Proud as a peacock

I was told a number of times that my idea on peer helping is being taking advantage of by certain people to get rich. Let me put things straight. Peer helping has been in existence since man live in groups or society. I only introduced and promoted peer helping concept in Malaysian schools beginning 1987, which is known as Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS). I was acknowledged as the founder of PRS program in Malaysiaa - an honour I cherish. But it does not belong to me alone - it's open to anybody who is interested in promoting good will among young people and adults. So, if my ex-students or people who attended my course on this program, promote it further by making a business out of it, I am proud!! I want my ex-students and others who have listened to me speaking on the topic to make full use of the opportunity.

I am very proud of Hj Shahabudin Hj Ashaari actually, who expanded and promoted peer helping among adults in his PERASA program. It's totaly his, not mine. I just provide the concept and he developed it further. That's what initiative and creativity are all about. His program sells. The more successful he is, the prouder I become, the more encouragement I provided. I appreciate

his acknowledgement of my contribution by naming one of his camp huts in my honour. Like many others, he was my student and has become my friend. Some people reported to me that he is a millionaire, I hope he is, I know he is.

In my life as a teacher and a lecturer, I know a number of my ex-students have become successful in their chosen career -may it be in politics, business or work with titles like Dato', Tan Sri etc. Some still remember me and keep in touch but I am very positive all remember who I am. I have gained reputation among my students as 'guru/lecturer garang'. It's OK, I know they realised, I cared - there is no nonsense with me.

So, you people out there who care to read this blog, please be supportive of your friends' achievements. Help support, not stab behind their backs or bad-mouth them. In 1992, I took Budin and 4 others to US for consultation work hoping they would come back and expand and promote the program with me. Sad to say, nothing was being done, instead I got backstabbed. So rocommending them to come with me gave them the opportunity for a free holiday in the States. They were so impressive before the selection process. I was fooled!! When work was given after we returned, I got response like "I don'y work for you." I was down with disappointment but thank to Shahabudin who contributed his share to keep me going. Thank you Budin. He also had some bad experience of being bad-mouthed and backstabbed. I admire him, he doggedly proceed promoting his ideas and finally reaped the benefits.

What I am trying to say here is, especially to the Malays, get rid of that iri hati and envy. The more you see your own peole succeed the more supportive you should become. Believe me, in doing so, you will benefit in some way of your friends' success. Please don't practice bad-mouthing, it's unhealthy. It reflects who you are, your personality, your upbringing, your belief. Learn from your non-Malay friends, when it come to people of their own race, they will rally together, no matter how resentful they feel. Together is strength.

Make envy as a motivator to success, not to 'kill' others.