關於 third impact scene ，我們在網路上蒐集到這些相關的討論、資訊與評價

APAKAH MASIH ADA MASA HADAPAN BUAT PARTI KERAMAT INI?

Sedikit catatan perkongsian.

Saya masih ingat lagi bagaimana saya bergelut dengan diri sendiri ketika mahu membuat keputusan yang besar dalam hidup saya, iaitu menyertai politik dan menyertai parti Bersatu.

Saya menyoal banyak perkara. Adakah saya sesuai menjadi seorang ahli politik? Adakah saya sanggup melondehkan jubah akademia saya dan turun bergulat di bawah menghadapi pelbagai tikam belakang, tawar-menawar, caci-maki dalam kerancuan dunia politik yang lebih menjanjikan kekhilafan berbanding kebenaran?

Apa yang menyebabkan saya didorong untuk menyertai politik dan Bersatu adalah suasana politik tanah air yang dilanda kemelut yang kronik waktu itu.

Tatkala dunia mengenali Malaysia kerana salah guna kuasa dan penyelewengan perbendaharaan negara oleh sesetengah individu, negara bagaikan memanggil-manggil warganya yang sedar untuk bersama merubah keadaan tersebut.

Sebagai warga akademia yang dididik untuk berdiri di atas fakta, idealisme dan kejituan moral, saya merasakan telah sampai waktunya untuk saya mula menterjemahkan segala teori dan idealisme yang sering dimuntahkan ke minda para penuntut lewat kuliah-kuliah ke dalam realiti.

Dilema yang menguliti jiwa menemui penawarnya apabila saya bertemu dengan Tun Dr Mahathir, dan seterusnya saya bertemu pula dengan Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Kedua-dua tokoh ini mempunyai tempat yang istimewa di dalam hati saya sehingga kini.

Saya merupakan moderator pertama forum Tun (yang bukan sebagai ahli UMNO lagi) di depan khalayak awam di Pasir Gudang Johor.

Setelah itu, saya sering diundang untuk menjadi moderator forum-forum Tun yang dianjurkan oleh pelbagai pihak sekitar 2016-2017. Bercakap depan-depan dengan Tun adalah momen yang paling saya tak boleh lupa. Saya masih ingat pesan Tun waktu itu,

“Kita kena selamatkan negara Malaysia dari kleptokrat. Dulu Malaysia dikenali dunia kerana kemajuannya dan kehebatannya, kini dikenali kerana rasuah.

Di samping itu kita sebagai orang Melayu wajib menyelamatkan survival orang Melayu. Apa akan jadi dengan masa depan orang Melayu jika budaya rasuah, salah guna kuasa dan politik wang ini menjadi normal tanpa ada langsung orang yang bersuara menentangnya?”

Jelas di wajah Tun yang di senja usia itu keresahan dan kegelisahan memikirkan nasib politik orang Melayu.

Selain itu, saya tak boleh lupa pesan Tan Sri ketika saya bertemu dengan beliau (lama dulu, sebelum PRU14). Saya juga merasa bersyukur kerana menjadi moderator pertama forum awam beliau di Johor Bahru sejurus beliau dibuang dari UMNO.

Setahun selepas peristiwa tersebut, saya telah mengambil keputusan untuk menyertai Bersatu, dan telah diberikan peluang untuk bertemu dengan Tan Sri. Antara kata-kata Tan Sri yang begitu terkesan di dalam jiwa saya;

“Kita perlukan wajah ahli politik baru untuk membentuk budaya politik yang baharu. Kita perlu wujudkan budaya baharu politik Bersatu.”

Kemudian saya cermati satu persatu tentang penubuhan Bersatu. Bersatu meletakkan batu asas yang sangat kukuh semasa ditubuhkan.

Selain menegakkan Islam, mempertahan kedudukan bumiputera dan bahasa, menjunjung demokrasi, Bersatu berikrar mahu ‘memerangi rasuah dan salah guna kuasa untuk mewujudkan amalan tadbir urus yang baik dan pemerintahan yang bersih, beramanah dan berintegriti.’

Rujuk di laman web Bersatu, Prinsip-prinsip Perjuangan Bersatu: https://www.pribumibersatu.org.my/prinsip.php

Maka berbondong-bondonglah orang menyertai Bersatu. Dari hujung Wang Kelian sampailah luar negara, orang meletakkan harapan yang tinggi kepada Bersatu sebagai ‘fresh start’ budaya politik yang baru.

Semua orang tahu dan sedar bagaimana kerosakan sistem yang telah berlaku sekian lama, skandal-skandal besar dan kes-kes pecah amanah yang luar biasa, segalanya perlahan-lahan terdedah.

Tidak usah pergi jauh, di dalam pendidikan sendiri lihatlah kes projek solar sekolah luar bandar Sarawak yang sudah mula dibicarakan. Perhatikanlah bagaimana pertelingkahan sesama sendiri berlaku oleh watak-watak yang mahu menyelamatkan diri dari didakwa.

Sayang sekali perbicaraan kes itu tidak dapat diselesaikan sebelum PH jatuh. Hari ini, watak yang terlibat secara langsung dengan projek tenaga solar tersebut mendapat jawatan sebagai pengerusi GLC (yang juga berkaitan dengan ‘tenaga’).

Sekiranya ada agamawan pernah berkata, lantiklah menteri-menteri kabinet yang bersih agar menjadi hujah yang kuat kepada kerajaan yang tertubuh,

sekarang bagaimana pula dengan perlantikan watak-watak begini dalam GLC-GLC? Adakah ada hujah agama lain yang perlu disandang pula untuk menjustifikasikan tindakan ini? Jika ada, saya teringin membacanya.

Benar. Bersatu adalah parti yang sangat muda. Tetapi penubuhan Bersatu sangat jelas tujuan dan asasnya. Tentu kita bukanlah parti yang sempurna, parti yang juga punyai kelemahan, tetapi sedikitpun kita tidak pernah tergelincir dari tujuan asal penubuhan parti keramat ini.

Dukung demokrasi, pertahan agama, perkukuh bangsa, dan yang paling penting, ikrar kita untuk terus lawan rasuah, lawan salah guna kuasa dan bina budaya tadbir urus yang baharu, yang berintegriti.

Sekarang, apa yang perlu kita jawab kepada diri kita sendiri apabila budaya ini kembali bermaharajalela di dalam negara kita, di depan mata kita?

Tidakkah terdetik rasa gelisah melihat watak-watak yang kita perangi tindakan mereka dahulu kini kembali mendominasi tanpa sedikitpun rasa malu dan bersalah?

Mereka inilah yang merupakan Raison d'etre (sebab kewujudan) Bersatu. Bersatu diwujudkan untuk menggantikan mereka, untuk memberikan alternatif kepada politik lama, politik korupsi kepada politik baru yang pernah diilhamkan nama sebagai budaya Bersatu.

Di atas niat murni ini jugalah saya menyertai Bersatu dan menceburkan diri ke dalam politik.

Saya perlu ucapkan terima kasih kepada ahli MPT Bersatu, Dato Dr Rais Husin yang telah Berjaya menyempurnakan penyertaan saya ke dalam parti yang saya cintai ini. Mac 2018 merupakan tarikh keramat dalam hidup saya apabila saya menyertai Bersatu secara rasmi.

Sejujurnya, saya masih kabur melihat arah tuju perjalanan parti ini dikala ini. Ketika kita (Bersatu) menjadi komponen penting dalam PH dahulu. Identiti kita jelas, orang Melayu berlindung di rumah Bersatu dalam PH sementara kaum lain boleh berlindung di rumah lain dan kita cuba hidup seadil yang mungkin (walaupun kadangkala kita tergigit lidah).

Pergeseran dalaman adalah lumrah politik, persoalannya ialah bagaimanakah kita menguruskan konflik dan perbezaan.

Apabila Bersatu dibawa keluar dan menyertai PN lewat hujung Februari yang lalu, saya mula bertanya, masih relevan lagikah identiti yang Bersatu bawa, iaitu untuk menjadi parti alternatif orang Melayu dan menggantikan UMNO? Masih terpakaikah lagi idealisme yang diperjuangkan selama ini?

Jika Bersatu akhirnya hanya mengikut arus yang sama, mula bercampur dengan mereka yang membawa budaya politik yang dulu kita berikrar untuk perangi, apologetik dan merasa tak bersalah pula bersama dengan mereka yang pernah kita kalahkan kerana kerakusan wang dan kuasa yang jelas berlaku di depan mata, di manakah lagi rasionalnya keperluan parti kita untuk orang Melayu?

Akhirnya, orang Melayu, anak muda, generasi masa depan yang mempunyai harapan untuk melihat budaya politik baharu, seakan kelam dan hilang.

Impian pengundi-pengundi yang pulang mengundi 9 Mei 2018 dengan tekad untuk membentuk Malaysia Baharu, gugur dan retak.

Apakah masih masa hadapan untuk parti keramat kita ini?

Hal ini semakin merunsingkan saya terutamanya apabila UMNO dan BN hanya menerima kerajaan PN sehingga menjelang PRU15 sahaja.

Majlis Tertinggi UMNO telah memutuskan bahawa mereka melalui Muafakat Nasional akan menggempur semua kerusi-kerusi yang dipertandingkan oleh Bersatu dan sekutu Bersatu di dalam PRU 15 nanti. Perikatan Nasional hanyalah hubungan sementara bagi UMNO.

UMNO yang sepatutnya digantikan kewujudan mereka dengan Bersatu di dalam hati orang-orang Melayu tanah air ini.

Di kala itu, sekiranya kita tidak melakukan apa-apa, soalan saya, di manakah kedudukan Bersatu?

Ke PH tidak, ke Muafakat Nasional pun tidak. Kita menjadi pihak ketiga yang paling marginal berhadapan dengan dua blok PH dan Muafakat Nasional pada PRU15 nanti.

Apakah nasib Bersatu pada waktu itu nanti?

Apakah masih ada masa hadapan buat parti keramat ini?

YB Dr Maszlee Malik
Ahli MPT Bersatu
13 Mei 2020

———

IS THERE STILL A FUTURE FOR THIS PARTY?

Just something to share.

I can still remember how I had struggled with myself when I made the major life decision of joining politics and joining the party Bersatu.

I questioned many things at that time. Was I fit to be a politician? Would I be able to take off my academic robe and instead roll around with backstabbing, bargaining, and insults in the political world which promises more deceit than truth?

What drove me to be involved in politics and Bersatu was the political atmosphere of the country that was plagued by the chronic turmoil of the time.

As the world knew Malaysia for the misuse of power and financial mismanagement by certain individuals, the nation seemed to be calling on its citizens to wake up and change the situation.

As an academic trained to stand on facts, idealism and moral fastidiousness, I felt that it was time for me to begin actualising all the theories and idealisms that were frequently conveyed to the minds of students through lectures.

My soul-searching dilemma found its antidote when I met Tun Dr Mahathir, and then I met Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin next. Both figures continue to hold a special place in my heart to this day.

I happened to be the first moderator of Tun’s forum (who was no longer a UMNO member then) attended by the people in Pasir Gudang Johor.

After that, I was often invited to be the moderator of Tun’s forums organised by various parties circa 2016-2017. Holding a face-to-face conversation with Tun was truly a moment that I will never forget. I still remember Tun's sage words at that time,

“We have to save Malaysia from the kleptocrats. Malaysia used to be known for its progress and its glory, now only known for its corruption.

Besides, as Malays we must ensure the survival of the Malays. What will be the future of the Malays if the culture of corruption, abuse of power and money politics becomes the norm without anyone speaking out against it?"

It was clear that Tun, in the twilight of age, was fraught with worry and anxiety thinking about the political fate of the Malays.

Also, I could not forget Tan Sri's words when I met him (long ago, even before the 14th General Election). I was also the first moderator of his public forum in Johor Bahru immediately after his removal from UMNO.

A year after the event, I decided to join Bersatu, and was given the opportunity to meet Tan Sri. Among Tan Sri’s remarks that left a deep impact on me;

“We need new faces to shape a new political culture. We need to create a new culture of Bersatu politics.”

I scrutinised the establishment of Bersatu, bit by bit. Bersatu had a very solid foundation when it was set up.

In addition to upholding Islam, upholding the position of bumiputera and language, upholding democracy, Bersatu pledges to 'fight corruption and abuse of power to create good governance and a clean, trustworthy and integrity-based government.'

You may refer to Bersatu website for the party’s principles: https://www.pribumibersatu.org.my/prinsip.php

From then on, a substantial number of people had joined Bersatu. From Wang Kelian to abroad, the people placed their high hopes on Bersatu as the 'fresh start' to a new political culture.

Everyone was aware how damaging the system had been for so long, the major scandals and the outrageous cases of breach of trust, all slowly unfolding.

No need to go too far for examples. Within education itself, you can see the case of the Sarawak rural school solar energy project that is already on trial. Just observe how the persons in question are quarrelling with one another simply to save themselves from prosecution.

It is truly unfortunate that the trial could not be completed before PH fell. Today, the person who was directly involved in the solar energy project is getting the chairmanship of a GLC (which is also related to 'energy').

If a religious figure had once said, appoint clean cabinet ministers to be the strength of the established government,

now what about the appointment of these characters in GLCs? Is there another religious argument that will be brought forth to justify this action? If indeed there is, I'd love to read about it.

True. Bersatu is a very young party. But the establishment of Bersatu was very clear in its purpose and basis. Of course we are not a perfect party, we are a party that has weaknesses, but at least we have never slipped from the original purpose of this party’s establishment.

To uphold democracy, to defend religion, to strengthen the nation, and most importantly, our commitment to continue our fight against corruption, abuse of power, and the building of a new culture of governance, with integrity.

Now, how do we answer ourselves when the same culture is back in our country, before our very eyes?

Do we not feel anxious seeing the persons whose actions we had fought against in the past are now dominating the scene once again without any shame and guilt?

They are the raison d’etre Bersatu was formed. Bersatu was established to replace them, to provide an alternative to the old, corrupt politics, bringing about the new politics that was once envisaged as the Bersatu culture.

It was for this higher purpose that I had joined Bersatu and entered politics.

I would like to thank the Bersatu MPT, Dato Dr Rais Husin who had successfully finalised my registration as a member in this beloved party. March 2018 was the blessed day of my life when I officially joined Bersatu.

To be honest, at this juncture the direction of the party is still a blur to me. When we (Bersatu) were an important component of PH previously, our identity was clear, the Malays could take refuge in the home of Bersatu within PH while other ethnicities could take refuge in other homes and we tried to live together as fairly as possible (although sometimes we did bite our tongues).

Internal disputes are a norm in politics, the question is how do we handle conflicts and differences.

When Bersatu was taken out and had joined PN at the end of February, I started asking, is the identity that Bersatu carries still relevant, that is to become an alternative party for the Malays to replace UMNO? Is the idealism that we fought for still applicable?

If Bersatu eventually follows the same trend, begins to mix with those who bear the political culture we had once vowed to fight, becomes apologetic and guiltless to be with those we had defeated in the past simply because of greed for money and power clearly happening before our own eyes, then where is the rationale of the need for our party for the Malays?

In the end, the Malays, the youth, the future generation who had hopes to see a new political culture, seem to be in the dark and lost.

The dream of the voters who returned to vote on May 9, 2018 with the determination to build Malaysia Baharu, collapses and crashes.

Is there still a future for our beloved party?

I find it especially disturbing to know that UMNO and the BN have accepted the PN government only until the GE15.

The UMNO Supreme Council has decided that they, through Muafakat Nasional, will assail all the seats contested by Bersatu and allies of Bersatu in the coming GE15. Perikatan Nasional is only a temporary relationship for UMNO.

This is the same Umno whose existence in the hearts of Malays in this country should have been replaced by Bersatu.

So, if we do nothing, then my question is, where will Bersatu stand?

With PH we are not, with Muafakat Nasional we are not either. We will be the third most marginalised party to face the two blocks of PH and Muafakat Nasional in the GE15.

When that time comes, what would the fate of Bersatu be?

Is there any future for this party?

YB Dr Maszlee Malik
MPT member, Bersatu
13 May 2020

我是國榮。來自澳洲昆士蘭省，讀中學時成績非常好，分數已足夠在大學選讀任何一科。當時我希望成為一名醫生，因為可以幫助他人。我在新南威爾斯大學讀醫科，第一年是住在雪梨北區一個朋友家中，第二年入住大學國際宿舍，宿舍規定最少有半數是留學生，不是澳洲人。最先兩年結識了不少香港、新加玻、馬來西亞的朋友，與他們很合得來，不過最重要是入住宿舍後，便遇到了香港的流行歌曲。有一天我行經走廊時，聽到一些很悅耳的音樂，我便問同學這是甚麽歌曲及可否借給我欣賞，他便借了給我。我已忘記是Leslie還是Alan的歌，但肯定是其中一位。因為很喜歡這些歌曲，便到唐人街購買，後來一邊聽歌一邊看歌詞，因此慢慢地學識了很多中文字。
因為喜歡唱歌，所以在大學的同學活動，開始演唱中文歌，也曾參加香港學生會舉辦的歌唱比賽，參賽歌曲是「愛的根源」，結果獲得亞軍。我很清楚記得，國際宿舍為了文化交流，每年舉辦一次國際晚宴，希望不同種族的學生可以表演和分享文化。Leslie在一九八五年 唱Monica獲得獎項，那是一首我很喜歡的歌曲，所以在文化交流晚會我便選擇唱Monica。當時同學覺得很驚奇，我怎可能唱Monica。我是跟着錄影帶，學習他的舞步和唱歌技巧。我不停地在公眾地方練習，其他同學看到我很用心練習，也過來幫助我。在台上表演時有幾位同學為我伴舞，當晚演出非常成功。
一九八五年Leslie和幾位香港天皇巨星，來澳洲開演唱會。演唱會的主辦公司，需要義務司機，朋友問我能否當義務司機。我答應了，後來知道是當Leslie的司機。有一天他放假不用排練，我們便駕車往坎培拉，當日天氣多雲有微雨，甚麽也看不清楚，喝過咖啡後便離開，回程是Leslie駕駛，他的英語非常好，途中我們愉快地暢談，這次旅程對我來說是很重要的事情。
一九八六年Alan到來澳洲，我又當了他的司機。在他入住的酒店，介紹人在偶像面前，誤把我的名字說成河詠麟，當時在偶像面前我也不懂怎樣矯正。大約有兩年很多人以為我是河詠麟。他的四位女和音，知道我懂得唱他的歌，所以告訴了他，在排練那天他叫我上台一起唱。認識Leslie 和Alan兩位巨星，對我的影響很大，聽到他們的歌，和看到觀眾的反應，我開始對香港的歌唱發展很重視。
因為常常想着唐人街和唱歌，沒有用功讀書，因此醫科的第三年考試不合格，需要重讀，在一九八六年重讀了三個月便決定退學。
後來做了三份洗碗碟工作，還做了個多月砌磚的工作，我把工作一年多，所得工資儲起來，買了一張單程機票和帶了一千澳元，便到來香港發展。唯一的準備是問一個朋友能否到他的家中居住。他的父親很勉強地答應，但需要收租金。我甚麽準備也沒有，只是刻意買了一張單程機票，是因為不想遇到少許困難便放棄，返回澳洲。
初到香港時甚麼都不認識，沒有計劃，也沒有朋友。我最先是住在廣播道，但我的朋友不是在那裡居住，因為他還在讀書。初來時沒有事做，所以在外面逛了幾天，有一天意外地行到紅磡體育館，中門外有四名男士在吸煙，他們竟然叫我河詠麟。原來他們是Alan的樂隊成員，在一九八六年見過面，但相隔一年，竟然還可以記起我，這就是緣分。當時Alan正在為演唱會排練，他們帶我進去體育館，這樣便再見到Alan。一九八七年的演唱會是三十一場，我看了三十場。本來打算看足三十一場，但是有少許問題出現，因為我住的地方有規定，晚上十時半後便會關門，不會再讓人進出。但演唱會是不會這麽早便完場，每晚看完演唱會，我會行去尖沙嘴，然後再步行回廣播道，然後在公園外的石椅小睡，到五時公園開門便進去睡覺，但最終因捱不住，有一晚沒有去看演唱會。有一次Alan突然問我，今晚可否上台唱歌，我說當然可以，便成為他的嘉賓。我第一次表演Alan十分開心，但第二次他在台上介紹，有一個外國人，唱他的歌十分出色，當他呼喚河詠麟出場，因為我不在場，所以沒有出現。後來他問我為何沒有出現，我便向他解釋原因，他便安排我入住酒店，直到演唱會完結。所以便有第三次呼喚我上台，這是我第二次成為嘉賓跟他一起唱「朋友」，真是十分興奮。到八月他的生日會也有邀請我做嘉賓，其實每一件發生的事情都是有關係的。
後來我在北角僑冠大厦租了一間劏房居住，有一次從北角行到中環，看到一間職業介紹公司的招聘啟示，我便前往應徵。當時職員說我可以教英文，但我不是教師，他認為沒有問題，便介紹我到一間補習社工作。在補習社工作了幾個月，有一位同事看到一張電視台的海報，需要招聘 一個西方人，但要懂得說中文。我致電應徵，他是一位獨立經紀，我說沒有經驗和廣東話也不是很好，他說沒有問題。我便去見一位電視台女監製，她給我一段英文劇本，要我讀出來。因為很緊張，五分鐘都不能出聲，我跟自己說，不嘗試會後侮一生。那一段對白是警官責備下級，責備人一定是很大聲的，所以我便很大聲說出來。當時她正在做自己的事，沒有再理會我，但我的叫聲使她大吃一驚。因為沒有其他外國人給她選擇，她無奈地聘請了我，這套劇集需要兩個西方人，另外一位是當主角，從那時開始，便在電視台工作了二十年。
二零一四年九月我在N o w T V的一個音樂節目做嘉賓，在一間音樂室裡我和三位節目主持人，唱歌和談論音樂。到最近才知道，他們三位是100毛的老闆。到聖誕100毛找我拍攝雜誌封面，我不知為何找我拍攝封面，原來三位老闆是認識我的，只是我自己不知道。
二零一五年八月他們聯絡我，他們有一首歌，問我會否願意演唱，那首歌曲我很熟悉，歌詞十分口語化，應該可以學到的。但當時是星期五，表演是在星期日，只得兩天時間作準備，所以我很用心練習。舞台是有電視屏幕可以看到歌詞，但我盡量避免看電視屏幕，只是有需要時才看一看，便可以放心地唱。能夠上台非常開心，我可以扮了演一個角色，唱一首悅耳和有趣的歌，觀眾很熱鬧和興奮，真是十分難得。我知道這是一生一次，這不是自己可以做到，是他們給我機會。那首歌很受歡迎，而且登上了流行榜。聖誕節前他們聯絡我，表示將會舉辦總選，問我會否參加，我便欣然答應了。當天每位表演者，會有兩首歌曲，在十二月廿六日接到新歌，我從沒有聽過那首歌，是一首說唱歌曲，而且歌詞很陌生，對我來說十分困難，所以我不停地練習了四百多次。當晚表演由Now T V直播，有七十萬人觀看，想不到自己能夠獲得香港區最受歡迎男歌星獎，當宣佈我的名字時，極度開心，無人能想到，唱出真香港的歌曲，是由一個西方人唱出，可以感動到別人。這是天時地利人和，超乎現實，簡直是一個奇蹟。因為那首歌不是我揀選，是別人給我的，練習這首歌時眼睛常常都會充了滿淚水和很感動。
西方人在香港發展演藝事業是十分困難的，機會不多，只能扮演一些無關重要的角色，但我從來沒有想過放棄。五年前我計劃灌錄一張唱片，因為胃酸倒流，把聲帶灼傷，使我聲音變得沙啞，這件事使我非常懊惱，因為辛苦練習多年，卻發生了這個問題，後來我矯正了唱歌方法，問題得以改善，可以繼續唱歌，現在準備為唱片再進行錄音工作。
最近有很多關於少數族裔的事情出現在我身上 ，現在我為一個港台節目做旁白，是關於少數族裔在香港。他們在本地娛樂圈發展是十分困難，因為在一個有九成是同一種族的地方，看電視或電影，也是會看自己的種族，未必會看少數族裔。如果他們幾個人合作，做一個節目，然後在網上發放，是有機會成功。香港有很多少數族裔居住，有些人的中文比我好，他們也愛香港。
我心目中的香港人，是要做香港人做的事，吃香港人吃的食物，關心香港，不看膚色，希望他們也能說廣東話，最重要是覺得香港是自己的家，這便是真正的香港人。

I am Gregory. I hail from Queensland, Australia. During my high school years, my grades were excellent. They were good enough for me to enroll in any subject that I wanted to in university. At that time, I wanted to become a doctor because I could help others. I studied Medicine at the University of New South Wales. In my first year, I lived in my friend’s home located in North Sydney. During my second year, I lived in International House at the university. It was a rule for the school campus to have at least 50 percent overseas students. They cannot be Australians. I met a lot of Hong Kong, Singaporean and Malaysian friends in my first two years. I was able to get along with them very well. But what is most important was that after living in International House, I came across Hong Kong pop music. One day I was walking along the corridors and overheard beautifully melodic music. I asked my classmate what music he was listening to and if he could lend me the music to listen to. He leant it to me.
I have forgotten whether it was the music of Leslie or Alan. But I am sure it was one of them because I really liked that kind of music. I went to Chinatown to buy it. Eventually, I listened to the music as I read the lyrics. In turn, I slowly picked up a lot of Chinese characters.
I attended many different functions to perform Cantonese songs in university because I really liked to sing. I also attended a singing competition organized by the Hong Kong student association. The competition song was ‘Root of Love’. In the end I won second runner-up. I clearly remember International House wanted to organize cultural exchanges so they held international banquets each year. Their hope was for students from different ethnic backgrounds to perform and share their culture.
In 1985, Leslie won an award for singing ‘Monica’. It was a song that I really loved. During the international cultural exchange banquet, I chose to sing ‘Monica’. At that time my classmates were very surprised. How can I sing ‘Monica’? I followed the videos to learn the dance steps and singing techniques. I kept on practicing in public. Other students witnessed how hard I was practicing and came over to help me out. A few classmates became my accompanying dancers as I danced on stage. The performance that night was extremely successful.
Leslie and a group of Hong Kong superstars visited Australia to hold concerts in 1985. The concert organizer needed a voluntary driver. My friends asked me whether I wanted to be the voluntary driver. I accepted the offer. In the end I found out that I would become Leslie’s driver. There was one day when he was on break and did not need to rehearse. We drove to Canberra. It was cloudy and there was light rain on that day. We could not see clearly. After having a coffee, we left. Leslie was next to drive. His English was very good. During the journey back we chatted happily. The trip was very important to me.
In 1986, Alan came to Australia. I was also his driver. Our mutual friend misread my name as “Ho Wing Lun” in front of my idol during his stay at the hotel. I was not able to correct him at the time because Alan (“Wing Lun”) was my idol. Many people thought I was called “Ho Wing Lun” for around two years. His four back-up singers knew I was able to sing Alan’s songs. That was why they told him about it. During rehearsal day, he told me to sing with him on stage. Knowing superstars like Leslie and Alan had a great impact on me. To be able to listen to their songs and to witness the reactions from the audience led me to become interested in a singing career in Hong Kong.
I did not put in a lot of effort in my studies because I always thought of Chinatown and singing. Consequently, I failed my medical examinations in my third year. I had to re-take my subjects. In 1986, I re-took my studies for three months but then I decided to quit school.
In the end I juggled three dish washing jobs and also many months of brick laying work. I saved up a whole year of my salary and bought a one-way ticket to Hong Kong. I also carried $1000 Australian dollars on me. I then went to Hong Kong to develop my career. I only asked my friend whether I could stay at his place as preparation to living in my new homeland. His father reluctantly agreed but had to receive rent. I did not have anything equipped or prepared. I only purposely bought a one-way ticket because I did not want to easily give up when I encountered minor difficulties and return to Australia.
When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I did not know anything. I did not have any plans. I also did not have any friends. Initially, I lived in Broadcast Drive but my friend did not live there because he was still studying. I did not have anything to do at first. That was why I hung around Hong Kong for several days. One day, by coincidence, I came across Hung Hom Coliseum. At the entrance, there were four men smoking. They noticed me and surprisingly called out “Ho Wing Lun”. They were, in fact, members of Alan’s band. We have first met in 1986. Surprisingly, they remembered me after a whole year. That is called fate. At that time, Alan was preparing for his concert. The four men brought me inside the Coliseum. I saw Alan. There were 31 shows in his 1987 concert. I watched 30 of them. I intended to watch all 31 shows but there was a slight problem. There were rules at my guest house. After ten thirty each night, the door to the home will be locked. Nobody was allowed to enter or leave the house. But concerts do not end so early. So, after watching each concert in the evening, I would walk to Tsim Sha Tsui and then walk back to Broadcast Drive. I would sleep on the concreate seats outside the park. When the park opens at five in the morning, I will go in and sleep. Eventually, I was unable to handle it. One night I cannot watch a show. Once Alan asked me “Can you sing on stage tonight?” I told him “Of course I can.” I became his special guest. Alan was extremely happy when I first performed. By the second show, he announced that: “There is a westerner who can sing my songs very well.” He called out my name “Ho Wing Lun!” But because I was not at the scene, I did not show up. Eventually, he asked me why I did not show up. I explained my reason to him. He then arranged a hotel for me to stay at until the end of the concert. That was why he was able to call me out the third time! That was my second time as special guest singing “Friends” with him. It was exhilarating. In August, he introduced me as a special guest at his birthday party. Actually, everything happens for a reason and everything is interconnected.
Soon after, I rented a tiny flat at a building in North Point to live in. I walked from North Point to Central once. I came across a recruitment agency looking to hire. I went in to give it a shot. At that time, the staff said I could teach English but I was not a teacher. The staff said it was not a problem and introduced me to work at a learning center. After working there for a few months, a colleague saw a TV station’s poster. They were looking to recruit a westerner but that person needs to be able to speak Cantonese. I called to give it a try. The person who answered was an independent agent. I told that agent I had no experience and my Cantonese was not very good. The agent told me it was not a problem. I went to see the TV station’s female producer. She gave me an English script and wanted me to read it out. I was so nervous that I did not utter a word in five minutes. I told myself, if I do not try, I will regret it for life. The dialogue depicted a police telling off a subordinate. When you tell someone off, you must be very loud so, I read my lines out very loudly. At that time, the female producer was doing her own work and did not care about me but because I was so loud, I frightened her! As there were no other westerners for her to choose from, she had no choice but to hire me. The TV show required two westerners. The other westerner played the main character. From then onwards, I worked at the TV station for twenty years.
In September 2014, I appeared as a guest on a NowTV music program. I was in a band room with the three show hosts. We sang and discussed music. Only recently, I found out that they were the Founders of 100 Most. When it was Christmas, 100 Most invited me to appear on the cover of their magazine. I did not know why they wanted me to do it – only to find out that the Founders of the magazine already knew who I was! It was just me who did not know that.
In August 2015, 100 Most contacted me and asked me whether I wanted to sing this particular song. I was very familiar with the song lyrics. The lyrics were very colloquial. I should be able to learn it. It was Friday. The performance was on Sunday. I only had two days to prepare for it. That was why I practiced very hard. The stage showcased the lyrics. But I tried my best not to look at them. I would only glance at them when I needed to. I felt more confident and assured as I sang.
I was extremely elated to be able to perform on stage. I can play a role singing a wonderful and amusing song. The audience was super warm and excited. It was a moment to be treasured. I know this can only happen once in my life. It cannot be done by myself. It is because I was given a chance by 100 Most. The song was very popular and hit the charts. Before Christmas, 100 Most contacted me and expressed that there would be a final election of the songs. They asked me whether I would like to participate. I was more than happy to give it a try. On the day of the show, each contestant would have two songs.
On the 26th of December, I received the new song. I have never heard of the song before. It was a rap song. I was very unfamiliar with the lyrics. I found them very difficult. That was why I kept practicing it for more than four hundred times. The show was broadcasted live by NowTV. Around seven hundred thousand people watched the broadcast. I cannot imagine winning the Best Hong Kong Male Singer. When my name was announced, I was extremely delighted. Nobody can imagine that a westerner was able to sing a song about ‘real Hong Kong’. It can touch people. It was something that happened at the right place and at the right time. It was also surreal and a complete miracle. It is because the song was not selected by me. It was given to me by others. My eyes were often wet from practicing this song. I was very touched.
It is very difficult for westerners to develop their artistry in the entertainment industry. Chances are slim. They can only play roles that are irrelevant and unimportant. But I never thought of giving up. Five years ago I planned to record my own album. But because of stomach acid reflux, my vocal chords got damaged. My voice became hoarse and coarse. It brought me a lot of frustrations because I have worked hard for many years. Then this happened. I then amended my singing techniques and the issue improved significantly. I was able to sing again. I am now working on re-recording my new album.
A lot of ethnic minority issues materialized around me as of late. I am currently the voice over for a RTHK program about ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. It is very hard for them to develop their career in the local entertainment industry. It is because when 90 percent of the people share the same skin color comes together in a particular place, those watching TV or film will tend to watch people of their own skin color. They may not watch ethnic minorities. If a group of ethnic minorities work together to create a program for the web, it may work out. There are a lot of ethnic minorities residing in Hong Kong. Some of their Chinese is better than mine. They also love Hong Kong very much.
‘Hong Kongers’, to me, are people who need to do things ‘Hong Kongers’ do. Eat Hong Kong food. Care about Hong Kong. And do not look at skin color. I hope they can also speak Cantonese. Most importantly, they should regard Hong Kong as their home. Then, they are ‘real Hong Kongers’.

Allen Iverson had the ball in his hands and the game on the line, yet couldn't produce the ending he'd hoped for.


Iverson, playing in Philadelphia for the first time since being traded to Denver in December 2006, led all scorers with 32 points Wednesday night. But it was the 76ers who made the big plays down the stretch and spoiled their former MVP's return with a 115-113 victory over the Nuggets.

"I dreamed it up a certain way, and it was better than that," Iverson said. "Everything was perfect but one thing, and that was not winning the game."

Iverson misfired on a 20-foot jumper and Marcus Camby missed a put-back in the final seconds as the Nuggets lost their second straight and failed to pick up any ground in their bid for a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference.

"I almost had a perfect trip at my home away from home," Iverson said.

Samuel Dalembert scored the decisive basket with 32.9 seconds remaining. When Andre Iguodala lost possession of the ball as he fell, Dalembert was there to grab it and turned for a lay-in.

Andre Miller, acquired by the Sixers in the Iverson trade, scored 28 points on his 32nd birthday and the 76ers reached the .500 mark (34-34) for the first time since opening the season at 2-2.

Even in defeat, the night belonged to Iverson, who received a hero's welcome from the sellout crowd of 20,674 at the Wachovia Center.

All eyes were on the former 76ers star when he trotted out for pregame warm-ups. The ovation grew louder, and then Iverson made his way to center court, where he dropped down and kissed the 76ers logo.

The affection between the 2001 NBA MVP and the fans intensified throughout the pregame.

When Iverson was introduced, the fans showered him with raucous applause and a lengthy standing ovation. He worked the crowd by putting his hand to his ear and turning to each corner of the arena as the roar grew louder. The applause was only cut short by the introduction of the rest of the Denver lineup.

"It almost got to me," Iverson acknowledged. "It made me feel good. It made me feel appreciated."

Just before the game started, Iverson trotted down the sideline to the Sixers' bench and embraced former coach Maurice Cheeks, the first time the two got together since he was traded 15 months before.

"It felt great for him to do that," said Cheeks, the Sixers coach. "We didn't want to make a scene. I thought everyone was excited about it when it happened."

Cheeks couldn't help but notice the reception for his former star.

"I got to watching him and got a little touched by it," Cheeks said.

While Iverson got the reception he had hoped for, the Sixers got the win.

"We knew it would be emotional," Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin said. "They didn't want to have a player come in and get the love, but lose the game."

Iguodala scored 21 points, Dalembert added 17 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots, including four in the last quarter. Willie Green added 16 points and Rodney Carney 11.

"That was like a playoff game out there," Cheeks said. "The game was just drama and I thought our guys handled it well.

"We're not in the playoffs yet, but we're trying to get there."

Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points, Martin added 22 and Anthony Carter 12 for the Nuggets.

After opening the second half with a 10-point run, the Nuggets struggled with their shots at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth, going 0-for-15 in one stretch. Iverson ended the drought with 14-foot jumper with 7:10 remaining.

Nuggets coach George Karl was satisfied with his team's performance.

"Other than our defensive intensity in the first half, trying to outshoot a team playing with a lot of confidence hurt us," he said.

Iverson's impact was immediate as he fed Anthony for a game-opening 3-pointer and scored his first points on a 14-foot jumper at the 6:32 mark of the first quarter.

Iverson, who had 12 points and five assists in the first half, added nine points in Denver's third-quarter run.

Game notes
The Sixers are 16-4 in their last 20 games and 10-1 in their last 11. ... The Nuggets move on to play the Nets in New Jersey on Friday. ... The 76ers travel to Orlando to take on the Magic on Friday night.