AS I SEE IT

SELAMAT HARI GAWAI 2011

2011-05-28T08:47:00.005+08:00

Sa, dua, tiga, empat, lima, enam, tuuujuh!

Enda ku busung ngelangkah gunung,

Enda ku tulah ngelangkah tanah,

Enda ku danjan ngelangkah bulan,

Enda ku tumbang ngelangkah remang,

Laban kaki ku bediri segi batu angong,

Pala tata lala minyak duyung,

Jari kanan ku genggam cendawan besi belumpung,

Jari kiba genggam sua manuk sabung,

Mulut ngetup silup besi selumpung,

Lengan tanggam simpai kurung betikung,

Belakang tinggang mang bajung burung,

Aku tu ukai mungkal ukai nanjal,

Ukai nerantang ukai nengkebang,

Endang niti endang nali,

Baka ijok tampung penduk,

Baka wi tampung tali,

Baka rutan tampung danan,

Baka ira tampung lemba,

Pecah periuk tanah, ganti periuk tani,

Padam bulan ganti matahari,

Pambu sida ke tuai ganti kami ke dudi,

Laban 1 haribulan 6 tu ila Gawai Dayak deka nyadi,

Nitih ke pekat diadu ke tuai bansa kami,

Dikelandik ke orang matak pemansang muai kelesi,

Ngasuh bansa badu merinsa lantang senang nguan negeri.

Ohhaa...

Nya baru aku ngagau ke Aki Lang Sengalan Burung,

Aki Jugu Menaul Tuntung bidok linggar natar disenggal gumbang besabung,

Belang Pinggang ke belang nyembayang punggung,

Surong Kempat ke berarat muting jelatung,

Bui Nasie ke berumah di tisi lambur gunung,

Antu Abu ke datai ari Munggu Gulu Puchung,

Bunsu Buau ke datai ari rantau dalam kampung,

Sida ke di Panggau Libau, lendat dibiau takang isang,

Sida ke di Merawa Lama munyi ke berimba bung nebang,

Orang Gelong batu nakung nyingit nyingung beliung kabang,

Engkeranji Padi menua ke sigi richah rami munyi negeri mayuh orang,

Kita ke ngabang bakanya mega,

Anang tubuh puang tubuh sebatang,

Anang mai tubuh murus tubuh untus,

Tang datai mai ubat serangkap genap,

Mai batu teruba nemu,

Mai pengaruh gembar tuboh,

Batu Bintang ngambi ka terang mandang nyuluh pemetang,

Batu Uras ngambi ka raja kaya badu merinsa dibaruh orang,

Tanduk rusa ke penunduk mai sempekat badu beperang,

Taring Uting ngambi ka kebal nadai belaya bejai pangan,

Batu Pangkor ke pengering rajin gawa mai pemansang,

Imbai Sempandai ngembuan runding landik bedagang,

Rajut Penemu kena sekula tinggi pelajar tau tepang,

Laban aku tu ukai ngangau ngapa ngangau pia,

Aku ga mai kita datai ngabang datai mansang,

Mai makai mai nandai, mai piring mai ading,

Mai keresa bemban wi, penganan ke alas nyawa, Tuak ke basu kaki,

Nya alai, aku minta tulung minta sukung,

Minta chelap minta embap,

Gayu guru lantang senang nguan menua,

Ngambi ke kitai udah ke ngintu Gawai tu ila,

Bulih ringgit betambah jereki, jelai rita manah nama,

Bekebung baka langit betuchung baka bukit,

Terang baka bulan, tampak baka bintang,

Ia ke tuai umur panjai nguan menua,

Ia ke biak gagit ati rajin sekula,

Bulih degree pangkat Dr.,

Ia ke bujang ampit sida ke dara,

Ia ke indu enda runggu beranak tiga,

Gayu ko Sentuku, gerai ko Sempandai.

SELAMAT HARI GAWAI 2011!

THE LETTER

2011-05-16T23:54:00.010+08:00

It's been a while again since the last posting. You bet, research work people and that makes it all round. Anyway, I just could not help to post this brief piece in response to the video I stumbled upon in Youtube moments ago. I guess it's most timely to be shared now than later, in conjunction with the Mother's Day that is (supposed to be last week).

The video was so moving that suddenly, beyond control, I felt droplets of warm water slide down my cheek (must be the effect of changing weather here in Fukuoka, perhaps).

My version of correspondence.

Dear Mum & Dad,

When you both get old, that'll remind me of my age too,

Can I be great parents like both of you?

In case you're loosing your eyesight,

Would you pass me the family baton of light,

Cheering me up the entire fight?

When your hearing forsake you,

Know that this little one is always beside you!

When your knees get weaker and your mind goes asunder,

Would you share half the pains and double the joy together?

For all that you've thought me to be,

Now that I am he - please bear with me.

The smell of childishness still linger in me,

It somehow brings back the memories,

The ordeals you faced when I was still a crybaby,

That first step I took when I crossed destiny,

The many times you endlessly thought me ABC...

Learning Music, Maths, Algebra & Geometry,

But above all,

You make the very best out of me,

You've inspired and gave me the opportunity!

To breathe, live and savor life's precious gift.

I'll make time, no matter how hectic life may be,

I'll sing for you the best melody,

I'll share the latest stories,

For I know, all you need is just moments with me.

Do not feel sorry that you both are old,

I'm one lucky fella compared to all,

To call you my parents while my friends lost theirs,

Help me to cherish oh God this time with cheers!

For what's a FAMILY if there's no clue,

Father And Mother, I Love You!

As you gets older, more precious you'll be...

Old is gold, they said but you're more than jeweleries,

When the time comes and the season ripes,

Everything seems bleak, my privilege denied,

Holding your hands, I thanked The Creator,

Giving me you both as Father & Mother.

One thing I'm certainly to utter,

Though seldom much to hear,

Until that day comes nearer,

Dad & Mum, I love you both - that's for sure!

Your son,

DMBL

AN INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE CULTURE

2011-03-30T13:48:00.006+08:00

As part of the field trip program planned by Kyushu University, we managed to have a glimpse of the very essence of Japanese cultures during our visit to Nagasaki few days back. The first day of of the trip, we went to Yoshinogari Historical Park and Ishiibi Historic Water Facilities at Saga-ken. Yoshinogari ruins during Yayoi period (3BC–3AD) is believed to be the ancient country of ‘Yamatai’, modern day Japan, which treasured lots of historic importance in terms of relics including copper/bronze knives, glass beads and cultivation of red-grained rice. This period also witnessed the shift from nomadic lifestyle to permanent settlements thus, elevating its cultural value. One is undoubtedly mesmerized by the pristine beauty of the civilization; the systematically planned settlements, the existence of rules and order in the community, the advancements in terms of fortification against invasion and the advance used of mortar paste (cement and sand) for construction. It was indeed a life of seclusion for the people back then – a culture that continued for generations until Japan opened itself to the rest of the world under Meiji Ishin (Restoration) in 1868.

On the other hand, Ishiibi Water Facilities offered a completely new spectrum. Once an artificial gutter and irrigation channel designed to enhance the cultivation of rice in the Yamato-cho area, the restored Megumi River proved to be functioning effectively. The restored river is currently open to public as a recreational park where visitors are expected to be impressed by the astonishing views of cherry blossoms, sakura (桜). The main uniqueness of Megumi River lies in its design of being among the first Japanese man-made river restoration program. The main channel was diverted to smaller canals allowing sufficient amount of water to flood the adjacent paddy fields thus, improving the rate of rice production yearly. Also, the river diversion allows longer distance for water’s self-purification process in removing suspended solids that present on its surface.

We checked-in at Nanpuro Hotel in Shimabara for a night. This was the author’s first time experience to stay in a typical Japanese hotel, complete with its very own famous public bath, onsen and massage therapy spa. At dinner, we were all fully fed and watered by the traditional style Japanese dishes and beverages, served in a way that might prevent the weak of hearts to savour! The session ended up with brief speeches and introductions among the participants as well as the 先生’s. As the night gets older, one can no longer resisted the dripping sounds of water that splashed from the nearby onsen. The author together with his friends rushed to the bath and enjoyed the night in full immersion. To our dismayed, the onsen was not the type of mixed men and women hotspring we had hoped for! As the hot water spring (40⁰C) washed away all the remnants of the past of our bodies, so as our spirits and thoughts were weaved anew into the kind of which we never felt before – for sure, that’s the transformation that we had wished for! We concluded the day with a mini nomikai (飲み会) and spent the rest of the night listening to what the others had to say with stories as myriad as science, geeks, cultures and supernaturals. The last thing we know was that we were scrapping the bottom of the o-sake (お酒) bottle, the next moment we opened our eyes, it was already dawn and Nagasaki’s morning sunrise greeted us with a smile!

The next day, we visited Yutorogi no Yu (Hotspring for Foot) and sightseeing at Shimabara Castle (島原城). The hotspring for foot is quite similar to a normal hotspring, the only difference is that visitors are only allowed to immerse their feet. Shimabara Castle stands majestically like any other typical Japanese castles. Built by Matsukura Shigemasa in 1624 and demolished in 1874, the present structure was reconstructed in 1964. One of the attractions was that visitors would have the opportunity to snap pictures with individuals impersonating samurai and shinobi around the castle’s entrance – if you’re lucky! – because they are the hotshots!

Lastly, we went to Oonokoba Observation Post for Volcano and Unzen Disaster Memorial. Both places were built not only to commemorate and showed what happened to the affected areas and how people confronted it but also aim to raise public awareness in regards of Mt. Unzen-Fugen volcanic eruptions in the early stage of Edo period and 1990 – 1996 of Heisei period. The site reminded me of how lucky I am to be in a country with less significant natural calamities. Despite countless blows from Mother Nature, still Japan proved to be a worthy son by being the frontier of sustainable developments and tirelessly championing the course of environment.

This field trip has been truly a memorable exposure to the author personally. It has imprinted a more intricate yet remarkable site of the Japanese in particular. Should anyone look for a place where traditional cultures coincide with modern lifestyles, then search no further because Japan is the answer!

Till the next posting folks!

THE 'QUAKES' IN US?

2011-03-26T12:26:00.003+08:00

It's roughly about three months since the year 2011 unfolds but our intimate rapport with Mother Nature seems lost along the way, as we gallantly smeared the very face of the Earth, leaving detrimental scars. In that pursuit, we deliberately forget the impending consequences of our doings, in which most cases often claimed the lives of the innocents, not once but thrice!

The world is yet again struck in light by the three significant earthquakes that ruined the city of Christchurch, New Zealand (6.3) in February, Tohoku region, Japan (8.9) and Myanmar (6.8) both in March. The devastations they brought were all too immense and unfathomable as the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key was reported as saying "we maybe witnessing New Zealand's darkest day..." Similarly, in Japan - the country dubbed as champion of sustainable developments and frontier of disaster preventions - Japanese Prime Minister, Naoto Kan said "in the 65 years after the end of WWII, this is the toughest and the most difficult crisis for Japan." Being in Japan myself, though not exactly affected by neither the shocks or the Tsunami, I seconded the prime minister's remark. To complicate the matter more, Japan not only had to deal with the aftermaths of the earthquake and Tsunami but also the exposure to radiation as a result of Fukushima I and II, Onagawa and Tokai nuclear power plants explosions in which the Japanese Nuclear Agency repeatedly asserted "doing the best they can to cool down the reactors."

Likewise, Myanmar - surprisingly not part of The Ring of Fire region - encountered the same fate as the country was shaken in tremors. So far, according to anonymity condition, more than 70 casualties (The Star) were reported and still counting. However, it was believed that the death toll could be escalating because the junta government is said to be reluctant to release information.

That said, with the rapid and not-so-friendly gestures portrayed by Nature lately, one may come into a general conclusion and begin to ask the question of 'when will be the quakes in us be unleashed?' The 'quakes' here being referred to our conscience in realizing the importance of balance and harmony between us and our surroundings. Of course, one may argued that natural disasters are spontaneous and that we are not to be directly blame - in case one predicates one's reasonings based on this apathetic belief, yes - but wait not until you witnessed for yourself a wall of sea water coming towards you (3-4 storeys high) while your ground is trembling. Logically speaking, I would rather succumb to the notion that we should be more tolerable and in truce with Nature - like what we used to - rather than be sorry later.

It's time for us to deploy our own search and rescue parties to our hearts, just in case, who knows buried deep within the rubbles of the broken pieces of affection we once had towards Nature, we may find the long last evidence of hope and rebuild a new monument - preoccupied with earthquake resistance design - to our liking, we by choice, chose to build!

Till the next postings.

THE BLUE GOLD?

2011-01-25T12:21:00.005+08:00

Is water a basic human right or human need? This simple but intriguing question was asked by Dr. Takahiro Kuba during one of the lectures I attended. Being true to its existence in nature - elegantly in abundance yet ungenerous, one may found it difficult to obtain freshwater. He was quoted as saying, 'if the earth was a sphere 1.5m in diameter, how much freshwater would it have? 1 bucket? 1 plastic bottle? A glass? Sadly, it's not. It's just 1 spoon of water!'

Water plays important role in humans' daily-life in terms of public (recreational means, catchments, agricultures, fisheries etc.) and private usages (drinking water, industries and household chores). That said, clearly, one can gauge the weightage it carries along should the already scarce water we have (do we really own them?) plunges.

Water gives life to plants and is essential for food production. Needless to say, like everything in the planet, water has become a commodity taken for granted, believing it'll be there forever. As the world is faced with diminishing water resources and reports predicting acute shortages in coming years (F. Chowdhury, 2010) we seriously need to address water issue the attention it deserved, instead of waiting for the catastrophe to unveil!

Governments all over the world admittedly acknowledged its vital value - either naturally or at the instigation of peer pressures - leading to more sagacious decisions (or so they were implied) with regards to water issues. The truth is, billions of lives in Africa consumed approximately 60L, less than 3L for some people in Latin America as compared to global average of 170L/person/day.

Through the Washington Consensus, it was made common philosophy under the new economic model that the entire world should engage in a free-market based economy which enables the benefactors to deregulate cross-border policies (relaxation of regulations, tariffs reductions, market liberalizations, investments etc.) which includes water privatization policies ('commodification' of water being common good to commodity) designed to further strengthen their dominance of right to water.

Before long, injustices with regard to freshwater supply and privatization issues arise in almost all continents. In Phillippines, it was reported that water price increased by 4 times in 1997, in 1980s water prices increased by 30% in UK. Similarly, the poor get expensive (often polluted) water in buckets while rich people are offered cheap and sanitized water from taps in Lima, Peru. Likewise in South Africa, more than 100 thousand people were contracted with cholera in 10 months with approximately 220 people died as a result of water supply deprivation (The World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2002).

Narrowing the scope to Malaysia based on the World Bank: Environment at a glance (2008), access to improved water source was recorded as 94-99 % in 2004. This data seemingly indicated an impression that almost all areas in the country has been covered with better water access - note that the criteria was improved water sources not access to water supply. In reality, thousands of families living in the outskirt of urban areas are still in the fell clutch of tap water supply. Anyway, to the government's credit, there were 'improvements' in terms of majestic dams, exaggerated projects etc. but at what price? The river - considered to be the source of life by the indigenous - quenches not only their daily needs/rights but also their blue gold!

Although, it's common sense for the the elected government to end up with rigorous plans in order to spur development, common good such as the case of freshwater should not be thoroughly sidelined. If the price for developments must be paid with massive environmental fallouts (though can be controlled and restored with technology - our willingness?) then it's fair, I guess, to realize some thing like water, air and nature in it's full glory are humans' basic rights; deserving protection, preservation and continuity of existence.

The importance and scarcity of water today, if not properly handled, may trigger century of water wars in the future. Ismail Serageldin, former World Bank Vice President (1995) was quoted as saying 'Many of the wars of this (20th) century were about oil, but the wars of the next century will be about water.' Aggravated by the impending chaos it may brings, one must opt to treasure water as a blessing and starts to regulate water issues vehemently.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY FORETOLD IN THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

2010-12-25T22:26:00.011+08:00

Christmas has never stop to mesmerize me - even as it becomes part of the you-must-do kind of event annually. As anticipated, merry makings, goodies, presents, santa claus etc. are the highlights of the day. Minus the part of which I'm no more fit to experience the wonder of Christmas like in the good old days (everybody was once a child), this year's celebration is somewhat different. Better still, I managed to celebrate it in Fukuoka, Japan.

To cut long story short, I attended the Christmas Eve at Itoshima surrounded by melting pot of people. In no time, I found myself to be in a bunch of Americans and Japanese! There at a corner, I stood as I introduced myself to a mid-50 years old man sitting next to me. Though I appreciated his effort in trying to engage in a conversation with me, we both literally speak in body languages. Thanks to his so-so English, my terrible Japanese and the art of body language! They seem to flow gracefully together. Not to forget the nimble mind too.

After countless fingers' flicking, hands moving and face expressions exchanged between us, I allowed my mind to be in harmony with the song "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" that came from the sound of the organ played by the pastor who administered the church. For a moment, I was picturing choirs of angels trotting on clouds with Gabriel leading the way, as the pastor's dainty fingers danced on the keyboard. Such a soothing moment - well at least for someone who is far from home that is.

With the theme 最初のクリスマス (The First Christmas), the service started with a play that went back to some 2010 years ago where the baby Jesus was born in a manger in the small town of Bethlehem. The performance was awesome beyond words to describe and I would say best actor should go to the baby Jesus - simply because he is a baby (a real cute kicking baby!). I believed he took away all the glory that night as the crowd focused their attention to him. Best part is, in the middle of a dialogue, he cried up to the point that required a short break just to get him out of scene. I can't help but to name him as the next Robin Williams as the crowd burst into laughter!

We had coffee and some home-made tidbits after service. I managed to chat with some new faces and luckily this time body languages are off the table. A couple of words exchanged with the pastor's little son named Kento-kun turned out to be amusing as he thought me Japanese phonetically - fresh from a 10 years old! Then, met with Bob and his wife Joan Verme - an American couple which has been living in Japan for the last 40 years as missionary. Will elaborate more about them later.

As I went for a refill of my hot chocolate drink which happened to be irresistible that particular night - I don't know why either - I came across Zack and his brother Jack (both are the sons of one of the church members I regularly attend in Meinohama). We exchanged stories of Christmas. Both kids shared their stuff like an epic. They really enjoy their holidays and how they effortlessly beg for presents from Santa when Christmas is approaching. Both kids may not said it straight but they are all written in their cute little eyes of American and Japanese parentage.

On the way back to hostel, one can vividly witnessed the colorful buildings and streets decorated with lights. Not to mention the 24 hours non-stop recording of famous Christmas songs like "Feliz Navidad" and "We wish you a Merry Christmas" all the way. One who do not know the Japanese culture well, might be made into believing that most of them are Christians. But, they are not. On the other hand, according to the local pastor just now, only 0.99% of the total population of Japan are Christians. Most of them are either Shintos or Buddhists.

Nonetheless, I feel a little bit shocked. Sincerely, I appreciate their acknowledgment of Christmas by putting up lights and Christmas trees around but, I believed to know the real purpose of Christmas in commemorating Jesus's birth as the savior is more important. To do something without knowing the purpose of doing it, is like driving a car to a middle of no where on the interstates! Yup, one may had the fun of it but to what extend? Anyway, I'm not here to pass on criticism whatsoever. Before long, I found myself in front of the university's bus station entrance.

Next day, I had a memorable dinner together with Duane, Brian and the Vermes as we discussed about broad topics of interests. From religion to America, from baseball to Sumo, California and Malaysia etc. A game called "Upwords" concluded the evening as we played. Frankly, it was my first time of playing. The game is just like "Scrabble" - words game but in contrast to scrabble, the alphabets can be on top of each other as long as it carries a meaning. Also, the board is half the size of Scrabble. Duane (the reigning champion) scored the highest points followed closely by Brian in the second place. I only managed to secure third place, a step ahead of Joan. I bet that was a gesture of kindness as an advantage to a newcomer, isn't it? LOL. Truly, it made my day guys! Ah, almost forgot, Dibby! The well-mannered dog belongs to the Vermes.

Till the next posting.

PUBLIC AMENITIES @ "AMIN"+ ITIES

2010-11-11T11:53:00.004+08:00

The issue of our public amenities needs no introduction. It has been always household word for quite a time now though various campaigns or slogans like "Keep Clean" or "Jagalah Kebersihan Tandas Awam" being implemented, still people are just plain ignorant - waiting for it to resolve itself maybe?

It is reported that today, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) for example, spent RM30 million yearly to repair and maintain public amenities in Bintulu (BorneoPost). In Kuching, PE Land Sdn Bhd, which manages The Spring, Joanna Ling said management spent an avarage of RM5000/month for 6 toilets in the mall (MBKS). Let's do a simple math shall we. Imagine there's 30 toilets more like the one in The Spring, monthly expenditure for that alone will be RM30,000/month which is equivalent to RM360,000/year. Not much? Remember, it's just toilets maintenance alone. Public amenities can be of other public usage structures like bus stops, markets, public phones, gardens etc.

Interestingly, if we are to total up everything together, the amount of money used just to repair and maintain public amenities alone culminates to around hundreds of million a year! That's a lot of money over petty issue don't they?

I called it petty because in other countries, public amenities are not as big an issue. This is because their authorities know exactly what the word amenity really is. Oxford English Dict. defines amenity as a building or a place that is pleasant, useful and desirable to go. That explains why in developed country like Japan their amenities look like the pictures below.

As you can see, the toilet summarizes the meaning of the word amenity into details. The bus station need not has formal bench for the public to wait because they follow the schedule strictly. In the case of Japan, it's every 15minutes for rural areas and 5-7minutes in big cities. Proper schedule couples with a conducive public-friendly environment amenities, they exploit them to the fullest. Even if the price of such amenities are slightly higher in relative to normal one but in the long run, the authorities need not to spend millions for the repair. Simply because it is up to standard and user friendly!

However, in our case, these kind of amenities - user friendly and pleasant, the way they should be - seem not fit in. Simply because our amenities are just 'amin'+ities. Local word for it will be 'boleh la.. amin jak.. asal siap' kind of mentalities.

The government promised to uplift our public amenities by granting great amount of budget for that purpose in RMK8 but where's my modern toilets or convenient buses as promised? There has been speculation that along the way, the money was somehow leaked by unaccountable c*cksuck*rs. I wanted to believe that those claims are just mumbo-jumbo. However, if it's true, then please stop it right away because we the 'rakyat' deserved our part in truly enjoy our amenities!

Every now and then, vandalism worsen every year. They claimed it was due to pre-matured teenagers etc. but on the other way round, why don't the authority check it first on their side by taking into consideration of the specifications of the amenities? Does it up to standard? Is it pleasant enough to enjoy? I hate to say this but should the authority optimize their budget rather than apple polishing to satisfy oneself, vandalism as we know it shall perish. If not all, I am positive a great number of it shall be minimized.

Let's think of our public amenities as our own belongings. You don't simply vandalize your own house don't you? If you do, then you'll be exempted from a meal or two as punishment. What if in the case of public amenities, if you vandalize, your rights to town are denied for 1-2 years, will you survive?

Above all, the time has come for all of us both the authority and the public to get serious in our public amenities matter. For example, the authority should from now devise a method to ensure that future made amenities agree to standard - or the least is pleasant to the user as the word amenity really means. "AMIN"+ITIES mentality should therefore be revisited. The public most importantly must impart the habit of regarding public amenities as their own home. By this way, they'll made into thinking twice of whether to vandalize or to be scrutinized later.

AND SO THE FLOODING BEGINS...

2010-10-15T08:51:00.007+08:00

It is reported that on friday (15/10/2010), the flooding of South East Asia's largest dam - Bakun Dam - has begun. The construction of the controversial dam which started in 1994 has been always in hassle due to various reasons such as the 1997 Asian financial crisis, internal conflict of interest among parties involved, environmental and social damage link problems. Expected to be in operation by 2003, the fate of the dam is finally sealed today in 2010 amidst all the hiccups.

However, here are some interesting facts known about the dam:

1. It will generate 2,400 MW of electricity (equivalent to Doel nuclear power station in Belgium)

2. Be the tallest concrete faced rockfill dam (CFRD) in the world

3. Be the largest hydroelectric dam in Malaysia

4. It will cover an area of 700km sq. of land underwater - the size of Singapore

5. Some 9,000 natives (Kayan/Kenyah) indigenous people have been relocated

6. About 230km sq. of virgin tropical rainforest had been cut down

7. Thousands of exotic tropical biodiversity ecology perished

8. Other environmental fallouts i.e. illegal logging, poaching and water-borne diseases

Though Sarawak's initiative of planning ahead some 20-30 years down the road is commendable, construction of such mega project - if not properly addressed - may invoke great appraisal from the public. For example, if we are to weight the whole chronology of the Bakun Dam and the purpose of it's construction against all the losses (in terms of economic loss during the 1997 recession + social fallout impacts + environmental degradations) it brings, one can easily notice that the balance is justifiably tilted towards the latter! And yet you are suggesting of constructing another 12 more dams? Seriously, Sarawak needs an election... now!

Technically speaking - according to pre-conditional design specification - dam impoundment can only be commenced after a continuous 7 days of dry weather and a water depth of below 60m. However, in today's case as reported by the news, the flooding had already begun despite the conditions and protest from the Bakun folks which lodged a police report to halt the process earlier.

A critique suggested that the flooding is rather rush and improperly regulated since the people downstream were not being adequately inform of any kind of Emergency Rescue Plan should anything happen during the flooding. Also the compensation issue of the lands that has not settled till now - as we speak - is another thing! Interestingly, this is the MD and chief engineer of Sarawak Hydro, Zulkifle Osman's reply "We found that the weather was good enough in the past two days and the river level was safe, so we went ahead with the impoundment" Excuse me, I believed that's not how we engineers were thought back in faculty. We speak based on facts and figures. And unfortunately for Balui River, the fact is that on monday (11/10/10) there was an incident of a capsized longboat and the man is still missing! Safe huh?

As for Dato' Sri James Masing remark on the assurance that the people should not worry because the dam was build to last, let me correct you technically on that sir - in engineering, lifespan of each design process always has limitation otherwise great maintenance work is carried out. Even with rigorous maintenance check every now and then, nothing is build to last! Also about the promise that the government will compensate the Bakun folks in no due time, I'll say that's just another spin for the coming election. Why? Because they have been saying and keep on repeating that same cheap trick since the preliminary process of Bakun Dam in 1994.

I think Sarawakians agree to the notion of Bakun Dam - more electricity supply, more investors coming in to the state to set up their factories, more jobs created, less unemployment, high income generation per family and voila, everyone is happy! why not? - but the problem now that culminates amidst these chaos is only one simple thing i.e. the government is not transparent enough to the people. They refused to compensate the amount of pay for the lands deserved by the Bakun folks, rushed the flooding of the dam without prior notices and plundered the land intentionally savvy for themselves.

I used to remember my grandpa told me once that the politicians nowadays fight no more like their predecessors. In the old days, each representative fights for the plights of his/her people but today it is more likely that the he/she fights for himself, families and cronies.

Good news is, changing this we can as the electorates and the time is in the next coming election, if our politicians ceased to behave.

Till the next posting.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

2010-09-21T23:40:00.005+08:00

Since 1981, the world has come together to celebrate the annual 'International Day of Peace (IDP)' on September 21st every year aiming to promote peace, ceasefire and non-violence throughout the globe. Today, after almost 20 years of implementation, one can be sure of it's prevailing successes in maintaining global stability in unison.

Speaking of peace - in split seconds - one's thought will be characterized by pictures of war, disputes among nations, political stability of a country etc. Because peace is very synonymous with war free zone, we often neglect the kind of threats that may affect our peaceful existence in terms of security, sovereignty, sensitivity, social beings etc. Rarely a case whereby social hassles and impending natural disasters occurred in our mind. Critiques may argue that since social welfare and disasters alike are both internal problems within a nation's jurisdiction to combat, thus we assumed that everybody is in peace. In short, our interpretation is: No War = Peace.

However, looking at the world today, even if there was no war or disputes in a particular country, still there is no peaceful atmosphere engulfing the whole lot once the way things used to be were not in their proper set anymore. For instance, the existence of such driving forces such as the financial system and globalization, that maneuver the world today towards the destination - by default - they prefer to go, is gradually taking it's toll in plummeting world peace.

Globalization believed to benefit both investors and the host country, in the end, guarantees the latter's downfall as can be seen in the 1997/1998 Asian Financial Crisis. Win-win situation type of trades believed to deliver positive impacts to both parties, at last proved to be loop-sided. Third party involvement in engaging disputes among nations planned to end it once and for all, over time proved to be a political move deployed to gain control of the country's richness. Hence, you tell me, can those innocence who are to be the preys of such deprived situations be counted as peaceful even without 'literal' war?

Though the effort of making the world a better place to stay - by initiating IDP - is commendable, the fact remains that we are presently being coerced to face new kind of threat which transcend all nationalities and boundaries as stated above.

World War I & II may had become part of human history and they deserve condemnation of highest degree, but what about these 'virtual' wars? If they can make a stop to barbaric warheads, why not apply the same principles to globalization as well? If the idea of globalization is indeed proved to be beneficial to the parties involved, then get on with it but should it be a liability and cause detrimental effects to the people, why hesitate?

All in all, I'm grateful for this peaceful nation of mine, Malaysia. I hope you too will enjoy your peaceful time in your respective country with the spirit of fully in grasp of being peaceful and echoes it's chimes to a better melody - by choice - you want it to be!

Till the next posting.

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES IN A COMMON WAY

2010-09-16T01:08:00.003+08:00

It's September 16th, 2010! Marking the 47 years old birthday of Malaysia Federation. The very essence of the nation's spirit is now bequeathed to the next generation of today's youth - hoping that we will further understand each other by maintaining unity, narrowing disparity and to reduce factions among society.

In the end, though we are different - rooting from various ethnicity and beliefs - still we share a thing in common, which is to be able to call this fortunate country: Malaysia, our home. While many others who are less fortunate are currently straying on the hassle streets of New York or trying very hard to live a day to it's dawn in Swaziland. Here you are, both me and you freely breathing Malaysia's air with pride, honor and peace - the least we can do is to keep it that way for our future generation to savor too.

Happy Malaysia Day 2010 with the spirit of celebrating differences in a common way!

Till the next posting.

UNDERSTANDING NCR LAND: THE SIMPLEST WAY

2010-09-03T10:16:00.007+08:00

The article is written based on the urge that anybody should know and understand the Native Customary Rights (NCR) Land, the simplest way from a layman perspective who doesn't read law.

By definition, land tenure is the system of rights and institutions that governs access to and use of land and other resources. In Sarawak, the customary land tenure is characterized by both formal and informal attributes. The formal attribute is that the NCR rights are recognized and protected by the Land Code. But it is also informal customary land tenure because it's recognition and acceptance are based on the Adat Law of the Iban community (Dimbab Ngidang, 1998).

The Iban land tenure system uses the concept of territory, called the 'pemakai menoa' for the exerting rights of access to land resources within a longhouse community (Henry Ling, 2010). The boundaries of this territory are usually marked by natural features such as rivers and ridges (Lambat, 1994). On the other hand (Cleary and Eaton, 1996) reported that native communities could claim customary rights to land only applied to the following:

1) Felling of virgin jungle before January 1st 1958
2) Planting of fruit trees
3) Use of land for burial grounds or shrines
4) Use of land in any class for rights of ways or any other lawful methods recognized by the Land Code.
5) Purchase or by exchange of gifts such as gongs or/and cannons.

History of NCR land in Sarawak has been in household lips since the days of the colonial rule dated from century ago. In 1863, the first land law was promulgated resulting in 'all unoccupied and waste lands' are to be the property of the government. The significance of the 1863 Land Order was that although the natives could continue to practice customary tenure within their domain, they could no longer claim rights to land outside their existing domain, which is now belonged to the state (Evelyn Hong, 1974).

In 1949, the Land Classification Ordinance introduced by the colonial government further restricted the creation of customary rights to tenure to 6 methods (Hooker, 1976):

1) The felling of virgin jungle and the occupation of the land thereby cleared
2) The planting of land with fruit trees
3) The occupation or cultivation of land
4) The use of land for burial ground or shrine
5) The use of land of any class for rights of way
6) Any other lawful method

Applications to these rights had to be made for permits issued by the district officer, which may or may not be granted. This definition of customary tenure by the government frustrate certain transactions admitted by systems of native personal law (Porter, 1967). The Adat Law and the customary tenure were codified and this further curtailed the rights of natives to land even more.

In 1946, Sarawak was ceded to the then British Crown and they introduced the 1948 Land Classification Ordinance that further denied the customary rights to land for the natives. In 1952, an amendment was made pertaining to the lawful occupation for the different classes of land created. This resulted in the following rules (Porter, 1967):

1) Native who were in lawful occupation of the NCR land were declared to be licensees of Crown Land
2) The Crown assumed total proprietorship of all land in the state of Sarawak

The ordinance was further amended in 1955 resulting in a total prohibition on spontaneous creation of further customary rights law (Idem, 1967). Direct effects of these as reported by (Henry Ling, 2010) are that:

1) Natives are now forbidden to open up new forests
2) Forbidden to exercise customary rights or operate under customary tenure in new areas
3) Natives could no longer move freely to establish new swiddens, settlements in new area as they did in the past.

Generally, a native may be said to own land if he holds a document of title issued by the superintendent or surveyor when he can claim customary rights over the said land. It is clear law that until a document of title has been issued in respect to over the land which he claimed to be NCR land, such land shall continue to be state own land.

Sarawak Land Code, 1958 (SLC) section 5 clearly recognizes NCR which may be created in accordance to the native customary law of the community concerned which is native Iban in this case. Section 22 provides recognition to native holdings where such claim to land must be registered. Section 30 provides for the compensation to be paid should the government resumes possession of any occupied land for any purposes (DayakBaru, 2010).

The current uproar lies not in the knowledge of the NCR land issue anymore. The natives are fully aware of the issuance of a document title for their NCR land claim to be approved. However, the biggest problem is that genuine native rights under the SLC are not guaranteed unless they are all given due registration of native rights with land titles. The question is how many cases such as the success story of Mr.Nor Anak Nyawai? How can one register and lawfully true to their claims if most of their applications were being tossed and rejected along the process?

We are not asking for more, we are just asking for what we believe we deserved...

Till the next posting.

HKM404: INDEPENDENCE DAY

2010-09-01T11:19:00.004+08:00

Its been months since my last post and I'm not going to blame it on busyness since I learned a remarkable lesson from an Iranian friend of mine lately. He said being BUSY stands for 'Being Under Satan's Yard'. So, with a little pat on the shoulder, I tried to convince myself; whenever I'm busy, so to speak, I'll just consider it to be in the state of 'timely occupied'. Not bad though. Imagine somebody asked 'Hey, how have you been?' and you said, 'I'm good, just pretty much timely occupied!'. Now, that's sublime and creative.

That aside, guess what's new? Yep, AS I SEE IT has a new-vibrant-forward looking-riveting-look! As the others would say 'Its time to change' @ 'Change we must' kind of slogans. I guess this new template should be sufficient to compensate for the writer's block long awaiting post.

Anyway, this posting is dedicated to Malaysia's 53rd Independence Day! Merdeka! Though the whole country's Merdeka's spirit is understandably low; maybe due to the fasting month, embroiled unity etc. One still can be sure that this country has done wonders. Not going to make a list here since it's going to be miles ahead. One can be really proud of the achievements Malaysia had even as we humbly celebrated our 53rd national day.

However, true meaning of independence would never be fully comprehended without the essence of unity, political stability, economic prosperity and society's welfare of the nation. Looking back at our society nowadays - it seems to me, as the younger generation - we are falling short of truly being independent. Policies made to bridge disparities among races, in the end, guarantees it's arrival. Factions deepen, everybody claimed to be a hero but refused to take actions, wishful thinkers and apple polishers alike.

Truth is we are more towards the end-tail of the bell shape normal distribution graph neglecting the core problem that sprung under our nose. The leaders cared more on differences rather than similarities among the people. Desperately, they launched taunting moves to provoke society's sensitivity - all for the effort of them being champions, worthy of the gold platter! Even if that requires bloodshed. In that case, what's the difference between us, the so-called independent nationals of this country, compared to our previous invaders? The British ruled us through division and disparity between races, and now we emulate this act, pretending to be better? You tell me. It is after all, George Santayana - the great philosopher - that once said 'Those who cannot remember the past will be condemned to repeat it!'

My sincere hope is that, Malaysians will be all true Malaysians in the future. The kind of Malaysians that answer, with head held high, 'I'm Malaysian!' to question like 'Race/Ethnicity'. Not to suggest denouncing own ethnicity here, but what matter the most is the spirit of truly beholding the concept of 1Malaysia. No more unwanted voices saying 'Go back to China' and 'Lazy Malays'. No more claim saying 'You are black, so you are Indian' and no more 'Oh, you are an Iban? You live on trees don't you?' kind of stuffs because like it or not we are all walking under the same sun, so why can't we live as one? (echoing Scorpions: Under the same sun)

Till the next posting. Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan ke-53!

CHEERIO USM

2010-05-20T10:56:00.004+08:00

Today is my second last day in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as an undergraduate and these dainty fingers of mine can't help but to dedicate this posting especially for that purpose.

Well, to cram everything (mind you its a 4 years journey) into a single piece, I can't imagine how long would it takes. But, thanks to the beautiful art of summary - long stories became short.

Being an undergrad at the School of Civil Engineering (Pusat Pengajian Kejuruteraan Awam) had thought me a lot. To say that they are all bed of roses, is seemingly bluffing. There are times when you think that your own voices are suppressed, your mouth gagged and your touch numbed because the sound of the lynch mops were to loud that you feel lost in the very small world you've created. Far in a distance, you longed for reaching hands that over time ceased to be. For when you wake up in the morning facing reality, all you can say is "Believe in Me"

Ranting aside, I found out that the word AWAM itself bears a definitive answer to my search of contemplating this farewell note. So, here it goes;

1. A - ab initio (Latin for 'from the beginning')
I believed everything is written. There is no such things like 'by fate we met' or 'we slipped by chances'. Who would have imagined, out of several universities in Malaysia, why did you came to USM? Out of the departments, schools, institutes etc in USM, why PPKA? And most importantly, out of any batches, why 2005/2006 intake? Fate again? Unseen hand playing behind the scene? You bet! My view is that because they are to be so. It is destined that a Kampung Boy like me will be nurtured here in USM by of course dedicated lecturers, superb supervisor and not to mention pretty good friends. Should I not coming here, I wouldn't be falling in love with Geotechnical Engineering! I wouldn't appreciate the beauty of Reinforced Concrete, Pre-Stressed Concrete, Steel and Timber Design using British Standards. I am far from knowing that cement is made up of limestone, how mechanics of material work, how Laplace Transform or Partial Differential Equation can be solved using Fourier Series etc. Above all, I may not be able to meet wonderful faces that colors the harmony of the batch.

2. W - wonderful
Everything here is wonderful. Though the campus is slightly off to rural areas but somehow that's good. You can enjoy the evening breeze with ease (except the pungent odors that may spank your nose to sniff every now and then when the time is right for the chickens to be slaughtered). Once in a while, Penang here we come! Not that anybody will be outing all day long gallivanting around Komtar, Feringhi or Padang Kota should the campus is to be located at the island. I remembered when we were just in first year during Family Day and Annual Sport's Day - we were little but our spirits were no match even to the seniors. Prove? We won the Dean's Cup for 4 consecutive years. Also, not to mention our stunt in record breaker. You know what I mean. Just for update, till now it is unbeatable guys! And that makes it all wonderful.

3. A - all rounder
I believed those fruitful 4 years has been great for everyone. We are now all-rounder! Be it in career, skills, personals or even shapes! The very own Big John and Lil Suzie (bukan nama sebenar) have now grown up. For the record, our batch is the first to fully adapt English as lecture medium, implementation of OBE and PEO and not to forget, we were the subject of conduct for the BEM accreditation. In the end, we soared above all with flying colors.

4. M - memorable
Lost in words, I'll end up with memorable. The journey we had together is now coming to an end. To those who have and plan to work, be a responsible Engineer guys! To those who are planning to further study, ambition has no limits! To the very few who chose the road less traveled, to you I salute. Till our paths crossed again somewhere. See you when I see you again. God Speed all!

p/s - Others see great students in us but PPKA inspired us to become men..

DUPERY @ DUTY: THE CASE OF AMINULRASHID

2010-05-04T02:31:00.007+08:00

Once again the country is in upheaval due to the case of the fatal shooting of a 14 years old teenager Aminulrashid in Shah Alam on April 26. Out of invitation for drinks that particular night, the boy together with his friend was heading to Section 7, just to confirm his death moments later in Section 12, where he was shot on the head by the patrolling police forces who were suspicious of their behaviors - 2am in the middle of the night, refusing to stop for a spot-check while driving off limits in residential areas, I might as well be perplexed should I am to be the police. Better still, if the boy knew that it is going to be his last gulped of drink, I bet he must have ordered more than just 'teh tarik' back then.

Knowing the fact that the police forces have contributed a lot to the country, it is quite unfair to judge them seemingly due to this, shall we say blunder. At the same time, it is also impossible to let bygone be bygone when it comes to matter as serious as this since it involves the public, let alone killing a 14 years old teenager in firearms shooting. Something must be wrong.

Under the enforcement law of the country, police forces are allowed to use firearms when either they are in self-defense under the rules of engagement or the country is in a state of emergency or both.

However, in the case of April 26, 2010 neither of the events took place leaving us into a greater question, why did the police use firearms that night? It was reported that the IGP was quoted as saying 'weapons should not be limited to pistol, knife or machete... vehicle can be as deadly. If you try to plough the officers who try to stop you, it can be considered a weapon detrimental to the police. My men can use firearms in self-defense.' Well, that might be the reason but what about those 'mat rempit' who plough carelessly right in the middle of the night, causing nuisance and rendering tranquility in various neighborhoods in Malaysia? Compared to a 14 years old who may be petrified by the chase, aren't 'mat rempit' more detrimental to the officers and the residents? Why don't the police shoot them all?

The IGP was also sarcastically mentioned 'I would like to know whether you really want us to enforce the law... if that's the case, I will tell my men to refrain from stopping cars being driven suspiciously or illegal racers from taking over the roads.'

Responding to that, I would say (I guess the public also holds the same view as mine) of course we want you to enforce the law no matter how you like it or not because that's your duty. I myself for once was very fond of the police forces - they are smart and notably as men of caliber and charisma. As time passed by, all these years, we heard less commendable events about the once revered enforcement body. Everything seems paradoxically sound. The more 'mesra' campaign they promote, the less good image they portrayed. The higher their remuneration, the more crime rates increased. May be this is mere perception of a typical citizen who is still a student by day but nothing else a gibberish writer renegade by night however, the proof seems to pinpoint to these occurrence naturally unfolding as we speak.

To a deeper consideration, one may also argue the late Aminulrashid as well. Should he was not committing any wrong doings why would he and his friend ran away from the police patrol that night? According to his friend, Azamuddin 14, before the chase incident, Aminulrashid had glazed a car in front of a restaurant. Hence, I suspect both were scared due to that particular situation. Thus, when the police caught their sight, they were extremely nervous and therefore refused to stop for inspection resulting in the chase between them. Should he stopped and acted cool, things may turned out differently, I presumed.

Though we may never know what's the real situation is, still, it is clearly unprofessional for the police force to be reluctant in this case. Rather than defending his subordinates and waiting for the 'official report' out, the IGP should at the first place offer an apology to the late Aminulrashid's family whether or not his death was caused by the policemen because the evidence show unmistakeably that he was shot by the police of reasons only God knows.

Not that the report will bring the death come to life again once it is published nor an apology will do the same but at least, the police is living up to their motto 'mesra, cepat dan betul' by showing some concern and reaching out to the family of the deceased because that's how we, Malaysians want our cops to be as they were before, now and always.

Till the next postings.

SPOUTING SONNET

2010-04-27T19:28:00.002+08:00

Got this e-mail from a friend of mine and decided to post it here.

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELFReference: LIFE

This i s God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.

P.S. And, remember...

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to share this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!

Now, you have a nice day......

.............GOD.............

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOCIETY

2010-04-22T19:24:00.014+08:00

Today (22/4/2010) is the official Earth Day celebrated annually over the globe. The purpose is solely one; to remind people of the deteriorating fate of The Earth. Simple as it sounds, unfortunately to our dismayed, after some 40 years of celebrations, Earth Day is just so-so.

Environmental friendly society as its implies should not completely be limited to the cripple notion involving the green environment only. Though the emphasize is undoubtedly more towards nature however, in a broader aspect environment in its full context should include anything surround us including the society, the Earth, social welfare, economic struggle, scientific research and innovations, cultures and biodiversity. In other words, everything that evolves around us, is the environment and therefore it is our duty and responsibility as the steward to look after them all as a native tribe leader in the heart of Africa once said 'Mother Earth is not what we inherited from our forefathers but the one we borrowed from our future generations'.

With respect to social welfare, the world is indeed very far from friendly. Though natural disasters like tsunami, earthquake and tornado may bring the world together and the essence of helping hands were felt warmly thereafter, why can’t we in unison thoughts when it comes to matters such as public security, extreme poverty, marginalized individuals, underfed populations and educational setback? In his book, The End of Poverty (2005), Jeffrey Sachs reported that more than 20,000 people perished every day due to extreme poverty. Painstakingly, those figures are over 100 times more than the number of people killed in Chernobyl Disaster, Ukraine (1986). But what's the difference? We still remember the plights and outbursts of the Chernobyl tragedy, Tsunami and 9/11 attack – they still resonate in us. But why is the case so different when 20,000 people dying of poverty? Is it less tragic compared to the others? That’s the real manifestation of how serious we are should we care less. Education, often touted as 'leveller of society' failed to live up to the expectations leaned upon them. Worse still, white-collar strategists, intelligences, masterminds and spin doctors are all undoubtedly talented scholars, products of established universities! Seems to me that education, believed to stem global disparity, in the end, guarantees its arrival.

What can one do for an environmentally friendly society (EFS) is to re-define the concept of ‘environment’. It should not be limited to mere greens but cover all aspects of our surroundings. To me EFS must be comprised of an environmentally conscious society whom in time may bring great impact to the prosperity of the nation which in turn will liberate others from miseries.

In order to become an environmentally conscious citizen, one should be creative in matters pertaining to the environment. For example, restraining oneself from using plastic bags while shopping is creative – you helped to reduce amounting non-biodegradable substance! Also, shutting down one’s personal computer (PC) while it's not operating is innovative – Not only that you helped to conserve the depleting energy but also literally pro-long your computer’s lifespan and direct supply of constant unwanted electricity. What's more creative than that?

Moreover, campaigns such as the white coffin program, plastic free campus zone, the university in a garden concept and going green protocols should be taken more seriously. Not only campaigns, outreaching program up into the heart of the land should be carried out as well in order for us to teach and share the revolutionizing idea of conserving and preserving the Earth.

Stringent actions should be ruled towards those irresponsible brats of nature of which anybody including students can possibly do. In school, we were thought that killing, rape, stealing etc. are crimes but what about issues regarding nature degradation and environmental fallout? The time has come for us to re-shape our perspective towards nature. There must not be any more swept under the carpets kind of lies to be hide of as far as the matter of Earth revival is to be concerned. Responsible culprits must be brought up to the ultimate brink of justice for their misdeeds involving the environment.

Mother Theresa once said ‘we ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop’. So, that’s why we can make a great difference and it starts with YOU – always.

Till the next postings.

THE QUAKE STRIKES AGAIN

2010-04-15T11:20:00.007+08:00

This morning it was reported in New York Times that an earthquake of 6.9 had rubble Jiegu Town in Yushu county, Western China killing 589 and injuring approximately 10,000 people.

As alarming as the statistics are, the real question is all of these seismic activities had one wonder if earthquakes are increasing in frequency? Let's recalled back some events in 2010:

1. Jan, 12 - 7.0 in Haiti
2. Feb, 27 - 8.8 in Chile
3. Apr, 4 - 7.2 in Mexico
4. Apr, 13 - 6.9 in China

These series of unfortunate events are not usual. To have such multitude of quakes in less than 6 months signal a significant news of how agonizing the state of our Earth's crust can be here right on this moment. In the case of Malaysia, though the quake did not happen directly in our epicenter, tremors can sometimes be felt anywhere in the country. Seems the inclusion of the region under the protection of The Great Pacific Ring of Fire can now be rechecked.

It's not about why or will it happen, the more acute question is when? At least, by that time, we've counter attack measures under our sleeves - it starts with the practices of our construction method and development criteria. Such measures that we can instantly look into are:

1. Enforce more strict construction rules & regulations.
2. Ensure stringent design codes.
3. No more 'under-the-table' transaction.
4. Educate the public on the do's & don'ts during disaster.
5. Mimic San Francisco's 72hours plan.
Click www.72hours.org
6. Earthquake doesn't kill people, unsafe buildings do!

It is time to ponder on this issue seriously. Yesterday, it may be Haiti, today China, what about tomorrow? Prevention is always better than cure, at least, that's the best we can do. There's a Malay saying that states 'sesal dahulu pendapatan, sesal kemudian tidak berguna'

p/s The English has theirs too 'There is no smoke without fire, still London Bridge is falling down...'

Till the next postings.

WHEN EVERYTHING MEANS NOTHING

2010-04-12T19:38:00.006+08:00

Back in childhood days when a scoop of your vanilla-flavoured ice-cream was nudged by someone, obviously you'd let it passed. Even when you lost in the feet of a courageous defeat, still you can smile. Well, at least, as they said, that's what gentlemen do. But, what about if you were to lodge a police report that you've been assaulted by a group of hooligans and instead you yourself is being arrested? Sadly to say but it's the truth. Read here.

My view is simple. Any sane person wouldn't take the risks of beating himself nearly to death just to set up pranks in the police station. Better still, April's Fool is over! Assuming all these are true, the real question is, what's happening to our enforcement authorities? Something is rotten here in The Land of Hornbills.

Talking about the issue of land and the natives is like chicken and egg story. They cannot be separated and always come together. That shows how important both elements to each other. Back to the days where rules and regulations were just innuendos, lands were entitled to those who discovered them first. They were no land ordinance, specific rulings and any legal documents needed to verify one's land. It's as easy as this; you have a piece of land, you look after it, toiling each day with diligence and sorrow hoping for the best for the fertile soil to bear fruits of your labors, then you are the landlord. Since then, it's been passed down through generations after another. For Native Customary Rights Land (NCR) read here.

The point is, for Heaven's sake, what's wrong with someone whose doing his every day chores in HIS LAND just to be intimidated by group of gangsters and upon lodging police report being arrested himself? That's incredibly funny and illogical. For the natives of Sarawak, their lands mean everything. They are not just mere lands, they are the source of daily life. They are sacred and the natives have rights to their lands, without doubts. Yet, some people disowned these rights? But hey, where's our politicians again at this particular time or did we ever have one though? Care to explain Minister? While their effort in aiding less fortunate people in Haiti are commendable but couldn't they care more for the plights of their own people? I think we seriously need an election.

Somehow, I recalled my grandpa used to say "In the end, unless we fight for our rights, we'll be doomed where the natives will be hewers of wood and drawers of water, becoming coolies in our own country"

Till the next postings.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: ARE WE ON THE RIGHT TRACK?

2010-03-28T20:24:00.015+08:00

9:30pm yesterday marked the end of the annual Earth Hour 2010 which lasted for 1 hour, a global event organized by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) every year starting in Sydney, Australia 2007. The main purpose is to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate changes. Attendees are from all sides of the globe with approximately 1.2 billion people participated and still counting. According to the WWF 2010 officials, it was estimated that about 5 billion kWh of electricity demand has plunged globally, which was 3 times larger than the first event back in 2007. All in all, the event is a success!

However, sustainability should not only be limited to the cripple notion involving energy and environmental fall outs. On other perspective, Brundtland Commission stated that to be sustainable is 'to meet present needs without compromising future's demands'.

Compellingly, a native tribe leader in the heart of Africa once said 'Mother Earth is not what we inherited from our forefathers but the one we borrowed from our future generations'.

From these 2 statements, we can conclude with a degree of certainty that the main point to be stressed is RESPONSIBILITY towards the surroundings. Be it in the name of energy conservation, environmental degradation, economic turmoil, social welfare, scientific discoveries, research & innovations, cultures & biodiversity etc. In layman word, the true essence of being sustainable is to be responsible.

And here goes the lists that we've gone through in the pursuit of sustainability:

1. Formation of UN (United Nations) + all of its sub-organizations i.e. UNICEF, WHO, WWF etc. - which covers all aspects of global interests & represents the whole multitude of human beings. Checked.

2. Earth Hour. Checked.

3. Copenhagen Summit - to address the long lasting issue of greenhouse gasses. Half true with a big question mark asking is it a 'walk the talk' type of summit or just another 'talk & walk' kind of gentleman's occasion? Answer for yourself.

4. Rehabilitation & Conservation (R&C) of natural (flora + fauna) habitats. Not so close. While various laws, regulations and even gazetted lands are commendable but it seems that the equation of R&C is far from balanced. While there are efforts to maintain nature in harmony, there are still people who poached and lumber jacking illegally. You can see for yourself everywhere. So, where's the deal?

5. Economic stability & win-win situation among nations. We are very far indeed from even taking the first step to collaborate let alone unite. Other than self interest, anything else doesn't matter.

6. Social welfare in terms of public security, extreme poverty, marginalized individuals, underfed populations, educational setback etc.? Now that's louder than the explosions of 'Little Boy' & 'Fat Man' which befall Hiroshima & Nagasaki back in 1945.

Of course people may argue that different countries have their own ways in dealing on various issues but here, we are talking about the issue of sustainability as a whole, the Earth as we know it, is ageing and that happens to occur rapidly due to our doings. Is that matters only for Kenyans in Nairobi and doesn't concerns the Americans in New York? Hello, nobody lives in Neptune.

Sometimes I wonder, funny is this life.. While there are people especially those in the UN organizations who dine with silver spoons and drink in gold chalices while 'discussing' on matters pertaining to the world made up of 6.6 billion populations, there are others who are living on less than US$3 (RM10) a day!

Also, here are some alarming statistics for us to ponder:

1. In his book, The End of Poverty (2005), Jeffrey Sachs reported that 'more than 20,000 people perished every day due to extreme poverty'.

2. Every year some 10 millions die of hunger and hunger related diseases, a majority of whom are children.

3. Ironically, in 2006, an estimated 1.5 billions people are said to be overweight globally according to the 10th International Congress on Obesity.

4. The reality is, according to UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDG), in 2005 alone, some 1.5 billions people are still estimated to live on US$1.25 a day.

So, what's there in those figures? Painstakingly, those figures are over 100 times more than the number of people killed in Chernobyl Disaster, Ukraine (1986). But what's the difference? Here is one that I can figure out (anybody can simply figure this out, it's just a matter of saying it or not). We still remember the plights and outbursts of the Chernobyl tragedy, Tsunami, 9/11 attack etc. years after that, they still resonate in us.

But why is the case so different when 20,000 people dying of poverty? Is it less tragic compared to the others? Both are dying isn't it yet, why the ignorance? Could it be because most victims are from developing or less developed countries? Why the double standards and for how long?

I think this is where academic institutions fit in or shouldn't they be in the first place? Education, often touted as 'leveller of society' failed to live up to the expectations leaned upon them. Worse still, white-collar strategists, intelligences, masterminds and spin doctors are all undoubtedly talented scholars, products of established universities! Seems to me that education, believed to stem global disparity, in the end, guarantees its arrival.

Hence, with this acute awareness in mind (during an Earth Hour dinner while texting someone), I started to pen down this lengthy writing believing that 'Yes, humanity might has been robbed of a potential chances to unity but it takes more than all these to vanquish the idea of sustainable future, at least for now!' - D.M.B.L.

Till the next postings.

TIT FOR TAT

2010-03-23T18:48:00.003+08:00

RM0>Promotion's SHELL.SDN.BHD.
Tahniah..
Sim kad anda
Berjaya meraih
Cabutan bertuah
RM19,000
Sila Call di Talian
PEJABAT SHELL
0178949116

sender:+60145641200

This was a message sent to me this evening while I was enjoying the movie Confucius (clap2 to Chow Yun Fatt). When I first saw the message, I feel like my feet were millimeters above ground (we are talking about $ here) but as I came to my senses, I recalled some friends who had advise me to stay alert on possible scams which are lingering around freely on the net without proper supervision.

I directly googled the net; just to confirm that indeed it was for heaven's sake, a scam! So, what's there under their sleeves?

Actually, their modus operandi is quite simple i.e. those filthy scammers wanted us to believe that we are the 'lucky' one who had won their special draws by promising quite an amount of money (which of course, didn't belong to them). Out of excitation, victims will be forced to make contact and disclosed their personal particulars i.e. details, bank account, address etc. Once the victims were cornered, off they go! After couple of days, while the victims are busy listing down their shopping lists to make full use of the money, those scammers might have been already enjoying their vacation in Phuket! Sayonara to us, Sawadikkap for them.. Fair? Surely not.

Here are some 'rule-of-thumb' basics to counter this kind of scams BEFORE it happens because AFTER that, it's your own business duck!

1. Almost everyone knows that important matter as official as this can't be simply conveyed via a message. That's unprofessional so to speak. Why don't they just called or came with a formal letter?

2. Should a company desperately ought to send messages (we understand the impact of global crisis) why not use an official company number which is registered in the licensing board?

3. Esteemed company as great as Shell will never barge in to this kind of special draws, promotions etc. They have many great things to do in their mind. Rather than giving up capitals like this, I believed they would rather invest in something better. So, Shell would not involve in this type of play in the very first place, let alone pouring you RM19k.

4. Those scammers should mind their language the next time they wish to swindle. Tell you guys, your languages are very so-so.. Idris Jala wouldn't even think of you as Shell's counter receptionist with that level of command.

Should I learned something from this experience, it will be two things. Firstly, there's no short cut to everything. Yes, there maybe roads to success but as we journey on along the way, still there's loopholes that require us to be prepared all the time. Lastly, 'Google' really helps (thanks to both Larry Page & Sergey Brin)

p/s - The moment they said "You are lucky... winning..." is the part I realized that this is truly a scam because; I never gets lucky & I don't believe in luck!

Till the next postings.

INVICTUS

2010-03-01T21:37:00.003+08:00

I am no fan of literature so to speak. Yes, English maybe fun but it takes more than some skimpy knickers to get my head nailed to it. However, recently I've came across a poem written by an Englishman about 135 years ago and it's straight away became my favorite - without any second thought.

The poem called 'Invictus' which means 'Unconquerable' in Latin was a masterpiece by William Ernest Henley (1849-1903). Written by him on his hospital bed while he was being treated for bone Tuberculosis (TB) resulting in an amputation directly below his knee as the only way to save his life.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole.
I thank whatever Gods maybe,
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance,
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears,
Looms but the horror of the Shade.
And yet the menace of the years,
Finds, and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my faith;
I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley, 1875

I like the poem not because of the typical urge that someone needs something to hang on to - never crossed my mind. I like it because of it's straight-forwardness, simplicity and nature, that to me act as beacon in the storm, unbent and indomitable. The kind that steer one's determination through actions against whatever circumstances in life, that is to remain unfettered till the end.

If hardship and countless ordeals in life make you feel like the world is going to an end (which is common) then you are normal. If yesterday was your greatest regret, then you are still the human being you should be. If you are in pain, thanked God cause everybody felt it too. Everyone knows how it's like to walk the street and feel like the whole world is turned against you. Anybody knows what it's like to feel helpless and unable to defend yourself because the roar of the lynch mob is so loud that you are convinced that your voice can never be heard anymore.

But hey, remember this; your reaction towards the problems, the way you look at them with the thoughts of your loved ones around you and the conviction of your belief, might yield different outcomes. And that sometimes require you to be of the normal track - most of the cases, you go against the current. And that people, makes you a hero, at least to your own life. That's how 'Invictus' had influenced mine.

Till the next postings.

AFTER HAITI, CHILE... THEN?

2010-02-28T16:55:00.009+08:00

A new year which supposed to be welcomed with joy and glad tidings fall out to be disastrous, guess that's what it takes to be in The Year of Tiger. In January 12, 2010 alone a magnitude of 7.0 Richter Scale earthquake stroke the town of Leogane, some 25km from Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital with an approximately 230,000 people dead, 300,000 injured and 1,000,000 homeless.

Before long after that, the world was again in awe as Nature took its toll when on February 27, 2010 (yesterday) the capital of Chile, Santiago was pounded by a magnitude of 8.8 Richter Scale earthquake - one of the world's most powerful one in a century - killing more than 300 people (to date), toppled buildings and triggered Tsunamis that rolled menacingly across the Pacific. For news click 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Such devastation caused by the quake was immeasurable, unfit for words to describe. Maybe, for once I believe that pictures are indeed worth thousand words.

The aftermath of such magnitude has called for a state of alarm and constant avoidance to stay away from beaches for those who are near to coastal area as there are likely to occur rough sea conditions and sea level rising starting from 12pm-6pm today (sunday). A report released by The US Meteorological Department said that the aftermath of the tremor may trigger severe unstable sea condition, as expected Tsunamis to countries as far as Indonesia, Philippines and Japan in the Pacific - which means Malaysia is literally included. So, beware of the sea people, I know the temptations of Percy Jackson being the son of Poseidon (God of the sea) is irresistible, but get on with it, for now.

I don't know whether I should say this or not but I think everyone is feeling the same way too, at least I guess. Lately, world weather seems unstable. You may feel like boiling on your bed though you are in the heart of the tropical equator. Even, some of my friends studying in Europe said that they've gone weary of the numb feeling of coldness reaching below freezing point. Conclusion? You bet!

p/s - Sometimes we are bedazzled by peculiarity... you know, while other countries were struck by tremor naturally, here in Sarawak heritage such as 'rumah panjang' are being 'trembled' artificially. To what end? Strange.

Till the next postings.

YEAR OF INNOVATION & CREATIVITY: ARE YOU READY?

2010-02-20T13:53:00.005+08:00

The Malaysian government has named 2010 as 'The Year of Innovation & Creativity' (YOIC) of which the emphasize is to promote, inspire and empower youths to the verge of their inner instincts by tapping and maximizing unsung talents lies within. That said, are we ready as in unison ready?

But before we are to jump into conclusion, here are some day-to-day basics that we need to realize firsthand (some pundits may call them trivial but unless these are subdued, more likely to me, YOIC is but another utopia)

1. Anyone is born creative! Believe it or not? Believe it. During my first lecture in an engineering course, one of my professors used to say that he gave us 100% marks for his subject in the first class, meaning, it is our responsibility, choices and actions that'll ensure what we'll get by the end of the semester. Taking that into account, I want to think that in life, being creative and innovative also imply the same way. Anybody, anywhere was given the same opportunity to be creative, it's a matter of whether one used it fully or nearly a scant 2 pounds. Creativity must not be limited to mere arts, musics, science and talents. There's much more rooms for it to expand - if we allow it to be. I'd rather say, trying something new and off-trend is creative & innovative in nature i.e. restraining yourself in using plastic bags while shopping is creative - you helped reduce amounting of non-biodegradable substance! Also, shutting down your PC while it's not operating is innovative - you shoot 2 birdies with a bullet! (you helped to conserve the depleting energy + somehow, you literally pro-long your lappy's lifespan. What's more creative than that?

2. Failure is also a result & yet, you ignore it? Most people look for perfection that failure is not an option anymore. I recalled, my supervisor always mentioned that; failure is also a result! That it should not be ignored because the fruits of innovation are the labors and the hard work you planted before old. Remember Thomas A. Edison? Ludwig V. Beethoven? Erwin Schrodinger? How many roads of failure they walked before gazing upon the interstate of successes? It's hard to swallow, but the truth is... sometimes, creativity & innovation came as a result of incessant failures. Should you fail next time, don't hesitate to admit it folks, who doesn't anyway?

3. The next time you see the door slide, it's not due to hungry ghosts whatsoever, it's the wind blowing. This is something bounded by cultures and traditions. Likewise, we are fond with taboos, do's and don'ts since childhood living in a culture that is special in it's own way. I'm not saying that one should abundant cultures & traditions to be creative & innovative. No. But, once in a while, why not get on with it? I mean i.e. why must relate a cracking sound under your bed with some petty ghosts playing Big 2 cards waiting for you to scare? It can be also due to rutting woods generated from your squirming movements and deformation of material due to temperature different (being exposed during day so, it's time to stretch back at night! You see, even nature needs a break)

4. You felt that you've done your thinking, think again! Sometimes, people can be ignorant. Hellishly ignorant. Just because you won some competitions back in school, doesn't mean that you have an IQ level the same of Einstein's. Let say, your parents are doctors, it doesn't means that you'll automatically be a doctor just like them. The word is AUTOMATIC! Should you wanna be like them, you'll NEED TO be a doctor NOT AUTOMATICALLY popped out & voila, doctor you are. Nope. It's like going to church doesn't make you a Christian, anymore than standing in a garage makes you car! That's our greatest lousiness of all: the intuition to think! And just for the record, thinking is the only job in the world that may sparks you millions (should your ideas are peachy) but cost you nothing instead free of charge. But why wouldn't we take thinking seriously? Because we're taught that everything can be made instantaneously. That's what we're lacking of - thanks to 'instant' mania. You know, instant noodles, instant drinks, instant deliveries, instant prescriptions... instant death!

To wrap up, wise man once said;"innovation & creativity at best are often momentary in nature". I'm gonna have to agree with that - Maybe yesterday, they were in The North Pole, but today they maybe in China and who knows, tomorrow they maybe just under your nose waiting for you to tap! Everyone has the equal rights to be creative & innovative and as always it begins with YOU. Yes, you.

Till the next postings.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2010-02-07T11:46:00.004+08:00

Celebrating 1 year anniversary of As I See It. My utmost gratitude to all readers alike. My wish is that those pieces written here may become catalysts of change and beacons of truth over crooked misleading scribes.

Because I'd rather be in silence vice than cowering
in ostentatious virtues - DMBL.

LET ME SHOW YOU REAL SARCASM

2010-01-21T22:35:00.010+08:00

As much as the hot weather is concerned, the atmosphere becomes worse as it is heated by the uncalled, condescending remarks by both Hani Tarmizi and Mohd. Samad who blatantly dissed Sarawakians by their words in Facebook.

Now, this is not the first time ever did I heard these kinds of wild remarks. I remembered when I first came to further study here in Peninsular, one of my friends asked me "How did you came here? By boat?"

Thinking that maybe everyone is still adjusting to the brand new university life as undergraduates, I let it passed. Then, surprisingly again during orientation week when we was having group discussion, he said "You are lucky to be here, if not, you wouldn't make it should you still live on trees in the jungle."

Again, thinking that it was a prank (you know, orientation) I simply ignored him. You see how considerate I am, after all, 1Malaysia kan? It is not until one day he blurted out that matter again that I can't stand it anymore - hot weather coupled with hot issue, behold the hot temper!

I poured it all out in front of him saying how 'uncivilized' he was until his face turned red. You know, it's somehow really irritating and appealingly unpleasant to be called 'kampung' by someone who's actually knows nothing about what he said and yet behaved like he's living hundreds of years ahead of time.

Yes, I am from a kampung, living all my life in a longhouse isolated deep inside a jungle, so what? The way I see it, it is this kampung boy who came from a longhouse as he said, is the one who clearly understand the concept of 1Malaysia as proposed by the PM, that is to stay united and UNDERSTAND each other by living in harmony, and he, being so-called civilized living in cosmopolitans, exposed to various type of hedonistic cultures don't? Who's the real 'kampung'?

Regarding the question of me coming here by boat, I think any sane person who IQ is competent enough to logically think, wouldn't ask this type of question at the first place. It really makes you fall short of the average human intelligence. Anybody who's ever travel outside would abruptly know that Sarawak is the home to the second biggest airport in Malaysia after KLIA. Yet, you said I came by boat. Clearly you never once took an airplane, I guess. Latin Americans still live in places like Grand Canyon and in Northern America, there are people settling in Alaska, does it means that United States of America uncivilized? Babo!

Back to these 2 fellas, here are their nasty remarks.

To an opportunist, these remarks are yet another tool to create the already taken place tension among the various ethnicity in Malaysia unless of course we make things right. To me, as the one of whom these words are directed, it's inevitably uncalled for and worthy of condemnation. Worse comes to worse, you posted them on a social network such as Facebook that connects millions of people in the globe, though it maybe said to be unintentional, isn't it done on purpose when it comes to social rights?

Now, I'm not labeling all Peninsular people are ignorant. Never. In fact, most of my friends are from peninsular and we make good buddies. I am by comparison only referring to these 2 and those who said "Oh, you're Malaysian, where are you from? Sarawak, is it part of Brunei?" whenever I told them I'm from Sarawak.

It makes me wonder and ponder in deep perusal, WHY did some of the Peninsular people (not all) keeps on calling that we are uncivilized, living in the jungle, hunting wildboars and still have weird cultures like The Na'Vi in the movie Avatar?

My Conclusion: People's perception!

1. Firstly is through education. I recalled the last time when I was in primary school learning Kajian Tempatan and Geography made me almost puke. Not because of the subject but due to the loop-sided information in it. Whenever, there's an information about Sarawak, the only things that been mentioned about were pictures of rumah panjang, headhunting activities, weird rituals etc. Never did I saw any striking building like The A Famosa, KL Tower etc. being printed in the textbook - leaving people to believe that there is none of such in Sarawak. So, every single primary school kids who read Malaysian Primary School Textbooks are made to believe in their mind that Sarawak is nothing but a bunch of rumah panjang, headhunters and eccentric ethnics' dwellers. I know the intention of the ministry is to promote diverse rich cultures in Sarawak (2 thumbs up) but once in a while why not pictures of modernization i.e. the capital city, places of interests and tourist spots? Why must all the time portraying the past?

2. Secondly is entertainment and commercial influences. Almost every time when there's an advert regarding Sarawak, the contents are most likely typical - that same advert always shows Dayaks in loincloth using Digi, pictures of Orang Utans & hornbills, people living in rumah panjang and Jessica Alba playing the role of a maiden in Sleeping Dictionary - But, that's not all. Where's the picture of UNIMAS, Sarawak Cultural Village which host the annual World Rainforest Festival (attracting more than 100,000 visitors), Waterfront, Highland of Bario (home to the infamous Bario Rice), Mulu National Park (melting pot of natural biodiversity & dubbed as the biggest cave in the world which can accommodate 40 Boeing 747 aircrafts), Kuching International Airport etc.? Why must every time these adverts keep on showing the dull side of the beautiful land? Instead of jungles why not once a while show something more realistic? Not that we don't have one!

3. Politics. I'm not going to talk about this here because politics is not my forte. I just want to ask this question: Where did the politicians (Sarawak indigenous leaders) - the one who is elected by the people to make their voices heard - cowering during this time when their support is much needed?

I'm not suggesting that the commercials industries to stop promoting Sarawak. No. I'm making myself clear that sometimes why not let people see it the other way round. Enough with jungles, isn't it time for something more realistic and aesthetical? And to those 2 ignorant scums, do plan a visit to Sarawak the next time before you comment because you know what, the state you are now makes you looks silly.

God's willing, maybe by that your perspectives towards us may thrive to greater heights. Because to be called savages when you are not, hurts.

Till the next postings.

SLICES

2010-01-20T16:53:00.007+08:00

This posting is called slices due to its nature which is appealing to the contents - bits of things here and there. Frankly, I spent the whole week in front of the computer, final year project and of course, movies (some pundits may claimed it to be puerile, I called it multi-tasking!)

The first movie was The Blind Side directed by John Lee Hancock based on the 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a game by Michael Lewis. A true story of a 23 years old Michael Oher a.k.a. "Big Mike" (an African-American) who had always getting the shorter end of the stick in life due to his past yet miraculously re-shape the face of American Football history upon his adoption by white family (The Tuohys) who cared and raised him as part of the family. For synopsis, click here.

From what I saw throughout the scenes, Sandra Bullock's performance (who acted as the loving-mother, Leigh Anne Tuohy) is without doubt worthy of her Oscar, seriously. My overall rating would be saccharine-sweet!

"No matter who you were in the past,
let it pass... what counts is now and the way you live it
will definitely affect the future"

Leigh Anne Tuohy.

As much as I wanted to finish up my work, I simply can't resist the temptation to watch another movie directed by Thomas Carter entitled Coach Carter. Based on a true story of a basketball coach named Ken Carter which in his unwavering principles made shocking headlines in Richmond, California, 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic results.

Richmond High School was back at that time dubbed as incompetent school athletically and academically with poor enrollment grades for students to college was the center of the story which in time will transform America's perception on 'student-athletes' concept. A term which Coach Carter believed to be purposely misinterpreted by many (including the school's administrative board) - since you're an athlete, why bother study and have good grades?

Of which Ken Carter replied "The name is 'student-athlete' isn't it? Student and study comes first, then you become an athlete." His principles and ways of dealing the issue was the limelight of American news in 1999.

The man, who believed in tapping into one's true potential proved his critics wrong when later not only that his basketball team made it to finals losing to St. Francis by merely 2 points but also managed to witness 6 of his students enrolled into various universities upon graduation. And he is Ken Carter.

"What is your deepest fear? Our deepest fear is not that we're inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. It is not in some of us, it's in everyone, and as we let our lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates other" - Ken Carter.

Ya it has been a lot of movies marathon lately but I assure you, they are all worth the day. Most importantly, to me, both stories echo the same message of believing in yourself, as John Ondrasik's latest song 'Chances' summarized it all: It's all about taking the swing and knowing the beauty of the scars.

Till the next postings.

NAMING YOUR 'LATTE FACTOR'

2010-01-11T20:13:00.009+08:00

I'm gonna take a break from the arson attack issue of the Malaysian churches in this posting. You know, there's bunch of people mentioning about it already, be it in mass media or every day coffee-stall talk - without knowing of course, who's really behind the scene. Who knows, right now at this moment, a wacko-doodle who wishes for Malaysia's downfall through racial tension and disunity somewhere, might be planning for the next strike! And us? Still left behind with our itchy hands playing the finger-pointing game. What a sad ending that is should it become a movie.

Anyway, talking about coffee, lately I've just finished reading Start Over, Finish Rich by David Bach - a book which is timely to be read during this financial crisis, mind you avid readers, your eyes wouldn't blink as they go between the lines.

(FYI, I don't take coffee)

In the book, Dave coined a term called 'The Latte Factor' which is an euphemistic label for all that extra money we spend daily on non-essentials such as candies, cigarrettes, soda etc. for Malaysians - 'air warna', latte, 'roti canai' and yes, Kosmo. Dave make it even surprising when he said that those inordinate amount of money people waste on not-very-important daily basis when saved, can actually make us millionaires!

At first, I was quite skeptical though but hey here's a quick check on how it may work.

1. Identify your every day must have favorite which falls into the category of non-essentials (you will not die when you abstain it kind of stuff). In the US it is cafe latte but here in Malaysia, let's just assume our 'air warna' which cost you say 80 cents per cup.

2. Now, let's say your habit was to have at least 3 cups of 'air warna' a day (morning breakfast, lunch, evening tea-break, assuming during office hours)

3. 0.80 cents multiply by 3 will eventually cost you RM2.40 per day.

4. Now, RM2.40 x 7 days a week equals to RM16.80 per week. Meaning, you spent RM67.20 a month and worse comes to worse RM806.40 per year on just 'air warna'! Not to mention stuff like cigarettes, sweets, 'roti canai' and yes again, Kosmo.

5. On average, Malaysians spent at least RM2000++ each year on non-essentials as long as the Latte Factor is concerned. You believe it? Do your Maths.

6. I personally think that if we can sort of minimize these habits and know your Latte Factor, I'm convinced that anybody can invest their precious RM2K into somewhere else profitable - and it's as easy as to cut-off our unnecessary daily basis. Need not for plundering or sweat toiling whatsoever.

7. So, imagine investing RM2K a year. 10 years? 20 years? 30 years? That's how it makes a different translated into today's economy performance.

It starts with discipline and the way you name your 'Latte Factor'. This excerpt concludes it all;

"A latte spurned is a fortune earned!"
- People Magazine -

Till the next postings.

WHEN THE WORD BECOMES FRESH

2010-01-07T23:37:00.007+08:00

Typical-flaccid Malaysia is in uproar again - thanks to demo'crazy'! This time the stretch is induced by the circulation of the so-called 'confusion' in the use of the word "ALLAH" by the Catholic weekly published local magazine, Herald.

The spat began when the usage of the word "ALLAH" used in the magazine was wade public by one of the local media. The issue dragged for quite a time and ended up in the High Court favoring the former. However, some of the Muslim Malays are in the view that the decision of the court was uncalled for that the use of the word may confused the public. The situation slides down abruptly when some group of individuals threaten up to organize riots to manifest their protest.

Now, I am not a theologian or an ustaz to comment but what can I say are inscribed in those words below:

1. The Herald magazine is published on weekly basis, meaning "ALLAH" was not being used yester week nor the week after, but for the rest of these time as well, so, why make it a fuss now?

2. The word "ALLAH" is the translation of the word God. Is "ALLAH" exclusively for Muslims and God is meant to be for the Non-Muslims only?

3. Having a chit-chat with a friend of mine, a Muslim, is truly meaningful. Here's part of our discussion of which he said "... No body who is sane enough to understand the teaching of Islam is going to be confused with the word "ALLAH" with other religion. Only our politicians got 'confused' and that's why this things happened... I'm fully aware what the first chapter of The Holy Quran said and it's clearly not The Lord's Prayer!" That's what I called a true Muslim who knows his religion well.

4. You see, the only person getting 'confused' all this while are some politicians who played their cards off-stage to provoke tension in the community - and seriously, we fall for it?

5. Don't we all believed in one true God? At least, that's what I am thought about religion. If that is it, therefore, it make great sense then, that others should called Him by the same name because there is no other God. Don't you think?

6. There's no need for street protest whatsoever because if one really have that ample time 'demon'strating on roads with this issue, why not take issues like child abuse, drugs trafficking, pre-marital sex, corruptions etc. which are happening right in front of our eyes every day seriously by rioting? That'll make you 'God'ly!

Again, I strongly feel that this matter should not be brought up to court at all at the first place, both Muslims and Christians alike, who believed in God must do some quick check on ourselves first because the way I see it, we're just as equally none better than others in handling this matter by letting the court decides when it comes to religious affair. Isn't that clearly a political move? You bet!

Till the next postings.

JAKU ANSAH 2010

2010-01-03T11:30:00.010+08:00

Nyadi tu digela aku,
Ai takang tunjang teberu terutu jemu ujan nyaya,
Ai buah apung sepugu keberai nadai lepa,
Ai tusu tanah ladu beri antu Bunsu Sempandai,
Ai tambak bukau galak tumbuh sekeradak keruang sungai,
Ai sepeta bunga jawa tumbuh di nanga kerapa melai,
Sua enjok suka tendok,
Datai ari teluk baya Bebangai,
Suruh anjung Burung Ketupung,
Surung anjung Burung Beragai,
Lalu dianjung Bujang Lempong ngagai landung tanah landai,
Ujak pulut lemak ujak selepak buloh balai,
Nyau kelama, peda nyadi deh,
Belayan padi ari kaki sampai serarai,
Peda mansang padi bangang nunda segang pasang lemai,
Peda buah padi mudah udu manah besai tangkai,
Lalu diambi Dara Sanji isi ngagai lanji tikai kemebai,
Simpan Dara Rawan dalam pelawan tajau rawai,
Tutuk Dara Gawuk ngena ceruk ngambi ka nyamai,
Pelaki Dara Mereti ngena ragi ulih meli tumpuk kedai,
Dipulah Seripah Dayang Ani, bini dudi Patinggi Ali Datuk Intai,
Dia ia lalu disimpan sida dalam kutak begambar singa,
Ditaruh sida teguh-teguh di supermarket kedai cina,
Lalu dibeli Bujang Wi ngena duit pala raja,
Nyadi diatu ia dipeda kitai nerachah mua bala,
Laban Ai Brandy campur Whisky aku tu,
Endang sigi pama pemadu-madu ia bisa,
Teleba ngerebah ka jelu gajah begading dua,
Kena sida ka bujang belaban bungah enggau sida ka dara,
Lebuh ka besemaya di kebun bunga muzium negara.

Tang ka saritu tadi,
Ia dikena aku ngansah terinting puting dabung seleka,
Enggi kita wai akan,
Ka terengkah di blog aku sapit tikai anyam tiga,
Ngambi ka seregah kita taing-taing inggar didinga,
Munyi pusin bilun terebai enggi Sultan tuan Raja,
Kena ia pulai ari matau menua,
Aku ga meda pala kita nyau repa ulih idea pukul rata,
Meda belakang nyau bebendang tinggang seludang baju kasa,
Punggung nyau penuh laban gelung rajut bisa,
Meda lengan nyan enteran sangkuh temaga,
Baju udu badas sempama kain permaidani sutera.

Gaga meh aku serta gagit,
Nyingkang ke bulang kaki chawit,
Miau kita ngena selanjau ijau manuk Kunchit,
Aku ga miau semang kita ari belakang mulai ka tumbit,
Ngambi ka Yang tinggi kita enda kudi ngeransi mimit,
Laban aku tu ukai biau sengapa ukai pia,
Tu ga endang nunda Aki kami Apai Sabit Bekait,
Bujang Ancung Selung Bebelit ngetan ka pintu kota langit.

Nya alai nyau lelak kenu tudah aku di selepak ujung jari,
Miau kita enggau selanjau ijau manuk Lelaki,
Nunga kita ka kemumuk duduk bebandi,
Ba kerembai tikai anyam bediri,
Meda pakaian kita chukup manah udu rami,
Style baru putung tukang cina Miri,
Jangkuan kita tanggam jam tali luji,
Manuk tu meh kena aku miau semua kita ke lelaki,
Ngicha kita udah di biau aku,
Enggau selanjau ijau manuk Tawi tu lagi,
Pagila lusa ke dudi ari,
Pandai kita nya sekula abis Degree bulih Master bisi PhD,
Sida ka kerja kebun tulih ka puli mayuh jereki,
Kaban perintah arap ka ransing ngemaju bansa ngelui ari,
Chukup maya rebak baru megai menua nyadi menteri.

Naka penyuma aku nelenga ka rasa dabung kelabu,
Miau kita enggau selanjau ijau manuk Indu,
Nunga kita ka beketunga duduk empuru,
Ba kerembai tikai sapar rampu,
Manuk tu meh kena aku miau kita ti dara enggau ke indu,
Meda buk panjai kita tak lepai-lepai mulai ka dagu,
Mua tampak kita nyau radak-radak udu tampak baka telu,
Umba baju style baru bedabung iku,
Ngicha ka kita nya ila tauka diatu,
Pegari nama suah dikejaku,
Laban kita tu meh endang sempama Kumang Jawai dulu,
Dikeran ka orang kin kitu,
Mentas pendiau serta landik pengawa indu.

Lama ga meh kaki aku udah bediri kasak-kasak,
Miau ka selanjau ijau manuk Bejalak,
Nunga kita ka kemumuk duduk betapak,
Nasit manuk tu manah mimit peda aku,
Bisi dunggul silai tiga beserak,
Meda pakaian kita nyau melan-melan nyau kechirak,
Betanchut redam bebaju burak,
Nya alai manuk tawai luan pirak tu,
Kena aku miau sida ka anembiak,
Diatu amat meh sida nya agi mit lachit serta biak,
Tang ka dudi ari pagila lusa sapa nemu,
Engka sida bisi kenyap,
Dimbai Sempandai seduai Pandak Segatak,
Berani ati panjung nyeradak,
Nan ke pulau menua Sarawak,
Tan berujan ka leka meriam kempang betimbak,
Gagit bepekit ngemaju ka diri belajar berentak,
Mali sumbung kaban sekampung,
Nadai kepapas bela bebatak,
Nya baru gaga Petara Aki Petara Ini,
Meda peturun sama mansang angkat enchelak,
Amat gayu kenu Sentuku, gerai ko Sempandai,
Selamat Tahun Baru 2010!

THAT FIRST TWO LETTERS

2010-01-01T22:53:00.007+08:00

Every time when the clock ticks passed midnight on the very eve of new year, new chapter unfolds. With hope in mind, to the future we must.

As I peek to the intangible days ahead of me in 2010, series of events which took place in 2009 started to constantly bugging my head. Good ones and bad ones alike, I choose to let bygones be bygones. As one my friend back in matriculation always said "life is already complicated, why make it even worse?"

As an ordinary 22 years old yet-to-graduate student who believed in himself fondly, I am more or less like anybody else - grateful and enjoyed the full ride of life's roller coaster in 2009! Life a.k.a. the ride, is always full of ups and downs, for sure, but somehow it is filled with surprised and moments that defines it forever... In the end, though mind boggling, it's indeed worth the price! Don't you agree?

As new year approaches, it does not only bring a 'new year' by itself alone with it. Like it or not, it comes with countless of 'new' stuff package. New hope, new resolution, new goals, new surroundings, new attitudes, new clothes etc. new moon? That goes to Edward Cullen.

In short, when new chapter begins in one's life, almost everything becomes new. Since it is a new year, this article will be focusing on new GOAL for the year. Can you believe me people when I say that even though our GOALS may be different, there's something about it we should have in common! Yes, regardless of your dream of something which may be too small a punch or something that packs too big a wallop, I repeat we have similarity - Yep, THAT FIRST TWO LETTERS i.e. G-O-a-l

I don't know what President Barrack Obama wished for nor do I dare to question what YOU are planning for too, but the only thing ALL of us must do is to GO for our GOals!

When I attend my first lecture 3 years back, I still remember the phrase which my lecturer used to tell us "the poorest of men is not the one without golds but the one without goals"

Many dreamed and chased after theirs but very a few would really GO and grasp it. No matter what your dreams are for 2010, remember to GO for it because unless you GO for it, your GOal will incomplete - other wise, it's kinda weird to have --AL alone without GO in front! I can't imagine, people asked "what's your --AL for this year?" Funny isn't it?

Joke aside, that's the importance of that particular first two letters. Without them, the word becomes incomprehensible and to your GOAL, without you really GO for it, what's left is only an incomplete --AL!

Best wishes and all the best for the upcoming year to all. Till the next postings.

SEASON'S GREETING!

2009-12-25T02:24:00.002+08:00

THE LAST TIME YOUR "BELL" JINGLES?

2009-12-12T21:09:00.009+08:00

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to ride, In a one horse open sleigh..." That might be one of the most well-remembered Christmas songs ingrained in our hearts since childhood.

With the translucent-seductive-well-played-manner of the music that jingles through our ears, "Jingle Bells" seems to suggest a carefree, fun and joyful life one should take. Almost the same as Timon & Pumbaa's "Hakuna Matata" in The Lion King.

However, joke aside, LIFE isn't a BELL after all. No matter how much you tried, it'll ceased to jingle. Too much a force, your bell may be broken into pieces and likewise, too low a force exerted, it's voice dampen. That's the reality of our so-called "bells".

It is quite alarming to hear that most people considered richness, health, dreams etc. to be their greatest gifts of all and worse still, quite a number mentioned about money, power, lust, drugs, sex etc. Well honestly, I don't have the authority to pass judgments for at the end of the day, it is all our choices. Both of us may be right or wrong.

But, don't you think it's quite straight-forward notwithstanding to consider life itself to begin with? Something is missing and that is indeed the greatest of all. Our "bells!" Yep, LIFE itself. Can't you see peps, should you not being born, would you be who you are right now? Will richness, love, family, money, sex etc. come had you not coming to this world first? Perhaps, they may be counted in the other realm but as for now, I'm pretty sure that to be able to have the opportunity to live life as it is, I'm truly grateful!

Since it is Christmas, I would earnestly remind both you and myself about how Christ had jingled his "bell" very well that it surely was, is still and forever echoes till eternity. You see, He didn't need neither The Big Ben in London nor The Big Clock Tower of Notre Dame in Paris to do so, He simply jingled his, and the chimes follows endlessly.

Hence, it is not where was the last time your bell jingled but when? Me? There's a whole lot of walk-the-talk grabbing and renewal of hope in my window of soul lately - and that's when I know my jingle bells are coming in right all the way as 2010 approaches!

Till the next postings.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

2009-12-04T14:10:00.014+08:00

Almost now and then, when December arrives, clouds of happiness and envelope of love engulf us all with joy, hope and renewal - for it is the month of salvation where The Messiah is born.

As we struts and frets along side the roads, almost everywhere the very essence of the season's gestures can be felt whether you are in the midst of a bustling 'pasar malam' street or inside the biggest supermarket itself. Everyone, everywhere seems to be in merry-making.

However, let us also be reminded that far beyond these, there are more to be felt and seen. Whilst celebration and joy are good, let us at the same time not to forget on to count our blessings, thanking the almighty creator for everything. Yes, everything! And that only cause you a simple "THANK YOU"

Some may say, since everything is countless, why bother counting? In that case, take a look at these:

1. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. "If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

2. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness....you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive today.

3. If you never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of the other 700 million people in the world.

4. If you can attend a place for worship without the fear of harassment and arrest, you are far more blessed and envied by 3 billion people who never know who God is.

5. If your parents are still alive and married.... consider yourself to be rare because out of 10 marriages, 8 of them come to no avail.

6. If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm! Why? Because you are unique to those who thirst for happiness and in state of sorrow and despair.

So, what now?

If you have read this message, consider yourself lucky! For you just received double blessing as someone is caring enough to think of you as very special and you are more blessed than over 2 billion people who can't read at all!

Have a good day and don't forget to count your blessings. Till the next postings.

COURTESY @ FOR U TO SEE?

2009-11-20T19:54:00.003+08:00

Words can be compelling and sometimes lead to dreadful sets of what-is-he-talking-about scenario. To portray courtesy in every day's relationship, we utilize the very best of our communication ability - saying "Hi" and questions like "How do you do?" or at least a smile to people around us. In short, living in a society pre-described above promised great deal for resuscitation after long day stretch.

However, does the end justifies the means? What is the real purpose of asking for somebody's well-being at the first place knowing that you cannot do anything about it? Ya, I know, most of us named it courtesy but what's the big deal of being courteous if one is lacking of sincerity? Is that how our real society work? So, what's the purpose of learning civic lessons in school remembering all the 80+ moral values (I don't know the exact amount because I don't wish to remember them for the sake of passing the paper - that's why I only managed to get an A2 for Moral subject during SPM, I guess)

Anyway, back to business, for instance, people used to ask, "Hi Tom, how do you do today? Or the least "What's up Clark?" To you whom the question is directed, of course, it sounds comforting but to the people who are asking for the sake of courtesy, that question just now is yet another rotten smirk conjured just for you to see.

Believe it or not, almost every time, the answer to such questions will be either "Fine, thank you" or "I'm great!" If you are skeptical, make it a try. You'll be surprised with random people giving almost the same answers! And how is that possible? Again, it's because of courtesy!

No matter what's your ordeal is at that moment - whether you are at the brink of an abyss facing the greatest emotional breakdown situation of your life or stranded in an agony of sorrow, still your answer is going to be "I'm okay!" Why? Again, courtesy!

So, the question is, since it is public courtesy and you realize no matter what the situation is, you always know the answer it is going to be, why ask? That's the different between being courteous and showing sincerity.

Phrases like "How do you do?" and "Are you okay?" can be good and bad at the same time. Good in a way that people is being comforted in a short period of time of course, but at the same time it is also a bad thing to ask depending on your state of sincerity. Will you ever help to the extend of beyond your horizon?

In any given evening, have you ever stumbled upon a scene whereby you are to ask an old folk about what he is doing, knowing that he is indeed virtually doing the gardening in front of you! What if he/she answered "Can't you tell, I'm doing the gardening of course, so, will you lend me a hand?" How will you answer to that?

Or, say one of your friend suddenly answered "I'm not okay right now, I'm fall short of pennies, will you borrow me some?" How much is "some"? or will you help if that someone is a complete stranger?

I agree some may argued that, at least somebody is caring enough to ask compared to someone who keeps his/her mouth shut at all denoting his/her lack of interest. Some may say, it all depends on the other parties trustworthiness. Of course you'll never lend money to strangers.

Absurd as it maybe, I still hold on to the notion that keeping our mouths shut somehow is favorable rather than playing with people's sentiment depending on to the situations as the saying goes silence is golden rather than busy but clumsy!

Watch out your courtesy folks. Till the next posting.

THE GREATER QUESTION

2009-11-11T22:27:00.007+08:00

I am amused with this news reported by The Star today. Click. The news covered on the story of our very own child prodigy, Adi Putra Abdul Ghani, 10 years old who are now making his way to become a millionaire. By the age of 10, he is already a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 2 companies and earning RM6,000 per hour of lecture.

Stories of child prodigies are no shocking incidents at all. Even before this, Malaysia (partly because her mum is a Malaysian) was blessed to have a brilliant child named Sufiah Yusof who once entered St. Hilda's College, Oxford Univ. at the age of 13 due to her deep fascination in Mathematics.

"What did you do when you are 10?"

Apart from that, there are also stories of other genius kids all around the world such as:

1. Arkit Jaswal, who read Shakespeare at the age of 5 while performing a surgery at the age of 7 and became India's youngest undergrad student to attend Punjab Univ. by 11 years old.

2. Song yoo-Geun, who performed Schrodinger equation and enrolled at Inha Univ. Korea by the age of 8!

3. Mohammad Hossein Tabatabai, who is able to recite and interpret the entire Koran at the age of 7!

4. Or consider Tiger Woods who began to play golf at the age of 2!

5. And of course, the now higly-praised teen star Miley Cyrus who in 2008, was listed in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in The World. Forbes magazine ranked her 35 on the "Celebrity 100" list with earnings of $25 million.

While there maybe child prodigies around, let us also be reminded of those children who are less fortunate, underfed, massacred and side-lined in some other places due to terrorism, war disputes, famine and other disasters alike.

Most of us may be dragged into a conclusion that, we are less fortunate, less smart and exceptionally ordinary compared to these prodigies but remember, there's bottom millions worse.

You see, there are people who enslaved themselves dedicating ripe old 30 years of age working as a bread-winner for the family, yet in the end, dying in debts on hands while others (celebrity such as Miley Cyrus) simply hit their millions before the age of 20! Come to think of it, life seems to be unfair, don't you agree?

This brings us into seductive deductions of:

Premise 1: Miley Cyrus is rich.
Premise 2: To be rich is successful.
Conclusion: Should we become like Miley Cyrus?

Premise 3: Adi Putra is a genius.
Premise 4: Being genius is successful.
Conclusion: Should we become like Adi Putra?

I may not know what you folks there are thinking but to me, no matter what is the definition of success is, I'm still me! I guess, you should be YOU too. As for me, when I was 10, the only thing I can recall is the part when I was gallantly enjoying my vanilla ice-cream watching the then infamous cartoon Scooby-Doo.

Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda summarized it all when he said "Yesterday was history, tomorrow's a mystery but today's a GIFT! That's why it's called the PRESENT!"

Since we cannot change nor reverse the past and that somehow we can influence the future, the greater question that needs crucial attention is "what will you become 10 years from now?" And that starts with YOU, NOW!

Till the next posting.

SERIES OF EVENTS

2009-11-03T20:40:00.009+08:00

Quite a number of events (good, bad, new, old etc.) occurred these few days leaving this once hype, exuberant still in exam-mode silhouette young gun to be cornered. Thanks to the internet, though life seems pretty in hiatus (you bet, it's exam week peps!) still, each passing days continue to surprise us with shall I say, yet another mumbo-jumbo?

1. Enough said with the rankling THES-QS rankings, the recent view pose by USM's VC, Prof. Dzulkifli explains it all. I certainly amused with his argument stating that - ranking is nothing but a herd mentality takeover! Constituted of course, by geezers who had not come to their senses (at least, not for now) to figure out that old ways of ranking universities are obsolete and do not mean much for the readily extreme complicated world now we are living in. But, guess who's the one creating those mess if it's not per say, old-timer geeks from "world class" universities? If you catch my drift.

People pridely wishing to be champions of the world. Gearing up tiredlessly to meet standards in order to be ranked "world class" becomes their outermost priority. But look, few ever stumbled upon themselves asking this very important question, "whose world" or 'which world" are we talking about?

While there maybe hundreds of Nobel Laureates produced every year by this so-called celebrated "world class" universities, how much did it means to the bottom billions of the WORLD? I shall say that if you happened to be on the bustling street of New York with a penny under your sleeve, consider yourself lucky because on the other side of the real WORLD, someone might be starving to death in Kibera Slum of Kenya in Nairobi! Or, while Shah Rukh Khan may even 'own' lands on The Moon (report), thousands of people fall short of enough ration and homeless in India! This is the type of the real WORLD we are in. Unless this prevailing truth being comprehended dearly, I must say our understanding of the WORLD is seemingly limited. When I was a kid, I used to sing a song entitled "It's a small world" in Sunday School. Come to think of it, our world is the same the way it should be, the only thing which is shrinking and getting smaller is I doubt, our understanding on it!

2. Also, there was this story of an unfortunate 18 years old girl of Iban and Chinese parentage named Marina Undau from Sri Aman Division, Sarawak. Her story gained national attention when her application and appeal to enroll into one of the Malaysian matriculation colleges was apparently rejected by the Ministry of Education due to her being in non-Bumiputera (non-native) status. Click here for the news. Sincerely, in an any given day basis, termination of any application is normal - it's part and parcel of life - however, the reason given by the ministry has invoked a state of chaos on the land. The reason of the dismissal was that “the candidate is categorize as non-Bumiputera (father is Iban and mother is Chinese)” based on a definition used by the Student Intake Management Division, Higher Learning Department and Higher Education Ministry.

Their definition is as follows:

Sarawak – “Jika bapa dan ibu adalah seorang Peribumi Sarawak seperti mana yang ditakrifkan dalam Perkara 161A(6)(b) Perlembagaan persekutuan; maka anaknya adalah dianggap seorang Bumiputera.” (If the father and mother is a native of Sarawak as defined under Article 161A(6)(b) of the Federal Constitution, the child is considered a Bumiputera).

So, that is her case. She's being turned down because she is not a Bumiputera. To be frank, in the first place, the idea of being Bumis or vice versa should not arise. There's not need to be a Bumi when you are already a Malaysian. 1Malaysia concept, remember? Worse still, how can one ever permit a promised future of a girl scoring 9As in her SPM slipped away just because of silly wordings on a piece of paper? Enough already with the whole confusions, isn't it time to move forward?

Looking into this issue, I will not take it personally (though I'm an Iban myself) like others who blurted out passing judgments blinkered by emotions. Of course people can burst out and press on their feelings and complaining but don't we aware that, our whining actually complicates things more? In a democratic country, The Constitution is the supreme law and once a law is constituted, it shall be abided unless a motion is tabled in the parliment to amend the law with 2/3 majority support from all the parliment members. That's the truth. Can it be changed? Certainly!

The way I see it, in order to avoid such disgrace again in future, someone should stand up and this started with our YBs (representatives in the parliment) involvement to table up a motion to amend the law, but in time like this, when the plight of the people is at stake, where did our so-called YBs go? Sadly, most of them are cowering under the table, snuggling in comfort. Not only that, from my observations, many of our YB's married to non-Bumis, but still, the sons and daughters getting scholarships and were even sent to study overseas. How do you explain that? What a waste of my grandma's vote! If this is the case, then, I shall not voting. But, one thing for sure, given the opportunity, I'm still in favor of mix-parentage family come what may. So, bye Bumi status. I'm a Malaysian anyway.

I believed one's eligibility is not measured by one's status but his/her capability - regardless whether you are the son of a king or a farmer's daughter, should you excel in studies, scholarships and rewards are yours! No such things as double standards and as* licking here man, if you want it, prove it!

3. Recently, a video of some incorrigible young brats is circulating in the Youtube! What's the odd of a bunch of kids making video anyway? (news) Surely, it's nothing. Simple move here and there with a little bit of shuffle dance. That's all. But what triggers strain was their behavior of insolently mimicking 'solat' ritual in a church! That is completely wrong though you are a kid! Being pranksters do not mean that one can scrutinize others' beliefs. There's always a limit to anything let alone serious matter as far as religion. To my Muslim friends, I am deeply sorry for this irresponsible deed. Sometimes, some people just hate to look before leap.

This becomes my concern since that particular church of which this disgusting video was taken is my hometown church back in Betong, Sarawak - the one that used to be my sitting pew every Sunday without missed for more than 12 years because after that, I continued my study in other places. At first, I was struck to hear such news (bad news) about something that holds back countless sweet memories - of course not with the beautiful choir girls on the music chamber nor being an altar boy on the tabernacle - but of a place which you spent almost every bits of your childhood.

It still fresh in my mind, the day I was gonna recite my first prayer in front of other kids at the age of 5, the merry-making scenario during Sunday School. Not to mention Ms. Helena with her ever tender voice asking us to stay put (You know kids...) and my parents parenting on the pew style of bringing - whenever in church, you should sit in front!

I remember when there was a time when my friends Ching Ching (Buddhist), Zul (Muslim) and I were playing hide and seek just in the vicinity of the church area, yet nothing ridiculous happened, though all of us were grounded the next day as a result of Ching Ching accidentally broke some tombstone by the edge but that's all. No big deal because everyone knows their limits and holding on to respect each other. That's how it was back then. The issue of mocking each others belief and way of life is out of question! Guess nowadays kids are getting twisted by too much exposure to mass media etc.

Above all, I believed not a single religion in this world teaches their practitioners to be disrespectful towards others. It's the same goes to either Jesus or Mohammad nor Buddha and Krishna. All religions are good as they always are. The only thing less good is us, human. That's why things like these occurred. And you blame it on to religion, law and the world? Common peps, wake up!

Till the next posting.

I LIKE YOUR THINKING: THE LESSON FROM LIL. JOHNNY

2009-10-26T11:12:00.012+08:00

When I was browsing the internet this morning, one of my friends e-mailed me this cute story of Little Johnny. Check it out.

A teacher asks her class, "If there are 5 birds sitting on a fence and you shoot one of them, how many will be left?" She calls on little Johnny.

"None, they all fly away with the first gunshot provided that the shot missed." The teacher replies, "The correct answer is 4, but I like your thinking."

Then Little Johnny says, "I have a question for YOU. There are 3 women sitting on a bench having ice cream. One is delicately licking the sides of the triple scoop of ice cream. The second is gobbling down the top and sucking the cone. The third is biting off the top of the ice cream. Which one is married?"

The teacher, blushing a great deal, replies, "Well I suppose the one that's gobbled down the top and sucked the cone."

Of which Little Johnny replies, "The correct answer is the one with the wedding ring on!!... but I like your thinking."

Ya, we may be cracking out loud because indeed it is funny but hey, don't you mind counting how many of us really think like the way Lil Johnny did? Unprecedentedly, almost a little, just as little as Lil. Johnny is. Most likely, the rest befalls in the teacher's category. Of course I'm not suggesting all teachers to be liken like that (though some might be).

Thing is we, the rakyat feels that our leaders (very certain individual) are less critical compared to Lil. Johnny, let alone surpassing his way of thinking. This can be observed in the current debated hot-cupcake issues i.e. the teaching of sex education in school, banning of condoms and the postponement (or should I say canceled?) Beyonce's concert in town, complete the list.

Before going on further, let me just briefly remind all that unless we are ready to open up that narrow mind of ours and be contemporarily suave with sex issue, please, by all means, stop reading. There's no purpose of continuing if at the end of the day, what we got are just cornflakes, believing that all this while we are chasing after a rainbow.

Anyway, regarding sex issue, the problem lies not in the issue, it simply lies in the word "sex" itself because somehow in our country, the word "sex" suggests a negative connotation, coined by some insolent brutes craving for sheer pleasure neglecting the honor of it rampaging innocent lives as little as a 9 years old Nurin! Common peps, can't you think or at least be struck with owe, for Devil's damn sake, what do you expect from a 9 years old kid anyway? Fun? The next Alpha Lion? Go get some hookers!

These sort of happenings made us to believe that there's no more room left for goodness in sex. Imagine, everyday, the young ones are being bombarded by the news from the newspapers (especially Kosmo, which to me is more or less a rack worthy to be used as washroom utensil, which printed every single page with none other than stories involving sexual harassment - A step-father raping a daughter, a grandma molesting a grandson etc. The list continues, you name it). I don't know whether the readers are aware or vice versa, but can't you tell that's part of strategy in biz?

Again, one thing for sure, when it comes to sex issue, almost it is a taboo. It will be the last thing on Earth you discuss about with your parents. Can we not see where is this going to bring us? Say a pure innocent child filled with curiosity and enthusiasm wanted to know about sex, who do you think the most suitable of person should he/she look up to? Friends? Maybe, if the friends are really FRIENDS, what if these friends were to be misleading? Obviously, say bye to virginity.

At last, the best resource a person can have is none other than their parents. Fullstop! This starts with a more open disclosure of a pure and good side of sexual relationship to the kids. Though awkard, but everything has it first right? For instance, you can never straight away walking upon birth, firstly, you need to crawl and so on so forth. That's life. So, the real big question mark is how can the good side of sex prevails if at the first place our society declined to acknowledge it? Unless we're sincere to set aside sex taboo in our lives, voila, we are forever be Sleeping Beauty readily prepared for our neck to be chopped.

On the other hands, for both banning of condoms and Beyonce's cases, I believe some people need their lens to be cleaned because they fail to see the thing in a big picture. How can these people ensure that social problems involving sexual harassment can be stopped just by setting up slogan (should I say politically-moved propaganda) banning the use of condoms? Some of these religious individuals argue that the use of condoms signal a green light to various sexual issues in the country. Freak as they were, aren't they blind or something? Can they not see, with or without the use of condoms, sexual harassment, pre-marital sex, rape etc. still happen drastically - check for yourself in your so-called Kosmo!

So, to abandon the use of condoms, which is somehow believed to reduce the possibility of pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), aren't they are the one promoting sexual problems in a long run?

In the case of Beyonce, I guess, she's the one who should be questioning the sceptics about rules and regulations of this country. I suggest B should begin with the question of why an artist of no calibre such that of Faizal Tahir (anonimous in world stage) behave like an underage monkey on stage while performing in front of thousands of crowd and yet, no actions were taken on him? Yes they are rumors that he was penalized but is it true? No one mention anything.

Next, when a local indie band performed in a peculiar manner understood only by their fans in Dataran Merdeka every year, did anybody say anything? Again, none. To make things more interesting, when the westerners bluntly condemned this country back in 1990's for human rights scrutiny and muzzled every single piece of Malaysia's voice internationally, where did the pessimists go? Care to explain for yourself?

I'm far from biased here because to tell you the truth, I'm not a fan of Beyonce whatsoever. I only questioned why did some people refused to see things logically amidst the fact that even a multi-million diva like B is willing to abide with the local dressing code in her performance, so, what's the fuss? Sometimes, we just don't get it, when a diva cared enough to tolerate, why on Earth should a 'no body' dare to postpone and make things complicated? Truly intriguing human is.

At this rate, people must be made understand that sex, condoms and Beyonce are not the core problems, the main problem is our certain leaders are still of that the Lil. Johnny's thinking. They refused to acknowledge the big issues and continue on around playing with the rakyat's sentiments to gain support and popularity - mind you, the rakyat is not that easy to be swayed! At least not in As I See It.

Little Johnny in the Kirk,
make our leaders think at least,
the way you smirk!

Till the next posting.

2010 BUDGET: FROM A STUDENT P.O.V.

2009-10-25T16:31:00.006+08:00

Last Friday, October 23th, 2009, The August House was once again in clamour upon the presentation of the 2010 Budget delivered by the PM. In particular, the budget seems unfriendly since it indirectly involved the rakyat the like of which the previous budgets had done before - no bonus for civil servants, no dramatic decrease hike in consumers' daily needs such as in goods, supplies etc. Click here and here for news coverage.

However, in a bigger picture, the 2010 budget which is proposed to be allocated around RM191.5 billion, 11.2% lower than 2009 Budget estimated RM215.7 billion should be considered timely. Why? Simply because the year 2010 is still in blurry and 2009 has thought us a lot. Here for full speech of 2010 Budget.

What happened in 2009? The Malaysian economy is an open economy leading it to be vulnerable to external trade and international capital flows. Hence, as result of the global financial crisis alone, Malaysia's exports fell sharply at 23.4% in the first quarter of 2009. Similarly, the Industrial Production Index (IPI) declined at a rate of 12.7% coupled with an amount of RM3.6 billion decreased in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) the same year (source: 2009 Economic Report). These alone remarkably made us in shambles.

Though the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that the economy is going to expand by 3% in 2010, pre-emptive measures should always be at hands to minimize further repercussions in the country.

As the PM mentioned in his speech, the budget is seen to be of a value-for-money budget. It is meant to cut down wastage in terms of expenditure and creditworthiness to control inflation and enhance overall revenue. By doing so, the government wishes to strictly decreases fiscal deficit which is projected to be 5.6% GDP compare to 7.4% in 2009.

The people must know that their purchasing power and value of money depreciates with time when inflation comes into picture. The RM1 today is nothing compared to the RM1 our forefathers used to spent 40-50 years ago. My grandpa used to tell me that during his time, a bowl of 'kolo mee' - Sarawak special made noodle - only cost him 20cents. Meaning, having RM1 in hand at that particular time already made him popular among the ladies! Nowadays, things change and the change is inevitable. RM1 is just a cup of 'air sirap' costing you, say 80cents. Like it or not, that's how it works and it will continue to work the way it is.

The scope of this article intends to view only the educational part of the budget dealing especially with higher education learning answering questions like why is this budget important to us (graduates/students)? Why should we bother and what can be done of it?

So, what is there in 2010 Budget for students? Generally, I would say nothing much but at least they are i.e. the government promised 30 of the country’s creme de la creme students to be awarded National Scholarships strictly based on merit, which will allow them to further education in world-renowned universities commencing next year. The universities are also granted own autonomy in certain areas pertaining to R&D in accordance with the emphasis to better competency.

Also, those who get National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans will also see the loans being converted to scholarships beginning next year — if they graduate with first class honours! Buckle up guys! In addition, all university students will be offered a netbook package of RM50 per month for two years, including free broadband service. Here for the news.

As you can see, the economy bothers us a lot especially to those who are going to graduate next year in 2010. Unless we are aware of the situation around us, we'll be forever left behind lacking in one of the best thing you & I wished to have more than anybody else: money.

Many think that economy matters only for the economists, however, I believe that the time has come for everyone to at least has the knowledge about money. The sooner you realized this, the lesser the opportunity of you folks being deceived straight down under your nose!

Till the next posting.

FINALLY

2009-10-20T23:49:00.005+08:00

After like 46 years, finally 16th September has been added and granted as national public holiday in the Malaysian kaleidoscopic series of events. Click here and here for news.

Historically, 31st August every year is to commemorate the independence day of the federation of Malaya in 1957 not Malaysia. Malaysia existed only when the federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak agreed to become one entity in September 16th, 1963. Hence, in an appropriate manner, the true call of freedom for Malaysia should befall on the latter's date.

Whether the recent decision made by the government is seen to be a discourse of sincerity or politically moved, either way, is out of the question. The truth that September 16th deserves public holiday and being realized is more important so that the future generations know well their very own forte. What more can a citizen asked for, if it is not the sheer truth of his/her country?

Till the next posting.

THE RANKING RANSACKED

2009-10-08T20:13:00.011+08:00

Recently, the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) -QS World University Rankings 2009 is out. To the pessimists, it's just another annual rankings done yearly by some foreign organization out of boredom but to many especially those in the academia - this really rings a bell & the echoes are irritating.

So, in which ranks do the Malaysian universities belongs to? let's see...

Among the public universities, only UM made it to top 200 this year leaving UKM, USM - our so called APEX univ - UTM & UPM behind. Surprised? Frankly, I am not. It's somehow predictable. Why? Before further passing judgments, let's just peep into what are the criteria of the survey based on to.

QS managing director Nunzio Quacquarelli said the rankings identified not just the most highly-ranked universities in the world, but also the best performing universities in key subject areas, the universities most targeted by employers, those producing the best research, those investing in teaching and those with the most international profile. Click here for news.

I believe with this revelation, USM's credibility as an APEX univ. will be questioned. People will of course, start to compare as natural as it should be. One of the most predicted cynicism must be: what happened to USM ranking? Isn't it's the national APEX univ - huge amount of government money had been invested upon it plus it even has free autonomy to filter own selection, so, how on earth can it be outran by non APEX univ. in this matter?

I'm not against rankings. It's something good to remind us all on reality. My only query is that, is this survey/ranking really laid on tangible ground i.e. what kind of key subject areas are we looking at? which types of employers are we referring to (international, local)? what kind of international profile we are talking about?

In simple words, what I mean is that after all rankings is just an indicator posed by a foreign organization - complete stranger to our education system - who in their capacity, did they once step foot in this country experiencing for themselves our lecture hall? If not, then it is more or less the same as saying the Northern Arctic Polar Bear as off-white skin when it is not! Do you actually know that they have black skin? Think again.

Of course the main aim of the public Malaysian universities should be at least on the top 50 list of world rankings, that's for sure but I would say, in a long run universities should be more focused on their social responsibility by giving back to the society directly or indirectly. Directly, by means of the 'midas touch' of the graduates contributing back to the community upon graduating. While indirectly, academicians must be proactive in their researches not only to uplift living conditions of the public but most importantly preserve nature and promote sustainability in their scientific endeavors. Such are the essence that our universities still lacking of these days.

As the American poet John Ciardi put it all: "A university is what a college becomes when the faculty loses interest in its students"

Until the universities in Malaysia realized this, world rankings is but another coffee-stall everyday talk. Being part of the USM undergraduates, I would suggest that USM should first promptly abide to the immediate check-up. Unless this is resolved, the realization of world class university as a viable concept will face a daunting uphill challenge and it starts with you, inside, NOW.

IT'S O.R.A.I.T. TO BE COOL!

2009-09-23T15:10:00.011+08:00

For the last couple of days, me with some friends were in the ICG '09 at Plentong, Johor which gathered up almost 600 youths (i.e. Catholics & non-Catholics and a Buddhist friend) throughout the country.

Not only that the participants were nourished physically (thanks for the sumptuous delicacies especially the fish fillets) we were also blessed spiritually with the hospitality and events i.e. praise & worship & talk sessions held during the camp. Then, not to mention those stories when old friends walked down-memory-lane brooding the past.

I maybe biased but needless to say, ICG '09 is a success. Thumbs up to all my friends in the organizing committees for a job well done!

Of course, as someone who upholds the spirit of humanity, others' rights are top priority but being a Christian I am, ICG '09 has thought me quite a simple lesson: it's O.R.A.I.T. to be cool! O.R.A.I.T. as in the acronym of "Our Religion As the In-Thing"

Some of the points stressed out by the speakers during the session was quite intrigued and mind-opening. I remember Augustine Anthuvan mentioned about how mass media affecting the minds of the people by means of their news reporting. Challenges come not when the media are at complete tremor but it's when injustice pertaining to the people and how the journalists react that matters. He was also quoted saying that not all news @ events are to be reported in response to public sentiments, of which he argued those reports maybe offensive, so, the question is, how and in what ways do the media practice freedom of expression when certain things (truths) are still being swept under the carpet?

Again, there were quite a number of speakers such as Tricia Yeoh, Slyvester Wong, Fr. Jojo and Jerald Joseph who believed that one should be able to stand up to affirm his/her faith in order to face the real robust world.

Juwita Suwito rapped up everything well when she said that faith should be made personal in our living: to be portrayed in every single thing we do, becoming the salt and light of the world starting from oneself.

If ever I were to learn something from the event, it must be the fact that everyone is different and unique in their own ways of contemplating the word "cool". To me, differences and uniqueness are perfectly imperfect! Otherwise, life must be very dull when things are all the same, don't you agree?

Cool in the way that, it reminds us to lead this precious-one-and-only life to the fullest accordingly to christian values and applying them to daily life. As I always believe, one may know all of the chapters including pages of events in the Bible, able to speak in tongues and evangelize, purportedly claimed Lord Jesus as saviour etc. but in the end it's the mere truth that actions speak louder than words that counts.

Here are some pictures for you peps, of us been there doing these... enjoy!

"Red Sea" of Majodi, Plentong, Johor.

Yellow group doing the long-loss air-walk!
Pleasure to meet you guys.

When old friends meet again...
L to R (me, Didi - the event director & Harris J.)

Friends from USM Health Campus
Sudi - 3rd right, ICG'09 T-Shirt designer

My must-have going places trademark!

You think u can do it again?
Tried several times but turns out to no avail
L to R (me, Yokun & Amie)

Back in campus in front of USM main gate
God blesses CUS SA!!

May the ICG '09 left footprints of hope, courage, and faith to all as we walk our journeys and as we go on, let us be reminded of those who are marginalized, asylum seekers and prevalence of injustice around us that through you, they will also experience the love of God.

MOMENTS THAT DEFINE A MAN

2009-09-11T11:44:00.007+08:00

America's 16th President Abraham Lincoln @ Abe used to say that "Anyone can be leaders but it takes great responsibility to be a man"

One cannot simply becomes a man without first experiencing certain moments that defines it.

As we grow up, things change - rule of thumb. No one ever born yesterday, miraculously still the same of who he/she was years after that. Even Benjamin Button grows up younger though born old. That's life. Everyday's situations and actions we took become more difficult. Back in childhood, you just have to do it to get it – you know, you cried in the hope that somebody will get you what you want, isn’t it? Now, it involves some nervous system reacting to the brain through the medulla oblongata before electric current is being translated into a process called thinking! Worse still, some even refused to think even though capable of doing so. Weird life it is. So, buckle up peps because we'll go through those moments now. See, whether we are fit to be one @ vice versa.

1. Realizing you don't know everything! In laymen word, we should be humble in the face of knowledge because not all did you know is all there is to know. One may have thousands of degrees in science, arts and economy but at the end do he/she knows how to operate and maintain a chainsaw? Where's the best site to plant a mule? You see, not all we know. Not because me & you are stupid. No, no, we aren’t and we ain't good either. It's just there's limitation to everything. That's why life is unique for we cannot live alone. We need others to fill in our know-everything pothole slots so that it'll complete as Pierre Simon De Laplace (1827), great mathematician once said “What we know is little, what we don’t know is immense” Have you realized it before?

2. Receiving your first real defeat. When this is mentioned, we are not talking about your losing to juniors back in school days. Here, we’re referring to adult defeats – heartbroken, being dumped, family estrangements and losses – the ones that cut deep straight into ego leaving scar in you because as can be seen they spotlight failure of temper (make you look un-cool), character and maturity. When this kind of moments appeared to be on your way, what will you do? Are you able to limb to your feet, stand tall and smile with your teeth missing? In simple words, are we going to let go off our ego? You’d better be if you wanna be a man!

3. Becoming an orphan. This is certainly the most defining one, when both of our mom and dad are officially 7 feet beneath the ground. Suddenly, we’re all alone by our own to head the family. In a blink of eyes, it feels like the clock stops ticking. No more advice and cuddling around – even though those are the things we hate most when they still alive – To my friends who have loss their precious ones especially parents lately, I offer deep condolence. I admit that I’ll never understand those feeling until the very day I lose them too but till then, I just wanna be the very best I can, at least, to make my parents proud of saying: “That’s my son!”

4. Choosing to marry. This is one of men’s nightmares because it is a matter of life and death. I am not talking about some partners who took bow minutes ago, then go for a break up after hours of marriage – that’s not even fit to be called a marriage, it’s more likely a relationship miscarriage! What kind of person do we want to spend the rest of our life with? Can you imagine, you’ll be on the same bed for say more than 40 years! I believe this is serious matter and only a dumber refused to acknowledge it. Recently, there’s a friend of mine who are in a relationship dilemma of reasons only he knows – Having quite a heavy fruitful talk with him - If ever I were to learn something, it’s must be his remark saying “There’s concrete reasons why man keeps secrets.”

5. Becoming a father. I know I’m not entitled to talk about it simply because I’m not married yet but from my observation as I’ve always said to my dad “Anyone can become a father, but not all can be called Dad because to me a dad is someone whom I’ll always look up to no matter how tall I’ve grown up” Upon hearing that, all he did was smile, that’s my dad – the very person who never once lay a finger on me – yet, I’ve become what I’m now.

So, for those who have been through all these, YOU ARE THE MAN!

INTELLIGENCE IS NO MORE A LEGEND

2009-09-09T11:55:00.006+08:00

Everyone everywhere wants to be intelligent. Who doesn't want to right? Not only that our intelligence may help to discern our standing in the society but it's also valuable for our future undertakings. So, where did this intelligence thing comes from at the first place? Heredity? Fate? God? By the way, what's the true meaning of intelligence anyway? Can both you and me become somehow extra-ordinarily intelligent? Did someone who scored high during an IQ test implying an intelligent persona?

What is the sole thing that provides us with sensation, governs our thoughts and drives us to explore our desires? Lust? Determination? You bet, it is the brain. This organ is so simple and yet so complex and at the same time embodies an unsurpassed fragility. In a way, our brains govern all the activities of the mind. So, for a start, did good brain implies better intelligence? Meaning to say, those who are mentally-retarded are way to be intellectually smart?

Although in western culture we perceive intelligence to involve skill in academic subjects and science, intelligence can take on different meanings depending on the circumstances. In an urban environment, having "street smarts," the ability to get around in a city, is of utmost importance, and different cultures place emphasis on different faculties of the mind in their definition and value of intelligence.

That being said, the currently accepted all-around definition of intelligence is as follows: intelligence is the capacity to understand one's external and internal environments, think rationally, and use resources effectively when faced with challenges.

IQ tests are rarely competent in perceiving one's degree of intelligence. The only benefits of having a standard and accurate intelligence test are obvious. Placement in schools and jobs would be easily determined and everyone could justify their level of achievement according to their IQ score. However, things are not nearly so simple. Even at its current best, intelligence testing contains inherent flaws that do not allow one to simply determine intelligence from an hour-long test.

The theory behind the IQ, or intelligence quotient, is that there is an average "mental age" for people of different ages. Thus, an IQ test is a test designed to determine a person's relative intelligence using a quotient. By taking a person's Mental Age (MA) and dividing it by their Chronological Age (CA) and multiplying by 100, we get the Intelligence Quotient. Thus, a person who has a Mental Age equal to his or her Chronological Age would have an IQ score of 100. This is supposed to be the average and most common IQ score. So, peps if you are to score around 100-120 in IQ tests, be reminded that you are just mere average. Don't simply brag about something you omitted to know otherwise, the end will justify the means.

It's time for us to widen our perspectives on the matter of intelligence per say. If the society can eventually cuddled to the present IQ test method of determining one's degree of intelligence, then why shouldn't we consider other theories - which is more to life - such as The Multiples Intelligence Theory developed by Howard Gardner & The R. J. Stenberg's Triarchic Theory?

According to Gardner in his book, The Five Minds of Future, an intelligence person of the millennium has to master the 7 separate domains of intelligences in order to be justly talented. His pool of domains encompassed:

1. Musical intelligence
2. Body Kinesthetic intelligence
3. Logical-mathematical intelligence
4. Linguistic intelligence
5. Spatial intelligence
6. Intrapersonal intelligence
7. Interpersonal intelligence

R.J. Sternberg, whose interest in intelligence testing originated with his own test anxiety, is one of the foremost contemporary figures in intelligence theory. His main contribution was the triarchic theory of intelligence, which incorporates practical knowledge as a part of intelligence. According to Sternberg, the three aspects of intelligence are componential, experiential, and contextual.

1. Componential Intelligence - involves the mental components involved in analyzing, processing, and organizing information involved in problem solving.

2. Experiential Intelligence - the part of intelligence that involves the way that past experiences and knowledge affect a person's ability to solve problems.

3. Contextual Intelligence - takes into account the ability of a person to use his or her intelligence to face everyday demands. It is in some ways a measure of a person's "street smarts."

Moreover, history had shown that one did not to be specifically intelligent to become successful, it's more on how one's interact with each single essence of life. Einstein never took an IQ test before being dubbed as the greatest physicist of all time, so on with Mozart, there's no such thing as an IQ during his time yet he's the most celebrated artist ever lived and also neither did Bill Gates ever think of an IQ driven formula to be successful becoming one of the richest on Earth. All of them shared only one thing. They know the key to success and that key is way in our mind waiting for it's time to be heeded as Rene Descartes once said "I think, therefore, I am"

"life is where intelligence operates' and not in the classroom. . . . The true measure of success is not how well one does in school, but how well one does in life" - Anon.

FLASH OF GENIUS

2009-09-05T21:47:00.007+08:00

Aside of The Haunting in Connecticut, Flash of Genius is one of my favorite movies this year which is based on true-story account. I always liked to watch a memoir type of story-line which to me is practical and rational. Those stories somehow inspire and remind us on how ordinary people somewhere doing extra ordinary things portraying to all that's the sky is the limit!

I believe for those avid drivers out there, windshield wiper is nothing new to you right? But, do you know who invented it? I mean the present intermittent windshield wiper? Back in the circa 1940, Ford Motor Comp. (FMC) is already a titan in motor industry. In the US especially in the city of Detroit - the very heart of Ford manufacturing plant - thousands of cars are being produced every year.

Amidst all the glory they meant to deserved, the one and only problem FMC ever faced is the fact that their wiper is considered to be a hindrance - due to the continuous motion of the wiper - to the driver whenever there's drizzling or cold days during winter season.

This is where, in 1948, an inventor, Dr. Robert W. Kearns comes into history. Armed with a PhD in Electrical Engineering at hand, he invented his own version of wiper which is electrically powered by seperate entity to the engine allowing it to be operated hence without energy source from the battery. Dr. Kearns also mentioned that his wiper functions more likely as eyelids. Meaning, his version of wiper will intermittently blink for 3 seconds before resuming again, in stead of continuously wiping without halt which may distract driver's view point. With that, voila! That's the history of our present intermittent windshield wiper! Thanks to the Kearns!

I know, it's just a wiper though, so, what's the big deal? Nope. The story doesn't end there. The story started when he filed a legal suit on FMC of patent infringement of which he claimed that FMC had practically stole his idea assuming that it was their own. So, the fight begins.

To make things sad, everyone close to him including his own family (his wife - Phyllis, 2 daughters & 4 sons) abondant him leaving him alone fighting for the right he believed is destined to be his. It involves family conflicts - how a father deals with his chidren amidst chaos in his career, things he loved the most i.e. invention and the real face of the states conglomerate manipulative world, where the rich, in this case, FMC, exploits and manipulates others for their benefits.

The story of Dr. Kearns, who during the court session is represented by none but himself - no lawyers dare to sue the then, top gun of the state - dedicated his 12 years fighting for something worth than life to him with the hope that he'll bring change to America's history, with the support of ones he loved (family) pays off.

As it is written - truth prevails - at last, it is fated in the hands of the court jury that Ford's infringement was not deliberate and award him $10.1 million and the right to claim his invention as his own. He later sues the Chrysler Corporation and wins $18.7 million judgment against them.

Not only that The Kearns had shown great courage in manifesting their believes but also what's more important is their determination in the spirit of never give up despite being offered millions of dollars settlement before court - some sort of under table money to settle things before it drags into court. His story has tremendously shaped America's patent law terminologies forever and in his honor, The Society of Inventors was established.

Click here for film info & here for the life of Dr. Kearns.

To me, it's a worthwhile almost 2 hours must watch inspirational movie to remind us all of the beauties of our inner self, really. There's time in life we might feel that we're down and the world is against us but wait, remember Flash of Genius, remember Dr. Kearns bravery and his soft-deep voice saying "If I don't continue on fighting, who will?"

OF HAPPENINGS

2009-09-04T13:40:00.005+08:00

With every single second gone, Merdeka month had left us behind, couple of days ago. During these days, many unexpected events is happening. From a stink strike of a boil to some friend's family loss and an incident claimed to be demonstrated in front of the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia, as a sign of protest for a documentary made by the Discovery Channel which accidentally featuring Indonesian proved Bali Dance. Click here.

All of a sudden, it seems that we're all toast! Variability and uniqueness of life segmented by different racial backgrounds, traits and traditions somehow project these variables.

What tomorrow brings, fate of this nation - what's happening to both you and me - I don't know. Clairvoyancy is none of my expertise plus I don't wanna be some weirdo like Nostradamus predicting the future where own fate is at stake.

But, what I do know and wanted to believe is that through all the problems and hiccups men can choose to be who they wanna be - worse @ better - of which I strongly agree the latter should take precedence.

After all, historically proven, evidence of humankind evolution is strictly driven by nature itself. Meaning to say, only those who survived natural processes (anything confronting us be it death, politics, economy and social matters) shall stand.

I often disgusted with some immature men out there who by right (in terms of age and experience) is indeed a man but pitifully do not contemplate to it. Being a man comes with a responsibility and respect. I'm sorry to say but to me those creature who takes advantages and hardly shouldered accountability is somehow considered yet-to-be a man.

I'll be talking about moments that define a man in the next posting. Till then.

MERDEKA DI MATA KU

2009-08-31T14:22:00.004+08:00

Payah nak dirungkaikan

Namun dipaksa juga

lidah yang berat

Agar kita bisa mengerti,

ironi merdeka sebenar.

Apalah ertinya merdeka

sekiranya kita asyik bertanya

tahun ini kali ke berapa?

Apakah nikmatnya kebebasan

kalau kita asyik

mengagungkan kebaratan?

Apalah maknanya perjuangan?

Jikalau kita gagal menebus

dan mengisi kembali

maruah kemerdekaan.

Apalah gunanya semangat?

Jika jati diri anak bangsa

luluh dimamah

kerakusan zaman.

Mampukah kemerdekaan ini berkekalan?

Harapan tinggi menggunung,

nyata dan luhur

Tapi mudah digoncang

akibat usaha yang kabur.

Usah persiakan

langkah pahlawan,

jangan perlekehkan

khazanah warisan.

Kerana ranjau kehidupan

pasti berliku

Tunduk kita jangan

pada pihak lawan

Walau terpaksa kita tangisi

setiap bibit penderitaan.

Lantas bertanya pada mata ku;

Inikah ertinya

sebuah kemerdekaan?

Andai diri penyebab kepincangan

Rela diserah nyawa sebagai taruhan

Kerana di sebalik kibaran Jalur Gemilang

Kain lusuh makna seribu

Jutaan nyawa telah terkorban.

Selamat hari kemerdekaan, Malaysia!

DUPED, ARE YOU?

2009-08-24T01:59:00.006+08:00

Nowadays, most people is desperate to have degrees - be it Bachelor's, Master's @ PhD - because their importance is very much significant that it's likening to be some sort of a guarantee when one is in the hunt for jobs in the real world but the question remains - do you know what you gonna do with it, say if it's a fake?

Out of deprivation to be self-enriched and superior to others, one dares to spend on education - even if it's a bogus degree - Who cares anyway; I got the qualification, I do my job, get paid, my employee happy & end of story!

Some even desperately go for instant degrees - which popped out from now where - and the number of cases involved is alarming as reported in today's The Star. Click here.

According to experts, the sprouting of the rogue degrees are spurred by the needs of current demand especially in the career based line. People is indeed in the need of grooming so deeply that they even cut straight through ego for a better life.

The news started to sell like hot cakes when everyone rallies to see for themselves lists of institutions worldwide that had been band by JPA in that matter.

One of the victims mentioned that he's duped by the scam and the fact that some SPM drop-outs having MBA puzzled me.

A dupe is someone being a victim of deception intentionally, leaving him/her clueless. So, how on Earth someone's with a reputation of high achievements and better still, a PhD holder being duped? Is it not implying that the culprit is but a dork at the very first place - in his capacity as an academia, didn't he know his alma matter? How can he be clueless about the existence of an univ. who's going to confer him an honorarium later?

Then, there's this case of individual getting MBA from never-to-be-heard type of university oversea - who failed to sit for SPM let alone passing - consuming spaces and doing nothing in our already cramped career waiting list.

Are all of these portraying a good image to us? Seriously, no. Forget about image and other things, let's focus on reality; One can has hundreds of degrees, twenty master's and eleven PhD's but for what? Worthy to be in the hall of fame, that's for sure but to me one is still a wacko even with thousands of degrees qualification if one still can't tell between a truth @ lie. Worse still, what more if it's a fake one.

Einstein is no scholar in his heyday - being a patent officer and part time researcher in the Univ. of Zurich, Swistzerland before his theory is granted - yet, he is one of the greatest physicist ever. So, how many degrees did he have?

Nope, I'm not anti-education & harboring jealousy. In fact, the more people having post-grads degrees the better. In a way, it's in handy with the nation's vision to have at least a number of 60,000 PhD holders by 2020 not including Master's. Click here.

I'm curious about what's going to happen in the near future when bogus degrees begin to be rooted in our society. Somehow, the government is signaling a green-light to the invasion of rogue degrees by allowing underground colleges whose operating on money-business selling degrees to be established in Malaysia.

Sincerely, I would say, it's not how many degrees you have but how many degrees (successful people under your supervision) you produced that counts.

WE'RE ALL THE SAME ANYWAY

2009-08-22T12:08:00.009+08:00

Now here's something for you guys out there to chill out on this fresh Saturday breeze. Some scenes from various caught-on-camera candid.

I like their world where law of gravity is void
allowing them to levitate.
But hey, guess this actor forget to unfasten his watch!

When a policeman point a gun
without pulling the trigger,
even I dare to become a mugger.
Would you? Ha2.

A scene from Troy starring Brad Pitt.
Hopefully, he'll not mistakenly differentiate
between a bird and a plane.

Sometimes you just got to do things in a shot.
You know, acting and modeling.
It's like having a cake while eating it too.
Maybe that day, ADIDAS had special
promo in the Caribbean.

Now, above all, let's have a stroll on down-memory-lane of the well known once highly celebrated international actor who blatantly kills thousands of lives in his capacity but nothing less a scum in real life. Have fun!

Bush: Where's Iraq? I can see nothing general!
General: Maybe, it's out of range Sir.
We'll get you a new one. (mitigated speech)
General: Knock it off... how can you see,
you are not even opening the lens!
(monologue to himself)

Best part of all guys, you'll be grateful to have sane leaders here in our country upon seeing this.

Bush: Child, what are you laughing at?
Continue reading and smile to the press,
it's crucial for my next presidential election.
Child: Excuse me, Mr. President, but I can't help
myself seeing you reading upside down! Ha3.

p/s This posting is not purposely intended to offense anybody by any means. It's just a reminder of who we really are - Humans! Between us, there's should not be any disparity and the notion of freedom and equality remained echoing flawlessly.

OF LATE

2009-08-21T23:06:00.004+08:00

It has been a while since the last posting and as expected life has been mutely subdued in stems of projects & assignments, let alone lectures aside - such a bummer. Anyway, this posting should be lengthily null, so, it'll be gleanings from here and there.

Firstly, today's news in it's latest update stated that the current H1N1 death toll already hit 68 cases nationwide with the dismissed of a 33 years old pregnant lady who died in Johor yesterday. Click here for full report.

Considering the disease's vulnerability, the ministry had specially launched a website dedicated to guide and update people in dealing with the issue as an early preemptive measure. The site is available to be accessed here.

Last but not least, since Ramadhan is in the corner, I would like to have this opportunity to wish all my Muslims friends a happy and fruitful fasting.

p/s Hopefully there's a truce in this forgiving month.

IN-DEPTH OF INDEPENDENCE

2009-08-17T20:04:00.008+08:00

I remembered some time ago, one of my history teachers used to poise this simple but somehow difficult to answer question; "What's Independence Day to you?" Back then - as mere impish yet to mature student who believed flattery might work against teachers - unknowingly, upon hearing it, the first thing I did was chuckle as I know rule of thumb always governs - standard question comes with standard answer. I replied "To me... bla bla bla..." You know it people, provided you catch my drift.

Well, that's what we supposed to get as a result of too much abiding in definition. Between a war veteran who fought victoriously against all odds during pre-independent days and a post-independent kiddo - their views unintentionally skewed and the reason behind this is simply experience. To the present day youths, experience is all we need. Don't be mistaken, I'm not eliciting a war, demonstration or something - what I'm trying to say translated into today's point of view is that we are doubtfully, lacking of experience in terms of courage, patriotism and honor.

If truth be told, seriously, both you and me need not be a henchman of war - luckily, Malaysia is war free - in order to portray our courage and spirit of patriotism if that's what we are lacking of. One of the very genuine ways of showing our pride is by raising up Jalur Gemilang - if you are to hoist it up then it's better! (make sure you have rope and pulley). Again, it's not something to brag otherwise it's off purpose.

I understand after all, Independence Day is not about flags raising and merry making but aren't it obvious that the present youths (not all) are somehow seemingly off track of the real meaning of independence?

It's disheartening to hear but facts remained where it's reported that there are groups of people making fun of the flag by raising it up-side down and even burning and tearing the cloth into pieces without knowing that each single stripes was made of each personal stint of blood of our previous heroes dying protecting the country from dignity and insult of highest degree. And yet, to date, the fact that some good-for-nothing irascible young brats playfully mocking and dishonoring this heritage really arouse my firing guts.

I know, you may asked; "Why bother, you are not even born during the call for Independence Day yet alone fight for it?" Physically, I'm not there and even worse, nothing can be done since it's already water under the bridge but tell you what, in case you forget, Rome was not built in a day! If ever a great and unfathomable civilization who stood for thousands of years collapsed through stupidity and lack of wits, what more can a freshie nation like Malaysia who desperately yearning for her people's consciousness do?

The time has come for us to ponder on to this matter seriously. Go to hell with those politicians craps and never-ending lies - when problems alarming, they'll straight away rescuing themselves and their cronies but how about you and me? Those people who are less fortunate? Where do we go when something especially events concerning this nation were to occur? Unless both of us are heir to some sort of billionaires like fathers - born with a silver spoon and private jets as toys - we better stop being cold.

So, what's true meaning of independence? Let me be straight, don't ask me, I don't know either - I'm not some patriot eccentric acting like a saint claiming to know all - but what I do know and sure is the fact that certain quarters making fun and taking lightly of the invaluable independence, we now by virtues of courage, sacrifice and dignity have is unmistakeably wrong!

To the past war veterans regardless of your accomplishments, I salute. To the post-independence generations of which yet to prove something in the making, let's just heed the call of reviving the spirit of Independence Day, realizing the slogan; "Our flags, our pride" This poem; Salutation To The Dawn summarizes it all.

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life,
In it's brief course,
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence;
The bliss of growth
The glory of action
The splendor of beauty,
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow only a vision,
But today well lived
makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day,
Such is the salutation to the dawn.