Carolyn Khor's blog

Link to MSN news Muslims offended by ‘Bak Kut Teh’ Ramadan greeting. Alvin and Vivian, the couple who posted the  Bak Kut Teh  greeting for Ramadan have publicly apologized through a video uploaded yesterday to their YouTube channel called SexcussionsAlvivi. The video, which was recorded in Malay with English subtitles, seeks forgiveness from all Malaysians for offending the Muslims during Ramadan. Alvin went on to describe the  Bak Kut Teh  greeting that included a Halal logo that is only used by Jakim (the Islamic authority of Malaysia). He also claimed that both he and Vivian are aware that Muslims were forbidden to take pork, but made the greeting 'for humour'.  The 1:22 minute video shows Alvin speaking in a rather tensed and somber mood, with Vivian sitting next to him. Alvin also conveyed his regrets for his actions. "We truly regret offending religious beliefs and sensitivities in multi-racial Malaysia," he said, adding that t...

Link to MSN news While patience is a virtue, time is also money. Many cities in the world face similar problems with traffic congestion. In densely populated areas, people spend up to 72 hours a month just waiting out jams; and traffic jams often cause impatience among drivers which lead to road rages. A person’s personality is often reflected in the way he drives. During traffic gridlocks, a variety of driving attitudes may be spotted, namely the abiding driver, the inattentive driver, the road hog and the road bully. As road users, we very much wish that drivers are considerate enough not to hog the yellow boxes, run a red light or cut queues. Oh, the incessant honking and warning‘flash beams’ – don’t they just make driving wearisome, tiresome and bothersome! So what do people do while stuck in traffic? It will definitely be good to exert full concentration and calmness behind the wheel. However, balancing these against aggravated situations may well tip the scale ...

Link to MSN news Seen as yet another first for Penang and perhaps Malaysia, a transgender has been engaged to assist Teh Yee Cheu oversee the transgender community’s welfare, after the proposal was tabled and approved in the State Assembly last week. Teh who is the Tanjung Bungah representative, heads the panel with the support of both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan National representatives, including State opposition leader, Jahara Hamid. The committee, set to be formed within two months, aims to collect data and alleviate the status and social stigma associated with the transgender community. The committee plans to also conduct forums and spread public awareness on the issue. “…they have rights over their bodies, and have a right to decide what gender they are most comfortable with,” said Teh. At a press conference today (10/7/13), Teh, who proudly claims to walk the talk, announced that he had engaged transgender Hazreen Shaik Daud as his political secreta...

Nationwide signature campaign to petition against High Court’s acquittal and discharge of suspect. Reeling in from the shock and anger over the prosecution team to provide a  prima facie  case against a rape and murder suspect, civil societies, state and national leaders all helped collect signatures and make police reports nationwide to urge the Attorney-General’s Chamber file an appeal in 14 days. Today is the eighth day. A free man now, Shahril Jaafar was discharged and acquitted by the Alor Setar High Court last Thursday. Shahril had absconded to Perth in 2006 while out on bail during trial. He was only apprehended by the police when he landed at the Subang Airport in January 2012. RELATED LINK 50,000 Signatures sought for Chee Gaik Yap According to the Section 388 (1) of the Criminal Code of Procedures (CPC), it states that:: When any person accused of any non-bailable offence is arrested or detained without warrant by a police officer or appears or...

Hello Kitty proves action speaks louder than words Hello Kitty does not have a mouth. She speaks with her heart. Worldwide novelty ‘Hello Kitty’ had Singaporeans queuing up and tussling over a limited edition toy kitten dressed in skeleton outfit from a German fairy tale known as ‘The Singing Bones’. McDonald’s Singapore sold the toy, as the last in a series of six, which began early June. The last frenzy was Hello Kitty dressed in wedding attire in 2000. Despite having stocked up on 40% more on collectible Hello Kitty toys this year and limiting each customer to only 4 toys each, McDonald’s claim that the response for the Fairy Tale series had been overwhelming. The fast-food chain announced last Thursday that the iconic toy had been sold out, much to the disappointment and frustration of many enthusiastic collectors who braved the haze in an attempt to get their hands on the plush toy. Singapore wasn't the only country bogged by this phenomenon. Malaysia a...

I have eyes that see But I see a world of suffering; I have ears that hear But all I hear is crying; I have hands that touch But I reach not those in pain; So what use is it then? That I can smell and taste When, If I don’t have eyes I feel with my heart; If I don’t have ears I listen with my heart; If I don’t have hands I give with my heart; Then, Only then, I can smell the joys of life And taste the beauty of living. Pray tell, who is disabled? So, Take my sight Take my hearing Take my touch But leave me be my heart. by Carolyn Khor July 2, 2013