MRT – Did we Learn from Past Mistakes?

I saw the plan for the proposed Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit system and I must say we never learn from past mistakes. What I saw gave me the impression that interconnectivity and commuters’ convenience were not on the planners’ minds when determining the alignment and location of the stations.

The MRT line runs from the existing Sungai Buloh KTM komuter station to the exsiting Kajang KTM station. It passes through Kota Damansara, Bandar Utama, TTDI, Section 17, goes along the Sprint Highway to Damansara Heights, submerges underground somewhere near Parliament, comes back up above ground after Maluri, goes along the Cheras-Kajang Highway passing through Plaza Pheonix, Taman Suntex, Ceupacs, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Balakong and Saujana Impian before arriving in Kajang. The underground section of the MRT covers the city centre. The sentence is as long as the MRT line and probably as perplexing.

My complaints – The interchange stations are really not interchange stations.

The MRT line doesn’t intersect with enough LRT/Monorail/KTM stations. What the planners forgot was that a public transportation system is supposed to make travelling easier. What I saw sort of made me not want to bother using the MRT. There is this station (tentatively) named ‘Kota Damansara’ which appears to be in the middle of nowhere. Maybe the satellite image used to map the railway line is out of date; the area is probably fully developed now for all I know. If the satellite image reflects what is on the ground, I say they have wasted their scarce resources on a station which will probably end up like Putra’s Abdullah Hukum station.

• The TTDI station is in a neighbourhood which probably has the highest concentration of German made cars in the country.
• The Section 17 station borders the cemetery and KGPA (a golf course).
• The KL Sentral MRT station is NOT in KL Sentral. In case no one noticed, the KL Sentral monorail station is also NOT in KL Sentral. Don’t these people ever learn? And KL Sentral is supposed to be a transport hub? Maybe someone should tell them what ‘hub’ means.
• The MRT line has two stations in the Bukit Bintang area and neither of them connects with the existing two monorail stations in the BB area!
• The proposed MRT Merdeka station is no where near the monorail Merdeka station.
• Only the lucky residents of Maluri get a connecting STAR-MRT station (I think).

Why am I making so much noise about this interconnectivity issue? Good, efficient transport links are supposed to be links, linking one place to many other places. 
Good efficient transportation system must be commuter friendly. 
Good, efficient transportation system must be able to transport commuters from one point to another point with minimal fuss. Maximum fuss is when a commuter has to walk a mile (probably under the hot sun) to change stations in order to get the train that will take them to their destination. Maximum fuss will discourage people from using the system. The planned MRT system in my humble opinion does not have the characteristics of a good, efficient transport system.

Let’s illustrate; let’s say I live in TTDI and work in KLCC and I decide to leave my Lexus at home and take the MRT to work. I however have to take the MRT from One Utama because the TTDI station doesn’t have Park & Ride facilities (at least what the plan says). So I drive from my home and park my car at 1U. I take the MRT to KL Sentral which is NOT in KL Sentral, walk from the National Museum area (well, that’s where the MRT station is in the plan) across (the wide and busy) Jalan Travers to KL Sentral to get connecting the PUTRA LRT train to KLCC. I do the reverse in the evening. I don’t mind walking from the Putra LRT station in KL Sentral to the KTM station in KL Sentral because they are in the same building (that’s how interchange stations are supposed to be) but walking from the Muzium to KL Sentral to change trains is just not convenient and is such a big turn off. If my fellow TTDIians feel the same way, we will all drive our quarter of a million dollar cars to work everyday and the TTDI station will join the Abdullah Hukum club. Mind you, most TTDIians have been to London and they would have experienced the seamless travel on the tube; giving them the MRT (in the planned form) would not convert them to MRT users.

I think the MRT is a rush job. It was announced not very long ago and in a few months time work on the system will start. Where is the EIA? Was a proper feasibility study done? If it was, where is it? What about tender process for the engineering and construction jobs? Is the proposed alignment the best? Does it serve the needs of the masses or will it only benefit the project promoters? What about high density areas such as Damansara Uptown and SS2; don’t they deserve a station too?

I use the LRT quite frequently and I was hoping the system and network will be improved. Sadly, the planned MRT seems to not offer any hopes of a fully integrated, interconnected and most importantly, a convenient and user friendly transport system. I’m really disappointed.

*I apologise if my choice of example offends any TTDI-ians or TTDI-ians to be or TTDI-ians wannabe. It’s just an example la.
** Graphics "courtesy" of The Star

Good Riddance or Good Piece of Business?

He wanted to leave because he wants to be part of a team that is capable of winning trophies. He wasn't interested to prove that he can be the man to bring trophies to the club, he would rather the club buy him team mates who can help him win. To top it all, this comes from a man who has Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Pepe Reina and half a dozen internationals who played at the recent world cup, as team mates. Fernando Torres certainly redefines arrogance not to mention greed, seeing that his move to Chelsea made him a 185,000 pounds a week man. Pounds sterling that is.

History has not been kind to Liverpool's top striker leaving the club. Thirty goals a season Ian Rush only managed single figures in Juventus before coming back to Anfield to find his scoring boots. Micheal Owen left Anfield to warm the bench at the Bernabeu. Robbie Fowler was no longer 'God' after leaving Anfield Road for Elland Road. His departure however was reportedly reluctant and resultant from not seeing eye to eye with Houllier and Thompson.

Personally I think LFC is better off without Torres. The club made 100% profit and got rid of a whining player. On top of that, LFC got two new young strikers who are capable of scoring many goals.

I guess thats what you would call a good piece of business!

High Income? You Must Be Joking!

The minister of international trade and industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said last month that his ministry will use RM3,000 a month in salary as a proxy for high-income jobs for the time being. He says RM3,000 is a “reasonable income” for someone in the Klang Valley and that it was a good income for regions such as the east coast and east Malaysia . “You won’t be rich (with RM3,000) but you can survive,” said Mustapa but stressed that the definition was still evolving. Other criteria for high-income jobs include being value added, high technology and knowledge and skill intensive.

He however did not clarify if the 3k is net or gross.

The Hon. Minister obviously doesn’t know many people earning RM3,000 and living in the Klang Valley . If I’m not mistaken, RM3,000 is what some (lucky) fresh graduates are paid nowadays. I also heard that some drivers (chauffeurs) make in excess of RM4,000 a month including overtime pay and outstation allowances. Is the minister saying these people could be a part of the high-income fraternity (let’s disregard the other criteria at this point)?

To qualify as a ‘high income earner’, the jobs must add value, high tech and knowledge and skill intensive. If the minister says chauffeurs do not add value, low tech and unskilled; let me tell him that driving the new 7-series requires pilot-like expertise and skills. Without their drivers, top management cannot work on the road and KL life is spent mostly stuck in traffic jams (ministers won’t know this because their outriders split open the traffic for them to pass, kinda remind you of Moses eh?). Because they are driven instead of driving, the bosses can work on their blackberrys, read The Edge and undertake business negotiations in the comfort of their S-class/LS/XF back seats. Despite them earning in excess of 3,000 per month, I don’t think any chauffeur would consider themselves high income earners. RM3,000 is enough for a single person to survive in KL but for a family of 4 or 5 it could be a struggle.

A 25 year RM120,000 mortgage at current interest rates cost around 750 per month. A 7 year RM40,000 car loan attracts about 580 in monthly instalments. These two financial obligations already take up 44% of the RM3,000 monthly salary. The balance of 1,380 will not go far over 30 days let alone support the life of a high income earner.

Minister Mustapha however three days later clarified that it was MIDA and not him who gave the figure of RM3,000. “There has been some confusion” he told reporters. He added that RM8,000-10,000 would be a better definition of high income … which basically makes me a low income earner …

To Beer or Not to Beer ...

MPSJ’s recent guideline/ban on Muslims working in outlets serving alcohol has been touted by some people as moral policing. At first glance it does seem like moral policing, telling Muslims where they can and cannot work.

However, the issue shouldn’t be about moral policing or even about morals. It’s about adhering to the laws of Islam.

It cannot be argued that alcoholic beverages are forbidden in the religion of Islam. In surah Al-Maidah, verse 90-91 says that intoxicants and gambling are satan’s handwork and believers should avoid such things. Intoxicants obviously include alcoholic beverages but some will argue that they are harmless when taken in small quantities, so a sip shouldn’t be a problem. It is a problem, it’s not okay to even take a nip or tot because it was reported in sunan Ibn Majah that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: anything which intoxicates in a large quantity is prohibited even in a small quantity. The same sunan also reported that Anas related that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one who distils it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else."

The Quran and hadith have made it clear that Muslims should avoid alcoholic beverages; from its production, distribution and especially consumption. I therefore support any guideline, law or decree prohibiting Muslims from having anything to do with alcoholic beverages not because I want be seen as holier than thou but because that’s what (my) God decrees. I have argued in my posting on gays that to be a Muslim one must accept the ground rules of being a Muslim. The rule says: have nothing to do with alcoholic beverages, so end of argument.

Liberals would argue that such directive would be oppressive, against basic human rights, depriving a person of his livelihood. My question is; what right does a human have to dispute the commands of his creator? The affected employees on the other hand will ask; “who is going to feed my family if I have to give up my bartending, Carlsberg lorry driver or senior manager of GAB job?” My answer is: this is where the religious authorities should come in; the Pusat Zakats and the Baitulmals should come up with a programme to train or assist those affected to find new source of income. I mean isn’t that the purpose of these institutions? To help Muslims in need?

If it is okay for a Muslim to work in the alcoholic beverage industry, would it make it okay for a Muslim to work in the pork or gambling industries?

*apologies to William Shakespeare for mutating his most recognisable line

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right

What is wrong with the Selangor State Government?

TMI reports that the Selangor state government has allocated RM1 million for constituency projects to each of the PR assemblyman ahead of a possible general election this year.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said Barisan Nasional (BN) representatives were excluded from the allocations because the BN federal government similarly discriminated against PR MPs.

I find this disturbing. What right does the MB have to deny tax paying rakyat developmental allocation just because most of them voted for BN in the last election? What about those who voted PR in the BN ruled constituencies? Why isn’t their loyalty rewarded or at least recognised? What does Khalid Ibrahim and his team hope to achieve with this childish move? The fact remains that the money came from taxes and it is gross injustice to deny any of us development. If they are serious about promoting equitable practices, the Selangor PR government must give all ADUNs the allocation. If not, Khlid Ibrahim and his team are nothing but another BN.

An eye for an eye does not work in this case; PR should learn how to kill with kindness because two wrongs will never make a right.

Talent Corporation – Exercise in Futility?

JFK’s famous words were “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country”. Spoken like a true patriot. I won’t be surprised if the talents at Talent Corp use the same words of wisdom as their tagline to lure talented Malaysians back home.

The Talent Corporation, which has been tasked with encouraging Malaysian professionals overseas to return home, will start operating this month. The Government announced the appointment of Johan Merican to head the corporation which will headhunt Malaysians who want to come back and work.

The keyword here is who “want” to come back and work.

The question is; does anyone want to come back and work in Malaysia ?

Before we answer that question, we should first ask why they chose to work overseas in the first place. Unfortunately I do not have answers to that. All I can offer is assumptions. In choosing careers many factors come into play. I may be wrong but I think most people choose their careers based on what they studied in university. What they studied in university most of the time was either determined by their parents, peers, current trend, government policy or simply availability of university places or scholarship. No doubt some are lucky enough to be able to enrol in a course of their choice at a university of their choice but do they form the majority? I personally do not think so.

So, the hypothesis is: courses taken at university determine career choice.

Now back to the question of why those people chose to work overseas. For those with unusual degrees (unusual in the Malaysian context) like Marine Biology or Russian Economic History or Classical Drama & Latin, they have no choice but to seek overseas career opportunities as I don’t think there is any suitable career options for them in Malaysia (based on the above hypothesis). For those with typical/common degrees (law, economics, mechanical engineering, IT etc), choosing to work overseas is probably motivated by the financial rewards and/or professional exposure. For specialised professionals like the doctors and architects, working overseas not only enlarges their wallets but also enlarges their knowledge base and develops their expertise.

The next question is why do they choose to remain overseas? The obvious reason would be money. It is without doubt professionals are paid higher overseas compared to their Malaysian contemporaries. The cost of living may be higher but it is adequately compensated by the pay package and on top of it all, cars are cheaper overseas, apart from Singapore that is. But money isn’t everything.

So what is the real reason these people prefer to make a living in a foreign land? Could it be that the government policies are unfavourable? This could be true for the non-bumis who feel discriminated in terms of promotion opportunities (in government or government linked organisations) or when buying property. What about the Malays working overseas? What is their raison d’etre?

For those who are overseas for the money, I doubt Malaysian corporations are able to match their wage demands without disrupting the wage structure.

For those who are overseas for the experience and exposure, I doubt there are many Malaysian corporations able to give similar experience and exposure.

For those who are overseas to escape from the unfair policies, they won’t be coming back until and unless those policies are removed.

For those who are overseas because they can’t find a suitable job (with a decent pay) in Malaysia , they won’t be coming back until such jobs are available and pays a decent wage.

Fro those who are overseas because the public transport is better over there may come back once our public transportation system improves, IF it improves.

For those who are overseas because they want their children to have better education will stay overseas until their perception of the quality of education in Malaysia changes.

For those who are overseas because their spouses are not welcomed here (Israeli citizens for example), won’t be coming back at all.

For those who are overseas because they are bitter (with the government policies perhaps) might not come back, ever.

For those who are overseas because they are gay will probably never come back.

If the government are considering incentives to lure these professionals home, it would be unfair to the rest of us who are already working in Malaysia . For example, why are they allowed to bring back their cars tax free when the rest of us have to pay exorbitant taxes on our cars?

Students who were given scholarships to study overseas by the government or GLCs have a social and moral obligation to come home and serve their benefactors (read: taxpayers, stakeholders). It is grossly unfair for them to not come back; working overseas for extended periods would render them ungrateful and unpatriotic. These people should not be the target market for Talent Corp., instead; it’s the Attorney General’s office who should be sending them letters demanding repayment of the scholarship.

Often our talents are taken away at a very young age. Foreign universities and governments have and will continue to offer scholarships, jobs and eventually citizenship to our bright young students, especially those neglected and “rejected” by our government. We must have policies that will keep these gems from being lured away.

While trying to attract the lost talents to come home; the Government should also have an anti attrition policy to avoid existing talents in Malaysia from moving abroad. They can start with promoting an equal opportunity policy. Personal tax rates should be reduced to a “competitive” level. Basic infrastructure should be improved. The local education system must be of a standard where everyone agrees is good. Government policies should not be seen to favour a certain group over others. Taxes on cars should be reduced. Freedom of speech and thought should not be punished.

Is the Talent Corporation able to do all that? Or will it be another exercise in futility?

You’re Gay, Are You Okay?

Is it okay to be gay? Azwan Ismail seems to think so. So does his many followers, who are slowly coming out from their closet. He is the probably one of the first Malay/”Muslim” to openly come out albeit via YouTube and proclaim his gay tendencies. The result of his coming out in the open is; no prizes for guessing, death threats. From irrational Muslims, if I may add.

So, is it okay to be gay? No it’s not, if the gay also wants to be a Muslim. Muslim gays are an oxymoron; you’re either one or the other, you cannot be both. There is no such thing as a gay Muslim. I am not a religious scholar but the little I know about my religion is that one must strictly adhere to the tenets/pillars of Islam to be considered a true Muslim. A true Muslim must not dispute the words of the Quran and the (authentic/sahih) hadiths of the Prophet s.a.w. The Quran says (7:80-81 and 26:165-66) gay acts are forbidden, any person wishing to be a Muslim must obey the laws laid down by the Quran. There are no two ways about it. Muslims must accept that Allah has the final (only) say on what is right and what is wrong. He says no to homosexuality and lesbianism, so end of argument. If you insist on being a homosexual, you’re going against the words of God.

Am I saying that gays are apostates? I’m not in the position to officially declare their apostasy; maybe an analogy could better explain the rationale for my opinion. Let’s say a person is employed in an organisation which strictly forbids the wearing of purple round neck t-shirts to work. This person however has a fetish for purple round neck t-shirts and insists on wearing the said t-shirt to work, which is against company policy. The company expects all employees to abide by the company policies and since the person cannot live without wearing the said t-shirt, he has no choice but to leave the organisation and seek employment elsewhere, somewhere where purple t-shirts are welcomed.

Replace “organisation/company” with Islam and “purple round neck t-shirts” with homosexuality.

Even animals do not indulge in gay acts …

Is death the punishment for gays? Again, I have no authority to comment from the religious perspective so all I’ll say is I do not believe in capital punishment as the first option. It should not be an option unless as retribution for the loss of another life. Even then, forgiveness or compensation should be considered first before carrying out the “eye for an eye” punishment. Back to death to gays, I do not think it will solve the problem, if anything; it will create an underground network of closet gays which in the end would be a bigger and more difficult problem to handle. I’m a believer in education as the means to correct social ills; “Muslim” gays should be persuaded to accept the laws of Islam. The key word is “persuade” and not “force.” We must try to win them over with advice and not threats. The objective is to bring them closer to the religion and not scare them away. If all else fails, all we can do is pray …

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi of the ISNA said: “Homosexuality is a moral disorder. It is a moral disease, a sin and corruption... No person is born homosexual, just like no one is born a thief, a liar or murderer. People acquire these evil habits due to a lack of proper guidance and education.”

 

 

Dear Diary

No, I do not plan to turn this blog into a "tell everyone what I did today" page. I will however, just this once, write about my day.

11 December 2011 was a bad day. Sad day. Stressful even.

Hanging out with Kenneth, Lorna and Laila didn't help. Four people in a sombre mood is not good company.

It almost got worse.

The old boys had a friendly football game against the Cochrane old boys. The turnout was good, the spectators were in a carnival and picnic mood, sitting on mats on the running track next to the field, some enjoying chicken from Kentucky and the kids running around. Their daddies on the other hand, were pretending to run around ...

The game started well, yours truly starting up front. Yours truly however missed three sitters in the opening 5 minutes and the day and the game almost got worse. By the second third (we veterans played three thirds of 25 minutes each), we were two nil down. The 'fighting spirit' of the boys with the Bull on their crest managed to level the score at two all before the end of the second period. It was not long before the team with the Tiger on ther badge scored their third. The third third however was all Bulls (no shit!) and the game ended five to three in our favour. My day is not so bad anymore.

In fact it got better.

Before the game, I got an invite to go see a concert featuring Hattan and Man Kidal. Yes Man Kidal. I grew up listening to Search, Lethanded and Wings. I was a teenage 'mat rock'. I still am, not a teenager but a mat rock. X used to call me 'mat rock' and apparently that Wings' song "Sejati"  used to remind her of me. I still listen to Phantom of the Opera almost every week. Not that long running West End play but the classic Iron Maiden song.

Back to my concert. It was magnificent! Man Kidal's guitar work is unrivalled in Malaysia. Hattan presented a wonderful mix of rock, ethnic and jazz-blues. Yes jazz-blues. You have to listen to it to know. His rendition of 'Gerhana' is excellent, only M. Nasir can do better.

And it got even better.

11 December is Hattan's birthday. After the show, the crew had a little birthday celebration for the man and I was invited. Yes, I was invited to Hattan's little birthday get together. My previous claim to fame was saying hello to papa rock Ramli Sarip in Midvalley and he said hello back. Tonight I'm eating roti jala with Man Kidal and smoking a cigarette with Hattan. For a mat rock like me, this is as good as it gets.

My first concert was Search when I was 16. My next concert was Kenny G three years later followed by Shiela Majid and Zainal the following year. I went to a few small indie Jazz concerts during my time in the UK but nothing major, no Glastonbury for me. I saw M.Nasir in 95 and Alanis Morisstte in 96.

11 December 2010 is my first major concert since Ms Morissette fourteen years ago!

I'm not the type who indulges in URTV or Mangga. In fact, I ban those things from my house. I don't watch the full of nonsense show called Melodi. Generally, I'm not into celebrities. But today is different. Hattan and Man Kidal are not just any "I'm good looking so I want to be a singer" type. These guys have real talent. The lasted more than two decades, that says a lot about their ability. And they are good. I was impressed with what I saw and I don't mind seeing them again.

The Last Patriot

A while ago, Defence Minister Zahid says the non-Malays are not patriotic because not many of them joined the armed forces. In his defence (pun intended), he was probably misquoted. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt, how can he be wrong? He is after all a BN minister and you have to be super intelligent and perfect to be one (sarcasm intended).

What measures or determines patriotism? The noun patriotism is defined by the (Collins) dictionary as ‘devotion to one's own country and concern for its defence’. My definition of patriotism is ‘an educated loyalty (as opposed to blind loyalty) towards one’s country (I repeat COUNTRY NOT GOVERNMENT).

Therefore, patriotism, if equated with loyalty simply means doing the right thing for the good of the country.

There are so many things a good citizen can do for the betterment of his nation. Joining the armed forces is one, but not the only one and by no means the main one. How about respecting the laws of the land? That’s being patriotic too. Paying your income taxes in full and on time? Only a patriot does that. A patriot would not litter and will never smoke in hospital or school compounds. Patriots pay his/her study loans in full. Helping the poor, the ill and disadvantaged is an act of patriotism. Registering as voters and going to vote is a patriotic act. Being fair to your fellow countrymen should be on top of the patriotic list.

Unpatriotic acts would include; indiscriminate and profit driven jungle clearing resulting in ecological damage; election fraud resulting in disruption of the democratic process; bribing law enforcers or government servants to avoid prosecution or to obtain favours; using taxpayers’ hard earned money to bail out badly managed, corruption riddled projects is so very unpatriotic; abusing the judiciary and security forces for personal gains; wasting public money on billion dollar castles; wasting public funds on “lawatan sambil belajar” which emphasises more on lawatan instead of belajar; the list goes on, probably thicker than a telephone book.

Jeering your football team when they’re trashed 5-0 by Cambodia is however not unpatriotic.

In the book “Patriotism, Morality and Peace”, Stephen Nathanson has this to say about patriotism; “Part of the problem with extreme patriotism is that it makes the support of one's country and its policies unconditional. Moderate patriots, on the other hand, see that taking morality seriously requires that our commitment to our country be conditional in two ways. First, the actions or policies of a government must be worthy of support or, at least, must not be serious violations of morality. When nations behave immorally, patriots need not support them.”

A good quote on patriotism is by William Burnham (William who?) who said, “The essence of patriotism is the sacrifice of personal interest to public welfare”

Another good one (IMHO) is by David Ehrenfeld, “Patriotism is the admission that people who share a land, a place, and a history have a special obligation to that place and to each other.”

Treasure Hunt-2

I participated in my first treasure hunt under duress. It was a bank organised hunt and my head of department wanted to send two teams. That's eight people which amounts to one third of the head count in IBD. My immediate boss was a regular and avid hunter but unfortunately he had two reluctant hunters in his car. To be fair to myself, I did participate and contribute and had fun in the process.

My second hunt was nothing like the first. I was all excited and raring to go. Who wouldn't when you have two beautiful and intelligent ladies as hunt mates! I even woke up at 5am and was at the starting venue before Subuh! We did extremely well considering the other three didn't have any prior experience treasure hunting. In fact, we lost to the champions on countback.

My third hunt was as exciting as the second but faced with experienced hunters, we only managed to finish, I'm guessing somewhere in the middle, maybe 15-16th place. The two ladies from the first hunt was replaced by a solitary young lady ... which a certain Ms Shaliza attributes to our dismal performance. 

I'm now hunting for my next hunt.

Treasure hunting is not an easy sport. Not even with two beautiful, intelligent ladies in the car. Some hunts have three parts; the part where the hunter have to find the answers based on the clues given. The answers are mostly on the signboards, visible from the vehicle without having to get out from the car. For a 7-8 hour hunt, there's usually 30-35 of such items to find.

The second part is called the treasure where the hunters must perform or purchase or make something based on the clues given.  There are typically 3-5 treasures to find/make/buy and must be presented to the COC at the finish line. This is much tougher than the first especially if legwork and creativity is involved.

Some hunts do have them but most might not. It is called the picture hunt where hunters are given tiny portions of a large picture and they must find out what 'big' picture it is. This is basically bonus points for the really hopeless hunters, that's how easy it is.

Solving the clues requires some IQ, at least three digits. Maybe that explains why I did so badly ... It also requires a lot of general knowledge and an extensive vocab in at least two languages. The clues a fairly standard; 'inside' or 'middle' or 'within' means we have to find a word inside a word; 'at the back' means read backwards; XI means 11; C is 100; Monkey is Ape or Baboon or Kera; 'in front' means first letter and a popular clue is anagrams. There are more clues and most are not really straight forward. Like I said, it is a game for people with reasonable amounts of IQ and who knows more than 30 words. 

Apparently, the seasoned hunters hardly leave their cars during a hunt. The pro hunters also know what to look for, they are able to put the clues together before even getting to the stations and when they get there, all they have to do is look for the answers. Amateur hunters like me however, look at every single signboard and guess if it fits the answer.  

Treasure hunts starts before sunrise and winners are usually announced after dinner. It's a whole day affair, tiring and draining but after the hunt, you'll never look at a signboard the same way again ...

What an attitude, eh?

I took this picture some time back, maybe two years ago. I apologise for not blacking out the number plates but then again, why should I?

How do you justify this? Benefit of the doubt doesn't apply in these situations. It's a clear definition of selfishness, stupidity, arrogance and ... I shall not continue, there could be children reading this blog.

Love Actually

I really enjoyed the movie, I watched it twice, I think, maybe more. I went to to cinema to watch the Malay version, Cinta. I hardly watch Malay movies at the cinema. In all, I saw 4 Malay movies at the cinema; Bukit Kepong, Hantu Siang, Perempuan, Isteri dan ... and Cinta. Why bother going to the cinema when you can watch it on TV during raya? 

Before anyone thinks this is a posting about movies, let me clarify. I'm writing this after reading Dina Zaman's piece on subsequent weddings. I'm not a big fan of her because we tend to have different views on similar issues but that article of hers sort of struck me due to certain recent events. 

Her article basically questions or discusses the need for lavish second, third or any subsequent weddings. It is rare but this time, I see myself agreeing-ish with her. 

My take on subsequent weddings is that they are only tricky if one of the party is a first-timer. 

I mean, no self respecting, society conscious mother would want her single twenty something daughter to marry a thirty something single father. What would the relatives say? What would the neighbours say? The warning that "he'll leave you too one day" will come from every friend, every cousin, every auntie. On the other hand, what if her daughter was the one responsible for making the guy a single father. The positions are reversed, no self respecting mother would accept a pretty young thing marrying her son knowing that she caused her grandchildren to be separated from their mother. Things get even worse if the said (ex)daughter-in-law was the family's favourite. 

Maybe the guy hid the fact that his future wife caused the break-up with the former wife so that the family will accept his new bride without association with the former wife. Maybe the guy tried hard to ensure the future lady is in no way associated with the former lady. Maybe the guy went as far as not acknowledging the presence of the second lady so that it appears that there is no one else in his life. Once the air is clear and all the issues are out of the way, he brings her out in the open (often that will prove to be a little too late). Would the absence of any "proof" of causing the end of the previous marriage justify a grand wedding? May take is; have it grand on the first-timer's side and simple on the other side.

Should the emcee at the reception highlight the "fact" that the couple only started falling for each other post breakdown of the previous union? My take is; ignore the "fact", there is no need to even mention it. 

There won't be much fuss if it is well known they met long after the collapse of the first union. Still, no need to mention it. 

It's easy when both parties were previously married (not to each other, of course!). It makes even easier if it is well documented (without having to explain) that they met post both breakdowns. In this case, I find no issues against a grand wedding. Make it a new beginning, an experienced couple should not be making the same mistakes, hopefully.

Whatever it is; second, third, Nth weddings are common now, some are bigger than the last, some are held in Thailand and some (especially for those in the entertainment industry) in Mekah, usually after an Umrah trip. There is nothing wrong with a grand wedding or a small wedding attended by three friends; the important thing is the reason for the wedding must be right.

Schooled Out

Owners or directors of colleges are not required to possess academic qualifications, but their teaching staff must have the necessary qualifications in their respective field of studies, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

As such, he said action would only be taken against Kolej Antarabangsa Fazley (FIC) if it was found to have breached the conditions stipulated by the ministry.

"Many people who have set up colleges do not have high academic qualifications because that is not required. What is required is that when you conduct the course, you have the teaching staff who are actually qualified," he told the press after launching the International Lifelong Learning Conference 2010, here today. (Bernama)

Apparently (Dr?) Fazley obtained his PhD from a bogus institution. Apparently he got straight As for his SPM. Three years ago or so, Fazley who was then a famous motivator decided to take a step further by setting up his own school. He even got the University of Wales to provide accreditation for his his programmes.

The Hon. Minister says owners or directors of learning institutions need not have high academic qualifications. I beg to differ. They need some qualification and SPM does not count. Bogus degrees don't count either.

Secondly, it's all about credibility. A restaurant owner (or co-owner) is expected to have some knowledge of food, either how to cook, prepare or at least buy. Someone who doesn't know the difference between kangkung and bayam should not dabble in the restaurant business. Similarly, the owner of a auto workshop must at least know the difference between a spark plug and wall plug. In the case of Fazley, I'm guessing his marketing tool is apart from his popularity, is his academic qualification.

Education is serious business, we shouldn't just let anyone open up a college; there must be some form of quality control and screening. The future of our nation depends on the quality of our present education and having 25 year old degree holders teach 20 year old undergraduate is not the way to go.

The Inspira Inspiration

On 10th November 2010 the Waja (Impian in the UK) was finally replaced after more than 10 years in production. The Waja was the first Proton (despite it's Mitsubishi sourced power plant) which wasn't direcly design-wise, associated with a foreign partner. They added  if I'm not mistaken a Renault/French gearbox for the 1.8 version but it wasn't a good move. After more than fifteen years of recycled Lancers, Colts, Galants and AXs; the Waja was a breath of fresh air. The Waja even raced in the BTCC!

After the Waja, a few more in-house designs were released; the Gen-2, Savvy, Exora, Saga and a Gen-2 with a boot called the Persona. The latest Proton offering is called the Inspira and it is based, almost 100% on the current Lancer. That fact made Bung Mukhtar (Mr Zizie) very upset. He was so upset he told Proton to close shop. Or something to that effect. 

Tuan Dato Syed the Proton MD explained why they went back to the 'recycling' mode. And I totally agree with him. Someone should tell YB Bung the cost of developing a car from zero is enormous and it takes a lot of sales to break even let alone to turn a profit. The auto industry is constantly changing; car companies merge, change hands or go bust every few years. To cut costs, the auto manufacturers share the development expenditure (devex? ala capex, geddit?); Peugeot and Citroen does it all the time. Golf, A3 and Ibiza have the same DNA. Ford and Mazda have been doing it ever since the days of the 323/Laser, 626/Telstar. In fact, the 2nd generation TX3 is the Escort in the US. There is no more Pontiac, Hillman or Austin. If not for TATA, there probably would be no more Jags.

So, what Proton did with the Inspira was merely keeping up with the present trend in the automotive scene. It makes business sense for them given the Inspira's expected sales volume and market segment. Zizie should tell Bung to shut up.

Travelogue #9 - Melaka

I haven’t been to Melaka for quite a while. I was there last week and the first thing I noticed was Ali Rustam’s picture plastered on each and every billboard, at every street corner and in front of every historical landmark. Let’s just say there is one Ali Rustam every 200 yards. Ali however has done quite a good job making Melaka a nice city. I was quite impressed with what I saw, apart from his picture that is. The riverside is nice; Jonker Street is full of life, both during the day and at night; they have nice attractions like the tower thingy; and that ship in front of the Stadhuys is quite impressive.

I found something interesting a few days ago; one should not take everything written on the World Wide Web as gospel but I found this new “info-rumour” to be quite intriguing; apparently someone is claiming that Melaka is not as great as it is made out to be and Muar is the real Melaka of the 15th century. This author claims that there is no proof that Melaka was the famous, important trading port our history books have been telling us all this while. He/she claims that The Royal Sampan Armada (the sampan armada??) was never found, nor was there any grave of any Sultan during the classical Malacca Period and since all Ming Emperor's names began with "Tzu" (pronounced Chu), the fairy tale of Hang Li Poh being a Ming Princess doesn't hold water. The writer concluded that Melaka was actually in Muar and the Melaka we know was just a small fishing village.

Interesting indeed.

I’m no historian but despite his/her argument having valid-ish points, I remain unconvinced. I read a few pages from chapter three written by Prof Wang Gungwu from the book “Admiral Zheng He and Southeast Asia” and it is filled with proof of the existence of Melakan sultanate and empire. Wang Gungwu is a learned professor; he cannot be making all those things up, can he?

Tome Pires, the Portuguese royal doctor stayed in Melaka for a few years after the Portuguese conquest. He wrote a book, “Suma Oriental” which was apparently well researched. I wasn’t there when he wrote it so I can’t vouch for it’s authenticity but I’m sure the good doctor did not make up the stories. Even if he did, it won’t be throughout the book and he would have been found out.

R. O. Winstedt wrote a paper titled “The Malay Founder of Medieval Malacca” which talks about the origins of Parameswara. Winstedt is a reputable expert in Malayan/Malay studies and was fundamental in preserving several works of Malay literature including “The Sejarah Melayu”. So, if he says there was a Malacca sultanate, I’ll believe him.

The person claiming Melaka is a fraud may have his/her own reasons and/or motives but pasting it on the web will not have any serious impact or carry any weight. The proper way would be via the academic route, through proper research and peer reviewed thesis.

I want to believe in Melaka's glorious past because that was one of the greatest era in Malay history. Malaysia is a very young country with very little history, no doubt we have the Lembah Bujang, Langkasuka and what not but Melaka is the most well "documented" of our past. It will break a lot of hearts (especially Ali Rustam's) if the allegation was found to be true.

Melaka has a glorious past and unless there is concrete and proper proof that it wasn't, I shall continue to believe in Mansur Syah, Hang Tuah, Tun Perak etc.