Yum yum.................................

Wood: Represents growth, expansion, and vitality. This element aligns with sectors that involve growth and life, such as:

- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Biotechnology
- Consumer Goods
- Healthcare

Under 4, I start collecting....................hehe

No collect now, no huat later

Stuff of different era - Same pathway effects in the brain - Both Addictions Alter Brain Chemistry : Dopamine Release and Dependency: Both alcohol and digital addiction manipulate the brain's reward system. In alcohol addiction, dopamine is released as a result of consumption, leading to feelings of pleasure, relaxation, or euphoria, which encourages repeated use. Digital addiction similarly stimulates dopamine release through constant notifications, social media engagement, and instant gratification from online activities. Over time, this rewiring of the brain results in dependency, with individuals craving more screen time to maintain the same level of satisfaction. In both cases, the long-term alteration of brain chemistry is harmful and difficult to reverse, demanding intervention.

Harm to Mental and Physical Health : Just as alcohol abuse can damage the body and mind, excessive use of digital devices leads to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The overuse of digital screens also causes physical problems like vision deterioration, posture issues, and sleep disruption. Recognizing these harms makes it clear that digital addiction is damaging enough to be viewed as haram, just as substances like alcohol are.

Damage to Family and Social Bonds : Alcohol is often condemned for its role in breaking down families and relationships. Similarly, digital addiction leads to social isolation, a weakening of family bonds, and an increase in superficial interactions through screens rather than deep, meaningful relationships. Islam places high value on family and social harmony, and anything that disrupts this balance, including digital addiction, could be deemed haram as it harms both the individual and the community.

Addiction is still an addiction - no excuse - Detracts from Life’s Purpose and Productivity : Both alcohol addiction and digital addiction lead individuals away from living a purposeful, productive life. In Islam, every action is meant to bring one closer to fulfilling one's responsibilities and goals. Digital addiction, like alcohol, creates distraction and reduces productivity, leading people away from their religious and life duties. This loss of purpose and productivity is another reason why digital addiction can be seen as haram—it pulls people away from their faith and life’s mission.

Main cause of road accident these days- yes, digital addiction- texting while driving, digital-related insomnia, etc - Negative Impact on Society : Alcohol is often prohibited not only because of individual harm but also because of its societal consequences—accidents, violence, and crime. Digital addiction, while subtler, also has far-reaching societal consequences, including misinformation, polarization, and the breakdown of civil discourse. These harms, though different from those caused by alcohol, are equally disruptive to the moral and social fabric of society, which gives further reason to label digital addiction as haram in a modern context.

Digital addiction should similarly be condemned and treated with the same level of seriousness to protect the well-being of individuals and the community.

Zero tax for the Rakyat until the monthly take-home pay of the Members of Parliament (MPs) is cap at RM1,000

GST, as a flat consumption tax, tends to place a heavier burden on low-income households because they spend a larger share of their income on taxed goods and services compared to wealthier households. This makes GST regressive in nature, contributing to increased financial strain on poorer families and exacerbating income inequality. While measures like exempting essential goods or providing rebates can mitigate some of the effects, GST remains a tax system that disproportionately affects those with less disposable income. In many cases, wealthier households spend more on services like financial management, travel, or luxury goods that may be exempt from GST or taxed at a lower rate. Low-income households, on the other hand, focus their spending on everyday items, which are more likely to be fully taxed.

The Higher Education Ministry has failed the people. The time has come to demand accountability. The responsible officials—whether in the ministry or the state governments—must be removed from their positions. Their failures have contributed to the economic stagnation of entire regions. We cannot allow this cycle of wastage and fund diversion to continue while young Malaysians are left to fend for themselves in a hostile job market. The sacking of these officials is not only justified but necessary to restore faith in public institutions.

The truth is clear: the imbalance between educational output and job creation is a direct result of poor leadership, short-sighted policies, and a failure to communicate with local industries and communities. This has led to an unemployment crisis that is tearing at the social fabric of the East Coast. By prioritizing quantity over quality in education, the ministry has left graduates stranded with degrees that have little market value.

Accountability is Non-Negotiable: The Higher Education Ministry has failed the people. The time has come to demand accountability. The responsible officials—whether in the ministry or the state governments—must be removed from their positions. Their failures have contributed to the economic stagnation of entire regions. We cannot allow this cycle of wastage and fund diversion to continue while young Malaysians are left to fend for themselves in a hostile job market. The sacking of these officials is not only justified but necessary to restore faith in public institutions.

The truth is clear: the imbalance between educational output and job creation is a direct result of poor leadership, short-sighted policies, and a failure to communicate with local industries and communities. This has led to an unemployment crisis that is tearing at the social fabric of the East Coast. By prioritizing quantity over quality in education, the ministry has left graduates stranded with degrees that have little market value.

Now I know my ABC:

GST, as a flat consumption tax, tends to place a heavier burden on low-income households because they spend a larger share of their income on taxed goods and services compared to wealthier households. This makes GST regressive in nature, contributing to increased financial strain on poorer families and exacerbating income inequality. While measures like exempting essential goods or providing rebates can mitigate some of the effects, GST remains a tax system that disproportionately affects those with less disposable income.

Real Perpetrators Go Free: When an innocent person is convicted, the real perpetrator remains at large, potentially putting more lives at risk.

Investigations into the AG’s Office: If there are signs of negligence or corruption, the AG’s actions should be scrutinized, potentially leading to resignation or legal accountability.

The AG's role in solving murder cases is fundamental to ensuring justice, protecting public safety, and maintaining trust in the legal system. Failing to get to the bottom of such cases has severe consequences for victims, society, and the rule of law. To avoid these consequences, the AG must pursue each murder case with diligence, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that the justice system serves all individuals equitably and effectively.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, complex global challenges, and an overwhelming amount of information, adopting a scientific-minded approach is critical for personal, societal, and environmental well-being. Scientific-mindedness empowers individuals to think critically, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to progress.

Evidence Over Belief
One of the foundational principles of scientific thinking is prioritizing evidence over belief. In a world where misinformation and unverified claims are rampant, it is essential to evaluate ideas, policies, and personal decisions based on facts and data rather than personal convictions or unsubstantiated beliefs.

Critical Thinking: Individuals must question assumptions, seek verifiable evidence, and avoid accepting ideas at face value. The ability to evaluate information objectively and draw conclusions based on evidence is vital to navigating the complexities of modern life.
Informed Decisions: Whether it’s making health decisions, voting on policies, or assessing news, prioritizing evidence ensures that individuals make choices that are grounded in reality and truth.

Progress Over Finality
Progress is at the heart of the scientific method. The idea that no knowledge or system is ever truly complete or final encourages constant improvement and innovation.

Continuous Learning: Embracing the notion that learning and growth are lifelong processes helps individuals remain open to new knowledge and evolving perspectives. In a fast-changing world, adaptability is crucial for personal and professional success.
Avoiding Dogma: Finality or dogmatic thinking stifles progress. Scientific-minded individuals understand that change and innovation often come from challenging established ideas and striving for improvement.

Truth-Seeking Over Dogma
A scientific mindset values truth-seeking through questioning, exploration, and experimentation rather than accepting dogma or rigid belief systems. This principle enables individuals to remain open to new information and avoid blind adherence to outdated ideas.

Exploration and Inquiry: Truth-seeking involves being curious and willing to explore different viewpoints. It requires individuals to remain flexible and adaptable, recognizing that truth is often nuanced and complex.
Resisting Indoctrination: Avoiding the imposition of rigid ideologies—whether political, religious, or cultural—is essential for maintaining intellectual freedom. True scientific-mindedness thrives in environments where ideas are tested, questioned, and refined, not imposed unchallenged.

Challenging Ideas for Real Progress
Science is not about protecting established ideas but about challenging them to find more accurate answers and better solutions.

Questioning Assumptions: Progress in science and society comes from testing assumptions, exploring contradictions, and finding better explanations. Individuals should cultivate a habit of questioning not only others’ ideas but also their own, ensuring they remain open to improvement and correction.
Constructive Debate: Challenging ideas should not be seen as an attack on individuals but rather as an opportunity for learning and refinement. A society where debate is encouraged leads to intellectual and societal growth.

Avoiding Claims of Absolute Certainty
True scientific thinking recognizes that no theory or belief is ever absolutely certain. While science can rule out false claims with high certainty, it refrains from claiming complete knowledge.

Openness to New Evidence: Scientific-minded individuals are always open to new data that could refine or overturn previous knowledge. Flexibility in thinking is a hallmark of intellectual integrity and progress.
Recognizing Limitations: It is essential to acknowledge the limits of our knowledge and understanding, allowing room for future discoveries. Science constantly evolves, and individuals who are aware of its provisional nature are better equipped to handle uncertainty in life.

Instilling Critical Thinking in Education
Schools have a legal and moral responsibility to instill scientific-mindedness in young children. Education should prioritize evidence-based reasoning, critical thinking, and a commitment to progress, preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.

Mindset for the Future: Education systems must foster an approach where students value evidence over belief, progress over finality, and truth-seeking over dogma. Schools have an obligation to teach students to think critically and independently, equipping them to contribute positively to society.
Guarding Against Indoctrination: Schools must avoid indoctrinating children with rigid belief systems and instead encourage intellectual freedom and exploration. This protects students from dogma and equips them with the tools necessary for lifelong learning and adaptability.

Responsibility to Society
Scientific-mindedness goes beyond personal benefit—it has a social responsibility. The pursuit of truth, innovation, and evidence-based solutions plays a key role in solving the world’s biggest challenges, from climate change to public health.

Contribution to Progress: By valuing evidence, truth, and progress, individuals contribute to the collective advancement of society. Embracing scientific-mindedness in civic life helps foster informed discourse, better policymaking, and more sustainable futures.
Empowering Future Generations: Cultivating a culture that values scientific thinking ensures that future generations are equipped to face challenges with reason and intelligence, rather than superstition or dogma.

Resisting Misinformation and Polarization
In an era of misinformation and increasing polarization, scientific-mindedness serves as a defense against the manipulation of facts and public opinion.

Evaluating Sources: Individuals must learn to critically assess the reliability of information sources, especially in an age of social media where false claims can spread rapidly.
Promoting Constructive Dialogue: Scientific-minded individuals engage in fact-based, rational discussions rather than emotionally charged, divisive debates. This helps reduce polarization and promotes a more cooperative, understanding society.

Ethics in Scientific Progress
Scientific-mindedness also involves an ethical responsibility, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge and progress does not harm society or the environment.

Sustainability: Innovation and progress must be pursued in ways that protect the planet and future generations. A scientific-minded approach balances technological advancement with environmental stewardship.
Social Justice: Science and technology should be used to address inequality, improve living standards, and ensure that progress benefits all members of society, not just a privileged few.

Embracing Scientific-Mindedness for the Modern Era : The principles of scientific-mindedness—evidence over belief, progress over finality, truth-seeking over dogma, challenging ideas for real progress, and avoiding absolute certainty—are essential for individuals to thrive in today’s complex and rapidly evolving world. Schools, as key societal institutions, have a legal obligation to instill these values in young children, ensuring that future generations are equipped to handle the challenges of the modern world with critical thinking, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to truth.

By embracing these principles, individuals can contribute positively to society, resist the spread of misinformation, and foster a culture of progress, ethical responsibility, and sustainability. In the current era, scientific-mindedness is not just a personal virtue but a social necessity.

By law, schools are entrusted with preparing students for life in the IR 4.0 society, which requires instilling the ability to assess facts, question assumptions, and think independently.

We need more teachers who are capable of teaching our students to value evidence, seek truth, and embrace progress,. Our schools must contribute to the creation of informed, capable Sarawakians who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. Failing to do so not only undermines individual potential but also risks societal stagnation and vulnerability to misinformation. Therefore, our schools must fulfill their legal and moral duty to shape the minds of the next generation for the betterment of all.

Yup, we have managed to convince Abang Jo to reject many jobless badly-trained (by our standard) teachers from peninsular recently. We Sarawakians want to chart our own path in education - coaching our young generation right from the very tender age

Education- let's get done right - and by the right person: Schools have a legal obligation to instill the right mindset and values in young children because the education system plays a crucial role in shaping not only the future of individuals but also the future of society. Instilling values such as evidence over belief, progress over finality, and truth-seeking over dogma is essential to fostering a generation that is capable of critical thinking, innovation, and active participation in an informed society.

Education- get done right- by the right person - Critical Thinking as an Indispensible Fundamental Skill : Schools have a legal obligation to teach critical thinking, which is based on evaluating evidence rather than accepting beliefs at face value. In modern societies, critical thinking is a foundational skill for participation in every aspect of life, from the workforce to citizenship

Education in Sarawak - Moving to world class: Many legal frameworks explicitly prohibit indoctrination in schools, whether religious, political, or ideological. For example, the European Convention on Human Rights protects students from religious or ideological imposition, emphasizing that education should be pluralistic and open-minded. Schools must teach children how to think, not what to think, encouraging exploration and the questioning of ideas rather than acceptance of dogma.

By law, schools are tasked with preparing students for the challenges of the future, which requires promoting a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to progress. Societies stagnate when their citizens cling to outdated ideas and resist change, which is why schools have a legal responsibility to instill values that encourage constant re-evaluation of ideas and systems.

These legal precedents affirm that schools must do more than simply impart knowledge—they must instill values that align with the principles of reason, progress, and truth-seeking.

Education as a Public Good : The role of schools extends beyond imparting academic knowledge; it includes developing responsible, informed citizens. As publicly funded institutions, schools have a legal and moral responsibility to prepare students to function in a complex, rapidly changing world

By teaching students to value evidence, seek truth, and embrace progress, schools contribute to the creation of informed, capable citizens who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. Failing to do so not only undermines individual potential but also risks societal stagnation and vulnerability to misinformation. Therefore, schools must fulfill their legal and moral duty to shape the minds of the next generation for the betterment of all.

What had been acceptable in the past - no longer the case - Legal Obligation to Build Rational, Evidence-Based Citizens : Schools have a legal obligation to instill values such as evidence over belief, progress over finality, and truth-seeking over dogma in young children. This is essential for preparing students to function effectively in a democratic, knowledge-based society. Education is not simply about passing on knowledge—it is about fostering the critical thinking and adaptability necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

By instilling values of evidence, progress, and truth-seeking, schools fulfill their legal and moral obligation to equip students with the tools necessary to contribute positively to the real-world modern society.

Polarization and Misinformation: Failing to teach truth-seeking and critical thinking leads to a populace more vulnerable to polarization, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. This has real-world consequences, as seen in recent political and social movements where belief-based thinking has led to societal division and undermined democratic institutions.

Social Stagnation: Societies that prioritize belief over evidence or finality over progress often experience stagnation and resistance to change. This is particularly dangerous in an era of rapid technological advancement and global challenges such as climate change, where evidence-based policy decisions are critical. Schools that fail to instill the right mindset leave students unprepared to engage with these challenges.

When schools fail the children - The Consequences of Failing to Instill the Right Values : When schools fail to teach children to prioritize evidence, truth, and progress, they risk creating citizens who are ill-equipped to address the complex challenges of the modern world

These legal precedents affirm that schools must do more than simply impart knowledge—they must instill values that align with the principles of reason, progress, and truth-seeking.

UNESCO’s Global Education Framework: This framework emphasizes the importance of fostering global citizenship through education that promotes critical thinking, respect for diversity, and a commitment to sustainable development. Schools are legally obligated to provide education that prepares students for participation in global issues such as climate change, social justice, and technological advancement—issues that require an evidence-based mindset.

By cultivating an environment where questioning is encouraged, schools ensure that students are prepared to contribute to a more progressive and just society.

Encouraging Innovation: Societal and technological progress depend on individuals who question the status quo and seek improvements. By law, schools are tasked with preparing students for the challenges of the future, which requires promoting a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to progress. Societies stagnate when their citizens cling to outdated ideas and resist change, which is why schools have a legal responsibility to instill values that encourage constant re-evaluation of ideas and systems.

Protection from Indoctrination: Many legal frameworks explicitly prohibit indoctrination in schools, whether religious, political, or ideological. For example, the European Convention on Human Rights protects students from religious or ideological imposition, emphasizing that education should be pluralistic and open-minded. Schools must teach children how to think, not what to think, encouraging exploration and the questioning of ideas rather than acceptance of dogma.

Key role of national schools - Preventing Dogma and Promoting Progress : Schools have a legal obligation to ensure that students are not indoctrinated with dogma but are instead taught to value progress over finality and truth-seeking over rigid beliefs

When schools fail to instill these values, they fail in their legal mandate to prepare students for their roles as informed citizens.