Vulnerable island

AS a city state, it is easier to manage everything get right compare to bigger nations. Now it is feeling that they could easily turn victims for others' fault. What might have happened if the current haze problem do not get under controlled quickly and prolong. It is possible for every answer I think. Singapore is counting for how much they could suffer from the on-going crisis in term of economic as well as public health. Taking everything into consideration, the amount might go much bigger than expected. As a small nation, there is less option to do in order to mitigate such problems. Its location say a lot than technologically know-how. It is sandwiched by Malaysia and Indonesia. It means they have to take consequence of all wrong doing like forest fire regardless of accidentally or intentionally. What kind of measure we should do. Nothing but cooperate with host nation to overcome crisis. Otherwise, it is likely to be prolong on its skylines and people will make noise upon their discomfort.

Last time, I wildly thought that what if ocean level keep raising and one day reach enough level to sink island state. It is possible to the given problem of global warming. The poles has been melted by time and generate more water to throw at ocean. Bangkok is sinking and already reached alarming level that make authority to start think of new place to shift the capital city. We cannot take grant for every good things on this world. Singapore has done tremendous work on its water technology to make their people feel secure on drinkable water which is mainly imported from Malaysia in past and current. Marina barrage project has boasted outside world that city state can manage to repel the sea water entering its reservoirs which are reserved for emergency water in future. Today, Singapore is seeing another challenge to be settled in mind. It is haze come from neighboring countries. Hopefully again city state's genius leaders able to find a proper solution to prevent this by mean of technology. For the moment, Singaporean have no choice but face smokey air at home and work because they have no enough land to hide from overwhelming smoke in their skyline.

Haze Lesson

HAZE has become headline news these days and seem persist for next few days to come. Singapore's known for its geographical location which favor city state to free from natural disaster. This time, lion city cannot escape from haze coming from neighbor country, Indonesia. It started from forest fire and unfortunately wind blew the smoke toward city state. It quietly controlled Singapore's famous skyline and people started to notice on last Monday. Singapore's NEA officials keep busy with reading PSI from hunting stations across the island. Singapore's environmental and foreign ministers keep in touch with their Indonesia counterparts to register Singaporean's serious concern. 

Yesterday was apparent getting some form of recovery after PSI reading hit at 90 by 3:00pm and surrounding are a bit clearer than a day before. It was first time PSI went down below 100 mark which is margin between unhealthy and moderate levels. After seeing a bit recovery in Tuesday, today fresh haze is coming to republic's skylines and PSI reached 170 at 2:00pm. It show the situation worse than previous days and bad for people who inevitably need to go outside for work. Singapore is asking Indonesia to take urgent action and Indonesia is responding by citing the reason which is linked to Malaysia and Singapore's investor's firms who have fired crops to clean for plantation. Blaming each other won't solve the problem and people are vulnerable to hit rock bottom unless both side cooperate effectively to overcome crisis.

The haze has finally shown us that we are living in the same planet and we can't afford to ignore others' activities. I previously thought such haze days are meant for Chinese cities as a result of over industrialization in pursuit of modernization. We cannot afford to take every time and we got to give back somewhat, either direct or indirect means. Singaporean might have thought that they are super clean and green in the region and its people may have proud for their nation. For the time being, we have been victims of environmental damage, regardless of irresponsible investors or fast deforestation or dry season. 

Time to heal our wounded planet.

Hot Seat

MYANMAR's hot seat have been popular between ruling party and main opposition party. It reached highest after recent official saying of interest in contesting presidency post by ASSK. Few days later, parliament speaker unveiled his intention of being president. It means the last contender is third to throw hat in the ring. The current president also hints that he will continue his term if it come by people or party's desire as well as his health allow him to continue work. The 2015 GE is two years away now and Myanmar's hot seat has been starting to shake.

Among three candidates, opposition leader ASSK has got the most difficult route to reach her goal due to world's most difficult constitution drafted and approved by former military regime. The constitute defined the qualification of presidency candidate to contest. One condition is apparent to target the lady, of which candidate who has husband/child who hold foreign passport is not eligible to contest for hot seat. So if she is about to become next president of Myanmar as people have long been hope for, first priority need to be done is amending constitute to release some clause. She said in recent WEF that NLD wants to amend about 75% of prevailing constitute. I am not sure what are content of said constitution. But for sure, there is no person inside the ruling military back party who can match ASSK in term of capacity. 

The whole world knows it without doubt. Our country future would be further dragged if constitute is not amended on time and put ASSK at the bay. In fact, if even constitute is amended, she has to face mountain of task to overcome because we can't forget 25% of MP are non-elected soldiers and there would be hundred parties that will participate in coming GE. Her party must win at least 330 seats in the parliament of 500 plus seats. It is daunting task for her especially the current condition in which government back violence and crisis are keep coming to degrade the reputation of ASSK. For the time being, we eager to reach 2015 to witness who is going to take Myanmar's hottest seat. May capable person become Myanmar's next leader to make our people's dream come true.

Free from shadow

IN recent informal summit between US and China in California, Chinese leader urged US not to sell arms to Taiwan. China think of Taiwan as part of its territory despite Taiwan is independently stand for. Most of Chinese allies nation not dare to allow Taiwan consular on their home soil in order to avoid China's anger. In some countries including Myanmar, local media are forbidden to write Taiwan as a nation, instead it is published as Chinese Taipei. Taiwan is a democratic country and they're definitely not interested to loose their independent to mainland China. Also they may not like Hong Kong which is administered under scheme so called 'one country two system'. Since China's take over from British colonial era on 1997, Hong Kong people have been loosing their human right degree once they enjoyed under British ruler. Let it be, it is non of our business.

What make me think from this news is that why China is selling arms to our ethnic insurgencies if they don't like to see US make arm selling to Taiwan. As they think themselves, we also can voice the same as it is interception of other country's internal affairs. It is obvious that rebels group are surviving with China made military equipments to against government force for their certain reason. The last main stand rebel group, KIA & UWSA are known Chinese backed group among analysis. Their soldiers are trained by Chinese military experts. They might have disappeared long time ago if China didn't support them. But strangely, China and Myanmar government keep saying we have very good friendly relationship through long history. What does it mean to the given current crisis? I just can't really understand on their statement. Does it mean this is the art of politic? Does it mean politician are faceless to issue groundless statement? Does it mean both governments are trying to bullshit our people? For sure, Myanmar is loosing its precious natural resources to China for the hungry of China made plastic and inferior products. It is the fact that our top official still talking publicly to media that we are afraid of China. Such unwise saying really killed our hope of building new Myanmar who could sway further away from the shadow of bully minded China.

Be considerate

AS my tummy begins to swell out, I resume my morning exercise. There is a public park near my house and I used to run in the track of park. After a few minutes run, I make light static exercise as well as machine assist ones. One of my favorite machine is push-up one. There is only one such facility in the park and demand seem more than supply especially early morning. I would take some exercise next to that facility if it is not free. What I notice here is that some old people are inconsiderate. Most of them are local Chinese as they might think of their home facilities and they are privileged to use such facilities. It is partly right that such fitness corner are meant for senior citizens. But it is recommended that such public properties should be used by shared basis.

It is understandable to wait in queue if somebody is in use. The problem is some guy are sitting on the bench than exercising. They would be talking each other with their peers. They are not supposed to talk on the facilities unless they are using it. Once I share my experience to wife, she told me why not complain them. I think of that but I have to think of adverse response as I am a foreign worker. If they accept my request, there is no problem. If they response badly, what should I do next? There is less option to escape from such scenario. As such, I would rather lie down on the ground myself and push-up my body in order to give some tough job on my tummy. It would be a better world if we are more considerate in the public area.

Unity is strength

ONCE our lady said that everybody should have a chance to turn a good person from bad because everybody cannot be bad at all time. She explained to people who have questioned her for accepting cronies' donation in her social improvement projects. What a thoughtful word is it? She continued that accepting donation from cronies is better than seeing them spending on purchasing a private jet. I have no doubt in our lady's words as she always tells us whatever she could do honestly. Our people must continue to support her if we are about to love democracy. We couldn't afford to be convinced by pro-government lobbies media on baseless accusations. Nowadays internet access has been made easier than ever before in Myanmar. It make lobby's job easier to speculate such non sense news. Let it be.

Recent incident in Malaysia have highlighted us that how much our lady's word have been correct. Our people in Malaysia are living in the fear of being killed by Muslim counterparts. The death toll is increased by time. Rumor are spread through online. They are helpless. The embassy official try to cover the case amap. The government's response is slow to save our people lives. In that scenario, cronies in Myanmar have offered their generous plan to help trouble compatriots in Malaysia. As a immigrant worker myself, we can't afford to donate though we sympathize our fellow citizen's plight in Malaysia. One crony offered USD 20,000 and 1000 air tickets as initial assistance. Another donated USD 50,000. Then another came in with USD100,000. One begin, other can't afford to stay behind. Late comers even showed more considerate and comprehensive plan for assisting our people. They are few people but their budget is huge to help our troubled citizen abroad I believe. They are willing to add more if it is necessary. Our people have been united by this latest accident happened on Malaysia. Our people's vision if not all, might have changed toward cronies by witnessing latest efforts by super rich. Hopefully, our people won't forget the wisdom words of our lady and give her vote to become our next president in 2015.

It is universal truth that unity is strength. We have overcome the crisis in Malaysia with the help of cronies as well as government officials. 

Cronyism

ONE famous local businessman explained that cronyism in Myanmar started in around 2000 at interview with foreign media broadcasting. Since then, there have been increasingly cronies culture within our home land. Some famous cronies have ruled the business cycle of Myanmar with the aid of authority who are either related to them or corrupted by them to get favorable permits. Anyway, the word 'crony' has been popular among people, regardless of you like or dislike. Whatever state projects arisen to be done, people need not guess who is going to take it because those cronies are automatically qualified to grab those opportunities. The most profitable projects like natural resource extraction would be passed to their companies without regarding the benefit of country or people. As a result, they have become privileged and super rich in not only region but in the world. Let it be.

In Myanmar, people used to think of their cronies as a negative image because they think they are playing state own resources as like their heritage and take it by grant. Now government changes a bit from previous military junta to civilian parliamentary government. The political landscape has been changed visibly and cronies keep succeeding their business from government's privatization efforts. They are only few who could effort government tender to own once state owned properties. As country begin to open and suddenly become Asian's latest frontier market. It make cronies become even richer from their fixed assets recently taken from government through unfair tenders. Recently, cronies approached to main opposition party's social related charity show and got criticized. 

In fact, every democratic countries are having such business society less or more. The party leaders need to get financial aid from such super rich people while they are trying to campaign to get people's vote. Their battle to get power will not come true without country's richest men help. In return, the ruling party direct or indirectly favor those people who had supported them while they were powerless. It show some form of inter-dependency between them. We got to accept the trend with the broad-vision. If the world's leading democracy countries cannot step out of those trend, then seeing such thing in Myanmar which is very young in democratizing process is not a surprise. I personally think that giving a favor to local Buddhist cronies is better than seeing Muslim/Chinese immigrant's dominants on our home soil.

First thing first, please

In recent WEF on east Asia, thousands of businessmen and politicians have suggested on the issues of how Myanmar could succeed in their on going success. Our people have witnessed first ever such scale international event on home soil. It is good for our people to exposure such activities as we are going to chair ASEAN next year. Region's biggest sport event is in the pipeline and this forum has brought us a lot experience to expect for. We gain a lot of advices from participating dignitaries. Our minister level people are having opportunity to participate in the large scale event. I believe the experience they gained from latest event will realize their weak point to be upgraded if they are determined to further.

Our president and opposition leader keep saying job after job for our unemployed youths. Entering third years in office, there were not much changes in life of our youths in term of employment. This show how fruitful our democratic process has been so far. We could draw some common requirements if we are to attract FDI that will create much needed jobs vacancies. They are listed as follow among others:-

Energy/ Electricity

Infra-structure development

Water

Human capacity development

Without them, it would be difficult to attract MNCs who could able to bring not only capital but technology. Otherwise, we would be getting irresponsible firms from China who knows how to corrupt to generate their profit. Our authority must know what are basis requirement for FDI and should prioritize these facts to be done. Otherwise, their wish/ promise to create jobs will not be fulfilled by their term. I am hopeful that our officials will address those requirements by doing their best. May our people able to find a job for living within our mother land.

Let her lead and judge

IT is easier to criticize somebody than performing. I am appalling to view ton of rubbish comments on our lady, Aung San Su Kyi, with regard to several issues that is happening on our nation. It is crystal clear that such non sense accusation on her came from pro-government lobbies. I simply guess they might have been brain washed people or paid for doing such ridiculous things against opposition leader. I am not a hard core fan of ASSK but admire her effort toward nation. I am not doubtful that she has sacrificed her life for the better life of Myanmar. I am also sure no other person in the ruling party has the same commitment that she has offered in past. Let it be.

She is just a mere MP from a rural constituency when she is touring country and abroad, claimed by ruling party for failing to provide her safety. She always risks her life whenever she goes out for campaign, regardless of on or off duty. Pro government people would laugh if she say her ambition with to become future president. Amazingly the same group would easily point out her when she made some comments on current affairs such as law amendment, community violence, etc. In fact, today problems were root of past mismanagement by military regime for a half century. They are not fresh one in deed. It is unfair to let her solve out all incoming problems instead of sharing them on administration of specific region. How can she find solution for all deeply rooted problems created by former lousy government? She is 67 years old woman and not a magician. When her comments went against their will, they won't hesitate to criticize her. But they never talked about extra-ordinary silent on ruling party officials. It make people assure that such non sense things come from pro-government lobbies.

We no longer believe in ability of ex-military officers to lead our country. It has been more than enough to show their capability within past several decades. Instead, they famously turned the richest country in the region if not the world to least developed country (LDC). Our education has been systematically destroyed and up side down. As a result, our youth have been lack of skills despite they are graduates. Who are responsible for that? Needless to answer. Don't give us ridiculous answer like insurgencies make their job difficult. Then why top generals and their relatives have been super rich? If they are really loyal to the nation and people, they have to step down when appropriate civilian person available. Now they are more likely to afraid of releasing power than to see nation in better shape. Recent WEF has highlighted that how our minister levels are lacking capacity in response to unseen questions. I am not talking about the skill of English speaking, I am talking about quality of their answer. At worse, some questions won't meet it target by answers. Let it be. Myanmar destiny still in the hand of handful greedy person.

I stand to vote ASSK for presidency candidate personally. To government lobbies, please give her a chance to lead our nation and see how is different between her and your mentor generals. After that, you are free to criticize her ability. Otherwise, please stop generating ridiculous rumors against her because it can cause some unrest unnecessarily and destroy reconciliation effort currently done by government. Without cooperation, our country's future has been compromised by a lot of challenges. Let world recognize leader lead our nation for the sake of our people's interest. Thank you.

WHEN

WHEN an Indonesian maid in Singapore committed murder, her embassy never asked her why are you doing stupid thing like that. Instead, Indonesia embassy official hired a law firm to engage the case and defend their citizen in court in order to get minimum sentence.

WHEN a Thai student fell into rail track and lost her leg, her embassy official never asked her why you are careless on public. Instead, they are helping her needs on hospital and consult with law firm to get compensation from SMRT as much as possible.

WHEN Philippine maids and immigrant workers lost their jobs due to global economic recession, their embassy never asked them why are you going abroad to work. Instead, their government arranged navy warships and planes to fetch their citizens return home safely.

WHEN Ghanaian police arrested Chinese citizens who are illegally digging gold mine, China government spoke-person never blamed their citizen for doing illegal thing abroad. Instead, they demand justice and immediate release to Ghana officials and soon they were released and over 100 were deported.

WHEN US researcher suicides in Singapore, US embassy official assisted necessary help toward victim family members who do not believe suicide and file to court for justice. They never said he had been died and nothing can make him alive. With the help of embassy, the victim family able to voice their opinion even in the court to make the case high profile one among world's media.

WHEN Myanmar citizens are killed by apparent Rohingya in Malaysia, our citizen were told not to go outside and not to drunk which is not recommended way of diplomatic. When such things happened in our home land, there are a lot human right organization voice out, especially from OIC. Does it mean human right only apply on Muslim people? Isn't it our citizen are not entitled to get protection of human right law? Why our government is not adequately response to mitigate the toll? There are a lot of questions unanswered through online. I don't want to be pessimist but must voice as a good citizen. If I close my eyes and ears through unfair cases, I might have betrayed myself for justice.

I would like to urge our authority to do their best so that our fellow countrymen are safe abroad and if possible make arrangement to bring back home safely through diplomatic channels. It is easier said to return for workers in Malaysia without diplomatic help. So please do act quickly for the sake of our people. Thank you.

We need doers

I understand that politicians are usually talkative and easy to promise when the time come for election campaign. We see people keep talking and boasting how much they have come across through poverty reduction, policies framework, etc, not only from the ruling party, but opposition party. No matter who do the good for people as long as it bear the fruits. Now, these people seem only talking and doing nothing to reach our goal which is publicly aired/ published through media channels. As we see them failed always, we are no longer interested in what they are talking about. As a poor nation that start to open the world, we really need doers than talkers.

Don't talk about lack of capacity as a reason for slowing. If you are think of lack capacity, please resign and pave the way for next person who may able to handle the job better than you. Don't talk it is because our people are not used to democratic principles. Please go straight and take responsibilities, our people are not as stupid as you think. Don't talk we have no enough rain to generate electricity for people and investors, we are top energy exporter by fact. Don't talk it is too consumption time to negotiate with insurgencies to reach peaceful nation, you got to try to convince yourself not to selfish and honest in dealing state level things. Don't talk time is simply not adequate to change all, there haven't been done fraction of what it should have been done. What we all want to see is honesty and all inclusive society in the process of nation building. Please admit in whatever you have done wrongly in past and move forward. Otherwise, you will not get people's trust which is deemed most important in winning next election in 2015. 

We need doers than talkers. Welcome doers to build our nation without reversible.

Generous Tycoons show the way

FINALLY, my fellow citizens in Malaysia has a reason to relief. It is however not coming from government, but from local rich business men. Anyway, it is encouraging news that bring a lot hope for those who have been putting their lives at the cross roads and hopeless so far. As usual, government is not doing their duties with necessary pace. Instead, they are trying to issue variety of excuses in order to cover their failed consular efforts. One citizen death is good enough to take action strongly in all possible way. We have seen other similar stories in life and witness how other embassies have been trying to protect their citizen interest abroad. If they are lacking capacity or neglecting people's concern, then better to quit from the current post and hand over to able person I think. In fact it is norms in the democratic countries culture. Let it be since we are just infant democracy as they always highlight for.

I am very much delighted to learn a good news of help by local famous businessmen, especially from two person. One made initial donation of USD50,000.00 for needy victims in Malaysia. Plus make his airline to discount 50% air ticket rate for one month so that our immigrant workers who want to return home able to afford. Likewise, another tycoon announced to donate USD20,000.00 and 1000 air tickets for fellow citizens in Malaysia. What a great lift is it? This is the way of Myanmar people doing when it come to unite. This is the way of Buddhist doing when it come to emergency. Our culture doesn't allow people doing unfair things within society. The tycoons has shown us how the crisis could be resolved toward the officials. What a shame for our embassy officials and administration? People are not foolish to understand who is worth to rely on and it is going to be continue strongly. It would be funny later on when the ruling party keep saying how they have been elected and how much they are interested in the people's welfare. We have been experienced on this for several decades and we just wanted to believe in their recent saying. In fact, their saying have been made to lie people in order to get vote from them. Nothing else.

Give necessary protection, please

OUR citizens who are working in Malaysia are currently falling into crisis. Their lives are on the rope and live in fear. They keep staying inside and recommended by their bosses as well as embassy officials. It is fine for short term. But it have been prolong period and how can they survive if it goes longer term. How do they earn by hiding rather than working abroad. Who will take responsibility for their foods if it goes beyond short. There are so many questions to be answered. Sadly, the casualties keep counting and our government's consular seem not taking action adequately. Government data suggests only 5 dead and several on hospitals. But Malaysia immigrants said there are lot more people have been died and missed so far in their region and spreading such rumor online are keep going.

Anyway, our official must see even one dead of our citizen is serious enough to take necessary action. Please do not bother if our citizens are legal or illegal there. For sure nobody went there for pleasure or holiday. They are trying to support their families by taking unseen risks on foreign land. Working foreign mean helping our country earn some foreign money and promoting GDP in brief. As such, please help those citizens who are in needs because they would be more vulnerable if our officials ignore their plight. It is government's obligation to ease our people's problem, regardless of inside out. I have gone through so many stories of foreign workers from other countries. Their embassies are super active on the case of their citizen. No matter criminal or civilian case. They are ready to help at all angle. In fact, these workers need not pay income tax to their embassies. But they are fully protected by their embassies officials. If other could able to do, why not our officials? Please see our citizen as a human being just like you. Please sympathize on their plights. Please try your best by using all possible diplomatic channels.

May our citizen who are working in Malaysia able to get necessary help from authorities both local and mother land.

Lobby Culture

FACEBOOK has increasingly become a battle field between pro-democracy and pro-communist lobbies from my country, Myanmar. There are countless opinion which are baseless on Facebook pages these days. Some Facebook users are not creating them but still able to assist to speculate by sharing the articles they like. It is obvious that different people that came from different background may have different view. It is democratic way to debate for things we are argue with. We got to prepare to have ears that can listen others opinions before we go ahead with some comments. Otherwise, it is more likely to end fight rather than finding solution. 

However, on Facebook pages, people are apparent inpatient with others view and lack of respect. Some dropped their harsh comments which are not considered polite. In other word, their words of comment show their qualification that reflect dignity. I would usually oversee such bloody comments and try to block such extremest mind friends if it continue to rise. We got the right to express our feeling when we see something is happening wrong. At the same time, we got to study carefully first before we make comment on a particular case. Otherwise, it is likely our comment fuel the existing flame due to subjected article. As technology reach our shores, we are seeing more and more online patriots saying their unasked opinions to influence legislators on a particular issue, especially those they disagree with. Good thing is that government officials start using online to address such concern and I am hopeful such activities will help our community mature. Of course with the respect in mind toward somebody's view. Stop using abusive words on a matter, instead unite in finding solution to so many problems to come in.

Save our own river

CHINESE changed policy to approach opposition parties as they realize the political landscape beyond 2015. I'm disappointing to learn that Chinese CPI is trying to convince locals to let them resume their mega dam project at myitsone. Our president already announced that this project would be held within his term of 5 years. CPI still hopeful to resume the project despite against the will of people. It's not gracious to see them doing what they want to generate their profit. Alternatively, it is violating our internal law by doing so. Why government keep silent with their irrespective performance? Is it because waiting ASSK to voice out for the matter after handling mine project? If so, the ruling party is not taking responsibilities they are supposed to do.

China is energy starvation country and hunting the whole world to get potential access to resource. We are lucky not to involved in south china sea maritime dispute. But we are just seeing Chinese firms doing our coastal lines as their own in Kyauk Phyu Township. Let it be. We are poor and our leaders are grateful for Chinese's help. Salween river is one of untouched few rivers in the world and Chinese government plan to build dam across the river. The local Chinese are showing their disagreement with the government move without their consent. They said, they love green environment than concrete jungle. They love clean air than smoky sky. Their lifestyle attached to river and can't survive without it. But as a communist government, Chinese government seem stubborn to do what they want and it is going to build sooner or later I think.

Recently, Thailand company withdrew from building hydropower dam project on Swaleen river and our local media appalauds their move on environmental ground. I think their decision linked to Chinese's ambitious dam project in Yunan province. Let it be, it is great to save our greenery forest and wild river. Swaleen river across over four countries and started on Chinese mountains. If Chinese block flowing river by mega dam, downstream countries will be affected directly. What can we do with their plan since Swaleen is running their land as well? Nothing right, But Irrawaddy is different story. Irrawaddy is born in Myanmar and wholely owned by our people. We got the right to reject any wrong doing by Chinese on our land. We must save our river. We cannot exchange our river with any amount of money. If the river died, we cannot buy back. Our officials should realize the trend and able to protect any testing movement from CPI with brave. Otherwise, we would be loser at the end of the day. Please do not knee at whatever Chinese wants from us. We are independent nation.We together can push back bully behavior of neighbor only if we are united. Stop playing blame game brother and sister. Strangers have come and go with whatever they want from our precious land. Time to show our unity.

protect nation from hackers

THERE are so many accusation of cyber attack and hacking from developed nations toward China. Some nation blocked Chinese telecommunication giant Huawai and ZTE to participate in government tender by citing national security threat. Amidst such news spreading headlines, my country is widely using Chinese product in the newly open telecommunication sector. Understandable that Chinese equipments are relatively cheap and irresistible to poor nation like our country. But there are a lot project without transparency and people guess corruption involved by top officials. 

Currently, there are two running operator in country and another two operator slots is final stage of tender. We are so much concern when Chinese Mobil is among finalist of tenderer. Few days ago, after setting new guideline by tender committee, Chinese mobile decided to quit from the final tender competition. We are relief to learn such news. Our people sick and tired of Chinese made products. We know that it was no choice but Chinese product in past due to sanction. Nowadays, sanction has been lift and a lot option to choose from for our authorities. They should consider for long term benefit rather than short term. The whole world know that Japanese products are better than Chinese. If Japanese are willing to help, why Chinese? If tender are won by Chinese over Japanese, we doubt there is corruption involved. We want our government to loyal country and time to give back voting people by doing their job right. Otherwise, your attempt to regain people's love will never be fulfilled. Because we know what is right and what is wrong by common sense.

Safety first

RECENTLY Chinese State owned CNPC announced that their transnational gas-pipe line project has been ready to start operation now. I note that there are two cross national gas pipe line in China. Few days ago, one of the gas pipeline got explosion and I immediately think safety of Chinese made gas pipe line in our country. During 3 years construction time, there were a lot of safety concern voice by activists but no addressed by authority. Our people's life are at risk if Chinese made pipe line start running without proper QC check. If they made their own gas line explode within their territory, it is not over to concern our safety because Chinese firms only think of profit than public responsibilities. They have taken all of our natural resources by corrupting our authorities in past and still continuing.

Recently, Chinese rice and rice products has been announced for dangerous chemical involvement by Chinese authority. The affected products has been withdrawn from the shelf of their shops and departmental store. What if they are not destroyed and exported to our land? It is really possible scenario if our border monitoring leak and corrupt. Our people deserve to get secure foods imported from outside. It is government's obligation to protect people from such disaster. China is giving us fake products and plastic, in return they are taking our valuable natural resources with stolen price. If our people continue fight each other, it will make China to interfere our matter and send fake and outdated products to our land. It is time to unite and resist any wrong doing come from bully minded neighbor. If we are united, we believe that we could able to push back all external enemies.

Late Delivery

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES is famously called 'LD' in the construction industry. Most of people who work in construction firms know what does it mean. It is put as a clause inside contract agreement, in order to settle if contractor failed to deliver project on time. Client is entitled to claim based on LD clause as a form of penalty to its contractor who breach contract. Hence, LD clause is considered important one among others. By putting this clause, contractor aware of on time delivery as they scare of being charged at the end. And it is usually limited not exceeding 15% of contract sum. As it's made for good purpose, it is fair to incorporate in contract for both parties. As both parties are professionals, they should take fully responsibilities while they enjoy profit bear from project.

One fine day, my wife who is working as QS shared me a joke that she found in her office. There is a local man who is in-charge of her department. One particular day, accountant lady wonder what does LD means and asked aforesaid man for answer. My wife quietly listen how he'll answer and she was amazed by learning how he answered to accountant. What he answered was....

LD means "Late Delivery" lol. Accountant satisfied with answer and went back her room by saying 'Oh Yes, I know". My wife secretly laughed and can't wait to share me when she get back home. We realize that this is basis requirement to become a QS or contract related department staffs. But really we don't know why this department head don't know it. He seem no kidding accountant by his answer. But he still survive in this industry. Perhaps, there is mismanagement within my wife company administration.

WEF thought

World's Economic Forum on East Asia open today on our brand new capital city, Naypyidaw. Who dare to think of this scale of event will come to our soil one year ago? I remember a day our lady bravely take center stage and speech to audience upon release from house arrest in WEF in Bangkok. The world is interestingly starring at her through world's popular media like CNN. We, as a Myanmar citizen, are proud of her and I think that was a turning point for our nation to be seen as a dear state by world's community. It was our lady's first ever outside country to attend conference freely. It was launching pad for our lady as there are several foreign tour following that WEF event. She was indeed prominent speaker at the forum. She stole limelight from other heavyweights who attended forum.

I was ever prouder to learn that Thailand's PM was unable to greet participants and dignitaries with world language, English. Our people's leader spoke by English with confident and efficiently. She really saved our image on world's stage. We were once untouchable people from isolated land. Since she come out world stage, the world has noticed our country as a nation of greats. She is definitely one of Asian great and well regarded as icon of freedom. Some label her icon of democracy. As a result of her present, the organizer of WEF announced next venue to audiences as Yangon, Myanmar. It is not because they're recognizing sudden change of reform but because of her star power I think. I personally feel that she deserve to chair on-going event as a host committee. But now I am appalling to see that one presidential minister is going to lead that committee. I am hopeful that they'll not destroy the beauty of WEF by showing their incompetency on stage.

No matter who chair so long as he/she is capable to overcome challenges. Otherwise, we got our right to criticize as a citizen because few people are taking so many roles within important sectors. It is sadly not by qualification, it is by selfish I believe. If we let such things happening on our nation, our objective of building nation would be compromised.

Protest culture

RECENTLY, our president made official visit to US white house. During his visit, he told one faulty word that our people are taking daily wages to participate in public protest. What does it lead to? International community may misunderstand with the landscape of our country. Upon his return, some people are walking out of Yangon's road to show their disappointment on our president's unwiseful words. It was relatively small scale protest and block by local police for illegal strike. It quickly disappear soon afterward.

Few days later, there was online rumor news that regional government is going to introduce family plan for Rohingya community who never stop delivery by right without thinking consequence. Coincidentally, in a parliament break media section, one journalist asked ASSK on the rumor. As usual, she quickly answered her vision on the matter and also said she even didn't hear about the news. She insisted that it is not complying human right law if the news is right. Since then, there have been a lot protest against her surfaced through online. The local authority followed their action by confirming the local law to restrict population of Rohingya. Today, people will hold the gathering to show their support on the law. It is obvious that there is somebody behind the case so that they could make political gain by defaming ASSK.

No matter how they attempt, educated people know who is wrong and who is right. Those people who blame ASSK on internet and public have connection with the ruling party. There may be some percentage of people who may not link to conservative official. They might be former criminals who is trained to create unrest across the country. They are apparent licenced protesters that police not dare to catch them. Like this, how do we attract foreign investment to create new jobs? How do we compete neighboring countries who already gone far ahead of us? How do we build our nation with the people who keep fighting each other? It's definitely going to be problem that would be hard to find solution.

A target of return

MYANMAR has increasingly become Asia's last frontier market. Everybody rush to Myanmar to explore potential work to invest in. Meanwhile, a lot top professionals are still working abroad and constantly monitoring at the condition inside country. I have been working abroad for more than 8 years now and want to go back home permanently. Without a proper target, we will never know when we can return home. Life is short and we are already mid age now. We are single when we first leave country. Now most of my peer have been married and even started family life. It is not easy to nurse our new born babies/ kids here unless we are PR. Our daughter joined local nursery last week and it's going to come school time in couple years time. 

My wife and I set target date to return before our daughter reach school joining age which is 5 years in our country. As such, we got to look possible return home route. As we have been working for others for so many years and still counting, it is our dream to run own business where possible when return. There are some potential point to start from. We have found potential local partner to explore the market and life seem not bad for us to resettle in homeland. We start smelling of return home and targeting certain amount of investment to be saved here and next step would be packaging. Last weekend, chief monk taught us that we know exact of our Birthday because it is counted from the day of born. What if how long we're going to stay from the date of dead. Nobody can answer because we don't know when we will die. From this religion perspective, there is no reason for why we cannot go back home. If we have overcome challenges abroad, we are confident that we'll also do the same on our homeland. Hopefully we could able to become our own bosses when we return home this time. But it's going to be uphill task. We'll try all the way to make our dream come true. If we dare to dream, why not it becoming true?

No pain no gain

WHEN I arrive city state 5 years ago, I earn almost double than my wife. After 5 years in time, my wife almost catch up mine in term of salary. What has made difference between us? I chose to stay at one company and my wife on the other hand changed her job. Further, I stayed in the comfort zone and my wife keep going through work's challenges. As a result, I am less exposure to work's challenges and lose confident when it come to change my mind. On the other side, my wife slowly build up her confident through hardship of work life.

Nowadays, I keep following her join some social events. As usual, they talk a lot about their job related cases and exchange views. I keep silent and felt isolate. As my job is simple, there are less challenge to overcome. It make me vulnerable in the long run and my progress in work almost nothing. Last night, my wife urged me change job and face new challenges. She also intend to change job soon so that she could make another jump in salary. She seem relatively confident and I am opposite. I wanted to change my job for long time and it never come reality. I studied at local academy and got a diploma but didn't change job. My wife always pointed out. 

What has happened to me then? I finally realize that 'I'm just lazy guy' to change the job. I know that I would be struggle if I change my job with the same salary. because my current one is considered senior level. Then it is not possible to expect somebody to teach me with the same salary. If I change my job scope, I definitely will not be ready and find a lot new challenges that i never seen before. But I have to change if I want to live my life more meaningfully. I'll try to seek a possible employer who suit my ambition sooner than later. Thanks my wife for highlighting and encouraging me. I'll try my best and don't care outcome.

Lost amid news

NEWS are flowing time by time. Some good and some bad. We are following them by interest. Most of them are discouraging than encouraged ones. We are likely to feel sad/angry than happy after reading those ongoing news through internet. But we still glue our eyes at computer screen. We cannot simply turn away our face out of screen. It is because we love our country and want to see what's happening in our country concurrently. 

Myanmar is definitely under scrutiny of the World community for its action. It keep generating one case after another. It apparent never end. It's condition like a balloon that can be exploit at any given time. Visibly there are some conservatives within administrative cycle who seek how to return previous stage. Our president keep saying good but seem no powerful when it come against military. Our top officials seem lacking capacity to handle variety of cases by their own. Their advisers sometime look distraught with the cases. There are so many questions unanswered. The world is praising for some reforms and opposition accuse government keep talking with no action. It has been 3 years on now and there is no much different for grass root level people's lifestyle. Life's hardship even more difficult than before by rapid inflation rate. No middle class to protest government's unfair action. High end communities like cronies perhaps worry to see country transform to democracy successfully because their interest come more under communist style administration.

We're trying to return home on any possible occasion. The current situation is not encouraging. We want to work honestly on home soil. But the situation doesn't favor for those who only interest in work alone. Understandable fighting corruption will take long time to eradicate all. In that scenario, our dream of home returning seem dim and there is no way but to pray for real progress in homeland with the guidance of an able leader.

We demand proper protection

IN MALAYSIA, Myanmar nationals are living in fear for the time being. We're seeing the news of casualty one after another. Some people try to upload the short film on social media websites in order to share the real condition. It is obvious that their live are at the risk and most of them tried to stay away from work. How long they could afford to do so since their objective is to find money, save and send back home. Some workers from hotted region are leaving their places and refuge at Myanmar monastery to safeguard their life. What a pity condition is it?

Most recently, Embassy official from KL answered at interview that the spreading news online are rumour and he comment as a usual cases between locals and drunkard immigrants. It become viral among online users and blamed at him by proofing some real source around them. In fact, embassy is the last source to rely on when citizens are facing problem abroad. If the official sound unconcern like that, how do they approach to seek help. It is well known that Myanmar embassy in KL only interest in collecting tax. They would ask if victim has paid tax before proceeding with his/her problem. I heard unlimited similar stories during my working time between 2005 and 2008 in KL. As a government service staff, they are supposed to offer a kind hand towards all citizens who fall in troubles. Otherwise, we're extremely vulnerable to the working environment.

I'm not interesting whether it is happened on religious ground or not. For sure is it is disaster for our citizen and act of extremists/ terrorists. If such things happen on our soil, international human right watchdog and IOC will voice out. Now, our citizens are put on the hand of such bloody people, they look silent to criticize on the issue. If our own official try to prevent discovering real things, no wonder our citizens would be abused by the immediate environment. We're not working here just because of happy. We all are working abroad to feed our families. If we pay our tax as a dutiful citizen, we expect our authority to do their work while we need their help. Please act swiftly because casualty has been and it seem continue to count.

May my fellow citizen able to get necessary protection from authority and embassy official.