File 25 : 51st Merdeka...

This year, this month, we are going to celebrate the 51st Merdeka Day anniversary. It was called as the National Day before the government decided to revert it back to its original name, the Merdeka Day.

Countries like Japan and Indonesia are very patriotic. They have patriotic citizens and the patriotic spirit inside them is genuine and sincere. That is why, in those two countries, when it comes to Independence Day celebration, [or National Day or whatever they called it] people could see many flags hanging all over the country. Be it a house, a factory, or pavements, flags are everywhere.

I have read in a local weekend newspaper that flag sellers in Indonesia have multiple sales during Independence month. People all over the country look for these flag sellers to buy flags and to hang it as they are proud with their nation.

Things are different in Malaysia. We [not all] tend to wait for free flags that are distributed at toll plazas and shopping malls. RM 1 for a small flag is considered as expensive. The worst is Malaysians seem to have a 'I Don't Care' attitude towards Merdeka Day.

Whatever it is, just ask ourselves, what is our contribution to our beloved country?.... Don't ask what can the country do for us. Instead, ask what can we do to our beloved country. Wow! I can't believe that I am this patriotic... ;p Hahaha...

Happy Merdeka Day - Selamat Hari Merdeka...

File 24 : 10% UiTM quota to be opened to non-Bumiputeras...

10% UiTM quota to be opened to non-Bumiputeras...

I am a Universiti Teknologi Mara [UiTM] student. A law student to be exact. But I don't agree with the over reaction of my fellow UiTM students.

Personally, I do think that it is a great SUGGESTION to open up 10% of the quota. Besides integration, it will definitely give UiTM a new way of work and study culture as well as a very good competition among students.

It is just 10% and there is nothing to shout about... Or maybe, is it because [like a friend of mine said] these students [who thought they are heroes championing UiTM] are afraid that if the quota is to be opened, then 10% of top places in exam results will be monopolized by non-Bumiputeras? If that's the reason, then it is good. It will make Bumiputera students study harder to gain good grades.

I was thinking after reading the newspaper, will the reaction be the same if UMNO leaders are the one who made such statement? I don't think so... Even there was not as much fuss as this time when Dr. Mahathir first made such statement in 2003 [as reported in today's Star].

Maybe the real reason the students gathered at the SUK that morning was to skip their class.. Lectures in UiTM start at 8.30 a.m until 10.30 a.m for the first session and 10.30 a.m to 12.30 p.m for the second session.

As the 'Perhimpunan' was held from 7.00 am to 10.30 am, well, maybe the crowd who went there were those who had classes at 8.30 - 10.30... Haha.. Just a wild assumption. It might not be true.. ;p

Anyway, not all students actually disagree with the suggestion by the MB. Some of us really think that we need to mingle. I asked my friends and most of them supported the idea. After all, the students had been pampered and spoon fed for so long and a new culture need to be inculcate so that the students will be ready to face the globalisation world that await them [including me, of course..].

And I can't help but to say, how paranoid the 5000 students who demonstrated and the VC was... I mean, it was just a mere suggestion and they know that the MB can't do anything more than just, well,... talk. So, what's the fuss all about?

But to be honest, not all UiTM students are that racists and second class. I could read law at other institutions with my grades, but as UiTM law faculty is among the most established law faculty in Malaysia, I read law here. Even when people asked me many times why I chose UiTM, when I told them I read law here, they understand me. And that is why, I love the university.

But to my fellow friends, please don't over react... Act wisely... If you can demonstrated for UiTM, where were you when students from other institutions demonstrated in front of the Parliament regarding AUKU?.... -_-

p/s: After all, it was just a MERE SUGGESTION...