Due to the continuous double-standards practiced by the mainstream media - come on, just open up the pages and see how much of the news is devoted to the Opposition...virtually nil, unless it paints them in bad light! - as usual they have resorted to the old tried and tested approach of ceramahs. Now this would create an opportunity for the police (aka BN henchmen) to not issue permits in the name of public safety (as they have oft done in the past)...but nowadays the hell with the police!
There was a ceramah near my place last Tuesday, coinciding with the weekly pasar malam and taking the opportunity of an increased crowd. As expected it was organised by the DAP with PKR joining in a bit later...the candidates contesting in my area (PJ Utara parliamentary seat as well as the state seats) came up and gave a few speeches. Initially the crowd was a bit hesitant and quiet...wouldn't you after seeing a few police cars around? But as the speeches wore on the atmosphere got cheerier. I guess there were no more than 200 people there at its peak but still it was a fair turnout for the organisers.
One thing though...I would have expected the DAP candidates to be more eloquent in their speeches, and also more versatile and varied in the issues. There's no point having four or five speakers but all talking about the same issues. Who knows, the crowd could have gotten bigger if more 'noise' was made!! Another thing is that these candidates do not seem to talk about the issues in the area of concern - it would have been more interesting if they had mixed the national and local issues up. And they could have made better use of the multimedia system that was made available, small as it was. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. What they put up was just a montage of soundless-pictures; hardly the attention-grabbing presentations I'd expected.
There was also some talk about Teresa Kok making an appearance, but when I left close to 10 p.m. she had not shown up. She probably didn't. And I don't think Tony Pua was there either. Which was a shame...since he is the candidate for PJ Utara!
Anyway it was my very first ceramah - so it was a good experience. Next would be the opportunity to hear the big guns speak, to experience the difference...but I wonder whether they will show up here any time soon? All in all, ceramahs being the only way to go for the Opposition, this was indeed a wasted opportunity in my opinion; they could have made a bigger impact! Perhaps they are expecting their Internet assault to come up trumps?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Mini-trip: Penang
Stayed overnight in Penang for my work trip on Monday; didn't quite like the idea of traveling four hours up and down the North-South Highway on the same day. Fortunately a friend of mine was kind enough to let me bunk in for the night at his place.
Well, was only in Penang for a few hours...even then at night so there's nothing much to see. My friend brought me to a few places to eat - I must say that Penang food appears to have deteriorated over the years...doesn't seem to taste as good as it used to be! But then again I'm not a food connoiseur...so I'll just leave the food comments as it is.
Penang drivers are as reputable as they are made out to be!! I can't remember how many times I've been honked at, flashed at or tailgated in that few brief hours. I can't imagine driving in Penang...I'd probably die of a brain haemorrhage first!
Curiously on Monday morning, we had breakfast at this market food court near his workplace; there was a visit by the BN candidate for that particular constituency. Of course not being a Penangite, I didn't have a clue who it was that came to shake my hand. Well, at least he could have introduced himself...and not say "I'm the BN candidate for this coinstituency". Sheesh, where has common courtesy gone?
Well, was only in Penang for a few hours...even then at night so there's nothing much to see. My friend brought me to a few places to eat - I must say that Penang food appears to have deteriorated over the years...doesn't seem to taste as good as it used to be! But then again I'm not a food connoiseur...so I'll just leave the food comments as it is.
Penang drivers are as reputable as they are made out to be!! I can't remember how many times I've been honked at, flashed at or tailgated in that few brief hours. I can't imagine driving in Penang...I'd probably die of a brain haemorrhage first!
Curiously on Monday morning, we had breakfast at this market food court near his workplace; there was a visit by the BN candidate for that particular constituency. Of course not being a Penangite, I didn't have a clue who it was that came to shake my hand. Well, at least he could have introduced himself...and not say "I'm the BN candidate for this coinstituency". Sheesh, where has common courtesy gone?
Pathetic
This little piece sums up our judiciary system in a heart beat - pathetic!
You mean our courts actually allow a person to be wrongly jailed for four years, for something that should have been proven even before the trial takes place? And it takes four years for the courts to get proof that the rape victim is a virgin??!! What iis our country coming to?
Fortunately for the bozos there, it is probably a poor, uneducated person - otherwise I would love to see some fireworks being lit up to brighten my day!
You mean our courts actually allow a person to be wrongly jailed for four years, for something that should have been proven even before the trial takes place? And it takes four years for the courts to get proof that the rape victim is a virgin??!! What iis our country coming to?
Fortunately for the bozos there, it is probably a poor, uneducated person - otherwise I would love to see some fireworks being lit up to brighten my day!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Is Being Different So Bad?
I was always intrigued by the way society behaved. As individuals, we have always and I guess, will always be, pressured to conform to an accepted social norm. By far, this is for the safety of the individual, and preservation of the society as a whole - so it's a good thing; it's a necessary thing. Of course, if every individual decides to go his or her own way, then there will be chaos and ultimately lead to collapse of that society. But who or what dictates this social norm? Anthropologists would have much difficulty nailing it down; after all it's been passed down from time immemorial.
Lately, I've been more intrigued at the individuals society define as 'different'. I believe at some point of their lives, everybody would have this experience. Smarty-pants are different because majority of people are of average intelligence. Gays are different because they want to be with their own gender. As for me, my colleagues look at me differently because I have no intention to specialise...they just think it's not the natural order of things. Yeah, even when I'm asked when I'll be getting married (hey, first things first...need to a get a girlfriend first lar!) I usually give the reply I'm happily single - as expected I get these strange looks most of the time. What's up with society? Why do you want me to be like everyone else? Actually being different may not be such a bad thing. After all, in evolution - diversity is the spice of life!
Last Thursday night, after all the delay with my flight out of Kuching a friend called me out as I was approaching KL Sentral - being the noob at nightlife, we went to this 'alternative' (in his own words) bar in Bangsar. It's kind of a nice and cosy place; not too noisy and loud...enough to talk by comfortably. After a while he told me that the place is a sort of a gay hangout...and two guys together there can be construed to be partners. Wow...my first experience at a gay bar. But there wasn't that many people there - and I could only see one couple. Perhaps it was a weekday, and gays have to work the next day too you know.
By society's norms, gays are different. They are so different to the point that society has a different set of rules for them. What I do not understand is, is being gay so bad as it is made out to be? I'm sure there are a lot of good, hardworking, honest people out there, making the world a better place for you and I...and they are gays. But how does society treat them? Like pariahs... Try coming out and you'll be ostracised. You can't be a public figure and be gay at the same time. Isn't it sad? I wish that in the future, such differences would be respected and given their rightful dues.
I'm just making a point that being different is not a bad thing. I'm not talking about black-and-white issues here, like killers and murderers, robbers and rapers, child abusers and paedophiles - those are obviously wrong. There are a lot of grey areas in society where being different is so looked down at that it is just not right. Having said that, changes and acceptance would be difficult, unless society decides it to be so.
Society still has got a long way to go...let's hope the road for the different would less rocky in the future.
Lately, I've been more intrigued at the individuals society define as 'different'. I believe at some point of their lives, everybody would have this experience. Smarty-pants are different because majority of people are of average intelligence. Gays are different because they want to be with their own gender. As for me, my colleagues look at me differently because I have no intention to specialise...they just think it's not the natural order of things. Yeah, even when I'm asked when I'll be getting married (hey, first things first...need to a get a girlfriend first lar!) I usually give the reply I'm happily single - as expected I get these strange looks most of the time. What's up with society? Why do you want me to be like everyone else? Actually being different may not be such a bad thing. After all, in evolution - diversity is the spice of life!
Last Thursday night, after all the delay with my flight out of Kuching a friend called me out as I was approaching KL Sentral - being the noob at nightlife, we went to this 'alternative' (in his own words) bar in Bangsar. It's kind of a nice and cosy place; not too noisy and loud...enough to talk by comfortably. After a while he told me that the place is a sort of a gay hangout...and two guys together there can be construed to be partners. Wow...my first experience at a gay bar. But there wasn't that many people there - and I could only see one couple. Perhaps it was a weekday, and gays have to work the next day too you know.
By society's norms, gays are different. They are so different to the point that society has a different set of rules for them. What I do not understand is, is being gay so bad as it is made out to be? I'm sure there are a lot of good, hardworking, honest people out there, making the world a better place for you and I...and they are gays. But how does society treat them? Like pariahs... Try coming out and you'll be ostracised. You can't be a public figure and be gay at the same time. Isn't it sad? I wish that in the future, such differences would be respected and given their rightful dues.
I'm just making a point that being different is not a bad thing. I'm not talking about black-and-white issues here, like killers and murderers, robbers and rapers, child abusers and paedophiles - those are obviously wrong. There are a lot of grey areas in society where being different is so looked down at that it is just not right. Having said that, changes and acceptance would be difficult, unless society decides it to be so.
Society still has got a long way to go...let's hope the road for the different would less rocky in the future.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
More Delays
Now I'm sitting outside Coffee Bean...after being called to the gate out of the blue; only to find out there we were just called to be there to standby in case a plane was available! And oh, the flight has been delayed twice again - first to 5.45 p.m. and after that to 6.00 p.m. I wonder, whether it is a coincidence that there is another flight to KL at 6.30 p.m.. I can almost bet my bottom dollar that both flights will be merged in the name of cost saving! I don't mind being delayed, but at least have the courtesy or dignity to inform the passengers, instead of making such attempts to save cost. We have other things to do as well...I could have seen another ten patients in this period!
Even after a two-hour delay, there is still not a word of apology from any MAS personnel, let alone providing some refreshements for an increasingly highly-irritated group. So this is what we call Malaysian service!
Edit: Fortunately for MAS, a flight from Miri, bearing the same flight number as mine has just arrived...so I guess I'll be flying off soon. But still, no apology...
Even after a two-hour delay, there is still not a word of apology from any MAS personnel, let alone providing some refreshements for an increasingly highly-irritated group. So this is what we call Malaysian service!
Edit: Fortunately for MAS, a flight from Miri, bearing the same flight number as mine has just arrived...so I guess I'll be flying off soon. But still, no apology...
Told You MAS sucks...
Grrr...here I am sitting at the Kuching International Airport Coffee Bean waiting for my flight back to KL. Guess what it's been delayed by about one hour; my second such delay in six months. Not even an apology or explanation about why the flight was delayed...just an unsmiling check-in counter lady saying 'flight delayed'. Yeah, not even a sorry. Is this how the new, revamped MAS is gonna move back into profitability? Bleaarghh...
One good thing though, I get to test my Eee PC! Yeah it's performing exceptionally so far. Thank god I got it...RM 1,300 well spent. Only thing is it tends to get a bit hot when it's in use and when it is being charged. And the touchpad is not that sensitive. But mild drawbacks compared to the advantages it offers. Great!
OK, back to Face-booking!
One good thing though, I get to test my Eee PC! Yeah it's performing exceptionally so far. Thank god I got it...RM 1,300 well spent. Only thing is it tends to get a bit hot when it's in use and when it is being charged. And the touchpad is not that sensitive. But mild drawbacks compared to the advantages it offers. Great!
OK, back to Face-booking!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Face-hooked!
Yeah, yeah...I'm a self-confessed addict! Just is. No reasons why. Dunno why. It's just so damn addictive. I mean of course getting in contact with old classmates, colleagues, as well as meeting new people is fantastic, but the amount of applications it has is mind-boggling. Of course 90% of it is crap, but the remaining 10% will get you hooked...if you stay long enough!
My main addiction now is this app called (fluff)Friends...which is actually a pet adoption game: you pet the fluff (hey, that's what they call it!), feed it, give gifts and even race with other fluff owners to win prizes and munny. You can even decorate your fluff with backgrounds, mini fluffs etc. There are competitions too: the best (fluff)Art! Yeah, it sounds stupid but I'm having lots of fun with it. And so does a few thousand others!
The next is this Vampire/Zombie/Werewolf/Slayer app...basically you become one of the four, and try to get others to join your army; to move ahead, you fight others like you to get points. This one has got no prizes...just plain old point-gathering to pit yourself against your friends! Addictive too you know...
You might have read that I used to play this Pirates app...still great: you sail around gathering up booty and treasure, fight other pirates, and also get to trade booty or do monkey/parrot races at the tavern. Simple yet addictive game.
And the latest game app I've joined is Warbook - think I've entered it late, so it's kind of boring. Basically you are given a set amount of land and troops, and your hero is supposed to level up with crafty and judicious use of your resources. Of course the problem with starting late is that you are usually very fresh meat for others. So the going is painfully slow, but in a few weeks I think I'll have a lot of fun with it!
Have I used the word addictive once too often?
Then there's Boggle-like games, and a Scrabble derivative. Yeah I play both games too...problem with this Prolific (it used to be Bogglific, but there's a trademark infringement issue, hence change of name) is that you play against opponent(s) and the clock - I usually end up at the wrong end of the stick, mainly because I can watch the screen and type at the same time! Scrabulous is better for me, but the problem is the your opponents may use a word-generator against you; bummer!
There also flash games around...I actually enjoy playing Raiden here!
Then there are the more serious apps...like Fantasy Stock Exchange where you trade US stocks like you would in real-life; problem is the site has just undergone a maintenance - which created more problems than it solved! Anyway I'm using it to practice my buy-and-hold strategy. So far I'm just up a couple of K, but there's still a long time to go!
There of course other apps: for fun, sending pics, giving virtual gifts, buying and selling friends, quotes, - you name it you got it - there's just so much you can have fun with on Facebook. The are also groups you can join - though some are painfully stupid and time-wasting.
Think I've said enough...it's time to go back to Facebooking! Bye!
My main addiction now is this app called (fluff)Friends...which is actually a pet adoption game: you pet the fluff (hey, that's what they call it!), feed it, give gifts and even race with other fluff owners to win prizes and munny. You can even decorate your fluff with backgrounds, mini fluffs etc. There are competitions too: the best (fluff)Art! Yeah, it sounds stupid but I'm having lots of fun with it. And so does a few thousand others!
The next is this Vampire/Zombie/Werewolf/Slayer app...basically you become one of the four, and try to get others to join your army; to move ahead, you fight others like you to get points. This one has got no prizes...just plain old point-gathering to pit yourself against your friends! Addictive too you know...
You might have read that I used to play this Pirates app...still great: you sail around gathering up booty and treasure, fight other pirates, and also get to trade booty or do monkey/parrot races at the tavern. Simple yet addictive game.
And the latest game app I've joined is Warbook - think I've entered it late, so it's kind of boring. Basically you are given a set amount of land and troops, and your hero is supposed to level up with crafty and judicious use of your resources. Of course the problem with starting late is that you are usually very fresh meat for others. So the going is painfully slow, but in a few weeks I think I'll have a lot of fun with it!
Have I used the word addictive once too often?
Then there's Boggle-like games, and a Scrabble derivative. Yeah I play both games too...problem with this Prolific (it used to be Bogglific, but there's a trademark infringement issue, hence change of name) is that you play against opponent(s) and the clock - I usually end up at the wrong end of the stick, mainly because I can watch the screen and type at the same time! Scrabulous is better for me, but the problem is the your opponents may use a word-generator against you; bummer!
There also flash games around...I actually enjoy playing Raiden here!
Then there are the more serious apps...like Fantasy Stock Exchange where you trade US stocks like you would in real-life; problem is the site has just undergone a maintenance - which created more problems than it solved! Anyway I'm using it to practice my buy-and-hold strategy. So far I'm just up a couple of K, but there's still a long time to go!
There of course other apps: for fun, sending pics, giving virtual gifts, buying and selling friends, quotes, - you name it you got it - there's just so much you can have fun with on Facebook. The are also groups you can join - though some are painfully stupid and time-wasting.
Think I've said enough...it's time to go back to Facebooking! Bye!
Another Trip
Yeah, I am again out of town! This time I'm in Kuching for four days; been here for the three days already. Instead of my usual place at Harbour View hotel, I've been put up instead in Somerset Kuching Gateway...can't call it an actual hotel cuz it's advertised as serviced apartments. Anyway the rooms are fine. My only grouse is that their cafe runs out of food by early or late afternoons. Two nights I've tried to get food there, only to be turned away. Sad...
You know it has been virtually raining non-stop since Monday. I've been told the weather has been wet for the last few weeks. A refreshing change, compared to the hot KL weather. Of course it brings about a little problem when I wanna grab some food. Fortunately there are some restaurants nearby. The first night I had to dash over to a Singapore Chcken Rice outlet - expectedly the fare was worse than mediocre. But it fills the tummy. Tonight I thought I'd try the Secret Recipe outlet: even at 7.30 p.m. I appear to be the only one there...apart from the off and on cake buyers. Food was OK, but a bit pricey. Anyway can't complain much now can I?
One advantage of staying at Somerset is the availability of free wi-fi...don't really know where it is coming from, since the hotel does not provide such services, and the speed is pathetic (actually it's TMNet hotspot I think, so go figure!) but again, can't complain as long I'm on the Internet highway! I find a great urge to stay connected...
Yesterday night a drug rep brought me over to the newly-opened The Spring shopping complex; I guess if you've seen the ones in KL, this one would look miniscule...and yeah it is. Anyway I think it's a bit of a shot-in-the-arm for the Kuching nightlife...just shows how pathetic Kuching is huh? Or perhaps I haven't been exposed to the real Kuching nightlife?
Anyway I'll be flying back tomorrow, and perhaps post a few pics here and there. Didn't really take much this time around. Maybe the next trip. Hopefully my trip back would be better than my trip here - on Monday morning, the flight was delayed almost one hour waiting for baggage for transit passengers!! And oh, those MAS meal boxes really suck...
You know it has been virtually raining non-stop since Monday. I've been told the weather has been wet for the last few weeks. A refreshing change, compared to the hot KL weather. Of course it brings about a little problem when I wanna grab some food. Fortunately there are some restaurants nearby. The first night I had to dash over to a Singapore Chcken Rice outlet - expectedly the fare was worse than mediocre. But it fills the tummy. Tonight I thought I'd try the Secret Recipe outlet: even at 7.30 p.m. I appear to be the only one there...apart from the off and on cake buyers. Food was OK, but a bit pricey. Anyway can't complain much now can I?
One advantage of staying at Somerset is the availability of free wi-fi...don't really know where it is coming from, since the hotel does not provide such services, and the speed is pathetic (actually it's TMNet hotspot I think, so go figure!) but again, can't complain as long I'm on the Internet highway! I find a great urge to stay connected...
Yesterday night a drug rep brought me over to the newly-opened The Spring shopping complex; I guess if you've seen the ones in KL, this one would look miniscule...and yeah it is. Anyway I think it's a bit of a shot-in-the-arm for the Kuching nightlife...just shows how pathetic Kuching is huh? Or perhaps I haven't been exposed to the real Kuching nightlife?
Anyway I'll be flying back tomorrow, and perhaps post a few pics here and there. Didn't really take much this time around. Maybe the next trip. Hopefully my trip back would be better than my trip here - on Monday morning, the flight was delayed almost one hour waiting for baggage for transit passengers!! And oh, those MAS meal boxes really suck...
Elections Are More Important
I read this last night...and had to live through the incredulity of it all: Search for Sharlinie halted. I guess the whole world stops for BN and its election machinery. Even the faint hope of finding a little girl alive...
Read the part where the police personnel is redeployed for the election. I'm sure they can more or less spare a few hundred to look for the missing girl? After all, there are just so many arm chair police officers out there - giving them some exercise would probably do them some good!
Though I still believe that the house-to-house search is still ultimately in vain, to stop the search for the elections just pisses me off. I guess this is Malaysia!
Read the part where the police personnel is redeployed for the election. I'm sure they can more or less spare a few hundred to look for the missing girl? After all, there are just so many arm chair police officers out there - giving them some exercise would probably do them some good!
Though I still believe that the house-to-house search is still ultimately in vain, to stop the search for the elections just pisses me off. I guess this is Malaysia!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Believable?
This is one hot letter from the (sometimes) juicy advice column on Sundays from The Star...
How I wish I could experience that...don't you?
Wow, believable or not? hard to believe huh? I guess these types of incest do occur, rare as it may be. OK, it's not true incest, since there is no sex (perhaps?) going on. But there's still the molesting and oral sex part... I know it is a bit sick, but I can't help wondering whether the guy could have actually enjoyed the experience. I mean, you may not want it but it does not mean you don't want to experience it! Come on, he's sixteen...what with all the raging hormones! Perhaps it will do him well with girls later on in life...Bedevilled by evil twin
I’M a 16-year-old boy. I like reading your column because I think it is really helpful. I am writing to you because I am having a serious problem that has been plaguing me for a long time.
The main cause of my problem is my fraternal twin sister. We shared the same room until we turned 12. After that, I decided to sleep in another room because I wanted my privacy.
Even though we had separate rooms, she occasionally sneaked into my room at night to sleep with me on my bed. I told her we were not supposed to be sleeping together, but she said she just wanted to be near me.
She also touches my private parts in bed. This happens all the time and I can’t take it anymore. I have told her off and even begged her to stop it but she’ll respond by telling me that I can touch her, too.
Furthermore, when I tell my parents about it, they tell me that she is my sister and it is okay for us to sleep together. They don’t believe me when I tell them that she touches my private parts. I know, I have strange parents and they always side with my sister.
But the incident that really scared and disgusted me happened last month, when my parents were abroad.
I was showering in my bathroom when she unlocked the door with a key and came in naked. I yelled at her to get out immediately, but she wouldn’t.
She told me that if I didn’t let her do what she wanted, she would tell my parents that I beat her and then I would be in big trouble. I know how clever she is at pretending and my parents will definitely believe her, so I submitted to her. She groped and kissed me all over and then performed oral sex on me.
I begged her to stop and told her that siblings don’t do this to each other. She just went on but I didn’t dare to use force against her because I was afraid that she would tell my parents that I beat her.
I have told some of my friends and my school counsellor about it but they don’t believe me because she is so good at telling lies. I thought she did this because she needed attention from guys so I introduced her to some of my friends. As far as I know, she doesn’t mix around with guys much. They were all very interested in getting to know her because she is pretty.
After that meeting, she told me to tell them that she wasn’t interested in them. She said that they only wanted to have sex with her. Now, she sleeps with me every night because my parents allow her. Please help me before she ruins my life.
How I wish I could experience that...don't you?
A Unique Country
You know, Malaysia is a quite a unique country. OK, we've heard about the beautiful land, friendly people blah blah blah, but there some things in this country which are absolutely dumbfounding!
So Malaysia is probably the only country where...
1. Lawyers write judgments for judges? Expose in the Lingam-gate scandal enquiry
2. The Anti-Corruption Agency does actually offer bribes!! Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi...
3. Powers-that-be can easily find out whom you voted for! There are serial numbers on the ballot papers!? So much for undi itu rahsia...
4. One can swindle the goverment of hundreds of millions of ringgit and get away scot-free. Huh? Read MATRADE building fiasco and Navy Patrol boat scandal...
5. One can get a contract to build something, do nothing, and get compensated with hundreds of millions of ringgit!
6. Projects worth hundreds of millions of ringgit can be carried out by RM 2 shelf companies. And oh, our national currency is being printed by a RM 2 company too!
7. One gets Members of Parliaments who can make unpalatable remarks and gets away with it, all in the name of "Parliamentary freedom of speech"!
8. One can be a Municipal Councillor, gets his children to be fellow councillors, runs a business then use his authority to weed out competitors; don't pay taxes or quit rent for years, builds a palatial mansion illegally, ignores the state Sultan...and still gets away with it? Sheesh...
9. So-called boot-lickers and son-in-laws run the country in the guise of the Prime Minister, while the PM happily has an affair with a chamber maid, eventually marries her, and goes on honeymoons and holidays...all at the taxpayers expense!
10. You actually buy a RM 40 set of screwdrivers for RM 224, RM 50 car-jack for RM 5,017 and RM 417 worth of books for RM 10,700...and still get away with it!!!
Think that's enuff said...my blood pressure's already 200/100 mmHg...
So Malaysia is probably the only country where...
1. Lawyers write judgments for judges? Expose in the Lingam-gate scandal enquiry
2. The Anti-Corruption Agency does actually offer bribes!! Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi...
3. Powers-that-be can easily find out whom you voted for! There are serial numbers on the ballot papers!? So much for undi itu rahsia...
4. One can swindle the goverment of hundreds of millions of ringgit and get away scot-free. Huh? Read MATRADE building fiasco and Navy Patrol boat scandal...
5. One can get a contract to build something, do nothing, and get compensated with hundreds of millions of ringgit!
6. Projects worth hundreds of millions of ringgit can be carried out by RM 2 shelf companies. And oh, our national currency is being printed by a RM 2 company too!
7. One gets Members of Parliaments who can make unpalatable remarks and gets away with it, all in the name of "Parliamentary freedom of speech"!
8. One can be a Municipal Councillor, gets his children to be fellow councillors, runs a business then use his authority to weed out competitors; don't pay taxes or quit rent for years, builds a palatial mansion illegally, ignores the state Sultan...and still gets away with it? Sheesh...
9. So-called boot-lickers and son-in-laws run the country in the guise of the Prime Minister, while the PM happily has an affair with a chamber maid, eventually marries her, and goes on honeymoons and holidays...all at the taxpayers expense!
10. You actually buy a RM 40 set of screwdrivers for RM 224, RM 50 car-jack for RM 5,017 and RM 417 worth of books for RM 10,700...and still get away with it!!!
Think that's enuff said...my blood pressure's already 200/100 mmHg...
You Know It's Election Time When...
Yeah, now all eyes are on the upcoming elections. Of course the mainstream media is almost entirely government controlled; so you know it's election time when they start spinning their stories around...
1. Suddenly there's various allocations to help the minority groups
2. Why all of a sudden bank employees get the raise they have been fighting for, for years?
3. Tabung Haji announcing bumper dividend this year...
4. LTAT also announcing bumper dividend this year; and I guess you know who the Defence Minister is?
5. All of a sudden our per capita income rises by 20%...
6. A lot of promises are made by politicians...just wonder what percentage comes up empty?
What's left is for the stock market to ramp up before the elections, and the honorarium for civil servants to come true...
1. Suddenly there's various allocations to help the minority groups
2. Why all of a sudden bank employees get the raise they have been fighting for, for years?
3. Tabung Haji announcing bumper dividend this year...
4. LTAT also announcing bumper dividend this year; and I guess you know who the Defence Minister is?
5. All of a sudden our per capita income rises by 20%...
6. A lot of promises are made by politicians...just wonder what percentage comes up empty?
What's left is for the stock market to ramp up before the elections, and the honorarium for civil servants to come true...
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Polls Are Coming!!
The moment everybody has been anticipating has finally arrived! The Parliament was dissolved on February 13; nomination day has been slated for February 24, and polls on March 8. Think that most analysts and political observers have been fairly spot on when it came to predicting dissolution of the parliament and polling day.But this is the crunch time...will Malaysians make themselves heard in the ballot boxes, or would they slink away and whimper in the comfort of their own homes? Can we afford to allow another landslide victory for BN, and give them free reign to do whatever they please? Enough is enough I say!! Our PM wants more time to allow his plans to come to fruition...perhaps, but in the last four years he probably has not made true a single one of his last election promises. Malaysians maybe be gullible...but don't take them for fools. We can make ourselves heard...
It's time...and I'm ready! Are you, Malaysia?
To Make An Impact
How to get the girl of your dreams to marry you? Wow, this is one sure way lor... But a rather expensive one, don't you think? Of course why not if you have the means...sure to get the girl one mah...Woinder whether it'll work if you wanna say sorry...
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Quotable Quotes
Like I said, the election rhetoric is coming on fast and furious now. I won't bore you with all the things that is said in the mainstream media, but I just wanna point out some comments I find to be very amusing...
With regards to the collapse of the incomplete Kilim bridge in Langkawi:
Moving on, the PM opened his mouth again...
Oh, here's another...
This one's from the MCA President:
From the Trade and Consumer Minister:
This one's hot off the press!
With regards to the collapse of the incomplete Kilim bridge in Langkawi:
Nawawi noted that the 2m-wide bridge did not have physical support at the centre and the investigating team would also check if this contributed to the collapse.Wonder what physical support he was talking about? Hello, this is an arch bridge!! There is no physical support in the centre. Please read up on your physics and history before you speak!
Moving on, the PM opened his mouth again...
This is an easy one. Food prices are going up, price of essential items are going up; people are less inclined to cook or eat outside. An open house means...free food! Can he put one and one together? He actually thinks that people actually go there for anything else apart from the free food (and angpows too - wonder whether how much it is this year?)? Geez...The big turnout at the MCA and Gerakan open houses caught the eye of the Prime Minister.
“I see that there is more celebration this year compared to previous years at the MCA or Gerakan open houses.
“This is a very good sign as it shows the harmonious relationship between Malaysians is getting stronger and closer.
“Regardless of race, people have come together to wish their Chinese friends a happy Chinese New Year, which makes the celebrations even merrier,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Gerakan open house.
Oh, here's another...
Yeah, right... Perhaps he mistook the jeers for cheers?“Some of you can say that I’m not good, you can say whatever. But don’t say that I don’t work.
“I work very hard. I really mean it and you know it,” he said to applause from those who attended the Chinese Assembly Hall’s Chinese New Year open house yesterday .
This one's from the MCA President:
I wonder why he didn't open his mouth when the UMNO General Assembly was held on Deepavali...none of his business? So much for coming together and celebrating the festivals, huh? And oh, fairness and equality and even the word Malaysian doesn't seem to jive with the oft used Ketuanan Melayu now don't you think? Hypocrites...“It is tradition for Malaysians of all races to come together to celebrate Chinese New Year and other festivals.
“We will continue to fight for all Malaysians regardless of race. The Malaysian spirit must be strengthened.
“Barisan Nasional will continue to guarantee fairness and equality for all under the Federal Constitution,” he told reporters at the MCA open house.
From the Trade and Consumer Minister:
Ten items, including sugar, flour, cooking oil and petrol, will not be allowed to go out of the country to ensure the millions of ringgit the Government spends annually on subsidies is enjoyed by Malaysians, and that supply of these goods remain ample always.I wonder how he is going to ensure such control. Perhaps he meant illegal smuggling. Otherwise all those Singaporeans busily shopping in Johor Baru for their provisions every weekend are gonna stop coming - that's gonna put a damper on business... One more thing, since when is 2 - 3 million legal and illegal foreigners living in this country Malaysians?
This one's hot off the press!
Malaysia’s per capita income rose by 40% in 2007 compared with 2004, said Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
He said the per capita income was now RM22,345 (US$6,452) compared with RM15,819 (US$4,163) previously.
“If we compare in terms of US dollar, the per capita income has risen by 55% due to the depreciation of the dollar against the ringgit.
Wowzers...I must be in the wrong profession. My income has not increased to that extent...has anyone else's? Hmm, maybe it got a boost from the civil service's 15 - 40% pay rise last year, huh?
Still Shocked
It's been nearly a week...and the Pro Bowl's tomorrow - but I'm still stunned and shocked at the Patriots' failure to complete the perfect season last Sunday!! I guess the defeat was beyond comprehension for most, myself included, whom expected them to romp home easily. But the Giants had other ideas. And just as the Patriots did in 2001 onto the Rams, they had it done unto them last week in Arizona.
All credit to the Giants defense: they were fantastic, hassling Tom Brady and his offensive line all the way, never letting him the time and space to pass the ball around. Their offense did what they could, but they still found themselves behind at halftime. The Patriots defense played better than they did when the two met in Week 17; man, with the defense playing that well - how could the Patriots lose?
The warning signs were there when they couldn't convert a turnover, and gave up some good field positions. But giving up a field goal attempt and going for it at 4th-and-13 when the offense is not firing on all cylinders? Bill Belichick must have taken one too much of a gamble. The weather was great and if successful, would have put the Patriots 10-3 up. Even when Manning drove his team to a 10-7 lead in the 4th quarter hopes were high that the Patriots offense would wake up and move into gear.
And that they did with a Randy Moss reception for a touchdown with about 3 minutes to go to give the Patriots a 14-10 lead. I guess the Patriot defense cracked at the critical juncture - allowing a 40-yard reception deep into Patriots territory, and of all match-ups, allowing Plaxico Burress a one-on-one mismatch in the end zone against Elis Hobbs with its resulting touchdown. There was just 45 seconds left in the quarter for Brady to move his team into field-goal territory; yet again the offensive line gave way. It was too little, too late. There rest they say is history...
I guess the Patriots will never relive this glory year, when they fell short at the final hurdle - it was their year to write themselves in the history books. Alas it was not to be. They have to rebuild their vaunted but aging offensive and defensive teams. Then who knows...maybe in a few years perhaps the stars would align themselves again - maybe it won't be the Patriots, but for another NFL team, to write themselves into the history books!
All credit to the Giants defense: they were fantastic, hassling Tom Brady and his offensive line all the way, never letting him the time and space to pass the ball around. Their offense did what they could, but they still found themselves behind at halftime. The Patriots defense played better than they did when the two met in Week 17; man, with the defense playing that well - how could the Patriots lose?
The warning signs were there when they couldn't convert a turnover, and gave up some good field positions. But giving up a field goal attempt and going for it at 4th-and-13 when the offense is not firing on all cylinders? Bill Belichick must have taken one too much of a gamble. The weather was great and if successful, would have put the Patriots 10-3 up. Even when Manning drove his team to a 10-7 lead in the 4th quarter hopes were high that the Patriots offense would wake up and move into gear.
And that they did with a Randy Moss reception for a touchdown with about 3 minutes to go to give the Patriots a 14-10 lead. I guess the Patriot defense cracked at the critical juncture - allowing a 40-yard reception deep into Patriots territory, and of all match-ups, allowing Plaxico Burress a one-on-one mismatch in the end zone against Elis Hobbs with its resulting touchdown. There was just 45 seconds left in the quarter for Brady to move his team into field-goal territory; yet again the offensive line gave way. It was too little, too late. There rest they say is history...
I guess the Patriots will never relive this glory year, when they fell short at the final hurdle - it was their year to write themselves in the history books. Alas it was not to be. They have to rebuild their vaunted but aging offensive and defensive teams. Then who knows...maybe in a few years perhaps the stars would align themselves again - maybe it won't be the Patriots, but for another NFL team, to write themselves into the history books!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Good Times
Phew...it has been a great few days. Started off with the hiking trip. Then got to meet some new people...friend's friends...great to have a change of environment. Had a lot of dinners and drinks - so have probably gained a few pounds. An old friend came back from Singapore for a long holiday - so managed to catch up on old and new stories, and learn a few things. I've also learnt of a few good places to bring people around for food/drinks and chat...cool! And Facebook is great - keeping in touch with old school chums, and looking nostalgically at all the old photos in primary and secondary school! Gosh, how much each of us has, and has not changed!
This friend of mine came back from Singapore over the weekend; we had spent quite some time chatting - I was surprised to find out that Singaporeans are not that smart after all! The majority of decisions made in Singapore companies etc. are actually done by Malaysians! Singaporeans do not know how to get things done fast; Malaysians do! Wow! Maybe we have to thank the training given to us by our Malaysian way of life...perhaps there is some good living in Malaysia after all... I haven't seen him four four years, and I'm surprised that he's actually gotten thinner. Must be the hectic work and lifestyle he's been living...
Two days ago, I had a chat with a unit trust consultant - well they are making a living, so I'm giving them a chance - and decided to do some additional investments. Nah, he didn't convince me; I was already planning to invest, and just wanted to hear what he had to say! Not too impressive but guess because he is still new at this. Perhaps I should have given him some pointers, but we'll see how things develop from now on. Had to go to the bank on Tuesday to do open a savings account - eh, slow as a turtle. Guess certain things haven't changed! And I've noticed that the new cheque deposit machines suck when you are depositing multiple cheques, i.e. slow as a turtle (again) - bring back the old ones please!
I guess after all the exertions, I am back sick again...stupid sinusitis hasn't cleared properly; have to start back on antibiotics and toughen things out for the next few days...wish me luck!
This friend of mine came back from Singapore over the weekend; we had spent quite some time chatting - I was surprised to find out that Singaporeans are not that smart after all! The majority of decisions made in Singapore companies etc. are actually done by Malaysians! Singaporeans do not know how to get things done fast; Malaysians do! Wow! Maybe we have to thank the training given to us by our Malaysian way of life...perhaps there is some good living in Malaysia after all... I haven't seen him four four years, and I'm surprised that he's actually gotten thinner. Must be the hectic work and lifestyle he's been living...
Two days ago, I had a chat with a unit trust consultant - well they are making a living, so I'm giving them a chance - and decided to do some additional investments. Nah, he didn't convince me; I was already planning to invest, and just wanted to hear what he had to say! Not too impressive but guess because he is still new at this. Perhaps I should have given him some pointers, but we'll see how things develop from now on. Had to go to the bank on Tuesday to do open a savings account - eh, slow as a turtle. Guess certain things haven't changed! And I've noticed that the new cheque deposit machines suck when you are depositing multiple cheques, i.e. slow as a turtle (again) - bring back the old ones please!
I guess after all the exertions, I am back sick again...stupid sinusitis hasn't cleared properly; have to start back on antibiotics and toughen things out for the next few days...wish me luck!
Election Rhetorics
You know that it the election is drawing near when the mainstream media starts the ball rolling on the usual election rhetorics, exclusively of course by the ruling party. And I find it quite funny that such news is even more pronounced this time around...we have to thank BERSIH and HINDRAF for that.
I also find it quite amusing that when the PM, DPM and the UMNO kuncus speak to mainstream media, they talk about Malaysians...but to the Malays in the ceramahs, or the UMNO gatherings they talk about Malay rights. Political double speak which disgusts me. Blatant almost, but one they know which will win them votes in the elections...and the right to continue to plunder and rape this country.
Just look at the following news:
Abdullah promises to consider needs of all Malaysians
Yeah, right...
Najib promises orderly relocation of temples
Hello, shouldn't it have been done properly in the first place?
Adnan: Opposition free to hold activities in Putrajaya
ROFL...and who would issue the police permit?
‘Inspired’ Pak Lah can sense Kelantanese want Barisan state government
Let's just hope that they don't lose the seats they already have
Adding to the usual rhetoric is the fanning of racial flame in the wake of the HINDRAF rally. This is a tried-and-tested UMNO tactic, which unfortunately worked each and every time. Perhaps with greater education and dissemination of proper information, the Malays would see through the charade and make a better decision when it comes to the choosing their representatives in the Parliament. After all we do not want bozos (read the three jokers) debating pointless topics and/or making unsavoury comments during parliament time!!
So we wait for the inspired Mr. Sleepyhead (must've been a dream...) for his call on the election...just wonder how long more we have to wait?
I also find it quite amusing that when the PM, DPM and the UMNO kuncus speak to mainstream media, they talk about Malaysians...but to the Malays in the ceramahs, or the UMNO gatherings they talk about Malay rights. Political double speak which disgusts me. Blatant almost, but one they know which will win them votes in the elections...and the right to continue to plunder and rape this country.
Just look at the following news:
Abdullah promises to consider needs of all Malaysians
Yeah, right...
Najib promises orderly relocation of temples
Hello, shouldn't it have been done properly in the first place?
Adnan: Opposition free to hold activities in Putrajaya
ROFL...and who would issue the police permit?
‘Inspired’ Pak Lah can sense Kelantanese want Barisan state government
Let's just hope that they don't lose the seats they already have
Adding to the usual rhetoric is the fanning of racial flame in the wake of the HINDRAF rally. This is a tried-and-tested UMNO tactic, which unfortunately worked each and every time. Perhaps with greater education and dissemination of proper information, the Malays would see through the charade and make a better decision when it comes to the choosing their representatives in the Parliament. After all we do not want bozos (read the three jokers) debating pointless topics and/or making unsavoury comments during parliament time!!
So we wait for the inspired Mr. Sleepyhead (must've been a dream...) for his call on the election...just wonder how long more we have to wait?
Happy Rat-ty New Year
Yay, it's the Chinese New Year...this time we usher in the Year of The Rat!
So have a Happy Rat-ty New Year...
So have a Happy Rat-ty New Year...
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Exercise
Yeah, finally I got some exercise!! This is a hiking trip up Kanching forest reserve in Rawang, which I did with a friend yesterday. And I'd just returned from Johor Baru just the night before...but tired as I was, the prospect of a short break plus exercise was too good a lure.
Around the main entrance
Entrance to the trail
Start of the trail
Looks easy huh?
Off the beaten path
A simian friend
Some of the catarcts
The third falls
Higher and higher we go
You can see the third and fourth falls from here
At the fifth falls
Yup, he's happy!
Close-up photography in action
Some examples
The trail to the last falls
Self-portrait, along the way
The seventh falls...and the best of the lot
Trekking back down now...
More simian friends
Tired but exhilarated, down at the second fallsWell, can't wait for the next trip...but think I need a bit of workout first...
Nothing Changes
Again? Now why is everyone so suprised? We know that the authorities are only hangat-hangat tahi ayam when it comes to enforcement...so it's a matter of time before it happens again!! The same old story lar: buses driving fast, driver with unpaid summonses, blah blah...but it's gonna happen yet again. This is despite the numerous operations, roadblocks, crackdowns etc. Just drive on the national expressways and you'll know what I mean! On Thursday night, coming back from Johor Baru, I was 'racing' with two express buses, driving at at least 130 km/hr...and what was their bus speed limit again? With that kind of attitude, we'll hear of more such sad tragedies sooner or later!
Still Missing
So little Sharlinie is still missing...and it's coming to nearly a month since her abduction. We are no closer to finding her, and despite the efforts of the authorities there has been no headway. My heart goes out to their parents: they've supernatural assurances (amazing how they still believe in such things, but I guess in desperation one would grasp at straws) - already the one week has come and gone without her being found; the ludicrous house-to-house search which was only undertaken about two weeks after she had gone missing - hello, the abductors would have ample time to 'dispose' of her!! And even now the police are expanding their search!
While hope is still there, I feel the family must prepare for the worst - but there's no closure until she is ultimately found: dead or alive. Meantime we still keep looking, but is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
While hope is still there, I feel the family must prepare for the worst - but there's no closure until she is ultimately found: dead or alive. Meantime we still keep looking, but is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
Burst Blogging
Everyone's heard of burst photography mode on some of the more endowed digicams...now I'm introducing burst blogging!! Basically the same thing...a blogging spurt of a few posts in a single day; since I'm traveling most of the time and won't be able to blog much on the road. If that changes, then i'll be back to my usual mode...
See whether it works...
See whether it works...
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