Friday, July 31, 2009
Are you on half-day today?
I called for a meeting the other day. It was about 5.30 pm. A number of my officers turned-up. One or two had to attend meetings outside. One of them went home early because times-up to go home at 4.30pm, as this person’s official working hours is from 7.30 am to 4.30pm. Well, in government office there is a flexi-system known as WP1, WP2 and WP3. Under WP1, you can clock in at 7.30am and go home at 4.30pm or WP2 you clock in at 8.00am and go home at 5.00pm or under WP3 you can come in at 8.30 am and go home at 5.30pm. So I told the officers who turned-up for the meeting a story that my friend from a private sector company told me. My friend said that one day he was about to go home at 6pm, a colleague of him passing by asked him “are you on half-day today”. It seems that in his company everybody normally leaves after 9pm. So anybody who goes home earlier than that they make sarcasm joke that he or she is on half-day leave. Similarly, I asked my officers whether the person who had gone home at 4.30 pm is on half-day leave. From then on, this becomes a sarcasm joke in my office too.
La isla Bonita……
Quite sometimes I didn’t write. Busy with office work. My policy, whatever I do, the priority goes to my office work. Kind of boring but what to do, the nation comes first. Last month went to Madrid, Spain. I really enjoyed the trip. I got a chance to visit the real Madrid stadium. It’s so huge and modern. Part of it is converted into museum like area, exhibiting the photos of players of Real Madrid club from the past to today. They also showcase the cups the team had won. I also visited the stadium where they have the bullfight (Spanish matador). The Spain they have long lunch breaks. At the conference I attended the lunch break is for three hours from 12.00 to 3pm. For dinner, restaurants start operation at 9.00 pm. We were so hungry and we make use of the Malaysian Embassy’s connection to ask the Turkish restaurant to open a bit early at 8.00 pm to serve us. Although the restaurant opened early and we took our seats, they still only started to serve us at 9.00 pm.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Malaysia’s Tourism Industry
When I was traveling from Jogja to KL on 10th May 2009, the Minister of Tourism happened to sit in front of me. When she saw me, she greeted me and moved to sit beside me. We talked about the current political situations. Then, I told her about the tourism industry and how we can further improve and promote this industry.
Firstly, we must construct comprehensive online information about Malaysia. Nowadays, if people want to travel they will surf internet for information, especially to make online bookings and travel arrangements. I told her when I went to Hong Kong for 4 days, I made four days travel plan based on information from the net. Moreover, the public transportation is so efficient and easy to access from all tourist spots.
Secondly, the officers and tourists guides must be professionals and knowledgeable about Malaysia. I quoted the example of the tourist guide in Borobodur who is so well-versed and knowledgeable about the history and the life and teachings of Buddha.
Thirdly, we have many tourist spots but not properly maintained with run-down facilities as well as eye-soaring and smelly public toilets.
Fourthly, we need more tourist products of world-class. We managed to develop and promote Langkawi before but now Langkawi needs a new set of development. The place need to be properly maintained and new products to be developed. The island was said to be shopping haven but nothing much to shop in Langkawi. We need to bring branded and latest design products to Langkawi at competitive prices comparable to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Fifth, accessibility to tourist spots must be improved, especially in city areas like KL, Penang and JB. Public transportation must be improved tremendously.
Firstly, we must construct comprehensive online information about Malaysia. Nowadays, if people want to travel they will surf internet for information, especially to make online bookings and travel arrangements. I told her when I went to Hong Kong for 4 days, I made four days travel plan based on information from the net. Moreover, the public transportation is so efficient and easy to access from all tourist spots.
Secondly, the officers and tourists guides must be professionals and knowledgeable about Malaysia. I quoted the example of the tourist guide in Borobodur who is so well-versed and knowledgeable about the history and the life and teachings of Buddha.
Thirdly, we have many tourist spots but not properly maintained with run-down facilities as well as eye-soaring and smelly public toilets.
Fourthly, we need more tourist products of world-class. We managed to develop and promote Langkawi before but now Langkawi needs a new set of development. The place need to be properly maintained and new products to be developed. The island was said to be shopping haven but nothing much to shop in Langkawi. We need to bring branded and latest design products to Langkawi at competitive prices comparable to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Fifth, accessibility to tourist spots must be improved, especially in city areas like KL, Penang and JB. Public transportation must be improved tremendously.
Indonesia oh Indonesia…..
I went to Indonesia for 10 days. I arrived in Bali, Indonesia on 1st May and came to know that 80% of the local population are Hindus. You will see lots statues of Hindu gods. I was taken to Nusa Dua, a tourists spot with many hotels and Bali International Convention Centre (BICC). I stayed at Grand Hyatt hotel, designed with traditional Indonesian architecture, with statues of Hindu gods in every corner of the hotel blocks. Every morning you can see the hotel girls performing their prayers, with smoke of incense covering the hotel area. For food, it’s a bit tough for Muslims, had to find halal restaurants. There are quite a number of halaI restaurants such as ARC and Sederhana which sell nasi padang. I stayed 5 days in Bali attending the ASEAN Finance Minster’s Meeting. Again, though not so wild as Pattaya, Thailand, still night life in Bali, especially around the city centre i.e Kuta area is colorful and happening. You can see white guys and local girls in pubs and discos. One thing you will see every where in Bali are massage centres. The question I posed in my article during my visit to Pattaya, I post here again, why women’s body is so cheap? Old big-bellied white guys with young local girls are what you will see. If you go to Manila, Philippines, you will see the same thing.
On the sixth day, I went to Bandung, Indonesia. It’s crowded city. I met many Malaysian families there, especially at the factory outlets. However, I wondered why Malaysians go there for shopping. Most of the goods sold there are similar to the imitation products sold at Petaling Street. Morever, you can buy branded items at Sogo or Pavilion in KL.
On the 8th day, I went to Jogjakarta, one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. I visited Kraton, the Sultan Palace, where old and traditional household items, costumes and instruments were on display. Then I went to Borobodur, the famous Buddhist shrine. The tourists guide was fantastic, as he was a Muslim but able to describe each scripture on the walls of the shrine. We climbed to the top and able to see the beautiful surrounding area. I came back to KL on the 10th May 2009.
On this trip, a few things I learned and experienced. First, in Indonesia when you see most of the locals people, it’s difficult to differentiate between Chinese and Indonesians. The 1Malaysia concept brought by the Prime Minister can learn from the Indonesian experience, The other thing you will be surprised or feel awkward compared to Malaysia. In Malaysia, all Malays are Muslim, but in Indonesia, the Indonesians who look like Malays (same rumpun) can be Hindus, Christians, Buddhist or Muslims.
Secondly, though the cost of living is much lower, there are too many poor. At every traffic lights, especially in Bandung you will see kids begging for money and young guys playing music instruments asking for donations. These people will ask or beg for money but they don’t steal or mug.
Thirdly, no traffic-jam as in KL. Moreover, the blue bird cab provides good public transportation. The cabbies are sincere and use meters, far better than our cabbies in Malaysia.
Fourthly, the tourist guides know their history so well because they go to Universities to learn about the historic places. They are certified to be professional tourist guides.
Finally, on the 10th day was really frustrating. My flight back to KL from Jogja supposed to be at 11.30am so I checked out from the hotel at 9.00am. When I went to check-in at the MAS counter, I was told that the flight is delayed for 4 hours. I was frustrated as to why they didn’t call me. By hook or crook, MAS should find out my contact number and call me. The Jogja airport is so small and hot, and I had to wait there from 9.30 am to 3.30pm (6 hours huuh). What can I say about our National Carrier? What’s your comment? Any experience with MAS that you want to share?
On the sixth day, I went to Bandung, Indonesia. It’s crowded city. I met many Malaysian families there, especially at the factory outlets. However, I wondered why Malaysians go there for shopping. Most of the goods sold there are similar to the imitation products sold at Petaling Street. Morever, you can buy branded items at Sogo or Pavilion in KL.
On the 8th day, I went to Jogjakarta, one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. I visited Kraton, the Sultan Palace, where old and traditional household items, costumes and instruments were on display. Then I went to Borobodur, the famous Buddhist shrine. The tourists guide was fantastic, as he was a Muslim but able to describe each scripture on the walls of the shrine. We climbed to the top and able to see the beautiful surrounding area. I came back to KL on the 10th May 2009.
On this trip, a few things I learned and experienced. First, in Indonesia when you see most of the locals people, it’s difficult to differentiate between Chinese and Indonesians. The 1Malaysia concept brought by the Prime Minister can learn from the Indonesian experience, The other thing you will be surprised or feel awkward compared to Malaysia. In Malaysia, all Malays are Muslim, but in Indonesia, the Indonesians who look like Malays (same rumpun) can be Hindus, Christians, Buddhist or Muslims.
Secondly, though the cost of living is much lower, there are too many poor. At every traffic lights, especially in Bandung you will see kids begging for money and young guys playing music instruments asking for donations. These people will ask or beg for money but they don’t steal or mug.
Thirdly, no traffic-jam as in KL. Moreover, the blue bird cab provides good public transportation. The cabbies are sincere and use meters, far better than our cabbies in Malaysia.
Fourthly, the tourist guides know their history so well because they go to Universities to learn about the historic places. They are certified to be professional tourist guides.
Finally, on the 10th day was really frustrating. My flight back to KL from Jogja supposed to be at 11.30am so I checked out from the hotel at 9.00am. When I went to check-in at the MAS counter, I was told that the flight is delayed for 4 hours. I was frustrated as to why they didn’t call me. By hook or crook, MAS should find out my contact number and call me. The Jogja airport is so small and hot, and I had to wait there from 9.30 am to 3.30pm (6 hours huuh). What can I say about our National Carrier? What’s your comment? Any experience with MAS that you want to share?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Woman's body - is it so cheap?
Well, they say Pattaya is the heaven of East and Amsterdam is the Heaven of the West. Manila - a place u can buy girls if you have money - thats why they call Moneylaaaa. One evening, I was sitting by the beach in Pattaya, i notice many young Thai girls wearing shorts and t-shirts (some singlets)walking holding hands with old white men. Most of the white men with big bellies and ugly looking. Out of a hundred men you can get one Brad Pitt. What makes me wonder and ponder most - these girls don't they have any other ways to earn a living. The white guys mostly may be retirees, spending their savings by living with these young girls and drinking all nite through. There is this famous road called - the walking street - you will see woamn in bras and undies dancing to attract people to visit their bars. Its like a competition among the bars.
Some will say it's because of man, woman sell their body. some will say it's because, there is no other choice to earn a living. Is it true that this is the only way? What's the value of woman's body, is it so cheap? Questions which we can together ponder upon but how to overcome it?
Some will say it's because of man, woman sell their body. some will say it's because, there is no other choice to earn a living. Is it true that this is the only way? What's the value of woman's body, is it so cheap? Questions which we can together ponder upon but how to overcome it?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tiffany
Tiffany is a lady's name. When you go to Pattaya, never miss Tiffany. It's a show by transvestites. They are so beautiful even the ladies can't beat them. They dance so well synchronized with the music. They don't only dance to Thai and English songs but also to Chinese and Hindi songs. Of course they mimic their mouth to the songs but it is so well done that u can't differentiate. There's one performance by the lady (well malaysian call - pondan) imitating Tina Turner - with white color shining short dress almost can see the underwear. I enjoyed the whole 1 hour 15 minutes show - worth the money i paid. Better than some Hollywood or Bollywood shows. The other thing i admire these transvestites - they earn money in a decent way and not selling their bodies.
Note: I went there with Clarence. He is a good company. We went to dinner after the show - famous Thai Tom Yam Khung.
Note: I went there with Clarence. He is a good company. We went to dinner after the show - famous Thai Tom Yam Khung.
The Pattaya Ordeal
Recently, attended the Pattaya ASEAN Leaders meeting - supposed to be from 10 - 12 April back-to-back after the ASEAN Finance Ministers meeting from 6-9 April 2009. The Finance ministers meeting went well at the Amari Hotel. I enjoyed the sessions coz the whole proceedings were new to me. I learn a lot, especially the delegates may agree on certain issues but we should take it as final because they may change. Its not like agreeing to something and that's it. Decision made should be respected.
On the 9th evening, I moved to Royal Beach Cliff hotel, where the ASEAN plus 3(China, Japan and Korea) leaders meeting will be held. However, the meeting was disrupted by pro-Thaksin protesters in red-shirts. They also clashed with blue-shirts apparently sympathizers of Abhisit. The red-shirts protesters blocked of the hotel area with hundreds of cabs disallowing Chinese, Japanese and Korean premiers from attending the meeting.They returned back to their countries. They protesters then barge into the covention hall breaking glass walls. Then, the protesters rushed towards the hotel block where the ASEAN premiers were staying. Most of the leaders were airlifted by helicopters. The Malaysian Premier stayed on and were taken to the airport by land.
The moral of the story is - in such an important meeting where some of the major world leaders from China, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and ASEAN were suppose to meet, the security should be top-class. The Thai army, police and navy personnel were there and they should have been able to block and chased-off the protesters. Maybe the army and polic personnel are sympathetic to the cause of the protesters. Anyway its a big-blow to Thai security officials.
On my personal experience, i can't count on our Malaysia foreign affairs officials. They to entangled with protocols and handling the VIPs and even using the transport available in time of need to send off officials. My group had to find our own way and rent a van to get out of Pattaya.
On the 9th evening, I moved to Royal Beach Cliff hotel, where the ASEAN plus 3(China, Japan and Korea) leaders meeting will be held. However, the meeting was disrupted by pro-Thaksin protesters in red-shirts. They also clashed with blue-shirts apparently sympathizers of Abhisit. The red-shirts protesters blocked of the hotel area with hundreds of cabs disallowing Chinese, Japanese and Korean premiers from attending the meeting.They returned back to their countries. They protesters then barge into the covention hall breaking glass walls. Then, the protesters rushed towards the hotel block where the ASEAN premiers were staying. Most of the leaders were airlifted by helicopters. The Malaysian Premier stayed on and were taken to the airport by land.
The moral of the story is - in such an important meeting where some of the major world leaders from China, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and ASEAN were suppose to meet, the security should be top-class. The Thai army, police and navy personnel were there and they should have been able to block and chased-off the protesters. Maybe the army and polic personnel are sympathetic to the cause of the protesters. Anyway its a big-blow to Thai security officials.
On my personal experience, i can't count on our Malaysia foreign affairs officials. They to entangled with protocols and handling the VIPs and even using the transport available in time of need to send off officials. My group had to find our own way and rent a van to get out of Pattaya.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)