Gulping for Gas?

Well... what else can I say? All the ranting about the petrol price hike in Malaysia has been well greased by everyone. Even I made my displeasure known on my editor's letter for the July issue. But then, I'm thinking: "Let's just drink instead lah". Damn it. Woohaa!

Curious...

I can't help wondering about this scenario few days back: I was next to the KL Federal Highway, stopping at the junction-turning-left onto the highway, while looking to my right at the oncoming traffic. At that moment, it was their right of way, so there were motorcyles speeding by me,in hordes. A few feet away (in that same direction I was facing), there was a traffic policeman manning the traffic. Manning. Yea.. Because of the influx of motorcyclist passing by, I couldn't cut in. Well if I did -- imagine a bowling ball striking all the pins down. That would've been the case. So while I was waiting for some clearance, suddenly the policeman started pointing at me. He gestured with his gloved hand, that I should move on. He kept waving his right hand in a "shooing motion". Just like when you're shooing away a cat or a dog, or a human being.

But the amount of motorcyclists were still in loads. So I didn't bother. And obviously that got the cop upset/annoyed/irritated. I can't hear him but I could see his mouth forming the word "Jalan!" (Move!) Yes, I could sense the exclamation mark there too. His eyes were bulging (just like his tummy). And his mouth was forming like he was crazy! (just kidding). Anyways he was shooing me away and shouting "Jalan! Jalan!". I got quite irritated and without winding down my window, I gestured back at him by pointing to the oncoming traffic. I mouthed the word: "How?!" Yes, with my own exclamation mark and my bulging eyes to match. He couldn't see my bulging tummy hidden by the car door, so I looked slim to him I'm sure. We had a glaring-at-each-other showdown for a few seconds. Then the coast was clear and I drove off. I guess the guy behind me was so caught up in the whole scene that he forgot to do his obligatory honking as it is common here. All that happened in about 2 - 3 minutes.

So I'm curious: if I were to cut in because I was pressured by the policeman, and then crash into a few motorcyclists (not counting the cars), is it my fault? Of course it is, right? And the traffic dude, would in return, go and detain me? Hell yeah! Like he's gonna say it's his fault. The same dude who insist that I "Jalan!" even though he could see with his bulging eyes, the sight of the oncoming/ongoing traffic. What kind of dumbness is that? And just today I read in the STAR, the authority/government asking us (drivers) to be more aware of motorcyclists on the road cos apparently we are the main cause of their accidents/deaths on the road. Well, duh-phuckin-huh??!

Anyways, I went to do my photoshoot for my May issue the other day... now I know how tough it is to pose. Damn man... I felt abused...

SAY CHEECKO UMBRO!

bus crash NO MORE!!

It's painful to read about the deaths incurred by road accidents. Yes, it's painful to read about deaths in any form. But touching specifically on road fatalities: it's upsetting enough that there are so many of us out there who are careless drivers. More tragic when the victim is so careful and yet there's no way that they could avoid an accident because of other errant drivers on the road. What a waste of lives.

I remember once, in Kuching, my friend's cousin died on the spot when another car slammed into hers. That car, flew over a 4-feet divider, from the opposite direction, right into the front screen of the young girls' car. See, even when you're NOT on the same side of the road, even when you're careful, there's just no telling what can happen.

Even more tragic I feel when dozens of lives depend on just one person to steer them to their destination SAFELY. Yes let's talk about bus fatalities: after so many tragic accidents, and the numerous "Action" statements declared, we still have these careless, reckless, bus drivers behind the wheels.

Our condolences and prayers go to the families of the late Lee Nian Ning (1987-2008), Mohd Zailani (1985-2008), Pan Poon Eng (1988-2008). All three tragically lost their lives in the Slim River Bus Crash that happened on 25th January 2008. They were just kids. GONE now, because they entrusted their lives in the hands of someone that they don't know, to bring them safely to their destination. In the hands of one man, who happened to have 13 outstanding summonses---seven of it for speeding, five for overtaking, and one for not using an overhead bridge.

The STAR Online reported on 26th January, that Slim River deputy OCPD Supt Adzhar Othman said, "At this point, we cannot yet ascertain the cause of the accident, whether or not it is due to human or technical error." The accident occured during a downpour, at KM382 of the highway between Slim River and Behrang. Technical error? I really doubt it.

I received an email from a friend of mine who knew Lee Nian Ning personally. This is what she said in her email dated 28th Jan:

"hello, i just got back from penang today. hence the lack of replies over the weekend. i was up there to attend my friend's wake. if you read the newspapers recently, she was one of those who died in the bus accident at slim river. heck. she was only 20. i knew her way back in secondary school. she was my junior by one year and we spent a lot of time together during guiding. it was horrible at her wake. her parents were crying. especially her mum. her mum blames herself because my friend was suppose to take an earlier bus to kl but delayed it because she had to help her mum out with something. she was their oldest child and only daughter. she has a younger brother whose studying in kl. she was on he way to kl that fateful day to pay him a visit. the poor boy must have been devastated. looking at her coffin was almost surreal. a couple of friends and i drove up on saturday and reached penang in time for her wake. it realy was so hard being there."

It is sad when we start blaming ourselves for such losses. But that's the human condition. All the "IF" will surface, the regrets, the anguish. People blame themselves---fathers, mothers, children, friends---will blame themselves for such losses; such tragedy.

Unfortunate isn't it when only loved ones carry the blame. If only those who sit on the pedestal of power, the ones in the circle of authority, the hands that can enforce a law, the SOULS that could have done the right thing, care to share the blame. "IF" only.

But WE don't have to wait for any admission. We don't want to just talk and take no action. So if you want to do your bit, please sign the petition (go to the link below) to have safer bus rides now!

Because "NEXT TIME, IT COULD BE YOU OR ME"

www.buscrashnomore.blogspot.com

Wolves opposite, nothing to do but hope and pray

Major papers today printed an article about two men who were assaulted after posing as cops who went to the house of missing child, Sharlinie Mohd Nashar, inquiring about her. I can't help wondering what on earth inspired them to commit such an act. If only I'm part of the interrogation team...

Sharlinie, who went missing around 11.30am on Jan 9th 2008 in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, is still missing. A nationwide search is on the way and pictures of her is being circulated everywhere. Help and support is coming from every corner. Even the reward value has increased. Good on you sir! [Now, what about donating a fixed percentage (for the period till Sharlinie is found) of the earnings from 4-digit ticket sales to help increase the value further? Ok ok I'm just kidding!]

Anyway, So here we have the helpful ones, and then you have those like these two chumps, and we can't forget the prank callers and other weirdos. They are doing their bit too---to make things worst of course. So, in the face of such a grieving incident, we see the good and the bad side in all of us. How misery can be one's gain and how others fight to solve this pain. Let's just hope the good ones will continue the good fight and the bad ones, well, let's hope fire from the sky will roast them.

Most importantly, let's hope that our spirit does not die off like a sensational news gone dry. Or losing its steam. Even now, you can see how the updates move further back in the pages. That's just how it works. That's the "necessary" of it. And that is a clear hint of how we are [when I say "we" I mean individuals, the authorities, the legislatures, organisations, associations etc]. Look at other unresolved issues or cases, they slowly disappear with time.

There's no point in comparing with other countries because we aren't in other countries. We are here in Malaysia, and Malaysia is ours. Shame. I don't think we'll ever change. We'll continue to develop as a country but we will never develop as individuals, as a society. That's why we have weirdos like the two impersonators. [By the way are they Malaysians??]

And true to form, we act in our usual manner: One day, something big happens, and then the hoo-haa begins. Lots of suggestions are made. And then slowly, things subside. People will go back to doing their own thing. That's just the way it is. To the crazy lots, it's just the way it is for them too. While we hunger for the next big news or gossip, they hunger for the next big strike. We're all wolves running in the same pack. We just don't know that we're running in opposite directions.

Why do you think I'm turning this issue into an "attack" on us? No particular reason. I just feel like greasing out some angst in me. Perhaps I'm just talking about my own shortcomings. True, I do have my own. But mine's possibly just like yours. So why not drag you into it too. We're in a pack right? Same type of drivers on the road too. Oh ya, I don't even want to touch on that!

Bottomline though, for us "good ones" let's not lose our sight on what's important. Let's keep hoping and praying.

My hopes and prayers include [but not limited to]:

1. That Sharlinie is safe and well and is found very soon

2. That Nurin's killer or killers are found [and quickly exterminated like the pest that they are]

3. That the authorities will beef up whatever "security measures" to ensure our safety and well-being. This includes installing CCTVs everywhere [in carriages too cos I heard perverts like to hang out in LRTs]

4. That next year crime will be reduced [including violent ones]

5. That less drivers spend time rubbernecking on the roads cos it's already bad enough that we're all caught in jams

6. That we get a rise in pay [hooray!]

7. Petrol price don't go up so soon

8. Price for alcohol and ciggies go down

9. We'll one day watch uncensored movies in Malaysian cinemas

10. Pirated dvd makers hire better translators for gawd sake! [Oops!]

11. [But seriously] That we strongly support the local music and film industry

12. That unresolved issues and cases be resolved [without scapegoats] so that we can all move on with our lives!

13. That more hypocrites be flushed out

14. That one day, we all will live in a better, safer, place

15. For more love to spread around

Hope and Pray. Cos it's hard when we're wolves running opposites.

Rear end reaction

The front page headline of STAR on Jan 7, 2008, says "Killer overhang".

And the subhead states: "Miros: Lorry Extension dangerous".

The first paragraphs reads: "Extensions, or overhangs, that allow small trucks and lorries to carry longer and heavier loads are death traps on the roads."

All this, after a 45-year-old woman crashed her car into a lorry's overhang. It was fatal.

And as always, we ply our famous "reactive" trademark.

eee...2008, still looking the same lah...

Note: Ok ok...Miros [Malaysian Institute for Road Safety Research] has been investingating this issue since similar incidences happened before (total 5 fatal cases now). It's not their first "reaction" lah. So kudos to them for trying their best. I heard got like CSI equivalent team somemore man. But move a bit faster lah if possible. In meantime, let's all avoid overhang lorries like plagues if we can help it.

In another latter news, it was stated that although crimes have increased in 2007 compared to 2006, there was less violent ones. Hmm...should I clap or how?

High on the Unfortunate

Hello ho ho ho...

I told myself that I would write something here before the year ends. Well, it was supposed to be a few entries (done a few weeks ago), but I just couldn't find the time to do it. So much has been happening in the office that everytime I get home, I just can't be bothered looking at my laptop. So here I am, sitting at Starbucks at Bukit Bintang Walk, waiting patiently for my sister-in-law to do her last minute Xmas shopping. I'm on leave already starting today till 3rd Jan. Yay! So my first task on this first day of many great more days off, is to be a driver. Shit. Anyways, this driver is on his coffee break so his thinking of what to say...

I didn't realise that I had this topic "High on the Unfortunate" in my draft for quite a while now. I guess I should keep that heading, although I was going to put "Last Entry for 2007". Never mind. I might go to another Starbucks and do another entry before end of the year. If I'm up to it. Anyways, I've been living in KL now for almost 4 years and I'm still not comfortable with the way we drive here and the jams. Everyday it manages to put me on high-level stress even before I reach the office. As if at work isn't bad enough. Working in the media industry isn't exactly good for the heart you know.

(Digress a bit here) I once went to the doctor for a checkup, he asked me: "Do you smoke?" Yes. "Do you drink?" Extensively. He smiled. Not the "Oh that's kewl" kinda smile. But the "Another society waste" kinda smile. Then he asked me what industry I was in. "Media" I said. "Oh, that's good enough to give you high blood pressure" Well, he'd know best. He is a doctor after all. After the medic check, I wished him "Happy Deepavali". It was during then. "I don't celebrate Happy Deepavali", he said. Oh okay. I was just trying to be nice.

Back to the topic at hand, I've always wondered why is it always jam on the roads. There's tons of flyovers and some smart tunnel too. Too many cars? Yes that's one of the problems. Selfish drivers? Definitely. Crazy drivers? Don't even touch on that. Heartless drivers? Now this is something that irked me. I realised for a long time now that one of the biggest causes of a jam is when there's an accident. Even if it's just a car breakdown parked on the side, it can even cause a jam on the opposite direction. Why? We like to see. Rubber-necking. But why? Does it amuse us to see other people in misery? I think so.

Two weekends ago I was on my way back from the city and I think there was a very bad accident on Jalan Duta. This was almost 4am (okay I shouldn't be driving either under the influence. my bad) and for a few minutes I panicked thinking that it was a road block. But then I realised there were firetrucks and ambulance there. So I realised that it was an accident. What I wasn't prepared for was to see the long, LONG, line of cars parked on the side of the road. It almost looked like they were all going for some concert. People were running, walking, on the phone pointing frantically towards the crash site. I was so amazed. I wondered: Do people in other countries react or behave this way too? Do they stop just to go and see what's happening? What do they get out of it? Happiness? Natural high? Don't tell me some go there just to 'get-off' on such tragedy. Damn but there are sick people like that in this world.

So all these people were rushing to the crash scene and to do what (besides hogging around and being gleeful witnesses), I also don't know. Fine if it's someone you know who's involved in the accident. But the rest? I don't know. It was just ridiculous that at 4am there was a bad jam. Thought we had enough of that during working hours. But this tells me that despite how "caring" a society we are, this image of us shows that we are still heartless. We enjoy so much the misery of others. Deep down, we're no better than scums.

Object if you will. I would too. I think I'm a nice guy. But still, I have my fair share of rubber-necking but not because I want to. I'm just pulled in with the rest. If it's jam, then you drive slow, then you have time to look. So you look. And I'm thinking if I don't look, would the jam disappear? No. So since I'm stuck, I look too. But does that mean I'm not to be blamed? No. I'm still part of the problem. Yes, one person can't change the entire society mindset. That being the case, I don't see any reason for me NOT to crap on all of us either. These words of mine shouldn't hurt you at all. So, you and I, are scums. Period.

Ya, we get high on the unfortunate. Be it on the roads, in the office, anywhere. Deep down most of us feel great seeing others miserable. Yes, when the beggar sitting on the footpath, begging for money, we normally would just walk by and give a straight face but I bet deep down we're saying "Thank god that's not me". Yes I'm not ashamed to say I've thought like that. So if a nice guy like me can think like that, I bet you would too. Don't fight it. Just accept it. One day, you'll be smiling at someone who's unfortunate.

But in all that is bad in us, there must be something good out of it. So be happy that you're better off than the next person. That's your blessing. But make sure that you walk on and mind your own business. We don't need to show how lucky we are nor have that thought when we're passing someone less fortunate. We just need to keep in mind how lucky we are and move on with our own lives. Work on your blessings and be on your way. Just one more thing though: if you seriously can't help thinking how lucky you are, then try to help others that are in need. That would be good, really. If we could do that, then I'm sure our blessings will be twofold. Don't just stop and see the accident. Help. If you're not there to help, then don't stop. Better to be not helpful (and drive on) then to be there and not help at all. We are a caring society right? Are we? I'm sure we are.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Playing a Fair Game

It's a "dog-eat-dog" world---whatever that means. But I know what "vicious cycle" means (I think). Err...something associated with "What goes around, comes around" Right? heh heh. Ah..don't mind me..

Anyways, if the idea that what goes around (it's usually associated with something bad) comes around applies to the fight for fairness, what would happen to the advocators when they've won? Once on the pedestal, and power is in your hands, would you play clean when someone comes to fight for your stool next? Hmm...You risk life and freedom to get what you want, and will you let the next person stand against you---head to head, and play the game in fair mode? I don't think so. Besides, what is "fair"? What is "clean"? I'm sure in each one of our books, we are all clean and fair people. Yeah, sure. Try proving that on the roads here. I've seen godly people turn psychotic, crazy, selfish, drivers the minute they're on the road. There's always two sides to a coin people.

However, don't get me wrong here. I understand this demand for a clean and fair game. Really I do. I was born into a family where the game has seen both sides of the coin. A family game that has won six major leagues spanning 30 years. SIX. Not one, not two. SIX major league titles. Imagine the amount of tactics involved in clinching them. AND we were the good guys (I believe we were). I grew up enjoying the game and hating it when you start believing that there's unfairness to it. Tell you the truth, either way, it won't be clean, nor fair. You may think that the current games commission is proof enough that it's not fair, but when the next "games commission" comes along, will it be any different? I doubt it.

We're just seeking for change. Hoping something better will become of us. Hoping that we don't need to spend anymore time talking, complaining, bickering, behind closed doors. We hope, that all that will end. I tell you, the same "we" will still be the ones talking about unfairness in the future. But if you want to taste that fairness, that so called "cleaness" then you play your cards well, and smart, and drag yourself right up the top amongst the players of the game. Then maybe you'll be one of the lucky few to enjoy this "clean" and "fair" game. Well, at least you might think it is, cos you're enjoying the fruits of it. What about the poor man outside your golden gate? I bet he'll still be around whether things are clean or fair.

I went for the press screening of "I AM LEGEND" starring Will Smith this morning. I have to say, the movie left me rather empty and unsatisfied. Oh, Will Smith was great in it no doubt. He played his character well. But I felt uncomfortable about the whole movie. So I decided to check it further online. I found that the book had a different storyline. In the movie, Smith was seen as the legend, the saviour. But in the book, he became a legend for a different reason---he was seen as the monster. There's two sides to the story. Like there's two sides to a coin. So, when we think we're fighting for the good of something, but on the other side of the coin, we may end up being seen as the evil itself. Or eventually that is, we'll be seen as the evil.

So does clean and fair really make a difference to this game in the future? While you ponder that, try ensuring that your own livelihood is maintained. Because this game, will be played even when you're no longer on this earth. And bear in mind that you ain't never going to be the legend that makes a change. Because the game will always be that legend that changes everything.

When's the next street party?

As I was reading the article "31 to know fate today" in The Star (Thursday 6, December 2007), a few questions went through my mind: Were there only 31 alleged supporters of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) facing charges? I mean, I'm not suggesting that the police should have arrested more. Just wondering---how did these 31 got arrested/picked/chosen (call it what you think it should be)? Imagine thousands rallied that day. Out of the thousands, only 31 were arrested. Was there like a satellite scanner picking out the trouble-makers? Or were they the unfortunate ones that couldn't run away? Let me see, it says that among them includes "two university students, a polythecnic student and trainee teacher. There was also a kidney transplant patient, a youth with a hole in the heart and a partially deaf person." Oh my...what an interesting bunch.

The charges were: illegal assembly (aih, if true, shouldn't everyone be arrested? Oh...maybe cannot catch everyone), attempted murder (ish! this is bad...sempat nak attempt murder? Furthermore in the paper it states "...pointing out that they were at Batu Caves 'professing their faith under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution' "--what "faith" are we talking about here? and lastly, causing damage to public property: hmm...this also falls under professing of faith? This sounds more like the things you'd do when you're intoxicated. Were there any vendors selling booze that day I wonder?

Oh well, WHATEVER THE CASE, siapa yang bersalah (whoever is wrong), deserves to be tried. And if found guilty, be convicted (not convicted before trial ah). And to those who intend on stirring racial tension---better go home and watch some comedy. Perhaps you need to hear more jokes---non racial ones by the way. To those who intend on joining demonstrations (it seems "demonstration" is THE word right now), please ah, remember it's not some street party and it doesn't come with goodie-bags. If you're just another face in the crowd, tagging along, not knowing the true struggles behind the walk (I profess I don't either), THEN YOU SHOULD BE STAYING AT HOME cleaning up your house, room, etc. Yea, do something useful for a change.

It's ok lah...

So, I've been staring at photos of food the whole morning with my colleagues. Also checking out blogs on food. I manage a F&B mag you see...something that I never thought I'd be doing one day. Considering that I never did enjoy doing restaurant reviews before. I mean, what do I know about food (besides eating and gobbling)? My answer is always the same: "Ok lah". How's the bruscetta? "Ok lah". How's the tempura moriawase? "Ok lah". How's the Brazil lamb shank with shallot mashed potatoe? "Erm..ok..lah" Sigh...How's the pan-fried unagi and foie gras?? "Erm...nice? Well..ok lah"

But here I am, doing my fifth issue of the magazine that started out in September this year. Something that materialised from a simple chit-chat about doing a one-or-two pager on something F&B related. Now, it has spawned into a full-fledge F&B magazine that covers restaurant reviews, feature articles, recipes, restaurant listings, etc. Help!! I hope never to utter the words "home reviews" too ever. That's another one of those "descriptive writing" that I'm so edgy about. Throw me a personality feature and I'll do it willingly and sometimes, with my eyes closed (literally).

But I guess work is work. We have to see the business objective, the long-term plans and the vision of the company. So one has to work in-line with what the shareholders/management wants. Tough and in cases such as this, becomes something you have to force yourself to like, for the sake of a better future. Ok, I'm not saying that I don't enjoy it at all---I do like going to the restaurants and sample all the delicious food. All those rich food. My gawd. You have the fine dining outlets and then there are the easy-chic restaurants. Hope to do the uber chic ones too like Frangipani.

Oh well..just rambling lah. Let's see how this mag goes. In the meantime, I think I better go off for lunch. I'm sure the food will be "Ok lah".

So how's your roasted duck breast with foie gras sir? "Ok lah!"

Adios.

Riding For Granted

This is one issue that still sizzles: Mat Rempits...

And she was one lucky girl...

Saturday Night

I was out partying with some friends and this caucasian girl was with us. She's on a short working stint with a MNC here. We all had a lots of fun that night and as the night progressed, we were all getting into the mood and most of us were already beyond tipsy. So in the midst of partying, miss expat decided to go back. As you can see in the photo, she's poised to drink her Flamin Lambo. And before that she already had quite a number of beers and after the Flamin, there was more liquour. So yea, she has had enough and like any sensible person (if you can still think straight), the best thing to do is to head home; cos if you've had enough, man, YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH.

Anyways she told someone that she was going back and apparently asked the club security to help her get a cab. No cab came. So they suggested to her that maybe she could walk over to 7-Eleven, which was a short walk away. So she did exactly that and in her tipsy state, proceeded to the 24-hour outlet to try hailing a cab from there. She must've been trying to get a cab for a few minutes when a bunch of motorbikes came vrooming over. Seeing the girl---a pretty one and quite sexily clad---standing alone outside, one of the bikers started talking to her. Shortly after, she hopped on the guy's bike and within a few seconds, the caucasian girl was gone with the mat rempits.

I was standing outside the club talking to a friend when one of the security guards came over and spoke to me. "Do you have a mat salleh (caucasian) girl in your group?" he asked. "Yes, just one." He looked rather concerned. "She's wearing a singlet top right?" I nodded. "Well I think she left with a bunch of mat rempits," he said. For a moment I stood there, silent. "What??" I asked. "I saw her going on a motorbike. There were quite a few of them bikers. Mat rempits lah," he said as if trying to reassure himself.

I told him that's not possible. I mean, why would she just do that?? She wasn't completely plastered out of her mind. She seems very responsible too. "You can go and ask the staff at 7-Eleven. They saw her go off on the bike," said the burly guy. So I did. I walked over to one of the staff and asked. "Yes I did see one girl going on a bike with a bunch of other bikers. Dunno what she was doing with them," said the boy. "Was she mat salleh? Wears a singlet?" I asked. "Yes".

Panicked, I rushed back into the club and told my friends. They thought I was bullshiting or just plain drunk. Some even said there's no way she would just hop on a bike with a bunch of mat rempits. But that's it---DID SHE EVEN KNEW WHAT MAT REMPITS WERE??? Eventually they realised that I wasn't joking around, and proceeded to check with the security guard and a few even walked to 7-Eleven again. The story was verified and confirmed. Handphones came out of pockets...fingers frantically pressing numbers. Some were text messaging. One or two called the hotel, called her handphone. No news. Her phone was off. No answer from her hotel room either. Sobriety came quick to each one.

45 minutes passed. "Should we lodge a police report?" asked the security guard finally. I've thought of that too, but was hoping to hear something good, or anything from the other end of the phone line. Some sign that she was okay. "Not yet. We try again to look for her," I replied. Could the worst possibly happen here? Tonight? To a friend? That thought sent a chill down my spine.

Three of our friends left the club and drove to the hotel. The rest of us were still trying to get her on the phone. We knew her mobile phone was off but we just kept trying. When you become desperate, you tend to just do anything. So we kept dialling, text messaging. It was probably the longest 30-minutes ever for us to hear anything from our three friends. Finally a call came through my mobile. It was one of them. "Hi! She's here la! We went up to her room and started knocking and ringing the bell! She's okay!" I let out a sigh of relief.

The Day After

"Look, he was only a 16-year-old boy okay. How harmful could that have been aye??" she asked, looking surprised that we were all so worried sick about her the night before. "Were there a few of them? Like maybe, 15 at least?" one of the girls asked. "Yea about there." We all looked at each other horrified. "You know what, they are called mat rempits. Do you know what that means?" She didn't. "Well they're a bunch of guys on bikes that go around in big groups and usually they cause a lot of havoc to other road users. At times it can be something seriously damaging. Like people get hurt. People get killed. Maybe raped," another friend explained. "Oh come on he was just 16," she replied trying to reassure herself. "Dear, they usually are about that age!" Her face turned ash-white. "Oh my god...no wonder you guys were so worried. I'm so sorry I didn't know!" She kept apologising and kept thanking her lucky stars that nothing happened to her.

Yes, she was lucky. But what about next time? What about some other expats or visitors who don't know what mat rempits are? Who are so oblivious to these menacing road hogs?

Who was at fault here? The security guard---for not thinking beyond and show a little extra concern for their guests? The mat salleh girl---hitching a ride with a bunch of strangers on bikes because she thinks it's harmless? Or is it really on us---you, me, the government, the society...?

Bye Miss G

Last Friday saw one of my colleagues parting ways with us after being with the company for a year (or more than that). It's kind of sad that no one really paid attention to her departure. With the exception of my editor and myself, almost everyone seemed more keen to celebrate the birthday of another colleague. Not that it's wrong. It's still a democratic country (right?). Miss G has been a great colleague and a great team member of the editorial department. I would think that without her, things would have gotten a bit too chaotic. Yes, she's very systematic and that's one of the things that I admire about her---more often than not, chaos, is the order of the day in a writers' daily work environment. Only they know how to sort their own work. But Miss G brought at least some order in the system for the rest of us to follow. That was good. She's also very efficient with her work. Which is another thing I find writers having problems with (I'm speaking for myself). Well not that it's a problem---it's just our nature. Anyways, too bad she's not part of the team anymore. It would've been nice to have her around. But people will come and go. We have to respect their decisions. And for the rest of us, we carry on. I still have Miss J around to work the challenge with me. Let's hope she won't exercise her democratic rights too soon. Otherwise I'll be drowning on my own. Now that'll be a real challenge. Just like anywhere you go or anything that you take on, the challenges will always be there. There's no bed of roses to lay down on (except if you're Bon Jovi). We just have to work our way through or around it. Yes, it's just another day in our lives.

We pray you all the success Miss G.

Traffic Fright

This traffic light ah...(before the underpass to go to Tropicana near Aman Suria)...has been the same colour (yellow), for the longest time ever! What kind of traffic light is this??! Might as well don't say traffic light, just call it "Traffic Fright"! I can't believe the authorities haven't sorted this thing out. And it's not like the cops have never driven by this place...they're always hiding somewhere further up to catch errant drivers! They should park an ambulance van near this traffic light cos one day, some day, there's gonna be a bad bad one happening here...Soon these pictures will reach some paper lah.

[This is where the cops like to hide. Sometimes slightly further back]

[This is what it looks like from all sides! Including the two on the far left and right]

Zombie Berhad

You know zombies? They roam around in their dragging pace? Well, okay, except the zombies in 28 Weeks Later (cos they RUN!). Gross-looking things they are, aren't they? But at least you know they are out to eat you. We do have them around us actually. But the ones that we know, they don't eat you literally (unless they are secretly cannibals), but they'll consume you till you feel like you're dead. Like zombies, they probably don't know what they're doing except just walking towards anything they can feast on. Besides that, I don't think zombies know how to strategise. They just roam and roam until they see some unlucky bastard, and they'll go towards that person. After devouring the person, they'll start wondering what is next. I don't think they have any direction. But they'll try to scare you and attack you so that you are helpless. I can't imagine working for a place like that. Maybe it's called Zombie Berhad.

Fly Me to the Moon

aww...bye bye Angkasawan...come back soon...bye bye..Selamat Hari Raya!

Lambai la Dr Faiz...come on wave with me. Next time Malaysia send you up to space okay? Don't you worry. Malaysia "Boleh" one. Sure got money to spare to send you. Otherwise all your training for nothing.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (in background), the first Malaysian to travel to space. Our very own astronaut or cosmonaut (or in our own lingo - Angkasawan). Not "Angasawan" ya. Hee hee. Oh oh..and what are the chances of some S&M in space? Apparently fellow spacemate, Commander Peggy Whitson, was presented with a horse whip. Waduh! Ini baru lah...bring "Boleh"ness beyond the world. Pun intended.

10/10/07...what an auspicious day. The First Malaysian to the moon. It's also my dad's birthday. And my cash loan from the ahlong oso approve same day! I lubbb it man!

But in all seriousness we wish Dr Sheikh all the best...lucky bastard. *grin*

Dun trick me wor...

I found the following article, which was printed in the paper a while back, in my "forwarded email" folder:

KUALA LUMPUR : A cash reward of up to RM100 and a letter of commendation will be given to police personnel who arrest anyone who attempts to bribe them. Acting Inspector-General of Police Datuk Musa Hassan said the reward would be for Traffic, Criminal Investigations Department and Narcotics Department police personnel. He added that the reward was to spur policemen to uphold the integrity of the force. "The reward offer is also to let our men know that we appreciate them for their honesty and loyalty." We also hope to inculcate in our men that accepting bribes is a very serious offence and does not pay," he added. In Kuantan, Pahang police chief Datuk Ramli Yusuff said the cash reward would be double the bribe offered and up to a maximum of RM100. Ramli told Bernama that the reward would be paid after the person who offered the bribe had been charged and the case concluded in the courts. "I will personally hand over the reward to the police personnel concerned," he said, adding that the incentive would be paid from the Pahang Police Fund. Earlier, at the monthly parade held at state police headquarters, Ramli said L/Kpl Bakri Pandak Ahmad of the Kuantan traffic police was rewarded with RM100 last month for arresting a man who had offered him a RM50 bribe.

Hmm..."..the cash reward would be double the bribe offered..." hmm...I dunno man...sounds like entrapment to me...