A Doc Lo'Lo's Invitation To All

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.



The MP for Titiwangsa, YB Doctor Lo'Lo', invites all to a family and health oriented program as below:

The venue, Dewan Orang Ramai, Kg Paya, is located within Kampung Bahru, Kuala Lumpur. Full itinerary and direction are made available at the YB's blog here. Do tell all and bring your family and friends along.

****.****

On a not pleasant development regarding the program above, it seems DBKL really need to have their heads examined.

In planning for this program, the YB Doc, had extended an invitation to the Minister of Federal Territories as the officiating VIP. Now, considering that the YB Doc and the Minister sits on the opposite side in the Parliament, this is a good gesture as any, for the well being of the rakyat. However, the minister, it seems, is unable to attend. And in lieu, DBKL - typical of their Sarkas subsidiary mentality - had invited the Sarkas Cheras Division Chief! What bloody nonesense!

Below, is the text message from the YB Doc, verbatim:

"Salam Dato Duad. Saya kesal kerana DBKL terus dengan sikap tidak profesional dan mengambil tindakan yang jelas sangat partisan. Saya bercakap tentand program Karnival Kesihatan anjuran DBKL & Persatuan Penduduk PPR Cochrane sek 25/4, di mana yang dipanggil merasmikan adalah Ketua Bahagian UMNO Cheras kerana Menteri WP tidak hadir. Saya selaku Ahli Parlimen Titiwangsa langsung tidak dimaklumkan.

Kenapa ketua umno dijemput? Di mana local standi nya?

Kalau begini sikap DBKL, saya syorkan tubuh sahaja umno cawangan DBKL, biar terang lagi bersuluh. Saya akan dedahkan ini dalam akhbar, blog dan website. Sekian."


As mentioned, typical of a Sarkas subsidiary mentality DBKL has. I have no doubt in mind that when that Sarkas chief does officiate, it will receive some attention from the MMS, and the sarkas chief and sarkas itself, will claim it as part of their service when in truth, it is the people's money being used - an ongoing lie by the sarkas since decades ago! Just as in the Bkt Antarabangsa tragedy, the food brought by Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat were repacked with the sarkas logo and name. And it is these people who had called for unity? Go jump into the filthiest of exrement, thank you.

AmanPalestin, Nov10, 2008

What's there left to be said? Almost all the dailies carried the news of the rally in Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam, on Saturday, November 10, 2008. If any, then the only question left to be asked is "Where were the rest of the people of KL, PJ, Shah Alam, Klang, and neighbouring areas?"(click here), and why the double standard (click here).

Join The Boycott Campaign!

More pictures at Pictures-Only.

I Need My Baby!

In the days before Custer was even born, the vast land of North America was the home to peace-loving people of various tribes and nations, and not the war-mongers and scalp hunters as western movies of the past portrayed them to be. True, the different tribe did engage themselves in battles with their neighbours. But it might be surprising to note that in at least one of the tribes, a greater honour is placed not in the killing of an enemy, but to touch him in a battle: coup! (click here).

To claim a coup, the warrior would be need to confront an enemy, touch him with his hand or coup-stick, and escape unharmed. The more coup the warrior achieve (each coup must have a witness), the higher he stands in his tribe, with feathers worn on his headgear as a testament to his bravery. However, there is another form of coup which does not add to a warrior's tale. And that is when he hunts a deer not for food, but just to touch it. The idea, is to test his skills in approaching a quarry undetected.

That's it! I need my own baby! I mean, it can real tiring especially on days like today has been, where I had to cover 2 events. Never mind the fact that at the second event, Wak Kasiran was on hand and doing most of the job there. But that I had to drive and run around just to get pictures and stories even before I lubricate my body properly, is enough to make me near short fuse. And after covering several events this past week I've come to realise that yes, I do need my own baby!

I mean, I don't mind going to places where some struts their baby with pride, holding them in front for everyone else to gawk. No, I don't mind that. After all, to each, his own rezeki-lah! But I do mind when I walk into a hall and every stares at me from head to toe and seem to be asking....well, you know what. But that is not so bad. What gets to me is not being able to do what those guys do with their babes!

Yes, I desperately do need a baby!

But, she's got to be something real special. Elegant. Stylish. Pleasant to look at.

She should also be able to focus on the subjects I have in mind and not succumb to some bodily dysfunction which could...well, ruin the occasion.

Most importantly, she must be digital.

Take this shot, for example. I wanted to get a close-up of the woman in yellow but did not want to get near her as I do not want her to be conscious of the camera. With a DSLR and zoom lens, the picture of someone elderly like her attending the rally against the inhumane mass murder in Gaza might open more hearts to attend future rallies as well as the boycott campaign.

Or this girl. She was quite lively on the floor facing the stage.

And this guy, I simply had to snap him for the A-Card slung over him advertising a book
"Mat Jenin Jadi PM?" Hmm...wonder who that Mat Jenin is.

And later in the afternoon, PAS Kelana Jaya held a ceremony to welcome over 100 people into its fold. Led by the former ameno Branch Chief in USJ1, they were officially accepted by Dato' Dr Hassan Ali. But what a shot I could have take of the beauty had she not realised it.
But alas, she slips lower than the table height. Er...I mean that small girl in her mother's arms ya :)

What beautiful shots, what tremendous coups I could have achieved had I my own DSLR. No offence to the borrowed Olympus which is handy and good for picnic shots...but I just must have my own baby! And they, don't come cheap. Woe me.

Will make a proper entry tomorrow on Aman Palestine's as well as the PAS Kelana Jaya events tomorrow.

Thank you, Mydin!

Addendum 26.12.08:
Apart from the activities involving hospital visits, assisting victims of natural disasters, the LKKPP either together with Kami Prihatin (BAKiP) or by itself, will try to embark on the project quite similar as stated by lanh14 in the Harakah 22-25 December 2008 issue above.

This project has been discussed in previous meetings several times already and insyAllah, when it does take-off, will assist many more parents of school-going children to lessen their burden. The main huddle to this project is more towards the pick-up points of books contributed rather than the distribution of it.

/end.

**************....*************

The Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat, today took more than 15 needy and lower income families to Mydin Hypermart in USJ, to assist the families in preparing their children's needs for the coming shool-year 2009. Most of the family were picked from the Titiwangsa Parliamentary constituency in KL, while a few were from outside.

Arriving at Mydin, they were greeted by the Corporate Officers and Executives of the hypermart and were given a small briefing by a Mydi spokesman. The families were then taken into the hypermart where they were given vouchers totaling to RM120 per child, a joint contribution from the LKKPP and Mydin.

The families were then treated to lunch at Nasi Kandar Padang Kota, located within the hypermart building.

InsyAllah, Harakah will print this story. More pictures at Pictures-Only.

Bkt Antarabangsa Sunday 14Nov 2008

Foremost, I would like to highlight a point or two: this posting and any related to it, are not meant to capture the scene of the tragedy, rather, another perspective of the site other than the mainstream media.

Another is that, the mainstream media would only showcase the 'heroic' acts of the Sarkas while rarely or never ever, show the unselfish assistance of the common people, most especially those from the Pakatan Rakyat. An example of how a Sarkas goon was trying to hog the limelight for herself was printed in The Star today.

While visiting the relief and support center, the lady noticed many PAS Muslimat and PKR Women assisting the Red Crescent (PBSM) there. She immediately directed those from PAS and PKR to be sent away. But a PBSM officer told her bluntly "There ladies have been assisting us here since Day1 without any fanfare from the media. Had it not been for them, we could not have managed by ourselves!".


Sincere Assitance.
The members of Unit AMAL were on hand from Day1, providing what assistance they can to the victims, stranded residents as well as authorities. When Wak and I began our coverage, none of them knew we were coming. Nor were they expecting anyone to cover their story.

In an area smaller than Petaling Jaya, AMAL was as elusive as perhaps, the Yeti - we simply could not find them on the first 2 days we were there! Operating without communication equipment except for handphones, we finally managed to find one AMAL unit on the morning of the 3rd day. But by then, Wak and I had to split where Wak made coverage of B Doc Lo'Lo' while I took shots of the AMAL unit in Impiana Selatan Apartment blocks.

Top left: Residents of Bkt A'bangsa in a jovial mood.
Top right: An Amal member (l) with an apartment owner.
Bottom left: A friend of an owner lending his hand.
Bottom right: The owners driving off perhaps, for the last time.

AMAL members in the midst of moving the belonging of an apartment unit.
Bottom left: Whle the truck provided free by MPAJ is equiped with automatic lift platform,
the furniture and other belonging still needed manual labour
which was provided by these AMAL members.

Soon, if not already, the apartment blocks will be left empty, left as a desolate monument
of a tragedy that could have been avoided.
No amount of money or valuable possession such as the (abandoned?) sports car (bottom left),
can equal the treasure of a human life.

The only true possession a Muslim has are: A pious son, sadaqa,

and good knowledge imparted towards the betterment of others.

Road Closure.

Rain or shine, AMAL has come to the fore in many occasions, locally and abroad.
They were there during the Johor Floods, Kampung Berembang,
Kampung Rimba Jaya, and a host of places.
Off course, they were also there during the 10-11 BERSIH March.
Internationally, many of them have been to Acheh, Mindanao, Thailand, Pakistan,
and several more, assiting the citizens with what they could.

YB Doc Lo'Lo', was a difficult subject to capture on camera; everytime I tried,
she would be face another direction at the last minute. Either that, or the lighting were bad.
Limping from the apartment block up the hill towards the tent,
I was caught unaware when she she said
"Why didn't you call AMAL (to assist you)?"
But, what a lady.

Due to confusion in communication, many people were left stranded on the hill
when the authorities closed the only road available for the above reason.

While many understood and relented, a few bickered with the security personnel
for blocking their road and even hurled abusive words at them.
Someone then came up with a bright idea to use AMAL's whiteboard to convey
the message of road closure.
Bottom right: Asri(l) and Farhan - the good Doc's assistant and son respectively
- helping to carry supplies to LKKPP's tent.

During the heavy downpour on that day, many had to huddle in this small tent which lay some 200meters from the landslide path. It was also where LKKPP and Unit AMAL used to distribute food.
Top right: Unit AMAL members performing the Zohor prayers within a small confine.

Soon after performing Zohor prays, only then did they have their lunch.

Shamsul of LKKPP beside the AMAL whiteboard which had another use later.

The Man of the Day! Nik Shahrul was a very busy man throughout the days on and after the tragedy.
He however accredited OCPD Ampang, Tuan Khalid (if I am not mistaken of the name),
for allowing him to assist.

To many people I met and spoke, the tragedy here is not in the event itself. Rather, the development of a hill which is largely made of soft earth. That, is beside the fact that the whole area is a water catchment area.

Due to the road closure, I did not get the chance to take any pictures of the volunteers at the support center.

Single Mothers' Day

Kindly spread the news, please.



ps. Will update the Bkt Antarabangsa later. Somehow, my body is still aching...legs, actually.

Bukit Antarabangsa Post Tragedy Close-Up

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Somehow, when I look through the photos I took yesterday and today, I think I fail to live up to the expectations. Perhaps, because the tragedy has passed and thus, the pictures cannot convey the sadness of the victims, nor the actual destruction of that day.

When Cornelius Ryan was commissioned to write the accounts of D Day at Normandy during the 2nd World War, he did not even know where to begin, and asked for the soldiers and their next-of-kin to write to him telling the accounts of the day from their eyes. Thousands did! And from there after interviewing many of them personally, the mental map he needed was formed and the book "The Longest Day", written. Do forgive me then as I try to put as many things on this blog, and failing in the process; I am far from being anywhere even near his status.


The Base Camp.
As mentioned in the previous posting, I had not wanted to go to the scene of this tragedy, but changed my mind on Thursday night soon after a meeting with Doctor Lo'lo' and the LKKPP. The next day, on Friday afternoon, I arrived hoping to find PAS volunteers as well as record the ongoing rescue work. I registered as a volunteer at the base camp on Jalan Antarabangsa, introducing myself from LKKPP and was issued a tag. To ensure the security of the area, different tags are issued - one, for the residents; the other for security personnel, media and volunteer workers.

For volunteers, the tags issued are valid only for 3hours, after which, one must re-register again.
This is to prevent the abuse of the permission given and to allow authorities to identify
and keep tabs of the people there.

The Road.

The only road up.

The above road, was where the media had painted as 'pesta makan'.
I was told by Nik Shahrul that it truly did happen, especially on the first after the landslide.

The authorities has set up at least 2 base camps - the one above is the main camp where commands are issued, while the other is a support camp or relief center, situated at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Klang (am not too sure of the name). On both days of my being there, I did not have the chance to visit the support camp. InsyAllah, I will do so tomorrow but have been told that there are lesser activity there as compared to previous days.

Since the road above led to the temporary road built by the army and later upgraded by the JKR, all vehicles had to form a queue as the temporary road can only support vehicles in one direction at a given time. Vehicles going each direction had to wait up to 30minutes while vehicles from opposite directions pass through. Somehow, it reminds me of Frasers Hill of old.

The path of the landslide cannot be seen aproper unless from air. But it lies there, not more than 50meters after the crane.

Fit for 4wheel drive.

In total, there were 3 bridges built. 2, were by the authorities meant for vehicles - one pontoon and the other as the one above. The 3rd bridge, was hand-built by several volunteers and residents, and was led by YB Tien Chua. It was built to facilitate residents to travel by foot to another road via a small valley. In fact, this 3rd bridge was unofficially named 'Tien Chua Bridge' by some of the residents as well as workers.

Temporary Road.

When the army built the temporary road, they built it in the only way they know best
- using materials such as above to provide traction for the vehicles' tyres.
Perhaps best used only by 4wheel drive, the drive up and down may cause heavy tear
on the tyres as well as shock absorbers of normal cars.

On the first day there, I picked up passengers while going up and down the hill. One of them was a Mr Richard Foo, the Manager for Oakleaf Club. He recounted several events of the actual day, which would be too long for me to write here. Earlier today just as when I was about to go up, I met him again. This time however, he had just come down the hill. When I introduced myself as being a representative for the LKKPP and hence, PAS, he was delighted and highly praised the AMAL unit. It was Mr Food and an Azhar who helped snapped the photos from within as my hands were already full trying to maneuver the car.

A Tough Climb.

Credit must be given to the Army, JKR, as well as TNB in trying to facilitate
all concerned with the building of the temporary road, in the shortest time possible.

A Smoother Ride.

Within several hours of early morning Saturday - 12midnight to 6am -
the JKR managed to build a tar road for half of the stretch of the temporary road.

The Scene.
Many reporters as well a volunteers were adviced not to proceed to closely to the landslide path as earth movements are still being felt and recorded. Thus apart from this restriction, Wak and I did not concentrate too much on the actual scene of the tragedy. Further, such photos have already been splashed on almost all dailies. We did however, managed to take shots where it all began.

One almost demolished, the other on the edge.

Notice the row of houses on the edge of the now crest at the far background of the photo.
Unless there is a miracle, the houses there are in grave danger.

From a slightly different position.
The trees swayed first, many said.
The creaking sound produced was eerie.
Then the earth gave way.

When the earth moved.
This was where the nightmare began.

The Front Line.

Once a small park and playground, the area is now deserted save for the few
who are either brave residents, or workers trying to salvage what they can
from an almost hopeless situation. Several rows of apartment blocks lie on the edge
of what can be a raging torrent of water brought by heavy rain.

Personnel from various military and para military units work round the clock.

Taking a much needed break.

I managed to mingle with the security personnel above who were taking their much needed break. Many look tired...and some, frustrated. It seem, some snobbish residents had accused them of not doing their job and even name calling them. Truth is, as men and women of uniform, they cannot act according to their whims and fancies, and have to await orders from their command post. This is most especially true when each are assigned particular task and cannot leave their post unattended.

During a light moment with several FRU personnel, we caught them with a jibe "next when you confront us (Pakatan Rakyat party members) on the streets, do have a heart before swinging your baton". They, looked at us with a shock and were unable to utter any reply.

These employess of a company engaged by JKR to study the earth movement there,
should also be considered front-line heroes as they sit under the apartment
which is next to the raging flood of water.
But, it is a job they must do with 2 teams, each on a 12hour shift.

Some of the many volunteers represent various organisations. Clockwise from top right:
Zun Arif of Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) with Wak Kasiran from webtv8;
Shahrul Niza, one of the first few on the scene (in my previous posting I noted his name as Nik),
posing with Sasha, formerly of the singing group Elite - she lives in the area;
some volunteers whose names I did not get;
and Kem, who heads the AMAL unit for the area.

Have We Not Learnt?

Top left: An abandoned project nearby to the tragedy.
Top right: A new project taking off along Zoo Negara road.
Bottom: A clubhouse under construction about 2km away from the tragedy.
Will it now be abandoned?

InsyAllah, tomorrow Sunday, will be my last day there. But I will try to get as many more pictures and stories possible.


Whether man-made history, or natural tragedy, no single person can convey the magnanimity of destruction that was brought onto the population of this planet. For all the money spent in astronomy and the search for life in outer space, would it not be wiser to spend more towards the betterment of the the society here on Earth? For this society we have here, comprise of humans, animals, plants, and the earth itself. Can't we, the human, teach ourselves to co-live in peace and harmony with the rest of the population?

News Bits

Due to time constrain, this is a hasty entry and some parts may jumbled up.

The Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat held their monthly meeting last night which your truly was able to attend. One of the meeting agendas was the landslide in Bukit Antarabangsa which certain quarters are trying to hijack the media attention and portray themselves as heroes. The truth is however, uglier than the scene of the tragedy.

When I first heard then read about the tragedy, my heart cried for the victims. Then, when the media began displaying charitable acts (of courage?) by namely the Sarkas, I turn my back and refuse to read anymore. However, an account by Athirah Aliman, one of the leaders of PAS Muslimat in Harakahdaily made me think twice. Then in the meeting last we were presented with first hand report of the situation there which I think is best for me to put in point form.

* One of the first person to come to the rescue is a certain Nik, a well-off youngster who seem to dedicate his time to welfare works. It was he who went up the hill and began assisting the victims there. Doctor Lo'Lo' gave this account as she is close to Nik.

* The so called 'Pesta Makanan' may have been exaggerated slightly. True, many people have come forward with all sorts of food and what not, but they remain at the bottom of the hill and seem for the rescue parties, volunteers and 'volunteers'. Precious little of the food prepared from this place made it to the victims.

* Many PAS volunteers were there from the early stages of post tragedy. But since many of them do not wear identification such as vests, hats or badges, the media either did not know or were told not to report. PKR volunteers were also at hand to assist the victims.

* YB Azmin Ali is there daily in his bid to provide assistance but have to 'fight' his way in as Sarkas and certain people in uniform tries to hamper his every move. YB Zuraidah is currently in Mekah performing her Haj. Many PR YBs are also giving what assistance they can from behind the scene. YB Khalid Samad of Shah Alam is in the midst of preparing further assistance and volunteers from PAS Shah Alam.

* Unit AMAL and many other organisations from PAS are there daily to provide food and assistance to the victims directly instead of through parties there. Some 'Volunteers' from Sarkas do try to prepare food for the victims, but get their materials from Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, which is then packed in Sarkas bags - how so very kind of them.

* Without electricity, one 8month pregnant lady walked down from her 11storey apartment and was met halfway by Doc Lo'lo'. The Doc helped her down and took her to a helicopter nearby. The crew initially refused but the backed down due to the Doc's persistence.

* YB Iskandar suffered a mild stroke due to media's lie - it was reported that the relief centers were packed to the hilt! When he went to the center, there were actually only 2 families seeking shelter there.

* Hj Zainal of LKKPP cooks and pack about 300 rations twice a day which is sent directly to the victims. Several other organisations under PAS are doing likewise as there are still a sizeable number trapped. This is in contrast to Sarkas food which a media report was thrown away - food meant for the victims with raw materials from Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat.

* Soon after the either the pontoon or bailey bridge and temporary road was built by the army, a long queue of vehicles was formed in a bid to move out. At one point of time, a vehicle veered off the bridge and into the small ravine. It was very soon after that a Sarkas Aman vehicle tried to jump the queue but was forced back AMAL volunteers under the orders of Doc Lo'lo'. The Doc mentioned that the PGA (auxilary unit) had only 3 personnel there to mainain order.


InsyAllah, I will try to write more as and when I receive the news. Wak Kasiran and I will try to give coverage through webtv8 so that Malaysians can get a truer picture instead of the distorted news from mainstream media which is mainly for the benefit of the Sarkas and not the victims.

On behalf of Doc Lo'Lo and Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat, I invite Malaysians to give their small contribution to the victims; it may not be in monetary form as many times has proven your time and energy may prove to be more valuable. Should one wish to give monetary assistance, the account number for LKKPP is as below:

Bank Islam 12113010026150

If you do, please do inform the Treasurer, Puan Raja Rozita at 019 357 5857

Belated

The 2 kids had their run up the steep staircase leading to the attic stopped right at the first rung. Many times in the past they had been told of scary tales about the attic, and many times after that they would hear strange sounds emanating from it; the attic, or loteng, as it is known in Melaka, was built above a room adjacent to the living hall where the children would sleep whenever they follow their parents back to Melaka; in the dim light of the kerosene lamp at night, the 2 kids huddle close to their mother, fearing they would be snatched away by some unknown forces of the stories told to them by their elder siblings.

Looking up the staircase, the 2 kids must have had second thoughts about climbing up. On a rung or 2 leading to the attic, dried red droplets can be seen clearly. "Its just red ink!" cried Eli, a girl younger than the 2 kids as she rush past them up the staircase. "Honest!" she cried to her elder brother and sister "I saw Emi and Din put them just to scare both of you", and she dissapeared from view.

Ana and her younger brother looked at each other then braved themselves up to the attic.

Aje had explored every inch of the old house in Melaka Pindah save for this loft. For a kid who has never been there, it was a near majestic feeling. Here he was in this distant past, in the room which he had been afraid of entering, and found every item laid out in the open of a room which is as large as the 'rumah ibu', had a magical touch to them. He was still afraid, but could not help himself exploring as much as possible as even then, he knew he might just not find the courage to climb up again. He never did.

With the passing of time, the house now belong to the third generation of the original occupant, a Haji Jetti Ahmad. Quite rightly so, its original architecture too has been changed either to suit the comfort of the new owner, or due to ravages of time where many of the wooden panels, walls and flooring cost more to upkeep than the cement and bricks that replaced them. The facade of the house however, remain largely the same.

Back in the attic, Aje found a large chest, one which could have held several kids of his size within it. At that age, he did not know what to make of the chest. But as he grew older, he is reminded of it every time he reads or watch a movie where normally, chests as such hold treasures beyond dreams. Aye, quite like a pirate's chest. Any romantic notions for this particular chest Aje had however, were dashed when at a later age he learnt that the chest belonged to his late grandfather and grandmother, and had been used for a Haj trip way back when Aje was just an infant.

Back then in the mid 1960's, Haj pilgrims did not have the luxury of air travel and made their way by sea. Their voyage then, may take up to several weeks at sea. Together with about a month at Mekah and Medina, they may spend a total of 3 months away from home. And thus, into the chest went all that is precious to their survival. Amongst these items would include a stove, some cooking utensils and simple crockery, and...maybe hard to believe, but batu lesung meant for the preparation of sambal belacan. The latter, after all, is a dish which very few Malay can live without for a long duration. Off course, today, with all the convenience of Haj travel and lodging, it is no longer necessary to lug anymore. Besides, the very weight of the batu lesung can tear through the fabrics of today's luggage.

The chest above looks quite like the chest found in the attic.
Picture credit: Pirates Lair

For a pilgrim, performing the Haj then is almost akin to saying the last farewell to his kampung folks. Without the convenience of modern day travel and pilgrimage, there was a high fatality rate. Off course, when one compare to generations and age way before even then, the conditions were much tougher. Thus, whenever a man leaves for the Haj, almost the entire kampung would bade him farewell, accompanying right to the gates of his departure such as Port Klang. And it was at one of the gates at this port that a 5year old Aje waved goodbye to an elderly man boarding a ship destined for the Holy Land.

Belated now as it is, I pray for all Muslims, especially those performing the Haj this year:

"TaqabbAllahu minna wa minkum "
May Allah accept our good deeds.

"Kullu am wa antum bi-khair

May you and the whole world be well

EID -UL-ADHA MUBARAK

* Had wanted to write this entry earlier but I was disturbed with the tragic events of the landslide in Ampang and the accident involving the express bus at Pagoh. As always, bad news sink slowly into me.

Though I am unable to verify, I was informed that hillside development in Ampang area was prohibited by the British Authorities way before Merdeka. If true, then the Be-End government has taken Malaysia back to before colonial days, perhaps heading back to primeval times. Curses be on you Be-End. May you rot in hell for every anguish a Malaysian suffer.

Explosive Sunday!

The crowd was there in earnest. Every single space in the makeshift tent had either people, or table and chairs occupying it, making it look more like an open air discotheque with the patrons dancing to a slow tune. But the accompanying music was loud...too loud for many to hear the words spoken by others, and many had to shout to make themselves heard, but still many were close to being deaf, their eardrum pummeled endlessly by the music of rainwater falling heavily on the zinc roof that afforded them some respite, for whatever good it does actually. For when the wind blows - which sometimes can be with the force of a small gale - the people seeking shelter under a roof build some 8feet high, has no protection from the cold water swept into it, and many if not most, are left soaked to the skin and soon, trembling cold. Still, the very nature of the day adds to the gaiety of the small gathering.

Some of those invited, had even brought boxes of gifts which the host thoughtfully arranged in a corner of a long table table, opposite to another pile of boxes, which perhaps were gifts by the host, either in exchange of the gifts they receive, or simply for the want to give. But somehow, amidst the ceaseless chattering, hugs, and what not which is a normal thing in a packed crowd where everyone is busy with someone or something, one person - must have been a well trained, perhaps something like a hound - noticed a strange looking pack, and informed the host about it.

The host, stunned by the news, quickly informed the doraemons, who happened to brought along a trust metal sniffer, and was soon able to identify that the contents of the pack was of explosive in nature and a threat to the crowd. Almost immediately, the threat was removed by detonation, and soon everyone was safe and sound.

Phew! I dread to think what would have happened otherwise. Perhaps had that 'someone' not noticed the pack, Malaysia would have suffered the loss of some princesses, and our bro kerpie would have cursed 'Shoot! What a bloody waste of princesses!' But boy, what a way to go. That is, off course, had the story above been real.

Back in 2004 when I was staying in a hotel in Kota Kinabalu, which is part of an international chain, a house detective informed me no to pick up any strange looking object, or any objects lying around. He said that the hotel had received threats from unknown individuals and they hotel security has been placed on full alert. After a day of search, no potential threats were found, and everyone went back to what they were doing.

With thousand of doraemons dragged into a small enclave (the size being smaller than the state of Perlis) to protects a bunch of clowns of the Sarkas, it took a 'someone' - unidentifed yet - to discover a potential threat. Somehow, it reminds me of 'Barnaby Jones', where the hero of this shortlived TV series was able to pick up clues even after the police had combed the crime area many times. No wonder our crime rates are soaring high.

Young People's Corner

Hyde Park has its Speaker's Corner; New York, its Central Park. This, was nothing like at all. But given time and due attention, it may well rise to prominence. At least, for the people of Shah Alam and surrounding areas. Only setback as I understand it, it is held once a year. And today, was its second year coming into being.

I didn't know what to make of it, nor do I want to judge. But when I arrived there, I felt totally out of place, perhaps, quite like the Malay proverb 'Seperti Rusa Masuk Kampung'. Still, were I a journalist or reporter, I would have given it due attention and media space. Sadly, I'm not. Without credentials, I felt like a total fool moving around, trying to strike conversation and extract information from the many young people there. Noticing the glances thrown my way, I guess one or two of them must have thought "What's this Jurrusaic thing doing here?"; all around me were nothing but groups of young people who were attending - either as visitors or participants - to a Merdeka Month festivity entitled Layar Tanchap.

3 young lovely ladies manning a booth.
They are, as they inform me, students of UiTM,
and currently studying Creative Writing and Film Production.

Another UiTM student's booth selling their own DVD production entitled "Kopitiam".
Didn't buy it though as I don't have DVD player.

A Mahmeri presentation on stage. Earlier when I arrived,
there was another group of young people on stage with some nice jazzy numbers.

On the way out, I noticed this group who were perhaps, practicing for their gig.
The girl, does seem to have a nice vocal.

InsyAllah, should this event be held again next year, I will do more exploring.

Beautiful Sunday

I would have elected to use Bill Wither's 'Lovely Day', except that Me...OB is currently using it. And with Cikgu and Ydiana trying to sue my pants off for a cut of a commission, I think I would be more prudent for me to use the song above; it was, after all, a beautiful Sunday.

After tapau-ing emak's breakfast as well as some kuehs for yours truly, I rushed to the MPPJ Stadium. The thought on my mind was not the Police, but where to park since I anticipated people spilling out the stadium. Pictures of the infamous 'police riot' at the Jalan Kebun gathering nearly a decade ago too, flashed through my mind (police personnel were captured on film breaking windows and denting cars belonging to civilians), prompting me to think hard for a safe parking, perhaps, even within the complex of my old office at Kelana Centre Point. However, my fears for a safe parking and 'police riot' soon turned needless; as I turn into the road off the Subang Airport Highway, there were no signs of the Police, and the anticipated huge crowd turned out to be a mere trickle.

I parked the car in a nice spot and soon as the camera was loaded, walked the short distance to the stadium. Along the way, I got into a chat with several people, who were also complaining about the poor turnout. However, the day being still young, I shook off the disappointment and walked into the stadium, making a beeline to Wak, who already had his camera on tripod on the tracks. As we talked, a hair-trimmed and plummer Amin Black joined us. And the crowd size, soon swelled.

Leaving Wak at his post, I began moving along the crowd before taking position at the Podium, where I met YB Tn Hj Sha'ari Sungib, and had a small chat with him. But when the Hindraff supporters began chanting and singing, we parted ways as I tried to take shots of them. Unfortunately, the angle where I was standing was poor and the crowd watching blocked the little view I had. Since I was nicely positioned for the Podium, I refused to budge for fear that other cameramen might take my place, so I let Hindraff be. And true enough, soon, more cameramen made their way up, including Kamal of Malaysiakini TV.

After getting close-up shots of several speakers, I joined Wak for a short while before making my way around again. By then, more people had streamed onto the track.

As I mentioned in an earlier entry, I do find the need to get myself a Digital SLR as there is so much a video camera can do. And in a crowd estimated around 20,000, there were certainly an abundant of shots begging to be taken. Off course, these would also include shots of...ahem, natural beauties.

Moving around, I spotted a well-built man with a black serban rolling a rokok daun, and sat beside him. After the salam, we got to know each other where I bummed one of his hand rolls. The man said he is from Terengganu and had come with 7 others in 2 cars, specifically for this event. He also mentioned that there were several roadblocks along the way here, and saw several buses being turned back, a repetition of events preceding 10-11. But perhaps the funniest thing he said was "Takdok FRU tak syoklah!", as though the FRU has become a personal thing to him and perhaps, to the veterans of such events as well. The same sentiment was later repeated by several others, making one wonder the state of affairs we are living in; even Harris of People's Parliament mentioned of others saying the same thing to him. But mostly, Harris and I touched on our school days.

As I was shooting the other end of the covered stand, my eyes caught the sight of an elderly man sitting cross-leg on a block of cement. His looks are unmistakable for anyone else and soon as his eyes met mine, I rushed to him and we hugged each other in joy for its been more than 10 years since we met. Cikgu Hasbullah, is an old family friend and was very close with both my parents. And like my parents, he too is now a pensioner, and now living with one of his sisters in Subang Jaya. But boy, had someone taken shots of our hugging, I would have to say goodbye to any political aspirations I might have. Good thing I don't. But it was like 'Drama In Real Life', or a Hindustani movie, if you prefer.

By 1pm when the emcee announced a break for the day, I was ready to head back. The event, however, resumed at 2pm and will continue on till midnight tonight. InsyAllah, there will be a Solat Sunat Hajat after Isyak, which I believe will be lead by Tok Guru Nik Aziz. I, however, will not be able to join them. And after that, Amin Black too will be performing. As for the video shots, I guess all of us will have to wait till webtv8 converts them. This time, I definitely will ask for a copy which I will put in this blog, insyAllah.


ps. Bro Zul, if you are reading this and was referring to the ISA as written by Ustaz Saiful, then believe me, I stand for their cause too. Way sometime back, I, being a blog writer of no significance, wrote something about it which can be read here.