Pakatan is ready with new leaders by YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir is getting ahead of himself with his description of ‘dinosaurs’ from Pakatan Rakyat. At 49 years old, he should know better than to call other people names like ‘dinosaurs’ when he is approaching ‘zaman dinosaur’ himself, in addition to having ‘bapa dinosaur’ as his mentor.

As if Mukhriz is not already aware, Pakatan Rakyat has a strong and good line-up of leaders who are even more capable and progressive in their approach and thinking. Ranking among the most outstanding and outspoken leaders who notoriously speak without fear or favour are Rafizi Ramli, Sim Tze Tzin, Surendren and Ong Kian Ming, to name a few. 

However, what is most disturbing is that Mukhriz feels thrilled that he could extend his father’s struggles. The country has left Tun Dr. Mahathir in a bygone era but yet Mukhriz is still trying to relive and glorify a past that has left a bad after-taste in everyone’s mouths.

Who can forget the stranglehold that Tun had on the country during his 22 years of dictatorship? The only reason for Pak Lah’s big win in 2004 was only because the country felt that there was a glimmer of hope for change as Tun had inadvertently driven the country into a dismal abyss of despair with his megalomaniacal style of management.

Nobody should forget how Tun mismanaged public funds and how the effects of its failed financial initiatives have affected the country up to this day. Companies like Proton, Pewaja Steel, UEM, MAS, DRB-Hicom, Renong and the Bakun Dam project failed miserably yet Mukhiz has intentions to continue this form of ‘legacy’? No, thank you.

Cronyism flourished during Tun’s tenure and the judiciary was fraught with allegations of injustice and non-compliance. Tun’s best friend was Mugabe, the former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe who was also accused of political crimes against his country. Tun had also admitted to giving Mugabe RM34 million worth of rare timber from Malaysia to build his 25-room private mansion and there are also reports on 10 million pounds belonging to Mugabe in Malaysian bank accounts.

With such associations and many more, the country will do itself injustice to put trust into this family again. While having the ‘surname’ Mahathir may seem beneficial to Mukhriz, it actually sends a cold shiver down the rakyat’s spines to even imagine a return of the Mahathir dynasty.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Ketua Wanita Parti Keadilan Rakyat

20/9/13

Press Statement on Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 by YB Zuraida Kamarudin

Press Statement on Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 by YB Zuraida Kamarudin

National unity no doubt starts with a good education plan but this does not necessarily mean that we should curtail people’s rights to choose the type of education suitable for their children. The Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2015 launched by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on 6^th September must be carefully reviewed and agreed upon by various parties to avoid public discontent.

The Keadilan Women’s Wing recognizes and acknowledges Bahasa Malaysia as the national language but at the same time takes into consideration the multiracial and multi-cultural composition of the country. It is therefore our view that without compromising the importance of Bahasa Malaysia and with support towards the freedom of choice that we request Tan Sri Muhyiddin to revise the Malaysia Education Blueprint for the benefit of all citizens.

While all national schools use the Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction, the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) guarantees the existence of vernacular schools. This provision allows such national-type Chinese and Tamil schools the freedom to use their mother-tongue as the main medium of instruction.

The Ministry of Education states in its report that as of June 2011, there are 5,853 National Schools, 1,291 National-type Chinese Schools and 523 National-type Tamil Schools.

According to statistics published in the Malaysia Education Blueprint, the proficiency of Bahasa Malaysia for a minimum credit for SPM is as follows:  Bumiputera students 84%, Chinese 63% and Indian 57%.

It is roughly estimated that Malaysia is comprised of 5.1 million students registered in public schools and that Bumiputeras make up about 60%, Chinese 23% and Indians 7%. Hence, the total estimated students who are Bumiputeras that do not meet the criteria are more or less the same as the non-Bumiputeras.

It is with this that we should reconsider our priorities in setting the standards of Bahasa Malaysia as the figures clearly show that it is not due to the vernacular schools that the country does not meet 100% of the language proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia. The love for the national language can only be instilled by a reciprocal love and respect towards the freedom of choice.

We hope that this will convince Tan Sri Muhyiddin to approach and make suitable revisions to the Malaysia Educational Blueprint.

YB Zuraida Kamarudin

KETUA WANITA PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT

18/9/13

Press Statement on the withdrawal of Azalina to contest for Wanita Umno head by YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Press Statement on the withdrawal of Azalina to contest for Wanita Umno head by YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Barely one month after stating her intention to contest for the top Wanita post in UMNO, Azalina retracted her intention to contest against Sharizat due to ‘advice’ from top leadership. If this is not called ‘internal’ intervention, what is?

Jumping to Azalina’s defence is Puteri UMNO head Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin who said in the Malay Mail yesterday 16/9/13 that Azalina’s decision to withdraw was due to her realization that the contest would create splits among the leaders in the movement. She also stressed that top UMNO top leadership ‘had from the start practiced the policy of non-intervention in the election of leaders for the party wings’. This is contradictory to what Azalina herself tweeted that her decision was made after being ‘advised’.

This so-called non-interference and internal negotiations which prompted Azalina to withdraw is no slight matter. What must be highlighted is that according to an article published in FMT by Jeswan Kaur dated 15/9/13, Azalina has been offered a top GLC post in exchange for her withdrawal.

There needs to be a paradigm shift in the style of leadership in UMNO for it to be seen as progressive and forward moving. How can Wanita UMNO improve with the same tarnished leaders and without consideration to the abortion of the democratic development?

When Azalina accepted the advice of the top leadership to make way for ‘no-contest’ of the top position, this shows that the UMNO Women wing is spineless and voiceless, in addition to the Women’s wing being perceived as weak with no other better option than to offer an icon of corruption and desolation.

Such internal negotiation not only encourages cronyism but continues to promote and fuel the culture which is adverse toward a country’s growth. It poses as a hindrance and dampens the country’s democratic process.

This sets a precedence that can be seen as opportunity for other members who feel that by just mentioning to challenge for the top leadership post, she will be rewarded accordingly.

Quite immediately after Azalina’s withdrawal, Raihan Sulaiman, a member of the Kulim Bandar Bharu UMNO division stepped forward to lay claims to being the new challenger to Sharizat. She mentioned that when the news about the scandal-ridden NFC (National Feedlot Corporation) broke out, she thinks in way that it had tarnished UMNO’s name.

In this respect, I find it odd that while even UMNO members and the public find the association of the NFC scandal and Sharizat to be disgusting, the Prime Minister, Najib Razak conversely chooses to throw his support behind a ‘scandal-ridden’ personality to helm the UMNO Wanita top post.

As Rafidah Aziz said, Wanita UMNO needs a more credible talent for the top post.

If at all Sharizat  has any dignity left, she should relinquish all her posts and allow new capable leaders to emerge.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Ketua Wanita Parti Keadilan Rakyat

17/9/13

Press Statement in reply to Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat by YB Zuraida

Press Statement in reply to Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat by YB Zuraida Kamaruddin, Ketua Wanita PKR

Link to related news on Bernama

With reference to the statement made by Datuk Rohani published by Bernama dated 13/9/13, she had concurred and defended the police that they had acted within their jurisdiction even though school children from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Pristina, Sungai Buloh in Selangor were questioned without the consent or presence of their parents.

Act 611, also known as the Child Act (2001) defines a child as a person below the age of 18 and is entitled to protection and assistance in all circumstances without regard to distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, social origin or physical, mental or emotional disabilities or any other status

In Section 17 (2b), it is stated that a child is considered as emotionally injured if there is substantial and observable impairment of the child’s mental or emotional functioning that is evidenced by, amongst other things, a mental or behavioural disorder,including anxiety, depression, withdrawal, aggression or delayed development.

It is therefore my view that the police had acted in a manner which is detrimental to the children's well-being and have therefore subjected these children to undue stress and emotional trauma without first getting the consent of their parents or guardian to produce these children at the police station for any further inquiries into their investigations.

As law enforcers, the police have been rather inconsiderate and have not taken into account the anxiety and shock that the children may encounter while being questioned by the police in a manner which seemed very uncharacteristic, secretive and deceptive.

It is also only right that the children be provided with sufficient protection to the amount of interrogation they were subject to and a right to the presence of a lawyer if necessary. Minors are usually unaware of the consequences of the law and while they have a right to remain silent, the children may not be fully aware of their rights. In this case, the police had taken advantage of the situation instead and infringed on the rights of the children by questioning them without proper precautionary measures.

Datuk Rohani, as the Minister for Women's Development, Family and Community has failed to understand these basic and fundamental rights pertaining to the welfare of these children. Her defense towards the PDRM shows her lack of concern towards women, family and the community. 

I hope that the police will issue an apology to the parents and publicly apologize to the parents of these children and give an assurance to the public that this will never happen again.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Ketua Wanita PKR

17/9/13

Raven Murugesan touches the hearts of all Malaysians

Link to MSN

A simple act of kindness goes a long way.

What is an act of kindness? Do we really need to ponder what kindness is? Don’t human beings have an innate sense of kindness and compassion that outweighs logical reasoning?

Has the world forgotten about all the heroic deeds of ordinary folks? Strangers who save one another out of burning buildings; or people who do not know how to swim diving in to save a drowning child; or people who donate their organs to others just so they can live another day?

The above simple act of kindness by Raven Murugesan was shared on Facebook over 9,000 times as of 11PM last night. Raven had suggested to a Muslim cashier to drink and eat a little before continuing work at the checkout counter of a supermarket in Kepong. This occurred during breaking fast time and so only one counter was open at that time.

Many people are overwhelmed by the bombardment of racist and racial remarks made by certain quarters intended to aggravate the fragile interracial tolerance of the country. Even so, little acts of compassion such as the above transcend all barriers and offer a glimmer of hope in humanity.

“I cried when I read it. I was so thankful there are mindful non-Muslims”, said Samsiah Ismail, a Facebook user who was touched by the kind gesture and shared the post with her friends.

What Raven had done is very touching and speaks volume of our human character.

Carolyn Khor

Sometimes even under extreme conditioning, it is still impossible to erase that benevolence which is almost instinctive and second nature to the human psyche. However, something must be really wrong somewhere when people start to behave otherwise.

Raven revealed that he has received more than 1000 friend requests over his Facebook account since his posting went viral today. Many positive comments can be seen on his page.

“Compassion, tolerance and respect are very important values to inculcate into the minds of our youngsters to forge unity”, said Raven, a 50 year old school teacher who grew up in a small town called Bukit Rotan.

Raven is strictly a vegetarian and currently teaches the Malay and English language in Kuala Selangor.

The rest of the interview is as follows:

What compelled you to react so kindly when most people might have overlooked that it was time for breaking fast?

R: As a teacher, that is a built-in mode. We must treat everyone as our family members.

What is your opinion on racial harmony in Malaysia?

R: I belong to the olden days of unity where I would sleep over for 3 or 4 days in my Malay friend’s house and vice-versa. We were one big happy family back then. If there is an Indian wedding, you can see all the Chinese and Malay youths working together to decorate the house. The excitement of friendship and the depth of unity were not molded by advertisement or promotions.

Socially, the environment was matured to allow children to mingle freely without prejudice. We get to peek and see into their living rooms and lives and they get to do the same to ours. I called my friend's Mak ngah as Mak Ngah and his Mak Andak as Mak Andak. My Chinese friends call my uncle Chittapa. This goes to show the close knit community we were back then.

Do you think that enough has been done in our education system to forge racial unity?

R: I have been teaching for 30 years, and have conducted hundreds of seminars. And in all the seminars, I have never failed to take the opportunity to tell the present generation what they have been missing. What we have now is a formally devised platform to integrate, which is not natural. It gives that ‘fake’ feeling. I personally feel that sections of our society have isolated themselves for various reasons.

Teachers should instill love beyond racial identification in every student. I guess at the end of the day, unity will always start from school.

When I was in Year One in 1970, my shirt was accidentally torn because one of my friends pulled it. My teacher, a Malay lady immediately called me and gave a brand new shirt which she said she had bought for her son. I never saw her as my teacher after that. She was my hero, my mum. That is what we need amongst our young teachers.

Are there remedial steps that we may take to halt the deterioration in racial relations?

R: I really do not know if there is a cure for it but what I believe is if more and more people realise that humanity is one of the most important thing in our lives to move forward, then in years to come, we might see wonders. There is humanity in each of us but at times it is dormant.

We should teach the children to respect the culture, language and people of other races.  Once we can cultivate respect and admiration, it will become a good platform to move forward. However, if we belittle other people’s culture and language, there will be no ‘X-Factor’ in the students to look forward to for any interactions with other groups.

Do you think that vernacular schools are a hindrance to national unity?

R: Many will say that vernacular schools are the problem but they are definitely not the problem. Back in the 50's vernacular schools were the order of the day, but the children of that era had wonderful relationship between them because the society was more relaxed.

We were taught right from the start the differences between government and political parties.

Vernacular schools do not propagate partisanship. So I guess all the talk about vernacular schools being the reason for racial disharmony is pure drama.

How you you think the media is contributing in forging racial unity?

R: Today, United States can accept an American of African origin because of its media. It started way back in the 60's where the media such as movies started to coin with the idea of non-white becoming the President. The media took the first steps in that direction.

In Malaysia, the reverse is happening. I guess the media needs to be more responsible on racial issues and not contribute towards more racial tension.

Are Penangites Caring Enough?

Link to MSN

The five-foot walkway is often utilised by eateries and hawker stalls to provide seating for their customers who happily munch away, totally unaware why this should be disallowed in the first place. This poses an inconvenince for many people, especially for people with disabilities.

Most traders are of the opinion that they are just earning a living, and that the government should allow some leeway for them to sustain their livelihood. Such is the miserable condition of our society. Food outlets usually set up additional tables outside of their shop premises and some even occupy the pavements and auxiliary lanes. Street vendors are no different.

Despite the Penang council's effort to provide proper booths with facilities in complexes like food courts and markets, roadside traders quite adamantly insist on flouting local regulations, citing reasons like the loss of regular customers and problems with accessibility if they moved elsewhere. Most offenders simply pay the fines and are not particularly concerned with whatever warnings or summonses that they are being issued with.

The question is what sort of living environment do we want?

Facilities for those with physical limitations should be priority for all involved in town and urban planning, from the architects to interior designers. Buildings and walkways that are constructed to accommodate people with disabilities reflects a caring society. Providing accessibility and proper accessories for people with disabilities is a collective responsibility the society should undertake, failing which, creates unnecessary frustrations that tend to lead to chain reactions.

Such cumbersome situations are easily felt if for instance, someone close to us gets involved in some unfortunate mishap and are unable to move around independently even for a brief period. Confining loved ones to the house or a home is simply not the solution.

Penang is still way behind in terms of facilities for disabled people. Older buildings like the Town Hall, where many events are held, are not equipped with ramps or elevators. Among some of the complaints from those caring for wheelchair bound people are that sometimes, even if ramps were provided, the material used for the ramps are slippery and that makes it hard to advance the gradient.

One of the first public places renovated to be disabled-friendly was Gurney Drive and Esplanade. Incidentally, large trees, street lights and even telephone booths block the walkways with roots bursting out from beneath the sidewalk tiles. Fixtures that are meant to keep out motorcycles also keep out wheelchairs and prams. Inconsiderate drivers who park haphazardly also obstruct pathways meant for pedestrians and people with disabilities while selfish people utilise reserved car parking spaces and toilets meant for special people.

Although measures have been taken to install disabled-friendly features in public places, most are placed without sufficient deliberation. Some places have ramps with bends but do not provide enough turning radius to enable the wheelchair to move comfortably, especially those who manoeuvre around by themselves using manual wheelchairs instead of the motorised ones, which cost a lot more.

Caring for disabled people does not stop there. Hearing-impaired and mute people can function just as well as other able-bodied people and should be given equal employment opportunities. Some corporate companies do employ people with disabilities as workers, especially in jobs that do not require much communication.

Joblink’s Centre, a Penang-based organisation created under the registered body of the Society for Aid to the Handicapped sources sub-contract jobs from companies that are labour intensive. So far, about 35 trainees from Joblink, age ranging from 17 to 45 years do simple and light work like assembling files and electronic parts. These trainees have different degrees of disabilities and are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism and other intellectual shortcomings, and are not suitable for open employment. About half of the trainees are in wheelchair.

Yvonne Ruffell, the honorary secretary for Joblink and a volunteer says that most of the trainees come from low-income groups, and that the government subsidises each person with disability with RM300. The trainees also get paid for their work at the centre which operates from Mondays to Fridays.

As Joblink is a volunteer organization, Yvonne hopes that more people would step up to help or give financial assistance.

“We need people with experiences in psychology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy,” she said.

Mohd Tajudin Mohd Kassim, from Rapid Penang, says that there are currently 200 disabled-friendly busses in Penang. Disabled friendly busses come with low floor, ramps, safety belts and a special buzzer.

“We are expecting another 80 disabled-friendly Scania buses this year,” said Tajuddin who is manager of Commercial and Communications.

“We look forward to providing the best service to all Penangites, especially the disabled community”, he said.

However, he added that while engaging with the disabled community, he had received complaints that the bus-stops were not disabled-friendly enough.

“The local council may want to look into building curbs that have the same level as the bus entry points,” he elaborated.

So, while we blissfully enjoy our food on the curbside or kaki lima, we should also spare a thought on why these pathways were built in the first place. Are they meant for hawker stalls and customers? Or are they meant for the safety, comfort and ease of mobility of walkway users?

Restaurants and eateries need to realise that blocked corridors and sidewalks should remain as free space while the local council can do more to ensure that enforcements are carried out effectively. Many disabled people would like to be self-reliant and independent, but we, as a society need to be more thoughtful and attentive while going about our daily lives. Caring for one another is definitely much better than only caring for ourselves.

Malaysian sex bloggers post tasteless breaking fast greeting Muslims offended by ‘Bak Kut Teh’ Ramadan greeting.

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 they had no intention to insult, ridicule or trivialize Islam, or incite racial conflict.

"With that, we apologize to all offended parties."

The video ends with an Aidilfitri greeting and another apology. Vivian was silent throughout the video.

Alvin and Vivian were in the headlines sometime in October last year for uploading videos and pictures of themselves in various suggestive positions and detailing their sexual liaisons in Tan's personal blog. Alvin was a student of the National University of Singapore*. Since then, Alvin has had his scholarship withdrawn. It is unknown if they are still studying. Now they are making headlines again, for all the wrong reasons.

Alvin and Vivian, both in their mid-20s posted a greeting online that says ‘Selamat Berbuka Puasa, dengan Bak Kut Teh… Wangi, enak, menyelerakan!’ In English, it means happy breaking fast with Bak Kut Teh, aromatic, tasty and appetizing.

Bak Kut Teh is a popular Chinese Malaysian recipe commonly served with pork ribs in herbal soup. Although, the name of the dish does not specifically mean pork, the greeting certainly raises eyebrows and courts disapproval from many quarters.

“They have gone overboard and they are very disrespectful towards us,” said a young tech- savvy urban Malay who declined to be named.

Sinar Harian, a Malay daily reported that Seremban MCA chief, Dr. Yeow Chai Thiam had lodged a police report yesterday at Campbell Road and had urged the police to take action against them.

He said that this is not something to be taken lightly and that the couple should not have insulted Muslims who are fasting. He also said that the couples’ actions have agitated many people including the Chinese.

“If left unaddressed, we fear that it might affect our racial harmony and lead to larger issues,” he said.

This insensitive greeting especially in the month of Ramadan, is potentially harmful especially when the Chinese in Malaysia were blamed for the marginal win during the 13^th General Elections held in May this year. Prime Minister Najib Razak termed the dwindling support for the national coalition as a Chinese Tsunami, a move generally seen as an attempt to distant himself from the poor performance compared to his predecessor.

Muslims are forbidden to consume pork as stated in the Quran with no less than four references made.

“He has forbidden you only dead animals, and blood, and the swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than God.” (Quran 2:173)

However, some netizens have mischievously defended the couple by asking whether the meat that was being referred to was ‘chicken, rabbit or venison?’

Although most ordinary Malaysians balk at any attempts to further disintegrate racial unity, it must be said that resentments towards the different ethnic groups are deeply rooted and that racial harmony are constantly under threat. Extremist groups like Perkasa and Jati often openly provoke discord along racial lines and are unabashed for their unilateral views.

More often than not, some pockets feel marginalised even though government policies provide affirmative actions like quotas and incentives. These policies, however, have had a negative impact, as only a handful of them were made very rich through the National Economic Policies. The widening the gap between the rich and the poor are the primary source of discontentment, although some politicians have boldly pointed the finger at the Chinese.

Tanda Putera, a full-length movie that was supposed to be screened before the general elections, portray the Chinese as the provocateurs during the May 13, 1969 riot with a scene showing Chinese youths allegedly urinating on the flagpole bearing the Selangor flag. The movie, which is funded by the government arm FINAS, is still unreleased. Even so, private screening to selected audiences especially students were made prior to the last election.

Another controversial matter which had the non-Muslim community up in arms, was the introduction of Interlok as compulsory literature for Form 5 students. The story, written in 1971 by Abdullah Hussain gives the impression that the Chinese are greedy, smokes opium and sell their daughters away; and the Indians as pariahs. The book has since been removed from the syllabus.

The 1Malaysia slogan has so far, been just a slogan and a catchy phrase at best. Ironically, the Prime Minister calls for a national reconciliation despite contradictory to his accusation of the Chinese voting for the opposition. In the 12th General Election,  the Indians were made the scapegoats. It would have been better if there was some consistency in claiming to be a multiracial country and not confuse people every now and then.

Even after 56 years of independence, we can still hear people say ‘Go back to China’ or ‘Go back to India’.

Perhaps the latest stunt by Alvin and Vivian is just another attempt to draw attention, or it could be an underlying problem within our multiracial society. According to blogs around the internet, the couple had claimed that they posted the greeting for ‘no reason’. The MCMC will be conducting an investigation into the complaints made against the couple.

In order to strive for a more balanced and healthy society, people need to discard prejudices and categorisation by religion, colour and race. This tit-for-tat mentality has to end someday if we ever hope to live peacefully. What we do not want is more ire or confrontational approaches, but what we do truly need are level-headed leaders who believe in equal opportunities, have a combative attitude towards racism and an ability to lead his people forward as Malaysians.

Hopefully, there will be no more replicas of Alvin and Vivian.

*Correction made: Vivian Lee was never a NUS student

What do you do while waiting out traffic jams?

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 over. Just imagine, you are especially late for a meeting, or you have to pick up your kid from school. Or worse, you just got an earful from your boss at work, or, you just got fired.

No matter, traffic jams intensifies our foul mood, and the only way is to gain control of our emotions.

Be happy

Nothing beats being happy. When there are happy thoughts, time flies. Some like to turn the radio on. Some like to hum, some like to sing, some like to dance, and some like to listen to news.

Some like to chat on the phone, some like to browse the web (highly unadvisable if driving), and some like to text friends (also highly unadvisable if driving).

Some like the silence. Some like to formulate plans, some like to recall events of the day, and some like to think up excuses.

Some like to check the spots on their faces, some like to shave or put on make-up, and some like to fiddle with their noses or comb their hair.

Some like to play guessing games or look into other people’s cars.

Of course, being happy is one thing, but multi-tasking is another – it makes an inattentive driver.

Making good use of time

Time and tide waits for no man, as the saying goes.

Although studies show that couples are more likely to have disagreements during car rides, it is actually more comforting to travel with another person to distract boredom. Having meaningful discussions in the car may be highly satisfactory and at the same time lessen one’s agitation towards the agonizingly slow-moving vehicles.

Many successful business deals and worthy ideas have been worked out during traffic jams. The invention of earphones, Bluetooth, and other hands-free accessories make it possible for drivers to safely conduct brainstorming sessions and conversations over the cellular phone.

Businessmen, negotiators, agents and students would then discover that tolerating congestions are not that bad after all.

A writer, for instance, may most probably be thinking of his opening phrase while stuck in traffic. A composer might be trying to make up a new tune; the detective scrutinizing new evidence; the scientist comprehending facts and figures; the philosopher contemplating the congestion; and the religious man examining the will of God. And so on and so forth.

Yes, all these will make the rush hour sweeter by comparison, and diminish the frustration that comes with it. Hopefully, this will also lessen road bullies and road rages.

But when all else fails, just grin and bear it. (Meditation works too!)

Penang State backbencher employs first transgender

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 secretary.

“I am thankful to YB Teh for giving me the opportunity to work with him,” said Hazreen, a 33 year old diploma holder who speaks fluent Mandarin and English besides the national language. Hazreen is expected to assume duties on July 15 and had previously worked for an NGO known as the Penang Family Health Development.

The demure and pretty ‘lady’ revealed her concerns over employment opportunities available to the transgender.

“Even with qualifications, we are turned down just because of how we look,” she said, adding that she would eventually want to operate her own boutique.

An edict, issued by the Fatwa Committee National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia held on 13th December 1989, had declared that sex change was prohibited under the Shariah. According to Chong Eng, facilitator to the committee who also holds the State EXCO portfolio for Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development claims that there are between 10 and 50 thousand transgender persons in Malaysia.

Gender is actually not the issue – it is the segregation of gender that makes gender the issue. Gender in our society have, till recently, been plainly categorized as male and female, and though the transgender community have been seeking legal redress in terms of recognition and status, the struggle against age-old conformities are nothing short of an arduous task.

Among the top agendas of the transgender welfare committee are to seek better accessibility for transgender persons in terms of basic needs like accessibilities to healthcare, employment and to provide equal treatment to persons with gender disagreements at public places such as schools, hospitals and detention centres.

‘Mak Nyahs’ as they are commonly termed refers to a transgender who was born a male but identifies himself more as a woman. Presently, Mak Nyahs or pondans, another derogatory term, have trouble seeking employment, are still scorned at by the society by large and even unaccepted by parents.

‘If my son was a pondan, I would beat him to death’ is the response of many fathers whose sons are considered soft.

In 2011, boys with effeminate tendencies were sent to a four day behavioural camp in Besut, Trengganu in an effort to ‘toughen’ them up.

In contrast, other countries have begun a larger acceptance of the LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender) community with even some religious leaders, celebrities and politicians coming out of the closet to proclaim their sexual orientation and preferences.

Take the example of the recently concluded decision of the Washington Supreme Court. Two cases were ruled on the same day in favour of gay marriages and the constitutional rights of same-sex marriages.  The liberal stance of the US court may have an impact on the overall perception and tolerance towards LGBT.

Although Malaysia may still be considerably homophobic and reluctant to address the transgender and LGBT issues, the fact remain that such people exist and should be accorded proper and equal rights. As what the late Neil Armstrong said, this is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Penang has given new hope to the discriminated.

Prosecutors fail to deliver justice on Chee Gaik Yap’s case

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.

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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 is brought before a Court, he may be released on bail by the officer in charge of the police district or by that Court, but he shall not be so released if there appears reasonable grounds for believing that he has been guilty of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life…

With such clear regulations, why then was an accused man suspected of both rape and murder allowed bail? Is it because he is the son of a prominent figure? And why was he only charged with murder and not rape as well?

As a woman, I feel totally appalled and rebuke the incompetence of the law enforcers in administering justice in this case. Have law practitioners forgotten their duties to protect their citizens?

How can we expect the streets to be safe when the odds are stacked against the victim and the system flawed? Despite conflicting public opinion, official statistics released by the government always claim that crime rate in the country have gone down.

Not unlike a direct contradiction, three strikingly high-profiled cases of home burglary were reported within the last two months. One was the home belonging to the sister of Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin, at SS3 Petaling Jaya. Another break-in happened in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, home to the sister of Inspector-General of Police, Khalid Abu Bakar; and the latest, at Bukit Damansara, home of Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister for Youth and Sports.

“This incident is a reminder to us all that crime is a serious problem in our country. It is a real issue and not just merely a perception,” said Khairy Jamaluddin, admitting the severity of crime in the country.

Judicial Commissioner Zaki Abdul Wahab ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the accused killed the victim, Chee Gaik Yap, who was then only 25 years old. The DNA in the semen found on the victim did not completely match that of the accused, as there might be a third person involved, Zaki elaborated as he read out his judgment.

With lop-sided and partisan structures within the judiciary and legislature, it is little wonder that stained mattresses and three-day old evidences left up in the nether region orifices can be presented in court as sufficient evidence to incriminate someone while the brutal and depraved criminals go scot-free, and the lack of evidence cited.

How can we entrust our safety and lives to an authority that treats serious crimes with a lackadaisical and indifferent attitude? Malaysian Crime Watch Task Force (MyWatch) insisted on June 25 that the Deputy IGP, Mohd Bakri Zini should clarify crime statistics.

“Serious crimes such as criminal intimidation, abduction, extortion and causing grievous hurt are classified as non-indexed crimes, which are not included in the national crime statistics,” MyWatch revealed, and stressed the need to ascertain if this was the normal practice by the Interpol and neighbouring countries.

If 50,000 signatures still fail to persuade the Attorney-General to rise to the occasion and make good an opportunity for reparation towards the family of Chee Gaik Yap, the public are then forced to agglomerate yet another example of the severe abortion of the law, to the likes of Teoh Beng Hock, Kugan and many others.

For now, we can only hope and pray. Tomorrow, any one of us can be the next victim.

Link to article in MSN

Link to photo gallery at MSN

Hello Kitty proves action speaks louder than words

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 at one point was hit by the Hello Kitty fever in the 90’s. People argued over toys, jumped queues and made a commotion when the collectible went out of stock. Why do people react in such a way? Admittedly, these toys fetch a high resale value.

The toys were sold at S$4.60 (US$3.63) each but resellers are putting out bids at eBay, some starting from as high as US$79.90. ‘Stomp’ Singapore, an online urban lifestyle website reported last week that the winning bid was S$126,000 (US$99,471) for a set of the Fairy Tale series which includes the skeleton outfit kitty.

McDonald’s Singapore in its Facebook page declared disapproval of resellers profiting from the highly sought after collector’s item but is unable to do much beyond removing adverts from their page and admonishing their staff to misappropriation.

Although crazed fans sought out these memorabilia not unlike hysteria, some people are not even aware of it and termed it as an “outlandishly childish” display.

Hello from Japan

7-11 convenient stores nationwide in Malaysia are currently having a Hello Kitty promotion to collect 20 different trinkets and a chance to win entry tickets into the Hello Kitty Town in Johor. The promotion ends on 8 September 2013. Selected outlets also carry Hello Kitty bracelets priced at RM15.90 (US$5).

Presently there are three Hello Kitty theme parks in the world – Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo; Harmonyland in Kyushu; and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, within the Puteri Harbour Theme Park in Johor, Malaysia. Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is the only character theme park located outside of Japan. Puteri Harbour Theme Park houses Legoland as well.

In Taiwan, there is a Hello Kitty themed restaurant and a maternity hospital too.

The Hello Kitty trademark also expanded into the wine market in 2009 to engage adult fans. Other than that, Hello Kitty can also be found in TV shows, video games and music.

Hello Kitty corporate partners include EVA Airways, Taiwan. In October 2005, EVA air launched a commercial passenger plane dubbed Hello Kitty Jet in an attempt to boost the declining tourism industry in the country. While the original Hello Kitty Jet retired in 2009, EVA reintroduced three Hello Kitty jets in 2011 to mark the carrier’s 20^th anniversary. In 2012, two more A330 Hello Kitty jets were added to ply the skies, dubbed ‘Hello Kitty Speed Puff’ and ‘Hello Kitty Happy Music’.

Hello Kitty products are sold worldwide through franchise stores and partner businesses. Besides genuine and licensed Sanrio products, Hello Kitty and friends have been spotted on many unofficial items, acknowledging that imitation is indeed the best form of flattery.

Sales of Hello Kitty merchandise account for more than half of its total turnover of about US$1 billion. Sanrio is currently listed in Japan’s Nikkei and was last traded at US$48.05 during closing on June 29.

The Hello Kitty Story

Hello Kitty by Sanrio was created by Japanese designer, Yuko Shimizo in 1974 and was brought over to the USA in 1976. The moon-faced white kitty with a pink bow first made her first appearance on a vinyl purse and was targeted at pre-teen girls. Sanrio provided Hello Kitty with a British identity together with a birthdate, November 1, an identical twin sister named Mimmy, and a hobby of baking cookies.  In 2008, Hello Kitty was appointed as Japan’s tourism ambassador to Hong Kong, China and South Korea. The adorable cat is also, since 1983, the United States children’s ambassador for Unicef.

According to Sanrio, the Hello Kitty trademark adorns 50,000 different products, ranging from fashion like bags, accessories, and clothing to stationaries for school and office; and decorative and electronic items for home and kitchen. It caters to audiences for mass market items to rare collectibles.

Hello Kitty was created based on an inspiration from Lewis Carrol’s ‘Through the Looking Glass’. In a scene at the beginning of the book, main character Alice played with a kitten named Kitty. Though simplistic looking, the kawaii Japanese pop-culture is appealing and has certainly made its mark in the world. Even without a mouth, Hello Kitty speaks volume.

Ode on disability by Carolyn Khor

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