I read this article in the Star last Saturday. The writer was right when he said that Malaysian are less politicised.
Time to bring sexy back
THAI TAKES
By PHILIP GOLINGAI
Thais perceive our general election as less exciting and less sexy because there is no real political force that can topple the establishment.
WHOSE general election is sexier? Thailand's held on Dec 23 or Malaysia's, which is set for March 8?
According to Panitan Wattanayagorn, an associate professor with Chulalongkorn University’s department of international relations, Thais view Malaysia’s general election as “less democratic, less exciting, less fashionable, less sexy, less trendy”.“We think our election is more exciting,” he added.
On what he thought was the Malaysians perception of Thai polls, Panitan said: “Chaotic, messy, unstable, and not good for the (Thai) economy.”
Thais perceive our general election as less exciting as there is no real political force in Malaysia that can topple the establishment.
“The Barisan Nasional (the successor of the Alliance) has dominated Malaysia’s political environment since 1957,” noted Panitan.
“And the opposition parties are not strong.
“Whereas, in Thailand, the Democrat Party (which is currently the sole opposition party) has governed this country a few times.
“We have a more open political environment, but Malaysia is more stable politically. We are now experiencing instability, and have been for a long time, while Malaysia has been stable since 1957.
“The reformasi movement caused political turbulence but not enough to overthrow the strong Barisan.”
Thailand has been rocked by instability since anti-Thaksin (Shinawatra) rallies started in 2005 and climaxed in a coup against the then prime minister on Sept 23, 2006.
And after 16 months of military rule, Thailand returned to democracy with the Dec 23 polls.
According to the associate professor, the political culture in Thailand is different from that in Malaysia.
“Unlike Thais, Malaysians are less politicised. We have civil society groups that are very active, such as the People’s Alliance for Democracy, which led the anti-Thaksin rallies,” he explained.
“We have small but powerful NGOs which are able to play the role of providing checks and balances to the government.”
Another difference is that bread and butter issues are the priority in Malaysia.
“The economy is placed higher than political freedom,” observed Panitan.
“But for Thais political freedom is valued more than the economy.”
Economically, Malaysia is much better off than Thailand based on the human development index – Malaysia’s per capita income is US$5,000 (RM16,112), while Thailand's is US$2,000.
“When people are better off, they often ask fewer questions, as they don’t want their lives disrupted,” he said.
Isn’t feeding the stomach more important?
“Well, like India and Ghana, that is Thailand’s political culture (more concerned with politics than the economy),” he said.
Asked if Thais were interested in the March 8 polls, Panitan, who was a member of the prime minister’s eminent person advisory board during the Surayud Chulanont interim government, replied: “Not that much.”
“But one thing that may interest the Thai government is the outcome in the northern states (which have common borders with Thailand).”
If Perlis, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan were to come under the control of PAS, the cooperation between the Thai and Malaysian governments on southern Thailand, which has been the scene of a bloody Islamic insurgency, could be affected, Panitan noted.
Thais, he added, had the perception that some Malaysian northern states were not accommodative in terms of detaining Thai militants who cross the border.
“But, of course, that goes the same for the Thais, too.
“To improve the situation (in the south), Thailand must make sure it treats these people fairly and handles the situation in a more balanced way,” he said.
Well, Malaysians, let's make this election sexy!
________________________________________________________
Now who said politic is boring. It can be sexy too!
P/s: If you are registered voters, dont forget to cast your vote.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Post Valentine Post
Heck!It 17th already. The Japs are here already. The V-day already pass by and some, even propose a "Single Awareness and something something Day". Well Between these three days, I must say it just the same as any other day in my life.
I know. I know. Some people make a lot of fuss out of this shortest month of the year. Ok perhaps not so short since this year it ends at 29th but still shortest amongst other. Well that is something...
There is V-day, Chinese New Year, The Jade Emperor day and not to forget it Lent season already. Gosh...I almost forgot about it (and even there a lot of fuss too about this year Lent seoson since it starting day collide with CNY).
Anyhow, my friend and housemate (including me too), well we kinda addicted to this song. Just see the big name. As a reminder all my housemate are straight, it just the singer name is soo gay. Or is it just me? And me, single and not so available and enjoying myself
Feel like a teenager sometimes.
I know. I know. Some people make a lot of fuss out of this shortest month of the year. Ok perhaps not so short since this year it ends at 29th but still shortest amongst other. Well that is something...
There is V-day, Chinese New Year, The Jade Emperor day and not to forget it Lent season already. Gosh...I almost forgot about it (and even there a lot of fuss too about this year Lent seoson since it starting day collide with CNY).
Anyhow, my friend and housemate (including me too), well we kinda addicted to this song. Just see the big name. As a reminder all my housemate are straight, it just the singer name is soo gay. Or is it just me? And me, single and not so available and enjoying myself
Feel like a teenager sometimes.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Confirm (that I'm gay)
Finally... I've just come back from Pedu damn yesterday with a big relieve, and i woke up today with even bigger relieve. Its not because i'm tired or i'm finally can get out of that blood sucker leech kingdom, but somehow, that few days of expedition to Pedu Damn (and an escape of somewhat) I realized one thing 'bout my self or rather confirming my confused enquiry about myself.
Okay, there is been a big question keep playing in mind regarding my sexuality orientation. Its to know whether I'm gay or bisexual. To be frank i don't like bisexual and i dont like to be one. Few weeks back i keep thinking that I'm becoming something that i hate. Or is it that just a process that some people will experience along the way???
Anyway, finally when i wake up today, i wake up with a pleasant gay-themed dream with a smile. I know, I'm still gay and proud of being one. Keep remembering my friend sexy ass and how much I wanna to kiss that lips of his. It sound like a desperation, but believe me I feel much better thinking like that. Its been awhile since i have a feeling like that and in between (few weeks back) I'm kinda develop a feeling towards women. Even dreaming that I'm having sex with them. And I was like ewwh.I'm gay remember. Its kinda like the feeling of a straight guy have when they dream of making love with another guy. Except in my situation, its the opposite.
I did watch some gay porno, browse some gay guy profile, but it doesnt work.I dont have the kind of feeling that i have now (towards men). And i hate the part where i dream that i'm having a sex with a girl. Right now I think like I'm Nakatsu situation when he found out that Mizuki is not boy (Hanakimi drama). Haha ore-wa homo janaii!! oops i mean ore-wa bisex janaii~~
Oh by the way did i mention about Pedu Damn Expedition and the blood sucker leech kingdom? Well thats another story. (No worries nothing much happen hehe)
Okay, there is been a big question keep playing in mind regarding my sexuality orientation. Its to know whether I'm gay or bisexual. To be frank i don't like bisexual and i dont like to be one. Few weeks back i keep thinking that I'm becoming something that i hate. Or is it that just a process that some people will experience along the way???
Anyway, finally when i wake up today, i wake up with a pleasant gay-themed dream with a smile. I know, I'm still gay and proud of being one. Keep remembering my friend sexy ass and how much I wanna to kiss that lips of his. It sound like a desperation, but believe me I feel much better thinking like that. Its been awhile since i have a feeling like that and in between (few weeks back) I'm kinda develop a feeling towards women. Even dreaming that I'm having sex with them. And I was like ewwh.I'm gay remember. Its kinda like the feeling of a straight guy have when they dream of making love with another guy. Except in my situation, its the opposite.
I did watch some gay porno, browse some gay guy profile, but it doesnt work.I dont have the kind of feeling that i have now (towards men). And i hate the part where i dream that i'm having a sex with a girl. Right now I think like I'm Nakatsu situation when he found out that Mizuki is not boy (Hanakimi drama). Haha ore-wa homo janaii!! oops i mean ore-wa bisex janaii~~
Oh by the way did i mention about Pedu Damn Expedition and the blood sucker leech kingdom? Well thats another story. (No worries nothing much happen hehe)
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