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.

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!

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...

I will not forget you, auspicious 2008

Goodbye, auspicious 2008. U have been a wonderful companion for me. I'll never forget what had happened throughout the times u were around. It all started when i decided to let everything go. Before i came to know u...i really had a bad life, infact the worse. Bcoz of u, i get to know, how to let go...how to put aside and to start anew.

When i first embrace ur presence, i told myself, i'm gonna be someone better, someone new. With ur help, i managed to change myself. With ur presence, my life transformed. Miracles happened, love came, efforts were repaid.

Academics, i tot would end in regrets. Instead, i managed to get the best out of it, i din believe myself. For the 1st time and only once, and that was the last semester, i got dean's list. I never had the time for academics, as my time was given to everyone else.

An accident happened, i could have lost my life..thanks to Lord Buddha, i was saved by His blessings. Miracle happened, i escaped unscratched. But moments before, it could have been the last thing i remembered in life...the spinning of the car, the roll and impact, window shattered and flashes of memories in the past. I began to appreciate things even more...my family, my friends, my companion...everything around me, my life.

Then came love, u gave me a new hope as i was giving up...u brought someone special to my life, someone who had taken away my heart. She was just perfect, and everything i needed. She gave me happiness in life, appreciation and spirit, motivation and determination. She became a companion where i finally can share my ups and downs with.

Friends u became, and friends u brought. As i was leaving campus, u showed me that i do have friends around. People who appreciated my presence, my help and my friendship. However, it was slightly too late as everyone are heading their own paths. But the moments spend with them, are unforgettable.

Happiness u brought to my family too, i get to be involved in a wedding i'll never forget. My only brother's wedding...in a truly malaysian manner. A mixed culture wedding, though its not new, but its an everlasting memory. Happiness filled the air of my family.

But life is fair, u never let anyone go away with good things in life...u let me taste near death, u let me suffer loss, u let me embrace embarrasement. U brought down my ego, u put my heads low, and u let me suffer loneliness. I understand...bcoz u are just being fair. But i wonder, how fair it would be, when ur younger sister takes over from u soon. Now u r leaving me...soon, very soon. I hope ur sister would treat me just as nice, just like u, 2008. Ur older sister, 2007 treated me badly, but i understand...that she wanted me to change. Then u came, and i'd changed. What more can i ask from u? I just hope 2009 will teach me more, but not harshly. i know...it will be a tough ride. Thanks for all that u've given me. I appreciate it, i treasure it. I'll never forget u, 2008. Goodbye and viva forever...

Merry X'mas and Happy New Year!!

I would like to wish every one visiting this page, a wonderful and merry christmas...not to forget a wonderful new year as well!...I'll be back soon to blog again...enjoy your holidays!!

Za'ba RC- Chapter 1: Nama diabadikan...

Di sini bermulanya langkahku,
Menjunjung cita,
Perkasakan aspirasi negara,
Lahir generasi berjaya, bersemangat waja,
Kami berpadu, minda dicurah...
Akan kami sama buktikan,
Tuju kecemerlangan

Za'ba nama diabadikan,
Kolej menjadi kebanggaan,
Akan ku mahkota harapan,

Impian tradisi warisan...
Pelbagai rupa dan bangsa,
Hidup sejahtera,
Bersatu....bersama....Di Kolej Kediaman Za'ba...

Every year, around this time, where everyone else are at home, celebrating 'Dong Zhi' and Christmas, i would be at my 2nd home, Za'ba college. i used to be 1 of the first to come back during holidays and usually 1 of the last to leave. Not that i love the college so much, but i love the environment, the spirit of its residents and its tradition (although the facilities were quite outdated). During this time of the year, i would be busy practising Ethnic Creative Dance (Tarian Kreatif) for UM Festival of Performing Arts Competition, representing Za'ba RC (for all 3 years of undergraduate). We are famously and proudly known as Za'ba Dancers.

Top: Girls dancing by standing on top of guys (that's me!) in Lingkaran Hidup 2006
Bottom: Three men tier, bottom (me), 2nd level (Ah Guan), 3rd level (Wei Yee) in Kalong 2008

Top: Celebration after the dance, 2006, we're the Champions!
Bottom: Celebration with friends, 2008, 2nd runner up.

The moment i first heard the college song, (lyrics above) i felt a strong bond with it. I knew at that time, that this is the college, where i will build my foundation. And i knew as well, that this is gonna be the place where i'll face the brightest and darkest days of my campus life (or maybe i'm just bit different from others). How deep my bond to college, is indescribable with words. i would term it this way; if i were cut, i bleed Za'ba. It is that deep. At least for me, it is that DEEP.

To some, Za'ba RC is just a normal residential college. To most, especially ppl like me, Za'ba is a home. A home where all brothers and sisters, with different races live together as one. When one insults our college, the whole college will be all out to defend. It is THAT, that feeling i doubt i will find elsewhere. Some will opt to move out by 2nd year, but most will fight to stay. In their mind, they say convenience...bt i know in their heart, it's just the spirit. How do i know that? From their involvement in college projects and the will and heart they put, in making college project a success.

Some of the best photos of college project NVC (National Varsity Counselling).
Top: Just got down from plane in KK, Sabah.
Bottom: Makan-makan in Ranau.

Below 1st pic: The crowd during opening in Kuching.
Below 2nd pic: That's me giving counselling!

The day we left college, the final day, i remember, i was in tears...i know the 3 years when i was there, i've stamped a mark in that college (though i know, the current admin trying to wipe out my name in college) so does it stamped its mark in my heart. Friendship, life, organizing, family values, love....all these, i've learnt from this college. No doubt. i can still remember, every single moment i had in that college. I could still see the shadow of myself, what i was doing at every corner of the college; my rooms (A425, A305, A205), lobby, tennis court, IS, Balai Za'ba, basketball court, futsal court, BRP, adin kemas and peka rooms, girls block (ok, i only go in during open floor and spot checks, that also being accompanied by fellows).

i came to UM with a mindset, not on academic only...but life as well. As the saying goes, the best youth life is campus life. That's where we meet our true friends, our love, our reason for living. But how many share the same feeling as i do? How many would appreciate this chance? We come to uni only once in our lifetime...and that's it. You'll never get it back. We only appreciate things when they are gone, and even if you get them back, they would never be the same anymore.

Do we change the world, or just change ourselves?

"He wanted to change the world, so he work very hard, do what ever he can to change the world. But after many years, he found that wow, it's very difficult to do it. So he decided to just change the people around him. He tried for so many years, but still didn't worked. Towards the end of his life, he finally realized that what he should do, is just to change himself instead of anything else." - This was a short story by a friend on a guy who has a big but kind hearted ambition. It was interesting talking to him on this matter. I also realized that in watever we do, we should first change ourselves rather than changing others. It's not the matter of difficulty, but it's a matter who would take the first step. In life, the biggest enemy is ourselves, not the ppl in front of us. The person who takes the first step to change him/herself is already making a first move to change the world. Life now, especially as a Malaysian is even more difficult than it used to be.

I used to enjoy playing outdoor traditional games with my friends, specially from different races...such guli (marbles in english), tarik upih, gasing (top spinning), konda kondi and my favourite is the galah panjang (picture shown on the left, taken from Kampung Boy by LAT). But now, how many of us still play this? some have not even heard of it before especially the younger generation these days. The Malaysia i've wished for is not goin to happen if the mindset of majority still remains the same. I used to enjoy seeing my friends playing soccer, with different races, different backgrounds, together as a team (i also play lar...but not a good footballer). Even sumtimes when i go back PD, i do play soccer with my friends, and never in my mind they were of different races. But as I grew older, i tend to meet ppl that are very racists. I realised that the government are being biased towards certain race. Is race very important? Ppl said that chinese are the strongest race (and seriously, some chinese believed they are). Is that really true? I'm a chinese and i dun feel that i'm good. There's stil alot more to learn. The malays will feel that they are always being bullied becoz the chinese dominate the economy. Think again, there are rich malays, and poor chinese. How bout indians, then? If it wasn't bcoz of them, our transportation wouldn't have survived. Well what ever it is, the problem is in us, ourselves.

Galah panjang, one of the old skools traditional games (picture taken from http://myuae.typepad.com).

Konda kondi, another traditional but forgotten game (picture taken from Kampung Boy by LAT)

I watched Hotel Rwanda (is a good movie, i reckon everyone to watch this...this movie was banned in Malaysia). I was so touched with Paul Rusasebangia (the main character in the movie), where he changed himself from being selfish and wanted to just save his family, to saving the ppl who seeks help from him. By doing that, he changed the people around him and in the end, he managed to change the whole world's perception. If a small country like Rwanda can do that, why can't malaysia? How many of us realised the race problem becomes more serious? That shouldn't be the question to ask. The one question we should ask ourselves and everyone else around us, if u realise this, what did u do? Demonstration like some oppositions do? Deny like the governments?...I felt that we should start telling our children, our family, there's no difference in races...be it malay, chinese, indians or any other ethnics...we are one, truly Malaysian, share the same red blood, share the same no of chromosomes and share the same ancestors, evolved to be Homo sapiens. We don have to have big ambitions, but if every one of us, start to change ourselves, believe me, a miracle will happen. Let's us all that are born as malaysian, live as malaysian and die as malaysian...not as malay, chinese or indian solely.

Ubah Gaya Hidup!

Wow, it has been a tough week last week...two consecutive field trips, followed by RIKL Introweekend (visit www.raleighinternational.org.my for more info on Introweekend). But addition to that, wonderful things had happened and it was a great week. Fuh!

For the whole past week, despite being busy with work and camp, still managed to chit chat with some friends and some people. It's kinda interesting to realize something. I finally realized that the Malaysian have a bad habit, a habit of wasting things. Ok, maybe not all as i dun hav the statistics here but generally (if u agreelah), Malaysian waste five things: W.F.E.E.T. - Water, Food, Electricity, Energy and Time. Few examples to show these.

Water - I was away on field trip in Pantai Kelanang and stayed at Golden Hope Research Academy's Visitors' lodge for 3 nites. There were two more ppl, practical students who have been staying there for sumtime dy (i just go tumpang there only). When i got there, i was surprised to hear heavy water leak in one of the bathrooms. So my senior (who came along with me) asked what happened to that bathroom. One of them who stayed there for almost 2 months, simply just ans: Tak tau, saya tak pernah tengok pun. Saya pun tak report kebocoran. To my surprise, he answered just like that. From my senior and my observation in that bathroom, it has been leaking for quite sumtime and even sum fungus which i suspect was Stachybotryus (google it or look for sick building syndrome for more info) that will cause serious illness. Infact it was coz of the heavy fungus smell in that bathroom. Other incidents are usually seen in my own residential college, where usually i was the one to report and get it fixed (sad). Sumtimes in shopping complexes which i've seen in MV, where the tap water will be flowing all the time bcoz of the eroded rubber. Isn't it like pouring money down the drain? Hmm...r v really wasting water? Isn't it time for all of us to change?

Food - Oh, this happens everyday, everywhr. Try searching in the bins, i'm sure u'll find leftover food. I'm sure everyone agrees. I thank my parents for teaching my siblings and i not to waste any food. Since young, we all were forced to finish our meals even if we were really full. My dad used to say, "who told you to take so much? If u can't finish it, then dun take too much". I really thank them for this lesson. Until today, my siblings and i will finish every single bit of leftovers, even a small grain of rice. But how malaysians do generally? I can just look out on the canteen by my lab window, and i see plates of extra rice. Another very clear example...open house! Free food! Everyone rush to get food, fill the plates like hills, sum even looked like Mount K. In the end, all ended up not just in the stomach but black plastic bags! I'm sure u have to agree with me on this.

Electricity - Oh this is even worse. Some of us can't stand the heat outside and usually turn on the air cond to the coolest. I understand it's hot and humid in msia but v can save it by using it necessarily. Not all the time v have to use at coldest temp bcoz this will use up more electricity. Not only that, some ppl leave the lights on although it's bright enough. Or even leave the fans turned on when there's no one in the room. I admit i did that in college but now i realized how wasteful i was. And how many of us malaysian are aware with "Earth Hour"? I did my part, by turning off the all electricity in my room (infact, i went for a walk so that i'm not boring in the room) and my floor (but of course, sum idiots turned it on again) for at least one hour. But how many did?
Energy - Well, sumthing similar to electricity, but i think i would refer this to petrols. I was chatting with a friend and she brought up an interesting point. She said that we Malaysian should try not to depend too much on petrol. In the past, people dun hav to worry bout food because almost everyone knows how to get food from natural resources. But now, without petrol, u cant get food. Besides, global warming only happened after introduction of petroleum. Nowadays, petrol has become more important than anything else. Ppl have been complaining...but try this, ask any of ur friends who studied economics, n see whether if they tell u the price hike is needed or not. Try it, dun just guess. Even another friend of mine, told me that the subsidies given by the gov has been like giving opium, everyone gets addicted to it.
Time - Well, what do Malaysians do in their free time? Government servants (not all, ok...just sum) sitting in the office, shaking their legs doing nothing. One ad in TV regarding false emergency calls..there was this guy had nothing to do in office, so he called up 999 and made a false fire report to entertain him. This was a good ad. Well, we should start thinking on whether should v change our lifestyle?

Think again, or observe around. Some may not waste anything but also play important role in influencing others not to waste. Or v choose to blame the government for not looking after our welfare? Or some even blame the education system for not functioning in teaching on these matters. Some even blame the society is spoilt itself (but society includes u and me rite?). Should v keep pointing fingers on others? Not fingers, it's finger..coz when u point one finger on others, three more fingers are point back at us n one more pointing downwards (is there anything down there? i dunno). Think bout it, it's time for us to UBAH GAYA HIDUP. Change our lifestyle, play our own part and see how we can make a difference.

Price hike for petrol...good or bad?

Everyone are now making a big havoc after the announcement of the price hike for petrol. Everyone complains and are making a big fuss over it. I understand that. The increase of price of petrol will indirectly affect the increase of price for food and other necessities. But personally, I beg to differ in this case.

There are a few points to support my opinion. First, the increase of the petrol price would indirectly reduce the air pollution especially in KL. In order to save money, car pool is one of the best ways. By doing this, not only one would save loads of money, but at the same time reduces traffic jam and also air pollution. Everyday when I travel on a bus around KL and busy areas in Selangor, I find that one car contains only one person (that's the driver of course). I can tell it's really hard to find one car which is full with 5 people. Let the maths do its job. If one car can fit 5 people, that would reduce 4 cars on the road. So, if we have 50000 people working everyday, wouldn't that reduce the number of cars on the road by 40000 on the road? Think again, it's Malaysian attitude that always point fingers and blame others but they never look for opportunity to improve themselves. I felt that Malaysian are more 'kiasu' that Singaporeans. I really hope that this move will start to enlighten drivers to car pool everyday, to reduce expenses on petrol and at the same time reduce air pollution. We don't see the obvious effects of air pollution, but our children or even great grandchildren will suffer by then.

The second point that I would like to highlight is usage other means of transportation to work. Some people, and I really mean it, that some people stay near to the working place still prefers to drive and it's annoying to see them drive alone. Wouldn't it will be healthier to walk, or even cycle to work? Don't give lame excuses that the weather is hot and such. BULLSHIT! Office hours starts at around 8.30am, and definitely we start our journey earlier, which at that time, the weather is still cool. And also lame excuse that have to wake up early. Usually we do wake up early to avoid traffic, or caught in traffic. Tired is another reason. Research have found that if we exercise more, then we wouldn't get tired quickly, in fact we'll be more alert. So think bout it! LRT and buses are available. Why not make full use of it? Yes, the system is not that good in Malaysia, but if we create the demand, don't you think that the system will improve? Do anyone know that the current public transportation is actually suffering losses because the demand is less? Same cases in overseas. In KL, only about 10% of the population in KL is using the public transport. Well, if these suggestions weren't good enough, then maybe we should go back to the stone age...and travel like Wilma and Fred...like the Flintstones. Good for the environment, and also for our health. And no need to worry bout parking skills.


Third point, I really hope the government will use the reduced subsidy in petrol to subsidize other more important necessities such as food. I personally felt that this is more important. Coz food prices are going up. So if the government is increasing the petrol price, I hope that the government will subsidize food prices instead. We need food more than petrol! We can take petrol to live, right? Besides, petrol is running out in next few decades...better save it for later use. And pls Malaysians, don't waste food! Take what ever you can and pack whatever u can't finish so can finish it later.

Last point, I dun think that the government will be so stupid to purposely raised the price. The last election results showed that the government shouldn't mess with the Rakyat. And I believe that this time they are doing changes for the benefit of the people. Maybe I'm wrong, but time will tell. Who knows. So whatever it is, the increase of price of petrol may not necessarily be bad. Think again, for the environment and for the future. Think long term, we don't live forever.

Do we really know how beautiful our Malaysia is?

Last week was a tiring but an enjoyable week for me as I managed to travel to the north of west coast (except Perlis) and then down south. It took me ten days to complete the route. That was the first time I traveled to so many places with such a small budget within 10 days. Strangely, I learned a lot from this trip instead of just enjoying it. This trip had put me into thoughts about Malaysia. I haven't been to overseas a lot, but just a few such as New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. But this trip had really made me realize how beautiful Malaysia is. A lot of people would like to travel overseas for the sceneries and for holidays. I'm in this group of people as well. However, my perception changed after this trip. I realized that there are still a lot of beautiful places in Malaysia that we haven't been to. Why would we want to travel overseas to enjoy the sceneries when we haven't really know how beautiful Malaysia is? Every Malaysian would tell foreigners that Malaysia is unique, with breath-taking picturesque sceneries and bla bla bla. But have we really ever been to these places to really see it and feel it? Some people can't afford to travel overseas to see and enjoy a different environment, but hey, there's always our own hometown to go. I'm not surprised that some people don't even know where to take their friends to in their own hometown. Why? This is a question that every Malaysian should ponder on.

Before making it to other countries, it's always wise (and should be made a habit) to really see things around us, the places and the people nearest to us, which is our own beloved hometown. Malaysia is a gifted land with the tropical weather and hence the high biodiversity from terrestrial to marine. Every corner in Malaysia has something to see and to enjoy. Breath-taking waterfall of Lata Kinjang, shiny beautiful beach around Penang National Park, muddy but unique mangrove of Larut Matang and even cool, misty hill of Maxwell, to name a few. In this 10-day trip, I've really seen all these places and I bet that not many are lucky to really enjoyed this. Well, I guess I would be doing more trips around Malaysia, before heading overseas so that I can really tell people around the world, how beautiful Malaysia is, and how lucky that Malaysians have privilege living on such a wonderful land. Moreover, travel around Malaysia is definitely cheaper than going overseas! Think about it!

Lata Kinjang waterfall, Kampar, Perak

View of Batu Ferringhi from Lighthouse in Penang National Park