Owl’s latest update…

Exam’s coming up…

Four years of medical curriculum to be ’scanned’ through…

An afternoon with Tun Dr Mahathir…

Tun Dr Mahathir, former prime minister of Malaysia was in Melbourne today for a keynote presentation on ‘Challenges Facing Youth Today to Make The World of Tomorrow.’ Also, present were Tun Siti Hasmah as well as Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir. I was lucky to attend the event in view of the long waiting list for registration of the event.

Though I do not endorse most of the political views and stands of this authoritarian leader these days (or in the past), I still see him as a respectable and capable leader who has brought much development to our nation.

His key note address covered quite a range of issues with regards to the challenges facing the youths of this generation. By drawing significant contrast to his own teenage years, where he hardly knew much about the outside world, he advised youths of these days to be selective on the many information available to them. And in view of the current on-going political issues in Malaysia, he also implicitly mentioned that youth these days should not be blind supporters of leaders with poor leadership, but be vocal in raising constructive criticisms. However, he does acknowledge that excessive criticisms might hinder the governance as well (of which he is doing!:P) Other issues covered included current global economic turmoil, colonization by the West as well as global warming.

During the Q&A session, there were some interesting questions raised. One of the questions sought Tun Dr Mahathir’s comment about the University and College Act, which was introduced and implemented back in the 1970s when he was the Minister of Education. And he was witty in his response, by claiming that the Act was essential during those days to control student leaders, who advocated street demonstrations, and obviously the Act has ‘failed’ as the then student leader is still advocating street demonstration these days. And whether the Act is still relevant nowadays is the decision of the current government which is beyond his control!

Anyway, that was my first personal encounter with Tun Dr Mahathir. It was a good afternoon, with an insightful talk.

p/s: Fought ‘hard’ with the crowd to get the photo taken =P

Of OWL’s atypical ‘Hari Raya Open House’ experience

On the fourth day of Hari Raya celebration, I was ‘invited’ to attend a ‘Malay course mate’s Hari Raya Open House’ at the eleventh hour.

However this was an atypical ’Hari Raya Open House’ , compared to those I attended back in Malaysia! The supposed ‘Hari Raya open house’ was held at a pubic picnic ground and of all places next to a cemetery! And as I arrived, I saw a familiar figure standing next to the BBQ pit barbeque-ing! Then more familiar faces popped out from behind the trees, with a paparazzi’s camera continued clicking all the way and capturing my utterly shocked expression! Well, obviously none of them were clad in Baju Melayu or Baju Kurung. And instead of the traditional Malay food like nasi lemak or lemang, they served the non-halal sausages (and other equally scrumptious food of course)! It was not a Hari Raya celebration after all!

And so that was my surprise birthday party last Saturday. That was indeed a SURPRISE, as Violet has told me that a party was to be organized on a Sunday evening (which obvsiously did not happen!). Anyway, thanks to everyone who attended as well as those who helped organizing it. And most important of all, thanks Violet, for the enormous effort you put in!

p/s: Am also very glad to receive birthday cards sent all the way from overseas, and not forgetting the iTune gift cards + phone messages + the many wishes written on the Facebook wall (nb: my apology for being too busy to reply all of them). Really appreciate them!
pp/s: Jay Chow’s new album is coming out soon (or has been released) and I am still waiting for my birthday present!: D
ppp/s: Thanks for the photo, Chang Yang.