28 April

As I vividly recall, I was on the streets of Johor Bahru a year ago, when I was still studying in Singapore. I remember travelling by foot a few kilometres to a vicinity where a street protest was to take place, and from reading about experiences of people who took part in a similar protest the year before, I learned to arrive a day early.

All the walking, praying and waiting; Either on the streets, in a 24-hour Mamak shop or a hotel lobby nearby. One full night, and the next whole day.


Is the cause I am fighting for making progress?

Sorry for my moments of faithlessness and frustrations.

What is becoming of the organisation in the front lines of the pursuit for free and fair elections? I dare not imagine or acknowledge what might it be now. Not that it has gone astray, just perhaps unacceptable in certain ways to me, personally. Or have I been living in my own ideal world?
 

No one behind?

I said, "I want to do more!"
You said, "Go!"
So I did.

...

However I turn back to see and only find that there seems to be no one behind me. And the ones who supposedly are beside me happen to be out of sight as well.
 

Free food only mah!

In Kluang now.

I just came from a gathering that was held in honour and appreciation of the constituency's Member of Parliament, or the ex-MP, for that matter. The meeting was attended by quite a number of folks from the Chinese community. Simple speeches were given by a few men, after a video sharing which featured various people who talked about the good works that YB Dr. Hou has done since he was elected into Office.

I am not very learned in the Chinese culture, but I do appreciate Dr. Hou for his passion and enthusiasm in developing education in the Chinese medium. Besides, I appreciate the gentleman even more for his discretion. Please pardon my poor usage of words, it was a very long day. Dr. Hou isn't a man who goes around speaking with thorns in his words, unlike many politicians. To be frank, sometimes I fear for his political career as this virtue might make him vulnerable to his "competitors" out there, so-to-say; on both sides of the political divide.

Anyway, five short years have passed. I do not know what the next few years will be like. To be honest, I shall certainly have a hard decision to make if he were to stand for election again.

Digressed for quite a bit already, back to what this blog entry was about! The meeting ended with refreshments outside the hall. I must ask, why are Chinese people so kiasu ah?! Free food only mah, push and squeeze for what?

By the way, not uncommon among Malaysians, cellphones were ringing and their owners were answering them whilst speeches were made. Am I living in a little bubble of my own where only within it that speaking on the phone loudly in a seated crowd is considered rude?

Culture or bad habit?

1. Silence your phone during meetings
2. Queue up when food is being served

Let us be more civilized.
Wishing everyone a good weekend!