In a mad world, only the sane are crazy..

To me, a classic is one that can stand the test of time. And a true comedy is one which doesn't try to be too smart nor trying to downplay the importance of message, meaning striking some sort of balance between the two.

I'm not trying to say that this movie is the best Malaysian Comedy of all time. But the combination of extreme comedy and subtle message of societal orientation may have brought Sikit Punya Gila a kind of a cult status in the history of Malaysian cinema.

Who can ever forget the "kuda longkang" scene, which depicts the gambling and "easy money" phenomenon that has plaguing our society until now. Not to mention, the scene is funny as hell. That's how subtle the message is displayed, by layering it with a comedic storyline, which is simply Comedy 101.

It's amazing how things have changed. In the film, it shows that you even have people working as elevator opreators, which is insanely amazing. At this point in time, where productivity is the main key in our nation building process, it ponders the question, how lazy can you be, if you even need someone to push the elevator button for you..?

As a storyteller, Raja Ismail and Zulkifli Ahmad paints a pretty good picture of how the public dealt with the demanding environment of our country in its developing stages. It shows how money is the main factor and initiative in everyday life, and how it controls every aspect of behaviour and mindset of the people.

The comedy in this film is spot on too. The comedic elements have a certain "next-door" type of feel, which makes the audience relates to it even more. The characters are woven into a neighborhood which one might wonder if it was depicted from their own backyard.

Comedy Classic 101. No straightforward preaching. Subtle Message. Outrageously Funny.

This film gets my vote.

Not Minang, but loving it.....

Growing up, to have a real life story that you can read and relate to is like finding a needle in the haystack. I mean, those days, there were many reading materials for kids and teenagers. But nothing could have prepared for the impact that Aku Budak Minang would unleash on all the adolescent souls that have read it.

The way Ujang brought the timeline of his life and weave it into a storyline is priceless in a literary sense. I mean, the language used is not really the DBP-style of BM. But still, it was gripping and intense as a peronal memoir of sorts. It's like hearing a story of your best friend's life. And Ujang has managed to befriend all the readers with this piece as the presentation was casual, simplistic, and radical in a comical-type of literature.

Having read Ujang's thought's about his mom (Air mata aku mengalir bukan kerana sakit dirotan mak, cuma aku terpikir, tak penatkah mak memukul aku dari kecil hingga aku besar?), was just enough to make me wish I was there for him as a friend and lend him my ears and my acquaintance. He was that close. And in my opinion, that's a hell of an accomplishment to have manage in making your readers felt like that.

I can't say I led a similar life to Ujang's. I mean, where as other parents would be mad as hell if their kids read Gila-Gila, my dad was totally an advocate of reading, that it doesnt matter if I read comics, magazine, or humour magazines. As long as it's approved by him, I could get away reading anything.

That's how lucky I was.

This is the one book I'm glad my dad approved.

Define or Defy the Race........

I was never a fan of Erma Fatima. Neither as an actress, nor a director. I mean, no disrespect to her past achievements. She was superb in Hati Bukan Kristal (1990), and her directorial debut, Jimi Asmara is quite alright. But when she came out with this gem, I was in awe.

Who would have the balls (no pun intended!) to carry a movie with a theme that was so controversial, at a time when the nation is at loggerheads about issues on race, politics, and dignity. The movie captured the essence of being at the end of a crossroad, which one would have to define the real meaning of having the liberties of freedom, or a culture that binds a whole race together.

And the fact that the movie is written by Hishamuddin Rais, maybe does have it effects on the idealisme that the movie potrays. And the film was so good, that it even made Eizlan Yusoff's performance believable. No offence to him as well.

In my opinion, one of the best Malays movies in the 90's.

Bright side of the moon...

What do these two men have in common?

One is Bing Slamet and the other one is Sam Saimun. Both of these men have sung the song that in my opinion, is undoubtedly, the best love song EVER, in history.

Am I exaggerating? No, I am not. It's such a wonderful song that it'll make the hair on your back stand as you hear an honest outpouring by a man to his woman. And if you're a girl, you might want to grab some tissue paper before you really want to indulge this poetic masterpiece.

Composed by Mochtar Embut, the song has been covered by a wide range of singers from S. Effendy, Hetty Koes Endang and even our very own Sharifah Aini. But none of them can match those two gentlemen that I mentioned earlier. Both of them brought justice to the song, as the song this magnitude needs someone who can carry it wholeheartedly, and these two certainly did.

Some might wonder, is it THAT good? Just look at the lyrics, and you'll see what I mean.

Di wajahmu ku lihat bulan

bersembunyi di sudut kerlingan

Sadarkah puan kau ditatap insan

yang haus akan belaian

Di wajahmu ku lihat bulan

menerangi hati gelap rawan

Biarlah daku mencari naungan

di wajah damai rupawan

Serasa tiada jauh dan mudah dicapai tangan

Ingin hati menjangkau, kiranya tinggi di awan

Di wajahmu ku lihat bulan

yang mengintai di balik senyuman

Jangan biarkan ku tiada berkawan

Hamba selalu menantikan

Still not convinced? then listen to it yourself..

They dont make it like they use to. Brilliant.

Get back in line....

I've decided.
I'll try something new.
I mean, something extra on the side.
Just to keep the momentum going.

One month hiatus is just too long.
No one benefits from it.
I need to start writing again.

So, my two cents worth will be one of the many changes I'm making.
Be it movies, music, books...anything.
And as u can see, I'm now using my real name.
No more nicknames. Not that I hate it.
Just something new. It's still me, so no big deal right?


So, as the header suggest, bear with me aite...? :-)

(Untitled 3)

Our lives are not confined by one single word that is uttered by some arrogant-prick who doesnt even have the slightest clue who we really are.

Is that harsh? or just doesnt make sense?

I don't know. I'm tired of being mad. Mad for nothing. Really.

It's like a waste of energy. That doesn't mean that I'm trying to be a holier-than thou figure type of person. But, whenever I think about it, I used to be pissed off all the time. And what am I pissed off about? Nothing.

Isn't that the sickest thing you can do in this life? Wasting your time on nothing? I know some people have this notion that you can't be afford to be this naive at this time of age. We have to deal with people, the same way people deal with us. In simple words, shit deserves shit.

I mean, I understand that notion of 'serves u right' attitude, but for real, does everybody in this world treats everybody like shit? I don't think so. So why in the hell should we be pissed off all the time?

I'm tired of being angry. And I'm tired of lashing out without no apparent reason. As far as I can see, nothing good comes out of it for me anyway. If this makes me look naive, then let me be naive. At least that sounds better.


And cuter. LOL

(Untitled 2)

For all the certainties of life that we shared among us, common mortals, we have spit in the faces of despair because our courage to dismiss all the obstacles that we were told that we would go through despite the fact that we faced it in reality every single day.

Instead of knocking on doors and chopping over pillars that shall be our shelter in this masquerading life, we propose to ourselves the thought of psycho-combustion of the souls that we intend to degenerate through the the power of our thoughts.

We have no remorse about our humility as we are proud to be grateful for whatever that God has given us, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We are what we are and nothing would ever compare to what we have become besides our own personal strength that lies deep inside each one of us.

Is it wishful thinking?

Is this too much to ask?

Or is it just a mirage of the mind that kept spewing fantasies that may not be materealized into reality..?

Nothing is impossible.


Thou shall not gave up on oneself before thy consider trying.

When will it end...

I'm sorry if I'm being a bore or anything. But please bear with me. I'm not trying to be political or anything okay...?

With all the commotion about what's happening in Gaza right now, I just can't figure out what's really on the minds of these superpowers that intend to think that Israel is doing the right thing.

Look, if even Noam Chomsky and Arik Ascherman says its wrong, then maybe most probably its wrong.

Yes folks, Noam Chomsky. A Linguistic professor and An Anarchist. For fuck sakes, even AN ANARCHIST says its wrong.

And that Ascherman dude? He's the executive director for a human rights organisation. And he's a rabbi who lives in Israel. A rabbi dude!


God help us all.

(Untitled 1)

It's already been 14 days since all of us entered into the new year.

I can't help but reminisce about the past year. It amazes me that how life could change without you even realizing it. One day, you were in a funk, and the next thing you know, you're starting a brand new life.

It's a frightening journey for some, as you dont have a clue what to expect when you're trying to start anew. But that is what you should be expecting, when everyday you pray that turn over a new leaf and refresh the life you live in. Exciting.

Krishnamurti once said;

"In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself."


I guess we are more powerful and more lucky than we thought we ever will be.

Being human...

Have you ever, at one point in your life, wonder why you became the person you are today?

You ask yourself, what made you have those idealistic philosophies in life that only you hold, and you wonder why you're the only one who thinks that way.

Or you question yourself, what moulded you into this confined persona that distinctively shows that nature of yourself, that no one can argue that you are you, the person you are, and not somebody posing as somebody else.

You ponder on the facts of your genuine self by selectively or randomly pick traits of your personality that connect you to other human beings. And you analyse every single one of them for answers in discovering why are you fucking yourself over, or in other words, why are you repeating the same mistakes you made over-and over again.

Either way, you'll have the same answer for every single of those questions. It's either, you don't know, or you just don't give a flying fuck, or just plain "I'm just being me". And still you'll keep wondering and searching the real answer.

I am no saint, nor am I a genius. I constantly ask myself these questions throughout my whole existence as a human being. And frankly, the most common conclusion that I come up with is I am a moronic, self-righteous, idiotic, lame-ass prick, which I have to admit, is a conclusion that is not gonna do me any good for the long run. I mean, if I want to be deconstructive of myself, I might as well say "Fuck you" everyday in the mirror each morning before I start my day.


Shit...I just did that this morning.

Spoken silence....

Lock doors as if in jail.
Swirl. Wind. Ripped off. Beat up in the past.
All those checked but never thought of changing my name.

Howled at the moon. Wrote poems.
Turn back over flips, flipped over backwards.

In other words, I’ve been confused.
Fucked up, Scared.
Phony, and Odd.
To a whole lot of people.

Haven’t you…?
In one way or another…?


Anybody else wants to cop out…?

It's been a while since I wrote something. Whether it's on a piece a piece of paper or here in my blog, I've been procrastinating in my writing habits. It's been so long, that I just dont want to even give a title to this entry, because I just want to write without overthinking. A title? That's the least of my worries.

I don't know why I havent been writing for a while. Maybe it's the daily workload, or the internet connection or just plain laziness. I can't tell you exactly why, because the fact of the matter is, don't know why either.

But, come to think of it, maybe complacency has crept up in me. Maybe I felt too comfortable with everything, that I thought one or two weeks of no writing sessions is not a big deal. Complacency does that to you sometime. You become so engulfed in your present state or situation, that you just don' t focus enough on the little things that matters.

I just need to get my shit back together. Then, I'll be fine.


Yes, I'll be fine.

Incapabilities of tracing the time...

Bob Dylan once said, "The times they are a-changin".

I do believe that change is inevitable as time goes by. We morphed into a new realm of being as time goes by. It's just nature taking its course, and its just not right for us to deny change within ourselves.

But, I do understand that it's really hard to embrace change. You know how it's like, whenever you meet your old friends, and start to talk about your other friends.


"Dia dah lain dah.Tak macam dulu.Banyak berubah. Tak best lah lepak ngan dia".

Or

"Dia macam tu jugak. Dari dulu sampai skarang, tak berubah. Cool gila".


To me, you just can't despise another person just because he changed. Change is not necessarily bad. I mean, if a person grew up and become a whole other person, doesn't mean he's not cool, or he's not part of the gang anymore. Maybe he, or she, has a new perspective in life, and a new set of priorities that will in fact be the epitome of his or her existence.

The point is, you can't escape change. Sooner or later, you have to embrace the fact, that like Dylan said, time is changing, and so do you.


The only constant is change. I truly believe it's true.

Shaken (not stirred), Rattle and Roll......

The latest film in the James Bond franchise, Quantum of Solace, opens today, nationwide.

To tell you the truth, I'm not really a Bond fan. In fact, I can't really remember when was the last time I actually watch a Bond movie right from the start until the end. It's either the middle of the movie, or the ending.


But one thing that I anticipate each time a Bond movie is released, is the soundtrack. From the very beginning, every Bond movie has its own signature track that will either signify the impact of the movie, or just be there for the sake of it.

I truly believe a Bond movie is hugely influenced by its theme song. If it sounds good, then it will do wonders for the movie. But if it sucks, well, you know where I'm going with this right?

One of the best theme song from Bond in my opinion is the theme from Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney and Wings. That track kind of lifted James Bond from a streotyped-classic-persona kind of character to a really hard hitting-Sarcastic-kicking ass-taking names kind of spy. I mean, Roger Moore as James Bond? Genius.

Chris Cornell almost pulled it off last time through You Know My Name from Casino Royale. Although it's not magnificient, but it was a decent try and a good song.

I have nothing against the Bond themes post-Roger Moore and Pre-Daniel Craig's reign, but tell me, does anyone remember A-Ha's rendition of the theme from The Living Daylights..?.............No?..........That's exactly what I mean.

To me, a Bond theme should be a timeless...or a classic..or just plain revolutionary. Not just a mediocre, half-assed type of song. A really genuine track that would symbolize a unique character that Bond embodies.


Let's just hope Jack White and Alicia Keys can pull it off this time.

How much further up you can go...

When people ask me, what is the best thing about being in a boarding school, I would say it's the part where I learn how to be independent and respectful.

I mean, of course you have friends, you have your teachers, and you have other things for that matter. But the most satisfying part is when you learn how to surivive by yourself and leaving your "spoilt-bratness" behind. The best thing is, you learn to be humble, as you want to learn on how to live your life by yourself, and at the same time, avoiding the bashing you might get from the seniors if you get too comfortable. Some might call it cowardness, but that's a kind of survival you might encounter in the real world anyway.

But after exiting the school, and entering a new domain in colleges and universities, followed by career life, some might have forgotten how to put those feet back on the ground.

As time goes by, some might be a little bit pompous. Sometimes, intentionally, and sometimes, unintentionally. It's like, every conversation revolves around careers, valued posessions ( cars are number 1 on the list), or even holiday destinations. Comparing on salaries and earnings, or one's importance to the organisations they're working with.

I just hope that one day realization will struck in, that it's better to put your feet on the ground than floating high up in the sky. Because frankly, if you fall from up there, it's gonna hurt big time my friends..


Maybe it's time to wake up. Humility is a good start.

Short and Narrow journey of Maturity...

Most of us have encountered cliche and narrow minded comments from other people. And ironically, most of these people are either your best mates or your closest relatives

I don't know why people still have some stigma on certain things. For example, one of my best friend who is working with the Ministry of Finance always gets this remark from his pals;

"Kerja kat MOF? Boleh lah tolong dapatkan contract ke, tender ke..."

And he's sick of it. It's not like he's the Minister of Finance for crying out loud.

Another friend of mine, who comes from a small kampung in Perak, told me, her fiancee, who hails from KL, always gets this from her friends ;

"Kesian you...tunang you menyewa dengan adik beradik dia ye? nanti lepas kahwin, macam mana...?

And they're sick of that too. What they see as a way of saving money is seen as a low-class act by some people.

Sometimes, I just wonder, why can't they think out of the box once in a while. They're not rednecks, for crying-out loud. They're mostly high class, educated people. What is it that makes their brain triggered that way...?

Me? I used to be immune to it. Just because I was so used to it. I get that almost all the time..with my work, it's either I'm a newscaster or I mingle with celebrities..with my house, they wonder why I live in a low cost flat with one of my mates...and dont get me started on my motorcycle...I get remarks all the time about why I dont have a car...

I just smiled everytime I hear these things.

Once, I was hanging out with my friends when this topic came out. One of them, jokingly(I hope so) said;

"Kenapa ko takde kereta? Kesian nanti awek ko kena amik ko je...tak malu ke?

I told him to shut up, take his words and his car, and shove it.


For once, I snapped. And I'm glad I did.

It's that time of year again....

It's Ramadan again.

I have fond memories during Ramadan. I think everyone has one memorable Ramadan moment in their lifetime. In fact, to be honest, I think everybody deserves one.

I mean, think of it. It doesnt come by often. Ramadan only comes once a year. And it's the Holy Month. You need something to make you remember how meanigful Ramadan is. You have to feel it. Ramadan, to me, is that special.

I used to dislike Ramadan. Not because of the fasting (I love fasting), but because the fact that after Ramadan, is Syawal. And to me, Syawal is the most painful month to live in, because it was suppose to be a happy month. You're suppose to enjoy yourself. You're suppose to embrace the joys and wonders of Aidilfitri.

Well, at that time, without my dad, who had just passed away, Aidilfitri meant nothing to me. No happiness, no joy..nothing. I hated the fact that I have to put on this smile, when deep inside, I was dying. Dying for some more time with my dad.

So I never celebrated Aidilfitri for quite some time. I never bought new clothes, new shoes, nothing. Once, I even wore a raggedy old T-shirt that says "Belia Bagan Datoh" with my sarong to perform the Aidilfitri prayers. I was so anti-celebration back then. I could not wait for Aidilfitri to end.


But that was then. Things change. People change. And so do I. Happy Aidilfitri everybody.

My Dad and I Vol. 5

I was 13.

My dad is the type of guy you call a 'Jack of all trades'. He can do anything.

I mean, he can do everything. He was good in sports. He used to play in state and district tournaments when he was in school. Name the sport, whether it's football, volleyball, takraw, you name it, he knows how to play it.

He was good in arts too. He played the drums and was in a band when he was young. They used to do shows all around Perak. Weddings, Talent shows, they've done it all. Although we don't have any drum set in our house, but I know he still have it in him.

He's really good in writing too. He can write poetry, pantun, all kinds of shit. I once read in his school magazine that he was famously known for his pantun asmara...whatever the hell that means. Everytime we had to go meminang for somebody in the family, guess who took the lead with his verbal jousting and pantuns? Yup..my dad.

But, as for me, I was the opposite of him.I'm not really good in anything. I suck in sports, I can't play music. I'm not really that smart. The things that he could do, I can't. And to be honest, I felt bad for not being able to follow in his footsteps. And that was being good in anything. Sometimes, I just can't help but to wonder if he was ever disappointed at me.

One morning, the two of us went out for breakfast. After a cup coffee, I just popped the question. Seems like a good idea at the time.


Bapak, pernah tak bapak frust sebab I'm not as talented as you?

Huh? Apa punya soalan ni? Apa yang buat kamu pikir macam tu?

Ntahlah. sebab bapak dulu main sports, main drum, but me, satu apa pun tak tau.

Hahahaha....and you've been thinking about this for how long?

I don't know. A long time I guess.

So, what you're trying to say is kamu tak macam bapak, is it?

I guess so. I just don't want to let you down, you know what I mean right pak?

Let me tell you something, semua orang dalam dunia ni ada specialty sendiri. Kalau kamu takde sports punya skill ke, music punya skill ke, or benda-benda lain, it doesn't matter. maybe ada benda lain yang kamu ada, tapi orang lain takde.

Like what?

Heh..you'll just have to figure it out yourself. I can't tell you everything. You're already a man kan...you'll know what to do when the time comes. But I'll tell you one thing that's special about you.

Apa dia pak?

Your ability to think like a grown man amazes me everytime we talk about things. Kamu baru 13 for God's sake..tapi kamu punya pikir, macam orang umur 40..But that's who you are and I'm really proud of you. And you should too.


Bapak, thank you. I am what I am because of you. And I hope I didn't let you down.

In the realms of despair..

People say, when you think too much, you complicate things more than it should've been. You tend to over-analyze about all things, and then you start wonder whether you should be feeling the way you did, or should you just let that feeling slide.

The most complicated things in life are not always that complicated. It is our insecurities that makes it even more hard to comprehend. The best part of life, is when you realize that you are just a mortal, who makes mistakes, and messes up, which is perfectly fine, as that's part of the process of learning through the ropes.

But that's easier said than done. When you've been thinking too much all your life, and no one's there to lead the way, added that your guts have shit for brains, it makes it a whole lot harder to just chill and be calm in the face of any storm that you encounter. In the end, you just ignore any feelings that you have, and just move on.

Maybe that's the way to deal with things. Or maybe not.

Sometimes, I wish my dad was here. He would just make things more clearer. He would always tell me when to think, and when to just let it be. And he'll be pissed if I ever doubted myself in anything for that matter.


If he was here today, he's sure gonna be disappointed.

The time has come..

I still remember when I was a kid, I can't wait to get old. No judgements, no boundaries, no rules. You do something, and it's all you from there.

Time flies. I realize that I am getting old. Because;

You know you're getting old, when your mum calls you, and the main topic is politics..

You know you're getting old, when you prefer to shave your head, rather than to comb your hair..

You know you're getting old, when you prefer your perfume to be Brut, rather than Tommy or DKNY..

You know you're getting old, when occasionally you have those short-term-memory-lapse moments, which results in an abrupt ending to a coversation in hand..

You know you're getting old, when you constantly check on your savings and financial balance, as if your life depend on it..

You know you're getting old, when you prefer to watch Deadliest Catch or Ice Road Truckers on Discovery, rather than anything on MTV..

You know you're getting old, when some kid who looks like she's in primary school called you pakcik, eventhough you wore a rock t-shirt..

You know you're getting old, when you manage to strain your neck or hurt your back, by just a sneeze or a cough..


But come to think of it, getting old is not that bad. In a way, it shows that we've matured.And at the same time, being more consistent in our thoughts and decisions.


At least that's what I told myself. It sounds better that way.