The Road Safety Novel – Muscat Daily – April 28th 2012

The Road Safety Novel – Muscat Daily – April 28th 2012

By Majid Al Suleimany

The Woes of Publishing – Outlook – The Oman Daily Observer.

The Woes of Publishing

Tue, 24 April 2012

 

Outlook – The Oman Daily Observer.

 

 

OUTLOOK — By Abdullah Al Shailyi —

I read in detail what was written by my colleague Dr Zakariy al Mahrami in a series of articles analysing Shaikh Nassir bin Jaid al Kharousi’s book Explaining the Behavioural Systems to their Majesties which was verified by Dr Waid Khalis.

The article made me eager to read the book so I asked Dr Zakariy about how to get a copy of the book, he told me the publisher is the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. He was deeply sad that such an important book and other books are published outside Oman, while it behoves us as Omanis to publish them ourselves.

Once I attended a celebration held in an Asian country to pay tribute to the Omani navigator Ahmed bin Majid and his contribution to many inventions pertaining to maritime sciences. During the celebration a book titled Abar Maritime History was launched. It was mainly about Ibn Majid and the role of Oman in the Arab maritime. Later I knew that the publisher of the book is based in the state of Qatar.

It is true that knowledge knows no boundaries and no nationalities. But when it comes to topics that are part of the Omani culture and heritage, you feel sorry that the things which are originally ours come to us from beyond our borders.

This raises many questions, first what is the entity concerned with bringing out the treasures of knowledge and encouraging the researchers, thinkers and scientists to author books doing? Is it the Ministry of Heritage and Culture? In the past the Ministry of Heritage and Culture published hundreds of books and manuscripts.

The ministry’s library is teeming with books on heritage, science, jurisprudence, philosophy all authored by Omanis.

However, the ministry no longer gives much attention to the matter of publishing. Perhaps because all the books that were supposed to be published were already published, or maybe the ministry got fed up with the whole thing.

Printing and publishing in the Sultanate are now in a dire position with the writers, intellectuals, researchers and students seeking an alternative entity that can help them have their books published and distributed in the Arab world.

Besides, the authors are looking forward to have their books translated into living languages so that they can spread worldwide. I think those who are directly involved and concerned with the matter should be given the chance to speak about their woes in conferences and symposiums.

Are we today in need of an authority because the ministry is no more capable of performing its duties and keep pace with the rapid progress the world is seeing? An authority needs to be entrusted with encouraging the youths to write and translate the literary and scientific production of other nations.

No doubt this is the age of knowledge; we frequently hear the phrase ‘knowledge economies’. Many countries have already incorporated both knowledge and science in the national economies as better contributors than the sectors of gas, industry and trade. I think steps should be taken in order to have this sort of economy which basically supports science and knowledge.

Nice to see some more people are talking on the same subject I said over 8 years ago on my books – www.majidbooks.com  – My Comments!

The Committee Has Not Met Yet! At My Workplace!

At My Workplace!

The Committee Has Not Met Yet!

http://main.omanobserver.om/node/92399

 See also scanned copy here as has appeared in The Oman Daily Observer of April 25th 2012 

• Still Nothing Has Changed Much – Despite All The Rhetoric!
• If Moses were a Committee – The Israelites would still be in Egypt today!
• Nothing you tell these people will have any effect on them – Ali Fazari – Syrian Artist and Activist.

In hindsight and again speaking from my own personal experiences and in retrospect – I wish to reiterate this point – that though we have seen some initiations and improvements in the citizens’ rights and freedom – still nothing has changed much on the grounds and in reality.

The problems are the same in pushing them forward into action, reality and into practice – rather than them being minutes of meetings – and if even filed for records first of all in the first instance. There is need for real movement into action, propelling, push, dynamism and pragmatism in moving them forward – into practice and into reality. Time is not in our side – in essence and or in favour – before we all get bogged down into being reactive ‘fire fighting’ – and further ‘red tape, bureaucracy and inaction’!

It is alright to put news of improvements and changes for the better in the media – but what is the use of all of them – if they are still not practiced – or excuses given for delays and procrastinations – as is the usual case? I hope that Readers can remember of what I wrote before of those working within the system – the ‘old guards syndrome’ – to prevent and or delay changes. These peoples need to be exposed – and kicked out – and as lessons to others.

This is also the real truth still! The citizen cannot still win – or very few isolated cases in success – against the public departments and bodies. This is even if you have a case where if things were really practiced and put in action – the citizen SHOULD win in case of dispute scenario. But he will simply not win. Adversely, the same public body can take you for action – and or sue you in courts for the ‘same case and situation’ – for as many times as they want – and the case will still be heard – and nothing can stop them! Even if you cannot draw blood from a stone!

You go to the Public Officials that you know to hope for solace and intervention – and they are obligated to do so by their authorities, power, control and auspices dominion – if not that you know them well and hope Wastah will kick in – but does not! Simply no one will ever lift a finger to help you – or they turn away from you as if you do not exist- and even if you try to contact then face to face – let alone by emails and by phone? Even if you want to fight against the Big Cats for your rights or that company of yours that is closing down – you end yet again as The Loser!

How long these things will go on – before something breaks up – or blows up in front of our faces? The truth and in actual fact – the things at stake and at issue are in reality not really big unsolvable issues – but involve the usual uncaring, care-free, no-interest, cannot-be-bothered-the least approaches and attitudes. What if really big things were at stake? One shudders – and does not want even want to start thinking on this! Heads need to roll – before things can really improve – otherwise it is a lost cause – and everyone will end as the loser!

Even if you have given up and do not want to fight your case – because you know you will lose again as the citizen – and complied by what ‘as has been thought as fair and equitable – does not matter if you think differently – who cares? If you follow up your case – so you can be in the clear – and restore your personal freedom and rights – you get the same excuse – The Committee has still not met yet to discuss and or finalise your situation. You are not the only one – so just wait! This is said to you more in annoyance and in anger – rather than in trying to cool you down – or making you understand about the situation – and in letting you know about the results.

There are things I said in 1980s that now have really happened in reality and on the grounds too. Yet I was given all the labels – including having chips on his shoulders! – A big mouth – a trouble-maker – needs to be stopped! – and so on!

My problems are that I care and feel a lot – and want things to work out – and not go bad! Instead, I always end up as the victim of circumstances of my own making for speaking up and making a stand – and the usual at the end loser! Whilst those who do not care or bother get rewarded – and acknowledged – and given more and more – because of their lack of caring and in indifference.

Twice I have given up writing anymore – only to persuaded to come back in again. Of course, I cannot deny that I need the money – if even after 35 years of dedicated services, loyalty and feelings of caring are simply wasted – because I cannot touch much my own pension for the very same aforementioned reasons.

I can now understand and appreciate why people turn to Religion in despair and in giving up hope – instead of the few like Mohamed Buazizi of Tunisia in self-immolation. I simply cannot understand and comprehend why people are so mean and dastardly to each other – and not wanting to change – despite all the changes around us now!

I am really tired now in continuing writing about these same issues – and I am still in the tunnel – and no hopes for to see the light at the end of the tunnel – if ever that will be so!

TAKE CARE!

By: –

Majid Al Suleimany

New – The Road Safety Book – Novel Type!

The Road Safety Book – Novel Type – In Simple English.

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Majid Al Suleimany

April 9^th 2012

NEW BOOK – The Road Safety Book – Novel Type – In simple English.

I am now writing my 6^th book on Road Safety Stories.

The Book Plan – To write Short Emotional Stories that have happened to people because of Road Accidents!The book will be a novice first time type ever written in Oman as in a reading novel type format – written in the simplest of English – as it is envisaged that many of the Readers English is a second language (or third) after Arabic – and to make it easy for them to understand and comprehend – taking into account the importance of the subject to the increased number of road accidents and fatalities in Oman.

 

IMAGES FIR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY!

Writing has always been in my blood and my hobby and passion.

Road Safety Article – 1990s

I wrote this article for Times of Oman in May 1994 titled – Stray Thoughts on Oman Traffic – and reproduced by PDO Al Fahal Magazine June 11 1994 titled – Drive Safely for the Sake of Family and Loved Ones! – See appended below

A Peoples’ Stories – All True Cases.

 

.The story must be about road accidents and had happened in Oman mainly.

• To write about Road Traffic Accidents in a book format and using simple English language for all to understand and appreciate.
• To put catching titles per story such as :-
• Newly wedded died on road accident
• Mother is still grieving!
• Grandmother left alone in the house!
• Utility bill syndrome
• Full Family lost in the accident!
• Bad timing to travel after midnight!
• Wrong Job Relief causes agony!
• Fast trip ended shortly!
• No more singing in the rain!
• Mother – Do Not Cry For Me!
• You should have been firm with me Mum – now I am gone!
• To make it interesting and true. And things that we have seen in reality happening in front of our very eyes.
• To give accident account, possible causes and lessons learnt.
• As the writer will have the full rights to lay out the story according to the flow of information
• Ask people who have No Objections to write their own true stories with photos and blogs.
• Include photos of as many car accidents and lessons to learn! Preferably in colour format.
• We need to write this book in view of the high road fatalities and accidents – and starting with schools.
• The idea can be expanded with a picturesque book for Primary Schools (Arabic also) in the future – but it will have to be in corporation with others (Arabic not that god for writing up!)

Any others

B How The Idea Originated!

It came some time back from an Omani General Manager (and a very good personal friend!) and whose Executive Secretary and the whole family perished in a road accident two years ago!

I knew the late girl well – see sample story appended.

This idea was given to me also by a good Indian Fan of mine as something worthwhile to consider to do with my Writing Skills and Experiences and taking it up from the Five Books already published by me.

See sample story here

C Issues

There are many issues to handle first – like people willing to talk first with you and their willing for their stories to be told? But with the right approach and tactics this can be approached in the right way for success.

Otherwise we will not use names but create our own names, initial, nome-de-plumes and pseudonyms

D Summary

The book can take off very well. I have a strong feeling on this one!

To be published in Oman as we may ask sponsors also from others like PDO, ROP, Newspapers etc – but the lesser the better! I want to own full rights and in publishing too.

I am looking for financial support and in monetary help and in financial more sponsorship.

Also if you know of any stories as above to share with me and other Readers

Or if people willing to come forward to share their own stories – as lessons for others to learn!

Or any views or suggestions that you may possibly have.

Let us not forget life is not permanent or forever – but we will be remembered for what we have done and contributed in this world SADAKA JARIYAH

E My Column Writings

• My Two Columns in The Oman Daily Observer
• Between Us Only! – Every Sunday!
• At My Workplace! – Every Wednesday!
• Please see here at www.majidall.com
• Previous at www.betweenusonly.com and www.alsuleimany.com
• I also write a column Society Speaks! For Oman Knowledge Oasis Muscat KOM
• My Books Between Us Only! Series have hundreds of stories on accidents – starting with the first book published March 2003 – more than 8 years of the columns – and books!
• Other websites – www.majidsn.com – other issues.
• Allah Maakuum – Allah God Be With You All Amin Amen

My Contact Emails

majid@majidsuleimany.com

majidalsuleimany@gmail.com

malsuleimany@yahoo.com

Majidsnalsuleimany@hotmail.com

 

Best Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

 

APPENDICES

1 Road Safety Article – 1990s

2 Sample Story – Continued

2 Sample Story – Continued

 

Rest in Peace – RAW!

Peace Be Upon Her!

In Remembrance – Feeling Very Sad Today!

Wednesday February 9^th 2011.

She had the most beautiful, enchanting and blossoming smile that you ever saw in such a pretty girl like RAW!

Always cheerful and helpful – people flocked in and out of her Office just to visit and talk to her! Always a kind word and gesture to everyone – if it was the last sandwich which she had to keep for herself – she would offer it to you and she would go without!

The old man went up the stairs to the offices as he was afraid of using the lift! He was a very angry man – he had received a wrong electricity bill that went to over a Thousand Omani Rials! His electricity was also disconnected! He had travelled all the way to The Head Office from the Interior – because he did not receive any cheers from the Branch.

He was shouting and addressing me – I had come in temporarily as The HR Consultant! How can my bill be so high? Last time I paid was less than OMR 20 (US Dollars 60)? I live with my wife and my two sons only in the small house!

Hearing the commotions, RAW stepped out from her Office. Abuuiiy! (Father!) Please come and sit down. She brought him water and coffee. Relaxed, the old man started crying! He was ashamed of himself – for shouting so loudly to so many others – and ‘making just a nuisance’ of himself! Do not cry Father she said to him. I will call the GM out of the meeting to see you just now!

Do not worry – she assured him – I will take care of you! And she did…. the old man got his electricity bill cancelled and the electricity returned – and a company car to take him home to his village 250 kilometers away. RAW also gave him Company Complimentary gifts – that is RAW for you – always caring and feeling for others! As a Consultant even for me – this was a great learning experience in kindness, care, feelings and in humanity – all RAW!

 

***

Wednesday February 9^th 2011.

I was calling this good friend of mine a CEO of a National Company – and he gave me the ‘shock of my life’ to tell me that his Executive Secretary – and a First Class High Profile lady in my books had died as another casualty figure (statistics) just recently – after asking him how she was and having not received any emails from her for quite a while. I had covered this poor lady in My Books as one great person who had always stood by me in offering me support, kind words and in encouragement in my books.

I had never expected to cry again! For me I try best to hold back my tears very much. But failed miserably this time! I still fail whenever I remember her. This poor lady was amongst one of the ‘casualty figures and statistics’ that we read in the newspapers every day and week – without abating an eyelid – as the ‘usual stories’ we read in the newspapers. Or the usual pun – so what else is new?

I also did read this article by one Omani Columnist in the other newspaper titled Killer roundabout’ rings alarm bells in Mahdah – by Fahad Al Mukrashi. Every week we see also in the newspapers about road casualty figures in the newspapers – but as usual in the coming story we never imagine or visualize that it could be someone we know well or related to.

It seemed that an Omani family of 5 adults and 5 children had decided to get into a saloon car and drive all the way to Abu Dhabi in UAE. They decided to have lunch there and then to return on the same day. At 21:30 hrs, the father of the family perhaps overlooked the Mahdah round about and caught by surprise – he panicked and braked sharply – and the car rolled over several times. Six members of the family died immediately but the father escaped with minor injury because he was wearing a seat belt and was awake and alone behind the wheels.

This is one girl that I really liked and admired – and was always a great fan and supporter of me. She was always encouraging and supportive – of me personally – my books and my writings. The happiest time she was when I dedicated some of her comments in my books and giving her complimentary copies.

She was always sending me nice warm supportive messages – like cheering your day or to make you smile messages. These always used to cheer me a lot – especially when I was feeling down and sad. She was always beaming with smiles and kindness. Pretty smiles full of blossom and enlightenment!

Today I am crying again of the sad news and the gap in my life now. She was a great lady and I miss her terribly!

She had a great sense of humour and tease! Once I asked her if she was interested to get married or what – or why not still. With her usual sense of humour and wit she replied – They are waiting for me to get a higher salary first before they proposed to me! My salary is still small to them!

May Allah SWT Rest her angelic kind soul in eternal peace in this world and the eternal – and open the highest heavens for her – Amin.

Inshallah I will always pray for her so long as I will live – Amin.

By Majid Al Suleimany

majidalsuleimany@gmail.com

majid@mas-trac.com

majidsnalsuleimany@hotmail.com

 

 

 

Arab Management:Far Deeper In Troubled Waters! – New Arab Management Book – By Majid Al Suleimany

We defend the things that we should attack – and attack the things that we should defend!– Majid Al Suleimany

Arab Management:Far Deeper In Troubled Waters! – New Arab Management Book – By Majid Al Suleimany

New Book 7^th – Arab Management – Book Three –

By Majid Al Suleimany

www.myown-ebooks.com

www.majidbooks.com

Arab Management: Far Deeper In Troubled Waters!

The Book Theme:-

1 A frank, honest, open and call-a-spade-a-spade no punch-spared, no barrels held stuff and no frills play book exposing

2 Still the ever increasing lack of ethics, principles, professionalism and tolerance in the workplaces.

3 With now ever more increased radicalisation, extremism and fundamentalising of the Offices environment and in similar to the overall similar fast changing facts of the ground in the region.

4 A Tell All As It Is in outlooks, approaches and focuses still prevalent and dominant.

5 It looks into the future in Prophecy and Prediction of what is expected and what is to come – immediately now, in the short term and in the future.

6 Others – Please see below

Addressing the increased extremism, fundamentalism, and still the ever increasing now lack of tolerance and forbearance in the Arab workforce, Author Majid Al Suleimany presents Arab Management: Far Deeper In Troubled Waters! – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Management Series.

In three parts, the book concentrates on the management styles and aspects of the companies located in the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council that encompasses Oman, UAE – United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

In deep self-analysis and in consciousness, it critically looks into and assesses any changes in particular – if any – in Arab Management – post The Arab Spring Uprisings that shook the countries in the region post January 2011 – after the First Arab Spring Uprisings in Tunisia with the self immolation of Mohamed Buazizi in Tunisia.

The book critically reviews, analyses, evaluates and discusses the:-

v Changes in the Arab Management aspects (if any!) – post the Arab Spring Uprisings from January 2011 onwards.

v The far more and ever increased and widening divide between The Old Guards and The New Younger Graduates Intakes and Generation

v Lessons that have still not been learnt despite all the changes in the MENA Region in Arab Spring Uprisings.

v Still the ever ‘Ostrich Head in the ground’ – ‘Hard of Hearing’ and Push The Dirt under the carpet’ Management approaches – especially from the local environments, focuses and outlooks!

v The ever faster growing radicalization of the local staff – especially The Youth and in particular.

v Still some misbehaving expatriates – and the old guards locals!

v Unhappy, dissatisfied local staff

v Still more poor treatment of staff, especially by some Expatriate Management

v The ever more increasing extremism and fundamentalism in the offices

v Other sensitive and related issues

In Arab Management: Far Deeper In Troubled Waters! Majid Al Suleimany – an Arab Management Consultant, Advisor and Expert – focuses on what is particular about the type of Arab Management, its context and perspectives, and what is peculiar, special, or particular to that work in the context and in comparison to management styles of other nations.

Using personal experiences, examples, and illustrations, Al Suleimany exposes the new reality and truth and moves away from the trend and approach of hiding exposes the new reality and truth – and moves away from the trend and approach of hiding issues and problems.

“It is a unique book, written in a unique style. It is a soul searching and critical evaluation of one’s own people in the field. He extols the culture and importance of work in his religion and the pitfalls and lackluster attitude of the Managers in position about the Principles and Process of Management.” – Editor Features, The Observer

“Someone must have the guts and courage to write about this growing danger and phenomena with us here now – before it is too late for everyone!” – American CEO

“The book is critical but objective—and portrays the Arab mind and focus in its proper perspectives.” – Senior Omani Public Official

“Your writing is quite exceptional, informative, and gripping.”

– Omani High Official

“There is a great need for improvements and achievements in this particular arena —your book has tried well to cover all these to a very successful extent.” – British CEO

“Part of the problem of Arab Management is the inherited autocratic society we live in, and confronted by new Management concepts and innovation believing in freedom of expression, empowerment, delegation, transparency, ethics and accountabilities – and the clash between the two.” – Indian CEO

“Despite everything that has happened so far since the troubles started last year – nothing has changed much at the workplaces – if not for the worse in divisions between locals and expatriates – and in rivalries, polarisation, jealousies, envies – and lack of ethics, transparencies and professionalism” – A VP HR (Omani).

Even after some Public Officials have lost their jobs, nothing has changed much even in the Public Arena – Retired Public Official

And so many others.

This will be a Tell-All – at whatever repercussions and consequences. Enough is Enough! Things cannot be allowed to go on like this – too many lies and deceptions already!

I am looking for partial sponsorship, financial backing and support especially from those who can – and believe in me – and in this planned new book!

Allah God be with you all – Amin Amen

Majid Al Suleimany – Muscat – Oman

April 10, 2012

majid@majidsuleimany.com

majid@mas-trac.com

majidalsuleimany@gmail.com

majidsnalsuleimany@hotmail.com

malsuleimany@yahoo.com

Arab Management: Far More In Troubled Waters! by Majid Al Suleimany (Omani GCC National)

April 10, 2012 –

The New Book 7^th  – Arab Management  (Under Preparation) –

Book Three –  By Majid Al Suleimany

www.myown-ebooks.com

www.majidbooks.com

Arab Management: Far More In Troubled Waters!

The Book Theme:-

1                    A frank, honest, open and call-a-spade-a-spade no punch-spared, no barrels held stuff and no frills play book exposing far more than ever before in Arab Management circles.

2                    Still the ever increasing lack of ethics, principles, professionalism and tolerance in the workplaces.

3                    With now ever more increased radicalisation, extremism and fundamentalising of the Offices environment and in similar to the overall similar fast changing facts of the ground in the region.

4                     A Tell All As It Is in outlooks, approaches and focuses – as is still prevalent and dominant.

5                    It looks into the future and in Prophecy and Prediction of what is expected and what is to come – immediately now, in the short term and in the future.

Others – Please see below

 Addressing the increased extremism, fundamentalism, and still the ever increasing now lack of tolerance and forbearance in the Arab workforce, Author Majid Al Suleimany presents Arab Management: Far More In Troubled Waters! – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Management Series.

 In three parts, the book concentrates on the management styles and aspects of the companies located in the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council that encompasses

Oman, UAE – United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

 In deep self-analysis and in consciousness, it critically looks into and assesses any changes in particular – if any – in Arab Management – post The Arab Spring Uprisings that shook the countries in the region post January 2011 – after the First Arab Spring Uprisings in Tunisia with the self immolation of Mohamed Buazizi in Tunisia.

 The book critically reviews, analyses and discusses the:-

 v  Changes in the Arab Management aspects (if any!) – post the Arab Spring Uprisings from January 2011 onwards.

v  The far more and ever increased and widening divide between The Old Guards and The New Younger Graduates Intakes and Generation

v  Lessons that have still not been learnt despite all the changes in the MENA Region in Arab Spring Uprisings.

v  Still the ever ‘Ostrich Head in the ground’ – ‘Hard of Hearing’ and Push The Dirt under the carpet’ Management approaches – especially from the local environments, focuses and outlooks!

v  The ever faster growing radicalization of the local staff – especially The Youth and in particular.

v  Still some misbehaving expatriates – and the old guards locals!

v  Unhappy, dissatisfied local staff

v  Still more poor treatment of staff, especially by some Expatriate Management

v  The ever more increasing extremism and fundamentalism in the offices

v  Other sensitive and related issues

 In Arab Management: Far More In Troubled Waters!  Majid Al Suleimany – an Arab Management Consultant, Advisor and Expert – focuses on what is particular about the type of Arab Management, its context and perspectives, and what is peculiar, special, or particular to that work in the context and in comparison to management styles of other nations.

 Using personal experiences, examples, and illustrations, Al Suleimany exposes the new reality and truth and moves away from the trend and approach of hiding exposes the new reality and truth – and moves away from the trend and approach of hiding issues and problems.

 “It is a unique book, written in a unique style. It is a soul searching and critical evaluation of one’s own people in the field. He extols the culture and importance of work in his religion and the pitfalls and lackluster attitude of the Managers in position about the Principles and Process of Management.” – Editor Features, The Observer

 “Someone must have the guts and courage to write about this growing danger and phenomena with us here now – before it is too late for everyone!” – American CEO

 “The book is critical but objective—and portrays the Arab mind and focus in its proper perspectives.” – Senior Omani Public Official

 “Your writing is quite exceptional, informative, and gripping.”

– Omani High Official

 “There is a great need for improvements and achievements in this particular arena —your book has tried well to cover all these to a very successful extent.” – British CEO

 “Part of the problem of Arab Management is the inherited autocratic society we live in, and confronted by new Management concepts and innovation believing in freedom of expression, empowerment, delegation, transparency, ethics and accountabilities – and the clash between the two.” – Indian CEO

 April 10, 2012

To  Let The World Know!

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Financial Support and Funding Required. Most Welcome please!

majid@majidsuleimany.com

majidalsuleimany@gmail.com

majid@mas-trac.com