The unthinkable happened!!!

That's it.. Malaysia's education has really hit rock bottom!!

The PPSMI is scrapped, Science and Maths are going back to Malay and other vernacular language.. How will this affect us? Well, maybe not me since I left school already but I really pity all the younger generations.. This is really turning us backwards, after so many arguments and debates about this.. Seriously shocking move!!

And where do we go from here? Try to conquer the world with BM?? Yes, BM is the national language and is used in many official functions and events.. However, the international language now is English.. That's the reason why our 4th PM proposed the PPSMI.. And in a few months with the new management, the whole thing is scrapped.. Wasted is 6 years of hard work, funds, training, etc.. And totally we'll be heading back to the stone age..

And here are some quotes (I deem it really unreasonable) by our DPM:
- Gap between rural & urban students has widened since PPSMI started.
- PPSMI would take 15-20 years to see effect; must consider repercussion on students.
- Make sure early formative years ie primary have the best teachers, then will see effect in 2-3 years vs 15-20 years.
- We realise PPSMI not working earlier, but have to be fair, so allow 1 cycle to finish.
- Decision made objectively for future of kids, not politics.

Seriously it doesn't make sense, any of the quotes.. I really don't know where we're heading man.. Sooner or later people will realise it's another mistake and it'll be reverted again.. KNNCCB BIG TIME!!!

When concerning is a bad thing..

I thought one post who have actually made me feel better.. Alas, it was not to be.. As I managed to gather more info from friends and this is something that it's not only hurting but also infuriating.. I was talking to my friend about my last post after he asked me not to be so emo about it.. The thing is if it's emo then sorry, it's the way I feel for the past 1.5 years and it was finally good to let it all out.. However the stories doesn't just end there..

Someone told me that some people don't like me and thus I don't get called for many things and stuff like that.. I was like OK, if you don't like me, please come in front of me and say "I don't like u, thus this and that.." and I'll accept it.. What I don't like is going behind my back, labeling me as the bad guy and acting that nothing's wrong in front of me.. Nobody like backstabbers right? If I were to go around backstabbing people I think I'll be public enemy number 1, however I don't, I just tell u straight in the face..

Apparently concerning about other people is a really bad thing as people tend to have the misconception of things.. My friend put it as inferiority complex.. If it's that the case, fine, I won't bother asking how was your day or even offering my help if your in trouble.. Being Mr Helpful doesn't reap it's rewards but just make you labeled as a nosy and 'kepo' person.. After all I did for them when we were studying and stuff like that and this is how I get treated.. I've learned my lesson, stay out of people's business even if they ask you for help, cause when u try to do the follow up just to make sure the person is alright, u'll be labeled as the bad guy.. Different people, different perception on things.. Like my friend said, it's no surprised they treated me that way, although it was harsh..

However, I would like to thank you to all of you who have heard me out and also offering me advice.. This is will be a very good lesson in life.. I know more shit will happen next time in uni and also in places where I work in the future, but since this shit started out in secondary (or Pre-U) school, I guess I know what to expect in the future..

Friends.. Hmm.. I wonder..

Lately something has been bothering me.. Something that I've asked myself over and over again.. The meaning of friends.. Well, I've seen it happened to many people, friends slowly moving away, getting in their own groups leaving some people aside, I feel pity for them and at times sorry.. For nobody in this world should be left in the cold harsh world alone out there, not even hardcore criminals, hey, at least they got their own inmates so can consider la.. However it never came across my mine that one day such a thing could befall on myself..

I've begin noticing this ever since the beginning of upper 6.. Slowly but surely u can feel people kinda moving away from u.. It's not that obvious, not that hard to notice.. I'm always a silent observer, observing the surroundings and making inferences about them.. Sometimes I feel it could be, I possibly do not fit in that same circle of friends.. Difference in thinking? Believes? Nobody knows the real reason behind it.. However sometimes certain activities I'm never been informed let upon call upon for.. OK, I'm still a 'protected species'.. My parents don't give me that much freedom even thou it's after my STPM.. Fine, I can live with that and I think that's the reason that I'm being pushed aside by the group.. I used to organised some things like yam cha and all but at times it's responded with coldness and when they have their own things, well, usually I get to know it last minute or other people.. This has not only happened once, but on several occasions already..

I've confided this to a friend of mine and he also faces somewhat a similar problem.. The reason why him and I can click together is because I think we're in the similar problem.. He has learned to deal with such problems, I on the other hand am new to it.. That is why I think he understands what I'm going through.. And he is not surprised that I've at times received such treatment.. I don't mind being alone, being alone sometimes give me the needed time to reflect what has happened in my life.. However too much of loneliness and it can become a silent killer..

Now I'm not referring this to all my friends out there, it's just a certain group that I've feel I've known them long enough and yet sometimes be disappointed by it.. I'm glad they are still my friends, I doubt they even know about this pondering questions I have in my mind.. All I have is look forward to enter uni and start afresh again.. Friends we will be, to more of that extend I doubt it very very much..

Efficiency..

I was talking to a friend of mine who is going to India to study Dentistry.. His departure however got delayed for the second time due to some student visa issues.. And of course, without a visa you cannot even pass the border of our country, let alone entering others..

So what cause the visa issue? No, not the incompetent people in the Embassy, sometimes they are really efficient in carrying out their work.. However, a student visa requires you to show proof of your financial backing, in this case, where's your cash coming from to support your studies.. Here, we come to the issue I want to talk about, the bank..

The bank my friend applied for loan until now hasn't even replied him.. All their reply was under processing, not yet have their meeting about the loan, all the usual crap la.. Hence we can see the effectiveness of banks here in our country.. Not all banks are terrible, just a few make the whole lot look bad.. My friend applied to loan I think about a month ago, does it take that long to approve it? Especially when you have done all the necessary paperwork, prove this and that, etc.. Sure, economy turmoil is a nice reason to point the finger at, yet that's not the point.. Point is not even taking the initiative to process the loan for a student who probably will be late getting to his course due to this..

Banks are very effective in collecting money.. Default one payment and red letters will all start coming in, lawyer letters, black listed, bankruptcy notice, etc.. However, I've noticed they are super slow in giving out money.. I guess the motto of the banks are take all, give none, they did keep them happy.. And the efficiency in processing applications take a bloody long time.. Or even over the counter services that takes only 5 minutes becomes a half an hour thing.. Sometimes when I go to the bank, I can see 1-2 counters with no customers, no line, however I guess the teller must be 'busy' to bother serving the next customer.. Thus leading unnecessary queuing.. And let's point out that this happens everywhere.. The take all, give none policy.. Utilities company, private businesses, gov offices, everywhere..

So how do we want to improve the services of the banking industry? Or other sectors? Revamp the system? I don't know.. Let leave this one to the big guys out there to go and figure.. Sometimes I wonder does the complain box that's located at some of these places really goes to the admin or just down the dumpster..

New Cabinet, New Slogan, New Malaysia?

Well, the new cabinet list came out. As expected, Najib has shrunk the cabinet size to 25 ministries and 28 ministers. And adopted quite a nice slogan, "One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now". However, a few people were notably missing from the cabinet, especially UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin. After all, isn't usual to see an UMNO Youth Chief to get a share of the cabinet. Maybe he was not in cause of experience issues or something else whichever you all can speculate.

Another one missing is obviously our great comback leader Chua Soi Lek, who after resigning all his post due to that scandal made a comeback during the last MCA elections. Maybe that scandal still linger in the minds of many and a risk might not be taken to reinstate him back into the cabinet.

Nevertherless a few new faces has appeared in the cabinet line up, notable Koh Tsu Koon. I believe he might be able to pull good jobs in the prime minister's department. Muhkriz has been appointed as deputy minister in the International Trade and Industry ministry, maybe it's a stepping stone for him to follow his father's footsteps? Who knows?

Let's just say that the new cabinet looks nice. Now we just have to wait and see the performance. It's going to start all over again from square 1, especially with the reason by-elections that still shows our citizens do not forget very easily. Good luck to Najib and his ministers!

Why are they so inconsiderate??!!

OK.. Something just really pissed me off just now.. I can't believe how inconsiderate people are these days.. Especially parents.. I was like WTH!! when a friend of mine told me her problem..

My friend didn't meet her parent's expectations with her recent STPM results.. To me her results were quite OK.. After all she did managed to get more than 3.00 which is the requirement for most courses in unis this days.. And not like she failed or what.. Her mum was OK with it, of course my friend felt bad about herself for failing her parents but she got over with it.. And her mum too.. My friend admitted that she didn't put full effort, so her mum forgave her.. Problem started with her dad.. Her dad scolded her non-stop when he got back from overseas.. From day to night it was non-stop hammering and bickering.. U thought it'll be over in a few moments but no.. This has been going on until like now.. Her dad compared her to her other friends who did better, in a way saying she's the worst and all.. This is making my friend miserable, feeling like want to runaway, hating her dad.. I pity her for that.. After all she did, thou not her best, she did give her best shot at it.. And this is how she gets 'rewarded'.. Scolded, compared, mocked..

Another friend of mine did somewhat better.. She scored over 3.5 in her STPM CGPA and was very happy with her achievements.. After all, that is what she has targeted.. Yet her parents can come tell her, your target so low ah? Why can't scored higher? Why he/she can do it, why not you? I'll say this, WHY DUN U TRY IT FOR URSELF??!!!

Most parent's today do not understand what their children go through.. Do u think STPM is a breeze? Do u think by studying we can ace the exam? Is life really that simple? NO!!! STPM is hell.. And not only that, every single thing u do is hell.. I got some friends who even did well and yet still get reprimanded from their parents.. To me, the parents want something to show off.. Oh.. My son got 4 flat.. My daughter got into NUS.. RUBBISH!!! You parents might have all the plans in the world for your children, u can plan their studies, career even marriage.. But not all things in life go according to plan.. NEVER!! I'm glad to God to have understanding parents, who know the cycle of life.. However, how many parents are there out there similar to mine? Many? A few? Some? I do not know..

Parents love forcing their children to do something that they want.. How many students, don't go far, my friends, who complained their parents are forcing them into courses that they don't want or even shooting down their dreams and hopes for the future.. It's always their way not ours.. I can't tolerate this kind of people.. This is OUR LIFE, OUR FUTURE, OUR WAY OF HANDLING THINGS!! U can guide us, give us advice, protect us.. But to a certain extend.. How long you all will be here? Forever? Till the day we grow old and die? NO!! If you ever forced your child to become something that the child hates, you'll end up destroying not only your dreams and aspirations but also your child's future..

Parents are suppose to be the pillar of strenght for their child.. They should support their child's dreams, not crush them.. Give them moral support and guidance, not helping them to self-destruct.. You think you all might know what's the suffering we go through especially like STPM exams but you don't!! The stress, the trauma, the phobia.. It goes to a level where you want to kill yourself.. I myself publicly admit this, I've reached to a point where I just wanted to give up but I stayed strong.. So DO NOT PRESSURE US!! We are already under a lot.. That's all I'm asking for all the children out there..

A Needless Issue..

Lately, many people are fighting over something which I consider an issue that is unnecessarily brought up .. The policy of teaching Maths and Science in English has been enforced for the past 6 years.. However certain groups have now decided to make a fuss over the issue, an issue where's there's nothing actually to make noise about.. Riots and protest in the street , police reports and memorandums, over something that has been here for quite some time.. It's really stupid and disturbing..

What's so bad about learning Maths and Science in English? My batch was the final batch to study these subjects in BM and when we went off to college, matriculation or F6, we did it all in English.. Of course for us it was a bit hard to adept, since these subjects were thought in BM for quite sometime.. However most of us quickly adapted and it didn't created a barrier that would prevent us from the full understanding of these subjects.. In fact, statistics has shown that there's no drop of students passing Maths and Science when it was thought it English, whether it's primary or secondary school. So why make an issue over something that's turning out well? The Chinese wants the medium be Mandarin again, the Malays obviously the Malay language.. Let me point out that no matter what medium the subjects are thought it, the learning process will still be the same.. Just because it's English and some people cannot grasp the language doesn't mean it's a bad thing for everyone..

For God sake, if we ever reverse the teaching of Maths and Science to Malay, we might as well ask UN to remove Malaysia from the face of the Earth.. I'm not saying learning Malay is a bad thing, it can come in handy sometimes.. However, how far are we going to get into the future? Where will the recognition be for our University graduates in the future? All the creditability that we have earned when we make the big change back in 2003 will just disappear and we'll be back to the stone age.. Our 2020 Vision will sound like 2120 Vision.. These people want to convert back to their own mother tongue for their own convenience.. They haven't thought about the consequences of the action, what impact it'll bring to the country, the future generation, the education system.. Millions will have to be spent to revamp the KBSM again, and with the economy so bad, we'll just be cursing Malaysia to a deeper grave.. And when our students leave F5 and try to go overseas, or even private unis back here, they did be a lost, and that time they'll suffer even more..

English is already recognized as an important language in the world today.. You won't be able to go far without actually mustering the language.. Other languages are also important, however, the international language is English.. Revert back our Maths and Science teaching into Malay again or some other mother tongue and we'll be a laughing stock to the world community.. Hishammuddin, I sure hope you and your ministry make the right call this time.. If not, oh well, I dunno.. You can only imagine what will happen la..

My 1st FT Meeting Thoughts

Well, I haven't really share my experience on my FT outing.. So here it is..

To go back to La Salle Centre, Ipoh was like walking down memory lane again.. I look back at my own convention, 17th NLLC 2007, noticed how much has the Centre has changed such as new wiring and attached bathrooms at some rooms.. And how fast time flies.. I missed all those good time I had with my new found friends, the stuff we did.. Thou it lasted for only a short period of time, yet the memories will be a lifetime..

Anyway, it was my 2nd FT meeting since the 1st one back in 2008.. Jerald Joseph was the speaker for this FT meeting and the main theme was on human rights.. And to put it simply, he is an awesome speaker.. He got us thinking, does everyone know his basic rights? Many people out there are exploited just because they are ignorant to this.. Don't have to look far, just look at the foreign workers in the factories.. I've actually worked with some of these people when I was working in Jusco.. These people are simple people, earning an honest leaving, yet they are pushed to the limits of man to do things like stacking up stock, carrying heavy items and etc.. Sometimes for no apparent reason they get scolded by their bosses, as the boss tries to find a way to release their anger..

Looking back, it's true that we need to be aware of these rights.. And we need to help others to realise it too.. We can't just stand on the pavement, just being onlookers as somebody is beaten for no apparent reason.. I'm not saying that each of us should be Superman, but we should challenge the boundaries, take the lead and make a difference.. Jerald has open our eyes to the cruel world out there, now it's left for us to answer the calling..

In short, it was nice to go back for FTs again.. Each time it's a new experience, new adventure and making new friends.. And with the regional OTs coming up, it's our responsibility to pass down these knowledge to younger La Sallians.. Keep the spirit burning brightly in our heart and soul.. VIVA LASALLIANA!!!

Sports Day at SPI

Yesterday was SPI's er.... 52nd Annual Sports Day if I haven't mistaken.. It was nice to actually to go back and visit the school.. Seeing friends and teachers all over again, having a great chat with them.. Part of me still wants to be in school.. It's possibly the best part of my life.. Yes.. We all know how we always say when will school end la, lazy to wake up early, happy when the holidays come.. However when u look at it, especially when u've finished ur final paper, having a long holiday knowing that you would never ever study there again, you sometimes wish time moved slower, so u'll be able to savour every moment that school life has to offer.. Of course, not everyone share these thoughts..

Usually Sports Day is a day of fun, a day to relax actually and to get sunburn.. =p Just like the PIBG chairman said, forget about studies, forget about exams.. Just go out there and enjoy.. However, this could me again, this year's Sports Day doesn't feel the same like last year.. Like the atmosphere is not there.. Something is missing, the spirit of it all.. It makes me wonder, will this continue to worsen as we move forward into the future? Will school just be another boring place, like a factory producing leaders of tomorrow.. Where's the fun, the excitement, the spirit? Every year, students who enter secondary school are different.. That's obvious, there's never a similarity between students of yesteryear's and today.. Unfortunately students these days are more protected, more into the electronic age.. Some of them are pampered, I even heard that a F3 boy is still being spoon fed by his mum.. Parents are protective, sure, that the nature of all parents, but over protection? Will it do them any good?

It just disturbs me to see the school, not only SPI but others as well, the traditions slowly dying, the spirit leaving.. Thou there are a handful who try to keep it going, nothing much can be done.. How will the future education be? Student going to school like robots going to a place for input? I dare not say and I wish I am wrong.. Only time will tell.. Oh yeah, btw, Adrian got 5th this year, that's a whump since they were champions last year, my ex-house John got 3rd and I think Director was the Champion..

Medical Personnel ==> To Save or Worsen a Patient?

Is our medical services in Malaysia that bad? Or do we just have not so dedicated doctors within our mist? I was shocked to hear that a family friend passed away last Saturday, just a day before the CNY eve. However, what make it even worse was how the medical staff treated her when she was fighting for dear life..

Aunt X suffered a stroke while preparing dinner.. I think she overworked herself on that Sat, running from place to place, as you know, last minute shopping for CNY.. And although she suffered a stroke, she was still able to speak and call for help.. That actually gave a ray of hope that she could actually survive the stroke.. With the help of her neighbours, she was rushed to Hospital Tuanku Jaafar and straight taken into the emergency ward.. However base on what I've heard, things didn't go as plan.. It was night at that time.. And it seems there were no doctors free to attend to her at that time.. So the nurses just do their routine stuff, take her high blood pressure and etc.. Obviously this panic both her son and husband.. At last a doctor came and the son thought things will go better from there.. Unfortunately it did not..

The doctor on duty didn't seem to take her condition seriously and were taking his time to tend to her..Her BP was already of the charts and yet the doctor was busy testing this reflexes and that, exhausting her even more.. Her son ask the doctor to give her something to reduce her BP.. However to his horror the doctor did nothing, just continuing to perform those checks, saying they needed to see if it's really a stroke.. Damn right? Only about an hour later did they give her some medication to reduce her BP but by that time her condition was worsening..

Her son, seeing the condition the mother was in ask the doctor can she be placed in the ICU ward.. Quite a practical thing to do right? To which he replied all the wards are full.. Puzzled by this the family members took a walk around the ICU ward and saw an empty bed or room there.. They questioned the doctor and nurses there about this and this is what they got in reply, that their mother was already old and the bed is reserved for like emergency operation patients or younger patients.. So are they trying to send the message that old people should just be left to suffer and die? Where's the humanity in that? Then the doctor told them he cannot simply transfer patients to the ICU ward, it must come from some higher authority in the hospital.. The son said you're a specialist and you can't order a patient to be transfered? He said it's out of their hands.. They have no power in this case.. So unbelievable.. A life and death situation is right before them and they cannot make a decision.. Truly shocking..

Later Aunt X slipped into a coma and condition was already very critical.. They hook her up with machines like ventilators and all.. The doctor explained to her son that his mum is now on artificial breathing, artificial this, artificial that.. In other words his telling his mum was a goner.. And did i mentioned that when the nurse was putting on the hospital gown for Aunt X, the nurse treated her without proper care.. It was like, I dunno.. I just can't describe it.. Thinking of it makes me angry.. In the end, she passed away, but to the son, he wonders will Aunt X still be alive, celebrating CNY, if the medical staff at the hospital be more effective..

I remember reading an article saying by 2015 Malaysia will be overflowing with doctors.. Overflowing with doctors maybe correct, although to me as long there are patients and new diseases around, the need for doctors will always be there.. And second thing, we might have too many doctors in Malaysia but not enough dedicated and good doctors.. It saddens me to see this happen and hopefully the situation will change for the better.. I'm not saying our medical staff is entirely bad.. They are good medical personnel out there, especially those who treated my brother when he had epilepsy.. However why can't everyone receive the same kind of good treatment? A question that is left to be answered..

From Work to Gaza..

So 1 week of job has been recently completed.. Nothing much can be said la.. ? Just day in day out it's the same old same old.. Hey, which job isn't like that? However, met some old friends while I was working and make new ones.. I think that's the positive side of working, you get to at least to know more people.. And of course build up your own personal skills, like PR, communication, etc.. There's another thing about working, you get to see many different kind of people there.. And makes you think are they such people in this world? Well, I've seen my fair share, those with attitude, those who spend like there's no tomorrow and yet those who are gentle and polite.. So for those of you who haven't work in your life yet, you better prepare yourself cause it seriously needs you to get out of your comfort zone..

Next if you look at the papers recently, there have been nothing but the Gaza war, or the main part is the Gaza war.. So everybody in the world is condemning Israel, for war crimes and stuff like that.. I do agree Israel might have taken it too far this time, however, to say that Israel are the only ones at fault is not entirely true.. Hamas has been firing rockets into Israel even though there was a 6 month ceasefire in place.. Why is that so I dunno why, however let me ask you a question, is people started throwing stones at your house, wouldn't you retaliate? So Israel might just wanna end things once and for all.. As in destroying those rockets.. How is that genocide well that's left to be seen.. One thing is for certain, if it's war, there are bound to be a lot of casualties, and unfortunately in this case, it's the Palestine people..

Another nice headline that captured my attention is to boycott USA products which in other words is to boycott US in whole.. Seems that every stupid war that happens, US gets the blame.. And how they were drag into this one, well I don't see it.. Maybe it's because US is in the Security Council and ain't doing anything about it, so people may perceive it as supporting Israel.. Let us be reminded that the Security Council is made up of 15 countries with US, UK, France, Russia and China having the veto power in that council.. So why only blame US and not the other 14 countries? And the call to boycott US will actually be our own undoing.. Very simple, majority of our trade is with the largest economy power in the world, and if we decided to cut off that link, well, that did be pretty bad for the economy don't you think.. And so far it's only Malaysia whose taking things to the extreme.. It's good that we are trying to protect the innocent but are we doing it the wrong way? Hmm... I wonder..

Finally, anybody whose interested in going to the Pulau Redang trip on 7th till 9th March please contact me.. You all should know how to do that.. Cheers..

The Opposite Sex (Part 2)

OK people, here's part two of my little post.. Which has gather storm by the way.. =D I went out with a few gal frens last week.. And let me tell you the next thing what girls are freaking good at.. Gossiping.. OK, not that big news.. But then again, they gossip mostly on other people.. LOL!! And specifically, about other people's relationship.. Hmm.. Well, I dunno what's up with that but it was interesting to learn all the ups and downs from them.. You dun even have to ask, they'll just tell you EVERYTHING.. OK, not that direct but when they start chatting among themselves, its not very hard to listen.. Haha..

However, girls are very good friends.. As in dead set good friends.. I see that in my everyday life.. In school, college friends, etc.. And somehow, they'll go to the extremes just to make their friend very happy on a special day.. Bet u noe what i mean from here.. So kudos to the girls, I dun think us guys will actually go tat far...

And I've come to 6 conclusions why girls are born.. Some of u might know this ady..
A) They are born to conceive and give birth.. (Duh, this is the most important!!)
B) They are born to eat.. (especially chocolate, and then later scream when they know their
weight!!)
C) They are born to take pictures of themselves.. (not all thou, but mostly ya.. Poyo ppl.. Who
takes pictures of themselves 30 times in the same place and outfit??!!)
D) They are born to gossip.. (case mentioned above)
E) They are born to be pampered and be loved.. (maybe not sooo true for some)
F) They are born to shop till they drop.. (every girls ideal past time)

Well, those are my summaries on girls.. Let's see how this little issue will be retaliated by the XX chromosomes.. (I'm assuming every girl that I know is the from the XX chromosomes) I know the guys certainly will enjoy!! =p

P.S. Might do a part 3 thou, if I find anything interesting..

The Opposite Sex (Part 1)

I was chatting with a friend last night.. Everything when well until she changed her PM.. And her PM sounded she's pissed with someone.. I ask la and as expected, she won't tell la.. OK, fine.. Didn't bothered about it.. Until I entered friendster and saw some relation of one my friend's shout out with this gals PM.. I might be speculating but I have a feeling that the PM is meant for this gal..

Here is the puzzling thing that I've always been asking.. Are girls that easily jealous of each other, or easily become enemies? The two gals involve used to be best friends, then something happened and now they don't see eye to eye.. Like I said, I'm just speculating but if it was true, then that's the fact.. I've come across so many girls who tell me, "I hate her, she's such a b***ch" or "She steals people BF".. I dun actually here guys actually spiting each other that bad.. And they also get pissed over small issues, like decorations or stuff like that.. Trust me, I had my share of listening to complains..

The female species is really a mystery.. They can smile at you and think of killing you at the same time.. You can't really guess what their thinking, especially when you have a GF.. Also on this matter, my friend have complained to me la.. Now I'm not saying that us guys are that goody goody also, but I just guess we're more simple la.. Although I admit we too can be a mystery.. I bet you gals who read this will want to disagree with me.. And potentially wanna kill me.. So sorry if you wanna think the latter, but this is my blog, this is my views.. Not to offend anyone out there but if you don't like it, you can just stop reading.. Cheers!!

P.S. I labeled it Part 1 cause there might be future post on this topic. Not going to blare out every single info, won't wanna spoil the fun now do we? =p

Rear Seat Belt.. What's your opinion??

Recent headlines in major newspapers have seen the above topic being the center of debate.. Some of you out there will ask why bother? Very ma fan la, it's pointless la, this la, that la.. Note that wearing seat belt when your the rear passenger do help in reducing fatalities in a car accident.. However, there are some flaws in the way it's being implemented.. Don't get me wrong here, I'm in support of the move, just that some issues need to be ironed out..

First, cars which are registered before 1 Jan 1995 are exempted from this rule.. Not only that, they get a full 3 years to install the rear seat belts, which to me is a 3 year exemption.. Now, if you look in the roads, about 20% of the cars on the road are definitely 1995 and older.. And knowing Malaysians, most of them would jump onto this opportunity and play ignorance to this rule.. And to make things better, it didn't state whether cars before that and have rear seat belts must use them.. A post I read in the newspaper suggested that cars without rear seat belts be exempted from this rule, BUT phased out slowly, just like what they did in UK and Singapore.. Now won't this sound like a better idea?

Second, what happen if the families involve are large and only have your standard 5 seater vehicle? The rule states that all passengers except the fourth need to buckle up.. Here itself is a problem, if the fourth back passenger is exempted from the ruling, wouldn't it brings us back to square one? When an accident occur, won't he too be in danger, both to himself and the people surrounding him? And back to the big family issue, if this rule must apply, are you asking all of those big families out there to buy an MPV? With the economy crisis looming over our heads, most people won't be able to afford such vehicles.. Unless the government is willing to come out subsidy for this families to purchase those vehicles.. Or would you rather leave half your family behind when your going on a trip? Or make double, maybe even tripple rounds? I bet you someone is sure going to question this when the rule is in effect (not long left thou..)

Third, this I'm so gonna love this one.. What is the minimum age for passengers who must buckle up? Todlers? You put a strap over him and next thing you know he'll be fighting to get out of it.. Some might say "Ah.. Fit the special child seat belt la.." Which brings me back to the economy point.. You know most of the families who are big are not very well off, to own a car is already a great achievement, and now they are being burderned with additional cost..

Moving on, if you noticed, they're two seperate rules on the ruling.. Vehicles above 3.5 tons, commercial vehicles and vehicles with more than 8 passengers are exempted from this ruling.. Let's set things straight here.. Commercial vehicles include taxis right? And taxis, like any other vehicles, have a chance to be in an accident right? So by exempting them, ain't your putting the life of the passengers at risk? Furthermore, mind you that not all taxi drivers here are that patient and carefull type.. And what about vehicles with more than 8 passengers? How exempting them is going to help the cause of this ruling? Sounds like somebody got some explaning to do..

Finally, and this gotta be the best of all.. By July next year, if you do not buckle up behind, you'll not only be fined the maximum RM 300.. You can be taken to court and be sued.. The punishment? A maximum fine of RM 2 000 or 1 year jail or both if convicted.. This is instilling fear into the public.. You want to educate them on the importance of the rear seat belt, not force them to wear it so they can escape the punishment.. And ya, it's a dejavu like the NS law again.. Don't go NS and be jailed.. Remember the case of that juvenile who was jailed? Didn't it became a big hoo-hah later when it happened? And after that, that method was never used again.. For now la.. Face it, I've a feeling that this will be the same case.. Some smart ass lawyer is going to bang the Government if the July ruling is enforced..

So, what's the conclusion? Rear seat belts are good for you.. Statistics has shown it can save lifes.. Look in US, UK.. It does good for all.. However, some problems above either need to be clarified or be fixed if the seat belt ruling is to take it's full effect..

Who police the police?

OK, u all might be wondering what is the title about.. Some of u might have a clue.. And after u finish reading this u might think I'm right..

Police, as we all know, are law enforcers.. They are suppose to upheld the law in the community, making sure everyone obeys them and thus ensuring a peaceful and safer neighbourhood.. Alas, it is them who sometimes are caught in doing things against the law.. Simply take today's paper and read.. A motorcyclist lost his life simply due to the act of an off-duty cop to do an illegal U-turn.. Not only that, he injured 5 others.. And to make matter worst, he and his friends fled the scene of the accident.. Now, if it was you or me, we could have been booked for that offence any other day, and if caused injury or death, it's a one way ticket to jail.. How can he, of all people, do such an irresponsible act? Off-duty or not, as a law enforcer, shouldn't he uphold the rules within him?

Don't look far.. Yesterday, when coming back from dinner with my family, a car was tail gating our car.. The car was driving fast (to tail gate la) and had those halogen headlamps.. (u know those are banned) Never mind that, the fact is that he's a police investigator.. U tell me, they catch us for speeding, having halogen head lamps but they can do it??!! Even the Altantuya case has come into light.. The suspects, who are policeman, can cover up their face from the public, and it's nicely done.. If it was any other criminal, their face will be posted up everywhere for public view but no..... That's not the case here.. People are asking are the policeman getting 'special treatment'? Beats me, but yeah, 95% of the people who participated in a survey on this matter sure do think that way..

Looking at all this, won't u stop to ponder what I've said its true? OK, I know they're humans too, but then again, if we can't do things against the law, do they mean they can??!! Take bribery for instance and u know where I'm getting too.. U answer the question, 'Who police the police'?