Uncle Martin is no longer with us.
He’s one of those uncle whom you would adore. You would laugh at his jokes, and listen tentatively to his experience as if it was your own. It’s difficult to imagine life without this special person, and I am not even that close to him! I guess Colin would miss him the most, as he IS Uncle Martin’s favourite son.
I look at Colin and I was speechless, as he was this morning. I see him controlling his tears, ears all red. It was a sight I never could imagine seeing. When Adrian died last year, I wasn’t there to witness these emotion, so it was all new for me. Adrian death had such an impact to Uncle Martin that two weeks ago when we chatted, he was still telling me how he regretted the moments leading up to the death. If only he did this.. or that.. If only. And I was just stunned, Uncle Martin, you did everything you could. Don’t blame yourself for what has passed. Adrian should have known better! Perhaps the way Adrian died that disturbs him most. Falling from a hotel room while hiding from your girlfriend isn’t the most heroic death you would want to envisage.
So, Uncle Martin spend his last day looking over Adrian’s picture.. crying. You had your leg amputate two years ago and you were still strong. You could not walk well, but you still brave yourself to go teach at a tuition centre 60 km away from home. I adore you for that. The great Cikgu Martin who would go through thick and thin just for his beloved students.
How I wish you are still here Uncle Martin, so that you can see Sara grow up and become a fine lady. If only you would be around to still be apart of her life. I guess, we can never have too much joy. Sara may have lost her granddad, but we are still around anyway to support her.
Uncle Martin…. May your soul rest in peace.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Cicak-man si Lelaki Cicak
I had the opportunity to attend a charity screening for the newly released Cicakman. My brother-in-law couldn’t go for fear of leaving the new baby, and my sister nak tak nak had to come since Fasha personally invited her. So, being sister dearest, I became her escort.
Get this… We were placed next to the big shot producers and cast of the show. Pure luck, coincidence or mistake, I simply don’t care. Just here for the free show!
And, what a surprise to me to see all of the crew of Natasha there. Fasha sure have her way around people.:D
Ok guys, throwing an interview with one of the attendee of the preview
Miss SS: So, what do you think of the movie?
Suhana Sidik: It was ok, but not my kind of movie though. I think the kids would love it (err.. but the kids were not really laughing just now). I had a good first impression of the movie, so my expectation was quite high.
Miss SS: How’s so?
Suhana Sidik: The initial preview was superb. I was caught by surprise. I do think that the CGI is really good for a Malaysian standard (excuse muah). The settings, the lightings, the costume.. everything were excellent. But, I guees, I should have known better, right.. (and she giggle)
Miss SS: So, you definitely think it’s a good first attempt, but there’s more room for improvement?
Suhana Sidik: Definitely. Nevertheless, congratulation to Yusry for his attempt. It was bold, and he nail it.. almost.
Miss SS: So, do you have any advice for these young generations who would like to venture into CGI?
Suhana Sidik: Don’t afraid to take chances! While there’s still time and opportunities, make sure you make use of it. Go out there and learn more of what the world has to offer. The problem with Malaysia nowadays is that we like to do everything at our own backyard, with the thinking that Malaysia boleh. Kira main belasah aje la. Yeah of course you can, but just make sure that you have the ‘ilmu’ to back it up. It’s not wrong to learn from others first, before you first learn to walk on your own.
Miss SS: That’s a pretty strong comment.
Suhana Sidik: Just my two cents love.
Miss SS: hehe. We’ll sure to print that out.
Suhana Sidik: I bet you will. Heck, I bet WE will. Muahahhahaha. Anyway, thanks KRU for inviting me. All the best of luck!
Still.. Silence… The room became quiet. Everyone has left. Miss SS found herself staring blindly at herself on her compact mirror she was holding on her right hand, while her left hand numbly holding the comb.
The end.
Get this… We were placed next to the big shot producers and cast of the show. Pure luck, coincidence or mistake, I simply don’t care. Just here for the free show!
And, what a surprise to me to see all of the crew of Natasha there. Fasha sure have her way around people.:D
Ok guys, throwing an interview with one of the attendee of the preview
Miss SS: So, what do you think of the movie?
Suhana Sidik: It was ok, but not my kind of movie though. I think the kids would love it (err.. but the kids were not really laughing just now). I had a good first impression of the movie, so my expectation was quite high.
Miss SS: How’s so?
Suhana Sidik: The initial preview was superb. I was caught by surprise. I do think that the CGI is really good for a Malaysian standard (excuse muah). The settings, the lightings, the costume.. everything were excellent. But, I guees, I should have known better, right.. (and she giggle)
Miss SS: So, you definitely think it’s a good first attempt, but there’s more room for improvement?
Suhana Sidik: Definitely. Nevertheless, congratulation to Yusry for his attempt. It was bold, and he nail it.. almost.
Miss SS: So, do you have any advice for these young generations who would like to venture into CGI?
Suhana Sidik: Don’t afraid to take chances! While there’s still time and opportunities, make sure you make use of it. Go out there and learn more of what the world has to offer. The problem with Malaysia nowadays is that we like to do everything at our own backyard, with the thinking that Malaysia boleh. Kira main belasah aje la. Yeah of course you can, but just make sure that you have the ‘ilmu’ to back it up. It’s not wrong to learn from others first, before you first learn to walk on your own.
Miss SS: That’s a pretty strong comment.
Suhana Sidik: Just my two cents love.
Miss SS: hehe. We’ll sure to print that out.
Suhana Sidik: I bet you will. Heck, I bet WE will. Muahahhahaha. Anyway, thanks KRU for inviting me. All the best of luck!
Still.. Silence… The room became quiet. Everyone has left. Miss SS found herself staring blindly at herself on her compact mirror she was holding on her right hand, while her left hand numbly holding the comb.
The end.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Hari aku terkenang si dia
Good morning .. or not-so-good morning.
I saw K dowstairs as I was walking up the building and couldn’t wait to tell the world this. Apparently now, we have been working in the same building for the past couple of weeks already. Yeah, we’ve been friends even after that humiliating incident when I confessed to him that I like him (my first-ever-embarrassing moment), and was told that he’s got someone else.
And guess what, he was walking to work with some girl who looks more than just some girl. Damn K, your girlfriend is working at the same place as you are? Damn pathetic. And wait… she’s just … ok. And I lost to THIS girl?
I guess guys like simple girls (or a rich one in that matter).
Heart racing. I could not calm myself. Still remembered that particular moment 1 year ago when I took chances but still lost out. What if I came in sooner? What if I told him earlier? What if I was still studying with him? What if I have spent more time with him? What if..?
But that was just some sick ‘cinta monyet’. I have recovered and have done really well for myself. It was his lost anyway… right.
Still in shock.
The-not-so-pinky girl anymore.
I saw K dowstairs as I was walking up the building and couldn’t wait to tell the world this. Apparently now, we have been working in the same building for the past couple of weeks already. Yeah, we’ve been friends even after that humiliating incident when I confessed to him that I like him (my first-ever-embarrassing moment), and was told that he’s got someone else.
And guess what, he was walking to work with some girl who looks more than just some girl. Damn K, your girlfriend is working at the same place as you are? Damn pathetic. And wait… she’s just … ok. And I lost to THIS girl?
I guess guys like simple girls (or a rich one in that matter).
Heart racing. I could not calm myself. Still remembered that particular moment 1 year ago when I took chances but still lost out. What if I came in sooner? What if I told him earlier? What if I was still studying with him? What if I have spent more time with him? What if..?
But that was just some sick ‘cinta monyet’. I have recovered and have done really well for myself. It was his lost anyway… right.
Still in shock.
The-not-so-pinky girl anymore.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Rumusan Minggu Ini
Hello all,
Yes you guessed right. Suhana is feeling bored again, hence, the reason for this entry. Gosh, it’s freaking 10 am, but I still haven’t done any real work. Since I knew that I would be transferred out of the department, I’ve been smartly outsourcing my work to this guy who’s replacing me. Call it ‘in the process of handover of work’ :D.
So yeah, what highlights of this week
1.Cari Artis untuk buat Persembahan
Do you think that performers are overpaid? Or maybe they just live a lavish life. A friend of a friend is getting married and they wanted to get an artist to perform for the wedding. Came me into the picture, since I’ve got a sis who’s kinda in the business. We listed few artistes that we had in mind, and then came the shocking dilemma. A freaking 16-year old nobody-who-just-won-some-reality-show would cost 5K while a-freaking-performer-who-has-one-album would cost a sky rocking 18K. Man, it made me feels like I want to sing and produce an album, even if it sucks. And there was me, struggling to get through the whole month with this wage that Pet is paying. It’s sad really that I don’t have the voice to sing, talent to act or the kind of face to become a model. Just an average looking business planner. Wait2.. I did graduate with an engineering degree. Sigh.
2. Dia sudah kantoi
So, Phuket boy has a girlfriend and it’s official. I guess I won’t be looking out for boys for quite a while. Yeah, I did burst with anger.. at first. But with me suddenly taking it very well after, I really felt like a bitch at the very least. Thanks Ipeng for that word of wisdom. I ain’t too bad huh. :p
3.One Tree Hill
Even after the Phuket episode where I obviously told people that I think I’m turning gay, I had to rethink it back after watching One Tree Hill soaps. I think I am madly in love with Lucas. In some way, I want to be Brooke, and in many ways, I want to get married. I think I’ll skip the hushy mushy period ‘percintaan’ and get down to marriage straight away. Now now.. that’s not too hot ain’t it.
4. Bosan bosan..
So, been very bored. Too lazy to work. Want to know my routine this week?
7.50 am – in the office already
7.51 am – read the paper
8.05 am – open my emails; ie lotus, gmail, yahoo
8.15 am – look at updates in my blog
8.17 am – read other people’s blog and leave 1 comment
8.45 am – feeling suicidal, but still don’t feel like working
9.03 am – people start calling in with problems.
But hey hey.. it’s 10.20 am and I still haven’t start any real work.
So, anyone.. Throw me some good jokes, or even some work! I ain’t a freaking workaholic anymore, and it’s kinda sucks. Its like having no purpose in life. Now now, where’s the ‘phat’-ness in that.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Pak Lah.. Can you Handle This
While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry
Michael Backman
November 15, 2006 - The Age, Melbourne.
MALAYSIA'S been at it again, arguing about what proportion of the
economy each of its two main races - the Malays and the Chinese -
owns. It's an argument that's been running for 40 years. That wealth
and race are not synonymous is important for national cohesion, but
really it's time Malaysia grew up.
It's a tough world out there and there can be little sympathy for a
country that prefers to argue about how to divide wealth rather than
get on with the job of creating it.
The long-held aim is for 30 per cent of corporate equity to be in
Malay hands, but the figure that the Government uses to justify
handing over huge swathes of public companies to Malays but not to
other races is absurd. It bases its figure on equity valued, not at
market value, but at par value.
Many shares have a par value of say $1 but a market value of $12. And
so the Government figure (18.9 per cent is the most recent figure) is
a gross underestimate. Last month a paper by a researcher at a local
think-tank came up with a figure of 45 per cent based on actual stock
prices. All hell broke loose. The paper was withdrawn and the
researcher resigned in protest. Part of the problem is that he is
Chinese.
"Malaysia boleh!" is Malaysia's national catch cry. It translates to
"Malaysia can!" and Malaysia certainly can. Few countries are as good
at wasting money. It is richly endowed with natural resources and the
national obsession seems to be to extract these, sell them off and
then collectively spray the proceeds up against the wall.
This all happens in the context of Malaysia's grossly inflated sense
of its place in the world.
Most Malaysians are convinced that the eyes of the world are on their
country and that their leaders are world figures. This is thanks to
Malaysia's tame media and the bravado of former prime minister
Mahathir Mohamad. The truth is, few people on the streets of London or
New York could point to Malaysia on a map much less name its prime
minister or capital city.
As if to make this point, a recent episode of The Simpsons features a
newsreader trying to announce that a tidal wave had hit some place
called Kuala Lumpur. He couldn't pronounce the city's name and so made
up one, as if no-one cared anyway. But the joke was on the script
writers - Kuala Lumpur is inland.
Petronas, the national oil company is well run, particularly when
compared to the disaster that passes for a national oil company in
neighbouring Indonesia. But in some respects, this is Malaysia's
problem. The very success of Petronas means that it is used to
underwrite all manner of excess.
The KLCC development in central Kuala Lumpur is an example. It
includes the Twin Towers, the tallest buildings in the world when they
were built, which was their point.
It certainly wasn't that there was an office shortage in Kuala Lumpur - there wasn't.
Malaysians are very proud of these towers. Goodness knows why. They
had little to do with them. The money for them came out of the ground
and the engineering was contracted out to South Korean companies.
They don't even run the shopping centre that's beneath them. That's
handled by Australia's Westfield.
Next year, a Malaysian astronaut will go into space aboard a Russian
rocket — the first Malay in space. And the cost? $RM95 million ($A34.3
million), to be footed by Malaysian taxpayers. The Science and
Technology Minister has said that a moon landing in 2020 is the next
target, aboard a US flight. There's no indication of what the
Americans will charge for this, assuming there's even a chance that
they will consider it. But what is Malaysia getting by using the space
programs of others as a taxi service? There are no obvious technical
benefits, but no doubt Malaysians will be told once again, that they
are "boleh". The trouble is, they're not. It's not their space
program.
Back in July, the Government announced that it would spend $RM490
million on a sports complex near the London Olympics site so that
Malaysian athletes can train there and "get used to cold weather".
But the summer Olympics are held in the summer.
So what is the complex's real purpose? The dozens of goodwill missions
by ministers and bureaucrats to London to check on the centre's
construction and then on the athletes while they train might provide a
clue.
Bank bale outs, a formula one racing track, an entire new capital city -
Petronas has paid for them all. It's been an orgy of nonsense that
Malaysia can ill afford.
Why? Because Malaysia's oil will run out in about 19 years. As it is,
Malaysia will become a net oil importer in 2011 — that's just five
years away.
So it's in this context that the latest debate about race and wealth is so sad.
It is time to move on, time to prepare the economy for life after oil.
But, like Nero fiddling while Rome burned, the Malaysian Government is
more interested in stunts like sending a Malaysian into space when
Malaysia's inadequate schools could have done with the cash, and
arguing about wealth distribution using transparently ridiculous
statistics.
That's not Malaysia "boleh", that's Malaysia "bodoh" (stupid).
Mr Backman has a regular Asian business column with the Melbourne Age
newspaper and has authored numerous articles on the
complexities of Asian business, cultures and corporate governance for
The Times of London, the International Herald Tribune, the
Asian Wall Street Journal, the Far Eastern Economic Review, the
Australian Financial Review and the Business Times of Singapore,
among others.
He is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences in Asia, Europe
and Australia and a regular commentator in the media on
Asian business matters, having appeared in publications such as
Euromoney, Time, Fortune, the New York Times, and the Financial
Times.
Mr Backman holds a First Class Economics Degree. He lives in London
when he is not travelling.
Michael Backman
November 15, 2006 - The Age, Melbourne.
MALAYSIA'S been at it again, arguing about what proportion of the
economy each of its two main races - the Malays and the Chinese -
owns. It's an argument that's been running for 40 years. That wealth
and race are not synonymous is important for national cohesion, but
really it's time Malaysia grew up.
It's a tough world out there and there can be little sympathy for a
country that prefers to argue about how to divide wealth rather than
get on with the job of creating it.
The long-held aim is for 30 per cent of corporate equity to be in
Malay hands, but the figure that the Government uses to justify
handing over huge swathes of public companies to Malays but not to
other races is absurd. It bases its figure on equity valued, not at
market value, but at par value.
Many shares have a par value of say $1 but a market value of $12. And
so the Government figure (18.9 per cent is the most recent figure) is
a gross underestimate. Last month a paper by a researcher at a local
think-tank came up with a figure of 45 per cent based on actual stock
prices. All hell broke loose. The paper was withdrawn and the
researcher resigned in protest. Part of the problem is that he is
Chinese.
"Malaysia boleh!" is Malaysia's national catch cry. It translates to
"Malaysia can!" and Malaysia certainly can. Few countries are as good
at wasting money. It is richly endowed with natural resources and the
national obsession seems to be to extract these, sell them off and
then collectively spray the proceeds up against the wall.
This all happens in the context of Malaysia's grossly inflated sense
of its place in the world.
Most Malaysians are convinced that the eyes of the world are on their
country and that their leaders are world figures. This is thanks to
Malaysia's tame media and the bravado of former prime minister
Mahathir Mohamad. The truth is, few people on the streets of London or
New York could point to Malaysia on a map much less name its prime
minister or capital city.
As if to make this point, a recent episode of The Simpsons features a
newsreader trying to announce that a tidal wave had hit some place
called Kuala Lumpur. He couldn't pronounce the city's name and so made
up one, as if no-one cared anyway. But the joke was on the script
writers - Kuala Lumpur is inland.
Petronas, the national oil company is well run, particularly when
compared to the disaster that passes for a national oil company in
neighbouring Indonesia. But in some respects, this is Malaysia's
problem. The very success of Petronas means that it is used to
underwrite all manner of excess.
The KLCC development in central Kuala Lumpur is an example. It
includes the Twin Towers, the tallest buildings in the world when they
were built, which was their point.
It certainly wasn't that there was an office shortage in Kuala Lumpur - there wasn't.
Malaysians are very proud of these towers. Goodness knows why. They
had little to do with them. The money for them came out of the ground
and the engineering was contracted out to South Korean companies.
They don't even run the shopping centre that's beneath them. That's
handled by Australia's Westfield.
Next year, a Malaysian astronaut will go into space aboard a Russian
rocket — the first Malay in space. And the cost? $RM95 million ($A34.3
million), to be footed by Malaysian taxpayers. The Science and
Technology Minister has said that a moon landing in 2020 is the next
target, aboard a US flight. There's no indication of what the
Americans will charge for this, assuming there's even a chance that
they will consider it. But what is Malaysia getting by using the space
programs of others as a taxi service? There are no obvious technical
benefits, but no doubt Malaysians will be told once again, that they
are "boleh". The trouble is, they're not. It's not their space
program.
Back in July, the Government announced that it would spend $RM490
million on a sports complex near the London Olympics site so that
Malaysian athletes can train there and "get used to cold weather".
But the summer Olympics are held in the summer.
So what is the complex's real purpose? The dozens of goodwill missions
by ministers and bureaucrats to London to check on the centre's
construction and then on the athletes while they train might provide a
clue.
Bank bale outs, a formula one racing track, an entire new capital city -
Petronas has paid for them all. It's been an orgy of nonsense that
Malaysia can ill afford.
Why? Because Malaysia's oil will run out in about 19 years. As it is,
Malaysia will become a net oil importer in 2011 — that's just five
years away.
So it's in this context that the latest debate about race and wealth is so sad.
It is time to move on, time to prepare the economy for life after oil.
But, like Nero fiddling while Rome burned, the Malaysian Government is
more interested in stunts like sending a Malaysian into space when
Malaysia's inadequate schools could have done with the cash, and
arguing about wealth distribution using transparently ridiculous
statistics.
That's not Malaysia "boleh", that's Malaysia "bodoh" (stupid).
Mr Backman has a regular Asian business column with the Melbourne Age
newspaper and has authored numerous articles on the
complexities of Asian business, cultures and corporate governance for
The Times of London, the International Herald Tribune, the
Asian Wall Street Journal, the Far Eastern Economic Review, the
Australian Financial Review and the Business Times of Singapore,
among others.
He is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences in Asia, Europe
and Australia and a regular commentator in the media on
Asian business matters, having appeared in publications such as
Euromoney, Time, Fortune, the New York Times, and the Financial
Times.
Mr Backman holds a First Class Economics Degree. He lives in London
when he is not travelling.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Sekali Lagi Aku Terasa Hampa
My best friend came back, hooray..
But maybe the excitement wasn’t as much, cause I only had two days to spend with him. We entertain ourselves to two boring Malay movies, and him hearing me whining on the stupid movies that Malaysian are producing. Grr..
Should I or should I have not gone to Phuket? If I didn’t, maybe we could have spent another 2 more days together. But I did, and I had major fun and some regrets (I thought that when you have fun, you should not have any slightest regrets). Did I make the right choice?
What past is past.
Now it’s just me sitting on this chair staring at the screen, looking at my life. Has my life been marvelous? Has everything been what I have ever want it to be? Why haven’t I change and reflect more on the positive side of my life?
I just noticed that I only blog when I’m not happy. I guess that is the only time when I truly have time for all this heart pouring crap. Heck, I don’t even know if people do read this crap. It’s just me having a piss at everything I ever look at, touch on, and breathe.. just about anything.
Yes yes.. again it’s boy issue. Just hate this. I don’t like this boy, nothing that would be material but sometimes I think of him. Maybe because of Phuket, or maybe because of plain stupidity causing me to think that everyone else around me is attached… even Ja. No no… not me. Come on, I’m still young and there are still more things in life that I have not experience.
I guess I just got tired of being played. Am I too naïve, or too less of everything?
Should I go and give him a piece of my mind? Maybe tomorrow… or the day after… or never. Maybe maybe…
But maybe the excitement wasn’t as much, cause I only had two days to spend with him. We entertain ourselves to two boring Malay movies, and him hearing me whining on the stupid movies that Malaysian are producing. Grr..
Should I or should I have not gone to Phuket? If I didn’t, maybe we could have spent another 2 more days together. But I did, and I had major fun and some regrets (I thought that when you have fun, you should not have any slightest regrets). Did I make the right choice?
What past is past.
Now it’s just me sitting on this chair staring at the screen, looking at my life. Has my life been marvelous? Has everything been what I have ever want it to be? Why haven’t I change and reflect more on the positive side of my life?
I just noticed that I only blog when I’m not happy. I guess that is the only time when I truly have time for all this heart pouring crap. Heck, I don’t even know if people do read this crap. It’s just me having a piss at everything I ever look at, touch on, and breathe.. just about anything.
Yes yes.. again it’s boy issue. Just hate this. I don’t like this boy, nothing that would be material but sometimes I think of him. Maybe because of Phuket, or maybe because of plain stupidity causing me to think that everyone else around me is attached… even Ja. No no… not me. Come on, I’m still young and there are still more things in life that I have not experience.
I guess I just got tired of being played. Am I too naïve, or too less of everything?
Should I go and give him a piece of my mind? Maybe tomorrow… or the day after… or never. Maybe maybe…
Kenangan di Phuket
Phuket was major fun for me, an essential break from the real life and work. Won’t dwell too much into it, but could say that I was so happy that I felt like getting married there and then. A haven for lovers or just mere surroundings that captivated hearts? I spent most of my time alone as none of my friends were available during the day. I was there for quick fun and holliday, while others went there to attend a meeting. I guess I had the most advantage.
My day started with the trip to Phuket town where we first went shopping for 50% discounted souvenirs, then off to take pictures in this huge Budhist temple, and finally to Rang Hill, a famous outing for watching sunset. Next destination was the famous tourist outing in Pakong Beach, where nudists are a such a heavenly sight for some (of course I didn’t get to see any action because of the stupid rain. Ops… ehhhehe). We had a walk along the beach, wonderful dinner and of course, the highlight of the day was when we took tuk-tuk to the hotel. The fresh air at 60km/h, and the loud music coming from the amp was such an experience.
I went to the famous Phi-phi Island the next day. Everyone was being nice as I was the only one without a partner, and I didn’t even went swimming. I guess I wasn’t in the mood. The view was incredible. I guess that was what DiCaprio was saying when he went shooting there. We went to all the places where The Beach and Jurassic Park was shot, me gawk in amazement.
That night… we were as one.
Spent the next day on bed watching movie and ordering room service. Felt like some young spoilt brat too lazy to get her ass doing anything useful. Alas, the day went past so quickly that it was time again to bid farewell to Phuket.
I miss it all… and I really mean ALL.
That night… we were as one.
Spent the next day on bed watching movie and ordering room service. Felt like some young spoilt brat too lazy to get her ass doing anything useful. Alas, the day went past so quickly that it was time again to bid farewell to Phuket.
I miss it all… and I really mean ALL.
Picture time:
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