Disturbing Facts

Collecting newspapers from various countries allow me to understand more on cross-boundary conflicts that are happening in the world.

To briefly summarise worrying conflicts:

- While major world organisations have lifted sanctions against Iran for its dubious and possibly discreet nuclear programmes, Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict has not exactly been solved and remains turbulent and likely ignited whenever the fade line is crossed.

- ISIS ground in the Middle East may have slowly shrunk, but its influence on other Islamists around the world is far beyond thought and have inspired attacks in Paris and Jakarta, while other attacks in other countries remain possible.

- North Korea recalcitrant behaviour to test a nuclear bomb continues to irk international organisations. China does not appear to side North Korea but North Korea's President's refusal to have further diplomatic ties while China does not bode well with China.

- China continues to claim sovereignty over disputed islands in South China Seas. Taiwan, China, the Philippines and Japan continue to defend the island.

- Taiwan first elected female President does not go down well with China as her stance is pro-Independence, and for the first time in Taiwan's history the major power in the parliament belongs to the pro-Independence party.

- China has arrested its critics but attempts to camouflage its acts by allegedly forcing them to make an open confession for old crimes they committed. It appears China has entered Hong Kong illegally and went against "One China, Two Systems" policies, and one of the critics is a dual-citizen with Swedish passport and Switzerland may not be happy with it.

- Economics around the world looks gloom. Apple Inc. annonced its first annual dip. Oil prices remain unstable. Many countries reported less than expected economic growth.

- Zika virus has gone viral in America, posing threats to Brazil who is hosting Olympics 2016.

- UK ponders to leave EU, threatening the whole bloc.

- Climate continues to rage. The northern atmosphere currently experienced unusual cold. Blizzard has landed and ravaged many areas where such weather is rare.

Many more to go. I just don't wish to continue. Hopefully things get better.

Conflicting Interest

My parents have offered to buy me a second-hand car in Kuching since I first studied there.

I declined the offer, because back then I stayed in on-campus accommodation hence a car is not necessary.

Plus I find driving alone in a totally alien place was downright creepy.

Two years on, I've moved to an off-campus accommodation. I travel to and fro the campus by an assigned van prepared by the university.

I am thus constrained by its schedule, and has my mobility restricted.

I find a car would come in handy, and would be of great convenience.

However, asking for a car is hefty and expensive. A car cost up to 20k, even if it's second-hand.

I thus wonder, is a car needed for my convenience, or is it because it is a necessity?

Well, I have survived a semester without one, though with great inconvenience and constant help from my parents.

Should I continue how I am, or should I get a car?

Having a car means getting freedom, but gaining of freedom comes with great responsibilities.

I've got to take care of the car.

I need to have robust self-discipline to not abuse my new found freedom and travel around.

I may get more stressful owing to the traffic jam of which I would be a contributor if I have a car.

However, I could go to campus anytime I want.

I could go anywhere I want without my friends' help, particularly when I have difficulties.

I could in return bring my friends around, returning the favour they had given me last semester.

However, the crux of the problem is the same: is it worth getting a second-hand car?

I'm talking about 20k at least. It's not an amount of money to be splurged out without consequences.

Is having a car for convenience worth the money, when it isn't a necessity and I could survive without it fine?

Confused.

Restaurant City 2016

Restaurant City is back!!

Just a few weeks ago I was pining for the game and thought it was a damn waste the game had to go. I wished very badly for the game to be revived, and now it has!!

Restaurant City is back!! It is still at its infant phase and the server is currently overloaded as the capacity it has is momentarily unsustainable, so you may encounter some difficulties connecting to the game.

Other than that, most of the original features are retained! It's so great we could play our childhood game after a 6 years hiatus!!

#PrayForJakarta

Today's trending hashtag is #PrayForJakarta, in response to the terrorist attacks that descended Indonesian capital today.

ISIS is one organisation nobody should underestimate. Its territory in Syria and Iraq has shrunk considerably but they sure want to make their presence felt across the world despite the embarrassing lost. Turkey was attacked. Pakistan was bombed. And now, Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, and a country quite far away from ISIS.

Malaysia and Singapore should be on high alert right now. Potential threat is undeniable and any successful attempts to sow fear in these areas have to be prevented. We must send a clear and resounding message that ISIS has no place in this moderate world.

Pray for Jakarta. I know Jakarta will pull through and stand up strong and firm again, but I will still wish you guys recover well.

Black Tea or Green Tea?

I love drinking tea. I love coffee more but tea is a close second. I initially consume it because of its abundant health benefits, but now I unhealthily indulge in it because tea simply tastes amazing and it's just too hard for me to resist.

For years I have been drinking green tea. Green tea is my favourite. I drink it every day, and slowly developed loyalty to it. When I buy food and if there is a green tea taste, I'll buy it. I prefer it to others. Green tea mooncake. Green tea cheesecake. Green tea cookies. I even use green tea shampoo and even green tea oral wash! Green tea is one tea you should not underestimate. While there is no conclusive and definite evidence to suggest it has its reputed qualities, it certainly has shown it aided in longevity (contributing to Japan's long lifespan) and to some degree prevent cancer from developing. Apparently it contains a lot of antioxidants that are vitals to preventing cancer cells from forming.

Only very recently I began to start drinking black tea, which, ironically, in Chinese is called "red tea" (红茶）. I hated black tea because I suspected the manufacturer added colourings into the tea leaves. I remembered I steeped it in a cup of water, and was floored by how quickly the water turned yellow. The yellow colour seemed oddly unnatural, I remember. But right now I have accepted it as simply nature. Okay, perhaps colourings have been added, but I don't care anymore. Black tea has fluorine that could help dental cares. The irony, however, is this: black tea has certain chemical that could prevent osteoporosis and help in strengthening bones - again, I should say evidence is inconclusive - but consuming too much black tea could backfire and cause bone problems instead as then you will be downing lots of fluorine, and fluorine, taken in excess, could cause osteofluorosis. In short, moderation is key, guys.

I love tea. I simply do. If you don't enjoy drinking tea, you should try them. They are the cheapest healthy drinks you could find.

Interesting Facts I Never Knew

Out of curiosity I searched for information regarding the formation of Malaysia.

I am not going to go in details about what I have found because some information are vague or is controversial and likely to cause unnecessary dispute, but there are two undeniable facts I find particularly interesting.

In the 18-Point-Agreement proposed by Sarawak (Sabah has additional 2 points) prior to the formation of Malaysia, and which was accepted, point 7 states that "there shall be no rights to secede from the Federation".

I was wondering with the sentiments boiling so highly in Sarawak demanding a greater autonomy, and to some degree, independence, why their state government, both central and opposition, remain curiously quiet and keep mum on that problem. Now I know why. It is clearly stated in their agreement that Sarawak has no rights to secede from Malaysia. Sarawak basically gave up the rights before joining Malaysia.

Demanding independence would be unconstitutional and subsequently void the whole agreement. This would not resonate well with Sarawak as Malaysia government would have taken drastic actions to keep Sarawak in their grip should Sarawak rebels to depart, perhaps even by military force.

I know Sarawakians have claimed that the federal government has almost robbed them of almost everything they have. Here's my advice: instead of blaming federal government incessantly (they deserve to be blamed though), here's what you can do - use your votes to change your state government. I know your state government treats you all very well, but if all he can do is treat you well in your home but allow your home to be abused by other people, he is not good enough.

After 50 years of independence and if your state government has yet to halt this cruelty, it means they are incapable. So for God's sake it's time you guys realise while he could give you all what you want in the state, your state as a whole is still trampled on and is still being taken advantage because your state government is good at protecting you in your home, but he cannot protect your home from outside forces.

The second fact I found was Kelantan opposed to the Formation of Malaysia. Kelantan is well known to be a distinctive state with unique culture and special political status. It is the only state in Malaysia that has been governed by the Opposition for more than a decade and it is also the only state in which Shariah Law is strictly applied and enforced. It has its own distinctive Malay dialect which is almost intelligible with the Malay in other states.

Apparently, a few days prior to the formation of Malaysia, Kelantan mounted a legal challenge to declare that the Malaysia Agreement was null and void for violating the Constitution drafted in 1957. Kelantan was unhappy because the state was not consulted, the Sultan was not a party of the agreement, and Malaysia Agreement would effectively abolish the Federation of Malaya. It appeared Kelantan was fuming over the name change from "Malaya" to "Malaysia".

Only few hours prior to the announcement of Malaysia, the then Chief Justice ruled that the formation of Malaysia was done at the interest of the inhabitants who had suffered at the hands of communists and victims of political instability that had haunted the then Malaya. He ruled that the central government's decision did not violate the Constitution drafted in 1957 and consequentially he threw out the case and allowed the formation to proceed smoothly.

I wondered why our history textbooks never let us learn all these things. Obviously these events are significant. Sarawak and Sabah's agreements to joining Malaya to form Malaysia were significant as their demands and hence their autonomy are what shaped the states today and what cause them to be different from the other states in Peninsular Malaysia. Geographic distance already causes substantial misunderstandings, or the lack of understanding, and miscommunication between the two states. Missing out important facts like these are not helping the issue and would only aid the geographic boundaries to drive us apart.

The refusal of Kelantan to the formation of Malaysia and the legal challenge it initiated should have been included as obviously Kelantan did not join voluntarily. It simply had no legal standing to oppose the formation but its unwillingness does not seem insignificant.

I think Malaysia's textbook needs to be seriously looked into. Omitting these facts do not reverberate well for the future of Malaysia as obviously we do not learn enough about our country and this is extremely disturbing in my opinion.

Another controversial topic I read was that Sarawak never gained independence prior to the formation of Malaysia. It was simply given self-governance but apparently self-governance status did not mean the state was independent. Now this is a topic I have not found sufficient evidence about, so I'll cease from further commenting on this issue.

New Blog

Hi guys, I've created a new blog that is specially created to collect meaningful editorials or news articles.

Click here to view it.

It's meant to record down editorials I like and those that I think sent powerful messages. It's also good for people who wants to improve their English. You can refer to how they write their articles and how they express themselves through words. Sometimes, your choice of words and how you phrase your sentences could significantly impact the messages you try to deliver.

Anyway, I got those news from many different newspapers. Some of them may be a bit political but focus on the language used.

Troubling Year Ahead

Let's not miss out a blog post about New Year Resolution. It's belated but it's better than never.

To have a short one, I hope 2016 is a much better year than 2015. I don't hope it to be good, just less worse would be awesome.

It's only 7 days into 2016 and Malaysia has sunk deeper into a hole that sees no escape.

Oil prices in the world market have tumbled so badly, Malaysian Ringgit has been hit so hard, it has dropped to almost half a decade low. Malaysian economy has remained stagnant or taken a dip with recession and inflation going skyrocket.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have begun a dispute that could have sent ripples throughout the world as it affects almost the Middle East, and perhaps all the Muslims in the world.

North Korea disturbingly and allegedly succeeded in launching a H-bomb that threatened world security, and the major economy power.

ISIS does not seem to have faded in power or presence.

Malaysia has a bad year ahead perhaps. The controversy surrounding 1MDB sees no end yet. Our systems and those above are not receptive of criticisms and view that as insults and consider them seditious. Anyone who cast aspersions on them risk being hauled up to gaol.

Sarawak will have its state election this year but everybody knows BN will secure its seat there. As a result, Najib will stay in power and West Malaysians who are under his direct rule will continue to suffer.

The Opposition Pact had in 2015 dissolved. A new pact was formed with PAS splinter party. Now the next election will centre on race and religion much more significantly than before now that PAS and DAP have a huge falling out.

In essence, I don't see a good year ahead.

I pray that Malaysia can heal, because it is a shame such a beautiful country has been spoilt by troubled politics.

RM6 Aunty

This incident happened in Raja Uda, Penang, a few days ago. I try to be impartial and stay neutral as I do not know any of the incidents and the story from both parties are going to be defensive and somehow biased, so I'll focus on their individuals acts. It is not my intention to sensationalise the issue, I shall emphasise.

Chiffon cake, the source of the squabble

RM6 aunty, first of all, you have to understand you have no rights to go around and snap a person's photo just because you feel like doing so. That little girl has legal rights to refuse being photographed, even though in this incident she claimed that she was hiding because she was crying. I do not know and do not want to know whether she was deliberately avoiding the camera or actually bent down and cried, but if she fully understood the situation, she still could refuse being photographed.

How could she know that you, after taking the photo, wouldn't abuse it for defamation? How could she know you wouldn't use it for illicit acts? Fake accounts have been created using another person's profile pictures to do illegal trades and offer sex service. Worse, some provide prostitution. Some do it for internet harassment. How could she know you wouldn't do all of this?

She couldn't. So she has the right to deny being photographed.

Whether she actually called her friends to harass you on Facebook, or she treated you like sh*t or whatnot would be something I do not intend to give comments on. But from what I see, you hadn't handled this situation as maturely as your age suggests.

The little girl sounded apologetic. Her friends' attack on you may be inappropriate and reeks of personal attacks but this little girl involved could not be held accountable. She could have told her friends to halt all attacks, but they are teenagers. Rebellion is in their nature. Yes, both sides do not seem to have taken the right actions to avoid sinking deeper into this quagmire. An interference from third parties (the little girl's friends) exacerbated the problem. It is my belief the little girl could not be held accountable for the internet vigilante. Just like you couldn't be responsible for those who stood up for you and attacked the little girl, although from my observation, the number is low.

I understand the frustrations you experience, but this is what happens if you deal with teenagers, and to make it clear it doesn't mean I stand by you. I understand your frustrations but it doesn't mean I approve your subsequent actions. It has grown to become a complicated case, arising from a very simple misunderstanding, and now who should be held responsible and how this case could be solved amicably would be anybody's guess.

If the police has handled the case, here's one thing: even if the police concludes the little girl is responsible and guilty of the mess you're currently in, from the internet vigilante and Court of Facebook, you have lost, and your reputation has been destroyed beyond repair.

I wish both of you all the best in handling this predicament.

Comfort Zone

One thing I believe I need to constantly do is to routinely monitor my daily activities, and then decide what is here to continue and what needs to be kicked.

In doing so, I realised something very striking and something that never cross my mind, and something that I only noticed now simply because only now do I I take the effort to understand my daily routines.

I'm now at home, in Penang. And what I do at home is basically the same as what I do in my hostel in Sarawak, but the difference is: time seems to fly at light speed when I'm at home, but time crawls slower than a tortoise while I'm in Sarawak.

I'm going to attribute these nuances to this: while I'm in Penang, I'm in my comfort zone. In Sarawak, I'm a visitor.

You cannot deny a comfort zone is, as its literal meaning, a zone where you find yourself most comfortable in. You are unlikely to detest it, most likely could stay there for the rest of your life and are very happy and content with your current condition.

But if you are outside your comfort zone, you feel incongruous. You felt your presence as odd and consequently out of place. You therefore get uncomfortable and hence you have the nagging feeling that you are not belonged and therefore time gets slow because deep in your heart you really want to leave the place.

One of the reason is also because when I'm in Penang, I'm at home. My home has a living room, kitchen, toilet, bathroom and a garden where I can comfortably make myself feel home without worrying about privacy invasion and hygiene, and I've a car to use so I'm free to travel whenever I want to wherever I want. But when I'm in Sarawak, I have only a tiny room as my accommodation. I felt confined. I shared facilities and utilities with my housemates. I worry about the cleanliness of the toilet, I need to worry when I play a song too loudly et cetera, and I have no car. I'm bound by where my legs can bring me before they crumble. Ultimately all these lead to uneasiness and discomfort.

To summarise things: when I'm in Sarawak, I'm outside my comfort zone, and hence time seems to crawl.

But the good thing is, leaving my comfort zone actually allows me to grow up. I can't possibly nest myself in my comfort zone for the rest of my life. As we grow up, our environment continuously changes. Time too goes on mercilessly without stopping a second for those who supplicate for it. We either keep pace and follow up, or stay where we are and risk losing out and being made irrelevant.

Sometimes, the best thing to do is always something that makes you uncomfortable, but are needed as they are necessary.