The Way out of Brexit Stalemate is a New Referendum on Fiscal Union

It has been my long-held view that Britain's unresolved and insufferable Brexit dilemma has been complicated by a complex maze of cultural, economic and social concerns that have essentially reflected not only a divide between euro skeptics and europhiles, but more importantly, a generational divide between the younger generations vs the baby boomers, between conservatives vs liberals, between nationalists vs globalists, between Northerners vs Southerners . 

There are essentially three things which the British parliament and government has to do to get out of this stalemate:

(1) Hold a second referendum that provides citizens with full and objective information as well as opinionated analyses (pros and cons) of the short-term and long-term costs and benefits of Brexit vs Remain. A questionnaire may be required to self-check the citizen's priorities and choices. 

(2) Include in the referendum a thorough scenario of the final political and economic implications of the Eurozone adopting a fiscal union policy whereby all fiscal decisions on spending and taxation will be centralised in Brussels. This policy is the only one that will save the Eurozone from its economic malaise given that it is a monetary union without a unified fiscal policy. In other words, there will be no longer any need for sovereign Parliaments for the members. If Britain is an EU member but still remain out of the Eurozone, does this mean it will be eventually powerless in dealing with a much stronger Federation of Europe? 

(3) After this referendum, hold a General Election for citizens to vote which is the best party or coalition of parties to lead the UK apart from the Brexit decision.

In contrast to the first referendum, this full-scale 2nd referendum will no longer be a simple binary Yes or No vote but will include a full survey questionnaire that helps citizens understand fully the political, economic and social implications before they put their decision on the polling form. These measures will hopefully result in a clearer referendum outcome that will be more decisive than the 48% Remain: 52% Leave result of the first referendum. 

Nonetheless, one of the biggest hurdles to the Brexit negotiations has been the Irish backstop and the Good Friday agreement which invalidates any border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. I think this hurdle can be resolved once all the benefits and costs (short term and long-term) of leaving or joining the EU are fully weighed in and evaluated. 

   

The Creative Voice & A Nation That Lost Its Plot

Every nation and society will go through deep seated transitions like a seasonal cycle shifting from a pleasant summer into a harsh, prolonged winter. 

This is what has happened to my country: after coming out of 6 decades of a dark winter into spring, the prospect of an early winter looms even before summer can rear its head.

It seems that everyone of us, are silently and alarmingly watching the daily turn of events and news that are often a mockery of our deepest hopes. Will it be a matter of time before we start admitting defeat and share our indignation with the world at large?

(Incidentally, other countries are currently going through even more severe turmoil: The British wringing their hearts out over the divisiveness caused by Brexit in the last three years; and more recently, the Hong Kong street protesters expressing their utter disdain and rejection of their government, a proxy for mainland communist rulers, etc)   

Clearly, the cycle of optimism and pessimism is at the core of every growing nation. The key question is whether we are in permanent decline or going through birth pangs, a period of darkness which will bring us to a brighter era?

At first, a political awakening is full of promise (invigorating the nation with optimism and hope for true change at every level) and then gradually it peters out over the months and years. Like a majestic castle that is going to be built in a desert, the foundations are already complete.

But the planners start bickering about the final design. And there are now even doubts if the building will ever be finished. Skeptics and naysayers have emerged saying, "See, what I told you? our doubts are confirmed: that country is a good-for-nothing and will never rise up from its entangled destiny."

It was not too long ago that a new dawn greeted a nation on the morning of 9th May 2018.

Like the metaphor of the boy looking out the window, his perspective was at first gloomy as he looked below at the slums in his neighborhood. But then, one day an inner voice said to him, look up and gaze at the stars and the galaxy.

Once he changed his viewpoint, his mood completely changed and he decided to look upward every time he stood at his window. Soon enough, he saw a brave, new world and the destiny and vision for his country began to be formed.

But, alas, all that grows from the ground will turn into dust. Even more so, for every political and social construction of man, for every wind of political change.

Is it the system or the people at the forefront of the system? Who and what is it that keeps a country mired in its fate like a strong three-fold cord?

    

Positive Feedback Loop & Market Trends

There is a psychological concept of a positive  feedback loop. For example in the situation of anxiety: something triggers us to be anxious about something, perhaps our child is missing in a crowded area.

We start to have a higher heart beat but because we become acutely aware of our anxious condition, we become even more anxious.

Similarly, for the stock market, when we see our stock prices dropping sharply in one day we feel anxious..something about the company is not right with investors. But if the next day, stock prices continue to fall further, our fears are confirmed and the anxiety turns into a panic: soon we ask if we should sell now before it gets worse: should we buy later when the market stabilises?

When we finally succumb to this fear and sell our investments along with the crowd, the market crashes as the panic spreads to all other investors.

A positive feedback loop can also occur with a rush to buy. When we see stock prices rising amid general optimism, there is a tendency to buy more as we are ready to make more money. So if the overall market rises, the perception of optimism is reinforced and we buy more. As a result, this causes a widespread bull market.

The takeaway here is that human emotions can be self-reinforcing: the positive feedback loop.

Currently, the two themes driving market sentiment are: on the one hand, the trade war and on the other hand, speculation that the Fed will cut rates by 50 bps this year.

Among professional investors, positive feedback loops can be very profitable. A hot theme could be driving the bull market eg Internet stocks, China stocks, emerging market stocks or cryptocurrencies.

Momentum investing is when we buy more stocks because 8 out of ten investors are buying and expecting more upside. It may have some fundamental basis, profits may be robust but valuations are no longer cheap.

In fact, even when valuations are expensive, investors are nonetheless, unwilling to sell simply because others are still buying, the bull is still strong or as they say, the market still has legs to run.

(our anxiety systems are very practical: they assume that any markets that falls is dangerous. The proof of that is, of course, the fact that the market falls).

A National Spirit of Contrition

A National Spirit of Contrition

Remorseful, repentant, penitent, regretful, full of regret, sorry, apologetic, self-reproachful, rueful, sheepish, hangdog;

ashamed, chastened,shamefaced, conscience-stricken, guilt-ridden, in sackcloth and ashes;

From The Hills of Hokkaido

From the wind swept foothills of Hokkaido,
A land of quiet charm and natural beauty,
I realise this is the northen-most country I have ever been.

A Sign For Nations, Large & Small

A terrorist who is a cold blooded murderer of civilians is, by nature, not only mentally disturbed, unbalanced and ideologically deceived, he is actually possesed by malevolent forces.

Now, it is a well known fact that the devil roams from country to country looking for the best and greatest number of victims to devour.

Tarrant himself wrote in his manifesto he chose peaceful New Zealand because that is the least likely country a terrorist of his type will vent his rage against the immigrants. Well, the devil will not bother with countries that are already struggling with race and religious extremism and political exploitation.

Those societies are already partly in his grasp. The countries the enemy seeks to "kill, steal and destroy" are precisely those that have the least divisions, the least tensions in terms of migrants, race and religion.

Tragic as it is for the New Zealand Muslim communities, from the enemy's perspective, it matters little whether it is a white race majority or a muslim minority migrant issue (a narrative which the NZ terrorist seeks to magnify and dramatise in his twisted mind). The devil will choose the maximum damage with the most powerful tool at his disposal.

This serves as a warning from God to communities and politicians to desist, not by law but by being reasonable role models, all words and policies that encourage racial, religious and ethnic discrimination and tensions.

Keeping in mind the terrorist is highly likely working with/for deep state agents, governments ought to do the exact opposite of his intended consequences by engaging with communities of all races, the intellectual and the layman, on issues of religious discordance, intolerance and freedom of thought.

In my view, this unprecedented tragedy on 15 March 2019 is a clear wake-up sign to every sensible citizen and a slap in the face of racists and religious hypocrites, especially among the political class.

A Terror Attack In A Land of Peace

The horrific murder of 49 worshipers in the New Zealand mosques on 15 March is unprecedented for three key reasons:

1. It happened unprovoked in one of the most peaceful and safest country in the Asia Pacific.

2. The attacker recorded it live on FB while the heinous act took place.

3. He wrote a 74 page manifesto called the Great Replacement, which apparently (I stil cant access it on the net) to justify the killing with the aim of inspiring people and dividing people into white vs non-white, right wing vs left wing, non-Muslim vs Muslims, native-born vs migrants.

There is enough evidence to indicate that this is a well-planned attack with a recruitment manual to provoke and, God forbid, start a civil war especially in Western Europe and the U.S.

My prayers to the families and friends of the victims whose lives were taken at the most vulnerable moments of their daily lives, getting ready to worship their Creator.

If there is a sign of the events of 2019, this one may be a watershed that tears at the fabric of an already fragile civilised world.

We need to be mindful that politicians, media and analysts do not fall into the stereotypical labeling of the terrorist. He, or the hidden hands behind him, has planned it with devilish detail. But ultimately, he will be judged by God many times over for this crime.

Do You Know Me in Your Head or in Your Heart? – Holy Spirit Wind

My son, I want to give you and my people a deeper understanding of the differences between knowing in the mind, soul or brain verses knowing in your heart, spirit or belly which is where My Spirit dwells if I am allowed inside of a man.

The picture below represents human effort to break out of the darkness and see the light.

The problem with this effort is that it is only in the external realm. This realm is still filled with darkness but it gives the appearance of light but it is false light. The fire that burns in this external realm is strange fire. In this realm people know all about Me with their brain but it does them no good. This realm is ruled by Satan, the fallen angels, demons and men who have not been reborn by My Spirit and they all know that I exist. Those who think I don’t exist would know I do if they sought Me with all of their heart. There many ways to go in this worldly realm but they all lead to unfulfillment and ultimately hell. A few examples of these ways are religion, lust for power, love of money and or possessions, envy and jealousy, sexual lust, worldly knowledge and wisdom, unforgiveness, hatred, malice, strife, witchcraft and rebellion. Some of you are surprised that religion would be grouped in with the other works of the flesh. Man’s efforts are sin even if they are “morally good” such as being a “nice, respectable, upstanding citizen”. All of man's righteousness are as filthy rags to Me. Man’s attempt to come to Me in his own way is like the tower of Babel to Me and I will destroy it!

I require perfection, I made the way and I am the way! The picture below is how I must be received by you.

Do not be offended at this picture, beloved, but receive the truth. The egg here represents your heart or spirit which is dead until My seed comes into you. When this occurs there is an explosion of light and you are made alive! You are the door-keeper of your heart and you have the choice whether to let Me in or not. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev 3:20) THIS IS THE RELATIONSHIP THAT I WANT AND THAT YOU NEED!

The enemy is also trying to force himself into your heart and you must remain submitted unto Me and resist him and he will flee. As you overcome I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.(Rev 3:21) For I have raised you up together, and made you to sit together with Me in the heavenly places. (Eph 2:6) You shall rule and reign with Me in My kingdom without end if you overcome by the power of My Spirit inside you. Once inside of your spirit, My Spirit will begin to transform you into My likeness. I make you a new creation; old things will pass away; behold, all things will become new. Your heart or spirit becomes My temple and I dwell there when My seed is allowed to be planted. You become a temple not made by human hands.

Spiritual growth will begin to take place within you like a garden, if you keep the garden of your heart with diligence. Keep tilling the soil of your heart with repentance so that the roots of My seed which is My Word can grow deep. Remove the stones and break up the fallow, hardness constantly, because the enemy is always trying to throw rocks and trample your soil with trials and temptations burning like the hot midday sun of summer. The enemy will also try to plant thorns and weeds in your garden so be on guard! These are the cares of the world that try to choke out My seed. You must be constantly be uprooting anything that he plants such as pride or bitterness or fear because they will kill My seed. The heart with good soil, that is tended, will yield 30, 60 and even 100 times the crop that was planted and the Sower will be greatly pleased! I will say well done My good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your salvation!

I tell you the hard truth now My greatly loved ones, the times that are coming will produce many spiritual abortions of My seed within the hearts of My people because they believe the lies of the false church, false apostles, false prophets, false teachers and false preachers. Many of the seeds that I have planted in the hearts are put to death by the doctrines of demons and men as they strangle and tear apart those in the spiritual womb. They do this by teaching them the false gospel of externalism, dead works, hyper-grace, “Once Saved Always Saved” and saying the “sinners prayer” just to name a few. They also My cause My newborn babies not to grow by not feeding them even milk! No repentance, no commitment, no heart felt prayers and no relationship with Me at all. What they give out is Kool-aid, cookies and candy which tastes good in their mouths but bitter in their bellies. This makes them fat and lazy with no spiritual strength at all. When the time comes that they must stand and fight they wont be able to because they have not even learned to walk without holding onto something. There will be nothing to lean upon in the coming days! I am the only source of strength that anyone will have! In the coming days there will be a famine of not only physical food but for My Word because they have not hidden it away in their hearts.

Those of you who have spiritual eyes to see and ears to read and hear what the Spirit says! Drink the milk and eat the meat of My word! Fill your lamp with oil and fill it to overflowing that your heart is blazing with My glory and I will anoint your head as well! My supply never is used up, there is always more! Pray that I transform your old wine skins into new ones that you may be able to hold the new wine of My Spirit that is flowing even now! Behold, the former and latter rain of My Spirit comes in one month a flood of My Spirit upon all flesh! Drink of My living water until you can hold no more!

I AM COMING!

Jesus Christ

Yashua ha Mashiach

Turbulence of 2018: Prelude To A Perfect Storm & The Trump Enigma

The speed with which 2018 has transpired is breath-taking. So many trials and confusion have marked this year along with the brief victories and tranquil moments.

It is as if Time has been compressed and the events that normally takes two years to arise are squeezed into one year.

What can one say about 2018: the self-crowning of the Eastern Emperor, the trade war between the two largest economies in the world and the descent into political and social anarchy in the streets of Paris and the corridors of the British Parliament.

Meanwhile, against this backdrop is the media attention on the controversial figure of President Donald Trump whose tweets and grand gestures have provoked mockery, consternation and jitters in world markets.

Led by the emerging markets, world stock markets have all retreated after the brief bull run of 2017.

What next in 2019? Are we heading into a perfect storm of economic, political and social denouement? Or will there be an anchor of stability from an act of goodwill and wisdom on the part of leaders?

Many are blaming the unpredictable American President for the world's turbulence. There are three possible scenarios regarding the Trump factor:

(1) The Opportunist: He is merely an opportunist taking advantage of the social and economic discontent with globalisation and the concentration of wealth to the top 1%, of whom he is a member.

(2) The Maverick Game Changer: Trump is the real deal who has come to drain the swamp of Washington's and the globalists corrupt order. He will bring back economic prosperity to middle-class Americans and create jobs for the bottom 40%. In international affairs, he will rationalise America's role by taking a less prominent part in financing military engagements in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Nato, etc.

(3) The Fall Guy: This is the most dangerous scenario as Trump has been set up to be the fall guy who will trigger the economic collapse of the U.S. in a contrived Hegelian conflict with the Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell who will be adamantly committed to raising interest rates, thereby unraveling a debt crisis in the U.S. and global financial markets.

In the domestic political sphere, Trump will create more political and cultural divisions between the the so-called Christian Right vs the Liberal Left, the nationalists vs the immigration friendly globalists, between the whites and the coloreds, etc.

These divisions will play on the tribalistic instincts of humanity and will rarely be analysed nor debated with any intellectual depth.

Based on these 3 scenarios and after two years of the controversial US Presidency, it is indeed time for us, world citizens, to take a deep breath and consider which scenario is likely to turn out to be the most likely. 

I have few doubts that the roller coaster ride that we went through in 2018 is likely to be even more fast-paced, sudden and dramatic in 2019.

There is an uneasy feeling that the Trump factor is the Fall Guy scenario as the intellectual discourse about this man are so polarised and superficial that we may totally miss the mark on his true agenda. 

Lastly, one FB post discussing whether Trump is the real deal or not, goes straight to his personal beliefs or value system:

"The test of the truthfulness of a man (or any woman) is the genuine foundation of his personal values. Not in the outward expressions of his words, actions or policies in the case of an elected leader.

One example: President Trump is clearly not a Christian as he does not believe in the original sin of man and the redemptive power of repentance when a person becomes a Christian.

In other words, he is riding on waves of different interest groups (Christian vs liberals) to justify his policies.Why not explain the secular basis for immigration control, for the protracted trade war with China, for the peace deals with North Korea's anti-Christian regime?

Conclusion: his lack of universal appeal and folksy American patriotism makes him out to be a semi-real deal. Few people can suss out let alone predict a man whose common trait is his consistent unpredictability."

White Board Nation

Malaysians, in all walks of life, have a

chance to rewrite their dreams, hopes and ideas in the formation of their destinies and their children's future.

This rare window of opportunity, afforded by the democratic change in the government on 9th May 2018, will give us a chance to not repeat our past mistakes but to resolve old problems with a new focus, a new perspective.

In this sense, we are now, within the first year of the new government, a white board nation on which we can draw the plan for a new destiny, a new future that will be socially, economically and spiritually fulfilling for all Malaysians (across all races, all income groups).

Imagine a huge white board viewable on our hand phone devices. It is just a tool of friendly discussion, of mature debate and brainstorming. It is an open board for all citizens to see, exchange and share ideas.

Nonetheless, there are 4 guiding principles in drafting our deepest wishes for Malaysia Baru.

1. We must keep the fire burning in our bellies.

Never cease to be excited about the new future and do not allow the cynical old voice to come back and cloud our optimism. (We may feel the honeymoon is over after 3 months but it is essential to continue being inspired and excited. Fear and inferiority complex may resurface so we have to keep these emotions at bay in our daily lives).

As an example, when we encounter alarming posts such as this: "We now has a race who believe they are the owner of the country where other races (including the indigenous) needs to kowtow to, while other races who are minority felt being suppressed and bullied in the land they called home."

KEEP your emotions in check. Whether or not the above comment applies to political instigators themselves or their party members, we should tactfully refute it and look at the bright side of mankind. Reinforcing stereotypes or certain traits can only worsen race relations.

2. We must have the final end in view.

As Shakespeare wrote: "All's well that ends well." The end is to be a nation that is harmonious and united despite the differences in race and faiths. (Labels may be symbolic but we know how to treasure and respect each other quietly).

Most important, we must learn to engage with people of different parties, different races to share with them our fears, hopes and dreams.

The enemy within is not a person or group of persons. (They will pay the price according to the law). Rather the enemy within is greed for wealth and power. Clearly, we need to be a wealthy nation but through hard work, not through wealth transfers or unaccounted for donations.

3. Find Sovereign Solutions.

We must find our own solutions and put our nation's sovereign well-being first before any other interest.

Given the corruption and geopolitical dynamics of the present international order, we have even more reason to not be swayed or coerced into complying or conforming with any global agreement.

4. Integrity and a clean goverment must be upheld.

Our nation has just avoided the fate of a typical banana kleptocractic state by voting out a  party that was plagued with historic corruption scandals.

So ethics and transparency are paramount. (Of course, this doesnt mean running an austerity budget or paying peanuts to civil servants. Talent must be attracted to contribute to making this nation dynamic and highly productive).

In a world of deceit and intrigue, we need to be as cunning and street smart, if not more than the perpetrators of the international and national fraud, the 1MDB heist.

Implicit in the white board analogy, we have wiped out all the baggage and tragedies of the past (especially the past decade) and we start afresh with a clean board to draft our new future.

The New Malaysia Narrative Needs A Smart Twister

Dear Saudara Lim Guan Eng,

As a Malaysia citizen and veteran economist of regional economies, may I suggest that:

1. The Malaysian government's 2019 Budget resolve smartly the critical problem of liabilities of rm36 bil (GST refunds and corporate tax).

This huge unfunded liability, after negotiating tactfully with the creditors, should be amortised or repaid on a staggered basis so that the Federal budget is not burdened.

Thus, there is no need to raise more taxes in 2019 which invariably has a multiplier contractionary effect on the economy in various degrees.

2. Overall, the PH government must communicate clearly to the rakyat that the extraordinary inefficiency, fraud and corruption of the previous government must be dealt with in a similarly extraordinary policy that does not make the current tax payers and citizens pay the cost of BN's mistakes at one go.

3. 2019 is a very crucial year for global financial markets given the unresolved trade war and a rising US dollar. We cant afford to take an accountant's approach to solving the fiscal mess.

4. At the same time, there must be counter cyclical expansionary policies that enhance consumer and business confidence.

5. We have to review the tax system and come up with a new way of taxing property development profits so that the oversupply of office space can be reduced and discouraged. Much of the nation's resources are wasted on property development and overpriced infrastructure projects.

6. The public transport system can be improved further with the succesful MRT serving as a good model for other lines. Education resources must be invested (without being politicised) to make schools more competitive for the global market. Malaysia will be competing not only with Vietnam in manufacturing but also India in services.

7. Finally, just as the Finance Ministry has disclosed its revised government debt/GDP of 80% for 2017, it ought to show the actual budget deficit adjusted on the assumption that the GST and corporate taxes were duly refunded in prior years. Is it 3.5% or 4% versus official budget of 3%?

That way we can assess the "true and fair" condition of our fiscal finances.

8. One final thought, the rationale of the GST was to reduce corporate and personal income tax rates. Since GST is zero rated, how will tax rates be brought down to encourage investment in capital and enhance household disposable income levels?

Allow me to end with a quote from Financial Times journalist John Authers:

"The right to free speech does not give us the right to shout 'fire' in a crowded cinema; there was the risk of a fire, and we might have lit the spark by shouting about it."

The Emerging Market crisis we are facing today, burdened by higher debt levels than the 1997/98 crisis is like a crowded theatre of people (investors) waiting for a good show (vibrant economy).

You have shown the bad news of the past government's deeds. Now you must end the narrative with a creative twister. Dont let the people lose the plot much less alarm them unwisely.

Thank you for your faithful service to the rakyat and being a major part in the rebuilding of a corruption-free New Malaysia. 

May God bless our two leaders Prime Minister Tun Mahathir and the PM-in-waiting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Jeremiah Liang

One Man & One Nation Gifted With A New Name

There are certain moments in our lives

when we pose the key existential questions that confront mankind throughout the ages:

(1) Who are you?

(2) What is your purpose in life? 

The same existential questions beset nations (e.g. Malaysia after the 14th General Elections) that have undergone immense political and social changes: 

(1) What are you and how are you different from the old order that has gone? 

(2) What role do you as a nation have in the life of nations worldwide?

A typical millennial answer would be: "I am a man (or woman) and master of my destiny. Thus, the purpose of my life is to make the best of it for myself and loved ones."

In terms of nations, this response can be attributed to the ascendant nation of China that is well on its way to becoming the largest and most powerful economy in the world in the next ten years. 

But when a man/nation goes about pursuing his personal goals, a problem arises known in economics as the Fallacy of Composition: what is true for one person is not true for everyone.

In other words, every man for himself and God against all.

The other problem, which is especially acute among the younger generation and emerging nations, is that people have trouble finding themselves (stage one), they get lost along the way (stage two) and finally (stage three) they, either regain their senses or flounder into permanent decay.

(See figure below: Historical Path of Nations that shows my take on China's and Malaysia's learning curve). 

Who and what are we as individuals and as nations? Identities of culture, nationality and personal history form the exterior of a man and a nation.

Deeper inside, man is made of spirit, mind/emotion and body. For each element to function in a healthy balance, each element requires regular nourishment.

Likewise, a nation that nurtures only its material needs and succeeds in becoming economically prosperous usually encounters problems of inequality, economic imbalances and intellectual malaise rooted in spiritual undernourishment.

In this regard, China is a great case study of how a nation recovers from a traumatic history and positions itself into a global economic powerhouse.

But despite its successful model of development, it remains a communist and centrally planned one party state which has in recent years retreated in political reforms.

The sacrosanct right of a man and woman to believe and freely practice their faiths can not and should not ever be infringed.

The more powerful and ideological a state becomes, the more malignant is its infringement of the right to free belief. Unless, through a national crisis, the state is so shaken that it gives up its need to control the political and religious lives of its citizens.

By far, the most essential is the spiritual needs of man and of a nation. When man/nation neglects spiritual guidance or violates his inner conscience (the voice of the spirit), he invariably undergoes a crystallization in mind and body into a key obsession (greed, power, fame, lust, etc).

Ultimately, a greedy person becomes greed itself and loses any vestige of being made in the image of God. And a nation obsessed with national dignity and supremacy will inevitably learn the lesson of the tyrant Nimrod who built the tower of Babel.

Even the less ambitious among us fulfill what is in our very hearts. Our thoughts, emotions and actions are the fruits of the seeds planted deep within our inner selves.

In the case of Malaysia, the nation was led by a network of corrupt people who pushed the envelope of self-serving materialism, power and greed. That is until the voters kicked them out in quiet disgust.

This change occurred despite the uneven prosperity the country had experienced as a result of buoyant  commodity exports and the trickle-down economics of infrastructure spending.

But the Rubicon has indeed been crossed and whatever trade-offs between social and economic priorities, Malaysians made their voices heard at the ballot box: "Enough is enough. We cant take this corruption and kleptocracy anymore."

Yet even as the right decision to change the ruling government was made with the favour of divine providence, we are now confronted with the same question posed by new nations. 

What is Malaysia Baru? Is it a newly borned nation entering an unknown era guided by principles of clean and accountable governance?

What is this country of 32 million people made of various ethnicities and situated in the strategic corridor of trade between the east and the west (the Malacca Straits)? 

Where do we stand as a small, sovereign nation amidst the great powers of China in the north and America in the West?

The answers will come slowly but surely as we continue to be amazed and give thanks to the Almighty for this blessed nation.

It is no coincidence, that Malaysia's political breakththrough raised up one man - a former Prime Minister who, despite having somewhat of a Machiavellian persona - is wise enough to strongly assert our independence from the influences of China and America.

In the coming years, if Malaysia moves further up the learning curve of spiritual and political reform, it shall fulfil its destiny as a sovereign, democratic nation that has achieved a fine balance between inner strength and outer vulnerability.

Therein lies the mystery of Malaysia Baru: it is a mystery because the nation took six decades to finally become a mature democracy without a single shot fired or blood being shed.

But the timing could not be more perfect than to be standing up now among two empires that are battle-ready for geopolitical supremacy and, most likely, a region wide confrontation.

The Intangible Tsunami of Optimism

The smartest market economists (not including the ambiguous Moody's analysts) have once again failed to see the elephant in the room that is now called Malaysia Baru (their other failures  being wrong calls on Brexit and Trump's election).

With their typical analytical tools, they are only able to point out the fiscal and political challenges the Malaysian economy is currently facing following the "shock" victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition party.

But what many economists fail to see is the deep change that is working its way into the psyche of a healing nation.

A nation that, for 6 decades, has suffered under the weight of the former regime's misguided policies, which in the last ten years, went from bad to worse in the hands of kleptocrats (or glorified thieves in plain words).

There are 5 intangible factors that are driving the revival in the confidence, optimism and animal spirits of Malaysians.

1. Relief from a climate of fear and freedom of expression

2. Faith in institutions

3. Restored dignity in the world at large

4. Meritocracy

5. Mandate of integrity given to the new government

Over time, whether in a period of one year or three years, these factors will inevitably impact positively on the productivity and morale of the human capital of Malaysia.

Academic research has proven that faith and trust in strong democratic institutions has enhanced the economic well-being and vitality of nations. 

The only problem is that these factors are not measurable by any economic variable. 

And because of this conundrum, economists can only deal with the short-term effects of tough fiscal reforms that are required to wean the economy from sleazy and easy money poured into bloated construction projects.

Former Khazanah chief economist Prasenjit Basu recently  shared his view on Malaysia:

"I’m maximum bullish on Malaysia. I predicted a year ago in my published research (on May 12th 2017) that Mahathir-Anwar would win the election, and reiterated that on 30th April 2018 with a forecast that PH would win 120 seats (I was 2 short!).

A new multiracial compact will remake Malaysia, attracting lots of reverse-flight capital and overseas Malaysian talent back to the country. Penang will regain its position as the IT hub of SE Asia."

Down To The River To Pray

This song is amazingly powerful whatever its origins...its a hym and an enjoinder to all the family of mankind to be saved and be baptised in the grace of the Lord Jesus. I always feel a pang in my heart when i hear those gentle words: "O mothers lets go down, why dont you go down?" My mother isnt saved but i know she will one day soon.

No Country For Old Warriors

To be a leader of a country is a monumental task not least because of the high pressure seat of power it entails.

If the leader takes a wrong turn or makes a bad decision, it will either cost him his job (as in the advanced nations) or the country ends up bearing the cost.

So we have to pray for our leaders, especially for them to receive wise counsel. Whatever views we have of them, we need to pray they will steer the ship well. If the captain steers the ship into troubled waters or gets lost, dont you think the passengers will also be lost?

Once there was a young man who was crowned king. He was asked  to make a sincere personal wish for his kingdom. He thought a while and wished for wisdom. Sure enough, his prayer was divinely granted and he became known as the wisest man who ever lived. His kingdom flourished and he wrote a book of wisdom to pass on to future generations.

In contrast, there was another king who was also blessed with great wealth and power. His wealth was so great that, one fine day, he boasted to his people he was the source of the country's riches. After that, things started to go downhill for him and he ended up losing his kingdom.

He went into hiding in the forests like a wild man and stayed there for seven years until he finally learnt his lesson.

Lesson for the Head of State:
Take stock of what you have done for your country and ask God how your scales are weighed in His sight. Have you stood up to the position granted to you by your countrymen?

Or having fallen short of God's expectations, you remain stubbornly proud and unrepentant of your mistakes?

Lesson for the Opposition leader:
Take a deep breath and look at the world at large. Are you truly sincere in offering an alternative to the ruling administration? Is your motive to truly serve the country or to fulfill your personal ends either for yourself or your group of supporters?

Have you not seen how pride and self exaltation in those who hold the reins of power has brought down kings and queens?

The eyes of God are ever-seeing and His judgment will be swift if you secretly plant seeds of discord in the night. Old warriors with cunning plans will remain in the shadows until their hearts are changed.

Lesson for the citizens: 
Pray for your leaders and your nation that wisdom, good governance and justice (in every aspect of a multi ethnic society) is restored and ingrained into the roots of your land.

Most of all, turn strongly away from your sins, both known and unknown, with a repentant heart so that God in Heaven will have mercy on you and your nation. Cry out to Him and ask Him to forgive you for allowing the nation to be besieged by unscrupulous characters.

For you were raised in this country for a time such as this. And each one of you has a hand in shaping the destiny of your nation.

A Great Year of Resonated Sound: 2018

The year 2018 is a special year of rapid transformation and resonation. So be prepared to run with it or be overtaken by a whirlwind year.

It is going to be a roller coaster of surprises in either way: a rapid acceleration in insights and wisdom or a sudden malfunction in our moral compass, leading to a crash, both spiritually and emotionally.

And for many, this will be the worst time to be ignorant of what is happening in the world today. Whether we stand as passive bystanders or make a move, we will make a difference to the course of history.

How does this happen? It is through our thoughts and the power of our words and actions that we affect/resonate the world around us.

It seems like a great battle is being prepared to start soon and the two armies: the good against the evil are lined up and battle ready.

When we declare the purposes of our very existence to the air around us, it seems that the sound of our spirit will resonate either in the good army or the evil army.

There is no middle ground between good and evil. All passive lukewarm people who have no idea what or who they are will  eventually be caught up in the coming chaos.

Already in the first two months of the year, two significant events have occurred:

- a market crash following a rise in interest rates with a new US central bank chief and
- the self-annointment of a new emperor for life following the end of China's two term rule for the President post.

Do we know what these events signify? Perhaps nothing much for now. But who knows what seeds are being planted and what strange fruit will emerge in the near future.

Watch, listen and stay in humble prayer throughout the year. And from the quiet of your meditation, resonate the sound of your life into the air. Declare your allegiance in the final battle over man's soul.

To paraphrase Charles Dickens: it is both the worst of times and the best of times, depending on where you stand.

Making Malaysia Great Again

For all Malaysians, there is a window of opportunity to get the best out of the country's 14th General Election. This will be an unusual election as the old nemesis of the Opposition party DAP is now the leader and Prime Minister designate of the Opposition alliance (Pakatan Harapan) should they win.

However, the election result is, in my view, less crucial than the communal dialogue of where our country is heading and how we manage our nation today.

This dialogue among the common citizens from across the partisan and ethnic lines has never before been more interesting. Not least because the range of issues is rich with paradoxes and scandals.

But frankly, I am not interested in the Machiavellian personalities and their actual intentions.

At this juncture of our history, the simplest key aim of any good government/party is to paraphrase another revitalised country, MAKE MALAYSIA GREAT AGAIN (MMGA). The Opposition must not be too micro focused on negatives nor get into personal mud slinging matches (like the corrupt and ineffectual Hillary Clinton in the US elections).

MMGA is not necessarily in economicl terms but wholistically in terms of love of country and serving the well being of each neighbor, rich or poor, whatever ethnic or creed. We must have that short, albeit essential dialogue. We must also have the grace to repent and forgive ourselves in our habitual bitter cursing of our pet political enemies.

That is why we must pray for God's mercy on our leaders and pray they have the wisdom to turn away from their old corrupt ways and international intrigue. Malaysia may or may not see political changes as a result of GE14 (although we pray & fast that it will).

But we must raise the bar of intellectual challenges by asking our politicians why are they so unimaginative and boring with no refreshing solutions to unite this multiracial and multi faith nation? Why?

Reform should not just be about removing key personalities from power for the leader of the Opposition is himself, apparently, cut from the same cloth. The solution is who has the bravery and sincerity to promote MMGA without getting into vicious  personality battles.

A new nation can rarely be reborned in an election. But it is possible by the power of our words, our thoughts and our faith in the living God to make this country great again! Praise the Lord Yahweh constantly during and after this GE14. Miracles will happen in this very great year of 2018, either in a slow snowball manner or a shocking acceleration of events.

Is Jesus a King or Servant? A Thought To Ponder

Is Jesus a King or servant? This question may be easy for the mature Christian to answer but it is worth pondering again in these current perilious and majestic times on earth.

Jesus Christ is a servant only insofar as the Redeemer, in giving His life to us unsaved souls that we may gain eternal life through the redemptive mercy of God, served the gift of eternity to mortal mankind. In simpler words, He died that we may live. He became low to the point of being scorned, tortured and killed, that we may rise up to the throne of God.

Which Son of God would come down from Heaven to take the flesh of man and die for mankind who do not even know him? Which samaritan would give his life for a complete stranger?

Is there a religion in this world that a divine being would come down to the level of lowly creatures who are plagued by wickedness and sin in their hearts, to rescue them from their folly?

The reason He did it is, not only because God the Father asked him to do it. He gave His precious life and sacred blood as an offering to save something truly great and majestic in man, namely the genetic blueprint that we have in our spirit and soul.

So once we are saved, what is our relationship to Jesus? Is He still a servant or is a King? In Romans, Paul says we are to reign with Him as we are co-heirs with Christ in the Heavens.

Romans 5:17 says, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

First, the gift of righteousness is a gift given to us not because of what good deeds we have done but because of the blood shed by Jesus. Whenever the devil accuses us in front of God, Father God sees His Son in us, for we carry the crown of righteousness.

Second, having received this gift, we are to reign in our lives on earth. It does not mean to take physical dominion and prosper but to reign as Christ reigned his own life.

In Romans 8:17 Paul says, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

To reign as co-heirs of Christ means we have full rights, as God the Father's adopted sons, to receive His inheritance just as Jesus, Father God's only begotten Son, is the natural heir of the Father.

Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, is the natural “heir” of the Father. “ Thus, being a co-heir with Christ means that we, as God’s adopted children, will share in the inheritance of Jesus.

In Galatians 4:7, it is written: “You are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” So these powerful words speak of the redeemed as part of the family of God the Father.

But when Jesus comes to take us as His bride, we will still be co-heirs with Him. But more than that, we become betrothed to Him in marriage. As His bride, we are to show love, honour, respect to Him as our King and spiritual husband.

He is thus, no longer a servant in this realm. He will guide us, counsel us, train us and mould us for God's divine purposes. There are many glorious mysteries which God has not revealed. But we are not to speculate further and implant our own understanding of this new relationship with Jesus our bridegroom.

Being the Son of God and our bridegroom, Jesus is our kingly husband, to all redeemed man, woman and child. In no way are we to refer to Him as our servant King. He may still have the attributes of a servant leader, but that fact doesnt inform our relationship with Him.

Now, when Jesus comes back to the world, He will come back twice, once for the Rapture and the second time, in the last battle of Armageddon on the Day of Judgement when all peoples on earth, good and evil, kings and servants, rich and poor, will be judged and separated as sheep on His right and goats on His left.

So in these end times, Jesus is a King as He chooses who to rapture to be His bride and who to take to Heaven after the tribulation has refined many people and caused many, especially the Jews, to open their hearts to Him.

 

Abiding In Christ: The Tree & The Roots

To abide in Christ is to be rooted in Him, not as a leaf or a branch but as a root. A leaf can be pruned when it is overgrown. But a root is always there. A leaf can be easily torn off from the branch. Likewise a branch can be torn off from the tree. But a root is grown into the soil.

Unless we reject Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the root can not be torn out.

When we live in the world, the storms and winds will blow at the tree and we will see many changes in our circumstances. But if we hold on to our salvation in Christ, we shall not be moved. That salvation is in the faith of our Spirit man, holding on to Jesus our Saviour and Helper. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear to the extent that we lose our salvation through disobedience and living a sinful life. It is said adulterers, fornicators, homosexuals and liars will not enter into the Kingdom of God.

The root of the tree is our will interwined with our faith to hold on to Jesus, our God. But if we willingly allow the winds or some gardener to pull out the root, then we shall be responsible for the loss of our salvation.

Like a ship that is unanchored without a sail, it will sail into unknown waters and we shall meet an unwholesome end, an eternal death.

Jesus provides a way out of our storms, He provides a way out of our deepest crises, He is our Counseler and our Helper at all times. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His nature is love, mercy and grace.

We who abide in His nature and take on the vessel of Christ, we will not have anything to do with inequity, with quarrels and worldly pleasures.

Man is made for communion with God, his creator. But if he decides to commune solely with his fellow beings without reference to His Creator, he is like a soldier without a general, a ship without a compass, a plane without a radar.

Man is made body, soul and spirit. The soul is both the mind and the emotions. And that is the point where Satan attacks us: by speaking lies and half-truths into our minds so as to influence our emotions. Eventually, if we listen and believe in satan's voice and lies, we shall act in ways that dishonour and displease God. We will not be counted worthy of our salvation.

And that is where the devil boasts of his half-won victory. He shall point out to God and the whole world, saying: "Look here! Here is a man who was once saved but just look at him now: sinning and lying like no one's business, pretending to repent for a while and then going back into sin. Why should such a man be worthy to be saved and enter Heaven? Isnt he a poor example of God's mercy if he can just repent before he dies and enter Heaven?"

This is a serious accusation that seeks to besmirch and stain the reputation and grace of God. It is like the devious snake in the garden of Eden who told Eve that she will be like God if she ate the fruit from the forbidden tree.

Quiet Nights, Quiet Dreams In Bangkok

Travelling in Bangkok for three days, taking the BTS, the MRT and eating at the food courts and street stalls is an enriching experience. 

Beneath the vibrancy, the decadence, the youthful expectancy of the city folks lies a certain sadness. This sadness is of a beauty that is out of this world, like the stars in a quiet night evoked by Antonio Carlos Jobim's Corcovado.

Bangkok is a city that is so well organised in its transport system that it contrasts with the streets where all kinds of vendors and hookers dwell to sell their wares. The physique and the faces of the Thais are very different from the Chinese and the Malays. Some are big boned and quite large. Quite a few share the sharp noses and high cheekbones of Caucasian or Indians.

But beyond the physical, there is something about the people's character that is uniquely Thai. They have a very independent history linked to the royal kingdom and Buddishm. Yet they have a strong inclination for beauty, order and dreams/aspirations. They seek these things in a graceful albeit not necessarily ethical or moral way.

Yet, if there is a city that can be subject to a world government, I ask myself how would Bangkok adapt to it given its paradoxical mix of liberalness and its unique Thai customs.

The Thai language could be the only barrier that shields the Thais from the world. They seem to see things very differently from others, having no inclinations to be allied with any regional or global power. Yet Thailand has been the subject of political intrigues of its own, the palace scandals and secrets that were intertwined with the business elite and the military.

In my opinion, this is a country that needs the refreshing peace of Jesus Christ's forgiveness and mercy. The urban Thais are a graceful and aesthetic people but they have lost their ways in the deceptive worship and entanglement with the philosophies of Buddhism, hedonism and like other Asian cities, materialism.

The mystery of the former king's life and influence over the Thai people is like an extended family mythology and that mythology has passed away with the King's death in 2016.

For investors, the key question is whether Thailand's economy will become stronger and be liberated from the clutches of the military junta after the elections in late 2018.

That question depends on so many factors one of which is the awakening of the people to what is truly going on in the world, especially the ascendancy of China in the region and the political changes in America.

At the very least, Thai society is free from the menace of the race card, a tactic used by politicians in places like Malaysia and America to divide and rule.

Quiet nights and quiet stars Quiet chords from my guitar Floating on the silence that surrounds us Quiet nights and quiet dreams Quiet walks by quiet streams And the window lookin' on the mountains and the sea how lovely This is where I want to be Here with you so close to me Till the final flicker of life's ember I who was lost and lonely Believing life was a only a bitter tragic joke Have found with you the meaning of existence oh, my love

Um cantinho, um violão,
Esse amor numa canção,
Pra fazer feliz a quem se ama,
Muita calma pra pensar e ter tempo pra sonhar,
Da janela vê-se o Corcovado,
O Redentor que lindo.

Quero a vida sempre assim,
Com você perto de mim,
Até o apagar da velha chama,
E eu que era triste,
Descrente de sinismo,
Ao encontrar você eu conheci,
O que é Felicidade, Meu Amor.