My Christmas

I don't know about you, but in my family, Christmas is always something we look forward too. The decorations, the location, the company.... and the food, of course. This year, we did not have as many people to cater to, as some of us had to go abroad to visit relatives and friends. Look at it this way: If 3 is a crowd, then 30-40 is practically a concert.

It started early, with the cooking of 3, perfectly marinated (for 4 days) turkeys. Then came the boiling of the potatoes for Mash and Roast Potatoes. Then we moved to Apple Crumble, Custard, Trifle, and Salad, of course.

We started eating at about 7.30. It was a beautiful evening, and the sky in Janda Baik was as clear as ever. Every planet, every star, all laid out for your enjoyment. Honestly, that's a moment when I know that God is by my side. Gazing with me, into the black beyond, laughing at the beauty of the simplest things.

We set up 1 tent outside, for the brave soldiers who might want to seek refuge there. Mind you, Janda Baik is still mostly forest, and home to many characters. Like the wild boar. Or the pesky snake. In front of the tent, we had a neat bonfire, supplying the tent with warmth.

After devouring what we could, the family++ moved to the 'camp' area. Plastic mats were laid out. Everyone chilled out by the fire and ate cooked marshmellows.

Yum.

Then, eventually, we ALL moved back to the house, where the adults decided to play the traditional game of 'Gin-rummy.' A great game that all the adults play together, filled with laughs, comedy, followed by more laughs. And sometimes attempts at killing one another. Especially if the killer lost the game.

'All together again,' I thought.

Thats the one thing about my family. We love being together. Those that fly from Kuantan, Johore, Ipoh, and even from London. My aunts and uncles were all raised together, thus all of my Mum's cousins are very close. And I'm happy to say that I myself am close to my cousins. And that's a bond that will never break.

Although some of us had to return the same night, most didn't. And indeed, the next day was as much fun as the night before.

My family, my life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love ya!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Drive safe. Be merry. Enjoy.

Salam Muhibbah.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Statement from IJN Medical Consultants

19^th December 2008

Statement from IJN medical consultants

We read with concern the perceived perception that the medical staff of IJN are demanding higher pay and will leave IJN if these demands are not met.

We feel it is important that these negative perceptions are correctly put into context.

The institution was set up in 1992 as a corporate body directly under the purview of Ministry of Finance. Its board of Directors include representatives from Ministry of Health and MOF to ensure its direction and objectives of providing good quality and affordable medical care to Malaysians from all walks of life are adhered to.

In that respect, IJN has done and continue to do well, both in maintaining its moral as well as financial obligations. The institution has been self-sustaining since its inception (and has been able to pay year end bonuses annually without fail). For 2007 and up to end Nov 2008, we have accumulated 285,764 number of outpatients, performed 15,084 cardiac catheterization interventions including angiograms and angioplasties, 6,094 heart and lung surgeries, 7 mechanical hearts and heart and lung transplants surgeries.

As true with any organization of our size, there will be people leaving the organization at various times in order to pursue different career paths. Over the last 7 years of operation, out of a total of 35 consultants, only 7 have left IJN to work either in local or overseas private centres. Therefore, our consultants' annual attrition rate is only 3%, and we have responded consistently over time to promote our home grown talents to fill up the voids accordingly. Currently, 75% of IJN consultants have been in their posts for more than 10 years.

All of us are salaried based on a different payscale than that of the MOH though not at par with the private centres. Periodic review of salary scale is usually undertaken, subject to approval from Ministry of Finance.

As proven from our consultants' attrition rate and longevity in serving this institution, it is logical to surmise that on the whole we are happy with the current scheme and proving it by remaining with IJN. Many of us have served more than 10 years, excluding time spent within the MOH Hospitals prior to setting up of IJN.

Being responsible employees of IJN, we are not in the position to dictate the outcome of the privatization proposal from Sime Darby to the stakeholders of IJN. However, the perception that the privatization proposal is in response to demands for higher remunerations by its medical staff is misconceived and must be corrected accordingly to safeguard and preserve the trust placed upon us by our patients.

---ENDS--