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

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.

Sighted - Royal Malaysia Police cow-herding

This is one sight that is rather emotional. At least to me - to see our policemen helping to clear the road of cows/bulls in Sunway is some positive activities that we seldom bear witness to. Most of the time, we hear of our policemen abusing our fellow citizens, arresting opposition parliamentarians, etc.

Guess what. The cows were not as obedient as Malaysian citizens. They just sauntered along without a care in the world!

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".

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!"

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.

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 ..."

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?