As
the Chairman of USJ 23 Neighbourhood and NW Pro Tem Committee 2001, I would
be very happy to share with all the good residents of USJ 23, my message and
experiences what it is the feeling on Malaysia's National Day(31st August
2001).
To start with, I would like to go back to the good old days, some of you may
not recall or even not born yet, but I can only relate back to 1947, the year
I was born in Kulim, Kedah. From 1947 to 1957, until our Independence or Merdeka
Day (31/08/1957), Malaysia was then called Malaya, under the British rule. At
that time, the Government was fighting the Communist insurgence, and the situation
was at one time really bad. We had soldiers from Commonwealth nations i.e. England, Scotland, New
Zealand, Australia and Nepal (the famous Gurkhas), together with our very own
Malay Regiment fighting the Communist in the jungles. Where I stayed ie. Kulim, it
was a declared a "Black Area ",infested with Communist terrorists, and
life was very restrictive, with food rationing being carried out. People were
confined to "New Village" with barbed wire-fencing, and curfew was
imposed from 8.00pm.to 7.00am.Thanks to their sacrifices, Malaya, finally
gained independence on 31st August 1957. Shouts of MERDEKA, MERDEKA, MERDEKA
was heard throughout the whole country. Entertainment was in the form of what
we called the old fashion "Gramophone", and no TV yet, and much later
Black & White TV. if you do not know, perhaps ask your father. If you are
interested to have one, you can find it in antique shops along Jonker Street, Malacca.
Life was hard and cheap, with 50 cents a day a school student can have a plate
of mee goreng,1 glass of ice water and even by the end of the day, able to
save 10 cents, WOW things were really cheap.
Those days going to school was by bus, walking and bicycle. To day with the
tremendous economic growth and development, school going children are a very
lucky lot, driven to schools or having their own transport, sometimes I wish
I was born at a later stage to enjoy all these benefits. It is a fact
to life, parents should not complain too much or bring up things of the past.
We all, old and young have to really be adaptive to this 22nd century, the Information
Technology age will be the thing, there is no choice. Change and Adapt, or Be Left Behind
- this is the name of the game.
My dear friends, my story can go on and on, however if I deliberate too much
of the past, perhaps my friends may label me, as " Old Fashion", "Lau Beh", "Talk History Only", or even "Dinosaur". Therefore
I shall share some of my thoughts for Now and the Coming Future.
Now
and Coming Future :
1. Let's all be very thankful of the current peaceful situation in our country. If
you have traveled to the neighbouring countries, you will really appreciate
our country's peaceful situation. Life in these countries is very uncertain, riots, etc. may suddenly erupt.
2. Understanding
each other's happiness and fears is desired, so that we are able to live with
our neighbours harmoniously.
3. Love
Your Country, Love Malaysia, Love Your Neighbours and you shall be blessed. Throw
out all your bad intentions and feelings, and start to do something good for
yourself and somebody for each and everyday. You will feel the difference with
the good emotional deposits created.
4. Get
Involved and Be Committed in your work, business and neighbourhood activities. I
do not believe in ONE Man's AN ISLAND, unless perhaps you want to live with
"Robinson Crusoe". Be Proactive ,Take Charge of Your Life, and do
not let things happen to you, only to regret it later. We have very good and
committed people in USJ 23, sometimes we may do things a bit " High Handed", which is what a few residents think so, but I can tell you safely that all
the actions taken by the committee is with much discussion and the involvement
of other residents, whom have supported and attended our monthly meetings. Please
attend our Monthly Residents/Committee meeting, if you have any issues, and
after discussion, we need to respect the majority's decision.
To quote an analogy: In a state election, you vote for candidate A, but
candidate B wins the contest. So are you going to move house, just because your
candidate A lost? I am sure you will still stay where you are ,and go along
with the majority's decision, and enjoy the benefits, projects and activities
implemented by the elected candidate or committee. My message is please bear
with the majority, and I am confident that all intelligent residents of USJ
23 do not simply follow the "Herd".
5. Just
Respect the law, if you do not want to respect the elders. Remember that you will eventually
get old one day.
6. Ladies
& Gentlemen, for your information USJ 23 website is now registered as
: www.usj23.com I have mentioned a few times, that this website belongs to
all the residents of USJ 23, and it is a very powerful communication tool. Please
play your part, by contributing any interesting articles, suggestions, etc. to
us for sharing with your friends. My personal belief is that you cannot continue
to enjoy or benefit from something, without your own contribution, as eventually
all good things, without strong support and continuous up keeping will be "DEAD".
Last, but not least I would like to wish all Malaysians, A Happy National Day,
May
Peace be with all of Us. If you drive, please be careful.
Thank
you,
Yee
Foon Kong
Chairman : USJ 23 Neighbourhood & NW Pro Tem Committee 2001
