New Economic Policy, or Never Ending Policy?

Much ruckus has been stirred this past week about the comments of European Commission's envoy to Malaysia, Thierry Rommel, on the New Economic Policy. Basically it can be inferred from his remarks that the NEP was discriminatory and amounted to protectionism against foreign companies. Well, this is not the first, nor would it be the last, we will hear of such criticism; I'd only hope that the Government would take heed of the increasing voice against the policy both from within and from without.

Thierry Rommel and EU's relevance to Malaysia, vice versa
Najib: Envoy’s remarks moot Government to seek Wisma Putra’s views
Malaysia to send protest note over envoy’s remarks
Rafidah: It’s an attitude problem

Of course one would have expected the volume of criticism against Rommel from the government, especially from Barisan Nasional leaders in defence of the policy. After all this policy has been in place since 1970 and has served those in power well. It would be sad for them to see it end. And it's good political capital too, especially in UMNO, what with the general elections around the corner!

One thing intrigues me though: for one, the actual speech from where the comments were inferred, were never published in mainstream media and only reported in blogs and the Associated Press; and two, there is scarcely any comment from the non-UMNO leaders of the Barisan Nasional about this. And we have heard nothing from our sleeping Prime Minister about this either: only from the Deputy Prime Minister and a smattering of ministers.

To me the point is moot: the NEP is dead in it's original form. It has been hijacked to serve the purposes of those in power. I am resigned to the fact that it will continue indefinitely - until a time when the masses have had enough (by masses I mean the Malays that are blind to the fact that the NEP has not served them well) and a revolt happens. Hopefully a bloodless one...and one which installs a leader brave enough to take the bold step to reverse the many years of rot that had set in with the implementation of the NEP.

Till then, we will continue to see opportunities pass us by; as for me, the saying 'make hay while the sun shines' rings true: because the sun will be setting soon on this land...

Transformers

So OK, I was wrong about Transformers. It was better than I had expected. Of course one would go for all the action, but I find it good for another reason. Comedy. Yup...I may be crazy, but I've got another lame reason to like it. But it is funny, really. Much funnier than Pirates 3! Hats off to Shia LaBeouf - he's come along way his Even Stevens days. I thought he was really good in Disturbia too (erm, that's another movie, yet to be shown here I think), and he can only get better.

Anyway, back to this movie. The storyline is a bit corny, but there's no taking away from the action-packed robot scenes. Well, I cringed a bit at the remake of the Autobots, except Optimus Prime (well he could be better with his trailer attached too!) but the Decepticons were great. The battle scenes were confusing but exciting enough (there's a reason why the colours were bright and brilliant in the original cartoon series). And of course the ending leaves one drooling suspiciously of a sequel. I guess this is one of the better big budget release this summer. I'd rate it just behind Spidey, but way ahead of Pirates and FF4.

For now I won't comment on the upcoming releases: Harry Potter 5 and Die Hard 4.0. Just hope that it is as exciting as this one!

Un-Fantastic Four

So much hype: I wonder what it was all about... I found the whole movie a bit boring and corny. And empty: that was how I felt after leaving the cinema. There's no doubt that the special effects were great, but there was no real storyline. Add in some slapstick but tired comedy from the quartet, and we have a tired movie. But then again, I'm not into comic book-cinema adaptations so maybe I'm a bit biased. I wouldn't say it's a waste of money, but don't have too much of an expectation.

Here's another: after seeing the trailer for Transformers, I really don't think it'll be any better too. Even with Michael Bay at the helm...

Interview

Well, today was my first interview since SPA back in 1999...you knowlah we government doctors are so privileged to have a 'safe' job that we need not go for interviews of any sort. But anyway I decided that I had enough rest and had to look for a job. Not that I need the money, but I felt I had to go out and start practising medicine again.

How did it go? I got the job, so you could say it went well. The questions were pretty standard, but I didn't get to talk much. I had the feeling the MD was waiting for a person like me to come along, and I guess I was rather fortunate. Anyway, the job entails some travelling, so that's one of the perks. Pay is what I asked for (although the MD did say it was at the lower end of expectations - I answered money is not important!) plus all the allowances etc. but I have yet to see the offer letter. But like I said, money is not important... The post involves administrative duties as well, something I don't quite look forward to, but a necessary 'evil' in the private sector.

So I'm due to start in July: a new working environment, a new challenge. I look forward to it...and hope it goes well for me.

TV Season: The End - Part Three

The final installment...

Lost (Season 3)

I hope it gets better from here. Much maligned for it's long storylines and confusing flashbacks and sub-plots, the producers did themselves some credit with the final episodes. But it started badly for them: with the first few episodes concentrating squarely on the captured trio, the rest of the characters took a back seat; but I guess it was necessary as the storyline went along. And at least more of the Island and the Others got revealed as well as the varied hidden agendas of the survivors. The final episode was quite intriguing as well: did they really get off the Island? It seems that way... I can't really comment much about the characters because I'm still confused, but I wonder where Walt and Michael ended up? But with Lost seem to continue for another four seasons at least, I'm sure they'll turn up sooner or later. Let's hope the writers make it less confusing for all of us...


30 Rock (Season 1)

It's rare to find a comedy that really makes you laugh these days. 30 Rock is different somehow...it is really funny, although it would be much funnier if you're an American. It's the deep humour, poking fun at the American way of life that makes this show special, not the usual slapstick comedy we see as normal fare nowadays. Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan is hilarious, not to mention the supporting cast too. I just hope the magic continues...


The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (Season 2)
Hannah Montana (Season 1)

It's difficult to find family-orientated comedies these days...seems to have gone out of fashion. The only one I really liked was Malcolm In The Middle but even that seemed to peter out in the last two seasons. So we have Disney, banking on the success of Lizzie McGuire and Even Stevens, they came up with The Suite Life and Hannah Montana. Sigh...what a disappointment. The Suite Life was still funny in it's first season, but the comedy really falls flat this season. No more witty gems, only sparkles here and there. I think the writers are running out of comedic ideas. Hannah Montana too. I just hope it gets a bit better the next season. And the new one, Cory In The House...I don't even bother following it. Go, Kim Possible...

Malaysia 2057

Abdullah envisions a high-achieving nation by 2057

I think this must be the joke of the year! Is the Prime Minister really serious? I guess he must be, since he actually laid it out for all sundry to see... Or is he dreaming. talking his head off in his speech? People will have a field day with this. As for me, I am still ROFLMAO till today...

My vision of Malaysia 2057? Erm, it's hard to imagine, primarily because nothing would have changed!!! Even if the country is going to the dogs! The NEP and concept of Ketuanan Melayu will continue to be enshrined! As for me, I would probably have migrated elsewhere as many disenchanted Malaysians, or would have committed suicide to spare myself from the suffering...

For Real?

This makes interesting reading for all concerned Malaysians...although it would not be something you would pick and up and see on our mainstream media. Courtesy of Malaysia Today:

Malaysia’s organised crime syndicate: all roads lead to Putrajaya
The roaches are scurrying and the rats are hurrying

Well, if you are as cynical as I am in our government, the continued silence on these accusations pleads guilty loud and clear. We have all seen how brutish and loud these defenders of the government can be and how quick they can come to the interested party's defence, but why the stunned silence until now? Confident that control of mainstream media is enough, or that these accusations are easily deflected? Or is Mr. Sleepyhead hoping that all this will blow over because Malaysians have very short term memory? I just wonder what the response is, if any...

TV Season: The End - Part Two

Continuing my two cents worth...

CSI: Las Vegas (Season 7)

CSI: Miami (Season 5)

CSI: New York (Season 3)

I dunno...I feel the CSI series are nearing the end of their staying power. After all, the cases almost look the same, and the forensics are generally so well known now that it becomes second nature to the regular followers. Hence the attempts to spice up the series, while interesting, only holds one's attention for a short time. But they have their days too.

I particularly like the Miniature Murderer theme for CSI: Las Vegas - goes to show that a murderer can get away with it and that the CSI team is not the all-knowing geniuses they turn out to be, and the gripping finale to the season where another CSI is in distress (but not as great as the finale of Season 5, which in my opinion is the best of all the CSI episodes!). I find CSI: Miami a bit humdrum, and I was hoping Delko would have died after being shot - now there seems to be a love story in the making between him and Calleigh; and I wonder how much more of a role Ryan Wolfe will play... Personally I think CSI: New York has the most potential of the two spin-offs, I guess because of Gary Sinise. And I think there's more to the characters in that series that meets the eye, which can be explored to make things interesting...

Criminal Minds (Season 2)

This was a series I missed early on, mainly because it was not such a popular series. But I find this series more interesting than the CSI series, mainly because it explores the human psyche and their criminal behaviours - which lead to the science of profiling. I like the genius (and comic, aren't geniuses always ridiculed?) in the team: Spencer Reid. I especially like his capture, torture, flashbacks and coming to terms: a realistic view. Mandy Patinkin as Jason Gideon is just fantastic! But in general there's not much in terms of action; more talk and thinking. To me it's a must see series!

Bones (Season 2)

Another series that is not too widely popular, but interesting as it is loosely based on real-life experiences of a forensic anthropologist. The various episodes are not too fantastic, but really like the interactions between the characters in the series especially Dr. Brennan with Agent Booth; Angela and Jack; and with Zach as the comic. I loved the episodes when Booth shot a ice-cream truck clown, and his psychiatric evaluations that followed! I think this show has got potential too...

House (Season 3)

Aah, my favourite all-knowing, all-hating, all-sarcastic doctor. Hugh Laurie is great, and deserves his Emmy. I mean the cases are not that believable, but as a character, House is the doctor everyone loves to be. This season we see the softer side of House, as he nearly lost his practice licence after his contemptuous behaviour with a detective and over the resignation of his team. And there is his love-hate relationship with Cuddy and Wilson. Wonder how the series will play out next season? Can't wait...

Pak Lah Ties The Knot...Again

Well congratulations Pak Lah!! That's for his wedding to Jeanne Abdullah today. I guess he'll be busy with their honeymoon after this...

So when you come back to work, please try to keep as much of your promises you made in 2003 in what little time you have left in office. Less sleeping and more working please!

Celebrity Shenanigans

Geez...who does Paris Hilton think she is? Just three short days after starting her 45-day jail term for drunk driving, she was released from prison for home confinement by the Los Angeles County sheriff, against the presiding judges orders!, citing medical reasons such as unwillingness to eat jail food. This created public uproar, and rightly so! After all she was a rich b*&^%...

Unfortunately for her, her newly-found freedom lasted only a day, and she was dragged in tears back to jail. It goes to show that she cannot have her way no matter what. No one is above the law (or obviously she is not rich or influential enough) Justice is served!!

Can we see this happening in this country? Obviously never, since the judiciary is so corrupt that any rich man/woman worth his/her salt can escape jail sentence...

More Questions...

OK, so it was touted to be the trial of the year: the trial of the three individuals who has been accused to have blown up Mongolian model Altantuya Shariibu. Eyes and ears of all interested Malaysians as well as the rest of the world waited for the story that followed. And they got one! The trial was postponed to June 18 because the prosecuting team was changed at the very last minute!!

Now I think that only happens in Bolehland...but this is ridiculous for such a high-profile case! This turn of events brings up even more questions: why was the team changed, and at the very last minute at that; and would the head of civil division be the best person to conduct the prosecution of a criminal case (after all he replaces the heads of the criminal division)? Was there any instructions to the Attorney-General to 'manipulate' the trial? Ahh...so many questions...and yet the Attorney General was simply too silent. On the other side, one of the counsel for the defendents excused himself, citing 'interference' from third parties which does not enable him to discharge his duties to the best of his ability: now who are these third parties?

And a last twist to the story: the father of the murdered model is suing the Malaysian Government for RM 100 million as a result of this farce.

Wow, this is getting interesting...let's wait in anticipation for the latest in what is Bolehland Law!

TV Season: The End - Part One

So that's it. The end of TV season in the U.S. A break of about three to four months before the new season comes online. And a break for me too... My thoughts on some of the series that I have followed throughout this season:

Heroes (Season 1)

I actually first saw the Pilot episode in August and found the concept very interesting. I remember at the end of the episode I was very excited to know what would happen next. And it turns out that this is the top new series for the year. A modern, more believable X-men type series. A lot of twist and turns, with the characters revealed bit by bit ala-Lost, but in a controlled manner, and at the same time not so confusing. And the general storyline was well thought of too. Well, the one month break in between March and April ruined the build-up slightly, but in all it was still riveting. I guess the crowd favourite character was Hiro (my personal favourite too!) but Peter (I had a bit of a problem figuring out what his powers were) and Sylar (the baddie with a taste for cerebral matter) were fantastic too. Let's hope Season 2, and it's spin off: Heroes Origins will be no less exciting.

Jericho (Season 1)

This was also a new series about a town called Jericho and it's aftermath following a nuclear attack on the United States of America. It's interesting because it explores what could be a reality in the near future. Although the characters were a bit shallow, the whole storyline was also well thought of: uncertainty, confusion, tension, danger and survival. The season ended with a cliffhanger. So it was to my aghast that CBS has decided not to renew the series because of its poor ratings. I guess this series is the type you need to follow for it to grow on you, and it has a lot of potential! The latest news is that CBS is reconsidering it's decision - I'm praying that they would at least prolong the series to give it some finality.

Battlestar Galactica (Season 3)

OK, this is a modern remake of the 1980s classic - with a modern undertone. Hmm, cylons taking on human form...interesting. So the season is all about the human journey to Earth. From the Cylon occupation of New Caprica to their rescue and escape by Galactica to their travels on the way to Earth, the fillers got a bit boring and side-tracked along the way (most Sci-Fi shows are anyway); we still have no idea who the remaining human-form Cylons are. I guess my favourite character is still Gaius Baltar (I love to see how he interacts with humans and Cylons alike). Starbuck's 'death' was premature (as expected) and it'll be interesting to see how she leads the convoy to Earth.

Stargate SG-1 (season 10)

So finally the series come to an end. Personally I thought the best time to have ended the series was at the end of Anubis' defeat at the hands of the Antartic Ancient weapon, or when the Replicators were defeated at Takkara. But no, they had to bring out the Ori as the new adversary to vanquish. Interesting as it was, it was getting a bit stale after ten seasons. So when they decided to end the series, they had to finish off the storyline rather quickly...hence the quick demise of the Ori, adaptation of the Asgard technology and defeat of the Ori ships (which until then no one could destroy). Well, it's not totally over: there are another two direct-to-DVD episodes to tie up all the loose ends. And of course there's still...

Stargate Atlantis (Season 3)

The spin-off! New galaxy, new enemies, old enemies. First they had the Wraith, the Genii, and finally the Replicators (in the form of the Asurans). An interesting mix. And this season we saw the death of Dr. Beckett, the resident doctor on Atlantis (hmm, the Stargate series like to kill off their medical doctors don't they?). So will McKay find a way to guide the powerless Atlantis hurtling through deep space to another planet? Of course he will. And in Season 4, he will renew his love-hate relationship with Capt. Samantha Carter as she crosses over to the Atlantis series. Can't wait for it! All in all, Atlantis is less interesting than the first few seasons of SG-1, but I hope the producers will rediscover the old formula, otherwise we might be looking at another premature end.

To be continued...