Saddam Hussein – Execution

I don’t understand why the execution moment of Saddam was recorded and circulated to all media. Do they mean to set up an “educative” warning to the world? The news is no doubt sensational but this broadcast would certainly heighten the anger of fanatic supporters in the Arab world… more hatred…

Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein was hanged today for his infamous crimes, the end of a notorious dictator.

During his reigning era from 1979-2003, he stunned the world by initiating Iran-Iraq War in Sep 1980 that last for 8 years, genocide in the killings of Kurds during the Anfal campaign against Kurdish rebels, and invading Kuwait in 1990 for accusing the latter illegally slant-drilling petroleum across Iraq’s border.

Today is the beginning of religious holidays for Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest dates of the Muslim year. It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence but a deliberate choice, maybe they’re hoping that the festival would divert the concentration of the Arab world and minimize the backlash from Sunni insurgents. On the contrary, the jubilant Shi’a, oppressed under Saddam, was celebrating the news (the image below – from Wikipedia - shows the distribution of both Muslim sects).

Babel

Babel means a state of confusion caused by many people talking at the same time or using different languages.

The movie is comprised of four stories.

1- Two Moroccan boys shot an American tourist accidentally while testing the newly bought rifle. The elder was killed by the police on their escape.

2- No proper facilities to save the wounded tourist, and the couples were abandoned by other selfish frightened companions in a desert village.

3- A Mexican nanny was desperate to bring her two baby-sit kids out of the desert. She was arrested and deported subsequently though she has been considering the States as her home after 16 years of living.

4- A mute-deaf Japanese teen girl was upset to be a virgin. She was looking for love and her initiative to seduce men failed repeatedly.

The director weaved the stories and presented in stark culture contrast among each other, but sharing a common ground – undesirable ill fate. It’s slightly heavy, lack of commercial element, but flowing smooth. Recommended.

圣诞礼物（二）

逢过年过节，分包商都会登门拜访派发一些小礼物给员工，当作慰劳吧，让小员工也受到一些尊重。分量一般都根据职位有所区别。实质有些小礼物不仅仅表达心意，却包含贿赂的成分。

曾遇过一位业主的财政人员准时地抛一张清单给我上司要求处理，否则可能会有一些小问题拖延付款。这容易办，至少明目张胆，我们知道对方开个什么价，可以谈。最难应付的是那些伪君子，从不明示。给太多我们觉得不值，给太少又怕他老羞成怒。难缠！

圣诞礼物（一）

上个月我告诉同事不必为我准备圣诞礼物，因为一向以来都没这习惯，我不是基督教徒这不是我的传统。秘书小姐很惊讶地问，如果其他同事都收到礼物除我之外，我不会觉得被侮辱吗？我答说不会。再者同事的工资不高，我不想他们破费。也想着日后运送回家也挺麻烦。

同事还是为我准备了礼物，很感谢他们的心意。管家送了我一件衬衫，黑灰间条。他夸说知道我的喜好，但确实不是我的品味。我穿上的话会看起来很土，不穿的话有可能伤了他的心意。

失策

今天的超市挤满了圣诞购物的人，竟然等上了50分钟才轮到付款。后来才知道标签扫描器坏了，所有的柜台员工都必须把物品编号逐个输进电脑里，真累人。早该把下周长假的必需品储备好。失策!

A Day Trip to Skopje

Travelled to Skopje (capital of Macedonia) to apply my Bulgarian visa yesterday. It is ridiculous that I must apply the visa abroad though I’m currently staying in this country. To make it more fun, I received my work permit 8 months after my first application, the bureaucratic process is tedious.

At the Bulgarian custom - border to Macedonia, my finger prints and photo were taken (like fugitive) for profile record. I was ordered to sign a Bulgarian language statement (no one translated to me and I couldn’t understand at all), confirming that I have no objection to be penalized for overstaying in the country. The decree will be given later.

The roads beyond the custom authority of both countries are well paved, but the 50m potholed zone between the 2 offices is an eyesore. A tiny duty free shop is available, selling only liquor, tobacco and perfume.

Skopje is smaller than Sofia (capital of Bulgaria). In general, the roads are narrower, drivers are less disciplined than Bulgarians, insufficient parking place, more Islamic mosques in the city…

There was a long queue in front of Bulgarian Embassy, guess these Macedonians were hurrying for last minute visa application. Note: The diplomacy status between the 2 countries will be changed when Bulgaria will join EU on 01-Jan-07. Till end of this year, both countries’ citizens could travel freely without visa.

Unfortunately visa section was closed at 12:00pm. Thanks to my colleague’s relentless effort, the Ambassador granted special permission to process my application. The gentleman is polite and helpful.

We took a taxi, but was charged €5 for a couple of km distance, obviously we were slaughtered. A friend said it should cost €1 only!!! Shit! We have to learn from experience.

Dr.M vs. Soros

Hint 1:
During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr.M accused the hedge fund speculation was the culprit that destroying the economy structure in the region. He pointed straight to the massive Quantum Fund managed by Hungarian born George Soros who strongly condemned Dr.M’s policy to impose capital control that against free market concept. Dr.M once referred him a “moron”.

Hint 2:
Dr.M has obviously lost his former cronies’ support politically since he handed over the Prime Minister post to his handpicked successor – Abdullah Badawi in 2003. He recently expressed his disapproval and criticized the new leader abandoning some mega projects which he had been laying out deliberately during his era. Ironically, the once highly respectful Dr.M was attacked by pepper spray as he prepared to address an assembly in July.

A meeting has been held between Dr.M and Soros on 15-Dec, the agendas were not disclosed. Dr.M said it was his “mistake” to accuse Soros for the financial crisis. What could we relate the cooperation of these 2 strongmen with? Another political / financial ploy? A hint of Dr.M’s resurrection? Those betrayer cronies, watch out now!

Another political upheaval is brewing…

Monetary Control – Lifted!

Thailand made an emergency lifting of its monetary control which has just been freshly imposed 2 days ago. The said measure has caused Stock Exchange of Thailand lost 800 billion Baht in value - the largest one-day drop in its 31-year history.

The initial idea is to relieve the pressure of Thai Baht appreciation against USD recently, worrying that strong currency would jeopardize export of the country. They decided that the short term hot money speculations to be curbed. Thai Finance Minister admitted the authorities have underestimated the impact caused.

In fact the regional stock markets and currencies have gained weight too fast in the past 2 months – 15%! The bullish stock market drives everyone crazy, quite irrational in my opinion. Thought the unexpected blow would cool down the fever lightly, instead the market recomposed swiftly after the curb lifting announcement is made. The whole region is again overwhelmed by the “prosperous” sentiment. Hope this is not a flash in the pan.

Thailand has much to do to soothe and mend the shaken faith of foreign investors.

Monetary Control

The regional stock markets of South East Asia fell sharply today after the unexpected announcement of capital controls to curb speculation on the Baht by the Bank of Thailand. The “harsh” measure caught lots of foreign investors off-guard. Does Bangkok sense that another bout of monetary crisis is brewing in the region?

The 1997 Crisis destroyed the emerging countries’ economy utterly a decade ago. The miracle of economy achievement evaporated, the speculators (hedge fund) mercilessly vacuumed billions of hard-earned savings out of the region, while foreign companies desperately retreating their investments to safe havens. Malaysian Ringgit, Thai Bhat, Philippines Peso, Korean Won had devalued almost 45%, and 75% to Indonesian Rupiah.

Prior to the catastrophe, International Monetary Fund (IMF) encouraged developing countries liberalizing financial sector i.e. eliminating restriction on capital flows. They again stepped in hypocritically offering assistance in the aftermath. People in retrospect believe that the well coordinated manipulation of currencies was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region economies, and I believe IMF is the mastermind of this ploy.

Plenty of proposals and packages were presented to help reforming the vulnerable economy, targeted to push the governments to sell off the key assets e.g. bank, electric, water etc, of course cheaply. For instance,
- Indonesia to sell off part of PT Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's largest retail bank
- Korean Daewoo Motors was sold off to American General Motors

Malaysia surprised the world for not accepting any advice from IMF but imposing series of monetary control. Tons of furious critics against the same, saying this act would lead Malaysia economy to bog down further. The years passed and this tactic convinced and proved to the rest of its success.

IE7

Updated Microsoft Internet Explorer to version 7 yesterday. What a disaster! Everything went slow… certificates didn’t work… and found some negative comments on the internet. So, I uninstalled it immediately. Wasted my time.

Dorm

I come across this nice Thai movie from Teddy’s Blog. It illustrates the friendship fostered between a student and a ghost – another student died in an accident years ago in the same school. The story is touching and the two handsome child actors deserved the credit. I like it, recommended.

Aliens (3)

During the trip to Egypt years ago, the tour guide explained that no one knows how the Giza pyramids were built because no written records was found, the knowledge was taught and imparted verbally from father to sons. This explanation does not convince me. The Giza pyramids (image taken from Lonely Planet) are so huge and constructed with precise technology, archaeologists presume hundred of thousands workers were needed to accomplish this sophisticated project. I can’t believe not single record is preserved. Could it be the aliens were involved? Like the mysterious crop circles?

Aliens (2)

The aliens are always depicted with wrinkled skin, slim limps, big head but with tiny nose, small mouth… perhaps this image is based on imagination, or from the “witness”, it does have scientific logic.

The modern technology helps people mobilizing from a place to another conveniently, powerful robots and machines are invented to replace manpower, almost all the works are done by computers… in short, people is working less physically. It wouldn’t be surprise that the future generation no longer needs muscle, but just a bigger brain / head to think and manipulate the computers.

The pollution would be so severe then that the air is corrosive, therefore the wrinkled skin is evolved. Foods are all genetically mutated to grow fast to meet the consumption of expanded population. Possibly easy digestive nutrition substitution is created, teeth are no longer required.

With the tendency nowadays of slim = beauty, this could be the future look of human being.

Aliens (1)

I believe in extraterrestrials living in the outer space. Among the uncountable stars and planets in the universe, there must be many more planets that suitable for living creatures, even if they could be light years away. Our present knowledge and technology are too meagre to understand and explore the universe.

Space travelling has been commercialized lately but exclusive for the super rich people. Sooner or later it would become popular when the technology is more mature and economic. I wish this would be realized before the end of my life.

It is worrisome to see some countries abuse the technology and race to develop weapon of mass destruction. Possibly the earth would be destroyed earlier than it should be.

思乡 / Homesick

有点儿思乡，不知道确切的缘故。可能是因为项目发展不顺利所产生的挫败感？抑或是前几天小病了一场，怀念家人的慰问？又或者是看见旁人兴高采烈地筹备圣诞假期之旅而自己因为签证还没办妥未能落实回家的计划？


Feeling mildly homesick, couldn’t tell the exact reason. Perhaps frustrated over problematic project? Or could be missing family’s care when I was ill recently? Maybe because of not able to plan a trip back home due to visa issue while watching others cheerfully planning their Xmas vacation?

Apartheid?

The chaotic politics is soaring lately, was never so intense in the past. Does it mean the public has more freedom to express their opinions nowadays? Hell no way!

The Neptune encourages all fishes to voice out their constructive opinions to help solving the problem. Unfortunately it turns out to be another blah blah blah as majority politicians, when the benefit of particular group (i.e. the sharks) is concerned.

Somehow several politicians were “encouraged” boldly and sneaking chances to blare their racist motto in the most important assembly of ocean’s largest political party. It was broadcasted live. The irresponsible speeches undermine the fragile social structures. Worse, the Neptune did not halt the speeches promptly but allowed the sharks barking furiously.

The small fishes were shattered, and protested. Reluctantly, to pacify the anger of the rest, the Neptune summoned the racist sharks and “advised” them accordingly, no punishment was placed. This will definitely set up a precedent for other sharks to follow…

Years ago our Marine Committee boycotted and strongly condemned the inhuman apartheid political system in other coral reef. This trace is obviously and openly fostered on our own reef.

Unfortunately the Neptune was not elected publicly, the chief of the sharks is nominated to lead the ocean automatically.

马背上的法庭

最近看了这一套很不错的叙事电影，讲述中国法制和云南少数民族地区的现状。少数民族有自身解决纠纷的方法，虽说国有国法，政府的介入是否恰当？少数民族世代住在偏远的山区，思想牢靠着传统文化。对我们来说可能不文明，但是把我们的逻辑学强行套用在他们的生活上管用吗？

可能是因为少见多怪，这一类故事电影很容易引起我的共鸣。听说此片在中国惨淡收场匆匆落画，很可惜。导演刘杰的另一部电影《十七岁的单车》也很值得推荐。

Dan Brown’s Novels

Quite disappointed after watching movie “The DaVinci Code” yesterday. It is less intense compared to the page-turner novel, perhaps I was expecting too much. Sure it is no easy task to condense every single detail on the masterpiece into the 2-hr movie. Lastly, I think Tom Hanks doesn’t fit the character.

“Angels and Demons” is another great novel of Dan Brown though the story is not realistic. I enjoy the way Dan Brown integrates the history, myth and existing structures. It triggers my interest to visit Vatican.

“Digital Fortress” is not impressive comparatively, the storyline is weak.

高人一等

某家庭一家四口可以说白手兴家，有自己小型公司。也不属于富裕，但在这小镇还过得去。女主人的态度可真的不可一世，目中无人，对人说话总是笑里藏刀。家中掌握大权，夫慈子孝衍生於铁腕政策。可能效仿慈禧垂帘听政吧？

不晓得这一类人何以觉得自己高人一等。察觉到身旁确实有不少人有此‘暴发户心态’的潜意识。小小的财富已经这么骄傲，憎人富贵厌人穷，如果腰缠万贯的话就更加为所欲为了。

要知道比上不足比下有余，做人还是低调随和比较好。

辐射 / Radiation

日新月异的工艺快速发展，体积日趋细小及包含无线功能是新产品的导向。

我们的生活环境持续的暴露在辐射之下，如手机、蓝芽以及其他来源。没有确实的证据证明过份的暴露于各种辐射会对身体或脑子造成任何生理影响。这虽未对生命构成威胁，但是长期会引发不适。如果可以看得见无线电波的话，这应该是一张厚密不可透视的网。

研究报告说长期暴露在高压输电线路所产生的电磁场辐射下会至癌，所以住所应该距离远一些。

想象微波炉的运作原理。任何物体吸收辐射后都会产生热能，这是物理学的理论。长时间的通话当心手机慢慢地把你的脑袋烤熟，虽然生产商声称辐射的危险微不足道。


The technology is progressing exponentially that we could hardly walk abreast with, every new inventory has a tendency to be smaller and wireless for convenience sake.

We are consistently exposed to the radiations in our living environment, for instance mobile phone, Bluetooth and thousands of unknown sources. There is no concrete study proving that excessive exposure of various radiations would have any physiological effects on the human brain or human body. These are not life-threatening problems but could cause a lot of discomfort in long run. Imagine if all radio waves are visible, the net must be so thick and vision impenetrable.

Research advised that constant exposure to the electro-magnetic field inducted by the high voltage transmission line is cancerogenic, therefore the living area should be distanced away.

Think about microwave oven operation principle. The object that absorbs radiation would be heated up, as stated in physics energy transformation theory. Beware of the mobile phone is cooking your brain for long tele-conversation, though the manufacturers claim the radiation risk is negligible.

翻译 / Translation

在一个没有共同语言的地方工作很不方便，我依赖同事给于翻译。不恰当的用词很可能扭曲原来的意思，这一点翻译员的语言水平很重要。

口头翻译不是件轻松的事，尤其牵涉到技术词汇。原本的意思必须迅速完整地表达，不能添加个人的想法，还要剔除无须要的情绪。

翻译员的表情有助于了解第三者的当时情绪。我最近留心到了一些翻译已经融合了个人观点，这对原有的故事描绘了不同的画面。我必须谨慎地做出判断。


It is inconveinient to work in the environment without lingua franca, I rely on my colleagues to help translating. Improper use of words might distort the idea of the topic, therefore the language ability of the translator is essential.

Oral translation is no easy task especially involving technical terms. Exact meaning must be translated promptly without imposing personal opinion, while filtering out the unnecessary emotions.

The expression of the translator helps us to define the emotion of the 3rd party. I have noticed recently some translations have been infused with personal opinion, a different image of the original story is depicted. I have to be prudent to judge accordingly.

语言 / Language

大部份受过教育的马来西亚人民都能掌握二至三种语言，是因为多元种族结构的社会和选择学校源流的自由，这政策在印尼是被禁止的。

我们的日常会话混淆着不同的语言。表面上似乎是一件有趣的文化异变，那其实是一件可悲的学术灾难。人们不再应用正统的语言，却罗致其他语言或方言弥补贫乏的词汇。

我对自己的语文能力有自知之明，不奢望达到native speakers 的水平。我在尝试提升自身的能力尤其是中文，毕竟这一方面我只受过六年小学教育。


Most of the educated people in Malaysia could handle 2 to 3 languages, due to the multi racial structure society and freedom to pursue knowledge from schools of different media, such policy is banned in Indonesia.

Our daily communication has turned out to be a hodgepodge of languages. It seems to be an interesting culture mutation, it is literacy disaster instead. People no longer speak genuine language but to adopt words from other languages or dialects to compensate the poor vocabularies.

I’m well aware of my weakness in language, never expect to be as good as native speakers. Am trying to improve in this aspect especially Chinese, after all I had only studied it during the primary 6 years.

兑换率 / Exchange rate

苏丹蓬勃的经济大部份由石油工业支撑着。在2001年，1美元兑换255苏丹第纳，这个汇率直到2005年5月我离开时相对上稳定。

前几天一位苏丹旧同事说美元兑换率已经涨到204第纳，难以想象在短短的18个月里头苏丹币值劲升20%！这对外国投资业者影响重大，本土劳工与开销支出相应提高。

有谣言散布说短期内币值将会继续被推高到150第纳。我不是经济学家，但是我可以预测许多经济问题接踵而来。极有可能这是另一幕政治手段。


The booming economy of Sudan is largely supported by petroleum industry. In year 2001, the exchange rate was USD1 = SDD255 (Sudanese Dinar). It remained relatively stable till I left Sudan in May-2005,

A few days ago, a Sudanese ex-colleague informed that the exchange rate recently has appreciated to SDD204, an incredible 20% hike within 18 months! This would create problems to foreign investors on the increasing local costs (labour, facilities etc).

Rumours said this exchange rate is going to be pushed up to SDD150 within short. I’m not an economist, but I could foresee lots of economy chaos will follow subsequently. Very likely this is another political ploy.

海洋生物圈 / Marine Community

想象生活在复杂的海洋社会里。

在新的海洋政策保护之下，占优势的大白鲨越来越贪婪、霸道和强壮，而弱势的一群只分配到剩余的残渣。

一片肉块被切割成几份，大白鲨挑了所有最大的块头还理直气壮要以数量而非重量来分配。

小鱼询问新政策的公正力，大白鲨扬言不惜一切代价捍卫它的特权。

别无选择，小鱼们唯有离开领土找寻机会。我幸运地找到了一片珊瑚礁，不晓得会待多久。


Imagine living in a complex marine society.

The dominant big white shark is getting greedier, bullish and stronger under the protective new marine policy, while the minors are only fed with dregs.

The meat chunk is cut into several pieces, the big white shark picks the largest pieces but claiming it should be distributed by quantity not by weight.

The smaller fishes question the justification of the policy, the big white shark swears to defend its privilege by all means.

No choice, the smaller fishes have to swim away from their territory to seek other opportunities. I’m lucky to find a coral reef, but for how long I would stay, I couldn’t tell.

太空人（二） / Astronaut (2)

国家太空署声称此计划是免费的，是次与俄罗斯九亿美元军火采购的抵消项目的其中一部份。天下没有免费的午餐，费用已经包含在配套里头。此份特殊礼物肯定满足某些人的虚荣心。

民众除了接受这事实之外别无选择。正当我们期待政府费尽心思构思在太空站进行富创意的科学实验之际，提议竟然包括在无引力范围之下玩传统游戏，染布以及煮茶。这非常主意仅仅是为了发扬马来西亚文化。

我哑口无言！


National Space Agency said the program was provided free of charge as part of an offset program for the purchase of defense deal from Russia worth US$900 million. There is no free lunch in this world, the cost for sure has been part of the package. This special gift definitely enlightens someone’s vanity.

The public has no choice but to accept the fact. Just when we expect the government would brainstorm creative scientific experiments to be conducted in the space station, among the unexpected proposals are playing traditional board games, traditional fabric printing and performing tea making under micro gravity environment. The very idea of these experiments is said to advertise Malaysian culture to the world.

I’m speechless!

太空人（一） / Astronaut (1)

马来西亚将在明年随同俄罗斯研究队伍送第一位太空人到国际太空站做六至八天的短暂科学之旅。计划花费二千五百万美元。

政府为这个项目感到极度自豪，但对不起，我没感觉到丝毫的兴奋。整个只能提供给一人的奢侈探险之旅不会带来明显的技术效益。事实在于政府任意挥霍纳税人的金钱。他们愚昧的幻想埋没了理智和现实。他们成功猎取国际的注意力，不过却是嘲笑。同一笔的预算可以用在更重要及更迫切的医疗设施与教育用途。

失望！


Malaysia will send its first astronaut into the space aboard a Russian rocket next year, as part of a six to eight day scientific mission on board the International Space Station. This space program is estimated to cost around US$25 million.

The government is very proud of this project, but sorry, I don’t feel single bit of excitement at all. There is no obvious technical benefit out of this luxurious flashy adventure for just 1 man. The truth is our government is squandering money of taxpayers. Their ignorant fantasy eclipsed the sense and reality. It does attract the attention from the world, but scornful. The same budget could have been allocated on more crucial and desperate aspects like medical infrastructure and education.

Disappointing！

贪腐指数 / Corruption Perceptions Index

"透明国际"组织公布了对163个国家所做的"2006年贪腐指数"调查，与政治、经济和社会环境息息相关。民众由此对某个国家做各自评论。

马来西亚政府对于排名从去年的39位滑落至今年的44位耿耿于怀。不出所料，某些政治人物质疑调查的确实性，提出许多理论与借口平息大众情绪。

其实这一份调查并不能衡量国家发展。为何这么在乎排名如小学生般比较学术成绩？无聊！排名的滑落不代表国家的贪污风气恶化，有可能其他国家在这方面已经迎头赶上。我们该反省如何改善自家的不足。可惜一味的狂吠而欠缺实际行动是许多政治人物的强项，推卸责任是他们的生存技能。

无可否认，最贪腐的国家都归于贫穷和政治动荡的国家。这并不意味最清廉的国家没有贪污行为，那只是因为他们做得更隐秘化、专业化、先进化、有时候合法化。



The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of year 2006 released by the Transparency International indicating the general corruption level of the 163 surveyed countries, generally linked to the politics, economy and social atmosphere respectively. The public would be induced to judge particular country accordingly.

Malaysian government is upset over the ranking has slid to 44th place from 39th last year. As expected, some politicians defy the credibility of the statistic, presenting numerous excuses to try pacifying the public emotion.

In fact, this survey is not an absolute measure of a country development. Why paying so much concern on the position like students comparing their academic results? Senseless! The ranking slide does not justify one country’s corruption is worsening, likely other countries have improved wisely in this respect. We should question how to improve ourselves instead. Unfortunately barking without practical effort is the strong point of many politicians, avoiding responsibility is their surviving skill.

No doubt, the lowest rank countries are among the well known poorest and political unstable countries. This does not imply the cleanest country has no corruption cases, but it was carried out more secretly, professionally, advance technically, and sometimes legally.

例行公事 / Routine

一位菲律宾的同事说最近的一次台风把他家的庄稼都给摧毁了，损失了一笔金钱。

曾在菲律宾体验过它的威力，仍然历历在目。台风迫近的哪天，狂风暴雨切断了电源。我独自守着那座落在渔村里的半砖半木板房子里，感觉有点儿地动山摇。晚上八时许，台风达到了极速（180公里时速）。雨点夹着雷霆万钧之势从每个隙缝渗透入屋内，当时可真担心屋子会被吹垮。折腾了一个晚上，索性倒在被雨水溅湿的床上和衣就睡。

醒来之时雨已经停了。自家前后院都给水淹了，最令人难受的是邻家猪舍的排泄物也漂流到我家后院，真恶心！街上满目疮痍，电杆、尼巴叶编织的棚屋、树木花草被吹得东歪西倒，淹死的家禽散落各地。

可怜农民的血汗都白费了。生活只够糊口的穷人家不得不四处张罗重建房子，奈何无能力建一座更坚固的房子。台风年年光临，棚屋年年重建似乎已成了例行公事。


One of the recent typhoons destroyed the crops of my colleague in Philippines, he lost some money.

I experienced the mighty typhoon in Philippines, unforgettable. On the day typhoon was approaching, the thunderous storm cut off power supply. I was guarding alone in the semi-brick house in the fishing village, felt the house quaking with fear. By 8pm, the typhoon roared with its maximum speed (180km/h). The raindrops coupled with tremendous force permeated through any tiny gap into the house, was worrying badly it would collapse. Was exhausted after struggling over the night, I laid asleep on the wet mattress.

The rain had ceased the next morning. The front and backyard were flooded, but the faeces from the neighbouring piggery were drifted to my backyard, disgusting! The whole village was a mess - electricity poles, nipa huts, trees and plants were destroyed, collapsed. The dead poultries scattered around.

Felt deeply sorry to the farmers for losing the crops, all efforts were in vain. The poor families who could barely feed themselves had to search around for materials to rebuild their huts, but unable to construct a sturdier shade. The typhoons visit yearly, it has become their yearly routine works.

Sugar Babe

In Bulgaria, these kinds of sugar sachets are commonly provided in the café. Let’s go for an Espresso!

优越感 / Superiority

与一位德国同事一齐申请工作许可证，同时递交同样的文件给移民局。但同事收到了准证而我被拒于门外。非正式告知的理由是因为我没持有欧美护照。以国籍来衡量一个人的工作能力，真可悲！

Have been applying the work permit together with a German colleague, the identical documents were submitted at the same time to the immigration office. My colleague is granted the permit while I am rejected. The unofficial reason given is that I am not holding European / American passport. Judging one’s capability based on nationality is pathetic!

教育/ Education

马来西亚的教育体制及方针与其政治方向息息相关。近日的世界大学排行榜再次证明了马来西亚无法跻身世界一流大学的门框。政府已经说了多年要把马来西亚打造成国际学府，政治人物信口开河，理论多于实践，谈何容易？要达到这个目的，必须先把自身的教育做好才能信服他人。

对马来民族有保护主义的固打制度限定大学名额最少百分之三十保留给土族，在筛选过程中这数目会增加至过半。很多土著精英早在中学之后领取政府奖学金往国外深造，剩下的填补固打制保存的名额。造就普遍上土著与非土著学术成绩天渊之别。为了将就弱势的一群，课程必须简易化。这乃国内大学素质偏低之一。另一方面，非土著（华裔，印裔）为政府大学名额而斗争，但僧多粥少。

非土著讲师与教授在国内大学也占了极少数，当中原因不明确，让读者猜想吧！再者偏低的工资以及缺乏完善先进的研究与开发设施，是无法吸引一流人才回国贡献给教育。

长期的智囊流失对于发展中国家来说是严重损失。要提升教育，其中一个步骤是必须要抛开种族因素。


Malaysia education systems and policies are closely related to the politics. The recent ranking of world universities again proved that Malaysia has not reached the world top range. The government has repeatedly stressed to build Malaysia as international education podium, the politicians give much comments but without persistent practical efforts. In order to materialize this idea, its self education must be improved to convince the rests.

The privileged system reserved at least 30% of the university quota to the Malay ethnic, this figure would exceed half after recruitment filtration. Lots of Malay elite students have been sent studying abroad after secondary school with governmental scholarships. Those remains will fill up the chances granted by the quota system. Eventually it widens the gap of education achievement between the Malays and non-Malay students in general. For protecting the “weaker” community sake, the syllabuses have to be simplified, which drags the university quality. On the other hand, the non-Malay students are competing fiercely to enrol to government universities, but the opportunities are limited.

There are not many non-Malay lecturers and professors in the national universities, the reason is unclear. I leave it to the readers to ponder. Additionally, the comparative lower salary and lacking of advance research and development facilities are among the reasons failed to attract first class talented scholars back home to contribute their knowledge.

The constant brain drain is a serious loss to developing countries. To promote and alleviate education, eliminating racial issue is among the steps to be considered.

马来西亚政治漫画 / Malaysia Political Cartoons

以下的漫画刊载于当今大马，一针见血地讽刺现时的丑陋政治。

The following cartoons are posted at MalaysiaKini, sarcastically disclose the present dreadful politics.

（徽章）我抗拒贿赂， （徽章）我抗拒贿赂， （徽章）我等待贿赂

现任首相上任时为杜绝贪污，指示公务员戴上徽章（我抗拒贿赂）以示决心。作者在anti前面加字母N成Nanti，意味‘等待’。此行动效果并不显著。

(badge) I’m against bribery， (badge) I’m against bribery， (badge) I’m waiting for bribery

When the present Prime Minister was taking office, for fighting corruption sake, the governmental officers were ordered to put on the badge (I’m against bribery) to show determination. The author adds a “N” in front of “anti”, becomes “Nanti”, means “waiting”. This operation effect was not prominent.

第一任首相 / 1st Prime Minister – Tunku Abdul Rahman （开国之父）
第二任首相 / 2nd Prime Minister – Tun Razak （发展之父）
第四任首相 / 4th Prime Minister – Dr.Mahathir （工艺之父）
第五任首相 / 5th Prime Minster (Present) – Abdullah （凯利的岳父）

Khairy是现任首相的女婿，谣言指他干涉朝政滥用权力，招惹批评。此人言论偏激，玩弄种族课题上位，引发华社强烈不满。

Khairy is the son-in-law of present Prime Minister, rumors said he is interfering governmental operation and abusing rights, sparking criticism. His extreme speech on racial issues helps installing himself in the party, triggers strong discontent within Chinese community.

2002年，群臣奉承任人唯亲的前首相Tun Dr.Mahathir，慑于一代强人的权力。
2006年，Tun Dr.Mahathir退位之后，之前的同僚背他而去不再奉承还插上两刀，尽显世态炎凉人情冷暖。

Year 2002, the cronies flattered the former Prime Minister Tun Dr.Mahathir, frightened of the strongman’s political supremacy.
Year 2006, after stepping down of Tun Dr.Mahathir, the cronies turned against him, typical fickleness of politicians.

鬼神论（非学术篇）/ Demonology (Unscientific Note)

民间流传着许多鬼神说，一向来我都嗤之以鼻，觉得凭空捏造不足为信。但最近发生了一些事使我非常忧心，是靠了扶占解了这‘劫’。这使我从新思考这课题，是巧合还是鬼神说真有其事？


Plenty of ghost related rumors spreading in the folklore. I never take it seriously but simply some baseless tales. Something inexplicable happened lately worrying me much, séance was consulted. It makes me re-evaluating my opinion on this subject, is that coincidence or those stories are factual?

鬼神论（科学篇）/ Demonology (Scientific Note)

世上有鬼神吗？我相信有，不过不迷信。物理学说能量是永恒的，它可以转换成不同的形态但不会增加或减少。我认为灵魂是一种能量，它无形，科学目前无法证明它的存在。宗教说当一个人去世的时候，灵魂将离开肉身往天堂或地狱去。那可否解释所谓的地狱天堂或极乐世界是一个我们人类无从知晓的异度空间在容纳这些能量？佛学谈因果，轮回转世，跟物理学不谋而合。‘鬼’‘神’只是个代名词。

至于永恒能量的产生，科学家提出的宇宙大爆炸至今无从证实，这是比较受落的科学假设。Dan Brown 的著作 Angels and Demons 以深入浅出的方式谈及此理论，不妨一读。


Does ghost exist? I believe it does, but not superstitious. Physics state that energy is constant and transformable. I reckon the spirit is a form of energy, though science couldn’t prove its existence. The religions believe the soul would depart from the body to the heaven or hell when one deceased. Could we explain that the so-called heaven and hell is an unknown dimension where this energy is accommodated? Buddhism discussed cause and effect, the reincarnation, coincidentally matching with this Physics theory. “Ghost” is just a name to it.

Questioning the generation of constant energy, scientists have presented the Big Bang Theory which is the most acceptable hypothesis though no proof yet. The fiction of Dan Brown – Angels and Demons has briefed and simplified the explanation of the same.

和谐社会 / Harmonious Society

前阵子新加坡李光耀资政的一句话，说马来西亚与印尼的华人逐渐被边缘化，激发了两国执政政府的不满，还召了新加坡大使问话。指责这言论歪曲事实，无中生有，挑拔根深蒂固的种族敏感课题。还明示如果发生动荡的话，作为邻国的新加坡也将会受到波及。真有此地无银三百两之嫌。

马来西亚在一九六九年五一三事件之后强迫性的抑制种族敏感课题以来，基本上相安无事。表面上的种族和谐并不反映民众的真正情绪。无可否认，执政党努力的平衡各族的经济分配，缩小贫富差距。土族（马来人）的特权与固打制是一种不公平的机制，很多华人与印度人觉得被压迫，敢怒而不敢言。

一九九八年印尼排华事件震撼了世界。马来西亚华人担忧类似事件在本土爆发，人心惶惶，庆幸最终一切太平。印尼社会体制不一样，加上大部分的二亿四千万人口生活在贫穷线下。穷人觉得nothing to lose，一场政治浩劫演变成排华灾难。说白了，一切都是钱作怪。反观马来西亚经济发展稳健，民众生活基本安定。心理不满归不满，又有谁希望挑起另一次种族纷争，节外生枝呢？毕竟很多人还存着五一三事件的阴影。

希望华人的‘小我’牺牲将会换来更和谐的社会发展。


Singapore Premier Mr.Lee Kuan Yew has made a statement recently that the Chinese ethnic in Malaysia and Indonesia are being systematically marginalized. It has triggered strong protest from both governments, Singapore’s Ambassadors have been summoned for explanation. Both countries condemn such statement distorting the facts, groundless and challenging the deep-rooted sensitive racial issues, also implied clearly that Singapore being the neighbor would be affected if unrest explodes. This reaction is in fact proving otherwise.

Since May 13, 1969 incident, the sensitive racial topics are mandatedly suppressed in Malaysia. Folks have been living peacefully, but the exterior harmonious society does not reflect the actual inner emotions. Undoubtedly the ruling party is working hard to balance wealth distribution among the ethnics, targeting to shrink the gap between the rich and the poor. The privilege and quota structure which in favor to “Bumiputra” (Malay ethnic) is an unfair system, lots of Chinese and Indians feel like being oppressed, but dare not to voice out their anger.

The 1998 Anti-Chinese movement in Indonesia stunned the world, Malaysian Chinese were worried if the violence would erupt in their country. Eventually everything turned out peacefully. Indonesia operates different social system, and huge portion of the 240 million populations live in poverty. The poor has nothing to lose. A political plot had mutated into Anti-Chinese movement. Conclusively, the money matters. On the contrary, Malaysia economy is developing in steady pace, folks live peacefully. No matter how discontented, no one wish to initiate another racial conflict. The grave memory of May 13 has not been forgotten yet.

Hoping that the sacrifice of Malaysian Chinese would be rewarded with more harmonious social development.

Invasion!

Damn! My notebook was infected with more than 10 viruses, spywares, adwares in the same time! Have never seen my notebook so confused before… The irritating rubbish websites were popping up flamboyantly like fireworks, while tons of spam e-mails sending out without my control. It was already too late when I noticed the invasion. The speed of the broadband caught me off-guard. 水能载舟,亦能覆舟

My whole weekend was spoiled to try saving the data. The viruses are currently somehow suppressed but I’m not sure the diehard is still hiding somewhere.

Strong advice – DON’T ever try to open any file from unknown source.

名字

小妹昨天生了个胖小男孩。前阵子向我讨了几个名字作参考。这学问可大，不简单。要与众不同，简易但不失意义，时尚，好听，还要兼顾英语发音。难！

长辈都喜欢找些神算子批八字算五行，给小娃儿取好名字。欠个甚么金木水火土都不行。有些神棍还效仿武则天创字，乱七八糟的翻破字典也找不着。如果改个名字就能改好运的话，那全世界的人不再受苦了。我不说这是迷信，信则有，但求心安理得。

办公室政治

F上司通过同事试探我是否愿意在这项目完成之后到德国总部与他合作。坦白说，我讨厌人事复杂的环境。一向来对尔虞我诈的办公室政治很反感也很抗拒。尽量避之，也希望做到面面俱圆。有时工作压力传下来，总会间接的伤害他人。

十一年了，已习惯在现场工作。虽不是甚么土皇帝，但却有相对上较多的自由及发挥空间。很多琐碎的事务都有下属代劳，回到总部事事都必须亲力亲为，还必须听从更多领导层的指示。无可否认，这将是一个难得的机会，对未来计划很重要。我想我明了F上司需要我的政治目的。

还早吧！明年这个时候再提也不迟，再说到时的情况现在谁也说不准。

p/s:我喜欢Dilbert这办公室政治漫画。

I’m Not Blind

Heard Paris Hilton’s new song “Stars Are Blind”? Goodness... the song is disgusted flat and her voice is emotionless / dull. The magic sparked simply because she is rich.

The music industry no longer needs professional singers but just some idols who could utter words.

Yesterday Once More

The repetitive bombardment of the latest English pop songs from the radio irritates me much recently. The melody is no longer entrancing but replaced with the tendency of either almost monotonous flat tunes or supersonic speed of rapping coupled with meaningless childish lyrics.

In the 80’s and 90’s, I was laughing to my elders when they were criticizing the pop songs meaningless but a junk piece of noise mixture. Today, the youngsters are teasing me getting old. Ha… position is changing.

Hence I launched a huge project lately. I flipped through all CDs and compiled all nice songs together. I dug out many long forgotten and neglected songs. Strangely I have started appreciating the music of the 70’s which had never been my favourite in the past. Particular song brought back particular memories… “Yesterday Once More” (by The Carpenters) aptly describes present feelings.

意义

收到一位埃塞朋友的电邮，诉说了毕业至今仍未找着工作。衰弱的经济，庞大的失业人口，僧多粥少，一切在加剧的恶性循环，加上与邻国的持续纷争，政府无能挽救。很多国民逃离家园到苏丹，冒死偷渡甘作难民，只为了裹腹，为了寻找‘美好’的将来。苏丹并不富裕，不是他们要的将来，只能期望作为到发达国家的跳板，因为欧美澳等国每年都会收容若干难民。但幸运之神能眷顾几人？在苏丹的那段日子，遇上不少埃塞朋友，有些已经是土长的第三代了！

我时常在思考，他们活着的意义是什么？我们的幸福定义又是否太狭窄？

喝奶

T同事近来心烦，因为他的太太提出了离婚。怨他待她的时间太少。干我们这一行的，经常离家是免不了。离婚这事虽不致於司空见惯，却也见了少例子。事业与家庭，如鱼与熊掌，很多时不能兼备。

S经理说我找对象的要求太高了，但我却认为宁缺勿烂。前任上司说过，要喝奶何必买头牛呢？

体面

在晚宴，同事被安排在同一桌上。
秘书小姐一坐下，斟了一杯色酒。S经理劝她空肚子喝酒容易发醉，她不听。
秘书小姐从舞池回来，说右脚有点儿疼，索性把脚翘在椅子上。我好意提了一句，她不接受。
晚餐是一客烧烤猪扒，上铺火腿。端上时，秘书小姐挑剔的拨开火腿，上下左右研究了一遍之后才放进嘴里，剩下的猪扒都扔下了。S经理责了几句，解释了基本餐桌礼仪，她不理，还说别人管不着。
可能是酒精起了作用，她有点儿醉了。他们的对话少许破坏了原有的气氛。这使我看清楚某些人的真性格。

Wedding Party

Was invited by my colleague Mr.B to his wedding party yesterday night. The folks dance was going round and round, with synchronized dance steps in pace with music, was fun!

Organizing party is a tiring assignment to me. Mom always said, if W is on the list, X has to be invited (should not be offended); Y is very close to us, his whole family should come along; Z is the respectful elder in our family clan etc. So end up, the party would be crammed with half a thousand guests.

If I would have my wedding party someday, I would only invite controllable crowd and those I know well, ensure that all my guests will be taken care of and no one is neglected. A feast is not necessary at all.

己所不欲,勿施於人

TP gave me some comments on my webpage today. Spontaneously I gave many "excuses", not awaring of my explanations would portrait defensive cum irresponsible attitude to the other person. He reminded me aptly and made me discovering my own subconcious.

Ridiculously I used to complain my colleagues for not executing their tasks seriously but feeding me various reasons. In fact, I'm not better than them.

The Chinese proverb says, 己所不欲,勿施於人

Thank you TP.

Dermatologist

Went to see the dermatologist this afternoon. The skin problem has been persisting since years. For my 1st visit last week, I paid Euro 6 as consultation fees; and today I paid only Euro 1. Incredibly cheap!!! It would have cost at least 10 times more in my country.... "What" makes the difference?

My Own Blog

Have finally made the decision to have my own blog. No specific reason for it, maybe I just want to voice out my opinion and emotion, or probably I'm feeling lonely in the country doesn't belong to me...