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...

Demo for a better Malaysia?

Whilst the nation has seen many street demonstrations calling for electoral reforms or betterment of racial conditions, I'm puzzled by the street demo in Georgetown after Friday prayers. What for? To protest against the DAP-led government in Penang.

What if the boot is on the other foot? This is clearly a good example of a sore loser unhappy with losing then starts to protest. Even the PM I respect started to play the trump card of racial division again by a warning to the new CM. For what?

Every word and actions seemed like an act of retribution at Penangites for what they've done last weekend. So much of for the nation and for the people. And didn't the same people proclaim that protests aren't a part of our culture? For every problem, there's a suitable channel to go through. Yeah, right. Didn't the son-in-law of our PM in a speech asked the police to act swiftly on the BERSIH rally for disrupting peace? Wonder what's his stand on this rally?
A case of paranoia - isn't there a federal government and also the Constitution?

At least now I see the real colours besides that of blue and white, or rather red and white. Can't these people learn to live and follow instead of leading all the time? Humility is what they're lacking.

Do read the entry by Dr Rafick Khan Here

*Ponder*

Welcoming Changes

So, it's official. The state will be administered by a new goverment. Followed the discussion the night when results were announced. Some things which were said hit the bullseye. A wake up call. Time to clean up the act. Listen to the people.

Yet, I still hear commments that show these bunch of people are still living in the state of denial. Instead of owning up the real reason they were not chosen, they attribute it to the playing of the racial card by the other parties. Well, hello!

It's much more than that. It's the people saying: We had enough, you guys are too arrogant to hear us out. Development is good and it becomes bad when it come at the expense of nature. I don't vote along the communal line (who says there are race-based parties here?) but along the road I drive home everyday The hills are bald and Gurney Drive stinks now.

I can't be too vocal about other issues as I'm prohibited to do so under the law governing us students in varsity (so much for trying to churn out mature and professional future leaders when what we read has been censored and chosen for us). One thing is, I believe that nobody and nothing is above the Constitution.

Then there's this thing about "reconsidering projects" in some states. Sour grapes. Sore losers. Talk about winning them back when there isn't any interest in doing so except hinder the necessary development.

About certain races losing their voice; if one is sincere and a good administrator, they would speak up for all. Who's being racial now?

Malaysians, like me, are more educated and better in their judgment now. It is not the 13 days of campaigning that will win us over or smother what was done the previous years. It is a continued effort to champion the needs and rights of the people.

We're watching. Evaluating. I just hope there's no more tree-cutting in the name of development. The Pearl is as good as a moss-covered pebble now.

First Election

When parliament was dissolved on 13 Feb, I was excited as this will be my first election - to exercise my rights to vote. Been waiting to see if my one vote could make changes for the country.

Every fool knows that a government shouldn't be too strong and there should be Oppositions to keep things in check. You know, being in charge for 50 years could do wonders to some. Since schooldays, I thought that government is the good guy since they tell us that they are. Oppositions are the BAD people that all voters should stay away.

I have my own convictions now; and brain to reason too. No longer confused by both the niceness and some hurtful things the people in power does. The very first thing I did when I emerge from the cocoon was to read news from many sources and then weigh out the right or wrong of what I've read.

Oppositions are always demonized and it seems that the masses only read and view what was chosen for them. It's so annoying to see and hear the adverts saying the current government is the right choice and no one rules the country better than them. Please. Read the daily and you'll read, "The Opposition's claim...". How come I didn't read it in the paper before?

Then there's this guy who hides threats in the guises of facts and frankness saying "the government promises only what it can do..." Please, spare me.

Some were full of hypocrisy. Raising a weapon and threatened to bathe it in blood then comes out again in the front page officiating new schools.

'Tis the season to behave and when it's over, the real self would be back again. Something intrigued me about government stability and foreing investments. Whilst I may not be an economist nor a political scientist, I believe investors would come if the country truly has the potential and prospects. Have not the development corridors already launched? So, if there's no 2/3 majority, the country's going to be thrown into a turmoil? And is it by the same people seeking the 2/3 majority? C'mon.

I love my country. China doesn't want me. I'm a second class citizen in any other countries. And I have deep respect for the leaders. it's just that one should prove its worth than to issue threats to garner votes. Malaysia is the best place to live in but a lousy policy to live with.

Anyway, I live in one of the hotspots of the election and it'll be interesting to see how things turn out to be. In the meantime, I shall get annoyed by those adverts on radio when I drive home.

Where?

Where are your children? This is the only question I pose to all parents, or rather people who call themselves parents. Parenting: the experiences, skills, qualities, and responsibilities involved in being a parent and in teaching and caring for a child. I’m not giving tips nor guide because I’m not qualified to. I’m taking parents to task. Digest that word: Responsibility.

Kids drowned. Kidnapped. Raped. All it takes is to be more alert and ask yourself on your child/children’s whereabouts. I notice lately that many kids are outside unaccompanied by any adult. Think like a criminal, isn’t that an easy prey? No one to care for those poor kids? Then what are you doing by leaving them at home, alone? Many will jump to your defense with all sorts of excuses. I will have none of it. You have all the time you need to shape them while they were growing up.

Victims of crime aside, let’s talk about wayward kids being the potential criminal. What pisses me off now are a bunch of kids by the staircase singing to the tune of their cursed radio-phones whilst puffing away. Each day after a rendezvous, you’ll get food packaging and “I was here” carving.

For goodness’ sake, bring up your child with discipline. A spanking won’t kill him. God’s gift? Heaven-sent? Yes, but I believe God don’t give you one to spoil him. All the time in the world to work and put food on the table but that doesn’t mean giving away the latest phones and motorcycle.

Parent love their children is a universal thing to do but don’t be naïve in thinking that a good parent must be a loving one; and I mean that kind of do-what-you-want love. Aunty and uncle, cry if you must when your child drowned or killed in a road accident – with most of his brain smashed adding to the asphalt layer – but you would do anything at all to prevent it right? Begin now by knowing where your kids are. Ask. Be concerned. If not then don't bother bringing one into the world.

You’ll only have yourself to blame when the worse happens. A headache to the community who stood by you – to judge you.

I didn't choose this life, it chose me

Today’s headline on Benazir Bhutto’s assassination came as a big shock to me outside the petrol station. I stood there staring at the screaming papers; couldn't believe what I’ve just read.

Not that I’m a political science scholar but then I do keep up with the current affairs of the world at large – political issues especially. Being a lady and all, taking on political leaders for her country really gained my admiration.

Never have I come across someone like her (maybe I have: in rhetorical speeches by our local politicians) who addresses her supporters and the people with such spirit, courage, and passion. In a country consisting of people having different ideologies running the gamut from secular to moderate to religious fundamentalism – and recent unrests involving the latter – Bhutto spoke without fear against extremism and meddling of Pakistani affairs by foreign powers.

Like all who have said it, let not democracy be killed. Even now, conspiracy theories abound but digressions aside, I could only heave a sigh each time I thought of her and her not being around anymore. Shalom.