PLAYING TRUANT

It is true that playing truant is something wrong, but the question is, are we really want to skip classes for fun? I do skip classes when I was in my secondary school. It is not that I did it for fun. Rather than going to school and cannot understand anything, why not we stay at home and study ourselves. Isn’t it better?

BACK TO UKM AGAIN

Coming back to UKM again after a tired but wonderful Royals Debate in UTHM. Back to UKM means back to classes, assignments, works etc… Going to fight with Mr. Stress again

TIRED WEEK

Nice trip but superb tired. Still have to start working immediately after coming back. Got thesis to do some more. Haiz…..

SARAWAK STATE ELECTION

Sarawak state election is definitely around the corner. The latest date for it to dissolve its State Assembly is by July 2011. For those who have not yet register, please do so as soon as possible as you will name a few months before your name can be gazetted. Personally for me, General Election will not be as early as the same as Sarawak State election, but in politics, nothing is impossible. It is “the art of possible”. Do register yourself as a voter when you reach 21 years old.

HOW TO ATTRACT TALENTS BACK TO MALAYSIA

It is wrong to say that Malaysia does not have excellent specialists. It is wrong to say that Malaysians are not talented. All these wrong perspectives are due to the reluctance of these creams of the cake to come back to Malaysia and serve the nation. In order to materialize our inspiration of Vision 2020, the government must stop this brain-drain. The question is how to attract them back? To solve this maze, we must foremost find out the reasons for them to serve other nations.

Obviously, most talented people find the salary and welfare benefits accorded to them by overseas institution are far more attractive. For this, the government needs to compete with other nations by providing them at least a satisfactory salary and welfare benefits if it is not more than what others can offer. As Aristotle portrayed, humans are interest-orientated. However, Malaysia has also had something that other nations do not have, which is identity roots. I believe as long as the salary is acceptable to their levels of talents, they will incline to come back to their motherlands. This might increase government’s expenditure, but it is worth. Imagine if anyone of them achieve an international recognition such as Nobel Prize under the name of Malaysia, it would be priceless then or at least they can help to push Malaysia’s development to a higher level.

Secondly, it is due to the future prospect of these talents. They might want to stay elsewhere due to the inability of the government to provide them a promising future such as in the field of medicine and technology. Government should use this opportunity by providing them their future prospect such as setting up research institution or centres needed by them. This is not a one-way benefit. Malaysia as a whole can get help from these Malaysia experts and lead those important and critical field but unpopular because of lacking of expertise. Thus, their talents would not be wasted.

However, prevention is still better than cure. It will be good if our education system can implant patriotism in their mindset. In a nutshell, making them to stay is better than attracting them back. However, if they have already been magnetised by other nations, then the government should demagnetise it and fly them back to their lovely motherland.

SURVIVE WITHOUT INTERNET

Internet has become a need nowadays rather than a luxury. It is very suffering to live without internet.

A SIMPLE SMS

Sometimes, a simple sms can be so meaningful. It is all depends on who send to you and the wordings that he or she uses.

FIRST LADY SUMMIT 2010

A controversy summit. One of my lecturers said that the summit is wasted as it has only been attended by less than 20 of world First Ladies. Worst still, most of them are from Africa Continent, which is a less develop continent. Furthermore, it isn’t really a cabinet idea of organizing it. If we look at administration policy theory, government governing should come from government of the day as only the government of the day has the right to use tax payers’ money. Others can provide their opinion but is not until a level where the government must be subjected to follow. However, during yesterday Parliament visit, Datuk Shahrir Samad gave a very good rebuttal for that. Does the summit really bring harms? Is it so important to have developed nations’ involvement before we can call it a success? Dr. Mahathir has shown to us that we, developing or non-Western countries can succeed without depending on Western and develop nations. According to Datuk Shahrir, perhaps we can look from another angle. Will it bring harms to Malaysia? If no, why can’t we give it a try? Dr. Mahathir trial on Look to the East policy (even more controversial as it might offend Western and Developed nations) is so successful. If this summit has been attended by Obama’s wife or British’s First Lady, it will be a success then. So, we can say that the issue here is about failing implementation of it, and not because of the summit itself. Anyhow, as realist put it, everybody will do things that will only benefit them. This theory is always true although most of us including myself don’t really like to accept it.

GIVE BACK RM 100

A few Malay Muslim elders give back Appreciation Money to Penang State Government because they worry that the money is coming from sin tax. When the somebody challenge the opposition to give back their monthly allowances as well since that might come from sin tax as well, the reply is that their allowances are coming from government taxation and not sin tax. I am pretty confused about that. Not really sure how the taxation system works. My question is how to differentiate between normal tax and sin tax. Do they have a separate account for sin tax? Can’t we assume that all the money coming from sin tax will be used for non-Muslim? If the Appreciation Money is coming from sin tax, why can’t the assemblymen monthly allowances are coming from sin tax as well? Is it really the types of money that matter or it is merely a political game?

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I SUGGEST

When told that local government elections were not possible, the group had suggested that Khalid hold a mock local election exercise in the Petaling Jaya City Council area, whereby the top three candidates would be appointed councillors.
(Joceline Tan. Analysis: a wake up call for Anwar. The Star. 6 October 2010)

It is great every time I see my thought being suggested by somebody. Last time is about General Election 2008 that it is due to over-voting of protest votes. This time is about municipal election. Maybe because I am nobody and have no channel to suggest it, all my thoughts seem to be within myself only. What is it so different between real election and mock election since at the end of the day, procedures do not really matter. What matter the most is the reasons behind it.

FAMILY

What is the meaning of family? People say it means
F - Father
A - And
M - Mother
I - I
L - Love
Y – You

Lots of Hong Kong TVB series depict about how family members of a wealthy family fighting among themselves to get benefits such as wealth, family business, attention from their dad etc. These can be found in 溏心风暴，公主嫁到. I don’t think those series did portray the real moral values that being uphold of practice within Chinese community (hope it still exist even though the value is a millennium-old value). What I mean is that Chinese through Confucianism teaches us to put filial as the main value. No matter what, for me, fighting against sibling are wrong, worst still go against our parents.

NICE DREAM

I supposed to wake up at 12noon today but was dragged to a very nice dream until 2pm. The dream is very nice, is what I hope to be. But then in reality, it might be hard. Anyway, I will try out my best first before calling it an end.

COMING BACK FROM KUANTAN

Just came back from Kuantan. Meet up with my parents, sister and aunt there. The trip is quite fun actually. Playing with all the kids there. Long time didn’t play with small kids already. And also challenge myself for drinking. I think I drank about 3.5 bottles of beer. Feel like getting drunk. But thank God I didn’t do something crazy yet. Haha… And also had a new hair cut there. Quite like the style actually. We had also tried out turtle’s meat for supper. In short, I did try a lot of new things there. Before my bus departing from Genting back to UKM, my elder sister gave me RM 100. Feel very happy. She does take care of us always. I think is not really due to the money, but because of the closeness and care that that we enjoyed during the trip.

等待或放弃

其实我本身已经等了蛮久。答案还是在模糊之间。当然，我希望我会成功。生活会过得更快乐，幸福。即使失败，我也可以直接死心。但是，他们还是叫我继续的等。我应该等到什么时刻呢？我会再努力的，但努力不代表成功。有时候，我觉得他们直接告诉我“对不起，你的申请失败了”会比较好吧。那我就可以直接放弃及死心。短期的伤心或许会比长期的等待来得更好吧。

MY EQ BECOMES WEAKER

I also don’t know why and don’t know since when, I think my EQ has become weaker nowadays. Is it because I over-pressure myself in my academic, or because too many unfairness happened or because of my personal issues? Still remember, once my friend asked me why do I feel so unhappy? She said my EQ used to be very strong. I feel moody very easily nowadays. Don’t really like the feeling. Hope that I can complete my master and leave UKM as soon as possible to go back to my naive life.

MERDEKA, MERDEKA, MERDEKA

First time going to DECTAR in UKM for Merdeka celebration countdown. It is quite fun actually. Singing patriotic songs together. Doing countdown together. Shouting Merdeka 7 times together. I think it is the time where all of us can gather together and celebrate it irrespective of race, religion or status. Anyhow, can a one-day event really foster unity in Malaysia when there are still a lot of unwanted racism issues being raised up. Still the same dream. Hope that Malaysia can really achieve mentality unity and call ourselves BANGSA MALAYSIA.

STATUS QUO REMAINS

Everything will remain as status quo. No changes. A Chinese saying, “force will not bring happiness”. Among billions of people, if both of you can be friends, it is called fate. Appreciate the friendship.

38TH UKM CONVOCATION

This is the day I am looking forward after struggling so hard for 3 years. Feel happy to get to know that I won Book Prize for being the highest CGPA student in my course. On the other hand, feel quite upset because I did not manage to get any of the top 5 UKM awards for convocation and also fail to get the highest awards for my faculty. In a simple word, FAIL. Or maybe I should satisfy with what I get. Or maybe I put too high expectation on it. Even though I did get First Class for my Bachelor degree, however the feeling of being proud is not really there. We went up the stage just like any other people except for the little word “distinction” appear in the screen. I don’t think any sane people will notice about that. Didn’t manage to get Fellowship in my residential college. Didn’t manage to get tutorship in my course. Just get to be a part-time Research Assistant in Institute of Malaysia and International Studies (IKMAS). That is why I am trying so hard to get myself into DECTAR (main hall for convocation) again in 1 year. Without strong net-working, it is hard to survive in a bureaucratic world even though we have high merit. Hope that I can accept the fact and move forward.

(A bit lazy to upload convocation photos. Browse it in my facebook ya)

TUN GET CHARGED

It is the first time a Tun gets charged in court. This is due to Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) crisis. The outcome of the trial will give a big impact towards BN especially MCA although his direct involvement in MCA is a history. Anyway, I believe that everything will be alright.

TEACHERS IN POLITICS

Teachers in grades DG41 to DG48 can engage in politics
(Quoted from The Star 27 July 2010)

KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning Aug 1, graduate education service officers (teachers) on grades DG41 to DG48 will be permitted to engage in politics, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan announced Tuesday.
He said the move was based on the fact that teachers, at one time, played an important role as community leaders in the country's political scenario.
"The time has come for them to be allowed to be active again in politics," he said in a statement.
For this purpose, he said, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin had consented to an amendment to Regulation 21 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. Action was being taken to gazette the amendment to the regulation, he added.
Regulation 21(2) now states that only officers in the Support Group can contest or hold any position or be appointed to any post in any political party, on the condition that they obtain prior written approval from the director-general of the Public Service Department or the secretary-general of the relevant ministry.
Under the amended regulation, education officers, other than principals or headmasters and officers holding any administrative post in any government agency, have to obtain a prior written approval from the secretary-general of the Education Ministry.
"The secretary-general of the Education Ministry cannot delegate his authority to give the written approval to anyone, and any decision of the secretary-general of the Education Ministry is final," said Mohd Sidek.
He said tight conditions would be imposed to ensure that the primary duties and focus of the group, which was to educate children, were not affected by their involvement in politics.
He said those allowed to be involved in politics must adhere fully to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. - Bernama


Comment:
It is a good thing that teachers are allowed to actively participate in politics. However, a few clauses raise my pessimism. Firstly, they have to apply for permission from Secretary-General. Will the SG b neutral in approving for the applications? Secondly, SG decision will be final. So, what will happen if misuse of power really takes place? Anyhow, these are all realist views. These do not necessary will happen. Hope that I can be more optimistic and freedom of participation in politics can be upheld.

ANOTHER INCREASE IN PETROL

The petrol price now is RM1.85. Another increase of 5 cents. The reason is that the government is unable to absorb the subsidy anymore. If these kinds of subsidies are going to go on, then Malaysia is going to face bankruptcy by 2019. Is it true? That is what the current government said. Assuming that a normal car, Proton Saga where the full tank is around 30 litter (RM54 from the previous price), a 5 cents increase only means another RM1.50 extra payment only. However, will the increase only means a RM1.50 increase? The biggest worry for the people is that the traders might increase the prices of the products as well. Will a bowl of noodles be increase or will inflation happen? I personally hope that the government is able to control inflation and make sure that people will only have to bear the burden of petrol increase, not more than that. That is why I dare to say that general election will not be as soon as this year, disagree with lots of people who think the next general election will be within this year.

CONFIRM MASTER

At last, I have made the decision, continue with my master degree. Am not sure whether it is the best decision. But as in interview, they ask, “will you committed to this job’? My answer is, “I am still looking around for a few options. However, after I have confirmed to take in a particular job, I will commit myself fully to it and try to do as good as possible”. The same principle holds. Since I have enrolled in master degree, nothing much should I think about anymore. Focus fully in my study and hope that I can graduate within one year. If can’t, I also hope that at least I can graduate with first class again. But it is nice to know that at least I am able to secure a few jobs if I want to. Feel a bit not nice for rejecting all the jobs. But I am forced to as either those jobs are not in my interest or the salary doesn’t really satisfy me. Anyway, I still hope that I still have chance to cooperate with them in the future. Hope that they wouldn’t blacklist me. Hehe… Special thanks to The Star, Chief Minister’s office and SEDAR Institute for giving me a chance. All of them are very nice. It is a very valuable experience to have interview in CM’s office. Miss Yap is so nice. First time people ask “how are you” in an interview phoning. Feel very comfortable to deal with her (communications head for CM), Mr Wong (if I am not mistaken his name. He is a Press Secretary for CM) and also Miss Yin Fan. Very interested to work in UTAR as well but not as an administrator or temporary basis with only RM35 per day. Everything is over now. Focus on MASTER and that is it.

HERITAGE

What is heritage? How to define heritage? I think everybody might have different definition about that. If not, 100 years later, all structural buildings in Malaysia will be considered as heritage. For me, heritage refers to building that is more than 100 years and has significant values. KLCC and Penang Bridge may be considered as heritage 100 years later since both has been the tallest and longest architecture before. The heritage that I would like to discuss is Pudu Jail which has been built by British since 1985. Can it be considered as a heritage structures? For me, it can. Firstly, it has been built for more than 100 years. Secondly, it was built by British during colonial time. These two factors might cover a lot of structural buildings in Malaysia especially in Penang and Malacca. Let us look at the third factor. The wall of the jail is painted by the longest mural in the world. Furthermore, it is painted by convicts themselves. How many structures in this world have such values? But back to reality, in terms of economic, the land’s value is very high since it is located in the middle of a city. So economically, it should be demolished and pave way for development. This should be the debate and not the question of whether the area is or is not a heritage area. Generally, lots of people do agree that the area should be classified as a heritage area. Read a quote in The Star before; “just say you want to get revenue and don’t accuse Chinese of liking to gamble” (not exact quotation but the meaning is almost the same). The same case applied here. Debate whether this prison is worth to be demolished for development and not simply say that it is not a heritage area. Personally for me, it is a waste to let the high value area to be abandoned like that. At the same time, it is also a waste to demolish such a rare building. So wouldn’t it be a good idea if a large portion of the prison to be demolished for development purposes but at the same time, a reasonable area be preserved for education, heritage, and tourism etc usage.

SECOND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

My birthday cake

Just like the match. Pang Pua Liap. hehe...

This celebration is 1 day earlier. I should say it is a birthday cum World Cup watching gathering. This time is in Blogger’s Café. Thanks to all who attend. It is so nice to watch Asian team, South Korea together. Never expect girls are so enthusiastic to watch football as well. All also support South Korea. All (including others in the cafe) shouted “GOAL” together when South Korea scored. For me, the feeling is superb nice to watch in a large group. Thanks to, Jon, Ng, Ah Le, Stooi, her sister, Lynda, Yi Ping, May Kee, Soon Chai for celebrating my birthday. Sadly, South Korea gets knocked out in that round. Same goes to Japan today. No more Asian team. Sad… Unexpectedly, I met with Qian Yi in the McD there today too. With Andrew some more. They were not there for football. Just for a yamcha gathering I think. The world is so small. Thanks to Qian Yi for the birthday present…

with guys

with girls

with all

FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR

WAO… It is my 100th post. Not bad to have 3 digits of writings. Anyway, thanks to my junior and her friend for celebrating my birthday. They get number one this year. Hehe… First destination: surely is for FOOD. Hungry already!!! As usual, I don’t really like to choose. So let the two ladies choose it themselves. Hehe… After walking past a few shops, AT LAST, we chose FOOD & TEA HONG KONG RESTAURANT (欢喜地茶餐厅). The food there is quite nice and the price is reasonable as well. Unluckily, I forgot to take pictures of those foods. My lousy phone can’t take picture as well anyway. Sob… We ordered 3 different sets. Each set comprises of main meal, soup, drink and a dessert that I don’t know what to call in English. In Mandarin we call it Gui Lian Gao (龟莲膏). Can say it is a complete set. Like the package. After having our dinner, we proceed for some shopping. I used to accompany girls like my mom and sis in doing their shopping. Wouldn’t really feel that bored for such a short shopping trip. Hehe… Then we turned to our kiddie character. We went into games spot and playing the games there while 2 kids stare at us until the end of our games. Not sure whether they wanted to play the machine as well or they feel it is interesting to smack (just softly press actually. hehe) the buttons on the machine. I think should be the latter. It is an enjoyable and nice outing. Thanks YY aka SY…

REWARDS FOR CHILDREN

Giving your children rewards is your own prerogative. Let say if a kid score well in his examination, parents can reward them by buying them a computer for example. However, this computer doesn’t means that it belongs to the kids forever. If out of a sudden, the kid’s result drops, the parents can take it back at anytime. Even if the kid’s result maintains, they still can take it back without needing to give a reason because that is their money anyway. Whether the action is rational or not, it is another story. To make the parents more respected by the children or others, they should let their kids know the reason for the forfeit. It is their right to know the reason behind it anyway.

10TH MALAYSIA PLAN

Long time didn’t blog about government policy already. Frankly, I don’t really dully understand what the plan is all about. I just get to slightly understand about it from newspapers, forums, internet etc. I am not really sure whether it is the same as 9th Malaysia Plan or not. The opposition keeps on harping that it is another version of 9th Malaysia Plan. The Government bench keeps on praising the plan. For me, I am alright with the plan theoretically. The main question that often arises in Malaysia’s politics is that; can this plan really be executed? Even in a forum named Editor’s Time (it is a very interesting forum provided you understand Mandarin), Tony Pua, a Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara did concede that the plan looks prefect. However, the implementation might have problems in terms of transparency and fairness. The issue of 30% equity for Bumi is another issue that often being questioned by non-Bumis. Frankly, I am alright with those special privileges. I never intended to question their special privileges. I feel they should have that due to our historical and geographical issues. For example in Perak, no matter how many non-Bumi ADUNs are in the government bench, the post of Menteri Besar must go to Malay. The post of Prime Minister must be held by Malay even though it is not written in our Constitution. I feel this is a kind of mutual understanding. We should not take things that belonged to others even though we have chance to do so. The same goes vice-versa. I am alright with the policy of enrolling 90% of Bumi students into MRSM. However, after this affirmative action has been taken, there should not be a second level of affirmative action anymore especially among MRSM students themselves. Other than the principle of fairness, the ideology behind open market should be learned and practised too since Malaysia is going into a global market competition.

HUMANS ARE GREEDY

Are humans greedy? I do think so. When we get something, we tend to request for something better. It is exactly the same as a Malay proverb “bagi betis, minta paha”. I don’t know whether I have satisfied with what I get. Getting it is not easy. Lots of people will be happy with it. But I still feel it is not enough for me. Feel a bit dilemma when get to know about that. Happy because I get it. Sad because it is not good enough for me. Aren’t humans greedy?

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

YEAH…… At least, my final semester result has come out. I manage to graduate with first class. Finally, my nervous has gone after anxiously waiting for a few weeks. Thank God that I get A- for my thesis. Feel happy for that. Until now, still haven’t really got a job that I am really interested in. Either the job that I want hasn’t called me for interview or the job that I get doesn’t suit me perfectly. I am quite confident of getting a few jobs but those jobs either is not in the field that I want or the salary is below my expectation. Until this moment, I still haven’t totally confirmed whether I should continue with master degree or get a job.

DOMINATION VERSUS EQUAL PARTNERSHIP

Just read about an article in The Star discussing about equal partnership in PR. I do agree that PR does practise equal partnership in its alliance but it is something good or bad? When it comes to equal partnership, each party will have its say. Most if not all decisions made must be agreed upon by all component parties. Each party will look strong and not to be controlled or overpowered by another. However, in equal partnership, it is not easy to choose a leader or to come to consensus. After 2008 GE, PKR has the most seats in Parliament, followed by DAP and PAS. It is a good combination and coincidentally, it did happen. DAP Malaysian Malaysia does not goes well with PAS Islamic State; PKR is the one who manage to glue both together. Furthermore, as a multi-racial party with Malays as the top leader, no doubt that putting DAP as second most senior partner followed by PAS can make PR looked to be more balance in terms of racial composition. However, imagine if PKR is not the one with most Parliamentary seat, can DAP and PAS accept PKR leader as opposition leader? For the moment, they said can. But just imagine why a Malay leader from PAS can’t assume the head of PR if its party wins the most seats. Just imagine if Malay votes do not swing towards PR and only Chinese votes does, what will happen to PR next? Will they accept DAP as the head or will DAP accept other parties’ leader as the head? This situation did happened when DAP assumed the position of Parliament Opposition Leader quite often. In Malaysia politics, to be wholesomely represent the whole community, it is important for a political party to have Malays as its top leader and has more Malays MPs (I read it in somewhere and I personally do agree that Gerakan, DAP, PPP etc cannot be regarded as multiracial party). On the other hand, BN can guarantee it. Never in the history (if I am not mistaken) UMNO had less seat than any of its component party. The influence and strength held by UMNO also can guarantee this to happen. Even though for most people, UMNO seems to be over-dominated in BN. However, this domination can make the process of making decision fast. BN has also a clear leader without any dispute. UMNO President surely will become BN chairman and eventually Malaysia PM. However, this kind of domination has its bad side too. Other component parties will be labelled as weak. Therefore, it becomes harder for them to garner their own community’s support.

Whether domination or equal partnership is good, it is hard to argue theoretically. It has to be analyzed according to the situation and sentiment of the surrounding. For the moment, PR’s equal partnership seems to work well with the people compared to BN’s domination. PR might have the luck to win in such a good racial combination in Parliament and PR-controlled State Assemblies (except for Perak). However, if the few questions mentioned above do arise or the situation as in Perak where PR has more Chinese representatives than Malays in a Malay-majority state, can equal partnership still work well?

FINALLY, I AM BACK TO PENANG

Finally, I have come back to my hometown, Butterworth on Monday (yesterday). After completing all my examination papers, I continue to finish off my remaining thesis. Thank God that the deadline for my department to pass up thesis is on 5 May 2010. After that, I had some relaxation for a few days plus debate training before competing for the last time as an undergraduate debater in UKM Intervarsity Debating Tournament, followed by a presentation about UKM English Debate Team blue print. Then, I went to my master’s temple in Kampar. Spent a few days there and get to know a few more new friends; a Vietnamese monk (whom I already know since my last trip to Vietnam), a Cambodian monk and 2 more local permanent monks. All of them are quite nice. Can chat and joke around. Now, I need to think of my future. SHOULD I GET A JOB OR CONTINUE WITH MY STUDY IN MASTER DEGREE??? I am trying to do both at the same time by applying for jobs online. Hope that I can get a job that I am interested in with satisfactory salary or secure a scholarship or research assistant allowance to continue with my study. Either one will do. Just worry for the worst, can’t secure anyone of it. Then I really have to think about which path I should go for. Anyway, hope that Lord Buddha can enlighten me and show me some hint. AMITABHA…

FINAL CONTRIBUTION FOR UKM ENGLISH DEBATE TEAM

Tomorrow will be the do or die day for UKM debate team. PPP requested us to present a blue print to see whether we are a suitable partner for them in their effort to push forward for public speaking. It might be my last contribution for UKM debate family if I were not going to continue with master degree. As Darryl said before, we are so proud to see the development of UKM debate team. The number now is much bigger than the number that we have during my first year. We had recently able to organize a national level tournament. I do really enjoy the family kind of bonding within debate team. Frankly, I really feel a bit heavy –hearted to leave the team. Anyhow, a Chinese proverb said, there is no gathering that would not come to an end. I was really touched by the sentiment during our final team talk on Sunday.

I am not sure whether I was too dominated in some events in the debate team. Just like the presentation for tomorrow (I mean Monday, suppose to call it today). I am not sure whether I should still go for it or not. I am not sure whether I am over eager to do things for the team. It is not easy to call it a day. I still want to be in the team, whether as a debater, adjudicator, member etc. No wonder so many politicians refuse to step down. Now I understand their feeling.

Debate team took a lot of my first time. I hug a girl for the first time. I still remember that it was my first year Royals when we lost to IIUM in our semi final. For those who know me, I seldom have skin contact with girls. Debate family gives me warmness. Debate family caused me to almost cry (but I got my own way to control it. Haha…). I also give my first time in terms of sharing food with people to debate family. I remember I don’t mind to share Haagen-Dazs ice cream with others using the same spoon (which I seldom do it except for my family). I also like the filling of non-racial issues in UKM debate family. All of us can be together sincerely even though we come from different races. It is not easy to have this kind of relationship in other clubs. Our friendship will also not stop within the club. We used to gather together for non-debate stuff like movie, supper etc.

DEFINITELY SURE THAT I AM GOING TO MISS UKM DEBATE FAMILY.

UKM INTERVARSITY

UKM Intervarsity debating tournament is around the corner. It will be held on 7-9 May 2010. The last time UKM hosted a tournament was a few years back for Royals Cup. This definitely will be my last tournament as an undergraduate. Hope that my team and UKM contingent can achieve a better result in this self-organized tournament.

HULU SELANGOR BY ELECTION

Almost forget that today is the voting day for Hulu Selangor by election. It is a one to one fight between MIC’s Kamalanathan and PKR’s Datuk Zaid Ibrahim. Both candidates seem to be not the favourite for each party’s supporters. MIC prefers to have its deputy president, Palanivel to contest while Pakatan Rakyat grassroots’ supporters especially PKR prefers to have a local candidate rather than a parachute candidate. I don’t really that focus into this by election analysis due to examinations and thesis. Anyway, personally I predict that BN will win in this by election. My reasons are:

1. Politicking seems to be more serious in PKR rather than MIC. MIC supporters’ objection towards its candidate seems to be less serious than PKR.
2. Hulu Selangor actually is a stronghold for BN although PKR did manage to grab it in 2008 general election.
3. PKR has too many negative issues like its members resign from PKR and join UMNO. Meanwhile, Dato’ Seri Najib seems to be pretty well in handling political and local issues (if we were to ignore statements from his deputy).

Basically, I think that this by election is more to whether which party can do better damage control and has less negative issues should be able to win it.

FINISH EXAM

At last, I have finished all my exams. But still cannot relax yet. Still got thesis to go. Need to make sure that I get at least B+ for my thesis and 2 B+ and 1 A- for my exams to get first class. Hope that I can achieve that. AMITABHA…….

ICE KACANG PUPPY LOVE

It is a local production with lots of local stars such as Ah Niu, Angelica Lee Sin Jie, Gary Chaw, Victor Wong and Fish Leong as the main actors/actress. There are also some big names like Nicholas Teo and Penny Tai who appear for less than 10 seconds. The movie has been localized by local culture, dialects, popular locally used words, jokes etc. The movie is quite average on the whole. However, a few scenes are really out of expectation whether it is about the acting or the story line behind. It really create an impact on the feeling of the audiences such as we can feel the family bonding, friendship, love etc and the ability to raise a few question for us to think about (such as why two people who love each other but don’t have the courage to voice it out). On the acting part, I hardly believe in the beginning of the movie that a lady is willing to expose her upper under-garment. It might be common for Hong Kong, European, American etc movies, but I don’t expect it to be in Malaysia production. Even in the movie of Tiger WooHoo, they don’t even have a kissing scene. That is the part where surprised me the most at the beginning of the film. And also the scene where Gary Chaw lays on the grass land and Angelica on top of him (you need to watch it to understand this scene). Plus the kissing scene between Ah Niu and Angelica (for about 5-10 seconds I guess).

Generally for me, it is an average film and I will give a 5 in a range of 1 to 10. I personally feel that the movie is not that excellent wholesomely, but it does manage to show some really excellent and unexpected scene. Localisation of the movie makes it interesting among Malaysian Chinese. The story line is not bad too. However, the quality of this movie still can’t be on the same par as Jack Neo’s movies as those movies really show satisfactory level in the whole movie while in this local production, only the few parts of the movie that carry the whole film onwards. Certain part of the movie is a bit boring too. Anyhow, it is a good attempt and feel quite satisfy with that movie. It is worth to recommend it to the others as well. Good luck and congratulations on this local production...

EXAMS

Exams are coming. Although I only have 3 papers, but thesis really give me a big headache. Finishing thesis shouldn’t b a problem. But to get a good grade for thesis is a big problem. Hope that I can get at least a B+. Anyway, good luck to all for your exam. Add Oil, Gambateh..

WAIT OR NO WAIT

Should I continue waiting or should I stop it??? It is not easy for us to have determination to go after our dreams. Very often, dreams do not convert into reality. A particular course might be very good, but that job might not suit us perfectly. It might only suit us moderately. Should we take up that course? By taking up that course, will we waste such a good course that might suit others even better than us? Will we disappoint those who offer that course? Or we should continue waiting for the course that we want, no matter how long we wait. It is a very big dilemma plus time factor also. Isn’t it better if everything is being fixed so that we don’t need to choose or decide?

INCREASING EXPENSES

Do I really spent that much??? Maybe yes, but can’t help. Used to that kind of lifestyle. Maybe it is the time to change my lifestyle. I am still wondering whether I should continue with my study or straight away start my career. Last time, I was thinking of either continue my study until PhD or straight away start to get a job upon completing first degree. Now I have another idea. Get a scholarship for my master degree. Then enter civil service. After that, secure a scholarship from civil service to continue my PhD and venture into lecturing line. The main problem is where to find a scholarship for my master degree??? It is not easy to get a scholarship for master degree in coursework especially for the field of political science. My friend told me before that we can apply for scholarship after enrolling in master degree. However, this is not secure enough for me. If possible, I want to secure a scholarship or almost have the confidence to secure it before enrolling into master degree. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW??? Studying or working??? STUDYING OR WORKING???

MCA ELECTION RESULT

One correct and one wrong. That is how my predictions work. Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek has been elected as new MCA president together with Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai as his deputy. Surprisingly, I get all my three guessing correct for 4 vice president posts. I am quite sure that Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen will win the election. However for Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai and Datuk Chor Chee Heung, basically it is just my guessing game. My logic behind is that both of them are more famous compared to the others. Seriously, among 10 of the contenders, I have only heard the names of four contenders. Other than the 3 winners, another contender that I have heard before is Datuk Yap Pian Hon. Maybe is because he was Serdang MP where UKM is located. Anyway, I don’t think that his chance of winning is high. In politics or whatever organization, when your time is over, it means that you have reached the end. I feel that this is what happened to him. He might be a big name last time, but not now anymore. The fourth winner for the vice presidency is Gan Ping Sieu. Frankly, I never heard about his name before. Same goes to the former vice president (a senator, but not sure whether he is still a senator now) before Central Committee (CC) was dissolved. Maybe it is my personal problem because lacking of knowledge and information. It is also possible that MCA is now lacking of famous and popular leaders. That is why I don’t know about them. For the 25 CC posts, candidates that win are from all 3 fractions. This outcome shows that none of the fraction can absolutely dominate CC. The most eager question that comes out from most of the people will be: can Chua and Liow work together since Ong and Chua can’t work together before this. Frankly, I am a bit pessimistic about this unless Liow is accorded with what a usual deputy president should get such as a ministerial post, MCA chief for a particular state etc.

*quoted from The Star:
The former MCA deputy president polled 901 votes. His nearest challenger was Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, who received 833 votes while incumbent party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat garnered 578 votes.


Deputy: In the straight fight for the deputy presidency, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai won over Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha. Liow received 1,171 votes to Kong’s 1,106 votes.

Vice-presidents: Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen (1528 votes), Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai (1469), Datuk Chor Chee Heung (1202) and Gan Ping Sieu (1202).

Central Committee Members
1. Lee Chee Leong - 1,430
2. Hou Kok Chung - 1,312
3. Heng Seai Kie - 1,267
4. Wee Jeck Seng - 1,175
5. Toh Chin Yaw - 1,142
6. Tee Siew Kiong - 1,141
7. Gan Tian Loo - 1,117
8. Tan Chai Ho - 1,114
9. Ong Ka Chuan - 1,104
10. Lee Wei Kiat - 1,100
11. Loh Seng Kok - 1,086
12. Hoh Khai Mun - 1,077
13. Liew Yuen Keong - 1,059
14. Tan Cheng Liang - 1,054
15. Koh Nai Kwong - 1,040
16. Por Choo Chor - 1,037
17. Tan Ken Ten - 999
18. Kong Sing Chu - 981
19. Chong Itt Chew - 975
20. Yoo Wei How - 974
21. Tan Ah Eng - 969
22. Wong Koon Mun - 953
23. Ti Lian Ker - 929
24. Teh Kim Poo - 864
25. Chuah Poh Khiang - 851

MCA ELECTION

It is a very interesting party election with very small margin I guess. For the presidential post, 3 candidates are vying for that. They are incumbent president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, former president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting and former deputy president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek. This is a very competitive competition. 3 of them don’t really have majority support. Since it is a 3 corners fight, it will depend on who gets the most votes.

Ong Tee Keat might have the support from a lot of ordinary Chinese community for PKFZ issue. He has been viewed as a hero who dares to fight against big powers and fight against corruption. However, he might not be as popular as he is among MCA delegates. MCA delegates are elected among the top leaders or those who have great influences in that division. Usually, this group of delegates might have personal interests in the outcome of the result. Those who win the election might determine the fate of certain group of people. Ong Tee Keat at the same time is seemed to be a person who doesn’t know how to carry out himself (Chinese saying of “Bu Hui Zhuo Ren” and “Dang Ren Cai Lu”). This might not favour a significant number of voters.

Chua Soi Lek on the other hand might have the number of support. This can be seen through how he pushed for EGM last time. He was able to garner about 800 signatures to push for that EGM. If the delegates are not pro-Chua Soi Lek, they might not dare to sign it. Their name will be known public. My friend told me that the signatures might include those who anti-Ong Tee Keat. However, personally I don’t view that as a main concern. I don’t feel that the number is that big. Furthermore, those who anti-Ong Tee Keat have no choice but to vote for either Chua Soi Lek or Ong Ka Ting. Mathematically, only portions of the signature are anti-Ong Tee Keat. From that particular group, only another portion will vote for Ong Ka Ting. That is why I don’t see that as a big problem.

For Ong Ka Ting, a loyal veteran said before, his fraction is going to split MCA even more. It is the first time such a former president re-stands for a party election. I don’t really see he has lots of influence when he was the president. Furthermore, he is lucky to get that post because of MCA crisis between fraction A (led by Tun Ling Liong Sik) and fraction B (led by Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek). Personally, I don’t really see him to have lots of support in this election.

In a nutshell, personally I guess that Chua Soi Lek will win this MCA election. This guess might not be accurate since the election is so competitive. For deputy president post, 2 candidates who fight for the post are former vice presidents Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha. Liow Tiong Lai is aligned with Ong Ka Ting while Kong Cho Ha is the running mate for Chua Soi Lek. Other than personality will determine their fate, their partnership with presidency candidate will affect their winning too. Liow Tiong Lai seems to be more famous than Kong Cho Ha. However, his action of forcing Ong Tee Keat to comes down as president has been viewed as a traitor’s action. This might affect his chances of winning. Kong Cho Ha might not have big issue to help or make him loses the votes. Basically for me, it is more to whether people still wants a leader like Liow Tiong Lai and the effect of their running mate. I guess Kong Cho Ha will be the victor.

INDESCRIBABLE HAPPINESS

Unexpectedly, I get an award from my college dinner, Anugerah Felo Kategori Akademik. When the emcee announced my name, I was eating watermelon. Quickly stop eating that and wipe my mouth. Proceed to the stage. I don’t know why, 1 of the buttons at my blazer can’t be buttoned up. Haha... I have only about 30 seconds to button up on the way to the stage. The TNC still recognised me. He did ask whether I am a MPP or not. Don’t really know how to answer that because he saw me during the MPP workshop. Long story to tell actually. So I can only tell him that I am not. That’s all. Back to my feeling, seriously, don’t know how to describe it. Even the excitement can’t be compared when I get dean’s list or best PNGK during my first year. Maybe because I am not that active in college level, so didn’t really put much hope on that although I sensed that I might get something that day before. Maybe because my involvement in UKM level’s activities, it does help me to get that award I think. Anyway, I can only say that my feeling during that time is surprise, unexpected, happy, proud etc.

MALAYSIA DEBATE OPEN 2010

There are 2 more tournaments before I become ineligible to participate in debate as an undergraduate student. But I am not sure whether I am going for both UKM IV and UADC or not. So MDO might be one of my last tournaments. Teaming up with John and Qian Yi is a nice experience. We have the same thinking, the same “channel” and the same “head”. Most of the motions that we rank are similar. Furthermore, 3 of us are quite satisfied with the team line-up. I can count on John to give a good first speaker speech as he has flair and language. I can also count on Qian Yi to get her second point herself in the last minute just like what Darryl did. Furthermore, none of us can really dominate the whole team as each of us has our own speciality. I might know some topics that they don’t know and vice versa. It is like a complement team. Although we almost lost our hope to break when we knew that we lost in our silent round, however, surprisingly we are still able to break as 16th team. This means that we have to go against the 1st rank team, IIUM 1. Anyway, I think we did our octo-final reasonable well (I mean for our level and the opponent that we faced). Thanks to both my teammate for giving me such a memorable tournament and am very satisfy with the whole MDO that we had gone through. And also thanks to UKM contingent for the fun that we get together. In this tournament only I realise that we should pass the responsibility of getting DCA to Yit (hahaha..... only 8 people understand this). Yan is such a sarcastic person; Thiru can be so interesting in creating jokes (especially the helmet story). Not to mention Pau and Alex who I already know for about 2 years. Pau can really show relax and serious personality depends on the situation while Alex as usual, a calm senior. It is too long to read already I think. Better stop now. Lastly, GOODLUCK TO UKM ENGLISH DEBATE TEAM.

CONTENTLESS AND ONE SIDED FORUM

Hujah 16/2/10. The topic for the forum that day is about Malays being sidelined by DAP government. As a Penangite, I do disagree with a lot of the arguments brought forward. Why no representative from DAP??? But it does make me laugh for a few seconds when listening to their arguments. Panellists are so supportive to one side and unreasonable criticising towards another side. Haih…

BACK TO BORING LIFE

Back to UKM already. Back to boring life with thesis and assignments. HAIH…

PESTA ANGPOW UKM 2010

These are the food for PAP UKM’s “Thousand People’s Dinner” (千人宴). Thanks to Kent for the photos. And also I grabbed the menu at somewhere. Hehe…

SARJANA SAINS SOSIAL (SAINS POLITIK)

Inilah ijazah sarjana yang akan saya ambil untuk sesi yang akan datang. Kepada sesiapa sahaja yang berminat untuk menyambung pengajian ijazah sarjana atau kedoktoran, sila layari http://pkukmweb.ukm.my/%7Epps/

UKM CAMPUS ELECTION

Aspirasi won majority of the seats for UKM campus election. Immediately after the announcement of the result, a very large group of Gabungan Mahasiswa supporters (I predict that the number is more than 100) ran towards the announcement office (the place where Deputy Vice Chancellor was) and held a demonstration. This situation went on from around 12.30am until around 2.30am. The group dispersed after their leader advised them to do so and will hold another round of demonstration tomorrow as to see whether their demands for the appeal council have been fulfilled. What I can say is that there are many more dramas to be watched. It is not the end yet.

好久不见

好久好久没有见到你了。大概有三个月了吧。你还好吗？虽然话题并不多了，可是我还是很想念你所说的“小心驾车”。这四个字的背后有个很大的意义。也代表了开始和结束。

COMING BACK FROM UTHM

Just came back from UTHM yesterday night. Southern Cup was organized by UTHM from Friday till Monday. I thought of calling it an end in my debating career. However, it does not turn out to be what I hope to be. It might be one of my worst tournaments; winning only 1 out of 5 preliminaries. The only winning around is against a very junior team. Hope that I’ll still able to go to another tournament and achieve something there. Hope to retire with dignity and sweet memory.

INTERESTING STUDENTS’ PARLIAMENT

PETALING JAYA: A “students’ parliament” is to be formed to give undergraduates a voice in the shaping of national policies and development, Deputy Higher Eduction Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said.
The parliament, he said, would become the main umbrella body for all university students where they can get their concerns heard and their roles and views recognised by the Government.
Saifuddin said students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) would start the ball rolling with their proposal to form their own students’ parliament with support from USM vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.
He said the proposal came from his “teh tarik” meetings with university students two weeks ago which was organised through his own Facebook page.
The idea was first initiated by Prof Dzulkifli in 2004, who had called for the formation of such a body with the “constituencies” comprising all the country’s universities.
Saifuddin said the USM parliament would complement the university’s students representative council where the parliament would include council members, residential college representatives and also members of the university’s more than 100 associations.
He also said that in the USM model, the students themselves decided on the number of parliament seats given to the three major student groups just as is being done by political parties in Parliament.
He said 50% of its members would be from the students council, 30% from the residential college representatives and 20% from the members of university associations.
The university would not interfere in the students’ parliament affairs other than by polishing up the students’ initial proposal, he added.
Saifuddin said he would go to USM on Thursday to personally accept the proposal from the students and Prof Dzulkifli.
“My visit is in line with the Prime Minister’s call towards a “People First” philosophy, or in this case, students first philosophy,” he said.
In GEORGE TOWN, USM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Prof Omar Osman said USM, as an apex university, was expected to lead the way.
“It is a good starting point for the university, which has been given the opportunity to try it out first,” he said when contacted yesterday.

(Quoted from The Star, 4 Jan 2010)

张学友 – 忘记你我做不到

要忘记一个人真的是那么难吗？？？

朋友与情侣

还睡不着觉。还在想着。我几时可以忘记呢？今天有BENGKEL KEPIMPINAN MPP。又要早醒喔。朋友与情侣只是一面之差。喜欢上朋友或许是一个很大的赌注。向朋友示爱，成功了，可以升级做情侣。失败了，也还有很大的机会恢复朋友的身份。这个赌注并不算大。当成为了情侣，赌注也逐渐提高了。爱的越深，若是分手，成为朋友的机会率也会随着降低。一位朋友告诉我，如果她和她的现任男朋友分手，他们肯定不能再成为朋友。她或许对吧。所以，朋友与情侣这个赌注，赌不赌得过？？？