Malaysians' Teh Tarek Conviction

Initially, the legal fraternity won support when they staged what was dubbed the Walk of Justice. Then, the public at large, tired of the rising costs and upset with the system, welcomed Bersih. Next Hindraf came along with specific demands for the Malaysian Indians. We read every item every opportunity we can on Malaysiakini to keep up with events, to the extent that today, the site got jammed up!

But as I said before, Malaysians are a complacent lot. Our conviction, our passion for any matter, lasts as long as that teh tarek session. Once that is over, tired out after all the debating, the passion soon sizzles.

It's expected. Once enough sleep is gotten, stomachs filled, most Malaysians will wake up realising, hey, it's not my fight anyway. I was there initially as, yes, at that time I believed in it, at that time I was all fired up, but I've done my bit. But that's it for now. I did my part, it's up to the others to go on. Or, yes at that time I went along, but, see, I thought it was only right that I did go along, less I be seen as one having no conviction or not willing to do anything to make things right.

But like any other Malaysian, like any other heated event flaring up every now and then, we get fired up, then within a short span of time, we sizzle and then the fire quickly dies, without even leaving any smoke. Those who still go on, eventually are thought as pests.

Why? Because eventually we get fed-up with the traffic jams caused by the demonstrations. Eventually we all get tired of hearing the same old story. Eventually we just want to get on with our lives. Don't fret. It's just the Malaysian way.

Now we are told businesses in KL are adversely affected by the marches, the demonstrations. As true Malaysians, we all believe that others can go on with doing what they like for all we care, for so long as they don't affect businesses, as long as they don't bother us.

But if we are going to be consistently caught in road blocks, traffic jams and so forth, eventually, we will get fed up with that very cause we initially identified with. The authorities will tell you they have to carry out such acts to maintain peace. You will end up cursing that if not for the marches, demonstrations etc, there would not have been any road blocks and you would not have been caught in that dreaded jam.

You will end up swearing, “Do what you people want, just don't cause traffic jams. Don't cause detours. I was that close to my destination and could have arrived at work on time until all that road blocks, until I was told to take a detour by the police, all because of you”.

And then, you begin to agree with the authorities. Enough is enough. Ok, we heard you already. March elsewhere. Shut up. Do something else. Whatever. Just not around here.

Been there? Don't worry. It's just us being Malaysians.

Nazri Aziz For Chief Justice

I am asking all fellow Malaysians to walk with me on this motion! We all love success stories, so since we are on the subject of meteoric rises to judicial appointments, why not let another meteor hit Malaysia.

So, rally on, gather on and cry out for Nazri Aziz to be appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia. He has all the necessary qualities : a law degree, speaks his mind with conviction, not afraid of anyone, has vast knowledge on Hindraf, Bersih or matters relating to Human rights, what more can you ask?

And who knows, he might also get along well with any other judge in the judiciary especially those who previously had UMNO links, or better, were UMNO legal advisors. See, we don't even have to worry or have any concerns of his getting along with other judges.

And to assist the Bar on the auspicious occasion, we have prepared a press statement, which can be published in all mainstream papers, even in alternative dailies like Malaysia Today, Malaysiakini for the matter.

"We, the Bar Council of Malaysia, despite thinking that there are other more suitably qualified person to be appointed Chief justice, nonetheless congratulate Nazri Aziz on his meteoric rise, on his unconventional elevation as Chief Justice. And as stated in our previous press release as regards the previous appointments, the Bar is looking forward to a new era of co-operation with the judiciary."

Of Fakes and Genuine Imitations

Buying local newspapers now, to me, is like buying a fake watch at Petaling Street.

Why? Because the watches on display and placed on the tables along Petaling Street, i.e. the ones going for RM10-RM20, are like the local tabloids - cheap makes, and clearly fakes.

The watches that come in boxes, the ones taken out only to the "select few" called "Boss" by the peddlers (actually, they call everyone "Boss!") a.k.a "Genuine Imitation" - is called as such, based on the fact that these watches truly look like the real thing, every line, every detail from crystal glass display to automatic hands, and can set you back by RM100.

Now, these Genuine Imitations are akin to the mainstream papers. These papers are supposedly better written (at times), with claims of reporting the truth as they are regarded as "mainstream papers", yet ... the news are .. at best, Genuine Imitation (which in fact translates or equates "Genuine Lies"). That, makes as much sense as Genuine Imitation.

In view of that, I suggest that you obtain better readings : eg. the UK Tabloids, ie The Sun and Mirror.

It is more satisfying to read such tabloids, to relish in the juicy bits of gossip and all, as you already know that British tabloids such as these thrive on sensationalism. Knowing this, you can seek pleasure in reading them without further thought. This will certainly give you more reading ease and enjoyment, instead of, having parted with your RM1.20, or RM1.50 to buy and read the "mainstream papers", you end up agitated, angry, shaking your head profusely in disbelief, or, for the more well-versed in french, swearing *#@$! at the blatant lies or propaganda published.

Keep your money. Surf online papers, the costs for which you've already paid for via your internet line subscription. Just browse through online papers, from the Star online, Malaysiakini, Utusan, NST to the Malay Mail, Harian Metro and on to Malaysia Today.

So there. Read, and read for pleasure. Read without getting all stressed up. If you are going to read lies, don't pay more, if at all. Pay RM10 for a basic fake or RM100for a genuine imitation if you must, either way, you still end up with fakes.