Asians in the States

*speaking [inaudibly] in the American accent*

Not sure why YouTube stopped sending digests on Jubilee Project. Be The Change is a timely reminder. And an important one too considering how much focus one puts on a single thing when there are many more things that matter.

So yeah, Be The Change. If I could just italiciZe the word "the".

Be The Change.

Enjoy.

*wipes saliva from lips*

     
         

Selamat Hari Raya, Hari Kebangsaan, and Selamatkan Saya

If firecrackers are synonymous with Chinese New Year 20 years back, that startling but familiar boom now announces the start of Hari Raya and even Deepavali (in October; chapati and briyani!). Once again, technology has [nearly] replaced the conventional telephone (you know, those land line phones) calls and greeting cards.

Ketupat (Source: stock.xchng; boy am I glad I found ketupat on a stock photos site)

So, being the progressive person that I am (ahem!), I'm one of those people sending my wishes via SMS and on Facebook. I shall not repeat myself here and I don't think I want to either.

After 54 years, I honestly wish we can do better compared to our ASEAN neighbours. Many know the laughable yardstick used by the government to gauge how "well" the economy's performing. *winks*

Sometimes it's true that "absurdity rules Malaysia" and we have a handful of leaders to thank for that. Still, I look to sporting events and those public gatherings (read BERSIH rally) to see a homogenous Malaysia. If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times: that true harmony among the people cannot be seen on TV. I'm blessed to live everyday with these bunch of fantastic people.

When mcDonald's gets too costly, there's always Ramly burger at half the price and, depending on individuals, twice the enjoyment. Fries and Coke not included.

It is them that I think of whenever some bigots threatened to shed blood or to make BBQ. I recall the always-mirthful meals at Sungai Nibong and Hammer Bay when I'm asked to eff off (excuse me) to where I came from.

"I can't possibly go back to my mother's womb, can I?"

Fact is, this ain't a bad place to live in. Although we've had tremors and felt the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, nobody fears a drive-by shooting whilst sipping teh tarik at the mamak stall. As far as I know, nobody scoffs at me when I dined at the warung or when I ordered burgers outside 7-Eleven.

Was I being naive? A utopian idealist hoping against hope? I sure hope not.

Rendang, need I say more?

Now after wishing everyone Selamat Hari Raya and Selamat menyambut Hari Kebangsaan, I wonder who's going to selamatkan(save) me from deadlines and a big load of stuff to type. The only thing that motivates me is the Raya open house cum Mooncake Festival cum birthday celebration this Saturday. The wound in my mouth healed nicely and I can't wait to have ketupat and rendang.

Where can I get my hands on some sparklers?

 

Counting My Blessings

On the way to the washroom, I walked past a table where a family of four sits and overheard their conversation. Dad was discussing sports with Son whilst Daughter was busy tapping away on her iPhone. I did my business and a minute or two later walked by the same table again.

Now, mum is seated between Dad and Daughter. Dad has his arm over the chair, tip of his fingers slightly resting on Mum’s shoulder. Dad roared in delight, Son clutched his gut as Mum looked with fondness at dear Daughter – her complexion as red as a tomato.

I sat a few feet away and strained my ears; wanting to eavesdrop and figure out what’s so funny. Also, I now learn that peripheral vision sure is very limited. 

Ok, that was a re-creation and combination of similar experience in the past.

Sometimes, don’t we all feel like we’re perpetually locking horns with our parents whilst others are like the best of friends with theirs? When ours dictate without listening, we tried to reason with them only to be silenced. Then we started comparing, yearning, and hoping – wistfully – to miraculously be a son or daughter to that “perfect” parent.

Like it or not, we’re stuck with wherever God puts us in. It’s been chosen for us and in obedience we learn to honour them. This thought’s been nagging at me ever since I read the line that sounded like this: How can I hurt my dad?

I don’t know if that question was posed for fun or otherwise and I don’t know what the dude went through. One thing’s for sure, I can relate to people wanting something like the opening scenario above. 

Source: stock.xchng

I can’t say I grow up in a felicitous but I didn’t experience a Spartan upbringing either. Mum and dad (or do you prefer ‘father and mother’?) worked hard to ensure we’re well-fed and our schoolbags are well-equipped, for which I’m thankful. Somehow I felt they missed, what is perhaps, the one important thing I was (and still am) looking for: to listen.

And I realized I’m not the only experiencing that. Was it education? Culture? Parents they think (rightly and wrongly) that if the child’s well-fed and the fee’s all paid, they’ve shown love. Well, partly at best. There’s seldom time for a get-together where everyone just sits down talk about what’s happened the week before – in a relaxing and honest environment I may add. Even if there’s a Q&A, it’s got to do with whether the cash flow’s sustainable. Over the years, barriers are built and people drift apart. Now, to even show affection seemed like an insurmountable task with lots of awkwardness thrown in.

Some parents are overly protective, so much so that they limit their children’s mingling with people. Well, I wasn’t that restricted but I was taught to choose my friends wisely. As discriminatory as it seemed, that cynicism do help at times. But I’m old enough know to not judge people from the get-go but to let them show us what they’re made of.

Looking back and looking at the present, regardless of how they fared, parents just want the best for their children even if it meant their children bemoaning their parenting skills. Love means many things to many parents. Love means setting curfew to some whilst to others, it means letting them out and walking with them. Love also means asking if food is sufficient but it also means asking whether there’s an emotional distress that needs an ear and a shoulder. Love to some definitely means stuffing you with food and deaf to your pleading whilst another, out of love, never imposes.

Love means so many things. And to my group, love means posting this on a blog to come to terms (or was it called reconcile?) with the sort of parenting one has to err... endure for more than two decades.

Still... Parents, why don’t you listen sometime?! Your child might not be as reasonable as me! Haha! I don’t know, there are times I’m really frustrated but there never was a time that I wished harm on them.

I tell myself what I’ve been telling people; that I don’t grow and sustain myself since day zero on sunlight.

 

Chirps

Julian Chin Джулиан wonders why most people tend to seek [perceived] gold elsewhere when there's abundant at home

Some minutes ago      Comment     Like

And I forgot to note that Avatar, albeit predictable, is one of the best movies I've watched in 2009. And I'm too lazy to compose an article with orange-gold-yellow coloured fonts. It's been a long time since I let my creative part take over, à la Jake Sulley (pronounced the Na'vi way).

Strengthen harmony, learn acceptance

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on Muslims and the people of Malaysia to strengthen harmony and break down any prejudice for the sake of the future generation.

"Let us make use of occasions like this to restore and strengthen relations among us Muslims and among us Malaysians," he said in his Hari Raya message.

Najib also called on the people "to repair the existing bridge and to expand it by building new ones."

"Let's break down the walls of prejudice, hatred and apathy for the sake of our children's future," he said.

More here

Another Aidilfitri (Eid ul-Fitr) address from the Prime Minister. Whilst inspiring festive messages abound through the years, can't help but think that it's only meaningful for the 15 minutes broadcast and forgotten soon after.

One should always be aware that disrespectful behaviour - whether a 'spur of the moment' thing or otherwise - could bring about feelings of discontentment and tension. Although the Eid is all about forgiving and seeking forgiveness (as are other mirthful festivals celebrated here), let not harmony be a once-a-year affair. No more senseless hollering and/or parading with an animal head. Yes, break down the walls of prejudice, hatred and apathy but don't stop and stare after the walls crumbled. Don't stare at the other guy but learn to live together; accepting and respecting his/her rights as a human being.

After 52 years, infantile screams and demands are unacceptable. Let cool heads prevail. I'm waiting to sup with my dear friends at another friend's Raya (from Hari Raya; day of festivity) open house. Ah, come soon 25th for I can't wait any longer.

52 Years of Independence

The country celebrates its Independence Day today, 52 years of nationhood after centuries under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch, and of the British. It's really nice to see and reflect upon; the fact that the country is made up of not only a type of people, but many different races. Another thing is that we speak more than one language and we don't have to attend classes to be able to master them. And then there's the food. Scrumptious selection of food.

Although unity is the keyword, we've had our share of racial riots and tension. And we have communal-hero-wannabe politicians playing up racial issues. When we thought we'd be known by one name, we're given designations like Malay, Indian, Chinese and Others. In neighbouring Indonesia, they have over 30 ethnics/race yet they go around by the name Indonesians.

I've said before that unity isn't a yearly affair nor is it scripted for the silver screen. No doubt, we have some true Malaysians trying to send the message home via their short films and commercials and I don't have any problems with that. In fact, I love them and almost always touched by them, moved to tears if you like. What I'm saying when I mention silver screen and scripted in the same sentence is that we have, on one hand, politicians (sigh, again) preaching unity during some ceremonies and on the other hand sow mistrust among the people. And they have the cheek to promote the country to the world. Shame. I wouldn't invite guests to my house if I haven't tidied up.

Yes, it was a proud moment for everyone when the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, proclaimed the nation's independence although I only see it in black and white clips (so I couldn't say I comprehend the whole affair fully) but are we really truly independent in the sense that we're able to self-rule and not model everything after our colonial masters? If the British employed the divide and rule strategy back then, I don't dare say we're a homogeneous society today. I don't believe that leaders of the same colour only represent their own i.e. Malay leader ensuring the rights of the Malay, the Chinese their own and the Indians too. If one is able, who cares if you're of a different hue?

Aren't there still outdated (or archaic) laws being used today? What was created yesterday for a specific purpose being used to silence the voice of dissent today. Sovereign state yes, but it seems that we're mentally shackled. Unable to make our own decisions, unable to make known what we truly wanted.

To sum it up, 52 years is a relatively long time and yet short if compared to other nations. In some ways, we can be proud of our differences but in others, it's a sad affair to see how we're still identified based on our colour and creed. The government uses the various laws to detain men and women perceived to be a threat to the nation's security / stability yet no real measures are taken to promote greater unity. Lots of speeches but no real actions. They preach tolerance but I wish to say that acceptance is the better word. No?

EVERY DAY, there is sure to be at least one news article about racism – be it to “remind” the nation to live in harmony, or a report about disrespectful behaviour towards another religion...

Read more >

Happy Independence Day!

Cloak of Power

My intense aversion towards rape notwithstanding, I'm of the opinion that the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty be extended to suspects remanded to "assist" in investigations.

Yes, we know sometimes that such buggers got off the hook when we know full well he did it. But for the Enforcers to play the role of Executioner isn't appropriate to say the least. For anyone who has watched the anime Death Note, I'm sure some of you, throughout the series, may tend to side with Light. I did too. Back in the real world, I don't condone the act of taking the law into one's hand.

It's true these officers may know that this guy is guilty but they're bound to act within the provisions of the law. The only thing that separates them from the street thugs are badges and uniforms.

Speaking of uniforms and authority, I've met with uniformed personnel almost daily and I've got to say this: This pathetic men think the world is beneath their soles and you only need at most 30 seconds to experience how patronizing they are towards the supposed "inferior" students.

Oh, how envious I am towards my fellow students of Middle Eastern descent. And I have, for the past 3 years, asked what is it that I've done wrong to warrant such behaviour from the men in blue. I'm not stupid to just blare things without unsubstantiated, err, proof. I observe things in the lab and I bring that with me outside the lab. I've seen enough: the partiality, the unfairness, the reserved-politeness, and whatnot.

There must be some sort of complex in them that causes them to think that the uniform brings with it power and authority. If the university academics take pride in their prefix, then the guards their uniform. Again, I'm stereotyping and bundling the good ones together with the bad apples but what choice do I have? If nine out of ten cars in Penang are black, what are the chances you'd find a black car when you cross the road?

The uniform doesn't mean anything. If any, it only means that you're bound by law and code of conduct. And you wouldn't need a uniform or a manual to learn courtesy, respect, and fair treatment. You're very much flesh and blood beneath; and let not your nakedness show further.

The End... Hopefully

"Beasts" - the word used in the beginning of the report regarding how a businessman and his family treated their maid/domestic helper. Stringing her to a ceiling fan? Just stop all these nonsense and treat people with respect. Over the years, we've had reports of abuse in the most unimaginable way. "Incensed" - the word to describe my feelings.

What do these people (the employer of course) think they (themselves) are? How could one human treat another human in such manner? Do they think that they pay for the service as well as for extra services like a pinata? I've seen how these maids (most of whom are mothers coming here to earn money to send home) are treated. Sadists.

So, calling all bosses: Put your money to better use and if you really need a domestic helper by all means hire one. I said hire and not buy. You don't own them. They have their dignity. They didn't sell their soul and body for your money. They have mouths to feed back home. Apart from these people, there's another group - the foreign workers.

Why is it that these workers are treated contemptibly? Don't they deserve more than what they're currently paid? It is the employers that are suppose to look after their welfare; especially at the work place. Promoting and enhancing occupational safety and health doesn't cover higher-paid employees only but also these workers.

Am not here to denigrate the rich here but I refuse see the half-filled cup. It's true that there are foreigners committing crime but aren't we practicing what we shun - stereotype? Don't we despise people who stereotype based on skin colours? You there, at the top, please stop putting your feet on the heads of those below you. I, for one, would be condemned by my conscience day and night for living off the hardship of others.

So, as blind and deaf as you will be, give them what they deserve for they aren't hired to entertain you and be on the receiving end of your wrath - or the twisted entertainment you have in mind. Keep your fetishes to yourselves and don't find joy in the suffering of others - your hired workers or your subordinates. Don't be deceived; nobody ever buy their way out of a punishment. Never.

With that, I bid everyone a Happy New Year and let's hope we hear less of such things. Personally, I hope to hear more lobbying for laws to protect foreign workers. So elected reps, stop bickering on which car to use for official purposes.

Reassess and Strengthen

The the gist of the Prime Minister's Christmas message to all Malaysians is to reassess and strengthen racial understanding. Good one sir. We'd have to ensure that happens not only during the festivities but at all times.

Elected representatives, pay heed. You're put there in Parliament not to be communal heroes by bringing up matters aiming to heat up the House. Be responsible for your words and for those with unbridled tongues, do consider changing and put it at the top of your New Year's resolution. Know, too, that criticism doesn't kill you. Don't put on suits but speak like an uneducated person.

For those out of touch, I hope the words poverty and corruption do light up the unlit bulbs up there. Also, it isn't the type of cars nor the engine capacities that determine if you'd do your job so stop the bickering and get down to work. You don't need big cars to move around. Some roads are too narrow too you see.

Lastly, Christmas wish to the leaders of the country. Remember that love and peace are the essence so have a blessed one. New Year is another week so time flies and there might be another general election coming our way.

Reassess your policies and goal as well as strengthen your mental faculties so that debates in the august house are first class. Cheerio!

No Artificial Colouring. Preservatives Needed.

First off, one needs to be blind (figuratively) so that the first part of the sentence qualifies as true. Let's look at the second part. Not much are being done/planned to preserve what we have today and to forge ahead to achieve what there is to achieve.

One would say, "See? We have this bill (or here) and that Act." But are these being carefully and fairly debated? Are there loopholes or missing aims? Is the soon-to-be-set-up commission really an independent one? Quoting a minister: "...absolute power corrupts absolutely". I can't help but think that phrase reflected the events of March 8. Then there's the Race Relations Act which, on conjecture, may be used to prevent any open and mature dialogues as well as to shut up blog posts deemed inflammatory. If that is so, we already have (existing) laws against such a thing.

Remember that punishments are never meted out fairly and as Azmi Sharom aptly summarizes:

"...my main concerns are three-fold: an equal opportunities law will not work in a legal system with an institutionalised system of discrimination; the application of laws in this country does not appear to be fair; and there is always the possibility that a Malaysian Race Relations Act will serve only to chip away the few chances we have at any sort of mature public dialogue.
We have problems in this country. Perhaps the way forward is to openly debate such matters in an intelligent fashion.
It is not speech which causes problems after all; it is the irresponsible few who threaten people with violence and fire bombs who are the real threat.
And we have laws aplenty to deal with such elements.
That is, if those laws are ever used against the real
perpetrators."

My friend Paul from The Philippines said of his country:

"I'm really hoping that in our presidential­ elections on 2010, there will be a soul who would be a caring father/mothe­r to our country. What we need now is a parent figure who will see this country's best interests.

I hope things are better there in Malaysia. After all, I've always seen your country as a good example of a country that has transcended through time and has rapidly improved in many years.

I've had the privilege of touring your country several times
and i can't tell you enough how lucky you really are to have such a good
countrysure there are also skirmishes on the side but the things you call bad in
there are already some of the good points of the situation here.

Sigh, I really hope change would happen soon."

Others are still able to make the good out of the current situation in Malaysia and I surely hope that the remnants of good feelings and the muhibbah dan perpaduan which we proudly preach and try to uphold these years be well preserved. Now, let me tell you that I'm sick of the kettle calling the pot black - putting the blamea on the other group, thinking one is so clean and sincere. Like in Paul's case, people do get sick of rhetorics and here, we show them the door - the corrupts, bigots, racists, sexists and the like.

So, add preservatives if you want but do it with a sincere heart. We welcome all things beneficial for the country. After all, there's no place like home. And by home I meant Malaysia.

Mere Titles

Ah, tiring morning. Another 10 hours or so before I head home. Which got me thinking: people do change especially when they're at the - perceived - top. Be it in society, rich list, smart list, or anything that signifies glory and power.

We've heard things and we've seen things. We've seen how two person openly quarrelled, okay I've seen that. I've met people who - on their way towards the apex - treats everyone else as just another... doormat. Yes, doormat. Some appear to be wise and respectable but their very actions just seem to undo all the regards and admiration others have for them.

These are people who sat next to us way back in primary school; got into trouble with the discipline master in secondary school; a one-time love rival in Form Six; and one who studied, ate, and slept (on different bed of course) together with us. Then, tadaa, they're Dr. so-and-so, Datuk and Nenek, and you know-lah, people with titles. Might. Influence.

Suddenly, they're not the Ah Beng or Sor Chai you'd known for the past 20 years or so. They speak differently, dress smarter, smell better, and drive bigger and faster cars. One thing betrayed them though: their attitude. Some may well camouflaged it but for some, it's obvious. Selfishness. Bloatedness (the head that is). Tilted nose. And it goes on.

Conclusion? All these titles of respect doesn't carry any weight. People wouldn't respect you for your actions. There's this word called pariah. Crude and searing it may well sound but for one who thinks they're so superior, then this may just be the word to describe you in the same breath people address you by your title.

Dignified? Think again. These titles and accolades comes with the thing called humility and modesty. It comes with the knowledge that you're as human as anyone else. Well, a tad smarter and more privileged that's all.

Kodomo

Kodomo points to the well-known children's toothpaste, Kodomo Lion available in four variants: Strawberry, Orange, Grape & Apple. Or the Kodomo no hi (Children's Day), putting up the koinobori (carp streamers), with dumpling and rice cakes to go with it. Ah, all isn't that rosy here. Whilst Children's/Boy's day is celebrated, the kodomo here in Malaysia are berated.

Yes, kids! That's how students are treated here, specifically in university. Never have I come across, save for some, anyone who speaks to a student with respect or treatment befitting that of an adult. We're kids wherever we go. Fire drills. Office admin. Lab. I wonder what's going on beneath their thick skulls.

Anecdote: I was enquiring if it'd be possible to have some documents certified at the office even if it's not from the same School. Then there's this smart fella who threw himself in between our conversation and said it's not possible because it's from the different department. *Sized me up and turned away, letting out grunt* It's just plain laziness. All I need is a stamp saying it's a true copy. Originals are with me. Next, comes security personnel who doesn't now the meaning of politeness when speaking to a local student (kids). If they need to tell someone off because of their attire, then don't do it openly. These kids don't get sexual arousal being humiliated.

[Though I'm of the opinion that if these people think they'd dress as they wish, why not wear a swimsuit? Dork! Follow rules and be sensitive!]

On another extreme, it's not a rare sight to behold how these bunch of condescending people turned kitten when conversing with foreign students (adults). Ha! It's always a smile and a yes or a smile and a polite no, smile again. Smile some more. Knock, knock! These foreigners are not your masters and don't get me started on the behaviour of the majority of Middle Eastern students. Behaving as if they're so good but ended up putting a flammable solvent in the oven in the lab. Extra vegetable and all. Did they pay extra for their food?

There you have it, you'd have to speak in different accent and have different hues to the colour of your skin in order to be respected and spoken to like an adult. Damn,if you gauge maturity, hence a grown up, by the ability to bear children, I'm sure every healthy person here can do it. I'd grow a beard if you want but that'd take a longer time than some.

In the end, it's double standards and the inability to show respect to another person. Whether you're a reknowned varsity, an Ivy Leaguer, or a top-some number varsity in some list, it's a handicap if something is lacking at the top, innit?

N.B. Children should be respected too, y'know?