SELAMAT HARI GAWAI 2011

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.