Selamat 'Aidil Adha & Tahun Baru 2007

No new year resolutions for me. Don't always keep 'em anyway. Just take things in stride. Not very organised, but it works somehow. Just managed to log in. Been trying for some days, since that Taiwan earthquake damaged the whatchamaycallit cable. Hari Raya Qurban falls on New Year's Eve this year. So, I advise all the decent Muslims boys and girls not to go and make a nuinsance of themselves on New Year's eve to welcome 2007. Respect the Aidil Adha. My daughter made my wife and me proud by her good performance in the PMR ( seven As). That was a fine present for her mum who celebrated her birthday yesterday. Selamat hari raya 'Aidil 'Adha and selamat Tahun Baru 2007.

Arrogance

Our public officials are getting more and more arrogant and self-centred these days. Recently, one deputy minister in charge of internal security, said in Parliament that WE, yes WE, the public are partly to be blamed for the increasing incidences of snatch thieves, assaults, mugging and even rape. He implied that WE are the ones who encouraged those criminals to do what they do unto us. It seems that WE are careless and give an opportunity for the criminals to strike. OK we'll consider that reason. The next thing he said was that women are to be blamed for enticing those hoods. Carrying expensive handbags and wearing body hugging and body jiggling clothes. Come on lah mister deputy minister , even makciks and aunties get assaulted. What so sexy about these sweet old ladies ? What's wrong about carrying expensive handbags ? Mister deputy minister, do what you are paid to do. Keep our streets clean and safe from these never-do- goods. Don't blame the public if you can't handle your job. Our very articulate minister of culture and heritage said he could not prevent city officials from bulldozing a certain mansion in the city. He said the building has no historical value, it was only a mansion built by a very rich man. History and arcitectural experts regret that they were not consulted. A prominent Malaysian historian said it is significant to the history of the city. So, mister minister does'nt know much about history or what ? I believe that there is a plan to rewrite our history.

Wanna be a local councillor ?

Wanna be a local councillor ? Why not eh ? First you don't need to get elected. That means no election hassle, no need to spend so much money and canvassing for votes. Just make sure that you are 'visible' to your party chiefs. You can be 'invisible' to your local residents. They don't know who their local council rep is. I too do not know who the hell is the councillor for my area. 'Invisibility' to your local residents can spare you the inconveniences now being shouldered by the elected assemblymen and MPs.Don't have to listen to 'sob stories',grouses about your council (very good, pass your problem to the YBs),settle summonses,recommend for jobs and colleges. Meetings, only once a month (correct me if I'm wrong)and you get allowance for that. You plan your projects at commitee meetings.Just go to the monthly meeting and 'setuju' every damn thing. About one quarter of our local councillors are not academically high achievers.Some just made it to Form Three. Yes , they got where they are by climbing the political ladder. Academics and professionals get to be appointed too.Some how they don't seem to make as much money as those 'survivors'. If you're lucky not to get caught (by opposition observers) you may get to build your 'dream palaces' on council land. You know what the council enforcers will do to the squatters. And this is the best part of being a coucillor, you get to go on 'study tour' in a foreign land. Study what ? Maintenance of public toilets in 'girly joints' in Hatyai,'dangdut joints' in Medan. Study landscaping on the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and many other interesting study tours. How do you get to be one ? Make your way up the political ladder in your state.Rub shoulders with your branch leaders,buy free lunches for the grassroots.Be the popular party man or woman.Make yourself noticed when a national leader or state leader comes visiting.Stand in the front row to welcome and send off your leader.Don't forget to kiss his hand.Your DNA on his hand might make him remember you. So, wanna be a local councillor ?