Talking about 1-Malaysia which our current Prime Minister campaigned about, I believed we have practised this concept long ago. We do not need his constant reminders or campaigns to tell us to live muhibbah (in racial harmony).

My schoolmates and I are colour blind since then and the legacy lives on today.

Mr Prime Minister, it is time for you to practise what you preach.

Koh Rok is located 47 kilometers (45 minutes journey on a speedboat) from Koh Lanta Yai, is a small island surrounded by emerald green water which you feel like diving in anytime.

With its crescent shaped bay featuring cliffs, white powdery sandy beach and a stand of banyan trees inland, Koh Rok is extraordinarily magnificent. Camping is permitted on the island.

Koh Rok is being regulated to preserve the heritage of the island.

When diving offshore, you will be amazed by the abundant sea life. Did you see the fishes in the image above?

You can snorkel from here and share the water with many different species of fish.

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided for those who do not know how to swim.

And I really hate to wear this! I really looked weird!

Hate the life jacket as well.  Initially, I acted like a hero, jumping into the Andaman Sea without snorkeling equipment and life jacket (this is extremely uncomfortable when you feel like swimming in the sea).

However, it  is very tiring to tread in the waters for a long time.

Thus, I gave in to the life jacket for the convenience of floating without any leg movements!!

I could even float effortlessly, facing towards the blue sky for a moment of relaxation.

Our dearest Kev bear was searching for fish for his dinner!

In Koh Rok, you get to snorkel in 3 different places and capture a view of different coral reef and sea life.

After hours of snorkeling and swimming in the deep blue sea, you definitely wanna embrace the sea breeze on the 45-minute way back to Koh Lanta.

Koh Rok is worth every Thai Baht you pay. Do not miss Koh Rok when you are at Krabi or Ko Lanta.

I will definitely be back, Koh Rok! You are simply magnificent!

As I was browsing through my brother’s English exercises, I almost fell off my chair.

Seriously, no joke.

Let’s look into his English Comprehension/ Summary exercise book.

Wait, Jeremy is in Secondary One. Not Primary One!

Why is he learning matching pictures with words? Don’t they learn what’s charcoal and fire when they are in Primary school??

You mean they don’t learn how to construct sentences in primary school? Shouldn’t they be learning how to write longer essays at this age?

What has happened to our dearest Malaysian education?

Can someone please tell me why is the standard of Secondary 1 English has dropped so much compared to our era?

I can’t believe this!

No wonder I still find conversations like this; “Excuseeee me, miss. I want a letter signature from your boss by your company and you cannot forgotten to fax to me, you know?”

Buat aku pengsan terus!

One phrase. Damn digusted.

One sentence. I am absolutely aggravated and frustrated with the political condition in my home state.

It caused an ultimate fury to most Perakians to know that BN is going to take over the state assembly. My dear Sultan, what the **** you are doing? Why are you putting the stake of your citizens into the hands of liars and thieves? I cannot believe what you have done.

Perak has seen a gradual progress under the noble hands of Nizar and his state council. Why rob it away from us? Why?

You call this democracy? My a**!!

There is not much democracy practised in this country. The cry of democracy is vanishing into thin air. Thanks to the ubiquitous money politics. Ya ya ya, then you will debate that both PR or BN are into money politics… I hear you loud and clear on this! But do not forget that BN has robbed us much more than anyone else. Because of them, Malaysia is no longer a peace haven.

Heaven knows when these corrupted buggers will be swept away from the surface of the earth. If it is happening, please happen faster. Distressed, overwhelmed, indescribable and I felt like screaming at those who are still supporting BN blindly!

ARGH!!

It just pisses me off!

And yeah, don’t come near me now. I WILL BITE!!

#%@^&!$*!!$^*!$%7$@%!!

Source: Malaysiakini

Happy because I do not need to pay a bomb for feeding my car. Especially when we travel around Klang Valley so often, the mileage increases a lot and cars get thirstier than ever. At least I do not need to pay more than 20cents per km now.

Frustrated because the prices of food & beverages are not down yet. My favourite Roti Canai used to be at RM0.70-0.80 before the price hike in June 2008. Now it’s priced at RM1.10-1.20. I am sure a lot of Malaysians are agitated with the inflation and the creeping costs of living in Klang Valley is unbearable. Sadly to say, prices have gone up, and it will be irreversible. I wish it will but this is a matter of fact.

Well, I guess we just have to UBAH GAYA HIDUP as what our Prime Minister said.

Picture courtesy of CNN.com

With the resounding victory of  Democrat Senator Barack Hussein Obama, he has become the first African President of United States of America after defeating Republican Senator John McCain.

Not only the Democrats won the presidency, they took control of the House and Senate as well. This shows that millions of people cast their hopeful votes in this election that could reshape US politics after years of Bush’ administration. Obama is indeed a history maker for America today.

His victory speech touched me with words like this:

“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it’s been done in America for 221 years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.”

And I was thinking if Obama could win the hearts of Americans to fight for a change for the nation, what about Malaysia? When will be Malaysia’s turn?  When will democracy rule full fledge in Malaysia? Is there going to be a rising leader in Malaysia who will fight against corruption and walk with integrity? When will Malaysian elect someone who can work for the country’s progress without looking at the colour of the skin?

When will that be the day for Malaysia?

“The government will reduce petrol and diesel prices by 10 cents each to RM2.45 and 2.40 per litre with effect from tomorrow, according to Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Samad.

The cut is the second in two months after hiking pump prices by as much as 78 cents in June. The hike had gone down badly with the public, sparking an outcry and even street protests.

Shahrir said the price of RON 97 will be cut by 10 cents to RM2.45 per litre, RON 92 to RM2.30 from RM2.40, while diesel would be reduced to RM2.40 per litre.”

Read More in Malaysiakini

—————————————————————————————–
I was like HUH? 10 cents only? This is seriously pathetic!

For a car that pumps 40 litres each time would only save RM4.00 and this adds up to a saving of a mere RM20 if the car owner pumps 5 times a month.

I thought the crude prices had dropped below USD$100 per barrel lately, isn’t it? Why is our government taking their own sweet time to reduce the petrol prices in Malaysia?

Our dearest PM had previously said if world crude prices stabilised at US$109 per barrel, the government may consider another 15 cents reduction in price. WOW! Is our PM going to be that generous towards the rakyat?

I asked that question repeatedly with qualm. Or perhaps, the 10cents drop was another political move to avoid Anwar from taking over the government.

I am not an economist. Thus, I am not definite how much the petrol price should fair against the world crude prices. But the crude prices had dropped from USD$140 to below USD$100 and I expected our petrol prices to drop as well.

Image Source: Malaysiakini

Having said that, inflation has ensued, causing us to stretch every cent and ringgit. A glass of iced Milo in any coffee shops or mamak has already increased to RM1.80 to RM2.00. I would not see a reduction in food and beverage. Damage has already been done.

Don’t you think it’s too late to reduce the petrol prices (for cost of living to drop) after a RM0.78 hike (per litre) in June?

If only our dearest PM could open his ears widely to listen to the rakyat’s problems in tackling the inflation, maybe he would not reduce the insignificant amount but more.

But again, a reduction in 10cents is pathetic and laughable. Don’t you think so?

Today, we even have SAPP being pulled out of BN as an independent party and a blogger (Sheih) being arrested from his home. And one of the most unexpected news will be our DPM taking over as Finance Minister now. (Wat the…?!!)

Dato’ Seri Najib Razak – Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia (Image Source)

“Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today said he would pass his finance portfolio to his deputy Najib Abdul Razak, while he takes over as defence minister.
Abdullah told a press conference this afternoon that the swap in the cabinet posts will take effect immediately.The prime minister, who has held the post of finance minister since 2004, said he had informed the cabinet of the decision.
Abdullah said he was handing over the finance portfolio to his deputy because it was an important portfolio that was traditionally held by the prime minister.”
Read more at Malaysiakini

Why is this happening? I can’t comprehend the moves of our dearest PM and DPM. What is the motive of switching posts at this moment? Will our DPM handle the finance portfolio competently? Will this switch solve the rakyat’s problems? I doubt.

Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi – Prime Minister of Malaysia (Image Source)

Then we have our PM who is always caught to be in the state of denial, describing Anwar Ibrahim as a national security threat and will possibly invoke ISA arrest towards Anwar.

The prime minister also described Anwar as a “threat” to national security.

“He has become a threat to the economy and possibly (national) security,” he said – a serious allegation which allows the government to invoke the draconian Internal Security Act against him.

“I will not indicate what plan I will take, what I do will be in the best interests of the people and the country,” Abdullah said when asked what action he was going to take.

Read more at Malaysiakini

Anwar a national security threat??? Are you kidding me?

Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim – Opposition Leader (Image Source)

How can our PM conveniently blame Anwar for the downfall of economy? How irresponsible of him to say that too? Well, the investors would probably think twice before investing when they realise that there are so many limitations in this country. And now that Anwar kept harping vehemently that he has the numbers to form a government, while our dearest PM is living in a denial mode and defended by calling Anwar a mere liar.

Gosh. What is happening to Malaysia? Many thanks to the administration and governing of BN for the past 51 years. Instead of moving forward, our country is marching backwards. No progress. Full Stop! Yes, no doubt I do agree under Pak Lah’s administration, the freedom of speech has increased further compared to Mahathir’s ironfist administration. Nevertheless, damage has been done and Malaysia is bleeding profusely. Sounds hopeless, right?

To many of us, Anwar seemed to be the only litted candle in the dark, struggling to stay abright despite the stormy and windy atmosphere. He seemed to be the only hope that would stop Malaysia from bleeding further. And now, the government might possibly arrest him under ISA as they deem him as a threat to the national security. Sigh.

If Anwar would be arrested, I doubt there will be someone who is as charismatic as him. I doubt there will be someone who has much experience in BN and willing to challenge BN boldly. I am not sure if there’s someone out there who felt the same way I do. Wished I could do something for the country but helpless because the government is not listening and the draconian ISA would just act on anyone who goes against the government. Anyone feeling this? Or maybe I am the odd one out. Now that the PM has mentioned that it is possible that Anwar could be arrested under ISA. What can the citizens dare to dream when their hope is arrested? What else can we dream? I don’t know. I am not God. If that’s the case, I will just pray and I might be on my one-way ticket out of Malaysia.

Having said that, I wish I do not need to leave as Malaysia is my country and this is where I was born and bred. I wish there will be a rainbow of change. When will Malaysia stop bleeding?

I wonder.

For Malaysians who know the history well, the formation of Malaysia took place on the September 16th 1963 when Tanah Melayu joined with Sabah Sarawak and Singapore.

It was September 16th 1963 that gave birth to a new nation called Malaysia and that is why until today, September 16th is known as Malaysia Day.

Come on Malaysians, it’s Malaysia Day. We should be happier today!!! Let’s put all the political dramas and sagas aside.  Let us as Malaysians practise peace and harmony towards one another without racial or social discrimination. We all know this and have learnt from school that racial unity is the key to the country’s success.

I’m excited for 916. I am getting ready to fly my flag today!!!

HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY, guys!!!!

Yes I know, for some of us would find politics is one of the toughest subjects on earth to talk about. Having said that, most of my friends and relatives have been constantly discussing about this lately. Everyone is asking each other “What is the probability of Anwar Ibrahim to form a federal government by September 16th?”. Let’s get updated from Malaysiakini since our MSM is kinda controlled by our govt.

“The opposition is confident it will secure the defection of at least 30 members from the ruling Barisan Nasional government – the number needed to unseat the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, Anwar said.”

Read Source Here

“MALAYSIAN opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday he is on track to meet a mid-September deadline to recruit enough members of parliament to topple the government.

The opposition is confident it will secure the defection of at least 30 members from the ruling Barisan Nasional government – the number needed to unseat the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, Anwar said.”

Read Source Here

Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim – Picture Courtesy of Reuters

Whether 916 is going to happen or not, I know many of us are sick and tired of the BN’s administration. It seems like Anwar Ibrahim is the only anticipating hope for distressed nation.

Now should come September 16 or later, and Anwar Ibrahim successfully unseat the current government; what would you want the new PM to do for you?

My only burning desire is to re-look into our education system and ensure the standards are not being lowered. I just can’t understand why students are sweeping 14 to 17 A1s in SPM and yet they can’t even speak proper English. My father once told me that the best system was the one used in the early 60’s. Primary school students were given a choice to study in either Chinese, Malay, Tamil or English medium schools but once they enter secondary level, all students must strictly use English in the subjects of Mathematics and Science. Parents would know which medium is suitable for their children. And of course to gain a pass into secondary level, students must ensure to achieve at least a “B” for English and BM. If not, they should be retained for another year as how the Chinese schools used to have Remove classes to strengthen the students’ language proficiency. For what I know many of the primary school children today cannot even comprehend Science and Mathematics’ questions in the English language because their vocabulary range is often limited at this young age. Isn’t it better for the children to master the language first before applying it in Science and Mathematics? Thus, more periods of English should be allocated to improve the current standards of English in the primary schools. By the time they enter secondary level, they will be more prepared to learn Science and Mathematics in English when the language has been grilled with solid foundation in primary level.

I wish to list down all the things I want Anwar and his new cabinet to look into if he succeeds the 916. But at this moment, I will only highlight this as  education plays a vital role in order for the country to progress.

Apart from the blabla’s that I have mentioned, what do you have in mind? What do you want Anwar to do for you and the country IF he becomes the PM?