Here we go again

I guess by now I sound like a broken record. Ad infinitum complaining about the public transport system in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. I had the pleasure of savouring the excellent, efficient and highly dependable light rail transport system managed by Rapid KL this morning.
As usual, something in me guessed that something was not quite right when I heard the ongoing alarm at the station. My guess was confirmed when I reached the platform and heard that the trains will be running slow and passengers are advised to be patient. All inconvenience caused is very much regretted. Thank you.
Sweet words when I first heard it last year but it has been such a regular occurrence that the impact is lost on me. I don't feel the Rapid KL management are really sorry for the inconvenience caused or else the system would have improved by now.
I'm not asking for miracles but passengers have hopes that the frequent breakdowns could be reduced to monthly affairs instead of the present almost weekly debacle.
As a friend said, why don't Rapid KL just announce that the trains would not be running on a particular day. At least the passengers can find alternative means to their destinations. Stop the service for as long as possible and get to the bottom of the persistent problem. Rectify the problem first and then start the service again.
Fat hopes, huh?

Different approach

When I read the article in thestar of 14 May 2007, the first thing that came to mind was, "Where are the Muslim care givers?" I have seen countless articles on non-Muslims giving a hand to the marginalized but I have yet to see anything similar from the Islamic groups or individuals, either established organisations or voluntary bodies. Maybe the Muslims do not publicise their good deeds.
Hopefully that is the case but a lingering smirk will always appear just picturing that scene appearing. Maybe I have been too jaded by the approach of some who are linked to the Malaysian Islamic authorities or individuals whenever they expound on the virtues of Islam. I hope against hope that there are Islamic organizations or individuals that are taking positive action in helping the forgotten segment of society instead of just focusing on the brim stone and burning in hell scenario.

Sexist remarks

I guess it is to be expected that the recent sexist remark by the ruling party member of parliament was defended by his fellow party members as highlighted in thestar of 12 May 2007. As someone said, it is as if that MP does not have a mother, wife, daughter or a female family member. Some of the comments from the ruling party members seems to suggest that such outbursts are permitted. It seems the remark is a consequence of the heated debate and no harm was meant from the words.

What gives? No harm?

Statements like that are reflective of someone who is utterly devoid of feelings towards the opposite gender. Common decency would have thought a person especially an elected representative of the people that women are not fair game to be humiliated or made scape goats every time something is wrong with the world.

I'm very disappointed that the leaders of the ruling party have not come forward to condemn those words. Another proof of their viewpoint on women.

Related links

sunday star

limkitsiang

A welcome improvement

I am very pleasantly surprised that Air Asia was on schedule on my departure from Kuala Lumpur to Bali on 28^th April 2007 as well as on the trip back on 2^nd May 2007. I've always expected the worst from them from past experiences. Dare I hope this new, at least for me, perfect timing will happen more often?

I was also quite glad that I carried my luggage on the way back as the immigration and customs process took just a few minutes. I almost had a shock when the immigration personnel had pleasant faces and was cordial to those who encountered difficulties with the automatic passport screening machines.

The machines are not superior to humans. They are so sensitive that the whole process of scanning the passports takes at least ten seconds. It is not a simple wave and bye procedure. Interestingly the lines at the machines almost always moves slower than those at counters manned by the officers.

The afternoon saw proactive immigration officers who asked politely those who were lining up at the machines to proceed to other counters so as to expedite the whole process of checking the passports.

It is nice to be home.