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Huaren.org would like to take this opportunity to wish all Chinese/Huaren around the world
A happy, healthy,successful and prosperous Year of Tiger.

Dear Chinatownologists,
Chinese New Year is arriving in about 11 days time. When we talk about sights and sounds, what is the "sound" that comes to your mind?
Many will say it is the fire crackers. Although it is banned in many countries, firecrackers continue to exert a presence visually through designs on new year cards, and new year decorations.
The cracking sounds of fire crackers are also recorded and played during Chinese New Year.
With such resilience, we have prepared this article about fire crackers.
Not only that, we have also included a video clip of fire crackers. See how it gets lighted and how it explodes all the way; 30 seconds of it.
If you live in a country that fire crackers are banned,  you can play our clip as many times as you like. You will not get into trouble.
So here's the link: http://www.chinatownology.com/fire_crackers.html
Please also give us 3 mins to do our archway poll 2010.
Vote for the most beautiful, most traditional and your favourite archway: http://www.chinatownology.com/chinatown_archway_poll.html
Happy New Year
Chinatownology
www.chinatownology.com

President’s message                                                             Dr Ka Sing Chua

The Earth is but one nation and its inhabitant one citizen

I know it is difficult for some individual to think of the idea that “The Earth is but one nation and its inhabitant one citizen”. Long before civilization that we know it, Chinese philosopher Confucius has advocated that idea. The slogan of the French revolution of “liberty, equality and fraternity” echoed the same meaning. The founding fathers of democracy called for “good governance of the people, by the people and for the people”. Then we have the founding fathers of USA, leaders like Gandhi’s, Martin Luther King‘s , Dr Sun Yetsen etc who have preached along the same line for years. The establishment of United Nations formally gives birth to this idea and the world governance to look after all peoples who live in this Earth. 

 We know our politicians at the United Nations and all over the world understand the meaning of it. That is why we have organized so many world Conferences to discuss many issues that affect all of us who live in this mother Earth. The latest significant Conference is the Copenhagen Climate Summit. No matter where you reside in this Earth, climate changes, air pollution, drought, flood , water supply, earth quakes and other natural disasters; and our man-made wars, famines, diseases and epidermics etc, will affect you one way or another. Some are luckier than other that the effect on them are minimal and may be of no consequences for now. However no one can ensure their future generations will not suffer by these natural and man-made disasters. Hence we need to get together and tackle these and many other issues that will affect mankind living in this mother Earth.

Our environment is being polluted and damaged by the unscrupulous exploitation of industries and greedy corporations. We have to shame them not to do it. We have to take action to prevent it. That is first and foremost the job of our governing bodies and governments around the world. It relies on the good conscience of all our governing politicians who have the power to change: power to change for the common-good of their citizens; power to change and prevent pollution of their environment; power to change and prevent destruction of our forests and vegetations; power to change the bad governance to good governance; even power to change the bad behavior to good behavior to safeguard our environment. BUT first we must educate each and every one of us to learn not just to take care of themselves but others and their environment. We have to educate and produce good leaders who have the heart and mind, the knowledge and courage to advance the common-good of their people and beyond their nations’ boundaries.

Of all the concern expressed at Copenhagen Climate Summit, one of the most important issues that causes a lot of climate and environmental damage which was not raised significantly to the attention of the delegates, is the testing of nuclear weapons, the making of military arsenic, the use of weapons of mass destruction in wars and creation of wars. They are the major pollution of this Earth. The bombings from all the past wars caused much agonizing, irreparable damages to many parts of the Earth/nations and to the souls of many peoples. So I call upon those responsible for wars for whatever reasons they may want to give us as an excuse for starting a war, however small it is, to think of the safety of their own families and friends if they have to live in a war zone. I call upon all soldiers to pull out of all war zones for their own safety and their families. The rule of civilized laws shall apply to all nations. I call upon all able governing politicians to set up international institutions and law enforcing agencies to replace the use of “soldiers”. Use international jurisdiction to arrest those and tackle those few politicians who are not fit to govern or bring them to a dialogue to change them for the safety and well-being of their citizens. They are human too. However the process has to be a transparent and accountable one and verified by international courts of United Nations. THE TASK in front is a difficult one as even President George Bush, Prime Ministers Tony Blair, John Howard and other political leaders could still be fooled by the war in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. They are human too. Human makes mistake but most important thing is that we can correct our mistake and not to make it again.

Last but not least, the hope of many innocent and unfortunate souls relies on these measures and so is the future of mankind and humanity. I hope in 2010 mankind will learn from history and improve its governance and avoid many natural and man-made disasters 

Dr Ka Sing Chua 

30 January 2010

www.huaren.org 

                                              蔡家声医生                                                     
                                       

 地球是一个国家，它的居民是同一国公民
 
 
我知道对某些人来说这样的概念是难以理解的： “地球是一个国家，它的居民是同
国个公民”。 早在现代文明之前我们就知道这个概念，中国哲学家孔子也提倡了那
个想法。 「自由、平等和博爱」法国大革命的口号随声附和了同一个思想,  民主
先驱呼吁「民有、民治、民享」， 然后我们有甘地，马丁路德， 孙中山等先哲先
贤多年来一道以贯之教导同样的精神。 联合国的创立正式地孕育这个想法，世界管
理者要照顾所有居住在地球上的人民。

我们知道联合国及全世界的政治家都了解它的含义。 所以我们组织许多世界会议讨
论影响我们大家在这大地居住的许多问题。 最近的重大会议是哥本哈根气候高峰会。
 不论你住在哪里，气候变化、空气污染及其他天灾人祸如干旱、洪水、地震、供水
问题、战争和疾病传染等都可能影响到你。 一些人比较幸运对他们的生活影响很小，
并且也许暂时毫无影响。 然而没人可以保证他们的下一代不会遭受到这些改变的后
果。 因此我们需要同心协力处理这些及其他会 影响人类居住在大地之母的问题。 

我们的环境被产业界的肆无忌惮的开发和贪婪的公司污染并且损坏。 我们必须让他
们感到羞耻而停止， 我们必须采取行动防止它， 那是执行机构和各国政府当务之
急的工作。 它有赖于所有手握大权的政治家的良心去改变：为人民福利而改变；为
预防污染环境而改变；为防止森林及植物草木的破坏流失而改变； 为好政府而改变
坏政府；甚至为照顾环境的好习惯而改掉坏习惯。但首先我们要教育每一份子的我
们不只要照顾自己并且要照顾别人及环境。我们必须教育、培养兼俱心肠及头脑的
优秀的领导者，用他们的知识及勇气为本国人民造福，并且有远见能超越国界造福
其他世界上的人民。 
所有哥本哈根气候高峰会的议题中，造成气候及环境污染很重要的因素之一却没有
被代表们明显重视的是核子武器试爆、军火制造、大规模毁灭性武器的使用及发动
战争。这些是地球污染的主因，过去战争的爆炸物在地球各地国家及人类心灵引起
很多痛苦争扎及难以回复的伤害，因此我在此呼吁所有应为一个小借口就发起战争
负责的人，想一想他们自己必须住在战区的家人及朋友 。我呼吁所有军人为自己安
全及家人着想离开战区。文明法则应该推广到所有国家，我呼吁所有有能力的政治
家联手建立国际组织及执行机构代替‘军队’的使用。使用国际法律逮捕及处理少
数不适任的政客，或者与他们对话改变他们，使他们真正地能为其人民带来安全及
福祉。他们也是人，谁能无过，但人必须在犯错中成长改正，避免再犯错误，但其
程序必须透明及可靠被联合国国际法庭认可才行。眼前的任务是困难的，因为即使
乔治布希总统、汤尼布来尔首相，约翰华德和其他人都有可能被伊拉克战争愚弄了，
他们也是人。
 
 
最后也最重要的是，许多无辜及不辛的灵魂依赖这些依法治国的方案来拯救，人类
及人道的未来亦如是。祈祷人类在新的一年里有向上的发展，并能避免更多的天灾
和人祸的危害。
 
Dr Ka Sing Chua 
www.huaren.org
 
2010年一月30日
谨此
蔡家声医生

President’s Message

Interaction between China and the world

Last issue I have mentioned some of the problems China were facing along with their successes. I would like to continue to explore the issues facing China; her people and the outside world with the process of globalization as China is playing a more important role as a responsible global citizen in future.

First of all, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the peoples and the leadership of the Peoples’ Republic of China in celebrating their 60^th birthday on 1^st of October 2009. The effort of collective leadership under President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao and their team must be given credit for trying their best in improving the life of 1.3 billion Chinese on mainland last few years.

It is always easy to celebrate the successes but hard to admit that there were mistakes made in the past and a lot of challenges still lies ahead. China is not out of the wood yet so to speak. Severe poverty in the rural area is still a big problem. Unemployment still is a big challenge for PRC Government. Bridging the gap between the rich and poor all over China is another. Tackling widespread corruption among officials and businesses are facing some tough resistance. A more independent judiciary system and institutions waiting to be reformed to protect citizen’s human rights and give them a voice to vex their grievances and be heard properly in the rule of laws. Democratizing their political system has been stressed by President Hu and Premier Wen many times in their speeches as essential for creating a long term harmonious society. Some gut and courage are required to implement their ideas and reformation in order to achieve some breakthrough with stubborn old guards holding onto their power. Last but not least is the question of how to prevent wanton capitalism getting out of hands without a safety net protection for workers of all walks of life being exploited like the period before the establishment of Peoples’ Republic of China in 1949.

Challenges amount in the process of internationalization and globalization both politically and financially are facing the current China’s leadership. Leaders in the West in particular USA, European Union and for that matter Australia and others must bear in mind that China has a huge population with complex and diverse issues to deal with.  Feeding them, providing them with housing and employment, tackling diversity conflicts among population with different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and religions etc in particular Tibet and Xinjiang provinces,  are some of the problems confronting China. We must give them credit that they have achieved a lot within such a short time of reformation and interaction with outside world since 1978, a mere 30 years duration. I am not here to apologize for their past mistakes and folly that some China leaders committed. I am looking forward for a brighter future for Chinese people and the rest of the world. And to put into perspective, one must realize that China has to deal with 6 to 7 times the population of USA, the whole population of European Union combined and about 60 times the population of Australia with similar land-size. I have the same sympathy for India and her leaders for this reason.

It is of course easier to rule with a smaller population. However there is no excuse for China’s leaders not to adopt the well established practices in the West which could benefit her population and citizenry. We must give them credit for trying since opening up to the West in 1978 and results have seen some remarkable improvement as featured in her recent 60^th anniversary celebration. Similarly China has some good old traditional values and practices which when implemented in conjunction with the advanced measures from the West will propel China further into a better, more stable and harmonious future.

The world must therefore adopt a more open attitude towards China. Leadership of China and the world need to have more regular personal consultations regionally and internationally and learn from one another. After all we are all human and we can always change for the better. They can always learn from past mistakes and no one is perfect including Western leaders. All leaders can change for the worse as well if they are misguided. That is why accurate information exchanges are crucial for leaders to create a world free of wars. It is also crucial to reduce misunderstanding and conflicts and for the prevention of natural and manmade disasters and famines etc. These issues confronting all humankind are the same no matter what ideology or religion one held.

In the past, Western media tends to ignore China and Asia in general because of cold war mentality and biased agenda. That was understandable at the times because of lack of interaction and mistrust created by wars and conflict of ideology and religions and of course lack of mutual understanding and respect. War is never an answer or solution for peace as it destroys the soul of the peoples and leaders involved regardless of their backgrounds. It is a delusion for leaders to think otherwise. It takes courage, almighty courage and patience to establish constructive dialogue among so-called enemies. It takes kindness and love for humankind i.e. us (not them and us) to avoid madness in wars and violent conflicts of one form or another.

Western and Eastern media and all independent media around the world can play a very constructive role in bringing the understanding of the peoples in China, Asia, Africa, South America and the West. Biased reporting on China and Asia only creates more misinformation and mistrust among the peoples. The same applies to their domestic reporting as well. Fearless, independent and accurate journalism and reporting the truth around the world, will help to improve their governance whereas it is in China, USA, North Korea, Burma, Russia, Zimbabwe, Libya, Iran, India etc Like President Obama stated recently at his addresses in UN summit, G20 summit and on acceptance of his Nobel Peace prize that we must all work together to achieve good governance, good governments and lasting peace. We must work together with a collective world leadership to strive for justice and dignity for all of us, human race and not just some of us. We must work together to fight terrorism, bad governments, natural disasters, problems associated with climate changes, poverty, financial crisis, human rights abuses etc as brothers and sisters of a world family. We do not need nuclear weapon and eventually we should abolish soldiers but build a world consists of independent judiciary and institutions with international policing and law enforcing capability. President Obama has the right vision like many likeminded leaders around the world. We should all put our heads together on how to create a better nation and a better world for all of us and our future generations. First starts from one’s country and extends its benefit to other disadvantaged countries around you, Try to influence their leaders with direct contact and  dialogue and encourage them to help themselves with proper tools and education so that they know how to govern better for their peoples.

The world is but a nation and its people one citizen.

What more can China’s leadership do?

My vision for China is a country of my ancestral land which I can feel proud of for their peoples. It can be a model harmonious country for her neighbor to follow. China can be governed better by learning from her past mistakes. It has the advantage of combining the best of traditional Chinese governance and the best of Western civilized, democratic values and practices. Dr Sun Yatsen and his Government founded and established a modern Constitutional Republic of China on 10 October 1911 on that vision. Unfortunately his successor Chiang Kai-shek destroyed his dream. He failed to implement China’s Constitution and like many leaders around the world, he was consumed by absolute power, greed and corruption. USA was not really helpful in the past by propping up corrupted regimes like Chiang using their military might and selfish agenda.

Not many people know that Dr Sun Yatsen was Mao Zedong’s mentor when Mao defeated Chiang Kai-shek. He founded Peoples’ Republic of China on 1^st of October 1949, on a modern Constitution surpassed the dream of Dr Sun Yatsen. That was why Madam Sun Yatsen finally decided to join Mao’s first Coalition Democratic Government established just before new China was proclaimed and launched on 1^st October 1949. The ironic of Mao was that he failed to resist the temptation of “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” and made the same mistakes as Chiang Kai-Sheik , dragging Chinese peoples through some periods of horrific tragedy and suffering until his death in 1976. Thirty years of reforms for China has seen some hope and aspiration for her peoples with a lot of challenges lies ahead.

Would the current and future leaders of China follow the footsteps of Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong? Or Dr Sun Yatsen? The choice is obvious but how to do it? “How” is the illusive solution for China’s future governments. Chiang and Mao tried and failed not because Dr Sun Yatsen’s ideas are wrong. They failed because they failed to set up independent institutions that will safeguard peoples’ right and responsibility. They failed because of dictatorial policies. They failed because proper civilized rule of law are abused with lack of transparency and democratic justice for their peoples.

In this 21^st century, leaders of China and that include mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao have no excuses what so ever if they fail to learn from the mistakes made by their  predecessors. We have the knowledge of what a good Government and governance should be. We have the knowledge of how to safeguard it for the peoples for years to come. We have established practices and values that will bring a harmonious, productive, reasonably prosperous and stable society.

It can be built on the following foundations:

1. Leadership of a nation must be selected on merit and democratically by the people one way or another. Representative democracy is just as good as direct election as long as the peoples have a say in their governments.
2. The nation must be ruled by a set of civilized laws with independent judiciary and institutions to ensure that equality and justice for its peoples prevail.
3. Good governance will not achieve without a good education system to teach its peoples how to behave decently and abide by a set of civilized rules with mutual respect and assistance. A compulsory national education policy for all its citizens is essential.
4. A national welfare policy to look after its disadvantaged citizens with safety net for low income workers, unemployed and handicapped peoples.
5. A basic national health system to look after all their peoples is as important as a healthy national budget and productivity. That money is well spent for its citizens.
6. National legislation to prevent corruption and greed among government officials, peoples in positions of influence and power, and corrupt business practices which amount to stealing from innocent citizens.
7.  An effective national public health system for preventive measures in many area of national importance ranging from individual hygiene to prevention of epidemics and chronic illnesses; from prevention of motor vehicle accident injury and mortality to drowning; from prevention of suicide to violent behavior and mental illnesses; from stopping smoking to drug addiction and wise alcoholic consumption and eating habits etc.
8. A continuous national campaign to promote charitable and egalitarian spirit and charity of helping one another among its peoples. Treat each child like your child; treat each elderly like your elderly. Treat each other equally and do not do thing that you do not like unto other and vice versa. After the Second World War, UN UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS has enshrined such spirit into its Charters and agenda for all nations’ leadership to implement. These writings also form the basic charters of all charitable organizations around the world from Red Cross to World Vision etc.
9. National wealth is created by all citizens one way or the others. Wanton capitalism exploits others to enrich individual. It is an unfair and unjust system. It creates undue inequality among the rich and poor among its citizens. Government must have a control of individual wealth through a fair system of taxes and distribution to ensure all citizens benefit fairly and justly from their effort and contribution from an ordinary cleaner to Chairman of a big company and leader of a nation.
10. A nation must have, an independent media with fearless safeguard for truth and able to tell people the facts from rumor and distribute its information with transparency and accountability. A useful check and balance on discredited governments.

Many of these measures have been the teaching of Confucius and Chinese thinkers in the past including Dr Sun Yatsen for setting up a good Government. There may be other measures that I have not thought of and readers and members are welcome to join in the discussion in the next issue of our E-magazine. Please send in your contribution to editor c/o contact@huaren.org  Thank you.

EDITORIAL

 
We have purposely postponed the publication of this issue till after the National Day of Peoples' Republic of China in Beijing and Republic of China in Taipei for this issue. We would like to share with you the view of both Presidents Hu Jintao and Ma Eng Jiou respectively in their National Day's addresses. I am pleased to note that both addresses have expressed common theme of further cooperation for mutual gain via dialogue, constructive negotiation for peaceful development for mainland and Taiwan.
 
One must point out that the governing structure in PRC Beijing is still evolving i.e. a socialistic system with China's character. That is hard for outsider to understand sometimes. However one thing they must watch is not to become feudal emperors again once they become strong and powerful. PRC can learn some modern democratic changes achieved by ROC in Taipei as they are about 20 years ahead of her motherland in their social development. Also there are things that ROC Government can learn from PRC Government. The feeling should be mutual and will benefit Chinese peoples on both sides of China.
 
We have chosen to publish several historical international addresses in UN Summit , G20 Summit and other places by both Presidents Hu Jintao and Obama respectively. It is good for our readers to compare them as two leaders prepare to meet in China in November.
 
As President Obama stated that we are "living in a new era and a new beginning” is awaiting for us mankind to explore. It is an exciting time in history of mankind. It is a time to shape our destiny of the 21st Century. It is a time for some inspirational dialogue. It is time to draw up plan to save this planet earth and the civilization of mankind. President Obama of USA cannot do it alone. President Hu Jintao of China cannot do it alone either. But if both Presidents can work together like old buddies and lead the peoples of USA and China towards an inspirational destiny, much can be achieved not only for China and USA but the whole world. Exciting times follow exciting challenges ahead. We wish them well and have a constructive dialogue in November.
 
In this issue we also have a few interesting articles for readers to explore. Larry LC, who wishes to remain as such, is a thinker and a retired University lecturer, travelling between USA and Malaysia, has written a very incisive and challenging review on China's 60 years experience of communism and capitalism. We welcome any comment and articles discussing China's future for the next issue of the Emagazine which is scheduled for New Year January 2010.
 
K.C. BOEY as usual produced another excellent article on how to handle a growing China and reaction from the West.
 
Dave Wang surprised us with another good research paper on the influence of Chinese civilization on the life of Americans and their Presidents.
 
Yew Kwang Ng, a world renowned economist from Monash University, Australia, an old friend of me, provided this issue with an old article which predicted some amazing up and down of our financial collapses and risings. It is till worth reading to see his prediction coming true. He promises some new article for next issue and we look forward to his future contribution.
 
Da Hsuan Feng never stops amazing me with his contacts and networking promoting scientific advances and how science affects the life of people around the world. He never stops teaching and preaching for the students of the future. Well done Da Hsuan.
  
Richard Low's "China Magic" is a short and sweet comment for leaders in China not to take note of.
 
Good to have some practical tips from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore sharing some practical experience of how peoples of various religions, beliefs, traditions, ideology etc can live together in harmony, mutual respect and mutual assistance which President Obama was preaching in Cairo.
 
Last but not least, the award of Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama was quite controversial at first glance. But I believe it is a brilliant move to urge him on to do more for mankind with his far-sighted vision. "Yes we can" achieve lasting peace and  development for all global citizens if we all work together constructively and avoid soul destroying violent conflicts and wars.
 
I would like to thank Matthew Lee again for designing the cover which showed a planet with such diversity of thought and ideas. Again I would like to acknowledge Dr Yit Seng Yow for helping to compile this issue and to all our contributors and writers, new and old.
 
Best wishes for good health and happiness till we meet again next issue.
 
Dr Ka Sing Chua
Editor

Special Aknowldgement :

"I would like to specially mention the assistance of James Yin, our webmaster, for doing such a great job for www.huaren.org and www.chineseworldnet.org all the year round. The other volunteer I would like to mention is our Global Huaren Liaison Project coordinator Dr Yit Seng Yow. Both of your voluntary contribution are very much appreciated by our readers and supporters worldwide. A big thank you from me."

Dr Ka Sing Chua

President

World Huaren Federation

What really was the outcome of the climate negotiations in Copenhagen, and what do they mean for Hong Kong? On Tuesday 12 January 2010, Civic Exchange, the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong, The Climate Change Business Forum, and The Climate Group will offer a debrief. Topics will include what Copenhagen has achieved, what remains to be done in 2011, and what these outcomes imply for China and Hong Kong. From Copenhagen to Hong Kong will bring together delegates attending the COP15 climate talks and others interested in the UNFCCC process to reflect and share perspectives.

The HKSAR Government delegation, headed by the Secretary for the Environment, is sending representatives as part of the Chinese delegation team. Hong Kong based NGOs and companies are also sending representatives. The debriefing will draw upon this diverse and talented group. A discussion will follow on how China and Hong Kong may contribute to fighting climate change, and what specifically Hong Kong can do in 2010.

Names of speakers will be announced after 20 December, 2009.

Details of the events are as follows:

An Invitation To Join Us . . .

THE STATE OF CHINESE AMERICA: A COMMUNITY FORUM

WHEN: December 12, 2009, Saturday 12:00-3:30PM

WHERE: Monterey Park City Hall Council Chambers

320 West Newmark Avenue      

Monterey Park, CA 91754

Free and open to the public

RSVP requested:  call (310) 825.2974 or email: aascrsvp@aasc.ucla.edu

UCLA Asian American Studies Center and the Chinese American Studies Endowment invite the Los Angeles community to join and participate in an exciting first-ever community roundtable in Monterey Park, which brings together academic and community leaders to discuss "The State of Chinese America." The event is part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Asian American Studies Center and the other three ethnic studies research centers at UCLA.

Our speakers will help to address the "issues of the day" including civil rights and the law, Chinese American political organizing and participation, and the future role of Chinese Americans and U.S.-China relations.

Speakers will include: Gilbert Hom and Suellen Cheng, the Chinese American Studies Endowment; Stewart Kwoh, co-founder and president of the Asian Pacific America Legal Center; L. Ling-chi Wang, professor emeritus at UC Berkeley; Honorable California Assembly member Mike Eng of the 49th District; Dr. Tritia Toyota, adjunct assistant professor at UCLA; and Dr. David Yoo, professor at Claremont -McKenna College.

Welcome to Our Community Roundtable!

-How can Chinese Americans fully participate - politically and socially - in today's society?

-Can Chinese Americans make a difference in future U.S-China relations?

-What social, cultural, and political resources do we have to create a better American society for all?

For the past 40 years, the UCLA Asian American Studies Center has served the nation through its research, teaching, and the training of community leaders.

Co-Sponsors: Chinese Historical Society of Southern California; CAUSE-Center for Asian Americans United for Empowerment; Chinese American Museum; Chinese American Citizen's Alliance

--

It's a person's integrity that shines the brightest

By Liu Shinan (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-04 07:48

After the death of giant of scientist Qian Xuesen over the weekend, millions of comments have been posted on websites, mourning the loss of the "father of China's space program". In online forums, which usually serve as a barometer of public sentiment, even netizens who grudge lauding great personalities have heaped praise on Qian.

They admire the scientist not only because of his great contribution to strengthening China's scientific and military power, but also for his moral integrity. Some of Qian's qualities that came to light in a reminiscence published by his former secretary in the People's Daily yesterday deserve more than mere admiration.

His former secretary writes that Qian always shunned fame and wealth, especially when it came to official positions and titles. In 1984, when the China Association for Science and Technology was planning its third plenary session for the following year, Qian applied to get his membership canceled. He did so because he did not want to be elected chairman of the association. It was a common understanding among association members then that Qian was the most suitable candidate to succeed the outgoing chairman, 80-year-old physicist Zhou Peiyuan.

Qian said that if he succeeded Zhou as chairman he would also have to take over Zhou's position as the vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as was the practice in China's officialdom then. "That is exactly the last thing he liked to do," writes Qian's former secretary.

When a leading official from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) tried to persuade Qian to assume the chairmanship of the science association, the scientist and People's Liberation Army serviceman replied: "I've just retired from my post in the Ministry of National Defense. I want to concentrate on scientific research for the rest of my life. This is what I am good at. I don't have the making of an official."

He also requested that he allowed to resign from all the other positions he had been holding - for example, as vice-minister of the Commission of Science and Industry for National Defense and member of the State Council Academic Degrees Committee.

This is exactly why Qian has won the respect of the people from all walks of life. And this should serve as a reminder to all officials of the moral qualities they should possess.

Many officials today do not regard their positions as an obligation to serve the public but see them as a means to fulfilling their personal interests. Looking at Qian's examples, they should be ashamed of themselves. Instead, they regard corruption and abuse of power as something "one should not fuss about".

Chen Liangyu, former member of the Political Bureau of the CPC and Party chief of Shanghai, once told his subordinates: "So long as you have achieved results in promoting economic growth and ensuring social stability in your jurisdiction, it is not serious to have some 'specialty in economy' and go beyond certain limits in lifestyle." "Specialty in economy" and "lifestyle" is a Chinese way of saying material privileges and extra-marital affairs.

It is appalling that these words came from such a high-ranking CPC official. And it is even more appalling that Chen made the remark openly at a meeting of leading officials of the CPC Shanghai Committee.

Chen was sentenced to 18 years in jail in 2008 for taking bribes and being involved in other crimes. He was found to have deposited 274.1 million yuan in 53 bank accounts under false names, and had 11 mistresses.

Corruption among Shanghai officials under Chen was rampant, too. The investigation panel sent by the CPC Central Disciplinary Commission found 1,322 bank accounts with 9.86 billion yuan deposited under false names by officials of municipal, district, bureau and county levels.

And it also shows why the public respects an honest and dedicated person like Qian, who served the country as a CPC member for 53 years and set an example for the people, especially officials, to follow.

liushinan@chinadaily.com.cn

Stop Press

I am very pleased to see the news below that mainland China Government and people are assisting people in Taiwan affected by the typhoon disaster. Their effort must be congratulated. Good to see people in Taiwan and mainland are now able to help each other in times of need and  natural disasters.

All-out effort to help Taiwan with typhoon relief

The Chinese mainland will provide any necessary relief materials needed by Taiwan people affected by Typhoon Morakot, which struck the island last weekend, Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee pledged Saturday.

"We are highly concerned about the disaster rescue and relief work on the island, and we would like to do anything we can," said an official with the office.

The office had requested factories to manufacture portable shelters day and night, and the first batch would arrive in Taiwan Monday at the soonest, said the official, but he did not say how many shelters it would comprise.

The confirmed death toll from Typhoon Morakot on the island was 121 people as of 8 a.m. Saturday, but Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said Friday it could reach 500 with about 380 more victims in Kaohsiung's Hsiaolin village.

It was the worst typhoon to hit Taiwan in nearly half a century. At least 53 people are missing and 45 injured, after Morakot devastated central and southern parts of the island.

On Friday the mainland office said it was collecting supplies and donations, as well as preparing to send rescue and health care teams to the island.

Mainland Red Cross organizations, banks, Buddhist associations and large companies had donated millions of yuan to help with the relief work, said the Taiwan Work Office official.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2009)

President’s Message

China and the world - its hope and aspiration
The G20 Summit in London came and gone. The World’s twenty leaders had a good meeting.
They talked about the hope and aspiration of the people of the world. They talked about how
to tackle the global financial crisis that have affected and going to affect millions of people
around the world. They talked about the failure of our financial and regulatory institutions
around the world. They talked about how to prevent such severe mistakes which were
allowed to occur under the watchful eyes of our regulatory systems around the world.
Ordinary people who suddenly lost all their life-savings in their investments overnight, are
amazed how abuses of their financial matter originated from greedy people in position of
power, can still occur in advanced democratic nations. They are supposed to have all the
checks and balances of abuses in place. It shows that no one is infallible. No matter how good
the system we have devised, there must always be room for review and renewal to meet our
changing human society's needs.
However two fundamental principles which I believe, we must adhere to for the stability and
security of our human society, are that we must be fair and just in our distribution of benefit
and wealth that are created by the people and society in general. The rule of law must apply
to get rid of those people who are corrupt and misused their power of trust.
Rampant greed created by wanton capitalism allowed certain “privileged” people to amass
such amount of obscene wealth and material gain, are not sustainable. The G20 talked about
environmental effect of climate changes and its sustainability. They must also talk about these
imbalances and such great disparity created among the richest and poorest of this world.
Dynasties came and gone because of this problem. There are also causes of environmental
and social problems. If it is allowed to continue, more social conflicts, upheavals and violent
civil unrest and even wars among nations will occur again. History teaches us valuable
lessons but people in power and greed can easily ignore these problems until it is too late.
They are blind by their abuses of power and wealth. "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts
absolutely". These are powerful words spoken by our historians and predecessors so that our
future generations will not follow its corrupted footstep.
In so-called "advanced capitalist society" like the USA and the likes, we have placed too much
emphasis on money and material wealth. We also have placed too much emphasis on
so-called "successful businesses and businessmen and women" for making a lot of money for
themselves, i.e. the top echelon of the “privileged” few. Sure they are picked to lead
businesses and they are the fortunate few who by virtue of opportunity assigned to them in
their privileged positions, able to create jobs and wealth for society with adequate
remunerations for a job well done. The rest of the wealth should be redistributed to the people
for greater common good in education, health, welfare and infrastructure facilities etc. Bear in
mind that any successful business relies on millions of "poor" white and blue collar workers'
effort and sweat. The bosses, employers and employees play their parts to make it a success.
Each cannot be successful without the other’s contribution. Why should their remuneration be
such an obscene returns for the privileged few only? Why are they allowed to enjoy the fruit of
millions who toiled for their companies. And some employees are left destitute at the end in
third world countries. These "poor" workers in any country left destitute long enough, will be a
time-bomb for any worthwhile leader to ponder. We are fortunate to have employers like Bill
Gate who are willing to share some of their wealth. However there is no guarantee that
anyone will follow his good example. Compare to what the State can do, Bill Gate’s
contribution is not that significant either at the end of the day. Millions still go hungry to be fed
at this stage around the world. Relying on charity is not the answer. It is the State’s
responsibility to look after the welfare of her citizens. Charity is only a bonus on top of that.
The culture of giving is good for any civilised human society and must be promoted
along with the spirit of mutual help, assistance and respect among fellow citizens.
China has prospered over last thirty years due to opening up of their resources and workforce.
She has a lot to think about its stability and security for its people. She carries the hope and
aspiration of not just 1.3 billion people but overseas Chinese and their families tied to China
for one reason or another. Now she also carries some financial responsibility to the rest of the
world in the process of globalisation. "Made in China" goods and services are now part of the
world's market whether you like it or not. That also brings responsibility with it. Majority of the
workers in China at present are being "exploited" again by their Chinese bosses and
employers as well as their foreign bosses and employers. It is ironic that Communist Party of
China together with other justice seeking parties and organizations founded the People's
Republic of China on 1st October 1949 to end exploitation of workers and farmers etc and
liberate their people from sheer inequality at the time. Sixty years later, it seems that the
principles have been forgotten by the ruling Communist Party of China. I hope not in the
future.
Opening up China since 1978 to the world for exchanges and doing businesses with
foreigners is the sensible thing to do. It is aimed to create wealth and knowledge for the
people of China. However China must not create another lot of greedy and wanton capitalists
who care only to make money for themselves and their cronies and companies. They do not
take care of their workers properly, white and blue collar alike, who are the backbone for
the creation of their wealth. The Government of China must be aware of their responsibility to
their people according to the constitution that they are there to serve their people, fight for
inequality, protect their well being and welfare from exploitation by their own people and
foreigners. It is the responsibility of any country's government to set good standard and create
stable institutions to safeguard and protect the rights of their citizens from sheer and cruel
exploitation. A good day's work for a good day's pay must be the rule and the universal law
for every human society in this world. This should be the product of our modern human
civilization which more advanced western and eastern democratic nations have been trying to
do last 60 years. This global financial crisis showed that they are not perfect either. There are
a lot China and the West can learn from each other. China has made a lot of mistakes last 60
years and wanting to be corrected and so has the West. One thing we must not do is to let the
greedy and powerful capitalists prevail. As we learn from history unchecked greed and power
create corruption and corruption in turns creates conflicts and wars in larger scale. The world
has to cooperate to get rid of various corrupted practices, regimes and their culprits. The West
led by USA and European Union, the East led by China , India and Japan, and the rest of G20
power houses have a lot to learn from one another and cooperate to create a better world for
all.
With my best wishes
Dr Ka Sing Chua
President
World Huaren Federation
www.huaren.org

Editorial Comment

Last issues we featured the ideas of Chinese leaders Presient Hu Jintao and Premier Wen
Jiabao on how to tackle the economic crisis of the century. This issue we feature the idea of
some Western leaders like Prime Minister Gordon Brown, President Barack Obama and
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd . We also feature Indian Prime Minister's idea as well because
India with its population size like China is another new economy to be reckoned with in this
21st century of global development.
We are grateful for the continuous support from Prof. Da Hsuan Feng, Prof. Dave Wang and
K.C Boey.
In this issue we feature some voices from our old members of Huaren group like Joe Tan,
Richard Low, Joseph Tsang, Larry Du, Edward Liu etc Thank you all for your contribution.
We welcome new writers and contributions in our future issues.
Once again I would like to take this opportunity to thank Matthew Lee for designing a
magnificent Cover featuring G20 Summit and Dr Yit Seng Yow and Jame Yin for helping to
collate the articles.
Happy readings and your constructive comment and suggestion are always welcome.
Dr Ka Sing Chua
Editorial Board

WHF Mission Statement

To ensure that Huaren are treated with dignity wherever they are, by promoting the well-beings of all peoples, and by cultivating in Huaren and non-Huaren the spirit of living together as communities of equal citizens.

Objectives

• To serve as a forum for Huaren around the world to discuss issues which concern them and address those concerns where appropriate.
• To foster understanding and relationships among Huaren and non-Huaren.
• To promote civil societies based on the rule of law, democracy, liberty, universal values, human rights, and fair and equal access to resources.
• To foster the development of a non-partisan national, regional and international network to support and promote a worldwide peace movement committed to transparent and accountable governance.
• To promote the culture of peace through non-discriminatory multicultural policies based on mutual respect, tolerance, the sharing of resources/information and the elimination of poverty through sustainable development.
• To encourage and support Huaren in their fair and active participation in the political, educational, social, cultural and economic processes of their respective countries.
• To form strategic alliances with Huaren and non-Huaren organisations worldwide with common aims and objectives.

*** Huaren are people of Chinese origin by birth, descent and heritage inside and outside China.***

Dear Huaren

The proposed project has been brain-stormed by a group of Huaren for your consideration.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dr Sun Yatsen Global Huaren/Chinese Foundation:

A proposal for global Chinese communities

IN PREVIOUS President messages, I have been promoting an ideal system of government and civilised society. I have drawn inspiration from thousands of years of Huaren/Chinese civilisation and the Western modernity that has informed my thinking in the 35 years I have lived in Australia. A synthesis of values of East and West is none more urgent than in these days of fear of terrorism since September 11, 2001.

  A group of us has been brainstorming this idea of setting up an independent and professionally run foundation inspired by Dr Sun Yatsen. The Dr Sun Yatsen Global Huaren/Chinese Foundation would combine the ideals of good governance and government such as those founded on the Nobel Institute, Rockefeller Foundation, Bill Gates Foundation and others. To those objectives we might add the promotion of excellence in all areas of humanity and entrepreneurship, transparency, accountability of government of the people, by the people for the people, and last but not least, actively seeking to assist the disadvantaged citizens of our world.  The Dr Sun Yatsen Global Huaren/Chinese Foundation has the ultimate aim to “cultivate peace and harmony for all people” as stated in the mission and charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All these are consistent with the teachings of Confucius (551-479BC) drawn to my attention by a member of the discussion group, Alice Chung ChaoTang. Alice is a social activist in the United States who is a director/trustee of the American Sun Yat-Sen Spartacus Charitable Remainder Unit Trust (ASYSS CRT).

  In The Book of Rites, Confucius wrote: “When the Great Way prevails, the world belongs to all. Men of great virtue and talent are elected who will cultivate mutual trust and promote universal understanding. Thus, men do not regard as their parents only their own parents, nor treat as their children only their own children. Sufficient provision is secured for the aged till their final hours, employment assured for the able-bodied, and funds provided for the loving care of the young. The widowers, widows, orphans, the childless, and those who are disabled by diseases or mishaps are all adequately cared for. Each man has his duty, and each woman her man. While they detest those who throw away things wastefully, they do not hoard things for their own self-gratification. Disliking idleness, they labor, but not alone with a view to their own advantage. In this way, selfish acts of cheating and profiteering are discouraged and find no way to arise. Robbers, burglars and the undesirables of society have disappeared. Therefore, the front doors remain open and need not be locked. This is the state of what I shall call Universal Harmony and Peace (Da Tong).”
– as translated by Richard Low, research scientist, the US Army Atmospheric Science Res. Lab.

  That is the society and the world that we all dream of for us and members of our family and friends to live in. We want no less for other fellow citizens as well.

  Over the epochs of human civilisation, many great leaders have come expounding these guiding principles. Taking more recent history, we have the French Revolution with its ideals encapsulated in “ liberty, fraternity and equality”. George Washington (Farewell Address), Thomas Jefferson (Inauguration Address), Abraham Lincoln (The Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation), Martin Luther King (I have a dream address) (reference 1) and many other US leaders have preached these same ideals after the American adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Modern European leaders have been no exception. Lord Acton has stood out for his declaration of the democratic institution to prevent corruption of power and greed: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” That can happen in all areas of human activities: politics, business, academics, professional careers, non-government organisations.

  Dr Sun Yatsen, father of China democracy, picked the best of the teachings of East and West. He had the teaching of “Tian Xie Da Tong”in mind. His hope was to create a model Chinese nation incorporating the best civilized rules and constitutional governments from the East and West. His message was loud and clear, but his followers failed him with all the hallmarks of corruption of power and greed, the universal human folly and weakness. Dynasties came and went in China as in Europe, India and elsewhere. The same mistakes made by humans repeated themselves over the history of human civilisation, East and West.

  The Dr Sun Yatsen Global Huaren/Chinese Foundation aims to promote those guiding principles of good governance and government to avoid human folly and corruption of power and greed. Bill Gates, on a visit to Australia, declared that his contribution no matter how big was small compared with what a good government could do. What the people can do can complement what a good government does.

  A good society, I believe, has to rely on its citizens being able to speak up freely to stop the corruption of power and greed. If the people are not supreme, the corruption of power and greed will lead to dictatorial governance and governments. The Dr Sun Yatsen Global Huaren/Chinese Foundation will be a watchdog for the people, as other NGOs. The Foundation will help kindle the spirit of kinship and community living, and keep an eye on governments at the same time.

  Chinese communities around the world are not short of well-resourced people. We need to open their eyes to what a concerted effort can achieve. A contribution of one US dollar from every Chinese in this world will pool US$1.3 billion. There is only so much one can spend in one's life time and we cannot take it away with us when we depart from this world. I believe it is everyone's dream to leave something worthwhile for your future generation,.no matter how big or small.   Your generosity will be noted. With all the goodwill in mind, we urge you to consider supporting this idea.

  We have the knowledge and the means to get the Foundation up and running. Please consider this proposal and give generously when it is set up. We shall appoint professional skilled management to run it. We believe in evolutionary change, eschewing revolution with violent action. We support the rule of civilised law and oppose the use of violence and wars to resolve human conflict. May peace reign so that people can develop into model citizens of flowering people. That is, after all, the literal meaning of Huaren.

We look forward to your comments, suggestions, support and contribution.

  Happy living and good health.

Dr Ka Sing Chua

President

World Huaren Federation

www.huaren.org

30 September 2005

Reference 1 : "Speeches that changed the world" -- the stories and transcripts of the moments that made history, published in 2005 by Murdoch Books Pty Ltd.  

世界华人联络会主席致辞

孙中山全球华人基金会

 全球华人社区倡议书

在之前的主席致辞中，我一直在倡导一种理想的政府体制和文明社会。我从几千年的中华文明中获得灵感；同时，我在澳洲居住了35年，西方的现代化也一直启发着我的思考。自从2001年9•11事件之后，在大家都畏惧恐怖主义的日子里，东西方价值观的融合显得尤为紧迫。

 受孙中山博士的启发，我们这个群体一直在酝酿成立一个独立的专业化运作的基金会。孙中山全球华人基金会将整合那些体现在诺贝尔学院、洛克菲勒基金会，比尔•盖茨基金会的追求中的好的管理和政府理想。此外，提升所有地区人类和企业的品质、提高政府的透明度和一个民有、民治、民享政府的公信力也是我们的目标。最后，但并非最不重要的是，要积极寻求去帮助我们这个世界的弱势族群。孙中山华人基金会的最终目标就是“为全人类谋求和平与和谐”，一如《联合国宪章》和《世界人权宣言》所宣告的。所有这些也是和孔子（前551—前479）的教诲相一致的。我要感谢这个讨论组的一个成员——唐崇昭博士，是她把我的目光引向孔子的教诲。唐崇昭博士是美国社会活动家，美国孙中山斯巴达克斯慈善信托基金会(ASYSS CRT)的主席和董事。

这就是我们大家为自己，为家人，为朋友所梦想的社会和世界，我们也希望地球上的其它公民跟我们一起分享这个世界。

在人类文明的众多纪元里，许多伟人都对这些指导性的原则做出过阐发。以最近的历史为例，我们有法国大革命及其“自由、平等、博爱”的信念。乔治•华盛顿（告别演说）、汤姆斯•杰斐逊（就职演说）、亚伯拉罕•林肯（葛底斯堡演说，解放宣言）、马丁•路德•金（我有一个梦想的演说）。许多美国领导人在美国采用《独立宣言》后也一直在倡导同样的理想。现代欧洲领导人也没有例外。阿克顿站出来发表民主制度的宣言，防止权力的腐败和贪婪。他说：“权力导致腐败，绝对的权力导致绝对的腐败。”腐败会发生在政治、经济、学术、职业生涯和非政府组织等人类活动的各个领域。

中国民主之父孙中山博士选择了最好的东西方教义。“天下大同”的理想被他终身拥抱。他希望建立一个融合了东西方最优秀的文明规则和立宪政府的模范的中华民族。他的声音是洪亮而清晰的，但是他的追随者们却因为腐败和贪婪这一人类普遍的蠢行和缺点背叛了他的理想。中国的朝代更迭和欧洲、印度以及其他国家是一样的。在东西方人类文明发展史上，人类不断重复犯下同样的错误。

孙中山全球华人基金会旨在倡导这些好的管理和政府的指导原则以防止人性的荒唐、权力的腐败和贪婪。比尔•盖茨在访问澳洲时曾宣称：他的贡献无论多大，和一个好的政府的贡献比较起来，仍然是微不足道的。人民所做的可以对一个好的政府所做的加以补充。

我相信，一个运作良好的社会的标志是公民可以自由地发表言论以杜绝权力的腐败和贪婪。如果不把人民放在至高无上的地位，权力的腐败和贪婪就会导致独裁的管理和政府。孙中山全球华人基金会将像其他非政府组织一样，充当人民的监察员。本基金会将帮助推动华人紧密团结的精神和华人的社区生活。同时密切关注政府的一举一动。

全世界的华人社区不乏有识之士。我们需要他们与我们一起携手努力来实现我们的目标。每个中国人贡献1美元，也就是13亿美元。在人的一生中，所花所费其实就那么一点，当我们离开这个世界的时候，什么也带不走。我相信我们每个人都希望给下一代留下一些有价值的东西，不管其价值是大还是小。你的慷慨将被永远铭记。为了实现这些良好的愿望，我们敦促您考虑支持这个想法。

我们目前拥有一定的知识和方法使基金会成长和运作起来。请各位考虑这一建议并给予大力支持。我们将聘请熟练的专业管理人才来管理这一基金。我们相信渐进的变化，不苟同暴力革命。我们支持用文明法则统领人类社会，反对运用暴力和战争来解决人类冲突。祈愿和平能永远存在，这样一来人民便能发展成为优秀的模范公民。那就是“华人”一词的字面涵义。

我们期待着您的评论、建议、支持和奉献。

 祝各位生活幸福，身体健康。

蔡家声医生

世界华人联络会主席

www.huaren.org

2005年9月30日 

UBUNTU Statement; Disarmament, at last