Came across this article in Malaysia Today, and watched the video posted in U-Tube. Sickening. It spells disaster for Malaysia for a high percentage of potential investors will be turned away. Reminds me of scenes that I saw of South Africa years ago of such brutality. We have not reached that level yet, but certainly creeping there.
I wonder if the police need a formal report before action is taken against the 'bystander policemen' and the hammer weilding man. What if the suspect dies from the beating - noticed lots of blood on the road where the suspect was held for a minute or so. Could bleed to death in the police car.
Sick. Just sick
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
1Malaysia Sunday Fair
This fair is organised by our ministry of tourism and is held at the tourism centre.
If you have not visited, don't bother. The usual stalls selling some usual handicrafts, in a very noisy environment. Music and DJ blaring announcements on the happenings at the fair.
Questions that pop up with regards to this fair:
- how much did our government spend having those tents (photo's will be updated later, when I get to my desktop) put up every Saturday, and taken down every Sunday afternoon, for about two months. I hope our parliamentarians or The Sun will start asking questions as to the rationale of having such events
- how much publicity is there for the tourists? when I spoke to some stall owners, they said that most of the visitors (like me), are malaysians. I guess this 1Malaysia means what it means, even touristic events meant for Malaysians
- are there studies made as to what tourists look for when they are at a fair? To enjoy the noise, to shop, to know more about Malaysia? Would they stay when the music/noise level is so high?
- group exercise, accompanied by loud music. Really the place and time for such activities? should that not be conducted at the more spacious Merdeka square?
- product mix of stalls (quite a few empty ones too) are not that interesting. food, food, food, and some handicrafts. The two artists that were there last week was not around. Who decides what to have, I wonder.
- what does this do for our tourism?
I could see lots of tourism staff, lots of plastic bags with 1Malaysia logo, literature, brochure, and overtime pay, i guess... welcome to Malaysia.
Oh! I did see 2 middle easterners and 5 caucasians. When I asked one of the caucasian, he said that they happen to be walking towards KLCC and decided to do a quick detour and see if they can find anything interesting - unfortunately for them, and for Malaysia, he did not find anything interesting.
These photographs were taken at 11am. See how crowded this is!
Questions that pop up with regards to this fair:
- how much did our government spend having those tents (photo's will be updated later, when I get to my desktop) put up every Saturday, and taken down every Sunday afternoon, for about two months. I hope our parliamentarians or The Sun will start asking questions as to the rationale of having such events
Saturday evening,tents up. Sunday evening, tents down. Repeat every week until January 2010. Wonder if Tony Pua can make some enquiries on the expenditures.
- how much publicity is there for the tourists? when I spoke to some stall owners, they said that most of the visitors (like me), are malaysians. I guess this 1Malaysia means what it means, even touristic events meant for Malaysians
- are there studies made as to what tourists look for when they are at a fair? To enjoy the noise, to shop, to know more about Malaysia? Would they stay when the music/noise level is so high?
- group exercise, accompanied by loud music. Really the place and time for such activities? should that not be conducted at the more spacious Merdeka square?
- product mix of stalls (quite a few empty ones too) are not that interesting. food, food, food, and some handicrafts. The two artists that were there last week was not around. Who decides what to have, I wonder.
- what does this do for our tourism?
I could see lots of tourism staff, lots of plastic bags with 1Malaysia logo, literature, brochure, and overtime pay, i guess... welcome to Malaysia.
Yes, more orange T's than visitors.
Oh! I did see 2 middle easterners and 5 caucasians. When I asked one of the caucasian, he said that they happen to be walking towards KLCC and decided to do a quick detour and see if they can find anything interesting - unfortunately for them, and for Malaysia, he did not find anything interesting.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tren vs Train vs Kereta Api
I really do not understand the mindset of our language experts. On the one hand, the government wants to promote the use of Malay Language to the point of ridicule. Of all people, it is our deputy education minister who wants us to converse in Bahasa Malaysia at the workplace. How on earth are we going to get foreign investors to invest in Malaysia.
Then in the same breath, they start bastardising English language and call it Bahasa.
Examples,
physical becomes fizikal
hose becomes hos
complex becomes kompleks
and you got it, tren
I believe it was in 1996 when China won the bid to host the Olympics Games in 2008. From the day of the announcement, tens of thousands of Chinese nationals start to learn English. They want to be able to communicate with the visitors to China before, during, and after the Games. No doubt it was a huge success.
In Malaysia, the very well educated minister wants foreigners to use Bahasa Malaysia when they are in Malaysia. Would investors in their right mind want to bother with investing in our country? I doubt it. No wonder Thailand and Indonesia has crept ahead of us in recent years.
Then in the same breath, they start bastardising English language and call it Bahasa.
Examples,
physical becomes fizikal
hose becomes hos
complex becomes kompleks
and you got it, tren
In time to come, train (verb) may well be tren too. How trendy
I believe it was in 1996 when China won the bid to host the Olympics Games in 2008. From the day of the announcement, tens of thousands of Chinese nationals start to learn English. They want to be able to communicate with the visitors to China before, during, and after the Games. No doubt it was a huge success.
In Malaysia, the very well educated minister wants foreigners to use Bahasa Malaysia when they are in Malaysia. Would investors in their right mind want to bother with investing in our country? I doubt it. No wonder Thailand and Indonesia has crept ahead of us in recent years.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sighted - Royal Malaysia Police cow-herding
Guess what. The cows were not as obedient as Malaysian citizens. They just sauntered along without a care in the world!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Malaysia slides 9 places to 56th spot in 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index
Today's hot topic in various media. Have not read the government controlled print media. To think that Malaysia really, really, Boleh slide to this level...
To a large extent, we are collectively guilty in lending a hand to this.
Most motorist would, at one time or another (or still doing it), give a couple of tens of Ringgit to a traffic police if they are stopped for committing a traffic offence.
For those who complain about corruption in Malaysia, do reflect upon this. Do you, or do you not, give in to corruption by paying of a traffic police. If you do, then STOP. They will then focus on doing their job, rather than looking out for easy money.
Yes, I will ask, if I am stopped, to be given a chance. Failing which, I will just ask them to issue a summons.
Don't know who coined this, I subscribe to the fact that we should "not complain about the dark, but light a candle".
To a large extent, we are collectively guilty in lending a hand to this.
Most motorist would, at one time or another (or still doing it), give a couple of tens of Ringgit to a traffic police if they are stopped for committing a traffic offence.
For those who complain about corruption in Malaysia, do reflect upon this. Do you, or do you not, give in to corruption by paying of a traffic police. If you do, then STOP. They will then focus on doing their job, rather than looking out for easy money.
Yes, I will ask, if I am stopped, to be given a chance. Failing which, I will just ask them to issue a summons.
Don't know who coined this, I subscribe to the fact that we should "not complain about the dark, but light a candle".
Friday, November 13, 2009
What happens when you discard oldies
I was faced with a very interesting situation with this club - Photographic Society of Petaling Jaya (PSPJ).
I have engaged a model from Europe to pose 'artistically' for photo enthusiast. The organiser and I decided to open up a second session to cater for more enthusiasts and a member of this club where I was once the president (2007) asked that I post in their forum.
Within a couple of days of posting, it mysteriously disappeared. I did not bother to enquire as I am of the opinion that the committee members did not like their members to progress if they are not the people organising such outing.
Today, a member noticed that it is missing, and made some enquiries. Guess what. The reason for removing my posting is that I have not paid my dues, and that forum is for the public. How childish. Does not matter to me, anyway.
My committee would not have acted this way. In fact, most of us (except for some very unreliable, undependable members who is in the current committee - who would then be dozing, anyway) would have welcomed such a posting. In fact, I would look forward to being part of the organising team.
I did not stand for re-election due to the opening of my gallery. Otherwise, I believe my committee would continue to pursue alliances with equipment manufacturers (sponsor $$), giving token prizes for the monthly contest (maybe continue with RM50 each), organise talks by prominent members of the community, etc. Alas, this is not happening.
I guess this is very Malaysian? New team wants credit. Erase the past. Continue with the minimal. PSPJ back to the good old social club.
What is most surprising is that they have not removed this message that was written by me.
"About PSPJ
PSPJ’s core objectives, since its formation in September 7, 1987 are to promote, improve and set the standards of photography among our members. We have, this year, highlighted another very important element, enjoy photography.
The Society was founded by several photography enthusiasts. They are Jennifer Wong, Anis A. Ahmad, Tengku Yunus, Jegathiswari, Wong Loke Lee, Eric Peris and C. C. Liang, and the first president was Arthur Teng.
Over the years, the Society has seen many faces, including some renowned photographers. It went through many changes and has been a source of guidance to many photographers of various backgrounds and interests in the local photography fraternity. Today, it is still one of the most recognized home to photographers in the Klang Valley.
The committee of 2007 has embarked on several changes to the operation of the Society. We have, through Alex Moh, secured financial support from Nikon Malaysia. We tweaked some of its activities, programs and have planned long term continuous projects to meet PSPJ’s core objectives.
We have revived the program of Guest Speakers of different disciplines and interests to speak to our members at our monthly meetings. We have also started working on workshops and mentoring programs for beginners, which in the past has been neglected.
The Society has invited, and now has on board many Advisors and Coordinators who assist in providing directions to the members and committee members.
It is of paramount importance that members continue to participate and be active in contributing towards these objectives of the Society.
Enjoy photography!"
I have engaged a model from Europe to pose 'artistically' for photo enthusiast. The organiser and I decided to open up a second session to cater for more enthusiasts and a member of this club where I was once the president (2007) asked that I post in their forum.
Within a couple of days of posting, it mysteriously disappeared. I did not bother to enquire as I am of the opinion that the committee members did not like their members to progress if they are not the people organising such outing.
Today, a member noticed that it is missing, and made some enquiries. Guess what. The reason for removing my posting is that I have not paid my dues, and that forum is for the public. How childish. Does not matter to me, anyway.
My committee would not have acted this way. In fact, most of us (except for some very unreliable, undependable members who is in the current committee - who would then be dozing, anyway) would have welcomed such a posting. In fact, I would look forward to being part of the organising team.
I did not stand for re-election due to the opening of my gallery. Otherwise, I believe my committee would continue to pursue alliances with equipment manufacturers (sponsor $$), giving token prizes for the monthly contest (maybe continue with RM50 each), organise talks by prominent members of the community, etc. Alas, this is not happening.
I guess this is very Malaysian? New team wants credit. Erase the past. Continue with the minimal. PSPJ back to the good old social club.
What is most surprising is that they have not removed this message that was written by me.
"About PSPJ
PSPJ’s core objectives, since its formation in September 7, 1987 are to promote, improve and set the standards of photography among our members. We have, this year, highlighted another very important element, enjoy photography.
The Society was founded by several photography enthusiasts. They are Jennifer Wong, Anis A. Ahmad, Tengku Yunus, Jegathiswari, Wong Loke Lee, Eric Peris and C. C. Liang, and the first president was Arthur Teng.
Over the years, the Society has seen many faces, including some renowned photographers. It went through many changes and has been a source of guidance to many photographers of various backgrounds and interests in the local photography fraternity. Today, it is still one of the most recognized home to photographers in the Klang Valley.
The committee of 2007 has embarked on several changes to the operation of the Society. We have, through Alex Moh, secured financial support from Nikon Malaysia. We tweaked some of its activities, programs and have planned long term continuous projects to meet PSPJ’s core objectives.
We have revived the program of Guest Speakers of different disciplines and interests to speak to our members at our monthly meetings. We have also started working on workshops and mentoring programs for beginners, which in the past has been neglected.
The Society has invited, and now has on board many Advisors and Coordinators who assist in providing directions to the members and committee members.
It is of paramount importance that members continue to participate and be active in contributing towards these objectives of the Society.
Enjoy photography!"
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Comparing current Malaysia with the late Sung Dynasty
Heard this on the radio this afternoon where the topic of discussion is the effectiveness of MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission)
A caller to the station said that we need 108 heroes as depicted in the Chinese novel 'Water Margin'. Interesting. For those of you who have not read the story, the gist of the story is that the officials in the Sung Dynasty were so corrupt that all the good officials were either banished or executed. Half of the country is run by bandits. In fact, one of the bandit hideout became the hideout of these heroes who had run-in with corrupt officials.
Anyway, the dynasty did not last too long.
We do need some heroes now, more than ever as billions of ringgit of poor tax payers had disappeared without anyone being accounted for. First PKFZ and now the double-track rail system. What next, I wonder.
A caller to the station said that we need 108 heroes as depicted in the Chinese novel 'Water Margin'. Interesting. For those of you who have not read the story, the gist of the story is that the officials in the Sung Dynasty were so corrupt that all the good officials were either banished or executed. Half of the country is run by bandits. In fact, one of the bandit hideout became the hideout of these heroes who had run-in with corrupt officials.
Anyway, the dynasty did not last too long.
We do need some heroes now, more than ever as billions of ringgit of poor tax payers had disappeared without anyone being accounted for. First PKFZ and now the double-track rail system. What next, I wonder.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Life as an expat
I was reading an article on The Road to an Expat Life, when it stirred up memories, both good and bad, of my stay in China. Long, long story that will bore the most patient listener. Maybe I will write about my three year stint in China, one fine day.
I think anyone who is going to be an expat cannot ignore this advice in the article, "... Think it through...and do your homework. Be real with yourself about EVERYTHING...Can you do without all the conveniences? The more you make these decisions and address your REAL feelings, the better decisions you will make ..."
I think anyone who is going to be an expat cannot ignore this advice in the article, "... Think it through...and do your homework. Be real with yourself about EVERYTHING...Can you do without all the conveniences? The more you make these decisions and address your REAL feelings, the better decisions you will make ..."
Monday, November 2, 2009
Help! Is it in operation?
Is it me, my understanding of English language, or have I missed out on a whole new world of Manglish?
Is 'Work in Progress' out of fashion?
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