‘Hang Li Po, Hang Tuah did not exist’ | Free Malaysia Today

‘Hang Li Po, Hang Tuah did not exist’

K Pragalath | January 16, 2012

Historian Prof Khoo Kay Kim says that the Ming dynasty's records do not mention the princess or the famous warrior. He also points out that early Malaysian history is based on stories.

PETALING JAYA: According to history, Chinese Princess Hang Li Po was the fifth wife of Malaccan Sultan Mansur Shah who reigned from 1456-1477.
During this period, there was also the legend of the Sultan’s five famous warriors, Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu. It is a tale of friendship and loyalty, which every Malaysian had heard.
However, renowned historian Prof Khoo Kay Kim told radio station BFM this morning that Hang Li Po and the five warriors never existed.
Speaking to FMT later, he explained: “The Chinese Ming dynasty of the 16th century does not have records on them. These are very well preserved records.”
The KDU college chancellor also said he had read the writings of two Western historians and another prominent historian Wang Gung Wu on the Ming records which did not mention the characters either.
“History must be based on empirical records. Historians must only accept written records,” he said, adding that empirical records available here were at best “skanky”.
“There is no evidence in the Malaysian records,” he said. “These are stories. Early Malaysian history is based on stories.”
“We have had many stories. Only recently historians have taken the trouble to research the early Malaysian history period. A lot of stories accepted in the past cannot be proven,” he added.
Khoo also told FMT that there are rumours that the Malacca kingdom was founded in 1292 even though there were records to prove that it was formed in the 15th century.
He added that the government had instructed the syllabus committee to go through the school history syllabus to rectify the errors.
The syllabus, said Khoo, would be introduced in the year 2014.

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After reading this article online today, somehow my world came crashing down! If what is written here is true..... all the years I grew up studying in elementary (primary) school and high (secondary) school are all for naught! All crap!! So meaning everyone in Malaysia has been studying stories all these years? Stories that will make Malaysia look good in the lime light?! This is absurd! Outrageously devastating to read and to realize that all my 12 years of school is for crap! Then I should be passing my History test with flying colours instead of failing as whatever we learnt is not real and the answers in exams are somewhat "fraud"......


I wonder who in the world is the "history" writer for Malaysia that he or she doesn´t check their facts before publishing books for the younger generation to read and study about!

 

Good Bye 2011 and Hello 2012

So the countdown has ended... but the fireworks and the noise outside on the streets are still continuing on. The fiscal year of 2011 has finally ended and today, starts a brand new year once again. 


I know many people who reflected on what happened for the entire year of 2011 and then started making their resolutions as the brand new year started.......


For me and Amelia, 2011 was indeed a challenging year for us as we only had 2 months - January and February 2011 - in Malaysia. Enjoying our last 2 months in Malaysia.... well less than 2 months as we flew on the 13th of Feb 2011 to our new home in Germany. January and February 2011 was a very tiring and "short" month for us as we try to visit and meet up with as many people as we could before taking off on the 13th of Feb 2011. It was indeed a sad goodbye for us........ although we are connected to the world wide web and the modern technology of webcam, the chances of meeting each other - due to the fact that we are now 10000km away from each other - is somewhat slimmer than before. No more last minute calls and saying "hey.. .I´m free now... wanna go yam cha?" or "Lets catch a movie" statements anymore. Its kinda sad in a way.... when you actually come to think of it.......


After moving down to Germany, we have been busy trying to blend and fit in to our new home and surroundings. From the coping of the new weather - which now has 4 seasons instead of the usual Khatulistiwa (erm... did I even spell this correctly xD) weather of rain and sun all year round - to the hustle bustle of getting in to a new school and kindergarten and meeting new people...... we are indeed trying our best to work things out.....


And now...... after 10 months of trudging around daily in Germany life, we have a regular routine everyday. ^^ Sometimes there are visitors from afar, our friends from Malaysia or abroad, who came to Berlin to visit Berlin and also us...... leaves a really warm and, for me - missing Malaysia more and more, feeling after they left. But then....... we had a load of photographs to remind us of the good times and memories we had with them when they came visiting us here in Berlin. 

Life here is indeed different than in Malaysia. One important fact also is cause I used to be a working mum back home and having my parents helping me with taking care of Amelia and educating her and all.... here, I am at the moment still in the progress of attending courses for the German Language (which is suppose to end soon with this major exam..... and if I don´t fail it, then I am *hallelujah* graduated and dont need to attend it anymore) and also being a full time mum and house wife. Sending and picking up my daughter from school, keeping the house clean, cooking (alternate cooking with my husband) and many more. It is challenging.... being a full time mum. But.... with the help of my parents teaching when I was growing up, I try my best to implement most of their teaching into upbringing my daughter and also implementing some of the culture here.


Somehow, I would agree with people when they say there is no place like Malaysia.... cos sometimes, some of the daily events and such..... makes me miss Malaysia more and more..... but then, there are more pressing factors such as their education here is good - and they learn things in English - despite talking and all in German, and not like Malaysia which keep insisting teaching in Bahasa Malaysia is more important than educating our younger generation in the international language ....... No wonder youths back home have crappier and crappier english as the generation moves on..... Yea, in a way Malaysians are more friendly.... they are always plastered with a smile on their face irregardless if they like you or not. But over here... they are friendly, but also blunt honest. If they don´t like you they really do state it out and not make a monkey show out of it. 


With all our learning life anew, and blending in with the western culture.......... for myself - as Amelia is still too young to know the meaning of resolution.... and when asked she say Want more hello kitties *faints* - All I pray and wish for .... in this brand new year, is like everyone else - World peace - and on a more personal scale........ a safe and healthy life for me, my baby, hubby and our families.


I miss all of you all alot, especially friends and families in Malaysia. More than you can ever imagine.

Christmas away from home

It´s finally December, the end of 2011, and with it marks my daughter and I being away from Malaysia for 10 months altogether. This year, we would be celebrating our first christmas away from what we known all our lives as our home. I wonder what is it like having Christmas in Malaysia this year? I will miss all the merry making from everyone´s houses, the parties, the happy present openings and laughter and the joy of just travelling around to all the malls taking the Christmas decorations. As we continue to embark on the journey of our new lives here in Germany, we face our first Xmas in this cold chilly weather of Winter.


Amelia and myself was hoping we would see a White Christmas actually for our first Christmas here in Germany. We journeyed all the way back to Kiel, Germany - hubby´s hometown - for our first traditional Christmas Celebration with his parents. A 3 hour first class train ride brought us only to Kiel at 6pm in the evening, when all sunlight or even daylight is gone from the skies. The weather here - for winter - is absolutely cold and wet. Skies are gloomy, reminding me of Gloomy London. And the fact that it is even more windy here as it is in the coast and by the sea...... is even colder.


Traditional Christmas here is somewhat different. I guess the Christmas that is normally celebrated in Malaysia is based on the American all time Christmas. Even the Christmas tree decoration doesnt have a star or Angel at the top of the tree. Apparently they don´t put it and according to hubby, the Americans only have such things on it. For Christmas here in Germany, instead of the usual turkey that many eat back home or.... in the US, we have Roasted Goose for dinner.


Mother in Law cooks alot of German dishes, many which I myself haven´t tried or eaten before. It was a good experience for me this Christmas.... both me and Amelia. From eating the various dishes of German food to the traditional ways and methods of celebrating Christmas. It´s a new experience for us both indeed....


But one thing, even I know my daughter definitely agrees with.....


We really miss my mum and dad and the usual Christmas noise we have back home in Malaysia.......

Season of goodwill

This article that I read in the Star Online webportal is indeed inspiring as it actually shows, although the "minority" is SMALL.... but thank God we have Malaysian muslims that actually have a good head on their shoulder and know how to think properly and logically and not like that ten thousand people who are thinking ironically at the moment in the country of Malaysia. We should have more people like so...... why do Malaysians enjoy behaving like as if they belong in the "cave men" century and is not even modernized with just one bit?

For those of you who can´t go to the link above, enjoy reading the article below :

Sunday January 9, 2011

Season of goodwill

MIND MATTER
By RAJA ZARITH IDRIS

If Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Isa (Jesus), a prophet respected and revered in Islam, is it so wrong to wish a blessed day for those who celebrate it?

DURING the days before Christmas last year, I wished my friends who were celebrating it “Merry Christmas” in much the same way they would wish me “Selamat Hari Raya” or “Happy Eid”.

I find it rather sad that such a simple greeting – one which I grew up with and which I have never regarded as something that would compromise or de-value my own faith – is now regarded as something so religiously incorrect for us Malaysian Muslims.

When I was at boarding school in England, I had to go to church every Sunday because it was part of the rules. My father advised me to consider it as part of my “education” and he had no doubt that the experience would strengthen rather than weaken my own faith.

I was able to see the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam. I learned more than the average Malaysian Muslim would about Christianity. I learnt that just as we Muslims categorise ourselves according to the four different schools of thoughts of the four Imams (Imam Malik, Imam Al Shafi, Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Ahmad Abn Hambal) and are either Sunnis or Shias, so Christians too are divided into different sects or churches.

Going to church did not make me less of a Muslim when I was a young girl, and neither does saying “Merry Christmas” make me less of a Muslim now. My faith has not been shaken just because I wished some friends a time of joy with their families. Neither will I suddenly suffer from amnesia and forget what my religion is.

What I do not wish to forget, however, is that there are good, kind people who are not of the same faith as me.

As Harun Yahya, the Turkish writer (he was selected last year as one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan) noted: “Islam is a religion of peace, love and tolerance.

Today, however, some circles have been presenting a false image of Islam, as if there were conflict between Islam and the adherents of the two other monotheistic religions. Yet Islam’s view of Jews and Christians, who are named ‘the People of the Book’ in the Quran, is very friendly and tolerant.

“This attitude towards the People of the Book developed during the years of the birth of Islam. At that time, Muslims were a minority, struggling to protect their faith and suffering oppression and torture from the pagans of the city of Mecca. Due to this persecution, some Muslims decided to flee Mecca and shelter in a safe country with a just ruler. The Prophet Muhammad told them to take refuge with King Negus, the Christian king of Ethiopia. The Muslims who followed this advice found a very fair administration that embraced them with love and respect when they went to Ethiopia. King Negus refused the demands of the pagan messengers who asked him to surrender the Muslims to them, and announced that Muslims could live freely in his country.

“Such attitudes of Christian people that are based on the concepts of compassion, mercy, modesty and justice, constitute a fact that God has pointed out in the Quran.”

I do not wish to be a self-centred Muslim who expects friends of other faiths to wish me Selamat Hari Raya or, for those who are not Malaysians and therefore do not know about Hari Raya, a Happy Eid and yet do not return their goodwill when it is Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Vesak Day.

Every year, friends who are Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs or those without any faith come to our home to celebrate Hari Raya with us. They do so with sincerity and as a mark of respect for one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar. Why should we not reciprocate their kindness, show them the same mark of respect for their religion and wish them the same joy on their holy days of celebration?

An Islamic scholar and lecturer also reminded me that as Muslims we must remember the importance of both the five Pillars of Islam and in the six Pillars of Iman (Faith), which are:

> Belief in Allah;

> Belief in the angels;

> Belief in the revealed Books (which include the Bible, the Torah and the Holy Quran);

> Belief in the Prophets (May Peace be Upon Them);

> Belief in the Resurrection and the events of Kiamah, the Day of Judgement; and

> Belief in the predestination (Qada’ and Qadar) by Allah in all things.

The prophets include not just Muhammad (May Peace Be Upon Him) as the last prophet and as the Messenger of Islam, but also in the 24 earlier ones who are mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran. Four of them are Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Daud (David), and Isa (Jesus).

So, if Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Isa (Jesus), a prophet respected and revered in Islam, is it so wrong to wish a blessed day for those who celebrate it?

We are now in the second decade of the 21st century. Surely, we should, now more than ever, be far more enlightened at a time when information of any sort and of all kinds are so readily available to us.

What is most important is that we regard one another as fellow citizens and treat each other with respect, regardless of our race or religion.

> The writer is Royal Fellow, School of Language Studies and Linguistics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and holds a BA (Honours) degree in Chinese Studies, University of Oxford.

You´re an Energizer!

So I found this interesting quiz which is all based on photograph selection of various questions. You can check it out here if you want to.


Am amazed with what it wrote for me :) Somewhat most of it is quite accurate and right - in my opinion of myself :) Wanted to "print screen" and then have it here, but then, needed to manually edit each and everyone of it, hence I decided to copy and paste all that was written :)


Spirit
You're an Energizer. You're a real people person and thrive on social interaction. Generous and caring, you have a strong vocation to help others and get lots of satisfaction from being able to make a difference to their lives. It takes a lot to stress you out and throw you off balance. You seem pretty centred and organized right now. Give yourself a pat on the back! When it comes to bringing positive change to your life, don't try to move mountains. Baby steps are definitely the way forward. For example, if you'd like to lose weight, don't set yourself up to fail with unrealistic goals. Be kind to yourself and remember that slow and steady wins the race. You really enjoy the buzz you get from feeling connected to others. And no more so than with your partner. A loving relationship is a huge source of strength and support for you in life.


Relationship
You have a very traditional view of building a home and family and believe in making strong commitments. As a Rock Steady, it's important to you that your relationship feels secure. You tend to be realistic about what makes a lifelong relationship work and understand the value of forging a love based on friendship and respect. You believe that a true partnership is about sharing responsibility and being able to count on one another through whatever life throws at you. This feeling has probably grown even more since the kids arrived. Creating a true sense of honesty and support means your love will grow as the years go by.

Relationship tips:

So you're a Rock Steady but what tips can we give for keeping the magic alive in your relationship?

1. Rekindle the romance. Get up with the lark and meet at a local market to buy beautiful flowers and feast on a yummy breakfast
2. Do something different. Take a cocktail-making class together at a local bar. It'll be lots of fun with plenty of tasting to be done!
3. Take it easy. Imagine you're on holiday in your own city. Do the fun things tourists would do and capture it all on film with a disposable camera.
4. Let your inhibitions go. If it rains, grab the chance to run wild in the puddles and have lots of fun getting soaked to the skin and then warming up afterwards!

Money

You're a techie, and you love to have the best new gadgets. You like your technology sleek and fast, so would love to be able to upgrade to the newest models whenever possible. The true mark of success for you is a happy home. It is the main focus of your life and the center of all your aspirations. You're happiest when you feel settled and comfortable. True fulfillment for you is in having strong, loving relationships with family and friends. If they're healthy and happy, that's all that matters to you

Health

You're on the right track with your health. You love feeling rejuvenated after a good night's sleep. You're an endorphin junkie, and nothing beats exercise to make you look and feel fantastic. You have excellent reserves of energy and live life at a fast pace. Anything else would feel like slow motion. You probably grab every opportunity to do a little extra exercise - walking up escalators, jogging home from the store. And if you don't get your heart rate up regularly, you can end up feeling like a bit of a slob. Just be careful that you don't get too obsessed. No one wants to hear how many sit-ups you've done!

Home

If you were given the opportunity to live your dream life, chances are you'd feel more at home settled in a cute country cottage than living it up in a mansion. Your low-key attitude means you'd prefer to get away from the stresses of city life and take it easy, perhaps spending your time in a colorful garden. Fresh air, birds chirping and home-grown veggies for dinner...what's not to like?

Entertainment

Asking about the latest book you're reading is probably the best way to get you talking! What better way to chill out and unwind than a good book that takes you faraway from everyday life? Escapism at its best!

Style

You like to take things easy. Life's busy enough without having to worry about getting dressed up every day. It's about maximum comfort with a splash of style, so it's hard to beat your favorite pair of jeans. But don't forget how good it can feel to give yourself a makeover every now and then. It can work wonders for your self-esteem to refresh your wardrobe, spruce up your hair and put on a great dress. So make sure you schedule a shopping trip and pampering session every few months. You deserve it!

Travel

You're open-minded and a positive thinker, so when you get the chance to go traveling, you love to head somewhere exotic and off the beaten track. For you, escapism is the ultimate in relaxation. It's the perfect antidote to the stress of everyday life. You love the feel of the sun and sea on your skin, so your perfect vacation would definitely include a beach. Even better if it's secluded and undiscovered by hordes of tourists!

Obedient Wives Club

I always knew that the Obedient Wives Club is a loony.. but never knew this loony. This video, which I found via a friend from facebook, shows an interview with the members and the President of the club.

Makes me really wonder what these women are really thinknig about..... wives being better than a first class prostitute! Oh gosh... they actually degraded themselves to the level of a prostitute? Irregardless of what class the prostitute is?! How could any sane person ever think of comparing themselves with a prostitute?! Especially when they are the legal and binding wife of a man?! What makes you think that by being more than a "first class prostitute" the man won´t stray away from you?

Ooooooo of all the insanity and stupidity, why in the world Malaysia seems to be going more and more backward with silly stuff like these?

November 2011

The time has indeed passed. It´s already mid of November, and Autumn is now getting colder and colder, days are gloomier as day goes by. Gloomier and colder. However, nature seems to be even more splendid during the Autumn season, despite the tragic cold that is getting colder and colder as day goes by.

I can´t say that November is indeed a splendid month. Reason is I have been completely and very sick since beginning of November and am still sick. Have been out of school and not attending classes for 2 weeks now. Got attacked with a very severe headache. Initially I thought it was just an ordinary headache, which after a while I thought was a migraine but the pain grew worse. Ended up doing a CT Scan and blood test, which thankfully tested out negative for any cancerous things in my brains. Then, we thought it was the increase of power in my eyes.... so a trip to the optician and 200 euro down the drain for new glasses for both me and hubby, but yet the pain is still there. So now, all the doctor say is, try to get on like normal with life, if pain is unbearable, get the medication and if it gets worse, the next trip will be to the neurologist! *sighs* Happy Autumn for me huh?


Amelia is enjoying the weather at the moment. Like every other kid, she enjoys kicking up and messing the already messy streets with kicking up all the fallen leaves that are on the ground! She actually finds the cool weather nice, although her nose is kinda running like a marathon at the moment, but somehow, she was a kid that always loved the cold more than the hotness! ;) But this cold weather makes her even more a trying kid to get to bathe! Due to the coldness she always tries escaping bathing in the evening, even though I tried bathing her earlier than normally.

The sun now sets as early as 330pm nowadays. By 6pm in the evening, the scenario or the outside looks like as if it is in the middle of the night! And in the morning, when we go out to go to school, it looks like as if its at hmmmmm............. 7pm in Malaysia! ROFL.... the daylight days are definitely getting shorter and shorter as winter approaches at our door steps!

The only thing I really enjoyed most is that the woods is indeed a beautiful sight not to be missed. With all the trees getting bare and some ever green trees still standing tall in their greenery, the woods is a very beautiful sight to see! Especially the river bank. In the morning, bout 930am, the Duckie families will be having their regular swimming time in the river, excluding the baby ducklings of course! ;) But then, the river will be filled with their quackings and their splashing, I just enjoy watching them quietly from atop the bridge or just hidden at the river bank, taking their photos or even video recording them! This is something you can´t just find in natural back in KL!


I can´t believe that the year is ending, let alone can´t believe that we are already 11 months here in Germany. So much has changed, so much as improved and especially for my baby girl. Growing up and growing more into a "kid monster" (It´s that stage of a kid...... copying everything their peers does, pushing their luck with you and worse... the manners... OMG diminishing tremendously!!!!). Nevertheless, I still love her. And most importantly, I am proud of her! So is Sven, although sometimes he grows bananas faster than I am as he and Amelia still tries blending in together with each other. It´s a great process to watch... Amazing at times, and the both of them can really drive me up the walls at times, especially when I become sandwiched in the middle *Faints*

But I am still proud. Super duper proud! I am proud and I am extremely happy (in a big way).


Amelia and I have gotten the 2nd chance in life, and in having a complete family. I have found a man who truly loves me for who I am, irregardless of how ironic, demanding, nagging and silly I can be at times; a man who truly loves my daughter as his own kid - protecting her, caring for her, guiding her, disciplining her and most importantly LOVING her UNCONDITIONALLY; and...... a man who is willingly unconditionally without asking, sacrificing time from work / friends or even gaming to just spend time out with his family - especially on weekends!


I guess it´s a western thing? People here are more family oriented compared to the Asians I grew up with in Malaysia (and I thought Asians are more family oriented... proved me wrong!) The men here, even the ones I see on the streets, actually take the time and initiative to spend more time with their families - wives and kids - on weekends. Weekends, you´d see endless families in the woods just lazing around having picnics with their familes - playing ball with the kids, grilling etc (during summer especially) or just walking around in fun fairs and such! Here, family is always first. Even in the career world.


Sometimes...... I think mankind should just sit down with each other, and talk....... we have the wrong perception of the western people... and believe me... the western people definitely have the damn wrong perception of Asian people! Heard enough from many people to know!


But then again.... oh well..... that´s life!
Time to welcome Winter soon and just be thankful with my miniature family :) 

A Thousand Years

Lyrics | Christina Perri lyrics - A Thousand Years lyrics

Heartbeats fast 

Colors and promises 

How to be brave 

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall 

But watching you stand alone 

All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow 

One step closer 

I have died everyday waiting for you 

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you 

For a thousand years 

I love you for a thousand more 

Time stands still 

Beauty in all she is 

I will be brave 

I will not let anything take away 

What's standing in front of me 

Every breath 

Every hour has come to this 

One step closer 

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/christina+perri/a+thousand+years_20986324.html ] 

I have died everyday waiting for you 

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you 

For a thousand years 

I love you for a thousand more 

And all along I believed I would find you 

Time has brought your heart to me 

I have loved you for a thousand years 

I love you for a thousand more 

One step closer 

One step closer 

I have died everyday waiting for you 

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you 

For a thousand years 

I love you for a thousand more 

And all along I believed I would find you 

Time has brought your heart to me 

I have loved you for a thousand years 

I love you for a thousand more

The song sounds beautiful and the lyrics mean even more..... They indeed chose a very good song this time to accompany the movie... ^^

Scary weather

It's break time. Everyone left together for food and I'm staying behind. Looking outside the classroom window, I get to see many trees and "miniature" forests... But what scares the most is the dark clouds threatening the skies and the cold wind blowing through. Guess what hubby say bout the Autumn storms are true. They are finally approaching! *sighs*

It's finally coming to an end, the week. I've not had problems attending classes in a long time and now this feeling arises again makes me somewhat uncomfortable. The class has grown bigger, from the mere 8 - 10 people, after the autumn holidays suddenly the class boomed to a 20 people class with majority speaking Turkish again.

The amusing part is barely anyone speaks english except me, Sara and Samson. Samson is quite a loner, newly joined after our Autumn holidays. Shane has gone missing in action for months now since the Summer holidays. Sara, well she sits with the other Turkish and another lady from Macadonia.

German grammar sucks big time. If you ever curse bout English grammar, then pray for your good fortune that you're not encountering the German grammar like I am at the moment.

Seriously, sometimes I can't help but wonder... Why is it that so many people choose to migrate here. Don't get me wrong, life here is definitely better than in Malaysia. But if it weren't because I met and fell in love for someone from here, I won't voluntarily move here.

I envy people here at times. They are much more family oriented than back home. The men actually take the time to be part with their family on weekends. Unlike our workaholic men back home, men here dedicate their weekends to their family.

Oh well... Who am I to say or complain?

We still have our differences. But I'll make the best of things. Though one thing I really wish..... To be rid of this dependence"ness" and be independent once again.....

I wonder how long will this take....

Wishing the weather will be much more better than it is at the moment


**Posted from my iPhone®, sorry if there's any spelling / grammartical errors **

Location:Brunnenstraße,Berlin,Germany

The Book Of Love

Lyrics | Peter Gabriel - Book Of Love lyrics