BERSIH 3.0 MELBOURNE

 

Saturday saw me at Federation Square in Melbourne CBD with my sister for the Bersih 3.0 Melbourne. It was a last minute decision to join the rally and definitely no regrets for being there.

Last year, I was upset for missing Bersih 2.0 but this year, I am really glad to have made the effort to be a part of a global movement.

Upon reaching there, I didn't know what to expect. And perhaps, no or less expectations guarantees a good experience. We reached Federation Square by 2pm and there was a crowd. As the hour progressed, the crowd grew mainly made up of Malaysians and a few other bystanders that were probably wondering what the big gathering was all about.

After all, we were congregated right next to the tourist information centre! Hopefully, we weren't obstructing traffic which was good that one of the speakers did mention for those seated and standing around those areas not to block other people's path.

On my left, I heard a few young people wearing the Bersih 3.0 yellow shirt explaining to those that asked what the crowd was all about.

Duduk Bantah 

Compared to the circus went wrong that happened back home in Malaysia, the Melbourne rally was pretty peaceful and eventful. Despite there being no drama, it was a good and heartfelt rally. I felt a sense of patriotism for my home country, Malaysia. It was there at Federation Square on 28th April 2012 that us, Malaysians unite in a foreign country for our own country, for a better future, for a clean and fair election.

 

  

It was said that Melbourne was the biggest overseas BERSIH rally held outside of Malaysia. About 1250 of us were there despite the forecast of rain. To sidetrack, Melbourne is known for it's erratic-four-seasons-in-a-day weather and one has to always check the weather forecast before heading out of home. For a few moments, the sky was pretty doom and gloom bearing bad news. Interestingly enough, Mr. Sun came out and conquered the skies shining ever brightly for us.

Just because we left Malaysia, it did not mean we no longer cared. Just look at the amount of people in the above pictures. And it is not necessarily true that everyone who leaves Malaysia for another country, leaves by choice. Some leave because of parents' wishes or their very own, deeming an overseas education or work and life exposure as beneficial. A smarter decision for a better future. Some just want their kids to have a better life, better opportunities what with the ruckus going on right now in our  beloved Malaysia.

Some people like me, we left to be with our partners. Long distance does crazy things to each individual and as much as we wish it brings out the best in us, often times, sadly, it brings out a side in us we never knew we had.

That being said, whatever the reason may be, we left. But like I said before, just because we left, it doesn't mean we cease to care. Curiously enough, I read up on Malaysia news more than I do of Australia. In fact, leaving Malaysia has made me missed it terribly, the good and the bad. Leaving Malaysia and everything familiar behind helped me appreciate Malaysia even more and even learning Malay! 

 

 

 

And for those who really don't give two hoots anymore about Malaysia, then you should START caring. Even if you and your immediate families are now somewhere 'better' than Malaysia, don't forget, other loved ones are left behind. 

That is what BERSIH 3.0 is all about... asking for a CLEAN and FAIR election in order for us, the citizens of Malaysia to be able to vote with certainty that the next ruling government will be chosen BY the people and FOR the people. 

Is that so much to ask? Is it such a difficult request that our PM, Najib scoffs and says the silly things he says and expects the world to believe? Come on lar.. the people ain't dumb. And it's high time he and the rest of the clowns 'running' the show stop treating us as idiots. Wonder when that day will come though.

I want my right to vote too even if I am living in Malaysia!!

There were a few speakers that day and one of them was Ambiga's own son, Goku! He spoke fairly well and also the guy in dark rimmed specs, think his name is David, engaged and related with the crowd. 

There were 8 demands to be looked into in last year's BERSIH 2.0 rally:

1) Clean the electoral roll

2) Reform postal ballot

3) Use of indelible ink

4) Minimum 21 days campaigning period

5) Free and fair access to media

6) Strengthen public institutions

7) Stop corruption

8) Stop dirty politics

Sad to say, up-to-date, only one demand has been granted: use of indelible ink. And as can be read in cyberspace, a lot of speculations about the BERSIH 3.0 Kuala Lumpur debacle is afloat. What really happened that the peaceful rally spiraled out of control? Fingers are pointing. Claims have been made.

At the end of the day, irregardless ruling party or opposition, the person who is guilty of throwing things, jumping on police cars, starting the riot, all should be held accountable for their actions. Then again, this is reality. So, chances are, these goons will go scot free.

The highlight of this rally for me was when we sang Negaraku, Malaysia's national anthem to conclude the rally. I haven't sang it since graduating high school but the words just came naturally to me. 

Before that, about 3pm after one of the speakers spoke and there were pauses in between, giving me the thoughts that the rally was coming to an end. I don't know why but I shouted across the top of the sitting crowd to my sister's embarrassment "SING NEGARAKU!!". 

Only those around me heard it and turned around to see who was the crazy chick shouting. Lols. Ok. I admit, after doing that impulsively, my cheeks were slightly hot with maluness (embarassment). But oh well, I survived. :)

 

  

I wear yellow because Electoral Commission (EC) is a dirty fellow!!

I'll upload several clips here in another post of that day. I gather other blogs or people can outline the day better and with more details but I am just here to say what the day meant to me and how being here is important to me and it should be for ALL the other Malaysians who weren't here. 

There are SO many  more Malaysians in Melbourne that didn't attend the rally but I guess, shopping, watching movies and what not are better time spent on... sadly. I don't blame them. Sometimes, the feeling that nothing will change is consensus but if we keep thinking that way then, nothing will change.

So, here's to wishing that there will be a change for the better, that there won't be a need for BERSIH 4.0 and even if there is, that at least, half the demands will be met! 

And even if it isn't, then, fellow Malaysians, wherever you are, I implore you to PLEASE, PLEASE know and exercise your right at the next election. Those who have not registered to vote, please do so. Even if you can't vote this round, register so that you can vote at the next election. Every vote counts! 

Tell your family, your friends and their children and grandchildren who are eligible to do so and also educate the younger ones on why it is important to stand up for one's country and what we should do.

Change can only happen when we are united. And change always begin with us, ourselves.

Book or boob?!

Last night, Mr. C, my sister and I watched 'Sound of music' on tivo. During a commercial break, I asked Mr. C to pass me my book which was just next to him to which he gave me this look of how should I describe it? A look of shock or cluelessness. 

I remembered thinking, what's with his expression?? and being perplexed, I raised my voice a notch in annoyance, "my book! My BOOK!  MY BOOK!!".

When he just sat and stare at me whilst I just leaned over and grab the book. 

That's when realisation sink in and what he said next to me was really hilarious.

He had thought I said," Please squeeze my boob" hence, the shocked look. And icing of the cake was the part where I got irked and he heard me saying "my boob! My BOOB! MY BOOB!!" really loudly!

Seriously, a LOL moment. My hubby. LOLs.

Rachael Leahcar on The Voice Australia

Rachael Leahcar wowed the crowd last week on The Voice Australia with her rendition of La Vie en Rose 

What makes her so special? She sings beautifully and she's legally blind... and she did not let this stop her from trying her chances at The Voice! All contestants are pretty good at singing and competition does seem rather stiff.

Can't wait to see how she'll progress in the competition.

Happy hormones filled day

Today is ANZAC day and also the day my mother left Melbourne. ANZAC day here is a public holiday. It is a day to remember and honour the brave Australians and New Zealanders who fought and served in the brave war at Gallipolli in the Ottoman Empire during World War 1 and also to commemorate those who died in the line of duty for their country.

ANZAC simply stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It is a big deal here in Australia and I reckon in New Zealand, too. Many have survived and yet, many have lost friends and family. Whatever it may be, it is always good to remember the good people have done and the sacrifices made.

For me, this is a pretty new concept as I wasn't born in Australia. My home country is Malaysia and I've lived majority of my life here instead of Australia. Nevertheless, I still feel a sense of respect for the soldiers who had fought in the war. 

Giving up ones life for ones country and being in the line of fire is definitely no easy task and not something everyone has a calling for.

Besides, any public holiday is always a welcome reprieve. :)

Woke up at 6am, saw my mother off at Tullamarine Airport as she headed back for Malaysia. Came home with Mr. C and had instant Tom Yam Maggi brand noodles for breakfast. It was a relaxing morning that saw him perusing news on his Tabbie aka Asus Transfer Prime tablet whilst I had my own karaoke sessions on the tivo.

I hooked up my laptop to the the tivo and sang songs like how one does at karaoke sessions to Youtube KTV clips especially songs by Jay Chou and Wang Lee Hom. Aaahh... the reminder of the good 'ol days.

Mid afternoon, I was happy swimming at St Kilda Sea Baths with the hubby, sister along with my Melbourne uncle and aunty. I know the salt water directed straight from the sea into the bath house is good for ones skin but I hate the taste that assaults my tongue. Besides that, my skin had a tingly sort of pain feeling at my arms and face area as if there were little insects pecking away at my skin.

After awhile, my skin acclimated to the salty water.

The hydrotherapy spa pool and steam room was an added bonus especially to the two invalids with pestering backaches; Mr. C and my sister as the water is heated to a soothing warm temperature.

Oooh... here in the changing room, people don't change privately and discreetly in designated cubicles with closed doors. Instead, they strip to their bare skin with no qualms nor shame and change into or out from their swim suits in front of anyone who may be in the toilet.

At least for the ladies, we have flap doors for the shower area to protect ones modesty unlike the men who have open shower. Yup. That means bathing in public (of course in the mens toilet la...) in the nude! Lols. Apparently, the men are not shy to take off their pants and speedos among strangers but fellow swimmers.

Poor Mr. C was taken aback when we first went swimming last week at Monash Aquatic Centre and he first realised this strange (to us Malaysians la) phenomena for the men to bathe in the nude.

Thank God that us, women have closed up space to shower in private. However, some women have no qualms walking about at the changing area in their birthday suit. Even at the bath house earlier, this lady (definitely NOT young) was wearing a see through black bikini and her nipples were showing!! OMG. Rather distracting, I tell you.

Enjoying mocha at Beachcomber after the swim

After our lovely swim, we had drinks at Beachcomber amidst the strong wind. The breeze was strong and gusty yet, we loved sitting there and savouring the moment. I feel super happy after the swim and especially after the Mocha. 

Ahhh... I think swimming releases happy hormones into my body. Till the next swim...

A lazy Saturday

I don't know but off late, it has been a struggle to write. I have loads to share but when I do sit in front of my laptop, I am either back on Facebook checking friend's statuses, uploading pictures, replying meassages or am just clearing my emails. There are so many stories to talk about from J & G's visit, Mr. C's parents' visit and even now, my own family. However, I struggle to put how I feel, what I experience into words that I end up saying nothing.

Well, today, I am back. Today is pretty much a relaxing day. Have had few and precious days like this.

Today, Mr. C went for a long overdue haircut. Then, we went to Dan Murphy's as my *cough cough* goody sister have been wanting to buy some drink. Lols. We prolly will attempt to make Tiramisu one of these days with this.

 

This drink has a WORM inside!!!

It's not an accident... rather the worm is inside deliberately.

 

A slightly heavier me enjoying my smooth tau foo fa

After that, we headed to Shirley's Grocery at Scoresby for some light shopping. Mr. C had Sharon's Bak Zhang whilst I had Aunt Shirley's Tau Foo Fa. I really love the smooth and sweet Tau Foo Fa. On good and happy days like this, Mr. C relents and buys a tub for me!

If you want relatively reasonable priced groceries especially Asian groceries, Aunt Shirley's most likely will have it. Weekends, you can get fresh Nasi Lemak and curry puffs too, to name a few food to buy. BUT Tau Foo Fa is a MUST buy!! You won't regret it. The few people I recommend it to always consume it happily. In fact, on some days, if you're unlucky, you'll reach Aunt Shirley's only to find out they've sold out on it! ;(

Feeling SLEEEPPPY. I feel like having a catnap before we head into the city to meet my youngest uncle for dinner.  See, that's why I end up not blogging much. Who wants to read boring and unexciting posts like this? ;p

Toodles... *snoressss*

Swimming and Rich Maha

Finally, we made it to a swimming pool after being here in Melbourne for MORE than a year! Mr. C isn't exactly a fan of swimming where else me? Although I can't swim, I loooove playing in the water. It was only later on in university years that I made Mr. C teach me how to swim. 

We decided to try out the Monash Aquatic &Recreation Centre. It was huge and there were many parents watching over their kids having swim lessons. I wish I had swimming lessons when I was young. There were also some oldies and young people in the indoor 25m and outdoor 50m pool.

All in all, it was nice being in the water and practising my breakstroke swim that I dubbed the 'frog' swim. When I was sent to work in Johor Bahru in early 2008, the apartment I lived at had a swimming pool which my colleague, MelC and I took advantage of as often as we could.

When we got back to the apartment from work, we would put the rice to cook, change into our swimsuits and head downstairs for a quick and short swim. There were once we excitedly hurried to the pool only to find the pool filled with erm... young men and we made a beeline for the lift up back to our unit. 

I don't know why but I guess we were feeling shy to swim with just ALL guys in the pool and maybe, a bit unsafe. In Malaysia, we tend to fret over our safety fairly often that it's like second nature to always think of the "what might happen" scenario and try to avoid putting oneself at the mercy of such situation.

After working up and appetite from our swim, we stopped by Rich Maha in Vermont South for some Indian food fix for dinner. I remember my first time coming here last year, the moment I stepped in, a familiar smell greeted me; it was the wondrous smell of home...  of the yum curry in Malaysia (not the stinky rubbish smell ya). 

Not only is the food here good, the curry is even better than those back home. Lols.

 

 

 

Rice with curry fish, egg plant, vege and papadam


 

Roti canai and Naan with Mutton/Lamb curry

Teh Tarik!!

I reckon the food here is authentic. I believe if you go to a particular eatery, you can tell a lot about the food at the place by looking at its patrons. If it's a Korean restaurant with MANY Koreans, food served is generally authentic as opposed to a Korean place with more non-Korean patrons. 

I realised that some Asian eateries here in Australia sometimes cater to the locals' tastebuds to the point that the food at times, have been altered till it no longer is as tasty nor spicy as it should be. 

But as seen and tasted in Rich Maha, the food is as good as it should be. 

The curry I had was awesome spicy and I had a kick dipping my roti canai with it. Loved Mr. C's curry fish and the special curry I had which tasted a lot like mutton or perhaps lamb curry. The mutton was tender and tasty! 

Suffice to say, I had a satisfying meal and will be back for more! Now, if only someone somewhere sells Maggie Goreng like the ones back home.

Dandenong Market with the Mothership

I've really been re-missed in my postings. The in-laws left mid week and now, part of my family are here. Today, I brought my mother to Dandenong Market. It was bigger and definitely more interesting than Carribean Market! I find that Carribean Market is over run with Asians and with them as stall holders, the things sold are pretty much similar to the kinds you can see in a pasar malam (night market) in Malaysia. Somehow, I find the non-Asians sell more interesting stuff.

Dandenong Market is pretty huge. Pretty much similar to Queen Victoria Market that is situated in the city but smaller in size, I reckon. There were rows and rows of stalls and in sections; Meat and Fish, Produce Hall, Fruits and Veges etc.

The rest of this post will be pretty much self-explanatory in the photos.

#1 Fruits and veges section, near the place we parked our car
30cents per hour and maximum 3 hour parking!

#2 Amused by the words on the notice
You tend to see this kind of signs at predominantly Asian inhabited areas.

 \
#3 Curry leaves

#4 Okra, otherwise known as ladies finger in Malaysia

#5 Love the plants and flowers in pots! 
Wonder which to buy and plant.

#6 My love affair with this dainty pretty things

#7 Relatively cheap too! Some for only AUD2...

#8 Flowers or veges??

#9 My mum spent a loooong time here going nuts buying nuts
LOL. Couldn't resist the pun.

#10 Clear signs to point the way

#11 nuts, raisins, prunes

#12 Whole Afghan Apricots... interesting

#13 Had a hot cup of mocha here
Apparently, everything is perfect... they had Perfect Latte, Perfect Mocha etc.

#14 I adore these amazing handmade soap that smell heavenly
Bought the Mognolia & Green Tea, Hibiscus and Rose scented ones.

#15 The Asian looking stallholders

#16 Toys... probably China made

#17 Souvenirs such as these Aussie named jackets

#18 Cutesie removable wallpapers

#19 Wall stickers

#20 All sorts of party stuff can be found here

After Dandenong Market, we went to visit Sal's mother who runs an Asian eatery, Borneo Cafe that is situated at Shop16/450 Nepean Highway in Chelsea. I have tried the Fish Ball noodle soup and Fried Rice in the past and liked it.

I brought my mother here to try the food but our tummies were full from the hot dog she insisted having  earlier in Dandenong Market. In the end, we just had a latte and mocha thoughtfully made by aunty followed by a pleasant hour and a half of chatting.

My mother decided to order curry puffs for takeaway before we left. The pastry was nice and fluffy with the filling being flavoursome though not spicy. 

And that was that for the day.

I only get to go places when I have friends and family visiting. Otherwise, I stay  home. Now, I get to explore a bit more of Melbourne and familiarise with my surroundings.

Wheee.... time to go to bed. Tomorrow, we (uncle and aunty with my mother and sister) are all going to St. Kilda Bathouse for a swim early in the morning.

Hope I can wake up.