EC de Run

Satok Night Market

2012-01-30T11:27:00.000+08:00

One of the places we do go as a family is the Satok Night Market on Saturday evenings, partly to buy some greens and fruits, and partly to walk about and see..

The first stop is the usual.. either keropok lekor or an Indian snack food that I forgot the name.. lol.. vade i think, this time only the keropok lekor was open.. many stalls were still not open, guess Chinese New Year affects even the night market.

This snack food is important, as it is for the children.. lol.. yup.. both Walter and Vina love it and will fight over it. Vina wanted to hold the plastic bag of keropok lekor and Walter was not having that.. in the end Doren held the bag and dished out keropok lekor as we walked. We even have a kind of standard tour of the place.. depending on the need but the usual is through the fruits and then the veges an then to the souvenir place and to the magazines for Doren's weekly supply.

Some times the tour goes on a long stretch to the end of the market, sometimes a quick run to the veges. We also do walk on the other side of the market, to see the trees, plants, fish and animals that are on sale. Nice to see.. not really to buy .. for us especially..
This time we stopped at the fruit stand (where we usually dont) to buy some pears.. actually it turned out to be only 2 pears (as it cost RM6.80).

Nice pears.. and a small bunch of red grapes came to nearly RM30. Oh well.. once in a while.. we usually stick to Malaysian fruits.. especially when we can get from the village. We love durian (but I have to cut down), cempedak (have 2 outside the house at the moment.. courtesy of my neighbour), my wife and children loves nangka and rambutan.. i so so, mangosteens, mango.. the list goes on.
E

Claypot rice.. in Kuching

2012-01-30T10:38:00.000+08:00

We don't usually go out to eat, and am not really well versed in places in Kuching for good food, but we do have some places that we like. There is this place, a corner restaurant at Rubber Road, at the other corner of the Singapore Chicken Rice near Satok Night Market, where we go for Claypot Rice. Its just a hole in the wall operation that has moved around for some time, and we have followed them. We even know their children from the time they were small till teenagers that they are now.

To say that the claypot rice is marvelous etc, not really.It is just claypot rice. Thats it. Nothing else. But it is very nice, very rustic, and without realizing it.. you can eat the whole pot..LOL. We ordered a medium sized pot and between the two of us finished the whole pot..

The other thing that we have when we are there is a owl of peanut soup. I like this soup, for the taste, the peanuts, and the occasional pieces of chicken leg. Very tasty and it goes well with the claypot rice.

This claypot rice and soup cost us RM9. Now tell me where else can you get such value..
I enjoyed myself.. and I could still feel my wallet, so I am smiling...
E

City...

2012-01-26T13:45:00.000+08:00

I have just been to Melaka and Kuala Lumpur again last week.. now back to Kuching.
What I saw and experienced made me to ask, why are we hurtling towards becoming a huge city with all its so called modern contraptions? Why cant we stay as we are and maintain our ecology?
These questions came about as I sat in taxi after taxi, car after car, in traffic jam after traffic jam, yet the city guys showered praises of their city. Yet it took hours just to move from one place to another. People were rushing everywhere and were rather rude and inconsiderate. I could barely see any greenery, and even as I flew back I could only see cement and brown (see pic). Do we in Sarawak want that? While I was there people were talking of water rationing, the increasing cost of electricity and cost of living. My dear old friend in Melaka told me that the prices of everything has gone up so much. Yet everyone seemed to want to live in a city... which was weird for me.
I wonder is this becoming a concern for me because I am getting older?
I understand the economics of the matter at hand.. but then why can those in the far off European countries can have self sustaining cities, renewable energy, use run off water and the like for their cities. Somehow or rather I feel like we are wasting our resources in order to become modern, instead of managing our resources. But the question remains.. can we manage our resources in such a way that we do not have to be cities? Can our people survive? Must we become cities?
I like how Kuching is.. now... and yet I know it is growing and becoming the nightmare that I do not wish to be in. More and more buildings and housing developed in haphazard ways, more and more cars (and associated bad drivers) and less roads and car parks with no significant public services, more and more older / sick / ets persons and less and less services to cater for this (unless you have wads of cash to pay for it in private institutions). I now understand why my mother moved house, from town to suburban to rural and I also understand why so many persons have land at their village or dream of having a place away from the maddening crowd.
Yup.. the maddening crowd.. that sums it well.
Maybe its old age.. thats why I dont want to be in a maddening crowd... hmmm.
Your thoughts..
E

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T14:26:00.000+08:00

Its another new year.. and my best wishes to all, for a healthy, wealthy and all encompassing good and fun year to all.

I had the chance to take photos with my brother and his family

I also had the chance to have a family photo with my mum..

Just missed out with my sister and in laws.. next time.

To my dear family, Happy New Year. May we continue to have good health, all our needs are met, and our faith strengthened. Love all of you.

To my friends, students, and all those who know me.. Happy New Year, and may you and yours have a GREAT year.

Ernest

Malaysian Drivers (1)

2011-12-29T12:58:00.000+08:00

My categorization of Malaysian drivers (Part 1):

1. The Aunties: Have you ever seen them, these aunties driving grand cars, so slowly.. usually all dressed up, and with kids and the help in the car. They drive like they own the road, and just don't seem to understand that there are rules to be followed. I like their style though.. must have a full face dark eyeshade, hands all covered, and usually heavily made up with striking make up... but not all.. some just seem harried.

2. The Panic Persons: Can be young or old, but the usual is they drive along well until an event panics them, then the devil in them rears up. Just saw one this morning, in a Kancil full of people, wanting to turn out to the main road and a lorry turned in towards the Kancil, he panicked and speed off, nearly causing at accident there and there as other cars and motorbikes had to stop for him. He then sped off and ran a red light and drove in a zig-zag fashion until I lost sight of him.

3. The Apek (old, usually Chinese man.. sometimes, well rarely.. old Chinese woman but can also be of other races): Older person, usually in an older car. But don't be misguided, this car is just the Apek's work car. I know of a few Apeks with work cars like s**t but you should see the mansions they own. Anyway, I am digressing.. these Apeks drive like i***ts and I believe their attitude is "Do you really want to hit my car? I don't lose anything but your car...?" Plus maybe because they are old, they don't seem to know the road rules and drive as and how they like.

to be continued...

Cost of living, worry, and thankfulness.

2011-12-27T16:49:00.000+08:00

Was reading in the paper today of how people in Europe are worried of the economy and their livelihood.. and of a quote of a grandma stocking up on foodstuff .. that's what my mother does too.. LOL, which brought to my mind my own situation.. and those worst off than me.
I am in the middle class level of society, and yet I feel the pinch of our economy. I work for a living and even though I do have a good salary, I find it difficult to live nicely. I am thankful that I have a single-storey terrace house (which I am still paying for every month) and sad that I have no real savings or assets. Every month my wife complains that the amount of money I give to her to run the household is insufficient and now with the kids going to school, petrol bills, electric bills, Walters medicine (price really has gone up) and whatsoever.. its just difficult. And I am a lecturer... what more those earning less than me. Everything is more and more expensive..and my income doesn't go up as quickly as the prices.
I try to save whatever I can for my family's future.. but that doesn't amount to much, which makes me worried for my wife and children's future. Now while I am alive, people do give face to my son (he has Downs Syndrome) and I worry what will happen to him when I cannot support the family. My wife insist on going back to University to take a degree but I really wonder what work can she find and how can she work when we need somebody to look after Walter. I also worry how will she and the family survive if I pass away or am no longer able to provide an income for them. I worry for my daughters future, education and life in these difficult times and the future.All this plus my own not so great health... haiz.
Boy do I worry.
At the same time I take to heart what my Jesus says in Matthew 6:25- 34;
²⁵ “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
²⁸ “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven,will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.and I take comfort and worry less.
The practical side in me will and have tried many things, so that the future of my children will be good.
Nevertheless, at the same time I am thankful for what I have. I am still alive. I can still see. I have a wife, son, and a daughter. I have family that loves me. My mum is still alive and supportive. I have a house and car. I have a job which I am thankful for, its something I really love. I have the opportunity to help so many people. For all this and many more I am thankful.
So I worry less... yet...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2011-12-15T14:28:00.001+08:00

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

from Ernest, Doren, Walter and Sarah de Run.

We plan to go back to Doren's village for Christmas and hence no open house this year. I will be on leave from 19 December 2011 till 3 Jan 2012 and will only rarely (I hope) check my email.. : )

Our best wishes to all.

My Eyes

2011-12-09T11:07:00.000+08:00

Went to the eye clinic recently for my 2 checkups, last Tuesday was the 2nd visit/test.. even by then I knew it was not good..my right eye has shown some degeneration.The clinic was so full of people.. had to stand for most of the time..

The usual drill of appointment at 9.. lol.. arrived earlier at 830am, and placed my card and stood and waited for 30 mins for my name to be called out.. eyesight check.. couldn't read the bottom line of the chart.. haiz..then wait again and saw the doctor, she put this med in my eye and immediately sting.. and looked in my eye, then did some more drops which stung and made my eyes yellow and then stood and waited outside.. . vision became blurry.

Another look into my eyes and then a short chat.. starting me on drops, my pressure on the eye is now 18 and the drops should lower the pressure... need to know how to lower pressure in my eye.. should have asked but didnt.. oh well..so now I am a glaucoma patient.. and need to reduce pressure on my eyes... and now I pray I will have my eyesight at least till I retire.. need to prepare for my kids and wife..

Here is a pic of my eye some 2 years ago.. apparently now its worse.. haiz...

So that's why I was a bit disheartened, sad, depressed.. still am .. but will need to pick myself up and get on with it..
Life has to go on, and I have 3 persons depending solely on me.. so must.. must go on..
E

Haiz..

2011-11-27T11:22:00.000+08:00

I wonder if others feel as I do..
I just want to stay at home, play with my kids.. and not be bothered by the many petty things..

Malas..
not lazy but just give up on the idiocy and pettiness of people around me.. maybe I expect too much... lol..

But then I cannot be malas.. because of my children.. because of their future
so I push myself for them
even in the face of the idiocy and pettiness that I face day in and day out..

but now I really must slow down, save my eyesight,
but I have committed to many things and persons.. so need to finish that off.. and then no more

just do what I like

LOL.. as if that can ever happen

Its just a tool

2011-11-09T06:25:00.001+08:00

Read the papers this morning.. front page of how a lady got duped by a Nigerian to be a drug mule, via Facebook. Inside the paper, a story of a company suing Facebook and some authors on an article, and another story of the censorship in China of Facebook. Plus the countless rhetoric by our leaders on the social media.
Wonder why the hysteria?
Facebook and its like is just a tool.
You think the Nigerian will not find another way to get drug mules if Facebook was banned?
You think that people will not shoot off their mouth at their bosses or services that they don't like?
You think that governments like China (BTW, its a communist government) will not want to censor dissent in any form? Especially after the Arab summer.
Lets be rationale. Its just a tool. Its not the tools fault. Its the person typing, reading, using. As an example, do we take guns to court for killing a human? No. We take the human who used the gun (tool) to court.
Lets use our faculties before we go off on a mass hysteria that Facebook and its like should be banned. Instead, lets educate people on the responsibilities, etiquette and mannerism that we should use while on such media.
E

Antecedents to ... Meeting the ... Doctor ! ! !

2011-10-28T15:04:00.000+08:00

Its coming soon... have to face the doctors...

The indicator.. blood test.. and yet I have not summoned any will power yet to make myself a better man and not a fatter man (copied directly from the ad from TV.. can u guess which show?).

Just been to hospital to 'donate' my blood for testing, again. The usual wake up early in the morning... this time couldn't wake up. I have noticed that I have become lazier and lazier in waking up in the morning and it has become so difficult to wake up and do the usual routine.

Whats the routine? Wake up. Cant shower etc as have to get the kids up. Wait for Walter to eat something. Prepare all the towels, toothbrush with toothpaste, and Walter's medicine/pampers. Drag / carry / Pull or just get Walter to the bathroom, sometimes screaming and shouting, to have his shower. Then shower while my wife puts Walter's medicine on his buttocks and dresses him up. I am so lazy. Sorry dear wife, really.

Anyway, off to donate blood. The usual heavy traffic and the idiots that just nip in front of you and cut in (at the hospital traffic light).

Wished I had a piece of land next to the hospital. Sure become millionaire. I always park at the cheap part (RM3).

Walk through this side gate (at one time was locked and had to walk the whole nine yards to the main entrance (why am I complaining.. fat, need the exercise..LOL). Each time go through this side gate, must remember to bend (a slight "kow tow" to the hospital spirits), otherwise your head will feel the wrath of the iron.. LOL.

Haiz.. the place I have to go every few months, either for me, my wife or Walter. Specialist Clinic (more like the outpatient clinic for the hospital) at the Sarawak General Hospital.

Its just 730am, I arrived a bit later than usual and the place is packed. The staff is already calling out names to get their number. I quickly place my sheet of paper for blood test at the counter ans set to wait.

I usually bring my students work or a paper or a newspaper to read. This time, nothing. Just lazy and no mood to do anything. So sit like an idiot until I hear Profesor Madya something something being called out. Quickly I walk to the counter and to my embarrassment it is not me. LOL. What? You think you the only Profesor Madya at the hospital? LOL. At 805am, my name is called and I am given this chit, number 1029, and they are just calling number 1002.

I sit and wait.At 830am my number rings on the counter over the door to the blood taking room. I go in and see that the person that will be taking my blood is a young lady. She seemed nervous and rubbed my hand with alcohol covered cotton for so long I thought that my hand must have got drunk. She tried once, poking the needle in slighty, didnt get the vein and gave up. I told her that the Indian guy on the other side usually takes my blood and she waited for a while, called him, and got me transferred over.
The first thing this guy says is, "You gained weight huh?" Haiz..He was all business. One poke, and he was drawing blood like water from my veins.

All done, at 845am. Repeat this every 3 or 6 months, for the rest of my life.

Now also, to see the Doctor to get the results... don't think it will be good, as I have not been taking care of myself, at all.

Haiz.

Don't want to go and see the Doctor. I just want to crawl under a rock, curl into a fetus shape, and lie down covered and all by myself. Already know what the Doctor will say. Haiz.

Haiz ad infinitum.

My teeth..

2011-10-28T14:01:00.000+08:00

Guess I am getting old..
This year is a rather bad year for my teeth... been seeing the dentist for so many times... partly for a filling that keeps on falling out - after a few hours, days, and weeks. Yup.. once after the dentist filled the cavity, went home.. all OK, that night had dinner and the filling came out as I was biting into the fried fish my dear wife made for me.. haiz. Once for a root canal... haiz..not something I wish for my enemies even and twice for a false tooth. The second time came about because I left the false tooth in a hotel... had to fork out RM700 for the new false tooth.
Oh well...

Undilah

2011-09-24T10:40:00.000+08:00

Saw this on yahoo news and thot it was a good effort, go get registered as a voter.. and vote.. and if interested, look at their site http://www.undilah.com/.

PDKM Appeal 200811

2011-08-22T15:12:00.000+08:00

PDKM Appeal 200811

View more documents from Ernest C de Run.

Interview

2011-08-15T09:19:00.000+08:00

Went for my Professor (VK6) post interview recently. Was rather comfortable and relaxed on the whole thing, as I had come to an acceptance of the whole procedure. I know I am qualified, but I also realize it is not me who decides, and more importantly it is how others perceive whether I am qualified or not.

My wife dressed me up..lol. She has good taste, in this purple shirt and red tie with a blueish black work suit over it. Doren is a very stylish lady, she knows what looks good. Me .. I would just wear shorts and a t-shirt..lol. I lugged a bag full of my journals and books (you can see the bag by the side of the table) as this was requested, made me sweat coming there.. at least there was airconditioning.. lol.. I need to lose weight. This was the room I was asked to wait in.. and as I waited I corrected a students thesis (told you I was calm of the whole process).

I was the first to be called in, sat down and was asked a few questions, basically on what I have done (only after my recent .. well 5 years ago, promotion) and I thought I did well. The only sticking point (for me at least) was the idea that I needed followers at the faculty.. of which I explained that I did work with anyone who wanted to work with me (emphasis on work) and that I had a larger following throughout the world. The interview ended there, which I thought was rather sad.. there was so much that I have done, but so little time to highlight it all.
Now we wait for their decision.
For all those who have prayed for me and wished me well, thank you and may God return to you in His goodness, tenfold, hundredfold, of all your wishes to me.
Ernest

Why the fuss?

2011-08-08T16:13:00.000+08:00

Annoyed, don't these newspapers have better things to do than to create discord and disunity..
After the earlier "reporting" in our newspapers of how Christians want to take over the nation, I find it very difficult to trust what the newspapers and the 'authorities' say. The earlier incident was fabricated from just words of some bloggers without any checking at the source and then after the hoo haa, died down. Then the recent raid on a church, and now this. I find it very difficult to swallow the "truths' purported by these newspapers and suspect that this will blow up for a while and then die down again as sane minds prevail (hopefully).
But I just wonder why this and why now?
The article goes to say that Datuk Hassan Ali stated "Christians had used the words “Quran” and “pray” in front of Muslims which he noted was a breach of Islamic law."
So?
We (Christians who use Bahasa Malaysia) have been saying these and many other words from time immemorial... why, because we also use Bahasa Malaysia in our services and the words mean the same thing to us as to others. I grew up in Terengganu and am aware that the state has similar laws that prohibit the use of such words by non-Muslims, but everyone did use it as they were common words.
And what is our government doing about all this?
And on the matter of the current brouhaha, so what if a church helps people of other faith..churches have been helping people from day one and so should other persons of religion instead of creating discord. Any religion would want us to do good right? I am unaware of any religion that demands one to do bad... if there is please do enlighten me. I am doubtful of these stories, especially after the bad reporting earlier. If I am poor and in need and someone gives me money, I will take it and say thank you. It doesn't mean the person who gave the money to me owns my soul and neither does it mean I sold my soul to them.
Churches have been donating and giving away food, things and funds for ages. It has never been a way to proselyte because the moment the food, things and funds stop, the person leaves the religion..LOL. The act of giving is an act of charity that is required of all religions, unless we become so religion centric that we are forced to only help those of our religion.. that will be a sad day indeed.
Ernest

Fund Raising Dinner

2011-07-18T09:24:00.000+08:00

By now I believe you know that my son has Downs Syndrome and I am actively involved in the rehabilitation center at Mambong. So we come to another year and another charity dinner.

I find that there is not much we can do to generate funds, maybe small projects like planting veges in the rehab center garden or recently some persons have allowed us to rear ducks and plant veges on their land, but there is still yet no sustainable income (any ideas and actual ways of getting a sustainable income is greatly appreciated).
I know that many people when they hear of another charity dinner, just turn and hide, or don't want to go. I am like that.. lazy to go. Can I suggest here that if you don't want to go, just still please help us by donating that RM30 per head or RM300 a table and allow us to sell the ticket to someone else.
We now have 122 persons under our care and our annual budget is in the hundreds of thousands Ringgit. details of us are on Facebook, look for Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Mambong.
Please do help.
Thank you.
Ernest

SPAM.. Haiz...

2011-07-14T08:54:00.000+08:00

Got this in my email. What Idiots.

Attn:Ignore this message if your are not the owner of this email.Our Office

was contacted by ZUHAIRI BIN ALI.who claim to be your relative and we have

already processed your Package to be deliver to his address in Malaysia,all

documents has been forwarded to us since he inform us that you are involve in

a car accident month ago.he was now in the process of paying the delivery

fee,so we can get your package deliver to his home but We need to confirm this

is true that you are dead.Reply Asap

They need to confirm if I am dead... so if I am DEAD, how do I confirm this?

Haiz.. waste of my email space.. and I really do wonder who is idiotic enough to reply?

Money lender Sdn Bhd

2011-07-06T10:13:00.000+08:00

Found this card stuck on my car window when we were walking back from Satok Sunday market.
I am just amazed at the blatant promotion by money lenders in Kuching and the minimal (if any at all) action by those in authority. Posters, banners, brochures, card.. placed on cars, post box, gate and grill of your house, everywhere.
This card was interesting. Why?
1. The company name.. Money lender Sdn Bhd. I would really like to know, who in the government body approving companies... approved this name?
2. Why the **** are we still approving such companies when we know they are under the management of 'ah longs?'
3. They have an offer.. 3%. I wonder is that by the minute.. lol.
Haiz....
My 10sen on this.. i guess the growth of ah longs (and crime) in Malaysia comes along with the growth of disproportionate income distribution, the increase in cost of living, and even perhaps with the 'kiasuness' and materialism of us Malaysians.. cant lose, must have. Was talking with friends in Terengganu on the increase in crime there, because the poor are poor and getting poorer while the cost of goods are getting more and more higher. Along come ah long, with the promise of easy money. .. and you have cases such as of the lady accountant who wanted to have a dream marriage ceremony.. and end up being hunted by ah longs for a debt she can never repay.
We cant do much on the cost of living, it will inevitably continue to rise.. so what can we do... help people to help themselves, to better themselves and improve their life, change the mindset and create self development. All this comes from educating people and opening their eyes to the possibilities around them. At the same time, we as a people should learn to give, instead of hoarding just for ourselves. In America, the rich give back to schools, the handicapped etc.. here .. I find it so difficult to get a towkay to part with a single sen.
But I continue to try.. and those in authority.. better do something about these ah longs, before the society suffers more.

Promo Tool

2011-06-27T11:19:00.000+08:00

Saw this as I walked out of Delizze at 101 a few days back. A new promotion tool in Kuching. What these guys did was to tie a balloon with a card stuck on it to your car wiper. Both the balloon and the card had the promotional details, i.e. an opening of a wedding center. Nice idea, but wonder why balloon, coz ballon for kids, as parents will take it and pass to kids.. but if they had kids.. wonder why they want to go to a wedding center. Yet, interesting, eye catching and will get response.. and may even keep the balloon, I did, gave to the kids to play with.. wonder of the effectiveness though and whether it was the right target market.

Who is a teacher?

2011-06-27T11:08:00.000+08:00

Been getting this email from a few colleagues. Nice, but too saccharine sweet.. I dont see the real world as such, in fact rather the opposite. The world doesnt care for teachers per se, unless it affects them personally.
For me, anyone can be a teacher .. and anyone a student. I really get pissed off when I meet the "Mr./Miss Know It All," who dont want to learn anything new, or worst still a teacher who thinks as such and therefore cannot learn anything new. I do see in Malaysia that a lot of people see that being a teacher is just another job, with good money. I laughed (inside) when a teacher was justifying to my wife why teachers get and need more salary increase and that people like me (lecturers) should not!
But the message here, even though too sweetly put, is that anyone can be a teacher.. if he or she chooses to make changes.

Who is a teacher??

From A School Principal's speech at a graduation..

He said "Doctor wants his child to become a doctor.........
Engineer wants his child to become engineer......
Businessman wants his ward to become CEO.....
BUT a teacher also wants his child to become one of them..!!!!
Nobody wants to become a teacher BY CHOICE" ....Very sad but that's the truth.....!!!

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,
"What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest;
"You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Teacher Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
"You want to know what I make?
(She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't
make them sit for 5 min. without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?
(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them how to write and then I make them write.
Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.
They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need
to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they
were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life

( Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALL YOUR LIVES, EDUCATING KIDS AND PREPARING THEM TO BECOME CEO's ,AND DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS..........

What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped; he went silent.

Center for Graduate Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

2011-06-15T15:41:00.001+08:00

Staff of CGS UNIMAS

Happy Birthday to me (2)

2011-06-09T12:37:00.000+08:00

I think I have the flu.. coz when I reached home yesterday, I was so tired and just lay down on the couch and fell asleep.. to the chagrin of my wife..

My wife had planned a dinner outside but I was in no mood to do so, so she went and bought food and a cake and ice cream and came home.. and all I felt was .. flat.. tired. But thank you dear wife for all you did. So after dinner we had the cake..

and boy did it burn brightly.. when time to blow the cake, Walter beat me to it.. he loves blowing candles on a cake.. but he didnt finish the job, so I blew the remaining candles. The kids love ice cream and cake and ate it all up, and all over their faces and hands.. and the floor as well.. once again my missus clean up the mess

Happy Birthday to me. Thank you Doren for all that you did.

Happy Birthday to me

2011-06-08T15:09:00.005+08:00

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to.. well, I guess its me...

Happy Birthday to me...yahoo..

Not really yahoo. Its just another day. Getting older, wonder if I am getting wiser. I know that I am not losing weight and that I will have a crappy old age, health wise, if I dont do anything about that soon.

Got a call, just after midnight.. from an old friend, Sreedaran Nair.. from Ipoh... wishing me Happy Birthday, had a nice chat, sad to hear that he had a few health issues.. but good to know he has a 'leng loi' now..

I want a nice superbike for me to enjoy...

Wonder who I know can afford to give me one for my birthday.. ha ha ha

Nevertheless, I think I should reward myself with a bike, only if I lose weight... but then again, wonder how long will that take.. LOL.

Was watching House on TV last night,

where he finds there is no more excitement (in the final scenes he jumped off the building into a pool). Kinda relate to that as I find my days are long and dreary, with demands/backstabbing/negativity and all of that kind coming from every side, with little / petty or no reward to me. Physically tired too (coz out of shape and fat) and with demands from family n friends.. just tired. Rather annoyed when people ask me to do things for them but there is nothing in it for me, usually dont mind.. but it seems to be getting more and more and more... sometimes I wonder if I am being used. Bored too with the mundane politicking of small minds trying to bang their empty cans as much as they can while actually doing nothing or the lack of effort of the many in their endeavors, especially when it impacts me and my work. Had a call from a friend in KL, and somehow or rather we agreed that the young were trying to do expand the least amount of effort for the most amount of reward. A case in point, I got an email from a student, who got a C+, asking for a higher grade.. not asking for an A but a B will do. What?

On a brighter note, I work up to a smiling son, naive to the world in his Down Syndrome way, saying "Daddy, Walter want see V (TV)." All the ails, pain, grief, just fall away when he smiles. One kiss from Vina makes up for all her actions. A smile from my beautiful wife clears the day.

And so I continue, I persevere, for their sake.

Must make it fun though.. cant last long without that.

: )

Ernest

Towels

2011-06-06T16:13:00.002+08:00

I didnt realize towels were such a desired commodity... until I went with my family for our holiday. Being naive, we didnt pack any towels, as when I traveled in the past, the hotel will always provide towels, to the point that I could have more than I ever wanted... or at least I thought.

Arrived at the first hotel, family in tow. Walter and Vina needed to be washed and change their diapers... and there was two towels only.. so I naively asked the cleaning lady (who happened to be there when we were checking in)... and was told no extra towels were available. Wow. I was paying RM280++ for a room and there was no extra towels. I called Housekeeping, same thing.. except she did suggest that if and when our towels were wet and we wanted to change them, perhaps we could call Housekeeping again. I wonder what she was thinking that I was doing at that very moment?

We then went to Cameron Highlands. I thought this time it would be better... guess what... yup, no extra towels.

By the time we reached Genting Highlands, I gave up asking. Why? The towels were so thin and used.. we just sighed.. especially after that extremely long queue to get a number to queue to check in. One would expect that the hotel would be making money by the bundle could provide an extra towel... but noooo.

Then back to Kuala Lumpur.. same hotel... so you can guess the answer to my request for a towel.. felt like I was begging.. and did initially think I should just go down to the shops and buy one.

Lessons I learnt, Malaysian hotels are usually useless from a service perspective.. and next time I travel with the family, bring along the family's towels.

BTW, I noticed that most of the staff were foreigners...but thats another matter...

Haiz...

Ernest

And again...

2011-06-06T16:07:00.003+08:00

We went to Spring.. and saw this..

The sign says no parking... and a row of expensive cars park right next to it.. lol.. and as we were walking out my wife commented that the guards are the ones that suffer, coz they dare not stop these rich xxxxxxxx from parking there, and then the guards get scolded by their bosses.

I just dont understand our people.. they cant park a few extra feet away from the door of the shop.. they cant walk a bit.. and they dont mind at all being a pain in the neck to others, as long as they are comfortable. Haiz...

Ernest

Typical...

2011-05-25T10:27:00.006+08:00

Saw this sign on my way to airport....

Guess what I saw next...

rows of cars parked right next to the sign..

with a yellow line on the road..

and policemen walking around there...

Guess what I did not see... yup.. no summons (saman).

Ernest

My wife..

2011-05-18T03:34:00.001+08:00

This is Doren Gibson Mengkoh, my wife of 10 years now..

View from RH Hotel Sibu

2011-05-12T15:50:00.000+08:00

Thank God for my children

2011-05-12T15:41:00.000+08:00

My beloved children...

Walter Sangking de Run

Sarah Alvina de Run

This was at the airport, after I just arrived from another trip... and to see their smiles and Walter must hug me.. and to hear them scream "Daddy, Daddy"..

These few weeks

2011-05-10T10:26:00.007+08:00

Been some time since I wrote here.. just too busy..

These past few weeks I have been travelling.. been to Terengganu, Miri, and Sibu. I do love flying, just that when I get back to office again.. the amount of work due.. and this is even with me carrying my old laptop with me and trying to do some work in between meetings and at the airport.

I enjoy flying... and now many a time in Business Class, nice. But now when I can fly and eat all those good food.. I am supposed not to (diabetic)... lol.. the irony of it all. Still, I do partake of the nice food in the Business Lounge, albeit sparingly. When I fly Economy or Air Asia, its the same... I enjoy the food, the whole scenario of it.

If its a daytime flight, I will try to get a window seat and end up taking volumes of photos. I love watching the scenery pass by, the city as we leave Kuching or when we land in Kuching, I try to see UNIMAS or if seated the other side, the town.. and take photos... flying is very humbling to me, we are these small specks of dust in God's earth and we are flying, yet look at the clouds, the sea, the land below.. beautiful.

It was good to get back to Terengganu, the first thing I di was to get some flowers and visit my dad's grave. It has been a long time, and it was good to say a prayer. Then visited the normal sites and bought ton's of 'keropok' that has since been distributed to all in Kuching.. lol.. Terengganu still looks the same as when I grew up there.

Miri was another trip i did just recently, to sell UNIMAS graduate degrees. Was rather disappointed when a handful of people still didn't know where UNIMAS was. Came home to Kuching and then flew to Sibu. Sibu was quiet, yet still managed to catch up with some alumni of the Corporate MBA programme, and it was good to see and also hear that my students are doing well. Also managed to meet up with Lim Jin Hwa, and had a long chat till the early hours of the morning, good to have met you.

Now to mark exam papers before the next round of travel.. of to Kuala Lumpur for 3 days then to Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Kuala Lumpur again.. see you in June!

Ernest

Overwhelmed

2011-04-04T15:37:00.001+08:00

I am overwhelmed.

There is so much to do, yet I only have 24 hours a day.

Current things that bug me (2)

2011-03-01T10:49:00.002+08:00

It seems that the government really listens to the teachers union.

The amount of pay rise, allowances, bonus etc etc announced in the media.. wow, amazing.

Hey.. I am happy for teachers, as my boss says ' rezeki orang.' Just that I sometimes wonder...

I have an undergraduate degree, Masters, and PhD.. all took blood and sweat from me in order to accomplish. I am a teacher too, but I also do administrative work, supervision, writing articles and books, research, consultancy etc etc etc. LOL....

My salary has been good but.. lol (typical human - its never enough isnt it..)

Inflation ... hmm, Lets not go to the price of petrol and from there the price of everything else.. my kopi o kosong is now at least RM1.

And what struck me was when I raised this to a very senior person, he told me to not question it, as I actually have it good. I can go to the highest scale while teachers cannot... off the top of my head, which I wanted to say but did not was, in actuality.. how many people do get to the highest pay scale? And seriously.. what do you think would be my chances of getting to the highest pay scale if I continue to write like this.. LOL!

I wonder, has there ever been a review of lecturer's pay?

BUT...

before you go and say what an ingrate I am.. let me tell you how happy (and bersyukur) I am that I am taking in a salary and a good one at that. Its just that feeling you get...

Plus I am doing something that I really love and enjoy to do, and get paid for it at that..

so on that side of the coin... yahoo... i am counting my blessings and joy.

Just being human...

Current things that bug me

2011-03-01T08:47:00.004+08:00

I am amazed to watch TV and see that the Malaysian Police has allowed people who were fined, to take their own sweet time (6 months grace period), before .. at the very last minute come and pay their fine, and then have the audacity to complain of the long lines and that there was not enough time to pay. LOL. Just now I heard that they (the offenders) now can question their fine and not pay... LOL.

My view on this is that our police are actually not doing much. I know the old story of not having enough manpower, overworked, etc... (and I am aware of it and sympathize with the police, as I also have friends who are policemen), but in Kuching, I rarely see the police fining someone. The last time I saw that (well, actually I didn't see any fine being given) was the police having a long conversation with the driver.. my wife was buying her medicine and I was in the car (parked properly) and I could see the police stopping a car and having a conversation with the driver. Even as I left with my wife, the conversation was still going on.

Very different from what I have seen in New Zealand. You are stopped, issued a traffic summons, and the police leaves. You pay! Thats it!

On another note, why not use modern technology (cameras at traffic lights, speed camera etc)? Oh ya, that is to catch.. not to get them to pay!

But that still doesn't explain the 6 months grace period to pay a summons!

What message is being told to the law breakers.

The message that I can gather from the newspapers and TV is, in Malaysia, you can break the law (and there may be no police even to see it, so no summons)

and if you are unlucky enough to get caught, you can have long conversations,

and if you are unlucky enough to get fined, you can wait for a long time before even considering to pay,

and if you are unlucky enough to pay, you can ask for a discount!

I don't know... I think our police is doing a very good job under the circumstances that they are placed in, but come on.. how can I tell my daughter that if you do wrong there will be punishment when the police doesn't even do that now.. you can negotiate to pay less for what you did wrong..

Thats what the public is seeing, all I hear from people when they break the traffic law (when I am in someone else car) is "mana ada polis" or "kalau kena tangkap pun tak perlu bayar saman." This happens to the point that when you do not break the law (i.e. cross the road when the traffic light is red), the people in the car behind you horns you ..

Its a sad reflection of our society...

Ernest

The kids singing

2011-02-09T11:03:00.004+08:00

Vina likes to sing, whether its right or wrong.

Walter on the other hand seems to not want to talk, but has shown some improvement here, willing to do the hand gestures and mumbles words. He can speak, but you have to force him, i.e. say the words and then get him to repeat it after you. Rather sad to see him not wanting to speak..

Ernest

Old Boys

2011-02-07T14:40:00.002+08:00

Met up with two school mates, after 28 years.

Salihin, me and Khairidzwan

Never imagined to meet them again, what more of me in Kuching.

I dont know. I just seem to have lost my memory of much things that happened in school. People remember me, and tell me stories, some I do remember, most I dont. Names have disappeared from my mind, but when I see the faces, I remember them. Khairidzwan appears to have not changed.

Old age seems to be catching up.. but hey, I am still young!

Ernest

FAT

2011-01-29T11:04:00.002+08:00

Ah.. the despair of one that has been FAT all his life, to be told by doctors to lose weight over and over again.. only to lose a couple of kilos before being subjected to the rigors of daily life and again the despair of seeing the numbers on the scale, appear the same again.

Its just irritating.

People come up to me to sell miracle cures that will make me lose weight without sweating, or those that promise that I can eat anything and still lose weight, or those who say a few hours of their treatment will make me lose an inch off my stomach (do I look like I need to lose an inch?), or those who say they have these pills that can a. make you not hungry (the problem with me is that I am not hungry yet I still eat), b. make you sweat the pounds away (isnt sweat water?), and c. make your metabolism faster (ya, and my blood pressure shoots up to the sky).

Hey.. I have been fat from as far as I remember. I have been fine.. until now where my blood pressure and onset of diabetes. Hey, I know its not good. I also know me, I have no willpower and am just lazy and tired. From the moment I wake up to the time I sleep, its either work or getting things done for others.

I think its high time I get things done for me.

I see my daughter now puffing up like me. and I dont want her to go through what I have gone through. All the name calling, teasing etc. Children can be cruel, and their parents sometimes much more. So I need to be an example for her. Also I need to live longer than what is expected of a FAT man! Need to provide for the family.

So what to do.

The only thing that had worked for me was discipline. Control of food intake. Exercise.

Control of food intake. Hmm.. there goes my kolok mee for breakfast. LOL. I enjoy food, partly because now I can afford to have whatever food I want. With my position, I get so many opportunities to try out new food, or those expensive foods, or just a great breakfast buffet at the hotels I stay in.

Exercise. The most weight I lost was when I went to a gym to do weights. Now I barely have time to walk around the block. I find it funny that the University gym closes at 6pm, when I just start to go home!

Must find a solution. Soon.

Now where is that chocolate bar... nah, I feel like some ice cream, with cake..

See ya

Ernest

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T13:42:00.002+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A bit late, but better late than never...

For me, the start of the year came with a tooth infection that hurt and is still giving me a dull ache... oh well.. lets hope for the best.

Ernest

Eye Check Up

2010-11-29T13:28:00.002+08:00

Went for my eye check up today.

Met Shazali (one of my bosses) and Theresa there too and we had a nice chat.

Was happy that today everything moved fast, gave my card and did the eye test and then the vision field test. Did well on that and I am happy. Waited to see the doctor and did the pressure test and it was OK. Everything remained the same, and there was no signs of degeneration.

I am so happy.

Relieved.

Last night I couldn't sleep. Thinking of this eye test and my son. How I wanted to see him as a man. When I saw my wife just now, she reminded me that I also have a daughter too now and that I would like to see her as a young woman. I am thankful for them. I am so happy and thankful to God that my eyesight still remains and now my next check up is next year, November.

Please do continue to pray for me that I will continue to have good health and good eyesight.

Ernest

Call for Papers

2010-11-25T09:43:00.000+08:00

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing & Logistics

Special Issue: Emerging Trends for Marketing in Asia

Asia is a continent of paradoxes. It has some of the fastest growing economies of the world, the largest populace, and some of the wealthiest as well as the poorest societies in the world. It also possesses rich web of cultural complexities. Since the days of the Silk Route, Asia has always fascinated historians, merchants, philosophers and rulers from other parts of the world. Recently however, increasing household income, higher education and an expanding mid-to-high income class with smaller families, globalization, westernization influences and plus the loosening of regulations on foreign direct and indirect investments by most Asian governments have spurred the influx of global businesses into the Asian market. This creates an interesting situation in Asia in the realm of business. Contradiction abounds, from that of a traditional business marketing effort such as relationship marketing to the specialized mass marketing of mega businesses.

Given this growing attractiveness of the Asian region, we invite submission to a special issue of The Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing & Logistics focussing on Emerging Trends for Marketing in Asia. We encourage papers both theoretical and empirical using either qualitative or quantitative methodology.

We welcome the submission of papers that address the Special Issue theme as well as all functional areas of marketing. Authors may consider any of the subject areas listed below, but need not limit their options to these areas. If you are uncertain whether your paper fits the Special Issue theme or not, please contact the Editors (contact information below):

All papers submitted to the 2011 MAG Scholar Conference that fulfil the theme of this Special Issue will be guaranteed for consideration for possible publication in this Special Issue of APJML. Accepted papers will be published in Volume 24 Issue #2, 2012.

Papers must conform to the Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing & Logistics requirements. Please make your submissions by email to either one of the guest editors by March 01, 2011.

Guest Editors:

Professor Kim-Shyan Fam (Victoria University of Wellington: kim.fam@vuw.ac.nz)

Associate Professor Ernest de Run (UNIMAS: drernest@feb.unimas.my)

Dr. Paurav Suhkla (University of Brighton: p.shukla@brighton.ac.uk

Same old same old...

2010-11-16T16:02:00.000+08:00

wrote this some time back.. http://de-run.blogspot.com/2009/03/annoyed-at-me-myself-and-i.html

same.. just same... haiz...

Ernest

Score A

2010-10-15T15:56:00.003+08:00

My accountant calls me up and says want to see me. I said OK, and hoped that there was nothing wrong with my finances. She turns up with her husband and tell me of this business opportunity .. I always cringe when I hear that. Nevertheless, we talked and I listened to her on this.
Score A Programme .. hmm.. Only problem is that I doubt that Walter will ever want to score A.. LOL. For those who dont know, Walter has Downs Syndrome and I seriously doubt he will be sitting for Form 3 or Form 5 exams. Vina is only 2.. so I don't think I am the right market for this programme.
We talked, and I can see the angle that the programme is working on. Its aimed at all the fathers and mothers, who are so worried for their children future, who send their children to attend a million and one tuition schools for a million and one tuition classes.. and that being insufficient, hey.. you can now do your tuition by computer (Internet). At least that was what was going on in my mind as she and her husband gushed on about the programme.
But then as I thought about it, why not. Not for me of course, but for those who have children (a specific target market) who are about to take exam.. yup, a workable business.
But thats it.. its a business and every business needs time and effort. So I told them (and they knew I was not buying) that I wont buy, but will introduce them to those whom I think are interested. And for the tuition schools, an added tool that they can use, over and above what they have. So if you have a child going to take an exam this year.. plus you have a computer with Internet connection.. (dont waste it on YouTube etc only), call Adeline Liew at 250001 during office hours.
She says it works, as her children are on it.
Me, I guess you will have to wait till Vina goes to school... LOL.
I never went to tuition. Perhaps because I actually did go. We had prep classes. I was in a residential school and every day (except Saturday night and Sunday afternoon) we had prep classes in the afternoon and nights, in which we studied (most of the time) and played around (some of the time). So never needed tuition. I can understand why those without those facilities will need such a thing as Score A. Parents can monitor, children can sit and do work on computers at home (and have time set aside to do it instead of just lazing around.. some discipline needed) and may even help in their studies.
So call Adeline and tell her I you read about it on my blog (or Facebook).

Ernest

Home Bar

2010-09-30T13:32:00.000+08:00

Saw this on TV.
Thirsty Traveller, 18 Sep10.

What should have in your home bar...

1. Gin

2. Vodka

3. White rum

4. Whisky
4.1 Bourbon - minimum 51% corn, 2 years in a charred barrel and drink it straight up. Mine is Jim Beam please..LOL.
4.2 Irish Whisky - smoother
4.3 Scottch Whisky - pack a bigger punch

5. Cognac

6. Port
6.1 Vintage (single)
6.2 Tawny (blend)
Minimum 10 year old and anything older better and to have after a meal (I agree).

7. Everyday drinking wine. Personally I like Merlot and the sweeter white wines, but to each their own.

8. Champagne

9. Not usually found in a home bar but a good Tequila, Blue Agave Tequila, is good.

So as I watched this show, I wonder whether should I stock up a home bar... but then I asked myself, who is going to drink. The days that I drank have long gone by. My wife doesn't touch this stuff. There are still a few bottles of Jim Beam and various wines and spirits still in the cabinet, untouched.. waiting for an occasion, so that others can drink... LOL.

Been there and done that.. another sign of getting old. LOL.

Ernest

Walter at the Dentist

2010-09-30T10:39:00.004+08:00

Walter at the dentist... and behaving well. He knew he was going to the dentist as when we talked to him he nodded and pointed to his mouth, open his mouth and put his finger on his teeth. He understands. And what is amazing to me was that his mood was so good and he was so cheerful. When his name was called, he cheerfully walked in and went directly to the dentist chair. He even interacted with the dentist assistant as the dentist looked at his teeth.. and overall was a good boy. He was asked to choose a toothbrush and he chosed a blue one (yesterday was a all blue affair .. shirt, trouser) and the nurses was having fun with him as he was so playful and in good mood. Got some Spiderman stickers too. If only he was like this for all his medical appointments...
: )

Ernest

Its Convocation time again ...

2010-09-28T12:41:00.003+08:00

Its that time of the year again.. Convocation.. Time to wake up early and go and wait, and wait, and wait... I will be at the first and last session.. first session for the Graduate students (sad that this year none of my PhD and Master [by research] could make it.. but at least a few of my Corporate MBA students who did their Research Paper under my supervision will be there) and the last session for the Faculty of Economics and Business undergraduate students.
And this time I dont have to bother about the robe and cap anymore .. why .. coz I bought my own based on Otago University's robe and cap. Yaa.. but I think I have put on weight....lol...
Guess this will be the last time at the old campus hall.. as the near Hall is nearing completion. As usual there will the Convocation Fair (Pesta Konvo) .. more food and hopefully some souvenirs.. So those who are in Kuching during these dates.. drop by to UNIMAS and enjoy the fair.. usually there will be a variety of activities. I'll be at home. LOL.

Ernest

Jeffrey Jee's Viva

2010-09-24T15:41:00.005+08:00

I don't think I can go through another Viva again but there are a lot more students under me, waiting.. so guess I am going to experience this stress over and over again. The stress of not knowing what the examiners think of the work and whether the effort that you have placed in the work will pass the test or not. I know there will be mistakes, the issue is whether the mistake is small or big and thus effect the student.
Jee Teck Weng, my Masters (Marketing) by research student had his Viva today. It was mostly OK but with one or two major issues that this time thanks to the examiners can be tackled. Yet the stress of the whole thing... maybe I must learn to distance myself from my students, but that's not me. A friend asked me why must I be stressed out for as the comments etc are for the student, not me. Thinking of it, its because I pour myself into my students work. I am involved in every part of their work. I know they are not good (yet) but they do try and when the work is sufficient to pass then I let them go for examination.
The comments are not directly to me, but the insinuation is on me. At least that's how I see it. That is why when examiners comments are hurtful to my student, it is more hurtful to me. I guess I must learn to distance myself from my students a bit more.
Nevertheless I find it a joy to impart my academic knowledge as well as world view to those who are supposed to be close to me. For me, my PhD and Masters students are family and take priority. The way I see it, when they publish their work, I also benefit. Recently, Mohsin (my ex PhD student) published in a credible journal and my name is there too. Yaa...
I also see it as a way to impart my world view and beliefs to them, hopefully to create academics (or non-academics.. the choice is theirs) that are ethical yet caring for others, soft spoken yet knowledgeable. They are my legacy.. even if I do turn blind, I have these guys and gals who spent some time with me on their journey of life (be it research or even CMBA) to continue on for me.
Congratulations Jee. I pray that you will do better than me.

Ernest

Yvonne and Roland's Wedding Dinner

2010-09-18T21:37:00.006+08:00

I was privileged to be invited to one of my ex-Masters student's wedding dinner. Thank you for remembering me. I find that this batch are quite well organized and do keep in touch.. maybe a 5 year reunion dinner later guys?
Anyways, back to the topic. Was happy to be invited and happier still that I was around and able to attend. It has been a hectic year of work and travel. At the same time, I have had my fill of dinners.. but still wanted to be there for them.
The evening started well, had a nice chat with John (please keep it to yourself).. and then with a few others. It was a good social setting. Its been a long time since I went out in a social setting.. partly family, partly my choice and health issues (LOL).. but it is nice to chat with friends (even though they were my students, I consider them friends) in a 'safe' atmosphere.The place, Sarawak Club, had been refurbished.. it has been some time since I had been there. The dining room was huge and the place was nice. The food was excellent. I had a bit of wine, which I must say I liked.
I found that I enjoyed myself, seeing my ex-students, talking to a few of them. It has been a long time since I have been to a Chinese wedding dinner.. and the Yam Sengs were long and loud (which is good). There was a good emcee (English and Chinese) and good singer(s). Overall, it was an excellent dinner.
But I didn't stay long. After the yam sengs, I left when Chong left.. and a few others followed suit. I don't know. Its not that the function was bad, it was great. It was more of me, wanting to go home.. and can go home. I have had so many dinners in the past (and some even now still) that were 'jobs' rather than 'pleasure.'
Yet I wanted to go home. Wonder why? There was a time I would be out till late, now I rather be at home cuddling my boy to sleep, or going to have a veg out in front of the TV. Turned out as when I reached home, my wife tells me Walter has a fever. Nothing serious, he just wanted to get away from going to school.
Anyways.. I am still wondering why I no longer enjoy going out late at night?

Ernest

Today's sunset

2010-09-18T21:31:00.001+08:00

SpongeBob Mood Badge

2010-09-06T15:41:00.000+08:00

SpongeBob Mood Badge: "Put the SpongeBob Mood badge on your page."

Satu Malaysia - AMP All Stars (2010)

2010-09-04T14:38:00.000+08:00

Old Spice Ad

2010-07-29T18:43:00.001+08:00

Saw this and found it interesting.. cant find Old Spice here though..

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Denymas

2010-07-15T12:34:00.003+08:00

Denymas...Anyone from the good old days at UNIMAS will remember that restaurant name. It was one of the few places that was opened, and catered to the hungry lecturers.. even lunch functions were held there...Its been years since I been there...
So today dropped by (on the way to collect my blue rubbish bin) for the famous Nasi Lemak... It looked the same but the 'lemak' was not there.. or was the 'lemak' just a memory of the good old times..
Oh well.. when you start remembering the good old days only.. it means that you are getting old... ha ha ha.. so better make new memories...
: )

Ernest

New Rubbish Bin

2010-07-15T12:24:00.003+08:00

We got a new rubbish bin, courtesy of the council... yaaa...Drove to Kota Samarahan, filled up a form and sign here and there and was given this new blue rubbish bin...
Been staying in my house for years now.. and this is the first.. so some things are moving for the better...

: )

Ernest

More clouds

2010-06-05T14:12:00.004+08:00

Just like to see the various formations.. nice

Ernest

Some nice clouds

2010-05-24T20:06:00.003+08:00

My PhD student's Viva

2010-05-24T19:46:00.003+08:00

Today was my PhD students Viva. He is the 1st among the many students I have who has reached this stage. His name is Muhammad Mohsin Butt, from Pakistan. He has gone through a lot to reach this stage, and in many ways, so have I. Learnt a lot of following norms and dealing with people, and how matters are interpreted by different parties. Learnt also how to smile even though you are seething inside.
At the same time there is also the good; the development of a person, including myself and of new ideas and thinking in academia and perhaps even to be translated into the real world. There is always great hope that the protege will continue on and do better than you, and to see them succeed is a joy.
There is also the worry on the current batch of students that have yet to continue on. What more can I do to get them moving?
All in all, it was a sobering morning. Had lunch with Mohsin after that.. did invite all but everyone had to leave. From L - R: Prof Abu, Dr Lo, me, Mohsin, Prof Samsinar

Good luck to Mohsin. My best wishes, blessings, and prayer go to you for your now and future

Ernest

Mothers Day

2010-05-10T13:19:00.005+08:00

Happy Mothers Day..
We didn't do much, just had a dinner at my mother in law's place, and called up my mum. Just too busy this past few days..lol. When am I not busy, I wonder.
Even though it was a simple dinner, it was good. My wife did everything, from cooking, getting everything ready and packed, and we took it all to mother in laws house. Thank you.
The kids as usual just could not wait for the food to be served.We even had a new dish, its those white things in the chicken soup. Can you guess what is it? I knew it must be some sort of palm heart, thought maybe coconut or bamboo, but it turned out to be palm oil. Quite nice too.
And as dinner nearly finished, Vina started playing with the cat.. she is normally terrified with cats, and this time with the whole gang of kids.. wow so brave.. yet I was worried that the cat might scratch her.. chased the cat away.
Then we got Walter to give a simple present to both his grandpa and grandma.. we got a watch for each of them.
A simple Mother's Day celebration. Thank you Doren.

Ernest

Neighbors and new aircon

2010-05-10T13:04:00.004+08:00

LOL.. its nothing of the neighbor and new aircon but on my kids and the neigbors kids and a separate story on the aircon...
Vina has a boyfriend on one side of our house and a girl friend on the other.. and even though all of them have yet to speak proper sentences they seem to communicate well... through the bars of the fences and when the parents are outside in the evening chatting. Its good to see that she has friends of her age, and Walter can intrude (he still cant talk and those of his age wont play with him).

On a different note, we got a new aircon (a 1HP cheap one) and put our old aircon (getting noisy and so many times blocked so needed constant servicing) in the back room.. just in time for a Kiwi friends visit.. guess he can sleep soundly now with the aircon just serviced and running well and not complain of the heat in Malaysia.
What was interesting was the number of people involved in the job and that it took a good part of the day, yet was surprisingly affordable. I wonder how those guys make their money. When they left, my boy took the mop from the maid and started mopping the floor. He is one good boy (sometimes).
Love you Walter.

Ernest

2011 MAG Scholar Conference

2010-05-05T13:04:00.002+08:00

Call for Paper for 2011 MAG Scholar Conference; Christchurch, New Zealand; May 30‐31, 2011; Any academics interested pls do send paper or email me for further details.

Back to Village

2010-05-01T20:12:00.006+08:00

Went back to my wife's village today. Firstly to talk on the electrification process for the village. I had the chance to meet Sarawak's PWD Deputy Director some time back and raised the issue of no electricity in my wife's village, even though its just around 5km from the main grid. Managed to get people to come and see if we had enough water to run a mini-hydro for the village. Sad that they just show certain places and not all the places I asked them to; but enough electric for 1 bulb per house for 20 houses. A certain portion of the village will not get it. So we will work on that. We also discussed getting a committee set up so that the government can help out. I will also have to work on setting up some way to get help from MOSTI and perhaps even UNIMAS.
After the long talk, we went to see our house and the progress... almost none...lol. This is the view from the front door of our house. I don't like the way things were progressing but I understand that the way things are discussed (long winded and detailed) is the norm and to meet and save face of everyone. I just want the house done and that's it. We now have water and just need to do parts of the ceiling and the front porch. Then some netting on the windows to stop mosquito's and paint the place. Yaa...
Then lunch at my mother in law's sisters house. Simple food, nice.. salted fish, small fish from the river, fried or steamed. I been having stomach-ache so didn't eat this time.
Sad to see her husband suffering, has some back problem that has made his right arm cold and weak, can't grip and therefore cant work the land. He was telling of how the doctors asked him to stay in the hospital for a month, at RM3 a day and he cannot afford it. Told him he could just go and the government will give him for free, plus he can get his police son to get a letter from his boss to allow free hospitalization.
Went to another house for a short chat, mother in law's younger brother. The daughter had a OK result for SPM, but dont know what to do. Too late to apply for places so suggested she go to Form 6. Thats a sad thing for them, they are poor, isolated and don't really know what is going on or even how to apply for help or for a place. Must remember to look into this later.

Ernest

Family Outing ; Sarawak Museum

2010-04-18T14:04:00.006+08:00

We woke up late today, and so off to town for breakfast. Wife wanted to have her porridge and I hadn't had the tongue for some time. The usual place, this time with both of our kids. Walter as usual with his bread and Vina was sharing the porridge with her mum. Vina rarely smiles...After breakfast, we didn't feel like going home and since I had my camera with me, we decided to go to the Sarawak Museum. Another place that we used to drive by but never enter. The outside was the same.. and the inside.. they were setting up a new exhibition.. so went upstairs and looked at the old exhibits. Walter didn't want to go in to the 'cave' and had to carry him. The body in the vase was still there and I like the vases.. proof there was trade with China a long time ago. We then crossed the road to the next building.
Here I like... but Walter was more keen to just climb stairs. One must go upstairs and see the murals. Another must is the Palang... lol... it must have hurt but men have always been willing to do such things ...lol.. go see. Imagine, at a time where there was no anesthetics and pills in case something goes wrong. Couldn't take photos... haiz. The museum is a good place for a lazy morning.

Ernest

Dust

2010-04-16T16:40:00.002+08:00

I am actually irritated ... poor motorcyclist.. and one of the reasons I just don't bother to wash my car... LOL.Wonder who is to blame? The council for not thinking of ways to make life easier or the Contractor/Developer who just doesn't bother or the lorry drivers that are just chasing time in order to earn a little bit more.
Well, what am I ranting about... this... the amount of mud and later dust (depending on the weather) that is thrown onto the road when a construction project is started. I remember a few years ago, visiting Singapore, and saw a construction site, where there is a tank of water on the road leading out.. that lorries had to drive through, so that by the time they reached the main road, there is no mud on their tyres.. hence clean roads and no need for these poor person to endanger their lives and lungs.I wonder if we have any laws on this?

Ernest

Loan Shark Banners

2010-04-16T16:14:00.005+08:00

A few weeks ago, there was so much news of how the police has been tearing down loan shark advertisements, notices and banners. News that the telephone numbers being used will be terminated.Now, they are up again.
All over .. on the way to town and to UNIMAS, on the way down from 6th mile onwards, everywhere. These banners are hanging on light poles, nailed to trees and just plastered everywhere. The joke is when I drive I see police cars, council cars, and even the telephone company cars drive by and must have seen these banners.
Here, we as law abiding persons, have to pay the councils to put up our banners and go through all the rigmarole of dealing with the bureaucracy.. and these sharks just do what they like. Worse still they just hammer in their banners into the trees with nails. And what does the police or council do? Well, for this past few weeks... nothing.
Sad. Very sad.
As the Malay saying goes, hangat-hangat tahi ayam...
Felt like wanting to just tear it down myself, but that little voice in me cautioned me not to do anything.. especially after reading in the newspapers of what these sharks have done.
Haiz..

Ernest

PS: This is today, 17.04.10, saw new banners.. placed at strategic places, and more and more by the road side. Haiz!

Vina on her car...

2010-04-12T20:49:00.002+08:00

Vina enjoys playing on her car (or is it her brothers) ... get out of her way... she really enjoys it.

Ernest

How to eat Peking Duck

2010-04-12T20:47:00.001+08:00

As promised, the waitress teaching us how to eat our Peking Duck

Ernest

Peking Duck in Peking (Beijing)

2010-04-11T13:26:00.006+08:00

When we were in Beijing, we went to this restaurant near Tianamen Square.. the translator that took us said its a very well known place, usually for the officials. The table was laid
and the chopstick holder was a small cute duck. Our duck came in a short while, and the chef cut it up there and there for us.
Doren was busy on the phone with our children..
The duck came with its own certificate and number, and the waitress explained the history of the restaurant and how the duck was raised.
The meal was served with its own sauce(very nice) and scallions
with thin slices of duck skin
duck head and its brains
duck skin and meat
and the thin wafer that you wrapped the duck in..
The bill came... R487 or around RM250 for a duck.
And as in Shanghai, the waitress asked if we wanted a bill and the bill came with a chance to win something.. we just got a thank you for coming... : )
I'll put up the video of how to wrap the duck, cause we couldn't...lol. We just used a mixture of chopstick and fingers, not as elegant as the waitress. The duck was good, but whether was it worth the price... well, for once in a lifetime, why not.

Ernest

Good Question

2010-04-05T18:21:00.002+08:00

Saw this and thot to share.. my brother must have been teaching somewhere... hope you know whether you are a girl or a boy.. : )

Happy Easter

2010-03-30T18:10:00.001+08:00

My first sermon!

2010-03-28T13:12:00.006+08:00

Just did a sermon, in Bahasa Malaysia at SIB Shalom, a church near the University. Here is the draft of what I said.

Saya tidak ingin berkhutbah, lebih kepada perkongsian mengenai 3 perkara yang saya rasakan penting bagi kita semua; iaitu pemahaman mengenai kenapa kita berada disini dan apakah erti sebenar diri kita disini. Perkongsian saya berkisar 3 isu dan setiap satu mempunyai 3 perkara untuk direnungkan:
Kenapa saya menjadi seorang Kristian, dan
Apa maknanya menjadi seorang Kristian kepada saya, dan
Bagaimana dunia mengetahui kita Kristian.

Kenapa saya pilih Kristus?
1. Saya berdosa (Roma 3:23; Roma 6:23)
2. Apa saja yang saya buat tidak cukup untuk mendekatkan saya kepada Tuhan; Semua agama lain memerlukan saya melakukan sesuatu, yang semestinya dan pastinya saya tidak boleh lakukan.
3. Hanya Kristus menyayangi / mengasihi aku (Yohanes 3:16)

Tetapi adakah itu cukup? Apa sebenarnya makna menjadi Kristian. Bagi saya ada 3 perkara.
1. Asasnya dan secara simplistik, Percaya kepada Yesus, bagus sebagai permulaan – tetapi Iblis juga percaya kepada Yesus, bahkan telah bertemu dan bercakap dengan Yesus, rujuk Matius 4: 1 – 11 tetapi Iblis masih akan ke neraka (Wahyu 20: 1 – 3)
2. Menerima Yesus sebagai Tuhan (Lord) dan Juruselamat (Yohanes 1:12) Kita mesti menerimanya – Iblis tidak mahu menerima Yesus, percaya Yesus ujud, percaya Yesus; tetapi tidak menerima. Kita seakan-akan seorang yang mati lemas.
3. Iman – kita harus mempunyai iman; kerana semua yang kita terima; semua yang kita ada; adalah kerana kasih karunia. (Ephesus 2: 8 – 9)
Apa itu iman? (Ibrani 11:1). Bagi saya iman adalah sepert saya terapung di laut, yang baru tadi saya hampir lemas. Tetapi iman tanpa perbuatan adalah sia sia (Yakubus 2:17).

Bagaimana dunia mengetahui kita Kristian.
1. melalui amalan kita - ke gereja (Ibrani 10:25), bawa (dan harap baca) Alkitab (KPR 17:11), pakai salib (maybe not), berdoa (Yohanes 15:7), patuh kepada ajaran Kristian (Yohanes 14:21) dan bersaksi (Matius 4:19; Yohanes 15:8)
2. Lebih mendalam – kita mengasihi satu sama lain (Yohanes 13: 34-35). Apakah itu kasih (1 Korintus 13:4).
3.Saling mengasihi ini harus dilakukan. Kena buat. Bukan sahaja cakap. (1 Korintus 16:14) Ceritakan mengenai PPDK.

Old Newspaper

2010-03-15T17:09:00.003+08:00

As usual, it must be a Saturday afternoon, when you want to doze off.. and the loudspeaker from this van rings loud and clear, Old Newspaper, Surathabar Lama, Bateri Kereta Rosak... and so on...This time I managed to get some photos.
We always sell our paper to these people who come by, my mother-in-law says we are losing money, especially if we take the paper to a collection center, but I am lazy. So the guys get out of the van with a weighing machine and quickly loads the paper onto the weighing machine. They then tell us the rate and the amount due and pays my wife.. for this lot we got a grand total of RM5.50!
Yaaa... my wife is rich.. LOL.

Ernest

Irritating

2010-03-02T12:19:00.005+08:00

This is the car of a person who overtook us at the 6th Mile traffic lights, from the right (where it was meant for vehicles to make a u-turn), turning into the road in front of me at last minute at high speed, forcing me to brake suddenly; and he got stuck in the heavy traffic in front of me. He turned in to 7th Mile. The sad thing was there was someting on my windshield, so couldn't get the car number plate! BTW, not wearing seat belt.This is another irritating thing for me. There is so many car parks available but these towkays and towkay neo's cant spare the 20sen required to park their car or lorry at the right place. This is at the RHB near tHe Spring. Quite a common sight. In fact, its a common sight in Malaysia.. LOL. Other people suffer .. never mind, as long as I don't have to walk an extra inch.
Another irritating thing ... loan shark signs that are up again. There was some hoo haa a while ago with photos in the paper of policemen and councilmen tearing down such signs. This has now waned and the signs are up again. : )
Ernest

Old Government Quarters

2010-03-02T10:00:00.004+08:00

I was driving back from to the Universityfrom RHB bank this morning and saw this old building. Its an old government quarters. I like its design and style. Wish I had RM to build one like this for me and my family, : ).
Ernest

FarmVille

2010-02-15T10:45:00.003+08:00

LOL... seems that I am hooked on FarmVille... well, like it..
As I read a thesis, I can just fertilize a farm, or visit someone, give a gift.. and reduce my 'anger' / blood pressure over the thesis that I am reading...lol
Its kinda mind numbing thing, no need to think.. so less stressful than doing my work.. LOL.
Wonder how long this will last..

Ernest

Some pics and stories

2010-02-10T08:28:00.012+08:00

Been going to the golf course near the Uni for lunch recently, nice place, a bit high on the prices but that's what you pay. Wonder should I become a social member.. but then again, what would I actually do there?

No, it's not blood... its ketchup! Vina seems to like to eat ketchup, and it ends up all over her.

I see this every time I go to hospital, and its a pain. I want to lose weight, but I have to work and I love my food! LOL. Have to start again the diet and exercise...

Saw this as we took Vina to have her jab. LOL. The sign is placed on the pillars by the road side and right next to every sign is a 'rich man's' car and on a yellow line.

Student election. rather boring and uneventful this year. With so many rules governing students, there isnt actually anything much that the Student Union can do anyway.

Dinner at in-laws. Simple but so nice. Tapioca leaves, old hen - boiled for hours over a wooden fire in the garden and made into a soup, fried eggs and rice. Nice.

While waiting to get my blood taken for test at the General Hospital, took this pic at around 8am, so many people waiting. Guess when its free, dont complain. Anyway, I will complain. If the management already knows that the place is packed, why not a. get more staff, b. find a larger space (as most of the blood drawing must be done by specific times), c. find a different place for general blood drawing (maybe in a office block nearby?).

Was driving at Unimas and saw this banner. Colorful. Nice. But no details. When? Where?

Ernest

Conflict

2010-02-05T16:04:00.002+08:00

I have been told that I should be thankful with what I have (and believe me I know I am, not only happy but thankful and grateful to God for the bounty that I have).. and should not hope for anything else unless its given (here, I am not happy.. to just sit n wait and hope while others who do not deserve get..[comparing when I should not - shouldn't... ] and I believe I may obtain better elsewhere). So should I, obtain better?
Should I just sit and wait here...and hope that my 'rezeki' gets better; just because I have family to care for and rather difficult to leave?
Should I look for greener pastures? The risk involved, especially with family issues (mum and my son) and my own health.
Would I not be able to care for family better with a better salary? When I say I worry for my son and who will take care of him, I am 'not trusting in God' enough; why worry... but then again, reality is he has Downs Syndrome and who will look after him the moment I am not able to? How will my wife, son, daughter.. survive in this ever increasing expensive world with no job and no means of earning an income? So if I do not prepare something for them...
The headaches I face here.. haiz. But then again, I don't expect it to be different anywhere else. Would a larger salary make up for the headaches?
This is just 1 of the many reasons for the current 'haiz ...' that I am going through now...
: )

Ernest

CNY 2010

2010-02-04T08:15:00.000+08:00

Its coming soon...
Chinese New Year.. so just in case I forget ...

GONG XI FATT CHAI
HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR

Ernest, Doren, Walter, Sarah

2010-02-04T08:12:00.000+08:00

Haiz....

Malay TV Drama

2010-01-28T19:27:00.003+08:00

God how bad the Malay drama on TV is.. yet at the same time there are many people who like it and follow it (my wife for one).. and she criticizes the shows I like to watch, like Star Trek and others of that genre, even CSI and some of the comedies...lol.. different taste.

Why do I say the Malay drama on TV is bad.
1. Script - lousy, not real or even a tad realistic at all. Very poor script writing and in some cases even the language is bad (again, not real... as in no one in real life will speak like that!).
2. Actors - god, how bad are they.
3. Story line - again, how does one do not puke their guts out... and you really wonder if the writers/directors and anyone involved spent even a second to think how realistic the story line is? Its either the multi billionaire business with wheeling and dealing or the soap opera of the poor (usually marrying up) with all the virtues of God himself, teaching the bad, who come to their senses and embrace all that is good (sorry.. have to puke some more, coz I really haven't seen this in real life). And by the way, the bad people in real life usually dont go up to you and say "I am bad." The latest drama that my wife is following (Naomi) really tops the chart!
4. Lack of research - this is obvious, as the story lines do not reflect reality. I really do not know who in real life acts like what is depicted on TV.
5. Even the comedies s**k! Raja Lawak... I sat through (wife watching) and we didn't laugh at all! I wonder what was so funny? I can sit and watch Rowan Atkinson just speak and I will laugh!

At the same time I really wonder what the TV bosses are trying to portray? Something that is not existent in the real world? Perhaps they should get out of their offices and see whats happening around them...

I know its a drama, but then again... haiz.

Ernest

P.S. - did you see the 1Malaysia ad where the Mat Salleh speaks in Bahasa Malaysia... God! Wonder who was the director, script writer etc... , excuse me while I go and puke!!!!!

Amen

2010-01-18T08:20:00.003+08:00

Amen!
Hallelujah!
I knew going to church on Sundays will have a positive pay back.... wow, $6.000.000.
(Being sarcastic again, if you didn't notice)
God help me! What fool will believe this. What more if it was sent to someone who is not particularly that religious or worse, not of this religion. LOL.
And haven't they heard of a spell checker! Don't this idiots have anything better to do?

Dearest Friend

I am Rev. J. Edward Michael ,an Executor of the Will of Late Bishop Benson
Idahosa,he stipulated in his will that some certain amount of money should
be given to some churches and christains who have shown their zeal and
will for the propagation of the Gospel.

As an executor of the Will,I have conducted a search and made money
available to those listed in the will,but up till now many of them
have not come up to collect their funds either they are dead or cannot be
traced till this day.

I am contacting you to stand as one of the beneficiaries so that the funds
that have not be claimed can be paid to you and then,i shall cover over to your country
for the shareing,the total amount is $6.000.000.
Please get in touch with me as soon as you get this message today. Take care.
Contact me through my private E-mail :

Remain Bleesed,

Rev.J.EdwardMichael

Weight!

2010-01-18T07:04:00.000+08:00

Not good start to the year.
Gain weight!
Haven't started exercise.
Too long enjoying food, since the trip to Manila!
Haiz...
Woke up at 5.30 this morning, well.. barely can wake up.. and it was raining. The treadmill.. forget about it. I need to go to a gym but I don't want to. Why. Work comes first. Then the University gym works on office hours..lol. Dream on!
Must do something soon.

Ernest

Management by Teh Tarik

2010-01-13T16:31:00.004+08:00

This past few days have been talking and thinking of my previous boss management style, what I term as Management by Teh Tarik. I noticed that this is a style used by my current boss too, but limited as compared to what my previous boss did.
What is Management by Teh Tarik. Teh Tarik is a cup of tea, that is thrown from one cup to another, to create a frothy tea, usually extremely sweet. It was my previous boss's favorite drink. Whenever we went out, that was his order. And we went out quite regularly, even during office hours, to sit and talk in a non-threatening environment, of things general and fun, to work details.
Initially, he was the boss, asking you out for a drink. Headache. What to do and say. But things were done in a pleasant and non-confrontational manner. We got to know of each other outside of the job, friends and family. I wont say I was a good friend of his, partly because I don't really become chummy with people and partly he shared but not all. We became acquantainces, enough to not be akward when he invited you over for Raya.
This instances outside the office was used to discuss various things. He got to know what was happening and we got to know what was happening at his end, from his dreams to the pressure's placed on him. Work was discussed yet no one took notes as we were having tea (unless cant really remember). agreements were made. You got a sense of what needed to be done, issues that was important then and how to tackle it, and sometimes point blank instructions of what you had to do. Sometimes it was a one on one, where you got scolded but in a nice way and boss pays for the drink, lol. Overall, it was a few friends talking over a cup of tea.
Yet amazingly things got done. You understood what was needed and everyone at the table (sometimes just the two of us, sometimes quite a lot of people) did their part. I know I didn't want to let the faculty down, nor this group of people or the boss himself. We were a part of a team. This system maybe worked because we were all academicians turned management...lol. At the office, if a form/document was passed to me that was not properly filled or I believed it was lacking if brought up to management, I would have my own tea time with the person or a phone call at the very least. I never pushed ahead something that was lacking, because I didn't want the faculty to suffer a lost.
We also seemed to meet with colleagues at our level for tea, to build support and coalitions, especially when bringing up issues to higher management. This time the tea was used for discussing ideas and building alliances or even hinting (sometimes directly) to someone that they were out of line. Things were discussed first before bringing up to top management, so everyone were usually aware of the issue before it was even formally discussed.
Now I miss that tea time with the boss and other colleagues. Once in a while when I reach the restaurant and see them sitting and having a drink I do join them, usually asking first if its OK. You can sense if its a meeting or if it is not, and especially if someone was getting a chewing out... don't want to intrude.
I don't really have close friends, mainly (if not all) acquaintances. Only a few people know the real me, warts and all (aside from my wife of course). This management system allowed for the acquaintance to be of a deeper level. It also got things to move, especially in the bureaucratic world we live in. Things got done. I like to believe that I had helped individuals as well as the faculty during that time, and still am even now.
Except now its black coffee for me. : )

Ernest

Burning Churches and Bigots

2010-01-11T10:36:00.005+08:00

I am actually very sad of the situation in Malaysia.

We don't usually go out burning churches or houses of religion. There is an accidental bulldoze or some misunderstandings in the past but not an all out attack. This time, its minor and actually not serious physical attacks, but attacks nonetheless. Why I say minor.. because its just a few bottles of petroleum being thrown into church property or some doors smashed in. That's not a major physical issue, a couple of dollars and its all spruced up. In one case, half a million Ringgit was given but have to relocate (hmmm.. wonder if that was the real issue).

Anyway, before I digress and end up in ISA (which is Christ by the way, in Malay, isn't that ironic), lets get back to the topic at hand. Its not major yet it is. Why is it major? Because people are now openly against another religion and openly physically attacking another religion without fear of the law. There are no more mask (which in a way is good). Its an all out open attack.

Interestingly, yesterday TV3 shows that a number of Muslim NGO's want to go out and protect churches. At the same time, there are groups that set up blogs and FB sites attacking Christians, such as Menentang Penggunaan Nama Allah oleh golongan bukan Islam.

It is also fascinating to me also that everyone jumps to the conclusion that all this church burning and bigotry stems from the legal case of Herald and the use of the word Allah in its publications. I grew up in Terengganu, where Christians are a small minority. I know that the State had its own laws which prohibit the use of specific words by non-Muslims, specifically Christians, yet we all used it as it was the norm in speaking. When I came to Sarawak (and later to understand the situation in Sabah is also similar), the churches used Allah and had been using it for ages before.

Another point to consider. If you have traveled the world, you will know that the word Allah is used by many different peoples. In Indonesia, in the Arab states, many words that Malaysians think is only for Muslims are common daily language. My Pakistani students don't understand what the fuss is all about.

Thirdly, this is a legal case and therefore shouldn't we render unto Caeser what is Caesers? Let the law take its path and we follow what is decided, both Christian or Muslim.

Also, I like to point out how this issue correlates with the definition of Natives in Sarawak case. In Sarawak, we have been happily going around saying we are natives until an 'overzealous (not my word but in the papers)' clerk decides to use the law (which is there and still not changed and within the rights of the clerk to do so). Same thing with the word Allah. We in Sabah and Sarawak have been using it for ages, until someone decided to make it an issue and lo and behold, here we are.

What should be done. I suggest patience, forgiveness, kindness. Christ did not ask us to slap back those who slapped us, but give them the other cheek to slap. No worries. A couple of churches burnt. So what. Its just buildings.

I also suggest that we say nothing until we know what actually happened. Don't add to the confusion, fear and worry. Don't judge. Hey, for all you may know, the attacks may have been carried out by those within our own or for other reasons unknown to us. Don't judge.

Dont carry tales, especially if you cannot verify it.

I am sad when I see my undergraduates joining these stupid 'hate groups.' It does not help to decrease fear and neither does it show maturity on one's side. So don't propagate other people's agenda, unless it is your agenda to hate.

I suggest that we forgive, and bear with what is happening and to come. Patience. Love. Forgiveness.

This is our land. We live here. For better or for worse. I prefer for better.

Ernest

My Kids

2010-01-08T08:14:00.003+08:00

Children do grow up so quickly.
It feels like yesterday that we were so worried of Walters first operation. Now we worry of Vina climbing all over things and falling down, while Walter has become the good elder brother... sometimes. Vina is really a terror, taking things from her brother and even hitting him and she shows no remorse. Everything is hers... guess she hasnt learnt to share yet.
Both of them seem to be doing well. After Walter's first day of school, both of them played around, running in the house etc and then I realized everything was quiet. Quiet is not good. Walter becomes quiet when he is up to something that he knows is wrong, like coloring the wall. Vina .. well Vina climbs. So I look out from the computer room and lo and behold, a sight for sore eyes. My two angels asleep, in their own favorite style. : ) The past few days where I just spent lazing around with them gave me much respect for my mum and the many mothers of her generation who had to work and still take care of the kids. My wife gets tired looking after these two angels. Thank God we have a maid to help us. Another evening and this time Walter threw all his toys onto the floor and Vina joined in the fun. Neither one of them wanted to clean it up. Naughty!
Ernest

I am RICH!!!!

2010-01-02T09:10:00.001+08:00

Yaaa.. its a good year, just on the 2nd day and I am a millionaire... (FYI, being cynical here)
Wonder who is dumb enough to believe this?

SWIFT MESSAGE

Swift Input : FIN103 CUSTOMER CREDIT
Date of issue : 17 / 12 / 2009
Maturing at : 23 / 12 / 2009
Amount : 5,390,000.00 USD

Dear Sir,

We refer to thirty- six (36) payments sent to our bank on the 17th of December 2009 under the instructions of the International Centre for Settlement of Contracts & Investments Disputes (ICSID) which is an autonomous international institution established under the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Settlement of Contracts Disputes, Lottery Winnings etc. Value was 23rd December 2009. Twenty-seven payments have since been completed, while nine remained pending.

Your name has just been submitted to us as the beneficiary to one of the payments under the following transaction references;

1) TRN S076554920134392
Amount USD 5,390,000 -00
Value dated 23 December 2009
By order of ICSID via the Central Bank of France
Reference: FR/FMF/CBF-47/09ST

We advise as status payment arriving our bank and ready for onward transmission to your account as the final beneficiary. This means that funds will be available in your account on or before Thursday, the 31st of December 2009, payment to be made by a nominative, non-endorsed and payable at sight international bank draft covering the total fund ($5.39Million) that will be acceptable for payment by the drawee bank (your bank) to be issued in your favor but that will depend on you, if you are comfortable receiving the payment by International Bank Draft which I will have the pleasure to bring to your home or office address personally; I will be with you in your country to make sure it is paid at sight upon presentation by you before I return.
Attached with this letter is the PROVE OF DEPOSIT & DEPOSIT STATEMENT.

Should you require any clarifications and/or enquiry, please contact the undersigned at the below telephone, fax

Attn: Bernard Lolliot
Wire Services Manager
Fideuram Bank (Monaco)
Tel: +33 970 46 68 03

Sincerely,
Bernard Lolliot
Wire Services

Happy New Year

2009-12-30T09:29:00.001+08:00

Dear All,
Just in case get too busy to wish you... so I am doing it now...lol...

May you and yours have a HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Ernest
Doren
Walter
Sarah Alvina

Christmas

2009-12-26T08:16:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas!

We had a simple Open House and photos are here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=134542&id=553943916&l=8a89e3ce34

Most of our neighbors came over and a few students and family. It was good to meet them in a social situation and relax. Walter was very good, which was a surprise in crowds, didnt cry or hide but mixed with people and shake hands. He remembered Neil and even hug him. Vina was rather quiet and she rarely smiles.

We had a good time entertaining people, though we didnt cook a single thing. Everything was catered because I thought there would be more Muslims turning up.

We are off to Doren's village now, taking all the remaining food and drink, and cakes and chocolates, and perhaps a bottle or two ...

Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Ernest, Doren, Walter and Sarah

Good One

2009-12-26T08:13:00.001+08:00

Received this in an email and thought it was good; do have a read:

Recently, I read an interesting piece of article in The Borneo Post which was about "Beauty, Outer and Inner." The writer, Mr Dunstan Chan, shared a story about a beautiful young lady who posted in a forum on the Internet:

"I'm going to be honest of what I'm going to say here. I'm 25 this year. I'm very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above..." Ms Pretty.

The following was purported to be a reply from the CEO of JP Morgan:

"Dear Ms Pretty, I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to analyse your situation as a professional investor. My annual income is more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone believes that I'm not wasting time here. From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you. The answer is very simple, so let me explain.

Put the details aside, what you're trying to do is an exchange of 'beauty' and 'money': Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square. However, there's a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can't be prettier year after year. Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It's not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worried 10 years later.

By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a 'trading position'. If the trade value dropped we will sell it and it is not a good idea to keep it for long term-same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or 'leased'. Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advise that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income. This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Hope this reply helps. If you are interested in 'leasing' services, do contact me..."

OKU

2009-12-22T08:12:00.003+08:00

OKU refers to a term used in Malaysia representing Orang Kurang Upaya or roughly translated into English, the handicapped.
At the Manila airport, sitting next to me were a bunch of young Malay guys and girls, who I think believed that I did not speak or understand Malay. They were making jokes of OKU, as to how being a OKU will allow one faster access into the plane, and asking each other to act as a OKU, with various facial and verbal gestures.
Here I was, sitting next to these young obviously educated yet still morons, trying to control my temper. I controlled my temper, and just sat through the charade. Now I regret it. Should have just told them off, but I know that will create a scene and these kind of people ... well, they are not worth it.
Having an education but with no social niceties, manners and personality.. might as well have no education. They were typical Malaysians, just cant wait their turn to get into the plane... talking off the cuff, assuming no one else understood what they said, loud and boisterous, and just plain ill-mannered.. just embarrassing to be a Malaysian with these kind of people around.
Haiz...

Ernest

Christmas Carollers

2009-12-15T09:10:00.002+08:00

We had Carollers visiting our house last night.Walter started out OK, shaking hands with the first few people but when more and more came in he went to the back and started crying. It became worse when the carolers started singing. Unsure whether it is his hearing or because he is not use to having many people in the house (or elsewhere for the matter).
Guess that's another thing to ask the doctors... but at least his mum had a good time. An early Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.

Ernest

Email Scams

2009-12-14T17:07:00.001+08:00

Why do they do this?

I hope you received my message? And is very urgent. I could barely think straight at this point. I had a trip here in United Kingdom on a mission. I hope you are fine? I'm sorry i didn't inform you about my trip to United Kingdom for a program. I am presently in Sheffield and I am having some difficulties. I misplaced my bag on my way to the hotel where other valuable things were kept along with my passport. I feel so ashamed because i am so stranded and idle. I will like you to help me with a loan of 1300pounds to pay my hotel bills and also return back home. I will refund the money to you as soon as I get back, I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively I currently have limited access to emails for now.

Why? Who in their right mind will do what was asked? Haiz...

Ernest

Walter's School Clothes

2009-12-05T21:06:00.007+08:00

Can I be negative.. just for a moment..or must I put up the brave face and smile as if nothing is amiss.
My wife see this event as a great event, her son is going to school, and we are now shopping for his school clothes. Albeit Walter will be going to a school for handicapped children where there is not enough teachers and most probably Walter will only learn how to color, which he is already good at. I want him to be able to speak, at the very least. I need him to, because I fear for his future, and for me to speak to my son, to know that he knows that I love him. Yet I know I must be brave, for him and for many more now under our wings at the rehab center. My boy, smiles, and is excited. Seems that my wife is too. I, happy and at the same time sad, very sad. I wonder if he is even aware what this short trip means, indicates, points to? All he is aware to me is that he is out with us, for a car ride and to a shopping center. He is playing with shoes. Doren is seriously looking for various pairs of shoes. People are looking at Walter, staring even. He runs into the Bata shop, and as I walk in, he sits down, puts his hand out and indicates for me to sit down with him. I am sitting down in the Bata shoe shop, just looking at my son. He is happy. So am I.We then went looking for his shirt and trousers for school. Doren is in her element and is happy fiddling with many different choices of a white shirt and blue pants! Me.. getting bored. Walter, excited.
My son in his first school clothes. No matter how negative I may be, I am proud, of him. After all the trials and tribulations he has gone through, I am proud of him. My son, Walter. He is going to school you know.. and I am crying as I write this.
Ernest

Haiz...

2009-11-30T07:01:00.001+08:00

Just two weeks of relaxing (i.e. not so strict food control and exercise) and I gained 2kgs!

Haiz...

Ernest

Driving in Kuching

2009-11-29T19:47:00.004+08:00

I just don't know what is it about Kuching drivers.
I just find it irritating to drive to town or in town. If at all possible I would just rather not drive. I really do wonder where are the policemen of Kuching.. and wonder why not more people are caught. This is just today, of what I remember..
1. As we were reaching 7th Mile traffic lights, an idiot zoomed and swerved in front of us and then went to the right (lanes to turn into 7th mile) into the yellow box. At least he stopped. Then right on straight. Young boy driving a old Iswara.
2. As we were coming into Jalan Keretapi, another idiot from the feeder road on our left, just zoomed in to the main road. The joke is we were on the 2nd lane and he still managed to make me stop and swerved to the right to avoid him. Another young guy in a souped up Wira.
3. We laughed when we saw this at the traffic light turning to Green Road/Saberkas. An "auntie" driving an expensive car stopped in the shade, while there was enough space in front of her to place at least 4 cars. She was in her car, why stop so far away from the car in front?
4. A small Viva, zoomed right near behind us, and I was going at 80kmh, followed so closely that it made me slow down and he overtook us and zoomed on, zig zagging in between cars. The car was filled with a young family, all not wearing seat belts.
5. Same thing a bit later but with a Myvi. They dont seem to worry of their family in the car, and a seat belt still seems optional.
6. On the way back, a 4 wheel drive truck on my left decided to go to the right where I was, just after the traffic light (near the pottery places), without indicating. I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting him. Then this idiot drives at 50kmh on the fast lane. When we reach the 6th mile traffic lights he stops in the middle of the two lanes!
7. Forget the idiots who just drive at 40kmh on the right side of the road; or those who just go on ahead when the lights are red (especially at 7th Mile traffic light); or those who speak on the hand phone and slowly .. oh so ever slowly drive; or the motorcyclist who texts from his hand phone while driving in front of you; ... oh well... you get the idea.
That's just today.
No wonder my blood pressure is high!
I think I need to get a driver... but it will be cruel punishment for anyone..

Ernest

Entrepreneur Talk at Pusa

2009-11-22T08:32:00.009+08:00

On Friday, I was approached by a colleague and friend, Harry Entebang, to join him to go to Pusa to give a talk on entrepreneurship. That night was the International Graduates Night Dinner and we had to leave the next morning.. so had very little sleep. But nowadays, if I can, I want to go and see places, people, events and better still if I can contribute, before I cannot see anymore anyway (touch wood, hope that will be a long long long time more in coming).
Doren joined us and we traveled to Pusa. I like travelling to the countryside, the view is wonderful and there is always something new to see. There were places that I had not been too recently and places I haven't been to. You can see the change in the Sarawak landscape, from city, towns, small villages, a few houses and then jungle or durian tress, and nowadays more likely oil palm plantations. I like to see the paddy fields, green patches in between jungle or fruit trees. We were traveling too fast to just stop and take photos, plus the road and traffic really didn't allow us to do so, but its beautiful. I also enjoy seeing the rivers and sad to see the rivers that were clear now run muddy or blocked. We passed by a river that Harry used to jump in and swim but was now dark and blocked with debris. On the way back we went in to Engkilili, just to see the place, a row of old shop houses facing the river. Reminded me of Sematan, same style except that Sematan faced the sea.
The talk was held in a school and the YB had just finished her session when we arrived. People were restless as they waited for their lunch and we walked around to see the few Ministry of Agriculture and FAMA booths. I personally think that what was shown was beyond the scope of small agricultural farmers and my view is still that the government should help to coordinate and create cooperatives among the villagers to help build their business acumen and generate wealth. As I shared with them during our talk; When it is durian season, you have a durian tree and I have a durian tree. Both of us want to sell durian, but both of us have more than enough durian. Somehow or rather we must sell to someone else who has no durian. I shared with them what I have seen done in Taiwan and saw that the Ministry official taking notes, hopefully something will happen. I am thankful to Harry for sharing this opportunity with me. It was very kind hearted of him and we (Doren and myself) enjoyed ourselves.
I was rather sad to see that we still cant seem to keep our toilets clean. The men's toilet was not flushed and the women's toilet was no better (according to Doren). I dont understand this, as we Malaysians are very particular of our own homes and toilets but when it comes to public toilets (and this is a school toilet), its just left to waste.
On our way back, we stopped for some fruit and there were a group of big bikers resting. Had a short chat and looked at the bikes. Now to look for a bike. I am trying to slow down on this, and place it as a reward for me, if I lose another 15 to 20 kilos more. But then will that be too late?
On the way back it rained but all was good. I also noticed the bridges - all had the same style. Must have been built ages ago.
We reached home safely around 8 and went to pick up the kids and the maid. Doren had to have a burger, so did I. LOL. There goes the diet. This week, I gained nearly 2 kilos this week, just like that. Why.. didn't exercise and there was a few big dinners and lunches (LOL, my own choice). So sad.
It was an enjoyable trip... now to prepare for this afternoon's PDKM Meeting (Rehab center). Pics on FB at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=126120&id=553943916&l=d8d8d4fc87

Kuching Drivers

2009-11-19T13:57:00.003+08:00

I know I have written about this before.. but it just irks me..
Why we don't follow the rules, drive in such a hurry and cause problems for others?
This morning, left a bit early than my normal time (I leave a bit late to work just to avoid this) and as expected, cars just broke the law in order to (supposedly) shave a minute or two off their precious time (while creating trouble for others). The first picture.. this is a roundabout... the white truck and others following behind are breaking the law by driving on the wrong side of the road. Cars that are coming in to the housing area have to squeeze past them and cars that follow the rule of a roundabout.. well, who's brave gets in. The second picture shows how 'brave' Malaysian drivers are. It's a 1 lane leading out but there are three 'lanes' in front of me. The white car had zoomed in from the back and edged out into the traffic (causing trouble for others) and then zoomed out. Hey, if you dont want to be late... have you considered leaving earlier?

Ernest

Breakfast...

2009-11-08T12:10:00.005+08:00

Planned activities for today did not materialize. Wife not feeling well, so didn't go to church and the PDK Mambong meeting cancelled due to insufficient quorum. Plus I have a headache. LOL.
But that's not the story here...
So we slept in... and went out for breakfast. Everywhere (well, our usual haunts for breakfast) was packed. We didn't feel like waiting in line for a cup of tea and something to eat, so as we drove around, saw a Malay restaurant and decided why not... It was not bad, had mee jawa and soto ayam (my wife keeps on commenting... where is the chicken?, just noodles in a soup). It was not bad, the mee jawa was a bit too sweet for us and the soto, well... where's the chicken? But then again, that's not the story.
LOL.
Its just this constant disappointment when we go to Malay restaurants in Kuching. Usually, service is slow. You wait to be served. In many cases I can see the waitresses jiggling each other as to who is to come and approach me to take my order. For me, I am used to being stared at, and people don't seem to understand even when I speak Malay to them. Many a time I have a conversation with the waitress who then tries to speak to me in English. Even when I speak to her in Malay, and they kind of switch off when I speak.
At many places, the food is also slow to be served. You can see that there is no system in place to take orders. There is no system in cooking. Everything is at a slow pace. Some places are obviously better than others, but that is a rarity. I usually note these place and these are the places I go back to, such as Taman Kereta (well, its Halal food, but you can see the Chinese bosses) and the night stalls at 7th Mile (the Jawa ladies and the satay guy... hmmmmmm satay... can you see me drooling).
Even when you want to pay. I showed my RM10 note to the boss and asked for the bill. He walks over, but doesn't take the money, instead ask another person to 'kira' (count) and walks to the front. The person assigned to the task then goes and gets the bill from 2 other tables, one of them directly in front of us .. who are still eating! The ladies at that table look bewildered when asked to pay. LOL. Later, she (the cashier) comes and takes the RM10 and gives me back a change of RM0.10.
This brings to my next point. Malay food in Kuching is expensive. Two bowls of extremely plain noodles (without chicken, mine at least had tofu and half an egg) and 2 cups of tea (kosong/plain) comes to RM9.90! Even the most expensive Kolok Mee at 10th Mile with 2 to 3 huge prawns, meat, fish ball, meat ball, vege, etc comes to RM5 a bowl (and I complain for that). Nevertheless, relatively this is cheap. Just a few days ago, I paid RM49.80 for 3 persons rice and drink at a different Malay food stall.
Which brings to the next point... am I being scammed? Or is this the usual thing.. ?

Ernest

Teaching is so ...

2009-11-03T16:17:00.003+08:00

Just received my Semester 2 08/09 student evaluation of my teaching. Overall a B grade (out of a A, B, C, D, E grade). The sad thing is that for the fist time there are students who rated me at E. Just feel disappointed. Here one tries one's best to teach an extremely difficult subject (Research Methodology for Economics and Business), with hours of preparation and tutorials to teach students how to use SPSS.. and there are those who rate me as E!
Oh well, its a normal curve... LOL.There are also A's. Average out - B.
But it hurts. But as the saying goes, what hurts you but doesn't kill you just makes you stronger/better.
One student made a rather weird comment, "Lecturer keep on sneezing in class." I don't know whether to laugh or cry at that kind of a comment. I do admit there was a few times when I had the flu but struggled on to teach a class. Hey, I covered my nose when I sneezed. LOL.
Others were just not right, such as "Please make clear clarification of the assignment." Everything was prepared and informed in the first class (which many students did not attend) and posted on Morpheous (on-line website for class notes and teaching learning; which many students did not read). I find a common phrase among students when I ask them where did they hear / learn of my assignments - "Kawan saya bagi tahu (My friend told me)," which raises a question in my mind... why didnt you find out for yourself?
But these statements are the rarity. But I like them. Why? Even if it hurts, and I admit it does, it allows me to look into the preparation of my classes in the future and make my classes better. Sorry I couldn't make it the best for you now, but I tried.
Of course there was praises, but I learnt that just listening to praises is nice for the feeling and ego but doesn't help in the long run if I want to better myself. I must seek and obtain the criticisms in order to better myself. Hey, I know I am not a good lecturer (plus now with less and less time to prepare). I am learning to be better, with every class and every lecture.
Nevertheless I am sad for this batch of students. I find them too pampered, too lazy, too molly cuddled. There doesn't seem to be an urgency among them, to search for knowledge, to do more than expected. I fear for them when they go out to the real world and experience bosses who scold more, louder and coarser than me. Buts that's a teacher speaking. We worry for our students. They...
I wish them the best.

Ernest

Padawan Raft Safari 2009

2009-10-31T13:26:00.018+08:00

We have been planning to go and watch the Padawan Raft Safari since we saw the buntings by the road side. Just didn't know where exactly to go. Finally after some phone calls and a short trip on the Internet, got it.
Went this morning. Was a slow drive, to enjoy the sights. My navigator and camera woman (Doren) was not so good at both... lol... and we nearly fought over this. But cool heads prevailed.
We first drove to Kg Danu for the flag off. By the time we got there, there was so many cars parked by the side of the road. We parked right at the end.. and walked to the starting point. It was hot. There was some people, not as many as I expected. We went to the hanging bridge to see the action and could see the participants in the river, on their rafts or canoes. Some seemed capable, a lot were not. Saw one raft floating away with one guy on it and the others hanging on. Thank God they had life jackets, so they were bobbing next to the raft. LOL.
YB Dato James Dawos was there, in the middle of the river, on a sandbar, flagging people off. : ) I like him as a YB. He has really shown his interest and involvement with the community.
We then drove to the end point, Kg Git. By river its a 26 mile journey. By road.. feels short, but the scenery was beautiful. We went a bit fast and missed a guy selling durian. Haiz.. otherwise could have had durian for lunch.
At Kg Git, there was some stalls set up and later there would be a show etc for the closing ceremony. We wandered through the Kg (short form for Kampung, i.e. village). It was interesting to note that the ladies of the Kg were collecting funds, i.e. through giving a corsage (made of shiny paper/plastic) and the expected donation of RM1. We noticed that a few persons didn't seem to know the custom. Saw some interesting finger food, from catfish, burgers, to tradtional Bidayuh food such as rice cooked in pitcher plant. There was also a DeeJay, perched on a tree overlooking the river.
Seems that there was a UNIMAS contingent, that I didn't know of. UNIMAS won in the canoe and the police came in first in the raft category. The ladies of Kg Git won the women raft category. We stayed for a while and then drove back... guess what was available at 10th Mile... Durian. That's another story.
I enjoyed the trip and saw many places that normally would not see. I see potential for tourism. I heard there were some kayak/canoe tours, but cant even find details of it. There is no transport for people from town to go to this place, so only those involved and people from nearby came. But I see potential.

Ernest

See photos at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=121081&id=553943916&l=407eec3c3d

See Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql2IYH8C2Kc

Race and Privileges (2)

2009-10-31T07:13:00.003+08:00

My take on this issue; nothing much will happen. Why... Years of experience.

Lets look at the current scenario. Newspaper report. Big noise. On FB and all over town, even in coffee shops (when had lunch yesterday).
Then another new paper report. More noise. Even stronger words and bigger officials.
This morning... even the Deputy Chief Minister spoke. WOW. Maybe he must have realized that his grandkids will no longer be Bumiputera according to this law.

Soon... there will be silence. Trust me. Nothing more to report in the papers. New sensational news come about. People have short memories.

Lets compare to a recent case.

Lets look at the most recent hoo haw that I have highlighted here. The tyre fire near my place, at the illegal tyre storage by the side of the road. Let me illustrate.

Newspaper report. Big noise. On FB and all over town, even in coffee shops.
Then another new paper report. More noise. Even stronger words and bigger officials. More photos of very important persons visiting.

For your information, the tyre storage is still there. Yesterday as I was driving back, I even saw a blue truck pouring out even more tyres on to the site.

And that is what will happen to Marina's case.

Lets hope our elected official prove me wrong. But I doubt it, as SDNU already bluntly said they will not bring up the issue (yesterday's paper). And even by bringing it to Parliament, what are the chances any changes will occur (who will even want to bring it to Parliament?). Reading in FB, Sabah practices a more lenient law, either one parent is Bumiputera, the children are (Sino-Kadazan).

The joke is... why should I worry... no matter what, my daughter cant inherit her mother's land and rights. My son has Downs Syndrome and by law cant inherit anything. And the current law basically isn't in my favor. As I told my wife, we have to prepare for the future of our children, never to expect for any help.

Ernest

Race and Priveleges

2009-10-30T06:43:00.005+08:00

Any mixed blood person in Sarawak should read today's Borneo Post! Pg 4 - 1. there is no mention of Iban in the definition of Bumiputera in Sarawak only Land & Sea Dayak, a term not used; 2. a YB suggest we use the law of domicility i.e definition of a child's race based on father, as per state constitution; 3. SDNU suggest using meritocracy and does not wish to change constitution and 4. A YB says the Marina decision should be reversed.
Why, just because her father is Iban?
If her father was Chinese and mother was Iban, this would not be an issue. No one would be bothered (maybe SUPP...LOL). They would be left to fend for themselves.
And you tell me race is not an issue in Malaysia? Especially when race is tied in with privileges?
The body representing Ibans (SDNU) does not wish to pursue changes in the constitution. I wonder why. The reason given in the paper is rather flimsy.
The use of meritocracy had been stated and discussed for years, the actual application is still doubtful.
The state’s constitution uses the law of domicility i.e definition of a child's race based on father. Thus people like me suffer. Or should I say my children and future generations will suffer. And the government wonders why people migrate!
Being of mixed blood and of the kind that gets no privileges; these discussions are extremely salient to me. Especially when 1Malaysia is brought up. For me, people like me are the living embodiment of 1Malaysia. We are beyond race. We are Malaysia. We are the offspring’s of people that looked beyond race, creed and color and married. Love was stronger than any man-made definition of self.
One way of closing the ranks between races is marriage. This has been used by conquerors and political leaders alike. It depends on your point of view, but for me, why blame the children for the acts of the fathers and leaders of the time. I was told by my Pakistani PhD student that there are a group of people that are tall, strong, and fair in the north of Pakistan, who are said to be the offspring’s of Iskandar Zulkarnain and his army. They are seen in a negative light as the came about by rape and plunder. My question is why should we care of their forefathers act?
In Malaysia, I find it rare to see mixed marriages. The non-Muslims.. I do see some, between Indians and Chinese and other races. I find it interesting that when an Iban marries a Malay, he/she become Malay. We all know of the constitution, so I shall not belabor that point. A few years ago, it was a joke among my friends as to whether they were Melanau or Malay. Their answer, depends on who is asking, what form is being filled, and for what purpose.
When there is a price to pay for mixed marriages, and that price continues on the head of our children and future generations, many will strongly consider any love interest among other races. One of the indicators of ethnic identification is the non-willingness to marry outside the group (ethnography). What will happen… the group remains isolated and doesn’t interact. Grier and Brumbaugh wrote on cultural schema and noted that the dominant group is only aware of its own cultural schema. The non-dominant groups are aware of theirs as well as the dominant groups views. Nevertheless, the rules of engagement are set by the dominant group and in many cases their own understanding of the other groups are normally either wrong or biased. Now tie in privileges and you get a whole can of worms, a mess.
Nevertheless I do understand the need to care and provide for the weaker sections of our society. The question is .. can this be done without race being an issue? Can it be done without bias and favor? Can it be a step up instead of just a hand out?
The joke is.. this discussion / issue comes in a time when scientist tells us that we are all the same. Our DNA doesn’t preclude us to race. We are all of the human race.

Ernest

PS.
I have had friends comment that this system of race and privileges mirrors apartheid in Africa or the case against African Americans in America. You are white, you get to ride on the bus in front or get a separate toilet. I am not of that belief. Why..
1. I understand the need to help the Bumiputera. The whole policy is meant to help the poor and unfortunate and it so happens that the majority were (maybe still are) the Bumiputera. The policy must be seen as that, as helping the poor and unfortunate, not a race issue.
2. There are those that slip through the cracks. Somehow or rather I got to enter a school where 99% were Bumiputera. I dont know how. I got a job with the government and this allowed me to further my studies. For that I am thankful.
3. The situation in Sarawak, still requires help for the Bumiputera.
4. The non-Bumiputera, who may gripe and complain (which to me is acceptable), are in the majority able to sustain theirs and their childrens economy and life. Nevertheless, we must take care of their poor and needy too.