Access card. Checked.
Pedestal key. Checked.
Uniform. Checked.
Name tag. Checked.
Locker key. Checked.
Employment ID. Checked.
All duly returned.
Yesterday was the day I bade farewell to a place I called second home for one year and nine months.
No hard feelings. Just a breather of fresh air and rejuvenation, leaving memories behind.
In a week's time, I will have my new second home. Hope it will be all good. Although I'm sick, exam is in a few days' time and I have got tonnes yet to study, that won't crush my hopes! *sniff sniff*
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Typealyzer
This is another interesting online test specially created for bloggers. This test would analyze the content of your blog and deduce the type of writer that you are. The funny thing is, a disclaimer has been included in the webpage.
Note: writing style on a blog may have little or nothing to do with a person´s self-percieved personality.
Anyways, I still went for the Typealyzer and I got this.
The analysis indicates that the author of http://tomoharuka.blogspot.com is of the type:
ESTP - The Doers
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.
The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
Active and play-ful? That is so wrong! Impulsive and keen on starting something new than following it through? Maybe.
Well, at least part of the analysis is still reliable. And no, I'm definitely not in denial!
Note: writing style on a blog may have little or nothing to do with a person´s self-percieved personality.
Anyways, I still went for the Typealyzer and I got this.
The analysis indicates that the author of http://tomoharuka.blogspot.com is of the type:
ESTP - The Doers
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.
The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
Active and play-ful? That is so wrong! Impulsive and keen on starting something new than following it through? Maybe.
Well, at least part of the analysis is still reliable. And no, I'm definitely not in denial!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Bangkok Dangerous
Things havent been great recently. The economy downturn. The Mumbai Massacre. The Bangkok Emergency State. My credit crunch. Among other things.
The negativity around is so prevalent that it numbed myself to spur any thoughts in response to the recent happenings. Exam is coming but I barely touched my book. At the same time, I'm counting down my days left with my current employer. A concoction of weird emotions, thoughts and feelings is always brewing in my head, that the effects of such negates any sensation. I'm numbed to the core. Soul-less.
Then came along a surprise MSN session with a net pal. He is one of the poor souls who got stranded in Bangkok since the airports there were force to closed down due to demonstration. Gosh! It never occurred to me that I could be the one who got stucked in a foreign land when all I want is to go home! (of coure, being blasted off in a Mumbai street would be far worse than this!) It suddenly hit me that things are really BAD these days that I should start noticing them, attentively.
So there he went, having this unwanted extended version of his BKK holiday with his brothers. They have no where to go, but to stay in their hotel, where food and room are paid by the government (well, they should have!). They have nothing to do, but to make calls to the airline and their embassy, getting updates on their flight info and the status of the airport and the city (and of course, occasional MSN chats). Poor thing! Unlucky bunch! I couldn't imagine myself facing similar situation, for someone who doesn't even take down the embassy address or number before I travel out of the country! (but then again, who really does that?)
On another note, imagine the economic adversity that this incident could spin off. Endless compensation by the government and the airlines. People turning away from the city. Airlines cease to generate revenue due to flight suspensions. And the list goes on. Are these people out of their minds?
Anyways, my heart goes out to you, Hori. May you be safe and be able to leave the country ASAP.
The negativity around is so prevalent that it numbed myself to spur any thoughts in response to the recent happenings. Exam is coming but I barely touched my book. At the same time, I'm counting down my days left with my current employer. A concoction of weird emotions, thoughts and feelings is always brewing in my head, that the effects of such negates any sensation. I'm numbed to the core. Soul-less.
Then came along a surprise MSN session with a net pal. He is one of the poor souls who got stranded in Bangkok since the airports there were force to closed down due to demonstration. Gosh! It never occurred to me that I could be the one who got stucked in a foreign land when all I want is to go home! (of coure, being blasted off in a Mumbai street would be far worse than this!) It suddenly hit me that things are really BAD these days that I should start noticing them, attentively.
So there he went, having this unwanted extended version of his BKK holiday with his brothers. They have no where to go, but to stay in their hotel, where food and room are paid by the government (well, they should have!). They have nothing to do, but to make calls to the airline and their embassy, getting updates on their flight info and the status of the airport and the city (and of course, occasional MSN chats). Poor thing! Unlucky bunch! I couldn't imagine myself facing similar situation, for someone who doesn't even take down the embassy address or number before I travel out of the country! (but then again, who really does that?)
On another note, imagine the economic adversity that this incident could spin off. Endless compensation by the government and the airlines. People turning away from the city. Airlines cease to generate revenue due to flight suspensions. And the list goes on. Are these people out of their minds?
Anyways, my heart goes out to you, Hori. May you be safe and be able to leave the country ASAP.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Unexpected Calamity
After much anticipation from myself and my fellow ex-colleagues, I had finally tendered my resignation two days ago. I anticipated for obvious reasons, but for my ex-colleagues, they were more interested to find out how my VP would react to "betrayal" (as some has put it), especially since it was short after my promotion in July.
To my surprise, besides the subtle cold treatment that my VP gave me, nothing much "hype" had been created in the office. Entering day two since the letter had been submitted to my immediate superior, no "meet-up sessions" had been arranged, just yet. Somehow this unnerving "tranquility" is causing much anxiety. My immediate had been on leave ever since that day (what a coincidence!), making me wonder whether my letter has been passed on to the final authority (luckily I made a carbon copy for Human Resources). However news has been seeping through the office as some of my colleagues kept throwing questions at me discreetly. That made me the more confused. So is my resignation "official" yet? My VP is not doing anything to at least acknowledge that? Or my presence in the organisation is that insignificant, contrary to most of my ex-colleagues' belief? Could it be because a steady throng of people had been leaving the organisation since June that they had become so immune to "brain drain"?
All this is causing much unrest, which is far from what I had expected. I was imagining myself jumping in relief when the letter was finally off my hands. I was imagining myself counting down the days to enter a new working environment, meet new people, deal with new challenges and eventually lead a new life. Little did I know that transcending from an old to a new territory is that difficult.
Anyways, my heart still skips a beat whenever I think of my new job. Can't wait for 10th Dec 2008 to arrive.
To my surprise, besides the subtle cold treatment that my VP gave me, nothing much "hype" had been created in the office. Entering day two since the letter had been submitted to my immediate superior, no "meet-up sessions" had been arranged, just yet. Somehow this unnerving "tranquility" is causing much anxiety. My immediate had been on leave ever since that day (what a coincidence!), making me wonder whether my letter has been passed on to the final authority (luckily I made a carbon copy for Human Resources). However news has been seeping through the office as some of my colleagues kept throwing questions at me discreetly. That made me the more confused. So is my resignation "official" yet? My VP is not doing anything to at least acknowledge that? Or my presence in the organisation is that insignificant, contrary to most of my ex-colleagues' belief? Could it be because a steady throng of people had been leaving the organisation since June that they had become so immune to "brain drain"?
All this is causing much unrest, which is far from what I had expected. I was imagining myself jumping in relief when the letter was finally off my hands. I was imagining myself counting down the days to enter a new working environment, meet new people, deal with new challenges and eventually lead a new life. Little did I know that transcending from an old to a new territory is that difficult.
Anyways, my heart still skips a beat whenever I think of my new job. Can't wait for 10th Dec 2008 to arrive.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Contemplate 1027
Finally the project for October 2008 : my first attempt on acrylic has completed. It is entitled Contemplate 1027 for reasons only known to myself and the painting's intended owner. Yes, it seems only natural to keep my "baby" in my possession, especially it's my first one. However, this painting was done with the intention of making it as a gift (hope it is not too tacky!). As a matter of fact, it will be handed to the intended owner in a few hours' time! The thought of seeing my gift's reception displayed on the expression of the face of the intended owner is already making me jumping on my seat!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Preview: Forget-Me-Not
Don't get me wrong, this is not another online personality test like What Flower Are You. This is the title of a Malaysian/Japanese co-production film project that won the top Pusan Award at the recent 13th Pusan International Film Fest!
Yasmin Ahmad had once again made us so proud to come up tops out of 300 entries and 30 finalists to be awarded a whopping $20,000 seed money to proceed with the film project.
Thanks to Kousuke Ono's (the nephew of Yoko Ono) eye for recognising what a true gem Yasmin is, and of course his determination to strike a collaboration with her, what Yasmin might initially thought of the invitation from Ono-san as a mere friendly gesture eventually became reality.
Inspired by her minor Japanese origins, Yasmin submitted to Ono a simple sypnosis about a Malay girl by the name of Inom, whose ailing grandmother is a Japanese, prompted her to find her way to Japan to learn about her roots. Little did she know that this simple sypnosis had not just brought her the opportunity to embark on a international film collaboration, but also a ticket to the Asia's biggest film festival and capital of $20,000 for the film!
Congrats, Kak Yasmin! As you aptly put it, this is really a sudden, unexpected and unplanned blossoming of one Forget-Me-Not!
So I will have another film under her belt to look forward to.
On another note, Muallaf is finally showing on the silver screen, albeit it being in Singapore first, yet again!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sweet Reunion
I attended a wedding dinner of an ex-colleague of mine on Saturday night, which happened to be the first wedding dinner invitation that was addressed personally to me (the wedding dinners I attended were usually my relatives' so they were addressed to my parents). Gosh I'm getting OLD enough to receive such invites! Soon enough I will be bombarded by questions about my marriage and all!
Anyways, this ex-colleague of mine was rather my supervisor when I had a short stint of 2-month period in this locally listed hospitality company back in early 2007. I was totally surprised to receive her sms one day telling me that she was getting married (after all she was only a year elder, which was even more surprising as it was so young for her to be getting married at the age of 25, at least to me it is!). It had been a while since we kept in contact, and that was the first thing I heard about her! A pleasant surprise indeed!
As I do not have my own transport, arrangements were made such that one of my other ex colleagues could car pool. Yet another pleasant moment through out the journey as we were catching up fervently.
There was a full table at the dinner dedicated to all her ex colleagues from the same place. It was wonderful to see some of the familiar faces, and amazingly most of them remembered me although I only worked there for such a short time! (At least some remembered my face though not my name haha!) And to think that 8o% of the occupants at the table had already moved on to work somewhere else, isn't calling this occasion a reunion befitting? :)
So soon enough, bantering and catching up had started even before the first dish was served. All I could say that this was the least boring and quiet wedding dinner I'd been to!
Yet, the dinner wasnt the end of all after a near 2-year hiatus. Coincidentally it was the birthday of one of my ex colleagues. Thus, after dinner, 4 of the closer us continued with a drinking session and a simple birthday celebration at this cosy cafe somewhere in wangsa maju with amazingly friendly servers. We ended up playing pool until 2 in the morning!
Those where the times when I truly enjoyed myself. No stress, no hiccups, just simple laughthers and ridiculuos jokes!
Till the next reunion!
FY, wish you eternal happiness with your loved ones, and jolly marriage!
On another note, do not give up, Isaac. Learn your mistakes and you'll be on your way to realise your dream. Forget about being a "Sunny Pretty Boy"!
Anyways, this ex-colleague of mine was rather my supervisor when I had a short stint of 2-month period in this locally listed hospitality company back in early 2007. I was totally surprised to receive her sms one day telling me that she was getting married (after all she was only a year elder, which was even more surprising as it was so young for her to be getting married at the age of 25, at least to me it is!). It had been a while since we kept in contact, and that was the first thing I heard about her! A pleasant surprise indeed!
As I do not have my own transport, arrangements were made such that one of my other ex colleagues could car pool. Yet another pleasant moment through out the journey as we were catching up fervently.
There was a full table at the dinner dedicated to all her ex colleagues from the same place. It was wonderful to see some of the familiar faces, and amazingly most of them remembered me although I only worked there for such a short time! (At least some remembered my face though not my name haha!) And to think that 8o% of the occupants at the table had already moved on to work somewhere else, isn't calling this occasion a reunion befitting? :)
So soon enough, bantering and catching up had started even before the first dish was served. All I could say that this was the least boring and quiet wedding dinner I'd been to!
Yet, the dinner wasnt the end of all after a near 2-year hiatus. Coincidentally it was the birthday of one of my ex colleagues. Thus, after dinner, 4 of the closer us continued with a drinking session and a simple birthday celebration at this cosy cafe somewhere in wangsa maju with amazingly friendly servers. We ended up playing pool until 2 in the morning!
Those where the times when I truly enjoyed myself. No stress, no hiccups, just simple laughthers and ridiculuos jokes!
Till the next reunion!
FY, wish you eternal happiness with your loved ones, and jolly marriage!
On another note, do not give up, Isaac. Learn your mistakes and you'll be on your way to realise your dream. Forget about being a "Sunny Pretty Boy"!
Beware of this fraudster!
To the owner of mobile phone number 016-2165498:
May you come to your senses when you start calling people up and tell them that you work for some credit card governing body that wants to send out to back up card for card users.
There is no reason for such a "governing body" to send out "back up" credit cards when the users do not even require them.
It is not logical that such "governing body" would need to inquire about credit card details over the phone when they should have access to such information via issuing banks.
I believe Malaysian mobile service providers are not so advanced, yet, that they would provide recording facilities for teleconversations through their mobile line.
So please come to your senses as I am not as gullible as you think. I hope others out there are not as well.
I sincerely hope you would stop this act. Your religion is strongly against cheating. Five prayers a day will not save you from your sin.
May you come to your senses when you start calling people up and tell them that you work for some credit card governing body that wants to send out to back up card for card users.
There is no reason for such a "governing body" to send out "back up" credit cards when the users do not even require them.
It is not logical that such "governing body" would need to inquire about credit card details over the phone when they should have access to such information via issuing banks.
I believe Malaysian mobile service providers are not so advanced, yet, that they would provide recording facilities for teleconversations through their mobile line.
So please come to your senses as I am not as gullible as you think. I hope others out there are not as well.
I sincerely hope you would stop this act. Your religion is strongly against cheating. Five prayers a day will not save you from your sin.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Lily?
You Are A Lily |
 You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist. People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you. You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words. Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize. |
I happened to come across this test today. There weren't many questions to answer, so I was wondering how did the test could come to the conclusion that my personality is akin to a lily, which translates into the description above. So I guess there weren't a lot of flowers to represent the minimal possibilities and limited array of characters.
Neways, lily is not bad a flower.
So what flower are you?
Monday, October 06, 2008
Project for October 2008
This is a new "project" that I'm going to embark on this month.Never in my life that I had done acrylic before. I did oil painting ONCE but that was in primary school and it was on normal drawing paper! This is the "starter kit" that I bought on Sunday, and I even did away with the varnish and medium. So it's bare minimal!
The outcome will be revealed when my masterpiece is done in two weeks time. It's a bit too short to work on a "masterpiece" but that's the only time I have.
Haha, Mondrian in the making! (Oops, did he do acrylic before?)
Sunday, October 05, 2008
红色炸弹
昨天晚上，我连夜把剩余八集的“命中注定我爱你”给看完（惊人吧！），心中泛起不少涟漪，甚至连睡梦中，那首甜蜜到不行的主题曲也一直在脑里回响着。
相遇，第一次是偶然，第二次是必然，第三次是命中注定。
然而，在现实生活中，又有什么事物是可以让人有百分之百的把握与掌控权呢？
但是，有时候沉溺在虚幻的偶像剧世界，就因为在观看的前提就已经能预知完美幸福的结局收场，所以个中男女主角所面对的艰辛，对观众而言也能变得轻松自如。苦尽甘来，似乎已成了这虚幻世界里不变的定律。也就因为这样，我对人生的观望，有时也变得乐观一些。
忽然想起，前阵子，我受到了有史以来第一枚冲着我而来的红色炸弹，来自于一名比我年长一岁的前女同事。
这枚炸弹，其实来的并不意外。只是，它敲响了我年龄的警报。它意味着，我亦即将步入适婚的年龄；也意味着，我亦即将得面对及承受新的压力与困扰。原来，我也开始老了！
在此，祝愿这对新人白头偕老。我想信，红色炸弹的攻击陆续有来。
相遇，第一次是偶然，第二次是必然，第三次是命中注定。
然而，在现实生活中，又有什么事物是可以让人有百分之百的把握与掌控权呢？
但是，有时候沉溺在虚幻的偶像剧世界，就因为在观看的前提就已经能预知完美幸福的结局收场，所以个中男女主角所面对的艰辛，对观众而言也能变得轻松自如。苦尽甘来，似乎已成了这虚幻世界里不变的定律。也就因为这样，我对人生的观望，有时也变得乐观一些。
忽然想起，前阵子，我受到了有史以来第一枚冲着我而来的红色炸弹，来自于一名比我年长一岁的前女同事。
这枚炸弹，其实来的并不意外。只是，它敲响了我年龄的警报。它意味着，我亦即将步入适婚的年龄；也意味着，我亦即将得面对及承受新的压力与困扰。原来，我也开始老了！
在此，祝愿这对新人白头偕老。我想信，红色炸弹的攻击陆续有来。
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Exhaustion
I've been really busy lately.
My cashier ran away so I'm covering cashier's work apart from mine.
My assistant was on mc for 2 days so I had to cover her work as well.
I've been attending interviews very frequently lately, be it during working hours, after working hours or even on my leave day. I'm looking forward to hearing good news.
I had to complete a 8000-word thesis for my bachelor degree, and I am so glad that I had finally posted it to UK today! I'm praying hard that DHL wouldnt have any delay.
I've been attending classes twice a week on weekday evenings, and it's totally exhausting!
Gosh I need a break!
My cashier ran away so I'm covering cashier's work apart from mine.
My assistant was on mc for 2 days so I had to cover her work as well.
I've been attending interviews very frequently lately, be it during working hours, after working hours or even on my leave day. I'm looking forward to hearing good news.
I had to complete a 8000-word thesis for my bachelor degree, and I am so glad that I had finally posted it to UK today! I'm praying hard that DHL wouldnt have any delay.
I've been attending classes twice a week on weekday evenings, and it's totally exhausting!
Gosh I need a break!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Morning Package
Was out late for the past two nights. Thought I wouldn't have any sort of Mooncake Festival-related rituals this year. Instead I had dinner with Shane, Robin and Edward last night, and later a not-so-crazy night out with Robin and some newly met acquaintances at Marketplace. All my plans to complete my RAP went down the drain.
In order to make up for time lost (which was barely comparable), I sacrificed my beauty sleep and woke up shortly after 5 hours or so.
I thought I heard my phone ringing while I was in the shower. Who could be calling me so early on a Sunday morning, before 10am? My mom usually does her routine weekly beep at 11. Curiosity did not get over me as I needed my shower to freshen up. Then, with only a towel wrapped around my waist, I looked at my handphone, and stumbled.
A missed call from a person that I least expected to do so.
Then came along an SMS. My heart skipped a beat when I read it.
Apparently, AT had delivered a package for me and left it on my doorstep, telling me how AT remembered me enjoying mooncake with lotus paste served with tea.
My brain was frozen for a moment as I was just recouping from my hangover. Then I came round and realised the gravity of the SMS. Slowly I walk towards the locked maindoor, still hesistating to open it, afraid that AT would show up together with the package. Then, like someone who is hiding from some crazy debt collector, I peeped through the window behind the curtain, just to reassure myself that AT is no where near to be seen.
With my lightest movements, I unlocked the door, looked at the carrier bag on floor, stumbled again for another second, then took the bag with much hesistation and glanced around the corridor, finally locked the door again and rested on my bed with the carrier bag in my room.
In the bag was a box of mooncakes, all with lotus paste; 2 paper lanterns and a box of candles; and paper-wrapped fried radish cake, still warm. I guess the latter was meant for my breakfast, one of my preferred snacks to buy when visiting night market.
I told myself to stay still and calm, but tears were welling up in my eyes. This is more than just a friendly gesture, which, to me is inappropriate and untimely.
AT, I hope you would move on as I already have. Please stay strong and healthy. I hope the treatments are doing you good. You shall have my blessings. I guess that is the least that I can do for now, nothing more.
Dear, please give me strength!
On another note, Happy Mooncake / Mid-Autumn Festival to everyone.
In order to make up for time lost (which was barely comparable), I sacrificed my beauty sleep and woke up shortly after 5 hours or so.
I thought I heard my phone ringing while I was in the shower. Who could be calling me so early on a Sunday morning, before 10am? My mom usually does her routine weekly beep at 11. Curiosity did not get over me as I needed my shower to freshen up. Then, with only a towel wrapped around my waist, I looked at my handphone, and stumbled.
A missed call from a person that I least expected to do so.
Then came along an SMS. My heart skipped a beat when I read it.
Apparently, AT had delivered a package for me and left it on my doorstep, telling me how AT remembered me enjoying mooncake with lotus paste served with tea.
My brain was frozen for a moment as I was just recouping from my hangover. Then I came round and realised the gravity of the SMS. Slowly I walk towards the locked maindoor, still hesistating to open it, afraid that AT would show up together with the package. Then, like someone who is hiding from some crazy debt collector, I peeped through the window behind the curtain, just to reassure myself that AT is no where near to be seen.
With my lightest movements, I unlocked the door, looked at the carrier bag on floor, stumbled again for another second, then took the bag with much hesistation and glanced around the corridor, finally locked the door again and rested on my bed with the carrier bag in my room.
In the bag was a box of mooncakes, all with lotus paste; 2 paper lanterns and a box of candles; and paper-wrapped fried radish cake, still warm. I guess the latter was meant for my breakfast, one of my preferred snacks to buy when visiting night market.
I told myself to stay still and calm, but tears were welling up in my eyes. This is more than just a friendly gesture, which, to me is inappropriate and untimely.
AT, I hope you would move on as I already have. Please stay strong and healthy. I hope the treatments are doing you good. You shall have my blessings. I guess that is the least that I can do for now, nothing more.
Dear, please give me strength!
On another note, Happy Mooncake / Mid-Autumn Festival to everyone.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Is this an act of JUSTICE?
In times of political instability and economic turmoil, they had to do this.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng were arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) here and in Penang.
The first person to be picked up was Raja Petra, 58, from his house in Sungai Buloh near here, followed by Tan, 32, who was arrested from her house in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Teresa, 43, was detained at 11.20pm as she was on her way home in a car.
All of them were arrested under Section 73(1) of the ISA for allegedly being a threat to security, peace and public order.
A team of police officers from Bukit Aman arrived at Raja Petra’s house at 1.10pm and led him away 40 minutes later.
The team also took some 15 VCDs on ceramah held by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as 16 books.
Last week, the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) and several Muslim bodies lodged a police report against Raja Petra, who is already facing criminal defamation charges for allegedly insulting the Malays, Muslims and Islam.
In a statement, Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said Raja Petra was arrested based on surveillance that showed that he was involved in activities that could cause unrest among the multi-racial and multi-religious society of the country.
Tan, who was picked up at 8.40pm, was taken from her house in Taman Seri Rambai in Bukit Mertajam to the state police headquarters on the island.
Tan, 32, reported former Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s racist remarks while campaigning for the Permatang Pauh by-election.
Lee Kelvin from Guang Ming and Tan Ming Xao from Nanyang Siang Pau, who had vouched for the accuracy of Tan’s report had gone into hiding.
Kok, 43, who is also state assemblyman for Kinrara and the senior Selangor state executive councillor, was picked up over an alleged involvement with a resident’s petition over a mosque.
Acting Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar confirmed the arrests of Tan and Kok.
Under the Section, police are empowered to detain the trio for a period of 60 days after which the Home Minister can decide on further detention.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar admitted that the decision to detain people and issue show cause letters would be unpopular and would be criticised but it had to be done.
“While we may want to be popular, freedom without responsibilities has ramifications.
“We have to take action to protect the wishes of the majority,” he said.
Syed Hamid also said Raja Petra had been warned on many occasions in the last two years.
“Now, with so much public uneasiness, we do not want anything that can threaten peace in the country.
“The police looked at all aspects and, under present circumstances, the actions were necessary,” he added.
Source: The Star, 13 September 2008.
Click here
What can I say. Hope you don't worry too much about your aunt, Tweety.
Well, I shall not say much here. ISA is looming over.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng were arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) here and in Penang.
The first person to be picked up was Raja Petra, 58, from his house in Sungai Buloh near here, followed by Tan, 32, who was arrested from her house in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Teresa, 43, was detained at 11.20pm as she was on her way home in a car.
All of them were arrested under Section 73(1) of the ISA for allegedly being a threat to security, peace and public order.
A team of police officers from Bukit Aman arrived at Raja Petra’s house at 1.10pm and led him away 40 minutes later.
The team also took some 15 VCDs on ceramah held by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as 16 books.
Last week, the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) and several Muslim bodies lodged a police report against Raja Petra, who is already facing criminal defamation charges for allegedly insulting the Malays, Muslims and Islam.
In a statement, Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said Raja Petra was arrested based on surveillance that showed that he was involved in activities that could cause unrest among the multi-racial and multi-religious society of the country.
Tan, who was picked up at 8.40pm, was taken from her house in Taman Seri Rambai in Bukit Mertajam to the state police headquarters on the island.
Tan, 32, reported former Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s racist remarks while campaigning for the Permatang Pauh by-election.
Lee Kelvin from Guang Ming and Tan Ming Xao from Nanyang Siang Pau, who had vouched for the accuracy of Tan’s report had gone into hiding.
Kok, 43, who is also state assemblyman for Kinrara and the senior Selangor state executive councillor, was picked up over an alleged involvement with a resident’s petition over a mosque.
Acting Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar confirmed the arrests of Tan and Kok.
Under the Section, police are empowered to detain the trio for a period of 60 days after which the Home Minister can decide on further detention.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar admitted that the decision to detain people and issue show cause letters would be unpopular and would be criticised but it had to be done.
“While we may want to be popular, freedom without responsibilities has ramifications.
“We have to take action to protect the wishes of the majority,” he said.
Syed Hamid also said Raja Petra had been warned on many occasions in the last two years.
“Now, with so much public uneasiness, we do not want anything that can threaten peace in the country.
“The police looked at all aspects and, under present circumstances, the actions were necessary,” he added.
Source: The Star, 13 September 2008.
Click here
What can I say. Hope you don't worry too much about your aunt, Tweety.
Well, I shall not say much here. ISA is looming over.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Preview: Talentime
I've always been a keen follower of Yasmin Ahmad's movies. From Sepet, Gubra to Mukhsin (Rabun was released before I got to know her, and Muallaf is yet to be released), I had never missed any of them in cinema, two of which were watched all by myself (now it's rare for me to catch a movie alone).
Yasmin Ahmad, a creative director of an advertising company, has made festive seasons advertorial campaigns such an enjoyable thing to watch on tv. Together with her creavitivity, sensitivity and interesting family background, she has created a series of featured films that I would see them as half-autobiographical.
The sensous cinematography and the simple yet beautiful storyline that intertwined with issues that are close to our hearts as Malaysians, certainly capture my interest effortlessly. What makes the movies even more beautiful are their subtlety and rawness. It is like seeping a cup of tea and enjoying everybit of its after taste, literally.
While anticipating the release of her fifth film, she has already started working on the next project, Talentime. The new film, which I have yet to find out its storyline, has a majority of newly discovered cast, including the hugely talented singer Jaclyn Victor! According to Yasmin's blog (click here), the shooting has been wrapped up in 12 days, and is entirely shot in my beloved hometown, Ipoh! Well, most of her movies, if not all, are shot entirely in this beautiful, underdeveloped yet peaceful city, which made them even closer to my heart.
Anyways, kudos to Yasmin for being recognised as a serious filmmaker, for being invited as part of the panel jury in the recent Berlin Film Festival, and congratulations for the winning numerous awards for the Petronas' Tan Hong Ming in love campaign and the movie Mukhsin. You made us proud, really.
On another note, happy belated birthday Isaac!
Yasmin Ahmad, a creative director of an advertising company, has made festive seasons advertorial campaigns such an enjoyable thing to watch on tv. Together with her creavitivity, sensitivity and interesting family background, she has created a series of featured films that I would see them as half-autobiographical.
The sensous cinematography and the simple yet beautiful storyline that intertwined with issues that are close to our hearts as Malaysians, certainly capture my interest effortlessly. What makes the movies even more beautiful are their subtlety and rawness. It is like seeping a cup of tea and enjoying everybit of its after taste, literally.
While anticipating the release of her fifth film, she has already started working on the next project, Talentime. The new film, which I have yet to find out its storyline, has a majority of newly discovered cast, including the hugely talented singer Jaclyn Victor! According to Yasmin's blog (click here), the shooting has been wrapped up in 12 days, and is entirely shot in my beloved hometown, Ipoh! Well, most of her movies, if not all, are shot entirely in this beautiful, underdeveloped yet peaceful city, which made them even closer to my heart.
Anyways, kudos to Yasmin for being recognised as a serious filmmaker, for being invited as part of the panel jury in the recent Berlin Film Festival, and congratulations for the winning numerous awards for the Petronas' Tan Hong Ming in love campaign and the movie Mukhsin. You made us proud, really.
On another note, happy belated birthday Isaac!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Preview: Mooncake Festival
1. I got 2 TaiThong mooncakes vouchers worth RM46 each from both Dex and Shane, but gave them to my parents and sis, i.e. no mooncakes for myself.
2. I got invited for a "mooncake festival gathering" over at my cousin's on Sunday night, but I will be tied up with my OBU research paper, i.e. no mooncake festival celebrations for me.
3. I got invited by Isaac to go back to my hometown over the weekend together, but unfortunately he decides to come back to KL only on the following Monday (which is a normal working day damn it!), so I will have to pass, i.e. no family get-together on mooncake festival for me.
4. Tweety called me yesterday, telling me her plans to come to KL over the weekend, because no one would be at her place either at Penang or her hometown Ipoh, i.e. no mooncake festival celebrations for her.
5. Someone will be flying off to Cape Town this Sunday night for a 5-day business trip, i.e. no mooncake festival celebrations for you, dear! :P
2. I got invited for a "mooncake festival gathering" over at my cousin's on Sunday night, but I will be tied up with my OBU research paper, i.e. no mooncake festival celebrations for me.
3. I got invited by Isaac to go back to my hometown over the weekend together, but unfortunately he decides to come back to KL only on the following Monday (which is a normal working day damn it!), so I will have to pass, i.e. no family get-together on mooncake festival for me.
4. Tweety called me yesterday, telling me her plans to come to KL over the weekend, because no one would be at her place either at Penang or her hometown Ipoh, i.e. no mooncake festival celebrations for her.
5. Someone will be flying off to Cape Town this Sunday night for a 5-day business trip, i.e. no mooncake festival celebrations for you, dear! :P
Friday, September 05, 2008
Exploration
Just felt like I had to write something here, as it was 5 days ago since I posted something new.
I was not at work today. Went for 2 interviews in a row instead. 2 different companies with entirely different portfolio and job scopes. People kept telling me, in the end, it all boils down to what I really want. So what I actually really want? Then I kept telling them, all I want, is to explore.
Exploration. To explore what is out there, only then I will truly know what I want. Is this true? Or am I being indecisive? When is the right time to stop exploring and start deciding? Will I ever be contented? Or will I not stop searching? Am I one of the lucky ones to have the luxury to explore?
It suddenly hit me that I never had anything that really interests me enough to have the urge of possessing them. There wasn't any must-have item for me. I would always settle for things that I think I would like, but not sure whether I would love. It is as though my heart has turned cold sinces ages ago. I do not have a favourite colour or perfect shirt. Nor do I have a pop star that I craze for or a dessert to die for. I wonder, am I too hard to please, or am I just blatantly cold inside?
Dear, you're the only reason that makes me still human.
I was not at work today. Went for 2 interviews in a row instead. 2 different companies with entirely different portfolio and job scopes. People kept telling me, in the end, it all boils down to what I really want. So what I actually really want? Then I kept telling them, all I want, is to explore.
Exploration. To explore what is out there, only then I will truly know what I want. Is this true? Or am I being indecisive? When is the right time to stop exploring and start deciding? Will I ever be contented? Or will I not stop searching? Am I one of the lucky ones to have the luxury to explore?
It suddenly hit me that I never had anything that really interests me enough to have the urge of possessing them. There wasn't any must-have item for me. I would always settle for things that I think I would like, but not sure whether I would love. It is as though my heart has turned cold sinces ages ago. I do not have a favourite colour or perfect shirt. Nor do I have a pop star that I craze for or a dessert to die for. I wonder, am I too hard to please, or am I just blatantly cold inside?
Dear, you're the only reason that makes me still human.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Happy 51th Birthday, Malaysia!
She just made it to the second half of a century.She must be aching all over inside soon, with all the internal power struggle going on. Yeah, Permatang Pauh is just the beginning.
Her immune system is getting weaker as days go by, with her inhabitants' long hidden disposals seem to resurface and overflow in her body, even after prescribed with the "ACA" pills.
In addition, she seems to be getting poorer these days. No, her Budget 2009 doesn't fabricate that well!
Despite all that, I still wish her Happy Birthday.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
无题
最近又失眠了
突然很想念
那碧海蓝天
那咸涩的海风
那摇曳着的树叶
那悠悠的独木舟
那让人自在的陌生感
那让人缅怀的欢笑声
一个月前的假期
已经跟不上我的步伐
离我好远好远
混杂的思绪
已让我忘却
心旷神怡的真实
心里其实并不向往
只是单纯的怀念
冀望这些回忆
能拨开密布我脑袋的乌云
重见光明
突然很想念
那碧海蓝天
那咸涩的海风
那摇曳着的树叶
那悠悠的独木舟
那让人自在的陌生感
那让人缅怀的欢笑声
一个月前的假期
已经跟不上我的步伐
离我好远好远
混杂的思绪
已让我忘却
心旷神怡的真实
心里其实并不向往
只是单纯的怀念
冀望这些回忆
能拨开密布我脑袋的乌云
重见光明
Friday, August 29, 2008
Preview: Budget 2009
The buzz of the announcement of Budget 2008 earlier today had made me suddenly realise one thing -- Shucks! I'm eligible to be a taxpayer starting from next year!
Each year I saw the budget being announced but I couldn't careless. However, starting from this year, it's gonna be affecting me greatly!
Is the increase of personal tax deduction from RM350 to RM400 gonna do me enough good? (My taxable income falls in that category, fortunately) How is Self Assessent being done? What are the deductible source of income? GOSH, I am so embarassed for the fact that I had actually studied all that before! (Sorry Miss Jen, all the knowledge went down the drain!)
Gotta search for that "Tax Bible" written by the infamous Chong Kwai Fatt.
Oh no, it's in my hometown!
Shall ask my sis then, at least I could rely on another accountant.
Oh shoot! Someone just told me through msn that one pays tax only when their monthly salary reaches RM3000......
Hmmm, I've decided to get hold of a copy of The Star tomorrow to read about Budget 2009 in detail.
P/S: I shall also confirm from reliable sources whether or not I'm eligible to pay tax next year.
Each year I saw the budget being announced but I couldn't careless. However, starting from this year, it's gonna be affecting me greatly!
Is the increase of personal tax deduction from RM350 to RM400 gonna do me enough good? (My taxable income falls in that category, fortunately) How is Self Assessent being done? What are the deductible source of income? GOSH, I am so embarassed for the fact that I had actually studied all that before! (Sorry Miss Jen, all the knowledge went down the drain!)
Gotta search for that "Tax Bible" written by the infamous Chong Kwai Fatt.
Oh no, it's in my hometown!
Shall ask my sis then, at least I could rely on another accountant.
Oh shoot! Someone just told me through msn that one pays tax only when their monthly salary reaches RM3000......
Hmmm, I've decided to get hold of a copy of The Star tomorrow to read about Budget 2009 in detail.
P/S: I shall also confirm from reliable sources whether or not I'm eligible to pay tax next year.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Bridge to Terabithia
Not sure why I had a sudden urge to take a pic of this pedastrian bridge linking KLCC area to Pavilion KL, when I was on it about 8.15am this morning.
I had the earliest job interview of my life this morning at Suria KLCC food court. It was actually scheduled at 7.45am, what an ungodly hour! It has been a while since I had to wake up so early in the morning, felt like I was in secondary school again! Anyways, the interview was with a headhunter (didnt expect two turned up, conducted over breakfast on the table), so I wasn't expecting much out of the session.
As expected, the session ended briefly after 20 minutes. Didnt want to harbour any hope just yet as, as I had learnt my lesson well. Besides I still have no idea who my potiential employer is, only knowing that they are some top ten public listed property developer. (I guess these are the most attractive adjectives to describe that company as that was what I only got to hear throughout the session)
Leaving my headhunters at 8.05am, I still had plenty of time to kill before I clock in to work at 9. Having nothing in mind, the only thing I could do was to take an unusually slow stroll back to my office (apparently it was still faster than some peeps!). It was a very rare occassion for as the usual morning rush for work has become part and parcel of my life. I was actually half enjoying it, and the half was amazed by the fact that I had to adjust myself to adapt to such simple pleasures. Thought were flowing in my mind, but they were slow and scattered. All I could summarise from the pieces was the yearning for a change in career and subsequent changes that lead from one to another.
I saw KLCC Aquaria, Wisma UOA and Novotel passed me by, before I finally reached the foot of the aforementioned bridge. There was a sudden surge of emotions, recognising the bridge as a transition, to crossover from an unfamiliar yet pleasantly comfortable ground, to somewhere I should belong, somewhere familiarly unpleasant.
The escalator carried my heavy foot up the bridge slowly, but it wasn't slow enough. I looked at my Swatch, the needles are no where near forming a right angle. Then I glanced around, over the sides and beyond the other end. The serenity of a notoriously busy spot in KL was too much for me to absorb, well, in a good way. Wanting to immortalise this weird concoction of feelings, I decided that I need to take a picture!
A simple bridge could carry the most fundamental worth for bringing you closer from one place to another, but it could also mean so much more to others. Both consciously and subconsciously. It could be a real transitional space, or it could be symbolically a linkage to two worlds with great disparity. From the Golden Gate, to Bridge Under Trouble Water. Not forgetting also Bridge to Terabithia
After lingering at the bridge for a while, and continued snapping some photos along the way, I finally reached my destination.
It was still 20 minutes early.
P/S: I had never watched the movie entitled "Bridge to Terabithia".
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fusion Haven
It was a day that went off uneventful and seemingly pleasant at first. Working at a comfortable pace for the first half of the day, then exchanged little gossips (not much!)and future career plans with 2 colleagues over at lunch in Food Republic @ Pavilion. Then it came a bomb towards the time to knock. My dear boss blasted me for some information that has not been properly passed down by my ex-colleague, which to her was not acceptable because I was supposed to know-it-all. At first of course I had a shocked now-then-I-know expression all written on my face, but right after a short while of about 10 seconds, I took it all in stride and started thinking ways to resolve the issues, knowing that was one of the more effective ways to deal with Ibu, even deep down I realised, with my limited authority and power in the organisation, this could be quite a challenge. Well that really sets the tone for the rest of the day!
Fortunately, Fusion Haven saved me! (not forgetting a virtual peck from you also, dear!) Tweety who hails from Penang decided to stay in town for another day or two (by buying her own medical leave)called up for a drink. It ended up as my late dinner with Isaac and Tweety at this restaurant in Sri Petaling called Fusion Haven. I had nicely garnished grilled duck with rice, while Tweety and Isaac had some meat ball with rice and vege and Kimuchi korean style rice with sausage respectively. Then we shared a dessert which is something like brownie served with vanilla ice cream. (Sorry I'm really bad with names!)Well my duck was not bad, not sure about the rest though, but it was the company that saved my day. Never mind what we have discussed and bantered throughout the late dinner (I shall keep that to myself hehe!), but the point is,I couldn't have asked for more than having company like that over a meal! We actually sat till we were the last ones to leave, and the boss had to bid us thank you to shoo us out with courtesy!
I wish I had the freedom to enjoy these moments as and when I like or need, given that the circumstances are allowing. Well, for starters, having my own transport would solve half the problem as people won't shudder to have the idea of inviting me for dinner or for a drink, thinking that they would need to send me home thereafter as part of the deal, not to mention the petrol price hike worsens thing up!
That all boils down to one thing...I need a new job!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I'm back!
I could not believe myself. After more than 3 years and 4 months, I decided to start posting in "my blog"(inverted commas because I don't think it would want to declare myself as its rightful owner after having to abandon it for sooo long)again. Why? Maybe it's time to once again pen down the recollection of my thoughts and events happening in my life. Once again? It is as though I'd been doing this for a very long time. Haha! I must be kidding myself! Browsing through my long forgotten blog, I only had like 4 or 5 pathetic postings!
Thanks to my soon-to-due research paper for my degree, which made me subscribed to a lousy mobile broadband called U Mobile (well, it's cheap!), and of course having the convenience of VP's Vaio laptop with me(of course I won't forget your contribution, dear!), I'm back to blogging!
So much had happened during this hiatus. Moved back to my hometown Ipoh from Singapore for a year, then shifted to KL to end up where I am now. From an unfinished arhitecture degree program, to pursuing accounting professional qualification. From a full-time student to a full-time "labourer" who still studies. I must say A LOT has happened! But then again, whose life could possibly go uneventful in the course of 3 years or so? Well, I shall put all those behind, not wanting to recollect all of them for the sake of gracing a page in this blog. To draw from my previous posting, it is excrutiating and tiring to rewind my thoughts to the past! So, using one of my favourite quotes these days, let this be the beginning of a new chapter!
Thanks to my soon-to-due research paper for my degree, which made me subscribed to a lousy mobile broadband called U Mobile (well, it's cheap!), and of course having the convenience of VP's Vaio laptop with me(of course I won't forget your contribution, dear!), I'm back to blogging!
So much had happened during this hiatus. Moved back to my hometown Ipoh from Singapore for a year, then shifted to KL to end up where I am now. From an unfinished arhitecture degree program, to pursuing accounting professional qualification. From a full-time student to a full-time "labourer" who still studies. I must say A LOT has happened! But then again, whose life could possibly go uneventful in the course of 3 years or so? Well, I shall put all those behind, not wanting to recollect all of them for the sake of gracing a page in this blog. To draw from my previous posting, it is excrutiating and tiring to rewind my thoughts to the past! So, using one of my favourite quotes these days, let this be the beginning of a new chapter!
语带双关
慵懒的星期天，不知怎的，突然有一股想重新开启这已被我荒废了接近三年半之久的部落的冲动。我想，是时候时刻整理自己的思绪，记载当下的心情。
晃了一整天，翻阅了一些部落，才发觉用中文书写的部落是最能贴近自己的。突然，灵机一动，曾受中文教育的我，何不来个双语的部落，善用双语不同之处，记载及衬托出不同的心情写照。
好久好久没有用中文书写些什么了，手指敲着电脑键盘的同时，才发觉自己的中文退化不少，而且用电脑书写中文也相当耗时与力（毕竟我甚少使用啊！）。看来，必须趁着这次的决心 （希望不是三分钟热度！），好好的重新地掌握我的中文。
一个满满汉字的部落，指日可待！
晃了一整天，翻阅了一些部落，才发觉用中文书写的部落是最能贴近自己的。突然，灵机一动，曾受中文教育的我，何不来个双语的部落，善用双语不同之处，记载及衬托出不同的心情写照。
好久好久没有用中文书写些什么了，手指敲着电脑键盘的同时，才发觉自己的中文退化不少，而且用电脑书写中文也相当耗时与力（毕竟我甚少使用啊！）。看来，必须趁着这次的决心 （希望不是三分钟热度！），好好的重新地掌握我的中文。
一个满满汉字的部落，指日可待！
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