.....
.....
.....

This device failed, which is why we attained our independence, but its repercussions manifested itself in a vague racial tension that ultimately led to the 1969 racial riots between the Malays and the Chinese.

Only after this event did the government receive a reality check on the true “racial harmony” in the country. Therefore, it needed to show who was boss, or rather, which race was boss.

UMNO’s new leader was now in the position to field strong pro-Malay policies as well as play up Constitutional powers granted to Malays — the one that mentions about how “no other race has the right to question our (Malays’) privileges, our religion (Islam) and our leader (the King),” as so eloquently defined by Badruddin Amiruldin, UMNO’s Deputy Permanent Chairman.

read the complete article here

http://www.thecicak.com/?p=28#more-28

i couldn't say it better myself.

Nice commentary you have here! Who could be better to critisize one's country if not the citizens itself. Those who had overseas exposures especially in developed countries will notice that Malaysia is already performing well and almost on par with them. But still we are lacking in some aspects and if we do not critisize it constructively, how could we progress? But talk is still cheap. What we need to do is have some action, the smallest step to take now is to change our mentality.

i used to have a controversy with a guy in a designforum. He seemed to be going around, giving talks in conferences and once, i went to one of his talk events, with collabs with a few designers. So 'unfortunate' that he googled his recent talk to check out how popular he/that event turned out to be. He stumbled upon my blog.

He was uber-disgusted when he saw my post in my blog, that i was criticising the event (NOT HIM) that it was lacking of substance and therefore, it didn't inspire or have i learnt anythin at all. Taking it all so personal, he disrespected me by posting my entry in the forum. But, damn, why would i be threatened? Because, there's always eyes around watching us, who are in this case, right or wronged.

And it's exactly what Kenny mentioned on this entry that reminds me of what he said - you don't support malaysian design scene, you're not patriotic, you're a disgrace to the nation and that makes you a betrayer!

Apparently, everybody was brushing him with compliments that he just couldn't care to know why i choose to find it uninspirational. If ONE is good enough, he doesn't need to be bothered with what others think about them, or rather they should share opinions/check on their weaknesses with other ppl. This is one of the many cases i found in forums, blogs, everywhere especially in Malaysia.

I absolutely welcome people going against me with a constructive debate, and not by taking it personally. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Aren't we?

IMHO, malaysians need to walk away from the family/the circle of their people, spend some time on their own, regardless if it's overseas or locally, it doesn't really matter. We need to do loads of thinking on our own, we are subconsciously being spoon-fed by thoughts and actions. We just have to stop being timid, and vice-versa, unable to accept criticism.

Judging from where 'some' of us are born in, we're brought up in a conservative family/surrounding, with all that 'Respect your senior, shut up or deserve to be labelled as a disobeyance child/rebellious kid' crap.

You probably might not noticed it because you're so gelled into their mindsets. All i can say is, take the pros, filter the bads. Do not hesitate on calling things turds. It's a good descriptor for work/opinions you don't like. You might piss off some people, but you might make a friend out of it. Of course, depending how rhetorically-intelligent you are.

:P

great article... totally understand how you feel... being overseas really does open your eyes to how things are... and i realise that having been overseas for so long that i actually feel more for home, and feel more nationalistic away from home... i bitch about malaysia all the time, but when someone non-malaysian bitches about malaysia impartially, i bitch about them in their face... and i am not some guy who stays away from home, k... i go back to kuching at least 3 times a year...

and i just found out today that hang tuah is chinese... silly me... but somehow he's been removed from all history texts used in school... *fishy*

and whatever happened to the researcher who found the landing point in johor, near kota tinggi??

did i say bitch about malaysia "impartially"... oops... i meant NOT impartially... my bad...

hey kenny: great post. i believe that's why blogs like Screenshots and Brandnewmalaysian etc emerged in the first place.
Wonder if we could change the gov anytime soon?
Hopefully before our kids are born?
At the mean time, perhaps I am just going to continue shaking my head

I'm not someone smart, hence I can't leave a smart arse comment.

All I can say is, amongst the chaos, you are the only one who came up with something constructive.

Good on ya.

Malaysian here.

Living in Spore. Bred by the air here, groomed by the -cough- Newater here.

Can't wait to be a Sporean citizen/PR.

Why?

Only at Msia customs, would the brianless peepz question my dad if I AM HIS GIRLFRIEND.

Only on Msia highway, would the corrupted peepz sapped up my last ringgits.

And just because I am a chinese who doesn't know Malay, makes me such an inferior being that they could mock at me in language I don't understand.

I am not kidding when I say they only fell short of spitting at me and say 'PUI!' for holding a msia passport and not speaking malay.

And don't get me started on the professional conmen.

Still, I would love msia for some of their cute men, cheap manicures, cheap sushis...

and most importantly, the simple, pure sweetness of kampung life away from the sinister city life..

Regular reader here, Malaysian currently living abroad. Too much to say, so i won't ramble, But, excellent, EXCELLENT POST. Ah Malaysia ...

Well said Kenny. Having lived half my life in various foreign countries, I realised those who tend to be more patriotic and protective are the ones who have never left the country. One can never take a wider view if one has not been given the opportunity to, and therefore have no basis of comparison. They only know and see ONE way of living and that's the way life is meant to be lived. Hearing insults on "things that are meant to be" is a rude awakening. Its like saying "Kenny you should like men" and kenny says "KNN I dont like dicks" and Petite says "but how do you know? you have not tried...."

good job kenny.

lots of racial tension is kept inside the heart. generally, people know that they don't have the chance if they're not malay. that's why many don't try.

also, i think being so defensive, is the "mahathir syndrome". Tun gets so upset and defensive whenever anything is said about malaysia. i think the general public, especially those in the 10s, 20s and probably 30s have this syndrome because of the media.

you reckon?

Kenny!!
I fully support what u publish here...Hope u dun mind that, I ''Angkat'' ur balls like this....wahahaha....keep it up, buddy!!! Great shot!!

Kenny, it is precisely with this mindset that some of your regular readers do regularly give you a nudge and point out the "mistakes" you wrote in your blog. We all love (is love a proper word to use?? sounds gay.....) you that's why we want you to improve. I suppose constructive criticism is always welcomed, right?

Bravo .. nice post kenny

you people have too much time.

I like my country but i hate my "goberment". But i have to accept it becoz it was elected by our own ppl. Racism is a big problem now, just look at how they change chinese street name into "malay" name, Church built like a "dewan raya" and they can't put any "cross" outside, u won't know it's a church until u step in, temple contruction have to halt becoz of objection from nearby residents.

Most of our "leader" always "Chui Kong Lan Pa Song", talk a lot, never do their work. And when ask, they will say "Semuanya OK" or "Macam ini punya lar" or "our crime rate are lower then Singapore".
I really dun know how they get "elected". *Sign*

kudos to ur post on this Kenny. Couldn't have said better.
It's time that Malaysians act to change other nation's perspective on Malaysia instead of bitching on how they dissed us. Change their mind about this nation by correcting our flaws, not deffending it blindly because how we love our nation. To all of you people who attack on others that commented on our country, remember that our own people complains alot about our own country too.

Kenny, this is life. and this is m'sia. i love it and i think it sucks at the same time.

Btw YC, u got that rite on the 'cute men' section.
for me, cute ladies too. msia is loaded with goodlooking ppl. in aspect ratio to population.
try overseas... america? uk? aussie? *sigh* nation of obesity. thnk gawd they have all da hot hollywood actresses, rachel stevens and holly vallance. *ok... maybe im wrong, msia may not be too 'pretty', but... lets all b patriotic k.*

Excellent entry Mr Kenny !!

Hi kenny, it is true that u only realise a countries shortcomings by being in another country for a period of time. Being in perth made u realise what our country lacked and how it could improve... and also that some of the things people go on and on complaining about is in fact caused by the lack of responsibility of the people themselves and not the government or the country.

In 2001 i spent one month in India, and i totally loved the places i went to and the things i saw and everything that i experienced. Of course at most times i missed our malaysian efficient government departments, zero corruption, excellent public transport system, and so on.

Dont get me wrong here, i'm not being overly-patriotic, and i absolutely love india, but while i was there, Malaysia seemed flawless. This is what happens when one starts comparing 2 nations. Not that india is bad, but for a country that huge and populated, i dont think there is even a basis for comparing. How could i compare the scientific development of india with ours when they are a light-year ahead of us? How could i compare the level of poverty and hardship in india with ours when we only see 10 beggars on the streets of KL as compared to the thousands u'd see in the Madras? But i'm only human, and i ended up comparing and i knew that malaysia will always be HOME. I bet if any of us have been in an african country we would think that malaysia was heaven.

I know i just went around the bush like a hundred times, well my point is that one could compare malaysia with any other country, but it will never end. u can keep comparing n complaining til the cows come home. But are we gonna do anything abt those complains to make malaysia a better place? and as citizens do we practice our responsibilies? or is it all just lip service?

And just one more thing for those of u who cant stop complaining, try think of any country which has no flaws whatsoever. If u think malaysia is not good enough for u , u should seriously consider migrating to that country. but what makes u think u'll stop complaining even then?

Hi Kenny, this was a really good post. Good for you!

They need all these privileges because most of them are just like sperms. Globalisation will kill all this sperms if they maintain their one-sided policies. At the end of they day, their only customer would be the Goverment.

I will be in my comforting GSC gold class seat with my caramel popcorn. Watching the finest show of this century...

"Going oversea because the result was too good". Well said. That's why we will survive. Heck! We even have a martial art sifu in Switzerland.

forgot one more thing, for those who are whining abt those who complain abt malaysia, stop reading and start doing something constructive and make malaysia a better place. If a dog bites u treat urself not bite back :p

Haha! I must agree with you on this.

I am a Malaysian living in Perth too and thinking of staying there after I graduate.

My cousin in law was raped and murdered in KL. It could have been prevented if the police were doing their job.

Kenny, you've hit the spot this time. Well written... thought provoking but gentle.

So true Kenny. Guys, love the country, if not the government and be brave enough to admit that our country still have some way to go.

But not all first world countries are perfect (been to the Uk and Australia for my studies, so i know) - ask any Malaysian who has studied abroad and they will tell you that but there are things we can learn from them too and vice versa. Moreover, like nal1210 said, we can't compare from country to country as each is different.

Important thing is to take a good look at ourselves and see what we need to change for the better and do it. No shame in that right? Even if it is pointed out to us by others? That's the mark of a maturing country...

Well said, Kenny

Kenny, fantastic entry. Even though it isn't exactly wat u are trying to bring across, i think it is the type of blog entry that wont give u much more shit to handle.

Haha. But then again, maybe later some dumbass somewhere misinterprets wat u wrote (AGAIN), and start throwing shit at u (AGAIN). :)

surprising how good posts have so few comments =)

anyways, good job; something of this substance should be in the star. will wake people up a bit.

the best

Hi Kenny, that's a pretty constructive blog entry u have here. Instead of blindly believing in things we see, have to gauge whether we are believing in the "right" things as well. Monkey see, monkey do. Thats the dangerous part, can be so easily manipulated. This blog dun apply to Malaysia only, but to everyone who thought loving their country = defending 101% (even down to its bad points).

Well done, Kenny, absolutely well done.

I especially love the very last paragraph. Arrgh. You really are the man. Am not trying to compare, but I think your post had made it softer, yet more thought provoking than I did (in http://www.jeffooi.com/archives/2004/12/dilemma_of_stud.php)

Keep up the good work.

I love your entry!

Nicely done, mate. I mean, straight to the point and everyone showed their noble deeds.

But no offence dude, I foresee things will be the same for next 10-20 years. Unless Malaysians really do something about this. It's not just the government here that is not working properly, but most of the citizen as well.

We need more people like you and Jeff and Minishorts to bring up these issues, but more importantly, we need even more and more and more people to listen and to do something about it, and not just commenting in the blogs. Of coz you may write whatever you want, but what impact will it make?

How many percentage of Malaysians, u think, will read these blogs and appreciate? I believe not even half of the 17-24 age group. What about the rest? What about 30-50 age group? They are the one that form our freakin government. And what do they care? Golf. Or nothing at all?

As long as we have ignorant people in our government, and as long as there are more ignorant people to vote for them, we will still be living with corrupted traffic police scumbags and traffic dumb-ass offenders offering bribes.

Education is the key, people and government are the de facto

Nice post.

I always wanted to ask those people that compare Malaysia to a less fortunate country and say Malaysia is much better than Country XXX; why do you compare to Malaysia to a worse-off country?

Why don't you compare Malaysia to a better country and aspire to be as good as that country? Why compare Malaysia against sewage and say that Malaysia is better when you could compare Malaysia to pearls and aspire to have Malaysia as good as pearls?

Why be satisfied with what Malaysia has instead of reaching further and trying to be more?

hmm..i agree with u kenny. it's about time we malaysians wake up from ignorance. ignorance is NOT bliss.

i agree with you 110%!

Malaysians have this habit to "merajuk" whenever someone point out something bad BUT truthful about something they don't like.

Even the word "merajuk" only exist (in meaning) in Malay and no word in any other language come close.

I agree completely with you.

We all must learn to take critisicm and accept that our country have flaws.

If we are so arrogant and think our country is so perfect, we might as well be like those people who critizise our country for no good reason - blind to everything but what we want to see.

Kenny, I'm totally agree with you... Somehow I starting to feel Singapore is pretty much the same as Malaysia.. In the diff approach.. I guess most people in both countries or maybe around the world love his/her country just by name..

I Love Malaysia!!!

Even tho i'm not gonna be there for a long time.. sigh.

I DO still hate the way people there queue up for toilet cubicles tho. Ha ha.

I'm one of those Malaysians (now studying abroad) who loves her country to death (shamelessly promoting it to my American friends, even putting down the surrounding countries: "You only have to visit Malaysia, the rest suck"...Haha don't really mean it la ok... Ok, I only mean it 35%...Ok 45%...) Anyway, I also admit to them that the government could be less corrupt, there could be less snatch thefts and rapes, there could be more equality among the three major races, and that our country could definitely be cleaner. But when you think of all the good we have: our night market, the friendly people (we do need more of those in Malaysia, though) and our lovely lovely food (which I so dearly miss and am always telling everyone they have to try), just to name a few, what's not to love?

One thing that embarassed me though, was how little I actually *knew* about Malaysia. I got here and when my American friends (or even Japanese or any other country) asked me stuff about Malaysia, like about the government and history, I found myself wanting for complete answers. This disturbed (and still does) me greatly. I couldn't decide if it was because I wasn't taught it, or if I just never bothered to find out, and I decided it was one of those things I thought I knew because you think you hear about it everyday from the media, but really, you don't. Know it, I mean.

Another thing I realized after I got here two years ago was how a lot of young people (at least, it seemed to me so) here in US care about politics. I was NEVER into politics at all back home; the most I did was hope that PAS did not win and that Mahathir continued to be PM. (That time I not old enough to vote yet la.) I didn't know anyone else in college (in M'sia) who was into politics either. Then it was 2004, and Bush and Kerry were going head-to-head; there were mini campaigns all over my University of Oregon campus. That's when I realized Malaysian kids need to care more about their "garblement," because, as cliched as it sounds, we are the ones who are going to lead the country in several years. I've heard that that there *are* Malaysian youngsters who care about politics and are actively participating, but there needs to be more of those people if we want to change anything.

So... In short, if you really want to change Malaysia for the better, get interested and start participating in Malaysian politics. I myself have since started reading more and more about it; that's a start, right? I'm also trying to keep in touch with political issues nowadays (being a journalism student, that's not too hard).

Malaysians boleh!

PS--Well said, Kenny.

Oh my god just realized how much I actually wrote. Er... Oops.

A well-written post that exudes your mature and clear-minded thinking. Keep it up!

I love Sarawak.

nicely put. i'm a singaporean , living in singapore, and i hope no where else. everybody loves their own country i suppose, so they don't like it when others show the negative sides of it. hell, i'll also fiercely protect singapore if any one slanders it. =) )

aaaammmmmmeeeeennnn!~

Well said Kenny. btw can I have F's blog url?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/infested_ysy/bscap1410.jpg

Congratulations, KennySia, you've just won yourself multiple Internets for this awesome entry!

Actually I don't think you can talk about patriotism like this, surely it's a very personal thing.

:) Finally, a post which doesn't garner hateful comments. Love it.

Hi Kenny boy! :) Ok I am a Singaporean.
But i really like this post. Kenny has really highlighted the important key notes here - love your country, not love your government. Every country has its flaw no matter how prefect it looks. Maybe some people are upset that Singapore is used as comparision but I guess the biggest reason is because of the promixity your country to ours. Living in Singapore is not a bed of roses, we have our share of problems (some sillier than most countries!). Enough said. Blogging is a way to let off steam and not really to insult anyone. Let's just take negative comments with a pinch of salt, shall we?

Woot, Kenny, you really hit the nail on the head with this one. Home run all the way.

I am a Malaysian but studied here in Singapore & am a PR here. Yes the Sporean got it correct. No country is perfect and every Govt has it flaws.

Malaysia is a country somewhat in between Indonesia & Singapore. I was one of those who felt somewhat discriminated becos of my race. So being in Sg levels the playing field for me at least. I hope some day to come back to my country..maybe to retire? Well things cheaper in Malaysia so there is self interest. At the end of the day we have to take care of ourselves 1st?

I thought that was well said...in a very "step on no one's toes" kinda way :)

Really don't see how anyone can diss you for this post, what's there to be angry about?

indeed. true to the last word.though i think we care enough to complain but not enough to lift a finger to do anything...that's the local way of dealing with problems.

AS I HAVE STRESSED, XX @ XUAXUE @ WENDY CHENG HAS THE RIGHT TO CRITICISE KL DURING HER OBVIOUSLY RECENT "UNHAPPY" TRIP TO KL.

THAT'S FAIR.

BUT MY POINT IS WHY DID SHE HAVE TO MAKE VERY OBVIOUS RACIST AND RELIGIOUS REMARKS AGAINST THE MALAYS (A RACE SHE HATES OBVIOUSLY)?

KNOWING THAT MALAYS WHO ARE MUSLIMS WOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH PIGS, WHY DID SHE HAVE TO CALL A MALAY A "BRO' PIG," WHY DENIGRATE A MUSLIM WHO HAD COVERED HER HEAD/BODY AND WHY DID SHE HAVE TO MOCKINGLY STRIKE A POSE OF A MUSLIM IN PRAYER ( LOOK AT HER PHOTO ON THE HOTEL BED)?

KENNY, AND OTHERS, THE ISSUE, FOR ME AT LEAST, IS NOT ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCEPT HER SCATHING CRITICISMS OF KL & THE PEOPLE IN KL, IN GENERAL, WHAT i AM FINDING FAULT IS WHY HER RACIST/RELIGIOUS SNEERS AGAINST ANOTHER RACE?

AND I HAVE YET TO GET A SATISFACTORY RESPONSE FROM ANYONE OR HER APOLOGIST ON THIS. AND YOU,INCLUDED,KENNY.

TO THOSE SINGAPOREANS APOLOGISTS WHO SAID THAT XX CAN WRITE WHATEVER SHE WANTS SINCE THAT IS HER BLOODY BLOG, YOU ARE SAYING THAT SINGAPOREANS CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT WITH THEIR BLOGS AND SUCH BLOGGERS SHALL NOT BE REPRIMANDED OR CRITICISED EVEN IF SUCH BLOGGERS ARE IN THE WRONG.

IF THAT IS THE CASE, HOW COME THE GOVERNMENT OF SINGAPORE THREATENED A SINGAPOREAN STUDENT BLOGGER, CURRENTLY STUDYING OVERSEAS, WITH A LAWSUIT(A MILLION DOLLAR, I SUPPOSE) FOR BEING CRITICAL OF A SINGAPOREAN GOVERNMENT BODY IN HIS BLOG? AND AS A RESULT OF THAT THREAT, THE POOR STUDENT CHOSE THE ONLY WAY OUT BY NOT ONLY APOLOGISING BUT ALSO CLOSING UP HIS BLOG FOR GOOD?!

Very well written... I hv always followed ur blog and I must say I really like your style of writting. U see things in a bigger perspective, that makes u not narrow-minded. I applaud u on this entry.

Pak Kadok why must always type in caps ah?

to pak kadok: eh you don't have to caps your comments to prove your point ok.

patriotism doesn't have to wait till merdeka day anyway. it should always be there.

As I have reiterated, this has nothing to do patriotism.

What I am stressing is that why did that Singapore girl had to belittle another race with her racist/religious mockeries?

I hope her apologists can answer this question rather than avoiding it?

The problem with Malaysia was because there is no good opposition party like what we can see in US, UK or other develop countries.
All this years, our country had being run by Barisan Nasional and every general election, BN won with a quite marginal win. What had opposition party done apart from saying do's and don't's thing in Muslim law?
Pls note that i'm not against BN or any opposition party.But if the opposition party able to change the direction of their parties and start challenging BN then i think Vision 2020 would be achieve and would be surprise if it achieve earlier that 2020
.
I'm totally agreed that SIN is good country, but one must not forget, SIN is actually a very small country. Infact, our Multimedia Super Corridor territory is much more bigger than SIN. Always remember...small organization is always easier to managed compare to bigger organization.

Well Kenny has a point there about 'loving your country, but not blindly'. I got some comments from Malaysians living overseas and their comments reflect their bitterness and some hatred towards their own country when i put up an article last week. Now it's making me think if i should go back to Malaysia to work after i graduate from uni. Hmmm...But well.. Sibu's still there for me i guess.

Kenny, everyone here gets what you are trying to put forward. No offensive remarks, straight up facts. Everyone's happy and receptive.

Xiaxue, go back to school.

Good points Kenny.

Xiaxue needs to learn respect when writing.

Pak Kadok, why should anyone owe you an explanation? Why should Kenny or xx supporters satisfy you?

"TO THOSE SINGAPOREANS APOLOGISTS WHO SAID THAT XX CAN WRITE WHATEVER SHE WANTS SINCE THAT IS HER BLOODY BLOG, YOU ARE SAYING THAT SINGAPOREANS CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT WITH THEIR BLOGS AND SUCH BLOGGERS SHALL NOT BE REPRIMANDED OR CRITICISED EVEN IF SUCH BLOGGERS ARE IN THE WRONG."

Don't you put words into people's mouths. They said that she can write anything she wants, but they didn't say that she won't be reprimanded or criticised for that. Lousy inferential skills.

Go ask the wall why the sky is blue and when you get an answer, then come back and ask why xx wants to discriminate ppl lah.

yeah i agree Pakkadok over this matter .....why should XiuXue belittle the Muslim ladies on her blog article....making fun of a country is still acceptable but when it comes to religion and races I think she should publicly apologized lar..cos that shows how insensitive and inmature she is....key word here "respect" others and others will respect you....i guess she has never experince multiracial in a country called malaysia I guess.....

p.s.I was very hurt at the fact that XiuXue make a complete mockery out of another religion and race..shame on her

I have only this to say to the teenage Desperate Addict: I hope your arrogant views don't represent the sentiments of the Chinese in Singapore but looking at your arrogance,(and reading the lamentations of discriminations in your Newpaper today) I am doubtful I should even give to a teenager who sounds so cheap on the tagboard any benefit of the doubt at all.

You don't have to whore yourself slavishly to Kenny.

The arrogance shown by the teenage Desperate Addict is a very good example of the despised Singapore's infamous arrogance.

George Yeo came to M'sia and told the whole world that the new bridge linking both countries must benefit Spore as well.

That being the rationale for any discussions,I wonder why M'sia should continue supply water at a dirt-cheap, ridiculous price when that doesn't benefit Msia at all?

Ok Pak Kadut.

I will try to be objective. I hope u can 2. I know race is a sensitive issue. Looking at XX blog on KL. She was saying this Malay %$^& didnt respond to her & was rude. Yeah hit him with a pig thing was outta line cos of the religions sensitivity.

But the prayer thing, she was juz worshipping her shoes that she loves very much & u shd not take offence. Is easy to take offence when u already feel offended but i think its not the reality.

My 2 sens :)

I adore the food, the mamak, the shopping, OUR world-renowned Manglish, the cinemas, the friendly people (minority tight-arses not counted of cos) etc etc in Malaysia. I love and missed Malaysia because of that.

But what I feel is that, as long as govt policies and "special privileges" do not change, there's no way we can improve. At least, not until some dungheads sitting at the top start to clear the shit off their brain.

I agree that Badawi is doing a good job so far as well, but there's only so much a man can do...

Just take Education in Malaysia for example...

They drove all the brains, the top students, the straight A's students away from Malaysia (even Singapore knows how to lure them over there with scholarships etc), and then they expect these people to come home and serve the country, the govt? The VERY government that abandoned and didn't care for them in the first place?

All those happy inter-racial friendships in school are dealt a HARSH reality blow when you see your rich Malay friend who consistently failed Add Maths manages to get 3A's and gets offered full scholarship to study engineering in UK, while you yourself who have been straight A's student all your life, hold active posts in co-curricular activities, are turned down by even UTM, or get offered a weird course in a local uni?
Your dad who earns probably less than a quarter of what your rich friend's dad earns, needs to dig up all his savings to send you to private colleges or overseas thanks to that.

So what happened after all these "protection" and instilling ill feelings in non-Malays?
They apparently wondered why so many local graduates are unemployed now. Asked the employers why? Oh, coz their language and computers skills are bad. So what do they do? They create some course so that they have certs to prove they can use basic Excel and are proficient in English, so that they can be more "marketable".

I love Malaysia, I love KL life, can't imagine life without mamak :P
But, just because my roots are here, I don't think that's enough to justify why I should stay here for long and make my kids go through the shitty education all over again in the future, when I know it's getting from bad to worse.

Once upon a time ago, during my dad's days, a graduate from Universiti Malaya is considered extremely prestigious and respectable in Asia.....

reading this entry makes me feel guilty cause i've never regarded singapore as my home, but a place to temporarily live in until i can scoot off abroad, to anywhere.

suprising how you spent so much time in perth and still love malaysia. i doubt i'll do the same for singapore.

still, great post kenny.

i don't know. i still think there's a difference between country and homeland. i love my homeland, but i hate my country. honestly.

let's explore the differences.

a country includes the people as a whole entity, which ours is totally fucked up. true, a government does not define a country, but it's people do, and ours are absolutely less-than-intelligent to accept what has been allowed to happen. compromise is never acceptable as a long term solution, as our people have come to accept. a country is defined as it's history, and while it's true it's up to us to define it, the people constantly fuck it up, which makes history detestable and by extension, the country. it's all about the people who screw this up. i won't be too specific cuz it's still a 'sensitive issue'.

a homeland is the place, the environment, the people as individuals. i love my homeland. for all the reasons people say they love malaysia. no, i don't love this country. but i love the place i was born in. not the same thing.

i hate it when people use unrelated words interchangably. they obviously have no knowledge of algebra.

well-said, kenny! =)

ummm.. i'm a malaysian from KL living in BORING MELBOURNE for uni at the moment. To me, i personally thought malaysia isnt such a great country (that was before i come here..) and thought i could happily get a degree and settle down in whatever country i'm in as long as it's not Malaysia.

But, things changed.... perception changed. I actually missed Malaysia BIG time and it's when i'm in Melbourne that i know how wonderful Malaysia is. I don't know about other part of Australia. May be it's the fact that i'm in BORING CLAYTON (Monash)..but the whole Melbourne is pretty much the same anyway.

So, what did i missed about Malaysia? Sure, things are a lil unhygienic in KL, but when u grow up in such country, i'm sure ur our intestines are already immuned to the dirtiness. That being said, KL serves much better, cheaper and more satisfying food, not to mention, ALL KINDA FOOD.

I use to hate the government for being racist. Even now, i'm in Monash, and when i see students that unmistakenly looked Malay with tudung that are here to study for Medicine, i cringed. However, at the end of the day, u're just glad to see some familiar faces. I went back for holidays last year goofy happy. Two malay girls were sitting beside me in the plane and i don't care. I tried to communicate with them. It's so wondeful suddenly to be able to speak in Malay again. And it's just simply wonderful to listen to the Malaysian pilot speaking in Malay, of course they speaked in English too. At the end of the journey, the pilot says, Thank you for flying with MAS. To all visitors, welcome to Malaysia. To all returning Malaysians, WELCOME HOME.. That two words almost made me cry (of course it sounded even better when they said it in Malay, but i've forgotten how it went, and of course, it's more dramatic when u've been missing Malaysia for almost a year). I don't believe i've heard Qantas saying that to their citizens.

Who says All malaysian sales girls or cashiers are rude? Even though all the cashiers in Melbourne says "Hi, how are you today?" and put up a FAKE smile, that didnt make them anymore polite. They are just plain arrogant to me sometimes. Of course, i'm not applying to all of them.. but generally. Plus, i don't think it's their choice to say that and smile at u, probably it's part of their work.

Of course, many things in Australia are far more advanced compare to malaysia. Sometimes too advance perhaps that i think it's ridiculous. Take the rubbish system for example. Sure, malaysian rubbich trucks are smelly.. at least they come twice a week, at least that apply to where i lived in KL. And, over here, they collect it once a week. They use a very canggih truck which picks up the bins mechanically (ie: there's a robotic hand that come outa the truck to pick it up and put it back on the road ) But somethings are just too ridiculous. They wont pick the bins if the lids are not closed. They wont pick it up if it's overloaded. Dahlah they come ONCE a week, the tong sampah sooo fooking small and the fact that it's put outside, some passer by who happened to open it to throw something and didnt close it might have caused the lid to open, all these made them not to collect the bin sometimes. So where the hell are we supposed to throw the current rubbish? I personally think this system is sooo much worse then Malaysia. At least in Malaysi if u dun have enough space u put the rubbish on the grass next to ur bin, they;ll stil pick it up and throw it. THat, i have to say, Malaysia is much better when comes to collecting rubbish =D

AND what about our peaceful country? With so many different races and religions. I come to like all of this about malaysia. I'm proud to say i love eating our food... yes, malay, indian, mamak, chinese, nyonya...whatever.. And i'll probably wouldnt be able to have tried all these yummy food if i werent born in Malaysia, and understand each religion and traditions. PPL in Aus dun give a damn about us. They wont even try to be ur friend. I studied in Sunway 2 years ago and i got to know many new friends from overseas. They are all just glad that Malaysians are cool enough and friendly enough to make them feel homely in a foreign country. I feel like shit here... luckily i 've made some very good MALAYSIAN friends which helps to keep me sane. And Malaysia is not that dangerous. Here in aussie, u wont get snatch thefts, nooo,... u get stabbings!! U here police sirens every night. U hear much worse racist problems (such as they rape you or stab you or spit at you). I lived in Kl for 19 years of my life, no place is completely safe.. u'll just have to take care of urself.

LOL.. i think i've said too much? I'm just a lil dissapointed at how some ppl criticised Malaysia. Ur X friend.. well i'm from KL. I don't think KL ppl are rude. Some are, but not all. Yes, i agree with u that perhaps things would be better for her if she changed her title. I think i better shut up now :p ciaoz..

We complain because we care...

We want Malaysia to be a better place to live. Why? Because we love Malaysia... It's just that simple.

Don't mistake "flaws" to be the same as "cultures". Cultures are to be accepted but flaws are to be rectified.

It's not that other countries don't have flaws. Every country has its flaws. Don't tell me everything is perfect in Singapore, Australia, US, UK etc. The point is we need to change and not stuck in the *%&#*^!@.

How can we change?

1. see the problem,
2. admit the problem, and
3. fix the problem.

Most of the people's mentality is stuck in #2. How can we proceed to the next step?

I hate cowards and I HATE people who brand other people traitors when they are not any better.

Scenario:

Patriot A: I love Malaysia.
(Throw garbage to road side)
Patriot A: I love Malaysia.
(Park on the ROAD)
Patriot A: I love Malaysia.
(Stick chewing gums on lift)
Patriot A: I love Malaysia.
(Cut queues when driving)
Patriot A: Malaysia is great.
(Draw graffiti on public properties)
.
.
.

Patriot A -> Hypocrite A (TDAD: Talk different, act different)

Giving fake remarks makes you a hypocrite and is the worst kind in this world.

Open your eyes and see...

This is one sensitive matter which I think that you nailed it pretty much correctly.

I'm also a Malaysian studying abroad both in Singapore before and currently in Aus.

I love my country. But I do not deny the fact that it has flaws.

What I'm most disappointed is when I meet friends, fellow Malaysians who put down our own country in front of foreigners. When ppl ask about Malaysia, all they could say is that its a lousy country. Little did they know, they do not know a thing at all about being a Malaysian.

Malaysia is what it is because of us, Fellow Malaysian. It is us that has the right to change and make Malaysian a better place. To bring her name to the world and create a better future for the younger generations. If it is not us, who would it be? The job of god from above?

People always condemn this and that about Malaysia but they never ask themselves what they have contributed to the country itself. For all you know, they could be the one contributing to the "FLAWS" of Malaysia that made them so disgrace to be known as Malaysians.

All I'm saying is that, I love my country. I know its not a perfect place. No where is perfect. It'll be an honour if I can make a difference and make it a better place. I hope other fellow malaysians have the same thought too.

very well said.. i totally agree with you...

it used to be different kenny. i am sure our age is not too different. it used to be: when anyone says anything bad about malaysia, we don't really gives a fuck. when they cuss at how our goverment, we supported them and added a few of our own thoughts.

but we have changed from that kind-of-malaysians to a very cultured malaysias (maybe not enuff yet, still learning). Is proud to be malaysians now. and a few years nearing 2020, i am sure, everyone will be closely if not all !! UNITED. (chance is always here, just how we develop ourselves to see it)

Kenny, good post. I am malaysian, and CHOOSE to always be a malaysian

To the Anonymous girl/guy who is studying in Clayton now.

Geez...are you talking about the same Australia, the same Melbourne? I was there for 4 years and I walk on the streets in Melbourne CBD area at 4 am in the morning, feeling safe. You do that in KL, your photo will be on frontpage of the Star the next day, under "Raped and Murdered".
And do you know that Melbourne has been voted amongst the most pleasant cities to live in?

Actually, I like how organized their rubbish collection schedule is. U know why collection is a few times a week in KL? Cos, some ppl hang their rubbish bags (like flags) at the gates or throw it by the old roadside rubbish bins. If they don't come, the next day, u see stray dogs dragging the rubbish all over the road. Well, at least that's what happens all the time in my neighbourhood.

Anyway, that's what you experienced and what you think :). Not defending Aust/Melbourne. Just relating my own experience.

P.S. Once you come back to work after uni's over, you might be dying to go back, like some ppl do :P

WENDY CHENG IS A CHAOCHEEBYE KIA!!!

PakKadok,

I know what I'm going to say on is not going to be a satisfactory answer to your post. But this is the best I can come out with.

"XX is racist"
"XX is Singaporean"

Deduction: "Singaporean is racist"

This is obviously wrong, in critical thinking. This is what we call a fallacy (Hasty Generalization). Not all Singaporean agrees with XX, we keep in mind that they are other Singaporean who dislike her statements. (Maybe except for her fans, "who loves her, no matter what")

The fact is we cannot force people to apologize, if they don't want to. It's almost like a repeat of wanting Rafidah to apologize to Tun Mahathir. You want to be Tun Mahathir?

A: You better apologize.
B: No.
A: I say apologize.
B: Don't want.
A: APOLOGIZE
B: I say NO.

(Sound like kindergarden kids)

Around the world (or blogsphere), every races/religion are being discriminated in one or two ways. Jews? Christians? Indians? Do chinese get discriminated? Yes, we do get discriminated in many ways. They even put it into Hollywood movies, if you have notice. They are a minority of Malays who discriminate Christians/Chinese openly in public (which happen to be deemed as norm by "public"... AHA... generalization again. "part of the public").

You can't police around the internet and ask everyone who discriminate someone for something.

Instead of expecting people to act in your way, try to improve ourselves, so that other people will not look down on you/me/us. So people will think twice before making fun of you/me/us. (Passive is the way to go, as taught by Mahatma Ghandi)

NOTE: If still not satisfy with the answer, you can drive down to Singapore with a parang. Ask her to apologize and slash her if she refuses. Good luck ;)

By the way,

Forgot to add in. I agree XX is racist,

and Pak Lah is doing a great job so far.

I'm a Chinese Malaysian, so no biased to Singapore. As I'm not affiliated to it in anyway. Always glad to be a Malaysian and never deny the fact that I'm a Malaysian.

Studied in Australia. Currently working in KL, Malaysia.

However, I was once asked by a Japanese student who study Asian History regarding my opinions on Bumiputra priviledge. What do you expect me to answer?

Sigh... No comments.

PakKadok: From your posts, you sound like a rational person; hence I will bother to present an argument. XX, Kenny, and the other Singaporean "apologists" (as you so describe) need not apologise to you or anybody else, in the principle of free speech. Free speech is not free if it is only used for things you like to hear. The same goes for the anti-XX brigade: say your thing. Ahh but you say, rights are never absolute, they never come without obligations. You say: XX has crossed the line with her insults that go beyond free speech. Well then the moral and legal onus is on you: if you believe that what XX has written is beyond free speech and you would like redress, simply file a police report against her (I believe the Singaporean authorities have something on the law books against "inciting racial hatred"). Same applies for the XX "apologists".

Please note that I am not saying that what XX or what the anti-XX brigade said is morally right or wrong: I just want them to be able to say it without people demanding they retract and/or apologise.

Please also note that I am not asking you to retract or to apologise: I am just pointing out that if there is to be free speech, you have no right to ask for an apology.

Also I do not imply that laws are the ultimate solution to questions of morality (in fact I think they are not), but that is another issue for another day.

Descartes - I do not agree with what you say, but I will die for your right to say it.

desperate addict: PakKadok is right to infer that according to the apologists XX should not be reprimanded. That is what is implied by "it's her blog, she can say anything, why should you care?"

PakKadok... XX's blog entry gave me this impression.

I think Xia Xue is a racist against malays.
I think she has insulted the whole of KL.
I think she sounded like an arrogant Singaporean.
I think she force others to agree with her, or to answer her.
I think she annoyed u, and u have ur reasons.

But wat she write in her blog is HERS. Gives u no rite to be so angry over this whole thing. It's HER blog.

Get it? H-E-R B-L-O-G. And This is KENNY's blog... He doesn't owes u any answers, and we "SINGAPOREANS APOLOGISTS" dun owe u any answers.

Now, all ur comments give me this impression.

I think YOU are a hater against freedom of speech.
I think YOU have insulted the whole of Singapore.
I think YOU sounds like a arrogant Malaysian.
I think YOU force others to agree with YOU, or to answer YOU.
I think YOU annoyed ME for good reasons.
And I think YOU are MALAY, rite? LOL. No wonder... HAIZ.

-- Kit Fan (Singapore Teen, Malaysian Citizenship, currently in Shanghai)

To the anonymous girl in Clayton,

If you wanna have a fast-track way to get to know more friends, both asians and non-asians, you should join some student clubs in Monash.

Or, hehe..you can head over to Melb Uni to join the Chinese Theatre Group (CTG). It's NOT opera stuff alright. Plays are in english, cantonese and mandarin. They have members from Melb Uni, Monash, Swinburne, RMIT etc. And you don't need to be artistic or anything. You can help out publicity and admin stuff as well.

Haha... I sound like I'm promoting the club here.
Sorry :D. Just a suggestion :)

I suspect that so much passion was aroused was because the criticisms came from a singaporean. Being singaporean, I am well aware of the fact that on average, we just aren't very popular with our neighbours whether be it to the south or to the north. The way we behaves, how our goverment behaves and the articles from our media don't help things much. A lot of it is of our own making. We are generally perceived to be proud, snobbish, and arrogant. Everywhere we go, we have this annoying habit of comparing it unfavorably with singapore and I suspect,that causes a lot of pent-up resentment.

Sometimes loving your country doesn't mean you have to put another country down. Unfortunately the powers that be in their haste to build some form of psuedo-nationalism seems to have neglected lessons in humility and compassion and that causes a lot of friction whenever singaporeans venture abroad because let's face it, nobody likes that holier-than-thou attitude. There are times when I have caught myself with that kind of thinking much to my own shame and embarassment. Don't get wrong, I too love my country though I am not so keen about the current ruling goverment, but surely the world is big enough that the posperity of one country doesn't have to comes at the expense of another.

Because of the past history between our 2 countries, there's a lot of emotional baggage involved. But I think enough time have passed that rather than focussing on all this hate and anger, why not spend that energy to build better ties and relationship.

For the record, I am all for freedom of speech and all that but we have to be responsible for what we say on our blogs. There's a lot to be said for sensitivity here. Hopefully people on both side can learn something positive from all this unlike a certain blogger who it seem are still blind to their own faults.

I have read these posts carefully, I try to read word by word of all these post. I have found all are negative points on Malaysia. Every country have the good and bad, if we do not understand the contry's management systems well, we are not qualify to criticise the country especially your own country or your own living place. How many peoples have you seen? How many countries have you been? I have been to many many countries and listen from many many people from other countries, there are good and bad. Do not keep looking on the bad, do keep an eye on the good side. Do you think that America is good? Please look at the poor and the black in New Orleans now! But, I am not qualify to criticise America, America is still a great country.

I do not happy with our government for certain policies as well but I couldn't accept a 21 year old girl from Singapore insulting our country and insulting our Malay friends, XX even not understand her own country well and she just works for months and quit the job.... this, I can't compromise

F, a Malaysian girl stay in Singapore, how long has she stayed in Malaysia? how much she understand about Malaysia and our government?

I just couldn't accept a bunch of kids keep criticise and insulting Malaysia. How much do you know about Malaysia and Singapore? Nobody here are qualify to do that.

Please learn something from Jeff Ooi. He earned the respect.

A government is part of the country, I can't understand love your country is difference from love your government. Is like your blood and your body.

I love Malaysia and I like Singapore because they are my neighbour.

There are many comments here saying XX is racist in her KL post. But I can't find any racist comments. Can anyone highlight me?

The guy who molested her was a chinese. She is a chinese as well.

I still can't find any racists remarks.

If you guys can't find racists remarks as well please do not ASSUME she is racist.

I hate racists. She is not one.

The reason she is deemed racist is because of the "pig" statement. She say hitting the malay guy with pig. (Racist remark)

It's like saying "Chinese pig", "Yellow chicken chinese", "Yellow belly chinese".

But for the chinese molester, she didn't curse him with something related to skin, related to religion etc.

That's why choice of word is very important and can give people subtle meanings.

I see. Well, I hope everyone settles down soon. The blogging wars are frustrating. I barely seen a decent post in recent times.

hey man nice post, made me think about my country too... :)

KL, Malaysian here.

Malaysia Negaraku, is a wonderful place. It has wonderful world class facilities and infrastructure that enables it to host international events like the Commonwealth Games to name a few, but unfortunately it has 3rd world mentality.

I agree wif her when XX mentioned about her "wonderful" trip not being that all wonderful because malaysians, plz, admit it larrrrr! KNN, some areas about the country do suck no matter how much u sugar coat it.

How nicely can u say "I got molested" or "I got cheated by a cabbie" ?????

Furthermore, her blog is her own personal space to express her own personal views about her own personal life which is nicely put up for you to have a read and laugh about.

You don't like what she's saying or thinking, fuck off larrrr.... The internet is so big, nobody put a gun to ur blardy head to say that must be the only blog you should read every damn time also. Geezzzz.

All this drama for the sake of what???

I feel like as if a gun has been given to a 10 year old kid who doesn't know it's destructive powers or it's benefits when a powerful tool like the internet is entrusted to a 3rd world minded person.

It takes a man to see his mistakes. It takes an even bigger man to admit it.

Open up ur mind and maybe then you won't be so miserable all the time and spread ur misery by attacking everyone else with it.

P.S. Kenny, I love ur blog!!!! *muaks*

Love is blind... applicable in all situations

be proud of our goodness,contemplate on our weaknesses

very critical.

You made me nod my head in agreement while reading this.

XX really don't deserve those nasty comments.

aha...i'm the clayton girl..
alright, to ash.. i seriously dun think my face will be put up on the stars if i were to walk on kl streets at 4 am... isnt that what everyone does these days? the famous 24 hour mamak stall?? lol...
alright u have ur experiences, i have mine...

for the other guy who call me to join clubs to know ppl... yeah i did that.. thanks for the suggestions.. but my point is not that, my point is ppl from other countries who came to malaysia for studies fit in well with the locals. but international students in clayton, or may be in aussies clumps within their own group. My friends here are mostly asians... malaysians the most, but i have singaporean frens, hk frens china frens and also taiwanese frens...

i'm just trying to point out the fact that malaysians are friendly ppl and the fact that we live in harmony with diff races made us capable to fit in with diff ppl well... that is my point =)

sigh...
Desperate Addict...
to quote on ur words...

"lousy inferential skill",

and ur sarcasm..
"go ask the wall why the sky is blue..."

you have to admit, in a way u are flaming Pak Kadok...
if you put it in open_your_eyes way, it would turned out to be a happier ending.

not to say Pak Kadok is right.
Pak Kadok in a way is irrational and over-reacting...

sigh...

in my perspective...
things wouldnt turned out so harsh if blind supporters didnt go around flaming commentors who disagreed...
comments could be made in a milder way yet still prove your point.
that is in the art of writing itself.

clearly, XX should have proper mastery in the art before making such comments. As what Shaolin Tiger made clear, XX was fired at not because we disallow the freedom of speech. But due to her irrational act of writing without consideration of her influencial power to the public.

Believe Kenny made it clear...
flaw exists as long as we dont learn to change for the better.

just my 1 cent worth of opinion...
dun flame me... pls...

oh.... i forgotten to mention.... one international exchange student from japan was raped in clayton at 11 pm.. that's not even that late... and two years ago, some fella was stab around the uni at about that time too.... so i seriously doubt how safe clayton is =p

hey pakkadok, dont be so harsh on desperate addict. "You don't have to whore yourself slavishly to Kenny." that line is abit too far-fetched. she is most probably just joking lah. but of course, ur comments are ur opinions and i respect them. but DA is, after all only a young teen, so pls dont attack her so much =)

anw great post kenny, u r probably the only blogger to see things at a larger, more open minded view than to stick to narrow minded, childish behaviour, probably why you are the probably the blogger with the fewest i-hate-this-blogger readers.

I am a Singaporean. I love Singapore.

I used to visit Malaysia weekly. I love Malaysia.

I am currently studying in Sydney. I love Australia.

But I love Singapore most for the simple reason that it is home. I love it despite its flaws and I am not going to deny that we all complain about these flaws.

I am sure Malaysians love their country most too eventhough Malaysia, like Singapore has its flaws...

Like the Malay saying goes, "Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri. Lebih bagus di negeri sendiri." (Raining gold in a foreign land, raining rocks at home. It is still better at home).

Marc said:

"The way we behaves, how our goverment behaves and the articles from our media don't help things much. A lot of it is of our own making. We are generally perceived to be proud, snobbish, and arrogant. Everywhere we go, we have this annoying habit of comparing it unfavorably with singapore and I suspect,that causes a lot of pent-up resentment."

Good point there.

Only wished more Singaporeans could be humble and refrain from showing-off to others that they are better-off than others(even if that is a fact)via their "unrestrained" remarks.

Look at the all powerful America. They are having another Vietnam nightmare in Iraq & they can never prevail there.

And who would have thought that New Orleans would go back to the stone-age days?

It will do Singapore no good in the long term surrounded by neighbors who have pent-up feelings against Singapore due to her perceived "arrogance."

Another point is that Ms Xiaxue claimed she was molested when a guy purposely brushed his hand/elbow over her breast.

How would we know if that is true? So, we have to just trust her 100%?

How would we know if it is just another stunt to gain sympathy & attention?

Singapore and Malaysia have so much in common.
They both have a Dictator based Government.
Both governments are openly corrupt.
Both Countries can not take critism from the Truth.

Both countries have been able to gradually brain wash their citizens to stamp out questioning authority.
If I were to protest about the Governments Racial Agenda in public what would happen? I would get locked up.... Nelson Mandela... Mahatir Mohammed...

Creative Labs-Losing money
Proton. losing money.
MAS, losing money
Petronas, Losing money
Government subsidies, protection, taxes biased against race. Students overseas... why the hell do you think you are studying overseas and not in Malaysia? Because your position was filled by a Bumi. Your parents have to pay more of their hard earned money.... do you think they are happy? No.. but they have to.... Yeah Melbourne and Sydney are boring...But the education system will turn you into a developed person. When you grow up you will understand that Malaysia and Singapore are fundamentally countries that will never be able to compete in the market...why?
Singapore Gvt too small...
Malaysia Gvt.too corrupt...Bumi's too greedy,selfish, and lazy.. the worst attributes a human can have.

Malaysia will need a civil war to change its constitution... to give people the right for freedom.... all races ... all malaysian...
Right now malaysia is a country that protects the majority...
Developed countries protect minorities....

Let the market decide who dies who survives... Protection stops innovation. That is why Malaysia will never be as sophisticated as europe or Japan... even Taiwan.

You can be proud of your country but have you ever been to Southern France, or the Dolomites - Swiss Alps or even Lake Louise in Canada? Maybe Genting Highlands is good enough for you....and living in oppression.... it doesnt matter... we live in peace right? Scotland fought for their freedom... The chinese are too concerned in making money... one day Bumi's will take an even bigger slice of the 30% that they have in all corporations in Malaysia..... all it takes is for the Government to be losing stability... new legislation. ... new policy....

Can you complain? No.. Can you vote for a new leader? No... what can you do? Nothing... but still love your country right? When the dog bites the master that is feeding it.

It is not healthy to doubt on people all the time. To be careful, yes. But to doubt most of the time is not good. Especially when it is regarding this kind of issue.

Put yourself in her shoes, and imagine everyone not believing your words and say you are a liar and have a conspiracy behind it.

Anyway, I choose to believe XX is not doing a stunt for this. As it is not something to be proud of anyway. (I don't find that part as a Wow topic)

Open Your Eyes said:

"Put yourself in her shoes, and imagine everyone not believing your words and say you are a liar and have a conspiracy behind it."

What if that guy who bumped into her really accidently bumped into her but being the high-nosed, paranoid individual that she is, she miscontrued everything and said that she was "moslested?"

It's not that she has lived in M'sia for 12 months and during that period, she was molested.

She just went to M'sia for a few days and she was immediately molested.

Coming from an attention and sympathy seeking person like her, we should have the benefit to doubt her words.

Look at the way you phrase your personal views and hers. She can keep her style. Likewise, she can tone down her "bitchy" tone on stuffs that raises people' attention(esp. on sensitive subjects).

My skepticism arise from the way she "attacked" Kuala Lumpur and I am just doubtful she was really molested.

If that guy put his hand in and grabbed her breast, that is molestation.

I believe it was an accident as Petaling St is a busy place filled with human traffic.

i think so too fellow commentator. i think so that we should try differentiating love for government and love for country.

anyway i think what made ppl burned up on xx's post was more to how she wrote her entry. she was disrespectful to other races. ( the comments on funny arabs and "malay" pig fucker ) and the whole parochialism situation. she expected citizens from a different country with a different culture to act similarly to those of her own country.

and i dont think theres anything wrong with people getting burned up over her post. like xiaxue's right to post her feelings..they themselves have the right to feel offended. in her malaysian trip entry she actually sounded disgusted with Malaysia. hmm.

yes our country is not perfect and yes there are many divergent views on how this country should operate. corruption, transparency issues and the likes. but we are a developing nation and like every other country each day we learn to cope and combat rasicm and the likes. maybe one day we will grow to be a better nation. that one day when we have educate ourselves to show dignity, respect and snap the larger picture.

"I'm going to bitch about how in some countries, people study overseas because their results are too poor to get a scholarship into local universities; whereas in Malaysia, people study overseas because their results are too good to get a scholarship into local universities"

There was a newspaper's article on this issue. It is not just about being "good enough" or not even though this is a common trend. Being sarcastic decreases your point's credibility. Seriously, most scholars in Malaysia are pursuing degrees aboard but Malaysia's government cannot put them in the disciplines they want to pursue in aboard for various reasons. Reason for wanting degrees from more reputable Universities aboard: These scholars believe that Malaysia's Universities hold no credibility if they want to go far in the society or if they want a better position in the market. However, the expenditure overwhelms their budget and they study in Singapore as the best alternative. Just look at it both ways, please. =)

To anonymous girl in Clayton,

Hehe, I must say, what's with Clayton and crimes eh? ;)

No wonder you don't feel secure there! Back when I was still in Melb, I think it was either in year 2002/2003, I remember the tutorial class shootings was in Clayton campus too, in the Economics Faculty building!

By the way, what I meant about walking at wee hours in the morning on the city streets is walking alone. Not going out in a group to yumcha hehe :).

Anyway, I do find that generally, crime rates in suburbs area are higher than city area. Perhaps, consider changing campus/uni? Hehe just joking. Hey, you should be happy you are not in Gippsland campus alright, else you will literally die of boredom, counting the flies (not like there's any to be counted!) :P

Yeah, but I do get your point about how most Aussies seem to be in their own cliques. Don't blame them though, some of them seem to only know where the Kiwiland is... teehee ;P

Pak Kadok,

The "Bro" Pig comment, I think you might have got it wrong. "Ti-Ko" for most of the Singaporeans...means pervert ey. Eg: You very "Ti-Ko" leh, keep looking at ppl's boobs. I think she was talking about her being molested thus "Ti-Ko" ppl.

And the muslim prayer pose, I don't think she meant it that way too. It's just showing a kow-tow pose. Even MSN messenger have it under the winks - Bow.

Also, the 'Malay fucker' term will be the same if someone was irritated by an ang moh; fucking ang moh or ang moh fucker. I don't think she was being racist, picking on Malays. But I'm not saying she can go around scolding ppl fucker la.

I'm just explaining....No offence.

=)

Bravo bravo! this is the best i've read revolving this so call sg vs msia issue.
Hopefully we all learn to understand and
find ways to mend it/improve rather than
trying to ask ppl to STFU. It's basically
like avoiding the issue since it's giving
us pain to even listen to the slightest negative
comments about our countries. If it's true why not accept it with a positive thinking and try to alter it? Nobody's perfect same always remember that so we are still developing......

When XX blog was "hacked", I felt sorry for her.

But then, later on, I was skeptical.

She said someone "hijacked" her Google account and a short while later, she managed to "get it back" & then, everything was back to normal.

I realised, then, it was just a publicity stunt to gain sympathy & traffic.

The molestation thing is again to solicit sympathy & traffic.

oh my god. kickass entry(:

I live in Australia, but I love Malaysia! You took the words right outta my mouth baby!

Kenny, I am a regular reader of your blog, but unfortunately I have never leave u a single comment in here, but until today i realised that i have to say something, something that is so fishy that makes me feel so unpatriotic especially at times like this where "some" malaysians have developed some weird attitudes that are rather disappointing.

They claimed that they are so-don-wan-to-be-a-malaysian citizens. It's sad, isn't it? But we just can't altered their minds directly, what i meant to say here is that u had really wrote the heart of the feelings of all malaysians, or shud i say "MOST" to be precise that we shud love not blindly to the country, cherish the moments we have for now. Well, I really do hope that MOST Malaysians shud be able read this great post.

I'm going to bitch about how in some countries, people study overseas because their results are too poor to get a scholarship into local universities; whereas in Malaysia, people study overseas because their results are too good to get a scholarship into local universities.

Can't agree more. Earlier this year I failed to secure myself with any full (heck, not even a 1%) scholarships. (e.g. - JPA scholarship). I do not think 10A1s and 1A2 is too bad of a result. Apparently it is. And it was made worse because the A2 was for BM....

I wonder why I failed to get JPA. MY friend had 8As (thats a mix of A1 and A2 mind you) got it though. Hmmm... she's malay.

Oh right.... QOUTA! its only fair.....

can't blame me for feeling discriminated.

and of course I'm going to study overseas. That's if my parents can pay.

p/s: my great grandparents were from china.However, I was born here, raised here, spent my whole life minus a month or two here.

After everything said, its still home...

As much as we love our country, I have to face that it's not perfect, and still have much to improved on. Going into 'crazy comment flamer' mode as soon as someone talks something bad about our own country shows that we cant accept our own flaws.

Like the earlier comments, I have to agree that the Malaysian goverment rules like a dictator. Anyone that questions it is arrested. So, what is the meaning of Merdeka when a person isn't given the right to fight for his rights? I don't really care if you think i'm racist, but the Bumiputera rule is stupid. Not all Malays are dirt poor and lazy. I know alot who work hard, and even think this rule is dumb. I don't mind if the rule applies to the poor, but if its targeted at a RACE, then our goverment is racist a hypocrite.

Btw,

Alot of the spiff between the blogs of the two countries isn't caused by the entries, but by the flaming comments of people who can't stand criticism.

*I have to say

*to improve on

*racist and a hypocrite

just come typo corrections -.-

ok I like this post. it felt just right...not too spicy, not too mild

You can't expect anything to change if you have no heart to change it.

If you are so pissed about Malaysia, then do something to help fix it. What's the point of complaining about the level of crimes in the country, for example, if all you do is to close an eye when a crime is being committed?

Someone said to get involved and active, and learn your rights, and to try make a difference. Well, I agree. Get off your sorry asses and vote vote vote vote vote! Start your own party! Make a stronger opposition! Don't let any one party gain an easy 2/3 majority so they can just bulldoze any legislation through! Not run away to another country and start comparing how well ur life became.

Malaysia may not be the best country to live in, but to most of us, it's the only home we have. But I agree with Kenny ... there's a difference between loving the government and loving the country. Never confuse the two.

Malaysia has its weaknesses, but it can only progress. We might not be able to wipe out the corruption, the racism, etc, but we sure can improve it by being more understanding and patient.

And no more on that tolerance crap. I do not need others to tolerate my presence in the country that I belong to.

Thanks for the honest post, Kenny.

well said, kenny. ((:
oh. and to all those who aren't happy with xiaxue, give the poor girl a break will you?
the girl just posted a blog entry on her feelings and about her recent trip to m'sia.
its HER opinions.
big deal.
she didn't tell you all to pick on her or to payy attention to her now, did she?
(:

Excellent post Kenny, your final line 'don't love it blindly" cannot be put a better way.

Pak Kadok: the only reason there are no lamentations of racism (as you put it) in Malaysian newspapers is because of the lack of freedom of speech. Racism of any sort is not to be tolerated, but if you are demanding an apology from xx on one hand, whilst slinging generalised racist comments about chinese singaporeans on the other, then you are nothing but a hypocrite.

I'm Jeremy Koh Teck Ming from TPJC 18 year old this year. Come find me in TPJC if u want.

i only have 1 thing to say: fuck malaysians. period.

nice one

You're going to get either a hoard of angry or flattered Mongolians at your doorstep next. Being politically correct all the time is difficult!

Even though I live in the UK, it is very true that home is where the heart is and I'd take my chances with evil pirated DVD sellers anyday.

Nah, I don't think Malaysians will go all the way to Singapore, search the map for TPJC, and look for you, Jeremy. They're probably going to do the easier method by commenting, "I also only have one thing to say: fuck Singaporeans. period."

I have this hunch that you're just some person trying to sabo Jeremy Koh Teck Ming of TPJC.