Bersih: Just in case you wanna go for another one (Post 3/3)

This Bersih rally being my first public rally and all, I have been enlightened to a different level and have experienced stuff that I never before imagined.

I think I am a chaos-addict...seeking excitement in chaotic situations but getting back to the topic at hand, I want to share some things that will and wont work during a rally, IF you decide to see and evaluate first hand and not comment on Facebook a few days later or if you just wanna get gassed and run around..

Let's face it, with Anwar (there is proof that you, sir, motioned to the other bloke to rile up the crowd) at the mix, the rally was always going to tear gas and water cannons anyway.  

The DO's and DON'Ts at a public riot rally

DO...

...observe personal hygiene

Throughout the rally I had some quiet demonstrators, and more overzealous ones...you know, the ones where they have arms out, punching the air, screaming their believes marching next to me..boy was I fucked! 

I'm not the neatest person in the world, ask anyone, but I made sure I had a good shit, shower and shave (just in case I get caught and the cops want me to do nekkid push-ups or Nurul Izzah falls for me), brushed my teeth, used mouthwash, deodorant, my Paco Rabane perfume (just in case lah, dammit!) and headed to Central Market.

Somehow, a lot of people don't get that. Cipet there was one point, I nearly died from underarm smells and nearly died again as I looked to my left, only to be met with the stinging breath smelling like shit from a zombie monkey being flung my way..ughh!

Deodorise, people! The brands nowadays guarantee 24-hour protection, and if you have inherited smelly genes then bring lah one cannister/tube/bottle...what's the use of carrying a bloody huge backpack if you can't fit it in!

...dress the part

Firstly, comfort and practicality is a priority! T shirt, jeans or shorts and shoes will be awesome enough... go easy on the make-up, hair and nail extensions, you are here to rock a cause, not the runway.

NO LEATHER JACKETS! I've seen a douchebag wearing a leather jacket with studs and spikes while we were retreating from them gasses. Why, God? Why? It was already so hot...and the gas and the water...

Brother, if you are reading this, at Bersih 4.0 or if Ultras Malaya decide to hold a rally to get the President of FAM to resign, wear a fucking raincoat/military suit!

If you believe and identify in the cause, show your support. Wear whatever they are wearing, be it a yellow or green top, a red one (last year, to protest the yellow fellas), or even a mask.

Just a reminder, swimming goggles and bandana's don't work against the gas! The sweat will seep in beneath the rubber and the lenses will fog up, leaving you no choice but to remove the goggles. Trust me, I lost my goggles and bandana in the retreat.

Remember to keep it light. There will be a lot of running and marching.

Slippers can be very dangerous. One misstep at the back of a slipper is all you need to either cause a stampede or being a floor mat. I must say this - Malaysians were very careful not to let people stay on the ground for long that day.

DON'T...

...obstruct the traffic/retreat flow

While the people at the front of the rally became the lasts one in line when the retreat began, there were plenty more people coming and heading full force towards Dataran Merdeka. 

As the people are screaming to turn back and retreat a little so we can have some breathing room, you would think the oncoming ones will at least give room...but NO, not till they saw the trucks; and by this time cannister after cannister have been shot.

Yeah, you are zealous warriors...but get the fuck out of the way! Although I loved the rush, the pain was real too! 

You back-seat generals gotta move backwards and not urging us to move on..give us room and go get your share of abuse...there were kids retreating too...which brings me to the next point!

...bring your kids to a rally!

My rule of probability has only two outcomes: 50-50. Example: What are my chances of winning the lottery? 50% = you will win; 50% you will not. 

At my day job, I get asked by parents every time: So, what are the chances of my son/daughter/son-that-will-soon-be-daughterish-and-have-videos-lip-syncing-to-Malay-rock-songs-in-hotels-in-KL passing his exams?


Fifty-fucking-percent..either he passes or fails.. See now if he asked What are the chances in passing and getting an A+? I'd be forced to see how many passing grades there and have 50 divided the number of grades from a C- (or D) to an A+. 


Geddit? No? Watch this:

Ladies and gentlemen, the Serdang Angels!

Anyhoo, the point here is..There's a 50% probability that the rally was gonna turn hostile..and it did! Which leaves me questioning:

What the fuck made you bring your 2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/teenage kid (choose, I saw them all that day) to Masjid James Jamek? 

Your kid is too young to understand what's going on. Values need to be instilled, yes, but come the time, they will be living in a different world, different politicians, different problems...why ruin the innocence and unbiased views of a child now?


Your kid isn't your fucking shield!
You are gonna get gassed! So beat it! Don't subject your child to gasses and the water. God knows what kind of drugs they put in those things...we overfed, overgrown adults can't take it, why subject your child to harms like this?


Based on that two things, Malaysia should have a rule towards pro-creation! If you have done either one or both of those things, get a vasectomy/tubectomy..please!!!


Rule of thumb: If you still buy the toothpaste he uses each morning, don't let him go anywhere near the rally!

Good night!

From Rally to Riot – Exploring some dynamics behind Bersih 3.0 (Post 2/3)

Now, I’ll attempt to put my puny little mind and try to digress some of the underlying dynamics that were going on while 250,000 people screamed, fought for their rights, attacked, were attacked, ran, cried, bled and so on at the Bersih 3.0 rally in KL.

I have decided to join in this year’s rally and observe. Last year, I declined to join in for reasons stated previously. I admit a Pink Floyd song helped me decide to make my way to Kuala Lumpur.

Let me share the lyrics with you here:

Wish you were here - Pink Floyd 

So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,

blue skies from pain.

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

A smile from a veil?

Do you think you can tell?

And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts? 

Hot ashes for trees?

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Cold comfort for change?

And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,

Running over the same old ground. 

What have you found? The same old fears.

Wish you were here. 

Not quite blue skies

IF you don't quite get why this song seemed to change my stance, I really can't help you.

Call it catch-22s, conspiracies, paradoxes, what-ifs or what not. I don’t really care.

Let me begin with:

Ambiga’s call for early “bersurai..”

Way before 4pm, the appointed time to call it quits, Ambiga called for the gathering to go home, stating success.

It seems the sitting protest wouldn’t work. Was it because there were too many present?

I doubt it.

Perhaps she sensed the presence of agent provocateurs?

Possible.

I think she was using reversed psychology. After calling the rally to an end I saw a bloke whisper something to her and she responded with: No, no, I’m not going to announce that.

I read books better than I read lips but the megaphone microphone wasn’t too far from her mouth. So I heard it which makes me wonder – if she was planning to go ahead to Dataran Merdeka, why ask everyone to go home?

Knowing the state of mind of the people, one would believe a riot was going to happen either way.

Agent Provocateurs

Either planted by the police the government as a whole, one surely feel that there were some forms of ‘agents’ around.

I was pretty convinced that the rally was really meant and was carried out peacefully until the deadly razor wire barrier was breached.

Pictures on facebook showed some ‘agents’ provoking violence amongst the crowd and the same ones were there taking ‘lawful’ action when chaos began.

Taken from Facebook, you be the judge

I feel on the whole, the government, Najib, BN, DBKL or otherwise could have handled the situation better. 

We all know you won’t implement changes and meet the demands overnight or at all for that matter, which will leave you with watching 250,000 sitting in the hot sun for hours.

We were unarmed la, cibai! I don’t know about the rest but the Rakyat has trusted you for more than 50 years, can’t you trust us for a couple of hours? How much damage could we have done? Your goons in blue were there in case it hit the fan and wouldn’t it be easier to contain a surrounded target?

Let’s not look at governing bodies in China, the UK or Australia because they seem to be of more liberal mind-sets than us in KL.

Why did I say mention KL and not Malaysia?

It seems, while teargas were fired rather freely in KL, some 130km down south, a similar gathering was held in Malacca and there were no radical incidents reported. Protesters were not allowed onto Dataran Pahlawan due to a concert, it seems; yes they were unruly, but to what effect?

Either way, get this:

Malacca is nowhere near prime location

International press wouldn’t go to Malacca to cover it

So, why bother placing agent provocateurs there?

Every other location, even underwater in Indonesia, things were pretty much peaceful and uneventful.

Had the government allowed the use of the Dataran Merdeka, things would be different and they will be forced to admit that rallies in Malaysia could be peaceful and any unruliness will be on the shoulders of Ambiga and her associates.

Necessities

Politicians

If the Bersih cause is totally apolitical as it seems, why allow the opposition front the liberty on your pick-up van and let Anwar address the public?

Was it a measure he doesn’t get beaten up and arrested like the last time?

Why were there chants for an anti-BN government?

Does this mean that as long as the opposition is not in power, the elections aren’t ‘clean?’

With the presence of big name politicians around, I couldn’t help but wonder if they were using Bersih to gain political leverage. Don’t they have tonnes of dewans to do this? You have been entrusted with the confidence of the Rakyat to do something in office and you show up at a rally trying to make a difference?

I hope that someday, be it 5 weeks or 50 years from today, when our electoral processes magically are clean, should the opposition lose, they can swallow the bitter pill and not bitch anymore about this.

Police enforcement (no photos for this segment, go Youtube it)

Why hit, torment and inflict so much pain on protesters?

I accept that there are blood-thirsty, anarchy-loving scumbags on both sides of the divide. And not taking anything from our brave law enforcers, they did relatively well in exercising restraint until the boiling point but that is that.

I understand that they had to do their level best to disperse the crowd, and I didn’t mind getting hosed and gassed; were the beatings, kicking and so forth really necessary? Can’t they just cuff ‘em and put them in a truck?

You are our protectors, first; violators, never!

I am pretty sure that there are cops looking for the missing kid and will not question the priorities, but if they were really looking for culprits and not punching bags, go to Anwar’s, Ambiga’s, Kit Siang’s house and arrest them too; I mean if you can go as far as SOGO to bash people up, you can make the trip.

Plus, capturing 300 out of 250,000 isn’t a proud number, they should be taught simple tactics: spread it out a little, two cops to one protester would do and your numbers would’ve been greater. We were unarmed la, for fuck’s sake!

I suggest the PDRM stick to punching the bags in the gym or start a fucking fight club in the car park for all I care.

The rally

Many-a-times, I have said among friends and once before here (oh go click ‘Older Posts’ already) that I’m not a big fan of the rally. Admittedly, I had one hell of an experience, yet I felt cheated at the same time.

Against an autocratic government, it is always hard to shove one’s points to the government. However, since Bersih 1.0 was incepted, besides the rallies, I’m not quite convinced that the push is done from all angles.

he rally sometimes I feel is a little convenient and aimed too close to the predicted General Elections. Apart from that, perhaps their efforts are intangible but I don’t really see much being done by our freedom fighters. 

Correct me if I’m wrong but don’t go acting like a keyboard warrior, thanks.

When it comes to electoral processes, how can one party rule so long? Something fishy? The PAS fellas in Kelantan don’t seem to think so. No complaints from Penang with pre-BN Gerakan and now DAP. Elections fair in these two states? How about Selangor? Perak? Kedah?  

One thing remains clear; there is a need for fresh vision for my beloved Malaysia, regardless of who is brave enough to take that responsibility or given that trust. Undoubtedly, some systems need to be overhauled while others need to be reconsidered its validity and relevance since the laws were written over half a century ago.

My dad fought with bullets for his Malaysia (Air Force, not Communist); I’ll continue with words for mine

Tanah tumpah darahku

Bersih 3.0: From my eyes only (Post 1/3)

Here is first-hand experience from what I saw, heard, tasted, touched and smelt at Bersih 3.0… in no way am I accusing you of lying or will accept any accusations if my post does not serve your ideal political purpose.

1100h; Seri Kembangan

Still at home, I contemplated on whether I should go for the rally or stay home since I don’t really like the approach of the rally as I’ve felt that the cause is good but the rally is somewhat tainted.

At the same time, I was actively texting and reading on Twitter about on-site updates.

I decided to put on a purple T-shirt just to say I’m not an active protester and if cameras were to catch a group photo, I’d be able to stand out.

The guy in purple here is not me, of course :)

1230h; Kelana Jaya LRT Station

Arrived at KJ Station; the drive was pleasant. No roadblocks or traffic but I am coming from one corner of the world.

Surrounding the station, the amount of cars parked everywhere were massive. I had to park near a nearby college while another friend, Sandesh, parked at the church.

Tonnes of people were in yellow and every other colour. No harm or ruckus but they see you holding a bottle of water and have a scarf in the other hand, they give you that slight nod, either they’ve identified another supporter or I was supposed to know the master plan or something.

1320h; Pasar Seni

We got down and things were still calm. There were people praying in a group. Some joined in, others walked on.

Praying in a group at Pasar Seni LRT Station

Then, further down, A. Samad Said was praying with a fellow telling people that they can join in or not disturb.

A. Samad Said

At the entrance of Central Market, the rally was gaining in numbers. The Unit Amal were omnipresent to help out.

Before long, the Unit Amal guys started forming a human shield and made everyone march behind them. We found ourselves in between Ambiga and a yellow zeppelin. They had a green anti-Lynas one.

They had shit for hailers, but I’m pretty sure Ambiga said something like to march as far as we can then we sit.

1345h; Moving from Central Market

Firstly, I am shit in KL roads. So, on we marched. I was still at the front of the parade. Some say we moved in a roundabout way. I only recognised a Reggae Hotel and we turned left towards Jalan Tun Razak (I think).

With fire in their bellies, hope in their hearts and conviction in their words

Many people applauded and cheered from the streets and the marching voices grew louder with chants that were consistent to the cause. Then, it all changed.

Chants started to sound rather weird: BN Hancur, Kami tak nak pembunuh, Najib sial, UMNO hancur, Reformasi, etc were going on loud and strong.

I wasn’t too happy with this. I might be a little stupid and not able to comprehend well but, wasn’t this rally apolitical? Wasn’t this about clean and fair elections?

1425h; Standstill at Masjid Jamek

At about this time, the march came to a halt.

The leading vehicle was stationed at the entrance to Dataran Merdeka while I was at the Burger King near the Masjid Jamek LRT Station.

Orders to start a sitting protest worked well for about 30 seconds till the Unit Amal came barging in, escorting Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang and a few others to the front.

Duduk Bantah

People had to stand to make way and there was a lot of pushing and shoving around. I realised that this was my chance to move forward.

I locked my arms in between two Unit Amal personnel and pushed my free ticket to the front. When asked: Are you in Unit Amal? I replied: Does that matter? I thought we are brothers…

I got within a few meters from the pick-up.

Anwar announcing the success of Bersih 3.0

However, their arrival caused chaos and a heightened sense of demonstrating, despite the heat. Ambiga and Anwar spoke citing the rally a success and thanked the 250,000 people who came out, before announcing the end of the rally and asked everyone to go home.

1455h; Moving towards razor wires

Shortly after thanking the crowd for coming and asking them to go home; the pick-up started moving towards Dataran Merdeka.

Ambiga urging everyone to go home

Mixed messages? Reversed psychology?

The crowd started moving vigorously as the cheers grew louder, the chants grew weirder and I got stuck near the Bar Council.

I can’t disclose how I got there but I did, I was again about 5 meters from Ambiga, Anwar, Kit Siang, Izzah (she is pretty) and so on.

At about this time, tensions were rising with one group singing Negaraku while more were chanting: Dataran! Dataran! and Buka! Buka!

The police personnel were standing firm and quietly behind the road barricades, behind the razor wires. They were generally unarmed – no shields, no helmets, no batons, no guns!

Razor wires after being flattened

Behind them, however, there were about four trucks and more Federal Reserve Unit cops on standby. They moved into formation but were in no way showing signs of being aggressors, at that point.

15XXh; Hell breaking loose

I was paying attention to the chants from a person on the pick-up. 


I’m not sure what he said things were just getting restless.


I turn to see the unarmed cops running for their lives! They were chased by some 100 people who have crossed the razor wires!

The aggressors this time were the demonstrators whom have breached the razor fences. I too crossed to get a closer look.

The protestors kept hurling all sorts of stuff at the police, bottles, road barricades and traffic cones were among the favourites!

Water cannons against road signs and stuff

The FRU started moving forward followed by the trucks that began spraying water. I tried to stand my ground until I hear this weird boom and I see a grenade-like object heading my way.

Tear gas!

The gassing has begun

I fucking ran from the place.

There was a bottleneck at the razor wires. I put on my swimming goggles and covered my mouth and nose with a bandana. I saw a guy falling down onto the razor wires and people tried to help, some were pushed. I got a few cuts on my legs.

The gas crept in slowly.

The back of my neck felt it first. The smoke was too thick to see. I hear people shouting: Pegang baju gua… Lari! Lari!

By this time, my nose and throat started to burn as well as any part of my body that was uncovered! My eyes hurt as hell!

People were running and offering salt and water all around.

Before I could recover, another wave of tear gas struck; this time from high up. I couldn't tell if it came from the railway lines or from the top of the buildings. 


They waited for the wind. Sneaky bastards!


Some people rushed into the Bar Council; others ran; even non-participating people bailed. No one stood still!

This repeated itself for quite some time.

15XXh, Hope for humanity?

As I’ve stated earlier, I’ll call it as I see it and by no means does this mean whatever you have experienced and saw is less important or true.

Retreating from the razor wires to somewhere much safer was a little hard to do as a lot of people still refused to move back quickly.

People were rubbing salt on each other and themselves while finding water to drink. A 500ml bottle was shared with 8 people.

By the time I got to the Reggae Hotel, things seemed to ease up a little. I sat on the floor and people came to my aid, offering all kinds of remedies. One Malaysian Chinese gave me tissues and another Malaysian Malay offered me her towel to wipe my face.

They were unharmed.

A man pulled up with two bags of ice to help manage the burns.

A friend indeed

Suddenly, that weird sound went off again and canisters were launched our way. I didn’t understand. It was a relatively long way from Dataran Merdeka and everyone there we only seeking refuge.

The cops with their tear gasses and water cannons made sure that the only retreat was to head towards Plaza Rakyat and Menara Maybank.

Just before the cops bombarded the side streets

I rested and took a long ride home!

Towards a Developed Rakyat

The vast growth of our nation in the past 13-15 years, perhaps more but at least that's how far back I remember and started to take notice, has been immense!

From world class facilities and landmarks such as stadiums, twin towers and the Bandar Tasik Selatan one-stop traveling center, its undeniable that we have progressed in certain areas abreast or even better than some of the most developed nations.

However, one question still haunts me: Are we, The Rakyat ready to be a developed people?

To be a developed nation, in all honesty takes more than just facilities or the industrial development of a country. Yes, I'm very proud that we have produced cars and stuff and now are embarking on a knowledge-based industry. Alternative coverage of Bersih has proven that we are well equipped and empowered to take advantage of various social media platforms to share knowledge.

Sadly, that is not enough to constitute us as a developed people. To me, a developed people needs to be inclined to start practicing the following:

Civic Mindedness


How often have we been to Ikea, fuck that, McDonald's and when scouting for a decent table to sit we find one or all of the following:

1.  A bloody filthy table that roaches and rodents will call Utopia
2.  A table that sits 6 occupied by two or three people

How hard is it for us to stack up all the plates, cups, utensils and all of them wrappers and sauce plates on the tray and put them accordingly (ie Reusable stuff at the rack provided and disposable stuff in the dustbin)?

Ikea puts up a notice, for humanity's sake! Plus, isn't it common sense to clean up after oneself? Try walking away leaving your plates at home wouldn't your mom/step-mom or Kermit the Frog smack you square at the back of your head?

Another thing that grinds my gears, and this is nowhere near the sexy kind of grinding, is the aftermath of a Pasar Malam.

Sure, from as early as 4pm till as late as 11pm we will be flocking to get various stuff from Nasi Lemak to cheap ass toothbrushes but when it ends, our dear entrepreneurs leave the place in a dump.

Don't just take my word for it. Taken by Khristabelle at TTDI late yesterday

What will it take for them to clean up themselves? Do we have to enforce laws? Summonses? Tear gas them? It just doesn't make sense that common ethics is so hard to comprehend. Or are we too complacent with the 'Cleanliness Deposit' we pay?


Appreciation of the Arts


No, I'm not asking us to be fucking poets or painters. I'm just calling for a little appreciation of all art forms. Take a look at European nations, heck look at China and Japan if your mind can't venture that far. What element do we see in common?

They are nations that hold pride in their arts, and art here is not restricted to canvas. These people preserve their artworks like gold and at the same time have developed the sustainability in the creation of content that engulfs all art forms.

From Picasso to wacky Japanese shows, the content developed is relevant and has enriched their society.

I'm not saying we haven't done our bit. Shows such as Showdown have done its part in highlighting dance in Malaysia but what about other shows we see on TV and locally produced movies?

Are our intellect so low that we are forced to come up with Halimah Jongangs and Adnan Sempits? How many times are we going to make 'funny' movies about Mak Limah and zombies?

It's an honour to point out that the CGI on Karak and the fight scenes in KL Gangster and Kongsi is superb but somehow the general plot lacks the depth to challenge our intellect.

Let's face it, we have been recycling material for way to long. P.Ramlee did the 'gitu-gitu' bit and half a century later, we are still emulating that?

I'd hate so say stuff about our music scene because I don't want to be accused of having conflict of interests but I can't help point out that our TOP local stations play more Lady Gaga and that girl-boy Bieber more times than rabbits fuck.

We have good music and having only a hour-long music chart is not good enough. I know that at the end of the day it's all money but do we hear an American calling us up wondering who Yusri is sleeping with now?

Perhaps the government could impose a quota, I mean we are used to quotas, what's another, right, of local content on all fronts? Or we as a people start demanding?

Buy Malaysian, Travel Malaysian...content? Foreign!

Why I wasn't CLEAN today

So this post Bersih aftermath has opened my eyes to a few things. But before that, let's get things straight. I, without regret did not participate in the rally that took place this afternoon for reasons I shall reveal in a bit.

First and foremost, Kudos to my fellow Malaysians who stood up against all possible odds for something they believe in. That doesn't mean I don't support the movement, it's the rally that I'm not head over hills over.

I believe that their fight is fucken spot on, but I do feel since their cause garnered support from big name politicians such as Anwar and Nurul Izzah, one feels that if people in power such as themselves are hooked on the agenda, they should, could and would have fought hard since Bersih was first incepted.

The politicians that were with this cause since 2007 could have used the Parliament as the platform since they've taken office, to continue where Bersih 1 left off and brought fresher fights to today's cause.

The opposition has held a stronger hold in the Dewan Rakyat and also controlled states such as Selangor and Penang since 2008. Granted the fact that Penang has remarkably prospered, I feel that this rally should have been a follow up for whatever that has been fought for and not yet been achieved not wait three and a half years to do rekindle what some might call a lost cause.

Admitably, the government's reaction would be very different if this was fought politically but when you come to think of it, the police roadblocks, blacklists and unwarranted arrests would still be there no matter what. Hence, the general sentiment is: a proper separation of doctrines should be imposed in various public sectors such as the EC and MACC among others.

Sectors like this should be free of political influences whatsoever, especially the media, mainstream or not. The media has the right, no fuck that, they have the responsibility to report only the truth. Don't ask me how do we preserve that, I haven't thought about it that far ahead. Just call me an idealist for now.

On another note, I feel that this rally is to take away the spotlight from Anwar's buttsex/sex scandal. It has been done before on both sides of the political divide. Let's not forget the Indian judge and Mongolian model fiasco.

Finally on a more somber note, let's not look at this as an American song, but the sentiment behind the song which was used to express gratitude for servicemen who has fought for their country. This song is dedicated to Baharuddin Ahmad who fell during the rally this afternoon. May your life be for the greater good, whatever that might be.

Freedom isn't free - Trey Parker

What would you do

If you were asked to give up your dreams for freedom?

What would you do

If asked to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Would you think about all them people

Who gave up everything they had?

Would you think about all them War Vets

And would you start to feel bad?

Freedom isn't free

It costs folks like you and me

And if we don't all chip in

We'll never pay that bill

Freedom isn't free

No, there's a hefty in' fee.

And if you don't throw in your buck 'o five

Who will?

What would you do

If someone told you to fight for freedom?

Would you answer the call

Or run away like a little?

'Cause the only reason that you're here

Is 'cause folks died for you in the past

So maybe now it's your turn

To die kicking some ass

Let's just hope we'll stand united when equality is demanded

Nice Hands

Well..again as I was NOT searching porn on the net, I was asked to go to this blog by Khristabelle (free publicity). It was very interesting to see some pictures there. I tried so hard not to fall in love...

Anyhoo, here's a link to Crystal's blog and I must say this might be a reason why Mr Keris Swinging has backed down. I'm sorry this is no rant about something political. It's just something i found damn interesting. It's a long shot but I bet you can build theories.. *hint *hint

Told you she has nice hands.

Pak Lah Must Not Step Down...Yet!

I've been seeing and reading of calls for Pak Lah to step down. Some may call it irony or repetition - remember Anwar asking for Tun Dr M to bow down "honourably."

Remember this?
''Dr. Mahathir must accept the facts, hear the grievances of the people, of his own people, the Malaysian people, Mahathir's people and withdraw from the scene in an honorable manner," - Oct 1998 - of course it was regarding the Reformasi which viewing the circumstances I will be hit by comments that it is not the same as Pak Lah's situation...but spare a thought and remember closely...he stepped down in 2002...honorably? Maybe...

What did you think would happen to the country if Tun resigned after he was asked to?
If he did, our economy plunge so far down we could see Satan! We were already at an economic low at that time and all activists should thank goodness he stood firm.

If it wasn't for him standing firm, no PKR...no Opposition alliances...yet maybe and more importantly nothing to gloat or blog about nearly a decade later!

I am not criticizing the voice of the Rakyat in the elections nor am I buying front row seats to the gallows but if Pak Lah steps down now, Malaysia will have to be on guard. I'm not Nostradamus or do I want to be, but, are we ready for a political, social and economic turmoil?

By Pak Lah resigning now, wouldn't it theoretically bring us closer to a modern day Hang Tuah in full glory of keris swinging...a lost art some might say. :)

From what's happening in Perak, even the Opposition might not be able to take sell the idea of a Bangsa Malaysia. Racial composition again? After tonnes and tonnes of Bangsa Malaysia and Barisan Rakyat ideas, this?

NIAMAH!! (did i say it right, Pat?)

Go ahead and be heard! Anyone from Dato' Mukhriz and his dad to the trishaw puller in Malacca, or anyone who wants an immediate change of leadership in Malaysia voice out!

But if you ask me, if Pak Lah resigns now, it's like looking up with your mouth open just as shit is flung towards the fan! In the future however, if he steps down for reasons unmentioned now, we'll never know, would we?

Of Curry Debal and Hopeful Churches Part 3 - It Is Called 'A Place To Rant"

Well, what makes the Portuguese people think they deserve a Church? Is it jealousy that every other race in the country, which congregates in a close geographical proximity, has a place of worship? Or maybe it’s because the only full-fledged Roman Catholic saint who walked the lands of Malacca and by the way cursed it to slumber, was not really Portuguese (he was of Navarre origin, by the way)? Or is it because there is no more land in the Portuguese Settlement?

NO OFFENSE TO ANY OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF DIFFERENT FAITHS. THIS PART IS JUST TO SHOW COMPARISON AND IN NO WAY IS MEANT ANY PREJUDICE, MALICE OR DISRESPECT.

Take a look at Take a look at any Malay kampung, there’s bound to be at least a surau somewhere. Even Pulau Melaka has a mosque when the place is practically lifeless. I can’t buy bullshit even if it’s on discount but if they were to say that the Portuguese community is a small community, then what about the Chitty Melaka, they have a temple. Or is the trend of breaking temples the new in-thing and the small Gajah Berang temple is on the list?

I hope I can personally smack the cheek of the next person who comes up and say that there is no more land for a church in the Portuguese Settlement. The issue of a hotel to come up in the Settlement was very easily settled when everyone believed there was no land. I think it was probably settled like this:

“Dato’, there’s no more land herelah to build the hotel. How ah?”

“Reclaim the sealah, we’ve done it to build Melaka Raya. Do the same here!”

I can only hope that when “hotel” is replaced with “cathedral (oh, come on, you know how it works, ask for a thigh, you’ll get a toe)”, the answer will be the same!

As far as I know, Melaka has the most inter-religious understanding. Melaka boasts Temple Street, a street where a mosque, a Hindu temple and Buddhist temple sit next to each other. With that, I don’t think the spawn of a new church would cause any distress in the local community.

To rub salt to the would, the only place of worship near to a Portuguese community will eventually stick out like a sore thumb in a few years time. Praya Lane as I know it is slowly diminishing to make way for urbanization. The land has been sold to developers and one by one; memories of childhood are torn down together. With the soon non-existence of Praya Lane, the chapel will remain but it will cease to be a bastion of the Portuguese Catholics, the jenti Kristang.

Currently, the Mass in the Settlement is celebrated every week with at least 300 (Leonidis is not involved) people attending…and it’s held in a community hall. Yes, Jesus was a simple man, born in a stable and worked as a carpenter but why compromise worship and confine it to a hall which can hardly sit 200 people? The worship has to be grand but if the worshipers are simple, Hallelujah!

It is not cool letting people believe the illusion that the HALL is overflowing with people that many others have to stand outside! Wouldn’t it be easier to pray in a little bit of comfort? I’m not talking a robot choir, air conditioning, 3D glasses, just enough places for everyone to sit inside and some fans.

Speaking of halls, the chapel in Convent of the Infant Jesus, Banda Hilir has been made into a badminton hall. Wow…creative huh? I don’t think the guys over at Casa Impian could have come up with such a brilliant conversion!

Here’s a hint to THE MAN, you (plural – it’s a Rock & Roll slang) have one parliamentary term to get cracking after calls to buck up to try to redeem yourselves! Do the right thing. No, the Kristang de Padre se Chang don’t want their hall converted into a chapel. They want a religious complex with facilities ranging from classrooms to places for fellowship.

Thank you for reading.

Of Curry Debal and Hopeful Churches Part 2 - Portuguese Heartache

Nearly 500 years later, a small Portuguese Community still stands along the shoreline of Melaka. Although the residents don’t really look like white Bengalis anymore, but the tradition, language, food, beliefs and religion are still strongly practiced.

The Portuguese Settlement is flocked by the thousands (in total) in late June during festivals like Festa San Juang and Festa San Pedro. Around six months later, the crowd would just come out of every nook and corner to see a snow less winter wonderland. It’s just madness (in a good way) to see the lights and decorations from every house. Giant Santa Clauses and mechanical sleighs just complete the hospitality of the people at the most wonderful time of the year…at least according to Andy Williams.

Christmas in Portuguese Settlement

It is also safe to say that Christianity, or the Roman Catholic faith came along with the Portuguese in 1511. (There are claims that the Nestorian faith landed in Mongolian lands, but that’s beyond the point) The ruins of a church, The Madre de Dios (Mother of Christ*) Church on St Paul’s Hill accentuate the claim that the first Portuguese were Catholics. However, the oldest performing Catholic Church in Melaka, St Peter’s Church was erected only in 1710 on land donated by Dutchman Maryber Franz Amboer.

Interestingly, the descendants of the first Catholics in Malaysia do not have a Church to boast in their back yard. They have a Catholic school which is no longer run by the men or women in robe. Thankfully enough some Catholic elements still stand strong. There’s also a sudden emergence of a certain hotel, which most probably were influenced by Goa or some other Portuguese conquest in India. The architecture seems just about Portuguese, with canons facing the sea and a small courtyard in the middle but the cuisine somewhat questionable. However empathic I may be, I do find a Nasi Kandar based menu quite far from the likes of Dabel (Devil) Curry or the Portuguese baked fish.

Debal Curry

Imagine food-lovers who waltz in the hotel’s cafeteria and asks for the menu, wouldn’t that bring shame to the hotel or even worst, the community...macha! The nerve! Anyhoo, we shall continue the story about the hotel some other time.