Dear Kids. Wow the election results were shocking. Nothing short of a political tsunami.
Ayah and I voted at the sekolah menengah. It took us less than 10 mins to get our voices heard, but I did notice that there ware other lines which were quite long. No matter, this time we got lucky.
After dinner we turned on tv1 to see if the results are in. Sure enough the crawler kat bawah screen tunjuk BN menang - mostly Sabah. At around 930 I logged on to malaysiakini and was flabbergasted. Penang jatuh, Samy vellu & kaveas kalah, Nurul leading. The point here is our tv is still so in denial!
You would have known by now that BN still menang but denied the majority (2/3 of parliament). More importantly Penang is now under pakatan DAP & PKR, Kedah has a PAS Mentr Besar and Khalid IBrahim ( PKR & ex CEO of Guthrie) will be the Sgor MB. Perak in limbo coz MN kena Muslim and DAP yg menang banyak but they'll work it out with PKR. Nik Aziz gets to keep his job. The most despised 32-year old (based on blogs, not my opinion ok) will draw his salary as an MP for Rembau. I feel sad for Sharizat. She lost because of the party she's affiliated to.
I think Malays are fed up of UMNO's arrogance. Even our neighbours share the feeling. Then ayah's friends at today's wedding also said the same thing. With a few sychophants painting rosy pictures all the time the leaders have just lost touch with what the rakyat are saying or feeling. BN suffered a black eye due to the internet. Since the mainstream papers only sing praises we looked elsewhere. The internet uncovered a treasure trove of scandals-misuse of public funds and all maners of cronyism and corruption. Of course there are many other factors.
I hope the leadership will realise that the 'loss' is many things to many people. FOr people like me its the arrogance and corruption. For others it may be bread and butter issues. Crime and religious freedom. Of course not easy to please everyone. But I think the country gains because of a strong opposition. We need check and balance in a democracy.
My other hope is for the opposition (PAS,PKR, DAP) to be able to put aside their differences in ideologies and be able to work together. Otherwise this victory will be meaningless.
My last hope is for all the non Malay elected reps to learn to speak Bahasa Malaysia like Ong Tee Kiat and Koh Tsu Koon, if they haven't already. There is only one way to get to the heart of the kampung people and that is to speak theri language.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Another Little Wish
I wish for the 89 year old grandma Maimun Yusuf who is contesting in Kuala Trg to get back her 10K deposit. If Allah wills that she wins, then All the best to her for realising her dream.
My 3 Wishes for Mar 8, 2008
My Children, tomorrow is polling day. I am very sure there has never before been an election this fiercely contested - from the banner wars, the millions and billions in development aid/economic corridors promised by the BN to the illogical promise of fuel price reduction made by Anwar.
That BN will win, is a foregone conclusion. But out of this dirtiest ever election I hope will be a better Malaysia for all of you and the other children and the future generations.
The first redeeming grace for BN would be for all those who have been tainted - the likes of the bocor and tunnel characters, be given the boot by votesr. Also those who can afford to build palatial homes but cant afford to pay for the quit rent(?) for 12 years or his relatives and close- one-eyes and similarly idiots caught carrying cash-filled suitcases will have nothing to do with the government ever.
We Malays have become more educated compared to our parents and we can thank the goverment for building the schools and making educ more accessible. Yes yes we're grateful for all the help. But with education comes awareness. We are now exposed to the alternative media. We read of the abuses of power and public funds perpetrated by those in ruling party. Dont tell us that we're being told lies. We can judge for ourselves. The proofs are there for all to see. What we got as beneficieries are peanuts compared to what the elites got for themselves.
Its time for the government (read UMNO) to realise that as God-fearing people, they have to take this amanah and serve the rakyat honestly, fairly, ethically and honourably. I hope that enough opposition members get to sit in the parliament to save UNMO from itself. It will self destrcut if it gets too big like what we're seeing now. Enough of trying to out-Islam PAS in form only. How about putting in more substance ? Getting rid of corruption and being fair and ethical are very Islamic indeed.
The other thing I wish to see improve is national intergration. I believe that the key lies in the school system. There is little hope if the Chinese and Indian kids still go to vernacular schools. Every child should attend sekolah kebangsaan which must be secular. Only the strongest of political will (via a strong leader) can do this. For umpteenth years we have fooled ourselves into thinking that we're ONE nation by the superficial displays of open houses and whatnots. But really, after they stuffed themselves silly, mounds of uneaten leftovers notwithstanding, they go home and live happily ever after in separate but parallel universe until the next open house.
The makeup of the civil service , police and army should reflect the racial demographics of the country. At ALL levels of the hierarchy. So if I enter a post office I should see 50 % Malay clerks, 25% Chinse clerks and 10% Indian clerks. Will this remain a pipe dream - I guess so.
I am very proud of you children because you mix well with the other races. You are truly the Malaysian - you have Malay, Chinese and Indian blood in you. No wonder you are so smart! But of course you need to study/work hard too - get that Ayip and Amir?
Let's get back on track. I get uneasy when I read about the numbers of foreigners in Malaysia. We need them for sure We're too good for the 3D jobs so we cant live without them. The govt should make legal workers' entry in Msia more transparent or professional. Instead, the importation of workers is given to agencies. Who are these agents - people with political connections -cronies or relatives. They are the ones getting rich at the expense of the ordinary Malaysian employer or the poor foreign worker. With a proper system that's transparent and hassle free maybe the govt will get to keep more of the monies rather than the agents. If we have to have foreigners, then let's have legal foreigners. There we go again -all road leads to corruption. But I personally hope we can reduce our dependence on them. I play my little part by not having a live-in maid. Our house together with five others share one maid. So that's 5 less maids. We're lucky coz you guys are big enough to not need a baby sitter.
We passed by Bangsar yesterday balik from Subang Jaya. Banyak betul posters esp Barisan Nasional's. As I looked at the glamorous air-brushed face of Sharizat and the simple sweetness of Nurul Izzah (anak Anwar) - candidates for lembah Pantai parliament seat- I have one more wish. I wish ALL the female candidates success. If a female lawan another female, may the better lady succeed. Hope that lone Indian lady contesting under the PAS ticket somewhere in Johore wins. Let them all get into the assemblies. It's one step towards making this place more gender sensitive.
My last little wish is for Sharlinie, the little girl mssing since Jan7. Whereever you are may ALLAH protect you. Allah Knows Best.
That BN will win, is a foregone conclusion. But out of this dirtiest ever election I hope will be a better Malaysia for all of you and the other children and the future generations.
The first redeeming grace for BN would be for all those who have been tainted - the likes of the bocor and tunnel characters, be given the boot by votesr. Also those who can afford to build palatial homes but cant afford to pay for the quit rent(?) for 12 years or his relatives and close- one-eyes and similarly idiots caught carrying cash-filled suitcases will have nothing to do with the government ever.
We Malays have become more educated compared to our parents and we can thank the goverment for building the schools and making educ more accessible. Yes yes we're grateful for all the help. But with education comes awareness. We are now exposed to the alternative media. We read of the abuses of power and public funds perpetrated by those in ruling party. Dont tell us that we're being told lies. We can judge for ourselves. The proofs are there for all to see. What we got as beneficieries are peanuts compared to what the elites got for themselves.
Its time for the government (read UMNO) to realise that as God-fearing people, they have to take this amanah and serve the rakyat honestly, fairly, ethically and honourably. I hope that enough opposition members get to sit in the parliament to save UNMO from itself. It will self destrcut if it gets too big like what we're seeing now. Enough of trying to out-Islam PAS in form only. How about putting in more substance ? Getting rid of corruption and being fair and ethical are very Islamic indeed.
The other thing I wish to see improve is national intergration. I believe that the key lies in the school system. There is little hope if the Chinese and Indian kids still go to vernacular schools. Every child should attend sekolah kebangsaan which must be secular. Only the strongest of political will (via a strong leader) can do this. For umpteenth years we have fooled ourselves into thinking that we're ONE nation by the superficial displays of open houses and whatnots. But really, after they stuffed themselves silly, mounds of uneaten leftovers notwithstanding, they go home and live happily ever after in separate but parallel universe until the next open house.
The makeup of the civil service , police and army should reflect the racial demographics of the country. At ALL levels of the hierarchy. So if I enter a post office I should see 50 % Malay clerks, 25% Chinse clerks and 10% Indian clerks. Will this remain a pipe dream - I guess so.
I am very proud of you children because you mix well with the other races. You are truly the Malaysian - you have Malay, Chinese and Indian blood in you. No wonder you are so smart! But of course you need to study/work hard too - get that Ayip and Amir?
Let's get back on track. I get uneasy when I read about the numbers of foreigners in Malaysia. We need them for sure We're too good for the 3D jobs so we cant live without them. The govt should make legal workers' entry in Msia more transparent or professional. Instead, the importation of workers is given to agencies. Who are these agents - people with political connections -cronies or relatives. They are the ones getting rich at the expense of the ordinary Malaysian employer or the poor foreign worker. With a proper system that's transparent and hassle free maybe the govt will get to keep more of the monies rather than the agents. If we have to have foreigners, then let's have legal foreigners. There we go again -all road leads to corruption. But I personally hope we can reduce our dependence on them. I play my little part by not having a live-in maid. Our house together with five others share one maid. So that's 5 less maids. We're lucky coz you guys are big enough to not need a baby sitter.
We passed by Bangsar yesterday balik from Subang Jaya. Banyak betul posters esp Barisan Nasional's. As I looked at the glamorous air-brushed face of Sharizat and the simple sweetness of Nurul Izzah (anak Anwar) - candidates for lembah Pantai parliament seat- I have one more wish. I wish ALL the female candidates success. If a female lawan another female, may the better lady succeed. Hope that lone Indian lady contesting under the PAS ticket somewhere in Johore wins. Let them all get into the assemblies. It's one step towards making this place more gender sensitive.
My last little wish is for Sharlinie, the little girl mssing since Jan7. Whereever you are may ALLAH protect you. Allah Knows Best.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Of JPJ, Meetings and Weddings
I have been awake since 430 this morning. No, it's not you, Dad, though I think you slept better last night. Otherwise, that cough- kacau aje. Since I couldnt go back to sleep and havent written in this blog for many days, here I am.
Accompanied Ayip to get his driving license renewed at JPJ yesterday. Hate those govt departments. Why are they always crowded? Surely there cant be thousands of people who need to get their driver's licenses renewed everyday, or are there? And those touts ! I guess it's a supply and demand thing. Because of the inefficiency, the touts are there to fill the need.
But what pissed me off was Ayip himself. He forgot to bring his IC and old license. Earlier, I had asked him to make a copy. He did and left the original on the copier. Many thanks and gratitude to that kind clerk at JPJ who used her discretion and went ahead and processed his application anyway. So Ayip, even tho I didnt mention anything about your foolish act, it's still simmering inside. Now, that's the end of it, if you dont do it again!
We attended a friend's daughter's wedding last sat. Thanks Zizah of Jalan A10 for the invite. Saw many old familiar faces. Even the Matthews came over to say hi. God bless you Mrs Matthews. Such a selfless lady. She volunteers at the hospital cancer wing many days a week. And she takes the bus to get there. I salute you.
We have another wedding next week - Japri's daughter. And anotther one the week after- Ishak's son. One by one they fall. (dont take this negatively)
Last night I went to the KCP members meeitng at KDE. The turnout was not as big as the previous one. Maybe it's members fatigue. We have two cool lawyers in the liason committee. As members, victimised at that, we tend to become emotional. Thank god for these two gentlemen who brought back rationale to the floor.
Since jan 2008 the club has refused to collect our monthly subscription! Entry into the club is denied unless we pay guest fees of 20 ringgit. Amir uses the club facilities more than anyone of us so he terribly affected. Anyway, this unilateral action on the club's part is very distressing because the sale and purchase transaction has not been completed and there was an agreement between the liason comm and the club mgmt that we members can use the facilities provided the subscrition is up to date. Now they reneged on their agreement. ANyway the court proceeding is still ongoing. Some members suggested that we protest ala BERSIH or create a blog just to give some bad publicity to the club or just storm into the club en mass - much to the delight of the floor. But the lawyers advised against any of it for fear of contempt of court or being subjudice.
I think today I'll go to the office in the morning. That means we'll have take-out food for lunch. Petang kalau tak de ape2 nak pegi Kinrara. Nak tengok tanah untuk buat rumah. I know, I know you guys must be wondering - tak puas-puas lagi ke. Now that I've piqued your interest, I'll continue next time. He he he.
Accompanied Ayip to get his driving license renewed at JPJ yesterday. Hate those govt departments. Why are they always crowded? Surely there cant be thousands of people who need to get their driver's licenses renewed everyday, or are there? And those touts ! I guess it's a supply and demand thing. Because of the inefficiency, the touts are there to fill the need.
But what pissed me off was Ayip himself. He forgot to bring his IC and old license. Earlier, I had asked him to make a copy. He did and left the original on the copier. Many thanks and gratitude to that kind clerk at JPJ who used her discretion and went ahead and processed his application anyway. So Ayip, even tho I didnt mention anything about your foolish act, it's still simmering inside. Now, that's the end of it, if you dont do it again!
We attended a friend's daughter's wedding last sat. Thanks Zizah of Jalan A10 for the invite. Saw many old familiar faces. Even the Matthews came over to say hi. God bless you Mrs Matthews. Such a selfless lady. She volunteers at the hospital cancer wing many days a week. And she takes the bus to get there. I salute you.
We have another wedding next week - Japri's daughter. And anotther one the week after- Ishak's son. One by one they fall. (dont take this negatively)
Last night I went to the KCP members meeitng at KDE. The turnout was not as big as the previous one. Maybe it's members fatigue. We have two cool lawyers in the liason committee. As members, victimised at that, we tend to become emotional. Thank god for these two gentlemen who brought back rationale to the floor.
Since jan 2008 the club has refused to collect our monthly subscription! Entry into the club is denied unless we pay guest fees of 20 ringgit. Amir uses the club facilities more than anyone of us so he terribly affected. Anyway, this unilateral action on the club's part is very distressing because the sale and purchase transaction has not been completed and there was an agreement between the liason comm and the club mgmt that we members can use the facilities provided the subscrition is up to date. Now they reneged on their agreement. ANyway the court proceeding is still ongoing. Some members suggested that we protest ala BERSIH or create a blog just to give some bad publicity to the club or just storm into the club en mass - much to the delight of the floor. But the lawyers advised against any of it for fear of contempt of court or being subjudice.
I think today I'll go to the office in the morning. That means we'll have take-out food for lunch. Petang kalau tak de ape2 nak pegi Kinrara. Nak tengok tanah untuk buat rumah. I know, I know you guys must be wondering - tak puas-puas lagi ke. Now that I've piqued your interest, I'll continue next time. He he he.
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