Why somebody could be so narrow-minded?

Referring to Malaysiakini news report on Malay NGO sues Penang over signboards and the recent incident of PKNS appointment of a chinese woman as an acting General Manager, had dragged the whole nation into issue after issues of races and languages. I wonder, how come people are still not grown tired of these racial issues? Does it do any harm to anyone when the multilingual signboards are erected in the tourist attraction places? What does it really bother with these unsatisfied group of Young Malay Graduates Federation (NGO)?
They want to sue, claim that the authorities (DAP-led state gov and the Municipal Council of Penang Island) are "belittling" the official status of Bahasa Malaysia.
How could they prove this point? By displaying together with other common languages in Malaysia, is a threat to official status of Bahasa Malaysia? That is too easy to make that conclusion. I don't mind if you also demand that the font size of BM be bigger / more obvious than other languages, but i don't understand how come the existence of BM must exclude others?

On the case of PKNS appointment, why do some people still only believe in skin colour? Is it true that the same skin colour people will definitely be taking care of people who share his/her colour? I don't buy that, even chinese can cheat on other chinese, indian can fight with other indians... Person who is responsible, capable, helpful , moral, kind or of any other personality traits, cannot be determined by the race. PKNS is for developing economy in Selangor, not 'developing' racism. Put the best qualified, experienced, loyal and competent person on the job, for sure it will benefit anyone in the state. PKNS is belonged to all residents who stay in the state and who paid taxes to the state. But why do these people still insist on the 'same-kind' person ONLY to become the manager? And how naive they think that the manager's role is extended to become their imam too? Too often people mix politics with religion, now they want to mix economics with religion, to confuse people.

There is a flaw of logic too, when some argue that the most prominent position must be reserved to those who come from the majority (ethnic). A political sarcastic website dulan.org (mandarin) has published a blog entry went further to suggest that Health Minister and Transport Minister should be given back to Malay, as in those department majority is Malay civil servant. Most funny is that part saying: in a farm, when comes to who is the most suitable candidate to hold the position a farm manager, he/she must be from cows or goats because their number is way more than human! LOL

The sad reality in Malaysia is, many people whether educated or not are usually too convenient to see issues from the racial point of view, busy differentiate themselves from others into the terms 'them and us' according to skin-colour, religion and languages. Those people hold too many stereotypical perceptions on others, fail to see every one of us as individual. That is the problem - who teaches them this concept first? Teachers? Parents? Media (mouth of politicians)?

Could someone be more humanist, treat and judge each and everyone as a human being who is born the same, please?



*update*

This morning, i read my favourite political analyst writer Wong Chin Huat's article on The Nut Graph, shed some light on why many of us in Malaysia would usually react and think this racist way.

Further thoughts while discussing the related issues with my friend in his blog:
不用说得那么远，我们的邻国新加坡在每个公共告示板（包括地铁站）都用上了4种语言。那个自由，民主精神和制度还不比我国理想的国度，至少在语言的表面上还可看到该国政府给与各族的基本尊重。
你可能说，那是因为他国宪法的官方语言为那4种语言，而我国的只有一种。也许问题就是在此了。
我的疑问是，官方语言难道一定要有排他性的吗？

半夜茶

我妈说，从前的人有喝早茶和下午茶的习惯，她对现在的年轻人喜欢喝‘半夜茶’感到费解（其实讲的是我啦！）
嗯，最坏的是，现在没有喝茶kaki。一旦有机会，我想，‘半夜茶’session会是很开心的。=) 以前阿牛的那首《嘛嘛档》就是最好的写照！

只是近来的选择多了，年轻人还有冷气本土咖啡馆去喝茶。

十月/2 的天

在十月里聆听五月天的最新专辑，感受到他们对音乐的执著，用心，成熟与成长。五月天这个台湾乐队，可说是现代中文乐坛里最畅销和最多乐迷的摇滚乐队。打从他们的第一张专辑《疯狂世界》认识他们，然后因《爱情万岁》欣赏和喜欢他们，对他们复出的《时光机》专辑里的摇滚风格刮目相看，随后的专辑都保持乐队一贯的高音乐水准。坦白地说，上一张专辑《为爱而生》有点让我失望，似乎他们找不到音乐创作的突破。然而，在这一张《后青春期的诗》，让我领悟到，保有他们一向来的音乐风格，不一定要创新，其实也可以很动听，及显得很有诚意的。
值得推荐的，随手拈来就有:<笑忘歌>,<噢买尬>,<出头天>,<你不是真正的快乐>,<后青春期的诗>,<突然好想你>...
无论是感染性强，快乐喜悦upbeat的<笑忘歌>和<噢买尬>，还是类似他们之前激励人心的台语歌曲《憨人》的<出头天>（我其实蛮喜欢他们的台语歌，可惜他们不常创作），或者是以管铉乐为辅，感性的<你不是真正的快乐>和<突然好想你>，首首都很耐听。尤其是一些歌曲的感动（比如说<后青春期的诗>），是在慢慢听后，越听越有滋味和感觉，为此而动容。
对此专辑的评价，我会把它排在我的all time favourite《爱情万岁》之后。我认为这是他们其中一张career defining的专辑，一张Mayday的classic。对此，我强力推荐！


P/s:对于近年来的流行摇滚乐（pop rock)，都有一种趋势会使用管铉乐为背景，来塑造一首歌的意境和气势。我同样非常欣赏的印尼摇滚乐队Sheila On 7，也是这方面的佼佼者。

世风日下，小孩也被利用来骗人

这是真实的故事，我昨天的亲身体验...

昨天下午，我驾车绕道回家避开车龙，从住宅区另一端的路口进入回家。就在我转入靠近我家的前几个路口，首先看到路边有一个女孩，大约7或8岁，要拦住我车的去路，大动作地摇手示意我停下。我看到她好像有点慌张，以为发生了什么事情，就调下我的车窗问候。那女孩就急喊着叫我载送她和几个同伴到路的前面（尽头）。她的同伴们（两个男的，全部都貌似印尼裔）好像发现了目标，从前面往我车的方向奔跑。我问她为什么我要这样做，到底发生了什么事？那女孩也没有交代，一直重复地求我载他们一伙到前面。我就很不明白，开始怀疑了。这时，一个男孩在车前拦住我，嘴里好像也在求我载送他。我那时觉得不对劲，就调上我的车窗不再与他们谈了，缓慢地启动我的车前进。那男孩还好不是那么有种在我的车前拦太久（他应该也是害怕我会不顾一切往前走），他们3人居然不死心，拍打我的车窗，抓住我的车身和车望后镜陪跑。

一开始我的车速是真的很慢的，看到他们缠住我不放，我开始慢慢加快速度。突然，那个女孩就这样摔队，‘跌倒’在马路上，其中一个男孩还是不放弃抓住我的望后镜。在跑着跑着他也突然放手跌倒在路上，我稍微慢下来，看看他们。他们也以一种眼神回望我，似乎也好像希望我会停下来给他们。我也生怕中计，长扬而去。

读到这里，你们会怎么想呢？是你的话，会否因为他们是小孩，怜悯他们觉得无妨吗？

在马来西亚，很多时候我觉得，好心是要用在对的地方--防人之心不可无啊！好心也要懂得用脑，因为在尔虞我诈的社会行骗的人很多（找吃很难啊!),利用你的同情心的人来达到目的也大有人在。

刚才的事情，我担心被卷入骗局陷阱的机率很大...如果那时他们真的能说出一个所以然来，比如说前面我的朋友发生了意外/受伤了流血啊，我又可以看到他们惶恐不安紧张不已的眼神时，我可能会载他们一程前去看个究竟（我还是有容易受骗的潜质，不过如果是那样，我也认了--我相信这世上也有真正需要你紧急帮忙的人）。

那天，我的分析是，我担心他们上车后不肯下车...后来的事情就很难预测了。可能他们的代理人在路前埋伏，说他们是那些小孩们的父亲，找了他们很久。然后看到我载送他们，认定是我拐带他们，并恫言报警捉我。那么我不是要吃死猫不行？然后他们就威胁我，如果不交出一定的数目消灾，他们就要报警。那时我就很不利了。当然，应该还会有其他的剧本。我的直觉告诉我，他们不是真的需要我帮忙的。而他们的跌倒也是在做戏。可惜他们拿不出一个能够说服我的理由，让我给他们上车。真的是好彩！ huuuhhh~

我说出来这个可能行骗的花招，是要你们引以为鉴。不知你们有没有其他类似的经验？

Kangkung Belacan, truly Malaysia!

MCA election aftermath, a new menu combo emerges - a team dubbed 'Kangkung' wants to add a new spicy taste to suit every Malaysian's flavour, dumped the good old chinese-fried kangkung to cater just yellow-skinned people in Malaysia.
A new direction is very encouraging and promising at the beginning of announcement. How do you know they are really a good cook, not just merely good-boy waiters to take orders from the real boss? Not so much of hope if they work in a restaurant which gives preferences/privileges to and relies on Usually-Malays-Not-Orang orang lain regular die-hard customers.

I would not buy their food, whatever they cook (including kangkung) would still in bad taste for most Malaysian. As you know, the food in that restaurant is still stained with odd Mongolian bloody-smell that cannot go away... not really nice ler.
I'm not quite used to that, you know lar...and i hate to admit that i am quite a timid-kind of person -- MCA new menu is still new, i don't dare to try first. But i have conflicts with myself too, I scare if i don't try it now, later the Kangkung would be rotten or corrupted to the core, i don't even have a chance. Because the guarantor Mr. Chua who failed to get elected to become the Master chef of the cooking team, i'm becoming very worry... I don't see the new head of Kangkung team steps in front making the same promise and guarantee. What if next time the whole kitchen and restaurant are still infested and spread with all kind of political rats?

So far, my money is going to place on Rakyat's stalls for good and healthy food. I am not so easily satisfied with them either, and constantly looking forward to better menu from Rakyat's. What other things could they offer now, other than taking over the smelly restaurant aforementioned?

印象

你有曾想过别人如何记得你？你给别人的印象如何？
印象这个东西其实很玄，取决于你怎么认识他人，如何在而后交往。
别人记得你些什么，往往是对他们印象较深刻的几件事，就这样塑造了印象。也通常是特出点（可好或可坏）大于平凡点。
有时从别人口中的回馈和交谈，才知道别人一直以来对我的印象是如何。
印象可也是有时空的限制的--别人对你的印象会停留在某一个时段和地方的（如果那个‘别人’不是你一直保持联系的好友知己的话）。
我给我的中学朋友（乃至学记和学院朋友）回忆最多的是：辩论员，热衷于华文和华文学会。
到了大学，有人（大马留学生/朋友）记得我是舞蹈员，摄影师，或中文腔重，竞选大马留学生学会主席失败的学生。
的确，很多时候一些印象是片面的，因为自己没有选择积极参与某一群学生打交道，所以他们认识的我只能是片面。全面的印象塑造，需要的是时间。
所以无论他人如何看待我也好，我不会太在乎了，因为有时我明白他们为何会那样想。当然不同的是我身边较亲密的家人朋友--通常他们的反应和回馈会比较贴切，因为他们是最了解你的人，也可以信任和坦白地说出来。

印象，其实你自己在做自己时，有意无意地制造出来的。从小得到的训示还是对的：若你不要/喜欢别人讨厌你，就不要去做令人讨厌反感的事。翻过来说，也对--只要不要太刻意去讨好别人直到令人反感就好了（这点不容易）。

生活启示

1）什么叫‘麻烦’？

有时，有人会以为因为小事，不必去‘烦’别人帮助。自以为是地着手去解决问题，结果把事情搞得越来越糟糕时，才把问题丢回给物主去解决，这才叫sibeh麻烦！（估计花了8小时去研究和解决电脑问题，原本只需花2小时的IBM全自动电脑复苏Programme已被一洗而空）

2）要命，谁的命？

下雨天驾车很危险。那天下午，我已不是很快的速度驾着车。前面路边有一群摩多骑士正在天桥底下躲着雨。当我正要驶近他们时，有一个摩多阿叔突然骑出来，我被逼作及时反应稍微闪去另一条车道，斜后方正好有另一辆车还好也不是驾的很快，慢下来给我‘吃’进来了。我与妈妈在车上都已心惊胆跳了，我真的很生气，就在车上开骂了（当然那阿叔是听不到的）。我想，万一我后方是冲力十足飞驰着的罗里大车的话，我应该要闪过去那车道承担自己（和我母亲）生命的危险，还是干脆撞那摩多骑士算了？是你的话，你选择什么呢？

我在不久前才得知马来西亚是全世界拥有最多电单车/平均人口的国家。数据也显示电单车涉及的车祸率和死亡率也是在国内最高的。我就不明白为何，那位大叔这样敢敢来‘找死’。到底是其他公路使用者不体贴或鲁莽，还是电单车骑士自己的问题？

前一段落的问题，我的回答--别怪我自私--在那种情况下，我不会突然改道了。我觉得，因为别人的鲁莽而自己付出代价是非常不公平的。

所以，摩多骑士们，你们最好自己保重，小心点！

3）Old town kopitiam 在 Modern place是没有人情味的

我一直都觉得很反感，为什么一些不值几钱的顾客服务，却要向顾客收过份的费用呢？
你们知道，在英国无论大小高贵廉价餐厅，你要白开水，他们不只不可以说‘不’或‘没有’，还要为你端来免费的（有些还特地加上些lemon片呢！）。
那天我与母亲在那里用下午茶。我叫了一杯热的'cham',我妈叫了一杯old town咖啡。端来时，我与妈妈的饮料都‘漂浮’着四分之一的咖啡泡沫（eh,我们可没有叫你tarik咧--我想是因为那些咖啡机吧！）。取走了泡沫，我喝的‘cham' 几乎都是咖啡，没感觉到丁点的奶茶味。然后我妈的咖啡太‘重’，我的也是，就要求了一杯热水。端来的一小杯热水给我们调淡和‘漱口’，后来发现竟然值70sen！很小杯而已也，不到300ml！一点的顾客服务也要这样收费吗？我们又不是特地只是喝它的热水赖死不走嘛。气愤！

我还记得一些餐厅连开胃豆和湿纸巾都要算顾客的钱，然后又不先让顾客知道那是收费的服务--第一，那是欺骗/不老实/unethical，第二，那是叫小气！那些东西到底值多少钱？为何他们要用这样的方式来‘得罪’顾客呢?
就是不明白大马人做生意的mindset...良好的customer service都要以金钱来衡量的？

回国前的旅游观光

我在上个月初时就把我的论文搞定了。我就先释放自己去找朋友游玩了。原本想租借车子一口气从Cardiff驾到英国著名的旅游胜地Cornwall省，结果路程实在太远了，只好到Somerset省的Exmoor国家公园看看（坦白说，车里的3人根本在这之前一点都没有停过此地）。值不值得一游呢？就看一下的照片集就好了：
http://travel.webshots.com/album/566731550AnLyRt?vhost=travel

另一天，同一辆车，车子少了一人。我与伟康两人就上路到威尔斯的Brecon Beacons National Park (奇怪的是我那么热衷于走动他国的国家公园，自己国家的Taman Negara还未去过)。 山峦起伏，间中辽阔的平原，是个值得足行的胜地。若天气较好，和我有更多的时间，我想我会涉足征服这些不太高的山峰，从高眺望远方。
http://travel.webshots.com/album/566733836ahuEej?vhost=travel

在另一个匆忙召集的苏格兰旅程，只见我与两位系友参与。同样的，我们租用一辆车子（全程我驾驶，累）。我们锁定的目标为Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (哈哈，看来我酷爱国家公园的），Glasgow, Stirling 和 Edinburgh. 四天三夜的旅程要涵盖这么广的地方，是我自己找苦吃。第二晚我们冒着很大的风险，连夜摸黑地驾往一个异常偏僻的青年旅馆。外面几乎没有一丝的路灯光，路面窄小，我的精神紧张，眼睛非常吃力地看住前方，生怕在哪个转弯处会与哪个车子碰个正着，或驾出路面。最后，车子就没有看到，迎面来了两个人还真吓坏了我们。我还傻乎乎地问我的朋友，他们有没有脚的。那天是中秋节，我们刚好有月饼庆中。到了旅馆，卸下了包包，就到厨房/饭厅庆祝--因为外面下雨，没有月光赏呀！在苏格兰旅游期间也是蛮倒霉的，4天里3天下雨。原本景色漂亮壮观的Lomond湖，也只是灰色一片。真扫兴啊！
http://travel.webshots.com/album/567691482TxWmUc?vhost=travel

我回来了！

是的，首先是我回到了我的老家，Subang Jaya. 有点不好意思的是，我竟然在回家后的一周后，才在此作宣布--似乎有点太迟了。原谅我的行动缓慢，哈！

第二，是我决定再重出网络部落格江湖了。我‘隐藏’练功了很久了。现在我的学业算有成了，回到老家又能与家人和佳人重聚，找到了更开心的理由。或许如果我好好重整过去两个月的心路里程，我会有更多的心得与大家分享。

如今在这里必须积极地再尝试申请在海外念博士，非要殆尽所有的方式申请到有助学金的博士学位不可！但是，预算最快开课/开始博士研究也得等到明年九月或十月吧！大约有九个月的时间要（考虑）做一些什么短期性的工作来提升我的覆历。今年剩余的时间都属于我的吧！我也该好好休息享受生活了（很久没这样了）--约好了我的小学同学在十二月中，去巴厘岛去游玩叙旧（没想到吧！）；下个月陪伴我母亲到南非去游玩（那是她非常向往的地方）--她总是说，趁她还走得动，跑得快时，去远的地方游山玩水。我知道其实她最想去的还是欧洲大陆--英国，法国，荷兰，瑞士等等的国家。

***
回来不到一个星期我就‘中招’了--平时少吃一点健康的食物没有关系，只要吃了点不干净的食物就足于让我躺在床上一天半，奔驰于厕所和睡房之间，胃也被清洗了。

确实，住在巴生河流域的市民可深深体会生活不太好过了-百物涨价，钱不够用！涨幅还是有目共睹的，一年的变化不可说不大。目前我回来不是受薪人士，钱就不好随便‘开’了。

政治闹剧还在上演，很多人还在那儿争权夺位，口说改革，什么体惜民困啦，最后也不是门面话，党选后再说其他的话溜开了责任。旧政治一不翻新，人民可要自己保重了。

给秀玲支持的Open Letter

嗨，秀玲，你好！真的好久不见了。一开始知道你的消息时，有少少的惊讶，因为你除了癌症外，现在又多了一担啊...我是说你的TB菌啊，乘虚而入。还好你也是生性乐观的，对于你的working holiday的决定，我觉得是好得不得了！看到你和绪庄在纽西兰的照片，有点像是你们两人在度蜜月咧！哪门的病人啊,你的气色还真不错！;-) 我赞成，纽西兰的环境目前很适合你们（尤其是你的健康福利）。我也蛮羡慕的。

我目前在一个比TB更强的病毒实验室做我的硕士研究--猜猜看？
是爱滋病毒咧，怕吗？我没事，专业的很！TB实验室也在我的同一个部门。你的资料没说错，只要你好好修身健体，TB菌是很容易被控制的。我们的免疫系统可不是简单的！好好照顾自己啦，没有什么可以轻易打倒你的，只要你不放弃。

马来西亚的政经文教各领域至今还没有什么头绪，但有越来越多人投入‘救国’的行列中，别担心。即使不是站在最前线，你还是很有用的哦！别忘记我们的朋友们几乎全部都没有放弃过支持正义和自由的斗争。你和我都一样，身在海外，心系大马，支持任何与我们同一阵线的战友。 =）

说真的，我还蛮想去纽西兰去度假。那里实在是太美了！既然你们会呆在那里一些时候，说不定我还可能可以拜访你们tim! hehe

好了，祝安康！

（我知道你会很得空，也许会游览到我的blog来领接我给你的surprise回复！谢谢你登门造访，让我重新知道你的近况。保持联络）

翰

生活update 727

时间过得真快，现在已经在倒数2个月的状态。很快就大功告成，（希望可以）凯旋归来马来西亚。这个星期将会是我的最后一个星期在实验室做实验工作了，接下来只会在家里埋头苦干，绞尽脑汁完成我的论文。

***

在不同国度和文化，别人会给你一些印象而你自己不认为。
举例来说，我的导师（supervisor）会认为我勤力，很有冲劲和上进心，对我很刮目相看。而坦白来说，我感到有点惭愧，因为我并不觉得，反而常常想偷懒。我的好友说：‘这不就好嘛，如果他们不认为如此，你才有问题’。说的也是，我也只好尽量表现出来。相比与我同室的意大利博士学生同事和另一位同事，我的表现还算不错--也许这是这里的研究工作环境吧，节奏放缓，不急不迫。但是我听说，若我改次在德国或瑞士读博士就会感受到不同的拼劲了。也许亚洲人本来就应该很勤力才对的，不然心理就会不平衡或过意不去。

我的导师很想留我下来，作她的博士学生，只是她无法给我助学金支持我。再加上如今我的两个博士申请被拒绝，暂时我的未来还未定。我想，申请工作也需要一点耐性，可能目前在还未硕士毕业前我的条件还不是太好。助学金？我有点不知如何找给她。说实在的，我确实想出走英国到欧洲大陆（德国或瑞士）继续我的学位。我也感觉到欧洲大陆的大学较慷慨，愿意给以升学机会和助学金栽培他们。而英国则把海外学生当他们的赚钱工具，我相当不悦。这可能是现实吧，其他欧洲国家需要下更多的功夫和砸更多的金钱，增加他们的吸引力来说服顶尖人才过去那里助他们一把。我希望我会是受益者。

为什么要继续博士？不少人都会如此问。以我目前的情况，若要在我的本行继续钻，博士应该是最好的选择。我把它当作是我的学术工作之一，希望能赚钱之余（助学金里的生活津贴），趁我还年轻达到我的学位的最顶峰，不让我将来有遗憾。我本身会有趁热打铁的心态，若不是现在，以后的事很难说--比如说我投入了其他的工作和其他的因素，届时不是说要抽身干干脆脆去读博士就可以了。

***

上个星期我与婉仪庆祝了我们的二周年纪念。当天我们互相给对方的惊喜，也像是一种默契。日常生活的支持和精神上的依靠让我们一路走下去，感受到爱的存在。不知不觉中，我们分隔两地了近9个月了。这些日子说难不难，说易不易-难的是，谁不想即刻就在你所爱的人的身边？就在这里，一段感情需要理智和信念来领航。我们都有共同对未来的憧憬，脚踏实地地携手往那理想走去。也许在这年代，不少人都对感情抱着较悲观，而且相信现实就是如此。相信浪漫，制造浪漫的人也许是异数。我认为，很多事情其实是掌握在自己的手中。在生命里，每个人都是自己的导演，自己写自己的结局。不要看小自己的能力，其实你的举动可以决定命运，积极化理想为现实。我很庆幸能找到和拥有一个与我同样信念的人，一起创造我们的未来。^_^


节哀顺变，馨怡。希望你能坚强地面对未来度过难关。
生日快乐，huey in!

DNA profiling is NOT the best evidence

There is no use for the minister or people like Khairy to challenge for Forensic DNA profiling for Anwar's Sodomy case part 2. I must regress and take back my earlier thoughts that DNA profiling is the best evidence in this case. Normally this method is quite reliable to convict the accused, when the integrity of the investigative team and the police force is not compromised -- they must be independent and professional to gain confidence in public. Still it is not the only proof the prosecution team has to produce.

It is very likely that the result of this DNA profiling be fabricated, to serve the conspiracy theory. I wonder if Saiful still has any of Anwar's 'criminal' samples - such as Pubic hair or semen in/on him, after so long he had been 'sodomized'. I seriously doubt. So, what is there to match if he doesn't obtain these specimen? The best that Saiful can get for DNA profiling is Anwar's hair. This is not too difficult for him to obtain as he is working close to Anwar. But hair sample could be used to yield Anwar's DNA too, DNA profile will be identical to any other part of him. Of course if Anwar is willing to give his DNA sample to match, it will be the perfect match to the his own hair. The question is, how can hair be the decisive evidence to convict someone in sexual crime? How do we know if the DNA specimen obtained from Saiful is semen or pubic hair (he could still obtain this in Anwar's bathroom or toilet, mind you!), not hair? What if police or investigative team just order some dodgy forensic doctor to fabricate the result by duplicating the sample provided by Anwar? This shows how easily the authority could set Anwar up.

That is why i said, DNA profiling should not be the only evidence, and not the best one in this case. I would not believe any of that result unless they could clear my early doubts mentioned here.

Witnessed the historic debate

Last night, i would call the historic debate event a success. I still hope to see more debates like this televised for public, on other issues or topics. A mature democratic society should encourage more debates or forum or discussion on various issues. Suppressing dissent views is a tactic used in the past that proves unsuccessful in the new era of e-generation. It is a good sign that the government step up to face the public for the first time to debate on policy that affects/rocks the whole nation.

This kind of debate should be held especially just before General Election, so that the voters could compare different policies and visions of one party, and get educated in the intellectual process. Thus, they are able to make their informed decision. This is what i called Democracy in action when the people is exposed to all the information concerned them.

From the beginning to the end, i'm more convinced by Anwar. Put aside my affiliation with PKR, the party which i support (for what it worths of the policies they proposed and endorsed) and my personal admiration for Anwar's oratory, on the technical ground of debating, my verdict would be Anwar 8 - Shabery 5 (on the scale of 10). In my opinion, Anwar did successfully make his stand clear and plausible. The argument that if he forms the government tomorrow, he will slash the price of fuel 50 sen, and he is able to show where the money will be coming from, to sustain the amount of subsidies he proposed. This almost goes unchallenged by the opponent who went around to do personal attack, rather hit on the topic or engage with the new policy Anwar stands for. This is kinda regret for me. As a government Minister, he seems like having less statistics, figures and facts to back his argument up, than the former Finance Minister. He drew up his points mostly figuratively and lack of depth in his analysis of the fuel hike issue. His economics sense is quite poor, and that is the major flaw to let the more experienced person Anwar to get the upperhand on few of the crucial arguments on the impact of Fuel hike costs to the national economics growth and inflation.

On the contrary to his recent fiery speeches in many ceramahs, yesterday he acted very gentlemen, and statesman-like. His objective and message are rather clear, speaking with confidence and knowledge -- giving me the impression that 'I know how to run this country's economics, if you are incompetent or ignorant, please don't stand in my way and get me the hot seat now-- i will prove to you that i can do it'!
that's why if Finance minister (our PM Pak Lah) or at least Finance second minister come on stage to challenge, Anwar will not get away with that so easily. I think he made a very good preventive stand to state that he will only reduce 50 sen, within his undoubted ability limit. Although this implies that he did not intend to fulfill his pledge in the last General Election (this is the only qualm i had about him tonight, slightly disappointed), it is still true that he will and he could bring down the fuel price to the extent he said. It says a lot about Anwar, that he is a realistic and practical politician. He could come clean on what he really believe, but himself is a great political tactician. This kind of politician is most likely to succeed, survive and revive.

Funny enough, Shabery still accused Anwar of taking Petronas coffer money out to subsidise the people, i think he really did not pay attention to Anwar's speech just before him. Anwar stated clearly that he wants Petronas to reinvest their small part of interest for the benefits of the GLC. He defended Petronas but just criticized BN government for mishandling the economics. The accusations Shabery threw at Anwar lie bare, and makes it more obvious that Shabery might have prepared/rehearsed his arguments. Perhaps he could not change at that time being, it is out of his expectation that Anwar cleverly shifted the goal post and avoided embroiled in the obvious argument trap.

Overall, even though i did not see face to face with many points raised by Shabery, i still grant a pass for him as a government representative. He has expressed out very much the government wants him to bring out, and considers him has done the job well to impress the boss (while making Anwar appears 'ugly' with all those personal attacks). I am quite satisfy with the debate yesterday night. =)

The TV live debate was broadcast for the first time in Malaysia history. I am very pleased to watch it online after my work. It's nostalgic -- it reminds me of the good old days of debating during my secondary school and college years. At the same time, i learned that Sunway University College has sent their chinese debate team for Intervarsity Chinese Debate (Quan Bian) this year, and UPM had performed quite well in the recent Asian Pacific intervarsity chinese debate. All these events suddenly making me attached to debating once again.

最近

看了纷纷扰扰的大马政治‘连续剧’，给了很多人一种乱象的感觉。主导着的政治大人物看起来真的很忙，忙着解决自己惹上或被惹上的事。人民的生活如何？安华确实有把人民的课题挂在嘴边，而纳吉甚至连说都说不出来了—被记者左问altantuya右问Bala的SD，忙透了。安华放出风声说要来个‘换政府’东马青蛙跳跳季候风，搞得国阵政府都不能专心念政了。现在做多了也是白费心机的，谁想要在不久后自己的心血被政敌抢功劳？他们现在可以做的是，干扰民联5州政府的运作，试图制造一种印象民联政府也是办事不力。我想，如果要换政府就尽快吧！我已不想听到再多的口头承诺，要嘛，就尽快以行动来证明吧，不然就别浪费新闻版位和我阅读新闻的时间（我发觉近来已对一些政治新闻感到郁闷了，就skip着读）！
说起来，目前民联在落实大选承诺方面，还未能真正让我乐观起来。也许是抱着一定的期望，所以也会比较急迫起来。我相信，若真的要显示改革的诚意，不会太难。我希望看到的（而州政府应该能做到的）：地方政府选举和资讯自由法案，至今仍看似遥遥无期，领导班子好像不太热衷。至于设立影子内阁方面，更提不起兴趣。我相信民联里的议员素质是不容置疑的。理论上，成立一个值得人民钩起幻想的梦幻内阁组合应该不是问题。问题应该还是在于民联内的各党合作基础仍薄弱，各党依旧各自为政，政治行为依然像过去在野党一般。其实我最想看到的是长期能持久性，详细的发展计划和政策。目前国阵与民联看起来只好像有意识上的分别，单看政策还未真正分别出这两个政治联盟的不同。无论如何，现在我仍确信民联会是较廉洁的政府，议员们的人格是可以被信任的。

----

聊到了我自己，事到如今只剩下好好完成我的‘大作’-硕士论文。下周我又要‘离家出走’，搬出去寄宿我LSE朋友的家大约两个月（已说好的啦，是互惠互利啦）。已搬家过的人应该了解搬家的麻烦，这次我就事先把一半的‘身家’运回大马。九月底吧，你会看见我亲自把另外一半的身家搬回来。是的，我继续留在英国深造的机率很低。嘿嘿，我不曾说我不会再出国，只是换个地方继续完成我的梦想。

读生物科技或者现在就读的免疫学，在大马最常被人问到的是，以后你可以有什么就业的机会？基本上，要做回老本行，在大马或只有去钻学术界。同样的，在外国也是一样呀，只是在学术界上的需求高机会多待遇更好罢了。除此之外，你还可以考虑进入医药研究商业机构，也是做研究研发的工作。

在大马生活如今就像‘老鼠赛跑’，薪水的不变应对生活开销的万变，对于很多人日子不容易过。月入三千在今天来讲也无法给自己对未来的保障，只能见一步行一步。怎么能让我安心呢？纵使我愿意成为学术人员（小学时填写的‘科学家’），也不想被金钱问题缠绕着。我希望我的贡献付出，能值一定的待遇，这样才能保持士气去工作，为理想也为现实。即使论良心工作为国为民，在其它的地方更有潜能让我施展抱负，为国争光。所以，在这里做个小结，因为我还不能决定在大马会做些什么学术相关的工作，我会继续留在国外以升学同时工作（就读phD就是一种工作）来赚外汇和知识。何乐不为呢，如果他们赏识我愿意资助我的一切的话。

Disgusted!

I can't believe this new allegation against Anwar... i feel extremely disgusted by the political motive behind this to defame Anwar by this same old dirty trick... Do they really think this time they will make people believe? Do they think people are stupid? I'm certainly not!!!
This is certainly a very wrong move from UMNO/BN if they were behind this... the difference between allegation towards Najib and Anwar is, no one would be angry or protest against the allegation for Najib (more people would incline to believe there is more truth than not) but you will see different scenario for Anwar. Certainly not the case of sodomy, again! I'm sure UMNO/BN will get the serious backlash and repercussion from within if they move on to charge Anwar.

正义无价？

对于一些人，还是脱离不了凡间对虚名，权位和利益的追求，就不问事情的对错。很多时候，不站在道理这边，就是助长另一边的歪风；顾及到自己的利益，却牺牲了全局。试问自己有没有为大局的未来发展设想？落实正义和站稳立场难道就只有一个办法？世上还是有很多现实的考量，唯独不能让自己的原则和是非判断缺席。默许不合理的事情发生，就是认同该人的做法。除非你并不觉得不合理和违背良心，不然默许或支持劣行就是出卖自己的灵魂。一些权位也只是身外物或虚荣而已，没有什么实际的好处。更可贵的是其中的意义。如果涉及的只是自己的利益，自己还可以做现实的考量；但是如果你的决定也会涉及群体利益，苟且偷生或自私的念头不能存在。若你真是靠如此办法讨好屈服权威而上位，无论如何你还是没有道德权威去领导和取信于团体。一开先列，就设立了非常坏的榜样和示范。
我没有要求你们一定要对着干。对于不合理行为，要智取，要据理力争。须知做错事的人不敢见光，最怕道理这回事。没有受到道德谴责，他们以后就会屡试不爽，逍遥法外。

正义是我崇高的原则，道理是力争的方法。即使没有直接涉及到我，我还是不能苟同有心人为了私利而不择手段。即使不是大事件，看到不正义，我还是会不吐不快。

Original Sin of a politician (depends on which side)

This blog is written in reaction to recent issues raised by Hannah Yeoh, my constituency assemblywoman from Pakatan Rakyat. You could read the full story in her blog. In short, the incident could be summaried like this… Hannah Yeoh was invited to attend her (and also my) high school – SMK Subang Utama’s Prefects Reunion annual gathering (not-specified whether as VIP) which she was the Head prefect back in year 1996 and the founder of this annual reunion event. The event is organized by ex-prefects whom are the school graduates, as a private event. But somehow, the top two authority of the school were issuing stern warning and threats to the teachers and the current prefects not to attend the event if Hannah Yeoh is definitely a guest, or else they will face serious consequences of demoting or sacked from current positions (and other unknown consequences). The reasons they gave (from my sources) are: 1) Hannah Yeoh is an OPPOSITION politician, 2) Her presence will bring bad name to the school or affect the school’s development. Just based on these two premises, the top two school authority wants the organizing committee to withdraw the invitation and hence deny Hannah Yeoh’s right to attend the event.

From this story, I don’t know how do you look into this matter… to you, maybe it is just a petty issue regarding a private event, but the top two school authority certainly don’t think it’s a small matter to them. In my opinion, they are certainly overreacted and, perhaps to a large extent, serve their personal motive to please their ‘master’ (who else?). The reasons they gave are totally unfounded and absurd!!! First, what is wrong with politician? They are elected by the people through democratic practice, to serve their electorate and the community. They are not criminal or gangster or a disgrace personnel. I admit that, even i used to be annoyed by my ex-state assemblyman Lee Hwa Beng so much to see him presence in my official high school function, but i do not think that is in anyway inappropriate to invite him.

Okay, I see more sense now, it MUST be the reason because Hannah is from ‘opposition’? right? WRONG! Hannah Yeoh is a Pakatan Rakyat assemblywoman, which is a part of Selangor State GOVERNMENT. Oh, is it really nothing about whether from which side, politician will certainly spoil the party or the good name of the school? Come on, who is politicking the issue now? I am sure Hannah Yeoh is okay to just sit there to meet her old friends and giving her moral support to the prefects of SMKSU. She does not represent her political party to attend the event, but just represent herself as an alumni and ex-head prefect. I bet also that she did not request to be the guest speaker, and doesn’t mind to put aside her politician identity. Why must ‘mengheboh-hebohkan’ this issue? Nobody will give a damn if it is not for slick(sick)-minded top two school authority. What is so serious until issuing warning and even threats to young-minds and already-so-tired-and-low-morale teachers? Is this the message they are trying to send: Absolute obey and submit to the Authority, no questioning? It is all because of these feudal-minded bureaucrats who spoil the whole education systems. How could you expect bright students be taught and brought up from this kind of education environment and mentality? Ordinary school teachers are very little to be blamed, however professional they are performing (and coping), they are very demotivated and tired, all because of these selfish-minded bureaucrats who don’t give a damn about educational quality.

To me, Hannah Yeoh is one of the exceptional alumni, which the whole school should be very proud of having one. While she is serving in this constituency, you could expect she will be contributing more to her deeply-loved high school. It is very very shame for me, as an alumni, to see that happening. Some people just don’t see the logic.

I’m very concern, and learning that the organizing committee is under intense pressure to solve the matter. They also fear of losing too many participants (which could lead to debt) and worrying about the threats to the current students and teachers. Meanwhile, they are also reluctant to initiate and set a bad example to bow to unacceptable threats from the authority, and therefore opening the case for subsequent years to follow. Between protection of the welfare of beloved students and teachers and standing their ground, it is certainly not an easy task. I do hope everyone (especially SMKSUian) who reads and understands this could help to spread the stories and do not let ‘bad guys’ easily go through. We must stay conscious and informed to make a judgment, on certain rights or wrongs. Evil motives or intentions fear the TRUTH the most. Unless more people are aware and keeps seeking the TRUTH, evil will triumph.

Hannah Yeoh: SMKSU Prefects' Reunion

Is Cycling to Parliament a good idea for MPs?

Hi YB Tian Chua,

I just watched your biking video from Mkini tv. As i am now also a cyclist in London (when going to university), I have few comments to make about your cycling practice. I think you guys should cycle on the side of the road, definitely NOT in parallel but one after another. As you guys were doing that, you blocked the traffic flow all the way. Furthermore it's dangerous to do so. As a cyclist, you must be considerate to the motorists also, then only they would do the same.

What you voiced out (in the video)is very true, leave alone cyclists, there is even lack of motorcycle-designated routes, exposing them in great danger too. One thing about cycling in KL city, the risk of doing that often is almost comparable to begging for accidents to happen. I don’t want you to discourage you to go on cycling, but taking good care of your safety should also be a priority. Cycling once in a while is Okay… people will be saying that what you are doing is just a stunt for publicity. Well, i guess it is fair enough, for raising awareness to public. This just prove the point that cycling in city is impractical, while public transport is still like Sh**, there is no way people won’t get affected by the fuel hike (don’t mention bout the chain effect leading to high inflation). So, what is next? Jogging to Parliament?

Let the figure & fact tell you something...

Kok Fah raised a very good analogy in his latest blog entry. If you were a pork farmer, you would be happy that the pork meat price is increased. This means you could earn more. Therefore, when you go to market and buy more expensive pork, you will not even complain a word, because in your calculative mind, you know that you are earning far exceed the amount you are spending on the purchase. But looking at the fact now, are you happy to live in a petroleum exporting country Malaysia, but the petrol price is the highest in all these oil producing countries? Is this socially just and fair?

I must clarify my stand that government's subsidy should only be reduced or abolished once they have done enough to cushion the fiscal economical negative impact. Definitely not at this stage. Increase the fuel price now is unjustified. In a few years ahead (a year or two before the country becomes a net importer) i support the policy of slowly increase of the fuel price.
Other way to resolve this, is to pay greater compensation for car users, in a bid to raise people's real income. The situation now is gone out of hands, not good for the poor, and not good for the rich either. Not good for BN government's reputation/credibility, not good for economy too. So, what is remaining good to remove the subsidies now?

Here is a clever piece of calculation by someone included in RPK's recent blog writing. I recommend you to read, you'll be inspired.

My views on petrol hike

With reference and reaction to the source of Chin Huat's good blog article 'An Unpopular Position on Petrol Hike - Real Income, not Relative Price' and RPK's 'Yes, let us get angry, but about the right things' here I would like to make my stand on the Fuel Hike decision by BN government.

In a long term, I would not support a policy of continuation in fuel subsidies at very low price, due to the foreseeable increasing market price in raw petroleum in near future. That means more money required to fill the hole in national budget for this subsidy, which is probably unsustainable in long term. I do feel the pinch of the fuel hike, as all my family members are also car-drivers, and the fact that many people especially in Klang Valley can hardly ‘mobile’ without private transportation. If the price rise is to remind the people to curb the excessive spending on petrol and become less dependent on government subsidies to support your transportation ‘lifestyle’, on that motion I support the government’s decision. The subsidy, if it is used properly, this could be more beneficial to the community in many other important public sectors such as health, education and transport. I agree with Chin Huat that it is definitely greener (to encourage people to use petrol less), and make all of us aware that petrol is a limited and precious natural resource. The rebate/compensation to relieve the pain of price rise is also the right way to address this issue, but i cannot see how this small amount of rebate could do much impact on the normal household.

Government is absolutely wrong to judge the public outcry towards this unpopular decision. The more they are trying to explain (even though there contains some truth within), but to many people, the more they sound like shouldering the burden to the people when they refuse to take the responsibility of the mismanagement of the economy all these whiles. If our living standard and average household income are on par with South Korean or Singaporean, we would probably just grudge and mumble few (Malaysian famous last) words when paying the petrol for the first month, and get used to it very soon. Now whatever the reason the government given to ‘educate’ people would just sound hypocrisy, certainly will not dampen their outrage now. The root cause of this problem is not about the petrol price. The lack of good transportation alternatives and poor transport system planning, relatively lower real income and purchasing power of the ordinary middle-class citizen, and the recent inflation rate, are among the factors that disappoint and depress most of Malaysians. Current salary/wage level just undermine the input, the talent and the contribution of most of the citizen to Malaysia’s economy. First, they don’t really deserve to become poorer because of rather lousy government’s economic management. In passing years, all I heard about ordinary citizens’ complaint that their effective income drops, salary cannot catch up with the inflation rate, life is more difficult here in Malaysia nowadays. It is very sad to hear this, because it’s not their fault. Maybe some people would ask, why are we paying more while we are still a net petroleum exporter country? What kind of benefits do we get out of that? How come Venezuela, a poorer country than Malaysia is, could afford to support the subsidy at a level many would never imagine to be paying for one litter of Petrol (which is currently about 17 times cheaper than Malaysia)? Although I’m not a supporter of fuel subsidy in the long run, those are still many valid questions to ask and demand good answers from the government. Have the government done enough to cater for the welfare of ordinary citizen?

Here I would like to highlight the issue of the long term non-transparency and non-accountability of the national petroleum and gas government-linked-company PETRONAS to the mass public, since their first operation. I read articles somewhere before, about the curse of countries rich in natural resources. These natural resources never really translate into the prosperity that their people dream of. Africa continent has many countries are/were rich in minerals and even the most valuable diamond, but the human greed/corruption takes all, nothing left for the general poor citizen. Worse still, people are/were suffering more for that because of the never-ending civil wars to fight for the limited resources. If you watch the movie ‘Blood Diamond’, it will inspire you to realize how important is the existence of good democratic transparent accountable institutions when comes to the management of national wealth and economic planning for future. I always wonder why not many people would care about what is happening with Petronas and where igs the money (3 trillion RM) gone or spent? All the expenditure/wastage spent on mega-white-elephant projects by Petronas– KLCC, Putrajaya, KLIA, F1 circuit, how many actually contribute the direct benefits to the people in the end? Not long ago I read about the expenditure to keep Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, paid by Petronas, is so ridiculous. This is just another showcase of wastage. Imagine if Petronas’ account is open to public scrutiny, and all the stakeholders would have the influence/say on the important decision of the company’s investment, wouldn’t the precious petroleum resource already enriched us and transformed us to an advanced nation status?

The price to pay for keeping an incompetent government is just too much. Now people are struggling to live, and bear enough of the suffering! Nevermind the price hike, people’s grouse cannot be unheard. I would support any movement to make Petronas to be accountable to people/parliament, good transport system planning and other compensations (that people deserve) to relieve people’s living pressure. Current rebate is just too little to help! Review the sudden spike of price rise is necessary. Price control / subsidy at this stage is still reasonable, judging on the massive revenue generated from Petronas because of the increasing price per oil barrel. People deserve to have a share of the benefits. A caring government must give its people ample time to slowly adapt to the new reality, step by step, while working hard to look for other alternative plans to improve the current transport situation and to control the inflation rate.

China-man?

Is it a derogative word? To me, I could not agree, I’m afraid. But I would like to distance myself from that, because it doesn’t suit me in any sense. If they want to say, I’m a Malaysian-man!

I’m very puzzle that EP told me that her friends (our mutual friends, although now she’s closer to them than I am) think that I’m like a ‘China-man’. If you ask me, I don’t want to take it as an insult but what they characterize me is just not correct. To my understanding, they might just be playful and joke around (it’s their style of poking people around by ‘insults’ even among themselves). If this were really their perception, they must base on their understanding that I am a Chinese-speaker, and don’t mix often with those English-speakers (Malaysian) like them. (‘Banana’ is a bad word to describe those couldn’t speak their mother tongue but mainly speak English – strange enough people don’t refer to those who speak Malay or other languages, to show English supremacy in many people’s belief)

I would like to point out the usual scenario of many Malaysian overseas students especially in big city like London. In my observation, the bigger group of Malaysian students in one university, the less tendency of students get in touch with other group of students. Geographical and language are the most important factors to set the division and polarization. This is quite obvious, on the surface, if you walk into Imperial College and see how International students group themselves. I concede that it is a natural tendency to have like-mix-with-like, as there is always a comfort zone to stay. I am being critical at times, to indicate some of my Malaysian friends who stay too comfortably in this zone, and they are less than seldom to initiate their interaction with the group outside their own. Ok, I could see that they treat asian people better, and it is more likely they could become friends, for example, Singaporean and Thai (geographical factor), and then Hong Kong people, and Mainland Chinese (language factor). But their mind is not open more globally. I’m regret for those who labeled me as ‘China-man’ (I doubt if EP said what they really mean). I’m sorry to say, I’m very proud of my mother-tongue and the fact that I could use it eloquently. I will continue to speak my own language but open my mind to improve other languages I’m learning/using. Also, I’m a truly Malaysian citizen, to me, my nationality always come first before my ethnicity. ‘China-man’ is just a false statement to fit me into the shoes. I don’t mean insult, but if I were to use that phrase to match who is among my friends who suit it the best, I would suggest Dave. It’s due to the fact that he loves China very very much, is very supportive of China’s policies, and love their food, martial arts and many more.

I know what I am doing, and aware that what have influenced and shaped me all these whiles. Although I’m not of extrovert kind of personality, I have no problem to get along and hang out with many people from various backgrounds. I feel better that way, as I treasure the experience of studying abroad better in learning people’s culture and interacting with their world. That is something valuable I would like to tell my children next time, support and encourage them to do in future. =)

混乱的思绪

心情好奇怪，无缘无故顿时跌入低谷。

是否因为近来天气太热，有种想家的感觉？还是今天母亲节，所有家人（包括我弟弟）都团圆在大马唯独我，加剧我这种心情？
还是刚刚为我所支持的切尔西球队无法捧杯的命运，而有感失落，耿耿于怀？或者有是近来写硕士论文感到心烦，碰到了瓶颈又加上自己施压的压力，让我有种想逃离的感觉？还是我昨天开始听了品冠的新歌，尤其是那首《way back into love》中文版和《现在就想见的人》，让我想念一个人？可能今天是周日，想到明天又要上班，心也冷了半截。

我不知道，希望这只是暂时的情绪，等一下继续写我的论文...

The Great Barricades to overcome

It’s been 2 years since the Highway concessionaire barred and closed the access road from Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) to the only road to Kuala Lumpur. Please check the summary of the long story attached below.



What happened yesterday night was an absolute outrage for me!!! Just watching the video taken, and the news reports on the incident, I felt boiled… Federal Reserve Units (anti-riot special force) and many policemen were dispatched to the site, to ensure the highway company could erect the barricades to block the residents’ use of the road, forcing them to go detour and pay extra toll-fees (which they had done in the past 2 years). This is not enough, the policemen and FRU even went further to use violence to disperse the angry protesting crowds forcefully! They fired dozen of tear gas and doused the crowd with chemical water cannons. One MP was roughed up and eventually got hospitalized, and few residents including the representative were arrested. Check the report here, and the video here (by Malaysiakini)

This is a gross violation of human rights! I don’t see the highway toll operator company has any justification to do this… How come policemen who is supposed to stand by their people and protect them from harm, could be given order by the highway toll operator, a mere private company to do such actions? How could the Grand Saga Sdn Berhad have such influence and power to do so, even they are already losing the case when the new Pakatan-led state government claimed the site is belonged to the Selangor state (after an independent survey was carried out by land office), and so is the road? The closing of the road is already so unfair to the residents to endure all these years, they have every rights to claim the usage of the access road. It was reported that BMC residents had been ‘contributed’ half of the construction cost of the highway, and there is no (sensible) alternative way to get to Kuala Lumpur than this highway (upgraded from the old road, and sold by the BN Federal government since 1996).

Many other Klang Valley residents suffer the same problem to pay their hard-earned cash for these ‘piratised’ highway (which many don’t see as a highway), but nothing to compare to BMC residents (see the google map below). I live in Subang Jaya, I could quite understand the feelings of many others when the toll fee is kept rising every few years, and felt the pinch on my neck. When I read about the incident happened yesterday, I cannot hold myself anymore… We have enough of unreasonable highway tolls built around our home area!!! Roads are for public, it’s government’s responsibility to provide good road links to the people. Highway could only be allowed, if there is always an alternative road for the people to choose to use. I know it’s not possible for BN government to correct this phenomenon of ‘piratisation’ of roads, to retract the one-sided contracts only to the benefits of the cronies of ruling party. I don’t see how this could change now, other than change the federal government next time, and appeal to the new government to re-possess the road.

In this episode, Grand Saga Ltd. is so stubborn to try their effort to block the road even every attempt they face the destruction of the barricades soon under the angry residents. Yesterday, finally they came to this brutal resolution to dig the drain and build the the permanent barricades once and for all, abuse the public institution (police force) for their own benefits. It’s not possible that they don’t know the residents’ grievance after they’ve got such a treatment and oppressed by so long. After a convincing victory for the federal-opposition, this gives so much hopes for the residents to claim their rights. Yesterday’s incident was just to infuriate the people even more!!!

Grand Saga Ltd could easily go to court and challenge the state government on the ownership of the access road, if they really think they have a case and facts in their hands to defend themselves. They could perhaps win the case in the favour of ‘Correct x3’ court, and allowing these angry residents to use the road temporarily, so to avoid the clash yesterday. But they didn’t. They already have no business ethics at first, now violated human rights. Any reasonable person would condemn this act.

The new Pakatan-led state government’s slow reaction to this tension-building case is very much regretted too. I wish Khalid, Menteri Besar of Selangor could just go to the site and announce the site is officially under the state land. I don’t see any need he needs to hold a meeting with the representatives from the pirate highway concessionaire.

I wish BMC residents the best of luck, I’m here to say that I’m with them – even I am in UK now. I’ll be watching…

Free RPK!!!

To be honest, i'm his frequent reader of almost every blog post he published on his 'Malaysia Today' independent news portal website. I might not share many views with him, however i always regard him as a open-minded (very liberal), sharp-tongue(tough arguments), no-nonsense blogger who always champions the issues of justice and freedom. He had made a good showcase to public to defend the freedom of expression and be responsible of what he wrote.

I believe, what he wrote, he has every reason to defend his writings. Same thing goes to other bloggers too. Bloggers are not there just to slander people, perhaps if you are willing to hear, they could back it up with facts and evidences.

To charge RPK with Sedition Act, is an action of cowardice. The person(s) felt insulted or wrongfully alleged of involving in the issues he has been discussing, has every right to file a defamation suit, to bring him up to the court to redeem justice. What makes the person carefully not to go for this move, is purely political motivated. It must be something he/they wants to hide, fear that if the defamation suit were filed, more evidence will be brought up by RPK to support his writings and therefore put him/them in a great risk. So far, public opinion has summed up their views about the ongoing, (purposely)prolonged Altantuya murder case. In RPK's article which brought him troubles, has raised all the fair doubts judging the progress of the trial now. If they think he's attempting to influence the case judgement and caused contempt of court, go ahead to charge him otherwise... just don't play with Sedition Act!!!

Show me how his article could incite hatred among rakyats, or a threat to national unity/security. It is very interesting for me to know. I show pity to AG/prosecution team, which serves like a tool by government.

If you want to bet, i would be very confident that government will not win the argument in a just court to charge RPK for that sedition 'crime'... for that i would be damn afraid if the 'correct x3' court is still running. Poor soul RPK, you will have all my support, for justice! You show the humanity side of you, even risking yourself now for the justice of a murdered mongolian woman. You have my respect!

Dilemma of Morality

Just a moment ago in our dinner table with all my housemates plus a taiwanese friend, we exchanged a heated debate ,especially between me and e-pien about whether oppressive figures ( Mao Ze Dong, Stalin, Shih Huang Di ) are 'good' or 'bad'.
The confusion is the vague terms 'good' and 'bad' -whether you are judging on/talking about the morality or the benefits. However that is not the big case, the bigger problem we are talking about -- whether their acts are justifiable. These so-called 'controversial' figures are alleged (or known to) killing/torturing/capturing many dissidents (and all their innocent close relatives - in SHD's case). E-pien kept on defending the acts of SHD were to bring enormous benefits to China nowadays, for example, he conquered/'united' China (those time is called Chin empire), the standardize Chinese characters, built Great Walls to defend the empire. She acknowledged about the inhuman acts of SHD/ MZD of relentless killing, but these acts were totally necessary to bring the great benefits, to justify their ends. *see below

This is the same argument used for MZD, if it were not him, you will not see how China rises and is 'inspired' to the superpower today and growing stronger ever on the stage of the world now. She stressed that, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the only viable choice for the China people to gain the recognition today... this is how it goes. She posed this imaginary hypothesis -- how do you think about today China would be this strong and stable if it is not under the iron-grip rule of CCP regime? What other choices you could provide/suggest to build a strong power?

Just like what she mentioned earlier on during dinner, history has no 'what if' (situations). However it is equally wrong to suggest, if it were not CCP, China will be definitely weak or unstable -- how do you know? It is very hypothetical - but later i would suggest that it is equally possible it could be better. Back to the core question, Could you justify any act of killing, in the name of 'future benefits of the nation'? Killing is fundamental immoral and wrong, what could you justify to defend the act (other than it is for self-defense)? It could not be justified even in the name of 'God'. There must be so many ways out there you could do to achieve your target/aim/benefits without bleeding innocent lives. If killing could be justified by the ends, why do we need laws/constitution? If you don't condemn the acts, and in fact supporting those barbarian, uncivilised acts, what signals you are sending to those war-criminals/ oppressive regimes? Wouldn't it legitimate themselves and allow them to continue doing those bad deeds going against Human Rights? Now is already 21st century, in a civilised society we are, you must get the principles and values right. I am so appalled by the thoughts of those.

Same argument would be now used by North Korea, Burma and many undemocratic regime. Even psedo-democratic countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Can you remember how many times we were living under the fear and threats from Barisan National (BN) ruling party of Malaysia that they are the only viable choice we have to provide a strong and stable nation, or else 513 Race riot will bound to happen? Isn't it a lie? Even if the riot is not going to happen, we cannot discredit that our national Opposition parties could not perform better than BN. It is the same question i'm asking -- How do you know? the same thing back to China's CCP regime. You see the CCP's way seems to be working, but how do you know if it's only on the superficial? The rot is rot , you don't smell it does not mean it does not happen!

Malaysia's economy under Dr. Mahathir's 22 years rule, is seen to go soaring high up until 1997 financial crisis. During the same period, Indonesia, thailand and many other neighbour ASEAN countries were seen the same too. I don't think it is fair to give all credits to Dr. Mahathir -- all the countries were riding on the high wave of economy bull-market. Development is any government's responsibility. Whatever is your economy track record, it does not give you any right or excuse to go arbitrary arrest and detend anyone indefinitely, or worse still, killing people (not talking about Dr. M). Undemocratic country is a coward and a hypocrite, because they dare not to face the critics, and debate with them to defend your ground and show your model is working the best. If you have nothing to hide about and sincerely think you are doing the best, why go silencing the dissidents/critics instead, but why not enforcing your policies to prove to the critics you are right and silent them thereafter?

My high-school best friend, he always like to discuss and argue/debate with me on many matters. There is once he put forward his hypothesis that, each nation needs to go through a dark history of iron-grip blood-shed regime(s) to ensure the nation to emerge to be strong power in the world, then only it is possible that a full-blown democracy comes after that. His analysis is probably right on many countries' history, but not all -- I cannot say i agree, but in the face of civilised world, violence is not a factor of necessarity for a nation to be strong. If the people are taught the right principles and values, they will now endorse violence, and otherwise would embrace democracy and freedom straight away - skipping the whole chapter of the dark history.

War or violence is the old game of Survival of the Fittest theory in nature, when ancient time human/animal compete for resource and want to win the competition, violence is the only thing they know how to resort to settle the issues. I believe, until nowadays there are still people living in ancient uncivilised world going to war (or cause bloodshed in their own country) in the name of 'benefits for the nation' or 'God'.

Is MZD a good guy, who really wants to liberate his people? or he just want to use that as the propaganda to seize and maintain his power? Were his people at that time liberated or got more 'restricted' by arbitrary killing in his 'anti-revolutionist' movement and famine?

Back to the centre question, Can a guy's hands full of blood be considered 'a good guy', because you just see China seems stronger and more powerful (in economy) nowadays? So what if China isn't going the way today you see today or if other bloodless event took place and could achieve better than now, then would you label him a 'bad' guy instead?

It is more interesting to see how certain people keep voicing the support to the regime, and few are merely hoping that the regime will change the nature of their rule. The contradictory part is, if the change is good, then you must imply that the current state affairs now is not good, but you would still support them on the basis that they will change. What if they don't change?

That is the dilemma of Morality of certain people. I'm very scare if one day they would support those fanatic regime (not by truly democratic way) because they believe they are doing for the glory and benefit of the nation.

At least now, I'm glad to see how the myths of BN: 1) the forever-government of Malaysia, 2)the stability of multiracial society is dependent on their rule and 3) the only government that could sustain and bring economic developments, are going to break soon. Their past existence in Malaysia history whether they prove more benefits than harms, is a very good subject to discuss. Please draw the comparison of the myths of BN to the myths of CCP. To me, i would say BN is much better than CCP in this case.


* (from the passage above) Dave argued that if it were not SHD, we chinese are still writing BC-centuries of big chinese caligraphy characters... Oh really? that's one big assumption - All language writings evolve in their own way, one would dominate over others depends on the power influence. Well, i don't see any other regimes like SHD killing scholars to unify the writings... i guess they had used soft-power to steer the direction of the official language. In my opinions, would it be more losses than gains, when SHD burned away many books of (inherited) knowledge, and the diversity of language and culture?
Yes, it happens to SHD the first who expanded his empire to the greatest land area, that is so called 'unite'/conquer China (while the people were rebellious to the Chin empire, and the empire is very short-live). Many subsequent other Emperors conquered greater land area, and why not they are the one play more important part in shaping the modern China territory today?

Soll ich es zu feiern?

I'm puzzled at somehow people look at things different than i am.
I just received the unofficial exam result for 3 out of 4 papers i sat in February. I just scored ok, not too great (didn't go out of my expectation much, maybe just a bit disappointed with my paper 3).
My senior supervisor was reacted to it positively, shortly after i told her this news. First, she congratulaled me, and suggested me to go home and celebrate it now. I replied politely to her, saying that the result is nothing great to celebrate... 'cause what i know about celebration is something you feel it's a great achievement that you are proud of. To me, this result isn't that great.
She quickly responded to me, 'you know? this is Imperial Msc course, suppose to be a tough course ya? Don't be a pessimist, you need to pick up and appreciate the part of the process you are undergoing (to success). It's a very good result to me, well done!'
Just when i was trying to breathe out few words, she continued: ' listen, now i'm not asking you, but this is an order. GO HOME and have a celebration tonight!'

=) well, what can i say? she's my 'boss'. I just watched a football match with Andy, Ping and Dave at home. I guess i take this as my small 'celebration' gua... although the defeat of Manchester United would be better cause to celebrate (but it didn't happen) =P

Now, i still insist to keep my calm head, evaluate my performance rationally. Because i know myself better than others. I am not overjoyed, but just got a feeling of content. I am actually looking forward to accomplish this Master degree with the best that i could, and also carry that forward to my phD studies later. Thanks for the people who gives me the support, encouragement, and motivation all the way i need to keep myself forward.

The Ethics of Party-hopping

Dear Chin Huat,

Referring to your latest blog entry 'A New Malaysia, Saudara Anwar?'
This article you wrote should, in fact, sparks more debate about the current issue of political crossing-over / defect. Here i am offering my views...

You said Anwar Ibrahim is a bit impatient of 'seizing' the federal power by luring defection from other side, which his side was used to go strongly against. However, whether is it seat-buying, unless you have evidence, i can't say you are right on the motive of Pakatan Rakyat. Yes, you may damn some opportunistic politician who 'betrayed' his supporters who voted him/her in --- what if, those politicians, who have the heart of conscience, knowing that there is no good future in the current BN system? Neither can they reform the system nor bring welfare to their people in their constituency through this already systematic corrupted adminstration. What if now they realize what is right to do and have changed their political beliefs ever since the 12th GE and hence abandon ideology of BN, for the sake of the reform agendas promised by PR which they see better fits for the people in this country? What if they have known PR would bring a better 'bargain' for the people especially from East Malaysia? Perhaps the Federal government would allocate more financial funding from the national treasury coffer to aid better development of their area (especially those rural poor area in East Malaysia)? You might want to consider upon many other possibilities that why such a stand will be taken by politician.

Party-hopping sometimes means the dead disappointment or totally losing hope with one’s current party, and feels that what one is fighting for is no longer fits in this party. So, then why still stay in the party? Should elected representative has no freedom to advocate his new belief, quit the old and join the new party?

Soon, the ruling party UMNO is likely to change the leadership, then Najib would come on stage. Don't you worry if he would revert the country back to Mahathir-style-authoritarian state, and play greater cheats in General Election (like the case in Zimbabwe now) while retaining their notorious repressive system to crackdown democratic voices? wouldn't that be more hurtful to PR and hamper the hopes of Malaysian people for Reformasi? You would probably expect Najib would do anything to manipulate the election before 13th General Election to favour his coalition’s survival, so where is the fair chance for PR to govern and bring in those much needed and hopeful reform agenda and policies?

In my opinion, to right the wrongs and take the chances at this moment, for PR, is the most suitable timing (before Najib takes the reign). I must insist that they must reveal their governing policies, the candidates of PR’s cabinets, and how are they going to fulfil the reform agendas (especially on the Electoral reform), before they take over the government by this way. I sincerely agree with you, in future, to prevent this scenario from happening again, Election law should be amend, so that the incumbent MP who wants to resign and should be allowed to re-seek his mandate when switching side - this is the most ethical things to do.

Right now, we still live in the imperfect world, i would rather to see the end justifies the means, as BN has cheated the people for so long. I hope that PR should have basic principles and ethics, and would not resort to offering money or any specific position to exchange of the defection of MPs. I also hope that the decisions from the defecting MPs must NOT base on their personal gains, but for their sincere new political beliefs, and for well-being and gains for all Malaysian!

Problem Solving Skills

I'm sure you guys will get enlightened by this...
This is pasted on the wall in front of my supervisor's desk. Very helpful =)

Losing at cyber war or losing reasons for support?

Our Dear PM admitted his side’s defeat, and blamed it on the loss of war at cyberspace. Honestly, I do not share the same view. As far as I heard, I’d seen and I remembered, his alliance party BN employed and set up a cyber-troop to counter the criticism from the bloggers and writers on alternative news media. The trace is blatantly obvious, and until I refused to categorize those writers as mere supporters. Sometimes I felt they had overdone such things, forcefully feeding people with all the parties’ statements, propaganda comics and essays. They seemed just know how to copy and paste and spread around the same stuffs, but lack of involvement and commitment in debating, especially debate with real substance! Just take a look at www.thefreemedia.com, you could immediately spot the existence of such employed ‘cyber troops’ (this website is in mandarin, so, behind those employed writers the boss most likely to be MCA or Gerakan). Yes, cyber troops from UMNO side also intruded website like Malaysia-today.net, causing a lot of troubles for Raja Petra Kamarudin (the webmaster) to delete the offensive spam comments day by day.

Don’t forget that, in fact BN launched an interactive and definitely professional website for campaigning and canvassing votes. There is also one whole day BN spent on advertisement at MSN live messenger… judging on that scale of money they threw in, they still don’t get the effect or result they want, so what goes wrong? Is it just because BN lost cyber war, or because BN lost the arguments or ideology to capture the voters’ heart and mind, that caused Malaysia’s political tsunami?

Those statements that PM made 2 days ago, it demonstrates that he is still live in denial, and tried so hard to find a scapegoat to dump his excuse to explain his disastrous ‘victory’ to fend off the increasing critics within his party upon calling him to step down. Pak Lah's action is just as 'clever' as Dr. Mahathir and his ally to point all the blames on him. Maybe blaming each other is UMNO party's culture, i don't know. I just know that somebody still hasn’t changed and learned from mistakes. Now, the political game is still on. The current internal rife (and later), just display how much BN politicians concern about their own political survival and influence, party ranking and position, instead of showing their care about people’s interest. This is how BN politicians lost touch with people, and lost big in election.


Talking about theFreeMedia.com

Well, as far as the discussions in the forum website go, I don’t deny that even opposition supporters have to learn to engage their arguments in a constructive and intellectual way. Personally I plead to people who are using those websites: Show more maturity in thinking, so the experience of reading the discussion will make readers feel worthwhile to spend the time there and learning from each other. You know, so many years had gone by, the Free Media which was created even earlier than Malaysiakini Chinese version, the users/readers there are not seen improving much. I don’t know why, are Malaysians or just Chinese like to do personal attack or labeling or smearing when comes to discuss certain topics? On the contrary, when I compare The Free Media to Malaysia-today.net, the discussion area in latter website shows more substances, reveals more rational and mature thinking. Why do I feel this way, I don’t know why. Just disappointed, why can’t they put their points nicely to discuss, perhaps to persuade people to buy your ideas, instead of going all out to personal attack certain people or party? What is the use, as if what you did will win the argument? I just don’t see the point.

That’s why I always advocate debating in public space. One must learn how to speak up his/her mind to contribute to the benefits of constructive pluralistic society. Defending freedom of expression is not just merely a slogan or a lame excuse for refusing to get yourself improving. Don’t tell me that you are ‘grassroot’ voice, so that you are allowed to use foul and derogative language. Stop that. I’m insulted, whoever the target of the speaker/writer is.

身份不能代替独立思考

自从从Liechtenstein回来后，良久没有经营我的部落格了。不好意思。hehe

似乎过去几个星期谈了很多政治。很多人都会问我，‘这样的结果，你开心吗？’ 无可厚非，那时的确是爽快不已。现在我仍然继续关心，丝毫不少。

我有位老朋友MH，他是我长久以来的思考挑战者(mind-sparring partner)。每次他来我家做客，我们都会侃侃而谈至深夜。记得在选举之前，我们讨论一些理论性问题。

比如说，我抛出我心中的疑问：是否人在其位，发言表达立场时才会有说服力？是否一个人当他有党职或党派后，他的言论的说服力会降低？说服的对象是游离中间的选民和支持敌对阵营的选民。

我举例，当Jeff Ooi决定加入政党和参选时，对公民社会到底是损失还是有利呢？

他提出，没有党派的人，不代表没有立场或立场中立。当然，没有党派的人没有党利益挂钩，其思考和立场会较自由，比较可以直接反映自己的心声和看法。所以，同样的道理发自有党派和没党派的人的口中，理论上后者的说服力会比较强，可信度会较高。他举例，当你的朋友一个从事保险业的鼓励你买他的保险，另一个朋友是其保险使用者叫你别买那保险因为它骗人的，你会倾向于相信那一个朋友？

我再把课题重新定义，质疑说，如果你要得到中肯的专业的意见，或许那位从事保险业的朋友会给你更全面的客观分析（只要他没有强推销其公司的产品），多于另一个朋友的一面之词。同样的道理，你会认为权威的政党领袖，还是咖啡店老板谈民主和自由，哪个会比较有说服力？

如果说，说服力不是只是体现在要你投他一票而已，而是要推动一个改革议程，你认为有党位的人士和局外分析人，哪个人的角色会比较吃重？

我们就回到了对Jeff Ooi这位我国著名的部落客，探讨他参政会否对公民社会的制衡力量是一种损失。我认为，充满理想的他，决定要走出虚拟世界的空间，以行动来落实他的理念，是值得尊敬的。再况且他把过去进步开放的公民社会的想法带入政治，会为政治注入新改革气象，才有可能带来实质成果。可贵的是，你可以了解当你批评和抱怨时容易，但要能坐言起行(walk the talk)却是另一种对客观环境的挑战。毕竟不是每一个人都会一致认同你的某种道理和理念。

我觉得，我们需要现在的Jeff Ooi，就像过去我们如何需要他，虽然角色已不同了。我也敢相信，会有更多的部落客会填补他过去的角色。

党派与否，我觉得无伤大雅。毕竟很多党员与党利益没有直接挂钩。政党是应该有宽大的胸怀来接受党内的批判和谏言。一个人的自由意志和思想，不一定每时每刻都与该党牵涉在一起。你加入一个政党，是因为你认同该党的理念的大方向，而不是全部细节。多元化的意见可以撞击出更多理性讨论的火花，进一步改善该政党的政策。

是的，有时候我会顾虑别人的看法，但是我觉得自己要认清自己的角色。党员是一种身份而已，我必须利用这个身份来作更多的独立思考，以期可以影响和贡献社会（不只是所属的政党）。我拒绝成为没有思考能力的党棍。我要别人听到和认同的是我的心声，想法和道理，而不是基于政党的标签。

Some people just never learn!!!

After reading and following up after General election, i found out that, somebody just never learn from the past mistakes. UMNO is still using Mainstream Media (MSM) to spin heavily on the issues like DEB/ NEP (New Economic Policy), as if NEP is the savior of Malays. I am deeply disgusted with that motion. I would tell them now, if you dare, please open up the space in MSM for people to freely discuss or debate on issues of NEP , whether it is still relevant nowadays.

The same old BN still emerge after the election, first UMNO pits PKR and PAS as the traitor to Malays, pact with DAP for 'sacrificing' or 'selling' Malays' rights to Chinese/ non-Malays. On the other hand, MCA (from Johor) and Lim Geng Yeik ( ex-Gerakan President) were speaking to press that voting for DAP results in forming a PAS-led government in Perak. This is an obvious attempt to capitalize on the religious or racial issue to incite PAS-phobia among Chinese voters especially, to make those who had voted for DAP recently regret of their action.

You see, no joking, after election, they are still playing racial and religious card!!! This is the same old BN that we shall despise and demise! I'm sick of hearing their rhetorics. Even though this is the case, i am still afraid that my dear Malaysians will fall back to the same old tune of BN, start to believe in their propaganda (after heavily spin), that is so harmful for our harmony and cohesive multiethnic society.

The Penang state Opposition leader from Umno, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim is such a loser, whohad called for the funding allocated to the public infrastructure projects in Penang state to be withdrawn by the Federal Government. If this is not the call for political 'revenge', i don't know what... he sounds like the money of Federal Government is owned by UMNO, and dispense at their preference. Hey loser, People from Penang pay taxes also, hello? That is people's money to be used to invest, not belong to UMNO or the Ruling coalition! How come they don't understand?

I'm glad that the transition of Power to new government coalition in the 5 states is finally resolved. No more buying state assemblyman to crossover the other party ( clearly BN is still practising Money politics, that is why they deserve to lose... they still can't understand Money can't buy everything as they like). More patience shall be given to the (federal-) opposition camp to sort out their administration technical issues, before they could focus on carrying out their duty to serve the people and fulfill their election pledges. Listen to MSM spins again -- they are trying to portrait how poor and loosely-cooperated is the opposition coalition, and hence to undermine or doubt the ability of the coalition to govern. Yet another attempt to destroy the image of (federal-)opposition coalition before the new government is put in place. Haih... MSM , please be professional in reporting, ok? Just let the opposition to sort it out, and deliver it. I am sure they make better state government than previous BN government.

I hope Lim Kit Siang and some fellows in DAP could be more tolerance and show more understanding to their partner PAS. I don't know what is a fuss to be PAS-phobia into year 2008 now. Evolve, and move on!!! Don't fall in BN's tricks. We will defend you if they are defaming you on the issues of the working relationship with PAS. I hope opposition leaders could adapt themselves into the new position, and prevent themselves from making unwise statement for MSM to gain 'free' materials to attack opposition. Opposition must be united behind the Barisan Rakyat ( the contract is The Declaration of People). We are the boss who orders you to do so, for the sake of the future of Malaysia!


Recommended articles to read (from Merdekareview - in Chinese):
大肆炒作新经济政策课题
巫统打种族牌垂死反击？

种族主义阴魂仍飘荡
在野党不容盲目乐观

种族政治依旧无法消灭
三党政治理念备受考验

High expectation vs Performance - how the new State government should deal

Recently i just watched a series of 4 videos in Malaysiakini, interviewing 2 political analysts. Unfortunately the video is in Mandarin. They have some very good piece of advice for the new incoming State government currently held by Opposition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQT-vwLimUM

Since the problems of these states which were under BN's rules for so many years... 50 years problems past down to a new government, it just cannot be solved immediately to meet the voters' super high expectation.

So the state government has to be realistic. They are required to set up a short term and long term plan. They should tell the voters clearly on what would they do and could achieve in this period of 4 - 5 years. Constant communication between the government and the people is vital, so that the voters could be more patient and understanding about the situation of government. Let people know how much time the government needs to get all their MPs adapted to their role ( as many are inexperience and are political rookie). All the election promises that had made, the government is responsible to set a timetable on when they are going to fulfill the promises, so that the voters could judge the performance of the government based on that, rationally.

High hopes usually accompany with big disappointment, if the government fails to keep up to the hopes. So i hope you (Nat) and Anwar Ibrahim could do better to handle these issues. =)

AI

This morning, i was phoned interviewed by a Malaysian company. In the middle of the interview, she asked me to gave her an example whom i see as an inspiring role model.

The first person who pops out from my mind, is Anwar Ibrahim... Maybe i am too hooked up by the General Election recently. But honestly, i can't help admiring him for his powerful and clear vision for the country, how he deliver his ideas and get his messages across the people instantly without the help of our biased mainstream media. On top of that, i can clearly see the difference he made before he gets his head into opposition politics when he just released from jail. That time, the opposition camp was still flawed with many insolvable conflicts between parties. The most obvious antagonist is between PAS and DAP. PKR was badly lost in 11th General Election until it left with one seat. PKR was so weak, and lost the position to become the effective mediator between those two parties.

Anwar Ibrahim, with the extraordinary ability and influence, he brought the two sides together once again and put their differences aside to form an united coalition, working together to go against the mighty BN. It wouldn't be easy, and it is hard to imagine how he could do it. How could he bring a party from just one seat, now springing to the biggest Opposition party in Parliament (second biggest party after UMNO) ? How could one who is declared 'irrelevant' by all BN leaders but in a short time could still be rising up to become the most influential political figure in Malaysia? A stunning political comeback success for him, proves that he is popular among people certainly with reasons.

I am the person who rather believes in the change of the system than putting all my trust on just one particular leader or become his follower blindly. That is not my principle. Now I am still sane. I share almost all of his visions for Malaysia. What he believes is also what i want to see my Malaysia to become - Equality/fairness to all, justice, transparency, and so on.
Who say political ideology is not relevant anymore in this globalized world? At least now we could declare 'race-based' politics is becoming less and less relevant, and already obsolete in this multiethnic and multireligious country.

I must admit that he is a very charismatic politician/ statesman. I have seen many of his campaigning speech videos... he has been consistent. His oratory skill is always the killer! I never meet any Malaysian politician could be as impressive and motivating as him! (Mahathir's one is just funny and witty, but not the substance he said had impressed me)

I had already long forgiven him about his past records while he was in the UMNO government. At least he took the brave step to apologize in one press conference before . Yet I cannot fully blame him for his past records because that was all from top-down UMNO policies, not his creation. Unlike many other BN politician, they do not even breathe out a word of apology for their wrongdoing. For a person who undergone all the tough times in jail, that must change him to a large extent. He is now a changed man, a man who is determined and confident with his reform agenda to serve the nation and the people. His integrity and commitment cannot be bought by billions of ringgit from BN.

I will be giving him my continuous support for as long as he is carrying the same vision as i do, and working to the right direction i believe the country should be heading to. Good luck to him! Let him do his part, and i will play my part too.

Politics is an art of POSSIBLE. So they say. =)

A Defining Moment for Malaysia~

I lost for words how to describe my feelings for this moment to come - I feel the hope and the new dawn of better Malaysia. I am so touched by the event happened yesterday in my beloved country. This would only be the second greatest thing i want to witness in my entire life - the next one i want to see is the topple of the old and tired, racist corrupted incompetent regime and the system that does not work for the future of Malaysia. Without getting rid of the old regime and system, you can't barely have much hope. I am so excited to look forward a new justice-and-equality-for-all-races system to put in place in near future. This spells the rise of Malaysia to the Global stage as a developed country!!!

What excites me is, my state and parliament constituency are in the hand of Opposition (DAP & PKR), and the state government is fallen to the hand of Opposition too!!! Also, Opposition allies have together denied the two-third majority of BN in Parliament! Wow, i can't believe it... it is just too amazing. No one could actually predicted this would be coming before election. No one knows how the magnitude of the voice of change could be this strong. No one can tell the dissatisfaction among the people with the previous (and this coming) government, could have taken 5 states from the government's iron grip. The ruling parties could throw all their machinery, media, money (3M) to campaign and to cheat, but they could not suppress and cheat to people for too long. All their propaganda just don't work, because truth is truth, cannot be twisted and turned. People's heart cannot simply bought by 3M that BN used. People will wake up and do what is right to defend their rights! People sent a strong signal to BN, if they still continue to be arrogant and refuse to listen to rakyat, this is what you deserve!!! Hope this is a superb good lesson to BN. I wish them good luck and start reforming themselves if they want to be relevant in politics and win back electorate's hearts. I can't say i won't support them in future, if they are heading to a right direction and undergo massive changes. I hope that, one day, BN would discard all their racial doctrine, disband all their component parties and integrate into just one BN party which support for justice and equality for all races (like PKR).

I wish all opposition parties remain sensible and put forward some urgent reform agenda that this country desperately needs in the parliament and the state level. Local council election is one thing they could do, and also the Freedom of Information Act. They could set a good example for other state BN government to follow suit. If the opposition wants to continue to rule or possibly unseat the current govenment, what they just need to do is - Deliver all their promises at best, so that BN couldn't steal their limelight for change. If they manage the states well enough, the next General Election they will have something to show to all the people of Malaysia that Opposition parties are capable to handle the state and hence the nation. This is the best chance ever for opposition to let people see how different is under their model governance to BN governance. Personally, i think the opposition should keep pressuring the federal government into considering amendment or abolishment of draconian undemocratic acts such as ISA, UUCA, Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Official Secrecy Act. Those acts could prove unpopular , and are detrimental to the nation.

So much to hope for, and so much joy i would like to share at this moment!!!

Congrats to my friends who participated the election and won the election - They are Gan Pei Nei, Chang Lih Kang, and Nik Nazmi. Well done!!! They are the role model of the teenagers , who not only concern about politics but involve themselves into action for changes. I felt sorry for Ginie Lim for her defeat.

Today is a day that would be definitely written into the history of new Malaysia! =)


------------

Doesn't these guys' statement strike a chord with you (about the outcome of General Election)?

Dr Farish Noor: The message the voters are sending is a clear one: We, the Malaysian people, have come together united to demand a Malaysia that is plural and democratic, and home to all. Let no single Malaysian ever be marginalised and neglected ever again. We will no longer be patronised, insulted, manipulated by a government that claims to represent us but actually serves only itself.

The fact that so many independent candidates and so many new faces have come to the fore shows that the Malaysian public has grown weary of the old faces, the old discourses and the old mode of politics in the country. We are now a more complex and plural society than before and we need to forge a new politics that reflects this diversity and pluralism.

We need and want a new Malaysian politics where merit, equality, fairness and accountability prevail. The Malaysian people will no longer tolerate empty promises, discredited politicians, bankrupt politics, cronyism, nepotism and abuse of power. The Malaysian nation wants the country back. We will no longer surrender our future to politicians and elites alone.

Wong Chin Huat:
The BN has to do some soul-searching and reinventing. It cannot sideline the Chinese and the Indians.
The results also show that Anwar is relevant. It is certainly a victory for Anwar. It will put an end to speculation that Anwar would go back to Umno. It also shows a strong civil society, and the strong discontent among the Chinese and the Indians. Anwar did not single-handedly do this.

The Opposition needs to find a way to work together, to prove it is a viable alternative. It has to offer a line-up for a shadow Cabinet. Penang has the opportunity to be a model Opposition coalition government. Civil society will keep a watchful eye on the Opposition government to see what it does. Will it introduce the Freedom of Information Act, local government election, and a new socio-economic policy to contrast what we have at the federal level?

Question: Going forward, what needs to be done to strengthen democracy in Malaysia?

Dr Toh Kim Woon: Going forward, the government will have to take cognisance of being more sensitive and responsive towards the people. They will have to do away with the ISA and the other restrictive laws, and provide people with the space to air their views, including through a more balanced media. And what’s this nonsensical argument that demonstrations equal violence? If you keep denying people the space, then it’s going to explode in the ballot box as it has in this elections.

Few Days to go...

It's very interesting to hear and summarize the key points threw at the people from Barisan National. These are the few things they keep repeating:

1) Opposition has no experience in governance. They cannot prove competent for the job. Therefore, GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE CHANGED. It is not a game , hence no risk taking or trying is allowed. Or else it will leave the country in chaos or disorder. Stability overrides all.

My opinion: Yes, we do know about the fact that opposition never came to ruling position before. The reason is very obvious - there is never a fair playing ground in General Election, worse still the ruling party is using the whole national machinery to suppress the dissident voice.

Well, indeed very few of them from Opposition have experience in governance. But the qualification and the credibility of the Opposition candidates are undoubted.

Anwar Ibrahim has the portfolio of being Financial Minister - he is the one contributing to the high-flying economic growth until 1997 Economic crisis.

Tony Pua from DAP is an Oxford University graduate , with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, also a Malaysian former CEO and founder of a public listed IT company.

Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim - former CEO of Guthrie, famous for bringing Sime Darby back to Malaysia in the legendary Dawn Raid at the London Stock Exchange. Sivarasa Rasiah - winner of the prestigious Rhodes scholarship, and prominent lawyer

Lee Boon Chye - leading heart surgeon with a successful Ipoh practice.

and many more Social Activists and Professionals involved in this movement. The common point of all of them is, they have a wide and far-sighted vision for the country, and often spell out what the country needs to change, and determine to put forward their better policies to ask people for support.

Look at BN cabinet now, who really has the credential to lead the country? Our dear Prime Minister even failed his first year undergraduate mathematics, still holding the position of Financial Minister at the same time. Tell me also what do Samy Vellu & Ong Ka Ting ( the head of MIC and MCA respectively )have got to offer? What is so good about them until they are irreplaceable ? If Samy Vellu is so caring and responsible for people, why does he have to hide the the toll agreement signed with Highway Concessions at the expense of public interest? Yes, Mr Koh Tsu Koon was indeed a phD scholar. However, look at Pulau Pinang state now, what has he contributed to the people that we could remember during 18 years tenure under his helm?


2) Vote BN if you want to have economic growth (for your country and in your area).

My Opinion: A government brings economic growth to the country is certainly a responsibility. That is something a government shall deliver, no matter which party is the ruling party now. However, economic growth still has a condition to be attached - 'sustainable' is the key word. 'Transparency' is another crucial things to keep the ruling party accountable for the people.

Economic growth cannot be used as a claim that only BN could deliver. Why shall we still believe in them while they are now handling our national economy like a mess, and leading to nowhere? Is this the best BN can do? What if people vote in BN as government, our economy still continues to drop and become worsen?

As the opposition candidates i mentioned above, why do we still believe that BN candidates are more superior?


3) If opposition were voted in government, race-riot (like May 13) is bound to happen!

My opinion: that is certainly a THREAT, there is no basis of saying that. NO THREAT should be allowed to use in the election campaign. Changing government, needs not to be afraid, it is a norm in many democratic countries. Opposition front coalition would discard all the racism doctrine used and abused by BN. Malaysia is thus given hope to become more tolerant to multiracial and multicultural society. People will live harmony with each other without fanning with racist remarks, if opposition manifesto based on equality is followed.
What opposition has to prepare and beware is, the possibility that certain quarters of BN party would lash out the last resort to save the party from disgrace, if they cannot accept the election result.

4)Bn would do anything to defame the opposition's party leaders using the whole state machinery, without giving space for them to defend themselves. They try to get away with it.

My opinion: That is why i always endorse and advocate Freedom of Press in Malaysia. The whole society will not be mature enough in thinking and make their judgment, if they are not exposed to balance views and debate from both side. NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND. Maybe many would still be mislead by what the Mainstream Media said, and affect their decision. BN just take the advantage over the inability of average society member to have critical thinking.

What is so bad about opposition's party leaders? Come on and have a televised debate from both side, like how other democratic countries do, see if people are convinced?
Opposition in Malaysia is always doing things out of their conscience, and their real political belief to serve the people. They are already so brave to go out there to face the unknown risk and tantamount pressure and challenge of the whole state machinery. If they are not the real fighter for the country and their people, for what many people supporting them? Maybe opposition is not perfect, but they stand firm in their principles to defend citizen's rights and freedom, having guts to contribute to the change agenda (which they could not be benefited), and show the great love for the country and the people.

So the Malay idiom says, 'Takut kerana salah' - if you don't find anything wrong with yourself and have nothing to worry about, why don't you keep suppressing the freedom of expression? Go face-to-face and prove to them wrong! I'm sure if what you say is true, people know how to judge your arguments fairly and you still have all their support!

5) MCA or MIC would say the same thing: ' Vote for me, to send enough representation of your race-kind to defend your rights! Weaker representation, means weaker voice, eventually leads to more compromise.


My opinions: No use for keeping these BN race based component parties for playing racial cards to trump. Last election both MIC and MCA won the highest number of representation in parliament ever, but do you see they do better jobs to look after their respective races? If MIC does, they would not see the massive HINDRAF rally took place in the Capital City. For MCA, the record is poorer, result is so little to show yet still want to boost it so loud in the media --- i am totally ashamed by their action, what a disgrace to my race identity!!! i never send them any consent to represent me, and many other chinese.


6) A strong government is needed to take place in parliament and form a formidable cabinet. When the ruling party loses too many seats, they are weakened and render them useless to push forward their agenda. So, we (BN) is pleading for stronger mandate from you people

My Opinions: Last election, didn't we (the people) give you the strongest mandate ever in Malaysian electoral history? With 90% of parliament seats (even though it's just about 63% popularity votes), why i do not see the country is going to a better direction and in better shape to solve many longstanding problems, but instead more problems are created? Lack of wills and determination is seen too, in terms of trying to meet the sweet promises in last election manifesto. So, what is the use of stronger mandate if you (BN) cannot even deliver when you had the strongest government ever? How could we trust you again?


A good article from Natheliel Tan on why does Opposition deserve your votes, if you seriously have doubts about the credibility of opposition. The link is here
Go debate with him, if you are disagree on certain parts.

As what i stressed above, i hope i did not make an impression to you that Opposition is perfect. But in any circumstance at this stage, they are clearly the better choice for people, if you ask me. Any weakness of Opposition is still in the process to overcome. They need your contribution and support to keep it going better and better!

So, for my dear friends and fellows in Malaysia, vote for Barisan Rakyat, instead of Barisan National on 8th March! Malaysia deserves a better future.

London's calling - for democracy in Malaysia

I am not clever at delivering speeches, and i did not prepare at that time. However, my friend still recorded it down. Although i am not a part of Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC), i would like to dedicate my thanks to them for featuring me in the video, and airing my view.