A Year of Light-Ups

Its a year and 10 days of lighting up, albeit intermittently, in this inconspicuous corner of cyberspace.
The word cloud piccie was created at Wordle based on the frequently used as well as recent words.
No price for guessing the most common words used though.
Cheers!

Oh yes, the name of a racist is in the cloud. I have no choice.

Anak siapa? Example of the undergraduate years

An eye for an eye. Stern actions. Sedition Act. Those are the calls. Google along these keywords: Ahmad Ismail, penumpang, pendatang and you'd get hits commenting on the recent remarks made by Ahmad "I don't mean it" Ismail.

No, not another bashing but a piece of my mind on the Bangsa Malaysia everyone (well, not everyone) hopes to achieve - in the distant future.

Whilst many hope that the "Race" column in application forms would be romoved and say, a political party which would do away with these 51-year racial policies and mentalities, it wouldn't be a success save on in a superficial manner; no different than the superficial call of equality for all races we that we have now.

Perhaps with time and the passing of the current generation that the next generation would be thought this concept of Satu Bangsa - but don't count on no parents who wouldn't inculcate some forms of racism in their children, however minute.

I see myself fortunate to be studying in a school (missionary school actually where there were calls to remove the crucifix, that's beside the matter) which subscribes to the national syllabus and to be able to mingle with people from various races. Fast forward to now, I've graduated from a local university whereby in my three years of studies, the nicest people I've met are my Malay friends.

It's not particularly comforting to see - in words and actions - a one-race group that thinks they're suppose to stick together or they'll lose out. Fear.

Fear is the thing that drives one to behave in an antagonizing way towards another and it affects, evidently, both the majority and the minority. With fear comes polarization and division and you end up with discrete colours even in a sea of crowds. It may not be excessive to say that coming from a mono type of school do actually causes culture shock and it needs some getting used to. If the latter fails, alienation thus sets in.

(From Left: Yamin, Myself, Amar)

Get one or two friends (better still of different colours) and you'd get a snapshot like the above but frankly, it was taken that day when I called out to them as they walked by: they happily obliged. Then there's this university photographer who ask us to post for her camera. Guess such pictures are hard to come by except if one would look for paid posers. Lol.

My point? To achieve things such as Bangsa Malaysia or to be more current, Muhibbah/Perpaduan, it doesn't take one party or one race to start/stop doing a certain thing but it's more than that. To the bigots out there, it's to stop having the impression that your race is more superior, richer, more hardworking, the pioneer, or better off doing things alone. Stop pointing fingers at others, whichever group you belong to. After all, none of us are not guilty of being a racist at certain points in our lives.

Sometimes, it doesn't take a racist politician's sanctimonious drivel to fuel a racial dislike towards another but rather, the policy of the nation (call it a contract if you'd like to deny) and the blatant one-sidedness favouring certain groups of people that causes much discomfort and disappointment. What more, our founding fathers didn't sign us up for less of a citizen.

P.A. Lesson: Perlembagaan merupakan undang-undang tertinggi negara ini... I love the words supreme law as it gives a kind of security - and security for all. It takes more than just requests to change the Constitution. No fear, aite?

In a nutshell, I have but a few friends and not all are Chinese but all are Malaysians. It may draw laughter and ridicule when I answer to these questions: Hang anak sape? Hang ingat hang leh buat ape yang hang suka? Saya anak Malaysia. Ini tanah tumpah darah saya. Save to say, the last phrase entitled me to the rights guarded by the Constitution.

PS. Woe betide you, bigoted leaders/politicians who drive the wedge between races for your own selfish gains.

"I Have A Dream..."

I have a dream - that would be the phrase many will utter at different points in their lives. It has been an eventful month of August and I was at the Motorola Scholarship and Gold Award Ceremony, held yesterday 29 August. The phrase strucked me while the awardees were delivering their speeches, though vastly different in contents from that of Martin Luther King's historical public speech, it is in essence what drives a person to achieve things.

Apart from the usual mispronunciations and the lovable Malaysian styles, the speeches were quite good-lah. These guys and gals do have what it takes to rise to the top and I shan't add another "Congratulations" to the heaps congratulatory messages already showered upon them.

Now, what was memorable and touching in particular were two speeches delivered. Both have similar growing-up situations but differs in motivation and future directions. One wish to break out, from what I perceived, hardship and another wants to go to the top and then give back to society in the form of educating youths to prepare them for the future. Ah, noble.

But hey, motivations and aims may change in the course of working and getting paid good money. I sincerely hope that the speeches delivered do contain true intentions and not merely to display ceremonial splendour. Did I hear anyone saying pomp? Yes, pomp.
To the critics and cynics: I'm not envious of them because I wasn't rewarded nor am I turning sour.

Got to accompany a friend there in her parent's stead, to be her "parent rep". Really happy for her and I must admit that it takes something more than just plain effort to get to where she is right now (I hope no one's reading this). And yeah, she's near comical throughout her speech. Am the youngest sitting in the section of seats reserved for papa and mama. Myself aside, I meant to put this forth: that there're many who missed many kinds of accolade for their hard efforts just because their grades and marks didn't manage to be up to the shortlist mark. It's ok you know. If the parents seated in the hall were proud of their little angels' and devils', I'm sure many others outside would also be proud-lah. It's a good thing what the company is doing - giving back and practising the role of a corporate citizen.

After the speech, award presentation, meal (in a really large hall filled with a long lines of tables and chairs), and tour (of the really huge facility and hearing some papa and mama muttering "It's like a jail here"), I was a bit tired but hey, I don't get to attend such thing everyday and then get to say I have so-and-so who's an awardee. And another thing which I took home, thanks to the speech, was Motorola is a global leader in wireless, automotive and broadband communications.

Another day before the nation's 51st birthday, here I am hammering away and asking myself why on Earth am I typing about the ceremony. Perhaps I never get the chance to tell and ask those bright guys and gals:
Hey, the world has enough technology and nothing more is going to make it better, maybe except to better pamper the rich. We already have telephone, cars, IMAX, and Internet (wireless now). Except for the creation of energy-saving lightbulbs to replace incandescent ones, has anyone thought of ways to drill water wells in Africa? No, I didn't ask you to stop working. By all means, enjoy your work in your line but make giving back to the needy your priority.

Yeah, I know I'm out of my mind. Congratulations anyway.

Broken Swing

The life-giving sphere shuts soon
A blanket pulled o’er the land
A cherished bough was hewn
Lifeless wood I clutch in my hand

The twilight moments were the hardest
When fear and dread grip the heart – tightest
Anticipating the end was the worst
Emotional fountain waiting to burst

Off came one of the trusty jute
I should’ve noticed the splitting fibres
Upset and angry refusing to be soothed
What can be said and done no longer matters

Mustering all my strength and courage
To ponder, wonder, and relive one last time
Teary vista, vivid image
Bittersweet events etched in the mind

Was I asking to be pushed all the time?
Back and forth forgetting the patient pusher
Nay, for I believe to request is not a crime
But then again, I could’ve done it in a way far milder

Over time and weather
Tacit replies confirmed my fear
The swinging becomes heavy and slow
When responses and expressions grew cold

Let the wood be a blunt reminder
To hold on to what’s dear
Or I could use it when I become the pusher
Making sure to strike between the ears

Animals Rights

Read an article on human rights and decided I should have some sort of animal rights declaration here. Many a times, we hear of and even witness the selfish nature of us humans thinking animals, great and small, to stay away from us and our property or else...

At best, these animals are our pets - declawed and vocal chords removed. Sadly, no matter the number of campaigns carried out or the books written on this issue, we are more superior (only in reasoning I may add).

Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

Preamble:
Considering that Life is one, all living beings having a common origin and having diversified in the course of the evolution of the species, - Considering that all living beings possess natural rights, and that any animal with a nervous system has specific rights,
Considering that the contempt for, and even the simple ignorance of, these natural rights, cause serious damage to Nature and lead men to commit crimes against animals,
Considering that the coexistence of species implies a recognition by the human species of the right of other animal species to live,
Considering that the respect of animals by humans is inseparable from the respect of men for each other,

It is hereby proclaimed that:

Article 1
All animals have equal rights to exist within the context of biological equilibrium. This equality of rights does not overshadow the diversity of species and of individuals.

Article 2
All animal life has the right to be respected.

Article 3
1°- Animals must not be subjected to bad treatments or to cruel acts.
2°- If it is necessary to kill an animal, it must be instantaneous, painless and cause no apprehension.
3°- A dead animal must be treated with decency.

Article 4
1°- Wild animals have the right to live and to reproduce in freedom in their own natural environment.
2°- The prolonged deprivation of the freedom of wild animals, hunting and fishing practised as a pastime, as well as any use of wild animals for reasons that are not vital, are contrary to this fundamental right.

Article 5
1°- Any animal which is dependent on man has the right to proper sustenance and care.
2°- It must under no circumstances be abandoned or killed unjustifiably.
3°- All forms of breeding and uses of the animal must respect the physiology and behaviour specific to the species.
4°- Exhibitions, shows and films involving animals must also respect their dignity and must not include any violence whatsoever.

Article 6
1°- Experiments on animals entailing physical or psychological suffering violate the rights of animals.
2°-Replacement methods must be developed and systematically implemented.

Article 7
Any act unnecessary involving the death of an animal, and any decision leading to such an act, constitute a crime against life.

Article 8
1°- Any act compromising the survival of a wild species and any decision leading to such an act are tantamount to genocide, that is to say, a crime against the species.
2°- The massacre of wild animals, and the pollution and destruction of biotopes are acts of genocide.

Article 9
1°- The specific legal status of animals and their rights must be recognised by law.
2°- The protection and safety of animals must be represented at the level of Governmental organizations.

Article 10
Educational and schooling authorities must ensure that citizens learn from childhood to observe, understand and respect animals.

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters.
The text, revised by the International League of Animal Rights in 1989, was submitted to the UNESCO Director General in 1990 and made public that same year.

Gaps? Cleavage?

Generation gaps, I opined, has got to do with the style of parenting (there’re four according to psychology books) and to a certain extend education; English or otherwise. Parents did a good job adapting to the changes of time albeit at a slower pace i.e. text messaging and the sort. We enjoyed food at mamak stalls, good movies together, and also some football actions on TV; the latter being something of a lullaby for dad on the couch though.

Alas, that’s where solid ground ends especially when it comes to decision-making. Often, advices also serve as a tacit command. It is true that our parents are more experienced in many ways but there comes a time when one have to accept that their children are all grown up now. More so, after completing the first degree and contemplating on whether to pursue higher degree or to work.

Adulthood is gauged differently in different cultures but not going through a certain rite of passage doesn’t mean the ability to reason and decide isn’t well-developed. Being brought up the Asian way of showing filial piety and respect, we’re always building and mending the bridge of communication to ensure that our thoughts are articulated, with due respect I may add.

Not giving room for recriminations, I believe that the chasm between two generations could be greatly reduced if we’d take turns to listen, speak, and accept – all in good spirits and an open mind. After all, we’re spending good time shooting the breeze and not to shoot each other’s thoughts down. I dare not say that we’re masters of our lives but we value their advice. After all, a good decision is made with their feedbacks and our passion.

Like it or not, though we’re one but there will always be, at best, a little gap. Cleavage if you like.

For the Good of the People

Not.

First the second bridge delayed and then there is no bridge. Reason? Government wants to be good steward of their money and only projects "benefiting the people" would be funded. So now, with PPSB scrapping its ferry services, Penangites are going to have a good time stuck on the bridge.

Whilst most people in the world today would opt for more routes to a destination (evident even in the Dual- and Quad- core processors), my government thinks its beneficial for the people to make do with a miserable bridge.

Maybe a time-out session to punish non-compliant child - stuck in jams or cruising on a two-lane bridge absorbing the lesson: "You should have voted us instead. Now, learn and be wise!". Former CM said he'll be the first to deny that this is a punishment, but I think otherwise...