Tag: Singapore

Damanhuri Abas: Yes, I Am Driven By My Religion And Am A Rookie Politician

I have deleted my previous post and relinked to the original source post instead of the other link coming from another FB page.

Scary siah!!! Sereemmmm!!!

An article online (see below) apparently was posted accusing me of using religion to incite some untoward things. Firstly, the basic rule of academic rigour is to at least have the integrity to pay for a Malay writer if one intends to comment on an article in that language (jgn kasi malu melayu lah). I guess it suffice to merit the writer to its appropriate class for googling a lazy translation.

So let me reply.

1. Yes i m deeply driven by my religion. What is wrong with that? Our constitution recognised the importance of religion and defend the freedom and the right for anyone to profess and practice his or her religion unhindered. If you are not driven by religion surely something else must be driving you in life. It is in-built into our humanity to believe in something. In case the writer do not know, there is a nice little word called conscience to remind and guide a persons life. Even an atheist believe in his or her own atheism. We should respect that and not ridicule.

2. Now referenced to my post in Malay where I mentioned the principle in Islam that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught Muslims the value of striving to do good and forbid evil. There are 3 modes to do so he (the Prophet) explained. First with your hands (authority/power) if you have the means, second with your words (reminding/warning/etc.) if you can only do so, third with your heart (conscience) by dissociating yourself from it, the third being the least one can do he said, and, in the category of faith, is the weakest.

3. I have explained in my many other posts why I am of the opinion that this reserved PE is an elaborate government effort to prevent the people from voting a popular President who would be independent in performing his or her primary Presidential role of being the Guardian of our National reserves as well as to safeguard our meritocratic value for top public officers that the President is tasked to do. There are numerous opinion pieces that gave very clear arguments that mirrors my opinion. Even Ministers themselves are quoted to acknowledge its problem. One may disagree but in a democracy one have no right to deny another his right to intellectual discourse. Especially for such a dignified office as our President who everyone of us, swear upon our enlistment, to defend together with our constitution, with our life. But sadly no one can also deny someone of his choice to be less than intelligent.

4. The article seem so desperate and hell-bent to smear me as a religious firebrand (or fanatic) for living the values that I learned from my parents, believed in and preached to my children as a Muslim. This believe guides my principle and action in life such as responding to this Reserved PE episode, as well as made me stop a stray chicken I came across the other day from crossing a very busy road and killing itself.

5. The article stopped shot of discussing my other points which I will now elaborate. I mentioned the issue of fate and wisdom in responding to the Reserved PE. In my religion (Islam), fate is a concept that is part of the 6 articles of faith. First is believe in God, second is believe in the Prophets (Abraham, Moses, Jonah, Jesus, etc.), third is believe in the Books that God sent in history (Torah, Psalms, Bible, Qur’an, etc.), fourth is believe in the Angels (with their respective roles), fifth believe in Judgment Day (Heaven and Hell), sixth is believe in fate and predestination.

6. Fate and predestination for a Muslim is to believe that God provides, and everything that happened, do so, with God’s will (both good and evil) as God ultimately allowed it. Wisdom is our ability to then use the endowment of reason that God bestows upon us to analyse the lessons behind that which happened, both good and bad as both are lessons for our life journey towards the end goal of the hereafter. Simply put, don’t blame God for the dead chicken for your failure to act in time to stop it from crossing the busy road. Wisdom is to learn from it and not repeat the same mistake twice. God has given you the mind to think and act freely and you will be responsible for its consequences. For Muslims, consequences are both on earth and in our afterlife. On this basis, I placed my opinion urging us Muslims to reflect and think about what this Reserved PE is about.

9. I ended the post by asking ourselves to ponder about our believe as Muslims, that God provides. We are challenged to voice our opinion when we see a wrong in society and then feeling worried that it may ruffles someone feathers and may impact our livelihood if we do so.

10. Of course the article also took cheap swipes at me for my political rookie-ness. I don’t deny I am a rookie politician. It painted many unsavoury unsubstantiated allegation of my subversive intentions to use religion to further my political ambition. May God forgive whoever this (hungry) ghost writer is for his or her ignorance of who I am and what i have done in life for my fellow Malay countrymen challenged with all the problems listed in the article, before i joined politics. I wish the same was asked of our PAP government and their Malay MPs for such a poor performance to show for the same pathetic outcome of the Malay community for the last 52 years under their watch.

11. As usual it seems that the society boxing game knows no end to this supporters of the establishment. They only learned and know the Machiavellian art from their political masters. From their lazy responses, clearly they skipped the more important chapter on democracy.

12. We all love this country and have lived here and for a huge majority of us, this is only what we have. It is incumbent upon us to contribute ideas and work to improve our living here as part and parcel of our citizenry. Leaders and government are servants of the people and not our masters. Their position are trust held in check by us the people. The check and balance, which is a vital mechanism of governance is undermined today in our country and we as loyal patriotic citizens should be concerned and do our utmost to protect it.

13. Finally, i have expected this tirade to come as the political pattern of things here are just too predictable. But sad that it comes from someone who has no courage to put a name to what was written. But the low quality, my God, explains why the writer should be shameful of his or her own writing and would rather hide.

So this begedil (nice malay potato patty served in mee soto) has decided to honour this sloppy piece of cheap unauthored article the dignity of a response. I leave it to the readers to solicit any untoward evil fanatical islamic intent by me, for reminding fellow Muslims to live their values that we profess to believe in life. Our beautiful religion teaches us, the end never justify the means.

Source: Damanhuri Bin Abas

September 20, 2017
Commentary: Madam President, I Hope You Can Proof Your Critiques Wrong, Walk The Talk, Show You’re People’s President

DIVIDE AND CONQUER?
Our president? No she is not?

It is truly sickening and saddening to see this whole circus turning into a racial mud sling like no other. It‘s purely the Malay feeling slighted cause the Majority Chinese and the minority Indians seems not to be able to accept Madam Halimah Selection cause of her perceived race of being Malay. I saw such unbecoming racist comment in all social media news. We are taking 3 steps backwards. It’s a black moment for us all.

They just miss the point and turn it into a racial slur to their convenience without understanding the whole issues. It’s no longer about the MALAY presidency, that majority of Singaporeans are able to accept. It’s the walkover where the other contenders are denied a fight that pissed us no end and the denial to our voting rights. If Farid and Salleh Marican are fielded one of them , Indian or Malay or even Halimah will be stalled then our votes had done the talking and we will be more appeased.

So as the story goes! Singaporeans as a whole is upset with this Malay only qualify to run PE. As to add salt to our already injured wounds, the Malay is not really Malay. But then we were all hype up and was excited that well okaylah there will still be a contest. We will still be able to register our rights as voters with 3 Malay contenders. But lo and behold, it’s a walkover and that is when the Camel Break it’s straw and all hell break loose.

That disappointment of a no contest is indescribable. Besides denying our rights to vote, we are denied the right to let our one and only vote do the talking. What a let down. And as though there is not enough entertainment for us, Madam President decides to turn her residential area into a Yistana. Well that is another fanfare for us netizen to have a field day with.

All this excitement will soon dies down and life goes on as our outgoing president had admitted the highlight of his presidency is Schooling won a medal, well this is a merely ceremonial job.

And to Madam President, I hope you can proof your critiques wrong including me. That you will do better than your predecessors. Be that unifying factory. Please help to close the bridge that will collapse slow and steady if not repaired in time.

Now that you are bringing in that motherly figure as your style of governing. Please bear in mind we are all your children. Some of us are good and some are rebels. Whoever, we are we are your children that you have to love us equally and be fair and may one day we all grow to love and appreciate you for all goods that has been said about you and you have 6 years to do just that. To be a good and respected figure head. Walk the talk. Proof it that you are our president indeed! THE PEOPLE PRESIDENT!

Source: Zarina Jaffar

September 19, 2017
Reviews Of Prata Wala ‘Not Good’; Salted Egg Prata Contains More Potato Than Salted Egg Said One Customer

Prata Wala is a Halal-certified Indian restaurant which provides delicious, value-for-money Indian cuisine in a clean and chic life-style setting. But the reviews of the shop has not been that receptive especially after the opening of their new outlet in Northpoint.

Tapi teruk sangat ke makanan di kedai Prata Wala? Mari tengok sikit.

“Sorry to say tat Salted Egg Prata @ PRATA WALA Jurong Point so dissapointed😠😠more smash potato then salted egg…” – AS

“Even their prata also disappointed..“ – HP

“Kan aku dah review hari tu.. memang ada kureng“ – SJ

“Maybe the salted egg is expensive to buy“ – SKAM

“Kalau sampai orang asli india dah cakap tak sedap jangan buang masa dengan duit mungkin ini sebabnya. Cuba perhatikan pembeli yg selalu bukan orang asli india.“ – MAYY

“Penipu lah….tu gaya niaga dia… Bisness makan duit Haram boleh maju berapa lama ???“ – NT

“Seriously dirty and unhyginic outlet at centry square don’t know how you got your basic food and hygienic cert. Food left on the table from last customer. Table if so sticky which I have no idea what you use to clean your table .. Expensive it’s fine but provide a little standard buddy … even coffee shop service and cleanliness is much more better than you guys .. SHAME ON YOU ! WAITED FOR THE 20 MINS TO MAKE PRATA WHAT THE HELL JOKE …“ – BC (posted straight to their FB page)

“Waiting my food more than half hour! What happen for the Tampines Mall outlet? Refuse customer cancel order! I need to rush train to my working place! Last time I visit Prata wala! Lousy service! Who claim me the food n taxi? Shit!“ – EC (posted straight to their FB page)

Were customers cheated by the advert as seen in the picture? Looks more filling and can clearly see the salted egg too, but of course it has to be that way to attract the customers. So are these the real thoughts about Prata Wala? Not too sure coz haven’t tried also. Apa korang rasa?

Rilek1Corner

September 19, 2017
Innovative Partnership Between ITE, NUS And NUH Is About To Change How Kidney Stones Are Being Removed

A team of staff from ITE has successfully created a solution to simplify percutaneous-nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which is the complicated process of removing large or complex kidney stones. The Percutaneous-Access-to-Kidney-Assist Device (PAKAD) is made possible through ITE’s collaboration with the National University Hospital (NUH), the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Invivo Medical Pte Ltd.

Innovation to Make Complex Procedure Simpler, Shorter and Safer

PCNL is a complicated surgery technique that is usually carried out by senior surgeons. Traditionally, PCNL surgeons refer to x-ray imaging of the patient’s kidney to locate the stone(s), before inserting a long and hollow needle through the skin to reach the stone(s). An endoscope surgical instrument is then inserted through the aid of the needle passage to fragment and remove the stone(s). This is complex, as the surgeon has to use free-hand techniques to locate the stone(s) in a three-dimensional environment, while referring to a two-dimensional image. At times, several attempts may be required, which lengthens the patient’s exposure to x-ray radiation and recovery period.

The PAKAD incorporates precision engineering mechanisms to systematically adjust, guide and stabilize the needle into alignment with the targeted stone(s). Through successful trials on animals at NUH, the PAKAD has proven that it can simplify and shorten the PCNL process, hence reducing x-ray exposure, risks of complications, and recovery periods. With the PAKAD, the junior surgeons can also perform the needle insertion PCNL procedure

Multiple Parties Make Innovation Possible

ITE’s team’s research efforts were strengthened through the domain expertise of NUH and NUS. Through Invivo Medical, the device will be commercialized and a licensing agreement was signed among ITE, NUH, NUS and Invivo Medical. The team received financial support for the Applied Research through the MOE Innovation Fund, the NRF Proof-of-Concept grant, and the MOE Translational R&D and Innovation Fund.

Work on the PAKAD started in 2011. After the PAKAD was developed and a patent application was filed, the PAKAD was first showcased at a major event at TechInnovation 2013, as part of the Singapore start-up ecosystem. At the event, PAKAD was matched with an investor, who is now bringing the device to market through Invivo Medical. Over the next five years, the sales of the device is projected to hit S$25 million.

The contributions by various parties have made it possible for the innovation to benefit patients. The research team will complete clinical trials before obtaining regulatory approvals. PAKAD is expected to reach the market by the end of 2018.

“This is an excellent example of an industry-institution partnership to develop innovative and integrated solutions to improve productivity and processes. We are grateful to NUH, NUS and Invivo Medical, to enable ITE to create and patent the Percutaneous Access to Kidney Assist Device (PAKAD) for safe kidney surgery,” said Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO, ITE.

“The new technology allows for better precision during surgery and enhances patient safety and outcome. It expands on NUH’s track record of partnerships for clinical innovation and development that help raise the standard of clinical care. We look forward to more of these collaborations to bring about greater tangible benefits for our patients,” Prof Kesavan Esuvaranathan, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Urology, National University Hospital.

“NUS is delighted to have been part of this multi-party collaboration. Researchers from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine provided medical expertise, which ITE used to enhance the PAKAD. Realising the strong potential for this technology to improve clinical procedures and healthcare for kidney stone patients, the NUS Industry Liaison Office took the lead in the commercialization process, including managing negotiations for this multi-party licensing agreement. Our endeavor to bring innovative technologies closer to market is made possible with great partners who have similar goals,” said Mr Sean Flanigan, Director of NUS Industry Liaison Office.

“The new medical-device is the world’s first operational Percutaneous Access to Kidney Assist Device (PAKAD). It is the result of a successful collaboration by three institutions and the industry and made possible by a match-up at TechInnovation 2013. Beyond this, we plan to do continual product development to apply the invention to more minimally-invasive surgical and biopsy procedures,” said Dr Joseph Chai, Managing Director / Director, Invivo Medical Pte Ltd.

Source: https://biotechin.asia

September 19, 2017
Manipulation Of The Constitution: #notmypresident #notmygovernment #notmydemocracy

I am one of those who have highlighted the hypocrisy on both sides upon observing both sides and my views are from my personal perspective. Categorically, I am against the manipulation of the constitution particularly the reserved election on basis of race by the government of the day to maintain grip of power bases. This however does not automatically mean I am supportive of any claim of an alternative voice challenging the primary power base. There are inconsistencies in what have been said, what have been allowed to be said, what have been silence and what have been forced to be silenced.

The example of double standard begins with the hashtag campaign of #notmypresident pointing to the legitimacy of the presidency rather than #notmygovernment or #notmydemocracy that would point to the mechanism and ideology used to manipulate the constitution. The campaign of #notmypresident must be nuanced with an alternative person for presidency. This is perhaps presented in the person of Dr Tan Cheng Bock, the best loser for PE2011. This is with the assumption that an open election by the revised criteria, he would qualify for candidacy. However, the little has been said about the Dr Tan’s capacity to meet the $500m company criteria that saw Mr Salleh and Mr Farid disqualified.

The #notmypresident campaign was preceded with a spoil your vote campaign which in sum was intended as a protest against the reserved election (almost without mention of the manipulation of the eligibility criteria) simultaneously denouncing the nomination of Mr Salleh and Mr Farid as potential candidates who have stepped forward in full awareness of the changes of the eligibility criteria. What makes the movement inconsistent and precursor to double standard is the treatment and opinion accorded to Dr Tan, a former PAP MP who was blocked from contesting primarily on the grounds of a racially reserved election and the treatment and opinion accorded to Mr Salleh, a voluntary director at Temasek Foundation Cares on the grounds of not meeting the $500m criteria.

Dr Tan was hailed as being robbed of the presidency while Mr Salleh was portrayed as a crony despite both are directly associated with the establishment and both were blocked from potentially contesting the presidency. The above inconsistency prompted me to ask if the anger was due to violated principles or violated opportunity of an individual. Unreservedly, I am supportive of Dr Tan’s challenge to the presidency. This does not mean that should a more qualified candidate be available, I should ignore. For example it has been widely publicised that Mdm Halimah has no financial background to be a custodian of the reserves. However, would Mr Salleh Marican be less qualified than Dr Tan C B in this aspect. What would the principle of meritocracy suggest?

It is also known that Mdm Halimah is an immediate alumni of the establishment, however between Mr Salleh and Dr Tan, the association to the establishment of Dr Tan is as a former card carrying allowanced PAP MP who has refrained from joining a different political party since stepping down, while Mr Salleh was a volunteer director at a nonprofit community service arm of Temasek. What would the principle of independence suggest? Categorically I qualify that I am here not to pit Dr Tan against Mr Salleh but to highlight the tenor and treatment put forth by the alternative movement on two violated candidates, both with sound financial acumen, both with ties with the establishment and both non partisan to any political party at the time of planned candidacy.

Thus I have to undertake a personal reflection and question aspects of privilege, rights and principles. With that, I need to caution myself against getting caught in a cult of personality because Democracy is not simply the propelling the voice of the majority (in the widest sense) or the rule of majority, democracy stands in symbiotic coupling to ensuring minority (in the widest sense) rights (in a sense just as wide). Without the latter, a discourse on Civil Liberties and Civil Rights that ensues will sit on an oppressive high ground as demand for justice on aspects where the majority feels shortchanged are heard loud while privileges that propels benefits to the same majority are retained in silence.

Source: R.H.

September 19, 2017