Alright, here goes. I am a Malaysian, and I consider myself a pretty patriotic one. However I never really indulged myself in the politics of Malaysia. One could say, i'm pretty buta politic. As all Malaysians have undoubtedly have already known, we just got through our 12th election last weekend. The results have spoken. BN suffered a big loss, losing their 2/3 majority vote in Parliament. I checked on Subang, and saw that BN lost that as well, to DAP, I was like wooah. Pembankang menang siut. I was actually worried....
Then I stopped, and thought to myself,..."ok...BN lost to DAP, so now what?.what was the significance?"
Someone explain to me what's gonna change?. I know. using Subang as an example, the overall feel of Subang won't change much. I can understand if PAS was to take over Subang, there would probably be no more Asia Cafe, and yes like I told makcik in Dublin, women probably won't be able to shoot pool anymore at Asia Cafe anymore, because there would be no Asia cafe, and because its not proper for women to play pool? Ok maybe I'm being overly harsh on the what ifs when PAS is concerned.
But seriously, to someone who actually had no big problems with BN, someone explain to me what will change. I asked Sheng and Eugene today, and probably shouldn't have done that, because if you know Sheng, he'll have a long factual explanation, talking bout economies and such, while if you knew Eugene, he'll just talk bout the subject aimlessly. Which left me basically where I started, I need terms I can understand.
Theres probably an issue with corruption, and the fact that prices of everything are rising. I know the opposition are promising changes in the NOW, but after watching an news clip of Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, where he explained, in order to implement the changes promised by DAP in particular, taxes are going to be raised, and that consequently effects the future generation. With corruption, hey, I'm gonna be a pessimist bout this and say it won't go away. Reduced yes, vanish? no way.
I read LSG's blog and he mentioned the election as well, and he was writing specifically bout Nurul Izzah, who in all my blurness in the arena of politics and general homeland knowledge, is the daughter of none other than Wan Azizah leader of PKR. She won her battle with Dato' Sharizat, and after googling Nurul Izzah's name, and then saw her picture...I wondered, in a totally comical thought (kena state, maner tau kena saman ker)....did the voters vote for her because she has the caliber, or because she looks more attractive, in my opinion on a poster than Dato' Sharizat. I mean if I was like a neutral voter, and a normal joe, I would pick Nurul Izzah hands down just because. I can safely say guys work that way.
Often at family gatherings, when I sit amongst my family members, and listen to their stories, complaining bout this and that about the government, I guess its kind of interesting and maybe a bit refreshing to see Malaysians do want change and it actually happened this time. We'll see I guess, how well the opposition delivers, and also interesting to see how BN reacts. Will the loss trigger the change in them? I hope that BN or oppostion, in all their battles, don't forget about Malaysia and Malaysians.
Showing posts with label subang jaya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label subang jaya. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
My Summer
I shouldn't have gone back to Malaysia for as long as 3 months. 1 month would have been enough. I wouldn't know that for sure of course, but at this present moment thats what I think anyway.
Summer in Malaysia started out as probably all of you already know, with a surprise for my family and friends. That was was something planned in advance and actually seeing the plan become a success was actually quite gratifying. The months that followed the return were pretty varied in activities, with only one common factor...foood. I fulfilled my cravings for whatever I craved for over the summer, and the cravings would undoubtedly be refreshed this year.
First couple of weeks back, it was just hangout sessions with the boys. Futsal (ahh, good to be back in those caged pitches), and of course lepakking at MyTomYam or Air Buah or now more affectionately referred as Ayaq Bu by us Kakibangku-ians. Then the activities started. Go-kart sessions with cousins, trip up to Genting Highlands (haven't been there since probably standard 4.....it got bigger huh?) with KB family, which was fun, mainly seeing who actually had guts in the family, haha. My cousin Kak Intan also got engaged that December, but I will not be attending her wedding because its in March (apa salahnya nikah terus daripada tunang? boleh aku attend) which is a bummer, because its Kak Intan, one of my closest cousins. We said good bye to Faizal, as he got a job in Dubai, which I think is great, experience over there will do him good, career wise. Closed off December, as well as the year 2007 with a barbecue at my house, again. Was reluctant to host at first, but in the end it was great, and any time with my closest friends is good time in my book.
In January, the Borois (me, Mann and Hafiz) took a trip to Langkawi. Although we didn't do much in activities, the journey to get to the island and the conversations with the borois, made the trip worthwhile a thousand times over. January also had karaoke sessions with Hildi, Laili, Syana, Alel, Zerol and Jepp (new way to kill yourself, get a real hard rock song, and try to sing exactly like the artist..haha), a field football match with some students with UM, (which we won triumphantly 6-3), and celebrated Hafiz Botak's 23rd with another surprise, but a different Naili's Place.
Celebrated another 3 birthdays early February (Fazee's, Amoi's and Laili's), but not before beating another team at football, winning 1-0. Hung out with the just the sistaz, pretty much for the whole afternoon at the curve, which was something new and a very welcome addition to my routine when i'm back home in Malaysia next. The last outing with the KB family was again at the curve. Late lunch at Litlle Penang, and drinks at Nasi Kandar Spring. It really turned out to be the last outing, because even though I still had 3 days left till my flight I had food poisoning, and had to spend the last days recovering in time to be travel ready.
The day of my flight, I went to Opah's for lunch. Met my aunts and of course Opah. Second time round doesn't make saying goodbye to them any easier. I guess I always see my cousin Azril, and wonder how he handles it so well. It might be he gets to come back at the very least 3 times a year. So the level of kerinduan won't be as bad. Anyways, Mak, Abang and Kak Yang sent me off at the airport, as well as the brothaz and a couple of sistaz. I did cry the first time, but not this time. The flight was not smooth sailing, with numerous cases of turbulence, with one occasion felt like I was sitting in a roller coaster and dipped too much for my liking, which made me almost curse too loudly.
I shouldn't have gone back to Malaysia for 3 months because I was starting to feel too much at home (which is normally how a person should feel when a person is at home) but that made me not be in the mindset of being a student overseas. I would miss being a son at home. I would miss the late night lepakking at ayaq bu with the closest of friends, talking bout anything and everything and laughing till you can't laugh anymore. Sometimes it doesn't get any better than that. But, I am a student overseas, and that is what I chose to do.
I apologise for this entry. Sappy,boring and out of place in this blog, but needed to be written. Normal service will resume after this entry.
Summer in Malaysia started out as probably all of you already know, with a surprise for my family and friends. That was was something planned in advance and actually seeing the plan become a success was actually quite gratifying. The months that followed the return were pretty varied in activities, with only one common factor...foood. I fulfilled my cravings for whatever I craved for over the summer, and the cravings would undoubtedly be refreshed this year.
First couple of weeks back, it was just hangout sessions with the boys. Futsal (ahh, good to be back in those caged pitches), and of course lepakking at MyTomYam or Air Buah or now more affectionately referred as Ayaq Bu by us Kakibangku-ians. Then the activities started. Go-kart sessions with cousins, trip up to Genting Highlands (haven't been there since probably standard 4.....it got bigger huh?) with KB family, which was fun, mainly seeing who actually had guts in the family, haha. My cousin Kak Intan also got engaged that December, but I will not be attending her wedding because its in March (apa salahnya nikah terus daripada tunang? boleh aku attend) which is a bummer, because its Kak Intan, one of my closest cousins. We said good bye to Faizal, as he got a job in Dubai, which I think is great, experience over there will do him good, career wise. Closed off December, as well as the year 2007 with a barbecue at my house, again. Was reluctant to host at first, but in the end it was great, and any time with my closest friends is good time in my book.
In January, the Borois (me, Mann and Hafiz) took a trip to Langkawi. Although we didn't do much in activities, the journey to get to the island and the conversations with the borois, made the trip worthwhile a thousand times over. January also had karaoke sessions with Hildi, Laili, Syana, Alel, Zerol and Jepp (new way to kill yourself, get a real hard rock song, and try to sing exactly like the artist..haha), a field football match with some students with UM, (which we won triumphantly 6-3), and celebrated Hafiz Botak's 23rd with another surprise, but a different Naili's Place.
Celebrated another 3 birthdays early February (Fazee's, Amoi's and Laili's), but not before beating another team at football, winning 1-0. Hung out with the just the sistaz, pretty much for the whole afternoon at the curve, which was something new and a very welcome addition to my routine when i'm back home in Malaysia next. The last outing with the KB family was again at the curve. Late lunch at Litlle Penang, and drinks at Nasi Kandar Spring. It really turned out to be the last outing, because even though I still had 3 days left till my flight I had food poisoning, and had to spend the last days recovering in time to be travel ready.
The day of my flight, I went to Opah's for lunch. Met my aunts and of course Opah. Second time round doesn't make saying goodbye to them any easier. I guess I always see my cousin Azril, and wonder how he handles it so well. It might be he gets to come back at the very least 3 times a year. So the level of kerinduan won't be as bad. Anyways, Mak, Abang and Kak Yang sent me off at the airport, as well as the brothaz and a couple of sistaz. I did cry the first time, but not this time. The flight was not smooth sailing, with numerous cases of turbulence, with one occasion felt like I was sitting in a roller coaster and dipped too much for my liking, which made me almost curse too loudly.
I shouldn't have gone back to Malaysia for 3 months because I was starting to feel too much at home (which is normally how a person should feel when a person is at home) but that made me not be in the mindset of being a student overseas. I would miss being a son at home. I would miss the late night lepakking at ayaq bu with the closest of friends, talking bout anything and everything and laughing till you can't laugh anymore. Sometimes it doesn't get any better than that. But, I am a student overseas, and that is what I chose to do.
I apologise for this entry. Sappy,boring and out of place in this blog, but needed to be written. Normal service will resume after this entry.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The mission
So it turns out that I might have told a little white lie to pretty much everyone I know in Malaysia. I said to them I would be back in December. Dates vary as I myself lost track of what date I fed them. It was 12th of December at first, then 8th, then 4th. These dates are lies, because, I am already back in Malaysia people. Came back 2 nights ago on the 26th of November. I apologize to the ones I lied to but it was too tempting not to attempt a surprise.
On the 26th, my domestic flight from Palmy to Auckland was at 8.20, and to my slight horror my alarm did not go off, and I only got up at 7.25. My plan to wake up, have breakfast, take a shower, snap a few pictures of the flat went out the window. After realizing the time, I jumped up, and went straight for Iylia's room to wake him up. Brushed my teeth, washed my face, and got dressed. No shower. Said goodbye to Imran, but not to Safwan and Wen Li as they were still sleeping and I was late. Got into the car and made our way to the airport. Immediately checked in. The lady at the check in counter told me the flight was delayed. If only I knew, could have taken a shower first. So waited for an extra half hour and finally they called to board. Said goodbye to Iylia, and made my way on to the plane. This is officially the first time I have traveled alone.
Arrived at Auckland domestic terminal at 10 AM, and made my way to the International terminal. Went straight to McD to get breakfast, then went to ask the info counter where I could get a shower as I did not shower yet. The lady said that I had to to go to the florist to get the key to the shower and to rent a towel. Thats what I did, and which meant it was the first time showering at an airport. After showering, went to the departure lounge as I still had an hour till check-in time. Went around buying souvenirs and then sat down and played the PSP for an hour. Made my way down to the check-in counters and found that there were already people lining up to check-in. I saw quite a few Malaysians and even saw Abang Harmi and family queuing up a couple of rows behind me. Check-in was fine, no hiccups and that made me happy because there is one less bag to worry about and I am officially one step closer to Malaysia. Went back up to the departure hall, and got a pizza and a lift plus, which was gonna be my last lift plus in 3 months. I am gonna miss that drink. Filled in my departure card, and after 20 minutes, it was time to board the plane. Made my way through the security check fine, walked at a leisurely pace towards the gate and sat down with Abang Harmi and family for a quick chat. 15 minutes later, the gate was open, and they announced that families get to go in first. So Abang Harmi and family went first, and I waited for 10 minutes, and proceeded to the gate myself. Handed my boarding pass to the lady, and that was it, on the plane, ready to leave Auckland and back to Malaysia.
The flight was good, got a window seat which was good, and the man sitting beside me was really nice. He was a kiwi named Lindsay Baker, heading for Miri to drill oil. He was friendly and talkative, which made the flight comfortable for me. The only downside to the flight was that I could not get any sleep, as it was an afternoon flight. That made the flight feel that much longer, as you tend to check how much longer the flight would be when you are awake. Finally, after lunch, tea, and dinner, we reached KLIA. The co-pilot announced that we would be landing in 15 minutes. I thanked god for giving me a safe and smooth journey from start till finish. 15 minutes later, the plane landed. While the plane was taxiing towards the gate, the co-pilot again made an announcement "Selamat Datang to Malaysia to those who are visiting and to the Malaysians, Selamat Pulang ke tanah air". That made me feel good inside. After 9 months away, I was back.
When we got off the plane, the terminal was pretty empty, I guess it was a weekday, and it was only 8 PM, but I think it was the emptiest I have ever seen it. Made our way to the main terminal via the shuttle, and to the immigration check. Said goodbye to Lindsay as he had to go through customs, when us Malaysians just had to go through the machine where you put your passport and have a thumb print check. I love that thing.
Quickly headed for the KLIA express counter and bought a ticket as I am planning to surprise my family, so no one waiting for me outside. The lady at the counter told me the next train was at 8.45, which was 15 minutes from that time, so I was hoping to get my bag and dash for the train. Thankfully that was what happened. Just caught the train with a minute to spare. The ride on the KLIA express was relaxing, with my mind wandering off, contemplating how I would surprise my family, and thinking of the what ifs. What if my family was not at home? They think i'm coming back next week, where would I go? Looking out the window, I knew I was home, as traffic jams in progress, and constructions of new developments apparent along the way. A familiar smell hit my nose along the way, a smell only a Malaysian would recognize, and a Malaysian would appreciate as a smell of home. Half hour later, the train arrived at KL Sentral.
Went up the steps, and straight for the taxi counter. Told the girl at the counter my adress and paid. Went outside and got a taxi. The taxi driver didn't know where Sunway Damansara was at first, but as usual, the curve would be the landmark. We had a brief conversation. At first he thought I was coming back from Sabah or Sarawak, but I explained the situation to him, about New Zealand, about surprising the family. Nice guy that uncle, and I was sorry that I did not have any small change for the penchala link toll. I asked him to stop at the mamak near my house, Nasi Kandar Spring. The plan was, to go online, and chat with my sister or brother for 20 minutes, and at the end of the conversation, ask them to pick me up at the mamak. The first hurdle was getting a seat where a wall plug point was available. The reason for that was that my battery for my laptop was misplaced, or in other words lost so I have to use my adapter. Finally found one after 20 minutes after the guys in the table ahead unplugged theirs. During that 20 minute wait, I got myself a Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng and a teh o ais, which I can safely say tastes the same after 9 months, which is always a good thing. Anyways, got the plug point, connected to the wireless network, but to my frustration I could not go into any website. This went on for another 20 minutes. Finally, I got into meebo, and noticing it was already late to play around, I immediately messaged my brother
me : bro, buat per?
abang: nothing much ah bro, just got back from picking up workers..whats up? (coz I almost never tegur him on YM)
me: oooo...takder, pick me up from spring...
abang: huh??? biar benar bro..
me: yeap..serious, i'm back..haha
abang: ya allah...ok2 I come now..
me: ok..I wait kat tepi spring
4 minutes later he came in his new car. Put my bags in the back seat, and went in the car. Abang was laughing, still in disbelief that i'm home, also commenting on my hair. Asked if Mak was still up, and he said maybe not. I hope I don't give Mak a heart attack or something when I wake her up. Reached home, and put my bags upstairs in my room, which looked the same. Went back downstairs to my moms room, and as my brother knocked, waited for her to open the door. As she opened the door, a definite shock came to her face, and I immediately embraced her, expecting tears, but thankfully did not come. But the expected "anak bertuah" comment definitely came out. Only my sister left, but I would leave that to the next day as she was not at home and I was sleepy.
Surprised my sister the next morning when I was the one waking her up from breakfast, went to see Mama and Opah, Mama also directing an "anak bertuah" comment towards me. Opah did not recognize me, which worried the rest, but did not worry me, because I do look different, and add to that being away for 9 months, and with her condition, its only understandable. Its all good. Went for lunch with Mak Yang and surprised my brothers that night.
I actually tried to surprise Hafiz that evening, me driving to his house, and calling him from outside his house, but he didn't pick up as it was a new number I just bought. So I tried again that night, this time getting a response, and I definitely surprised him. So that night, got to surprise most of my friends, and all wanting to beat me up for pulling this stunt. It was good to be back home.
Mission was definitely a success, and again I apologize to anyone that I lied to on many occasions regarding my arrival in Malaysia. It was really too tempting not to attempt.
So to anyone reading, I am back in Malaysia poeple!!..... for real
and on a side note, my Indoor Soccer World Cup Video is up on youtube.. the link is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-Bfqjdzj4I
On the 26th, my domestic flight from Palmy to Auckland was at 8.20, and to my slight horror my alarm did not go off, and I only got up at 7.25. My plan to wake up, have breakfast, take a shower, snap a few pictures of the flat went out the window. After realizing the time, I jumped up, and went straight for Iylia's room to wake him up. Brushed my teeth, washed my face, and got dressed. No shower. Said goodbye to Imran, but not to Safwan and Wen Li as they were still sleeping and I was late. Got into the car and made our way to the airport. Immediately checked in. The lady at the check in counter told me the flight was delayed. If only I knew, could have taken a shower first. So waited for an extra half hour and finally they called to board. Said goodbye to Iylia, and made my way on to the plane. This is officially the first time I have traveled alone.
Arrived at Auckland domestic terminal at 10 AM, and made my way to the International terminal. Went straight to McD to get breakfast, then went to ask the info counter where I could get a shower as I did not shower yet. The lady said that I had to to go to the florist to get the key to the shower and to rent a towel. Thats what I did, and which meant it was the first time showering at an airport. After showering, went to the departure lounge as I still had an hour till check-in time. Went around buying souvenirs and then sat down and played the PSP for an hour. Made my way down to the check-in counters and found that there were already people lining up to check-in. I saw quite a few Malaysians and even saw Abang Harmi and family queuing up a couple of rows behind me. Check-in was fine, no hiccups and that made me happy because there is one less bag to worry about and I am officially one step closer to Malaysia. Went back up to the departure hall, and got a pizza and a lift plus, which was gonna be my last lift plus in 3 months. I am gonna miss that drink. Filled in my departure card, and after 20 minutes, it was time to board the plane. Made my way through the security check fine, walked at a leisurely pace towards the gate and sat down with Abang Harmi and family for a quick chat. 15 minutes later, the gate was open, and they announced that families get to go in first. So Abang Harmi and family went first, and I waited for 10 minutes, and proceeded to the gate myself. Handed my boarding pass to the lady, and that was it, on the plane, ready to leave Auckland and back to Malaysia.
The flight was good, got a window seat which was good, and the man sitting beside me was really nice. He was a kiwi named Lindsay Baker, heading for Miri to drill oil. He was friendly and talkative, which made the flight comfortable for me. The only downside to the flight was that I could not get any sleep, as it was an afternoon flight. That made the flight feel that much longer, as you tend to check how much longer the flight would be when you are awake. Finally, after lunch, tea, and dinner, we reached KLIA. The co-pilot announced that we would be landing in 15 minutes. I thanked god for giving me a safe and smooth journey from start till finish. 15 minutes later, the plane landed. While the plane was taxiing towards the gate, the co-pilot again made an announcement "Selamat Datang to Malaysia to those who are visiting and to the Malaysians, Selamat Pulang ke tanah air". That made me feel good inside. After 9 months away, I was back.
When we got off the plane, the terminal was pretty empty, I guess it was a weekday, and it was only 8 PM, but I think it was the emptiest I have ever seen it. Made our way to the main terminal via the shuttle, and to the immigration check. Said goodbye to Lindsay as he had to go through customs, when us Malaysians just had to go through the machine where you put your passport and have a thumb print check. I love that thing.
Quickly headed for the KLIA express counter and bought a ticket as I am planning to surprise my family, so no one waiting for me outside. The lady at the counter told me the next train was at 8.45, which was 15 minutes from that time, so I was hoping to get my bag and dash for the train. Thankfully that was what happened. Just caught the train with a minute to spare. The ride on the KLIA express was relaxing, with my mind wandering off, contemplating how I would surprise my family, and thinking of the what ifs. What if my family was not at home? They think i'm coming back next week, where would I go? Looking out the window, I knew I was home, as traffic jams in progress, and constructions of new developments apparent along the way. A familiar smell hit my nose along the way, a smell only a Malaysian would recognize, and a Malaysian would appreciate as a smell of home. Half hour later, the train arrived at KL Sentral.
Went up the steps, and straight for the taxi counter. Told the girl at the counter my adress and paid. Went outside and got a taxi. The taxi driver didn't know where Sunway Damansara was at first, but as usual, the curve would be the landmark. We had a brief conversation. At first he thought I was coming back from Sabah or Sarawak, but I explained the situation to him, about New Zealand, about surprising the family. Nice guy that uncle, and I was sorry that I did not have any small change for the penchala link toll. I asked him to stop at the mamak near my house, Nasi Kandar Spring. The plan was, to go online, and chat with my sister or brother for 20 minutes, and at the end of the conversation, ask them to pick me up at the mamak. The first hurdle was getting a seat where a wall plug point was available. The reason for that was that my battery for my laptop was misplaced, or in other words lost so I have to use my adapter. Finally found one after 20 minutes after the guys in the table ahead unplugged theirs. During that 20 minute wait, I got myself a Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng and a teh o ais, which I can safely say tastes the same after 9 months, which is always a good thing. Anyways, got the plug point, connected to the wireless network, but to my frustration I could not go into any website. This went on for another 20 minutes. Finally, I got into meebo, and noticing it was already late to play around, I immediately messaged my brother
me : bro, buat per?
abang: nothing much ah bro, just got back from picking up workers..whats up? (coz I almost never tegur him on YM)
me: oooo...takder, pick me up from spring...
abang: huh??? biar benar bro..
me: yeap..serious, i'm back..haha
abang: ya allah...ok2 I come now..
me: ok..I wait kat tepi spring
4 minutes later he came in his new car. Put my bags in the back seat, and went in the car. Abang was laughing, still in disbelief that i'm home, also commenting on my hair. Asked if Mak was still up, and he said maybe not. I hope I don't give Mak a heart attack or something when I wake her up. Reached home, and put my bags upstairs in my room, which looked the same. Went back downstairs to my moms room, and as my brother knocked, waited for her to open the door. As she opened the door, a definite shock came to her face, and I immediately embraced her, expecting tears, but thankfully did not come. But the expected "anak bertuah" comment definitely came out. Only my sister left, but I would leave that to the next day as she was not at home and I was sleepy.
Surprised my sister the next morning when I was the one waking her up from breakfast, went to see Mama and Opah, Mama also directing an "anak bertuah" comment towards me. Opah did not recognize me, which worried the rest, but did not worry me, because I do look different, and add to that being away for 9 months, and with her condition, its only understandable. Its all good. Went for lunch with Mak Yang and surprised my brothers that night.
I actually tried to surprise Hafiz that evening, me driving to his house, and calling him from outside his house, but he didn't pick up as it was a new number I just bought. So I tried again that night, this time getting a response, and I definitely surprised him. So that night, got to surprise most of my friends, and all wanting to beat me up for pulling this stunt. It was good to be back home.
Mission was definitely a success, and again I apologize to anyone that I lied to on many occasions regarding my arrival in Malaysia. It was really too tempting not to attempt.
So to anyone reading, I am back in Malaysia poeple!!..... for real
and on a side note, my Indoor Soccer World Cup Video is up on youtube.. the link is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-Bfqjdzj4I
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