如果我能唱(rú guǒ wǒ néng chàng)

如果我能唱
(rú guǒ wǒ néng chàng)

詞：黃美廉　曲：王麗玲
(cí: Huáng měilián qū / qǔ: Wáng Lí / lìlíng)

如能我能完整唱一首歌，
(rú néng wǒ néng wán zhěng chàng yī shǒu gē,)

那將是對你的感恩和贊美；
(nà jiàng shì duì nǐ de gǎn ēn hé zàn měi;)

苦難中，你給我安慰，
(kǔ nàn zhōng nǐ gěi wǒ ān wèi,)

彷徨時，你給我智能。
(páng huáng shí nǐ gěi wǒ zhì néng.)

雖然我不能開口唱一首歌，
(suī rán wǒ bù néng kāi kǒu chàng yī shǒu gē,)

我卻要對你獻上真誠敬拜；
(wǒ què yào duì nǐ xiàn shàng zhēn chéng jìng bài;)

每時刻你的手牽引我，
(měi shí kè nǐ de shǒu qiān yǐn,)

你慈愛使我開怀。
(nǐ cí ài shǐ wǒ kāi huái)

天上的云雀啊！
(tiān shàng de yún què ā!)

會唱的人們哪！
(huì chàng de rén men nǎ)

你們可愿代我，
(nǐ men kě yuàn dài wǒ)

歌頌上帝無比之美？
(gē sòng shàng dì wú bǐ zhī měi)

我愿用耳傾听，
(wǒ yuàn yòng ěr qīng tīng)

我愿用心共鳴，
(wǒ yuàn yòng xīn kāi gòng)

這發自內心深處最美的聲音－
(zhè fā zì nèi xīn shēn chù zuì měi de shēng yīn)

我真愛你!
(wǒ zhēn ài nǐ)

A very moving letter...forwarded message from an old classmate Teoh Hock Hin

From:	"hockhin teoh"
To:	"A S KHOO" , "agnesteoh@gmail.com" , "alice wong" , "alwinp@contractorsbonding.com" , "audrey.kwong@diageo.com" , "azlan@botco.com.my" , "Bobby Ong" , "cary loke cc" , "charles.ireland@diageo.com" , "David Goh" , "Dinshaw Maneksha" , "engkooi looi" , "Jonas Phang Peng Yook" , "Joseph Yee" , "Kenny Reutens" , "'KIM SEONG LEE'" , "krishramaligam" , "kwongaudrey@diageo.com" , "low gee teong" , "Michael Swanston" , "Paul Chuah" , "Phang Chen Faut" , "Philip Tan" , "Raman Ramiah" , "sheila perrera" , "simon sim" , "syed razif al-idid" , "tina wardi" , "seah ai kuan"
Subject:	FW: a very moving letter in malaysiakini.com
Date:	Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:55:44 +0000

Subject: a very moving letter in malaysiakini.com


A daughter devastated, a mother with no answers
A Schoolteacher | Apr 17, 08 3:27pm


I am a teacher by profession. I am teaching in a
government school. Being a teacher, I am expected to
inculcate moral values in my teachings. I have
memorised all the sixteen values "Nilai-nilai Murni"
as a result of twenty-five years of teaching values
that transcend curriculum. Day in day out, all the
students are exposed to all the values which are
expected to cultivate good thinking and moral values
among our young citizens. Examples of some of the
moral values are being kind-hearted, respecting each
other, fairness, honesty, and moderation.

In the recent SPM examination, many of my students did
very well, some scoring straight As. We, teachers of
all races, felt so very proud seeing the achievements
of our students. We had "Hari Anugerah Cemerlang" in
my school. Parents, regardless of race or religion
were there to lend support for the programme and at
the same time to motivate the children. One such
student is my own daughter, who scored 12 As, best
student of the school. She used to wake as early as 4
o·clock in the morning to start preparing for her SPM.


When I asked her why she has to take up 12 subjects
and torture herself, she told me, "I am not a
bumiputera like many of my friends" So the need to
take up two extra subjects (not offered in her school)
in order to be on par with her Malay friends.

She applied for the Progran Matrikulasi well before
SPM itself. Yesterday was the day she was eagerly
waiting since obtaining her SPM results because all
the applicants will get their reply from the
matriculation office. While I was in school, my
handphone rang. It was a call from my daughter. When I
answered the call she was already sobbing, and I am so
silly to think that it was tears of joy.

The sobs turn to cries after she heard my voice - she
was devastated, depressed and very disappointed
because she failed to get entry into this
government-sponsored programme. She is the eldest in
my family. I have another three school going children.
May be I am to be blamed because it was me who asked
her to study hard, get good results because being an
ordinary teacher I can not afford to send her to
private colleges.

When I came back after school yesterday afternoon,
again I saw tears in her eyes. She asked several
questions. "Is it wrong to get 12 As in SPM? My Malay
friends who got 2As and 3 As got to do the
matriculation programme, I am denied. What's wrong?"
You are also a teacher just like uncle, (my Malay
colleague in school) his son was offered a place
although he scored only 5As. Why? I don't have
answers.

Being a teacher (I teach History and Moral Education),
I teach my students to be loyal to the country, to
respect the leaders, to obey the laws of the nation,
to promote goodwill and so on. I encourage them to
participate in "Rimup" (a race integration programme
among students of various races).

I do not know what to say to my daughter. I feel
guilty because what I teach in school is actually
rubbish, perhaps I need to tell them the reality being
a non-Malay citizen of our beloved nation. For that I
need to resign. Please Mr. Prime Minister, may be you
have something to tell us.

Integrity...forwarded message from sister-in-law Seh Mee Gek

Date:	Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:55:26 +0800
From:	"Seh Mee Gek" View Contact Details Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by gmail.com. Learn more
Subject:	Fwd: integrity

a good reminder....;-)

---------- Forwarded message ----------



> Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a
> church in Houston, Texas.
>
>
> Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from
> his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that
> the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
>
>
> As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give
> the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh,
> forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little
> amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never
> miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."
>
>
> When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he
> handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much
> change."
>
> The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town?"
>
> "Yes" he replied.
>
> "Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to
> worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much
> change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."
>
> When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the
> nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son
> for a quarter."
>
> Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a
> really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and
> will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You
> carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself
> "Christian."
>
> Watch your thoughts; they become words.
> Watch your words; they become actions.
> Watch your actions; they become habits.
> Watch your habits; they become character.
> Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
>
>
> The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not
> PROTECT you...

Re: Police Station in Bandar Sair Damansara

From: (Bukit Lanjan) Elizabeth Wong

To: Aw

Cc: Sdra Lee Kim Seong

Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:26 PM

Subject: Re: Police Station in Bandar Sair Damansara

Dear Mr. Aw,

Your concerns have been noted and I shall first contact the Selangor Police, the Land Office (on usage of the land) and MBPJ.

Again, as per my previous email, I would like to find out if the RA has written any past letters or sent any memorandum to the concerned authorities. If would be good for me to obtain copies of them, in order to followup.

best regards,

Elizabeth Wong

ADUN Bukit Lanjan

Police Station in Bandar Sri Damansara

This e-mail was sent to YB Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping, ADUN Bukit Lanjan on the long overdue issue of having a Police Station in Bandar Sri Damansara. YB Elizabeth is also Selangor Chairman of the Committee for Tourism, Consumers Affiars and Environment (Pelancongan, Hal Ehwal Pengguna & Alam Sekitar):

On Apr 23, 2008, at 12:33 PM, Aw wrote:

Dear YB,

Last year because of the nation wide increase in crime & hue & cry from the people of Malaysia, the Federal government has allocated funds to the police to increase their presence among the people by setting up police stations in selected housing estates. The police have announced they will be renting shoplots & houses for their personnel to work & stay at the respective housing estates. This is a very good idea whereby the police can interact with the residents closely almost 24 hours.

I am a resident of Bandar Sri Damansara for the past 15 years. The Developer Bandar Sri Damansara Berhad has allocated a piece of land along Persiaran Dagang ever since this township was developed for the purpose of building a police station. But unfortunately this allocated piece of land was not use to build a police station in spite many appeals to the proper authorities (including the Police) concerned by the Resident Association of this township. Presently this piece of land is occupied by a private hawker center.

What have the residents done to have their houses robbed at night & in broad daylight, getting attacked by snatch thieves, cars stolen right in front of their houses, carjacked in their house compound not once but twice by the same robbers & many other related criminal offences. And now we have to set up our own security committees to employ private guards to guard our families & houses day & night. What irony!

Please use your good office to address the situation.

Thank You Very Much For Your Cooperation.

Thank You

Aw Jit Beng,

Life Member, Bandar Sri Damansara Resident Association

H/P: 019-3028378

YTL Climate Change Week - "The 11th Hour"

From:	"YTL Climate Change Week"
To:	leeks5229@yahoo.co.uk
Date:	Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:13:14 +0800
Subject:	YTL Climate Change Week - "The 11th Hour"

CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected to watch "The 11th Hour",
produced and narrated by Hollywood actor & environmental activist Leonardo
DiCaprio. The internationally acclaimed film explores how we live and
impact Earth's ecosystems and what we can do as global citizens to change
the course mankind is headed for.

Held in conjunction with YTL's Climate Change Week, together we can be
part of the solution. To collect your two (2) free passes for the
screening on Saturday, 3 May 2008 at 3.00pm, The Kuala Lumpur Performing
Arts Centre (KLPac), head over to:

YTL Platinum Plus Lounge, Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery, KL
Anytime from 10am to 10pm
From 25-27 April 2008 (Fri - Sun)

(All tickets not redeemed by end of Sunday, 27 April will be released.
For enquiries, please call 03 - 2782 3882)

Thank you.


Best regards,
Climate Change Week Committee

Disclaimer:
This message (including any attachments) is for the use of the
addressee only. It may contain private proprietary or legally privileged
statements and information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost
by any transmission error. If you are not the intended recipient,
please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy
any hard copies of it and notify the sender immediately. You must not,
directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, copy or rely
on any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any
views expressed in this message (including any attachments) are those
of the individual sender and not those of any member of the YTL Group,
except where the message states otherwise and the sender is authorized
to state them to be the views of any such entity.

Know Your Streetlights

Know Your Streetlights

You may realize that there are different designs of streetlights that exist along the streets. These designs will let you know of where to channel your concerns and complaints to the rightful owner.

TNB has standardised the design and installation of streetlights all throughout the country. The lamps are mounted on TNB's concrete poles that bear the company's colour of blue and red, and also a reference number, which can be seen on the picture shown.

TNB's concrete pole	Pole's reference number

Other designs of streetlights, such as decorative lights, single-arm and double-arm galvanised pole as shown in the pictures, are primarily owned and maintained by the local authority of a particular area. TNB's role is merely as a supply provider. Nevertheless, lack of awareness of this fact has caused majority of the public to turn to TNB as the main channel to address their complaints.

Maintained by Government/Local Authority/Developer/
Decorative lights	Single-arm pole	Double-arm pole

Note: The above information on the different design of streetlights

are made available from http://www.tnb.com.my and therefore

are acknowledged with thank.

Lamp Cover of streetlight reference no: JM SD10/3 3 is dirty

Dear sirs,

This streetlight which is located in front of my house with the address stated above, has a lamp cover which is very dirty. Hence the distribution of light from this streetlight is not very even and therefore the light is not clear and not bright.

Your kind attention and urgent action is appreciated. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Kim Seong

The normal auto response:

Thank you for your feedback/inquiry. Your inquiry has been forwarded to Manager (Commercial Affairs) of KLP for his immediate attention and action. Should you have further clarifications or questions, please contact Nik Najihah Nik Ahmad at 03-62506020 ext 1714 or email matkilat_met@tnb.com.my.

Streetlight Pole JM SD10/3 2 is not lit

This streetlight in front of my neighbours' houses at 21 & 22 along Jalan Margosa SD10/3 is not lit. This problem has persisted for some time.

Thank you for your attention and action as soon as possible.

The following is the normal auto response:

Thank you for your feedback/inquiry. Your inquiry has been forwarded to Manager (Commercial Affairs) of KLP for his immediate attention and action. Should you have further clarifications or questions, please contact Nik Najihah Nik Ahmad at 03-62506020 ext 1714 or email matkilat_met@tnb.com.my.

Rethink rear seat belt by Tian Lai via e-mail

Date:	Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:26:59 +0100 (BST)
From:	"Lee KS" View Contact Details
Subject:	Rethink rear seat belt by Tian Lai via e-mail (The Sun Friday April 18 2008)
To:	letters@thesundaily.com

Dear sirs,

First of all a disclaimer. I am no expert on this subject. I am only at best a concerned fellow Malaysian trying to share my thoughts on this issue. No malice to you or Tian Lai is intended.

Thank you for highlighting Tian Lai's e-mail on the above matter.

I wish to congratulate the Transport Ministry for going ahead with the implementation of the rear seat belt requirement effective June this year. Personally I think the authorities should have considered this move a long time ago. Anyway it is always better late than never!

Safety for the people must never be compromised irrespective of the cost involved or inconvenience caused. I am confident that the ministry as well as other involved authorities would have explored and have seriously looked into all the implications that Tian Lai had raised.

Yes, in the name of safety, people using public transportation such as buses should also be required to belt up as well. I am sure this requirement may not go well with the populace. But if it is safer for me to buckle a seat belt when I travel on buses I would definitely be willing to abide with the regulation which to be enforced for the sake of my safety.

I was in South Korea a few years ago for a tour there. I remember very clearly that we had to belt up on the tour bus and our local guide told us that it is a safety requirement in Korea. If it is feasible for the Koreans, it should be feasible for us Malaysians.

Yes, the rear seat belt requirement would create some inconveniences for people with bigger families. However if I am in this situation, I may consider one of the following options:

(a) Suggest to the family members that we shop at places nearer home. Hence I would only have to make a maximum of two shuttle trips at the most to bring my family to the place or places concerned for shopping.

(b) Suggest taking public transportation for a change. We may stop at any convenient places along the bus route to do our shopping. My children may get to enjoy the adventure of bus rides once in a while.

Yes, I agree. The rear seat belts must be made affordable. Some unscrupulous business people must be fore warned not to take advantage of the situation to capitalise on this ruling to make fast bucks for themselves.

What is needed is not more time for a more detailed study of the implications which may arise or making adjustments to the ruling at hand before implementation. What is really needed is a paradigm shift to accept this new requirement with an open mind and an open heart at a minimal cost and inconvenience to ourselves. It is a worthwhile sacrifice to make for our sake and for the sake of our children!

Lee Kim Seong

Add:16 Jalan Margosa SD 10/3
Bandar Sri Damansara
52200 Kuala Lumpur

Reunion photographs for Class of '62

My cousin Mee Loon and her family in New York USA

My cousin Lee Mee Loon, eldest daughter of my 4th uncle with her husband Gan. In front of them are their daughter and son.

With Sam Looi on the Bridge of the River Kwai in Thailand

A thought provoking question from 'Sweet T is watching you

This question is taken from http://www.answerbag.com with the permission of 'Sweet T is watching you'.

Why do people look down on others that are disabled, blind or deaf? They amaze me with the things they can do.

To me the best answer is from LynfromNM given below:

I think it starts as discomfort that is expressed awkwardly and sometimes cruelly. Many people resent being made to feel uncomfortable and look at the person who has the disability as the cause of that discomfort.

People tend to see differences as disabilities. This is a narrow view, and points out the "disability" of the observer to see a whole person rather than one feature of that person. None of us are defined by just one feature of ourselves. That's why it isn't a gray haired person, but a person who has gray hair. It's not a crippled person, but a person who uses a wheelchair.

I think those who are cruel to people whose differences are obvious are afraid, and their cruelty is a defense mechanism in order to dissociate themselves from anyone who is "different".

My comments to the above answer:

Thank you 'Sweet T is watching you' for a very thought provoking question. I am deeply encouraged by LynfromNM's response to your question. She has given the issue a totally new perspective and I love it. Her psychological intelligence must be very high indeed. With your permission and LynfromNM's,I will post your question and LynfromNM's answer to my blog later. Do I have the permission from the both of you?

Warmest regards, Lee KS of Malaysia.

A thought provoking question from Sweet T is watching you

Question:
	Why do people look down on others that are disabled, blind or deaf? They amaze me with the things they can do. By Sweet T is watching you Asked 3 hours ago

Who looks after the pedestrian bridges in Kuala Lumpur?

Being a senior now, one of the places that I would be visiting quite often is the Kuala Lumpur Hospital located at Jalan Pahang. As it is not easy to find a parking bay within the compound of the hospital, it is my normal habit to park my Kelisa at a private car park for a fee of RM3.00 which permits parking for the whole day. Each visit to the hospital would mean 1/2 day there and the fee to pay is still affordable.

My normal route to the hospital would be via the pedestrian bridge (I hope the term is correct!). I believe with all heart that this is the safest way to cross Jalan Pahang to get to the hospital, not opting for a quick dash across at the risk of our lives. Keselamatan harus diutamakan! I will never fail to take a good look at the bridge and to note its cleanliness or otherwise. I would not be wrong to conclude that the bridge has never ever been swept before. In Bandar Sri Damansara Alam Flora has a "sapuan jalan" schedule for all the roads in the township. I was given to understand that only the principal roads are looked after on a daily basis whereas the other roads would be swept twice a month. This is only on paper!

So who is responsible for the pedestrian bridges in Kuala Lumpur? At least for now, who is responsible for the maintenance and the cleanliness of this bridge in question? I hope to get some answers soon.

The bridge is clean enough for at least one person (he appears to be a foreigner). This morning I found him fast asleep , oblivious to the happenings around him. I also noted that part of the awnings is now missing. Stolen perhaps? Flown away maybe? No one know for sure!

In another 12 years time we would become a developed nation. There are so much to be done before we get there.

Three power disruptions with five hours from 11.00am to 4.00pm

It is sad to note that residents in Jalan Margosa SD 10/3 Bandar Sri Damansara had to bear with three power disruptions from 11.00am until 3.55pm. What is happening at your end?

It is pertinent for a big company like TNB to take proactive actions ie preventive maintenance to prevent further disruptions or at least minimize the disruptions so that residents like us do not have bear with the inconveniences caused. Three power disruptions within 5 hours are far too much to put up with.

Please take care of us, ok?

Thank you.

The auto-response I received:

Thank you for your feedback/inquiry. Your inquiry has been forwarded to Manager (Commercial Affairs) of KLP for his immediate attention and action. Should you have further clarifications or questions, please contact Nik Najihah Nik Ahmad at 03-62506020 ext 1714 or email matkilat_met@tnb.com.my.

Terima kasih Encik Abdul Razak Ke Atas Tindakan Pantas Awak

I wish to take this opportunity to thank Encik Abdul Razak for his prompt action to settle the matter as per my e-mail below to RRN Bemban Jaya Enterprise. It was addressed to Encik Mohd Anuar Syahrul (I was given to understand that he has resigned from the company) but Encik Abdul Razak gave it his personal attention. Syabas Encik Abdul Razak for a job well done!


Encik Mohd Anuar Syahrul bin Mohd Amin,

Dengan hormatnya saya merujuk kepada perkara yang tersebut di atas.

Sehubungan itu, saya ingin memaklumkan bahawa tempat di depan rumah saya yang telah digorek supaya menggantikan paip masih belum dibaiki dengan sempurna. Diharap tuan boleh meluahkan masa untuk datang dan semak sendiri kerja yang dibuat oleh staf tuan. Saya telah memberi komen kepada pekerja berkenaan tetapi dia memaklumkan bahawa kerja masih belum siap dengan sempurna. Lebih seminggu sudah berlepas tetapi kerja yang wajar masih belum disempurnakan. Saya pasti tuan semesti ada jadual masa bagi projek ini yang harus diikuti dengan teliti.

Saya berharap tuan dapat mengambil tindakan sesuai untuk mengatasi masalah ini dengan secepat mungkin. Perhatian dan tindakan didahului dengan ribuan terima kasih.

Sekian dimaklumkan dan selamat sejahtera.

Yang benar,

Lee Kim Seong

Alamat rumah: 16 Jalan Margosa SD10/3 Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.

Nombor bimbit: 013-2572119

When will all these irresponsible actions stop?

I have been staying in Bandar Sri Damansara since 1994. My family and I are proud to be residents of this township we can claim to be our own. This beautiful township has provided for all of us homes in the midst of nature. I was very elated when I saw some bushy squirrels visiting our home one morning. However I have my set of regrets!

Our beautiful township has been invaded by unsightly posters which are mainly for the purpose of advertisements. You can find them on trees, street poles, street signs, etc. No places are spared of these invasions! I just removed a poster pasted on the street pole in front of my home. I just can't stomach this nonsense anymore.

Why are these people so bold? The advertisements always carry the contact numbers of the advertisers but the authorities concerned are turning a blind eye to these eye sores. To a certain extent, this could rationalize such inundations which are deemed to be "permitted" by the local authorities.

The local government must therefore take a firm step to put these issues to rest once and for all. The well meaning business community has to take a positive approach to make known their products and services in a more holistic manner. Just take a look at Kepong Info or Media Focus which are delivered at our door steps and you will surely know what I mean.

Syabas to the people behind www.keponginfo.com.my and www.mediafocus1999.com/www.mf-99.com.

Can an MA see patients & prescribe medicine?

On 29th December 2007 I posted the following question to Malaysian Medical Resources:

My wife went to Jinjang Health Clinic to see a doctor. She complained of blood in her urine. Instead a MA saw her and prescribed medicine as well. It did not seem right. What do you think?

Among the responses are the following:

From palmdoc

Thanks for writing in LKS. I think there were some typos in your feedback and I made corrections as above based on what I thought you meant. If I am mistaken, please correct me.
I presume you are referring to the Government Jinjang Health Clinic as mentioned in Tan Seng Giaw’s blog

The Health Clinic in Jinjang North treats over 500 out-patients daily,covering a radius of over four kilometers with a population of about 300,000. It provides maternal and child care. It is on 999 calls. It treats over 30 drug addicts with methadone.
On 2.12.2007, Dr Tan accompanied some residents to revisit the new Jinjang Clinic that has 10 consulting rooms, six doctors, six medical assistants, no physiotherapist and no occupational therapist. The next day, Dr Tan raised the shortage of doctors and the inadequate facilities in Parliament during the debate on the Supply Bill at the committee stage with the allocation of RM 12.9 billion for the Health Ministry including RM 1.6 billion for public health.

Medical Assistants (MAs) were formerly known as Hospital Assistants (HAs) and they have and still are performing a vital role in the public health service in Malaysia where there is a perennial shortage of doctors. The role of HAs is pretty similar to the role of Physician Assistants in the US where trained PAs are allowed to “conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions”. MAs are particularly important in the rural clinics where there may be no permanent doctor stationed. Some of these MAs who have worked for years are very experienced in what they do and indeed many a young doctor working in rural areas would have learnt alot from such senior experienced MAs. I recall as a young MO, I learnt the most efficient way to remove a fish hook embedded in one’s thumb from a senior MA working in casualty! Some MAs in Orthopedics would be able to reduce fractures far better than young orthopedic surgeons I tell you. It all boils down to experience.

So, the short answer to your question, LKS, is yes. In Malaysia, an MA can see patients, treat patients and prescribe medicine but only in government clinics. MAs under the PHFSA cannot do the same in private clinics which are expected to be manned by medical doctors at all times as stipulated in their opening hours (under threat of jail or a hefty fine). Double standards for the public sector vs the private sector you might ask? I think the public sector has no choice as there are still insufficient doctors and in any case, for simple or minor illnesses, care by an MA is appropriate.
The issue is many a time, whether an illness is “minor” or “major” hinges on the diagnosis. Whether a young inexperienced MA without an MBBS can diagnose the cause of blood in the urine (medically termed as hematuria) correctly is another matter. Hematuria is commonly due to disorders like urinary tract infection or stones in the urinary tract. It may also be symptomatic of more serious disorders like cancer of the urinary tract or kidneys, glomerulonephritis and in our part of the world sometimes tuberculosis of the urinary tract. So if in doubt, do consult a doctor.

For those interested to know about MAs, you may visit these links:
Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants
Lembaga Pembantu Perubatan Malaysia

A pleasant surprise from Salbina!!

Hi to you too Mr. Lee!

Of course I can still remember you as well as other "production" staff.

Working life to me is the same anywhere.

By the way how did you find out that I'm now in JPNIN?

Hope to hear from you again and thanks for e-mailing.

Dated: 20 February 2008 - An immediate reply from her!

My first short e-mail to Salbina to gauge response

Hi Salbina!

I am Lee Kim Seong and I hope you can still remember me.

I was told you were transferred from Dept of Statistics but I didn't know
that you are now with JPNIN.

How is working life there?

Bye for now and take care.

Regards,

Lee Kim Seong

Dated: 20 February 2008

Salbina binti Mohd Salleh - an old colleague and a very trusted assistant

It was great for me to re-establish contact with Cik Salbina binti Mohd Salleh about a month ago.

One afternoon my mind went back to the days when I served in BMD (Bahagian Memproses Data) in the Department of Statistics. I always remember with gratitude the staff who were with me. The first few names which came to me are Salbina, Aishah, Azizah and Maggiline. There are still many others who were really good and able assistants and staff of mine.

This was what I did! I keyed in Salbina's full name using google search and sure enough her name appeared under JPNIN. Salbina is no longer serving in Stats. but now in Jabatan Perpaduan Negara & Integrasi Nasional under Kementerian Perpaduan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan. Wherever she serves, Salbina would an asset to the department concerned.

I will always remember and treasure her contributions to me as her immediate "boss" and to the Department of Statistics in general. I note with fondness how our operations manuals were properly documented and arranged in manners for easy retrieval. Even exceptional notes for trouble shootings had been included. All thanks and credits must be due to Salbina. Thank you again Salbina for the jobs very well done. You truly deserved the credit and it must take a person who had been in the thick of things to recognize and really appreciate what you have done.

Well done Salbina...all the very best in your future endeavours!!!

How to help a friend in need?

I am of the opinion that friends do not come by accidents. As I walk through life, many people will become relevant to me, either because we are of like character or we share some passions in common. One of these friends is Tony Wong Kok Sack who is six years younger than me. Tony and I have served in the same community Bandar Sri Damansara and we were "active" (active is a relative term which is highly subjective and very disputable) in the BSDRA for some years.

Last year he was diagnosed to have lung cancer and needed immediate treatment. He had his initial treatment at the University Hospital UMCC under a chest physician but now he is receiving treatment from an oncologist. My friends and I are concerned with the high cost of "chemotherapy" treatments. He has to undergo three such treatments at a relative cost of RM8,000.00 per session.

The issue at hand: How can we help a friend in need?