If there is a single 'deja-vu' feeling that is felt by many other people at the same time, it'd be during election times. What with the poster wars, the political talks and (certain) politicians taking turns in throwing slanderuos remarks against their opponents (luckily in Malaysia, no killings is involved). It all looks and feels so familiar as the same 'road' is taken, over and over again, whenever election time is near.
As I make a left turn at a junction, I notice how the corner of the road has become the centre of expressing one's artistic skill. Artistic indeed for not a single inch of the two lamp posts at the corner, is not covered with posters of a political party. Luckily the lamps do not suffer the same fate. Another political party does not want to be left behind by having a huge banner tied between the two lamp posts and a flag perched on top of a tree.
The same scenario can be seen almost everywhere. Posters of political parties and election candidates are by every road sides throughout Malaysia. Not just lamp posts and trees, some walls of buildings and road signs are also pasted with the same and practically everything that stands on pillars have strings of banners tied to them. Back in 2008, BN, the ruling party since Malaysia gained its independence, saw the worst defeat in history. 5 states were lost to the opposition parties (which consists of PAS, PKR and DAP), while for other states in the Peninsular, a significant number of the seats was lost. Although BN still ruled the country, in the Parliament, BN didn't actually win the 2/3 of the seats. What a shame...shame...shame...
When Pak Lah took the trone as the head of the country, many were dissatisfied and not enthusiastic with the idea for he lacked the leadership skills that someone in his position should have (that being one of the many reasons only).
One after another corruption cases and scandals involving some high-profile politicians were exposed, especially by the opposition parties. This inevitably resulted in the dis-unity among the component parties in the ruling government. The citizens were in a state of unrest for quite some time but managed to maintain peace.
The election this year marks a difference. While BN is about to crumble and probably turns to dust, the opposition parties are getting stronger. Those (the opposition candidates) who won have proved they are worthy of leaders and representatives of citizens' voices. PAS, PKR and DAP have also managed to put aside any differences and work together as one big strong team.
With PAS making sure that Islam is always put first before handling and carrying out other matters, it's apparent that their fight and efforts are solely for Allah and for the rakyat. PKR leads in the sense of strategic planning and execution, while DAP makes sure the interests and rights of the non-Bumiputeras are well-guarded and fought for, without having to eliminate the special privileges that the Bumiputeras have been enjoying all this while.
08 March 2008 (flashback)
We left our house to go back hometown about 8 in the morning. Coincidentally, my mother was in KL after helping out my wife taking care of our baby Ikhwan who was recuperating from chicken pox.
When we arrived in Muar, not wanting to waste any time, I decided to stop to cast my vote, since the voting centre was by the main road we took to go home.
My wife and mother fulfilled their responsibility after lunch. Wife voted at a different area, and both places saw the fight between BN and PAS candidates. Each of the PAS candidates was a doctor. The one at my area was our family doctor.
Night time - we eagerly awaited for the polling results. If we didn't watch the special TV programme that covered the election, we would constantly look at the results appearing at the bottom screen when a different programme was running.
Many anticipated the opposition would win big, although it was a tough call. As for me, I rooted for PAS and PKR. So, when the opposition won in 4 states and the Federal Territory (KL), with PAS managed to maintain their credibility by winning in Kelantan again, the news shocked the nation a little bit.
What's more? A few BN candidates who were known for their loud 'uninsured' mouths and arrogance (not to forget, stupidity?) were lost to the opposition candidates. Well, served them right, although in my opinion, more of them should have suffered the same public humiliation for their 'open secret' corruption cases and exploitation of people's money for their own good.
Johore (where Muar is part of it) has always been considered as BN's stronghold. But that year marked the beginning where the opposition landed their feet there. DAP won 4 seats, while the 2 seats where my wife and I cast our votes were won by PAS. I could say the trip back home was well paid off for I had helped PAS to break history!
Let's make it clear - this blog is not dedicated to discuss about socio politics although in the past, I did discuss such issues occasionally. But this time around, I strongly feel like commenting on this particular speech made by this one son-in-law of this one so-called 'leader'.
During this one general assembly, this particular son-in-law made a speech. In it, he suggested that the government should scrap its fuel subsidy since the world crude prices had breached USD100 per barrel. Well, according to him, the subsidy represents about 25% of the country's revenue. He added that such an amount can be used to build two Putrajaya, nine Penang bridges and 500,000 low-cost houses. He said that in the past, our mega projects were Petronas Twin Towers, bridges and highways, but now our mega project is subsidy.
Now here's an absurd statement made by him, "Imagine those who refuel at the petrol stations. A pakcik (elderly man) in a small motorbike will pay only RM1.92 per litre, but look at those in Mercedes. They still pay the same price. Why do we need to subsidise those who are rich. If the subsidy is removed, and prices go up, the people will learn to use less fuel."
Huh? What an uncaring, insensitive politician with nothing in his head. Reading through the rest of the news article kind of strucked me how, putting his overseas degree aside, this is one really uneducated person.
Just when the citizens have been objecting with the government's decision to reduce their oil subsidy last year, which had given rise to the price of oil per litre and the increased price of everything else ever since, this fella is suggesting the ridiculous.
If the oil subsidy is maintained, for your information, the government is not only subsidising the rich, but also those in middle and lower income groups. When you say those in Mercedes, did you include yourself as one of them, Mr. Politician? After all, stories have been circulating over how much your asset is worth now and how you have exploited your position (surprising how being a son-in-law to an influential person can do to you eh?). There's a Malay proverb that says, if there's no wind, how can the trees move? So, if stories after stories leaked out about your reckless greed, how can (some of) them not be true right? We heard how your father-in-law defended you when our ex-prime minister criticised and accused you. The way he defended you sounded like he was acknowledging those accusations to be true.
So, you wanted the government to build two Putrajaya, nine Penang bridges and 500,000 low-cost houses using the money that the government has been using to subsidise oil. The question is, do we really need nine Penang bridges? Even the second bridge project is not needed by us (the Penangites said so themselves) and we all see it as a waste. Also, can you guarantee us that those low-cost houses would be built should the subsidy is terminated? Can you also confirm that what you have in mind is solely your people's well being, or you are actually eyeing on how those 'projects' can bring you money?
What? You want the people to learn to use less fuel? WTF???Do you think we people have nothing to do than driving around in circles with no specific destinations to go to? How stupid can you get? For your information, everytime we turn on our ignition, it's always because we need to drive to work, sending our children to baby sitters/schools/tuitions, buy groceries, run multiple errands etc etc.
I pray to Allah that you WON'T have the chance to pursue your political ambition to even the slightest higher level.
P/S: Hairan (a Malay word) is baffled, surprised, confused....
These things make me wonder and my wise cat, Mr Sky (real name: Luke Skywalker) took the liberty of answering some of my wonderments.
ON PEOPLE AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Q: Hey Sky, I wonder why while waiting on platforms, some people would chase after a particular door when trains arrive, instead of standing still at where they are, until the trains stop? I mean surely they can walk if eventually the nearest door is a few steps away from where they stand right...
A: Hmmm... Master, there are many possibilities as to why the humans behave like that. One of them is probably because they just saw someone who was sitting or standing in one of the coaches and immediately fell in love at first (speedy) sight with that someone. Fearing that they might miss the chance to be happy, off they go, chasing after the door to that particular coach. Hmmm... speaking of the love of my life, I wonder how my ex-wife is doing back in the US. If only we could keep in touch via cat mail, sigh...
ON ROAD USERS
Q: Sky, when drivers slow down or completely stop their vehichles to make way for pedestrians to cross roads, how come these people walk so very slowly, with no indication to rush a little bit, especially if there's no pedestrian crossing anyway? Shouldn't they be thankful these drivers are considerate enough to let them cross? What? Do they think they are royalty? Do they think those drivers have all the time in the world to watch their as**s pass by?
A: Hmmm... unless they are cats, who happen to be rather clueless on how to cross a road, humans should know how and be aware of the risk of being hit by a moving vehicle. I think this has something to do with their attitudes - i.e. their mindsets. Most probably, they have a don't care attitude. They don't care if the drivers have to wait, they don't care to even show a gesture of gratitude, as long as they can cross 'safely'. Okay, so there are drivers who are willing to stop, but what if some motorcyclists don't realise this and run them over? Guess, they also don't care if they lose a limb or a brain, meow, meow, meow, meow... (translation: hahahaha....) Don't be surprised Master, some of those pedestrians could also be fuelled with jealousy, who consider themselves as unlucky, for having to walk, compared to others who could just drive off.
In another possibility, this also shows how movies and TVs influence us. The pedestrians could be thinking that they are superheroes or something. Like, should a truck hits them, their titanium armoured bodies would protect them from any injuries or death, or their quick reflexes would propel them to the nearest lamp post or they'd fly off to the sky and by that, no, I'm not referring to my name, meoowww, meow, meow, meow... the only place that they are likely flying off to is into the grave (me and Sky laughing together).
ON SOCIETY Q: Sky, each TV station has their own talent search shows. Surprisingly, it seems that for every talent show, there are always new faces who turn up, indicating that so many of human young generations are into entertainment and chasing after fame and glory of being an artist. But the question is, do we need THAT many entertainment AND artists? Also, are these aspiring artists strong enough to withstand the usual allurances and vices that are easily available when you enter the industry?Are they well equipped with knowledge and most importantly, iman? I mean, we've heard before how some of these artists make statements that are so stupid, lame and against the Islamic syariah, it's like they have nothing up there. I'm not saying all singers or actors are vile characters. It's just that, I find labels such as icons or idols that are given to them deem inappropriate. I mean just because so many girls are jumping up and down upon seeing them, does that qualify them to be role models for our children? I mean what have they contributed to the country anyway other than having sold these many albums and those many concert tickets? Contrary to contestants from shows like Akademi Al Qur'an or those nasyid groups or those scientists, professors, ustazs, motivators, national heroes and such, not much publicity is given to them. I think it is these people whom our children should look up to. Well, at least we know they are following the right footsteps. A: Hmmmm, my Master, this is a tough question. Luckily my children are cats. The only rather bad influence that they may be exposed to is Garfield... Huhuhu, how I miss my children.... meowww...
If we want to over-publicise those people in Akademi Al Qur'an or those others you have mentioned, chances are they would refuse to be paraded the same. People have always associated entertainment industry with gossips and publicities. What with so many exposures given to celebrities, the young ones can't help but starting to idolise them, hero-worshipped them, even though some of these celebrities are not that good.
Thanks to the media,our country has been shaped the hedonism way. The influences of Hollywood, Bollywood and Chinawood are penetrating into the minds of young humans, making them forget and neglect their values and religons. What we fear of is, should the nation be facing with real danger or threat, whether from outside or within the country itself, your young ones that you all rely on to defend this country, are still jumping up and down, banging their heads listening to music, or too addicted to drugs, they have become hopeless beings. Now THAT would be 'hodoh'nism (ugly).
ON THE NATION
Q: I remember in the past, how this country used to work from Sundays to Thursdays, and Fridays and Saturdays were the weekends. Then, when the Cabinet tried to fight changing the working days to the current system (Mondays to Fridays, with Saturdays and Sundays as the weekends), this one 'wise' minister said this one 'wise' thing that I could never forget. He said, there were Muslims who took the opportunity to go for holidays on Fridays and thus, some of them (Muslim males) had skipped Friday prayers at noon.
If only I had the chance to tell this minister that what people were doing on Fridays was not his business. It was not up to the minister to control or decide what people should do on their weekends. Furthermore, how could he know how many Muslim males had skipped Friday prayers, out of those who travel that particular day.Chances were, those travelling Muslims would still perform their Friday prayers at mosques despite being on vacation. Furthermore, hadn't he heard of the word and concept musafir? Did it also never occur to him that most of us would rather just spend time with their families at homes instead anyway.
Now that the majority of states in Malaysia work on Fridays, many Muslim workers have to skip Friday prayers every now and then, and to some, on every Friday, due to the nature of their jobs. I wonder whether this minister is feeling a little concerned at all, if not obliged, now that it IS within the government's control and responsibiliy to ensure their fellow Muslim males perform their duty to Allah? A: Pardon me for saying this Master... but, do you think the minister gives a dang? Meowww.... I'm feeling a little sleepy now and would like to nap. Purrr... purrr..
The Oxford Dictionary says "boulevard" means wide city street, often with trees on each side. As for me, "boulevard" is the path that I thread my way through in life. At times, the trees give me protection from the hot sun above. While at other times, no amount of trees can comfort me when it pours. Come rain or shine, the road continues to provide me with the journey of life until it reaches its destination.
People say I'm sweet, kind, a gentleman, caring, romantic and observant (let's just concentrate on the good attributes). I love those who matter to me, and care about things that count. I'm a Malay Muslim and proud to be one. I DON'T think Islam should be judged by those nasty followers. Islam should be judged by the religion itself; its teachings and the purpose behind them. I mean, humans will still behave like humans right? Usually, regardless of religions that they embrace. It is also in my nature to please, since I believe that TO PLEASE EVERYONE IS AN IMPOSSIBLE FEAT, BUT NOT TRYING TO PLEASE ANYONE OTHER THAN ONESELF IS A POSSIBLE DEFEAT (own quote). Apart from sharing the things I read, watch and listen to, I'd also share my thoughts and feelings, and express my views on certain issues. Last by no means least, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE OF YOU OUT THERE ABOUT ANYTHING! If we knew each other 'in the previous life' and had lost contact, or we hardly contact each other nowadays, do email me or comment on my entries. Feel free to explore my blog & website (http://members.fortunecity.com/abdunmy/). Cheerio & Wassalam.
Sometimes, to boldly go (where no one has gone before) at warp speed may cause you unnecessary troubles.
Own quote, based on Star Trek
Lesson from the quote: Rushing to reach your destinations or goals may get you there fast, but may not always be the smartest thing to do!
"Note The Quote (Malay translation)"
Kadang kala, perjalanan (ke tempat yang tidak pernah ditujui) pada kelajuan maksimum boleh menyebabkan kesusahan pada diri sendiri.
Rekaan sendiri, berdasarkan dari Star Trek
Pengajaran: Terburu-buru untuk sampai ke destinasi atau matlamat hidup mungkin boleh membawa kita ke sana dengan cepat, tetapi langkah itu tidak semestinya yang terbaik!
You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don't have that kind of feeling for what it is you are doing, you'll stop at the first giant hurdle.
George Lucas (Film Director and Producer)
"Favourite Note The Quote 2"
A sign in a mosque on the need to switch off handphones:
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Penguin Rush
