Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Selamat Hari Merdeka ke-50

Malaysia will be celebrating her 50th anniversary soon, indeed, in two days time. And I can’t help but notice a lot of events and places are gearing up for this wonderful event. So, I am thinking I want to do my part too…this made me sit back and reflect what I love and even ‘dislike’ being a Malaysian. Don’t get me wrong here. I DON’T hate my country, I LOVE Malaysia. It’s just some of the attitude or maybe practices of Malaysia that I dislike…

I had grown up in this part of the world for the past 27 years. I know no other country than Malaysia which I called home. Yes, I might have been to different countries and might have stayed in some country for about a month, but nothing can be compare to Malaysia. Though, I must confess, I have every young people’s dream of migrating and living in other country, but the thought of having to pay for about RM100 for a meal,(no, I don't like Japan, btw) scare me. Or even, the idea of having to be alone in other country, doesn’t soothe my heart. Yes, you may says that I am a mummy’s boy, nothing change the fact that I love this ‘land of milk and honey’ cause, the top of this list is the ‘mamak lifestyle’ that I enjoy very much. So, here is the list, note that it’s not in any particular order of preference.

Mamak stall, this place is near to heaven, as we can enjoy the 24 hours of non-stop mamak café that serve wonderful food and drink. And best of all, we can find it in most places in Malaysia.


Ramly burger; like it or not, Ramly burger is one of the homegrown product that is synonym to Malaysia. And some of the Ramly burger stall (not franchises) run by the Malays are so, so, so good and can challenge the more well manage brands.






Satay; ahh!!! My favorite and living in Kajang, makes me staying in land of satay.
Nasi lemak. How can I describe this dish? Rice cooked with santan (coconut milk) and serve together with ikan bilis and peanuts. Malaysian most preferred breakfast.


Roti canai & Teh Tarik. What can I say more about this? A combination that most Malaysian take anytime of the day.

Chicken rice with satay sauce, if you think satay itself is not so famous, think again! Even, now chicken rice are serve with satay sauce. Don’t believe me, go to Chicken rice shop. And even, Shakey’s pizza have that. And I am sure, there are more dish prepared in the same manner.

Penang food. This is where I am from. So, don’t ask me anymore since now you know. And obviously, I must say, this is a food haven! Yes, all in nice. Call me bias, I am. Since this my place. I grew up here. But, if you think the food is not nice, why everywhere you go, you still find Penang char keow teow, or Penang ABc, Penang this and Penang that? Huh? Answer that! J

Kopi O & roti bakar. Emmm…smell of the toast bread with butter dip in black coffee, ah, what else can you ask for more?




KFC eating with hand; where else you find this? Finger licking good.

Ulam. This is the Malay salad. Go to any buffet, you can find this food served!

Ais kacang/ cendol. This is another nice dessert. Living in such a hot country, ais kacang & cendol is always good and welcoming.

Nasi kandar/ nasi dagang/ lemang. Ahhh… apart from nasi lemak, this is another food I love to eat.





Durian. Some says this food smell like hell but taste like heaven. But the nickname itself should tell you best! King of Fruits! I love this fruit!



Proton & Perodua. Both are local and, like it or not, they make the car affordable for all Malaysians. And, I am proud owner of one, having owned 2 previouly too.



Modenas. Another Malaysian product, motorcycles!



KLCC. Once the tallest building in World and now still the tallest twin tower in the world. It the headquarter for PETRONAS, and it stand majestically in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Coming to KL, this twin tower greats you from afar!

Putrajaya. This is the new administrative center for Malaysia. Built on this site, of previously a palm oil estate, now it houses Malaysian government new office. Our prime minister and its agency have their offices here. Most of the ministers have their official house located here too. right beside Putrajaya, we have the Cyberjaya, Malaysian own MSC.

Chow Kit road/Petaling Street a.k.a Chinatown in Malaysia. The previous is famous for its notorious activities but also a place for night market! and the latter, you can find lots of things sold in this street and lots of food too for a bargain!

Gunung Tahan & Gunung Kinabalu. The former, is the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia and situated in the Taman Negara, where climbing to the top takes about ten days while the latter, is the highest mountain in South East Asia, and of course in Malaysia. Climbing it will be faster compare to Mount Tahan.
Bkt Bintang a.k.a. shopping malls! KLnite love this place and this is where shopping haven for most people. And when they say, the night never sleep, head on to this street.


Gua Niah. Emm.. situated in Miri, Gua Niah boast the biggest cave in the world where a Boeing 747 can easily park inside.

Bumps @ humps…this is something I dislike about Malaysian road. They say its to slow down the car and bike, but I think this is actually the ‘dead police’ @ ‘polis mate’ cause all car slow down. Some still, find the joy by speeding thru it too. But, why I like it is, how Malaysian call it. BUMPS…Yes, and truly true in every sense. From the council who put it practically everywhere from uphill to main road and to people who call it! To make the matter clear, its HUMPS not bumps, you bump!

Dialect. Living in Malaysia is like, you can hear all sort of language and dialect being spoken. If you think living in other country is hard, come here, where, sometimes, you don’t understand what others are speaking. Nevertheless, I would like to see it as advantage rather disadvantage, because, we pick up different language. Oh! Don’t worry, we understand each other well, because we speak English and also communicate in Bahasa Malaysia. That make us bilingual and most of us also trilingual! How about that, huh? Cool!

Different cultures, that’s what Malaysia is famous for. You have to come here to enjoy this, as I can’t describe it. I encourage you to come fast as we are celebrating our nation 50th birthday and we are having lots of activities too for Visit Malaysia Year 2007!

Malaysia Boleh! It’s the slogan by Malaysian for Malaysian. Sad to say, to certain aspect, this isn’t true. But Malaysian does live up to this slogan in every sense in Malaysia! To make sure Malaysian live up to its expectation of Malaysia Boleh!, the Ministry of Sport even have the official wear for the athletics in yellow and black strip, like the tiger!

“lah’ culture. This is unique! Recently, I found out even out China friends try to have ‘lah’ so the can blend in-lah.

Malaysian time…must I say this more other then, I HATE it! Malaysian time is always 1 hour behind! Actually, geographically, it’s true since we change the time zone to synchronize with Sabah & Sarawak. Thus, we actually make our time one hour faster to make easy and to minimize the error or barrier in communication esp in time wise with our Borneo counterpart. BUT, I must say here, I am particular about punctuality. When people says, He practice Malaysian time, means, he is always late!

Malaysian driver. Huh! Take them, best rally driver in this part of the world. They can race and squeeze in tiny lane any time!

Pasar Malam. The night market which you can find good bargains! Anything can be find in the night market!









Mat rempit… our Malaysian trained motorcycle racer. They don’t race on circuit, but on the public road where all the bust traffic are!



Kompang & bunga mawar. Go to formal gathering, and where you find the VIPs attending, you will find this.


Lion dance. We have the best lion dance group in the world! Dancing with the lion head according to the beating of the drums and clashing cymbals, they will perform during Chinese New Year and even during opening of new shops!

Open house… we love food and in Open house, food overflows and every people of every races are invited…

Balik kampung. Emm…this is mad rush to get back to hometown to celebrate with our relatives. And every body will rush back, for whatever the reason, causing massive jam in highway a.k.a freeway, which will now turn into ‘blockway’


Wau bulan. It’s the traditional kite with nice paper cutting and design glue to it.

Wayang kulit and open air theater/ hungry ghost festival. Both are the traditional performances perform in the open air. Wayang kulit @ shadow dance, are perform by the Malays, mainly in Kelantan and Terengganu where, paper puppets are danced in front of a light creating shadows on the screen. Hungry Ghost festival is celebrated by the Buddhist and Taoist during the 7th month of lunar calendar where food and performances are stage to appease the souls.

2004 tsunami. I can’t believe I have this here! This tsunami is the only tsunami that Malaysia experience as we are not located in the tsunami zone. People are still fearful now because of the tsunami back in 2004.

Jaguh kampung. This title is accorded to athletics who only triumph in local arena and not in international arena. This once happen to our Malaysian badminton team



Gasing. Spinning top is one of Malaysian favorite past time is the village.



Angkasawan @ can or not. In every country, the call their spaceman with different name, in America, astronaut, in Russia, cosmonaut, in China, Taikonaut, and in Malaysia, CanOrNot, since we are just on the way. We are now training our spaceman, called angkasawan, in Russia for the mission in October. Malaysia boleh! there you go, the spirit of Malaysian!

Kiasuism-‘est’ for everything
. Malaysian has this in them, like it or not. They want to be first in everything! The want to have the tallest building, biggest pencil and all the way to create the biggest mooncake and biggest chapatti, biggest satay and more..etc. But I wonder, if Malaysian can be modest too?

Clamp zone. Hahaha…we can find this in a lot of shopping malls car park and in office building! But, we still find cars double park, ignorant to the sign. Someplace, its not clamp zone, but clam zone! Where, people don’t work!

Disable parking lot-all chain up. Accessible car park are for the disable but, most places, you find this car park with barricades. Who do they hinder?

Not my fault attitude. Him la. Not me. All because of him. Not my department la, its that department. Helloo….. ??? Just follow Law-lah

Pirated VCD/ CDC/ Cd. Ah… aunty, aunty…new movie? “tai cho la” astro on Demands! This place we can find movie in pirated cd faster then in cinema….and cheaper too!

LAT. Our famous cartoonist.
Forever jam… emmm… the local authorities seems can find a solution to the growing traffic in Malaysia. Even in Kajang town, jam is inevitable, any time of the day.
Kaki bodek. You will find this people in any organization were they are there to please the boss and hoping they can get promotion. They work in front of superiors only and then, all other things at any other time, it’s not their fault and not their business!




Orang asli. Em… they are the aborigines in Malaysia. Forming about 0.5% of the total population, they remain the most ‘backward’ group.

ISO- this certification is like a craze here. Every department are trying to get their ISO certification. Well, this is slowly becoming a trend but no quality in certification. Wherever you go you find ISO certified department, but their services are LOWSY!

Here you go…the longest post thus far by me. These lists are not comprehensive and suggest only my thought! No pun intended!I must say, I am proud to be Malaysian and love this country and living here. Common.. I am who I am today from what I have received from this land.



Selamat Hari Merdeka Malaysia!

You are 50 years old!

Monday, August 20, 2007

Carpark for disable or Disable the carpark?

Our nation will be celebrating her 50th anniversary for independance soon. If you look at my blog, right hand bottom corner, you will see a logo for the independance.
Much have been achieved since 1957. We have the highest twin tower in the world (once the tallest building), one of the longest bridge, achieved much in combating poverty, built the Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, KLIA, ERL and much more. If you come to KL, you will realise, this is a metropolitan city. With Bukit Bintang buzzing with activities, this nation indeed, are moving towards Vision 2020, of achieving a develope nations. Biotechnology is one of the main drive in this new century, so is for our country. However, I can't comprehend this. I always wonder where it went wrong?



We have so much as a society. We try to have a democratic country and we fight for the under privilage. We have the society for the disable. Indeed, one of our most 'virocious' lawyer and MP is on his whellchair after an accident, but the mindset of our people stays in the third world. Can't they understand its for the disable to park at this carpark?



Seeing the pictures, I have two question.



1. What the heck is wrong with the driver? Don't they understand this carpark is for the disable?


2. Secondly, assuming no cars were to park near the disable carpark, will the barricade put up helps? Won't this also hinder the disable to park at this place?


Indeed, yes, the second question, I question the praticality of the barricade put up by the car park management? I know they practice clamping the wheel of those who wrongfully park their car. Why didn't they do this? Putting up the barricade will also hinder and make it hard for the disable to park!


Where did the people 'leave' their brain? under the coconut shell? our nations once have a lot of coconut trees and this tree always known for the 'cerita pelbagai guna pokok kelapa'. For those who don't realise, every part of the tree can be used! But I never know it to be able to store the brain of these people inside the shell!!!

Fu yoh!!! World record by Malaysian drivers!

Friday, August 17, 2007

UKM 35th Convocation

Well, for the past one whole week, I have been very busy and don't have time to update my blog. Lot's needs to be done in such a short time. Planning for my wedding is in high gear too. Thanks to those who helps me in my planning and getting my wedding ready.
Thanks Sis Desiree and Bro Raymond. My designer and co-ordinator
Thanks Leona for helping me to find my photographer and offering to be one herself.
Thanks Kai Ye and Kai Ma, for all the advices.
Thanks to all the 'heng tai' form Penang who is coming down and getting ready to help
Thanks to all of you out there. Appreciates all the helps.


Okie. back to the topic. Mee Siing (dearest) and her sister have graduated for their respective course, finally. Anyway, MS is still in UKM for another 3 years for her PhD... here. take a look at some of the pics.
Mee Siing and yours truly
Mee Siing & her sister, Mee Ping

Sisters & parent

Myself, Mee Siing & parent


Mee Siing & Parent



Well, Congratulations!

I will try to update this blog soon with some 'juicy' news and happening in Kajang.











Monday, August 6, 2007

Ranting.

I am in my usual reflective mood today.The rain in the morning, made me feel lazy, or could I say romantic. I had my Norah Jones on, and when it was raining heavily outside, my cd is playing Sunshine Sunshine. What an ....?


Sitting here, I am listening to Amazing Grace sang by Tommy Emmanuel. Life is all about His Amazing Grace. How much we have done and going to do will not repay Him what He has sacrifice for us. One preacher said, if He did not bless me now, I will still have to thank Him because of this life that I received. Fuyoh!


I wonder, will I be able to do that? Not that I don't have faith. Common... just be real. How many of us can be thankful with what we already had and not chasing for more. So, if one day, you find that your life is going downwards, will you be happy and thank God or will you be sad? will you be angry? angry at God? will our life be sour?


But, I know I found this answer, In every circumstances, thank Him! Why? because God is Love. That's why. He promised that He will not leave you nor forsake you. He said, He had plan for me, plan for a future and hope.


So, next question is, how can I repay him?


Well, I guess the answer is found in the ten commandment He gave us. Then, came Jesus when He gave us this... love your neighbour and Go... and make disciples of all nations...!!!


So, what else should I do to repay Him? Why should you and I look far and wide for the answer when its so simple.


He who win souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30


Check out the Amazing Grace here.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Birthday Celebration, 2007

I know this post kinda of late.. but as the old sage says better late then never.I just want to appreciate all those who had taken the trouble to plan a surprise birthday party for me. I had a very busy day, since its Mission Fest Saturday and there's lots to do. Nevertheless, I manage to go for 3 birthday celebrations.

Firstly, once the clock struck twelve midnight, my dearest pops a bottle of sparkling juice to celebrate with me. And I had a piece of cheese cake from Secret Recipe. It was just a countdown to my birthday....emm. For those who wonder how old I am, you have to keep guessing la.Anyway, I have not past 30.

pardon the pic, I just simply took it without any arrangment

Then, on the day itself, we went to the Mines and had my birthday lunch at the Nando's Chicken (part of the food went to the fishes in the river that flows thru it). I simply love this place. But, before that, we went to the Nokia shop to get my birthday present. I got a Nokia bluetooth headset. Wonderful isn't it.

Then, in the evening, we went to the famous Kajang satay house, Haji Samuri. Actually, that evening, we are having the welcoming party for the new comers. there are actually about 20 of us there. However, because that weekend, we have a lot of invited speakers for our mission fest, they also decided to eat satay. So, we ended having a lot of familiar faces in Haji Samuri, occupying about ten tables.

So, before we have our satay, all my beloved brothers and sisters, celebrated my birthday. I must say, they tried very hard to hide the cake away from me. Indeed, it was a surprise. Even, the pastors were involved, helping to hide all things from my view in the beginning. They sang me a birthday song for me and prayed for me too. However, its a bit embarrassing since it was a Saturday, and there are lots of people. All of them sang so loud, that, the whole place knew I am celebrating my birthday. Even Ps Chan walked over to wish me. It's so nice of him.

yours truly with the birthday cake...emm... that's the Cambodian shirt.


myself together with a wonderful brother and yes, He is single and available...


here.. more pics of the satay party.

satay, satay, where art thou?

Priscilla and Cherie Poong

After the dinner, I went back home. Before, I reached my condominium unit, I smell something nice. Smell like somebody just bought a pack of Famous Amos cookies. However, when I was standing in front of my door, the smell get stronger. Suspecting something amiss, and when my dearest didn't join us for the dinner at Haji Samuri, I was thinking she might bought me a pack of the famous cookies, knowing that I love them. However, imagine my surprise, when I open the door, I saw this...

roses...lovely. It was nicely arranged on the dining table. Then, I saw this...

Not Famous Amos cookies but homemade cookies. All done by my dearest. I was so touched. She took the trouble to make me cookies and buy me the flowers. Thank you dear.

However, the night is still young. I continue to receive surprises. I was so tired, after a long day, I decided to take a bath to freshen up. However, when I came out from the bathroom, Sis Chai Hong and gang was there in my house. They have come all the way from Sg Long to celebrate my birthday with me. They even bought me a birthday cake.


me and the cake from the Gang

The Gang
Well, we have fun till about 11 before they left. This year, I received quite a lot of present. love all of it. I received a set of belt and wallet from my foster parent, pen, a VCD, book and a cross.


However, on Monday, I received another present. Lovely present, and send all the way to my place by Li-Ann and Aylwin. Its so nice of them. Nevertheless, you need creativity with this present to enjoy it.



Its actually a tissue box cover. Once I saw it, my mind went wild. Thinking to put a pic of naval (then you get something white oozing out from it), nose, mouth, ear....etc.However, the only sad thing, I can't change the hole piece. So, I text Li-Anne, thanking her saying I love the present, and now I have decided to put her baby pics there once she is born. But now, her face will do.

But, at the end, I am too lazy to change anything. So, it still stuck there.

Anyway, THANK YOU everyone for celebrating my birthday with me and making it so nice and sweet.

ICE- In Case of Emergency

Is it true that all of us carry mobile phone with hundred of numbers stored in it? However, nobody other then ourselves knows which number belongs to our family or our dearest person. Unless, of course your phonebook have name as darling or dear or sweetheart or hubby or honey or like me I have my dad's number under Dad.

However, sometimes, Dad doesn't mean they are near to us, sometimes, he might stay in another state or even overseas.



Majority of the population owns a cellphone. All we need to is to store the number of a contact person or person that should be contacted in case of emergency under ICE (meaning In Case of Emergency).
This idea was brought up by a paramedic who found that when they arrived at a scene of emergency, they normally will find a mobile phone with the patient, with hundred of names but don't know who to contact or to call. Therefore, he tought, it will be a good idea to have a nationally recognised way of storing the name/ phone number for this purpose.

Following a disaster in London , the East Anglican Ambulance Service has launched a national "In case of Emergency (ICE)" campaign. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would then be able to quickly contact your next of kin, by simply dialing the number stored as "ICE". It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. For me, I created an "ICE" folder in my phone so that they can call my family in case any emergency happens to me. A great idea that will make a difference!Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our mobile phones today! Please forward to your all nearest and dearest.