KLCC outing

 

Recently post hols (I have finally completed my 3 years of Bachelor of Legal Studies (BLS) in UiTM, assuming nothing goes wrong and I dont suddenly fail a paper!) I have had opportunity to get together with some old school mates, namely Fawwaz and Fazli of Section 9 Secondary School in Shah Alam. It was an eventful reunion of sorts. Fawwaz had recently come back from his 3 year mechanical engineering stint in Japan only to hate the place and fall totally in love with, of all people, Arabs and Indians. His constant habit of extolling the virtues of those people is a bit disconcerting to me, nontheless I grudgingly accept that people do change over the years and have to learn to live and let live. Fazli, on the other hand, I had not heard from a long while, only to find him selling Chocolate Moist Cakes by the roadside near where I live in Section 6 Shah Alam one day, and it surfaced that he was doing engineering in a private college somewhere. To make a long story short, yesterday (that is Saturday the 16th day of May 2009) we three thought of going to KLCC (thats the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, not the city centre, which is closeby) to catch the ITEX exhibition above. While there were some nifty inventions, there weren’t many left by the time we got there. Still there were plenty of inventions both foreign and local, and my own university UiTM was involved. I bought this cool plane model from the Taiwanese booth. 

This event also marked the first time I learnt to take the U80 RapidKL bus from Section 2 in Shah Alam to Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur, where it is possible to take Putra LRT to KLCC.

Say NO to Israeli terrorism in Gaza

 

Israeli terrorism manifest in this picture of young children falling pray to their false war against Hamas

 

 

Citizens of Malaysia and the World,

For the past 2 weeks now, terror has descended upon Gaza, a region in Palestine. After having suffered months of crippling Israeli blockade, the region has now been subject to daily airstrikes, shelling, and ground incursions all supposedly aimed at Hamas, the democratically elected Government of Palestine, for launching rockets into the territory of Israel but reality speaks to those who hear the truth otherwise.

So far nearly 800 Palestinians have died, a QUARTER of them children (such as in the picture above), and nearly 60 of them women, all civilians who have naught to do with the problems Israel has with Hamas. On top of this, continuous incursions by Israel have seen thousands of civilians injured, with the Gaza territory suffering from no electricity, lack of water, food and medicinal supplies. Not content with the hellish conditions the murderous Israeli blockade has created for the Gazans, they have also sought fit to fire upon medical aid workers doing their jobs to save what little lives remain from the rubble and chaos committed.

All these acts and more surely deserve utmost condemnation from those who call themselves civilized, even human. Yet America, the worlds most powerful nation, refuses to so condemn, and yet even condones Israel in perpetrating its merciless war crimes against the Palestinian nation. Although a UN Security Council resolution has recently been approved, the USA saw fit to dribble down its wording in favour of Israel alone, without any firm commitment to reopen the blockades that have been responsible for this in the first place, nor recognizing the need to treat Hamas as a legitimate, democratic representative of the Palestinian people. Scared Governments around the world including the useless Arab Govts have capitulated before American pressure in this.

As a human and a citizen, I do therefore, invite Malaysia and the world to show our anger at these and more by;

1. Boycotting American goods and services. This boycott must go on until such time America recognizes Hamas and Palestine’s right to exist as an independent, sovereign state, with freedom and dignity for its people, and pressures Israel to do the same. Keep in mind that even though it might not be possible to boycott ALL American products, boycott at least some of them, especially those you can do without. For example, instead of drinking Coca Cola, drink Zam Zam Cola instead.

2. Sign this petition created by MCA (a Malaysian political party) Youth at www.petitiononline.com/no2war09 condemning the Israeli terror attacks on Gaza.

3. Do anything within your power and ambit to put thru the message that the world will not tolerate terrorism committed upon Gaza civilians. This may include dumping American company shares, refusing business with American and Israeli corporations and so on; and

4. Pray that one day Israel will be held to account for its current, past and future war crimes such as these.

If our Governments can’t do what it, it would thus be up to us, the People. Arise and do your part for humanity.

Life update

As I come here wondering where the time has gone since I last wrote an entry, waiting for this very entry page to load I no longer wonder – it kills my already poor internet connection.

A short update on my current state of affairs should suffice for this moment. As of now it has been 3 weeks since the new semester (Semester 5, Year 3) at the university has opened. I have managed a fabulous timetable! I have classes mostly in the morning, with none in the afternoon on most days, and even a day with just 1 single class! Yippie! The only bad thing is that most of my classes are at Cempaka, which is an ex-girls dorm converted into a class building due to the lack of places at the main faculty. I know, its sad isn’t it, but thats my uni for you! Classes there tend to be hot, especially in the afternoon so I’m glad my classes are mostly in the morning.

Secondly, the family (that is, my family) may be getting a new house, but nothing is confirmed yet. More on this in a later entry.

Thirdly, well, there is no third. Life on the whole is quite good. I have only 5 subjects to take this semester too, and so far, I am doing them with renewed vigour.

As Court Practical nears the end…

This past month, namely from dates 20th May to coming 20th June, during the semester break at that, I was involved in practical training, as part of my law course that I do at my university.

Its not mandatory, as I know, but voluntary. I applied to do some practical training at the Shah Alam High Court (see pic above) and a few days before May 20th, I went to the faculty office half expecting that some event would derail things and I might not get to carry out the plan but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was all systems go. Not knowing what time and where exactly to report once I was there, feeling nervous at the side and armed with a logbook to record daily events, I set off to the court complex at 10 am that day. After being given the run around by the information counter there, an office boy escorted me to the office of my supposed supervisor, Tuan Wan Norsham, and I was to know that there was going to be another gathering involving those of my coursemates who opted for the same thing to do these long hols. Sure enough after the large gathering we were divided into groups – I was paired with Harith, Yati (both coursemates of the same batch as yours truly) as well as Bai (Baizura, a senior from one part higher then mine).

We were assigned Tuan Che Wan Zaidi to supervise our group. Introducing himself as a Deputy Registrar, he told us that he was formerly a Magistrate in Ampang, and offered right away lessons on Criminal Procedure. Later we were taught by his assistant Kak Ta how to draft Order letters, which are formal notices issued by the Court upon the ajudication of a case. From then on we got to read case files, including files of some famous cases such as Canny Ong, Chiam Swee Tong, Suzaily Mokhtar, and Maiwar Siaran. Soon I was given the lucky opportunity to visit their mini jail cell near the carpark below where they throw all the bad guys in, and as weeks passed we learned about Bankruptcy with another supervisor, Senior Assistant Registrar Puan Husna, where I got to look at a case file and arguments consider as well as evaluate for myself what I were to decide if I had been the judge presiding, as well as hear cases heard in chambers by her as well as another Senior Assistant Registrar, Puan Noor Akmal. I also attended some of the Altantulya case proceedings heard at Criminal High Court 1, and saw Abdul Razak, Sirul and Azilah in person, as well as their respective friends and families. All seemed well with them. I didn’t go up to speak to them personally though, I wouldn’t be brave enough, ha!

These practical sessions, as I had said in my earlier post, have reignited some of my passion into law again, long running dry from the daily class drudgeries, and having pun into a position to look at a case the way a judge would, I found I quite liked it and wouldn’t hesistate to say I might consider joining the Judicial and Legal Service now, as a Magistrate!

Anyway since this practical thing is coming to an end now, I thought I might write about it.

Ah exams! They are a coming… (con’t)

(Continued from before)

Hi again. It is almost 2 am in the early morning of June 11th as I write this, almost a good two months since my first entry.

To be honest, I spilt this particular article into two parts not because I intentioned it as such from the beginning, but I had written some way into the last one and somehow through the slowness of my internet connection to WordPress’s own ineptness it all got lost. I remembered being very pissed, after all who wouldn’t after you had invested so much effort into writing something and it slips into oblivion forever? Blogging, for all the accussations hurled at the activity as being nothing more then a useless endeavour by some fools who know not what the Government is really doing, is not an easy task. It requires much concentration, focus, and an ability to articulate properly to convey your message, and accordingly yourself, to the world via the Internet. The burden is huge to discharge!

Right, back to why I am writing an entry only now. First, I wanted to write within 2 months And another, I just wanted to record my progress in last semester’s exams. The last post told of me getting ready to face those, non? Well, this post is written way after those have long been concluded, the results of which I had obtained a few days ago, and I am pleased to report that I have passed all subjects. Hurrah!

You might be blinking and asking “Eh? Pass only so happy ah?” Life has not been as easy for me you know. I started out very well, managing perfect scores in tests, and getting the Dean’s List every semester during my foundation. But why the drop? First, certain ummm, lets say members of the faculty delight in failing students purposely (save your scoff, it does happen) and I have never been able to completely recover since then, failing one subject every semester until now, and secondly, momentum slows. It happens to everyone when they do the same thing over and over again, especially factory workers, who do that kind of routine for a living. You don’t try your best, because you feel like there is no use, like somehow the subject matter does not interest you anymore (at least in the way it is being taught, reference to my rantings on education in the last post should be an indication here) and that there is consequently no light at the end of the tunnel.

Things have been happening to me in the past few weeks however, that have managed to revive interest for law within moi. One, my decision to do practical training at the Shah Alam High Court during this semester break paid off, though not tremendously. Although there was much waiting around and doing nothing at times, I got to experiance what it is sitting in a Court, during a high profile case (such as the Altantulya Murder Trial) and also during boring cases such as Drug cases, which have got to be the most boring kind of cases ever to grace courtroom walls on planet Earth. God, if I hear another chemist from the Chemistry Department giving evidence on drug samples again I would surely die. I really pity judges who have to sit and listen in situations such as these. Then again, they have to write everything down, which probably keeps them from falling asleep…

I also got to learn about Bankruptcy from a Senior Assistant Registrar (SAR) who hears them enough to allow me to definatively select Insolvency as my elective course for this coming semester, and also get to read on concluded high profile cases such as the Canny Ong murder case. My group in particular was lucky enough to get a Deputy Registrar who actually cared what we were up to, as hearing from the others their own supervisors really couldn’t care less whether they existed or not.

On the whole, my general interest in law is much revived, and while before I only had one destination in mind after graduation (that is to become a diplomat) now, having personally looked at, and even put in a situation where I got to decide on cases myself, I do see myself as a judge, or a Magistrate of some sort. Hmm… not bad indeed…

This recent clearing or cleansing of my backlog of subjects from semesters of yesteryear really lifts off a heavy burden I have felt upon myself for a long while, and I feel motivated to start getting my student dues back on track.

Ah exams! They are a coming…

Right now I’m in my final study week before end of semester examinations commence at university. Yet somehow I’m not inclined to study. Its been this way since two semesters ago.

To say that maybe its just because I am not cut out for law (which is my course) would be misleading. I love law. What fascinates me about law is that it concerns the origin and exercise of (especially cocercive) power. My attachment to law stems alot from my long time interest of politics.

I would say it is the way the faculty of my university teaches law. Yes, this is another higher-educational-institutions-are-not-what-they’re-supposed-to-be rant so you can stop reading now if you’re put off by reading so many of them out there already

No, fine. Well, thing is, public education in Malaysia is just not up to scratch. Today a letter to English language daily, The Star, a reader roundly condemned those Malaysians going overseas to get an education but do not come back. But really, why would they? Don’t misunderstand moi, I have my share of patriotism, though Youth and Sports Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob might beg to differ. But then, all we get going to a university here is to attend lectures, where one gets talked down to instead of being engaged with. Yes, there is a difference between preaching, which is commonplace in almost all educational institutions, from primary to tertiary in Malaysia, and an ernest desire to connect with and even learn from, and not just impart to, students. I still remember that song, Getting to know you, from that classic film, the King and I, where the English teacher employed by the Siamese king sang to her students, members of the royal household mostly, to highlight that respect and even learning is a two way street, not one. Ai, when will we Malaysians ever learn. Before I tended to blame Malaysians in general, but now considering the recent change in political climate following the March 8 elections, the performance of the BN Government in this regard comes closer under my scrutiny in this regard, and sad to say such a culture derives from, and is merely an extension of, them. They keep themselves in power by teaching the people not to be critical, KBSR, KBSM and other “critical curriculars” notwithstanding. So, going by the many positive changes happening in my home state since the newly created “Pakatan Rakyat” took power, I daresay such a situation can only seriously be changed when Government changes at the Federal level too, education being their prerogative, after all.

(To be continued…)

Down with the World Assembly! Long live the United Nations!

On April the 1st, news of Pakatan Rakyat wasn’t the only one to catch my eye.

For those of you who know me a little better, either in real life or online, you’ll know I am an avid player of this online simulation game, NationStates. I have been active there since May last year and have found an online community I can identify with. Not only do we have the same interests (ie politics, global issues) but they are on the whole a nice bunch, that is, those who I met living as a nation in the region of Technopolis. Although I eventually left that region due to irrecocilible differences with some of that region’s existing members, I was fortunate in a way to have those agreable move with me into a new region, Technotopia.

 For those of you not in the know, NationStates is a simulation game, created by Max Barry in 2002 to promote his book, Jennifer Government (a spectacular satire on capitalism!) - you register and “found” a nation. You control decisions made though its parliament, which is a simple game of approving predetermined issues, and issue messages to other nations within your region on what are called Regional Message Boards (RMBs). For more, just visit the link and click on their FAQ page.

The part of the game pertinant here is that the game also simulates joining a global body, where membership means being bound by its rules (which affect your nation’s stats) and also being able to draft resolutions to be voted upon. Yes, you guessed it. It works somewhat like the United Nations, and heck, it was called the United Nations! Joining the UN was as easy as applying, and those in the UN could “endorse” any other fellow UN member within the same region, and the highest would occupy the position of UN Delegate, a position of stature within a region, with certain added benefits.

It was a good system. Here the United Nations name was being used for something good. Something the real United Nations was set up for in 1945 after the second world war, to promote greater cohesion, unity, harmony and greater understanding amongst world peoples. Remember the UN Charter?  We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war… to reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights… etc we all know what a cock and bull that is. Not only have they failed to save suceeding generations from war, they have actually contributed to its increase, and human rights violations are greater in number now then ever before, especially in a certain Middle Eastern State this UN helped to found (no guesses which one) it was an open secret that the United Nations was subservient to those who provided the bulk of their funding, the United States, who uses and abuses the organisation like its personal whore whenever it wants.

Not in NationStates at least. Though an online fiction, it was nice to see that resolutions were being passed for the betterment of man, and that “nations” within NationStates were all in reality people hailing from different parts of the world who were friends. But alas this was not to last as on April 1st Max Barry announced on NationStates that the real UN had sent a letter warning Max Barry that his use of the name and flag symbol of the United Nations on NationStates was violating Interllectual Property laws, as well as ordering that he take down such a “traversity” at once.

Now, I ask all, is this really proper? One, how is it that names and symbols of the United Nations, an international organisation, political at that, get to copyright its symbols? Surely if this were allowed to pass, the Vatican City could lay claim to the Bible!

Second, why suddenly out of the blue send a legal notice? Haven’t they got more important notices as such to serve, say on, those such as George W. Bush and Tony Blair for war crimes in Iraq? Or maybe on the Israeli Government for their illegal West Bank barrier wall? Maybe even on the Chinese Government for their oppression of Tibetan and Xinjiang minority groups? Or Myanmar’s military junta for yet again failing to respect the demands of the international community by a swift reversion to democracy and the immediate release of jailed leader Aung San Syu Kyi?

No, these are not a priority to the UN, no sir. Rather, they would prefer to sue others over petty issues such as copyright. Don’t let me even get started on the unjust nature of interllectual property. Max never did no harm nor did those who come online to NationStates using the United Nations banner as a vehicle towards real peace.

For the benefit of all, let me reproduce verbatim what my reaction was in NationStates upon learning of this development;

Everyone! This whole real United Nations condemning NationStates for using the so-called UN brand is a load of bull!

The United Nations is supposed to be about unity and solidarity of the world people, and NationStates, I believe, promotes that through its many nations, regions, and yes, its United Nations. There is nothing wrong with the use of the symbol, and name for these purposes, which are noble.

I find it ridiculous that the name “United Nations” is protected under Interllectual Property laws, laws which lets face it suck in the first place for all the creativity and innovation they stifle, and for all the suffering they cause those who can’t afford the price that comes with using such “property”, some of whom live in the most destitute parts of the world.

Attempting to force IP laws down on us here is abhorrent and contemptous of ongoing efforts to solidify the bounds of humanity under the United Nations banner, and so we must undertake to resist such vile attempts. I urge a vote AGAINST the resolution tabled by Maxtopia in the so-called “World Assembly” right now to indicate protest and freedom from the shackles of such repressive Capitalist laws! Long live the United Nations!

Interllectual property is not cool, its unjust. And so are the United Nations for enforcing it. Adding to their ineptitude owing to failing to follow their own founding principles and behaving like a respectable world organisation, this really is it for them. Leave us alone, wont ya, UN, go sue someone else.

Pakatan Rakyat for the people!

I was surfing the net this evening when I came accross a very interesting piece of news in the online edition of The Star, a local English daily.

According to the report, the Malaysian Opposition parties, PAS, PKR and DAP are to form a new coalition, called the Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Pact).

This event truly heralds a new beginning in Malaysian politics. For the past 50 years of independence, we have lived under the divisive, corrupt and nepotistic government of the Barisan Nasional (BN, National Front). This new alliance is a godsend for all, and just the right response to March 8th’s political tsunami recently.

This is the joint statement of the heads of all three of these political parties, taken from YB Lim Kit Siang’s blog. 

The leaders of KeADILan, DAP and PAS met today in furtherance of the meeting held on the 18th of March 2008.

Today’s meeting was attended by, among others, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, YB Lim Kit Siang, YB Dato’ Seri Tuan Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang and YB Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

In today’s meeting, we have proposed to consolidate the cooperation between the three parties under the name “PAKATAN RAKYAT”. This name has been proposed pending confirmation by the respective parties.

Pakatan Rakyat pledges to uphold the rights and interests of all Malaysians, regardless of religion or race, as enshrined in the Constitution.

With the results of the recent elections, the state governments of Kelantan, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak and Selangor will be known as Pakatan Rakyat state governments. The policies of these governments will be conducted in accordance with the policies of Pakatan Rakyat.

To further mutual understanding regarding such policies, a convention of all Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives of Parliament and State Assemblies will be held on the 27th of April 2008.

We have developed and strengthened the structure of Pakatan Rakyat by creating under the Leadership Council, consisting of the leaders of the three parties, a Joint Secretariat consisting of three leaders from each of the three parties. This joint Secretariat will be tasked with building the foundation and framework of the Pakatan Rakyat for ratification by the Leadership Council.

Congratulations to PR. May more good things follow for you, for Malaysia. This Blog proudly proclaims itself as one of the first to give a review on the Pact.

Malaysia Just Changed It!

On the day of 8 March 2008, something happened in Malaysia. A tsunami of sorts swept the nation. And no, this is not a repeat of the tragic 2004 South East Asian Tsunami that ravaged Aceh in Indonesia as well as other parts of the world, claiming lives. This was a different kind of tsunami, a political sort, hitherto unprecedented in Malaysian history.

The result?

Malaysia Changed! Yeah! Change with a capital “C”. Politically, at least. Not sure about socially or culturally. But its a good start and here’s why.

The Government, ruled by the Barisan Nasional (National Front, BN) for the 50 years that Malaysia (or more accurately, West Malaysia or Malaya)  dominated and led by UMNO all this while as it were, steadily saw its popularity amongst the multi-ethnic masses drop. This happened due to a variety of reasons, which political analysts, what more ordinary people on the Malaysian street, debate on. One thing was clear, the BN had, for the first time in Malaysian history, been denied two-thirds majority in Parliament as well as losing five states to the Opposition. To the foreigner, this might strike things as being a little bit odd. Why should a two-thirds majority be easy to obtain? But for Malaysians, and those familiar with the Malaysian scene, notably its repressive laws against freedom of speech and the right to peacably assemble, know all too well the significance of this election result – a decisive rejection of, amongst others, actions of the government of the day helmed by the once lauded but now deeply distrusted Abdullah Badawi, seen as betraying the huge 2004 General Election mandate to fight corruption, cronyism and nepotism that flourished during his predecessor,  Mahathir Mohamed’s 22 year rule. Other then that there were also concerns mostly specific to certain ethnic communities. The Chinese were up to their teeth with discrimination against them by the Government in education matters mostly. The Indians, previously BN supporters through and through, now, due to agitations by the Hindu Rights Action Force, or HINDRAF, which saw 5 of its leaders been arrested under the notorious Internal Security Act 1960, which allows for detention without trial, use the cry of Makkal Sakthi or People Power to desert the ruling coalition in droves. As for the swing in Malay votes, that was something no one had anticipated, although unfavourable reactions to the HINDRAF saga was one, and Abdullah’s much hated son in law, Khairy Jamaluddin’s widely known influence on executive policies was another factor that could have led to BN’s worst electoral defeat in independent Malaysia’s history.

 The question (or rather questions) to ponder, after such a shocking polls outcome can be among these: Is the BN and UMNO still relevant? They would like to think themselves to be, for sure. But it looks like they aren’t fast enough to understand and come to terms with the new political landscape, dominated by young people and alternative, internet-based media. Can the DAP (Democratic Action Party), the country’s main ethnic Chinese-based Opposition party reconcile deep rooted differences with Islamist PAS (Parti Islam SeMalaysia or Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party) to form, together with PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat or People’s Justice Party) a united “Barisan Rakyat“? (People’s Front, BR) to replace the BN in the next general election? One is tempted to say “No” at this point, but it is worth looking at. Much will depend on the success of the mixed coalition in power in the states of Perak and Selangor now.

 Anyway as a former strong supporter of BN and presently being an advocate of change, I wish them luck.

What is it with JK Rowling and copyright?

JK Rowling. Succesful author of the highly popular Harry Potter books that have graced the world of English fiction and brought joy back to reading.

As such, she claims copyright in her literary masterpieces. Reasonable. Copyright includes right of adaptation of Harry Potter to movies, music, electronic storage or other mediums. Reasonable. Copyright includes sole exculsivity in publishing Harry Potter world guides as well. Unreasonable.

According to this news report, Rowling has brought a copyright infringement suit against a fan, Steven Vander Ark, and his popular web-based Harry Potter lexicon, where fans and Rowling herself go to refer Harry Potter facts from, for engaging a publisher, namely RDR books, to publish a print version of the website, titled the Harry Potter Lexicon. On her website she offers the following justification for it: “It is not reasonable, or legal, for anybody, fan or otherwise, to take an author’s hard work, re-organize their characters and plots, and sell them for their own commercial gain. However much an individual claims to love somebody else’s work, it does not become theirs to sell.“

Wrong! There is no “re-organising” of any sort here. What is going on is simply a scholarly right under the fair use doctrine to comment, discuss and guide on another’s literary work, which is normal and usual. Yet in an excellent commentary, Tim Wu points out that even fair use is immaterial to consider since JK Rowling’s supposed rights over guides to her work don’t even exist to begin with.

RDR Books, the Harry Potter Lexicon’s would be publisher, is right to say that ”This is a right no court has ever recognized. It has little to recommend it. If accepted, it would dramatically extend the reach of copyright protection, and eliminate an entire genre of literary supplements: third party reference guides to fiction, which for centuries have helped readers better access, understand and enjoy literary works. By extension, it would threaten not just reference guides, but encyclopedias, glossaries, indexes, and other tools that provide useful information about copyrighted works.” True this. Not to mention freedom of speech and right to comment and criticise would be under threat.

Rowling has the galls to claim that “If RDR’s position is accepted, it will undoubtedly have a significant, negative impact on the freedoms enjoyed by genuine fans on the Internet. Authors everywhere will be forced to protect their creations much more rigorously, which could mean denying well-meaning fans permission to pursue legitimate creative activities. I find it devastating to contemplate the possibility of such a severe alteration of author-fan relations.”

Well if you’re so concerned, just don’t do it then, damnit.