This part of my life..

Today we had the "2nd years' show", where the 1st years give us, the 2nd years, a farewell performance. It was actually really good, and we had quite a few good laughs and a few touching moments where you just can't help but not believe that time here in AC is going to be over soon.

No matter what's been said or done, I have to admit that it has been an amazing experience here in AC. Not so much of the IB or the school, but more because of the student population. Everyone here has been amazing, and I mean really amazing! I've talked about this a lot before in previous posts, but I can't help but mention it again here now. Its a wonder to see the student population mobilize itself from time to time, how everyone just seems to DO things, without the supervision or any notice at all from the staff. The students are, in every sense of the world, what gives life to AC, and is what's keeping the UWC spirit alive in this place - and against all odds I must say.

Now I have barely a week left in this place, and I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad. I've waited for a long time to get out, but at the same time, it would mean I'm leaving behind friends who I've taken for granted for, who have always been here, regardless of what happens. Its really weird, as in, you can even miss someone who you don't even talk to here, because its such a small community. Every individual contributes to the vibe and the diversity and the energy. It's truly amazing.

Theres so little time left, and I suddenly realize there's so much things to do. I've got to start packing, thats for one. I've got to finish writing in yearbooks, I've got to fulfill all my promises to people who I'm probably never going to see again, I've got to stock up on all the memories, I've got to start talking to people I've never spoken to before, etc etc. I'm not even sure I have the time to do all these things!

First thing's first though - I have Spanish on Monday. That's not gonna be such a heavy paper, but I still think I should at least prepare as much for it as for the other exams.. Plus, I'm starting to enjoy my carrel unit now. I wish I used it more often before.. It's like an escapade in a place where you have nowhere to go. Nobody finds you there, you can be alone, its your private space.. and now I'm clearing it up..

I'm going to miss this part of my life..

back from the dead?

It's already a week and a half into the IB, and another week and a half left, but more than 2/3 of it is done for me! To be honest, I'm just tired, and can't wait to simply go back home and do nothing at all!

I've been locked up (metaphorically, of course) in my carrel unit (study rooms the 2nd years are given to study in various places on campus. Mine is the best one! A small cosy room in Maths Department with a view of the sea out the window) any spare time I have. I found it to be quite pleasant, but I'm more of a someone-who's-always-in-the-house kinda guy, so it's been quite depressing and a change. But oh well, I've stocked up my carrel unit with chocolates, snacks, and I now have a "fizzy wall" (hehe, go figure!).

I'm really looking forward to life after AC. I know that life after will never be the same - people will never be as assimilated as they are here in AC, but there are loads more of other simple pleasures in life! I mean, come on, it's France.. new language, new culture, new food.. its a whole new world! and after that, the world's mine to explore ladies and gents.. :)

One thing I hope, that this is the revival of my long lost blog! Once I leave AC, I'll be having access to better computers and internet again, then I'll be able to post pictures! isnt that exciting?? :P Anyways, I'm off. Need to read some more about Glengarry Glen Ross... Ciao!

hello hello!

It has been quite some time since I last blogged.. To be honest, it really didn't seem that long ago, but when I think about it, it's been almost 4 months now.. time flies! IB is just around the corner. seriously, it felt like I only started here recently. It's kind of nerve-wrecking, but then again, when I think about it, its only 2 weeks until the IB is finally over! Exciting really, but the thought of leaving AC is, well, it's sort of a mixed feeling..

So what's been up recently? My birthday! Without even realizing it, I'm already in the 2nd decade of my life - how cool is that?? I'm no longer a teenager.. I'm ready to face the world! hehe. But yea, my birthday was really fun. Some of my friends got together to make this compilation of Birthday messages from various people, and they "screened" it right after my showering on the first stroke of my new decade.. It was really touching to be honest.. thanks guys! Some of the things I will really miss when I leave..

Guess where I'm going after AC? Grenoble Graduate School of Business! France! Haha. you've probably never heard of it before, but it's a really nice place.. at least, I think so. I'm looking forward to going there, my new home for the next 3 years! I wonder how's that going to be like. I know 1 thing's for sure though, I'm going to parlez francais! lol. Already starting to practice with a few of the francophones here in AC.. not forgetting my spanish of course! I'm gonna make sure I'm fluent by the time I sit for my Spanish paper, that way, I won't lose it when I'm learning french.. smart eh.. eheh.

Oh well, been studying hard recently, thats been dominating life in AC recently, except for the occasional volleyball and makan-makan session.. ;) Which reminds me, I need to finish up my food stock before I go back, which is in a month's time!!! woo hoo!! haha.

I think I'm out of touch with blogging now, don't really know what to say, and kind of hesitant to write a lot of things.. I'm lost the skills to make public my thoughts! I don't think thats such a bad thing though..

Anyways, I think I should be going off to bed now.. getting up early tomorrow and.. guess.. study study study!!! o the joy!! hahahaha.

ciao!

Gaza itu Memanggilmu!

Setelah sekian lama zaman persekolahan di tanahair dilupakan, timbul sebak di dada mengingatkan rindu keindahan bahasa kebanggaan bangsa. Bertambah hiba membaca puisi karangan saudara di perantauan, menyedarkan akan kelalaian kita..

Gaza itu Memanggilmu!

-Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin

Tangisan itu memanggilmu,

Ratapan itu merayumu,

Suara wanita yang tidak bermaya

Jeritan si kecil yang tidak berdosa

Ratapan si tua yang tidak terdaya

Darah pemuda yang ditumpah

Nyawa perwira yang dimamah

Kau biarkan mereka dilapah

Suara sayu memanggilmu

Bumi Gaza yang diserbu

Dek bangsat yang penuh muslihat

Tentera khianat yang dilaknat

Tergamaknya kau bersahaja

Cuma menjadi penonton setia

Sedangkan tanah Gaza dibunuh percuma

Tanpa kau rasa duka airmata dosa

Membiarkan mereka dihina derita

Manakah janji bahwa kita bersaudara

Darah Gaza akan menuntutmu di hari muka

Kerna kau tinggalkannya dikorban tanpa bantuan

Bangkitlah dengan keinsafan,

Hulurkan tangan pertolongan

Demi Tuhan!

Buat Palestin yang ditawan!

Support the boycott!!

It has been quite a while since I've heard anything encouraging from back home. Today, when I read the papers, my spirits were once again lifted by hope of a strong Malaysia.

The government is pushing for a discussion of the atrocities commited by Israel against Palestinians. It might not be of much help, but at least it's something.

The government suggested the formation of a peacekeeping force under the banner of OIC. Again, something I can't see happening, but it's a nice thought. It's only the beginning, who knows, it might be a reality in the future, insyaAllah.

But the most encouraging piece of news - the boycott of American products spearheded by the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association. It's true that a boycott won't be effective so long as the country as a whole still imports, but a large scale boycott as this by consumers could put enough pressure on our government to impost a national boycott against American products, which would in turn pressure America to stop the atrocities of Israel.

I realize that a lot of people are hooked to Coca Cola, McDonalds, Starbucks, and all those American brands, but think about it. What is our suffering compared to those suffered by our brothers and sisters in Palestine? We can't have a big Mac, they can't have freedom. We lose a Coke, they lose a father. We crave for an expresso, they crave for a country!

The Palestinians have been fighting on their own for decades, it's time we joined in their fight. Not only Muslims, but everyone who has a conscience. Be you a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Christian, a Hindu, or whatever religion, let us join hands in solidity against the crimes committed by a nation against a nation. We, the people of the world, have power to stop cruelty. If we can shave our heads or go screaming on the streets for a tiger that hasn't been fed in a zoo, why can't we do this little thing for human beings being treated worse?

We are the ones who can make a difference. Support the boycott!!

Jihad is not only on the battlefield..

Muslims stick together to uphold justice..

When the land of a Muslim brother is under siege, Muslim brothers are supposed to come and fend off the enemy..

When the land of a Muslim brother is invaded, Muslim brothers are supposed to converge and fight side by side to drive them out..

When a holy land of Muslims is invaded, it is the responsibility of every single Muslim fight, be it with a gun, a sword, a word, a thought..

Now, it is not a case of "when", because it is happening..

Our brothers and sisters are being killed, their land plundered, their rights trampled. It is not an offense against the people of Palestine, it is an offense against the people of Allah!

O Brothers and Sisters! Rally under the banner of God! Let us pray for those who are defending the land under fire.. May they send the invaders straight to their fiery grave!!! We may not be able to pick up a gun and join our brothers, but we are more than able to lift our hands to the sky and pray to God.. That is our deadliest weapon.. Jihad is not only on the battlefield..
Allah hu Akbar!!!

2009

2009, a new year, a new beginning, a new story to tell.. But at the same time, a lot of the old stories drag on into this new chapter.

Malaysian politics is still a whirl of who-knows-what..

Muslims brothers and sisters in Gaza are still under fire, and, last I heard, suffering from an invasion.. something new? you tell me..

It is sad to see all this going on, and it gives me some doubts in celebrating and ushering the new year. What exactly am I ushering? Is 2009 going to be a year full of success and happiness? Or more suffering and oppression?

People wonder why there is suffering in this world. "If God is real, why is He letting people suffer?" Thats not something uncommon to hear..

But have we actually given it a thought? Look at this world.. More than 6billion people, and trillions upon trillions of other creatures, all under the watchful guidance of God.

He is all Powerful, that is true, but does that compel Him to make sure that every single person is happy, unconditionally?

Have you heard of the story of the barber? This man went to a barber, and the barber was telling him how he thinks God doesn't exist. Why? Because there are so many people suffering in the world. If God exists, those people wouldnt be suffering. So the man left the barber, wondering. Just as he walked out of the shop, he saw a man with long, unkept hair and beard. He went back inside and told the barber, "I don't believe in barbers, they don't exist."
"What?! I'm right here, I am a barber."
"But there are so many people who don't have their hair cut."
"Well, that's not my problem. They don't come to me, how am I supposed to help them?"
"That is exactly the case with God. People don't go to Him, how can he, why should he, help them?"

Yes this world is full of suffereing, but this world is also full of people who deny the existence of God. I will not attempt to justify His existence, because that will take ages, and if you don't already believe in God, look deep in your heart, look around you, and you will hear Him.

I realize now, it IS a new year I am ushering in, but I am also ushering in new hope. When people start returning to God, He will come back, insyaAllah..

Ya Allah, bestow Your help onto our brothers and sisters in the Land of Palestine, protect them, and grant them guidance, wisdom and strength. A new year has arrived, may Your Wisdom guide us through this year to overcome all challenges and obstacles, may our brothers and sisters unite under Your banner, to uphold the name of Islam, to keep our Iman strong, our Faith uncompromisable, and our Honour intact. With You, Allah, in our hearts, minds, and all around, we are strong and one. Amin.

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.. :)