0 There's a reason

0 夢

Is it okay to dream?

Of course it's okay to dream, silly child!

Not silly dreams of course, like world domination or growing a third boob; but it is okay to dream a more attainable, realistically possible dream.

But most importantly, the goal is to work towards that dream.

Yes, there may be a long journey and lots of things I need to do first in order to achieve this dream.

But still, it is my dream.

And so, this is my dream.

Not just for me alone but with that aeh person I ♥

0 ka-ching!

The M word.

It's something that people love, hate, love to hate and hate to love.

It's the root of all evil, yet it makes the world go round.

You live with it,You can't live without it.

It's the universal language that everyone in the world understands regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or nationality.

It's a rich man's word, it's a poor man's wish.

Yes Money is the M word.

Gosh sometimes I sit back and think, what is up with this money thing?

People go nuts over it. Like completely bonkers! It's really some crazy shit there.

Humans have this love-hate relationship with money.

It can make a family, it can break a family.

It has its pros, it has its cons.

Look at all the theory and studies people pour into the subject of money.

Isn't that enough to prove how entirely essential it is?

Yes, people love to be all hippie and believe that there is more to life than money but face it! There is no life without money, or rather, you can't live your life without money.

Of course we would all love to live in a world where you can live a perfectly normal happy life without money but in Reality,

no such thing. Never. Ever. Never ever will such a fantasy come true.

I suppose as I grow older (gasp!), I'm starting to feel the disgusting poke of money.

I got like 1 more year left till I graduate and there is no way in hell that my parents are gonna keep supporting my expenses after that.

Yes, the day would finally arrive when the word 'pocket money' won't exist in my world anymore.

It doesn't matter what job you work in this world, legit or not, whether you're a cop or a bank robber, a doctor or a janitor, it all boils down to the same thing. We all just wanna see our $$$ in the end of the day.

Your world is just so limited in the absence of money. You limit yourself, like not being able to buy something you want or really need. You also limit others, namely your loved one, like not being able to give your future children the best education available. And which parent wouldn't want to give their kids the best.

It's also so dangerous. What if something goes wrong, say, a sudden need to go to the hospital to seek treatment? We're talking about your health here. There are no discounts or anything cheaper when it comes to getting the best for your health. Trust me, I've seen how much money that needed to be forked out for my grandmother's medical bills before she passed on, and it really is a shitload of money. Like a MotherLoad! The amount of money you pay for medical bills...hell, you could buy a car, rent a nice 5star apartment, go on a fancy holiday. Yes borderline on those stuff. But why are people so willing to pay loads of money for medical treatment? Cause, duh we're talking about a healthy disease-free, sickness-free life here.

All these, ain't gonna happen if there is no money present.

Shit, I get a headache when I think about it. Hospitals, banks, insurance companies, education institutions...all those that suck money dry dry dry. It makes me mad and I wish that it didn't have to be this complicated.

But damn, in the end of the day, I'm just like any other human and I do need money in order to survive. Especially in this time, in this age, in this century where money controls everything.

Seriously, try as you might, pick the cheapest ghetto in town to live, no matter what, you will need money. Be the most selfish, stingy, pocket hugging person on earth, you still need money!

Money will always run away from you like a stupid game of cat and mouse. Once you catch it, it will run away from your hands in the blink of an eye. It's a never-ending chase.

I find myself thinking about the future as days go by. All the questions pop into my head.

Will I have enough money? Can I support myself? Will I have enough to start a family? If something goes wrong, will I have enough? Which bank to use? What type of account to open? When should I start buying insurance? Should I invest in company shares? Man! Shut up! Take a chill pill. (lame cliche word)

Sigh. Reality gives a big, tight slap across your face like that. I would love to lie to myself and say 'haha! Why worry la. Money will come.'

Yes, yes money will arrive in a nice limo and ring my doorbell and say 'Hi Esther! It's me, Money! And I'm forever yours! I will never run away. I swear!"

Nice.

Who am I kidding. The only way to achieve a financially sound status is through hard work and effort. Everyone works for their rice.

The one important thing though, is to not let money control your life.

Yes, it is an important aspect of life, but it's not meant to run your life.

You run your own life.

You are the driver, money is your car.

You need it, but you determine which way to steer it.

I believe when money is not the controlling factor in your life, it's when you start to prosper and actually start to see money.

People who stress on and on and on about money always end up not seeing it, or losing it.

What good is there in stressing about it? You're gonna end up stressing about it your whole life, cause as I said, it never ends.

It's just sad when people go to really desperate measures for money. Gambling, prostituting, selling organs in the black market, that sort of stuff...all desperate attempts just to cut up a few bucks.

Gambling..now that one. Haha. That one.

It's the cleverest most dangerous thing people ever came up with.

Yes, it is smart cause it plays on human emotions and psychology so well.

It knows where to dig and dig-- human greed.

Yes, that disgusting little creature that lives in all of us called greed.

Gambling takes that and manipulates it like a crazy dancing frog.

It's something that marvels yet disgusts me; the very intricate, sophisticated, sublime psychological warfare it plays.

If you win, it makes you keep coming back to win more.

If you lose, it makes you want to come back to claim a win.

Look at how it feeds on human ego like a hungry child eating KFC!

And the worst part is that so many many many people has fallen into it. I've seen enough to know that once you're hooked, it's so hard to come out of it.

It's like people who are hooked on gambling are stepping on a landmine.

They know they are stepping on something dangerous, but they don't dare to step away cause they think they will explode.

It's so unbelievable how people whose family and friends leave them, they lose all their finances and property, they still are able to gamble gamble gamble.

Gamble your life away.

You think it's harmless. But why wait to find out that it is harmful once you have lost everything that means something in your life?

Just please, don't get pulled into it.

So yes.

I'm working on the savings, aiming for a job this summer, looking out for my career options after graduation. If I play my cards right, I could get this whole money game right.

That's what it is right? A game.

You win some, you lose some.

And I could wish till the cow comes home for a very nice, stable life where money never becomes an issue but that's rubbish.

Problems will come sooner or later, more often or not. As there is sunshine, there is also stormy rain.

The thing is how prepared I will be for them. It's really a matter of choice.

So shall save like a nut, then when whatever happens happens, I won't be too panicked or stressed about it cause I know I've got the support system down.

Fuck you money. You're such a headache.

Too bad I need you.

Too bad we all need you.

0 Black society

It's more of a fascination on my part.

I always believed that there is a totally dark and unknown world in it.

It's an underworld.

Too dangerous to know for any ordinary person.

Triad numbers key

- Triad ranks are traditionally denoted by numbers

- All begin with four- the four element, four compass points and four seas

- A leader (taikor), or Shan Chu, is a 489

- Second-in-command, Fu Shan Chu, is 438

- Incensed Master and Vanguard 438s, in charge of oaths, rituals and recruiting

- Then comes the Red Poles, 426s- in charge of fighting and protecting gang rackets

- Also White Paper Fan, 415 rank, in charge of business administration and book-keeping

- Grass Sandal, 432 rank, liases within gang and outsiders

There's a whole hierarchy.

Interesting.

But then again in Malaysia, you can't really blame them.

They may be bad men, but they're also businessmen who try to earn a living as everyone does.

The difference is just that they do it through illegal channels.

Who is responsible if it is rampant on the streets of Malaysia?

Read this and draw your own conclusions.

0 Billionaire

Yeah, I love writing about rich people. Simply cause in Malaysia, it's always the same old people. Most of the names, or the companies are familiar. They have been rich for generations and probably generations to come. Look at their wealth, man. Crazy stuff!

And one more thing. Some of them have so many kids! Is it because there's more than one wife, or is it because that one wife has awesome childbearing superpowers? I don't know.

25/40 are Chinese, which proves the theory that Chinese really make good businessmen/women.

No one knows about money the way a Chinese does!

I guess the most impressive thing about the non-Malay businessmen who made their wealth is that they did it all on their own, breaking their own backs; or at least their father or grandfather did (if they inherited the company). They're not entitled to any 'bumiputra' rights so their wealth and success is entirely of their own and no one can dispute that.

Will I ever be on this list? Hahaha...

Forbes 40 Richest People of Malaysia 2010

1. Robert Kuok

NET WORTH $12 billion

AGE 86
MARITAL STATUS Married, 8 children
SOURCE diversified

Biggest dollar gainer, up $3 billion. Stock of most valuable holding, palm oil outfit Wilmar International, run by nephew, rose 46% in past year but dropped more than 10% in the days after net worths were locked in, following allegations in the media that Indonesian subsidiaries were being scrutinized for obtaining fraudulent tax refunds. The company said it was confident that there is no case. Kuok recently sold several assets including sugar businesses, stake in Jerneh Insurance, prime land in Kuala Lumpur. Reportedly spends most of his time in Hong Kong.

2. Ananda Krishnan

NET WORTH $8.1 billion

AGE 72
MARITAL STATUS Married, 3 children
SOURCE telecom

Former oil trader's most valuable asset is Maxis Communications, nation's largest cellphone service provider, which went public in November, raising $3.4 billion in Malaysia's largest-ever IPO. His telecom interests in Indonesia and India still privately held. Plans to take his satellite TV broadcaster, Astro All Asia Networks, private. Reportedly mulling listing of shipping arm Bumi Aramada. Sold interest in property firm Overseas Union Enterprise to partner, Indonesia's Lippo Group.

3. Lee Shin Cheng

NET WORTH $4.6 billion
AGE 71
MARITAL STATUS Married, 6 children
SOURCE palm oil

Heads IOI Group, one of world's leading operators of palm oil refineries. Reportedly investing $300 million to expand.

4. Lee Kim Hua

NET WORTH $3.9 billion
AGE 81
MARITAL STATUS Widow, 6 children
SOURCE gaming

Widow of casino magnate Lim Goh Tong. Net worth up $1.4 billion as stocks of family's Genting and Genting Hong Kong (previously named Star Cruises) both rose nearly 50% in the past year.

5. Quek Leng Chan

NET WORTH $3.85 billion
AGE 69
MARITAL STATUS Married, 3 children
SOURCE diversified

His most valuable asset is his Hong Kong-listed Guoco Group. His Hong Leong Bank is bidding for EON Capital, Malaysia's seventh-largest bank; board just voted to recommend deal to shareholders. Took Hume Industries—cement, concrete, steel company—private this year. Recently paid $14 million for a penthouse in Singapore.

6. Teh Hong Piow

NET WORTH $3.8 billion
AGE 80
MARITAL STATUS Married, 4 children
SOURCE banking

Former bank clerk founded Public Bank in 1966 with profits from real estate deal; now nation's third-largest banking group. Also has operations in Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Laos and Sri Lanka. Teh underwent minor surgery in 2009 and is back at work.

7. Yeoh Tiong Lay

NET WORTH $2.5 billion
AGE 80
MARITAL STATUS Married, 7 children
SOURCE diversified

Founder of YTL Corp., one of Malaysia's largest conglomerates. Group recently took full control, from Australia's Macquarie Group, of Starhill Global REIT, which owns retail properties in Malaysia and Singapore. Also owns PowerSeraya, Singapore's second-largest power generator. Eldest son, Francis, has run operations for over 2 decades.

8. Syed Mukhtar Al Bukhary

NET WORTH $1.7 billion
AGE 58
MARITAL STATUS Married, 5 children
SOURCE diversified

Former rice trader gets bulk of fortune from Malaysia Mining Corp. (MMC), through which he holds concessions to operate a port and an airport in Johor; owns stake in power producer Malakoff. Through listed Tradewinds, recently took over national rice supplier Padiberas Nasional. Owns Harrods in Malaysia. Sponsors the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.

9. Vincent Tan

NET WORTH $1.6 billion
AGE 58
MARITAL STATUS Married, 11 children
SOURCE diversified

His Berjaya Group operates Wendy's, Starbucks, Papa John's Pizza in Malaysia; water, sewage treatment and landfills in Malaysia, Indonesia and China; develops properties in Vietnam, Japan. Bought social networking website Friendster.com; also a U.K. soccer team (see box, p. 75). Selling his stake in Ascot Sports, which was recently reissued its betting license, to his publicly traded Berjaya Sports for $160 million.

10. Tiong Hiew King

NET WORTH $1.2 billion
AGE 75
MARITAL STATUS Married, 4 children
SOURCE timber

His Rimbunan Hijau has interests in palm oil, timber and property in Malaysia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Owns Media Chinese International, with 6 dailies and 30 magazines in North America, Southeast Asia and China. Pending shareholder approval, will sell his stake in EON Capital, one of Malaysia's smallest banks, to Quek Leng Chan's Hong Leong Bank.

11. Azman Hashim

NET WORTH $660 million
AGE 70
MARITAL STATUS Married, 5 children
SOURCE finance

Runs AmBank Group, Malaysia's fifth-largest bank. Plans to expand Islamic banking arm, AmIslamic Bank. Renaissance man: a singer who has recorded numerous albums and also likes painting, scuba diving.

12. Lee Oi Hian & Lee Hau Hian

NET WORTH $560 million
AGE 59/56
MARITAL STATUS Married, 4 children/Married, 1 child
SOURCE diversified

Siblings inherited control of Batu Kawan, with interests in palm oil and chemicals, from late father. Younger brother is group's managing director. Older brother is nonexecutive chairman and also chief executive of its listed subsidiary, Kuala Lumpur Kepong, which owns personal care products maker Crabtree & Evelyn.

13. Yaw Teck Seng & Yaw Chee Ming

NET WORTH $480 million
AGE 72/50
MARITAL STATUS Married, 8 children/Married
SOURCE forestry

Father founded forestry group Samling almost half a century ago. Eldest son, Yaw Chee Ming, runs group, which owns 3 million hectares in China, New Zealand, Australia, Guyana; produces logs, plywood, veneer. Fortune includes only holdings of these 2 Yaws; another son Yaw Chee Siew runs Singapore's Otto Marine and will be included among its richest.

14. Lim Wee Chai

NET WORTH $470 million
AGE 52
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE rubber gloves

His Top Glove is world's largest producer of rubber gloves by capacity; its stock more than doubled in past year despite rising raw material costs.

15. William H.J Cheng

NET WORTH $430 million
AGE 67
MARITAL STATUS Married, 3 children
SOURCE retail

Head of diversified Lion Group upped his stake in his most valuable holding, Parkson, retailer he heads with department stores in 26 cities in China. Expanding in Vietnam; plans to open stores in Cambodia and Indonesia by late next year. Married to former Chinese pop singer.

16. Goh Peng Ooi

NET WORTH $425 million
AGE 55
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE software

Former IBM employee founded Silverlake Axis, which provides banking and financial services software, in 1989. Sold 2 of his privately owned affiliates to company in March in $200 million stock deal, which boosted his stake in firm to 95%.

17. Lim Kok Thay

NET WORTH $360 million
AGE 58
MARITAL STATUS Married, 3 children
SOURCE gaming

Son of Lee Kim Hua (No. 4), has run family's leisure, casino group Genting since 2003. This year opened resort complex on Singapore's Sentosa Island; so far has 4 hotels, a Universal Studios theme park and a casino. Group also biggest casino operator in U.K.

18. Jeffrey Cheah

NET WORTH $350 million
AGE 65
MARITAL STATUS Married, 3 children
SOURCE real estate

Chairs Sunway Group, conglomerate with hotel, education, health care, infrastructure interests. Its property developer, Sunway City, codeveloping nearly 100 acres in eco-city in Tianjin, China. A Caribbean subsidiary was recently awarded a reported $300 million contract for a government building in Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

19. Anthony Fernandes

NET WORTH $330 million
AGE 46
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE airlines

Head of AirAsia, region's largest budget airline. Its 49%-owned affiliate, Thai AirAsia, likely to go public. He also runs long-haul discount airline AirAsia X, which added routes to India and Korea this past year. Attempting to enter Vietnam through a joint venture with a local airline. Started mobile service Tune Talks in 2009. Has stake in Lotus Racing, Malaysia's F1 team that started last year.

20. G. Gnanalingam

NET WORTH $320 million
AGE 65
MARITAL STATUS Married, 3 children
SOURCE port

Cofounder of port operator Westports Malaysia. Also has stakes in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, developer of city's transit hub; Pelikan International, which sells writing instruments; logistics firm, Konsortium Logistik. Has offered to take over financially troubled Maika Holdings, investment arm of political party, Malaysian Indian Congress.

21. Kamarudin Meranun

NET WORTH $300 million
AGE 49
MARITAL STATUS Married, 5 children
SOURCE airlines

Cofounded AirAsia with Tony Fernandes. Has smaller stake in AirAsia but larger one in long-haul carrier Air Asia X; co-invests with him in almost every other business ranging from hospitality to finance and education.

22. Chan Fong Ann

NET WORTH $290 million
AGE 79
MARITAL STATUS Married
SOURCE palm oil

Nonexecutive director of palm oil group IOI is the largest individual shareholder not related to Chairman Lee (No. 3).

23. Shahril & Shahriman Shamsuddin

NET WORTH $270 million
AGE 47/41
MARITAL STATUS NA
SOURCE oil & gas

Brothers have equal stakes in Sapura Group, founded by father Shamsuddin bin Abdul Kadir and named after late mother. Shahril is chief executive of its affiliate SapuraCrest Petroleum, the listed oil and gas contractor that makes up the bulk of their fortune. Ice hockey fan, he has an M.B.A. from MIT's Sloan School; Shahriman is Purdue University grad.

24. A.K Nathan

NET WORTH $250 million
AGE 54
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE construction

Owns and runs Eversendai, a Kuala Lumpur contractor that fabricates, designs and erects the steel frames for buildings. He grew up in Malaysia, aside from some years of schooling in India. His university education ended when the money ran out. His big break came when he was working at a temporary job and won a contract for a Japanese company doing business in Malaysia. That persuaded him to start his own business, in 1984.

25. Chong Chook Yew

NET WORTH $230 million
AGE 88
MARITAL STATUS Widow, 4 children
SOURCE education

Columbia University grad took reins of Selangor Properties after husband and cofounder, T.K. Wen, died a decade ago. Owns 61% of company run by son Wen Chiu Chi. Listed for-profit education subsidiary, Help International, plans to open new campus in Kuala Lumpur in 2010.

26. Mokhzani Mahatir

NET WORTH $215 million
AGE 49
MARITAL STATUS Married, 5 children
SOURCE gas

Son of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad disappeared from corporate world a decade ago amid allegations that his father had helped bail out his failing companies. Now runs petroleum company Kencana and small fiber-optic cable outfit Opcom Holdings. Race car driver chairs Sepang International Circuit, home to the Malaysian Grand Prix.

27. Ahmayuddin Mohamad

NET WORTH $210 million
AGE 53
MARITAL STATUS Married, 4 children
SOURCE port

A director at both property developer Kuala Lumpur Sentral and Westports Malaysia, the port he cofounded with G. Gnanalingam.

28. Lau Cho Kun

NET WORTH $200 million
AGE 74
MARITAL STATUS Married
SOURCE diversified

Controlling shareholder in tilemaker Malaysian Mosaic and diversified Hap Seng, both founded by late uncle Lau Gek Poh. Sold Hap Seng's China leasing and financing arm for $30 million.

29. Chen Lip Keong

NET WORTH $180 million
AGE 62
MARITAL STATUS Married
SOURCE gaming

Trained medical doctor runs NagaCorp, which holds 70-year monopoly on gaming in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; its slot machine revenues shot up last year as government shut down illegal operators, but stock is flat. Also a shareholder in Karambunai, a Malaysia-listed property, tourism group, whose shares fell by half in past year.

30. Lee Swee Eng

NET WORTH $155 million
AGE 54
MARITAL STATUS Married
SOURCE oil services

Tried to take his struggling oil-and-gas services provider, KNM Group, private, but talks fell apart, apparently over the price he was willing to pay. Company's stock down over 25% since last year. He invested a reported $12 million in Mission NewEnergy, an Australian renewable energy outfit. Shares fortune with wife, Gan Siew Liat.

31. Liew Kee Sin

NET WORTH $150 million
AGE 51
MARITAL STATUS Married, 4 children
SOURCE real estate

Runs SP Setia, nation's largest property developer by sales. Group bought land in Melbourne in March. With a mainland partner, plans to develop 25 acres in Xiaoshan, China. Launching ad campaign on airline Firefly's 7 planes.

32. Nazir Razak

NET WORTH $145 million
AGE 43
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE banking

Brother of Prime Minister Najib Razak, studied philosophy at University of Cambridge, then went into banking. Now heads Malaysia's second-largest financial services firm, CIMB Group; already in 11 countries, it's considering expanding into Vietnam, Cambodia. Plans dual listing in Thailand in July.

33. Eleena Azlan Shah

NET WORTH $141 million
AGE 50
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE infrastructure

Director of infrastructure group Gamuda since 1992. Also sits on board of securities brokerage firm KAF—Seagroatt & Campbell. Daughter of a sultan, trained as a lawyer. Set up own law firm in Malaysia 1987; still practices.

34. Ong Leong Huat

NET WORTH $140 million
AGE 66
MARITAL STATUS Married, 5 children
SOURCE diversified

Runs OSK Group with interests in finance, real estate. Director of Malaysian stock exchange. Son Ju Yan, a Yale graduate, sits on OSK Venture board. Daughter Yee Ching is director of OSK Property.

35. Rozali Ismail

NET WORTH $136 million
AGE 52
MARITAL STATUS Married, 6 children
SOURCE infrastructure

Executive chairman of Puncak Niaga, Malaysia's largest listed water treatment and distribution company. Subsidiary Syabas ordered by court to pay $20 million to supplier in May. Got start in Islamic banking; practiced law.

36. Kua Sian Kooi

NET WORTH $135 million
AGE 57
MARITAL STATUS Married, 4 children
SOURCE insurance

Executive chairman of insurance underwriter Kurnia Asia; its main subsidiary is Kurnia Insurans, nation's largest general insurer. Has been working to reduce dependence on car insurance business. Stock up 50% in past year.

37. Lin Yun Ling

NET WORTH $130 million
AGE 55
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE infrastructure

Founder and managing director of Gamuda, which has a new residential project in Hanoi. Sold 70% of his stake 2 years ago for approximately $110 million.

38. David Law Tien Seng

NET WORTH $125 million
AGE NA
MARITAL STATUS NA
SOURCE mining

Sold stake in Australian iron ore firm Midwest in September 2008 for more than $100 million. Has purchased office building in Kuala Lumpur through his TS Law Group.

39. Abdul Hamed Sepawi

NET WORTH $120 million
AGE 61
MARITAL STATUS Married, 2 children
SOURCE timber

Built Ta Ann from small trading firm to timber conglomerate. Last year it became a member of conservation group Global Forest & Trade Network and announced plans to source most of its wood from planted forests by 2014.

40. Syed Mohd Yusof Tun Syed Nasir

NET WORTH $110 million
AGE 62
MARITAL STATUS Married, 3 children
SOURCE banking

Former chairman of Southern Bank and business partner of Sultan of Selangor. Sold stake in investment bank K&N Kenanga in January. Construction delayed on Four Seasons Hotel he is building in Kuala Lumpur with Singapore rich lister Ong Beng Seng reportedly due to financing issues.

0 1Malaysia?

I would like to think that we live in a fairly peaceful country.

For me on a personal basis, I get along with friends from other races well enough and do not face any racism. At least any display of racism. If it is latent, then it is their own business and theirs alone.

The only form of racism I come across, is however, displayed from friends or rather acquaintances of the same race as I am. They can be very quick to judge and stereotype other races. Even racist jokes told that generate laughter are just that. Racist and completely immature.

Such behaviour should never be condoned but heck, I believe it is a result of how they are brought up by their parents or the schooling environment in which they were placed in.

When you make fun of other races in your own dialect or language, what makes you think they don't understand you? I always have a feeling that they do. But they're just polite enough not to take offence directly to your face by becoming the bigger person in the scenario.

But I'm not really gonna comment much on them. Too ashamed, I guess.

What I am going to talk about though..is the bubble of racism that seems like it's going to pop any moment now. There has been so much circulation of politicians or just random people being racist. You can watch all these on youtube or on facebook.

And based on the comment section, you can see how opinions are divided.

First are the people who are angered by what they have watched on the video. Usually they are the race that is targeted in the video, or they simply come from the same race and is deeply ashamed by what is displayed by their own counterparts of the same race.

Then there are those who make a great show of their support of the racism in the video by adding their own racist views. This would, of course, spark a cyber quarrel, where you see each race jabbing at the other while defending their own.

Full of foul language and name callings, all disguised under the animosity of the internet.

I really believe people get the balls to say stuff just because they can't be identified through the internet.

I am not saying that there hasn't been outward racism displayed by people of power or pure assholes. There is. But the point is that, all this is fueling much anger, hatred and sentiment in the hearts of each race. That definitely can't be a good thing, right?

We all know that we have really useless politicians in the country who talk as if they have stones in their brains, but what they say really can cause an uproar and make people upset.

Particularly by the UMNO politicians, man..they really know how to stir shit up.

Fine example here:

Even the whole Namewee fiasco caused a huge divide between the Chinese and the Malay.

And of course you see the future generation that speak without using their brains. But you really cannot deny that what is said is very worrisome. The whole 'Ketuanan Melayu' (Malay Supremacy) thing is really getting out of hand and being taken too far to the extent where other races are really made to feel second class, or even not welcomed at all.

The other races are constantly on their toes, afraid that there will be a repetition of May 13. There has been rumors floating around of how it will happen soon, and people are certain of that. There has been threats made of it, and the attitudes displayed by even those of the highest position in the government do not ensure our security.

With all these going on, and sentiments riding at an all time high, it is very sad and disappointing when you read such things as Malaysians refusing to return to Malaysia due to the inequality and corruption. Similarly for Malaysians who can't wait to leave their own country and never look back.

There is the fear that one day we will be driven away from this country we call home and asked to return to our ancestral countries.

But how can that be so? A thought that echoes the mind of most of the so-called 'pendatang', such as myself is that we are born Malaysian-Chinese yet we are not welcomed by the country of our birth. On the other hand, we cannot return to China, as we do not feel any affinity towards that country. Their culture and language is something that is foreign and unusual to us. We have been immersed in Malaysian culture since birth. So where shall we go?

Personally, I would never leave Malaysia. It is a country that I have come to love and truly is my home, despite all the problems, crisis and difficulty that arises.

So.

What is the future of Malaysia?

What is the use of empty slogans such as 1Malaysia?

All I can say is, I hope that at the end of the day, I will still be able to enjoy the friendship that I share with friends of different races.

It's something I wish for my own children as well and the future generations that they will live in a Malaysia that is not divided.

The corruption, racism, supremacy, brutality, inequality, race politics; everything.

It has to end for there to be a new beginning.

0 For better or for worse

Straight to the point/question:

Does working with your partner in the same industry or line of business affect your relationship in a good or bad way?

Hmm..something to ponder about. I always did wonder about this. There's the pros and cons.

Work together

Pro- Working with your partner in the same line of business is a good thing and might help your relationship flourish because you both are on the same page and you will understand what each other is talking about. Plus all that time spent together will bring you closer.

Con- You see each other in the office, then see each other when you go home. It might just get too much for each other. Plus if work takes over the relationship, you might find yourself talking about nothing but work work work...and not knowing what else to talk about after that. Plus what if there's competitiveness? Or feeling looked-down if your partner happens to hold a higher position?

Work apart

Pro- Appreciating your partner more after coming home from a long day of work and not seeing each other. Being able to entertain each other with stories from each respective workplace. Not letting anything regarding work creep too much into the relationship, leaving it as what it is: a romantic relationship between 2 individuals. Being able to talk about other things besides work to cheer each other up.

Con- Getting frustrated at not being on the same page as each other and not understanding what each has gone through in the work place. Feeling that you both are 2 worlds apart, making it hard to get along.

I guess this is purely individual. Personally, I would quite prefer working in a different line from your partner. I don't see why work has to be the thing that binds the relationship.

I wouldn't mind working with my partner, but not to the extent where problems from the workplace are brought home and not dealt with at the work place.

Mixing work with your personal life is not a wise thing, as what I learnt. It could tear each other apart and ruin the relationship.

Confusing. Let's see what the future holds, seeing how neither of us works.

Of course, in the deepest depth of my heart, I hope, pray and wish that my relationship will always remain loving and unchanged through the test of time. I really want to be with this person for life. ANG ENG HUAT

But okay, something to read about: Couples who remain loving despite working together for so many years.

And trust me when I say that I have bear witness to what is written in the article enough to say that indeed one couple mentioned in it is still so in love like a bunch of lovesick teenagers despite the years of marriage. And I sincerely hope for that to last forevermore.

Happy loving out there! ♥

0 What the toast?!

Listening to FlyFM's Pagi Show is so enjoyable. Makes me feel so damn nostalgic listening to these 3 Malaysians talk in a way that probably only other Malaysians will understand.

Haha. Except for some of the crappy music played for national radio, it's a nice way to kill time.

Okay so today (actually like..now) they're talking about this lady who made this portrait of her mother in law made entirely out of toast.

Yes, I shit you not. She used 600 loaves of bread (that's 9,852 slices) and 9 toasters to create a bloody huge portrait of her mother in law.

Read and see about it here: Mother-in-Law's portrait made out of toast

Okay the first thing Ben said was "What a waste of bread! Imagine all the starving kids out there."

Yes exactly! Omg! Not that 600 loaves of bread will end world hunger but isn't this abit too much? Why bread?? Use lah some recyclable stuff like boxes or what. Why bread? Why food??

Not like she can donate the bread after this, (and I hope she doesn't) since it's been on the floor and who knows if it's moldy already and all. Eeuw.

And secondly...why Mother In Law???

I understand if it's your own mother but...it's just damn weird la. This is like trying to impress someone at the highest level.

It's damn ridiculous. Yeah I know it's art and it's amazing, but I'm sure there must be some other way to execute this?? I don't know how to admire this piece of art.

On another note, this is something interesting.

Malaysia also belongs to the other races and it would hurt their feelings to be referred to as pendatang, said Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin.

(click to read article)

This is coming from someone who has been involved in racial scandals. So, can believe his words or not?

0 What a shame

Came across a newspaper article today.

Malaysian is top law student at Cambridge University

Sounds all good right? The article is on how this student graduated top and how he's brilliant and all that. His lecturer sings praises for him. Basically what they're saying is,

'oh look, there's this totally brilliant law student in Cambridge who happens to be Malaysian and that's super rare!'

So the local media goes on some kind of frenzy and does a cover on him. As I was reading the article, all seemed good. Yeah, the kid really deserved his awards and blabla then as I reach the bottom.

Oh wait. Apa ni?

“I will also join the Singapore Legal Service in January,” said Tan, who was awarded an Asean scholarship by Singapore’s Ministry of Education after completing his A-Levels at the Temasek Junior College there.

Wah! Wtf! So this absolutely brilliant Malaysian student who might be a really good lawyer one day is gonna serve the Singapore government?

And The Star still has the face to publish about this? Diu!

I'm not blaming the kid for choosing Singapore, since what the heck, they're the one who sponsored him in the first place.

What I am blaming is, our own government who seems to be blind when recognizing talent.

Is it because of the colour of his skin?

Don't deny it. It is hard for a non bumiputra to obtain a scholarship. Especially one that would enable the person to further his or her studies all the way in the UK.

So this is the price of it. Who cares if you sponsor a whole bunch of students? Especially mediocre ones. Are you so confident that by spending so much and sending them abroad, they will definitely contribute a whole lot to the country? Probably just a minority will.

The way I see it, you lost a valuable asset, just like all the others who are working professional jobs that pay better abroad.

The only thing I can say is, another one gone. What a shame.

Keep this up and the country will really go down the drain when really talented and capable people who are really needed in the country refuse to come home. Nothing will ever improve if that happens.

For statistics, you can look here.

Hopefully our future will improve otherwise there's no incentive in working for the country.

0 The art of being tam jiak

*warning: this is gonna be a friggin' long post. I can predict it already*

Being far away from home causes me to miss a few obvious things.

Firstly, my family, boyfriend, friends, people I meet on regular basis or irregularly, etc.

Then of course my city, town, house, wonderfully comfortable spacious bed,

Oh yes, pets! Definitely miss cuddling them.

But there's one thing that really is a bitch to miss. Cause once you start thinking about it, there's no stopping you. Plus there is a reminder: that rumble in your tummy.

Yes, I am talking about food. Glorious food. Delicious, irreplaceable Malaysian food.

Oh gosh...being in a country that loves bread..bread..potato..and all other dairy, starchy stuff;

Yes, it is nice to indulge in that once in awhile. But everyday...I already feel sick.

There is probably no cuisine in this world that can replace Malaysian food.

Especially the ones from the Klang, Selangor region. (Don't deny!)

Because I'm feeling really hungry and homesick, and I'm having delusions and fantasies about eating the food back home, I want to compile a list (that no one besides me cares about) on my favourite eateries.

1. Restoran Jit Ben (a.k.a Japan)

Okay everything is bloody nice in this restaurant, especially the dishes. I love the sweet sour pork!

2. Number One Claypot Chicken Rice

3. Fatty Mee Hoon Ker

(All the above are located in Bekerley, making it some kind of food heaven)

4. Nameless Prawn Mee restaurant located at Taman Rashna

5. Tepi Sungai Bah Kut Teh!!!

The place does have a name but I never took notice. All I know is that it's beside an Indian temple. Must add cili padi into the soup! Power!!

6. Choon May Dim Sum

Super fresh homemade dim sum!

7. Temple Mee

It's an open air nameless restaurant located next to a Chinese temple with the best zhu hun gen ever

8. 3 Star

Lala bihun, salt baked chicken, hokkien mee with chicken!

9. Teluk Gong Seafood

Salt baked crab! Red wine chicken! Omg kill me please!

10. Emporium Wan Tan Mee

I'm sure it has a name but I don't know. Haha. Located in the first row of shops. Drink air tebu together. Satisfying~

11. High school chicken rice

Yes, a chicken rice shop located next to Sekolah Tinggi Klang. Has

a name, I think.

12. Tua Pui Kow chicken rice

Can eat at weird times of the night like 2 am!

13. Hong Wah duck rice

14. Tien Chuan Kopitiam

I like the fishball/meetball konlo with lou shi fan.

15. Chong Kok Kopitiam

Nothing feels better than eating fresh nasi lemak at 6 something in the morning. Especially if you're the first in line. Ahaha. The steam bread there is also yummy!

16. Restoran I.V.

Okay, it's more like a mamak shop with seriously the best roti canai in the whole of Klang.

17. Shanmuga mamak

I enjoy the huge pack of nasi lemak there with their fried chicken. Particularly fond memory was eating it right after the LMF WildLazyTour concert in KL. I was starving and it tasted like the best thing ever at that time.

18. Sriga mamak

Uncle, oh uncle, why did you close your shop ='(

Yes, the uncle who owned the shop shut down his branch in Taman Chi Leung, causing many Klang kids to be homeless. Gone are the days of sitting in his shop the whole day doing nothing but drinking the best teh-o-ais in this whole world. He still has a small branch in Andalas that closes at 11 pm. Sobs.

19. Hau Hau Wei Steamboat

No buffet nonsense!

20. Unknown restaurant at some lorong in Meru

Okay this is for my own memories ok! Hahaha I have no idea what name the place is but the Teochew style fish is really yummy.

21. Siriwan Thai Restaurant

This one's at Shah Alam, located within the Sri Acappella apartments.

22. Coca Thai Steamboat

Bring on the tom yum delicious hell! Reminder: bring own bottle of water. A big bottle.

23. Thai-la

I have really good memories at this place with my most special person :)

24. Lot 10 foodcourt

The food there are all mostly nice plus at a reasonable price. And the ais kacang is super huge at only RM4.50!

I used to like the ais kacang at Little Penang Cafe but after eating the lot 10 one, I can forget about it. Plus it was like double the price. Lot 10 is better.

25. Madam Kwans

Only on days I am rich enough to enjoy a nasi lemak with the tiger prawn.

26. D'Tavern

The western food is really not bad and at a really reasonable price.

27. The Kopitiam

Has the best Kopi ais and Iced White Coffee. Nice to drink while enjoying keropok lekor. Oh and I really like the salty fish fried rice! Cheap and nice.

28. Makan Makan

Some shop near my house that's not bad but has really nice belacan fried rice. The portion is huge as well.

29. Some mamak in Subang's SS15 that's in the lorong between 2 rows of shop

Love the ramli chicken burger. You ain't gonna get that shit in McD's, son!

I miss the food at Miri too, especially the food at Apollo Seafood. Prawns...bidin...sigh!!!

But that's too out from Selangor and terpesong. Oh and the 3 layered tea rocks. Damn.

To conclude this, I shall end with a restaurant where you really need to

be "huat tat" to eat at. Like seriously, don't go there with an empty stomach or you could end up paying alot.

Prepare at least RM250 to be safe. But with that much, don't expect to eat full full.

If you want to be super duper full, prepare at least 1k. Hahaha

30. Elegant Inn Hong Kong Cuisine

Shark fin soup, cod fish, special fried rice...especially the desert in the end: sweet ginger tongsui with mochi. It's heaven in your mouth. I can't describe how yummy it

is.

Sad fact was that when I was there I didn't order my own desert. Instead I stole the bf's mochi which he reminded me about until...now. Haha. Mochi thief.

Since this is the most expensive restaurant, I shall feature some photos to make myself feel miserably hungry. Hahaha

Okay that was the interior. Very nice, cosy. Nice view of KLCC if you sit outside by the balcony. Now for the main point of going there. The food! Here's a few really delicious stuff.

Shark fin soup! I didn't take this. The bf did. I loved the corn and crab meat soup I ordered tho

the super yummy fried rice. it looks ordinary but I don't know what's the secret. It really is super delicious

And finally.......the mochi I stole.

Looks normal but it is something that must be tried to fully understand the impact of the taste.

Let's move on to deserts now.

First would be my beloved 'A Slice of Heaven'. It's also a place where I have really good memories. Lately I receive a cake a month, each month from the bf on a particularly special day :)

My favourite: Choc & Cheese

Next is our favourite Tiramisu from Su Chan Deli!

Ok enough.

I wish I could post pictures for everything else but I'm too lazy to do that. Plus it'll just make me hungrier. There's probably some I might have missed but it's okay. I think I covered what I wanted.

I wouldn't have known so many places had it not been for my darling Mr TamJiak showing me around and exploring all these places with me. He's my best and favourite makan partner.

I'm sorry I stole your mochi. I promise I'll chia you eat it when I'm back :)