A little matter of familiarization

Naturally I’m as happy as Larry, but with the on-going International Book Fair in which my wifey’s heavily involved in, together with the age-old aching tooth I’ve been battling with till today, our honeymoon period has not been rosy so far.

Since we officially tied the knot, well-wishers frequently asked how marriage life been coming along. For one thing, my damned tooth still hurts like hell that the most noticeable difference is that now I have somebody to hear me moan at night!

Bed time tales aside, - even by default- I can now proudly claim to have a Kampong to call my own. Being a PJ boy my entire life the only hometown I can think of is the jam-packed Subang Jaya.

But not anymore.

A supposedly ‘long’ 2-night customary stay at her parental home back in Kuala Selangor turns out to be the shortest stay ever. All the initial worry at adjusting to a new environment were groundless, because as soon I’m in, I immediately feel its unnecessary to make a rush exit.

No, not up to the extent I feel the sudden urge to just surrender my status as a city dweller, pack all the things up, move up there and lead a laidback lifestyle for good but at least now I get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

It’s not a kampong house per se or I would have difficulty getting in and out of it for obvious reason, but with lush greenery surrounding their cosy bungalow, I know where exactly to retreat to the next time my brain’s in dire need of putting its feet up.

And that’s what I’ll be banking on; some peace of mind, especially with the up-coming project I’m about to embark.

To be frank, writing is never my passion. It’s always a struggle each time I need to come up with a piece. It makes it even worse that reading for me is a once – or at the most twice- a year affair.

Like many other things however, money is the major factor that keeps me in this writing business. It’s the same reason that pushes me to take up this new challenge. In putting it simply, it works like a dangling carrot.

Similar to my new experience of having a sneak peak of what living a kampong life is all about last week, I think I’m up for a bigger test ahead by charting in an unfamiliar territory – writing a book.

I’m game and its all systems go.

For now it is just a little matter of visiting another alien turf – the dental clinic.

Tying down

I just took a long crap. And if my crap factory decides not to work overtime then that one toilet session could well be my last as a bachelor.

By the time anyone reads this I’d most probably have officially taken the plunge.

Yes, finally the day arrived, and I really could do with a hard pinch on the areola to ensure that, this time around, it is no longer some silly dream but a reality.

Years ago never thought I’d get to live this long, let alone getting hitched.

Life back then was simply meaningless. I mean, what’s the point living when all I was capable of was breathing. Breathing for the sake of prolonging whatever’s left of the remaining life and became a burden to my loved ones? That’s one reality I could do without.

But that’s all behind me because TODAY is the reality.

After years of going through one adversity after another, I can’t wait to just get in there and come out triumphant.

Some people asked how I finally managed to overcome the main hurdle. The trick is to relieve of all the shitload that I have been carried all along, offered some olive branch and in return was given another shot at starting things afresh.

Perhaps all I need now is to defecate more frequently, leave all the crap behind and I’m quite sure this new journey I’m undertaking will smell sweeter as time passes.

Here’s to a greener, cleaner and fresher side of the leaf!

Repeat Offenders

The stupid dick has retracted his words and apologised.

I’m not sure if this was going to be a lesson especially to the powers-that-be because you wouldn’t want to bet on anything if such uncalled-for remarks will not be repeated by these bunch ever again.

Some people just don’t learn.

And they will never learn. Making fun of Karpal Singh’s disability is as good as insulting the whole disabled community in the country.

The prominent lawyer cum politician in wheelchair may be a figure of controversy and to an extent, hatred, amongst those who don’t share their political ideology with the DAP man but there’s no reason for anyone to be stooping so low just to take a cheap shot at his physical shortcomings.

If it’s political, do us the disabled community a huge favour by sticking to just that- politics.

In this case for a lawyer representing his client in a legal battle, PROFESSIONALISM should be the rule of the day, and not silliness.

Cherry of a New Beginning

I’m wrapping up...for the year that is.

Hope to be back very soon with more concrete ideas that I can chip in towards the disabled community, an issue like it or not, remains top of my whimpering list.

But first things first, as I need to get my own life sorted out.

Some 10 years ago, when I resigned to the fact that only through a set of wheelchair can determine the black and white of whatever’s left of my remaining life, never really imagined it’d prolong colourfully that now I don’t wish to give up the ghost anytime soon, not at least for another 5-6 decades more.

Before anyone starts having idea this is one of those crappy motivational pieces, it is not because normally my advice to those who always moan how his life sucks to go ahead and snuff it out in the most dramatic way possible.

Personally however, I’ve got so much to live for thanks largely to the decade that’s about to see its curtain fall before us in a few hours time.

It couldn’t have kicked off on the righter foot, when I finally realised it was about time to get off the bed and start learning the trades of getting around on wheelchair. By no means a walk in the park but as I found the groove it didn’t take long before it hits on me there’s actually life ahead that waits.

And so the journey through the decade began, constantly a learning process throughout. Getting back into the society was the toughest hurdle but looking back, it’s not much them but my own weaknesses, the emotional department being the biggest culprit.

That’s all behind me now.

Fast forward to 2009, the final year has at long last provided the elusive break that, to be honest, I’ve been craving for since as far back the day when I first stepped into the wonders of the adolescent years.

Anyway, just as it started, I’m pleased to end the decade on a high.

Similarly, if everything goes to plan (insyaAllah) the new beginning will see the continuation from where it left off, and the New Year will kick off the new dawn on a more positive note.

Only this time with a bang...

By...ehem...

...screwing up.

Young Tigers to the fore

Watching a football game – this time much closer to home- last nihgt, finally in many many years that I felt our (under 23) national team has the right attitude to land us the elusive SEA Games gold medal that’s been missing from the FAM’s cabinet exactly over two decades ago.

Laos 1 Malaysia 3.

It may be a false hope yet but being a closet fan of the national team’s for a while now, the joy’s too overwhelming to keep my emotions from bursting out.

The fans have waited way too long for somethign encouraging to be produced by the national side.

I remember the last time the gold medal went to us was in 1989, soundly beating our tiny neighbours down south 3 goals to 1. Some of the country’s great players, Lim Tiong Kim, Dollah Salleh, K Rajagopal and to a lesser extent a certain Shebby Singh, they were all part of the team.

Heck even the legendary Zainal Abidin Hassan, with his trademark afro hairdo – that easily beats Marouane Fellaini’s any day – played a crucial role in that year’s SEA games fruitful campaign.

The win was such a great deal to all Malaysians that public holiday was even announced the next day.

Of course I don’t expect another holiday beckons – purely a reason I’m no longer schooling- but with expectations running high, our players must by all means, perform to their utmost best for a better chance of not letting this golden opportunity from slipping away.

So bring on Vietnam.

Our Young Tigers should be up to the challenge, as long they keep their gentel skill to a minimal.

1Malaysia for a much-needed change

The International Day of Disabled Persons - the same annual day for people with disability which if I remember it correctly went by a different other name last year - is making its round again today. But by any which name the United Nation fancies it, the aim of the Day has been consistent throughout since its inauguration back in the early 90s, that is mainly to promote better understanding on disability issues, rights of the disabled persons and all that same old same old.

In our country the National level do will be held on the 5th, with the Malaysia Association of the Blind getting the honour to host the event this time around, and again my bet is that its gonna be yet another same old same old.

Everything’s foreseeable.

Speeches by the big shots will be filled with long and scripted sweet promises regardless of whether they had the audience all glued. Then everybody applauds and once the shindig’s over its back to square one.

You can’t blame me for sounding bitter but since the celebration last year (and the previous years) even some simple wishes have yet to be fulfilled.

To elaborate will make this piece sound like a broken record. After all Its the usual issues, you know; Transportation, accessibility, job opportunity and all the disparity in seeking the elusive break that is long overdue.

Maybe there’s some improvement in some sense or another, and I am not going to deny it and give people the impression I’m one ungrateful OKU but when progress is at a snail’s pace, and after decades of waiting at that, the older OKU generation may not live to witness the progress they had fought for over the years.

A significant change has to start now. Not December 3 2010 but now.

I don’t know how the ground-breaking work is gonna be like but the much talked-about concept of 1malaysia may just provide the tool to pull us out of the mud.

Our Prime Minister, the man behind the idea has to personally ensure his brand of governance benefits everyone, that even if a single Malaysian soul being left out will the campaign be considered a dud.

Maybe a little too much for an asking but roping in the disabled community in future development blue-prints IS what the concept partly about.

It is after all about acceptance and does not centre on national unity and ethnic tolerance alone, right?

All we’re asking is to be accepted, to feel the sense of belonging and be part of Malaysia’s development, the same development the country has taken our able-bodied counterparts to at a fairly decent pace.

The last time checked the OKU citizens are Malaysians too, hence our entitlement to some piece of the action, and ultimately sharing the cake.

Failing which, the International Day for the Disabled or whatever it is called nowadays will have a similar story year in year out and It’s gonna be like totally un-1Malaysia if that continues.

Dogs: licence to bitch

Based on all the reports I read the next day, the first ever dog forum organised by MBPJ being held recently was a great success. Even though I didn’t stay until the end, the morning session was enough to convince me to make it a point to attend in future forums.

The highlight of the day was when it was announced by YB Ronnie Liu, the state exco member that the Selangor government will waive the licence fee for the disabled and elderly who wishes to own a dog.

Free dog licence will definitely encourage more people from this group to keep dogs as pet as it is well known they make good companionship.

Being a non-dog owner/lover, the move wouldn’t make any difference but I’m all for anything that’s beneficial to those who are in need.

But apparently not everyone took the announcement well. I was told an officer from the local council feels it’s not necessary to waive the licence charge as the existing fee is relatively cheap, affordable even to the unfortunate groups.

So in other words what this bitch said is to pay the exact amount for the licence like everyone else does if the disabled and elderly want to be treated equally.

To the officer, this is how she cynically defines equal rights, the campaign synonymously advocated by the disabled group.

OH FINALLY. At long last we get to hear someone in the authority council barks around upholding the rights.

The question is why only now? For a mere dog issue finally the definition breaks through their thick skull when equality of rights should be extended to numerous other issues since ages ago.

When the disabled group demanded accessibility to shop houses, unscrupulous developers still get the green light to operate the building by the same bunch of authority.

When we asked for wheelchair-friendly curbs on roadsides, it took them ages to approve only a stretch.

When we constantly brought forward our decades-old transport woe, only one van is provided to cater to thousands disabled PJ residents.

And our endless woe keeps piling up...

Yet when it comes to dog licence suddenly their version of equal rights takes into effect.

For a few hundred bucks she’s denying a little privilege the not-so-fortunate group hopes to be able to enjoy.

If there’s any left, her rationality to oppose such a good cause is that her employer will go bust for giving free dog licence.

Imagine that. MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TEMPATAN MUFLIS GARA-GARA LESEN ANJING, and PJ will be left without any local council to man the district.

But come to think of it, not that it makes much difference anyway.

Dogs & Bitches: Pets or Pests?

During my childhood days, walking past a particular neighbour’s house had always been a dread as more often than not I’ll end up running for dear life with the irresponsible owner’s pet dogs hot my trail.

Ok they may be a pair of Shih Tzus, but the thought of being eaten alive by these midget mutts was enough reason for me to take a longer route home from school daily.

Back then it was quite common for kids my age, especially the Muslim kids, to fear them. Some would run a million miles by a mere sight of the animal...even from a million miles away.

In our tiny mind if we are bitten, the thought that we are ritually unclean will haunt us for the rest of the day.

Naturally I loathed them, and felt those neighbourhood canines ought to be captured and sold to the mobile satay vendor who plies his trade from house door to door.

But decades have passed. And my perception towards the animal have since changed.

To a certain extent, I have yet to conquer the fear, and it still pretty much dogs me. However, long gone the days when I thought they’re nothing but a racist animal with appetite only for flesh of a Muslim boy.

Throughout the years, I learned that apart from it being an intelligent animal, dogs make great companionship. And due to their helpful nature, certain breeds are considered god sent to the disabled community. They are known to fetch items that are beyond reach especially for those with physical limitations and serves as an eye for the visually-impaired.

No, I don’t intend to own one for obvious reason but I make no bones about people keeping dogs as pets, as long they do it responsibly.

But do they all?

So in commemorating with the World Animal Day, a first ever dog forum organised by MBPJ will be held this Sunday to discuss on this very topic.

Besides lending my support to a dear buddy, I’ll be there yet for another attempt at overcoming one of my childhood’s worst nightmares, which now I’m beginning to believe to be a bit unfounded.

An evening with Dato'

So there was a powerful earthquake taken place yesterday. It was felt by many especially those who either live in high-rise condos or working/surfing porn in their office cubicles on top of the sky scrapers scattered around town.

I belong in the first category. But I didn’t realise there was actually an earthquake until all the residents were told to evacuate our respective units.

And I was like, hey what’s going on, before went in again to fetch my Ramones’ Box-set CDs. I mean, if the buildings were to come crushing down, at least I can still claim to be a proud owner of a rare music album.

This evacuation exercise thing was a new experience to me. With all the residents taking their own sweet time evacuating clad in home attire (boxers, kaftans, sarongs), I thought the scene was like there was a huge orgy party going on.

But of course, a party is not complete without a clown.

Appeared out of the crowd was this bloke in his chequered pyjamas, cracking recycled joke that the earthquake should happen more often as so the residents can mingle around regularly and stuff.

And I went like, sure Mr Krusty.

The thing is, I don’t mind the used joke as his ice-breaker but what’s pathetic was he actually introduced himself as Dato, and his (young) wife, datin.

Firstly, what’s with the bright orange-coloured pyjamas la Dato? Secondly, stop being so formal because thirdly, we ARE living in a close-knit community – as apparently this fella was not aware of - naturally we address each other by our names.

If there’s someone who needs to socialise regularly it is our resident dato. Instead of cooped up with his (young) missus all the time, make an effort to read the condo’s notice board and join one or two of the residents’ many activities.

That way if there’s another earthquake occurrence (Nauzubillah), we can keep it completely informal. After all, its just an evacuation exercise, not a real orgy.

Aidilfitri

Here’s wishing you dudes/dudettes Salam Aidilfitri, ampun maaf dipinta ikhlas dari saya.

Zero-zero, folks!

one for the guys

I accepted a job which I thought was lemon squeezy but after a glimpse of it I thought shiiiiiiiit...instantly I know a mountain of a task awaits me ahead.

So instead of getting straight down to it I procrastinated, and went wandering around the net and You-tubing for hours.

While at it I came across this video below which I find its groovy rhythm rather, how shall i put it...'interesting'?.

First time listening yet the sound was so familiar.

The intro especially should immediately hit the chord amongst the guys (and some women).

Kih kih...

Ok, gotta get back to work. But not before another round of Back and Forth...need to learn getting into the rhythm real quick...muahahahaha...

I am a Malaysian

Its simply not coming. All I have in mind right now is taking a swipe at my own race, and it has been playing in my head since a few days before our beloved nation celebrated her 52nd Merdeka anniversary.

But of course I wont be putting my thoughts into print. All I can tell you is that my take on the recent cow-head circus is downright insensitive and controversial.

To a certain quarters my thoughts can be misconstrued. They’ll think I’m worse than Sol Campbell (Judas!) or something along that line, or even risk getting charged with sedition.

Everyone knows I’m not really in celebratory mood lately, but no way me is spending my Syawal in Perak.

Ok maybe not everyone but someone actually noticed and texted to ask why I didn’t do any Merdeka post like it has traditionally been in previous years.

I gave this year’s a miss only for one reason; intolerance.

An act of bigotry is the worst thing that could ever happen in a multi-racial country. Such appalling gesture is not reflective of what our Malaysia is supposed to be. After long achieving independence are we truly what we’ve always claimed to be, as asserted proudly on travel brochure and Merdeka-themed ads particularly?

Every August for the past decades now we’ve been fed with commercials promoting racial harmony. In fact many of us look forward to re-run ads by a certain dead genius. Regrettably many of us too did not get the message these ad geniuses tried to get it across.

It means shit to them. In the name of politics they’d stoop the lowest possible just to score points and shoot down their political rival in the process.

Sure, once a racist you’re forever a pig but partly I’m blaming politics for all the major fracas that’s been in the limelight in recent months.

If there’s one thing that is capable of ruining our beloved Malaysia, its politics.

Or the worst kind, race politics. As proud I am of my roots, me having none of it when racism kicks in. I love my country dearly it hurts to see it being ridiculed by these dirty people. The dirty game must stop or Malaysia will come crushing down sooner than we may think.

I pray to God if that ever to happen, let it not be during my lifetime at least. But once I’ve kicked the bucket then ok, they can go crazy, as I’d rather be dead than to be part of a disgraceful kind with absolute power tightening their grips over a wrecked nation.

But the damage is fixable. The tools are in their hand and time is pretty much on their side to rectify it.

I mean, its not too late, right?

Game plan

I’m at a crossroads.

I’ve been invited to try out Boccia (pronounced BOCH-a) - a lawn bowl version for athletes with disability- by the game’s top official, and insisted I give it a shot because she wanted me to be in the team so much.

But after witnessing a few times how the game is played, I find it a little too unexciting for my liking.

I can always say no but here’s the tricky part; if I made the team, its not for Rumah Hijau or some shit but the National’s, no less. Its my only chance ever to represent the country, even if its just Boccia.

And the most tempting factor is the competitions the team will be involved in, beginning with Asia Paragames next year, which will be held in Tokyo.

Yes, this is Japan we’re talking about man, J-E-P-U-N, Japan!

Japan has always been my dream destination. Its not just about the upskirt but its rich tradition and culture that attracts me the most.

So if I can get over the game’s dullness, I might stand a chance of getting a free ride all the way up there, courtesy of MSN and you folks (Taxpayers), and enjoy the trip.

I think I’m going ahead with it. For Japan’s sake, I believe I can handle all the monotonous training routine, the second step towards seeing my dream of setting my wheels on the sun rising land materialised.

The first step is of course to take up the offer and learn all about the game’s trade as soon as possible.

But then again...maybe after Raya.

Salam Ramadhan

Ramadhan is back.

Here’s wishing all Muslims Selamat berpuasa. May Allah give us the strength to go through each day, for the next one month with ease. And to all my non-muslim friends, well, happy loading.

Time to have my first sahur of the month. No, wait. Make that supper as I’ve got roti canai still to stuff in later in the morning...I mean, before Imsak breaks, of course...Muahahahaha...

Sharing the common voice

On Wheel Power recently, by Anthony Thanasayan.

'I RECEIVED an interesting e-mail from a new friend I made recently. Daniel Ahmad Sharani who lives in Petaling Jaya, writes: “People often ask me if I was born a quadriplegic. The answer to that question is no,” says Daniel, and went on to explain a little bit about his background.

For full article, go HERE.

Someone sent me an email in response to the article. She felt both Anthony and I would make an explosive combo and ought to work closely together at ironing out disability issues. Of course from my part, I find the suggestion rather flattering.

In truth both of us have in fact, discussed on the possibility of merging our ideas and work out on things that can be beneficial to the community.

I think that’s mainly the reason why we hit it off very well when we first met. Since the first time I bumped into his column a decade ago, can’t remember if I had ever opposed to any of his views.

Its about looking at the bigger picture. If a certain issue benefits the unfortunate in general, then you can count on me for the support. I totally dig anyone who promotes positive changes. From our living environment, to creating awareness amongst the public, we know darn well Wheel Power is all about that.

So basically both of us shares a common goal.

Now, before anyone starts having silly idea I’m curry favouring Anthony (now that he’s somebody in MBPJ) with hopes of getting something in return, I admit you are not too far off. Apart from both of us sharing the common wish of living in a barrier-free environment, he is in the position to make that change, beginning with my area part of the town.

So I thought maybe...just maybe, a little back-rub might do the trick!

Whatever it is, I don’t get paid for having full praise of him. For all the effort he’s put into for over 2 decades, he rightly deserves it.

They are not any better

Here’s a scene I managed to catch on one of the foodie shows produced by our little neighbour down south;

Three ladies -one's pregnant- just had scrumptious desserts and was on their way out when the pregnant lady reminded her friends to NOT assist her descending some flight of steps because get this, in her own words, “I’m not a handicapped, mind you!”

I always hear good things about Singapore. From OKUs perspective in particular, the country’s disabled community are well taken care of and a subject of envy to most of their counterparts in the region.

But that statement above proves no matter how advanced the disabled have progressed, general perception still stigmatises people with physical shortcoming. Its simply like, you’re a cripple on wheelchair, so even if you’re as healthy as an ox from the public eye you’re sick and in constant need of a help.

That’s a familiar story happening in our own backyard by the way.

Its not always we get to take a swipe at our southern neighbours because admittedly, they are superior to us in many ways.

But while I’m at it, let’s kick on the gash and further damage their dented ego.

Their national football team sucks!

Hell YES. Sucks as in, appalling. If there’s any other accurate term to describe it, its MACC.

The 5-0 drubbing by an English club side some weeks back suggested the national team are in dire need of a total revamp. Sure they can argue it was the mighty (under-strength) Liverpool they were up against but if it is news to them, our young Tigers did fairly well against a full-strength English champs!

Yes, it feels good to have a go at them, especially to be backed with facts and not just emotion alone.

Finally after a long while it reinforces my belief they are not any better than us in some ways.

Now I wonder what will happen if the two national sides take it to the field. I definitely have some good feelings about it.

A local council for all

Excerpts taken from Anthony Thanasayan’s Wheel Power today;

“He was surprised that some able-bodied people had objected to the disabled-friendly project by MBPJ.”

“The blind were rather tickled by the objection of some sighted people who thought that the project should have been done at another place where a popular eye hospital is.”

Check out the complete article Here. Mr Thanasayan was kind enough to even mention my name there.

So anyway, naturally after getting my parents to read the article, we discussed on the issue at length. And we came to conclusions that those who criticised the project are either downright selfish or that none of their family members are disabled, hence, their lack of sense of empathy.

As we have stressed on it for the zillionth times, this said project –a stretch of pavement- is universally designed, which means it can be used by EVERYONE.

Let me spell it out in case these people still didn’t get it. E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E. And that includes you able-bodied morons who thinks the pavement reconstruction is a waste of money.

Or the taxpayer’s money to be more precise.

Well, fuck that. All of us pay our taxes too. Our dads, our brothers, sisters, wives, mistresses...they’re all taxpayers.

If this selfish-bunch thinks they have their say, then please keep in mind that WE too, in the disabled community have our rights to uphold.

And like it or not here’s something to add up to your misery; we are here to stay because the good people at MBPJ have a few more disabled-friendly projects on the pipeline!

So be afraid...wooooo...

Ok seriously, If it is too hard for you to be with us, than be prepared to come up with better reasons to back up your rationale behind such hostility.

But don’t be too naive to think the disabled will throw in our towels and wheel home crying to our moms (and mistresses).

We’ve waited for such goodies to come our way for ages that we must be out of our mind to back off now. I mean, finally at least one PBT is doing it right.

As Anthony aptly puts it, the disabled community is glad that MBPJ is going on a right direction with its forward-thinking plans for all its residents.

And when he said ALL, you better believe it because for one, a politician he is not.

So long, Good Ol' Captain!

Capt Yusof Ahmad (1947-2009)

I woke up this afternoon only to be greeted by shocking news.

‘Capt Yusof Ahmad, aka The Ancient Mariner, died in his sleep last nite’, as the message went. Immediately I thought it could be a mistake, as only a week ago the good ol’ Capt and his family had lost his beloved mom.

Then another message came in to confirm the sad news.

When I first started I remember ANCIENT MARINER being one of very few blogs highly recommended by everyone. They were spot-on. His blog has been in Let’s Go Land’s link list ever since.

We met regularly later on through events and even bumped into each other a few times around the neighbourhood. He was approachable and had parted a good advice during one of our meetings that I will forever remember it for the rest of my life.

His demise will be a great loss to all of us in the blogging fraternity. The Good Ol' Captain will sorely be missed.

Bon voyage, sir.

Al-Fatihah.

Pondering over pathway

Here’s a quickie.

Earlier today I was somewhere in PJ, wheeling alongside the who’s who in the disabled community to protest against, get this, a group of able-bodied residents who had conveniently objected the local council’s decision to create a more disabled-friendly environment around the township.

For the record, the PBT had reconstructed a stretch of pavement and made it functional for everyone, and that includes not just the disabled but as well the able-bodied themselves.

Tell me if I’m missing out something here but when this project works in every single resident’s favour, I fail to see why the need for some quarters to bark about unnecessarily.

Like it or not, this is what equal rights is all about. When all this while most pavements shut wheelchair-users from accessing on it, the new universally-designed footpath caters to both sets of users.

So what’s the fuss really about? They get to still set their foot on the pavement and equally so are our wheels.

Not that the pavement was designed to make life a living mayhem for the jaywalkers, no.

So until that actually happen I sincerely suggest these people to quit being a selfish bastard and shut their pie-hole for once.

And with that said, I’ll be off again.

Salam mesra.

Shoot and win

I’m sure we’ve all seen one of those warning signboard that says ‘Trespassers Will Be Shot’ noticeably hung on fences of a private property somewhere. Now I wish similar punishment could also be applied to those inconsiderate car owners who have no qualms at abusing disabled parking spots.

The problem has always been to catch these bastards red-handed.

Its never easy I tell you that, and it doesn’t help when you have kayu security guards sleeping on their job.

Last week however my break came and it was one those rare occasions I get to exercise my rights, telling the driver straight in the face.

Here’s the thing. The wheelchair-designated parking spots in this one hypermarket we usually frequent were never vacant. But regardless of whether the driver’s a cripple does not matter because I can’t simply be jumping the gun and started shitting on his car hood.

But as luck would have it that day, one of the parking spots was available only to be beaten to it by a car in front of us. And sure enough, not 1 but 3 able-bodied African dudes coolly alighted the car and walks away as if their Tok Wan owns the supermarket.

Then bang! it happened. I shot ‘em 3 goons with my trusted Tommy gun, hitting them right on the forehead and rejoiced the moment all 3 hit the ground...

...Ok seriously, here's what actually happened.

I got down and yelled out at the driver to remove his junk somewhere.

Oh oh...but get this- he had the cheek to believe he was innocent and had not violated any law even with a huge OKU signboard clearly erected in front of his vehicle.

I mean, duuuuude...if you really are visually impaired then by all means man, the fucking space is all yours.

But no, some people just had to argue even when they realise they don’t stand a chance. Hard as they try, the not-so-good will always triumph over evil.

The driver especially, stood there with two minds after I made it clear he can either go on shopping and risk getting his car clamped or does the right thing by vacating the parking space.

Maybe the thought of the yellow clamping thing made him do the right thing and spared any damages from being done.

Except for bruised ego. I mean, cool homeys don’t get no rap from no crip on wheels, know what I’m sayin’?

Hey, I was merely exercising my rights. What’s equally important is this episode should at least instil some sense of awareness to those involved and witnessed it.

Its about time society jacks their level of awareness a notch up.

And a harsher punishment similar to the trespassing law should effectively do the trick.