Malaysia for Malaysians

It's been quite some time since my last post. Appologies to those who continue to wait, but this has been a really busy term, what with assessments and applications and deadlines etc. Quite a lot happened to be honest. Too much, in fact, that it makes writing this post a bit difficult.

But wait, something caught my eye before I started writing this paragraph, and looks quite interesting and relevant to the present day of Malaysian politics. I'm sure everyone knows about Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Pulau Pinang from the opposition.

When the opposition wrestled a significant number of seats and states from the BN-led government, one thing worried a portion of the Malays - that if the government wins, the Chinese, or non-Malays, would gain control of Malaysia. True, Anwar might be the Prime Minister, but the parliament would be filled with as much Chinese, Indians, and non-Malays as the Malays. But I don't see why this is a problem.

Why is it such a big issue to the Malays that the leaders of the country must be Malays? In my opinion, leaders should be chosen based on merit, not race. Have we ever wondered why Malaysia, having reached 51 years of age, is still a developing nation, and Singapore, some 45 years old, is one of the most developed countries in the world? Yes we have, but we say Singapore is small, so we can't compare the 2. But Germany is a new country, it is barely 20 years old, and already among the most advanced.

But look within Malaysia, at the differences that lie within our own leaders. Tomorrow, when Muslims are flying to the Holy Land for Hajj, Dato' Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the Chief Minister of Melaka, from UMNO, is hosting Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, or should I say Dato' Shah Rukh Khan. Festivities are going on, concerts and such. He's a Malay, and he's a Muslim (at least by name), so technically and presumably he should know better. What is he doing to guide the people of Melaka, to raise the status of local artists, to respect those doing their ibadah?

In fact, he's even practically trying to bring Pulau Pinang down. When the state is facing troubles with their World Heritage status, all he did was to warn PP not to risk the status of it's World Heritage site, simply because it is linked with that of Melaka. And he knows full well that PP is facing bankrupcy otherwise. Kudos for advancing as one country!

Lim Guan Eng, a Chinese, on the other hand, has taken us all by surprise. Pulau Pinang is ruled based on the Islamic concept of "amal ma'ruf nahi mungkar", a phrase I haven't heard uttered by a single Malay (and technically Muslim) politician from UMNO in history. He declared that Pulau Pinang will be ruled like the government of Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz. He forbade government officials to spend lavishly by using business class flights, 5 star hotels, parties and such. And just today, he announced that al-Quran is important as the primary source of the country's law! He aims for "satu keluarga Islam satu hafiz" (One Muslim family one hafiz)! His understanding of Islam, as far as I am concerned, far exceeds any leader from UMNO!

If you ask me, I would readily accept him as Prime Minister of Malaysia in place of any Malay from UMNO. Under his leadership, Muslim values and Malay values are guarded. So I don't understand why Malays feel that we need Malay leaders. We don't. What we need is leaders who are capable of leading us, of guiding us, and of ensuring our progress and advancement.

I am a Malay. But truth be told, the UNITED MALAYS National Organisation is neither united nor a representation of the Malays. Malaysia for Malaysians. That, my fellow countrymates, is what our nation is all about.

I am a Sarawakian..

I used to be so proud of the Sarawakian Government, for being able to maintain peace and unity in the state. But somehow, now, among more and more increasingly unprecedented and absurb happenings, frustration is mounting up as political parties around the nation are speaking up, but the Sarawakian parties are holding their silence.

The nation is in turmoil as the Opposition claims to have the backing of Sarawakians. Sarawak is the centre of attention, but all its politicians can say is "lies!". For God's sake!

The Government is so obviously tearing the country apart. Foreign countries have been criticising the ISA, but our Government maintained the need for it, supported it, backed it, justified it. But today, that same Government has proved to everyone that the ISA is just an instrument to instil fear in the hearts of Malaysians. When they feel safe and secure in office, the ISA lies dormant. But when they feel threatened, the ISA is conjured up. We have become a nation where everyone lives in fear, for whatever they say, do, or even think.

And still Sarawakian politicians remain silent!

Journalists have been detained under the ISA, and for what? For inciting religious and racial hatred? As far as I know, and I may not know very much, since I'm a Malaysian and the Malaysian Government obviously thinks that Malaysians are dumb enough to buy whatever they say, journalists merely reports, they don't say anything. It's either they report the truth, or lies.

I've mentioned this before in one of my posts, but I shall do so again. Here, I can call a black man black, I can call a Chinese a Chinese, I can call a white man white, and still be friends with them. We recognise and acknowledge our differences, and we embrace it. But perhaps this is not what the Malaysian Government or the Kamus DBP defines as racial unity. Perhaps the correct definition of "racial unity" is "not allowing the realisation that not everyone is Malay (or Muslim) seep into the minds of people", and the definition of "Malay" is "the superior race that should be given extra rights and privelages".

I am a Malay, I do not deny it. But the other 80+% of Sarawakians are not! Does this make me any more superior to all my other friends(and I say friends) ? I wouldn't think so, but, hey, who am I to say that the Government is wrong?

But still, I do not want to lose faith in those (I won't say government) whom my statesmen (sarakians) have elected. I hope they have something up their sleeves, and I hope they uphold and fight for what the people really want.

I am a Sarawakian, I was proud to be one, I am proud to be one, and I hope that I will always be proud to be one.

What is happening to my Malaysia?

What is happening to my Malaysia?

First they blocked websites deemed a "threat to national security", then the ministry ordered them to be deblocked. A good move, but why the need to block it in the first place?

What is happening to my Malaysia?

After unblocking the websites, a prominent blogger/writer was detained under the ISA. What are they trying to do? Flex their power and threaten those who shed light on current happenings?

What is happening to my Malaysia?

Three newspapers were given a show cause letter, demanding an explanation on why they published the truth. Are they implying that only facts (and mostly lies) that sing praises for the government are allowed to be published?

What is happening to my Malaysia?

The Prime Minister refuses to step down even if the people demand it.

What is happening to my Malaysia?

The army is starting to intervene - another first in our history. Is this learning from our neighbours, signalling a military coup?

What is happening to my Malaysia?

The Government sends its MPs to another country (in an attempt to thwart a take-over, perhaps?) under the guise of a study-trip, and the Opposition sends its own MPs after them, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek.

What is happening to my Malaysia?

Racial tensions are on the high. Malays are deemed racists, Chinese are deemed squatters, Indians are deemed oppressed.

What is happening to my Malaysia?

What is happening to my Malaysia?

What is happening to my Malaysia?

Or perhaps, it is no longer my Malaysia. Perhaps it is no longer our Malaysia. Perhaps, it is now the Malaysia of the few who refuse to see truth.

I wonder, how will the country be like when I come back. Will it still be the same? Or will it be another? Will I be going back home? Or will I be arriving somewhere new?

But no, I refuse to believe that the Malaysia I love is dying. The Malaysia I love has been there, is there, and will always be there, because the Malaysia I love is immortal. My Malaysia is in the hearts of every Malaysian, and nowhere else. The only problem now is, this nation is led by people who are not Malaysians.

Malaysians, it is up to us to reclaim what is ours. InsyaAllah, all will be well in the end. But for now, my heart weeps...

Study trip?

It's been a while since I last posted something. But oh well, I wanted to post up some pictures, but I havent got up to uploading the pictures yet.. hehe.

Anyways, the first years are coming today, and the whole campus is up and about, being all excited about the new addition to the AC family. Powys was up all night last night, finishing the year poster and making the house ready. Everyone is out with signboards saying "p-p-p-Powys!" or "ka-powys!" or other similar to welcome the first years. The first bus is arriving at about 2, so I'm gonna go out with the Malaysian flag. ;)

Which reminds me about the trip to Taiwan. I don't know if it's just me or what, but, is it really necessary to bring 50 MPs to a study trip abroad? I mean, taulah, no parliament sitting, but, come on. Wouldn't it be better to go on a study-trip in Malaysia? Go around the country, look at how our agriculture is really doing, so that they would know it first hand, instead of just reading it off a piece of paper. Then send one or 2 representative to somewhere and study from them (if they really want to send people on "study trips"). I mean, our neighbours are doing really well, yet we go somewhere further? Banyak sangat ke duit, sampai they're that desperate to waste money? If that's the case, increase subsidies lah.

And is there something fishy going on? I just heard that they're planning the trip, and a week later, all 50 are in Taiwan. Maybe things have changed in Malaysia over the past month since I was last there. Maybe the Malaysian government has managed to make a U-turn and become extremely efficient. If that's the case, which I hope to God is, alhamdulillah, we've waited for this moment a tad too long. Enough said.

A lot of things are going on in this country that I love so much. And not all of them are good. But, all I can say is, now that we can no longer rely on our leaders, it is up to us, Malaysians, the heart and blood of the country, to keep us going. We have survived a lot of things, and we can surely survive this one. We are a quiet people, but we are a people who can get things done, insyaAllah. So the only hope for Malaysia now are the Malaysians ourselves, and let's pray that God is on our side.

Ya Allah, selesaikanlah masalah negara ini secepat mungkin. Hamba-hamba-Mu memerlukan pertolongan-Mu, tunjukkanlah kami jalan, berikanlah kami kesabaran, kurniakanlah kami penyelesaian. Kembalikanlah kemegahan dan kebanggaan kami, demi agama, bangsa dan negara. Amin.

Takziah..

Hari Jumaat hari yang mulia.. Bulan Ramadhan bulan yang mulia.. Bersyukurlah..

Hari ini, salah seorang ahli keluarga tercinta kembali ke Rahmatullah..

Hari ini, salah seorang ahli keluarga tercinta kembali ke pangkuan Illahi, insyaAllah..

Hari ini, ahli-ahli keluarga tercinta berkabung..

*Al-Fatihah*

Semoga beliau ditempatkan di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman..

Semoga dimakbulkan doa-doa ahli keluarga untuk beliau..

Selamat tinggal, Nek Man, Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Sahari..

We will all miss you..

Ramadhan

Nawaitu shauma ghodhin 'an adaai fardhu syahri ramadlaana haadzihis sanati lillahi ta'aalaa

Sahaja aku berpuasa esok hari sehari bulan Ramadhan tahun ini kerana Allah Taala

Bulan mulia Ramadhan telahpun tiba, dan umat Islam di serata dunia menunaikan tanggunjawab selaku hamba Allah. Di bulan ini, beringat-ingatlah kita sesama saudara seagama, insaflah atas dosa-dosa yang telah, bertaubatlah, tingkatkan amal ibadah, insyaAllah tiba bulan Syawal, menjelma kita sebagai umat yang lebih beriman, lebih kuat, dan lebih mantap.

Selamat Berpuasa!

Merdeka!

I've been quite busy the past week (I'll post it up soon), but I can't let today go without posting anything up..

Sudah 51 tahun negaraku memegang hak milik tanah sendiri, perjuangan rakyat mencapai kebebasan, mengecapi kedaulatan, menjunjung kemegahan. Di hari ini, hanya sekalung doa mampu ku hadiahkan kepada ibu pertiwiku.

Ya Allah, selamatkanlah negaraku Malaysia, kurniakanlah kami kematangan dan kebijaksanaan untuk mengekalkan kebebasan yang telah menjadi milik anak-anak bangsa Malaysia. Berikanlah kemajuan, tunjukkanlah hidayah, dan hulurkanlah pertolongan-Mu di detik-detik genting ini. Perkenankanlah kepada kami erti sebenarnya kemerdekaan. Amin.

Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Merdeka!

Only time will tell..

Anwar is back in Parliment!

I'm not in Malaysia, but apparently, the by-election went quite well. Generally, and for the opposition (currently). The majority held by the opposition has increased by about 2,000. Does Anwar's victory echo the sentiments of fellow Malaysians, or just the people of Permatang Pauh? Is it a sign of what's to come, and what's to change in Malaysian politics?

I'm sure that with this victory, Malaysians all over are anxious to see what's going to happen next. Is Anwar's prediction going to come true by September the 16th? Is Malaysia as we know it going to change? Is it going to be a welcome change? Will the current opposition sort out their differences?

So many questions, but only time will tell.. One thing is for certain though, Malaysians will have to stick together to get through this. Hopefully both sides are gentleman enough to realize when and if their time is up, and not cling on to hopes and dreams with force. We are all working towards one goal - Malaysia..

"big news!"

Aren't you guys just glad that I've started to post up stuff more often now? I don't know why, but yea. Maybe because I have some free time during august period in AC than usual (don't get me wrong, when i say SOME free time, i mean SOME free time..). But anyways, you know what's weird? When I was back in Malaysia, I always found the international news so interesting, that whenever I read the papers, I'd skip everything else and go to the international section. I end up knowing more about what's happening in a small, unknown country than what's happening in my own country. But ever since I came to AC, I seem to have a change in heart, and been following the national news so closely, that it feels as if I'm in Malaysia still.

And of course, the "big news" back home right now is the possibility of a change in government (first time ever in Malaysian history!) and also the by-election, which is seemingly going to be the determining factor.

I don't know if it's only me, but all of this is making me kind of nervous. I mean, I'm looking forward to a change in government. Who can deny that the current one is too comfortable and confident in its position, that it is so obviously being inaffective, if I dare say so. And also, its way of handling and governing is somewhat getting on the nerves of most Malaysians, who have seemingly grown mature overnight. In AC, I live with loads of other nationalities, and you see so many things you would never thought possible. There are dorms where a palestinian and an israeli share, where an american shares his with 3 citizens of "terrorist countries", and so on. Debates are held, forums are organised, all with the intention of getting people to talk and understand each other better. Here, I can call a black person black. But in Malaysia, I can't call a chinese a chinese without feeling this slight tinge of guilt. Perhaps its time to deal with our problems out in the open, and not just sweet it all under the rug like we've been doing for the past 50 years.

But then again, are Malaysians really ready for change? Malaysia has had more than 50 years of peace under one government. We say we're ready for change, for a better future, but can we handle the transition? Sarawak, for example, an excellent example, actually, has been under the rule of one man for more than 2 decades. If the government changes, so will this man, and so too, along with him, will the wall (or barrier) between Sarawak and the rest of the world. He's been protecting Sarawak from otusiders because of personal reasons/gains (sssh, an open secret..), but Sarawakians are enjoying this, because we get so many privelages and advantages. I mean, we don't need a work permit to work in Semenanjung, but they would need a work permit to work in Sarawak (haha! :P). The Sarawak market is practically solely for Sarawakian business, and many a Sarawakians thrive on this. Inflation going from time to time, demonstrations, riots, political turmoil, bla bla bla, but still Sarawak remains "ignorant" of all this. We really are protected. But all this will probably be gone with the change of government.

Here then, the question arises, are we willing to sacrifice our make-pretend peace, for the possibility of real peace and prosperity?

But one thing I have to add, I did not agree when one of the opposition parties(for now, if its true theyre going to become the next government) stated that it would not support a theocracy nation. Malaysia is an Islamic Country. If there is anyone who disagrees and would want Malaysia to become a secular country, I would say it was because of
1, Malaysia is an Islamic Country only in name. It does not practice, as a nation, what Islam preaches, because in reality, it is already, or still, a secular country. and
2, they do not know Islam. An Islamic Country does not mean other religions would be forsaken. It merely means that the country adopts a ruling system that is fair and just.
I say this not because I am a muslim, but because I know what it means to truly be an Islamic Country. And for this, I hope that certain parties in the opposition would not change its stance in this, should the opposition really change sides.

I hope I have not offended anyone, but guys, I'm sure you know where I'm coming from. ;)

Life here..

It's been quite some time now since I last updated on the happenings here, so I think maybe perhaps I should just write something about it. hehe. What have I been up to? Well, I've only been back to AC for about 2 weeks, but already it feels like I've been back for months. I don't know whether thats a good thing or bad, because its given me this sense of security that things are familiar and "there", but it also gives this feeling that time is moving so slowly and everything is just a drag. Oh well, its a mixed feeling, but I still enjoy it! hehe.

I've been joining quite a few playgroup session, where a group of children, about 5-10 year olds, would come to AC, about 12-14 of them everytime, and we spend some time to play with them. It's part of the community work, but I must say its been really fun and rewarding. I got to know quite a few of the kids, and its really amusing. I mean, you get some children who would be like "i wanna come back i wanna come back!" and "I'm gonna ask my mum to let me come again tomorrow and the day after and they day after that and....." or "i don't want to play.." and loads of different response. Like the Malays would say, banyak udang banyak garam, banyak orang banyak garam. hehe.

What else? Well, there have been loads of other activities.. like my home visits and this documentary/discussion about the clash of civilization between Islam and the West. The clash of civilization was very interesting, but I think I'll write about it next time. Kinda sleepy now, and long day tomorrow. The Malaysians are treating ourselves to a meal tomorrow, so I gotta go do some grocery shopping and stock up on my provisions.. imagine me going on the train with like.. 15 chickens! but oh well, thats life at ac.. hehe.

Till next time, salam mesra.. :)

Proton

You know, sometimes its weird, to imagine how much gap of knowledge a country can have.. And at some levels, its even.. ridiculous? If I am allowed to say so.

The other day, I met 2 different people on the same day, and we got to talking. To one, when I said I'm from Malaysia, he immediately identified Kuala Lumpur without me telling him, which surprised me, and he got me again when he said that (and I'm not quoting him, but its something to the effect of) "u know what puts Malaysia on the world map? the Proton.." and he went on about what a good car it was, how a few of his friends have it, etc etc etc. Perhaps something could be learnt here, that our national carmaker is capable of producing world-class cars, and should work on producing more of that, instead of the "things" they pass for a car domestically and rely on the government to keep them in business. It really made me feel proud of Malaysia, to know that people all away here, halfway around the world, hold my country in such high regards, but it saddens me that my own people would betray this respect and treat our own people badly.

And later in the day, I met another person, and when I told her I'm from Malaysia, I had to explain that it is in SE Asia, in Asia, and she went (again, not quoting) "o Asia! That's in Eastern Europe right?" The only way i can describe my feeling was.. -.-" It surprises me sometimes, and amazes me, how we humans are so varied and different.. How great is God? Really great.. ;)

Malaysia and Malaysians..

As a Malaysian who has never questioned the loyalty and pride for the nation, I never thought the day would come when I would question both. Happenings both within and with-out the country has made me ask, whether Malaysia is still the country it used to be, or whether it really ever was the country it should have been.

So many events have been revolving around the Permatang Pauh by-elections recently, and many more, in a wider aspect, surrounding the issue of the possibility of a change in government. Accusations have been slammed against national figures, retaliations, statements, oaths, and others. It would have been, it should have been, normal in a "democracy", but is it really, when leaders and would-be leaders of a 26 million strong nation are playing games worthy of 5-year-olds? What is the difference to a child accusing his friend, Abu, of stealing his toy, and then, when Abu is being scolded, he retaliates by saying "i only did it because he took my sweet", and then another friend, Ali, not wanting to be left out, butts in just for the sake of it, saying "i saw him do it!", without really knowing what is happening.

Perhaps this is part of our leaders' plan to put Malaysia on the world map? Because i don't think Malaysia has ever been as popular as it is now. World leaders are keeping an eye on our country, some giving comments, some giving demands. Does it make us feel proud that our issue is becoming a world issue? Am I the only one who is ashamed that the one thing that elevates our country high up is the childish squabbles of our leaderS? If leaders represent their people (as they are, theoretically), is the world imagining Malaysia as a land of crying grown-ups, of petty minded and attention grabbing people? If they are, then, Malaysia.. What is happening?

The world is moving, is developing, is maturing, but is Malaysia going with the flow? Or is it trying its hardest to stay in the past? Malaysia is a country of many people, yet we clammer and make noise and hype it all up when some are trying to make Malaysia a nation for all, instead of a nation for just one. When a leader voices an opinion that public universities (note the name, PUBLIC) should start opening up its doors to other races who are also (and equally so) Malaysians, demonstrations are organised, rallies and what not. Whose is Malaysia? a 100% to the 60%, and 0% to the 40% (which might consist of the brightest minds and highest potential), or a 100% to the 100%? Are universities for those who are born into the right race, or is it for those who earn it?

I wasn't too good of a history student, but wasn't Malaysia one of the voices opposing the appertheid in South Africa? Isnt Malaysia one of the top countries in the Islamic World (or so we claim), a religion that pays little attention to race, where everything is brought down to being earned? So, correct me if I'm wrong, and I dearly pray that I am, but in my opinion, it looks like we are moving more and more, and more clearly so, towards a society that passes the right of being Malaysian to those with the right colour, skin, language, and parents.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to doubt my country. I refuse to drop my identity as a Malaysian. I reject the notion of my country's weakness. Was it not just a few days ago, when we as a nation, of a people of various colours, of a community as different from each other as cats and dogs, sat together all over the nation (and all over the world), watching, cheering, for the representative of our country in the Olympics, playing in the finals, vying for a gold in badminton singles? Wasn't that a feat to equal the rest of the world powers?

But i realize, these doubts are not in the nation. We as a people, we as a community, we as a nation, are strong, and have every right to be a proud people. But even the best make mistakes. "setinggi-tinggi tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah juga". Maybe it is time for us to amend our mistakes, or maybe its time for our mistake to amend itself. Time will tell, and time is coming to a close. An eager Malaysian awaits to see what fate has in store for this great country.. But perseverence.. We Malaysians should never cease to persevere..

Silver??

I guess Malaysians would have to settle for a silver..

But i was looking forward to a gold.. I was looking forward to standing up, listening the "Negaraku" being played for the world.. I was looking forward to another "historical moment" for Malaysia.. But I guess it all has to wait for next time.. another time, another hope..

But no matter what.. Congratulations Lee Chong Wei.. U've still made Malaysia proud.. :)

Malaysia Boleh!!

Lee Chong Wei!! oh wow.. i dont know why im so excited.. maybe its because its potentially malaysia's first olympic gold medal ever.. or perhaps its being in an environment where friends come from countries that gather olympic gold medals like berries on trees.. or perhaps its a bright light in a nation that is dark with uncertainties at the moment.. or perhaps its all together.. but know this.. Lee Chong Wei (though i don't know u personally.. obviously.. :P), every single Malaysian is supporting you.. and whatever happens, you are already our hero!!!!

Malaysia Boleh!!!!

aiyo!

vale.. porque yun ni no puede hablar espanol, quiero escriber en este lengua. entonces.. ahora, ella esta a la izquierda de mi. habla no puede hacer su deberes de espanol, porque no comprende las palabras en la papel. jejeje. pero (!!), no puedo escriber en espanol demasiado, porque estoy en espanol ab initio SL tambien. hmm.. me pregunto si usted personas saben lo que escribo aqui, aunque sepa que no soy bueno.

aiyo!

i give up! na'am kereb u'ih la' write spanish for the whole post. but at least it's a start.. haha. but anyways.. it was more because i was thinking of what to write, and didnt come up with any "inspiration", so... hmm! its been about a week here now, and things are going quite well.. i mean, the past 2 days, we've been having really good weather.. its almost as warm as malaysia! and thats saying something, since theyve only had about 5 days of sunshine throughout this summer.. tsk.. trust the british weather to be cheerful.. haha.

oh well.. i guess i have to run off now, loads of work to do.. (well, actually not a lot, but people seem to have loads of work, so i guess i have to make pretend that i do as well.. hahahha :P)

back to spanish! esto es malo! soy supuesto poder escribir en espanol! ah esta bien... creo hago supuesto hacerlo.. soon!! hehe.

...

i actually dont know what to write.. haha.

back to ac!

Just got back to AC few days ago.. Its quite something.. i mean.. after having holidays for more than 2 months, to dive straight into the academic year.. and half the school is not here, because our 2nd years just graduated, so its just us, waiting for our 1st years coming next month..

but its a good thing that we start with august period though.. i mean.. ok.. august period is where we do more service than usual. we do service every afternoon/evening of the week for 4 hours a day, except for 2 days, where we are given time to rest. in the mornings we have classes as usual, and at night we have other activities. so its kind of a packed and hectic month.

but the good thing is.. the teachers are not allowed to give us homework!! haha. we were told to remind them not to give us any if they do, so.. im all for reminding them!! :D

but everything's fine, i think... its good to be meeting everyone again after the summer.. the weather is.. well.. undeniably welsh.. sunny this minute, and raining thunder (though the rain is like alang2 compared to malaysia.. like dowan to rain, but still raining like that.. haha) the next.. literally! oh well.. getting used to it again.. hehe.

but the food!! aaaaa!! starving with ac food!! i thought i could live with just ac food, but apparently not.. had to cook something yesterday.. but with nothing at all.. so only had fried rice.. but im craving for it again.. just the thought of ac food.. *shudder*

i think this is it for now.. no pictures though... next time next time.. hehe. i hafta run off to class now.. ciao!

finally!! pictures!!

I'm back! again! hehe. what can i say, its been a really busy summer.. but its going to end soon.. :( oh well, life goes on...

Recently, my friends from west malaysia came to visit. Where better to come holiday-ing other than Sarawak, right? hehe. So i brought them around to a few places. As usual, i didnt take pictures. I think after form 4 and form 5 in chung hua, ive had enough of being behind the camera.. hehe. So the pictures here (FINALLY THERE ARE PICTURES!!) are compliments of the photographer from brunei, fizi.. ;)

one of the destination (these are the only pictures i have, since fizi only went with us here) - Niah!


i think they were a bit nervous crossing the river with crocodiles in mind.. *evil chuckle*

and who says car drivers are the only ones who text while driving?? hehe

aint this cool? its real!

i held the light!

the wonders sarawak has to offer.. one of the many many many.. :D

well, thats us.. aqeela, me,amir and nik..

.. and us again..

tom harisson's house.. at least, thats what i think his name is.. if im not mistaken.. hehe

imagine climbing on those poles.. *shudder* im glad i dont eat birds nest.. haha.

so yea.. brought them around in miri la.. canada hill, parkson, imperial, here and there, food! wanted to bring to lambir and mulu, but didnt have time.. maybe next time.. ;) hehe

then we went to kuching, and we went to jong's crocodile farm, and loads and loads of food!! lol. I think they were practically bursting by the time they left sarawak.. i hope they had a good time.. i did!! :D

no pictures~

I thought I could upload pictures and stuff, but my laptop crashed, so now im using a substitute for the moment, so I dont have anything to put up. But here's something for you guys, maybe it can give a rough picture of what has been happening the past month.. :)

http://www.ntv7.com.my/Shows/Watch-Episodes.aspx?param=X019wyMG2j0jKOHtJlzJIBQz%2b62%2bxW%2fLL4Q87qfdkOttvj0wYEeRX%2f57PLJtge5zHS5t6LwIlNP1jTVdp5gAOw%3d%3d#ancPlayer

its the one on 7th july, part 5.. :D

I'm back!

I'm back!! Oh no.. i was just about to write about the happenings of the past month, but I suddenly lost the will to write, so.. Maybe tonight! But just to let all my fans (chewah.. haha) out there know that I'm still alive and kicking! hehe.

Today - Thursday.

Tada! I know I have been quite inactive on the blog lately. But then again, I think there has been loads of time when my inactivity just takes over. I have been planning to put up some pictures ever since Poland (honest!), but the crappy internet connection here and the lack of time just makes it kind of impossible. But worry not, I'm going back soon, so I can upload tonnes of pictures!

Anyway. Today - Thursday. Tomorrow is the last day of term, and after that, bliss! 2 months of nothing-ness! I'm really looking forward to it, after a year of AC. But then again, I'm sure by the end of it, I'll be revving to come back. lol.

I haven't been up to much recently. Just taking it easy after exams. Loads of deadlines this week (but somehow still lots less than the others *chuckle*). Last week of term should be chilled out, spending time with 2nd years and all that, but nooooo, they just had to keep the pressure on. But my last deadline was yesterday, so now I'm just HAPPY! Need to pack though. I started packing yesterday, but the moment I started, I regretted it. Now I have half my cupboard on and around my bed, and I can't even move. Joy~

The Malaysian 1st years are organising a bbq for our 2nd years this afternoon, seeing that they're not coming back next term and all. (In actual reality, I just need to finish off all my food.. hehe) Spent half the evening chopping up chicken yesterday. Solehah tried to help, but gave up after about 2 chickens because of the blunt knife (it really is frustrating), so I had to finish doing the rest. I think I still smell of chicken now.. -.-"

I don't really know what else to write, except that I'm really looking forward to going back. And I'm getting my full driving license when I go back! And the summer project is just going to be absolutely amazing. If you're in Malaysia, check out The Sun / The Star this sunday, education section (Yun Ni, fingers crossed). =D

EXAMS ARE OVER!!!!!!!!!!!

exams are over!!!!!!!!!!! the week felt like it was never going to get by, but now its gone!!! and the next thing to look forward to.. summer holidays!!! mind's blank.. just wanna write again... EXAMS ARE OVERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol.

19!

ok, now i kinda feel real bad because i havent been updating my blog as often as i should.. hehe. i still have some photos of poland i wanna upload, but i just dont have the time..

anyways! my bday.. well, i came back to powys on the evening of the 16th of April, and saw the Malaysian flag berkibar on the tree right outside of powys, with something white hanging right beside it.. when i came closer, i saw that it was a fridge, hanging from the tree, with a singlet on it saying "happy birthday amin!".. of all the things, a fridge.. i dont quite get it, but yea.. it really was a surprise..

then at midnite, got showered, and the next day, the malaysians made nasi lemak.. for once i didnt have to cook!! haha. but the best thing was all the malaysian first years were there.. for the first time! it was really fun.. and the food was good too.. :P

But yea.. i cant believe im actually 19.. seems like a big number.. oh well.. 18 was fun.. hopefully 19 will be even better! ;) i dont know what feelings to write into here, but.. being 19 does seem a bit different.. that enough? lol. i'll start blogging more often after this.. i hope.. >.< hehe.

till next time! im going to the screening of the year video right now.. so.. adios~

Poland!!!

Guess where I am right now? Warsaw!! AC tour choir just arrived Warsaw yesterday evening. Weŕe staying at this hostel called OkiDoki.. Dont ask me about the name - even the immigration officer gave us the face when we told him where we were staying. But its a really cool place though. Every room in this hostel is different. Our room is called PLR,Peoples Republic of Poland. Its red, with pictures of Lenin all over the red walls.. Then thereś like the flower room, the cat room, the rainbow room, new mexico room, etc etc. But apparently our room PLR is the coolest.. ;)

I just got back from walking around with some friends just now. We went around looking for food and shops. At one point, we started singing our choir songs in the middle of the crowd, it was kinda funny. I was the only bass, and Andreas the only tenor, so.. but it was fun. haha.

We had lunch at this student café in front of Warsaw University (i think), and had this Polish food thingy, which looks something like Chinese dumplings, and tasted like undercooked Chinese dumplings.. But it was an experience.. And after UK, food is just so cheap here!

What else? I dont really know.. we didnt do a lot today.. But tonight weŕe going to the British ambassadors residence to sing and promote UWC to the guests. Then on Sunday, we are going to sing live on polish radio to 1.5 million people (so they say), and we just got a surprise. On monday, we were just supposed to go to a museum for a tour, but we just found out that the tv crew is going to come along and want us to sing on tv! There are a few other places as well, but I cant really remember it now. We have this itinerary where its just like a long list of places to sing which Bryan (our conductor) highlghts either ¨HIGH PROFILE¨ or ¨VERY HIGH PROFILE¨ next to. lol.

Im sorry, but I cant post pictures here, coz im using OkiDokis free computer right now, so cant transfer pictures. And have been quite busy recently, which I hope explains for the lack of updates. =) Anyways, till next time! Wish me luck in Poland!

Chinese New Year!!!

Its the 3rd new year of the year!!!! haha. Being in AC, its so good to know that Malaysians get to turn over a new leaf on new year's 3 times a year.. lol! but it was good.. we had a meal to celebrate chinese new year with the malaysians and other "bananas" *ehem* :P.. we wanted to go buy stuff and cook, but the shop was closed by the time we got there, so we couldnt cook.. it was really a last minute kinda thing.. sooooo... we ended up buying some chicken at a fast food and some lamb, and we had that.. but the best part was dessert!!! we had chocolate fountain!!!! with strawberries, honeydue, grapes, cake... mmm hmmm! lol. and luce, who was in front, got covered in chocolate from people dipping chocolate in the fountain.. lol. it was so funny.. and yummy!!! got a bit of a tummy ache after that.. but it was all worth it!!! so to all chinese and malaysians out there.. Happy Chinese New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

have not been update my blog often enough.. really busy.. even now i have to rush off to choir.. but no service for a week!! i passed my pool lifeguard exam!! im officially a pool lifeguard!!!! lol.

adios¬ till next time.. =)

;)

*tadaaa!!!!!* didnt i tell everyone i was going to do this??? hehe.

Focus week!

So ok.. I know i was supposed to post pictures, but the internet here is so lousy, and i dont really have time to do it, so i can't really post them. Maybe next time..

Anyways! its been really busy since i got back to AC this term. The past few weeks have been really hectic, especially this week, being the Asian focus week and all, and the South East and Eastern Asia National Evening last Sunday.

The Malaysians got togehter, and we made a short sketch of a scene at a warung, then we did a short joget, which we invented ourselves after watching tonnes of youtube videos. It was kinda nice actually. I was doing the introduction, and I kinda liked the part "tuan-tuan dan puan-puan, ladies and gentlemen, senoras y senores, madames et messieurs.. selamat datang, welcome, and please give a big round of applause for MALAYYYSSSIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!" it was fun.. hehe.

i cooked chicken curry, fried rice and fried noodles to sell just before the national evening to raise funds for the Malaysian Summer project as well, and we did quite well actually.. Then on monday we had a malaysian cookout for focus week (which is supposed to be a week dedicated to Asia) on monday night as well, and i made rendang ayam, ayam masak merah, jemput-jemput, bubur kacang, ais kacang (somewhat improvised version.. hehe) and roti canai. I got kinda freaked out, coz it was supposed to start at 7, and I was waiting for my friend to chop the chickens, and at 6.45 he came and said he had no idea how to do it, so i started to cut, and people started to come and i was still cutting the chicken.. they had to wait for like half an hour before the food was ready..



on wednesday, we had a discussion about the asian core cultural beliefs while we served asian tea, including teh tarik.. i nearly burnt my hand pulling the tea.. i forgot it was hot.. -.-" but it was good to hear that the asians here still know their own values, and dont just leave everything behind.. Asia is just so interesting.. ;)

And on that day as well, i had to do the Malaysian poster for the focus week.. it was supposed to be up by sunday, and my friend was supposed to do it.. but on tuesday, he sent out an email asking our (the malaysians) opinion for the poster.. so i was like "omg! the week's almost over!" i told him to just do it, but he said he has to do something else, so i just started doing it, and posted it up on..

Tomorrow night, Friday, we're having a guest speaker to come and speak.. he's the maritime attache in the Malaysian high commision in london.. a malaysian! lol. we wanted to cook dinner for him, but because of UK's strict and absolutely absurd fascination with health and safety, we cant do it.. we tried to fight for it a few times, but the vice principal is just so weak, he gave in to the kitchen ladies! just imagine how incredibly tak masuk akal it is... the reasons we were given.. "if u bring the food from ur house to the castle (which is 2 minutes walk away), it is a health hazard..", "if you buy prawns, they'll defreeze when u bring them back, and if u freeze them again, its a health hazard" like omg!!! we told them michele, who is a HSE certificate holder, is going to supervise our cooking.. we told them, we're going by car to buy the stuff, we told them, we'll invite them to the house, not the castle.. but noooooo... they want him to eat the dining hall's food.. "whats wrong with the food?" they ask.. hah.. i bet they never tasted their own cooking..

anyways! i had econs coursework due monday, i had spanish due that day as well, i had lifeguards work due tuesday, i have english and e-systems assignments due tomorrow.. and i havent had a good night's sleep all week.. the moment i walked into spanish class this morning, the teacher just stared and said "she looks sleepy.. but you! you look dead.."

anyways! rejoice! tomorrow is friday! its been a hectic week.. and i think it went quite well.. =D

2008

my first post for the year 2008. No, im not going to write about spain just yet. I just arrived in Madrid, and i still have 5 days left before my post of spain. =)

i guess,sometimes, it just cant be helped, how you feel. things come and go, and u have to resist the urge to hold on to the past. often, i find myself thinking, hoping, that the future will be predictable, something i can rely on, something i can look forward to without any doubt. But then, i remind myself - if the future were all that, then what is there to look forward to?

its hard, but the unpredictability of time and fate is just something we have to learn to leave and let be. the future will always be there.. the past has always been there.. the present, thats a gift..

we can all just hope, the people who came into our lives, who play such important roles, who touched us, who led us, who followed us, who we term family,friends, continue to be there. but who knows..

as the new year dawns, the last year, the old year, sets.. last year has become a memory, part of a string of events that lead to this year. its hard for me, but.. Happy New Year 2008..