Letters written by a Sarawakian

I have an aunt,back in Miri and she has seven children,if I'm not mistaken.But the one thing I'd like to share with you guys about her is that how multi-racial her family seems to be.For one,she has in-laws from the Melanau Muslim,Chinese,Indian and Iban.So,last Christmas,I went to her place for a Christmas party.The interesting part about that party was,my brother-in-law(the Melanau) brought his Muslim family to the party as well. And my indian cousins came as well, and not forgetting, from the Chinese side too. It was really cool to see how it was all conducted that night. Since we are Iban,some of us couldn't resist not having some beers (or other alcoholic beverages).somehow,we have this thought that a party isn't a party without beers.lol. So,my aunt's children would still celebrate Chinese new year,Christmas,Hari Raya,deepavali at my aunt's place.It also comes to the extent where my aunt would remind her grandchildren (my nephew) when to solat when the time comes.

so,anyway,apart from the Christmas party,there was also the Gawai festival.Since some of my family are Muslims,of course,out of respect for each other's belief,we non-Muslims couldn't have any non-halal foods in our room at the long house.Well,of course it's quite hard because eating pork is just something we're accustomed of for a long of time already,so to not eat it during this particular festival would feel awkward indeed.nah,we still eat pork anyway that gawai.Well,my grandfather's brother who has him room in the longhouse just next to ours don't have any Muslims in the family;any of us who wishes to eat pork would just go to the next room to have our non-Halal meals while the cooks for our own room are Muslims. So,basically,that gawai,our room in the whole of the longhouse,didn't serve any non-Halal foods.cool isn't it?but the beers were still there too,but just placed it in the far corner of the room.My muslim relatives were being tolerant too.So,it was really a give-and-take situation for us that year,which was really good actually. and after Sunday mass,we went to Betong for breakfast sometimes.There,those of us who are non-Muslim goes to the Chinese restaurant,while those of us who are Muslims go to the Malay restaurant.

and finally,during my cousin's wedding early of this year.It was held at church and the flower girl for the wedding was my Muslim niece.We don't get to witness this pretty often in today's world,right?And just recently,my Muslim cousin had his wedding as well and my sister was the bridesmaid.it has been really great having this type of surrounding for me; a good exposure and none of the propagandas shown to us in the television where they only know how to act friendly but at the back,name-calling from A to Z.get what I mean?

At the end of the days,although religion and race are sensitive issues that should and must not be meddled with,however,if you are comfortable with who you really are inside and know what the do's and dont's,well then,nothing to fear!

If there's one I like to share with all of you,it'd be a little place called Lutong,in Miri.There I was,in my car,driving somewhere where I caught sight of a church,built right next to Mosque.Although there are maybe other places that have this kind of thing,but I just like to say how rare it is to be seen here in Malaysia.I don't know about Sabah,but Sarawak really is,live up to the nick "Truly Asia".Don't you think so?

I really love this song.I feel really proud whenever I listen to this song.

I was reading my friend's blog the other and he wrote a very interesting article in his blog. Here is the article that I'm referring to:

And I quote:
"Recently the Borneo Post newspaper reported that a railway would be constructed in Sarawak for the SCORE project. Sarawak is sorely in need of better transport infrastructure, especially with the state's aim of becoming an industrial powerhouse in the 21st century. The benefits of railway transportation include the cheap transportation of bulk goods over long distances ( ideal since Sarawak is a large state), its capability of transporting huge loads at a time, immunity from traffic jams and it's relative predictability when compared to road transport (considering that the current road infastrutcure here is not something to be desired).

Even though the railway project will mostly be concentrated in the central region of Sarawak, where the SCORE project is situated, it was mentioned that the development of the railway would go on "beyond the year 2020". Could this mean the construction of a Trans-Sarawakian railway linking Kuching in the South to Miri in the North? The planned railway thus far is said to be 320km long, but who knows how long the actual railway could be. In an era of rising costs of fossil fuels, the possibility of a Trans-Sarawakian railway certainly seems plausible."

Well,what do you guys think? Like all sorts of promises that we hear,it is only as good if these promises are actually fulfilled. But if indeed they would be fulfilled,then we can expect a much more faster development to take place in Sarawak. *fingers-crossed*

Sometimes, I ask myself, what is the true meaning of patriotism actually? How to be patriotic? I’ve been asking myself this question for a very long time now and wondering, what is the right way to show my love to Sarawak, my most favourite place in the world? Is it by condemning the current government of how they are treating Sarawak right now? Or is it by remembering the Sarawak’s song, bringing her flag everywhere we go? Or by being conspicuous about my patriotism of Sarawak, so that everyone would say, “That kid really loves his Sarawak.”
Have you guys ever asked the same question? Well, after doing some thinking, I’ve concluded that we all have our own ways of loving Sarawak, some take it this way, some take it that way; either way, I’m sure all of us are doing it because we love Sarawak. Few years back, before I left Sarawak to further my education at Kuala Lumpur, I was never really aware of the Sarawak politics. Easy to say, I was taking her for granted. But I suppose, when you don’t actually be at Sarawak anymore, when you’re away from home, you tend to feel the home-sickness, no? That was when I began to feel much more aware of what was going on back home in Sarawak and everytime during the holiday, I love to join some of the celebrations that could only be found in Sarawak, like Gawai festival for instance.
I’ve decided that, to be patriotic about Sarawak is by being grateful of Sarawak herself. Although it is currently being used and manipulated for the gains of some greedy politicians and robbed of her wealth, however, by not being grateful of her own existence won’t get us anywhere. I’d prefer to think of the nationalists or the freedom fighter before during the colonial era, where these great men felt that their home were being invaded and that, it inspired them to sacrifice even their own lives to save Sarawak from being destroyed. For now, I prefer to do the reading works; like reading on cultures of the bidayuhs, the Ibans, the Kayans, and so on, and how our leaders before fought for freedom. I love to read on the issues that are affecting the lives of my fellow Sarawakians. I believe, by becoming more attached to the wealth of cultures, customs, races and resources that Sarawak has to offer, I would feel more motivated and inspired to de fend her; in the case where some would say, Sarawak is still 100 years behind and her people still practically lives in the jungle. There’s no reason for me to feel embarrass about it because I know, these people who are saying these things don’t really know Sarawak. Who are the more uncivilized? The people who think they are civilized or the people who are actually civilized but don’t really make much fuss about the whole thing? You know, I like the definition of civilization based on the Islamic definition, rather than the western definition; where it says that a civilized society is not only civilized by infrastructures and modern buildings and roads but also, by moral standards and able to live with each other in harmony, regardless of race and beliefs. Although I’m not a Muslim myself, but we can always accept the good things of other community has to offer, no? And the definition of civilization is actually really good.
So, back to the original questions? How to be patriotic and am I patriotic? Just like what George Washington once said, guard against the impostors of pretended patriotism, I really hope that mine is not pretended but real. However, for the time being, allow me to do some more readings on our Sarawak and let us together hope that it would one day be on par with other first world countries. A long way to go, true, judging by the vast land that we have to cover, but let’s emulate the Japanese shall we?
Thank you.

I have been in Kuala Lumpur for more than 5 years now.I went to the school there,and then when I was 18,I went to a college in Perak and now,I am currently studying in University of Malaya,Kuala Lumpur.Generally,Kuala Lumpur is a nice place to stay;for one,I did not have much difficulties moving around the city as there are many reliable transportation available, namely the LRT,the Monorail,the spacious highway and also the taxis.
As for the school,I have been fortunate to be in a school where the teachers would know immediately if there's any update in the syllabus;the chairs and tables were all brand new,the school use white boards and projectors instead of the blackboard.All in all,those who live and study at Kuala Lumpur enjoy a lot of new things and up-to-date facilities that are available in the market.
However,one thing that I realise here is that racism is still going on strong,which is pretty shocking for me when I first came here.Other thing that I have encountered is that many of my KL friends have asked me, "You guys still live in the jungle? You guys there use cars? You guys there have electricity?You guys there still headhunts?"
This is completely a stupid question,don't you think so?Seeing that we are now living in an Information-Technology era,to ask this sort of questions show how these people have been in the dark for so long,taking the technologies available for granted.This is nonsense.Completely nonsense and shows how some are being too ignorant over this matter.But after four years of living here,I'm used to people ask the same questions over and over again,and as a civilize person,I would love to answer them with facts,not with being irritated and leave them at the dark.But just to set the record straight,think about it.About a hundred years ago,the British have been developing areas like Kuala Lumpur,Pulau Pinang and Johor earlier than any other states in Semenanjung or Sarawak and Sabah.As for Sarawak,this particular state had been under the Brooke administration,and it's only included in Malaysia in September,1963.Another fact needed?Think about it-Sarawak is almost the same size as that of Semenanjung and that's a pretty large area to cover by the Sarawak government,whereas in the Semenanjung,the vast land is divided into several states,and some of them are Selangor,Johor,Perlis and Penang.But there's a lesson that each of us,the Malaysians need to take note here:that all of us are living in a multiracial country,and that has been said,the sensitive issues such as asking an insulting questions like that should be treated with great care.Besides,to ask that sort of questions when we're in this Infomation Era shows how narrow-minded and ignorant these people are.
Another issue that I wish to write on here is about racism. Throughout the years of my stay at Kuala Lumpur and a year at Perak have made me realise how far we have to go to achieve 'Malaysia 'in a whole.The term 'Malaysia' here is used,because in my definition,it is defined as a multiracial country where different races live together in harmony and look at each other based on the person himself or herself,not based on the colour of skin,religion or race. That's why I called this post "Learn from Sarawak,Truly Malaysia",because I believe Malaysians in a whole can learn a lot of how we,the Sarawakians live with each other,regardless of race.Here,in this state,we have a lot of race,namely the Malays,the Chinese,the Ibans,the Bidayuhs,the Kayans,the Kelabits,the Bisaya,the Indian,the Penans,the Kenyah and so on.It is normal for us here to hang out together,either at school or shopping malls,but it is seen as rare if it takes place in KL.
There's this one time when I was having a lunch with the Chinese here,at University Malaya.And then,an hour later,I hang out with the Malays to study and then another time,with the Indians.But what happened after that?A friend of mine came to me and said, "Eh,u so weird lah.You mix with everyone!that's so cool!"
Get what I mean here?It is seen as something abnormal or rare.While I was having my lunch here,either at the University,or my college,or during recess time at my school last time,one that that was and is pretty obvious to me is that one race sticks to their own kind in most of the tables.The Malays with the Malays,the Indians with the Indians and the Chinese with the Chinese.There was this one time when a Chinese guy(a malaysian who stays in Taiwan)posted a video in YouTube who sang the Negaraku in his own style.However,in between the song,he rap about things that he felt unsatisfied with about Malaysia. I suppose if you guys check the video at YouTube,you'll be able to check out what he said.But what I like you to read is the comments of the video.It shows how far we have to go to achieve true Malaysia.And of course,there's another scene that I disliked very much.A video-clip of what happened in the Parliament.Well,here how it went.LimKitSiang,one of the opposition leaders said something,I'm not really sure what he said but after that,another MP stood up and shouted, "Kalau tak suka,you keluarlah dari Malaysia".I have the video in the Politics section,you can check the video there.This really dissapoints me because that was not said by a commoner,but by our MP.
Dearest Malaysians,take note that because of these differences that we have in each one of us,we are strong and we are able to outperform others.But,if we continue to harp on this issues(the differences in belief,race),later,our own defeat is not because of other countries,but by our own.There's so much we can learn from the so-called 'primitive' and 'underdeveloped' Sarawak(which I hope most of you after reading this,will correct your understanding on this matter).The title for this post is 'Learn from Sarawak,Truly Malaysia' because a person who ever lives in Sarawak for more than a month,at least,would understand what I mean by Truly Malaysia.It is a more open society where everyone of us here accepts each other by what we have to offer-by who we really are,not the appearance.
This year,we are celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Malaysia-her 50th,but,if the trend of only sticking with your own race still continues,well,maybe there won't be the 100th.Get what I mean?It is high time for everyone of us to put aside these kind of mind-sets,because it really shows how Third-Class our minds are if we are to continue seeing it that way. For your information,I learn a lot more when I hang out with the other races,mixing with everyone than if I were to only stick with my own race.
But,then again,this is just my opinion,in which,you can choose to read and follow,or read and don't follow.The choice is yours...But if you're serious in seeing a stronger Malaysia,you should read and follow and prove to everyone that Malaysians are a First-Class minded people instead of the ThirdClass but with the First-Class facility.

Thanks for reading.

When Dr. Mahathir quit office in October the 31st in 2004,well,we thought that was the end of him. But it was not to be, it seems.I suppose he couldn't sit still in his home that he felt the strong urge to speak and especially, through his recently launched blog. I suppose it must've been boring staying at home,eh Dr. M?

Okay,okay,no one can deny what he has done for Malaysia. Well,the KLCC,Sepang Circuit, KLIA,Proton Saga and so on; well,he's called The Father of Modern Malaysia,that itself should tell us that he aims to modernize Malaysia,right? But at the end of the days, he decided to quit as the Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2004. So, that has been said, why still complain? Ahh...and he replied to this question though; through his blog: It is my right as the citizen of Malaysia.

But the funny thing is, all his criticism towards the current Prime Minister of Malaysia,Abdullah Badawi and the Barisan Nasional as a whole,makes it as if he was an angel while he was the Prime Minister. Come on lah, Mahathir. If you're such an angel,I don't think thousands of rakyat (the people) would call for your resignation in 1999.If you're such an angel, Anwar wouldn't have accuse you of those things. And now,you're criticising Pak Lah of not doing a good job?If you're so innocent while you were the Premier,people wouldn't have accuse you of being involved in the Lingam case. If you're such an angel,a retired Federal Court judge Tan Sri Azmi Kamaruddin wouldn't say this about you: "“I believe the Prime Minister at the time wanted to become a dictator; I may be wrong but this is my conclusion,”

You,dear Dr. Mahathir:

*single handedly responsible for wiping out the impartiality of the legislative judiciary and executive powers through widespread abuse or power, corruption, nepotism and cronyism as well as destroying racial harmony in multi racial Malaysia* (quoted from Malaysiakini)

*Now,you call Samy Vellu a rascist?And you're not?*

*You complain about the lack of press freedom in Malaysia?Oh,poor Dr. Mahathir...so sorry to hear that.But did the mainstream media in Malaysia ever enjoy press freedom,especially under your reign?*

*You handpicked Pak Lah as your successor,and now you complain this lah,complain that lah.*

So sorry la my ex-Prime Minister,I've really lost my respect for you already. I used to so respect and you're my idol before.But no more.The fact that you're being the biggest hypocrite on earth has really made me irritated reading news about your criticism toward others.

Now,don't get me wrong.Just because I said all these things about you,doesn't mean I actually support or like Pak Lah.nah,he's a different story,so now,we just put the spotlight on you,okay Dr.M? I know you're a brilliant guy and all-you go here and there,around the world,to share your views and stuff but come on,you're retired,so live with it and let others run the country,trying to clean up your mess before.

But before I go,I just like to say something that I'm really curious about~you know,being the Prime Minister or MPs are about serving the people,the rakyat.But at the end of your being a Prime Minister,man,you're such a rich fella,eh Dr. Mahathir?Your son is one of the richest men in Malaysia. I wonder why?Hmm...not that I accuse your son of corruption,nah,but the thing is,why being the wakil rakyat and your family is now very rich?I mean,almost all YBs in Malaysia on the government side,after serving one-two terms,already rich bah.wahh...no wonder people really fight for seats before election cuz it's the short cut to get rich.Now,that's the whole new level of get-rich scheme,the fast way!

But,of course,my opinions won't matter.In Malaysia,only the big players matter.An ordinary citizen like me is powerless to say or do anything,so,that's all for now.

God bless you, Dr. Mahathir. And Mahathir, you are so Yesterday!

Many years before, we might say that this problem is impossible or at least, not in the near future.However,it has grown more obvious that the global food crisis is actually imminent and that it's knocking on our doorsteps. I have read various articles on the problem of global food crisis and I was greatly inspired to write my own opinion after reading my friend's blog regarding this crisis.

Yes, it is true that as we put our efforts in building the tallest building in the world (and some leaders rob these moneys to build those buildings from the people,as we very well realize now especially in the case of the African people.Ever watch Blood Diamond? I love the movie), along the way, the deforestation is being done more and more and this means, this does not only destroy the habitats of animals, but also increases global warming. Our roles towards the field agriculture are not entirely forgotten, but merely neglected it. And that is why, as of now, the global food crisis problem is getting more and more real and it is not only Africa's problem in the coming years, but maybe us as well. According to the International Monetary Fund, over the past 12 months global food prices have increased on average by more than 40% and the popular factors that have been identified by experts are as follow:

1.the increased demand for food commodities from developing countries (as a result of population increases and increased consumption of meat)

2. the production of crops for bio-fuels

3.increased costs of transportation, fuel and fertilizer due to the increasing cost of oil

4. a weakening U.S. currency which increases the effective cost for commodities purchased with dollars

5.recurring natural disasters such as drought and flooding.

Therefore, I believe Sarawak has the greatest potential to play such an important role in solving this problem because of its vast area left to be developed. Although this kind of action might require us to deforestation, but at least it's for the productions of foods. Now, according to Datuk David Teng Lung Chi, Sarawak has a lot of land and fisheries resources. Some 3.8 million hectares or 32 per cent of its total land area has been identified as suitable for commercial agriculture. Of this, only 200,000 hectares have been developed into agricultural plantations.

This means there are many more areas that are yet to be fully developed or none at all and this figure further imply that bumi kenyalang does indeed has the potential to be active in agriculture. I am very interested with what Holland has done with their lands and how they develop their agriculture fields and I believe Sarawak can follow their footsteps by emulating them.

Apart from solving the food crisis problem, this could also help the rural folks who are badly hit by the hike in oil prices. When I got back to my long house for the last Gawai festival, my grandfather complaint that his farms are not doing really well because he's still very much sticking to the traditional methods and the sales are very low. So,if this area of growth is developed properly, it could generate profits amounting to billions of dollar to Sarawak. It is time that we should move on from relying too much on oil and concentrate on other areas, especially on the development of our natural resources other than oil itself. You know, I find it amusing how Anwar Ibrahim has promised to increase our oil royalty from 5% to 20% if he ever becomes the Prime Minister while we know that the oil supply would be running out soon. Such an opportunistic fella, Anwar.

Now,here's another interesting note: The state also has vast potential in the field of aquaculture. Studies indicate some 154,000 hectares which are suitable for marine aquaculture. Vast freshwater bodies in the interior, especially the Batang Ai Lake, Baram River, Rejang River and other small river systems are suitable for freshwater aquaculture. "The vast area of the impounded water body at the proposed Bakun Dam which when completed has potential for cage aquaculture fishery," says Teng.

Well,I believe our beloved Bumi Kenyalang has much more to offer and to come, provided that it is well-managed and not exploited by outsiders. We must really get our acts together and stay united for the brighter future of Sarawak.