I'm no political observer or some fella who can talk a lot about politics but some things are just hard to ignore. Special rights, priveledges, monopoly, support, incentives (when viewed in a large context like our country) are probably good to kick-start development and progress in the economy or to initiate recovery of the society, New Economic Policy, National Development Policy whatever they're called, but in my opinion, it's rather pointless to get these kind of techniques going on for a long period or when certain faction of the society are excluded. Especially when the people involved knows that they can get help whenever they need it without doing much effort to get it.

Malaysia, as happy as I am to be part of this country, is an imperfect mix of granted opportunities, corrupt practices and people and unequal fairness. If we put ourselves back in the seventies when Malaysia is known as the strip of land in between Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia and our economy relied mostly on commodities, then I guess those options mentioned above were necessary. But prolong use of these "advantages" will lead to misuse and corruption, and people will, in my opinion, will get lazy and overly dependent on others. This, I believe, will affect the entire social, economical and political stability of the nation.

This brings me to the extremely controversial issue of Malaysian Malaysia debate, once brought up by Lee Kuan Yew, in an attempt to seek a better and equal society (Even he wanted to be a Malaysian and sobbed when Singapore was forced to be independent). Article 153 clearly states that:

"It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article."

Just like the US or Australia, Malays in Malaysia are primarily descendents of immigrants who migrated to the Malay Peninsular almost a millenia ago. So, in conclusion, we're all immigrants, Malay, Chinese, Indians and some of the "dan lain-lain". The real Bumiputers are probably the Orang Asli, so is it right to impose this title to certain people just because they arrived earlier than the rest? I'm a Malay, but I just feel that everyone deserves equal opportunities and respect. And its interesting to note that the use of the word "Malay" is more often compared to "Bumiputera" which is more accurate in describing Article 153. "Ketuanan Melayu" or Malay Supremacy is just an excuse for those feeling insecure being in Malaysia where they face competition and feel intimidated by others. So to those who (Malaysian politicians and Malay hard-liners thinking they're doing it for the sake of the country, I'd rather not say names, but it's obvious who these people are) think they're better than the rest, please wake up and face the music. Afterall, we're all the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, our differences are only skin deep.

Help can only do up to a certain degree. Exposure is much better in making people open their eyes and observe reality. Working your way up with your own sweat and strength is more satisfying compared to getting more than enough help and support. As the current younger generation of Malaysians grow up to lead the country, I wonder how is it going to be when Pak Lah is gone. Well only time will tell. To move forward, we have to do some compromises, even when it's not in our favor.

And that brings us to another question, what is a Malaysian? We call ourselves Malaysians when we go abroad but back home, our inclination towards our race is greater. Sad, sad world we're living in....

Just like dogs, cameras are men's next best friend. And just like dogs, some cameras are too bulky, some are not user-friendly, some are hopelessly unreliable and some are a bitch to handle. The camera I've been using, Sony DSC P-100, for the past one and a half years has gone thru a camera's worst nightmare, I dropped it several times, splashed in the rain, violently swung around (it went into a coma and had to be resuscitated, not an adventurous camera), came close to being dropped into a clogged toilet and been into clubs, bars and three countries. Nevertheless, as loyal as a dog, my camera is still going strong despite all the crap I've done to it. There's one thing that I don't like about it though, it's too sensitive, vulnerable to the slightest vibration.

Anyway, after almost two months here, I had adapted myself to Melbourne's surroundings and had the chance to spend some quality time with my good ol' buddy. They're a little bit shaky, but this will do for the time being....



Flinder's Station, the most photographed building in Melbourne I guess, saw it on almost travel books, TV programs and websites. A relic from Australia's controversial past.


Taken from Federation Square, the Eureka Tower (on the right side), which sits on the other side of Yarra River, once completed will be the tallest building in Melbourne and the tallest skyscraper in the Southern Hemisphere if I'm not mistaken. Until The Troika in KL takes over the title.


SBS building (don't know its real name) in Federation Square forms just one part of the sophisticated look of Melbourne's newest treasured landmark. The cornerstone of Melbourne's architecture, something like that lah.


That's the apartment where we're staying, called the Centro Apartment, on the corner of La Trobe and Queen. Unfortunately, we got the unit on the 6th floor at the back of the building, facing an office building which is just about 10 feet away. Watching the same people toiling in their offices almost everyday.


Since our view from the balcony is rather limited, the best view we have is this, rather boring as most of the things we see are just buildings. The only thing interesting enough to observe is the next door office's open-air space below us where the workers go out for a break or a smoke.

Letters which I've yet to send,
Letters which I've yet to receive,
Dreaming of letters which I fantasized for the one I loved,
I read as the tears roll down my face.

This little life which I relate to,
Never thought of anything better,
Realizing the little existence I have,
How insignificant it is..

Letters which I've yet to send,
Letters which I still don't know how to compose,
Reading from far away, a land I dearly miss,
As I stroll down the fairway as people pass by.

This little town I call a home away from home,
Finding desire to comfort the heart in me,
Sadness loom with inevitable gloom,
Dreaming for better company.

Dreary eyes staring at the black hole sun,
Pondering on the damned life full of sins,
Looking for better days with a face full of glee,
Drown by sadness, but never to see them again.

Letters which I've yet to read,
Letters which I've yet to reply,
A life that I need to follow and comply,
Kudos to who did it, and insults to those who didn't.

It has been a night full of reminiscence, full of the sweet company which I had taken for granted for the past year, oh how I wish you guys had realized how grateful I was. I didn't realize it then, but now how special it was and amazing it feels to be with the people who I can relate with. From a land far away, the One above shall strike thee with the sum of fear and despair for those who never treasure the friendship that they never had thought they would appreciate... Amin and good night..