Dad's excuses

DEAR my princess, it, again, has been so long I failed to write a letter for you. I don't want to give you excuses for that but I'm pretty busy here. However I keep tracking your updated news so that we can console our minds that miss you badly. It doesn't matter how often it's repeated, your mum and I were happy to listen your growing up condition. My eldest sister who is your personal-in-charge ever has something to share about you whenever we call her. We keep call her and asking about you is what we can do from an ocean away, my daughter. We understand that it won't be kind enough for you by just giving a call especially you are so young to speak/listen/understand the sound of words. But we do believe, you are given the best service so far we can achieve from my native land. We do consider the comfort of your daily life as well as secure way that can keep your health optimum.

Are you really missing your parent, baby? I am dreaming you every day this period. I met you in night and talking in the dream. I admit previously I didn't dream about you. But suddenly I dreamt you continuously and I doubt if you are seriously missing us. If there is one person to be blamed for this sorrowful departing, it'ld be mine. I, you dad, felt guilty whenever I think about it. Your mum sometime will raise some unanswered questions. I am so pain but I don't answer her questions. She used to ask me when we can live together as a family. When we can take care of you earliest. Being a husband, I am the most responsible for trying to union.

I sometime asking myself if we are risking your life for dollars. It's never reaching to black and white answer. Dear, my princess, we can't do much without money in this life. And the life seem more cruel on poor people like us because finding breads for the while family by a one man is not possible in our country. Nobody would like to opt alien way for the prospect of a better life if a reasonable life can be found within our boundaries. In fact, we are just a victim of a bad system. We don't have a good leader who always care of people. We don't have a leader who always think of people's comfort. We don't have a policy maker who always set up a good policy that favour people. At the end of the day, we, being ordinary people, have no right but to accept.

But I promise you, I'll try of my best so that we can live together. I am not happy to let you live with others despite they are your relatives. I believe they'll take extra care of you in the absence of us. We'll provide more than enough financial them so they don't have any extra burden upon taking care of you. Being migrant worker ourselves, we can't earn so much, dear. Moreover, we are much look like a tree on the bank of a river working here. Locals always complained to their government for allowing foreign workers in to work. So we feel we are not welcomed and that's why we are brink of returning home at any given time. I don't know what will happen to me tomorrow and what I can do is only do my best here. I'll try to save money as much as possible for the sake of your better future. I'm already mid-age of life and all we can do now is for you only as you are my only one heiress.

In view of above, I beg you to understand the current situation of our family being stay apart. Hope you are smart baby and understand my words later if you can't understand it now. I crazily gambling sometime with the prospect of shortest way back to you. But it's not a right way to do so and I remind myself not to derail my ambition of being living together. Lets pray for a better karma that can favor and put our family life together asap, my princess. This is the only way we can do at the moment and look forward you agree with me here.

Have a good day, my dear.

Old Vs New

MYANMAR's brand new president is busying with setting up his own government members. Since he is ex-soldier and his party is backed by army, it's obvious he is picking among his ex-colleagues who are also previous top seat holders. The fact is that is it going to be a real brand new cabinet by changing just clothes rather than selecting able person. In selecting leaders, I noted some valuable definition from the Lee Kuan Yew's latest book. He say leader must has IQ, yes, but it's not good enough to become a good minister. To become a good leader, he must need other qualifications such as EQ, determination, persuasive power, etc. Talent is not everything about to become a leader.

While Singapore had already put its formula in selecting and scouring able leaders by carefully studying from mature countries around the world. And they keep change its policy to suit ever changing demanding as well as world's economy. No wonder Singapore is one of successful country. They know where they are and willing to adopt any good system that can suit with their traditions. On the other words, they are flexible if it's good for their country. Meanwhile our country's leader selection is solely based on one man who has ruled the country more than two decades. It doesn't matter how he had promised to its people, he'll do whatever he likes. He will shift its minister wherever he'ld like to regardless of their education/ experience because most minister are soldiers and not much different quality among them. So they are very much afraid of this strong man and they can even die for him if he wants.

Most of ministers occupy top seat by parachuting in rather than going through bottom up within system. So the educated people are effectively ignored and some are given lower ranking compare to their abilities. We won't get a developing country without changing this devastating system. It's not working but still alive. Whoever can convert it to the right path? Only ourselves, right? Why our people are suffering so long like this despite we are Buddhist nation? Our policy makers see cruel like they never received Buddha's teaching. They are much alike other religion especially when they dare to beat religious people and put them in jail. People has experienced it and their mind has changed on army once people's army. In old days army was people's heart-throb especially during colonial time. They gave their lives for people's freedom. They dare to kill at any time for freedom. They are ready to give up anything they own in life for the sake of people's goodness.

Nowadays people see army as a license killer as they constantly treat people unfairly. It's not easy to build one's reputation. Doesn't matter it is a person or organization. So today army spoiled our old army's reputation by doing what people don't like. Hopefully, they will get back the sense of their predecessor's spirit and save army's reputation by doing right things. This is a way to get back people's heart. No other way would be working.

People Power

No matter how powerful anybody is, he/she would afraid of people in their mind especially when the people become aggressive. He/she might tell you how brave he/she is and how he/she has made all system in favor of their way, his inner most would scare of people's power. The recent and still ongoing unrest in middle east and north Africa has been showing the world how the unwanted ruler can be beaten by people power. The world is witnessing the revolution and already seen world most powerful and longest ruler losing power recently. Egypt's Mubarak has stepped down, Libya's Gaddafi is on the brink of ouster. In Tunisia and Egypt, people have conquered their civilian battle in search of people's willing leader.

There are so many countries who seem to follow the footstep of Egypt-style unrest toward democracy. This time people could able to use social media website being their communication tools that is hard to controlled by respective government. Some government like Saudi Arabia are planning to give some carrots to its people in the attempt of preventing possible civil unrest. China is putting more security staffs on the road of public to ensure public in order at any given time. At the same time, China is trying to strict its already tighten rule to better manage public. Singapore have unveiled S$6.6 billion plan to give people through various names and some analysts label it as a election budget.

Anyway anyhow, for sure, this is the time for governments to convince their people by showing credible plan that can benefit people's life. For those countries who hasn't democratic leaders may feel hotter this time compare to others. People these days are no longer stupid and silent doesn't mean they are happy with the current situation. They may eagerly wait for a right time to change their life. Even our Buddha needs to wait a right time to get his enlightenment. We, being Buddhist, usually less troublesome compare to those from Islamic background are genial and always polite to anybody who treat them properly. They won't hesitate to treat back even more if they are treated nicely.

If changes can be happened by the help of internet social website, then it's unlikely to see my country to follow the current trend as only less than 1% of population can access and slow connection is effectively hinder. I don't see any change unless the split among ruling army chief. Unidentified source suggested recently that our leader secretly plan to shift his asset to China in case he's out of power by unseen case. It can be deliberately effort by outside media to stimulus people's sleeping desire or fearness. We have to pick this time as an ideal if we are suppose to protect toward real democracy.

Hopefully, sooner or later within my generation, I can witness the fallen of illegal power against people's willingness. If decades long power house like Mubarak or Gaddafi can fall down to drain, why not the same happening in our land? The God will bless you all for brave against evils finally.

Budget Lesson

LAST FRIDAY, Singapore's FM released his budget on parliament. At the same time the live telecast was transmitted to republic's people. Since the government has announced the 2010 GDP's has been over-achieved than projected at 14.7%, the people are seemingly talking and hoping this year budget will bring so much benefit to them. The media highlighted how people are eager to know and how can't they wait to learn it. Analysts and opposition parties are like people busy with guessing how would it be alike. It made me a bit more interest despite I am just a foreign worker and nothing to do with this budget 2011.

Once the budget finally come out, as predicted it brought a lot benefit to its people. It paid more attention on needy people, rising cost of living and inflation that were current hot issues among international communities. Most economists see this budget generous as it is equipped several hong boas for its people. Most obviously, all Singaporean would earned what they call "growth dividend" from a range of S$100 to S$800 depend on their household income. The NS men will get S$100 more than the rest. The elderly people are not ignored by the government and heath-care service would be made more affordable among Singaporean. The CPF contribution by employer side is suppose to increase as a positive point for all working adults.

I'm happy to learn Singaporean enjoy their budget mostly because it's paramount important to make them happy not only for government but all migrant workers like us. Otherwise they, as usual, will keep complaining for even a tiny weak point made by their current leaderships. I sometime don't understand their behavior towards their credible government with merciless comments. The budget is considered as a temptation of people's vote for forthcoming election by some analyst. Nevertheless, it's undeniable that the people benefit most from this budget.

Meanwhile, there were bad news for foreign worker inside the budget 2011. It's increasing levy rate for foreign unskilled and semi-skilled workers. The employers are suppose to pay S$300 to S$450 per each foreign workers from current S$50 per head. What a vast different for those companies who rely on foreign workers especially on construction and service sectors. Because this two sectors is labour intensive and locals are probably sham to do these jobs. The local SMEs are first to suffer before they benefit from productivity fund set up by government. One MD from service sector voiced that they have made every effort to boost productivity since first round of government's encouragement by giving training to their own staff. He questioned if they can use robots to replace the jobs of chefs and waiters. I think his question is unanswered for the moment.

Anyway the increasement of foreign worker levy will affect the job market of foreign workers like me. The employers will think twice once they are going to employ new foreign workers. With the new levy, they, employers, will find paying levy is more than contributing CPF for local staffs. What a genuine step moved by a clever government? I salute their policy changing but it effectively sink our chance. I understand how important the power of people are especially this time of pre-election. I see this budget is attached some cynical effort. But every government will do the same in favor of their power. I think at least the government show how they take care people's benefit by this year budget. I also impress to learn the transparency of allocation budget. The figures suggest that the government earn S$55.90 billion and spent S$55.80 billion for year 2011. What a good balance sheet in the prospect of macro-finance is it?

There is no way to see such transparency in my country. No wonder Singapore government has conquered the hearts of people while my junta government concede the hate of its people. People are keep changing and no longer constant stupid like previous old days. The IT sector made people's eye and ear widen and able to understand the situation of country. Also we can't be effectively barred by tightening media as there are alternative incoming sources that bring world's news. People nowadays want to know what's happening in this world by time and it made big different between today people and their old generation counterpart. The ruler must change the way they rule people. The decade old methods are no longer working in a good system. If it's still working then I am sure this country is suffering from a bad system. I hope my country can find a good leadership like Singapore's talented leadership's quality to ease people's life.

For the moment, the most I wanted to ask myself is "when can we get the similar budget of what Singapore has done?". If it's happening to Singapore, then why not to us?. the difference? We lack the quality leadership which city state own. Wake up Myanmar, see around and change for the sake of people. It's already noon.

Myanmar's Gifted Son

LEE KUAN YEW's latest book revealed how Singapore's founding leaders transform this 714 sq-km tiny island with no resource to a metropolitan city. The book is made by a Q&A style so that it can attract younger generation. The straits time's 7 writers posted serial questions and MM Lee tried to answer his view according to his vast political experiences. It is pretty interesting to read for me and no wonder it has become a best seller book since it's released to market. The book come together with an video CD of their interviewing so that the readers can enjoy not only words but action of Singapore's most gifted son. At the one point of preface, the authors even told "to understand about Lee is to understand about Singapore". What a good phrase is it? In fact, MM Lee has given his life for his country and he can be told he is born to make Singapore. He have been in the politic now for over 50 years and still influence on current's leaders. Since his party, PAP, is ruling party, he has proof his concept/ ideas of politic is still working despite changing demands by time. It really makes me possess one copy of this book to understand his effort and believe it's worthy for S$39.90, the price of this book.

I understood how a remarkable man can contribute a country if he has a political conviction for the people. If Lee Kuan Yew can be called Singapore's gifted son, then I would like to call our national hero general Aung San as the same basic. Why? Beyond doubt, he could have fought tougher battle than MM Lee did because my country is bigger in size and population. I remember what Malaysia's minister said in the wake of Wiki leak news regarding to Malaysia by MM. He voiced that managing a city like KL is much easier than managing a country. I, personally, agree with him. It's truth to any where. The more I understand about Lee, the more I feel sorry for our national hero. I oftenly paused reading and asking myself what if our hero wasn't assassinated. I dare to say, my country would be one of the leading country in Asia if not in World. We knew by history that he, general Aung San, is always hungry to build up country. He always think of how to make this country develop.

We lost such leader at the earliest stage by ourselves. I am sure that moment is a turning point of our country to go all the way to drain. He used all of his time in politic and he even knew that he'ld be die sooner or later by assassination before he die. As he said he was assassinated by his colleague who crazy to get power. Our national hero knew that our history wasn't good since early dynasty. Son dare to kill father to become a king. That kind of behavior make our country far behind from the outer world. My country is known for its natural resources. I feel upset whenever I see report labeling my country as a impoverish country. The land constantly produce the best resources and people are still struggling by living in the bad condition. What make us become like that? I think is because of lacking a honest and able leader like Lee Kuan Yew.

I believe Myanmar is badly missing such leader and seemingly it'll continue for further time since the recently election was just a make-up change rather than actual effective manner. What the people can do now is just waiting for a right change that can favor their benefit. So would I.

V-Day

TODAY IS 14th February,2011 and is famously known Valentine Day among young people especially for single I think. Being a married man, it seem just a normal day like others. But for a young people who intend to propose to their loved ones will find this day very much special. Because the young people used to excite this day and will wait this day with full of plans. Some people would like to create a surprise to their loved ones. The media and love-matching companies are busy with preparing. I found a lot of advertising with regard to this V-day. It seem a big business for them. The media even highlight some top place to reveal somebody's love in the city. Another news come out with a best dining place to be spent with loved ones while other cited a love seat in the cinema. Regardless of suggestion, the original aim goes unique.

I was surprise to learn some expensive place such as 15 min cable car ride for S$488. I am sure there are so many places which are more or less expensive I don't know. The rose vendor are supposed to busy this evening. Being a married mid 30s man I am, I at least would love to see love-birds around. I unavoidable find a passionate couple on the public transport from and to office. They seem so liberate and express their loves as different as they can to grab other heart. Anyway I am sure there would be many couples created by today worldwide. It's a great news for those countries who badly need to boost their population like Singapore.

May all love-birds find an excellent partner by this special V-day.

The facts

YESTERDAY Singapore's the most gifted son, MM Lee, identified 3 key factors to keep Singapore well being in his 10 minutes speech at one Chinese New Year Dinner. It makes me really interested and can't stop thinking if my country got these abilities. It's obvious we can't be close in quality of world's first class country but we can expect having some of what they have owned in life. Let me draw these 3 factors here to analysis. They are:-

1) Racial harmony
2) Stable society to attract investors
3) High quality people

I asked myself if we have the above fact in my native land. First of all come with races, Singapore have only 3 majors races that is Chinese, Indian and Malay. But in my country, there are 137 races in all with majority of Burma. It seem difficult to fulfill all races desires by central government. As a relatively big country, some ethnic races keep demanding for separate since getting independence on 1948. As a result the government army keep busy with fighting with ethnic rebels for decade. I believe it effect our nation development because military budget become heavy burden on our budget. Most of budget gone for these unnecessary cost and the other important field such as education and health care got suffer being neglected.

Second, stability of society, how do we get stability without a unity? The government failed the programme to exchange peace and arm with ethnic people several time. I think is lacking desire to show patriotism among serial leaders. The leaders are known for self-centered in the history. Without a shadow of doubt, the foreign investor won't come without stable society that miss to my country. First thing first, the government should solve out this problem by holding enough meetings through diplomatic ways. I'm sure there is a will, there would be a way. I want to urge both side to trim their extremism and find a middle way in favor of state. There have been decades long wasting time and money by non-sense fighting. We should have understood that is not the right way to achieve our goals.

Third and finally, MM Lee pointed out the educational level of people to make a nation developed. What a great comment to highlight? I see it the most important thing for every single nation to go right way to developing nation. To be realistic, my country's education worsen by time as a result of negligence by authority. It's hilarious to learn colonial life education system was better than present day one. How come like that? The English made it systematic even though it's not their own, why not our own government? Everybody knows the answer by common sense but we have been through this bad education without amending. As a result, younger generation become less educated and they eventually become inconsiderate citizen easily. The government failed to give quality education and create enough jobs to maintain its educated people. Without quality education, there is no chance to have a high quality people society who can help nation build. On the other hand, there is no scholarship scheme for top students to get a chance to access western education. Where got ambition? Has it been gone effectively by state? Where is their willingness to make this nation developed? I see nothing improvement regarding with amendment of chaos education. I might have been a pessimist for you but I think most fellow citizen will agree with me this.

MM Lee had proof his ideas are working by building a developed country to the rest of world. So his words of advice are appear to be adapted by all inferior nation leaders or people. How about our country's newly born president? I personally think people will doubt the ability of him since he came from army trained education. Politic is not all about knowing how to fight in a battle. It would be must demanding with widen areas. Our leaders seem powerful within domestic. If they feel they are real powerful, why not out to world to expose their quality? I no wonder to learn there is no congratulation letters from world leaders to our brand new president. It's embarrassing thing to know being a citizen of these country. I have read a lot congratulation letters flowing through the world over such election result. No matter who rule our country as long as he/she is able and take care of our people, I would be glad to see and will appreciate their effort.

This pose is just my personal feeling and not deemed correct. But it'll reflect how I wish as an ordinary man of a poor nation with vast natural resources. May my country find a quality leader soonest possible in favor of people's relief.

Holiday Adventure 6

MAC DONALD Staffs are busy with cleaning the floors and relocating the seats. Some staffs are changing shift while some supervise toilet cleaning. Like us, there are some people spending there over night I think. I see some come in and some go out. The whole night, there was no time without a single customer there. It makes us a bit relax and we eagerly await for dawn. I almost fell down and tried to conscious seriously. When the clock strike 6:30am, I alert my company to go toilet and washing their faces. We get out of shop on 7:00am and walk toward museum to learn when they open. Early morning, there are few cars and people on the road. We breath a fresh air. Neither shops nor museum are open at that early time. Since we have nothing to do, we went to museum and note the opening time. After one round of tourist attraction area, we felt hungry and find a place to breakfast. We met a Malay shop and enjoy a local food breakfast there.

After breakfast, we continue to marine museum which is made on a giant boat. Entrance fees is RM3.00 for Adult. It took us about 45 minutes to finish tour. We took some beautiful photos and continue our journey to another museum called people and beauty museum. It charged us RM2.00 each. This time, it take us about 30 minute to view. We are not so interested in display as we feel so weak and tired from failing sleep for one night. After that we continued to Makota Shopping Mall to shop something special. My wife bought some dresses and we left the mall on 12:00pm for the bus station. After asking several people, we get a right bus and reach bus station about 12:45pm. Then we ate our lunch at Malay restaurant and continue last minute shopping for balance ringgit malaysia. My wife bought a running shoe and some woman accessories. At 1:45pm, we went to bus ticket counter to inform.

We moved to platform no. 31 where our bus is suppose to come. At 2:00pm local time, our bus depart Malacca for Singapore. Soon after boarding bus, we all fall asleep soundly until the bus stop for rest room seekers. We reached JB immigration checkpoint about 5:30pm. Unfortunately the officer we aligned was so slow in processing and we again miss our bus once we goes down to aboard bus. We are upset to learn the bus already gone once we reach platform. We caught a SMRT bus service no.950 and get back Singapore. We can sight once we reach back marsiling MRT station and get back home about 7:00pm. We understood the value of home from this terrible trip experience. Hopefully my wife and friend also will find some lessons from this Chinese New Year holiday trip. I promised myself that I'll never go any trip without a proper plan in future. Luckily we were not robbed nor spot checked by police for unsuspecting manners. I would be happy if my friends get some good ideas by reading my bitter experience from this blog. Thanks for visiting here.

Wish you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year.

Holiday Adventure 5

GRADUALLY DARK swallow the twilight of evening and neon lights from roadside post showering into the roads. We started feel hungry after walking around and seek a good foods to taste. Few minutes later, we found a gate of China Town where is full of lights and crowd. We joined those crowd and check the foods we'ld like eat. At one place, I saw a restaurant familiar to me before and remember it by appearance. Because last time visit, my Malacca resident friend brought us her for special lunch. He used to boast how the foods in his home-town are delicious by letting us try them. This chicken rice ball shop is one of them. That's why I clearly remember this shop despite last visit had been 5 years ago. Without a shadow of doubt, I straight away went into the shop. I saw some customers are queuing for their turn. So I asked one staff where is starting point of queue and take position together with my wife and friend.

15minutes later, time come for ours. Luckily we are the last customers to let in for that night. After our turn, the staffs closed the entrance door to prevent new customers as there are no more foods to sell. We saw all table are full with family union dinner. People seems so enjoy the foods and the environment is quite noisy with their cheerful sound. The camera flash are unstoppable. We are only asked if we want normal rice or rice balls. We choose rice balls for new experience. The waiter suggest to order for 21 balls for 3 adult. We have no idea how many balls would be enough for one person. He also suggest us to order chicken for two adults rather than three. Perhaps they haven't enough meals to sell because we are the last table to be served. Anyway we enjoy the foods so much. It cost us only RM-20.00 for 3 persons. We surprised once we see the bills as we thought it would be expensive. No wonder this restaurant is popular among local as well as visitors. The taste are good and price are affordable.

After dinning, we get out of shop to tour the town. We continue to walk through China Town. People are going there and here. The street is full of shops. People are enjoying the foods and things. Some shops sell present items. Since the street is too long, we felt tired and wanted to get out of this area. The problem is we have no place to rest/sleep. At one place, I approach a staff of one coffee shop and ask him if I can get a room nearby or not. He suggested me to hire taxi and look for a room outside town area. He insists me no more hotel room that area. So we go back the way we came without having a place in mind. Once we reach other end, we found a river cruise station. People are queuing there to board a boat. I suddenly got idea to ride that and convinced my company. We rush there and queue for our turn. There are several boats in the river canal. The Malacca river is wide about 20 to 30 ft. The quality of water is not good enough and taste salty. We are needed to wait for half an hour to reach our turn. It cost us RM-10.00 each for about 1 hour ride up and down. The views of either bank are nice. There are cross pedestrian bridge over the river canal. The river bank and bridges are under colorful spotlight. We see some public parks, tame parks, water fountain, hotels, traditional Malay village, mono-rail, beautiful landscape, etc. I am sure they try to duplicate Venice of Italy. They may want to become eastern Venice. It's money worthy trip anyway. We forget our troubles and problems at least for an hour.

After river cruise finished, we walk back on the road to find a 24 hours operated shops or entertainment area. Moment later we found a Mac Donal and decided to spend our night there if we can't find a proper place. We went to a big shopping center to spend time effectively from there. On the way to shopping mall, I saw a cinema signboard which is made by neon light at the another shopping mall building. Immediately I told my wife and friend to watch mid-night movie to spend our time. The time is still about 11:00pm. They easily agree with ideas and we changed direction toward the cinema mall. Cinema complex is at the top of the building. We went up all the way through escalator. We saw few people going up and we felt unsecure to go up. After considering to go back, we found a group of students who told us there is cinema show at mid night for sure. So we follow them and reach the top floor. There are 10 cinema box on the same floor. We can choose favourite from several movie. We choose Shoalin Movie to watch and buy 3 ticket for 12:50am show.

The movie is quite entertain and good to spend our boring time. My wife initially told me she will sleep in the theater but she enjoyed it. It's is a good movie from China. Once movie is finished, the clock show at 3:00am. We still have to wait to reach dawn. It's so slow time going in our mind. We follow others by a lift and reach at ground floor where we find a Mac Donald shop. The wind is cool and blowing all direction. We felt cool and sleepy. We entered the Mac Donald and ordered 2 coffee, 1 hot milo and medium sized french fried. We stayed there until 5:30am. Then we get out of the shop and cool wind rush at us and kissed dearly. The night seems too long for us on the road. We are moving back to tourist area where another mac donald shop exist. We again enter and ordered 1 milo and 1 ice lemon tea. My wife can't bear to stay awake. She fall asleep on the sofa of Mac Donald. My friend also seems give up his eyes. I braved myself to stay fresh by drinking hot milo because I have to explain if any complain arisen from staffs. What a terrific night is it? But we taste it really and we'll never easily forget that experience.

Holiday Adventure 4

WE reached Malacca, world's heritage city of Malaysia, on evening 5:30pm local time. Malacca Bus Station is more systematic and modernize compare to Johor Bahru's one. The building is relatively big and appeared air-conditioned inside. We don't want to use taxi to go down town and so we entered into the main building in search of public bus. I suddenly saw a group of my fellow citizen in side the building and approached to them and ask for information. They explained me how and where to. Then we went to bus ticket operator's counters for return ticket.

"Feb 5, 6, 7 sold out" the sign board greeting us on every counter of Singapore bus. That day was 4th Feb that is second day of official Chinese New Year. We were again disappointed to learn the situation. We went one counter after another with the prospect of getting ticket. There are about 10 counters there for Singapore Bus. After realizing actual situation we decided to take JB bus and interchange to SMRT bus. Unfortunately again, JB ticket also unavailable. Wow, what should we do next? Think of go KL and get S'pore Bus. But even less chance I believe. The train service was stopped by several floods and it makes the bus route more crowded than usual I think. Later we met one lady who helped us getting 3 ticket for S'pore. We are in the unbelievable mode but cautious. The ticket she is selling is full of correction and each ticket come two pieces. I bought it although it is suspicious. Because we have no choice but buy it now. It cost us RM22.00 each because it's direct bus to S'pore according to her.

After solving out bus ticket problem, we moved from there to search intercity bus. We met several bus that are look like public bus and asked driver if he go down town or not. The driver cannot speak English and conductor help me translate and get the correct bus no. So we changed bus and sit empty seat behind with excitement. We curious around and noticed there are some fellow citizens nearby seats. Without hesitating, I asked them if this is correct bus or not. They confirm and ask me where to go. I told them we just arrived here and no idea on where to go. I told him I need to find hotel room and let me know if the bus reach hotel zone. He said, he also bringing his friends from KL to visit there and I decided to follow them so as not to miss the way.
The conductor came later and we gave RM1.00 for each ticket he gave.

More than half an hour driving, we arrived tourist attraction area. The local time is already 6:45pm. We have no choice to follow them to save time. After 10 minutes walking, we reached the main area of tourist visiting. The new high rise building make me forget the way to go. Once I reach the museum, I recalls my last visit days. Then I restore my confidence and we visit some area before dark. First I am suppose to find a room, later I understood from local that it's impossible to get a room this peak season without booking before. So I decided not to waste our time in finding a room and visit some areas instead. After visiting few places, we departed with the group as they are moving slowly and will go back home later evening.

Holiday Adventure 3

JOHOR BAHRU Sentral, the train station next to ICA building but there are no train service due to flooding. We entered to this station through overhead bridge and follow the directions to City Square Mall. Most of the shops are closed due to CNY time and still early morning. We found some shops that are already opened and walk around without specific reason in mind. Moment later, we saw a shop named "Reject Shop" that is quit big and we go through in search of a good thing. We met a group of fellow citizen who are working in JB there and I asked them for some information. I asked them how to go Kota Tinggi, a waterfall, by public transport and they explained me the way. I noted and continue to shop there. We still have no idea to stay overnight in M'sia and think of short visit.

During shopping, my spectacle frame broken and I was upset. There was no enough time to wait for new frame and glasses in spec shop there. So I tried to use it temporarily during trip. After shopping at the few shops, we went to Larkin Bus Station by intercity bus line. We paid RM1.00 each for fare. Everywhere is new to us. We don't know how long will it take and how is it alike. After half an hour drive, we got the Bus station where all inter-state buses are met. We found a lot people shouting for bus ticket marketing. They won't hesitate to approach and ask to any potential traveller. We declined to their query and find for a restaurant for lunch. We stop at a Malay restaurant and enjoy malay style foods and asked staff about Kota Tinggi bus. They are only talking malay language and we left the shop for searching bus.

At one place, I saw the bus with the sign board of kota tingi and approached it and asked driver if he'll go kota tinggi or not. He brought me and showed me another bus that is suppose to go there. I don't like their behavior and look around for help. Luckily I found a group of my fellow citizens who are talking not far away from us. So I went there and ask about Kota Tinggi. They asked me if there is any friend there or not. I said "NO", this is first time visit there. I told them that I thought I can find a room there easily. He laughed at me and ask me to stop dream. He added that the bus won't even reach kota tinggi area. I'll need to use taxi to reach water fall place. I was surprised to learn that and felt lucky to ask him. On the spot, I decided not to go there and asked my company if they want to return S'pore or go other cities.

After few discussion, we chose to go ahead without a proper plan. We think of 3 Cities, KL, Penang & Malacca. We asked the same guy how long will it take us to reach penang, he said about 8 hours drive. So we avoid to go there due to time limit. Then reject KL as my wife already been there before. Finally we all decided to go Malacca because it's nearest tourist city from JB. We approached bus ticket company and purchased 3 adult tickets that cost us RM19.00 each. The bus depart JB on 2:30pm for Malacca. We don't know how long will it take to us and also no idea on where to stay. But I think it make us this trip exciting enough. By this way we continue our trip deep in Malaysia. The bus took us about 3:00 hour and reach Malacca bus station local time 5:30pm.

Holiday Adventure 2

WE TOOK SMRT Bus 950 from Marsiling Station for Johor Bahru. It took us about 10 minute to reach Woodland Checkpoint where all passengers are needed to alight for immigration check. We don't know what we need to do here as this is our first ever trip to Malaysia. So we just alight and simply follow fellow passengers. On the second floor, the immigration counters were awaiting outgoing passengers for necessary checking. I confused myself where to queue as there are different electronic title bar on the top of designated places. I thought I could check in under Singapore Resident line with the prospect of fast processing. But I understood that it was solely for Singaporean citizen only once I reach there. Then I moved back to "All passports" title place and wait for my turn. My wife and friend just follow me and they took place behind me only.

In Singapore side, what we need to do is just present our passport and employment card. It's as easy as it is. Then we board again on bus and ride for a few minute and reach at Malaysia Immigration Checkpoint. So we all passengers are needed to alight for the same reason as S'pore side did. We as usual follow the crowd and quickly queue at "International passport" line. In order to avoid the same mistake before, I asked one staff where we should align for and she replied me anywhere would do. So I just queue at the nearest counter. Once my turn reached, officer checked my passport thoroughly and asking me whether I'm working in Singapore or not. I reply 'yes' while giving him my S pass card. Then he asked me for departure form.

Oh God, do we need to submit it? I asked him.
Yes of course you need.
Where can I get the form, Sir?
Over there, he pointed out opposite site counters.
We rushed back to those counters and get departure form duly filled up.
I regret for not asking those who has experienced this before. But I managed to fill up and helped my wife & friend as we all have only one pen. After that we run back to immigration counter to submit with the worry of not catching the bus in mind. We were granted for one week stay in Malaysia. As soon as I get back my passport, I quickly check the proper seal is in place or not because of recently story I read in ST news. The expat couple went KL for happy new year celebration. Their joyous ended horribly when they return to island state. They were arrested by Malaysia immigration officer for not obtaining official chop for entering Malaysia. They didn't notice that and they had to spend overnight in jail and the following day they paid fine for RM2,000 each. What a bad experience is it? That's why I check my passport immediately to avoid such circumstance.

Once we go down to board our bus, the bus already departed and we miss it. We are distraught. I don't know how to speak Malay. My wife and friend just rely on me as I have worked in Malaysia for 3 years and they believe in me that I could handle all incoming problem. In fact, it's not easy without speaking their language. I know it by experience. Another worry is safety reason. Malaysia has reputation for this. From experience, I know all strangers must aware not only civilians but police/ authority since there is corruption among staffs. I had no idea on doing next. So I decided to go back immigration counter level and seek for help. I found one tourism boot at the top of escalator and entered for advice.

Me: Hi happy new year, Sir.
Officer: Yes, what can I help for you.
me: we came from S'pore for CNY visit.
officer: yes
me: but we are missing our bus after immigration clearance. so help me how to go JB by public transport.
officer: what are you going to do here?
me : just shopping only, sir
officer: then you don't need to find your bus, you are already in JB now.
me: by surprising, isn't it, can I have a map of JB?
office : yes here it is, he explained me on the map by showing the shopping malls location.
me : ok thanks a lot, sir, bye bye
officer: you're welcome.

Our holiday started like that and we keep asking people to get correct way. Later we found a city square mall that is relatively big and we stopped at money changer to convert our money to Malaysia Ringgit. We just able to sight after that but we still don't have clear destination to visit. I encouraged my company not to think so much and to enjoy our trip as everything here we see are going to be new experience. Then we moved forward with the prospect of a good place to shop/visit.

Holiday Adventure 1

AFTER knowing unable to get air-ticket to return Myanmar during CNY holiday on last minute, we changed our plan to spend our time somewhere else rather than Singapore where we are working now. First we think of destination, whether Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia. Since we changed plan at last minute, the air-ticket became expensive and hotel rooms are fully booked. So we opted to go Malaysia and applied visa through agent. Getting M'sia visa is not difficult and it took me S$25 and 3 days in processing time. In fact, all other ASEAN countries doesn't need to apply visa to travel among ASEAN countries except my country. It's not convenience to do so but our smart government chose this way. Perhaps they don't care of people's comfort when it come against foreign income. Meaning other ASEAN citizen may need to apply visa if they want to go my country. Let it be.

This is first time for me to go back M'sia since I left M'sia for job in S'pore. So I was a little bit nervous to return old place and excite on new challenges that may come out on my way. We just getting visa for just ready to go M'sia if we wish to go later. The heavy rain did spoil holiday goer's mode effectively. I read the floods new of regional cities. It delays our plan going M'sia and we spent some days in Singapore Zoo and staying at home.With the request of one friend, we had a reason to go M'sia on Friday morning. Initially we intended to go only Johor which is opposite city of S'pore. I thought it can be done within one day and we can return S'pore at the same day we depart. We left S'pore about 9:00am for Johor Baru by public bus.

Grow Up, Thamee

THAMEE (daughter in Myanmar language), it has been over 3 months we leave you behind for oversea job. Yesterday we received some latest photos of you and we felt you have significantly changed during 3 months time. We are proud of you for cuteness, healthy, untroubled manner to those who look after you in the absence of your parent. We always feel sorry whenever we think of you. Regardless of time, you are always in our hearts. A thousand reasons to remember you everyday. Your mum and I talk each other like we all are living together by seeing at your wall-sheet photo. It makes us feels stay together in the same room. We are alike crazy to others if they see the way we talk in daily life. Sometime I would be you and your mum refer to you on the other time. Nevertheless we console ourselves by doing this crazy thing.

We never happy to learn you are growing in the hand of others despite they are your close relatives. No other people will give you the same kind of parent love, I believe. We always eager to know your status. That's why we spend a lot money on telephone bills. We know you will never be satisfied by others if you realize they are not your biological parent one day. We afraid of reaching that day. But time come and goes by. Nobody can deny that. Last time you can't move without external help. Now you are moving on your own. You are eating and drinking more now and even can respond correctly. Your photos suggest that you know how to pose against camera lens. We are pleased to see your beautiful photos. Of course we boasted them by uploading at facebook pages. We received a lot positive comments back from our close friends. It can even make some couple quick their family plan. Anyway you are a gem of our life. You have a right to complain anything you don't like in life. Your desire would be fulfilled by us if it's within reach of our abilities. We promise you that we'll try all the way to get a chance of living together sooner. We always seek the way to reunited. At the moment, please be understand the chaos of life as we are trying to save money so that we can give you the best in our life. We'll try our best to make you smart, intelligent, charm, gorgeous, kind person.

Wish you a happy and prosperous new year ahead, my dear.

Malacca & Me

NO WONDER Malaysia's Tourism income top the list among ASEAN nation since the country is politically stable and the government take care on their heritage. Second time I visited Malacca on last Friday without plan. First we intended to go JB for shopping and ended up going to Malaysia's world's heritage city. One of my friend's brother accompany us and we all made our group three together with my wife. I got a chance to visit Malacca about 4 years ago while I was working in KL, Malaysia. One of my colleague is Malacca resident and he invited us to come visit his home-town city. That time he arranged everything for us and we had no problem with touring the old city through our Malay Chinese Engineer friend.

One year later, I moved to Singapore to work in 2008 and I without planning get back the Malacca this CNY holiday. My wife and our friend is first time visitor and I am suppose to lead the trip and I braved myself to fulfill their expectation. Since the trip was unplanned, we encountered several uncomfortable experience from transportation to accommodation. Fortunately we could avoid the risk of seeing snatch thief or robbery. However we took extra care as Malaysia has reputation for its safety to all visitors.

Within 5 years, Malacca has changed a lot and whole city is covered with a lot of Hotels, Malls, Office towers, Residential buildings, etc. The day I visited last time was much look like a rural city that is quiet and now Malacca has become a big city that can boast new sky line and infrastructure. I thought it'ld be easy to go around as I have been there. In fact, I was wrong as there has been a lot new buildings in the down town area and tourist attraction area. We spent 1 day and 1 night in Malacca without having a room to rest. The town was full of tourist and all hotels and inns are fully booked. Also the bus ticket are sold out for the whole week. We luckily got bus return ticket from a staff who kind to us due to our continuous troubles.

I enjoyed new facilities such as river cruise tour along the Malacca river during night time. There are beautiful buildings and park on the bank along the canal. The colorful pedestrian bridges that cross the river are so nice under lighting. People on and off boats are shouting at each other and water are splashing at passengers. It cost us RM10 per head and I found it money worthy as the cruising time was about 1 hour up and down. Other than that, there is another addition with a 80m height tower for panorama view of town. I wanted to ride it but failed because my wife and friend not dare to ride it. I missed the chance to ride. But we enjoyed the shopping in the big malls. The price are relatively cheap compare to island state malls prices. So we purchased several items that we think is useful and expensive in Singapore.

Since the visa is granted for 1 year multi-entry basis, hope we can go somewhere else sooner or later.

Hard Truths

HARD TRUTHS, a book written by a founder of Singapore. It has been best selling book since released in local market as well as oversea. I read some news related to this book even before it was sold to public. I noted the price at S$39.90 available at the local book store and I eager to own one copy to enjoy myself. Probably I'll buy it during this CNY holiday as I may have much time to read through. I hope I can learn something from that famous book as it was made by several Q&A sections according to media.

On contrary, there has been controversy related to this book with regard to Malay community. Some malay firm had shown their unhappiness with comments made in this book. They also asked the government if the comments reflect to government's policy or not. Today paper quoted PM's speeches regarding to those queries read those comments are arisen by one opinion of MM and not related to government. What a sentimental issue to respond especially in the time close to next GE. I am, however, pleased with the way answered by PM Lee. He even talked some comments made by MM Lee who is his father as well are not the same with his opinion personally.

Anyway, this book has been success in the market. People in Singapore as well as all over the world respect to MM Lee and I am sure it'll make them interest in this book. Moreover, the developing nations who admire Singapore's success will want to own one copy to glance how did they try to make this tiny island become world's metropolitan city. My country is 17 years older than this island state in term of getting independence. We got independence on 1948 and Singapore got 1965. Nowadays 17 years younger nation is far ahead of us. Yesterday our country reopen its parliament house to convence with elected MPs from 14 regions. Meaning we are going to transform democratic just now. We are kindergarten stage while Singapore has grown up now.

If I am afford to buy and able to donate, I wish to buy this book for all MPs who are attending the parliament and let them understand how they tried to build their nation. Once they started to build their nation, our country seems top regional country and even they look at us as a ideal city. I noted from the elder's words and unidentified sources. Logically it can be true as we received well managed city and country from English and the different is we failed to maintain the momentum and improve it. Army coup in 1962 from the civilian government made our country derail and never get back to a right path since then.

I never read political books as I have no intention to enter political world. It doesn't mean I don't love my country in fact. I think people outside political circle can contribute their country by someway. In this days, I personally see politicians mostly are cynical. They are doing this for their benefit rather than country's. I understand the political people are not innocent and they need to make some dirty tricks at the expense of people. That's why I won't join the political world even I am given a chance to do so. But I am of course willing to see my country grow up in the right way. I'll try to participate in building new nation by some means. Hopefully the MPs can make some impact among army-prone parliament and wish them write a good history for themselves as well as for nation.