Enough is enough

Please, stop making Malaysia a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. Enough that our human rights are not protected. Enough that we are led by a bunch of fools. Enough that we have a bunch of unappreciative fools living here.

It is so tiring and annoying that when you want to escape from reality, what keeps on popping up on the screen is the issue of "Allah". Oh, don't get me wrong. I do not agree with the COA decision at all but I think there are sufficient and rather strong justifications as to why the COA decision is ludicrous. But I think many misunderstand the point as to why is there a charge in the first place. This is a judicial review case and it concerns the government infringing certain rights that the Federal Constitution allocated for the citizens.

How is that so many people blaming the Religion instead of the people whom started all these nonsense? Why blame the Jews, the Christians and even the Muslims when we have no issue about this? The only issue here is the government infringing our constitutional rights. Period.

Where is the freedom of religion? What is freedom of religion? Or most importantly, what is our freedom as a Malaysian?

We don't have any rights with our education and our future. For those whom are privileged enough to attend private schools, colleges and Universities, be thankful. We are not given the freedom to choose our courses in the local Universities. My question to you is, Why can't we choose? Don't give me crap that there is a danger that a particular field of practice would be saturated. It is never too much to have more doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers and etc. Don't give me crap that many would be unemployed because as it is now, there are many unemployed graduates too. So, I don't think this attempt is successful to curb the unsound problems.

We don't have rights to our money. For example, cars in Malaysia are so expansive. Why the high taxes? But yet, we foolish Malaysians just accepted it and pay for the ridiculous percentage of taxes. High taxes are not charged in countries that produces vehicles but yet, their citizens are willing to buy their own product. WHY? because they are of quality. I love my country but I feel that many potentials are not nurtured and encouraged here and thus caused many to migrate to other countries whom appreciate their potentials and talents.

We don't have the rights to have a fair and just election. The world is dirty but hey, Not this dirty... Even if it is, at least have some brains to cover it up. We do not have the rights to choose our leaders. We don't choose our prime minister. UMNO chose it.

I am an activist but I am not unappreciative too. I would not have been one if our system here is efficient. It would be too ambitious and even foolish to want a perfect system. But is it too much to want a sufficient system, sufficient leaders (with qualifications and not just some useless diplomas) and to be appreciated as a citizen? I always try to be impartial to our government, our judiciary and our parliament but with all the current happenings, I am losing my faith. I do not know how long more this patriotism in me will continue to ignite.

Some say study hard and migrate. My question is why should I when this is also my country? Some say don't like the system, Migrate. My question is why should I when this is also my country? Should one just accept what is given even though it is unjust? Can't we give constructive criticisms? Is it wrong to ask for a better Malaysia? One may say what is better may not be better for another. But is equality bad? We are not pro-communism nor a Marxist. We are Pro-people. We just want the system to be fair to the people regardless of races and religions. Is this too much to ask? To achieve full satisfaction, start asking the majority instead of pleasing a handful of conceited minorities whom crown themselves as power holders.

What the *Beep*

I dread the times when I have to open up my Facebook because everytime, without fail, there would be some absurd articles shared among my friends. One of the articles I stumbled upon was where a raped victim was punished with beatings while her rapists were sentenced to serve a substantial years of jail time.

http://www.examiner.com/article/victim-sentenced-200-lashes-by-saudi-court?cid=db_articles <--- You can read the article here.

My question is, why is the raped victim even given 200 lashes as punishment? What justice is Syariah Law trying to prove here? The fact that she was sitting in an automobile with a non-relative, she was sentenced to 90 lashes. What sort of absurdity is this? I know many of us, in our minds will think "Maksiat lah tu" but let me ask you this, can sitting in an automobile with a non-relative even qualify as "maksiat" (immoral)? 

It saddens me to know that women are still rather oppressed in certain societies and countries.In this article, it seems to portray a message that "If a girl is raped and loses her virginity, she is deemed as dirty. Thus, she must be punished". Let me tell you this, a girl's virginity is not GOLD! Who gives you the right to say one is clean or dirty? If she is dirty, don't you think the rapists would even be dirtier? Don't you think they deserve to be castrated since they cannot control their desires?

I believe women today have proven that we deserve the same amount of respect that men give each other. No doubt women are generally more emotional, revengeful and weak in physical, but that does not mean that women should be treated any lesser that men. I do not and would not deny that I am a feminist simply because I am sick of reading news about child marriage, rape victims being blamed and punished. I am sick of looking at how men treat their wives without respect in public. I am also sick of witnessing women succumb to their "fate". Women are no object or some prize you put on the rack to be shown off. You men would not even be here without your mothers' womb. 

I am so disgusted with the laws that some religions uphold ever so faithfully and they are so blinded that certain rules are so oppressive and unfair. If you do not sin yourself, then be the first to cast the stone. Who are these religious appointee to set those absurd rules? I am angry and disappointed that even today, after all the modernization that we went through, we are still caught in the web of absurdity when it comes to religion and morality. At first, religions were used to govern the people so that they would behave and to instill fear. Now, I would like to think that the society has evolved and we know that rules are set to fight for justice and to protect one's liberty. Rules are not suppose to be set to oppress or embarrass.  

I hope no one is offended as I am not targeting any religious group in particular. But I urge you to think whether are they certain absurd rules that your religion practices and should they even  exist today? Are those rules jeopardizing your liberties, your rights and your freedom? If yes, then why didn't you question it? If you are prosecuted for being inquisitive, then the religion is not God, and God is not the religion because God is ever loving and forgiving. He will never subject you to such foolish set of rules. 

It would be different if those set of rules are to uphold tradition. What I am focusing is not on the rules which involve tradition but rules which endanger your liberties.  

What I want as a Malaysian.

It doesn’t just stop with knowledge and awareness. It starts with that.

I am not going to start this with depressing news about the uncountable crime cases happening in our country. I am very sure most of us are aware of the current crime situation here. I am not even going to criticise with great extent on the not so competent authorities and those who are supposedly in charge of the safety of Malaysia.

Instead of complaining that the crime rates are rising (which we clearly KNOW they are even though statistics mentioned otherwise), why not go further than just nagging?

There are so many steps given for us to stay vigilant at all times to prevent us from falling victim to those criminals. But, do you think that it is fair to you? Is it your fault that crimes are increasing now? And, do you want to live in fear forever?

You can have all the type of success in the world but what is the point of it if you are living in fear at all time? Yes, people now are selfish. It is all about me, myself and I (I am not excluded myself).  It is undeniable that because of such attitude that we now subconsciously practice, criminals are being braver now. They know that their victims are weak.

Cliché as it may sound, but it is undeniably true that together we are stronger.

If you see your fellow countrymen in trouble, do not hesitate to lend a helping hand. No point standing there and as many typical Malaysians will do; Stop and stare.

No point criticising the policies but instead try to push for a change.  Praise the good but improve the bad. We choose our politicians and I am sure we choose them because we feel that they are competent enough to not just affirm us that our country is safe statistically but also safe realistically.

I want to trust my leaders, I want to trust my judicial system, and I want to trust Malaysia. Racial issues are like hotcakes in the news and arguments about religions become the main topic of today. But will that make Malaysia safer?

The criminals don’t care about racial sentiments. They don’t care about your religions. All I want is a safer country to live in and a safer environment to raise a family. The question is, do you?  

Cheer With A Cheerful Heart

I finally attended the most talked about Cheer Competition in Kuala Lumpur where famous cheer teams such as Cyrens, Blitzers, D' Starz and many more compete neck to neck with each other to obtain the title. I was a cheerleader back in my school days too but we were less concerned about techniques and stunts but more concerned about the entertainment area. 

It was impressive to see cheerleading becoming a sport even in National levels and where human pyramids are not just "human pyramids" but are called extensions and have special names for special stunts. I went there with people with no interest in cheerleading and I realized that the audience targeted are important. Not even half way through the competition, the company I came with started yawning and some even fell asleep. They mentioned that "It was the same" and "Repetitive" .

Personally, I love cheerleading and I hate to say this but I agree to them to a certain level. If I look at it in perspective of a person who has no interest in cheering I will think that all routines are repetitive. But otherwise, I would look at the strength and how the teams work together to achieve perfect routine. However, having said that, I agree with the fact that the routines were repetitive. Maybe, just MAYBE, they were all coached by the same people and bind by many nonsensical rules. 

I have always been a controversial person and even with my previous teams, we break all possible rules that are laid down by the official cheer team but all I can say is, we did it with a cheerful heart. We had fun and we think out of the box. I refused to confine my team mates to all the rules set up but I do uphold the safety regulations placed. We have not had many impressive stunts as how the teams in this competition have but I am proud to say that We are different.

Now, back to the competition, there are news that judges are warned not to smile. My question is, WHY NOT? It is a cheer competition, for heaven sake. So why the ridiculous warning? I mean if the news is true, then it is not a cheer competion but a mere competition. What set cheer competition different from other sports competitions are the teams not just competing on their strength level but also their creativity level. Looking at the feedback I had, it shows that the creativity level is lacking in certain level. 

Having all that said, I hope that all cheerleaders or aspiring cheerleaders to be brave to think out of the box because if you dare to be different, you win as everyone is so similar. Nevertheless, most importantly, do not forget to have FUN! 

Penang and me

I just visited Penang with a few of my course mates and to tell you the truth, it has indeed been a tiring but nonetheless, a fun and filling trip. We ate A LOT!

So, before we leave for Penang, Joy and I took a bus up to Teluk Intan in Perak to meet up with my another two friends and from there the four of us will take a bus up to Penang. 

This is the our very own Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan. 

A small peaceful town where the char kuey teow and their chee cheong fun left an unforgettable mark on my taste buds. 

Joy and me in the Leaning Tower

Mel and me

Beautiful street art in Penang

Joy and me (again)

Ven and me. Yeap... we can really jump. When I saw the shot, I was surprised too!

I am trying to imitate the painting

A really huge painting of a small girl.

The oysters are impressively big here

Here, Joy is literally sitting on me!

All in all, it has been a really fun trip to visit another UNESCO state in Malaysia. Although the haze is there but it was not as bad as Malacca at that time. The street art in Penang is a brilliant idea because it actually made all of us walked around Penang town and actually made us learn more about the state. It was as if we are on a mission to search for all the paintings. We laughed and complained and it definitely made us closer together. 

Till the next trip!

Where Culture Is Preserved.

When I am back to Malacca, I never failed to at least drive pass this particular street which contributed handsomely to the fame that Malacca now enjoys. This street is where I spend my New years, and Christmases. This street is where I can still find traditional toys and miscellaneous. This street is where I can still find traditional delicacies.

This street is where culture is preserved.

As a local there, I admit, the traffic and congestion in Malacca during the holidays are massive. We tend to avoid going to the town due to the traffic and human congestion. However, this congestion cannot totally be blamed on the historical street alone. There are many historical sites which contributed to this congestion. To name a few, the A' Famosa Ford, The Stadhuys, The Palace of the Malay Ruling, The Museums, and the malls.

So,closing down one street will not solve the problem but instead, the effect will be the a total opposite.

Although we Malaccans often complain about the traffic but deep down, we are proud with our historical attractions. When we talk about our "treasures", it is spoken with undeniable pride.

Being one of the UNESCO states, we know that our state will never be the same anymore. Tourists will come flooding in and many locals especially those whom source of income depend on tourists welcomed it. Our economics will definitely improve and many will be benefited.

When I heard that Jonker Street will be closed, I felt as if a part of Malacca will be taken away. I hope that the Malacca State Government think through this particular move thoroughly before making it official as the effect to it will be rather detrimental especially in the economical and political sense. I hope the party which claimed to help the community will step up their game and do something about it.

Lastly, at this trying time, let us stand together as a community and fight for what is right. As the saying goes, together we are stronger. Stop all the racial issue as non is involved here. Even if there is, I know many do not condone to it. So, stop stereotyping and throw away all prejudices. I hope the Malacca State Government would consider all consequences in every aspect before plunging into such a dangerous decision.

A New Year and We are still Alive

When we have to grow up, we HAVE to grow up. When I was still in my teens, I would always have a shoulder to cry on. A listening ear to listen to my rants, a helping hand when I desperately need one. Advices will be pouring in. I miss my family. 

Nothing feels like home. You may be married and you may have your own career, but nothing feels like home. So sheltered and safe. 

What a way to kick off 2013. My dad told me " You have grown and it seems like yesterday you were just 5". When he said that, I can see he said it with so much love and sadness. Well daddy, I wish I can stay 5 too. So innocent and oblivious with all the negativity in live. 

Some may claim that they know you best, but trust me, NO one knows you best apart from yourself. 

Anger, sadness, regrets... 

Throw them away and live. 

Negativity affects people around you. 

I have always tell myself, you have no one to impress or please. I thought I don't care what people think of me, but sometimes, I do care. At times, I doubt myself. I tried being strong and push these negativity aside, but it gets tougher as it goes. 

I feel like the most misunderstood person at the moment. When you treat someone with all your love and thoughts, and they just take them and throw it in your face and hurt you, tears will eventually fall no matter how tough a person can be. Sadness beyond anyone's control emerged from within.

I refuse to be bitter, revengeful and angry. But I can't help being sad. I understand how my mom feels when she has to deal with my grandmother, her mother-in-law till this date.Really, she should totally write a book entitled "A daughter-in-law's ordeal". 

Well, I am sorry this is such a depressing new year post but I just need somewhere to voice out my sadness. Thank you for your time and your attention. I promise I will survive through this sadness and pray.