International Workers' Day

May 1st. is International Workers' Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day. Though most countries celebrate it on May 1st. but there are other countries who celebrate it on a different date with their own historic origin.

In Europe the day has older significance as a rural festival which is predominantly more important than that of the Labour Day movement. The holiday has become internationalised and several countries hold multi-day celebrations including parades, shows and other patriotic and labour-oriented events.

In Australia, Labour Day is a public holiday celebrating the achievement of the 8-hour day in the late 1850s. Stonemasons and building workers on building sites around Melbourne, Australia, stopped work and marched from the University of Melbourne to Parliament House to achieve an eight hour day. Their direct action protest was a success, and they are noted as the first organized workers in the world to achieve an eight hour day with no loss of pay, which subsequently inspired the celebration of Labour Day. "Previously workers are required to work long hours each week ........... 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week".

Thus in general, Labour Day is an annual holiday celebrated all over the world that resulted from efforts of the labour union movement, to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone out there "A Very Happy & Blessed Labour Day".

Happy Holiday To All!!

Chinese Zodiac Signs

In February this year, just a week before the Chinese Lunar New Year, as I was walking around Jalan Bukit Bintang, I was indeed surprised to see the twelve statues of the Chinese Zodiac Signs being displayed.

Each of the twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs is represented by a particular animal. The Chinese Zodiac Signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Wanna see them in pictures?????

Why are all the other Zodiac Signs white in colour whereas the RAT is golden?? Aha.... 2008 is the Year of The Rat!!

Write-ups on Trade Unions (Part 1)

Malaysian trade unions of both employers and employees and their affairs are governed by federal law, viz. the Trade Union Act 1959 (which is referred to as TUA) and, to some extent, the Industrial Relations Act 1967 (which is referred to as IRA).

The right to form unions and to engage in their lawful activities are embodied in the Industrial Relations Act 1967 rather than the TUA. In particular, section 4(1) of the IRA declares:

"No person shall interfere with, restrain or coerce a workman or an employer in the exercise of his rights to form and assist in the formation of and join a trade union and to participate in its lawful activities"

That right is enjoyed by both employers and employees.

Why do Workers Join Trade Unions?

There are 3 main reasons which explain why workers form and join trade unions:-

1. to improve their economic situation;
2. to ensure their rights are protected; and
3. for social reasons

The Economic Motive
Workers join unions to improve their terms and conditions of service, i.e., their pay and other benefits. Alone, the individual worker has limited bargaining power compared with that of the employer. He is easily replaceable. If he is not satisfied with what is offered by his employer, he is powerless in the bargaining process. It is only when workers join together and form trade unions that they acquire strength. Workers who associate themselves with the lawful activities of a trade union are given protection under the law. This gives them the power to effectively bargain with the employer for better terms and conditions.

Protection of Rights
By joining trade unions, workers also expect unions to protect them against discrimination by their employer. In some organisations, management may try to discriminate against a group of workers or an individual. Workers also needs protection from their unions from exploitation and unfair treatment at work. The union therefore acts as a 'watch-dog' over its members, and will take steps to rectify instances of unfair treatment. One of the most important rights which unions try to protect is job security for the workers. Without his job the worker cannot survive, so unions will try to protect from retrenchment and unfair dismissal.

Social Reasons
Workers may be influenced to join a trade union to show solidarity with their fellow workers and to be protected. In cases where many other workers in an organisation already belong to a union, it is quite likely that the new recruit will also join to show his support for his colleagues' activities. Some may join a trade union because they have the attributes of a leader and they see opportunities to exercise leadership qualities in the union hierarchy.

'Managers are people who do things right, while leaders are people who do the right thing'
~~~ Warren Bennis, Ph.D ~~~

Life - Mother Teresa

I would like to share with all of you this meaningful article on 'Life' by Mother Teresa.

Ever since I receive this article from an E-Mail friend of mine, I got it typed out and printed onto an A4 paper and got it pasted on a cupboard which is easily seen by all members of the family..... not only that, whenever friends come to our home I used to see them reading it too.

Whenever I feel down or unhappy..... I will read it again and again. These words really helps to cheer me up, and each time when I read it, it seems to remind me about Life and how lucky I am today..... and..... everyday.......

Life......

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realise it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfil it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

More than a treasure!

As I was flipping through my old photo album last night, I suddenly saw this photo - Oh, My treasure!!

Those who are either older than me or almost my age will understand but not the younger generation. Well.... in the past, when we were in Primary Six we sat for Common Entrance (which we call it now UPSR). In that exam it is compulsory for all students to submit a hand-made art, and as I've chosen to do batik..... this is the output of my effort. It really takes months to complete the whole thing. I still remember have to use lots of wax (from melted candles), brushes, batik ink.... ah.... just to recall some of the items used.

Thanks to my parents for giving me so much support and ideas or else I think I won't be able to complete it in time for the submission.

In actual fact this photo doesn't cover the whole batik piece..... it's just the center portion only. Though I can't remember the size of it, but I can still recall that it's rather big.

We never have the opportunity to take back this art-piece, but luckily I still have this little photo to remember it, or else..... I don't think I'll be able to imagine how it looks like now.

"The greatest treasure are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart"

The beautiful Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu

During my husband's recent official trip to Kota Kinabalu, the group was being put up at the famous Sutera Harbour Resort, the City-Style - The Pacific Sutera Hotel.

Sutera Harbour Resort, a hotel property located in the heart of the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu and on the shore near Manukan Island comprises of the 5-star luxury hotel accomodation of the City-Style 'The Pacific Sutera' and Resort-Style 'The Magellan Sutera'.

The Pacific Sutera Hotel (right) and it's swimming pool (left)

The two hotels, part of the resort property, are a mere 10 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the heart of Kota Kinabalu. The City has Mt. Kinabalu as its backdrop and Manukan Island and the other islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marina Park dotting the ocean, making Sutera Harbour Resort with its luxurious hotel accomodation the ideal base from which to explore Sabah.

A sunrise view of Mt. Kinabalu taken from the hotel room (left) Manukan Island & other two islands (right)

The beautiful harbour

Cooking and Food

I remember when I was in my young days, I love to watch my mum doing cooking in the kitchen and also helping her out with the preparation as well as sitting beside her watching her when she do her sewing.

However, when I was in my lower secondary school, studying Home Science is a must for every girls and Woodworking for the boys. This not only helps to build our interests as girls or boys, but it really helps us in our growing up years to learn things (for girls) such as:-

• Personal grooming - Personal health, appearance, hair, clothes and shoes
• Cleaning and care of the home
• Laundrywork
• Cooking and nutrition
• Mothercraft and home nursing
• Needlework and dressmaking

In today's modern world, children are very much engrossed with televisions, computers & games, internets, etc..... thus, their interests in the areas as mentioned above are very much switched. As mothers myself, I can see that today's children though more educated are not able to fit into the above-mentioned environment. Some even can't cook a simple dish or prepare their own meal. They are very much dependent on their mothers.

In my opinion, I still prefer that today's children must learn (off course with their own initiatives not forcing) to be more independant as it will be easier for them when they go out furthering their studies (outside their own hometown) or working for the matter. Competition is very great in today's era, so our children definitely won't be like 'Katak dibawah tempurung' as in the olden days (which is staying at home with their parents from young till their working life).

Cooking is never hard to learn as long as we have the interest. We don't have to cook good food using complicated cooking methods - Simple cooking can be more nutritious, mouth watering and tasty compared to a packet of fast food outside! I think most mothers will agree with me.

So my dear dear children or younger generation people...... build your interest in cooking and I can assure you that it will be a lesson worth learning. If you have any doubts, never hesitate to ask.... rest assured..... until today I still ask my elderly about tips on cooking..... the more you ask the better cook you'll be as by asking you are learning. I always remember a saying 'If you stop learning you stop living'.

Interested with my simple and yet tasty and mouth watering Fried Chicken???? I am most willing to share...... it is my very own recipe. I have the photo published in my earlier blog, so just view from there.....

Recipe - Fried Chicken

1. Chicken - clean and cut into pieces (prefer a little bigger piece so it will be more tender after frying)
2. Marinade the chicken pieces with Pepper, Salt and Chicken Stock Granules (Tips: If marinade overnight put less of the marinade ingredients, but if only after few hours, then can put more)
3. Put oil in the kuali or pot and heat it up. (for deep frying, use more oil so that the chicken will be crispy)
4. Coat chicken pieces evenly with flour (tepung gandum)
5. Deep fry chicken in moderate heat until golden colour (remember: if oil is too hot it will burnt the chicken and the inside won't be fully cooked)
6. Serve!!

So simple right??? Anyway..... wish you all success and happy cooking and off course enjoy your fried chicken!!!!

Another two of my children's favourite dishes (Crab fried with egg & Stir fried asparagus with mushrooms and meat)

An Argument Over A Hotel......

Recently as I was chatting with my daughter through MSN, she suddenly pose me a question "Is there a Holiday Inn Hotel in Miri?" Sure enough my answer to her is "YES"! I was very confident as years back I have attended a dinner function there. I even tell her that the hotel is situated next to the river and the scenery is very beautiful..... that's what makes me to remember the place very well!

Suddenly to my surprised...... she argued..... "I don't think there is cos I've never seen it for as long as I am there". I really can't argue with her much as I know she likes to travel and eventhough she is only there for less than a year, I think she have been going round Miri City, including the areas further off.

Finally we end the arguments as she will try to find out further about it. After that I also forget about this Hotel issue.

It was only until my recent visit to Miri that she drove me to ParkCity Everly Hotel, situated at Jalan Temenggung Datuk Oyong....... then I realised that this is the Hotel which we are arguing about.

The hotel didn't change a bit (from the outside view), except that it changed it's name to ParkCity Everly Hotel, Miri (formerly known as Holiday Inn, Miri).

This photo is taken to proof that I am not wrong about the existence of Holiday Inn Miri and neither is she. The photo is taken at Marina Bay and overlooking it is the hotel which we have been arguing about.....

It has been a good argument and proof afterall..... at least we know for now!!

Seminar at Auckland, New Zealand

I am writing this article to share my personal experience, ten years ago, in Auckland ..........

My nomination has been accepted by Communications International (An International Body which the Union of our Company is affiliated to) to attend a South East Asian and Pacific Sub-Regional Women's Seminar. The theme of our seminar is 'Impacts of Technological Change on Women's Employment in Communications Industries'.

How we get there??? Aha..... a long and hectic journey indeed!! There are two of us from Kuching. Our original flight schedule is Kuching direct to Singapore my MAS, unluckily our flight changed last minute while we are checking in at Kuching airport from Kuching to Johore instead. With no other choice in hand so we flew to Johore. There we have to take a bus to Singapore through the causeway..... mind you.... have to drag our luggages through the long queue at the Imigration, up and down the stairs some more..... It is indeed a frightening experience of my life!! Finally we made it to Singapore Airport, in time for our next flight to Sydney (Qantas Airways).

Our flight is ETD 2015 from Singapore and ETA 0635 in Sydney. I wasn't used to sleeping in the plane, so..... I have a whole night of 'Non-Sleep' travel!! It's torturing...... but the moment I see sunlight..... my heart lightened up as I knew that we will be arriving soon in Sydney. What a relief!

We manage to stroll around Sydney Airport..... buy some souvenirs..... then take another flight from Sydney to Auckland, which is another five hours journey. We finally reached Auckland at 1530hrs. We then took a bus from the airport to our hotel.

The participants are from Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. We are all put up at Novotel Hotel, Customs Street, Auckland which is also the venue for our seminar.

Novotel Hotel

Auckland is not as busy as Malaysia...... people are friendly, but the streets are rather quiet after seven in the evening. Our seminar is from 0900 to 1700, and in the evening we are free to go on our own.

Doing presentation on behalf of the Malaysian Group

A group visit to Auckland Post Office

On the last day of our seminar we are given half day off, so the group from Malaysia and Thailand rented a van to pick us from our hotel to a few famous spots in Auckland.

The Rose Garden (left) and One Tree Hill (right)

At one of the Shopping Center - Kiwi

The beautifully decorated shopping center (left) and The Sheep Farm (right)

KUCHING - A City Of Cats!

The Cat Museum

Kuching, being a city of cats is having the world's first Cat Museum which is under the management of Kuching North City Hall.

The museum is far more than just a collection of artifacts. Material has been collected from, and donated by, countries from all over the globe. It entertains cat lovers but also act as a useful research centre outlining the history, legends and various beliefs about cats.

Cat lovers will find all range of exhibits, photos, feline art and cat souvenirs there. History of Kuching are also being explained and elaborated not only through words but old pictures as well.

I have many friends who came to Kuching (especially for the first time) visited this Cat Museum feeling satisfied. Cameras are allowed in this museum by paying a minimal fee and we are allow to take any photo there. As this museum is located on top of a hill, well...... the scenery is really beautiful.

So if you are in this Cat City, do make yourself available to visit this unique museum which is one of it's kind in the world. You will definitely have memorable experience during your visit.

Our home pet cat..... see how cute!!

KUCHING - A City Of Cats!

Kuching City, which is situated on the island of Borneo is the largest city and capital of the beautiful land of Sarawak.

Kuching's name is originated from many sources. In the Malay language, Kuching means cat. Some sources say that Kuching originated from the Chinese word "Gu Chin" which means harbour. Another sources say that Kuching is named after a lychee like fruit called Mata Kuching (Cat's eye).

Whatever it is doesn't matter....... the important thing is when you happen to come to Kuching for the first time, don't be too surprise if you see statues of cats in and around the city. Cats has been an Icon for Kuching City. Just talking about it won't mean anything without really looking at it with your own eyes right??

Here comes the photos........

This statue is situated at Kuching City South (Padungan Road). Taken with my friends from Sabah during the Christmas season. Photo of the cat with the Bow-Tie marks this festive occasion.

Me with a group of cats at Kuching Waterfront

My daughter Karen with friends with the cats located near Holiday Inn/Chartered Bank/McDonald

This 'Couple Cat' is found in Kuching's Cat Museum

That's all about it for the time being. Will continue on this topic later. Happy reading!

Wrightia Plant (Part 2)

Planting Bonsai is my husband's favourite hobby. Every weekend he is seen busy taking care of them. Bonsai is a living thing, thus like a normal tree or plant it has basic needs like water, sunlight and care.

Here are some gardening guidelines that will help keep the plant healthy and beautiful:-

1. Water the plant daily - Wrightia loves water, so have to water at least once or twice a day
2. Sunlight - Like other plants, Wrightia needs sunlight to produce food through the process of photosynthesis. Thus it should be place outdoor to receive as much sunlight as possible.
3. Trimming/Pruning - Unwanted leaves/branch sticking out of the plant's original shape should be trimmed once every few weeks or months. Regular pruning will keep the bonsai back in shape.
4. Wiring (shaping the tree) - Occasionally, there is need to shape or reshape the bonsai. To shape the trunk or branch we can use either copper or aluminium wires.
5. Soil Mixture - The types of soil to use is baked earth mixed with organic compost.
6. Repotting - Once the soil has hardened or when water drainage is poor, the plant needs to be repot to promote growth (new soil mixture will help to provide the plant with space to grow and help to rejuvinate new growth).
7. Feeding the plant - The amount of fertiliser to put depends on the size of the tree/bonsai. Do not overfeed as it will kill the plant.

After trimming/pruning of leaves and unwanted branches & reshaping

Leaves starts to sprout after 2 to 3 weeks of pruning

1 month after pruning

Blooming time.........

A Wrightia Bonsai plant will normally full bloom after each pruning and trimming. Not only that I love to see it's flowers but also it's fragrance smell.

For those who loves gardening, why not try a hand on this plant. I assure you that, once you have one of it, you are sure to want to have more. Happy gardening............

Be Careful Of Eyes Everywhere!!

Kuching friends....... be extra careful these days when you are out there in Kuching City or even in the comfort zone of your own home!!!

I really wonder???? Where are the security and peace that we once have???? Thieves, burglars, rapists (what other crimes?) are now at large in our once secured and peaceful city...... Almost everyday in the newspapers we read about it!

Those so called 'criminals' (if I may termed them) are waiting inside the compound of the unfortunate to come home, force them into their house and then on with their action! Many of such cases happens recently and it seems to be the newest tactics that they use.

Let me share with you a very recent untoward incident which to us shouldn't have happen but happened. A lady attending a friend's funeral put her handbag inside her car booth upon reaching the cemetry. Mind you..... in just seconds, her car screen was being smashed and handbag gone! Just imagine....... even in such a situation Eyes are watching.

I sincerely and hopefully wish and pray that the authorities concerned would tighten the security of our city so Kuching City folks could have their peace of mind.

Time To Go Home (Miri/Kuching)

My leisure trip to Miri ended today 21st April. We wake up early in the morning and take turns to take bath and get ready to leave the house.

As Karen is sending me to the airport, so Catherine have to be sent off earlier to campus.... poor her!

We went for breakfast, then proceed to the airport. My flight home is 11.05am. After we bid farewell, Karen have to get back home, then to campus for her editing.

It is a holiday worth looking forward to...... relaxing, minds free from stress & worries and also the only time where we won't have to keep up to our normal daily schedules.

"Take A Break & You'll Feel Great"

A Leisure Trip To Miri (Episode 3)...... continuation

Sorry friends..... I couldn't get to finish my last night's blog due to some technical constraint. So I am continuing it from here.........

Upon reaching Latak Waterfall, Karen and Catherine couldn't wait to get into the cool water. I only dip my legs into the water..... at least manage to cool down my heated body.... sweating all over after the 20 minutes trail.

After enjoying themselves, they decided to get changed and then proceed back to the entrance where we started our journey.

The next destination in their mind is Bekenu!! We take a round to Bekenu Town and then proceed straight to the beach........ Wow.... the beach is beautiful too! The tide is coming in rather fast and most of the rocks are covered with water. We enjoyed taking a stroll on the soft sandy beach..... under the hot sun. As it is a Sunday many people are seen swimming in the water along the beach.

Wow!! See how beautiful this Beach...... The sand is really soft.....

Finally, we decided to leave and proceed for home as we are all feeling tired and sleepy.

About 5 in afternoon, I was again taken for a ride round Senadin and Miri town, with Karen as the tour driver and Catherine as a tour guide...... As we are all feeling hungry, we then proceed for dinner. Right after dinner we went to a so called 'Taman Awam' (in english Public Park). This park is special as it has few stretches of suspension bridges that leads from one end to the other. Below is the beautifully decorated park and also a medium size children 'water park'. After seeing so much of the different towns throughout the state of Sarawak, I should say this is the first of it's kind which is very unique. Furthermore, I really appreciate the cleanliness of the whole park. Not only did I see security guards on duty but also security dogs. See how advance they are.....

Our day out ended here...... time to relax, rest...... sleep = Zzzzzzz - Goodnight

A Leisure Trip To Miri (Episode 3)

3rd Day in Miri is a free day for me as my daughter Karen and her house-mate Catherine are busy in Campus with Curtin's Sports Carnival 2008. Somehow got to have lunch with them at 1200 noon. I cook a very simple dinner for the three of us.... Karen's favourite Fried Chicken, Midin (which I brought from Kuching) cooked with sambal belacan, Chai Poh with egg and French Bean..... here comes the dishes in photo......

Day 4, being Sunday is an interesting day out cos both Karen and Catherine have plan to go outing at Lambir Hills National Park.

We started off about 8.00 in the morning, first for breakfast, then drive straight up to Lambir Hill. We trailed about 20 minutes to reach Latak Waterfall.

A Sharing of an article on LOVE.....

Friends.... I believe that this article is useful for people of Christian faith. It is important for each and everyone of us and our lives..... so, do read on.......

LOVE
According to psycologists, the most basic human need is to love and be loved. There is no power greater than love. It can motivate people to do things for others they wouldn't normally do. Some even give up everything for the sake of the one they love.

But if love is such a beautiful thing so essential to life, why is there so little of it in the world? Why is there so much hate? The answer is simple. True love is more than a sentimental, gushy feeling. Love is a decision, a choice we each must make. The greatest demonstration of love is to give our life for the person we love. God did that. Even before we were born, he demonstrated his great love for us when he gave his only son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so we could have forgiveness and eternal life in him. That is what love is. It gives selflessly, even sacrificially. It unconditionally provides for the one that is loved.

This kind of love comes only from God, for God very being is love. So when men and women rebel againt God by setting up their own value system, rejecting the authority of God, they lose the very source of true love, that is God.

Away from the source, love becomes temporary rather than lasting. It becomes selfish and demanding. It seeks what it wants rather than the good of the one that is loved. It takes rather than gives.

But when we connect with God, his love enables us to love others as he loves, even our enemies. We can love others without expecting or demanding anything in return. God's love gives and forgives. It is constant, dependable, and lasting. It fulfills and it satisfies the deepest need.

This kind of love is free and available. We only need to come and connect with God throuh his Son Jesus Christ, and that love will flow freely in and through our hearts to others.

10 Ways To Know If It's Love

Friends, I have here a good article which I've read recently and would very much like to share with you all. Happy reading.....

Love......

1. Does not say, "Me First"
2. Believes the best about others
3. Does not "keep score" of the bad things that others do
4. Does not tear down others
5. Is not conceited
6. Is patient with others, even when they are annoying
7. Is not happy when someone gets hurt
8. Helps out others, even if it's inconvenient
9. Celebrates the successes of others
10. Never QUITS
    

A Leisure Trip To Miri (Episode 2)

Day 2 in Miri City.......

We started off with marketing at Lutong Market in the early morning. Then we went home to put our stuffs.... and set off for Tim Sum at 2020 (sorry.... can't name the location of the place) haha......

Our first stop is Luak Bay. Though it is drizzling but it never stops us from going out of the car onto the beach. In just minutes..... Karen is already busy with her camera..... click here, click there.... The tide is high and big...... The beach at this time of the weekday is peaceful and quiet.... it's really a good time to have a good stroll at the beach!

Wanna see me 'photo-shooting' on the beach???? Here I come.........















Here comes the beach........


Just before we left Luak Bay I leave my footprint in the sand...... and this is how it looks like........
Our next stop is Tanjung Lobang Beach. It is also very quiet and peaceful. We manage to have the whole areas to ourselves....... I mean for phototaking la.......

Our final sight-seeing destination is of course...... the Marina Bay. I have heard so much of this popular name but this is the first time that I've really been there. My daughter Karen have been telling me so much about it...... the Seahorse...... Finally, I manage to get there to experience the beautiful scenery. I have got the opportunity to observe both the night view (which is on the 1st day of my arrival in Miri) and also the day view. Here comes the BIG Seahorse!!

This is the pathway area which leads to the statue of the Seahorse and overlooking it is the view of Miri City

After our sight-seeing since morning, we still manage to go shopping at Imperial Mall, then to the Miri PC Fair which is held at the Stadium. The intention of going there is to purchase MP3 for my son Aaron..... since he is Home Alone..... for the first time though...... Manage to get a STORM MP3 at RM108.00 with seven functions..... rather cheap...

We then stop for lunch at a Chinese Restaurant, which is already nearly 2pm. Wanna see what we have????? "A 3-Course Lunch" which consists of Mixed Vegetables, Butter Prawn and Pork Rib.


After lunch we direct proceed for home - feeling tired and sleepy. However, it is a day full of experience, enjoyment and excitement!!