Torn

Yay, pekse dah habis. The least prepared exams I've ever experienced. I hope everything will go well. We'll see.

Untuk mereleasekan tensyen, as soon as I got back, I went Youtubing. I came across this video. I've seen his performance before but this was the full length version. Since I didn't know what else to do, I've been spending the rest of the afternoon practicing his interpretative mime-dance of Natalie Imbruglia's Torn. I think I've mastered almost the entire dance. Hahaha.

Revision

My lips began to dry up a few days ago. It must've been the change of weather. So I bought a lip balm stick from the pharmacy near my house. I asked for the cheapest one that they have. They gave me one without a brand.

So today as I did my revision for the upcoming mid-semester exams, I placed my lip balm on my table since my lips keep drying up every half an hour or so. When you do your revision or homework, you'll always have this pause where you stare at something without any reason and your thoughts start to drift away. It goes from 'how do I solve question number 3' to 'what is the VAT rate again?' to 'isn't it a bit cold today?' and finally you realise something interesting about the thing that you were staring at while you were drifted in your thoughts. Which was when I realised the brand of my lip balm. It was the cheapest in the store so it's not something like Neutrogena or Nivea. It was 'Le Stick De Mon Pharmacien'. When I realised this I couldn't help letting out a huge laugh. Thank God I was at home and not in the library. I mean, how can you not laugh at the thought of putting 'my pharmacist's stick' on your lips every half an hour?

Spring is in the air. I know this might sound crazy, but I wish winter could be just a little bit longer.

Ini semua kerja orang gila punyalah - Samy Velu

Did you watch Buletin Utama today? Is this what they call free and fair elections with equal access to media? 30 minutes was spent on presenting and explaining the ruling party's manifesto, while 6 minutes was spent condemning two opposition parties' manifestos.

I just realise that it really is a David and Goliath battle. It is and it has always been. It's a wonder how the oppositions can get away with seats all these while. With the propaganda machine attacking the people's mind from every corner, getting just one vote is already a miracle.

Not only we're being psychologically attacked from newspapers and TV, they have also started using the Internet as a weapon. I'm not talking about blogs. I'm talking about the roll-over ads on Hotmail. The banner spans on top of the page, and as your mouse rolls over the banner, the ruling party's video is automatically launched. It's really annoying and it's very hard to avoid rolling over the ad. Do you know if we can like ask Hotmail for a different ad?

I'm feeling whelmed. Just whelmed.

Last Monday we had a meeting with our student adviser in Paris. Glad to see that Brian is still very much alive. Almost everyone was there. Each of us had an individual session with her and I didn't really mind that since I had nothing to hide or worry about. Plus, it was a paid trip to Paris.

I didn't ask much during the session. I was told that we'll be getting a balik-rumah-for-good allowance, and that my allowances would stop in July. I asked if I could start working as early as June and substitute my internship or at least do my internship with Petronas. She said that working might be a difficult option since to start working I'll need my last results transcript when I report for duty. As for the internship thingy, I would have to follow the usual procedures. I've actually thought of following the usual procedures and I have actually found the forms that I need to fill in (and I must tell you that they are very well hidden on the Petronas website), but the problem is, I am required to enclose a certification or a testimonial with my university stamp. Petronas said they would not accept any certificate that has not been stamped. My university said, all certificates must be stamped by the company before getting the university's stamp. So it all ends up with the chicken and egg question.

As for the work interview, it will be held from 26 to 29 March. It sounded like Educamp. I'll have to pass an IQ test, a group/teamwork assessment, and finally the individual interview; very much like Educamp. This means that I will not be in class for the whole week. Monday 24 is a holiday, I'll need to get to London on the 25, 26 is the IQ test, 27 or 28 is the interview, and 29 is the annual briefing a.k.a makan besar. So unless I go back on either 27 or 28 (the day I won't be interviewed), I will miss all of my classes that week. But I don't think my will power is that strong to actually go back.

Apa-apa pun I am too young to start working.



Joe Dassin, l'été indien, the first french song that we learned in class. Aihh, memories.




This video reminds me the time when my classmates asked me words in Malay.

How do you say a break in Malay?

Rehat

Hewa

Rehat

Heha

Re-Hat

He-Hat

Rrrrreeee

Lé

Hat

At

Rrrehat

Hehat

R-E-H-A-T Rehat

Ghe'at

Close enough.

To be read before going to vote

When Kelantan fell to PAS for the first time in 1990 I thought that's it, we're screwed. There goes our free text books, scholarships and no more development for this state.

By Afif Rais

Although I was born in Kuala Lumpur, I spent most my childhood growing up in Pasir Mas and Machang in Kelantan. My mom and my grandma especially, was a staunch supporter of UMNO and BN themselves. Naturally I was brought up to believe that UMNO/BN is good and the opposition PAS/Semangat 46/PKR or whatever is bad. Not to mention the fact that the government controlled media had been brainwashing us young ones with BN propaganda ever since I can remember.

When Kelantan fell to PAS for the first time in 1990 I thought that's it, we're screwed. There goes our free text books, scholarships and no more development for this state. Funnily enough, nothing of the sort happened though. We still get our free text books. I still get my scholarship when I got into boarding school and the state did progress over the years although not as much as other states especially on the west coast.

As I grow up and crossover from adolescent into adulthood, I didn't care much about politics. I didn't bother to register myself as a voter cause I thought BN was going to win and continue to rule the country anyway. Nevertheless I still see myself as pro-government and pro-UMNO and view the opposition with much suspicion. That of course thanks to the pro-government mass media.

But it all changed last year at around the time the PM announced his marriage to his current wife. I was curious to know about Jean Danker so I googled up her name and I stumbled upon this revealing article on Malaysia Today.net written buy a man named RPK. Now I RPK didn't actually paint a rosy picture about the PM or his future wife and I was curious why he doesn't like our PM so much and what the PM did to deserve such treatment. So I went to the Malaysia Today.net website and started reading every article posted there from the beginning to the end. On that fateful day my political believes changed almost overnight.

Unlike other politically aligned media, Malaysia Today provides a fair and impartial views to both sides, the government and the opposition. Although I must admit they did a lot more government bashing these days, the opposition is also not spared. True to it's tag line, Malaysia Today is the undisputed, credible source of independent news for the country.

If you're a foreigner and you'd like to know the real deal about Malaysia, don't go to the popular news website like The Star or NST, come to Malaysia Today.net instead. There you'll be fed with a censored,pro-government and toned down version of all events and happenings in the country. Malaysia Today.net meanwhile provides uncensored, no holds barred and the real news of what's happening in Malaysia today.

Take the recent rally held by Bersih (Coalition for Clean and Fair Election) for example. I read with disgust what the mainstream media wrote (or lack of) about the event. They played down the event like almost nothing happened. Only 1000 people came out to the streets? Who're they kidding? If you just do a little bit of googling on the Internet you can see the numbers should easily surpass the 40000-45000 marks from the pictures shown by the alternative media or the foreign press.

It's no secret that these papers are controlled by BN component parties like UMNO and MCA but they have just destroyed any tract of credibility and professionalism left by choosing not to publish what really happened on that historic day. I used to be a regular NST reader and I read The Star from time to time but since the Bersih fiasco, I stopped buying or reading those papers altogether. Let's not kid ourselves. There's no such thing as press freedom in this country.

Why I won't vote for BN.

Politics is a very dirty world. Be it the government or the opposition you must get your hands dirty the moment you stepped into politics. It is just from my point of view, the BN-led government is much more corrupt and dirty than the opposition because they holds the power. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Now I didn't make that up, I read it from somewhere. That's why we need the opposition for the sake of democracy.

If we don't have any opposition than the ruling party can do whatever they want. They can bulldoze a bill through parliament, appoint any judge in their favor, arrest and lock up anybody who speaks out they mind or dare to let out the truth. Heck even if they wish to sell off the country to Singapore they also can because who's going to stop them? We need the opposition to provide some checks and balance in the running of the country.

Another reason why I wont vote for BN is because of their extremely arrogant leaders. Take Nazri Aziz for example. During the beginning of the Lingam video clip controversy he casually boasted that you don't need to go to the streets to protest against the government. If you don't like the present government, vote them out in the next general election. Trust me Mr. Minister guy, that's exactly what I and like-minded people will do in this upcoming election.

I can name a few other equally arrogant and foul-mouthed ministers and BN leaders like ZAM, Tengku Adnan, Ali Rustam, Mohamad Taib, Samy Vellu, and KJ for example. KJ even has a special name for us bloggers, monkeys. Well I've got news for you dude, us monkeys are the ones who will take over the country's leadership in the future. We hold the power to decide who runs the country next and unlike our ignorant, brainwashed forefathers and people in rural areas, we got our news from the Internet. Unlike them, we're immune from the BN government propaganda that have been etched in our forefathers head for generations.

I believe in the some not too distant future from now, when the Internet reaches out every corner of the country and every facet of society, people will stop reading, watching and listening to BN controlled mass media. Then, people will know the corrupt practices of their beloved BN leaders, scandals, lies, cover-ups, mass accumulation of wealth from the tax-payers money, everything the rakyat is blissfully ignorant about now would surface and then the truth would prevail.

If only my folks in Gua Musang, Lipis, Chemor, Mukah or Beaufort, in short everybody in rural areas of the country has access to Malaysia Today.net, I won't be surprised if the BN government is toppled in the next general election.

Time to change

All my life I have been a BN/UMNO supporter and deep inside I still do.

It's just that for now I have absolutely no faith on the current administration. I greatly admire what Tun Dr. Mahathir did for the country and although his not a saint, you have to admit that he's a visionary and he knows which direction to guide the country to in the best interest of the people.

At least he doesn't flip-flop with his decisions or let his son in law runs the country for him.

I still can't recall what the current PM did for the country for the past 4 years. Turn Malaysia into an economic powerhouse in the region? Nah, Mahathir did that. Lead the OIC and NAM? That's Mahathir's legacy too. Envisioned Malaysia as a developed country in 2020? Wait, that's Mahathir's doing too.

What I can recall is the PM wasting billions of ringgit of the people's money on some obscure boat-race, hike up the fuel's price and toll rates, bow down to the Singaporeans, go for holidays in his private jet bought with people's money, send one damn lucky tourist into space on some more people's money and introduce his very own brand of Islam which nobody understands. Let's not go into the part where he sleeps during meetings and functions, I mean whoever does that? He's the butt of jokes of other countries for goodness' sake!

So guys if you think the country is in good and capable hands, the economy is burgeoning and well and you can walk on the streets without fear for your safety, think again. Take a moment to see what's really happening in this country at Malaysia-Today.net. It is not as rosy as what the BN-controlled mass-media painted in their newspapers, radio and TV stations.

I don't exactly follow what RPK wrote like a gospel but this guy don't just go posting any bullshit on his site, he's got pages and pages of rock-solid proof to boot. If only half of what he wrote is true than the country is going to the dogs. Imagine the country's top policeman is a crook, in cahoots with underworld crime lords. I shudder to think if all of them are true.

This coming election I'll be voting for the first time ever and I assure I won't be voting for any party with a scale as their symbol.

Now is the time to show those arrogant BN leaders that we the people who holds the power to decide who runs the country. They say the opposition is not capable of running the country but we'll never know until we tried right? Although I think it's almost impossible to have a new non-BN government this time, at least we can give BN the beating of their life.

I'm calling all my friends, fellow Kelantanese working outside the state, KL, Selangor, Johore, Penang, wherever, let us go home and vote BN out. Mari kita pakat kelik dan ngundi PAS! If some BN or UMNO people approach you offering means of transportation to go home, just take them! Just remember on polling day let us vote for any party other than BN. Let's give them a taste of their own medicine. They think we're stupid or something?

In 2004 we have BN members doing door to door visits giving folks clothes, kain pelikat and stuff sometimes with money folded up nicely inside, sometimes not. You know what my folks back home did? They don't mind receiving the clothes and the money, after all they're just donations right? But on election day they'll still vote for PAS and have a nice big laugh at those BN losers.

We people of Kelantan don't care so much about your so-called development and progress. We're content with what we already have and are more concerned with the life hereafter.

I don't want my beloved Pasir Mas to turn into some faceless bustling urban setting like PJ or JB. I want my beloved Pasir Mas to retain it's charming idyllic ambiance, no skyscrapers, no traffic jam, very little crime, everything is laid back and relaxed where people and neighbors still cares and look after each other.

Pade doh AAB, KJ, Najib and their cronies hijacking the country's wealth and lying to the people.

Let's give the opposition a chance. We have nothing to loose and so much to gain. They say the PAS government didn't create enough jobs for it's people that's why thousands move to big cities like KL, JB and Penang to make a living. I say have you counted the number of people who hail from Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Melaka and Sabah who did the same? It's quite normal for people to flock to urban areas like KL, JB and Penang to look for better job opportunities. Just like in Indonesia where people flock to Jakarta, New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta in India and Hong Kong and Shang Hai in China.

We bloggers are not all anti-government or pro-opposition. We represent the new generation of open-minded and learned young Malaysian who speaks out our mind because we care for the country and would like to correct what's wrong it. Gone were the days where they can spoon-fed us with propaganda through the print or electronic media. Today's youth have unrestricted access to free and independent news and information from all over the world. We are not opposed to progress and development but we are against any form of oppressive government who thinks they can control and shape our minds with brute force or threats. We're against corrupt and dishonest leaders and we certainly have a very low tolerant for bullshit.

I think ZAM and KJ have really underestimated the power and roles played by bloggers like you and me. They've certainly messed up big time by stereo-typing and name-calling bloggers. If you scour around the Malaysian blog scene today you'll find more anti-establishment bloggers than pro-government ones. Yesterday the pen is still mightier than the sword, today the keyboard can do much more damage than the sharpest razor blade. The future lies in our hand and let's us say exactly what we had in mind by going out in forces to vote for a change in this coming election.

A well written article.

Bienvenue chez les ch'tis

Il a l'air bien celui-là

iThink therefore iVote

"...you have to make a choice between what's right and what's easy..."
Albus Dumbledore

The parliament was dissolved today which means soon enough, Malaysians will be called out to cast their votes. I really wished that the dissolution would be made much much later, say in the 4th quarter of this year, so that I'll have the time to register, and have my name gazetted in the electoral roll, and finally participate in my first ever elections. I really do hope that all my friends who are of the voting age, have all registered themselves as voters and that they'll perform their rights as a citizen when the time comes.

Today, I will not write on where I stand on the political ground, but rather on the election process itself. Having followed passionately the 2007 presidential and legislative elections in France, I believe that the Malaysian elections need to be touched up here and there to ensure fairness in the process.

1. Electoral campaign posters.
In Malaysia, there would be no elections without the war of posters. Every single inch of space especially in towns is infested with posters from all camps. The placement of the posters is not only a sore to the eye but sometimes they prove to be hazardous. They are also a waste of money as most of the posters and flags will all be disposed after the elections. The elections are not about whom put up the most posters or flag, but it's about the candidates and what they believe in. The point of putting up posters is to tell people who is running for the election. You don't need to have one in every corner.

In France, the town hall determines places where the candidates are allowed to put up their posters. And in these places, the town hall will erect removable billboards, one for each candidate. Not only this will limit the amount of rubbish at the end of the elections, it'll also make cleaning up after the election easier. It's fair for everyone, not wasting money, and eco-friendly.

2. Access to media.
Give the chance to all parties to explain what are their projects. Yes you may have good ideas about how you want to run the country, but what if someone else has a better idea? I mean, at the end of the day, we're talking about the country and its future. A true gentleman will fight his opponent with justice. If you have a gun, and your opponent does not, either throw away yours and fight with your fists, or get him one, and challenge him to a duel. A good decision can only be made if all the necessary informations are given. Without the access to media, most people will be misinformed and will not be able to make the right decision. Sure the Internet is available as a free medium, but not everyone has access to it.

Come election season, each party's airtime is regulated by the French Election Commission. The airtime is determined based on the party's previous elections results. The more votes they got in the previous elections, the more airtime they'll get. In addition to that, every night before the prime time news, each political party is given between 2 to 5 minutes to present their manifestos. Same goes with the print media, the number of articles on each party is regulated by the EC. This is what fair elections is about.

3. Debates
Have you seen a Malaysian politician in a debate with their opponents before? My point exactly

Debates are important to make sure that the manifestos are not mere rhetorical statements. It's wonderful to hear that you'll fight corruption, you'll clean up the judiciary, you'll increase the purchasing power of every household, but what we want to know is HOW are you going to do all that? If you have a debate, you are obliged to know every detail of your manifesto in order to answer your opponent's questions and challenges. And it's also your chance to ridicule your opponent if he has a weak manifesto. In 2007, the day before the presidential debate, Sarkozy and Royal were both tied at 50% in the public survey. But when Royal appeared somewhat clueless on some points of her manifesto, her popularity dropped to 48% the next day and finally lost the elections with 47% of the votes.

There are other points which I think Malaysia still needs improvements. For example, election results as early as 8pm, citizens overseas can cast their votes (currently only embassy workers and army personnels are allowed to do so), and ultimately, non race-based politics.

Whatever it is, if you're registered, go to vote.

'A single grain of rice can tip the scale, one man can be the difference between victory and defeat.'
The emperor from Mulan

Les pièces jaunes, c'est pour Bernadette

I can actually feel that the end is near. Every moment of the day, not a single one passed without me thinking about something that has to do with the end; my final exams, my final end of studies internship, when to buy a ticket to go back, what to bring back, what to throw away, what to leave to others, where can I find boxes to put my stuff in, why do I have so many sweaters that I don't even knew that I had them. All these are juggling inside my head every second.

The real thing that's driving me nuts now is my internship. Once I've found one, I believe everything will fall into place. I'll know when to buy my tickets, when to start packing, etc. But until then, my mind is like a tangled slinky; you don't know where it ends neither where it begins.

Good news, winter break is coming up next week. Bad news, the exam week comes right after that. Good news, they've decided to cramp all the subjects towards the end of the week which makes the holidays a week and a half long. Bad news, the exam will be on everything including the first semester's syllabus. Good news, the pair of shoes that I want to buy is on sale and the state of my actual shoes gives me a good excuse to buy new ones. Bad news, wa talak luit.

Every time I hear this song, I'll always remember the memories I had in Colmar.

Selamat tinggal bungaku...

The decision has been made, the final word has been said, Petronas will not allow us to continue our studies in France. So I have about 3 to 5 months left to enjoy this escargot-crazy, wine-addict, cheese-maniac, baguette-loving, country where striking is the national sport. It all depends on whether I'll do my internship here or back home.

To continue or not to continue, that has always been the question I asked myself. I finally have the answer. When I first came here, I didn't even bother to think about furthering my studies in France or not. When I entered IUT, I began to think that entering a Grande Ecole or an Ecole de Commerce might be a good idea. When I was in my second year of IUT, I really wanted to enter an Ecole. When I began my Licence, somehow I have this burning desire to go home as soon as possible. A few months later I began to hesitate between the two options since I feel so comfortable at la Catho. And the question has been tormenting me for a few weeks, especially during the Christmas break.

Now that I know the verdict, am I glad? Yes, at least it cleared my head up. Not only I can now stop worrying whether to continue or not, I can also stop worrying which Ecole or Masters to choose should I continue and how am I going to prepare for the entrance exams. Am I more at rest right now? No, because I still have no idea of what lies ahead for me. Will I be employed? When will I start working? Where will I be working? How about my professional qualification? Who's going to pay for my professional qualification? When the heck would I study for my professional qualification? I'm afraid one of Murphy's Law is right: when you find the answer for one question, ten more will appear.

On the bright side, I'll be home for Raya.

At that age, people tend to do crazy things. Like going to France.

this country belongs to the people

I like this ad. Nice, simple, effective. But the end is a little bit corny.


English version