What a fragile life we have

2 weeks back, a doctor friend of mine was diagnose with Leukemia.

Last week, my friends brother was diagnosed with a heart problem and in need of a bypass.

Today, another friends husband was diagnosed with cancer of the lung.


Life seems so fragile.

We should cherish the time we have.

Do the things that we truly like doing and stop thinking too much of the inhibitions in life.

Life's too short to live in regrets.

Ops... he did it again

Another reason why Badawi is such a wonderful character....


Abdullah, when asked about the drop in the world crude oil price, said: “The more it comes down, the better.”

The world crude oil price dropped to US$92 a barrel yesterday.

However, Abdullah said the price decline would also cause a drop in Petronas’ revenue.

Asked whether the petrol and diesel pump prices would be reduced, he said:

“Wait lah...next time.”


You can read the full story at NST

The Malaysian Paranoia

A few friends called me yesterday to warn me of the impending tragedy that will befall us Malaysians. Apparently they have had reliable sources telling them that the government would announce a nationwide curfew in the coming days. I've been given advice to start stocking up on food and other essential items and to wait for the impending uncertainties.

My first impression - BULLSHIT!

To be honest, I don't understand the paranoia of people in this day in age. Have we not grown up as a matured society after 51 years of independence? Common, we Malaysian's are smarter then that. I am confident that most of us love peace rather then anything else right now.

Of course there will be the off few fanatics that would go all the way to disrupt this harmony BUT it does not represent the sentiments of most of us Malaysians.

If a curfew is really announced, then let us all laugh at the police since there won't be much mass rally or people burning houses and plundering supermarkets.


I SHALL NOT STOCK UP FOOD FOR THE IMPENDING SO CALLED "CRISIS"

I SHALL NOT SUBMIT TO BLATANT PARANOIA

Anwar is ready to form the Government. A reality or just a fantasy? (Malaysiakini)

As reported by Malaysiakini, Anwar Ibrahim told a 20,000 strong rally that he has the numbers to form the government tomorrow. However, he wants to meet Abdullah Badawi regarding a smooth transition before proceeding further.

Here's an excerpt from Malaysiakini

"Tonight on the eve of Malaysia Day, we are ready to form the government tomorrow," he said to loud cheers from the jubilant crowd.

"We have the numbers to defeat BN," he said. "Tomorrow is D-day, we are ready to form the government."

According to him, Pakatan Rakyat has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today seeking a meeting for a smooth transition of power.

"Tomorrow, we are ready. But the best time, I tell you, is when we have met the prime minister. A peaceful transition is paramount," he added, indicating that there will be no change of government tomorrow as he had promised earlier.

Whether or not this is true we shall find out in the coming days.

An account of her 18 hour detention under ISA by Sin Chew Daily reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng

On 12 September, about eight thirty in the evening, I was at my home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. While enjoying my yew char koay (fried dough stick), I was worried about the show cause letter issued to Sin Chew Daily, and anxious about the days ahead for my newspaper.

Suddenly, a group of plain cloth police officers appeared at my front gate. The person who started to identify the group and the purpose of this visit was a woman officer. She was also the only one in her uniform.

Through the gate, she told me that I have to follow them to the Police station, in response to that I told her that unless they have a warrant of arrest, I will not open the gate. At the same time, I immediately rung up the legal adviser of our company and my direct superior, seeking their advice.

Later, the female officer told me that they are arresting me under Internal Security Act, therefore a warrant is not required. On hearing that, I was immediately was prepared for the worst.

I have to act calm, comforting my parents and reassuring them that my colleagues would be waiting for me at the police station to render assistance. When I was taken away, my parents acted strongly, they kept on asking the police to accord me with proper treatment.

I was brought to Seberang Perai Tengah IPD (district head office), and I was placed in a chilling cold room while waiting for the police to begin their paperwork. I was accompanied by a female officer who seemed to be trembling as a result of the low room temperature as well. To break the silence, I initiated a conversation. She told me, "You seemed to be very calm."

I told her, "I am arrested under the Internal Security Act, even though I am scared, I have to face this reality. But I am worried about my parents, friends and relatives, they must be very worried about me."

To be frank, I was very cool-headed. I believed that there must be a lot of people out there supporting me, giving me the strength that I need, so I must stay strong, to be with these people who are supporting me.

The police recorded all my personal belongings, these were later taken away from me. After that, I am considered ready to be sent to the Police Contingent Headquarters in Penang. When I was brought out of the police station, I realised that a lot of my colleagues in the media, together with representative from different parties and groups were already waiting outside the Police station to show their support. Seeing this,I was deeply touched, I could no longer hold my tears.

When the police car arrived at the station's entrance, my superior, Puah Eu Peng, our Northern Region Manager, tried to halt the car with his body, to slow the police car's movement. He knocked at the window, to make sure that I was in the car and gestured to show me his support.

I instantly wiped off my tears, I realised that a lot of them are staying with me, I must be with them as well.

After taking my thumbprints, I was given my dinner and arranged to spend my night in remand. It was not to my knowledge that my colleagues in the profession and people from different groups and parties were there to show their support, right outside that station.

I requested the female officer to keep the lights on. She told me not to worry, she will not switch off the lights. The police also informed me that I would be meeting my parents tomorrow morning at eight. I have spent a very long time, thinking of everything that I have to tell my parents. I have lost touch with the outside world this is my only opportunity, I must cherish it, to clearly explain everything to my parents.

After clearing my mind and organising my thoughts, I tried to sleep while lying on the wooden bed with the company of the mosquitoes and the noise of water dripping. I have no idea what tomorrow holds for me, but I know I have to be in my perfect condition to handle everything.

I have never suffered from insomnia and this very night, I finally experienced it. Deep down in my heart, I know that those who care about me, would also be experiencing the same, my heart wrenched thinking of that.

At 6 o'clock in the next morning, when I was about to wash up, the female officer passed me the clothing brought by my parents. I was surprised; everything was new, the toiletries, t-shirts, shorts, panties.

I later discovered that the 'parents' that the police officer was referring to were a bunch of my colleagues. While waiting outside the Penang Police Contingent Headquarter, they have prepared all these for me. They were uncertain when I would be released, but they told themselves that they must get these necessity items ready in the briefest time possible.

I met my parents and bided them goodbye, the police informed me that they would bring me to the Police Headquarter in Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur. My heart sank, I told myself this is the beginning of it, I must brace myself for everything.

After few turns of event, I was eventually brought to the Perak Police Headquarter in Ipoh. After a brief interrogation session, I was brought back to Penang Police Headquarter again.

It was here, where I was interrogated further. I told myself to keep my mind clear, I must tell them the truth, and respond appropriately.

After the interrogation session, I was brought to see another higher-ranked officer, he told me, "We can both go home now!". Both of us turned to the clock on the wall, the time was 2.25p.m.

This my 18 hours under ISA. I have gone through a lot

After being released, I received a lot of messages, telephone calls and bouquets. My colleagues in the press, representatives from political parties, society leaders, schoolmates, classmates, friends and relatives have visited me at home. Of course, not forgetting the readers and the public who called up or visited Sin Chew Daily's office in Penang or the Head Office in Petaling Jaya.

Calls, messages, well wishes, and visits from readers and friends. To all of them, I have to express my deepest gratitude. During that 18 hours which was filled with a lot of uncertainties, I felt that there is some unknown strength that has supported me throughout, I knew it must be from you all, those whom I knew or have not met!

I realise that our journey is still full with challenges and obstacles, so we have to continue the same righteous spirit and courage that we have all shown this time! Our society needs this spirit, to build a better tomorrow.

I have finally been freed, but I hope Teresa Kok and Raja Petra Kamaruddin and all those detainees under the Internal Security Act, could be released as soon as as possible. If the authorities think that they have broken the law, they should brought to the court of law to receive transparent and fair trials.

(By TAN HOON CHENG/ Sin Chew Daily, Penang)

Teresa Kok and Sin Chew reporter arrested under ISA

You can read about it here

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/12/nation/20080912221723&sec=nation


All in the name of democracy? :(

I am not THAT sentimental, I am just LAZY

A friend of mine told me the other day while I was giving her a ride home.

"You seem to be a sentimental sort of guy"

"Why do you say that?", I asked.

"Cause everytime I hop on your car, you seem to be playing the same CD over and over again"

"Me sentimental? Naaaah.... well maybe a little bit"

Anyways, the CD that I keep listening is a compilation of Olivia Ong's songs. Its really good and I do recommend to those of you that have not heard of her before.

To be honest, I think i am more lazy rather then sentimental. I am just not bothered changing the CD while I'm driving. More often then not its the passenger in my car that change the CD for me. However I do admit that I would change back to Olivia when I get bored of the rest. Her songs just seem to make my drive just a bit better for some reason. Maybe cause I have a soft spot for slow sentimental songs lah.

So here we go.... I am not THAT sentimental.... I am just LAZY :P

A journey 120km into the wilderness - Final Part

As we arrive at Pos Yum, I was greeted by the sight of 3 big canopy housing a relatively big crowd of orang asli waiting to have their health check. I was told that most of them are from surrounding settlements. Some may have walked for an hour or so just to come to this event, however JHEOA did provide transport for some of the settlements around as well.


The morning proceeded smoothly with the basic BMI (body mass index), blood pressure and blood glucose check. There was also an exhibition area on TB (tuberculosis) awareness. Our guide told us that one main problem with most of the orang asli settlements are TB and sporadic Malaria cases.

There was also an area in which random test were done on some orang asli for TB. We had 2 TB cases that day and of which one of them were a full blown case. However, attempts to contact the person was unsuccessful. The guy seem to have vanished straight after the blood sample was taken. Attempts to locate his family was also futile since no one seems to know who the guy is even though we knew his name.

After wrapping up with my own duties, I manage to take time off wandering around the village. I could not help but wonder that amidst the high rise buildings in KL and other major cities in Malaysia, we still have people living in bamboo huts and receiving help that we normal Malaysians take for granted. We keep getting highlights from the media showing poor living conditions in poverty stricken countries but yet we have the same problem at our own backyard (although food do not seem to be a problem here).

One of the few bamboo huts that still occupied by an orang asli family

A kid popping out from the hut wondering what the fuss is all about perhaps

First impression - a chicken coup, but a family actually stays there

a nice pose don't you think?

Before we left, we were graciously served with food that was prepared for us by the JHEOA. Our dining area is but a mere bamboo shack. Somehow it reminds me of my camping days.

our lunch area

A stream running just along side the village

As we were leaving Pos Yum, we were more or less swarmed by mostly kids that were waving and wishing us farewell. Although, we only manage to spend just 4 hours there, I did feel that we did something meaningful here and it made the 7 hours journey (going and coming back) worth while.

manage to take this picture just before i got on the 4WD. CUTE!

And to end the final part of this journey of mine. I saw this very interesting vehicle on our way back. This was just as we started to hit the trunk road from the gravel tracks. I bet you won't see this around much :P

With cars like this, who needs air conditioning? :D

Short Break

Its 3.47am,

Just finished packing.


I'll be off for a short vacation.


My pick up will be here in roughly 30-40 minutes time.


Shall be taking a slow drive to LCCT for my 9am flight.


Will be back Monday night.

A journey 120km into the wilderness - Part 2

After being informed by the locals about the blockade, our guide went ahead to investigate while most of us stayed back.

Around us was a few bamboo and wooden houses in what seem like a mini community. On the far side of the hill was a relatively big palm oil estate.

My self portrait

First thing that came to mind was the owner of the land in which the estate is situated in. I went on to ask one of the locals and this was how the conversation went (translated in English).


Me : The estate over there, whose land does that belong to?

Local : The land belongs to our ancestors

Me : So do the community manage the plantation on your own or you get outside help?

Local : The plantation is manage by FELCRA. We just work there as general workers

Me : Huh? Don't you get any share of the profits from the estate since its on your land?

Local : No, we just work there.

Me : So how much are you paid by your bosses?

Local : RM450


Bloody hell... this is like daylight robbery. The so called development institution uses their land to earn bucket loads of moolah and the locals gets nothing apart from being used as cheap labour. How hypocritical can that be? I finally truly understood why my civil rights lawyer friend told me that the orang asli is the riches community in Malaysia but they are ALSO the poorest.

Notice the "hat". I really liked the detail in the design. Apparently its used to ward off evil spirits

I was wondering how the boy got the scar on his nose

Noticed this family looking at us from on top of the hill. Had to use x18 telephoto to get this shot

The boy looking back at us as we started to head out again

After about 20 minutes, our guide finally came back and informed us that clearing is underway to remove the tree blocking our road. We then decided to push ahead and see how things are doing over there.

By the time we arrived, most of the clearing was almost done. There were 2 guys with chainsaw and about half a dozen locals helping out.

After another 15 minute or so, we were able to press.

The locals busy clearing the road for us

After driving for another one hour or so, we finally arrived at Pos Yum. Our 4 hours journey have finally come to an end.....

More to come in part 3