Erhu, Packet Tissues and an Old Man

As our daily routine, my folks and I would debate on what to eat each morning. We decided on a particular food center near our home as it offered a large variety of hawker fare to choose from. As my folks were sinking their faces into the steaming hot fish-head beehoon and chee cheong fun, we heard a fairly strange noise coming from the neighboring table.


Standing over the table was a Chinese man, about 70-ish by my estimate. In one hand was an erhu and the other the fiddle, with a bag tucked under his arm. He was playing a tune and trying to solicit some money from the people at the neighboring table who were more keen on their breakfast than his talent. Unable to arouse a response from them, he turned to our table and started playing. Mum being the woman she is, took the money usually left on the table to pay for food when served, and handed some of it to him. He was indeed appreciative. He dug into his bag and took out some packet tissues to hand to Mum. She refused and he said "It's a 'must'. Just trying to get by. This old man... nobody will care for." With that, he went off to the next table.

That reminded me of an article I read recently in Malaysian Insider. However it is now inaccessible with their recent web redesign. It is still available at this site: Chinese poor and lower class in M’sia: How well off are they? 

So yes, I am angry. At MCA. At Gerakan. At Barisan. You won't be getting my newly minted vote.

What would you do with USD100billion?

Dad: "This is not something you read about everyday."

Surprised, I inquired: "What are you reading?"

Dad: "Dr M and Lim Kit Siang is agreement! Both are attacking Pak Lah for giving away drilling rights in South China Sea to Brunei in exchange for Brunei to halt its claim on Limbang, Sarawak."

Imagine what Malaysia can do with USD100billion or RM320billion (assuming Dr M is correct). For a population of 28+ million, we could allocate every citizen roughly RM11,000. I dunno about the rest of Malaysia, but it would certainly help me with my ever-increasing utility bills.

Congratulations, Datuk Hee Yit Foong

Recently, I had lunch with an old friend. He was conferred a datuk-ship many many years ago for his contribution to the people of Perak. Anyway over lunch, we were talking about the people up for datuk-ship this year. Running down the list, one name stood out. Hee Yit Foong. She is now a Datuk too apprently. This instantly made him visibly agitated.

Being the shit-stirrer that I am, I prodded: "Imagine that. I can't help but feel the prestige attached to your datuk-ship has slipped a few notches."

Him: "What has she done to deserve it?"

Me: "My guess is it's her superb clerical skills."

Him: "It must be."

Why am I Angry?

A few months back during Chinese New Year, I met up with my cousin Richard who returned from Australia for the festive season. We were just talking about the CNY movies and reminiscing about CNY during our childhood whereby we spent most of our money on fireworks.

Anyway, our conversation drifted towards the state of the country, politically and socially. I said it was kinda frustrating to see politicians like Hee Yit Foong and gang realigning their allegiance with BN. As I was lamenting about the state assembly that followed he stopped me and asked: "But did you vote?"

That caught me by surprise and I proceed to protest: "But look at it now? Even if I voted, would it have made any difference? Politicians have no integrity nor honor...."

Again he interrupted: "But did you vote?"

"No."

R: "Well, so why are you complaining? You never exercised your right. When things don't go as you had hoped, you shouldn't be complaining. The way I look at it, you have 3 options:

1. Shut the fuck up;
2. Get the fuck out;
3. Run for office;

 I picked No.2. That's why I'm in Australia."

I protested again, but I can't help but think he was right.

A few days after he had gone back to Australia, on a slow day at work, I went to the post office to register to vote.

So now I am angry AND I can vote. :)