The Cuban Missiles and the Truth

Just a little bit of sound bites from my head before I start off…

We must not only thank John F. Kennedy for ensuring our very existence today. We owe our existence today to the people who got him into office. Imagine what it’ll be like if we have a monkey like George Bush governing USA at such a critical moment of the history of mankind. We must thank the Americans who voted for him with wisdom, and his colleagues for adequate lobbying. But such a notion lead me to wonder - since the fate of the world seems to lie in the hands of the one man, why not let the world elect the President of the United States?

I know that such a statement seems naïve, but I think its possibility should not be denied. Let’s look at Thirteen Days.

The Actual:




The Movie:

The parties involved were the USA, USSR, Cuba and their respective allies. How must have the people of Cuba felt? Maybe on the façade depicted by Castro’s government, the Cubans may show anti-America sentiments as a possible invasion was supposedly an invasion of Cuban pride and sovereignty. However I am certain during those moments, they were scared the hell out of their pants. Why don’t we give them a say in American politics? After all, Latin America was an American backyard, where the US can eat, spit and sh**. Ever heard of the power of the people? If the local government wouldn’t grant them security, let’s bring it to their doorstep (literally) and let them cast a vote for the American leadership. They were just LUCKY the Americans voted for the best choice.  In fact, with the RAW power of the people, the world would be peaceful then and today.

Now, finally, I shall move on to making tough decisions.

John Kennedy was in a very interesting position. I vividly remember the scenes of him being in the Oval Office with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary Robert McNamara, Ambassador Adlai Stevenson and Attorney-General Robert Kennedy.

It seemed that all odds were against the practice of his judgement and conscience. More so, when taking into account the presence of the most reliable sources of advice he had, all around him. These people are battle-hardened and heavily decorated on their torso. In contrary, Kennedy was merely a civilian authority who took the oath of office barely four years before. Not only was he viewed as weak by Secretary Khrushchev, his own people had the same inclination to do so. 

After all, the only responsible and sensible thing for a president to do in such a circumstance was to heed the advice of his generals. After all, it would be responsible and heroic of him to avoid “another Munich”. Robert McNamara’s and Adlai Stevenson’s presence was merely one of an auxiliary nature but fortunately, JFK recognised the value of ALL of his people’s ideas. Henceforth, McNamara’s proposal for a naval blockade on Cuba and diplomacy through the UN as put forward by Stevenson was implemented to result in a partial success, I would say. 

This brings me on my idea of truth. What is Truth? To me, it is merely a perception. Say, a pencil is 15cm. Yes, the truth in this statement can be proved using reason. Maybe, we measure by using a ruler. But to what extent can a statement be proved to be the truth. Isn’t it merely by scrutiny, which is by the way, flawed in many ways (because it’s human)? In human talk, the truth is so only when justified by logic and usually, by quantifiable means. Hence, Truth is a perception. NOBODY KNOWS THE TRUTH except the Divine authority.

Poor Kennedy. He has the world’s best military minds at his disposal feeding him with calls for nuclear Armageddon. What made him stop? Was it a deep compassion for mankind? I think so. By logic, Moscow or Cuba should disappear from the world map. But for he is a human who loves another, he saved the nuking.

In other words, Kennedy made his tough decision using his heart! By logic, we all would have disintegrated almost 50 years ago. But because of the heart we didn’t cease to exist.

If only all rulers were like that.

The Most Awesomest Conductors

1. Carlos Kleiber with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra





2.Yevgeny Fyodorovich Svetlanov with the USSR State Symphony Orchestra




3. Yevgeny Aleksandrovich Mravinsky with the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra

Unity and nukes? Huh?

 Saturday, 05 June 2010 at 22:47  - As posted on Facebook as a note

What really drove me to work my butter fingers is an experience not to be erased from my mind for a long time to come. 

It’s about the Raffles Model United Nations (RMUN) 2010, where I met all sorts of beautiful people from all over the country and the world. Noteworthy is its Security Council, which I so happened to be part of. And this would prove to be a blessing, contrary to my prospect of the low degree of cohesiveness of the group I was to work with. 

Such pessimism and scepticism of any possibility of progress arose while scrolling down the forum page of the UNSC. It seemed so arduous to even call for a gathering before the RMUN. To make one introduce himself was like burning down and rebuilding the UN headquarters three times over. 

Hopeless. 

The pre-MUN meeting. Would it testify my low hopes or shed light at the end of the nuclear – biochemical SC tunnel? Let me tell you what happened.

I arrived at Orchard MRT at 4.24p.m. Now, there were three exits from the ticket gates to choose from. I was looking for either Shaun, Samuel or Woon Wei for they were the only ones I managed to meet during the 2nd briefing. (Btw, the 2nd briefing also started to show signs of hopelessness – only about 7 delegates attended!) I saw none of them or any SC-looking people. Seeing that I was 6 minutes early, noting that I would look like a terrorist roaming around the concourse, I went down to the platform level. 6 minutes up, I rang up Shaun. 

I think you would be bored by now… Fast forward >>>

Let’s just say that there were only 6 present. Shaun, Zien, Ralene, Dian, Woon Wei and I. Is that demoralising enough? It was incredible how serious discussions on the question of Yemen turned into an outrageous session of truth or dare! Little that I know that such fun was to be experienced by the council more often than not for the next three days! At that time, poor attendance blocked my foresight of good times to come. 

One would say that the first RMUN day was uneventful. After the whole damn thing, I realised how much a pain I was a pain the arse due to my groundless stubbornness. Certainly, the Press Conference was one of relaxed nature with a little game of dodge-ball. And so I had to rethink my diplomatic approach. Fellow delegates, this delegate of the great nation of India wishes to apologise for the lack of understanding and high amount of noobness on the floor. Shiva bless you!

It didn’t occur to me that simple severe unpunctuality was to cause great delay – and a fun one too, at least for me! Voting on a suggested amendment was to happen. Due to my absence, I had little knowledge to build upon my knowledge. That is even more powerful than a veto! Being the tie-breaker...

Crisis! Cocked pistols; red buttons. I really wanted to fall asleep as one by one was condemning the Chinese activities in Libya, condemning Libya's reluctance to cooperate, and so on. Jeremy increased its operational readiness from DEFCON 4 to DEFCON 1. When asked later why, he claimed that it was his annual duty to do so as a US diplomat. Haha. In reply, I applauded his move on the floor and merely mobilised India's nuclear arsenal. Let me tell you that this has got nothing to do with China's close proximity to India. It was to zest up the room. Again, only condemnation of these actions was heard of. EC of Turkey asked to relax. I WAS DOING JUST THAT! However, little that I knew that these few words would resonate with shockwaves in the other councils. My inbox flooded with WTF? messages. Their wrath was to be imposed on me over a cup of tea during the break. 

Day 3. The crisis was resolved. Indian GA waged war against Pakistan... Balls! Ashish said that this was not possible outside the security council. It was funny how I was talking about deactivating nuclear missiles when the Pakistanis barged in. Locking of borders, allowing the influx of terrorists, trade of sanctions -- BALLS! As expected, the resolution on the secondary issue was not passed with the P5s unanimously voting against. No issue with that, really. 

With the remaining time, truth or dare was the question to be asked after the spin of poor Jeremy's phone. It occurred to me that this was to be a RMUN -UNSC tradition. SSM - arrggh! Hugging Ashish from behind is not that bad after all. It actually felt.... let's not go there!

The first signs of unity in defiance was visible just before the plenary, with plans to intentionally enter the plenary late, hoping to garner some glamour for the UNSC! Meanwhile, we did nuts in A24. 

Then comes the Dinner and Dance. Jeremy initiated a party chain in which I followed suit. It soon turned into a massacre, stepping onto people's toes and printing sweat on others' shoulders. Oh and then SC boycotted the dinner and dance. WAIT! DINNER? Haha! We boycotted the D&D AFTER eating. Nvm, I believe it's the nature of the SC in reality. Fund the nuclear program first then condemn it...

On our part, we had a HELL of a time in A24. Musical tables, press-ups, dare or dare. Mass forfeit, Chan Mali Chan, Nobody - could not get enough of all those! Yes, Ern Chuen's done was cuter and sexier, but Jervis' only caressed me forcibly through an undefined medium.

Defiance is to prevail when instructed to vacate the venue for the grand finale. Well, guess what? WE decide where we go - almost all of us, with reasonable exceptions. Even the route to Marymount MRT was filled with cheery melodies and hymns, as if drunk. Then, some chilling out at J8 food junction. 

Now, all of the above, emphasising that we were all complete strangers actually happened. How did this happen? Maybe because we are small. But I still stick by my stand as expressed in the plenary that harmony happens. The only affirmative action possible for such harmony to occur is through education. That's it. You can't possibly pluck two atoms to combine into a molecule. You need to set the preconditions right, like high temperature and pressure. 

So what are the preconditions contributing to this kind of unity? Are we destined to be together in such strong covalent bonds? Certainly, compromises in one's division of time is needed. But how come to such an extent that we feel warmth although we may have such stark political differences?

Jervis, I can't take my eyes off you. That's all I have to say. 

Thank you all for the blast that we shared these 3 days! And the directors, putting up with our nautical nonsense we know that you do not really wish. 

From the Indian Security Council member, with love, 

Shiva bless you. 

Sincerely yours, 

Zakrie B Abdul Manap

Anderson Secondary School

Indian Delegation

Happy Chinese New Year!

Here's a BIG Gong Xi Gong Xi to my dear Chinese friends.

However, I don't understand something.

Why do I see a lot of Chinese in black during a festive season? I remember being questioned if I wore black during this kind of season by my friends if I see them on the streets. Has Chinese culture in Singapore been eroded thus far? Or are they just being flexible on the old school thought or even redefining Chinese culture in Singapore?

I greatly admire those who dare wear the Cheongsam to school or anywhere at all. No, not because of the bare skin exposed but raw audacity and pride.

No need to talk about Cheongsam. Even the Baju Kurung. Maybe among the females, it's not so bad. But I must say I wouldn't dare wearing the complete set with the samping and songkok.

I find great diffrences between Hari Raya and Chinese New Year in terms of the way people dress to go out. During Hari Raya it is obvious that everyone is wearing their full-pledged costumes, be it bought at pasar malam for $19.90 or at high end boutiques for $150. ( I've both.) People look neat and happy to celebrate. Our differences are being sorted out through happiness after one month of fasting.

During CNY, it's kind of heart to differentiate people who are going to the provision shop and people who are visiting. The only difference is those little bags carried around. Not only it's hard to find anyone wearing the ethnic costume, some are dressed as if going to sleep. Can wear black some more! 


P.S. Not a happy Valentine's Day for me. People still think I'm Chinese till today. "Liang pei kopi, ah?" I wanted to say "Betul" (Malay for "Correct"). Maybe, it's just my orange shirt and the red bag I was carrying...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO DESPERATE, LOVE SICK PEOPLE.
Here's my romantic poem:

I die, 
You grief. 
You die, 
I still breathe.

Does SG life suck after all?

I feel very fortunate to be part of such a safe yet subtly dynamic community. I was discussing hard domestic and regional politics with my father and god-uncles. One of them, who was an Indonesian turned SG citizen was strongly in favor of SG's system of governance. They compared SG to Indonesia when we were under British rule where bribery, extortion and corruption to even survive was part and parcel of life. 

I can agree no more with this if not considering two points of my personal interest: education and how we live everyday.

Singapore's education system is roughly based on the 6-4-2 British system. And this model was crafted in the late 19th century where industrialization was kicking off. The sciences and mathematics were the most essential in the hierarchical order, followed by languages and the humanities subjects. The sciences and Mathematics were useful to train better industrial workers to maximise productivity. The languages are important in terms of communications. The feasibility of humanities at the time were almost negligible. IN THAT ERA.

Now, SG is cosmopolitan and a financially thriving metropolis, where ideas from all over the world are interchanged. We now have more room for the Arts. 

Just look at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. All the past and present music directors and principal conductors originate from China. The current principal guest is Finnish. We only have a Singaporean young associate conductor and a pinky-full of (old) Singaporean players. Out of a population of  4 million, is it really impossible to establish a world-class body of 100? Even with musicians from all over the world to make SSO worthy to be considered a world-recognised orchestra, it is still short of becoming one which is deeply rooted in tradition and soul, like the Wiener Philharmoniker and the premiere British orchestras.   

This also applies to the better schools in SG> Perhaps the bottom of the top 20% and the top of the bottom 80% of the student population. They may take the best and produce the best academically but they lack the development of heart-ware, as compared to the independent schools run like British boarding schools. They produce scholars who will turn into office workers, engineers, researchers and bankers; but rarely officers, gentlemen and let alone leaders( be it of corporations or society). This kind of people make up 90% of the population. This is worrying figure. 

Another thing is the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). To begin with, do you think that a gifted scientist like Albert Einstein will ever be recognised as gifted through the education system here? He would spend most of his time in detention or counseling. Not that he was not despised by teachers durng his time, but the word "gifted" is simply not correct and has been misused here. By the way, kids grow up mentally at different rates at different times of their adolescence. And the above-mentioned gifted people specialise in only one or two fields of their interest. To be gifted in SG would mean to score well in English, Mathematics and Science. Furthermore, how can you be gifted when you actually need to be sent to Kumon to score well? Nonsense, right?

 ***

Now onto the second aspect of contention. For example, in Singapore, when it is said that the train departs at 1100, it means that the train will START TO ENTER at 1100. By the time everyone's on board and the door closes, it's already 1101.

In Japan, when it is said that the train departs at 1100, it means that the train will disappear from sight at the station BY 1100. The train comes at around 1058. People get ready at 1058. 

ANYWAY, PROSIT NEUJAHR! (Cheers! New Year!)

Guys, for the first time, I'm telling you I'm really scared.

I just want to go to the printing shop opposite my house. I can't; no, not my mother!

Worse...

My Neighbour (not Totoro) the DOG.

Worse than my mum. She still lets me out for band outings. This dog wouldn't even listen. The owner open the gate so wide and the dog is not leashed! And right now he's sniffing around the very short corridor. If he sniff me - Good Game!

It's not a kampong where you can run and hide. It's a HDB corridor; he chase after you - where to go?! You go downstairs he still can chase after you. The only hope is that Fujitsu lift - you die if he joins you and the door closes!

If not for that very minor printing mistake, I wouldn't be in such agony this instant!

At least can blog a bit to wait for my other neighbour to go for dinner and be my decoy for a while and save me some trouble...

Upon reading LKY's memoirs "From Third Wold to First", I find that AMB and Singapore are similar (in size and circumstances).

Compare AMB and Singapore.

Size: Small
Resources: Very little
Neighbours: Not really friendly
Management: "If you don't want, get out."

I have learnt a lot from the fascinating book. It only looks thick and impossible to digest, but the language is after all very manageable and hard to bored of.

A must-read for aspiring leaders and managers, at least of their own lives.