Tadika Seri Mekar Concert and Graduation 2011

On Sunday, 23 October 2011, Tadika Seri Mekar which is a Montessori Kindergarden held it's 12th Concert and Graduation at New Era College Auditorium. It was certainly an exciting day for the little ones as well as for the anxious and eager parents.

The theme of the concert was Children Around the Whole which will feature various types of dances from the various countries.

A view of the stage before the start.

Standing up for the National Anthem and Rukunegara.

To warm up, all get to do the chicken dance.

To start off the concert, there was the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku as well as the recital of the Rukun Negara. It's good that this is done also for the parents and attendees.

Next there was a speech by the princial, Ms Guilda Mok. She is a very dedicated teacher and the curriculum and standards taught at the school is very good.

Speech by the principal

Next is the graduation of the 6 year olds. This would be an exciting day for them and they will move on to a proper primary school next year.

Receiving their certificate.

Proudly showing their certs.

On with the show by the emcees, Daryl and Sarah.

There were a number of dances and acts by the various ages and as usual, the little ones are the cutest. Concerts like this are real hard work when you have to coax and look after so many little children.

Cowboy dance by the little ones.

African dance looking more like Flintstones.

Enthusiastic Spanish dance.

A poem by the drama class.

Mime act.

Performance by the music class.

Second half emcees.

A Jamaican dance.

A Russian dance.

A Mexican dance.

It's a small world and 1 Malaysia songs.

At the end of the concert, the Chairman of the school, Mr Gary Mok presented souvenirs to all the teachers who have worked very hard the whole year and also prepared for this concert.

The children all behaved very well and it was a great effort on the part of the teachers and students. We must also not forget the eager parents with their videos and cameras to record the proud moments of their offsprings.

Souvenirs for the teachers.

Kudos to the principal, teahcers and students are a job well done.

Until the next time, cheers.

Holy Family Parish Pastoral Assembly 2011

The Holy Family church in Kajang held it annual Parish Pastoral Assembly on Sunday, 23 October 2011. For this year, we have a new format for the assembly which is to have a sharing.

The assembly started off at around 11.15 am after the 9 am community mass and a good breakfast which was provided for all. Father Peter Bretaudeau, our resident priest led us in the opening prayer.

Father Peter during the opening prayer.

Father George Harrison, our parish priest then gave his opening address and report.

Father George's speech.

A briefing on the sharing was given by Robert Tan. A short explanations on the questions to be shared.

Robert Tan explaining.

Some of the participants sharing

The particpants were given almost 1 hour to share on 2 questions i.e. being Word rooted and Mission driven BECs. So, the particpants shared in their respective BECs and Zones.

From what I saw, the sharing were very good and while I felt sceptical at first, I think our community has grown tremendously and this made the sharing much more meaningful.

Deep in sharing.

When the sharing was over and while waiting for all to return, the church choir led in some songs for all.

The reports by the PCC Chairperson, Deborah Gurdial, BECCOT Chairman, Jude Benjamin and PPC Chairman, Francis Ooi was then presented.

Deborah's speech.

Jude giving his report

Francis giving his report.

This year's crowd was more than last year and there was a mark increase in the presence of our University and College students. I hope we can see more in the future. Thanks also to the hard work of our Sister Margaret Pereira.

A section of the crowd.

Another section of the crowd.

Robert Tan later delivered the report of the sharing. Unfortunately, I had to go off before the end of the report and the address by Rev Dr Clarence Dass who represented our Archbishop. It was unfortune that his Grace was unable to attend our assembly.

Overall, I think it was a successful assembly and hope that the numbers who come will increase further next year.

Until the next time, cheers.

St Johns Ulu Langat Charity Dinner

The St John Ambulance Malaysia Kawasan Selangor Selatan held it's annual charity dinner at Xi Lai Ton Restaurant on Friday, 21 October 2011.

This is my first time attending this dinner as somehow I have not been able to make it in the past. This year I was invited my an old friend as he had graciously made some donation. As there was a heavy downpour, I went earlier just in case there was a traffic jam. Fortunately, I arrived early and no problem with the parking.

The Area Commander is an old friend of mine. I was also a member of the St John Ambulance during my secondary school days. I must say that Kong Min Ho, the Area Commander has done so much for the body in Kajang. He has devoted so much time and resources for the good of the body. I was very happy when he received recognition recently by being awarded with a medal from the Queen of England.

Here he is before the dinner. I had to take a picture of him....

Very well dressed for the night.

The dinner was very well organised (they have been doing this for years). They had a good crowd of more than 70 tables. The guest of honour for the night was YB Cikgu Lee, the Assemblyman for Kajang. The Presidents of St Johns for Malaysia and Selangor were also present for the dinner as well as many other senior officers.

Final touches before the dinner.

Arrival of the VIPs.

The VIPs taking their seat.

The dinner started at 8pm and it was followed by the various speeches. It was quite interesting to hear about the services that St Johns are now providing and that the body is doing very well in terms of membership and actitivites.

Min Ho giving his speech.

YB Cikgu Lee giving his speech.

I must say that the food for the night was good by normal Chinese wedding dinner standards. I haven't been to Xi Lai Ton Restaurant recently and so the cooking was a pleasant surprise. I was also impressed with the quality of dishes with the amount of money paid. The owner must have a soft spot for the St Johns Ambulance. However, as usual, towards the end of the dinner, the pace is faster to get all the food out as quickly as possible.

Sections of the diners.

Well attended.

The entertainment for the night was from a harmonica group and a band from Yu Hua Chinese school. Well done to the kids who performed very well.

The harmonica group.

Young band.

Next superstars?

There was also lucky draws as well as the auction of 2 items which saw generous donors bidding for the items.

There were also a number of individual and corporate sponsors who supported the charity dinner with additional sponsorship. I hope many more will support their noble cause next year.

Until the next time, cheers.

Chua: Thanks for the Chinese school help (in Kajang)

Well, is the election round the corner? Anyway, who cares, as long as the Government does as it says. It's their responsibility anyway. Obviously, nobody likes that they only promise things when elections are coming. I suppose it is also the same for any political party.

It's high time they increase the number of Chinese schools. I hear that the current ones have about 10 classes for each year and each class it more than 50 students. So, this is not healthy at all.

We hope that the Government will always know it's responsibility for education as it is the most important tool for the future of the country. Please do not mess around with it just for the sake of politics.

Until the next time, cheers.

Sunday October 23, 2011

Chua: Thanks for the Chinese school help

KAJANG: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has thanked the Government for allocating land and money to build two new Chinese schools and refurbish another in the Kajang area.

 

He welcomed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement yesterday of a RM9mil allocation to build two SRJK(C) schools in Kajang Utama and Sg Long and RM3.5mil for SRJK(C) Sg Chua to improve its infrastructure.

“We thank the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister for bringing us this much-awaited news.

Community gathering: Dr Chua (centre) accompanying Muhyiddin at SRJK(C) Sg Chua in Kajang Saturday.

 

“The two new schools will help cater to the increasing number of students in the area.

“There is an increasing demand around Kajang even as the area develops rapidly. Both are expected to get about five acres of land each,” Dr Chua told reporters after the meet-the-residents session at SRJK(C) Sg Chua.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Chua said the Government had allocated RM100mil under Budget 2012 for the construction, improvement and maintenance of Chinese vernacular schools.

“SRJK(C) Sg Chua needs two new buildings due to the increasing number of students and rapid population growth in Kajang,” he added.

The crowd gave a standing ovation after the announcements were made.

Dr Chua hoped the allocation would be given soon so that construction could begin.

On the general election momentum, the MCA president said everyone had to work hard to secure a win for Barisan Nasional, adding that unity was very important.

“If we add all Barisan members in every area, the chances of Barisan winning are very high,” he said.

Dr Chua reiterated MCA's strong stand that it would not accept any government position should it perform badly in the upcoming polls.

Well, we have a again a clash of ideals. Who is right and who is wrong? I suppose both are right and wrong....maybe PAS should not worry too much about this and provide better control on what is to be shown or not. Then, maybe both sides and come to a compromise.

We have to learn to work things out as there will be a wide range of differences to be bridged. It can only be done successfully if both sides come with an open mind rather than a fixed predetermined decision already.

We should also allow such protest for parties to voice their opinion but it must be done in a peaceful manner and not disturb or inconvenient the public.

Until the next time, cheers.

The Star, Wednesday October 19, 2011

Cinema still a no-no in Bangi

PAS has again rejected plans for a cinema in Section 15, Bangi, saying there will be films not in line with Islamic and eastern values.

Bangi residents who want to watch a movie have to travel 18km away to the nearest cinema in Alamanda Putrajaya in Putrajaya or 25km away to the Aeon Cheras Selatan Shopping Centre in Balakong.

Kampung Aman Bangi Federal Village Security and Development Committee (JKKKP) member Law Siong Deng, an avid moviegoer, said he had looked forward to finally having a cinema in Bangi and was disappointed when he found out that it had not been approved.

“I had always hoped for a cinema here so that we do not have to travel far. It can cater to the students of UKM, Mara and other education institutions in the area.

Dissapointed lot: Residents Satia Nathan, William Wong, Hoh Kok Wong, Tan Siew Giok and Edwin Goh protesting against the rejection of plans for a cinema in Bangi.

 

“There was a cinema in Warta but only Malay movies were screened. We hope that companies like GSC or TGV would set up a branch here and provide more variety for cinema-goers,” he said.

Taman Permai Bangi resident K. Satia Nathan, who enjoys Tamil movies, heard about plans for a cinema in the new commercial centre last week and was also disappointed that it had been rejected.

“I go to the movies twice a month with my friends or my wife.

“It would be great to have one in Bangi so I do not have to drive 30 minutes to Metro Point in Kajang,” he said.

Bangi state assemblyman Dr Shafie Abu Bakar from Pas said a few years ago there were plans to have a cinema in Komplex Warta in Jalan Medan Bangi, Kawasan Perusahaan Bangi and near the district office.

“Both plans were rejected and earlier this year there was another proposal to build a cinema in Jalan Reko.

“Six of us protested, including me and Kajang municipal councillors in Bangi. We want to uphold Islamic values.

“Having a cinema will lead to vice activities and there will be films not in line with Islamic and eastern values.

“We do not want that here to corrupt the minds of our young,” he said.

Dr Shafie said most Bangi residents were against having a cinema in Bangi.

“Among those who want a cinema here are people looking to make a profit whereas we are looking out for the society,” he said.

When pointed out that there are movies with the “U” (for general public) rating, he countered that this was not a guarantee.

“We have to monitor it, hence it is best to not have it at all.

“Besides, there are cinemas not far from Bangi. We want our place clean, free from such elements,” he said.

A lot to offer: An advertisement on the project in Section 15, Bangi.

 

Datuk Mohd Zaidi Md Zain, who lives in Section 3, Bangi, agreed that it is not wise to have a cinema in Bangi.

“There was a cinema in Bangi but it closed down eventually as there was no support from the people.

“This is not a political issue but the sentiments of the people. With academic institutions in Bangi, we worry about social problems should a cinema be built here,” he said.

Law said he disagreed with the statement that certain films can corrupt the minds of the young.

“It seems that we are moving back in time. Vice activities can happen anywhere.

“Just because there is no cinema does not mean that there will not be vice activities in the area.

“Others should not be deprived of watching a movie. It is just a cinema and a place families can go to, not just couples,” he said.

Bangi state coordinator Datuk Mohd Fathil Daud, who is also the Serdang Umno chief, shared his sentiment and agreed that having a cinema would be good for the community as Bangi residents do not have to travel far.

“With or without the cinema, vice activities will still take place,” he said.

When contacted, the director of the project’s developer, Richard Cheong, said he had no idea of the ban on the proposal for a cinema at the commercial project.

“I have heard of the ban on cinemas in Bangi, though. We do not have plans for a cinema at this stage,” he said.

The five-block commerical project includes a four-storey supermarket and office blocks.

St John's Fund Raising Dinner

The St John Ambulans Malaysia (Kawasan Selangor Selatan) will be having a fund raising dinner on Friday, 21 October 2011. I used to be a member and will be going for this.

They provide ambulance service and also emergency cases. They don't charge but if the people they help can donate some money, it will help to go to the operational costs. The members offer their service voluntarily.

For more information, you can also go to their facebook page at "SJAM KSS (Kawasan Selangor Selatan) Ambulance Emergency Line: 012 260 39 39". This is their appeal (via facebook).

SJAM KSS's Charity Dinner will be held on the 21st October 2011, 7.00pm at Xi Lai Ton Restaurant, Sungai Chua Kajang. Dinner tickets are selling at RM500/table (RM50/pax). The purpose of this dinner is to raise funds to efficiently handle our day to day operations, and to also organize and assemble our resources towards better serving the community.

We humbly request your generous assistance. Donations in cash, cheque or in kinds are always welcome. All monetary donations will be issued a receipt for tax exemption purposes.

Thank you for all your support and contribution. We sincerely appreciate your kind generosity. For further enquiries, do not hesitate to contact us at 012-260 3939 

Further details are as below. Hope to see you there!!

Until the next time, cheers.