Getting Spiritual: My Life, My Direction.

Okay. Time for things to get a little strange.

My life is going well right now. BlackBerry Teens Malaysia, which I founded, is going well, with a solid reader-base of roughly 3,000 people. Alhamdullilah. As a token of appreciation, I will be given a BlackBerry Bold2 9700 FOC by an Aunt of mine. Alhamdullilah. My efforts as a blogger are being recognised by one of Malaysia's most prestigious magazines, and they wish to interview me (and I agreed without hesitation). Alhamdullilah.

My life is going well right now. I'll toss some yee sang to that!

I can't really complain about my life. I've always managed to get what I want. From smartphones to dinner, I've always been given a choice, and my choice is always honoured. I guess, in that sense, I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth.

I'm just going to blatantly state that yes, I am well-connected. And its usually these connections that pay out.

Now, before you start damning me for pulling strings, let me just say FIRSTLY that I never pull the strings. My foot just gets caught in them, and they get yanked. As the Malaysian saying goes, "Kalau dikurniakan rezeki, janganlah anda menolaknya" (if good-fortune is granted to you, don't you dare refuse it).

Let me make it clear to all of you that I am very grateful for my life. Every aspect of my life. I can't begin to understand the lives of those who aren't as lucky as I am. The hardships, the trials... its heart-wrenching. And I cannot say that I understand, because I don't.

And that's just the truth of it.

I don't pray. Not to say that I don't at all, but I only pray sometimes (like at kenduri's, tahlils, and such). On my own, there isn't a chance.

So, would you classify me as someone who is not grateful to God? Even though I think of Him every time I am hit by hardship, and every time I am blessed with luxuries? Would you classify me as someone who isn't grateful to God, even though I know & I take to heart the fact that everything on His Earth was created for me? Even though I understand that without Him, nothing would exist, and that He is the One and Only?

I don't know about what you think, but I would put myself about 1 rank lower than all of you who pray 5-times a day, or pray fardhu in a day, at all.

But, would you place me above the people who pray 5-times a day, who wear the turban, white jubahs, and slippers, who are as religious as they come, but do not know why they do so? The ones that do just because they're told, with no understanding?

Is it not true that Nabi Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) once mentioned that your objectives are more important than your actions? (Niat itu lebih penting daripada perbuatan?)

In my own words, I have niat, but no perbuatan. But some of them have perbuatan by the buckets, but no niat to speak of.

So, where do I stand then, when it's all said and done?

And who are you, to judge others of their actions and their forms of being grateful to Him?

This applies for all religions, yeah. I'm not just talking about Muslims, I'm talking about everyone. Why attend Sunday Mass, if you don't apply the Bible's teachings in your life? Why follow the teachings of the Torah, if you're as conservative as Liberace?

Please, don't go mad. Just understand what I'm saying. And understand that we must be all-loving, all-embracing, and all-forgiving. Because, differences aside, we're all human.

We all die.

We will all be mourned.

So what's the use of highlighting differences?

The Way It Ought To Be

I saw something today that was very touching. Very touching indeed.

I went for lunch today in one of PJ's most famous South Indian restaurants, the Grand City. If you've ever been there, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you really should try the food there. A banana-leaf lunch set is less than RM15, and it comes with everything!

Okay, back to the point. I saw an old Indian couple sitting at the next table. I love seeing these old & happy couples, because it fills me with the sense that love really can endure the test of time, especially in these days where divorce is becoming amazingly popular.

But the cute thing was that they brought along their granddaughter, a young girl of maybe 5-6 years. She was the only one accompanying them, and they were treating her like a queen. Oh my, everything seemed to revolve around her. And they were all laughing and having a great time. Which made my day.

This is how things are supposed to be. Happy families, are like this.

The problem is that nowadays, more & more people like to leave their parents alone, in search of better things in far-away places. And the real issue here is that once they achieve fortunes, they don't return to share the spoils with their parents. This is bad enough to begin with, but when you also take into account that the youngsters probably got married & have kids by then too, is just infuriating.

You see, these old grand-couples (which is how I shall refer to them henceforth) were my first real experience seeing well-established or solid love. I mean, when you see them in their old age, still walking hand-in-hand after all these years... it's impossible not to feel warm & fuzzy inside. And for me, it was always looking at other grand-couples, because my Grandfather (God bless him) passed away before I turned two.

Despite that, I still hear the love stories about my late Grandfather and my Grandmother.

Anyway, the important thing is that the generation before mine should make sure that their kids have solid relationships with their Grandparents. From what I hear, I can safely say that there are some who don't even go back for Eid Al-Fitr or Eid Ul-Adha. That saddens me, because I know that there are some members of my generation who don't know their grandparents well, or were not given the opportunity to grow close to their grandparents.

We are our history. And if we don't allow my generation to know their grandparents, how will we know or understand who we are?

Y.Bhg. Datuk Ahirudin Attan to grace cover of TELL Magazine!

I never thought I'd see the day that Bloggers in Malaysia don't get viewed negatively by the public. And for a few days, my dreams had come true... (till that moron started insulting the late Sultan of Johore. Al-Fatihah).

Oh well.

Now, to continue the roll of good news going round, I've just been told that Datuk Ahirudin Attan, or better known as Rocky from Rocky's Bru, has just agreed to be on the cover of TELL Magazine! What a fantastic way to start off 2010!

... and oh, I've been asked to be part of that issue too. TeeHee...

Anyway, I think that the issue in question must be the March issue. But I'm not entirely certain, so I'll have to update you guys on that.

Congratulations, Uncle Rocky! You're painting an entirely new picture of Malaysian bloggers, you are. And we cannot thank you enough for your continuous support of bloggers everywhere!

Yang Bahagia Datuk Ahirudin Attan, and how he inspires me

Good evening everyone!

I started my new workout regime today, as I was inspired by fellow blogger Rocky's achievement yesterday (he was awarded a Federal title from the Agong, DYMM Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, which carries the title 'Datuk'). This, a once negatively-portrayed blogger who stood up for the rights of the world, inspired me because it once seemed seemed impossible.

One must remember that under the Tun Mahathir & Pak Lah regime, bloggers were oppressed and were always being portrayed in the worst light.

So, in my eyes, yesterday was the beginning of a new era. The era of free press, where everyone could express their views on any subject matter of the times. The era of change.

So, if Malaysia can change, so can I. My change? To get fit. (Yes, yes, laugh it all out. Take your time, there's alot there).

So, the regime starts off with a run (or jog, for now) around Section 11, Shah Alam. Then, we proceed to pushups, squats, and situps. They each have their own calculations to get the most out of the workout.

So yeah. Its time for change, people! Shake off those stereotypes, and lets move forward. Forward into the future, where Malaysians are all truly united.

Congratulations, Yang Bahagia Datuk Ahirrudin Attan. You've paved the way for us all. May Allah continue to bless you, your life, and your family for generations to come.

Amiin.

Being Unreasonable: Police spotcheck a 71-year old Grandmother.

Would you think that this 71-year old Grandma would get stopped by the police for anything at all?

I didn't think so. But it happened. My Grandmother was driving back from Kota Kemuning after accompanying her friend for some health check-ups when she was pulled over by the police at a roadblock!

And you know why they pulled her over? Because they thought she's too old to drive.

Excuse me, but have you seen my Grandmother drive? She's a damn-sight better than all those other morons in their 5-Series BMW's & Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse's. So what on earth are you doing reprimanding her? Shouldn't you be out on the job tackling those idiots before you even begin to start on my Grandmother?

Besides, what right have you to judge? YOU ride your Government-issue police-bikes worse than rempits ride their 'kapchais'!

Come on!

The 'Allah' issue, from a proud Muslim.

Salam 1Malaysia, all.

I know that I haven't been updating my blog lately, and I'm sure some of you have long forgotten this blog. Well, I figured now is the time to make my (... how many times has it been now?) comeback from silence.

And what better way to do it than by just diving into the hottest topic plaguing Malaysia?

Firstly, I don't see why The Herald should be charged with any wrongdoing. You see, the word Allah has been around for much longer than Islam has (we must remember that Islam is one of the 'younger' religions). So, should we blame The Herald for merely being historically correct?

Secondly, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU MORONS WHO HAVE BEEN SETTING FIRE TO CHURCHES, BREAKING INTO OFFICES & DROPPING HEADS OF SACRED OR UNHOLY ANIMALS INTO THE PLACES OF WORSHIP? HAVE YOU ALL LOST YOUR MINDS? Need I remind you of our history, the last time racial tension peaked in the country? And do I have to point out that this common reaction is what these bastards want?

Thirdly, I think that the original court decision was absolutely correct. I think that the presiding judge really deliberated on the case before making his verdict.

Now, I'm sure some of you wish to disagree. "Oh, the word Allah is sacred! How can we let others use it?" and all that jabber. Well, here's the thing.

The only way out of this predicament is by GROWING UP. Or, if you prefer the Queens' English, we all have to mature to the situation. Who's to say that the non-Muslims of Malaysia are going to use the word Allah in a negative manner? Who are YOU to determine the future?

I say that we should all be trusting. For Muslims, trust the non-Muslims with the word Allah, and pray to Him that they won't use it negatively. For Christians, trust the non-Christians with the Father, the Son & the Holy Ghost, and pray to your Lord that it will not be used wrongly. For Buddhists, entrust your Buddha with the non-Buddhists and pray at your local temple that it shall not be used for wrongdoing. And for Hindu's, entrust upon the non-Hindu community your deities, and pray that your deities will not be used for negative provocation.

And, on a more personal note, WHY HAVEN'T THESE PEACE-BREAKING MORONS BEEN ARRESTED UNDER THE ISA? ISN'T THAT WHY THE ISA IS THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Its an amazing day today.

Despite my lack of experience (in anything!), not much amazes me anymore.

But this does.

My Grandma turned 71 today. She's old.

Sometimes, when I'm bored, I think about stuff, like the makeup of the earth, the ozone layer, random stuff. Tonight, I thought about what my Grandma has done & seen in those 71 years.

Did you know she's met the Pope?

And hosted a party for Lady Di?

Did you know she was in East Germany when the Berlin Wall was still up?

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my Grandma is a wonderwoman. Even at this age, she's still working, she still takes care of this mammoth house, but she doesn't cook anymore. She looks 20 years younger than her age, and the only thing that has you realising her age is her limp.

A limp. The only sign of her age.

And she's still going strong. At 71. When most people have resigned to a life of a vegetable.

Happy Birthday, Grandma! I love you more than the endless bounds of the universe, and you know it! May the Lord bless you forever!

World AIDS Day 2009

Good Morning, people!

I'd like to wish all of you a Happy & Merry World AIDS day 2009. On this wonderful & beautiful day, I'd like all of you reading this to stop viewing HIV/AIDS as a taboo. Its just as bad as H1N1, the common flu, and SARS, maybe even less so. But the stigma associated with it... the assumption that anyone with HIV/AIDS is either promiscuous or a druggie. Sometimes, the victims aren't.

Sometimes.

But even if they are, who cares? Pretty sure they aren't now.

They need you. They need your love, your care, your attention. They need you now more than ever. Now is the time to extend that helping hand, not shun them from society. NOW.

Happy World AIDS Day, all.

Kota Seputeh seat empty by court ruling!

I like this one.

Justice Alizatul Khair Osman Khairuddin, in a landmark decision, declares the Kota Seputeh, Kedah state seat vacant after the rep was absent for 2 consecutive meetings.

I like this for 2 reasons:

1. It shows that people in power are not above the law, and that the current judicial system is a lot more willing to push the envelope in the preservation of justice!
2. Justive Alizatul Khair Osman Khairuddin is my aunt. TeeHee.

The funny thing is that the EC filed for a stay on the ruling exclusively on cost issues, and they didn't cite any case laws to support their appeal.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not their duty BY LAW to conduct an election in the event of a vacant seat? So what does funding have anything to do with it?

Datuk Abu Hassan Sharif, you are really thick! As an assemblyman, you ought to know the Kedah constitution by heart! You know that only the state Speaker can grant leave!

This made me wake up with a smile for the first time in years.

Run! Hide! I'M BACK!

Hello faithful readers (or thin air, given my irregular posts). After an absence from cyberspace, I've returned to haunt your computers & smartphones! As you may or may not know, I've been having difficulty using the browser on my latest BlackBerry, but now that its all sorted, I can start posting again! On 3G speeds!

Continue visiting my blog for more sarcastic & sadistic posts!

Love ya & Salam 1Malaysia, yo!

RapidKL: The rich man's public transport service?

Update:

A comment posted on original post brought some new facts to light. I do apologize to all my readers who may have found displeasure in that.

... still... the new rates are still shockingly expensive. If upper management was merely doing as directed by the Government, why not come up with a rate structure that doesn't impose much higher prices?

And here's another question: Why did the Govt. need to change the current system? it seemed to me that the old system was working just fine.

So RapidKL uses a Govt directive as an excuse for their monstrous price hikes. Just because you need to switch to the conventional system DOESN'T mean that you can go to town with it. I mean... I used to be able to go from Shah Alam-KL Sentral-Medan Damansara-KL Sentral-Shah Alam for a mere RM2. and now I'd have to spend RM12 to do the same thing. Doesn't that look like white collar robbery?

With RapidKL reaping profits like never before, I hope that the Money they're getting now will go to proper maintenance of the buses, and maybe some upgrades. No more swapping windshields with the old Intrakota busses. No more swapping entire front facades anymore. No more.

... and maybe an upgrade in cleanliness?

TM EZnet 1315. 90-minutes with an incompetent representative and STILL no internet!

A leaflet sent with the regular TM Homeline bill sent waves of hope up my spine. My home in Shah Alam hasn't had Internet services since... 2004? Streamyx just wasn't up to par, so we cancelled it after a mere 6 months (12 month contract, I know. The other 6 months were spent complaining to TM). With this new fangled EZnet 1315, its was as simple as plug-dial-surf.
Or so it seemed.

12am. Our nation turns 52. While most have gone to watch toned-down fireworks displays, I was stuck on the phone. No, it wasn't with my beloved, it was with some incompetent CSR from TM. Mum & I labeled her as Ms. Okay...? as she started every sentence (no joke!) with 'Okay...?'

Still, after spending more than 90-minutes repetitive chatter & constant 'situation-explaination', I hang up, sour & disappointed. Kinda like when we had problems with our Streamyx back in 2004.

5 years, TM. And still no improvement?

Malaysian Super Corridor, konon.

Its no wonder why so many have switched to iZZi & P1 WiMax where available. They're just so reliable.

And now, I go back to surfing on my darling Storm. I knew neither DiGi or my BlackBerry would pull a stunt like that on me.

Happy 52nd Merdeka Day, everyone. Enjoy tomorrows 40-minute march.

Rantings of a starved Lunatic. You don't have to read this. Its truly pointless.

First blog post in a while.

First blog post with my BlackBerry.

Please be forgiving of any typographical or grammatical errors. Its a small keyboard.

The blessed month of Ramadhan has begun. The gates of Hell are closed. And every single gate of Heaven is open. And the days have become slow & dreary (probably due to both the lack of food & the crappy weather). A great time for reflection.

In my 14+ years in this world, I have seen, heard, and experienced so much, it would awe some. Not many, but some. But, with yin comes yang, and there are plenty of dark sides to my life. But every time I look back at everything (I tend to reflect more on the negative issues, bringing an odd feeling of my heart being shredded. Hmm...), I truly appreciate the small things. The little details, insignificant at the time, become more apparent & important. This, is the stuff my memories are made of.

Recently, I've been spending alot of time with my soon-to-be 71-year old grandmother. And in that time, I've heard so many stories about so many things that I've never had the chance to hear before. Did you know she's actually entertained Princess Diana? There was a story I enjoyed. The thing is, these 'achievements' of hers has put my life into perspective. Those achievements, my family history, my blood... my heritage is stuff of legends, to some (not many, but a few). I've got alot riding on my shoulders, and that's not limited to just my future.

My family tree goes back hundreds of years, showing me & other family members of the pivotal role our ancestors had in the shaping of the Malaysia we know today. My grandmother boasts that our family could have been Malay Royalty, if we wanted. Thankfully, we weren't so power-hungry. Could you imagine me being part of a royal household? Didn't think so.

Anyway, this history that runs through my veins has put an odd pressure on me. You see, I like being someone who tries to achieve the best. I also like the preservation of history. And looking over the years, I have plenty of work set if I want to come anywhere near the achievements my family has made. And I've alot to do if I want to restore the original glory my family once enjoyed.

This is pressure I shouldn't, and have no right to, be bearing. 'You're just a kid,' is something I hear frequently. I know, but why think like one, when thinking forward & upward will lead to greater things?

'Why is it so hard for you to just let go, have fun, and be a kid?'

Because I have better things to do with my time.

I find it so hard to relate to kids of my age group. Its partly because of my upbringing. And partly because of the exposure. I live in a house with adults, no kids. Thus, I was brought up thinking & acting like an adult, because that was all I knew. I don't know how to be a kid. Being a kid is tough for me.

You want proof?

How many kids do you know are thinking about how to make 4-5 figure sums of cash monthly, to cover all sorts of expenses?

How many kids do you know wake up at 3am to do sudden tax calculations?

How many kids do you know come up with very real situations that come up in life, and figure out ways how to overcome them NOW?

.....

Don't ask me why I'm stressed. Don't ask me why I don't reply pointless text messages. Don't ask me why I'm so easily ticked off.

I've got plenty to handle. And I don't appreciate input, thank you very much.

A tale of fast cars, a Storm, and Jamiroquai

Hmm... how do I start?

Last Sunday (5th April 2009) ], Celcom invited a few bloggers (myself included), to a sneak preview of the new BlackBerry Storm smartphone.

Started off at Sudu @ Hilton KL. Enjoyed a wonderful buffet spread there, before us 'invitees' to a rather large coach, to shuttle us to the Sepang International Circuit. So I thought, 'Ok, a coach. It,s gonna take a while, but who cares? I'm going to the F1!!'.

Wrong!

As the bus left Hilton, we were given 3, yes, 3 outriders to escort us to Sepang. We stopped cars, barred tolls, split traffic jams (and made some on the way too). Honestly, a ride with outriders has to be one of the pleasures in life. :P

When we arrive, we're given our gold Corporate Suite passes and a blue Celcom Broadband umbrella. We began our journey to the grandstands, going through checkpoints and ticket checks without a hitch.

Last Sunday would mark my first trip to SIC, let alone for an F1 event. So the first time was set to be one of the best trips, as the Suite came with food from Pan Pacific and free-flow drinks. Not bad, air con, and all. Definitely THE way to watch the F1.

Before the race started, Celcom started the event with a quick word from Celcom CEO, Datuk Sri Shazalli Ramly, followed by a BlackBerry Storm preview.

I bet you wanna know more about the Storm, right?

First impressions may make you want an iPhone instead, but look again. With the Storm, BlackBerry launches a new touch-screen technology called SureType, which is basically a 'clickable' touchscreen. Instead of a soft-touch screen, where you 'tap' the screen to highlight and select, the SureType screen allows one to touch to highlight something, then 'click' to select/activate.

Some online reviews of the Storm say that the new SureType technology makes it's on-screen QWERTY keyboard makes typing as good, if not better, than some real QWERTY devices like the Bold 9000 and the Nokia E63. I'm not so sure about that through the 30-minutes I had with their preview sets.

Later on, through a quiz session (in which only a knapsack was up for grabs) I won a BlackBerry Storm.

After the preview, there wasn't much activity, aside from the race.

Then it rained.

Through the team radio feeds we got within the suite, we got loads of complaints from drivers, saying the conditions were making it impossible to drive in. So they stopped the race, making Jensen Button the winner of the Malaysian leg of the F1 Grand Prix.

Then came the part of the evening EVERYONE was waiting for; THE JAMIROQUAI CONCERT.


It was muddier than expected, with the storm that stopped the race just finishing. Celcom provided us with a riser, allowing us to remain clean from the mud. Unfortunately, not all of remained clean, making the very route to the riser very muddy. But there were a whole bunch of nibbly things going round, as well as free-flow carbonated drinks. Not bad at all, definitely the better way to live.

Opening act was Atilia, followed by Naturally 7, then there was the one-and-only JAMIROQUAI!

My first concert. The best concert.

So much fun.

Got home at about 3am.

The North American Union and the RFID chip

Call me crazy, but don't deny it makes sense.

I know that we've got a new American President, but regardless, it could still happen.

I watched several videos on YouTube a few months back. There was one about 9/11, one about the North American currency as the Amero, and there was one about Iraq, Iran and invasions elsewhere.

I also watched a movie called 'Wag the Dog.' Now there's a head turner if there ever was one.

This all makes sense. The RFID chip, which has already begun circulation under false pretenses (such as passports, the 'RealID' card in the States, and the auto-credit program, also in the States). Why not manipulate this and use it for world domination (call me cheesy, but that's what it is) ?

I have homework to do, thus I am at a lack of time to explain. But I'm sure that this video below would be enough.



Salam Hormat, Malaysia.

Goodnight, my faithful readers.

What is to become of our country?

We don't have anyone to lead us. No one worthy of the post, that is.

No where, do I see someone fit to fix our country.

I use the term 'fix' because the modern Barisan government has truly ruined it.

I have no faith in our politicians.

My faith lies with our Agong. My faith lies with our Sultans. Say what you like, but in the Holy Quran, the Agongs and the Sultans are the 'deliverymen', per se, of God's divine order. I know, I know, some of you will say that only the Prophet can do that. Well, I suggest reading your Quran again, and read between the lines. I mean, truly find it's inner meaning.

I love Malaysia. She is my homeland, my beauty. My saviour, my harbour. My ancestors labour of love is what she is. And I will not rest until she is safe in good hands.

... but at 14, all I can do is rant on a blog no one reads.

Goodnight Malaysia. I love you so.

Head of MIC denies meeting opposition reps last night for proposition of party-hopping to MIC

Hmm. Sounded interesting when I saw it on the local news.

Party-hopping is becoming a trend, huh?

Now with so many of the opposition members supposedly wanting to join the BN clan, I'm sure the anti-defection law won't pass. But lets see the forecast first. If it bodes well for BN, I'm sure that the law would be banned from discussion in Parliament.

I love hot stories like this.

There's always speculation about what the networks report about ANY matter. So I always head to the blogosphere after the news. To find the REAL news, the way it's supposed to be told.

Hey, does anyone know the real story about the PKR members that went missing on Monday (after handing in letters of resignation on Sunday, if I'm not mistaken) ?

It's a funny thing, politics.

It used to be a serious issue. Who's best to run the country, who's the best candidate per constituency.

Now, the Malaysian government has become the laughing stock of the world. I bet you even the Tutsi's in Rwanda are laughing at us.

What's happened to Malaysia?

Why have we left it in the hands of moronic fools?

So many questions, and oh-so-much IQ amongst the parties to answer them.

I have no faith in our Government anymore.

I listen to the Agong and the Sultans now.

I no longer associate myself to any party. But I will say I'm anti-Barisan. And that will remain till the day the 'line-of-pooled-IQ' clean up their act.

God, save Malaysia.

God, save our Agong.

God, save our Sultans.

God, help us all.

Police Brutality: R.I.P Kugan.

I didn't catch on to this until late yesterday evening.

I was at home, reading blog postings when I found it.

Never to late to air an opinion, right?

Kugan died in police custody. And lets just say that death in the lockup happens too often here.

Now, police brutality isn't a new thing here. I've read about victims, and heard their story. It's just another form of power abuse. The same kind of abuse some of our ministers and public figures enjoy (when they have the right contacts, that is).

No, it's not pleasing to hear of these cases. The worst thing is that there are still no suspects on the matter yet.

I read in a book written by a cop. 'Cops don't like cops that rat out on other cops.'

So is that some kind of blatant sign that suggests this will never be solved?

I don't know. It might be. I'm sure it is.

But I know for sure that this'll never be solved. I refer to the statement above.

They'll just file it under 'Unsolved Deaths in Police Custody.' A file that is most definitely bulging.

And if anyone tries to bring the matter up, the 5-oh will just fire tear gas at them.

Right?

Rocky-Haris is over. But there are other opinions...

'Rocky is a BN stooge.'

'Haris is a human rights lawyer. Of course he's right!'

'Rocky has never failed us before.'

'Haris has made so many sacrifices over the years, to the extent he can't take his family on vacation.' ( read the original post by Marahku here.)


These are some of the opinions aired about the Rocky-Haris dispute.

Thankfully, this dispute is now over. On good terms, no less.

Uncle Haris, I thank you for your courage to do the right thing.

And Uncle Rocky, thanks for not being to brash about it and make Uncle Haris look really bad.

Now, I feel it's time to air my view.

I've never believed in informants or witnesses as true ways of obtaining information. As I had commented on 'The People's Parliament,' a common man can always be frayed by a bulging envelope from a minister's P.A. And you can always be misinformed by your informant's informant.

Informants are NEVER the way to go.

But, nonetheless, I applaud Uncle Haris. Yes, he may have been misinformed, but not only did he offer an apology, but he also stood his ground.

Which is a mark of a fantastic lawyer.

As for Uncle Rocky, I understand if you were with JJ, and yes, I also understand your point about the informants' informant maybe getting your name mixed up with Khairuddin. There are always people up to no good out there. That's why we call is life.

Anyway, I feel deeply relieved that this is all over, as there was a dispute between Rocky and another blogger, which is still unresolved.

One problem at a time, eh?

The Rocky-Haris dispute.

For those of you who haven't heard the story, go to Rocky's Bru and The People's Parliament for the original post and The People's Parliament 2 for Haris' reply.

This is very saddening news. Another one of the bloggers picking a fight with Rocky.

Why is everyone so interested in burning bridges?

A common phrase used amongst bloggers.

'We agree to disagree.'

Although disagreements are always abound, we always end the day hand-in-hand.

Haris, if you're reading, can you actually trust this informant? I mean, honestly?

Rocky, I suggest you cough up that little bit of evidence proving that one of the individuals involved weren't in KL at all.

And please, let's resolve this in an orderly fashion, eh?

Hishammudin to organize mass protests against Gaza USING schoolchildren

This is interesting...

I say this because DYMM Sultan Selangor had already mentioned to leave kids out of protests in response to the JERIT protests.

It seems that our dear Education Minister needs to understand something about protests.

Protests are held VOLUNTARILY. All children that attended the JERIT and BERSIH rallies came voluntarily. And knowing the Education Ministry and how they handle things, they'll rope in everyone they can, not bothering about some of us that feel they ought not to go.

I'll be honest. I'm somewhere in the middle on this. Because organizing protests like this will instill a need for the average man (or those soon to be) to speak up.

But I feel that this is ALSO a stupid move by the Ministry. Because all this time, teachers, heads of schools and the Ministry themselves have been against blogs and protests (which translates to not supporting free speech).

And by holding these protests, they're literally making their objective VERY blurry.

Are they AGAINST or FOR free speech?

If they're against it, they ought not to hold these protests.

If they're for it, they REALLY have to shut the teachers and headmasters/headmistresses to shut up, because they've always been against free speech.

Tell me, Hishammudin, which one of the two above are YOU?

Boycott US products?

This is absolute nonsense.

Let me explain:

When we boycott US products (like fast food, processed food, skincare products and such), all the people that work for American companies (like those mentioned above) will lose their jobs.

And when that happens, the (still stronger) American economy will fall, but ours will fall harder.

The Malaysian Ringgit isn't quite as strong as we want them to be. But with a MONUMENTAL loss of jobs, coupled with the economic crisis (that Asia will be hit with very soon), we could be looking at higher rates of poverty than ever before.

How does this benefit MALAYSIA?

We might end up worse than those that we're out to hurt.

But hey, if you really want to boycott American companies, lets start with Astro.

Because we all know the percentage of it is owned by Americans.

Oh, and lets not forget cigarettes.

No more Benson & Hedges, no Malboro.

Mind you, 70% of our ciggs here are American...

Katakan 'tak nak' kepada merokok.

Frost & Sullivan project increase in Proton sales, new MPV could be the saviour

Yeah bloody right.

Like any man with 120k is going to buy a Proton. If any man respects his dignity, his family and his wallet, he wouldn't buy a Proton.

For heavens sake, must I spell it out for you?

P-E-O-P-L-E H-A-T-E P-R-O-T-O-N.

And no over-priced MPV is going to help.

For 8x,xxx you can get an MPV from the Chinese manufacturer, Chery. The Eastar (forgive the name) comes with a leather interior (as standard) and comes with most of the safety mod-cons that you get in a mid-level vehicle.

And here's the kicker: The Proton MPV will be produced on the SAME platform as the Chery.

So why are we paying so much more for a shit car when you can pay less for a great one?

For once, I think Frost & Sullivan might be REALLY wrong about this.

And I know for a fact that if Perodua came out with an MPV, Proton is sooooooooo screwed.

2009 with nothing on top.

Sime Darby to purchase IJN.

Economy set to slow down in the months to come.

Police still don't know what they're doing.

My resolutions?

None. That way I'm not disappointed at the beginning fo next year.

Personally, I'm feeling rather depressed at the moment. Because the 9th of January is looming, which will mark 1 year since Sharlinie Nashar's disappearance.

The worst thing is that (please forgive me for not being optimistic) her captors haven't contacted the family.

Which means that she's either in China or Thailand right now, being abused in more ways than one.

May the Powers that Be save her from her reality and send her captors to hell.

May 2009 bring closure to this gruelling ordeal.

PAS man says: 'Hina Islam perbuatan keji.'

Excuse me, sir. Why is it that when they insult our religion, we call them 'Keji.' Yet, when we insult their religion, they don't call us 'Keji?'

OK people, it's time to get the facts straight.

My family is Muhibbah. We have Indian-Muslim family members, we have Europeans, and even a Greek. We don't insult other peoples culture or religion, because that's how we get by. By being friends with everyone from everywhere. We don't care who you are, where you're from, or where you're headed. But we'll be your friend, we'll lend a helping hand.

Even when I'm at school, I make it a point to have friends from all backgrounds, that way everyone gets to learn a little about everyone, and we all become more knowledgeable. Yet, there are some (Malays, mind you) that insult me (for befriending 'orang kafir') and them (for being non-Muslim).

And I hate them.

But what I want to know is, why is it when we call them 'keji' or 'kafir', they don't make a fuss. But when WE are called that, there's an uproar.

People, listen. We are Malaysians, aren't we? We are a multi-racial, multi-religious country, and we're proud of it. So, let's not look at our differences, but celebrate our similarities. Let us be together, united.

Let's be Bangsa Malaysia.

And lets not let anyone stand in the way.

My Christmas

I don't know about you, but in my family, Christmas is always something we look forward too. The decorations, the location, the company.... and the food, of course. This year, we did not have as many people to cater to, as some of us had to go abroad to visit relatives and friends. Look at it this way: If 3 is a crowd, then 30-40 is practically a concert.

It started early, with the cooking of 3, perfectly marinated (for 4 days) turkeys. Then came the boiling of the potatoes for Mash and Roast Potatoes. Then we moved to Apple Crumble, Custard, Trifle, and Salad, of course.

We started eating at about 7.30. It was a beautiful evening, and the sky in Janda Baik was as clear as ever. Every planet, every star, all laid out for your enjoyment. Honestly, that's a moment when I know that God is by my side. Gazing with me, into the black beyond, laughing at the beauty of the simplest things.

We set up 1 tent outside, for the brave soldiers who might want to seek refuge there. Mind you, Janda Baik is still mostly forest, and home to many characters. Like the wild boar. Or the pesky snake. In front of the tent, we had a neat bonfire, supplying the tent with warmth.

After devouring what we could, the family++ moved to the 'camp' area. Plastic mats were laid out. Everyone chilled out by the fire and ate cooked marshmellows.

Yum.

Then, eventually, we ALL moved back to the house, where the adults decided to play the traditional game of 'Gin-rummy.' A great game that all the adults play together, filled with laughs, comedy, followed by more laughs. And sometimes attempts at killing one another. Especially if the killer lost the game.

'All together again,' I thought.

Thats the one thing about my family. We love being together. Those that fly from Kuantan, Johore, Ipoh, and even from London. My aunts and uncles were all raised together, thus all of my Mum's cousins are very close. And I'm happy to say that I myself am close to my cousins. And that's a bond that will never break.

Although some of us had to return the same night, most didn't. And indeed, the next day was as much fun as the night before.

My family, my life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love ya!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Drive safe. Be merry. Enjoy.

Salam Muhibbah.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Statement from IJN Medical Consultants

19^th December 2008

Statement from IJN medical consultants

We read with concern the perceived perception that the medical staff of IJN are demanding higher pay and will leave IJN if these demands are not met.

We feel it is important that these negative perceptions are correctly put into context.

The institution was set up in 1992 as a corporate body directly under the purview of Ministry of Finance. Its board of Directors include representatives from Ministry of Health and MOF to ensure its direction and objectives of providing good quality and affordable medical care to Malaysians from all walks of life are adhered to.

In that respect, IJN has done and continue to do well, both in maintaining its moral as well as financial obligations. The institution has been self-sustaining since its inception (and has been able to pay year end bonuses annually without fail). For 2007 and up to end Nov 2008, we have accumulated 285,764 number of outpatients, performed 15,084 cardiac catheterization interventions including angiograms and angioplasties, 6,094 heart and lung surgeries, 7 mechanical hearts and heart and lung transplants surgeries.

As true with any organization of our size, there will be people leaving the organization at various times in order to pursue different career paths. Over the last 7 years of operation, out of a total of 35 consultants, only 7 have left IJN to work either in local or overseas private centres. Therefore, our consultants' annual attrition rate is only 3%, and we have responded consistently over time to promote our home grown talents to fill up the voids accordingly. Currently, 75% of IJN consultants have been in their posts for more than 10 years.

All of us are salaried based on a different payscale than that of the MOH though not at par with the private centres. Periodic review of salary scale is usually undertaken, subject to approval from Ministry of Finance.

As proven from our consultants' attrition rate and longevity in serving this institution, it is logical to surmise that on the whole we are happy with the current scheme and proving it by remaining with IJN. Many of us have served more than 10 years, excluding time spent within the MOH Hospitals prior to setting up of IJN.

Being responsible employees of IJN, we are not in the position to dictate the outcome of the privatization proposal from Sime Darby to the stakeholders of IJN. However, the perception that the privatization proposal is in response to demands for higher remunerations by its medical staff is misconceived and must be corrected accordingly to safeguard and preserve the trust placed upon us by our patients.

---ENDS--

Sultan Selangor, relayed by CPO: "Leave kids out of demonstrations."

Now, now, Tuanku.

Kids in demonstrations. That could be wrong. But lets see the circumstances first.

On the day of the BERSIH rally, I had a shoot to get to in Ukay Heights.

And I swear to you, if I didn't have that shoot, I'd have been there.

CPO, please investigate further into the presence of the kids there. Might they have attended the event of their own accord. Are you still going to charge he host for using kids?

I would have attended the BERSIH rally. I would have gone for the Penguin Walk. Are you still going to charge someone for me attending the event because I wanted to?

Honestly, I'm against party's or anyone using kids in demonstrations (friendly or not) as an attention grabber. I'm not okay with someone using me for my face or my age.

That's just not cool.

For me, I try not to let my age get in the way. If it's a cause I support, I'll support it whole-heartedly.

I support the abolishing of the ISA. I support the BERSIH cause. Hell, I support HINDRAF.

So if I'm the supporter, are you still going to charge someone else?

Sime Darby to purchase IJN

Wow... that's something stupid.

How many people rely on Institute Jantung Negara for their health care?

How many people know that everything Sime Darby touches turns to ashes?

Come on. Just look at the IJN staff. Everyone down to the cleaner doesn't want to work for Sime Darby. And for good reason too. They work for the people, giving the ordinary public good health care. And that's an admirable job.

My own grandma goes there. And she knows that if Sime Darby were to privatize IJN, the standard of service would drop due to Sime Darby's 'cost-cutting' schemes.

No more great doctors.

No more great service.

But there will be bills for civil servants.

I hope the Govt. gives out money grants for the servants who have to pay for their health care.

If not, we'll all 'lengkup.'

Shoe hurled at Bush goes for $36,000,000

Now that's a headline.

Kudos, fella. You've served the world proud. Sorry about getting arrested, though. But you're a hero in the heart of the world anyway.

Why can't we all be as 'ballsy' (pardon my language) as that journalist? Why can't Malaysians as a whole come together to express ourselves? Why is it we have to get stuck with papers that lie to us daily and a Government that is doing everything else OTHER than governing?

I'm sad to say that only a handful of 'Rakyat Malaysia' have expressed their views.

And half of them are either being tailed by Special Branch or are (or have been) arrested wrongfully.

Is the Malaysian Government trying to become a communist country? We all know the plight of both China and Korea (both sides, if I may add). Is this what we, as a country, want?

If not, why the hell did we vote them into office?

I think that as Malaysians, we have earned the right to speak freely about our Government. And if the Government REALLY wants to oppress free thinkers, why not rule out voting as well? We'll have our beloved Pak Lah chose everything.

Honestly, that sounds quite interesting.

Until the wife of an.... office mate.... beheads him.

Now THAT would be interesting.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

May 2009 come with good news for all.

ATTENTION TO ALL READERS:

I'm not going to beat around the bush about this, but I'm facing a monumental creativity block. I can't think straight, and when I do, it's usually about things that are only important to me. So please, bear with me. You're probably going to read some crap postings for a while, but do know that I am working on it. Hopefully, I can amend this problem soon.

Also, I'd like to thank all of you for being faithful readers.

Setting the record straight on Executive Cars

There's some stupid talk going around about how 'BMW is better than this...' and 'Mercedes rules the segment...' and crap like that. To be honest with you, no one does it better than Bentley, but that's what I think. And, to stop this nonsense I keep hearing, here's some monumental truths about these chauffeur driven boats.

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz (which was still under the Daimler-Chrysler name) released a ground breaking executive car, the S-Klasse. It had revolutionary technology, like ABS and EBD (though I'm not completely sure about EBD). It was by far the most luxurious car to own at the time, especially those who were swimming in cash with a minimum of 2 drivers. I say that, because I have been told by owners first-hand that the bloody thing drives like a boat. Sure, it's a great place to be in, but it isn't a great thing to drive.

In 1999, a Japanese brand was ready to send shivers up the German 3s' spines. Lexus released their jaw dropping LS400 in mid-'99 to a market where only the brand mattered. Even though the Japanese weren't strong contenders in the Large Executive Car market, the LS came to prove otherwise. Packed to the brim with new tech of the time, like massage chairs and auto-tinting sunroofs, it was by far the most advance and most complex car for the year. And for a very short while, the Lexus dominated sales charts until BMW released an eye-popping masterpiece that is still considered as the only car they'd drive.

In the same year Lexus made their stand in the Executive Car world, BMW debuted what's known to most as the most beautiful executive car in the world. The BMW 7-Series (that was featured in an installment of James Bond) stunned the world by introducing a new breed of executive cars. Sleek and low-slung, the 7-Series simply bamboozled the already aging designs of Merc and Lexus. The 7-Series made it a fact that you can take huge space and executive luxuries and put it on a great chassis. Personally, the BMW 7-Series is still my choice.

The new millennium was a landmark time for the executive car makers. The year witnessed the debuts of many new executive cars. The leader of the pack: the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse. Sporting a new design stream, Mercedes-Benz tried their very best to make it a strong contender. Again, the S-Klasse was a real hit amongst those with the driven. But the drivers hated it. Again, the classic Mercedes problem: Great everything, crap driving. This particular model S became a test mule for many new systems, like DISTRONIC and DISTRONIC Plus and the AIRMATIC suspension system, which came as an option in later models.

In 2003, Lexus debuted their 2nd installment to the LS line: the LS430. As an upgrade from their last LS, it retained some of the old cars' plus points. It still had the cutting edge tech that their German counterparts had yet to incorporate, and it was still the ultimate car to be driven in, as the car is actually boss-oriented. Although Lexus still had many years to go before they became the Lexus we know today, the LS430 was an iconic stepping stone for Lexus into the hard-hitting world of executive cars.

BMW made auto headlines with the debut of their 'new millennium edition' 7-Series. Taking a rather abrupt swerve from the usual BMW style, the designers went absolutely bonkers on this machine. Although marginally better to drive compared to it's rivals, the buyers they were targeting were scared to even look at the car. The remarks I heard most was 'it looks like it's depressed' and 'have you seen the boot? It's hideous!' Indeed, it was considered a radical design by any one's standards, but it did become a stepping stone for the modern BMW's we drive today. Like the 5-Series, the 1-Series and the iconic 3-Series. In the words of Tom Ford; 'It's like dating a supermodel that's missing her two front teeth. You'd still date her, but it'll always be on the back of your mind.'

The long awaited replacement for the S-Klasse came in a startling package. The new design direction of Mercedes-Benz won over the hearts of fans around the world, except for those who still drive around in the 'vertical rectangle' headlight models of the 60's. The new S brought along a new kind of buyer; the new chairman who sometimes drives to work. It is still, by far, the most relaxing drive in the world, and is still mesmerizingly uncluttered in the back seat. A great package, although the standard rims could have done with some... size.

I was given the privilege of being driven in the latest LS within the first week of it arriving on Malaysian shores. Indeed, pulling up at a hotel, the car received mixed emotions from the jockeys, mostly a look of 'Wow, that's brand new.' The LS460 is a behemoth of a car, mind you. And it feels every bit a behemoth when driven. It doesn't drive that well, but it feels very composed at speeds. The massage function in built to the boss-chair will shiatsu all your worries away, and it's rumoured that CEO's will ask their drivers to take the jammed route back just to enjoy the massage!

The very latest 7-Series reached Malaysian shores early last year and has been a hit since. And I'm not going to beat around the bush, but the previous model looked like s***. The facelifted model gives a slightly watered down version of it's controversial predecessor, and allows for some of the put off buyers to take a second look. Indeed, sales of the 7 jumped at the release of the current model, and sales have maintained since. Though, there are rumours that the '09 model is going to have a near vertical grille. Oh Lord, please save BMW....

So, I have given a short description on all the real contenders in the market. 'Wait, wait' I can hear you shout, 'you forgot about Audi!' Lets face it, Audi was never a real contender in this segment. It's too understated, and it isn't exactly a lot of bang for a hell of a lot of buck. So I'm going to leave you to decide your own opinions on the 3, and see what you think. And while you're at it, check out PaulTan.Org on the '09 7-Series.

Happy Eid Al-Fitr!

Hi everyone.

I just want to wish all my readers Happy Eid Al-Fitr!

It's the time to forgive and forget, in the words of a particular Minster in his Prime years.

Time to forgive relatives, friends, and all you may have wronged.

But I think the Minister meant to forgive his Cabinet for stealing funds (that should be for the poor) and to forget the poor ever existed.

Yeah right.

We're a lot smarter than you think.

What do we do now?

Sheih Kickdafella's been arrested.

Doesn't bode well for us bloggers.

I hear a whole bunch of bloggers are going to get rounded up soon.

I'm going to get arrested 'for my own safety'.

I wonder what kind of treatment us VVIP's get in there.

Why is it our government likes to suppress the truth?

Is it because the truth may just bring them ti their knees?

It's pathetic, I tell you. Just because us bloggers want to do something about the current situation in the country, they go and pull us down for 'Sedition' or slap the ISA on us. For once in my life, I feel like telling the truth may be a crime.

If we're going to get arrested for our own bloody safety, you ought to make those prisons a little larger. Because if that's the case, a whole lot of bloody people are going to ask to get in there, because it's obviously not safe enough for them out here.

Maybe we should start arresting tourists too, to avoid them getting blown up by C4's.

Or arrest entire families, so that their safety is ensured.

What kind of a s**ty answer is that?

Seriously, the Govt. ought to employ someone with a brain to speak for their Reps. during press conferences to avoid getting stupid answers like arresting people for their own safety. Tak masuk akal. But then again, half of the Parliament dont have an akal, right? Akal ada pun tak berguna, sat mereka tak tahu macam mana n'dak guna, is a answer from an old relative of mine when asked.

I knew that the whole Taipei thing must have been some kind of ploy to stop September 16th from happening. Why else would they send the whole Parliament to Taipei?

Don't worry, I honestly think that the power-shift is coming.

I still don't know when, though.

Get ready because when it gets here, it's going to rock BN to the ground.

Then they can kiss goodbye to all those ill-gained riches.

Oh deary me, what have they done?

I don't think UMNO or any of their friends are going to last long.

They're making too many stupid mistakes.

Everyone is so busy back-stabbing each other, that nobody is actually governing the country.

After all this is dealt with, what is left of our beloved country?

Ok, let's look at the facts. All the money that ought to be used to 'alleviate poverty' is being used for 'something it ought not to be used for'. So what happens to the people that should be receiving the money? They 'slowly creep into poverty'. But at least the Menteri's are living comfortably, right?

Just for your info, UMNO's got a housing project in Janda Baik, Pahang.

Must be the ex-MB Selangor getting lonely. Probably built them for all his suap buddies.

I was pondering on an issue of a glossy news magazine the other day. The article was about the elections. I saw all the glossy pictures of BN supporters putting up flags and banners, then being whisked away in an army of black pick-up trucks.

Those trucks didn't look older than a month.

Those trucks were decorated in BN paraphernalia.

I don't remember the purchase of expensive trucks in the 9th M.P. or the 2008 Budget.

Where did that money come from? Shouldn't it have been put to better use?

Right now, all I want is a new (or revised) Government. All I want is to see all those *____________* kicked out of their beautiful leather chairs in their tastelessly decorated offices. I want all that money returned. I want that money to be utilized properly. Food & shelter for the homeless, things like that. Or revamping the Education system.

Revamping the education system is important

Because the Menteri's we have are a result of our education system.

Right now, I'm not supporting any party in particular. Anything but BN. I'm living under BN rule now, but I don't want to die under BN. Anything but that.

Oh, the 16th's past has it?

My word. I didn't read the papers yesterday. I hadn't the slightest idea that yesterday was d-day. And looky here! Everything's........ the same.

My dear Datuk Anwar, what have you done? Some of your supporters were looking forward to the change, and now some of them are looking at you like some kind of pretentious idiot. They're disappointed, and some of them are hoping for a new savior. Is that how you want to be seen?

I am disappointed. When I saw the newspapers piled up at the local 7-Eleven, I thought they'd all say 'Anwar Ibrahim successful!' or 'Anwar the new PM!'. And I was crestfallen to find that the day was so uneventful that I didn't even notice.

Come on! This country needs change. And it needs it NOW. Because we're at the edge. And in order for us NOT to fall off the cliff, we need (I know I said it already) change. Somehow, I think that our pathetic government is DESPERATE for someone with a backbone and a BRAIN to sit in the top chair.

You know who could have been a great PM? Rafidah Aziz. While the guys were mucking about, calling each other prats and what-evers in Parliament, Rafidah went straight to the point. She got things done. And I personally think the whole AP license fiasco was just a set up to make her look bad. Typical of our Kerajaan, kan?

Regardless, if Anwar wants to take over our Govt, do it quick. We can't wait much longer. Hurry up, some of us are getting inpatient......

What are you doing, Dato' Ahmad?

I watched the news today. I don't usually watch the news, because it's all controlled anyway. (Don't know what I mean? Watch the movie 'Wag the Dog'.) And what's the first thing I see? A BN goon making a ruckus at a press conference. Finally, something that isn't censored.



Ok, Dato. Tell me, what did Koh Soo Koon do to you? What, did he actually tell you just how much of a narrow-minded brat you are? Orang kampung pun hidup berharmoni. Melayu, India, Cina. Tak kira.



Absolutely pathetic. If Tun Dr. Mahathir was around, I'm sure he'd be jailed under the ISA, or under whatever bogus charge they can come up with (which they're good at). But both Najib & Abdullah have NO backbone. Not even 1 comment on the matter.



Let's be honest. BN haven't got a leg to stand on. September 16th, hopefully, will be the last time we'll see them. And we thought they'd play it cool, and maybe go out with a bang. But with this fiasco on the table, the post-millenia BN may be noted in history as 'a millennium mistake.'



What on God's blessed Earth could the Gerakan members have done to this hot-tempered git to have incurred a wrath of this magnitude? No matter how idiotic this guy may seem, it's a valid question. I don't follow the news, and my Internet connection sucks, so brilliant blogs like Rocky's Bru are a little out of reach. Please, fill me in!



To you Barisan supporters who may be reading this blog, try and get your beloved Party to get it's act together. It's sad. Not to mention childish. May September 16Th bring good tidings to this country.

Goodbye, Tok Samad

Al-Fatihah.

Alahyarham Tok Samad Ismail passed away earlier this evening.

He is an ex-journalist.

He is an ex-ISA detainee.

He fought for free media.

He fought health issues.

He was a fighter.

He is our Bapa Kewartawanan.

His presence will always be felt in the hearts of many journalists.

His memory will live on in the hearts of those who know him.

He leaves behind a wife and children to carry on the legacy.

May have a great afterlife.

'For all great things must come to an end.'

'Khun Faya-Khun' (Surah Yasiin) For what He wills, will be.

Amiin.

Ok guys, this is it.

I have, for a long time, supported free media. The public deserves the REAL TRUTH and not the fabricated stuff we're spoon-fed everyday. The public DESERVES the truth by the printed media, and not through the constantly defamed blogs you read.

2008 Memorandum on Media Freedom

Sponsored by: Aliran Kesedaran Negara, Benar for Free and Fair Media , Centre for Independent Journalism, Civil Rights Committee, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform, Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Section, Malaysia Youth and Student Democratic Movement, National Alliance of Bloggers, People’s Parliament, Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti, Selangor, Sister in Islam,

Suara Rakyat Malaysia and Writer Alliance for Media Independence

Signatures to be submitted to the national and state leaders on October 27, 2008

Support the reat thing. Sign the Memorandum at http://benar.org/index.html

What will we do without Tuesdays with Bapak?

Bismilla Hirrahman-irrahim. Tok Samad is in hospital.

Nuraina looks as if she hasn't slept in weeks.

Pray for Tok Samad.

What would Malay Literature be without him?

What would Malaysia be without him? Without his ongoing struggle for what is right?

God help him.

Amiin.

Great Buka Puasa dishes

If you have a need for roti john;

1. Roti John in SS5. Near the Customs, at the shops near the field
2. Roti John at the SS5 Ramadhan Bazaar. He's the 5th on the left this year
3. Roti John at the Shah Alam Stadium. Haven't had a chance to go there yet this year

If Ayam Golek is your thing;

1. Ayam Golek @ SS5 Ramadhan Bazaar. To DIE FOR! And their prices haven't changed since 2006
2. Ayam Golek @ Stadium Shah Alam. A big place, usually. And also furnished with a VERY LONG LINE.
   

How bout Appam Balik?

1. ALL THE STALLS @ SS5!!
2. The appam balik stalls on the 3rd row at the end @ Stadium Shah Alam

That's it from me! Goodnight everybody!

Welcome to the Government (again) Anwar

Ok, those of you who aren't happy with the results of the Permatang Pauh By-Elections, raise your hands. Alright. Those of you who are ecstatic with the results, raise your hands. I thought so. I'd firstly like to congratulate Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on winning the post. If you're reading this, which I doubt, I hope that with your new place in Parliament, this country will move to the better.

Now that Anwar is part of the Parliament, the presence of opposing parties is felt amongst BN-ers. Which is good. Because now that BN feel it, maybe they'd realize that Malaysians are finally beginning to accept the fact that there are (now) parties with potential to lead our country, with better candidates for the top job (sorry Abdullah).

I now begin to understand the Anwar-Saiful whatever-his-name thing. It's pretty obvious that Saiful whatever-his-name has exhausted all his other options, and chosen the Religious path of things. Yeah, whatever. So you swore under the Quran. Big deal. Alot of people are no longer scared of God. So the question now is, is Saiful one of them?

I honestly find it strange to try and get the attention of the out-of-town-ers by swearing under the Quran. (And by out-of-town-ers, I mean those people who still feel the presence of God when they prostrate to Him. Those who frown upon the very thought of men and women mingling in a coffee shop. Those who think arranged marriages are a way of life.) Maybe he did, but the fact of the matter is, the people of Permatang Pauh aren't quite kuno enough. If Anwar was contesting in Gambang (sorry), or Jinjang Utara (sorry again), maybe Saiful may have had an impact.

Honestly, I don't swing any way. First I thought that Saiful was just a Government stooge, but then certain things make me think otherwise. I think I'm going to leave it to God. Because He has already promised that those who do right, go to Paradise. And the Sinners will rot in Hell until his debt is paid. When that the debt is paid is not for me to decide, though.

The National Anthem; Do we respect it enough?

I was just at a shopping complex near my home, walking around, window shopping. My grandmother and I were enjoying the day, when all of a sudden, we heard Negaraku being played on the shopping complexes PA system. We, unlike everyone else, stood straight amongst the piercing stares from other shoppers. After the National Anthem finished, we voiced our dislikes and how it was an inconvenience. We then left to avoid the stares if the National Anthem played again.

I understand the playing of patriotic songs for this month as it is the Month of Independence. But playing the Negaraku is a bit much. This is the first time I've heard it over a PA system, but I have heard it many times on Radio stations and such. For someone who harbours a deep love and respect toward my beloved Country, I find it very annoying to have to stand straight every 15 minutes or so.

If you haven't noticed, the National Anthem is played during official functions, before a show at Istana Budaya, and every time it plays, we all STAND AS STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW AS A SHOW OF RESPECT TO THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. So why do you play it on radios? So drivers can stop in the middle of the road and stand by their cars (in the middle of the highway) to respect the National Anthem? Or at shopping malls, so people there (shoppers or shop-keepers) can stop whatever they're doing to respect the National Anthem?

Stop this misuse of the Anthem now. It inconveniences anyone who cares about it. Do you respect the National Anthem?

The Moment of Truth or Humiliation?

Who hasn't got an Astro set at home? Ok, whose got Star World? If you do, you must have heard of the new show called 'Moment of Truth'. I have a bone to pick with this show. First, I will explain what the shows all about.

It's a game show in the States where they strap contestants to a chair, wire a lie detector to them and ask them cruel questions. If they don't lie through the whole thing, you get $500,000. Simple? No. Because some of these questions may ruin your life.

Have you ever done something that you'd rather sweep under the rug than to tell the world? Like accidentally scratching a guys car but not sticking around to pay what you owe? Or maybe gambled away your kids college funds? Of course you have (done something you'd rather not tell anyone about, minor or major). And 'The Moment of Truth' will reveal ALL.

Once you get on TV, even for 5 minutes, you become famous. This show reveals your deepest darkest secrets, like if you've ever cheated on your spouse, cheated someone out of their money, or stolen anything. And after you're done with the show, win it or lose it, people know who you are. And they're going to taunt you, and they're going to call you names, dirty your car, throw stuff at you. And that makes your life a living hell.

It isn't fair to ruin someones life just for entertainment. Sometimes people jump at a money opportunity without thinking of the consequences properly. And these people take advantage of that? That redefines the meaning of evil in my book. And wherever you go, these people will be taunting you. Migrate, whatever, they're still going to know who you are. And some people have no sympathy. They'll follow you, just to torment you. How would that make you feel?

Write your feelings toward the situation in my 'Comments' box and I'll post it up in 1 week's time.

You Have Gone Too Far

Yesterday, I received a printout from my BM Teacher, ... ......... It's title was 'Ciri-Ciri Negatif Internet'. I personally have NOTHING against the Internet, and find it as a fun tool to get information about a wide range of topics. So I though nothing about it. Then I read the passage.

The second sentence said, 'Internet menjadi tempat selamat bagi mereka untuk membuat cerita dan memutar-belitkan fakta, terutamanya tentang Kerajaan' (The Internet becomes a haven for those who like to make stories and twist the facts, especially when it bad-talks concerning our Government ). THAT got me angry.

Seriously? Those ?
I apologize to thoso who may be offended by this post, but kids now under the Government education system are made to listen and do, and not think freely. Some of us, like me, who are lucky enough to be exposed to the alternative choices in life, choose to speak up and make the RIGHT choice. Most of my classmates have already chosen to try and use their computers as little as possible. Which I find pathetic

The education system now makes kids narrow-minded, only following traditions and old-fashions. Ask any of MY teachers about blogging, and they'd tell you it's a 'negative influence on our nation', or 'is a rebelious fraternity who's only purpose is to bad-mouth those above them'. And these people are qualified teachers, no less.

To you *!%@&# who may be reading this, leave the kids in school. Let them form their own opinion, let thembe who they are, and not what you @#^&!*%+ want them to be.

What was the Point of it all?

OK. We all have been caught in the massive 'parking lot' traffic jams that have been infesting the Highways, so much so that it was commented to be 'worse than LA.' But what were the police doing? If there's an accident, they ought to ease traffic. If there's roadworks, they help cordon off the road and try to ease congestion as much as possible. But what were they trying to demonstrate? Their power to create parking lots?

Honestly. If the Opposition was going to make a fuss, they wouldn't tell EVERY MAN & HIS DOG about it. Plus, if the police wanted to REALLY stop the demonstration, they'd just go to where it was going to be held and say 'YOU ARE UNDER ARREST UNDER THE ISA,' as they would usually do. But instead, they decide to make everyone's daily commute a living hell and set up roadblocks, within 500 meters of each other. Even I, which commutes to Klang everyday by bus from Shah Alam, feel the inconvenience of it all.

The so called 'reason' for it all was because 'we want YB Dato' Anuar to give a statement'. Really? Aren't you asked to give a statement? If so, he can do it on HIS OWN TIME, right? So let him come when he wants. And the the story going round was because they were worried of the repercussions of Wan Azizah walking out of the Parliament house. Didn't the jams begin before she walked out? So now the cops can see into the future, can they?

Pathetic. A nuisance to all who move on wheels (no insult intended). Dear God, show the cops that they AREN'T supposed to cause a nuisance. And the next time they do this, they'd better have a DAMN GOOD REASON of doing so. Pathetic...

Apologies

To all my faithful readers;

My sincerest apologies as I haven't been able to update my blog for a while. I will try to keep up with most of the slow blogs (faster than me of course) and keep all of you entertained. Stay safe!

Probitas Et Fides,
Choco

Don't Bump Into Me!

I've heard many stories of pickpockets and their victims. And I've heard of numerous stories in Klang. So I exercise caution, I don't let anyone get to close to me, and I NEVER try to get into a bus when there's a whole bunch of people waiting to get on. I even went to the extent of telling the bus drivers who shuttle me from Shah Alam to Klang to keep a seat free for me! And I thought that with these precautions in place, it'll be close to impossible to steal my wallet. 'Famous last words', as they always are.

So it's a Friday. I just got out from school. Time i s 6.40pm. I take my normal route to the bus stand from High School Klang, which forces me to walk on Jln. Meru, then opposite the infamous Shaw Centrepoint Klang (affectionately known as CP to those school flunking students). Then it's past the Old Bridge and I'm there. I take this route every day and it takes me 20 minutes to school and 10 minutes from school (it's quicker on the way back, because I have to catch the 6.55 bus out to SA). I know all the in's and out's and all the poor ones that beg along the route.

I get to the bus stop and the bus had left 5 minutes earlier (note; time is 6.50). So I wait. Eventually, (I say this as there was a really bad jam on the Fed. Highway into Klang) the bus gets in. I pile into the bus. There is a small family wanting to ride my bus, so I let them in first. As I get in, an Indonesian migrant bumps into me. I raise my hand in apology ( I later see him bumping into another bloke, clumsy guy). I get into the bus. The bus is late, so it leaves immediately. Time is 7.10.

It's 7.23. I'm in Section 7, Shah Alam. The bus driver, whom I know very well, asks me to ready my ticket because he said he saw some "sharks" swimming round (by sharks, he means Inspectors from Syarikat Prasarana Kota Berhad). I reach for my wallet and it's GONE. 'HOW?!' I ask myself. This is the same bus driver that sold me the bus ticket that morning (I ride RapidKL. If you don't know the system, go ride the bus!), so he goes against normal rules (that state I ought to be thrown off the bus) and brings me to Section 14.

No matter how many precautions that you take, if higher powers will it, it WILL. That's just the way life is. Sometimes God uses us as an example. Let one sinner suffer as an example for the betterment of man. So maybe we shouldn't bother with precautions. Whatever you do, it will happen. So what's the point? Keep your slate more-or-less clean and God'll keep you safe. Stay faithful to whomever you follow, and you'll be ok.

P.S; This is a REAL post, not a post forced by religious groups.

Best Headlines

This was from one of yesterday's bigger newspapers;

Rafidah Aziz unsure of Azalina's Wanita status
Is Azalina a member of Wanita UMNO?


Get the rest of the story here http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/22/nation/20726747&sec=nation

Personally, all I can say is 'Good Call, Rafidah!'

Enough is ENOUGH!

Wouldn't you just get sick and tired if you were lied to every day? To know that you don't know what's actually going on? It's a strange feeling, but only a handful of bright ones have figured it out on their own, whereas the rest found out through those who knew, like me! Don't buy newspapers, don't buy LIES. Read Internet news daily and know what actually happens behind the behind the scene scoops. Know the story, read Internet news.

Funny Pre-Election SMSes

Here's a good one;

As you go to vote, please bear in mind how much more developed we are today, how our currency is so much stronger compared to the Dong, how our university's are in the top 300 in the world*, how our judges only accept handphones as bribes* and that everyone, including the dead can vote*! Selamat Berundi!

(*= not a fact (known to the public, at least))

Election Time!

It's 2008, another election. 'Whoopee', I said sarcastically when I found out. Yeah, I'm too young to vote, but that doesn't mean I don't have my views on political subjects. Just shoot, and I'll have an answer (note that it may be 'No Comment'). I guess I'd be an idiot if I didn't say that Barisan Nasional will win, but I WILL say that they aren't going to win by 2 thirds majority. I'm hardcore DAP, Keadilan, PAS, whatever that isn't BN. Why, one may ask, and the answer is simple.


In 2004, BN won and Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stepped into power. The golden torch was passed on from the now Tun Dr. Mahathir, our proud 'Bapa Pembangunan'. Father of the Petronas Twin Towers, the Penang Bridge, and many other projects that successfully put dear Malaysia on the map. And when you think about it, 'Pak Lah' had VERY big shoes to fill. Now, as the March 8th vote day looms closer, did Dato' Seri Abdullah Bin Hj. Ahmad Badawi succeed? I will now expand on some of the projects that were planned under Pak Lah's reign.























The Iskandar region and Singapore: Think Dubai in the Middle East. Think the Shenzhen Economic Zone next to Macau Casino. Iskandar Development Region - IDR , One-Stop Information Center, is set to take the world by storm. ALDAR Properties PJSC is one of the few investors spending billions of ringgit in Node 1 of the Development Reigion. One of Abdullah's best known projects, the Iskandar project had 1 goal; to make Johor the development hub of Malaysia. Good luck with construction, for the States have just gone into recession, and we may feel the pinch very soon.

SMART Tunnel

OK, the SMART Tunnel Project was the first of it's kind in the world, another iconic project to make our presence felt on the world stage. The smartest system on Earth, made to save KL from the next drizzle. The unique project was so big that it was featured on National Geographic. It works like this; there are 3 tiers to the tunnel, top 2 tiers are for traffic, and the bottom tier for drainage. During bad weather, the traffic tiers would be evacuated and the tunnel would be used solely for drainage, and the water (or whatever else that may flow in) will flow to a few 'holding tanks' for a while. A good design, all with the stamp of approval by the Prime Minister.

The Bakun Hydroelectric Project

Essentially, it's a big dam somewhere to filter the water and also to provide power to the population surrounding it. Sadly, it could not be built because of a few political and financial problems. It would have been great if it was built, just imagine the economic outcome it would have ushered! It was so under-publicised that I couldn't even find a logo or pictures on Google!

OK, I think I have said enough. Pak Lah has done many great things, but let's not forget the dark side of Pak Lah and his Parliament. Still, I cannot force you to vote for the parties I think are best. That is up to you, and I hope that the choice you make is the best one for both you and for the future of this beautiful, diverse and colourful nation.

Elections; What are they?

The Life & Times of My Cousins

I'll tell you straight, I come from a very dysfunctional family. My mum is a tree-hugging, grass-kissing, bus-riding fanatic, my grandma is one of those strange ahem-ahem year-olds that leave their hand-phones in the fridge for preservation, and I'm not going to start on my uncle. But, I never thought that the dysfunctionality that is so prominent in MY family would go on to wreck my adopted cousins. My prayer went un-answered.

I'll start with the most recent. My cousin, 3, (let's call him Cousin 1) went out with his family to Bangsar Village. The family consists of;

1. Bone-thin Grandmother- 1 unit
2. Mum, also bone-thin- 1 unit
3. Maid, not so thin- 1 unit.

So there's a chair next to the escalator. The maid puts Cousin 1 on the chair. So he's fooling around with the banister of the moving escalator, Mum is on the phone, maid is aiding Mum, and Grandma can't see that well. Next thing you know, he's hanging off of the escalator banister MOVING UP! Grandma is following him below saying, 'I'll catch you! I'll catch you!' (but if he DID fall off, skinny Grandma would pass on, he's so heavy) and the maid is out of the vicinity, aiding Mum at a store. A lady, bless her soul, was standing just a few steps higher on the escalator, pulling him up. He was moving up on the OUTSIDE of the escalator!

Cousin 2 has had a bad day. While Mummy & Daddy are having a meeting, she found food and wants some. Mummy & Daddy ignore her. She's a little lower that the table, so she doesn't know what's on it. She reaches up, grabs something off the table, and immediately puts it in her mouth. What she thought was small tea cakes was actually cili padi. Then comes the wailing, while Mummy washes out her mouth. Later that day, she staples her finger. Blood squirting out her nail, freaking out Grandma. Then, to cap off the day, the office TV falls on her. Falling TV's run in her family, for both her elder brothers had TV's fall on them. Poor Cousin 2, eh?

Cousin 3 is Cousin 2's elder brother, the middle child (Cousin 2 is younger). He's 7 years old. They live in a small Rumah Papan. He wants to clean his room. So he cleans it up, puts everything in a wastepaper basket. He wants to rid of the rubbish, so he sets it alight. The basket is plastic. As the flames grew, he runs outside to seek help of his older brother. He sees his elder brother playing football, forgets the fire, and plays football too. Thank goodness the maid smelt smoke and put out the fire.

Now do you understand my dysfunctional cousins? If you do, help me out because I have yet to understand their complex minds. Let's hope that this dysfuntionality doesn't pass on to their kids! That may start a war!

What?!

Culture Shock. That's what I'm going through right now. Most people go through culture shocks when they go to another country. I'm experiencing it RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. The sheer stupidity, simplicity and cunning of the system has finally hit me. And it's hit me RIGHT IN THE FACE.

Every day, the front pages of most large printing press display HINDRAF this and BERSIH that. I don't believe these newspapers anymore, because I've read a bloggers post, and I believe it. And all you readers know that I don't blog about these things, but now, I believe is the time to come out of the dark, and reveal my REAL thoughts. Please, brace yourself.

Recently, more than 20 bloggers were arrested for merely ATTENDING the BERSIH rally. Now, the BERSIH rally was about a free election, free of 'Phantom Voters'. All those there were met with tear-gas and the riot squad. TEAR GAS! TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN! WHERE'S YOUR BLOODY HUMANITY?! AND THIS IS FOR A CLEAN ELECTION! So basically, your telling me that the Police & the Government are AGAINST a CLEAN ELECTION? What is that saying?

Recently, the Human Rights Walk was stopped by Police and asked to disperse. They had permission to walk for 10 minutes. At 7 minutes, the police arrived. Now, they stopped a HUMAN RIGHTS WALK. ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS? NOW IS THAT GOOD FOR YOUR PUBLIC IMAGE?

The Government is so twisted, it's no longer funny. Your stopping people who are merely looking for a good future, AND YOU STOP THEM?! Bloody hell, do you know what that's doing to your image?

Don't be as ignorant as I. Believe me, if you start now, believe me, it won't hit you as badly as it did to me. Please, don't be ignorant. Pay attention, and do something about it. Please, DO SOMETHING NOW, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

NEWS UPDATE

Bukit Aman, KL; Jeff Ooi was brought in for questioning by the police concerning a YouTube(R) video that featured his interview with the news network, Al-Jazeera. They will be carrying on with their investigation for the next 2 months.

Out Now!

Out Now! The November-December issue of TELL MAGAZINE! Special issue on Nurin Jazlin; topic of both Round-Table and Cover Story segments! Get your copy for RM8.00 at a street corner at an undisclosed location in Bangsar this Sunday (25th Nov)! Save RM0.90! Add 10 cents to your savings and you can buy a cheap ice cream! Get one today! (TELL, not ice cream)
In-Store;

• Cover Story; NURIN Alert: How can we save a missing child?
• Issue; A Walk Justified: Lawyers take to the streets.
• Arts & Heritage; Malaysians: Looking at the diverse and exotic faces of our nation.
• Travel; Taking On Delhi: Inside the capital of India.
• Lifestyle; Oh Sweet Vintage: Retro fashionistas.
• Travel; Still Life: A journey into Hoi An city in Vietnam.

And many more in this months' issue! Get it today!

Eh? Hang on...

Recently, I met a good friend of my mum's at their office in Wangsa Maju. The friend was complaining that her car had been broken into for the second time this Ramadhan. The second was the worst, denting a RM978.00 cargo cover, (it was a Land Rover, memanglah mahal, kan?) and grabbing a fairly new DSLR camera. Ouch.
Then, I figured that, in Islam, when these things happen, we would say that the theif is inhibited by a bad spirit. But, in the fasting month of Ramadhan, all of these bad spirits are 'tied to trees, and cannot inhibit any living being'. So, why do these things happen?
These acts of crime are no longer committed by chance. Now, fancy devices are available on eBay (yes, eBay) that can sense if there is a hidden or forgotten phone, camera or laptop. This is organized, not like the Mafia, but close.
Crimes like this usually happen when the perpetrator sees an opportunity. So, when you carry a fancy sense device, you call that opportunity? The friend of my mum's went to lodge a police report, but the policeman scolded her. Quote,'Kenapa biarkan benda mahal dalam kereta? Patutlah kena pecah masuk!' So much for Mesra.
Keeping things in your car is no longer safe. You may say, 'It's my car! I'll do whatever I want with it!' but your argument will be in vain. So, look back, make sure you have all things mahal.

Please help

I read in a newspaper recently, of a missing girl, Nurin Jazlin. It was related to an article of a little girl's body found in a bag. Contacts tell me DNA tests matched the DNA of Nurin. And yet, why have Nurin's perents denied the fact that this is their missing daughter?

Some people say that they denied it because they want the money coming in from various funds to help the search of Nurin. I don't believe them. Just imagine, your a parent. You love your kid to death. You try and give the best to your kid. Then one day, she goes missing. The police believe that a body they found is hers. You then DENY that she is your own, for money. What god foresaken parent would do that?

Please, bloggers and readers of this blog, help find this missing girl. Your contribution to the search may unite a little girl to her parents. www.nurinjazlin.blogspot.com is the place to go for details. Please, do your part to help make a parent's day.

Racial Unity

The other day, I was walking around my neighbourhood with my mum, when I overheard what one mum said to her daughter. 'Jangan main dekat sana, banyak orang Cina.' No offence to those of you who are Chinese, but what I want to know is, why must we look at a different race as bad people?

This sort of racial indiscrimination is what plagues our country to this day. Our nation has been trying to combat racial indiscrimination since the day that Tunku shouted 'Merdeka!' seven times on the 31st of August, 1957. This matter was nothing serious at the time, and the government thought nothing of it, because they thought that the matter would resolve itself sooner or later. Their thoughts fell very far off course.

Today, most Malays belittle the Indian's and the Chinese. To this day, I still have no idea why they do this. Maybe because, in the days leading to our nations independence, we used to have Indian 'coolies' come to the foreign dignitaries' homes and take out their 'doo'. This is our history. If it wasn't for those 'coolies', would our nation, in all it's glory (whatever we have left, that is), be the nation we know today?

The worst type of racial belittlement is those of the Indonesians. If you look at construction sites, who are the workers? Look at your own home, who is the one you hire to do your house chores? Who are the people that come to take out the trash? Without them, what are we? We would have a dirty, smelly, under developed country. All because the Malays are to proud to do the dirty work. For god's sake, can a country progress if it's filled with accountants?!

I am not proud of our nation's history. May 13th, 'coolies', all of that sort. But we must work to achieve racial unity. 'Satu bangsa, satu negara, Bangsa Malaysia!'. With god's will, this is something we can look forward to in the future.

Have to go now, the Internet cafe's A/C is freezing my fingers off.

Is it just me?

The other day, my uncle saw a man on a motorcycle knocking the window of a vacant Perodua Kancil. When my uncle pretended to make a call to the police, the man left, and started on another car, just in eyeshot of my uncle. This time, he didn't take notice of my uncle, playing with his phone again.
It isn't just this crime that is accociated to motorcyclists today. They have earned many names, like 'Mat Rempit' and such. These rebellious acts of crime terrorise the streets of the nation. Despite expensive and extensive operations to fight these crimes, they still rage on through the night.
What JPJ is doing now is stopping the crime in action. What needs to be done is to look in to the history of these 'Mat Rempits'. It has been proven that by pshyciatrists that a troubled past can lead to an even more troubled future. We have to find a way to promote a healthy lifestyle to stop people becoming delinquents. 'But how?' isn't something i've figured out just yet.
Maybe having the same infrastructure for those living under minimum wage like in England. That is, assuming the government doesn't get anymore stingy with their funds. Or maybe have a centre to find jobs for, well, the job-less! I feel that this may help the rising motorcyclist problems. I hope someone will do something about this soon.

Why?!

Recently, I read in a newspaper that a few teachers had leaked UPSR questions to a few students. I for one, every time the teachers make predictions on questions, I ignore them. But , because it was concerning UPSR exams, I was FORCED to listen.
My teachers, on the second day of the exam, made predictions on the 3rd day's papers. I listened to the English, paper 2 (composition) predictions. They predicted, question 1, an old man selling durians, question 2, either holidays or activities (or something of that sort), and question 3 (I was practically asleep by then), was an grateful old woman (grateful for what remained unknown until the following day).
The next day, I suddenly remembered what my teachers said. When the invigilators allowed us to check the papers for any sort of printing errors, I saw the 3 questions were smack on the previous day's predictions. I thought that the teachers merely made a correct prediction. But it was roughly a week later that this was no laughing matter.
It was the reading of that article that got my heart racing. 'UPSR again?' was the first thought that passed through my mind. I didn't think much of it, and figured that the government wouldn't bother with it unless the paper companies needed more money. I went to an aunt's house later that week, (she's in main-stream media, she knows EVERYTHING) she said the 'Kementerian' will release a verdict on whether or not to re do the exams.
What I want to know is why those stupid teachers had to give away the questions. Why be so worried? You taught them to the extent you can manage (not many of them do, sadly), let the kids handle themselves! If you did good (which they obviously didn't), they'll pass with flying colours. It's when you know that you didn't do good, that's when the guilt sets in. That's when you so stupidly leak the questions.
Now, you stupid teachers, have just made the kids you gave the questions to do it again. That's fair, but what isn't is that you just forced so many INNOCENT children do it again too. You helped 30 kids, how about the rest?

UPSR Stress Syndrome anyone?

Most of you mum's and dad's probably know this , but if you don't, the 3rd, 4th and 5th of September is the official date of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah, aka UPSR. I, unlike most, feel very relaxed about this exam, and believe an uncle that quote, 'UPSR is only a very fancy name for Your Average Test, Results Of Which None Will Remember', end quote. He's quite right. In 3rd Form, does anyone even ASK you about your UPSR exam results? In fact, do you know what your UPSR (or equivalent) results were? (Zorro excused).
So, do you get my point? I think it's a good thing that the 'Kementerian' is dropping the whole UPSR thing.. or is that still being discussed? I'm not very good with details... And , seeing as it IS the first day of the UPSR, I really have to say it was MUCH easier than I expected. Which means that I spent the last few months not worrying for nothing? Jeez, talk about not being appreciated. That's it for now, i'll get back to you guys on a later date. Byez

I'm back!

As you all probably know that since Blogspot changed to Blogger (most call it a facelift, I call it botox, hehe), I lost Choc-o-blog. Two months later, I set up Choc-o-blog 2. Looks like I did this in vain. Why is Blogger doing this? Does this mean Wordpress is king?
Putting this aside, at least I have this original blog back. Thank God.

Don't Worry

Although my comment section demands your real name, don't pay any attention to it. I've tried to get rid of it, but I don't know how. Just post your comments and then you can read the rest. By the way, how do you put in a hit counter?

Love,
Choco

Long Live Music

Okay, I am a bit young to listen to La Negra Tomasa, by Chucho Valdes, but i like the purity of Latino jazz. Although 'Best Latin Jazz Album' didn't come out in this years AIM awards ceremony, it was still a pretty good show.

Back to the point, why is music so great? It calms some, get adrenaline and endorphins pumping in another, and puts a restless baby to bed. Is that guy playing the piano or your mum singing your favourite lullaby (tunelessly) some sort of magician?

But I guess that maybe music is just one of the things we're not meant to understand. Maybe it's one of those things that your addicted to but you don't know why. Maybe God put it there so that we'll always have something to do.

We'll never understand music. All we can do is embrace it with all your heart. Whatever it is, it's just so good. Long live la musica.

Leprechaun Jokes

J1: Why do you never borrow money from a leprechaun?
A1: Because they're always a little short.
J2: You heard of the little green guy that went to jail?
A2: Yeah, he was a lepre-con.
J3: Do you know why leprechauns make good privates?
A3: Because their so green, they don't need camoflauge.

Money not so well spent

We all know the bitterness that was felt when RapidKL's new disabled friendly buses failed the wheel chair test recently. I bet that if you go to the bus manufacturer's web site, it'll show that the price of these so called 'wheel chair friendly' buses cost a small fortune each. And since i ride RapidKL buses almost daily, I've seen at least 30- 40 buses on the Federal Highway alone!! That's nearly RM3,000,000 spent on things that don't work properly! I figure that the height of the curb in the manufacturer's native country is much higher than it is here, causing the ramp to be steeper than expected. Well, good try anyways.

LONG LIVE RAPIDKL

No Change

A man was at a supermarket checkout. The total was $19.06, so he handed the checkout girl a twenty dollar bill. As she looked at the change due, she asked the man, "Do you have 6 cents, sir?" In reply, he said, "No, sorry, I have no cents." As she continued to pack his purchases into a paper bag, without looking up, she said, "Finnaly, a man who is not afraid to say it."