"There Are Ways To Be Good"

Man bag

2011-01-31T23:15:00.015+08:00

Hugo Boss Havana Canvas Messenger

Not bad for a bag from Boss, I would have expected it to go for at least twice as much. The bag offers a sleek, sophisticated everyday style that I really see myself sporting every day. The flap over the front covers two large pouch pockets with magnetic snap closures while the flat pocket on the back is perfect for magazines or papers.

Paul Smith Mini Car Billfold

I love the Paul Smith Mini Car Billfold because it is all work on the outside with black leather, and all play on the inside with the striped Mini Copper image. Different than anything you would see, the inside will be great for the inner boy inside your man (come on, they all still have it) and still has a folded bill pocket, two slot pockets, and eight card slots. Measurements are 4.25″ x 3.7″ x 0.7″ and this wallet is perfect for the guy who loves car.

I Survived !!! Now Where Is My Tooth Fairy ??

2010-01-18T23:45:00.001+08:00

After 4 pain killers dated some time last year, 15 paracetamols, and all kind of medicine ever invented weather traditional or modern, finally I survived 4 days of tortured of tooth ache misery.

Damn. Only God know how pain it was. I cant do work, I cant eat, I cant even talk and I would be lie if I say last night I had a sweet moment watching Jesicca Alba on "Guru pitka" like what I always feel when ever I saw her on TV.

It was all started last Saturday night when I felt something was slightly not right. The food that i chewed was slightly hard and it was a sign of something stuck in between my teeth. I quickly ran to the mirror and check inside my mouth. Yes ,there was a small piece food in my black hole. I started feel the pain. I grab Shaq tooth pick and try to pick it up. Damn .. After 2 years seeing dentist, that Saturday night was the first time I felt what people call as tooth ache!

After finishing my food, I brushed my teeth and the pain getting worst. I pick up the phone and call Soo Jin asking for Pristine Dental number. According to him, Dr Shanti no longer working there. argh... Now where is my tooth fairy gone.

Sunday - Shaq have to work for 24 hours which meant I have to be at home alone. That night in KLCC the pain were getting worst and worst. Early in the morning I told Graham that I might not be coming on Monday. After Arranging my replacement with Ee Vern, I drove to Guardian pharmacy to look for pain killers. Damn! There was no pharmacist on Sunday. Hello !People get sick everyday. Why Sunday is so special until all pharmacist doesn't need to go to work on that day?

I called Shaq who was at work. God was so fair to me. And Thanks to God for giving me such a best friend. Shaq called Nizam who drove all the way from Mont Kiara to my place just to send 8 pieces of pain killers to me. Nizam offered to send me to dentist, and I refused. I just need to find my tooth fairy.

Sajak " Aku Mampu"

2010-01-16T01:48:00.003+08:00

Sesungguhnya...

Aku mampu berjalan..

Aku tak perlu tongkat mu...

Dan jika, tongkat itu buat aku lalai dan leka...

Pada mereka yang terus berlari pantas...

Dan jika , tongkat itu adalah fitnah dan omongan dusta mu...

Yang menyakit mata dan memekak telinga...

Dan jika , tongkat itu dipasang padaku dengan untuk balasan...

Yang terus pincangkan semua saudara sedarah ku..

Maka...

Cabutlah tongkat itu...

Aku mahu berlari pantas seperti mereka..

Sesungguhnya, Aku mampu.

- Johan 2010

"Allah" Issue...... Sigh..............

2010-01-13T01:30:00.003+08:00

As some one says, Islam is not belong to a country as such it cannot be compared between 2 different country that we are living. The teaching of Islam is complete. Nevertheless, some people took advantage of it it without knowing the basic understanding of the faith. Prophets Muhammad once said, there will be many groups of people trying defending and spreading Islam in their own ways and their own interpretation, bun only one is right and get into heaven.

"Allah" had been used by many Christians in Malaysia since before the country was formed. In Malay bible which was largely imported from Indonesia in early 1940's, the term "Allah" was used to describe the almighty God. Today, Muslims easily feel insecure due to stigmatization by others. Muslims in Malaysia will do what ever it takes to defend their faith. Many Muslims were wondering, why only now Herlard news paper take legality of the word "Allah" to be used in their publication. Why not before? Some of us were also asking, what is their motives? Why only now when Islam in the whole world was labeled terrorist, the publication take legal action on it? ...

The government should play very important role in explaining to many Muslims in Malaysia on the court decision.The government is responsible to explain to Muslims why the verdicts is valid due to Malaysian law. Not burning up the issues until bringing the matters up to Sultans. On the other hands non believers should also be aware on how 'holly' the term to Muslims.

I believe, some of non believers doesn't aware that even a Muslims cant simply write the word "Allah" on a piece of paper and put it anywhere they want. If the term, is in their pocket in any form, they cant even get into toilet with it. Non believers just doesn't aware of it. Why ?... well.. we are a product of "Masyarakat Majmuk". You- You, I-I. No wonders after more than 50 years of staying together, we still can see the cow head incidents, burning churches incidents, etc... When damaged has already been done, only we realized the inter-faith councils is vitals. By then, it was already too late.

With regards to 1 Malaysia, well, I would say, the program is a piece of crap. I do not think 1 Malaysia carry the meaning of "1 religion".But if it is 1 bahasa, 1 bangsa, then Ill go with it. It is nice to see in Indonesia and Thailand where people speak in Bahasa Indonesia and Thai and they are proud to call them selves Bangsa Indonesia and Thais!. But for it to be happen in Malaysia, it may takes another donkeys years especially when UMNO is still on top.

Well, I don't like what is going on in the country. Really. I hate it when some one use religion for the sake of them selves. We are totally lack of understanding among races, and because of that, we lost something vitals - RESPECT!

Well, Allah knows best. May He bless those who read and THINK!

Malaysia and 2010

2010-01-09T02:14:00.003+08:00

For the first time in my life, I celebrate new year of 2010 with a mix feeling of my country. So i decided not to make any new resolution for me self like what I did each new year, instead I will pray for better Malaysia.

Bottom on my heart, I keep telling my self not to give up yet. sigh..........

Do You Like The Idea .......??

2009-12-19T19:17:00.004+08:00

Climate change will change our life on Earth,

will affect all nations,

all plants, all animals, all humans, all living beings on Earth

Climate change is causing a change in wildlife

and reduces the habitat of the Condor.

The outcome of Climate change is:

Humans will payhigher prices for food.

Not all humans can afford that.

Our children will live in an environment that much more violent withless drinking water.

More storms.

More floods.

More earth quakes.

Rising sea levels.

More illegal immigrants.

More starving humans.

Billions will have to leave their homes

because oceans will coverpart of their home land

Do you like the idea?

If not - take action!

Enjoy Your Life

2009-11-02T01:42:00.002+08:00

Enjoy your life with all of your soul
Before you know it, you will be old
Love your family and your friends
Life is too short, so make your amends

Never let the sun go down on your wrath
Lest a cup of bitterness sprouts in your path
That seed you've sown, will surely come up
You don't want to drink from that nasty cup

Love never fails, or so they tell me
So I try to plant what I want to see
Love, peace, and joy are great I have found
So I'll sow these seeds upon my heart's ground

Addicted To Wars 2

2009-10-16T20:27:00.005+08:00

Lately I have been addicted to the brand new wars. Mafia wars have been introduced by Zynga not long time ago as one of game in Facebook, MySpace , tagged and Yahoo. Actually Mafia Wars are not new, only that , I dint really care about it existence on my facebook account until I open up a new account on tagged.

Mafia wars is set in New York City and Little Italy with an option for the players to travels between Cuba and new York once they reach level 35 and Moscow once they reach level 70. The games revolves around doing job in order to earn cash, and eventually establishing and advancing one criminal's empires. Players creates mafia by recruiting players and using reward points to hire extra mafia members. Players can also improve their stats by visiting Godfather or making a micro payment.

Game play revolves around timers; players have limited energy (for doing job), health and stamina meters (for fighting other players), in a similar manner of an RPG game, which slowly recharges over time. By using extra mafia members whom that they have recruited, players can actually fight other mafia, which usually result in a theft of cash. The game operated on a level up basis. The players earn experience by completing jobs. Players who are able to complete special task, win achievement. As the level up, more jobs and features become available, such as robbing another mafia and visiting Cuba for expending the criminals empires.

Since september 2009, there is new city, Moscow being introduced in facebook and myspace. Once players reach level 70, they have access to Moscow. Two upcoming region are , Western United State and Asia. But their release dates have not been announce.

Bali Day 4 - Uluwatu, Sanur & Kuta Night Life.

2009-07-14T02:08:00.000+08:00

Tired from last night long jurney back from Singaraja, we only woke up at almost 1 pm.

(Locals fishing by the beaches)

After had quick brunch, we are heading to Jimbaran public beaches. After a while, we continue driving down south to Uluwatu to see the popular spot for surfer and take some more exotic picture to nice beaches that we Malaysia lack of. Uluwatu is located on the west coast , south of Jimbaran. From Kuta, it took us almost 2 hours to reach this place. Including the chaotic traffic in Denpasar and we took wrong direction 4 times. Thanks to Roland for being so "considerate" by telling us, no map needed while we are in Bali.

(Uluwatu beach view from top)

Uluwatu beach is superb. After parked our car, we walk down the hill through a concrete path. Yes we saw lots of monkeys, so I decided to keep my sunglasses off and put my camera in the bag. Just for precaution.

(White sandy beaches and clear water at Uluwatu beach)

Almost 6 pm Yusri seems not satisfied with the Kecak dance that we saw 2 night ago. So we decided to drive up north to Sanur to the paddy field village and watch the dance one more time. This time, we really get the feeling. Without any musical instrument through out the performance, just the voices of more than hundreds man saying "chak chak chak" made my warm night turn cold and as of sudden we had a goose bump. Yusri and I look at each other without words.

(Kecak dance performance at Sanur village)

We left Sanur at 8 pm. Hoping to catch real nightg scene in Kuta before we fly back tomorrow morning.

Bali Day 3 - Crazy Day

2009-07-13T00:18:00.002+08:00

Tuesday morning , I woke up with whole body pain . Thanks to the most dedicated person for pursuing the highest quality and craftsmanship in brewing - Heineken Pilsener. My Tuesday morning was welcomed with an argument between Yusri and Roland. Yusri want to go to Tanah Lot while Roland want to stay in the city to make sure that we can catch the Bali night scene. I on the other hand struggling at my best to keep both eyes open.

(Some of the souvenirs that can be found outside Tanah Lot Temple)

Tanah Lot. That was the place we had our lunch that day. Tanah Lot, one of the most popular places of interest in Bali, is located on the coast of West Bali, at the village of Beraban in the Tabanan Regency. It is also called Tanah Let which means ancient land and also Tanah Lod, which means the land to the south. The temple Pura Tanah Lot, simple in its construction, is dramatic in its ocean-front location and is one of the main temples in the worship of Balinese gods.

(Pura Tanah Lot on low tide)

The temple itself is built on a small promontory which is only accessible at low tide.
During high water the rock takes on the appearance of a large boat at sea, such is its shape. Poisonous snakes live in the nearby caves to 'guard' the temple and contribute to the temple's dangerous reputation. I do not know about this until we left Tanah Lot for some local food nearby. If I do, I swore that I wont be sitting at the caves entrance taking some pictures while Roland asking for blessing from the priest.

Looking at the Pura Tanah Lot Temple, I know sunset is the best time to visit Tanah lot, when the golden red skies frame the temple and waves crash into the rocks. But too bad, my stomach start playing Shakespeare's and we quickly get into the car to get filled.

(Locals in Mengwi telling us the deriction to Lake Bratan)

From Tanah Lot, we were heading west to Mengwi. From Mengwi, we drive nothern up hill to Lake Bratan. The jurney was amazing as we passed hectres of paddy field, drive up hill on dead snake's like road.

(A guy fishing from the small boat at the side of Lake Bratan)

We stopped at Lake Bratan the big lake that fills an ancient volcanic crater and its water is said to be holy. You will notice that the air is cooler here than in the south of Bali and the sky is mostly clouded and the light is very gentle and soft. After taking few pictures and releaze our self, we quickly jump into the car heading further up north to Gigit water fall.

(Lake Bratan covered on haze)

We reach Gigit at almost 7 pm. Most shop here were closed by the time we parked our car. Since we are already here, and it took us extra precaution drive up the hill, we wont waste our time to walk down the path heading to the water fall. While walking down the hill, we were greated by 2 little girls selling bangles and necklace beads for 1000 rupiah. They just wont stop begging you until you poke rupiah for them. We reached the water fall at almost dark, the water is damn cold and we decided to headed down to northen town of Singaraja.

(Gigit water Fall)

Singaraja can be said the only muslim most populous town in Bali. It can be seen as everywhere in the city, it is not difficult to find a muslim restaurant and cart selling food. After fill up our stomach with bakso, we decided to head back to denpasar by taking another road. The road staright to Kintamani, the highest populated town in Bali.

It is really dark , and the jurney to top of Kintamani is almost like a trip to no where. With small road infront of us, nothing came on our sight except trees and bushes. Yusri on the front seat already slept while I keep forcing my self to be alert of surrounding.

Our car were greated by few strays dogs lying on the road of Kintamani. Yes, Kintamani was death when when we reached. Time is almost mid night. All shops were closed. Looking at the map, I quickly realized we are not even 1 third of our jurney back to Nusa Dua. We park our car infront of Kintamani army camp. Kintamani is one of 5 live volcanoes in Bali other than mount Agung and Mount Batur. Literally a volcano within a volcano, visitors can drive along the rim of a 8km wide caldera while looking across the still active Mt. Batur still spouting lava and slowly building new height. But too bad, we can't wait too long in Kintamani, we headed down to Gianyar before heading straight to the highway back to Denpasar.

We reached Denpasar at almost 4 am. Reach hotel, I headed to my room to end my chotic day.

Bali Day 2 - Kecak Dance

2009-07-12T19:08:00.001+08:00

I was so tired last night. Roland and Yusri only reached Denpasar about half past nine. After rent a car for 4 days at the airport, we drive straight to Kuta town - Surveying night life. We settled into Legian express in Legian street , Kuta. The lodge is superb. Only 30 USD / night after we told them that we are from Malaysia (normal price is 50 USD/night).

After few pint of beer, I slept while Yusri and Roland went out to club.

I woke up at 10.30 am on the second day. Get some smoke and woke them up. We had breakfast in the hotel. Roland was half death while sipping his cup of coffee.

(A cottage that cost us USD30/ night)

Time is 12pm. To get them ready is just like to wait for a delayed flight. Confirm but slow. After discussion, we decided to visit the biggest hyper market in Bali. Guess what?.. It is Carrefour. WTF, I cant imagine, If anything happened at home and I was needed to go back to KL, the only place in Bali that I visited is the Ngurah Rai Airport and CarreFour.

We had our lunch there. Yusri and Roland were still tired after last night boozzed. I drove them to Nusa Dua. Looking for hotel to settle in on the second night.

After check in , we decided to look for Kecak Dance performance. We drove straight to Garuna Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Nusa Dua. Kecak dance is a form of Balinese music drama originated in the 1930s and is performed primarily by men. Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant the piece, performed by a circle of 100 or more performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting "chak" and throwing up their arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana where monkey-like Venara help Prince Rama fight againts the evil king Ravana.

(Group of man chanting "Chak Chak Chak" through out the show)

What makes the Kecak special is that the accompanying music is provided by the human voice, the gamelan , a choir of a hundred men or more sitting in concentric circles, swaying, standing up, lying prone as the story develops.Amongst the swaying masses the voices of the storytellers can be heard telling the unfolding tale.

(White mascot representing good spirit)

The story is a fragment from the Ramayana, the Hindu epic which finds its expression in many forms, not only in dance, but also in painting and carving. Prince Rama, heir to the throne of the kingdom of Ayodya, and his wife Sita have been banished from the kingdom by King Dasarata as a result of trickery by Rama’s stepmother. The story begins with the arrival of Rama and Sita accompanied by Rama’s brother Laksmana in the forest of Dandaka.

The trio have been observed by the demon Rahwana, King of Alengka, who lusts after the beautiful Sita. Rahwana sends his prime minister Marica to try and isolate Sita so that Rahwana can kidnap her. Marica's magical powers turn him into a golden deer and he enters the forest and when the Sita sees the golden deer she is so enchanted by it that she asks Rama to capture it for her. Rama chases after the deer leaving his brother Laksamana behind with strict instuction to protec Sita. When Sita thinks she hears a cry for help from Rama she forces Laksamana to go after Rama by accusing him of cowardice and he goes off to help Rama with great reluctance after drawing a magic circle on the ground and telling Sita the she should not under any circumstance step out side the circle .

(A black mascot to represent evil spirit)

Sita, left alone in the forest becomes an easy prey to the trickery of Rahwana who has disguised himself has an old periest and bags Sita for some food as he is cold and hungry. Sita falls for for his trick, she steps outside the circle to give the old priest some food and rahwana grabs her and takes her to his palace.Once back in his palace in Alengka, Rahwana tries everything he can to seduce Sita without any luck.

(Rahmana enter the stage)

In the palace of Alengka, Sita pours out her heart about her cruel fate to Rahwana's niece Trijata, when Hanoman appears telling her that hi is Rama's envoy and proving it by showing her Rama's ring. Sita gives Hanoman a hairpin to show she is still alive and sand him back to Rama with a massage to come to her rescue.

In the meantime Rama and Laksamana accompanied by Tualen are wandering in the forest looking for Sita when Meganada, Rahwana's son, appeares and engages Rama and Laksamana in Battle. Meganada uses his magic powers and shoots of an arrow which magically turns in to a dragon which overpowers Rama and Laksamana and they are trussed up in ropes.

(Sugriwa King of the Monkeys rescuing Sita)

The bird Garuda, King of all the bird, a good friend of King Dasarata, has observed trouble Rama is in from high up in the sky and comes to the rescue freeing the brothers from the ropes. Rama and Laksamana continue on their way to rescue Sita and are joined by Sugriwa, king of the monkeyes, and his monkeys army.

(The Actor on fire demonstration after the show)

This fragmen of the Ramayana come to an end with the bittle between Sugriwa and his Monkeys Army and Meganada and his Demon Army which ends with the defeat of Meganada.

(Roland with the the actors)

At almost 10 pm , we left Garuna Wisnu Kencana Cultural park to get back to the hotel.

Bali Day 1 - Stranded And Alone

2009-07-11T17:50:00.000+08:00

I reach LCCT with my friend Yusri 2 hours before the flight depart. I felt a bit tired as the night before I had a "rough & great" night with Shaq. Yusri and I went straight to the departure hall and check in our self. Time is 9.30 am, we look at each other expecting some answer. Where is Roland? He is a another friend of us, a "sifu" as we call him. He thought us a lots on photography.

30 minutes later, we saw Roland walking towards us with a huge luggage. I asked him, why the luggage is too big. Without looking at me, he replied, " I had millions of rupiah, so huge and empty luggage is useful"

(Roland and I having breakfast in LCCT)

While waiting for our flight, we went out for breakfast. We talked about the places that we might visit in Bali. Roland was there before, so Yusri and I just listen to his story.Another 30 minutes to go, we get into departure hall. Since I had a special entrance ticket where I don't have to ques up and fighting for better seat inside the plane,so I excuse my self and told them not to shop too long in duty free shop. Inside the new airbus A320, I straight away find my seat, fasten the sit belt and sleep.

Turbulence. I really hate it. And many thanks to air-crash investigation that really made me uneasy through out the flight. We are at 30000 feet above the sea level and I felt hungry. So I decided to look for Yusri at the rear side of the aircraft. From my seat, I start to scan people, one by one. Not many but I just couldn't find him. Wait the minutes. I scan again. Fuck. where the hell is he? I look for Roland, same. OMG.

Reach Denpasar, after came out from the airport I went straight to telephone shop, looking for local sim card and called them. Yes, they missed the flight. F@$%$##&$!!!!!!

"Where the fuck are you?"

"Sorry joe, we missed the flight"

"WTF.... #%*7y469^%$^%&(*("

"No worries Joe, We will buy new ticket, just wait for us in the airport"

"WTF..... )(&$#@%^&*$%&*(*"

And Yusri hangged up.

Denpasar Airport. Well I ended up in Mc Donald for 5 hours waiting for them.. Sigh...

Addicted To Wars

2009-05-12T22:50:00.005+08:00

It has been month I havent put any entry into my blogs. Well, may be some of you already know that currently I am in Brunei for my work in BSP.

While surf on the nut graph website, I found one comic that draw my attention about the company that currently I am working with. For details of the the comic , please feel free to surf www.thenutgraph.com.

Click on Picture above for better read

Streamyx Really Sucks! Macam Gampang!

2009-04-04T01:29:00.007+08:00

If it is not because of killing people is wrong, long time I had been thinking of bombing the Telekom Malaysia Tower.

It has been a week the streamyx service was super damn slow. I cannot do almost every things via Internet. I Hate this! When we apply the service and sign the contract with Telekom Malaysia, it was stated that the sole Internets service provider would provide us a better service via 100 Mbps fast Internets broadband. But tell me, in a day, how long that we really get that 100 Mbps?.. not even a seconds! On average is only between 50 to 60 Mbps.

But we all Malaysian never complain about this. Our brain keep saying, it is better than nothing. Sigh. Why can't we fight for our right? Boycott Telekom Malaysia. Why can't we get what we are paying? Why can't we have the mentality like those from developed nation. They all speak up. They fight for their right. Sigh....

It was not the first time it happened. In December 2008, TM streamyx connection was slow due to the disruption of their Internet services caused by circuit fault on the Southeast Asia – Middle East – Western Europe 4 (SMW4) submarine cable network between Palermo (Southern Italy) and Alexandria (Northern Egypt) linking Malaysia to Europe.

On January 06, 2009, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) announced to her customers that the restoration works on the Southeast Asia – Middle East – Western Europe 4 (SMW4) submarine cable network between Palermo (Southern Italy) and Alexandria (Northern Egypt) linking Malaysia to Europe, has been fully completed.

However, come February 2009, TM Streamyx connection still sucks and frequently disconnected. Apparently their technology infrastructure still sucks.

I called TmNet more than 10 times today and I only get their respond twice. Among all, I did complained about the slower data transfer while surfing the net. The first time I called, their excuse was , they were having an issues of the sea bed cable to Hong Kong and US. Hence that was why we can't access many websites. The second time I called, their excuse was , doing regular maintenance. What de...!@@$@##!$....

I was really fed up. After tonnes of curses to their customer services, I told them that they were lucky. Really really lucky. Because they are the biggest ISP in Malaysia. And as one of those with full support from the government, we we left with no choice. Wait.. Just wait when opposition took over the administration. When the time come, they wont be any monopolisation for any services by only one company. Then they will see how high is the sky. huh.. Damn Suck! Macam gampang!

Baangau Oh Bangau

2009-03-31T20:57:00.007+08:00

I went to KL bird park 2 days ago.. To shot bangau. Too bad, suddenly raining after my first snap. For all, This is the only picture available on my camera. Hope you enjoy.

Legal Issue in Contract Law In Malaysia

2009-03-30T15:07:00.002+08:00

It has been weeks I havent put any post here. Sorry for those waiting, I was damn busy with works etc...

OK, this is something I like to share with you from one of my seminar recently. If you find this informative, pls circulate. It was conducted by A/P Catherine Tay on Legal issues in E-commerce.

Notice that most of the time, the receipt / invoice you received from the merchant carries this exclusion clause or similarly worded statement: ' Goods sold are not returnable' or 'No refund once sold'.

The thing that I have learnt from her is that : 'As long as your good is purchased for home use and not for business (i.e. to be resold), the above exclusion clause is VOID.

That means, as long as the good is defective, regardless of what is worded, you CAN get back all your money spent ... You do not have to accept a repair on the good or an exchange. You CAN ask for a refund. AND you are LEGALLY right and entitled to! What a revelation!!

And most of the time the merchant will refuse to return you your money.

Her advice? From her own experience ( and no less than 7 and all successful!) , she will threaten the merchant with four words: 'SEE YOU IN COURT!'

The court here refers to the Small Claims Tribunal Court .

However, you don't have to tell them what court! All you have to pay is RM10 admin fee and the loser (the merchant) will have to refund you the money PLUS the admin fee!

She shared this with us because she felt that even educated people are cowed by such unfair wordings (which includes her jaded friends who are not lawyers)...

Pls try not to let the merchant fleece you the next time you have a defective good.

I know where to file this. On the 16th floor of Putra Place (The Mall opposite Putra World Trade Centre) . The form cost RM5.00. The Tribunal will settle within 2 months period.

Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna Malaysia,
Tingkat 16, Putra Place,
100, Jalan Putra,
50622 KUALA LUMPUR

Hope it will help.

Know Your Right ... When Dealing With Police

2009-03-10T02:00:00.002+08:00

I met a guy name Sean in Ampang few days ago through one of my girl friend. Well we went "drinking" with few other friends.

Sean is a very nice guy. Although he never finish his education (the highest level of ed he ever been was in form 1), but he talk like a lawyer. Believe me.

Well, when you do something "against the law", off course you will feel bit scare. Especially for a guy like me, which my friends always labeled me as "budak kampung" (country boy).

Through out our meeting, Sean never stop talking and laughing. He told me, to know my rights when dealing with police / authorities. According to him , lots of his friends had been bullied by police for a minor mistake. If you get caught by two police doing "something" in the car, the only thing that the police can ask you to do is, to Stop and Go Back. The police has no rights or what so ever to bring you to the court and charge you under Sharia law if you are a Muslims. According to Sharia law, they should posses 4 witnesses, only that you will be charged. And if you are non-Muslims, just show to them (the police) your "so-what-face" and it will shut them off. And most important thing , do not show your "kesian - please forgive me face". If you do, please make sure you have thick wallet.

Same thing, if you get caught driving naked in KL at 3 am, just tell the police, "please let me go back to put some cloth on". Serious. The police has no right what so ever to issue you any summon for the thing you had commit. Remember, you are in your car, and hey, it is 3 am, all people are sleeping , only police bothering some people private business. There is no provision in our law that you are subject to be sue because of driving naked. But off course, I am not encouraging you to do that. But just in case you wanna do it, and you get caught, please do as what I said.

How To Be A Metro Sexual Without Being Gay

2009-03-08T03:53:00.002+08:00

Ok.. As promised , Now I will provide you a guideline that I created my self on how to be a metro sexual without being gay.

First of all, what is Metro sexual? Can we be one?

Metrosexuality is, at it's most basic, a manner in which a straight man displays the more feminine actions and concern for appearance and behaviour. If you notice it is often associated with the stereotypical "gay man." In other words, the typical metrosexual is a young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis – because that's where all the best shops, clubs, gyms and hairdressers are. He might be officially gay, straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object and pleasure as his sexual preference.

So can we be metro sexual? Yes, remember metro sexual is not a sexual identity or sexual preference. It is just this: a man who is meticulous about his appearance, fashion and is very well groomed.

It doesn't take much to look presentable. You don't need to look like Gene Kelly and you don't need to wear Italian suits to the office in order to reap the benefits. A little bit goes a long way.

Here is some Basic guideline that you might follow.

1. Prepare to defend your sexual orientation. Chances are, people will make assumptions that you like other men. Be gentle to woman and firm to men.

2. Become increasingly concerned about your physical appearance. Work out at least 3 to 4 times a week. Take care of your teeth. This is very important. See your dentist at least once in six month. Wash your face everyday and make an efforts to do facial. You will be surprised how much better your face looks with all the dirt, residue, and blackheads properly removed.

3. Become in touch with your emotions. Metrosexual men generally don't display the stoic, unemotional nature of the stereotypical heterosexual man. Be vigilant and firm. Always be in control. Talk like a men.

4. Become an "urbanite." Focus on acting as a member of high society without being snooty. Eat at fancier, trendier (sometimes) restaurants, take interest in how your house or condo look like.

5. Don't try too hard. It's hard to "become" metro, you sort of have to feel it. If you simply think "act gay" then people might, at best, think you're actually gay, or at worst, find you offensive by perpetuating stereotypes. If you aren't feeling it, don't try it.

Why Really Handsome Men Are Gays.......?

2009-03-08T03:00:00.009+08:00

I had a coffee and toasted bread during breakfast with my female friend - Tina, this morning. While we are enjoying our meals, there were one guy coming in and sat to the next table. Handsome and gorgeous. I noticed that my female friend got distracted by that. Suddenly, his phone (the guy) ringing... Well, since we were sitting to the next table, we overheard his conversation. It is something like this.

"Hey nok... Mana kau pegi nok.. malam tadi, mak kluar ngan jantan nok.... 9 inchi nyahhh... aduh... menggapai syurga mak nokkkk..."

(Translation: Hay girls... where have you been, last night mummy have a date with a guy, 9 inches you!... adduuhh... mummy feel like entering the heaven......"

Tina and I just looked at each other. We lost word. Seriously.....

We were pause for a while before I called the bills.

Before we left, Tina asked me... "Johan, why really handsome men are gays?"

Whithout looking at Tina, I replied.. " Who told you I am gay?" She laugh.

Tina was not wrong implying gay men want to look handsome. But She was not right either.

I guess there is a tendency amongst a lot of gay men to pay a bit more attention to the way they look. And many straight guys just doesnt care of how they look. My friend used to complaint that when his girlfriend buy him clothes , she always make him "look gay"!).

Taking care of your appearance doesn't make you a gay. In fact, there is a guideline of being metro sexual without crossing the gay boundary. I think i will talk more details about it in my next post. Only that it is a nature for gay men to look good make many people think georgeous and handsome are gays. There are many, many gorgeous straight or heterosexual men out there. What? Never find one?.. Call me!!

I'm Losing My Job, Yet I'm Happy

2009-03-08T01:02:00.004+08:00

Few days ago I received a call from Liong Sze Jon , my company performance coordinator. He told me that, he has one bad news - I was not selected to be part of Drilling Optimization Center team. From our conversation, I was told that out client (Petronas) only required a person with more than 5 years experiences. As comparison, I only has 4.5 years of working in drilling rig as logging engineer.

I felt fed up at first. After years helping in establishing the center which is currently at Petronas twin tower, my efforts and tiredness just gone like that, because of my lack of 6 month experinece. My boss, Martin told me not to worry. This is how they do business. In fact he told me that I should be happy as I don't have to face the demanding client who actually know nothing and has very limited knowledge of what they are doing. Try to start technical conversation with them and you will know. Always made me wonder , is this the new product of KBSM and KBSR?

He was right. There was a case where Petronas only require local engineesr to work in all oil platforms in Malaysia. So my company sent many yong local engineers (including my self- that time I was just 6 month experience). Then they (Petronas) start making noise, and demanding to have more experience guys. Come on... You ask for locals, that is what you got. You see how arrogant they are? So they have no choice to get the expact to come in. Once I told my boss, you should told them that the logging job is very easy. No need experience guys, even monkey also can do it. Then they will realized they knew nothing about the job that these monkeys are doing. Well, if they feel shallow, it will shut them up.

So, Martin gave me few options. To maintain my current income, is either I go to Brunei or Miri doing the same old shit. Or else I can always going back to the field. Work in the middle of ocean, less problem , never need to see the arrogant blurry face that always lost in their own stupidity - which is my client. Or if I am willing to go for another option which is based in the office with some pay cut.

I told my boss - No. I am not going to the field again. Enough is enough. I want to have more time with my family. So I decided to go to Miri. Well the offer was not bad. I can maintain my current pay, I have schedule of my work. And hey it is Miri... What else can you do there. So it is a good time to work on some saving.

Well you see, I feel glad and happy. At least I don't have to worry about the tool problem in the hole. Worry about my family when I was away in the middle of the ocean or even a desert. And most important at all, I dont have to work in the same office with my arrogant client anymore and answering all of their "never understand but nevermind" question.

Man.......... Once you stucked in oil field, there is no way for you to get back. Oh yeah.. there is.,.. If you willing to risk your income.

Who Said Muslims Cannot Keep / Own dog?

2009-03-07T20:48:00.006+08:00

(Whippet - My dream dog)

I talked to a Chinese friend that I want to have a dog. People says, dog is man best friend. So my friend looked at me and said : " Can meh ???? I thought Muslim cannot have a dog?"

And I was like : *%$^@#Q$%^#$!!!

I know that I am old enough to think what is good and what is bad. I cant deny that, my self and many Muslims in Malaysia (sorry to say this) inherit Islam from our parents. Lack of true understanding of Islam, made many of us just take what ever we been thought "informally" without question although we are not sure about it.

I cant stop wondering on this issue. Many question came to my mind.

Is the dog really haram in Islam?
Is it true, if dog is in your house, the malaikat (angel) wont come in?
Is it true that I cannot read the Quran, if the dog is in my house?
Is it true using a dog for the sake of protection or pure enjoyment is also haram?
Is true that dogs are vile and contaminated, and there are certain procedures a Muslim must partake in to wash themselves after coming in contact with a dog, wet dog, and/or its saliva? And what about the new converts of Islam (that love her/his dog as if it were a family member) confront this problem?

So I surf the net and went to Islam Online website and found out all the infos on Islamic rules about keeping and owning a dog. To my surprise I found out many infos that is beyond my naked knowledge.

So here it goes;

What is on Hadiths

There are many Prophetic hadiths that warn Muslims about getting into contact with dogs. In fact, some of these hadiths give warnings that going against this rule takes away a sizeable amount of reward from a person’s record (of good deeds) daily. Adding to that is the Prophet’s order for killing the dogs in Medina and the Angel Gabriel’s refusal to enter the Prophet’s house in one of his visits, citing the presence of dog as reason.

But alongside with this, are many hadiths that call for showing kindness to animals in general, including dogs, and the permissibility of keeping dogs for hunting, guarding, etc. It’s further reported that some of the Prophet’s companions, may Allah be pleased with them all, were in the habit of keeping animals for farming purposes or even for fun and pleasure.

So to clarify this confusion, we need to interpret those hadiths in the light of the Quran. The Quran makes it clear that there is no harm in eating animals grabbed by hunting dogs. Furthermore, it’s through the Quran that we get acquainted with the story of the Cave Companions (ahl-ul-khaf) who had with them their dog; this clearly shows that dogs have historically been used for guarding the person and the property of its owners.

This also indicates that dogs must be treated well they are of the animals referred to in the verse:

There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you.

Surah 6 Verse 38

The implicit message of this verse is that in Islam, the concept of mercy covers humans as well as animals, for Islam accords animals inviolable rights, part of which is to be fed well and not to be subject to torture or ill-treatment. Hence, here the hadith in which the Prophet (pbuh), stated that a woman was doomed to enter Hell because of a cat...

"which she neither fed nor let it eat from the vermin of the earth"

This hadith makes it clear that Islam does not go against keeping animals, including watch or hunting dogs, as long as one does not neglect them. In fact, the Prophet (pbuh) states that showing kindness to animals is a means of earning reward:

‘In every living being there is reward.’

Adding to this is the hadith in which the Prophet (pbuh) told his companions a story concerning a man who found a dog in the desert panting and licking the dust due to thirst. The man went to a well, filled his shoes with water, and relieved the dog's thirst. Said the messenger of Allah (pbuh):

‘Allah appreciated this and forgave him all his sins.’ (Reported by al-Bukhari)

Having said this, we have to ask: ‘How is it that the religion that is rich in all these fine precepts about animal rights, is the same religion that warns its followers about getting into contact with dogs and even emphasizes that the utensils licked by dogs should be washed 7 times, one of them with earth?’

The answer is very simple. The basic rule in Islam is the permissibility of keeping dogs for hunting and guarding. Still, the exception to the rule is: excessiveness must be avoided as much as possible. The care and concern for human beings should take higher priority over the care of animals, and the reward for that is greater.

We will be able to understand this fact, when we notice that some people do pay a great deal of attention to their cats and dogs, at the expense of other things. It is better for Muslims to make the best use of their time in that which is beneficial and good. Some people spend more money on their cats and dogs, than they spend on their own sons and daughters! Then, let alone the poor and needy. They may even bring their pets to stay in luxurious hotels and bequeath large amounts of money to them.

Going to extremes in showering dogs with love, concern and kindness, is what shari’a goes against, because there should be no collision between human rights and animal rights. Thus, in observing how lavishly the well-off treat their dogs while despising their relatives, and how much attention they give their dogs while neglecting their neighbors, one realizes the wisdom of the cautious approach the shari’a has towards this issue.

It’s also due to the danger that the dogs posed at a certain time during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh), that he ordered for the killing of the dogs, but he later rescinded this order. As we know, stray dogs pose as a nuisance and health hazard. They tend to defecate indiscriminately in the open, thereby posing a danger for children and pedestrians.

Health Risks

It’s also worth mentioning that the health risks in getting too close to dog, allowing it to lick children’s hands, utensils…etc is not to be overlooked, especially as this has been affirmed by many experts. I’d like you to read the following:

‘Some lovers of the West in Muslim countries claim to be full of love and compassion for all living creatures and they wonder why Islam warns against this "best friend" of man.

For their benefit, we quote here a lengthy excerpt from an article by the German scientist, Dr. Gerard Finstimer, (translated from the German magazine:Kosinos) in which the author sheds light on the dangers to human health, resulting from keeping dogs or coming in contact with them. He says:

‘The increasing interest shown by many people in recent times in keeping dogs as pets has compelled us to draw public attention to the dangers, which result from this, especially because pet dogs are hugged and kissed and permitted to lick the hands of the young and the old, and what is worse, to lick the plates and utensils, which are used by human beings for eating and drinking.

Besides being unhygienic and uncouth, this practice is bad manners and abhorrent to good taste. However, we are not concerned with such matters, leaving them to be addressed by teachers of etiquette and good taste. Rather this article is intended to present some scientific observations.

From the medical point of view, which is our main concern here, the hazards to human health and life from keeping and playing with dogs are not to be ignored. Many people have paid a high price for their ignorance, as the tapeworm carried by dogs is a cause of chronic disease, sometimes resulting in death.

This worm is found in man, in cattle, and in pigs. But it is found in fully developed form only in dogs, wolves and rarely in cats. These worms differ from others in that they are minute and invisible, consequently, they were not discovered until very recently.’

Conclusion

In light of all these facts, I want to sum it up. We don’t need to worried about keeping our dog as long as you know the rights you owe it and as long as you know that your love for your dog must not affect your religious duties.

I want to emphasise here that all that you have heard or what is cited above does not indicate that dogs are rendered an impure animal. But my advice to you is not to get too much in contact with it, keeping in mind all the above-mentioned problems.

To let you know, not all scholars regard dogs as impure. For instance, the Malikite Jurists maintain that the dog is pure, even its saliva, and this is the predominant opinion. So, it is not obligatory to wash the body or the clothes, but one must still wash a bowl that touched or licked by dog.

The Hanafite Juristic School and some of Hanbali Jurists say that it’s only dog’s saliva that’s filthy and impure, but its body is not. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah considers this view to be the most correct. Thus, if a person’s clothes get wet from touching the dog's fur, this doesn't render them impure. Also, if one touches the dog's fur after making ablution (wudu'), this does not nullify the ablution, but if one gets touched with dog's saliva, then one has got tainted with impurity, and it must be removed.

What this implies, is that apart from going into extreme in human’s relation with animals in general, dogs in particular, there is nothing wrong in Islam with one’s getting in contact with animals as long as caution is demonstrated. There is nothing wrong in reading the Quran while you have your dog at home;.. Islam does not go against keeping a dog for the reasons mentioned above.

Tag from Fiexa

2009-03-05T23:13:00.004+08:00

After traveling a long way, you had reach a final junction towards your success. On this junction there are two roads to be chosen. The first road offers you an easy path but at longer journey, very very long one compared to the other one. The second is extremely shorter but also very very difficult as people said "most of them traveled this road never returned".

Which road will you take? (no one can take both road at a same time)
Why do you not choose the other road?
What is the example in your life showing that you actually did choose the road you stated?

OK.. here we go..

1. I ll choose the short cut. (Second road)

2. Why?.. I hate long journey. I cant wait to see results. Risk are everywhere. I strongly believe in struggling to get to the next level. The best men would win. It should be taken as a challenge. If you fall, then stand up again. Take the obstacle as your lesson. Learn and apply. Preparation are most important. So to take second road, Ill make sure I am prepared enough.

No way for me to take the long road. You slow, you left behind. Once you left then there will be no opportunity for you.

3. I used to have lots of free time and easy 9 to 5 jobs in KL. But i realized, to get to what I want with this job, I ll take more than 10 years. So I quit and joint oil field. Work in oil platform, with full of risk, some times at the place that I could never been imagine to be stepped in. I hate this job. I don't have lots of free time and less socialising with family and friends. But it definitely speed up my goals. Now in just 3 years, I reached my destination. Time to retire and enjoy life.

Who should I tag?

1. Ann - who else..?
2.Ini Neraka
3. Caca Channel
4. K-Chan
5. Drama queen
6. Bubbles Me
7.Love.Hate.Live. Angle

"No Pork" hehehe - Must Watch, Very Funny

2009-02-20T15:10:00.002+08:00

Guys,

The clip above is very funny. It was recorded at RK House Restaurant in Singapore by two chinese fella.

Damn cool!

The Most Beautiful Song On Earth - You'll Never Walk Alone

2009-02-18T00:37:00.003+08:00

To all beloved LFC fans, this most beautiful song on earth are specially dedicated for you.

"Walled up" By An Iranian

2009-02-17T22:35:00.006+08:00

It was a sunny day this evening. I was rushing to Petaling Jaya Police Headquaters after my mom woke me up earlier reminding me to settle all the traffic summons. Before leaving my home, I quickly packed my squash racket, few balls, extra clothes for change before running to my car.

Vahid Kianni is the name of the guy that I was supposed to play with today. I received an email from him last week asking if I would be free on Tuesday for a preliminary round. So I went to Twin Tower Fitness Center after settling my summons and waiting for him in the court. After a while, one Iranian middle age adult came inside and asking if I were Johan. We shake hand exchange news before we started the games.

We get into the court and heat up the ball and started to play. I thought that I can beat him. Seriously! I love fast beat squash. Sweating and running with full of technical games. But I can't play that type of game when playing with Kianni. He forced me to play his game. Slow and steady. It really killed my rhythm. Over-confidence gave me lots of pressure plus slow ball made me lose focus. I lost the set at 9-6.

After down first set, I reminded my self to force him playing my game. I served hard ball, gave hard return and forcing him to run at my beat. As a result, I managed to win the second at deuce point 10-9.

On the third we forced each other to play at our own beat. The points were so close to each other, 4-4, 6-6, and again we deuced at 8-8. You know, when we are getting close to a game ball, you try to tell your self not to think of it. But It usually not happened. I was in pressure to win the third. End up I lost in psychological game. Kianni sealed the game at 10-8.

We started the fourth with Kianni served and forcing my to play slow ball. He gain point by point until 5-0 when his returned hit the tin. I took the chance to gain few points. Couple of errors from both of us, made served changing hands few times. Kianni led until 7-5 before I level the game at 7-7. Again. Errors - pressure and off course experienced rules. Kianni sealed the game at 9-7 and won the match at 3-1.

It was a good game. I don't mind losing to him. Kianni deserved to win. And he did.

Adlan

2009-02-17T02:45:00.004+08:00

This little film is based on the true story of Encik Shahrul's family, or more specifically, of his youngest child, Adlan.

Adlan was an extreme autistic who, for 7 years, behaved like he was trapped in a bubble, unable to communicate with the outside world, and vice versa.

What finally brought him out of that state is shown in the commercial you see here. Credit to Yasmin Ahmad for such an inspirational film.

The dog is the most misunderstood animal in this country. Its haters, I'm sad to say, are largely Malays who often don't even know the difference between "haram" and "najis", let alone the finer points and different degrees of najis.

With this little film, I urge my people to read more about the true Islamic rules concerning this beautiful creature of God, and to please refrain from being cruel to it.

Dato Nicol David Goes Online

2009-02-17T02:06:00.006+08:00

Dato Nicol David Webpage - www.nicoldavidonline.com

If you are Malaysian or even just a squash fans, I believe you know Dato Nicol David. She is such an amazing sportswoman that the country ever has. As one of many fans of her, I had been searching for Dato Nicol David website on the net since past years. To my supprise, there are actually one website and a blog dedicated to Nicol done by her fan - Miss Lorraine Siew. Congrats to Miss Lorraine and her team for her tremendous support to Dato Nicol.

Nicol David Online Blog - http://nicoldavidonline.blogspot.com

Guys, our un-stopable Nicol now going online. This page has a lots of info, news and photos about Nicol. And Lorraine also has a blog which also dedicated to Dato Nicol. And Let us support our Duracell bunny and Miss Lorraine by promoting both of the website and blog. Add them into your blogroll. Let show our love to Dato Nicol David and let us all share the pride of her!

MidNight Sun - I Did This For My Blogger Friend

2009-02-16T01:41:00.006+08:00

I had been Tag by Ann

And These Are The Tags:

Put Your I-Tunes, Windows Media Player, Etc. On Shuffle.

For Each Question, Press The Next Button To Get Your Answer.

YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

Tag 10 Friends.

Everyone Tagged Has To Do The Same Thing.
Have Fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS ‘ARE YOU OKAY’ YOU SAY?
-Chura Liya - Nomadix~ Dunno what is that mean

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
- The Way you dream - One Giant Leap~Still chilling

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
- Touch Me - Binggo Player~ Still ...

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
-Lost In reflection - Pompon Finkelstein~ Still Chill out

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
- Pure Joy - DOB~Still Chill out-- Exactly

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?
- Hounted Dance Hall - Sabres Of Paradise~Yeah.. I am chilling still...

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
- Korana - Salja Illik & Balkanika ~ And What the F!@$^% is that mean?

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
- Free - Copyright - Exactly I am

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
-Moment Skales - Silence Poets~

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
-Straight To Number 1 - Touch And Go~Err.. Sorry, I got 9 on Math.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
- Angle Tears Mistic Desire - Various Artise~

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
- Shake Is Loose - Dolphine Boy ~ Errrrr... no comment..

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
- An Ordinary Life - Telepopmusik

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
- Palm Of The Prophets - Antaeus

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
-El Sur - Penn & Jabato - Really I've No Idea!

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
-Ghost Town - Pat Mathenney & Bill Frissel- Errr........

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
- The Awakening - Subhai Munghal ~ Seriously.. scared of day light.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
- Plastic Dream -Jay Dee~ hahaha

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
-God Make Me Funky - Mike Dunn Feat. MD X-Press` I think I am Funky Enuff

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
- Talking Walls - Julien Jabre ~ Hahahah... You know who you are...

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
- Midnight Sun - DJ Fudge~ As you can see

PERSON TO TAG..
Ini Neraka
X-Po
Apekes Ni
Caca Channel
OD-ASB
And The Legend Goes

10 friends to much la Ann.. I tag U back Okey.. 5 kali..
Ann Friendly x 5.

hahah

Which Jeans Would You Prefer?

2009-02-15T18:23:00.011+08:00

OK dude!..

Among all, which jeans would you prefer?..

I really meant the "jeans"...

Dude!! Let Me Take My Breath

2009-02-14T02:10:00.007+08:00

One week past just like a blink in my eyes. It is already Saturday. Again! The tiredness of last week party from Friday till Monday still I can feel resting on my shoulder. Sigh..

Man! Enough is enough. Kevin called asking if I am free for a party at his place. Thanks God. I managed to say "No". Gosh.. Party Animals, that what they call. I kept telling my self. No. I wasn't like that! Sigh.. I am tired. Let me rest dude!

Gonna have squash tournament on Tuesday. Damn! And my guys still expecting me to count stars tonight. Fucked it! Who cares? Go on guys! I'll be there. Just let me take my breath for a while. I'll be there.

Books

2009-02-14T02:09:00.000+08:00

Seriously... I ve got nothing else in my house to shot. I hope you all like books.

There are Fine Line Between Malay And Muslim

2009-02-14T02:07:00.000+08:00

Sam once asking me "Do Muslim like to go to Penang ?"

I was pause for a while . Not looking for the answer but just wondering why he use the word "Muslim" instead of "Malay"? I knew he was referring to the majority race of Malaysia, instead of the majority believers which is Muslim. Many of my Chinese friend seem failed to understand the differences between "Malay" and "Muslim". It wasn't my first time to explained to them the fine line between those two.

Let us look back to history and definition of Malays it self. The ancestor of Malays are believed to be seafarers who are well knowledge in oceanography. They moved around from island to island in great distances between New Zealand and Madagasgar, and they served as navigation guide, crew and labour to Indian, Persian and Chinese traders for nearly 2000 years. Over the years they settled at various places and adopted various cultures and religions.

The Malay race refers to a cultural and linguistic sphere of influence, covering the archipelago of modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore the southernmost part of Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, East Timor and occasionally new Guiena an outlier of the Cocos (kelling) island.

Most of the languages spoken in the region are part of the Malayo-Plynesian Family (a sub-group of Austronesian languages, including Tagalog, widely spoken in the Philippines), Javanese spoken in Java and Malay, spoken in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

A thousand years ago, the religion of the Nusantara region was a mix of Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous traditions. New religions—including Christianity but predominantly Islam—have been established in more recent centuries.

The culture in the region is influenced by a number of religions. Islam has the largest following, and is predominant in Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia amongst the Malays in Singapore and in the Philippines by southern Filipino Muslim. Catolismn is predominant in the Philippines and East Timor. West Malaysia is home to great numbers of Buddhists and Christians of various denominations, and Hindus and Muslims. Hinduism predominates in the Indonesian island of Bali.

So, he we can clearly see that Muslim and Malays are two different thing. Someone cannot come into conclution that all Malays are muslim, and offcourse vice versa.

Errr... Actually, How To Be Good....?

2009-02-13T18:02:00.002+08:00

A friend of mine who dropped at my blog few days ago, were asking me,

"Johan, Your blog title - 'there are ways to be good'. But how actually we can be good by reading your blog?"

"Errr,......." - Dude it is just a title. What I wrote on this blog is how I views my world. And with all that, I hope I could be a better person one day.. (sigh,.... is it crap?!#>)

"Johan, Dont you think it is a sin when people read your bog with a hope to be "good" but at the end, they just wasted their time? They gave you traffic, but they got nothing.."

"Errr,...."(f`!#%*&*#!!)

Fine!.. Read below on my version of how to be good & make sure you really do like what I wrote... sigh,,.&(*^%!!!

Be Proactive - It's tempting to infer that as long as you avoid doing the things you know are bad (stealing, badmouthing, lying, etc.) then that means you're a good person, but there's more to it than that. By avoiding bad behavior, you've made a big step towards becoming a good person, but you've only just begun. In order to be good, you actually have to do good things rather than just avoid doing bad things.

Consider Good Result - Have you ever heard the saying that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions"? It's not enough to want to do good, and to try to do good--you must also think about whether your actions actually had good results. Not every attempt to do good will end with good results, so when things don't work out, be willing to reconsider your actions and change them accordingly. Never let your sense of duty, loyalty, or obligation get in the way of doing what's right.

Consider the greater good. What might seem like a good decision in your situation might not have a very good impact on a broader scale. People often do right things for the wrong reasons, and wrong things for the right reasons. If you're playing a game with your team, for instance, it might seem good to try and score as many goals as you can to bring your team to victory. But look at the big picture. How will your teammates feel if you score all the points instead of helping set them up to score at times, never allowing them to get a shot in? How will that kind of victory affect the team spirit? Would you still feel good if your team won, but your teammates felt that it was an individual effort and they weren't involved?

Define what is "Good" for you. Ultimately, you have to decide on your own code of ethics, and what matters is that you follow through with what you believe makes you a good person. At times, this may conflict with what others believe is good, and they might even accuse you of being wrong or evil. Consider their views - either they know something you don't, in which case you may learn something from them and "update" your morality, or perhaps their experience is limited, meaning that you should take their views with a grain of salt.

Be balanced. In the struggle to be good, it's easy to swing from one extreme to another. However, any form of extremism can lead to closed-mindedness, a quality that can be found behind what most people can agree are bad deeds. In Islam, Moderate is the best. In Buddhism, there's a term for avoiding extremism: "the Middle Way". Whenever you find yourself leaning towards an extreme, try to find the Middle Way before you act. This isn't going to be easy, but if being good was easy, wouldn't every good-hearted person be good? Here are some dilemmas you may encounter:

It's good to be humble and kind, but is it not good to be so humble and kind that you let people walk all over you to the extent that it damages your physical and emotional health, or lessens your ability to care for, spend time with, and provide for your family?
It's good to be responsible (pay your bills on time, plan for retirement, save up for your kids to go to college) but is it good to be this way to the point that you hoard away hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets and wealth for your own family's financial security without ever giving someone else (who isn't fortunate enough to be born into your family) a helping hand?
It's good to be positive, but is it good to be so positive that you ignore risks and brush mistakes under the rug, never learning from bad decisions because you're always "positive" that it'll work out the next time around?
It's good to be honest, but is it good to be so honest that you hurt people's feelings unnecessarily, violate someone's privacy or prevent someone from finding answers that they might need to find for themselves?

Give people the benefit of the doubt. To the extent that it doesn't jeopardize your safety (like getting in the car with a group of people you just met), assume each person you meet is a good person, and act likewise. If you see someone do something that you consider to be bad, consider what they are dealing with in the context of their own life--don't jump to conclusions. Try to discover what motivated their bad act, and if appropriate, show them how it was hurtful by using nonviolance communication. Many times, helping someone else become a good person in a gentle, open-minded and unimposing way can help you learn and become a better person yourself.

Be good for its own sake. Don't try to be a good person because your parents told you to, because you want recognition or respect, or for any kind of reward except your own satisfaction in doing what you believe is good. Never act superior to anyone else or brag about your "goodness" or "righteousness". Your dedication to a particular creed, ideology, or set of guidelines does not make you better than anyone else. Do what you believe makes you a good person on your own terms, and remember that it's an individual journey--everyone's path is unique. Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.

Gosh!.. I cant really imagine I writes that.

I am Searching ........

2009-02-13T16:06:00.003+08:00

While browsing the net, to my shocked I found my alumni photo of MRSM Muar batch 93/94. The photo was posted by my long lost friend Mr. Mahadi. I was a classmate of 4 science 4 on that batch. And for me the classmate was the best ever not like any other students from their class, we are very close to each other. I was wonder if any of this blog readers, know one of them. Please let me know.

(Guys at the back from L to R: Azlan, Zulkifly, Yuslee, Aizi, Tampin, Khairunee, Amirul, Ustaz, Azel. Guys in front - Eppi, Faris and mahadi. Guys not in the picture : Daeng & Fazak)
Gals L to R : Ina, forgot, forgot, Ennie, Forgot, Fasihah, Aida (I Think), forgot...)

Sorry gals, I really forgot your name. If you are one of the person in the picture above, or you know who they are, please let me know. Another friends from MRSM muar that I ve been seaching for are:

Tang Tong Boon, Adha (korea), Azam (Tiger), Aziz (uncle), Shawal, Fairuz, Fendy (Management science), Jimmy (5 sc 7), Mashadani (Jawa), Humaizy (From TMn Tun Aminah JB), Along (Management science), Aidawati norasyikin (management science), Nina & Mossiah (Prefects) , Tuah (Wan Shahidudiin).

Sg Kanching Water Falls

2009-02-13T00:04:00.004+08:00

I went to sg Kanching nearby Rawang this evening before my squash training to geet few water fall shot. There were not many people hanging around the forest reserved the time i came in.

It's Ugly, It's Disgusting, It's Malaysian Politics

2009-02-06T20:59:00.003+08:00

I think the new formation on Barisan Nasional government in Perak was ugly and disgusting. It is a new version of national coup and unconstitutional.

We can see how unhealthy and ugly our political landscape this morning when the new MB of Perak sworn in at the Istana Perak. The new government would be unstable as Osman and Jamaluddin (Changkat Jering and Behrang assemblyman) were facing corruption charges and might be disqualified. Well, it was not a shocked when these two assemblyman join the BN and off course Najib will promise them free from any prosecution later in the court. It is proven that BN is a corrupted party and only for those corrupt.

Malaysian politics never stop with all of lames and ugly issue until I got fed up. Started with SNAP issues, then Zaid, and now Perak. Leaders of all parties also one kind. Soft Abdullah just let every party members bullying him. Najib simply use his position to escape from Altantuya case, Anwar on the other hand, never finish with his sodomy trial. PAS are still ego with their "Negara Islam"goals without ever thinking that Muslims only compromise less than 60% of the population when only less then half of it really "practise" what were written in the Quran and Sunnah. And DAP on the other hand still thick with their chinesmn - wearing songkok also can turn you to be Malay.. what de!!.. why not forbid all Chinese from circumcise their dick then?

We really lacked of good leaders. Believe me my friend, don't think about it. It is Ugly and disgusting.

Squash Is life

2009-02-05T16:51:00.004+08:00

Today I was accepted to join one squash league at Twin Tower Fitness Center. I feel so glad. Thanks to Yong for inviting me to join the league.

Well, for me playing squash is just like a life. I can't live without squash. I remembered when I was serving offshore in Miri, it is very hard to find a squash kaki. So each time I came back to KL, the first thing I would do was calling all my squash kaki. Normally Jarrod and Sam.

Now, after permanently settling in PJ, I have lots of time for my squash moment. The last tournament that I joint was "The straits Games" under LPG group. I lost in the semi to the champion of the tournament , my good friend - Sam. Well, lack of practice when I just back from offshore was one of the reasons.

Back to 2005, we always do our own league and tournament. In fact I was crowned as champion of the first LPG-Squash tournament in 2005 defeating Daryl. It was a precious moment at that time. But nowadays, many new players on the group are getting better and better. TM and Anthony are among the biggest obstacles in regaining the championship for the coming events.

So, with the new TTFC league that i joint, I really hope that it will further improve my skills and strokes. And most importantly to keep my squash enthusiasm alive.

Treatment For Social Contract

2009-02-04T23:11:00.003+08:00

I havent talked about politics for quite long time. Partly because I was so fed up on how ugly our locals politic landscape. When we discuss about politic in Malaysia, we cannot run away from the fact of our treatment on social contract. I believe most Malaysians are not questioning what is in the Constitution, as we also believe that our founding fathers had good in mind for all. It is the subsequent translation, interpretation, implementation, practice, and policies that arose out of the 50 years of unchallenged UMNO/BN rule that put us in such a situation as today. After half a century, we are still unable to accept the good intentions of our founding fathers, then how can we move on as a nation, a brotherhood of common bonds?

Think again, fellow Malaysians, especially our Malay brothers who still feel so insecure, would our founding fathers wish upon us - their future generations - peace, prosperity, and progress or would they want us to remain disunited, forever fighting for what little there is, and unable to mature as a nation.

It is time we see a spade for a spade. If our nation is a person, then we are a psychologically challenged adolescent unable to get past the fact that he is no longer cute and cuddly, constantly being showered with toys and goodies. He is unable to accept the fact that he has now got to learn to stand on his own two feet and learn to compete against the others in the neighborhood. Once the adolescent move on adulthood, age is of no consequences. He cannot compete and say he is still young so must be accorded privileges. As a nation, whether young or mature, we all compete in this ever-shrinking global platform. Just because we are just a 51 year old, doesn't mean we cannot compete against the 950 year old British, or the 232 year old United States. If America was to think and behave like this, they would never have grown to be such a superpower, as their age is relatively young.

It is time we change our mindset. And the first step is to get rid of the thinking that we owe BN/UMNO our livelihood and our unquestioned support. There are more ills that BN/UMNO has infected us with, than what we have actually benefited from. If given the same 'unquestioned support' as we had given to BN/UMNO, how do we know that someone else, whether it is PR or others, would not have achieved even more?? It is not a Malay against non-Malays issue. It is aspirations of the rakyat against the will of BN/UMNO.

Stray Yet Adorable

2009-02-04T16:52:00.000+08:00

I found this stray cat in my home town. The cat came to me asking for food while I was playing with my camera..

Good for Lampard

2009-02-04T14:23:00.004+08:00

While writing this blog, I watching the repeat match between Liverpool and Chelsea on ESPN. I think Frank Lampard deserved the Red Card after the referee Mike Riley dismissed him following his challenge on Xabi Alonso during the Blues 2-0 defeat at Anfield. Lampard looked shocked to get his marching orders and Chelsea had appeal againts the decision.

For me sending off Lampard was justified. He made a very hard tackle in the centre of the field and could hurst Xabi Alonso. Luckily Alonso jumped or it vcould be worst.

Roti Telur On Banana Leaf In SS2 PJ.

2009-02-04T14:06:00.006+08:00

So I woke up today at usual time - 10.30 am. And as usual, Jarrod will wake me up by calling my hand phone asking for breakfast together. But this time, I need to pick him up fist before going to eat.

He bought me to one Indian restaurant nearby my house in SS2. Well, 5 years staying in PJ, i never realized this restaurant. It is a normal cozy restaurant in the heart of SS2. It is Restaurant Kanna curry House. From outside, the restaurant is actually 2 shop lots connected together to be one restaurant. There are also outside table under the trees in front of the restaurant. It is good for those looking for cozy and fresh air while having lunch in ss2.

Actually, I don't really fancy Indian food. Partly because of I don't eat spicy food. So as usual, once I get into any Indian restaurant or Mamak, I will only look for "Roti Telur". They put the "Roti Telur" here on a banana leaf and served with Dall and curry. Not bad. then there are waiters will come to you selling fried "Ikan tenggiri" and some chicken / beef / mutton curry on a small plate from table to table. All you need to do, just pick up one of your choice. Not bad.. Bit spicy but OK la..

Penang Hawker Food Center In Gurney & Char Kuew Teow In Jln Burma

2009-02-04T02:34:00.012+08:00

I went to penang on the second day of Chinese new year. It was a hectic journey to the pearl of orient as we were cramped in the jammed along the bridge. But the tiredness was well paid with the yummy food during dinner.

Penang is well known for it hawkers food. Many people come to Penang just for the food. Even it is common to see Singaporean flew to the island just for food. Lately, New York Times published their must visit place for the year 2009. It was no surprise to see Penang was in second place after Beirut. In Fact, according to the publishing, only Phuket is nearest rank of must visit place in South East Asia is Phuket (No. 21st) as compared to Penang.

(Left To Right : Roasted Stingrays, Roasted oyster, Laksa, Roasted some species of snails, Rojak, and Squids)

I Think part of it because of the recently closing of the Suwarnabhum Airport in Bangkok that diverted many tourist from Thailand to Penang made the island is well known.

So, we went to the gurney drive hawker food center. The center is very popular among locals and tourist. It is located in the heart of gurney drive, 10 minutes from Komtar Tower (depending on traffic). Most of the tourist will get hotel room in Gurney Drive. This can avoid to drive to the Penang Hawker Center at peak hours. And If you do drive, please come early to get a parking space for your car.

There are lots of choices of food you can order. From Penang Rojak, laksa, Char Kuew Teow, roasted squid, fried mee, prawn, you just name it. It is just the matter weather you can eat or not. hahaha.. I tried the baked oyster. Not bad. Tasty and a bit salty. The Penang Rojak is worth trying as well. But just be careful in choosing the stall. Some of the them , the Rojak gravy is too sweet. My advice, if you want Penang Rojak, choose the stall far inside. There is one Indian stall selling it .

The laksa is OK also but bit spicy. hahah what you aspect. It is Malaysian eating. If not spicy, it is not complete.

(Penang Char Kuew Teow)

Most people says, if you go to Penang, and you don't try the Char Kuew Teow then your visit is useless. I love Char kuew teow. In fact, i always order one if i go to any hawker food stall. But I dont really like the Char Kuew Teow here (In Penang Hawker Center). May be because it was pre-cook before selling it to customers. The prawn was not fresh and normally the cook it in bulk, make the taste not that perfect.

If you are looking for the fresh Char Kuew Teow in Penang, go to one Chinese restaurant in Jalan Burma. I forgot the name of the restaurant, but you can see on the map here. In this restaurant they served freshly cook food. Other then Char Kuew Teow, you can also try chicken rice, chee cheong fun and many other food.

Blue & Gold Macaw

2009-02-01T16:53:00.003+08:00

When you come to Malacca Zoo, you will be greated by these 2 Blue and Gold Macaws.
This Macaws was largerly found in Brazil but it is gradually disappearing from the edges of its range due to trapping for the caged bird trade and loss of habitat. It disappeared fom most of South East Brazil in the 1960s and the Nariva Swamp, Trinidad in the 1980s.

Thousands have been exported over the years: 18,000 from Bolivia in 4 from 1981 -1984, 2,000 a year from Guyana until 1993, while it has virtually disappeared from the Orinoco Delta, French Guiana and Surinam.

Beautiful Ubudiah

2009-01-28T16:50:00.003+08:00

By now you would have realised that this beautiful mosque is in Kuala Kangsar, some 20 miles south. This historic (early 1900) and picturesque mosque has impressed many visitors from near and far. Situated in Bukit Chandan in the royal town of Kuala Kangsar and of course close to the Sultan's magnificent palace, this is where the Perak Royalty have worshipped for decades.

Malay Old Wooden House

2009-01-28T16:49:00.003+08:00

I found this old wooden house in Kuala Kangsar while on my may to Penang. Although it is old and almost broken, most part of the building are still standing. This is a common view as we can see many kind of old malay house in Kuala Kangsar.

Concentration

2009-01-27T16:47:00.006+08:00

this guy is Sam. Pay his concentration while taking pictures during our recent visit to Kek Lok si Temple In Penang.

Tang Lung

2009-01-26T16:47:00.005+08:00

The colorful tang lung were hanged at the entrence of the praying hall in the temple. It symbolise the coloful celebration of chinese new year.

A New World

2009-01-23T16:45:00.005+08:00

This is the first HRD experiment that I ever did. The building is the old railway office in Kuala Lumpur. The day i did the shooting, it was so sunny. So that I stand under the underpass entrance and shot this scene.

The editing is not prefect as it was quite hard to blend with the dramatic sky that I downloaded from the net.

Emptiness

2009-01-22T16:44:00.005+08:00

This walkway will bring you to no where..

I took this photo as experiment of aperture. It was a successful experiment as the focus is only at the end of the walkway. It give me the idea of how empty someone mind and soul looking for a true path in life.

Well Done To The People Of Kuala Terengganu

2009-01-19T20:05:00.006+08:00

I was in my office when they announced PAS already won the KT by-election. Well done to people of Kuala Terengganu. The reality of this episode is that thousands of people there are willing in spirit for PR to win. I wonder if BN will ever accept the fact that the people view them as arrogant, corrupt and so on.

Although million promises being told by BN government in development, cash being doled out to fishermen, fear-mongering the list goes on and on, BN still managed to lose the Kuala Terengganu by-election. It is a prove that even Malays which was the majority voters in Kuala Terengganu want change!

Today in The Star, Najib commented, the loss is not a major setback for BN. Well, I had no wonder about it. From the beginning BN wont ever lesson their mistake. Keep on doing like that. And they will see more set back in the coming general election.

Doom

2009-01-19T16:41:00.005+08:00

The picture above is part of Keretapi Tanah melayu office building doom.

Caps

2009-01-18T16:40:00.005+08:00

I found these cap was selling at Kek Lok si Temple in Penang

Happiness , Longevity And Prosperity

2009-01-17T16:39:00.005+08:00

Fu Lu Shou - Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity

These three universal energies are Fu (happiness), Lu (wealth) and Shou (longevity). People who are not developed think that they are something external rather than something internal . . . However, the ancient Taoists knew that what appears to be external takes its source from the internal. The source of Fu or happiness is the spirit or the head which is associated with the energy of Heaven. The source of Loh (Lu) or wealth is the mind or the chest. The ancient developed people associated the chest with the energy that extends itself outwards to other people. This energy is also known as compassion. The source of Shou or longevity is the lower abdomen. The ancient ones associated the lower abdomen with earthly reproductive or sexual energy. That was the main ancient Taoist teaching.

Fu Lu Shou (or Fuk Luk Sau) or the Three Sages of Good Fortune is one of the most well known Chinese proverbs or sayings. It is a favourite motif in Chinese art and is present in every Asian household, in the form of inscriptions or as statues of the 3 Sages. They are powerful symbols that will bring good fortune to the household.

The three sages are namely:

Fu Xing	- God of Happiness
Lu Xing	- God of Prosperity
Shou Xing	- God of Longevity

They are often depicted in from left to right, with The God of Longevity standing on the left, The God of Prosperity in the middle and lastly, The God of Happiness on the right. The God of Prosperity is usually a head taller than the rest. Besides that, not only can each god be recognised in where he stands, but also with the accompaniments he carries

Twin Tower On Light

2009-01-16T16:37:00.005+08:00

The Petronas Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world until Teipei 101 as measured to the top of their structural components (spires, but not antennas), took over the record. Spires are considered integral parts of the architectural design of buildings, to which changes would substantially change the appearance and design of the building, whereas antennas may be added or removed without such consequences. The Petronas Twin Towers remain the tallest twin buildings in the world.

The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass farcade designed to resemble motive found in islamic geometry as symbolised strength and grace. Another islamic influence on the design is the cress section of the tower is based on a Rub El Hizb.

The towers feature a skybridge between the two towers on 41st and 42nd floors, which is the highest 2-story bridge in the world. The bridge is 170m above the ground and 58 m long, weighing 750 tons. The same floor is also known as the podium, since visitors desiring to go to higher levels have to change elevators here. The skybridge is open to all visitors, but free passes (limited to 1700 people per day) must be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis. The Skyway is closed on Mondays. Visitors are only allowed on the 41st floor as the 42nd floor can only be used by the tenants of the building.

How Do Many Malaysian Eat Fast Food........?

2009-01-16T02:04:00.009+08:00

I went to McDonald's restaurant for my breakfast this morning. I found many of Malaysian there, just let their leftover on the table without throwing it into the dustbin. I believe many of us been to any fast food restaurants. If you notice, at the door of any fast food restaurant here, there is a sign of "self service". I think we should clear our tables after we eat at self-service fast food places like McDonald's. Because it's the right thing to do in polite society. No one needs to see what a slob and messy eater you are. After all, we are not animals.

If we go outside Malaysia, and eat at fast food restaurant, many people did the same thing. They cleared their table after eating. It is so simple. Just throw the food wrapper or the left food into the dustbin. Even kiasu people in Singapore did that. I know, if we are in other people place, like in oversea, we will do that (clear the table). But once we get back to our homeland , we seems forgot what we been doing overseas. So please take note. From now on, when ever you eat at fast food restaurant, please make sure we clear our table after eating ya!

Pillars of Asy-Syakirin

2009-01-15T16:35:00.005+08:00

The picture above are the interior pillars of As-Syakirin mosque nearby KLCC. The mosque is also well known as "Jewel in The park". The pilar was design to suit the facade of the dome finished in patterned gypsum ceiling while Islamic carvings and calligraphy as well as external facade of the dome was works of the skilled craftsmen from Uzbekistan. The combined presentation exhibits a strong Islamic feel. The Mosque, is actually a 3-storey multi-levels structure main hall, the lower hall and the trellis area.) with its main prayer to accommodate approx. 6,000 people. The main prayer hall, the three-storey air-conditioned building can accommodate 2,500 people while the lower prayer hall on the ground floor can accommodate an additional 3,500 people. The serene, greenery surroundings of the park helps calm the mind and soothe the soul as worshippers spend time in prayer.

New Blog Title

2009-01-14T23:43:00.010+08:00

Dear all readers and followers,

I will change my blog title to "There Are Ways To Be Good" start from now on. After few consultation with friends and fellow blogger, we thought the new title would be more appropriate. Further more, I doesn't really reckon the Idea of using my real name as my blog title. Heheheh... this is not my personal diary anyway..

With the new title, I will more concentrate on my views and Ideas of Life. I will be more provocative in presenting my views and Ideas. I think it is essential especially in our journey to be a good human being, citizens, brothers and friends.

At the same time , I am now working on "There Are Frames Any Where" - my first photography blog on wordpress. "There Are Frames Any Where" will be launching very soon.

Thank you for supporting this blog and don't forget to visit my new photo log soon. Keep on blogging. Lets make this blog community happening.

Cheers!

Candles

2009-01-14T16:35:00.005+08:00

I found a packet of small candles that I bought from Ikea last year. Then immediately, I got an idea to do my first indoor shot ala studio.I closed the curtain in my living room to get a dark ambient. The curtain will be my backdrop. I set up a black table, and arranged few candles on it. At the back of the candles, I put gold bells that I bought for my friend as Christmas present last year.

Then I set up a tripod and made my camera ready. Then I lighted up the candles only using my cigarettes lighter. Since the candles are very closed to each others, there was few times I almost burn my fingers. I think that was my mom always told me, not to play with fire. It is quite challenging job, because I had to do it in hot environment as the ceiling fan had to be shut off.

Reaching For Blessing

2009-01-13T16:31:00.004+08:00

The boy in the photo was trying very hard to reach the fire to lit his ritual incense sticks in Thien Hou temple. The fire was light up inside a glass compartment in order to prevent it the be blowed by the wind. The ritual stick on his hand is used by many Buddhist to pray for blessing.

When the incense stick is lit, its fragrance filled the air. According to many Buddhist, this is like spreading the purifying effect of wholesome conduct. So, by offering a Buddhist not only express his vaneration for the Triple Gem but also remind him self of the practise of good conduct.

Tasty Maggie Goreng Mamak Nearby KLCC.

2009-01-13T01:02:00.001+08:00

Well, I am not good in reviewing food, but if you are looking for a quick and tasty hawker food nearby KLCC, I would suggest you try Sri Man's restaurant. It is within 5 minutes walk from KLCC and open for 24 hours .Located at the junction of Jalan Mayang and Jalan Yap Kuan Seng (Opposite the Australian Embassy). From outside , the restaurant look like "half death" but try come during peak hours, say from 8 am to 9 am, where people stop for breakfast, 11 am to 3 pm during lunch hours, and 5 pm up to 11 pm . You will be lucky to get a sit.

Try their Maggie Goreng Mamak (Mamak fried maggie - The picture below) for RM3.50. Hot and spicy. One of the best that I ever try. The Maggie is fried into perfection yet it is still solid and attached, with eggs, cabbage, chillies, " sayur sawi" (Mustard green - I guess). It will also served with fresh cucumber. Don't forget to add one half fried egg for additional 50 cent.

Although the food is OK, there are few other things that you have to expect while eating here. Most of their male waiters are lazy. So sometime, once you get your seat, you have to call them many times. Even though they noticed your attendance. The trick is, call some Indonesian lady waitresses that also work there. These ladies will take and send your order. Another thing is, expect noise from fellow customers and also from bustling traffic at Jalan Yap Kuan Seng especially during rush hour. My advice, get a table nearby the small mini market at the left corner of the restaurant. Oh ya, they dont have smoking room. So smokers and non smokers share same eating area. But it is ok since the restaurant is open concept. Dont forget to ask the waiters to wipe the table before you sit. They seem like always forget about this.

Other than Maggie Goreng, foods that is worth trying are Fried Mee, Curry Mee, All kind of Indian Pancake (Roti Chanai, Roti Telur, Roti Sardines, etc....) , Toasted Bread and Wader (fried crunced chic pea) . Don't try their Hot Nasi Lemak (cocunut rice), Tandoory Chicken and Fried rice because they are not worth it. Anyway, if you ask, how would I rank this restaurant, i would say like this...

Food - 7/10 (Slightly Above Average)
Service - 4/10 (Pretty Bad!!)
Price - 8/10 9 (Cheap)
Environment - 5/10 (Acceptable)

Oh Joo Han

2009-01-12T16:30:00.004+08:00

This cute little boy is Oh Joo Han. He is a son of my friend Jarrod. 7 years old and just enter his standard 1 in Taman Megah primary school. The picture was taken while he was busy playing with his toys at a restaurant in Kelana Jaya, PJ using my DSLR when the first time I got it.

Since both of us share same name (Johan & Joo Han.. lolz) he is also like me - Friendly and adorable - hahaha. This charmed little boy will never stop asking you question for anything that he wanted to know.

So I was decided to put his photo in my blog. And if any little girls out there are interested to know him, I , with my open heart willing to convey your message to him. Believe me, he is very nice boy and he speak good English too. lolz..

United Riot On Chelsea

2009-01-12T08:55:00.005+08:00

This morning, i had been greeted my a shocked from EPL website. United put Chelsea firmly in their place and sent out a major title warning to current league leaders Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Nemanja Vidic headed United in front just before the break, with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov converting close-range efforts after half-time for the defending champions.

It leaves United a single point adrift of the Londoners with two matches in hand. And if they win the first of them, against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday, they will only trail Liverpool by two. (the picture is courtesy of premier-league.com)

Sigh..

Liverpool's Draw Again........?!!

2009-01-11T23:48:00.008+08:00

I was in the office when Liverpool played Stoke City this morning. It is draw again. Sad but true. League leaders Liverpool had to settle for a point after failing to break down a feisty Stoke City.

Liverpool missed the chance to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a goalless draw at Stoke City. Thanks to Abdoulaye the defender form Stoke City who put in a battling display at the Britannia Stadium.

The gap to Chelsea is now four points, with the Blues away to United. I pray to God both Chelsea and United will also settle goalless.. heheh (The picture is courtesy of premier-league.com)

I Miss My Squash Racket

2009-01-11T16:29:00.005+08:00

I haven't touch my racket for the past 3 weeks. And I really miss it. I play squash 4 to 5 times a week when I am not working. But since last December 24th where I had to relief a guy from Bangkok to do this job in KLCC, I feel so distress. So to cure it, I shot my squash ball on the racket. Simple , but I like it.

It is sad to hear that squash will not be one of the sports in the coming London 2012 Olympic. It is more sad to think that UK is one of the squash power house in the world. I really hope, after the failure to be part of London 2012 Olympic, Squash will be accepted in the next Olympic. Lets Tokyo, Madrid, Chicago or Rio de Janiero 2016 Olympic be meaningful to all Squash Enthusiast.

Baby Bussiness

2009-01-10T16:28:00.004+08:00

While I was walking with my camera behind one of chinese restaurant in PJ , I found this little baby playing with cloth. She was trying very hard to reach the cloath which was on the floor. She was quite distracted after noticing my present.

There Is Way To Be Good

2009-01-10T06:10:00.006+08:00

Dear all,

I was diverted to Yasmin Ahmad blog while I was searching for her new Muallaf film and this is what I found. Guys, all the while, I was refraining my self from talking about Israelli-Palestenian issue, but this time I believe this issue is no longer about inter-faith conflict. It is more to humanity. For God's sake, and for the sake of thousands of broken children, please post these videos on your blogs and pass them around.

Below is the copy of text message received by Miss Yasmin Ahmad from Dr. Jemilah of Mercy Malaysia.

( I just received an sms from Dr Jemilah of Mercy Malaysia. It went like this: "Salaam, Min. As I write this, in the last 15 minutes more than 20 bombs have fallen on Gaza, within the distance I can hear them. We are about 2 km from Palestine, and it is a case of so near and yet so far. Our five trucks are loaded with USD100,000 worth of valuable medicine, surgical sets, and disposable items, including syringes, intravenous infusions and bandages. We will wait till the bombings stop, and once the gate opens, we will try to push the goods through. While the Egyptian border has thankfully allowed aid to go through, the challenge is to wait for trucks from the Palestine side to come and collect the goods. For the past day, they have not been able to collect even life saving goods as Israel continues with land and air assaults. We will try our best and stay till we can assure our aid goes through. Many people have been kind to us here and we ask for your continued support and prayers." )

I call out to all of you to please seriously donate some money no matter how small to the plight of the innocent in Gaza. Don't think about it...do it now. Call your friends and collect the amount... I ll do it on behalf of my friends and my self.

Once again, I urge you to contact Mercy Malaysia at 03-2273 3999, or email to info@mercy.org.my and find out how best you can help raise funds for medical aid that can help save the lives of wounded children in Gaza.

Please friend...together perhaps we can make a change and oppose the idiocity that is war and our very very flawed human preoccupation in fighting our own brothers....

Uncivilised Malaysian Smokers

2009-01-09T21:14:00.010+08:00

Yesterday, while I was looking for a subject to shot for my blog, I stopped for my supper in one of mamak nearby KLCC. There was one guy sat on the next table. He was smoking and let the smoke to pass through my face. I looked at him while covering my nose. He looked back with his silly face without saying sorry.

Look, although I am a smoker, but I really hate when people smoke in front of me and let the smoke get to my face. C'mon. Show some respect! Even if someone is a smoker, it doesn't meant he/she can smell the smoke from other people.

Not all smokers are dirty. I wash my hand each time after smoking. And when there is no ashtray in a restaurant for example, I just don't smoke. I really don't understand why some smokers just throw his cigarettes butts on the floor in the restaurant when there is no ashtray. Another thing, I don't like to see the ashtray looks so dirty with the ashes and filled with cigarettes butts. C'mon. If you see the ashtray already full with cigarette's butts, just clean it. Throw the butts into the dustbin. Get civilised!

Wait For Me

2009-01-09T16:27:00.004+08:00

This little girl was busy playing when she suddenly noticed her mom already left. She quikly run to look for her mother which was nearby. I took this shot, when I heard she scream callig her mother. At that time, I was on the next level looking down .

Chaotic Tortoises

2009-01-08T16:25:00.004+08:00

I found these tortoise at one of the temple in Kuala Lumpur. The tortoise was on top of each other due to the pool compound is quite small and already congested with many of them. According to Buddha teaching, tortoise will represent longevity in life. Slaughtering tortoise for food would contravene the tenets of Buddhism.

There was a case of more than 250 tortoise from Kek Lok Si temple being stolen in November 1998. It is concern the tortoise were destined for food market and would end up in cooking pot. It is difficult to imagine this theft, as releasing a turtle or tortoise into temple is considered an act of great charity, to be rewarded in ones next generation.

Cost of Friendly Malaysian - RM20

2009-01-08T02:25:00.002+08:00

Few days ago I wrote about how most Malaysian are easy to smile. And today while I was having my roti telur and teh tarik at Jalan Yap Kuan seng, I was attended buy one pakcik. Well, he smiled and we started to chat.

The "friendly" pakcik came to me with a newspaper on his hand and suddenly talking abut the economic recession. Well, to be polite, I was just listen. He expressed his regret about how the government managed the foreign workers. According to him, there is too much foreign workers taking advantage and many locals lost opportunity. I do agree with him about many of them taking advantages especially those involve in various crimes and also who came here illegally. But I told him, that I do not agree if he say because of them, locals lost opportunity. It is because I think, many locals are too choosy in finding their jobs. Especially Malays who refuse to work in construction site and only some of them are willing to do other hard works.

Then he asked what did I do. I was telling him honesty that I work in Oil & gas Industry and currently serving one of the oil company in KL. Then he started to talk about Oil. He expressed his frustrated about the increasing petrol price caused the rise of local food price. I cant help not to agree with him on this. Then we continue chatting about other things from Siti Nurhaliza, AmBank, his current jobs and his sick father.

I was stumped when he started to talk about his family. He said, he need to work hard to collect money and support his sick fathers. I was wonder, why he tells me all these when we are completely strangers. At the end, I found the catch. But I was too late to escape. He told me that he need to pay his rental or other wise the land lord will ask him to move out. He asked for RM20, but I refuse to give that much. Then I gave him RM10 before I leave.

Walking to the office, I was wondering if the pakcik really meant on what he said (paying rental & his sick father...)- then I was completely a jerk. But my heart was saying that I "sudah kena pau" by one many "ugly" Malaysian. Sigh... is RM20 is the cost you need to pay to find friendly Malaysian?

All I Got Is A Bridge

2009-01-07T16:23:00.008+08:00

I have seen the beautiful Putrajaya mosque before. So I went to Putrajaya with my intention to take the mosque photo. To get better view, I waited under the Wawasan bridge for my shot.

The blue sky was getting dark, but the mosque still not light up. I was wonder what made them delay to "switch on" the outside lights of the mosque. I was started to get worry as I don't want to miss this moment. After 30 minutes waiting , I gave up. I went up to the bridge and start to look for another subject.

I found the bridge was quite unique. So I just took few random shot of it. My shots were not symmetrical. So I took another one. But this time , I have to squatting in the middle of the road. Apart from many cars passing by and honk at me, there were a couple who also reminded me to be careful and look after the cars while taking pictures.

After few shot, I drove to the Mosque to look for cigarettes. From one of stall there, I found out that , the mosque is under maintenance. So the management didn't switch on the outside light . It was getting late. Six hours here, all I got is the bridge. So I drove back to PJ with only my "bridge" shot.

The Lazy Lion

2009-01-06T16:21:00.004+08:00

I took the lion photo above during my recent visit to the National Zoo. The lion was just sitting on the wood without bothering all the visitors. The focus was a little bit off, but I quite like the composition.

And Now I Am A Follower

2009-01-06T03:26:00.007+08:00

I kept pressing the "next blog" button on top left side of my blog just to find any blogs from Malaysia ( yeah yeah... i know, I have lots free time).until i was diverted to the blog of one gentleman from dunno where (err...from the states I think...). It is about 365 photos in 365 days. I went through his writings and I found that it is quite interesting.

The photos posted on this blog were all nice. There is one photo of lady statue that posted on January 4th is the one that I like most. The blog is only 5 days old, and since my idea of following someone's writing, it should be from the begining, so I just clicked on the follower button. And now I am a "follower". Well, apart from it look cool to see your photo holding a condom in someone else's page, I hope to learn something from looking at other people photos. Hey.. I also taking pictures !

So, the screen shot above is part of the blog. I already add the link to the screen shot above, So just click on it to get diverted to his blog.

Kaer's Menjelma 12" Extended Remix

2009-01-06T01:44:00.010+08:00

I just finished shooting for the calendar project of "Prince Squash Club" last night. Apart from many photos that I need to edit, by looking at the pictures, I realized that I still need to master my photo shooting technique.

I have been looking for some photography class in KL. In fact, through my research on the net, I already found one. But this "so-called photographer" wanted to charge me RM1500 for 4 hour class. Since I really don't know if it is worth it, so I called my friend.

He asked if I have "myspace" and I said "No". Then he asked me to have one so that he can introduce me to one photography lecturer from Lim Kok Wing Institute. I told him that I don't have time to set-up new account just to know that "Lecturer". At the end, he sent me his "space" so I went in.

Inside, I saw "Kaer's" picture. I don't know that this "star" has a "myspace". So I clicked on it, got in, and I was welcome with his new "Menjelma 12" Extended Remix". The song was fxxxxxing nice I tell you. I heard the original version of "Menjelma" but I don't really like it. But this one, after new arrangement, I am kinda enjoy listening to it.

So I forget about the photography lecturer that I supposed to look at, instead I open google and started to search for that remix. At last I found it on Audi Mok Imeem. Bravo bro! This masterpiece of yours really rock my day. So, below is the link of "Menjelma - 12" Extended Remix" .

Menjelma 12" EXTENDED REMIX - Kaer

The Staring Giraffe

2009-01-05T16:17:00.004+08:00

I took the photo above when the first time I got my DSLR. It was quite difficlut at first to get use to the new machine. The giraffe washaving her brakefast when she suddenly noticed my present. She was staring at me wondering. Initially I was having trouble to take this shot as there were too many visitors at the zoo. I have to wait for more than 30 minutes for the giraffe to look at my camera and at the same time whie no one was blocking the view.

The Flying Purples

2009-01-04T16:16:00.004+08:00

I went to Sungai Buluh last month during my time off to take photos of few flowers. When I reached at the nursery, I wasn't sure if the owner will be generous enough to let me in to take some shots, since i don't want to buy any flowers. So I just went in, and walked around for awhile .

The workers were a bit busy the time I got in. And I know, if I just take out my Camera and snaps few photos, they wont really noticed. But being Malaysian, if you get into someone house, you have to say Hi or salam. Off course we don't simply get into some body's house, take something and leave right?

Then one lady came and say "hi" to me.

I smiled and say " Kakak Boleh Ambik Gambar tak?" (Sister I can take some photos?)

"Boleh Boleh...." (can... can...)And she left.

So I quickly grabbed my camera and took few shots. There are more flowers shot at My Flickr Site

Waiting For Turn

2009-01-03T16:14:00.004+08:00

The boy is waiting for his turn to do the Buddhist ritual praying in Thien Hou Temple. It is a common view to see many young boys also taking part in search of Enlightenment in many temples in Malaysia.

Smile Wont Cost You A Bomb

2009-01-03T08:37:00.014+08:00

When ever we go out side, we are proudly to say that "Malaysia Truly Asia". Because we know that being Malaysian, we are so rich with many Asian cultures from respect to elderly, be honest, polite while talking to old folks and smiles. We Malaysian, smile for almost anything. Most of us smile to show how happy we are with something. While some also smile because they don't understand anything, lots of us smiles because of feeling guilty. Some of Malaysian just "smile" when our neighbour are progressing much faster than us, while others will smile to see our elected leaders fighting each others in the Parliament.

It was quite heavy rain this morning. So I was a bit rush to go back home as I don't want to get stuck in a jammed. When I reached Tower 1 lobby, the security guards asked for my pass. I smiled and asked why. They said, it is just their regular check up. I gave them my pass although I know for the past one year I been working in Tower 1 KLCC, with that pass, non of the security guard ever stopped me to check my pass. Oh did mentioned all of them who stopped me are ladies? They smiled and asked me where I am staying. I told them that I stay in PJ with my boyfriend. I left KLCC after they returned my pass with my self wondering why my last smile never replied.

Heavy rain on Saturday morning, in Mahameru highway on my way back home, I was stuck in a jammed. I smiled when a driver next to me looked and smiled at me. In a way we share common wonder on how the government spend all taxes that we paid when our cars are still cramped in a jammed on the highway. I increased the volume of the new Kaer's "Menjelma 12 min Extended Remix" mp3 that I just downloaded last night. I wasn't his big fan. In Fact I don't even know what was his debut. But this song with a little trance-techno with electronic re-arrangement by Audi Mok really catches my ears. I do some little movements in the car to let my self flow with the music. Then I realized, in front of me there are bunch of school boys in a bus who are smiling. It wont take long after I returned their smile , when most of them start to show their groove and moved. And we all laugh.

When I reached home, I parked my car outside and walked to the guard house to see if there is any visitor's parking left. The guard didn't smile at me although I said good morning with my smiling face. I asked again if there are any empty car park, but she replied "what?" I take it as she cant hear properly, so I repeat asking her again. Again she said "what?" . This time I increase my tone " Untie! Ada Parking ka ?" only for her to say "not too loud, I am not 'pekak' yet.." Then only she smile.

So we all smiling. Because this is what we are. From the uncivilised parliamentarians, to the suspicious security guards in KLCC. From the stranger driver and bunch of school boys in Mahameru highway to the "pekak wannabe" untie in my condo. Smile wont cost you a bomb. We smile for any reasons. For us it is more than a courteous. I took a lift to my unit. Took my shower and changed before I went to sleep. Lying on my bed, I know, from what I have been through the whole day, I will smile - unconsciously!.. Good Morning Malaysia.

Will You Go To War Because Of "Curry Rendang" ?

2009-01-02T23:19:00.014+08:00

Will You?

Indonesian will. Without our knowledge, many Indonesian will "Ganyang Malaysia" again because of our claim to Ambalat block near Sandakan. Many Indonesian were not satisfy when the ICJ awarded Sipitan and Ligitan to us. Heheh.. Who ask then not to take care of their islands? Next time before they agree to bring any issue to ICJ, make sure they have good lawyers.

We are in Malaysia never heard about the new version of "Ganyang Malaysia" after the death of Soekarno. It is because our government are quite "professional" in hiding this issue from the knowledge of many Malaysian (...Although they (BN government) are also corrupted...). And since I didn't watch BN's propaganda news on national TV, I only know about this from many Indonesian Blogs. But I believe many Malaysian will refuse to engage in any war with anyone . We strongly believe the Ambalat issue can be settle within talks. Not wars! Although we are from the same ethnic stock, I find it really odd that some Indonesians turn this “conflict” with Malaysia like it were the Israeli-Palestinian conflict of SE Asia. Please! Get over it!

Other than Ambalat claimed by Malaysian , Indonesian also do many street protest of another claimed. In fact, once they burned our Jalur Gemilang to show their dissatisfaction. Indonesian said, the "Rasa Sayang" song was originally from Indonesia when we gazette it as one of our cultural heritages. They accused us as "thieves" when we said the "Reong Ponorogo" dance can be found in Malaysia. Lolz...I felt like my belly was going to burts. Who are actually the "real theives"? Are they too naive to remember East Timor? Didn’t Indonesian “steal” it as well, with force? What about IrianBarat…didn’t they steal it either? Don’t tell me that Irian Barat was part of Indonesia, the people living there don’t even look similar to the rest of Indonesian. And now they say we are “thieves” ??? Look who’s talking. And I wonder if they ever heard of "Patent"? By law if you don't patent your "song" it is up to anyone to use it. It is not our fault to use "Rasa Sayang" to our "Visit Malaysia" campaign.

Again it ain't surprise me. Don't talked about patent. Because it is a big deal for Indonesian to do that. Just look at thousands of their islands with no name. Don't wait until someone else name it and claim it is theirs.

Regarding the "Reong" dance. We made it very clear that the dance can be found in Malaysia. It is not that we said it is ours. I think the whole world know (but perhaps not Indonesian....:P) that most Malays are originally from Sumatra and Java island. Long time ago when they migrate to Tanah Melayu (now Malaysia) ,they brought together their cultures. But Indonesian cant accept that. They forgot that many Indonesian workers who came to Malaysia weather legal or illegal, also brought their "un-civilised " cultures. And for those illegal workers, we have to spend more than hundred thousand Ringgit to send them back every month. If I am the Prime Minister, I will send them to the border and ask them to jump to the sea and swim back to Sumatra. Lolz... Like I care!

And look at our prisons! More than half of the inmates are Indonesian. May be because of free foods made many Indonesians "like" to get into prison in Malaysia. Not enough with that, every month we will hear news about Indonesian illegal workers involving in various crimes. You see ! Indonesian never thanked us. We gave them jobs and food but they robbed our neighbourhood. We gave them money, they rape our ladies. We let them step on our land, they kill our man. Yet, they still want to get into war with us!

Talking about food , remember our delicious curry rendang?. Indonesian claimed that the dish is originally from Indonesia. C'mon pak.. Don't because of curry rendang you want to get into war with Malaysia. Why cant Indonesian be more mature and professional like we all Malaysian. Indonesians seems failed to understand the Asean spirit that we supposed to have. They said , if not because of Indonesian workers, we wont have our KLCC, KLIA , F1 Circuit, etc, etc.. Hello!! Without you there are always Banglas to do the job. But you see, what about without us, many Indonesians will have to swim across Hindi Ocean to get to India for food! Lolz...

Okey, sorry to all Indonesian. Enough is enough. We are from same root like I said before. So let us all be brothers. I don't want war. I hate war! Don't you? Please think twice my Indonesian brothers. If you think war is the best solution to settle this, then be it. Although we are quiet , it doesn't mean that we are afraid. Try lar... We are always ready to protect our nation.

Candles Of Enlightenment

2009-01-02T16:11:00.004+08:00

This decorated praying candles are part of Buddhist ritual when they are praying. Buddhist believe that candles symbolize the light of understanding. It is a wisdom as contrast to darkness which symbolize ignorance. Offering the light to the temple Gem, remind Buddhist that the goal of enlightenment is attained when wisdom drive away the darkness of ignorance.

Mostly it was decrated like a lotus flower which symbolize bodhi . The offering of the flowers remind the Buddhist of the impermanence of things, an important teaching of Buddha.

Thien Hoe Temple

2009-01-01T16:09:00.004+08:00

I am Malay and a Muslim. Old Muslim folks said we (Malay) cannot enter Temple. Bullshit! It doesn't mean that if I enter Temple then I will turn Buddhist or Hindu. I used to stay with Indian family in Pantai Hillpark before I moved to Kelana Jaya and staying with my gay housemate. I ate what this Indian family cooked and what ever that I can found from the fridge.

I took the picture above from Thien Hou Temple in Bukit Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur. It is less than 10 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur city center- depending on KL traffic. From the top floor of the temple, you can see part of Kuala Lumpur. Other than locals, many tourist also was seen visiting this temple.

Again...?? Another New Year Resolutions....

2009-01-01T08:44:00.009+08:00

I was on level 22 in tower 1 doing my report when I heard the sound of fireworks outside KLCC. I knew that I was few seconds behind, to celebrate new year 2009. I quickly left my desk and ran to the nearest window to see the fireworks.

So, that's it! Bye bye 2008, hello 2009. I really not sure this is how many times that I celebrate the new year without my family. But I know this is my third time celebrating it without my friends and my first time alone.

Well, I am a kind of guy who always moved on. I would be lying if I say, I had never pay so much attention on new year. Like most people do, I do have my own version of resolutions. Like most people, I will forget about it when February come. And like most people too, I will plan for the same resolutions next year when reach December. Well that is me. Most common homo sapient created known as working class Malaysian.

So, let me think, what will be my new year resolutions.....

I chatted with a friend on MSN an hour before they all started counting. He asked about my resolutions. Without taking long, I replied that I want to have 1 piece of Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS lens by February and he laugh! Look, I was trying to be realistic! (well at least before I tell him that I want to have RM50K additional cash by June), and there is no point to tell him that I want to stop smoking , although I told my self that the last 2 sticks of cigarettes that I still have was going to be the last one, when actually on my way back home, I stoped at mamak to buy another packet of 20s! Bravo. But I'll keep that in mind.

Ever heard of "People can changed"? The good news is I believe that I can too. To have another 50K by June in cash is really a huge deal for me. If during 2008, I spent an average of almost 3k per month "for nothings" (where I was only in town after June 2008 - Gosh what happened to me!), but this new year, I will reduce it to an average of 1.3k per month! That is my budget "for nothings". So, in conjunction (ehem....) with my first new year resolution (2nd , if I manage to get the Canon lens, and 3rd if the new pack of 20's that I bought from the mamak- is the last one), I will start to tell my self that I am already 32 years old, and buying toys is no longer valid!

Next. I want to be a brand new Johan. Yeah..I want to look good and healthy and become real healthy man. It is not that I don't look good and healthy enough (...Hey! I am a model of PSC's Calendar and going to be freatures in May '09...), but .. c'mon.. Since when God created Human with satisfaction? So, yesterday, I did my first moved. Oh yeah!. I enrolled my self for one year gym membership in Twin Tower Fitness Center. Again?? It cost me 1.4k after I told them that I was a Petronas staffs. Lolz.. I cant imagine how much would they charge me if they know who I am working with. No, Serious.. I want to start workout again. To get back the shape that I use to have before I started working offshore. Or to be realistic, at least build up my chest and define my biceps and calves. I know, last 2 months I had the same resolutions. But when I got into the gym in my condo, my guts of doing workout suddenly gone especially when I saw the gym equipments all broken. What de... !!! Hello...! people pay for the maintenance lar..

Actually my initial resolution about fitness not only to have good health but also to have good staminas. I play squash. I love squash very much. In fact I told my LWD instructor that squash is life! And I need staminas basically because of I am so kiasu in squash. I cannot lah if anyone beat me. Sam and Jarrod especially. But recently, I can easily overcome Sam in straight set. There was one time, I was lag 1-9 but I managed to chase him and closed the game at 11-9. What a game! That's the spirit that I am sure no one has. Even Jarrod!! I know that I am much better! So I dropped my staminas resolution and concentrate only on strength and weight training.

Ok this is serious one. Well actually all of my resolutions are serious, but this one is MORE serious! I want to be a good blogger. Yes I am serious. Well, it is true that last year I only managed to post less than 10 articles, but this year I am so optimis that I can do better. Some people said, it will depend 100% on your mood to write. I cant deny that. When I have a good mood, I can write up to 10 arcticles in a day but when I am not, I will take years to even jot a single word. But what ever it is, these are my resolutions. Weather it will come true or not, only God knows. So God, Please help me. I am so sincere, please make this thing real and please give me more money. Amen.

The Fact Is................

2008-01-29T22:34:00.001+08:00

Last night one of my friend labeled me as a racial supremacist after we talked about racism over the dinner. Through out the discussion, i keep reminded my self not to be in the position for my fellow Malays to think that i am "ungrateful" or never gratify of what had bought me so far, while my Chinese buddy would say "Shut up and enjoy these 'privileges' ".

The fact that i am Malay and was raised up in the occasion of NEP still does not warrant me to say, "Yes, it is appropriate and valid". The NEP was introduced in the ticket of balancing the economy while ethnic Chinese voraciously monopolize it, back to 1960s. The question of it validation and whether 30 % of ethnic Malays already accomplished the target sensationally can only be answered by those with the exact figures. Yet, the fact is, I cant accept when someone claimed the introduction of GLC's to help ethnic Malays to achieved 30% of economy shares being denied as part of Malay's achievement in the NEP. Reason being, simple. what is the main objectives of constructing these GLCs. Mainly to help Malays to gain the 30% quota. Some more, you don't take other ethnics to lead even one of these GLC's! No wonder public said, yes, that is the child of NEP and it belong to Malays.

The fact is I cannot just nodding my head when my fellow Malays with just enough distinction being offered a place in public university while my flying colours's ethnic Indian and Chinese friends have to struggle for the same place. The fact is, we all study in the same education system, talked same language, sat the same examination, answered the same question and the only different is, we didn't score but they did. Then we got offer but they didn't. Why? Colors! Faith! Who came first! This is Malaysia, you see the word " Malay"? That is why!

The fact that i am strongly believed in merit system licensed me to claim that we are Malays are strong enough to rival other ethnics to achieved what we should be achieving. I strongly believe on the ability of my fellow brothers to stand as tall as ethnic Chinese. But at same time, I felt pity to them who does not realized what they have and failed to take advantage of it. The fact that I cant accept nation development being stopped due to old policy that favors certain race.

The fact is, I cant accept when someone claimed we are just an" apple" to compete with "grapes". How come he claimed do not compare us directly with Singapore and Hong Kong because they are places with single-ethnic populations . After years of multiculturalism and cultural assimilation, why cant we become ONE, one single identity; that is we are all MALAYSIAN. Let all be same - single ethnic population.

The fact that I cant accept when someone claimed they (Singapore and HK) are grapes - small but sweet. Base product of many high value items such as wine, grape seed oil.. . As Malaysia, we are apples - large and tasty. Base product of low value items such as apple pie, apple juice.. . I cant accept that! Come on Dato Sri, We don't wanna be an Apple. An apple that is rotten at the core isn't much of a fruit... so please stop saying that. and please in the future, please do not choose a country that is ranked below us to compare with! Please don't try an orange the next time?

When Dumb And Despeado Met!

2007-12-10T18:32:00.003+08:00

Well, what I can say about the Hindraf gathering at Jalan Ampang and Jln Tun Razak recently was stupid. The gathering has tarnished the image of Malaysia. The gathering which was about to send a memorandum to British High Commission with regards to the faith of Malaysian Indian end up with no memorandum being submitted. The memorandum was nothing else to claim the Queen to pay 4 trillions pound to them as damage for bringing them to Malaya. Other than that, the movement also insisted the government to put extra effort in developing Indian people in Malaysia.

The question is, does the gathering really worth? Then, what will happen? Did they get what they wanted? Will the government come out with new policy to favor Indian community? I was wondering, after 50 years of independence, there are still group of people who failed to engage their mind and let stupidity to conquer their self to achieve their dream. These group of people failed to differentiate between those who are trying to be a saviour for their community and those who desperately finding something to feed themselves.

I am not sure whether what the ever wanted will be entertain or not, but one thing for sure, those Hindraf leader will get caught on ISA , and many of their followers will get caught and to be prosecute. Wonder again, does these people heard of MIC? Or even a PKR or many other Indians NGO's through out the country. These are the proper channel.

Well, I am not the "government people", in fact I do not agree with some of their policies to segregate some race in the ticket of balancing the economy. We are a democracy country where anyone is free to do what they want as long as it is within the law. I believe some of the Hindraf members are well educated and aware of the regulation, yet they can act beyond their naked mind can accept. The sovereignty of law had been collapsed due to this action. But off course they won’t care about that.

During the gathering, some of the opposition leaders were also seen giving some speech just before the havoc. One thing I don’t like about them is, they always taking advantage of the situation. Don’t they have even a little bit of love to the country? They are another desperado. As the opposition, they should have their own integrity, not only condemn the government, but to monitor them. Off course we do need opposition. I need them. I don't care who they are? DAP or PAS doesn't matter. As long as they have brain. Without brain, PAS or even DAP will not able to monitor the government. Not all the government do is right. Not all of their policies are correct and valid. So here we need that opposition with brain to speak up. They should act and speak on behalf of the people that they represented. Not blatantly say “yes” to anything that tarnishing the image of Malaysia.

As a Malaysian, I love my country. I will do anything to protect it. Even if I need to exchange it with my life, I will. As of that, I do not agree on what happened at Jln Ampang that day. I felt sorry for Indian community for left behind, but on the other hand, what they did in Jln Ampang, cannot be accepted. Looking at the pictures on the newspaper I realized how dumb and desperate they are in achieving what they want. This is what happened when someone dumb meet desperado. What will they get? Indian hot line as launched by Samy Vellu? Come on, where is his brain? Will the hot line feed them? These people are dumb and desperate, so Samy got to do something more or he will see more.

I Can Live With This Shit.

2007-12-02T12:10:00.002+08:00

People come and go. In our lives, each people that we met, will one day say good bye to us. Same goes to Sperry. People come to this company for several of reasons and same to those who left. Many of my friends who left have concrete reason to do so. Some of them left merely because of money while quite numbers are also left because of proper scheduled that is impossible for Sperry to provide.

At one time, I asked my self, when is the right time to move? Is this what I am looking for in live? Should I spend more days with my family instead of away from them? Is money really everything? I ended up with no answer.

Recall back, Mom always remind me to put family first while dad said it is rude to talk about money when you have it a little and when you have it lots. I can’t deny that I was brought up as a man that put family over everything. I was once considered resigning when my mom insisted after she heard many fatal chopper accidents few months ago. But thanks to dad, who manage to back me up and explained to her, that it is ok for me to continue working in oil field as we believe that life and death are someone’s faith.

Today I received an email from a Daryl. The guy is responsible for brought my self into this field. He was asking if I want to be a drilling engineer in Australia. He said, after I turned down an offer from Schlumberger few months back, it is wise if I can consider this one. I did reply the email by asking him to give one reason for me to leave. If the reason is valid on my thought, then I leave. As what I aspect, his reply is “Good money”. Well, may be he does not aware that I am not driven by money.

People said, Sperry management are bad. They are not organized. They don’t have proper procedures and guidelines for their engineer’s career, and if they do, they won’t follow the guideline. I told JY, when I asked him to reconsider staying with Sperry, that I can live with this shit. I have been working with a company which was worst than this for five years, and I never consider resigning until at one fine day I met Daryl, who asked me to join the club.

Many of my friends keep asking me, didn’t you want extra money? Didn’t you mind when you have to pay huge amount of taxes for every penny that you earned working under the sun while other friends who are doing the same shit in middle east or even in china does not even pay a single cent? Didn’t you have problem to leave my family for work after receiving a short noticed? For those whose asking, this is the answer, - No I did not. Because I can live with this shit!

I Did Have Said Good Bye To Him

2007-10-22T00:31:00.002+08:00

I received a missed call from my mom yesterday morning when I was about to finish my tour. It came to a surprised when she mentioned about my long lost friend whom that I met few days ago before my trip to Miri. Hassan was one of my childhood friends had passed away after meeting an accident at North-South Highway 3 days ago. As we grew up at the same kampong, we shared many common interests. Well, we might not have the same idea for all of the things, but for the things that we do it most, we could hardly argued about it. We started made own way when I got an offer to further my study in the boarding school while he kept his education at the present school on 1992. Since then I hardly knew how he was doing.

I never thought on the last Wednesday 10th was the very last time I met him. While I was waiting to check in at KLIA that afternoon, someone poked my shoulder from the back. It was a shocked at the moment when I turned my head back and looked at his face. It was Hassan whom that I lost, ermm… let say 10 years back. He was not that tall, but still taller than my self and looked cherish on the face. Well, we hug and change each other news for a while before my turn to check in. Immediately after I checked my bag in, we went to the KFC in the departure hall for further chatted.

According to Hassan, he was about to take a flight to Singapore when he saw me at the airport. He said that it’s gonna be his first time taking flight to Singapore and tomorrow will be the first day of his work in a neighbouring country. I told him that he is gonna do fine in Singapore. In fact I gave him my address in Singapore just in case he need anything. Hassan was not much different from the boy that I knew before. He is talkative and funny but yet he can always give you brilliant idea to talk to. He was very helpful during my school days. I still remember that, among our friends, he was the only one that always finished up his homework.

We continue chatting until I heard the final call for my flight. Since I had no choice, I asked to excuse my self. We hug again and as a culture for Malays during Ramadhan month, we shake each other hands and asked for forgiveness. I left him after saying goodbye. May God bless him and placed him among those under His merciful. Amen.

Is Filipino really ignorance?

2007-10-20T22:31:00.000+08:00

(The picture above is curtesy of Kalungan Foundation Center for Filipino OCWs)

I went to see my friend a Filipino few days ago in his office as i wanted to publish my previous blog on ibanese. From our conversation, i did told him about my writings and views on the Philipines as a whole (hence: refer to my previous blog on The tales of Five Nation).

I started the paragraph of the Philipines with i am admitting my lack of knowledge on the nation as i never went to manila or any part of the island states before. With regards to the involving of many Filipinos in servicing industry, i would like to keep as what it is. Because yeah, it is true that Filipinos are all over the world. Among Asian countries, the Philippines has emerged as the biggest sender of workers for overseas employment, out-stripping India, Pakistan and China. Government statistics place annual departures at about 700,000 for both land and sea-based workers. Today, there are nearly seven million overseas Filipino workers spread in more than 100 countries and destinations worldwide.

I did mentioned on why is it happened is mainly because of their ignorance to serve their national states. I labelled them as "Ignored" as in my eyes, they dont care to served their country states as the country gave them nothing.

Well, i might be wrong after talking with my Filipino friend that day. He at one stage was correct when mentioning "dont think that we are the filipino dont love out country". Who doen'st love their own country? Though, the exact reason of these to happen was because of bulk of surplus labor in the Philippines. Unwanted by the local economy, they are forced to seek employment abroad, unmindful of the onerous contract terms and risks, if only to escape poverty and joblessness at home. In fact, in 1995, Association of Filipino Migrant Families and Returnees computes, job scarcity ratio in the Philippines at 69% of the actual labor force. Today, this ratio could reach at least 75% considering that unemployment rate increased 5 percentage points over the last three years. It is, therefore, very easy to understand why there is a compelling reason to seek employment overseas. Otherwise, the local economy has to contend with an additional 4.2 million people needing jobs at home.

I does not mean to hurt any Philipines by saying all of them who work in overseas doesn't love their country. Infact I do admit that I was wrong after i realized for the last several years, income remittances of overseas Filipinos have increased nearly 50%. Alhough the Philippine government reported an impressive 6.8% growth in Gross National product (GNP) for 1996, but nothing in the country's balance sheet is perhaps as impressive as the income remitted by overseas Filipinos.

Back to my Filipino's friend. Well, on the other hand I do not agree with him when he claimed that I was lucky to get a job in my own country. It was not all about luck. It is about working hard to be in the list. I used to work in Australia for almost 2 years after I graduated there. It was two different stories between Malaysian who work overseas and look for oppurtunity in their own country states with a filipino working overseas because of the surplus labour. One thing anyone should remember on how both goverment govern the country to allocate sufficient jobs oppurtunities for locals are much different . Although Malaysia had been suffer from the labour shortage since independence, but with all the national policies in various multi-national company accross the country, there will be (if not guarantee) jobs for locals. With regards to the Sabah issue, I think I better keep it on my next blog.

So back to my pervious blog on "The Tales of Five Nation". What should I describe the Filipinos then? Seems like I cant use the word "IGNORED" as before. Ermm... let me see, What about "COMPULSION" or "ESSENTIAL" - to show the needs or demand of the Filipinos to work overseas for their survivals ? or "REFUTATION" to present the denial of choice or no alternatives with a limit of not being rejected or forbidding ?

Writer's note: As we received enormous comments with regards to this article, we had decided to only publish those who are only registered members of the blog. All comments that has nothing going to do with the subject above, would not be publish either.

Ibanese and Their Warrior

2007-10-19T19:55:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was exactly 2 years after I met the first Ibanese atmy work. And now, Ibanese are more than strange faces in my life, I finally realized they are more than just a working partner. Ibanese are very easy to be friend with. I am not sure what made them so easy to be friendly with others from another races. If compared to many Malaysian Chinese or Indian, or even some of Malays (Kelantanese for instance), I found Ibanese are more confort to be with.

The first Iban, I ever met was Billy from Tender 6. It was 2 years ago when he helped me to set up my MWD unit in Tender 6 on Baram platform. Helpful, hardworking and full of funny stories in his life. As of many Ibanese in oil field, Billy will tell you many stories about hi life. From his imaginary girlfriend (that he haven't met one yet), to rig operation, and cars.

When I was in Tender 6, I met another Ibanese called Andy. A young platform’s roustabout. Although he is young ( in fact much younger than my self) Andy is already married. Despite of dropped in education, it doesn’t stop him to be more vigilant in constructing his future with his wife and son. Andy like to talk about his son - Fletcher. He wanted Fletcher to be successful Ibanese. Andy said he will give Fletcher enough education so that he won’t drop off . Andy was right, it was hard to find any Ibanese who are successful in education. It was hard to find the best student among Ibanese in the national examination for example. He also hope that one day his son will become an ibanese warrior. May be that is why he put his father in law’s name, “Itap” (who was one of the Ibanese warrior before) as the middle name of Fletcher. Although it is hard to find a new Ibanese warrior after the death of Kanang Langkau, it is not too late to wait for Fletcher Itap anak Andy to to grew up.

The Matrix Of Malays

2007-05-16T11:22:00.000+08:00

What would the Viennese psychologist Sigmund Freud say about Ketuanan Melayu or "psychologically-constructed Malay superiority"? How will race-based political parties dissipate through the sands of time, dragged into the abyss by the undercurrent of corruption?

How will its own leaders contribute to its demise – through a perang agung (great war) that is fought over money and power and a lethal combination of both? How is the poor Malay and non-Malay on the street spectaroring this war of the Malay rakshashas?

How is this notion of superiority a mental plague that is permeating even the Malay youth of tomorrow?

Do all Malays subscribe to this notion of ethnocentrism? What would Islam, religion that promotes universal human values such as equality, peace and tolerance - values upheld by other religions and cultural philosophies as well -- say about a concept of blind nationalism such as "ketuanan Melayu"?

Must a rebirth of the Malays be engineered? Of a neo-Malay as the movie *The Matrix* might suggest?

Malays are now frantically searching for a traditional cure for this debilitating disease which is spreading; a disease contracted from a wrong prescription of economic progress that became a lethal combination of materialism and blind nationalism. If one believes the notion of the cultural contradiction of capitalism and the rearing of the ugly head of the ethos of immoral capital accumulation, one can understand the current dilemma in the leadership of Umno.

Umno - acronymed from "United" "Malays" "National" "Organisation" - is none of those. It is neither united, nor consists of pure Malays, nor a national entity, nor is it securely organised. It is *e pluribus unum* (plurality in unity) that has gone haywire and fragmenting all over the place - as a result of infightings amongst its little Napoleans.

The tie that binds it is the Epicureanism of power and money. It is the lavish use of public funds that is maintaining this structure of ephemerality. It is the continuation of patronage politics of "my-way or the highway" that is propelling the direction of this ideology.

It is the rampant and unethical use of the sate ideological apparatuses that is maintaining the structure of hegemony through the covert or overt display of authoritarianism and totalitarianism. It is the massacring of the creativity and critical sensibility of the Malay university students and academics themselves that is speeding up the spread of this "social cancer" as the great Filipino revolutioner Jose Rizal would call it.

It is the production of Mat and Minah Rempits, of bohsias, bohjans, Black Metallists, Malay gangsta rappers, Malay skinheads and "Aryan nation-wannabes", drug-abusers, foul-mouthed youth gangs, corrupt-to-the-core-untouchable politicians and many other symptoms of this debilitating illness that is at issue in the development of our own "cultural logic of late Malay capitalism", borrowing the words of the American literary critic and humanist Frederic Jameson.

Umno "then, now, and forever" are three different "yugas" as the Hindus would say of the eons of time that encapsulate its existence. Its 'future' is now. Its 'then' is lost forever.

In the past, when teachers/civil rights leaders ran Umno, the party flourished with ethics. School teachers, whether in Vietnam, Algeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Nicaragua or El Salvador have been altruistic individuals who subvert totalitarianism during independence movements. A teacher's das capital is "cultural continuation", not "wealth accumulation".

Teacher narratives documenting the Kirby-Brinsford era in British Malaya illustrate the fascinating commitment to Malayan radical multiculturalism of the movement against colonial rule. Teachers of all races hold ethics, intellectualism, and humility close to their hearts, in their struggle against foreign domination. Racial and religious tolerance were at a better level then – until the creation of the New Economic Policy and the discovery of its lucrative dimensions.

When technocrats and businessmen ran the party, the illusion of harmony was created – behind it was the charting of future ruins. In the future the party might no longer exist. It is running its course. Nothing lasts forever - not even the earth and sky, a Hopi Indian chief would tell us.

Politics no longer means public service. It is now about private interest through the appropriation of public goods. Getting elected through the promise made to the public means buying a ticket to unlimited public funds. Robber-baron philosophy of politics rule. Interlocking directorateship and controlling interest become the nature of today's fashion of public service.

As we approach the general election, how will investment bankers, currency traders, and Free Trade Area local opportunists run the nation then, if they secure power? Will we finally be ushered into the Age of Mass Consumption?, as Kennedy-era free enterprise economist Walt Rostow would say. Or will we be doomed like the many nations relegated to become slaves in the sophisticated global system of legalised slavery; our enslavement facilitated by our own elected representatives?

But what is the once benevolent and ethical Umno - this party without ideology - resting upon? But wait a minute - a party without an ideology? PAS has one. DAP has one. PKR has one. Even Parti Sosialis Malaysia has one. These parties produce statements of utopia, the current state of Umno and other race-based parties are producing statements of myopia.

I allude to analysts such as John Funston, Milner and Mauzy, Leonard and Barbara Andaya, and Harry Benda or even Benedict Anderson who would say that Umno lives and breathes on the loose rhetoric of Ketuanan Melayu/dominance of the Malays – that notion of an "imagined community". But what is the psychological interpretation and political-economic dimension of this notion of Malay hegemony?

What would Freud say? If all our race-based political parties are to be laid down on a couch and psychoanalysed by Freud we will have an interesting diagnosis.

It is libido that rules the actions of men and women in politics. It is the "Id" (or the primal energy/primitive instinct) that is creating our latently manifested desire to acquire power and wealth and to construct what many German critical theorists such as Max Horkheimer would call our "authoritarian self". When a society loses the power to reason, fails to philosophize, and its powerful members uses force against the powerless ones, it will be ruined.

It is the Elektra complex of our desire to be in love with the feminine aspect of materialism and to adorn ourselves with wealth that is insatiably feeding our corrupt selves. It is the jealousness of not being able to become traditional and divinely-sanctioned kings and queens that is making our politicians live like the monarchs.

It is the Oedipal Complex of our desire to feed our masculine instincts – the Machiavelli in us - that is contributing to the accumulation of wealth to further our brutish intentions in dominating people, things, places and events around us.

Our elected leaders are feeding their artificial needs and insatiable wants, of succumbing to their repressive instincts to be like and to become ancient traditional rulers, using the ideological state apparatuses at their disposal. Hence, we see even our local chieftains building palaces or istana and other structures of ideological and economic control that alienate the poor of all races.

Our politics need to develop the "Super Ego" within – as the noblest factor - to balance the inner repression and the bloated ego we construct out of the myth, superstition and selected narratives of power and ideology that define us as "historical beings."

Youth political parties are continuing the legacy of racism and hate. All derivatives of the post-1955 National Alliance have evolved into sophisticated ethnicising of organising themselves politically. Racism and ethnocentrism have an economic basis. The inner repression is a result of unmet spiritual and materialistic needs. It is a result of poor understanding of the contradiction between communalism and cosmopolitanism in political thinking. The root is in the self – a self that wants more than its fair share. The self must revolt against the inner forces that are contributing to this form of depression. The fire within must be tamed and channeled to peaceful purposes.

These are what Freud or even Marx would agree as an analysis of the predicament on race relations we are now in.

Youth parties that capitalise on these forms of inner repressions must be dissolved to make way for progressive youth movements to take shape. One generation after the next we see race-based youth parties using outdated arguments on race and racial superiority.

Our youth parties are still too juvenile to be initiated into the complex world of Malaysian politics; a world that requires peaceful solutions to political-economic problems.

I invite readers to do more counter-diagnoses of this notion of Ketuanan Melayu – so that we may together find a traditional and spiritual cure for this debilitating condition.

The Malays are waiting for a rebirth. But who will be their midwife? A neo-Malay the messiah we await -- one who is not intoxicated by any ideology of superiority.

When Will Malaysia Learn Her Past?

2007-05-16T11:09:00.000+08:00

Scholars who are engaged in the humanities will tell you that History happens to be one of the most politically-contested disciplines. It is well known by now that the writing of history is hardly ever an innocent process, and that any claim – no matter how laudable or couched in lofty prose – to objectivity has long since been defunct. The saying that ‘history is written by the victors’ may have passed onto the register of clichés by now, but it remains true nonetheless. What is more history’s endless repetition of the narrative of sameness; the continuous telling of the story of ‘we and us, us and we’ is no mere rhetorical device. Any claim to objective moral ‘truth’ (if one can be made at all in the case of historical writing) often requires the re-telling of the same facts again and again, to lend the guise of consistency and solidity.

That is why official historiography and official (re: state-appointed) historians balk at the thought of the subaltern voice making itself heard. In so many post-colonial societies, the narrative of post-colonial independence was hastily written in a brazen attempt to hide or gloss over instances of collaboration with the imperial hegemon and colonial power; the petty internal feudal conflicts between the colonised subjects themselves; and the fact that most of these struggles were clumsy affairs, mixed with chance and flavoured by deceit.

This is true of many post-colonial countries and Malaysia is no exception to the rule. Malaysia’s independence, we are told, was a gentlemanly bout between British and Malayan aristocrat-patriots who did not bloody their hands in combat. Contrary to the case of Indonesia, Burma, the Philippines and most recently East Timor, Malaysia’s independence was a negotiated affair.

But what has been lost in this official narrative is the fact that long before gentlemen-aristocrats like Tunku Abdul Rahman – who became the country’s first Prime Minister – won the country’s independence, Malaya’s future was also being decided in a bloody conflict in the jungles that pitted the imperial forces of Britain against the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). Malaya gained her independence in 1957, but the country emerged into the world in a state of Emergency, that was declared by the British in 1948 and lasted till 1960.

Even before independence however, the MCP has been routinely stigmatised and demonised as the evil Red Menace threatening to devour the free world. Of course much of this rhetoric seems dated by now, following the end of the Cold War; but in the 1950s and 1960s the same discourse of demonisation was used to systematically present the MCP as a fifth column poised to take over Malaya and serve the interests of Peking and Moscow instead.

It is against this context that films about the MCP, its struggles and the biographies of its members have been banned in Malaysia. Most recently the latest ban was imposed on the film ‘Apa Khabar Orang Kampung’ (oddly translated as ‘Village People Radio Show’, for some unknown reason). The film’s director, Amir Muhammad, was in Berlin just a week ago to present his film which premiered at the Berlinale, to much public acclaim.

Yet, like his earlier film ‘Lelaki Komunist Terakhir’ (‘The Last Communist’), Amir’s latest film has been banned in his own country. While ‘The Last Communist’ was approved by the Malaysian censor board, it was banned by the Home Affairs Minister nevertheless. Amir’s latest film was banned on the grounds that it was ‘historically inaccurate’ and that it presents a distorted picture of history. How ironic, considering that for decades Malaysian historians have also argued that much of colonial history of Malaya/Malaysia was also distorted. And on that note one might as well reactivate the perennial question of history-writing itself: Can there ever be any historical account free of subjective bias, cultural perspectivism and the inherent solipsism of the author him/herself?

It would appear that Malaysia is still suffering from growing pains, despite the fact that the country will celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence this year. After 50 years, and despite the fact that the MCP is practically non-existent in the country today, the ever-so-sensitive sentiments of right-wing nationalists will tolerate no alternative viewpoint contrary to their own; even if this means denying the fact that it was the MCP and its military wing that fought against the Japanese imperialist army during the Japanese occupation of Malaysia during World War Two, and later the returning British imperialist army following the end of the war. Dubbed ‘terrorist bandits’ by the colonial power then, the MCP and its members have been steadily written out of the history books and the process of historical erasure continues unabated till today.

It is ironic, though not surprising, that Amir Muhammad’s film has been banned in the country. The word ‘ban’ shares etymological links to the word ‘banish’, which means to expel something from the space of the familiar. The banning of ‘Apa Khabar Orang Kampung’ may have been an attempt to banish from the present traces of the past, but in their zealousness to impose only their ‘correct’ version of history the Malaysian authorities have shown that Malaysia is still far from ready to live with a history that is complex and laced with alterity.

"Lady boy" As Thailand's Prime Minister

2007-05-15T09:49:00.001+08:00

I came through one article in Bangkok post few days ago about the possibility of Thailand to have the first Lady Boy as prime minister.

Thanyaras Jiraphatphakorn was crowned the new Miss Tiffany Universe early Saturday morning at the country's oldest transvestite beauty pageant, after predicting that Thailand may one day have a "lady boy" for prime minister.

In the intelligence contest, when asked whether its was possible for a "katoey" or "lady boy" to become a politician, Thanyaras answered, "Sure, it is. In the future, there might be prime minister who is a lady boy."

However, he added that much depends on whether Thai society can change their negative views of katoeys.

I think as an open society, it is OK to relate the politic issue during this type of competition. Although the issue was openly discussed, but Thais are stil think that Lady boys are "sinful" people. Question should be asked, whether in Thailand people are judge on what they can contribute to developement of the society or just barely on what they are?

Old, Pregnant and Non-Chinese - All Hired

2007-05-12T16:44:00.001+08:00

Singapore's five-year-old Code governing the dos and don'ts of hirings and firings finally got a much needed facelift with the launch of the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices.

Under this new guidelines, it is stated that the employer should not practise any discrimination to all employee no matter what background they are from. Under this code also, the employer are not allowed to include the age, race, religion, gender, marital status and whether the woman is pragnant or not as the requirement during job interviews. Promotion and selection of the employee instead will be fully based on what can they contribute to the company .

When our neighbour moved one more step forward in practising healthy working environment without prejudice and discrimination , some of us are still proud of our old controversial policy that require some percentage of certain race to be part of the organisation.

Global Warming - Do We Really Care?

2007-05-12T07:15:00.001+08:00

This is a very interesting topic and I'm sure a lot of us have got something to say, nevermind if it is a naked truth for everyone to see because we need to have constant knocking on the head, lets we forget. From time to time, we enjoy our outing to the green, visiting places we have never seen before and enjoy mixing around with the natives.

Global warming is part of many issues affecting our planet. Can we blamed the Government for their failure to keep a good work at environment awareness or more we need to ask ourselves, what is our role to contribute to the reduction in global warming.

Is the climate really warm?

Yes. According to US's NESDIS (National Environment Satelite, Data and Imformation services, global surface temperatures have increased about 0.6°C (plus or minus 0.2°C) since the late-19th century, and about 0.4°F (0.2 to 0.3°C) over the past 25 years (the period with the most credible data).

What can we do to help? Simple, global warming effect climate change. Everyone noticed how many programs the government has try to promote recycling and environmental friendly activities and most of them seem to fail. Car pooling, the three colour garbage for recycling. Things like that some are not active anymore or just a small groups of Malaysian still does it. Do we really need incentive or other form of motivation to make us more environmental friendly?

Why Cant He Clarify It?

2007-05-10T07:09:00.002+08:00

Today NST with regard to the Maybank's moved requiring law firms to have at least three partners, one of whom must be a Bumi with a 50 per cent stake, before they can do any business with the bank that sparked a controversy among chambers of commerce and legal firms, with the latter saying they should be given jobs based on merit and not on racial quotas.

Najib when asked to comment on this issues failed to clarify properly instead only backing the government’s policy is that we want to encourage GLCs to give work to both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera (companies).

“We don’t want this to be an issue. What they (Maybank) should have done is just (follow the government policy), which is to help both (Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera companies),” said Najib.

The question is, why cant he clarify, if the policy are still significant, since there were no proper guidelines to implement it? Or to admid the status of Bumi now are much better as compared to before independence and they are able to compete with non-bumi?

Why cant we admit it? Some one has just to speak up. Or else the non-Bumi will always look down on us.

Another Racial Issue ...........

2007-05-09T16:44:00.001+08:00

Lately Maybank has come under fire from MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek for its requirement to law firms that it must have at least three bumiputra partners, one of whom must have a 50% stake, before these firms can do any business with the bank.

Describing the move as discriminatory, he said many Malaysians had expressed their disappointment with the bank for its decision.

“On one hand, we are talking about racial integration but on the other hand, we are adopting such positions which are racial in nature,” he said.

I was wonder. Is Malay are really poor until all government body have to adopt such rules for the sake of Malay "special right" ? How are we going to compete globally if a government-linked company like Maybank still adopted such rules? Woke up and face the fact that everyone worked together should get the same or some Malays may keep on dreaming.

Code Of Life - Stigma Against HIV/AIDS in Workplace

2007-05-07T08:24:00.002+08:00

Many employers in Malaysia do not hink HIV/AIDS in work place is a serious issues. Aware of the potential disastrous impact of the desease on the economy, the Government through Department of Occupotional Safety and Health (DOSH), had launched a code of pratice to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the work place.

The objectives of this code is basically general awareness for the employers of how important HIV/AIDS related issues taking part in work place as well as the prevention of sigmatises and descimination against HIV-positive.

The Key points of the code is as below;

1. Employers should not practice screening or HIV antibody testing as a precondition of employment, promotion or other employee benefits.

2. HIV-positive status should not be the sole criterion for disqualification from any form of employment.

3. HIV-positive employee should have the right to continue in employment as long as they are able to work and as long as they do not ppose any anger to themselves, heir co-workers and other individuals in the work place.

4. The procedures for termination of employment on medical ground for HIV-Positive should be the same as for any other deseases.

5. A written policy should be clearly state the employers'c commiment in preventing the spead o the cirus as well as discrimination and stigmatisation of HIV-positive employees in the workplace.

6. Employment practices should be based on the scientific and epidemiological evidence that people with HIV/AIS do not pose the risk of the transmision of the virus to co-wrkers through ordinary workplace contact.

7. Disciplinary action should be taken against any employee who discriminates or stigmatises HIV-positive or preceived -HIV-Positive employees.

8. An employer should ensure that a HIV-positive employee is not required to disclose his/her HIV ststus to the employer or anyone at work. In situation where the employee eed to reveal his/her own status, confidentiality or privacy regarding all medical imformation related to his/her HIV/AIDS ststus should be maintained at all times.

The problem that DOSH may face is to deal with all the employers to adopt these code. Some of the employers are eroneously believe that they need to fork out huge amount of money to implement HIV/AIDS awareness programme once the adopt he code. Some also may think that, tere will be no economic benefits from adopting the code, where all they gets is certificates of appreciation.

Personally I think, the only way to face this, is by made the code compulsory for employers . As long as it is a voluntary code, many employers will not see HIV/AIDS as the big problem to this country.

Is Asean Spitits Faded away?

2007-05-07T07:52:00.000+08:00

Something has changed in Southeast Asia and no one wants to talk about it. Over the last 40 years, countries of the region have fostered a much envied tradition of loose but effective multilateral cooperation in the shape of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Although advertised as an incipient economic community, Asean in fact has principally served to prevent disputes between nations that harboured old enmities and quietly nursed new ambitions. The record of interstate peace and harmony among Asean members is enviable compared with other regions of the world.

Of late, however, the Asean spirit of consultation and consensus appears to have weakened. In part this is understandable. Asean has grown. It now comprises 10 members instead of six. Expansion has understandably diluted the old bonhomie between the original six members. The framework of regional cooperation has expanded as economies boomed in the 1990s. Dialogue partners were taken on, and larger East Asian and South Asian neighbours were brought into the circle. Finally, much of the early part of the new century has seen the focus of attention swing away from growth in Asean toward growth in China, which has further weakened Asean's incentive to bond as a region.

The result has been a return to reflexive bilateral engagement. Witness the recent signing in Bali of a bilateral extradition treaty and defence cooperation agreement between Singapore and Indonesia. Both these landmark deals were tough to negotiate and brought the two sides into a degree of friction with one another. The question arises: where was Asean in all this?

Why not craft a regional mechanism for ensuring that ill-gotten gains from one country can be traced and recovered in a neighbouring one? The question can equally be asked: what do Singapore and Indonesia need a bilateral defence agreement for in an era when regional security cooperation should be the goal?

In the 1990s, countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore frequently met at a high level in a more explicitly multilateral context. There were optimistic joint declarations to create zones of joint development like Sijori (Singapore, Johore and Riau) or the Northern Growth triangle encompassing North Sumatra, Penang and Southern Thailand.

Nothing came of these projects because, while the leadership may have been willing to invest in joint development, little effort was made to break down political and bureaucratic barriers between the countries involved.

More is the pity since a regional framework like the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle, if implemented, might well have dampened conflict in Aceh and Southern Thailand by providing local people with higher levels of economic growth fostering a benign sense of regional identity without threatening sovereignty.

But nationalism remains as strong a political impulse as it was half a century ago and there is little sign of borders dissolving. Today, Singapore says it is different from other countries; Indonesia thinks it is more democratic than others; and Thailand is looking inward as it confronts prolonged political crisis. Vietnam goes its own way, and Burma is drifting further apart form the rest of Southeast Asia.

Asean, in other words, is suffering from a lack of firm commitment to multilateral cooperation. The willingness of the membership to ignore differences and cooperate, to share a common purpose and direction, is the oxygen that keeps Asean alive.

No one is saying that the 40-year-old institution is on life support, but it sure is having a hard time breathing.

To be sure, a multitude of meetings still go on: Asean exists as a complex matrix of official meetings on one subject or another. This is part of the problem: Asean has been delegated by the leadership, which only turns up once a year to preside over summits that are increasingly becoming venues for bilateral engagement rather than multilateral agreement. At a recent foreign ministers gathering the main issue preoccupying officials was whether Thailand could sort out spats with Malaysia and Singapore on different issues.

To be fair, Asean has also been hijacked by more powerful geopolitical forces. As China and India vie for regional supremacy, the arena of cooperation and integration has been greatly expanded. Asean is now part of a greater East Asian whole. So long as it lacked the confidence to flex its diplomatic muscle, China hid behind Asean's familiarity and credibility with Western trading partners. This started to change after 2003 when China harnessed Asean to its own notion of a regional framework, one that is less dependent on the West.

Much hope is pinned on a new Asean charter due to be unveiled in Singapore at the end of the year. The document, once approved, is expected to reinvigorate Asean, endow its moribund secretariat with new powers and breathe new life into the notion of a single community. A more empowered secretary-general will help restore some lustre to this once much-respected vehicle for regional diplomacy.

Perhaps Asean is less a victim of its own weakness than a hostage to the new global order _ one in which multilateral bodies have been damaged or weakened by the clumsy unilateralism of big powers, principally the United States and China.

Asean enjoyed the peak of its success at the end of the Cold War when superpower rivalry was at its nadir. This allowed Asean to steer its own economic and security policies and get the feel for regional cooperation. Now the cycle is reversing itself and individual Asean member states need to demonstrate strong bilateral ties with both China and the United States to benefit from access to preferential trade and security agreements.

So for all these reasons, just as one pays less heed to the United Nations these days, so Asean no longer invites the feverish scrutiny and analysis that it once did. Today, the leaders of Southeast Asia are forced to keep busy burnishing ties with the major powers as well as each and every one of their neighbours, rather than relying on their foreign ministers to sort things out collectively over a few cold drinks after a round of golf at one of those old fashioned Asean meetings. The region is a less secure place as a result.

The Love Song of the 6th Dalai Lama

2007-03-27T17:09:00.000+08:00

The lover from whom I met and passed by Chance,
Is a girl with a perfumed body,
It is like picking up a turquoise of whitish lustre,
And throwing it away off- hands.

If I reciprocate with the feelings of the girl,
My share in religion during this life will be deprived.
If i wander among the solitary mountain ranges,
It would be contradictory to the wishes of the girl

Bangsa Malaysia - Reality and Fantasy

2007-03-27T13:41:00.001+08:00

Few month ago, or i think it was quite sometimes, everybody were talking about "Bangsa Malaysia" (Malaysian Nation). I am not very sure what had happened to the campaign until it suddenly keep silence. To built one nation in a multi racial country like Malaysia is not as easy as the ABC. It may involve scarification as well as willingness rather than only loyalty to the country.

As everyone knows, Malaysia is built on a strong fundamental of planned economic and politic segregation. Malays were given special treat on economic since before independence. On the other hand, Chinese who hold the majority of economic doesn't have such treat to sustain their success . Apart from that, social partition between nations should not be taken for granted as well.

Malaysia is the only multi racial country in South East Asia with Malays comprise the slightly majority. To built a nation like Indonesian and Thai will need big efforts from many parties and most important thing is, scarification and willingness from both Malays and Chinese.

Can we take Indonesia and Thailand as example to built a nation? The answer is no. Reason being, although we are from the same background and roots, we share same cultures but our historical base are much different. Both Thailand and Indonesia have Chinese that migrate from southern province of China, same as Malaysia. But the different is, how both country treat their Chinese are totally different from Malaysia.

Indonesia for examples, under Sukarno administration, Chinese are not allowed to practice their cultures and language. Not only that, all of them have to use Indonesian name like others. On the other hands, the government policy that allow interracial marriage, which a person doesn't need to change their religion to follow their partner. With no religion boundary, the efforts to built one nation can be easily achieved. The only mistake was, Sukarno doesn't divide the economic power between nation like in Malaysia. As a result, the racial riot in 1997 awake everybody on the importances of economic diversion.

The story are different on the land of smiles. Thailand under King Chullalongkorn encourage migration of Chinese from China to explore jungle for paddy fields. The King realized the importance of paddy to the nation, and also the importance of willingness of Chinese to explore the paddy fields, so in return, the Chinese were offered the nationality of Thais. Not forget to mentioned, as Thai and Chinese shares the same faith, once again the nation is built without any religions boundary.

In Malaysia, from the fundamental that we being holding from, it is impossible to built one nation without religion boundary. It is written in the constitution, for those who marry Malay, either one of them have to change their religion. As we all knows, it is forbid for Muslim to change to another religions, although it is legal based in our constituency. This is the sign of religion cannot be taken into consideration in building a nation.

The only thing that can be rely on making a nation id understanding among all races. So far the government efforts in building a "vision school" (Sekolah Wawasan) which consist all 3 different schools (Malays, Chinese and Tamil) in one area can be seen as a good movement. But the question is, does it enough? The capitulation and willingness that i mentioned before is mainly important among races. Does Malays who benefits from the special treat willing to forfeit this pleasure and work together with their Chinese neighbor to develop the nation ? And is Chinese willing to be more like "Malaysian" by preparing their self to be ready to respect Bahasa Melayu as a national languages?

With all these, it is not known whether both races are ready for one nation. It is not sure if Bangsa Malaysia is reality or just a fantasy.

Look Homeward Angel

2007-03-20T13:53:00.000+08:00

The old hunger for voyages fed his heart ....................
To Go alone ........ into strange cities;
to meet strange people and to pass again before they could know him;
to wander, like his own legend across the earth...........
it seems to him there could be no better than that.