I Love Malaysia

Malaysia is 50 years old today. Celebrations across the nation began late last night. At the stroke of midnight the present PM , emulating the late great first PM Tunku Abdul Rahman, shouted out `Merdeka !' seven times. Pak Lah's 'Merdeka ' sounded a little feeble, when compared with the late Tunku. This ritual was carried out in every state by the state MBs and CMs. This morning, there were the parades of proud Malaysians, putting their best feet forward. And just concluded was the day's finale the Persembahan Raksasa (Mammoth presentation ?) at the historic Stadium Merdeka, showcasing the eras of the past 4 PMs and the present PM, in dances and patriotic songs. All the state rulers and the Agung attended the show. Just for today, everyone felt that they belonged to this country. But, what about tomorrow, when Arrogance, Avarice and Inefficiency creeps up again to our elected officials, civil servants, and political upstarts. Then the victimised would wish they were not Malaysians. I really love my country and its people, but I dislike people who just love to make our lives miserable, I don't like people who don't care about the poor, the weak and the disabled. Go on and create your wealth, but not at the expense of the defenceless. Go after the crooks and don't cover up your crooked pals. This country has potential to be a great country. Lets not lose our respect and credibility in the eyes of the world. You (the people ? the PM ?) hold the cards.Play it right. Happy Birthday Malaysia.

Shafiq is Thirteen

Yesterday, 23rd August was my youngest child Shafiq's 13th birthday. And I feel so awful that I had forgotten about it yesterday. All of yesterday, I was on the island, attending a seminar on PDKs ( Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti or Rehabilitation in the Community). This is a centre for disabled children and adults, set up by the Social Welfare department, for the disabled within their own community. Most of the kids here were rejected by the Special Education section of the Education Ministry. The main reason was that, some of these kids were not capable of looking after themselves (meaning that they cannot handle them if they wet or dirty themselves). Shafiq attended one of those classes when he was seven. But each time I went to pick him up, after school, I would find him wet or dirty. They never changed his diapers. Even though we provided enough spare diapers, a towel and change of clothes. After a few months, my wife and I decided to send him back to the PDK. He had attended the PDK since he was six, instead of kindy. At least the PDK teacher was more caring than those specialist teachers. Well, he's a big boy now. Good looking and very neat. He is not wearing diapers anymore. He can control his bladder during class. When at home, if he feels like peeing or pooping, he would go to the bathroom and take a bath, fully clothed. After soaking himself, he will strip off his clothes, do his business and continue with his 'hosing' bath. His mum or dad got to soap him up, and let him continue his bath. He will be 'showering' four or five times a day. As for dressing, he likes the comfortable soft worn out ones. He hates the new crispy clothes. And no collared shirts please. The only collared shirts he wears is his uniform. He is very particular about his footwear. If the slipper or sandal straps burst and if his feet outgrows them, we got to find the same design,color as the old one. Those mentioned are some of Shafiq's 'quirks' and habits , we the family has to learn to accept.Its not easy to change him. He does'nt want to change. I'm sorry son, I forgot your birthday. Promise I'll make up to you. (Lina says sorry too, she also forgot your birthday).