Friday, October 19, 2007

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

CT Meeting for old and new critters

Everyone is welcome to attend our first critical thinking discussion meeting this coming

Saturday, October 20 at
PG block at
1:30 p.m.

The topic is "The Nurin Case: Child Molestors -- causes + solutions".

We will have lunch at mamak first, at 12 p.m. for those of you who want to "warm up" by hanging out with CT group members :-)


Sharwin will be leading the session and it will be very similar to our usual CT presentations, with one exception--everyone has to come prepared, having read 2 sets of readings, one given by Sharwin and another more analytical piece, given by me.

We hope that people will come and share their views, after having read. This way, we can have informed discussions. The readings are as follows:

http://www.blogcatalog.com/posts/nurin
There are many links to the Nurin case. Please don't just look at the CCTV and images, also try to read to get some background into the case. Sharwin will also come up with a timeline to make the discussions flow more smoothly.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/sexual_assault/child_sex_offenders/1_index.html
Please read chapters 1 -- Motives, 2 -- There's No Cure, and 3 -- What's the appropriate response? You can see if some of the ideas given may or may not be applicable to the Nurin case and the Malaysian context.


Put on your critical thinking cap when you read and try to note down your agreements and objections to the readings as well. Basically, adopt your critical reading skills.

See you on Saturday!!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Important notice

Hey people this following link has all the info about Nurin's case. I think you all should be reading this. My topic will be on that right? I am using most of the information from that blog or whatever it is.

http://www.blogcatalog.com/posts/nurin

Friday, October 12, 2007

Interested? Confirm with me by Oct 20

Datanglah beramai-ramai ke ‘perbicaraan’ terpenting dekad ini. Keputusan kes di tangan anda.

Dewan Perhimpunan Cina Selangor danKuala Lumpur (Tingkat 1, Bilik 2)
Pada hari Sabtu, 27hb Oktober, dari 9pagi -1.30ptg

Perbicaraan Rakyat
Sempena Memperingati Ulangtahun ke-20
Operasi 27 Oktober 1987 (Also known as Operasi Lallang)

Yang tertuduh adalah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) yang didakwa telah digunakan untuk melakukan penahanan tanpa bicara pada tahun 1987. Dua puluh tahun telah berlalu, dan kini ‘pihak yang tertuduh’ ini akan dibicarakan atas kezalimannya terhadap individu, keluarga dan sahabat handai sewaktu sebuah operasi yang diberi nama Operasi Lalang dijalankan.

Sewaktu ‘perbicaraan’ ini anda akan mendengar kenyataan akuan dari bekas tahanan, keluarga dan sahabat mereka, serta dari para peguam. Dua amicus curiae (rakan mahkamah) akan turut hadir untuk memberikan pandangan mereka terhadap kes ini.

Pada penghujung perbicaraan ini, anda – rakyat – akan menentukan salah betul tindakan tersebut. Anda tidak akan mahu ketinggalan.

Hubungi Nalini di talian 03-77843525 untuk menempah tempat duduk anda di bilik mahkamah’ ini atau isikan borang penyertaan di bawah dan hantarkan kepada suaram@suaram.net atau faks ke 03-77843526.

(If you would like to isi the borang, please email me and I will send to you. But those who want to go, if there are more than 4-5 of you, then we can go beramai-ramai.)

Monday, October 8, 2007

Banned Books

A few weeks ago, the last time I was at mamak with some of you, KJ mentioned an art exhibition at the Central Market Annexe (where we saw Fahmi Reza's smashing new film) on banned books. I had a chance to view the show this past Friday and am reviewing it for my editor. I actually thought it was an excellent exhibition, utilizing a lot of facts about book banning in Malaysia.

Now, unfortunately, the show is over but I didn't realize my pal Sharon Chin actually created a blog about her artwork. It's very comprehensive and worth checking out: http://bannedbooksandothermonsters.blogspot.com/

Another good blog on a similar issue is: http://freethebooks.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

P.S. Please don't let this post of mine distract you from reading Michelle's excellent story about injustice in Malaysia--see below!

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Just A Story...

Hey people...

This is my first time writing in a blog...

What you're about to read is a story which I think is pretty... Oh I don't know... You go on and read and you tell me about it...

There was a woman, Cat for short, who was working and helping closely with the migrant workers in her community ministry... She was particularly close to a group of Vietnamese ppl who were working in the town as they were the group of migrant workers who were facing a lot of problems, e.g. oppression.

24 June 2007
One day (As above), she was informed by 3 Vietnamese workers that a 19-year-old boy (A Vietnamese migrant himself) was being detained, locked up at the police station since 7 June 2007.
Apparently, the boy, together with the 3 Vietnamese were involved in a fight with a group of Nepalese at their workplace. The boy actually, was not involved in the fight. Let me put it this way... He was at the wrong place, at the wrong time...
So what happened was... This boy was left at the fighting scene, whereas the other 3 fled, including those Nepalese... The boy was left to 'face' the music, if you know what I mean...

25 June 2007
Cat went over to the police station to make some inquiries and found out that the boy was charged on the 14 June 2007 under Section 324, Penal Code : Causing Hurt and was detained at a jail in the next county.

26 June 2007
Cat phoned the jail, over at the next county, confirmed that the boy was in jail. FYI : This boy could NOT speak a word of Bahasa Malaysia or English as he only arrived in Malaysia earlier this year in January. She made an appointment with 2 of the other Vietnamese to visit the boy, as the 2 were able to converse in BM and English, though not fluently.

2 July 2007
It was only on this day that Cat, along with another friend of hers, Iggie, found a lawyer. They managed to obtain the boy's file number from the courthouse. The bail amount was RM5000 with 2 Malaysians as Guarantors. The following court hearing would be on the 12 July 2007.

8 July 2007
Cat and a few friends went over to the jail to pay the boy a visit.

12 July 2007
Cat went to court for the hearing but due to the inavailability of a Vietnamese interpreter, the case was postponed to the 10 August 2007.

13 July 2007
Cat and her committee members of the migrant ministry decided to get their own interpreter. Cat had an acquaintence, a Vietnamese who could speak well in both BM and English.

14 July 2007
Cat went with a friend to the Magistrate Office to enquire if it is possible to provide their own interpreter but unfortunately, it wasn't possible.

15 July 2007
Cat and her friends went over to the jail to visit the boy.

10 August 2007
Cat went to the court for the hearing again but returned sad and disappointed as there was NO interpreter available. The case was postponed to the 24 September 2007.

24 September 2007
Cat went to the court for the hearing and again the same excuse... There wasn't an interpreter available. The case was postponed to the 6 October 2007.

30 September 2007
Cat went over to the jail to visit the boy.

1 October 2007
Cat was later informed by a friend, an Inspector, that there wasn't anything that they could do to help this boy. The inspector suggested to Cat, that this boy admit the offence as charged, so that the judge could pass sentence and this boy will be deported ASAP.

* The names used in the blog are made up. They're real ppl but I thought it would be better not to disclose their identity.
# # #
Ladies and gentlemen,
Sad to say that I am very confused by these events. As of today, this boy would be in jail for almost 4 months... For something that he has not done...
I was also wondering y is it that it takes so long to get an interpreter? Is it legal to detained someone for so long?
Then y would an Inspector suggest that the boy admit a crime for which he did not commit? Does that mean that it would be easier for him and the court? Was it for nothing that the boy was held in jail for so long, cos in the end he only need to admit that he did it?
I was also thinking... Wouldn't it be a waste of money that this boy be in jail? I mean he was given food but of course, where did all these come from? There are many of these kinds of cases happening too... Ppl of different nationalities, detained for a long period of time, just waiting for them to admit the charges, then deport them...
My friends... This is the other side of Malaysia that I just, recently found out...
What do you think? (Sigh...)

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Forms / Borang

today i went to the post office to register myself as a voter. the registration process was simple, quick and hassle free. kudos to Pos Malaysia.

BUT there are few PROBLEMs that i'm not really happy with. i don't think its the fault of Pos Malaysia but SPR itself.

the registration process needs:
1. race / bangsa
2. agama / religion

WHY is it in malaysia that when we fill up forms, any forms lah..we have to state our race and religion 1. i tot we are bangsa malaysia! why in the forms got melayu, cina, india and sorts? why? then there's the agama thing. why do they need to know what religion that person subscribe to? is it relevant at all?

this also happen during our public exams. y students have to state their race and religion 1?

when i was registering, the person ask me for my religion, i saw all the options and u know what? i saw one option stating TIADA AGAMA. i was damn surprised that option even exists in our country. so i chose that and the person gave me THE LOOK, u know lah..then that person look towards a police officer. i mean what the heck! salah ke if i tiada agama! if dont like then dont put the option there lah. the person serving me was a malay lady. then she ask me, u pasti nak option ini? then i ask her, ada salinan bertulis ke? she say got, then i change lo coz i dont want to cause problems at home and later on. my grandma super conservative and if she finds out she will pressure my dad to give me a good scolding. my parents also dont approve of me being religionless. sad case lah !

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

ACTS

what is it?

Awareness Campaign of Travel Safety-a tiny-mini awareness campaign i started by myself but ...

*shy*

well,as a considerably frequent users of Klang Valley's public transports, and a concerned citizen to Klang Valley's most threatening and hazardous thing- fierce crowd(whether cars,trains,all crowds,never change)

why is it so?














that explains why.after several observations and experiences as a victim-to-be in most of it,a conclusion that the risk and probability of an occurance of stampede,or simply getting hurt,is very high especially in concerts,public transports such as buses and trains(where you're so close you get to feel the 'warmth' of th epersons around you.best of all,you can get body trimming sessions through that,since you're being squeeze aka having therma-wrap thingy in salon)

how does it work?

through the no.1 online buddies network in asia(some say malaysia only)Friendster, Hotmail,campus buddies,blogs and peak hours distribution of the information patch in the affected areas(erm...this particular one is not sure yet...im a planner and a spontaneur, ya know,considering all the acts and things) to create and raise the awareness by using striking methods.(erm...maybe by contacting the authority to see whether a more systematic and safe way can be introduced.eg. Putra LRT's line-up-and-make-way-for-those-coming-out-or-you'll-get-beeped-at method,totally civilised!-i mean the way,not people.by that way you get to go in accordingly and people can get out fast too.) i dont want to be caught,so let's do it in a civilised way. peace bro!

alright,some comic relief here(l.o.l)

below is a quote from Auntie R:
aiyo..i tell you ah,i got push out of the train one time ah aiyo...i in front one you know...i cannot get in already loh...i have to wait dont know how many time ah...but hor,i slim already..see?aiya..but still very dangerous la...i want to see my son also cannot so much...

quote from Miss M:
well,concerning the matter...erm...ahem...this is really a demonstration of 'the 1st world facility and 3rd world mentality,i'll say...they just cant follow the rules*snort* and advice!what are the effects of the announcement and reminders from the PA system?none!everyone wants to go home soon too but what's wrong with being patient,for the sake of your own and others' safety?that way,it'll be more efficient! can't you guys just ----------------------(woops,censored by the editor)

so friends,if you're concerned,or had the same experience(so-in-the-same-boat) and want to help voicing out, please repost this in your site.

million thanks.(and feel free to comment!)



-spread the awareness-

oh,and to the PUSHERS, one day you'll be PUSHED!!

malaysian education-again

ok,this is like...a *milder* topic..*shrug* anyway, i dont know..maybe im wrong or too innocent-minded...i'll as well invite you to see it yourself and comment on it...




i'll talk about 'foundation'...

you see,the way they write the syllabus N.O.W is so obviously wrong...i mean,have problem.

1. do you ever remember that the lecturer told you to forget about the 'science' you learnt in lower grades and accept the new ones with different concepts? even maths? like...they tell you to froget about light goes in straight line and instead it is...(bla bla..) what's that?are you supposed to tell you're student those? and the science books now, lots of errors and unsynchronised- does coffee dissolves or not?(well,then the teacher'll say instant ones will and the others wont since different books have different answers,and they will ask-mam,how do i differentiate instant ones from non-instant ones...its not written there...???)..what..just straight tell them it does...it creates speculation on those who write the books man...

2. history. need i say more or what?

3. specifically-english. sounds,build up the reading and speaking skills first instead of writing and exams. because you see, the problem is such big now that they cant continue to learn in class for the weak ones..because their foundation is not well-built..i.e. you bla about this and that hoping they will accept,absorb and know while all they can do is stare at you..coz they dont understand a word of yours!!! i took a book from 1970..guess what?i feel awed at the quality...so well structured!! you have to get in pace with the young brains,not as you thought!! LUCKILY, though,i still see some good books, a phonics one..the teacher apparently is really experienced and understanding...(ahem,now the speculation on how did they choose the writers?)

-sigh-starting it right is so important..

and when i talk to my mum,all she said is if you think you're so right then go ahead and write the syllabus,i said of coz i will..duh..

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Samy Vellu's Favourite Quotes

I am posting this because I got it in my email and it is FUNNY AS HELL! Of course, some may say hell is not funny but IF that's where he is ending up, then I am sure the devil will have a belly ache of laughs! hahahahah.

P.S. Sharwin, this is especially for you :-)


1) Samy Velu on pos laju "BESOK KIRIM, HARI INI SAMPAI"
2) The one on TV when in trying to say he was ashamed, he said:`Kemaluan saya besar`
3) On drugs, "Jangan hisap dada"
4) Samy said in a ceramah "Kita akan bina satu jambatan untuk orong-orong kampong disini", one pakcik asked, "Datuk, sini takde sungai,buat apa bina jambatan?" and Samy glorious replied,"Kalau takde sungai, kita bina sungai!"
5) Samy's favorite quote on national television "Toll naik sikit, manyak marah saya. You ingat semua ini toll saya punya bapa punya kah!"
6) During the water shortage crisis : "semua orang diminta jgn membuang aiyerr..!"
7) During blood donation campaign in Sg Siput: "..marilah kita semua menderma dara.."
8) During the opening speech of various function: "...selamat datang saudara-mara semua.." (actually is "saudara-saudari")
9) At an opening ceremony: "mempersilakan datin paduka rafidah aziz naik ke pentas utk membuka kain"
10) Commenting about his modesty: "sebenarnya, kemaluan saya sangat-sangat besar"

And lastly u know why our N-S Highwayconcessionaire is named PLUS.
PLUS = Pungut Lebih Untuk Samy