link things together, that are not normally linked.
  5. Interpersonal Intelligence – Your brain’s ability to relate to other brains.
  6. Intrapersonal Intelligence – Your [brain’s] ability to understand yourself.
  7. Sensual Intelligence – Your ability to use all your senses to function superbly.
  8. Body-Kinaesthetic-Rhythm Intelligence – The ability of your body to achieve an intelligent goal.
  9. Spiritual Intelligence – Your ability to live in harmony in relations to the planet and other beings.
  10. Intelligence intelligence – Combination of the elements that make up a genius.

Structure of an Academic Qualification

Almost all academic qualifications share similar structures and requirements. To qualify for the certificate, you – the student – must pass all the subjects taught within a stipulated time frame. All require you to demonstrate your ability to recall information & concepts at a designated time, i.e. viva or final exams. As long as you’re able to answer the question at the minimum marks, you are one subject/course closer to graduating.

Memorisation, however, is not learning, IMHO.

On the other hand, some students/graduates did commit to their learning. They devoted a certain amount of effort for the pursuit of knowledge. The degree of effort may vary, but their commitment to learning and graduating with substance are undoubtedly similar.

Using Academic Qualification as a Measure of Commitment

No matter what your age, but committing yourself to taking up an academic qualification speaks loudly to me. It’s not easy to commit to a diploma, degree or postgraduate programme, more so when you’re currently working. The challenge is compound when you have a family.

It’s not a quantitative means to measure your commitment, but it is a qualitative way. It implies something, especially at the moment you receive your diploma, you know more than you did before.

It reflects personal commitment to yourself – the person who immediately benefits from the paper qualification is you, the one who worked for it.

Being Philosophical, Culture and Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Life as it is..., Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Mastering Communication, Motivation & Self Growth, NLP In Life, University and Student Life No comments yet

Attending NIOSH Basic Train the Trainer Programme

By on June 23rd, 2011

Beginning June 27th, 2011, I’ll be attending the Basic Train-the-Trainer programme organised by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia.

 

About NIOSH

NIOSH Malaysia is a company limited by guarantee owned by the Government of Malaysia. “In the words of the Minister of Human Resources, Malaysia, NIOSH would be a "critical catalyst" in the promotion of occupational safety and health that would also serve as the "backbone" to create a "self-regulating occupational safety and health culture" in Malaysia.”

NIOSH Malaysia conducts regular Occupational Safety and Health-related trainings around the country. As the “training arm” of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), IMHO, the courses offered by NIOSH are recognised by that department.

 

About the Basic Train the Trainer Programme

The course aims to provide participants with the competency to gain skills in

  • the setting of a training environment;
  • the design and delivery of simple training sessions; and
  • the basic assessment of learning.

The foundations that this course is built on ensures that the trainers are able to provide their trainees with quality learning outcomes.

The learning outcomes are:

  • Work effectively in vocational education and training;
  • Foster and promote an inclusive learning culture;
  • Ensure a healthy and safe learning environment;
  • Use training packages to meet client needs;
  • Provide training through instructions and demonstrations of work skills;
  • Plan and organise assessment; and
  • Assess competence.

Looking forward to June 27th…

By the end of this 4-day course (30 June 2011), I would have obtained the necessary training & certification to become certified Trainer.

Life as it is..., Motivation & Self Growth, University and Student Life No comments yet

Finally I have the NEBOSH IGC Qualification!

By on June 19th, 2011

In December 2010, I signed up for the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health – shortened as NEBOSH IGC. Classes for the 10-day course spread over the weekends began on January 22, 2011.

What is NEBOSH?

From the NEBOSH website:

NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 as an independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status.  We offer a comprehensive range of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety, environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.

NEBOSH programmes are accredited/recognised by:

NEBOSH examinations and assessments are set by its professionally qualified staff assisted by external examiners; most of whom are Chartered Safety and Health Practitioners operating within industry, the public sector or in enforcement.

Our technical standards are overseen by a Qualification and Technical Council with representatives drawn from national institutions.

In addition, NEBOSH maintains Investors in People (IIP) status and is also an ISO 9001:2008 registered organisation.

 

Classmates

Joining me in January 2011 were:

  • Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health holders
  • Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health final year students
  • Two Safety and Health Officers
  • One Engineer
  • Three Oil & Gas industry professionals
  • One Scaffolding Inspector
  • Several repeating/returning students

Traditionally, NEBOSH students are working professionals and semi-professionals. This is because NEBOSH aims to formalise their working experience. In theory, working professionals, especially those in the safety and health field, would find NEBOSH IGC a walk in the park.

 

Elements of the IGC

To qualify for the NEBOSH IGC, you need to undertake a 10-day training programme that encompasses 16 different modules. They are:

  1. Health and Safety Foundations
  2. Policy
  3. Organising for Health and Safety
  4. Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture
  5. Risk Assessment
  6. Principles of Control
  7. Monitoring, Review and Audit
  8. Incident and Accident Investigation and Reporting
  9. Movement of People and Vehicles – Hazard and Control
  10. Manual and Mechanical Handling Hazards and Control
  11. Work Equipment Hazards and Control
  12. Electrical Hazards and Control
  13. Fire Hazards and Control
  14. Chemical and Biological Health Hazards and Control
  15. Physical and Psychological Health Hazards and Control
  16. Construction Activities – Hazards and Control

After completing the 16 elements, you will need to sit for three separate papers: IGC1, IGC2 and IGC 3.

  • IGC1 tests your comprehension of the first 8 elements. Out of 100%, the passing score is 40%. It’s a subjective/essay test which aims to gauge your understanding of the basic OSH principles.
  • IGC 2 tests your comprehension and application of elements 9 to 16. Just as IGC1, you need 40% to pass the paper. Like IGC1, IGC2 is also a written exam meant to test your theoretical comprehension of the applied OSH principles.
  • IGC3 is a more practical exam. The first two papers are theoretical. This third paper is a practical exam. It tests your ability to apply the principles & knowledge you acquired in a real workplace. Here, the paper goes so far as to test your analytical skills. First, you will be taken to a worksite. You are asked to identify 20 hazards or non-compliance of OSH principles. In addition to that, you will be asked to identify where the workplace complies with this. You are given about 45 minutes to do this. Upon returning to the classroom, you are to transfer your findings to the worksheet provided by NEBOSH. In addition to that, you are to write a management report on your findings. The passing rate for IGC3 is 60%.

Note that the passing score of each IGC papers do not contribute or bring down the score(s) of the other papers. There’s is no “average score”. A pass is when you attain more than the passing mark for that paper.

Let’s say you obtained 55% for IGC1, 39% in IGC2 and 80% in IGC3. Where NEBOSH is concerned, you need to retake IGC2 because you failed to attain at least 40%.

 

NEBOSH IGC in Semester 3

From January 22 to March 13, I attended the NEBOSH IGC classes conducted on the Saturdays and Sundays. Initially the classes were from 2pm to 6pm. After the 2nd weekend, the timetable was stretched to 9pm.

This is because we had to cover 16 modules called “elements”. The topics covered ranged from the introduction of basic Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Management System to OSH policy drafting, all the way to construction safety and machine hazards and safety.

At the time, I was also in my 3rd Semester of the Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health programme. My classes in the diploma programme were already from Monday to Friday – three (3) hours a day. Fortunately I dropped my “Computer Concept” which freed up my Wednesdays. Imagine going a whole week of studying non-stop!

NEBOSH Study Materials: 1 inch thick textbook & 3-inch thick notes

 

When the results came out…

For those who took the NEBOSH exam with me in March 2011, May 20th, 2011 is the day the news will come out and answer the question: did we pass all 3 papers and obtain our NEBOSH IGC, or did we fail a paper/all papers?

Out of the almost 30 candidates, I am – thankfully – one of the five that passed all papers! Now I await the arrival of the NEBOSH IGC certificate itself. Smile

Being Philosophical, Life as it is..., Lifestyle, Lifestyle, University and Student Life No comments yet

What’s the meaning of “Life”?

By on April 28th, 2011

Over a cup of coffee, one of the many conversations I love to have is about life. What is life? What is its purpose? What is our destiny? Is there such thing as a predetermined destiny? Is it fate? If it’s predetermined, why have a mind to think, consider, reason and decide? Why aren’t we moving like the flowing river – the same predictable direction?

Deep eh?

Believe it or not, I’m into all these heavy topics. Using my limited knowledge, understand and perception, I try to dissect what I have before me and consider the causes – the how and the why.

Equally interesting are the what ifs. An alternate universe… A what could have happened if something else happened. How the present course of things can be changed by a single action? What action is that? Or, what series of actions will it be?

Philosophical much?

I find these topics enlightening. And anything involving the imagination, I treat it as “light conversation”. Intellectual discourse happens when there’s research, statistics and evidences are warranted.

Talking about the possibilities of the future is way better than talking about another person’s handbag, car, attire or other worldly possession – or lack of it.

Just take a look at my blog, Ilang in the Sampan 2.0: the content of it is among the stuff I’m into. There are many more not discussed here. Smile

I sooo need an “over coffee” partner. Thanks to the abstention of alcohol, caffeine is my only release. X-D

So, what’s the meaning of “life”? Let’s talk over coffee…

My Malaysia, Sarawak, My Home 1 comment

Oh Mandate… Oh Tsunami…

By on April 18th, 2011

In the 2011 Sarawak State Elections, 961,433 voters are registered and can cast their vote to decide their representatives in the State Legislative Assembly / Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN). Of that total, 372,379 voted for Barisan Nasional (BN) representatives. 300,288 voters supported the Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Many anti-Barisan Nasional internet users aren’t to happy that despite receiving 55% of the votes casted, the Barisan Nasional won 55 of 71 seats, retaining it’s 2/3 majority in the DUN. After all PR only won a total of 15 seats.

A Mandate?

With the 2/3 win, the Barisan Nasional top leaders are praising the Sarawakian voters to give them the mandate to rule for the next 5 years. As Sarawak adopts the Westminster System, the party with the most seats in the DUN forms the State Government. In theory, with over 2/3 seats, the Government does have a mandate.

A Tsunami?

Pakatan Rakyat contends that they have created a tsunami of sorts in the State. By reducing the percentage of votes received by BN, they claim the “moral victory” if you will. They claim that the Sarawak voters are accepting them.

The Emperor’s Clothes

Do you remember the children’s story of the Emperor and his new clothes? The one where he paid some “master tailors” handsomely to make an exquisite clothing made of fine thread that when the emperor wears it, it feels as light and as cool as if he was wearing nothing at all? Also, these “master tailors” claimed that only a fool cannot see and appreciate the Emperor’s new clothes.

Surely, all the adults who saw the Emperor in his birthday new suit, they either praised the craftsmanship or hated the fashion.

A little boy exclaimed the Emperor was in fact naked.

The Relevance?

Did the Barisan Nasional actually obtained a mandate? Did the Pakatan Rakyat created a tsunami?

Before I begin, let me define what a mandate is. According to Wikipedia, a mandate is “the authority granted by a constituency to act as its representative”. I put to you that a mandate is granted when a majority of the eligible voters elects you as their representative. That is, in my view, a legitimate mandate backed by statistical majority.

So, to get a mandate, you need at least:

  • 6 of 10 eligible votes;
  • 51 of 100 eligible votes;
  • 501 of 1000 eligible votes;
  • 5001 of 10000 eligible votes; etc

Simply put it, you are supported by the majority. And majority, adopting Robert’s Rules of Order, is “more than half”. The practice under the “first past the post” system the candidate with the most votes, even if it is short of the majority, gets elected. This is also known as winning through a plurality.

So let’s get back to the 961,443 eligible voters. Against this figure, the respective parties got:

  • BN: (372,379/961,443) x 100% = 38.73%
  • PR: (300,288/961,443) x 100% = 31.23%

Now, back to the initial questions: did Barisan Nasional get a mandate? Did Pakatan Rakyat created a tsunami?

Is it democratic to ignore the 30.03% that supported neither Barisan nor Pakatan? Are 288,766 votes a “negligible” figure? How about the eligible voters who are not registered with the Elections Commission? I’m sure there are thousands of them in Sarawak and throughout the globe. And the “thousands” estimation is a conservative speculative guess – yes, I can admit that this is speculative.

The Winners won, who got the mandate?

The winners won, but not many were elected by a majority of the voters. But they won because they received the most votes, congratulations to them none-the-less.

Out of the 71 winners, here are those who can claim to receive a mandate:

  1. N. 3 – Tanjung Datu: Tan Seri Datuk Amar Adnan Satem (BN) – 4,218 of 7,936 (53.15%)
  2. N. 4 – Pantai Damai: Dr. Abd Rahman Junaidi (BN) – 7,425 of 14,104 (52.64%)
  3. N. 5 – Demak Laut: Dr. Hazland Abg Hipni (BN) – 5,522 of 10,437 (52.91%)
  4. N.7 – Samariang: Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Abdul Ghazali (BN) – 8,008 of 15,942 (50.23%)
  5. N. 9 – Padungan: Wong King Wei (PR-DAP) – 11,957 of 23,576 (50.72%)
  6. N. 14 – Asajaya: Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah (BN) – 7,597 of 13,799 (55.05%)
  7. N. 15 – Muara Tuang: Dato’ Sri Mohammad Ali Mahmud (BN) – 11,039 of 18,820 (58.66%)
  8. N. 20 – Sadong Jaya: Aidel Lariwoo (BN) – 4,008 of 7,656 (52.35%)
  9. N. 21 – Simunjan: Mohd Naroden Majais (BN) – 5,465 of 10,104 (54.09%)
  10. N. 22 – Sebuyau: Julaihi Narawi (BN) – 4,045 of 8,042 (50.30%)
  11. N. 28 – Englikili: Dr. Johnichal Rayong Ngipa (BN) – 4,928 of 9,444 (52.18%)
  12. N. 29 – Batang Ai: Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (BN) – 4,460 of 8,728 (51.10%)
  13. N.32 – Bukit Saban: Robert Lawson Chuat (BN) – 3,899 of 7,657 (50.92%)
  14. N. 34 – Krian: Ali Biju (PR-PKR) – 5,178 of 11,016 (47.00%)  Note: only realised this seat did not obtain a majority while calculating the percentage. If you spotted any mathematical error, please write a comment. Thanks.
  15. N.35 – Belawai: Datuk Talif @ Len Salleh (BN) – 5,164 of 8,623 (59.89%)
  16. N. 36 – Semop: Abdullah Saidol (BN) – 4,814 of 8891 (54.14%)
  17. N.37 – Daro: Murni Suhaili (BN) – 3,867 of 7,305 (52.94%)
  18. N. 38 – Jemoreng: Gani @ Abu Seman Jahwie (BN) – 4,505 of 8,635 (52.17%)
  19. N. 45 – Bukit Assek: Wong Ho Leng (PR – DAP) – 13,527 of 26,926 (50.24%)
  20. N. 49 – Nangka: Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee (BN) – 7,720 of 14,197 (54.38%)
  21. N. 50 – Dalat: Datin Fatimah Abdullah (BN) – 6,288 of 11,857 (53.03%)
  22. N. 51 – Balingian: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud – 6,210 of 11,792 (52.66%)
  23. N. 71 – Bukit Sari: Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan – 6,018 of 9,983 (60.28%)

Within the definition of “majority” I use for the purpose of “mandate”, only 23 22 of 71 representatives won because the votes they receive exceed half the number of the registered voters in their respective constituency.

You can check this – and I welcome if you found me including/excluding anyone per this definition. Take the number of registered voters, i.e. the figure after “of”, and divide it by two.

Remember: This is only the number of registered voters in the constituency. It excludes those who are qualified to vote, but aren’t registered. If you include them, you can expect this list to shrink.

Due to the drastic difference in number of electors in the constituencies, the best gauge is the percentage of votes received in relations to the number of registered voters. Thus the formula is (r/v) x 100% where r  is the votes received and v is the total number of voters registered in the constituency.

The Emperor is Partially Clothed

Using the numbers as our measurement, you’d notice that the emperor is mostly naked. You can dress up the numbers any way you want to justify your perception. But where the number of voters in an area is concerned, 49 winners won by a plurality, not a majority.