Pakar Sakit Puan

My kids at TKC asked me to help them prep for a very interesting topic today...This House Believes that Male gynecologist Should be Limited...After the initial snicker about the mental image of droves of disappointed male doctors whose applications get rejected...I started to realize that this could be a serious issue indeed.
Should a quota be imposed? My girls told me that the current percentage of male gynes is a staggering majority of 90%. Is that such a bad thing? Shoudl females be given more room to enter gynecology? Do they want to in the first place?
I guess that Malaysia, being a country very much aware of its Islamic majority should also start to realise the important of having a healthy amount of female "pakar sakit puan"
I wonder what the position of the Syariah is on male gynes?
Views appreciated guys :-)

I Apologise...

To my loyal readers (ye priviledged few...) i apologise for my lack of new substance. I have been trying to make my mark in advertising and have had absolutely no time to write. Will write soon.

Fatah Gets The Boot!

Hamas has recently secured what the United States would like to refer to as a "shocking" victory in the recent Palestinian elections. Preliminary results give Hamas 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, with the ruling Fatah party trailing on 43.
What does this bode for the future of Palestine? Is the decision to appoint a political group infamous for its terrorist activities really a good thing for Palestine?

I think it is...

Firstly we can rejoice that Palestinians have finally shown that they are unhappy with the rule of Fatah and the corruption that was rife within it.
Secondly we can be happy that Hamas will no longer have to resort to terrorism and violent means for its message to get though. Hamas recently announced that the unilateral truce between Israel and them would continue if Israel honours the truce. I sincerely hope that they do because fighting the pre-election Hamas was a totally different ball game than trying to undermine the only Palestinian government that has managed to capture not just the minds but also the hearts of Palestinians.

Hamas will now have a legitimate avenue from which to voice out it's policies and to negotiate a viable future for Palestine. I'm optimistic that Hamas will want to take this opportunity to bargain from a position of power and maintain the trust of the people of Palestine by continuing their clean up operations within the party. The Palestinian people too will have a stronger voice championing their cause in the form of Hamas as opposed to Fatah whose neck was leashed by an Israeli rope.
However, the win poses problems for efforts to restart peace talks with Israel, which insists it will not deal with an authority including Hamas. This I fear will be their greatest mistake. Israel has to realise that it is dealing with a Palestine that is increasingly desperate and outraged with the constant Israeli occupation and violence. The first signs of change was the change in Palestinian confidence in Fatah and the rise of Hamas.
But what I find funny is the reaction of the United States to the election. The United States and Israel seem to not want to negotiate with a "terrorist organisation" despite the fact that they were democratically voted into power by the people of Palestine. I find that especially disturbing because the U.S. has always been vocal about protecting democracy and the right to choose but is now choosing to ignore a democratically elected government and cut it out from the peace process. When does a terrorist become a minister?
Strange foreign policy you got there Mr. Bush...

Any predictions on the future of Palestine? Anyone?

Freedom of Press Or Freedom To Oppress?

Regardless of the actions of Muslims that degraded their own religion, (previous posts)
I find it absolutely appalling that the so called "free" press of Denmark is practicing such obvious double standards.
This brought me to an even bigger question...Is there such a thing as a free and liberal press? Or is the term so much self serving tripe that is dished out to us by...Hey, The press themselves!
That quintessential symbol of worlwide evil, Adolph Hitler, in his book Mein Kampf states that one of the tactics that leaders should use when in control of a nation is to perpetuate what he likes to call "The Great Lie" where a leader makes up a 'lie' and them repeats it 'eternally' with the correct support from public information dispensers to a point when the general populace actually believes in the 'lie' and accepts it as 'truth'. Have we been fed 'lies' all this time?
I admit, being a debater and a soon to be lawyer, my ideas about what is a lie is flexible at best but there is a difference between portraying your case in the best light and outright bullshit. (Though some may argue otherwise)
I was recently discussing a rather famous Malaysian issue with a fellow Muslimah who is a member of a Malaysian Muslim NGO and I heard something rather disturbing. (WARNING: Hearsay only, NOT to be construed as 'truth')
It seems that a certain Malaysian Daily refused to publish or accept documented evidence and an interview that pointed to the fact that our Muslim brother Moorthy was actually a Muslim at the time of death. These documents and the interview would have served to prove beyond a doubt that he was a Muslim and dispel much of the rumours that have been going around about the Syariah Courts but they were refused publication. Why?
Press hypocrisy functions in many ways. The most recent example of this was revealed by the British newspaper The Guardian in its article THE FILM U.S. TV NETWORKS DARE NOT SHOW (May 12, 2005). This article discusses the resistance filmmaker Adam Curtis encountered during his attempts to locate a major American media outlet willing to show his documentary film, THE POWER OF NIGHTMARES.
Although this documentary examines the historical events that ultimately led to one of the most catastrophic events in American history - the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon - the cowardice of the American media apparently resides not in the film's analysis of these events, but in its depiction of the "neo-conservative's" exploitation of September 11th for political and personal gain.
Ever wonder why the faulty intelligence, Halliburton contracts, mass killings in Fallujah, and outright lies about Iraq never received much press coverage as opposed to Osama's latest videotape?
Don't you find it funny that if the Pope is shown with a bomb for a hat, the whole world would be up in arms in denouncing the caricature, but if the Prophet is drawn similarly, it falls under freedom of speech and is not offensive.
Makes you look at your daily newspaper in a different light doesn't it?

Interesting Blogs

From time to time I come across blogs that give me a whole new experience and open up windows to the world I've never seen before. This is one such blog http://indiauncut.blogspot.com/ below is an excerpt from it

Jaziya

I'm sure you know how Islam is. You can do one of three things in the tribal agencies. One, you pay jaziya. Two, you embrace Islam. Three, you prepare to die.

We pay jaziya.

That's Taranjit Singh, a Sikh from Peshawar telling me about how the Sikhs of Peshawar get by. Jaziya is a religious tax that some Muslim kings, most infamously the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb used to levy on Non-Muslim subject. I'd always thought the practice had died out a couple of centuries ago, but large parts of the North-West Frontier Province, where I am right now, are stuck in an old time warp. Although it falls in Pakistan, Pakistan's government has no formal control over much of it, especially in the Khyber Agencies, where different tribes (or agencies) control different areas.

Just wanted to share a great read with you guys.

What Next?

What next? The Islamic world (I will not say that it's a "civilization" and I am still a bit skeptical about using the word "Islamic") was rocked, shaken and angry due to our Prophet being depicted in a cartoon and made fun of the world over. Muslims retaliated in the usual way...Burning, rioting, and damaging property...Old news now.
The next question the "Islamic world" should ask what do do next? It is an offence in Malaysia to deal with the images and I'm certain other countries have taken similar action. What's the next move? What should we do so that nothing of the sort will ever happen again?
I was sincerely disappointed at our Prime Minister's reaction to the crisis at hand. He adopted an ostrich approach to the problem and seemed to want to ignore the affront to the Prophet. (This is my interpretation of the speech and it may differ from person to person) To me both ways of dealing with the problem are wrong, Badawi's and the rioting.
A strong approach to the problem needs to be taken, but an approach that is also grounded in reality, economics, and politics I've been playing around with this idea in my head for a few days and it may sound a little idealistic but here goes:
The majority of Muslim countries are countries which are mostly import markets, where a lot of foreign goods cater to a domestic market. A concerted effort from ALL Muslim countries across the world to boycott goods from Denmark may just result in a lot of irate Danish businessmen pressuring their government to take action. The best part is, Muslim countries need only to shift their buying power to other competitors. (I may need more indepth research on this, I admit)
The second could be a direct letter from the Malaysian Agung to the Queen of Denmark demanding an apology from the State. Denmark is also a constitutional monarchy and thus the Queen holds sway as Chief Of State. The silence of the Agung on this matter is rather disturbing too. The next could be the deportation of all citizens of Denmark from Muslim countries and the revocation of their business licenses. Simple enough...So long as we have the political and economic will. Saudi Arabia need only halt its supply of petroleum for a day for the prices of fuel to skyrocket in the world market. Chaos...I know, but chaos that MUSLIMS can control.
What's the point of all this? At the very least it will demonstrate to the rest of the world that we mean business...And start to shake off the image that we are a barbarian horde, good only for wholesale destruction. At its greatest we will demonstrate to the world that Muslims are not to be trifled with anymore and we are done being the laughing stock of the world's population.

Blasphemy! Kill the Infidels!

I'm sure that most of you have read about the recent issue surrounding the freedom of press and the sanctity of religion. The Posten newspaper cartoon was considered to be a rape of Islamic principles and a slap on the face of all Muslims the world over, and rightly so...
But before we rant and rave about disrespect and blasphemy, let us ask ourselves, how many times have we laughed at and even ridiculed Buddha? How many times have we ridiculed Lord Vishnu, Siva, Murugan? How many times have we called Christians misguided? How many times have we condemned other religions in our "Muslim" publications?
We righteous Muslims are always right, how can we be wrong? How can we be wrong to point fingers at others? We are, after all the chosen of Allah S.W.T. How can we do anything which is not His Will? Why do we need to respect others when we are clearly the people of Heaven?
If this is what being a Muslim means, I'd rather be a heathen and burn in Hell. At least there I will not be a HYPOCRITE!
You know what I find disgusting? Its the rape Muslims have committed on their own civilization. Its the downright murder that we have done on the principles given to us by the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. Its the degrading filth we have immersed ourselves into since the death of the Prophet and the ascension of Muawiyah and all his bastard children.
Yes I said his bastard children...Any of you have a problem with that, this is my number 013 6048135. Please feel free to confirm your ignorance and stupidity.
Don't you find it ironic that the cartoon was made to depict Muslims as being violent and uncivilized, but what really confirmed the opinions expressed by the cartoon was the reaction by Muslims themselves? We have only confirmed the world's belief in our lack of education.
By all means burn down embassies, torch cars, riot in the streets...That's your right...But don't beat your chest or tear your hair out when your child's brains are splattered all over your street by a machine gun because he was mistaken for a terrorist. We ask why there is injustice but we don't realize that we have brought this upon ourselves by being scum ourselves.

Our Prophet himself had filth thrown at him when he approached unbelievers, he did not respond with degrading violence and uncivilized behavior, he responded with kindness and compassion. Is it because we love Our Prophet so much that we respond with mindless violence? I don't think so. I think its because we have allowed ourselves to become animals with no functioning or apparent thought process, that's why. And we wonder why we are hunted down in Palestine and Iraq and shot down like beasts. We should be ashamed of ourselves. I certainly am.

Addicted!

I am officially addicted to action figures...yes for those of you who think that i coundn't get any geekier...i have just reached new heights! I just can't seem to get enough of those plastic and metal sculptures. I don't just collect any action figure, i collect the sculpted figures that are very detail oriented. Halian and Arik will remember them from my room but for those of you who haven't had the rather dubious honour of being a guest at Casa Fareez, the pictures explain everything.
I need help don't i? Afdlin Shauki, a man of many talents once said that this hobby is only for individuals with serious mental issues. He of course, has thousands of action figures all over his house ;-)
Another empty self indulgent posting by Fareez

Fareez in Disguise!

Heloo everyone...its been awhile hasn't it? the break was absolutely phenomenal. Met A LOT of new friends and old ones as well. Have to thank Haroon for that. This has proved to be a great start to the new year for me. Scriptwriting a little, translations here and there, a totally rad Transformer Decepticon toy (side picture) and a few other collectibles later and i can safely say that i am a happy man!
Sorry for the rather short post...just wanted to show off.. Muahahahahaha...Did i mention that it is made out of die cast metal? :-)

Knights In Rusted Armour

What is it that draws me to images of knights? Is it the romanticism of a lone force of good against evil? Is it an inner desire to help people? Or is it just because i've read too many Dungeons and Dragons books when i was little?
Anyway, enough ranting. The real reason why i am writing is because of some thought provoking situations that has happened to me both recently and over the years. I'm talking about chivalry and its acceptance in Malaysia.
Recently, someone commented that its strange that a young person like me opens doors for others and gives way to ladies and basically everyone else. (I have been mistaken for a doorman once)
I asked the person why was it strange and he replied, "its just not Malaysian" I explained that in my family, i was brought up to always put the needs of others first and be polite even under extreme provocation.
King Tirian in C.S. Lewis's The Last Battle "Warriors do not scold, courteous words or else hard knocks are his only language"
I havent obeyed those rules all the time, granted, but i do try.
But what really disturbs me is that this person thinks its a strange thing. Going further back, i was really surprised at the behaviour of some women on the public transport. When i get up to offer them the seat, the more often than not flatly refuse and act as if i was trying to molest them or something. Its strange that our society seems to view simple acts of courtesy as being alien and strange.
Another example. Ever tried standing at the roadside in Malaysia and make like you want to cross the road? The first thing that drivers will normally do is speed up their vehicle! As if you crossing the road would mean that they would be horribly late for a meeting. Try the same scenario in Australia, South Africa and you will see drivers that are even close by braking for you to cross with a smile.
Whats wrong with us?

Bacteria Strikes!

Just recovered from a very severe case of food poisoning. Must have been that stupid nasi kandar that i had for lunch on Saturday. Mamak food lovers beware! Not everything is as it seems... now i have this packetful of medicine that i have to take but according to the doctor i have to eat first before i take them...hmmm, how do i take the medicine when i have no appetite? And where do i find non spicy food in this country? Help! I'm stuck in a vicious medical cycle! And it hurts my tummy...:-(

Maryam Ansari Are You Reading This?

Momo...what in the world have you been up to? I swear, if you do not reply to this post i will...i will...hmmm, not much i can do since you are in cali..oh well.
Reply momo...don't be all mysterious and drop me anon comments..its infuriating, and not to mention downright unfair. Everyone else reading this...sorry :-)
Send me an email, and tell me what has been happening in your blender these days ok momo.

Toasty!

I'm joining the Toastmasters! wohoo! now instead of arguing and making a total ass of myself in debates i can actually make people smile and laugh! I will also be founding the IIUM Toastmasters soon. i hope that it would generate interest among the students. It will of course be free from the normal debate club arrogance and be actually fun!! Open for suggestions? Anyone think its going to succeed?

New Year Ahead...

Its the New Year Folks..time to start your life anew and change perspectives ..get a clean start on things. I have made up my mind to start exercising and losing the flab that has somehow moved in around my middle. (yes i know, its been there for a looong time)
Its hard work man...but it will pay off when i put on that silly Padini shirt that clings to you like cellophane tape and actually look presentable. Narcissus eat your heart out! Its going to be less food and more execrcise from now on.
I know of at least one friend that has joined the fitness craze...(Halian) I wonder whetherthe old adage will apply to me "The bigger the biceps, the smaller the brain" i guess i have nothing to worry about either way :-)
To Sir Arik, hope that chambering has been beneficial and rewarding. I shall be joining you and Halian soon i hope. Till then keep the seat at the Bar warm for me.

Baik Punya Cerita!

I was recently convinced to watch a Malay movie...(those who know me well will vouch for the near impossibleness of that happening...sigh, the things we do for love sometimes...) However i am pleased to report that i was pleasantly surprised and even entertained by the show...It was Afdlin's Baik Punya Cilok and it was actually FUNNY! The movie was a cross betweeen Ocean's Eleven and Twelve and The Bujang Lapok series. There was a comprehensible plotline and the dialogue, (not Monty Phyton stuff, of course) was superb! The characters were played out well and you could actually see the chemistry betwwen the four friends...Hats off to Afdlin and gang for pulling off a good show!
To anyone who has doubts about Malaysian movies, forget Yusof Haslam and the bunch of blithering idiots he hires for scriptwriters...Afdlin Shauki, Harith and the gang are the people to watch in the future!
Oh yeah...there will be a surprise appearance in the movie...you will like it.
Watch it people...worth the time and money...Malaysian Cinema is back!

Business Ethics??

I have just run into a ethical dilemma...can you work for a company and then freelance for a rival company at the same time? Recently been receiving jobs from a different advertising agency and working as a freelance copywriter for them...I am still a bit sceptical as to the ethics that are involved...are you supposed to be working for a rival when you are in the employ of the company? Granted, i do all the work after office hours and in my free time...so no office equipment is actually used to help the rival, but what about the job done itself..what if, because of the work that i have done, the rival starts getting an edge above my company and thus cutting profits from it? A little voice in me is saying that i wouldn't have to do this work in the first place if my company actually paid me better...but there is still that nagging feeling that i am somehow contravening Section 25 of the Universal Declaration of Good Guyness... Sigh...

Life and things that piss me off

Have you wondered sometimes whether you are living your life the way you are supposed to? Is every human being on the planet following a set route in which the person has to follow in order to become who he is? Or is it really a random series of choices which send you down one road or another? What makes a person good or bad? I always thought that a good person is a person who is honest and truthful to everyone and cares for the welfare of the people around him, but why is it that this attitude always goes unrewarded. Its the good guy that always loses out...Its the honest guy that gets betrayed in the end. Its the person that cares that doesn't receive help when he needs it. Why?
Why do you have to be a bastard to succeed? I don't want to blame anyone for being smart (Yes Halian, I know...) But why does it have to be that way. I hate hypocrites and i hate dishonesty for malicious reasons, but why am i surrounded with these people? (Sir Halian, Sir Arik and Lady Raihan, My Queen and those that i have named as friends excluded)
I have personally known someone who deliberately lies and colours the truth so that she could get an advantage...no one is spared, not even her boyfriend. Why? wouldn't life be a little empty when you have no real friends? Why lie?
I am hereby vowing never to be hypocritical (never was) never to be malicious (except in debates) and to strive for success in life by paying as much attention to the people around me and caring for their needs as much as possible, I vow to honestly work for a living and not exploit the talents or the disadvantages of others, I vow to become a better person and make people around me feel better as a result.
So help me i vow to live for the future generations, to prepare them for the world, to give them faith iin themselves and the tools they will need to project that self confidence. I vow to strive to be a better Muslim, to make my Creation worthwhile, to seek to better understand my Creator and His many mysteries. I vow to smile more, to laugh with others or otherwise keep silent, i vow to be the best me i can be.

Work work and more work

Hello world! its been a while since i have posted anthing new, been rather busy with living i guess. Working in an advertising firm now as a copywriter. Pretty good job seeing as i get paid to come up with creative ways to sell products and i can give free rein to my creativity. the people tht i work for seem to be pretty nice actually. Mostly Chinese but they make me feel at home...Malaysia, i love this country sometimes... Hope that my pay gets increased though...need to seriously plan my budget or i might be out of cash pretty early into the month. How is everyone? I don't think that anyone is still reading this blog though but to whoever is...hello!

America and Anti Americanism

A simple glance at the news today and we will be able to hear and see that the United States is incereasingly becoming a major pain in the butt for many nations. It ravaged Vietnam, Afghanistan, then Iraq...notice the similarities between the three countries that i just mentioned? All of them were attacked for reasons that only seemed to be understood by the power elite in washington but not justified to the general public, or else justified with shabby intelligence reports that seemed to pull the wool over most Americans.
To top it all off, the average American on the street doesn't even know where these countries are! I thank Jay Leno for that interesting nugget of info
Whatever happened to the principles that Amerca has stood for during the days of the Founding Fathers notably Abe Lincoln himself, the person the abolished slavery despite great opposition from everyone.
Now the President of the United States seems to me to be a slug of a man, whose intelligence is doubtful at best coupled with big multinational corporation ties that totally destroy his credibility and impartiality.
What were the Americans thinking when they faced the ballot box?
Apparently they were not thinking at all...

GOOD LUCK IN THE EXAMS EVERYONE!!