Elections in Malaysia

Hey hey, check the 'Jom bertindak' thing below:

[caption id="attachment_144" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The full package[/caption]

With all honesty and disclosure, I'd like to say that I filled in the form to get these stuff for free.

Truthfully, I just wanted the cool collar pin and pen. Mahal bah benda ya kinek tok. Sticker-sticker ya, boleh mintak mun maok.

By the way, while I'm at it, dak PKR, DAP and SWP ada sik merik benda free cam tok. Aku maok juak. Serious tok.

A guide to choosing a good hob, hub and oven?

So, if you are bored of listening to me talking about my house, or more specifically my house extension already, then best to leave now because this is yet another post about just that.

However, if you have plans to do renovation, particularly the kitchen, or maybe you have experience in this field, do read on. At the end of the post, I'd hope those with some experience would hit the 'comment' button for some tips. I'm always eager to learn from you guys/girls.

If you have not known yet, I am extending my kitchen by four meters (13 feet) outwards due to the 'open-style' kitchen of my house. The extension does not come cheap, and I have decided to go all out and fix whatever is needed for a good kitchen once and for all. Heck, I didn't even ask a discount from the contractor as I said 'All I want is for it to be done well and nice', and so far, I think I am more than happy with how everything is going.

The thing now is equipping the kitchen with a hob, hood and oven. The three main things one need to cook in this modern era. I've done some reading and surveys, but I think the lack of knowledge on these thing limits my ability to make the best choices, and so I turn to you all. Those with Asian kitchen experience.
For the newbies, below is a good idea of what a hood, hob and oven is all about.

[caption id="attachment_134" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Know a hoob, hod and oven[/caption]

So, now, there's branding. There's like so many brands out there, Rubine, Tuscani, Rinnai, Elba, Electrolux etc, but brand is the least of my concerns because history has proven that my BeeBest water heater, still provides me warm water early in the morning despite it being 5 years now.

For the hood, I was told to get one with the 'ultimate suction power', and so my survey around Kuching lead me to this Rubine hood (image below) which has a 1400 m3/h suction power. However, a Tuscani seller pointed out that the 'diamond shaped' hood sucks less if compared to the 'flat' or boxed type. He also pointed out that Rubine hoods were lighter in comparison to Tuscani, which means Tuscani is better. All that input left me more confused.

[caption id="attachment_132" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The Rubine Diamond shaped hood[/caption]

For the hob, or better known as stove, it was confirmed to be Rubine MGH-LOTOBLUE3B-BL as I wanted a three burner stove, and this seemed to be just nice with the right price. Nothing much to compare here as I believe all hobs are similar. (Do correct me if I'm wrong)

Now the most troublesome one, the built-in oven. I read in a forum about hoods, hobs and ovens that 'ovens are freaking expensive because one rarely uses it'. I guess it's true because mom does not use her oven much, but for future use, I guess I might as well get it one go. Problem is, I am not sure which is the best. They say, get the one 'easy to clean', but how do we define 'easy to clean'? Only an experienced oven user would know, and guess what I am?

Also, a friend said 'get one with a thermometer, but check out the specifications of the oven by Rubine below. See any thermometer written?

[caption id="attachment_133" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Very general specifications from Rubine[/caption]

I downloaded the manual of the Rubine oven for reference sake, and it just hit me that using the oven is also quite something. To use the functions, you have to be well versed in where to turn and what to do. Wahh... suddenly frying chicken sounds so much easier!

But anyway, for the sake of comparison, I am torn between this two models (image below).

[caption id="attachment_130" align="aligncenter" width="338"] The battle of Tuscani vs Rubine[/caption]

Okay, let's be realistic. I can't afford something costing RM5K and above, so please don't ask me to go for some huge brand which cost so much I'd cry to sleep thinking of the money I'd fork out for. Also, I am now torn between Rubine and Tuscani, and was told by the Tuscani seller that Tuscani is above Rubine when it came to quality. I know, he's biased but that does not mean he may be right.

So, if you are reading this. Share the love people, and give me some tips. Experience on the hob, hood and oven for brands you are using, particularly Rubine and Tusconi is much appreciated.

Thank you for reading!

Wake up Sarawakians!

This will be a wee bit political. It is concerning the recent video which is alleged to tell how the CM plunders land from Sarawakians. I'm not sharing the link, nor am I am going to mention much on the video because that's not the reason of this post.

This post is similar to a post I did back in 2012 titled "Talking about Malaysia from a land far far away…", so if you may have read that, feel free to scroll down to the comment section immediately, and leave a comment. It's similar, but this post of course is 'renewed'.

[caption id="attachment_122" align="aligncenter" width="578"] Among the few comments which starts to annoy me.[/caption]

Ever since that video broke out, there has been comments made on online site, including social media in the likes of Twitter and Facebook. I've got people tagging me on Twitter, and also on Facebook asking me to 'Wake Up', or 'See the truth', or even more direct, "Vote for Pakatan, say no to BN".

Wow! With all the tags I'm receiving, I feel like the Sultan of Sulu. It feels like I command an army, and that my attention and support for a certain party would translate into victory for them in the coming elections. At the point I'm typing this, the tags are incoming, and I am wondering if I am that influential.

But then, there comes a point that all these feels annoying and insulting. The term "Wake up Sarawakians", "Sarawakians should vote BN out", or even the simplest statement of "Vote for bla bla bla party and get back your land" makes me feel very much insulted because it's like I am suppose to take orders from you, a nobody, and yet you still dare to instruct me to do what you want.

It somewhat makes me feel that you have insulted my intelligence, my dignity, my pride as a Sarawakian, and a Malaysian with legal rights to vote for whom I may, and have my say in what I think.  In simpler terms, you are putting me down, and stomping on me and telling me what I who I should vote for.

If I recall correctly, in the last elections when BN won again in the Sarawak elections, those same voices turned unruly and started calling Sarawakians names. They claim among others that "Sarawakians are stupid for voting BN" and that we are "living in poverty because of our choices". Seriously, those statements were uncalled for.

[caption id="attachment_121" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Even the description of Sarawak is wrong, and you tell us what to do.[/caption]

You know, Sarawak produces some of the smartest people in the country, and probably the world. We can see and hear what's happening and we are definitely not blind. We know what we need to do, and we most certainly need NOT some outsider, whom has never even gone to Sarawak, be it our interiors, who merely sits in front of the computer tell us what we need to do.

If you want us to vote wisely (or in some peoples case, voting for the PR is a choice they consider wise), then shut up and let us Sarawakians decide when it matters most  because you never know if some of us actually would vote against your option just because they wanted to prove that you are NOBODY to tell us Sarawakians what we should do.

...and when that's the case, you should not blame us for not heeding your word.

There. I said it. Go write a hate comment about me, and press send.

 

Diss-advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S4

Do not read this if you intend to buy the Samsung Galaxy S4! Trust me. I know. I wrote it.

Here, I'm going to tell you why, you (or rather why I) should not get the Samsung Galaxy S4, despite the fact that most hardware components have improved from the award winning Samsung Galaxy S3.

[caption id="attachment_115" align="aligncenter" width="580"] The plastic back of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Photo by TechRadar[/caption]

Firstly, it feels like the Samsung Galaxy S3. I don't get it. You pay RM2,199 for the phone, and you get a plastic back phone which feels 'cheap'. I know it's light, but it feels cheap. It's like a toy phone!

The bigger 5 inches screen is amazing to look at. It's vivid, crystal clear, and plays HD. Awesome, but not until you decide to carry the phone around. At 5.38 inches long and 2.75 inches wide, this phone is no where 'pocket friendly'. You'd probably end up yanking it in a hard case, and carrying it in your hand like a tablet. Well, might as well get a tablet then, huh?
[caption id="attachment_116" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The 3310 era was when phones were smaller. Photo by Mobizone-Mobile[/caption]
Sometimes I wonder why they keep making bigger phones. There was a moment in life when people wanted mobile phones to be, yeah, mobile. Guess that gen has passed =(

And that huge crisp screen will definitely give you a power headache. I know you saw the battery specifications which said that the Samsung S4 is equipped with a 2,600mAh battery, but numbers mean nothing with a energy draining screen which comes at 5 inches. Hey, the Samsung S2 came with a 1650mAh battery, and it lasted about 9 hours on 3G talktime. The S3 came with a whopping 2100mAh battery, and it lasted a little above 10 hours thanks to it's 4.8 inches screen. I bet the S4 will improve this time frame, but it will not be that significant.

[caption id="attachment_111" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Similar shape. Photo by Gizmodons[/caption]

Now, the physical look of the S4. I was expecting something better from Samsung, probably something like LG's Nexus 4 or, something more futuristic. However, the 'clone' of S3 emerge. I never fancied the S3 design, so I have to say the S4 does not look awesome as well.

But not all is bad about the phone. The amazing 13 Megapixel camera is of its own class, and the smoothness of the phone's Android 4.2 would make you go WOW! in no time. Add in that additional expansion SD card slot to the already ready 16GB internal memory, and you have something close to a dream phone.

But then again, at an expected RM2,399 price (my asumption), a Samsung S3 looks more realistic.

After all, why do you need a phone with a freaking high resolution camera, with such a huge memory available. If you badly need a camera, get a DSLR.

[caption id="attachment_113" align="aligncenter" width="490"] My trusted Samsung Galaxy S2, still going strong til now.[/caption]

For now, my trustworthy Samsung Galaxy S2 looks pretty darn amazing with its small, pocket friendly size, its sharp 8.0 megapixel camera, and its 16GB internal memory space. And... it only comes at RM1,200 now.

When we all pray for Sabah

Last night i somehow had the opportunity of watching the mutilation of one of our policeman in Lahad Datu by the Sulu forces.

[caption id="attachment_96" align="aligncenter" width="413"] Full house in the making before the game[/caption]

The gruesome video indeed should not be showed to minors, but it somehow made its way to the kids populated Facebook.  The Lahad Datu intrusion has gone to almost a month now, and signs it will soon be over look promising with the Malaysian security forces gallantly fighting them off.  The day the whole incident ends would mean a bottle of champagne would be in order.  Lets hope its soon.

Last Saturday when Sarawak entertained Sabah for the Borneo Derby in the Sarawak State Stadium, there was something very special happening.  I was in the stands, and I have been coming to the stands of this 'special' stadium since I was 10, and this time, it was extra special.

The norms of hearing odd voices criticizing teams opposing teams playing Sarawak at home was somewhat missing last night.  There was no shouts of "Balik la Sabah!" (Go back to Sabah!), or "Buaya makan saja Sabah" (Crocs eat Sabah), which is quite normal in games featuring Sarawak and other teams.  There was a huge restrain as boos also failed to echo in the State Stadium for the first time as I can remember.

[caption id="attachment_95" align="aligncenter" width="477"] Among the few banners at the Sarawak State Stadium[/caption]

Instead, banners and white A4 papers saying "Pray for Sabah" and "Sabah, our Borneo brothers" were held by fans, with some keenly distributing flyers saying "Peace for Lahad Datu".  I gazed across the packed stadium as I noticed a few Sabah flags being flown.  It was something really out of the ordinary as the flag was not within a Sabah designated fan section, but rather a place filled with Sarawakians fans all wearing red.

The security forces also gained massive credit with the usual shouts of "Polis tangkap referee" (Catch the referee, police), and other cynical remarks often made by naughty fans, replaced with the song "Inilah Barisan Kita" (This is our line).

[caption id="attachment_98" align="aligncenter" width="435"] A4 papers saying 'Peace for Lahad Datu' distributed[/caption]

For me, this was a magical moment.  The pain felt by Sabahans, including the brave security forces seemed to have rubbed on to us in Sarawak, with 30,000 football fans of different ethnic and background making themselves heard by doing something out of the norm for a typical football game in Malaysia.  It was simply a moment of pride for myself as a Sarawakian to see how we are behind our brothers in Sabah.

With that said, Sabah and Sarawak, bro's for life!

 

About the invasion of Lahad Datu and Sabah

Bet everyone knows about what is going in Sabah, or more precisely Lahad Datu.  As a Malaysian, I am concerned of our brothers and sisters in the state, and of course worried if the whole event and intrusion escalates to be bigger than it already is.

Historically, I can't define who actually owns Sabah.  Sources online cited that Philippine President Benigno Aquino as saying 'There are so many claims over Sabah by Sulu Sultans, so which is legitimate?", while in papers today, Rais Yatim and historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim both said Sabah is legitimately owned by Malaysia due to the Cobbold commission report, and the fact that Sabah has been part of the country for a very long time.

Of course, their views could be biased, being from Malaysia.

Anyway, my search over the internet found this phrase from the International Court of Justince when it comes to land dispute: "...historic title, no matter how persuasively claimed on the basis of old legal instruments and exercises of authority, cannot - except in the most extraordinary circumstances - prevail in law over the rights of non-self-governing people to claim independence and establish their sovereignty through the exercise of bona fide self-determination", which I believe would make Sabah more likely to be Malaysia's, unless Sabahans feel otherwise of course.

[caption id="attachment_83" align="aligncenter" width="300"] What happened so far. (Photo credit: MalaysiaKini)[/caption]

Newspapers in the Philippines are also playing up the sentiment of their nation by saying Sabah is theirs, and that Malaysia is killing their people through the massive attacks last Monday. This caused an uproar among some Filipinos, with a demonstration done in Makati City in Manila.

I bet, more is to come with Sulu also claiming that Sarawak is owned by their great great great grandfather. Yeah, Sarawak. Maybe, I do not know.

In Sabah, panic purchasing is happening, and everyone is anxious of the implications of this incident. We don't have to ask a Sabahan what they feel, because as a Sarawakian, about hundreds of kilometers here in Sarawak, I am feeling the same thing.

[caption id="attachment_86" align="aligncenter" width="405"] Unwarranted comments in social media[/caption]

Interestingly, the blame game has begun with politicians from both the Malaysian political scene pointing their fingers at each other. Some pathetic Malaysians on the other hand choose to condemn the use of commercial flights by our national security forces, not knowing that other nations also do similar practice. From what I've gathered, the incident has also sparked some sort of political problem in the Philippines with some trying to pressure its current president to step down.

But regardless, one thing does bothers me when this issue about Sabah comes up. If the formation of Malaysia somewhat made sure that Sabah is part of Malaysia, and that has also made the government invest heavily in bringing up Sabah as a world class tourist destination, why on earth are we still paying 'rental' to the Sultan of Sulu?

The agenda of Sarawak Bloggers

I just came back from a meeting with a few people, which were previously strangers to me.  Who they are, would remain unmentioned here, but one thing made my mind spin.  It was the question 'What is your agenda?'

[caption id="attachment_76" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Kee Man and LC have been fueling Sarawak Bloggers since the start with their passion.[/caption]

The question was presented to me when I was asked to elaborate on how Sarawak Bloggers works and operates.  It was pressed on to me even further when I said that Sarawak Bloggers is not funded by any party or organization, except actually myself, in which I do not mind as it just involves cost for domain, hosting and of course quite a huge portion of my personal time.  I didn't mention the last part. I stopped at 'we are not funded'.

Another question came, "WHY?" and then the "HOW", and then of course "WHAT'S YOUR AGENDA?".

The "Why" was for "Why are we (Sarawak Bloggers) not funded, the "How" is for how we can operate without funding, and the "What's your agenda?' deserves an answer.

Let me start first by saying that Sarawak Bloggers is not funded by anyone because I am personally funding it.  It's not that I am rich, but it's because its not that expensive.  It started out with a few friends working together with passion as fuel, and it has surprisingly grown to be where it is today.  Who would have guessed? I didn't for once.

[caption id="attachment_75" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Fueled by passion. The committee of #TwtUpKCH which volunteered for the event.[/caption]

Money is the root of all evil they say, and with that in mind, I prefer to keep the Sarawak Bloggers clear of monetary issues because it will bring us apart. I'd rather spend a little extra and have my friends close, than gain a little and have my friends far.  Think about it.

So then there's the question of 'How'?

[caption id="attachment_73" align="aligncenter" width="522"] Mr Benny of Digi. They sponsored our event #TwtUpKCH[/caption]

Easily answered too.  We seek funding for our projects.  For example the recent Tweet-Up Kuching, we outsourced sponsors, and used that money for that event only.  How about the profit from the event? Seriously. Profit? Honestly, rugi adalah because we found out that we were actually forking out our own money at some point, and working without pay.  Why did we go on you may ask? Simple; 'Passion'.

..and there's the question of 'Agenda'.

Sarawak Bloggers does not have any hidden agenda, and if it did, it was to unite everyone under one name; 'Sarawak'.  The whole idea of the name Sarawak Bloggers was to bring up the name Sarawak, and show that we all love Sarawak in our very own way. Nothing else.

Of course, we also promote the good use of social media, non political events, encourage bloggers to be paid for post, and collaborate with numerous other companies/bodies, but that does not in any way sway us from our one goal, which is unity under the name 'Sarawak'.

[caption id="attachment_74" align="aligncenter" width="529"] Friends make Sarawak Bloggers possible[/caption]

After all, when you do something out of passion which has that element of 'fun' while doing it. And you get to do it with good friends, an 'agenda' seems to be the last thing you need, because you are happy.

That for me, is important.

The Sarawak Review

As I drive by Kuching City, I wonder what will happen to it next.  The city seems to be growing by the day with news of new malls taking centre stage of every development news featured in media.  In the Simpang Tiga area alone, there would be over four malls by 2016, with room for even more malls seemingly to be made available for yet-to-be-released development.

[caption id="attachment_64" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Kuching is magical even when it rains[/caption]

Even the unlikeliest areas to have a mall such as Kota Samarahan and Siburan, would now have either already boast of a shopping mall, or will soon display one to the public.

[caption id="attachment_65" align="aligncenter" width="554"] Kuching's skyline is changing.[/caption]

And it doesn't stop just there yet with plenty more other developments taking shape around the city. From what I've heard, other major cities such as Bintulu, Sibu and Miri are also experiencing similar fate, which is actually a good thing.

The thing is, Sarawak's true potential was never in being a shoppers paradise. We are known for our lush greenery which offers excitement and adventure. Our rainforest has music on a yearly basis, thanks to the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

[caption id="attachment_67" align="aligncenter" width="538"] The RWMF is something we all are proud of[/caption]

Our beaches aren't as pretty as what Sabah has to offer, but we take pride that it is happening with our very own version of beach parties, which surprisingly can happen quite often, and our rivers showcase the unique Tidal Bore which is known to be very selective of where it appears. This of course does not include the world famous pinacles in Miri, the thousands of flora and founa, and the great warmth provided by the people whom are always proud to be called 'a Sarawakian'. Oh, not forgetting the tech-savvy youngsters who made the social media scene in Kuching so lively during Tweet-Up Kuching, that I heard some others are envious of its success.

[caption id="attachment_66" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Tweet-Up Kuching also made Kuching grow[/caption]

Sarawak is indeed an awesome place to visit, and these new shopping malls are really a good addition to the state, with tourist in particular able to do more than just enjoy our nature.

But one thing does bother me as the state moves forward in development; Will the warmth of the people, in this place I call home, remain?

Driving through traffic alone reveals how Sarawakians are not as polite as they used to be five years ago. Nowadays, drivers honk more often than usual, they squeeze where there's room, and they drive on and block the way when they know someone wants to reverse. It does not end there as I've noticed cue cutting and rubbish throwing being more rampant.

Smiles which used to find its way on every Sarawakian seem to slowly fade, with smirks replacing them. Religion and race seem to be slowly gaining prominence in a Sarawak which was previously blind of these two words, and sometimes, meet-up with friends which used to be a 'casual relaxed session', turn into a 'heated business oriented' conversation.

It's indeed a changed Sarawak, and I'm sure pointing fingers to anyone wouldn't fix a thing at all. Education works, but I do find it rather hard to stress the importance of being 'polite' and 'nice' when I read in papers that some leaders are asking the police force not to take action over traffic offenders as it's 'a burden' to the people.

[caption id="attachment_63" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Zee Avi, one of the many proud Sarawakians out there[/caption]

But hey, maybe I'm just being paranoid with the slightest of change I see happening, or maybe I was just unlucky to encounter these 'bad apples' in the thousands of wonderful and loving Sarawakians.

Either way, I do always keep it in my prayers that Sarawak remains peaceful, and that my home remains a place I can always be proud of. #SarawakSemalanya (Sarawak Forever)