Finally

Posted on July 29, 2007 by Tricia

Spending time today thinking and reframing my theological understanding of social justice has been extremely good for me. It’s been kind of scattered the whole time, but because I needed to prepare for my presentation tomorrow, it forced me to sit down and conceptualise things out properly.

I hope it goes well! Will write excerpts of the paper I wrote here.

The framework goes something like this: Worldview, Beyond Packaged Salvation, Jesus’ Life and not just His death, Kingdom principles, Qur’anic views, Rights and Freedoms, the Malaysian context, Engaging Church with Current issues, and then moving into Action!

Posted in Religion, The Cause, Theology | 1 Comment

Mind of Inquiry

Posted on July 28, 2007 by Tricia

Nietzsche says the following:

If you want peace and comfort in life, believe; if you are a true devotee to truth, inquire.

Now, are we willing to do this?

Well, Yes, if the role of religion is to liberate and free self beyond mere provision of peace and comfort. Which is it?

Posted in Philosophy, Religion | 1 Comment

That Islamic State Issue

Posted on July 28, 2007 by Tricia

I suppose I must tread carefully here. But I merely want to analyse and not conclude.

There are two kinds of reasoning, inductive and deductive. The first is where we look at evidence, and based upon these, draw a conclusion. For example, we might look at all kinds of trees and see leaves, and that these leaves happen to all be green in colour. We would induce that all trees have leaves that are green. On the other hand, deductive reasoning comes from a given rule or principle. Wikipedia: Where the conclusion is necessitated by previously known premises. For example, “all trees have leaves”, and “all leaves are green”, so therefore we deduce that all trees have green leaves.

Thinking about whether or not Malaysia is an Islamic state, I spoke to a friend last night that much of the tussle and debate is centred upon different interpretations of the phrase, and the fact that different parties are coming to different conclusions through different reasoning methods.

Someone who pronounces a country as an Islamic state may be doing so either through inductive or deductive reasoning. Depending on how WE want to individually interpret this will determine how we will react.

If we consider this to be a pronouncement made through deductive reasoning, we may be a little worried. Again, this depends upon (much like those probability trees we used to draw at school during Additional Math) whether it is made from a legal perspective or not. If it is, then we may be a little more worried because these carry legal implications. If not, then it is a cultural and societal issue – and although I have no problems with this, it may be wrongly used as a political tool.

If we consider this to be an announcement made through inductive reasoning, we have less to be worried about – to me anyway – because it is merely reflective upon the values and cultural practices that are already well in place within the system. Based on examples, an induction that we are an Islamic… country, state, nation, whichever you want to call it, is not as far fetched as we’d imagine it to be. Note: again there need to be distinctions made between what is a legal term and not, and politicians who don’t necessarily know implications of legal vs. sociological term should refrain from making statements before they know what hit them.

I think many Malaysians would be comfortable saying that we are Islamic. This includes me. But to conclude we are an Islamic State is not a completely accepted view.

Posted in Religion | 1 Comment

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Posted on July 27, 2007 by Tricia

Pirsig, in his book classic (which I admittedly never got round to reading till now – when I’ve been sick and stuck at home luxuriously with books in my lap that I finally have some time to look through), “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance“, philosophises upon Quality.

And increasingly gets his readers curious about this concept.

Quality, little thought of concept – or is it really? How does one determine Quality of any object or subject? Does it really even exist? Market-driven?

If Quality exists inherently, then what are the characteristics attached to it? For example in music, is there a standard for quality, i.e. consistency in tone, harmony, melody, elements that we must look out for? Classically yes, music students would be exposed to the typical theories that determine the Quality of a composition. Likewise in art, people are trained to look out for texture and particular talent explicit within a painting.

But then this assumes Quality lies within the object and the subject is left with nothing. Meaning, there is no need in interpreting the Quality therein. And this makes a mockery of critics of literature, art, music. Plus, I believe in the variation of choice and interest. What the market apparently labels as Top Quality (based on American charts), I may find absolutely rubbish. I may instead prefer independent artistes like Death Cab for Cutie and Damien Rice. So this assumes Quality lies with the subject – the interpreter, the observer, as opposed to the object.

Pirsig debates upon this concept and eventually comes to the conclusion that Quality lies not within object or subject but is the source of both. He says that,

The sum of quality does not revolve around the subjects and objects of our existence. It does not just passively illuminate them. It is not subordinate to them in any way. It has created them. They are subordinate to it!

That’s incredible. To me, anyway. It’s a question that I’ve also struggled with, and couldn’t come to any conclusion. I remember entering into an active debate with a friend about this issue sometime last year. Anyway, friend, if you are reading this post, I hope you come to the same conclusion as Pirsig. So Quality lies not in the manifestation but IS the manifestation. It is latent within the object but relies upon the subject to draw out its essence. This is liberating for me. Phew.

Posted in Literature, Philosophy | Leave a comment

Rainforest World Music Festival 2007

Posted on July 26, 2007 by Tricia

I recently returned from a wonderful weekend at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2007, in Kuching, Sarawak. It was a wonderful affair, particularly because this year happened to be its 10th year anniversary as well. I have been wanting to visit their cultural village and Festival for many years now, and finally got myself there.

It was a fantastic amalgamation of cultures and languages, both from the stage and its audience. I had Australian friends telling me that they never have these kinds of performances in Australia, where such a wide range of music can be feasted upon. Indeed, we had artistes from Afghanistan, Scotland, Vietnam and of course Malaysia. Highlights for me were the massive crowd moving together in love for music, celebrating their passion for music and life, yet differentiated enough in their backgrounds and cultures.

What I liked about the Festival was that it was exotic in nature, right in the very heart of the Rainforest. The stage couched within the forest itself, backdrop no fancy schmancy stuff but with nature’s pure raw energy that drives you to feeling whole. The cultural village also offers a glimpse into the indigenous Sarawakian world, where each home is labelled and furnished appropriately with its respective cultural heritages – Rumah Melanau, Melayu, Kelabit, Dayak and so on. I played on their guitar – equivalent (not quite the same), and played the bamboo stick game. Fun.

The final night was amazing personally because I had an extra mini concert, having followed my friend back to the hotel in which most of the musicians stayed. By the pool, all musicians whipped out their respective instruments and played the night away as if there was no tomorrow. They came together, colour and language aside, just with their guitars, double bass, banjo, percussion instruments, and made music all night long. Till the sky turned a shade of light blue and grey. And then I went to bed.

Here’s to June 11-13th Festival next year, 2008! All you people who have been wanting to go but never made it, please I implore you – go for it! It’s an experience not to be missed. Only in Sarawak. (The Sarawak Tourism Board better be paying me. But then again, do I want Taib’s money? I don’t think so.)

Posted in Music, Personal | Leave a comment

Sing Song

Posted on July 26, 2007 by Tricia

I’m thinking of presenting a song I wrote, during the Social Justice talk. Not sure if it’s appropriate, but it is about freedoms and the choices people make in life. It is about the imagined freedoms people think they have, but in reality do not experience. Abundance of life is taken away as a result. The freedom to choose, believe, see. Related to justice and the social order. But the philosophy of freedoms is a tricky one.

What really sets someone free? What frees an individual? Does total freedom truly encapsulate a freed life? Living a life that is free and unencumbered? This is related directly to human rights and the freedom of conscience, thought and belief.

Extracts from the song’s lyrics: “free the people so they can be free to be the people who choose to forever be free” – I am using the word free here with multiple-layered meanings. In literature we are given poetic license to play around interpretations, subtleties in language and so on, and all these make for interesting readings.

Posted in Literature, Music, Reflections | Leave a comment

Let Justice Flow Like a River

Posted on July 26, 2007 by Tricia

I will be giving a short sharing session this Sunday at City Discipleship Presbyterian Church, Subang Jaya. It will be on Social Justice, and Hedonese has very nicely captured it to title “Let Justice Flow Like a River”.

Time: 1.30pm

Venue: City Discipleship Presbyterian Church

Topic: Social Justice (in Malaysia, specifically, of course, no less!)

A teaser (extract from the Agora blog): (but they are my words – lah):

Tricia: “Despite the fact that we look towards heaven as an end to life’s journey, this does not mean social work is negligible. In many books of the Bible, God calls for social justice. Basic verses speak volumes of helping the needy, standing up for the righteous, ensuring that justice is given out in the courts. The book of Amos even calls for the corrupt to be ridden of in the court.

My message is simply that, although Christians believe that the earth is temporal, it is still our responsibility to ensure suffering is eased. What is the difference then? The difference is this: Suffering exists, but God is the balm. Everything that we do should point towards God ultimately. Social justice needs to be called for at all levels because the ultimate judge is Him. Helping the poor and mistreated, the marginalised in society and the prisoners, those who are ostracised and weak – because all are created equal under His eyes.

While we look to the future and cast our eyes on what is unseen at this point in time, we are in the ‘here and now’, and are responsible for our fellow beings. Let us take heed.”

Posted in Reflections, Religion, The Cause | 1 Comment

New Visions and New Voices

Posted on July 26, 2007 by Tricia

I spoke about a month ago, at the Bar Council Malaysia.

The panel discussion comprised Marzuki Mohamad from ABIM (Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia), Nik Nazmi (political aide to Anwar Ibrahim from Parti Keadilan Rakyat), Richard Wee (National Young Lawyers’ Committee) and chaired by Fahri Azzat (Human Rights Committee, Bar Council).

Nik Nazmi writes about it here. And the report in the Bar council website is here.

Basically it was getting young voices to speak out on what they desire for the future of the country. And much of it has been said before, but getting this group of people together was interesting. I personally enjoyed Marzuki’s very intellectual and articulate commentary about political theories. Richard expounded on the history of cases in Malaysia, some of which I didn’t quite comprehend. Profound nevertheless. Nik Nazmi was articulate as usual and talked about the need to transcend ethnicities. What stood out most prominently for me was his statement that “Every problem should be a Malaysian problem”. It’s true that once we can stop thinking about a problem as a “Chinese problem”, or “Malay problem” or “Indian problem”, we might be able to get out of these conservative little boxes that are catalyst to ethnic discrimination.

Enjoy reading! Leave a comment if you want a copy of the paper I presented that evening. 🙂

Posted in Reflections | Leave a comment

Merdeka Statement Launch

Posted on July 26, 2007 by Tricia

Because what I do at work is so closely linked and intertwined with what I feel at heart, the lines are rather vague. Although this blog is for personal use, I am compelled to share with the world what has been up my sleeve the past couple of months.

The Merdeka Statement was an initiative by the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS), drafted in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Independence, after which we invited organisations (from all cross-sections of Malaysian society) to contribute towards and give their input. To me, this is an accurate reflection of ensuring that as many individuals in society (represented by organisations) are able to contribute to policy development and planning in the country.

The Merdeka Statement therefore represents a collation of views, sentiments, aspirations, hopes, fears for the future of Malaysia, after looking back upon 50 years of our Independence. You can check it out on our website (click on the CPPS word above here). In the meantime, we are officially launching it on 2nd August 2007.

Look out for the Press Reviews and statements, as I hope this will be timely, to reflect upon the numerous problems and issues that have been plagueing the country. This includes issues like the civil service, the NEP, religion in the Constitution, education, national unity and integration, governance, transparency, accountability, human rights, international competitiveness, the economy, foreign direct investment and the list goes on.

In a nutshell, the Merdeka Statement talks about eight thrusts: Strengthening National Unity, Enhancing International Competitiveness, Creating an Innovation Economy, Redressing Imbalances, Strengthening Institutions, Reforming Education, Ensuring Quality of Life (this includes the Environment, healthcare, housing, security and safety), and Enhancing Government and Fighting Corruption.

To me, although many of these things are not new, it is going to be a historical document and a reference point for us in the new generation – we need some sort of central statement and document (apart from our 9th Malaysia Plan and what have you) to refer to, especially one that speaks with conviction and honesty about the direction we want to head towards in the country!

So I really hope the launch goes well. 🙂 Keep your fingers crossed for the 2nd of August 2007, Merdeka month indeed! (btw, Merdeka means independent, for my international friends).

Posted in The Cause | Leave a comment

Tricia Yeoh Awakens

Posted on July 26, 2007 by Tricia

Hola, Hallo, Ni Hao, Hello, Apa Khabar to all.

Tricia Yeoh has decided to awaken from her blogging slumber and amidst the eye of the busiest, stormiest periods, emerge to report on the numerous activities that she is being actively involved in. It is also the first time that she is publicly acknowledging her name on the blog as Tricia Yeoh. Perhaps it was due to utter humility that she has refrained from announcing her name blatantly before.

Nevertheless, the crowd has convinced her that this is the best solution to get any message across. And she certainly has so much to say, it spills out of her heart and mind at times. So, welcome back to cyber space. At a time like this, when Nathaniel Tan and Raja Petra Kamarudin are being incessantly targeted, she feels that there needs to be some kind of strategy that speaks to both sides of the bridges, because anger stirs and clouds gather. She thinks that being combative on either side is not really helping either.

She thinks. And continues to do so. Please join Tricia as she goes on a thinking journey (which has never ended, and God only knows when it started because her mind gets tired of it sometimes).

Posted in Personal | 2 Comments