THE Cartoons

At last I found an article that neatly sums up what I feel about the current brouhaha over the cartoons that is being published again and again around the world...

An excerpt from Martin Khor's article in the Star:

"Press freedom is not absolute even though editors especially those in the West may profess or think that it is. There are double standards in this regard practised in the West too.
As pointed out in a letter in an English paper, the United States and British papers comply with requests not to publish photographs of American and British soldiers killed in Iraq or even highlight the return home of the bodies.
The governments don’t want such photos to further affect public opinion against the war and occupation. Western newspapers are very careful not to publish articles that can be construed as being anti-Jew.
If they do, it is almost certain they will come under attack for being anti-Semite and probably have to apologise. There are guidelines, whether formal or informal, so that journalists and editors avoid insulting women or homosexuals.
But when it comes to cartoons of the most revered figure in Islam, the editors of some of the most established newspapers in Europe see fit to state that they have the right to publish them in the name of freedom and so what if some Muslims feel insulted. "

More details Martin Khor

As for Muslims, I hope they stop being violent whenever someone comments negatively about them and their religion. I doubt burning the Danish embassy or boycotting goods from Europe would help enlighten others about Islam. Islam will always be construed as a violent, dogmatic and backward religion fit for the disillusioned whenevwer angry mobs resort to violence to show their displeasure over some issue. However hard it may be to keep calm, it must be done. Rational debate is the only way to prove to the world that Islam is an enlightened path fit to be a guideline for everyone in every situation and for all times.

Why is there a long queue?

This question asked by a lady on Saturday 28 Jan 2006 seemed a bit redundant to me. The question is in context of the long queue at the Air Asia check-in counter. But of course, there is a long queue. The Air Asia promotional campaign has been quite a success. It was also the week long holidays in conjunction with the Chinese New Year. Air Asia is a budget airline and will do its utmost to cut costs. At the moment they have been allocated a few rows for checking in their passengers at KLIA. There is no such thing as premier check-in counters. First come first served. If anyone wants the queue to be shorter, they should discourage others from taking Air Asia. That would be one way to minimise the number of passengers and shorten the queue.
The new terminal for low cost carriers might help to ease the congestion and it won't be ready until the middle or end of 2006. In the meantime, if anyone doesn't like the services provided by Air Asia, they are encouraged to use other airlines. I'm sure Air Asia welcomes any feedback on their services but consumers must be aware, there is always a price to pay for everything. Budget airlines work within certain parameters. There is just so much that they can or are willing to do.

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...

Mawi mania

At last the final Akademi Fantasia concert crowned Mawi officially as the winner of the third season. He had garnered almost a third of the weekly votes consistently with adoring and countless fans country wide.
What made him such a phenomenon? A conbination of boy next door looks and humble down to earth attitude. He was not even in the first batch of students but was recalled as one of the surprises from the organisers - the other person was Marsha who also made good by being placed fourth.
Mawi's almost all encompassing popularity was one of the reasons that triggered debates on the relevance of reality shows. As usual some quarters felt the shows were too Western oriented but I'm sure everything was done above board especially since this is Malaysia. Anyone and everyone tend to self censor themselves. But there are some who are willing to take chances and try their luck pushing the boundaries of accepted behaviour.
Mawi's supporter tend to be fanatical about him since he is their idol with that wholesome image. Will he be the male version of Siti Nurhaliza? Only time can tell.

Petrol prices go up again

Here we go again. Didn't petrol prices go up just a few months ago. I hope we don't have to endure another price rise in a few months' time. The government did try its best to soften the effect. I guess postponing another rise immediately is a strategy to soften the impact. At least the populace was in preparation for another price increase. But I'm not sure how long the common people can endure the increase.
As always the majority will feel the greater impact. How will those with many mouths to feed cope with the almost seasonal upward adjustment to their budget. Can something be done. This is more like macroeconomics to me and I doubt any changes can have an effect immediately. In the meantime we'll grumble and cajole the goivernment to do some positive action. The consumer affairs mininstry has threatened to take action against those who take advantage of the situation.
How effective is that threat. They might be able to catch a few but overall it is a doomed effort. I have not seen any trader or business concern giving any thought to the consumer whenever prices of essential goods increase. They will still take an advantage when prices go down. So the consumer is at a losing end whatever happens.
Tighten your belts, everyone.

The government knows what is best for the people

That sentiment seems to permeate those at the top of the pecking order. They might know what is best but the implementation usually leaves much to be desired. Is it arrogance that makes rulers think they know what is best for those governed. I'm sure they have their panel of advisors but are they in touch with reality. I have not seen any major shift in policy since this country gained its independence in 1957. Yes, the ruling party tries very hard to uplift the people's standard of living.
They have succeded in a way but there are still pockets of hard core poor in the country. That will need a major revamp in policy. As long as the government says they know what is best for the people, there will always be people marginalised in the race to that developed nation status in 2020. The authorities may listen to the people but no action has been taken to take the bull by its horns.
A problem that has been a part of the nation's landscape needs drastic measures. A government that listens and takes action rather than mouthing "I know what is best for you" will be welcomed. But there are no alternatives on the horizon at the moment.

Rainforest Music Festival 2005

This is my third year attending the festival and the euphoria has not diminished for me. It was good to meet up with another festival goer who has been a participant since the beginning in 1998. The good feedback has strenghtened my belief that the organisers have done a wondeful job bringing a myriad of performers from around the world onto a single stage. The festival might not be as big as the Womad events but the camaraderie among those present make the whole trip worthwhile.
My only grouse would be the heat. But what do you expect from a venue in the rainforest. Unfortunately the afternoon workshops are held when the sun is directly above your head. I wished the organisers would consider putting those mist sprouting fans at the venues.
The night performances are excellent especially with the forest backdrop giving the whole proceeding an ethereal feel. I have goose bumps whenever a performer's voice is slices through the pristine jungle. The effect is magnified ten fold when the music is just a soft tune or a lone voice weaving stories of his homeland.
I'll definitely be there again next year.

Live8

I missed the live concert during the weekend. I doubt my non-presence has any impact on the efforts of the organisers to get as much aid as possible for the Africans. I was glued to the tv screen when the first live aid was aired throughout the world about 20 years ago. I have not seen that much change in the lives of those in need then and their present circumstances. Maybe the success stories have not been highlighted.
Concerts in aid of worthy causes do serve a purpose. At least the issue is current in everyone's mind or else we will just go on living our usual every day lives. I do not think too much of others' sufferings unless and until they are in front of my own eyes.
I tend to be heartless in that sense. I've bulit up a defense mechanism against the beggars in town. It is not that some of them do not deserve the help but I'm not sure whether the aid given goes to the deserving person. I'm very sceptical that those entrusted with giving that aid really do their job. I'm of the opinion that any aid should be given directly to those in need.
I'm sure this theory is not practical for all circumstances. The needs of these people are varied and they are found in all four corners of the earth.
Aid agencies come to the fore in this aspect and the genuine gets my vote. But who are they? How can I differentiate between the scams and the true blue thing. I'm still looking for a way to fine tune my instinct so that I can at least be sure that whatever I give goes to the rightful person.
That instinct comes only with experience but there are always bad hats who manage to filter through and make a profit out of those in need. I hope they realise that the poor and needy of the world deserves the aid that comes from everyone and DO NOT belong in their own pockets.

More cynical

It has been a month since my last ranting. The political situation in Malaysia seems topsy-turvy as usual. Last week we had the shock, maybe an expected shock that one of the vice-presidents of the ruling party had been suspended from the party because of money politics. Corruption.
When did this start. I'm certain this malice did not happen overnight. All guilty parties, and I'm sure they know who they are, must have started on their career paths quite early in their careers. Maybe some of them started in with noble intentions but was waylaid along the way by the glitter of material gains.
That pull factor is very strong and needs a similarly strong personality to withstand the continous onslought to reap benefits from their exalted position. How many can muster the courage. We're only human as most people would say. A convenient excuse.
I wonder how long our Prime Minister will be able to hold to his ideals. I'm sure there are lots of supporters who have gained tremendously from their positions throughout the years. How will they cope with a new regime. What is certain is that they would not give up without a fight. There is a long way before any semblance of normality and decency comes back as a winner in society. The ideals of a pure Man is still a hazy dream. We can only hope.

Dewa Concert in KL

I can't help but compare yesterday's concert with the concert a few years ago by Gigi, another Indonesian group. One glaring minus point of both concerts was the venue. At least Gigi's concert was at a hall and everyone could see what was happening on stage. Dewa's concert had the luck of being staged at the KL Tower. It was cramped with fans and I was very surprised that a sound system stage was in the middle of everything whereas usually it would be somewhere at the back. The venue's unsuitability was further heightened by the lack of multiple escape routes in case of emergency. This was very obvious when the concert ended and the masses thronged through the only way out - a small space outside the main entrance leading to the two escalators.
The camera man did not do a good job highlighthing what was happening on stage when the audience looked at the two screens at either end of the stage. The audience lost the connection to the performers except for those fortunate to be in front. It was the magnetism of the band itself that saved the day. Everyone knew the lyrics to their songs and sang along with gusto. There were also a few body surfers in front. I saw a few kids with their parents singing as well as the grown-ups.
I felt humbled being in the midst of their brilliance. The highlight for me was when only the singer and keyboardist sang a few strains of a popular love song. The lyrics in Indonesian goes 'Cinta bukan sekedar kata-kata indah, cinta bukan sekedar buaian belaian peraduan'. Those word sung in that heavenly voice lifted me to a higher plateau.

Thinking of Bali

It has been 5 days since I came back from my fourth visit to Bali. The first visit itself in 2003 left a very good impression on me. I decided then that I'll try to return to the island paradise at least once a year. So far so good. I'm even planning to go again later this year.
I can't pinpoint exactly what attracts me to Bali. The people, culture, environment or the X-factor. Maybe all of these has left an indelible impact on me. I'm not talking about the beach areas like Kuta or Sanur but more of the unexplored and lesser known districts.
I did make a calculated choice with Ubud on my first visit but I've been a repeat visitor for the past three times. I've made friends with the workers at the hotel and been invited by one of them to his house. He was in the midst of preparing for his wedding at that time and I just missed the occasion by a few weeks. I was fortunate to be invited again to his wife's place and see their 2 months old baby girl during this visit. I missed again the opportunity of joining in another Balinese festival as they're preparing to celebrate the baby's 3 months birthday next month.
That new found friend is just one of the many hospitable Balinese I've met during my brief visits there. I'm just as taken aback by the serenity of the surroundings. I've chosen small hotels located in the middle of rice paddy fields and the sounds of nature is just perfect for my kind of holiday. I can just sit by the pool and listen to the wind. Exhilarating.

Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police

What a long title. It does take a mouthful to say it out loud. The aim is commendable and the public has spoken, at least those who dare. The proof is always in the pudding. Something that has taken a deep root in society's psyche would take a few years at least to even get a head start. I doubt any positive action can bear fruit in the near forseeable future.
Malaysia has always been slow in implementing changes that might benefit the majority. Unless the action benefits the top as well. The ruling party or whoever is in power might deny this phenomenon but reality stares in the face of the those in the lower rungs of society.
It is always the downtrodden and powerless who suffer the most whenever there is a miscarriage of justice. They are the ones who are not represented in the upper echelons of power. Those elected may say they represent everyone but most of the time they represent their own interests.
There are still people who want to join the police force to make a fast buck. That is the Malaysian police reputation at present. What does that sentiment say about the police force?

Guilty until proven innocent

The past week has put more weight on my feelings that in Malaysia, the justice system assumes everyone is guilty until proven innocent.
The first case involved that young man who absconded from his National Service because he was helping his mother eking out a living. The case could have been handled more humanely but the authorities pushes the responsibility back to the boy. They said he should have told them about his predicament and they would have reconsidered the order. How convenient. A good example of Islam Hadhiri, the much touted progressive face of Islam that the government wants to show to the people? I doubt the boy would in the same situation if he was "someone's" son.
The second case involved the Nepali worker who was jailed and whipped because the authorities thought he was an illegal. The Immigration Department head said that the Nepali should have told them the facts and they assumed he was guilty by the mere fact that he acknowledged his guilt in court using the national language. Has anyone in authority ever been at the receivig end of the law.
The way our Malaysian policeman asks anyone for their identity cards sends shivers to those who are not familiar with the procedures. Anyone in uniform has always been seen as someone powerful who could make or break their lives. There has always been a poor public perception of the police force. They are not seen as someone who will protect the public but more likely an unwanted element in their lives. Children are told that the police will get them if they're naughty. The black sheep in the police force seems to have increased its membership.
That sentiment also applies to anyone in uniform. That uniform gives the power to belitlle others. It is only when the situation is reversed that they realise how much hatred is attached to men in uniforms. Alas, that does not happen that often.

Price hike

As expected the recent increase in fuel prices has started a domino effect on the economy. Prices of goods and services increase without fail everytime the fuel price increases. The public wants a fairer system but I doubt that will ever see the light of day. There were long lines at the petrol stations before the midnight deadline. Tempers flared as everyone wanted that extra bit of fuel before the price increases. There has been grumblings from all quarters that their household budget has to be revised upwards as a consequence.
Malaysia is a net oil exporter. How did this happen. Alternative sources of energy has never been given top priority. For example, we should have been one of the top nations in terms of solar energy but even the research and development in that area seems to be in spurts. We were hoodwinked when new fields of oil and gas was found in abundance about 20 years ago.
When will we ever learn?

Jakarta bookshops

This is my third day in this huge city. This is my first visit and I should visit this city again to explore the other parts besides the area near my hotel. I've been to the shopping mall nearby - Plaza Blok M and it did not dissappoint. I've managed to go to two relatively big bookshops yesterday. Bookshops do help in nurturing the reading habit. The variety and the number of books help stimulate the curiosity of visitors. Something sorely lacking in Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia.
There are many Kahlil Gibran books. I assume they are bestsellers since I saw the same titles in the bookshops in Jogjakarta. No wonder the Indonesians' mind set is different from the Malaysians. The reading material that is available covers such a wider scope. The non-fiction section gives an insight into the workings of a person's mind. The topics stimulate and encourages the reader to venture deeper into a particular subject.
The fiction section cover the whole gamut of genres from chic-lit, manga to classics. The aisles were full of readers. They were enjoying themselves even the children. I even saw some children pestering their parents to buy more books for themselves. Some parents with limited budget had to scrutinise the number of books bought. But overall everyone seems contented with what they have bought and there is that feeling they will come again to buy more.

Krishen Jit

Krishen Jit, the doyen of Malaysian theatre passed away yesterday. I have seen him now and then at performances and read his writings but do not know him personally. It is always admirable to have someone so dedicated to his craft and expanding the circle of like minded people.
It was good to hear a few years ago that he married Marion D'Cruz, a well known dancer in theatre circles. At least they were on the same wave length. It would be quite difficult for someone not in tune with Krishen's vision of the dramatic arts in Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia in general to stay abreast with him.
Sadly, our government has not given the right incentive to the performing arts. In the pursuit of developed nation status, those activities presumed not contributing to the national coffers are neglected. There is now and again a call for Malaysians to be more involved in the arts. But that call gets all the support and media attention for a limited period. No continuity. A character flaw of the nation.