You Always Get Your Way..

But don't push your luck too far..

Gloom..

Some battles require extraordinary courage that mere mortals like us may not possess but hope and faith should never waiver..

Japanese Pride..

Heart-break but essential: Toyota F1 team principal Tadashi Yamashina weeps at the announcement of Japanese automakers exit from Formula 1

I recall something I observed a week ago. I covered a leg of the Carlsberg Golf Classic at the Templer Park GCC. As I was returning back to my car after the prize giving lunch had finished, I realized something amiss in the car park.

Since Templer Park boasts a big Japanese-expatriate membership, it shouldn't have puzzled me that all the cars were either Hondas, Nissans or Toyotas. Rarely did I see a Mercedes or BMW in their midst; though most of these guys were senior executives and highly-qualified professionals, who could easily afford the European marques.

And I figured on my drive back would a Malaysian do the same? Would we still drive a PROTON or PERODUA when we are a little bit more better to do in life? Even our politicians find the Perdana Executives not good enough for them. Can we inculcate that sort of pride in our children? I feel the answer is no.

Before someone starts about protectionism, quality, maintenance and the usual barrage of criticism about our auto industry, just take a second to reflect why these Japanese, thousand of miles away from their homeland, continue to support their countrymen and their industry?

Simple nationalism and patriotic pride. They stand by their products. They don't need a national automotive policy to safeguard their industry. It flows within them. Legend has it that the Japanese contractors constructing the Dayabumi building even brought their nails in from Japan (how true that is, I wonder)

This week, auto giant Toyota joined Honda in the sidelines of the circus called F1. A year after Honda announced his departure, Toyota has chosen that their tightening budget is better invested in making environmentally-green vehicles as opposed to this 'poor excuse for a sport'. But here we are blowing our horns about our 1Malaysia F1 team with a Malaysian reserve driver.. Way to go!!

Malangnya, patriotisme kita tak kena tempatnya..

In Support of Dr. Maza

Considering I actually read his website 'Minda Tajdid' and have learned a lot of about Islam from his writings (though I may not agree with everything); I felt the arrest and the ruckus around Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (especially those caused by the religious authorities and the learned syariah lawyers) as deeply distasteful. I know there many out there don't like individuals like Dr. Maza because they're termed 'ustaz glamour'.

Now, I for one feel Dr. Maza has clarified many a questions on my part about Islam; without me asking him directly. I have come to discover that Islam is simple and easy through his writings. To see a man maligned and vindicated because of ulterior and political motives is shameful. To see his credentials being questioned because of his differing views from the powers-to-be is shocking.What more, a man who was an ex-mufti of a state, the second highest religious authority after the YMM Raja Perlis!

The problem with Malaysia is there is no freedom for religious discourse. The state-institutionalization of religion has prevented many from asking questions and furthering their knowledge in the religion. And this indoctrination has never left many with the attitude of don't question, just follow.

And you follow for generations without knowing if you're on the right track or not. Many practices of the Muslims in Malaysia originate not from the religion itself but from the Malay culture; hence the line of distinction of what's religion and what's customs have blurred considerably.

I regret the continued usage of the word kafir (infidels) by the religious authorities. It has done nothing better than to push non-Muslims away from discovering the beauty of Islam. My father saw little humour in the JAIS DG comparing non-Muslims to menstruating women and mind you, it's in every single national newspaper today.

I know many people don't like the idea of non-Muslim politicians from the Opposition visiting suraus and mosques to attend functions and give talks. Some scowl at non-Muslims quoting the Quran in speeches, especially so if it's political in nature. If you ask me; I don't like any politicians talking in places of worship; be it UMNO, PAS, MCA or MIC. Leave religion out of your dirty, racist politics; all of you!!

But to generalize and make uncalled for statements like the above; it makes my life difficult. There is no way in a lifetime that I can convince my parents that Islam, like any other religion in the world, is peace-loving and beautiful.

Deleted..

Today, I finally got rid of my final XXX folder.. While it's been sitting idle for the last few months; I thought it's about time I close that chapter altogether.

I'm a good boy... Halo please!!

Avant-Garde Take on Grimm's Fairytale

Gretel: Father.. Father.. We killed a witch..
Woodcutter: Really!! Your mother's dead too!!

Now, I must admit that it was one of the most uncomfortable seats ever but it was worth the time, money and discomfort to watch this modern adaptation of Grimm's Fairytale at the Pentas 2 KLPAC.

Featuring a youthful cast of six: Lex Balakrishnan, Claudia Low, Nur Zakuan, Gabriella Robinson, Capri Chin and Oliver Johanan; the drama featured very relevant present-day dialog, realistic acting, contemporary dance sequences and a snazzy musical selection including 'The Mating Game' by nu-jazz duo, Bitter:Sweet.

A grim show it was not to be; good mixture of humor and an energetic cast kept the gallery at their edge of their seats throughout the 75 minutes, as the cast performed three of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's more popular tales: Little Red Cap (Riding Hood), Rapunzel and Hansel & Gretel. Modern in presentation but not straying from the original storyline or the happy-ever ending; it was a refreshing revisit of a childhood mesmerized by these stories.

I was particularly impressed with Lex Balakrishnan - not to discredit the others who were excellent in their own respects - who played two evil characters (The Wolf and Sorceress) and managed to cap it all of by playing the gentle and graceful Little Duck. And the facial expressions of the woodcutter and his children in that poignant Hansel & Gretel scene where his wife convinces him to abandon them in the deep woods; I must admit it moved me a little (and left the esposa reaching for her tissues..)

If there are some grumbles on my part is the video (which added little value to the play in my opinion) and people who walked in late and were dissatisfied with not being able to find a place to sit (SUCKERS!!) Other than that, a simply marvelous performance by a very friendly and crowd-pleasing cast and the most beautiful of evenings with an equally beautiful companion.

ps. We walked in a slight drizzle, hand-in-hand; the sexy esposa and me at the picturesque KLPac park on a balmy Saturday evening. Precious and blissful moments..

A Boy Missing His Girl

I sat down by the beach and pondered

How different things are now

With someone being there for me

Worrying about me; caring for me

And constantly putting a smile on my face

I LUV U YAN!!