Archive for March, 2008
Go Beaker! Go!
By the time the call for boycotting the Mainstream media especially papers like the Star started, I had already given up on the paper anyway. Okay, maybe if I needed to check on some sales I’ll have a glimpse. So, I wonder whether allow this piece is a "prodigal son" moment for the so called people’s paper. On a more personal note, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail whom I’ve met in person only once is truly a gracious person with an amazing story written and still in writing!
… Born in 1952, Dr Wan Azizah received her early education at the St Nicholas Convent School, Alor Star.
“I was there from Standard One to Form Five. I really enjoyed my school years. It was an English-medium school then, and the nuns taught us manners, how to be a wholesome person, to think and talk well, and to have minds of our own,” she recalls.
Being brought up in a Catholic school, she heard the Lord’s Prayer regularly and can still remember it verbatim. And she proceeds to recite the whole prayer, “Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name…” while smiling at this writer’s surprised look.
… Dr Wan Azizah had the support of family, friends, and many young people of the Reformasi (reformation) movement sparked by Anwar’s arrest.
“Nurul Izzah was my strength,” she recalls. “She took time off from college to be with me. It was tough but we plodded along. Meanwhile, the core members kept the movement alive.”
Dr Wan Azizah is also deeply religious.
“She wakes up at 4am to pray, seeking fortitude and guidance,” says the family friend. “That’s the source of her inner strength. Otherwise, I think it’s difficult to survive in politics with all the pressure. That’s why some people say that Wan Azizah is Anwar’s greatest asset.”
… Elizabeth Wong, who is now part of the new Selangor State Government Exco, was Dr Wan Azizah’s parliamentary aide for two years.
“I look on her as role model. Some people say she is just Anwar’s proxy, but she held the party together all those years while Anwar was in prison (1998-2004) and has evolved into an accomplished politician.
“Her softness is her strength. She does not believe in the aggressive approach, but she is very firm on principles, people don’t see that side of her.”
Latheefa says, “Kak Wan conducts meetings in a very democratic and consultative manner. I think it’s because it’s in a woman’s nature. She asks everyone what they think, and we can give our input into party decisions.”
She adds that Dr Wan Azizah is down to earth and easy-going: “We can talk about anything with her. There’s no high and mighty ‘I am the Leader’ aura about her.
Selangor MB Responds To NGO Criticisms
The formation of the new state governments have been more exciting than any drama on TV (then again I don’t watch TV any more 
) But how the new governing leaders respond to criticism and a critical eye is noteworthy. Many of us are not blind to what Bob highlights in this short sentence.
A bit of a change compared to the previous administration whose default reaction was to ridicule critics and then subsequently ignore them.
Anwar or Ku Li? The race is on
RPK really has a way of firing up the imagination for the days ahead No wonder so many return to his site again and again.
Listening to Tommy Thomas speak is an engaging experience. His Part 1 and 2 keeps one on the edge of their seat. Let me highlight what caught my attention.
… In my opinion, however, the most important reason why 51.3 percent of the popular vote was cast for the opposition in the peninsula was the repugnance of these voters for the hubris displayed by Umno after holding continuous and unbroken power since 1955. In this sense, Malaysia is not unique. The PRI in Mexico, the LDP in Japan and the Congress Party in India all suffered similar fates after lengthy uninterrupted power. Power not only corrupts, it also breeds arrogance.
… The heavy hand of government in dealing with the Hindraf march and the detention of their five leaders under the dreaded Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) completely alienated the Indian community, inspired the Chinese community who quietly supported Hindraf in their own way and ironically, from Umno’s perspective, did not drive droves of Malay voters to Umno as the traditional protector of Malays when they are threatened. The Malay electorate was more sophisticated, and more understanding of the plight of the hardcore poor Tamil citizen. Makkal Sakthi (people power), inspired by Cory Aquino’s movement that toppled the brutal and corrupt Marcos regime in the mid-1980s, was the rallying cry at all opposition ceramahs.
… Without doubt, the greatest millstone around Abdullah’s neck was his son-in-law, of ‘Khairy Chronicles’ notoriety, who was blamed, rightly or wrongly, for every action or inaction of the prime minister. In the short space of four years, he became the most hated man in Malaysia, earning epithets like Rasputin and budak nakal. The term ‘kitchen cabinet’ literally meant in Malaysia, the premier’s son and son-in-law deciding matters in his kitchen.
… Without doubt, the greatest star of this general elections was Anwar Ibrahim, who skillfully galvanised the frustrations felt by the three major communities in West Malaysia and brilliantly exploited the underlying tensions in contemporary society. Additionally, Anwar acted as the glue that held PAS and DAP together, ensuring that the opposition avoided three-cornered electoral contests, and the voters always presented with a stark choice between a Barisan Nasional candidate and one from the three-member opposition coalition.
Anwar charmed the Malay heartland into accepting that NEP is not the only economic option open to them, and that its abuses were all due to Umno’s greed. His energy recorded heights never seen in Malaysia at the ceramah across the nation which he cris-crossed on numerous occasions during the election campaign. Rather than engaging him, Barisan Nasional dealt with Anwar by two principal methods: ignoring him and demonising him: both failed miserably. The sustained attack against Anwar by the mainstream media on the final days of the campaign not only failed in its objective: it backfired and resulted in thousands of undecided voters opting for the opposition. Anwar’s restrained conduct after the elections marks him as the nation’s prime minister in waiting.
… Even if technology is very much an urban phenomenon, rural voters were rapidly educated on issues raised on the internet by their urban relatives, usually their children. The Barisan Nasional’s principal failure was to rely wholly on the discredited mainstream media and, by default, conceding the internet to the opposition. Because content matters to the more discerning Internet user, Barisan Nasional’s failure to engage in debate and discussion proved fatal.
… one questions the medium to long term stability of Abdullah’s government. Abdullah must demonstrate firm and decisive leadership in the coming months to avoid the perception that he is a hapless, helpless skipper of a boat (which may result in support for Tengku Razaleigh) or a captain of a sinking ship (which may lead to defection to a Anwar-led coalition). In either scenario, his prime ministership is vulnerable.
… The expectation of the Malaysian public must not be let down, and, if that means Nik Abdul Aziz, Abdul Hadi Awang, Mustapha Ali, Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, Karpal Singh, Anwar Ibrahim, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and R Sivarasa, among others, having to meet regularly to give proper and effective leadership to the five states, so be it. Otherwise, the same electorate will ditch them in 2012/3.
… The leaders of Barisan Nasional always blamed inflation on increasing oil prices which are beyond the control of any single nation. There is some justification for that argument. However, it does not tell the whole story. It must never be forgotten that Malaysia is a net exporter of petroleum.
… Only time will tell whether the 12th general elections was a one-off phenomenon or represents the beginning of the end of race based political parties
… Can we dare to hope that the racial rubicon in Malaysia has been crossed, and the emergence of voters thinking as Malaysians.
… At the minimum, the 2008 elections represents a watershed in Malaysian politics. The climate of fear evaporated and May 13 was not relevant. For Malaysians who aspire a true two-party system alternating in power, there is hope in the future. Malaysia will hopefully join the ranks of mature and functioning democracies in Asia like India and Japan when a Barisan Nasional government will be replaced by a Barisan Alternative government which in turn will be replaced by a Barisan Nasional in successive general elections. Dare we hope!
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During my last visit in Germany for a Preaching Teaching Tour through the churches and schools, one of the most memorable churches I remember was Christ Church on Martin Luther Street in Lauf. Apart from the wonder pastor and his members, there was a piece of artwork in the entrance of the church which has left a deep impression in me. What the church member/artist did was to take broken glass to make it into a few standing pillar like displays. Pastor Hoffman told me the idea was that even though we are like broken and useless glass originally meant for trash, we can still be like these pieces to form a beautiful work of art to reflect God’s beauty and glory. To all the broken (and even "useless") glass out there … a little phrase is ringing in my ear, we sang on Sunday … "There is hope in His name …our God saves!"
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I recall walking through a lawn cemetery once in Labuan Island. It was a war memorial park, where many soldiers from the commonwealth countries who served in Malaysia were buried. Each tombstone had a sentence or two in which they were to be remembered by. Some of these young men who died in the war barely touched 22-23 years old. The walk that evening as the sun was setting was sobering.
I think the question is worth asking not just when we are 83 years old. But even now, "By what legacy of faith do I want to be remembered?". Last night, when I had a chance to interact with a small group of college students, I recalled a question which helped my decision to become a pastor… it was "What would I regret most at the end of my life, if I didn’t do it?" It’s big picture question, it’s more to frame perspectives than to get specific steps. But within that frame, the little steps we take would make more sense.
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We have already stepped into the 50 day season of Easter. Yes! After the 40 days of Lent, we have another 50 days of Easter! And the song continues to ring … "The Kingdom of God is Justice and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit, Come Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom." We have spent some time (prayerfully and hopefully) during Lent on self or corporate examination, now it’s a good time to shift gear into EXPLORATION .. and see where is God opening up the gates to his path of putting things right … ask him even now, where are the openings? And then step in …
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My mind is brought back years ago, when I sat waiting outside the operation theater for mom to come out from the surgery. We were all surprised later to discover she had colon cancer. It was my first year in seminary, the learning from life, and mom’s struggle to recover the next few years taught me much about the fragility of human life, the power of prayer, and the care of family and friends …. Most of all the experience shook me to the core in my walk with God, changed my perspectives on life here on earth, and reordered much of my priorities … "Dark Nights" have a way of pushing one in that direction. Of course, it could go the other way to a journey of despair, hopelessness, bitterness and doom … but for me, and especially for Mom, the resurrection power of Jesus was experienced in the midst of the rough challenges of cancer and every fear and worry which goes with it. Nothing too dramatic, but the slow walk was sure and significant.
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Easter –> An Answer and a Question. I like that … this Lent Season started with a clear consciousness of a 40day time of reflection, which got "interrupted" by a delightful intense period of history making, and during the Holy Week pulling back again to what’s the center of our living, moving and being … and as the sun rises on Sunday morning … we’re drawn again to a life of faith, hope and love … a life still with many questions, and answers, … answers which lead to more questions, and questions which open up to more answers, and the cycle continues until that eventful day when the answers and the questions fade away in the light of his glory and grace! ..
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These harmonics vibrated from March 23 – 31, 2008
THE MOST AUDACIOUS enlivening, freeing, joy-creating, humbling, life-transforming reality of the Christian faith is not that God will be with us, but that God is here, right now. God is here in the midst of suffering, in the midst of short-coming, in the midst of triumph, in the midst of our greatest fulfillment, and in the midst of our broken-heartedness.
- Gregory S. Clapper
When the World Breaks Your Heart
(via Upper Room Daily Reflections)
So often our minds are focused on where God is supposed to be tomorrow, or where has God been yesterday, that we lose sight of his presence breaking through here and now. I must confess it’s hard when there are so many immediate demands coming from all directions. And we are so prone to attend to what is urgent, that we are unable to even stop and pay attention to God’s presence right before us.
While trying to keep up with Gareth and Elysia running up and down the slides and swings at the playground this morning, one such moment came through these leaves which suddenly caught my attention. It was short, it was simple, and yet even now while looking at them, God was there with us in our laughing and running, God will be with us tomorrow as we pack up and go for corporate worship together … but God is here now with the 2 older ones playing in their room, Ewan sleeping next to me, May Chin getting dinner ready .. and me. .. just catching my breath
I don’t know why, but searching for some old songs I liked as a youth like this one by Glad has been more than nostalgic … it’s been nourishing again too
I thought the Dumpling noodle would be a fitting supper meal. But then to my surprise it was mediocre. But thanks to the friendly uncle who gave me a treat The Ice Lemon tea was acceptable.
Questions are always good. And tonight I had some questions from a more Christian small group context, and later an unexpected conversation over a small round table.
It was good because I found myself answering either directly or indirectly to nudge where the questions are leading further, or at times even trying to re-frame the questions, because the fact is our answers are already limited by the questions we ask.
It’s funny how leadership works … this is true whether it’s at the level of a secondary school society, the level of voluntary organizations, church organizations, political entities and so on ….
Very often, we are tempted to see it only about speaking up, or articulating our views, or even well thought out positions, when in actual fact we are confronted with the messy hard work of relationship building, networking with others, compromise as well as persuasion, confrontation and also consensus. It requires a clear head, a listening heart and a posture ready to do what is right, or at least what is necessary to get it right.
Egos always need to be in check. But it’s hard especially when we are not used to deal with competing Egos … some bigger than ours, others smarter than us, or at least more sophisticated than we give them credit for.
The route towards some kind of breakthrough is first to pause and not rush into any rash action. Because that will lead to quick doom. And after a few hard knocks, I’ve learnt the art of restraint. At the end of the day, if it’s not about making an impression, then we do not need to be seen as the victor too prematurely. Time will always be on our side when we know how to pull back a little.
Listening is a difficult art. Because to listen one not only needs to pay attention on what the other person is saying, we also need to keep an ear of the voices ringing in our heads which is often influenced by the baggage of our past experiences good or bad, the people around us for better or for worse (whether selected advisors or self-appointed experts), and also the background noise of the context we are in.
It’s funny because often people assume leadership is first and foremost about leading or even influence, which are key components no doubt. But before one can lead and influence, one needs to have a basic grasp of the current scenario, the players, and the history as well. So, the rare art of learning how to pause and have restraint, and more so active listening is a big hurdle many emerging leaders or accidental leaders find it hard to jump over. Because one is tempted too easily to crash forward with our own ideas.
Human are fascinating creatures. Especially when they are forced to work with other creatures who are unlike them. This is most clearly seen when more than three begin to operate in an organization. For all the talk about informal verses formal ways or organizing oneself, and debates about structures or the lack of it. The simple are of relating to another human being is in actual fact the most crucial and fundamental practice one needs to master … and it’s an ongoing task …
We won’t get it right all the time. And we will hit against the wall often. But what’s important is what happens when we get it wrong, or when we see bumps all over our heads. Perhaps, we should keep on doing the same thing? 
But, strange how stubborn we can be ….
On a brighter side, lots of draw from the above lessons for church … NGOs … voluntary societies … families. … anything that is more than 2 people. Opps .. but then again, I have been learning many of these principles after multiple crashes as a young person in church, inexperienced leader, and also impulsive young man …
Good counselors make a big difference. Wise friends are non-negotiable. Friendly critics a great bonus. But of course, we need to be willing to at least pause and listen.
The second art of discernment and deciding what to do next requires another post to explore. For now, I think I need some chips to compensate for a mediocre supper. It walks works for me!
A friend of mine reminded me of the complexity of the context in the USA. That is a good note to watch especially in the light of any controversies.There is always more than meets the eye, and more than the snippets we hear.
But like it or not, these are voices we don’t hear enough. There maybe stuff one won’t agree fully with Prof. James Cone, but then there will be stuff which will resonate. That can only happen after at least listening to the whole conversation
(HT: Black Liberation Theology – A Conversation with James Cone)
Twila Paris … wow … the voice, the songs, the style, .. brings back a lot of memories. I still connect with these lyrics … perhaps a little bit differently than before … but I still connect.
Brian McLaren Responds to Everything Must Change Concerns
As a pastor, I say Amen to Brian here …
I was deeply impacted a few years ago by Alan Roxburgh at one of our events (you may have been there?) when he said, the church is like a person who gets invited to a party and only talks about himself. I’ve been thinking that we get into a syndrome of trying to save our lives denominationally, etc, which makes us lose them … when instead, our churches need to lose our lives, pour ourselves out for the sake of the world, become more interested in joining God in caring for the world than in getting God to join us in caring for ourselves, that sort of thing. But of course, at heart I’ll always be a pastor, and in the end, none of this matters unless it’s embedded in local churches of whatever form.
I can relate to some of this … don’t you?
Dan Kimball was recently peppered with questions about Brian, Doug, and me when he spoke at the Crystal Cathedral. I often get asked to defend Doug’s views on soteriology or the Trinity. And just last week, a caller to a conservative Christian radio talk show I was on asked me how I could be friends with Brian since he practices Buddhism.
Of course, I was shocked to learn that one of my closest friends is a closet Buddhist. Brian, I feel so betrayed. I barely knew ye!
But this demand to denounce and renounce friends has come into high relief in the presidential campaign. And, honestly, I think that most of us can see how insane it all is. In another prescient column, Stanley Fish argues that, of course, we can only be responsible for what we say, not for what those close to us say.
Good turn by my friend Steve Knight …
The ‘third way’ isn’t a point on a spectrum between ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative.’ The ‘third way’ is another parallel spectrum altogether, that I would say is above (and transcends) the liberal/conservative spectrum. The ‘third way’ is relationship/friendship, and the spectrum is simply how close/tight-knit or far/separate we are relationally. …
“To put it one way: The question isn’t so much ‘how are we different in what we believe/think?’ as it is ‘how are we connected? what can I appreciate and learn from that other person’s perspective/tradition/tribe/camp?’”
Why we are open to the Emergent Conversation: My journey, and books along the way
A mouthful here from an excellent survey …
We rejected an over-rigid or over-important theology to show that a God-breathed lifestyle demanded a Christian perspective and imaginative re-construal of every area of life, in light of God’s Word, not just in doctrinal matters. Systematic theology, for better or worse, became less vital as we embrace narrative, Biblical theology. To argue over theological arcana when we didn’t equally argue about aesthetics or politics or psychological theory seemed to be suggesting that doctrinal fine-tuning was more important than being faithful to the Lord in every field of life, as if the specialty of theologians and pastors somehow mattered to God more than the work of potters or farmers or businesspeople. And we knew that that was to make theology itself an idol—-all of life was to be redeemed, so doctrinal disputes and denominational matters took a back seat to the big issues of the day, the concerns of lay folk in their particular callings, and the vision of a multi-dimensional, uniquely Christian world and life view. We thought this, as I recall, not because we didn’t think theology mattered—it does—but because the Bible doesn’t itself over-indulge in rationalistic doctrinal formulations; most of the Bible is story, history, poems and laments, after all. Scripture itself is a storied telling of God’s redemptive work in history, forming a people who live differently, filled, finally, with the love of a Risen Redeemer, a gracious King who is reclaiming his hurting world. I heard 35 years ago from conservative scholars that even Paul was to be read narratively (an important insight of most emergent Bible readers nowadays, and a matter for which they are considered controversial.) So we thought about a Christian view of life, including theology, but didn’t make theological precision the only important concern. Our dogma and creedal life was seen as part of our whole worldview and way of life, an all-encompassing, whole-life opening up of life in the Spirit in God’s good but fallen creation. We really didn’t care how many angels could dance on the head of a pin.
Always good to return to the Gospel … I’m glad Tim Keel’s voice is emerging more! A big amen to the following statement!
The gospel must become incarnate. It’s something that must be lived. We cannot approach God or the gospel a-contextually.