Sometimes, there are things which are beyond money. Some people will be wondering why some squabbles arise. Most of the times, they stem from money. But if not handled properly, they will grow and will no longer be a simple money issue.

Most of the times, they are a matter of principle, a matter of trust. Once a trust has been betrayed, it will never be the same. Trust has to be earned, and is very fragile. Once broken, the trust will be lost forever.

A series of unfortunate events seemed to have agitated me for the past two weeks. I have to admit that I have been rather negative, emotionally and thinking-wise. However, what happened on Tuesday reminded me that God of Kindness is still smiling at me.

I was feeling ravenous and went for early dinner with my colleague. The food centre was quite deserted as it was not meal time yet. After ordering our food, I started recounting the series of events that has been plaguing me, which almost made me go berserk. When my food came, I gladly dug into the sumptuous food, heaving a sigh of relief when the hot tasty food warmed my tummy and calmed my nerves.

I must have been quite animated when I was telling my stories, until the waitress came a few times to check whether the meat is cooked according to our taste. Each time, I smiled at her and said it was good! I lost count of how many times she came over, but I am very sure that she came not less than four times!

During one of those ‘checks’, the same waitress asked if I would like anything extra. So I jokingly said I won’t mind more fries, even though my plate was overflowing with coleslaw. And she did came back with a plateful of fries, at no cost! I was truly taken aback. Hey, even though the cave I’m in is bleak, there’s still a flicker of light.

I was so grateful for her random act of kindness. For it really brightened up my day, a lot. I flashed her my best smile from my heart. For that, really changed the state I was in, into something more empowering.

That single little act, brought me back to an earlier event on the same day. I was then, in that negative state I was, feeling as though the world has turned its back on me. I took a cab to do something somewhere. I sacrificed my time, my effort and my money and all I get was a totally worthless trip. When I reached my destination on the return trip, I realised that I did not have enough cash to pay the cab driver, after paying for the earlier trip. And I was already late. Really late.

I need to go and withdraw money from the atm which is quite near though, but another passenger was already waiting outside for the cab. I was desperately looking around in my bag for some loose coins or dollar notes that I might have stashed somewhere for emergency but came to nought.

The passenger outside was feeling a bit impatient and opened my door. He asked, not enough cash? I nodded. He asked how much and I said two dollars. He briskly whipped out his wallet and took out a two-dollar note and gave it to me. I was dumbfounded. I took the note with embarrassment and gave it to the taxi driver. The taxi driver broke into a relieved smile.

I thanked the man profusely before and after I had alighted from the cab. I kept asking the man for his name and how to repay him. I’ll remember this kind act from a total stranger and intend to repay him.

And more surprisingly, on the same day, a phone call came to deliver good news. I was ecstatic! I was really, really grateful for everything that has been happening. With just a switch in state, a series of unfortunate events has turned into a series of altruism from strangers…

To the strangers that I’ve experienced kindness from, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ll make sure that I pass on this generous display of altruism

You can now check where your polling centres are.

Key in your IC number into this website and hit enter.

Your details will be shown to you in just seconds.

I was very impressed when I came across this website to check my registration as a voter. It was so systematic and efficient! Definitely exceeded my expectations.

If only Malaysia can persevere with this attitude of winning elections into its daily life, Malaysia would be a leading country in the world in no time.

Malaysia has the brains, the natural resources, the land, free from natural calamities, the diversity that gels Malaysians together, the untapped potential - just like an unpolished gem. All these resources have obviously been grossly under-utilised, wasted or lost.

Malaysia is like a rich man’s kid, who just while its days away living off the parents while some other countries are like a poor man’s kid, who has to slog to survive.

Probably something need to happen for this rich man’s kid to wake up and learn the lesson of life. To realise that how fortunate it has been and how it has been taking the blissful life it has for granted.

It is time to wake up from the slumber and face life with eyes wide open. Appreciate the good things and keep improving - that’s the spirit most Malaysians will want to see and experience.

One of the most interesting, exciting and unpredictable Malaysian general election is here. There are hopes of renewal, with injection of fresh blood into the stagnant pool of leaders. There are hopes of change, with the opposition becoming stronger with their passionate fight for their voice to be heard.

Just like how Barrack Obama captured the hearts of Americans with his ‘Change’ manifesto, the opposition, especially DAP, is also adopting a similar approach. Similarly, the ruling party Barisan Nasional, is also injecting hopes to capture the hearts of the masses, by fielding new faces in its line-up of candidates. 

Change and renewal for a better life. Bread and butter issues are undoubtedly still the main issues in the minds of most Malaysians. Daily survival issues are still what matters most, amidst the rising living cost and the more competitive and increasingly globalised economy.

These are the hot buttons of the people which both the ruling party and opposition know very well. And they do know very well how to utilise these to win votes. 

Who will you be voting this time? Are you voting for change or are you voting for renewal? Are they the same or are they not?

Whoever you vote, whether based on party or based on the calibre of individual candidates, make your precious one vote a worthy one. This is the only time you get for your voice to be heard. Even though it is just a small little vote, but it can make a difference. Wherever you are, make the effort to exercise your right. Whether you are overseas or in the country, spread the election fever and make some noise!

I know there are many Malaysians who have been caught in this sudden announcement of Parliament dissolution. I know they intend to vote, but not registered to do so. It is too late to do so now because the gazetted electoral is already out on Feb 5.

Read how a Malaysian student studying abroad went through the hassle to ensure that she can cast that ballot. 
Exercising your right to vote as a student abroad

Let’s make this general election the most democratic as can be! Think logically and sensibly before you cast your precious ballot!