We ain't ready.

Malaysia's 13th General Election.

I have not much to say as I am as usual not a person into politics. But when "democracy" is just a word that carries no meaning, why bother to talk about it.

Transparency. 

Justice.

Blackouts while counting votes and then few ballot boxes appeared, what is this?

Immigrants voting, what is this?

Buying votes, what is this?

Black profile pictures everywhere on Facebook, indicating darkness and expressing condolences over democracy that has been left.

Malaysian's are not ready for a change. God, enlighten us.

Jealousy

Jealousy strikes, after a month of dehydration of inspiration to blog.

Jealous of their wealth.
No money, no talk. At this age, money determines your future, when you're not as brilliant as Einstein with good IQ. Yeah,  so I fall into the category "above average", where I can't get the best scholarship and is left to choose among the cheapest course offered. Due to the fact that I am not from a very wealthy family and have adequate amount of interest in a course that can cost my parents' total salary of their whole life (exaggerated much?), which is dentistry, so I have to choose the safest way, and also cheapest, with less risk. Just Google for the tuition fees of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDA) in Malaysia, you'll know why. So I have to take matriculation offered by the government as it guarantees at least a slot in local public universities then I won't have to spend so much of my parents' money, but first choice of your course is not a 100% guarantee even though you get a CGPA of 4.0.

Many of my friends and teachers are shocked, or at least from their expressions I can see that, when they find out that I am going for matriculation in Labuan. Government matriculation, 10% for non-natives, lower standard compared to A levels and Form 6, less good environment. And with matriculation results you couldn't get overseas anymore, meaning I'll be stuck in Malaysia forever and ever Amen. A top student from school shouldn't end up there. Yes, somehow I do agree with them, but what can I do? I can only give it a shot in matriculation, then try to get dentistry in UM, USM or UKM.

I wanted to go for A levels in any of the private institutions in Kuala Lumpur under bursary from the Ministry of Education. Kuala Lumpur vs Labuan, which is better? But, the doors to get into local public universities for dentistry, medicine and pharmacy are closed. So what's left? Private universities, high cost of education. They say you can get a JPA scholarship when you've gained admission into any of the private universities listed by JPA, but how sure I am that I can secure a scholarship for my degree? Competition's intense and aforementioned, I'm NOT brilliant. Another thing, although we're given a monthly allowance of RM430 for bursary, is that enough for your accommodation, hostel, food, sundry expenses etc? No. So it's parents' money again. No way.

If I had sufficient money, I wouldn't have to care so much. I could just take A levels and give it a shot for the JPA scholarship for my degree. If I didn't get it, I could still pursue what I intended. Or with A levels, I could go overseas for my degree like many of my friends did. If and only if...

Jealous of their chances.
My ancestors came to this piece of land few decades or centuries later. So we are deemed non-natives. In Malaysia, it has been a fact that natives have more priorities in education. They have MARA scholarships, they have asasi (meaning foundation in public universities), they have Islamic universities for them, but what do others have? We have less options. We have less opportunities. I read a status on Facebook by a Malay friend, mentioning he got 2As in SPM and has been offered two scholarships whilst a non-Malay friend of his who got 10As has none. So, where is equality? I really hope everyone deserves a fair chance in education, not based on what kind of blood is flowing in your veins.

Another thing is, I got myself a new hobby: stalking friends especially seniors on Facebook. Few of them were offered the JPA scholarship overseas (dentistry and medicine to India). Their pictures, their statuses. I am living vicariously through the people. zOMG. I admire them a lot, of course a bit of jealousy there. The scholarship will provide them with A levels and then a guaranteed slot to your intended degree along with a 10-year bond that means a confirmed carrier in the future. Isn't this combo awesome? However, JPA stop giving this scholarship to students starting from the year 2012. Instead, it is replaced by bursary. However, not anywhere in India after that. After A levels under bursary, you can apply for the top 10 universities in UK or private universities and get an unconditional offer and then apply JPA scholarship again. Get it, you're blessed; if you don't, you're doomed. Would I dare to take the risk? Nope. I can't gamble my future and my parents' money just like that right?

Jealousy... is a mental cancer.

B. C. Forbes

Finished lamenting. Perhaps I don't feel that much of jealousy, but more to grumble. I should just be happy with what I have. Simplicity is the best. Leaving to Labuan on 17th May. Hope it's be a great and exciting adventure ahead.

Checklist to PLKN (Male/Wira) - Personal

This was what I had been searching for while packing to Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN). So now I worked out a list of all the stuffs I'd brought to Kem Puncak Permai, Bau, Sarawak.

Bring the BIGGEST luggage you have.

Clothes:
1. 4 normal t-shirts / singlets / tanktops
   - Don't bring expensive ones or your favourite tee, in case it get stolen in the laundry or wherever, then you hancur hati (heart broken)
   - I didn't bring singlets as I'm cold-allergic, and my bed was really under the fan. Some people just slept shirtless. *salute*

2. 4 shorts / long pants
   - Same as above, not expensive ones.
   - Long pants are useful when you're in the dorm and suffer from serious mosquito attacks, but I didn't bring cause I use mosquito repellent spray! (Y)

Note: Baju awam / clothes that you bring from home is NOT allowed outside your dorm. So don't bring tonnes of them. :)

3. Briefs / boxers
   - Quantity differs, but you gotta wear it 24/7. I brought around 8. Some people don't wear that when sleeping but I strongly disagree: not hygienic and what if you have morning wood/wet dream? (Don't be shy :P )

4. 1 towel
   - The camp will provide two PLKN towels. But just bring one in case they give it late and you need to shower. I got mine the second day. Some people never used that cause they claimed that the towel "berbulu" aka hairy aka the fabric wasn't that good.

5. 2 handkerchiefs
   - To wipe off sweat or use it when you have a cold. Anyways I used it only when we had the Wirajaya (entering the forest) activity. I got rashes all over so this came in handy, dampen it and wipe your body!

6. 1 Rag/kain buruk
   - Wipe dust and cobwebs and spilled drinks or Maggi etc.

7. Slippers
   - I brought Crocs to avoid mosquito bites on my feet while washing my clothes late at night.

Toiletries:
1. Hair shampoo
   - Don't think you have short hair you don't need shampoo. Your hair can get VERY oily after you sweat.

2. Body shampoo
   - Don't recommend soap as it's very difficult to handle after it's being used for the first time.

3. Toilet rolls

4. Toothbrush and toothpaste

5. Wet tissue
  - I didn't bring this but found it very useful when Wirajaya. Wipe body or face. Very handy. Regretted for not bringing it, luckily my friend bought a packet.

6. Tissue paper
  - Wipe anything. Sweat, cutlery, minor things etc.

7. Washing detergent (Top/ Dynamo etc..) , brush, pail.
  - If you need to fly then you can buy a pail from the camp. No worries.
  - Soap : difficult to handle.

8. Razor and nail clipper
  - To shave and to cut your nails, obviously. LOL

Electronic gadgets:
1. Handphone
  - Better bring one that can has a music player, if not you get bored easily. But not too expensive ones. I am very serious about that. Unless you want your phone to be a theft victim. Many cases in my camp.
  - Have to be handed over to teachers on weekdays. Only given back on Friday night till Sunday evening.

2. Charger
  - To revive your phone

3. Headset
  - Give you peace when listening to music and give others peace as well.

4. MP3 / MP4 / iPod Nano
  - I didn't bring any of these but see majority people brought those. The jurulatih/teachers will not confiscate it during weekdays so during night duty it might help to kill boredom.

Stationery:
1. Scissors
  - This is VERY VERY VERY useful! Seems like I was the only one who smuggled this into the camp in my dorm. Used to cut seasoning powder (instant noodles), paper, hair, ropes etc. Many people borrowed it from me tho.
  - Well this is illegal. So I use the word "smuggle". The teachers will check your luggage before you enter the camp. So it's not a good idea to keep it in your pencil case or somewhere in your bag. Keep the scissors in your pocket as they don't do body checks.

2. Marker pens
  - I can consider this very useful too. Mark your initials or name on your clothes, shoes and personal belongings in case they are missing it's easier for you to search for them, and catch the thief!
  - Illegal item also. Hide it wisely. ;)

3. Pen, pencils, eraser etc.

4. Notebooks / diary
  - To scribble anything and to let your besties pen a few words before they leave. :')

FOOD! (and everything connected to that)
1. Biscuits, junk food, instant noodles (Mi Sedap seems super popular), crackers, Pringles, candies etc etc.
  - Most people eat instant noodles every night. Not good for health. So my gang had junk food and biscuit parties most nights.

2. 100 plus, milk, oatmeal etc etc.
  - I cannot live without milk, so brought a dozen every week, and restock every week. :P

3. Spoon and fork, container, mug.
  - Container to cook your noodles, mug to take the oatmeal.

Health:
1. Panadol or a set of medicine for a cold
  - You can go to the Medic but I find the people there are not doctors. And the medicine doesn't work for me. And you have to queue for quite a long time to wait for your turn cause many people went there even though it's just a SMALL matter. -sigh-

2. Sunblock lotion
  - Bring it lah, in case you get sunburnt. I was fair, but now I am dark. Basically have to stay under the sun everyday.

3. Axe oil/Tiger balm etc

4. Yoko-yoko (for muscle pain)

5. Plaster
  - For little wounds and injuries

6. Insect/Mosquito repellent
  - VERY VERY SUPER DUPER important. You know I know lah.

Miscellaneous:
1. Rubber bands
2. Plastic bags
3. Storybooks / Novels
4. 2 locks, with spare keys (one for your locker and one for your luggage)
5. Umbrella
6. Hangers (18) and pegs (10)
7. Rubber sucker
8. Sudoku (?) -random-
9. Watch (if it's a digital one you can use it as an alarm clock)
10. Alarm clock and spare batteries
11. Torchlight
12. MONEY $$$ (If local don't have to bring a lot. RM150 might be enough if you don't splurge)
13. Identity Card (IC)
14. Thread, needle and pins (in case your zip spoils)


I guess that's all. Hope it's useful to all of you readers/future PLKN campers out there.

If you're desperate upon receiving the call letter, I assure that it's VERY FUN, don't worry about it, provided you take part 100%; if you're excited about that, go on and experience!

I was in Kumpulan 1, Siri 10/2013, Kem Puncak Permai, Kompeni Alpha. I had one of my most beautiful memories in my life there.

We got first in marching, shooting, nasyid; second for Kontrak Kita Janji and Obstacle race; and last for Sports Carnival (LOL).

OVERALL CHAMPION : ALPHA !!!

p/s : Well, this is just a list of my suggestions. Alter and modify it to suit your needs. :D

p/s : To future campers, do not fret do not worry. It will be one of your best experiences and memories, provided you accept everything open-heartedly. Don't get into trouble with other people, make friends and gotcha! you will enjoy it to the max. :) You will definitely get some good, I mean real GOOD, friends out there.

 

A Little Imperfection - SPM

I got my SPM 2012 results this morning. It isn't the best I've expected but not the worst, though. I took 11 subjects.

Bahasa Malaysia - A+
English - A+ , 1119 - 1A
Mathematics - A+
Additional Mathematics - A+
History - A+
Biology - A+
Physics - A+
Chemistry - A+
Moral Education - A+
Accounting Principles - A+ , LCCI - 1

Chinese Language - A 

The red statement is DEFINITELY an eyesore. I did expect the result after I finished the test, but still, not that lucky (NKB - Nasib Kurang Baik).

Total of 10 A+'s and an A. The "straight" word isn't there for me. Sigh... I just hope that the A won't affect my application for scholarships especially when they need someone to have straight A+ as Chinese Language is an extra subject (Heard so? Not sure.).

Mood: Normal. Not happy not sad. But satisfied. :/

Currently aiming for dentistry for my degree hope I don't need to pay much (ie get a scholarship). Anywhere will do. God bless me and good luck.

Post NS aka PLKN

I don't want to be home. Utter loneliness.

After crying for SO many rounds at KIA, I was dog tired. I didn't want to cry but since there were too many twigs in the airport that they entered our eyes, I had no choice. Slept for 13 hours and found myself alone. I used to be the one waking my lazy-awful dorm mates up but today I found no one. Logged in to Facebook, pictures, statuses, comments keep bringing in memories that I wouldn't even want to remember and forget.

A brief description of my wonderful lazybones in L1 and L2 Kem Puncak Permai :
- Nigger O
- Pillow D
- Blackie F
- Glutton KJ
- White SH
- Doraemon V
- Little brother J
- Dog S
- Sex maniac E
etc...

You people are many many many precious gifts from God to me, who intersected my life and gave me joy.

If you bumped into this post and identified yourself, please do remember that this "sexay laday" is missing you badly in Kuching every moment. I miss and love you guys. All the best.

CNY 2013

Time flies. The Chinese New Year festival for me this year is a little different from the previous years.

1. I'm botak (bald).
2. I spent most of my 5-day holiday with my friends rather than relatives.
3. I have a KL friend with me, staying at my house for two days.

What I did:
- Visiting
- Steamboat
- Bistro
- Shopping
- Movie
- Music

Special thanks to
- BZM for playing the Gu Zheng for me. Luv it!
- O-nil being our driver for a day.

Leaving back to camp tomorrow. Looking forward to it, but I'll definitely miss sleeping late and waking up late. :S

蛇年2013

新的一年到了！去龙迎蛇。

鞭炮、烟花战斗中。。。

开始发觉，人在不同年纪，过年的意义也不同，甚至越大越没感觉（包括我）。年一年一年的过，时间一点一点溜走。人越大，越接近现实，以往童年时的天真无邪的幻想随之抹去。

但，我依然很开心，我又有多一年的时间来把该做的事做了，多一年的时间来想梦想前进。

愿今年，我+家人+朋友+大家能万事大吉，心想事成，更重要：身体健康！

愿 SPM 成绩全A+。:D

Semester Break aka CNY holiday

I'm back home! Got so used to the lifestyle and the bathroom of my dorm and the shower nozzle. Feeling a little weird now. Even my typing speed has deteriorated tremendously. Clicking skills - same fate.

It's Chinese New Year soon, year of the snake. I need to get out of home, try to blend into the chinese new year mood as I feel like I totally disconnected with the world outside all the time in camp. The radio is helping. New year songs. Doesn't help much.

Met a whole bunch of new friends from Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. Some KL people are super nice, but some are quite "lan si" (cantonese: proud) and "la la" (cantonese: gangster). Credits to Vivi and Jobs being my Cantonese teachers. :D Both of them are from KL. Awesome homo sapien s.

Regarding the diary, I did write it! I'll type it all out here after I've completed the whole programme. Promise. But promises are meant to be broken. :P

Looking forward to a joyful New Year and a meaningful camp life later.

Ciao.

Pre - PLKN aka NS

I decided to pen a few words here before leaving to National Service. But I have nothing much to scribble about.

I will miss a lot of things at home.

Bed, food, computer, people, phone, time.

Most probably for normal kids they'll miss their rooms etc, but for me, I'll miss MUSIC the most. Sigh. 75 days without music. How am I going to survive? Dry soul. Malnourished brain. I've come to the fact that the only instrument I'll be having is my vocal cord. And every day listening to 4'33''. Not that bad either. And I hope that I'll meet some friends who love music as much as I do there, to suffer together. Teehee.. And of course build new music-based friendship!

I even think of calling a friend every weekend to ask him play his piano for me through the phone. He agreed! :D Huge investment, but if not, how to quench my desire for music?

4th January - the very first day of a new "era". I hope this 75 days will be a beneficial, unforgettable, fun, exciting journey of life, and of course worth my 75 days. If I were not chosen, I would have started piano, guitar, violin, cello and continued my Yang Qin lessons. ARGH! Plans aborted.

To make this 75 days a memorable one, I really plan to start writing a diary. Ya, plans always don't work. *rolls eyes*

Anticipating. Worried. Tired. Excited.

Ciao.

感慨

老爸换上了一个新的日历。每年当他换上的时候，我会在想，这么厚的日历，要多久才能把它一张一张撕掉，又不能作弊先撕呢？但，每天每天慢慢撕掉，不知不觉就撕完了。

撕掉了纸，
也撕掉了时间，
也撕掉了青春，
也撕掉了幼稚，
也撕掉了记忆。

挂上了新的日历，也等于放上了365天的问号，放上了一个纯白的一年，等着我们去谱写、填满。

2012这一年，充满了喜悦、刺激、压力、惊险、感动、感慨、障碍、选择等。

2013，是个大大的问号。 ？？？

让我们以最真诚、最勇敢、最有能量、最阳光的心来走下这崭新的一年。祝福大家2013平安顺利，万事如意，身体健康。


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