In the spirit of the game!

I was watching the tennis match last night; Showdown of the Champions. Indeed they were champions. I am not much of a tennis person myself but it was the spirit of the game that intrigued me to watch it.

The younger players are obviously in their prime years with more agility and stamina. But the older ones were not very far off themselves. Deffinitely age is a factor and people's reflexes tend to be a little slower. However, I could see all of them giving their best shot. It could be because of their spirit and passion for the game regardless of whose winning.

It is very hard to see such scenarios like this in Malaysia. We are too busy worrying about getting Rm 1 million, Datukship or a free Proton Perdana from EON. This was also evident that our Malaysian culture is very much different as during the games last night, spectators were shouting like some 'sepak takraw' match. If you see tennis matches held overseas, the ambience is strictly silent. There was a moment when John McEnroe paused and looked behind him as to where the shout came from.

I was watching the match with my father on the telly. Both my parents are die-hard tennis fans! He was really excited and had fun watching. I guess, he saw the older players in his time when they were younger and when they were like the no. 1’s we see today. It surely brings back memories of the heroes from yesterday.

It also struck me that we are all getting older or changing physically but our spirit within us should remain burning strongly. I guess the same could also be said about love! ;)

King's of Tennis 2008 cancelled!

(This photo was taken by The Star last Sunday)

It was only last Saturday that Ruby and I went on our ussual dating escapade and we ventured unto the grounds of the Esplanade.

We were so surprised to see the massive structure which WAS to be a tennis court for the King's of Tennis event. I did hear about it on Astro a couple of weeks back. As most people know, I ain't much of a TV guy even with my extra spare time these days. I totally forgot about it but Astro was my only source in coming to know of this events existance.

I did hear rumors on Facebook that the event was cancelled. To my disbelief the rumor came true as Ruby's uncle read the article in the latest Chinese newspaper. I even checked it online at it further reinforced the fact that the event was cancelled:

http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2008/11/12/sports/2521235&sec=sports

This event is organized by local organizers led by Arianna Teoh and together with King's of Tennis based in Sweden. Arianna Teoh has had many successful events before; bringing in international artist to perform.

This one could be a major blow to her and her team. I trully feel sorry for them. Errors and slip-ups have the possibility of occuring, it cannot be denied. However, as the King's of Tennis is an international event, it just makes it worse for the reputation of these local organizers.

Why cancelled?

The Penang government has no part in promoting this event as it was not part of the arrangement agreed upon with the local organizers. They offered the venue and a reasonable rate to be leased for the event. For more information:

http://hcfoo.com/2008/11/local-organizer-confirmed-kings-of.html

As per The Star, the local organizers did not pay the management of King's of Tennis to come and play in Penang. For more information:

http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2008/11/12/sports/2521235&sec=sports

It is trully sad that this magnificent event had to be cancelled. I bet lots of people might have been looking forward to it including some of my friends whom are now disappointed.

I am not in the position to comment on the fundamental reason and whose fault it was that the event was cancelled. All I can say is that maybe the organizers can learn something valuable from this. :)

Heroes welcome for a racist?

Just see how the wrong people get appreciated in modern society:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/10/nation/2504507&sec=nation

Back then, in the late 19th century, there existed many Malay warriors that fought to defend the independence of their community which consist of people of their own race. There was Hang Tuah, Datuk Bahaman, Mat Kilau, Dol Said, Tok Janggut, Mat Salleh, Datuk Maharaja Lela, Tok Gajah, Datuk Bentara Luar Johor, Rentap and Tun Perak.

But, that was back then and we are living in current times, the 21st century to be exact, almost 150 years since that time in history of the Malay warriors. The reason why I am emphasizing on how long ago that event in history had hapened is because there exist such people now, who are still fighting for the same cause that is fighting for their own race rather than for all Malaysians which I label as being racist!

Malaysia is now a result of the merger of multiple races; Malays, Chinese, Indians and Others. Times have changed and so should the people have changed but sadly it has not been realized.
Malaysia will not be what it is today if not for all Malaysians who played a part in nurturing it.

Deffinitely in the years of the Malay Warriors, such a person would be considered a hero for fighting for his / her race. But in todays world, if the same were to apply, they are nothing but racist!

From the Constitution of Malaysia:

Article 8

Article 8 by clause (1) provides that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to its equal protection.

Clause 2 states: “Except as expressly authorised by this Constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, gender or place of birth in any law or in the appointment to any office or employment under a public authority or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment.”

I wonder why the person who made such racist remarks is not caught under ISA as a threat to Malaysia?

Obama Won!

Ruby told me that in her office, there lay an idiot who ask "Who is Obama?". Dumb ass!

Obama will be the 44th president of USA and the first African-American president! :D

Anyway, I am happy because base on his speeches he seems to have many goals to achieve with the people in mind and looks pretty down to earth coming from humble beginnings. His figures and facts are rather concrete so it gives people confidence in what he says.

But wait, people are concern his black? Black, brown, green, yellow or red, what the hell is the difference as his a human! If he can do a good job for a better change then why emphasize so much on what race he is.

Yes, his predecessors may have all been white. Perhaps, it is now time for change in the year 2008 in the presidential post and to give more Americans the chance of living the American dream. Afterall, people say that America is all about freedom and opportunities for those that are in seek. Please Google or Wiki "American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man" to learn more on freedom in America.

On a less important note, I do not feel the national anthem will have a hip-hop twist or the official residence, the White house will be changed to the Black house now. Meaning to say, the American culture will not change just because the new president is of different race compared to predecessors. Obama has more important roles to play with a mission for America and also the world.

As he has been chosen by the majority, the majority of Americans show a liking in him over McCain. I do hope the support for Obama will remain and that he will be proven worthy of his word. If not 1 term, let's give him two terms if there is no better candidate in the next election or there has been no mismanagement under the Obama administration should there be.

America or the world so to speak is not for just one race but for all races.