Caught Between the Hammer and the Anvil

916 has past and gone without bringing the much anticipated regime change in Malaysia. But has that eroded the public's confidence on Anwar's claims of having significant numbers? Imho, it has not but strengthen them day by day. The Be eNd government couldn't help giving out obvious impressions that they are desperate.

1st by announcing an ad hoc "educational agricultural" trip for their MPs when they have not even decided which country to go. It's only till the last day before the MPs departure that the destination country can be confirmed. Why was this trip planned in such a last minute manner? The MPs were scheduled to return after 916. It's a no brainer that this trip was deliberately planned to disrupt 916.

The 2nd radical move was to detain a blogger, an opposition MP and a chinese daily reporter under the draconian Internal Security Act. Each of the victims were accused to be a threat to the national security. Raja Petra or more famously known as RPK in the blogosphere was detained for posting seditious articles on his blog. Well, I have not actually read his blog before so I can't really comment much. But I'm sure there are other avenues than detaining him without trial. Seputeh's sassy MP, Teresa Kok however was detained for something which she constantly denied to be involved. The former MB of Selangor, Khir Toyo and a malay daily blamed Teresa for starting a petition to lower down the volume of the mosque Azan prayers in her constituency. Even the mosques spokesperson denied that she was ever involved. The reason for the 3rd person to be detained was even more pathetic. Sin Chew's reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng was arrested for writing a report about racist remarks made by an Umno leader. This arrest has sparked the biggest uproar among the public because she was just reporting the truth. In a true case of double standards, the actual culprit is now still walking free. The government was quick to change the reason for detention stating that her custody was meant to protect her because her life was threaten. But would ever believe that ISA arrest can be invoked to protect someone from danger? The govt has once again shot themselves on their own foot.

On 916, Anwar made a public statement that he wants to meet the PM to hold a discussion of having a peaceful power transition. The PM turned Anwar down and claimed that Anwar was lying about having the numbers. If Badawi is confident that Anwar is lying, why don't he just meet him? If Anwar can't produce the numbers during the meeting, there goes his credibility. But no, the only thing he can do is to accuse Anwar as a threat to the national security. Anwar again requested an emergency parliamentery session to show his numbers in the form of no confidence vote against the Be eNd government. Predictably, Anwar was rejected by the PM again. This only spells that the PM doesn't care to know if Anwar has the numbers.

The PM, under pressure from within and without, said that he will not choose to use ISA against Anwar. But if he flips the flop like he always do, Anwar will then be seen as a matyr of democracy. We can expect international condemns and massive reformasi protest. If he doesn't, Anwar will be meeting the King for his intervention. Either way, it does not bode well for the PM and Be eNd.

Rudd's Apology

I came across Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology while going thru my daily smh feed. I'm especially touched with his last line.

"A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia."

I salute you, Mr. Rudd! If Pak Lah ever say something like this, pigs will fly! :P

Boringest CNY

Though I was back in Malaysia for CNY, I can say I didn't enjoy my time there. Being car-less, I stayed home most of the time reading smh, political blogs, emails and bugging my good friend on ym. Boring rite? Being in a disfunctional family, it's not our practice to have reunion dinners and pai neen with relatives. Everyone do their own stuff during CNY! Somehow I feel that I'm much closer to my relatives in oz than my immediate family, cept for Val of course. Most of my buddies were only available for pai neen on the 3rd day of CNY. ack... I was actually longing to go home(Sydney)!! ><

Australia Day in Sydney

Australia Day, held anually on the 26th of January is celebrated as Australia's National Day. Unlike Malaysia, where Merdeka celebration became a mere propaganda machine for the ruling party, I'm awed at how the aussies here naturally celebrated this day with pride! Heck! Even I felt so patriotic for Australia! (waves Australian flag)

Since Saturday was an official off day here, Monday was declared a public holiday! :) How did I spend this long weekend? Karen and I have been putting a lot of thoughts into this. We went down to Hyde Park late morning to meet up with her former coursemates (Yvonne, Daniel and forgotten her name), for a picnic. There, we got ourselves free BBQ lunch, cute Aussie flags and tattoos. After our picnic, we made our way to The Rocks to check out the stage performance. Most of the road around our vicinity were closed for the vintage car exhibits. I've never seen Sydney this crowded with ppl before. If only Merdeka was this happening.

Karen and I parted with her friends and headed to Sydney Opera House to catch Joanna Newsom's performance with the Sydney Symphony. I didn't know what to expect from Joanna but when Karen booked the tickets, she assured that I will like it. Anyway, being in the magnificent concert hall itself was well worth the ticket price. From the crowds reaction as Joanna appeared on stage, she seems to be adored by everyone. Maybe I have never delved into this type of folk genre before because Joanna's singing sounded very strange to me. In fact, so strange I actually turned my head towards Karen and sniggered. But somehow as I listen more, I began to appreciate her songs. It was fairytale-liked. I felt as though I was in an enchanted forest. At the end, I joined the audience and demanded for an encore and she gave in before calling it a day.

After a long tired day, I hibernated throughout Sunday. Did some little last minute packing. On Monday, drove down to Chatswood for a yum cha session with relatives. Ended my remaining long weekend getting ready for my Malaysian trip. Well, my bags are all packed and I can't wait to go home! C'ya mates in KL!!

Schools in Malaysia are getting ridiculous!

I read from a blog article forwarded by my friend about school principles in Malaysia going overboard implementing uncivilised laws in schools such as gender segregation. The latest, about this BU4 principal banning the school cheerleading team, not allowing shorts for PE and lion dance performance can only be done WITHOUT DRUMS!! How absurd is that? How can the education ministry allow such things to happen?

MacBook Air, world's thinnest notebook!

Me drools over macbook air!! XD~ Just take a look at it. Pricing starts from $2499... Time to retire my trusty T43? 

I'm coming home for CNY

There's a burning sense of anticipation in me for the day to return home. Life's been pretty boring here. Not that there's nothing much to do here. I just miss the company back at home. I will be departing on the 30th and returning on the 10th... So buddies, send me your wish list. First come first served. Luggage limit, I can only carry that much y'know. :)

The beginning

Always thought of starting a blog to journal the happenings around me. There's never been a better time to start one. It's been like what..? almost half a year since I landed here and it's only now I can consider myself finally settled. Sydney feels different from the time I was here for uni. It was no longer a place where I long to party. Prehaps, I'm just getting old.