Citizen Journalism Blog

The other day when Janet was in Penang, I had the honour of having her company and to have breakfast with her. She wants to learn more about Kampung Buah Pala. But our conversation actually revealed a lot of things that I never thought of.

It never occurred to me why I do certain things. She asked me something like what drives me to be a citizen journalist. It popped out of my mouth that I did it because of my faith.

There is no such thing as for the love of the country or to make the future better for my children or to butter the CM’s butt. Hahahahaha.

I told her I feel it is my Christian duty to use the skills I have to help another. Of course, I am not so generous to be helping people all the time like I am Mother Teresa like that. But deep in my heart, the most fulfilling things I have done are those that involve the poor and the homeless.

I also told her that if one or two of the villagers from Kampung Buah Pala are not from my church, I wouldn’t have invested my tears, sweats and cow dung stained jeans. I kept going back because I see no help coming to them and I was stubbornly waiting for something good to happen to them. (Of course, I am not discerning people by their faith but truth to be told, I have a certain stronger connection when we pray to the same God)

At the core of it, what makes me go for yet another video filming session is the stirrings in the heart that I see as God’s prompting.

I also told Janet that I don’t just head to my destination without saying a prayer. Usually, when I am driving to the place or the night before, I will silently talk to my Jesus. “Lord, open my eyes so that I can see what You want me to see. Do not allow my ego to take over but instead, give me the wisdom of knowing what to do.”

Sometimes, those assignments are terrifying like when I have to interview people whom I see as ‘the big people’ such as Lim Kit Siang. I would confess to my Jesus how nervous and scared I am being in their company.

Then, there was this time when I have to interview our Bishop. He was like the mighty sky and I am chicken little. I have never talked to him before that. He doesn’t notice little nobodies like me.

And I was going to tackle a big assignment of clearing the church’s name. Lucky I have my CJ partner with me or else I think I will stammer so hard. Now, the Bishop’s face breaks into a smile whenever he sees me and I give an imaginary Gimme 5 to Jesus.

So, my driving force is Jesus. Some did it for Hindraf. Some did it for Gerakan. Some did it for PKR. Me? Jesus Christ. And I hope I don’t ever sway away or get sucked in DAP. Kekekeke.