Answers for questions...(part 1)

On Wed, 6th of May, R.AGE came out with questions from adults to the youths. Being one of them, this is my personal perspective on the answers.

Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir: What do you really think of your parents (and no need to be politically correct and only say nice things!)?
- At this point of age, I feel that they are just trying their best with their own resources.

Shebby Singh: There are many things that can motivate us, but that is different from what our own motivation is. What is your motivation, and why?
- Hope. I do things with a hope, that I could do it with the best of my strength, a hope that I could have looked back and said I didn't regret it. Without hope, and without putting it in God, I don't think the world can move. Everything else would fade away. People around us would go away, not to mention material things too.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin: How would you like to see Malaysia in the future?
-I would like to see it filled with leaders who are responsible and transparent towards the people. I would like to see minority groups, the indigenous, the special ability, the women be empowered and given opportunities to be the best that they can be. We are all God's creation. Each and every one of us. Oh, and if possible, the 'race' column doesn't exist forms, I'm a human, that's it.

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan: Do you feel disconnected from the politics of Malaysia and in this regard how much do you value your right to vote?
-I feel disconnected as there seems to be no proper channel that discusses our views or allows us to participate in civil society without the stigma or fear. It is a big challenge to come out from apathy and into active participation. I believe that it is also the same for a lot of us. I value my right to vote, although I feel that I can do more than just vote. Proper channels of discourses should exist.

Jit Murad: What things about us (adults) seem unfair to you?
- How some seemingly got out of being responsible for the wrong things they have done. Those that abandon their children, hurt their family, squander their life away, and yet, there seems to be nothing that can be done. On a lighter side, it has to be the acknowledgment of being someone whose views and opinions are heard. With great power, comes great responsibility, eh?

Khalid Samad: What are the characteristics of good governance and what is your role in ensuring that these characteristics are truly embodied by the government of the day?
- Governing a country is a tough job for a single individual, so the characteristics of good governance is connecting to the people and everyone. That would translate into transparency and accountability. When the people know what is happening to the very place they are, the resources, the economy, the lives around them, then the nation can grow better. If there is any human above the law, above reproach, then good governance would definitely be impossible. My role is keeping accountability and transparency where it is needed. But checking and double-checking facts. By thinking critically. BY seeing deeper. By having an open mind, but a good argument.

Jo Kukathas: When you close your eyes and see yourself, what do you dream you are and what do you dream you can become?
- I am a creation of God. The possibilities are endless. I dream to be someone different every time. Anyone, different depending on emotions, outward motivation and everything else.

Thought scribble: Whose history is it?

Based on what Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said in a news report by Bernama, taken from The Edge Malaysia,

On the suggestion by his deputy, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, for the contents of History textbooks to be reviewed, Muhyiddin said history which was something that happened in the past, could not be altered or added.

"It can be improved from time to time but you cannot add something that wasn't there. Maybe what Wee meant was you need to evaluate whether it qualifies to be considered as history or not," he said.

Wee had suggested that the contents of History textbooks be reviewed on the ground that it did not touch on the struggle and contributions of other races towards national development. — Bernama

I wonder whether he understood what he said by saying history can be 'improved' from time to time. On the more critical side, what defines something to be considered as history or not? Is it only defined by the powers that be? Or is it defined by the good results (as in opposing colonization)or made obsolete because of it's impressions (racial riots & protest rallies)?

réfléchir un moment

Returning to his roots....

The young apprentice has finally returned. His journey of learning has brought him far and wide. His tired and weary figure, slowly travel the tracks leading to his town. The wide green plains were easing his sore eyes. He could sense the core's power rejuvenating his soul. With each step he took, he grew stronger. The town he left, was a sleepy one. Now, towers loomed and crowds were seen everywhere.

So much has changed. The knowledge he acquired, the friends he knew, and the adventures he experienced were irreplaceable. And yet, he was still the same person on the inside. With a new chapter of life now in front of him, he summons his strength and makes way to his dwellings.

things so far....

It has been eons since the last post. Sigh, so much has really happened. There were ups and downs in my uni life. Not to mention, the changes I see in my friends. There were truly some interesting things that happen. Yet, bound by an oath of silence, I could not speak more. All I can say is that, time will tell.

Strange how man uses time to test things. To us, that is the ultimate tool for trial. It is true that man can only plan, and God has His own way. There can be nothing absolute for us. What we have today, would never be guaranteed to last tomorrow. Some choose to acknowledge this fact, and then live like there is no tomorrow. Rather, I would encourage Christians, to live well, for we have a tomorrow in Christ. Give thanks for what we have today, and cherish it well, yet not be too attached, that we could never be drawn away.

We came to this world with nothing, and in nothingness we shall leave it.

Prelude

A quiet peaceful night on the 5th day of the 3rd month. A small chill gently touches the skin....

25 random things about me..hopefully...(as written in Facebook)

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

25 random things about me

1. I am multilingual-I speak English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, French and I can understand Hokkien and Hakka.

2. I am sometimes obsessed with the color purple, not because I’m weird, but I just like it. Long background story.

3. I have 5 decks of Magic: The Gathering cards. I only started owning them since Upper 6.

4. I can wiggle my right ear, see? *wiggle*

5. I have the complete collection of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot (detective novel). I sometimes mimic his characteristics.

6. I like to observe people at times.

7. I went to my first and only play for now, “The Mousetrap”. I liked it so much, that I said “It was awesome” for more than 30 times. I now have a habit of doing that when I totally dig something. It was awesome! (34th time)

8. I am easily annoyed by certain repetitive behavior, repetitive behavior (did I just repeat myself?)

9. I can’t swim to save my life.

10. I love eating meat, especially pork. I learned from my aunt and mom how to make dishes that taste really nice ^.^

11. I can’t draw to save my life. Ironically, I have a good imagination. Pictures from my head just can’t get to my hands.

12. I learned to twirl a pen when I was 15.

13. I can’t dance to save my life, although I would love to learn how to waltz.

14. I love being complex. I enjoy reading the encyclopedia, the dictionary and other fact books. I have thought about trying to get into MENSA.

15. I wanted to be a hacker once. Failed.

16. I can’t make music to save my life. I have a basic in violin and guitar, but that’s just about it.

17. I am a highly curious person. I constantly need to find out how and why certain things tick.

18. I am hoping to win a Nobel prize, or maybe the Pulitzer prize, or maybe the PJK, whichever comes first and last.

19. I freak people out by thinking too far at times, way, way to far. Eg. I even thought about my future children, my house, my retirement, and yeah, even my demise.

20. I can’t sing to save my life. I am an advocate of free public singing. I believe totally in being able to sing wherever you are, whenever, just as long as you don’t disturb public peace. I feel weird singing into the mike and in karaoke.

21. I have a double standard with guys and ladies. Gents are supposed to take care of themselves, but ladies should be given a priority when there is a need. I still have close brotherhood though.

22. I am the jack of all trades, but master of none, for now. I am planning to master one skill at a time. Maybe i'll start with twirling a pen....

23. I am a hummingbird-person. That means I am neither a nocturnal being nor an early riser, but I suit my sleeping pattern according to the need.

24. I fell down from the first floor of my school once. I sprained my leg. I did that because a friend of mine threw my watch out to the windowed corridor. I removed the window panes and went out. I was struck by panic when I saw a prefect, and I jumped. I was only 9.

25. Nemo D. Gund, and Neo D Gundm, are anagrams of my name. I love anagrams. Oh, Enchanter is one of the 5 English word that has my full initials (ENCH) as the first 4 alphabets. Cool huh?

My descriptive article assignment

The wafting aroma of good food coupled with the busyness of the crowd often indicates an eatery’s quality in preparing a wholesome meal. One doesn’t have to look too far to gauge it. Since the dawn of time, human beings were in need of replenishment, more so delicious ones. It has not been a wonder then, that Penang has also become a destination for gastronomical adventures. Food lovers or foodie alike would search high and low for a new place to dine and be merry. Neither the rush hour traffic, nor the apparent remoteness of a place would deter them. However, foodies rely heavily on word of mouth, and now food blogs to give them the insight on which is the best place to eat. It is then a purpose of this article to explore some of the famous and lesser known places to eat in Penang. Be warned before you proceed, contents are known to cause drooling, hunger pangs and the excessive need to grab the nearest thing to munch on.

A central icon to the gastronomical delight of Penang has to be it’s assam laksa. Many talk and rave about it, but which is truly the best? There are some great local selections and opinion on to which tastes the best. One famous hotspot for assam laksa would indefinitely be the Air Itam market. Air Itam is located at the foot of the Kek Lok Si temple. The stall that sells this delicious dish only opens in the afternoon. Locals can picture the 2 stove stall that is overflowing with mint leaves, shredded vegetables, cucumber, onions and the thick aroma that wafts through the air. Located at the side of a shop near the road, the prawn sauce noodle dish is coupled with an icy cool cendol from the neighboring stall.

Another gathering place for fans of assam laksa is in Penang Road. Just a stone’s throw away from Chowrasta Market, the humble kopitiam shop boasts of a special family recipe in assam laksa. This version is slightly different as the spiciness is milder and the broth is thicker. Nevertheless, patrons can also have a bowl of cendol to complete the picture. After a satisfying meal, patrons can stroll in the Chowrasta market and sample some of its sweet and sour preserved food and fruits, particularly the ever-popular nutmeg.

A lesser known version of the Penang laksa is the Malay version. The smooth broth flows with coconut milk, spinach, cucumber, onions and a generous serving of fish meat, even with eggs added to the signature of Malay laksa. A perfect example of this would be a small stall, located almost in the heart of Georgetown, at Lorong Haji Sulaiman.

In continuation with the noodle frenzy, a must try would be the mee sotong at Esplanade. Esplanade is a famous area for events and festivals where the green blades of grass dance in the gentle breeze. Across the green field would be the food court, right next to Fort Cornwallis. The Fort Cornwallis is a historical fort left by the British Empire. With over 20 cannons and infrastructures like bunkers and holding cells, it is a big tourist attraction. It is right next to this tourist spot, lies the modest stall that sells mee sotong. It opens for lunch hours and customers from the nearby government buildings are known to flock to the vicinity. The springy tenderness of the noodle is made heavenly with the succulent taste of the squids. With smooth and mild gravy, it is a taste that is chopstick licking good!

For those who have a knack for eateries with a long line of history, one can check out a shop at Lorong Seratus Tahun. Although not as long as the name of the street suggests, the shop has more that 30 years of history, and even a branch in Puchong, Selangor to boost, doing what it does best, serving piping hot bowls of white curry noodles. Opened only for breakfast, your bowl of white curry noodles here will be served steaming hot, and the spiciness can be adjusted on your own. Customers are given a separate bowl of sambal to be added in. You can add as much as your palate desires.

Not to be outdone by this, a unique Nyonya-style curry noodle is moreover available, once again in Air Itam’s market. To the delight of many, this is the sole stall that sells the noodles in the whole Penang Island! Its second to none status is achieved by a fresh supply of ingredients, comprising of mint leaves, fish ball and also its healthy option of less coconut milk. A wonderful affair of its supple noodles, palate pleasing broth and fresh ingredients mingles to tickle the taste buds.

Dessert aficionados would not be disappointed with the bubur gandum in Little India. Little India, as it’s name suggests, is a street lined with shops trading Hindu articles of worship and other Indian necessities including saris, henna art and Bollywood movies. Smacked in this plethora of sights and sounds, lies a stall offering bubur gandum. The dessert is made with boiling porridge with wheat and other ingredients. Its sweet taste is akin to a bowl of red bean soup, albeit, a notch higher in satisfaction. Upon request, soft and fresh home-baked bread is provided for dipping. Nothing lesser than heaven for the sweet tooth.

Penang not only boasts of its cultural heritage, but also a fusion of international food. A restaurant in Mount Erskine would be an impeccable example of western cuisine. Located in Mount Erskine, Batu Ferringhi, the restaurant is known for a full house every night. It’s fame is such that many just remember the place by the location, rather than the restaurant’s name. Signature dishes, including grilled meats, are made unto perfection, with its juice and tenderness intact. The chef’s high standard ensures a stable amount of juicy, tender ribs, flawless grilling, and ultimate customer satisfaction.

Last but not least, nasi kandar is an iconic famous food in Penang. An affordable but modest eatery would be Restoran Jaya, beside the 8 PAGI convenience store in Minden. Famous for it’s nasi daun pisang, a fresh serving of honey glazed chicken and goat milk is enough to melt your palate away. Not to mention also its steamy santan rice, and a variety of other side dishes to choose from. With such an option, dinner is never the same again.

There can be no end to fine eateries and dishes that please the stomach. Food has not just become a necessity, at times, it is even a luxury. An apt question before the next saliva-drooling, hunger-inducing food search is, do you eat to live, or do you live to eat?

*Thanks to the lynx for the information and matt, juliet, and gary for proofreading this..^.^v