Three Clubs, One Journey - Queensland, Australia Apr, 2010

Chai Kee Sehu and I goofing around with one of the crew members

Yours trulyYours truly after conquering the Great Barrier Reef

A fuzzy picture of OC No. 1 and I

The OCs and the only YC in Coolangatta airport, Gold Coast

From Cairns to Gold Coast - Nearly Two Thousand Kms of Love, Joy and Laughter

Scandinavian Holiday Photos

I had a great time visiting Scandinavia, one part of the world that seemed so elusive before. I was pleasantly surprised.

C'est La Vie !

Life is a bliss ! Better enjoy it whilst I can....

Hong Kong Holiday Photos

HK Disneyland !!

Sidewalk in HK

Having "tong sui" at Temple Street, HK

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Thumbs up !!

Winston Churchill. I am no Lady Astor though.

The mediator between Zhou Enlai and Mao Zedong

Brangelina

Aaron Kwok (drool drool)

I broke the highest glass ceiling in the USA !!!

Yours truly in a train enroute to HK

Myself in Loh Wu train station

TRIP WITH MOM AND SISTERS

It was a very enjoyable trip, short and sweet. The highlight being Disneyland. Hope to go for another trip like this.

Nicole's Nook

Time really flies ! More than half a year has now passed since the state of Johor was devastated by floods in December, 2006, whereby 60,000 people were displaced. A second wave of floods in January, 2007 caused some 70,000 to be evacuated. It was back in 26th of December, 2004 that a tsunami killed approximately 300,000 people. Another new wave would be none other than the new NS Bar Committee members led by Mr. Tee Kim Chan. They were elected in March, 2007. That was the first election held after the amendment of Section 46A of the Legal Profession Act, 1960.

Mr. Tee stressed the importance of fraternity in the NS Bar during his inaugural speech as the NS Bar Chairman. Our new chairman’s emphasis on fraternity is quite noble and meant to foster a better relationship among NS Bar members. He is also very concerned about the standard of practice especially on the fundamental understanding of the law. Maybe it is time for a proper legal academy to be set up to ensure that lawyers who are called to the Bar are of impeccable character and training. This legal academy should replace CLP (which is mere rote-learning) and should be applied across the board, i.e. even to local graduates. Our very own inns of court coupled with our own tradition of dining. Imagine our local fare of rendang; nasi lemak; roti canai; hainanese chicken rice etc.

I must raise a point about the senior-junior syndrome that is plaguing our practice albeit on a lesser scale in NS. All I can say is that it takes two hands to clap. In order to have camaraderie or chumminess, the junior lawyers should take the first step to introduce themselves to the seniors and not wait for the seniors to do so. I was guilty of that in my early days as some senior lawyers mistook my lack of initiative and shyness (more like thin-skinned) to be aloofness. I can't sell insurance or involve in direct marketing as I take rejection rather personally. However, there are a handful of senior lawyers who understood my then predicament or just that they were and still are plain right down-to-earth. These senior lawyers treated me like friends since day one and I can never forget that.

No article is complete without a discussion on politics. I have always wanted to marry a prince (not!). Therefore, it is only befitting for me to laud the erstwhile most eligible prince in our country, Raja Nazrin. He finally left his bachelorhood and broke many Malaysian ladies’ hearts in the process. I must add that Raja Nazrin is not a “calang-calang” prince. He is a prince with vision and heart. Even before our PM asked for a improvement of the government’s delivery system, he was dishing out advice on how the delivery system can affect the nation as a whole and requested the government to improve on the delivery system to achieve transparency and efficiency. That was also before Khairy wrote about the “little Napoleans”.

I have always believed that a leader is not born but made. History has shown that kings had to fight for their territories before they were being installed. They were not born as kings. They had to fight to win that right. It is not a birth right but a brawn right. In these modern times, brains and not brawn is the order of the day. Every now and then our UMNO youth leaders would wave a “keris” or threatened the non-Malays not to question their birth right. The whole problem lies in the fact that our political systems are racial-based. How to solve this recurring problem? Easy, ask Raja Nazrin to form a non-racial based political party. He has the right qualification and clout to carry out this onerous task of saving our country before it goes to the dogs. We can smell the dogs already. Raja Nazrin, please come to our rescue.

Related to delivery system is the State Legal Adviser’s department. As far as I know, the State Legal Adviser's department is under-staffed. How can one person be going for exco meetings; providing legal advice to all the state bodies; run the office; go to the courts etc, all at the same time. It is very difficult to make an appointment to see the State Legal Adviser. Further, we cannot expect one person to be knowledgeable in all aspects of law. Gone were the days when the State Legal Adviser can go to courts personally as their responsibilities are much more now. More people, more business, more problems, more lawyers etc. I suggest that the Assistant State Legal Advisers be appointed to head different areas of laws for eg, conveyancing and litigation. Only then will our problems of delivery system be solved. Most of the time, when a land office or PTG or any government department or body is stuck with a question of law they direct it to the State Legal Adviser.

What is wrong with us? Why can’t we call Malaysia an Islamic state. They can call it any name so long as our rights are not trampled. I would foresee a bigger problem if fanatics and extremists run our country and yet call it a secular state. I have a real problem with those people who do not practise what they preach. These same politicians also reminded us to relax and that the keris-waving incident was merely another “sandiwara” stunt to fish for votes. Merely lip service. No action talk only. They want us to believe that they needed to do this in order to get all the votes. However, the question is how long can they sustain such childish act and mindless stunt? They think we are morons or what? We are definitely moronic if we allow this to persist. I agree that Malaysia is an unusual and complex country. It is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, we should capitalise on this and make it our selling point. If only we can focus on substance rather than bigotry. If only we can agree to disagree. If only we can avoid pointing fingers at others. Meritocracy must be the order of the day. What I found disturbing is that after every fierce polemics and rhetorics, there is always a unity and peace speech. We do not have short memories and we cannot be subjected to such systematic harrassment and debasement followed by damage control and not feel hurt and humiliated. The damage has been done, no amount of coaxing and cajoling can fix them. Why can't we focus on unity and progress for our own sake?

Who does not keep track with the latest on Altantuya’s case? I mean, it is something like a Bollywood movie complete with private investigators, love affairs; C4 bombs; Unit Tindakan Khas with a licence to kill. For those who read Malaysia Today, they would be drawn into Raja Petra’s world of intrigue. I must give Raja Petra credit for being able to mix fiction with facts so well until all of us are utterly confused. Not unlike Dan Brown, I must say.

Remember how the Kinabatangan MP, Bung Mokhtar and Jasin “close one eye” MP, Mohd Said coupled by Mohamed Nazri “bodoh bodoh bodoh” Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department verbally attacked and demeaned DAP’s MP, Fong Po Kuan? Such emotive utterances by elected members of the Parliament are unbecoming and should not be condoned but yet it is a reality in Malaysia. They get away with this in Malaysia as there is no political will to stop them. There is no political will to ensure that there is integrity in Parliament. Their behaviour speaks volumes of how they regard the womenfolk; how they regard their own wives; daughters or mothers. The voice of apathy will always tell us to ignore their moronic behaviour. However, we must not ALLOW these things to happen in Parliament. We have to get rid of such people from Parliament. If we choose to ignore them, it will embolden them further.

In 2006, Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution was amended to prohibit discrimination against anyone on the grounds of gender. Malaysia had acceded to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1995. A message to the powers that be: Please walk the talk ! What is the point of amending the Constitution and allow such discrimination, especially committed by a wakil rakyat? What is the point of acceding the CEDAW? The Kinabatangan MP and his cohorts must be given their come uppance lest we make a mockery of the law and ourselves. What is the party whip doing? The last time an MP took a different stand, the MP (from Negeri Sembilan) was suspended. The Kinabatangan MP committed a much more serious offence. He should be dropped from the next general election. The rakyat must not vote for such a crass person. The MPs involved (the perpetrator and those who supported him) must be made responsible for their shameful behaviour by the party. The party cannot condone such sexist behaviour especially so when our country has already ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This is not a good precedent to set. Humankind, regardless of creed should unite and protest against all sexist behaviour.

With the current fiasco of our Chief Justice failing to get the Council of Rulers’ approval for the appointment of the Chief Judge of Malaya, I propose that a Commission for a Judicial Appointments be set up to study the flaws and complaints pertaining to the current procedure and to set out a better transparent procedure whereby judges are appointed by merits, together with a check and balance machinery. Thereafter, a Judicial Appointments Commission shall be set up based on the Commission's findings and report. Finally, some form of check and balance on the executive; judiciary and legislature. It would be better if the Rulers can order for a proper system for appointment of judges.

So much of hullabaloo on poor Namawee and his Negaraku. I watched the video too. The first time was without the English subtitles. The second one with the English subtitles. You see, my Mandarin is that bad. I was only enlightened after the second time but I still do not know whether it was properly translated. Anyway, I feel that his video is not as bad as Eminem’s; Madonna’s; 50 cent’s; etc. Freedom of expression should prevail in this case. Anyway, it was wrong of the reporter to state "He was reported to have touched on racially-sensitive issues by sarcastically singing the morning call to prayer for Muslims". There's nothing racial about that. Muslims can be Chinese; Indian; Malay or any other race. Ethnicity has got nothing to do with religion or vice versa. This kind of equation is very dangerous.

I am indeed honoured to be given the privilege to share my thoughts with my fellow NS Bar members. I am also very proud to be part of the Editorial team comprising of such eminent and affable members of the Bar. On that note, I wish you Happy practising !

Nicole
27-8-2007

Note : For those who are interested in constitutional landmarks of our country, please be informed that there is a hardcover book titled “Constitutional Landmarks in Malaysia – The First 50 Years – 1957-2007”, edited by Andrew Harding and HP Lee, published by LexisNexis. Do get a copy (sold at RM89.00 per copy) from Mr VV of the NS Bar Room.

Soroptimist International

Dr Suzanne Noel

Viscountess of Falmouth

Violet Richardson Ward

I am a member of Soroptimist International Seremban or known endearingly as SIS. We just celebrated our first anniversary last month. We printed a souvenir programme. For those uninitiated with SIS, I have taken the liberty to post part of the souvenir programme together with the Editor's Note :-

"Note from the Editor

My first experience of Soroptimism was in Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam’s Ayur Centre. I was invited by a lawyer, Ms. Thavamani, who unfortunately could not be part of our team due to time constraints. There we were, a motley crew of 29 ladies, led by our President Susan Ho, who despite our busy schedules came together and decided to charter a Soroptimist International Club in Seremban at the behest of Puan Sri Siew Yong; Beh Suat Pheng; and Helena Cheah, in honour of Nina Wong. Our first meeting to organize the charter night was held on the 21st of February, 2007 at the Ayur Centre. It was an almost miraculous display of grit and passion that pulled us through. We organized the charter night, which was held at the Royal Sungei Ujong Club on the 21st of March, 2007, in one month’s time albeit with a few glitches here and there. There was a sense of satisfaction and achievement after the elation of the charter night. However, that was just the beginning. Our President has so graciously opened her office for us to hold our monthly meetings.

We had to get down to the real work. We immediately started our first project on the 21st June, 2007 which was the AIDS Awareness programme which was jointly conducted by SI Bangsar and our club in ACS. It was a roaring success. We did not rest on our laurels. We embarked on our next project which was the City Survival Skills held on 30th of June, 2007. The rest of the projects are presented in this souvenir programme.

I am deeply honoured to be given the task of compiling the souvenir programme for Soroptimist International Seremban’s (SIS) First Anniversary Cum Fund-Raising Dinner to be held on the 20th of March, 2008. I would like to convey my appreciation to those who have contributed to in one way or another towards the souvenir programme, especially Chan Chooi Hoong.

My intention is to chronicle the birth and development of Soroptimism as the first thing we get is : “Soro what?”. “Soroptimist” is still quite alien compared to “Rotary” or “Lion”. I did some research and found that, with the advent of internet, there was a plethora of information on Soroptimism. I merely had to collate the information and present it in a succinct manner. Enjoy !

Yours in soroptimism,
Nicole Tan,
Honorary Secretary, SIS

I. Soroptimist International (SI) History

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and the professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.
The first Soroptimist Club was organised in Oakland, California, on the 3rd of October, 1921. It was called the Soroptimist Club of Alameda County. There is a very interesting biologue of Violet Richardson Ward, the Charter President of the founding club below. A woman which way beyond her time ! Read about the doggedness in her pursuits; her acute sense of humour; and most importantly, her achievements.


It was followed by the Soroptimist Club of San Francisco on the 6th of March, 1933. The first club Europe, the Greater London club was chartered on the 14th of February, 1924 by Viscountess Falmouth.

On the 17th of October, 1924, Dr. Suzanne Nöel, an eminent plastic surgeon (Quip: nip/tuck in 1924?? Amazing !!), founded SI Paris, the first Soroptimist club in Europe. She later became the first President of the European Federation.

By 1928, the number of clubs in these areas had grown to such an extent that it was decided to form a coordinating body, known as a Federation, in each area. Hence, the Federations of America and Europe were formed.

In 1934 the third Federation, Great Britain & Ireland was formed and in 1978, the fourth was formed, the Federation of South West Pacific.

Today, Soroptimist International has approximately 95,000 members in 126 countries divided into 4 Federations consisting of more than 3,000 clubs. Our Federation, the South West Pacific (SWP) today includes Australia; New Zealand; Fiji; Mongolia; Samoa; Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Malaysia; Indonesia; Solomon Islands; China; and Thailand.

Malaysia has 13 clubs in one Region, i.e., the Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM).

II. Violet Richardson (Ward)’s Biologue

I was born Violet Richardson in Summit, New Jersey on August 27, 1888. After graduating from high school, I enrolled at the University of California in Berkeley as an art major, but I soon realized that my passion was in health and physical education. I guess, one might say that I was a pioneer in this field!

In 1911, while a student at the University of California, I organized the Berkeley Women’s Gymnasium and one year later I received my degree in Physical Culture, which became known as health and physical education in later years. It was also at the University when I established a women’s hiking club so that women could enjoy the pleasures of the Berkeley hills on Sundays and holidays. There were funny stories about me hiking with my shotgun in hand, but it was necessary --- since there were rattlesnakes in those hills!

In 1916 I received my Master’s Degree from the same university. While in my second year of study, I began to teach physical education classes to the underclassmen at the university, and substituted in the physical education departments.

I guess today one might call me an activist or a rabble rouser! As a physical education instructor at the university during my college days, I fought for equal pay for women. Can you believe that I was only paid $20 a month to lead classes, yet a man was being paid $40 a month simply to take the roll in my classes! I couldn’t believe it! So, I insisted on equal pay! When it was not forthcoming, well, I just quit! The university president rehired me at $40 a month, which was great except for one thing: he then raised the man’s salary to $60! Guest what? I resigned again! However, this time I did not return to teaching until the university board of regents signed an employment contract with me which guaranteed me $60 a month too!

While serving as Supervisor of Health and Physical Education for the District, I established physical education classes for boys and girls in grade schools, and established the first girls’ physical education classes at Berkeley High School. And during the later years of my career, I served as Director of Physical Education for the entire Berkeley School District.

I became well-known in the Bay Area for my work in health and physical education. As a result I was asked to join a new organization for women in 1921. I met with several professional women in Oakland and after interviewing me they asked me to join them. The organization was all about service, about professional and businesswomen, and I was promised that it would become an international organization. This was very important to me. So important, that I only joined after being assured by the organizer, Mr. Stuart Morrow, that it would develop into an international organization for women.

We all met for weeks until there were 80 of us ready to charter the new club. We decided to call ourselves “Soroptimists” – a coined word from two Latin words: “soro” meaning women and “optima” meaning best --- thus the phrase “the best for women” was developed. Now we were ready to charter and elect officers. The women asked me to serve as the charter president.

Imagine that, what an honor? This was only the beginning of a long wonderful relationship with this organization called Soroptimist. So on October 3, 1921 in the Oakland Hotel I was installed as the charter president of the Soroptimist Club of Alameda County and was inducted into membership along with 79 other women.

After working hard to form other Soroptimist clubs throughout California, the United States and Canada, I met the love of my life, Stanley Ward, and in June, 1926 I became Violet Richardson Ward. And 18 months later, I gave birth to my one and only child, John in December, 1927.

Throughout my adult life, I was very active in numerous community activities. In addition to Soroptimist, I served twice as president of the local PTA chapter, not as a parent, but as a teacher. I taught American Red Cross water safety classes. I was a member of the Kensington Girl Scout Council, the Order of the Eastern Star, American Association of University Women, the YMCA, the University of California Faculty Club, the Berkeley Teachers’ Association and the Association of California Retired Teachers. I was very honored to have received numerous awards for service from many of these organizations throughout my lifetime.

I always treated all my students with dignity and respect. When teaching dance classes, I always picked the most unattractive or shy boy in the class to be my partner.

After 41 years with the Berkeley School District, I retired. However, as one might expect, I did not stay still. I traveled and was very active. So active that in my retirement years, I broke both hips, a leg and even had a severe concussion while traveling in Sweden. But, it took more than broken bones and a concussion to slow me down! I recovered from all and was just like new again! I am proud to say that I have led a full and rewarding life, and at the age of 90 I died in Danville, California at the home of my son John with my eight grandchildren at my side.

I guess in looking over my long life one could say that “I made a difference!” One might call me a “pioneer” in physical culture. I worked tirelessly for people to understand the importance of health and physical education for our young people, especially for young women. Because of my constant nagging and in the face attitude, physical education became a required subject in the Berkeley School District’s curriculum for both girls and boys, which preceded by several years any California state law requirements. It was rather fun to see the response of the public when my girl students took the field to play basketball, or other so-called “male sports” wearing their “bloomers”!

I also feel good about making a difference for women in helping to organize and develop the Soroptimist organization. I know that every person, working at the best of his or her ability, is necessary for a successful society.

I think that my work in Soroptimist is best summarized by my statement made at the end of my presidency of the Alameda County Club: “Let us continue the work together and with others, toward the development of a better womanhood, a better manhood, and a better citizenship.”

III. Soroptimist Emblem

The Soroptimist emblem symbolises the aims and ideals of Soroptimism.
On a circular disc, the woman appears as a central figure, with the flowing rays of a new day forming an aureole behind her. The figure depicts the spirit of womanhood vital steadfast and dauntless.

The female figure holds in her upraised arms a plaque bearing the word "Soroptimist". She upholds it as a gesture of freedom and glory.

From the word "Soroptimist" the leaves and acorns of the mighty oak tree curve downward to the right, epitomising the strength, growth, progress and achievements of the organisation. Curving downward to the left are the leaves of the laurel, renowned from antiquity as the emblem of victory, typifying friendship and success.

Below the female figure, the word, "International" signifies the worldwide nature of Soroptimism."

Madonna's latest video

I have always been fascinated by Madonna. She is the epitome of bad girl. On top of that she is a very good entertainer. She is shocking and yet trendy. Check out her latest video, "4 minutes" with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfUjfioAnKY

Enjoy !