A Mourning Day To All Malaysians

In Loving Memory of Kak Yasmin

Inspiration, Patriot, Malaysian

It is a sad and truly disturbing day to read that Yasmin Ahmad has passed away. Her dedication to belief of a truly understanding and united Malaysia has brought Malaysia to the world’s stage through the eyes of a camera lens. Her touch of love, compassion, dedication, and strive to remind all of us to the wonderful dream of Malaysia has truly touched millions and should always be learned from and serve as a reminder to all of us.

I can say that she has been a great inspiration to many of us who understand the importance of unity and greater love for this wonderful and colourful country of ours. She reminded us through her films and advertisements of how Malaysians should be, as an individual, son, daughter, friend, brother, sister and most importantly Malaysian. She has thought me to embrace our culture, religion, and history. As a nation we have gone through so much and it would be a waste if we the children of our fore fathers have forgotten how we achieved what and where we are today.

I am however touched that in her last days, she was surrounded by her love ones and as her final act as a Child of Malaysia reminded us how and who we are as Malaysians. I believe millions of Malaysians have come together in prayer and crossed fingers that she would have overcome this stroke and continue her legacy. But I guess this is God’s way in reminding us that, creating a dream, a dream of Malaysia should not be done by one but everyone.

Kak Yasmin as many would address her (I hope she does not mind me calling her that too), may you rest in peace and keep a watchful eye on Malaysia and Malaysians. Help us to remember and be reminded of, what it is to be truly a Malaysian.

In my book, Kak Yasmin, you are truly a Malaysian Hero, My Hero, A Patriot if a nation that has in recent times forgot who we are. You have been a great elder sister, inspiration and friend to all Malaysian. Your tears, sweat, and heart for Malaysia will never be forgotten.

Do not worry, I will in my small way carry on your dreams and forever be reminded of you. May you rest in peace with God.

A mourning son of Malaysia,
Timothy Chan
A Simple Malaysian

Legend - Yasmin Ahmad

I plea to all readers to pray for the speedy recovery of Yasmin Ahmad. She is a renowned film maker, producer, director and inspiration to many of us especially me. She has developed many unforgettable advertisements and movies that had touched many of our lives. Her involvement in Malaysian film industry inspiring so many of us, her heart for Malaysia is something that all Malaysians irrespective of race, gender or culture should learn and be inspired on.

You might remember her work on many of the independence day advertisement by Petronas. Furthermore, if you have heard or watched the movie Sepet, you would know that her belief in the unity of Malaysia and how our cultures although different in so many ways have blended together and formed Malaysia. We can see her passion and love for what Malaysia truly stands for. She is a pioneer, patriot, and most importantly an “Anak Malaysia”, a Malaysian in heart, soul and belief.

This month of July has been sort of a dark month for many people, we had witness the passing of a legend, a great inspiration and world changer Michael Jackson. I truly believe that the world and especially Malaysia cannot afford to lose another legend.

The news of Yasmin’s collapse shocked me to my core as I was returning from Kampar. Therefore my friends, please put in a short prayer for this hero of Malaysia. If you are interested of what I have mentioned above have a look at these sights below:

Petronas Advertisements
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fHa6FBO1OY
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAKPwjBd4uM
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYv5_dX0K5Y
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmc4ZkB12Z0
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKlDXomMv0U
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqDdhloTLM4

Sepet
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrxmiLFEpnc

Here In My Home (Personal Favorite)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Wl3firJQk

Worried Malaysian,
Timothy Chan
A Simple Child of Malaysia

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

This was from an e-mail a friend sent to me, enjoy...


I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, ' This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received. '

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, ' This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. ' I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. ' This is the Acknowledgment Section, ' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here? ' I asked.

'So sad, ' the angel sighed. ' After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments. '

'How does one acknowledge God ' s blessings? ' I asked...

'Simple, ' the angel answered. Just say, ' Thank you, Lord. '

'What blessings should they acknowledge? ' I asked.

'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world ' s wealthy. '

'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. '

'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. '

'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world. '

'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world. '

'If your parents are still alive and still married ..you are very rare.'

'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you ' re unique to all those in doubt and despair..... '

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are

ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it. '

If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on???? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!!

Dear friends, remember that...

• When we suffer, we should remember that we are alive and give thanks!
• When we cry, we should remember that we know happiness to feel sad and give thanks!
• When we had a hard day at work, we should remember that we have a job and give thanks!
• When our families nag or trouble us, we should remember that we have families to return to and count on with love and give thanks!
• When our friends upset us, we should remember that we have friends who care and give thanks!
• When our plans fail or don't come true, we should remember that God is in control and has something better installed for us and give thanks!

I challenge you to find something worth giving thanks for in everything and everyday in your life... remember it is a priviledge to be able to give thanks... and it is an honour to be alive...

Matt 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"

I Believe... I Trust... I have Faith...

Timothy Chan
A simple child of God.

2012 - Teaching of Maths and Science in English Abolished

2012-Teaching of Maths and Science in English for Primary Year 4 andSecondary school will be abolished!

Please go to Tun Mahathir's blog & VOTE if u want Teaching of Maths andScience in English.Tun is strongly supporting teaching of Maths and Science in English & iswilling to convey yr message to the Govt. So, please go to http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/ and speak your mind. Strikewhile the iron is hot! Do it for the sake of our kids.

Even if you don't have you own children,your nephews/nieces or friend's children will be affected.Please pass this message to as many people as possible. We need yoursupport.

Timothy Chan
Assiatant Lecturer

Testing and Believing….

Its been almost 12 days since my birthday… and while I had a wonderful birthday (thanks to the people around me)… but it seems that my testing from God has not really stopped. I do admit that my faith comes and goes, but God is really bringing me to a new level. Today my aunt Tricia, her husband David and son Nicholas left for the airport for home (Canada). I went over to the office as normal. Soon, disturbing news of another Aunt was in critical condition and was rushed from Sunway Medical Centre to University Hospital in PJ. The sms from my cousins were short and merely said:

“Mom (my Aunt) is in critical condition. Doc says both her lungs have collapsed due to a rare strain of TB.”

I reported to my boss who willingly released me from work so that I could rush to the hospital. As I drove from UTAR to the hospital (without traffic is less than 3 mins away). For some reason, today people were all driving like Sundays, slow and slumber… as I reached the parking of the hospital it was packed and it was so difficult to find a parking spot (you know lah, government hospital mah…). As I walked down to the emergency wad, I was caught by my dad and cousins who were all taking a breather at the café. They gave me instructions and I went off to the emergency wad. As I walked through the doors, I was greeted by my mom, she told me that my aunt was in Resuscitation Area and NO one was allowed inside. My grandmother (crying) was sitting near my mom asking to see her daughter.

After approximately 15mins, mom asked me to take granny to the café for a drink, we told granny that the doctor was looking after my aunt and we are not allowed inside. Anyhow, while at the café, mom and dad walked over and told me that my aunt has been shifted to the “Infectious Diseases Wad”. At that point I freaked out, infectious diseases?!?!?! Mom told me that University Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was full, so that would be the second best choice.

At this point I had found out that my aunt is in an induced coma as she is unable to breath by herself and needed help from a resuscitation machines to keep pumping air into her lungs. University is a GRAND MAZE! We tried to find the way to the wad, and walked around until I was full of sweat. Finally one of my cousin sisters came down to get us and we could finally see my aunt. When we reached the Wad we were given facial masks to cover out mouths and nose (quite scary…!).

As only 3 people may enter at a time, we had to wait our turn and finally it was my turn. As I walked into the room, it was cold, quiet and the sounds of the breathing machines and heart monitors filled the atmosphere. My aunt laid on the cold hospital bed with tubes strapped to her mouth to help her breath. Mom sounded to her that me and my dad was there with her. Dad touched her hand and gently stroked her elder sister, honestly that was one of the few times in my life that dad shows his emotions to us. I could feel his heart break as she sees his elder sister lying helplessly on the bed. And after a few minutes, we walked out.

As we walked out the specialist was talking with my cousins and said that my aunt is still in a critical condition but is stable (meaning her condition was not deteriorating). It all now is up to her (my aunt), if she reacts well to the antibiotics and medication, her condition will improve in time. The doctor said that her case is rare but people have fully recovered from it. At that point, it was a sound of some relief for all of us.

We stayed for a while and then all went back; my cousin brother was given the duty to stay behind to take care of her. I was unable to go home and thus asked some friends to go with me to Sungai Wang to collect my new glasses, followed by dinner and a light mamak session. I did not want to go home as I knew my granny and dad would be worried and the situation at home would have been a little tense. I wanted to stay strong, almost every time I had I prayed to God… what was I praying for I am not entirely sure, from healing to second chance to being a testimony for God… my heart was confused and few understood what spiritual warfare was going through within me.

But I see God’s hand in all this. I would not have been in KL if I was given any lecturing classes in Kampar. My classes scheduled for Kampar was all tutorials and Kampar only start their tutorials in week 2 of the semester. So God really wanted me to be here. I believe and know so! As I walked around the whole day today until this point when I am typing this blog entry, I see this verse that has kept me strong, it is from Psalms 23:

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

I am grateful that I have a church that prays and believes together with me. I am grateful for friends who care, I am grateful for a family that supports and motivates and most importantly I am grateful for a God that is Loving, Kind and Always There for me when I need Him. I believe in Him who guides me and loves me. Psalms 121 writes:

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

In these times of uncertain waters, I draw strength from His word and His word alone. He will take care of me, my family and my Aunt. It will surely be a testimony of His goodness no matter what is outcome is.

I will be Sure and Stedfast! Pray and Believe with me…

With praying hands,
Timothy Chan
Son, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin

My 26th Birthday - 2009

I lay on my bed now at 3:21am on the 21st of May 2009, as I read my Friendster account and Facebook, see saw so many wishes from friends and family members. It has truly been a Blessed day that started out…. Maybe not as well as I planned. The thought that something bad might happen crosses my mind every time I try to think of my birthday.

Some history to my past, birthdays have never (well almost never) been an enjoyable time for me. I find myself almost feeling the most empty during the time of my birthday or days leading to my birthday. Why? Erm… I guess it is kinda hard for me to explain, my younger days have always been to spend my birthdays with my family. A reunion dinner with family would be my normal birthday celebration. Birthdays only became a little more interesting when I began my time in college where it was celebrated in a club (Yes old man like me club too once upon a time). When I was in high school, always dreamed that I would be able to spend my birthday in a romantic date with a girl (woo hooo). Well lets just say that dream never came true in my high school days. When I reached college that did not happen too, when I was in university? Well that kinda happened in a flash that sometimes I too forget.

The only time I got to celebrate with someone special was in my final year in university when “someone” came over to my work place and spent some time with me. That was the closest thing that I got during my university days. When I finally found a special girl, well, if you looked or read my older posts, things were not meant to be. Anyhow, back to this year’s birthday.

On the eve of my birthday, non of my regular friends that I hung out with were able to spend the “count down” session with me, they all either had to work or had things to do. I took my computer to a nearby mamak stall and watched some old Chinese drama and did some research for an upcoming program I was working on for the university that I worked with. I wanted to have my friends with me, but I could not blame them too as work and other commitments do come into play. But at around 11pm on the 19th of May, two of my friends took the time to come and spend this count down with me. I was kinda cheered up by their presence. But this year’s birthday did come with a little twist. One of my friends called me about 2 minutes before she reached the mamak, she was screaming and told me hat some lunatic was masturbating next to her car when she was stopped at a traffic light near the mamak. Praise God that nothing happened and she drove away without any incident. The mamak session went on as normal as we were all talking about the “news”.

At 11:55pm another friend from Boys’ Brigade called me and told me (with a crying and distressed voice) that her car broke down and there was smoke coming out of her engine. She told me that she was on her way to pick up her little sister form the boy friend’s house (that was near mine). She said she had no one to call and is stuck on the side of the road. I panicked and drove full throttle to her. In my mind I was worried that the lunatic who masturbated to beside my friend’s car was still lurking around. I think it took me 3-4 minutes for a normally 5 minute drive to her. I made a U-turn and parked my car in front of hers. She was standing outside her car with her car bonnet open. I was thinking in the back of my head praying to God as I drove that please do let bad things happen again his year. When I saw her standing outside her car, I was thinking “you stupid woman! Why the heck are you standing alone on a dark road!” with some common sense, you should be in your car with the doors locked!

As soon as I opened my car door to get out, another 4 of them came out from her car, they had a cake and was singing happy birthday! To be honest I had some mix feelings… first I was happy that the car has not broken down, two: please don’t do this to me, I might die from an heart attack and three: Oh My God!!! It’s a birthday surprise (it was my first). I had some tears in my eyes but I kept it (big man cannot cry so easily lah…!) well, the made me a cake and had a birthday card with a video camera running. (no you will not be getting to see the video!)

Then we all went back to the mamak and had a short session before we all left at around 1230am. I went home still feeling touched and blessed that God has placed friends like these all around me to support me in this time of loneliness and fear. I think I slept at around 4am, doing what? I had absolutely no idea!

I woke up at around 11:00am by a phone call from an old high school friend that I had not spoken too for almost 4 years! Wow! What a surprise! Then I headed off to meet up with my regular friends at Chili’s in KLCC, we had a short lunch because everyone wanted to get back to their work (people still had to work, although I was on leave). I walked around in KLCC with an unemployed model for a while then headed back to my childhood friend’s house for a session of mahjong (yes, yes, I love mahjong too). Normally people say birthday kids win in everything they played, guess what I LOST!! Snif snif… but it was nice.

I then went out for dinner with all of my kakis as they all finished work, we went to my friend’s restaurant in Desa Petaling for dinner and then mamak again. Back at home at about 12:30am and followed by some TV time, for folks that don’t know, I only get my TV time after 9:30 everyday as my grandmother is hogging the Astro from morning till 9:30pm when she goes to bed. A friend of mine asked me to check my facebook and Friendster. To my supprise! It was filled with birthday wishes from friends, family and students! Wow!! As I read all the posts, I felt so Blessed by God’s grace in my life, I see now that God has truly been putting some special time on my life. I thank God now as I write this posts in my blog. I have also been showered with many calls and sms-es from old colleagues, university mates, friends, friends and students.

I would just like to thank everyone that has put in time and effort to make this day special for little old me. I know that being me I might miss some of you in this blog but please do not be angry with me, I’m getting old and sometimes forgetfulness does kick in a little bit.

Special Thanks to:
God, my heavenly Father for being the coolest Dad.

My parents, whom have been supporting and feeding me for all my life.

My family for their encouragement and love.

My BB friends, Alicia, Benji, Veron and Ruth that nearly gave me a heart attack!

My LMF (Large Mamak Family) friends, Alina, Evon, April, Andy, Joon Fei, Sook Ling, Wee Ming, Angie for their friendship that has brought me through thick and thin of my life.

My UTAR Colleagues, Lee Sa, Phaveena, Audrey, Maan Chee and others for trying to put a prank on me to get me back to the office on my birthday!

My University friends, Queenie and Audrey for remembering my special getting old day.

My High School friends, for the memories and friendship

My Church members from The Acts Church, for their prayers and support throughout my life.

My fellow BB members that have held me Sure and Stedfast!

My UTAR Students for their encouragement and support both in class and in life.

My last but never least, Catherine for her love, encouragement, strength, laughter and tears...
And… to the unspoken people who have been directly or indirectly been a part of my life, your footprints in my life has made me who I am today. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Before I end this blog post, I would like to share with you the most “interesting” sms I got from my mother, “Happy Birthday! Hope you start getting serious and give me a grandchild to play with by 2013 – when I retire.” Please note the underlined year, the above is the original sms sent from my mom early in the morning!

The pressure is on! Hahaha…!

Well folks, this was how I spent the 24 hours of my 26th birthday. Let’s see what God brings me this coming year ahead. My only wish is to grow stronger and rooted in Him who knows my beginning, present and future. Lord, I put myself in Your Hand!

Becoming Older (but not wiser)
Timothy Chan Liem Joe
Son, Friend, Student, Lieutenant, and Lecturer
4:14am 21st May 2009

Coping and standing strong in Him who loves me.

Its has been one month since I lost my heart. I wonder when or where would I ever find it. Certainly it has not been an easy task to keep a smiling face or a laughing voice. I feel like everyday when I wake up I take on a mask, a mask that shows the world I am ok. I lie to the world, I lie to myself. Been thinking and thinking of decisions that has been made and things that have been done. What or how would I evaluate myself? I guess I would never know…

Yesterday we celebrated a colleague’s birthday! Celebrating friends and colleague’s birthdays gives me fear… what fear? Fear of my own birthday… no no no… I am not worried that I would get pranked on or made fun off, I am worried of how I would be able to spend this time alone inside…

I guess this and the last post is something that is quite different from what I would normally post here in my blog. My blog seldom tells about my day or what I have done, it highlights and identifies different life changing times that I have been though. At the end of my walk here, I may even take a look back at different mile stones of my life and see what or what did I do to reach where I am now.

Many people tell me that the ending of something is always the beginning of something better… do I believe it? Not at this point… would I understand it? Maybe when time has healed and thought me more… I have actually nothing to write nor do I have any inspiration to write… I am writing something because I could not really sleep and I am in the office now. yeah! Its 6:40am now and I am in my office... in this quiet place, sitting almost in the dark in my cubicle with my desk fan on and some unknown Japanese song from BoA I sit and lose myself… I loose myself in the computer screen that helps my mouth express what I cannot speak out… my fingers feel my heart’s call and gently types ever word it hears to the key board…

All and all, life seems quiet, life seems all by myself… I pray every night for a breakthrough, a breakthrough in faith, in life and even in hearing God more…

“… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you….”
(Matthew 6:33)

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
(Psalm 121)

Only God my Father in Heaven would understand me now… But I thank God for the family that loves me, my friends who care so much, angels that protect and faith to help believe. I smile when I look at my life, for His blessings has never ceased to amaze and mesmerize me. With God by my side, even the hardest mountain can be moved and the deepest cuts can be healed.

God, I smile because I can call you Father… My Father… you hold my hands as I walk through my life, you lift me up and dust my knees when I fall, you carry me when I fail to carry on and that you give me life…

Before I end, HAPPY BLESSED BIRTHDAY TO SHARON CHU !!!

I smile, I live, I pray…