You've heard it, so now... here's the video of STAND

Ok, everyone has recently heard the heavy air plays of STAND and some has even came to ask on how to legally download the song. Contributors have came together to donate their rights and their photographs to help piece together this great song's video.

It was initially already made available via Facebook on February 3rd but due to the CNY busy schedule and my internet connection sucks back at my hometown, so, there was a delay to post this and share it.

Quote from Juwita Suwito "This heartfelt 'video' is dedicated to all you wonderful people. Many thanks to Ricky Seong Hee Liew & Sharon for putting this together, and to Olivia Oon Photography, Richard Chan, World YWCA, Anthony See, Peter Chong, Steve Leong, Dan Fiel, Wagner Daniel & Alena Tan for allowing us to use your lovely photos! "Stand" artwork by Chaiyen Wong | Crossline Studio."

To purchase the song in MP3, go to:
http://pul.ly/b/13400.

Touching lives, healing hearts... making a difference [True Story]

I was giving a talk to a cousin of mine which had doubt in her future and her career even way before she could decide which course to take prior to her entry into the under-graduate stage... the steps she chose was so confusing with everyone influencing her from different angles at home. She finally broke down and cried worrying she had no future.

I took her to the kitchen and shared the story of how I knew a special person named Ai Tieng and later told this special person that nothing should be influencing her choice because what she believes in and destined to take is what will put her in her place in society and make a difference. Such a difference is where all the experts of their own field working like clock-work and harmonious in order for nature to move on.

Imagine a world whereby everyone did not want to be a sewage cleaner. Then we'd have clogged drainage and stinko nations. Imagine if the garbage disposal people weren't your sanitation engineers, the streets would be filthy and we'd have too much pilots and doctors around. These unsung heroes live in our world because they make our world, a better place. An ex of mine who had a PhD in Entomology and Insect Toxicology is now an environmentalist in an Oil & Gas company working on ways to save the environment and help eradicate problems by things like oil spills in the oceans etc... These are the real unsung heroes. How about a Research Assistant taking on the No. 2 killer in Women today? Yes, thanks to Cyto-pathologists that work hard in finding ways to battle the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and make Women around the world free from Cervical Cancer.

Such unsung heroes are much to the known fact. But the real ones should touch the lives and heal the hearts of those who gave up or almost did. These are the leaders and visionaries who had faith in them and taught them. We thank those Teachers for bringing them back to society.

Here's a look at a nice TV Commercial by the Ministry of Education in Singapore that brought a true story of how a kid became something. You don't forget a good teacher. Because they "Teach... You'll be amazed at the difference you can make."

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Today was a day I chose to be away from all the buzzing and noise. So, I read a good book, wrote a good column, also managed to ring a tune or so with a help of 2 nice tones that I heard by the pool side. I went back to the very place the dolphins made a chapter.

It was a walk back down on memory lane. I had a close thought of what was special to me. As I lay down on the seats of the beach and look up to the sky. I finally found a hymn that made me put a smile on my face for today and started to give a tear which softly rolled down my cheeks.

A kid was playing his sand castle and his sister and him ran up to me. They handed me their spade and smiled at me as the little sister asked why there was a drop on me. That moment, the crystalized drop had sparkled and I replied, because the winds have carried my heart to a very far, far away place. Where the love that I had is now in mid sea that she sees out there.

Then, came another couple along the same stretch that I walked months ago. I look at them once again, like I looked at the same moment in time. It felt like it was just yesterday. It felt like... deja' vu. The two then stood there as the same horizon kept it's source of love away. It was the very same clockwork routine... the sun set with the glow by their background.

At that very moment, I learnt a new phrase from the book I read.



‎"Life is not measured by how many breaths you take; but by how many moments your breaths are taken away"

"I just need to spend one moment with You

Somehow it’s a brand new world I’m passing through

You lift me higher, You let me see

Over the walls that surrounded me

Don’t need to prove myself, just need to show and tell

It’s You in me"

Chapter 25: How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work

I was just thinking for awhile ago that Ai Tieng said she was out of a LDR and is now back in one again. It's sometimes rather painful for one to be in and it's more painful to be either out or being kicked out of one. My cousin Ying Yueh then told me about this guy in her life that has a LDR with another person in Singapore and seeing that the girl is kinda attach-y and clingy, I reminded her that it's not always easy to be with such people. But, for the sake of those experiencing it and being in one before, here's some idea that may help you work better. Today, we look at how to make a LDR work or at least, last:

If you are willing to work it out, here's how to give it every chance to survive and thrive.

Remember that it can work out, statistics show that an estimated 2.9% of US marriages were considered long distance, with 1 in 10 marriages reported to have included a period at long distance within the first 3 years.

Steps:

1. Ask the important questions at the onset, to make sure you are both clear on the parameters of the relationship. Setting parameters such as naming your relationship (dating, seeing each other, boyfriend-girlfriend, engaged) as well as defining exclusive (limited to one person,) or non-exclusive. These can be difficult and awkward questions to ask, but will save you great heartache and misunderstanding down the line. Example: "Are you open to the possibility of relocating if the relationship should become more serious?" or "What are you looking to get out of the relationship?" Stating your end goal or ideas will allow each person to maintain what they need.
2. Consider using Skype video chat calls every day, and focus on breathing together to share intimacy
3. Do things together. Defy the distance. As a long distance couple, it's important to do other things together besides the usual phone call. In a long distance relationship, interaction over the phone can become dull in the long run. Incorporating other forms of interaction are important. Just think... People in short-distance relationships do not spend the majority of their time talking, but rather doing things with each other. Try to replicate this by finding things to do together such as watching a TV show or movie simultaneously.
4. Communicate in some way every day, more than once if possible. Since you won't be seeing each other, it's important to establish and maintain an emotional connection. These don't always have to be long, in-depth conversations. Tell each other about your little triumphs and tragedies. Ask for advice. Use an instant messenger program or VoIP for real-time chat, or web cams for that visual connection. E-mail is great so make sure you use it, especially if long-distance phone calls put a strain on your budget. Remember that e-mail and even instant messengers can increase the possibility of misunderstandings. Write love letters. Send small gifts, cards, or men send flowers for no reason. In this case, quantity is as important as quality. You may discover an advantage over others whose partner is close at hand—you don't take communication for granted!
   • You can set up reminders, including automatically-recurring reminders, for this purpose in calendaring software on your computer or online. This is especially important when you don't have much contact with the other's friends to remember important events such as birthdays. Try not to keep too predictable a schedule; for instance, don't send flowers the same day of each month.
5. Take advantage of the benefits a long distance relationship offers: more time with friends and/or family, no arguments over toothpaste caps, the pleasure of seeing your sweetheart again after a long absence, time to mull your options (rather than snapping at your partner impulsively) before you respond to that email s/he wrote that seemed so rude the first time you read it, etc. Most important, being far apart gives you a chance to maintain your individuality—something that can get lost in the shuffle when couples spend all their free time together.
6. Pursue common interests, even if it means pursuing them apart. If there's a movie you're both interested in seeing, watch it individually and then call each other afterward and talk about it. Read a certain book at the same time. Stargaze while you're on the phone. Set your watches to go off at the same time every day, and synchronize your alarm with that of your partner. Make it a point to think of each other when your watch goes off, and revel in the fact that he or she is thinking about you, too. Find creative ways to bond.
7. Avoid the temptation to be controlling. People have free will and no one can or should control another person. As long as you are both interested in being in the relationship, you will stick with it and distance will not make a difference. As soon as one of you decides the other is not a good match—or someone else is a better match—your relationship ends, whether you live 3000 miles apart, two streets over, or share the same bed with your wedding picture on the wall. You are going to have to trust each other completely if this relationship is going to work.
8. Try challenging each other. This is not the same as being controlling. You may find that you can do things for each other that you couldn't quite find the motivation to do on your own. Perhaps you could motivate yourselves to get some exercise or to cook better or more often. It will give you something to do while you wait to see your partner again, and it will give you both something to strive for and talk about until then.
9. Talk about your future together. Assuming that ultimately you'd want to live together, discussing how you're going to get to that point will help you prove to each other that the relationship is going somewhere and that your efforts and frustrations are not in vain.
10. Remember: Things will get better with time, and even the relationship will become better. Have hope.
11. Visit often. Try to make the time to visit each other as often as possible or as often as your budget permits you to. A relationship cannot thrive if the only thing you have is the phone call. You need to see each other up close and personal every chance you get. The key here is to set up some "rules" about frequency of communication and visits and stick to them. Consistency can help a long-distance relationship survive.
12. Avoid jealousy and be trusting. One of the easiest ways to destroy a perfectly healthy relationship is to poison it with jealousy and drama. When you start a long distance relationship, you must be realistic of the difficulties ahead. It always helps if you go in a relationship with the idea that everyone is innocent and worthy of trust until proven otherwise. Don't fall in the trap of interrogating your partner every time he/she decides to go out for a drink with people you haven't met or he/she didn't get back to you right away when you called and left a message. Just because you are in a long-distance relationship doesn't mean your lives will pause. Your partner will naturally have a social life where he/she lives and so should you. Sure, it helps to have your eyes open and not be totally naive, but being overly suspicious is unhealthy for you and your relationship too. You should both maintain your social activity and be happy with yourselves.
13. Be positive. Staying positive and not focusing on the negative aspects of a long-distance relationship is essential to keeping your relationship blooming and your partner content. Being away from your sweetie is not all bad news. Use the opportunity of personal time to pursue your interests and hobbies as well as your career objectives. Another positive point is that long distance dating pushes both of you to be more creative, to communicate better since you don't have "face-to-face" time and to test (and express) your feelings. As long as you see the long-distance relationship as a temporary state, you will keep your chin up and transmit that feeling of security and happiness to your partner too.
14. Give them a personal object of yours so in a time of need, when they miss you, they are able to hold on to something that once belonged to you. This will provide comfort, happiness, and the thought of being with you.
15. Work towards a balanced relationship between partners. A relationship must be built on strong foundations of trust, understanding and determination to make it work. The two partners should be reasonable about their expectations and willing to cooperate so that the relationship can lead to a happy ending. If these parameters are taken care of, you have nothing to worry about. But don't forget to ask some questions because if you don't, your partner may start to think that you're losing interest.
16. Create your own set of relationship standards that both of you have mutually agreed upon. That creates a common goal for you to work towards, developing a strong relationship whether you are together or apart. For example, agree to disagree, accept each other as you are, practice trust and honesty, strive towards compromise and self-sacrifice, seek spiritual unity, and maintain open communication.
17. Remember that you're still in a relationship. You HAVE to be there for your partner. If your partner is ever in trouble, or hurt, or whatever, you have to be there for them. And sometimes, distance permitting of course, that means being actually, physically there for them. You aren't having a cyber-relationship.

Tips:

• Remember "Always toward absent lovers love's tide stronger flows."
• Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
• Express yourself to free up emotional weight. A poet who's written poetry as a result of a long-distance relationship is Tony Berndtsson - look him up.
• A long-distance relationship is no different from a proximal relationship in that they both require a great deal of work, excellent communication, patience, sacrifice and understanding. But you will have to work extra hard to maintain the communication and to stay focused enough to not let your daily life interfere with your desire to be with the other person. Don't forget them or you can forget the relationship and it will all be over.
• Sometimes phone/email/IM communication can get bland. Don't forget there are other ways to interact! Use the internet and find things you both can do together. It takes the pressure off, it gives you a break from constant talking, and it can be fun.
• One of the hardest parts of a long distance relationship is connecting when one person gets busier than the other. If this happens in a relationship, it is important to maintain communication. If you are the busy person, try to warn your partner ahead of time that you will be working many hours and may have limited time. If you are the not-as-busy person, take advantage of the time by picking up a new hobby, getting in shape, reading a new book, etc. Flexibility is very important.
• It helps to have a solid time in the future for when the long distance part of the relationship will end, no matter the time length. Without it, the relationship can begin to mold into something that is always distant—even with great communication. With it, each person can see the point at which the distance will end and work harder to keep emotions readily available.
• When talking to your partner, take note of things they enjoy the most (hobbies, day-to-day activities, etc.), and do a little research on it so you have more to do when you see them next. For example: If your partner likes to dance, find the location of different clubs where you will see them next. If you don't know how to dance, take lessons and you will impress them by your willingness to make an effort on their behalf.
• Choose a game that you can play together over the internet, whether it is a MMORPG (massively multi-player online role playing game) or something more traditional, such as chess or Scrabble. You will be able to chat while playing and it will give a greater feeling of togetherness.
• Mail each other scented clothes (or even clothes smelling of your sweat—pheromones are a great way to establish intimate contact). If you can see each other once a week, leave a t-shirt splashed with cologne for your lover before you leave.
• Send each other spontaneous ecards.
• Make a creative countdown and mail it to your partner to enjoy until you see each other next. For example, create a photo calendar, with something you add for each day to describe what you love about them.
• Do not set unreasonable expectations for your visit and/or future plans. Fantasizing about the visit is fine, but not out loud verbally or by email to your partner. Instead, enjoy the excitement of the surprises to come. By stating that a surprise is coming can allow to much thought time for the receiver and leaves both of you open to disappointments.
• The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook is a well-balanced, practical book for couples in long distance relationships who need some guidance.
• Buy a webcam so you can chat "face-to-face" and see each other, so when you meet you will remember how your partner looks.
• Living far apart gives you both a chance to grow as individuals. Some couples break up to "find themselves", but in a long distance relationship you both have enough space to do your own things and still have a connection.
• Don't be afraid to talk about the "boring" parts of your day. The trickier, almost subconscious part is maintaining the feeling of being intermingled in your partner's life, a state the experts often refer to as "interrelatedness."
• It's important to talk about the future. If you're not sure how long you will be apart, try to make goals for when you can move near one another again.
• Spice things up by meeting halfway (if it's within a reasonable distance) to grab a bite to eat or get some coffee. This is a great alternative if you're not able to dedicate an entire weekend with your significant other.
• Don't talk on the phone TOO often. Since most of your relationship is based off of phone calls, you don't want to run out of things to talk about for the whole day. Calling one to two times daily will allow you to talk to each other without having repetitive conversations.

Warnings:

• Remember, every kind of relationship takes hard work and dedication to your loved one or partner, whether it's long distance or proximal. If you and your partner are willing to take these steps, then expect bumps and turns in the road. These bumps and turns will only help contribute towards a relationship.
• Long distance relationships are not for the faint of heart. They can be very trying (but so can proximal relationships).
• Long distance relationships can and will test you and your partner; you need to trust him/her entirely, lest paranoia play a major part in the demise of your relationship. Also, these kinds of relationships can bring a lot of disappointment and heartache, depending on the time you spend away from each other. It is very important that if you want this relationship to work, you must make a great effort not to drift apart.
• Long distance relationships are difficult, as you are emotionally attached to a person you cannot touch or comfort and this can hurt your heart and wreak havoc with your emotions. The only way to make these relationships work is if you and your partner honestly believe you will be able to survive without each other for a considerable amount of time. In a relationship, you may have negative thoughts or feelings that are not true, you may doubt your love feelings, or, because of some fights over the phone, you may feel that you don't feel the way you did before for your partner. But these feelings are like demons that will eat up the charm of your beautiful relationship.
• Remember, fights are a part of any relationship, and it's up to you to deal with it or to succumb to it. You may end up your life in making and breaking relations and finally landing nowhere or in such a relation that is just socially accepted without your full involvement. If you do, you just spoil your and your partner's life.
• When you are alone, take out time to see the photos of your love or any gift that he/she has given or any romantic card from them. At night, before sleeping, try to recollect those wonderful moments that you spent with your love. Try to get cozy with him/her in your dreams. Try to imagine yourself in his/her arms being intimately close to him/her. Remember those times when he/she cared for you.
• In a relationship, try to make every possible effort from your side, or you may complicate your life with heartbreaks because when you got into a relationship, it was Love, and also now, it's love but more than love: it's commitment that is most important as love may fade away with time, but it's your positive attitude that will keep it alive.
• A long distance relationship is a lot like having a pen pal. Keep that in mind.
• It's easier to get into arguments in a long-distance relationship, because you can't always discern what someone's actual tone is through text. It's also a lot easier to say hurtful things when you're not face-to-face, but the words can hurt just the same. Take special care to watch how you interpret their words (for it might not be what they meant), and what you say when you're angry.

How to get the song "Stand" (again) / Air Travel Today

I must say, there are still some that still requested for the song "Stand" and isn't aware (maybe they didn't search the entire blog or website or Facebook hard enough) on, HOW TO GET the song.

Ok, I'm gonna give the links to the Wonderful song again. Folks, you can hear it on heavy air play by Lite FM etc but you can buy and download it. Read the post here to get to know how:Where to get the Song "Stand"?

To credit another great fan, I've to say thank you to Caevis L** Seok E**. I'm proud to hear that there are listeners out there that appreciate it.

Well, speaking of people who managed to find strangers from no where with nothing... I've to also credit Air Travel. Just to share a bit about the topic, I'd share an extraction of my column for tomorrow's paper which I wrote while I was still on the plane just now.

And I Quote:

"Air travel has made a difference in our modern life nowadays. With modern technology, airlines have enhanced air security and improved the streamlined risk of any forms. From airport check-ins and parkings to the very fine details of even the inflight food. The duty free shopping made careful packing and the cabin crew ensuring stringent quality control.

I've flown a lot in my life. The privilege of being a son of one who is employed to the airline companies has already gotten me started on the flying as early as my first month on the planet.

Later, after the age of 21 has slowed down slightly but not even the suffering economy stopped me from visiting parts of the world. I've gone to lots of places but some locations have given me more memories that is so treasurable than what we face daily in our lives. I've had the privilege to go near and far. I've flown on a rotter plane,  fokkers, boeings, airbus industries and much to my delight, I can thank my stars that I even flew on private/corporate jets. Today, I've had the chance to see so many places. But to name a few favorites, it's gotta be Hong Kong, Melbourne, Singapore, Cannes, Paris, Zurich, London, Milan and much more. Actually, even the closest of our eyes can lay on, can be nice too. I won't forget my travels on the road and even with the team even to places like Bandung/Jakarta.

These marvelous marvels have made some of my days easy. From meetings around the region is now possible. I even had the luxury of trying many resorts and relax because of the flights all around the world are getting more and more frequent.

For example, a quick flight to pangkor or Langkawi for a nice sunset and later head down to singapore for a quick night's game at sentosa's casino. The next morning's quick getaway can be easily tabbed with flying back for the brunch meetings and pushed forth after the late lunch discussions and head off maybe to Penang or some where else for a sharp contract signing.

I remembered juggling with the times when we had to fly privately to  hong kong for the quick corrective response needed to resolve the mainland china's crisis and later heads off to singapore for the world report on the situation. The case was later relayed and needed to be handed over to the governing authorities in Dubai for immediate despatch and the orders were to be sent down to India for a rough take down. The new job brief was later sent to Thailand to initiate practice worldwide after the tests in India were confirmed. It was great to end of the task back in Kl for a good rest after a hectic 1 week on the skies. Thank my lucky stars again that I don'thave to run to holland or Germany or somewhere so far I lost count of my life."

"That's air travel now. I am enjoying this modern thing since I can kill time on the plane as we go with life. Moving towards my home for Chinese New Year. In this, I bid every reader Gong Xi Fa Cai."

While I was writing this. 2 nice ladies were chatting away next to me. Getting acquainted was the usual. From the moment our meals were served, anything under the sun became a topic. I was glad they enjoyed their trip but nonetheless, alas, the plane must land. I was inserted into the conversation late. A poor tired girl just on my right was struggling to have her rest but the flight was too bumpy for her to enjoy a good snooze. I probably also woke her up when I had to ask if she needed her meal served.

Again, Technology played a huge role to how friendships were made and borne. The forgery of a closer bond came when the product "Apple" took center stage. Well, I had a small spot light when my embarrassing set of Apple(s) came as a topic. I think the common thing we all had was an iPhone. Amy Chua had a bigger size Macbook Pro and she doesn't seems to enjoy lugging it around whereas I had a 13" Macbook Pro that just served me fine. With the addition of the iPad, it worked it's purpose for me. Let's put the Samsung Galaxy Tab aside and out of the conversation for this one. Poor 爱婷 (Ai Chua) a.k.a. Ai Tieng, the student, doesn't have neither the iPad or Macbook. So, she now craves for one.

As I mentioned before, we had less than 20mins to spare as we only went to the hot topic during "approach" (in aviation, that means, usually, the 20mins prior to landing, tells us to put away our toys and buckle up our seat belts, put away our tray tables and so forth). So, the ladies got my card just in time for them to drop me emails/calls later to further collaborate on our businesses that we discussed. At the same time, I had a simple short interview which I normally gets.

Here's the creme de la creme... shocking enough, 爱婷 (Ai Chua) a.k.a. Ai Tieng, manages to find my Facebook out of nothing but my name. Ok, lately, people have been able to find me via FB and its no surprise what Juwita said was true. Short fame for awhile due to the hit song "Stand".

Anyway, 爱婷 (Ai Chua) a.k.a. Ai Tieng, showed me that exceptionally, people do produce amazing, wait... it's Simply Amazing results from the unexpected ways. Maybe that's how Destiny works. Via weird and surprising methods. But I do thank Fate for bringing interesting people into my life. So, does that mean Social Networking plays a part of Fate? Go figure, we've both had a short chat after she reached home. (Mind you, she lives approximately another 100km away from me. Gotta be a long tiring journey for her.) What also impresses me is that she reached home, took out her iPhone and that mini gadget managed to find ME! Oh well, quote of the day: Thanks to Technology, People are Connected... will be rephrased: "Technology, Connecting People."

Malay history: What’s missing from the textbooks (2)

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Continuation from the previous post and article of:

http://brandonching.blogspot.com/2011/01/malay-history-whats-missing-from.html

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Malay history: What’s missing from the textbooks (2)

Written by John DoeThursday, 20 January 2011 17:10

Contributors

Also interesting to note is the following:

In Late Yuan Dynasty, China became chaotic, people who lived along the coastal area of Fujian, under the leadership of Ong Sum Ping's siblings, escaped to eastern Kalimantan — they landed at the river mouth. When they were exhausted, facing a shipping crisis, someone lost their arms. After that, the Kadazans named it as Sungai Kinabatangan — the place where the Chinese lost their arms.

Ong Sum Ping and his sister, and the Chinese people developed the area of Sungai Kinabatangan, and they increased their influence there. With the increase of his prosperity, the natives named him Raja, or King. The Chinese named him as ‘Chung Ping’ — meaning the General. We can clearly see that Ong Sum Ping controlled Eastern Kalimantan.

This is Ong Sum Ping Road in Brunei.

“Located the north-western part was the Sultanate Brunei; its southern area was controlled by local Malays (from Palembang) and they were in a state of decline. In the eastern part, they suffered from the invasion of the Muslim Sultan of Sulu. When the new (first) ruler — Sultan Muhammad Shah — ascended to the throne, he asked for the help of Ong Sum Ping. Sultan Muhammad Shah married his daughter to Ong Sum Ping, and titled him as Maharaja Lela. Muhammad Shah also asked his brother to marry the sister of Ong Sum Ping, and titled her as Puteri Kinabatangan. Via these marriages, these two regional powers built a close relationship. Under the cooperation of Ong Sum Ping and the Chinese armies, they fought against the Sulu Muslim invasion, and Brunei was saved from utter collapse...???

Without Chinese help, Brunei and Sabah would have collapsed and fallen to the Muslim pirate Suluks. And the year is the early 1400s. And for the record, ‘Kina’ (kee-na) is used by Kadazan Dusun which similar to ‘Cina’ (chee-na) used by Malay which refer the Chinese. So, the correct way to say it in today’s context, is to call it CheenaBatangan, and Mount CheenaBalu, or Mount CheenaBaru (had they mispronounced it), and Kota CheenaBalu (to replace the British given name of Jesselton).

This is all in line with how the Kadazan pronounces Kina, to mean Cheena. Ask your Kadazans friends, if you want to find out more. (‘Sino’-anything, means Chinese)

Mt Kinabalu, is known a Mt CheenaBalu in the Kadazan Language

This is the first clear record of the ‘Social Contract’. Both pendatangs would fight side by side to ward off other vicious attackers. Both pendatangs would help each other in times of need. And both pendatangs would intermarry, regardless of religion.

The second is that Maharaja Lela is a Chinese, and his name is General Ong Sum Ping. Now I ask you this: What is the significance of the title ‘Maharaja’? It contains the word ‘Maha’ followed by ‘Raja’. It is a title to mean ‘Most High King’. A title befitting a God and put together, it means “The God King, Lela???. The king of Thailand (Rama V, aka Chulalongkorn) also changed his name, from Dharma Raja to Dewa Raja)

Using one’s brains, one would easily deduce the following:

Firstly, the Sultan of Brunei was extremely so grateful that he elevated his Chinese brother-in-law to ‘God’ status.

Secondly, no Muslim is going to do that. ‘Maha’ anything is reserved for Allah. And to title his Chinese brother-in-law in this manner, whether Ong Sum Ping was a Muslim or not, is simply unthinkable had the Sultan really been a Muslim. Which again reinforces that Sultan Muhammad Shah was no Muslim.

Thirdly, Malaysia still has the title ‘Duli Yang Maha Mulia’ so I could be wrong about Muslims being able to call a human ‘Maha-something’ instead of the word reserved only for the divine.

And the best of course, is reserved for last:

“In fact according to Chinese records of the Liang Dynasty, Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty, Brunei had been sending her envoys to China and had also been receiving envoys from China. The earliest records stated that in the years 517AD, 521AD and 631AD, Brunei had sent her envoys to China. In 977AD, China sent her envoys to Brunei.??? (see The Brunei Times)

The above sends a clear message that someone else was already King in Brunei circa 876 years before Sultan Muhammad Shah declared himself as Sultan. It is also very clear that the Chinese were already in Brunei 53 years before the Prophet Muhammad was born.

Also important to note, that the Chinese arrived at least 876 years before Parameswara reached Malacca. Could the Chinese have been the original royal lineage of Brunei? Remember that by the Year 53-Before-Prophet Muhammad, Chinese had already been living in Borneo. And never forget that the earliest Arabic maps label Malaya as ‘Barr Chin’ to mean Land of the Chinese.

And even earlier is this:

Second half of the 5^th century: The Buddhist monk Hui-Shen and his Afghan companions travelled from China to Fu-Sang. Yes, the Afghans were Buddhists and carved the Bamiyan Buddhas that were destroyed by the Taliban.

Hui Sen visits Holotan (Java), on his way back to China. And the King of Java then sends seven missions to China begging them to recognize his kingdom, because no one else recognized them. This brings up strange questions. The Javanese kings did it, the Sultan of Brunei did it, and even Parameswars did it. Why were all these kings sucking up to the Chinese over the centuries? Is this what Ketuanan really means? Sucking up to China? All the Austronesians have certainly done it for the past 1,600 years, or more...

Final parting thoughts… Why are the oldest mosques in Malacca shaped all like Pagodas (in Trengkera)?

Why is there no ‘local’-shaped mosque architecture in Malacca? Why is there Bukit Cheena in Malacca, but no Bukit Melayu or more importantly, no Bukit Sultan? Why is there zero trace of any grave belonging to the Sultan of Malacca? Before anyone gives his lame excuse, there are at least 15 royal graves here in Brunei. All intact, all complete, and no missing links.

There are all records ranging from the Chinese (the later ones were Muslims) being in Borneo right from the fifth century right up till the 15th century. So the next time someone tells you that the Chinese only arrived in the 19th century …

Postscript: If I wrote a book on collective Southeast Asian History (complete with actual location photographs), I wonder how many of you people will buy it?

RELATED:  MALAY HISTORY: WHAT’S MISSING FROM THE TEXTBOOKS (1)

Bibligraphy

Kenneth Hall, Maritime trade and state development in early Southeast Asia, citing Wang Gungwu, 'The Nanhai trade: a study of the early history of Chinese trade in the South China Sea', JMBRAS 31, 2 (1958): 33,  citing Paul Wheatley, The Golden Khersonese, studies in the historical geography of the Malay peninsula before 1500, Kuala Lumpur, 1961, and other secondary sources;

Yoshiaki Ishizawa, 'Chinese chronicles of C1st-5th century AD Funan', 

Yoshiaki Ishizawa, 'Chinese chronicles of C1st-5th century AD Funan', citing Wan Zhen, Nanzhou yuwuzhi.

Louise Levathes, When China Ruled the seas, citing the Liang Shu (History of the Liang dynasty) and (i) Paul Shao, Asiatic Influence in Precolumbian art, Ames, Iowa State Univ 1976,  and (ii) David H.Kelley, 'Nine lords of the night', Studies in the Archaeology of Mexico and Guatemala, 16, Berkeley, Univ of California Dept of Anthropology, Oct 1972 & 'Calendar animals and deities', Southwestern Journal of Anthropology, 16, Albuqerque, Univ of New Mexico, 1960.
Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (Eleventh ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Ongkili, James P. "Ancient Chinese Trading Links." East Malaysia and Brunei. Ed. Wendy Hutton. Tuttle Publishing, 2001.
Saunders, Graham. A History of Brunei. London and New York: RoutledgeCurzon, 2002.
Wright, Leigh. "Brunei: An Historical Relic." Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. Vol. 17 (1977).
"Background Note: Brunei Darussalam". U.S. State Department. Retrieved 2008-12-16.

http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/m/v/mvp111/karin.htm, citing vol.231 of The Great Chinese Encyclopedia, compiled by court historians of the Wang emperors from 502 to 556 AD (other refs give the editor's name as Ma Tuan-Lin);

Prof V.G.Nair, Buddhist mission visits America before Columbus, 

http://www.saigon.com/~hoasen/mission.htm; 

http://www.1s.com/hkmission/history/chinese.htm, citing hearsay of an 1100 page diary in the Chinese imperial archives of which only 75 pages of partial excerpts seen; 

http://users.wi.net/~maracon/;http://www.ventanawild.org/news/se01/fusang.html;

Kenneth L. Feder, Frauds, Myths and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology, p113-4, citing Frost, F, 1982, 

The Palos Verdes Chinese anchor mystery, Archaeology, Jan/Feb 23-27, 

quoted onwww.kenspy.com/Menzies/Ships.html regarding irrelevance of these anchors.

J.V.G.Mills, introduction, to Ma Huan, Ying-yai Sheng Lan; John Carswell, Blue & White, p.87; Louise Levathes, When China ruled the seas; Ma Huan, Ying-yai Sheng Lan. Inscription in Galle

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Continuation from the previous post and article of:
http://brandonching.blogspot.com/2011/01/malay-history-whats-missing-from.html

Loss of a Great Friend. A bad start into a New Year

People who really knows me, would know the distrauted form I am in currently. I lived by a principle of trying to keep and maintain friendships among everyone I know that came into my life and also those that had to depart mainly by the calling of our Maker, the Creator. But rarely, do I have to face one that does not require an unformed reason.

This is the tale of someone greatly that I once knew. I had the pleasure of sharing laughters and many informative things from someone bright and funny. We had never-ending conversations. Or rather, I got to hear a lot of things that is interesting and get to know the inside of another different world. One that I had never been in and the look from the window entices you to discover more about this other realm.

But the dimension took more than a twist recently. It was like a whirlpool that altered everything totally in a 360 degree manner. The same views that we shared, the fate that we had was insignificantly re-destined for an utter sadness.

I remember the sleepless nights that we shared; giving each other so much of contagious laughters and excitement. Each day that I wake up, I look forward to hearing more of the stories and hope to learn more about this person and everything around it. As a person who has to be driven by creativity and excitement, I was so glad that this friend was a fresh well of ideas, inspiration and motivation. Just by listening to this person's positive aura helped me a lot. From starting the day to having everything going my way and it was like a struck of luck. As everything I touch, turns to Gold. The sales pitch that I do, sells well. The ideas that I brainstormed; inspired by this magnificent friend, more creative than ever. The Music that I compose, more harmonious and symphonic than before. The motivation from such a friend, is like a new found Angel.

But all good things must come to an end. The only problem is, it's sooner than I expected. I like the individual for the great change that I felt and helped me a lot. But the friend has different thoughts and perspective otherwise. It has led us, with no other choices, but to part ways due to a simple misunderstanding.

Yes, even the slightest of disagreement can destroy a perfect balance of goodness. And it all came because of who I naturally am. I remember this friend once advised me to be good to myself and learn to love myself more than how I usually treat others. I took the advise and started learning to care for myself more and lately gave a bit of pampering rather than doing everything for the sake of others.

It was also because of this goodness that I gave too much of, eventually became the core problem. I was mistaken to have treated this friend for more than it felt and led to think that the friendship was leading to some Hope and will be misunderstood for a further step into things. I guess when I gave out things like a Christmas present and a souvenir from oversea would construed towards showing affection instead. But neither did my friend knew that Christmas is a season of giving and love; something that I practice and do for everyone I care for. Friend or stranger, everyone is given some warmth from me. The same applies to when I travel. Buying something symbolic is something I'd do, if I had the time and if the item is right.

It wasn't the case. I was also allegedly condone to have cared too much; which by the way, for everyone who knows me, I would as it doesn't cost me anything to care and show concern and regards. Be it long lost friend, close friend, distant friend, new friend, long-time-no-contact friend. I even drop a word or two to the "long-time-no-contact" type once in awhile. Just to let them know I'm still breathing.

Other friends and colleagues of ours, have tried to show care and concern by asking a bit about how things are, or rather could be repaired. I know they weren't intervening, as they were just hoping we could resolve this silly misunderstanding. Being honest with nothing to hide, I'll tell them that I enjoyed the days we had which brighten my life. It was short, it was memorable, it was a dream. I'd like to live in that dream forever but the other party thought we're (or maybe we will, if I mistaken there is such hope, as quoted) living in a real life attachment.

I wasn't looking for that attachment. I was looking for that companionship. That laughter, joy and happiness. That clinging bond. The one that gave a lot of ideas and creates lots of topic. Yes, I know I'm nice to everyone. I grew up in a place where, everyone - yes everyone, is someone I cherish and care about.

I live on a principle in life of being Good to people and believe that good deeds will come to me, if I do. It could be as simple as a conversation period that ends with a subject like the following practice: I talk to every girl that I know or don't know nicely with salutations of "dear, darling, sweetie, madam" and address every guy I know or not with "sir, bro, me lad, dearest of heart." This is because politeness and compliments bring positiveness to everyone.

I also have the habit of getting things for people when I see something nice or suitable for them. Regardless of what relation or whom it is. I also have the bad habit of taking concern of everyone's problem, health and anything at all that I can help with.

Thus my friend has been always asking me to buy things for myself rather than others. Well, I'm a very simple person who is easily satisfied and contended with what I already have.

Coming back to losing such a great friend. I guess there's nothing much I can do when my friend thinks it would evolve into something else or mistakenly taken for hope in the future, in which I did not intend to pursue or take such risk. If I have to admit, I would... I do like the person for being a nice, funny, caring, witty-cunning-tricky attitude. Also possesses a bright intelligence with good maturity, understanding & generous heart. Importantly, this person has a decent heart. Trust me, I've seen horrible people before.

Sigh, saying so much is useless. The time has come. The moment has passed. The friend is gone and I could not salvage what goodness is left between us. A public message was left to ensure that I get the message loud and clear and that I will be embarrassed enough to face it. This friend had assumed that I made lots of "complaint" because of the care and concern others had shown but again misunderstood that I could only tell the truth, when asked, that the current situation is just as per: a 1 way communication dead-end.

I hope it will not become a habit for friend(s) to come and go. I've tried to clear the misunderstanding but to no avail and guess I'll be starting this New Year with a Loss of a Great Friend.

"And the raindrops keep falling into my heart, 
and i just can't deny what feels so right. 
Do i let myself go and feel the rain, 
or should i play with caution and refrain? 
Whatever i do, when it comes to you, 
i know sometimes love plays the part of a fool."

The extraction from the Song "Part of a Fool" dedicated in loving memory of this lost friendship.