The Very Near Future

Malaysia Decides
The immediate future back home is, of course, regarding the 2008 General Elections. The voices of all Malaysians were heard on the 8th of March, and this time, democracy was fully utilized to vent past dissatisfactions. The national coalition, dominant for over 50 years, faces their first major setback with the Chinese (MCA) and Indian (MIC) parties crumbling rapidly. Without sufficient paramount leaders voted into parliament these two parties, and the parliament, faces their steepest climb yet - election of Chinese and Indian ministers.
It is a relief to see how Malaysians, and particularly the minorities, spoke loud and clear while they still have the ability to do so. A few years more of protectionism and nepotism will doom these minorities and our voices might not be heard in the very near future. The People made a wise decision, and for Barisan Nasional (BN) it is time for reflection but not condemnation nor grief. I would not say democracy had always been present in Malaysia, but for once there is hope that it will conceive in the hearts of all Malaysians.
Nevertheless, the road for Malaysia to realize its Vision 2020 is still long and hard, with diverse culture, people and globalization closing behind, it will demand not only the right leaders but also integration and cooperation from all citizens of Malaysia. Reading CNN revealed a few no-confidence comments on Malaysia, past, present and future. However, I personally believe with significant effort from everyone, regardless of race, gender and social background, Malaysia will once again soar the skies of Asia. There is hope.
Of yesterday I am particularly proud of all Penangnites, whose voices were the loudest and actions the most united in the nation. Penangnites has once again reminded the government that the wealthy island-city deserves no meddling around, and the voices were harsh and clear, with no faces spared - the ex-CM was dethroned with a majority of 9000+ votes, while all 3 speculated CM-to be conceded losses. Penang was the first state to fall into the Opposition, with an unprecedented landslide victory. This is OUR Penang, we don't like it, we change it! (No second chances of reinvention).
And for the whole of Malaysia, it's good to know that for the next 5 years we have in our hands the power of denial - denial of any further political dominance, denial of racial imbalance, and denial of ruthless MPs. Well done Malaysia!
Back To The Ground
Malaysia has decided, and start Monday it's back to work for everyone. The rakyat of Malaysia has gave the Opposition more than 1/3 of the parliament, and for the next five years we, the people, observes.
We know it won't be a bed of roses for all of us for years to come - rising fuel prices, crime, influx of foreign workers, the brain drain, and the messy racial issues. 5 years seem smallish on the scale of solving something as universal as this, but we, the people, will always keep an eye on OUR MPs. We had started the small step of refurbishing the parliament. That means in the very near future we will have the courage to whirlwind the entire country. So, start working my MPs and ADUNs!
Back Being Personal
In the very near future (less than 4 months) I will be in France for a student exchange program. This time it's with a branch of IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students' Association) named SCORE (Standing Committee On Research Exchange). Confused with all the names and acronyms? Me too.
Basically SCORE organizes laboratory exchange programs - students go to a host university and participate in their lab research for one month. The choice of university and laboratory lies with the student, but the country you go lies with Lady Luck. You are allowed a priority request, but it depends at the end of the day. France was my first choice.
Why France? Nothing exceptional really, just that I've been to Italy and would like a new country. And they offer cancer research, which I find rather fascinating (at the time when I submitted my application), of course the language and elegance influenced in my decision, but basically it's other European countries participating in SCORE are not that tempting (Germany excluded, and Italy having being there). The other reason would be I'd like to 'do something' before starting endless days and nights with anatomy, and spending one month in the City of Lights seem adventurous, though the money factor was not screwed in at that time.
Money? Superficially it's affordable, on my scholarship surplus, but when you put everything in the basket - air ticket, accommodation outside exchange period, domestic traveling, and food, they can mount up to a dangerously crippling sum. For the time being I'm training myself to have only 2 meals on weekends so that I can cut costs on food there (just kidding Mum). Nevertheless, for the second time in my life, I would like to say an exchange is a worthy way of gaining knowledge, making friends, and widening your horizons. Of course, to do that with the least possible amount of money is the icing of the cake.
I will provide you with more information from time to time about the trip, and would of course blog about France the first chance I have, given a computer and internet connection, when I am there.
Some Catchy Verses
That I came across lately, nothing related to the very near future, except, perhaps you will find a chance to use them in the very near future.
1. to gain liberation, we have to sacrifice freedom - The History Boys by Alan Bennett
Ex: "I'm worried lah, what if I vote DAP and they knew. I won't get a promotion!"
"To gain liberation, we have to sacrifice freedom."
2. don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars - Brief Encounter (1945)
Ex: "Ah, it's a pity that (censored) Hisham and Khairy are in, but good people like Mei Fun doesn't get in,"
"H'm, don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars. At least we sent a clear message across."
That's all folks!