quaintly - Latest Comments in It’s Raining Again

Re: It’s Raining Again

nickie — Sat, 12 May 2007 15:18:39 -0000

true to the core. i was just thinkin bout blogging the same stuff and here you spoke my mind. and yes, there is much anger in me too.

but here's the thing. what can we do about it? think of one way or ways to change the malaysian situation and i'll support you till the end. cuz i've exhausted my brainpower trying to come up with one but failing so far.

girl i hope you're still passionate bout our country and care bout her enough to do something bout it 5 to 10 years down the road. a lot of people i know let the disappointments bury their passion and love for the country as time goes by, and cynicism is what's left in them. which i find it really sad becuz there are actually things that can be done, even though we might not be able to see the results in our lifetime. but u know - even the little things matter, in a long run. and perhaps if we start now, our great grandchildren will enjoy what we fight for. so are you willing to fight for what you believe? or do you rather close one eye and enjoy Cosmopolitan or US weekly in a coffee house at a posh neighborhood and pretend everything is okay?!

pls dont be offended by my last question. it is, by no means, intended to make it sound like the latter choice is wrong or bad. but that's just the way it is, human nature. we tend to take the easier path. but i love what you wrote, and really hope that you'd become one of our future leaders who'd make a difference. the country needs more ppl like you! but of cuz, it all boils down to what you want or who you wanna be.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Anonymous — Tue, 08 May 2007 03:55:08 -0000

fuck yourself. i voted keadilan, dap and pas.

bn still wins. but at least i don't whine about it. go vote :P

Re: It’s Raining Again

sweat — Sun, 06 May 2007 06:42:42 -0000

that's why, ladies and gents, that's exactly why i don't read the paper.
i rather read my murakami books

Re: It’s Raining Again

blitzkrieg — Sat, 05 May 2007 13:09:37 -0000

there is this strange and classic scenario, where people constantly ridicule BN, vote for them anyway, and give the excuse that the "OPPOSTION ARE NOT READY OR RICH ENOUGH TO PROPAGATE THE COUNTRY'S DEVELOPMENT". in this case, it is clear that the basis of politics is misconstrued. at the end of the day, minus all that "shady business" the enlightened citizens know of, and tags like "satu lagi projek Barisan Nasional", we have to understand that the development of a nation depends on the TAXPAYERS' money. that is the basis of it. Fair enough, opposition parties will take a long time to reverse unnecessary budgets placed on unnecessary projects; projects which i do not need to mention, *cough* istana *cough*. at the end of the day, we do not know how opposition will fare and whether or not their perceptions and ideologies are merely empty words. Still, at the current state we are in, this country is going to the dogs, i tell you. It happened to Phillipines during the 70's and look where they are now, it'll happen to us too.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Alex — Sat, 05 May 2007 04:02:39 -0000

it is the very first time I see you blog about political stuff, i think you will end up an activist like her when u grow UP :P

http://elizabethwong.wordpress.com/

Re: It’s Raining Again

Vicnan — Sat, 05 May 2007 03:56:33 -0000

On the bright side, it isn't just Malaysian media. On the down side, it isn't just Malaysian media.

The media's role as a fourth estate isn't one that translates globally, as much as people wish.

It's something learnt very quickly; you know I'm on my internship now, and it still amazes me how many of my year-mates are astounded by the fluffiness of the industry – no duh?

Re: It’s Raining Again

songjun — Sat, 05 May 2007 03:43:23 -0000

miracle : yes i know, i just mentioned that to many its a system of check and balance. and the people have proven that they CAN be pissed at government. Terrenganu defected to PAS and then 5 years later decided that they're the worst of the 2 devils then went back to BN. So did kelantan constituencies just managing to hold 1 or 2 above BN.

and no, i dont think the business leaders vote BN, look at the demographics of opposition held areas, they are city centers with high income groups, usually owning businesses of their own.

heck,i'd say lot of business leaders hate how BN is doing with the way they do things,especially with all that cronism and who u know before things get done attitude. i had an interview with scomi the other day.. omg i wouldnt want to work with them. They have such 'old guard'views and ways of thinking. Speaking to them just made me feel like talking to those air head politicians we have. Our central bank intrigues me though, they're open enough to admit they have to change and are changing when i was going thru an interview with them.

U see, our government and u know who mindset are slowly changing..slowlybut surely. Does NEP work?Yes. Is it biassed? Yes. So what? Its not like we really need their help anyway.

and its good living in a strong opposition held area..my housing area gets really pretty when election time comes around ;) gahmen paves the road and trims the trees HAHA SEPUTEHHH!!! :D

Re: It’s Raining Again

jonathanlim — Sat, 05 May 2007 01:50:17 -0000

i havent read the papers for a year now...theyre kinda expensive here...i didnt finish up with readin ur entry either. i wanna remain as that katak.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Stephanie — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:41:40 -0000

I remember once during my primary school years, there was a general election and i told my mum as she was going off to vote; "vote for BN ah". Newspaper propaganda can work on the mind of a primary school kid.

But really, there is no "very outstanding local political party" if you're looking at it from the point of the ability to govern. There are some outstanding political figures in the parties but not the whole party itself. Shahrir Samad and Lim Kit Siang are good examples.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Miracle — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:15:59 -0000

Su Ann: You should probably consider the many repressive laws the journalists are "bounded" to. Not to mention us bloggers. Or more like, every single person in Malaysia la. Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Defamation Act, Libel something or other... ISA.

That's also another reason why journalists do not write the things they should. The government has instilled so much fear in everyone, that if we dare so much as move, we can be chucked in the ISA.

The journalists are actually told what they can or cannot write in the newspapers. I'm sure you know this already though. They cannot raise any "sensitive issues". Under this is the mention of the word "suicide", discussing religion (a ban by Pak Lah last year), criticizing the ruling coalition (a "threat" to national security).. among others. It's an actual policy which they have to adhere to. Or they can be tried under the Sedition Actor ISA..

It's a sad life for our journalists. They basically have nothing to talk about.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Miracle — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:07:28 -0000

Song Jun: Sometimes it's not a matter of whether the Opposition can overthrow the current ruling coalition. We know that's not going to happen for many reasons. Political stability affects economical stablity. Most businessmen are pro-BN because political stability encourages foreign investors to invest in our country. Political stability also means that Malaysia has a strong foot in the international arena. Political stability also affects social security. Give any opposition party the chance to rule the country for one year, of course things are going to go wrong. BN has been ruling for 50 years and "how far have we come?"

But if the Opposition has a lot of votes (like 35-49%) it shows that there's one third to half the nation who is unhappy with the current ruling coalition. Places in the Parliament where they can voice their opinions and act as a check and balance for whatever plans the BN wants to impose also means that there will be a certain level of democracy maintained in Parliament. Also, knowing that there are so many people who are unhappy with them (BN) will mean that they should buck up, keep to their promises and actually pay attention to real problems instead of bitching about each other. Monopoly has never been good in anything. A healthy competition is always good as it makes each party progress to garner votes.

And truth be told, the opposition doesn't exactly have a space to inform the public what they want to do or can do for the country. The newspaper is still and will always be the main source for information until every single person in Malaysia is computer-savvy and has access to the Internet. And then comes the questions of whether they will look for political information on the opposition parties. Given that ALL forms of mass media in Malaysia is controlled or somehow regulated by the government, it is almost impossible for them to inform the public about their agenda.

Re: It’s Raining Again

MichelleSY — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:55:49 -0000

Having a mother in the media ranks, it makes my blood run cold to hear what the 'gahmen' is capable of.

If this persists, the powers that be might as well take up permanent residence in newspaper offices across the nation and personally edit every single effing word that gets to be published these days.

I never, ever read Msian newspapers anymore. I can't do that and maintain my sanity.

My sister does, and after every perusal her blood pressure spikes another couple of points and she's grumpier than usual for the rest of the day.

Q: Would you love someone who doesn't love you back?
A: Only if you're a crazy masochistic SOB who delights in unrequited, unconsummated relationships.

ps: Do they still do those glorious, oh-look-at-us, aren't-we-da-shit photocalls, where they crush oh, maybe a couple of thousand pirated dvds with a steamroller?

Cos that's like, so important right? And those DVDs, they'll, like affect the future of the nation right? And those pirated movies, will, like bring rack and ruin to the GDP right?

Of course we're, like, totally going buy into that right? Cos we like, have as many brain cells as like, Paris Hilton right?

Wtf.

Re: It’s Raining Again

bubbles — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:45:43 -0000

I thought it was 25.6 million at the banci survey bout 2-3 years ago???

Re: It’s Raining Again

Yun — Fri, 04 May 2007 05:31:08 -0000

yeah, im really annoyed at how our newspapers are so pro government. this was especially evident during the ijok and machap by elections.
and i do agree with songjun about how the opposition is not ready to rule the country yet...however, i believe it is much more constructive for the country to have healthy competition between the opposition and the government. right now, i just think i government is too complacent about their position. They know they will win anyway, so they continue doing the things that benefit themselves more than the country.
and if youre tired of reading the newspapers here in malaysia, there are some websites around that are not controlled by any party.. :)

Re: It’s Raining Again

bs — Fri, 04 May 2007 05:16:21 -0000

aiya sudahlah. i read newspapers just for the comics n interesting columns. totally ditch the headlines. call me ignorant. ignorance is bliss.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Asyraf Lee — Fri, 04 May 2007 03:49:29 -0000

welcome to Malaysia

Re: It’s Raining Again

smiley — Fri, 04 May 2007 01:47:31 -0000

funny, thinking all this coming from coffee stains underneath that mug. A good read though.

Re: It’s Raining Again

mrbherng — Thu, 03 May 2007 19:06:53 -0000

Song Jun, VT is on many newspaper in the UK. Headlines on most of the free papers in London ( I was there then) and Metro has it as it's headlines too.

newspaper had always been a propaganda media for the political parties worldwide. Just looked at the current French presidential election, most newspaper in France eg Le Monde. Supports Sarkozy while the left wing Liberation goes all out for Royal. It's the same in the UK, nearly all papers are inclined to a certain party.

The problem with Malaysia is that the media is controlled by one party. The opposition do not have the financial ability to get hold of any of them.

I am not supporting the current pathetic press freedom in Malaysia, but it's happening everywhere. Malaysia will need many more years before a strong opposition party will arise.

Oh enough, you just made me wonder why have I not been shooting the newspaper in my blog for quite sometime now =/ *pondering*

Re: It’s Raining Again

tze — Thu, 03 May 2007 14:59:52 -0000

i was talking to pugin about your post and he said that the opposition are not good enough to run the country also wtf.

and i dont necessarily agree with nat, i feel that a lot of people are very outspoken about who they vote for. a lot of people around me anyways. there is no(t enough) freedom of speech in msia but there are quite a few who dare speak up. the lv pouch theory does not ring true for me but to each its own.

oh ya su ann hahaha the other day at my place there was this mca guy who gave us free food for some gathering and used it as an excuse to run a political rally. my brother got so pissed and the next day, went to him and started questioning him about mca's policy wtf. telling him that mca is make chinese angry wtf. u should have a talk with my brother, he is one smart ass guy who's like u. me? im only interested in whether lv will release lv mini lin speedy in 25 or not T_T

Re: It’s Raining Again

nat — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:48:56 -0000

lets just say the Comic section gives so much more of what's going on. far much more realistic, and er, sarcastic in a sense. Its not only Singaporeans who live up to the term 'kiasu'. In fact, we do too. Everybody's so afraid of being the odd one. They wouldn't be able to cheer and celebrate with all the other kiasu friends of thiers when BN unsurprisingly wins again. The kopitiam uncles and aunties who hold meetings every morning, they look at you differently. So even if they didn't vote for BN, they have to force a lie and insist they did. Something like that. Its more of a 'muka' thing.

Or maybe, they just have no idea what the motives of the other oppositions are. All they know is BN BN BN. and because its so overrated.

everybody wants a piece of the last LV pouch on the rack.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Lalita — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:34:51 -0000

I forgot to add one comment - what you said about blaming bloggers for everything! Yeah, that is really sicklah. I mean, does the govt think people cannot think for themselves? They must do, and they must believe that their sad indoctrination has created millions of stupid Malaysians who will just blindly believe without question. Everytime something happens, just blame the bloggers. Don't actually try and even find the root of the problem.
Aiyah!!! Come on opposition, step up the game and put your efforts into trying to win that vote of confidence.

Re: It’s Raining Again

Lalita — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:28:29 -0000

Interesting post - as usual of course =) But I have to agree with some of Songjun's post - are the opposition really ready to knuckle down and show the rakyat that they are worthy of their vote? Prepared to take on the mantle of giving us a just goverment (does that exist anywhere in this world??)
Also, I do think in our tanahair, that there are some who actually love BN so vote for them, some who don't love BN and vote for the Opposition, some who think, why bother, BN is going to win anyway and Opposition is below par hence I worry what will happen if I vote for them so since I have no real choice, will not vote for anyone.
As for Newspapers, in this country, if you value your editorial ass, you will kowtow to what the government wants you to write because then it will be a repeat of that Sarawakian newspaper right, that ran the Prophet Muhammad cartoons and then got suspended. So people are too scared to write what they want to because they know what the government will do to them. Sad, but true.
Now I am not condoning them writing crap of course, because like you say, and very rightly so, police are paid to do their job as are the Customs Dept. BUT the truth of the matter remains - basically if you want to keep your ass, you have to kiss that higher ass. What to do, right? So disgustinglah this culture that the government has carefully cultivated over the years but that is unfortunate reality.
Malaysia doesn't have the rep of being the one country that practices Open Discrimination for nothin' ya know.

Re: It’s Raining Again

kiasu andrew — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:12:15 -0000

HAHAHAHA MUACKS!

Re: It’s Raining Again

Sung — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:25:11 -0000

I happen to be looking for another blog, through su ann's blog, when i saw another su ann on her link. This is interesting...interesting..haha

Re: It’s Raining Again

george — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:07:56 -0000

i learn more about malaysia each time i read your posts about our country..i haven't picked up the newspaper in ages (picking it up from my mailbox and dropping it onto the table doesn't count)

'but hello??? is that not what the cops are supposed to do?! their JOB?' i LOLed here :p