Happy birthday again, Malaysia !

Happy 916 to every single Malaysian !

Today is a day which is as important as the independence day for us, Malaysians. It is the day when Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore joined together to form a new nation to which I call my motherland. Anyway, it is also said that today, we will have some significant changes back in Malaysia but will that actually happen. Well, at the moment, I don’t hear anything with any big impact. Let’s just observe and hope for the very best. By the way, please watch the next video made by my junior, Calvin, entitled “Jiwa Malaysia” which he had won first prize for the Peraduan Video Merdeka 2008 organized by Malaysian Students Association in Japan (MSAJ). Calvin, you don’t mind right ? *hehe* Anyway, very good video and love those kids. They do represent us Malaysia very much indeed for who they are.

***

Jiwa Malaysia

Commenting on Tun M’s blog

His latest post, “THE SOCIAL CONTRACT 3″

To read it, visit CheDet.com

Placing his views in his very own blog since May 2008

***

Good evening, Tun M.

In times like these, where everything is pretty stirred up and murky, that is when rationality is needed and our nation needs it, simply put, every single citizen of our motherland needs to be rational. I don’t recall that I learned about the Social Contract during my History classes back in school bench. Did my textbooks state much about it or was the fact packed up together in just a few simple sentences? Either that or perhaps I was more attentive to my science subjects, which was implanted in my mind that it will be able to ’secure a better future’, especially in Malaysia for me, when everyone stresses that going to science stream is a better choice (that I came to grow up knowing that this is not always true). Or just maybe my History teachers, the government servants, were not doing their job well enough? (I will read Part 1 and 2 to teach myself what the Social Contract is all about through your writings)

I do agree with a commentator that Tun M should rewrite this article in Malay since all of us did learn and are still learning about the Malaysian history in Malay, in a form which we all find much more familiar and easier to understand. After all, it is our national language, Bumis or non-Bumis and Malaysian kids nowadays have access to read your blog, Tun M.

Please do enlighten us, the young Malaysians, on how and what our ancestors had agreed and was it that all of us must keep abide to it even after half a century or in the long run as well? We know that Malay has the special rights. We see that in the different quotas we have in the many different systems. We know Chinese and Indians didn’t mind the conditions laid to them as long as they got their citizenship back then. We all lived freely without much problem and fuss up to now (except for what had happened during May 13, 1963). We didn’t mind that it had always been expressed in the fashion of “Malay, Chinese and Indian”, accordingly to the population pie, and not “Indian, Malay, Chinese” or the other 5 combinations that can be made with these 3 syllables. But, isn’t it time to consider that all of us who are being born in Malaysia, raised with the Malaysian culture, to be as one, in a single identity as a unified nation? Perhaps, what young Malays are telling is that the non-Malays are also Malaysia “Malaysians” and soon, we need to change the situation.

But then again, before all that, you are right, Tun M. Are we ALL ready to switch everything to the “equal rights” that everyone (both the minority young Malays you’ve stated and non-Malays) is hailing about? Some of us are ready but when turned effective, how many will drown in it? I still remember how you commented on globalism, Tun M. Are you worried that the considered more able non-Malays will overtake everything that the Malay owns, if equality begins to be enforced? If the stage is unleveled, Malaysia might be at the risk of being not balanced although how it appears to be in balance. I understand and I never argued much about the quota when another Chinese (or other international friends) comes to me to complain about it. I always tell them, our ancestors said yes to special rights to the Bumiputras and we are living on this fate. We can do nothing unless a change happens. Till then, we still have to live on. That is what I tell those who approaches me with their sighs.

On the other side, perhaps young Malays are tired of being undermined and regarded lowly. They perhaps are hating the idea being looked at in a way as if they have a cushion to fall onto anytime although they are working strong and hard to prove that they have grown to not need such insurances anymore.

We need wisdom on this matter. We need great people to put the rails so that everything would go strong and steady for our nation. I believe that is the job of a politician which should be regarded the highest in rank when it comes to selflessness. Anyway, everything is happening for a reason. We are reminded again that a nation is a biological entity and that we evolve from time to time. Tun M, people are hearing rumors that you are coming back. I am just hoping that you are packed with powerful and effective solutions when you officially decide that you are going to have power in the government, once again.

All these by Andrew Soh, the boy with a vibrant orange tie, who asked you what was your ideal vision for year 2020 at the Embassy of Malaysia, here in Japan when you came over for your honorable degree from the Meiji University in year 2001 and still recalls you, at the podium in front of a crowd of students, answering “little young children (you did stress all races) with smiles on their faces, playing peacefully in a developed nation in various aspect of areas.” I am the one who also said that you can sign on my 1000 yen note during dinner the night of the event and am still hoping hard in my heart that what you’ve envisioned for our country will happen. Thank you for your valuable signature and my parents are still keeping it proudly with my two shot picture with you, Sir, placed in a special album in our humble home in Kuala Lumpur.

First, “pendatang”and next, “partner”, why not “one” ?

Najib: Chinese are always regarded
as partners, not pendatang

From The Star

I like this flag because this is the flag I am born with and
this is the only flag I can relate with for the rest of life

PEKAN: Non-Malays in this country are Umno’s partners whose rights and interests will be safeguarded, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said Umno has never regarded the Chinese in this country as “pendatang” (immigrants), and as the main pillar in Barisan Nasional, Umno’s policy is clear that the party accepts non-Malays as partners in nation-building .

Najib said it is also clear that the Barisan policy would focus on nation-building and any views given by other leaders at division level are their personal views.

He was asked to comment on the refusal of Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail to apologise over his recent remark that the Chinese were “immigrants who do not deserve equal rights”.

Najib, who had earlier presented land titles to Felda settlers in Felda Cini 5 here, said Ahmad’s statement does not reflect or represent the policies of Umno and Barisan.

On Gerakan’s view that it will have another look at its position in Barisan if Umno fails to gain the people’s confidence, Najib said its acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had told him Gerakan would always be in Barisan .

“The most important thing to do is to have frequent discussions, meetings and consultations within the component parties.

“Those are the reasons that we always have Barisan meetings, Supreme Council and Barisan management meetings to enable us to discuss and consult in a more general way,” Najib said.

To a question whether Umno was pressured by other component parties in Barisan , Najib said: “We did not receive any pressure because we stick to the spirit of friendship in Barisan, but we accept that they want the meetings and consultations to be held frequently.”

On rumours spread by SMSes and false reports in Opposition publications, Najib said the Government will study whether action can be taken against those involved.

“We regret the lies and false statements made to confuse the people. We regret that there are certain quarters who are doing this.

“If we take action, they will say that the action is politically motivated,” he said.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said: “Ahmad’s statement was blown out of context. Racial and religious polarisation is getting worse and this is very unhealthy.”

He said the people were getting fed up with so much politicking and polemics, adding that the Government was expected to get on with the work at hand – building the economy, improving education and reforming Barisan.

“We are falling into the opposition trap of demonisation, cynicism and perception. It leaves a bad aftertaste. Everyone should stop before we get divided even more,” he said.

***

I will give my full support for the first politician that who would affirm that all of us, every single one of us as “one” instead of blurring things with the term “partner”. The term “partner” is defined as one that is united or associated with another or others in an activity or a sphere of common interest, especially:

1. A member of a business partnership.
2. A spouse.
3. A domestic partner.
4. Either of two persons dancing together.
5. One of a pair or team in a sport or game, such as tennis or bridge.

Common interest, yes, we all wish for the best of our nation. United? I believe not yet for we only associate when we need each other as “partners”, and hurt as “pendatang” when we are not needed. Perhaps it is too idealistic and too much of utopianism in what I am saying here but that should be our common goal. The day when we can accept one another as a being who is a citizen of a same nation who thinks for the best of our nation. Lately, a lot has been said, no matter it is from the people of the government or the opposition parties, to disturb the harmony we have in our country.  Today, I am not pin-pointing at any certain individuals, but it is for us all Malaysians, every single one of us to think of who we are, no matter what ethnicity we hold. Anyway, look at our Jalur Gemilang and remind yourself of what the blue color stands for.

The movie, “Into The Wild”

My salute goes out to you, Mr. Supertramp !

“Into The Wild” is both a non-fiction novel by Jon Krakauer (which I am going to get real soon) and a movie by Sean Penn. This movie got my standing ovation though I was alone in my room (consider it crazy but it was that amazing). I am not going to talk much about the movie because it is going to be a spoiler for those who are going watch it from now. Anyway, it was a great movie indeed, which means that the original novel must be a greater version of the greatest journey that “Mr. Supertramp” had in his life. Why am I labeling it a good movie? Simple reasons, there are many things in this movie that I can relate to myself but at the same time, many of the things inside are simply things I wouldn’t do normally and of which I could only dream of for I really wish to know what’s the taste of living those lives. Perhaps someday I would unleash myself ‘into the wild’ like Alex and the other distinct characters in his adventure but the ending tells you that you don’t have to rush into it. I am recommending this movie to you my junior (you know who you are) so that you can illustrate your future undertakings in a more focused and vivid way, but still have the wild style to it. Thumbs up for this movie and I recommend this movie to anyone who’s looking for a good one to watch. Pretty long but every minute invested counts.

P.S. The actress, Kristen Stewart, that appeared in this movie caught my eyes once again after my eyes first laid on her in the movie “In the Land of Women“, which is another good movie. She’s the “next door girl” type of chick that you wished you had in your teens.

A birthday wish & a prayer …

Happy 73rd Birthday & my prayers for you

Have a very happy birthday & may you live a long and happy life !

This is a special birthday wish that goes out to my English student whom I’ve just begin tutoring. He turned 73 years old on this day, the 5th September 2008. Wow, just imagine … born in the year of 1935 ! *phew* Anyway, I just got an e-mail from his wife saying that he is being diagnosed by a doctor that he might have the Parkinson’s disease. After our lesson last Tuesday night, he went for an overnight stay at a specialist hospital to get a medical check-up. His wife, who is also a student of mine, was worried about him because he was getting real forgetful about things and also getting slow in his actions, which I can notice as well from the speed of his writing during our lessons. Anyway, we are still hoping for the best that nothing is going to be serious and we are still waiting for the final say about this matter. For this is a birthday wish and also at the same time, it is also my prayers that you will be fine. May the good Lord hear our prayers.

Lovely sister got the JPA Scholarship !

Am real proud of you, girl !

The government scholarship, not easy to get, unless you pass all the conditions.

My lovely sister, Jennifer, had made our family proud again. At first, she made us proud by getting real good results during her STPM and with that good sets of results, she managed to enter the most profound university we have in Malaysia, the University Malaya. She is currently in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, studying East Asian Studies and majoring in Japanese language (perhaps very much influenced by his brother who’s here in Japan). Anyway, being a nice good girl and considering the financial situation we have in our family, she decided to apply for the Malaysian Government’s Public Service Department Scholarship for local universities and guess what, she successfully got it and that is the pride our family take in after that very success of hers entering the prestigious university.

My dad called me to inform me and to consult me regarding this matter, on whether she should accept the offer or not. I went through the details of this particular scholarship once again and did all the math and considerations for her. I, myself, managed to receive the JPA scholarship to continue my studies overseas here in Japan for both my diploma and degree. Without the scholarship, there is no way for me to survive the high living cost of expenses here so I decided to take it because it was a golden opportunity for me to see the world. Anyway, as for my sister’s case, she has only one and half year to go before she graduate. She will receive about RM11,000 per year to cover up her living expenses and also tuition fees (which is about RM5000 per year) if she decides to take it. That means by the time she graduate she will get roughly RM16,500 from the government.

Well, of course, the government will not give the money for free. There are the conditions which comes along with this contract and as of my sister’s case, she will have to serve the government for 4 to 5 years after she had graduated from her studies. If she had received the scholarship and decides not to serve the government, she has to pay up RM110,000 to RM130,000 as to say “sorry”. Anyway, this story is fine for people who really decides to have a career as a government servant but after giving much thought, I don’t think it is right to decide a single path only for my sister right now already. I mean with her qualifications I believe that she will get many offers in the private sector as well and I don’t want her not to be able to choose from all those choices by being tied up by this bond.

So, it is clear and vivid that Jennifer will not take this scholarship. Yes, it would help us financially to support her studies but then, Mom and Dad said that they will be fine to support her for another one and half years. Plus, I will be working already from next year on so I believe I can support her well too. So, in order to give my sister the liberty of choices in the future, we have to say goodbye to this tempting offer. Of course, there are many Malaysians who are dying for the offer as it is a golden opportunity if you seek a career in the governmental sector plus you get all the worries of your shoulders about the expenses you need to make during the school years.

Nevertheless, our family is real proud of my sister. Her STPM results and her university results won her this scholarship and now, I believe that she understands that when you always try to excel, more chances will come to you. So, my message to her is to just keep focusing on her studies and look out for that chance to come to Japan. For your information, my fellow readers, she has a chance to come to Japan because in her course, for excellent students, they are offered to come to Japan for a year to study. Will she get it or not, we’ll see from now. But, for now, am happy that she has shown us that she cared for our family so much that she actually took those actions by herself. My little sister is no longer little and she’s thinking for herself. Am proud to know that very fact. Love you, sis.

Happy birthday, Hatim wherever you are at now !

Happy 24th Birthday, Hatim !

For a friend who likes to jump around and climb up on things !
Hey, thanks for those fun days ! Missing your cinema and bakery shop.

Can’t wait for Heroes Season 3 !

Heroes returns !

In every HERO, there could be a VILLAIN.

Who’s not excited ? I know I am ! Well, I’ve always had the kick for kung-fu action type of movies or TV shows since young and supernatural power stuff is another thing that I indulge in a lot. Season 1 and 2 were simply fantastic and I bet this coming new season will be another blast. Loved the characters, the story line, the effects. The season premiere is coming to us by NBC this coming September 22nd, Monday in the States. Just can’t wait to get my hands on the first video that’s going to pop up in the internet.

A message from Naotaro Moriyama

『生きてることが辛いなら』

“When life’s too painful to live on” by Naotaro Moriyama

生きてることが辛いなら
いっそ小さく死ねばいい
恋人と親は悲しむが
三日と経てば元通り
気が付きゃみんな年取って
同じとこに行くのだから

生きてることが辛いなら
わめき散らして泣けばいい
その内夜は明けちゃって
疲れて眠りに就くだろう
夜に泣くのは赤ん坊
だけって決まりはないんだし

生きてることが辛いなら
悲しみをとくと見るがいい
悲しみはいつか一片の
お花みたいに咲くという
そっと伸ばして両の手で
摘み取るんじゃなく守るといい

何もないとこから
何もないとこへと
何もなかったかのように
巡る生命だから

生きてることが辛いなら
嫌になるまで生きるがいい
歴史は小さなブランコで
宇宙は小さな水飲み場
生きてることが辛いなら
くたばる喜びとっておけ
生きてることが辛いなら

***

A song dedicated to my juniors in Japan

You maybe going through tough times now
and may think that living life itself is too painful
but just simply remember to never give up
for a beautiful future will definitely awaits
if you keep your heart strong …

So, simply move on & listen to every single words in this song.
Found them real meaningful & simply wanted to share.
Seniors do go through ups and downs
so we understand that juniors go through them as well.
We’ll give our full support, when you need it, just simply let us know.

Japan’s without a head on 1st September 2008

Who’s next ? Is it going to be Taro ?

Fukuda quits as leader of Japan after 11 months

From International Herald Tribune

Yasuo Fukuda resigned as the prime minister of Japan on Monday,
after less than a year in office marked by political gridlock, plunging
approval ratings and disarray within the governing Liberal Democratic Party.

“I feel it’s best to hand over the reins of power to a new leader,” Fukuda said
in Tokyo on Monday evening. His 11-month tenure was the shortest for
a Japanese leader since 1994.

Fukuda is the second prime minister to resign since the Liberal Democratic Party,
or LDP, lost control of the upper house of Parliament in July 2007 to the Democratic
Party of Japan. Fukuda’s predecessor, Shinzo Abe, also resigned suddenly after just
12 months in the job. The governing party’s inability to work with the opposition – or
win popular support for road taxes and higher health care premiums for the elderly – suggests
that it will have to struggle to maintain its decades-long grip on power.

Recent political gridlock led to the first leadership vacancy at the
Bank of Japan in more than eight decades and helped drive the country’s
benchmark stock index, the Nikkei 225 stock average, down about 20 percent
since Junichiro Koizumi, Abe’s predecessor, left office.

“The 53-year-old LDP is reaching the end of its political shelf life,” said
Masayuki Fukuoka, a professor of political science at Hakuoh University north of Tokyo.

The party is required to hold lower-house elections by September 2009.
It has held power through coalitions for all but about a year since it was formed in 1955.

The coalition had to use its two-thirds majority to override upper-house
vetoes on legislation to renew refueling missions in the Indian Ocean for
the U.S. military and taxes earmarked for road construction. It was the first
time that the lower house had used the maneuver since 1951.

Fukuda’s approval rating has fallen by almost half since he took office
last September. Public support for his cabinet fell to 29 percent, down
9 percentage points from early August, the newspaper The Nikkei reported
Monday, citing its own telephone survey. Fukuda’s disapproval rating rose
14 points, to 63 percent. The Nikkei said it contacted 1,549 households and
obtained 866 valid responses.

Fukuda replaced Abe, who cited his inability “to gain the trust of the people”
when he stepped down. Abe resigned after his approval rating fell below 30 percent.

Fukuda, the first prime minister whose father also held the position,
beat former Foreign Minister Taro Aso in the LDP’s party vote for the leadership.
He had served as cabinet chief for former prime ministers Koizumi and Yoshiro Mori.

When he assembled his first cabinet in September, Fukuda said he wanted
to “revive” the LDP by transforming it into a political party that “firmly implements policies.”

Aso will handle the selection of a new party leader, Fukuda said. Analysts
said that Aso, who is the LDP’s secretary general and an outspoken,
right-leaning politician, was the front-runner to succeed Fukuda.

Speculation had been simmering that the unpopular prime minister might
be replaced before a general election that must be held by September 2009.
Fukuda’s resignation does not automatically mean an election. His party
must pick a new leader and win the confidence of the lower house if it
wants to carry on leading Japan’s coalition government.

“The LDP has had no leadership, and is in the process of disintegrating,” Gerald Curtis,
a political science professor at Columbia University, said before Fukuda’s
resignation Monday. “Japan is a political basket case.”

The brief terms of Abe and Fukuda contrasted with that of Koizumi, who left
office after five-and-half years. When he was elected, Japan faced economic
deflation and recession. Koizumi cut spending and urged banks to write off bad loans.

***

First, it started off with Abe when he got bullied and his resignation created history, quite a bitter one for this developed country. Next, the person who took his baton was Fukuda and only after 11 months, he quited just today on the 1st September 2008, creating another so-called surprising bitter history for Japan. Fukuda wasn’t functioning as he should. The numbers weren’t supporting him at all from the very beginning and the atmosphere of him quiting (after his big failure to change things around during his recent cabinet reshuffling that was just done a few months ago) had been looming around. Now, the question arises, “Who’s next?” but it has always been obvious in this country. They always prepare for its nation of whom they should choose. Japan’s needs a charismatic character which can lead the country and at the same time keep the heat going. Will Taro be the one ? We’ll see but many of us are quite sure who it will be when the news is out about the birth of a new cabinet in the near future.