Time To Choose

The time has come for us Malaysians to choose again. To choose who will lead us in the next five years or so. The ones who will chart our destiny as a nation. The ones who will shape our social outlook and how we relate to one another. The ones who will hopefully make us a better people.

 

Rightly or wrongly, we make decisions that determine our future, either at a personal level or from a wider perspective. We reap what we sow. At times, we make careful considerations while at others, our gut tells us which route to take. Whichever the case may be and however we reach our decisions, the important thing is to never regret the paths we have chosen. Hindsight is of no relevance in most instances, and it is much better to make the most of the opportunities that have arisen from the paths we have chosen to take.

 

Good luck my fellow Malaysians. May we determine our own destiny.

 

 

Photo shot at Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, Thailand.

Whirlwind Visit

My cousins from Hong Kong, Faiman and Roy as well as the latter's girlfriend Ming, together with some of my aunts and uncles, came to KL for a whirlwind visit. I first met my cousins as adults in May last year when I went there on holiday; prior to that was decades ago when we were young children.

We've been keeping in touch on Facebook since May and though their visit here was only for a couple of days, I had a good time getting to know them better. In fact, I had a blast really. My late father always made sure he made time for family, be it immediate or extended. I do the same, as do my mum and sis. Playing tourist guide and the requisite 'makan' sessions Malaysians are so famous for aside, I believe creating personal connections and building rapport take on far greater importance. Am happy to say that we clicked somewhat and I look forward to nurturing the nascent bonds that we have now established.

Coming from a relatively large extended family, getting along is something we all have to work on from time to time. It takes effort and much diplomacy. Fortunately we have strong ties, well most of us anyways. The past few days have been extremely enjoyable. So much laughter, so much food, so much chatter. Great times indeed!

Photo of Faiman, Roy, Ming and I having lunch.

Selamat Hari Raya

My wish this Hari Raya is firstly for all to be safe on the roads and secondly for all Malaysians to be as one. These are lofty aspirations, easier said than done, but I shall keep the faith that they are possible to achieve, hopefully sooner rather than later.

I always feel that come Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year, it is time for renewal. Time to shed the wounds of the past and start afresh. To look forward to better things ahead. To see what life has in store for us. A new chapter so to speak.

Selamat Hari Raya to all!

Photo shot in the beautiful Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey when I visited in April this year.