MERDEKA!!! MERdeka! merdeka?

Merdeka which literally means independence is celebrated throughout Malaysia on the 31st of August. Marking the end of the British rule, Malaysia geared herself in developing the country as well as creating a society where each individual is highly educated, civilised and nationalistic. However, there are some serious problems that lie within this nation that are not broadcasted on television on this auspicious day or any other day to begin with. For this post, i will voice my opinion on two of the issues that cloud this nation.

Freedom of Speech

This comment is in close reference to the newspaper article dated on the 28th of August 2008 with the headline "News portal blocked" in The Star. The article states that the internet service providers (ISPs) were ordered to block websites that contain elements which "contravene the local laws of the country". Well, i suppose that it also means blogs that clarify bloggers views but their opinions contradict the governments ideas will be blocked as well! How ridiculous is that? Malaysia is a democratic country. How is it democratic if our country denies the right of our freedom when it comes to voicing our opinions? So, is it only democratic when our opinions are in tune with that of the government? How contradictory! Malaysia is 51 YEARS OLD, aren't we old enough for all these nonsense?

The problems with being a "minority".

Being a minority in Malaysia has not always been honey and sugar. After 51 years, the minorities yearn for equal opportunities in all aspects. The government could claim that everyone is treated equally by occasionally broadcasting a few successful minorities that obtain help from the government, but is that the case for all the other individuals who are part of the minority?

1. Companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (Bursa Saham Kuala Lumpur) must find bumiputras to take up a minimum 30% of equity to satisfy listing requirements.
2. Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) is a basket of government run of mutual funds (profit guaranteed) that allow only bumiputra to purchase. The return rates is three to five times higher than that of local commercial banks.
3. In 2004, Dr. Shafie Salleh, the newly appointed Higher Education Minister, stated that he "will ensure the quota of Malay students' entry into universities is always higher".
4. etc etc...

Is that equality? As much as we hate to say it, Malaysia does not treat all her citizens equally! Apart from that, as a minority, i crave for complete security without having the fear of being insecure regardless of the situation. We do not want people to spit into our faces, claiming, "this land is righteously ours, not yours. Return to your respective countries!" (I've faced that before). As a minority, what can you do? Retaliate? No! The best way is to shut your pie hole and leave! Generally, the minorities are left in a state rather known as diaspora. Do i love this country, "hell, yes!". I believe that the minorities wish to abolish their diasporic state and live comfortably in this beautiful nation; with complete right and freedom and without the fear of being oppressed. How cool would it be if God allows us to select our skin colour before we get out of our mothers wombs?! All problems concerning special rights and racism in this nation would be solved then!

Finally, i hope that i would not be detained by Internal Security Act (ISA) for posting this. God bless Malaysia.

SEX

Sex sex sex....

Being brought up in a Chinese family, the thought of sex when you live with your parents (regardless of your age) is taboo! As embarrassing as it may sound, my parents are so strict about this topic that even looking at two lovers kissing in a movie is wrong! I remembered having to close my eyes when there will be a scene where two lovers look at each other affectionately and their proximity tend to be closer or either one of my parents will point his/ her finger at me and exclaim "hamsap!" (meaning pervert). Not being stereotypical here but generally, Asian parents are more discreet about topics regarding to sex.

Honestly, parents may be very secretive about sex to protect their children (i have no idea from what) but once their children are unleashed from their parents sphere, stepping into the world full of vicious wolves, is the protection really handy or is it a form of euthanasia? Their children's sex education would be largely dependant on their friends and the media or the internet wouldn't it? Who is to blame if something goes wrong? Examples include that of rape, teenage pregnancy, etc...

So, what's the big fuss about sex? Sex is indeed interesting. No doubt! But there are lots of negative influences surrounding this activity in each person waiting for it's time to penetrate and enter this realm. Being able to only talk about it once we are out of our family's presence and putting on an innocent face as soon as we enter into our family's circle is preposterous! Unfortunately, that's the situation for most Asian kids. I guess, the best defence for us is to really distinguish between what's right and wrong. Though it's intriguing, we have to make wise choices before getting ourselves involved in this activity. Then again, it largely depends on our beliefs and principles. Some of us believe in sex after marriage, some believe in satisfying our sexual drives first, whereas there are some who believe that it's okay to have sex once you are in a relationship for quite some time. Whatever your beliefs are, don't jump straight into the pool once you see an opportunity! Sit down, think about it properly first and then decide.

For those who believe in sex after marriage but are caught up in a situation where they think that they will marry their partners one day and just can't wait for the sex, control yourselves! You never know what may come along the way. Once you have done it, there will be no turning back! So, before your hands clasp and your bodies tangle; think!

Personally, i believe in the sanctity of marriage and sex. Do you?

This post is not intended to condemn anyone about their sexual life. I am not a sex guru either. Don't misinterpret it.

Credits before the Movie Rolls

First and foremost, i would like to announce the guy who's behind this ingenious blog; Andrew Tong! I would like to personally thank him as he introduced and sort of persuaded me into blogging since last year! This blog wouldn't even exist without his guidance. The irony behind all this is that he stopped blogging right after i started. -.-!

Yeah, that's him.... fearsome as ever! Haha!

Overwhelmed by Uncertainties

Hi all,

I never half expect myself to be doing this; basically sitting down facing the computer, my eyes glued to the monitor, and my fingers running across the keyboard, typing. Honestly, all this is rather new and bizzare to me as i never predicted myself to be engaged in blogging at all. Frankly speaking, i do not even read blogs! One of the main reasons i am involved in all this is because i see an opportunity though i can't tell if the light is dim or bright. Opportunity to actually fulfill my passion in writing, with high hopes of becoming an author one day as i am currenlty doing something totally in the opposite field at university. So, if there's any suggestion and remarks you bear in mind; be it a sarcastic comment or one of appraisal, do leave it with honesty. I truly appreciate it cause i am merely a blogger consumed by the thought of learning and gaining experience through blogging and is thus enslaved in this mechanism; with full humility and expectations!

Some of you might wonder, "why overwhelmed by uncertainties?".

Personally, i think that uncertainties imply unpredictabilty. Who knows what would come next? Noone. As the saying goes, "life is like a box of chocolates". Who knows what might occur next? We might choose the path we would want to head to in life but does having a predictable life makes it interesting? Similarly, i wouldn't know what would be the outcome of this blog. And i am overwhelmed as the uncertainties that linger in the air prove that i am willing to take the risks and invest my time on my passion. The least that i could gain from doing all this is that i know that i have tried. I am finally doing something about my interest! May the outcome be good or bad, it is a platform for me to learn.

Yours truly,

Jun Beng