Monday, January 5, 2009

Condemn the Murderers!


I'm compelled to write about my disgust about the crime that's being committed against the Palestinians. The world is watching Israel committing murders after murders and yet the silence is deafening!

We are being fed with live news coverage and shown how the Palestinians have suffered and pained. Lives are destroyed, people killed and maimed by 'smart' weapons. These are murders committed in broad daylight; by a push of a button and voila! Enjoy the fireworks!

What is the UN doing? What is our Government doing? The NGOs or anybody can send in as many memorandum as they want but as a Nation, our Government MUST make a stand and condemn this crime against humanity. The US; being the Satan's State main ally must get its lapdog to stop raining missiles on the Gaza immediately. The US is not doing its image any good for its continual support for the Regime. It's a safe bet to say that US is the most hatred country in the world. Good Luck Obama!

There are people calling for a boycott on US made produce and currency. For me, that's not the answer. It'll actually do more harm than good. Just think about it. We can stop drinking Coke; it's unhealthy anyway, stop wearing Timberlands and Nikes. We can go without McDonald's and KFC. But have we ever thought about our own economy and the jobs that might be loss? How many Nikes and Timberlands are made in the States? F&N can close shop but what about the people working there? McD and KFC can pack-up and go but what about the waiters and waitresses? These are Malaysians and looking at the bleak econ, a boycott will be a very bad idea.

So, a boycott is not the answer. It'll not pain the US but ourselves. What the world needs now is a united front to condemn the Israelis' air strikes and also the Hamas to do its part. We need everyone to come to their senses. Killing, suicide bombing and maiming is never going to work. The world has enough suffering to deal with already.

Please work together. We owe it to our future generations. Be fair to them!

Friday, January 2, 2009

What a way to start the year!

My old phone K300i



What a way to start off 2009.... with a loss handphone! Urgh!!!!!

Today, I had lunch with Debbie and 3 other colleagues at Times Square. When we arrived there, we got a table and I immediately took my cellphone out of the pocket and left it on the seat. I'm wearing jeans, so having a phone sticking on to my butt is much less comfortable.

After lunch, we immediately went back to office and only when I was back into my place did I notice my cellphone is missing. Tried to call it and hoped that someone might just answer it. Yeah, I should've known better.... there's no HOPE! The calls went into voicemails indicating someone picked it up and switched off the phone!

So, no point crying over spilled milk. Called up Maxis and had my line suspended. Then walked to Times Square and went to the restaurant where we had lunch. Yeap... Confirmed lost. Disappointed, I walked to Maxis and get my new SIM Card.

Well, the phone was a very old model. From dinasour's period if you like. It's a worthless piece of technology that sometimes had problem charging and sometimes just freeze for no reason. However it hold dear to me because there are so so many contacts in it and my kids photos. Some are really priceless.

So now, I'm getting a loan unit from Claudia. She got a spare old Samsung phone. Will buy a new one soon. Maybe I'm destined to get a new handphone for the year 2009. The Sony Ericsson K300i has served me well.......

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year....


Well, 2008 came and gone. The days seemed to fly pass me and even before I noticed it, it's already 2009. Eventful year? Not really.

The most disappointing event for the year 2008 is that I was basically 'discarded' by my old travel agent. The boss, Ester might had heard something about me that's not true and decided not to have me as her guide. Everyone knows I've never gossip and hate gossips! Now that's OK since I'm a freelancer but what's unacceptable to me is the fact that I've been with her through thick and thin for the past 7 years. Every time there's a problem with the company, I've always gave her my support. Now, she don't even have the courtesy to give me a call and tell me that she's not going to use me anymore. Anyway, life must go on.....

One of the most memorable groups that I've guide in the year 2008 is the Filipino group. A week long group starting on X'mas Day and ended on New Year's Eve. It was on of the most pleasant group I've ever encountered. The guests were very friendly but what struck me the most is their humbleness. Being humble is a great virtue. I really had lots of fun. It has been quite a while since I've really enjoyed doing my work..... Filipinos are so much more different than the Chinese.

This morning, my wife asked me about my New Year resolution; if I do have any. Well, frankly speaking, I've never given it much thought. To me, New Year's Resolution is something you vowed to do, planned to do, swear you'll do it, forgot what to do by February and hope you've done it by year end. Is there really anyone that uphold their resolution?

So, it's a brand new year ahead of us. My wish? Just hope that the economy can turn weather the storm ahead and turns out fine. No more ISA. More happiness, peace and less suffering for mankind. My bank account can get a little bit fatter. And the most important of all, have a healthy year for all. Oh, not to forget..... Liverpool to be crowned Champion of England come May!

You'll Never Walk Alone!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Cameron Highland Trip

Egg boiling, hot spring style!

Rainbow touching anyone?

Last weekend, 12th December to be precise, I went to Cameron Highland for a mountain getaway with my family. It was planned a few weeks earlier when we had dinner and talked about a simple holiday with the kids since it's school holiday.
So, we gathered at our house early morning, 8:00a.m and sets off in two vans. Our first destination before heading to Cameron was the Sungkai Hot Spring. It is operated by Felda which to me did a decent job in turning a palm oil estate into a resort.
Once we reached there (after a two hours drive from KL), we booked 2 private jacuzzi pools. The usage is free if you opt for a Aryuvedic massage therapy. Debbie, Yvonne, Eddie and myself went for a hour-long massage each while the children played in the pool. The massage was good. Our masseurs came from India and I must say my first "Indian-styled' Aryuvedic massage is quite nice albeit oily. Maybe I'm not used to being oiled all over my body..... Nearly slept during the course!
While we're enjoying our dip in the hot spring and massages, the kids thrill themselves with boiling eggs in the hot spring. Got to say the eggs is tastier and more springy! Nice and yummy!
By the time we depart from this place, it's already lunch hour. So we stop by Tapah for a simple lunch. Nothing special.....
We reached Cameron Highlands about 5p.m. On the way, we seen something special. There was a rainbow, well, nothing special here but the rainbow was at our eye level! My son was asking if he can slide down it or not! Truly breath taking view!
It was chilly and the 1st place we stopped by is at a road-side market. Buying vegetables? Not really. We just stop by to collect the keys to our rest house that we rented from our friend. It was his childhood place, old and a bit run-down but it's still ok.
Dinner is steam-boat. Nice and it complements the chilly air perfectly. Then, basically it's chit-chat and went to bed early. Our next morning starts with a visit to the most well-known tourist spot in CH; BOH factory. A simply must go for any visitor especially the factory visit. Then we went for tea-break. The view is just amazing. Sipping tea, looking over the tea bushes and enjoying your piece of cake or scone is just perfect!
Another place highly recommended is the Smoke House. So English, and the scones is just the BEST! Expensive though.
The highlight of our tour is a cabbage plantation visit. The farm is operated by Debbie's friend, Moon. He took us through the rough terrain in his 4 X 4 and I must say this is by far the most exciting ride I've ever experienced! The kids simple loved it. Moon showed us his farm and some explanation on the art of seeing money grow on soil! It's really hard work being a farmer. By the way, Moon is a certified Chartered Accountant.
It was a nice trip for all. I really enjoyed the trip and looking forward for another trip with my family.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Another "I did not say that" politician

A loadful of dung!


Well well well.... what a truly wonderful country this is. As a politician in Bolehland, you can basically spew racial slur, going against the constitution or even utter vulgar words to your fellow MP and yet nothing can happen to you. Why? Because in Bolehland, even if there are recorders, TV or net broadcast and even mainstream media reported exactly what you said, you can still deny it with a straight face. Better still, later you can organise a press conference and tell the whole wide world that the media 'twisted' and 'misquoted' you!

The latest 'drama' that have grip the country is the call for vernacular schools to be closed and for Bolehland to have a single school system. Mukhriz made that call; saying it'll unite the country. Based on what he made that deduction is beyond me. Maybe his dad knows better.

After this gaffe, politicians from PR and even member sendiri from MCA and MIC have criticized his comment. Kit Siang even made a point that this comment is seditious and Mukhriz might even lose his MP if convicted. So, having shot himself on the foot, what can he do? Issue a denial statement la!

I think deep down inside, he knew he made a major blunder. Scoring a few cheap points for his UMNO Youth race is not worth the wrath he incurred from fellow Malaysians. So, today, it was reported that he has clarified that he didn't made calls for vernacular schools to be closed. What we wanted is the schools to be remain physically but the system be changed!

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT! IT'S SO STUPID! It's like asking a Bak Kut Teh seller to stop selling this favourite Chinese dish while later said it was not a ban, just don't put pork in BKT! A school is just four sides of walls. You can even teach under a tree or pondok for all I care. But the medium must be protected by all cost. Extremist views like these must be stopped. Even Najib has defended this long established education system that makes us unique in Asia or probably the world.

Blaming our education system for a polarised society is so narrow in thinking. Why not he got the balls to questions the unfair policies instead! Oh, I forgot.... he'll stand to lose even his undies if he even dare to raise this up.

DAP has made a police report on this seditious comment. It's a waste of time and money because nothing will happen. After today, everything will be forgotten...and he has scored some cheap points for his election cause. Not to mention free publicity in the media!


Good job! Carry on with this and BN will lose more in the next election!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Single System School for Unity?

Mukhriz Mahathir

Mukhriz has call on the Government to abolish the current education system in the country and introduce a single school system to foster racial harmony. According to him, it's the only way to check racial polarisation. I don't think so.....

I think Mukhriz is just talking an 'Election Talk'. With UMNO's election round the corner, it's easy to see that these type of statements are whipped out to garner a few supporters vote. It's so narrow thinking and self contradicting.

He's been quoted to say that quarters who rejects his views should say why. One can't have equal rights with different type of school systems. As he put it, "You cannot have the cake and eat it too". So, in a different way, Mukhriz is all for unity, fairness to all, rejects the much talked about 'Ketuanan Melayu' and opt for Bangsa Malaysia? He's willing to stick his head out and go against the UMNO hierarchy?

I do think a single school system can work and most probably the way forward but only if our education system is separated from politics. Right now it's not possible, because our education is so much entwined with politics. A slight move and you'll see politicians from all over the country voicing out their opinions and score some cheap points.

The proposal can work if we are ready to discard our racial baggage. Do away with racial-based political parties as a start. Then, are we ready to accept that all Malaysians are equal? Do away with whatever policies that favours only certain races. The Government must help out the poor and the needy; from all races. Poverty affects everybody and is colour blind. Let the nation stand on its own two feet rather that certain quarters needing tongkat to help them walk. If our Government can take these important and significant steps and our people are mature enough, I'm sure, in no time, we'll be a 'Super Power' in SEA region. If we are ready, then a single school system with mother tongue being taught will be a great idea. As of now, the divide and rule tactics employed (thanks to the Brits) is a major obstacle in achieving a true unity in this country. Too much agenda, too many self-interest at stakes for all.

This statement will create some buzz among politicians and the public. At least will put him in the limelight for awhile. A cunning publicity move? Got him some paper space!

So, to me, it's just an 'Election Talk' by a Youth Chief aspirant. Good luck to you.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Day My Dad Shifted....

Dad's old place
His new home


Ah Fai taking dad out



Dad's ashes to be transfered to his new home


Last Sunday, 30th November 2008 was an emotional day for me and my family. For it was the day my dad moved to his new residence in Sendayan and leave behind his old "flat" in Seremban.


My dad practically 'stayed' at Seremban for almost 23 years. That's how long he left us, 23 years we lived without his love and affection. Going at a young tender age of 45 means we were left fatherless when we are still kids; more so my youngest brother.


His new place was a short distance from my sister's house. Located at the Sendayan area, half way to Port Dickson if taking the Labu-Sendayan way. While his old place was a bit crowded and stuffy, the new resting place is indeed much more refreshing and open. I'm sure my dad will be most pleased with his new 'condo'.


We reached Seremban for a simple buddhist ceremony to transfer my dad's ashes out. The monk took a snap shot of Ah Fai taking my dad's urn away as prove. Then we chanted 'Nam-myo-ho-reng-ge-kyo' while the monk did some ceremonial thing. After a short few minutes we were on our way to Sendayan! Debbie drove while I held my dad's urn tight.


On the way, it was interesting to mention that Xu Hom was so curios about the whole thing. He asked me and Debbie a lot of questions about his Grandpa that he never met. One thing that shot out from his mouth is that he would like to see his Grandpa's ashes! While, he got his wish!


Upon reaching Sendayan, we met the sales person and he co-ordinates the whole proceess of transfering my dad's ashes to a new urn (so it fits his 'condo'). This is the time the whole family get to 'see' my dad after a long 23 years. Xu Hom got to see him, finally.... not to mention us too! I was going to cry but I held my tears because I don't want my mom to feel sad. It was her decision after all to transfer my dad because she herself has already bought her place along side my dad. I know it was her wish all this time to be with the person she loved so much when she leaves us some day.


The whole process is hassle free and everything was done in a jiffy. We chanted for a while for my dad before we call it a day. I know my dad will be happy moving to a bigger and better environment. Maybe he'll feel sad leaving behind some friends and neighbours after 23 years. But he knows it will be worth it for its a double lot for him and mom.


Rest well, dad! We all missed you so so much!