A Post About Something

In accordance with Malaysia’s 53^rd Independence Day on 31 August, I have decided to stray from my usual path of blogging, and write about issues that this country is facing.

In the light of the recent events that threaten to stir resent among Malaysians, I feel that these events occurred at a time so close to Merdeka Day as a reminder to us all that a wide racial divide in still exits after 53 years of independence. This suggests something somewhere has failed.

The 1Malaysia concept is laudable, but it fails to address the root of the problem. The concept promotes ‘oneness’, meaning unity of Malaysians regardless of race and religion. But how can we expect complete and sincere unity among Malaysians when our political and education systems are out-of-date. Our political system is suitable to the pre-independence era, where political parties exist to protect the interests of each race. But now, it is irrelevant and needs a revamp. Where on earth can you find a government that is made up of a coalition of race-based parties, other than Malaysia? If our leaders cannot co-exist in a single uniform party for the interests of the whole nation, how can they expect the people to do the same? What I am suggesting is a formation of a multi-ethnic party, much like PKR, but in a greater scale in the sense that it is able to stand on its own without relying on alliances with other parties. Our leaders need to show that they can work together regardless of their background to move the nation forward.

Our education system needs a serious re-look too. We cannot expect integration among our schoolchildren with the vernacular school system. Traditionalists will argue with me by saying that any student, regardless of race, can enter any of the vernacular schools, but the truth is (for example), how many schoolchildren of Malay heritage studies in a Chinese vernacular school? Not many unfortunately. I am a product of a Chinese primary school, and when I entered a national secondary school, I was shocked to know that Muslims actually fast for a month and Hindus traditionally don’t eat beef. Prior to entering secondary school, I only mingled with Chinese students and am blissfully ignorant of the other races. How can this situation help narrow the racial gap in this country? A single uniform national school system is possibly what Malaysia needs.

The National Service programme is an attempt by the government to promote interaction and integration between youths of various backgrounds. Speaking from personal experience, it does, but only to a certain extent. Youths of the same race still tend to stick together, even while in the National Service.

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Once again, I apologized for the lack of updates. But this post you are reading, it’s actually my third or fourth draft since like 2 weeks ago. Before you go ‘OMG! You spend way too much time on your blog! And your blog isn’t especially popular too’, I just like to put in some effort in the things I do. I want this blog to be different from a typical young person’s online space.

I admit the article above have some loopholes in it, but it’s the best I can produce at the moment. I am not saying these are only problems and solutions, I am just highlighting the points I feel strongly about. I may not be patriotic, but I don't want Malaysia to remain stagnant too.

I am into Week 6 of my second semester here, and the amount of procrastination I have indulged in blows my mind away. After this post (and my lunch!), I am going to have to rolled up my sleeves and hit the books. Step 1 of my transformation process is already completed, since I already un-installed Starcraft 2 (The end of the world?!). Is there a way I can purposely block Youtube? Sadly, I am an all-too-frequent user of this website. (I just remembered, my parents know about of my blog!)

I would also like to expand on my theory of the time vortex in Melbourne. I am still gathering evidence and data, but me and a handful of other Malaysian students feel that time passes really fast here Down Under. My theory is that there is a time vortex somewhere in Melbourne, where this vortex sucks precious seconds away from our lives. I believe that the time vortex always shifts its location, but it tends to hang around in the University of Melbourne area.

Of writing and articulating

I admit, it's almost impossible to articulate my thoughts. Right now, I am thinking (or should be) about hundreds of different things, and yet here I am struggling to write something. It could be because my brain stem is not properly connected to my hands or some other medical condition (I am a commerce student after all), but for me, it's difficult to put my thoughts into exact words. But it is my sacred duty to update this blog periodically, so here I am duly fulfilling this obligation.

First and foremost, I would like to say how glad I am with the Premier League season starting soon. World Cup was a disappointment (come on, you gotta to agree with the lack of goals and easy-on-the-eye football), and I can't wait when the domestic season finally swings into action. First match is the Community Shield between Manchester United and Chelsea. It's kind of obvious which team I support if you actually found the URL to my blog.

It is at this moment I find myself staring at my laptop screen longer than necessary. Yes, I am experiencing a 'I don't know what to write' moment. Speaking of writing, I was told a couple of times that I could write well, and my blog is evidence of it. My mum actually wanted me to do a creative writing course in addition to my actuarial science course to further enhance my writing skills. Honestly, it's very flattering to hear compliments being lavished on me, but I think I would just stick to casual writing. I can't really imagine myself being a professional/full-time writer or journalist. Come to think of it, I think the media (be it electronic or what not) needs an overhaul. Issues that deserves attention are not getting enough attention. Instead, we get news like 'Lindsay Lohan going to jail' or 'Paris Hilton don't know how to spell hamburger'. You get my drift. On a side-note, I vow never to stay at a Hilton hotel if I can help it. I don't like the idea of my money eventually going to a certain Paris.

On my last post, I promised to put up a photo of my room just after I got back from Malaysia last month. Well, here it is.

By golly, it's August already! 2010 sure feels short. Before we know it, it's Christmas. Ah well, time flies. I may choose not to take writing seriously, but at least I shall leave my writing legacy (if any) here for my loyal readers.

Hangover

It's official. I am currently suffering from an acute case of hangover after last night. No, I didn't drink (and I don't really drink by the way). The hangover I am suffering is not alcohol induced, rather holiday induced. Just last night, I returned to Melbourne after my enjoyable holiday back at PJ. Eat, play and having fun. Yes, what more can I ask after a semester break like that. Well, actually now I feel like asking for an extended semester break.

(PJ = Petaling Jaya)

Less than a full 24 hours in Melbourne, and I want to fly back to PJ already. I am sorry, it might be homesickness, but that's how it is. Like I told my friends, at PJ I can act like a king, simply because I am very comfortable and familiar with things there (not to mention I don't have to do all my house chores like cooking, washing etc). In Melbourne, it's a different story. Melbourne might look familiar to me, but I don't have the feel of being genuinely familiar here, even though I am probably more familiar with the city of Melbourne than the city of Kuala Lumpur (I am a PJ guy after all). I know how to get to Queen Victoria market, but I am not too sure about going to Central Market.

I think now it's time to be nostalgic and try to remember everything I did back at home. These are the notable ones:

1. Attended Shell's scholarship pre-briefing, then the actual interview.

2. Watching most of the World Cup matches, and highlights of every single match.

3. Catching up with my E3 mates, the E3 way!

4. Went back to Taiping to see my grandparents, not to mention to eat too! Seriously, Taiping has great food.

5. Attended two Great Eastern scholarship assessments.

6. Spending quality time with family (in accordance with my belief that family is important -check the post before this).

7. And of course eating!

Anyway, I wanted to upload a picture of my room when I was in the middle of unpacking, but my laptop can't recognize the camera when I plugged in the USB cable. Excellent, after I brought it all the way here from PJ.

So, back to studying and cooking, washing etc. Hello Semester 2.

Alas

Yes, the end of July is near. This signals the end of the month (thank you Captain Obvious), and also means that I have to return to Melbourne soon to resume my academic adventure. But definitely, I have enjoyed my last few weeks in Malaysia, be it with friends, family or food (the 3Fs). I dare not weigh myself, fearing that if I would crush the weighing scale if I were to step onto it. Alas, I overindulged in my consumption of the fine food here.

Anyway, sometimes I wonder how many of us do actually sit down and start to appreciate the many things in life. At least we don't wake up to terrorist attacks in our neighborhood, or war in our country.

We bury ourselves in Facebook, iPads and admire them, but how many of us wake up early enough in the morning and appreciate sunrises?

We might be whining about how difficult it is to study, or how did that lazy idiot get the promotion, but at least we got a roof above our heads. When things take a turn for the worse, at the very least we got a home to take refuge in.

Alas, not many people appreciate the things in life. But perhaps the most under-appreciated 'thing' is family.

More often than not, many people spend very little time with their family. Even having meals together is becoming increasingly scarce. I believe that family is the backbone, the foundation of our lives, and if we have healthy family relationships, we can live life better.

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Frankly, I was quite disappointed with the recent World Cup final between Holland and Spain. I drudged out of bed at 2.30 am to watch the live telecast, but soon wished that I continue sleeping instead and perhaps catch the highlights later. There was a bitter taste in my mouth, the way the Dutch played, the way they pushed, shoved and even karate kicked to disrupt Spain's passing game. (Note: I was supporting the Dutch)

I was hoping to see some eye pleasing football, but got 80,000 fouls instead, wait, sorry, there was the attendance at the Final . If FIFA chooses not to use technology, at the very least they should have a rule that forces teams to play some attractive football. Alas, the World Cup was a let-down, with many teams playing defensively. The problem was that everyone was so afraid of making mistakes. Being a purist, I would definitely want more teams in the future to play more attacking football.

Besides, what happen to fair play? Like when Frank Lampard's shot went over the line and the German keeper saw it but kept quiet. Or when Luis Suarez used his hands to prevent Ghana advancing to the semi-finals. Disappointing.

Now I Know

When I arrived back home from Melbourne a few weeks back, there was something I felt it was different. Refreshingly different. No, it's not the weather, not the food, not the people. Okay, I lied. It's something to do with people, females to be exact. No, it's not that Melbourne chicks are uglier or Malaysian girls are prettier. The truth is

*drumrolls*

*raised curtains*

I see less make-up here. Yes, I honestly think that way too many female homo sapiens at Melbourne wear make-up. I think its way better to see less make-up because (obviously) I don't like girls wearing make-up. I see tonnes of university students wearing make-up, some even really heavy make-up. I mean, why la? Are you modelling in university? Or do you have so much free time in the morning before leaving for classes? So yes, after about 2 weeks of bumming around in Malaysia, I finally realized what was different that was poking at my conscience all this while. Yes, the answer is girls' make-up.

Okay enough of that. Inevitably, I will now talk about the World Cup. Like many football fans out there, I tried my hand in predicting results and to see whether is there a future for me as a football pundit. So, these are my predictions prior to the respective matches.

1. France will fare badly in this World Cup

I was right. What a French farce.

2. England would reach the semi-finals.

I was totally wrong. The English players even had the cheek to say they were bored in between matches.

3. North Korea would at least get a point.

I was wrong. Come on, you gotta pity the North Koreans. Apparently, they have to work in coal mines as a form of punishment. Talk about severe punishment.

4. Portugal will get knock out at the group stages, with Ronaldo failing to score.

Wrong, again. But Ronaldo played as if he was the only Portuguese on the pitch, often ignoring his teammates. Note to Ronaldo, football is a team game.

5. Germany will beat Argentina.

I was right. Maradona is the coach after all.

6. Spain will beat Paraguay 1-0.

Spot-on!! Seriously, I actually predicted Spain will win by that scoreline.

7. Germany will beat Spain.

We all know the real result.

8. Netherlands will be the new world champions.

We shall see.

Not too shabby right? If Prediction #8 is correct, I would get 50% of my predictions right, and that is, well, actually, not too good. Paul the Octopus is a way better football physic than me.

Monday Rants

Despite being on my semester break, I am feeling the much derided Monday blues. With the sort of the lethargy displayed by a slug, I slumped out of bed this morning, not at all surprised that the the short hand of the clock is pointing at 10. I put the blame solely on the event that is known as the World Cup, although it is anything but the cup of the world (excuse me for the bad joke, the Monday blues are getting to me).

After I watched the Germans put four goals past England, I was wondering, what did the overpaid, overrated and over-pressured English players thought of themselves. Yes, they can point the finger at some bad refereeing decisions, but they should also take a good hard look at themselves for several insipid, uninspiring displays in the World Cup. Another thing to note is that the German team is a few years younger than the English team, and this is a tell-tale sign of the lack of young English talent. This can be explained by the lack of investment and faith of the Premier League clubs into their respective youth academy to churn out young talent. I also wonder what Mick Jagger (who was in the stands) thought when he saw the the likes of Thomas Mueller and Mesut Ozil tearing apart John Terry and company.

Me thinks that the Argentines got a little lucky in their 3-1 win over Mexico. Their defense is definitely their weakness, and it will be severely tested by the Germans. Anyway, I, as a Manchester United supporter, is drooling over the performance of Javier Hernandez, who scored more goals than Wayne Rooney in the World Cup by the way.

Just to fill in the space and to make my blog seem more impressive, let me introduce a few quotable quotes.

'Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted'. - John Lennon

Interesting quote isn't it? This means that my ratio of time wasted to time well spent will drastically drop. Not that I am saying I waste a lot of time in the first place *winks*.

'A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I am afraid of widths'. - Steven Wright

As everyone should. *Glances nervously at my own bulge*

'You are unique, special & one-of-a-kind....just like everyone else'. Anonymous

This is one example of contradicting opinions. We are always told each and every one of us is different, we are all unique,special etc but if everyone is special, then no one is special. This is definitely a matter of debate.

'Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said nothing.' - Robert Benchley

One word: LOL.

Liberation

Once again, I find myself apologizing for my lack of updates and using the over-used excuse of 'I am busy'. But really, I was busy (notice I use 'was' instead of 'is'). My last paper was on Tuesday (15 June), and my verdict on my first ever university exams? Not so good. For all four of my papers, I didn't have that 'Hey that paper wasn't that bad' feeling. And honestly, my exam preparation could have been better. Littered with distractions, my exam preparation was constantly disrupted. Ah well, my exams are now considered 'sunk costs'.

My flight back to Malaysia is this Friday (18 June). *Silent Cheering* I definitely won't be in Melbourne for the worst of winter season. Personally, I can't wait to sink my teeth into good old real Malaysian food, not to mention cheap and affordable (compared to Melbourne). At the very least I don't have to taste my own cooking for the next few weeks.

So what did I do after I finished my last paper? Nothing much, just my favourite pastimes such as eating, playing games, working out, eating, eating and eating. Yes, in case you didn't know, I love food and I am not the guy who 'eat to live'. Just today, my friends and I went to Ikea and Victoria Gardens Shopping Mall. So in short, that's what I did so far.

This is probably one of the shortest post I wrote, but I can promise that there will be more updates in the future. Cheers.