THE Memorandum

The Sun's editorial today put the whole issue succinctly in perspective. The last paragraph says

"While inter-religious marriages are a boon to a multi-religious society, conversions, if not properly done, can also lead to much suspicion and resentment. Non-Muslims should also be made aware and forewarned that, for the moment, conversion to Islam is very much a one-way street.
So the problem that led to the illfated memorandum still needs to be tackled even though the memorandum itself is history."

My sentiments exactly. Malaysia has always bragged about its racial harmony but it is still a fragile entity. I feel the politicians will always take advantage of the racial and religious issues to gain political milage. The victims - the general public.
Almost everyone I know at the grassroots level are busy with their daily lives, career and family. Of course everyone has an opinion on what is happening in the country but they have voted the elected representatives to do the job of managing our destiny. There will always be hiccups along the way but some major and fundamental issues like the conversion issue should not be brushed aside. The 'sensitive' issue reason is almost always used to keep things quiet. How long will this go on?

A day at the Malaysian Immigration Office

I reached the number issuing booth at 8.45 am and my number was 1138. They were servng number 1019 at that time. Yippee. I should be finished in an hours' time. But alas, I was only finally called to send in my passport renewal application at 12.00pm. After the checks and thumb prints taken I was asked to wait for my number to be called again. This time for payment. The wait took another 15 minutes.
I waited 3.5 hours for the whole process which took only about 5 minutes. The time spent on each applicant was not that long as the personnel were quite efficient in doing their work. 210 hours divided by 119 people gives about 1.7 minutes per applicant. That is remarkable considering there were a few who took just one number but was in actual fact giving more than one application form to the counter clerk. These would be those who came with their entire family. I saw a few with 4 or 5 kids in tow.
Kudos to the department for efficiency. The negative side was just the feeling that there were no one attending to the applicants as numerous numbers keep flashing on the screen but your own. I forgot there are different categories of applications and at first glance it seems as if my number is not in the queue. But all is well and I should get my new passport on Wednesday.

Shanon Shah at Alexis

I came with an open mind as always and did not expect anything spectacular. I have not heard his songs before but his self penned 'Jurutera' - engineer - left a good impression. The night went smoothly with renditions from his album as well as songs from other artistes.
The highlight for me was listening to Sukania. She has always been my favourite person and her presence alone made the night a worthwhile effort. Ida was the next friends that came to the mike and she did not dissappoint. Sultry looks and voice is a deadly combination.
The three of them sang Imagine as the last time and managed to get the crowd to sing along. Wonderful stmosphere. Alas the night had to come to a close and Shanon sang a few more songs before ending the night on an upbeat mode.

5 days into the new year

There has not been any major changes to my own personal life so far and the world keeps turning merrily on its axis around the sun. The human populace of this blue planet or slightly greying in some parts have managed to usher in the new year in more or less a happy state. The media has not highlighted any major calamities either man made or those brought on by Mother Nature.

I do hope we will manage our affairs better this year so at least there will be something to be proud of to talk about next year. That will be the day....

New Year???

My first blog of the year after ages neglecting the site. New Year resolution - keep the blog more up to date.
Has the new year really began. It seems like yesterday that 2005 was in full swing and now 2006 beckons with all its trials and tribulations. I'm not sure I'll be afloat going through the muck I've created throughout the past one year. I can see a little bit of hope here and there but most probabaly I'll get through most of the time in my own fashion. Which is not that good. I do have to make some improvements to the way I carry on with my life while on this earth. Or else, kaput, everything will go down the drain and no one to blame but myself...