Terror from Malaysia

Malaysians should be proud when one of their own was mentioned in the script of the investigative thriller series "Criminal Minds" which is currently shown on TV8 Monday evening. That is of course if the reference was on someone with a great achievement which Malaysians can shout "Malaysia Boleh"! But too bad it was not to be.

While watching the same series yesterday night, which was about some terrorists planning to kill one of the members of the US First Family who was undergoing surgery in a hospital, a familiar name from Malaysia was mentioned. At the middle of the show one of the characters, while discussing the personalities of terrorist bombers made a reference to one of Asia's most wanted man in recent times.

He was talking about Azahari bin Husin, the Malaysian lecturer turned terrorist who mastermind the killing of hundreds of innocent tourists and locals and caused mayhem in the idyllic Bali by bombing various targets in the touristic island including the 2002 Kuta bombing, 2003 JW Marriot Hotel bombing and 2005 Jimbaran and Kuta bombing. Azahari was also the master mind in the 2004 Australian Embassy bombing in Jakarta. The terrorist also know as the "Demolition Man" was gunned down by the Indonesian special forces on November 9, 2005 in East Java.

Azahari Husin and another fellow terrorist Noordin bin Mohammed Top who was killed on 17 September 2009,  created a name for themselves while shaming their home country and fellow peace loving Malaysians when they were hunted after the 2002 Bali bombings and many other terrorist acts since then.

Even though these two terrorists did not caused any structural damage and deaths on Malaysian soil, their barbaric actions in Indonesia brought immense embarrassment and shame to the country. It put a black mark in the history of Malaysia as foreigners and other countries will always remembers Malaysia as the country of origin of these two terrorists that killed hundreds and caused millions of dollars of damages and losses of income to those who depends on tourism for survival in Bali.

Will the victims of their vicious bombings from multiple nationalities will ever forgive them for inflicting the pain, losses and sufferings on them and their love ones? Maybe time will heal the pain and forgiveness is divine but it will be difficult for some victims to forget the incidents and losses at the same.

The heart will still hurts when one remembers the sufferings, but why not strive to let go and move on? Feeling angry and vengeful about these terrorists will not bring back the dead or heal the wounds.- Loka

Changing Lifestyle

The petrol price hike of 78 cents per litre already affected the lifestyle of many.

Visited the petrol station twice this week and the petrol price hike shows clearly on the receipts. Have to forked out extra RM50 for petrol in one week and it will be that way until the end of the year. I hoped. The government promised the petrol price per litre will stays until end of the year. This means by 1st Jan 2009, we might get a new year "gift" if the petrol price keep on rising. Hope this time around they will keep their word.

Previously they say no price increase after the general election but what happens? They raised the petrol price from $1.92 to $2.70 per litre.

But it seems on the ground, the people are shouting out loud for the government to review the price hike. Not everyone has a fat pay cheque. One thing for sure, our usual lifestyle has to be changed. But hoped the government too will act wisely. Those non essential projects, mega of not, should be postponed or even scrapped. Some of them includes the various corridors projects and the National Service Training Program.

Those with babies fed with infant formulas will be experiencing the pinch in feeding their babies. Price per tin will be on the rise. It will be worse for those going for premium infant formulas.

Those with school going children already got the news- the bus fare has already been raised, with or without the authorities permission. The price of food at the school canteen, if it is not increased, the servings will be reduced. Maybe the children should pack their tea breaks or lunches from home.

Those who frequents the local coffeeshops and mamaks for their regular cuppa of coffee and teh tarik will need to reduce their visits. But at least it is still very much cheaper than starbucks or coffee bean.

Crowds during lunch breaks especially in major cities and towns be prepared to pay more for a serving of the local curry mee, asam laksa, prawn mee, char kueh tiaw etc, etc. Unless of course you opts for instant noodles. But then price of instant noodles had also increased.

If you don't have medical insurance, it is not the best of time to fall sick. If you really need to be admitted, the government hospitals will be a cheaper option even though you may be complaining about the service.

For those who drives to work or for leisure, there is a need to plan your destination well. Sometimes it it much cheaper to use tolled roads or highways to avoid burning more fuel in congested roads. Carpooling will be a good option now even though we need to do some adjustments to accommodate other fellow passengers. Public transport is another option but be prepared to wake up earlier and reach home later. Also prepared to be wet - either due to the heat or drenched by rain because the public transport connectivity is still much to be desired.

There was a demonstration in Kuala Lumpur on Friday by thousands of those objecting the petrol price hike. From reports it won't be the last and a big one expected on July 5.

Chicken Rice and Rocket

Is there any relevancy between chicken rice and rocket. Most of us would think there is no connection. I thought so until one guy enlightened me today.

I was at my regular chicken rice stall buying dinner for my family this evening. When I asked how much I need to pay for the rice, the chicken rice seller told me I have to pay extra for the chicken rice as cost of chicken per kilogram has gone up. Then he added, "looks like price of goods went up even though the Rocket won the election."

As I drove home, I thought," the Rocket and other partners in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be in deep chicken shit if every man in the street thinks the same." Why is that so?

During the recent election voters were convinced to equate higher cost of living with Barisan Nasional. There were propaganda and banners written with the wordings, BN = Barang Naik. Now, with BN not in power in Kedah, Perak, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan, the ordinary folks are expecting prices of basic items not to rise. If the price of food stuffs keep on increasing, the equation will then be change and people will be upset with PR then. The new equation will be:

BN = Barang Naik
PR = Pasti Rugi

Barisan Nasional Pakatan Rakyat =BNPR = Barang Naik Pasti Rugi


So, all the PR people better ensure my regular chicken rice price stays the same until 2013 or there will be chicken shit on many faces!