Today is Merdeka day. But it doesn't feel or look like the usual merdeka day. I am so sad over what is happening. It feels like I am losing this place I call home. I am overwhelmed by the hopelessness of the situation. This feels really bad.
It gets worst because the vote I casted on March 8 contributed to this chaos. I thought my vote was a 'smart' one. I truly believed my country would benefit from a strong opposition. So did many other 'smart' ones. Government lost the two third majority. The opposition quickly seized the opportunity and formed a loose coalition which gave them an unprecedented advantage which saw them taking over five states.
The government gets weaker with the global fuel and food crises. Coupled with a prevailing corruption, nepotism and cronyism isues; the Malay Muslim led government is challenged along the line of racial discrimination. What the country had achieved the past 51 years is now deemed null and void. It came down to nothing. The opposition is saying that the Malay Muslim led ruling party has plundered the country's wealth at the expense of other races which made up 40% population of this once beautiful country.
Things are ugly now and could get even uglier when the once DPM who was jailed for power abuse [with an allegation of sodomy which is a crime in this country] returned to parliament as the opposition leader through a by-election forced by his wife's [who was the MP for the constituency] resignation in order to give way to him.
What I am against is the idea of the power seize put forth by the opposition. Whatever the shortcomings are for the democracy that has been practiced in this country, the ruling party WON the last general election 140 to 80. It is undemocratic to get MPs to cross over. The people had cast their votes and given their mandates. True the country is in grave need of reformation but the people has 'spoken'. They chose 140 MPs from the ruling party and 80 from the oppossition.
The opposition has never had it this good before. Their voices a louder now. They could provide a very effective check and balance.
But no ... they have to rule the country and it has to be now.
In the face of two global crises, the opposition is mocking the spirit of democracy and political ethics.
What a cheap skate.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ayong's Convo
Saturday 23rd August 2008, Ayong had her convocation. She had been planning for the event for months. I am proud to note that she somehow made her grandparents' presence on the day as the most important thing for her. Her grandfather had been unwell and turned depressed. She bought special matching batik dress for the grandparents and talked her uncle into closing his food stall for the day. Bullied her brother into getting new shirt and pants and made him miss one class.
I had to take the grand
parents home in the afternoon. Her grand
father was getting very tired. Ayong planned to spend the next TWO days taking photographs with her friends. I took the grandparents home. The old man was excited and talked about it the whole journey home. I was glad that his depression was lifted.
On Monday, very early in the morning I had to go to the hospital for a fasting blood test. Ayong called from KL asking me to take leave from work to go for a studio photograph session at the university. I took a bus to KL and she had her brother picked me up from the bus station in Titiwangsa. She was so happy. She had been to see her father and took a studio photo with him and his family. So she wanted a studio photo with me and her brother. It takes two weeks to be ready.
In the meantime I am posting this photo taken on that second day at the campus.
Here's one with her obliging brother. Both of them really made me happy. Her brother went to all the troubles just to make sure Ayong had a perfect convocation.
She even made me brought over her brother's leather shoes on the first day but through all the commotion, her brother forgot to take it out of the car and here he is with his casual shoes. He borrowed the jacket and tie ... just to oblige his sister's wish.
I thank God for them everyday.
Here's Ayong doing the customary graduating act with her close friends. She missed the one with her classmates on the first day ... she had to look for me and her grandmother who were LOST coming out of the main hall after the ceremony.
Looking at the smiles on the girls faces, what more could a mother ask for?
* ********** MY JEWEL *********
*** Here's wishing you all the best my love!!!
I had to take the grand
parents home in the afternoon. Her grand
father was getting very tired. Ayong planned to spend the next TWO days taking photographs with her friends. I took the grandparents home. The old man was excited and talked about it the whole journey home. I was glad that his depression was lifted.
On Monday, very early in the morning I had to go to the hospital for a fasting blood test. Ayong called from KL asking me to take leave from work to go for a studio photograph session at the university. I took a bus to KL and she had her brother picked me up from the bus station in Titiwangsa. She was so happy. She had been to see her father and took a studio photo with him and his family. So she wanted a studio photo with me and her brother. It takes two weeks to be ready.
In the meantime I am posting this photo taken on that second day at the campus.
Here's one with her obliging brother. Both of them really made me happy. Her brother went to all the troubles just to make sure Ayong had a perfect convocation.She even made me brought over her brother's leather shoes on the first day but through all the commotion, her brother forgot to take it out of the car and here he is with his casual shoes. He borrowed the jacket and tie ... just to oblige his sister's wish.
I thank God for them everyday.
Here's Ayong doing the customary graduating act with her close friends. She missed the one with her classmates on the first day ... she had to look for me and her grandmother who were LOST coming out of the main hall after the ceremony.
Looking at the smiles on the girls faces, what more could a mother ask for?
* ********** MY JEWEL ************ Here's wishing you all the best my love!!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Napoleon Syndrome@ Short man Syndrome
It was rather late when I took my car to the wash. Need to shine up the old hero for tomorrow's BIGGG event. He he he!
As I came out of the car, a small fierce looking dog came running. I have no idea what breed of a dog it was. Looks like a dachshund but most probably not a throughbred ... anyway am not familiar with dog breed.
It didn't bark. More like showing itself to the visitors [read: customers] then it retreated under a car.
Somehow, I related the dog's behaviour to someone I know in cyber. A fellow alumnus whom I perceived as very arrogant to the point of being rude. He is very much my junior and we actually started out cordially. In fact for a few months we chatted regularly on internet.
He is a regular contributor to our alumni yahoo group. For a brief period, I was made a moderator for the said e-group. He is very patronizing and tend to look down on others' opinion on almost every issue ... religous especially.
Wikipedia gave this definition:-
Napoleon complex is a colloquial term describing an alleged type of inferiority complex which is said to affect some people who are physically short. The term is also used more generally to describe people who are driven by a perceived handicap to overcompensate in other aspects of their lives. This term is also known as Napoleon syndrome,[1] Short Man syndrome,[2] and Small Man syndrome.
As I came out of the car, a small fierce looking dog came running. I have no idea what breed of a dog it was. Looks like a dachshund but most probably not a throughbred ... anyway am not familiar with dog breed.
It didn't bark. More like showing itself to the visitors [read: customers] then it retreated under a car.
Somehow, I related the dog's behaviour to someone I know in cyber. A fellow alumnus whom I perceived as very arrogant to the point of being rude. He is very much my junior and we actually started out cordially. In fact for a few months we chatted regularly on internet.
He is a regular contributor to our alumni yahoo group. For a brief period, I was made a moderator for the said e-group. He is very patronizing and tend to look down on others' opinion on almost every issue ... religous especially.
Wikipedia gave this definition:-
Napoleon complex is a colloquial term describing an alleged type of inferiority complex which is said to affect some people who are physically short. The term is also used more generally to describe people who are driven by a perceived handicap to overcompensate in other aspects of their lives. This term is also known as Napoleon syndrome,[1] Short Man syndrome,[2] and Small Man syndrome.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ayong's Mortar
Tomorrow Ayong is going to have her convocation. She wanted her grandfather and grandmother to be her guests of honour. I am delegated the task of chauffeuring the guests of honour to the ceremony.
We have to be in the hall at 8.00 am. If we are to make it to on time, we have to arrive at the university before eight just to ensure a parking spot. Otherwise, this old chauffeur might not be able to make it to the hall on time.
It is a bliss to see Ayong so excited about her convocation. She went looking for special batik material for her dress to be worn tomorrow long before she graduated. She dragged me to Central Market thinking she could find good batik material there.
Quietly, I asked my Ganuese and Kelantanese friends to get hold of some batik with the latest design and colour from the two batik producing states. They brought back few nice pieces and Ayong was so happy to get her choice of batik. The material was duly sent to the tailor. She allocated a large chunk of her first salary on matching head cover and shoes and also dress and shirt for her guests of honour.
She was complaining that UIA's graduating attire does not come with a mortar. She was thinking of getting her own ... by hook or by crook!
Just her luck, UIA decided to change the colour of their robes and throwing in a mortar as well. Ayong got her wish. I can't thank God enough for this slip of good fortune. Last week she went to get the robe and she had a whale of time posing in it even before she reach home. That's my girl!!!
Most importantly, deep down inside I know she has made her grandparents very proud and happy.
I am.
We have to be in the hall at 8.00 am. If we are to make it to on time, we have to arrive at the university before eight just to ensure a parking spot. Otherwise, this old chauffeur might not be able to make it to the hall on time.
It is a bliss to see Ayong so excited about her convocation. She went looking for special batik material for her dress to be worn tomorrow long before she graduated. She dragged me to Central Market thinking she could find good batik material there.
Quietly, I asked my Ganuese and Kelantanese friends to get hold of some batik with the latest design and colour from the two batik producing states. They brought back few nice pieces and Ayong was so happy to get her choice of batik. The material was duly sent to the tailor. She allocated a large chunk of her first salary on matching head cover and shoes and also dress and shirt for her guests of honour.
She was complaining that UIA's graduating attire does not come with a mortar. She was thinking of getting her own ... by hook or by crook!
Just her luck, UIA decided to change the colour of their robes and throwing in a mortar as well. Ayong got her wish. I can't thank God enough for this slip of good fortune. Last week she went to get the robe and she had a whale of time posing in it even before she reach home. That's my girl!!!
Most importantly, deep down inside I know she has made her grandparents very proud and happy.
I am.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Walking Legend
Beijing Olympics 2008 opening ceremony on 8.8.08 was hailed as the best and most colourful in the history of Olympics.
In the face of natural disaster that hit China one after the other, Chinese still managed to come up with their best show. Their athletes are just as incredible. I won't be surprised to see Chinese swimmers taking over from Phelps in the next Olympics.
But then, 8.8.08 being an auspicious date for the Chinese, little wonder they are doing so well [take that with a lot of salt, please!!!]
On home front, a local daily ran an article about Malaysian walking legend Khoo Chong Beng who will serve as the assistant chief judge or Executioner for the walking events at the Beijing Olympics today.
For Khoo, the winner of four gold medals in the SEA Games series and bronze medalist at the 1978 Asian Games, this will be his second appearance at the Olympics. His first was as a participant at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Taking part in the 20km walk, Khoo finished 32nd in a field of 48 participants.
In the 70's, the 'in' thing was to have pop stars or movie/tv stars as pin ups. My friends put up posters of Shaun Cassidy, Lee Majors, Farah Fawcett, Starsky and Hutch, Kiss and Santana among others [couldn't recall now ... hmmm]. I couldn't remember any sports stars being a pin up.
Apart from occasional newsprint posters of Patrick Duffy The Man From Atlantis [he was better known as one of the Ewing brothers on Dallas], I put up pictures of Khoo Chong Beng to adorn my locker and files [BESIDES Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia of Bobby - I was an ardent hindi movie fan. I grew up on estate where we had free movie every weekend ... mostly, Tamil and Hindi movies].
I am wondering now why did I choose to idolise Khoo Chong Beng. At 15, I couldn't have appreciated his achievements in sports. Anyway, his choice of sports was little known unlike badminton or football.
I guess I must have fallen for him because of his hair [same hair style as Patrick Duffy]. Ha ha ha.
What do you know ... At 60 he still looks dashing! Nicer hair cut too.
In the face of natural disaster that hit China one after the other, Chinese still managed to come up with their best show. Their athletes are just as incredible. I won't be surprised to see Chinese swimmers taking over from Phelps in the next Olympics.
But then, 8.8.08 being an auspicious date for the Chinese, little wonder they are doing so well [take that with a lot of salt, please!!!]
On home front, a local daily ran an article about Malaysian walking legend Khoo Chong Beng who will serve as the assistant chief judge or Executioner for the walking events at the Beijing Olympics today.
For Khoo, the winner of four gold medals in the SEA Games series and bronze medalist at the 1978 Asian Games, this will be his second appearance at the Olympics. His first was as a participant at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Taking part in the 20km walk, Khoo finished 32nd in a field of 48 participants.
In the 70's, the 'in' thing was to have pop stars or movie/tv stars as pin ups. My friends put up posters of Shaun Cassidy, Lee Majors, Farah Fawcett, Starsky and Hutch, Kiss and Santana among others [couldn't recall now ... hmmm]. I couldn't remember any sports stars being a pin up.
Apart from occasional newsprint posters of Patrick Duffy The Man From Atlantis [he was better known as one of the Ewing brothers on Dallas], I put up pictures of Khoo Chong Beng to adorn my locker and files [BESIDES Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia of Bobby - I was an ardent hindi movie fan. I grew up on estate where we had free movie every weekend ... mostly, Tamil and Hindi movies].
I am wondering now why did I choose to idolise Khoo Chong Beng. At 15, I couldn't have appreciated his achievements in sports. Anyway, his choice of sports was little known unlike badminton or football.
I guess I must have fallen for him because of his hair [same hair style as Patrick Duffy]. Ha ha ha.
What do you know ... At 60 he still looks dashing! Nicer hair cut too.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ode to brave women
This is a story of a friend.
A very good friend.
When her husband got himself another woman, she left.
She has children and the husband never tried to gain custody of them nor bothered with child support.
She made a life for herself and her children. Feed them, clothe them, educate them until finally the first child graduated and started working.
She was on cloud nine. She was hoping that her first born would be able to live a life she didn't get to live.
With her meagre income, she couldn't afford to provide much to ease her first born in establishing the first step into an entirely different world. The world of a young working adult. A yuppy world.
She went as far as taking out a loan to help her child rent her own place, buy her bed and other basic necessities including transport.
The loan was not a gift. She was much too poor to afford such luxury. She was just a proxy and the arrangement was for the child to take care of it as soon as possible which would take three months at the very least.
Before second month passed, the child got a call from the father. The father wanted the child to be the proxy for him to get a car loan. The father was blacklisted long ago.
My friend was sad by the turn of the event. The child was confused.
How very selfish of the father. By asking the child to be the proxy for his car loan, he is denying the child of the chance to be in control of her financial, her plan, her life.
No doubt he will be paying the monthly installments, but the mere fact that the child is taking out the loan for him [ten years duration] is going to have serious implication on her financial standing. She should be thinking of investing in a house or doing other things such as furthering her studies. Children should have the freedom to plan for their own life, not tied up to their parents' financial commitment.
I must salute my very good friend.
She calmly and quietly gave her piece of mind directly to her ex husband.
The child was very humbled by her mother's courage and all the good values she instilled in her.
My very good friend was proud to know that despite her bitterness towards her broken marriage, her child was able to understand the right values in life.
I know so because I was there with her when she was going through it all.
A very good friend.
When her husband got himself another woman, she left.
She has children and the husband never tried to gain custody of them nor bothered with child support.
She made a life for herself and her children. Feed them, clothe them, educate them until finally the first child graduated and started working.
She was on cloud nine. She was hoping that her first born would be able to live a life she didn't get to live.
With her meagre income, she couldn't afford to provide much to ease her first born in establishing the first step into an entirely different world. The world of a young working adult. A yuppy world.
She went as far as taking out a loan to help her child rent her own place, buy her bed and other basic necessities including transport.
The loan was not a gift. She was much too poor to afford such luxury. She was just a proxy and the arrangement was for the child to take care of it as soon as possible which would take three months at the very least.
Before second month passed, the child got a call from the father. The father wanted the child to be the proxy for him to get a car loan. The father was blacklisted long ago.
My friend was sad by the turn of the event. The child was confused.
How very selfish of the father. By asking the child to be the proxy for his car loan, he is denying the child of the chance to be in control of her financial, her plan, her life.
No doubt he will be paying the monthly installments, but the mere fact that the child is taking out the loan for him [ten years duration] is going to have serious implication on her financial standing. She should be thinking of investing in a house or doing other things such as furthering her studies. Children should have the freedom to plan for their own life, not tied up to their parents' financial commitment.
I must salute my very good friend.
She calmly and quietly gave her piece of mind directly to her ex husband.
The child was very humbled by her mother's courage and all the good values she instilled in her.
My very good friend was proud to know that despite her bitterness towards her broken marriage, her child was able to understand the right values in life.
I know so because I was there with her when she was going through it all.
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