In the eyes of the foreigners, Malaysia is a country well known for its friendly, warm and generous culture. In the tourism industry, these values have been promoted widely. I was proud of how foreigners praise us until I came across this piece of daunting critique. 

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/4/central/16425412&sec=central

Beggars spoiling the image of Malaysia? I view this differently and perceive the other way round instead as the country letting down its own people that are less fortunate. Firstly, the word “beggars” is intimidating. Secondly, not everyone in the country or in this world is rich or capable of living comfortably with sufficient income, which forces the individual to resort to other means to support his/her own living. What are we trying to portray in KLCC? Every Malaysian is rich and has strong buying power? Nah..come on…that doesn’t represent every single Malaysian. Thirdly, instead of merely removing them from lurking in an area, no further initiatives are taken by the authorities/government to look into permanent/long term resolution of the “homeless” society. Big lump sum of money is being invested on unnecessary and lavish setups like building a stadium in UK, tallest twin towers in the world, proposed DisneyLand in Johor, other possible pork-spending as according to the American lingo, etc….what’s all these for and do any of these mark the origin of Malaysia? If only a small portion of the outgoing expenditure could be allocated to care and nurture the homeless, it would make a difference to their lives.

What’s wrong with singing and receiving generous tip-off from the public? The poor man is just exhibiting his talent in a different way, not in pubs, lounges or concerts, but in a humble situation. This state is often being seen in the London Underground.

Humiliating a man on the wheelchair is also appalling. This reminds me of how the handicapped group is being treated in a thriving nation. What sort of facilities is there for people on the wheels? A couple of times, I had to support my mum on the wheelchair as she was unwell to walk and we were constantly being stared at places like IKEA, 1 Utama and Megamall. I can grade the facility in terms of friendliness to wheelchair users as ZERO and the onlookers as a bunch of losers. I feel so sorry for people in the same situation or worse than my mum. It isn’t the fault of the less fortunate community but the failure of the country to support the variation of its own public.

To achieve the status of a developed country, it’s not recognized by merely owning the largest, longest and biggest building but the success of how the ruler tackle all aspects of the living society including the welfare of every living being in its country. Wawasan 2020? Fat chance. – angry mel.

Another new year, another year older…booohhohoho Somehow once I’ve reached the big 3, age has become a sensitive issue and I just wish time will halt for a while. Well, I did enjoy my moments during my twenties but it just passed by too swiftly that there was insufficient time for reflection. Anyway, enough of the blabbering. We had a small celebration with some friends on New Year’s eve. Lots of food as usual and I prepared Grilled Honey Chicken Wings. Nothing special as I’ve run out of idea on what to serve as finger food. This is simple to prepare (only soy sauces and honey) and finger licking good as well. Had rounds of cocktails (oooppss, non alcoholic specially for me - Pina Colada without rum, slurp slurp) and a game called Jenga. Was in my 35^th week of pregnancy, Eng was surprised that I still had the energy to cook for a party. Well, I’ve been advised by many friends to stay active so that it would ease the labour. Hopefully, it would.