Shahrul Azmi

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

2011-09-05T18:08:00.003+08:00

Selamat hari raya!!! To all friends, family and enemies… not to forget the Bangla’s that wipes my windshield every now and then. Don’t they go back to Bangla for Hari Raya? I guess not because he did wipe my windshield on first day of hari raya. They should be the one getting ‘duit raya’ but damn the government, the Bangla’s are the one paying ‘duit raya’ via that bio-matrix thingy.

Forget the Banglas, why don’t we just enjoy this raya, obviously by attending the open houses be it the rich’s or the poor’s version of it. But damn the rich one coz they can always claim that freaking raya’s spending thru them company. The poor, well they are the true believers draining every cents from the shallow pocket. It is even worse for the PM, using public money for their extravaganza open houses… damn the first lady for not feeling shy.

Did you watch the tv during hari raya? The theme was spooky Raya, coz every alternate movies are that horror movie. Malaysians are becoming so tahyul, more tahyul than ever. Yo!! Rais the son of Yatim, go do something about it rather than bashing that Mat Sabu everyday thru prime time news.

Anyway, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

An open letter to Donpedro

2010-12-02T00:18:00.001+08:00

Dear Donpedro,

First of all I would to thank you for the coffee this evening, it was a strong one; making my eyes wide open and with that my humble fingers are pretty much active to do the typing. Thanking you for the coffee is much easier than finding the right words of appreciation for the awakening comments you bowled straight to my pin head.

Browsing through my book shelf I finally realized the painful truth, the truth about the knowledge that I’ve been digging all this while, none of the books written by those who really understand the real guidance for mankind, the holy Quran. Grisham, Hitler, Robinson and worst of them all was a book by Shebby Singh (he’s a bad writer even for a ghost).

The discussion we had today and few days earlier pretty much the catalyst for my new resolution on knowledge acquisition, it is the perfect time for me to embark into a new journey although it was always there for the taking; spiritual. Guess what brother? Nowadays, the guidance for mankind is always there on top of my alarm clock, just beside my bed.

Justice is the greatest puzzle that I struggled to understand let alone solving them, it stuck in my small brain and bugging me it did. Why must the rich enjoy every moment of their life when the poor struggle to feed them? A question, of which to me the answer is very important but to you Donpedro, it is no longer relevant. Looking at idealism doesn’t make you a man with less Iman, but ignoring the quran while doing so will lead you to disastrous end, that I learned from you.

Brother,

Do you think we can change the system? Do you think we can have better hospitals? Do you think the corruption in politics will end? Do you think Malays will look at Mercedes as the element of ‘besi dan tayar’? Do you think K with the big J can be stop? What else are you thinking, brother?

These entire questions are the beginning of my humble expedition into the new knowledge that you’ve established in my blog. One thing for sure I would not eat every bit of your ideas and experienced coz this time the one who conclude will be Shahrul Azmi himself. To that I would like to thank you and this will be one of the many open letters from me to you.

Regards,

Shahrul Azmi

12:15 AM (2.12.10)

Capitalism - POV Shahrul Azmi

2009-09-15T11:26:00.003+08:00

It is amazing that a year ago the world economy collapsed just because a company by the name of Pak Leman Brothers was on the verge of bankruptcy. Why it is, Lehman was so important? Why was this company a starter to massive negative domino that affected the entire world?

One after another country came up with what they called the stimulus package, not excluding our country Malaysia. The world panic, one after another analyst came up with intelligent prediction such that the recovery might only be possible in 2015.

Yesterday I watched Al Jazeera economic review and they concluded that we are out of the misery but far from regaining the same peak just before the collapsed… the black day

How do they measure all this? What GDP and all other jargons? Why are we panicking when they are the one having problem? At 2:15 in the morning I took out my pen and a piece of paper. POV Shahrul Azmi – what the f*ck is all this?

God created the universe with its basic necessity; if we share, the world will have enough and the mankind will survive. That is ‘ideal’.

Some people get a little bit greedy and they think they deserve more mainly due to their hard work and brain that are better than the others (which they tend to forget that God created that too).

The ‘genius’ created ways to earn more, simply by improvisation of common practices and procedures. So they earn more by selling their inventions. What happen to the people with less brain, surely they will need to work harder in order to earn the latest inventions and keep up with improvement.

The chain will then continue, the one on top of the pyramid will make more money and the one at the bottom will suffer. This concept is viable in the beginning but what are the effect when population grows and the resources runs dry?

Take starbucks for instance, it was a business invented by the capitalist with deceiving objectives. The idea was to have coffee shops where one can relax with friends, having the best brewed coffee, and definitely look cool doing it. What was wrong with the existing coffee shop? Why does it need to be so expensive?

It is a matter of choice to be or not to be associated to the chain but the capitalist is no stupid. Since capital is not restriction to them, they will allocate substantial amount convincing the general public on the necessity to be part of the cool coffee drinking society. Before you notice, you’ll sip your first mocha.

Well, what do you think happen when we don’t have the money to drink at starbucks? Will the capitalist let us go and close the outlets? Of cost they wouldn’t do that, they will try to make you come no matter what. They will make you work for more money or they could be lending their money to you with massive interest with one thing in mind… you buy their products.

How do they loan you money? They are not bank? Remember, they are the one with capital and you’re the one without.

This is what they do, and it is scary. First they will tell you the bad news, the economy is collapsing and something need to be done or else the giants will fall. General public should continue to spend or else dooms day.

What would we normally do? Yes, PANIC. Daddy will tell their bosses about it, the bosses will tell the government that they are in trouble and at the end of it the whole country will be panicking and the government will hit the red button.

Remember what I told you about god creations and the resources? This is where it links. We will dig more oil, take out the savings, and withdraw the EPF continue with all other action ignoring the future plan. Next, the prime minister call up press, follow up with a statement, “This is the 50 Billion stimulus package, spend it wisely”. At a corner you can see the capitalist smiling… they are coming back.

Pusat Tahfiz Amal? Selling Posters?

2009-08-19T12:49:00.002+08:00

photo courtesy of the photographer

“Just give them the money and you will get the reward from God, as long you are ‘ikhlas’ you will get it” a friend.

Pusat Tahfiz Amal, you buy the calendar at RM10 each (the printing course might be 10% of that) or you can just give them the money at any amount as long as you’re ikhlas, the ill manner boy with songkok will surely accept any amount. Innocent today but they will be aggressive if you bombard them with questions in the next 5 days.

This is two weeks ago,

Shahrul Azmi: Adik tak sekolah ke?

The Boy: Sekolah tahfiz kat kedah abang.

Shahrul Azmi: Bila adik sekolah kalau adik ada kat KL

The Boy : Kite orang ada kelas 2 minggu kat PD

Yesterday I saw the same boy, so I asked him why he wasn’t in school; the answer was a carbon copy of the previous… Swear to God I feel like an idiot and I can smell the piss…

Shahrul Azmi: 2 minggu lepas kau cakap dekat aku kau ada camp dekat PD, sekarang kau ada lagi kat sini… bila masa ko belajar.

The Boy: Kita belajar lepas subuhla bang… (And ciow…)

He raised his voice and took the right step by leaving me or else he might be answering more questions, surely, empty handed.

I went thru internet, the issue is nothing new but no real solution to the problem can be found, maybe I should continue digging…

I call up Majlis agama Islam Kedah or MAIK at 04 7333288, a lady answered the phone and she told me that Pusat Tahfiz Amal was asked to stop using kids for collecting donation, when I requested for the official documentation for that she told me to leave my number and Datuk’s Secretary (so wadda??) will call me….nothing till now….

Moment after I made another phone call, this time to JAIS( Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor), 4 extensions later I managed to talk to Zakuan, an officer in JAIS. (03 55243600-ext2096)

This is what he told me;

JAIS don’t give any permission to Pusat Tahfiz Amal on collecting donation
They must produce an official letter from JAIS.
JAIS will never release letter with phrases like ‘Tolong Bantu mereka’ or any other that carry such sentiment.
Neither Afghan nor Pakistan individual collector received any letter from JAIS
However, JAIS cannot do anything coz there is no enactment allowing them to take action (weird huh? why do the collectors need to get permission from JAIS?)

He told me to report this matter to police… (Damn! Can’t they do that for me, it is his job anyway)

Come to think of it, Pusat Tahfiz Amal is not collecting donation, they’re doing business by selling the posters, legitimate huh? But the fact that they are using under age workers is sickening!! Where do I go from here?

I will never let this go… not this time

Random

2009-07-14T14:40:00.003+08:00

I am looking at the dumb ass, motivated but sometime too ambitious. He thinks he can do everything, anything that others can do, but he is no more than the jack who tried every trade in the universe but often short in mastering any. Is that a mirror I’m looking at? Damn! It is.

Things are backfiring, time is running ever so fast, today is Monday and the next time you check, tomorrow is next Monday. The pile of paper is getting thicker and thicker, the sun is not shining forever but as long we stay together things will get clearer.

Mom is laying still, not that still but I can feel the agony of not doing anything. My dad is looking at his hand only to notice the decay as he’s approaching the 90’s, the life he never imagine. So far, I’m in the good book but lately the pressure is too much, as if the demon wanting me to be with them.

What the hack with one? Be it four or five as long as they don’t kill each other. If you really want to have one, you should be like one, equal and fair. None can sit in the big Mercedes looking through window every morning without noticing the ugly roads ahead, none can stay in the big house overlooking the lakes and none shall be admitted with doctors and nurses smiling, waiting for the ‘agong’s head’. Literally the same, can we do that?

Are we proud of Mikail or do we hail the Michael we used to know? Let god judge him but be thankful to the music and the dance, or was it the music and the dance that brought us into deeper shit? Once again, it is not your judgement that counts.

It is now DdS, no longer Dd. Danial and Deena are really happy to have Sara. Sleepless in Bangi, a new leading role for my wife, Jaja. The ugly husband is thankful but he is an idiot and I’m so sorry for that.

Buying Happiness

2009-04-27T17:31:00.002+08:00

- this piece is dedicated to kye who is always happy.......

What is happiness? It is all about showing the feeling of pleasure or contentment, according to the oxford thinker who came out with the book they call dictionary. Do you buy happiness? How much? What’s the price? Some said it’s free but others would spend some amount of money to be happy.

We go to work every day for one thing in common, money. Why do we need money then? To buy food, pay bills, shelters, educations and thousands other reasons. Do you feel happy having bigger house? Do you feel the pleasure of getting new car? Are you guys happy with the widest plasma screen tv, the most expensive piece of watch, the nicest garden with pools and gazebo, the expensive dinner at one of the restaurant that you pay RM17.90 for a glass of coke, do you?

Wiseman once said, money can’t buy happiness but the same wise man would charge you RM200 for a session of ‘Seminar Wang Bukan Segalanya - kebahagiaan menurut agama’. Ask Datuk Dr FK how much he makes every time he preaches about our happiness.

The world is so fucked up that happiness is gauge by ringgit and sen. Media will set the standards and working class people will do all they can to be part of the higher society. One can climb the hierarchy but never can he reach the peak, coz there is no climax to happiness, you’re just walking on the surface ofthe globe.

Today I’m not happy with the RM5.80 coffee at this kopitiam and for once money can’t buy me happiness or could it be that the amount of money I have is not enough for me to be happy.

The Prince and the 'prince'

2009-04-10T11:43:00.004+08:00

Machiavelli once wrote about the prince. In a nutshell, a prince must either be feared or loved to stay in power, neither of those, the Prince is just another proletariat in a state, similar to you and me.

Five years ago we were granted with a new king, and how happy were we to have the new king replacing the old throne that ruled for more than 20 years, which according to several, the former was cruelled and feared by the populace.

We failed to notice from the beginning that the new king brought with him a ‘prince’ who his favorite’s book is ‘the Prince’ by Machiavelli. K with the big J was not a real prince but a ‘prince’ by marriage but acted strangely like he was the real prince who soon will be the King.

For five years the ‘prince’ lived in the forbidden city of ‘Kingdom of Heaven’, never loved but at all times feared by the populace. With fear came hatred and with hatred came the courage, the courage to overthrow the king, the only way to eliminate the arrogant ‘prince’.

March 2008, the populace march to the Forbidden City and sent a message to the King, ‘we hate you mainly because of your son in law, behold, the wave is coming and the scene is going to be ugly’.

A year later the King Lah succumbs to the pressure and handed the power to a former prince who was the son of a king that once ruled the Kingdom of Heaven as cereal as the King Lah himself.

Yesterday, the new King announced the new occupant of the Forbidden City, one of them was the former prince, Prince M&M, the son of the famous King MM. As for the ‘prince’, he’ll only be shouting from outside the Forbidden City.

Amazingly, I have a thing in common with Prince M&M; we came from the same schooling system, the MRSM courtesy of the late King Razak, father of the present King. The system taught us so much about principalities and perhaps we opt for different path.

These are few quotes for different people,

To the new Prince M&M,

"...a wise prince should establish himself on that which is his own control and not in that of others; he must endeavor to avoid hatred, as is noted." – Machiavelli

To the ‘prince’

“…If people don’t like you, don’t force” – Pak Usop (my dad)

To Shahrul Azmi
“… For whatever it is, get your work done” – My Boss

Coming Soon

2009-03-09T22:42:00.002+08:00

Average ‘Mat’ is resemblance to an average Joe in the states, a nobody in this country where cars accident is the epic centre of attraction to both, the good Samaritans and the 4D lottery addicts.

So many books portray the uniqueness of this country, Malaysia of its colorful race and diversified religions, too often by authors from the top of the success pyramid, never from ordinary Malaysian. This is a view from an average ‘Mat’ struggling day in day out to keep up in this race, ‘KIASU of them all’.

From squatters in Kerinchi to the hills of rich and famous in Damansara, Malaysians render a story of their own. None of the stories matter so much to the people in power, however it is a journey to cherish for the average 'Mat'.

Mid Valley, One Utama and all major shopping malls are running out of weekends and car parks. Try getting close to nature on that particular moment; trust me you will feel like an alien to the flocking ‘Mat Saleh’. Look anywhere else, you’ll find little Jakarta or Bangladesh. The tiny little column ‘places to visit’ on daily newspapers is always left unseen, Malaysian need to be told, “There are other things to do apart from window shopping”.

Well, this average early 30’s Malay guy is taking the risk of his life (one of many stupid decisions he has taken) by writing a book in the midst of global financial meltdown, let alone competing with hundreds of publications with genre of none other than ‘How to get rich’, the Holy Book to hungry materialistic Homo sapiens of Klang ‘pretentious’ Valley. F**k that! He needs to open this Pandora’s Box.

Equipped with pen, papers and the ever reliable national car-Iswara, this is a valedictory tour on the many highways of Klang Valley courtesy of Mr. Samy. No 1001 steps to be rich, just a scribble of life we often see but hardly notice.

Open letter to Anwar Ibrahim

2009-02-06T10:05:00.003+08:00

Dear Anwar Ibrahim,

What the f*ck is happening dude? I thought we can trust you, the saint that will bring power back to the people. Look at what is happening dude? The state that I love so much is in chaos, my sultan is angry, my 88 years old father is suffering every time he watch tv and my inbox had exceeded its quota.

I hate liars, I hate bastards who abandoned their troops because of money, I hate those who kiss and tell after intimate/hardcore homo act, I hate those who spend government money at casino’s everywhere in the world and not feeling guilty about it, I hate KJ for so many reasons but on top of all that, at this f*cking moment; I HATE YOU!!!!

Remember 16th September? You should remember that particular date and I’m so sure you remember because I saw you on the net at that particular day. You and your lovely wife sat in front of the believers, as usual, confidently convincing. Did you remember giving instruction to the current irrelevant prime minister? Did you remember asking him to hand in power politely? Did you remember giving me hope? Did you remember telling us that you have more than enough MPs to be in your boat or ship or vessel or whatever synonym to that?

Tonight I heard something different from the coalition, IT IS WRONG TO GO AGAINTS WHAT THE PEOPLE VOTE FOR… IT IS NOT DEMOCRATIC… WE NEED ELECTION TO DECIDE…. THE SULTAN SHOULD TAKE NOTE ON PUBLIC OPINION….
Dude,

You of all people should have predicted all this, BN is doing what you failed to execute, you should know the idiots who are in your ship, f*ck the 50 million offer, the fact that they succumb to that is sickening. I’m your friend although you don’t know me that well and I wish we can be friend forever but all the ongoing blunders are making me confused, shall I stay or move on. However if you can offer me RM50 million, I might forgive and forget….I’m human after all.

Thank you.

Shahrul Azmi

What I can do with 10 cent

2008-09-25T16:12:00.004+08:00

‘This piece is dedicated to the ‘banglas’, Jazzuir who clean my windshield every time I fill up my tank at Petronas. I would like to say sorry on behalf of all Malaysians who ignore your existence at the pump’

Here I am sitting on the toilet bowl wondering what I can do with 10 cent. While writing with my right hand and the opposite busy holding a burning cigarette, a pack of 20’s will cost me RM9, on average every single stick would be 45 cent. . So I’m going to get one ciggy for every 4.5 liters of petrol to my Iswara. To buy a pack of 20 I’m gonna need to fill up 100 liters, about 2 ½ full. Tell me, is that not a bargain?

Yeah… yeah… it's not worth the comparison…but petrol and cigarette does have something in common, one brings you distance and another bring you closer to a place six feet under.

With 10 cent you can buy a couple of that interesting little candy, hacks. After saving RM4 for every tank full, I can buy 80 of that candy. Is that not worth it?

I don’t know any other toilet that the entrance fee is 10 cent apart from the one in Teluk Intan bus station. No fancy porcelains, just the squatting miracle. Thanks to the 10 cent reduction I can be there much often then I should. Is that not worth it?

On average I consume 60 litres of petrol in a week, if I bank in RM6 a week, it would be RM24 in month, RM 288 a year, Roughly I’m gonna need 1000 years of savings from petrol to be able to buy that Mercedes, the one those exco’s are driving. Need not to worry about maintenance; they said its maintenance free. Is it not worth it?

The calculation is very complicated, economist from Oxbridge are working hard. Although the price of oil is coming down, the weakening of ringgit made it impossible for the price to go any lower.

This is a very stupid question…

If we buy oil from petronas in USD, and they are selling it outside in USD, wouldn’t that balance it all out somehow? The lousy University of Manchester added no value to my brain.

Sajak Buat Danial

2008-09-23T15:06:00.005+08:00

Dahan Rapuh

Anakku,

Dahan itu sudah rapuh

Bukan tempat untuk berteduh

Tidak kuat untuk kau berpaut

Tanah di bawahnya subur

Sebelum jarak dan terkukur

Bahana kerakusan petani benak dan tamak

Orang seberang bijak

Pokok mereka rendang

Dahan mereka teguh

Gosoklah mereka, julanglah mereka

Untung-untung di situ kau berpaut, bila dahan itu reput.

shahrul azmi 2008

Prime Time News, I am not that stupid!

2008-09-22T12:31:00.002+08:00

Perhaps the continuation of future talks can be done later due to current circumstances; a TV station is continuously insulting my intelligence.

Witnessing poverty, corruption and all other oppression does not seem to be the priority for prime time news. Ironically the news would rather display the oppressions of irrelevant 0020others, in this case the story Tanzania and its prostitutes, not once but twice.

The significant news lasted for 15 to 20 minutes, at par to the commercial adv airing time. 80% of the news will be the meticulously edited press statements from the premier, the number two and interviews, obviously all positives. GDP going up, bla…bla… but still the nation cries.

At the time you opt to stay and wait for more, the PETRONAS ad will be next followed by some Tanzania special report, as if the news about TIKO prostitutes is so important to general public (dey!! look at your own backyard). Subsequently, will be another set of capitalist advertisements followed by the world news at a glimpse and finally the sports.

Is that all? A regime is about to fall on your own soil, is that all you can come out with?

Never did I learn about journalism but I sure can tell what is happening is not right, where is the news from the alternative voice, ethics, what ethics?

Let me remind you guys about this fact, the largest stakeholder in this TV Company is EPF, no mystery where does the EPF money came from. You, me and millions other Malaysians (+ some indons, and banglas) are part of the company.

So this is what happening, they took your money and enjoy with it, on top of that they insulted your intelligence with such rubbish. What will I do tonight? Sit on the couch and digest more lies starting at 8.

Future talks

2008-09-18T10:16:00.003+08:00

Long time since my last posting, too many things to do and so many stuffs to read, but today I've got to write something… to hell with grammar, I don’t have time to check every bit… what is important, people understand my point…. Yes I am angry.

Imagine a conversation 20 years from now, a daddy and his son (or make it Danial and ayah), my hero by then will be 25.

Year 2028
Location : Kedai Makan sekitar Teluk Intan

Danial : Ayah, what was UMNO all about? I don’t see them anymore, just in my history book.

Ayah: UMNO is a Malay party established in 1946; they were ruling Malaysia for more than 50 years until the populace woke up and fight for their rights in 2008. Back then the hero was Anwar Ibrahim from the opposition, although he was no angel and pretty much associated with the devil before, he’s the best politician available at that time.

Danial : Is it the same Anwar that was toppled in 2017?
Ayah : Yeah, yeah… He was a clean man, until power and money destroy every bit of kindness in his heart.

Danial : Anyway, you said something about Malay just now, why was is it so important to have a party to be base on race? Isn’t that racist?
Ayah : Hmm…. My son, back then it was different, the colonial ruled before independent with simple method, divide and rule. After the independent the old leaders took the easy way out and continue with the same policy. Only this time they call themselves the National Front(BN). They made and agreement, the Malay becomes priority, the Chinese continue with their business while the Indians pretty much carry on with their old things. It works well for 45 years, but the racial tension was just too much. It was still ok during Mahathir tenure but under Pak Lah it was entirely lost during transition.

Danial : How did it all went wrong Ayah?
Ayah : Well, Mahathir was controlling the populace under a system that pretty much resemblance to communist where the premier is something like a king. Everyone listen to him, and therefore there is no real resistance to whatever planning he had for the country. In the 90’s Mahathir did a very good job catapulting our economy to become one of the dragons of Asia, but it was all too fast, the general public were not ready. They worked in semiconductors factories but don’t really understand the science behind it. Subconsciously, they were machines, the same like what they were working with. Knowledge was not acquired fast enough for Malaysian to build factory so by the time China and Vietnam emerged everything was too late. Malaysia was no longer the heaven for cheap labour hunting imperialist.
When Pak Lah came to power, he inherited big projects with not much funding available. To make matter worse his son in-law was too greedy, sucking the blood out of whatever left. The economy was bad both internally and globally. By the time he went to the general election in 2008, the cumulated un-resolved issues were beyond repair.

The conversation continue tomorrow…..

Hasta Siempre Comandante

2008-08-06T20:46:00.002+08:00

We learned to love you

from the heights of history

with the sun of your bravery

you laid siege to death

The deep (or beloved)

transparency of your presence

became clear here

Commandante Che Guevara

Your glorious and strong hand

fires at history

when all of Santa Clara

awakens to see you

You come burning the winds

with spring suns

to plant the flag

with the light of your smile

Your revolutionary love

leads you to a new undertaking

where they are awaiting the firmness

of your liberating arm

We will carry one

as we did along with you

and with Fidel

we say to you:Until Always, Commandante!

The Re-union

2008-08-01T11:34:00.004+08:00

Here I am in Kluang after days of walking down memory lane. It started on Friday, my small family journey to Penang, it was the long awaited school reunion. Fun is an understatement as we were so happy meeting all the long lost friends from the good old days, 15 years back in a small community of MRSM Balik Pulau.

My friend Amal brought the old photos and we can’t stop laughing, food must be an issue those days as most the guys accumulated a big hike in fat within 15 years, 70% maybe. Not the girl. Do I look uglier now, no point being hypocrite, the hair loss says it all. May the rich friend can bring me to HU NAM hair treatment.

Once a tiny little girl, still a tiny little lady, Saz a marine biologist marrying one of its kind living in Australia till the end of the year and both to be coming back with PHD. That is success.
Khaizurah, the ever serious girl from my class is now a married woman. The hybrid generation of Malay and Chinese end up with a very friendly husband, can’t wait to be playing golf with him. If you’re reading please ask your husband to call me and be prepared for days of loneliness while we, the man, enjoy our day.

Anisa, another hybrid, such a tall girl who can easily opt for the catwalk if she ever get bored practicing law. High chance for me to have tall grandchildren, if Danial can work his way to Anisa’s daughter. Come on Danny Boy.
Nobody can deny her ambition, glad that she’s a doctor. Imelda married Rahim, another friend of mine who did joined us to the re-union. Thanks to Melda for introducing my wife to me.
I got to say I admire Amal’s courage, he’s now the owner of a multimillion company but still the same chubby boy I knew 15 years ago. All the money and material does not change him a bit. Well, my wife can’t stop praising Amal’s soft spoken wife, Ain. If you’re reading this blog Ain, please tell me where to get your books, I’m buying for my wife.

A boy from the recent batch call me pakcik, am I that old to a 16 years old boy. Damn! Kids and manners.

I hate all the ass sucking stuff, got what I mean. Imagine a guy who was not even from the circle were given the VIP treatment. As I was lining up for the lunch, Mukhriz Mahathir just sits and wait for the food to be serve by the suckers. Sorry friends… get that f***ing mentality out of your mind.

The tarik session on Sunday night was even better, old boys discovering about the politician. Most of us were frustrated with the system. The educational system must change for the better. Stop teaching children about important dates such as the independent and the date of Malayan Union Establishment. Teach them the rationality and philosophy, so they can really think on their own.

All the flaws or stupid orders from the governments can’t just be swallowed without real judgment, lucky that my group of friends are a bunch of revolutionize Malaysian.

Susu Saya Sudah Mahal la!!!

2008-07-16T10:55:00.002+08:00

The key to a great Malaysia is great Malaysians; in becoming a good citizen one must be patriotic towards his/her own country. Nurturing patriotism by force wouldn’t be a good thing coz it is devoted love, support, and defense of one's country and forcing one to love others without return would be impossible. Maybe that was why Dato’ Onn succumb to the idea of opening UMNO to non-Malay.

I’m a Malay citizen, the fourth generation originally from Indonesia and the government plays major roles, turning me into who I am today and no doubt I need to thank the government for that. After 50 years things have change and Malays will need to be more open coz the success of this country is a collective effort by all Malaysians, maybe we should give a little bit more, and maybe the whole lot later, when we’re ready. Meanwhile, the Malays will need to learn how to compete. The rules of the world always pointed out that protecting the weak will normally weaken them.

Why don’t we start helping the poor Malaysians, not just the poor Malays? Enough with the significant numbers of rich Malays who most of them don’t share with other Malays (some would prefer to spend more than what they should). I’m not proud of those Malays especially when the truth prevailed after several years of their success enigma, mostly remembered as swindlers.

Rhetoric or populist are just terminology used by the politicians in their battle for supremacy but what will be of great important is to repair the damage and start fresh. Shabere Chik reminded us time and time again during the debate about the failure of Anwar while he was in the government but for god sake Mr Shabere please do something now, before it is too late.

The only thing that was interesting yesterday was the forum after the debate, the real economist talking about what need to be done, Datuk Saleh Majid. With his kampong style, Saleh Majid gets a hold of the phrase ‘don’t judge the book by its cover’ and bringing it to another level.

This is not just a problem of petrol price or bizarre sexual behaviors; it is a major problem with the management of economy by the entrusted entity. Why does my everyday ritual of buying the Dutch lady milk before going to work is getting expensive? I need an answer, but that won’t be enough, I need the government to make sure that the price is fixed until I get my salary hike. That is my basic understanding on how the government should handle inflation.

Tonight, I’m meeting my classmates in KL and I can’t wait to get their opinions on all the current issues. Oh yeah! Before I forget, the Minister who was in the debate yesterday did ask the ‘rakyat’ to decide on his future…I’ve decided - not fit enough!

Mega liar, but which one?

2008-07-08T18:30:00.002+08:00

One of them must be a mega liar, but which one?

I’m tired with all the drama and I guess it is about time for me to come up my own SD to add up a little bit more drama.

I, Mohd Shahrul Azmi Mohamad Yusoff (NRIC 7*0720-08-5***) a Malaysian citizen of full age and residing at No 5, xxxxxxx, Selangor Darul Ehsan do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows:1. I have been a GLC staff for about 9 years and currently doing my best to understand the policy.

2. I love to beat my friend Izhar coz he keep on winning every time we play golf together and he got this ‘belagak’ face every time he did well.

3. I wish I can just be at home browsing the internet.

4. I know Razak Baginda but I don’t think he knows me.

5. My friend A**din told me he loves watching porn especially if its involved back banging.

6. My another friend Luq don’t like watching porn but he really need to get a girlfriend or else he could be sending the wrong signal.

7. I hate Rosyam Nor every time he acted in the drama, like he’s the Malaysian version of Brad Pitt.

8. When I was in UK I did not pay my last phone bills which can easily be around 300 pounds, when I consulted my friend he said it doesn’t matter coz the Mat Saleh took everything from our land during the colonial occupation and it is about time we take back from the White Man. From then onward I did not pay all the bills, although I did pay the National Lottery some money.

9. I don’t know Balasubramaniam but I know some Indian friends from my Teluk Intan days, one of them was Arul Piragasam, I wonder where he is now?

10. I need to go back now.

Subscribed and solemnly declared by the abovenamed )Mohd Shahrul Azmi )at Kuala Lumpur )in the State of W. Persekutuan )this 7th day of July 2008 )

See.... I told you

2008-07-04T15:59:00.002+08:00

From the popular declaration by Bala Subramaniam

25.2 Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak informed Abdul Razak Baginda that he had a sexual relationship with Aminah and that she was susceptible to anal intercourse.

I told you.... most men interested...hahahaha

Sodomy or Economy?

2008-07-03T14:58:00.002+08:00

According to the complimentary dictionary in the internet, sodomy is an act of anal or oral copulation with a member of the opposite sex or the copulation with a member of the same sex and economy would mean thrifty management; frugality in the expenditure or consumption of money, materials, etc. the management of the resources of a community, country, etc., esp. with a view to its productivity the prosperity or earnings of a place, the disposition or regulation of the parts or functions of any organic whole; an organized system or method, the efficient, sparing, or concise use of something.

Now, you tell me which one is important to the country now?

When I was in Manchester I knew a bunch of Malay guys who enjoy getting the big bang from the back, god knows where they are now. If all the back banging cases were reported to the police, we could have one big building designated for the trials in Putrajaya.

Most men would enjoy watching porn in the internet once a while; to put some colours into it they opt for the second option, the back door. What most men don’t agree, is the idea of one man getting laid by another man although most men familiar with the idea of ‘bapok’ and gays. So what? This is the ugly world we’re living in.

What I don’t like is the failure of leaders to look at the important issues; they would rather concentrate on destroying the enemy than helping the needy. Sodomy or no sodomy, seriously I don’t care anymore, just bring back the economic stability.

My advice to all men who fell in love with another man and feeling guilty about it, don’t go to the police station. Clean up your act, get to the nearest bookstall and buy a book on ‘Taubat’, seek forgiveness from god and go on with your life, not the usual back banging life.

My advice to the leaders, get your act clean as well, don’t you dare to request all the ‘Makciks’ and ‘Pakciks’ to eat less rice when you guys are enjoying the expensive cars, dinners, houses, outfits, wives and sundry.

P/s – leaders - both the government and the oppositions.

Kota Bharu and its beautiful 'pelayan'

2008-06-15T14:13:00.002+08:00

Thursday afternoon I took a flight from LCCT flying east to Kota Bharu with Air Asia. The objective of the journey was to escort my dad who can barely climb the Airbus stairs. We arrived there around 6 in the evening and my brother was waiting, and bringing us to his house in Tumpat, a small town near to the Siamese border.
I browsed my phone while I was in the car, glad to find two names, Arai and Buyeh. The last time I saw them, we were a bunch of college students who find it hard staying in a small town call Banting. Both of them took a brave decision to build up their career in Kota Bharu, the scary state with no development under the radical Islamic party, PAS; a definition courtesy of the ‘clean and reliable party’, UMNO.
At 8pm, I drove my brother’s car heading back to the capital where Arai was waiting, just in front of TESCO. I noticed the different between this TESCO to the one close to my house, underneath the big sign one can see how the capitalist works its way in an Islamic state, and they spell TESCO in Arabic. Standing in front of an expensive Toyota was my former classmate Arai who doesn’t change a bit, damn! His stomach is much smaller than mine and he must be doing really well here to afford that kind of wheels.
He ushered me to the other side of the town where my friend Buyeh were entertaining his customers at one of his two Telco shops. While I was smoking my first fag, it must have been like 20 to 30 customers uploading their call credits, a sign of a good investment. Again, I was amazed with the success of my other friend who really went ‘glocal’.
Then the interesting journey began, a journey to the other side of Kota Bharu, the extra evil place, comparatively. Eager to show what’s hip in Kota Bharu, Buyeh persuaded Arai to drive all the way to Pengkalan Chepa, to a famous café called Along. What is so great about this café? Is it the food? Is it the price? The only clue revealed by Arai was the local terminology – kedai pelayan.
Once there, I saw some expensive cars parked by the road side, all the Mercedes and Beamers, an indication that it was going to be an exclusive delegacy of rich and famous which I don’t really care as long as the two Awei’s can pay. As I walked towards the restaurant, I saw nothing extravaganza about it, the kind of simple restaurant I see every day in Bangi, Shah Alam or be it Klang for god’s sake. What was all the fuss, I started to doubt the hospitality of my two guides.
We took the seats around the corner inside the restaurants near to the place where they prepare all the odd orders such as curry mee and the pulut. I took the menu on the table and while browsing I look out at the roofless sections where all men as many as 20 of them were staring at a spot. Amazingly there is no TV or any kind of display at the place they were staring.
As I was wondering, I heard a voice of a young lady to my right, ‘makey ghapo’… Good Lord! When I turned my head I saw a girl wearing boots, the black kind of boots which the back of it are not fully covered and you can see 2 inch of skin in between 1 inch of leather. It is so complicated for me to explain but somewhat coherence Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
Three quarter jeans and the white t-shirts does not reveal what’s inside but you can always tell that she’s very young, maybe a little bit less than twenty. She had this very cute face that qualifies her to be in the Dove or Lux advert (hopefully my wife is ok with the explanation). Over at the counter was another young lady, much fairer from the previous and she too can be in the top 10 in any of the kampong beauty pageant. Two of them were in control of all the men, whenever they move, eyes will be at the same level to the booty. Man being man, nothing will be left unattended.
The two girls were floating from one table to another, flirting with their smiles and movement. Swear to god, I saw a man with thick moustache who must be closely related to Datuk K looking at the two ladies with a massive desire. His lips were moving in and outward rhythmically, his eyes were burning red and every time any of the girls look at him, he pulled out a seductive smile and every time he does that the three of us would be laughing to death.
Is this the best entertainment offering in KB? The answer is yes. To the wives of the husbands within that area, that café is a place of sin, relatively the same to all the brothel or massage parlors in KL. Amazingly, men can fulfill their desire at this café without even touching the two girls, just by looking at them for 3 to 4 hours all these men enter the pre-orgasm stage of which the finale will be with the legal other half at home. Sickening as it sound to others, to me it is a clear indication that the old man Nik Aziz is a successful ruler who sets a very high standard of human behavior rules. He made what is considered to be low ranking sins in KL to be the king of evilness in KB.
We then went out for a mission, a mission to proof Arai was wrong when he said there will be no girls wondering on the streets or even enjoying late night non-alcoholic drinks at the ‘warungs’. According to the digital clock on the dashboard the time was 5 minutes to midnight. We start at KB Mall; it was dark, as dark as the mosques in KL after Isyak. One road after the other, apart from the makciks at the food stalls all the souls outside were from the same gender as the three inside Arai’s Toyota. Let’s try Pasir Tumboh said Buyeh, off we went to see what’s the offering once again.
At Pasir Tumboh we came across a small stall with huge number of customer’s once again not more than one gender, male. The main attraction was Che Su the waitress, only this time Che Su is the typical Kelantanese wearing tight outfit but wearing tudung. Obviously Arai is one of the regular customer coz he was the one who told me Che Su is in her mid twenties.
The adventure then brought me back to the town, the dead town to be specific and by then it was nearly 1 a.m. and all we saw thereafter was darkness, not a single soul from our opposite gender can be seen. They managed to proof to me an interesting fact, the fact that the ladies from this side of the world does not go beyond the limit, tell that to some people and they will call it inequality.
One can argue that there are things happening behind closed doors and the degree of destructions is on the high but who cares? Nik Aziz did his job well by allowing no encouragement towards the degradation of social well being.
I wrote whatever in this article up to the paragraph above this morning and now I’m sitting at Secret Recipe in KB Mall looking at the livelier hours of the town. Yesterday was deceiving, that was the statement I can make after looking at a bunch of youngsters sitting just beside my table. These bunch is much different, same like we have in KL and too bad at daytime Nik Aziz can’t do anything to prevent the influence of western culture to our local populace.

Shahrul Azmi in Kota Bharu

2008-06-06T17:17:00.000+08:00

An open Letter to Tun Mahathir

2008-05-30T17:28:00.000+08:00

Dear Tun Dr. Mahathir,

In 1998 I was one of the students who signed the petition in front of Ambrose mosque in Manchester, asking for the rational justification concerning the shocked eradication of Anwar Ibrahim; the former number two. We were very angry and eager to be part of the demonstrations in KL, envy we did but the distance was too far for us. With that I am requesting for the real answer, not the gay saga or the corruption charges, just the chorological of events that lead to your decision.

Although he is the latest populist, I am not really a fan of Anwar, a man who can really talk without the real walk; sadly he is the preeminent we have at this moment, to be the strongest bond of them all. The tribes have spoken and the populace are now divided, one who choose to wipe out the incapable leader and another who believe that the man will renovate in the near future doing miracle to nation development. I am with you on this matter; he’s too slow, too weak and sundry of other pessimistic remarks.

Tun, your legacy as a progressive leader will always be one of the obsession to narrate during my son Danial’s story time, let alone your courageousness to speak up while other Muslim leaders remain silent towards the modern colonials i.e. the arrogant yanks or the Jew in disguise. On behalf of the Muslim population I would like to thank you for the effort which I think Tuan Guru Nik Aziz will be with me on this occasion.

During your tenure as the prime minister of Malaysia you’ve created few millionaires among the Malays but they fail to distribute the wealth like you’ve always desire. People like Halim Saad vanished in his world of rich and famous without much contribution beyond the circle of influence except for the famous school in Malacca. The gap between the well-off and the needy are widen only to get worse with the incompetency of the current government which decide to multiply the wealth within the most elegant family, the one with new graceful mother.

Reading the mainstream news is like reading a fiction by Dan Brown, nothing is real but they made it as if the truth is always on their side. The Mahathir’s bashing time is far from over and it is rather bizarre seeing the idiots buying loyalty with money, UMNO no longer a party for the Malays but a tool for the greedy politicians. Kudos! To you Tun, you went out before it is too late.

Tun, you talked about Malays during the forum in Kajang, but I guess that sentiment is pretty much outdated, believe me Tun, playing along the racial line does not bring any good to the nation. I told my son to walk hand in hand with the Chinese or Indians friends but make sure he hold on to Islam.

Coming from a small town known as Teluk Intan, I never have problem with the Chinese and Indian neighbors but years of marginalization I can barely recall their names. New Economic Policy was all about refurbishing the equity, but the consequences go beyond the inequality in economy; it affected the relationship that once disregards the religion and races. Forget about the entire voracious Malay Ali Baba businessman, the young Malays under your guidance and facilitation all the while is ready for the big challenge.

I once read about Parti Negara founded by Dato’ Onn Jaafar, it was a multiracial political party like the one they have now in Keadilan. Why was the idea rejected by the leaders at that time? Wouldn’t it help create the patriotism among the non-Malays towards the country? After all, acknowledging the non-Malays only when they win the Thomas Cup or the bowling championship does not make sense to me. Most of the time we told the Chinese or Indians, they are not really important (especially by the youth of UMNO). Could that be the reason why they work harder to succeed?

I will stop at those questions and really hope you can answer my curiosity, I am a naïve young man who doesn’t really understand politics but I am trying my best acquiring all the knowledge and history of this country, both sides of the partisans. Thank you and be strong.

Shahrul Azmi

An open letter to Danial

2008-05-19T20:22:00.003+08:00

26th April 2008

Dear Danial,

It is quarter to 2 in the morning and here I am wondering what to do. I figured out that this is something I can prepare for you to read in the future. Today is Saturday and in 12 hours Man Utd will be playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the premier league title. I hope you'll continue my desire towards football although your Ayah did not get anywhere with that.

How’s your sister Qasdeena? Is she doing well in school? Please make sure she concentrates on studying and forget about boyfriend. They will bring more trouble especially with someone similar to my younger days. At the time I am writing this piece Mama and Ayah are still trying for our next baby and I guess you are old enough to understand that.

About a month ago there was a general election for our country Malaysia and for the first time in 50 years Barisan Nasional lost 5 states to the opposition. In case BN is history to you, let me tell you something about the coalition. Barisan Nasional consists of few parties representing all the different races and UMNO is the leading party. How they managed to lose all 5 states is nothing mysterious, the people hated them so much because of their arrogant and corrupted party members except to those voters from Sabah and Sarawak. UMNO was very much influenced by the divide and rule mechanism introduced by the colonial i.e. the British.

On the day the election results were announced, we were enjoying our dinner at one of the restaurant in the Curve, thanks to your Atok Deano. Messages were coming in to my mobile and one of the messages I remembered was about Khairy Jamalauddin, the son in law of Pak Lah-Prime Minister of Malaysia. The message conveyed a clear message about KJ's defeat in Negeri Sembilan but somehow the news were not true by the end of the counting. I guess those who counted the ballot box must be really bad in math. My son, please make sure you tell me what the ending of KJ was, I really need to know. Don’t worry so much about Pak Lah’s story; I think I know how it ends.

At the moment you are sleeping in the room with Mama and Qasdeena, I just don’t know when you guys will be ready to sleep in your own rooms. Talking about rooms I still haven’t prepared the room as per your mama’s request, a mixture of laziness and money of which you shall never follow.

Back to politics, 2 weeks ago I was at a forum with Tun Mahathir Mohamad, the longest serving Prime Minister of Malaysia. I was never a fan of Tun until I came back from UK and understand his works. He was known as the man who changed the country from kampong to metropolitan, good or bad yet to be seen. Tun talked about Malays during the forum, but I guess he too was outdated, believe me my son' playing along the racial line does not bring any good to the nation. Walk hand in hand with your Chinese or Indians friends but make sure you hold on to Islam.

I’ve just finished reading a book by Chin Peng, the most wanted man in Malaya during the colonial occupation and I found the book to be interesting. My advice to you, don’t just believe anything being told to you without ever hearing from both sides. The world can be deceiving and it is full with guys who would do anything for power and money.

It is hard living in the city, I spent most of the time working and waiting for the salary days. The routine is scary but in order to survive I need to make sure I carry on. Your mother has been helping so much with the bills and to compensate I would never hesitate in doing her duty as well. There are those who saw that as inappropriate but a man's got to do what a man's got to do.

Opah and Atok have been ill for these past years and Ayah has got to perform the required duty as a son and that is why we do the things we does every Saturday of your life. I am not asking the same treatments from you and Qasdeena but at least make sure you guys are available when you are needed.

Son, the key to being successful is how you define success. Never put materials on top of the list and make sure you follow every rules from the Quran and Hadith. It is not the car you drive, it is not brands you choose, it is not about the house you live in but it is all about what is in your head and your heart. Fill it up with knowledge and kindness, you will survive.

Let this be the first letter and I will be writing more letters in the future. Take care and you know how much I love you and your sister, Qasdeena.

Sincerely
Ayah (3 am)

UPB, My Team?

2008-01-18T14:59:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

When I was young so much younger then today, during the primary school days that is, my dad and I cherished some quality time watching football matches in the evening. Not every day but at least twice a week.

It was no Anfield of Old Trafford but ‘Padang Speedy’ was one of its kinds; the atmospheres were electrics so much livelier than Stadium MPPJ or even Bukit Jalil. A cheap entertainment to Teluk Intan’s working men, be it the Malays, the Chinese or the Indians. There were no seats surrounding the stadium apart from few rows on the VIP stage but that doesn’t stop the fans from coming with motorbikes, thanks to the invention multipurpose helmets, it fits the asses very well when you transformed those helmets into seats.

Among the top teams were estate’s teams and the municipal council’s team, they are playing on the top of the three divisions in Teluk Intan’s league. United Plantations Berhad or better known as Jenderata to the locals was one of the champione’.

Apart from the English striker who was also the team manager as well as the estate manager in the morning, the team consist of one race i.e the Indians. They were full of energy when they are on the field, be it playing football in the morning or even during palm oil fruits plucking session in the morning. They were the real football heroes and they were the estate’s workers.
After years of struggles they climbed their way up, from winning the district’s league to the big arena in Malaysian Premier League. It was filled with sweat and tears with minor help from ‘minyak kuda’. Were they professionals? Not really, once in a while they do help the oldies with estate’s procedures.

Then came the new prime minister who they said was the cleanest man, and behind him stood a wonder boy who they said came from the Oxford which to me is nothing more than an opportunist in the form of ‘son in law’. With his father in law contacts and power the opportunist created a reality programme called My Team which in a nutshell was a programme about finding and building a team from fresh talented players from around the country. And god knows where they would go from there.

After playing a stupid and reckless game with the Malaysian’s junior team, he wanted more and he wanted to be in the big picture but to go up the normal way would be too much and too long for the man who was in a rush. However with too little time you can get too many things with the right amount of money. Do you understand that?

He calls up the brother in law who own a company called SCOMI which accidently made so much money after the new prime minister went into power.

“Can you help me buy a small football team which is already in the big league?”

Why not? When the amount was almost negligible, compared to amount of profit the company made for the past few years.
They closed a nice chapter in the local boy’s diary. Today I watched a local game and I saw a Chilean, and two Caucasians playing for My Team wearing jersey with big SCOMI printed on the chest. They were all serving the new boss who was sitting on the VIP seats calling his team as ‘My team’.

Luckily today I got my revenge when Ahmad Shahrul scored a goal in the dying minutes and Perak defeated MyTeam 1-0, Hahahaha Mr K with the big J, it is my team who beat yours and eat that loser!

Local Boy from Teluk Intan.

2007-10-11T10:05:00.000+08:00

JAKIM and Outer Space

2007-10-10T12:15:00.000+08:00

I was back from tarawih a bit late yesterday, paying zakat before it is too late and looking at the receipts collected I reckoned it will be some Raya celebration for the collector (amir).

Browsing through the channels I stopped at 101(wonder why astro change it to 3 digits instead of simple two). Countdown to ISS exploration, talk show with tremendous set-up crowded with large photos of outer space all over the studio. Sitting on the guess chair was somebody from JAKIM who was invited to talk about the pocket size book “Guidelines on performing Islam while living on the outer space”. In producing that they organized seminar and invited one astronaut from Spain obviously exposing the lavish irresponsible spending. After days of brainstorming they came up with the guideline.

Call me liberal but I did laughed so very hard all the way, it was a long way watching and listening to such jokes. One of the funniest interviews, funny it was to those who’s wise enough to think.

Please tell me, how many of you would be going to outer space in your lifetime? In the era where Muslims being associated with terrorism and fanatics, Lina Joy is fighting hard to get out from the holy religion, Mat Rempit producing homemade porn videos one after another, the poorest begging week in week out in ‘Bersamamu’, and many more; they (JAKIM) dare to spend handsomely on seminars discussing the tiny bit instead of the real issues. No wonder they lost counted the number of piggy in Malacca.

That is only the tip of the iceberg, days to come will be even worse, maybe there will guidelines on ‘the Muslims way of welcoming an astronaut with details on what to wear complete with hand clapping procedures’.

The ticket priced at 26 million USD but the total amount spent on leaflet, seminars, diners, datins, datoks, homecoming cakes, homecoming celebrations, buttons, cards, cameramen, pembaca doa and sundry can easily be triple if not more of that 26 million USD. Ask Dr Syeikh, what that amount money can do to the hospital he used to work in about a year ago.

‘Bior Pape Asay Begaye’, ask any Perakian if you can’t figure that out. Rent a Mercedes with all your savings and show it off to your neighbors in Kampung Ulu Temiang before making a trip to KL, they(the neighbors) would pretend like they are impress but deep inside they are laughing at your stupidity. Let us celebrates our achievement, we have our own space flight participant… oppss… astronaut.

The food was nice….

2007-10-05T08:13:00.000+08:00

I had a chance to be at the Rebong yesterday courtesy of my brother in law, Boy. “One for the big boys!!” said him.

The food was nice and Chef Ismail was an entertainer, jokes after jokes, food after food, drinks after drinks with some singing in between.

A tribute to the Malay guy who made local food taste international.

Heaven or Hell - not yours to decide

2007-09-27T12:09:00.000+08:00

I don’t think I’ve enough sleep lately, during this Ramadhan month I would prefer staying up late… watching the life telecast of tarawih straight from Masjidil Haram, listening to the ever lunak and rhythmic voice of Imam Abdur Rahman while reading the translation only to summarized the whole situation as alarming. Scary coz I don’t think I am ready for the judgment day and the punishment. Come Hari Raya I might forget about all this. That is the fact of life, when we don’t see what’s coming we’ll be lured and tempted to the seductions of materials and entertainments. Remember to take a look at the Masjid a day after Raya, the car park that was hot during Ramadhan is just another empty space.

If you do ‘bukak puasa’ at home, try watching the Indonesian sequence on RTM1 around 7.30 pm, Demi Masa. Everyday there’ll be a short drama about kampung’s life, where the good and the bad living together doing the usual stuffs. Last two days was a tale about Pak Udin who was the president of the Surau's committee. He would always drop by the small stall on the way back after prayers. But this is not a normal stall where people would just eat and drink; it was the mini Casino for the gamblers, complete with young and bitchy waitress. Pak udin has nothing to do with the immoral activity he was just there to give some lectures to the boys in unoffending manner, perhaps those boys were just beyond help. One day Pak Udin collapsed and passed away at the stall, and words spread to the entire kampong – the news – Pak Udin died at a place of sin. The gambling boys did try to explain the situation but who would believe those wasted alcoholic gamblers?

Two days later, one of the gamblers, Imran, was late to ‘Vegas’, and to make matter worse he accidentally step on cow dunk just in front of the mosque, the last place he wanted to be.

Being left with no other option, he went in with a mission, washing his boot, ONLY. He did say hi to the Imam but refused the invitation to be in the prayer, shouting loudly and proudly, “What’s the point? I’m not taking the last breath yet!” and two minutes later he was found dead at the wuduk’s area, the news was – Imran died in the mosque. The same gossipers sums up the life-story of Imran, a man who spends the entire life committing all sorts of sin but turn out ok towards the end. Is it right? You decide.

One good lesson from the story that I can extract is about one destinations the day after. Heaven or hell is not yours to decide, only the almighty knows what’s there waiting for you and me, don’t you dare to label others as the members of hell when you yourself are still vague of the destination. To depart at a good place is something good, but to achieve that you’ve to be there often. Finally, would you rather die in a good place doing unnecessary things or a bad place doing excellent things?

As I was waiting

2007-09-20T11:45:00.000+08:00

As I was waiting for my mother in the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang, I managed to look at the reality of life for ailing citizens in this country, a country which asserted the presence in the developed world.

On the television, I saw from a distant how top notch analysts were discussing the prospect of nation 2008 budget, to be table in half an hour later. ‘Something for the Rakyat” was the catchy title for government’s financial direction aiming for the votes from the populace. You can fool the makciks and pakciks but perhaps I’m not that naïve anymore Mr Nice Guy.

There she was (my mom) lying on her aging bed between bed number 14 and 15, obviously the cubicles were designed for four bed 14 to 17 but due to the demand they added two more beds in between and they name it bed 14A and 16A, not so long ago they were not six but eight beds in the cubicles courtesy of a virus called Dengue.

Believe it or not, the nurses must be coming from the breed of the superwoman marriage to superman as each of them took care of two cubicles. So, you tell me how they can give full attention to all the patients and you must be crazy to feel offended by the fierce looking facades every time you asked for a favor. Bottom line is that they are just humans.

Obviously the hospitals in the city are in big manpower crisis and the effort towards betterment (is there such word?) is far from sufficient. Two days ago I was in Hospital Serdang with my Dad, the infrastructure was said to be among world’s best. It is an undeniable statement looking at the landscapes, with hanging gardens right up from ground floor to the top (6th). Not until you queue up for any of the treatment will you realize the almost stagnant moment in time, you could have finish watching all three lord of the rings trilogy by the time you get to see the doctor. A mixture of manpower shortage and the complexity of data entry activity to the high processors cyber link beta phrenology computers or in other words which was well said by the nurse “ Kita kat sini semua pakai computer” complete with the little neck movement with high nose i.e muke eksyen.

All that arguments and facts once again proof the failure of government’s medical policy and how dare the politician talk about bersyukur. Tell me what they know about public hospitals when most of the time they were admitted to AP, AL, AN and other alphabets which followed by Medical Centre. While they choose the westerns or exotics food from the menu, Makcik Kiah will be eating overcooked rice with fish boiled with just water and three cuts of onions. The rooms are even bigger than Makcik Kiah’s Jalan Sampin flats complete with imported toilet seats. The doctors and the nurses, not like the one discussed earlier will be smiling up to their ears every time Datuk Zakar Gembira press the red button. Yes I am angry!!!

They(politicians) are the people who talk about giving back to the rakyat? Maybe one if not none of them can be trusted for that manner. More than wolf in disguised, those are mixture of lions, snakes, tigers and many other animals associated with man eating. The costumes made of songkok and baju melayu are far more dangerous than the addicts who only have themselves to be spoiled.

Did you notice any hike in Tobacco taxes? No you don’t, coz they don’t want to loose the revenue. Let us all smokers rally in front of the big office and ask them what they do with the tax collections from tobacco. Imagine if Malaysian smokers spend 5 million ringgit a day on tobacco and half of that goes to tax, we could have build one hospitals every month. Smokers deserved the best Medical Benefit then…

I stopped watching “pembentangan belanjawan” after the fourth big applauds from the ever sucking parliaments who do brought up ass kissing skills to another level which I found to be irritating. For family with incomes less than RM1K, government will provide all the necessary attire for curriculum activities i.e we’ll buy you one cheap baju pengakap at a very high price as if it was made from Italy and England which will be provided to you by a company own by one Datuk (could be Datuk Zakar Gembira) who then order the entire batch from Datuk Peter Lim Tow Kay…at the expense of taxpayers, you and me….

My pledge is that the government shall boost up the effort towards better Medical services. Don’t expect the poor to buy insurance when they even struggle hard to put food on the table. Pay the doctors handsomely and make them happy and make sure they are not there for the rewards but they are those who think about thereafter.

Alive and Kicking

2007-05-31T12:36:00.000+08:00

Few months I guess from the last posting? Busy with work, kids and the world especially in this not so tiny island i.e. Malaysian where everything is truly Asia but not so Asia lately coz the politician always reminded us that it is own by the Malays who owns the power.

Ever heard of Dengue fever? I used to ignore the threat until my son Danial was diagnosed with one about a month ago. Shocked, disbelief and ‘why him?’ Kind of question pops up in my tiny little brain. I was worried, even promised my self that I won’t be hitting him with that ‘rotan’ anymore, a decision which makes my wife the dirty cops now. He was so ill and landed on that hospital bed for about a week.

Now, here is the interesting story, a story about how a daddy loves his son only to be annoyed with the stupid bureaucracy.

I went to the MPK( Majlis Perbandaran Kajang) requesting them to forge(is that the correct speling, seriously I don’t care as long as you understand what that is – sembur nyamuk) my house. They said I need to wait till they get the instruction from Kajang Health Office, ok then, so off I went to the health office in Kajang. This time the lady said it is not legal for them to do it before they get the letter from hospital that diagnosed Danial. Fair enough, so I call the hospital, well they said they’ve faxed the letter to Ministry of Health in KL. Arggggghhhhhhh! By the time I get to killed all the mosquitoes there will be 327 new cases in my area with 5 casualties only because of that piece of paper of which the doctor signed about a year ago. (I’m exaggerating a bit here okay)

The next morning I went to the Hospital and the get the copy of that so call important letter, faxed it to the health office, call them every hour till noon, by 6 pm, a white four wheel drive vehicle with a aloud speaker went touring round my housing area – “ Mintak perhatian, kawasan ini di dapati kawasan positif denggi ….blalalala”. About an hour later the white smoke was all over the houses. Emerging from the smokes, was an officer from the Health office with mask covering his face walking like a hero as if he had save the life of innocents like Bruce Willis in Die hard 1, 2 & 3 only to be spoiled with an irritating voice of a baldy guy, “ Kerja ni patut dah lama dah buat, bukan tunggu sampai ada orang masuk hospital!!”.the end.

Since I don’t have money to advertise my ‘congrats’ to Raja Nazrin on his wedding, I’m going to do it here in my blog as if he is reading.

To : Raja Nazrin

Selamat Pengantin Baru

From : Mohd Shahrul Azmi ( born in Teluk Intan in 1976 at that government hospital)

He’s the man, yes, he is the real man. In the midst of all politicians and ‘kaparats’ are showing off with their kids wedding, a man who have waited so long for a wife with a rightful position for a grand wedding refused it all only to show the world that the money is better of to the needy; the orphanage, the oldies and the unlucky poor people. After all, it is good to see someone from oxford with sacred hearth, a none existence in the world of Malaysian Politics.

By the way, the reason for being quite all this while was due to the inaccessibility to the blogpots account due to the restrictions imposed by my company. Singing in tune with the government.

Aiming for the top

2007-03-13T15:08:00.000+08:00

Lots of story for the past two months, my mom was re-admitted due to the third stroke attack, my two kids suffering the foot and mouth disease, my dad having a very bad prolonged fever and we the whole family are no longer in Taman Tun, it’s bangi from now on.

The world is getting crazier everyday, Malaysia once again topping the list. Imagine the cleanest soul in the country was found not so clean after all. People paying 150K just to meet another human being, not a handsome prince or hunky warrior or the best talisman, he’s just a son in law of someone who is not so great.

I received a comment from my long lost friend in Dukhan, she wrote…

fr shahalam_kerteh_dukhan said...

I think you had done such a great job in advertising yourself....maybe not so
great of being a researcher in sirim. Insyallah, kuatkan amal, doa, usaha &
yg penting keikhlasan dlm melakukan sesuatu. You have to strive for your desire
and take the challenge. All the best & may Allah be with u
always.....Regards fr. someone in Dukhan....

I think it is wise for me to reply…

Friend from Dukhan,

Thanks for the comment and the time spends reading my blog, it is not about promoting but it is all about shouting from inside. Maybe I’m not that good as a researcher but I took up the challenge and learn from the best, and perhaps you could be one of them if you stay.

Dukhan is in Qatar (is it?), well one thing for sure is you’re far away from Malaysia and you don’t need to be here to face the days of darkness, so dark – even darker than the days of former dictator and if you was under a shell all this while – he is now the savior to the populace.

Nothing much on the TV lately, only reality series, one after another, cari-suami, cari menantu, AF5, gang-starz and many more. All of those have got one thing in commons- you know it is a stupid show but yet you’re glued to the couch every time you start watching.

Now we do have a new attraction in the city, ‘eye on Malaysia’, “something for the tourists” said one of the minister, but I guess more Malaysians were flocking titiwangsa wasting their money on it, some said the view would be much better from the top of dayabumi building or you can go higher on top of the ancient KL Tower.
A bit about my family, Danial is four and the younger sister Qasdeena is three and my wife is keen to have the third one. We do spend most of the time either in our house, my mom’s house or my in-laws. But whatever it is, I’m still here. I’m trying my best to initiate changes, not the big way like parading in front of the Putrajaya but small voice from the 6 by 6 cubicle after office hour.

Older but not wiser

2007-01-24T13:38:00.000+08:00

Any boy or girl born at the time I was fifteen will be sixteen this year, at sixteen I was in form four (high school), enjoying life as a student in boarding school. Cigarette was the gift of enjoyment to me those days, a symbol of maturity and adulthood to the naïve and stupid teenager. Look at me today, I’m just older but never wise enough to forget about smoking that killer-cancer-stick, never did. Life goes on, for how long? Not long with that habit. Last week I managed to reduce the consumptions to 5 fags a day, this week I’m back to suicidal behavior by puffing a pack of 14’s everyday.

Danial and Deena are getting older as well, old enough to be in pre-school this year (yes the trend now is to start at 3 years old). The last time an insurance agent came to the house, the figure he popup for my kids local university fees in the future was so scary, let alone oversea university – ‘pokai’ daddy and mommy. Maybe I should concentrate on making him a football player, jokes aside… The Malaysian footballer team is not something to be proud of, a case of too lousy for too long.

Two weeks ago, my son danial was craving for a toy gun. 20 years ago, any macho daddy will rush to the nearest ‘kedai runcit’ to buy that plastic gun, the old cowboy gun with its special belt and if you’re lucky daddy might get you the plastic bullets together with handcuffs. None of my friend who used to have toy gun turn up to be a killer, except for ‘Karim daging’ from my primary school days. He inherited the family business, a butcher at ‘Pasar Teluk Intan’, killing a man? NEVER.

Nowadays I need to practice my doubtful psychological skill, telling Danial the rational behind the idea of not buying or even playing with toy gun. A week later, I succumb to his cute persuasive effort and it was a funny looking gun from TESCO. Still wonder why does that RM3.90 gun has got a man inside the top half (it is a bit complicated to explain), Thank god the battery lasted only four two days, I might need by-pass if the irritating sound continue for another day.

I often listen or watched the motivational religious talk stressing on the fact that this life is temporary and cereal, after life last forever. As I grow older, the urgency can no longer be ignored, demolishing the darker side is a priority before it’s too little too late, easier said. On maalhijrah day I thought I’ve watched the best Malay Drama for the past two years, by far. Remember how they said, as you get older you’ll be closer to the life six feet under? “Tapak Kubur” was a scary title, but it was never spooky, not the ghost stuff but just facts about life and death. Every muslim believes that this life is temporary, but the temptation often hides the absolute facts. No point giving synopsis, grab the Astro guide and look out for the re-run in Astro Ria. What we exercise might not be good enough for special entry pass to good life after, will our future generation be better with the knowledge we’ve prepared? Or will they be doing things according to trends of people within the religion which sometimes lean towards material and glamour?

I’ve been busy with work lately; meetings after meetings drained my energy by the time I’m home. As if that is not enough, my two kid’s ability to constantly shouting, calling name “Ayah!” followed by the instruction “look!” siphon whatever left in my brain. The kid’s performing arts varies from wall colouring, flipping tv channels at critical moment, stuffing LEGOS into tiny spaces on the speakers or even spraying cologne at different locations. But they are making me and my wife happy.

It is the new year once again

2007-01-04T13:44:00.000+08:00

It’s that time of the year once again, a time where people come up with new resolutions, things that were not an achievement to remember from the previous becomes failure to be forgotten. Dream no more, this year should be anything but failure.
Do you notice how time flies ever so fast? It feels like only last month I wrote about my own resolutions for 2006, all about smoking habits and my unsettled loan/debt (especially the one I owe my other half). Honestly, none was achieved, credits to my stubbornness and stupidity.

This morning I feel like pushing the throttle paddle to the floor and ramp pass the gate at LDP highway, 60% hike is just too much, my god this is a cruel world. Since I’ve started, let me nag even more about thee toll saga. Do you know what’s the alternative route for me if I choose to be rebellious, from Taman Tun to Bukit Jalil would be twice the distance hustling through traffic, idiotic drivers and not to mention the excavators who can’t find any other time, moving at speed that makes turtle sleeping between the race before speeding up to the finish line. Yet Samy Vellu said its okay, coz new highways are making wonders to unreachable area.

Isn’t it a responsibility of any government to build roads? Enough for them letting others doing it and charge the public? Salute the ‘wig master’ for bringing swindling act to another level. And poor people, a persona-non-grate to the world class superhighways in the land coated with honey.

My son Danial will be four this year and lovely daughter Qasdeena will be three (and the father with big three and one), and I’m seeing nature works its magic. There are reasons why boys wear pants and girls wear skirts, one for the active rebellious hero and one for the sweet little princess. Both are the recipe of completeness for me and Jaja. And this year we could see another junior, Insya-Allah if one can swim hard enough for the magic connection.

My SuperMak(mom) condition is not that good at the moment for the past few weeks, she’s getting weaker after a year lying down on that bed, sometimes too much for my two Super Sisters, to them I owe so much and I don’t know how could I repay.

Last but not least, the luckiest man in Malaya last year for me is none other than Datuk K, an old man closed the curtain after years of speculation. I wonder how the mustache man reacts after listening to his young wife singing a song about him…

Peluklah daku,
Janji denganku,
And so on…. Meremang bulu roma imagining hairy monster all over her.

Darkness

2006-12-12T14:12:00.000+08:00

Do you believe in internet banking? I did till I received a warning letter from TNB(malaysian power provider) saying that they are coming with the big scissor to snap my electricity supply. I call up the TNB office straight away, and guess what? It took me two days to get the officer in charge on the phone. If not they’ll be free music aims at soothing my ears, which they failed coz the type of music they take on will make you wonder, when will they pick up the phone?.

This morning, luckily a lady by the name of Hafizah was there, maybe on her way out of the office for morning coffee break which you can clearly tell by the dashing voice. I don’t think I can be more polite, starting with salaam and morning greetings, but do I get to be treated nicely? Yes I did but only after halfway of the conversation that lasted 10 minutes.

The first five minutes was all about ‘aaaaa’ and ‘kena bayarlah’. So, I told her that I’ve paid the bill via internet and I wanted an explanation why did the transaction go unnoticed by TNB. She did not give me any reason, but she did mention about handling a similar case about a week ago. Before she hung up the phone I did asked her if they can delay the due date for settlement, the answer was immediate NO.

Yesterday I met an old man at Affin Bank. He told me the reason why he preferred manual-to-the-counter than the super automated modern day banking. Security. Yesterday I thought that man was being too square, today I learned my lesson.

They are many to be blame, first would be Shahrul Azmi who was too lazy to look at the current bills and check for any miscalculation. Second would be the bank that somehow took the money from the account and transferred them to a ‘mysterious’ location. Third would be TNB who refused to understand my problem and insisted me to shell out my own money to settle the bill, without consideration that I might need the money to do other important stuff such as going to my cousin’s wedding this weekend in Kuala Kangsar. Last but not least would be Michael Faraday who founded that electricity can only be produced by magnetism motion, why can’t he just use water to generate energy?

Hopefully my writing this time won’t upset any of the readers, it is purely about ignorance – a side too often portrayed in our society.

Laksamana vs Malaysian Astronaut

2006-12-04T09:52:00.000+08:00

Imagine it is the day of Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, Laksamana Cheng Ho was around and the Sultan saw an opportunity for the people of Malacca to glorify a journey of its own. A man from Malacca – a voyager to the other side of the world (assuming the Sultan realized the fact that it is a globe not just flat land). One of the ‘penasihat’ or adviser came up to the Sultan with a proposal, the deal was, we pay Laksamana Cheng Ho with gold money, herbs, spices as well as women so that he can bring one of our ‘warrior’ a.k.a ‘pawang silat’ to China. It is so hard for Malacca to come up with its own voyager so they thought it was easy to buy their way.

Laksamana Cheng Ho was happy to have that deal materialized, imagine getting all the free stuff as well as having an extra workforce on the ship, ‘Why not’ said the wise voyager. The news of acceptance was conveyed to Sultan in no time; the announcer gathered the people of Malacca and enlightens the news,

‘Kepada rakyat Melaka, Sultan dengan ini memperkenankan suatu perjalanan pengembaraan seorang rakyat melaka yang bertuah lagi bijaksana. Sesiapa yang mampu menjadi juara pencak silat diraja akan dinobatkan sebagai Panglima Pengembara yang akan belayar bersama Laksamana Cheng Ho ke seluruh pelusuk dunia dan akan dikurniakan gelaran Datok Panglima apabila pulang nanti, wassalam’

Basically – ‘whoever wins the royal rumble will get to be a voyager under the admired mentor – Laksamana Cheng Ho.’

A fortnight later, a warrior was chosen after killing 120 ‘pawang’ and injuring 200 other contestants. He was a hero, a handsome lad who was in the hearth of thousands young women’s, and some young men – the different kind of men. Soon after the journey, the man came back to Malacca as a real hero to the populace, not knowing that Laksamana Cheng Ho dump him in Batak Island, until the last day of his life Datok Panglima Zakar Gembira was telling the people of Malacca that the Chinese was good in hunting and eat lots of pork. That was why the Malay refused to be friend with Chinese, they were afraid that the Chinese will only eat pork making them too ‘porky’ to be a friend.

And today brothers and sisters, the government is doing something similar, almost identical that is. A young Doctor to be chosen among thousands of candidates and he will be flying to the outer-space-god-knows-where to put Malaysian flag up there, while drinking teh tarik and eating roti canai(or Chennai as it was originated from India). Only this time the government won’t be giving gold money and women, it’s just American Dollar and it is just around 34 million of that bucks head. Interesting huh???

Silent

2006-11-08T17:55:00.000+08:00

Selamat Hari Raya to all.

It is impossible to ignore the name Zakaria for the past month, a case of too little too late. A 2-storey house standing at the height of 4- storey building is just too big to be a house, more of a mansion or even a palace. It was there for too long; hardly notice by the town Council officers and untouchable to the normal populace.

He was a gate-keeper, maybe it was a gate build from gold and diamond, scrapping a gram or two everyday, he managed to accumulate the wealth and build up a mansion - for the large family that is. Or he could have wrongly used his power to live the life of rich and famous – the dream of every soul in Malaya.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu must have done wonders to its staff, coz the gate-keeper turn to be hero in society, or maybe Zakaria was one of a kind, a genius in disguise, harnessing his energy towards an undoubtedly challenging goal to be in the corridors of power. Or was he just being lucky that none of the well educated Malays took up the challenge? Most of them ignores politics and continue with their own life, down in the dumps into the world of silent majority.

Everyone knows about all the big mansions scattered around the country, amazingly big with massive pedigree of doubt and dishonesty. Why does it take an Indian man, R Nadeswaran to dig out the ugly behaviors of the leaders? Where are the well educated beautiful Malay writers? Citizen Nades is still alive and kicking in The Sun, why worry so much on the pay-back? Comfort Zone, maybe.

What’s next? Is Zakaria’s episode to be the beginning of a massive cleaning at, or is it going to be a one time punishment to cover-up other important issues such as the mounting pressure from the former and the heavily criticized son in-law( a bit on the soundless side these days).

An extravagance facelift to the current administration is long overdue; the flaws are too obvious to be ignored and a resilient plastic surgeon is needed now more than ever. It is not just simple cover-up; it needs a totally different face with couple of new features that Nip/Tuck would take their hats off.

I took a long time off from blogging, just to concentrate on the Hari Raya celebration and thank god it was running smooth as planned. Empty pocket – the results of succumbing to spirit of celebration did hit me on the forehead.

I’ll continue to be and observers, and a chichidodoo for the moment.

2006-10-31T09:38:00.000+08:00

Mahathir Mohamad and Alex Ferguson

2006-10-05T17:42:00.000+08:00

Equally fierce and confident, both of them are the leader of the century. Good or bad is not for me to decide, but they are the maestro in their own world. One kick out his second man of the office and another kick off an expensive boot to that pretty face-Bechkham. They are sarcastic to the worst, responding to questions with answers that can be annoying to some, entertaining to many.

Everyone hates them, coz their boys has been doing so well, one was the winner of historical treble and another continue to win the parliament. Their players are so good, Man United with their tremendous skill in the field and UnitedMNO with their ‘brilliant/cunning’ political stirring or they call it spin doctor these days.

They could only be one big different, Mahathir stop while he was enjoying the meal and in the meantime Ferguson is still enjoying the big feast. Which one better? At least Ferguson have not tested his own medicine like the old man did – said the newspaper that is. Free tutorial on ‘Finding the Right Successor’ can be useful to the Scottish gaffer.

Players from Ferguson’s team are mainly professionals who can easily donate their money to charity if not setting their own foundation. They are the cream of the cream, best in Europe and maybe the world, they don’t talk much about anything except football-their expertise. They don’t do corruption coz they can’t imagine the humiliation playing in the lower division (like Juventus). They play football coz they like to play football and they are so good that the whole world salute them. They are the real hero both glocal and global.

Now, let us go back to the other team. Professionals? Don’t think so, the way they act in the parliament especially. Are they the cream of the cream? Or are they in the limelight coz none of the genius cares? Corruptions? Well, I’ll let you decide on that one. Do you think they are the hero of this nation? Glocal and Global, neither nor I guess. Charity or robbery?

Whatever it is, you have the freedom to support any team you like and you’ve the rights to choose any leader you think appropriate, this is a free world and a free country; maybe it is not free anymore if you can’t see this blog in the future.

Chichidodo the bird..

2006-09-29T15:37:00.000+08:00

`` The chichidodo is a bird who hates excrement with all its soul. But the chichidodo only feeds on maggots, and you know the maggots grow best inside the lavatory. This is the chichidodo.'' - Ayi Kwei Armah

I’m reading Ayi’s novel at the moment, translated into bahasa by Zainab Ahmad. The book that makes you think deep every time you spend your money. He’s a legendary African writer, telling story as it is, with exceptional talent in describing the uglier side of human being. ‘Yang Indah Belum Menjelma’, a story about Ghana politics and its people after the independent, same year as Malaysia. Reality sucks as usual with massive gap between the rich and poor mainly a result of corruption the typical scenario, where money rules, be it legal or even obtained the politician way.

Few days back, some jokers published the findings about Malaysian smokers, and they didn't manage to shock me with that stat. RM 90 million every month, which is a lot of money, just imagine the government earning through tax on cigarette every month. They could have built one hospital-desa every month with the taxpayer money, but where does the money goes? Do not asked, coz if you concern so much about that, you’re the ‘chichidodo’.

Ramadhan this year is all about fasting and praying, no more food craving like previous years. Two reason for that, my mom and my money. Seeing my supermak on that bed reminds me of her ‘kuih-muih’ which by far exceeded the ‘locar pasar malam’ standard, to me that is. With inflation rate rising, my money is just too small to the pasar Ramadhan hawkers, furthermore my waistline is just beyond the ideal waistline for Malaysian man.

I do hope this year none of my filthy-rich friends would suggest a re-union at one of those 5 stars hotel. RM59.90 per-person will tally to more than 120++ for me and my wife, with that we can buy 2 chickens of 2.5 kilos each, a kilo of imported meat (try the Aron Halal Product Meat), some fish, 2kg of cooking oil, one large sun-quick juice with ice cubes from Petronas Mesra Shop, with some white rice and also black rice for ‘bubur pulut hitam’. I would say ten people the least we can serve with that menu. But if you do have extra money, you can always carry on with the hotel plan, it’s good to enjoy the quality of life.

Politics, getting bored reading the same news everyday, why can’t they share? It will be enough if we can share the wealth of this nation. Stop dreaming of being millionaire at 30 or 40, can’t we be happy without million or billionaire around. We do need to re-visit the oxford dictionary for the definition of indulgence; it can be as bad as evil or immoral.

Happy Ramadhan, is that correct? Anyway do have a nice Ramadhan. Salam’s to everyone who read this ugly blog.

Seeing things…

2006-09-11T15:53:00.000+08:00

I’m seeing a man who used to be a leader washed out in the race of power. Neither love nor anger can break the barrier. A large barrier with loyal guardians, which can turn 720 degrees at anytime. ‘Elegant Silent’ the choice of many, benefiting the leaders / rulers of this country. Mahathir is no angel, but please let him voice out whatever things he wants to say, we’re far from the level of stupidity labeled by the government.

I’m seeing a society rotten by the media. Marks of love between husband and wife discussed as if it is an issue of life and dead. May god bless the gossip hunter with magic detergent to clean those polluted brains and carry on with their own life.

I’m seeing no changes to the public transportation system coz I can’t find any bus that goes to my office. What the heck happen to the money taken from our petrol subsidy, after all it is the lower class problem, and do you think they care?

I’m seeing Osama playing hide and seek with the Americans troops, or could it be that American don’t care about Osama. All they ever want is to make more and more money. The bloody legacy of Sept 11 remains, five years on; Osama saying, “catch me if you can”.

I’m seeing the ‘prodigy’ pursuing his glory, wealth and ambitions. Nothing can stop him now be it the hecklers or the elders, he’s on fire, burning every single bridge and ladder on the way up. For him, there’s no two way to glory than moving forward. What’s next after the race card?

I’m seeing my friend Disha reading this blog, thanks dude. I’ll always remember those days, RM25 a month, but yet we can buy t-shirt, we can go back home to Perak on that third class train and many more enjoyable moment. How’s London anyway?

I’m seeing news without borders in the internet, allowing us to compare the GDP of this country to others. At the current rate, someone must be lying, coz you can’t smell trouble in local newspaper. Malaysia, at all times highly rated by Malaysian especially the leaders.

I’m seeing Liverpool and Arsenal going down. With Perak loosing the Semi-Final of Malaysia Cup, not much excitement in watching football for me.

I’m seeing Bakri Musa(read his article on Pak Lah) as an outsider who dare to voice out his opinion. It is easy shouting from the spectator’s seat. It is time for him to join the team and play the game.

I’m seeing no changes to my bed ridden mother; it is so hard to see her suffering. One year since the strokes attacked, friends and family, do come over. She’s happy every time guests walk in to the house.

What I don’t wanna see is another Mawi’s and Siti’s episodes. I wanna see some improvement in Bicara Siswa. Too much for me to see student’s representatives who can’t speak.

It's a long way

2006-09-01T16:23:00.000+08:00

From Sharifah Amani’s naughty mouth to one eye MB from Jasin, with Siti’s and Mawi vs Deana in between, I think I’ve seen enough foolish decisions. News is just entertainment, too big to matters to the believers. When wedding planners are superior to the tok kadi, perhaps it is time for Malays to kiss good bye to sincerity. Sincerity, that can be dangerous at wrong place and wrong time, especially in front of your kind.

To Sharifah Armanee,

You are brilliant and arrogant at the same time; just speak in whatever language you think you are good at. After all I’ve watched you doing interview in Malay, you’re no that stupid anyway. One more thing, take care while you’re in front of the reporters, they would prefer silly mistakes than the brilliant substances. Finally, what you did was stupid – thanks.

To Mawi and Deana (or Eena or whatever)

Ever heard of ‘perigi mencari timba’, it was displayed prominently during the interviews. Not that I waited in front of the tv and watch the entire interview, a glance while drinking coffee at Ali Baba Restaurant was enough for me to come up with the judgment. It’s the king of all bloopers, and RTM could have been the savior, but the temptation was too much too resist. Enough is enough, no more input from the brainless-tummy-full producers.

To Siti and Datuk K,

Please give back to society, you owe them so much. Not just free photo session and dinners, more than that, you could continue the legacy by sending orphans to further their studies. They said, it was 3 million ringgit from Media Prima, half than that amount will be enough for 50 students pursuing their dreams of a degree, it is not just your dream of being a princess, believe me Datin Siti, you can be more than that.

To Jasin MP,

Please do the right thing. Get out.

To my wife Jaja,

Happy Anniversary, 4 years but still-long way to go. I can’t promise a Datin, but for sure, I won’t be Datuk S who hunt young pop female idol.

To Pak-Lah,

Please stop increasing the Tobacco tax. Please, please, please, we won’t stop; we’ll just waste more money.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Chinta dan Lagu

2006-08-17T11:36:00.000+08:00

I was up till 2 am on Tuesday, stuck to the couch watching an old unusual musical Malay movie. ‘Chinta dan Lagu’ with Hail Amir and Yusoff Haslam playing rivals, in a race for love. It is a well thought movie, produced in the early 80’s, beautiful places with pretty Malay girls playing extras. No pan-Asian, just pure Malay looking girls with tight kebaya and short sarongs, so natural – just the way I like it( what do you expect from a kampong boy).

Singing and acting with low tech equipment but what an entertaining result, supported by the beautiful scenery, virgin looking earth with no multimillion concrete landmarks.

The plot or storyline was pretty much related to the future, showing clearly that we haven’t change that much. Zulkifly was the hero winning the precious love of Noraini ahead of the nasty and arrogant son of Penghulu Malik. Malik exploit the powerful influence of his father to take control of the kampong while the father was away. Malik and co’s kidnapped Zulkifly on his wedding day and dump him on one of the island. Everyone knew Malik was the culprit but none wanted to act against the Penghulu’s son especially the old who refused to take action without blessing; “no evidence” said the oldies. There were young rebels but the numbers were just they to be ignored.Oon the other hand it was a typical Malay movie – happy ending.

Does that ring any bell? Isn’t that reflects the situation today? ‘Son of’ and friends are living above the law’s, doing what they want at any time they feel appropriate (only to them). Nobody would stop the perpetrators coz finding evidence is just an impossible theory. The oldies today would prefer to carry on safeguarding what they’ve accomplished, ignoring daylight robberies in the name of ‘blessing’.

Another observation of that movie was the simple fact about ‘tudung’. It is impossible to see anyone in that particular movie wearing tudung, even in the kampong scene, free hair and kebaya – fashion for all. When was the turning point for Malay girls? No doubt it’s for the better but perhaps the reason should be highlighted coz I’m tired seeing people who does not portrays the right behaviors behind the cover up. Stop making the tudung as a meaningless gesture.

Salute to Hail Amir anyway, the silat move was just awesome.

My dad (or Apak in the Perakian way)

2006-08-11T17:12:00.000+08:00

He’s 87 this year, most of his friends are no longer in this world, and few that are still alive is not even fit to stand on their own mostly, lying in bed waiting for the final call. My dad is still strong, strong enough to travel the distance from my sister’s to the nearest coffee shop(about 500m) for his daily ‘teh tarik’ session.

Surviving the British, Japanese, Communist and the Umnos is a big achievement for him, not the materialistic way. He was a farmer, a fisherman, a policeman, a newspaper vendor, an activist and even a construction worker at one time. From radio to black and white tv to the super pretentious Astro satellite tv, my god! He’s been around for a long time.

He used to write letters to me while I was in the UK, with old Malay spelling method, where the letter ‘h’ seems to appear in every word.

Kehadhapan anakanda yang di shayangi,

Belajarlah bershunggoh – shunggoh, kita orang shusah…

I should’ve frame it back then, but enjoying life was the wrong priority of choice, maybe the excitements of being oversea was too much to handle. I did it my way those days, but how I wish for a better plan and execution. Regrets, it is too much to mention. Same goes to my dad, he must have made mistakes along the way, 3 times further than the journey I’ve completed.

He needs someone to talk, someone that can listen to the adventurous journey. My mom was there before she suffered the strokes attack, my sisters were there before they were assigned to attend to my mom’s needs on that bed, I was there before I entered boarding school 17 years ago. We can’t be with him all the time now, but we do our best to spend time whenever we can, be it after work or even weekends.

But sometime that is just not good enough, and he is looking for someone who understands, someone who traveled the distance and survived. They are the heritage and the historians of this country and it is about time the government looks at them and look-up for ways to make them feel needed. Don’t just blame the children’s; stop telling bad things about places of which old folks stays together. Stop building the unnecessary buildings, build up a nice enjoyable parks where old folks can get together, and please don’t tell me they should only be doing ‘ibadat’ at the nearest masjid.

Actors and actresses leading the line of army

2006-07-30T16:49:00.000+08:00

Take a look at NST dated Saturday July 29, you'll see one big photo of a hero leading a pack of demonstrators. The police, stopping the new MAN in town, one of the most powerful young man in Malaysia. His courage, bravery and leadership were well portrayed by the media.

Now, look at the bottom half of that front page, you'll see another photo of a leader, only this time he is a former leader who's no longer in power. The face of this particular leader is not the usual face we've seen before; it is a face of a man in pain, the pain that he never tasted before, not while he was in power.

Next, let us look at the timing of those incidents, same day, and almost at the same time, one in the middle of the city and another one at a place that was long forgotten by the ruling party. A state that’s brave enough, paying large price for a change that never better. Serambi Mekah claimed by the Kelantanese. Could it be coincidence?

Turn to page 22, you’ll see another piece of propaganda, a letter by the same magnificent man you saw on that front page. It’s an open letter from him to Condoleeza Rice, doubt the lady would read it, too insignificant to the superpower. It is about Israel and bravo once again to the hero of the day fighting the battle of david and goliath,two points for him.

Those who have super-powerful camera and those who think they are the natural born photographer (like me and Bidin) would agree on simple fact. The first photo is well prepared shot, turning the lenses to perfect distance ratio, taking clear photo with one objective, none other then to show the photo of that man in the middle. Clear enough to even show the sweat and tears, leaving other genuine protestors looks invisible.

For that second photo, you know that it was a lucky shot, a shot that was chosen from hundreds, with clear contrary objective from the previous event. To make the object look bad, as bad as you can.

Friends and family, enjoy the drama. A series of act from the experts, better then Tom Cruise in MI3. Live from the theater of Bolehland. With big help from the media, the so calls free media.

Is that news? Is that Media? Is that truth?

It’s just a Drama, no difference from ‘PJ Holding’, perhaps in this political drama; the actors are really rich and famous. Are they sincere? God knows.

I’ll send this article to NST, maybe they don’t like the style and the language, but please tell me if is not true and please put it up somewhere in that insignificant column. If they don’t, it is a sad day for me, a day of which my existence is no longer guarantee.

Membebel Aje!!

2006-07-28T10:59:00.000+08:00

On Saturday they’ll be a final concert from the booted AF students! Does that news sound relevant to you? The power of media exceeded the voice of majority and most of the time making entire population does stupid things. I guess that is why EPF decided to buy some stakes in Media Prima. It’s your money and my money as well, more lies to be told? Or more ‘Infotainment’ for the youngsters? or even more SMS trivia? Shutting our ears from the truth and real news.

Hezbollah and Hamas have elected representatives in both Palestin and Lubnan parliaments, but yet the evil Americans labeled them terrorist. Forgetting the fact that bulk of their work is humanitarian. With words of magic and the ugly world of media, we forget about them, more and more money spend on the infotainment rather than the real news.

We don’t talk to Hamas. Nor do we talk to Hezbollah, but yet we claimed that we’re the champion of Muslim world. If the leader of this country has taken the position in which our voice can be heard, things could be different, we could guide the rich Arabs on the battlefield. Material – far more important for us, collecting wealth via lies and corruption is just the easy way out.

Enough about politics, it is frustrating when you can't do anything to change a country, let alone the world. But one thing I can do is to keep on throwing complains after complaints,

I was watching CSI last week, giving endeavored attention to details, predicting the real killer. Suddenly the screen was blue, and the message was clear, no weather girl needed, the rain is coming. By the time CSI was back, Grissom was smiling, and the killer was on his way to prison.

Why don’t we put a stop to this, can we?

Astro, never late in suspending your subscription. Always remember re-connection would cost you RM10 if not more. But how much are we charging them when they fail. Yeah, yeah… they said they cannot do anything about that, its mother earth. But then do you think they’ll give you discount if you’re out of job due to earthquake? I doubt it.

I pay 84.95 every month, assuming 1 month consist of 30 days, 1 minute cost me RM 0.00196 , and let say I’m loosing 60 minutes every month, meaning every month, I’m loosing RM 0.118. It has been 5 years since I signed the subscription contract, the losses due to rain sums up to RM 7.079.

I know it is not that much to you guys, but imagine the situation if every single subscriber claiming the same amount. At 2 million subscribers, the total amount is over 14 million. Enough for us to build a school for children’s in Africa or Acheh!!

Everything that matters

2006-07-23T22:05:00.000+08:00

Quality of Life

What is that? Is it by going to the most expensive restaurant in town? Is it by going to amazing holidays each year end? Subjective but yet indefinable, perhaps someone should really drain the brain for that.

We’re being nourished by evil advertisement via multicolored tube-box, radio, magazines or the large billboards-be it legal or not. To achieve the acceptable quality of life you need to spend more, exponentially with respect to desire, from phone to haircut, you’re in the wicked rank. Catching up is the name of the game, to be seen and to be heard for respects that never genuine. It is a weird world of advertisement, a wife who refused to be shopaholic was rewarded with an expensive necklace by the husband. An absolute horror to hubby, 1-0 to metropolitan mummy.

Israel and petrol price

Where are the rich Arabs? Drinking Arabian coffee while planning the next vacation for coming holiday season? That’s what they do best. Malaysian don’t care, a small press conference by Syed Hamid criticizing the Zionists is good enough to the ‘United State of Ignorance People, unless Siti Nurhaliza Gossip’.

If they can shut the loud old man who used to own Malaysia, who are we to complain? At least we have four more months to enjoy the petrol price, forget about the improvement of public transport – in my hometown they call it ‘janji kosong’.

Halal and Haram

Someone sent me an e-mail on checking halal status with SMS. Sounds good till you know the price you pay per sms - 65 cent, the same price for a nasi lemak in Teluk Intan. Make it 3 meals a day, it is about RM2 per day to eat properly and within the Islamic rules.

What the **ll is this? It used to be common sense, now it’s all about money. What’s next? Doa and Tahlil by the Ustaz via SMS, Jakim must be joking. It is about time to put a stop to this nonsense, making money in the name of religion, ‘Ihklass’ with a price tag.

What Lies Ahead…

Mysterious ending to the Tales of Bolehland, a land coated with honey… oh yeah, it was poured with sugar as well… just perfect if man knows how to share.

Open Letter to Siti Nurhaliza

2006-07-06T16:37:00.000+08:00

dear siti,

I got to ask you Siti, WHY? Why must you spoil the storyline of a beautiful tale, a journey of an ordinary girl working her way to glory through hard work and talent. It was craft to perfection till the day Datuk K came into the chronicles, once again why? Siti why?

You don’t have problem with money, not like the struggling artist who needed a minister to pay for their shopping spree. My friend Asrof from Tabung Haji told me you have million in bank, definitely you don’t need the ‘financier’, you can buy Temerloh, Pekan or even Kuantan with what you have. Let alone the big chance of being an MP, you’ve got everything dear, everything you ever thought impossible.

The glass shattered the day tabloid broke the news, Siti with a Datuk almost twice her age, perhaps love – tribute to Ray Charles (if you know what I mean). Maybe you don’t have option, when he’s the only one available and gentleman enough to draw near. It is hard for any regular Ramli to even ask you out for a drink, definitely too dangerous to cross the forbidden territory.

Let me tell you my version of the story; Once upon a time there was a girl from a small village in Pahang. She was a singer and turn out to be one of the best singers in the country. She made millions through the god gift talent, she doesn’t do drugs, she doesn’t drink, and she’s sexy in her own unique way – no need for that revealing dress. She married an ordinary man, a Phd holder who fought his own way up, climbing the rank through hardship and brain. He’s not rich, just a typical guy who spend most of his free time for charity with regular trip home to lovely parents in between. After the modest reception, they continue to live ever after doing charity, Siti with her free vocal class and Dr. Nizam busy with the free tuition.

yours truly
shahrul azmi

Normal people, and the politician

2006-07-03T09:24:00.000+08:00

If you walk like a politician, sleep like a politician, talk like a politician, eat like politician, shops like a politician or even make love like a politician, you must be someone who have skin thicker than the elephant or perhaps you’re someone who just don’t care about dignity… not all, but most of them.

Look at that Nazri guy, reading newspapers for the past two weeks really makes me sick to the deep end of my stomach, how he’s trying to champion the ugly battle between the two goliaths. Everyone knows that he is no angel, more of a devil’s advocate with Unless Money No Offer policy engraved on that forehead of him.

Really wish that I can go to Australia for holiday, big chance of meeting the number one and his family. That’s how Prime Minister solved national problem, yes by going away on a holiday for fifteen days, no worries about someone looking over the estate, ever loyal son in law is still in town, he’s still busy collecting wealth by buying/selling of companies. Legitimate or not, who are we to have suspicion on the only brilliant kid in town (coz nobody else went to Oxbridge).

Learning to ask no more than what they are willing to give is a skill I’ve developed rapidly throughout the century, both from the school and the government. When the teacher asked me not to wear jeans while in school, I followed like a buffalo. Today when the government asked me to pay the petrol hike I did the same stupid thing. Why? – coz I don’t take risk, a coward maybe. No interesting chronicles of rebellious act or anything, just plain storyline of a boy turning into a man with two kids.

Battle in The Kingdom of Heaven

2006-06-14T16:08:00.000+08:00

Welcome to the unique world where the stupidest are perhaps genius in disguise, opting for misery than the popular outcome living in the Kingdom of so call Heaven to the ruler. Most populace succumbs utterly to the charms of politicians, tucking the non-believer into a prison, from which no escape artist can perform the impossible act.

The old ruler has spoken, and the tribes are divided, leaving the innocents in hell. Friends, do you think they’ll be the same tomorrow? The hands that feeds can be dangerous claws in the future, an as you can only imagine neither figures for the wealth is satisfactory to the greedy bogeys.

Deficit or no deficit, the budget will never change anything of the lower class but surely it’ll benefit the inheritor from the upper class. Sucking till the last drop of oil left by the creator via the ancestor, thinking what’s best for today never tomorrow. Once the oil finished, savings of citizens could last few more years.

No cryptology or code breaker needed to understand the obvious; the two goliaths are desperate, leaving no guarantee to any David’s existence. Fear can be a factor, but what option do we have? Writing, a therapy that works for me.

To my son Danial, sorry for being ignorance, by the time you can read, it’s too late. Making big money and your dad, can never be a positive sentence, but believe me I did try my best to stuff your mind with honesty. Good enough for you to survive, in the kingdom of heaven.

MAiTeam

2006-05-29T10:53:00.000+08:00

A year ago the ‘brilliant kid’ came up with an idea of gathering skillful kids to play a match against Malaysian Team. The hidden agenda was to get the biggest support from grassroots for own political dream. Few phone calls to FAM later the game was no more a fantasy, but he needed money and publicity, the two most important element in influencing public that the idea is well-mannered to the benefit of Malaysian football. Few more phone calls were made, this time to his friend in TV3 (promised him a game at old Trafford) and another to a government link companies, my god it was easy when your father in-law is head of the government.

FAM, adding to their ever stupid reputation, agreed to the match. Thinking that this just another game, and a bunch of amateurs wont do any harm – mistake. Win or loose, they’re in the trap, digging their own grave as everyone would expect them to win. No rewards for a win, but loosing are pure humiliation.

Every week the show portrays desire and passion, normal people chasing the dream of a lifetime, some genuine, but some are not really genuine. Cameras and editing did their work, majority fall for it, supporters grows, and money pouring in for the executive producer. Laughing on the way to the bank, he received a phone call from FAM, “Allo, fren… you team is goodla, what if we send the under 20 team, at least it’s not so bad if they loose. After all they’re better than the big brothers; furthermore they are playing in major finals in September”, followed by a reminder, “Ehhh!, don’t tell your father in law ok..”.

Yesterday we saw the game, saying the football terrible is an understatement, ‘unfriendliness’ was the preferred strategy, silly keeper mistake and two red cards incident was the highlights. At the end, only 17 of the total 32 players survived. FAM under 20 won, are they? Look at the numbers of injury, is it worth it? Luckily they won, if not FAM could have kill these bunch of innocent kids motivation, after so much work done including beating the Manchester United academy.

At the end of it Prime Minister of Malaysia took his time handing out medals to the winner. Is he really into football? Was it because of his son in law? Where was he during the Malaysian Cup final? Isn’t that game is more important? How can he allow Malaysian to hate his own National Team? Land of possibilities, made possible through the ultimate connection and that is the BolehLand.

Weekend and activities

2006-05-22T10:29:00.000+08:00

Ever wonder where to bring the kids on weekend if financially you’re not capable of spending in one of the mall, well Tugu Negara can be worth it. Amazingly adventurous to a kid, “ I saw bigggg man” said Danial.

There’s a park down the small hill, kicking balls with the kids can be entertaining. Bring some food from home, small investment for valuable family activities.

The last time I stand in front of that statue, I was still a small boy. Not big enough to be in school but thanks to my uncle who lives in KL; a trip from Teluk Intan was a big success, enough for me to brag in school the year after.

Frustration towards the system can be painful at times, only your loves one can be the savior, bringing you up from the ever depressive moment and placing honesty back to its place, the real heart. With greatness, come responsibility and making sure they survive in this material world is a big responsibility.

My all

Forget work, they are more than important...

Battle of the two towers

2006-05-19T09:27:00.000+08:00

Teluk Intan, there was much more stories in that leaning tower than the expensive KLCC. Stories about success and failure of humble human being in a town that classified KFC as high class restaurant, Jamal Abdillah to be the all time favorite singer and credit cards can only be eligible to super rich businessman. Those were the days, days of my innocent but ordinary life; where this world was just empty space with unlimited possibilities of excitement.

Daddy didn’t earn much, just as much as the total sum of what his son pays for Astro and phone bills today. No need for car, the ever reliable ‘basikal tua’ traveled thousands of kilometers before making its way to the junkyard or better known as ‘kedai besi buruk’in Teluk Intan giving way to the second hand Honda cup. Family trip was still enjoyable on those non-express busses which stop almost every five minutes meanwhile during emergency there’s always wealthy neighbor with car who wouldn’t hesitate sending us to the hospital as long as the tank was not empty on the way home. We were happy although we do wonder how big was Angkasapuri, how tall was Dayabumi and what Big Mac taste was like.

School days were splendid with none pretentious racial integration, be it in class or during football games. Khoo Tian Soo or Arulpiragasam wouldn’t care about my
skin or status; we were just school boys adoring Mokhtar Dahari and Arumugam whenever we had chance to be on the field after terrific exhilaration of healthy
contest in class. Or else we’ll be hanging in front the school gate, looking as adorable as we can to the sore eyes of school girls next door. There were no Playstation or Astro waiting after school, the best was to have RTM1 starting at 3 pm on Thursday than 5pm on Monday to Wednesday. I was happy with action-pack Gaban and Ultraman fighting the super evil plastic monsters.

Festive seasons were the most awaited time of the year, not that we were excited about the trip to ‘Pasaraya’ for new outfits, it’s the food that we crave the most. It’s the time that I could enjoy the Indian and Chinese food, without having doubt of halal serving. A mutual understanding built on trust and respect; accurately cook to perfection without big ‘rumah terbuka’ banner topping it all.

Journey to the luxurious end to this side of the world was expensive, as expensive as the landmark; Petronas twin towers. An ostentatious city with money topping the popularity chart; be it legal or not having lots of it is a common goal. With KFC falling into the middle class category, no meals can be too expensive; it’s just where you are in the society. Cars are necessity, the more expensive it is, and the more successful you are in public eyes enhancing the possibilities of having opposite gender attraction or so call love at first sight in a materialistic way.

Schools are no longer the place where racial integration takes place; kiasu penetrated the innocent environment leaving no place for sincerity with parents playing catalyst to patronizing student’s behavior. To list 10 names of different races can be impossible when time is so limited for it to happen, tuition classes and playstation is too challenging acquiring most of the time left after school. Football for the Malays, basketball for the Chinese and cricket for the Indians; where on earth can they mingle?

Forget about festive season; most of us will be flocking the highway rushing to be there on time for the celebration leaving kids to mingle within the small circle of family. Are they happy? They should be happy after the amounts of money daddy spend on them. I just wish my kids can experience and learned the hard way like I did, only the stage is different and why not they dictate this stage and not get sucked into the routine games.

When you have so much to loose

2006-05-15T12:31:00.000+08:00

Bin Yusof Enterprise, luckily sharing the same surname is my only resemblance to the Jasin MP, if not it is going to be a disastrous month for me. People can be so stupid when they are trapped in a situation at which the only way out is to let go of what you have. Having two jobs at one time, it does sound like being an MP is a burden and therefore you need ‘part time job’ for extra income. Which is which? Truth lies beyond the parliament controversy.

And then there was this Last Communist story, “just let it go brother”; we’re not stupid bunch of ass licking citizens. Differentiating gold and rubbish is not impossible; at least there is an alternative to the usual dose of trash. The colonial really nailed it to the very deep brain of the inhabitant; kill them all, even the last communist. Why? Don’t ask, just listen and follow. My advice to the director, change the title to Lelaki Sejati Terakhir and get Yusoff Haslam to be in the team, his connection can be profitable.

Last week, I fully utilized the public transport in KL and to my surprise; it was not bad after all. The only problem is just information; the next thing in Pak Lah’s to do list apart from the travel and vacations. Or perhaps the in-law can do it for him, a profitable area to venture.

The only newspaper I read everyday is The Sun, courtesy of security guard on the way out of my apartment every morning. Reading the ‘speak up’ column can be really scary sometimes, wondering when the bomb will explode. Normally it’s the frustration of minority, contrary to what the government want us to belief; multi-racial people in harmony.

I really hope my ‘novel cinta melayu’ can be ready by the end of this month which is pretty much impossible at the current rate of writing. It is hard to write fiction based on true story coz you’ll be exaggerating all the time. Worst of all is to make the hero look good when in real life he’s just nothing more than common people.

Last night Oprah issue was good and I was nailed to the couch watching the entire episode. ‘Stupid girl’ was the term used referring to the bitchy looking celebrities who act stupid in order to look cute, man love it and the girls fall for it. Looking skinny is the current trend, normal man would be spending hours in the gym just to get the ‘hunky’ looks, while women spending thousands at beauty centres. Everybody wants to look good for various reasons and finding the right reason to tell your kids can be very hard. Is it worth it to spend money just for the opposite attraction?, or is it wise to be with a partner who’s attracted to you physically but running away the moment you gain some kilos?

Whatever it is just be yourself and live within your mean.

Back from the new hiding spot

2006-04-27T17:03:00.000+08:00

Not having the luxury of internet connection prevented me from doing the ordinary-expressing frustration on this ugly looking blog. This is the first posting from my newly build office with super high–tech gadget that somehow works in a manner that I don’t really understand, more of sorry and please re login than the usual congratulation.

Tun Ghafar reached the end of a journey few days back, amazingly people will be more popular the moment any doctors pronounced their death. All this while he was left in loneliness, spending golden years on his own, following the entire struggle. After the grand funeral more and more people came up with marvelous praise as if they’re in the late Tun Ghafar’s fan club. I always remember him as an old man who used to be a deputy prime minister.

Down with the first quarter, not much an achievement for me in 2006. It started with full steam but slowly decreasing to harmful bubbles. No critical mission and plan for me, just continuing the plain lazy saga. I wish my novel cinta melayu can be completed by mid-year, surely without any hope of lucrative return.

The heartthrobs, Danial and Deena are the real motivation for me. They are starting to be and more and more interesting in their own way. Wishing me luck every time I walked out the door, and adorable welcome gesture the moment I walk-in; priceless.

NAZA came up with a new model, Sutera. I watched the launching. It is kind of confusing having National car that is imported from Korea and forcing the nation to be proud of it. Another man getting richer yet thousands are suffering due to the inflation. Just watch Bersamamu and you will understand. I’m ok with my Iswara, thanks anyway Pak Lah.

Low Cost Carrier Terminal

2006-04-03T17:01:00.000+08:00

We went to Medan last week; it was a family holiday, 16 of us on the Air Asia air-plane. An exciting journey; but let me tell you about the Low Cost Carrier Terminal before proceeding with stories about Medan.

It is a low cost terminal, nothing more. The services and the facilities is a big statement saying, ‘this is what you get when you pay cheap price ticket’.

The location
Far from the city, the only way to get there with a public transport is to take a bus from KL Central. If you have small children and big luggage you need to add RM120(taxi) into your budget. Unless you wouldn’t mine asking friends to send you there.

Airport food
There’s a McDonalds beside the entrance door, selling the value meals RM3 to RM4 higher than your local McD, why? Apparently ‘airport rate’ is the popular answer, but the set-up and the staff was more the less the same with the outlet in Teluk Intan or even worse (Teluk Intan takde McD). The restaurants floor was slippery due to the food and drinks on the floor along with the small space in between tables which is just good enough for ‘flyweight’ boxer.

Check-in girls
They really hate their job; a conclusion that you can make if you see the staff at the check-in counter. They don’t smile, not even looking at me while asking about the bags and passport. All I can see was their thick-striking-multi colored eye-shadow.

The Restroom
A bit stinky for an airport; but it was ok compared to the toilets in Teluk Intan Bus-Station.

Boarding hall
To all smokers; forget about your fag the moment you checked-in. There’s no smoking room coz it might add another million to the building cost of 108 million. Remember, this is a low cost airport; so bring along your own cheap chair into the boarding gate because the number of chairs are limited. Make sure you bring some books and food into the waiting room; it could be a long-long wait before they open the gate.

I’ll post some photos taken in Medan tomorrow.

An Education System Worthy of Malaysia – Bakri Musa

2006-03-23T14:41:00.000+08:00

That’s a good book to read, the objective is non obvious than overhauling Malaysian’s Education system. But somehow, I wonder what it takes to change the majority through a system, when the majorities have been living in the comfort zone for so long.

'Poor Malay fishermen do not invest in their children’s education not because they do not value education, rather they could not afford to. While education is the key to eradicating poverty, ironically poverty is also the greatest impediment to getting an education.' - Bakri Musa

Skills and knowledge - the key to success… everyone knows that.

What happen if the fisherman work continuously day and night fulfilling his dream of sending jr. to one of the top university, but the son is more interested in joining Akademi Fantasia and becoming Malaysian Idol?

Reading is not the popular hobbies especially to the malays. That is the reason why most Malay students fail to do well in school. Material is the benchmark for success, and therefore seeing Mawi making millions through singing (which is not that well-honestly) will definitely eliminate the desire of giving their best in class.

‘belajar rajin2, besar nanti boleh beli rumah besar, kereta besar, bini pun lawa’ - if that is the motivation line used, forget about overhauling the education system. I’m starting to think why I took engineering…urghh

Family Law in this country

2006-03-09T12:59:00.000+08:00

I got to admit that I'm not well verse about the new/old family law. I've seen my mom working so hard at home while my father went out to fight for some bread on the family table.But after reading the essay Our Own Apartheid by Marina Mahathir, I need to write something about the Lady.

Today, my wife is nothing like that. She's having her own circle of friend, heading her own department in the company, her own time at the beauty centre. Earning more than the husband, paying the same amount of bills, or even more in the house.

What do I do to pay back for all that? I spend most of my time with the family... alternate cooking schedule hubby/wife.. waking up at night whenever the two kids crying..marrying another girl/lady - don't think so because I love my wife more than anything although from time to time I joke about 'bini muda'.

There were time when I went to work with the yellowish turmeric powder stain on my nails... guess who's the one saying 'Tengok orang takut bini, kena masak'... it was the lady.. not so old, around fourty.

What I'm trying to say is that the woman would need to prepare themself, most of the time Marina Mahathir fight for the gender that don't care and don't even wanna change... for them, what their parents did last time was the right thing to do in Islam, without knowing what does the real teaching offers in the first place.

I'm tired to hear the same thing about family law story in this country, it's all about a guy having new wife and a woman being left high and dry by the husband... rationally I want it to be equal but then what can you do if it is not suppose to be equal in the first place...

Give it a few more years, my generation will be wise enough to think... but make sure that the information can be reach by everyone...not just the one who read NST or STAR.

The future is scary

2006-03-02T14:10:00.000+08:00

The petrol is up, and the second man was trying his best to explain that on national tv yesterday. By 2010 it’ll be worst, we’re the importer of oil and country economic situation will be even worse.

What will happen to the country then?12 million cars on the road today, what will be the numbers by then?

The cake is getting smaller, but the politicians are still hungry for more and more. Who can stop them? Hopefully the seniors, coz nobody listen to 30 year old kid… unless that 30 year old kid married to the Abdullah’s…sadly we can’t rely on him.

I'm left with maggie...

I don’t know the leader of this country before Tun Mahathir… I kind of wonder why they are carrying the flag ‘Takkan Melayu Hilang Didunia’ in Batu Pahat last weekend… a celebration remembering Dato’ Onn?..isn’t he’s the one who proposed Parti Negara?UMNO and Parti Negara?…can someone advice me on this.

The X and Y generation is crying for help from the generation before. It is the results of education system that were introduced while the seniors were at their prime…Look at us now, we’re the products of bad production line… who to be blame? The line leaders? or is it the workers himself, who failed to follow instructions.

Scary seeing my two kids grow. Should I start with a rotan? Should I start with drama class, horse-riding, swimming lesson, kumon and whatever classes that cost fortune to mommy?Or should I start with government own religious school?

An open letter to the oldies

2006-03-01T11:42:00.000+08:00

Dear Oldies,

The ignorance of youngsters(the one below 30) is really bad for the nation. Politics, NEP or even religion are not the popular topic of discussion, it’s all about soccer and cars…

reading - forget about it, they would prefer buying an expensive sound system for the car then a 29.90 bestseller… talking about meritocracy among malay friends are like sticking a large sticker on my forehead - pengkhianat -

so what do I do? surfing the internet, bookmarking site like this one… where would I go from here?I don’t know… becoming one of the silent majority or should I say silent minority… when will the minority become majority? once again, I don’t know..

a slave, working hourly for food and shelter… that is who I am. The sad thing is, the master can’t even guarantee my existence as they continue acquring new land for their children…

at least the oldies(like my father who is 87) are enjoying their golden years looking back at the journey they’ve completed…as for me, the long winding road ahead is far from over.

Sincerely,

Shahrul Azmi

Hockey Game

2006-02-20T17:40:00.000+08:00

Last night I played in a friendly hockey match, 'Teluk Intan old boys'-my team playing againts 'Ipoh old boys'. There were Indians,Malay Chinese and Sikh in my team... we were good friends back home during school days and we are even closer now... we played hockey together every weekend.... We'll always have this time-out the moment we heard prayers call from mosque nearby... Padhma, Steven Lee or even Manjit never complain... we(the muslim) will ask them if it is ok to stop..."yeah!" the answer each and everytime...

I assume they really ok with the decision to respect the call for prayer...but when I read some bad comments on Muslims in Malaysia-today, I started to think - what if my non-muslim friends were the same?... and they just keep their comments to them self and blast it off in a blog? Would they? I don't think so because we have being together for so long and we understand each other...

They will know that we won't be saying bad things about their religious; they will know that their muslim friends wouldn't stop them from eating their favorite pork or beef...as long as they respect our religion and we respect theirs...

I hate those people who spark racial and religious comments in the internet, they thought they are being liberal but yet their blasting on matters that they don’t even understands… I’m lucky coz most of my non-muslim friends are no where near the ignorance psycho… and to my Muslim friends - we will need to respect others as well…

Sorry, if this is not a good thing to talked about…

Daily life as usual for me…Supermak is still ill but recovering…my son Danial enjoying his days and showing interest in hockey(yeaahh!)… and Qasdeena – my lovely daughter are throwing more words everyday…

My wife – she’s the busy mother nowadays… working hard at the office…and working hard at home with no salary…as for me I’m enjoying my hockey game every Sunday…

Dari kaca-mata suami

2006-02-06T16:22:00.000+08:00

12 Disember 2005
Shahrul Azmi

Dari kaki-bola hingga ke kaki-perempuan, lelaki yang bergelar suami kadangkala adalah mahkluk yang mudah difahami namun terlalu sukar untuk di takluki. Seringkali wanita bergelar isteri disuapkan dengan tip-tip penjagaan suami dari pakar psikologi termashur yang kebanyakannyan dari jantina yang sama, perempuan. Sejauh mana tip dan panduan ini berkesan untuk pasangan suami-isteri moden yang terlalu berpegang kepada kuasa teknologi dan manual, hanya tuhan yang tahu. Mungkin sudah terlampau ramai suami nakal yang bijak memanipulasi kepercayaan isteri kepada kelaziman, sentiasa terelepas dengan alasan yang mudah dipercayai isteri tetapi menjadi bahan ketawa di kalangan suami dan rakan-rakan. Rungutan isteri terhadap kesukaran dan kedegilan suami merubah tabiat buruk zaman bujang mungkin timbul kerana kurang faham isteri terhadap tabiat suami yang telah disalah faham. Tulisan ini tidak akan mengubah pendirian dan ilmu yang telah anda yakni kaum isteri pelajari, ianya sekadar memberi pemahaman yang berbeza terhadap kelakuan, gerak geri dan emosi suami anda. Ia bukan saja mendedahkan rahsia dan modus operandi suami kelentong metropolitan, namun ia juga penting buat si isteri dalam merangka langkah bijak menambat hati suami.

Tabiat suami

Tabiat suami pada dua bulan pertama perkahwinan sering disalah anggap oleh kaum hawa. Mereka sering menyangka yang itulah perangai sebenar suami tersayang. “ Masa mula-mula kahwin dia rajin tolong I kat rumah,” dialog sedih isteri moden yang menyangka suaminya telah berubah. Biar saya betulkan, suami yang malas tidak pernah berubah, dia hanya kembali kepada tabiat lama yang telah ditinggalkan seketika bila memasuki alam perkahwinan. Kelakuan ‘baik’ ini pasti hilang apabila mereka mula melihat rakan-rakan yang sudah lama berkahwin melabelkan kelakuan suami mithali sebagai suami yang takut bini.

Jangan terlalu mengharap bantuan suami dirumah sebagai kemestian sebaliknya jadikan suasana itu sebagai bonus kerana anda bijak memilih suami, puji setiap pertolongan yang diberikan dan elakkan kutukan serta perbandingan sekiranya suami tidak membantu meringankan beban dirumah. Ganjaran buat suami terhadap kebaikan yang mereka lakukan perlu diteruskan, lakukan perkara yang disukai suami seperti masakan ataupun layanan istimewa di bilik tidur. Suami yang pada mulanya melakukan kerja dirumah demi ganjaran akan lama kelamaan menganggap kerja-kerja itu sebagai rutin yang mengasikkan, pada ketika itu anda kaum hawa boleh tersenyum girang

Now and then

2006-01-20T17:15:00.000+08:00

A 7th year old girl in Puchong now…

7.00 am – off to school

7.30 am to 1.00 pm – Sekolah Kebangsaan

In between – lunch

2.30 pm to 5.30 pm – Sekolah Agama

6.00 pm till maghrib – playtime

8.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Tuition class

10.30 pm – bedtime ….zzz

A 7th year old boy in Teluk Intan back then…

7.00 am – off to school

7.30 am to 1.00 pm – Sekolah Kebangsaan

1.00 pm till maghrib – eat, play, watch tv, play and play

8.00 pm to 10.00 pm watching Tekaria, The A team, Macgyver, Airwolf and many more

10.30 pm tidor..zzz

which one produce better result?

Lesson on being Nice

2006-01-14T13:13:00.000+08:00

It is amazing that people would do the unbelievable stuff just to get money. Why are these people so desperate? Depriving the poor are no different from a mega robbery to the crook living in this country. From politicians to drug addicts along the streets, evil conquered them all.

Scene 1 – Day 1

While my sister cleaned the porch, someone approached the gate.

Hasan : Assalamualaikum kak, tu kipas angin kat depan rumah akak tu tak pakai ke? Kalau nak repair boleh saya tolong repairkan. Saya bagi harga murah je kak.
Peace be upon you sister, all the old fans in front of your house need repairing? I can do it at a small fee.

Nyah : Takpelah.
No, thanks

Hasan : Tu yang kat dalam bilik tu sape dan sakit apa?(sambil memanjangkan tengkuk meninjau kedalam).
Who’s that patient in the room? (While peeking)

Nyah : Tu mak saya, dia sakit stroke. Dah lumpuh sebelah badan.
My mom, paralyze due to stroke.

Hasan : Ye ke Kak? Mak saya pun macam tu jugak dulu, alhamdulillah dah sihat sekarang. Khasiat minyak urut beli dari India, sekarang kat Kelana Jaya pun boleh dapat ubat tu. Akak nak ke ubat tu, sebotol RM45 je, kalau nak bagi duit saya belikan
Is it? My mom used to suffer from that as well, thank god there’s this medicine brought from India. RM45, if you get it in Kelana Jaya. Just give me the money; I’ll get it for you.

Nyah : Takpelah, suami saya takde kat rumah.
No thanks. My husband is not in.

Scene 2 – Day 4

Hasan : Assalamualaikum!!
Peace be upon you!!

Nyah : W’salam, ye kenapa.
Peace be upon you too, yes anything?

Hasan : Kak, ni ada saya belikan ubat itu hari. Cubalah kak.
I brought the medicine.

Nyah : Berapa nak kena bayar?
How much?

Hasan : Alah! Akak bayar je harga ubat RM45, saya ihklas je belikan.
Just pay for the med. RM45.

Nyah : Oklah, nah RM50, lebih tu ambik jelah.
Take this 50 and keep the change.

Hasan : Cubalah kak ye, kita ikhtiar je.
Try it and wish for the best.

Scene 3 – Day 7

Hasan : A’kum!!
Peace be upon you

S. Azmi: W’salam, ye nak ape tu?
Peace be upon you too, yes?.

Hasan : Akak ade kat rumah bang?
Is your sister in?

S. Azmi: Takde, kenapa?
Nope, anything?

Hasan : Saya yang bawakkan minyak untuk makcik hari tu, ni nak tanyalah apa khabar mak abang tu?
I’m the one who brought that medicine for your mom. What’s the progress like?.

S. Azmi : Ooo… ada gak saya dengar cerita tu, tak taula kakak saya dah sapu ke belum minyak tu kat mak.
Ooo…I don’t know whether they’ve used it.

Hasan : Ye ke? Takpelah macam tu, bolehke kalau saya nak tengok mak abang tu?(sambil berjalan masuk ke rumah)
Is it? Can I just look at your mom.( while walking in)

S. Azmi : Boleeeh, apalah pulak salahnye.
Ok, why not?

Di dalam bilik…
In the room…

Hasan : Kesian makcik ye, sabarlah. Mak saya pun macam ni jugak dulu. (sambil mengurut kaki mak)
Be strong Makcik, my mom used to suffer.( comforting my mom)

S. Azmi : Yelah, sabar jelah yang termampu.(sambil mengelap Mak dengan kain basah)
Yes, that’s all we can do for the time being

Hasan : Saya tolong orang buat rumah kat belakang sana tu, rumah orang cina. Usahkan air masak, air paip pun tak dibaginya. Boleh tak bang kalau nak mintak air minum sikit?
Can you get me something to drink?

S. Azmi : Booleeh, kejap saya ambilkan ye. (sambil berjalan ke dapur)
Ok.( off to the kitchen)

Ketika saya sedang menapis air kopi di dapur, tiba-tiba…
While preparing coffee…

Vroooom!! Kedengaran bunyi motor memecut laju bersama-sama telefon bimbit pemberian isteri kesayanganku….
Vhhhrooouum!! Bye-bye to my mobile- a gift from my lovely wife.

Happy New Year

2006-01-06T16:54:00.000+08:00

Time was flying at Mach 1 (mach 1 = 340.29 m / s) last year, one minute I was sleeping and the next minute I was back to bed, basically there was no great achievement last year. Work as usual from 8 to 5 without any profitable outcome, lucky that my family members are there when I needed them the most.

Let me share you this email from my friend Saz who’s undergoing her PHD course down under,

hi...
I'm in antartica right now...tell me if u need any pixs from
here...will be sending u some anyway...i'm on yahoo IM at
sazlinasalleh...
cheers
saz

nice photo from the artic..

Good for her, her daily job is by far more exciting than the things I do in the office everyday… Antartica? Not in a million years for me bro…

My drastic solution to last year problems will be none then the obvious - other New Year resolutions. Achievable or not I don’t care, at least I’m trying. I've been a wage serf all my life and next year won’t be any different. Materialism is not a formula for happiness. Human life is short. We are born with nothing, and we die with nothing… soothing.

My Goal for 2006

1. Adopt healthy lifestyle by following the diet I printed out from internet two years ago and continue playing soccer everyday when it’s not raining.

2. Spend more time reading quran everyday (or should I say start reading the quran.)

3. Less cigarette…cut down to pack of 10’s a day

4. Come to work early everyday, or on time at least.

5. Start saving money for my family holiday, so that I can stop ‘berangan’ while watching the travel channel.

6. Not to miss any episode of CSI, Lost, MI and House.

7. Spend more time at the swimming pool or the park with Danial and Deena.

8. Pay back Jaja’s money

9. Finish all the projects at home such as the garden and aquarium.

10. Continue giving all I can to make my Supermak and Superbapak happy.

Those are things that I can think off for the moment, other than that will be one big bonus.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
‘Mahatma Gandhi’

I miss Teluk Intan...

Next week Hari Raya Qurban, no plan yet…maybe a journey back to Juaseh. To all my muslim friends ‘Selamat Aidiladha’.

An open letter to pusat zakat

2005-12-20T10:15:00.000+08:00

Reference: shahrulazmi.blogspot

December 20, 2005

Pusat Pungutan Zakat
Seluruh negeri-negeri di Malaysia

Attn: Pegawai pungutan zakat

Tuan:Penjelasan Cara Pengagihan Wang Zakat.

Merujuk kepada perkara di atas saya selaku penyumbang wang zakat ingin memohon jasa baik pihak tuan untuk memberi penjelasan terhadap cara penngagihan wang zakat di sekitar Negara ini,

2. Sekiranya pengahihan berlaku dengan adil dan menyeluruh kenapa terdapatnya golongan miskin yang hidup didalam kesusahan dan kedaifan, ini dapat dilihat setiap minggu di dalam rancangan Bersamamu terbitan TV3.

3. Pantauan terhadap rakyat miskin perlu di adakan secara terus menerus dan tulus, sekiranya jumlah pegawai tidak mencukupi. Wajar diadakan penambahan pegawai dan perlu ditingkatkan motivasi mereka.

4. Pihak pungutan zakat perlu mengambil langkah yang lebih drastik mungkin dengan mempelajari teknik terbaik daripada TV3 sendiri.

5. Pembayar zakat perlu dimaklumkan dari masa ke semasa tentang aktiviti pusat zakat melalui risalah bulanan yang effisen seperti mana effisennya potongan zakat pendapatan berjadual bulanan bagi kakitangan kerajaan.

Segala kerjasama dari pihak tuan didahului dengan ribuan terima kasih. Tujuan surat ini bukanlah untuk mencari kesalahan ataupun membuat kira-kira terhadap zakat yang diberi tetapi untuk menghilangkan rasa was-was terhadap wang zakat yang diberi setiap kali menonton rancangan reality TV berkaitan dengan kemiskinan. Sekiranya pengurusan zakat memerlukan perbelanjaan yang terlampau tinggi, biarlah wang zakat itu diberi sendiri oleh pemberi kepada mereka yang memerlukan.
Sekali lagi, terima kasih.

Yang benar,

Mohd Shahrul Azmi Mohamad Yusoff

Where does it goes? It's so sad to watch the poor every week on that TV3 program.
They never miss to deduct the monthly zakat from your pay but what they use it for? I'm not a 'tangkai jering' but it is a disgrace seeing the poor malay.

Living under the transmission line when most of the rich living in a 10 to 15 rooms bungalow and dining in one of the fancy restaurant, spending hundreds every night.

Calling all friends-the good samaritans, let us do something about the poor. We sit down and discuss... call me at this number 0126788658.

Thursday blues...

2005-12-01T14:37:00.000+08:00

70 peratus wanita profesional tidak berkahwin

KUALA LUMPUR 30 Nov. - Lebih 70 peratus daripada wanita profesional di negara ini memilih untuk tidak berkahwin berikutan dilema yang terpaksa dihadapi dalam membuat pilihan antara kerjaya dan keluarga….Utusan Malaysia

To all my solo friends, especially the ‘over lajak bujang’, take this opportunity.

Another week, same old hari raya story… open house and makan, last week was at Raz's, this week Imelda… hopefully I’m free, it’s not that I’m busy with work or doing anything related to the office… it’s my SuperMak who still not that ok…

Few days earlier I got a wedding invitation card and kind of irritated with the content, sorry… kenkawan, please if one day any of you become Prof or obtain other academic achievement, don’t put it on your invitation card… u don’t need to print something like Datuk Prof Ir Dr Sipolan bin Sipolan … they call it ‘bragging’!

The girl in that photo is Rose Chan, ask anyone who’s fifty and above, they’ll tell you story about the legend…exotic dancer during the 60’s and 70's in Malaysia… yes Malaysia.

Too late for hari raya wishes?

2005-11-24T14:45:00.000+08:00

That’s the family I’ve always dreamt of, a father, a mother, a son and a younger daughter… like the one in the ad. It was a moderate Raya celebration due to my mom recent illness but anyway we did have some fun.

My mom’s recovering at a very slow rate and that is no surprise when u’r 72, thank you so the very much to my two sisters (Nyah and Yang), they are the one who spend most of their time taking care of her.

We (my family of four) went to some houses, friends and family during syawal. My two little angels are enjoying their income during syawal-duit raya. Put it in the savings and it could be useful during the rainy days.

A friend of mine, Brian Sitamulaho ‘the Zambian hero’ caught me by surprise when he asked about my mom’s condition. Thanks to the blogging technology, he got to know about the tragedy thru my blog.(at least)

Abdul Rahim is back in town, coming back for good I guess? Look me up bro, futsal or snooker?

I’m writing my fisrt ‘novel cinta melayu’, don’t laugh please. At least I’m trying to come up with something. Moral support from friends pretty much needed!!.

Lastly, I wanna wish everyone SELAMAT HARI RAYA& MAAF ZAHIR BATIN

SuperMak

2005-11-16T14:40:00.000+08:00

9 October 2005, our family routines transform when my 72-year-old mother suffered the dangerous stroke attack. A month in the hospital, she was in great pain and till this day the right side of her body paralyzed. Food intakes thru tubes, passing urine thru CBD are parts of the complication.

Mak never complain about any of the tasks she performed as a super housewife, every morning she woke up early performing her solah… from then onward she work and work hard to make sure everyone in the house will be in high spirits, my dad with his demanding diet, we (the kids) with our own needs… how does she cope with all that? God knows…

Having born and live to see your dad and mom approaching their golden age, I try to prepare myself with the strength within hoping that I’ll be ready when it’s the undeniable time for them. But what happen to my mother on that day prove me wrong… U can never prepare yourself to see your loves one suffers. Sad, angry, disbelieve and many more feelings that can’t be describe roars in your brain and the only solution is to pray and pray for her.

Thanks to all family members, friends and relatives for the time and assistance. Mak is still weak but slowly recovering, she’s at my Nyah’s house in Klang with my dad on her side. Any of you can visit her whenever you have the time but the least we can do – pray for her.

What time is it?

2005-10-07T08:30:00.000+08:00

Remember those days? I have to share this photo with U guys...

Image from Berita Harian

Tiring but yet the reward will be there during hari raye...

Ramadan Al-Mubarak

2005-10-06T16:18:00.001+08:00

Perak Kalah… my biggest disappointment for September. Simple advice to the local fanatics – don’t brag about your team at the office before a game, they’ll deliver you the ‘smack’ on the next day if things don’t go your way. I was on the receiving end for the entire week, having to stare at the Selangor Flag everyday and few cynical remarks in my perakian pronunciation …’apa nak buat yeop’? My theory is simple, there are some hanky-panky stuff going on in FAM…

Puasa time once again…tarawih at night, I got to say this is the most relaxing month in Muslim calendar. Proper dinner everydays, completion of necessary prayers are most likely a reality and many more good behaviors that automatically slip-in our daily life during this holy month.

At first the entire mosque will be jam-packed, give it a week before these people starts emptying the mosque and off to the buffet in one of the hundreds restaurants around KL including me. It is more a culture than religious thing for some of us.

Make your way to pasar Ramadan…there’s one about five minute walk from my house, thousands recipes and trying all of it is almost impossible… one thing I like about Tmn Tun Pasar Malam is the amount of celebrities flocking around and dress up a bit too much for the occasion.

Danial and Deena was a bit sick last week, with fever and bad cough at night. The antibiotics are starting to work so hopefully they’ll be good by the end of the week… wish u guy’s selamat berpuasa….

Just another week...

2005-09-20T16:19:00.000+08:00

A while since my last posting, it was a busy week… business proposal for some companies… rumors of replacement for my department and playing host to my visiting brother…

www.flickr.com

Shahrul Azmi's Nanjing, China photoset

iklan…

Everyone in the office knows about my obsessions towards football and especially my local team… Perak… this weekend we’ll be playing in the FA Cup final against Jawa team- Selangor…unfortunately I wont be there coz I’ll be going to Juaseh for a Kenduri, it’s an important occasion for my wife…got to give full support for the love one..

Deena’s party was a success (thanks to jaja)… thank you to all the supportive parents and friends… Nassis, Mat Su, Shah, Airol and many more… Thank you, hopefully u guys enjoy the food … did u try the lepat labu?

Congratulation to Angah, my nephew who recently proclaimed the title Doktor Gigi from UKM, hopefully u can do some repairs to this uncle… at least my smiles will not be that bad…

Lately my close friends are so into studio jamming (a bit too old I guess), they invited me to play some instrument but they came to a conclusion that music is not my kind of thing. Earlier they came up with that remarks during karaoke session – Chairman, Tempo Chairman Tempo…. Imagine if the lyrics sorting is not there in the Karaoke video, I would not know when to start…arggh!! Better stick to musabaqah.

Lastly, I wanna share this photo of my father and mother and their newspaper stall. To my son and daughter, this is Atok & Opah sacrifization…

Kedai Pak Usop

Birthday Party!!!

2005-09-08T19:47:00.000+08:00

About 4 month after the birth of my first son Danial, my wife was pregnant once again (and it is not wise to do so after a caesarian birth of the first)…on the 3rd month of pregnancy, Jaja(my wife) had a very bad bleeding that scares me to death…

After 9 month of easier said than done pregnancy, she gave birth to Qasdeena, our pretty angel that completed the happy family – like you always watch in the ad…

As I said before, time flies tremendously fast, she’s one and my wife is so busy preparing a birthday party for the little angel…a small one for the family and friends… any of you reading, come over please…

I remember when I was small, birthday party is not a trend… back then there was no celebration…the day past without anyone noticing…but yet I’m not sad or unhappy with it, coz the culture was not known to the old folks…

How lucky are kids these days! Daddy and mommy will always eager to celebrate… big party (with clown and jumping castle) for the rich or just a small ‘makan2’ for the normal people…

Really hope most of my family & friend can make it… not much of a party, just a small gathering for the parents and play-time for the kids…

One of the special menus will be ‘lepat-labu’, my mom specialty-waiting to be inherited by my wife…yummy…that’s how you describe the sensation…

Hopefully one day Qasdeena and Danial realize how much we luv them, we don’t expect them to be good at everything, be a good Muslim …

I wonder how?

2005-09-07T19:00:00.000+08:00

I just don't know how he did it? This December my dad will be 85, till this day he woke up early in the morning and continue with 3 laps marathon around the football field in front my sister's house...

When I was small my dad policy on his diet is simple, no outside food except for satay(only if someone in the family came up with flying colours report card)...

Can I be like him? I don't think so... waking up every morning is a big struggle... Subuh prayer depending on my mood... no exercise except walking to the car... food intake...tremendously unhealthy...macamana tu?

An open letter to Monday

2005-09-06T20:51:00.000+08:00

Dear Monday ,

Why do I feel so bored going to work on your day? Is it the same for every single working people? Is it gonna be like this for the whole life? I know you can’t answer all these stupid questions but please…please cheer me up coz I’m so the bosan…

It was a busy weekend for me, wedding on Saturday…a tiring football fiesta under the extra-shining sun on Sunday and a long walk around the pasar malam with heavy bags on my left and DannyBoy on the right...as if all those were not enough, the ever reliable air-cond in our room declared a mogok on the same night…why? why?

I really hope for a better tomorrow, maybe more money will come flying to me so that I can have weekend get-away next week… or my boss suddenly come to me with a promotion letter… or someone call me up for a free lunch… maybe just maybe…

hmm..but hold on..today is TUESDAY!!! Oh gosh sorry I blame you Monday coz actually I had a fun day on your day..MC from the Klinik!!!!!!

Sincerely

Shahrul Azmi

TGIF once again...

2005-09-02T10:29:00.000+08:00

Time flies really fast when I'm having fun and ever so slowly when I'm so miserable. The faster times flies, the nearer we are to our graves.... graves??? pretending that I'm not listening when people talk about 'mati' is my short term solution to my ever fluctuating graph of Iman...

I know that I'm gonna need to change... my two kids are growing up and i need to be the good example... why is it so hard for me to take the five minutes walk, 3 minutes drive or 2 minutes ride to the TTDI mosque... Lalai dengan keduniaan kot... I'll try...

Tomorrow we'll be having some fun at Sunway Lagoon resort(thanks to my generous in-laws) and on Sunday I'll be playing football in a competitive manner, its the Sirim Inter Department tournament... be there if you wanna see some ugly action...

Ayah still 'hutang' Danial a bicycle for his birthday... and I still don't know what to get for Qasdeena... whatever it is they are my 'buah-hati'..including the mother.

Another Merdeka Day Celebration

2005-09-01T16:34:00.000+08:00

Just another normal day at the office ...surfing the Internet looking for an entertaining stuff to read... not much… anyway try this blog anson warrior

Spend the Merdeka day watching TV... as usual the Merdeka parade!! It's amazing seeing how the government spends millions just for the 3 hours parade and among the thing that I hate are the two commentators that really suck!! Or should I say suckers!! Sorry, the emotional shahrul talking.

Opss! It was my wedding anniversary yesterday; no big celebration just hugs and kisses to my wife... This is the 3rd year and hopefully it'll last forever and ever... thanks to my wife for taking care of me which is not much different from the two kids... so the very loveulah shayang ...

Nassis and Mas, thanks for the wishes and guess what? You guys send the SMS before we did to each other...

To any of my friend reading this blog, this month is not the suitable time for any un-free activities ... my pocket is a bit 'kempis' due to the recent visit to Kelantan...

Family trip to Kelantan

2005-08-25T18:10:00.000+08:00

The trip to Kelantan was a good one... we spend most of the time at my eldest bro place. Things are not that cheap over there but amazingly food are much cheaper than usual, imagine every morning I had Nasi Dagang the original for only a ringgit - complete with ayam goreng... Jaja (my lovely wife) break her own guinness record in Kelantan by wearing sarung batik for almost every night in a week... which you can hardly see in KL.
Congratulation to my friend Riz for the new baby Arianna, welcome to the exciting but challenging world of parenthood- which we took the express train with Danial and Deena
My mak and bapak are back in KL after spending 5 month in Kelantan, so mom's meal everyday for me...and I'm back on the motor-bike to work due to the sky high price of petroleum... and to Rahim and Imelda-can't wait to see u guys in KL...
and Nassis try to delay the curfew at your in-laws to 12 -hehehehe

Had a good week, here are some photos I took... getting better at it kot.

The fantasy of Akademi Fantasia

2005-08-10T17:18:00.000+08:00

Why Mawi? What is so good about him...winning almost a million on that anti climax and pretty much boring night for the non-believer of this Mawi cult- bigger than Ayah Pin. It's not his fault but perhaps the follower should be the one to blame i.e the fanatics bunch of people in channel 15(Astro).I wonder what's the total amount of money collected through the program and surely Astro is the absolute winner of this popularity contest.
Malaysian are so easy to be influenced by the media and rumors, some of the Mawi supporters didn't even watch him perform until the final concert!! Why don't they sms the Bersamamu number, at least some of the poor kids can have chicken for dinner I'm 100% supporting that statement by Najib� stop the nonsense� no more fantasy to the kids�tell them the reality of life�

2005-08-09T16:23:00.000+08:00

Jerebu...tempat aku mencari makan seharian dilanda jerebu. Ingat...bebudak semua jangan main kat luar..

Notice anything interesting in the figure??....

2005-08-04T15:58:00.000+08:00

Beware of the giant killer - credit card

2005-08-02T16:14:00.000+08:00

House (RM500)
Car Loan (RM500)
Food on the table (RM450)
Petrol (RM250)
Parents (RM300)

That entire amount arithmetically sums up to RM2000 a month and that is basically what you pay every month as a young and not so stylish bachelor..the basic salary for a fresh graduate would be around this figure and imagine going to work everyday just to pay for all the stuff without having to think about the cigarette, parking, movies, coffee bean and new wardrobe yet. It is terrifying, but not much you can do apart from saying yes to the credit card (the killer of financial freedom). My advice to the recently graduated youngsters, be sensible and set your priority straight so that you wouldn’t be in the same mess like the one before you.

Petrol is up

2005-08-01T14:58:00.000+08:00

Once again the price of petrol is up. What shall I do now? Things are getting more and more unaffordable but yet it is necessary in this life!! How on earth can some people spend thousands on clothing and hundreds more ‘lepak-ing’ at the Coffee Bean or any other places that as expensive. The simple solution to my petrol problem is to get back on the motorbike and vrooomm all the way to the office, but that will increase the risk of spending hours sheltering from the rain. Arrghhh!! Why can they (the government) continue with the LRT or commuters line? or repair the buses services-so that I can take the most relaxing journey to work everyday and eliminate the tortures monthly car installment.

2005-07-25T13:19:00.000+08:00

A pleasant view from my hotel room in Genting...(family weekend)

GDP and Inflation - what's that....

2005-07-22T17:52:00.000+08:00

I kind of wonder what's the formula for GDP calculation and the inflation rate,so i managed to get the simple formula using an understandable example shown below;

GDP and CPI Calculations

Key Concept:
If you want to measure the change in quantity over the span of a year you have to hold the prices fixed. If you want to measure the change in prices over a year you have to hold the quantity fixed.

Good/Year Quantity of Beef Price of Beef Quantity of Corn Price of Corn Quantity of Computers Price of Computers
2000 100 $2 300 $1 50 $5
2001 150 $2 400 $1.5 60 $7
2002 150 $3 500 $2 70 $8

Calculating Nominal GDP
Nominal GDP measures both the change in prices and the change in quantity. To calculate the change in nominal GDP from year to year we must calculate the cost of all goods produced in any one given year using the prices of that year and measure the percent change from year to year.

2000: 100*$2 + 300*$1 + 50*$5 = $750
2001: 150*$2 + 400*$1.5 + 60*$7 = $1320
2002: 150*$3 + 500*$2 + 70*$8 = $2010

The numbers in bold represent the cost of all goods produced in the indicated year. To measure percent change from one year to the next you use the following formula:
(Value in year 2 – Value in year 1)/Value in year 1 *100%
Therefore the calculation for the percent change in Nominal GDP from year 2000 to 2001 would be (1320-750)/750 * 100% = 76%
This means that nominal GDP grew at a rate of 76% from 2000 to 20001.
From 2001 to 2002 the calculation of Nominal GDP looks as follows:
(2010-1320)/1320 *100% = 52.27%
Remember when calculating Nominal GDP to allow both prices and quantity to vary.

Calculating Real GDP
Real GDP measures the change in quantity produced. In order to measure the change in quantity produced we fix the price of all goods being produced. We use the prices of the goods in whatever base year is decided. For our calculations we will use 2000 as a base year. This means that for all our calculations the price of beef will be $2, the price of corn $1 and the price of computers $5. In order to find the value of all goods produced in a given year we take the sum of the 2000 values of all goods produced in any given year.

2000: 100*$2 + 300*$1 + 50*$5 = $750
2001: 150*$2 + 400*$1 + 60*$5 = $1000
2002: 150*$2 + 500*$1 + 70*$5 = $1150

To calculate the percent change we use the same formula that we used before.
Percent change from 2000 to 2001 would be:
(1000-750)/750 * 100% = 33.3%
Percent change from 2001 to 2002 would be:
(1150-1000)/1000 * 100% = 15%

This means the economy grew at a rate of 33.3% in 2000 and a rate at 15% in 2001.
Remember that when you want to measure the change in quantity produced, you must keep the prices fixed.

Calculating the GDP Deflator:
To calculate the GDP deflator you simply take the Nominal GDP and divide it by the Real GDP and multiply by 100. This will measure the growth of prices in the economy.

GDP Deflator for
2000: (750/750) *100 = 100
2001: (1320/1000) * 100 = 132
2002: (2010/1150) * 100 = 175

Note that your base year GDP Deflator should have a measurement of 100 since the prices used in the Nominal GDP calculation and the Real GDP calculation were the same. If you don’t have a GDP Deflator of 100 for your base year, try your calculations again.

Next to calculate the inflation rate one can calculate the percent change from year to year using the above mentioned formula.
Percent change from 2000 to 2001:
(132-100)/100 * 100% = 32%
Percent Change from 2001 to 2002:
(175-132)/132 * 100% = 32.6%

Note that this is only one measurement of inflation. Later we will go on to discuss another measurement, CPI. The main difference is that the GDP Deflator measures the change in prices of all goods while the CPI measures the change in prices of a specific basket of goods which consumers are likely to purchase.

Older and wiser

2005-07-20T19:35:00.000+08:00

I'm 29 today!!
Remember this
Wealth = Activity x (Skill + Knowledge)

so working hard is the key factor......

2005-07-20T19:27:00.000+08:00

too old for the celebration...I'm 29 today.. Thanks to my wife for the cake

Lunch at Khalifah

2005-07-19T14:11:00.000+08:00

What a lunch we had, my two friends enjoying the puff thinking about the next move,I wonder how much money they've spend at this Khalifah section 7 restaurant.. Could it be 5% of their total salary? Ask them,Amirud-din and Izhar

2005-07-19T10:13:00.000+08:00

Nobel laureate and world-leading expert on the workings of memory pills - Eric Kandel... I'm gonna need his help... lately I can't even remember where i left my car key....

2005-07-18T20:59:00.000+08:00

Spring in Paris..

2005-07-18T20:51:00.000+08:00

Bonjour.....

Balik Kampung

2005-07-18T20:46:00.000+08:00

Danial enjoying his day as a kampung dude...

2005-07-18T20:38:00.000+08:00

balls heaven yeah....

2005-07-18T20:13:00.000+08:00

Danial...so into camera...but the sister.... not the promo type...

London Attacked!!

2005-07-18T14:26:00.000+08:00

Reading through the daily newspaper, I came across the London bombing story- ‘4 kids were on their way into Luton station’ – was the picture of the day. These are the so-called terrorists who sacrificed their youth or even worst -their life for the struggles of others. In the past few days Tony Blair and his best friend Bush are trying so hard to promote their plan to stop this kind of attack- what will they do? Bomb any nation that can’t fight back…make sure it’s a Muslim country coz it is easier to explain once the world question their move. I’m not an extremist but I need to make my stand, killing the innocent is wrong! It doesn’t matter who did it, let it be the terrorist killing civilians or the coalition forces killing the innocent in Iraq (it could be a mistake but Bush you’ve got take the responsibility) it’s just not right.
Why don’t we look at the root of this problem, giving a solution would be inappropriate without defining the problem on the first place. The terrorists are not so keen on destroying the civilization or the western people just for fun, it’s the western and the American’s policy that makes all this happen. For so long the Palestinian struggle in their own ground and not a single UN peacekeeping country care about them. Israeli rule the White house with their super-dollar and a crystal clear agenda of not giving back the land they took from the Palestinians and this is why they (Al-Qaeda) declared this holy war. Attacking Iraq is not a solution to this problem but it would be a strong catalyst towards the reaction of hatred and anger, which will result in more killing of the innocent.
The Malaysian press should be able to act against all this by giving a correct definition for every action. A terrorist will always be a terrorist and no different with the one in London but labeling the Chechen fighter as terrorist like the English press did is politically wrong and should be corrected. There are fighting for their independence, the same as what the Americans did long time ago. Malaysian press should be promoting the younger generation of Muslim scholar with great knowledge in both religion and real life, Prof. Tariq Ramadan who were banned in France and US should be the next personality of the week in Utusan Malaysia not akademi fantasia.

2005-07-18T13:13:00.000+08:00

WMy wife and daughter Qasdeena... this was during the visit to Bukit Tinggi

2005-07-17T16:18:00.000+08:00

The honest dude

2005-07-17T15:56:00.000+08:00

A good friend...

Monday would be the dateline for my proposal to one of the customer( a big one. I'm stucked in the offive on a weekend and it is so strange and boring. Luckily there's Nidzam(the dude in that photo).... a guy that don't talk that much but he is damn efficient.. this post is small tribute to this dude...THANKS DUDE with the 'D'....

I'll be writing on other important issue on Monday.

2005-07-16T23:05:00.000+08:00

WHAT’S IN THE KAABAH

Being muslim, Hajj or Haji will be compulsory once you have the combination of money and health. August last year, I had a chance to visit Mecha(thanks to someone courtesy and god willing) to perform Umrah with my parents and aunty. Performing the Umrah was a great experience for me especially the moment I step into Masjidil Haram(where the Kaabah's located), hundreds of people performing the Tawaf at every moment till the end of time, some were crying others doing the wirid and they came from various background, the rich and the poor together. Looking at the Kaabah really makes me wonder what’s inside the four corners producing that great power to the believer.
Yesterday, I met someone who has been inside there-amazingly my wife’s uncle. And after long discussion and persuasion I managed to discover the greatest wonder. This is his story….

‘as I climbed the ladder to the Kaabah door, my heart suddenly stop pumping with my brain working overtime thinking back all the bad things that I’ve done… could it be boiling steel and big fire waiting to punish me?…will I just collapse the moment I step in…believe me everything goes in my mind but I knew that it is impossible to get a second shot at it….
The moment I step in all I can see was darkness, as my eyes start to do the adjustment writing of Quran verse on the surrounding wall of that empty space slowly visible and everyone inside was either crying or in total silent. Slowly I adapt myself to the darkness and performed a 2 rakaat solat, miraculously I felt like the four wall were spinning and all of a sudden I can see my own self sitting helpless as if my soul were separated from its own body. After the prayer I started crying spontaneously with no control…things was just different and my god there is no words to describe the feelings….
Everyone back home told me not to look up in the Kaabah-they said you could be blind by doing so but nonetheless my curiosity overcome the rational behind all that and the moment I look up all I can see was the same red brick you saw on the outer part of Kaabah…how on earth did the bricks stay up there without any support makes me wonder till this day… Subhanallah…’

Anybody have got other story pls post it

2005-07-15T17:30:00.000+08:00

My lovely son Danial

2005-07-15T16:57:00.000+08:00

Two days ago I went down to Bumiputera Commerce Bank conveying my problem with the card eating ATM at my workplace. So called customer service was simply unfriendly, with no desire to smile or speak up. Each question that I slowly and nicely asked to him was replied in sarcastic tone blended with not so interested face.
My first question: What can I do to get back my card that stuck in one your ATM machine?
The answer: Nothing
My reaction: Wait for the next word in the sentence………but not a single word from him!
My next question: What’s the procedure?
The answer: None, just wait.
My third question: How long shall I wait?
The answer: Minimum 2 weeks…..
He stops answering and continue with other documents on his table….

My god don’t they understand that I’m not a beggar but a decent customer that trust them to keep my money safe. None of the guards were pointing guns to their head, and therefore any of the staff can make up their decision to quit if they don’t like the job. The thought that I might need to withdraw money never cross the shallow mind of this staff. Why don’t he guide my clearly on the options available so that I don’t end up borrowing money from spouse for everyday things.