Does the end justify the means?

The fate that has befallen Malik Imtiaz Sarwar which he wrote in nst of 27th August 2006 marks a sad day for right thinking Muslims everywhere. There are sections of the Muslim community that do not want to engage in rational discussions but prefer bulldozing their beliefs unto others. There is that concept that since the believer has fallen out, he must be punished accordingly. Doesn't that solution strengthen the unbeliever's conviction that the religion is not for him. Condemning, sentencing is so very easy. But it will never make that man closer to the religion, but most probably the opposite. We'll wait and see but I do hope that Malik survives through it all. He is but one of the few shining light that might illuminate the darkness that the community is in at the moment. May he succeed in his quest to bring light to the those who can't see.

Blew my top

I have to acknowledge that the Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers are definitely kings of the road. I slammed the door of the tenth taxi that refused to take me to my destination about 8pm 25th August 2006. That particular driver became angry and there were shouts between us. I was fortunate that he did not beat me up in the heat of the moment.

Why does anyone become taxi drivers if they do not want to take passengers. The stock excuse is the heavy traffic especially when it rains. IÂ’m sure they know the risks involved when they choose this profession. Has anyone considered the passengers? Taxi drivers have the audacity to choose whom to take and the preferred destination. In the same breath they will complain they are having a hard time making a living.

So hopefully, they will get a taste of their own medicine when they least expect it. Then they will know that their attitude works both ways. They might be under the delusion that passengers have to play by their rules. Maybe in the taxi driversÂ’ world but any action will get a reaction. Someday, somewhere they will rue the day that they ignored the plight of passengers. Passengers are their bread and butter. They forgot that particular golden rule.

The authorities themselves seem helpless even after countless complains from the public. I still have to take taxis but I need to stop another blow up. That simmering anger is not worthwhile. I can still curse under my breath and say a silent prayer that they will meet their match one fine day. Bad thoughts.

The first flowers

It was with pride and joy when I saw the flowers today. Granted, it was just two flowers. To me, it was lovely and as you may have noticed I started the paragraph with the word "pride". It might be the pride before the downfall as I'm unsure whether there will be repeat performances from them - the plants. I do hope there will be more blooms in future. There is always that bit of trepidation not knowing whether I have done too much or too little. I'm talking about another life.
In this case, the pride and joy for this particular life may not be in the same category as parents who welcome their first born. But my feelings the moment I saw the flowers was akin to those proud parents. I should pass around the cigars.
I guess I'm taking liberties with this momentous event. I definitely did not do much in terms of nurturing the plants for the past week, watered them twice. I cannot take any credit for their magnificient show of colours or those perfect petals seen through my rose tinted lenses. Nature deservedly gets the major credit.
Thanks Mother Nature. Thanks flowers. I hope to see more of you soon.

Is it really shocking?

The headline in the nst of 18th August 2006 is a classic case of "Didn't you know all this is happening".

An excerpt:

One in two young adults are having sex. Unnerving? Try this. Eighty per cent of them do not use contraceptives.
What do you expect? When sex education is still a mundane taboo subject. Any student who does attend the classes may know the basics but practicising safe sex is a different ball game altogether. The sexual urges that peaks during the growing up years has to find an outlet somewhere and somehow irrespective of the edicts reprimanding the sexual act between unmarried couples. So, in the throes of passion, a lot of safety factors are conveniently forgotten.

The young ones do not think of death. The future is theirs. A different and a more holistic approach has to be found or else we will see more youth falling by the side..

Image from conceptimages

NO for now???

The headline in the nst of 15th August 2006 screamed at you that the decision on the bridge was final. I doubt that will satisfy the good doctor. He will continue to rant and rave since it was one of his pet baby projects.

The good doctor may have forgotten that the response from his successor and the cabinet follows exactly the lessons learnt during his 22 years tenure as the major domo of this country. The good doctor may recall that he did not even entertain any thoughts contrary to his vision and often times was dismissive of them. The doctor felt that his vision was the only route to progress for the nation. That path has taken us some ways towards a better standard of living etc but at what price. There are certain quarters who also forgot the fact that others do not have the same vision.

The good doctor is upset that his chosen heir has a different vision and method of doing things. Too bad. Or is this just the comeuppance that he deserves...

Artist impression of bridge from thestar 15th July 2006

My garden

At last a semblance of greenery in my miniscule plot of land. I'm not sure how long the plants will last as I neither have green thumbs or am the most dedicated person when it comes to taking care of living things. One of the reasons I do not have pets or plants is the thought of neglecting or abusing them. We shall see how long this green thing lasts.

Sensitive issues

It is interesting that there is now a ban on inter-religious discussions applicable to everyone according to thestar of 11th August 2006.

I love the way the word sensitive is used in this context. Now at last it is acknowledged that everyone is sensitive over the issue. But why? Is this the result of our very harmonious society, paraded around the world as an exemplary multi-racial, multi-religion nation. As if the those in power are so naive.

The old edict of divide and rule is still used by those who seek power. It is to their advantage that the nation is not united. The populace just tags along as long as the bread and butter issues are well taken care off. Even that is debatable.

I have not heard of any civilised heart to heart discussions between leaders on the sensitive issue of religion. One side is always adamant that there should be no compromise when it comes to religion. They are always right and everyone should follow. Humanity is missing. They have never even thought of putting themselves in the other's shoes. I'm sure they are following the Book to the tee but I've yet to see any mention that you should bulldoze your way to show your might. Compassion yes, but pig-headednes, definitely not.

I wish and double wish that these leaders would come to their senses. People are not automatons. They have feelings just like you and me. Please oh please, give a chance to the other view. Listen and you can even argue, but please do it in a civilised manner. Do not use the bullying tactics or a show of strength. The other side will react and the consequences might be even more painful than the infamous May 1969 incident.

Picture is of the Malaysian Home Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, from thestar of 25th February 2006.

Extinct turtles?

Compare the reports from the UN Environment programme which appeared in cosmosmagazine the 8th August 2006 and the feedback from the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) which appeared in thestar of 10th August 2006. What is the difference between "declined drastically"” and "“effectively extinct"”. The Tumec head disputes the effectively extinct verdict in the UN report.

He said the authorities found five nesting places with 336 eggs of two leatherback turtles this year compared to one nesting place with 90 eggs in 2005. In 2003, 14 leatherback nesting places, with 1,083 eggs, were detected while in 2004, five nesting places with 295 eggs were found.

I do not see any encouraging news from those statistics. Anyone can see that two turtles landing is a very dismal figure and this is already August 2006. Yes, I guess we can try and save the whole population starting from those two but isn't this a case of too little too late. That has always been the predicament faced by those involved with conservation in Malaysia. There is a lot of talk but any action taken leaves much to be desired. Lack of political will is one of the major contributing factors to this situation. I doubt the situation will change that much unless and until those in power realize that the non-human population is also important to this country.

We have inadvertently killed the goose that lay the golden egg.

Picture from cosmosmagazine