#Non-malayan

[keystonepublishing]

Psychological Warfare of the Malayan Emergency by Herbert A. Friedman (Ret.)

Have you ever been taught a version of history at school that seems weirdly simplistic? And then years later, you find more evidence that shows the whole affair was a giant, complicated mess?

Guess what I learned over the past few months about the Malayan Emergency.

For context, the Malayan Emergency was a conflict that raged in the British colony of Malaya from 1948 until the 1960s between communist forces and the British government, later continued by the independent Malayan government. The government forces won, but any school teachings of the conflict was presented in a manner that simplified the complex (and often, grey) nature of the Emergency.

I knew since then that a lot of truths were hidden away, but I didn't realize that there was a psychological aspect to the Emergency until I stumbled upon this webpage by a retired military officer about it. Given the length of the information provided and that it's the only one of it's kind — and therefore at risk of information loss if deleted, I sought to bookbind it. Pictures and all.

Given the amount of information contained and the sheer number of images, this project took about a month!

I had to divide the continuous stream of information in the webpage into readable chapters.

Then, I had to layout the images with the text, which was actually harder than expected — the size of the image could shift relevant text into the following pages, so it was a process of balancing image size to textual placement.

In-between that was the regular work of typesetting, but also of formatting quotes and examples, of which there were a lot.

And then there were pages that required special attention. For example, these pages:

The pages on the right was relatively simple — a double-sided leaflet that could be showcased in a double-page spread, with contextual information in the following pages.

On the left however, to create the list of dead / living people, I had to finagle a table in Microsoft Word and constantly adjust the cell size to make the long names and positions fit. The whole endeavor was an exercise in patience.

Leafing through the pages, there are some parts I am annoyed with, such as pictures on the right page with their annotated message in the following left page. But as it is, I'm just glad this is done.

Special thanks to SGM Herbert A. Friedman (Ret.) for compiling this information that astonished me to create this bookbind.

[handweavers]

if my non-furry fursona wasn't a malayan sunbear it would 110% be an orangutan

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 6.16 (after 1910)

1911 – IBM founded as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company in Endicott, New York. 1922 – General election in the Irish Free State: The pro-Treaty Sinn Féin party wins a large majority. 1925 – Artek, the most famous Young Pioneer camp of the Soviet Union, is established. 1930 – Sovnarkom establishes decree time in the USSR. 1933 – The National Industrial Recovery Act is passed in the United States, allowing businesses to avoid antitrust prosecution if they establish voluntary wage, price, and working condition regulations on an industry-wide basis. 1940 – World War II: Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain becomes Chief of State of Vichy France (Chef de l'État Français). 1940 – A Communist government is installed in Lithuania. 1948 – Members of the Malayan Communist Party kill three British plantation managers in Sungai Siput; in response, British Malaya declares a state of emergency. 1955 – In a futile effort to topple Argentine President Juan Perón, rogue aircraft pilots of the Argentine Navy drop several bombs upon an unarmed crowd demonstrating in favor of Perón in Buenos Aires, killing 364 and injuring at least 800. At the same time on the ground, some soldiers attempt to stage a coup but are suppressed by loyal forces. 1958 – Imre Nagy, Pál Maléter and other leaders of the 1956 Hungarian Uprising are executed. 1961 – While on tour with the Kirov Ballet in Paris, Rudolf Nureyev defects from the Soviet Union. 1963 – Soviet Space Program: Vostok 6 mission: Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space. 1963 – In an attempt to resolve the Buddhist crisis in South Vietnam, a Joint Communique was signed between President Ngo Dinh Diem and Buddhist leaders. 1972 – The largest single-site hydroelectric power project in Canada is inaugurated at Churchill Falls Generating Station. 1976 – Soweto uprising: A non-violent march by 15,000 students in Soweto, South Africa, turns into days of rioting when police open fire on the crowd. 1977 – Oracle Corporation is incorporated in Redwood Shores, California, as Software Development Laboratories (SDL), by Larry Ellison, Bob Miner and Ed Oates. 1981 – US President Ronald Reagan awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Ken Taylor, Canada's former ambassador to Iran, for helping six Americans escape from Iran during the hostage crisis of 1979–81; he is the first foreign citizen bestowed the honor. 1989 – Revolutions of 1989: Imre Nagy, the former Hungarian prime minister, is reburied in Budapest following the collapse of Communism in Hungary. 1997 – Fifty people are killed in the Daïat Labguer (M'sila) massacre in Algeria. 2000 – The Secretary-General of the UN reports that Israel has complied with United Nations Security Council Resolution 425, 22 years after its issuance, and completely withdrew from Lebanon. The Resolution does not encompass the Shebaa farms, which is claimed by Israel, Syria and Lebanon. 2002 – Padre Pio is canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. 2010 – Bhutan becomes the first country to institute a total ban on tobacco. 2012 – China successfully launches its Shenzhou 9 spacecraft, carrying three astronauts, including the first female Chinese astronaut Liu Yang, to the Tiangong-1 orbital module. 2012 – The United States Air Force's robotic Boeing X-37B spaceplane returns to Earth after a classified 469-day orbital mission. 2013 – A multi-day cloudburst, centered on the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, causes devastating floods and landslides, becoming the country's worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami. 2015 – American businessman Donald Trump announces his campaign to run for President of the United States in the upcoming election. 2016 – Shanghai Disneyland Park, the first Disney Park in Mainland China, opens to the public. 2019 – Upwards of 2,000,000 people participate in the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, the largest in Hong Kong's history.

[formulaonedirection]

For the last anon: that looks like hang son doong cave, and based on the pic, I’d guess this (or something very similar) is the expedition he’s on. https://oxalisadventure.com/tour/son-doong-cave-expedition-4d3n/

My cousin did that exact expedition and got bit by a snake, so fingers crossed this guy makes it to pre-season testing in one piece

Okay detective slay that looks very pretty actually I hope he had a nice time. And I'm built different so I do hope a non-poisonous snake bites him. Also they made us go caving once at school when I was 15 and we had to climb through one of those caves in the forest that the Malayan Chinese communists went into hiding at and I said never again will I enter a cave and I haven't since that!

[singing-stars]

The oldest man-made structure in South East Asia, and why you've never heard of it

The Bujang Valley (called Lembah Bujang in Malay), is an area of 224 square kilometres, and is littered with ancient Bhuddist temples. The oldest of these ruins is estimated to be more than 2,500 years old, making it the oldest in SE Asia. It is located in Kedah, a Malaysian state.

For reference, Angkor Wat in Cambodia (the supposed largest religious complex in the world), is 1.6 square kilometres. Angkor Wat's construction took place from 1122-1150.

So why isn't it more well known?

To be clear: I am not a historian with extensive knowledge on the subject, I was just curious when I heard about it, and decided to make this post mostly for my own reference. As a Malaysian myself, I was surprised when I heard about for the first time over dinner a few days ago with my Gramma, who is Kedahan. So, I've made this (non-comprehensive) list based on research and my own opinions.

Time. As with all historical buildings, these temples (called candi- pronounced "chandi") have faced the onslaught of time. Thanks to Malaysia's humid climate, the wooden roofs have rotted through, exposing the rest of the building to weather and insects. Because of this, many written records and scriptures from the period these temples were in use have also been lost.

Development. In 2013, a 1,200 year old temple was destroyed by propertu developers. This candi was the 11th of 17 registered, and was one of the oldest in Kedah, and led to public outrage. The government of Kedah responded by stating they were not in the wrong because the land was privately owned and it had not been gazetted as a site of historical significance. Since then, the Tourism and Heritage Ministry has agreed to 'consider' gazetting it, and has been nominated by Malaysia (and backed by numerous Asian countries) into the UNESCO World Heritage List. This happened in the same year (2013), but still has not made it.

Disorganisation. The museum in Bujang Valley itself is unkempt and disorganised. Relics and artifacts from the numerous candi are also scattered across the Malayan Peninsular, from Muzium Negara (the Nation Museum) to Singaporean museums (as Singapore was once a part of Malaya). Because of this, it must be difficult for scholars to write extensive research; the resources are not readily avaliable.

Funding & Skills. The original archeological dig was lead in part by Western archeologists that have since left the country. Now, Malaysia is not a wealthy country, and to be honest, the government's focus just simply isn't on history. Despite the revenue tourism and outside eyes would bring, the time and cost it would take to restore the candis is not yet seen as "worth it". Thankfully, the government announced in 2017 that they would do more research and preserve Bunjang Valley's incredible historical significance. However, with the recent political climate (3 elections in as many years, as well as the imprisonment of a former Prime Minister) as well as storms and flooding throughout Peninsular Malaysia, it is not surprising that not much progress has been made. Currently, local graduate archeology students are the ones spending the most time at the different sites across Lembah Bujang, uncovering and organising new relics such as stone caskets, ceramics, ornaments and Hindu icons.

Location. There is evidence from "resting" ships buried under the earth, and records from elsewhere in Kedah, that the region was once a bustling port. The reason for this is simple: an abundance of iron. Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) is rich in haematite and magnetite. The ore was then smelted and traded at these ports for weapons, chariots, and armour, which explains the wealth uncovered within the temples. However, this is no longer the case. With the aforementioned "resting" ships, alongside the fact that this area is no longer as rich as it once was, it won't have escaped your notice that something happened to change the economic and geographical landscape of Lembah Bujang. This factor was falling sea levels. The ports dried up, and such trading was no longer convinient for sea-farers.

And that's all I have the time to write right now. I'm not sure how many people will see this, so if you did, I hope it was an interesting read! With that being said, this was just the culmination of a couple days research, and is not an academic paper. If you have any more knowledge on Bujang Valley and its temples, please share! I'd love to hear more insight on the topic :)

[themalayancouncil]

New Halal Restaurant Singapore

Dine With Confidence: What To Consider When Choosing A Halal Restaurant?

As more and more people are looking for halal food around the world, it has become vital for Muslims and others who follow Islamic dietary rules to find restaurants serving the food they can eat.

Choosing the best halal restaurant in Singapore goes beyond simply looking for halal certification. There are several factors to consider to ensure you can dine confidently. Here are five key factors to consider when choosing a halal restaurant.

Halal Certification:

Halal certification is one of the first things to look for when choosing a Halal restaurant Singapore. 

Halal certification is a verification process by recognized Islamic authorities to ensure that the restaurant complies with Islamic dietary requirements. 

A halal certificate assures consumers that the food served is prepared and handled by the halal guidelines. 

Look for visible signage or ask the staff about their halal certification to ensure authenticity.

Halal Ingredient Sourcing:

Beyond the certification, it is essential to consider how the restaurant sources its ingredients. 

A truly halal restaurant will ensure that all its ingredients, including meat, poultry, and other food items, come from reliable halal suppliers. 

Inquire about their sourcing practices to ensure the restaurant maintains strict standards throughout their supply chain.

Menu Transparency:

Transparency is crucial when it comes to choosing a halal restaurant. Look for restaurants that provide detailed information about their menu items. 

It includes clear labeling of halal dishes and any allergens or potential non-halal ingredients used in their preparation. 

A restaurant that is open and forthcoming about its menu details shows its commitment to serving halal food and respecting its customers' dietary preferences.

Food Preparation And Handling:

When selecting a Halal buffet restaurant Singapore, it is essential to consider how the food is prepared and handled. 

Cross-contamination with non-halal ingredients can compromise the halal status of a dish. Find out if the restaurant has dedicated halal preparation areas and separate utensils for halal food. 

Additionally, inquire about their practices for storing and handling halal ingredients to ensure the food remains pure and free from prohibited substances.

Knowledgeable Staff:

If you are visiting a new halal restaurant Singapore, choose a restaurant with well-informed staff who can answer your questions about the menu, ingredients, and preparation methods. 

They should be able to provide guidance and recommendations based on your dietary needs. A restaurant with knowledgeable and accommodating staff will enhance your confidence in its commitment to serving halal food.

Conclusion:

Selecting a halal restaurant requires careful consideration of several factors. Look for a restaurant with a valid halal certification, transparent ingredient sourcing, clear menu information, proper food preparation and handling practices, and knowledgeable staff. 

By paying attention to these factors, you can dine confidently, knowing that you are choosing a halal restaurant that respects your dietary requirements and serves food prepared by Islamic guidelines.

If you are looking for the best halal restaurants in Singapore, The Malayan Council stands out as a top choice. 

With our delectable menu, impeccable service, and commitment to providing halal-certified dishes, we have become a favorite among locals and tourists.

Checkout our website to get more information related to Halal Family Restaurant Singapore.

Find Us Google Map: ( The Malayan Council )

[dezzysmultiverse]

There were once massive glaciers until the ice ages came to a sudden close when an asteroid struck into the north pole of Ataran to create the Emba Ocean over 49 million years ago. The impact saw the fall of previous civilizations and the perfect circumstances needed to inspire agriculture did not come back until the last epoch of the Cenozoic nearly 6 million years after the Younger Dryas Impact in the north pole. When civilization returned, the enantiornithine birds who had once joined megaraptorans, baboons, and cuttlefish in their civilization building were no-more, left instead to their intellectually devolved state.

However, these civilization-building evolutionary geniuses were not the only ones who had bounced back. The Malayan Tapir for example, the sole survivor of the Tapir lineage had gone on to sprout one of the most successful evolutionary lines of the late Cenzoic. Large bodies Tapirs had gone on to replace many animals such as the horse and buffalo of the Holocene, while Caimans grew to become 25 foot giants in some cases and some became small terrestrial creatures. Their success following the Younger Dryas would save them from what was worst to come as with the return of civilization came the return of large scale war, and with it, weapons of mass destruction. Not much is known about the End-Cenozoic War to the current inhabitants of Ataran. but of what is known this much is true. The largest cities of the Cuttlefish-like creatures were almost certainly in the Emba Sea, at the time it was the most successful low lying sea in the world if possible fossilization bias is to be ignored. The historians of the future still often debate on exactly why, and the physicists on how, but a weapon of the baboon-animals is said to have relatively abruptly dried the ocean between their homelands and the homelands of the Proto-O’Zehra megaraptorans. The effects of this brought the most disastrous and powerful war known to Ataran/Earth’s history(ies).

The fossil record, somewhat ironically, is by far the most complete and well understood thing regarding the flora and fauna of this time, despite several detailed accounts remaining of parts of the civilizations of the time (or at least the millennia's following the event), even after almost 45 million years.

What is shown is tragic. A mass extinction to second only the Great Dying in the East and surpass it in the West. The few multituberculates surviving from the Eocene made it only due to their presence in a small island that fared better than most of the western sectors of Ataran. They would grow to lead a large legacy in the eons following the planet’s recovery. However, they would not be alone. Tapirs, Dolphins, Frogs, Cuttlefish, Jumping Spiders, Centipedes, Cheetahs, Caimans, Megatherian sloths, Phorusrhacids, descendants of the Okapi, and numerous types of non-enantiornithine and non-avian dinosaurs would bounce back and flourish in life's next stage.

Among them were the descendants of every animal inhabiting the great valley of Xalembasa, the bowl continent. Tapirs, like in most places in Kliaxiya, have remained as breakout stars for tens of millions of years in many different forms. Now is no different as they swagger across the salt-filled environment left behind from the now gone Emba Ocean. While the horse like Daradar is by far the most common and most successful of these large creatures, tapiroidea includes other very notable and popular members. This includes one of the mammal’s biggest accomplishments, a 14 Ton Tapir. The largest mammal of the late Efrahnozoic, a full 49.08 Million Years since the Holocene, this is Titanotapirus Saliscus. As a giant comparable to the Paracetherium before it, it is suffice to say that its mere presence commands a sense of bewilderment and even submission.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the home of the weird, woeful, gorgeous, and giant. Welcome to Xalembasa. Welcome to Kliaxiya. Welcome to Earth Ataran. 

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Yeah so I guess I'm back in the game :D I'm gonna start commissions soon to and I guess explore the world on Tumblr as the book continues to progress. Also I'm gonna post less detailed stuff on Instagram so be on the look out if you came from there!

-Kai/Dezdanni

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^ A map of the Western Sectors of Ataran, the most similar planet to Earth out of every explored dimension. A map of Earth for scale, more detail on this coming soon! : )

Also the music being used has been cited in the description of it. I am using this under the terms of fair use. All credit goes to Geoff Knorr and all the musicians who created this soundtrack because they kicked it out of the ball park with the Civilization 6 Official Sound Track.

[r0ldd]

i was 12 years old in this picture gagraduate na kami nyan so medyo malungkot ako kasi kaklase ko sila grade 3 hangang 6 so medyo ka close ko na sila lahat sabi ko pa sa sarili ko mamimiss ko yung mga kaklase ko kasi tagal din ng pinagsamahan naming mga kaklase ko kaya sinulit ko talaga time ko na kasama sila lagi ako nasama pag lunch ansaya ko non kasi mag sasayaw kami kalaban namin ibang grade levels ilang beses kami nag practice ng sayaw halos 2 weeks din yata tapos kinabahan ako kasi nilagay ako sa may unahan tapos nung magsasayaw na nahihiya talaga ako kasi nasa unahan ako pero nanalo naman kami diko din malilimutan nung time na nalaban pa kami sa ibang school sa voleyball sobra talaga ko non kasi naka abot kami kung san san dahil sa voleyball tapos halos inaabot na kami ng 6pm sa school dahil lang nagpapractice kami sa voleyball pero worth it naman yung pagod kasi 1st place kami nilibre pa kami ni coach pagkatapos ng awarding tapos diko na malayan graduation na pala mag iiba iba na kami ng school na papasukan di na din masyado magkikita

[pbdsbdayakparty]

This note is to response on Borneo Post Article :

Kudos to Quran Culturalization Committee

With election round the corner and the Gawai cowgirl uproar amongst the Dayak Netizens, the announcement of

establishment of the Quran Culturalization Committee under the Sarawak Islamic Action Plan 2022-2025 by Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication II Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi is nothing less than perfect. Kudos to the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) to take the lead in steering the Muslim ‘ummah’ towards the establishment of ‘khairulummah’ in accordance to the teachings of the Quran, the Sunna, the Hadith of the Prophet Mohammad PBUH and the Syariah.

The same accolade cannot be bestowed to the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak. Under the Syariah, the Cowgirl show is definitely Haram, no ambiguity even for a non-Muslim. It is only the Ulama and other Islamic authorities but not non-Muslim multi-cultural Tang, Teng, Ting, Tong or Tung to decide whether something is haram or halal.

For the Muslim community, the chain of command, the ‘sanad’ or ‘isnad’ is part and parcel of the Islamic faith and the ummah are obligated to live out their faith as was in the time of rightfully guided caliphs.

Francis Siah in an article entitled “We, Sarawakians, should not be petty” [Sarawak Tribune June 22, 2022] [

pleaded Argumentum ad passions that the “transgression” be brushed aside in the name of tolerance and multi-culturalism. The notion of tolerance implies the existence of boundaries because not everything can and should be tolerated [mali - haram, forbidden) versus enda mali (halal, permissible)]. “Tolerance makes difference possible; difference makes tolerance necessary.” [Walzer, M. (1997).

On toleration. Yale University Press]. We, Dayaks, have no rightfully guided caliphs, past or present, and no notion of the ‘sanad’ to affirm the truth, authenticity and reliability of our Adat. Furthermore , our Native Court unlike the Syariah Court does not have the standing and the authority of the Quran behind it. Every Dayak or Tung is his/her own “Ulema.” Not so for Islam, under pressure from Islamists, the Home Ministry ruled that 1986 that the word “Allah” is only for Muslims. The ban was ruled unconstitutional by the High Court[Malaysia high court rules that Christians may use the word ‘Allah’ in religious publications. CNA, Mar 10, 2021].

Who can and cannot use the word “Allah” may sound very petty of Malayans. But on the flipside, the contestation across the South China Sea uncovered the constitutional boundaries of tolerance; contestation that Sarawakians preferred to hide under the carpet to boast tolerance despite ill-defined and untested tolerance boundaries. The intolerance is there if you care to take off the rose-tinted-glasses.

It is said sincere dialogue ultimately empowers that which is true, and thus good—even if it leads to temporary friction; insincere dialogue ultimately empowers that which is false, and thus evil—even if it leads to temporary but artificial cooperation in the now.

In an article entitled “Why Isma’s campaign to recognise Malaysia as an Islamic State is a no-brainer” Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa, Founder and Director of the Islamic Renaissance Front [Malay Mail, Jan 7, 2019] highlighted what one may consider an Islamic Freedom of Expression: the Muktazila al-Hashimi, a cousin of Caliph al-Ma’mun, assured his religious opponent:

“Bring forward all the arguments you wish and say whatever you please and speak your mind freely. Now that you are safe and free to say whatever you please, appoint some arbitrator who will impartially judge between us and lean only towards the truth and be free from the slyness of passion and that arbitrator shall be Reason, whereby God makes us responsible for our own rewards and punishments”

The Malayans are willing to ask tough questions. The Dayaks and Dayak leaders have to lot to learn from their Muslim brethren be it organizing the Raban Dayak (equivalent of Ummah) for progress or chart the way forward rationally; rationality being the use of knowledge to attain goals such as a Dayak “khairulummah” [“Enough with the quackery, Pinker says”. The Harvard Gazette. Oct 13, 2021]. [5]

PBDS

President

28/6/2022

Endnotes:

https://www.theborneopost.com/2022/06/27/sarawak-islamic-action-plan-2022-2025-out-to-strengthen-muslim-ummah-in-sarawak/

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/we-sarawakians-should-not-be-petty/

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-high-court-allah-christians-318221

https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2019/01/07/why-ismas-campaign-to-recognise-malaysia-as-an-islamic-state-is-a-no-braine/1709738

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/10/from-steven-pinker-a-paean-to-the-rational-mind/

Lawati laman kami di...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DayakSwkParty

Tumblr: https://pbdsbdayakparty.tumblr.com

[alexiscruzmatta]

Hello everyone! Here’s a life update. It’s been a while since I last opened tumblr. If you could see my last post in November 2016, it was captioned “I’m working on it.” and I believe I was talking about this blog, myself, and what I am about. In the last 5 years I have grown mentally, emotionally and aesthetically. Haha- I have gotten to know myself over and over as I unfold more pages in my book, even though I was always so cautious about my style and aesthetics, mainly because I know I still didn’t know hot to show it, I couldn’t find the right words that would fit my storytelling, or paint the right picture to express who I am as a person, as a writer... as an artist. Took me a while but I finally found my tune, my appeal changed but I love how I turned out, I can confidently say that this is who I am and I won’t change any bit of it, anymore!

 Back in 2016, I was studying Digital Arts and Design in Malayan Colleges Laguna. I was an artist wanna-be, struggling to understand who I was and what was my purpose. Today, graduated Digital Arts and Design in November 2017, currently taking my second degree at The University of the Philippines, Diliman, getting my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. I can finally say that I am an artist- Hello.

  I founded a brand/organization called Anak Alon where we advocate and spread environmental awareness, we organize fund raising events, beach clean-ups, workshops for kids, outreach programs, sell eco-friendly merchandise and products, brand clothing, and feature local businesses, artists, local tourists and non-tourist spots for our news outlet, Coron Today and I started my own printing business and transferred here in Coron from Laguna, Sta. Rosa. 

 In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I had to stop schooling and came home to Coron, finally. I couldn’t attend online classes because we live on a remote area with little-to-no reception at all. Anyway, it was a much needed break for me. I was overwhelmed with keeping up with work, trying to earn money while full-time studying, right after getting into businesses after just graduating.

 It’s 2022, two years into the pandemic and I’m still in Coron! I am running our family business that I now own, The Old House Restaurant. This is where i found out about my passion in cooking, aside from cooking at home. This is the business that provided for our family for almost 20 years! Now i’m just trying to get it back up, earn from it a little, learn everything and just take it slowly.

 I’ve met so many new people during my new stay back home. I’ve made new beautiful friends, acquaintances and awesome girlfriends who love and support me in everything that i do and go through, absolute heaven sent!

 I just want to take this chance to look back, see how far I’ve come, how well I’ve been, how much I’ve grown and just to be grateful for the good parts.

 I can’t wait to share more about my new life. 

Thanks for taking the time to read! 

I hope you have an amazing life!

[greatworldwar2]

• No. 77 Squadron RAAF

Motto: "Swift to Destroy"

Squadron Code: AM (1942-)

No. 77 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadron headquartered at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales. The squadron was formed at RAAF Station Pearce, Western Australia, in March 1942 and saw action in the South West Pacific theatre of World War II, operating Curtis P-40 Kittyhawks.

As the Japanese advanced in the South West Pacific during early 1942, the RAAF hurriedly established three fighter units—Nos. 75, 76 and 77 Squadrons—equipped with Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawks recently delivered from the United States. No. 77 Squadron was formed at RAAF Station Pearce, Western Australia, on March 16th, with a complement of three officers and 100 men. Temporarily commanded by Squadron Leader D. F. Forsyth, the unit was initially responsible for the defence of Perth. Squadron Leader Dick Cresswell assumed command on April 20th. The squadron transferred to Batchelor Airfield near Darwin, Northern Territory, in August, the first RAAF fighter unit to be stationed in the area. No. 77 Squadron moved to another of Darwin's satellite airfields, Livingstone, in September. No. 77 Squadron saw action defending Darwin from Japanese air raids and claimed its first aerial victory on November 23rd, 1942, when Cresswell destroyed a Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bomber. It was the first "kill" for an Australian squadron over the mainland, and the first night victory over Australia. As of December, the unit's strength was twenty-four Kittyhawks.

In February 1943, concurrent with No. 1 Wing and its three Supermarine Spitfire squadrons becoming operational in the Darwin area, No. 77 Squadron was transferred to Milne Bay in New Guinea. Along with Nos. 6, 75 and 100 Squadrons it came under the control of the newly formed No. 71 Wing, part of No. 9 Operational Group, the RAAF's main mobile formation in the South West Pacific Area. No. 77 Squadron registered its first daytime victory on April 11th, when a Kittyhawk shot down a Mitsubishi Zero taking part in a raid on Allied shipping. Three days later the Japanese attacked Milne Bay; the squadron claimed four bombers and a fighter, yet lost one Kittyhawk. By this time, Allied headquarters had finalised plans for a drive north to the Philippines involving heavy attacks on Rabaul and the occupation of territory in New Guinea, New Britain and the Solomon Islands. No. 77 Squadron began moving to Goodenough Island in May 1943, and was fully established and ready for operations June 15th. As Japanese fighter opposition was limited, the squadron took part in several ground-attack missions in New Britain, armed with incendiary and general-purpose bombs, a practice that had been employed by Kittyhawk units in the Middle East. Cresswell remained in command until Squadron Leader "Buster" Brown took over on August 20th. Japanese fighter strength in New Britain and New Guinea increased in September and October, and eight of No. 77 Squadron's Kittyhawks were briefly detached to Nadzab as escorts for the CAC Boomerangs of No. 4 Squadron.

In January 1944, No. 77 Squadron took part in the two largest raids mounted by the RAAF to that time, each involving over seventy aircraft attacking targets in New Britain. It was subsequently assigned to Los Negros in the Admiralty Islands, joining Nos. 76 and 79 Squadrons under No. 73 Wing. . 77 Squadron's ground party went ashore at Los Negros on March 6th, in the middle of a firefight with Japanese forces. Their primary duty was providing air cover for Allied shipping, though no Japanese aircraft were encountered; they also flew ground-attack missions in support of US troops on Manus Island. Following the capture of the Admiralties, which completed the isolation of Rabaul, No. 77 Squadron remained with No. 73 Wing on garrison duty at Los Negros from May to July 1944. Between the 13th of August and 14th of September 1944, the squadron transferred to Noemfoor in western New Guinea to join Nos. 76 and 82 Squadrons as part of No. 81 Wing under No. 10 Operational Group (later the Australian First Tactical Air Force), which had taken over the mobile role previously performed by No. 9 Group and was supporting the American landings along the north coast of New Guinea. Cresswell, now a wing commander, arrived for his second tour of duty as commanding officer. Operating P-40N Kittyhawks, No. 77 Squadron bombed Japanese positions on the Vogelkop Peninsula in October and on Halmahera in November. Cresswell handed over command in March 1945.

The squadron moved to Morotai on April 13th and conducted ground-attack sorties over the Dutch East Indies until June 30th, when it redeployed with No. 81 Wing to Labuan to support the 9th Australian Division in North Borneo until hostilities ended in August 1945. The squadron's tally of aerial victories during the war was seven aircraft destroyed and four "probables", for the loss of eighteen pilots killed. No. 77 Squadron began re-equipping with North American P-51 Mustangs at Labuan in September 1945. No. 77 Squadron was the last of the wing's three flying units to deploy to Japan, arriving at Bofu, a former kamikaze base, in March 1946. Occupation duties proved uneventful, the main operational task being surveillance patrols, but units maintained an intensive training regime and undertook combined exercises with other Allied forces.

No. 77 Squadron went on to serve in the Korean War. The Australian unit was specifically requested by General Douglas MacArthur, commander of UN forces. No. 77 Squadron did not encounter enemy aircraft in the opening phase of the war but often faced intense ground fire. . It suffered its first fatality on July 7th, 1950 when its deputy commander, Squadron Leader Graham Strout, was killed during a raid. He was also the first Australian, and the first non-American UN serviceman, to die in Korea. No. 77 Squadron served in the war until 1953. The squadron's final battle honor was given for the Malayan Emergency from 1960-1966. No. 77 Squadron was deployed also in 2001–02, supporting the war in Afghanistan, and deployed to the Middle East as part of the military intervention against ISIL in 2015–16. No. 77 Squadron is scheduled to convert to the new type of fighter in 2021.

[theuntoldhistoryofwomen]

WOMEN IN THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF MALAYA

The history of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), also known as the Malayan communist Party (MCP), a predominantly Chinese revolutionary political party formed in 1930 that provided the backbone of the anti-colonial (both anti-Japanese and British) as well as the anti-capitalist movement in Malaya, has been systematically obscured and silenced due to the anti-communist campaigns of the Malaysian and Singaporean governments. In the exclusion of CPM, we see how history is indeed written by the victors. While some prominent male members of the CPM such as its long-time leader, Chin Peng, have written memoirs to tell their side of the story, the history of women’s involvement in the CPM has especially been forgotten and ignored despite their contributions to the party’s strength. This is because many of the women, due to circumstances of their time, were not very well educated and cannot read or write, much less write their own histories (Khoo, 2004). Women members of the CPM had remarkably similar motivations as those of recruits who joined the all-female Rani of Jhansi Regiment during WW2. Many of these women in the CPM saw the movement as a form of rebellion against the feudal and oppressive patriarchal structure that they experienced in their own lives. Born into periods of socio-economic transition and political turmoil, they witnessed injustices and the exploitation of their communities by the British and Japanese colonial governments. This compelled them to join the CPM, the only force fighting against colonialism at the time. The Maoist ideology promulgated by the CPM also appealed to its majority ethnic Chinese members (although there were also Malay, Chinese and Thai members) that felt a sense of patriotism towards communist China. To shed light on the social memory of women in the CPM, Agnes Khoo has written a ground-breaking book consisting of a set of oral history interviews with sixteen women from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia who were involved in the Malayan anti-colonial struggle and led extraordinary lives. Many of them now live in political exile, in villages close to the Malaysian border in Southern Thailand, where many of the CPM guerrillas remain stateless to this day. Their interviews highlight women’s participation not just in the CPM, but in the wider social and political landscape of Singapore and Malaya. This blog entry will highlight one voice- Guo Ren Luan who was born in 1937 in Singapore. Her full interview can be found in Khoo’s book.

Women members of the CPM. From right to left: Chen Xiu Zhu (Born 1937, Bukit Gurun, Kedah), Cui Hong (Born 1949, Thailand), Suria (alias Atom. Born 1951, Thailand). Source: Agnes Khoo.

Guo was influenced by one of her classmates at the Nan Chiao Girls' High School, but she joined the CPM on her own accord after the 1953 rape and murder of a girl by a man who was heavily influenced by pornography. This incident sparked the beginning of the 'anti-yellow culture' campaign in Chinese middle schools in which Guo actively participated. Guo says that “I joined out of my own sense of justice and initiative. As women, we felt more for the issue because we realized this could happen to us anytime. So it was natural that we did not agree with what was going on” (p. 5170-5171). The anti-yellow campaign is believed to have been originally organized by the leftist in Chinese schools to urge students to read and take interest in pro-communist materials as against non-communist content or matters which were branded as Yellow, such as aspects of Western popular culture like pornography. Guo also became very active during the anti-military service movement, which was a movement opposed to the implementation of the National Service Ordinance by the British government, a policy for the mandatory registration for military service for boys at the age of 18. According to Guo, her fellow students and her “saw it as a British plot to attack the CPM. We knew the CPM was good for the people, so we disagreed with the [British] government for using the army to repress the CPM…We did not understand the issues [of communism/the CPM] very deeply ourselves. We were against colonial oppression; that was it” (p. 5198-5199). The anti-military service movement culminated in the National Service riots of 1954, May 13th- “We were angry that such a peaceful and legitimate action of the students was brutally suppressed by the government, so we felt that we had to support them. As soon as I got there, I was shocked - the riot police with batons and anti-riot buses were everywhere. Sirens were sounding and the police were about to hit…That was the first time the anti-riot squad was used against the students. I saw it with my own eyes. It was easy to frighten the female students. As soon as the batons hit them, they all started crying and running away. I was not hit though. I just ran all the way home…The police reaction towards the students made me finally realise that actually they are not meant to protect the people” (p. 5218-5219). As a student, Guo continued to participate in various movements and rallies as part of the Federation of (Chinese) High School Student Unions, including at workers strikes like the Hock Lee Bus Strike- she sang and danced at the workers’ rallies and partook in fundraising for them. Guo says that “as my family was poor, my heart has always been with the workers and peasants, who shared my conditions” (p. 5255).

Eventually, Guo was targeted for her political activities as part of the CPM and the Students Federation which was banned by the British government. She fled in 1957 but remained underground in Singapore. After she went underground, she lived in a farmer’s house in the rural countryside area of Singapore. “We would consciously teach the housewives. Through these literacy classes, we spread our ideas and visions to them. They were basically sympathetic to us since we were seen as students oppressed by the government and hiding in their homes…We also wanted to train ourselves in hard labour so we removed our shoes and slippers and joined them in farming…In other words, we tried to integrate with them. We did whatever they were doing.  Women’s work was both in and outside the house. In the morning, the women had to wash clothes; fold them up when these were dry, prepare meals, take care of the children and so on, whilst the men could relax after work, have nice chats and drink tea. The men hardly did housework.  Literacy was our focus during lessons with the women in the village. It was not so much politics or gender consciousness. Nevertheless, we tried to share our opinions about gender equality informally when we were doing farm work or housework together with them” (p. 5348-5360). While she was underground, she also met her husband but soon after her wedding, the mass arrests of February 2, 1963, also known as Operation Coldstore, happened and her husband was later arrested.  “I left Singapore only after Lee Kuan Yew had taken over the government and the February 2nd incident took place in 1963. Thinking back, we had mobilised the masses to vote for the People’s Action Party during the General Election. We were supportive of Lee Kuan Yew then. Lee Kuan Yew came into power and he began to change. He started to arrest our people. By that time, we felt the winds of change already and were somehow prepared.” Since then, Guo has remained in exile from Singapore. With other CPM members, she lived like a nomad in Indonesia for 15 years, having to take care of her daughter alone- “In such harsh circumstances, it was very difficult, especially for female comrades to endure and persevere. As women, we not only had to protect ourselves, so that the enemy would not capture us, we were equally responsible for the safety of the group, as our male comrades” (p. 5580). It was only until the 1989 Peace Agreement which marked the end of the communist insurgency of Malaysia that she relocated to Yala village in Southern Thailand, calling it her home.

“Some people told me that I had wasted my youth and precious time in the movement.  I do not put myself on the high pedestal but I really do not find my decision a pity. I have had some very rich and extraordinary experiences. I have no regrets. My life has been enriched. I never thought that I could live until today. I had narrowly escaped so many arrests back in Singapore.  But I had a concrete goal in life and I was living together with my comrades, it was a full and rich life. This was meaningful work even though it might not be seen by the public as such.” (p. 5714) Like other women interviewed by Khoo, Guo upholds her decision to join the CPM, and believes that the CPM’s anti-colonial fight should be acknowledged in playing a role in the independence of Singapore and Malaysia.

Guo Ren Luan (Born 1937, Singapore). Source: Agnes Khoo.

References

Khoo, A. (2004). Life as the river flows: Women in the Malayan anti-colonial struggle. SIRD.

[firstginger]

Your quiz was super fun and I got an anteater! I was wondering what other animals would fall under an INFP personality?

i’ve realized i’m getting a lot of requests from INFPs so this seems like the perfect question to make a little list of my top 100 animals i think of for INFPs! i won’t go into too much detail with these, this might just be a good starting place for people to ask specific questions about forms!

macropodidae - tree kangaroo (independent, polite, private, go with the flow, non-planner, even-tempered, unobtrusive and passive, shy but tactful) - whiptail wallaby (social and gets anxious without support, generous and nurturing yet needs freedom, nervous planner, has a competitive streak) - red-necked wallaby (socially flexible, happy alone or with friends, anxious planner, doesn’t like commitments, has a competitive streak) - pademelon (socially flexible, happy alone or with friends, slow-starting and procrastinating, self-doubting, habitual and routine)

phalangeriformes - ringtail possum (attached to loved ones but wary of strangers, observant, specialized and likes to find a niche, still willing to be flexible, boundary-keeping and can be defensive) - brushtail possum (slow to trust but deeply loyal and affectionate, to loved ones, habitual and routine-oriented, low energy and corner-cutting, focused solely on own task, sensitive but can be assertive) - striped possum (independent and private, only enjoys close friends, polite and tactful, incredibly curious and inquisitive, active, obsessive, can be stubborn) - pygmy possum (very anxious and sensitive, likes to keep busy but isn't assertive or domineering, alert and observant, planners and perfectionists) - mahogany glider (independent but like having a tight-knit group, values privacy and can be defensive, likes to stay busy, very focused and efficient, routine-oriented and anxious with change)

other marsupials - greater glider (independent and private but socially tolerant, quiet and passive aggressive, routine-oriented and likes to have a plan, specialized and sensitive to change, dedicated and focused) - kowari (socially flexible; comfortable being independent but also has a close-knit group, specialized but extremely opportunistic and passionate in their niche, observant and alert) - opossum (independent and not easily attached to others, adaptable, opportunistic, passive and sensitive, defensive and prone to bluffing, laidback and easy-going, curious)

eulipotyphla - hedgehog (independent and socially selective, slow to trust but incredibly loyal, anxious and conflict-avoidant, likes being busy but easily discouraged)

xenartha - hairy armadillo (independent but socially tolerant, plans ahead, goal-driven and determined, sensitive and habitual, unobtrusive, cautious, willing to be defensive, communicative) - nine-banded armadillo (habitual people who like to have a plan, also capable of being adaptable and not too fussed by change, socially tolerant and even-tempered, passive, needs personal freedom) - silky anteater (independent, peaceful, quiet and private, low energy and slow and steady, routine-oriented and loyal, dutiful, thorough, passive, anxious and prone to burn out) - tamandua (introverted and values alone time, private, independent, habitual and routine-oriented, tends to be stubborn, intuitive and observant, conflict-avoidant and dislikes change)

coendous - brazilian porcupine (independent and self-supporting, works best alone, still rather tolerant and friendly, confident in self, dutiful but slow and steady, go with the flow and flexible) - mexican tree porcupine (independent and self-supporting, tolerant and socially flexible, works best alone, calm, very driven and likes to complete things, confident and direct, adaptable)

pholidota - indian pangolin (introverted and independent but tolerant, shy and conflict-avoidant, specialized and likes staying in their niche, particular, intuitive and focused, slow and steady workers) - tree pangolin (introverted and independent but tolerant, very private, specialized and likes staying in their niche, laid-back, patient, flexible, not terribly organized, dedicated, stubborn, defensive when pressed) - ground pangolin (introverted and independent but tolerant, specialized but willing to take life as it comes, very private, dedicated and focused, resilient, laid back, quiet)

monotreme - platypus (independent and like to do their own thing, perceptive and observant, particular, conflict-avoidant, focused and diligent, can be sensitive, perfectionists, anxious streak)

lutrinae - marine otter (introverted but can enjoy socializing with a select few, non-judgmental and playful, cooperative, route-oriented, procrastinators and unambitious, confident, flexible and adaptable, unbothered) - north american river otter (sociable and playful, still enjoy their alone time, prone to loneliness, intuitive and expressive, easy-going, self-assured, loyal, curious, affectionate, carefree) - eurasian otter (independent but friendly and open-minded, doesn’t like to commit, values warmth and compassion, communicative, boundary-keeping, intuitive and perceptive, easily distracted, passionate, spontaneous)

giraffidae - giraffe (social but individualistic, values freedom and independence, caring, particular and fickle, expressive, patient and relaxed, can be confident and competitive, more so values a calm environment) - okapi (independent but socially tolerant, intuitive and empathetic, habitual, patient and diligent, cautious, defensive and proud when pushed, stubborn, anxious, guarded)

tapirus - baird’s tapir (introverted but values close bonds, guarded, private, loyal, slow and steady, conflict-avoidant, habitual and routine-oriented, committed and persistent, resilient, curious) - mountain tapir (introverted but values close bonds, very anxious and private, boundary-keeping, sensitive and defensive when pushed, resilient and enduring, conflict-avoidant, curious) - malayan tapir (introverted but values close bonds, thick-skinned, guarded and boundary-keeping, steady workers, routine-oriented but adaptable, conflict-avoidant, observant, determined)

bovidae - red-flanked duiker (introverted and independent, is more loose-bonding and private, adaptable but prefers routine, cautious, wary, boundary-keeping, reactive, very anxious, conflict-avoidant, secretive) - blue duiker (introverted but attached to close friends, loyal, wary of strangers, boundary-keeping and defensive, adaptable, conflict-avoidant, observant, anxious and easily stressed) - kéwel (very introverted and private, overall tolerant and easygoing, values small group of friends, passive, habitual and routine-oriented, withdrawn, non-judgmental, quiet, tactful) - lesser kudu (introverted but socially tolerant, easy-going and gentle, empathetic, conflict-avoidant, sensitive, observant, private, opportunistic, enduring, typically polite but has a stubborn streak) - sitatunga (introverted but values friends and can be prone to loneliness, habitual, conflict-avoidant, passive, communicative, slow to trust, more loose-bonding, anxious, quiet, tactful) - klipspringer (independent but attached to their group of friends, loyal, empathetic and affectionate, assertive and willing to stand up for self and others, protective, tactful and cautious - but stubborn) - cape bushbuck (independent and introverted but tolerant, values close friends and is selectively loyal, unassertive, easygoing, passive, habitual and needs stability, quiet, tactful and polite, mellow)

cervidae/moschidae - tufted deer (introverted and independent, prefers one-on-one interactions, proud streak, assertive but prefers to be conflict-avoidant, habitual, sensitive and anxious, observant and aware, stubborn, private, tactful) - marsh deer (introverted but socially tolerant, shy and sensitive, private and independent, wary, guarded, easily stressed, conflict-avoidant, habitual and routine-oriented, specialized, peaceful) - musk deer (independent and introverted, socially selective, slow to trust, guarded, boundary-keeping, easily stressed and overwhelmed, conflict-avoidant, shy, habitual, low energy and work ethic)

strigiformes - barn owl (introverted but socially tolerant, loyal to loved ones, habitual though adaptable to change, plans ahead, perceptive and aware, passive, empathetic and understanding, patient, shy, anxious streak) - boreal owl (very introverted and values quiet time, dutiful and dedicated, patient, focused and perceptive, cautious, aware, private, anxious, plans ahead, tactful and polite) - elf owl (socially flexible but selective, loyal and communicative, values peacefulness and cooperation, unobtrusive, plans ahead, resourceful and opportunistic, patient, anxious and sensitive)

galliformes - chukar partridge (socially flexible and loyal, understanding, empathetic, protective, boundary-keeping, adaptable and hardy but insecure, open, honest and expressive, curious and opportunistic) - gambel’s quail (introverted but socially flexible, affectionate and committed, anxious, passive, sensitive, detail-oriented, perfectionistic, conflict-avoidant, averse to change, more confident in comfort zone) - montezuma quail (introverted but social, prone to loneliness, shy and private, conflict-avoidant, vulnerable to stress, routine-oriented, habitual, open-minded, slow and steady workers, dutiful)

ursidae - sun bear (independent and introverted but tolerant, opportunistic, intuitive, conflict-avoidant, willing to be defensive and assertive if pushed, adaptable and flexible, non-planners, self-assured) - moon bear (introverted and socially selective, tends to be loose-bonding, communicative, go-with-the-flow, adventurous, reactive, opportunistic and impulsive, low energy, reserved, open-minded) - sloth bear (very independent and introverted, thick-skinned, habitual, lost in their own world, adaptable, low energy, confident, calm, tolerant, dedicated but the slow and steady type)

wild canidae - maned wolf (independent, autonomous, loyal and dependable to loved ones, values freedom, guarded and private, communicative, boundary-keeping, defensive, flexible, curious, routine-forming, anxious) - raccoon dog (introverted but devoted to loved ones, cooperative, slow to trust, selfless, calm and even-tempered, conflict-avoidant, unobtrusive, quietly passionate, hard-working and dutiful) - culpeo (independent and socially selective, adaptable, spontaneous and not inclined to plan, communicative, generalists who don't like to be pinned down, opportunistic, dutiful, curious) - patagonian fox (introverted and independent, socially selective, dutiful, committed, close-bonding, cooperative, dependable, habitual, a generalist, corner-cutting, self-assured, observant) - gray fox (introverted and independent, appreciate company of close few, loyal and caring, empathetic, cooperative, cautious, adaptable, plans ahead, tactful and polite, compliant, patient, slow to trust)

domestic canidae - chow chow (introverted and socially selective, loyal to few friends, empathetic, slow to trust, assertive and defensive, private, stubborn, low energy, self-assured, serious, blunt) - shar pei (introverted and socially selective, loyal to select few, empathetic and caring, independent, stubborn streak, boundary-keeping, assertive and private, low energy, devoted, reserved) - french bulldog (sociable but low energy, friendly and approachable, caring, loyal and devoted, prone to loneliness, stubborn streak, curious and playful, protective, emotional, strong-willed, security-seeking) - lhasa apso (introverted and socially selective, loyal to loved ones, communicative, caring but reserved, stubborn, determined, protective, confident, low energy and calm, possessive, opinionated) - tibetan terrier (introverted and socially selective, loyal and affectionate towards loved ones, slow to trust, low energy, observant and aware, cautious, gentle and even-tempered, reserved, sensitive, can be stubborn) - cavalier king charles spaniel (sociable but low energy, friendly and warm, approachable, relaxed and easy-going, tolerant, long-fused, people-pleaser, gets stressed and burnt out easily, dependable, dutiful, loyal and empathetic)

felidae - serval (very introverted and independent, highly specialized, intuitive, willing to be adaptable, conflict-avoidant, patient, efficient, focused and obsessive, manipulative, aware, confident, tactful, perfectionistic) - jaguarundi (independent, socially tolerant but also retains an essential degree of privacy, very passive and unassertive and tactful, communicative, resourceful, cautious and intuitive, looks before they leap)

feliformia - brown hyena (socially flexible but independent and self-reliant, resourceful, curious and dedicated, adaptable, stubborn, conflict-avoidant, prone to manipulation and bluffing, expression, self-confident, competitive) - striped hyena (introverted and socially tolerant, more independent and loose-bonding, reserved, passive, conflict-avoidant, versatile, mediators, impulsive and not a planner, passive-aggressive, amicable) - fossa (introverted and independent, expressive and communicative, cooperative when it suits their ambition, problem solvers, quick minds, specialized, on the confident side)

viverridae - african civet (introverted and independent, conflict-avoidant, adaptable and resourceful, guarded, private but willing to be communicative, hardy, self-assured, stubborn, persistent, self-preserving) - common palm civet (independent and introverted, private, guarded, tactful and unobtrusive, adaptable but prefers to be specialized, flexible, non-planners, routine-oriented, will be defensively manipulative) - masked palm civet (introverted and independent, private, guarded, adaptable and resourceful, impulsive and spontaneous, honest, defensive and reactive, somewhat insecure, quietly competitive, boundary-keeping, curious) - common genet (independent and introverted, guarded, defensive and private, adaptable, communicative and expressive, self-assured, patient and calm, passive-aggressive, hardy, self-preserving) - cape genet (independent and introverted, boundary-keeping, tactful and cautious, expressive, willing to be defensive, adaptable, self-assured and typically confident, assertive) - binturong (independent and introverted, patient, long-fused, procrastinator, self-assured, expressive and communicative, flexible, calm and carefree demeanor, hardy, stubborn, approachable)

serpentes - green tree python (independent and withdrawn, passive, observant, very sensitive, internal, private and guarded, conflict-avoidant, habitual and desires a plan, low energy) - children’s python (introverted and independent, still passive but more anxious, more opportunistic and willing to seek out opportunities, low energy, insightful, corner-cutting but a perfectionist with the result) - rough-scaled python (independent and withdrawn, very habitual, passive, and low energy similar to the green tree python, secretive and private, low energy, extremely easy-going and patient) - asian rock python (very independent and introverted, passive, low energy, hard workers but prone to burnout and abandoning projects, conflict-avoidant, easy-going and submissive, prone to bluffing, secretive, sensitive) - green anaconda (independent and introverted, loose-bonding, detached, socially selective, dedicated and focused, prone to burnout, patient and low energy, can procrastinate, habitual, generalists, value completion) - corn snake (independent and introverted, passive, patient, defensive and cautious, low energy, procrastinator, highly adaptable and flexible, observant and perceptive, compliant, apathetic, self-preserving) - flying snake (introverted and independent, loose bonding, socially tolerant, sensitive and observant, conflict-avoidant, specialized, inflexible, persistent and determined, withdrawn, unobtrusive, cautious) - ringneck snake (introverted and independent but socially tolerant, agreeable, communicative, conflict-avoidant, the type to plan ahead, habitual, cooperative, patient, opportunistic, low energy, focused)

insecta - atlas moth (passive and perceptive, conflict-avoidant, intuitive, introverted but socially tolerant, compliant and unobtrusive, patient, unambitious, low energy and relaxed) - death’s head hawkmoth (passive and perceptive, independent and easily drained, spontaneous, flexible and persistent, intuitive, capable of manipulation, anxious, withdrawn, polite but can be unreliable) - silkworm moth (passive and perceptive, extremely specialized and habitual, gets very anxious outside of their comfort zone but within it is confident and productive) - muslin moth (passive and perceptive, more generalists and not interested in being specialized, very sensitive to their environment, naturally curious but doesn't like permanent change) - oak eggar (passive and perceptive, happily adaptable and flexible and not bothered by change, active and likes to keep busy, curious and committed to their interests) - luna moth (passive and perceptive, independent and introverted but tolerant, polite, conflict-avoidant, low commitment, perfectionists, scattered work ethic, modest, secretive, anxious, easily stressed) - ladybug (socially flexible; loves having a friend group but needs independence, spontaneous and fickle, curious, cautious but adaptable, erratic work ethic, impatient, sensitive) - orchid mantis (extremely independent and introverted, patient and passive, quiet, low energy, easy-going and compliant, specialized, observant and aware, idealistic, sensitive)

anura - wood frog (quiet, sensitive, habitual, though willing to be competitive and opportunists, highly adaptable and self-preserving) - spadefoot frog (quiet, sensitive, willing to a degree to be competitive and opportunists, very withdrawn, anxious and stressed easily, habitual) - spring peeper (generally withdrawn and sensitive, though importantly competitive and opportunists, determined and driven with goals, wants to impress others)

urodela - tiger salamander (introverted and independent, socially tolerant and easy-going, passive, open-minded, private, a little awkward, anxious, quietly competitive, opportunistic, security-seeking, sensitive) - fire salamander (introverted and independent, extremely shy and secretive, unobtrusive, anxious, conflict-avoidant, particular and sensitive to their environment, habitual, amicable, passive, planners) - spotted salamander (introverted and independent, loose-bonding, self-focused and preserving, determined, good work ethic, habitual and routine-oriented, adaptable, straightforward, sensitive to surroundings) - hellbender (introverted and independent, boundary-keeping, private, observant and alert, self-preserving and focused, habitual, doesn't like change, opportunistic, self-assured)

aquatic mammals - harbor porpoise (introverted but socially tolerant, loyal to a select few, peaceful, sensitive and timid, conflict-avoidant, wary, quietly competitive, obsessive, curious, cooperative and dependent, anxious, habitual) - finless porpoise (introverted and shy, tends to be independent, gentle, patient and cautious, curious but look before they leap, adaptable, slow-starting but determined and focused, sensitive) - minke whale (introverted but socially flexible, gentle and approachable, independent, passive, laid-back, flexible, reserved, conflict-avoidant, patient, intuitive, self-assured, long-fused, enduring) - beluga whale (sociable, communicative, adaptable and flexible, patient, light-hearted and easy-going, curious, cooperative, communicative and expressive, security-seeking, agreeable) - manatee (introverted but socially tolerant, generally aloof, self-assured, intuitive, sensitive and passive, flexible, low energy, peaceful, non-committal, agreeable, polite, indecisive, long-fused)

[themalayancouncil]

Our Restaurant Halal Singapore

"Eat Well, Live Well: Embrace The Benefits Of Halal Cuisine"

Halal cuisine is a term that refers to food that is permissible according to Islamic law. Halal food is prepared and handled in a way that avoids any contact with forbidden substances. 

Halal cuisine is diverse and encompasses various dishes from different cultures, including Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African cuisines. But what are the benefits of halal cuisine for Muslims and non-Muslims alike? Here are five reasons why you might want to try halal food at a halal food restaurant Singapore:

i. Halal Food Is Wholesome And Nutritious

Halal food adheres to high hygiene and quality standards, as it is subject to inspection and certification by halal authorities.  Our restaurant halal Singapore, also avoids harmful additives or preservatives that might compromise its purity. 

Halal food is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as it includes a variety of meat, poultry, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.

ii. Ensures Food Safety And Quality:

One of the fundamental principles of halal food preparation is maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. The strict guidelines for halal certification ensure that the food is prepared in a clean and safe environment, minimizing the risk of contamination. The rigorous standards applied to the handling, processing, and storing of halal food enhance food safety and quality.

iii. Promotes Animal Welfare:

Halal Food emphasizes the humane treatment of animals during their entire life cycle, including slaughter. Islamic dietary laws require animals to be treated with kindness and compassion, freeing them from stress and pain.

Halal-certified meat comes from animals slaughtered according to specific guidelines, prioritizing their well-being, minimizing suffering, and promoting ethical practices.

iv. Quality Assurance:

Halal food involves strict quality control measures, including sourcing ingredients, processing, and packaging. 

Halal-certified products undergo thorough inspections to ensure hygiene, safety, and sanitation standards compliance.

This attention to quality can give consumers increased confidence in their food.

v. Availability And Diversity:

Halal food is not limited to specific regions or communities. It has become increasingly accessible worldwide. This availability enables individuals from different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs to enjoy halal food options.

Conclusion

Halal food offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking quality, ethical, and healthy food options.  With its emphasis on cleanliness, ethical treatment of animals, nutritional benefits, transparency, and global availability, halal food has gained popularity across different cultures and dietary preferences. 

Whether for religious reasons or personal choice, the appeal of halal food continues to grow.

If you are looking for a halal family restaurant Singapore, The Malayan Council is your go-to destination for an unforgettable experience with your loved ones. 

Discover the perfect blend of rich flavors, warm hospitality, and a family-friendly atmosphere at Halal Restaurant In Singapore – where every meal becomes a cherished memory.

Find Us Google Map: ( The Malayan Council )

[southeastasianists]

Under a bridge on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur sits a small huddle of dilapidated shipping containers – each divided into two levels, carpeted with canvas sheets and ventilated by small whirring table fans.

For 65 Bangladeshi construction workers these containers are home, and as Malaysia enters its sixth week of a national lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19 – during which most workplaces are closed and non-essential activities suspended – migrants living in these cramped, close quarters are beginning to feel the pangs of hunger as their money slowly runs out.

“We have not been paid since February because of the lockdown in mid-March,” said Mohamad Hanif, who has been living in one of the containers since he arrived in Malaysia last year. Although as a group they have scraped together everything they had to buy groceries during the lockdown period, nothing lasts forever.

“We cook communally. Our meals are usually rice, some vegetables with lentil curry. But it is difficult now because there isn’t money, there isn’t enough food to go around and we are all hungry. We need help.”

Mohamad Hanif’s situation isn’t unique. Malaysia is a temporary home to an estimated 5.5 million migrant workers – more than half of whom, about 3.3 million, are undocumented – from countries across Asia, but mostly Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal. They are employed in sectors such as construction, security and manufacturing: jobs that employers refer to as “3D” – dangerous, dirty and difficult.

Activists say many of these workers are subject to numerous human rights violations, from non-payment of wages by unscrupulous bosses to physical abuse, trafficking and debt bondage. Now, as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the globe, their cramped living quarters mean they are at greater risk than most of infecting each other.

The lack of space for any sort of physical distancing is even more keenly felt under lockdown, as these small rooms become workers’ quarantine cells. Before, many would have spent much of the day working, running errands or spending free time outside.

“Others were shift workers so the house was never too full at any one time,” said Sumitha Shaanthinni Kishna, director of Kuala Lumpur-based migrant rights NGO Our Journey. “But now that everyone has to stay home with the lockdown, conditions are far more cramped.”

Although Sumitha’s NGO was primarily set up to help with legal matters, since the lockdown began on March 18, its members have been hand-delivering groceries to migrant workers across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, after obtaining permission to do so through various countries’ embassies.

For most areas, she and her volunteers collect addresses and phone numbers before dropping off groceries individually, but in some government-designated “red zones” – high-risk areas with more than 41 active cases – her team leaves dry goods such as eggs, potatoes, rice and oil with representatives from the Department of Social Welfare to distribute.

One such red zone encompasses Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion, two blocks of flats offering low-cost accommodation that have been placed under an enhanced movement control order which prohibits anyone from entering or exiting. About 5,000 people – mostly migrant workers who average 10 people to a three- or four-room unit, for which they typically pay about 2,500 ringgit (US$575) per month – live in these buildings, which are now barricaded with barbed wire and patrolled by security forces.

“The most packed unit I have encountered had 24 residents. People living in Selangor Mansion have told me they feel claustrophobic, that it’s become very noisy,” Sumitha said.

Another red zone is in the township of Selayang, which straddles Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia’s richest state. An enhanced movement control order in this area has seen an entire wet market cordoned off, as well as nearby residential buildings. Shamim Miah, a Bangladeshi student who shares a flat with five others in one of the buildings, has been unable to leave to get food for days, and soon it will be the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.

“We have no food, we are scared. Help us, please,” he said.

For now, no infection clusters have emerged among migrant workers in Malaysia, unlike in neighbouring Singapore, where some 80 per cent of its more than 10,000 infections emanate from the 320,000-strong migrant worker community.

The city state, whose partial lockdown termed a “circuit breaker” was this week extended until June 1, now has the most cases of any country in Southeast Asia. It is screening thousands of workers every day and Malaysia’s top health official last week said it would “learn from Singapore” and embark on large-scale screening of the community.

The surge in infections in Singapore this month has sparked criticism of the government there for not taking action earlier to stop the spread of the virus within its 42 huge dormitory complexes, where thousands of workers sleep on bunk beds – between 12 and 20 to a room – and hundreds share communal bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Singapore also houses low-wage workers in about 1,200 industrial or warehouse developments which have been partially converted into dormitories that typically house 50 to 100 workers each, as well as in temporary living quarters on construction sites that have room for around 40 workers.

Residents’ groups in the city state have begun raising funds and collecting donations of food to help migrant workers.

In Malaysia, similar awareness of the dire living conditions of low-wage foreign workers is spreading.

But this has yielded a mix of both compassion and xenophobic sentiment. Earlier in the month, misinformation about urine-filled plastic bags being hurled at armed forces personnel patrolling the grounds of Selangor Mansion had to be refuted by Malaysia’s defence chief after online commentators accused foreign workers of being ungrateful, while some Malaysians questioned why the government had to supply food to these workers.

Migrant workers are disproportionately affected by the government’s lockdown, said M. Ramachelvam, deputy president of the National Human Rights Society. Besides a lack of decent housing and precarious employment, access to health care is a concern: under Malaysian law, doctors must report undocumented migrants seeking health care to the authorities, creating a culture of fear.

“There should be a moratorium against the arrest and detention of migrants for immigration related offences during this pandemic, ” said Ramachelvam, also urging the government to not discriminate when providing health care. So far, more than 14,000 migrant workers have been tested for Covid-19 virus, with 676 positive cases.

In early April, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the welfare of foreigners was the responsibility of “their respective embassies”, just days after promising that the government would provide these workers with food supplies. Currently the areas under enhanced lockdowns are receiving food from several sources, including NGOs and public donations, as well as government agencies.

Now, with tensions at a high as the lockdown begins to bite, incomes depletedand the threat of an economic recession on the horizon, rights groups have expressed the concern that migrant workers will become scapegoats.

“The sentiment to deny aid to those without documentation in our country is based on xenophobia and will harm those who are most in need in these difficult times,” said migrant rights group Tenaganita in a statement, pointing out that undocumented migrants and refugees without stable work or who rely on a daily wage were disproportionately affected by the movement control order.

“There have been countless reports from the migrant and refugee communities of people going hungry and there are no government policies in place that protect them.”

Tenaganita and other NGOs have rallied together to ensure that aid is doled out. Organisations or civil society groups such as the Malaysian Trades Union Congress, Bersih and Engage have collected money or groceries from members of the public to help vulnerable groups. However, because of travel restrictions under the movement control order, only so much ground can be covered.

“We have to adhere to social distancing and other guidelines, and go to homes one by one. Some workers are too scared to leave their homes because they don’t have their passports. Some don’t even know how to tell us their house addresses,” said Sumitha of NGO Our Journey.

The fact that migrant workers were scattered across the country was another barrier to them receiving help, said Indonesian migrant rights activist Nasrikah, who goes by only one name.

“It’s very difficult to get aid to rural areas even though NGOs and the embassy are giving some support.”

Women’s rights groups say female migrant workers are particularly vulnerable in this period.

Liezl Galdo, who heads the organising committee of AMMPO, an organisation that lobbies for the rights of Filipino domestic workers in Malaysia, has received complaints of employers refusing to give them food.

“One woman who reached out to me said that when she rested on Sunday, her legally mandated day off, her employer withheld lunch and dinner. Another was not allowed to leave the house to go to the bank to send money back to her family,” she said, pointing out that as domestic workers are stuck at home with their employers, they are more vulnerable to abuse.

For other migrant workers such as Sulaiman, 42, housing is not the main issue, although the small two-storey house that the Bangladeshi construction worker shares with 29 other men – all sleeping upstairs – is certainly cramped

Their more pressing concern, however, is that food is running out – the men keep meals to a bare minimum so as not to use up everything they have left.

“We eat bread, rice. We haven’t had vegetables or meat in a while. We didn’t receive any sort of allowance when the lockdown was declared,” said Sulaiman, adding that it was difficult for some of them to even leave the house as their employers had kept their passports.

“We give each other space as much as we can, and have moved some chairs to the veranda so we can at least get some fresh air. We pray together upstairs. We can survive these housing conditions, there is nothing wrong with the house. We can endure – right now we just need food.”

[saa17]

Malaysian whiskey wins silver medal

KUALA LUMPUR • Malaysia's alcohol industry is cheerful after the success of one of its own on the global stage.

The nation's mixed whiskey, Timah Double Peated Blended Whiskey, secured the silver medal at the yearly San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which was held in March this year.

It contended in the Other Whisk(e)y class, which invites entries from non-customary whiskey-delivering districts. Timah's success denotes the first run through a Malaysian-delivered whiskey has won an honor at the spirits event.

As per the San Francisco World Spirits Competition site, silver is granted to "extraordinary spirits" that show "refinement, artfulness and multifaceted nature", "among the best instances of their classes".

Timah is an affection letter to its origin. The name Timah, which means tin in Malay, speaks to "the suffering image of big business in Malayan history that prompted falls of improvement for the nation at the beginning of the twentieth century", as indicated by the producer, Winepak Corporation.

The soul, says Winepak, is matured more than eight years and holds a delicate natural peatiness with verdant flavors and light fruity notes.

Timah was not by any means the only Malaysian soul to be perceived. The D50 Musang King Durian Liqueur from Perak was granted a bronze in the Fruit Liqueur classification.