Message to Obama

I can't believe myself, when I suddenly have the urge to write a short message to President Obama. I don't know how much it will help, but this is the least i can do, back here in Malaysia. If anyone, feels the same, and thinks this could be a way of solution, then pls, send something to him. Here's what I wrote:-

Dear Sir,

I'm just a young and environmentally concerned Malaysian wanting to ask you for a small favour, all the way from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

You've been a world figure ever since you've been elected as the President. You have the power to make changes. Honestly, I was inspired by you and your actions. That was what moved me to write this to you. You have been the inspiration to a lot of people around the world. You made everyone believe that change can happen if we want it. Therefore, I am pretty sure that you would inspire other leaders to make changes as well. You are the ONLY HOPE for a change across the world. Here, I would like to personally ask you for a favour - to attend COP15 in Copenhagen and get all the leaders of developed countries to agree on reducing the carbon emission and financing the developing countries.

You lived in Indonesia when you were young, and I’m sure you know very well how a major natural disaster makes people suffer. You have said before that you would want to “leave this world better than when you came in”. Thus, I hope deep down in my heart, that your presence at COP15 is for REAL, and really get the leaders to take ACTIONS. This world doesn’t belong to your generation or those before you and it also doesn’t belong to my generation. This world belongs to the future generations. So, I hope that you can make changes that we all believe in.

I don’t know how serious will you take my request because I’m a nobody, but I’m going to give a shot. Just like how you championed, “Change, yes we can!”. Thank you for taking your time to read this. I’ll be hoping for good news from you.

For Mother Earth,

Chai Ming Lau

Malaysia

October - the month of Actions!

Came October, and now gone October. Just realized I haven't blogged for 2 months! Some friends even tease me "when is ur next episode of Scientific Expedition?". I just said, "I've got no time to write la". I now realize, that writing a blog, is not that easy, when you have too many things to share, and yet to many things to do. I always wonder, why I have not enough time? Was it because I'm not good at time management? I guess so.

Well, this month have been hectic. Within two weeks, I've been away from my 'base' 2 times. First, Bangkok for Asian Youth Climate Workshop. Then, barely a few days, I'm on trip to Langkawi already. Jetlagged, but work needs to be done. People may envy me, for travelling a lot. But I always say, "this is my job, my passion...you can do the same if you really want".

To make things short, this month have the month of actions, and not just talk. It's quite inspiring how I made my mind, and decided to take bigger actions after I came back from Scientific Expedition. Thanks to Abe, who told me about 350.org, and I got a hook on it. All these while, I've been doing small small things that is not enough. Now, having the capacity with UM Cares, and eco-active friends from out of campus, I think I finally achieved something. The feeling is so different, so much different. It was even more different than getting the 'Braille walkway' done in campus. Maybe because this time I'm involved in the process of the action.

As the saying goes, picture paints a thousand words. I'll just gonna put up some link and photos to end this time's blog.

The big march in Bangkok to UN building during UNFCCC (5th Oct)

Freeze for Earth as part of our actions of awareness to push for 350 ppm of CO2 in the atm. Took place in KL Sentral and KLCC.

Thousands over candles lit in KPS,UM to mark UN day, and represent hope that we can achieve 350 ppm

The jump of joy as event ends...over the banner that I and Jimmy put on to the pole
another 350 made by shoes...so that we can feel the sand with our barefeet, and enjoy the nature before it's gone

Links to videos on youtube:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4vkNYlPIyY
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzUiwvasiUw
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfHje4RNslw
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBos7L-I43M
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcTiVeSsFg8
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK-s8Q5FVNA

That many videos? Well, at least that's what my passion goes to. Lets save our Earth before its too late. Not for us, but our children's children.

Prime Scientific Expedition Voyage 2009 -The Story Begins

30th June
I boarded on a voyage, might be the only one in my life. KD Perantau was responsible to wave us thru the seas of Sulu and Celebes. This voyage, a memory i'll never forget - for both right and wrong reasons. I've seen things beyond my age, knowledge and understandings. Being on a navy survey ship, opened my eyes and changed my personal perception - on scientist and navy personels.
Felt anxious and excited. Not many would have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My task - dive and record what i observed on laid transects. Dive sites - navy bases inaccessible by civilians around Spratly Islands, open seas along the waters of Sabah up to Sipadan.


1st; 2nd July
KD Perantau started sailing. After a night's journey, out in the middle of deep blue ocean, she stopped. "Letupan! Letupan! Letupan di keladak belakang!" All of us quickly gathered at the bow. It was just a drill, incase of real emergency. But, we still see real explosion. Set up by one of the personels. Then, few of us got the chance to try out firing the stand gun to a red target.


3rd July
Sunrises, and Layang-layang island can be seen at the horizon. Excitment begins. Finally set foot in Layang-layang, dived and survived. Didn't get to see big things. But reefs were exciting. First dive - survived. 2nd dive - failed. Recovery inflatable boat was down. We had to be towed back and abort second dive. In the end, 2nd dive turned to be night dive at the jetty. Though at jetty, wonderful things can be seen. Great view.

Stayed overnite in the fisheries research centre. Nice place, but lack of water supply.



4th July
Dawn dive, around 7am. Dive at reef balls. Doesn't seemed to be working as a good artificial reef. But still manage to see different kind of corals. Next dive, near slope. Great diversity. Healthy corals. 3rd dive, in reef ball site. Again, the reef balls doesnt seem to be working. Natural reef was nearby, seems healthy. But being attacked by COT. High diversity. Saw twin spot lionfish. A kind of rare sightings.

to be continued...

EPSP 2009 - Leg 2: Layang-layang and Spratley Islands

Here's the sneak preview of the 2nd leg of Ekpedisi Pelayaran Saintifik Perdana 2009, which started from Labuan and into Layang-layang and Spratley Islands (Gugusan Semarang Peninjau). It was a great experience, being on a Navy Hydrography ship, KD Perantau and travelled miles and miles with limited communication lines. Now berthing in KK, where we scientists all stayed in hotels and i decided to put up a short note while i'm able to online now. After sunday, i'm out of line for probably 2 weeks or so. Great experience, good and bad. The worse: I still haven't managed to see Manta Ray or Whale Shark!

This is the ship that brought us around, KD Perantau!

Below are naval bases we stop by in Spratley islands (missed out photo of Stesen Uniform in Ubi Island as the wheather was very bad):-

Naval bases in Layang-layang (Stesen Lima), Peninjau Island (Stesen Papa), Siput Island (Stesen Sierra), Mantanani Island (Stesen Mike) and not in picture is Ubi Island (Stesen Uniform).

Here are some collection of pictures:-

That's all for now, got to go out and get some fresh air!...will try to update my blog whenever i can get online...there's more to come!

Something wonderful to share...

Regina Brett is indeed very wise !!

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it..

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day.... Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland ,Ohio on May 28, 2006

USM fiasco - fair or unfair?

Lately, our first APEX university, USM made a big mistake in putting up a list of 8173 on their website as successful while it was supposed to be only 3599. What happens to the other 4574 who were mistakenly posted as successful?

Well, at first glance, everyone would point finger on USM for the blunder. Everyone would felt the future of these 4574 students would be in danger. Everyone are asking the government to do something and make sure all these 4574 students will be given places without jeopardising the eligible candidates. This is what should be done to be fair to the 4574 students.

I have a different opinion though. I'm trying to view this matter in a logical and fair perspective based on the limited knowledge of what really happened. I can only comment from my point of view as i didn't know 100% what exactly happened.

First, USM had rectify the mistake the next day. So, does that one day period really affected the 4574 students? Some claimed that they had rejected offers from overseas uni. I think that's bullshit. Based on my experience, after I checked online, I didn't decide immediately (this may not be the case for some people, i know). Just like last time, i had offers from Auckland U and UM. UM offer came later than Auckland U within few days. However, i decided to take up UM before the dateline for both offers. I didn't decide immediately after both offers came. It took me about a week to really decide which to choose.

My point is, these 4574 students, should have double confirmed the offer by calling, or wait for the official offer letter. Nothing is official until the letter arrives. This is also what overseas Uni are doing. They will send an official offer letter.

The next thing, when we apply to uni, usually we make application to all channels, and all avaiable uni. If our results fulfil minium requirement, we are only eligible (but not accepted yet!). So, dun tell me, if someone's results is at minimum, expects to get a place, with only one application to one Uni. Bullshit!. (If the results is damn good, then its exceptional la. But if results are good, ur already have high chance of getting a place dy). Chinese are very kiasu, so usually they will apply everywhere. But if ur not qualify, ur not qualify!. So this blunder case, its almost similar to u were rejected by that Uni. Just that u thought u got to USM. But UPU results also haven't come out yet. So what's the big fuss? Why not wait til the UPU results comes out, and then see what happens. If still doesnt get a place, there's still appeal.

Lets turn the case around. If the upload was correct, only 3599 were listed, then what happens? Conclusion, ur still not qualified. So, should these 4574 ppl be given special previlege and MUST be given a place in Uni? It sounds like other uni are forced to open up some place to accept these 4574 students for the sake of being fair to them. But does that fair to the 60 000++ students who apply to UPU but not USM? USM should be responsible for the mistake, yes. But that doesn't mean all these 4574 ppl would be ASSURED a place in other uni. Government, should then provide some counselling to these ppl instead.

Some ppl think everything must be fair. But in reality, nothing is 100% fair. If its 100% fair, you and I are equal in every aspect. God made us different from each other. So u wanna blame God for being unfair coz He made u and me different? I hope Malaysians really open up their mind and think logically. I worry the worse for Malaysia. If our mindset are so locked up, will our country develop further? Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country. We want everything thing to be given to us, claiming its' our right. But the question is, do u deserve the right at the first place? This is something we should ponder on. If you wanna complain so much, then why dun u step out and take charge. And let's see how good u r then...

1Malaysia: Dream or Reality?

1 Malaysia...that's the new goal of our nation, led by our Prime. Sometimes i find it weird. The more i read bout 1 Malaysia, the more i think. Can this be a reality? or will it remain as a dream that we'll never achieve?

Think positive. This is the first thing we had to change. Malaysian always think negative. But on the other side, i think this reality will remain half a dream. Why? Because malaysian leaders still wants to save their ownselves first. Most of the racial issues were brought up by the them. During ceramah with only one race, they will say "Kita harus bangkit!" and etc. But that is well known. So if 1 malaysia to be succesful, they hav to stop this shout.

To further prove that 1 malaysia is still just a dream, is that in all forms, still exists the word Race. If 1 Malaysia is to be achieved, then race should be erased from all forms, specially government forms. Why? Cause 1 malaysia means we all are from 1 type of ppl; Malaysian. I find it weird to call myself Chinese...cause that would mean i'm from China. If i were to say i'm malaysian chinese, then i'm a 50-50 person. So how can we achieve 1 malaysia? Another reason to erase the Race from forms is to promote meritocracy. Since we are heading to become 1 malaysia, then we should compete as equal and fair. No more special rights. No more quota. Just merit. Who is good, is good. No doubt about it. Look at Penanti's by-election. Every newspaper, would publish the statistics on how many percentage are what race. Is that really necessary? We vote for ppl who can lead us, not by race. So why statistics have to be by race? Why not based on working class? or maybe social status? so that the whole malaysia will know how's the economic situation in that area.

Younger generations like mine, have not much problem with racial issues now. We accept each other as we are. But of course, there are some still feels that their race is more important. For us, we only felt unfair when government pratices double standards on different colours. Like scholarships, SLAB and SLAI. why is there a SLAB only for bumiputera? N SLAI is open to all including bumiputera. This means that for non bumi hav to compete among themselves and among bumi as well. Either they abolish SLAB or combine both so as all will compete as equal.

Well, how many out there sees 1 malaysia as a reality that will happen, or a dream that will always be a dream? I dreamt of Malaysia as a non racial country (rather than multiracial country) because any one race is good enough to represent the whole malaysian community. But do other race have faith in the person who leads? Who says non bumis can't be prime minister? When Barack Obama became President, Muslims felt that is a new beginning. But will Muslims accepts non Muslims as their leader? Why i relate Muslims in this text, simply because Malaysia has practise wrong concept. Must all malays be Muslims? Not necessary. Malay is a race, Muslim is a religion. Two different things. Just like Chinese not necessary will be Buddhist. Nor all Indians are Hindus. Can all these man made concept and rules be relaxed and changed so that 1 malaysia really happens?

Removal of 30% Bumiputra Equity

Thumbs up for the bold move done by our newly appointed PM, Datuk Seri Najib. However, the big question mark is: Political move or benefit for the people? Lets view things on a positive side. Malaysian have a typical mindset - complaint. When the government make some good decisions, people will complain that this is just for political gain. But when they made a bad decision, people will complain the government is lousy. Why don't these people step out and take over the job for a day then?

To me personally, I would view this on the positive side. Why? Simply because I believe that this move is the beginning of a new Malaysia. Give it a chance. This is a big step. Removing something that is an advantage to certain group of people is not an easy decision. All these while, the bumiputras (or rather just Malays), are gaining on this advantage. Now, the bumiputras have been doing very well in Malaysia's economy. Now is the time, for the bumiputras to show that they can also challenge the so-claimed "Chinese are good businessmen". There are some very successful bumiputra businessmen, such as Celcom, MAS CEO. So no complaints.

With this healthy competition in 27 service sub-sectors, it would be an advantage for Malaysia to move a gear faster. Malaysia had been 'idle' for the past 51 years when countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore had slowly overtaken Malaysia. Now, with the economic down turn, this would be the high time and best option to make this move. The higher the competition, the more the economy market will run.

On the other hand, I personally hope that any one sub-sector will not be dominated by one race, especially Chinese. It is impossible to say that there's no one good from other race. I'm very sure, that every race has people who are tip top in certain field. Now that the government have lifted the bumiputra equity, it is time for the people in this sector to prove that they are not biased as well. If they still practice one race domination, then it shows that the problem lies in the mindset of Malaysians.

Let us all take a good look in the outcome of this move. Better economy and better racial integration or the other way round? Those in the subsectors, please practise healthy competition, and share the wealth together as one Malaysian.

Thanks.. 9th april

Wow, i didn't realize it was more than a month ago since i last blog...
Time flies...in a blink of an eye, i'm already 24 years...infact, just turned 24. Didn't realize i'm that old already...hehe

I just want to thank my friends for all their wishes on my birthday. Some of which, i din manage to reply, pls forgive me. Its not that i forgotten, but i could have just missed out some of u.

I'm not a person who's very fond of celebrating birthdays, and usually that makes me tend to forget my close friends' birthday. Sorry. This is sumthing i learn in life. Some likes to celebrate birthdays, simply bcoz they felt glad that they get to live for another year. On the other side, some don't like to celebrate bcoz they are getting older. To me, it doesn't really matter bcoz life is exciting. Not just on that birthday. Infact, i should thank my mom and dad on that day, bcoz if it wasn't bcoz of them, i wouldn't be here anymore. Maybe next year i should thank my parents on my birthday.

Me and my dear at San Francisco Steakhouse in Tropicana City

This year's birthday is a lil special. Get to celebrate birthday with my lovely gf. Though it wasn't a big celebration, but its meaningful. Had a candlelight dinner. Then blew the candle at a park. I kinda like it this way, bcoz i dun usually like crowded places. So, turning 24 on 090409 would be a day i'll remember..(what a serie of number). Thank you so much, Kuan Ching for ur simple but lovely and meaningful celebration. Love U!

The cake my dear bought for me

Me making a wish...hehe

Famous people born on April 9...
Dennis Quaid - American actor
Robbie Fowler - ex Liverpool, Leeds, England striker
Rachel Stevens - S-Club 7 vocalist
Linda Chung - Hong Kong actress

Historical day on April 9...
1413 - Henry V was crowned King of England
1867 - Alaska was purchased from Russia by America
1940 - WW2, Germany invades Denmark and Norway
1941 - The Philippines fell to Japan in WW2
1992 - Conservative Party won British's General Election for 4th straight time
2003 - Baghdad falls to America
2005 - Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles


Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_9
http://www.thehistorychannel.co.uk/site/this_day_in_history/this_day_April_9.php

Death of BM or death of Science n Maths?

As i was goin back to PD, i managed to catch a glimpse of what i call 'idiotic' protest. The protest, or better called as 'death procession' because of the fake coffin being carried while marching. I find this protest was a waste of time...and a mark of death for the future of science and mathematics in Malaysia.

Massive protestors near KTM Kuala Lumpur

While catching a glimpse of the march, i was one of the innocent victims got hit by tear gas. The wind was blowing hard, and carry the smoke of tear gas right to the place i was waiting for bus. I thought something hit my eyes...but when i saw alot of ppl rubbing their eyes, i knew it was tear gas.

Look at the smoke of the tear gas shot...

More smoke around the area...

I even managed to catch a glimpse of fire engine spraying water to disperse the crowd but it seemed unsuccessful. These ppl are stubborn. The funny thing is if they are protesting against using English in teaching Science and Maths, why are they shouting "God Almighty"? What does that have to do with BM? From that moment i knew that this was politically moved. Why are these politician so selfish and never think for the future of our students?
I find these protestors mostly are non-scientists. In scientific field, peer-review is very important in research. Almost all the journals reviewed are in English. This is very important to justify the research. If Malaysians can't master these subjects in Eng, how are we goin to compete with scientists of other countries? How are these journals being accepted into international standard when Malaysians are only competent in BM? We want our uni to be on par with other uni around the world, bt if our journals are not being reviewed by others,we will never achieve that. Besides, there are scientific terms that are not avaialble in BM, for example evolution and centrifugation. Not only tat, most of the scientific books are written in English. even Darwin's evolution theory was written in English. If they want BM as the medium, can these books be translated into BM but still maintains the same meaning and explaination? But most importantly, can they translate fast enough or it will take years to do so?

FRU truck loaded with FRU personnels

FRU personnels coming out to stop the crowd

For the sake of the future of our students, in the scientific field, English has to be used as the medium. I strongly urge, those who supports the use of English, to stand up and speak out loud...in more intellectual manner, not like these street demos. Most of them are well educated, but act like monkeys!

Za'ba RC- Chapter 2: Malam Kebudayaan

There it is again, every year around this time, the nites in Za'ba RC will not be silent anymore. This is the time of the year, where Balai Za'ba will be transformed from a normal outdoor experimental stage into three different cultural houses. 3 cultural performances, for 3 consecutive nites all under one roof...there's no other place where we can find sumthing similar.

Just imagine, the same stage...transformed into 3 different villages. The first nite, u see a Malay village, the second nite, u'll see an Indian village, and 3rd nite, u'll see a Chinese village. All under the same spot, the same environment, the same building (almost collapse dy) with the same trees. U dun have to go to India to see India, dun have to go China to see China....u can see all just three nites. That's what makes Za'ba a special place, with special spirit can't be found elsewhere.

It's hard to describe the feelings, but when u're there...even if u're nt involved, u can feel the aura...what makes it more special, is the aura lasts for 3 nites. This year it was more special. Bcz the challenge is - the weather. It's uncontrolled. Rain. Rain. Drops of rain. Instead of bringing down these tough 7th residents, it brought them together.

I missed MKM because of the rain as well. No transport to get to college. Would have been to support if there's transport. However, I found that they did quite well. The next nite, instead of goin to 12th to watch MKTH, I opt to go MKI. Because it's more special. They were great. Their dances were energetic and filled with stories. I even danced and sort of 'SS'. My body kinda can't control itself. Unfortunately, i had no camera to put up some pics. Even more sad, I had to leave early coz i was taking a ride home from a friend.

3rd nite, was MKC. Every year, excited to wait for MKC, bcz i was involved back in 2005. I know how it feels. When i arrived, and heard the college and cc song, my heart moved. Bcz there were so much memory in there. Every spot in college, there'll be a story to tell. For the first time..MKC was moving around the college. From Balai Za'ba to Dewan to basketball court to carpark. Things were out of control...and got confused. But the spirit of keep goin, grew stronger within the souls of these juniors. Too many sleepless nites to sacrifice...they won't give up to stop.

What struck my heart was...i heard: some juniors who at first didn't want to join MKC...suddenly miss MKC. They now understand how MKC changed their lives. So shame on those who didn't want to get involved in MKC. What was disappointing, was some juniors, who arrogantly refuse to join MKC came down to watch, wearing MKC shirt but not helping at all. Instead they sat down among the audience. These are the people who will fail in life, who will gain nothing but regrets. I know coz, MKC changed my life. And i've seen for my own eyes, ppl changed after MKC. That's what makes 7th Malam kebudayaan special than malam kebudayaan found elsewhere.

BM vs Hudud

Lately, GAPENA are making a big fuss over the use of English in Science and Maths. They claim that our National Language will be wiped out. They even claim they would carry out a coffin demonstration to mark the death of national language. Personally, this is nonsense. The use of English in Science and Maths did help to enhance the knowledge in these fields. I was the guinea pig of the transition of BM to Eng. I find it was very useful. I was quickly adapted although at that time, my major language was BM. I speak fluent BM than English. But i still find that using English in Science and Maths useful.

However, they should carry out the demo...because BM is almost dead. Why? because they have BMized English. Here are a few words that have been BMized:- Diskusi, ensiklopedia, biodiversiti, kabinet, objektif, lokasi, generasi. There are more words that they have to BMized, especially scientific terms. There are also words that can not be translated. Example: sessile, sedimentation, degenerated, backpacking, to name a few. I have read some scientific books, translated to BM, but doesn't really carry the same meaning in English. Other than that, explanation in BM would be longer. Example: Each = masing-masing, depth = kedalaman and so on. Besides that, some of the speaking culture will kill the language. Usage of 'you' and 'I' in BM. Example: 'I' suka 'you' punya 'style' lah (I like your style).

The point is, usage of English in Science and Maths will not kill the language. Instead its the habit and culture of speaking the 'wrong' national language. BM is a very easy language to learn, compared to English. Thus, GAPENA should focus on tackling other factors. English is important in science, especially in publishing scientific research. English have been long established as international language making all the research papers needed to be published in English. Even Japanese publish their papers in English. And Japanese are very particular in their national language. Besides that, a lot of references are in English, and DBP are very slow in translating, it will cause a lot of major problems. Japanese are very good in translating. If there's a new book available, they can translate them to Japanese within days. But in Malaysia, it will take weeks and months to do so. So how are we gonna challenge and keep up the pace in scientific world?

Then came Hudud law. A lot of view have been expressed. Non muslims are worried of the use of Hudud on them. But that's not the point. I would view this from human rights perspective. Hudud law would use different punishment on different crimes. Example, to amputate one's arm for stealing. God gave us perfect limbs. It is our right to have them. The common law punishes with jailing. Still allow us to have our limbs. But hudud will take away that. Which means, taking away a chance for a human to change. Every human have the right to keep their limbs regardless what they do with it. If the objective is to stop crime, then there are other ways. Crime begins when a society have very big economical gap. So to stop crime, reduce the gap! Hudud will not stop crime.

Besides, wouldn't it be a double standard, when Hudud is only applied to only muslim? At the same time, Hudud can't be used on non-muslim. PAS are fighting for this. This is contradicting. PAS are fighting to stop double standards, but suggesting to implement something that will create double standard. In a rape case for example. If a non muslim commit a rape crime, they will be jailed. But if muslim commit the same crime, they will be stone to death. So, is it a fair and just law then?

Dilema - siapa aku?

Aku muncul di dunia ini, seorang cina. Itu takdir, kita tak dapat lawan. Namun ku bangga. Bukan kerana ku cina, tapi ku anak Malaysia. Melayu, Cina, India, Asli...tetap manusia. Darahku merah seperti yang lain. Tapi kerana aku cina, aku terpaksa akur. Aku tak boleh cabar ketuanan Melayu, kerana itu hak mereka. Adil ke? Mengapa aku tak boleh bersaing secara adil? Pemimpin kata, Ketuanan Melayu merujuk kepada Raja-raja Melayu. Aku terima. Tapi, pentingkah untuk membezakan kaum? Adakah Cina lebih hebat? Tidak, kerana aku tetap hamba Tuhan. Makhluk ciptaan Tuhan yang tidak seberapa. Mengapa mesti aku kenal apa itu kaum? Betapa indahnya dunia ini jika aku dilahirkan tanpa kaum. Kebolehan yang ku ada, ku pelajari daripada guru-guru Melayu, Cina, India. Bukannya kerana aku ini Cina. Jadi, mengapa mesti ada ketuanan Melayu? kenapa bukan ketuanan individu.

Aku dibesarkan di kawasan Melayu. Abgku Muslim. Ku suka makanan India. Tapi aku tidak dilahirkan di China. Aku lebih fasih Bahasa Melayu daripada Bahasa Cina. Mataku tak sepet seperti orang cina tulen. Rambutku sedikit kerinting seperti orang Melayu. Hidung ku mancung seperti India. Cuma kulitku cerah, itupun tak secerah Cina tulen. Jadi, aku ini apa? Cina bukan, Melayu bukan, India pun bukan. Siapa aku? Ku dalam dilemma.

Aku mengerti, kalau tak pentingkan kaum, budaya ibunda akan hilang. Asimilasi berlaku, seperti di Indonesia. Tapi itu bukan seruanku. Aku cuma menyeru, supaya jangan pandang aku sebagai cina. Tapi sebagai anak Malaysia yang sama sepertimu. Berapa ramai yang berani? Ceritaku ini pun mungkin berisiko akan ditahan bawah ISA. Bila ku menghentam Cina kerana terlalu pentingkan kaum, aku dipandang hina kaumku sendiri. Bila ku hentam kaum lain, ku dituduh menghasut. Jadi, apa yang ku boleh buat? Ku dalam dilemma.

Kau Melayu, dia India, aku Cina. Itu pentingkah? Hanya kerana warna kulitku berbeza. Apa keuntungan yang akan kita dapat kalau terlalu pentingkan kaum? Atau sebenarnya, masing-masing pentingkan diri? Yang Melayu takut hilang hak istimewa, kerana takut hilang kesenangan yang diberi kerajaan. Yang Cina takut ditindas, kerana takut tak dapat menjadi lebih kaya. Yang India takut ditindas, kerana bilangan mereka kurang. Yang bumiputra lain, lagi kesian. Adakah ini semata-mata untuk kepentingan diri? Ku dalam dilemma.

Adakah ini Malaysia yang kita inginkan? Kau Melayu, dia India, aku Cina. Itukah Malaysia? Dulu ku bermain dengan Melayu dan India. Tak pernah aku fikir mereka berbeza. Boleh berkongsi makan, minum, peluh. Dulu, sama-sama membuli, sama-sama dibuli. Kini, saling membuli. Itukah Malaysia? Itukah Malaysia yang kita inginkan? Ku dalam dilemma. Mengapa hidup dalam keadaan risau kaum sendiri ditindas? Mengapa tidak hidup dalam keadaan gembira saling membantu sesama kaum? Kau tentukanlah...