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The Aftermath! By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

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For Wednesday August 1st 2012

My Website – http://www.majidall.com

At My Workplace (Outlook)!

The Aftermath!

After my last week article titled “Living together as one in peace and harmony!” – I had received considerable responses in my websites – including some personal Emails and Messages. Overall, there was support and allegiances in what was written. I found very encouraging some responses sympathizing and in support coming also from broad minded objective pragmatic and secular foreigners too! Oman was indicated as an example and a ‘beacon of hope’ for mankind of how people can live together as one in peace, love and harmony – and the respects and esteem given to foreigners in the country!

However, like in most cases, there were some dissenting forces and I find the following as one of the strongest. As an Administrator of my own blogs, I do accept that the names given are ‘perhaps not that real’ – but this does not bother me at all – as I look more on content than who is sending it!

One of the contributors had said – Quote – Message: I have read some of the articles. The best part I mostly enjoy is that you write from the bottom of your heart. All the information is based on your 35 years of experience and not from stories told by friends or read from books.

Your writing skills are excellent. I pray to ALLAH INSHALLAH you succeed in your dreams and that day where all positions are filled with qualified Omanis only. Your are one of the very few Omanis who disclose the pain we Omanis endure because of the expatriates – unquote.

In my book A Cry For Help! – http://www.myown-ebooks.com – see above image – I have highlighted the problems and issues being faced by especially qualified and educated young Omanis – especially when they want to join – or are accepted in ‘by a pointing barrel of a gun’ to take them in’ so to speak – excuse the melodrama! Even qualified and fully experienced Omanis for that matter too!

That is why I wrote the book – so my conscience can be clear and clean that I have done my part in saying it ‘as it is’! The rest is not upto me!

After the book was published – it was the last time that I received any job offers – even temporary and or consultancy – and any that I received after that did not last much longer – and I was a victim of my own situation and circumstances. Sadly and tragically from even fellow Omanis GMs and others – because they are susceptible to receive the advices and counsels of the ‘active foreign hands’ – so to speak!

It is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways – but the future for sure is for the young Omanis in their destiny, legacy and future – whether this is accepted or not – does not matter!

In one well known case what I thought was a friend and whom I had confided on my misgivings – was God Forgive me in this Holy Month of Fasting – perhaps instrumental after him meeting with this GM I knew well before – and as already said in my columns to leave within half an hour with the ultimatum given to continue in that place. I need money for sure – but respects and esteem more!

Though truthfully only some of the ‘bad eggs (fish)’ are only few expatriates – but the majority are also indifferent and may even be supportive on the sidelines – as they seem to think this will work for them to their advantages. Let us not forget also the die-hards old guards in Top Management – and Owners – especially family-run – but sadly can even go across to bigger and National places – that these things should not happen – or allow to happen!

In one of the places where a family member was looking for a visa for even business travel – not holidays – an Official sarcastically asked him if ‘you belong to that guy who seems to write a lot in newspapers? Actually it is only one newspaper – but people can be free to say what they want – especially when they think they are in-charge and in-control! I had a good mind to go and meet him – but then I remembered I had better things to do – than bang my head against brick walls!

I am still that much sure and convinced that a time will still yet to come and to pass when people will wish they had been more fair, professional and ethical towards me. Hopefully before I die! But after my books – and seeing all the things happening around us – when one or two send me messages like above – I believe my work has been done – and my conscience is now clear.

Even the book on Road Safety – Behind The Wheel! – with just few exceptions – took a beating. Yet we all know how bad the state of driving has become – and the increased road accidents, tragedies and fatalities – yet a noble and National worthy cause too – but still targeted and singled out for sure! Simply because if this book will be a success – people might want to read my other books – where they are most targeted!

What more I can say now?

Take Care!

By:

Majid Al Suleimany

Living Together As One In Peace and Harmony! By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

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For Sunday July 29th 2012

My Website – www.majidall.com

Between Us Only!

Ethnic and Sectarian Violence!

Living Together As One In Peace and Harmony!

  • The world suffers now not because of evil people– but because of good people that have decided to remain silent – Albert Einstein
  • All actions are judged by the motive prompting them – The Islamic Sayings – The Hadith
  • The search for someone to blame is always successful! – Robert Half

I was watching this Al Jazeera TV interview where the Bangladeshi President was being queried as to why they were sending back the Rohingyas – and her replying that her country was already full of Refugees – and they did not have space for anymore – and that it was not ‘her country’s problems’!

Images Assam India Violence

It is with a heavy heart, great sorrow and sadness to note the new ‘in-thing’ of ethnic and sectarian violence – that is now springing up in some parts of the world! I say with sadness and sorrow because most of these peoples affected are just themselves, gullible, unsuspecting poor naïve people – being used and utilized by others so-called ‘politicians and leaders’ of all sorts – for their own hidden agendas, manifest and innuendos!

What makes it more sad, tragic and pathetic is that the people involved in these violence are themselves always poor, needy and desperate lots – but are being used as targets and pawns of the ‘mischief and trouble-makers’ at the top. They are used like ‘dummies-puppets-on-strings’ by their controllers and their manipulators cum designers.

Images Rohingyas Burma Violence

That these things can happen in this Muslim Holy Fasting month makes it all the more sadder and more tragic. Not that we have enough in defined within borders of people still rising in the Arab Spring – like now in Syria and others – and or in another countries struck by economic strangulation and woes – but now within countries like in Myannamar (Burma), India, Nigeria, Iraq, Pakistan – and several others too!

Some Quotes on Mob Violence:-

  • Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary – Gandhi
  • Force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived – Abraham Lincoln
  • The man who strikes first admits that his ideas have given out – Chinese Proverb
  • What broke in a man when he could bring himself to kill another? – Alan Paton
  • Who overcomes by force hath overcome but half his foe – John Milton

The REAL Religiouspeople and Scholars at least – if not the Politicians – are expected and required to do much more than just disinterests and apathy – or even as is being suggested in some places – that they are even led – either directly or on the sidelines – by the so-called ‘Religious cum Political Leaders’ too!

The Secular, The Professionals, The Intellectuals, NGOs, the People outside their own countries – should indeed speak out! Now before everyone become the Losers!

And all these mob, sectarian and ethnic violence? For what? And for what reason and purpose? For what purpose, will and intention? What is there to be gained by using such poor innocent naïve trusting people for these whimsical, crude, unethical and unprincipled – hidden or even wide open agendas?

.Not only they are discrediting themselves, their ethnic groupings – but even the society and the nations that they represent – or supposed to represent. One of the signs that are said of the ‘end of the world’ is that when you hear somebody has died – you in turn feel jealous and envious – that it was not you that had died! I can associate this feeling and inclination – seeing how bad things have become now in the world – all the doom, despair, decadence, malaise and disasters that we are facing now!

To the extent that one just starts to think loud – in shock and awe – what job and responsibilities that are awaiting for our Great Prophet Jesus Christ – Nabih Issa – on his coming to save the world for ourselves – and from ourselves – seeing all that is going around now. I am convinced that all the Great Prophets are turning in their graves now – seeing all that is going on now.

Believe me – even that what you would call as ‘nature worshippers’ of trees, rivers, sun, moon – and whatever you may have – have the same outlook, focus, will and intentions – that human beings should live together ‘as one’ in peace and harmony. They even believe in preserving nature as it is – and that even for example – not to to disturb migratory ants on the ground – giving them wide space and non-interference to do their bit! They can easily shame and disgrace us by these outlooks and practices.

There are some tribes in deep Africa that I know that do not hunt animals – because they feel they are to share the world with them – but eat only wild fruits and berries – or in the worst case scenarios – would eat only those wild animals that have died – if they must eat to survive – and live on!

Yet if you go and ask them if it is all right to go to your neighbour’s house or village – and kill them for no other reason but based on ethnicities – and so-called Religions – they will consider you dangerous, as mental and psychologically unbalanced – and people need to be protected around you and that you will interact – and interface with.

A long time ago in that distant land this type of believer told me to move my feet – because I was trampling on some black ants! It shocked me to smithereens – and here I was thinking in my mind and heart – that I was ‘better than this so-called Big Baobab tree believer!

The people who are suffering are themselves – the needy, hungry and desperate themselves. One such poor person going out to cause maximum harm, damage, maiming and killing of another himself of the same lots and in suffering – in mob violence – and xenophobic rampage and violence – tinted with so-called religious and ethnicity divide and polarisation.

It is a bloody shame to the so-called Religious and National Leaders to allow such things to happen – and continue to happen in their countries – especially to those that are quick to come out to blame the others as the cause of the violence – with their hidden agendas, manifest and focuses.

A Great Wise Arab Leader had said – The friends of today can be the enemies of tomorrow – and the enemies of today can be the friends of tomorrow! I think it is high time that we Arabs and Muslims prioratised and analysed in truth, sincerity and in being genuine and truthful – that are now our REAL friends and those that are not – and we do our duties, responsibly and what is required for us to do – for our future, history, legacy and destiny – and remembering all the recent events happening all around us now – before it is too late for everyone.

May Allah God Protect and Preserve us all – May The Good Lord Direct and Show us the Right Ways and Path – Amin Amen

Take Care!

By:

Majid Al Suleimany

We Need To Be Serious! – By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

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Between Us Only! 

We Need To Be Serious!

REPEAT ARTICLE FROM ONE YEAR AGO!!

Practising more of what is being preached and in reality!

 Thr difference between rhetoric and reality!

In my article last week I had said – What shocked me the most is these elements of wanting to control, dominate and subjugate in the old days methodologies – and in the old guards doctrines – from the higher levels – even to a fellow educated, qualified and experienced fellow peer Omani!

But allowing flexibility and freedom to the expatriate clans – and not your own! Like I always say – Like that General shooting at one’s own troops metaphorically speaking here!

Coincidentally, after coming from a public place – very frustrated, disgruntled and unhappy – I then I found this article I wrote for my column over a year ago! I then asked myself – if anything positive and progressive has happened? You be the judge. The article was titled – We Need To Be Serious!

The article just said – The other day I had gone to this Medical Centre in Town. As I entered the place there was this Western lady who was at the Reception Desk. She was wearing a white nurse dress – so I presume she was a real nurse acting out the duties and function as The Receptionist cum Administrator at the counter.

She was trying hard to be friendly – and you could tell it was all an act and charade – until she realized that we spoke Queens English to be more receptive! Or perhaps the place encourages only the Rich and Famous Omanis – not like us!

I was wondering to myself whether she was really doing the job as such full time – or would not surprise me being just off Eid – if there was an Omani boy or girl doing the ‘real’ job – but as usual – and not surprising again – the fear of the rain and the Wadis – or just Shuwa and Mishkaak (Meat Meals!) at the home village had decided not to turn up – like the rest of the Private Sector did!

It then dawned to me that if she (Receptionist) was really doing this job full time – then she must have come in on a Labour Clearance and Visa of a Nurse (or even Doctor – nothing is surprising anymore to me now!). And that must be a very expensive exercise for the establishment – and needed to be done anyway because she came with the ‘investment package’ from home – or through other connections, contacts and reasons.

If that was the case, for sure this job (like many others too!) could easily have been done by a local – given the right touch, encouragement, push, mentoring, guidance and coaching! But then who really cares? If you can circumvent the rules and regulations for your benefit – and the others are looking the other way – why not I ask you? Not only in that place but in so many other places too in Town! We Need To Be Serious!

But if even more senior jobs ‘reserved only for Omanis’ like Admin, PRO, Secretaries and Human Resources Managers are being done now openly by expatriates under fanciful names – why not? Incidentally and coincidentally if you go to the Professional Sites liked LinkedIn, you will see them brave enough to call themselves as just plain HR Managers – and nothing to be scared or to be afraid about!

Frankly too – and the other side of the coin – if you as a local and are not really serious about your job aspects, accountabilities and responsibilities – and give them an excuse to bring in a friend or contact from home – or is already here looking for a job or something better – whom do you blame – them or just plain you?

After all they have come here to invest with Returns (Profits) On Investments – ROI! And if the office atmosphere can be cheered the more by having home faces – or more friendlier faces – why not!

If the excuse was that she was acting because it being Thursday and the Youth insist on a five-day week as per the new regulations– the two days off could be made on shift-basis – and recruiting more Omanis for the position. This instead of wanting to give bad name to Omanis as being ‘not cooperative – even with overtime offers’ – instead of these short cuts!

The same story starts to repeat itself with the introduction of the basic minimum salaries – and what followed next! Here we go again! There is something that I must also say and repeat here for the benefits of everyone – and I hope common sense, dynamism, realism, pragmatism and vision will come in!

First and foremost – there is no more this element of fear still running or even scantily – and secondly everybody is just fed up to the tilt! The element of being afraid is now well a thing of the past!

And if you still think that the old games and gimmicks will still work in winning always – you have got it all wrong – and are just deluding no one but yourself only – and those near you! In desperation and last attempt and effort – last week I had written in the same column – Let The Strong Man Win!

Please do not tempt to scare me anymore now – because in the end we will all lose – some even sooner than the others! Perhaps I think I may need to start to think to quit now writing anymore for ever – because I always get hurt and pained in the end – and I end with a bloodied face – and swollen head banging it against brick walls!

Added  Comments – I feel sometimes like just giving up – and just let whatever is designated to come just pass – because we are still not hearing people speaking to us – and or seeing the things they are saying to us – and not even allowing them to talk to us now! When will we ever learn? Until it is too late – for everyone?

Take Care! 

By: 

Majid Al Suleimany

I am so angry and not puting in any images 😦 !!!

The Writer’s Block! By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

Between Us Only! Column Articles, Opinion, The Weekly Columns Writings in The Oman Daily Observer • Tags: , , , ,

Between Us Only! – Outlook! 

The Writer’s Block!

 

  • I needed to write to feel, but without feeling, I could not write! – Phyllis Koestenbaum
  • The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe in – Gustave Flaubert.
  • My Ideas usually come not at my desk – but in the midst of living! – Anais Nin
  • When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its point in honey! – Arabic Saying
  • Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay. Love isn’t love, till you give it away – Oscar Hammerstein wrote,
  • Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money – Jules Renard
  • Students “learn to write by writing”, and often they are paralyzed by rules and or in feelings of being insecure – Lawrence Oliver

Honestly and frankly speaking – and Between Us Only! – I have found lately that I am experiencing – once again – after many years – what they call as The Writer’s Block!

Images Writing For Demonstration Purposes Only!

According to Wikipedia – Writer’s block is a condition, primarily associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. The condition varies widely in intensity.

It can be trivial, like a temporary difficulty in dealing with the task at hand in writing. At the other extreme, some such writers have been unable to work for years on end, and some have even abandoned totally their writing careers.

There is usually something that triggers off this condition. Like having a fear of taking a risk in writing (continued writing) – uncertainties in the pre-writing stage – judging versus generating ideas – unable to incubate ideas – and or lack of motivation

It could also be due to something recent that is drastic or painful that had happened in the personal life of the Writer – or even – as in many cases – external factors beyond the scope of the Writer. Like a sudden emanated fear of writing – and its possible consequences – and if one still wanted to continue writing!

The Writer’s Block is a common affliction that most writers will experience at one time or another in their lives.It is defined as an inability to begin or continue writing for reasons other than lack of basic skill or commitment. Because writers have various ways of writing – a variety of things can cause a writer to experience anxiety, and sometimes this anxiety leads to writer’s block.

I do not know if you do go through these similar feelings and emotions? Because sometimes in life – you just need to apply the brakes on that car you are driving – and park away from the road – in a safe distance – and away from the road.

Metaphorically speaking here – you look at how much petrol you still have in the car – engine oil and all the works – and ask yourself the BIG Question – Where am I driving this car to? And whether you actually know where you are going – and for what reason and purpose? Looking at the Big Picture – or as they say – Thinking out of the box!

You ask yourself the fundamental question – where is this road taking me now? And where am I coming from? Is this trip I am taking now really necessary – or if it was better and safer for me if I just had stayed at home And to lose my freedom to move – and be mobile once again? And with all the pretensions, facades and acting going on – double deceptions, betrayals and let downs – to even good nice people that had sacrificed all they had for a bigger cause?

Am I being punished because I am nice and good – and feels and cares? And those that do not care, feel or bother the least – being rewarded and complimented – because simply they are not rocking the boat – and are towing the line. And doing what they are told – without even raising an eye lid – because it is simply not their concern – nor are they bothered.

And when they have to account later for everyone – they just respond defensively – and abruptly, shortly and sharply – I did what I was told to do. It is not my problem now!

How short memories we have and conveniently forget that the rubbish we have been pushing under the carpet for so long – hoping no one will see or notice? Till it piles up that high – and has even started to give a stench – and a horrible smell too – and cannot be covered up anymore!

No wonder I am now facing this – The Writer’s Block now! It also comes from watching too much Television news – and also from reading too many newspapers – and that from the Internet too! It only leads to the confusion of what to write now – seeing many of the subjects and topics – that I have already covered in the last nine years of writing!

If you have any ideas or suggestions – please feel free to send them to me at majid@majidalsuleimany.com – www.majidalsuleimany.com or at the above website.

May Allah God Protect and Preserve us all – Amin Amen Take Care!

By: – 

Majid Al Suleimany