What should be the role of media?

Today paper is getting quite a lot of attention lately since it took on a more aggressive stance. It took a strong position on the fiascos by the Home Ministry and then an opinionated article on Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Najib Razak. And the attention came from the Malaysian High Commissioner Parameswaran and also eliciting a comment from Hsien Loong not to take sides. Then Paul Jacob added by saying that what Today was doing was nothing knew as the Malaysian media were reporting similar slanted articles about Singapore politicians. Both sides can play the game. I think the problem lies in the impression that the Singapore TOM is synonymous with the govt or official mouth piece. And to allow articles that were unpleasant about another country, especially Malaysia, is like the govt condoning it. That is one of the disadvantage of being seen as being part of the govt. But of course TOM is an independent and privately run organisation and such perception is not justified. It is run by independent minded professionals who pride themselves as being well trained and their pieces as being well researched and objectives. What Today has done is a good thing. It makes the paper more colourful and readable instead of the former staid reporting, or like other TOM, reporting of stale and single dimensional pro official slant that immediately puts off the readership. We should have more opinionated pieces on issues local and foreign to give readers a chance to examine them more thoroughly and provoke into thinking a little more. The straight reporting of facts only assumes that the readership is unthinking and dull and would not be able to sieve the truth from the tooth. This opening up of TOM to be more expressive is a step in the right direction but would be better if the views are not seen as an official view or officially sanctioned one.

How to sodomise a man?

Very simple. Ask the guy to go with you to a condominium. Then ask him to remove his pants and bend down. Then he is all yours. That could possibly be what had happened to the case of Saiful Bukhari Azlan when he claimed to be sodomised by Anwar Ibrahim. And according to TOM, he was with Anwar on many trips overseas. The question that is puzzling me is that a man, a healthy young man, would not protest and allow himself to be sodomised. A woman would fight when she is being raped or has sex forced upon her. This young man was so obedient, no resistance. And after some time decided to report to the police about the incident. Would any young man fight off a would be attacker who attempts to sex him? Telling the guy off would surely be the least thing to do. Here, it seemed like consensual, a willing partner. Is this a guy or a gay? He seems normal, with a girlfriend. Any normal man will repulse any such moves against his virginity. Very strange story.

My beautiful organs

I join the best and most expensive gyms in town and pay them thousands just to keep my body beautiful and organs functioning at their peak. I pound the threadmills, pump the irons, and do all kinds of aerobics to keep the hearts going. And I swallow many pills, supplements and vitamins to keep me in prime condition. It is a great investment of my time and money, to be trim and fit, and my organs in perfect condition. Why is it that my organs belong to the state should I die? What have the state done, or contributed to my prime organs? Can I will them to my children to be sold to the highest bidder? These are my precious assets that I consciously helped to produce. Am I being paranoid, having a nightmare, that my body does not belong to me? The state owns my body!

Children of lesser gods

Toni and Sulaiman were both fined and jailed for their parts in the sale of kidney to Tang Wee Sung. They must know that in a country that is run on the principles of rule of law, justice will come down hard and swift. Whether they are smart ass super talents or penniless and ignorant kampong bums, our justice is blind. They will be dealt with in the same manner. The funny thing is that Toni was exploited when he sold his kidney to Juliana Soh. Now he is helping Sulaiman to be exploited by trying to sell his kidney as well. Probably he must be relishing the great times he had in one of the best hospitals money can buy. Great cushion bed, attached toilet, colour TV and room service with beautiful nurses in attendance. That was what he got when he was exploited. And when he went home, he was back to his wooden hut and probably bed was a few pieces of planks nailed together. And every night the mosquitoes were having a feast from him. Maybe not. With the 186 mil rupiah, he could afford some comfort and not to work for another 16 years. Now both will spend time in jail. Free meals, probably better than what they were getting back home. And I think ceiling fans are provided. And yes, they have fans back in their kampongs, the hand held kind made from palm leaves. I can't help thinking that the two will be back again to volunteer to be exploited. Life has never been that good to them before.

Incalcitrant or simply uncaring?

The GST is perhaps the most efficient taxation model that has arrived in paradise. And as usual, the complacent citizens of paradise just accept it without a single grunt of unhappiness. The GST is so pervasive and invasive that it taxes a person before he comes into this world and taxing him even on his last act, his funeral. No one is spare. But the GST can be moderated to lighten the load on the miserable poor by having exemptions on basic necessities. But this has been frown upon by the gods. The gods believe that with the money collected, they could use it to help the poor in a better and more focussed way. Unfortunately, the practical aspects in redistributing this loot is not as easy as the GST. There is no way to reach everyone that needs help. Many who are badly in need of help will simply not step forward, did not know the way or refused to be helped. And for the insenstive assholes who cajoled all those who needs help to step forward, don't be shy, we will help you, it is the worst kind of human attitude that one can display against the poor. There is nothing to be ashamed of to be poor. But it is very very shameful to stretch out your hands to beg for help. And to beg in public, under the spotlight of everyone, how dehumanising must one to go through to get that little assistance. Exempting basic necessities from GST is the most honourable and dignified way of helping the poor without abusing their little pride and self respect. Is is help without making people beg for it. And it is as pervasive and far reaching as the GST. When will the evil gods amend their uncaring ways in their dealings with the underprivilege? Do they get entertained or satisfaction to see the helpless poor come crawling for help at their feet?