Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Democracy Gone Awry

Today is the PCM's election day here in Mansoura.

Can you hear that chirpiness and glee in my typing while you read this?

Oh, you can't?

Good... cause obviously I'm not at all happy about this election

This shenanigan of an election have harrowed through many criticisms and scathing comments.
I shall not divulge furtherbut let me just say, in a time of crisis and call for democracy,

Not everyone stepped up to demonstrate their leadership and tolerance towards others

The election was done in the least publicized manner, a few forwarded messages on YM, petty fliers distributed among peers and a few announcements on PCM's website. I swear, if Mao Ze Dong and Stalin were alive, they would be proud of the almost camouflaged way how this election was carried out. Rather communist like don't you think?

And somebody pointed out that we're archaic, that we're outdated, that it's our responsibility to be thoroughly informed about these things, in any way possible. He went further as to label us cavemen just because we have better things to do than religiously scour through PCM's blog.

Yes sure, throw your responsibilities at us. Pass it around. It's a bloody ball isn't it, and this situation is a bloody game.

Your failure to create a buzz for something so vital to our student life here and you decide to put the blame on us for not being in the know? Shame on you for calling yourself a conscientious member of PCM.

Another incident was that some of the overzealous fanatics of PCM had deemed our petition *the one we created to protest against the hush-hush elections* non Islamic and considered this opposition an attack on the leaders of Islam.
Hmmm, I wonder...

In which verse in the Koran did God choose one more prophet after Muhammad?

So why the hell are you putting yourself on such a high pedestal?

Us attacking the election and forming the petition DOES NOT equate to attacking Islam. It's a rather bold declaration isn't it, to consider yourself a leader of Islam when in actual fact, you even mooting the thought contradicts with the teaching of Islam *the last time I checked, Islam didn't encourage conceited behaviour*

You holier-than-thou hooligans, I'm tired of listening of you whine and moan about how we do not conform to the you own self interpretation of Islam. Does that make us apostates? Enemies of Islam?
Of course not.

Just because we stall your agenda to rise to power does not mean we aspire to destroy PCM or Islam for that matter. As a leader, you should be able to comprehend the fact that everybody's view might differ from the other and this does not mean that one person's perception of the same idea is wrong. Do not negate something that contradict your ideas just because you're not comfortable with it. It shows weakness, pettiness and most of all, chauvinistic behaviour.

Just stop it.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Dear Dr. Amal Fathy,

Greetings Doctor,

This is in regards of what happened today. You know, the utter humiliation I endured while you chastised me in front of a whole classroom filled with my colleagues when I did nothing apparently wrong but a mere side discussion REGARDING your X-Ray which I thought was a too miniscule of a problem to be discussed in your esteemed presence.

Sure, it some context, I am at fault for talking while you yourself were explaining something to an Egyptian student but me expressing my own interest in the topic that you have been divulging about is not a crime that should be punished in a group of my own associates.

If my minor offence is deemed a crime deserving of capital punishment, I would like to bring your attention to the fact that my so called abomination is practiced by every other Egyptian student there are.

Each and every one.

So me being singled out, out of the hundreds that have committed the same crime, in lectures, in everybloodywhere I say that's discrimation of the highest degree.

You might not evidently dislike me because I'm Malaysian, but your nitpicking sure does paint a whole mural of prejudice.

And by the way, if you are wondering why I creating such a havoc with my side chatter, I was just telling my other friend how the wedged area is a necrotic tissue due to an infarction.

And I was right wasn't I?

But I chose not to argue with your cause I am trying to portray this image of feminity and shed my boisterous, argumentative ways.

Oh, how much I wanted to bicker with you, in front of everyone, but who loses at last?

Me.

Cause I'll be known as the girl who fights authority, the girl who's unfit to be courted, the trouble maker and disrespectful to her elders.

Maybe you were having a bad day, but having it manifest into this shallow and stoic attitude will not do any of us any good.

You'll probably have a laugh about it and will it atone to anything besides a few chuckles?

I am not your subordinate for you to dictate whether I can talk or not.

I am not your superior for you to drop to your knees and apologize.

I am however a student yearning to be taught, opening my heart and soul to this while you are my doctor, who's suppose to be the epitome of reliability and trust.

Guess, that's gone now.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Kampung No More!

When I came here in October 2008, I remember shedding a tear or two when I saw the dirty roads, the collapsed remnants of bridges and the odd pointy nosed people that reminded me...

You're no longer in Kuala Lumpur, let alone Malaysia.

But for the sake of my education, my independence, and my laziness to continue A-Levels in Sunway *GAH, I hate A-Level Chemistry. Die vile thing... DIE!!!*, I decided to suck it up and stay in Mansoura, the town where their favourite words include "Honga bonga", "What is your name?" and "Apa khabar? (Get a thesaurus you douchebags)
But for most, including me, it was the adapting that was pretty difficult. Being in Malaysia for so long, it was the first time I lived in a place without a McDonald's, a CD store, hawker stalls, 24-Hour Mamak restaurants and of course.... Starbucks *Oh, how we love the Bucks of Star*

However, today, after almost of a year of planting my feet onto the soil of Mansoura, I have seen that miracles do come true. Globalization is as it's name suggest, misses no country, no city and no town. This includes the "Kuala Lumpur 70-years-ago and if everyone spoke Arabic and had no fashion sense" Mansoura.

According to a Semester 5 senior, this miracle building was ready about a month ago, a couple of weeks before I arrived. It was like they knew! They knew that I was going to blow my brains out from the lack of technological progress that this country oh-so-needs and they saved me from my impending suicide *this is a joke, just kidding, I'm not at all depressed*

Anyway, wondering what is this sensational miracle I'm talking about?

I give you...
Behold!




Yes, bow to the Awadalla, you mere mortals.

Haha, it's the first large supermarket (or hypermarket) in Mansoura.

I've found my new hangout place :)

*Yes, we are that pathetic*

When Dora and I got there, we were ECSTATIC.

Like how I felt when I saw the snow capped mountains of Kyoto.

Except this was like a liberation from this archaic town that has probably seen it's fair share of history in the making.

So we all entered *after taking pictures like idiots* into the hypermarket, and I literally gasped.

I GASPED.

Ah, so many things.

So properly arranged, so mannered, so bloody unbelievable.

I could feel myself literally swelling up with pride thinking;

"Hey, this dead town still has some life to it"

I bought a piping kit *to make cupcakes* and some other rubbish that swindled more money from me.

We *Dora, Farah, Baby, Fira and me* hung out at the bakery, where the annoying waiter kept trying to convince us that he loves us Malaysians.

Ooh, and we had cheesecakes.*Yes, I know I'm suppose to be on a diet, but you shall not deny yourself fruits of God's miracles! :P*

The place reminds me of Carrefour, the one I use to go to in Wangsa Maju when I was younger. The place where I would scramble to find a baju kurung for Eid cause my mum forgot to send the cloth to the tailor. Good times :)

But seriously...

This is a good step for you Mansoura.

More progress leads to a better global recognition of this small but educationally potent town.

Hopefully one day, we'll come back, old and cracked, to the land of Mansoura...

To see a small, glimmering neon light in green that says.

Pelita Nasi Kandar.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Murder or Martyrdom?

This is what the media (the one that claims to be the alternative media who broadcasts the real news, the non biased "truth") has been promoting for the past God-knows-how-long...

We should counter non-Muslims in the most violent ways possible, kill them or force convert them so that we can eliminate the non-believers and create a utopia of a violent, sexist, anti secularist.

Groups like the Taliban and Jemaah Islamiyah are Islamic movements that defend the foundation of Islam, shielding it from all Zionist movements that threaten the growth of Islam.

Noordin Mat Top, Saddam Hussein and Mohamed Atta were martyrs for willing to die in the name of Islam, to celebrated and honoured as jihadist.

Oh
My
GOD...

Seriously?

One friend was trying justify the actions of the recently deceased Nordin Mat Top just the other day.
"No, what he did was right. He really wanted to kill the non-believers and the ones who have defiled Islam. Sacrifices must be made to do the right thing"

Religion is very sensitive subject, but I really must have my say.

I am a very open person.
You can directly insult me...
And I'll let you have your say cause this is a free world, and what you say, your thoughts are the product of your upbringing and influence.
Denying you that right of expression would be infringing the very right of free speech.

But it's my right as well to have a point of view that is...

I've never heard such bullshit in my life.

Like an excerpt from the The Kite Runner,

"When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal a wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father"

There is no reason, absolutely no reason to kill a person, for your own intentions.

You might be disilllusioned by a purer belief and delude others with this so-called genuine motive of yours.

You kill, you destroy and you spread destruction among others and expect for your message of peace and enlightenment to be spread?

When you kill others, innocent bystanders, mothers of now orphan children, fathers of a now turmoiled families, and offsprings of now grieving parents, you contradict the basis of this religion who's main message is about unity, harmony and tranquility.

We are so obsessed with "showing the world what we're made of" and "proving our mettle to the West" that we forget the intention of Islam.

Jihad or al-jihad fi sabil Allah (striving in the way of Allah) has been so misconstrued that when people hear Jihad, it strikes a fear in their hearts that takes ages, decades and even centuries to diminish.

Jihad has evoked the image of war, bloodshed, sorrow, grief, anger and hate. Islamophobia is a disease that we ourselves have unintentionally spread with our blatant of use of fear and violence to spread our message.

Action always speaks louder than words, even if you scream Allahu Akhbar or Bismillah over and over again, it is what you do that will be etched in the memory of the world, the cries of innocents, the scars of unhealable wounds, and streams of tears that seem to flow endlessly.
And will anybody remember why you did it?

Of course not.

Like the recent shooting at Fort Hood in Killeen,Texas, perpetrated by a Army doctor, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, a devout Muslim, and allegedly shouted Allahu Akhbar before going on a shooting rampage.

Sometimes, I really am worried about the stupidity of people nowadays.

Here is a man who obviously is very educated, very aware about the prejudice and stigma of being a Muslim in the US and probably hurt the efforts of every other anti-defamation group for the last... millenium?

I do not in any right condone the horrific murders also being committed by Israelites, the massacring of Palestinians or the unlawful killings of Iraq's Shia' population.

But that's just because I do not condone killing. Be it by the Muslims, the Jews, the Christians, etc.

I really hope peace talks between any warring parties will commence as soon as possible because it'll I really cannot bear anymore watching little kids crying and wandering aimlessly, staring upon their dead mothers, then only to be silenced by a stray bullet to the head.

God help us all.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Scholarship Woes.

I arrived to class the other day to this.

"Have you checked your JPA results? I didn't get it"

I fumbled and scoured for my phone, went online, entered my IC number and pressed enter...

A few heartwrenching seconds later...

"Oleh kerana persaingan yang sengit dan bilangan peruntukan yang terhad, dimaklumkan bahawa permohonan saudara/i tidak berjaya."

My initial reaction was probably, shock.
Yes, I didn't get the highest of marks... but I'm still Malaysian.
I'm still a candidate to receive the scholarship.
Granted, MARA has now closed its doors to new applicants and the only choice left is the JPA scholarship, but it still hit as hard, like I failed every exam that I sat for, like all my efforts went down he drain the moment those words registered in my brain

The most mindboggling part is that, other people, more deserving people, also failed to receive the scholarship. (Mythbuster style ;) )

a) Not good enough marks? (debunked cause the mumtaz girl in our class also didn't get it)

b) Not qualified financially?(also debunked cause a guy who's parents are blue collared workers)

c) We live in KL (plausible... half the people who got it did live in KL including the mumtaz girl)

d) I went to a private school (plausible, the mumtaz girl... she was from a private school as well before going to MRSM)

e) We didn't go to a boarding school (debunked, cause another fellow failure went to a prestigious all girl's boarding school in Putrajaya)

So Mr. Malaysian Government, if you're reading this..

Please,
Please tell us what we're doing wrong, so that we can correct ourselves to qualify for a mere dollop of the wealth (which we will eventually have to pay off anyway) that our country is churning.
It's a matter of pride, of financial need and even to a certain extent, filial obligation.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Sex/Promiscuity/Friendship.

In one of the many-I-should-be-studying-but-yet-I'm-here-utilizing-Facebook/MSN/Youtube/YM moments, I was chatting with my friend back in Malaysia and the topic continued to my friend finding one of her friends had already slept with somebody else.

"Yeah..he screws girls but it doesnt make him less of a friend to me =/"

"I rather not be friends with people who take sex so lightly."

"You can possibly tell me that...you treat your guy friends differently after they'd screwed girls?"

It left a mark on me. I thought about it further. Pondering the question in my mind.


Would I treat them any differently?

Sexual intercourse should always be performed when a woman and a man are already under the sanctity of marriage.

Sure, you can say things like "you're so old fashioned" or "there's no harm in sleeping around" but I will not let the depravity of society these days change the very values our forefathers had fought with blood, sweat and tears to instill.

However, would you, totally on the fact that this person has fornicated, cut off ties with a person?

I come from a background where teenage promiscuity run rampant among our peers. I've seen couples kissing, deflowered virgins, guys boasting about their late night conquests, girls crying after being told that their pregnant, etc.

So, I should be okay with it by now right? This nonchalant attitude towards intimacy?

I still surprise myself by the fact that I'm still not comfortable with it.

Call me narrow minded, conservative, prude, whatever, but at the end of the day, my morals still are as concrete as the day my mum told me about the God's wrath towards adulterers.

My friend recently told me that he wasn't a virgin. He had slept with one of the many whores in his college.

I continued to entertain the whole conversation, laughing and making jokes when secretly, I felt sad that this friend that I trust had decided not the give himself to only one person, the one who he will marry.

Will I treat him differently?
Absolutely not.

Perhaps one of the reason is because I've accepted the fact that he's not a religious person early in the friendship and I already half suspected him of being a person who views sex as a casual activity.

However, it's the least suspecting people, the mummy's boys, the sweethearts, the angelic stereotypes that have imprinted themselves in your mind that will shake the very foundation of what you believe in.

I was also told recently that one my childhood friends had slept with her boyfriend whom she is now no longer with.

This girl was one of the sweetest, most delicate things I've ever known and to imagine her being this carnal lolita between the sheets is simply mindboggling.

I was genuinely disheartened for her, a feeling still lingering until today.

Had I been there, could've I stopped her?
Could've I been a better friend, a better role model?

Friends come and go. It's the things we do that will keep our memory alive among everyone we know. Do we really need them to remember us as the "whore", the "slut", the "player?"

So,

Will I avoid my non virgin friends?
No.

Will I love them less?
Perhaps.

Will I be hurt by their actions?
Most definitely.

Will I pray for these people who have wronged God and themselves?



InsyaAllah.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sumoh-king.

I just got back from my presentation today.
The same presentation which had my knees buckled, my palms damp and lower lip quivering.

But it was

... Awesome

I honestly was euphoric after the whole presentation.

It was like waving the flag of victory after a war, like receiving a Nobel prize, like thrusting your hand in the air, declaring freedom for a generation.

Pure elation.

I can't thank my groupmates Muaz (who kept coming late :P) and Dina (who did most of the slides) more.

We did a good job and here's my standing ovation for you.

*stands up and claps*

And thank you to Aizat, Atiq, Azam and Aceng for letting me use your photos.
Everyone got a good kick from it,

You're all celebrities now...

Lagi la laku dengan juniors.

By the way, for those who wonder. First...

  • No, it's not an made up accent. That's just how I speak.
  • Sorry for not being very fluent and eloquent. I was rather nervous due to the lack of practice, but I hope my redemption comes from my (gila) expressive face and hand gestures.
  • Sumoh-king is officially my new favourite word.
Oh, and thank you to Pika and Dora for recording the whole thing

Dora, you did a good job as well, my hat's off to you.

Thank you to all who wished me luck and congratulated me after.
I really appreciate all the kind words.

A warm smile is so hard to get by nowadays.

Now back to the real life, PBL's to complete and notes to copy.

I have a LOT of work. See you all very soon.

Sumoh-King Hot Loves,
Naz.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

20 Reasons Why I Love Mansoura.

I've officially beaten my past record of three weeks NOT updating.

...to A MONTH.

*cheers*

Procrastionation is a very intricate process, filled with thourough thinking and the ability to just sleep for hours.

I applaud myself :).

You know what, I've been concentrating too much on politics, race relations, etc. and I forget what I'm really here for,

PUBLICITY.

or to have fun, that's good too.

To those who might not know, this is my first EVER being away from home, I've never been to a boarding school (cause my parents disallowed me, not because I wasn't qualified, to you snide asses), never been away more than two weeks away from my parents and never done so without calling or texting them.


So being here in Egypt, for nine months, with horrendous internet connection is real challenge for me.

Even though this will be my second year in medical school, the strain of being away from everyone I love, my family, my friends and even my cats... it' still very strong may it be the first year or the last year of university.

However, when looking at the lack of filial presence around me, I've learned to be independent, socially adaptable and .

Back home, I have a maid that waits on me hand and foot.

When I say hand and foot, to the extent of each time I leave my room to go to the bathroom,
I come back and see that the bed's already made.

Bik, kalau baca ni Bik. Tolong bakarkan poster Cristiano Ronaldo saya Bik. Dua-dua, Tiga-tiga, yang di frame itu jugak. Tak guna punya Portugis.

Anyway, I was basically a very pampered child with no domestic skills, people skills, speaking skills and was probably the laziest person ever to have made a habitat of the sofa and the television.
I've decided to compile a list of all the the things that I have learned, what I have discovered and what I always look forward to when returning to the ravines of Mansoura.

20 Things Why Being A Student in Mansoura is Awesome

1) We have KFC
A little dry, a no butter bun, or chilli sauce, but chicken is chicken

2) We have a cinema!
That screens only Arab movies but hey, beggars can't be choosers

3) With all the derelict, you appreciate the little things in life
I was excited finding clean clothing today

4) Everything is cheap

5) The abundance of Arab food has forced me to learn how to cook
Yes Future Husband, you don't have to live off Maggie!

6) They have this night boat ride here, where a beat up boat takes a few passengars across the Nile
Pretty neat if you want to see Mansoura with all it's majestic dirt disguised in the dark

7) No nightclubs
So that you can STUDY! ...seriously

8) People are really friendly
..borderline harrassment! :D

9) You have a lot of fodder to laugh about
Arabs are just really funny people and they don't even realize it. For example, they see you and they say "Honga Bonga"
HAHAHAHAHA.
...our country's richer and more advanced than yours.

10) Weddings only take place at night
Cause they enjoy spreading the festivities by honking the night away not care if you have to study for the finals

11) Ruz Bilaban Ammu
Means Uncle's Rice and Milk Pudding. I would literally run from the 5th floor if I hear him coming.
That's how I appreciate my ruz bilaban.

12) Two gineh taxis
Compulsory walking is a thing of the past

13) Cheap medication
Doctors cannot dispense medicine here, so pharmacies are saturated in this area

14) People here knows MALAYSIA but not SINGAPORE!
Victory is OURS!

15) Nobody actually hates Americans
But maybe I'm just in the wrong Arab country

16) Roadside snacks are the size of a normal Malaysian meal
They're just really large people

17) The eclectic fashion
Let's just say there won't be a Mansoura Fashion Week anytime soon

18) They still sell sugar cane juice during hot days
Reminds of me the days when Mr. Yap would give us sugar cane sticks to bite on during primary school

19) Everyone is just so beautiful
Mansoura specifically had a very high Italian and French population back in the day. Most girls here have green eyes and blonde hair... but it's covered by their hijab of course

20) Malaysians... memang laku!
Despite how you look like, they have this weird fetish/obsession with Malaysian girls.
Believe me, you will get hit on.

That's all I have. I guess I have the most material to write when I'm digressing from studying.

See, one procrastinating sessions leads to awesome blog material.

See ya on another procrastination laden time.

Love,
Naz. <3

Monday, September 7, 2009

Nazeera's Guide to Ignorance and Stupidity.

Hello,
If you had attended the protest at Seksyen 22 Shah Alam, you've come to the right place.

This is a special post is dedicated to the very essense that leads to the destruction of everything mankinds holds near and dear.

Ignorance and Stupidity.

I will be writing a step by step guide on how to become an elite group of pure idiocracy and insensitivity.

Now, you silly protestors, read closely and slowly, I'm scared you might lose your way through my eloquent words.
There's no shame in reading it twice... or another twenty times.

We're not judgemental like you :).


Nazeera's Official Guide to
Ignorance
and
Stupidity


Step 1.

Take a cow's ( means LEMBU, if I'm going too fast, do read it again) head as shown and sever it off.
You can purchase one at your local market for few ringgit and you can save one after Raya Korban.
Warning, the latter might accumulate some rather interesting smells and textures after being kept for so long.

Step 2.

Find an issue that has NOTHING to do with you.

Nothing at all.

I'll give you an example, let's say...

The building of a Hindu temple in a Malay populated area.

But hey, that's just my suggestion.

Step 3.



Express yourself. Go crazy. Let yourself go.

Hey, forget about human rights!

Oh, just kick "racial sensitivity" the curb,

Tell yourself "SCREW ALL THE EFFORT WE MADE TO MEND RACIAL RELATIONS",

Keep on shouting "KAMI CABAR *insert name of who's causing you all this distress*

.......

Oh, and of course.

Spit and kick the cow's head you had oh-so-diligently brought :).



Step 4.

March down a populated road to show that you are taking a stand for this thing that you are so passionate about.

Call the media, what's a protest without a little attention eh?

State to them your purpose of having this protest*which again has NOTHING to do with you and will not bother you in any way possible*

And blame your insolence and anguish on the MP's in your area.

Cause hey, they didn't do what you wanted them for you, right Your Majesty?


Step 5.


...And if the media starts asking questions like

"Kenapa bawak kepala lembu ini?"..

Deny, deny, DENY!

But hey, it's not YOUR fault. Right?

I mean...

The big bad government people had to built a place of worship for another religion and despite the incessant complaints we have filed, they're still not budging.

Desperate times calls for desperate measures right?

Blame them! Never admit guilt!

Cause you know, you guys are just normal people protesting with a cow's head with obvious knowledge that the cow's a sacred animal to the Hindus.

But again, not your fault :).

Step 6.

Watch the country crumbling down slowly into an oblivion of derelict and disaster.

...................................................

That is all.

Hope you enjoyed the step by step guide to IGNORANCBoldE and STUPIDITY.

I shall stop here.

No need to unnecessarily exhaust the brains for the transformed followers of these steps :)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Money.

Does money really rule the world?

Let's investigate this question thoroughly shall we?

  • Why is Kim Kardashian/Paris Hilton famous?
  • What is it that makes our lips quiver with awe and admiration when we utter names like Lakshmi Mittal and Warren Buffett?
  • What makes Steve Jobs and Bill Gates such venerated figures that will leave an impression on the history of pop culture itself?
One word of course,

Money *and maybe a sex tape or two*

Since it's inception, money has been both beneficial and destructive for humankind.
Empires have been built and incinerated, economies plummeted into oblivion, filial ties torn just because of money.

People can be manipulated, bribed and silenced with money.

It is the very essence of our being, the significance of this world itself and sometimes even the only reason why people tolerate everything else in their godforsaken lives.

Money.

It's a common belief that when a person has money, he or she *trying to gender neutral here :)* deserves respect and adoration.

As the common rule has implied:

He who has the gold makes the rules.


We're now living in a world where a man's merits is not judged from his character but from the weight of his pockets.

It's a shame how a poor man is mocked for his poverty and a rich man is revered for his wealth regardless of his tactless behaviour when having that immense wealth.

Power brought on by wealth is a volatile one, people are under the illusion that with power and wealth, they pretty much can do whatever they want, despite however reckless he or her actions may be.

Money has even made it possible for extra-marital affairs to be somewhat excusable to the public.

"Probably the wife's not doing her job well, the whore"
"He's/she's working so hard, let him be"
"He's/she's already providing a lot for the family"

*I might be slightly bias about this one cause I think there's no acceptable reason for cheating on your spouse. None whatsoever.*

But honestly, I do not blame not even one of these people for acting the way they do.

Why?


Because it's us as a society that has popularized the perception that it's acceptable and permissible for anyone to treat us any way they wish if that person has cash in their wallet.

It's us, the yes mans, who have further nurtured their condescending behaviour, their cantankerous ways and their oppressive approach to others.

We fear their power, their money, when it's us that has brought this tragic calamity upon ourselves.

What if one day, we just stop?

Stop putting these rich yet antagonistic creatures on a pedestal so high up that you can hear God sighing with dejection.

Stop admiring these so called magniloquent tycoons when they parade their new flashy cars and another inane jewelry on their pampered fingers.

Stop tolerating all their nonsense and just tell them how it is, and live with the dire consequence that might follow.

Respect and admire those who deserve it, and not those who have bought it.

Till then, money will always be our ruler, our king, our religion, our God with the elusive promise that one day, it could be enough to keep us happy for the rest out our lives.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Al-Fatiha.

Like grinded pebbles in the wind, you flew through our clutches before we savoured you between our skin.

Yasmin Ahmad dies

2009/07/25

Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned film and advertising director Yasmin Ahmad died here at about 11.25pm on Saturday night.

Her death was confirmed by Media Prime Group Chief Operations Officer Datuk Seri Ahmad Farid Ridzuan, who was at the Damansara Specialists Hospital, when contacted by Bernama.

Yasmin, 51, collapsed while presenting a working paper at Sri Pentas, the headquarters of the private television station TV3 on Thursday and was rushed to the Damansara Specialists Hospital.

She was reported to have suffered a stroke and brain haemorrhage.


You were a genius, a role model and inspiration to us all.

We will all miss you.

Rest In Peace, Yasmin Ahmad.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi raji'un

and

Al Fatihah.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Yasmin Ahmad, brilliance manifested.

This is a somewhat personal plea from me.

Whatever faith you may embrace, whatever religious background you may come from or whatever belief of a higher power that you engage in...

Please say a prayer for the genius that our country is on the verge of losing...


Yasmin Ahmad.


If you do not know who she, why is she famous and what happened to her...

Somebody's been living under a very heavy, dark, isolated and media-disregarded rock.

Yasmin Ahmad is a famed director who has directed many racially-themed movies and a plethora of adverts that have both touched us and made us laugh.

Some of her films include, Sepet, Gubra, Mukhsin, and the latest film that was released early this year, Talentime.

Her movies might not have grossed much in the box office but it never failed to draw both accolades and criticism at the same time.

Yasmin Ahmad has never failed to ignite controversy with almost all her movies. I remember reading in the newspaper about how her sophomore film, Sepet was publicly condemned because it showed partial nudity (Hariz Iskandar in his underwear) and skin contact (Jason touches Orked's calf) between the two leads. In conservative Malaysia, that's enough to create a ruckus among the censorship committee. Their dislike for her got to the point of cinemas refusing to sell tickets to her movies or telling potential viewers that they're sold out.

We're a nation of pure, unadulterated vindication.


But it's her advertisements that have made me an admirer of her brilliance and wit.

She's employed at the coveted Leo Burnett advertising company as an executive creative director, a company notorious for the accusations of being racist towards Malays or bumiputeras.
Every year, Yasmin Ahmad and her team will create adverts for PETRONAS for every national celebration, may it be Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavaali or National Day.

These are a few of my favourite ads from her.



Funeral
(for Singapore television)
*woohoo, go interracial lovin'*





Deepavali
*I know Indians were offended... but it's pretty funny*



Chinese New Year
*Even my Chinese friends said..typical*



Merdeka
*My absolute favourite*

Breathtaking... right?

Yasmin Ahmad suffered a massive stroke and is admitted in Damansara Medical Centre after an emergency brain surgery yesterday to relieve the brain of pressure and to stop the bleeding in the brain.

Everyone please pray for her well being.

It's the least we can do for a person who has made the effort to promote racial and cultural harmony, reminding us our Malaysian identity, bringing us close together as a nation when everything else is tearing us apart.

God bless Yasmin Ahmad and I hopethat you will voyage through this trying time to once again prove to us that we are not as divided as our politics suggest. *Barack Obama :)*

Monday, July 13, 2009

Picture Time.

I've had the SLR camera for a bout a week now.
And yet...

I haven't posted any of the pictures that I took.

Facebook lain cite la.

Well, let me bring out my bragging guns :)

It's eel sushi.


E'a obviously not paying attention during the meeting


FatBoy :)

Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Fondue (with Keshinn at the back :D)

Four for now.

Cause....

I'm feeling lazy :)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

The Rainbow Army :)

I'm not one to publicize a movie, they have people called *publicists* for that.

It all started when I suddenly remembered somebody said this to me

"Kau cari filem Laskar Pelangi, tengok puas-puas. Wajib untuk kau"

So I tried EVERYTHING to find the movie; Limewire, 4shared *err, I do not condone illegal downloading, in the unlikely case of the police reading this* Google, Yahoo, MSN.
And I found it finally in the last place you would watch a movie...

YouTube :)

So I found the movie, and it was broken down into 12 parts.


So I watched it, with all expectations of it being a complete and utter bore with the main theme about a group of poor kids *the rags gave it away* who finally find success after "persevering" and "working hard"

Okay, I'm gonna drop bits and pieces of the movie right now, so if you want to watch the movie without knowing the spoilers, don't continue reading.

Reasons Why the Laskar Pelangi DVD Should Be Bought

*cause free downloading is illegal :)*

  • It depicts interracial love between a Chinese girl and an Indonesian boy. The main character Ikal falls in love with one of his classmates's cousin named Ai Ling after he saw her hand *and eventually her face and smile* handing him a box of chalks.
  • The film showcases real teachers with real dedication and makes you momentarily forget the phrase "I'm in it for the money"
  • You'll realize the importance of an education, and how some people are willing to scramble through life just to get an ounce of knowledge most of us take for granted.
  • It's somewhat nationalistic especially if you come from a country which is monopolized by the goverment that results in the stagnant state of the nation.
  • You really can reach your true potential with the right attitude, the right amount of effort and insyaAllah, a little luck
  • It reminds me of my own childhood, mainly revolving around fear of authority
  • Oh, and I have not cried over a movie in LONG time. When the character Lintang had to leave school and when Ikal told him he was going to Sorbonne, I literally squealed while crying.

So yeah, thanks for recommending to me in the first place. Even Ada Apa Dengan Cinta can't beat this.

Even if the movie is about ever-cliched hard work and perseverence, it's such a wonderful, colour-enriched movie filled with puppy love, friendship, ambition, poverty, social status, determination and of course...

Hope.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Holier than Thou.

It's 4 am and here I am blogging...

Argh, insomnia really is kicking in each day since I left for Malaysia from Egypt couple days back.
Oh, and I've been bored crapless.

Something exciting better happen in the next few days, or I'll blow my brains out.

I guess this is the curse of a medical student...

Underneath that studious exterior, if you take away all the books, all the late-nights, all the study notes and all the lectures, you're left with a sad little*okay maybe not little* girl, who has no purpose in life but to be engulfed by suffocating boredom.

Basically, I can't wait for class to start again.

On another note,

I have something to share with my readers...

As many may know, I've decided to wear the hijab or more colloquailly known as the tudung full time now, and insyaAllah, it'll stay that way.

I've changed I guess, and I thank God I've finally found my time, my so-called calling, my hidayah :).

However, there are still people who have not adhered to this mandatory Islamic requirement and I respect that.

I respect that everybody are at their own pace to self discovery. Some are faster than others while some are late bloomers.

Whatever.
As long as their goal is the same that is:

Self discovery.

What I absolutely, utterly, totally, completely cannot stand is the narcissistic nature of being holier than thou.

I swear, that kind of mind set will KILL a religion.

Baby recently complained about an incident that happened in Nusantara *an Indonesian restaurant near our house in Mansoura* where she and Shabby were practically publicly humiliated by a group of so called ustazs/unwanted Islamic social reformers.

Okay, Shabby doesn't wear a tudung.

So what?

Does that give you the right to get on your high horse, take out your moral compass and say crap like...
"Awak rase awak mati macam mane?"

"Api neraka dah membara-bara menunggu sebab gambar kat Facebook tak pakai tudung"

Eh, tolong sikit okay.

I'm so sick and tired of these so called "pembasmi maksiat" troopers that go around telling girls who don't wear the hijab that they are going to hell.

Who on earth are you to tell us what God thinks of us?

If they don't wear the tudung and is aware that it is a sin, that's their problem.

They don't need ne'er-do-wells like you to preach about responsibilities they already know about.

I mean, I can honestly say I've met a few people out there who try to preach religion to the world WITHOUT being exceedingly annoying or aggravating.

You wear a hijab/niqab/burqa/taqiyah, you pray excessively, you make countless trips to the mosque and yet you backbite and gossip about the sinners and hell-goers.

Excuse me?

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (49: 12)

Yes, I know my Quran too.

So please,

If you don't know how to convey your message to others tactfully, don't.

If not, people will just start losing faith, in you, in society, in humanity and basically life itself.

You might have the holiest of objectives, but how you convey it matters.

What you think you're doing is preaching but in truth, it's public mortification, destroying the pride of the others and making others even more hateful of this religion...

...The road to hell is paved with good intentions...

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Here they are.

Pictures.

I know my blog majorly lack photos.

But have no fear fellow citizens of No-Life land.

They have come to complete your mundane lives...

First Cairo Trip

Fikri... sleeping.
I asked "Hey Fik, you don't mind me putting up a picture of you sleeping right?"
He replied "Go ahead, I don't care. I'm sure I look godly good"

Here you go Mr. Humility.

Dora :).

And Sabar... with her, what Farah calls, "penyanyi buta" sunglasses.



Miss Dutch herself.

Toilet whoring.

HAHAHA.

Enough said.


We stayed at ARMA (Asrama Malaysia) and one of the rooms caught fire.
Yes, we were calm enough to even take a shower first before going down.


Waiting for our 15 gineh shawarma


Baba gatal.


Farah showing a little skin for Baba :)

Merempat di jalan.

Maalish, ana mafish fakah :)

...Second Cairo trip pictures coming REAL soon...

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Soon :)

Betrayal
Anger
Destruction
Lust
Fatigue


Cairo, the place of mysteries. *pffft, overexaggerating much? *

The cable for the camera is in the *new* house, so I'll put up pictures from the Cairo trip very very soon.

I literally was temporarily disabled from carrying the things I bought from Khan El Khalili.

It is Heaven

Friggin' paradise.

I'm not much of a shopper, but even I finished a whopping LE *an-amount-that-I-shall-not-disclose-due-to-the-nagging-I-might-receive-when-I-get-home-to-Malaysia*.

More to come when the pictures are up.

See ya.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Women.

A burden they say,
As we hold our feminine eyes above the others,
Harlots! Oh, you modern jezebel,
We lower our gaze to meet the tattered pavement.

Thy race is inferior, nothing but slaves!
As they burn their stares into the nape of our necks,
Our meagre fingers clutch the baskets that speak our existence,
To thy husband you shall return.

Idiot! Return and take care of thy children,
As we crawl back into the haven of our homes,
To be met by rage and fury unbounded,
With his hands clasping a whip.

Weak! Pathetic little scamp,
We caress our wounds, a mere whisper of a breath,
Tears cloud our eyes, to flow in seeds of pain,
Tender slurs begin to envelope our thoughts.

Hush, little women,
Do not surrender this strength,
For what is a woman?
Thy not a walking brothel,
Nor thy ought to be barraged by slander,
Thy not a temptress of the night,
Nor thy a mule to be lashed at every step.

For thou are angels,
With beauty so ethereal,
For thou are mysteries,
To be ravaged by the imagination,
For thou are warriors,
With hearts that could engulf the sun.
For thou are women,
Maidens of heaven.
by Nazeera Nasir

This poem is dedicated to all the impoverished, abused women of the world. Being here in Egypt makes me realize that women are different all over the world, some are treated like malikas of the house while some are treated by slaves of the night. It is a shame really, the lack of education, the egoistic traits of a so called masculinity and the blind faith that we follow that teaches us it's okay to abuse.

There are still societies that deem it acceptable to physically raise your hand to your wife, beating her senseless until her blood trickles from her orifices. Where to see marks on a woman's face is almost a norm, bludgeoned by god-knows what.
Sickening?
No...

It's just plain revolting.

...and you call yourselves civilized...

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Dear Future Husband.

Dear Future Husband,

As of today, I'm an 18 year old girl with limited housework experience and with a less than idealistic physical appearance. I'm immature, intolerant, borderline ignorant and very headstrong. But all that will change. I will learn, awaiting to be taught, to be led by you, oh future husband.

All I want to do right now is return to my parents, To be by their side, sharing the joy of the world, laughing and joking with our intimate little family. These are the parents who one day I will leave to be with you, oh darling husband. And when I want to visit them, I will do this only with your consent. And I beg of you, please future husband, to let me meet my parents as much as I can.

As for my friends, these are the people I grew up with, dear future husband. Even thinking of them right now, my heart wrenches with so much emptiness. Since I have no siblings of my own, these are the people who are my brothers and sisters, my other kin. So spending time with them, to reminisce about the life we explored with each other would bring so much meaning to me. But as usual, I will do this only with your consent.

I grew up in a modern society, a society that permits women pursue an education, a career, a life where they can meet end's meet. My hope is that in my current pursuit of an education, you would allow me to work, for it is my dream to practice medicine, to help others and to aid the sick. If my mother could do it, and the other hundreds of women who juggle both career and family, I believe strongly that I too can do it. But only with your consent

But all this tolerance will not be in vain, oh future husband. I promise to be an examplery wife, who will dote on our children, who will carry your burdens. I will listen to to you, your tribulations, and relieve the ordeals that life will try to throw at you. I might not afford to wait on you hand and foot, but at least I will try to ease every bitter taste that life might leave in your mouth.

I will love you as if time stood still, just waiting for us. I will remain faithful as long you too are faithful. You shall be my priority, even if I will still be your second. Our children will learn your philosophies and bear your name.

But only with your consent.

Love,
Nazeera Nasir.
Your future wife.

P.S
Don't worry Daddy. I don't want to get married now. I was in the mood to be all Khaled Hosseini, with marriage, love and religion to be in the mix. And exam's over, so yeah... I'm bored.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Tagged.again.


1) Copy the award above and paste it on your blog

2) Name 5 interesting facts about the presenter of this award

  • One of his eyebrows is partially bald due to a scar. Gile rock.
  • He has never had Chinese/Indian/Non-Malay friends. I’m his half first :D
  • His mum is of Minang heritage, I think. We’ll create an army.
  • He once abandoned me mid conversation cause he said I was being too girly. Kurang ajar tak?
  • He likes Adam Lambert’s gay voice.


    3)Every blogger has to name 10 facts/hobbies about themselves.
  • My mum wanted to name me something like Melor or something that continues the Minang heritage. Yerrrr, kampong
  • I speak fluent Bahasa Negeri Sembilan. “Napo, tak cayo? Ekau ingat eden ni pemongak?”
  • I play a little guitar. Mainly chords, and some cool strumming patterns.
  • Oh, I’m half Chinese.
  • I’ve been writing poetry since I was nine.
  • My favourite movie is Forrest Gump. I feel bad the prematurely balding Tom Hanks.
  • I’ve once accidentally dyed my hair BRIGHT PINK. Yes, I looked like a less-than-attractive second rate Japanese popstar.
  • I sing. Sometimes I even record myself. And yet, I don't let anybody hear them
  • My favourite book: A Thousand Splendid Suns.
  • I have a really mean sarcastic streak. I’m sorry for those who got hurt, but it comes naturally. Really, it does.
  • I intend to learn French one day.


    4)You have to choose 10 award recipients and give a small description about them.
  • Yuya – housemate kanak-kanak riang.
  • John – school friend since form 1. We bonded over our sarcasm.
  • Anwar – I met him at Forensics. Seriously, fcking funny.
  • Najwa – Ms Fedora :). Awesome curls, jealousssss.
  • Eli – Fellow Adam Lambert enthusiast. He’s still gay Eli, sorry.
  • Wanie – ORANG NOGORI GAK :)
  • Fatin – Group mate semester 1
  • Dora – Wohoo, groupmate/tuitionmate semester 2. Ducky.
  • Jia Min – Cheapskate future dentist!
  • Akashah – user or Tumblr. You loser :P

Sorry for translating it from Malay to English. I just thought some things did not translate well, like being cynical :)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Thank you :)

A girl came up to me today and said this:

"Hey, I bace blog you"

.
My chest swelled with pride, as I chastised her,

"Alaa, takde ape pun nak bace"

I then smiled and thanked her.

It was one of those sincere thanks like the one you give your mum when she gives you a kiss goodbye.

I want to say this to all the readers, whether you know me or not, whether visiting this blog is a routine for you or something just to fill the time while the sakhonah (water heater) heats up...

I wanna say,

Thanks. A lot.

It means the world to me that my words, my thoughts, my rants are read and understood by somebody else, even if they will amount to nothing but just a simple snicker.
What I say may not be the most thought-provoking, philosophical and articulate banter you might hear but just remember that my intentions are always true and my words are never for slander.
My blog is just an expression of the bits and pieces of my life that I want to share with the world, *or at least Mansoura :)*
So once again, thanks.
If there is anything you want to tell me something about what I write, feel free to ask me anything when you see me anywhere.
Really, I would seriously appreciate it :)

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Drained.

It's been a whirlwind.

An utter whirlwind.

I've downed Red Bull, beef soup, stale lemon biscuits, pre packed pasta and lots and lots of water.

I went on a record 9 hour study marathon.

I've blasted Adam Lambert, Counting Crows, U2, Lifehouse and Sean Paul into my ears.

I've baked under the scorching sun.

I've sat for an exam that could determine my future either as a doctor or a medical school dropout.

A lot to swallow in a day, don't you think?

I'm tired. Really, I am.

I'm drained from all the studying, the pressure, the lack of sleep.
*seriously, they were NOT kidding when they say a doctor's free time is spent on sleep*

I think I've gotten uglier too.
*Laugh, and I'll beat you*

OSCE's next.

All those jars, the formalin and the heat is not the best combination to be shoved to me right now.

If I vomit, faint or simply die,
somebody help me sue.

I miss home, so very much.

I miss my cats.
I miss my bed.
I miss my friends.
I miss my *already sold* car
I miss my driver who's name I always seem to forget *I saved his name in my phone as The Driver, so yeah :)*

And I miss these people:


The one on the right gave birth to me on the 2nd of August, via Caesarean, which she said was because due to the size of the baby. Pffft! She said it hurt like crap. So yeah, thanks :). Oh, she has a name, Dr Zaimah Abu Bakar.

The one on the left is also known as my bank, my treasurer, my money maker, my money printer and other euphemisms that involve me leeching off him. One awful mouth, seriously.
Once called my mum and her three friends Desperate Housewives.
In their faces!
Oh yeah, people call him Mr Nasir or Captain Nasir. But some call him "Shit, mane nak lari?"

I'm so glad I didn't inherit ANY of that bad mouth gene eh?

Argh, all this missing crap is killing me.

Please let all this be over soon so that I can get break more rules in

Kuala Lumpur

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Baby's Aboard.

This is why I need to get


Hot.


....real soon...

OMG.
OH MY GOD.
YA ALLAH!


Isn't that the most ADORABLE thing you've EVER seen?

I was going to the toilet the other day and then saw all the commotion that was happening in Pika's room

"Eee, kenape anak aku gelap ni?"

"Eh, jangan tunjuk sape-sape, muke die sebijik macam bapak die"


So me being the curious, inquisitive and kepoh person I am, I walked in and asked what was going on.

Apparently, they found a link where you can generate a picture of a baby using your face and another partner.
Yeah, they got the link from Bai's status on YM.
MasyaAllah Bai, isu-isu anak ni selalunya menjadi topik untuk wanita. Tak pela, stress belajar kan :P.

Anyway,
I did mine and this was the result.
And it's a boy :D

At this point, all I want is a baby.

But thinking about how I'm only 19

How I still haven't finished my studies.

And how I don't want to be labelled as menggatal

I'll wait for awhile *and to get hot :D, get married and have a baby the HALAL way :D*

I bet you're all thinking...

WHO'S THE DADDY?

Haha...

I'm-not-gonna-tell-you-ever :)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I hate exams.

OSCE exams are a b**ch.

Today, we finally broke free from all the procrastination, laziness unfortunate circumstances we've been in and went to the university to look at


JARS
*filled with human organs, cringe-worthy formalin and shredding muscles*




Anyway...
Yeah, we (Picka and I, there's no more Faisal in the picture *sob sob*) along with Fikri and his friend from Medic Mesir *who's name I seem to forget, sorry* met up at the university to study the jars.

I was COMPLETELY blank when it came to the lower limb jars.

Oh,how I hate thy feet muscles


Argh, it's no it's totally difficult, but there's just so many muscles, so many origins, so many insertions and so much of me

not giving a crap...



But as long as I pass, and come home...
and get my SLR CAMERA* take note of this oh-dear-parents-who-said-they-would-not-read-my-blog-but-I-know-too-well-that-you're-lying*

I'll be happy.