Utama, oh Utama

A New Paradigm?

2011-05-06T10:05:00.001+07:00

Last night, during my dinner conversation with Admiral Zheng He, we discussed about the future of Temasek. Admiral Zheng He said that the western economies are declining and asia is rising, therefore, what is there to worry for this little island? The only main concern would be chaos and bloodshed, like the events occurring in Middle East and North Africa. The administration should learn from the recent event in Ayutthaya, Siam, to transit in a peaceful manner. Violence only breeds violence, as history has taught us.

The rational and pragmatic approaches of Raffles have certainly brought wealth and prosperity. However, Sifu SiTong constantly reminded on the social aspect besides wealth, which is morality. He was one of the staunch advocator for moral education in the school, which was rejected by Raffles. Raffles point of argument is based on his good friend Maslow’s theory of needs, which in my opinion is semi-flawed. Sifu SiTong argued that the ability to generate wealth do not teach a person of what is right or wrong, instead, once you find that capability, greed rear its ugly head. Raffles counter-argued that one can generate wealth in a socially responsible way – I couldn’t agree with raffles more.

However, as most are aware, Raffles is not exactly a people person. His strength lies on efficiency of completing a certain task or work. Hence, we would need someone with the right attributes to balance and partner Raffles in order to create a new paradigm! This new paradigm is to lead Temasek to be socially responsible and prosperous! *Fingers cross*

A new breed of monkeys

2010-05-03T22:56:00.001+07:00

Recently, i have noticed that there are is certain breed of monkeys not seen before in this island! Ever since the introduction of rubber trees - which is so resilient to our island - there has been an increase of growth for plenty of new species. Hence, it's not exactly surprising of a this new breed of monkey.

However, this particular breed - red hair monkey - is a bully. He or she, young or old, will snatch food away from the other monkeys, terrorising them and usurp their territory! If this situation continues, this little island will turn into a red little dot. Yes yes, this reminds me that i must quickly get farquhar to deal with this issue before it become worse.

The beauty of this island is the colorfulness and not a single color one.

Are you....?

2009-05-11T23:18:00.007+07:00

Been hiding in my little cave meditating about nothingness and ever since i stepped out of it, the empty spaces are filled with nothing sort of good.

The real world is in a horrible shape; Greed, selfishness, pity, war, deceit manifest itself in it's grandest form.

However, most of us are watching events unfolding through it's own hands as though another story are told and to be forgotten...

Mas, Selamat Datang!

2008-04-28T21:05:00.004+07:00

Mas has sent news that he is coming back soon! And such a coincidence with my return.

I wonder how he have been after spending isolation for some unknown reasons. I hope he is back for the better, for himself and the country. He would have been a great assistant to sultan for his resourcefulness. And my cousin, Farah, is so excited to see him and hear the stories of his isolation and adventure.

The city is all decorated even though he told us to keep it minimum. A banner was held at Tanjung Priok welcoming him back home.

"Mas, Selamat Datang!"

The Great Leap Forward

2007-07-31T20:36:00.000+07:00

I saw a huge gap and jump straight across.
Landed and jump
for joy

A long lull

2007-04-15T23:01:00.000+07:00

Too busy to write, too busy to think. Will be back in Aug.

The Time of the year

2007-03-05T00:00:00.001+07:00

Time is really scarce for the days are filling with tasks and activities to sit down and write, and this will continue for the next few months till mid year.

This time, im going to make full use of my time to work hard and prove that im not living in my wonderland.

Time after time, i've been misunderstood for many years.

Time is near for a new revelation.

Hi, High, HIGH!!!

2007-02-13T11:11:00.000+07:00

The past few weeks have been extremely busy. Raffles was a pain in the ass, and Thank god for Farquhar because without him, my life would be worse. The money-minded Raffles was filled with suspicion for simple little things which he had interpreted as some part of a agenda discreet in sorts; he is paranoid! I reckon this happens when one is too in love with love.

Hence, after all my busy-ness, i went rowing in the river yesterday to wind down and cool off from the heat of work. Alone in the river, i began to love life for what it was from the start, the time we entered into this world. The innocence and ignorance of the mind, far away from the complexities of politiking.

I row, row, row and row for a distance, and my arms felt tired and strained. My breathing intensified with a few more strokes. Strangely, i felt happy as this feeling gave me a high, like a drug but is not. It seems like one dont need drug to get high, an act, event or situation can be high as well.

WE are THe World

2007-01-28T19:10:00.001+07:00

Sometimes, you just need reminders to remind what is good and bad :)

The bonkers

2007-01-16T15:10:00.000+07:00

What happen when the mind thinks too much?

a)become utama

b)become mentally deranged

c)procrastinate

d)delusion

e)mis-judged

Drain the Brain

2007-01-03T21:21:00.000+07:00

This afternoon, i met Drain in the tea house, who is from holland. It's a rather interesting name as drain has many different meanings. It can interpret as a small canal; to withdraw or draw off gradually; become empty; etc. It's interesting because, at least i find, that this word also meant of a small canal, of water from sewage, or any other ditches, that flows along.

Of course, the meaning of his name is not meant as that. Frankly, i'm clueless. However, i do noticed his mind work in a different manner. His expression is consistent throughout the conversation; he do not failed to provide a frown even when told a joke. This made me wonder why he isnt laughing. Hence, i inquired and do you know what i was told?

Answer: His brain has been drained since young from laughing in school by the education system because the society believes life is misery. A mentioned of this name and the smile will appear. Seems like people are still living in the dark ages...

Did you find the name?

Petals

2007-01-02T03:49:00.000+07:00

Petals

Even when you tear its petals off one after another,
the rose keeps laughing and doesn't bend in pain.
"Why should I be afflicted because of a thorn?
It is the thorn which taught me how to laugh."
Whatever you lost through fate,
be certain that it saved you from pain.
A Sheikh was asked: "What is Sufism?"
He said: "To feel joy in the heart when sorrow appears."

From: "Breathing Truth" Trans. Muriel Maufroy

A Fresh day

2007-01-01T08:26:00.000+07:00

Good Morning Everyone,

A New year has begun. Another chapter in a life's story. Take a deep breath and continue this journey in this island called Temasek.

The Virtue of non-dilligence

2006-12-28T10:07:00.000+07:00

Have been more relaxed lately and enjoying mundanities of life. Sometimes, the thought floated so far away that the mind lost it's senses. The moment of paralysis is simply marvelous. The virtue of dilligence is non-existence. Dilligence is a physical activity, Mental activity is not a physical activity but exercise of the mind.

What is the world without such exercise? The purpose of such exercise is to improve, and how can it be a non-virtue when the purpose is positive? Maybe the mind is too used to the rigidity of what is and what is not. Sadly, changes are required but feared.

Guru Osho wrote of what self-consciousness meant and i felt reassured by it.

Self-Consciousness

When you are self-conscious you are in trouble. When you are
self-conscious you are really showing symptoms that you don't
know who you are. Your very self-consciousness indicates that you
have not come home yet.
-----------------

Whenever you are self-conscious you are simply showing that
you are not conscious of the self at all. You don't know who you
are. If you had known, then there would have been no problem---
then you are not seeking opinions. Then you are not worried what
others say about you--- it is irrelevant! In fact, nobody ever says anything
about you--- whenever people say something about you, they are saying
it about themselves.
----------------

Nobody can say anything about you. Whatsoever people say
is about themselves. But you become very shaky, because you are
still clinging to a false center. That false center depends on others,
so you are always looking to what people are saying about you.
And you are always following other people, you are always trying
to satisfy them. You are always trying to be respectable, you are
always trying to decorate your ego. This is suicidal.
Rather than being disturbed by what others say, you should
start looking inside yourself. To know the real self is not so cheap.
But people are always hankering for cheap things.
It happened:

When the pain in Mulla Nasruddin's back became un-
bearable, he reluctantly went to a specialist to diagnose his
problem.
"Well," said the doctor, "your problem can be cured
by an operation, two weeks in the hospital and six months
totally horizontal."
"Doctor, I can't afford the cost of all that!" shouted
Nasruddin.
"Well then, for twenty-five dollars I can retouch the
X ray," suggested the doctor.

This is cheap! ---retouch the X ray--- but it is not going to make
you healthy. That's what we are doing, continuously retouching
the X ray and thinking that somehow the miracle will happen.
When you are decorating your ego you are retouching the X ray.
That is not going to help in any way, it is not going to help you
become healthy. It is cheaper ---no operation is needed, no expense
is involved. But what is the point? Your misery remains.
You become respectable and your misery remains. You be-
come highly praised by the society--- your misery remains. You are
decorated with gold medals but your misery remains. These gold
medals are not going to destroy your misery; they are like retouch-
ing the X ray. All decoration on the ego, for the ego, is nothing
but deceiving yourself. And you go on becoming weaker and
weaker and weaker because the ego goes on becoming weaker
every day. Your body will become weaker, your mind will become
weaker, and by and by the ego that you have created out of the
body and mind combination will become weaker. Fear will become
greater and greater; you will be sitting on a volcano that can any
day explode. It will not allow you rest. It will not allow you relax-
ation, it will not allow you any moments of peace.
Once you understand it then the whole energy is put into
another direction. One has to know oneself. One has not to be
worried about what others say about you.

The day many were washed away by the seaside

2006-12-26T21:37:00.000+07:00

A beautiful morning and a disaster struck. Please rest in peace and let's pray together the day peace will reign. God bless.

No Surprises

2006-12-18T14:06:00.000+07:00

They say life is full of suprises. What is not surprising is Utama's life for the past few years; leading a monotonous life pursuing a dream, which is unrealistic but necessary in the eyes of the beholder.

Born as a Prince, the obligations are immense. If there wasnt a period for thy to pursue my dreams, then when? Through this trying period, there were many obstacles, potholes, trials and tribulations. Basically, it's a tough time out there fighting a lone battle. The comforts were discovery of treasures and jewels, strengthening the armor for thy battle. Of course, there were good and bad times even in the worst of one's experience.

What is Surprise for? I reckon it's not for the faint-hearted, good or bad ones! HA!

Stress stress stress!!!

2006-12-04T21:00:00.000+07:00

Utama is stressed. I have never been so stress in my life. After all, being a royalty allows me to enjoy the finer things of life(which i just realised how fine it is. haha.)

At this moment, i only wish to get over with it but the more i desire, the pressure becomes overbearing. Isnt it such a contradiction? Shouldn't it be the other way round as in feeling motivated?

Supposedly, this is a case of putting the mental to test on it's stress level. Maybe my stress threshold is too low. Hrmmmm...i think it is..

Alright. Probably good to up a few notches of it then!

Upgraded!!!

2006-11-27T10:35:00.001+07:00

Yesterday, Farquhar came back from China and brought with him new invention. It's the wonderful technology of capturing moving pictures, PLUS sound!!! How great is that? Sadly, there are limits of using this technology due to restrictions imposed by the adminstration. I think we need to hold a meeting regarding this issue. In the mean time, enjoyz!

See thru

2006-11-22T22:48:00.000+07:00

Today in the market, i saw this painting with people belong outside of this island, clueless of their origin. They look like human yet at the same time, dont seem human. When did human have wings? When did human has no flesh? Is it my imagination?
What i know is that the boys are very naughty!

Death, the Uncertainty.

2006-11-12T20:07:00.000+07:00

Lord Death wont tell you when you are going to die, what your punishment would be, and what you will be after. Lord God admonished you to walk the right path to be on the same side after life.

Raffles told me that we need to be the main dominating adminstration in this tiny island for quick growth, whereas Farquhar said we cannot compromise growth with virtues because material gain is easier to achieve than moral gain. He continued, we cannot have a society that is heartless.

Duality. The Good and bad, the Bad and good. Which side would you like to be? Of course, the good side. But why, still, are people still heading to the bad side? Do they not have the mental capacity to differentiate between dualism?

Sometimes, we do not have a choice to choose between Heaven and Hell, it depends on the type of society, surroundings, and influences of the individual. For e.g. the child of a secret society leader who has to take over his position once he pass away in this traditional and conservative culture of the chinese. Even though the child has desire to practice virtues but surrounded by negative influences and having to learn the roles of the leader, how can he break free from the chains of his birth? Of course, there are many choices available but as a fillial son, he choose to respect his father wishes. Besides, isnt filial piety a virtue? So this son is perform an act of virtue but was judged by his non-virtue act. Hence, how do we judge a person's character correctly?

This is just an example of a one particular culture, but there are many different cultures in Temasek and in the world where they uses their own system to influence and judge. Therefore, what is Heaven and Hell? Which is the real one?

Certainty of Life

2006-10-24T23:29:00.000+07:00

I was told that the only certainty in life is death but im still alive. Is Utama immortal? Does he wish to be immortal? What is the purpose of living when life is waiting for death? When, where, how, no one knows. But right now, i know im happy and contented, which is more important isnt it? Why think so far, right?

Unexciting world

2006-10-20T21:16:00.000+07:00

Temasek is really a boring island. If not for my promise to learn management to my Papak, i would have left for a more exciting place. Everyday, i have to think of ways to increase excitement in my life, my surrounding, my world, and in fact that's what management is all about, except its benefitting the adminstration.

Hence, i think people like Leonardo are important. They present another side of the human facade and even increases it which diversify the general facade.

Having a young heart, there are still so much to explore and learn about management. I hope one day i can make this island an exciting place to live in.

God bless Temasekians!

Mona Lisa

2006-10-16T23:40:00.000+07:00

Hrmmmm...I dont understand what so great about this painting except for the fact that the painter is well-known. Some say there are riddles in it, some say it's a great work of art. There are definitely different opinions and interpretations of this painting. But the question is: does it truly deserve the attention and fame?

Past or Future?

2006-09-16T15:14:00.000+07:00

This morning at the beach, i found a bottle which contain a note inside and after reading it, i wonder when was it written as i only understand part of it. The concept and language it used was different, strange even. Anyway, here it is:

Cheem-logy. Here is mine, simple-logy:

I always remember this opening sentence by Ali G of one of his interviews and it goes,"I have rights, You have rights, do animal have rights?"

We can even ask further by asking," Do plants have rights?"

Oh well, i must cursed for my radical views again for it's totally off.

Rightfully, according to the social customs of many, right doesnt exist for its practices are which the strongest survive (sorry i dont have any example to quote but you guys should understand where im coming from cos we live in one!).

However, does it mean we should deny rights a place for our society? And yes, i am refering to Human Rights, not animal or plant.

Since the non-existence of Right have been air, i shall water the existence of Right.

Why should Human have Human Right?

Well...In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth, then light and separated it from darkness, then clouds, water, and land...and finally man and woman. After creating so many stuffs, i guess Human Rights must have been forgotten due to heavy workload and we shall not point finger of who is to blame. No one is to be blame. All we need is to create Human rights and tadaa, Human has Human Right. How simple isnt it.

Once we have Human Right, how shall we deal with it? Hrmmmm...take away others right, give away mine or we share?

a) when i take away your right, i win cause i have one more than you,

b) When i give away mine, i lose cause im have one lesser than others,

c) Sharing of right is a show of respect for each other regardless its position and hence, no winner or losers.

a) and b) are very much the way most of us behave in our society but not c). If c) approach is adopted, Human Right will exist.

Of course, these 3 options are too simplified, and/or general even but the choice is yours.

And let me end with a closing, rephrased, sentence of Ali G.

"I have Right, You have Right, Shall we share our Rights?"

;)

Bliss

2006-09-11T22:24:00.000+07:00

Today, while reading, suddenly i felt the inner peace warm inside my heart, liberated from hatred of a dead man last wish being denied all in the name of religion. At the same time, this religion has also taught me to love. Thank you very much, C.

Follow the way?

2006-09-07T23:23:00.000+07:00

Just now, Master Lil asked me,"Which one would you use to make decision: Heart or Mind?"

I stumbled and contemplated awhile for an answer, but couldn't give one...

Is there an answer?

String theory

2006-09-01T17:49:00.000+07:00

This afternoon while playing around with the strings, i discovered an amazing theory. This is an simple but yet, can be complicated. Amazing right?

Well, this is my hypothesis: A string is a long straight line which if you jumble it, it can get extremely complicated, tangled. When in such a state, it would requires a lot of effort to untangle. Just imagine just a small act, you can cause much distress to your ownself.

Hence, if you apply it onto life. Similarly, if you dont handle your affairs well, you can also cause distress to yourself but others as well.

Ok. I have tangled the strings and now, i have to untangle. Only myself to blame and apologies if i have cause distress.

Bo-the-ring to-o ma-ch wit-h pee-ople

2006-08-30T13:12:00.000+07:00

It's so easy when you read by the silly-ble, as you can see from the title. However, when you form them together into words, phrases then sentences. The meaning of it moves to another level, which depends on each to higher or not.

Frequently, the lack of understanding becomes a fear for being read as a silly-ble. As the word itself, Silly-ble, is self-explanatory, i shalln't explain any further.

Assumingly the silly-ble is not self-explanatory, what happen next? 2 As: Ask or Assume. Which is a tougher task? Former or latter? Latter right? Because it requires the functioning of the brain, which requires more energy than we even realise.

Strangely, the former is forsaken for good-ness sake(you know, we cannot look bad in the eyes of many, many). Why so? For-sake-n, you know, a-band-on for what? As simple as it is, for Silly-ble. Because being a silly-ble is as silly as it seems. Hence, pee-ople skip to words and phrases in order to be seem as a sentence, or sentences.

As confusing as it is, the sentence turns out incoherent but logical if imagination and common sense are put into use.

If you still dont understand the silly-ble, what should you do to understand? Many, many times, we forget. But, we live and learn, ah.

Mind bog-ling

2006-08-28T23:06:00.000+07:00

Mind is so occupied that the only rest i get is short nap in-between. I even had dreams when i sleep!

It's little wonder how one can think of Mee Siam Mai Hum...mee siam mai hum?! When did Mee Siam have Hum in the first place! Needless to say, the sentence speaks for itself. I hope this person who thought of this wont be holding given big responsibilities. But you know, one mistake might actually do many many good-s.

Thorns Thorns, Skin Skin.

2006-08-21T23:42:00.000+07:00

Raffles is such a pain in the ass. I told him Durian is the king of fruits but he said Grape.

I explained that Durian has a distinct and unique taste that none other fruits possessed, whereas grape taste pretty much alike Guava or Berries.

Then he claimed that im sprouting nonsense when i added that every durian is like the art of drinking wine.

He added how can eating durian be the same as drinking wine when one uses the hand to eat messily while the latter is such an cultured activity.

I said you cant based entirely on the physical approach because understanding and finding a good durian is not as simple as it seems. It takes skill, just like grapes and wine.

Look at the thorns! How can a fruit be delicious which look threatening? he retorted.

Well, you wont know if it's good or bad grapes untill you taste it. Small doesnt mean it's the best, you know.

Okok. I like my skins, you like your thorns. So be it. Dont bother me with your rhetoric. Everyone has their own preferences.

Ok...It all depends on perception. Some people say the cup is half-full, some say the cup is half-empty.

Malam luar biasa

2006-08-13T22:47:00.000+07:00

Tonight is a night for me to remember for a long long time. Havnt had such a delicious dinner, great conversation, soothing music, beautiful night and a little experiment in a short span of time. What a night! Sweet!!

Gunjingan

2006-08-12T02:45:00.000+07:00

Today, while sitting by the road-side stall, watching people. I asked Guru Ping,"Why do people gossip?"

"Because their hearts are empty."

I ponder.

Real

2006-08-08T23:39:00.000+07:00

Some say Utama is not real, some say he doesnt exist at all. Some also say he is human too.

Suay di

2006-08-05T14:25:00.000+07:00

Life is beautiful when it's full of, good and bad, surprises.

Another one

2006-07-18T00:38:00.000+07:00

One more strikes and hit on Java this time. Why are the people still living there? The means to alert must be quickly install. Relocate them to a place safer for living.

Life is not cheap at all. If i can give certain material worth to a life, what is the point of living? Please, don't cheapen your life. Not everything in this world needs to be quoted.

Updating

2006-07-01T17:17:00.000+07:00

You scored as Philosophy. You should be a Philosophy major! Like the Philosopher, you are contemplative and you enjoy thinking about the purpose for humanity's existence.

Engineering

100%

Philosophy

100%

Theater

92%

Mathematics

92%

Journalism

92%

Psychology

92%

Sociology

92%

Anthropology

83%

Art

75%

Biology

75%

Linguistics

75%

Dance

67%

English

58%

Chemistry

42%

What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3)
created with QuizFarm.com

A Full O

2006-06-25T11:31:00.000+07:00

Went hunting at the western part, which is also hilly, and within, the highest hill in the island. It was quite a journey as up and down we trekked and through thick forest.

As Temasek is a very small island, a small area, comparatively with Palembang. Travelling from west to east would take a full day - sunrise untill sunset - by horse and slightly less from north to south, whereas it would require 3 full days from west to east in Palembang. Hence, having in mind the size of the island, i decided to venture into the area where it's most hilly. As the hills are where all the excitements are.

Upon reaching the hills, we hiked up the highest point for a panaromic view of the island. The furthest we could see would require travelling from sunrise till midday, also by horse. It's really a low hill. We were up in a jiffy, before i even break sweat. And seeing the high density on the north side from the hill, i decide to explore it.

Down we go and into the forest. After bashing through many many trees, i turned left without informing, as i thought my convoy would be closely following behind me, or at least haolian would. Apparently, i was wrong. None of them did, because they were busy helping each other to untangle from the torns, roots, and bush that wrapped around certain part of their bodies. With a knife in hand, i simply chop anything off in my way. Realising that i'm alone, i shouted but there was no response. I figured that the forest was too thick for any sound to travel far enough, at the same time not willing to backtrack for sighting a waterfall ahead of me. I continued, thinking my trail would lead them to me.

The waterfall was a small one with water falling, onto a flat rock, into the small circular pond. I took a mouthful of water and felt my mouth froze for a second. It was cold and refreshing under the hot sun. Seeing that it's only midday, i went for a swim and some waterfall therapy. I had such a great time that time passed unknowingly.

Feeling hungry, i went to search for food in my sack. It carries no food. Seeing the sun setting soon. I quickly dressed up and backtrack. But, i cant find the trail. This struck me hard that im lost. Decision decision decision. I decided to head back to the waterfall for the night and find my way out the next morning. This is only logical and rational. While trekking, i saw a banana tree and pluck some to satisfy the hungry stomach.

Darkness soon overwhelm my entire surrounding. It was pitch dark. I couldnt even see my hands. All i can hear is the sound of the waterfall, which was extremely soothing and fell asleep while listening to the it.

Then i heard a voice, it said and faded away, "Utama, you can have the kingdom but lose your soul. Behold of what is important and dont lose it. With kingdom, you control your territories. With soul, you have the respect of your people. Remember, each of us has it's limits. Act wisely."

Awaken by the croaking sound of the frogs, i look around but saw no one with the sun rising. It was only me, the frogs, the waterfall, the forest and the sun. I washed myself and find my way out of the forest by the flow of the stream. Soon after, i reached a village and back home safely. Everyone was worried back in the Istana but i assured them the everything is fine or even better, because i have found something i lost.

Perayaan?

2006-06-23T00:29:00.000+07:00

Yesterday, i saw this strange man making lots of noise by using his utensils. They said he was celebrating. He is making music with it.

'That's great'
i thought,
and inquired,
"For what occasion?"

The man replied,
"My wife's death".

I had a shocked and asked,
"Why are you celebrating death and especially someone so close to you?"

He explained,
"The reason is because my wife is liberated from life's sufferings. To live is to handle problems, we aren't living if there are no problems. Hence, death is the liberation of all these problems, which are the main cause of life's sufferings."

I paused and contemplated.
Then asked,
"Don't you think it's cold-hearted?

"Cold-hearted? Why so?"
he rebuked,
and continued,
"Why should i be sad when i know that she would be in a happier place. This world we are living in are fighting everyday. Does it make you happy knowing it? Would it be a wonderful place to live where everyone is peaceful, helpful, sharing and hospitable. You may say that this is not possible. Everything is not possible if you think it's not. It's not possible because one never try, or try hard enough. The mind is one's greatest strength and weakness. You may also argue that human nature is selfish. True. Why? Because they aren't taught the proper values. Selfishness is one single factor that had lead to how our society function currently, which works under the basis of survival of the fittest. Just imagine, if people of the society practiced just one of the those values i mentioned, do you think it will make the place wonderful to live in? Would you want it? Would you love living in such an environment? If you don't, it shows what kind of heart you have - cold-hearted. Therefore, do you still consider myself being cold-hearted?"
,explained the man.

Astounded as i am but cannot denied his rhetoric even though it may be difficult to be accepted.

Followingly, he smiled and said these before he left,
"You are a hot-blooded, impatient man. The day when you see the moon in the eye, these temperaments will be under control."

Dumbfounded and thought,
"What a day for celebration!"

Earthquake eaRthquake!

2006-06-07T00:17:00.000+07:00

When the earth quakes, the world standstill and there is peace for that period of time. This is the only time when people stop fighting and the effect of the aftershock is people begin to love each other. Love is something many are poor at. Why? Is loving so difficult?

I remember some chinese guy saying,' It takes 3 seconds to be evil, but 3 years to learn to be good'. Someone even said that 'The human nature is evil!'. However, what does love have to do with being evil and good? Nothing, i suppose.

Love is just love. To love is giving and to be loved is a blessing. So when the ground you are standing on are shaking, you know that love is on the way.

Baru Zona

2006-06-01T22:22:00.000+07:00

After studying the town plan made by Raffles, i realised there is a need for a different zone. In the town plan, there are Malay village for malays, Little India for indians, Chinatown for chinese and Commonwealth for westerners. This clear segregation of races somewhat implied racialism in the society which is, also somewhat, undenialable. Hence, in order to bring these races together, a zone which is free for all races should be created. There shouldn't be a management by the central adminstrator, Farquhar. It should be manage freely by it's own district head, who is nominated by it's community.

However, there is one big problem. Will Temasekians be willing to live in an environment that is "race-less", which also mean culture-less? And, where should this zone be? Or maybe, should i wait for the poisonous gas from Gunung Merapi to exterminate all races before forming the zone for a single new race? But, am i still capable of forming the zone once the poisonous gas spread across the world?

Quake of change

2006-05-28T08:38:00.000+07:00

The supreme law in this universe is nature; human law is insignficant for the fact that its controllable. The power of nature is unfathomable, unpredictable and irreversible. If humans are able to manipulate nature, would it still be the supreme law? Or maybe nature is not the supreme law in the first place? Or probably man's intelligence is higher than nature?

When the day nature is under the discretion of mankind, the knife sink deeper into the heart of the world. sigh.

The world is O

2006-05-08T00:44:00.000+07:00

Yesterday, we had a coconut competition. It was called at the last minute. All thanks to Raffles, as usual, demanding one to be held on the day. I decided to go with him because of his arrogance. He seemed to have a secret recipe that guarantees a win. The competition was annouced to the public immediately. The news of the competition was spread like wildfire and the island is awakened, as it's the biggest competition of the island. All Temasekians will attend by hook or by crook.

The competitors are Haolian - my representative, Humble - Raffles's representative and Ham chee - Farquhar's.

The rule of the competition is to collect as many coconuts as possible within the given time, which is five minutes, in three rounds and put them in the allocated baskets. The coconuts will be spread throughout the field, and there are hundreds of them. The competitor with the most coconuts wins the competition.

Before the competition, each of the competitors is to make a speech to garner supports from Temasekians.

Haolian was the first. He walked up to the podium, and said,"Dear fellow Temasekians, I, humble servant of the Prince, would hope you will support me in this competition not because of my relation with the Prince but of my own ability. Please see me as an individual. I understand that i am the weakest, however i have a strong determination. I would fight till the very last amount of strength i could muster." Everyone cheered and I was proud of Haolian.

Then came Humble. He walked up confidently and said,"Hello Temasekians, I would like you all to support me because of my ability to win the competition. I have been training for months. As an unselfish person, I am willing to teach anyone who is interested to win by joining my school (However, everyone knows only the selected few will be admitted). Please give your support to me as i will defintely win." The cheering of the crowd was scattered and Raffles stood there beaming.

Lastly, it was Hum chee turn. Walking up nervously to the podium, he said softly,"My fellow Temaskians, i am Faruqhar's representative. My job is a coconut seller. I know nothing but coconuts. Thank you." Everyone knows his ability for he is definitely the best out of the three. Then Someone shouted,"Have a mind of your own!" and the other,"Don't be afraid!"

The first round will begin before the sunset as according to the custom of the competition. This is to signify optimism.

The empire went up to the small tower and this indicate for all competitors to get into position. Up at the tower, the empire hold out a coconut and drop it. All eyes were on the coconut. Immediately after it hit the ground, Humble dashed to collect the coconuts, followed by Haolian, then Hum chee. Humble was physically strong and was running explosively grabbing as many coconuts. When he saw Hum chee running pass him towards the basket, he kicked his leg, which caused it to hit the other leg and tripped. This served as a warning to him. Hum chee quietly pick himself up and walked towards the basket. Haolian saw it and ran up to the empire to complain about the incident. Sadly and coincidentally, he was distracted by some mob barking loudly behind him. Haolian continued and was determined to make sure he filled the baskets with coconuts to the brim.

First round ended with Humble having the most coconuts - 45, Haolian - 30, Hum chee - 22.

15 minutes later, all three of them went back to his position. Most of the people were supporting Humble after watching his raw performance.

Start of the Second round. This time, Haolian was out first followed by Hum chee. Humble was very confident that both of them won't be able to catch up knowing he is in the safety zone so he took his time. However, Haolian was determined and, Surprisingly, Hum chee began to increase his speed. Humble saw and waited for another chance to trip him. He signalled to his friends and they began barking at the empire. Then came the opportunity. He kicked his leg but Hum chee turned one round, balance himself and continue running. The crowd was delighted and cheered. Suddenly, everyone is supporting Hum chee and Haolian worked his ass off for this round.

At the end of round two, the score was: Humble - 55, Hao lian - 52, Hum chee - 48. This break lasted for half an hour.

Half an hour passed. All three of them were recharged, and charged up. Supporters started to chant their names. Humble supports decreased due to that tripping incident. Most of them switched to Haolian and Hum chee.

At the position, Hum chee said to himself,"My greatest enemy is myself. I have to overcome it!" Once the coconut hits the ground, off went Hum chee with the speed of a horse. Humble was struggling after 2 minutes. He knew he is going to lose if this continue. He signalled and one of his cronies began to throw rocks at Hum chee. The rest started barking as usual. The empire saw rock being thrown at Hum chee. He shouted for him to stop but his voice was drowned by the barkers. Hum chee wasnt intimidated by the rocks. He avoided the rocks with his agility and speed. The crowd saw the injustice and unfairness which would be an insult to their diginity if no action was taken. They surrounded the rock-thrower and hurl him back to the end of the crowd. He was totally blocked and his cronies didnt even rescue him. They simply continued barking like an obedient dog. So he decided to throw from afar, out of sight, the rocks fell onto Humble instead. One of them even hit his head. He fumed and signalled for the end of it. Hum chee saw the support given by the crowd and was highly motivated that he doubled his speed matching a cheetah. Humble also increased his speed. Haolian was as determined not to fall behind.

'Gong~'gong~'gong~'

End of round three. The empire went to the baskets and started counting. To ensure equity, he had three guards stationed at each competitor allocated baskets. By the way, the empire is none other than Justice Bao himself and the guards are ordinary Temasekians. The reason for hiring ordinary Temsekians because he trusted their integrity and ability and believed they are equally capable as the mercenaries even though they had not attended school.

Once the counting was completed, he walked to the podium. Up on the podium, with the competitors behind, Justice Bao announced,"The final result of the Coconut competition with the total number of coconuts by Humble is 66, followed by Haolian is 65, and Hum chee 78! Hence, i declare the winner is Hum chee!" Everyone jumped for joy. One shouted,"Humble is beaten into a pie!" Everyone laughed and jeered at him. This struck me that the crowd is actually supporting Hum chee deep in their hearts and truly believed of his ability. It was a beautiful moment for i have not seen such genuine joy of people of all ages.

Guru Jeya came beside and said,"Look at the night sky. The cresent moon is shining brightly together with six bright stars. Shall we make it the symbol of Temasek?" I smiled and agreed.

Dream come true?

2006-05-06T09:05:00.000+07:00

I had a dream that the pigs lost the battle against other animals in the farm. It's a good sign.

The brain with no brain

2006-05-04T00:05:00.000+07:00

What do you do when you see a wall in front?

I hurt myself most of the time.

Sleeping beauty

2006-04-26T07:49:00.000+07:00

Wouldnt it be great that one can function well without the need for sleep?

lasreveR

2006-04-25T00:06:00.000+07:00

tsaL thgin ta ohsO, i was a puorg fo sdik gniklaw sdrawkacb. tI kcurts em tahw fi ruo hcaorppa fo gnivil si sdrawkcab oot, morf dlo ot gnuoy; decneirepxe ot ecneconni; morf etihw riah ot kcalb riah. t'ndluoW taht eb ecin? I kniht os.

oT eid ta eht ega fo ecneconni, suoivilbo ot eht dlrow seitixelpmoc. enO, eid ni ecaep! Sweet! oops. haha ;P

Di zona

2006-04-11T22:48:00.000+07:00

The Importance of a Count

2006-04-04T22:43:00.000+07:00

During the meeting in the afternoon, i told Raffles and Farquhar about my thoughts about the child-following-thing and his reaction was one of unsatisfied and furious - for god knows what reason. I think it's probably due to his lack of that he is furious. Farquhar wasn't please but was pleasant.

I said "This issue is not as simple as it seems because Temasek is a multi-culture society. The minangkabaus has a matrilineal system, while most of the other races have a patriarchal one, so We can't decide as we wish even though we are the adminstrator of this island. We need to respect people beliefs"..."unless you can convince them to agree with you", murmured Farquhar. "Yea, that's right", exclaimed Raffles. "Convince them!" he shouted. Farquhar slapped his forehead, regretting what he just said and rebutted,"Isn't the act of convincing also an act of not respecting their beliefs?" "How ethical are you, Raffles", he snared. "Farq, I don't care about ethics or morals. I'm a business man. I'm pragmatic and ensure the existence of my profits.". "Who says a businessman can ignore ethics or morals?" refuted Farquhar. He continued,"Ethics and morals are about dealings with people regardless of the transaction. Do you think people would still continue to do business with you if they realise the lack of ethics or morals?" "Well, if i am the only supplier for that particular demand, do you think they would continue to do business with me?" Raffles replied smugly. Farquhar argued,"In this case, do you mean you can do as you please and yet they will continue to do business with you even the prices are ludicrously priced, since you are in a demanding position?". "Well...it depends." Raffles replied softly. Seeing that the topic is digressing, i interrupted,"The issue here now is whether who the Child should follow, the father or mother, and not business and ethics". Then i suggested,"Why dont we vote?". "Good idea!" both acknowledged. "when shall we vote?" Farquhar asked. Raffles proposed,"At the dining table in my mansion" "NO", shouted Farquhar and continued "Utama, you decide". After some contemplation, i proposed,"Evening at the Padang?" "Awwwww" Raffles groaned and said," it's hot and crowded there, can we choose another place?" I answered,"The crowd is the main reason why i proposed the location. We need witnesses and they are our witnesses. Besides, we can go for some satays afterwards. It's nearby." Farquhar agreed without much thought.

As we know, Farquhar and Raffles has their own position but not me. I'm still undecided and, more or less, neutral. After the meeting, Raffles came over after he saw Farquhar left. He said,"Utama, if you support me, i will give you 20 percent of my profits." I replied,"Huh", "Ok. 25 percent?" He bargained. I said,"It's not about money, Raffles. I have to be fair to Farquhar and respect this voting system. It's a matter of principles". "Oh c'mon, I will give you 35 percent of my profits and that is the furthest i can go. Don't push your luck." he said. "It's not about money, Raffles...It's principles." I defended. Then he threatened,"Ok, fine. You just becareful in future. What goes around comes around.", "Yes, i will..." I replied and he left. Knowing that he will try to influence the voting committee members, i requested only the head of the ballot to be solely in-charge of the balloting without anyone knowledge. With one person handling this balloting, rigging would not be possible as the positions of four of us are clear. Any discrepancies are easily identified and traced. Besides, the head is a man of honor, who is well-known for his impartialness, and he is none other than Bao Gong - Justice Bao, the Black-face Magistrate.

Evening came and while i was walking towards Padang, Farquhar appeared in front of me and said,"Utama, I know you are a man of principles but that doesnt mean you are ethical and moral. I hope you are fair and true to yourself when you vote. Don't be sway by others' influences." I nodded and begin contemplating the consequences of my vote to either sides and made a position.

People started to crowd at the middle of the field where the ballots was set up by our independant voting committee. The judiciary is in-charged of the committee, which provided an impression of fairness and justice.

Once Bao Gong announced the start of the balloting, people begin shouting support for Raffles and Farquhar. As expected, they cast their votes into the respective box. When my turn came, people were shouting, requesting my support to Farquhar or Raffles. I just kept quiet and walk straight to the box i have decided.

Immediately after i casted my ballot, Bao Gong went in to confirm the votes. After awhile, he came out. Everyone kept quiet and looked at him. He then announced,"With respect of the votes counted from the independant voting committee, the decision regarding the Child following the Father or Mother is non-conclusive as all three boxes contained one ballot each. Hence, the Child is not obligated in any circumstances, by law, culture or practice, to follow the Father or Mother regardless of race. Hearby, i declared the decision held as conclusive unless further appeal". The reaction from the crowd was of relief and disappointment. I guess no one really wanted to change the current way of living and questions struck me: Is changes really so detestable? Why are people so replusive and fearful of changes? Why? WHY!?!?

Emptiness of the Mind

2006-04-02T23:11:00.000+07:00

After some time of pondering about the previous question, i figured that whether the child is to follow the father or mother depends on the idealogy of the creator regardless common sense or biological evidence is applied. It only matter how people, practices and problems will be affected. No one really cares of the child following the father or mother, one only knows whether which is best for them.

So why bother? Only the stupid bothers about something no one cares, the intelligent one just live their life happily away, indifferent to their surrounding.

Which line?

2006-03-16T22:13:00.000+07:00

Had a long meeting today. It's the longest meeting in the shortest notice. Raffles came storming into my room and demanded i call for an urgent meeting, which was against the procedure but i decided to go against the norm.

The normal procedure is to give one day notice according to management practice and our offices being located in different locations - which was rather impratical as the locations are within 5 km distances, and there are only 3 of us for the meeting: myself, Raffles and Farquhar. So you can see why i went against the norm...sometimes there are just too many redundant and incomprehensible procedures that affect the efficiency of management. Sometimes, we just love making illogical rules or follow them blindly.

Anyway, the meeting was commenced in less than one hour. Farquhar came immediately once informed. The reason for this meeting was to discuss 'Who should the child follow between the Father and Mother?' Some say father, some say mother, i say it's a dilemna. Ok, let's look at the process of the creation of child. We shall look at the father first, no particular preference but because the word 'father' begins with the alphabet F which is before M. Don't say im bias.

Father, the male gender, usually masculine, extroverted, thinking and demanding, possess the pole, when harden, becomes the exit for the tadpole to find it's home in the watery cave.

Mother, the female gender, usually feminine, introverted, emotional and possessive, possess the crevice of watery cave which has many homes for the tadpole to choose. However, only when the pole enters into the crevice can then the tadpole be able to choose the many homes and once selected they will base on the side of the watery cave and derive energy for growth till the cave is too small - however this process can be unsuccessful and at times generate more that it could.

Now the main issue is "the figure", not the tadpole, which we shall call it the child. By the way, the tadpole will grow into a figure at home. For a he or she, normal or abnormal, is not for the father or mother to decide, nature is the decision-maker.

Raffles said the child should follow the mother because she possess the watery cave which is the source of energy for the tadpole to grow at home for the period before its entrance to the world.

Farquhar said the father because it is a dangerous world outside the watery cave and he have to brave obstacles to find food for their survival and also protects them from harms way, as in the strong shall protect the physically weak.

Raffles argued that without the mother, there will be no home for the tadpole to derive the energy from the watery cave to grow, which made perfect sense as the father is unable to provide that function.

However, Farquhar rebutted that without the tadpole, the homes will be empty and thus redundant. This make sense too.

While both of them made logical senses, i was thinking what if they can take turns to manage the watery cave. Hrmm...interesting...

Let's not digress. From here, we can see that both of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, and purposes. They are dependant on each other. So how will they survive on their own? How will the species of man, Homosapiens, grow? Which species will be the majority if not mankind? How will earth look like then? Questions upon questions, but there aren't the one i'm asking now.

As you can see, i'm in a dilemna even after such a long discussion. I just wish an answer will appear...

Gado Gado

2006-03-15T14:00:00.000+07:00

Food food food food is all my brain is occupied with and why is this so? when my stomach is full, the brain is unoccupied.

Are these two organs in conflict with each other?

Leben

2006-03-10T23:28:00.000+07:00

Life, what is life? Sometimes i wonder what am i living for because death is how our life is going to end. So what is the point of living since we know that once we die whatever we have done will not be remembered, unless we do get a chance to be recorded of our deeds or sins but will it be true or use to the benefit for a certain purpose?

Questions questions questions. Utama just have too many questions lately. Guess he is still a boy at heart as much as he hate to be a grown man. But self-denial is being escapist, reality still govern the way you lead a life.

Reality and Ideal, which one would you choose?

Membalik

2006-03-08T23:51:00.000+07:00

Today in the market, overheard someone saying what if we live our life from old to young; reverse the current mode of living? Interesting!

A piece of paper

2006-02-28T23:25:00.000+07:00

I found this piece of paper with drawings of a human and she looks blissful. I wonder how the real person actually look like.

5 Pengertian

2006-02-16T22:47:00.000+07:00

Everyone has the basic 5 senses: Sight, Sense, Smell, Sound and Taste, whereas some extraordinary people have 6, the extra one: mental. Within these 5 senses, which one would you rather not keep if you have to lose it?

Out of palace

2006-02-13T23:42:00.000+07:00

This visit back home to nenek had gave me some insight into the grassroot of our magnificient empire.

Nenek was as strong and healthy as she has been. Doing well and she can't wait to carry her great-grandchild. Yea, that's what you would love to see when you are of an age especially seeing all of her grandchildren grown up and married. A great-grandchild in her arms would be real sweet. I am not of that capability but my cousin is.

Speaking of my cousin, he went back to pay a visit to my nenek at the same time as myself. What a coincidence! So with him back, i knew i can sneak out to see the world beyond mine.

I told haolian, my assistant, to get me some common clothes and i left the palace immediately.

I took out my map and decided to head north towards Bukittinggi, where it is 930metres above sea level. And so i travelled hours in our Benteng before reaching. Once up at the top of the Bukittinggi, i felt my nose blocked and had difficulty breathing. It was rather irritating and disturbing but luckily only for a short while.

Bukittinggi is a busy town bustling with activities, unlike temasek. It's full of life! There are people everywhere, students, hawkers, young adults, aunties, uncles, grandfathers and mothers, and of course, children. Basically, almost everyone is out in the town making money, shopping for basic necessities, or chatting. From the town, i can see Gunung Merapi and Gunung Singgalang, the former an active volcano and the latter dead.

According to history by a local whom i spoke to, Gunung Merapi is worshipped by the very first people who came to this land from India 2500 years BC. There were five families and thru years, the population grew. I wondered why didnt they worship Gunung Singgalang as well. This is a question without an answer cause who will know what the very first people are thinking of, unless we can communicate with them directly thru any kind of medium possible. Otherwise, it's all speculation without actual fact but i shall leave it as it is and respect the wishes of the very first people.

While walking around the town, i chatted with numerous locals and they all complained about the poor system in place in this empire. They can systematically describe how corrupted the governance is. I never thought these people understood anything since they are worrying about meals everyday. I thought they wouldn't have the time or strength to think. All of these were told by my bapak. My bapak said, when people are struggling to survive, they don't bother with politics. He is dead wrong. In fact, they will find out the very reason that are causing their misery because how can life goes wrong when you are doing the right things. Hence, i concluded that the best governance is the one that brings meals to the table; satisfying the very basic needs of human. Without food, people will grow discontent and detest the very people who are in control.

After realising the truth from the lie of my bapak, i am sadden by the dishonesty of someone so close to me. I felt betrayed. Why did he have to lie? Maybe it's better not to know so much. Just live the life that is destined for you.

Sumatra

2006-01-31T21:03:00.000+07:00

Time flies. I have been in Temasek for 10 months. Tomorrow, i'm going back home to visit my Nenek. I missed her. She is the strongest woman i ever know.

Pengertian

2006-01-20T23:15:00.000+07:00

I can sense war coming from my Middle of East

Heart bleeding?

2006-01-12T22:59:00.000+07:00

The painter name this painting 'Heart Bleeding', and i dont see it bleeding. I can feel mine though.

What is wrong with artists? They seem to be a bunch of confusing people, difficult to understand. Can't they make life simpler? I certainly wish so for mine.

Anyway, i'm planning a short trip back home. I miss home.

Utama, ohhh Utama

2006-01-07T00:47:00.000+07:00

What is happiness? Is it some kind of extreme emotion or is it ordinary? What is it that make one happy? To be able to live the life one desired, or to live through life rollercoaster uncertainty?

Guru Chicksentmehighee describes it as "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost."

Is he sure that happiness is of what he described?

I think happiness is a heightened state of being, like you feel very different and genuine, real you know.

I heard of this theory called 'Reverse Psychology'. It means that you do something opposite of what you desire. So when i want to be happy, i should make myself sad. It makes sense right? But then when i am happy and sadness is undesirable, can i be not be sad? However, this is a situation where i should be happy cause i'm sad, happy to be sad. And it make sense, no?

God. Just these two state of emotions can create a whole fuss about living. Everyone wants to be happy, can it happen?

Is this a better way to live?

2006-01-04T09:54:00.000+07:00

A day to remember of a Natural Phenomena

2005-12-26T18:48:00.000+07:00

Today is a day that took away 280,000 innocent people lives, and there are ten of thousands still missing. this Natural Phenomena took place at a perfect time when everyone's guard is down.

Sadly, after a year, their lives have not improved,
Undermined by corruption of goodwill groups who had raised resources to help those affected.

No amount of consolation can bring the smile back onto their faces and
A deep sense of sadness evoke whenever the image of a love one appear in their mind.

Maybe one day, they will learn to smile again,
Ignorant of the world at large...

Koala Lumpur

2005-12-23T21:33:00.000+07:00

Recently, i heard that there is a place where this particular species of animal roam further up north from Temasek. This animal is called Koala, it's very peaceful and congenial, co-exist very well with other animals. Hence, it set me wondering since animals can co-exist well with one another, why can't human do that as well. In fact, we should.

So after thinking for days, i realised the main element for the longer sustainability of mankind is peace. With peace, without war, only can we commune and improve together. I also heard that this particular animal is rather pro-active cause they launched, a few days back, an "Koala Lumpur Initiative to Criminalise War" within the animal kingdom.

Here is what they came out:

THE Koala Lumpur Global Peace Forum of concerned animals from all five continents

UNITED in the belief that peace is the essential condition for the survival and well-being of the animal race,

DETERMINED to promote peace and save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,

OUTRAGED over the frequent resort to war in the settlement of disputes between animal species,

DISTURBED that militarists kind are preparing for more wars,

TROUBLED that use of armed force increases insecurity for all,

TERRIFIED that the possession of weapons will lead to the annihilation of life on earth.

To achieve peace we now declare that:

1. Wars increasingly involve the killing of innocent and are, therefore, abhorrent and criminal.

2. Killings in war are as criminal as the killings within societies in times of peace.

3. Since killings in peace time are subject to the domestic law of crime, killings in war must likewise be subject to the international law of crimes. This should be so irrespective of whether these killings in war are authorized or permitted by domestic law.

4. All commercial, financial, industrial and scientific activities that aid and abet war should be criminalised.

5. All species leaders who initiate aggression must be subjected to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

6. All nations must strengthen the resolve to accept the purposes and principles of the Koala Lumpur Initiative and institute methods to settle international disputes by peaceful means and to renounce war.

7. Armed force shall not be used at all times.

8. All anigislators and all members of Ganiment must affirm their belief in peace and pledge to strive for peace.

9. Animal parties all over the world must include peace as one of their principal objectives.

10. Non-Ganimental Organisations committed to the promotion of peace should be set up in all nations.

11. The media must actively oppose war and the incitement to war and consciously promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

12. Entertainment media must cease to glorify war and violence and should instead cultivate the ethos of peace.

13. All religious leaders must condemn war and promote peace.

To these ends the Forum resolves to establish a permanent Secretariat in Koala Lumpur to –

IMPLEMENT this Initiative.

OPPOSE policies and programmes that incite war.

SEEK the cooperation of NGOs worldwide to achieve the goals of this Initiative.

Impressive isn't it! God, who says animal don't think!

Undang-undang

2005-12-05T17:07:00.000+07:00

Yesterday, Raffles was suggesting to bring the English legal system, Common law, into Temasek through the Charters of Justice.

Papak rejected the suggestion directly, saying the english customs, practices and tradition are culturally different from ours. Besides, there isn't a need to import other's legal system, even though currently there isn't an existing one.

Then Raffles explained, With Rules and Regulation, we would be able to regulate the behaviours and practices of the society, of the citizens. The Law will create an orderly society, where each is given certain rights and place in the system. Everyone knows their place in the society, their homeland. So if any confusion arises, there are the rules to say whether it's against the rules and regulations or not.

And he continued, Besides, the English Legal system has been around for many many years, a few hundred years at least, so it is quite consistent, fair, and relevant.

Relevant!? Papak rebutted. How can it be relevant when both countries do not share the same practices? England is England, Temasek is Temasek, do you see the difference in the spelling of words?

Temasek do not have a former system of law but yet our society still co-exist harmoniously, so we dont need anything from England. Temasek is a sovereign country. We will create a Legal system when the need arises. You just go be your adminstrator of this island and think of ways to profit from our neighbours or your homeland neighbours.

In my mind, i was thinking: Only a few days back, a young man was killed. Why would papak wants to have a former system that will restricts his power? I think Raffles has some ulterior motives. Better becareful of him now.

In Memory of the Messenger

2005-12-03T08:33:00.000+07:00

It's a sad day for the world when one has to die for the heart of love ones whereas the heartless rejoiced for the punishment meted out to saveguard his reputation.

The king of shame has just emerged.

XAT

2005-11-30T23:48:00.000+07:00

This is the longest meeting i had with Raffles and nothing productive ever comes out from this guy. Did you know how long the meeting lasted? 5 hours!!! We were discussing how should we increase the level of dole in Temasek State Coffer as the rate its spending, no one in this world can support. Raffles just like to buy any company which he "THINKS" have the potential for long-term investment.

By the way, Temasek State Coffer resources comes from temasekians in this little island. They have to contribute for the betterment of their lives and protection from enemies, right. Nothing is free in this world. Just that we make use of this resources for our benefits, not theirs. As Raffles would always say and end with a shrill laugh. He is an asshole, i tell you.

Anyway, issue here is: How should we continue to raise money within the existing system and not antagonise them? As the rate they are paying is seriously low - claim by Raffles.

Let me explain. 1 Chicken can lay one egg approximately every 25 hours, means that every day an egg is laid, however the chicken will stop laying and instead focus on incubation of eggs, which is known as going broody. Estimated figure that a chicken will continue laying is 6 daily, while the remaining 4 will be going broody. Once the egg is laid, it will take 3 weeks to hatch, then 8 - 12 weeks for a chicken to be ready for frying or roasting, meaning to be eaten prepared in such a manner, So total number of weeks for the chicken to be ready is, let say, average, 10 weeks. 10 weeks = 2 1/2 months. 10 weeks multiply 6 eggs daily = 60 chickens that will be ready in every quarter of the year. Out of 60, 90% will be of poor quality - which need to be improve, which will be 54 eggs to be produce from one family. Local population on last count is 500,000 multi-racial, and out of that figure, 75% produces chicken, which gives us a rough figure of 375,000 producers. 375,000 multiply 54 chickens gives us 20,250,000 chickens!!! However, it doesnt mean that this number is to be transacted. Families have mouth to feed, hence, 25% of 20,250,000 will be consumed by the family and another 25% to be exchange for other items like silk, tea cups, porcelain, chess sets, marble, etc...As from the calculation, you can see the number of chickens a family requires, so we requested them to contribute the remaining 25% in every quarter of the year to the state coffer. That is not too much right, since they will be dead in a matter of time.

As you can see now, how transparent and un-corrupted of our state assets by such computations, temasekians know how much assets Temasek has. However, whatever that is written on that piece of paper is different from stock. I have reported to Papak but he just brushed the issue aside.

So much for the explanation and i hope you can follow so far. It's not too complicated, right?

8 minutes before the ending of the meeting, Farquhar came in. We told him the issue and within 8 minutes, he said," There is a type of material, called Xenon, which beautify porcelain or be use for decoration on silk. We can produce it and name this product XAT." Raffles exclaimed,"That is such a brillant idea!" and asked," what does XAT means?" Farquhar replied,"Xenon-Added Tax" Raffles said,"Good good, Farquhar, go write a plan and get it implemented quickly. I need money to buy that house in London." And i just stood there all the while, transparent. Am i governor or is he the governor...

Sentenced

2005-11-23T21:11:00.000+07:00

Life is a gift, though meaningless, meaningless as it may be is still meaningful.

The moment we are born into this world, death await us. It's arm is always opened to embrace us, however we are terrified by this embrace. This embrace opens another door to a world unknown, mysterious, and unforeseeable.

Since life is a gift, are we cherishing this gift? or do we know it's a gift? For some do and some not, but one day they will or will not.

Guru Barr once said,"Knowing how you want to die is knowing how you want to live"

I still don't know how i want to die. I have an empire to rule, mouths to feed, lives to improve. How can i die now? It's not a choice of mine to choose the time, time chooses me.

But, Sadly, I see people being executed to death for unreasonable reasons. They deserved to die because their lives worth less than a pinch of salt. As i have said, life is a gift, it's value is immeasurable, immeasurable because gift cannot be bought. Gift is what the thought counts, hence thought cannot be bought. Thought originates through itself, thought is not to be punished.

Papak said we have to execute this messenger from Persia. I asked why. He said because he is our enemy. I replied, there are so far away and how can they be our enemy. He rebutted, they are our enemy because they spread rumors harming our reputation. I retorted, our reputation will not be harm if our conscience is clear. Angrily, he said, our reputation will be defame even though our intention is good so how can i let this defamation ruin the name of our name! I kept quiet...muttered, we will not be shameful of our name for doing the good intention, it's only the opposite that makes us wear the crown of shame. I was given a slap. I screamed, as long as an innocent person is to be kill for the wrong reason, shame will bestowed the name of those who determine, authorise,and execute the sentence!!!

"Blind, Deaf and Dumb"

2005-11-22T11:27:00.000+07:00

My brain is....

2005-10-27T23:47:00.000+07:00

A table, two cups, and long period of silence

2005-10-20T20:59:00.000+07:00

This afternoon in the teahouse, i saw two chinese staring on the table for a long time, tea cups by their side. I wonder what are they doing, so asked Raffles. By the way, raffles loves tea, especially chinese tea and the teahouse. The perfect ambience to relax, muse, or stimulation of the brain.

Raffles couldn't reply and comment whimsically that they are musing or in a form of chinese relaxation. He began to follow suit.

Irritated. I walk over towards the gentlemen's table. As i walked closer, i saw some thing standing all over the table. The table is actually at a quiet corner of the 3rd level, so tough for the eyes. Once i got very near, i saw many things standing on the table. They are pieces of a chess game. A old man nearby began introducing me the game of chess.

He said, "The chess board is 8 by 8, with alternate black and white square across every rank and file. White square must be on the right side of the player. Black and white, the color for each set, with white having the advantage to start the game. The set constitutes: one king, one queen, two bishops, two horses, two rooks and eight pawn." Then he continued," The objective of the game is to capture the opponent's king"

After hearing his introduction, i got excited and wanted to try a game of it. I asked if he is interested to have a game with me and, at the same time, teach me the game of chess. He smile and gladly obliged. As soon as he agreed, i called haolian, my assistant, to go get a chess set. He was stopped as soon as the old man heard my instructions(haolian must be thanking him like mad as he has not a slightest clue where to purchase or find one). Old man said,"Go to the counter and borrow one. They provide such a service". I'm like,'wow, i didn't know that'

Haolian quickly walk to the counter, swinging his hands highly left to right and twisting his hips wildly. Old man and i laughed uncontrollably when he saw that. It was funningly strange. Well, a rule in the teahouse is no running. Hence, that act of "running".

Once we had our set, each of us a tea cup by our side, i had the priviledge to start since it was my jungfrau game and made my jungfernfahrt move. After making a few more moves, i was checkmated. I only made TEN moves! Verdammt! I can't believe it. I always think my brain is the most capable organ. Apparently, it's not. This just motivates me to work harder in this department.

Old man grins at seeing me going through the frustration and said,"Young man, you just got introduce to this game and wanted to win. Don't you think that is a bit too fast?" he continued,"Chess is a game of patience. You need to relax your body and exercise the mind. Most importantly, enjoy the process of the game. It is through the process that one learn most and a point where consciousness rules. Consciousness is the heighten/highest senses that makes a person pure."

I nodded and hrmmmmmmmm.

Silence is good

2005-10-19T20:42:00.000+07:00

Ahhh....nice. The world stand still.

Power of nature

2005-10-16T21:26:00.000+07:00

Yesterday walking by the beach in the evening was so peaceful. The tranquility of nature calms the mind and soul. It's been some time that i have enjoy simple joy.

Apparentlee

2005-10-11T14:21:00.000+07:00

Goddamnit. It seems like information reaches me at its slowest pace. Whenever things happened, no one would inform me not first, not second, but till the whole world knows, then my self. Where are my feeders? Am I not in the right level? Am I invisible? Is my position as a Prince compromise by many "important" advisors, strategists, commanders?

The spread of information in this island is really inefficient and I don’t have this problem in Sumatra, which are thousand more times bigger. There must be something wrong with this island’s administration. Raffles is doing a horrible job. I just heard there was an earthquake northwest from the island. Maybe a Tsunami is coming towards this island, this moment. I must get a proper system implemented. Damnit.

A day of Love

2005-09-08T14:14:00.000+07:00

A meeting in the afternoon with an envoy from China, admiral Nilna, in a chinese teahouse sets the mood of the day.

While we were discussing about the situation in Siam, a chinese poet nearby recited a poem which caught the ear of the envoy. He stopped our conversation and began listening to the poet. He was immersed in listening and the poet was filled with passion reciting the poem, as if his lover was in front him. The look of the of poet face was of LOVE. Here is the recital of the poem(translated),

'If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't i paint you? The words will never show the you i've come to know.'

As he continues, The longing for her, desiring her, wanting her are expressed with such intense flame of passion and wretched melancholy that infects everyone in the vicinity. Time stops for the moment. Time stood still. All ears and eyes were on him now. Even i am, though i do not understand what he is saying but felt the words through his expressions.

'If a man could be in two places at one time, i'd be with you. Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way.'

Once he ended with his last word, everyone began to ponder as if love was lost. One began to ask, " Is there love? Have i been in love? What is love?" Endless questions open up by a single word.

Then, a sweet voice rose,

'Love is like chocolate, tastes sweet and bitter.'

It was the voice of a child whose hand was filled with chocolate. Everyone nodded and burst out laughing.

Admiral Nilna decided to end our meeting and propose another day for there is no mood to discuss serious matter. I obliged for the thoughts are drifted from the land of reality.

Is love for real?

What a day

2005-08-25T01:08:00.000+07:00

I'm 826 years old today.

Should i be happy or sad? Hrmmm...

An old raintree

2005-08-24T07:08:00.000+07:00

I dreamt of seeing a huge old raintree, suddenly, collapsing parts by parts, branch by branch, crushing a small box with four wheels. The tree broke apart slowly, intermittently, then a chrushing blow. People were around the box and started to ran away. It was quite a mess, a huge mess in fact. Within minutes, a few bigger boxes with a huge flat plate in front of it came. They cleared the mess efficiently and promptly, in a matter of minutes. It was very fast.

And i woke up.

The Nearness of you

2005-08-16T13:16:00.000+07:00

Shocking. Amazing. Astonishing. Impressive!!! While walking in the park, i saw two black persons singing. They sound beautifully romantic. The chemistry between them is unbelievable! They understand each other perfectly; read each other's thoughts, actions ; capable to follow what is left empty. I can't believe what i hear, even though the incomprehensible language they used.

Luckily, my england tutor was around. She told me they are singing in english. It's kinda weird initially. Two black persons singing in english?? I raised one eyebrow upon hearing that.

By the way, they aren't indian. They are african!!! I never know africans could speak english and even sing in it! AND, WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY DOING IN TEMASEK!!! Whatever it is, they really can sing. I love their voices. So i got my england tutor to write down the what they are singing, and here it is:

It's not the pale moon that excites me
That thrills and delights me, oh no
It's just the nearness of you

It isn't your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation, oh no
It's just the nearness of you

When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams come true

I need no soft lights to enchant me
If you'll only grant me the right
To hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night the nearness of you

After understanding the song, this sweet melancholy suddenly sets upon me. I felt someone close, but not around.

An Auspicious Day?

2005-08-08T20:08:00.000+07:00

Farquhar barged into my office, exclaiming,'Your highness, Today is a lucky day!'

I lifted my head, look at him, annoyed, thinking,'what the hell is wrong with him? what lucky day is today!?'

After catching his breath, he explained the chinese believe eight is an auspicous number. Hence today, 8th August, is a lucky day.

I'm like, what the hell. If eight is a lucky number, what about the rest of the numbers?

Then, he continued explaining, because the pronouciation of eight shares the same sound as fortune in cantonese.

But, it's lucky by the cantonese. what about the rest of the dialects?

I seriously doubt today is a lucky day, cause nothing good happened to me. What if something good happened, does it mean every day of this year i will be lucky? I'm really skeptical about such a belief.

And then, farquhar continued, if you write down your wish today, your wish will be granted. He said,'One of them actually strike rich today because last year, he wish to be rich'.

So, does it mean the wish has a time difference of a year? This is only one example, how do you expect me to buy it. I'm beginning to wonder how did farquhar manage to be in this position, a governor-general! Goodness.

My wish is to have all my wishes fufill. Let's see if it will be fufill, if 8 is indeed a lucky number, an auspicious day.

There is saying,'Better believe than not'. Ha.

Never-ending job

2005-08-04T00:43:00.000+07:00

Finally, able to put some time for blogging. Jobbing seems to be eternal; it never stops coming; piles up like a river constantly flowing, till it dries up - god knows when.

This trigger a question: When will the river dries up?

A river will cease to exist under a few circumstances:

a) Lack of refill; havn't been raining for a long time; drought,

b) Covered by landslides; filled with sediments, solids, soil,

c) A new path was created which re-directed it's flow

Let's analyse these circumstances:

a) A drought will happen under nature's control; it will decide when it shall or shall not rain. Beyond the control of earthlings.

b) Landslide is kinda predictable. When the water level rises and lower, soil soften and in due time, it will slide down into, narrowing the river.

c) This is the work of the river itself; flowing through a direction it deems suitable.

Hrmmmmm...doesn't it sound simple? Is it really that simple? Maybe. Anyway, these are my observation and analysis of a river.

PS: I hope i sound coherent, do i?

Job2do

2005-07-17T23:50:00.000+07:00

Sucks...New term starts tomorrow. Got to start working hard again. Life is not carefree anymore, Life is changing from my routine, Life is...interesting!

Past few months had been a great time for me. I learnt so much of this island, people, and culture that my life is enriched. This island is multi-cultural on the surface and people are still racially segregated. There are still so much more areas for improvement and learning. It's going to be a long process and hopefully i will enjoy it.

Alright. It's late. Tomorrow has a meeting with Farquhar. I'm going to learn state governance from him. Nights.

Un-numb

2005-07-13T00:10:00.000+07:00

Numb by mundanities of my life for the past few weeks is quite an amazing result. Mundanities is definitely an incorrect word, more like manipulated, manipulated by the complexities of life unpredictable twists and turns.

Being a prince does not mean i'm omnipotent. A prince is a human too. The difference between myself and others is, i am a prince of an empire. Therefore, being in such a position, my conduct should be exemplary for many to follow due to the attention i received. Being in such a position also entitled myself to many benefits. Which causes the existence of envy. Envy strives in people with small heart and narrow eyes. I suppose that is why people are different.

Yesterday, my guru asked me this questions: What would i do when i have the power?

My younger sister, Essa, immediately replied," Banish all stupid people to another planet!" I stunned for a moment, thinking," Didn't know my sister detested stupid people and is such an elitist of the mind". It certainly shocked me.

Then, my love, Eli, said," Make all her friends happy". This shocked, and impressed, me too cause she is such a naughty girl. And deep in my heart, i was very happy for her selfless-ness.

For me, after pondering for some time, i would use the power to educate people's moral. I would love to banish all immoral people to another planet but it's not realistic. Hence, education. This way, i can try to make everyone happy, but happiness is another subject.

I told my guru and he was delighted.

Here is what i thought of:

The definition of morals varied from cultures and religions. I, personally, do not believe in religion, even though im a hinduist, a little buddhist. Religion is a solace for people and a means to control and coax in a system. However, both are not exactly a religion. They are more like beliefs. Let's not digress.

In the definition of morals, the wrong acts are: 1. Lying, 2. Slander, 3. Contrive, 4. Stealing, 5. Rape, 6. Murder, 7. Rob. The provision of the wrong acts should suffice, because all good acts are an act of not committing a wrong act. These are the seven sins which i will aptly consitutionalised once i assume the empire. A quote from Rama," No one is sinless." True enough. However, repentance must be shown and practice. I believe, a stupid person is not worse than an immoral one. The latter will receive a bad karma for all sins committed. Believe it or not, karma has its unfathomable power. The judge is Karma. This is the best form of punishment.

With this definition of morals, i believe, my people will treat one another properly. Relationships in the community will improve creating a congenial social environment for all to interact and live in. The characteristics of a human will progress rather than trap in the endless cycle of war. The human will live a healthier life. Death is an end awaiting through a meaningful journey.

Hahaha. Can't believe what i have thought of. It would be really nice when i constitutionalised and look at the result. I must write it down and let papak know. I wonder what his reacion is. Hrmmmm...

Numb

2005-07-12T00:30:00.000+07:00

(((******)))

Good Grief

2005-06-23T11:06:00.000+07:00

Today, a bad news was spread among my entire family. My Uncle Punya has passed away. He is the eldest son of our family line but due to some differences with my Grandfather, the throne was passed to my father instead. When you can't make the old man happy, he make your life miserable. Asshole right? Oh well, whatever. That is how it works in a patriarchal system: the man rules.

Anyway, good for me, bad for the women. But come to think of it, women plays an important role in the system too. They provide and ensure the family is well run while the man work to feed the family. Oh, what am i talking about here? My father don't work for the family. He is the laziest bastard and just wait for money to fall from the sky. He must have pray real hard during his previous life to be born in a royal family, and now he had the throne - which he don't deserve at all. I'm digressing.

Today is a day for grieving but, ironically, my relatives aren't really sad. It seems like his death has been a good death. Haha. My grand uncle Cigga told me of how my uncle Punya was when he was alive, what he did for my grandfather, his own family and as a person himself.

As a person, he don't create any trouble for people. He works in a dilligent and abiding manner. No problem in work, not all the time, but, definitely, occasionally, and who doesn't? He don't gamble, consume alcohol and indulge in libertines.

As a son, he would help out my grandfather with the adminstrative of the empire; negotiate with states regarding matters of territories, of sovereignty, of tributes to us; basically, whatever shit work my grandfather unable to finish or simply throw at him. And these are not his main job. He was managing several farms and fishing villages. A busy busy man, indeed.

As a father, he always try to find time to spend quality time with them, understand them, guide them, advice them. He rarely used the cane or force. He believes in reasoning as it is much better than imposing values onto them. They are life itself and have their own mind and will. Besides the daughters, of course, the rest of the time are spent with his wife, in bed, in meals, in problems; they go thru thick and thin. Nice right?

Ok. I know he sounds like a perfect man. But he really is. Maybe not totally perfect but close. He did his duties well. It sounds easy but it is not. Do you think they are so many selfless people in this world? Fact tells us that they are very few. I know by writing or talking aren't substantial enough, but the manner and circumstances he left this mortal world explains it all. He died in his sleep. His children are all married, and he is a grandfather himself! Plus he gave them no troubles at all! What more can his children ask for? He left the world peacefully. I, Utama, can assure that because i saw a smile on his face in the coffin.

Uncle Punya, altough we seldom see each other, i know you are a great man, because grand uncle Cigga said so and i believe everything he said. Living is definitely no easy feat and you lived your life well. I respect you for what you are and did. I hope i can be like you too.

P/S: I feel like a small boy, again.

A Nose that runs

2005-06-21T02:36:00.000+07:00

Today, i spent my whole day chasing after the nose. It's really a pest. An agile, fast, dodgy one that is. Bloody irritating like hell, where it blows hot and cold. It's been a tiring chasing game. I don't seem to be able to catch it. Every few hours, i feel weak and fall into a slumber state. I suspect it sedated me with it's odourless, colourless fragrance in the form of a flower, or just pure air (Identifying has been an onerous process, so...). This is the power of this nose, which power-less its opponent.

Is it good or what, or i suck? Who is the master here? The one who chases or one being chase? Sniffs.

The Beauty of Sleep

2005-06-19T04:05:00.000+07:00

Sleep, a state where the body is at rest, horizontally, and mind is unconsciously at work - dreaming. Sleep is the time to rest after a day's activities. Sleep is position where you loosen your guard against the environment; being in a vunerable position. Sleep is what you need most when you lack of it. Sleep is simply beautiful, the moment where one is free from the complexities of the real world and be at peace with oneself; reflection for the human soul. Sleep is what i need now!!!

I can feel the effect of the green honey. It's really effective. Effects of antidote for sleeping disorder. Effecting myself to sleep now..zzzZZZ

IN-SO-MIA

2005-06-18T00:48:00.000+07:00

Bloody hell...I can't believe i have slept only eight hours for the past two days. Eight hours in two days! My brain is suppose to be taking a break, not working so hard. There are no exam or work at this moment, so why should it be working in such a manner??? I seriously need an answer. And, my excerise regime should tire me out but it's not. WHY? WHY NOT? Is this a sign of death? Or what?

I need to sleep...

Love After Love

2005-06-16T02:47:00.000+07:00

The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,

And say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was yourself.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

Derek Walcott

A beautiful duel

2005-06-14T20:46:00.000+07:00

The star illuminates the pole, and the moon colors the night. But my guide is a sole star and if, when the shadows have been dispelled, my star rises from the the East, my mind will ignore the shadows of sorrow. You are my radiant star, who will dispel the night, and light itself without you is night, whereas with you night is splendid radiance.
If you feel hunger, only you sate me; if i feel thirst, only you quench it. But what am i saying? You refresh, but do not satiate. Never have i been sated with you, nor shall i ever be...
So great is your sweetness, so wondrous your constancy, so ineffable the tone of your voice, such the beauty and the grace that crown you, that it would be a great offence to attempt to express them in words. May the fire that consumes us grow always, and with new fuel, and the more it remains hidden, the more it will flare up and deceive the envious and the treacherous, so that the question will ever remain: which of us two loves the more, and so between us there will always be joined a beautiful duel in which both are victorious...

Baudolino

Freedom

2005-06-14T02:43:00.000+07:00

Sings," FreedommmM, freedommmmm..." I just love this word. I love the meaning of it, not that i am not free. I am but free in a sort of way, but trapped in another sort of way. Life is a contradiction, isn't it? HA.

Anyway, i am free from exams. Took my last paper today which releases me from having mental memorisation, calculation, computation, etc...i can sleep peacefully tonight, but not for long. I can hear more work coming.

Ever since i came back, which was seventeen days ago, i never really had the chance to write about my wonderfully coloured trip filled with adventure of sorts. The moment i stepped into this island, people have been bugging me for this, stressing me of that, which gave me undue pressures, of questions that i am also asking. However, i just didn't have the time to explain, because i am seeking for an answer too! Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you going to get. I like the uncertainties of life, make it so much more exciting and interesting.

Ok. The trip. Let's talk about the trip i had, which i can now reflect and savour those beautiful and joyous moments in paradise. Life is heaven and i know how heaven looks like. It's truly beautiful, and i shall share with everyone.

Heaven, is a place where one is free from stress but filled with fun, peace, joy, and laughter. A place where you are in a world of your own, with friends you love and to play with. You are at peace with your own self, like there are no obstacles you cannot overcome. Omnipotent. You learn new things everyday. The sky is beautiful for rain or shine. The sea is clear in day or night. Stars smiling all night long. This is life.

However, sad to say, it does not end there. Time moves on. Life too. But, at least, in my life, i have experience heaven, not once but more than once and less than ten or lesser(I don't keep track of my visits to heaven). This kind of experience can't be bought, it's just happen. No one will know when it happen, only after.

Without hell, there would be no heaven. Is it contradicting or not?

Recession

2005-04-26T18:43:00.000+07:00

Time to relax, even though i felt it's not needed. Anyway, good for reflection of my highs before the lows come.

Taking my own sweet time

2005-04-24T08:38:00.000+07:00

Ahhh..it's so nice to be able to do things at my own pace. It's makes work so much more enjoyable and productive. What is the point to achieve quantity compromising quality?

The corporations seem to work in such a manner. They believe high production of products increase profits, provided that there is a high demand. Without demand, you can produce anything you want and it will still be not sellable. However, if you focus on quality, the chances of being consume is higher. Quality meaning: real effort taken to produce with a flexible time constraint, employee positive working attitude, no lack of resources for production, and a congenial working, social environment.

I know it's not possible to fufil all the requirements but it's not impossible. This is where the part of management comes to play. It have to be the strategy and vision of the management and implemented fairly and democraticly through two way communication between higher and lower level of the corporation. I believe it would sustain the profitablity in a longer term, just like the delicious Nasi lemak hawker outside Istana which had taken the limelight from my magnificent mansion and this reminds me to get rid of that bloody hawker!!! Idiot.

Braindead

2005-04-23T01:25:00.000+07:00

My brain is dead. Corporate management has taken its toll on my poor little brain. The way management funtions and operates varies in differing heights, it all boils down to objectives and agenda of the board. Aren't our goal is to make profits? Yes. However, there are external factors to be taken into account too, like environment, society condition, political stability, etc.

Like i said, my brain is dead. I can't really think. How nice would it be if i make consumers brain dead but enough for them to consume. I just need a good marketing campaign.

Corporate management

2005-04-21T00:16:00.000+07:00

It's been a week since i last blog due to the large amount of materials i have to read and understand.

As you know, my papak wanted me to study corporate management. He says the management is the most important function besides finance. If you can't manage your management well, costs will go up and efforts and money will be wasted. And also, the need to control our colleages making sure they aren't going to oust us(management) from our job. In another words, dictate them using a beauracratic system which we can make sure everything runs smoothly, accordingly and orderly. We are the rulers of the empire and have to continue our dynasty.

It sounds all so exciting as i can feel the power slowly transfering to me. Power. An amazing ability to influence people who, unwittingly, give their power to the influencer. The best thing is how a person can receive huge "supports" from many. It makes you wonder whether the people understood why they have given the support to that person. It's so simple yet complex at the same time.

My papak is making sure that i will be the one receiving the supports in no time. He wants me to be a great ruler. One who will set a good example for the world to learn and follow.

Damn. I feel my vocabs are limited. Need to learn more words from today.

@#@^%@#$@^#%

2005-04-15T22:39:00.000+07:00

Damn. My papak wants me to study corporate management and the course is starting tomorrow!!! Of all days, it starts tomorrow. Why can't it be later? WHY? I was planning a visit to the mama shop tomorrow morning, when everyone is still in their morning blues. This is so frustrating. And now, i don't know when can i visit the mama shop. @#@$^&%#@^%

Visit to mama shop

2005-04-13T00:54:00.000+07:00

Today, which i meant yesterday due to that 54 minutes past midnight, I went to the mama shop. When i first heard of it, i was thinking what the hell does the shop sells? A shop that sells mama or mama selling shops or mama shops? So in order to answer my question, i have to visit the shop to find the answer. And there i go, stealthly, sneak to the shop without the knowledge of my bodyguards. And by the way, they are pests, you know. I don't need bodyguards. I am not a criminal or in a dangerous position as i don't have enemies! My papak is paraniod. He just worry way too much. I wish he learns how to take things easy and trust his beloved Utama. I am an adult already. Not a small boy, you know.

Anyway, once out from the pests, i took out my shitty map of Singapura and try to locate the districts of....erm....i don't know which district a mama shop opens in!? sigh. So, i suppose, i have to start from zero. Not a single clue of mama shop.

I look at the morning sun and decided to head west. There i go, i walk and walk. It was a very pleasant walk through the orchid farms. In fact, it's beautiful. The greenery, flowers blossoming, huge trees. I like it.

Then, suddenly, I saw from a far a shop name 'MAMA SHOP'. "Yes!" i exclaimed, "i finally found one. Luck is on my side today". I quicken my footsteps, twisting my hips sideways vigorously to enhance the movements. Within five minutes, i covered the distance of a mile, the distance from my discovery to the shop. That's fast right? I reckon so. I might be a prince but that doesn't mean im a pampered one.

Out of nowhere, My bodyguards appear and surrounded me. My adviser squeezed his fat ass through them and advices me that my papa would not be please for my behaviour and would lead to serious consequences for everyone.

Damn...I thought today i would be able to enjoy the day by myself. And now, their lifes are under my actions, I oblige and followed them back to Istana. This is so so so so so so so so irritating. I was right in front of the shop and i couldn't even step inside to see what it's like. I feel like killing somebody now!!!

Rooms for improvement

2005-04-08T23:34:00.000+07:00

A friend of mine said my blog lack the depth, which i kinda agree. My command of english is not to a level of mastery, and still learning to understand this bastard language. By the way, English language is not a pure language. It is formed through other languages like germanic, french or anglo-saxon - along that line. It is, itself, abstract and words can be interpreted differently, if you didn't get the crux of the sentences. I even heard dyslexic have problem understanding the language. But i must admit that my knowledge is not wide enough to substantiate this claim. However, My friends supported it as they, themselves, agreed. One of them is a english major.

I am Utama, the Prince from Majapahit Empire. I speak javanese. Sadly, javanese is not a language to be written in this virtual world.

Just like my palace, big and roomy, there are definitely place for improvement. Learning never stops.

April fool!!!

2005-04-01T00:31:00.000+07:00

Happy April's fool day!!! Hahaha.

Blog is quite amazing. It has this function where i can change the time & date even when today is not first of April. I feel so powerful. I can change time or date whenever i want. How nice. I really wish i can do that in real life so mistakes are correctable. Things would be perfect, in my dreams i suppose. Haha. Bloody dreamer...

Today, was the day i landed on Singapura. Similary, as always, I was greeted by a grand reception of Chinese lion dance accompanied by Malay dikibarat and welcome in a customary Indian manner served with Peranakan's delicacies. It was such an eclectic cultural combination that one could not be more please with the creativity of singapureans. Actually, i like to call them Temasekians. Sounds better, isn't it? Singapura inhabited by Temasekians. Nice, i like.

As usual, after the welcoming by the hospitable Temasekians, i headed down to the Istana. It's right in the middle of Orchard road. It's a boring place. The whole stretch is mostly filled by orchid farms. I don't want to see orchid. I want to see the liveliness of the island, the main activities beside work. So i asked Farquhar, sounds like ah-qua, where are the fun places. He told me none. He said singapura is a place to work and live, not to play. I was shocked by his mercenary attitude. I simply don't understand why papak let him manage this island. Look at what he have turn it into, an island with no life. So i suppose the creativity of Temasekians are fake, the eclectic mix must have been stolen from someone. I need to inform papak of the situation.

The Majapahit emprire is not only a conqueror, it has humanity at heart. The lives of the civilians are the main focus as we have responsibilities towards them. They are the primary group that form this empire. Without them, there will be no empire. Peace and strength to protect and provide are what makes the Majapahit empire lasting. Claimer: This paragraph is solely base on my thoughts and no relation with the empire itself.

Okay. Time for dreaming. Need to digest the informations i'm receiving.

Good afternoon.

Apprenticeship

2005-03-28T15:59:00.000+07:00

Hooray! I am travelling to Temasek to assume to learn corporate governance, the latest term for governing a state. My papa has decided it's time for me to learn to be a king, earlier than i have thought. However, i'm a little apprehensive as i'm still young. Still an inexperience young man.

Tomorrow morning, i will depart from my lovely palace to the place where i've found. I don't understand why credits are given to Stamford Raffles. He is not the first person who step onto the island, i am. Actually, there are people already living on the island when i was there. I would rather that i have the credit than him cause HE EXPLOITED OUR RESOURCES!!! I visited the island and left the place empty only with a name. Why people can't differentiate between good and bad people. Is it that anyone who bring food to your mouth are good people? Why can't we depend on ourselves and keep our integrity? I say, people are just too lazy. They don't bother to use their most precious asset: The Brain.

Okay. Shouldn't grumble now as i havn't pack my stuffs yet, don't know what to bring. Maybe i should keep it minimum.

Oblivion

2005-03-25T01:00:00.000+07:00

My oh my. I am so busy that it's hard to keep abreast with news in my empire. I don't have time to read even though news are within my finger tips. I suppose this is also a good sign, a sign of work, of tasking, of learning. And, im enjoying it.

With such an attitude, i wonder whether the empire would be in good hands once it's handed over to me. Maybe in years to come, i should be under tutorship from my father, or the Monarchy, which i don't see much of the relevance except for the transferal of power. Oh well, we shall see.

It's late. I should get some rest. Tomorrow is a long day.

Confused blogger

2005-03-22T00:07:00.000+07:00

My oh my. I'm so irrtated of unable to view my latest post in the blog. I simply don't understand what is wrong here. Am i too stupid or it is too complicated for me. Goon-ness.

I think the functions in blog should come with a explanation, expecially those incomprehensible and lowly utilize ones. Otherwise, what is the point of having many functions or function difficult to use.

Hope the administrator is reading this blog. Please take note. Thanks.