You are currently browsing the monthly archive for December 2010.
2010 came and gone. 2011 will be a new 365 days of fresh start. Whatever it is, as Malaysians, we must be united as one, and united not on the basis of political ideology nor skin colour; but we should be united based on our love of Malaysia as a nation, our contribution to the country’s freedom & progress, our identity as Anak Bangsa Malaysia and our dream for a better Malaysia.
Here I conclude our 2010 journey with a song from a distant past.
Football has never been taken to new heights until a few days ago, as we learned that our youngest national team fought its way to the finals against Indonesia. Funny was, we Malaysians has never felt prouder, especially since long ago we have been bitching and let disappointed with Malaysian Football and FAM. But today, everything has changed.
Sometimes I feel, change is possible, it is harder the first time, but once there’s a will, there a way. Just imagine, a few weeks ago, Rajagobal’s team were mocked and looked down for their 5-1 lost to Indonesia in the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup. Now, they are the proud champion, not to forget Safee scored the most goals throughout the matches. For novice football fan like me, like most Malaysians, we only knew these players and the coach recently in Bukit Jalil’s AFF Suzuki Cup Final 1st Leg. When I googled the word Rajagobal, apparently he has been successful coaching state teams and even brought in Gold medal from the SEA Games.
Today’s 2nd Leg match in Jakarta was something that truly lifted the meaning of football fans to uncharted territory. Due to the laser incident in Bukit Jalil, almost none malaysian fans were in the stadium, scared of being unnecessarily killed by those hooligan Indonesians, so only a sea of red splash. Our boys were professional bunch, never complain like Markus did, never put on a childish tantrum, despite some of them (especially Fahmi) being shone with laser and were overwhelmed with the enemy’s loud curses echoed in the Bung Karno stadium . Mean while, in the cyber space, a war between Malaysian and Indonesian supporters were in full blast in Twitter, Facebook, blogs etc. In fact, almost all Twitter’s Top Trending World Wide were about the football match itself. I was surprised to see the word Khairul Fahmi and Congratulation Malaysia in the top 10 list. Since Indonesia is the 3rd largest Twitter users in the world, I guess it shows 2 things: 1st, Indonesians have calmed down and now see us all as Brothers and Sisters despite the hatred sentiment a few days ago; 2nd, every Indonesian girls are falling for Khairul Fahmi’s Korean star looks now. He could probably be the first and ONLY Malaysian to be able be in Twitter TT. Wow!
It is funny how football has able to break and unite people from both ends. At the end of the day, it was a great match to watch. despite losing, I applaud Indonesian team for they determination to score 2 goals. Nevertheless, the winner aka our national team deserves the ultimate praise for proving to us Malaysians that we ought to feel proud for being Malaysians, and to have such high-level performances and world class standards in football. Although I was rather disappointed with our weak defense, thank goodness our superhero goalkeeper Fahmi saves the day, I was in awe with his high jumps and his brilliant saves at the penalty kick. Rajagobal had gambled his money well, his decision to put the barely-23 young ones to play in such a big match may doubt some people, but now we see your point, King Gobal. He is our biggest Hero, our Sultan, our King. In fact he’s bigger than any idiotic king/politician/MP we have, he managed to do what they are unable to do – uniting Malaysians and instill the spirit of nationalism.
The crucial part, what’s next? Can we let Rajagobal lead the way instead. Can he be part of the FAM Board of Directors? Can he have the veto power instead. For once, FAM should be managed by professionals, not the loser sultan Pahang, and ignorant UMNO Khairy. We wish right?
Thank you Harimau Malaya for bringing us the confidence boost that we Malaysians are longing so badly since the utterly messy politics we have here. For once, it is cool to be patriotic, and it is cool to love our Malaysian football. Maybe World Cup 2018 could be in our wish list too. We want you to be the legendary team that when we are older, we can tell our grandchildren how cool it was supporting Malaysian National Football team. Rajagobal, or now perhaps we should call Maharaja King Gobal, we love you and we want you to take more risk and please train these boys into world-class athletes.
Cheers 2011.
A lady at the window alone…
Pondering her emptiness inside…
Staring at the cold dark night…
The warmth of the bright moon…
Longing for a piece of love…
She feels tired…
Wondering if the love will ever come…
How wonderful it is to share this beautiful world together…
A companion that understands…
She wants to see the world with her love…
The exotic cultures, the lovely scenery, the friendly strangers…
How amazing it is to share her deepest desire and secrets together…
A companion that cares…
She wants to be by the side of her love…
The loving touches, the intimate conversation, the tears and laughter…
Sitting by the window…
She dreams of the prince charming that never came…
The reality of her life is a bitter pill to swallow…
She doesn’t have the answer…
Speaking on behalf of the countless single ladies out there…
Men need to realize…
Please don’t be intimidated by a successful, modern lady…
She is as caring, as fun, as interesting, as loving as you longed for…
Plus she is intelligent, independent and confident…
The modern relationship is based on equality and team work…
No more traditional role of husband and wife,
But a modern expression of love… freedom to be who you are.
This is why i love life…. songs like this… 
Dear Malaysia,
I love you. Yes, sometimes I hate you and want to leave you for New Zealand or Britain or Australia, but I can’t help to be in love with you all these years. Being with you since young, you understood me the most, I miss all the old days I spent time with you surrounded by all the simple things in life. Malaysian food is the best, the best fusion of different culture. You were once very warm and accommodative, always smile and happy. You were always the best student in the class of South East Asia, although your rivalry twin Singapore has always beat you at every exam-scoring. But in my heart you are always the best.
But now…. things has changed, you bad habit is killing you. Your twin Singapore is bad mouthing behind your back. You have dropped out in class, even your classmate Indonesia you once bullied and looked down Is catching up fast with you. In the end you have lost a lot of friends. People are attracted to invest in other South East Asian classmates. Besides, you failed to take the huge opportunity when the scholarships from China and India came. They will give you a better future for your college education. Instead, your classmates Indonesia is smart enough to grab it. Singapore may had flunked last semester’s exam, but I heard he is working hard to recover for the next semester exam.
What you are dwelling now instead? The stupid debate about race and religion! People are sick with that topic, knowing very well that they are not able to feed their kids or have the money to get through their monthly expenses. Every day it is always about race and religion. Issues about ketuanan melayu, Islam, Allah, Islamic state, Indian rights, Chinese education…. gosh, I am sick of that Malaysia, can you hear me?
I am feeling sad every time you neglected you education for such childish debate. Didn’t father tell you not to fight over petty, useless things. Can’t you work together and see each other as equals? There are bigger things in life out there – like our ailing economy. I seldom see that being debated in our newspaper, mainstream or alternative, all are the same. Why we must always fight over race and religion? Why can’t we all be friends and work together as equals? Being a Malaysian is in our blood and soul, we should recognize ourselves as Malaysian, first, mid, last…. all the way.
Malaysia, you must realized that how special and unique you are. I know sometimes you have an inferior complexion, but trust me, you are beautiful. If you could realize it sooner. The next exam is around the corner, are you doing any preparation? Please, please, please, be true to yourself. I know you need help, maybe extra tuition or something, but don’t just run away from your problem. I know last exam, the FDI accumulated was negative, investors are running away from you. The economy is going from bad to worse, and the Malaysian people are getting smaller and smaller pie each day. They are suffering, unhappy. And what are you going to do about it, Malaysia?
Malaysia, please wake up and do your homework. Work hard and invest in good tuition after school. Don’t forget to join extra-curriculum, especially in our foreign policy. it is vital for our economy. I notice our foreign policy is not as colourful as before. you seem not to be interested in networking with other nations, discover new economic opportunity. Just for your information, the exam questions is no longer as predictable as before. Now the real money is made in BRiC nations – Brazil, Russia, India & China. Even the European Union and United States are worried. Malaysia, you must open up your worldview.
I am sorry Malaysia, you had hurt my feelings so much all these years, I have been patient with you a lot. I thought you had learned your lesson during March 8 General Election, I thought you wanted the same thing as I am, but I guess I was wrong again. I am a very simple lady, I don’t want you to change and be like some sky-scraper New York City-like, in fact I was quite mad at you for building the countless towers including the Twin-Tower, I think it is a waste of money. I noticed you love to show off a lot to others how great you are. I hate that attitude.
I prefer a much modest, humble Malaysia. Something like Paris or any Scandinavia cities. Humble, romantic yet still very progressive. I prefer you to put your hard earn cash on more important investment. Like public transportation & facilities, Human capital and export-based economy. We have one of the worst exam-oriented, race-based education around. No wonder you are getting dumber. Remember the good old days where we have good quality British Education, with high-ranking universities. We produced smart, intelligent people. At that time, you and Singapore were the best of twins, always study together. We were at the forefront in foreign policy. We put economy as the most important aspect of our country’s progress. We were the biggest export on palm oil and other commodities. We had lucrative export on oil & gas. We had a good pool of human capital. We had very high FDI coming in… But now…?
Now with the massive issue of brain drain, you are becoming more and more paranoid. Curbing people’s freedom of speech. Sadly, we are the hub for 3rd world countries to come working here, like Myanmar and Bangladesh. Gosh, I could go on and on. All because you are suffering from an inferior complexion. Seriously Malaysia, Race and religion will not feed your kids, it will not get you out of poverty, it will not let you get the life that you wanted. It’s purely suicide. The only way you can be happy is to get on with the economy, get the best people to handle our economy. Let the rakyat talk about the economy, let the newspapers write articles about improving our economy. Let’s get the ball rolling.
Malaysia, this is my last chance for you. I still have faith in you. Until the next General Election, please work hard and focus. Remember the word father used to say “united we stand, divided we fall”. Stop politicking race and religion. Work cross-culturally with like-minded politicians who aspire a better Malaysia. I know you can do it, next election will be the biggest test for your competence.
I miss you. Take care.
Sincere,
Rakyat Malaysia
Yesterday I attended a forum on “Wikileaks Saga: The Malaysian Chapter”. It was a small intimate crowd, with 3 speakers Jac Sm Kee, Sonia Randhawa & Edmund Bo from Centre of Independent Journalism (CIJ).
The topic of Wikileaks and Julian Assange is a well-known subject to everyone, but the impact of Wikileaks on future of information seems to be the interesting point here. Personally, I do not care much about the impact of Wikileaks in Malaysia shores. To me, a few snobbish Singaporean officers bitching about our country should be taken with a dose of laughter. It’s just their opinion, not factual encounter with evidence.
The bigger picture I see is the world has changed. With Wikileaks and other new emerged whistle-blower sites like Openleaks, it could pose a threat to the information and informant itself as there’s no universal protection and ethics for such channel of information dissemination.
First, the cyber world is unlike the real world. There’s certain ethical rules and procedures that the mainstream media and journalists must abide in order for them to prove the worthy of the source credibility. Although Wikileaks did a smart move by partnering big news agencies such as Al-Jazeera, The Guardian and New York Times, other whistleblower sites may not have the luxury to do so. The thing is, there’s no standardize or universal binding law that can monitor sources credibility, it makes it harder when a lot of these sites are exposing such high level confidential documents.
Second, the whistleblower itself. The forgotten hero in the Wikileaks saga is not Julian Assange, it’s Bradley Manning. A young guy doing the right thing. But in the process, he risked his life, and now is sitting in jail. This beg the question of whether there’s any law that truly protect the lives of these informants. If a self-proclaimed democracy like the United Stated is jailing its citizen of exposing the atrocities of the Iraq war, then what about other developing nations that has fragile laws on freedom of information.
Third, the right of government and corporate institutions themselves for privacy. It easier to pin-point the right for freedom of speech when the world is exposed to the brutality of war in Iraq and other hidden agenda that will harm the public interest. But what about the countless gossiping among diplomats on other countries? It seems that the diplomatic cable leaks pose more laughable red faces than protecting the public interest rights. I mean, opinion from US officials should not be taken as facts, in fact it will hurt the relations between nations, like what is happening now between Malaysia and Singapore. Besides, these diplomats are merely doing their job, reporting on behalf of their government.
Forth, the safety of the internet users themselves. The new term “Hacktivists” started with the attacks on major corporations whom had stopped their services to Wikileaks. The attacks were severe to the extend where corporation websites hacked and brought downed. In fact, this will only create a fear among the public as the internet is a free zone without any regulations. Any anonymous internet users can spy or hack any sites they dislike which will only reduce the freedom of cyber net itself. The non-consensus on freedom of speech and the issue of privacy, will only trigger unending discourse on this issue.
In a nutshell, the emergence of this new form of Whistle blowing sites is a change that the world must embrace and be prepared. I think we should have a standardize and universal protection on informants, on journalism ethical law and procedures, and on the top-secret resources itself. Wikileaks is already the beginning in a new era where the mightiest are the ones who rule the virtual space.
Saving the world, one girl at a time.
I was getting uncomfortable with the cursing YouTube comments on Azwan Ismail, a wonderful guy that openly admits his sexual orientation. It seems like most Malays are angry at him for being ‘against God’. Worst is, they started quoting passage from the Quran, cursing him to ‘go to hell’ for forming a ‘pact with Satan’. Yet, they failed to understand that scientifically speaking, being gay is NOT a choice, it’s biological.
In fact, if they truly uphold Islamic values, they should preach about tolerance, peace, kindness and equality. The Malaysia’s Islamic version is honestly one-dimensional and full of misinformed rubbish.
I hope we could respect the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community as equal human beings, just like me and you. Here’s the vids: “It Gets Better!”
Not a mockery to Islam though, just in case you feel offended.
This is something that I hope we could do something about it before our country turn into an Arab-wannabe failed state.
Islam has crept into our mainstream society, big time, ever since the fall of Shah of Iran a.k.a the Islāmic Revolution in the 80s. It was the time where our Love-Him-or-Hate-Him former PM, Tun Mahathir started a huge social engineering of Islamization, not so much with the intention to “uphold the values of Islam”, but politically speaking, he was on the mission to please the Malay crowd from PAS, by turning the government into an ‘Islamic agenda’.
Not to forget, Islam became a political game strategy between PAS and UMNO and anyone in thirst of power.
The Islam that we know in Malaysia is all about the surface. Never mind what you do behind closed-door or under the table, what’s important we have to look like an ‘Islamic State’, especially among the 3rd world, corrupted-driven, oil-mongers, dictator-ruled, Islāmic nations.
That was where the rest of Malaysians failed to see. Most thought the Islamization in our country came naturally due to the Islāmic tendency of the Malays. While the Malays think that they have to repent repeatedly to show their allegiance to Islam. The truth is, Islam was socially engineered in our country.
Ok, the checklists. Islāmic department JAKIM as the evil Sauron more powerful than our Executive, Parliament & Civil Court combined? Check! JAKIM mafia-like-enforcers to snatch dead bodies from non-muslim families, moral policing on Malay lovers and humiliate sexy muslims in night clubs? Check! State-sponsor Islamic detention camp in Kamunting to re-brainwash stubborn apostates? Check! Massive demonstration in KL the moment Palestine got strike but no permit for BERSIH & HINDRAF? Check! National Fatwa Council to punish beauty queens, yoga and female drinkers? Check! Syariah Law to make sure Muslim women will always be under the dictatorship of men? Check! Hudud Law to scare away non-Malays and liberal Malays? Check! Another Islamic department PERKIM to massively convert non-muslims to increase the Malay population artificially? Check! Tabung Haji to show how caring the government is on your afterlife? Check! Islamic university aka UIA to show to the 3rd world muslims how Islamic we are? Check! Islamization of national schools & universities to brainwash the young Malays that they are the supreme race in Malaysia? Check! Islamic forums/TV shows/media that meant to show Islam is a supreme religion that practices ‘the ends justify the means’? Check! Spend millions on building exquisite mosques but no funds for other religious temples? Check! Halal logo to make huge business on the non-malays kedai makan by forcing them to pay ‘protection’money so that they are able woo the already-brainwashed-&-controlled Malay customers? Check! Equating Islam with Ketuanan Melayu? Check!
So the list goes on and on.
No wonder Islam is Malay here.
Ahh… Malaysia, my home land, love it or hate it, it is part of me, my identity. What it is being a Malaysian means to you? To me, it is a personal affair. Living in the heart of our capital city, the feel and smell of Kuala Lumpur is like the soft touches of a secret lover, the passion lingers long after, even if I were to escape to a faraway strange land. But Malaysia is diverse, Kuala Lumpur alone does not represent the rich exotic quirkiness of Malaysia.
Sometimes I wonder, the humour cartoons and jokes about Malaysians, does it really represent the people of Malaysia as a whole, of is it merely a mainstream stereotype we got used to it as time passing. Who are Malaysians? Are we only consisted of the 3 major races with the rest dumped into the Dan Lain-lain category? What is race anyway – is there such thing as Malay, Chinese and Indian? Why there’s so many resentment inside our hearts, yet our love and tears still goes to our beloved country?
Sometimes I ponder, we are so used to all the BS by the authorities and people in power that we created an immune toward those people. We became unhappy old hags, constantly blaming them for our little pathetic lives. Well, definitely there’s truth to it. But why, for how long are we going to be in such state? I am sick that every morning waking up, seeing the faces of Malaysian children walking to school, knowing very well that as they grow up, they will learn the art of being a racist, ignorant, and ass-kisser.
Travelling outside Malaysia, let me see a glimpse of the real world where it is not so much different from ours. But our little Malaysia is a tiny dot in the world map, not even worth to consider as important among the international community.
Who cares about Datukship and all the status awards given by our spoiled sultans? Who cares about our local entertainment industry that is dying day-by-day? Who cares about our national car of inferior quality? Who cares about our rubbish, segregated education system? Who cares about our apartheid economic policies? Who cares if our country’s economy will soon collapse? Who cares if we are responsible for the sufferings of the forgotten orang asli, our natural environment destroyed, basic human rights of immigrants violated, the deepening of state-sponsor Islamization, the open practice of corruption, and the widen poverty gap of the rural poor?
So what’s left is only us Malaysians. We do care. Let’s forget about race and religion for once. Let’s forget about politics too. We are diverse. Regardless of skin colour, we are all Malaysians. And about religion, let’s not make a mockery of faith. And gosh, stop blaming the West for everything yellow (budaya kuning). Let’s appreciate our diversity as Malaysians. What makes us unique?
Our uniqueness comes from our values as Malaysians. Our vision for a better Malaysia. Isn’t it beautiful to travel from Kelantan to Johor to Sabah, and be totally blown away by the rich cultural diversity we have. Isn’t it amazing to delight our taste buds with such heavenly fusion of Malaysian food heritage. Isn’t it wonderful to see all Malaysians break away from their skin color comfort zone. Isn’t it lovely to have a common-speaking national language that is free from racial and religious sentiment. Isn’t it invigorating to see young people looking forward to bring about change for our country.
There’s still a long way to go. No doubt. But for once, let us try, change is possible. So back to the question – what is it being a Malaysian means to you?
