The Two Brothers

Another book on the shelf. Yes. Two Brothers, by Ben Elton.

From chapter to chapter, this book managed to bring me back to the early years of World War 2. It never fails to touch, and sometime breaks my heart on how this family of four was treated and separated back then during the Nazis. It would be impossible for us to know on how Jews were treated back then. And this family, who are jews were never exempted. 

It happens to be that one of the twin, actually was adopted, and he was never a jew. 

And when it comes to the end of the line, the parents have no other choice but to let the non-jew son go, by telling all the truths. From there, they were separated, but it didn't hold the brothers to meet up at some points. To make it even more complicated, the 'twins' love the same girl, a jew girl where they both put their life in danger for her. To me personally, the girl was the evil plot in the book. She used the boys for her own survival interest. Never in my mind thought that she loved either one of the boys.

As a whole, this book never fails to play with emotions. And that is what I looked in a book. A book that convince me. Reading how family go through with life, how the non-jew brother survive and how he tried so hard to protect his family by all means. It's all about family, relationship, love and trusts. 

I hope that I will come across a book of how the Palestinians were treated, written with such emotions that will show the world, how same the Zionists are with the Nazis.

Peace.

Happy Teacher's Day.

Fuh, gila berhabuk aku punya blog.

 It feels like forever since my last post.

So yesterday was Teacher's Day. I might as well post something related.

When I was in Form 4, there was this 1 teacher whom I particularly remember. She taught me Modern Mathematics, but I took her tuition class on Add Maths in the evening. Her way of teaching was unique I guess, she made me remember all the methods, easily. 

But it is not the way she taught me that make her stick on my head, but it's the confidence she had in me. Modern Maths, was ok I guess. But I always thought Add Maths will be horrible. 

There was 1 day though, when we were doing add maths exercises during the tuition class, she told me personally, "Jaff, I know you will score at least A2 for Add Maths, I only want you to study hard now to score A1."  In my head, it's just WOW. She had this belief which I even don't have on myself. But knowing someone does believe in me, I eventually put in my mind, I am good in maths. I am good in maths. Yeah. I can do it, can't I? 

And yeah, I did it. I scored A1 in Add Maths. 

But sadly, as far as I remember, I never had this chance to meet her in person after school to thank her for the belief she had in me. 

I received a gift from her during my wedding, but still, didn't have the chance to meet her.

So, Puan Ding,

Selamat Hari Guru.

Thank you so much for believing in me.

Sabar.

Everyone has their highs and lows, especially at work. Well, syukur at the moment the life I went through at work is all well. But I remember last time with the previous work I had, it was tough I must say. Although I was happy with all the friends and colleagues, but the process, the tense, was very difficult.

Sometimes when we lost our mind, we tend to do things which is beyond limit. Like for instance, shouting, blaming, cursing, with all the dramas and that. But think for a second, where will it get you? Will you be happy for doing that? Puas hati? Nah. You won't, believe me. All that actions will only give you guilts and regrets.

So what I would suggest, to you and myself, stay calm, sabar. If you have to defend yourself, do it in a good way. When someone do bad things to you, it is not a ticket for you to the same to him, or her. Diamkan aje, pasal biasanya orang yang diam tu adalah orang yang menang.

Life is short. So be happy. Be wise.

Where is that 'Hot Milo'?

Whoa, It's been like forever since my last post eh? I've been writing if you must know, but I kept them all as drafts, waiting for my lazy finger to click that publish button. Duh. I wanted to post something actually, but I really don't know which post to start with. So now I decided to write a new one. 

This post is about how I was back then, and how I am today.

I remember almost 15 years ago, a girl in school labelled me as the 'Hot Milo'. I have this bad temper which was widely known among my close friends. That comes the term 'hot'. But that 'Milo' comes maybe because, as temper as I could be, I guess somehow I was still likable to some people. :-)

That 'Hot Milo' remained in me for years, until there was one event in school where I really had lost the sense of logic, I yelled to one of my close friend in front of a crowd. And the reason was stupid. I don't remember it though, but I am for sure, it was stupid. After that seconds of yelling, my friend startled. Everyone around us was too, they were shocked. That was the peak of my stupidity and inconsiderate anger. I realized that was too much. I left the place at once and sat somewhere far alone. I heard later that my friend was so upset that she cried. As much as it hurt her, it hurt me more I guess. I never like seeing my friend cries, especially because of me.

Yes, I did apologized later. But that was the event that set me back.

I decided, this 'Hot Milo' had to be gone. Far away that no one could ever called it back. From day to day, the 'Hot Milo' had somehow become the 'Ice Milo'. There was not much emotion that I could show. My heart was numb I guess. I kept it all inside. Far inside my heart. The good thing is though, the bad temper I had, it was gone. It became hard and difficult for me even to get upset. The fire of anger that crossed me was all kept inside my heart, until it was forgiven, and the flame was put to rest. The worst I could do is only to keep quite, diam seribu bahasa. My friends would call that merajuk. But to me, being quite helps to just forget everything, and forgive. And as time goes by, I will be back to normal. Just the cheerful self that I am. 

This 'Ice Milo' apologized more. This 'Ice Milo' smiles to everything. 

After many years, I really like 'Ice Milo'. 

This past few weeks however, I was wondering. What happen to 'Hot Milo'? Could I ask him to come for a visit sometime and help me release all the anger and tension that I have been keeping. I know, there was no flame. But the ashes remained. Could he come and clean it all? It's just that, if he ever make a come back, will he stay? Because I don't want him to...

As much as I wish that 'Hot Milo' could make a return, 'Ice Milo' has turned me into a better man, I guess. I really like 'Ice Milo' now. But as cool as it could be, please don't take him for granted. Because that could be the exact chance that it will turned into that 'Hot Milo' once again, and stay in me forever. 

klia2.

I remember the time I went to Ho Chi Minh with Pakciks when our tour guide, Hung said to Nazul and I how modern and big their airport is. I was looking at Nazul, he looked back at me. Is this guy serious? How could he compare our KLIA with Ho Chi Minh Airport? But seconds after that we realized that he was talking about our LCCT. Ok. Angkat tangan. Surrender. Our LCCT is seriously out of the league with Vietnamese Airport kan. 

There is one article I read on the internet that listed LCCT as one of the worst airport in Asia. But on the good side, we're not that bad compared to some countries' main airports. (Source: http://www.sleepinginairports.net/2012/worst-airports-asia.htm) 

Contrarily, in 2014 the World Airport Awards ranked LCCT at the 5th position behind Stansted, Berlin, Luton and Brussels for Best Low Cost Airport Category. Somehow, being there couples of times, LCCT is very much basic terminal and overly crowded. But I do understand that LCCT was initially built to cater about 10 million passengers, whereby today the total passengers using it are about 25 million.

On the other hand, KLIA was listed one of the best airport in the world, ranked 2nd for World's Best Airport serving 40-50 million passengers per year, that is behind South Korean's. However, there are a lot of improvements which could be done in KLIA, such as 24-hours dining restaurants and limousine services. Located about half an hour drive to Kuala Lumpur, logistic is very much important to passengers. With poor management in limousine and taxi, I am afraid that our tourists' satisfaction will be affected, especially at this year's Visit Malaysia Year 2014. However, I still have the feeling everytime I reach home in KLIA, the proud moment seeing our premium facilities that welcome everyone to Malaysian's gate.

This post is however not about KLIA. It's about klia2. I got the chance to visit klia2 last week. klia2 is our new low cost airport, replacing LCCT since May 1st. 5 airlines are operating here, of course, our AirAsia and Malindo Air, Cebu Pacific, Lion Air and Tiger Air. This airport is designed to cater 45 millions passengers per year with 250,000 sqm, 60 gates, 80 aerobridges, which is absolutely MASSIVE, compared to LCCT.

Being there the first time, I honestly have to say that I was impressed. It still have a 'little' look being the lost cost airport, but klia2 is clean, spacious space and there are many 'Ask Me' people around the huge airport to help passengers or visitors the get around. I could still see crowds, but I guess they must be the visitors to look around the new airport.

I was informed klia2 has the biggest shopping mall in the world, with 70,000 sqm of retail space, with 225 outlets. klia2 has its own shopping complex, deng! With 4 levels of retails space, there are relaxation zone, transportation stores, dining restaurants and retail stores. This building that consists them all is called the Gateway. 

Located next to KLIA, there are many ways for you to get here. Just like KLIA, there are KLIA express, KLIA transit where you can get here directly from Kuala Lumpur Sentral. Besides, there are many busses, shuttles, KL Monorail and taxis for you to get around. But unfortunately I have not got the opportunity to try one, hopefully one day. As this is the low cost terminal, I hope that the transportation services available here would not cost as much as KLIA, especially the rate of limousine or taxis. At the moment, there are 6 hotels located in the airport, or maybe just right next to it. So, being the advantage here that can overcome the cons of LCCT which is the transportation services.

Having the new lost cost terminal with world class facilities is great for the image of the country. One day, I believe that the airport will overcome our main premium airport in term of passengers as there are many tourists who now prefer to travel cheap, and that is low cost airlines. Hopefully one day when I return home from overseas, in klia2, I will feel as proud as I was when I touched down in KLIA. 

A letter to myself.

20/6/2013

To my dear self,

I was asked to write this letter to myself which the letter will be posted back to me in 6 months. It's like a time capsule, only with a short period of time. Eh, kejap. Why should I explain this to you? You were here. Cet ptuih. I am so sorry my handwriting is as bad as Amirul's but as you know, I have no proper equipment and stationery here.

I think you have not been blogging for a period of time, so I guess you should put this letter on your blogs as one your post.

I am now in the middle of the jungle, camping here, alone for 1 night. This is part of the course that I am going through at the moment, which is at the Outward Bound School (OBS). I've spent 5 nights at OBS, and I will be going to the next course the day after tomorrow.

OBS is one in a lifetime experience which I will never forget. It was tough I must say, and you're pushed to your limit to complete the task that was given. The last 2 days, me and my teammates, Watch Ledang went for a hiking in Pangkor. I think that should not be a problem as I was quite used to it. But I was wrong! We were asked to carry a heavy bag, filled with our stuffs, food and belongings which be used later for camping.

On the 1st day, we spent about 6 hours, hiking. As that is a group task, we need to help each other, sharing all the weight and burden. The biggest challenge for us was not the distance, but it was the weight of the bag. We tried to exchange stuffs along the way though when some of us could not 'tahan' already.

As time goes by, when many of us were already exhausted, some of us were falling into the negative valley. But fortunately, the other half pulled them back on track and carry on. the next day was the same. Oh, it was worse! We got lost! :-( We spend about 6 hours when actually we were only suppose to spend about half of that time. We were going up and down the hill many times, and it was for sure tough especially to the ladies. But we managed to get ourselves out.

I was proud of myself for completing the task. Seriously, it was super duper tough when you're going in a group, but these people are the one who actually keep me going. And I am so proud too with my teammates who keep on going, even some of them think they could not go on, but they did. We did it guys!

As I said previously, OBS is one of the experience that I won't forget. Even some of us said that they won't ever repeat the OBS, but I am sure that each and everyone of us will remember this week as one of the most memorable ones that we will laugh together years upfront. No handphone, no connection with the outside world, television, family and friends, for 1 week. I don't know if I could do that I am forced to. However, being back to basic taught me more about the value of talking instead of typing or texting, and OBS definitely push my limit to a new upper level, my confidence and of course my patience. Thank you everyone!

p.s. Jaffrey, you are awesome. Keep it up! :-)

Jaffrey

Gift.

People always asked and complained that it is difficult to get someone a gift, especially when it comes to the opposite sex as we might not know what would actually they like. My friends, Calypsorous were discussing about it just now on WhatsApp. 

Well, as for guys, I think the most obvious and common gifts that someone could get are, tie, tie clip, grooming stuffs maybe, pemetik gitar if he plays guitar, books if he loves to read, pen if it is official, wallet if his was sad to watch, belts, t-shirts (but you have to the size and style), shaver, cufflinks, handkerchief.  If you have more budget, then a perfume, watch, gadgets like iphone, ipad or something, games would be cool.

But on the final day, I got something even more valuable than all the stuffs I mentioned above. It was not new, nor fancy... but it is genuinely valuable. It was a pen, the pen of a very very very good friend of mine, my bro. It's the pen which he used during his first lecture in service. So from here, I've learnt that, to me, it doesn't necessarily be expensive, useful, fancy or anything, instead, having something which is meaningful and valuable to you, is enough to make the gift as one of the best you ever gave. Giving something which is close to your heart, makes it even better for the person you are giving, to show them how much he or she is meaningful to you as well.

So, Aiman, thank you very much my bro.
I'll keep you close for the rest of my life.

Hey ya!

We are already in 2014, and it is Visit Malaysia Year 2014!

Yes people, we are the host this year to welcome our neighbors, guests from all over the world to our beloved Malaysia. The last time when we host Visit Malaysia Year was back in 2007 when we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the country.

So, as the host, we as Malaysians must do our part to make sure our guests have a great time coming here and make every single visit worth it, and of course, to make sure they come back again next time or recommend the visit to others would even be better.

1. First thing first, we must at least learn how to speak basic English. Yerp, English. I am so so so sure that most Malaysians understand and know how to speak English, it is just a matter of confidence to speak it out. But, how to improve your English is to start with a broken one. Come on, we are not British, nor Americans... we are Malaysians. We have our own way in speaking English. So guys, be confident, no matter how broken your English is, just be confident.

2. Smile. Many of us especially those in the service sector, shops, restaurant, are seems so reluctant to smile. What we must often do is to smile. Make it a sincere one. It shows warmth. Show our guest that they are welcomed and we are beyond happy to receive them. What is even better is to say Hi and make a simple conversation, "How are you, Sir?", "Have a great day, mam", would be nice.

3. Show you gratitude. Say "thank you". No matter if you're the one who is lending a hand, or showing direction, doing a favor, just say thank you, or terima kasih, and not to forget #2, with a smile. 

4. Stress on cleanliness. Everywhere, on the streets, in the toilets, shopping malls, everywhere. Do not litter. Flush the toilet after used. Cleanliness is one of the most important element in tourism, so do your part.

5. Your courtesy and morality. Show the world how good the Malaysians are. Be nice on the road, talk politely  

And lastly, 6. Be proud of who we are, our multiracial and diversity. Whoever we are, Malays, Chinese, Sabahans, Sarawakians, Indians, we are Malaysians, and we should be proud of each other. 

So guys, here we go. 

Be the best host.

It's Visit Malaysia Year 2014!

www.vmy2014.com

A Little Advice on Changing Flight.

So here is the thing.

I have a  return flight, instead, for some reasons I didn't take the flight going to Jakarta. Instead, I took another different flight. But when I wanted to use my return ticket back to Malaysia using the previous ticket, somehow my name was gone in the system. Luckily the Malaysia Airline counter there did managed to get my name back in the list, and here I am, back home.

So, next time, when any of you changed your flight, using a different airline, then I would strongly suggest you to check back with the airline whether your previous ticket is still valid or not, because system wise, your name will be removed from the list.

Let's travel!!!

Bangkok or Thailand?

To be honest, I don't know the tiny details of what is happening is Thailand. But what is within my knowledge is that the opposition, led by The Democrats is trying their best to oust the current Prime Minister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra. This happens when she and the government which everyone are well known of, is that they are pro Thaksin, former Prime Minister who is accused of wrongdoings during his premiership, is seems trying to bring back the former leader by pushing for an amnesty approval.

That gives a chance for the opposition to start their rally and demonstrations, which I believe they are very good at. Some protesters even commented that "Thailand has enough and they want a new leader".

Ok. So here comes the part where I do not understand about. So, if Thailand wants a new leader, why when Ms. Yingluck dissolved the parliament and called for a new election, the Democrats, which is the largest opposition backed down and boycotted the race? If some of you did not know, there are 2 times if I am not mistaken that a pro-Thaksin government was toppled, and took over by military. But every after election, let see who won... hermm, oh, it's them again! 

The Government has their stronghold outside Bangkok, they won not with small majority, they won big. So what may I ask now is that, is it really what the people of Thailand wanted, or is it only what the people on the street wanted? Why don't you just let the majority decide, not the people on the street. It is not helping the country at all.