Untimely Act of PAS on moral policing!

Folks, i now wish to rant and ramble on PAS' latest action: that is, according to Malaysia's leading English dailies,

The Kota Baru Municipal Council has enforced standards on women’s sportswear in a park - only to be criticised for it.

Then, the MCA Wanita Chairman (Datin Paduka Chiew Mei Fun) says this:

Chew said PAS’ sexist policies not only curtailed the rights and
liberties of women but also impacted their daily lives.

“PAS insists on the issue of women’s clothing but the real question
is: who are they to set the standards?

“Why must they label the dressing of others as ‘too sexy’ or
‘inappropriate’?

“The rhetoric of PAS seems to be that they are morally superior,
while everyone else is deemed morally bankrupt,” she noted.

She also hit out at the party for its excessive male chauvinism and
setting limits to women’s freedom including a ban on lipstick and high
heels.

I must say that i agree with what Mei Fun says. Who is PAS to condemn and set a limit to woman on what to wear and what not to wear? I am so sick of PAS' male chauvinism!

To PAS, let me say this: Islam promotes gender equality and rights to both a male and female human beings. So, therefore, please stop all of this bullshit on moral policing.

Let the women wear what they like as long as they are not being naked in the public.

What PAS can do at this point in time is to promote gender tolerance between men and women. There is no need to snoop and punish girls who doesn't adhere to the principle of Islam. As long as these women dress decently in public, then it is fine.

I am sure that Malaysian woman these days know the true teaching of Islam. If they chose not to follow the true teaching of Islam, then let them be as long as they did not explicitly insult the religion of Islam by going naked in the public.

Furthermore, what the hell is wrong by wearing a lipstick? Why do PAS care so much when it comes to lipstick? What about the male? Why can't PAS ban all Muslim man in Kelantan from wearing shorts and colouring their hair?

Why making this nonsense and bullshit statements? I am just totally turned-off by this somewhat and sometime sexist party who claims to honour the true teaching of Islam.

PAS, Malaysia is a multiracial country. And Malaysia is also a democratic country where everyone is entitled to wear, speak and eat whatever they want as long as they did not insult and break the general code of ethics as prescribed by the Court of Public Opinion. The public's right to do whatever they want so long as they did not violate the law has been enshrined in the Federal Constitution. So there is no need to snoop, squad and enforce pathethic laws on what to wear and what not to wear.

PAS must note that women in Malaysia, unlike in some part of other nation, is educated, intelligent and smart. Women in Malaysia nowadays know what is right and what is wrong.

So stop abuse and misled the true teaching of Islam.

PAS, there is no need to be too extreme, orthodox, and fundamentalist, and there is also no need to be to liberal in interpreting the teaching of Islam.

Care is what you guys must accede to when making statements especially when it touches the subject matter of gender, race and religion.

Verily Allah knows best.

Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

Cruel & Shame Act by a Mother!

Folks,

This morning when i read the newspaper, i can't help but to have tears dropping out of my eyes after reading this news in Malaysia's English Dailies: The Star.

The newspaper carries a report that a mother has abused her five-year-old son. This is the extract from the newspaper:

PETALING JAYA: Her relatives noticed the scars on the boy’s head three years ago and her colleagues at a music school saw bruises on his face all the time.

When they confronted the single mother, she just brushed it off saying her five-year-old son was naughty and was always falling down.

However, the truth came out on Tuesday when Welfare Department officers rescued the boy and took him to the Serdang Hospital.

He had so many injuries that doctors who examined him were taken aback as there was barely a spot on the body that had no scars.

And the last sentence really struck my heart. The phrase "...there was barely a spot on the body that had no scars." Now, i do not know whether the reporter is exaggerating or what, but all i know is that if this report turns out to be true, then i have nothing to say except to remove the parent's custodial right from raising the child.

And furthermore, read this:

Those present [in the hospital]were shocked to see that his [the boy's] bottom jaw was almost toothless.

I can't imagine what will kind of punishment had been meted-out against this poor soul. I feel deeply ashamed to have a this one hell of Malaysian lady living on this very soil.

The poor child does not deserve this kind of treatment. In fact, no child deserves to be punished severely due to their humanely mistakes. And no child deserves to be abused by their very own mother.

Let's look at the injuries sustained by the boy insofar:

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil looking at the boy’s bruised lips, chipped and missing teeth when she visited him at the Serdang Hospital yesterday. [my emphasis]

I can't help but to really feel sorry for the kid. Even if the injuries does not hurt now, it will surely hurts him mentally.

And what is even more heartening is to listen (or in my case, read) the child's remark:

‘Saya sayang mak tapi mak pukul, mak pukul rotan besar
(I love my mother, but she beats me. She beats me with a big cane).’

This is such a powerful words uttered by a five-year-old boy who had yet to learn about the realities and challenges of this world. The despicable act of the mother should not be condone by any society and community.

The word "love" is a powerful word. It is not a weak word at all. It is not even vague. It carries a deep meaning, and clearly, the poor child, even though been abused by her very own mother and suffers physical torture, still manage to have a heart to his mother.

Can you imagine what would happen to the child's future?

Haiyya. . . Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

An eye for an eye

Folks,

Yesterday in the Malaysian news, a woman (also a wife), her daughter and her maid from Indonesia was being killed by some suspected 26-year old guy who is believed to be under the influence on drugs.

Haiyya, what is happening in Malaysia nowadays? Are we getting too violent? We are not getting violent but some black-sheep in our society is turning and resorting to violence in order for personal gains.

How could this young fellow killed innocent people? What does he really wants? Money? There is a better way of making a money, simply by ask. Have the gut to ask for money and if there are some souls who pity you, then perhaps you will get some money.

The life of a man, whom according to Malaysia's number one tabloid, Harian Metro, Jafri Tajul Ariffin was shattered and ruined in a blink of an eye. There were no significant chronology that leads to the death of some of his family members. What i mean by "significant chronology" is a set of events that can lead to someone's death. For instance, if someone is being infected by a dangerous disease, then the infected person ("infectee") can expect that his life will sooner or later comes to an end. Thus, this guy can somehow spends some of the quality time with his beloved ones. At least, this guy will die gracefully. Not embarassingly and in horrifying conditions.

I propose that we hang the murderer to death. But prior to that, i also propose that this murderer be caned 100 strokes and then, both of his hands are to be cut, followed by his feet and lastly followed by his neck. The murderer ought not to be sympathised. A deterrent sentence should be imposed on the murderer and the judge trying the case should not, by any means or chance, have mercy on him. His crime will fall under section 39 (or 302?) of our Penal Code.

I am so sorry for Mr Jafri and his surviving 10-year old daughter for this bloody horrifying yet unwarranted incident. I hope that the culprit be brought before justice and he shall be rewarded with only what he deserve: that is, his sinful act is to be punished with death by hanging; or his despicable act shall be rewarded with a harsh corporal punishment that will eventually lead to his death. An eye for an eye.

May Allah forgive you, the culprit.

The Importance of English

Folks,

Before i went off to bed tonight, allow me to pen down my thoughts about the importance of English in Malaysia.

Malaysia practices constitutional monarchy system whereby the King of Malaysia becomes the constitutional head in this country. The official language in Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, a language spoken by almost 99.99% of Malaysians living on this land.

Now, the Federal Constitution of Malaysia was originally drafted and written in English, and in the highest court of the land, most of the cases argued before a panel of judges were done in English. And in Law, if the Malay version of the rule contradicts that of the English version, then the English version of the law shall prevail, no matter what. Even if you were to take this case or issue to the Federal Court of Malaysia, you still won't succeed.

Malaysia does not have its own technology save the fact that the only two main ones are the national cars; Proton and Perodua. Other than that, is really out of question. Most of the technology were imported from foreign countries such as America, United Kingdom, Australia and several European countries.

Notwithstanding the ttechnology alone, Malaysia, whether you like it or not imported several technical manuals from other foreign countries. And these technical manuals are only available in at least five different languages: English, being the main one; Chinese, Japanese, German, French and Arabic. Sometimes, the only available language for the manual is English.

If young Malaysians were to look for a job nowadays in Malaysia, he or she will most certainly be interviewed in English. It is very rare to find leading and multi-national companies in Malaysia that conducts their job interviews in language other than English. Unless you were to be interviewed for any civil or public position, until then, the interview will remain in English.

If you were to search about technology or issues that are not occuring in Malaysia, one would need English in order for them to understand the material that they are reading. Very few international journals (and i dont think there ever is) written in Bahasa Malaysia.

If one is working in multinational companies, one would need to master and have a good command of English in order to climb up the ladder in one's career. Failure to speak English will only leaves one nowhere to go but to stuck there in your cocoon forever.

Is the above argument not enough for you to fathom the importance of English, ha?

Haiyya, Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

Guess Who?

Folks,

I found this over the internet. Firstly i would like to say this:

1. Islam does not, will not and will never ever teaches its followers to drink or even sip a drop of alcoholic beverages.
2. A "true Muslim" or a "true believer of Islam" will never associate themselves with wines, beers or indulge in any business that is directly or indirectly related to alcoholic drinks.





Thus, having saying the following words above, i shall leave it to the Court of Public Opinion to judge on the acts committed by the following people in Malaysia, namely:

1. Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Tuanku Ja'far - the son of the late Tuanku Ja'far, former ruler of the state of Negeri Sembilan
2. Jen (B) Tan Sri Dato' Mohd Ghazali bin Dato' Mohd Seth
3. Tan Sri Datuk Asmat bin Kamaludin

Let the people judge.

Haiyya, Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

Unbelievably Rude!

Folks,

I found this while i was checking my email. The picture below shows a despicable, unbelievably rude and shockingly immoral. It shows a picture of some guy wearing a t-shirt which contain the word "FUCK", "ROCK" and "DRINK" while performing his prayer in a local mosque, somewhere in Malaysia.



I mean, how could this happen? No Muslims, at least not in this country, were taught by anyone that it is okay to perform your prayer as long as you are covered up and dresses according to Islamic laws. No one, and not anyone of any organization should condone his act!

I mean, look at it mate! This guy is wearing some fancy-ass t-shirt in our holy mosque. Who does he think he is, ha? Ini BAPAK kau punya masjid ker...?

I despise this guy!

Haiyya, Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

Maths 2

Folks,

last week, i have finished marking the examination paper for my students, and all, yes ALL of my students passed the subject that i am teaching, that is, WQD 10202 : Technical Mathematics 2.

I now wish to deal why i passed all of my students. First of all, it is of utmost importance that i defined what constitutes a pass for my students. To pass my subjects, my students need to strive hard and fulfil the course requirements. Now, some of the courses have a tough marking or assessment system while some others are lenient. However, the lecturer should have the discretion when evaluatina nd grading the students.

The lecturer should be impartial, fair, unbias and transparent when giving marks. The lecturer should not be streotyped and favours the students who he or she likes the most.

A note of caution: it is NOT wrong in law to pass all of your students unless the students himself wishes to fail that particular subject.

Now, what then is my criteria for passing my subject? Now, note that i use the word "pass" not "excel". To pass my subject, one must have:

First, a proper attitude. Now, no matter how smart a student is, if he has a poor attitude, then he deserve to fail. The main reason is simple. The purpose for the establishment of a university is to produce a knowledgeable, ethical and well-rounded human-capital. A well-rounded students needs to have a proper attitude prior to be employed in any company. Poor attitude will result in poor performance during their career. Thus, it is belief that the university is a place and the right channel to groom these students. Therefore, any students having poor-attitude and being rude to me will deserve a failure, no matter what. What then is a proper attitude? These includes, but are not limited to: attendance to class, communication skills, handing the assigned tasks and being able to communicate politely to the lecturer.

Second, a sound knowledge of the particular subject matter. It is no use to have a worker who is dumb and stupid. Thus, all of my students are expected to have a sound knowledge of a course content. Those who does not have a sound knowledge of my subject deserve to fail. I can't simply pass the students who knows nothing about my course, can i? For example, in my subject (i.e. WQD 10202), the students must be able to define a complex number, perform the derivative and integration of mathematical functions. If the students fail to do simple thing such as this, then they deserve to fail and repeat the course until they can manage to at least, meet these criteria.

Third, submitting all the assigned tasks. Students are expected to submit all of the assigned tasks and where the students fail to submit the assigned task without valid reasons, he or she will be given a zero for that particular tasks. Unauthorised late submissions will be penalized 20% for each day late.

Thus, all of the above three criteria makes the students pass for my course.

Now, how to ace my subject (to get an A)? Well the students need to perform to their best standard in the test and examination, participates actively during the class and have a proper attitude.

Will i have mercy on those who seems to fail my course? My answer is simple: the students can pass this subject ONLY if they consult me. This is because, if the student come and see me about their academic performance, then that shows me that he or she is worried about his grade. When they are worried about their grade, that simply means that they care about their studies and the only thing that i can do for them is to give them extra assignments which only elevates their original carry mark to a minimum of passing mark (or passing grade). Those who does not care about their subject will simply fail. Because why? Because they could not care less about their grade.

It is in my opinion, unethical and immoral for a lecturer to simply fail their students who seek to pass the subject without giving proper reasoning. I believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to pass the subject only if they deserve it. For those who doesn't deserve it, then there are still opportunities for them to pass, but they shall be given the opportunity in the next semester: that is to repeat the subject in the next semester.

Now, i would like to congratulate the following students of mine who obtained A- for my subject:


What have they done to pass this subject? They have performed to their best in all of the assigned coursework and they did beautifully in the final exam.

Well, most of my students got a "D" and i think that they deserve it. Sorry to say this, but i really think that they do deserve to pass, but certainly they DO NOT deserve to get anything above "D".

And another note. It seems to me that some people do not accept the view that i hold. Now, it is plainly simple: you take care of your students and let me care about mine. Do not poke your nose in someone else's ass. You may question me on why i pass all of my students, but you may not judge whether i did wrongly or rightly. My students has certainly meet the above criteria in passing the subject. I have marked them with transparency and leniency and have taken into account some of their pleas and mitigating factors.

And i do not hold this view: "a high quality lecturer has a balanced proportion of passing and failing students". This view has no place other than in the bin or down the toilet. If the students pass, then they are most certainly deserve to pass. If the students fail, then many factors, reasons and things that needs to be taken into account before failing them.

To me, it doesn't matter how many students passed and how many students failed. What matters is, how many of them DESERVE to pass and how many of the deserve to fail. In the end, the students are solely responsible for their own learning.

Reasoning and Judgments

Folks,

Everything we do in this world must have a reason, no matter how trivial it is. And that being said, every cases tried before a judge in an open court must end with a certain decision, supported by relevant facts, acceptable authorities and unquestionable yet fair reasoning and judgment.

It is unacceptable for a judge not to disclose his reason for making a decision, especially if the issues discussed are of grave importance to the nation. The case is plainly simple: a judge who cannot give any reasons for a case tried before him or her does not qualify to be a judge.

I have no respect for judges who cannot provide their reasons (or alasan in Malay) for any case tried before them. Even if the reasoning is wrong, then it can still be corrected upon appealing to the superior court. But, if there are no reason provided, then how on earth will the court of public opinion respond and fathom the act of such judges?

So, please judges: write out your grounds of judgment. We pay you high salaries so that you can dispense justice during your discharging of your duty.

Justice must not only be done but it must manifestly be seen to be done. How then will justice be seen to be done is no grounds of judgment be supplied to the public? How then will the public respect the judges in this country? How then will the public believes in the restoration and have confidence on our judiciary if no grounds of judgment were supplied to further enhance your reason?

Haiyya, Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

Reading the judgment of the court

Folks,

I would like to invite you guys to start reading the judgment of the court. The reason being is simple: that you would know the reasons provided by the judge on particular case.

You see, even though some of the current (and legal) issues are reported in the paper, it is however important for us civilians to udnerstand the gist and the reasoning behind it. One need not to be a law graduate in order to udnerstand the judgment provided by the court.

One only need an internet connection in order to understand some of legal terms and jargons used in the court's judgment.

Here is a link to the judgment of the Malaysian court:

Judgment of the High Court:
http://www.kehakiman.gov.my/judgment/hc/latest/

Judgment of the Court of Appeal:
http://www.kehakiman.gov.my/judgment/coa/latest/

Judgment of the Federal Court of Malaysia:
http://www.kehakiman.gov.my/judgment/fc/latest/

I particularly loved the beauty of the language crafted by Malaysian court judges when deleivering their judgment, and hence i have decided to employ them in my writing. And i wish that my loved ones can communicate to me by using figurative and literary terms.

And yes, those who can interact with me by using figurative, legal and literary terms certainly makes my heart beats faster than that of a lion's heart!

Let us revive the Old English!

Yeah, send these thugs to hell!

Folks, i read today's newspaper with burning hearts when i came to this article entitled "Cops: Send road thugs to jail". The link of this article is here: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/20/nation/3944559&sec=nation

I could not agree more with the cops on sending the road thugs to jail. The road thugs has recently committed despicable acts, the latest being causing death to the civilians. And sadly, the civilians who died after their handbag were snatched by these road thugs during riding the motorcycle, were pregnant mothers!

I wholeheartedly supports the call by the national police force to send these road thugs to jail. I would like to futher add and plead that these thugs be brought to justice and their butts be caned with a minimum of 5 rattan strokes so that their pain will be instilled in their heart and thus preventing them (hopefully) and teaching them some lessons so as not to be a thug when driving in our roads.

Personally, if i found them on the road and they were snatching something from a motorcyle driven by a woman, and at the material time i was driving, then i have no hesitation in running over them so that they will not be able to open their eyes on this world ever again!

Salary's Increment

Folks, today during my training, we were discussing about our salary's increment besides on Robotics.

And i just hoped that i can get some financial increment for the works that i have done in the company that i am currently work for. I don't really care for others (and yes, i do pity them for not having any sorts of increment in the previous and current year), but i just hoped that my colleagues and i would get some increment for my salary. . .

Indeed, it would de-motivate me not to get any increment. . .

Pray hard.

Amen.

Barred from class for one year!

Folks, i found this article on the net (http://www.hmetro.com.my/Current_News/myMetro/Wednesday/Setempat/20090520071228/Article/index_html)

Setahun dilarang belajar
Oleh Ahmad Tajol Ansar Ibrahimahmadtajol@hmetro.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Hanya kerana keluar kelas tanpa kebenaran guru bagi
mengikuti kelas kompang menyebabkan seorang murid tahun lima sebuah sekolah di Cheras di sini dilarang setahun daripada memasuki kelas yang diajarnya,
kelmarin.

Guru berkenaan yang mengajar subjek Pendidikan Sivik Kenegaraan (PSK)
dikatakan bengang dengan tindakan murid berkenaan, Mohammad Nur Izwam, 11, pergi ke latihan kompang tanpa kebenarannya sedangkan latihan itu penting bagi sambutan Hari Guru peringkat sekolah itu, Jumaat ini.

Tindakan guru wanita berusia lewat 30-an terbabit memarahi mangsa di
hadapan murid lain menyebabkan dia kini trauma dan tidak mahu ke sekolah.

Malah, menurut bapa mangsa, Azmi Md Yatim, 35, sebaik tiba di rumah,
anaknya mengadu dia tidak dibenarkan memasuki kelas PSK yang diajar guru
terbabit selama setahun.

“Sebaik menerima berita berkenaan, saya segera ke sekolah bagi mengetahui
punca sebenar kejadian.

“Namun kedatangan saya ke sekolah nyata tidak disenangi, malah disambut
dengan kata-kata kesat guru terbabit dan butir perbualan ada dalam simpanan
saya,” katanya yang juga Pengerusi Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG).

Harian Metro difahamkan guru terbabit bermati-matian menegaskan kesalahan
anaknya yang didakwa keluar ke kelas kompang tanpa pengetahuannya.

Kesal dengan tindakan guru terbabit, Azmi kemudian membuat laporan polis di
Balai Polis Pudu, Cheras sebelum membawa perkara berkenaan ke pengetahuan
Jabatan Pelajaran Wilayah Persekutuan (JPWP).

The above article talks about a student was (according to its reporter) barred from attending the class for one year. The main reason is simple: for attending kompang lesson without the teacher's permission.

The pertinent question to be discussed is whether the action of the teacher is justifiable by barring her students from attending her class for one whole year for such a trivial matter.

Now, first thing to note is, the teacher teaches the subject "Pendidikan Sivik dan Kenegaraan" which in English means "Civic and National Studies". Where is the civic and ethic of this teacher in the first place? The teacher has to udnerstand that not all students, however fierce she can be, follows the school's rules and regulations.

The wisest thing for the teacher to do in the first place, when dealing with this kind of students, is to call the students and asks where he or she has been, and also gently questions the students absence for that particular subject.

In my view, the teacher was wrong (and probably was too emotional) when handling with this student. She certainly went beserk and being unprofessional when she barred the students from her class for one year.

She has to udnerstand that this is a school students. Treating the school students like an adult is certainly not the best way when dealing with kids. The kids are at their adaloescent age and therefore ought to be treated with care and passion. Thus, gentle approach is a must when dealing with kids. Otherwise, if improper act and unnecessary words were executed and uttered respectively to these kids, it will certainly brings their morale down. Worst, it can even traumatise the kids hence causing the kids to "loose heart and touch" to the school.

Thus, i strongly believe that the teacher's action is unjustifiable.

However, i have to urge everyone to note on one thing. If the teacher DID commite such act, then she is deemed to be unprofession and goes beyond the teacher's ethics. If she DID not commit the act, then she has certainly being fooled, played-about and the story was purposely and deliberately twisted for the newspaper's personal gain.

Therefore, care must be taken when dealing with such stories.

However, my stand remains clear: that the teacher has no rights and privileges to dismiss and bar her students from attending her class for trivial and unacceptable reason.

Haiyya, Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

Of Degree and Work

Hey folks,

I am here to ramble and rant about the importance of having a degree. I do not intend to degrade, insult or even assault anyone who does not posses any forms of degree, however, i would like to state that i am here to write about the importance of a degree.

Recently, one of my beloved friend, whom i shall identify him as ayul, is in his 5th semester of his degree decided to quite (or was it post-pone) his studies because he wanted to work. Well, prior to furthering his degree studies, he holds a diploma in automated system and maintenance engineering.

Ayul, honestly and truthfully, i am against your decision in deciding to work rather than finishing your degree. You see, i am no expert in financial nor life-destiny planning, however, as someone who cares about you, i am of the opinion that you should not quit your degree studies. As you should know, you in the middle of your studies and to quit your studies is just too sad. If you were in the first semester of your first year of your studies, then i think that you should quit. However, don't quit while you are on your way. It looks bad and your action are deemed as unwise.

Unless you are so poor, then that leaves you no choice but to quit your study and help your family. Otherwise, don't. Just don't. You are not (and does not) have financial problems, so i see no reason why you should quit your studies.

You see ayul, even though that Prophet Muhammad SAW (PBUH) says that 99% of our rezeki or daily-bread comes from business, but you should also not forget other famous sayings "learn from the day you were born (or in the cradle) until the graveyard". Business, i think may not be good for you as of now. During this untenable economic situations, i strongly believe that you should continue your studies. The reason is simple: now that you have a MARA loan, then i believe that you should continue ytour studies. MARA is giving you monthly allowance, and the amount is quite shockingly huge: RM 700 (approximately) per month. But if you work now, not only you would misses out on some important lesson, but you are also missing out on many hell of good things: seminars, short-courses, friendships and many more.

If you argue on the premise that you can always do your studies later, then i don't think it wil work out for you. Ayul, the best time to study is now. At this age, say 23, your mind is still fresh and you ace in your studies, if you work really hard and strive for the best. Furthermore, after you graduated with a bachelor's degree, then you don't need to consider about pursuing your masters.

There comes a lot of benefits just by having a degree. A degree will means that:

1. you are smart - even though your CGPA is around 2.5 or even less, but by having a degree, people will perceive you as a smart man.
2. you can get whatever job you want - having a degree will open the door of opportunity to you in ways that will increase your potential in landing a great job in the field of preferred study. Many employers prefer hiring someone with a college degree of some sort, some employers even require than every candidate have at least an associates degree. For example, if an employer has a choice of two candidates with equal experience and skill but one has a degree and the other doesn't the employer will most likely choose the person with a college degree.
3. you can (or supposed to be able to) think outside the box - it is true. During the process of your degree studies, your lecturer will give you assignments in which you are supposed to think beyond the horizon and outside the box.
4. you can apply for credit cards (yes, just by having a degree) - especially for CIMB's Direct Access Credit Card. This credit card is exclusively offered to those who possess a degree. Furthermore, if you were to apply for any loan or scholarships or whatsoever, then people will consider your education background. I have to reiterate here that you do not necessarily need a degree for any type of bank loans, however, by having a degree, it will just help and make things easier.
5. people and society will respect you more (and so do your children) - this is true. This will definitely set an example for your siblings and your children in the future.
6. you can climb up the ladder in your career - having a diploma is not enough and does not qualify you (in most cases) if you were to apply or being promoted to a higher position. Unless you have your own business and company(ies), then it is best that you pursue your degree first. Also ayul, if you were to set-up and establish your company, then surely you would want the appointed person to have a "decent" and established background, right? Say that you are the owner of an international and profitable multinational company. Would you want to employ those who have a qualification of Standard 6 to be company's managing director?

Owh, and furthermore, look at our Prime Ministers and successful entrepreneurs in the world. Most of them have at least a university degree. And the number of successful individuals posessing a university degree certainly outnumbers the one who don't have the necessary degree.

So, i really hope that you can consider my advise. Ayul you are uin the 5th semester and it will be a pity for you to quit now. As the Malay saying goes "alang-alang menyeluk pekasam, biar ke sampai ke pangkal lengan".

You may wants to read more on the benefits of having a university (or college) degree. Here's a link for you to browse on:

http://www.search-colleges.com/articles/12/1/benefits-of-a-college-degree

or else you can googled it on the net by searching "benefits of college degree".

In the end, you are the only one who will be making a decision, and i hope that you will make a best decision for your future life. Whatever it is, i will always be behind you and supporting you all-out!

Good luck, ayul!

Chinese and Spielberg

Folks, read this joke carefully:

This is a “BEST JOKE” award winner in UK. One Chinese person walks into a bar in America late one night and he saw Steven Spielberg. As he was a great fan of his movies, he rushes over to him, and asks for his autograph. Instead, Spielberg gives him a slap and says “You Chinese people bombed our Pearl Harbor, get out of here.”

The astonished Chinese man replied “It was not the Chinese who bombed your Pearl Harbor , it was the Japanese”. “Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, you’re all the same,” replied Spielberg.
I n return, the Chinese gives Spielberg a slap and says “You sank the Titanic; my forefathers were on that ship.”

Shocked, Spielberg replies “It was the iceberg that sank the ship, not me.” The Chinese replies, “Iceberg, Spielberg, Carlsberg, you’re all the same.”

What A Joke!

Hey folks,

I found this rather amusing jokes posted by someone in Lim Kit Siang's blog.
Let's rad the joke, slowly and try to relate to the current situation (explanations are given in italics).

TO EXPIRE WOMAN, PLEASE USE C4

The above joke refers to the murder case of Altantuya Shaaribu who was blown up with explosive bombs believed to be made out of C4.

WHEN SPEAKER SPEAKING, PLEASE REMOVE ASSEMBLY

This refers to the current case of Perak speaker, Mr. V. Sivakumar who was so-called "ousted" by Perak Legislative Assembly.

WHEN ASSEMBLY COMPLETED, PLEASE REMOVE SPEAKER

The above refers to the case of the beginning of Perak State Legislative Proceeding, of which the former speaker, Mr. V. Sivakumar was being disqualified on the "so-called" ground of no-confidence vote by the MPs.

THESE SULTANAS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY SELECTED, DRIED AND PROCESSED. IF NOT HAPPY, PLEASE SPIT THEM OUT

This is rather funny joke made against the current Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah. You really need to know Malaysian current issues in order to understand this joke =)

Haiyya. . . Apo Kono Ni Eh Jang?

English...err, i mean, Engrish!

Hey folks,

Recently, i have discovered a website that is mainly focuses on the improper and poor use of English. The website is: www.engrish.com.

Here are some of the jokes of taken from the website:

Caption: I'll have 1/2kg of thinly chopped and sliced shoes please!

Haiyya. . . Apo Kono Eh Jang?!?

Funny English!

Hey folks,

i caught something from Lim Kit Siang's blog (blog.limkitsiang.com) and i shall reproduce here.
It is funny to see how people use English these days! Owh, you need to have a heart and soul for English if you wish to understand the jokes! =)

Spotted in a toilet of a London office:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW.

In a London Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES:
PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

Outside a London second-hand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC.
WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a London conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN’T KNOW IT,
THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE,
BUT THE BULL CHARGES

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING
(PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR,
THE BELL DOESN’T WORK)

People in other countries sometimes go out of their way to communicate with their English-speaking tourists. Here is a list of signs seen around the world :

At a Budapest zoo:
PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY SUITABLE FOOD,
GIVE IT TO THE GUARD ON DUTY.

Doctors clinic, Rome :
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.

Hotel, Acapulco :
THE MANAGER HAS PERSONALLY
PASSED ALL THE WATER
SERVED HERE.

In a Nairobi restaurant:
CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR
WAITRESSES RUDE SHOULD WAIT
AND SEE THE MANAGER.

In a City restaurant:
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK,
AND WEEKENDS TOO.

In a Calcutta Coffee House:
PEOPLE DISCARDING CIGARETTE
STUBS IN CUPS WILL BE SERVED
COFFEE IN ASH TRAYS

Snoop Squads!

Do we need a snoop squad in Malaysia? Where is our right to privacy as has been enshrined in our beloved Federal Constitution?

Now, allow me to answer the former question. My answer is in the negative. No, we do not need a snoop squad in Malaysia. Now, le me first define the term "snoop" in my context. Snoop in this case means looking at other people's private business. Examples of such act includes going to the toilet, sleeping in the bedroom. Basically, when the word "snoop" appears hereinafter, it simply means minding, buzy-bodying, knowing, and/or tom-peeping other people's private business.

Now, if we were to set-up a snoop squad in public areas, then it is fine: at least, everyone on this planet earth will know that they are being watched. But, why do we need to mind other people's private business? Such as wanting to know whether the person is gay or not, or whether the person on virgin or not etc?

Well, is it YOUR problem that your friend is having an affair with someone else? Is it YOUR problem that your friend if gay? Is it YOUR problem that your friend have a small dick? No, it definitely IS NOT your damn problem, you silly ass!

Knowing about other people's private business is certainly not prescribed in any of major and leading religious teaching. For example, Islam prohibits snooping around and intentionally sticking nose in other people's ass. But if you happen to see something that is perceived to be bad unknowingly and unintentionally, then you have a moral obligation and duty to report it to higher authority. Exampes of these includes witnessing a murder, or tormenting and abusing a child.

You see, some people who is often perceive as religious (and not to mention those who work in religious departments - whether at state or federal level) like to mind other people's private business. These people will go around and snoop for those who are in close proximity (khalwat) with another person of another gender. I mean, do we really need to do that? It doesn't matter what these people are doing, in the end, truth will unveil itself and they will be accounted for their own stupid action. So, there is no need to establish any sort of "moral police" or "moral snoop squad" when it comes to people's private business.

However, there is a need to establish a squad that is watching activities which could amounts to national threat or which could threat a community of particular society. Like Neighboourhood Watch, for instance...

Happy Teacher's Day

Yesterday, 16 May 2009 marks a Teacher's Day in Malaysia.

So, what is a Teacher's Day? It is a day where the students celebrate, commemorate and thanked their teachers for their hard-day work!

First, allow me to define a teacher: a teacher is someone who teaches, guides and supports their students. Now, who can be a teacher? Well, almost anyone is a teacher: whether formally or informally.

A "formal" teacher is someone who is professionally and legally qualified to teach, spread, guide and disseminate knowledge to the public. Usually, the society would refer a "teacher" to someone who works, teaches and guides the teenagers (or students or pupils) in schools.

However, in my opinion, a teacher need not be in school: he or she is mobile across the continents. I would look at this way: anyone who teaches someone something, whether small or trivial things, is a teacher. So, a lecturer, a boss, a manager, a mother, a father, older siblings etc, they are all teachers. So, all of us should thanked them for their guidance and knowledge transferred to us.

Now, in my case, i am lecturer. What is a lecturer? Hurm, let's see. I would attempt to define a lecturer as someone who talks in students' sleep! Haha, i guess no one would even bother to listen to a long and wind-up lectures - be it on weekdays and on weekends. However it may be, a lecturer is a teacher, but in the present context, a lecturer is usually found in higher educational (or tertiary) institutions.

So, my point is, a lecturer is a teacher! So, let's celebrate anyone who teaches in this world: be it a kindergarden teacher, school teacher, tuition teacher, boss, manager etc - after all, they are all teachers!

Owh, by the way, yesterday, five persons sent me a text message (SMS) wishing me a teachers day. Let's recall on who sent those SMSes.

1. Hafiz - this is my former students when i taught at a nursing college somewhere in Cheras. he sent me an SMS at 7.22am. The SMS reads:

"slmt hr guru...from hfz comel"

which i translates it as

"happy teacher's day...from cute Hafiz"

Anyway, thanks hafiz for your SMS...indeed, you are cute!

2. My dead research partner and my former yet beloved and highly knowledgeable teacher, Madam Siti Mistima sent me an SMS at 7.43am saying this:

"Hi, happy teachers cum lecturers day. Bila nk mkn2 ni..just ignore people with negative aura"

which i loosely translates as:

"Hi, happy teacher's cum lecturer's day. When do you want to go out and having lunch/dinner together? Just ignore people with negative aura"

My response: thank you Madam Siti for the wish. Indeed, i will set a date with you later and then we can go out and have some gossips together! =)

3. this SMS arrives in my phone's inbox at 9:25am from Fizza, my former colleague and a dear friend while i was teaching at the nursing college. The SMS reads:

"Educators of e world, Thank u 4 pouring ur heart n soul in educating e future generations. Happy Teacher's Day! enjoy ur special day :-D - HAFIZAH"

well, the message, in full, reads as:

"Educators of the world, Thank you for pouring your heart and soul in educating the future generations. Happy Teacher's Day! enjoy your special day :-D - HAFIZAH"

My comment: thanks fizza for this wonderful, meaningful and strike-down-deep-to-the-heart SMS!

4. The fourth message was sent by Edward, my students, but i have deleted the message. Anyway, Edward, thank you for your lovely message.

5. The last message was sent by my students at 11.05pm. The message reads:

"Slamat ari Tt0.." which in English reads "Happy TTO's day".

Note: TTO refers to Technical Training Officer, otherwise fondly known as lecturer. The thing is, in the college where i am working now, the position that was offered to me was a TTO. It has the same function and job-scope as a lecturer. Somehow, i don't really like this new designation (or the position name), but i have to accept it. To me, the word "lecturer" sounds more intellectual and signifies a very smart, honourable and knowledgeable men. So, i would prefer to be called a lecturer instead of TTO.

Anyway, thanks for all the wishes from my students.

And i wonder where my other students went. perhaps, they see me more of a friend than a lecturer. Well, i don't mind.

As long as i have the opportunity to teach, that pleases me enough and means more than anything else in this world!

Replacement Class on Sunday

Folks, today is Sunday and now, i am having a class with my Mecha students.
Argh, it can be so tiring but what to do: i have to replace them anyway.

The reason for replacing the class is because these students have completed the other class and now the only class that they have left is my class; and my class is once a week. So, instead of having my class in the middle of the weekdays, they chose to replace the class and postpone it to the weekend, leaving them (yes, them only) with carefree weeks!

Argh, it is so tiring, but it nevertheless worth it...

But the class is not running smoothly. Here's the story:

First, there was no air-conditioner at all. I mean, the air-con switch can be turned on but the chilled air does not flows into the classroom. So, the students and I have to suffer for a bit.

Second, all of the computers in the computer lab has been formatted: yes, it has been formatted without my knowledge and the software which i am going to teach the students were apparently removed from the computer. This really stresses me out: but luckily, another lab compensates it. So, instead of learning a software on modeling and programming robots, i taught them about basic robot programming. This somehow compensates it, but nevertheless, i am still angry and not satisfied with the fact that the computers in the computer lab has been formatted without anyone's knowledge!

Third, some of students did not attend the class: well, they chose not to attend hence they also chose to fail. To the students, listen to this: do you think that i have all the time in the world to show you and teach you again on the things that you've missed during the previous lesson? It is YOUR responsibility to catch up witht the lessons that you've missed. Even if you were sick or on MC on previous class, but still, it is not acceptable for you to beg me to replace the class just for your own sake. I have other work to attend to, thank you!

Haaaaa (heaving long sigh). Now, what i am going to do is i am going to replace the class to some other time and hopefully, by that time: (1) the air-conditioner is working properly, (2) the computers are equipped and has been installed with the necessary software and (3) all of my students the students turned-up to the class.

Let's hope so!

Of debts and easy case

Folks, today i got a new credit card from two major financial institutions in Malaysia: Maybank and CIMB. I shall be wise and spend only on necessary things with my credit card and will not use it to buy things that is way too pricey.

To me, credit card is a good thing and it can be convenient especially when one has to travel abroad such as outstations or overseas. The bad thing is however, the debt can be accumulated to becoming a mountain. If one does not know how to control their money or doesn't even know the true meaning of the word "budget", then i don't think a credit card would be necessary for you.

You see, a credit card is not a cash money or free money. It is a money that you can access in the absence of your "real money". Put it another way, a credit card is a method of helping you to pay-off goods and services offered to you when you needed the most. But here's the catch: when you use a credit card, the financier will impose a certain charge on top of the money that you used. However, the charge will be levied if you pay the money that you use in total...that is before the due date or the next statement date; and this depends on the bank's terms and conditions.

Before you wanted to use a credit card, you must be able to differentiate between a "need" and a "desire". Examples of a "need" is paying your bills, shopping for groceries and important household items, (and also using it during emergency situations); and examples of a "desire" includes buying things beyond what you can afford like let say buying a t-shirt that is equivalent to almost half of you salary!

Credit card should be used when you need them the most but you must also bear in mind that you are subject to bank's charges: whether hidden or not. How to know about all these charges? Read the long and wind-up Terms and Conditions of the banks. Sometimes, these T&Cs are written and printed using small fonts (probably size 8 or 7) and therefore, it is your responsibility to read them even if you require magnifying glass. Though one may argue and say that this is one hell of an unethical act, but to the bank, this will only save more paper hence less wastage/misuse of trees.

I am no guru nor expert when it comes to finance, but i must tell you to beware and be extra alert when it comes to using your credit card.

Just be wise, won't you?

Marking Final Exam Papers!

Hi folks, today, i have completed and finished marking the examination paper!

I am thankful that i have finished marking the examination paper. This semester, all of my students passed, and i have NOT failed any of them. The reason being is simple:

1. the students have suffered while learning under me: i gave them 4 quizzes (each worths 5%), and that makes up about 20% of their total marks.
2. i gave out one assignment that worths 5%
3. my colleagues and i gave two tests of which i took them as 10% each and that makes 20%.
4. 10 marks are reserved for key qualifications (attitude, participation and enthusiasm)
5. while the rest is for final examination 40%.

I made no apology to anyone for NOT failing the students. The reason being is simple: to pass, one need to work hard, but to get an A, one need to work "triple hard", for i will not easily give an A to students whom doesn't deserve it.

Anyway, a lot of my students merely passes this subject and only two students manages to get A-. ANd certainly there is no "A" for my students because i know their abilities and capabilities in mathematics.

I would like to re-iterate that i have marked the students in a transparent manner and i only gave them what they really deserve.

Anyway, hope to see you guys soon, perhaps in the next semester!

Are we getting too violent?

What is violence? According to wikipedia, "violence is the expression of physical force against self or other, compelling action against one's will on pain of being hurt."

I would like to comment on our (in particular, Malaysian) society's moral, ethics, and values. I think that some of us are getting to violent especially when committing a crime and/or offense. And we need to correct the attitude and values of the offender by way of harsh punishment and corrective-lesson. Let's deal with this issue by examining the recent robbery case.

Yesterday, at 8pm news, two woman were (you can say accidentally) killed when idiotic robbers are trying to rob them (by grabbing their handbag) while these women were riding their motorcycle and heading back home. This is really a tragic and sad story. I couldn't help myself but to cry on the inside. Worst, the woman who were killed were all pregnants! They are mothers and they are pregnant.

As i mentioned in my previous post, i am unable to fathom the reason behind this incident. We can't definitely blame the police: instead, we must look this from all angles and aspects.

The perpetrators, whom are all Malaysians, and i believe they are Malays, and probably a drug addicts. they (the bloody moron robbing the poor woman), i guessed, wanted some money and their easy target to them were women.

instead of robbing the woman who walks on the road, or in their home-sweet-home; they chose to rob women who were "driving" or "riding" their motorcycle. Did it ever occur to these bastards that their action could lead to the death of: (a) both parties; or (b) either one of the parties; or (c) none of the parties?? did it ever occur to them that they are also capable of killing themselves while attempting to rob a woman riding a motorcycle on fast-moving roads?

The episode which unfold before my very eyes, are absolutely tragic, traumatics and i have no feeling other than to sympathize with the women's survivors: their husbands and their children.

Imagine the women's children growing up with no-mother. And imagine the pain that these poor souls have to go through knowing the facts that their mother died in the most notorious and unfathomable way...And imagine also the pain of their husbands: who would cook for them? who would care for them? and who would warm the bed during the night? and who would be there for them when they needed them the most???

The next point of interest is how are we going to deal and curb this "mat-rempit" and bloody morons? who is to be blamed? the parents? the society? or the morons themselves?

And interestingly, one of this bloody incident occurs in Kelantan, where it was once known as "serambi Mekah"! allow me to explain: Kelantan is one of the 14 states in Malaysia who, i suppose pratices, incorporates and implements the full teaching of islam in their states...

Anyway, I mean, i am bot blaming Kelantan and its people as a whole; but it is a shame that this despicable act is occuring in the state of Kelantan...where Islam is being extremely and subserviently followed and practiced by its citizens...

Oh Lord, please help us to curb this mongrels and please severely punish the idiots who partially caused the death and loss of these poor women. and O Lord, rest the women's souls in peace and bless them with utmost blessings...

I despise you, woman!

Okey, perhaps you are going to lament me for saying that i am bias, prejudice and stereotype. But here's the truth: i am NOT any of those. The sheer reason for the title is dedicated to all mothers who abuses their child (or children). I cannot for one imagine the life of the abused child (or children) after being tortured and badly abused by someone who calls (or widely known as) mothers.

After reading some news a couple of days ago, i was shocked, sad, dismay, perturbed, disturb and angry with someone widely known as a mother, who presses a hot iron against her 12-year old daughter for reporting to her father about her mother's secret affairs. Why is the mother going to the extend of abusing her daughter by using hot iron? I simply cannot fathom the mother's action. Why is our society (in particular, Malaysian society) becoming more violent?

You know, a hot iron is used to iron, press and remove the wrinkles on clothes at a very high temperature. the hot iron, if pressed on a human body would burn, tore-open and literally "cook" the skin, and more importantly, it will leave a scar that and bad memory to the person being pressed onto...imagine pressing a hot iron on your arms. next, imagine pressing a hot iron on an innocent young lady who is about to grow up and experience living the fullest in this beautiful yet challenging world...it is simple unimaginable...

The despicable act of the mother is absolutely unacceptable and she ought to be brought before justice. The mother should be imposed with a deterrent and harsh sentence: she should be caned 100 times and be put in prison for a minimum period of 10 years.

Why such harsh sentence, you may ask? I view it in a simple manner: the mother has ruined her daughter's future and most importantly, the mother has put a black mark on the daughter's history while living gracely on this planet Earth.

You see, if we were a judge and if i were to sentence the mother with a lesser punishment, then the mother would NEVER learn any lessons. We can't let the mother get away from this: she has to be responsible for her action and she must, above all, face the music that she has been playing on. if lesser punishment was meted out against her, then this would set a precedent which could bring greater impact in the future.

I myself can't imagine what would happen to the daughter: her future and most importantly, her identity. The daughter, i presume and strongly believe, will move on with her life with the undisputed facts that her mother has had actually abuses her during her childhood. How would the daughter reacts when someone asks her about her mother/ How would the society views her? How would she cope with all of these? If the daughter is an adult, then this ends here. but the think is, the daughter is not yet an adult. she is just merely a child whom i believe, is thirsting for her mother's love and care.

i just cannot accept the fact (though eventually i will have to learn to accept it, even though it is most damning, sickening and with heavy heart) that the daughter will lead a traumatic life after this incident. even if she is to recover from this nightmare and hulla-balloo, she would never forget the experience of being abused by someone who calls themselves a mother!

Damn the mother. I despise mothers who abuses their children.

Masterskill (M) Sdn Bhd v XXX

Today, i had a case at a so-called "Labour Court". It is not really a court: it is a labour office with the task of solving the disputes between the plaintiff (otherwise "the dobber") and the defendant (the employee).

The case goes something like this: i resigned, but i did not gave sufficient notice and therefore, i have literally (or ignorantly) breach the terms in my contract. i know i was at fault: there's no mistake about that. i was wrong, and even if i were to argue before a court of law, i will lose. the reason being is very simple: i have breach a contract of which i have duly signed and thus, failure to comply with the terms as per stipulated in the contract will result in the institution of legal action against me...hu hu, so sad.

Here's the decision of the so-called "Labour Court".

For your information, this "Labour Court" was set up under Section 70 of the Employement Act 1955 with the aims of solving any forms of disputes between the employer and the employee on any issue.

So folks, beware before you sign any forms of contract: because, once signed, you are liable for your own action.

Now, i have to fork out some 2-grand in order to pay to my former employer who, in my eyes, brings no benefits but unimaginable catastrophe!

Silly me!

Views on PPSMI - Part 1

The following are views and opinions expressed in supporting the teaching of maths and science in English:

View 1

WHY are people still trying to stop the teaching of Maths and Science in English after all these years?

Interestingly, those making noise are not involved in education. These people claim we will lose our Malay language just because we change the medium of instruction in two subjects.

This can never happen. After all, we did not lose the Malay language, even after 100 years of British rule, so how can changing the medium of instruction in two subjects make us lose the Malay language?

I grew up studying most subjects in English. My friends — Indians, Sikhs, Malays, Chinese — never had any problem mixing around with each other, and never bothered about race. There was a strong bond among us because we spoke a common language — English!

I am now teaching in a primary school in a rural area and I see my fellow Maths and Science teachers teaching in English without any problems.

The children enjoy learning and, in fact, speak more English than they did before. They surf the Internet together and cooperate in projects although they are just in primary school.

I really don’t understand why people are against the English language.

Perhaps they want to keep the elite in the city forever elite, and the rubber tappers in the rural areas forever rubber tappers.

View 2

I WAS truly pleased to read the letter “No less a Malay” (StarEducation, March 22). Yes, that is the spirit and a refreshing way of approaching the controversy on the issue of teaching Maths and Science in English.

I, too, must say I am no less a Punjabi although I speak, think and even dream in English. From what I read in the paper, most people in Malaysia support the teaching of Science and Maths in English.

I am happy with this trend. I think we are doing things right because English will stand us in good stead in the coming years.

The whole world is aggressively pursuing progress, and encouraging the study and use of English but some of us in Malaysia, are giving excuses.

This will not do. We do not want to be left out. What is the problem with studying in English anyway?

Some people say it is because teachers aren’t comfortable with teaching in English. Well, they should learn to be.

It should be clear to everyone by now that using more English in our daily lives and in schools and universities will only benefit us. Besides, English is the language of science and technology, and used internationally. We will definitely lose out if we aren’t good at it.

So, stop complaining and master it!

The Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English - Part 1

I found this article written by Sinatra_Z in his blog "http://lipassepi.blogspot.com/2009/02/sinatraz-why-i-support-learning-math.html", and i have to say that i agree with him in his view. I affirm his view and i strongly supports the teaching of maths and science in English. here's the article:

-----

Recently there is a lot of support calling for the reversal of teaching math and science in English.
Much of these support comes of intellectual who has never studied any form of science or math in their respective college or University.

Take for example the recent PPSMI forum which was supposed to be attended by Anwar Ibrahim but was replaced by Syed Husin ALi.

Syed Husin Ali is a Professor of Anthropology and Sociology from University Malaya. What science or mathematics is there? In fact I had to look at the dictionary to understand the meaning of Anthropology.

The anthropologist Eric Wolf once described anthropology as "the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences."

Zaidel describes Anthropology as a major you take in Uni if you can't do Math well but want to seem smart by having fancy words on your degree.

And Anwar Ibrahim? Degree in Malay Studies, Oiyoooo the only Math they have in Malay Studies is to calculate the amount of credit you take per semester which isn't much of a problem for Anwar because during his Uni days he spent most of them shouting slogans on the street and getting angry for no apparent reason.

Why I say getting angry for no apparent reason? Because later he Joined UMNO!!

Back to thw reason why I support the damn thing.
I came from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and trust me when I say this that a few years back this was the most Bahasa Kebangsaan University than any other local universities combined. Let's just say the first 3 years of my Engineering days were filled with Bahasa Malaysia/Melayu jargons. Just to show you what I mean take a look at some of these examples..

Engineering Term
Capacitor - Pemuat
Resistor - Perintang
Impedance - Galangan
Current - Arus

Others include : Momen Lentur, Tegasan, Terikan, Pepejal, Dinamik Haba and etc...

I mean those Engineering Lecturer took the extra mile to translate every single damn thing into Malay and I greatly respect this. As oppose to my sociology lecturers who like to screw up the Malay Language by prostituting English words into BM.

Take for example this term "Dekadensi Moral" When I first saw that term I was thinking what the hell is dekadensi moral, a type of resistor or something? Turns out Dekadensi comes from the English word Decadence. Dekadensi Moral means Moral Decadence direct translation where as you can simply translate it into "Kemerosotan Akhlak/Moral" which is much more clear. But NOOOO he had to use dekadensi so that he would seem smart and people won't question his Associate Professorship. Then you would have other words like kompak, visi, misi, infotainment, naratif kecil, naratif besar and penkek.

At first the Lecturers (Engineering) seemed to get it all good, they managed to translate the English term to BM very well and with very clear meaning. Then Things started to change as the subject get's more complex and you get newer terms. Take for example this Subject..

"Motorolla 68000 Microprocessor"

Which translates to Mikro Pemproses Motorolla 68000"
Sounds fine....

But then as you go deeper into the subject you will find more interesting terms. For instance

Timer - The clock cycle chip you use to send timing signals to the processors. It acts like a stopwatch to the processor.

BM Translation - Pemasa. Which is fine.

Then we have things like this -
Bistable Multivibrator - Dwimantap Penggetar Pelbagai. Apo Kobondo tu Jang?

Then in microprocessor you have this term call "Interrupt" and like it's name it means to interrupt the normal cycle of the processor and tell it to focus to doing something else. Kinda like the phone rings when you are cooking, you stop cooking and answer the phone.

The Malay Jargon Interrupt would be Sampukan. Interrupt Pin - Pin Sampukan.

Sampukan? Sampuk ke? Sejak bila Mikropemproses ada pocong atau Jembalang dalam dia? Ini Electrical Engineering ka Bomoh Engineering?

Masked Interrupt - Sampukan Bertopeng.
Handshake Interrupt - Sampukan Jabat Tangan. Ko salam dengan dia lepas tu ko kena sampuk, kira dia ni macam santau laa.

Then you have this thing called "Latch" which is an output chip.
Latch in Malay is Selak.
Selak as in Selak pintu, Selak Pagar or Selak pintu Jamban.

Mula-mula baca dulu saya ingat Selak dalam erti kata Selak Kain.
Contoh - Angin bertiup kencang lalu baju kurung Fasha Sanda pun selak sikit lalu Zaidel pun telah menerima ganguan emosi akibat dari kejadian itu.

Naah see,
And it gets interesting when it comes to "Electrical Power" Subject. In there there is this chapter where they talk about CoEnergy in power transmission. Coenergy in malay is translated to Kotenaga.

Which is why when he gave the lecture my lecturer would loudly proclaim KOtenaga compare to the students who prefer to pronounce it as KOTEnaga.

3 phase Coenergy in power transmission would then become
KoteNaga 3 fasa dalam penghantaran kuasa. OIYOOOOOO, kalah Anakonda!

Just for fun here are some other Technical Jargons you can play with...

Transformer - Pengubah
Decoder - Penyahkod (Mak Nyah kot)
Multiplexer - Pemultiplex
Polarity - Kutub
Instruction Set - Set Suruhan
Components - Peranti (I bet you didn't know that)
Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) - Penghantar Penerima Pemasa Serentak Am

Now try translating this
Connect Your Joy Stick into the server Port, you should find little problem with the Joystick as the server has Plug and Play mode.

Masukkan Kayu Ria anda ke dalam lubang pelayan, anda sepatutnya tidak mempunyai banyak masaalah dalam memasukkan kayu ria anda kerana pelayan ini mempunyai fungsi masuk dan main.

Hambik kau!
Tu belum dia kena sampuk ke selak ke nak nak pulak ada kotenaga.

By the time I was in my 4th year,
Everything was taught in English.... SENANG!

PPSMI: What's The Big Deal?

Hello folks. here i am ranting and grumbling about the current affairs and state-of-education here in Malaysia. Malaysia, as we all know is a multiracial and plural country. In Malaysia, one can find Malays, Indians and Chinese living together in peace and harmony.

The Malays and other races (viz. Indian and Chinese, just to name a few) attended the government school or so popularly known as "national" schools.

However, of late, certain issues has spark and ignited heated argument about the use of medium of instruction for teaching mathematics and science in English. certain quarters of people disagree with our present government's move of teaching mathematics and science in english.

i, for some reason could not fathom on the current situation. to me: hey, what's a big deal of learning maths and science in english? isn't that suppose to be good? english, as we all know, is a universal language, spoken all over the place in the world. english has become the second major (at least in Malaysia) language used in malaysia. so, why are we trying to stop the children from learning maths and science in english? after all, only these two subjects are taught in english. other subjects such as bahasa malaysia, kemahiran hidup, pengajian islam etc are all taught in malay.

does learning maths and science in english makes malay to be less malay? or even to the extreme point of saying "un-malay"? does learning maths and english derogate one's social status and bring heart attack to the whole nation? no, i don't think so. no one has ever gone blind, or deaf simply by learning maths and science in english, that's for sure.

next is the issue of "nationalism". O people of Malaysia: let thy know that learning maths and science in english won't change one's origin: if we are malay since the day we were born, then we will remain malay forever. the same goes to other races. however, it is very pathetic to hear argument that learning maths and science in english would make one to be less malaysian. says who?

learning maths and science in english is after all, a good move!

Anyway, the arguments, as put forth by certain quarters, says that "bahasa melayu perlu di daulatkan", which in English means, "the malay language should be popularized and worshipped". you know, in secondary schools in Malaysia, the students have to undertake more that seven subjects per year. Let's have a look at the subjects: Bahasa Melayu, English, Sejarah, Science, Pendidikan Islam/Moral, Mathematics, Geografi, and so on. Now, the government is only asking the two principal subjects, namely Mathematics and science to be taught in english, while the rest is kept in original language, that is malay. what the hell is so hard about that? why make such issue a fuss and a ruckus? i don't understand.

enlighten me!

Lawak Jepun

I found this joke from the net. Enjoy (ah, it's in Malay language though!)

Kalau yang sedang boring-boring tu tak tau nak buat apa, dalam kepala otak asyik fikir POLITIK, REFORMASI dan lapar dahaga sahaja, apa kata kita berhibur sikit dengan lawak nama jepun ni.

In order to understand this joke, one need to read the proposed Japanese names slowly. Then only would you be able to understand its meaning. Good luck folks. See what it can unveils!

01. Yang pemarah - KEiJI CACIMAKI

02. Yang suka berjimat - SAYORI SUKAMURA

03. Yang bisu - KIETA TADASORA

04. Yang suka makan nasi - NANACHi KASIBANYA

05. Yang suka layan blues - APO NADIKATO

06. Yang suka belajar - ASHIKO ULANGKAJI

07. Yang kerap bikin kacau - WAKASI HURUHARA

08. Yang sangat kedekut - MATIMATI TAMOKASI

09. Yang suka sangat tidur - ICHIBAN TIDOMATI

10. Yang suka mengintai - HINTAI AKOSUKA

11. Yang tua - TARAGIGI PADANMUKA

12. Yang kena tinggal bini - SUSAHATI BINILARI

13. Yang suka merempit - SAJA CARIMATI

14. Yang suka BERSUMPAH - SAIIFOO BAUKARI

15. Yang Lembab - AYUMI SIPUTBABI

16. yang suka isap dan suka liwat - SUKASUCK FUCKULAGI


***no offense!***

Teaching Robotics (Part 1)

Folks, tomorrow, 16-March-2009 is going to be my first time teaching the subject Industrial Robotics. This subject is very interesting as it is a combination of four main branches of engineering: mechanical, electrical, electronics and computer science.

In my institution where i am currently working now, the subject robotics is offered only to Mechatronics students. Mechatronics, as you would probably guessed, is an interdisciplinary and integrated engineering combining all branches and streams in engineering. the four most common branches as mechanical, electrical, electronics and computer science.

A robot is a reprogrammable machine and it should, at least, be able to think and have some sort of intelligence. thus, before one learns about robotic, one needs to understand the physical and mechanical elements involved: the materials used to make a robot (this is material science), the motion of the robot (kinematics and dynamics), the drawing of a robot (technical drawing).

Next is how do robot moves? This is by using motors. And the robot should be able to sense something. Next, to start the motor, one need to know the electrical connections, thus basic knowledge of electrical engineering is required.

Next, the robot must be able to be programmed: thus a sufficient knowledge of computer science is required before learning how to program a robot. Although one can argue that robot has its own software, but one can definitely not argued that basic programming skills is needed before learning on how to operate the software.

Thus, having said the above, it is no wonder why the subject robot is only offered to mechatronics students. this is because mechatronic students should, at least, know important elements and basics of the above-mentioned four branches of mainstream engineering.


Topics in Robotics

What would i cover in the subjectr robotics: they are, in sequential order:

1. Introduction to Robotics - learn about robotics and different types of robots
2. Robot Configurations - learn about different types of configuration of robots
3. End-of-Arm Tooling - learn about the end-effector of a robot
4. Ethics, Social and Safety Issues in Robotics - current and social issues in robotics
5. Automation Elements in Robotics - mechanical and electrical elements in robotics
6. Manipulator Kinematics - robot kinematics (up to 3 d.o.f only)
7. Basic Robot Programming (via ABB IRB 1400 robot) - learn how to program and jog a robot
8. Advance Robot Programming (via ADEPT robot) - learn how to use the ADEPT robot
9. Offline Robot Programming and simulation (via Microsoft Robot Studio v5). - learn how to program and simulate robot via VR


Assessment Structure

The assessment structure is as follows:

1. Theoretical tests: 20%
2. Practical test: 20%
3. Lab report: 20%
4. Key qualifications: 10%
5. Final examination: 30%

So, if anyone is interested, do let me know as you are most welcomed to learn robot together with me!

Of integrity, failure, marking and assessment

Hey folks. Sorry for being quiet for quite sometime. I've been busy marking, preparing and trying to catch up with my lessons both at my permanent and part-time job.

Before proceeding to read further, please broaden your mind and think as you are reading, ya! You may agree or disagree with what i am writing, but in the end, i have to right to say and voice out my opinion.

of late, i have received quite and numerous sarcastic remarks from my colleague who questions me on my integrity when it comes to marking. you see, the thing is, is it fair to expect students to fail when you know too damn well that my classes are lagging 2 weeks behind?

tell me, as a teacher, would you expect to see some students failing in your subject? if the answer is in the affirmative, then may i say that you are a "bad" teacher and might need to consider switching to another job. a teacher SHOULD NEVER ever expect their student to fail. otherwise the teacher falls in the "pessimistic teacher" category. no matter how weak your student are, you should never expect your student to fail. failing in the test of other form of in-class assessment doesn't indicate that the students are stupid. they (the students) may not have enough time to study or are too engaged to other activities which disrupts their studies.

i am an "optimistic" and "energetic" teacher. and i am not a person whom students can play around with, but i would never expect my students to fail, unless i am totally and damn-too-sure that their attitude deserve to be complemented with a failure. otherwise, i would always try my best to pass my students: and i don't give pass easily either: i will give them 1001 work to do and to be submitted to me as a proof that they are seriously thinking of passing my course.

Even if the student fail in their test, other forms of assessments like assignments and spot-quiz should be taken into account. malaysia, as we all, know is famous for for having an exam-oriented education style, beginning from primary and all the way to tertiary levels.


When Do Students Deserve To Be Failed?

Now, let me say a few words on this subject. A students, in my opinion, deserve to fail if and only if:

(a) they have poor attitude - being annoying
(b) they couldn't care less about their studies

That to me, is the only reason for me to fail them. Let's go through a detail:

(a) they have poor attitude

Poor attitude results in poor behaviour, and one (as a lecturer) can observe this through their attendance and they way they behave in class. if they do not complete a minimum of 80% attendance, then they deserve to fail. why? because the university rules and regulations handbook says so. look it up. so, there's no question about it.

(b) they couldn't care less about their studies

the truth is, i hate having this type of students. and it seems that every semester i always encounter this kind of student. what do i mean by couldn't care less? it simple means that they don't care about their studies, their marks and their performance in class. they don't have the guts to voice out their opinion (respectfully of course) and they don't have the gut to ask lotsa questions. you see, if your student fail test 1, it doesn't mean that they will fail the course. it simply states that "they have not perform well for Test 1, thus far resulting in a failure".

next, if the students who fail test 1 is a "could care more person", then they will go and see you (after class etc) and asks on how to pass the course. at this moment, you can see that their face would go dull (and some even cried)... one (the teacher) can only upgrade this "could care more" student a mere pass for test 1. raising their score to be of the same level as an "A" student is unethical, and would be construed as bias and prejudice. so, it seems right to upgrade this "could care more" students' mark to a mere pass only. why? because this student have demosntrated that they really are worrying about their marks.

as for the "couldn't care less" students, then they will make no effort of seeing you, and worst, a day before the test/final exam, there will please to you to pass them. sorry but for this student, the only thing that they deserve is a failure, and no mercy on you. it's as simple as that.


To Whom Then Should We Pass?

As i told you before, we (the teacher) should only pass those who deserve to pass and those who make efforts to get themselves pass.


Why Do Students Fail In A Test?

There are many possible reasons, and this include, inter alia:

1. Did not study prior to the test - this is always the case. i don't want to say anything more about this. they (the students can think on their own). the same argument goes for those who does last minute studies!
   
2. Do not understand the subject but makes no effort to see the teacher for clarifications - there are students who feels shy and embarras for no apparent reason. hello, your teacher is a human too, and there's no need to fear them. you just have to respect them.
3. Feeling unwell during the examination - this might contribute to being one of the factors that makes them fail in their exams. Other factors include: lack of sleep prior to the examination. research shows that those who do not have enough sleep prior to their examination will be most likely to not perform well in their exams.
4. Poor time management - some students are so energetic (possibly like me) that they do not know how to arrange their time.
   
5. Indulge and too-busy with other things (that is SO SO SO SO important than their studies!) - whatever it is, give you study a priority.
   
6. The question was too hard and somewhat length - some lecturer loves to give a too damn hard question and expects their students to answer it correctly. this is absolutely unfair because it will discriminates between the good, not-so-good and poor students. the questions should be carefully graded before being inserted in the examination paper.
   
7. The lecturer gives question which is totally out of syllabus and expects the students to answer them in 2 hours (how pathethic!) - i know of a lecturer who does this. to give one question would seem okay, but to give two or more question of this nature will result in too many failures. therefore, if possible, do avoid writing this sort of question.
   
8. Poor construction of examination questions - some lecturers (i must admit) have a poor command of english language. and in instances where lecturers tried to create their own questions, they'll eventually ended-up writing a question of which no one, not even a native english speakers, could understand. in the end, the students who are sitting the examination paper are at loss and thus fails the examination.
   

So in conclusion, the factors for a student to fail in the examination does not entirely lies on the lecturer or the students themselves. One need to assess the situation before coming out with conclusions as to why the students fail the paper. Erroneous conclusion are totally unacceptable as both sides (the students and the lecturers) have to be duly examined beforehand.


What About "A" Student?

As for the "A" student: good on you. i salute you and do not worry, i would never raise the mark of those who are originally fail to a mark closer or even nearer to you. they (the fail and 'could care more' students) deserve only a pass.


On Assessment and Marking

we teachers, just like judges, must carried out our work with highest form of integrity and being impartial at all time. the test for a teacher's integrity and honesty is during the marking time. of late, i have been bombarded by lots of questions from my colleague: that all of my students pass 100%. Tell me, is it wrong to have all of my students pass? does having 100% pass means that i a low-quality lecturer? answer me.

my reply to this cynics is that no, having 100% passing rate doesn't mean your teaching is of the low quality. it simply indicates that your students are able to do things to a maximum level. in my case, i am teaching "the repeaters" - those who is repeating mathematics 2. of late, i have been questioned on my marking scheme: that all of my students are having a 100% pass. to me, it is OKAY to have a 100% pass. why? here's the reason: my class starts two-weeks late from other classes, hence the insufficient time for discussions and even lectures. thus, you can't expect me to fail my students simply for your own mistakes. i did not starte the class late: but they (my employer) give me insufficient time for my classes. so, heck: it's not my fault. and please don't question my integrity when it comes to marking. i will do whatever is best so that my students can pass and excel in their studies.

you see, some of these students are supposed to graduate but because of some problems and (foreseeable reasons), they are unable to graduate. simple because they did not excel in their maths.

now, the problem doesn't necessarily lies on the students (although the teacher love to use the phrase "oh-they-fail-because-of-their-poor-atttide"). it may be the fault of the syllabus-maker too. let's have a look at the assessment structure:

Test 1 - 15%
Test 2 - 15%
Quiz - 15% (taken from test 1)
Quiz - 15% (taken from test 2)
Final exam - 40%

is this what one would call a high-quality assessment structure? where is the part for assignments and key-qualifications such as attendance? none. doesn't this form of assessment structure conforms to what i said earlier: that malaysia is famous for having an exam-oriented educational style? don't you think that this form of assessment tend to be biased for the "A" students those out-prejudicing the "not-so-good student"?

i would like to propose the following assesment structure, for the sake of fairness:

Test 1 - 15%
Test 2 - 15%
Assignment - 20%
Key qualification (attendance and behaviour) - 10%
Final exam - 40%

take a look at other leading universities in the united states and australia. okey, let's not go too far: let's take a look at local univerisities such as IIUM, UTM, UKM, etc. their assessment structure includes attendance and also assignment. why? just for the sake of helping the students.

Lu pikir la sendiri.

And no hard feelings ya people. If you take offence at my writing, then think again.
Why can't u be professional, and accept my writing? even if you do not agree with my writing, then the wise thing to do is not to be emotional and let's have an "intellectual debate/discussions".

^__^

Peace to All.

Late to Class

How should i tell this story, ya? Well, let's just say that i was bloody late to class today. Today, i am supposed to teach the Tool & Die students Pneumatics. In fact, last night, i told them to be punctual and come to class at 8.45am, but then do you know what i woke up? 9.15am! I was late...

And worst, i woke up because my student (her name is Erna) called me today. Aiyyyaaa....i was so ashamed of myself. Usually, i am never late when it comes to class. I am always on time and punctual. However, things didn't work out well, so, what to do..?

Next, i had my shower and the whole itty-bitty process took about 15 minutes. By the time i reached office, it was 9.45am. Wah, so late. Luckily, on my way to office, i called the students to just cancel the goddamn class. In a way, it is kinda frustrating, but now, i'm over it.

You see, i love teaching. I love being able to stand in front of crowds and teach them something that the don't know. usually, the larger the crowd is, the more excited i get. yes, and this is true.

anyway, i told my students that next week (my class for this group is once-a-week), i will definitely be on time and won't disappoint them again.

oh yes, i owed each of them a drink. so, i have to treat them later in a week. if each drink costs RM 1.50, then 1.50 x 22 = RM 33. i have to fork out RM 33....

But hey, i don't mind...i believe that if you treat people sincerely, then Allah the almighty God will reward you double the amount. Trust me...

Love Destination

It is 9.30pm and i am still in my office. I am punishing myself for coming late to the class today. As i write this note, i am sipping a cuppa coffee, and my heart suddenly beats and pounds so fast that it would burst out from its place...why? because i am so suddenly, and abruptly, moved and touched by the song "Destinasi Cinta" sung by none other than Siti Nurhaliza...

Below is the lyrics of the song by Malaysia's No. 1 singer, Siti Nurhaliza. The song is entitled: "The Love Destiny"...i wonder where my love is going to be destined? hurm...

Di hati yang mana
Ku temu cinta terindah
Kau berikan ku jawapan
Tiada lagi persoalan

Sambut cintaku ini sayang
Berselimutkan kasih kita
Di ruang hatiku yang terpencil
Mekar cinta kita yang akhir

Kini
Menuju ke destinasi
Puncak cinta tertinggi
Aku menunggumu
Aku takkan jemu
Kerna cinta itu
Termanis bagiku

Mimpiku semalam
Kau hadir bersama cinta
Kau lukiskan dua hati
Lambang kasih sayang sejati

Kau datang bersama sinar
Menyuluh hatiku yang pudar
Kini semua kembali berseri
Bila kau hadir, ku damba

Matahari masih jingga
Menyala cinta bagai bara
Perjanjian kita berdua
Kekal selama
Berdua
Berdoa
Bersama
Sayang

Where will my love be destined?
I wonder if there is anyone who really loved me...

This is the part of the song which i like:

"Kini
Menuju ke destinasi
Puncak cinta tertinggi
Aku menunggumu
Aku takkan jemu
Kerna cinta itu
Termanis bagiku"

Allow me to translate this part:

"Now
Reaching the destination
The highest peak
I am waiting and will wait for you
I will not feel bored
Because love is
the most sweet thing that has ever happened to me"

Indeed, love is the most sweetest thing that can ever happened to anyone. But careful: love can be deceiving, yet sweet. Iit can destroy you, yet help you to get through your tough times. And it can also brings 1001 meaning to your life.

Love yourself more before you love someone else...
And to "that" someone out there, just know that my love will come to you, in no time...

Owh my god, i am so going to move to tears and my heart won't stop pounding...it feels like it is going to burst out! It feels exactly like what Leona Lewis said in her song "Bleeding in Love"...

My heart's crippled by the vein that i keep on closing...
You cut me my heart open and i keep bleeding in love

Love, what have you done to me??? Am i in love or am i having a crush on someone? Hurm...let's now analyze David Archuletta's song: "Crush"

"Why do I keep running from the truth
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I just got to know.."

Now, what do i have to know? All i wanted to know is, where will my love be destined? i don't want to, just to borrow from Azza Abdul-Aziz's word, got tired of waiting and my hopes are fading...hurm...

And one last note from Gigi's song: "11 Januari"...

"Kau bawa diriku
Kedalam hidupmu
Kau basuh diriku
Dengan rasa sayang
Senyummu juga sedihmu adalah Hidupku
Kau sentuh cintaku dengan lembut
Dengan sejuta warna"

Which, allow me to translate:

"You bring me into your life,
You wash me with love
Your smile and sorrows is my part of me
You touch my love for your with uttermost softness
And with millions of colours..."

Love and feelings, what have you done to me??? Help me people, i am sinking in a pool of love...i don;t even know what i am getting into...

"You will never know true happiness until you have truly loved,
And you will never understand what pain really is, until you have lost it"