Thoughts and Ideas

Bush's Farewell in Iraq

2008-12-15T19:35:00.002+08:00

The video clip shows President Bush being thrown 2 shoes from a journalist at a press conference.

What a farewell indeed.

My Latest Favorite Song - Here in My Home

2008-12-10T00:07:00.004+08:00

I believe that, for Malayians to be united, what we need is 'modernization' of the mind. Where, we are proud of our diversity. This can be done mainly through education. Good education that opens up our minds will eliminate 'extremism'. Extremism in terms of race and religion.

Contrary to what others might believe, I honestly see HOPE in Malaysia. Those who think Malaysia has no future are those who choose to complain instead of fighting for a better future.

Where else on earth can you find a country with such diversity and hardly any history of racial riots? The answer is ONLY in Malaysia. That is what makes Malaysia so special.

Al Jazeera's Interview with RPK

2008-12-05T18:32:00.002+08:00

The interview will feature Riz Khan, asking questions about Malaysia's freedom of speech to RPK and two other guests from the media industry. During the interview, home minister Syed Hamid Albar is contacted through phone to explain his side of the story regarding the issue.

Part 1

Part 2

What I will miss about Brisbane

2008-11-26T01:44:00.011+08:00

This post will be personal. In about 20 hours' time, I'll be boarding a plane back to Malaysia! It has been approximately 9 and a half months since I came over to Brizzy on 14 Feb 2008. Back then, very little did I know that this 9 1/2 months would be one of the most amazing journeys in my life.

So, here is a list of what I'll miss about Brisbane:

1) Housemates

Number one has to go to my housemates. Thanks to people like Andy, Tom, Janice, Erika, Hector, Marimar, Sharif, Marie, Fabian, Wan and Benni... Haven't I learned so much from them. I had the luxury of first living with my fellow Malaysians (Andy, Tom & Janice), who helped me settle down in the new environment. Then, I started to hang out with the lively and passionate Latin housemates (Hector, Erika & Marimar). For my last semester, I was living with the crazy and fun Europeans (Marie, Fabian & Benni). To balance things up, there were Wan from Thailand and Sharif from Iran/Emirates. Living with these guys made me felt like I was learning something new everyday. Perhaps, the best thing they taught me was to express myself, to bring out my passion and emotions which I often kept within. Through these awesome housemates, I got to know theirawesome friends as well: Sofia, Ramees, Svenja, Jorge, Jeffrey.

2) Coursemates

Well, we go to class together, skipped class together and studied together in the library before exams. Didn't we skipped many classes huh? I have to specially mention the two ladies, Kay Eann & Eva, whom were my closest university companions during my stay here. Too bad I won't be joining you guys for graduation. Then, there's Jeremy whom I had the pleasure of working with for The Deal. I have to also mention guys like Colin and Patrick.

Although not exactly my coursemate, but Kuan Ming was kind enough to lend me his car while my parents and girlfriend came over to Gold Coast and Brisbane for holidays.

3) Soccermates

Have to start by mentioning the our great captain Teppei who is always very passionate about the team. The other wonderful teammates were Teddy, Tony, Neo, Hiro, Shintarou, John, 2 Ben(s), Julian, Ryu, Harris, Brett, Van... I will never forget the game against the German cum European team whom we beat them 4-3 with only 9 players! That was the best football game in my life.

4) YAW

I wanted to join YAW because I thought that would be the best way to learn the working culture, and get to know some local Aussies. For 6 months, we ran a T-shirt company. We learned, worked, rushed for deadlines, argued, laughed... The final rewards are Awards from YAA, friendship and experience that will give us the confidence to dare to dream to be an entrepreuner in the future.

The company consist of Ming, James, Tim, Yean-Joo, Jason, Tameka, Li, JiaLing, Sharon, Bowen, Kesley, Claudia, Yee Li, Sylvia and me. There were also influential mentors like John, Berhane, Saurav, JB, Peter and Pepper who were consultants for Accenture. I was very lucky to have had the chance to work with every member from the company. I will highlight Ming and Yean-Joo, who earned a great deal of respect from me.

Interestingly, it was through Tim whom I got to know my soccermates. Cheers.

5) Toastmasters

Gosh...I will definitely continue Toastmasters back in Malaysia and recommend it to anyone. Thanks to Toastmasters Indooroopilly, my public speaking has improved by a great great deal. I no longer speak with "um"s and "ah"s; and my confidence has skyrocketed.

I owe this improvement to all the members of the club. Special thanks to John Wells, Carolyn Phillips and Derek Miller. If I ever become a public speaker one day, you'll know where it all began.

It it through this club, where I met really nice people: Tiro, Milena, Yean-Joo (who brought me to YAW), Jason, Alvin, Rathi, Greg, Andrew, 2 Peter(s)......

I often spoke about my passions in my speeches. And, after speaking about them for everyone to hear, I feel the extra desire to fulfill them. Awesome!

(It's now 5.30am...*yawn...... To be continued)

Barisan National vs Pakatan Rakyat | Who's winning?

2008-11-19T15:53:00.006+08:00

(As I upload these pictures, I can't help but feel that OTK and SV are rather insignificant.
It might be more appropriate to put pictures of Albar and Hishamuddin or Muhyiddin or Ali Rustam......)

Much has happened since the last time I made a post in this blog. To simply summarize the situation of the politics in Malaysia, it is a mess for both parties.

Both parties are having conflicts within themselves. For BN, this is very well noted in Wanita UMNO and MCA. There are also conflicts between UMNO and MCA regarding Ketuanan Melayu issues. With Najib pretty much confirmed as the next President of UMNO, the calls for Abdullah to resign earlier seems to have died down.

As for Pakatan, cracks and problems within the party is for all to see. The most obvious ones are in Kedah where PAS and DAP are trying to settle the issue regarding the 50% bumiputera quota for housing; and PAS' disagreement with PKR's Selangor MB decision to promote a non-bumi as PKNS head. While Anwar is busy trying to recruit more MPs to join the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, the cracks in the coalition seems to be widening.

It takes a very imaginative mind for anyone to believe that Pakatan Rakyat's 3 main parties would gel together immediately. While they seemed unstoppable after March 8, they now seem to be trippling over themsleves. It is very natural for any new organization to go through conflicts. The rakyat has to be patient with them while they try to sort things out.

So, with all this mess around, is anyone winning? My answer would be, the Rakyat is winning. While all sorts of things are being said in the parliment, and lawsuits flying around...when they get back to their offices, they feel pressured to perform and find ways to 'serve' the Rakyat.

Thanks to that, we see improvements made. Put aside all the argy bargy. RPK has been released by the court, against the minister's decision. BN has agreed to declassify highway contracts, thus agreeing to the demands of the Opposition. BN has also loosen up on the 30% bumi equity quota for listed firms. 10% discount for night riders during the festive season......

So, my conclusion is, we are winning!

While it is true that UMNO has not shown any signs of implementing major reforms, people are still being arrested for peaceful demonstrations, racial politics and racism still exists... but we rakyat has to understand that Rome is not built in one day. It will take time.

To ensure that both government and opposition are kept on their toes, we Rakyat has to keep up the pressure on them. Remember that 'People should not be afraid of the government, Government should be afraid of the People'? (<--- This blog post is one of the most popular in Thoughts and Ideas) All we need to do is frown and they will feel the pressure. ;p

Though the next general election is still quite some time to go, I hope that there will be no landslide victory for either party. I am sure you know why.

RPK Released! One step ahead for Malaysia!

2008-11-08T21:23:00.002+08:00

By now, almost everyone will have known that RPK has been released from ISA.
This is one huge step forward for Malaysia. The judiciary dare to disagree with the Internal Security Ministry. A victory for all Malaysians.

However, the we still have to fight to have ISA abolished. the Hindraf guys and many more are still inside.

Woohoo! Cant wait to read RPK's post on Malaysia Today again.

Obama, an ethic minority, becomes the PM of USA. UMNOputeras! Take heed!

2008-11-07T18:22:00.004+08:00

Barack Obama
President of the United States
source: http://www.eni.ch/

So, Obama is now the PM of USA. The first black American President in fact. This truly shows maturity in thought by the voters. Although Obama's winning margin in terms of popular vote was not that large (52% to McCain's 48%), it is still a great achievement in human history.

What say you now UMNOputeras? The world's most popular and advanced country has learned to see past the idea of 'race'. Surely, if Malaysia wants to join the group of developed nations, our political system has to learn to do that as well.

Lately, our out-going PM has said that, a non-Malay can be PM. But, come on... are you serious? Because if you are serious, let's put an end to NEP. Open up UMNO to non-malays too, so Malaysians from all races can sit down in one table and decide on Malaysia's affairs and future. (Not UMNO discuss first, then tell MCA and MIC.)

Obama's success is built upon the foundation of equality and human rights in the American society and political system. So, if you are to say a non-Malay can be a PM, you have to preach human rights and equality first. (2 things that are seriously lacking from your administration lately) Do not put the cart before the horse!

By the way, thanks to globalisation, the trend now is to support human rights and equality. If UMNO does not reform, they will only head towards the drain eventually.

Leaders do two things, 1) Influence the minds of people and 2) Act in the best interest of people. Can you and UMNO convince Malaysians that 'unequality' is good for Malaysians? If you can't then act in the best interest of all Malaysians, which is to end race based policies and politics. Take heed...

Attention: Good News! RPK has been freed by the courts from ISA! See the trend???

Watch Lim Kit Siang fire the BN MPs about whether a non-Malay can be PM of Malaysia:
(I don't 100% admire his machine gun style in Parliment. But sometimes, he can make the BN MPs speechless, which is really entertaining.)

Americans

2008-11-03T22:02:00.002+08:00

Think about it!!

Anwar's and Mahathir's Recent Interviews with Bloomberg (28/10/08)

2008-10-30T12:50:00.006+08:00

The clip, begins showing Badawi rulling out the possibility of Anwar and Pakatan taking over. In the interview, Anwar will answer about his 'broken' 916 promise. After the interview, there is a good discussion about Anwar by Kalim Raslan (Malaysian Political Consultant), Haslinda Amin & Bernard Lo.

Is it still possible for Anwar and Pakatan to topple the government?
Perhaps he should wait for the next General Election?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, do watch the interview by Bloomberg with Mahathir (If I am not mistaken, on the same day Anwar was interviewed). One interesting point about the interview is Mahathir saying "...we have no choice but to choose Najib."

Similar to the interview with Anwar, the clip ends with a discussion by Kalim Raslan, Haslinda Amin & Bernard Lo.

In the discussion, Kalim said that "He can say that Malaysia is his creation, and to a large extent, 22 years of work, it is his creation. We are his children. And therefore he sees us in a very proprietorial eye..."

This Karim guy, I feel, has given a fair perception of the Malaysian political situation. He ends his statement by saying, "So, you've got two very internationally capable performers, but, they (Najib and Anwar) got to deliver on the ground"

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I will end this post with another clip, a news report by, again Bloomberg, titled "Malaysia at Crossroads".

Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live (Making Fun of Sarah Palin)

2008-10-29T22:58:00.003+08:00

I have to admit that this clip is seriously funny. But, I have to wonder, is this not very disrespectful?

While I certainly think that Sarah Palin is incompetent, but, do we need to go to the extent of making fun of a person. After all, she is not a tyrant or an evil person... Is this what 'Free Media' is about? The right to make fun of others?

It is also worth mentioning that there is recently a porno that is based on Sarah Palin, titled "Nailin Palin".

I will relate this to a point I often emphasize on. Too much 'Freedom' will cause us to lose our values. In this case, 'Respect for another human being.'

The clip above is just one of many many clips available on YouTube that makes fun of Sarah Palin.

A Forwarded Mail

2008-10-24T01:49:00.005+08:00

Gotta admit that I have been feeling pretty lazy about blogging lately. Probably that is because my final exam of my last semester is just less than 2 weeks away!

Anyway, a relative of mine forwarded me a mail, although I am not a religious person, but I strongly agree with the pastor.

The idea of 'Freedom' is good. But too much of a good thing is bad. Many politicians and legislators (especially in developed countries) abuse the idea of 'Freedom' to win votes and gain support. In that process, many people loss their moral sense, conscience and emotional intelligence. In the end, they end up with another set of problems (I will elaborate this further one day. Its 4.08am now!); and they themselves are not aware of the problem.

Below is the forwarded mail:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Paster Has Guts

When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new Session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says, woe to those who call evil good', but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

We have abused power and called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of speech and expression.

We have ridiculed the time Honored values of our Forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, And know our hearts today; Cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!'

Malaysian Parliment Resumes after Raya...meaning...Free Entertainment!

2008-10-15T13:42:00.005+08:00

Watch Lim Kit Siang makes fun of BN MPs

I cannot help but laugh about the helplessness of the BN MPs who were machine gunned by Lim Kit Siang and friends.

However, contrary to what Lim Kit Siang said about Taiwan being more developed than us...I have met quite a few Taiwanese who considered or plan to work in Malaysia, as they believe there are better opportunities in Malaysia...

Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton Joint Press Conference

2008-10-11T22:40:00.000+08:00

It's really funny to see Americans make fun of their politicians!

Anwar's Response to Dollah's Resignation and Najib's Prospect as PM

2008-10-10T09:19:00.002+08:00

Malaysians want Race Based Politics to End

2008-10-09T16:13:00.002+08:00

pic source: The Malaysian Insider

It is time for race based politics to come to an end. "Seventy-one per cent of Malaysians surveyed in a recent poll agree with the statement that Barisan Nasional's race-based affirmative action policy is obsolete and must be replaced with a merit-based policy." And 65% of Malays agree to this statement.

While I would say that race based politics was necessary back then when Malaysians were not so educated, going through teething problems and growing pains. But, we are no longer at that stage. With globalization, the internet and greater exposure, Malaysians are much more wiser and mature. This is proven by the fact that Malaysians chose 'candle light vigils' over 'parangs' when certain parties try to trigger disharmony among races.

With the global trend, Malaysia has only one direction to go. The end of racial based politics. After that, by all means, Malaysia will become a developed nation. My point is, the only problem hindering us from becoming a developed nation is racial discrimination. I have mentioned before in my previous posts that racial discrimination will only lead to lesser productivity for a country.

Look back into history, where Martin Luther King Jr sparked the beginning of the end of discrimination towards the black Americans. Nelson Mandela, who sparked the end of the Apartheid system. As a country develops, racial problems will arise, and eventually resolved. I cannot remember any instances where racial problems are not resolved in a developing country. Now think about our situation in Malaysia. Are we not in similar situations like America and South Africa back then? After 50+ years, we have reached that 'timeline' where reforms must and will take place. So, it seems like Anwar Ibrahim is our own version of Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. I cannot help but note the similarities in these people. All of them been through 'hell' in the process of acheiving their goal of equality. All of them needed time to bring about the change.

Therefore, as history suggests, the ride through 'reformasi' will be bumpy. Many will be concerned about the future of Malaysia, just like the Black Americans and South Africans back then. But, I believe that ultimately for Malaysians...... Makkal Sakti! If Malaysians want reforms, no one can stop us.

Perhaps, come 10 years time, Malaysians will look back at this period like how US and South Africa look back to the time when they achieved racial equality and harmony. For now, Malaysians should not give up and think of migrating. Join the fight for reformation instead.

Read Poll: Race-based affirmative action policy is obsolete and must be replaced with a merit-based policy from The Malaysian Insider

Malaysian Political Drama to Resume on 9/10/07

2008-10-06T09:08:00.003+08:00

After the Raya Break, Malaysia's political drama will resume, beginning on 9/10/07, where UMNO will have their divisional meeting. All ears and eyes will be focused on whether Badawi will defend his post as UMNO president in the next UMNO election, which will be in March 2009. Should he decide not to contest, that means Badawi will resign earlier, and hand power to Najib, instead of following his 2010 transition plan.

Press Conference after Emergency Supreme Council UMNO Meeting

When watching the clip, I cannot help but feel frustrated by the way Badawi speaks...he is worst than any of my university lecturers who are very capable of putting me to sleep. Sigh... And he has to refer to Najib a several occasions to confirm the dates. Can we blame anyone for calling him 'sleepy'?

On 13/10/07, when Parliment resumes, Anwar is expected to go for a no confidence vote against Badawi to continue his pursuit to topple the BN government. If Badawi decides not to run in the coming UMNO elections, it will throw a spanner into Anwar's plan to get the MPs to vote no confidnence against Badawi. However, if Badawi wants to run in the coming UMNO election, then Anwar has a greater chance. So, expect Anwar to make an annoucement after Badawi makes his.

If past actions are a good indicator of what Badawi might do, he is likely to contest in the next UMNO election. He is determined to fix his legacy before stepping down.

Famous Failures

2008-10-05T20:03:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Hong Heng for sharing this inspiring clip

A Far Fetched Argument?

2008-10-05T14:30:00.005+08:00

This is the clip of Sarah Palin's acceptance speech as Running Mate of John McCain, the Republican candidate for the President of USA. Look at the response of the crowd.

Now, watch the following clips which are extracts of interviews with Sarah Palin.

Interview with Katie Couric

Interview with Charlie Gibson

Still, Sarah Palin has been very popular with Americans. After her announcement as the VP candidate for the Republicans, she managed to gain much support for the Republicans. Why??? I believe it is all because she is a lady with a pretty face.

In the recent Vice Presidential Debate, she winked and winked and winked...You should get my point now. Refer Sarah Palin Winks at America

(Thanks to Sharif who pointed this out to me)

Unfortunately, this 'shallow mindedness' does not only apply to Americans (not all Americans are like that though). As more and more Malaysian youths are attracted to the superficial things.

Take a look at Pink Label. She seems like our very own Paris Hilton. There is still one more step to go if she wants to fully qualify as our Malaysian Paris Hilton though (if you know what I mean). I won't be surprise if she makes that step one day.

The reason why I feel bothered is because I realize as we 'modernize', our minds seem to become more shallow. We tend to judge a book by its cover, and prefer to ignore the fundamentals that define what is true and not.

Some would call me conservative for taking such a stand, which I guess is pretty true. But, try to understand my perspective as I pose this question: Do we need Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohans or Jessica Simpsons in our society for the youths to look up to? Do you want our youths to be willing to do anything in order to become popular? Many would do anything to be popular, with total disregard to social responsibility.

So what if PAS opposes the idea of having Pussy Cat Dolls and Avril Lavigne performing in Malaysia? They have a reason for doing so. They want to protect their culture and beliefs. And, it would not hurt Malaysians to not have these celebrities performing in Malaysia. You might save a few hundred bucks in fact.

From American politics to Malaysian Paris Hiltons and then PAS...did I just make a far fetched argument???

Who will make a better Prime Minister?

2008-09-27T11:51:00.003+08:00

Picture source: The Malaysian Insider
Survey conducted by Merdeka Centre

My comments to follow. Having a flu now...need a nap...zzzzzz......

People should not be afraid of the government, Government should be afraid of the people

2008-09-26T11:36:00.001+08:00

Please share me your thoughts about this clip.

Poll Results: I Support Anwar & Pakatan's Cause

2008-09-24T20:35:00.002+08:00

So, 83% voted for Anwar to take over at 916 (or a few days after that). Turns out, he failed. Yes, 'Failed' is not too harsh a word to describe the situation.

For your interest, I initially voted 'Yes', but later changed my vote to '50-50'. Perhaps we now all realize that politicians do flatter (refer to the Sunscreen clip).

But then again...does that mean I have gave up on Pakatan? Hardly. For a start, Anwar's promise is by all means BOLD. I was initially too optimistic, but later realized that it will not be as easy as it is potrayed by Anwar.

Try to understand how politicians work. Someone once tell me that all politicians do is 'sell hope'. That is exactly what they do. But, good politicians (which is unfortunately rather few) will try to fulfill their promises and bring that hope to reality. To be fair, as much as I want to believe that Anwar truly has Malaysians' interest at heart, I cannot rule out that he might fail to deliver his promises should he takes over the government. From a psychological perspective, when you are campaigning, what motivates you is the people's perception of you. You can make all the nicest promises in the world to win votes. But when you are really in the Parliment, votes is lesser of a concern to you until when the next election is near. It is a whole different scenario. Ever wonder why Americans voted for Bush in the previous US elections but now call his the stupidest President in US history? Or why Kevin Rudd won by a landslide in the most recent elections but is now face criticisms from left right and centre?

The bottomline is this, as voters and citizens, we should not go 'crazy' or 'fanatical' towards a politician. Because one day, reality might give you a slap on your face. But, what we can do, is to analyse the situation, and think what is best for the nation collectively. One thing Malaysians should realise is people power. Politicans should be like chess pieces controlled by us, not us being control by them.

Going back to Pakatan and Anwar, supporting them is the right move to bring Malaysia forward. Even if they do fail (which I hope not) to be good governors, Malaysia has still moved forward. Because if Malaysians can bring Pakatan into power, it means that Malaysians has made the first move in breaking the racial bareer. With that racial bareer down, our nations' productivity will automatically improve, and I do not see any forseeable obstacles for us to move in the fast track.

Yes, Anwar has failed in his 916 bid. But, I will still support the CAUSE he and Pakatan promotes. It will not matter to me if Anwar takes another month or two. But if it takes too long, I might cease my support for dragging the political drama is not going to benefit Malaysians, especially at this time. Fight again in the next general election.

No doubt Anwar is quite a revolutionist, as proven by this acheivements thus far. But only until after he has proven himself to deliver his promises, then only I will support him and sign up for his fan club. For now, I support his cause.

Anwar Talks to the Press after Exiting the Court

2008-09-24T20:31:00.001+08:00

He does still sound confident and optimistic. But I guess that is what makes him such a shrewd politician???

Teresa Kok's Interview with Guan Ming Daily

2008-09-23T09:05:00.002+08:00

SEPT 22 - Teresa Kok had a heart-to-heart talk with Guang Ming Daily on her detention under the Internal Security Act. Teresa, who was arrested on Sept 12, was the first female Malaysian MP detained under the ISA.

The following is the interview:

Q: After you were released on Friday afternoon, you had to rush through three dinners. Didn't you feel tired? Was it because the detention has made you treasure every single minute and second?

A: When I was in there, I really felt that my time was wasted. The government had no reasons at all to arrest me under ISA. When my family, assistant and lawyer came to visit me, they told me many people out there were giving me their moral support. The church also prayed for me. I felt I was not alone.

After my release, Janice Lee Ying Ha (Teratai state assemblywoman-DAP) insisted that I go to the mosque in Ampang (to attend a prayer meeting). Tan Kok Wai insisted that I attend a dinner, while the Fui Chew Hakka Association wanted me to attend a Mid-Autumn festival dinner. All these events had been planned earlier to lend moral support to me. Now that I'm released, of course I have to go.

As a matter of act, there are plenty of things waiting for me to do, such as my constituency. I feel that I have a duty to attend those events. Other than giving speeches, I also thanked them personally. No matter how tired I was, I still had to go.

Q: Did you rush home immediately after your release?

A: No. I didn't have time to go home to bathe. Many people asked me why I was wearing the same thing when I just came out from detention, at the press conference and at the dinner. Many thought I had no clothes to change!

Q: Could you describe your feelings now as "furious"? I learned that in your first speech at the Hakka Association, you were already cursing the government.

A: That's right. They have no reasons of any sort to put me under arrest, and all their accusations were baseless. The moment I was arrested, I knew very well I was innocent, but they still insisted to lock me up for seven days. That's way too much!

Q: What were you thinking of in the lock-up?

A: Nothing for me to read on the first two days, so I could only quiet down and pray. I was also thinking of what happened during the past one day, all the things I had done, including the investment seminar. I was just thinking of all these.

Q: Did you ever think of "What on earth have I done wrong? Why has this happened to me?"

A: Indeed, I was thinking all the time, but couldn't get an answer. It was totally absurd for them to put me in the lock-up.

Q: Did you feel angry and agitated?

A: Not angry nor agitated, but that I must prepare myself for the future. When I was inside, I did warn the investigating officer: to detain an innocent person will only hurt BN's credentials, and the market will surely drop.

My predictions have been proven right. Perhaps you can argue that the US market was to blame for the sharp falls, but this incident definitely had some impact on the local bourse.

(Teresa later said she even told the investigating officer that she was sleeping and eating well, and would take care of herself properly. She said if Pakatan Rakyat successfully seizes power, she would then become their boss! She said the officers were dumbfounded at hearing this.)

Q: Can you tell us what you did on the frist day after your arrest? How did you know the time?

A: I knew when it was daybreak, for the mosque nearby would sound the call for prayers. After seeing that I was awake, the officer would bring in water and bread. They would come every 15 minutes to check whether I was still alive.

In short, I felt like I was a pig held up in a pen. When the time has come, they would bring me water and bread. I scolded them, and asked them what they were treating me as.

The toothbrush I used was only half as long as the normal ones. I had one little handkerchief, no belt for my pants, not even a piece of paper or pen. In other words, anything that could have been dangerous were not available to me, for they scared I would kill myself.

Q: You scolded them every time they came to see you?

A: Not really. I wouldn't flare my temper at those low-ranking officers. They were only doing their job as instructed. I could only grumble at them, telling them this government is useless and must be changed. I was educating them in some way!

Q: Can you tell us again your "programme" for the entire day in the lock-up?

A: After I woke up in the morning, the investigating officer would meet me at 9.30. If he didn't come, then no one would talk to me that day, and I would be bored to death. On my request, they gave me a Bible.

Q: Did you feel scared?

A: No. I only felt that my time had been wasted, especially when we were busily preparing for a trade visit to Taiwan. The most disgusting thing was that they sent me back to my cell as early as five in the evening, until I was told to see the investigating officer the following morning. It was damned hot inside the cell.

Q: How long did they normally interrogate you?

A: They only had something to ask on the first two days, after that nothing to ask, only chatting. However, they were very careful while talking to me. I asked them what the media said about me, and they just kept quiet.

They blindfolded me before lunch and sent me back to my cell, then the lunch was served. The food was horrible, only one dish. On the first day I still could get a fried egg and some vege, but then it got worse the following days.

Q: What did you do between lunch and dinner?

A: The investigating officer would summon me again after lunch, and I spent my seven days there with these officers. What a waste of human resources. I later complained to them that I could not go on this way without doing any exercises. They were kind enough to let me stretch my body in a tiny, enclosed badminton court.

Q: How did you know where you were when blindfolded?

A: I was told to put on a very large pair of sunglasses. But when I looked up or down, I could still see the buildings outside. The more they blindfolded me, the more I wanted to see.

I was born in KL, and raised at Jalan Ipoh. The place they brought me to would have to pass through Jalan Ipoh or Sentul. Of course I knew the place. I told that guy I knew where I was, but I wouldn't go there to see him.

Q: Before you joined politics, you must have heard that DAP leaders like Lim Kit Siang and Tan Seng Giaw had all been put under ISA detention before. Have you ever thought of yourself being arrested one day?

A: I was psychologically prepared for it, but I have also been trying very hard not to say anything wrong, because I don't want to end up in the jail.

Nowadays we can't use the detention any more to lure people to join politics. I want to tell the people, politics is something very "cool" and fun. We're not going to use our detention to prove that we have made great sacrifices. This tactic no longer works today.

I don't want to go to jail. You know sometimes when I voice up something which could be sensitive, especially on the home ministry, police and corruption, I usually choose to raise the issues in the Dewan Rakyat. I won't talk in a press conference.

Even for the "stand-squat" incident involving the Chinese women, we first filed a police report and consulted our lawyers before doing anything. In short, I tried to prevent myself from getting into trouble.

Q: Will this arrest affect the way you do things in the future?

A: Not much. Even if we go to jail, we have to make sure it is not in vain. We can't go to jail just because we have said something we shouldn't have said.

To be frank, I felt downcrested on the first two days, but after seeing my parents, who told me many people out there were giving me their support, I began to change my attitude.

If my detention can raise the people's awareness on ISA, as well as their fury towards the BN government, then I feel it's not in vain, and I won't feel so frustrated any more.

I was also thinking of the judgement Jesus had to go through. Even though He was crucified on the cross, He has been remembered by people through the ages. I felt that my detention had been arranged in such a way that Jesus was trying to use my innocence to educate the public on politics.

Q: You said you were feeling down on the first two days?

A: Yes, very anxious too, because I still had plenty of things to do. We were in the midst of making preparations for a trade visit to Taiwan. There're so many things I have to do to make sure the mission is moving smoothly. I didn't know how long more would I stay inside there. I was really very anxious, so I kept asking the officers.

Q: How did you feel or react when told that you could be locked up for another 28 days?

A: I was even more "fired up." I had been very cooperative since the beginning. I tried to be nice to them, and they had actually finished up what they wanted to ask. When they told me on Sunday that I could be held up for another 28 days, I was overwhelmed with anger, and scolded them ini dosa (it's sinful). They kept quiet. My purpose was to get them relay the message to their boss.

Q: What do you think is the difference between you and your DAP seniors who were once put under ISA detention?

A: When Lim Kit Siang was arrested, they specified where and when he said what or did anything. But this time, I was arrested without any solid evidence, yet they said I had committed the same crime.

Q: Will this incident make you even more careful when handling certain issues in the future? You said home minister Syed Hamid should be fired. Are you not afraid?

A: Not at all. I've gone to jail before. What else should I be afraid of? Go ahead and sue me!

I'm not someone looking for trouble, and won't do such things especially after Selangor has come under us. They are so many things I have tried to avoid, yet they still put the accusations on us.

Q: Can you describe your experience in those seven days in just one sentence?

A: I think it was a trial for me, to test my patience. You need a lot of patience in there, while being totally cut off from the outside world.

I'm the organisation secretary for DAP, senior executive councillor for Selangor, the MP and state assemblywoman for my constituencies. I have too many things to do. I know I couldn't rush through all these. I had to learn to cool down.

Some reporters asked me whether I cried. The question is I couldn't afford to fall off inside there. I couldn't crack under pressure before those officers, or my political rivals would triumph.

Q: What inspirations have you drawn from the detention?

A: Other than being a trial, it made me tougher and more determined. With so many people behind me showing me their support, I should be even stronger. This is what I got during those seven days.

Q: Will your aged parents stop you from going into politics after this incident?

A: Too late! They told me I would get caught one day because of ISA when I first joined DAP (working at DAP headquarters after graduation). I said I wouldn't be so honoured. Ha!

Q: After this incident, you have been portrayed as DAP's "heroine." What do you say?

A: I could only say I was more of a victim. Anyway, we must thank all the civil organisations for holding those events to show their support for me. If I'm really a heroine, I must then thank Khir (former Selangor MB), the BN government and the Royal Malaysian Police for that...

Q: For those who have smeared you, do you have anything to tell them?

A: I'm not going to let them off for sure! (Translated by Dominic Loh/Guang Ming Daily) - MYsinchew.com

Everybody is Free (Sunscreen)

2008-09-20T23:24:00.003+08:00

This is quite an inspiring music video, unlike those by Britney Spears or Madonna or Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan or Rihanna or most of the jokers from Hollywood.

There are few things from the clip I would like to highlight:

'Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.'
Don't waste your time watching TV series, playing CS or DotA. Do something that will really benefit yourself.

'Don't read beauty magazines because they only make you feel ugly!'
I would add - Do not fantasize celebrities, most of them cant differentiate tuna from chicken meat.

'Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or (parade?) yourself either. Your choices are half chance.'
Many of our successes or advantages are due to luck. Be humble.

'Dance. Even if you have no where to do it, but in your own living room.'
I learned from my Mexican friends that dancing is really a great way to express your happiness. You will feel great after it. However, I do not mean you should go clubbing. Those places has more bad than good.

'Get to know your parents.'
There is no other place you will find more happiness other than being with your family. Malaysians were found to be one of the happiest people on earth, and I strongly feel it is because of our cultures which place a high value in our family. Please keep it that way.

'Live in New York city once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northen California once, but leave when it makes you soft.'
I guess, the meaning of this sentence is, expand your horizons. Experience different lifestyles. Never let your environment take control of you.

'Respect your elders'
Something Confucius preached since long long time ago. If you disagree with what they say, have some thought about it. And if you still disagree, don't shout back.

'Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.'
I say, follow the advise from those who has succeeded in what they advice you about.

*Thanks to Erika for showing me this clip.

Hitler and BN Parody

2008-09-20T23:18:00.004+08:00

Thanks to Patrick who showed me this clip! Enjoy!

Posted on You Tube by nkavilan