District Rotaract Assembly ( DRA ) 2008

contributed by Incoming Club Serv Dir Rtr Blitz Gun

I was able to represent Rotaract Club Of Port Klang Centennial in attending the District Rotaract Assembly 2008 which was held from 26th – 27th April 2008, under the sponsorship of our Rotary Club of Port Klang.

We reached PGRM right on time for registration and also for the first plenary meeting but to our surprise, We, members of Port Klang Centennial were shocked by what we have discovered!

Kishans’ long lost brother Sunil…. See how they resemble each other?? My god…
And to add to that, they even have a similar personality, similar way of speaking, similar taste for women… Ooops, said too much. What the heck, everything the same!

We were lost for words…. The only obvious way to differentiate them was that Kishan wore braces. After the 1st plenary meeting ended, still flabbergasted, we went for lunch nonetheless.

Buffet lunch was served at the “Junction Lounge” (if I had remembered it correctly) with an array of international and local cuisines to tickle our taste buds. The likes of sushi, pastas, sweet and sour fish, cendol, salads, cakes, puddings, and waffles were all lined and ready for us.

Second plenary meeting which consists of workshop module were being conducted for the respective avenues of service. This year, the ‘International Service’ and ‘Community Service’ while the ‘Club Service’ and ‘Professional Development Service’ was being conducted together in separate classrooms. The ‘President’s course and the ‘secretary’s course were held in different other classrooms as well.

Being the incoming club service director, I attended my stipulated course with Balram (incoming and current PD director). Everything went productively and all ended right on time by five o’clock in the evening. We retired to our rooms as we have been given two hours of free and easy time to do what ever we wanted.

Feeling refreshed, we were ready to attend the next item which was the ‘gala dinner’. I was over excited that i lost all dignity I have and let Jia Thiam took this ridiculous picture of myself.
The setting for the night seems to be grand… What was I thinking; it should be grand as a very important ceremony was to be performed on stage that very night itself. Everyone was busy going round doing what they were supposed to. Has anyone ever been so ardent, passionate, hard working about completing a certain task other than our very own home grown rotaractors….? We enjoyed the food, the events of passing over the DRR’ship from DRR Dinesh to incoming DRR Leik Hong, the revealing of the incoming district committee, and of course the round of drinks being offered around.
Saw how enthusiastic were we to even have this pic taken? I wonder why Kishan had to have that sun glasses on… We even took our air-time on the podium to take a Port Klang Rotaract Group photo.
Hui hui seems to be too tired to even lift her eyes or maybe it was the booze. What the heck, the rest of us looks sober enough but as a matter of fact it was the opposite… hehehehe…
Harley and Dicky looks stoned enough to not walk. James had a greaaat time with his new found romance with Kristine… Look at how insecure James was to hold her hand that tight and offer her an orchid strait from his lips… Awwww, how sweet that must be. I wonder what James got as reward from Kristine that night? Only James will truly know the answer to that question… hehehe Everyone retired to their rooms to call it a night by about 12 midnight. Alaaah, say only retire to rooms, but the truth is everyone had their plans all thought out… Some went, clubbing (as expected), some went mamaking (something new), some went playing truth or dare (cant believe it, closed room affair… how come I was not notified??? Maybe I was to uptight kot…), and some went back to their rooms (Yaaam seeeeng, we were drinking beers over an old movie “Euro Trip”)

It was taken into calculation that not everyone will be able to attend the third and final plenary meeting which was about ‘GSE’ (Group Study Exchange), ‘Interota Seoul’, and ‘APRRC Bali’ due to deep slumber, or snuggling under some warm blankets, whilst those that did attend were not spared from the hangover from the night before.
Ooops, What was Kishan dreaming about?? Kesian Balram….
Everyone took their time in saying their goodbyes and exchanging contacts for future references before calling it a day at the DRA 2008. However, just before we left, we had witnessed an act of conspiracy towards a certain car owner. I think it was done out of gratitude kot… Well, what ever it may be, we have recorded it as “Spanar Jaya Season Finale”

This photo was shown in blur to avoid any further misunderstandings and to show the model of the car which was a black Proton Gen 2 Pesona… I think... These are the sequential photos of what happened.
Anyway, no animals or plants and most importantly no human beings were harmed during the process… hahahaha

Signing out from DRA 2008, looking forward to the next event, and cant wait to witness another fun filled event.

Reported by,

Blitz Gun,
Incoming Club Service Director 08/09

AS WE ALWAYS DO CHARITY FOR HUMANS, LETS NOT LEAVE OUT THE ANIMALS......

Those were the exact words of Rotaractor Tan Jia Thiam, our Community Service Director. He went on with his project, and set it out in working order, and on the 23rd of March, we headed to Zoo Negara...

Kishan (Shantha and myself were also in the same car) was tailgating Gun all the way from the Bukit Kemuning toll at the speed of 140 km/h (don’t whoa.. harap takde saman larr) until the entrance of Zoo Negara. Once we were inside, we were greeted by our fellow Rotaractors and some Zoo Negara staff.

As soon as we had our breakfast consisting of chicken rice which was pretty good (the restaurant was selected by Gun, kudos bro!!), we were split into groups. Hui Hui, Jia Thiam, Shantha, Kishan, James Ong, Amanda, myself and a few other Rotaractors were assigned to help out in the Bird Park, where we were split into groups, with each group given certain tasks. Amanda and myself had to clean some carpets which were used in the bird cages. It was quite tiresome but we managed to do it fast though.


Then almost all of us were ripping bread pieces apart and throwing them into a basket, which I feel everyone was enjoying and laughing their hearts out to hear the constant antics of Kishan, Shantha, James, JT, and the others. James was singing “It’s raining bread! Hallelujah!”, Shantha was complaining about the birds being too demanding till they only request Gardenia bread (and at times a raisin bread will pop up among the loaves!!), and Kishan and Jia Thiam were cracking endless jokes.. Really had fun la wei…


Then Kishan, Shantha and I were cutting out carpets for the bird cages. Leong King lent us a hand as well. As soon as we accomplished the task, everyone was ready to have lunch. All the hard work that we did contributed to a hungry stomach (lots of calories got burnt on that day, I guess), and knowing that we have Domino’s in store, our stomachs naturally became hungry rapidly.

We headed to the entrance to have our food. Hannah was so impatient, if she was left to do it, she will just rip the pizza box and gobble up the pizzas... (Hah Hah!!) We headed to the canteen where everyone was aaahing and oohing after seeing the pizzas. Shantha held the record for most pizzas (9 in total, if I’m not mistaken.. Heh Heh), and everyone especially Feldman got utterly shocked. Lloyd was hanging around interviewing every one of us with his camera, and Hannah was constantly being told ghost stories about some pizza ghost. And that’s when Gun came up with the lingerie ghost story, which we laughed our heads off!! Even Kishan ended up being a ghost, as seen in the picture below…


After filling our stomachs, some went back, and the rest stayed to tour around the zoo. I’ve never been to a zoo in my life, and this was the first time. We got on a train kind of thingy which took us past a few animal cages and stopped us at a particular station.

We saw animals of all kinds, bulls, a tiger (I only saw one miserable fellow), lions and a leopard. We headed to the Ape Centre where Gun found out he was part of an ape as well… I was happy for Gun as he was reunited with his natives…


The lion was the funniest. Kishan, somehow started speaking animal language and was communicating with the lion. He managed to provoke the lion to pose for our ‘paparazzi’ team, and even made the lion growl! Hats off, Dr Dolittle! We headed to a reptile centre, where I only saw snakes sleeping. The girls however, went ga-ga over the otters who were celebrity posers. One otter tried grabbing Jia Thiam’s camera. And Port Klang Centennial is now planning to open up a Rotaract Club in Zoo Negara, in which the otters would be members.


After a while, we planned to get ourselves back home for a nice nap. Everyone enjoyed their day. For the photo shoots (which were held before we started the tour around the zoo), everyone was somehow aiming for Hannah’s head. Looks like Hannah has many assassinators lurking to prey upon her by any given chance!! HA HA HA!!



After a most tiring day, we all went home and had good naps (I suppose). The trip to the zoo is one that I will cherish among my sweetest memories of being part of Rotaract.


Signing off,

K. Balram Nair

Malaysia Boleh!: APRRC 2007 in Malacca Malaysia

By President Joyce Lee Hui Hui

Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC), the brainchild of PDG Alexander Mak from District 3450 Hong Kong, finally hit the Malaysian shores in a coastal town called Malacca.

I remembered attending last year’s APRRC Pilipinas event in Tagatay City, Phillippines last year. Yes, I had made new contacts and expanded my rotaract network with fellow rotaractors from district 3300 Malaysia.

Then, the real work began. Malaysia was the APRRC host for this year conference.

Being a rotaractor, we should not confine to interaction with fellow club members within a limited circle. That is why I personally decided to get involved in the APRRC Committee last year with the district to broaden my horizon.

APRRC is a mega event for Rotaract District 3300 Malaysia. In my opinion, it was a challenge for the Rotaract district 3300 Malaysia to organize the event within a short span of time. Finally, after the late nights and countless bi weekly meetings, the event finally began on August 24th 2007. It was a five days event.

Five days! Wah! Talk about being away for almost a week from home and work!.

August was a hectic month for me. Reason is I had my club installation matters two weeks before the APRRC.

I was glad that my fellow energetic club members (my fellow comrades, thank you!), Rtr Jia Thiam, Rtr Way Wen and Rtr Hannah who also participated the conference with me.

Rtr Jia Thiam and Rtr Way Wen were assign with the logistics team. Both were also appointed Sergeant At Arms (SAA) for the APRRC Opening Ceremony and also for the plenary sessions.

I was selected as rapporteur for the DRR Assembly training (full day) especially for the Asia Pacific District Rotaract Representatives (DRRs). My role was to churn out reports to Rotary International on matters and issues discussed at the DRRs assembly and training.

Day 1 begins with registration of participants from 13 countries. It was a challenge to manage the big crowd. Besides that, there was

1) Long queues at the registration counter especially if one bus of participants just came from KLIA.
2) APRRC logistic committee members had to commute to the airport at least 4-5 times a day.
3) Besides the fellow rotaractor participants, their Rotarian participants had to be taken care of especially when comes to room resort allocation.
4) Logistics, Secretariat, Venue, Liason team had to attend a meeting at 11pm each night, two days before first day of the conference
5) Rotaractor JT and Way Wen manage to get a spacious resort room after August 24th.

For the second to the fourth day, was the Rotary-Rotaract plenary session by key note speakers (Rotarians/Rotaract leaders from Asia Pacific countries). This was one of the main highlights of the conference.

What I personally like is the individual country reports from each Rotaract district presented by each country representatives. You will learn about each places of interest and the geography of the particular district and country.

I learn about MDIO (go to rotaract.net and find out what this means) and issues faced by rotaractors across Asia Pacific. This is the platform, which I hope Rotaract-Rotary issues and gap are bridged for common good.

I can never forget the cultural night event and the after hours party and dance which were one of the best programs in the APRRC. And not forget the House of Friendship.

Despite the late nights, many of the committee members got up early in the morning to continue working.

The dedication showed by all district 3300 Malaysia Rotaractors finally pulled off. During the closing ceremony, I was surprised when PDG Alexander Mak personally shakes my hand and congratulated me.

That was unforgettable. The committee had pulled this off successfully!
Malaysia boleh!

A Park Brightly Lit

As told by Feldman....

We reached the park 10 minutes short of 8:30pm. The first two lanterns we lit were using 2 AAA batteries each. Upon pressing the button, the lantern was lit and “It’s a small world” chime jingles. Why those chime? Hmm, at least it was better than Leanne’s other helicopter with Hello Kitty sitting in it. That chime was of gunshots followed by sirens, the ones you get in that loud car alarm which changes tune every 5 seconds. To tell you the truth, playing with those did not give me those ambience we usually get with the times we played with using candles. I have those traditional lanterns but I was lacking candles. I dropped by Giant near my workplace to pick some up but apparently it was sold out!

Anyways I was there with Diana, Leanne, Gloria, Sylvia & Pang Wee (Gloria’s boyfriend). Luckily for us, JT & Hannah came the moment we reached the park. It was like prince charming dressed in white saving the day! You know what I mean? He was literally dressed in white ok. Right, Hannah? :) Anyways he came with plenty candles and lanterns, great enough to light up 3 trees beautifully. The trees were wonderful that night! Nanthini came after a while followed by Lloyd & Li Shun. We were then joined by Shung Lee, Vivien and her 3 other friends, a total of 16 people. Oh ya, Edmund was running around with Toby, my dog which looks like a bear now that his fur is all cut unevenly by my maid. Not a bad turnout ya? :)

Some of us are chatting around the shack while some others were taking turns to play the swings and Toby was scrambling around peeing and pooing (Ew!!) Oops, sidetracked… anyways it was a lovely turnout and was nice having everyone’s company there. We had two mooncakes sponsored by my mum and Lloyd brought a mooncake and a biscuit shaped like a pig, I’m sure most Chinese have seen it before. Hannah also brought a mooncake but we didn’t manage to eat that much.

Another side story that I have to mention…. I have noticed something that caught my eye. One sad thing is there is only one toddler there celebrating with us. Where are all the other children? On the way up the park from my house, I passed by 2 houses celebrating mooncake festivals with their extended families. It may be such coincidence that they are celebrating in their house compound instead of playing outside, but there is not a single person other than us celebrating in the park. And mind you, the park was in an enclosed guarded community. I remember passing by every year seeing kids playing with their lanterns and brightening the park with colorful candles, but the atmosphere was different today. Is it by coincidence that noone was around to play at the park that day, or is people starting to be afraid to let their kids out nowadays?

Anyways, thank you all who have made it that day, it was a special occasion worth celebrating. It was also Leanne’s very first mooncake festival she celebrated and she was very happy that day. (Except maybe freaking out a little when someone wanted a hug but she shook her head real vigorous and firm!) :) Thank you all uncles & aunties! (No, you don't have to deny that you're old. Hehe!)....

THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

(Extracted from the book The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle by JimRohn)

by President Hui Hui

Now here is the great news. Just like the formula for failure, the formula for success is easy to follow: Its a few simple disciplines practiced every day.Now here is an interesting question worth pondering:

How can we change the errors in the formula for failure into the disciplines required in the formula for success?

The answer is by making the future an important part of our current philosophy.Both success and failure involve future consequences, namely the inevitable rewards or unavoidable regrets resulting from past activities. If this is true, why don't more people take time to ponder the future?

The answer is simple: They are so caught up in the current moment that it doesn't seem to matter. The problems and the rewards of today are so absorbing to some human beings that they never pause long enough to think about tomorrow.But what if we did develop a new discipline to take just a few minutes every day to look a little further down the road? We would then be able to foresee the impending consequences of our current conduct. Armed with that valuable information, we would be able to take the necessary action to change our errors into new success-oriented disciplines. In other words, by disciplining ourselves to see the future in advance, we would be able to change our thinking, amend our errors and develop new habits to replace the old.One of the exciting things about the formula for success - a few simpledisciplines practiced every day - is that the results are almost immediate.
As we voluntarily change daily errors into daily disciplines, experience positive results in a very short period of time. When we change our diet, our health improves noticeably in just a few weeks.

When we start exercising, we feel a new vitality almost immediately. When we begin reading, we experience a growing awareness and a new level of self-confidence. Whatever new discipline we begin to practice daily will produce exciting results that will drive us to become even better at developing new disciplines.The real magic of new disciplines is that they will cause us to amend our thinking. If we were to start today to read the books, keep a journal, attend the classes, listen more and observe more, then today would be the first day of a new life leading to a better future.

If we were to start today to try harder, and in every way make a conscious and consistent effort to change subtle and deadly errors into constructive and rewarding disciplines, we would never again settle for a life of existence – not once we have tasted the fruits of a life of substance!

Somewhere out there...

Contributed by Rtr Feilin

Taking a fast pace across the pantry to get myself a cup of hot tea and thinking quickly get back to desk ..

Here’s comes the live updates by CNN, again, :

“. . . xx soldiers been killed leaving xx casualties.. - Baghdad”.

Looking up at the screen, live recorded scene of soldiers executing their mission in a dead city foreign land. Corpse were clad with flag of America. Fighting for justice? Peace? But why take so long? I wonder.

Ergh, had I added a spoon of sugar?
…………………………………………

Days later:

On table, an upside-down magazine of what look like the monthly subscription of Astro . First thought came into my mind was another huge budget Hollywood movies with the profesionalism snapshots and cool dusky backdrop. Slightly over turned, it reads ‘any day I’m here could be the day I die’ with a sort of handwritten font as the theme. A special issue of Newsweek : Voices of the fallen, in a tag line above that coloured red.

Girl, This. Is. Real.

With a little tug of interest, I flipped to that page which I never believe that had my eye glued to it. There were moment where I am trying to get adjusted reality and sci-fiction while reading (no way was Newsweeks gonna write crap, right?) Reading journals of someone who knew they gonna die, but when, was really….. “something” . Person who came all way from their home, be it a fresh graduate, to an unknown land, to fight with being that are jihad-crazy, whom have a totally opossite perception value of live is also another…..“ something”, big. Every words, expression with commas, dot and exclamation mark written was scruntinized and registered that enough to bring one to imagine, however, that also only on surface. What unspoken was left untold and forever burried.

What came flash to my mind was anguished and over-reacted emotions from families and love ones when they uncovered the truth. What’s more for a single mother to break the news and explain the gone of their daddy to their child whom barely understand the whole truth, which is a tremendously devastating.

Below are journals that written by the respective soldiers that I was moved by, before they are gone. (choose to type it out instead of providing the link. Well, it can be argued the other way tho, :P)


MICHEAL G. MIHALAKIS

I don’t even recognise myself anymore. Completely shaved head, Army uniforms and zero fats. I try to remember who I used to be. Every soldiers is going through the same change. It doesn’t better who you are: prom queen, high school football star, scholar, idiot, or whatever. As soon as you get here, you become the copy of the person next to you. (pg.24,1st column)

. . . it is so hard to tell a straving 5 year old who is begging for food to go away. Finally I gave in. A sickly barefooted 6 year old approached the vehicles, touching his lips saying “please,please”. I told him to go away and he just looked up at me. It looked like he wasn’t going to make it much longer in the 133-degree weather. Again I shouted “ kief!!” (go-in Arabic). As we drove away, I threw an ice-cold bottle of water out of the window to him.Lucily no one saw me. (pg.25,1st column)

- Mihalakis died of injuries sustained when his Humvee overturned. He was 18.


JESSE A.GIVENS

We are heading into a bad place, I guess. We have a bunch of want-to-be GI Joes who say they cant wait to kill someone.Personally I don’t give a s—t if we kill someone or never fire a shot. I don’t want medals or to be a hero. I just want to come home and be a husband and daddy again. (pg.24,1st column)

- Givens was drowned on May-1. “Bean” was born 4 weeks later.


KENNETH M.BALLARD

There are some times here that you are able to stop and look around and find a moment of peace. We were crossing the Tigris River at night under a full moon. The light breeze floated through the trees. You think to yourself how nice this would be with someone special, then flares light up the sky and you see tracer fire off in the distance and the cold slap of reality sets in that ou are in the middle of a war zone. (pg.25,2nd column)

- Ballard died when a passing tree branch triggered the unmanned machine gun on his tank.


PATRICK TAINSH

After 9 hours in the heat with 80 pounds on your back, you don’t want to do much except sleep when you get back.People out here are SOMETHING ELSE. They just don’t care that other people trying to help them. I guess that’s the face of war, and yes, it’s still a war. Don’t believe everthing you see on TV.(pg.26,2nd column)


KANE M. FUNKE

Hi mom, sorry it’s been so long since I’ve last called. I’m fine, but I got story to tell you. . . . . . . I usually sit inside behind the driver but they wanted me up in the turrent on the gun today. So, I’m the only one exposed to the outside. One our way back to go to Bronze, a blast hit us, knocked me out and slammed me agaist the gun, and they said I fell lifelessly down into the hummer. They shook me and turned me all over looking for blood but there was none. “FUNKE get back on the gun, damn it! Get back on the gun.” I got up and got back on the gun. I was ok. Your boy’s alive mom. (pg.32,1st column)

- Funke was killed in action about 2 weeks before he was scheduled to leave Iraq.


May those earn my salute, rest in peace.. Widows, single-parent child, parents who’s love ones that involved, may many cherish moment lies ahead and so does for the next generation.

Sources are extract from hardcopy: Newsweek. April 2, 2007. Voices of the fallen. Anyday I’m here could be the day I die. The Iraq War in The Words of American’s Dead. Visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17798269/site/newsweek/ for more informations.

The World ain't all Sunshine and Rainbows

Contributed by Rtr. Harnniann

I watched the movie “Rocky Balboa” for the 2nd time yesterday. A lot of people criticise this movie, saying there’s little action and too much drama. I am no movie critic and I don’t intend to give a movie review here.

But that’s one part of the movie that struck me hard and deeply disturbed me. It’s at 1 hour and 1 minute of the movie.

It’s a scene where Rocky and his son walked out of Rocky’s restaurant. Rocky had earlier announced his intention of fighting the reigning Boxing World Heavyweight Champion.

The son started by asking whether Rocky was nervous about the fight. Rocky replied, “scared to death” but nevertheless he had to do it.

The son got so mad that he started shouting at his father. The son said it has not been easy living with Rocky. “People see me but they see you” the son said. That’s the reason he had a decent job and that’s the reason why people deal with him. It’s all because his father is Rocky. And now, with the fight, the situation is going to get worst. It will hurt him more.

He asked Rocky, as a favour, not to go through with the fight as it will do Rocky and himself no good.

Rocky, after being shouted at by his own son, remained calm. He thought for a few seconds. Then he raised his right hand and said this to his son (I quote in verbatim):-

You ain’t gonna believe this. You used to fit right here (pointing at his right palm). I hold you up and say to your mother: this kid is going to be the best kid in the world. This kid is going to be somebody better than anybody known. And you grow up, good and wonderful. It’s great just watch it everyday, it’s like a privilege.

When the time comes for you to be your own man and take on the world, then you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger on your face and tell you, you are no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow.

Let me tell you something you already knew. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place. I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me are no body. It’s going to hit as hard as life.

But it ain’t about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how it’s done.

Now, if you know what’s you’re worth then go out to get what’s you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits and not pointing fingers say: you ain’t what you want to be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You are better than that!

The above conversation hit me hard. It’s the highlight of the whole movie.

Life is tough. It is never easy to squeeze yourself into it and find a rightful place of your own.

What Rocky had just said to his son, I felt as if he was talking to me. Wasn’t I looking for something or someone to blame whenever I think I was not given something I deserve? Didn’t I cowardly avoid the hits and stay complacent in my own comfort zone knowing very well that there is a bigger world out there that is waiting for me to explore, to venture and to find my flag?

In the movie, Rocky found himself losing something. It’s the energy he once had. He decided to jump out of his comfort zone (manning the Italian Restaurant) and take on the world champion. Of course he lost in the fight but that’s secondary and largely immaterial. He had the guts to walk into the ring again, to go through the gruelling training, to risk the humiliation, to face his own fear etc. That, to me, is much more important than winning the fight.

I hope the above conversation somehow gives you some booster and motivation. Those of you who have the DVD, I suggest you to fast forward to the above scene (at 1hr 1min mark), and appreciate it.

“it ain’t about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how it’s done.”

I am going to remember that.

DRA - Final day!

Contributed by Rtr Jia Thiam

I was worn-out the moment I opened up my eyes. We’re supposed to be at the hall by 9.00am, but I was too tired to realize that. Somehow, I managed to drag myself out from my bed and headed straight to the cafeteria with Yiip Shaun. Way Wen were still fast asleep. I thought that I’ll be the only rotaractors left at the cafeteria. Nevertheless, to my amazement that there are others at the cafeteria doing their little business as if that they’re not late at all. I felt relief.

I rushed myself to the hall to hear the briefing. I was shocked to see an employee from 8TV eventually gave a talk about her career. The talk was short. Nevertheless, I’ve learned something new.

The speech giving session ended up quicker than I thought while the rest of the rotaractors exchanged email address and hand phone number with one another. Yiip Shaun told us that his dad wanted to leave Penang early. That leaves us no choice but to get ourselves pack as soon as possible. That means no lunch for us. The moment we load our luggage in to the car, Yiip Shaun dad asked us

Uncle: You guys don’t want to have your lunch?

Jia Thiam: Huh? (Thought you want to leave early. How to makan lar)

Uncle: Since you’ve paid for it, don’t waste it.

Jia Thiam: What about you Uncle? (So, you want to leave now or makan now?)

Uncle: Don’t worry about us. Just go have your lunch

Jia Thiam: Ermmm!

Something sounded very fishy. Anyway, we went for lunch and enjoyed them. I took a final glimpse at my surrounding and my newly-made friends, knowing that I won’t be seeing them, not until APRRC. We left Penang at 1.30pm and the journey took us hours to arrive due to the fact that Chin Ming was celebrated on the very same day. Cars filled up the whole road and that is when I knew, I won’t be arriving home early. We reached Klang at 11.30pm and had dinner after that.

My day at DRA is finally over.

DRA - Day 2

Contributed by Rtr Jia Thiam

I woke up surprisingly early knowing that I went to bed late last night. My stomach started making weird noise. That is when I knew that I needed food so badly. After settling myself, I went straight down to the cafeteria, in hoping that I’ll finally be able to treat myself to a nice breakfast. The food to my amazement was a delicious one with a variety of choice one can choose on.

Anyway, once my hunger has been satisfied, I headed straight to the hall for a Rotaract briefing. The briefing went on for hours without showing any significant sign that it will end. During the session, some of my newly–made friends came asking me,

A: “Why your Rotaract Club is so special ah? Got the word centennial at the back of it
wan.”
Jia Thiam: Yeah hor. I also don’t know

Sad to say that I have no answer to that question myself. Being a member of the club and not knowing how this club came about, truly putted me down to shame in front of the others. Nevertheless, I made an attempt to seek out the answer to that question by asking Rotaractor Hui Hui. Then I’ve finally realized that our club was chartered during the centennial year.

Rotaractor Hui Hui were one of the panelists during the session. When her turn has finally arrived, she stated that our club had our own club song- adopted from our Rotary Club of Port Klang Centennial. Way Wen and I were later requested to walk to stage to sing our club song. Singing in front of the mirror or in my bathroom is a norm thing to do but not on stage. I had butterfly in my stomach, yet I carried on. After we’ve finished with our songs, our club has instantaneously been recognized by many others for being the only club who went on stage to sing a club song. I was proud.

Lunch was equally good as well. But soon after lunch, we had our own Training program to attend. All of us went to our separate ways. As for me, I’ll be attending the Community Service Director training. I told myself that this will be a training I will never forget in my life. I made friends during the training and we even worked in pairs to come up with solution to a case study. Our solution will be analyzed by the trainees and pointed out on how we can further improve them. After hours have passed, the session ended. Way Wen wanted to treat himself to a nice game of volleyball with the other rotaractors where else I wanted to try out Jet-Skiing. As for Yiip Shaun he was no where to be found after the session ended. Anyway, we wouldn’t bother much and just carried on with our plan. Jet-Skiing have burn a deep hole in my pocket. Nevertheless, the RM25.00 spent will truly last in my memories. Thought that I never had enough, I went for a banana boat ride after that.


I was soaked wet from head to toe. All the rotaractors just wanted to have their little fun at the sea. Hui Hui became victim and was thrown into the sea. Every single rotaractors found on the beach have been thrown into the sea EXCEPT Way Wen. He was fast enough to avoid capture. Anyway, you can’t tell others that you’ve been to Penang without actually tasting Penang sea water. Shortly after that, I went back to my room to have a quick shower. I badly need them right now. I was smartly dress on that night due to the fact that I’ll be attending a classy dinner.

Dinner finished quite late and everyone is busy taking pictures with one another. I later hanged out at DRR Chandra’s room where we treat ourselves to a game of card. Ended up, I slept at 2.00 in the morning.


(to be continued...)

One Two Ouch!

Contributed by Rtr Shunglee


three four, Ouch! That was exactly what I had in mind as I drove down to Klang that fine evening for an introductory class at the XXX dance club.
(don't eiyer me la! it just slipped off my mind but i'm confidently sure that the tutor's name was sohurtoe)

(the legendary Mr. Sohurtoe)

Also, did I mention tt i was initially going to catch the new airbus A380 there because of the traffic but i opt.ed to drive instead?
No thanks to the new 100ml of liquid per passenger onboard rule.
My bladder had twice the amount of that, thus i was unnecessarily denied from the plane.

One Up! for you MAS and nope, that's definitely not my thumb.

Now, a lil bit on salsa.
Its a sexy, dazzingly dizzy ditsy kind of dance that turns people on.
On a less obscene note, salsa is truly a leisurely fun activity for the modern society, a step-up from collecting stamps and coins.
If society had not evolved, where touching hands equals to adultery and marriages.. I swear i wouldnt have left the centre alive.
...psstt! our first lady hands very de smooth le ]=O

Fast forward a lil and we were all in 2 lines, face to face with our salsa partners. Previously, some had fantasized to dance with girls other than their spouses but... alas! they moaned, silently. There were also some who just grabbed anybody closest to them like a cold blooded brute *cough* *cough*JT

. de march
.. crane steps
... crab walk
.... gasing spin

Those were the steps tt was patiently taught to us and the names had been changed to avoid lawyers breathing down my neck.
Having said that, one of them already did, religiously, for this article that is.

Now.... cum to think of it hor, never in all these years have I ever hated being vertically challenged.
That night.. alas! I realised tt i coudln spin a girl without exposing every inch of my underarms.
However, I reckon this is not as bad as what the vertically blessed hated - being distracted by u n c o n t r o l l a b i l i n g l y counting dandruffs from their partner's scalp instead of dancing steps. evilLOLakakaka

yet despite all that,

due to the nature of the dance which promotes closeness, ignites passion and reignites lust, u can actually tell whether a guy and a girl is in an intimate fiery r/s.kudos! prez..you make us men proud !ppffwwwtit! err not saying that you have dandruffs diana your hair looks great but errr i think i better shuddup!... will you still betroth babyleeann to me? :( Nevertheless u can also tell whether a person is hum sup or te ko pe as well la. *cough* *cough*JT

. . .

@#$%* .. CLUB MEETING .. *%$#@ !!!
Darn! i knew it was too good to be true. The prez organised the salsa thing and asked me to just come and enjoy wor - konon la! Just like a cheap lying bastard politician *cough* *cough*lawyer.. he conveniently left out the bit about a meetingNABEI!!

Ae-nyways, *Fei Lin, pls insert boringminutes of meeting here.. if you dare la* otherwise, here's mine;

bla bla bla talk
bla bla bla eat
bla bla bla *end of meeting*

p/s: RAC PKLG should thank their lucky stars that I wasn't elected honorary secretary 06/07. To hell! with my own set of twinkies. It would have been more fun being the phantom cum rogue secretary. evil*grin*

Meeting's conclusion:
- This blog entry is my report. Take it or leave it.

- Loydd, stop slacking cos its time to take over my duties as 'comm'.. service director.

- Z chickenpox excuse is such an old trick in the book, your ageing cerebrum can do better than that! and..

- I demand that you pop 44 poxes to proof your innocence.

- - end of club related formalities - -


I have to admit that i was initially not comfortable with this salsa thing cos just like jumping jacks need wounded springs and evil marathon rabbits need duracell, i needed booze to shake my brittle joints
... but i was sober tt night :/ or rather, my hands had to be kept sober.

This is all thanks to the friendliness of the salsa tutor, mr sohurtoe and the rest of the participants who danced equally as bad.

SOo... I dunno about the rest of you but i was counting salsa steps instead of sheeps when i hit the sack that night. Ladies, on behalf of the guys, thank you for not leaving us with sore-toe/s.

And to the lovely beaus whom I had the chance to dance with, it was a great pleasure and i hope ya'll had an enjoyable night! ^^

.
.
.
.
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ya! ya! same shiet applies for the rest of the guys as well la ..

S H U N G L E E


Editor's note: I was debating with myself whether to edit some language used in this article to safeguard the image of this blog. Well, I guess we cherish freedom of speech and respect creativity. So here it is, full text unedited. Enjoy!

Without Fear or Favour (Season 2) Part 4

Contributed by Rtr Harnniann


Please click here to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

My case was not the first to be called. Luckily, I had the opportunity to observe other cases and learn.

Most of the detainees were not represented. When their names were called up by the interpreter, they were hauled into the “kandang OKT (Orang Kena Tuduh)” then left there alone to face the entire legal system, helplessly.

The Police then present the application for remand order to the Magistrate. The reasons forwarded by the police to justify further remand are very standard and monotonous i.e.

“polis tiada cukup masa untuk melengkapkan siasatan dan memerlukan lebih masa” that is the standard line uttered by the police. Surprisingly, the Magistrate would entertain such request and remand orders are normally granted.

There were a few cases that shocked me. There were two Indian men in their 40s or 50s being called up. The police applied to remand these two poor souls for further 14 days. What was the reason? I almost fell off the chair when I listened to the reasons advanced by the police. It was this:

“pihak polis masih belum mendapat laporan urin daripada jabatan kimia, oleh itu masih tidak dapat menentu sama ada terdapat bahan dadah di dalam urin. Minta reman dilanjutkan selama 14 hari.”

What?! The police was not sure whether the detainees were taking drugs yet the detainees were detained and their liberty taken away for 14 days because of the inefficiency of the police and the Chemistry Department. God help these poor souls. Man, you really don’t want to mess with the police, especially if you are innocent.

Almost half an hour later, after a dozen detainees’ names had been called up, it was finally my turn to stand up and defend my client.

I could feel the enormous pressure building on my shoulders. To defend and safeguard the liberty of a man is way too heavy for me. In a civil suit, when you lose a case, the worst thing that could happen to your client is to pay money. But if I am unable to convince the court why further remand is not necessary, my client Andy will end up behind bars and that is something I could not bring home and sleep with it.

I stated my name for record and informed the court that I act for Andy. The police started:

“Tuan, ini kes ugutan dan gangguan keamanan awam. Polis masih belum jalankan siasatan yang lengkap. Minta reman selama 5 hari.”

The Magistrate recorded what the police just said then turned to me, “ada bantahan?”

“Ya, tuan Majistret. Saya membantah reman order terhadap anakguam saya. Tuan, setahu saya, anakguam saya telah ditahan pada pukul 2 pagi semalam. Dan sehinnga kini, tiada apa-apa kenyataan diambil daripada anakguam saya. Masa telah dibazirkan oleh pihak polis dan polis kini datang ke Mahkamah yang mulia ini untuk melanjutkan reman tanpa apa-apa alasan yang kukuh selain daripada alasan yang remeh dan kosong.

Tuan, anakguam saya adalah pada semua masa berkenaan bersedia untuk bekerjasama dengan polis untuk membantu siasatan. Jika anakguam saya dilepaskan, tiada apa-apa bukti yang menunjukkan bahawa anakguam saya akan lari diri atau tidak dapat dihubungi untuk membantu siasatan. Oleh itu, anakguam saya tidak perlu diremankan di dalam lokap untuk membantu siasatan. Sekiranya kenyataan anakguam saya diperlukan, pihak polis boleh menghubungi anakguam saya dan anakguam saya akan datang ke balai polis untuk memberi kerjasama kepada pihak polis dalam siasatan kes ini.

Tambahan lagi, pihak polis tidak dapat menunjukkan apa-apa alasan untuk menyokong reman selama 5 hari ini. Kes yang melibatkan anakguam saya bukanlah satu kes yang rumit atau kompleks. Polis tidak perlu 5 hari untuk menjalankan siasatan. Ini adalah jelasnya satu penyalahgunaan proses mahkamah.”

Wow! I thought that was pretty good for a first timer.

The police replied, “Tuan, polis tidak mengambil kenyataan sehingga kini adalah kerana pihak polis ingin memberi rehat secukupnya kepada dia dan tidak mahu ganggu masa rehatnya.” (Wow, that was a very noble excuse)

The Magistrate busy jotting down everything we have just said. I turned to Andy and gave him a sign that we are doing good and he will be coming out soon, don’t worry.

The Magistrate reread what he had just written then scanned the police, me and Andy. Once he had made up his mind, he ruled, “reman diberikan selama 3 hari”

I could not maintain my balance and needed to grab the corner of the table for support.

3 days? Did you know how it was like to live in the lockup for even one day? Andy was held for one night and he almost went crazy.

I turned to look at Andy. Apparently, he did not know what was going on. He jerked his head to give me a “what’s going on?” sign. I walked slowly beside him and whispered, “they will remand you for a further 3 days.”

“I am not coming out now?” he sadly asked.

“I’m afraid not” I tried to calm myself too.

Andy did not say anything. He stared blindly into the ceiling. I guess he was thinking, “how am I going to survive these 3 days?”

The police handcuffed Andy and led him out of the courtroom and into a minivan where Andy will be traveled to the lockup, his home for the next 3 days.

When the minivan left the court, I saw his parents walking up the hill to Klang Court.

Ooh… I have a lot of explanation to do…

(To be continued…)

1st Day of DRA 2007

Contributed by Rtr Jia Thiam

District Rotaract Assembly (DRA) has never popped up into my head all this while not until today. What is DRA? What are the activities held during DRA? These are the questions which I kept pondering upon. I had my first District Event during the District Rotaract Conference (DRC). I was uncertain whether should I register my name as one of the candidate. I was scared that my RM180 will go down into the drain after realizing that this money are better spent off to a sumptuous Sushi at Sushi King. I would have never taken part in such event, if it’s not for the constant begging from Rotaractor Way Wen. Somehow, I gave in to Way Wen’s request. Since then, I can’t pull back anymore; else others will just categorize me as a liar. During the final day of my DRC, I was telling myself, “Hey! It wasn’t so bad at all. I learn many new things. I’ve made new friends and I’m definitely joining the District Rotaract Assembly (DRA)”.


Thus, I had my first hand experience during the DRA 2007 held at Tanjung Bungah. The journey there seems like an endless journey. Time and tide waits for no men. I wanted to appreciate every moment I had, spent by making new friends at DRA. Anyway, the journey took us 4 hour plus plus. Upon arriving there, I take a quick glimpse on the surrounding of the hotel. The beach caught my concentration but I had with me, my luggage. That leaves me no choice but to get myself registered first. The registration counter was held in a small room, three storeys above the ground floor. After checking in, I was told that Way Wen will be my roommate while Yiip Shaun will be stuck with a Subang Rotaractor for the coming three days and two nights. After they handed over my room key, I head straight back to my room to check it out.

I was shocked to be given such a huge room enough to accommodate at least six more rotaractors comfortably. My room had a good view of the sea. What more could I expect but to felt grateful knowing that I’m going to enjoy myself for the coming three days. After settling down, I head straight down to the sea. Had a short walk along the beach with Way Wen and I finally went up to my room to have a bath leaving Way Wen behind. Shortly after my bath, Way Wen came back. Heard from him that he was playing volleyball with the other rotaractors. I was stunned for 2.56 seconds knowing that if I had not taken my bath, I would be able to mix around with the other rotaractors. Anyway, Way Wen had his bath and we headed down to grab our dinner. We had our ice-breaking session after dinner. Supposedly to be held by the beach but the weather changed for a sudden. Strong ferocious wind kept blowing towards us and we’re expecting a heavy rain. The thought of the next tsunami kept running through my mind. Anyway, Ice-breaking session was held in a room. Everything went smoothly till I received a call from Yiip Shaun that his pal was somewhere in Penang . We were later brought by his friend to else where to have a taste of true Penang local food.

To be continued...

The Lion, The Crow, The Ant, and The Monkey (Part 1)

Contributed by PDRR Terence Lee

Rotaract, like any other organization in this world, is often populated by interesting creatures of intent and display. I'm sure you may have encountered several kinds by now.

Before you start jumping to conclusion or assumption, the purpose of my writing and sharing of this story is neither to label nor expose the many friends and acquaintances I've known in Rotaract. Like any good story should, my hope is you will find this story both educational and enjoyable to read (the sort of stuff Walt Disney's are made of).

Thus, allow me to begin.

Once upon a time, as I journeyed through the forest. . . . . I met the Lion, the Crow, the Ant, and the Monkey congregating one afternoon. With sincere curiousity, I asked of their purpose for this gathering. "We're discussing issues that are affecting this forest, and things that we can do to make this forest a better place to live in", explained the Monkey. They seemed so happy to see me and with utmost sincerity invited me to join them. I obliged.

During the discussion I observed. The Lion was most obvious trying to lead the pack, and let out a few roars when necessary. The Monkey was making a scene out of everything and everyone, including itself. The Ant was in its quiet self, listening. The Crow was somehow occupied with its own interest, picking on the ground. It was an interesting scene nevertheless. The day ended with a few topics being deliberated and a handful of suggestions offered. I was informed we would meet again 2 weeks from that day.

It was exactly 2 weeks from the last gathering. It nearly slipped my mind until the Crow flew by and reminded me about the gathering, and offered to ferry me there. The Crow and I were the first to arrive at the gathering point, then the Lion came walking in gracefully just before the tiny Ant. We waited for a few wind, but the Monkey was no where to be seen. The Lion insisted we wait for the Monkey, the Ant didn't mind, but the Crow was deeply unhappy. As for me, being a new member of this congregation, sat there quietly while letting nature takes its course. Finally, out of nowhere, appeared the Monkey. 'Better late than never' seem to be the order of the day.

We debated, negotiated, and finally confirmed, we shall make a visit to the Frog at the nearby pond to render whatever service we may to the community there. 7 days from that day we were to gather at this place before proceeding to the pond. The Crow was chosen to lead this excursion as he was the most familar and knowledgable about the pond.

The day arrived. We started our journey and reached our destination without much struggle, except the Monkey was no where to be found again. Apparently, it got lost along the way or somehow distracted. We met the Frog and expressed our purpose of the visit. The Frog thanked us and showed us the state of the pond he lives in. It was filled with waste disposed off by irresponsible creatures. The Crow suggested we help the Frog clean up the pond before sunset. The Ant quietly began to collect dead leafs floating on the pond, while the Crow targetted the foreign objects such as bottles and wrappers. The Lion seemed to find it difficult in wanting to get his paws dirty from non-hunting work, and the Monkey can't seem to decide what to do with his long arms and settled to do a few of everything.

This is the scene of fauna from different species working together for a common deed.

End of story.

What is the moral of the story?
The Crow may not be the most beautiful bird, but it's wise and willing to work.
The Lion may be mighty and full of charisma, but may not be willing to get dirty.
The Ant may be small and quiet, but works well with others and a good executionist.
The Monkey may be disoriented and playful, but it can add vibrance to an otherwise boring scene.

Do we have Lions, Crows, Ants, and Monkeys in our clubs?

To be continued. . .

Centennial RYLA Report - The Finale

Contributed by Rtr Harnniann


Click here to read Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3

Making New Friends

To be honest with you, initially I was very reluctant to join RYLA. I did not show any enthusiasm at all and I think that was felt by Eric too. The main reason was that I do not like mixing with strangers not to mention that I have to stay with strangers for 4 days! I am really content with my life and I thought with the current friends I have now, I have more than enough.

Anyway, as I was stuck somewhere in Kajang for 4 days, I have no choice but to take the initiative to know some new strangers. I surprised myself. I did not know that my communication skill was really that good. Once I was used to shaking hands and starting a brief conversation with absolute strangers, making new friends seems to be a very easy task. All we need are a sincere smile and the burning curiosity to find out more about the stranger.

I have made a lot of friends in RYLA. You know why I had problem waking up in the morning? That’s because we chat all night at the foyer, in the bedroom (by the way, the rules say that boys are not supposed to go into guys’ room and vice versa but all the rules were badly broken). And throughout these chit-chatting, our relationship progressed from mere acquaintances to friends.

We took down the contact numbers and email of everyone, and we promised to keep in touch and probably organise something like a alumni in future.

My Observation, Feelings and Experience

I must give credit to the Organising Committee for they have done a fairly good job in organising RYLA 2005. Thank you. Nonetheless, I would like to take this opportunity to record some of my constructive criticisms.

The whole RYLA was too relaxed. I know we are all adults so that we should not be monitored like schoolboys. But there at least should be a balance. I opine that the Organising Committee had been too relaxed in time keeping. Or they themselves were late sometime. I hope this is something the next organising committee of RYLA could look into. Punctuality should be something RYLA emphasise most.

Ok, I am done with criticisms. If you were cautious, you would have noticed that some of my criticisms had been secretly embodied in the main body above. So, I’ll give the Organising Committee a break. Nice Job & Syabas!

As you all would agree that life is a journey. We are unable to determine the length of this journey but fortunately we have the freedom to decide the width of it. We have the freedom, the privilege to decide what we want to see, feel, learn, contribute in this journey.

If there is only one thing I’ve learnt from RYLA that would be: dare to take the sudden turn. I took my sudden turn here when I decided to wake up and drive to Permata on 24/3/2005. It significantly or maybe forever changes the path and route of my journey. Should I decided to go to work on 24/3/2005 and continue with my routine life, maybe I would still be the same i.e. being robbed of this wonderful experience and opportunity unknowingly.

Thank you RYLA!

DRA: We learn, We Interact and That’s it?

Contributed by PE Lee Hui Hui

I remembered my first District Rotaract Assembly (DRA) in HolidayVilla, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur in year 2005. That was few months after my club obtained its charter. The venue was near to my place of work. So it was a blessing. But, it turned out that I had to return to office in the morning because of an urgent deadline.

And because of that, I missed my first group photo session after the opening ceremony.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself getting to know new faces from different club (although I feel odd at first fitting in)

Did I learn something there? Yes, I admit I did learn a lot about rotaract. For my first DRA, I attended the President/ President Elect/ Vice President Workshop with my club chartered president.

I remembered brainstorming solutions during the case study session. It is a norm for Rotaract club leaders to face problems like:

1) Inactive members and lack of participation in projects (Very common)
2) In ability to retain current members. (So common)
3) Difficulty in finding new members to ensure club continuity. (Common)

In DRA in Penang few weeks back, I attended the President/ President Elect workshop for the second time (because I did not hold any club office position for year 2006).

This time round, there was no case studies session (thank you GDL DRR Chandra and GDL DRRE Dinesh). What I had was more of an opinion sharing session by the incoming club presidents, president elects and vice presidents.

They do share the same doubts and fears like me. I would not know whether my fellow incoming board that went to the DRA training with me learned about such issues.

The common topics raised were lack of active members to commit and take up projects

I also listened to complaints by the respective district officers (who are also leaders in their club too) who raised issue like lack of participation in organized district projects and other interpersonal relationship problems.

What I can summarise is this = the survival of rotaract clubs purely depends on common factor – degree of interpersonal relationship among its members.

I was given the opportunity to be a panelist speaker in the morning plenary session led by PDG Dato Dr Low Teong. Title was how to build effective rotaract club. I spoke about from my club’s perspective on effective rotaract club based on email input from RAC Port Klang members.

All in all, it turned out that all the panelist speakers (IPDRR Jamie, DRC and incoming DRC and myself) got the feedback from the audience what we have presented does not match with the current situation faced by the district rotaract clubs.
(I don’t have to mention this, but I am sure readers will know what I mean)

In a nutshell, it ain’t a blue sky picture! And it is a reality.

And this case, why are we attending the DRA? Is there a common solution to solve human relationship issue?

Problems will never get solved if there is continuous bickering. Projects will never be executed if members don’t want to do it.

In this case, the DRA is just a platform for us to gather, learn, have fun and that’s it?

I had to make this sweeping statement => Have anyone ponder to put the knowledge to good use by serving well and building relationships?

In essence, joining a non profit organization like rotaract is actually one of the ways to learn to build relationships, formed new friendships and be a better person and leaders in our own field.

We have to learn to give and accommodate with members that come from different background, age group, financial standing, personality, beliefs, attitude and culture.

It is never easy building and strengthening human relationships. It is never easy being a leader because being human, leaders can make grave mistakes.

As I am writing this article I realized I am still learning.

I will bear in mind to learn how to adapt to difficult situations and face potential setbacks.
Nevertheless we as rotaractors must always strive to be a better person and hoping someday we are able to see the blue sky picture i.e. strong and effective rotaract clubs.

About D3500 Goodwill Visit Part 2

Contributed by Rtr Harnniann



Please click here for Part 1

Klang Bak Kut Teh really taste good!

Despite the missing luggage, everyone’s mood seemed ok when we took our breakfast at one Bak Kut Teh restaurant the next morning. Maybe the bak kut teh was too good.

The first contingency of the day? Yes, it came right after we finished our breakfast. Joe (a former Rotaractor from Ipoh who wanted to join us) called me and said he just woke up and asked whether we could wait for him in Klang while he traveled down to Klang from Old Klang Road by KTM Komuter. That would take at least 1 hour!

It was already 915am. Our initial plan was to reach Lata Kinjang Waterfall by 11 something then proceed to lunch at around 1pm. Now we’ll have to wait in Klang for another 1 hour meaning all our programme will have to be delayed for at least an hour.

I was not too happy with Joe but I did not want to spoil anyone’s mood so I faked a smile. Now I have to think of something for the Taiwanese friends to do to kill that 1 hour.

Luckily Klang KTM station is situated near “Little India” (an area well known for selling Indian goods, foods, clothing etc). We could tour Little India for an hour! Things like Indian saree, roti canai etc fascinated them.

Joe finally arrived one and a half hour later and as a result we only managed to take our lunch at 3pm (poor Taiwanese Rotaractors were starved to death but they did not complain as they thought it was our Malaysian culture taking lunch at 3pm…. my God)

After lunch we went straight to Cameron Highland. In Cameron Highland another contingency popped up. Due to the sudden change of weather and temperature (it was 38 degree in Lata Kinjang Waterfall and only 22 degree in Cameron Highland), 2 Taiwanese Rotaractors fell sick. One caught a cold and the other one had severe sore throat. Bringing them to clinic was not my original plan but nevertheless had to.

The next day after visiting strawberry farm, it started raining cats and dogs. We were trapped in the farm and were very hungry. 15 minutes later we decided not to wait anymore but asked the bus driver to drive the bus up the hill and pick us up instead. We patiently waited for the bus. But half an hour has gone and the bus was no where to be seen!

Finally the bus driver walked to us (without the bus) and informed us, “steering patah, brek cabut”. I immediately thanked the rain: if not because of the rain, we would have gone into the bus, down the slippery slopes then only realized “steering patah, brek cabut”. What would have happened to us then? I did not want to imagine.

What now? We were stuck in middle of no where, raining heavily, empty stomach and with a bus which has broken steering and defective brakes. Later we received call from President Feldman that the missing luggage that was supposed to be sent to him this afternoon had not arrived and MAS said it would probably take another day. Toying with the possibility that they might never recover their luggage, the Taiwanese Rotaractors had difficulty breathing.

Oh God! This was supposed to be an enjoyable trip! Not an EQ challenged quest! I then received a sms from President Feldman: “OC, this really ve been a great EQ challenge for u and those involved. Well who knows what will happen 2morrow? Anyway I will sink with u guys 2morrow if the motorboat dysfunction LOL!...” Yeah… very encouraging, President.

What did we do? Stay tuned.

(to be continued)

Without fear or favour (Season 2) Part 3

Contributed by Rtr Harnniann


For the benefit of new readers, here are part 1 and part 2.

I was not the only lawyer in the courtroom. There were another two sitting on the seats reserved for lawyers.

I pulled out a chair next to one Chinese lawyer who appeared to be in his late 40s. The reason of me sitting next to him was not to make new friend but to learn from him at light speed everything about Remand Order. But I could not act like a stupid ignorant young lawyer cause that will give Andy extra stress thinking that the only friend who could help him right now was actually not knowing what he was doing (which happened to be the truth).

I broke the ice by introducing myself. His name was Kwok. Acting like I was frustrated to be dragged into the court at this hour by my client and pretending to be a seasoned criminal lawyer, I said, “I hate doing Remand Order, simple thing but have to wait so long, wasting time, don’t you think?”

Kwok was trying to be polite, “yeah, but that’s what we do. No choice”

“What’s your case about?” I started my pursue on digging knowledge out of him.

“Oh, my client was accused of assaulting his neighbour. Stupid case. It was just the normal fight between neighbours.”

“Yeah, stupid I know, but when was your client being detained?”

“Since last night around 9pm”

“How long the police want to remand him further?”

Kwok looked at me very strangely.

Oh! That was a very stupid question! I immediately regretted asking it. The police will not tell you in advance for how long they want to further remand the suspect, they will also not tell you why they want to remand him. You will only find out when your matter is called up and the police present their papers to the Magistrate. That question really made me looked like a rookie.

I saw a copy of Criminal Procedure Code inside Kwok’s briefcase then I realised I hadn’t got the opportunity to read the exact wordings of section 117 which deals with Remand Order. I came to Klang court straight after a meeting in Petaling Jaya, I hadn’t had the time to get back to my office library to do the necessary research.

It was rather shameful to ask a fellow lawyer for a copy of the Criminal Procedure Code in court as it was basic rule that all criminal lawyers should have studied the sections like the back of their hands.

Nevertheless, I had no choice but to ask Kwok if I could have his Criminal Procedure Code for awhile.

I have not touched Criminal Procedure Code since I finished my CLP exam.

The Chinese proverb is very true: you only realise you have not acquired sufficient knowledge by the time you need to apply it.

I speed read the relevant sections at the same time trying to digest its meaning. It was not a pleasant job. The feeling was like entering the exam hall only to find out you had missed out one important chapter which the teacher had earlier hinted that substantial questions will be coming out from there.

“Lagi 5 minit, Tuan Majistret akan keluar, siapa ada handphone tolong padamkan” the bailiff shouted.

Five more minutes?

I turned and looked at Andy who was staring at me. He was so helpless. To make him feel better (and indirectly also make me feel better), I nodded at him and put up a “ok” sign, in a very ironic way, telling him everything was going to be alright.

Just when I tried to chew up more sections from the Criminal Procedure Code, I heard the bailiff shouted, “Court! Bangun……”

The Magistrate had come out from his chamber.

Whoosh! In the courtroom there is no room for weakness and timidity. Someone’s liberty was at stake and I was entrusted to safeguard it. I felt my shoulders heavier and my stomach turned upside down.

(to be continued)

About D3500 Goodwill Visit Part 1

Contributed by Rtr Harnniann

me (centre) surrounded by tough guys who went through Taiwan National Service

Before reading this article, I humbly request readers to read my earlier related writing.

Though writing against the backdrop of the recently concluded D3500 goodwill visit, I am not giving details of the visit here but rather the general feelings, experience, observation, valuable lessons that I learned throughout this visit.

If there is only one lesson I learned through this project it will be this: you can’t plan or figure everything out. In another words, you must ever prepare for sudden changes or contingencies.

As a leader, you can plan everything you could think of, from A to Z but at the time of execution, things may not go in accordance to plan. To be a good leader, you must immediately accept and assess the situation rather than to complain or frown upon it. I now give example.

I do know that flight may be delayed. I was ready for that. But what I have never thought of was it could be delayed for more than 8 hours. That practically threw all the programme for the day down the drain. We wasted expensive cost on bus which we actually paid for it to wait at the Klang Stadium for our signal to travel to KLIA.

When I realised it was too late to tour KL after their arrival, I decided to cancel it altogether and instructed President Feldman to bring them straight to Klang upon arrival.

Then another contingency slipped through my calculation: ALL their luggages were missing! They virtually have nothing except the clothing and underwear they were wearing. Houston, we have problem.

The next day morning we were going north to Ipoh and Cameron Highland. Malaysia Airline only promised to deliver their luggage to President Feldman’s house around noon. Should we wait till the luggage arrives? What if Malaysia Airline breaches their promises? Will we then waste more time waiting in Klang?

I could not afford to be indecisive.

If we go ahead as planned without the luggage, how do we solve the problems like lack of clothing, fresh underwear, toiletries etc? They are here in Malaysia for leisure not for military training!

Sensing that Malaysia Airline’s promises could not be trusted lightly (which later proven to be correct as the luggage was not delivered to President’s house as promised), we went to Ipoh despite the adversity.

So you just thought all the sudden turn of event were behind us, fresh challenge came… only this time it was life threatening…

(to be continued)