Penang, Penang lang(槟城人) lah......

International Woman Day

2012-03-07T22:30:00.002-08:00

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day, is marked on March 8 every year. The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2012 is Empower Women – End Hunger and Poverty. In many countries, International Women's Day is an occasion to honor and praise women for their accomplishments.

I t was not recognized in our country as national holiday or national event, some time ago it was considered as socialist linked event, and was banned.

Happy Woman Day to all woman in Penang.

The origin of Hakka(客家人的来源)

2012-03-06T23:41:00.008-08:00

The Hakka (客家), sometimes Hakka Han,are Han Chinese who speak the Hakka language and have links to the provincial areas of Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan and Fujian in China.

The Chinese characters for Hakka (客家) literally means "guest families". The Hakka's ancestors were often said to have arrived from what is today's central China centuries ago. In a series of migrations, the Hakkas moved, settled in their present locations in southern China, and then often migrated overseas to various countries throughout the world. The worldwide population of Hakkas is about 80 million, though the number of Hakka-language speakers is fewer. Hakka people have had a significant influence on the course of Chinese and world history: in particular, they have been a source of many revolutionary, government, and military leaders.

It is commonly held that the Hakka are a subgroup of the Han Chinese that originated in northern China. To trace their origins, three accepted theories so far have been brought forth among anthropologists, linguists, and historians: firstly, the Hakka are Han Chinese originating solely from the Central Plain in China containing today's Shanxi and Henan provinces; secondly, the Hakka are Han Chinese from the Central Plain, with some inflow of those already in the south; or thirdly, the majority of the Hakka are Han Chinese from the south, with portions coming from those in the north. The latter two are the most likely and are together supported by multiple scientific studies. Clyde Kiang stated that the Hakka's origins may also be linked with the Han's ancient neighbors, the Dongyi and Xiongnu people (a.k.a. Huns), who later had a considerable and sometimes dominating presence in parts of northern China from the Han Dynasty (202 BC–AD 220) period to the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420–589 AD),[page needed], and eventually merged and assimilated within the general Han populace.[citation needed] This is disputed, however, by many scholars and Kiang's theories are considered controversial. It is known that the earliest major waves of Hakka migration began due to the attacks of the two afore-mentioned tribes during the Jin Dynasty (265–420).

Since the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BC), the ancestors of the Hakka have migrated southwards several times because of social unrest, upheaval and invasions. Subsequent migrations also occurred at the end of the Tang Dynasty in the 10th century and during the end of the Northern Song Dynasty in 1125, the last of which saw a massive flood of refugees fleeing southward when the Jurchens captured the northern Song capital of Bianliang. A further southward migration may have continued, as the Mongols defeated the Jurchen Jin Dynasty and proceeded to take down the Southern Song, establishing the Yuan Dynasty in 1271. The precise movements of the Hakka people remain unclear during the 14th century when the Ming Dynasty overthrew the Yuan and subsequently fell to the Manchus who formed the Qing Dynasty in 17th century. Hakka have suffered persecution and discrimination ever since they started migrating to southern parts of China.

During the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi (1654–1722), the coastal regions were evacuated by imperial edict for almost a decade, due to the dangers posed by the remnants of the Ming court who had fled to the island of Taiwan. When the threat was eliminated, the Kangxi Emperor issued an edict to re-populate the coastal regions. To aid the move, each family was given monetary incentives to begin their new lives; newcomers were registered as "Guest Families" (客戶, kèhù).

(source: wikipedia)

Tradition states that the early Hakka ancestors traveling from north China entered Fujian first, then by way of the Tingjiang River they traveled to Guangdong and other parts of China, as well as overseas. Thus the Tingjiang River is also regarded as the Hakka Mother River.

The Hakka ancestors are thus but one group of many who migrated southwards, becoming linguistically marked by differences yet unified through cultural assonances. As of 2010 Hakka people live in the southern Chinese provinces, chiefly in Guangdong, south-western Fujian, southern Jiangxi, southern Hunan, Guangxi, southern Guizhou, south-eastern Sichuan, and on Hainan and Taiwan islands

So when you meet someone from Fujian Province(福建省)in China, or normally known as Hokkien(福建人) they may either be Min-speaking peoples(闽民系)or Hakka speaking people(客家民系). Note: Min is a short form for Fujian Province. Most of Fujian Hakka are from Western Fujian or Min-xi(閩西).

Note: Hokkien or Fujian people is the people who come from Fujian province, in Penang or Taiwan, he may be either a Hakka(客家人) or Southern Min or Minnan(闽南人). Min-nan or Hokkien (福佬話) or Quanzhou–Zhangzhou(泉州-漳州) is a group of mutually intelligible Min Nan Chinese dialects spoken by many overseas Chinese throughout Southeast Asia. Its originated from the same dialect in southern Fujian(闽南) and is mutually intelligible with the Hokkien in Taiwan. It is closely related to Teochew, though mutual comprehension is difficult, and somewhat more distantly related to Hainanese. In Malaysia and Singapore, Hokkien is translated as fu-jian-hua(福建話), which is wrong, it should be min-nan hua(闽南話). We must remember there are Hakka in Fujian Province...

客家，或称客家人、客家民系，在漢族中是一个具有明显特徵的一支族群，也是汉族在世界上分布范围广阔、影响深远的民系之一。不過亦有民族學者和部份客家意識強烈的人，認為客家人應是單一民族。唐朝末宋朝初，中原漢族居民再次大举南迁，抵达粤、赣、闽三地交界處，與當地土著裡百越族原住民雜處，互通婚姻，經過千年演化最终形成相对穩定的客家人。此后，大量外迁到華南各省乃至世界各地。客家四州为梅州、赣州、汀州、惠州。而福建宁化石壁是客家传说民系形成的中心地域，「石壁」被成稱为“客家祖地”。廣東的梅州市则因其为客家人的最主要聚居区而被称为“世界客都”，而專門研究客家族群之歷史，則可稱為客家史

Han Jiang Ancestral Temple (韓江家廟)

2012-03-06T23:24:00.001-08:00

Han Jiang Ancestral Temple is a documentary that celebration of Teochew Spirit. Historical of Teochew lifestyle and thier stories could be seen in this documentary.Included story of Han Jiang Ancestral Temple n Penang. This documentary was produced by Spring Production And Art Studio in year of 2006

Spring Production and Art Studio not only produce documentary and yet video production for opening & launching, annual dinners, weddings and others functions.

For more information, please contact:
Spring Production and Art Studio
Address: 62, Jalan Masjid Negeri, 11600 Pulau Pinang.
Website:http://www.springproduction.blogspot.com/
Email: adeline@spring.net.my
Office Contact: 604-6566318

Penang Hakka Association (客属公会)

2012-03-06T22:57:00.003-08:00

Penang Khek Association

This is a Hakka Association documentary that produced by Spring Production and Art Studio. The Hakka, sometimes Hakka Han are Han Chinese who speak the Hakka language and have links to the provincial areas of Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan and Fujian in China. The Chinese characters for Hakka literally means "guest families". The Hakka's ancestors were often said to have arrived from what is today's central China centuries ago.

Director, Script Writer, Produced, Voice Over by
Ms Adeline Tan, Artistic Director of Spring Production And Art Studio

Spring Production and Art Studio not only produce documentary and yet video production for opening & launching, annual dinners, weddings and others functions.

For more information, please contact:
Spring Production and Art Studio
Address: 62, Jalan Masjid Negeri, 11600 Pulau Pinang.
Website:http://www.springproduction.blogspot.com/
Email: adeline@spring.net.my
Office Contact: 604-6566318

2012 槟城太上老君花车游行

2012-03-05T06:59:00.001-08:00

槟城103队伍太上老君花车游行 Penang Taishang Laojun Floats Parade 2012

March 4 2012
阿依淡水壩半山蓮花洞為慶祝該廟成立115年及太上老君千秋聖誕而首次舉行。
花車隊伍全長4公里，週日下午5時從韓江中學大草場出發，途經州回教堂路交通燈、蘇格蘭路、中路、新關仔角、檳州法庭、觀音亭、光大廣場、時代廣場、柑仔園體育館，然後再回到韓江中學結束遊行，遊行路線全長11.8公里。

Penang Air Itam Lian Hua was first held in celebration of the temple was established 115 years and Taishang Laojun birthday.
Float team of 4 km in length, 5 o'clock on Sunday from the Han Chiang High School Padang, via the state back to the Church Road traffic lights, Scotland Road, Middle Road, Penang court, God Of Mercy, Times Square, and then back to the Han Chiang High School end of the parade, the route length of 11.8 km.

226 集合 - 旧关仔角 - 反稀土

2012-03-01T02:50:00.003-08:00

Remember Bukit Merah

2012-03-01T01:36:00.003-08:00

安心回家 Stop LYNAS Save Malaysia

2012-03-01T00:28:00.000-08:00

虽然我们只是一个很渺小的人，可是我们希望我们被重视，这里是我们的家，希望能有个平安健康快乐家园。我们只是想透过这首歌来告诉大家 Save Malaysia Stop LYNAS.

音乐人－张国祥老师，李志清老师，汤小康老师

参与歌手
汤小康 Jovi Theng
谢佳见 Melvin Sia
许亮宇 Henley
韓瀞珮 Ariel Han
江倩齡 Emily Kong
邱翠雯 Wen Wen
韦智华 Shawn Wai
戴祖雄 Hero Tai
Billy Ng

Why Lim Guan Eng attended Anti- Lynas Rally?

2012-02-29T17:54:00.021-08:00

Why Lim Guan Eng attended Anti- Lynas Rally

The Penang Pertubuhan Peribumi Perkasa (Perkasa) today refuted allegations that its members instigated a commotion which led to two media personnel being injured at the "Himpunan Hijau 2.0", held at Padang Kota last Sunday. Its chief, Mohd Rizuad Mohd Azudin said, their members were merely spectators at the green gathering but there were parties which provoked them upon the arrival of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.(source: http://my.news.yahoo.com/perkasa-denies-causing-commotion-green-gathering-075609020.html)

Dr Teng Hock Nan, the Penang Barisan National Chairman told the press that Lim Guan Eng as Chief Minister of Penang should be responsible for the commotion in "Himpunan Hijau 2.0", anti Lynas Rally held at Padang Kota, Penang. This is because he did not informed police when attending the rally(source: http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/238374?tid=1).

From the two press reports, the said parties who was involved in provocation in Anti Lyns Rally denied they are their members instigated a commotion in the peaceful rally. Their fingers pointed toward the Penang State Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Dr Teng’s logic was similar to CPO Penang , the one who did not reported to police was the cause of the trouble. The difference is that Dr Teng said as Head of Penang State Security Council and Chief Minister, Lim should have reported to police and request for police to maintain civil order when he come. The Penang CPO was questioning why the organizer of the rally did not ask police to maintain security order in the rally. The statement was just like playing around of chicken and egg; but the main objective is to blame Lim Guan Eng for his wrong to attend the peace rally without informing police.

Setiausaha Agung UMNO, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor menafikan UMNO terlibat dalam kekecohan Himpunan Hijau di Padang Kota, Pulau Pinang pada Ahad lepas, yang mengakibatkan dua petugas media cedera.(Source: Bernama) and UMNO Penang said they are not involved and not sure the group wearing UMNO logo clothing/T shirt were UMNO members((source: http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/238374?tid=1).

Did UMNO involve?

Readers who want to know the truth and see the pictures of the UMNO Youth Seremban can visit http://darisungaiderhaka.blogspot.com/2012/02/umno-nafi-terlibat-dalam-kekecohan.html) and various facebook and youtube posted by people who were in the rally.

More photo of their involvement in the Balik Pulau can be seen from their own facebook, Pemuda UMNO Seremban’s own facebook https://www.facebook.com/pemudoumnoseremban?sk=wall, and http://darisungaiderhaka.blogspot.com/2012/02/umno-nafi-terlibat-dalam-kekecohan.html.

The said group of Pemuda UMNO Seremban was reported the following comments in their facebook , The group(motorcycle convoy) was having gotong royong at Balik Pulau and left Balik Pulau to Padang Kota at 3.34p.m., 7.34 pm it was reported that there was little friction at Padang Kota, 12.39p.m. leaving Penang and was at Juru toll ( source from their own FB, https://www.facebook.com/pemudoumnoseremban?sk=wall )
The fact that Pemuda UMNO Seremban was at the Anti Lynas Rally at Padang Kota is a true fact, that no one can deny. The fact that they are representing a political party entering a peaceful people rally, no one can deny, unless you really cannot see that the video in youtube clearly shown they were there representing UMNO Youth. The question is why did the group representing a political party , having a rival view on Lynas issue, walking and pushing their way to the rally? What is the purpose of doing this, shouting slogan on the way, even the name of their political party?.......that is for themselves to answer. Another strange thing, why all the way from Seremban?. They are the uninvited intruders to the peaceful people rally, having a rival views.

Note: All the above video were taken before Lim Guan Eng arrived, did you see the commotion and provocation?

The true fact is Lim Guan Eng only arrived “after “ the commotion has started by the Perkasa and UMNO Youth(wearing the white cap of Pemuda Umno Seremban) . The rally started at 6.00p.m. The photo of their arrival and disturbance can be seen from the internet and youtube.

Why Lim Guan Eng come?

Lim Guan Eng did not come as representative of a political party. He did not wear DAP T shirt or wearing DAP cap. He only wear green shirt to show his support fro anti Lynas Rally. Lim come in his personal capacity and official capacity as Chief Minister of Penang to support the people rally.

In his personal capacity, he is linked to Kuantan in his early career. He had stay in Kuantan when he was working in the bank, prior to enter to politic. Prior to his political career, Lim was working as Bank Senior executive in Chung Khiew Bank, Jalan Telok Sisek, Kuantan. He has been living in Kuantan for sometime, like many Malaysian citizen who had worked in Kuantan, they have love for the place, they have been to the beautiful beaches beside South China Sea, naturally they have fond memory of Kuantan. They will not like to see the beautiful place being spoiled by pollution. I am sure Lim still remember the MPK field, the first proposed place for Kuantan Anti Lynas Rally. It was in early 80s, when the state mosque was still not built yet. He must remember " under the big tree", where he may have his dinner or lunch after his office hours. He may still remember the "salt fish street" just near his office. He may even remember his bank customers and kopitiam in Kuantan. That is the personal reason why he support Anti Lynas Rally in his personal capacity. He had lived in Kuantan in early 80s, he knew Kuantan. As a citizen, he has his personal right of association to support a cause he think worthy. We cannot deny his right of association to the cause of Anti Lynas Rally.

In his official capacity as Chief Minister of Penang, being a Chief Minister, he feel that he should be with the people of Penang, when Penang people provide moral support to Kuantan people. He represented the state to support the rally, there is nothing wrong. His right in his official capacity to be with the people who love him and who voted him in as Chief Minister of Penang.

There is nothing wrong when Lim Guan Eng who come to the peaceful people rally, he is merely exercising his right in his personal and official capacity. It is the intruders who come in to provoke and impart fear to the peaceful people, who is at wrong. When they are having different or rival view, why they forced themselves into the rally? obviously the action is not to support the anti-Lynas rally. Then it must be the opposite, to create trouble, it is clear cut....

Why Lim Guan Eng did not ask for police protection?

As Penang lang, we should know the style of our Chief Minister. He is a people minister, he always said the people will always protect him, he is not worry of his personal security. This is his personal style. He want to be close with his people. He want the police to spent more time to prevent crime. Not only Lim personally, his wife also move around without police escort, I have personally see her doing her shopping at Taman Free School morning market. Actually the Lim family can move peacefully in Penang without problem. Penang is a peaceful island. If not because of the rival politician created unnecessary tension in the state, when the gangster like activities are allow to continue in their way without restriction from their leaders and police. Lim and his family members can move freely in the state. The gangster like activities of the rival politician, I believed , was the main cause of their boldness in exercising and imparting fear tactic in Anti Lynas Rally. If the police had took stern action early in previous events, the said politician will surely restrain themselves. Without the consent from the top leaders, and with action taken by police, they will not be active and bold. That is why the police has been perceived by the normal citizen to be impartial (wrongly or rightly), reasons know to police themselves. It is time the police need to raise above politics, to improve their public image.

It is the duty of the police to protect Lim as Chief Minister of Penang, not only Lim , it is the duty of police to protect all the citizen. Police cannot escape from their duty even he did not ask for protection, it is up to police to find their strategy to protect him to suit his style. Being an established police force, the police should be able to come out with their plan. If the Prime Minister wish to walk into a rally by his own, will the police ask the same question? It seems Najib Razak is following the style of Lim Guan Eng……what should police do?....

Another question, the Deputy OCPD was in the rally, he was facing the same violence himself, a photo show him facing directly , an attempt to attack him physically in front of Lim Guan Eng's official car. The police was there, they have seen all happening. If they cannot even protect their Deputy OCPD, can they able to protect Lim Guan Eng with the boldness of the intruders?

Ultimately it is the duty of police to protect, to patrol, to prevent crime and civil unrest…. The police must fit the Chief Minister’s style, no matter how tough or difficult it is…. It is the duty of police to protect…..

When did Lim Guan Eng come?

The last question, when Lim Guan Eng come, the direct reason was, it was Chow Kon Yeow who call him, "after" the commotion by Perkasa and UMNO youth. He may want to be with his own people, and to calm the situation, and to prevent the rally become ugly. But he was not able to do so, when the said group was very provocative, even shouting abusive language at him, pushing to confront him. he give a normal speech to support the anti Lynas rally, with his personal style. The provocative group has the freedom of choice not to listen to his speech, as this is not their rally, they are only intruders. But they become aggressive, and shouting slogan, pushing forward; that ultimately resulted in the ugly incident. This is not our culture.

Let us talk less politic, is it the culture of Malaysia to behave in this way?

Who start the provocation and the ugly incident? the truth will prevail....

To understand the incident, readers need to read some articles from the newspaper and internet about the speech and behavior of the group , even prior to the incident in the state and outside the state.

The ultimate truth will be prevail, all lies will be surfaced......in the eyes of people, in the eyes of justice, and hopefully in the eyes of law.....and ultimately in the eyes of God.....

Further readings

1. Racist name-calling betrays Umno’s bankrupt mindset, http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/12/01/racist-name-calling-betrays-umnos-bankrupt-mindset/
2. Guan Eng slams attacks on 'soft' targets, Http://my.news.yahoo.com/guan-eng-slams-attacks-soft-targets-073500983.html
3. Penang Umno Youth chides 'childish' Guan Eng, http://my.news.yahoo.com/penang-umno-youth-chides-childish-guan-eng-031902784.html
4. http://my.news.yahoo.com/perkasa-denies-causing-commotion-green-gathering-075609020.html
5. UMNO nafi terlibat dalam kekecohan Himpunan Hijau di Pulau Pinang, http://darisungaiderhaka.blogspot.com/2012/02/umno-nafi-terlibat-dalam-kekecohan.html
6. 成員在場監督情況‧土權否認涉集會暴力,http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/238556?tid=1
7. 檳綠色集會暴力事件‧林冠英斥丁福南睜眼說瞎話‧“人群目睹滋事者打人”, http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/238506?tid=1
8. 檳綠色集會暴力事件‧魏家祥：警察被指袖手旁觀‧內長須徹查真相, http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/238515?tid=1
9. 檳州國陣：沒通知將出席‧“林冠英應對騷亂負責, http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/238374?tid=1
10. Pemuda UMNO Seremban pengganas sebenar di Himpunan Hijau Pulau Pinang.. ,http://darisungaiderhaka.blogspot.com/2012/02/pemuda-umno-seremban-yang-mengganas-di.html

Cliff Richard - Sing a Song Of Freedom

2012-02-29T01:56:00.002-08:00

Someone said this song should be the song for the coming election, for the people who are voting for change....

As I look around me
I see the world in a different light
Everything is changing
And it happened one night

Changing for the better
And it starts with you and me
So well sing our song together and forever
We'll be free

What the public has to say about the Anti Lynas campaign in Penang

2012-02-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

Pray for a new Malaysia

2012-02-27T22:06:00.020-08:00

The nation is sick, if the act of violence is accepted as a normal way of doing thing for ruling political party. Demon really go crazy for democracy(demon-crazy).

It is the time the leaders of political parties educated their followers on the rules of democracy, and the civilized way of voicing their opposition to rival groups. Looking at the comments left at the facebook of all political linked facebook, we Malaysian are all like XXX and xxx.....this is not a good model for our future generation from a political party.

Many lost their ways, and forget what is their purpose to become politician, to work for people or to work for their own ultimate hidden agenda....or to create chaos?...

....now we not only need two parties systems, we need a third voice, a neutral voice...may be non-political voice in our parliament. The voice of people who have reasoning power, and not blindly following the instruction of the ruling government parties or opposition, the people representatives who can think beyond politic.

Love Malaysia is to protect the future of Malaysia, not destroy it....we must not follow blindly the masses, let reasoning prevail in our nation. Love Malaysia is to respect diversity, respect different people from various background, different people from various religion, different people from various political background..... because they are all fellow Malaysian.

We do not anticipated our country to become a Nazi nation, or cultural revolution era China; nor a country of racial , religion or political fanatic that lead to extremism. We do not want our nation to be like a cow boy state like the time of wild wild west, or military nationalism like pre WW2 Japan, where military power and force prevail. We pray that the country will not lead to that path....

Love Malaysia is to love other fellow Malaysian...even he is different, has different views....

We need to respect the fear and worry of fellow Malaysian , even when we are still comfortable in our surroundings. We need to respect their voices, to protect their homeland, their environment, and their families....

The role of police is to protect the citizen from any harm, regardless of race, religion or political orientation. Even regardless they ask for police protection or not. If the police need people to ask for protection before they can act, they cannot act even the civil unrest is happening in front of their eyes. Without the request for police's protection they are helpless. Then what is the purpose of patrolling? Citizen need to inform police, when violence or crime going to happen, and suffered damages or injured, if they did not inform police, the police cannot act? I wonder is it cover under their Garis Panduan or Police Act?. What is the logic?. For your information police was fully aware of the UMNO Youth Seremban motorcycle convoy in Balik Pulau(photo from the internet can clearly shown that police is aware of the situation). There is no reason when the 50+ UMNO youth members wearing a UMNO youth white caps entering the Anti Lynas rally site, the police was not alert on their intention(unless the said police is inexperience and not fit)for reason they know why. Any citizen at Speaker's Square know very well, what they were coming for?. They formed a human chain to avoid them from coming. A normal and reasonable person will go away if this happen, unless they have specific agenda. Even one YB hearing the innocent UMNO Youth Seremban boys asking for further instruction. Do you still need evidence to act, this is what I know legally call circumstantial evidence.

Chief Minister only came after the disturbance has started.

One of the plain clothes senior police officer(Deputy OCPD) was in the rally, and he was facing an act of attempt to attack him, but he was lucky it was stopped by others( a photo clearly showing him in front of Chief Minister car, defending himself). If any person attempt to attack police, is it a criminal act?. I hope the officer himself will speak the truth with all his heart. The truth is there were plain cloth police in the rally, even before the ugly incident started. We just pray that with the incident, police will able to stand above politic, and standing behind the people, truly a friend of people. (BTW, praise need to give to Kuantan police, for their ability to ensure peaceful rally in Kuantan).....Police themselves can give full and true evidence on the incident.

If you have seen one of the Lynas supporter(or UMNO supporter) shouting and using abusive language, charging at one senior age woman, you will know the group was intentionally trying to apply fear tactic to the peaceful innocent woman. I do not know in legal term is it a criminal act to apply fear? a criminal act of threats?.... but many people were worry on the situation, there was fear among the people present.

The incidents of damaging the official cars of Chief Minister, State Exco, even the private cars of opposition leaders. Is it an act of violence? Is it a criminal act to damage government properties?....the fearful sign is they are doing it openly...

The disturbance party (except for the 50 + Umno youth members from Seremban) was not new to civil unrest in the Penang state, they are familiar faces in Penang. Why this group of people was allow to act continuously without restriction and warning from their leaders. They are politician and member of political NGO or political party. We cannot understand, is it political agenda behind all the activities in Penang by them?. The past actions reveal their clear intention in the Anti Lynas incident on 26/2/2012, to discredit opposition led Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng, their modus operandi revealed strong circumstantial evidence. It is also sad to hear recent news from Felda Gambang, one MP was also facing act of violence against her.

There were multiple acts of applying fear tactic by a group of "intruders" of peace rally....

Now with the current scenario, the path become narrow, and while going after our political goals, we forget the nation. We are not bold enough to change, to create a new nation of equal, fair , democratic.... because we have historical burden to carry...we may shout the slogan of change, but we are still not able to change, or just like a hypocrite, shouting an empty call....no matter how much you pay to top public image transformation program... the mind still remain the same....

We are not able to see wrongs in any issues & action(e.g. cow issue, corruption issues, Lynas issue), we can only see political and communal issues. We cannot look above the political party when come to issues affect the nation or Malaysian. We like to play political games, not issue centered. This was manifested in the recent political debate and 226 Anti Lynas Rally in Penang, we love political games, even it is violence. It become our culture, political games become a sport, cheering when racial slogan was shout, religion sensitivity was raised.... we lost our senses of reasoning....and no longer God fearing....when the almighty treated all man as equal....the thrills of political games blinded our eyes and hearts....the trophy is the power to rule, power to money, power to be hero.....

We think last as Malaysian.

Sincerely hope that there will not be any political party based on race or religion, and based only on political philosophy and policies. This means race and religion will not be political issue, and only Malaysian political issues for political parties. Are we ready for that change, and take up the challenge for a change?.....the chances is slim at the moment. But we pray for more open minded Malaysian to lead the change.....

We cannot hear anymore lies, they may be able to escape, but they are wrong in the eyes of people, and in the eyes of God.....let them continue to play political games, we open our eyes to see, and wait for the election day. Even if we failed to vote them out, history one day will tell the truth.

What else you hope for? better pray for your country and your people, regardless of race and religion, this is the time to pray and vote for a better Malaysia.

Penang anti Lynas Rally

2012-02-26T18:10:00.018-08:00

If you are from Kuantan, you will understand why so many people from all over Malaysia support anti Lynas rally. This is first time in history of Malaysia that all races come together for a green cause. Old and young, breaking the generation gap.

This is victory for democracy, this is victory for the people of Malaysian.

This is a peaceful rally....

Nothing to do with politic, but there are people who politicalized the event. Abuse the democracy of association and speech, attack a peaceful rally in Penang. Shame for democracy in Malaysia.....

There are people who think that the anti Lynas supporters are being used by political party, they are out of touch with the reality. They should move to stay in Gabeng, next to Lynas Plant. BTW, nearby Gabeng is peaceful Malay Kampong, near the beautiful beach... or may be should move to Chinese new village at Bukit Merah, near to the radioactive cleaning plant. Then you will feel the tempo and emotion of the people from Kuantan.

Kuantan rally was beautiful and peaceful.

A peaceful rally in Penang however was spoiled by supporters of ruling political party. Penang rally turn ugly, and this tell us that there are people who did not respect people right of association and speech guaranteed by UN Charter. There was Ministry of Defense exhibition held nearby, all the uniform units are there, the atmosphere was initially peaceful until the followers of ruling political party come, more than 50 of them. Their intention was not to hold another separate peaceful pro Lynas rally nearby, but instead walking and pushing into the crowds of people of anti Lynas rally, creating disturbance and problems to the anti Lynas rally, the peaceful atmosphere begin to turn ugly. Some of the supporters of anti Lynas rally hold their arms together and form a human chain to prevent them from coming in. They keep on pushing.....shouting slogan supporting Lynas, and their party....

Reporters were reported assaulted, and supporters was attack verbally with loud and abusive language to test the patient of the anti Lynas supporters. The anti Lynas supporters rightfully remained cooooooooool.......

The most ugly thing is the abusive language used to verbal attack the Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng, especially while his official car was moving out from the Esplanade field. They blocked the way to prevent the official car from moving out. The Chief Minister was being very cool and patient, a season politician he is.

Ironically, the anti Lynas Rally was held at The Speakers Square at Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade) Penang. A Speakers' Corner is an area where open-air public speaking, debate and discussion are allowed. The original and most noted is in the north-east corner of Hyde Park in London, United Kingdom. Speakers there may speak on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful. Contrary to popular belief, there is no immunity from the law, nor are any subjects proscribed, but in practice the police tend to be tolerant and therefore intervene only when they receive a complaint or if they hear profanity. Profanity is known as swearing, cursing, foul speech, and cussing, is a show of disrespect, a desecration or debasement of someone or something, or just the act of expressing intense emotions. Profanity can take the form of words, expressions, gestures, or other social behaviors that are socially constructed or interpreted as insulting, rude, vulgar, obscene, obnoxious, foul, desecrating or other forms. The Speakers Square guaranteed freedom of speech, the Anti Lynas Rally was initially peaceful until arrival of UMNO Youth Seremban members and the related NGO supporters.

But when the UMNO and Perkasa members entered the square forcefully and created chaos, expressing intense emotion, there was element of profanity, and shown of violence behavior. The plain clothes police in the crowd should have take action early, especially when the personal security of the Chief Minister of Penang is at stake. It is not necessary for the organizer or the citizen to report to police first. The duty of the police is to prevent civil unrest. The intention of Support Lynas supporters forcefully enter into the crowd of anti Lynas supporters, is a clear indication that they have no respect for freedom of speech and freedom of association at Speakers Square. Their intention to create troubles is clear, otherwise they will have gather at the location far from the crowds of Anti Lynas supporters, and practicing their freedom of speech without interruption of anti Lynas group. The intruders was not peaceful group but coming with clear agenda of disturbance. An experience police man will smell the malice intention fast. Moreover the group have been create the same civil unrest in Penang for some time. No clear action was taken against them for reasons known to the authority. (In Bersih rally, the action taken was fast). This group become very bold, with no respect to even the Chief Minister of the state. I wonder if these activities took place in other states, taking the same action toward their MB, will the state or police tolerate their action?....it is the duty of the police to protect the head of the state,no matter he call for protection or not.....

Another funny sign, is the more than 50 youngster wearing the UMNO white caps were clearly indicated in red writing that they are from Seremban. Why are they coming all the way from Seremban and involved in the affairs of Penang? We know very clearly who is from Negeri Sembilan, and they even shout that Lynas issue is not Penang issue, and why should Penang involve?.... Then we need to ask, why should Negeri Sembilan UMNO youth be involved in Penang state? It seems that there was a collaboration of Penang Perkasa with UMNO Youth Negeri Sembilan. The disturbance to anti Lynas rally was well planned in advance.

(Note: The said group(motorcycle convoy) was having gotong royong at Balik Pulau and left Balik Pulau to Padang Kota at 3.34p.m., 7.34 pm it was reported that there was little friction at Padang Kota, 12.39p.m. leaving Penang and was at Juru toll, source from https://www.facebook.com/pemudoumnoseremban?sk=wall )

Readers from other part of Malaysia and other part of the world can visited various websites and youtube for true story of the ugly incident.

A mature political party should respect the people rally, and know and understand the rules of the games. This is especially so for ruling party. This is a sham to Malaysia democracy, a political party did not respect the spirit of democracy. Just like demon go crazy, when the word of "democracy" was split into demon + crazy. Abuse of power and democratic right.

Another question to ponder is, why there was no problem in Kuantan and other places including Butterworth, but there was problem in Penang?......the readers should know the answer....the political agenda behind all the action.

The Chief Minister and one of the State Exco was reported their official cars were damaged slightly, is it an act of damage to government properties?....a criminal act?

226 incident in Penang was a sad chapter for democracy of Malaysia. Let the people judge with their eyes and heart ....and condemn the ugly act, and the violation of democracy and human right.

This is another face of ugly Malaysian....let us remember the day 226 in Penang.

Peanng lang, and all Malaysia lang, let us see the real ugly face of this, and remember to vote carefully during the coming election.

Anti Lynas Save Malaysia event turns ugly in Penang

2012-02-26T08:21:00.001-08:00

Remember Lynas, remember Adam Baba and other reporters

A fight broke out as Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng walked down from the stage to meet Anti Lynas Save Malaysia supporters after his speech to about 500 people at Speakers Corner, Esplanade, Penang, this evening.

The person injured is a reporter by the name of Adam Baba who was treated at the General Hospital for head and hand injuries.

Video by Jimmy Leow, Citizen Journalist (CJ.MY)

Kuantan Anti Lynas Rally

2012-02-25T23:31:00.001-08:00

Support Kuantan, love Kuantan

Today is anti Lynas Rally in Kuantan

2012-02-25T15:58:00.003-08:00

Press Statement of Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) February 24, 2012

SMSL urges the authorities to exercise restraint to allow citizens their democratic rights and to give them the space to peacefully express themselves in the forthcoming Sunday’s Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally in Kuantan.

Chairperson of SMSL, Mr Tan Bun Teet explained, “The people have fought hard to stop Lynas and a number of other environmental problems. It is our duty as responsible and caring citizens to keep our country and our family safe.”

Earlier this month, a temporary operating licence was issued to Lynas Malaysia, a wholly owned operation of Australia’s Lynas Corporation,for its controversial rare earth refinery plant in Gebeng, an industrial estate about 20 km from Kuantan.

“We have tried every possible avenue and yet the Government has gone ahead with its bad decision which threatens our future. It is understandable that this will spark outrage and anger amongst people.” Said Haji Ismail Abu Bakar, Vice-Chairperson of SMSL.

He added, “Many families living in kampungs along the coast in Pahang will be directly affected once Lynas starts to dump its waste water into the South China Sea. These families depend on the seafood and tourism industry. They run small businesses to sustain their livelihoods. Who will want to buy contaminated seafood? Who will want to holiday next to a toxic plant?”

SMSL is disappointed that the Government has not taken on board grave concerns of the public which leave the people no choice but to take to the street to protest. The injustice is felt everywhere, not just in Kuantan but the whole of Malaysia. The good reputation of Malaysia is at stake over the handling of this issue.

The Lynas issue is a problem for ALL Malaysians. The pollution will spread over a wide area,even into our ASEAN neighbours through the South China Sea. Contaminated seafood and agricultural produce can create serious food safety issue not just for the people of Kuantan but to all the consumers of agriculture and seafood and seafood products. Air pollution from the Lynas plant can be carried far and wide by the north eastern monsoon wind.

Where will Lynas find a permanent location for its waste? Which state in Malaysia or which town in Pahang will be the next target?

Having a polluting industry will deter investment from clean technology and ethical companies which is the way of the future. Rare earth oxides are crucial raw materials but locating it in an ecologically sensitive area so close to so many families is a bad and regressive move.

“SMSL has engaged a strong team of experts to prepare for our legal action with the help of the Pahang Bar. We have strong grounds and we want to leave no stone unturned to present the strongest possible case. Letting Lynas operate is NOT an option.”

This Sunday, SMSL and our members and supporters will be gathering next to the site of the previous tennis court near Padang MPK4 at Jalan Kemunting to meet and greet our interstate supporters. We want to thank them in person for their tremendous effort and support to create a better future for Malaysia.

http://www.savemalaysia-stoplynas.blogspot.com/

For Penang, it is at Speaker's Square, Esplanade, Georgetown @ 6 p.m.

Remember the time is 6 p.m.

Penang lang support Kuantan lang....

半个槟城人向莱纳斯说不

2012-02-24T19:57:00.000-08:00

Pahang Killer Plant (Chinese) 彭亨稀土厂

2012-02-24T19:32:00.004-08:00

Overview of The Australian Stop Lynas! campaign

On August 4th 2011 Australian company Lynas Corporation officially opened its Mt Weld rare earth mine in Western Australia. Lynas wants to export 33,000 tonnes per annum of rare earth concentrates through the port of Fremantle in Western Australia to the port of Kuantan in Malaysia to their polluting, energy intensive an highly controversial processing plant, the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP). The LAMP is scheduled to start operations by the end of 2011 but it is being vehemently opposed by thousands of people in Malaysia.

In light of a New York Times article Kuantan residents were awakened to the fact that their government had given the green-light to a project against their consent. Kuantan residents and supporters – ordinary citizens from diverse professions, race and religious backgrounds – started a movement to protest both the Malaysian government and Lynas Corporation. In spite of the risks and massive opposition, the Malaysian government had agreed to host the plant offering Lynas a speedy process and a 12-year tax holiday.

The Save Malaysia! Stop Lynas! movement have taken this protest across Malaysia and to Australia. They have been outraged by the lack of information and the hasty and inadequate approval process by the Malaysian Government and the arrogance of Lynas to dump huge amounts of toxic and radioactive waste on their lives and livelihoods.

Touted as the largest rare earth refinery, the LAMP will use 720 tons of concentrated Hydrochloride Acid (sulphuric acid) per day and leave behind 28,000 tonnes of solid waste per year, enough to fill 126 olympic size swimming pools. A by-product of this waste is radioactive Thorium (Th) which is dangerous to human health.

There are approximately 700,000 people living within 30 km from the LAMP and it is located near coastal tourist resorts and an environmentally sensitive fishery area. Construction of the plant has begun in secrecy and ahead of proper environmental and waste management plan.

Community in Malaysia are calling for Australian citizens, environmentalists, unionists, health professionals, business people and politicians to get behind the Stop Lynas! Campaign and stop Lynas Corporation from proceeding with their rare earth plant (Lynas Advanced Materials Plant-LAMP) in Gebeng, Kuantan.

http://stoplynas.org/campaign/

The Australian Stop Lynas! campaign started in response to the thousands of Malaysians uniting together to say no to Australian rare earth miner, Lynas Corporation. The Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) - a rare earth processing plant being set up in Kuantan, Malaysia, will potentially impose tonnes of toxic waste on their lives and livelihoods. Visit their website, http://stoplynas.org/campaign/.

Australian also support Malaysian lah.....Penang lang also support Kuantan lang...

Malaysian websites:

欲知更多详情请浏览我们的网站: www.savemalaysia.org
或登录面子书: Pahang Don't Need Hazardous Project

关丹建设稀土厂会否引发悲剧？霹雳反辐射抗毒委员会有话说

2012-02-22T02:55:00.003-08:00

This is what Perak Anti-Radiation Committee (霹雳反辐射抗毒委员会)say about Kuantan Rare Earth plant, based on their experience in Bukit Merah.

What is Penang lang's view on the issue?

If you have forgotten about Bukit Merah, kindly visit the article on Mitsubishi Quietly Cleans Up Its Former Refinery, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/business/energy-environment/09rareside.html

阿牛-用马来西亚的天气來说爱你

2012-02-22T02:19:00.001-08:00

Penang lang, 用马来西亚的天气來说爱你, 爱 Kuantan...

《哭泣的东江》

2012-02-22T01:56:00.003-08:00

记者第一站来到东江发源地江西省寻鸟县，在东江流经县城的河流上看见的场面可谓触目惊心：河中淤泥堆积丶杂草丛生，河水几近枯竭。当地居民对记者说，近7年当地水土开始变坏，附近山头上森林消失，取而代之的是一片片桔林，许多光山就此形成。每逢遇上天雨季节，大量的泥沙就会被冲入东江......

《哭泣的东江》第二站，记者在东江源头直击当地无序开采稀土导致山林被毁丶大兴水电站令下游水量减少的实况，采访期间遭到阻拦。环保专家表示，中国滥采稀土问题严重，造成许多天灾人祸，当局需要大力整治。（毕子默报道）

东江之行第三站记者抵达广东河源。稀土过度开发造成当地水灾连年，一些村庄整条被淹没丶村民家破人亡。当局亚运期间一度大力整治采矿业，但废置的矿场又变成了村民的致命陷阱。（毕子默报道）

广东河源市有大量矿产资源，但当地过度采矿造成的严重污染，更引发村民不时与矿主及矿工发生冲突，村民要求农作物损失赔偿及抗议，反被警方武力驱赶，有村民去年被捕仍未获释，村民指控矿主收买地方领导。（毕子默报道）

东江行第五站记者抵达广东惠州，当地工厂林立丶工业污染严重。亚运前，政府强行将一批企业搬迁，实际只是掩耳盗铃，污水却仍旧经支流流向东江。尽管水土备受污染，为了生计，怀着身孕的农民工依旧在污染的环境中打工。（毕子默报道）

廣東當局在惠州橋頭鎮興建的東江抽水工程，將東江水輸入香港。在東深引水工程現場，記者見到的是一大片浩瀚沙海﹐挖沙船正將東江河床和河岸的泥沙挖起﹐江水渾濁。有學者指﹐采沙作業不僅嚴重破壞環境生態，還會導致咸潮進而影響供水系統穩定性。（畢子默報道）

......隨著上世紀九十年代珠三角經濟起飛，石馬河沿岸的工廠和人口急速增長，石馬河水質逐漸發生了變化。當地居民回憶說，一九九五年以後，石馬河變得又黑又臭，村民們都叫它"黑龍江"。

http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/multimedia/pollution_dongjiang/special_zoon-0728...

稀土厂的危害

2012-02-22T01:49:00.002-08:00

Malaysia boleh...di Kuantan...

华商领袖郭鹤年

2012-02-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

How can we learn from USA Presidential Debate 2012?

2012-02-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

This was a Republican President candidates debates or GOP Presidential Debate at Iowa, unlike the Chua-Lim debate, which is debate on a specific topic. The candidates are from the same party.

Can we learn from their political debate, on how the debaters presented themselves, and how the audience behave and disciplined themselves to listen to the speakers. This behavior was the respect to the speakers and as well as the organizer, and to the American people who are watching the program all over USA.

The 2012 Republican presidential primaries are the selection processes in which voters of the Republican Party will choose their nominee for President of the United States in the 2012 presidential election. There are 2,286 delegates to be chosen. A candidate must accumulate 1,144 delegate votes at the national convention to win

The Iowa caucus are an electoral event in which residents of the U.S. state of Iowa meet in precinct caucuses in all of Iowa's 1,774 precincts and elect delegates to the corresponding county conventions. There are ninety-nine counties in Iowa, and thus there are ninety-nine conventions. These county conventions then select delegates for both Iowa's Congressional District Convention and the State Convention, which eventually choose the delegates for the presidential nominating conventions

If you want to follow on the election, or to know more about USA Presidential election, please visit Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_presidential_primaries,_2012 or to http://republican2012.org/

Iowa caucuses

The Iowa Caucuses are commonly recognized as the first step in the U.S. presidential nomination process for both the Democratic and the Republican Parties.
The Iowa caucuses are noteworthy for the amount of media attention they receive during U.S. presidential election years. Since 1972, the Iowa caucuses have been the first major electoral event of the nominating process for President of the United States. Although only about 1% of the nation's delegates are chosen by the Iowa State Convention (25 Republican delegates in 2012, assigned proportionately), the Iowa caucuses have served as an early indication of which candidates for president might win the nomination of their political party at that party's national convention, and which ones could drop out for lack of support.

To know more details of Iowa Caucuses, please visit their official website, http://iowacaucus.com/ or http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/

By the way, "GOP" stands for "Grand Old Party," the nickname of the Republican party.

What we can learn from Taiwan presidential debate 2012?

2012-02-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

2012總統大選電視辯論

This was also the video of recent Taiwan Presidential Debate 2012.

The election for the 13th-term President and Vice-President of the Republic of China (Chinese: 第十三任中華民國總統副總統選舉) was held in the Free Area of the Republic of China (ROC) on 14 January 2012.[2] The election was held concurrently with legislative elections. It was the fifth direct election for the President of the Republic of China. Prior to 1996, the President was elected by the ROC's National Assembly and not directly by the people.

Incumbent Ma Ying-jeou was re-elected as President with 51.6% of the vote. DPP challenger Tsai Ing-wen resigned her post as chairperson of the DPP following her election defeat.

What we can learn from Taiwan presidential debate 2012?

This is not the political debate we want

2012-02-18T23:49:00.005-08:00

The political debate between Dr Chua Soi Lek and Lim Guan Eng on 18-2-2012 was organized by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) and MCA’s Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP). This was only the second political debate in the country between senior Barisan National(BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders since opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s debate with then-information minister Datuk Seri Shabeery Cheek — was broadcast live on Astro.

The topic - “Chinese at the Crossroads: Is the Two-Party System Becoming a Two-Race System?”

But the debate anticipated highly by Malaysian turned up to be a political talk and not really political debate we anticipated at. Dr Chua was more vocal on attacking DAP as a party and Lim was merely repeating what he has been talking in the political dinners. We anticipate for high class political debate as it was organized by ASLI, and focused more on policy on two party system Vs Two race system like what happen in Sarawak in recent state election. Both speakers should have talk about their party's stance on the issue, and why the party support or against the two party system. What will be the outcome, and how the party is going to face it if the two party system become a reality in Malaysia. Why the two party can or cannot become two race system. What is the impact to the Malaysian if the two party system become two race system, and how the party is going to tackle it if it happen.

The standard of the debate was very low , not even comparable to the school debate. I happen to have a young relative who is in school debating team, he and his team mates gave low grade to the political debate. No standard at all... may be they should learn from the school debating team. It failed the expectation that Malaysian anticipated....

The moment the first speaker, Dr Chua started, it geared up to attack aggressively on DAP, the political debate was expected to go as normal political election campaign.

They did touch little about the two party system but only superficial without an analytical on the impact to Malaysia if two party system or two race system arise after the election. But Dr Chua was more on attacking DAP, and even on a former MCA President. Lim Guan Eng was only defending his policy in Penang. By the way, this is debating on national issue and not local or merely party issue, it is debating on your party stance on the topic given. It seems to be out of topic. We expected higher standard debate.

It was more like party propaganda, a pre-election political campaign.

Did the public debate help the audience to understand the view of the political parties?...

The standard of audience who asked the questions was low, asking irrelevant questions, and the supporters was not a matured enough to be in a political debate, giving praise to good debating points, and silence when necessary to listen to the speech. The emotional out pour of the supporters, mainly from MCA during the questioning time is unwanted. It was not a political fight but a political debate, where we should be like the two speakers, be a good listeners. No point to be emotional as this is not election day, the quality of audience was poor.

The organizer should has as for questions to be written, and screen through the questions to ensure the questions are relevant, otherwise it is wasting the time of majority of the audience.

The political parties concerned should disciplined their party members before the start of the debate, things to do and not to do. The organizer need to look at the rules to the political parties. Since this is political debate, we cannot avoid the attendance of their members. But they should have foretold this is not election campaign, it is only a debate, a discipline audience will help to crate a positive atmosphere to the debate. What happen if the emotion turn wild , then the democratic debate will turn ugly, and their supporters will become crazy and wild. Democracy become demon go crazy.....

Most of the audience who ask questions were from MCA, which is heavily biased, the organizer should be experienced to select the audience, representing both political parties, and neutral party. At this point I should say that Lim Guan Eng maintain his coolness, this is a plus point for him. Some of them seems to take the opportunity to impress their boss, hoping for a chance in next election?...

We have to congratulate Dr Chua Soi Lek and Mr Lim Guan Eng for participating in the debate, using the language they are not very good at. They are both English educated, but use Chinese as debating language. This we need to give credit to them. They will be remember for being man who dare to take up the challenge to provide a good start for the sake of democracy in the country. In a way, they both are winners.

Both speakers may have won in their way, but the political debate was a flop, not worth to listen on its content.....but as Lim GE had say it is a start, and hope the political debate will continue and become a norm in future.

Even the standard was considered low, I would say it was not bad for a start....

We expected the 2nd debate will be more policy and issue centered.

We also anticipated for more quality political debate, we know Malaysian will love it....

Remember debating is not public speaking, some political party may has well trained youth group with public speaking skills under training like Toastmaster; preparing for the coming election. But a good public speaker may not be necessary a good debater....or as good audience who know how to question.....a good debater do not need to be aggressive, yet your argument and reasoning win the heart of the audience... it is ability to present your view on the topic given.....it is not merely super public skills without substance...

We hope we will soon have a good political debating culture...

Further readings

1. Cheap shot’ shows Soi Lek not secure, says Tee Keat, http://my.news.yahoo.com/cheap-shot-shows-soi-lek-not-secure-says-013433905.html
2. BN ready for political debates, says Ku Nan, http://my.news.yahoo.com/bn-ready-for-political-debates-says-ku-nan-071836262.html
3. Dr M: Malaysians not mature enough for debates, http://my.news.yahoo.com/dr-m-malaysians-not-mature-enough-for-debates-104555244.html

Who will replace World Bank president?

2012-02-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

Do you know in theory Asian or Non -USA sponsored person cannot be a President of World Bank.

Emerging market and developing countries have campaigned hard in recent years to break Europe's grip on the top position at the International Monetary Fund and the United States' hold on the presidency of the World Bank.

Officials from large emerging economies like Brazil said on Wednesday the selection process for Zoellick's successor should be based on qualifications and not nationality.

"There is no reason for the president of the World Bank to have a specific nationality," Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega told reporters in Brasilia.

From yahoo news:

World Bank President Robert Zoellick said on Wednesday he will step down in June and Washington pledged to name a replacement candidate within weeks for a job that has always gone to an American.

The Obama administration said it would open the process to competition, marking the first time it has shown willingness to loosen its grip on the world's top development lender.

Zoellick took the reins at the Bank in 2007 after a staff revolt pushed out Paul Wolfowitz, and he moved quickly to return the institution's focus to alleviating poverty.

Developing countries have for years pressed for a greater voice in leading global financial institutions and are likely to stress the importance of a competitive process, but the United States is still widely expected to retain its hold on the job.

(source: yahoo news)

For your information in global politic, there was no democratic right.

There was a informal agreement:

Although the president is formally appointed by the bank's member nations, a decades-old agreement - which also allows major European powers to choose the head of the IMF - gives the United States the role of naming the World Bank chief.

Is it democracy that the western democracy advocate nations practices all this while. How about the chances of Asian, African and South American to hold the post for the world organization? No wonder USA had been manipulated the world financial system all this while in the past.....

There was discrimination in world body, where no open competition for the world financial top post, a monopoly by USA and its European allies, IMF and World Bank....

Where is the human right?.....another hypocrisy of the democracy and human right advocates of western world...

The next President of the world bank is going to be another USA candidate, despite their dismay of the Wall Street, New York and the poor financial performance of USA....is it a fair and equal opportunity in the world body for all? .....can they able to take the world financial body to the next era?....

I was just ponder, and will it be another disaster?....

Pseudo Election Campaign

2012-02-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

Looking at the political scene , the pseudo election campaign have already started by both ruling and opposition parties, despite the Election Commission has not announced the election date.

The political talk show, and the political festival events, recently has produced two of the negative feedback. The foul mouth spokesman of opposition has caused him into problem with the pressmen. Being a scholar with PHD holder, he should know what to say and what not to say. he suddenly has overdo it, and offense the reporters. May be the young politician has been away from the country for too long, that he forget the important of reporters in the election campaign. He will surely gain less votes or lost his seat if he go for this coming election, if the relationship with the press is not amended.

The proxy of the ruling party has created the "White Ang Pow" incident. This old politician has been an MP for so many terms. Jumping from Barisan to Pas, and now an independent. He has been attending the Chinese New Year open house of his friends, supporters, and his allies for so many times, and he has never receive a white ang-pow. Either he has lost his past memory, or use the sentiment of Chinese new year as his election campaign to gain publicity for his personal political agenda, or to make news for his linked NGO, the action back fire. He will surely caused his master to loose some important votes, or even some seats...

From the two incidents, the voters must open the eyes to see who are the opportunists, who are the actors in the coming election. They may just only proxies for their master, they may or may not go for the coming election. Let them remain as an actor for their master in the political games, they are not fit to be a representatives of the people in the parliament. Please do not vote them in. There are more actors and opportunists to come, when election date become closer....some are big names.....

It is funny why there are so much monies from the government and political parties moving around, closing to election. There will be cheques sending from businesses and unknown sources into the account of political parties, either for the political campaign fund or some personal gain....this will not be disclose in our own eyes, it will be under the counter, without disclosure. That is why it is important to limit the election campaign expenses for each candidates, to avoid political corruption. The budget and actual expenses should be accounted for....may be to disclose their personal assets prior to and after the election day.

Other than the cow incident of federal level. the potential voters also must be aware of the two incidents happen in two of the states, Kedah and Pahang government.

Kedah
Rebate money or kickback, "consultation fee" or even lobby money is common. if you are in government contract business, you will hear that generally the award was not given to the best tender or the best contractor who can do the work. That is why recently there were so many cases pending in the court on the corruption based on the government contracts, the largest being the Port Klang PKFZ case. This is the issue which has been around for a long time, big or small....

Pas-led state government is currently facing claims that some Pakatan Rakyat representatives in Kedah have sought 30% in “rebate money” from allocations Chinese associations received from the state government.(source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/13/nation/10726605&sec=nation). It has been reported that several Chinese association leaders claimed that the Pakatan representatives wanted a share of the allocations because of the role they had played in helping the groups secure them. If it is true, this will seriously affect the creditability of the state government and Pakatan Rakyat , and the chances of their retaining of the state in the coming election.

Pahang
From Pahang, not only Lynas issue, come the news of court award related to timber related transaction. Pahang state was famous for Tengku Wong incident years ago, during Dr M's time, if readers can still remember. Some readers may remember about Rahman Ya'kub's disclosure on timber concession in Sarawak in Ming Court affair in 1987. Logging concession has been one of the main sources of cases of corruption in Malaysia. Timber land and Timber concessions are normally awarded to people with no connection with actual logging business. Except for some small concessions or small timber land, normally it was given to people with connections, either politically or otherwise. Timber land was alienated to individual or companies with low layout. The actual loggers need to pay a large sum of consideration to buy the right of logging from the land owners or concession owners. Without any financial outlays(if you can arrange for someone to pay upfront the land premium and related expenses), the concession owners can easily gain millions of dollars form giving the right to the loggers. The problem is why the timber concessions are not given to the ultimate logging companies, and it must go to the third party to enjoy unproductive gains. This type of the industry(timber industry) is the biggest source of Ali-Baba collaboration. The timber concession is the biggest source of revenue for state government. Dr M had done some positive work in the industry, but not completely erase the malpractice, with some shit still remain. It has been the modus operandi in the states since independence.

A 55-year-old man threatened to burn himself to death if the Pahang government does not pay the RM70 million in damages to his company, as awarded in a court ruling.(source: http://my.news.yahoo.com/man-threatens-to-burn-self-over-rm70m-court-043425461.html). In a May 2007 decision by the Kuantan High Court, Seruan Gemilang Makmur was awarded RM37,127,471.60 in damages with eight per cent interest per annum backdated to December 31, 2000 after it won a breach of contract suit against the Pahang government and the state forestry director.The court ruled that state government and the state Forestry Department were in breach a of logging concession contract concerning the extraction of timber logs from a 10,000-acre plot of Umno-owned land in Mukim Bebar, Pekan district.

Voters, especially in Pahang must read carefully of the news, the case was a private business suit against a state government, for breach a of logging concession contract. The private business Seruan Gemilang Makmur obtained logging concession contract concerning the extraction of timber logs from a 10,000-acre plot of Umno-owned land in Mukim Bebar, Pekan district.

The land was owned by a political party, a ruling political party; and the awarding party is a state government. Unless the political party purchased the timber land in a arm length transaction(with financial consideration), and not obtain directly from the alienation of the state land. Is there any issue of legal complication or good state governance in the related or connected party transaction(from state government to a ruling political party)? let us ponder....if it is a business corporation(state government to ruling party link corporation) it will be in big trouble.... the moral of the story is why political party was involved in timber business? or owned a timber land?.....why compete with the ordinary businessmen for limited source of supplies in timber logging business?....

Lee explained that the company had spent about RM10 million to obtain a logging licence for the 10,000-acre land in 2001. However, at the end of 2002, the mentri besar had decided to stop issuing license to them. We do not know the detail of the case, but the High Court has decided for the damage award. The Court of Appeal, in reversing the Kuantan High Court’s decision, ruled that Seruan Gemilang Makmur had wrongly named the mentri besar as the respondent in the judicial review proceeding in the High Court to demand for the judgment sum from the state government.

State government and ruling political party were the stake holder in the case. From the court judgement, the victim of the case is a private business entity. Forget about the legal, remember about the big issue, why a political party was involve?

Some of the political donation may be from cases similar to the above two cases during coming election. Will it be political implicator for the coming state election?.

Voters, you must follow the cow case and the above cases, these are the icebergs floating in the sea, 8/9 of the actual story was not disclosed....

The big gun has lawyer to help them to escape from the legal barrier, and the transaction will look perfectly legal, but morally wrong in the law of God...

Why must the country allow the malpractice to carry on for so long...which increase our cost of production....unnecessary...with higher cost of production in the country due to corruption, political or commercial, we will not able to compete in the global environment sooner....

We need a clean environment, not only physical environment, but also clean political environment for the future....the non-corruption nation.

Your votes in coming election is very important. Look at the big issues, the election campaign is actually now on the move.....

Further readings:
1. Kedah MB vows to get to the bottom of ‘rebate money’,http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/13/nation/10726605&sec=nation
2. Man threatens to burn self over RM70m court award, http://my.news.yahoo.com/man-threatens-to-burn-self-over-rm70m-court-043425461.html
3. Abdul Rahman Ya'kub, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Rahman_Ya%27kub
4. The Ming Court Affair, http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=101101495585
5. SPECIAL REPORT: The Ming Court Affair, Part 1-5, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/51574

You Are Loved - Short Film

2012-02-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

Please do click on the subscribe and like button if you enjoyed the video! Thank You!
http://www.facebook.com/grimfilm

**Click on Show More!**

A film made for Valentine's Day.

Spread the love, not only in Valentine's Day, but each day....going against barrier of color, religion and politic....

鳳飛飛綠島小夜曲

2012-02-13T03:52:00.000-08:00

鳳飛飛綠島小夜曲

作詞：潘英傑　作曲：周藍萍

這綠島像一隻船　在月夜裡搖啊搖
姑娘呀妳也在我的心海裡飄呀飄

讓我的歌聲隨那微風　吹開了妳的窗簾
讓我的衷情隨那流水　不斷的向妳傾訴

椰子樹的長影　掩不住我的情意
明媚的月光　更照亮了我的心

這綠島的夜已經這樣沈靜
姑娘喲　妳為什麼還是默默無語

鳳飛飛

2012-02-13T03:17:00.000-08:00

Good Bye, Fong Fei Fei(鳳飛飛)

鳳飛飛（1953年8月20日－2012年1月3日），本名林秋鸞，台灣桃園大溪人，台灣歌星、綜藝節目主持人。1980年（27歲）時嫁給香港旅遊業者趙宏琦，於1989年生子。鳳飛飛於2012年1月3日凌晨3：19分因為肺癌在香港過世，並長眠於台灣大溪鎮佛光山寶塔寺

凤飞飞病逝的消息是在保密一个多月后，家属和律师今天才在香港召开记者会，公布凤飞飞病逝的消息，并对外交代所有的身后事已经处理好。

行事作风低调的凤飞飞，特别交代等过完了农历年元宵，才能公布去世的死讯。

鳳飛飛 - 我是一片雲

歌詞﹕
我是一片雲
天空是我家
朝迎旭日升
暮送夕陽下
我是一片雲
自在又潇洒
身随魂夢飛
它來去無牽掛

鳳飛飛 -《祝你幸福》

鳳飛飛巧合

月光小夜曲凤飞飞

月亮在我窗前荡漾透进了爱的光芒
我低头静静地想一想猜不透你心肠
好像今晚月亮一样忽明忽暗又忽亮啊....
到底是爱还是心儿慌啊....月光
月夜情境像梦一样那甜蜜怎能相忘
细语又在耳边荡漾怎不叫我回想
我怕见那月亮光抬头忙把窗帘拉上啊..
我心儿醉我心儿慌啊....月光
好像今晚月亮一样忽明忽暗又忽亮啊......
到底是爱还是心儿慌啊....月光

We cannot see the wrongs in cow issue

2012-02-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

If I was given a grant or banking facilities to built low cost housing, and I found that cow breeding is more lucrative, and I used the fund to buy cows.

Am I wrong?

Will the bank withdraw my credit line?

Have I comply with the terms and conditions of the grants?

how about the legal implication of my contravention of the objective clause of the company?

How the facilities was granted? is that any undue influence for granting of the facilities? Did the company has experience in low cost housing development? Is that any wrong in granting facilities to company without the core business experience? Is there any non arm length transaction or related parties transaction?

If the cows are all under the names of my father, my mother, my wife and my relatives, not the company's names. What will happen? Will the bank tell me that your are sucking out the company's fund.....for business purpose or for your private family members....

What is the conflict of interest?

What is related party transaction? is it a form of political or commercial corruption?

If all the cows died, who is responsible for the wrong investment? if the cows are all sold for large profit, who will gain from the extra ordinary profits?

Have the investment in cow breeding properly authorized? Have they obtain the consent of the grant giver for investing not for the purpose of the grant?

Is all the extraordinary gains full disclosed and channeled back to the company?

Is the investment speculative risky?

If it is not banking fund, but government monies, people monies....is it wrong to go against the purpose of the ultimate grant?.....if it is not your money,you are only a trustee for the government, can you use all the monies at your fancy?...

We may say all is right, all is legal, all is Ok; but is it really OK?

Where is responsible accounting and accountability?

Is the investment and expenses reported fair and reasonable for the core business?

Why when the country need urgently fund for domestic investment , the government fund was channeling out to other country?

Can you still trust them to continue with the money?

If the nation cannot understand the basic and fundamental of the issues... what happen to our society?

Is it stil OK?.....

Penang lang, you understand the cow issue?....it is more serious than the latest Chicken or KFC(kick, fight, the customer)issue....

The Green Party has come

2012-02-06T23:32:00.001-08:00

Penang - Top Ten Islands to Visit Before You Die

2012-02-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Penang island was chosen as the 'Top Ten Islands to Visit Before You Die' by Yahoo Travel.

During the Chap Goh Meh celebration at the Penang Esplanade, we ask tourists what they like about Penang. Many said they like the foods, warm weather, beaches, shopping and culture.

That is more than that, you come to Penang, because Penang is an island, surround by sea, there is Penang Hill, there are beaches, there are heritage buildings, there are historical sites, there are history of cultural harmony - Malay, Chinese, Indian, Western where the East meet West, there are festival of multiracial, there are multi-religion....Penang offer you completeness within an island....

... and the most important is the life style, you can move around with simplicity, wearing T shirt, with sleepers, short pant,....or whatever you are....you move around in originality....your own self..... be yourself and relax.....

Just walk around, in the street, at the beach, climb the hills, move around the island, eat as much as you can, talk as much as you can, and shop until your last dollars......the life style of freedom..

The most attractive part of Penang, is that you are not stranger in the island, you are part of the island, wherever you come from,......be yourself....relax...

Penang - island to relax, and be yourself, like the locals....

Japanese occupation of Singapore

2012-02-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

What is the story of Singapore related to Penang?

Singapore was the capital of the Strait Settlement(Penang,Singapore & Malacca) prior to World War 2. It was the location of the Strait Settlement political administration. Whatever happen in Singapore, politically influenced Penang. The fall of Singapore during WW2 was the stimulation of independence movement in Malaya after the British returned during British Military Administration period. The first time the people of Malayan realized that the superpower of western empire can be defeated by a new Asian military power.

The British Empire army was disgraced by the Japanese Imperial Army.....and they withdraw from Singapore, the last fort of their defense....

Some people joined and welcome the invasion of Imperial Japanese Army with the hope for the liberation of Malaya from Britain. But the 3 years and 8 months proved that that was wrong, and another colonial power imaged after the western colonial power had evolved.....

It was lucky there were some who see the actual intention of the new colonial power, Japan militarism, and were involved in the resistance movement, until the return of the British.

The part of the story was too sensitive in our national history, it was either hidden or erased from our history books by our official historian. Some may attempt to re-write the history based on their biased views.

You can search for the chapter of the history in the internet or other foreign source.

So a re-look of how the old colonial military power of British Empire, fell to another new colonial power, Japanese Imperial Army, remind us how value is our independence to the younger generations.

Preserve Our Heritage" - Jalan Sultan

2012-02-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

The Land and Mines Department has given Jalan Sultan landowners a final date of 30th January, 2012 to negotiate with MRT Corp, before it invokes the 1960 Land Acquisition Act to acquire land and property for the purpose of constructing the RM40 Billion Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) which runs underground along Jalan Sultan.

What can you learn from the issue of Jalan Sultan? Will the incident one day happen to Penang?.....

Jalan Sultan is heritage to Malaysia, like Jalan Petaling, it has been going through the time with the development of Kuala Lumpur.

Penang lang , what is your feeling?......

Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur

2012-02-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

Support Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur

Thousands gathered at Dataran Merdeka yesterday(17-9-2011) to stage a display of unity, in celebration of the nation's progress in its 54 years of independence and 47 years of union with Sabah and Sarawak.

However, as dusk crept on, only a few streets away, a very different group of people gathered; not to celebrate the city's towering skyscrappers, but a humble national heritage in existence long before independence.

The cultural event held in conjunction with the mid-autumn festival, was entitled 'Safeguarding Jalan Petaling' but attention also shifted to Jalan Sultan as the buildings there face the looming danger of acquisition.

The organisers, the Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) and art activists believe that Jalan Sultan should be preserved together with Jalan Petaling as integral parts of Chinatown.

"Many people have a sense of belonging to Jalan Petaling because it is the Malaysian Chinese experience and even later on other races also began to reside here... We believe that Jalan Petaling, Jalan Sultan and Kuala Lumpur's heritage buildings must be preserved," said KLSCAH president Tan Yew Sing.

Full story: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/176080

Some 30 buildings to make way for MRT tunnel (Update)
Posted on 11 August 2011 - 02:25pm
Last updated on 11 August 2011 - 09:08pm

Meena L. Ramadas
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 11, 2011): About 30 old buildings at Jalan Sultan here will be demolished to make way for the underground line of the proposed Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.

However, new retail outlets will be built in some parts of the area, located in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, after the tunnel is completed.

Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad project development division group director Zulkifli Mohd Yusof said today the old buildings, some of which have existed for 100 years or more, will be demolished before construction begins for public safety.

However, he said the federal government intends to "maximise the potential" of the prime area and the public transportation system by building shopping outlets.

"It is part of the government's urban renewal project," he said at a briefing on the land acquisition process for property owners.

"Of course, we want to maintain the heritage of the area but inevitably, some parts will be affected. Sacrifices need to be made for development, especially one that is really needed in the country," he added.

At the briefing, property owners voiced their dissatisfaction and objection over the move to demolish the old buildings.

Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lin submitted objections on the land acquisition at the area.

"The area is a vital tourist attraction and is a heritage site. It should be maintained in the interests of the community and nation," he said.

Administrator Judy Tan, 50, of the Lok Ann Hotel, lamented that the construction of the tunnel is at the expense of the heritage and culture of the Chinese people who had arrived here about a century ago.

"Chinatown represents the heritage, culture and identity of the Chinese community. I understand that sacrifices need to be made, but not at the expense of heritage.

"We are not against the development but we are asking the government to consider our requests," she added.

Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) trustee Datuk Rasammah Bupalan, 84, said: "Sometimes, money is not the only type of compensation that can be offered to the people. The government must also make certain sacrifices."

She urged Prasarana to engage with property owners to clarify their questions, which Zulkifli kindly obliged to do.

Several property owners had also questioned if the tunnel could be realligned to run below two empty lots which are currently used as parking areas to spare the demolition of the buildings.

However, Zulkifli said this change would require the tunnel to be built at a sharp turn.

"It would not comply with the requirements of having a 300 metre radius," he said.

Zulkifli also said according to the National Land Code 1960, properties that sit on the site scheduled for an underground development must be acquired by the government.

MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture (JV) geotechnical specialist Professor Dr Ooi Lean Hock said due to the age of the buildings, the condition of the structures are difficult to be ascertained.

"The buildings' vulnerability during the construction of the tunnel must be taken into consideration," he said.

The property owners will be compensated at the amount recommended by the Valuation and Property Service Department during briefing sessions which are scheduled to begin on Aug 15.

Owners who do not agree with the amount can appeal within six months of being awarded compensation.

The final proposed alignment was announced on July 8 which included changes to the route of the MRT line to minimise land acquisition in certain areas such as Kota Damansara.

The Jalan Sultan area will sport the proposed Pasar Seni station of the MRT line which will be situated at the current site of the Klang bus stand and the UDA Ocean building.

Construction on the 51km line will begin in November when the first tender packages are awarded. The project is expected to be completed in 2016 and commence operations in January 2017.

SPAD said the number of stations in the new alignment has been reduced to 31 stations from the original 35, seven of which are underground.

About 70% of the proposed alignment sits on road reserves and government land. The remaining 30% will have to be acquired.

(source: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/108754)

Penang lang support the old residents of Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur.

年十四，灯佑苏丹街

2012-02-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

【年十四，灯佑苏丹街】
2012年1月23日，马来西亚华人，热切期盼壬辰龙年的降临...欣闻槟城大旗鼓和柔佛新山游神，被列入国家文化遗产名录...
可是，吉隆坡的百年活古迹苏丹街命运垂危,苏丹街老街坊黯然心碎，迎接最后一个华人农历新年。

苏丹街业主，在过年前一个星期，突然接获土地局发出的最后通知，公函中阐明，如果业主没有在1月30日（年初九）前签署共同协议书，当局将援引征地法令，强行征地建捷运，苏丹街随时消失在历史版图上。

【年十四，灯佑苏丹街】
2月5日（年初十四），晚上8点开始
诚邀你来提灯、上灯、照亮吉隆坡百年苏丹街
，民灯祈佑下一个百年苏丹街。

主办：茨厂街社区艺术计划
日期：2012年2月5日（星期日，农历正月初十四）
时间：8pm - 12am
地点：苏丹街（从人镜慈善白话剧社街角延至乐安茶室）

宗旨：以文化艺术出发，凝聚社区、文化艺术工作者和民众的力量，为老街祈福。

呈现方式：邀请老街居民、个人（包括民众）或团体的文化艺术工作者，从华人民间在年初十五元宵花灯节的概念出发，以灯笼和花灯为媒介，用静态（装置艺术、绘画等）或动态（音乐、舞蹈、戏剧、行为艺术等）的表现手法来捍卫命运垂危的苏丹街。参与者可自行携带各自设计的灯笼或花灯，现场也会派发纸灯笼和祈福纸条给民众，在点亮之后挂满苏丹街。

Penang lang support residents of Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur....

蕭煌奇-阿嬤的話

2012-02-02T03:41:00.001-08:00

北海锺灵中学第12届毕业生｜聚餐晚宴宣传短片

2012-02-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

闹钟声是我最讨厌的声音，但每天都得听见它
比起讨人厌的闹钟声，我更讨厌贴满在冰箱上的账单
老板每天的情绪就像到了女人的更年期一样
搞到明明很有heart上班的我，每天像具死尸一样
人生不如意的事情常常会有，当身边的好友不在的时候
我才发现，原来我一直都很幸福
我今年27岁，距离中学毕业已经过了十年
说真的，现在的生活那么烂，令我真的很想念中学时期
最够力的是，最近九把刀的那些年又爆红
把我搞到超想念我的中学生活
如今，就我一个人

话说有那么一个下午，我碰见了一位中学朋友
由于我们太久没有见面了，名字一时也想不起
只记得他应该属于损友的那一堆
那一个下午我们聊了很多我们以前的故事
才发现原来我们也有那些年

原来常常遇见的画面很熟悉是因为早就经历过了
但是感觉就是不一样
那些年超顽皮的我们喜欢在班上玩"割书"
那些年超贪吃的他们喜欢在上课时间偷跑去买包吃
那些年过动的我们最喜欢上体育课
对了还有他们那些年的爱情故事

原来中学的一切都很美好
好到让我觉得现在的生活很烂

朋友，如果可以再一次相遇多好。

Happy Chinese New Year from Warren Buffett

2012-01-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year from one of the richest man in the world

Fatt-lah....

I do not mind working in the railroad, as this was my favorite song in my school days. Unlike Warren Buffett I am not even rich after singing the song for so many years.

Anyhow, Warren Buffett is chai-xing, his Chinese New Year wishes should bring good blessing to all Chinese in the world, not only China. Also Penang lah.....

Penang lang fatt-lah......Penang fatt lah....

Kong Xi Fatt Chai

Wish all Penang lang " Happy Chinese New Year"

恭喜! 恭喜! kongxi! Kongxi!

Auld Lang Syne Hokkien Version

2012-01-19T03:01:00.000-08:00

Stop eating shark fins this Chinese New Year

2012-01-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts today announced its "Sustainable Seafood Policy" including the commitment to cease serving shark fin in all of its operated restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect. Future banquet bookings made prior to this date will be honoured as per the signed contractual agreement. At the same time, Shangri-La announced that it will phase out Bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass in all its operated restaurants within the year. In December 2010 the company initiated the process with the removal of shark fin products from its restaurant menus. The new policy is a continuation of Shangri-La's journey towards environmental support.

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/press/pressrelease/57020
http://world.einnews.com/pr_news/76099614/shangri-la-announces-sustainable-seafood-policy

How about you, Penang lang....

Nasi Lauk yang tak pernah kamu rasa !

2012-01-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

你从来没吃过的咖哩饭! Nasi Lauk that you have not taste!

When I watch the video, it is so familiar. I have been in Kelantan for many years. Nasi Lauk, Nasi Dagang, Nasi kerabu......the familiar breakfast, that have been unified the taste buds of Kelantan people for many generations....

There is no barrier, race or religion.

Nasi Lauk, the breakfast of Kelantan.....it break the barrier....

The touching story of the short movie remind us about the son's love to the mother,not only that, the bond of various races in Kelantan since ancient time, the love of various races to the Kelantanese Malay mother, Negeri Kelantan.

The Malay mother become the mother of his son's friends, like Kelantan become the homeland of many races since ancient time...

During this Chinese new year, not only remember family bond, but let us also remember the racial harmony in the country

I experienced my real Malay culture in Kelantan, it was not only cultural shock in the early 70s, it was also the difficulty in learning the Kelantanese Malay dialect. I stay in a Kampong house owned by a Chinese sundry shop owner with a Malay name, Che Mamat. My neighbor were Kelantan Malay families. I ate Kelantan Malay food each day. I fast during the fasting month sometime, when the warong was not opened.

When I left Kelantan, it was with the warmth of the Kelantanese culture, the experience of racial harmony that is difficult for me to forget in life. I am now able to hear the tempo of their voices, listening to the Kelantanese Malay, the beauty of the Kelantan culture. The culture become part of me, so familiar....

I look back at Penang, and as I walk along Pitt Street, what happen to Penang?....it was once the street of racial harmony.

I remember the story of Nasi Kandar, it is different from Nasi Lauk. Nasi Lauk remain as simple and humble as in ancient time, the breakfast of fishermen, the breakfast of Kelantan, the breakfast of normal people from Kelantan, still in warong and kopitiam.....

Look at Nasi Kandar, it had changed. It become so expensive, it is climbing up its economic success story. It has become untouchable by the normal people, as the price is going up. It no longer in the old kopitiam or mamak stalls. It is now in the shop house and restaurants. May be it is their success story. But it has lost touch of Penang's taste, it is no longer taste like the old nasi kandar, when they still use kandar to carry their food. It no longer fit as harmony food of Penang...it become arrogant....it is no longer locally make( mainly made by foreign workers)....it lost its heritage, the living heritage food loved by all Penang people. I used to remember, my father was so fond of Nasi Kandar, he can practically eat it daily if financially allow...it was not a mamak food, it was not Indian food, it was Penang food, Malaysian food.....it was our food...

Nasi Kandar was once the pride of Penang, like Nasi lauk the pride of Kelantan...not today.... but it has lost its charm.....it is so commercial now...

I still love Nasi Lauk, it is so asli(original).....food of my second home....but I still remember the Nasi Kandar that my father love...

Stop Moral Education subject in school

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Is it necessary to have Moral Education as compulsory subject for public examination?

In Malaysia, Pendidikan Moral (Malay for "Moral Studies") is one of the core subjects in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. It is a required subject for all non-Muslim students in the public education system in Malaysia. Muslim students are required to take the Islamic Studies (Malay: Pendidikan Islam) course.

When I was in the secondary school, moral education was not a compulsory examination subject for public examination. There were no religion studies for me in school , but I was a scout in school, which was my source of moral education. After my form 5, I did 3 months volunteer service in School for Mentally Retarded Children as volunteer teacher. I have no time for other undesired activities. That was in the 60s.

The Malaysian education system makes Moral Studies compulsory for non-Muslim students at secondary and primary schools. Muslim students instead partake in Islamic Studies lessons. Both subjects figure among the seven compulsory subjects undertaken by students for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. There has been considerable debate about the usefulness of the "Moral" subject, primarily due to the strict exam-oriented marking-schemes.

Moral Education or Pendidikan Moral

Pendidikan Moral, along with Islamic Studies, is governed by the Department of Islamic and Moral Studies (JAPIM), a branch under the Ministry of Higher Education.
The core of the syllabus is the 36 moral values (called "nilai" in Malay). These values include "Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan" (creed), "Bertanggungjawab" (responsibility) and "Sikap Keterbukaan" (open-mindedness) among others. The 36 values are divided categorized into 7 major fields of study (called "bidang" in Malay), namely:
• Perkembangan Diri (self-development)
• Kekeluargaan (family)
• Alam Sekitar (nature)
• Patriotisme (patriotism)
• Hak Asasi Manusia (human rights)
• Demokrasi (democracy)
• Keamanan dan Keharmonian (peace and harmony).

These values are presented in detail in textbooks and form the basis of corresponding examinations. Each value is defined by the Education Ministry. Answering examination questions requires some interpretation of these definitions.
Pendidikan Moral is often learned by rote. Teachers in schools tend to concentrate on answering techniques rather than the teaching material provided in the textbook. Instead of interpreting the appropriate value based on the information given, students are taught to look for specific keywords in the description and identify the corresponding moral value. Thus, strict memorization of the values is required without any emphasis on understanding or application. There have been suggestions to reform the system and incorporate other forms of assessment and not rely completely on written examinations but thus far, they have not been implemented.
(source: Wikipedia)

Then, what is the point of study moral education in school? Unfortunately, the subject only evaluates the cognitive dimension of Moral Education or what is called Moral Knowledge by strictly memory work. Can passing of the subject by memory make the student actually understand the moral values?....it is actually wasting the students' time.

Religious Studies

“On Bible Knowledge as an examination subject for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Tan Sri Koh said the subject would be taught in schools after hours on request by parents. "If no suitable teacher is available at the school concerned, then a pastor or priest from a nearby church could be recruited to conduct classes." (http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/solutions-to-christian-concerns-1.28080)

Bible knowledge classes in schools should be a normal class in normal hours of the school. Why the class should be held after school hours. When Muslim students are having their Ugama class, the other students can have their classes on their respective religion. Buddhist student can have their Buddhism class, Hindu student can have their Hindu religion class, and Christian students have their Bible Knowledge class at the same time.

Religion studies are much better than Moral Studies, which is a exam oriented class. Religious Education is the term given to education concerned with religion. It may refer to education provided by a church or religious organization, for instruction in doctrine and faith, or for education in various aspects of religion, but without explicitly religious or moral aims, e.g. in a school or college. The term often overlaps with Religious studies. Religious studies is the academic field of multi-disciplinary, secular study of religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically based, and cross-cultural perspectives. The school need Religious studies not religion studies. The only risk factor is, the education department should ensure that no teachers with religion extremist background should be allowed teaching the subject. I still remember the Malaysian studies subject in public university was abused by some religion fanatic lecturer to propagate their belief to students, even students from different religion background. The students were undergoing mental torture for 3-4 years just to pass the examination. I hope this will not happen to students taking Religious studies in secondary schools.

If the students have studied religion studies, there is not necessary for them to take moral education, just like the Muslim students who take Islamic Studies.For students that do not belong to any religion group, with the parent’s consent, he can attend any of the religion class or opted for class like comparative religions, or a liberal art subjects or foreign language subjects.

Another form of National Service- replacement for moral education

National service of Moral education for school students , can be then make compulsory practical engagement on social services or voluntary services in charitable organization, hospital, fire station, orphanage, old folk homes, and even police, town council, military. There is no point to have national services, when not all are called to the service, and many resources need to channel to the national project.

The school army cadets, police cadets, and fire brigade cadets, Red Cross, St John Ambulance, can continued their engagement after leaving schools at the respective uniform units. The others like scouts and boys brigade have their national organization to launch a national program for school leavers to engage them in voluntarism. May be, suggested that students should make joining one uniform unit as compulsory school activity.

Other non-uniform school leavers can engaged themselves in environment conscious projects, or attached to hospitals, local councils, and other charitable organization, orphanage, old folks homes, school for blinds and deaf etc. The students should be allowed 3 months service, duly documented and a certification given as one of the compulsory criteria for local education and employment. This can apply to oversea education, when certification is required for applying of student visa to oversea.

That is alternative form of National Service....

There is no necessary to have a compulsory subject on Moral Education, when the purpose is just to memorize to score A for SPM Examination. A student who scored A in Moral Education may not guaranteed that he will be a morally right student. What is the purpose to have Moral Education subject compulsory for public examination, which is not useful for his or her academic education in tertiary level?
Religion education and full engagement in social services or uniform units, will be sufficient for them to develop into a responsible young citizen of the nation, all 36 moral values required by Moral Education syllabus are well covered .

Please stop Moral Education in school.

Further readings/ References:
1. ASSESSMENT IN MORAL EDUCATION AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVES, by Wan Hasmah Wan Mamat, http://myais.fsktm.um.edu.my/5116/1/10.pdf
2. Government To Implement Several Measures To Address Concerns, BERNAMA,- http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v6/newsindex.php?id=637994

噢！槟城

2012-01-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

槟城老街，邱善佑路，Jalan Khoo Sian Ewe

2012-01-07T00:28:00.000-08:00

Malaysian national flags

2012-01-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

While I was walking along Macalister Road days before Christmas, I stopped at the junction of Macalister Road and Jalan Zainal Abidin. I looked at the sky, what a wonderful sky Malaysia has, blue and clear. What a nice day....

But when I looked at the modern tall building in front of me, it not only block my view, but also shock me, a broken Malaysian flag with a long tailing hanging at the flag pole. This is the Penang head office of a ruling political party, when recently one of his senior minister was questioning on the patriotism of certain race..... and now that particular political party is showing disrespect to our national flag....what a funny feeling imagine I have....

If it was an ordinary institution or a private home, I do not mind as may be they can be educated ; but a political party, a ruling political party who always question about the patriotism of other people.....I cannot believe..... they should have fly a national flag correctly and respectfully as a good example for other citizen to see ......

I wonder did Malaysia has any flag protocol like Canada or USA?......

No wonder I see less Bunga Raya recently....more political games....less nationalism...and yet they are talking about patriotism...

Who is patriotic ? when not even respect our national flag....

National flag is our national identity.....

Malaysian Flag - National Flag

The flag of Malaysia, also known as the Jalur Gemilang ("Stripes of Glory"), comprises a field of 14 alternating red and white stripes along the fly and a blue canton bearing a crescent and a 14-point star known as the Bintang Persekutuan or Federal Star. The 14 stripes, of equal width, represent the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government, while the 14 points of the star represent the unity between these entities[1]. The crescent represents Islam, the country's official religion; the blue canton symbolizes the unity of the Malaysian people; the yellow of the star and crescent is the royal colour of the Malay rulers.

The flag of Malaysia, which was first raised on September 16, 1963, originated from the flag of the Federation of Malaya. Prior to the creation of the national flag, each state in Malaya had its own flag, many of which are unchanged in design to this day.

When the Federation of Malaya replaced the short lived Malayan Union, the federation government through the Federal Legislative Council called for a design contest for a new flag. Three flags were forwarded to the public. The flag designed by Mohamad Hamzah of the Public Works Department - was chosen as the winner through a public poll held by The Malay Mail. Since Malaya was fighting the communists during the Malayan Emergency, the five-pointed star had the uncanny resemblance with the communists' symbols. Therefore, the star was modified to accommodate six more points.
The Malayan flag was approved by King George VI on 19 May 1950 and was first raised in front of Istana Selangor on 26 May 1950. On 31 August 1957, it was raised upon independence at Merdeka Square in place of the British Union Flag.

Mohamed Hamzah - Designer of national flag

Mohamed Hamzah, a 29-year-old architect working for the Public Works Department (JKR) in Johor Bahru, Johor. He entered the Malayan flag design competition in 1947 with two designs which he completed within two weeks. The first design was a green flag with blue kris in the middle, surrounded by 15 white stars. The second design, which was among the three finalists, was similar to the current flag but with a five-pointed star. It borrows major design elements from the East India Company flag, notably the red and white stripes. The competition attracted 373 entries and voting was made by the general public via post. Malayan senior statesman Dato' Onn Jaafar met with Mohamed Hamzah after he won the competition and suggested that the star be changed to an 11-pointed one to represent all the Malayan states.
Mohamed Hamzah died just short of his 75th birthday on 13 February 1993 in Jalan Stulang Baru, Kampung Melayu Majidee, Johor.

Changes of national flag

Following the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, the design of the Malayan flag was modified to reflect and honour the new states in the federation. Three additional stripes were added to the existing flag and the star was given 14 points to reflect the federation of the original 11 states in Malaya plus Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore; this design remained the same even after Singapore's expulsion from the federation two years later. When Kuala Lumpur was designated a Federal Territory on February 1, 1974, the additional stripe and the point in the star were appropriated to represent this new addition to the federation. Eventually, with the addition of two other federal territories — Labuan in 1984 and Putrajaya in 2001 — the fourteenth stripe and point in the star came to be associated with the federal government in general.

In 1997, when Malaysians were invited to name the flag, then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohammad picked the name Jalur Gemilang to project the country's onward drive towards continuous growth and success

Ironically, the significance of the blue color relating to commonwealth countries was downplayed, and remember the national flag was basically based on the flag of the East India Company.

Flag Protocol

I immediately search the web of the government office, and found little material on flag protocol. Flag protocol defines the proper placement, handling and use of flags.

In the United States, as in many other nations, there are a series of rules governing the display and disposal of the national flag. These rules are referred to as “flag protocol." Although violation of flag protocol does not have legal repercussions, it is hoped that flag protocol will encourage respectful handling of the flag. More than simply a piece of fabric, a national flag represents the nation as a whole, and is an important symbol of national identity.

This was what I found in Malaysian websites:

During the National Day celebrations, everyone is encouraged to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their homes, office buildings, shops and corporate premises.

•If the flag is fixed at home, it is to be raised pointing towards the road.
•If the flag is put in a group of flags with state and private company flags, the Malaysian flag must be raised in between two flags and its pole placed higher than the rest.

http://www.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/MsianFlagAndCrest/Pages/MsianFlagAndCrest.aspx

Flag Protocol is more than that.....you can see how innovative our Malaysian make use of national flags in the following blog;

TREAT OUR FLAGS WITH MORE RESPECT , http://johorbahruwatch.blogspot.com/(in this blog you can found how some innovative Malaysian make use of national flags)

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.(US Flag Etiquette, http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html)

Departments should ensure that the Union Flag and national flags should be in good repair and unsoiled. To fly a flag which is in poor repair or dirty is to show disrespect for the nations that it represents.(Guidance for hoisting flags, http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/honours/7125.aspx)

Patriotism include the flag protocol, to treat our national flag with respect, I hope our political parties know flag protocol prior to any accusation or debate on patriotism. This should be the first lesson of patriotism for the new year....

Further Reference:

1. American Flag Protocol, http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette-display.shtml
2. The National Flag of Canada, http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/etiqtt/index-eng.cfm
3. Rules for Half-masting the National Flag of Canada, http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/meb-hm/101-eng.cfm
4. US Flag Etiquette, http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html
5. Guidance for hoisting flags, http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/honours/7125.aspx
6. Official American Flag Etiquette, http://www.americanflags.com/flagetiquette1.html

情感聯絡站咖啡烏 (Kopi-0) - 巫啟賢

2012-01-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

A song of kopi-o(or black coffee, commonly known in Penang), Malaysian popular beverage...Kopitiam(coffee shop), the earliest social media of the past, the facebook of the old generation, for Malaysian, for Penang ....

Multi-millionaire Loh Boon Siew was not able to write or type, or use computer; there was no facebook; but the kopitiam was his facebook, he obtained his latest information from kopitiam, making his strategy in kopitiam, he has his social network in kopitiam. His sense of business is from kopitiam....and a cup of kopi-o.

If you do not believe, just visit the kopitiam at Hutton Lane, Penang; may be your ideas of making the first million will be from this kopitiam too....

Remember Kopitiam, the facebook of the old generation..... and remember to drink a cup of black coffe or kopi-o......in kopitiam..

What a blessing in Penang to have that old living heritage, kopitiam still around....

在這個你我熟悉的地方　有著你我喜歡吃的早餐
咖啡店的老板　他們的笑容都是一個模樣
在這個你我熟悉的地方　有著你我熟悉的臉龐
它彷彿就是一個情感的聯絡站

喝一杯濃濃的咖啡　談一談自己的方向　
三兩個朋友都來喝一杯　無形中又把距離給縮短
道路上車輛橫衝又直闖　十字路口誰都在徬徨　
你看不清你自己　也算是平常

Kopi O　Kopi O　喝一杯濃濃的Kopi O
Kopi O　Kopi O　把不愉快的事情都遺忘

在這個你我生活的地方　有著我們共同的理想
讓腳步匆匆又忙忙　一齊把明天開創

被遗忘在垃圾堆的大总统秘书- 雷铁崖(Lei Tieya )

2011-11-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

在自贡贡井和平广场，曾经屹立着一个雕像，他就是贡井人的骄傲--孙中山临时大总统的秘书---雷铁崖.

雷铁崖是谁?谁是雷铁崖?

雷铁崖（1873—1920），原名昭性，字泽皆，入同盟会后署名铁崖。清同治12年9月13日（1873年11月2日）出生在富顺县自流井石头沟（今贡井区双塘乡石沟村）一盐商家庭.

四川自贡人吴玉章(1878-1966)、谢奉琦(1882-1908)和“雷铁崖(1873-1920)堪称辛亥革命之“三杰”....

雷铁崖是槟城光華日報第一任總編輯(1910-1912).....

1910,檳城閱書報社带头开会议决招股出版，选出六人专办此事，他们是：黄金庆、陈新政、丘明旭、杨汉翔、林贻博及曾受兰。时适胡汉民因营救汪精卫（因在北京刺杀摄政王戴沣不遂被捕（1910年4月16日））出狱事来槟城会陈璧君（她是槟城人，于1912年在广州下嫁汪精卫），巧遇上阅书报社要组织报馆，乃由胡汉民代撰招股序文及简章，并即介绍编辑人员。雷铁崖（曾任总编辑）及张仕鹃即为胡汉民与孙中山商定后所聘请者(谢诗坚, 2010)

創刊於1910年12月2日的《光華日報》，是由中華民國國父孫中山先生創立，報名出自中山先生的構想，含「光復華夏」之意，中山先生並親手寫下這四個字，這四個字即是近百年來《光華日報》的刊頭和建築物招牌上的字體。《光華日報》创刊社址是120号打铜仔街(120, Armenian Street, Penang)

雷铁崖为创刊(1910年12月2日，即庚戌年农历十一月初一)初期的《光华日报》报头题字。

《光華日報》由胡漢民和檳城華僑如黃金慶、吳世榮、陳新政等共同創刊，第一任總編輯為中山先生欣賞的四川才子雷鐵崖。當時是中山先生授意胡漢民寫信力邀雷鐵崖，再由中山先生兄長孫眉到上海力邀，雷鐵崖才同意到檳城上任，而在雷鐵崖的邀請之下，戴季陶（又名戴天仇）也南來檳城出任編輯之職。

創刊初期，《光華日報》每天出版兩大張，社論、新聞、廣告一應具全，為了爭奪保皇派報紙的輿論陣地，雷鐵崖在《光華日報》履任的一年餘期間，以社論、諧文、笑話、雜談的方式，發表文章近百篇，他極具震撼力和鼓動性的寫作方式，日獲當地華僑敬重，國民黨元老馮自由後來曾說，南洋華僑在辛亥革命中提供的人力和財力，雷鐵崖的一枝筆功不可沒。

在這期間，《光華日報》風行海內外，上海、廣州、福州、檀香山、舊金山、香港、新加坡等地71處均設代理。後來中山先生革命成功出任臨時大總統之際，雷鐵崖還曾返大陸擔任中山先生的祕書。

據1911年5月24日的檳榔嶼《光華日報》記載，羅仲霍(1881-1911, 黄花岗烈士)回國前曾拜訪自貢名人雷鐵崖，兩個人行祭飲之禮後，羅仲霍自言自語說：「此行實省老母，顧能再南渡否，不可知。」國難當前，羅仲霍仍有拳拳孝心，難怪雷鐵崖感慨地說：「世豈有忘親事敵之人，而能捨生取義者哉。」

他担任斯职为期一年有余，1912 年返国抵沪.

1920年5月8日，雷铁崖这位中国近代史上一生追求革命，四次创办刊物并任主编或主笔的宣传家重病去世，终年48岁。

今天, 雷铁崖的雕像被遗忘在垃圾堆中.....

遗憾, 遗憾.....

报业巨子、诗人雷铁崖(1873-1920)
陈思逊

（一）

雷铁崖是辛亥革命时期的报业巨子、诗人，曾任临时大总统孙中山的秘书。雷铁崖原名昭性，字泽皆，初号詟皆，正号铁崖，联系其姓氏，用意欲以雷霆之声唤醒国人。1873年11月2日（清同治十二年九月十三日），生于四川富顺县自流井（今属自贡市）一盐商家庭。在弟兄五人中雷昭性行四，后因父亲经营盐业不善而遭破产，雷铁崖只得辍学，割牛草助父谋生。1894年（清光绪二十年），雷铁崖与李宗吾、谢奉奇、曾昭鲁等同入炳文书院，就读于卢庆家山长门下。1900年，参加府试，与弟雷民心（昭仁）同进秀才。求学期问，雷嗜性理学，言行凝重，曾自比宋儒，被同学戏吁为詟圣。随二十世纪初，空前严重的民族危机和民主革命思想的广泛传播，雷深受感染，开始接受新思想，“好说改革，乡人目为王安石”。1904年6月，他偶遇自东京留学归来者，得悉东京留学界情况，极思往会该处革命分子。乃于当年9月，约集同志赴日留学。是时家乡风气末开，父兄阻其行。得母陈氏与岳父李玉廷之助，潜行得脱，雷铁崖启程是半夜偷逃的，只有好友张荔丹在釜溪河畔送行。后由泸州东下，出三峡，11月抵沪，于1905年1月到达日本，先后就读于大成学校和宏文学院。作为“激荡于新潮流，民族思想愈勃发不可遏”的诗人，以挺身而出拯救危亡为己任，现在他终于如愿东渡，“一曲骊歌辞祖国，几回搔首望慈严”；他在《旅夜偶书》中吟道：“难国风尘奴隶泪，北听烽火虎狼兵。男儿不拯神州劫，辜负龙泉壁上鸣。”在《步剑华原韵》中写道：“渭水潮流归猛恶，骊山烽火伴登临。匈奴未灭家河有？无定河边莫苦吟。”

1905年，孙中山自美国抵日本，8月20日，中国同盟会在东京成立。五天后，雷铁崖由孙中山介绍、川籍同学黄树中主盟加入。他经常撰述革命论作，发表于《民报》。9月，与四川留日学生共同创办《鹃声》杂志，开始其文字鼓吹的革命生涯。《鹃声》以“发明公理，拥护人权”为主旨，通过宣传，唤起四川及全国同胞挽救民族危机，建设新的中国。在创刊词中引用了古诗句：“子规夜半犹蹄血，不信东风唤不回”，以表明同仁的恳切态度和坚定信心。雷铁崖任主笔的《鹃声》杂志，因主张革命排满最激烈，被清吏参奏为“专以叛国革命为宗旨”；“清政府惊呼：”“此报若行，将乱中国”。遂通过驻日公使明令封禁。1907年3至5月，雷铁崖独立复刊《鹃声》，出版《鹃声》复兴第一号，改用文言文作掩护，继续坚持爱国革命宣传活动，在文章中，主张用革命手段破坏专制政体，“恢复祖国，以建民主政体”。

1907年12月，吴玉章在东京创办《四川》杂志，雷铁崖担任编辑和撰述工作。该杂志以“输入文明，开通民智”为宗旨，有“西南半壁警钟”之称，在当时颇有影响。雷不仅诗兴联翩，大抒爱国怀抱，还认为蜀中西鄙之地，锢蔽为甚，他必须效申公说法，一醒聋玻，呕心沥血。他在论著《警告全蜀》的长篇论述中，以犀利的文笔，记述了自《辛丑条约》签订后，帝国主义瓜分中国的险象，我国子民处于“刀下之肉糜”和“枪下之血肉”之境遇。要挽救中国的危亡，就必须破除对政府、官吏、士绅的“依赖病”，依靠爱国志士的共同努力来完成。他号召人们“各尽心力，合力图谋”去拯救国家。《四川》杂志后来因言论激烈，被日本政府封禁。1909年7月，返沪任中国新公学等校教职，以民族思想灌输学生，其间因仇家以革命党陷害，清吏指名捕拿，仓卒间逃到杭州西湖白云庵为僧。在为僧期间，仍任浙学生创办的《越报》编辑，作发刊词，并撰《名说》，批判儒家的纲常名教思想。他在文中疾呼：“今之中国，已如大厦之将倾，非推去旧宇、重建鸿模，其何以历风霜而蔽风雨？故欲谋今日之中国，必先涤尽旧日之陈朽，以改良社会之观念。”而后始足“以铸造新国民，以竞争新世界。”这时期雷也发表了不少诗歌，在《题〈四川〉杂志》末尾写道：“强权世界风云惨，亡国名词父老思。一寸河山一寸泪，写来红润笔花枝。”在《忆蜀》中则表现诗人对故乡的怀念之情，其中吟曰：“哀鸿遍野草离离，怕说红羊浩劫时。岂独焚身高氏鬼，又逢哭庙汉家儿。三秋禾黍蜀官泪，五色花笺古井悲。白雪阳春和不得，萦怀故国总情痴。”

（二）

1908年底，雷铁崖由日本回国，寓居上海。他痛人心不醒，思借学校教育鼓吹革命，乃受聘于上海中国新公学任教，民国名人胡适也在该校任英语教师，胡与川藉学生但懋辛等人来往较多，因此与雷也有交往。1909年秋，端方在上海搜捕革命党人，雷铁崖被通缉。匆忙中雷向胡适借了床棉被，连夜赶到杭州白云庵出家，怀着“英雄失败只逃禅”的无奈心情遁入空门。每晚都睡不着，睡不着就写诗，以哀鸣啼血的杜鹃自况，用悲愤的歌声唤醒国人。诗作中充满了 “杜鹃夜半声凄绝，不是愁人也泪流”, “竖尽星旗思拍马，招来蜀魂再啼鹃”。“杜字啼红春欲泪．长弘化碧月留痕”“一寸山河一寸泪，啼来红润笔花枝”, “五月悲秋游子梦，三更啼月蜀王魂”; “身随野鹤饭金粟，心有啼鹃痛铁函”, “鹃因口瘁啼衔赤，烛为心伤泪堕红”之类的诗句。不仅四川党人读了要流泪，在南社中也广为传诵，博得了“啼鹃诗人”的美名。在《参禅白云古刹苦不能静诗以遣之》的长诗中，叙述他身坐蒲团，心却荡游；“忽刺秦皇胸，忽斩楼兰首。忽悲乌江驹，忽饮黄龙酒；或击祖生楫。或撞亚父斗；或恸钟期情，或泣任肪后。”有时坐着坐着，还忽然佯狂地唱起《满江红》来。后来他吟诵着“金戈铁马文明血，荆棘铜驼祖国秋。谁遣骄儿横海窟．阿童持节下龙舟”，乘槎去了南洋。

1910年7月，反清革命活动处于低潮，孙中山决定将南洋支部迁往马来西亚地区的槟榔屿。当时以孙中山为首的革命派，急需南洋华侨提供足够的财力、人力，以持续支持在华南地区的武装起义。这就需要大造革命舆论，来鼓动华侨捐资筹款。而此前革命派建立的“开明演说书报社”、《中兴日报》，已相继关闭和停刊，因此，孙中山决定创办《光华日报》。中山先生原想让胡汉民任总编，后考虑雷铁崖最恰当，便让胡邀请雷来槟榔屿，又让长兄孙眉到上海催促。1910年秋，雷从上海出发，经香港到南洋，筹组该报创刊，并由方次石、周杜鹃等人协助。《光华日报》的命名，为孙中山先生手定，意思是“光复华夏”。张群指出：“光华者，以光复中华为职志者也。光有二义，一曰光复，二曰光大。”“在清之季，革命力量集中于推翻满清帝制，故先破坏而后建设，宣传方针亦准此趋向，以努力创造环境，前仆后继，再接再厉，艰难险阻，百折不挠，卒能有所成就，收文字革命之功。”

《光华日报》于当年12月2日创刊后，即与《槟城新报》为首的保皇党报刊，展开激烈论战。在论战中，雷铁崖笔锋犀利，鞭辟入里，文笔极富鼓动性和震撼力。他不仅以社论长文制敌，还间以谐文、短论、幽默、小品、时评等灵活多样的形式出击，予论敌以重创。经过近100天的大论战，《槟城新报》招架不住，连换三任主笔，最后败下阵来。南洋华侨从此对雷非常敬重。革命派从而夺取了槟榔屿这块舆论阵地，并取代了新加坡成为同盟会海外革命指挥中心。其时，孙中山召开槟榔屿会议不久，即赴美洲各地劝募华侨，走前特请雷铁崖教授两女孙蜒孙婉国学。1911年底，孙蜒到美国留学。次年雷接到孙蜒从美国的来信，正打算回复时，却得到意外的消息：孙蜒因病回澳门已不治而逝，年仅19岁。悲痛之余，曾写诗悼曰：“一书绝笔悲无复，万里还乡病不知。噩耗骤闻伤往事，蛮风蜒雨学诗时”。雷铁崖主持《光华日报》一年有余，发表署名文章达278篇之多，长篇连载64次，诗作21首，加上旧作整理，几乎天天都有雷的作品见报。这是雷铁崖办报生涯中，最为辉煌的时期。该报畅销各地，一时洛阳纸贵。上海、广州、汕头、福州等地，多家报社代为销售，其设在香港、南洋和美洲等地的代理处，多达71个。国民党元老冯自由曾回忆说：“时总理远游欧美，黄克强、胡汉民均已他适。独次石与蜀人雷铁崖在报上大声急呼，发聋振聩，使英、荷两属侨胞之精神为之大振。”后来，南洋华侨在人力物力上大力支持孙中山，为国民革命作出了巨大贡献，其中雷铁崖的宣传鼓动，功不可没。

（三）

1912年元旦，中华民国政府在南京成立，孙中山被选为临时大总统，胡汉民任总统府秘书长，雷铁崖应邀担任秘书，并转邀好友柳亚子同往。柳受不了约束，以吃不惯西餐为借口，挂冠先去上海。只干了半个月，当时胡汉民等人主张对袁世凯和谈，雷铁崖极为不满，结果只干了半个月，也卷被辞职，索性到西湖游玩去了。走时写下一首诗：“一笑飘然去，霜风透骨寒。八年革命党，半月秘书官。稷下竽吹暂，邯郸梦已残。西湖山色好，莫让老憎看。”同年6月，雷铁崖回四川探亲。在轮船上，一位不堪主妇凌虐的幼婢，因过度疲惫而失足坠江，诗人为此悲愤难抑，在斥责封建专制的不平等后，面对大洋彼岸的自由民主先驱嗟谈：“共和虽云建，平等究何果。谣望美利坚，呜呼林肯颇。”回到故乡自流井，时隔八年，物是人非，心情十分复杂，他对此吟诗曰：“半肩行李带嚣尘，历遍风云剩此身。万里初归沧海客，十年重见故乡人。离家岂识桑田改，入境频惊景物新。望到闾门翻瑟缩，倦游季子旧时贫。”同年年底，雷铁崖应邀到北京，担任国民政府嵇勋局审议员，并参加垦植协会本部工作，同时兼代《民主报》主笔。

1913年3月20日，宋教仁在上海车站被刺。22日，雷铁崖发表《宋教仁被暗杀之研究》，抨击袁世凯政府为“暗杀政府”，“厉行专制，灭绝革命”。4月，袁世凯向英、法、日、德、俄五国签订善后大借款，他又著文斥“政府之罪恶”。讨袁 “二次革命”失败后，袁世凯大肆控捕革命党人，身居北京的雷铁崖也受到监视，处境艰危。他在德国友人何德梅的帮助下，不久即潜离北京，经上海、福建转赴南洋，并于1914年5月在新加坡创办《国民日报》，继续从事反袁宣传。该报由雷铁崖和金碧梧主笔政，雷撰写了发刊词，紧接着发表长文《敬告南洋同志》，揭露袁世凯祸国殃民的罪行，劝导华侨再接再厉坚持革命，对那些势利而又投机的“准同志”，作了辛辣的讽刺和斥责。1915年1月17日，他又发表《梅袁同异论》，把袁世凯与恶魔梅特里（Metternich,1848年前奥地利外交大臣和首相）相提并论，说袁之侦探密布全国，“暗杀栽诬，万恶丛发”，其特务害民手段，较之梅特里“辣心毒手有过之无不及”。此后，他一发而不可收拾，继续写出大量诗文反袁，直到当年9月，《国民日报》因故停刊为止。

1916年6月，袁世凯病死，雷铁崖曾一度回到上海。鉴于当时政府受北洋军阀掌控，局势仍很混乱，雷只有重返新加坡。由于国事日非，忧怀难释，他就借酒浇愁，时在醉乡，终于渐成精神病态。只要有人提到国事，他就狂歌笑骂不止。南洋华侨于1919年2月护送雷回上海修养，后因再度发病，朋友只好将雷送回老家自流井。雷铁崖回乡后的晚景，据厚黑教主李宗吾所见，这位啼鹃诗人仍是“满肚皮不合时宜，对时事非常愤懑。旋得疯癫病，终日抱一瓶酒，逢人即乱说。常常独自一人，倒卧街中，人事不醒，警察看见把他弄回。”1920年5月8日，雷铁崖重病去世，终年48岁。“鹃因口瘁啼衔赤”，这位中国近代史上的志士仁人，死得非常凄清寂寞。1925年3月，上海《民国日报》在“征求雷铁崖先生诗文启事”中写道：他“坎坷一生，未尝稍贬其节”、“革命先觉，功成不居，蒿目时艰，卒以忧死”等语，对雷铁崖的一生，做了恰当的评价。

（四）

雷铁崖还是辛亥革命时期一位有成就的诗人，其书法也名噪学界。他同清末民初的重要革命文学团体“南社”及柳亚子等人关系密切。从1910年4月“南社”在西湖唐庄第二次雅集起,雷铁崖多次参加“南社”的集会和重要活动。柳亚子称他“工诗文书法”，大陆华东师范大学出版社印行的《雷铁崖集》一书中，收有一百余篇诗作。综观雷铁崖的诗歌作品，绝无旧时文人吟风弄月、无病呻吟之作，而是以爱国精神和革命宣传为主线。他前期去国怀想，游子苦吟，充满了对国家危亡和民生凋敝的忧愤之情。当国家面临列强侵略，人民在苦难中呻吟，而清朝统治者却一派歌舞升平，成天醉生梦死，“满座貂禅贺太平”，自然引起爱国者的愤懑。作为“激荡于新潮流，民族思想愈勃发不可遏”的诗人，以挺身而出拯救危亡为己任，他在《旅夜偶书》中吟道：“难国风尘奴隶泪，北听烽火虎狼兵。男儿不拯神州劫，辜负龙泉壁上鸣。”在《步剑华原韵》中写道：“渭水潮流归猛恶，骊山烽火伴登临。匈奴未灭家河有？无定河边莫苦吟。”同时，又以哀鸣啼血的杜鹃自况，用悲愤的歌声唤醒国人。诗作中充满了“杜鹃夜半声凄绝，不是愁人也泪流”, “竖尽星旗思拍马，招来蜀魂再啼鹃”。“杜字啼红春欲泪．长弘化碧月留痕”“一寸山河一寸泪，啼来红润笔花枝”, “五月悲秋游子梦，三更啼月蜀王魂”; “身随野鹤饭金粟，心有啼鹃痛铁函”, “鹃因口瘁啼衔赤，烛为心伤泪堕红”之类的诗句。不仅四川党人读了要流泪，在南社中也广为传诵，博得了“啼鹃诗人”的美名。

雷铁崖的后期诗歌，表现出对民主革命的不成功，充满了极为失望的情绪。由于辛亥革命不彻底，袁世凯“帝制自为，颠覆共和”，致使专制主义复辟。雷铁崖力主反袁，把这个“冢中枯骨”称黄之日，视为共和“出殡”之时。他怒斥这一独夫民贼“终使神皋归分擘，河山何处余寸尺”；他常表现出落寞、悲愤难平的心境，意识到民生问题的严峻与迫切，他在《彝陵夜泊》中写道：“国难未闻生卜式，闾闫安得稳高眠。”在回川的路上，他一面吟诵“漫嗟行路难，吾将归老矣”、“英雄仍作旧书生”；一面又放浪形骸，流连歌场声色，“妇人醇酒傲风尘”。他常借酒浇愁，吟诗作赋，继而乘醉狂书。他思想矛盾，报国无门，反映出当时一位忧国忧民诗人的复杂心情，也是中国近代志士仁人中悲剧性格的人物。这就注定了他的诗歌，具有苍劲沉凝而又凄婉悲壮的风格。

(source: 陈思逊自贡市民间文艺家协会副主席, http://www.eyii.com/news/member/20071014/2729.html)

< Copyright © 一宁网转载时请务必以超链接形式标明文章原始出处和作者信息 (http://www.eyii.com/news/member/20071014/2729.html ) / 陈思逊自贡市民间文艺家协会副主席>

雷铁崖故居 & 雷铁崖墓

雷铁厓故居地址及位置：四川省自贡市贡井区长土镇石沟村 3 组，背靠池塘山，面向石头沟及东碳厂。北纬 29 21，东经 104 42，海拔高程 331.7 米。雷铁压故居始建于清中期，坐北向南。占地面积约 3000 平方米。贡井名人辛亥革命志士雷铁压的祖宅，现存建筑面积 350平方米，原有上、中、下三厅，戏楼，左、右侧院构成，庭院式四层复四合院，木柱、半架结构、悬山式屋顶、屋脊灰塑宝顶，飞檐翘角，檐下雕梁画栋，门窗、撑仿、柱础均存雕功。现大部分布局改变、结构改变。雷家大房子修建一直是雷氏家族住宅，解放时政府接收分给村民居住，部分留给雷家子孙。雷铁压从政府辞职回乡，居住于雷家大房子老宅并在老宅病逝，去世后即葬在雷家大房子左侧坡地上。该院落1957 年中厅被焚毁，由于村民修拆建布局和结构大变，现仅剩后厅一列正房，面阔 5 间 23 米，进深 3 间 13 . 28 米。 2006 年 7 月，贡井区将雷家大院及雷铁压墓公布不可移动文物点。

“原来这个院子很大，有八个天井，几十间屋，现在雷家的人都搬走了……这的确是一座大院子，但已经残破不堪得让人感到苍凉。不过，其高耸的屋脊和有着精美浮雕的挑撑依稀可见曾经的风光。老人热心地指着大院东面荒坡中一小快草地说，“这就是雷铁崖的坟”。我们都感到吃惊：这哪像个坟啊？既无垒土，更无墓碑，分明是一堆荒草嘛！我们虔心暴走半天而来，就权当它是铁崖墓吧！(http://zg.sced.cn/htmls/20110415163055.html)

可怜的民主革命,可悲的革命家.....

可悲的中国....自豪的经济成就，甚至不能保护自己的文化遗产, 革命家雕像,故居; 中国人已忘记了这位革命家 .....遗憾, 遗憾.....

也就是槟城人的失望....

雷铁崖是槟城光華日報第一任總編輯(1910-1912), 现在, 《光华日报》已经成为世界華文報業新聞史上發行歷史最久的華文日報.....世界曆史最久之民營華文報...

《光華日報》创刊社址是120号打铜仔街(120, Armenian Street, Penang), 如今是孫中山檳城基地紀念館.

槟城人不会忘记雷铁崖(Lei Tieya).....

References & Further Study:

1. 历史学家：1220是创刊纪念日　百年前今天《光华日报》诞生, http://cnews.cari.com.my/news.php?id=7871
2. 石头沟里闻啼鹃暴走铁崖故居, http://zg.sced.cn/htmls/20110415163055.html
3. 被遗忘在垃圾堆的大总统秘书, http://club.kdnet.net/dispbbs.asp?boardid=1&id=6974695&page=1&1=1#6974695
4. 孙中山与《光华日报》（下）,谢诗坚, http://www.kwongwah.com.my/index.php?view_type=news&date=20101220&id=24
5. 拜谒吴玉章故居纪念辛亥革命,http://zg.sced.cn/htmls/20110415160635.html
6. 谢奉琦故居设立标牌, http://www.dgjjq.com/show.php?cid=2&classid=2&id=297
7. 大公井古盐文化旅游区, http://www.dgjjq.com/list.php?cid=3
8. 雷铁崖, http://www.phoer.net/people/l/leitieya.htm

November 11th, Memorial Day for Nanyang Transport Volunteers and the Martyrs of the World War II

2011-11-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

The memorial was familiar to me since my childhood days, whenever you go to Air Itam,or Penang Hill,you will never miss the monument. But not many know the purpose of building up the monument there. Some said it was a war memorial, a monument to remember the death of the civilian who died during the war. Some said it was for the resistance soldiers. The story of the monument had been forgotten, and everyone treated as a normal war memorial. But the people who come to pay respect on 11th November each year, was not from the uniform, but the normal civilian. The purpose of the memorial was for world peace, it is a peace memorial, and also to remember the people who died during the 2nd World War. It is also specially mentioned about the voluntary transport workers who died at the Burma Road in Yunnan who come from Penang, and Malaysia. That is why it is called Penang Chinese War Memorial for the Nanyang Transport Volunteers and the Martyrs of the World War II(槟榔屿华侨抗战殉职机工和罹难同胞纪念碑).

My son have been witnessing the ceremony each year, being a member of Chong Hwa Confucius School band until he completed his secondary school. My uncle was also there each year, witnessing the event. There are many descendants of the Transport volunteers, who are there in the crowd, without noticed by any others. But sad to say I have not witness the event personally until today.

It was on 11-11-2011 at 11a.m., our chief minister Lim Guan Eng officiated the 60th anniversary ceremony. The year 2011 was different; the people of Penang and Penang state government have donated to facelift the memorial park. Three additional features are added. Among the new features are a memorial model of the transport workers pushing a military truck up a hill slope along the Burma – Yunnan Road, a memorial wall with carvings displaying the transport volunteers and trucks being bombed by the plane of Japanese Imperial Army, the third feature was the memorial column featuring pigeons circulating around the column, which resemble the world peace.

It was great event when we can come together to remember the people who died during the war. As I have just come back from Japan and visited the Nagasaki Peace Park and Hiroshima Peace Park. By attending the ceremony it gave me a very meaningful day. It also bring awareness to the people who may have forgotten the monument. The family of transport volunteers from Yunnan was also there. But is was pity that the organization committee did not give them a public introduction. The grandson of Mr.Tan Kah Kee(陈嘉庚), the man involved personally with the Transport Volunteers project. A public introduction will be more significant.

In the afternoon, I attended the dialogue by the family of the transport volunteers from Yunnan, and the grandson of Mr.Tan Kah Kee(陈嘉庚). The timing was not right, as it was in collision with the night event at the war memorial at Air Itam. It seems that there are not many people aware of the event. Other than our family, some retired teachers, and one Chinese cultural expert, Chang Yong Mee. The attendance was sadly low. If this type of event were held at other place, especially east coast, it will normally be full house. Sadly not Penang. The stories given by the family are very touching, each have their own unique story. Some of them still searching for the long lost family in Malaysia.

In 1939, 3,200 young men from South-East Asia, historically was called Nanyang(南洋) by Chinese, most were from Malaya, left their families and homes voluntarily to travel to China to work as drivers and mechanics during the Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945. They left in 15 batches with 9 of 15 batches leaving from Singapore. The volunteers are called Nangiao ji gong(南侨机工)or “overseas Chinese mechanics”. One third of them lost their life in Yunan, one third returned to Malaya, the remaining one third left in Yunan, China. These 3200 volunteers included Indian, Malay men and four Chinese women. There were 300 volunteers from North Malaya of Penang, Kedah and Perlis, of which 233 were from Penang. I really hope their names will be listed at the memorial wall at the War monument at Air Itam. The list included Li Yue Mei (李月美) who was known as modern Hua Mu Lan(当代花木兰), as she also disguised as a man to serve in the Nanyang Transport Volunteers as a driver, just like the ancient Chinese woman heroine. Sadly she died during the cultural revolution in China.

Two of the family members, Xu Hongji(徐宏基) and Zhang Yunpeng(张云鹏), they are searching for their family in Muar, Johor. The other VIPs presented were Honorary Chairman(名誉会长)Chen Liren(陈立人)，Chairman(会长), Lin Xiaochang(林晓昌)，Tang Xiaomei(汤晓梅), historian（机工史学者），Vice chairman(副会长), Wang Shuilin (王水林), photographer（著名纪录片摄影师）与Lin Suwei(林素玮), artist（名画家）.

Thank you state government, the state assemblyman Wong Hun Wei, and the Kong Ming Main Chinese Primary School(公民国民型华文小学总校), the trustee of the monument, that make the event a memorial one. Also the faithful Chong Hwa Confucius School band(孔圣庙中华中学军铜乐队), which has been playing music for the event for many years without fail.

Calling for the families of the volunteers

萧瑞兴（大山脚）、王海南（槟城）、刘桂华（槟）、谢允和（槟）、吴家香（大山脚）、吴明（双溪大年）、杨境南（吉打）、邝广源（吉打莪仑）、余德峇（吉打莪仑）及杨大胜（吉打）, 柯天和、王天德、林猷川、王宁鸭、纪兰花及林树容等。

If you know any family of transport volunteers, please contact Low Toh nam(刘道南), 012-521 7412. He was a volunteer in Ipoh, who gathered information for his historical project.

童年(Childhood)

2011-11-25T00:37:00.000-08:00

This was the song my younger brother loved during his school days. It was in the 80s. At that time I just started working, naturally there was a generation gap. But the song seems to attract my attention, and it become my favorite melody, despite the fact that I am still not able to sing the full song until today.

I do not know whether my brother still remember this song....

童年

作曲 & 作詞︰羅大佑
=================

池塘邊的榕樹上，知了在聲聲叫著夏天；
操場邊的鞦韆上，只有蝴蝶停在上面。

黑板上老師的粉筆，還在拼命吱吱喳喳寫個不停；
等待著下課，等待著放學，等待遊戲的童年。

福利社裡面什麼都有，就是口袋裡沒有半毛錢；
諸葛四郎和魔鬼黨，到底誰搶到那隻寶劍？

隔壁班的那個男孩，怎麼還沒經過我的窗前；
嘴裡的零食，手裡的漫畫，心裡初戀的童年。

總是要等到睡覺前，才知道功課只做了一點點；
總是要等到考試以後，才知道該唸的書都沒有唸。

一寸光陰一寸金，老師說過寸金難買寸光陰；
一天又一天，一年又一年，迷迷糊糊的童年。

沒有人知道為什麼，太陽總下到山的那一邊；
沒有人能夠告訴我，山裡面有沒有住著神仙。

多少的日子裡總是一個人，面對著天空發呆；
就這麼好奇，就這麼幻想，這麼孤單的童年。

陽光下蜻蜓飛過來，一片片綠油油的稻田；
水彩蠟筆和萬花筒，畫不出天邊那一條彩虹。

什麼時候才能像高年級的同學？有張成熟與長大的臉；
盼望著假期，盼望著明天，盼望長大的童年。

哦 .... 一天又一天，一年又一年，盼望長大的童年。

我有一段情

2011-11-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

我有一段情 1957 (吳鶯音)

我有一段情(蔡琴)

我有一段情

曲 : 姚敏 / 詞 : 陳蝶衣

我有一段情呀，說給誰來聽，
知心人兒呀出了門，他一去呀沒音訊。

我的有情人呀，莫非變了心，
為什麼呀斷了信，我等待呀到如今。

夜又深呀月又明，只能懷抱七絃琴，
彈一曲呀唱一聲，唱出我的心頭恨。

我有一段情呀，唱給春風聽，
春風替我問一問，為什麼他要斷音訊。

Please also view the youtube, sing by both of them(吳鶯音 & 蔡琴 ), very touching and meaningful film, but it was not allow to embed in the blog.

吳鶯音. 蔡琴_ 我有一段情, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dOBhzSYZnI&feature=related

綠島小夜曲

2011-11-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

綠島小夜曲 should be the state song of Penang, if not at least it is my unofficial state song. I have been away from Penang for more than 20 years, and this song will always remind me of my hometown, Penang. The song had been with me since the 60s, the first time I heard of this song was during my uncle's wedding, when his friend sung for the newly wed. I love the melody and the wordings, it may be a love song, but it also reflect the feeling of the travellers who are away from home, longing for returning to the homeland.

It tell you the story of an island, like my hometown Penang. The song of the green island, Penang

....and that is the only song that I can sing and remember until today.....

綠島小夜曲

曲 : 周藍萍 / 詞 : 潘英傑

這綠島像一只船在月夜裏搖啊搖
姑娘呀　你也在我的心海裏飄啊飄
讓我的歌聲隨那微風吹開了你的窗簾
讓我的衷曲隨那流水不斷地向你傾訴
椰子樹的長影掩不住我的情意
明媚的月光更照亮了我的心
這綠島的夜已經這樣沉靜
姑娘喲你為什麽還是默默無語

椰子樹的長影掩不住我的情意
明媚的月光更照亮了我的心
這綠島的夜已經這樣沉靜
姑娘喲你為什麽還是默默無語

Binlang Yu(檳榔嶼) in Taiwan

2011-11-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

Binlang Yu(檳榔嶼)was an old Chinese name for today's Penang Island. It was reported that the name was given by Admiral Zheng He of Ming dynasty during his expeditions to the South Sea in 15th Century.

By chance, I come across an article in the web, telling the story of another Binlang Yu(檳榔嶼 )in China. Politically the island belong to Taiwan. It is a small island. The island is located between Amoy or Xiamen(廈門)and Kinmen or Jinmen(金門). The other name for the island is Matsu Island(媽祖島), the name called by local people of Amoy(but not to confuse with The Matsu Islands(马祖列岛), a minor archipelago of 19 islands and islets in the Taiwan Strait administered as Lienchiang County (連江縣)).

This really surprise me. Officially it is called Zhong Hwa Binlang Yu(中华槟榔屿), Chinese Betel Nut Island.

Location of Xiamen(PR China), Kinmen Island and Penghu Island(ROC Taiwan)

View Larger Map

Map of Binlangyu

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Yu(嶼)in Chinese means island, Binlang(檳榔) is the name for betel nut. Taiwan and Penang was having popular habit of eating betel nut in the old days. Even today, betel nut is still popular in Taiwan, despite the habit is dying in Penang. Penang and Taiwan have betel nut culture. Logically it is not surprise to see the name of island named after betel nut.

Kinmen or Jinmen(金門)

Kinmen, also known as Jinmen and formerly as Quemoy, is a small archipelago of several islands administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan): Greater Kinmen, Lesser Kinmen, and some islets.

Administratively, it is Kinmen County of Fujian Province, ROC. The county is claimed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) as part of its own Fujian Province's Quanzhou Prefecture. Some islands of other counties, such as Wuchiu, were transferred to the jurisdiction of Kinmen County by the ROC government following its civil war defeat and retreat to Taiwan. Matsu(马祖列岛)is the other set of islands on the Fujian coast controlled by the ROC.

Many Taiwanese businesspeople use the link through Kinmen to enter the Chinese Mainland as it is seen as cheaper and easier than entering through Hong Kong. However, this changed following the 2005 Pan-Blue visits to mainland China and the presidential and legislative victories of the KMT, that allowed easier Cross-Strait relations. Kinmen has experienced a considerable economic boom as businesspeople relocate to the island for easier access to the vast markets of the People's Republic of China.

Map of Kinmen County(金門縣)

View Larger Map

Today, the Kinmen County consist of Jincheng Township(金城鎮)、Jinhu Township(金湖鎮)、Jinsha Township(金沙鎮)、Jinning Township(金寧鄉)、Lieyu Township(烈嶼鄉)、Wuqiu Township(烏坵鄉). The first three are urban township or Zhen(鎮)and the last three are xiang(rural township鄉), so there are 3 urban township and 3 rural townships(三鎮三鄉).

All townships in Greater Kinmen Island are with their names start with Jin (金), which means "gold". Jincheng Township(金城鎮)、Jinhu Township(金湖鎮)、Jinsha Township(金沙鎮)、Jinning Township(金寧鄉). All these golden townships are in the Kinmen Island proper(金門島)or Greater Kinmen(大金門).

Wuqiu Township(烏坵鄉) comprises Greater Qiu Islet (大坵) and Lesser Qiu Islet (小坵).The location of the township, was closer to Taiwan island, and near to Meizhou Island(湄洲岛), Xiuyu District(秀屿), of Putian(莆田市), a prefecture level City. Meizhou Island is the legendary birthplace of the goddess Matsu and a famous pilgrimage site. The township, unlike other Kinmen townships is far away from the kinmen Island. The exact location can be seen from the map at Wuciou Township Office official website, http://www.kinmen.gov.tw/MultiMedia_ImageResize.ashx?guid=404cf53a-fa1b-4806-aaa9-88bbec7d2c40

Lieyu Township(烈嶼鄉)encompasses the entire Lesser Kinmen Island, it is next to Kinmen island(Big Kinmen), and is the closest to Xiamen. Lieyu Township (烈嶼鄉), commonly known as Lesser Kinmen (小金門) is located to the Southwest of main Kinmen Island in between main Kinmen and Xiamen. It is situated outside the mouth of mainland China's Jiulong river and inside Xiamen's harbor. The distance from mainland China at the closest point is only about 5000 meters and is located in a very strategic position. Lieyu also administers Dadan (大擔) and Erdan (二擔) islands, respectively 5 and 6 km to the southwest, Bilang Yu(檳榔嶼), and other islets. In 1950, Dadan was the site of a minor battle in the Chinese Civil War, "Battle of Islet Dadan". Tseng chenggong or Koxinga(郑成功)trained his anti-Manchu soldiers at the Dadan islets.

(烈嶼，又稱小金門，位於金門本島西南西方，居於金門與廈門之間。位處於中國福建省東南隅的九龍江口外、廈門灣內，並包括大膽島、二膽島、復興嶼、猛虎嶼、獅嶼,檳榔嶼等諸小島。距離中國大陸最近的島嶼僅約0.5公里，在戰略位置上可以說是「外島中的外島，前線中的前線」)

Binlang Yu(檳榔嶼) is small islet, but a development project with the inter-strait cooperation by mainland China and Taiwan is now taking place, it may be the good sign for strait relationship. In no time, the islet will be another tourism spot.

Hokkien dialects(福建话)

Southern Fujian is home to three main Hokkien dialects. They are known by the geographic locations to which they correspond (listed north to south):

Quanzhou (Chinchew, 泉州)
Xiamen (Amoy, 廈門), which is the mixture of Quanzhou and Zhangzhou.
Zhangzhou (Changchew, 漳州)

Many of the county's inhabitants speak Hokkien. Due to their previous political isolation, most residents will say they speak "Kinmenese", as opposed to "Taiwanese" as it is commonly called in Taiwan, though the two dialects are mutually intelligible. It is geographically very near Xiamen, no more than 2 kilometers. Taiwanese Hokkien is generally similar to Xiamen. Minor differences only occur in terms of vocabulary. Like Xiamen, Taiwanese Hokkien is based on a mixture of Zhangzhou and Quanzhou speech. The residents of Wuchiu Township however speak Puxian Min, as opposed to Hokkien for the rest of Kinmen. Wuchiu Township is not close to Kinmen Island, it is far from Xiamen and close to Putian.

Penang Hokkien (槟城福建话) is a local variant of Hokkien spoken in Penang, Malaysia. It is the lingua franca among the majority Chinese population in Penang as well as other northern states of Malaysia surrounding it, and is characterised by the pronunciation of words according to the Zhangzhou (漳州) dialect, together with widespread use of Malay and English borrowed words.

So with both Kinmen and Penang speak the Minnan dialect, linguistically they are the same, even with some tainted by local influence of Malay and English(Penang), and Japanese(Taiwan), they are still mutually communicable. It is not surprise to name an island Binlang Yu.

I am wondering if Admiral Zheng He had been to Xiamen, and visited Binglang Yu like Koxinga. He named Penang after Binlang Yu of Xiamen, now Kinmen. Pulau Pinang or Penang was named after direct translation of Binlang Yu. Can Betel nut and the name of Betel Nut Island(Penang)be from Taiwan?.....

So next time, if you meet a Chinese who said he is from Binlang Yu, do not mistaken that he is from Penang, Malaysia. He may be from Binlang Yu, Kinmen, Taiwan.

Kinmen People in Malaysia(大马金门人)

金门人大马奋斗史

紀錄片落番探金門人移民南洋史

There are Kinmen clan association or Kimmui kongsi, in Johor(馬來西亞柔佛州金同廈會館)、Malacca(馬六甲金門會館)、Selangor(巴生雪蘭莪金門會館).

槟榔同安金厦公会. Tong Aun Kim Har Association. 22, Lebuh Melayu, 10100 Penang. Tel: 604-261 0013, Fax: 604-261 0013.

I wonder is there any Kimmui clanhouse(金門會館)in Penang? and what is the number of Kimmui lang in Penang?....

Tan Sri Dato' Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay(楊忠禮), the founder of YTL Corporation Berhad, his son Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr) Francis Yeoh Sock Ping(楊肅斌)are famous Kimmui personality in Malaysia.

Kimmui Lang in Penang must be proud that the name of Penang is similar to an island in Kinmen.

If you feel like visiting another Penang in Kinmen, the following video may be useful for you.

If you can read Chinese, please visit 中华槟榔屿_互动百科, http://www.hudong.com/wiki/檳榔嶼;中华槟榔屿特别试验区揭牌仪式, http://www.gctaiwan.com/tequ/GB/201027/377.html; http://taconet.pixnet.net/blog/post/30707237-關注檳榔嶼的開發

槟榔屿，位于东经118°11’，北纬24°26’,是金门与厦门的中间岛，历史上曾经由金门县烈屿乡管辖。槟榔屿的面积约2.09万平方米。厦门百姓口头流传一则故事，说金门士兵将国民党旗插在岛上，我们看不顺眼，就划着小船，将他的旗子扳倒，插上我们的五星红旗。第二天，发现五星红旗被他们换掉了，于是又划着小船过去……。这样，他一来我一返，一连多次，双方都疲惫了，小岛上也就不再出现旗子。再后来，大陆与金门百姓常将小船停靠在那个岛屿上交换物品，小小的岛屿成了两地民间联系交流的桥梁。

曾经炮火连天，而今渔舟唱晚。恩怨云烟过眼，两岸本为一家。槟榔屿，这把金灿灿的钥匙，已经悄悄打开了两岸的“和平之门”、“和解之门”、“合作之门”。

2010年6月11日，金厦经济特区促进联盟正式更名为中华槟榔屿特别试验区。2009年12月12日，在海峡两岸民间团体、热心人士的积极推动下，“金厦经济特区促进联盟”在厦门大嶝岛金门湾大酒店正式启动。启动大会一致推选台湾光彩促进会会长骆宏宾先生担任主席，厦门市侨乡经济促进会会长苏福伦先生担任执行主席，海峡电力发展股份有限公司总经理班晓东担任秘书长。

References:
1. 新加坡金门会馆, http://www.kimmui.com/
2. 烈嶼風情, http://www.jhes.km.edu.tw/902005/
3. 來去烈嶼, http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/princess-michelle/article?mid=2138&prev=2617&next=2046&sc=1
4. Islet Dadan, http://www.jhes.km.edu.tw/lieyu/english/content4/triver16.htm

客家本色 - 林于雯

2011-11-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

客家世界

2011-11-08T03:05:00.000-08:00

客家世界 (客家電視台台歌)

就像大雨後个天弓紅鑼花色高掛在空中
希望摁个世界多姿多彩多情多義多笑容
紅男綠女歡歡喜喜牽手鬧洋洋
這係客家世界祥人个地方等汝來聊做英雄

阿公啊挨弦仔阿婆就來唱山歌
句句唱出客家个智慧

摁係現代个客家人世界个客家人
摁有豐富又精采个客家文化呦
摁係快樂个客家人實在个客家人
摁要剎忙打拼共心開創客家世界呦呦得呦

鮮鮮个河水流向那大海
日久他鄉變故鄉管汝哪位來

Expert: Sadness that we cannot protect our heritage

2011-11-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

张少宽：夷平盖房建楼槟60%古墓让路发展

2011-03-07 13:12

（槟城6日讯）根据民间学者所作的田野调查显示，槟岛原有的20多座百年大家族墓群，已经有超过60%被摧毁殆尽，余下的不到40%预料也将随时遭发展巨轮碾过。

届时，珍贵的槟岛华人史第一手资料将全数成为浮尘碎瓦，价值连建筑在墓地遗址上高楼大厦的一片砖瓦都不如，成为华人社会无法挽回的损失。

谢氏家族冢保存完好

目前，槟岛尚保存完好的墓群仅剩下位于白云山福建公冢后山，葬有闽帮代表人物谢昭盼及其子谢德顺（时钟分校原址“五层楼”故主）等人的谢氏家族冢，以及坐落在天德园的邱氏家族冢等区区数处，而最具代表性的辜氏家族冢（葬有甲必单辜礼欢、祥德路因其得名的辜尚达等）也于不久前因屋业发展被摧毁。

将毕生精力从事在华人史田野研究，并曾经出版《槟榔屿华人史话》等多本著作的民间学者张少宽告诉《南洋商报》，葬在槟岛各家族冢的人物大多在19世纪末、20世纪初赫赫有名，包括大商贾、华社代表、英政府机构的高职公务员、帮派领袖等等，他们参与的历史事件可远溯至槟岛开埠、槟城大暴动、孙中山的革命运动至马来亚独立前后，在槟岛的华人史甚至槟城历史上留有珍贵的印迹。

墓群是时代缩影

张少宽说，每座坟墓都是一个时代的缩影，尤其是槟岛大宗族或家族的墓群，因此，无论是墓碑或者坟墓里的陪葬品，对支离破碎的华人史研究而言，都是非常珍贵的文物。

“墓碑上的文字，可说是记载了比起一些史料更为详细的年份、家族关系、人名，过去由于口述历史所出现的失误，可以靠着墓碑上的资料对比纠正。”

陪葬品还原历史原貌

他透露，不同墓碑的造型，也显示出不同帮群的风格，而且随着不同的时代变化；同时，凭着对墓中陪葬品的考证，能够更加忠实还原历史人物的面貌和社会地位，具有考古价值。

“我们可以说，这些坟墓实际上都是一个时代和文化的缩影，是独一无二的史料。”

珍贵史料化为尘埃学者疾呼难引共鸣

张少宽说，在寸土如金的槟岛，墓群被夷平建筑住宅一事其实可以理解，然而在此之前，这些墓群应该先被记录、考察，将相关的史料以影像或其他方式保存。

“可是放眼槟岛，从事此类型研究的人少之又少，官方也没有给予适当的重视，最终只能白白看着这些史料化为尘埃。”

他曾经多次呼吁华社乡团宗社重视此问题，但微弱呼声无法激发其华社的注意。

变高楼住宅区

槟岛接二连三发生古墓群被发展摧毁，或者即将摧毁的事件，其中，甲必丹辜礼欢家族墓群被草率拾金摧毁，以及甘嫲园甘氏姐妹家族墓群或也难逃发展劫数；然而实际上，类似事件早在1960年代已发生，首个被摧毁的即是孙中山的支持者、华侨革命分子吴世荣的家族墓群。

张少宽透露，陆续被夷为平地盖房的尚有家族墓群包括胡丰成（丰盛园）、邱四方（四方园）、邱石泉（怡和园）等人的墓群，现在都已经被发展为高楼住宅区。

梁超明：先进国立法保护坟场变公园绿肺

槟州古迹信托基金会荣誉秘书梁超明指出，在一个备有完善城市策划图的城市里，摧毁历史古坟是不被允许的。

“任何土地利用性质的改换，都会被法律的严格管控监督。”

他透露，在先进国，坟场和公园通常会被规划为城市绿肺，甚至转为休闲跑步公园，作为减少过度人口密度的一个方法；如有道路扩建工程需征用，文物古迹都会另地安置或蓄意弯道迁就。

“奈何，目前我们还无法摒弃落后国家的发展心态，以破旧换新为荣。”

民间团体势单力薄

他说，古迹信托会曾不久前提议州政府对州内的历史古坟和纪念碑进行纪录和保护工作，期望国内的重要文物遗产，能被城市策划局、国家档案、历史研究会、文化遗产部门、大学等官方机构来做有系统性的数码化纪录，甚至维修保护等工作。

“在欧美中日印等重视古迹的国度里，这些都是官方推动的文物保护工作，绝非业余性民间团体可代劳。”

(source: 南洋商报李嘉雯独家报道(http://www.nanyang.com.my/node/339444)

Alternative views

2011-11-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

There are always the other side of the story, there are always alternative views. Events and history will not happen in isolation, it was the result of the interaction between people, institutions, countries and environments. Some people become hero, just happen to be there, some people participated in the righteous agenda, but failed on the way, may be the timing is not right, or people are not ready to buy his ideas. Some people are capable to take opportunities and manipulate the situation to his advantages, and become a winner.

Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka from fahmi reza on Vimeo.

Revolusi '48 (2008) documentary trailer from fahmi reza on Vimeo.

It was history, whether you like it or not; it was the real events that really happen in the past; the people were real. It may not meet some people's agenda, some of them may failed in their doing, for perceived good or bad, it was our history, you like it or not.....

They are part of our heritage, part of our history, they may not be a superman in popular culture, may not be idols in our political history, they may have gone unnoticed, forgotten, despised, hated, or even imprisoned or died on the way....

They are still our history, our real history; no one can take them away.....

Some become President of a new nation, some become a literature figure, some become a unionist, successful doctors, lawyers; some was forced away from their country, and returned only at old age; some died on the way of their struggle; some was disappointing for not able to achieve their objective, died of sadness and disappointment, yet some changed their path and become a millionaires or national leaders, having all glories and popularity.

Bad or good, it is for us to judge, in our individual way; no one will have the same view. We have alternative views, different views, no wrong or right, it was our history. No one can robbed away......and erased them from history....

wrong or right, does it matter to an individual? when it was all over, and when he was old and may no longer around. The implication of their involvement or their historical significance, it is for historian and future generation to judge.....

And only time can give them their ultimate destination, after 100 years, 200 years, or 1,000 years.....

Lebuh Tek Soon (Tek Soon Lane)

2011-10-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

abandoned pre-war shophouses, with some in ruins and overgrown with shrubs. This is right in the middle of the city. In actual fact this area has been ear-marked for re-development. Technically this is on Lebuh Tek Soon (Tek Soon Lane), ending at Jalan Maxwell (Maxwell Road), just south of the Prangin Canal and the former Prangin Market. Looks like this area has been forgotten.

Huanghuakang Uprising(黄花岗起义) & Luo Zhong Huo(罗仲霍)

2011-10-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

That day, when I stand at the entrance of Huanghua Gang Commemoration Park (黄花岗公园), located at 79, Xianlie Zhonglu, Guangzhou(广州市先烈中路79号). That was the time when Guangzhou was having Asian Games in 2010. My heart was filled with excitement, this is the place that I longed to come since my primary school day, when I read about the history of Huanghuakang Uprising. The first step that I walked into the park, the parallel lines of flowers plots that greeted me, at the end of the flower plots is the cemetery of the 72 martyrs. Actually is more than 72. The uprising was planned in Penang, and there were some Penang people who died in the uprising. The uprising in the place far from Penang, which was closely connected to the island, and it was the event that was later changed the whole of China and Asia...

Many have forgotten the Huanghuakang Uprising, Malayan school history textbook no longer teach the history, even the Chinese younger generation may not remember the event. This is how the history may be lost in time....

I told my daughter of what had happen in 1911, how a man and many men and women, and some from Penang, was involved in the uprising. She seems not to understand the significance of the event. To her the heroes who died in the event is not as important as the popular idols in Korean movies or Hollywood movies. The history has seem to lost their battle with popular culture in the internet era. But at least she listen and try to understand. May be to her,they have never experience the bloody political historical event, they lived in the peaceful era. They may not understand the era, it was too far for them, 100 years ago....at least she take time to search for the names of the people and institution who contribute financially or with their own life....

I was born during the colonial days, WW2 was during my parent's time, and my dear grandmother used to talk about the Xinhai Revolution(辛亥革命), she was born during the era. I read about the history, and Dr Sun Yat-sen was having Penang Conference at the place walking distance from where I was born....I can feel the tempo of the historical event.....and the first place I want to visit in Guangzhou is Huanghua Gang Commemoration Park (黄花岗公园)...and I remember the first time in Kuala Lumpur during my school day hitchhike, when we visited National Monument in Lake Garden. It was the same feeling.....Suddenly it become so familiar and close to heart...

Huanghuakang Uprising(黄花岗起义)

Yellow Flower Mound revolt (黃花岡之役, 黄花岗起义) or (黃花崗起義/黄花岗起义) also known as the Second Guangzhou uprising (辛亥廣州起義/辛亥广州起义) is an uprising led by Zhao Shen(趙聲, 1881-1911) and Huang Xing(黃興, 1876-1916) and his fellow revolutionaries against the Qing Dynasty in Guangzhou.

On 13 November 1910, Sun Yat-sen, along with several leading figures of the Tongmenhui—such as Zhao Shen, Huang Hsing, Hu Hanmin, and Deng Zeru, gathered for a conference at Penang in British Malaya. Having experienced countless failures in previous uprisings, they plotted a decisive battle in Guangzhou against the Qing Government.

On 27 April, Zhao Shen and Huang Hsing commenced the uprising in Guangzhou.

More than 130 people were led by Huang Xiang to attack the government offices for one day and a night. Lin Juemin(林覺民), Yu Peilun, Lin Shishuang and many other heroes gave their lives in the process. Revolutionaries fought fiercely with the Qing Army in the streets, but the rebels were eventually outnumbered and lost. Lin Juemin(林覺民), Yu Peilun, Lin Shishuang and many other heroes gave their lives in the process.

黃花岗七十二烈士名录：

廣東：徐佩旒，徐禮明，徐日培，徐廣滔，徐臨端，徐茂燎，徐松根，徐滿凌，徐昭良，徐培添，徐保生，徐廉輝，徐容九，徐進照，徐褶成，徐應安，李炳輝，李晚，李文楷，李文甫，李雁南，陳春，陳潮，陳文褒，羅仲霍，羅坤，龐雄，周華，游壽，江繼復，郭繼枚，勞培，杜鳳書，余東雄，馬侶，黃鶴鳴，饒輔廷，張學銓，周增，林修明；

福建：方聲洞，馮超驤，羅乃琳，卓秋元，黃忠炳，王燦登，胡應升，林覺民，林西惠，林尹民，林文，林時爽，劉六符，劉元棟，魏金龍，陳可鈞，陳更新，陳與焱，陳清疇，陳發炎；

廣西：韋樹模，韋榮初，韋統淮，韋統鈐，李德山，林盛初；

四川：秦炳，喻培倫，饒國梁；

安徽：程良，宋玉琳，石德寬。

華僑：黃花崗諸位烈士，有近卅人是新加坡、馬來西亞華僑。其中，羅仲霍、周華、李雁南和陳文褒來自馬來西亞檳城。李炳煇、郭繼枚、余東雄來自馬來西亞霹靂州。習慣只寫上祖籍，分入廣東、福建。

The remains of 72 rebels were later collected by members of Tongmenhui and interred together at Huanghuagang or Yellow flower Hill(黃花岡). He was Pan Dawei(潘达微), a member of the Hongmenhui or Alliance Society, who risked his life to bury 72 of the martyrs at Huanghuagang in the Tomb of 72 Martyrs in Guangzhou. The martyrs were commemorated as the "72 martyrs". But actually it was more that 72, it reported 86 martyrs, but historically it is still popularly called 72 martyrs. Tomb of 72 Martyrs or Mausoleum of the 72 Martyrs in Guangzhou was built in 1918. The monument was to pay homage to the martyrs who died in the Huanghuakang Uprising, Guangzhou mutiny on April 27, 1911 against the Qing dynasty.

Dr Sun Yat sen, the Father of China, reported that the event is as important as Wuchang Uprising.

"是役也，碧血橫飛，浩氣四塞，草木為之含悲，風雲因而變色，全國久蟄之人心，乃大興奮。怨憤所積，如怒濤排壑，不可遏抑，不半載而武昌之大革命以成。則斯役之價值，直可驚天地、泣鬼神，與武昌革命之役並壽。"

Some historians believe that the uprising was a direct cause of the Wuchang uprising(武昌起義), which eventually led to the Xinhai Revolution(辛亥革命) and the founding of the Republic of China.

The "72 martyrs" included 30 from British Malaya, four of them was reported to be from Penang, Luo Zhong Huo(罗仲霍,1881-1911)、Zhou Hua(周华, ?-1911)、Li Yannan(李雁南, 1880-1911) and Chen Wen-bao(陳文褒, 1880-1911). Other than Luo, the background of the others were not clear.

Luo Zhong Huo(罗仲霍,1881-1911)

Luo Zhong Huo's ancestral home was from Lianfengcun(联丰村), Baihuazhen(白花镇), Huidongg(惠东县), Huizhou(惠州市), Guangdong广东省, China. His uncle was a general in Taiping Rebellion. He was a teacher in the village, but later left the village to seek for job in Annam and various towns in Nanyang. (罗仲霍名璋，号则君，惠东白花镇联丰村人。其堂叔祖罗添，是太平天国农民起义军的将领.早年在家乡授徒为业。后赴安南（今越南）及南洋各埠读书、寻找职业). He left China in 1901.

1903 to 1907
He arrived in Penang in 1903, enrolled into Chong Hwa School(中华学堂)school, and at at the mean time also wrote for the local newspaper to meet his living expenses. He later continued school at the teacher training school. Luo was reported graduated from Penang Teacher Training School(槟榔屿师范学堂) in 1906. Chong Hwa School(中华学堂) was formed in 1904, the first modern Chinese school in Penang, it was later changed to Chung Hwa Confucian School. Now it is known as Chung Hwa Confucian High School (孔圣庙中华中学). On 3-10-1906, a teacher training school was also set up, affiliated to Chung Hwa School(胡子春又倡议于中华学堂附设开办马来亚第一间师范传习所). This was the first teacher training school in Malaya. The training was to train primary school teachers within duration of 6 months. Luo must be one of the pioneer graduates from this teacher training school in 1906, probably graduated in April 1907.

It was during the time when reformist Kang Youwei(康有为, 1858-1927)was campaigning to modernize China now known as the Hundred Days' Reform(百日維新,戊戌變法) with his famed student, Liang Qichao(梁启超/梁啟超), they were important participants in a opening new modern Chinese schools(新式华校), who was also in Singapore and Penang during the period. He was also the President of Confucius School(孔教会). The schools were popularly named Zhong Hua School(中华学堂)or Confucius School(尊孔学堂). If you are lucky you can find a Chinese calligraphy wrote by Kang Youwei carved on the rock in Kek lok Si temple, he wrote" Forget not my motherland" on 29-6-1903.

The reformist movement was also the political rival of Tongmenhui, they were having political debate in the Chinese newspapers set up in oversea or nanyang. Luo was a Chinese scholar, he also wrote for the local Chinese newspaper to promote modern new ideas. Both political camps had their respective supporters in Nanyang.

May 1907-1908
He also helped in the donation campaign to set up Confucian School(尊孔学堂)in 1906, now Confucian Private Secondary School(尊孔独立中学)in Kuala Lumpur. The school opened on 24-5-1907. It was reported that he was the first principal(旋筹办吉隆尊孔学堂自任校长). But from the history of the school reported in their school official website, the first principal was Lip Siau Yoon (聂少云) from May 1907 to February 1908, Luo Zhong Huo(罗仲霍) may be the pioneer teacher or provincial principal before the school officially opened in 1907. He was freshly graduated from the teacher training school in April 1907, may not be appropriate to be the principal at that time.

1908-1909
Luo was a teacher of Chong Hua School(崇华学堂)in 1908,which was located at Pingzhang Huiguan or Ping Zheng Association(平章会馆), Pitt Street; now known as Chinese Town Hall or DEWAN PERHIMPUNAN CINA PULAU PINANG(槟州华人大会堂). The school was opened on 4-4-1908, and changed its name to Shih Chung School, later moved to Love Lane and now know as SJK(C) Shih Chung Cawangan P. Pinang(时中学校）. He was the pioneer teacher in the school.

1909-1910
He later become the principal of Zhong Hua School(中华学堂) in Medan(棉兰市), Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia(荷属火水山中华学堂充校长)，and also the editor for the local newspaper(该埠报馆主笔). The school was Dun Ben School(敦本学校), the first Chinese school in Medan, formed by President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce(中华商会), Lu Bowen(卢博文)in 1909. But due to initial financial constraint, it need the support of Zhang Rong Xuan(张耀轩), and the name was changed to Zhong Hua Dun Ben School(中华敦本学校), when the sponsorship withdrawn in 1917, it changed to Zhong Hua School(中华学堂). The first principal was Luo Zhong Huo(罗仲霍). Lu Bowen was the President of Tongmenhui in Medan, and Luo was already a member while in Penang in 1906.

Tongmenhui member

When Dr Sun Yat sen speak in Penang in 1906, Luo joined Tongmenhui and begin active political activities in Malaya, being a good orators, he was able to attract many members. One of them was a pastor,Li Bing Hui(李炳辉,1890-1911) and his god brothers Yu Dong Xiong(余东雄, 1893-1911) and Guo Ji Mei (郭继枚, 1892-1911)from Perak. Li was a former student of ACS, Ipoh, he later attended a Christian college in Malacca to be a christian pastor(it cannot be The Anglo Chinese College as it had moved to Hong Kong in 1843), he joined Singapore Presbyterian Church(新加坡英国长老会教堂). Luo met him in Singapore, and invited him to join Tongmenhui.

Luo also met Li Bing Hui's former teacher, Hu Hanmin(胡汉民), now Dr Sun's follower, and right hand man, in Penang.

1911 Hong Kong & Guangzhou
When Lu Bowen called for Death squad to Huanghuagang Uprising in Guangzhou(广州), 12 volunteers from Medan joined the squad. The squad was led by Luo Zhong Huo. One of them may be Lin Xiu Ming(林修明,1885-1911) from Belitung Island(印尼勿里洞). Others were unknown, as many of them were listed under their ancestral home in China, instead of Indonesia. All died during the uprising.(卢主席又是火水山同盟会支部部长，罗校长也成为同盟会骨干，不久卢君受同盟会总部委托，要求选拔海外青年参加辛亥革命敢死队，卢君不负重任，乃选拔十二人，由罗校长率领到广州，参加广州起义英勇牺牲，成为广州黄花岗七十二烈士之一)

The squad then went to Hong Kong in January 1911. While in Hong Kong, Luo Zhong Huo's wife visited him with his son. But he tried to avoid the meeting, even despite they have not meet for 10 years when Luo was in Nanyang. This reflected his firmness to revolution, and family now was secondary to him, a revolutionist.

During the action in Huanghuakang uprising on 29th March 1911, Luo was injured and caught by the Manchu Army, and was killed when he refused to surrender.

Luo died at the age of 30 years, relatively young.

This was what he wrote to members of Tongmenhui, when he was departing from Penang:

辛亥春返国留别诸同志》云：

陨霜杀草一何悲。赤子扶扶捧首啼！忍见铜驼卧荆棘，神州遍地劫灰飞！英雄老至忽如电，世事云翻雨覆时；漫把先鞭让祖逖，黄龙置酒岂无期？公等健儿好身手，愧余一介弱书生！愿将铁血造世界，亚陆风波倩汝平！

Another poem from Luo, while he was looking at night view from Penang Chinese Town Hall at Pitt Street. I hope I can translate for you;

夜雨有怀丙午在槟榔屿平章馆楼上晚眺有感（作者：罗仲霍）

独有伤心事，常怀不寐忧。
怨他长夜雨，碎我别离愁。
衾枕同岑寂，香闺睡得否？
百年如许尔，霜雪易盈头！
危楼蹲百尺，俯瞰海潮流。
天际孤帆远，峰前落日收。
风高悲鸟逝，波静羡鱼游。
独有苍茫感，难消身世愁

Further reading:
1.Huanghua Gang Commemoration Park, http://www.72martyrs.com.cn/e_history.htm
2. 中國電影之父-黎民偉, youtube
3. 回来了！烈士后人祖居祭英雄, 金羊网 2005-11-23 15:12:58 http://www.ycwb.com/gb/content/2005-11/23/content_1024797.htm
4. 辛亥革命烈士罗仲霍遗诗首次展示, http://www.huizhou.cn/zt2011/xhgm/jnhd/201106/t20110601_534596.htm
5. 《槟榔屿孔圣庙中华中小学庆祝创校百周年纪念特刊（1904-2004）》，陈剑虹, 页14至18
6. 火水山中华学校与华侨总会沧桑岁月,http://www.guojiribao.com/shtml/gjrb/20100818/30791.shtml
7. 尊孔国民型中学, http://klconfucian.edu.my/v2/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=88

Huang Xing(黃興)

2011-10-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

Whenever people talk about Chinese Revolution and founding of Republic of China in 1911. They often give credit to Dr Sun Yat-sen. He was glorified as Father Of Modern China(國父). The Xinhai Revolution(辛亥革命)was not only Wu Chang Uprising(武昌起义),it consists of more than 10 uprisings, and ultimately by an event of misfire by a soldier, that sparked the Wu Chang Uprising of soldiers, that spread over the whole China. The result was the fall of Manchu empire in history. Many lost their life, many lost their wealth, just because of their faithful support to revolution. It was 100 years ago. Their names will never mention again, even the famous Huanghuagang Park has been forgotten.

The main revolutionary leaders were Sun Yat-sen (孫中山), Huang Hsing (黃興), Sung Chiao-jen (宋教仁), Ts'ai Yuan-p'ei (蔡元培), Zhao Sheng (趙聲), Zhang Binglin (章炳麟) and Tao Cheng Zhang (陶成章)...and many...most were educated in Japan.

Huang Hsing/Huang Xing (黃興)（b 25-10- 1874 - d 31-10-1916）

Huang Xing was born on 25-10-1874, in the village of Gaotang, Shanhua County(湖南省长沙府善化县高塘乡(今长沙县黄興鎮涼塘), now part of Changsha, Hunan. Like many other Chinese men born before 1949, Huang was known by many different names during his life. His birth name was "Huang Zhen(黄軫), but this was later changed to "Huang Xing(黄兴). He was also known as "Huang Keqiang(黄克強)" and "Qing Wu"(慶午,競武). In the period after 1911 he also used the names "Li Youqing(李有庆)" and "Zhang Shouzheng(张守正)". In Japan, he used the names of Okamoto(冈本义一)、Imamura(今村长藏).

Huang Xing began his studies at the prestigious South Changsha Academy(长沙城南书院) in 1893, and received his Jinshi degree in 1896 when he was only 22 years old. In 1898 Huang was selected to complete further study at Wuchang Lianghu College(两湖书院), from which Huang graduated in 1901. In 1902 Huang was selected by Zhang Zhidong(張之洞)to study abroad in Japan, and was enrolled in the Tokyo Kobun Institute(东京弘文学院), 师范科.

Huang also learn Chinese martial art, Wu Style boxing( 巫家拳)under Master Li Yongqiu(李永球)when he was 14 years old.

Huaxinghui(華興會)
The Huaxinghui, translated as the China Revival Society, was founded by Huang Xing on February 15, 1904, in Hunan for the explicit goal of overthrowing the Manchu dynasty. Many of its members later became key figures of the Tongmenghui. The Huaxinghui was dominated by students from Hunan who had returned from Japan. Nevertheless from the very beginning it had strong ties with secret societies, especially with the Ko-Lao Hui whose organizational structure the Huaxinghui paralleled, particularly in the field of the military chain of command. This connects to the primary goal of the Huaxinghui: to "kick out the Tartars" through assassinations of important Manchu officials.

After two failed plots, in November 1904 and early 1905, Huang Xing fled to Japan. There he met Sun Yat-sen in the summer of 1905 for the first time in Tokyo, in order to discuss the possibility of the merger of Sun's Xingzhonghui(興中會),and the Huaxinghui. A compromise was reached, and Huang decided to support Sun fully. At this point the Huaxinghui had ceased to exist. On August 20, 1905, Sun Yat-sen was elected Tsung-li (premier) of the new party named Tongmenghui(中国同盟会). Today historians generally agree that without the Huaxinghui's participation, the founding of the Tongmenghui would not have been possible.

On 13 November 1910, Sun Yat-sen, along with several leading figures of the Tongmenhui—such as Zhao Shen, Huang Hsing, Hu Hanmin, and Deng Zeru—gathered for a conference at penang in the Malaya. The meeting was known as Penang Conference. The Penang Conference was held On Nov 13, 1910, at 404, Datuk Keramat Road, Penang to plan the Second Guangzhou Uprising.

The Yellow Flower Mound revolt on 27-4-1911, where many were killed, only 86 bodies found, but 72 only were identified. They were commemorated as the "72 martyrs.". The uprising was led by Zhao Shen(趙聲)as leader, Hwang Xing(黃興) as second commander. Many remember Hwang Xing, but forgot others. The dead were buried together in one grave on the Yellow Flower Mound or Huanghuagang(黃花崗), a mound near where they fought and died which has lent its name to the uprising, Huanghuagang Uprising(黃花崗起義/黄花岗起义). After the Chinese revolution, a cemetery was built on the mound with the names of those 72 revolutionary nationalists. They were commemorated as the "72 martyrs.". The cemetery now has developed into a memorial park, called Huanghuagang Park(黃花崗公園（黃花崗七十二烈士墓) in Guangzhou. Some historians believe that the uprising was a direct cause of the Wuchang uprising, which eventually led to the Xinhai Revolution and the founding of the Republic of China.

Other than Huanghuagang Uprising, Hwang Xing also directly participated in Zhennanguan Uprising(鎮南關起義), Qinzhou and Lianzhou Uprising(欽州、廉州起義), Hekou Uprising(河口起義). After Wu Chang Uprising(武昌起义), he was the Commander of war affairs for The Xinhai Revolution(辛亥革命). He was the one that takeover the Nanking city on 2-12-1911.

On 1 January 1912, Sun Yat-sen announced the establishment of the Republic of China in Nanking, and he was inaugurated as the Provisional president. In the "Inaugural Announcement of Provisional President", the unity of Chinese races as one was greatly emphasized. Huang Xing was appointed both as the Minister of the Army and as Chief of Staff.

Sun did not have military power and ceded the provisional presidency of the republic to strongman Yuan Shikai, who arranged for the abdication of the Last Emperor on February 12, 1912.

On August 25, 1912, the Kuomintang or KMT(中國國民黨) was established at the Huguang Guild Hall in Beijing, where the Revolutionary Alliance and five smaller pro-revolution parties merged to contest the first national elections. Dr Sun Yat-sen, was chosen as the party chairman with Huang Xing as his deputy. The most influential member of the party was the third ranking Song Jiaoren, who mobilized mass support from gentry and merchants for the KMT on a democratic socialist platform in favor of a constitutional parliamentary democracy. The party was opposed to constitutional monarchists and sought to check the power of Yuan. The Kuomintang won an overwhelming majority of the first National Assembly in December 1912.But Yuan soon began to ignore the parliament in making presidential decisions and had parliamentary leader Song Jiaoren(宋教仁)assassinated in Shanghai in 1913.

Members of the KMT led by Sun Yat-sen staged the Second Revolution in July 1913, a poorly planned and ill-supported armed rising to overthrow Yuan, and failed. In 1913 Yuan Shikai expelled KMT members from all government offices and moved the government to Beijing. Huang stayed in Nanjing, and attempted to reorganize the South Army in order to oppose Yuan. Because a shortage of money Huang's army later mutinied, and Huang had to abandon Nanjing and retreat to the foreign concession areas of Shanghai. Dr Sun Yat-sen again fled to Japan in November 1913.

While exiled in Japan in 1914, Sun established the Chinese Revolutionary Party, but many of his old revolutionary comrades, including Huang Xing, Wang Jingwei, Hu Hanmin and Chen Jiongming, refused to join him. The party was undemocratic as it required members to take an oath of personal loyalty to Sun, which contrary to the spirit of the revolution.

Huang went into exile in the United States in 1914, and Yuan Shikai proclaimed himself emperor in 1915. While abroad, Huang raised funds in order to raise a Yunnan National Protection Army to suppress Yuan.

After the death of Yuan, in June 1916, Huang returned to China.

On 31st October 1916, Huang died in Shanghai at the age of 42. On April 15, 1917, Huang was given a state funeral, and was buried in Changsha on Yuelu Mountain(岳麓山). As right hand man of Dr Sun, he should at least buried at Nanking, like Lim Nee Soon(林義順)from Singapore who buried in Nanking together with Dr Sun(The Straits Times, 12 April 1936, Page 1). He was not even buried in Huanghua Park together with the fellow revolutionaries in Guangzhou. He buried at Changsha, capital of his home province, Hunan. Even at his burial ground, it revealed the characteristic of Hwang Xing, he is a real humble revolutionist, to change his country for the good future. He was not pursuing his personal ambition, nor go after political power, and personal wealth. He just give his whole life for the sake of his beloved country. Just simple as that, a real patriotic, a real national hero of China.

What Zhang Tai-yan(章太炎) wrote in the funeral banner(挽联), " There will not have Republic of China without Hwang Xing, history of China will surely record the heroic act of Hwang Xing" (无公乃无民国，有史必有斯人). This provide a fair conclusion on the life of Hwang Xing.

Hwang Xing and Dr Sun Yat-sen

Both Dr Sun Yat-sen and Hwang Xing are commonly called "Sun-Hwang"(“孫黃”)by Chinese people. The term revealed that Hwang is acknowledged equally as heroes and leaders of Chinese Revolution. Some people called Hwang Xing, the 2nd father of modern China.

Dr Sun Yat-sen was the most celebrated personality in history, he was accepted as the leader. However there is another leader, Huang Xing(黃興). He was one of the hero with contribution equal to Dr Sun, and many times he was offered to take over as leader, but he humbly rejected the offer, and give the confirmation on his support for the leadership of Dr Sun Yat-sen. He preferred to play as No 2. He once say to party supporters in San Francisco who asked him to form a new party, "The only leader is Dr Sun Yat-sen, I do not know others"(“领袖惟有孙中山，其他不知也！”). How single minded and faithful, Hwang Xing is to Dr Sun.

Dr Sun was full of ideas, from his western education and oversea exposure, his power of influence is at Guangdong and Guangxi areas. He is more a thinker. Hwang Xing was educated in Kobun Institute, Japan, he started Hua Xing Hui (華興會) in Hunan(湖南) and active in the area along Yangtze River(長江) area. He is man of action. They supplement each other.

At time they have conflicts, but was able to resolve for the sake of their ultimate agenda, to overthrow Manchu. The most critical split was on the incident when Song Jiaoren(宋教仁) was murdered. Hwang Xing insisted on taking legal action, but Dr Sun was in favour of military action against Yuan. Song Jiaoren was the closest friend of Hwang Xing since formation of Huaxinghui(華興會). The other incident was on the selection of national flag for the new China.

Huang Xing in Penang
Huang Xing had been to Penang few times, especially at Penang Conference. He first come to Penang on 12-7-1906, attended Penang Conference on 13-11-1910. It was also in Penang that he first met his companion wife, Miss Xu Zonghan(徐宗汉), a female pioneer member of Tung Menhui in Penang. In 1907, Xu Zonghan(徐宗汉) was offered a teaching post in Penang, the proposed Chung Hwa Girl School(中华女学). But she joined Tung Menhui and left Penang in 1908 to prepare for Huanghua Kang Uprising in Guangzhao.

His family received no financial gains nor honour, as family of hero of Chinese revolution. They are a commoner like other Chinese citizen. That is the spirit of Huang Xing....

But people remember Dr Sun Yat-sen, yet forget Huang Xing.....

The personality of real hero....Huang Xing, the leader behind Dr Sun....

That is Huang Xing, a man worthy of our salute; a man that worthy to call the 2nd Father of Modern China.....a man with real love for his country, China.

Legacies

1. In Changsha, Nanzheng Street was renamed to Huang Xing Road in 1934. There are also roads named in honor of Huang Xing in Shanghai and Wuhan.
2. The town where Huang Xing was born was renamed "Huang Xing Town" in his honor.
3. Similar to the Zhongshan Parks, the Huang Xing Park in Shanghai is named after Huang Xing.

Suggested readings:
1. Grandchildren of the revolution ,http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/682055/Grandchildren-of-the-revolution.aspx

Dr TH Lee(李登輝), President of Fudan University

2011-10-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Li Denghui(李登輝, 1872-1947) has the same Chinese name identical with Lee Tenghui(李登輝, born 1923)of Taiwan. He was in Penang from 1899 -1901 as teacher of early Methodist Boy's School, Penang, formerly known as Anglo Chinese School Penang (ACS Penang).

This Li Denghui(李登輝, 1872-1947) is not the former President of Taiwan, Lee Teng-hui(李登輝, born 1923), a Chinese Hakka who has a Japanese name Iwasato Masao (岩里政男)and considered as Father of Taiwan Independence. Educated mainly in Japanese except post graduate studies in USA. Born in Taiwan. He is a politician, has affinity to Japan. He is agriculturist and politician. He is still alive, and despite old age, still active in the Taiwan independence movement to divide China.

Lee Teng-hui(李登輝, born 1923)President of Taiwan
Lee was born to a Hakka family in the rural farming community of Sanzhi(Sanshi-kyō), Taipei County (Taihoku, now New Taipei City), Taiwan (under Japanese rule at that time). As a child, he often dreamed of traveling abroad, and became an avid stamp collector. Growing up during the Japanese rule of Taiwan, he developed a strong affinity for Japan. His father was a middle-level Japanese police aide and his brother served and died in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Lee—one of only four Taiwanese students in his high school class—graduated with honors and was given a scholarship to Japan's Kyoto Imperial University, then known as Kyoto Technical School. A lifelong collector of books, Lee was heavily influenced by Japanese thinkers like Nitobe Inazo and Nishida Kitaro in Kyoto. In 1944 he too volunteered for service in the Imperial Japanese Army and became a second lieutenant officer of an anti-aircraft gun in Taiwan. He was ordered back to Japan in 1945 and participated in the clean-up after the great Tokyo firebombing of March, 1945. Lee stayed in Japan after the surrender and graduated from Kyoto University in 1946. He later graduated from National Taiwan University in agricutural science, and further studied at post graduate level at Iowa State University(Master in agricultural economic) and Cornell University(PHD). he was first communist, and then joined KMT. When Chiang Ching-kuo died in January 1988 and Lee succeeded him as President of Taiwan.(wikipeidia)

He is a different person, much more senior, he was Lee Teng Hwee outside China and Dr TH Lee to the west. He was the beloved former President of Fudan University.

This Li Denghui, was a Nanyang Fujian Chinese, born in Indonesia. He studied in ACS, Singapore. He was a former teacher from ACS Penang, now Methodist Boy's School, Penang, and the first President of Fudan University(复旦大学), Shanghai, China. His education background was Christian Anglo-Saxon ACS, and US educated from Yale. He was educationalist and social reformist, not politician. He supported the resistance during the 2nd Sino-Japanese War. He was in the movement to unite China during 1905-1947 until he died.

The only common is they are both Christian. Dr TH Lee is a Methodist, President Lee of Taiwan is Presbyterian.

Li Denghui/Lee Teng Hwee(1873-1947)President of Fudan

Li Denghui (李登輝, 1872-1947, zi Tingfei, 騰飛), was the president of Fudan University during 1917-1937.

Li's ancestors came from Tong'an District, Fujian Province(福建同安人), but he was born in Batavia or Djakarta on 18-4-1872, Dutch East Indies. He is the eldest son of Lie Khay Gwan, a batik merchant.

Batavia(巴達維亞,now Djakarta )1872-1886
Born in 1872, eldest son of Lie Khay Gwan , to the family of a poor farmer with a small trading business in a small West Java town near Batavia (Djakarta), he was the eldest in a family with five brothers and two sisters. He studied at an elementary school, going by horsecart, but staying at home on rainy days to help his mother look after his siblings. His mother's death in 1885 when he was just 13 affected the business but Denghui showed little interest in the business or domestic chores. After his father remarried, he agreed to let the restless lad go to Singapore to further his studies in 1886 when he was 14 years old.

Singapore 1886-1889, 1891
He arrived fairly soon after ACS was founded, and was entrusted to his father's business associate, one Mr Tan, who looked after him and arranged for him to be enrolled in the school. With an emphasis on English, science and mathematics, together with regular Bible study, a number of students became Christians, and Denghui's Christian faith and his belief in the value of loyalty, purity, generosity and love came from his three years at Anglo Chinese School(ACS), Singapore.

In his second and third year, he had all his meals with the Rev William Oldham, while he would wander off after church on Sundays to ponder over the window of knowledge which he widened when he went overseas to study Greek, Latin, French, the arts and literature of the Renaissance, and English Literature - a background from which he was later to teach at Fudan University.

At ACS, he was a good scholar, and must have impressed Oldham who accompanied him to Batavia some time in 1889 (before going on medical leave in America). With Oldham's encouragement and financial assistance from the Methodist Mission, he sailed for America in 1891 where he spent some time at Ohio Wesleyan University preparatory to admission to Yale from where he graduated with a BA degree in 1899.

Note: ACS was founded on March 1, 1886 by Bishop William Fitzjames Oldham, as an extension of the Methodist Church. Its first location was a shophouse at 70 Amoy Street with a total of 13 pupils. We do not know is Lee among the first batch students. The name of the school came from the fact that it conducted lessons in English in the nights and Chinese in the afternoons. By the following year, enrollment had increased to 104, and the school moved to Coleman Street on 15-11-1886. There were 28 students, Lee teng Hui was the student among the 28 at Coleman Street. Lee Teng Hwee was the price winner for standard 1 in 1887. (source: ACS Magazine, 1904)

1891-1899 America
At ACS, he was a good scholar, and must have impressed Oldham who accompanied him to Batavia some time in 1889 (before going on medical leave in America). With Oldham's encouragement and financial assistance from the Methodist Mission, he sailed for America in 1891 where he spent some time at Ohio Wesleyan University preparatory to admission to Yale from where he graduated with a BA degree in 1899. At Yale, he followed a humanities course and studied Greek, Latin, French, the arts of the Renaissance and English Literature. Soon after, he responded to a call by Bishop Thoburn for teachers to serve in Methodist schools in this country.

1899 -1901 , 1904 Penang
His Christian background now encouraged him to answer Bishop Thoburn's call for volunteer missionaries to teach in India and Malaysia, as did James Hoover - who later became a key Methodist missionary in Sarawak. Both men actually sailed together to Penang where they joined the staff of ACS Penang(now MBS, Methodist Boy's School), and were members of the school committee along with Dr. B. F. West, G. F. Pykett and J. W. W. Hogan in 1900.

ACS Penang was found by Rev BH Balderston on 28-5-1891. , G. F. Pykett was appointed principal on 10-4-1893. On 1-1-1897, the school moved to Maxwell Road from the Carnarvon Street. TH Lee(Lee Teng Hwee) arrived from America in Sept 1899. He took the class of Standard VI. No mention of when Lee left the school(ACS Magazine, 1904)
Li Denghui as an intensely patriotic Nanyang Chinese, bitterly disappointed at the failure of the efforts by early Chinese patriots like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao to modernise China and he thus resolved to devote his life to serve its people. He founded a debating society in 1899, similar to that established earlier in Singapore by Dr Lim Boon Keng whom he met in Penang. He linked the causes of the problems besetting China to a blindly conservative mentality, an incompetent, corrupt and unjust ruling class, the exclusion of women from education, and the observance of ancestral worship. This led him towards the need for reform in China.

Deciding that his future lay in social action, Li Denghui left Penang, and spent three years in Batavia unsuccessfully pursuing his ideal of providing a new kind of education. In 1904, he revisited Penang, meeting a number of other Nanyang Chinese with similar ideals - Dr Wu Lian Teh, Dr Gu Li Ting and Hong Mu Huo - firming up some ideas which were later applied in China, where he spent the rest of his life.

1901-1903 Batavia

Li Denghui left Penang, and spent three years in Batavia unsuccessfully pursuing his ideal of providing a new kind of education.

Li was active in Strait Chinese Reform Movement in Batavia, he and Lim Boon Keng,OBE(林文慶) made regular trips from Singapore to Batavia to publicize the movement. In 1895, Lim was member of the British Legislative Council in Singapore. he headed a Commission Of Inquiry into the sources of poverty in Singapore(1896). Lim was also a justice of the peace and a member of the Chinese Advisory Board. Lim founded the Philomatic society and published the first Straits Chinese Magazine in 1897. He campaigned against the wearing of the pigtails among Chinese men, and opium smoking, forming Anti-Opium Society in Singapore.

Lim Boon Keng, who started promoting modern Chinese education during the Confucian revival movement in the Straits Settlements at the end of the 19th century, played an important role in the initial stages of the educational movement in Java. A report shows that Lim Boon Keng appointed THHK’s first principal. He also appointed a teacher for THHK. In 1902, on the occasion of celebrating the anniversary of the THHK school, The Straits Chinese Magazine, edited by Lim Boon Keng and Song Ong Siang, acknowledged THHK’s contribution in awakening the Indies Chinese and praised the spirit of reform in the Dutch East Indies(source: The Educational Movement in Early 20th Century Batavia and Its Connections with Singapore and China, by Oiyan Liu, ).

Tiong Hoa Hwee Kwan or THHK(中华会馆, Zhong Hua Hui Guan), or in Indonesian language, Rumah Perkumpulan Tionghoa, was an organization establsihed on 17-3-1900 by the local Batavia Chinese. It was popularly known as THHK Batavia (Bahoa)by the locals. A Chinese school, Tiong Hoa Hak Tong(巴城中華學堂, later changed its name to Sekolah Tiong Hoa HWE Koan, Sekolah PA HOA(八華學校), 1901-1966)established on 17-3- 1901 by Tiong Hoa Hwee Koan-Batavia or THHK Batavia or Bahoa (椰城中华会馆, , established on 17-3- 1900)with the goal to reform the oversea Chinese in Dutch East Indies(now Indonesia). The school was located at 31, Jalan Patekoan(八帝贯街), now Jalan Perniagaan Raya, that was why it was called Sekolah PA HOA(八華學校). It was the first Chinese school in Dutch East Indies(now Indonesia). (source: Prominent Indonesian Chinese: biographical sketches, by Leo Suryadinata, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 1995, pg 75). Today Sekolah Terpadu Pahoa (八华学校) is located at Summarecon Serpong, Tangerang.

Soon after THHK’s foundation, the association extended its reach to Batavia with the institutionalisation of the English school called Yale Institute(耶鲁学院). Yale Institute was supervised by the THHK, but founded by Lee Teng-Hwee, a Batavia-born Peranakan Chinese who had started an English school in Penang with Lim Boon Keng after his studies at the Anglo-Chinese School in Singapore (source: The Educational Movement in Early 20th Century Batavia and Its Connections with Singapore and China, by Oiyan Liu). The founding of English school supervised by THHH revealed the influence of the Singapore publicists on the movement. The Confucian Revival Movement in Singapore was part of the larger Straits Chinese Reform Movement.

Lee established an English elementary school and named after his alma mater, Yale Institue (Yale Institution, Afdeeling) C of Perkumpulan THHK ) on 1-9- 1901 at Batavia(now Jakarta), he left in 1903. He also taught in Tiong Hoa Hak Tong(巴城中華學堂).

At that time THHH was still under the influence sphere of reformist movement Baohuanghui (保皇會) or Protect the Emperor Society of Kang You-wei(康有为/康有為, 1858-1927)along with his famed student, Liang Qichao, were important participants in a campaign to modernize China now known as the Hundred Days' Reform. Establishment of Chong Hwa School(中华学堂) or Confucius School(尊孔学堂),and Confucius society(孔教会) were part of their activities. Lee left in 1903 after unsuccessfully pursuing his ideal of providing a new kind of education under the sphere of reformists influence. (source:http://www.pahoa.or.id/history.php)

On January 1905, Yale Institute(巴城耶鲁学院)and Tiong Hoa Hak Tong(中华学堂)merged to form Sekolah Pa Hoa(八華學校).

Lee was also involved in establishing the Lie Loen Hwee in Batavia, a Chinese debating club.

1903 San Francisco Bar his entry to USA

1903 - On the 19th July., Teng Hwee Lee, a graduate of Yale in 1899, arrived at San Francisco and was not permitted to land. He had been teaching in the Straits Settlement and had returned to this country to take a graduate course at one of our universities. Unfortunately he did not have with him the certificate which entitled him to admission,( The Independent, Volume 55, 1904- 1947 Shanghai, Published for the proprietors by S.W. Benedict, 1903) A young Chinamen, Teng Hwee Lee, is held at San Francisco, awaiting permission to enter the linked States. He is a graduate of Yale, class of '99, and, after establishing an English school at Batavia, has returned to this country to take a post graduate course in political economy at Columbia University. Mr Lee has hired a lawyer but does..( American Co-operator, Volume 2, Issue 41 - Volume 3, Issue 76, 1903)

BAR OUT CHINESE SCHOLAR.; Teng Hwee Lee, Yale, '99, Likely to be Deported - He Wished to Enter Columbia.( The New York Times,July 20, 1903,pg1)

It was sad for the young Chinese for failure to continue his study at Columbia University, the problem at the immigration can be easily resolved on the spot, but the bureaucratic with racial biases, deprived the young Lee the opportunity to further his post graduate degree. It may be disappointment at that time, but it was a blessing for Fudan later.

Penang 1904

In 1904, he revisited Penang, meeting a number of other Nanyang Chinese with similar ideals - Dr Wu Lian Teh/Dr Gnoh Lean Tuck(伍连德, 1879-1960, who left to China in 1907), Dr Gu Li Ting and Hong Mu Huo - firming up some ideas which were later applied in China, where he spent the rest of his life. 　

The movement for the federation of world Chinese students was suggested by Mr Tse Tsan Tai(謝纘泰/謝贊泰, 1872-1938, first Chinese to fly an airship, China in 1899), in his letter to his friend, Dr Gnoh Lean Tuck(伍连德), MA,MD(Cantab)of Penang in Oct 1904, and Dr Gnoh and his friends in Penang was the one to set the ball rolling in the right direction.( Eastern Daily Mail and Straits Morning Advertiser, 11 September 1905, Page 3)

On 7th June 1904, Lee Teng Hwee arrived in the colony(Hong Kong) on board SS Darmstadt, and after conferring with Mr Tse Tsan Tai, he proceeded direct to Shanghai where it had been decided that the HQ will be established . The President of Shanghai was Mr Lee Teng Hwee, BA(Yale), Vice Presidents were HK Woo, BA(Chinese degree), TY Kung, BA(Chinese degree),Dr Gnoh Lean Tuck, MA,MD(Cantab) was the President in Penang, Dr Koh Lip Ting, MBCHB(Edin) was the Treasurer( Eastern Daily Mail and Straits Morning Advertiser, 11 September 1905, Page 3). Li Deng-hui was the President until 1915.

1904 Shanghai

He arrived in Shanghai in October 1904, organized the World Chinese Student Federation(WCSF) or Huanqiu Zhongguo Xuesheng Zonghui(寰球中國學生會) on 1st July 1905 and was its first President, aiming to promote social justice in China, unite Chinese students studying overseas, and help members secure employment, medical care and legal advice. Yan Huiqing(顏惠慶, also known as WW Yen,1877-1950)was the first chairman of the board of directors for the World Chinese Students Federation. Similar associations were set up in Penang, Qingdao, Fuzhou, Hawaii and Singapore. Most of the original members of the federation were Christians and patriots. Eastern Daily Mail and Straits Morning Advertiser, 5 September 1905, Page 2 reported his good friend in Singapore , Dr Lim Boon Keng will be asked to start in Federation

1905, he was first Dean of studies, Fudan Public School found by Ma Xiangbo(马相伯). The pioneer staff of Fudan Public School.

He was editor of the Republican Advocate, Shanghai, and editor of the English department of the Chung Hwa Book Company, 1912-13

From 1913 to 1916, he was the principal of Fudan Public School(复旦公学). He was appointed as first President of Fudan Private Univesity (私立复旦大学)in August 1917 when Fudan Public School upgraded to university status. He served as President of Fudan Univesity from 1917 -1936. Fudan was his life, his life had been given all to Fudan.

He passed away in November 1947 in Shanghai.

From 1905 until his death in 1947, he was with Fudan in various role and capacity. We can boldly say, Fudan without Li Deng Hui is not Fudan. Fudan is Li Deng Hui, and Li Deng Hui is Fudan, they are one. All his life was for Fudan. The history of Fudan was his life story.

Names of past President, Fudan University

1913-1936 Li Denghui (李登辉)
1918 Tang Luyuan (唐路园), acting when Li Denghui went to Nanyang for fund raising.
1924-1925 Guo Renyuan (郭任远), acting Li Denghui went for holiday in Nanyang.
1936-1940 Qian Xinzhi (钱新之), replaced Li Denghui.
1940-1943 Wu Nanxuan (吴南轩), President when university was moved to Chongqing during resistance war , Li Deng hui was in charge of the university remained at Shanghai.
1943-1949 Zhang Yi (章益)
1949-1977 Chen Wangdao (陈望道)

History of Fudan Public School(复旦公学)
(i)Aurora College or Zhendan Public School (震旦公學, 震旦学院)1903

Fudan Public School(复旦公学) and Aurora College(震旦学院, later Aurora University or Université l'Aurore, 1903-1952) was actually from the same school. Aurora or L’Aurore is the Hindu name for China. The founder was Father Joseph Ma Xiangbo S.J. (马相伯, 1840-1939) and French Jesuits. The University was founded on 27th February, 1903, initially located at unused excess house(徐家汇天文台旧址) of The St. Ignatius Cathedral of Shanghai or Xujiahui Catholic Church(聖依納爵主教座堂/徐家汇天主堂), No 158, Puxi Road, Shanghai(上海市徐汇区浦西路158号). Aurora College was later moved to Luban Lu, Luwan district(卢家湾吕班路, 今卢湾区鲁班路）in 1908. Later Aurora university was kept by French Jesuits until the coming of Communist Revolution. It was situated from 1908 in the French concession of Shanghai.

Aurora College(震旦学院), Shanghai was the first Chinese community built university and also first Christian university for modern education in history of China.
Ma Xiangbo left in 1904, and later established a new school, Fudan Public School(復旦公學)in 1905.

(ii)Fudan Public School(復旦公學) 1905

Fudan Public School was found on 4-9-1905. 西元 1905 年是復旦大學開校的第一屈，由教育家－－馬相伯和他的弟子：于右任，葉仲裕，邵力子，王侃叔，沈步洲，張軼歐，葉藻庭所創。校名是由于右任從「卿雲歌」的「明光華，旦復旦兮」，中擷取「復旦」兩字，經馬相伯同意，表示不忘「震旦」之舊，更具恢復中華之意。
The two Chinese characters Fu (復) and Dan (旦), literally meaning "(heavenly light shines) day after day", were chosen by the distinguished educator in modern Chinese history, Father Ma Xiangbo S.J. (马相伯), from the Confucian Classics book Shang Shu Da Zhuan - Yu Xia Zhuan(尚书大传-虞夏传): "Itinerant as the twilight, sun glows and moon luminesces" (日月光華，旦復旦兮). Fudan(復旦) also means reinstate of Dan(旦or 震旦).
Fudan Public School opened at Wusong(吴淞), a port town located fourteen miles downriver from Shanghai. Note: The Woosung area was abolished in 1964 and incorporated with Baoshan County(宝山县)into the Baoshan District(宝山区)of Shanghai in 1988). The school was initially located temporary at borrowed premise, a Manchu navy camp office(吴淞镇水师提督行辕) at the port.

1911-1913, he was Editor in Chief of Republican Advocate. At almost the same time, he was appointed supervisor(Dean of studies) of Fudan Public School(复旦公学) by its founder, Ma Xiangbo(马相伯), a Christian, whose intention was to select high school students by examination and train them in higher level subjects in the English language thereby enabling them to gain admission to European universities for specialized subjects.

1913-1914, he worked for a large publisher Zhonghua Shuju , and become the head of its English department. In 1913 he was also appointed as Principal of Fudan Public School

1911 - During the Xinhai Revolution the college campus at Wusong(吴淞) was taken up as the headquarters of the Revolutionist or Guangfu Army(光复军司令部) and closed down for almost one year. The campus now is located School of Management, Fudan University(复旦大学管理学院), found in 1985( http://www.fdsm.fudan.edu.cn/aboutus). The school moved to Wuxi for nearly a month.

The principal,Father Ma Xiangbo(校长马相伯)and Dean of Studies(教务长)Hu Dunfu（胡敦复, 1886—1978）with the support of gentry at Wuxi, borrowed the Lee Hang Zhang ancestral Temple(李汉章大公祠)as school and Zhao Zhong Temple(昭忠祠) as school hostel. At the same time the school also prepared for reopening of the original school.

In 1913, when Ma Xiangbo(马相伯) had to leave China, Li assumed the position of Principal, teaching several subjects such as English, Logic and Philosophy.
In 1917, when Fudan Public School became a private Fudan University(私立復旦大學) with a modern curriculum in the humanities, natural sciences and business as well as modern European languages, he became its first President. Unique in being a private institution, it was staffed mainly with teachers who had been trained in the West.
(Note: Fudan was changed to public university in 1941 as National Fudan University (國立復旦大學) at Beibei, Chongqing (重庆北碚)where it moved in 1937 during the Chinese Resistance War(抗日战争).

From 1905-1911, Fudan produced 4 batches of high school graduates , with 57 students (1905～1911年，复旦公学培养出四届高等正科，毕业生共57人)

1912 - After Xinhai Revolution and formation of ROC

1912 – On 5th May 1912, the Education Ministry of Provisional Government of Nanjing, informed all provinces in China that the revolutionary war was over, instructed that all high schools, colleges and universities can now open. Fudan was trouble with the problem of premise, finance. One of the former student, Yu Youren(于右任) who has become Deputy Minister of Transport & Communication of provisional government, reported to the Provisional President Dr Sun Yat- sen, who immediately allocated relief fund for 10,000 yuan. The school was provided with Li Hong–zhang ancestral hall (李鸿章祠堂) for the school premise, thus solved the problem. Temporary the school borrowed premise in Elgin Road(爱而近路), now Anqing Road(安庆路) , moving to Li Hong-zhang ancestral hall only in September.

Later, Father Ma Xiangbo(校长马相伯) was appointed important post in Beijing, and unable to manage the school affairs. The school was without principal, it was managed by Provost Hu Dunfu(胡敦复), and Dean of General affairs Ye Zao-ting (庶务长叶藻庭). Unfortunately in December, student protests happened. The school formed the school governor committee to govern the school affairs; the committee members included Dr Sun Yat-sen, Wang Chong-hui(王宠惠)、Chen Yingshi(陈英士)、Cheng Dequan(程德全)、Tang Shaoyi(唐绍仪)、Yu Youren(于右任) and others. Wong Chong-hui(王宠惠) was selected as Chairman of the Board of Governors(董事长). The first board meeting also decided that the School constitution need to be review,fund raising project approved,and Li Deng-hui appointed as new principal(李登辉任校长).

(Yet he had the time to wrote an article in The Strait Time, Singapore(THE NATIONAL RECLAMATION ASSOCIATION. Lee Teng-Hwee, B.A. By What promise, perhaps, to be one of the most important and useful institutions m connection with the new Republican' Government, is the National Reclamation Association which held its first meeting on the 18th March at Nanking. That it will become a... Weekly Sun, 28 September 1912, Page 4)

1913 - On 1/3/1913, Fudan reopened. The first parliamentary election was in February 1913 , which then convened the National Assembly of the Republic of China for the first time on April 8. The Kuomintang won majority of the seats, and Song Jiaoren(宋教仁) was designated to form the cabinet. He was assassinated by President Yuan Shikai shortly after .

On 3rd May, the community in Shanghai paid their last respect to Song Jiaoren(宋教仁, 1882-1913), the funeral arrangement was by students of Fudan, The President of Fudan Mr Li Denghui, and teachers Shao Lizi/Shao Li-tzu(邵力子,1882-1967)、Chiang Mei Sheng(蒋梅笙, 1871-1942, who is father in law of Xu Beihong) give a farewell speech at the funeral ceremony.

On 15th July, Hwang Xing declared Jiangsu independence in the 2nd Revolution(二月革命)started by Dr Sun Yat-sun to declare war on Yuan Shi-kai, Jiangsu provincial military governor Cheng Dequan (江苏都督程德)was appointed as commander of South Army, but he disobeyed and escaped to Shanghai. (Cheng was in the board of Fudan). The 2nd revolution failed, many members of board of governors of Fudan, who were involved escaped oversea, this badly affected the finance of the school. Principal Li Deng Hui begin to cut expenses , with the coorperation of the students, Fudan was able to overcome the financial problem.

1915 – The principal Li Denghui planned to acquire land in Jiangwan(江湾), so to have a permanent campus for Fudan. The dream of Li Deng Hui was to have a university on par with his alma mater, Yale University, the Yale of the east. The university campus was part of the plan.

During 1912-1916, a total of 150 completed their high school, and 15 students graduated from School of Pre -university. Two of the famous one were 张志让、孙越崎.

1917 – 1937 Fudan University as Private University

In 1917, Fudan Public School began to offer undergraduate programs and officially renamed itself "Fudan Private University"(私立复旦大学). Li Deng-hui was the first president of Fudan University from 1917 to 1937. After being expanded to a full-fledged university, the University had an increasing enrollment. It had three schools: Arts, Sciences and Business, a prep school, and a section of secondary education.

1918- Li Denghui went to Nanyang(South east Asia) to raise fund for purchasing building land to develop university campus at Jiangwan(江灣).

1919 - When May Fourth Movement started, Fudan's teacher Shao Lizi(邵力子), who was also the chief editor of Republic Daily(民国时报), informed the President Li Deng Hui and other Fudan students, they formed United Shanghai Students Association(上海市学生联合会), they support class boycott ,industrial strike, and they were in the frontline of the movement in Shanghai. Dr Sun Yat-sen give moral support to the students.

As President of Fudan University, he lent active support to the May 4 Movement that had started in Beijing and spread to Shanghai in May 1919, providing refuge for students who had been dismissed from Beijing University for their involvement.

Despite the efforts of Li to defend the actions of the students as patriotic, the authorities took a hard line, arresting and punishing them. This resulted in a general strike by students in Shanghai, supported by public works personnel. In the ensuing confrontation, the Republic of China Student Union convened a meeting to elect representatives, attended by Li. When things had quietened down, Li chaired a public talk attended by more than 100 Chinese students who had studied in Europe and America, and encouraged them to work hard and diligently in order to reform the new China.

(extract from ACS Old Boy headed Fudan University in Shanghai, http://www.methodistmessage.com/dec2005/elaupg.html, with thanks)

1920- The construction of campus at Jiangwan(江灣)started in 1920 winter, and it was completed in 1922.

(i) Teaching Building- The Hall of 简公堂（now Fudan Museum, 复旦博物馆), 这幢楼在一九二二年春天落成时，取名简公堂，因为李登辉校长当年在董事长唐少川（绍仪）先生的协助下，向南洋烟草公司简照南、简玉阶兄弟募得银洋五万元，用以建造了这
1921年，由南洋兄弟烟草公司总司理简照南及其弟简玉阶捐资建造。同年落成，命名简公堂，作教学楼，为当时校中最为宏丽的建筑。抗战中被日军炮火夷为平地。战后在原址重建，已非原貌，仍以简氏名名之。复旦园内最古老的建筑，首推简公堂（今200号）.
(ii) Office block, 奕柱堂, （1929 added two wings, and converted into Library, now Faculty of Economic）年增添两翼，改作图书馆，今经济学院）
(iii) No 1 Student hostel(destroyed during the WW2), now location of The Hall of XiangHui (相辉堂), original name was actually Hall of Tenghui (登辉堂)when built in 1947, but it was changed to Xianghui in 1985 during the Fudan 80th anniversary. 原名登辉堂，建于一九四七年初夏。校庆八十周年（1985年），学校领导为了永远纪念马相伯和李登辉两位先生又改称相辉堂，并请周谷城先生题字。相辉堂现在作为舞台使用，各种表演、演讲、报告等都有可能在相辉堂进行.
(iv) teacher hostel( destroyed)

In 1928-1930, Li Deng-hui served as an executive member of the Chinese National Anti-Opium Committee

In 1929, Fudan University altered its educational system and opened four new departments: journalism, civil administration, law, and education. It consisted of seventeen departments, which comprised the four schools: Arts, Sciences, Law, and Business.

1931- The Mukden Incident, also known as the Manchurian Incident (九•一八事变), was a staged event that was engineered by Japanese military personnel as a pretext for invading the northern part of China known as Manchuria in 1931. On the night of 18 September Lieutenant Kawamoto Suemori (河本末守中尉)and seven or eight subordinates of his in the Railway Garrison managed to detonate explosives placed on the railway-line at Liutiaokou near Mukden (now Shenyang). The railway line was owned by Japan's South Manchuria Railway. Although the explosion was so weak that it failed to destroy the lines and a train passed minutes later, the Imperial Japanese Army, accusing Chinese dissidents of the act, responded with a full invasion that led to the occupation of Manchuria, in which Japan established its puppet state of Manchukuo six months later. The incident led to diplomatic isolation of Japan and its withdrawal from the League of Nations.

The principal Lee Deng-hui organized a Student Rally (声讨大会)at Fudan to denounce and condemn the attack , and established a Military Training Committee to train students on basic military skills. The students appealed to KMT government 3 times to sent resistance force against Japanese army. On 20-11-1931, about 100 students of Fudan formed a Army Volunteers (义勇军), to join the KMT resistance force, 19th Route Army (十九路军). 19th Routh Army was KMT army led by General Cai Tingkai (蔡廷锴) in Shanghai. They were given the task of logistics support, propaganda and education during the war. Fudan moved to Xujiahui High School(徐家汇附中) now Fudan High School to continue teaching.

1932- The January 28 Incident (January 28 – March 3, 1932) was a short war between the armies of the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan, before official hostilities of the Second Sino-Japanese War commenced in 1937.

1935 - The December 9th Movement ( 一二九运动) refers to a mass protest led by students in Beiping (present-day Beijing) on December 9, 1935 that demands the Kuomintang government to actively resist potential Japanese aggression. The protest movement was supported by students all over the country. Response was very positive as similar petitions and assemblies were organized in many large cities. The students of Fudan responded by sending petition to the Shanghai City government, and also met at the railway station to prepare for petition to Nanjing, the capital. General Chiang Kai-sheh phoned the President Li Deng Hui, ordered him to stop the students from going to Nanjing. The students rejected the appeal by their beloved President. The KMT authority blocked the students to enter the train and railway track was destroyed. The students rebuilt the track but was stopped at Wuxi (无锡). In the end , the Beijing–Shanghai Railway or Jinghu railway (京沪铁路) route was interrupted for 4 days, this raised the attention of the international community.

1936 – In the morning of 25-3-1936, Shanghai military police surrounded the campus of Fudan Univeristy, and captured 7 student committee members from the Student Save the Nation Associaiton(学生救国会) who were staying off campus . The same afternoon, military police entered the campus , attacking students and teachers, this action arouse the anger of the students for defense, the polices were chased out from campus. The police then fired outside the campus, killed one police by mistake, but accused the students killed the police. The police entered the campus again, but no students were captured. The President Li Deng Hui officially issued a strong protest against the violence of KMT party. They immediately conducted an extraordinary board meeting, demanded an official explanation from the mayor of Shanghai , Wu Tiecheng(吴铁城, 1888-1953) , who was also garrison commander for Songhu(淞沪警备司令). Wu admitted that it was their mistake and the news wrongly reported student shot the policeman, and guaranteed that no similar incident will happen again. The local community also voiced their opposition to the students arrest. KMT finally released all the students.

Later of the year, President Li Deng-hui was asked to resign by the KMT party. Dr Wu Nan-xuan or Nan-hsuan M. Woo (吴南轩, 1983-1980) was appointed to replace him as President of the Fudan University. He was the alumni of the Fudan’s pre-university school, graduated in 1919, and former President of Tsing Hua University(1931.4 - 1931.6). The students suffered under political pressure from KMT , and all student political activities were stopped.

Mr Li Denghui after resigned from Fudan, visited Sichuan in Oct 1936, he was warmly welcome by the alumni and students of Fudan. This console the wounded soul of the old President of Fudan.

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident (盧溝橋事變/七七事變)on 7-7-1937 started the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). It led directly into full scale war with the Battle of Beiping-Tianjin at the end of July and the Battle of Shanghai in August.

1937 - The Battle of Shanghai, known in Chinese as Battle of Songhu(淞滬會戰) from August 13, 1937 to November 26, 1937, was the first of the twenty-two major engagements fought between the National Revolutionary Army of the Republic of China and the Imperial Japanese Army of the Empire of Japan during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the entire war. Song (淞) comes from Wusong (吳凇) Hu (滬) is the abbreviation for the city itself. The battle is also referred to as 813(八.一三”淞沪抗战), denoting August 13, the date when battle began. 1937 Battle of Shanghai was a full-scale battle signifying the beginning of an all-out war between the two countries. The first gunshot was fired at Xhabei(闸北), Shanghai, the location close to Fudan city campus.

After the Battle of Shanghai, the battle adversely affected the student attendance. The education department of Nanjing government, instructed the Fudan University , together with other universities of Shanghai, Daxia University, Datong University, Guanghua University, prepared to relocate as temporary United Associated University(临时联合大学). Datong University and Guanghua University, as private university were facing financial constraints and cannot follow. Note: Daxia and Guanghua restricted to become East China Normal University (ECNU)(华东师范大学), Datong University was fragmented to various other universities, and no longer existed). Fudan and Daxia joined to form the temporary united associated university and moved separately to Jiangxi(江西) and Guizhou(贵州).

China started the resistance war against Japan (抗日战争), Fudan university moved to Beibei, Chongqing. On 12th November, Shanghai was occupied by Japanese Imperial Army. The united associated university in Jiangxi decided to move to Guiyang and merged with united associated university in Guizhou. Students continued their long journey and arrived Chongqing in December. The community in Chongqing welcome the Fudan to stay there in Sichuan.

By 1937 Fudan had established four schools (Arts, Sciences, Law, and Business), which were made up of sixteen departments, a secondary school, an experimental secondary school, and two elementary schools for compulsory education. It became one of the most important institutions of academic research and higher education in southeast China.

1938- The Fudan University in Chongqing commenced classes in Febuary with high spirit. There were about 60 graduates from Fudan Chongqing campus for the year.

Students remained in Shanghai also commenced classes(留沪复旦复课)。During the summer, there were 55 graduates for the year

1941 – 1947 Fudan National University(Chongqing)

1941 - The First Session of the 5th Congress of the Executive Yuan (Council) of the Repulic of China voted on 25th, November, 1941 to nationalize the Chongqing Community of Private Fudan University. Wu Nan-xuan (吴南轩)was appointed president of the University.

The Pacific War started on 8th December, Imperial Japanese Army entered Shanghai and based their camps at International Settlement or concession settlement(上海租界). President Li Deng Hui declared that the university practiced “ Three NOs Principle”( 三不主义), which means “ No registration with the Japanese registry, No acceptance of Japanese aids, No interference of university affairs by Japanese”. Even within the hostile environment of Japanese occupation, the university insisted no teaching of Japanese language.

1946- In August , Chongqing Fudan returned to Shanghai(复旦大学渝校的师生回到上海). The university moved to the original campus of Jiangwan in Shanghai

1947 – On 5th July ，Li Deng Hui declared the topic on Spirit of Fudan(复旦精神”) in the graduation ceremony. He said “…服务、牺牲、团结，是复旦的精神，也是你们的责任！”( Service, Sacrifice, and Solidarity is the spirit of the Fudan, it is your responsibility to practice it)

1949 - The university now consists of Art, Science, Law, Commerce, Agriculture Falculty, (学校设立文、理、法、商、农五院20 多个系（科），初具综合性大学的雏形).

In 1937-1945, Fudan University moved to Beibei, Chongqing (重庆北碚). He did not moved to Chongqing, but stay in Shanghai to continue Fudan University in Shanghai . It is perhaps he was then 64 years old and there must be someone remain in Shanghai to take care of the students who cannot moved to Chongqing, he take the decision to remain in the more uncertain and hostile environment.

March 1947, Fudan Alumni Association( http://www.fudan.org.cn/) was having anniversary dinner/meeting at a restaurant in 5 storey Tashing Company Building, Nanjing Road(南京路大新公司五层楼酒家), Former President Li Deng-hui even both eyes were blinded, attended the dinner with walking stick. After the speech by current President Zhang Yi (章益), the old president suggested that all famous universities in USA, like Havard, Yale, have their own campus flower, Fudan should have their own campus flower. He suggested University flower of Fudan, to be Magnolia denudata(白玉兰). Magnolia denudata, known as the Yulan magnolia (玉蘭花), is native to central and eastern China. It has been cultivated in Chinese Buddhist temple gardens since 600 AD. Its flowers were regarded as a symbol of purity in the Tang Dynasty and it was planted in the grounds of the Emperor's palace. It is the official city flower of Shanghai, and now also the official flower of Fudan University.
May 1947, The Hall of Deng Hui (登辉堂)was completed. Now it is known as Xiang Hui Hall.

On 19/11/1947, the beloved President of Fudan, Dr Li Deng Hui passed away in Shanghai.

Li Deng Hui's Principle

His principle in life is to follow the “Bible”, the main theme of Bible is LOVE, and the most important verse is in the book of 1 Timothy Chapter 1: 5 “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.(但命令的总归就是爱，这爱是从清洁的心和无亏的良心、无伪的信心生出来的)”. Li Deng Hui use Titus Chapter 2: 1-13 “ Doing good for the sake of gospel(为人之道)”as motto in life. This is the verses that he used to remind him all his life. The verses are as follow:

Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel

1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Awards and Honours

honorary member, Chung Hwa Guild of Batavia (1906) ; fellow of the American Geographical Society (1915) ;honorary president of the Huai River Conservancy (1922) ; honorary Litt.D., St. John's University, Shanghai (1919) ; he took an active part in the Student Movement in 1918 ; chairman of the League of Public Organizations to protest against the treaty affecting Chinese rights and oppose China's signature to the Peace Conference at Versailles ; during the Washington Conference he was chairman of the People's National Diplomatic Federation representing 180 organizations all over China; he has held the following honorary positions: chairman, Overseas Chinese Association ; vice-chairman, World Chinese Students Federation ; director, Pan-Pacific Union; director, Christian Educational Association of China ; director, Amoy University ; chairman, National Anti-Opium Association ; member, National Government Opium-Suppression Commission ; member, Diplomatic Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(source: Who's who in China)

Legacies

(i) There was a road within Fudan University, Handan Road Campus(复旦大学邯郸路校区), named after Li Deng Hui(李登辉)，Deng Hui Ring Road(登辉环路).
(ii)The Hall of XiangHui (相辉堂),original name was actually Hall of Tenghui (登辉堂)when built in 1947, but it was changed to Xianghui in 1985 during the Fudan 80th anniversary.Named after both Ma Xiong Bo(马相伯) and Li Deng Hui(李登辉), the former principals of Fudan Public School(now Fudan University).
(iii) In Chongqing , the old premise of Fudan University, there is a small tower, named after Lee Deng Hui, the hall of Deng Hui(登辉堂).

References:

1.History of Fudan, http://www.fudan.edu.cn/englishnew/about/history.html
2.Fudan Alumni Association, http://www.fudan.edu.cn/englishnew/alumni/association.html
3. http://www.blueskiescom.com/alumni/feb_mar_06/headliner_li_denghui.htm
4. 復旦大學校長李登輝 64歲抗日被打, http://www.stnn.cc:82/gate/big5/history.stnn.cc/people/200911/t20091123_1190065.html
5. 校长之楷模青年之导师——纪念李登辉校长诞辰133周年, http://news.fudan.edu.cn/2005/0420/6781.html
6. 一代代母校情传后人--儿子李贤政谈李登辉校长, http://www.35edu.com/School/Principal/20110108/45924.html
7. Ma Xiangbo 馬相伯 (1849-1939), http://ricci.rt.usfca.edu/biography/view.aspx?biographyID=1407
8. SEJARAH SINGKAT TIONG HOA HWE KOAN BATAVIA DAN SEKOLAH TIONG HOA HWE KOAN (PA HOA), http://www.pahoa.or.id/history.php

Huichew Hakka - Balik Pulau( 浮罗山背) & Luofu Mountain(罗浮山)

2011-09-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

Talking about Balik Pulau, recently attended a Taiwan Hakka song presentation in Han Chiang school, Penang. The Taiwanese Hakka presented a song called " pu-lou-vok-teu"(浮罗鍋頭), which means Pot and Wok.

Pu-lou-vok-teu"(浮罗鍋頭)

Pu-lou-vok-teu"(浮罗鍋頭), my aunty was so excited, pu-lou, the Hakka name for pot, can it be the name of Balik Pulau?...

Pu-lou is Chinese cooking pot(煲) is a cooker to cook Soup(汤), it is called "pu-lou" by the Huichew Hakka. Pu-lou(浮罗) is Hakka word for Chinese cooking pot, for soup.

"Vok teu"(鍋頭) means wok(鍋子) in Hakka, teu(头,頭) means head, vok-teu literally means wok head, it is normal for Hakka or even other Chinese dialects to add a word "head" to describe some living tools or things in their words. Like wood or muk(木) is muk-teu(木頭). But pu-lou as pot is something new to me.

Hakka of Balik Pulau are mainly from Huichew or Huizhou. Pu-lou is a very common word for Huichew Hakka family, as they need pot to cook soup in their daily food preparation. Can Balik Pulau be named after pu-lou, the Huichew name for cooking pot? The name for Balik Pulau?....

So pu-lou-vok-teu, pu-lou is the name of Pulou(浮罗)or Balik Pulau. What a amazing find!...

Balik Pulau, Penang

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The following was what I wrote on June 25, 2009 in my blog, about the possibility of the derivation of the name of Balik Pulau town:

The town people from Georgetown called it Pulo(浮罗)in their popular Hokkian dialect, which in Malay language it literally means island but to Penang Chinese it is the name of the Balik Pulau town. The local Hakka called it Pu-lo-san-puai, which mean the back of the hill at the place called Pulo(the island). Hokkian will called hill location sua-tau(山头/山頭) or sua-bui(山尾). The Hakka called san-puai(山背). Pulo-san-pei(浮罗山背), the Chinese(Mandarin) name was the name given by Hakka. The word for hill in Malay is Bukit, not Pulau; it may said Belakang Bukit or Sebalik Bukit for place behind the hill. The Malay word Balik Pulau, is literally means going back to the island or at the back of island. Balik Pulau may be the contaminated Malay or Pasar Malay word by the Hakka, when translating the wording pulo-san-puai. Pulo is the island in Malay, but it was the name of the place(not island) for the Hakka, pulo-san means pulo hill. pilo-san-puai means the back of the hill called pulo-hill. They may not able to say behind the hill in Malay, so they say it balik pulo(balik is behind, pulo is the place). This may indicate that the name Balik Pulau was derived from Hakka's pasar Malay. (Balik Pulau town (浮罗山背市区), Thursday, June 25, 2009,http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2009/06/balik-pulau-town.html)

Now what I understand Pulou is the Huichew Hakka word for "Chinese Cooking Pot". The name for Balik Pulau(浮罗).

Let us now know something of Hakka people....

Hakka(客家人)

The Hakka (客家, 客家人), sometimes Hakka Han, are Han Chinese who speak the Hakka language and have links to the provincial areas of Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan and Fujian in China. There are Hakka in Taiwan. In Taiwan, Hakka people comprise about 15 to 20% of the population and are descended largely from Guangdong immigrants: they form the second-largest ethnic group on the island. According to German historian Ludwig Riess (December 1, 1861 - December 27, 1928), when the Dutch East Indian Company come to Taiwan, they employed the help of Hakka in Taiwan to translate native language for them.(臺灣客家人來台相當早，德國史學家Riess研究荷蘭史料發現：荷蘭人來台與原住民溝通時，多由客家人居中翻譯). This revealed Hakka had been in Taiwan for a long time.

The characters "客家"(Hakka) come from words indicating "visitors" or "travelers" and distinguish the Hakka from the Tujia ("natives"). The Hakka's ancestors were often said to have arrived from what is today's central China centuries ago. In a series of migrations, the Hakkas moved, settled in their present locations in southern China, and then often migrated overseas to various countries throughout the world

Early Penang Hakka
The early Penang Chinese who come earlier than Capt Francis Light was also Hakka.Penang people called the three Hakka Chinese Tua Pek kong in Hokkien, or in Hakka, tai-pak-kung(大伯公). Tue Pek is Hokkien for elder uncle. Tua Pek Kong was a man named Zhang Li (张理) from the Taipu Hakka clan. His Sumatra-bound boat was struck by wind and accidentally landed on Penang island of Malaysia in 1745, which at that time had only 50 inhabitants. Zhang and other 2 clan man landed at Penang island, they were Khoo Zhao Siang(丘兆祥) from Daipu Hakka，Ma Fu Choon(马福春) from Yongding(永定)Hakka. Zhang passed away before Francis Light arrived. Khoo and Ma should had met Capt Francis Light among the early 58 villagers from the island. After his death, the local people began worshipping him and built the Tua Pek Kong temple in Haichu-yu (Sea Pearl) Tua Pek Kong Temple(海珠屿大伯公庙)in Tanjung Tokong, Penang. Only until 1799(清代嘉庆四年) after founding of Penang, did a temple built for them. In 1801， a Hakka Chinses Chen Choon San(陈春生)，with the approval of the British East India Company, was granted a piece of land to built a temple(福德祠大伯公庙) at King Street(大伯公街). The Hokkien people alos built “建德堂” in 1890, after the secret societies were banned by the British government. Today Tua Pek Kong is worshiped by Malaysian Chinese throughout the country.

However Hakka in Balik Pulau may arrived later, after Taiping Rebellion, even some Chinese planters and fishermen may have lived there earlier....

Teochew influence

As Huichew or Huizhoa, the ancenstry land of Huichew Hakka is located between Teochew linguistic region and Cantonese linguistic region, the interaction of the different dialect people with Huichew Hakka at Huizhoa, produced a distinctive type of culture and linguistic in the area. Let us look at the places called Shantou(汕頭)and Shanwei(汕尾), the Teochew sphere of influence. Shantou is typical Teochew area, but Shanwei is the area where there are cultural fusion of Teochew & Hakka.

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Shantou City(汕頭市)

Suátao or Swatow is today Shantou City(汕頭市), literally means head of the hill(山头/山頭)or beginning of the hill, is a prefecture-level city on the eastern coast of Guangdong province, People's Republic of China. Shantou, a port city significant in 19th-century Chinese history as one of the treaty ports established for Western trade and contact,commonly know as Swatow. This was the port that most of oversea Hakka and Teochew Chinese departed for Nanyang. Most residents are linguistically Teochew. There are also Hakka, popularly known as Half-Hakka (半山客), living mainly in Chaoyang District (潮陽區) and Chaonan District (潮南區), although they speak Teochew on a daily basis and practise Teochew culture.

Shanwei(汕尾市)
Shanwei(汕尾市),shanwei literally means the tail of the hill(山尾) or the end of the hill. Shanwei (汕尾) is a prefecture-level city in Guangdong province of Southern China, People's Republic of China. It borders Jieyang to the east, Meizhou and Heyuan to the north, Huizhou to the west, and looks out to the South China Sea to the south. It lies approximately 120 km from Shenzhen and the locals speak the Haifeng dialect(海陆丰). The common linguistic is Shanwei Ho̍h-ló dialect(汕尾鶴佬話), a sub-group of Teochew or Chaozhou dialect, which belong to Mingnan dialect or Southern Min languages(閩南方言), which is commonly known as Hokkien dialect(福建話). The area of Hailufeng sub-group (海陆丰片)of Teochew dialect ： including Shanwei (汕尾), Lufeng (陆丰) and Haifeng (海丰), which are all in Shanwei city.

Hailufeng(海陸豐)

In Manchu Dynasty, the two districts of Haifeng and Lufeng were under Huizhou-fu(清帝國時海豐、陸豐兩縣同屬惠州府). Together they were called Hailufeng in old time. Now, both Haifeng county and Lufeng city, together with Luhe County(陸河縣)are under Shanwei prefecture-level city. So sometime broadly Hailufeng is now refereed to Shanwei city.(陸豐縣及陸河縣的汕尾地級市，所以海陸豐亦泛指汕尾).

In Haifeng County (海豐)the people there speak a Teochew dialect related to Hoklo and Hakka, call Haifeng dialect(海丰话).

Lufeng City(陸豐) situated next to the county of Haifeng, the area is sometimes conjointly referred to as Hailufeng(海陸豐). People from east of Lufeng city speak mainly Teochew dialect, but local Hakka speak Hakka dialect( 陆丰市东部说潮州话，當地客家人則使用客家話（主要分布在陸河縣). The majority of residents are of Hoklo heritage; the rest are Hakka. Therefore both Min Nan and Hakka dialects are spoken.

Luhe County(陸河縣) mainly speak Hakka fusion of Hailufeng dialect(客家方言海陸片)

(Note: 清朝以前的居民以客家人為主，在明清的移民潮中，不斷從福建莆田仙遊一帶移民過來的[河洛人]很快帶來河洛文化，慢慢地當地原來的客家文化受到[河洛文化]很大的影響，到民國初年，已經有部份客家人只使用河洛話了，有些已經不使用客家話的客家人不再有客家認同感[來源請求]，而認為自己是陸豐鶴佬人、河洛人或潮汕人、潮州人，但又有些人認為自己不是潮汕人，是海陸豐人).

Hoklo people 河洛文化

The Hoklo people (endonym Hok-ló, Hō-ló, or Ho̍h-ló) are Han people whose traditional Ancestral homes are in southern Fujian(福建)of South China. They are also known by various endonym as Hok-ló, Hō-ló, or Ho̍h-ló, or other related terms such as Min-nan people (閩南人) or Hokkiens (福建人). The Hoklo people refers mainly to people who speak and use the Hokkien dialect of Min Nan Chinese spoken in southern Fujian, Taiwan, and by many overseas Chinese throughout Southeast Asia.In wider scope, the Hoklo people can include speakers of other Min Nan languages, such as Zhongshan Min, Zhenan Min, Teochew dialect, and Hainanese.

河洛話：海陸豐常用河洛 (Hô-lo̍k; lit. "Yellow River and Luo River") – emphasizes their purported long history originating from the area south of the Yellow River. This Han-character reading does not reflect the actual pronunciation in the southern-Chinese languages but only in Mandarin. It is likely a result of folk etymology.

福佬話：粵閩客家人常用。福佬 (Hok-ló; lit. "Fujian person") – emphasizes their ancestry connection to Fujian province(福建省), normally used by Hakka .

鹤佬话：广府人用。鶴佬 (Ho̍h-ló; lit. "crane person", crane(鶴)is the name of bird) – emphasizes the modern pronunciation of the characters (without regard to the meaning of the Chinese characters). Normally used by Cantonese.

Now from Shanwei, we go further south, we are going to another linguistic fusion of Hakka and Cantonese in Huizhou. The Teochew influence weaken along the way as we go south toward Canton or Guangzhou, the sphere of Cantonese influence begin.

Huizhou/Huichew/Feizou/Waichow(惠州)

Huizhou (惠州) , historically known as Waichow, is a city located in central Guangdong province of the People's Republic of China. Part of the Pearl River Delta, Huizhou borders the provincial capital of Guangzhou to the west, Shaoguan to the north, Heyuan to the northeast, Shanwei to the east, Shenzhen and Dongguan to the southwest, and looks out to the South China Sea to the south. Its southern part made of Huiyang district is now part off guangzhou-Shenzhen built up area, the biggest built up area in the world with more than 40 million inhabitants encompassing the whole Shenzhen, Dongguan cities and main part of Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongsghan and small parts of Jiangmen and Huizhou cities.

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The prefecture-level city of Huizhou administers 5 county-level divisions, including 2 districts and 3 counties. Huicheng District(惠城区) and Huiyang District(惠阳区); Boluo County(博罗县), Huidong County(惠东县) ,Longmen County(龙门县).

There are two main dialects spoken by local people in Huizhou: A Cantonese dialect which is Huizhouhua (惠州话/惠州話) and Hakka (客家话/客家話).

The population in Huizhou are mainly Han people(惠州汉族), most are Huizhou Hakka(客家人) and Huizhou people(惠州人/本地人)， there is some Ho̍h-ló(鹤佬人) and Guangfu(广府人)。

Hakka are mainly in the city but also spread to other districts and county(客家人在市内各市辖区、县都有分布). Ho̍h-ló(鹤佬人)is mainly concentrated in Huiyang District(惠阳区)、Boluo County(博罗县)and Huidong County(惠东县). Guangfu(广府人)or Cantonese are in Longmen County(龙门县)、Boluo County(博罗县)。

Huizhou prefecture-level city(惠州市) is the linguistic fusion city with three dialects(三大方言的交汇区), Hakka(客家话)、Guangfu or Cantonese(粤语)、 and Teochew(潮汕话). Currently, Mandarin as official language is popular, especially among young generation. But the influence of Hakka is the most significant(客家话是影响最大的方言). 在下属县区里，客家话是影响最大的方言。

In Huicheng District(惠城区) and Boluo County(博罗县), Huizho dialect is still popular. Huizho dialect is a local dialect which is heavily influenced by Hakka and Guangful/Cantonese. The dialect is also called Dongjiang dialect(东江本地话)，which is slowly dying in the area. The local people are able to speak Cantonese, Mandarin is the official language.

惠州客 (Huizhou Hakka/Huichiew Hakka)

惠州話是指台湾本省籍族群之中，客家族群使用的一种語言，也叫海陸話（Hoiliuk），使用人口不下150萬。雖然也叫海陸話，但台湾海陸客家人的原籍，不僅是原來惠州府的海豐縣、陸豐縣兩个縣，還有來自龍川縣、河源縣、永安縣、長寜縣、歸善縣、博羅縣、和平縣、連平縣等地。海陸話習稱為講海陸（Gong-Hoi-Liuk）；在祖籍認同上，又並不單單指海豐縣、陸豐縣，而是指整個惠州府。换句話説，講海陸的客家人，一般自稱惠州人。而稱海陸話为惠州話，更是相當平常的事。大陸的海陸客，特指海豐縣、陸豐縣附近的客家話；大陸的惠州話，一般是指廣東省惠州市惠城區特有的客家話口音，那是吸收了不少香港、澳門、廣州等粤中地區粤語（Cantonese）特點的客家話

广东惠州客家人，有狭义的范围，即现今惠州市的行政地域，包括惠城区、惠阳区、惠东县、博罗县、龙门县、大亚湾经济技术开发区、仲凯高新开发区；有中义的范围，即开放改革前的惠阳地区，除现惠州市所辖区域外，还包括深圳市的前身宝安县，东莞市的前身东莞县，汕尾市下属的城区、陆丰市、海丰县、陆河县、红海湾开发区、华侨管理区，河源市下属的源城区、东源县、龙川县、连平县、和平县、紫金县。有广义的范围，在中义的范围的基础上，再加上广州市的增城市、从化市，韶关市的新丰县、翁源县，梅州市的兴宁市、五华县，江西省的寻乌县、定南县，香港地区，乃至海外如马来西亚吉隆坡等

Huizhou Hakka's mother river - Dongjiang(广东惠州客家人的母亲河——东江)

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广东惠州客家人生活的母亲河是东江。珠江上游的三大水系为西江、北江、东江。西江是广府语系的族群生活的地方，也可说西江是珠江最大的主流，是广府人的母亲河，而北江则是广府人和客家人共同生活的一条河流，岸边的城市多为广府人，而流域及支流上游则多为客家人。东江，在广东省的东中部。发源于江西省寻乌县、定南县、安远县，其上游源头东称寻邬水，源头为寻乌县三标乡东江源村桠髻钵山；其上游源头西称定南水，源头为安远县的三百山。南流进入广东省，经龙川县、东源县、源城区、紫金县，至惠阳县、惠城区折向西，过博罗县、东莞市流入珠江，在狮子洋出虎门，经伶仃洋出珠江口入南海。东江全长约562公里，总落差约440公尺，主要支流有寻乌水、定南水、浰江、新丰江、秋香江、公庄水、西枝江、石马河和增江等，流域面积32,200平方公里。龙川县城以下可通航。东江取名于它在珠江所处东边的位置。古时，东江全线并不统称为东江，各段有各自的名字。在江西段，因古时寻乌属安远县，统称为安远水；在贝岭水下游，称浰水；在龙川老隆佗城段，称雷江（也有雷水、浰江之称）；在河源段，称二合水；在博罗段，称罗浮水；在惠州段，称惠州河；在东莞段，称东江（也称石龙河）。这些名字在各个朝代也曾有所变化。正是这一条东江，哺育了无数的客家人成长。

Luofushan, the mountain of Huizhou Hakka (广东惠州客家人世代生活的山——博罗的罗浮山)

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Noted: place marked A is Luofusan(罗浮山)

广东惠州客家人生活的重要山脉为罗浮山。罗浮山又名东樵山，是中国十大道教名山之一，为道教十大洞天之第七洞天，七十二福地之第三十四福地，岭南第一山。汉朝史学家司马迁曾把罗浮山比作为“粤岳”。它拥有九观，十八寺，三十二庵，位于中国广东省惠州博罗县的西北部，横跨博罗县、龙门县、增城市三地，总面积260多平方公里，和位于中国广东省佛山市境内的西樵山是姐妹山。一为东樵山，一为西樵山；一为罗浮山，一为官山。罗浮山的主峰是飞云顶，海拔1296米，山势雄浑，风光秀丽，四季气候宜人，是中国的“国家重点风景名胜区”和避暑胜地。

Can the name of Balik Pulau, Pulou is derived from Boluo(博罗) of Boluo County(博罗县)?Boluo, Boluo, Pulou, Pulou...it is close in sound; moreover there is a hill in Boluo called Luofu-shan(罗浮山), if you turn around the word, it become 浮罗, the same word as Pulou(浮罗).....is it coincident or the Huichew Hakka ancestor in Balik Pulau had already named it after the hill in their ancestry land in Boluo County in Huizhou?.....

Can I said this was the story of the name of Balik Pulau?. It was named by Huichew Hakka in Balik Pulau, using the name of the hill in Huizhou and the Malay world Pulau, which means island. To them Pulau is pu-lou, is a hill, they call Pulau Hill, sound similar to the hill in Huizhou, Luofu Mountain in Boluo(博罗). At the back of island(pulou,浮罗) and the hill is Pulau Hill or pu-lou-san(浮罗山), to them pu-lou is a hill. Pu-lou-san-pui(浮罗山背) is at the back of Pulau Hill. It is not Hokkien name as they will call Pu-lou-sua-bui(浮罗山尾) similar to the name given to Shanwei city((汕尾市). It must be Hakka name as pu-lou-san-pui(浮罗山背). It cannot be Malay name, at the back of the hill is be " Belakang Bukit", not Balik Pulau which literally means returning to island, which is not meaningful as Balik Pulau is already in the island. The name will not be logical to Malay language. Belakang is 3 words to Chinese, be-la-kang; Balik is two words, ba-lik. They will not choose a name which is difficult to pronounce by them for the new language(pasar Melayu) they just learn and acquired for their daily usage. So they already name the hill, pu-lou-hill, what to call the place at the back of the hill, to be correct in Malay languae it should be Belakang pu-lou-hill(Belakang Bukit Pulau). It become a long name. The Chinese will not name a long name, slowly it will shorten to either one word or two words, slowly only pu-lou(where the local Hokkien still call it)will remain. But why Balik Pulau instead of only named it Pulau like Hokkien Chinese called it? Pulau, unlike pu-lou will be confusing as there are many islands around Penang island. Pulau Bedong is one of them. But the home sick Huichew Hakka, still thinking of their ancestry land, slowly use balik to relate to coming home. Coming home to pu-lou-hill(浮罗山) after a day work, which is also a name quite similar name to the Luofu-shan(罗浮山)at their home land. This solved psychologically their home sickness.

Suddenly discovered that Huichew Hakka called pot, a type of Chinese cooking utensil as "pulou", which have a similar sound as Malay word " Pulau"(which means island). Can it be the reason the Chinese name of Balik Pulau derived? Balik Pulau is a Hakka town to Chinese. Hakka people was in Balik Pulau even before the establishment of the political administration in 1880(district office established). There were many tombstones of pioneer Hakka dated back to 1856,mostly Huichiew Hakka( 惠州客). Most of the Hakka are mainly Huichiew, and Chaozhou Hakka or pan-san-hak(半山客) which include Hailukfong(海豐，陸豐),hobo(河婆,現改成揭西縣）, and daipu(大埔) Hakka.

Huichew Penang(檳榔嶼惠州人)

The early Hakka immigrants in Penang appeared to have consisted mainly of three groups: the Chia-ying Hakkas(嘉应客), the Tengchow(汀州) or Yongding(永定)Hakkas and the Huichew Hakkas(惠州客). This can be seen from the fact that the founding of their dialect associations in 1801, 1819 and 1822 respectively. The development of Penang as free port open the opportunity for Huichew Hakkas, some of them come direct from Huizhou, but others from Kalimantan. From Penang, some of them moved to North to Kedah, others moved to Perak, especially tin mines at Klian Bahru(新吉輦) 吉輦包, now Kamunting(霹靂甘文丁錫礦區), near today's Taiping were the areas where pioneer Huichew Hakkas settled. Huichew Hakkas are experienced tin mine workers.

Around 1848 'Che Long Ja'afar introduced Chinese miners to Larut (spelt Laroot or Larot at that time). The original mine field, Klian Pauh is where the jail at Taiping stands today. Long Ja'afar appointed Low Sam from Penang as agent and Low Sam was associated with Chung Keng Quee. "Five Associations" or Go-Kuan (Chinese: 五館 or 五群)whose members worked in the mines of Klian Pauh(吉輦包),Chung Keng Quee was the leader, and also Hai San. The Cantonese was under "Four Associations" or Si Kuan, whose members worked in the mines of Klian Baharu(新吉輦).

From 1860 to 1874, Huichew Hakkas were involved in two Larut Wars(霹靂拉律戰事)with Hai San. Huichew Hakkas were members of Ghee Hin( 義興党), unlike other Hakkas who were member Hai San. The Hai San was under Kapitan China Chung Keng Quee(鄭景貴), also Hakka from Zengcheng(增城),Guangdong.

In 1862，after the second Larut War, when Huichew leader So Ah Chiang(蘇亞松) was killed, most Huichew moved to tin mines in Selangor ,and few left in Taiping tin mines. The Hui Chew Hakka from the Ghee Hin from the earlier two battles having gone down to Selangor to join Yap Ah Loy, a Hui Chew Hakka who was head of the Hai San in Selangor. The Huichew were not involved with the later two Larut Wars.

After the Larut War when the Huichew were defeated by Hai San, many moved back to Penang, and involved in agriculture. They planted nutmegs, peppers, and spices, especially in Province Wellesley, they were also involved in sugar cane planting in Bukit Mertajam. In Pulau Betong, Sungai Ara, Teluk Kumbar of the Penang island, there were Huichew who were involved in agriculture,charcoal and fishing. In Balik Pulau, there are still many Huichew settlement still remained until today.

在吉打的亞羅士打，惠州人戴春桃是著名的華人領袖及地方經濟的開拓者，在玻璃市加基武吉毗鄰泰國的錫礦區，也有許多惠州人參與采礦工作。

上述各地區的惠州人除了少數是錫礦工人（吉玻區），其餘多為務農者、工匠及小生意經營者，其中更有雄踞一方的惠州人領袖黃陳慶（檳威）、吉打華人甲必丹戴春桃及吉打居林甲必丹羅啟立等。(http://fuichiu.blogspot.com/search/label/B03a大馬惠州人史料)

Lo Chung Huo(罗仲霍,1881~1911) was one of the 72 martyrs who died during the 1911 uprising, was a Huizhou from Penang. On April 27,1911(March 29, Lunar year Xinhai), Tongmenghui, a revolutionary Organization, led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen launched an uprising to overthrow the federal Qing dynasty to build a new democratic country, but unfortunately the effort failed. Peilun Yu, Wen Lin, Jumin Lin, Shingdong Fang and over 100 other Participants died. Mr. Dawei Pan collected seventy-two bodies then and buried them in Huanghua Gang or Huanghua Hill, literally means yellow flower hill, now known as Huanghua Gang Commemoration Park (黄花岗公园)in Guangzhou. Seventy-two martyrs were found and buried here, it was later determined that there were 86 martyrs, including 30 who were overseas Chinese . The cemetery was begun in 1912 and finished in 1921.

Not only in Balik Pulau, Huichew Hakka also dominated in Bukit Mertajam and central Province Wellesley.

Huichew Association of Penang(惠州会馆)

Huichew Association of Penang(惠州会馆)was formed in 1822, part of Prangin Road( now Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong) east of Carnarvon Street in Georgetown, was known as Hūi-chiu-kong-si-ke(惠州公司街)or literally means Huichew association street by local Chinese.

槟城惠州会馆位于马来西亚槟城。创立于清道光二年六月初六。至迟清道光二年六月初六（23─7─1822），惠州属同人已组织惠州公司，当时有乡老归善人李兴以墨西哥银（又名鹰洋）325元购得砖瓦屋两间及地皮一段，无条件捐赠给惠州同乡充作会馆。当成立之初，定名为“惠州会馆”，凡居住乡村僻埠之同乡，因事至槟城者，均以会馆为憩息之所；从中国南下的同乡亦通过会馆为跳版，深入内陆开拓农业及矿业。因此，联络梓谊，实深利赖。后来利昂康伯氏（LEON─COMBER）写的《马来亚的华族私会党》（CHINESE SECRET SOCIETIES IN MALAYA，1800-1900）曾引用这份资料把它们当作是槟城华族私会党的七个最早组织──结果“惠州公司”也因而被归纳为会党。槟城惠州会馆由乡贤李兴（淡水人）于清道光八年（1828年）创立，初名为“惠州公司”，后易名为“惠州会馆”。

从清光绪三十二年（1906年）起，由胡捷发（惠阳人）任会长达10年之久，建树殊多，为同侨所钦佩。1937年，由孙荣光任会馆主席。1941年底，太平洋战争爆发后，南洋各地陷入日军之手，会馆被付诸一炬。日本投降后，仍由孙荣光任主席。主持馆宇修整重建各项事宜。1954年，陈世烈继任会馆主席，从此开始，会馆建设教育基金会，每年颁发奖学金，鼓励同侨子弟勤勉向学

廣東的揭陽市、豐順縣、揭西縣、揭東縣、普寧市、惠來縣、海豐縣、陸豐縣、汕尾市、陸河縣、潮安縣等地的客家人，被稱為「半山客」。福建的詔安縣、南靖縣等地的客家人，被稱為「學老客（福老客）」。「半山客」是潮汕地區對潮汕客家人的稱呼，「學老客」是漳州地區對漳州客家人的稱呼。而實際上「學老客」其意義性質和「半山客」是相同的，只是閩粵地區的學老民係（粵為潮汕民係，閩為學老）和畬族對客家人的稱呼。

Pu-lou, Huizhou, Hakka, Balik Pulau....what an interesting connection.....

Further readings/references
1. Chinese wok, http://www.foreigners-in-china.com/chinese-wok.html
2. Wok, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wok
3. 客家, http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/ 客家
4. http://www.omniglot.com/writing/hakka.htm
5. Balik Pulau Hakka(浮罗山背的客家人), http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2009/06/balik-pulau-hakka.html
6. 潮汕半山客,http://www.hakkasky.cc/wiki/doc-view-485.html
7. 半山客名稱之由來,http://big5.am765.com/gate/big5/bbs.am765.com/detail.jsp?id=746915&agMode=1
8. 惠州客家人,http://www.hakkasky.cc/wiki/doc-view-3904.html
9. 槟城惠州会馆, http://baike.baidu.com/view/1665583.htm
10. 惠州南洋华侨社团简介, http://hddys.cn/show_news.php?id=465&class_1=8&class_2=30
11.大馬惠州先驅人物選錄, http://fuichiu.blogspot.com/search/label/B03b大馬惠州先驅人物選錄
12. http://fuichiu.blogspot.com/search/label/B03a大馬惠州人史料
13. 槟城惠州会馆180年: 跨越三个世纪的拓殖史实, 王琛发,槟榔屿惠州会馆, 2003
14. 森美兰惠州会馆史略及现况,王琛发, http://www.penangmedia.com/cms/zslz/2006/0424/article_7.html

Penang Reoccupied after WW2, 1945

2011-09-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

The fall of Penang(彼南島) - Japanese Occupation日本統治時代のペナン州

The Battle of Malaya began when the 25th Army of Imperial Japanese Army invaded Malaya on 8 December 1941. Japanese troops launched an amphibious assault on the northern coast of Malaya at Kota Bharu and started advancing down the eastern coast of Malaya. This was made in conjunction with landings at Pattani and Songkhla in Thailand, The 5th Infantry Division(a "motorized" square division), landed on the east coast of Thailand at Singora and Patani on December 8, 1941. They then proceeded south overland across the Thailand-Malayan border to attack the western portion of Malaya. The Japanese also used bicycle infantry and light tanks, which allowed swift movement of their forces overland through the terrain that was covered with thick tropical rainforest, albeit criss-crossed by native paths. The defeat of Allied troops( Indian 11th Infantry Division)at Jitra by Japanese forces supported by tanks moving south from Thailand on 11 December 1941.

The island of Penang was known by the British as Fortress Penang but in reality it was an island garrison, had four anti-aircraft guns and a garrison of 500 untrained troops. The civilians took to the streets to watch not knowing what was to come. After flying over the town the planes turned and bombed in groups of three. The bombs dropped included heavy demolition, light anti-personal and incendiary, nearly all the bombs were dropped on the densely crowded native quarters in Georgetown.

Air attack on Penang island

1941 Dec 10th - 70 Japanese aircraft raid Penang
1941 Dec 11th - 37 Japanese aircraft raid Penang
1941 Dec 12th - 85 Japanese aircraft raid Penang
1941 Dec 13th - air raids continue as British evacuate

The first attack on the island by the Japanese was as early as 11 Dec, in the form of air raids(some reported on 8th, or 10th). During one of the raids, a bomb was dropped on a fire station, which resulted in no firefighting capability from the civilians. The emergency services were mainly run by untrained Chinese and although they tried their best, they were under increasing pressure as many of the local population who had decided to take to the hills got in the way. Some RAF resistance was present, but was largely unsuccessful. The city fell under a state of lawlessness within days, with uncontrollable looting while corpses were left rotting on the streets.

The British started evacuating on the 13th but the orders included only British born personnel and civilians, this caused a feeling of despair among the Asiatic population, and anger towards the British for leaving them to fend for themselves at a time when they wanted leadership. Not all the British left Penang, Dr. Evens of the General Hospital stayed to look after his patients and was later allowed to the Japanese to continue his work. The Straits Echo’s was one of the few offices that remained open under the leadership of the editor M. Saravanamuttu, Sara set up the Penang Service Committee comprising elected members from Penang’s different communities to run the town on Dec 16, 1941(?).

Even after the British had evacuated by Dec 13, the bombings continued and the committee that met twice daily at No. 10, Scott Road, decided that the Union Jack at Fort Cornwallis had to be taken down and replaced with a white flag of surrender.
As there were no volunteers, M. Saravanamuttu and R.S Gopal, his sub-editor, carried out this mission.

On 17 Dec 1941, Japanese troops of Kobayashi Battalion of the IJA 5th Division(歩兵第五師団, Hohei daigo shidan) landed on the island of Penang. There was no resistance, as the British had evacuated the island on 13 Dec 1941. However, the British failed to destroy resources that could be used by the invaders, including a fully functional radio station. The Japanese troops used the radio station to broadcast the cruel message "Hello, Singapore, this is Penang calling. How do you like our bombing?" and proceeded to massacre the Penang residents during a large-scale looting. Lieutenant General Tomoyuki Yamashita (山下奉文, November 8, 1885 – February 23, 1946),the Commanding Officers of The Imperial Japanese Army's 25th Army (第25軍 Dai-nijyūgo-gun)called a stop to the atrocities, and executed three soldiers as punishment. Lt. Col. Kobayashi(小林中佐) was also placed under thirty days close arrest as punishment. However, the image of the Japanese as brutal conquerors would forever be carved in the minds of the natives.

Arms, boats, supplies and a working radio station were left in haste to the Japanese. The evacuation of Europeans from Penang, with local inhabitants being left to the mercy of the Japanese, caused much embarrassment for the British and alienated them from the local population. Historians judge that "the moral collapse of British rule in Southeast Asia came not at Singapore, but at Penang". The British withdrawal left the defenseless island in the hands of a State Committee which had to subdue a three-day civil unrest.

A young Penangite by the name of Ivan Allan who bravely went to Sungai Petani on Dec 18 with a Japanese named Izumi to convey the news that the British had evacuated Penang

Sara broadcast an appeal on Dec 19(?) from the Penang Wireless Station, urging the Japanese air force to stop bombing the island because the British had left Penang.

Two companies of Japanese troops arrived in sampans at the Church Street Pier at 4pm on Dec 19, Sara, as the committee chairman, appealed to the Commander not to molest the local population. The next day, the Japanese Civil Administrator, Hiroyasu, arrived and formed four different committees comprising Malays, Chinese, Indians and Eurasians. These committees were known as the Peace Preservation Committee

Penang was captured on 19 December 1941, three and a half years of rule of terror followed(to be exact 3 years 8 months). Many of the local populace fled to the interior and plantations to escape from Japanese atrocities, of which many were reported and documented.

Sara’s committee was disbanded on Dec 23 when the Japanese-elected Penang Preservation Committee began functioning.

During this occupation, Penang was governed by four successive Japanese governors, starting with Shotaro Katayama.

Japanese Governors of Penang第25軍。ペナン州知事(日本占領時代ペナン州知事)

•1942–1943: Lt-Gen. Shotaro Katayama Governor of Penang from(1942–1943)
•1943–1944: Maj-Gen. Masakichi Itami Governor of Penang from(1943–1944)
•1944: Lt-Gen. Shinohara Seiichiro Governor of Penang from(1944–1944)
•1944: S.Ikagawa五十川 Deputy Governor of Penang from (1944) only.
•1944–1945: Lt-Gen. Shinohara Seiichiro was Governor of Penang from 1944 to 1945

Air raid by Allies

1944 August - USAF B-29 bombing raid on supported by HMS Ceylon
1945 Jan 11th - USAF B-29 bombing raid on Penang (mission 27)
1945 Feb 1st - USAF B-29 bombing raid on Penang (mission 33)

Japan surrendered on Aug 15 1945日本の降伏

Japan
On the morning of August 6 1945, the Enola Gay, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress piloted by Colonel Paul Tibbets, dropped an atomic bomb (code-named Little Boy by the Americans) on the city of Hiroshima in southwest Honshū, Japan.

On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki was the target of the United State's second atomic bomb attack (and second detonation of a plutonium bomb; the first was tested in central New Mexico, USA) at 11:02 a.m., when the north of the city was destroyed and an estimated 70,000 people were killed by the bomb codenamed "Fat Man".

At 12:00 noon Japan standard time on August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito made a radio announcement to his people announcing the decision to accept the Potsdam Proclamation and surrender to the Allies.

25 Aug 1945 - Emperor Hirohito issued a decree ordering all Japanese forces to demobilize and cease operation.

On August 28 1945, the occupation of Japan by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers began.

The surrender ceremony was held on September 2 1945 aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri, at which officials from the Japanese government signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, ending World War II.

Malaya
The Allied Plan to capture Malaya - Operation Zipper
During the Second World War, "Operation Zipper" was a British plan to capture either Port Swettenham or Port Dickson, Malaya as staging areas for the recapture of Singapore. However, due to the end of the war in the Pacific, it was never fully executed. Some of the proposed landings on Penang went ahead as planned to probe Japanese intentions, encountering no resistance. The planned deception for this attack was called Operation Slippery, whilst a small Special Operations Executive team led by Tun Ibrahim Ismail which landed in October 1944 managed convince the Japanese that the landings were to be on the Isthmus of Kra, 650 miles to the north.

Operation Tiderace - Operation to capture Singapore
Operation Tiderace was planned soon after the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Emergency planning was put in preparation for the rapid occupation of Singapore at an early date should Japan agree to accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration of 26 July.

While Operation Zipper was executed ahead of schedule, it did so on a much smaller scale, having quickly transferred a proportion of its original strength to Operation Tiderace. The convoy consisted of about 90 ships, which included two battleships, HMS Nelson and the French battleship Richelieu. The heavy cruiser HMS Sussex served as the flagship. HMAS Hawkesbury was the sole Australian warship during the Japanese surrender, escorting the repatriation transport Duntroon.

There were a total of seven escort carriers: HMS Ameer, HMS Attacker, HMS Emperor, HMS Empress, HMS Hunter, HMS Khedive and HMS Stalker

HMS Volage, Destroyer(1944-1972)

In August, prior to the Japanese surrender, HMS Volage prepared to support the planned landings in Malaya (Operation Zipper). She was part of the screen for capital ships of the East Indies Fleet sailing to Penang and later (31 August), she sailed from Trincomalee to join the naval forces for the re-occupation of Penang. The Captain then was Cdr. Reginald Trevor Paul,CBE, RN(later Captain).

31st August 1945 - Sailed from Trincomalee to join ships deployed for re-occupation of Penang.

1st September 1945 - At Penang for re-occupation. Volage stayed at Penang into September as radio ship until shore facilities had been established and then supported the landings at Port Dickson. (Operation ZIPPER)
(Note: For details of ZIPPER and the earlier delays until after VJ Day see THE FORGOTTEN FLEET, WAR WITH JAPAN and Final Report of Supreme Commander SEAC (HMSO).

When the day for the surrender arrived, accompanied by the battleship “Nelson”, HMS Volage arrived off Penang. The “Nelson” was too big to enter Penang harbor, so Admiral Hooky Walker transferred to the HMS Volage from the HMS Nelson and met the Japanese officials on board the “Volage”? and signed the articles of surrender. HMS Volage with Admiral Walker on board was the first Allied ship into Penang and the local Japanese surrender was made on the dockside nearby.

That done the Admiral went back to his ship and accompanied the rest of the fleet down the coast to Singapore and the “Volage” was ordered to tie up at Penang to act as the radio communications ship for the occupation forces when they were landed.

10th Sept - When Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, Commander-in-Chief, South East Asia Command, and General Bill Slim, C in C of 14th Army, passed through Penang on 10th Sept 1945,en route to Singapore for the Japanese surrender in the East Indies, they spent a brief period on HMS Volage and Mountbatten addressed the ship's crew.

After four weeks at Penang, HMS VOLAGE returned to Trincomalee and deployed with Flotilla for local duties.

17-8-1945 HMS Nelson sailed from Trincomalee, Ceylon in company with HM Cruisers LONDON, CEYLON and NIGERIA, HM Escort Carriers ATTACKER, HUNTER, SHAH and STALKER, HM LSI PRINCESS BEATRIX and QUEEN EMMA escorted by destroyers. Their mission was to implement Operation ZIPPER (Operation ZIPPER was the landing of troops in Malaya), then proceed to Penang to accept the surrender of the Japanese forces in the area.(Operation delayed until after the Japanese surrender ceremonies in Tokyo on 2-9-1945 had taken place at the insistence of the US Government and delay in London due to demobilisation arrangements for Service personnel in the Far East.)

20th August 1945 - Whilst the politics was finalized, the Force anchored off the Nicobar Islands and provided cover for minesweeping operations in Nicobar islands. HMS Nelson moved to Rangoon to await start of ZIPPER.

Following Japanese emperor announced surrender on 15-8-1945, only on 21 August 1945 the Penang Shimbun published the statement of capitulation issued by the Emperor.

"Operation Tiderace" was instead put into action following the surrender of Japan. Mountbatten ordered British troops to set sail from Trincomalee and Rangoon (Yangon) on Aug 21 for Singapore. The Allied fleet departed Rangoon on August 27, 1945, as part of Vice Admiral Harold Walker's force (HMS Nelson, HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Ceylon, three destroyers and three Landing Ship, Infantry).

27th August 1945 - Early hours, sailed from Rangoon flying the flag of Vice Admiral Walker in company with HM Cruiser CEYLON, HM Escort Carriers ATTACKER and HUNTER, HM LSI PRINCESS BEATRIX and QUEEN EMMA escorted by 3 destroyers.

28th August 1945 - The battleship HMS Nelson anchored off Penang to take the Japanese surrender in Malaya. The Allies arrived with a small portion of the fleet sent to Penang as part of Operation Zipper. Late in the day the the force arrived off Penang. The first emissaries of the Japanese forces were made to board the flagship by rope ladder.(Note: This was also the day of the occupation of Japan by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers began in Japan).

2nd Sept, 1945 - At Penang lying off Georgetown, for the official surrender of Japanese forces. The Japanese commander Rear Admiral Uozomi was met by Capt. Clifford Caslon, RN(who later retired as Vice Admiral) and the Chief of staff, Captain Abbott, and led below to the Vice Admiral Walker’s cabin were the articles of surrender where signed

Yet even before the Singapore event, the Japanese had already surrendered at Penang in a ceremony on September 2 1945 aboard the battleship HMS Nelson. (In fact, the British had landed in Penang in late August but had held back on the surrender formalities until the American General MacArthur had finalized the official surrender negotiations in Tokyo.). HMS Nelson was the flagship of the fleet, and "the articles of surrender" were signed aboard the battleship on September 2, 1945.

Japanese surrender party signed off the war aboard HMS Nelson lying off Georgetown. Rear Admiral Jisaku Uozumi signs the surrender document aboard the HMS Nelson on September 2, 1945. He fainted shortly afterwards and was rushed to hospital. Note the Distinguished Service Cross ribbon on Uozumi's uniform, which he had earned as Britain's ally in World War I

On board the Royal Navy Nelson-class battleship HMS Nelson Japanese officers surrender the port and city of Penang, Malaya (Malaysia) to the Allies.

Naval vessels of Task Force 11 of the Eastern Fleet underway en route for Penang. Anchored in the Andaman Sea off the Nicobar Islands the force awaits the arrival of Japanese envoys. A Japanese launch draws alongside HMS Nelson. Japanese officers come aboard. In a state room British and Japanese officers take seats at a long table. Admiral Walker stepped ashore from Volage accompanied by Captain Commander Durlachar, leading Naval and Royal Marine delegation to the table. The surrender is signed by Vice-Admiral Walker and IJN Commander Submarine Squadron Eight, Rear Admiral Uozumi Jisaku and the Governor of Penang,Lt-Gen. Shinohara Seiichiro(篠原誠一郎)

Japanese officers named on the dope sheet include Commander Sakai, Lieutenant-Commander Yamaguchi and Captain Aidaki.

Notes: Other vessels in Task Force 11 included the Ceylon-class cruiser HMS Ceylon, the escort carriers HMS Hunter and HMS Attacker, the Paladin-class destroyers HMS Paladin and HMS Petard and two LSIs (Landing Ship Infantry).

3-9-1945 - Royal Marines land at Penang on 3-9-1945, after the Japanese have surrendered. Japanese officers lined up on the quayside. Captain Hilton DSO (naval officer in charge) coming ashore. Flag hoisting ceremony - Union Jack flag is raised, military band plays. Liberated Malayan population rejoicing. Sailors and Marines drive through streets in Japanese military vehicles - lots of waving and flags in carnival atmosphere. Japanese prisoners of war are marched through the street. British officers also inspected the captured Japanese seaplane base.

Lt. J. BLEASE, RN, of Johnshaven, Montrose, Scotland, and SLt. (A) I. MACGREGOR, RNVR, of South Queensberry, Scotland, examine plans of Japanese seaplane at Penang seaplane base, Glugor. He is escorted by surrender liaison officer Lt. Cdr. NAGAKI

PENANG REOCCUPIED

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(Please click the picture for the movie.)

The official British party reached Penang on 1 September, and after a meeting between the Commander-in-Chief of the East Indies Fleet and Rear-Admiral Uzumi on 2 September, a detachment of the 480 Royal Marines landed on 0800 hours at Weld Quay ,and occupied and takeover the island on 3 September 1945.

Japanese forces were evacuated to concentration center at Glugor, and later to the mainland. The Offier in charge at Penang was Capt TJN Hilken(who later become British military governors 1945-1946, Thomas John Norman Hilken)

Rear Admiral Bazudi, Commander of Japanese forces, Penang, signs the surrender document watched by Lt-Gen. Shinohara Seiichiro, the Japanese Lieutenant Governor of Penang (right) and the Admiral's chief of staff, Captain Hidaka.(photo dated 4-9-1945)

A formal ceremony to signify British repossession of Penang took place on Swettenham Pier on 5 September 1945

Japanese forces in Penang finally surrendered to British forces on 6 September 1945

Victory March In Penang , Sept. 8. 1945, Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets to watch the victory march of 600 officers and men from British cruisers and destroyers , the Royal Indian Navy sloop "istna. Vice- Admiral H. C. T. Walker took the salute from the nuance gate of the... (The Straits Times, 11 September 1945, pg 2)

His Majesty's Ships - H.M.S. Nelson(1921-1950)

HMS Nelson- Nelson-class 16in gun Battleship

The Nelson class was a class of two battleships (Nelson and Rodney) of the British Royal Navy, built shortly after, and under the terms of, the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922. They were the only British battleships built between the Revenge class (ordered in 1913) and the King George V class, ordered in 1936. HMS Nelson was named after British admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson of the Battles of the Nile and Trafalgar.

Motto: “Let him bear the palm who has deserved it.”

At the outbreak of war in 1939 H.M.S. Nelson was one of British Royal Navy two most modern battleships, though it is now over 19 years since she was completed. A ship of 33,950 tons, she mounts nine of the heaviest guns in the Royal Navy, of 16-in. calibre.

In December 1939 she was mined in a Scottish loch, and with great difficulty and hazard was brought south to Portsmouth for dry docking and refit. During the first half of 1941 she was engaged in escorting convoys bound for the Cape. In the summer she joined Admiral Sir James Somerville's Force H in the Western Mediterranean, and in September was hit forward by a torpedo from an enemy aircraft while escorting a convoy to Malta. She went to Gibraltar for temporary repairs, and in December sailed for Rosyth with survivors of the aircraft carrier Ark Royal. Back in the Mediterranean, she was again engaged in a fierce convoy action there in August 1942. She was one of the fleet supporting the landings in North Africa in Nov. 1942, and in July 1943 helped to cover the invasion of Sicily. The conference between General Eisenhower and Marshal Badoglio, resulting in the Italian surrender, took place on board her in September 1943.

On 29 Sep 1943, Marshal Pietro Badoglio (Italy) and General Dwight D Eisenhower (USA) signed the Italian instrument of surrender on board Nelson in Valletta Harbour, Malta.

She received damage from a mine during the Normandy landings in June 1944, and was sent to Philadelphia for modernization and repairs.

In November 1944 Vice-Admiral Sir Arthur Power became Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station(1944-1952) which had been formed from the former Eastern Fleet. (Note: Power was present at the final surrender of the Japanese in Singapore on 12th September 1945 in HMS Sussex).

Returning in January 1945 she proceeded to the East Indies, where she wore the flag of Vice-Admiral H.T.C. Walker(later Sir Admiral Harold Thomas Coulthard Walker,CB,KCB,RN). On 12th, July 1945, HMS Nelson joined Eastern Fleet(1941-1944) at Trincomalee, Ceylon.

The Japanese forces in Penang formally surrendered aboard HMS Nelson at George Town, Penang, on 2 September 1945.

She is now flagship of the Training Battleship Squadron, Home Fleet.

Admiral Walker left to board his flagship H.M.S. Nelson on 8-9-1945 , to lead the way to Singapore with his fleet cruiser London and assault ships to Port Sweettenham.

HMS Nelson
8th Took passage to Singapore, calling at Port Swettenham en route.

10th Arrived at Singapore.

12th At Singapore when the Japanese Forces in South East Asia officially surrendered.

Singapore or Syonan-to(昭南島)

(JAPANESE SURRENDER AND LOCAL SHOTS)

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Three days after the emperor's announcement on 15-8-1945, General Seishiro Itagaki, commander of the Japanese 7th Area Army, flew to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to meet Field Marshal Count Terauchi, Commander of the Japanese Southern Army and forces in South-east Asia. But on Aug 20, Itagaki signalled Mountbatten that he would abide by his emperor's decision and was ready to receive instructions for the Japanese surrender of Singapore

With the Japanese surrender and Allied troops deployed in Malaya, Walker's fleet then sailed to Singapore to join up with the main convoy. When Penang surrendered without resistance, the fleet sailed for Singapore on 2 September, passing the Raffles Lighthouse at the Southern entrance to the Straits of Malacca. The fleet arrived in Singapore on 4 September 1945, meeting no opposition. However, the French battleship Richelieu struck a magnetic mine at 0744 on 9 September while passing down the Straits of Malacca. She eventually limped into Singapore at 1200 on 11 September.

The actual surrender was on 4-9-1945, Lieutenant-General Alexander Christison, Mountbatten's representative, and Major-General Robert Mansergh met General Seishiro Itagaki aboard HMS Sussex, in Keppel Harbour to discuss the surrender. The surrender by Lt-Gen Itagaki and Vice Admiral Shigeru Fukudone(Commanders of the IJN 10th Area Fleet,1st Southern Expeditionary Fleet and the 13th Air Fleet) was accepted on board. By 1800, the Japanese had surrendered their forces on the island. An estimated 77,000 Japanese troops from Singapore were captured, plus another 26,000 from Malaya

On Wednesday, 5 September, 1945 at 1130am., HMS Sussex entered Singapore Harbour carrying the Flag of the Rear-Admiral Cedric Holland. General Seishirō Itagaki, the commander of the garrison at Singapore was brought on board, where he signed the formal surrender of the army, thus completing Operation Tiderace, the allied plan to recapture Singapore. It was captained by Capt. Antony Fane de Salis, DSO, RN.

On Friday, Sept 7, the British Military Administration declared that apart from
$1,000 and $10,000 notes, which had to be handed in and accounted for, all prewar Malayan and Straits Settlements currency notes and coins would be legal tender. Overnight, the Japanese military's 'banana' money became worthless.

The first post war issue of The Strait Time was on 7 September 1945. The last edition prior to Singapore surrender to Japanese was 15-2-1942.

General Itagaki's First Refusal - General Sesishiro Itagaki(板垣征四郎), Japanese commander of Singapore, refused to surrender, reports Router, until his superior officer, Field-Maivhal Count Hisaichi Terauchi(寺内寿一), Commander of the Japanese Forces m the South East Asia area, ordered him to lay down his arms "for the honour of his country and the Japanese forces(The Straits Times, 7 September 1945, Page 1)

The formal surrender was finalized on 12 September 1945 at Municipal Building of Singapore (now known as City Hall). Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia Command, came to Singapore to receive the formal surrender of Japanese forces in South East Asia from General Itagaki Seishiro on behalf of Field Marshal Hisaichi Terauchi, commander of the Japanese Southern Army Group who had suffered a stroke earlier in the year.

Accompanied by the Deputy Supreme Commander Wheeler, Lord Louis Mountbatten was driven to the ceremony by a released prisoner of war. As the car drove by the streets, sailors and marines from the East Indies Fleet who had lined up the streets greeted them. At the Municipal Building, Mountbatten was received by his Commanders-in Chief and all high-ranking Allied Officers in Singapore. Also gathered in front of the Municipal Building were four guards of honour, from the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, Australian paratroopers, and the Indian army. Lord Mountbatten led an inspection of the officers before proceeding to the chamber where the ceremony was to be held. During the inspection, a fleet of band was playing the song 'Rule Britannia!'concurrently with the firing of seventeen-gun salute by the Royal Artillery.

The Instrument of Surrender was signed by General S. Itagaki, who signed on behalf of Aisarchi Terauchi, Field Marshall Count, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Japanese Forces, Southern Region. Terauchi was not able to attend the surrender ceremony as he had fallen ill due to a stroke. He surrendered personally to Mountbatten on 30 September 1945 in Saigon. He also surrendered his two swords; a short sword forged in the 16th century and a long sword forged in the 13th century. Mountbatten later presented the short sword to King George VI.

The Japanese signed a total of 11copies of the Instrument of Surrender; one each for the British, American, Chinese, French, Dutch, Australian, Indian and the Japanese governments; and one each for King George VI, the Supreme Commander and the South East Asia Command's records.

Japanese Representatives

General S. Itagaki (7th Area Army)
Lieutenant-General H. Kimura (Burma Area Army)
Lieutenant-General A. Nakamura (18th Area Army)
Vice-Admiral S. Fukudome (1st Southern Expeditionary Fleet)
Vice-Admiral Shibata (2nd Southern Expeditionary Fleet)
Lieutenant-General T. Numata (Chief of Staff to Field-Marshall Count H. Terauchi, Commander-in-Chief, Southern Army)

Allied Representatives

Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten (Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia)
Lieutenant-General R.A Wheeler (Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia, representing U.S.A.)
General Sir William Slim (Commander-in-Chief, Allied Air Forces, South East Asia Command)
Admiral Sir Arthur Power (Commander-in Chief, East Indies Fleet)
Major-General W.R.C Penney (Director of Intelligence, South East Asia Command)
Brigadier K.S. Thimayya (representing the Indian Army)
General P. Leclerc (representing France)
Major-General Feng Yee (Head of the Chinese military mission to South East Asia Command)
Air Vice-Marshall A.T. Cole (representing Australia)
Colonel D.C. Boorman van Vreedon (representing the Netherlands)

The surrender officially ended the Japanese Occupation of Southeast Asia.

The surrender ceremony finally ended with the hoisting of the Union Jack flag and the playing of the national anthems of all the Allied nations. This was the same flag used by General Percival when he surrendered to the Japanese and had been kept concealed in the Changi prison during the occupation.

It was reported that the Union Jack which was hoisted on the Padang yesterday(12th Sept) morning was one which had been hidden in the Changi prisoner of war camp from the Japanese in 1942(The Straits Times, 13 September 1945, Page 1)

A British Military Administration was formed to govern the island until March 1946.

General Itagaki departed for Japan shortly afterwards to face his trial and execution as a war criminal. Field Marshal Hisaichi Terauchi died of another stroke while in a prisoner of war camp in Malaya after the end of the war on 12-6-1946. His cemetery was however in Japanese Cemetery Park, Singapore.

British Military Administration(BMA)

Japanese forces in southeast Asia officially surrendered on September 12, 1945, and a British Military Administration(BMA) was established.

R.A.F Take Charge In Penang - The Royal Air Force took over charge of Penang from the Royal Marines last Thursday(14th Sept)at a public parade held on Victoria Green. Penang’s new garrison commander is Wing Commander Alan Yates. (The Straits Times, 17 September 1945, Page 2)

By Proclamation No. 1 (1945), the Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia established the British Military Administration which assumed full judicial, legislative, executive and administrative powers and responsibilities and conclusive jurisdiction over all persons and property throughout such areas of Malaya. Major-General Ralph Hone was given the post of Chief Civil Affairs Officer responsible for the Peninsula.

For the purpose of streamlining the administration, postwar Malaya was divided into 9 regions with Perlis-Kedah, Negeri Sembilan-Melaka, and the other states as regions in their own right. The regions were controlled by a Senior Civil Affairs Officer (ranked either Colonel or Lieutenant-Colonel). The official power of some of the pre-war civilian governments' entities were suspended, including the rights of the Malay rulers.

BMA was an interim government from September 1945 to March 1946. The Federated Malay States, the Unfederated Malay States as well as the Straits Settlement including Singapore were placed under temporary British military rule.

The BMA ended when all the Malay States and the Settlements of Penang and Malacca joined Malayan Union. Singapore became a Crown Colony. On April 1, 1946 the Malayan Union officially came into existence with Sir Edward Gent as its governor. Straits Settlements, comprised of Penang, Melaka and Singapore, were officially dissolved.

Reference:

1. Red Star over Malaya: resistance and social conflict during and after the Japanese occupation of Malaya, 1941-1946,by Boon Kheng Cheah, NUS Press, 2003
2. HMS Volage - destroyer,http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-61V-Volage.htm
3. HMS Nelson - Nelson-class 16in gun Battleship
, http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-01BB-Nelson.htm
4. HMS Sussex - British heavy cruiser, WW2 http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CA-Sussex.htm
5. Japanese surrender, by Heirwin Mohd Nasir, written on 29-Sep-1997, National Library Board Singapore
6. East Indies Fleet War Diary 1945, http://naval-history.net/xDKWD-EF1945.htm
7. http://relivethewar2005.blogspot.com/2005/05/fan-of-hero.html
8. The Japanese occupation of Malaya: a social and economic history
, by Paul H. Kratoska, C. Hurst & Co. Publishers, 1998
9. Japanese Imperial War Propaganda in the Penang Daily News, http://library.mcmaster.ca/news/5176
10. How Strong is Japan, LIFE Magazine dated 16 Aug 1943
11. The end of the war:Singapore's liberation and the aftermath of the Second World War, by Romen Bose, Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2005

Are we historically blind?

2011-09-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

History (from Greek ἱστορία - historia, meaning "inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation") is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Amongst scholars, the fifth century BC Greek historian Herodotus is considered to be the "father of history", and, along with his contemporary Thucydides, forms the foundations for the modern study of history.
Historians write in the context of their own time, and with due regard to the current dominant ideas of how to interpret the past, and sometimes write to provide lessons for their own society. In the words of Benedetto Croce, "All history is contemporary history". History is facilitated by the formation of a 'true discourse of past' through the production of narrative and analysis of past events relating to the human race. The modern discipline of history is dedicated to the institutional production of this discourse.

All events that are remembered and preserved in some authentic form constitute the historical record. The task of historical discourse is to identify the sources which can most usefully contribute to the production of accurate accounts of past. Therefore, the constitution of the historian's archive is a result of circumscribing a more general archive by invalidating the usage of certain texts and documents (by falsifying their claims to represent the 'true past').
(source: Wikipedia)

History & Geography

When I was in primary school, History and Geography was a favorite subjects, just because I have two great teachers, who did not follow strictly the textbooks. The two teachers I admired and benefited much were a good teachers who instill the desire of students to explore more on the respective fields. From the primary school textbooks, I moved to the books shops in the Carnarvon Street, standing and reading on all books I can found on History and Geography. I read world history, I read world Geography. Malaya history and geography was too small for me, I acquired the global perspective of the subjects.

Even after my primary schools, Geography and History was my strong subjects in lower secondary; but I have to leave history in my upper secondary since I was a pure science student. I scored a A1 in Geography, considered a difficult subject for science student. I have teachers who do not use school textbooks, who will draw a world map, and tell us the location of the country, and then start to tell the story of the country(history and geography), his experience during his visit to the country...this created interest among the students towards the history of the country. When I read Geography, it was habit of reading with history of the country, to know the country better, lesson from my teachers. This habit later helped me in my adult life where I am more global and not narrow minded, it also helped me during my back packing days to other countries.

Developing countries normally have less emphasis on liberal art subjects. In my secondary school days, the educationalists deprived me on my favorite history subject. Today, history is compulsory, but they deprived the students from Geography subjects. History and Geography need to come together.

School History Textbook

Looking at my daughter’s history book, I really feel sad. The history book was very biased towards specific history for secondary students. The school textbooks focused largely on specific national history, and specific religion history. There are many factual errors and historical errors, some deliberately concealed for some hidden agenda. Study history for the current students is just remembering one book, as their teacher told them to do so. Study history is just to pass examination. Many of them knew the history recorded in their history textbook are totally with biased views, and considered it unimportant. They are able to gain more history knowledge from the internet. This created a disrespect attitude toward history subject, just like Moral Education, useless and time wastage for the students. Overzealous textbook authors toward nationalism, had killed the enthusiastic of the students on the history subject.

I asked the students, and they do not know Dr Sun Yat-sen, Abraham Lincoln, Adolf Hitler, Xiang Yu or Liu Bang(Han Dynasty), Martin Luther King, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Winston Churchil....and many historical figures. Making thing worst, Dr Sun Yat-sen and Jawaharlal Nehru had been to Malaya, and yet we did not make use of the story to teach world history.Some politician was so narrow minded that they said this is history of foreigners, why should we know them?. Sooner, our students forgot Malaysian history figures, Yap Ah Loy, Parameswara,Sir Henry Gurney, Lt-Gen Sir Gerald Templer, Dato Onn bin Jaafar, Tun Tan Cheng Lock..... who to blame?...

We produced students who dislike history subject. This history- phobia students matured into adults with historically blind mindset. They are misled by phobia and pseudo history. If they are politician , they will become narrow minded politician who will lead us to more extremism.

In School, we no longer learn actual history; we learn the official history as told by the political party who governed the nation. History was written by the teachers or historian who are not independent, but employed with the government, writing history to please the ruling party. Their views on issues are always biased, either tainted with personal, racial or religion bias. They do not see the alternative views or alternative history. You cannot ignore the past history of the colonization, Japanese occupation, CPM, Socialist Front, DAP, PAS, other opposition and reformation movement, and their contribution to our nation. You cannot only reported the good historical events, and forget the war, revolution, riots, strikes, demonstration, disasters(the ugly historical events). These are all historical events. The students only see the history wrote by the rulers, they did not see the actual history happen in the grassroots and community. They see the history of the upper class, and reject the history of lower poor’s. They see the history of the winners, did not see the history of the losers. They see the form of the history, not substance behind the history. They see the surface and not the historical cause of the event. They do not see the diversity but focus only on their biased personal views.

This will make the students limited their knowledge of history restricted to memory for examination. There will not be any critical thinking of the students on the cause of the past historical events and their consequences to the current and the future. They will be satisfied knowing only their own history and not knowing the history of other countries, other civilization, other religion, and other individuals. A mass generation of narrow minded and historically blinded people will be cultivated by our education system, listening to the history concept of their teachers, the history of the ruling political party. Their history will be limited to their examinations, knowing only history that their teachers want to hear, the education system want to hear....

After 54 years of independence, do the nation has the confidence that our people are able to stand at par with any others in global platform; having an open mind to determine their destination, and to be a responsible global citizen? The teaching of history in schools will tell us the future of this generation.....

Historically blind

Basically, is the nation historically blind? Looking at the many politician's views on national history, and their request to amend the history again, revealed some weaknesses in our history despite 54 years after independence. The nation is still not open, still closed to diversity, alternatives, and differences....

We do not need to be historian to know history; but need to aware of the traps of the history;

1.Pseudohistory - is a term applied to texts which purport to be historical in nature but which depart from standard historiographical conventions in a way which undermines their conclusions. Works which draw controversial conclusions from new, speculative, or disputed historical evidence, particularly in the fields of national, political, military, and religious affairs, are often rejected as pseudo history.

2.History censorship - In many countries history textbooks have been censored to put the national story in a more favorable light. For example, in Japan, mention of the Nanking Massacre has been removed from textbooks and the entire World War II is given cursory treatment. Other countries have complained. It was standard policy in communist countries to present only a rigid Marxist historiography. In the United States the history of the American Civil War was phrased to avoid giving offense to white Southerners and blacks.

3.Politicization - Politicization of history is very common in communist countries and one party ruled country. The ruling power write history or conceal history according to their political motives and agenda. Academic historians have often fought against the politicization of the textbooks, sometimes with success.

4.Historical revisionism - is either the legitimate scholastic re-examination of existing knowledge about a historical event, or the illegitimate distortion of the historical record such that certain events appear in a more or less favorable light. For the former, i.e. the academic pursuit, see historical revisionism. This article deals solely with the latter, the distortion of history, which—if it constitutes the denial of historical crimes—is also sometimes (but not commonly) called negationism. The post-war minimization of the war crimes of Japanese imperialism is an example of illegitimate historical revisionism.

5. Suppression of different views - either by using legal law to restrict or prohibit the alternative history views, some may face imprisonment or death for holding the alternative historical views, especially against the militarism or the one party ruled government. This is against the freedom of expression advocated by the United Nation Human Right.

6. Biased History - History written based on biased prejudice , either personal biased, political biased, religion biased, racial biased, etc, which distorted the actual history or concealed the actual history.

As a commoner, we need to be wise to know the difference between actual and pseudo history. Let the official history telling their glorious days, we know how the national history was formed not by a single person, by a single political party, by single event, it was the interaction of multiple forces, from individuals to communities, from societies to nations, from nations to global. No person can make history alone.....not even his own history.

Unless he is blind towards history....

National History is by the people, for the people....

History is the story of the past, we can created history for the future, but we cannot created history for the past, the actual events had happened, the history of the past needed historian to explore and rediscover the truth, good or ugly, it was our history, you like it or dislike, it is still the truth, our history.

“ I do not believe that history repeats itself in exactly the same form, but it is not a fact that the old questions are always coming up again in a new form? As the years passed on after the war, the bitter lesson of war are forgotten, and such thing as peace and freedom , the authority of learning or the truth , are opt to be lost.In universities and among scholars there is tendency to lose the strength and the spirit to remain loyal to the truth, and not to fawn upon or yield to the power of the world, which I believed should be avoid at all cost…..by Dr Yanaihara Tadao
(source: The Way I have walked(Watakushi no Ayundekita Michi) , 1958)

Curry Song

2011-09-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

Malaysia Day

2011-09-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

Today is 16-9-2011, the 48th Malaysia Day.But the first time Malaysia Day and Merdeka Day(Malaysia Independence Day) are celebrated together.

Happy Malaysia Day

My wish is that Malaysia and Malaysian will go forward as Malaysian with open and progressive mind as a global citizen.

No more issue like national hero...

No more Malaysian who are still with mind of Sri Vijaya or Malacca Sultanate era(forget the colonial control either under Protectorate or Crown Colony);

No more Malaysian who are still of Strait Settlement mentality(where some Malaysian are treated more superior than other Malaysian);

No more Malaysian who forget the history of the Japanese occupation(when people from different racial background and political orientation fighting for their home land);

No more Malaysian who are still dreaming in the colonial Malaya era(where the independence of nation has been forgotten, and still fearful of Emergency or communist phobia) ;

No more Malaysian who do not know Sabah and Sarawak(forget that we have fellow Malaysian over the sea);

No more Malaysian who forget about multi-religion( forget to respect the religion of other Malaysian);

No more Malaysian who forget of multi racial background(we may born difference, but having the same home land);

No more historically blind Malaysian; and frequent changes of history in school textbook, when students are blindly feed with wrong historical data;

A more open Malaysian society, where Malaysian will look at issues in different perspectives constructively;

And an open mind Malaysian to accept diversity.....

Undilah Malaysia....

The best gift for Malaysia today is the abolish of Internal Security Act....

Happy Malaysia Day

HMS Malaya

2011-09-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

During the world war 1, there were many people of Malaya, FMS, UFS or SS(Strait Settlement) donated for the colonial British government to fight the war in Europe. Some went as soldiers, others contribute their monies. Some donated war planes, some donated war ship. One of the war ship donated was under the name of HMS Malaya, named after Malaya, donated by FMS or Federated Malay States....HMS Malaya fight bravely in WW1, and continued fighting in the WW2...

In 1921, HMS Malaya visited Penang.

HMS Malaya
HMS Malaya was a Queen Elizabeth class battleship of the British Royal Navy, built by Sir W. G. Armstrong Whitworth and Company at High Walker and launched in March 1915. She was named in honour of the Federated Malay States in British Malaya, whose government paid for her construction.

1912

In 1912, the sultan of Perak Sir Idris Mersid-el Aazam Shah suggested that the Council of the FMS should give to His Majesty Government, a gift of first class armored ship.

HMS Malaya, was built as a gift to the British Government by the Government and people of the Federated Malay States of Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang, on a motion proposed in the Federal Council by His late Highness the Sultan of Perak in 1913, supported by His late Highness the Sultan of Selangor, and approved by all people in the Federated Malay States.

The motion was passed and the contract for building such vessel placed in the shipyard on the River Tyne Sterling pound 2,945,709 in 1913. The builder was Armstrong Whitworth. The ship was launched on 18-3-1915, and commissioned on 1-2-1916. It was under Captain Algernon D E H Boyle, who later become Admiral Sir Algernon Douglas Edward Harry Boyle ,K.C.B., C.M.G., M.V.O., the Fourth Sea Lord of Royal Navy from 1920 to 1924).

Name: HMS Malaya
Ordered: 1913
Builder: Armstrong Ship Builder, Whitworth
Laid down: 20 October 1913
Launched: 18 March 1915
Commissioned: 1 February 1916
Decommissioned: 1944
Struck: 12 April 1948
Fate: Scrapped

Battles

1916 - Jutland ( WW1)
1940 - Taranto ( WW2)
1940 - Calabria ( WW2)
1940 - Battle of the Atlantic 1939-1945( WW2)
1942 - Malta Convoys ( WW2)
1944 - English Channel ( WW2)
1944 - Operation Overlord (D-Day) ( WW2)

1916

In World War I she served in Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas's 5th Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet. She took part in the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, where she was hit eight times and took major damage and heavy crew casualties. A total of 65 men died, in the battle or later, of their injuries. Among the wounded was Able Seaman Willie Vicarage, notable as one of the first men to receive facial reconstruction using plastic surgery and the first to receive radical reconstruction via the "tubed pedicule" technique pioneered by Sir Harold Gillies. Uniquely among the ships at the battle, HMS Malaya flew the red-white-black-yellow ensign of the Federated Malay States.

Jürgen Oesten speaking about his attack on HMS Malaya, that took place about 250 miles west-northwest of the Cape Verde Islands in position 20º02'N, 25º50'W. The battleship was part of the convoy SL-68.

1921

1921- HMS Malaya under Capt HT Buller visited Malaya in the first months of 1921, calling at Port Swettenham, Singapore, Malacca, Port Dickson and Penang. Capt HT Buller(who later become Admiral Sir HT Buller) is the son of Admiral Sir Alexander Buller. Admiral Sir Alexander Buller, who as a captain of HMS Modeste, was involved in an expedition against the murderers of Mr James Birch, the British Resident in Perak in 1875. He was also in Penang on January 8, 1876 on board HMS Modeste. What a coincident....

1922
In 1922 Malaya carried the last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mohammed VI into exile. A new era in Turkish history began. Sultan Mohammed VI left on 18 November 1922 in the battleship HMS Malaya bound for Malta with his foreign advisers

1938

In August-September 1938 she served in the port of Haifa during the Arab Uprising.

1940

In World War II she served in the Mediterranean in 1940, escorting convoys and operating against the Italian fleet. On one occasion her presence in a convoy was sufficiently discouraging to the German commerce raiders Scharnhorst and Gneisenau that they withdrew rather than risk damage in an attack.

June 18, 1940. Giornale Italie No. 049. The island of Malta, claimed by Italy. Shown are ships of the Royal Navy (probably HMS Warspite, HMS Malaya, and the escort carrier HMS Eagle). An unveiling of a bust in honour of Fortunato Mizzi, founder of the pro-Italian movement on Malta.

1941

She shelled Genoa in February 1941 as part of Operation Grog but due to a crew error, fired a 15" armour piercing shell into the south east corner of the Cathedral nave. The fuse failed to detonate

Convoy SL 67 was saved by the presence of the WW1 battleship HMS Malaya.

Under Sir Arthur Francis Eric Palliser. She was damaged by a torpedo from U-106 at on 20 March 1941 about 250 miles west-northwest of the Cape Verde Islands. After temporary repairs were made she continued to the New York Navy Yard, where she was docked for four months.

On 9 July, under the command of Captain Cuthbert Coppinger R.N., the battleship left New York on trials and steamed to Halifax, Nova Scotia to provide protection for an urgent fast convoy. On this Atlantic crossing no ships were lost and Malaya arrived on 28 July in Rosyth

1941- 1943

Malaya escorted convoys from the UK to Malta and Cape Town until summer 1943.

1944

Malaya was withdrawn from service at the end of 1944 and placed in reserve and served as an accommodation ship for a torpedo school.

1948

Sold on 20 February 1948 to Metal Industries, she arrived at Faslane on 12 April 1948 for scrapping. The ship's bell can be seen in the East India Club, St James's Square, London.

Legacies of HMS Malaya

On 24 August, 1916 HMS Malaya was presented with a silver bell from the Federated Malay States, in a ceremony attended by the High Commissioner for the Straits Settlements, Sir Ernest Beach, Admiral Sir John Jellicoe and Rear-Admiral Hugh Evan Thomas. Four smaller bells were made for the Captain, the Wardroom, the Gunroom and the Warrant Officers' Mess. Admiral Jellicoe rang the bell into service by sounding off eight bells.

The deactivated Battleship HMS Malaya ship's bells were allocated as follows:

The first watch bell was presented to the Perak (Malaysia) Council after a refit and was hung in the Council Chamber.

The second watch bell was presented to the Victoria Institute Kuala Lumpur on Malayan Victory Day, 12 September 1947 - the 2nd anniversary of the signing of the Japanese surrender - and remained there for 60 years until presented to the Royal Malaysian Navy in 2007.

In May 1950, a ship’s bell was presented by the The Royal Navy to the Malayan Naval Force as a mark of honour and appreciation for their service.

A further bell can be seen in the The East India Club at 16 St. James’s Square, London.

HMS Malaya & Malaysian Sports

When the Battleship HMS Malaya visited Malaya in 1920 the officers and men presented a "HMS Malaya Cup" for competition. It was decided to hold an annual tournament between teams representing the different States and Settlements in Malaya, ...( Tunku: a pictorial biography, 1957-1987, by Mubin Sheppard (Tan Sri Datuk), 1987) HMS Malaya Cup for football is later known as the Malaysia Cup, but HMS Malaya Cup for Rugby still remained until today.

Progress was slow up to the days of the 1st World War but the game in Malaya received a tremendous fillip from the visit of the battleship "HMS Malaya" and the presentation of the "HMS Malaya Cup". This trophy which was meant so much for the game in this country was presented by Captain H. T. butler and the officers of the battleship in 1921 on the occasion of the vessel's first visit to the land whose money built her during the war in 1914 - 1918.

During their stay, the ship's officers and crews engaged in a carnival programme of sport all over the country and it was rugby that they proved keenest and most proficient. They played five games during their stay. They were beaten by Selangor 05 - 03 and Ipoh District 03 - 00 but they beat Singapore 11 - 00, Malacca 20 - 04 and Negeri Sembilan 05 - 03. So the honours were with the visitors. After the ship departed, the officers sent to the Chief Secretary, FMS, and the two trophies which are known as the "Malaya Cup". One for rugby and the other for football. They were given perpetuity for annual competitions.(Malaysia Rugby Union official website)

Penang, Penang lang(槟城人) lah......

International Woman Day

The origin of Hakka(客家人的来源)

Han Jiang Ancestral Temple (韓江家廟)

Penang Hakka Association (客属公会)

2012 槟城太上老君花车游行

226 集合 - 旧关仔角 - 反稀土

Remember Bukit Merah

安心回家 Stop LYNAS Save Malaysia

Why Lim Guan Eng attended Anti- Lynas Rally?

Cliff Richard - Sing a Song Of Freedom

What the public has to say about the Anti Lynas campaign in Penang

Pray for a new Malaysia

Penang anti Lynas Rally

Anti Lynas Save Malaysia event turns ugly in Penang

Kuantan Anti Lynas Rally

Today is anti Lynas Rally in Kuantan

半个槟城人向莱纳斯说不

Pahang Killer Plant (Chinese) 彭亨稀土厂

关丹建设稀土厂会否引发悲剧？霹雳反辐射抗毒委员会有话说

阿牛-用马来西亚的天气來说爱你

《哭泣的东江》

稀土厂的危害

华商领袖郭鹤年

How can we learn from USA Presidential Debate 2012?

What we can learn from Taiwan presidential debate 2012?

This is not the political debate we want

Who will replace World Bank president?

Pseudo Election Campaign

You Are Loved - Short Film

鳳飛飛 綠島小夜曲

鳳飛飛

We cannot see the wrongs in cow issue

The Green Party has come

Penang - Top Ten Islands to Visit Before You Die

Japanese occupation of Singapore

Preserve Our Heritage" - Jalan Sultan

Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur

年十四 ，灯佑苏丹街

蕭煌奇-阿嬤的話

北海锺灵中学第12届毕业生｜聚餐晚宴宣传短片

Happy Chinese New Year from Warren Buffett

恭喜! 恭喜! kongxi! Kongxi!

Auld Lang Syne Hokkien Version

Stop eating shark fins this Chinese New Year

Nasi Lauk yang tak pernah kamu rasa !

Stop Moral Education subject in school

噢！槟城

槟城老街，邱善佑路，Jalan Khoo Sian Ewe

Malaysian national flags

情感聯絡站 咖啡烏 (Kopi-0) - 巫啟賢

被遗忘在垃圾堆的大总统秘书- 雷铁崖(Lei Tieya )

November 11th, Memorial Day for Nanyang Transport Volunteers and the Martyrs of the World War II

童年(Childhood)

我有一段情

綠島小夜曲

Binlang Yu(檳榔嶼) in Taiwan

客家本色 - 林于雯

客家世界

Expert: Sadness that we cannot protect our heritage

Alternative views

Lebuh Tek Soon (Tek Soon Lane)

Huanghuakang Uprising(黄花岗起义) & Luo Zhong Huo(罗仲霍)

Huang Xing(黃興)

Dr TH Lee(李登輝), President of Fudan University

Huichew Hakka - Balik Pulau( 浮罗山背) & Luofu Mountain(罗浮山)

Penang Reoccupied after WW2, 1945

PENANG REOCCUPIED

(JAPANESE SURRENDER AND LOCAL SHOTS)

Are we historically blind?

Curry Song

Malaysia Day

HMS Malaya

鳳飛飛綠島小夜曲

年十四，灯佑苏丹街

情感聯絡站咖啡烏 (Kopi-0) - 巫啟賢