ETC. ETC. ETC

I reflected on my previous postings and noted that I haven’t written “real” stuffs lately. Real as in the stuffs that makes me cry, whine, puke and function like a true workaholic drama queen. I hereby, want to make some amends and write things that were really bothering me this month. Could be the dullest stuff any of you ever come across throughout your life. But never said you guys MUST agree and read everything I wrote.

OMAR TAN: A BRIEF ORBITUARY

Frankly, I don’t know him very well. He is those activists that went unnoticed because he was not aiming for the crown of glory but merely doing things that other people are not bothered with. If the more important leaders impress the crowds with their speeches, he will be the one, taking care of the podium or perhaps ensuring that the crowd is comfy. He will do the least favorable tasks you could say, but the ones which only an honest true person would want to do in a social movement’s struggle for justice. When Union Guy faced his criminal charge 6 years ago for exercising his freedom of expression, the late Omar Tan was there with his comrade, Abang Nasir, lending support whenever and wherever he could. He also came for our wedding ceremony, smiling all the way, patting Union Guy on the back while saying “tahniah, kahwin jugak kamu!”

I didn’t get to say this earlier or even when we bump into each other during those colorful post reformasi demonstrations, but I will say it here,” Thank you.”

ISA7 RETRIAL

It’s back to Magistrate Court for ISA7. The night before, Union Guy and I were writing press release for the decision day at High Court. We didn’t prepare a counter version of press release, of which is needed in the event that the Prosecution’s appeal is accepted. When it happened, we were too busy to respond to the media that I remembered shouting at one of the camerawoman who tried to record my picture. I just want to bail Union Guy, get the hell out of here and went back to the comfort of our home. Other family members of the rest of ISA7 seemed panicked or upset the whole day, but we created an immediate bond as we identify with each other’s feelings. “You learn how to bail people when you’re doing law, eh? Have you imagined bailing your own hubby?”

“Nah...But there is always a first time, kan?”

LET US REBUILT KAMPUNG BEREMBANG, AMPANG

Another case of “Yeah, we want you guys in, because we want to balance the racial composition in KL, but sorry, some big shot want to built a giant commercial complex, so we have to tear down your houses!”

Squatters are not like Big Bang theory. There’s space and “bang!” you have galaxies and planets. Squatters are the product of our country old policies. But somehow, it’s easier to just kick people out than taking out the flipchart and start on a lecture on social development with “In the 60s, there are less Malays in the city…” It’s December and many of the children staying in Berembang are sitting for SPM. What about PM’s caution to MPAJ not to demolish the houses yet? The villager’s new houses are yet to be completed and all the villagers are asking for is a home, shelters not even some expensive palace or condos (Ehem, ehem). What about that, MPAJ?

RAJA SHAHRINA ‘S SMS

“Yeah, it’s true, Dato’ Azhar Mansor wants to christen a bunch of Muslims. The SMS is true”

I did not say anything as my driver ventured further into that issue. First thing first, I would blame the bunch of Malays for not being strong willed enough to protect their faith and even if they truly wants to convert, is it still Dato’ Mansor’s fault? It gets tiring to hear about how Holy Waters, Temples or Churches are to be blamed for the number of Muslims converting to other religion. A question of faith is a personal choice. It goes back to your own beliefs and will to embrace that particular faith. So, stop blaming other objects or people for the choice that you make on your own!