In the Thick of History

What interesting times we live in.
I am referring of course to the unfoldings or rather unravellings of events that make up Act 1 & 2 of the theater piece that is Malaysian Politics - Post Election.

Watching politics (and naturally speculating and mengumpat-ing) is indeed engaging especially if one has equally keen spectators/speculators as comrades and partners in crime.

Yet, I work for an Umno overlord by the way. Dicing with death? Not really. Not when the whole country is talking about the scourge that is afflicting the ruling party. And as much as you wanna claim that the ruling party is Barisan, you know deep down, it is UMNO after all.

What is life without a little drama, no?

What really gets my goat is why the sudden shock? Like nobody has noticed that the blight is come.

I get a little nauseous when politicians keep calling upon and using its name in vain, this so called "grassroots". Notice how this term only surfaces and proliferates during elections, be it party or general. There IS no more grassroots. Lackeys and campaigners who later become elected government vendors are NOT grassroots.

Election time only do leaders become so concerned over grassroots. When petrol and toll go up in price, when floods strike every part of the city, when kids are no longer safe to go to the kedai runcit, when houses of worship are being demolished, how come there is not a peep from the local heroes about acceding the will of the grassroots?

And speaking of goats, Umno is still looking for a sacrificial one. Tun Mahathir has publicly called for the PM's resignation and even more shockingly revoked his support from Najib (jeng, jeng jeng). And party bigwigs have, in not so many words, called Tun Mahathir a tyrant during his years on the throne and now a firestarter bent on burning the party to a crisp.

One thing is for sure - the Pakatan Rakyat coalition must be rubbing their hands in glee.

What is better to watch and put money on is who will head Umno Youth? To be honest, if i had to choose between Mukhriz, Khairy and Khir Toyo (hahahahaha) - I rather move to New Zealand.

And if kris-waving-chinese blood-lusting Hishammudin is going to run for vice-presidency (which is so obviously in-line with his political ambitions, regardless of his press statements now), I will so do my utmost to migrate, even if it means that I have to masquerade as a dairy cow.

I am going to get myself some toast.

Who do Voo Doo

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Fred.
He is my new constant companion. He is able to take on many many personalities and you may see him with pins sticking out of him at awkward angles.
That would be my wishful thinking in action.

Whine and dine

What a restless restless weekend.

I am all ready to be a housewife. Sigh. Being a career woman is not all it is cracked up to be. Its so TIRING. Migraines now constantly drop by for a cup of tea and a ponstan.

A vacation right about now would be so good. Somewhere where the weather is bright and the seafood fresh. I think I am sunshine deprived.

Right now I am working on an article on upper endoscopy. How much joy do you THAT brings me, eh? It is taking forever by the way. And I oh, my my next project - colonoscopy! I am looking forward to that like I would a lobotomy.

If you don't know what colonoscopy it is then - good. It means your doctor has not precsribed you one, yet.

Lets just say it involves a long tube and being sedated.

C60 fullerene

Out of the blue, today I had a vivid WHAT IF moment (Sharon, I have totally stolen this term from you).

In college I actually entertained the notion of studying pharmacology and developing a career in it. Sure the lab coat is cool but wearing safety goggles over glasses instantaneously turns anyone into a Class A dork. Not that I minded that of course. But regardless I had major issues with benzene rings in my youth, I don't quite know why I could not do well in Advanced Chemistry.

Advanced Physics I anticipated because I really (REALLY) can't bring myself to care if two objects collide - be it one stationary and one moving at say a speed of 15 m/s on an inclined plane angled at oh, 30 degrees maybe.

Or what if I did take that scholarship that Maine offered and majored in Political Science, minoring in Economics. Or if I decided to stay in London instead of coming home. And lets not talk of relationships. Potential fairy tales to doomed tragedies. You and I, we have brushed against them all. People, places and the hand of destiny.

And more

Tis interesting times indeed.

So the latest cabinet has been announced. My my!
We see a couple bigwigs dropped (bye bye Rafidah), and old guards coming back into the fold (Muhammad Muhammad Taib, hidup lagi engkau).

But the one that surprised me is the appointment of Zaid Ibrahim. Certainly the judiciary needs to be reformed but are you sure giving it to the founding partner of one of the biggest corporate law firms in the city is a good idea?

Just as much as it is said that justice must not only be done; it must also be seen to be done, I say so do transparency and independence. Well, we will see. No doubt Zico will benefit from this one way or another. Yet I am tempted to cry CONFLICT! But fine, fine, its premature.

AND the gloves are off! First Mukhriz Mahathir and his letter to PM asking him to step down, now Ku Li is "volunteering" to contest for the UMNO party presidency.

There is more to be said about the abolishment of the affirmative action that is the NEP but I will let it rest tonight.

My Own People

This is my absolute favorite episode of Goodness Gracious Me. Sara is SO spot on. I know someone like that. *shudder*

Chow Kit Sdn Bhd?

First I thought it was Malaysian branding! But then its just a pack of camping cutlery comprising a plastic knife, fork and spoon.

Well it IS memorable

Only in Taiping.
Update: And apparently in Singapore too

Solitude

..is one freaking hard thing to find. Being alone now is close to impossible. Life has not been the same since I took up this new job and while the stress levels have on occasion hit the stratosphere, as they say, what does not kill you, makes you stronger. Or at the very least makes you entertain violent fantasies of the death and destruction of your enemies. I know, I know, I exude charm.

Nevertheless, after almost a month of feeling (and looking, for that matter) like a raccoon on speed, I am seriously in need of reflection, serenity and Ben & Jerry's. Not necessarily in that order.

In anycase, I did manage to hit most of my career resolutions made last year. However, even my friends have noticed that I am so highly strung, I can launch arrows.

Fatigue lowers defenses which in turn creates Fear. As you know, Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate, and Hate leads to Suffering.

I think I am more or less at Suffering.

5 states! (updated)

Now this is a surprise.
I am sure the Opposition is just as surprised.

I am very happy that there will be better representation in parliament yet I have my concerns with the capabilities of the opposition. I admit, I did wake up this morning anticipating some demonstrations if not scuffles. I am glad that calm prevailed. I hope calm will be maintained. And if the Opposition is stupid enough to hold a victory parade, I will denounce them myself.

Although it is hard to quantify, I do not discount the immense impact netizens and bloggers have had on the recent elections. Its thorough the tireless efforts of these people who I am sure hold day jobs just like everyone else, that local politics have become greatly more accessible, a platform for dissent is created and there is actually some debate going on. And we get to use expletives. And with no police permit necessary. Heh.

But then, the deliciously interesting ones that are notorious independent or seditious, depending on who you ask, are already being watched anyway. Hats off to RPK and the bloggers who have stayed courageous and united. So political bloggers, well done and thank you. Jeff Ooi of Screenshots is going to parliament! Blogger turned Politician. Not one of my favourite bloggers but its indeed a victory for all us netizens.

I will certainly be keeping a close eye on Penang and Perak to see just how the Opposition intends to bring about change. Its one thing to be critical, now lets see these fellas lead. Coalition goverment with PAS and DAP sharing power, this is bound to be very interesting.

Here's to a new tomorrow.