May 2008 be a better year for everyone!
A new beginning. Or a continuation of a good thing.
Whatever it is -- make the new year a better and blessed one.
Peace, Always.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Benazir's 19 year-old Son Takes Over....
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, predictably, affirms the Bhutto dynasty in Pakistan when he took over as the Pakistan's People's Party ceremonial leader, in accordance with his slain mother's last wishes.
The PPP also named Benazir Bhutto's widowed husband, Asif Zardari, as the executor of its day-to-day affairs.
This means that the elder Zardari is expected to run the party until his son completes his university studies at Oxford.
Bilawal, a history student at te British university, has two younger sisters.
"The party's long struggle for democracy will continue with renewed vigor," he said, in a light British-accented English.
"My mother always said democracy is the best revenge."
Benazir. a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was assassinated on Thursday as she was waving to the crowd during a rally in Rawalpindi.
Meanwhile, Pakistani officials say the country's parliamentary elections will most likely be delayed by several weeks.
Well, I suppose that's the way the cookie crumbles in Pakistan.
Good luck, Pakistan.
And a Happy, Better and Peaceful New Year!
The PPP also named Benazir Bhutto's widowed husband, Asif Zardari, as the executor of its day-to-day affairs.
This means that the elder Zardari is expected to run the party until his son completes his university studies at Oxford.
Bilawal, a history student at te British university, has two younger sisters.
"The party's long struggle for democracy will continue with renewed vigor," he said, in a light British-accented English.
"My mother always said democracy is the best revenge."
Benazir. a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was assassinated on Thursday as she was waving to the crowd during a rally in Rawalpindi.
Meanwhile, Pakistani officials say the country's parliamentary elections will most likely be delayed by several weeks.
A senior government official and an official from Pakistan's Election Commission said Monday there will most likely be a delay of at least four weeks following unrest that swept the country following Bhutto's assassination.
A final decision on the matter will be made during a meeting of the Election Commission Tuesday.
Frankly, what can Bilawal's ascension to the throne do to make things better for the party and for Pakistan?Well, I suppose that's the way the cookie crumbles in Pakistan.
Good luck, Pakistan.
And a Happy, Better and Peaceful New Year!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Benazir Bhutto 1953 -2007
May she rest in Peace.May there be peace in Pakistan!
"The former Pakistani Prime Minister who was daughter of an executed president and prime minister, was killed in a gun and suicide bombing attack Thursday in Rawalpindi.
The 54-year-old was a fixture in Pakistani politics and was twice elected prime minister, becoming the Muslim world's first female prime minister. She returned to Pakistan two months ago to run in the upcoming elections. She had lived in self-imposed exile since 1999 when she fled corruption charges."
I met (as in a fleeting greeting in 1989) Bhutto when she was Pakistani Prime Minister attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which KL hosted that year.
I was in the NST team. The conference was held at PWTC and security was very high. I was not the only journalist who managed to nod our heads when she past by en route to the hall. There were others but not many who were there "at the right time and right place" when she and her delegation made their entrance to the hall.
I think some of the journalists were quite awed by her "presence".
I am remembering a book I read years ago in Singapore. Hardcover "Benazir Bhutto: Daughter of the East".
When I was in Pakistan in 2005 for a working visit, I met many Pakistanis -- students and intellectuals, young and old.
They all had one hope -- a better, far better Pakistan.
Al-Fatihah.
Apologies...
My sincere apologies for not posting a segment of Tuesdays With Bapak this week.
To aMiR -- I'd like to assure you that nothing untoward happened.
It had been an exceptionally busy week, really. Work and play.
Thank you. And once again, my sincere apologies.
To aMiR -- I'd like to assure you that nothing untoward happened.
It had been an exceptionally busy week, really. Work and play.
Thank you. And once again, my sincere apologies.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Ladies, Be Careful & Stay Alert...
I am used to going home late. Or rather -- early. In the wee hours of the morning.
When I was at the NST, the news editors would take turns to do late OC (officer-in-charge) duty. I don't know whether the shifts have changed. But when I was there, the late duty was 4pm to midnight. You did not usually get to go home at midnight, though. This, that and the other and you'd only be able to leave just before 1am. Sometimes later.
Of course, these days, it's not work that keeps me back late. Usually it's dinner or khenduri at Bapak's or any of my sibling's home that's to be blamed. Or some celebration with friends.
So, I am very used to being on the road in the wee small hours.
This morning was one of those times.
Yesterday, Dino Herrerra decided to invite a few friends to the Commonwealth Club at Damansara Heights for drinks to celebrate Rocky's birthday (which happened to fall on Hari Raya Aidil Adha).
He told us to be at the club by 8.30pm.
I managed to be be there about 9pm. Stephen and his wife, Anna and birthday boy Rocky were already there. Then, Bernard and Tony came.
They played pool and snooker. Had a bit of makan. Chat and chat. And it was already midnight.
By the time we got to leave it was almost 1am.
Bernard and Tony who always go for a good supper suggested we head for Penang Nasi Kandar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail for nasi lemak.
Now, if it was anywhere else, I'd take a rain check but it was in my neighbourhood. So, no problem.
I was the last to reach there. But something happened on my way to supper.
In all those early morning drives home, I had never experienced any trouble. I am always alert and very careful.
My antennas are up. I always check out any vehicle near me. Always exercise caution at traffic lights. Have got my cellphone ready, just in case. I know where the nearest police station is....
At about 1am, I was at the Pizza Hut traffic lights at the entrance of TTDI.
Mine was the only car there but I did notice a lone motorcyclist behind my car.
In fact, I noticed the motorcyclist when I passed the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery. But I did not suspect anything.
I turned into the road infront of Penang Nasi Kandar and drove not too slowly, keeping to the left and then turned on the left-turn signal light. Just before turning, I noticed the motorcyclist who was at first behind on the left and then on my right.
He overtook me, came close and kept giving a thumbs-up sign for which I had no idea what it was. He passed me but when I turned a sharp left into the lane to get to the restaurant, he U-turned from where he was and followed me.
I had no idea why.
I was alone, he must have thought.
What he did not know was that Rocky, Bernard, Tony, Stephen and Anna were waiting for me.
As I past them, I wound down my window and told them that the guy behind me was following me.
And as I turned into an available parking bay, the motorcyclist went past me and stopped his motorbike in front. By then, Rocky and Stephen were already making their way towards me, and him
I think the guy must have been shocked to see a 6-footer (Rocky) and a ....er er okay-lah macho-looking Stephen going straight to him.
I got out and asked him why he was following me. Anyway...he had to deal with Rocky and Stephen who asked him the same.
He said I was not driving properly.
That was impossible. I was driving okay. I was not speeding. I was not mabuk or anything like that. (Coke lights surely could not have dulled my senses). In fact, my senses were sharp.
Well.... he was wrong. Very wrong.
He told Rocky and Stephen it was not their business and his "problem" was with me because I was the one who was driving.
I said okay, talk to me but what was the problem. I was driving okay. I did not knock into him or his machine and he did not knock into my car.
So what was the problem.
Rocky told him that if there was nothing else, he should leave.
He was ranting away...So, Stephen broke into Tamil. The ranting continued.
It was pretty heated. In a bit, a younger man on motorcycle appeared.
Apparently, he was the other guy's son.
Stephen spoke to the younger man, also in Tamil. Rocky spoke ..in English and Malay.
Some heated 10 minutes later, the "son" apologised. So did he.
We all sat for supper. I had teh tarik kurang manis. Pinched a bit of Rocky's roti canai.
Tony and Bernard were tucking into nasi lemak and sop kambing. Tony had sotong and fried chicken to go with his nasi lemak. Bernard also had three "telor tiga-suku masak" . Stephen had a tiga-suku masak boiled egg. Anna was enjoying the sop kambing.
Back to the earlier episode with that motorcyclist.
I told the guys I was not at all afraid. Not because they were all there. But I was very prepared.
That guy was following me. He thought I was heading straight. As he was overtaking me, he did not see my left-hand signal. So he had to turn back when I turned into the lane.
If I had no supper plans and was heading home, would he have followed me?
Could it have been worse?
Well, I know that I'd speed off and head for the police station near my house.
Rocky said a relative of his was extorted by a group of men some time ago. A motorcyclist fell in front of her car as she was driving.
Although she did not knock him down, she stopped to ask how he was. Then, a few men appeared and suggested quite threateningly that she pay him.
She had her grandchildren in the car and feared for their safety as well.
She had no time to think about anything else. She had RM200 on her and gave it to the guy.
That's extortion.
I don't want to impute motive but, could it have been worse for me if I had gone straight home?
I know one thing, I won't be taking chances.,
When I was at the NST, the news editors would take turns to do late OC (officer-in-charge) duty. I don't know whether the shifts have changed. But when I was there, the late duty was 4pm to midnight. You did not usually get to go home at midnight, though. This, that and the other and you'd only be able to leave just before 1am. Sometimes later.
Of course, these days, it's not work that keeps me back late. Usually it's dinner or khenduri at Bapak's or any of my sibling's home that's to be blamed. Or some celebration with friends.
So, I am very used to being on the road in the wee small hours.
This morning was one of those times.
Yesterday, Dino Herrerra decided to invite a few friends to the Commonwealth Club at Damansara Heights for drinks to celebrate Rocky's birthday (which happened to fall on Hari Raya Aidil Adha).
He told us to be at the club by 8.30pm.
I managed to be be there about 9pm. Stephen and his wife, Anna and birthday boy Rocky were already there. Then, Bernard and Tony came.
They played pool and snooker. Had a bit of makan. Chat and chat. And it was already midnight.
By the time we got to leave it was almost 1am.
Bernard and Tony who always go for a good supper suggested we head for Penang Nasi Kandar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail for nasi lemak.
Now, if it was anywhere else, I'd take a rain check but it was in my neighbourhood. So, no problem.
I was the last to reach there. But something happened on my way to supper.
In all those early morning drives home, I had never experienced any trouble. I am always alert and very careful.
My antennas are up. I always check out any vehicle near me. Always exercise caution at traffic lights. Have got my cellphone ready, just in case. I know where the nearest police station is....
At about 1am, I was at the Pizza Hut traffic lights at the entrance of TTDI.
Mine was the only car there but I did notice a lone motorcyclist behind my car.
In fact, I noticed the motorcyclist when I passed the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery. But I did not suspect anything.
I turned into the road infront of Penang Nasi Kandar and drove not too slowly, keeping to the left and then turned on the left-turn signal light. Just before turning, I noticed the motorcyclist who was at first behind on the left and then on my right.
He overtook me, came close and kept giving a thumbs-up sign for which I had no idea what it was. He passed me but when I turned a sharp left into the lane to get to the restaurant, he U-turned from where he was and followed me.
I had no idea why.
I was alone, he must have thought.
What he did not know was that Rocky, Bernard, Tony, Stephen and Anna were waiting for me.
As I past them, I wound down my window and told them that the guy behind me was following me.
And as I turned into an available parking bay, the motorcyclist went past me and stopped his motorbike in front. By then, Rocky and Stephen were already making their way towards me, and him
I think the guy must have been shocked to see a 6-footer (Rocky) and a ....er er okay-lah macho-looking Stephen going straight to him.
I got out and asked him why he was following me. Anyway...he had to deal with Rocky and Stephen who asked him the same.
He said I was not driving properly.
That was impossible. I was driving okay. I was not speeding. I was not mabuk or anything like that. (Coke lights surely could not have dulled my senses). In fact, my senses were sharp.
Well.... he was wrong. Very wrong.
He told Rocky and Stephen it was not their business and his "problem" was with me because I was the one who was driving.
I said okay, talk to me but what was the problem. I was driving okay. I did not knock into him or his machine and he did not knock into my car.
So what was the problem.
Rocky told him that if there was nothing else, he should leave.
He was ranting away...So, Stephen broke into Tamil. The ranting continued.
It was pretty heated. In a bit, a younger man on motorcycle appeared.
Apparently, he was the other guy's son.
Stephen spoke to the younger man, also in Tamil. Rocky spoke ..in English and Malay.
Some heated 10 minutes later, the "son" apologised. So did he.
We all sat for supper. I had teh tarik kurang manis. Pinched a bit of Rocky's roti canai.
Tony and Bernard were tucking into nasi lemak and sop kambing. Tony had sotong and fried chicken to go with his nasi lemak. Bernard also had three "telor tiga-suku masak" . Stephen had a tiga-suku masak boiled egg. Anna was enjoying the sop kambing.
Back to the earlier episode with that motorcyclist.
I told the guys I was not at all afraid. Not because they were all there. But I was very prepared.
That guy was following me. He thought I was heading straight. As he was overtaking me, he did not see my left-hand signal. So he had to turn back when I turned into the lane.
If I had no supper plans and was heading home, would he have followed me?
Could it have been worse?
Well, I know that I'd speed off and head for the police station near my house.
Rocky said a relative of his was extorted by a group of men some time ago. A motorcyclist fell in front of her car as she was driving.
Although she did not knock him down, she stopped to ask how he was. Then, a few men appeared and suggested quite threateningly that she pay him.
She had her grandchildren in the car and feared for their safety as well.
She had no time to think about anything else. She had RM200 on her and gave it to the guy.
That's extortion.
I don't want to impute motive but, could it have been worse for me if I had gone straight home?
I know one thing, I won't be taking chances.,
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
SALAM AIDIL ADHA!
Tomorrow December 20 is Eid-ul-Adha or Hari Raya Aidil Adha.It is also known as Hari Raya Qurban.
The Qurban is a ritual performed after the completion of the Haj.
This is to remember Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his elder son, Ismail when Allah commanded him to do so as a test of his commitment to his faith. At the last moment, Allah replaced a ram in place of Ismail.
Eid-ul-Adha is different from Eid-ul-Fitr or Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Hari Raya Puasa), which falls on the first of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
It is a day of victory for Muslims for having successfully completed the fast.
Here is wishing everyone a HAPPY AIDIL-ADHA!
PEACE, brothers and sisters!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Tuesdays With Bapak
Balik Kampung - December 18 2007
I know Bapak gets a little emotional whenever we tell him about our annual "balik kampung" to Singapore. It's especially so since he's been unable to travel down south to be with his surviving siblings and extended family.
I understand that very well. I get emotional too everytime I visit my uncles, aunts and elder cousins.
I see them getting older. And, for the past few years, I have never been sure if I'd see them again the next time I visit.
My father's only living siblings now are his younger brother, Kamaruddin (Cik Din) and his youngest sister, Salha (Cik Ah).
Bapak's older sisters Fatma, Kamlah and Aichon and his youngest brother Abdul Majid have passed away. These were the ones who survived infancy and adolescence during those early pre-war years in Singapore.
Nine other siblings died in infancy or childhood before Bapak was born.
Yes. It's been a while since he's "balik kampung". Not because he is persona non grata but because he is too frail to travel.
When Nina told him that it was that time of year again for our annual year-end visit to Singapore, Bapak was misty-eyed.
I know what he was thinking -- his brother Cik Din and his sister Cik Ah who is not well and also Cik Ah's husband, Cik Salleh who is suffering from Alzheimer's. And his nephews and nieces, some of whom are almost his age.
"Will they still be around when I next visit them?" or "Will I still be around when they.....?" -- these must be what he was thinking.
"Kirim Salam -lah", he said.
I'm not sure if Nina told him that we would not be staying at Cik Ah's apartment in Bedok Reservoir because she is not well.
There were 17 of us this time. We would usually stay at Cik Ah's on the third floor and Hanim's (her second daughter) just up the fourth floor.
We'd love to have stayed at Cik Ah's but we know that she would not be able to "layan" us and she'd be so beside herself if she could not "layan" us.
So, this time we decided to stay at a hotel -- York Hotel at Mount Elizabeth, a 10-minute walk from Orchard Road. Of course.
And Nina, as usual, had our programme ready for us.
I started realising that my aunts, uncles and elder cousins were getting really old about five years ago.
That was when Kak Oyah began to show some disabilities -- in her eyesight and movement,
You see Kak Oyah is one very feisty lady and I adore her. If we didn't visit her, she'd "kecik hati" and we would not hear the end of it.
And this "kecik hati" business is not confined to Kak Oyah. I'd say all my aunts, uncles and elder cousins are prone to it as far as their KL relatives are concerned.
That time we visited Kak Oyah, she said her eyesight was failing her. She had to be aided to walk around. I was so sad.
That was also when I realised how old her husband, Abang Bakar, had become.
Suddenly everyone was getting old.
From then and now, two elder cousins have passed away.
It was a kind of revelation and realisation for me. I felt so sad.
I had a good hard look at my own mortality.
I began to reminisce those years when I was young visiting my relatives in Singapore.
And they were all so much younger and full of life, zest ....
We'd usually visit Singapore during the Eid. This time around, it was not possible because most of our children were facing major examinations during Aidilfitri. Adel had his SPM, Shaira, her PMR and Haris, his UPSR.
So, we thought we'd all go to Singapore together after the Eid, and last weekend was most agreeable to us all.
The first time Bapak went to Singapore after so long, he was confronted with the country's no-nonsense anti-smoking regulation.
He travelled by car and it was going through customs, a Singapore customs officer stopped to ask him a question.
Being a smoker, he was naturally, holding a cigarette.
All I can say is that thankfully Bapak has mellowed over the years.
So when the customs officer asked how many cigarette packs he had with him, he was taken by surprise.
Nobody had warned him about the Singapore law that only allowed each person to bring in no more than a single opened pack of cigarettes into the island republic.
Bapak just looked up, grinned and muttered something to the guy.
Nothing untoward happened so I guess everything went well at the causeway.
I know that he would have loved to come with us last weekend.
He'd be just fine staying at Cik Ah's while we checked out Singapore's night safari.
He'd probably be having loads more fun there with all our relatives.
He could not care less for Orchard Road.
What he'd have craved for would be a drive along Jalan Eunos, a stop somewhere for murtabak or mee rebus or nasi rawan. Perhaps nasi jenganan thrown in.
He may even want to go to Geylang.
One thing he would not be able to do is to visit old friends.
They've all gone -- either passed on or migrated to other parts of the world.
For us, Singapore remains the place of our birth -- with or without our Kampung Melayu.
For our kids -- where they re-establish kinship and a damn wonderful end-of-year holiday destination and where they get duit Raya (in Sing$) during the Eid or otherwise.
I don't know what Singapore is to Bapak now though...
I know Bapak gets a little emotional whenever we tell him about our annual "balik kampung" to Singapore. It's especially so since he's been unable to travel down south to be with his surviving siblings and extended family.
I understand that very well. I get emotional too everytime I visit my uncles, aunts and elder cousins.
I see them getting older. And, for the past few years, I have never been sure if I'd see them again the next time I visit.
My father's only living siblings now are his younger brother, Kamaruddin (Cik Din) and his youngest sister, Salha (Cik Ah).
Bapak's older sisters Fatma, Kamlah and Aichon and his youngest brother Abdul Majid have passed away. These were the ones who survived infancy and adolescence during those early pre-war years in Singapore.
Nine other siblings died in infancy or childhood before Bapak was born.
Yes. It's been a while since he's "balik kampung". Not because he is persona non grata but because he is too frail to travel.
When Nina told him that it was that time of year again for our annual year-end visit to Singapore, Bapak was misty-eyed.
I know what he was thinking -- his brother Cik Din and his sister Cik Ah who is not well and also Cik Ah's husband, Cik Salleh who is suffering from Alzheimer's. And his nephews and nieces, some of whom are almost his age.
"Will they still be around when I next visit them?" or "Will I still be around when they.....?" -- these must be what he was thinking.
"Kirim Salam -lah", he said.
I'm not sure if Nina told him that we would not be staying at Cik Ah's apartment in Bedok Reservoir because she is not well.
There were 17 of us this time. We would usually stay at Cik Ah's on the third floor and Hanim's (her second daughter) just up the fourth floor.
We'd love to have stayed at Cik Ah's but we know that she would not be able to "layan" us and she'd be so beside herself if she could not "layan" us.
So, this time we decided to stay at a hotel -- York Hotel at Mount Elizabeth, a 10-minute walk from Orchard Road. Of course.
And Nina, as usual, had our programme ready for us.
I started realising that my aunts, uncles and elder cousins were getting really old about five years ago.
That was when Kak Oyah began to show some disabilities -- in her eyesight and movement,
You see Kak Oyah is one very feisty lady and I adore her. If we didn't visit her, she'd "kecik hati" and we would not hear the end of it.
And this "kecik hati" business is not confined to Kak Oyah. I'd say all my aunts, uncles and elder cousins are prone to it as far as their KL relatives are concerned.
That time we visited Kak Oyah, she said her eyesight was failing her. She had to be aided to walk around. I was so sad.
That was also when I realised how old her husband, Abang Bakar, had become.
Suddenly everyone was getting old.
From then and now, two elder cousins have passed away.
It was a kind of revelation and realisation for me. I felt so sad.
I had a good hard look at my own mortality.
I began to reminisce those years when I was young visiting my relatives in Singapore.
And they were all so much younger and full of life, zest ....
We'd usually visit Singapore during the Eid. This time around, it was not possible because most of our children were facing major examinations during Aidilfitri. Adel had his SPM, Shaira, her PMR and Haris, his UPSR.
So, we thought we'd all go to Singapore together after the Eid, and last weekend was most agreeable to us all.
The first time Bapak went to Singapore after so long, he was confronted with the country's no-nonsense anti-smoking regulation.
He travelled by car and it was going through customs, a Singapore customs officer stopped to ask him a question.
Being a smoker, he was naturally, holding a cigarette.
All I can say is that thankfully Bapak has mellowed over the years.
So when the customs officer asked how many cigarette packs he had with him, he was taken by surprise.
Nobody had warned him about the Singapore law that only allowed each person to bring in no more than a single opened pack of cigarettes into the island republic.
Bapak just looked up, grinned and muttered something to the guy.
Nothing untoward happened so I guess everything went well at the causeway.
I know that he would have loved to come with us last weekend.
He'd be just fine staying at Cik Ah's while we checked out Singapore's night safari.
He'd probably be having loads more fun there with all our relatives.
He could not care less for Orchard Road.
What he'd have craved for would be a drive along Jalan Eunos, a stop somewhere for murtabak or mee rebus or nasi rawan. Perhaps nasi jenganan thrown in.
He may even want to go to Geylang.
One thing he would not be able to do is to visit old friends.
They've all gone -- either passed on or migrated to other parts of the world.
For us, Singapore remains the place of our birth -- with or without our Kampung Melayu.
For our kids -- where they re-establish kinship and a damn wonderful end-of-year holiday destination and where they get duit Raya (in Sing$) during the Eid or otherwise.
I don't know what Singapore is to Bapak now though...
Monday, December 17, 2007
Oh Singapura!
PICTURES
top: waiting for the tram (shaira, sara and liyana. Adel is
standing behind them)
bottom: after the safari....up close and personal with
some performers.
Soraya on the slide. Her mom, Lalin standing, watching.
Liyana and Amalina on the bench.
Two year-old Singapore cousin, Naifa in the "car". Standing behind the car is Lalin's youngest Sonia.
Taken at our cousin, Haslinda's Teluk Kurau home.,
Lazing around at Linda's home.
Top: Orchard Road at night.
Below: Early Sunday morning at Orchard Road.
Bottom: Late morning at Orchard Road. There
some games for school chidlren and students.
UPDATE:
Did I say I was going to blog about our Singapore visit?
Our programme was prepared by Nina.
We arrived Friday ( Dec 14) afternoon. A short rest adn we we headed for Singapore's popular Night Safari near the Singapore Zoo and Upper Seletar Reservoir -- quite a distance away.
Our guide was Florence -- efficient, a little no-nonsense. But nice.
The night safari is located in 40 hectares of lush tropical park. It has more than 1,000 animals and 100 species places in their natural habitat.
Visitors get on an open tram (four-to-a-row) that follows a trail.
There are lions, tigers, leopards, rhinos, hippos, water buffaloes, hyenas, jackals, giraffes, deer, tapir and other nocturnal animals.
We were not allowed to take pictures because the flash would frighten the animals.
It was really dark and I could not quite see some of the animals. I couldn't see the lions, nor the tigers even as the safari guide (not Florence) was describing them.
In fact, I don't think I heard any roar. I guess they were in deep slumber.
The animals were really well-behaved. We passed several deer and fawns. Man, I could almost touch them as we were passing along. And they did not, so much, as move a muscle.
After the tram-ride, we had dinner at Bongo Burgers while we enjoyed a tribal dance performance with some fire-eating displays.
The kids loved it.
Saturday was visit-our-relatives-day and makan-makan.
We managed a bit of sight-seeing and shopping at Orchard Road at night.
On Sunday, before our departure, we toured Orchard Road (again).
But before that, I got up early and hit the "road" for a morning run with my friend, Mia. Got back to the hotel, breakfast, then showered (haha..makan before mandi) and then some stolen shopping moments.
We took our Aeroline at the Harbourfront. Left for home at 3pm. Arrived at Bandar Utama stop at about 9pm.
A great weekend!
MY EARLIER POSTING:
Hi folks.
Got back from Singapore last night.
Had a good time, visiting relatives. A little bit of shopping.
Went with big sister Kak Ton and little sisters Lalin and Nina and my good friend Mia. And all the kiddies (including teenagers Adel, Amalina, Liyana and Shaira).
Altogether, 17 of us!
Stayed at York Hotel at Mount Elizabeth. Was out on a safari Friday night (the day we arrived).
Such nice tame animals there.
Will blog about our trip in a while. Got pictures too.
I'm not promoting Aeroline (the bus). But, Aeroline is a great way to travel on road to Singapore. Been using it for our Singapore "pilgrimage" since three years ago.
Meanwhile...what's been happening while I was away?
top: waiting for the tram (shaira, sara and liyana. Adel isstanding behind them)
bottom: after the safari....up close and personal with
some performers.
Soraya on the slide. Her mom, Lalin standing, watching.Liyana and Amalina on the bench.
Two year-old Singapore cousin, Naifa in the "car". Standing behind the car is Lalin's youngest Sonia.
Taken at our cousin, Haslinda's Teluk Kurau home.,
Lazing around at Linda's home.
Top: Orchard Road at night.Below: Early Sunday morning at Orchard Road.
Bottom: Late morning at Orchard Road. There
some games for school chidlren and students.
UPDATE:
Did I say I was going to blog about our Singapore visit?
Our programme was prepared by Nina.
We arrived Friday ( Dec 14) afternoon. A short rest adn we we headed for Singapore's popular Night Safari near the Singapore Zoo and Upper Seletar Reservoir -- quite a distance away.
Our guide was Florence -- efficient, a little no-nonsense. But nice.
The night safari is located in 40 hectares of lush tropical park. It has more than 1,000 animals and 100 species places in their natural habitat.
Visitors get on an open tram (four-to-a-row) that follows a trail.
There are lions, tigers, leopards, rhinos, hippos, water buffaloes, hyenas, jackals, giraffes, deer, tapir and other nocturnal animals.
We were not allowed to take pictures because the flash would frighten the animals.
It was really dark and I could not quite see some of the animals. I couldn't see the lions, nor the tigers even as the safari guide (not Florence) was describing them.
In fact, I don't think I heard any roar. I guess they were in deep slumber.
The animals were really well-behaved. We passed several deer and fawns. Man, I could almost touch them as we were passing along. And they did not, so much, as move a muscle.
After the tram-ride, we had dinner at Bongo Burgers while we enjoyed a tribal dance performance with some fire-eating displays.
The kids loved it.
Saturday was visit-our-relatives-day and makan-makan.
We managed a bit of sight-seeing and shopping at Orchard Road at night.
On Sunday, before our departure, we toured Orchard Road (again).
But before that, I got up early and hit the "road" for a morning run with my friend, Mia. Got back to the hotel, breakfast, then showered (haha..makan before mandi) and then some stolen shopping moments.
We took our Aeroline at the Harbourfront. Left for home at 3pm. Arrived at Bandar Utama stop at about 9pm.
A great weekend!
MY EARLIER POSTING:
Hi folks.
Got back from Singapore last night.
Had a good time, visiting relatives. A little bit of shopping.
Went with big sister Kak Ton and little sisters Lalin and Nina and my good friend Mia. And all the kiddies (including teenagers Adel, Amalina, Liyana and Shaira).
Altogether, 17 of us!
Stayed at York Hotel at Mount Elizabeth. Was out on a safari Friday night (the day we arrived).
Such nice tame animals there.
Will blog about our trip in a while. Got pictures too.
I'm not promoting Aeroline (the bus). But, Aeroline is a great way to travel on road to Singapore. Been using it for our Singapore "pilgrimage" since three years ago.
Meanwhile...what's been happening while I was away?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
5 Hindraf Leaders Detained Under ISA
Five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders have been arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The five are P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, R. Kenghadharan, V. Ganabatirau and T. Vasanthakumar. They were picked up at various locations in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban.
It is learnt they were detained under Section 8 (1) of the ISA after Internal Security Minister Datuk Seri Abdulah Ahmad Badawi signed their detention order.
Their detention is for two years.Read the rest of the Star story here.
Oh Malaysia Ku
PETALING JAYA, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Thursday that those who defame the country overseas are people who do not love their country.
"The people are also angry at those who go overseas to seek support and cook up baseless allegations.
"Actually they don't love the country, they only hunger for power and don't care about what happens to the country," he told reporters after receiving a memorandum from the Damai Malaysia group opposing street demonstrations in the country.
Abdullah said that those who were obsessed with their views did not care about the consequences of their acts.
"We are the ones who have to face everything. We have to defend the peace and well-being of the people," he said.
Damai Malaysia, a group of caring Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), submitted the five-page memorandum from 395 NGOs which jointly rejected street demonstrations and called on the government to take stern action against the culprits. Abdullah said the country had become developed and successful based on the practice of democracy which respected and upheld the law and constitution.
Malaysia still gave the people the freedom to voice their opinions, including in the mass media, he said. "If this freedom is used in an irresponsible manner, the people will suffer," he added.
He said that as a result of the recent street demonstrations, various sectors, especially the tourism and business sectors, had suffered losses.
He had been informed that hotels in the Bukit Bintang area had received 10 per cent cancellations of room reservations because of these demonstrations.
"If already 10 per cent of the bookings are cancelled, it's a loss to the hotels. Besides, I believe that the tour agencies and tour bus operators have also received cancellations," he said.
The memorandum submitted by Damai Malaysia coordinating chairman Mohd Saiful Adil Mohd Daud contained a declaration condemning the organisation of any street demonstrations and rejecting discussions on sensitive issues like race and religion through this means.
The declaration also condemned certain parties which resort to fraud, defamation and sedition to get the support of foreign countries and powers to interfere in Malaysia's internal affairs.
Among the 395 NGOs in Damai Malaysia are the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS), Malaysian Association of Youth Clubs, Felda Youth Council Malaysia, Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia and the United Indian Welfare Organisation.
Speaking in KUANTAN later, upon his arrival for a one-day visit to Pahang, Abdullah labelled those who solicit support from outsiders as traitors and the action of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), which claimed to fight for the rights of the Indian community in Malaysia, as an attempt to destroy the country and racial unity.
"This is a betrayal of our country. Was there ethnic cleansing? There was nothing about wiping out the Indians in the country," he said at a function to welcome him and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base.
Abdullah said the Barisan Nasional-led government always listened to the views of the people which were conveyed through the proper channels like the elected representatives, associations, non-governmental organisations and certain committees.
"We carry out development according to the wishes and aspirations of the people and we practise a policy of helping all the races," he said.
True. Those who defame the country overseas surely do not love the country.
The same goes for those who defame the country and tell lies about the country at home, right here in this land.
But that's not to say that those who criticise the ills and wrongs in government do not love or are not loyal to, the country.
People express their opinions and may say things the government does not like to hear.
This does not mean they do not love the country. On the contrary.
This love for the country is not exclusive to the government or its supporters.
I hope we all can make a distinction between those criticising with malicious intent and those making honest criticisms, which may be what the governement does not want to hear.
Now. Street demonstrations. I don't know about you but I believe that PEACEFUL demonstrations are part and parcel of a healthy democratic process and system.
It is a way citizens of democratic countries show their support or express their protest.
The penguin walk in Putrajaya was peaceful. So was the Bersih 10-Eleven rally until the Masjid Jamek incident, which certainly marred the, otherwise peaceful event.
The Dec 9 Freedom (for Human Rights) Walk was peaceful.
No traffic disruption in Putrajaya. None when people walked for human rights.
There was some disruption when police set up road blocks during the Bersih rally.
Whatever disruption caused is no different when Malay Mail holds their annual Big Walk or during our annual Merdeka celebrations.
And the Hindraf rally? It was terribly unfortunate that it turned out and ended the way it did. But surely, that cannot be used against civil society.
I don't support street demonstrations per se. But I do believe that Malaysians should be allowed to assemble peacefully.
Now, I do recall a certain deputy chief of a (youth) political body making fiery speeches in a a not-so-peaceful rally.
I'm sure many of us can still remember that angry face and the loud, almost rowdy, cheers that he got.
Oh well...
And to Damai Malaysia. Bully for you for wanting peace. We all do.
"The people are also angry at those who go overseas to seek support and cook up baseless allegations.
"Actually they don't love the country, they only hunger for power and don't care about what happens to the country," he told reporters after receiving a memorandum from the Damai Malaysia group opposing street demonstrations in the country.
Abdullah said that those who were obsessed with their views did not care about the consequences of their acts.
"We are the ones who have to face everything. We have to defend the peace and well-being of the people," he said.
Damai Malaysia, a group of caring Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), submitted the five-page memorandum from 395 NGOs which jointly rejected street demonstrations and called on the government to take stern action against the culprits. Abdullah said the country had become developed and successful based on the practice of democracy which respected and upheld the law and constitution.
Malaysia still gave the people the freedom to voice their opinions, including in the mass media, he said. "If this freedom is used in an irresponsible manner, the people will suffer," he added.
He said that as a result of the recent street demonstrations, various sectors, especially the tourism and business sectors, had suffered losses.
He had been informed that hotels in the Bukit Bintang area had received 10 per cent cancellations of room reservations because of these demonstrations.
"If already 10 per cent of the bookings are cancelled, it's a loss to the hotels. Besides, I believe that the tour agencies and tour bus operators have also received cancellations," he said.
The memorandum submitted by Damai Malaysia coordinating chairman Mohd Saiful Adil Mohd Daud contained a declaration condemning the organisation of any street demonstrations and rejecting discussions on sensitive issues like race and religion through this means.
The declaration also condemned certain parties which resort to fraud, defamation and sedition to get the support of foreign countries and powers to interfere in Malaysia's internal affairs.
Among the 395 NGOs in Damai Malaysia are the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS), Malaysian Association of Youth Clubs, Felda Youth Council Malaysia, Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia and the United Indian Welfare Organisation.
Speaking in KUANTAN later, upon his arrival for a one-day visit to Pahang, Abdullah labelled those who solicit support from outsiders as traitors and the action of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), which claimed to fight for the rights of the Indian community in Malaysia, as an attempt to destroy the country and racial unity.
"This is a betrayal of our country. Was there ethnic cleansing? There was nothing about wiping out the Indians in the country," he said at a function to welcome him and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base.
Abdullah said the Barisan Nasional-led government always listened to the views of the people which were conveyed through the proper channels like the elected representatives, associations, non-governmental organisations and certain committees.
"We carry out development according to the wishes and aspirations of the people and we practise a policy of helping all the races," he said.
True. Those who defame the country overseas surely do not love the country.
The same goes for those who defame the country and tell lies about the country at home, right here in this land.
But that's not to say that those who criticise the ills and wrongs in government do not love or are not loyal to, the country.
People express their opinions and may say things the government does not like to hear.
This does not mean they do not love the country. On the contrary.
This love for the country is not exclusive to the government or its supporters.
I hope we all can make a distinction between those criticising with malicious intent and those making honest criticisms, which may be what the governement does not want to hear.
Now. Street demonstrations. I don't know about you but I believe that PEACEFUL demonstrations are part and parcel of a healthy democratic process and system.
It is a way citizens of democratic countries show their support or express their protest.
The penguin walk in Putrajaya was peaceful. So was the Bersih 10-Eleven rally until the Masjid Jamek incident, which certainly marred the, otherwise peaceful event.
The Dec 9 Freedom (for Human Rights) Walk was peaceful.
No traffic disruption in Putrajaya. None when people walked for human rights.
There was some disruption when police set up road blocks during the Bersih rally.
Whatever disruption caused is no different when Malay Mail holds their annual Big Walk or during our annual Merdeka celebrations.
And the Hindraf rally? It was terribly unfortunate that it turned out and ended the way it did. But surely, that cannot be used against civil society.
I don't support street demonstrations per se. But I do believe that Malaysians should be allowed to assemble peacefully.
Now, I do recall a certain deputy chief of a (youth) political body making fiery speeches in a a not-so-peaceful rally.
I'm sure many of us can still remember that angry face and the loud, almost rowdy, cheers that he got.
Oh well...
And to Damai Malaysia. Bully for you for wanting peace. We all do.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesdays With Bapak
Kin, Kith & Kahwin - December 11, 2007
My very first major school examination was the Lower Certificate of Education or LCE.
Like everyone else, I was nervous.
So was Bapak although he never showed it.
I never showed it either so much so that Bapak thought I was too relaxed. Actually, being relaxed was the only way I knew to deal with my nerves.
Many times Bapak caught me reading my "Archie", "Princess Tina" or "June and Schoolfriends" comics.
Bapak was all for Kak Eda and I taking a break from studying but he caught me far too many times reading comics than reading my school books.
One day, during dinner, Bapak asked me:"Dah belajar? Dah prepared?"
"Dah", I replied.
Bapak, perhaps not entirely convinced, said: "You know if you fail your LCE, I'll marry you off to one of my relatives in Banting or Kuala Selangor."
I wasn't sure whether or not he was joking.
But if he was, it was not funny.
Bapak had never said that before.
"Alaah, Bapak," Kak Eda and I said almost in chorus.
He laughed.
What was that suppose to mean?
We decided not to pursue the matter. But, for the rest of dinner, there was silence in between changing subjects.
It was the most awkward situation for Kak Eda and I.
We really did not want to know whether or not he was serious.
What if he already had a candidate for each of us.
No, we were not going to push it.
Later, we asked Mak about Bapak's veiled threat.
Mak was probably in cahoots with Bapak but at the same time she did not really want to frighten us too much in case we'd go into a shock or something.
I think, (on reflection), she really did not like threatening her children with marriage to make them study and pass their exams.
I think she was afraid that it would be counter-productive or have a reverse effect.
But, she played along without giving the game away.
She, however, did not have to worry.
Kak Eda and I took the threat so seriously.
Bapak has always taught us to value family and kinship.
He would be most upset if we did not recognise his uncles, aunts and cousins living in Banting and Kuala Selangor.
We are from Singapore because both my paternal grandparents made Singapore their home (from Java).
One of my paternal grandmother's three aunts left Central Java and headed for Banting where she began a new life.
My great grandmother and her two sisters began their new life in Singapore.
In Kuala Selangor are my grandfather's kith and kin.
I don' quite remember when it was that I knew we had kith and kin in Banting and Kuala Selangor.
I think when I was about 8 or 9.
Where we lived at Jalan Lembah in Section 5, Petaling Jaya in the mid 60s, we had a Banting relative living up the road in one of the government house near Gasing Hill.
He was Othman Dahlan. He was my "nephew" because his (late) mum was my (second) cousin.
His children (then) were Norlin, Liza, Reha and Lina.
I think that was when I knew we had relatives here.
I remember visiting Banting and Kuala Selangor during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, weddings or "khenduri", when we were young.
I remember "pokok kopi" in abundance surrounding the compounds of my relatives' homes.
I remember a pond beside almost every house.
And best of all, I remember being served delicious but sinfully sweet pisang salai.
And we would have all sorts of fruits that were packed for us.
I remember my aunts and cousins.
I liked my cousins. But when I was 14, sitting for my LCE, I was sure I did not want to get married to any of them.
It was an awful thought. Marrying cousins?
Besides, Banting and Kuala Selangor seemed a world away.
So, to cut a long story short. Yes, you've guessed it, Kak Eda and I survived the threat.
Two years later when we sat for our form five exams (Malaysian Certificate of Examination), Bapak never repeated the threat again but we were not taking any chances.
There was a point some time this year when I found Shaira slacking in her preparation for her PMR.
I thought I'd try that number on her and told her that if she failed her exams I'd marry her off to my relatives in Banting and Kuala Selangor.
But I suppose it was just not on. As I said it, I could not stifle my laugh because the whole thing sounded so ridiculous.
And really, they don't make kids like they used to.
It would not have worked on Shaira. Besides, what if, feeling so rebellious, she might just take me on.
Much later, in our adulthood, we reminded Bapak of his little threat and told him it was terrible of him to have put the fear of marriage in us.
He cackled. He roared with laughter. But he never told us whether or not he was serious.
You see, with Bapak, you can never really tell.
My very first major school examination was the Lower Certificate of Education or LCE.
Like everyone else, I was nervous.
So was Bapak although he never showed it.
I never showed it either so much so that Bapak thought I was too relaxed. Actually, being relaxed was the only way I knew to deal with my nerves.
Many times Bapak caught me reading my "Archie", "Princess Tina" or "June and Schoolfriends" comics.
Bapak was all for Kak Eda and I taking a break from studying but he caught me far too many times reading comics than reading my school books.
One day, during dinner, Bapak asked me:"Dah belajar? Dah prepared?"
"Dah", I replied.
Bapak, perhaps not entirely convinced, said: "You know if you fail your LCE, I'll marry you off to one of my relatives in Banting or Kuala Selangor."
I wasn't sure whether or not he was joking.
But if he was, it was not funny.
Bapak had never said that before.
"Alaah, Bapak," Kak Eda and I said almost in chorus.
He laughed.
What was that suppose to mean?
We decided not to pursue the matter. But, for the rest of dinner, there was silence in between changing subjects.
It was the most awkward situation for Kak Eda and I.
We really did not want to know whether or not he was serious.
What if he already had a candidate for each of us.
No, we were not going to push it.
Later, we asked Mak about Bapak's veiled threat.
Mak was probably in cahoots with Bapak but at the same time she did not really want to frighten us too much in case we'd go into a shock or something.
I think, (on reflection), she really did not like threatening her children with marriage to make them study and pass their exams.
I think she was afraid that it would be counter-productive or have a reverse effect.
But, she played along without giving the game away.
She, however, did not have to worry.
Kak Eda and I took the threat so seriously.
Bapak has always taught us to value family and kinship.
He would be most upset if we did not recognise his uncles, aunts and cousins living in Banting and Kuala Selangor.
We are from Singapore because both my paternal grandparents made Singapore their home (from Java).
One of my paternal grandmother's three aunts left Central Java and headed for Banting where she began a new life.
My great grandmother and her two sisters began their new life in Singapore.
In Kuala Selangor are my grandfather's kith and kin.
I don' quite remember when it was that I knew we had kith and kin in Banting and Kuala Selangor.
I think when I was about 8 or 9.
Where we lived at Jalan Lembah in Section 5, Petaling Jaya in the mid 60s, we had a Banting relative living up the road in one of the government house near Gasing Hill.
He was Othman Dahlan. He was my "nephew" because his (late) mum was my (second) cousin.
His children (then) were Norlin, Liza, Reha and Lina.
I think that was when I knew we had relatives here.
I remember visiting Banting and Kuala Selangor during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, weddings or "khenduri", when we were young.
I remember "pokok kopi" in abundance surrounding the compounds of my relatives' homes.
I remember a pond beside almost every house.
And best of all, I remember being served delicious but sinfully sweet pisang salai.
And we would have all sorts of fruits that were packed for us.
I remember my aunts and cousins.
I liked my cousins. But when I was 14, sitting for my LCE, I was sure I did not want to get married to any of them.
It was an awful thought. Marrying cousins?
Besides, Banting and Kuala Selangor seemed a world away.
So, to cut a long story short. Yes, you've guessed it, Kak Eda and I survived the threat.
Two years later when we sat for our form five exams (Malaysian Certificate of Examination), Bapak never repeated the threat again but we were not taking any chances.
There was a point some time this year when I found Shaira slacking in her preparation for her PMR.
I thought I'd try that number on her and told her that if she failed her exams I'd marry her off to my relatives in Banting and Kuala Selangor.
But I suppose it was just not on. As I said it, I could not stifle my laugh because the whole thing sounded so ridiculous.
And really, they don't make kids like they used to.
It would not have worked on Shaira. Besides, what if, feeling so rebellious, she might just take me on.
Much later, in our adulthood, we reminded Bapak of his little threat and told him it was terrible of him to have put the fear of marriage in us.
He cackled. He roared with laughter. But he never told us whether or not he was serious.
You see, with Bapak, you can never really tell.
Monday, December 10, 2007
International Human Rights Day
"Respect for human rights and human dignity is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world."
Today is International Human Rights Day but what a sad day it is for human rights in this country.
Early yesterday morning, a group of Malaysians marched peacefully to mark this day - from Sogo at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to the Malaysian Bar Council building.
It was peaceful. No FRU personnel was present. Fewer than 100 people.
Some 500 policemen and women who were there to keep the peace.
In fact, these uniformed men and women of the law seemed to be accompanying the marchers, to be walking alongside them.
A minor incident and, wham! Several people were arrested.
At the end of the day, nine people, including four lawyers were arrested for holding an illegal march and another for allegedly obstructing Kuala Lumpur City Hall officials from performing their duties.
(I'm impressed that City Hall officials were working on a Sunday!)
The lawyers are R Sivarasa, Latheefa Koya, N Surendran and Amir Hamzah. Edmund Bon was arrested for refusing to allow city hall officials to take down posters at the bar council building.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in response to this, said that no one, including lawyers, is above the law and all involved in illegal activities will face consequences.
Let me say that Sunday's walk was as peaceful as could be. The marchers walked along the sidewalks. Besides, it was really a small group.
If the early morning traffic was disrupted, it was because of the police cars that were stationed at several locations.
Let me remind everyone that it was a walk to mark the United Nations-sanctioned and endorsed (under the Universal Declarationof Human Rights) Human Rights Day.
And I thought our freedom to assemble is enshrined in our most sacrosant federal constitution.
Why on earth would anyone want to stop people from celebrating Human Rights day? Even if it is deemed illegal, the authorities should have made that an exception. No need to give an official go-ahead, but let the marchers through.
If the police had acted on orders from "higher-up" to put a stop to the walk as the marchers were peacefully and orderly making their way, then, it is a real pity.
We have learnt that not everything is in black and white, that we can make certain considerations.
The authorities have proven that they can make exceptions to the rule.
But, obviously not on this one.
See Rocky's Bru and Eli's.
Today is International Human Rights Day but what a sad day it is for human rights in this country.
Early yesterday morning, a group of Malaysians marched peacefully to mark this day - from Sogo at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to the Malaysian Bar Council building.
It was peaceful. No FRU personnel was present. Fewer than 100 people.
Some 500 policemen and women who were there to keep the peace.
In fact, these uniformed men and women of the law seemed to be accompanying the marchers, to be walking alongside them.
A minor incident and, wham! Several people were arrested.
At the end of the day, nine people, including four lawyers were arrested for holding an illegal march and another for allegedly obstructing Kuala Lumpur City Hall officials from performing their duties.
(I'm impressed that City Hall officials were working on a Sunday!)
The lawyers are R Sivarasa, Latheefa Koya, N Surendran and Amir Hamzah. Edmund Bon was arrested for refusing to allow city hall officials to take down posters at the bar council building.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in response to this, said that no one, including lawyers, is above the law and all involved in illegal activities will face consequences.
Let me say that Sunday's walk was as peaceful as could be. The marchers walked along the sidewalks. Besides, it was really a small group.
If the early morning traffic was disrupted, it was because of the police cars that were stationed at several locations.
Let me remind everyone that it was a walk to mark the United Nations-sanctioned and endorsed (under the Universal Declarationof Human Rights) Human Rights Day.
And I thought our freedom to assemble is enshrined in our most sacrosant federal constitution.
Why on earth would anyone want to stop people from celebrating Human Rights day? Even if it is deemed illegal, the authorities should have made that an exception. No need to give an official go-ahead, but let the marchers through.
If the police had acted on orders from "higher-up" to put a stop to the walk as the marchers were peacefully and orderly making their way, then, it is a real pity.
We have learnt that not everything is in black and white, that we can make certain considerations.
The authorities have proven that they can make exceptions to the rule.
But, obviously not on this one.
See Rocky's Bru and Eli's.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sunday Human Rights Walk...
Sunday mornings are "naik Bukit Kiara" or aerobics in the park days for me and my friend, Mia.
Yesterday I told Mia that I would not be joining her for our routine Sunday morning work-out because I was going to walk in the city. It'd be a nice day for that.
I'd probably meet some people there too.
And, wouldn't that co-incide with the planned walk in celebration of the International Human Rights Day?
But, wasn't that cancelled by the organisers, the Malaysian Bar Council?
Until today, I cannot understand why the bar council decided to cancel the walk which was really for a very very very good cause.
(Council president) Ambiga attributed it to the controversy blahblahblah.
I personally think that is balderdash. You are lawyers, for heavens' sake! You defend people's rights all the time.
I know you cannot get a police permit. That has been long established. No brainer.
So, why? Pressure, pressure, pressure, huh? Ok. I get it.
You know -- this was not a march against anyone. This was a walk for human rights, that everyone, including the government should support.
I don't care if only 100 people would be gathered there. I was gonna walk that mile. It would be peaceful.
And waddya know? There were fewer than 100 people all ready to walk. But guess what? There were more, far, far more policemen and women on duty all the way from Sogo to the Bar Council.
There were more police cars than I thought necessary for such a peaceful assembly of not that many people. And there was a helicopter fiercely hovering above.
Someone said there were 500 policemen/women.
And so many journalists and photographers.
In short -- police and media personnel far outnumbered marchers.
So, if I were a criminal or an opportunist, I'd go on a spree everytime there is a scheduled protest or rally.
I can be sure that all the police personnel will be at the rally "to keep the peace".
I have never ever felt so safe with so many policemen and women around.
It was a peaceful march. Some representatives of a political party carried banners, but that was to be expected. I'd be surprised if they did not.
The marhers were told to disperse at least three times at different points.
Why they were told, beats me. No one was shouting. People were walking along the pavement. Everything was peaceful.
There was not much traffic anyway.
It was for HUMAN RIGHTS.
But, obviously the walkers did not seem to heed the warnings and continued their peaceful walk. The police did not fire tear gas or chemical-laced water.
But when they stopped at Jalan Tun Perak, there was a little bit of chaos when one or two people (including a woman) started speaking. And then there were raised voices.
I could not quite hear but the female speaker was pretty fiery. It went on for about 10 minutes.
Then a plainclothes policeman (in collared brown/white box-motif t-shirt) said to his colleagues: "Hey, mari, kita tangkap itu perempuan."
And they did. That was not necessary.
Eight people (including Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Sivarasa, Latifah Koyah and a lady known only as Norazah) were taken away.
My friend, Michelle, told me that the police roughed up the lady as they were taking her away.
Kesian dia, I said.
But I suppose that's what police do (the world over) when they take "protesters" away.
I think it was such a peaceful and incident-free rally that "tidak berbaloi" (not justified) if no arrests were made, given the strength of police presence there.
At the same time, those arrested knew what they were in for, given the circumstances. Still the arrests were unnecessary.
Frankly, I did not think that there was a need for any fiery or antagonistic speeches. We should have just walked on, peacefully to the bar council building.
Overall, though, it was peaceful.
One guy standing at Jalan Tun Perak was giving a "blast of a speech". People walked past him. I think someone from Keadilan persuaded him to move away from there.
And then, much later, he re-appeared near the bar council building, doing the same number.
We were sure the police would take him away.
We had no idea what he was saying but he was shouting and shouting. He seemed angry.
Sure enough, the police took him away -- I hope for teh tarik because he was really harmless. Just a bit of nuisance, maybe.
It was a good walk, though too leisurely for my liking because I'd get more sweaty and a better work-out going up the hill.
Well, it sure looked like our police men, women and officers much prefer to attend peaceful rallies.
Why, they were walking together with us...
Here's a tribute to the International Human Rights Day although it is a really sad day for human rights!
May we never have to walk for our rights and freedom....
Please read Rocky's Bru, Jeff Ooi's, Tony Yew's, Stephen Francis' and Shar101's.
(At this point, there is no word about the fate of those arrested although lawyer and human rights activist Haris Ibrahim and several lawyers went to Bukit Aman to look into their case. Also Edmund Bon who is Rocky's lawyer has been arrested for allegedly preventing KL City Hall workers from taking down the banners at the bar council building.)
Yesterday I told Mia that I would not be joining her for our routine Sunday morning work-out because I was going to walk in the city. It'd be a nice day for that.
I'd probably meet some people there too.
And, wouldn't that co-incide with the planned walk in celebration of the International Human Rights Day?
But, wasn't that cancelled by the organisers, the Malaysian Bar Council?
Until today, I cannot understand why the bar council decided to cancel the walk which was really for a very very very good cause.
(Council president) Ambiga attributed it to the controversy blahblahblah.
I personally think that is balderdash. You are lawyers, for heavens' sake! You defend people's rights all the time.
I know you cannot get a police permit. That has been long established. No brainer.
So, why? Pressure, pressure, pressure, huh? Ok. I get it.
You know -- this was not a march against anyone. This was a walk for human rights, that everyone, including the government should support.
I don't care if only 100 people would be gathered there. I was gonna walk that mile. It would be peaceful.
And waddya know? There were fewer than 100 people all ready to walk. But guess what? There were more, far, far more policemen and women on duty all the way from Sogo to the Bar Council.
There were more police cars than I thought necessary for such a peaceful assembly of not that many people. And there was a helicopter fiercely hovering above.
Someone said there were 500 policemen/women.
And so many journalists and photographers.
In short -- police and media personnel far outnumbered marchers.
So, if I were a criminal or an opportunist, I'd go on a spree everytime there is a scheduled protest or rally.
I can be sure that all the police personnel will be at the rally "to keep the peace".
I have never ever felt so safe with so many policemen and women around.
It was a peaceful march. Some representatives of a political party carried banners, but that was to be expected. I'd be surprised if they did not.
The marhers were told to disperse at least three times at different points.
Why they were told, beats me. No one was shouting. People were walking along the pavement. Everything was peaceful.
There was not much traffic anyway.
It was for HUMAN RIGHTS.
But, obviously the walkers did not seem to heed the warnings and continued their peaceful walk. The police did not fire tear gas or chemical-laced water.
But when they stopped at Jalan Tun Perak, there was a little bit of chaos when one or two people (including a woman) started speaking. And then there were raised voices.
I could not quite hear but the female speaker was pretty fiery. It went on for about 10 minutes.
Then a plainclothes policeman (in collared brown/white box-motif t-shirt) said to his colleagues: "Hey, mari, kita tangkap itu perempuan."
And they did. That was not necessary.
Eight people (including Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Sivarasa, Latifah Koyah and a lady known only as Norazah) were taken away.
My friend, Michelle, told me that the police roughed up the lady as they were taking her away.
Kesian dia, I said.
But I suppose that's what police do (the world over) when they take "protesters" away.
I think it was such a peaceful and incident-free rally that "tidak berbaloi" (not justified) if no arrests were made, given the strength of police presence there.
At the same time, those arrested knew what they were in for, given the circumstances. Still the arrests were unnecessary.
Frankly, I did not think that there was a need for any fiery or antagonistic speeches. We should have just walked on, peacefully to the bar council building.
Overall, though, it was peaceful.
One guy standing at Jalan Tun Perak was giving a "blast of a speech". People walked past him. I think someone from Keadilan persuaded him to move away from there.
And then, much later, he re-appeared near the bar council building, doing the same number.
We were sure the police would take him away.
We had no idea what he was saying but he was shouting and shouting. He seemed angry.
Sure enough, the police took him away -- I hope for teh tarik because he was really harmless. Just a bit of nuisance, maybe.
It was a good walk, though too leisurely for my liking because I'd get more sweaty and a better work-out going up the hill.
Well, it sure looked like our police men, women and officers much prefer to attend peaceful rallies.
Why, they were walking together with us...
Here's a tribute to the International Human Rights Day although it is a really sad day for human rights!
May we never have to walk for our rights and freedom....
Please read Rocky's Bru, Jeff Ooi's, Tony Yew's, Stephen Francis' and Shar101's.
(At this point, there is no word about the fate of those arrested although lawyer and human rights activist Haris Ibrahim and several lawyers went to Bukit Aman to look into their case. Also Edmund Bon who is Rocky's lawyer has been arrested for allegedly preventing KL City Hall workers from taking down the banners at the bar council building.)
Saturday, December 08, 2007
"No" To Zaki..
The People's Parliament has launched a "No Zaki" petition to the Yang di Pertuan Agong.
In his posting Ampun Tuanku, Patik-patik Petisyen Lagi, lawyer and human rights activist Haris Ibrahim said the rakyat are very concerned that Tan Sri Zaki Azmi has been selected for appointment as President of the Court of Appeal.
The petition asked that His Majesty defer the appointment until the Royal Commission of Inquiry delivers its findings and recommendation (on the VK Lingam video scandal).
Six reasons have been listed as grounds for the rakyat's concern over the intended appointment of Zaki.
Malik Imtiaz who is also a lawyer and human rights activist has his take in his blog Disquiet.
He says: The radical step of nominating Tan Sri Zaki Azmi the President of the Court of Appeal conclusively shows that the Government is blind to the crisis that the Judiciary, and consequently the legal system, is in the throes of. It also shows that the Abdullah Badawi administration views the Judiciary in much the same way the Mahathir administration did; the Judiciary is there to serve the Government’s interests, and not those of the nation.
Another petition to His Majesty.
Will you be signing it?
In his posting Ampun Tuanku, Patik-patik Petisyen Lagi, lawyer and human rights activist Haris Ibrahim said the rakyat are very concerned that Tan Sri Zaki Azmi has been selected for appointment as President of the Court of Appeal.
The petition asked that His Majesty defer the appointment until the Royal Commission of Inquiry delivers its findings and recommendation (on the VK Lingam video scandal).
Six reasons have been listed as grounds for the rakyat's concern over the intended appointment of Zaki.
Malik Imtiaz who is also a lawyer and human rights activist has his take in his blog Disquiet.
He says: The radical step of nominating Tan Sri Zaki Azmi the President of the Court of Appeal conclusively shows that the Government is blind to the crisis that the Judiciary, and consequently the legal system, is in the throes of. It also shows that the Abdullah Badawi administration views the Judiciary in much the same way the Mahathir administration did; the Judiciary is there to serve the Government’s interests, and not those of the nation.
Another petition to His Majesty.
Will you be signing it?
Friday, December 07, 2007
Standard Chartered's Prompt Action.....
I know I was b****y upset by that call from a Standard Chartered Bank representative on Tuesday (Dec 4).
I thought I'd better blog about two calls I received from StanChart following that contentious call demanding payment with regards to my Visa credit card account.
After I received the first call while I was having my shower, I decided to do a posting on the conversation I had with the StancChart guy.
Then I left for Kak Ton's for our weekly MRT (Mee Rebus on Tuesday).
It was around lunch time at her house that I received a call from another StanChart representative who was responding to my complaint.
I was quite surprised.
I told him I had not lodged a complaint to anyone at StanChart. I can only assume that the other guy must have reported to the relevant authority in his section.
So, he explained that the (first) guy called me because my payment last month was short of RM14 something.
That made me even more aghast.
"RM14 something and StanChart had to harass me ....I was going to make my monthly payment anyway and that would have well covered whatever...."
I told him that it was ok, I would be making a full payment anyway, and was cancelling my card. It was clear to me that having been a cardholder since 1988 did not matter to the bank.
I thanked him.
I thought that was that.
I still had not decided to cancel my StanChart Visa card. I still had reservation. If I cancelled my card with StanChart, what guarantee do I have that other banks do NOT do the same.
I was still undecided.
So, I made my monthly payment (of my Visa) at the ATM of the StanChart Damansara Utama branch early the following day (Wednesday, Dec 5).
I wanted to think further about cancelling my card. I was weighing the pros and cons. The fact was that StanChart had never bothered or harassed me before that incident. In fact, StanChart had always been helpful.
Later (the same day), at about 2.15pm while I was at Ikano Power Centre (on assignment to interview someone), I received a call from Rina Tan of StanChart's head office.
She called to offer StanChart's apology for the call which she admitted was really a mistake. In a nutshell, StanChart wanted to make amends because it did not want me to cancel my card as it was aware that I had been a loyal cardholder since 1988.
I could have dismissed her and just cut short our conversation.
I did not. I was really no longer all that angry. And I am not a rude person. Besides, she was really nice and sounded so sincere.
We spoke. We talked.
I told her that I was sure that that contentious call from StanChart would not be the last from the bank.
She assured me that it would be.
I am taking her word for it.
Rina was clearly doing her job. But she must be doing a damn good job because she persuaded me not to cancel my card.
It was not just what she said but how she said it.
I don't know Rina personally. That does not matter but she gave me a good reason to keep my card....besides getting this and that and some other "privileges" for me.
Hey, I am not bribeable. But I am a customer. A loyal one too!
I thought I'd better blog about two calls I received from StanChart following that contentious call demanding payment with regards to my Visa credit card account.
After I received the first call while I was having my shower, I decided to do a posting on the conversation I had with the StancChart guy.
Then I left for Kak Ton's for our weekly MRT (Mee Rebus on Tuesday).
It was around lunch time at her house that I received a call from another StanChart representative who was responding to my complaint.
I was quite surprised.
I told him I had not lodged a complaint to anyone at StanChart. I can only assume that the other guy must have reported to the relevant authority in his section.
So, he explained that the (first) guy called me because my payment last month was short of RM14 something.
That made me even more aghast.
"RM14 something and StanChart had to harass me ....I was going to make my monthly payment anyway and that would have well covered whatever...."
I told him that it was ok, I would be making a full payment anyway, and was cancelling my card. It was clear to me that having been a cardholder since 1988 did not matter to the bank.
I thanked him.
I thought that was that.
I still had not decided to cancel my StanChart Visa card. I still had reservation. If I cancelled my card with StanChart, what guarantee do I have that other banks do NOT do the same.
I was still undecided.
So, I made my monthly payment (of my Visa) at the ATM of the StanChart Damansara Utama branch early the following day (Wednesday, Dec 5).
I wanted to think further about cancelling my card. I was weighing the pros and cons. The fact was that StanChart had never bothered or harassed me before that incident. In fact, StanChart had always been helpful.
Later (the same day), at about 2.15pm while I was at Ikano Power Centre (on assignment to interview someone), I received a call from Rina Tan of StanChart's head office.
She called to offer StanChart's apology for the call which she admitted was really a mistake. In a nutshell, StanChart wanted to make amends because it did not want me to cancel my card as it was aware that I had been a loyal cardholder since 1988.
I could have dismissed her and just cut short our conversation.
I did not. I was really no longer all that angry. And I am not a rude person. Besides, she was really nice and sounded so sincere.
We spoke. We talked.
I told her that I was sure that that contentious call from StanChart would not be the last from the bank.
She assured me that it would be.
I am taking her word for it.
Rina was clearly doing her job. But she must be doing a damn good job because she persuaded me not to cancel my card.
It was not just what she said but how she said it.
I don't know Rina personally. That does not matter but she gave me a good reason to keep my card....besides getting this and that and some other "privileges" for me.
Hey, I am not bribeable. But I am a customer. A loyal one too!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Tuesdays With Bapak
Life... - December 4 2007
If mobile phones were invented when I was a teenager, life for me and a zillion other teenagers would have been dramatically different.
Would it have been more fun or less? More pain? Fewer problems?
Whatever. But would I have wanted it any other way? I doubt it. I think it was best that life was the way it was -- sans mobile phones et computers...
When Bapak re-entered journalism after more than 5 years "away", newspapers had moved on and newsrooms were no longer the way they were.
Newspaper technology had pretty much advanced. Computers were already being used in a big way.
I suppose, Bapak must have been overwhelmed by this progress in the newsroom. It was all so new to him.
And that is really an understatement.
Still, he was keen to go with the flow.
But, you know....sometimes the heart so desires but the mind.....
I think this is so true of (some) old people. Their mind stops at the thought of having to remember all the keypads, all the commands.
Bapak never told us about his little problem with computers.
I think as far as he was concerned, the computer was just too much to handle.
Not that he never owned one.
When he rejoined the NST as editorial advisor, he got a personal computer which he had installed in his library/study.
We thought that he had been using it. That the computer had served him well.
We, however, never realised that he had never touched it.
Everytime we were at Bapak's place, he would be fiercely tapping the keys of his faithful typewriter.
"Bapak tak pakai computer?", we had asked.
"Aah..mmm......," he mumbled, eyebrows raised as he momentarily looked up and then, just as quickly, looked back at the page he was typing on.
That meant, "I'm busy".
That meant, "don't ask".
That could also mean that "no, I have not used the **#@ computer".
Truth be told, Bapak has never used a computer in his life. Neither has he ever called anyone on a mobile phone. He does not care to know how to use one.
And I believe he is not the only senior citizen in this whole wide world to have a poor relationship with computers.
(Although I marvel at one 90 year-old Latin lady who blogs.)
If mobile phones were around back in the 70s, I think I would not have had a social life. Not that mine was fantastically exciting. But, what little fun that we had as a teenager would have been severely eroded by the very existence of mobile phones, I am sure.
I can imagine Bapak making sure we were where we told him we would be.
"Kat mana ni? Library? ....", Bapak would probably have asked us over the "mobile phone".
Oh...dread. Shudders.
Now isn't that a strange thought when right now, I laud the invention of cell/mobile phones.
"This phone has saved lives," I remember telling that to someone one day. People stranded in God forsaken places have been known to have been rescued because they had mobile phones with them. Accident victims have been saved by prompt action with the hekp of mobile phones. A child who was hiding from burglars/robber in her home got help because she had her mobile phone. And, oh...countless other life-saving cases.
Someone (a very married man) once told me that the mobile phone had also been the cause of divorces/break-ups among married couples.
Actually, what he meant was that wives often got to know of their husbands' extra-marital exploits through the mobile phone due to their husbands' inept or overzealous use of the gadget.
It is usually quite by accident (over the phone) that the wives discover such hanky-panky. Oh you know....
And now, photos in mobile phones to catch erring spouses and their indiscretions...
Just the other evening, as I was sending Shaira and Amalina to the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club for the "Live Loud" concert, I told them that I would fetch them at the spot where I would be dropping them off.
I told them to just call me on my cell phone when the concert was over. I told them I'd do the same if I didn't get their call after the scheduled time.
"Thank God, ada mobile phone...," I said.
"Ya-lah, Tante...how was it for you when you were young? How was life without mobile phones?" Amalina asked, a little horrified at the thought of "life without mobile phones".
How was life without mobile phones then?
Well, you do not miss things you never had. That's for sure.
But try telling that to the kids.
My children, nephews and nieces cannot imagine life without mobile phones.
I cannot imagine life without the internet.
As for Bapak....
"Blogging? Apa tu blogging?," I remember the first time that word was mentioned in our conversation.
He knows now.
If mobile phones were invented when I was a teenager, life for me and a zillion other teenagers would have been dramatically different.
Would it have been more fun or less? More pain? Fewer problems?
Whatever. But would I have wanted it any other way? I doubt it. I think it was best that life was the way it was -- sans mobile phones et computers...
When Bapak re-entered journalism after more than 5 years "away", newspapers had moved on and newsrooms were no longer the way they were.
Newspaper technology had pretty much advanced. Computers were already being used in a big way.
I suppose, Bapak must have been overwhelmed by this progress in the newsroom. It was all so new to him.
And that is really an understatement.
Still, he was keen to go with the flow.
But, you know....sometimes the heart so desires but the mind.....
I think this is so true of (some) old people. Their mind stops at the thought of having to remember all the keypads, all the commands.
Bapak never told us about his little problem with computers.
I think as far as he was concerned, the computer was just too much to handle.
Not that he never owned one.
When he rejoined the NST as editorial advisor, he got a personal computer which he had installed in his library/study.
We thought that he had been using it. That the computer had served him well.
We, however, never realised that he had never touched it.
Everytime we were at Bapak's place, he would be fiercely tapping the keys of his faithful typewriter.
"Bapak tak pakai computer?", we had asked.
"Aah..mmm......," he mumbled, eyebrows raised as he momentarily looked up and then, just as quickly, looked back at the page he was typing on.
That meant, "I'm busy".
That meant, "don't ask".
That could also mean that "no, I have not used the **#@ computer".
Truth be told, Bapak has never used a computer in his life. Neither has he ever called anyone on a mobile phone. He does not care to know how to use one.
And I believe he is not the only senior citizen in this whole wide world to have a poor relationship with computers.
(Although I marvel at one 90 year-old Latin lady who blogs.)
If mobile phones were around back in the 70s, I think I would not have had a social life. Not that mine was fantastically exciting. But, what little fun that we had as a teenager would have been severely eroded by the very existence of mobile phones, I am sure.
I can imagine Bapak making sure we were where we told him we would be.
"Kat mana ni? Library? ....", Bapak would probably have asked us over the "mobile phone".
Oh...dread. Shudders.
Now isn't that a strange thought when right now, I laud the invention of cell/mobile phones.
"This phone has saved lives," I remember telling that to someone one day. People stranded in God forsaken places have been known to have been rescued because they had mobile phones with them. Accident victims have been saved by prompt action with the hekp of mobile phones. A child who was hiding from burglars/robber in her home got help because she had her mobile phone. And, oh...countless other life-saving cases.
Someone (a very married man) once told me that the mobile phone had also been the cause of divorces/break-ups among married couples.
Actually, what he meant was that wives often got to know of their husbands' extra-marital exploits through the mobile phone due to their husbands' inept or overzealous use of the gadget.
It is usually quite by accident (over the phone) that the wives discover such hanky-panky. Oh you know....
And now, photos in mobile phones to catch erring spouses and their indiscretions...
Just the other evening, as I was sending Shaira and Amalina to the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club for the "Live Loud" concert, I told them that I would fetch them at the spot where I would be dropping them off.
I told them to just call me on my cell phone when the concert was over. I told them I'd do the same if I didn't get their call after the scheduled time.
"Thank God, ada mobile phone...," I said.
"Ya-lah, Tante...how was it for you when you were young? How was life without mobile phones?" Amalina asked, a little horrified at the thought of "life without mobile phones".
How was life without mobile phones then?
Well, you do not miss things you never had. That's for sure.
But try telling that to the kids.
My children, nephews and nieces cannot imagine life without mobile phones.
I cannot imagine life without the internet.
As for Bapak....
"Blogging? Apa tu blogging?," I remember the first time that word was mentioned in our conversation.
He knows now.
Giving Up My Standard Chartered Visa Card....
I think I should...
Because a representative from Standard Chartered Bank (Visa Section) called me up as I was having my shower to ask me to make my credit card payment.
Here was how the conversation went (or something like this):
StanChart rep: Puan Nuraina Abdul Samad?
Me: Yes.
SCR: I am calling from Standard Chartered Visa. It is about your credit card XXXX (the last 4 digits). Are you making your payment today?
Me: (Startled because I can't remember the number...) er er ...aah.. mmmm.
er....I don't know whether that's the number... Why are you asking?
SCR: Are you making your payment today?
Me: er ....well..I always make my payment at the beginning of the month.
SCR: Where do you usually make your payment? Is it by cash or cheque or....
Me: I always pay at the Damansara Utama branch...by cheque through the ATM teller.
SCR: So, you will make the payment today?
Me: Today, tomorrow...Ok...ok.... wait... When was my last payment? Was it last month?
SCR: Yes...
Me: So...why are you.....(got myself together...) Excuse me ...do you now make a practice of harassing your cardholders for payment at the beginning of the month??????****&^%%$ (no...I did not swear, only in my heart).
Honestly. I thought that was not nice of Standard Chartered to be calling me for payment. It's not like a month has lapsed since my last payment. I can understand if they called me because I had defaulted (in making payments).
The guy introduced himself as someone from Standard Chartered, and he had the last 4 digits of my card correct. So, I am assuming that it was a genuine call from Standard Chartered.
Well...it is their prerogative to harass their card holders.
And that is why I am going to make a full payment to the bank for my Visa bills. I am giving up my Visa card with Standard Chartered.
So sad since I have been their cardholder since 1988.
I guess I'll be applying to CIMB.
I have held a bank account with Bank Bumiputra since forever (20-plus years). BBMB became Bumiputra Commerce and now it is CIMB.
CIMB has come up with many plans and products for its account holders. CIMB saw it fit to make me a CIMB Club member. I didn't even know I was although I had been receiving pamphlets from CIMB on this. I never took the trouble to read them. So, I had no idea what it meant until I had a casual chat with one of the officers at the bank.
During the course of our conversation, she asked me if I was interested in applying for a Visa card, for which my application (as a CIMB club member) would be automatically approved.
I politely declined because I said I already had one (Standard Chartered) and I was very happy with it.
I told her one was enough-lah. And CIMB was not the only one I turned down, given the many promotions by so many banks with regards to credit cards.
That was a few months ago....
Today, I don't think I am happy with Standard Chartered.
So, tomorrow, I will be visiting the CIMB officer to apply for a Visa card.
Because a representative from Standard Chartered Bank (Visa Section) called me up as I was having my shower to ask me to make my credit card payment.
Here was how the conversation went (or something like this):
StanChart rep: Puan Nuraina Abdul Samad?
Me: Yes.
SCR: I am calling from Standard Chartered Visa. It is about your credit card XXXX (the last 4 digits). Are you making your payment today?
Me: (Startled because I can't remember the number...) er er ...aah.. mmmm.
er....I don't know whether that's the number... Why are you asking?
SCR: Are you making your payment today?
Me: er ....well..I always make my payment at the beginning of the month.
SCR: Where do you usually make your payment? Is it by cash or cheque or....
Me: I always pay at the Damansara Utama branch...by cheque through the ATM teller.
SCR: So, you will make the payment today?
Me: Today, tomorrow...Ok...ok.... wait... When was my last payment? Was it last month?
SCR: Yes...
Me: So...why are you.....(got myself together...) Excuse me ...do you now make a practice of harassing your cardholders for payment at the beginning of the month??????****&^%%$ (no...I did not swear, only in my heart).
Honestly. I thought that was not nice of Standard Chartered to be calling me for payment. It's not like a month has lapsed since my last payment. I can understand if they called me because I had defaulted (in making payments).
The guy introduced himself as someone from Standard Chartered, and he had the last 4 digits of my card correct. So, I am assuming that it was a genuine call from Standard Chartered.
Well...it is their prerogative to harass their card holders.
And that is why I am going to make a full payment to the bank for my Visa bills. I am giving up my Visa card with Standard Chartered.
So sad since I have been their cardholder since 1988.
I guess I'll be applying to CIMB.
I have held a bank account with Bank Bumiputra since forever (20-plus years). BBMB became Bumiputra Commerce and now it is CIMB.
CIMB has come up with many plans and products for its account holders. CIMB saw it fit to make me a CIMB Club member. I didn't even know I was although I had been receiving pamphlets from CIMB on this. I never took the trouble to read them. So, I had no idea what it meant until I had a casual chat with one of the officers at the bank.
During the course of our conversation, she asked me if I was interested in applying for a Visa card, for which my application (as a CIMB club member) would be automatically approved.
I politely declined because I said I already had one (Standard Chartered) and I was very happy with it.
I told her one was enough-lah. And CIMB was not the only one I turned down, given the many promotions by so many banks with regards to credit cards.
That was a few months ago....
Today, I don't think I am happy with Standard Chartered.
So, tomorrow, I will be visiting the CIMB officer to apply for a Visa card.
About India....
A commentor, Pardeshi Babu asked me to read "An Open Letter to Malaysian Indians" in a blog "A Zillion Reasons to Escape From India".
Curious, I opened the link (http://escapefromindia.worpdress.com).
Here's the opening para:
I stand against any discrimination of any human being in any parts of the world. But when it comes to HINDRAF outrage in Malaysia there are some questions one should ask to Hindu Action Right Force officials. As an Indian, I believe ethnic Indians in Malaysia, still enjoy more rights than Indian citizens who is living in their own country. Since the living standards of Malaysia is far higher than India, I agree that Hindus in Malaysia need a better deal. As a community with migrant history, majority of Malaysian Indians are Hindus while it also include a minuscule Muslim, Christian and Sikh presence. The so called “Indian” heritage in Malaysia cannot be limited with Hindu minority in Malaysia.
Still interested? Click here for the rest of the story.
Curious, I opened the link (http://escapefromindia.worpdress.com).
Here's the opening para:
I stand against any discrimination of any human being in any parts of the world. But when it comes to HINDRAF outrage in Malaysia there are some questions one should ask to Hindu Action Right Force officials. As an Indian, I believe ethnic Indians in Malaysia, still enjoy more rights than Indian citizens who is living in their own country. Since the living standards of Malaysia is far higher than India, I agree that Hindus in Malaysia need a better deal. As a community with migrant history, majority of Malaysian Indians are Hindus while it also include a minuscule Muslim, Christian and Sikh presence. The so called “Indian” heritage in Malaysia cannot be limited with Hindu minority in Malaysia.
Still interested? Click here for the rest of the story.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Saffron Sunday...
UPDATE:
We had a birthday gathering at Bapak's today -- a joint one for my nephews Haris and Heikal and my grandnephew (Kak Ton's grandson) at 4pm.
At 8.30pm, we gathered in the garden to light our candles.
We talked about lighting candles. We told the little ones that it was a way of remembering many things, of the good and bad.
People have been doing it for centuries.
But this evening, it was for love, hope and solidarity.
Lighting a candle for the human spirit.
See story and pictures at Kak Ton's Tok Mommy here.
My earlier posting:
Light a candle for humanity and human rights.
I'm starting my Saffron Sunday early (like 3am).
l'll light the candles as soon as my kids and their friends are back from the "Live and Loud" concert at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club which ended much later than scheduled.
Oh...let them party first, and then we'll light the candles, enjoy each other's company and talk about humanity and human rights.
We'll probably also talk about life, living, justice, civil liberty and about how we can better this great country of ours.
They need a little learning, these kids.
I need a little learning too.
Let that candle burn bright.
Please read Haris Ibrahim's Saffron Sunday and Rocky's Bru.
We had a birthday gathering at Bapak's today -- a joint one for my nephews Haris and Heikal and my grandnephew (Kak Ton's grandson) at 4pm.
At 8.30pm, we gathered in the garden to light our candles.
We talked about lighting candles. We told the little ones that it was a way of remembering many things, of the good and bad.
People have been doing it for centuries.
But this evening, it was for love, hope and solidarity.
Lighting a candle for the human spirit.
See story and pictures at Kak Ton's Tok Mommy here.
My earlier posting:
Light a candle for humanity and human rights.
I'm starting my Saffron Sunday early (like 3am).
l'll light the candles as soon as my kids and their friends are back from the "Live and Loud" concert at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club which ended much later than scheduled.
Oh...let them party first, and then we'll light the candles, enjoy each other's company and talk about humanity and human rights.
We'll probably also talk about life, living, justice, civil liberty and about how we can better this great country of ours.
They need a little learning, these kids.
I need a little learning too.
Let that candle burn bright.
Please read Haris Ibrahim's Saffron Sunday and Rocky's Bru.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)