Universal Studio, Singapore

I visited Universal Studio, Singapore on a Wednesday that was NOT a Malaysian/ Singapore School/ Public Holiday, so if my experience differs from yours if you visit during those times, TOO BAD... LOL, XD

So, how did I spend it? Well... My sister was following Google's map directions there but there is a different way to get there. Now, this is the important question, what time should I go there? If you're going there without the VIP pass, go there during the opening time to buy tickets BUT if you look like a lucky person, hopefully there's a promotion and you'd be getting the VIP ticket to totally skip the super long queue like me and my sister!

What promo? It's this promo... where we got to skip certain queues with an additional $ 2 top up. Well, since I'm already spending $75, I MUST SPEND my time well there and ensure EVERY DOLLAR worth in THERE until Universal Studio satisfies me... XD mwahahhahahahahaha

So, what did I do/ watch when I got there? Mwahahhaa, upon reaching there I did not run hysterically like a mad woman. Non non, I took picture like a civilized human with a prop hat and the props there! 

Then, I saw two big birds (Woody and his gf I suppose... XD, didn't watch the show but I remembered it from somewhere) so...kekeke

Since my sister and I saw everybody rushing to the right route, we walked to the left. (I recommend taking left first to warm-up). The left was Madagascar sponsored by Maybank (the Crate Adventure), nothing much; safe for kids since the worst that can happen is water squired from the zebra's mouth...

The only ride I managed to sit there was King Julien's Party-Go-Round which I think ...hmm... my sis forgot to click my camera's shoot button... TT.TT, so my sister's picture goes here...At least the Zebra looks super happy... XD

Then, it was Far far Away where the smelly ogre lives...

There's Shrek 4-D Adventure which was really stimulating and cool, then the Magic Potion Spin (ferris wheel) right after the adventure and finally the Enchanted Airways (roller-coaster). It was cool, a good start-up for the later crazy rides... XD.

Continue walking and you'd reach the Lost World. The only thing I may regret not bringing is a water poncho for this attraction. The ride will get you wet as you would be in a raft that is directed by water (so... basically you'll get a little water splashing on your clothes) but it was really FUN...The rafting experience! Then at 12.00 there was the WaterWorld live show. IT IS SOO cool, but I really don't recommend sitting at any of the wet zones unless you really want to get splashed for no reason. SOoooo... yeah... be smart, and get your priorities right! There was a camerawoman (Universal Studio) for this, so there's one with me and my sis!

Then, we headed on to Ancient Egypt...where there's two cosplayers you can take a picture with...

The guy from the mummy show... found him while waiting for Treasure Hunters and ...

Nearby the Revenge of the Mummy site.

I LOVE the Revenge of the Mummy. I basically rode Revenge of the Mummy TWICE in a row before proceeding to Sci-Fi City... Mwahahhahah... IT ROCKS! (I did return for more... about two or three more times...*blek...) It goes in every direction, up backwards round and round and it's HOT! I loved the coaster ride and all the movie effects.

Entering Sci-Fi city, there are TWO roller coaster rides... I actually preferred the Revenge over this but among Galactica, I preferred the Human (2 times) over the Cylon (bots - 2 times) not because I'm sitting but because of the Adrenaline... Then there's the Ultimate 3D Battle (2 times),which also rocks but really... in my opinion, everything pales in comparison to Revenge of the Mummy... XD.  So who/ what can I take a picture with? These people outside the Galactica rides and ...

Some bot since I didn't watch Transformers...XD, there's also some car there but since I didn't watch Trans... so it's kind of pointless to get soooo hyped up. XD

So... was it just rides and rides around Universal Studios  (other than Waterworld)? Apparently... NOT!

After watching Lights, Camera, Action! which is mind blowing, I managed to catch The Rockafellas doing street dance and some of the general public dancing in NY section!

Then, my sis and I moved back to Hollywood where managed to hear Daddy O's and Marilyn Monroe (who is super tall) and my favourite... the man that got his head cut off cosplayer!!

 

Then. there's the Monster Rock musical. It is fun, musical and cool so don't miss it... It's the last thing me and my sister did in Universal Studio anyway.... XD, the last show... if I'm not wrong is at 6.00 and the closing time is seven so... XD... go for it!

Basically, there's an MRT from VivoCity to Universal Studio Singapore/ Sentosa (for free). My sister was not aware of it and I was not aware of it but if you prefer the MRT go ahead (I took the MRT back because we found it accidentally) ... if not just take the bus like me! LOL... HardRock Singapore is also over there... at RWS so for those real HardRock Cafe fans... Singapore's Hardrock is there... Yeah... it was just coincidentally that I was wearing a HardRock shirt. XD

Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands

Referring to my previous post, since I was already in Marina Bay Sands, so... I CAN"T just NOT visit Gardens by the Bay, right? It just opened and if I don't go, I believe, I probably won't until the far future. So... from the Science & Arts Museum, my sister and me walked to Gardens by the Bay.

If you're wondering what the heck is Gardens by the Bay, that's the official homepage for it.

There's basically the free of charge garden and the garden that you'll need to pay for.

So... first, I'll share a little about the FOC garden.... XD

I believe the FOC garden is a good place for joggers/ cyclist to have a good workout. Maybe even walkers. It has sufficient greenery and the gardens are themed. The one seen above is an Indian themed Garden. If I recall correctly, all the Asian themes and a few others on the way. But it's not really that spectacular.

What about the mushrooms/umbrella you saw above? Hehe... that's the OCBC skyway.

Looks great right? There's actually a sky bridge connecting these mushrooms but I didn't fork out the $5 to walk since it was actually rather cloudy then. Fortunately too... since the one I paid for later covered for it... So... my sister and I hurried to the Gardens that were covered, the Conservatories that cost me $28.

The first conservatory I visited was the flower dome. Like it's name sake, there are tonnes and tonnes of flowers everywhere...  Well... not just flowers but cactus too and olive trees and all the weird trees that you've either never noticed the name or just never seen before. There's also the Western gardens put up here. 

So what's my verdict about the Flower Garden? It's good if you want to teach your kids to be a herbalist, expose them to plants they've never seen before, or maybe a good place for a garden designer to be inspired by the various plants there. Well, also maybe for those who love to appreciate flowers and greens, this is the place to be. So what about the next conservatory? KaBoom! that is the BOM man... it's so worth it to be amazed there!

I 

It is simply beyond words. I can't begin to describe this complex structure and how the heck it works but the people who built it are geniuses. Basically you can go right to the top and come all the way down. It's a really nice adventure in the garden. The waterfall (right, it falls from the lost world; the peak of the whole mountain of rock you saw me hugging (virtually at least)) is just an amazement that I still can't begin to describe it in words. So... go for it if you have the chance. Besides that, you being at Cloud Forest also gets you  the OCBC skyway view therefore  I thought it would be a waste of money to go for it. But if you still want to do it, go AHEAD. I'm happy enough with the Cloud Forest! XD

Science and Arts Museum, Marina Bay

The thing that I love most about Singapore is their public transport. It's really efficient and effective, if and only if, you know how to use it. So, on my first day in Singapore, we left my grandma's apartment a little too early got charged by ERP (before 9.30 by just 4 minutes) and parked in a hospital whereby we had decided on taking public transport particularly the bus to Marina. Unfortunately, the bus that my sister was looking forward to was not available on that day... haha... so we waited for approximately 30 minutes before figuring that out! LOL... cause she finally took out her bus directory to check the bus operation hours. Therefore, though we passed by ims2square twice where there's an MRT when we were on the way to use the bus, we took it after 1 hours and 30 minutes our estimated time for using the public transport. haha... It was really funny as we saw so many of the same bus no. passing by before leaving the bus stop and boarding the MRT which we passed by earlier to top-up my sister's ES2Link card. LOL. Lesson learned, after 15 minutes check for the operation hours of the bus you are planning to board instead of shaking your leg at the bus stop. LOL

So... where did I go first after boarding MRT? I visited the Esplanade!! The Esplanade is abuilding that supposedly looks like a durian. Below is the real thing followed by one I took with the model.

Inside there is nothing much but perhaps it's building design is what distinguishes the rest... And... me! After all, I am someone able to float / balance on water... haha

It's basically free of charge to go to these places... BUT I didn't come all the way to Marina Bay Sands for just... this. Mwahhahahahaha... Non non... IT IS for none other than Harry Potter!

However, there is a restriction to my camera... huhu... TT>TT

So, no more pictures of me being there in the Science and Arts Museum in Singapore to attend Harry Potter's Exhibition in Marina Bay Sands. Entrance fee wasn't that bad... just $24, but since we looked like poor kids, the receptionist told us there's a promotion event done by Coca-Cola that is willing to sponsor our tickets for Harry Potter and Andy Warhol if we purchase half a dozen cans which also costs $24. LOL. So imagine me any my sister lugging 6 cans of coke each everywhere till we went back home!

 

Notice the bag? Since I'm really such a loser that is not willing to giveaway my coke after paying $4 for each... not in RM but in $, yes... it hurts when you know you've spent so much on one coke when you can afford a whole meal back in Malaysia which includes one can of coke so... yeah... I lugged it everywhere until I got back home... haha... Oh well, I spent the first half of my day in there...I'm kind of regretting that I didn't get a set of wands... it'll be a nice set for display. Really beautifully carved wood but the price nearly chopped my head off so no...TT.TT... huhu... I'll post soon to update on the second half of the day spent there cause I need to work tomorrow. XD

Trip to Singapore

On the 15th of July 2012, me and my second sister went down to Singapore which we managed to fit in lunch with my grandma, aunt, uncle and JiaJia. XD. Well, since we managed to fit in lunch there, haha, it means that we have to leave home considerably early (around 10 to 11 o' clock)... for a long trip... haha... Anyway, lunch there was superb even though my aunt had a limited pantry. My tummy was filled to the brim with her various dishes that were both yummy and filling! The pregnant fish really has a special place in my sis's heart now. LOL. Anyway... back to my trip to Singapore... I didn't board the train so my sis and I took turns driving. I got the easier part of the journey; just the highways from my home to Pagoh, Johor where my sister continued from thereon. No kidding, after that, if you're not familiar or not really wide awake, it'll be dangerouns. WHY? Cause our timing was perfect and this was the view that we had for approximately 1.5 hours.

Notice the man there? Fortunately there was no accidents, so he was just out there cause he wanted to stretch his legs while waiting for the queue. Lesson learned, don't drive to Singapore on a Sunday night. XD

So what did I do in Singapore?
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Marina Bay Sands
Day 3 - Aunt, Johann and Orchad
Day 4 - Universal Studio
Day 5 - Depart

Special Seminar on Legislating Laws

As stated in my earlier post, I participated in a seminar at the Parliament building. Well, going to such a BIG place... such as a Parliament building for a " Special " seminar and coming out empty handed would imply that I'm an air head since this seminar was actually 'thought to be' by the Previous Chief Judge to be just for Parliament members... LOL... until he arrived and realized that there were about three different universities participating as well. So, here, I'll  blog about my muse from my experience there.

The talk I loved most (or actually stayed awake most of the time XD) was given by YBhg Dato' Mohd Noor Abdullah, an ex-Court of Appeal Judge. Since I'm not writing word for word and it's just what I understood from his session, whatever written or stated in this post should not be taken seriously without careful consideration of the Federal Constitution and if any; are a mere statement of opinions from either him or me. So, please do not hold YBhg. or me liable since it's merely an educational comment on several articles on the Federal Constitution.

Federal Constitution : Analyzing the Current Challenges

1. Distinctions between West and East Malaysia

Ever since young, when I looked at an activity book or even a newspaper... I'd notice that there will always be two prices. One for West Malaysia, the other for East Malaysia. Though I found it funny, I didn't really question it because I know I wouldn't be able to get an answer for it. After all, both the Penisular and East Malaysia are essentially Malaysia. Besides that, it doesn't raise too much of an eyebrow since I'm from the Penisular and the price for things according to the tag in Penisular is cheaper (LOL). Anyway, back to the point, being a united country, do we really need to put a distinction in a country that is supposedly one? We aren't like North Korea and South Korea which is divided by two different government with radically different views. Malaysia a supposedly united country which has only one identity. Therefore, why the distinction? Why a need for a higher price? Can't they just print the books there with the information posted over the net for printing? Can't we share the burden?

FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONPart I           THE STATES, RELIGION AND LAW OF THE FEDERATION

1. Name, States and territories of the Federation

(1) The Federation shall be known, in Malay and in English, by the name Malaysia.

(2) The States of the Federation shall be Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor and Terengganu.

EXPLANATORY NOTES:

Article 1(2):

The present Article without Clause (4) was inserted by Act 26⁄1963, section 4, in force from 16-9-1963 (i.e. when Malaysia was established). Act 59⁄1966, section 2, in force from 9-8-1965 (i.e.the date Singapore left Malaysia) amended Clause (2) by deleting therefrom paragraph (c) which read as follows:

"(c) the State of Singapore.".

The present Clause (2) was substituted by Act A354, section 2, in force from 27-8-1976. This Clause before its substitution by Act A354 was amended by Act 26⁄1963, section 4, in force from 16-9-1963 (i.e. when Malaysia was established) read as follows:

"(2) The States of the Federation shall be—

• (a) 
  the States of Malaya, namely, Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu;
• (b) 
  the Borneo States, namely, Sabah and Sarawak; and
• (c) 
  the State of Singapore.".
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Focusing on the underlined words/ sentences, the Federal Constitution (FC) did not put a distinction between East and West/Penisular Malaysia.If any, in A1(2) FC; it was done a long long time ago before Singapore was removed, whereby the name of the groups which are the Malaya States, the Borneo states and State of Singapore was recognized independently. However, that clause has already been substituted by Act A354, section 2, in force from 27-8-1976. Therefore, with almost four decades since this amendment, why are we still segregating ourselves from each other? Malaysia is ONE FEDERATION and is ONE MALAYSIA, with the government promoting the 1Malaysia concept, have they forgotten about this as well? As a country that promotes oneness, I believe that the country should hold true to its Constitution and acknowledge each other as one and the same; Malaysians despite coming from different states. Hence, I implore the government to charge 1Price albeit higher but the burden is shared by 1Malaysia as we are one country that should share the benefits equally if it is provided for one country.

2. Distinctions between race and communityThe race column. In Malaysia, when filling up any forms, there is always or usually; a column that requires you to fill in your race/kaum and another column to state whether you are a bumiputra (early pioneers of the land) or otherwise. Since we've always been filling it up without thinking twice (or usually we don't bother), ask yourself this question now... WHY do we need to put a distinction between the races? Do we really need to do so and is it a requirement set by the government due to the Federal Constitution. 

FEDERAL CONSTITUTION

160. Interpretation

(2) In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the meanings hereby respectively assigned to them, that is to say—

"Aborigine"

means an aborigine of the Malay Peninsula; (**Malay Penisula ~ the Federation)

"Malay"

means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and—

(a) was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of parents one of whom was born in the Federation or in Singapore, or is on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or

           (b) is the issue of such a person; (**issue ~ child)

Chapter 4 Land

89. Malay reservations

(5) Without prejudice to Clause (3), the Government of any State may, in accordance with law, acquire land for the settlement of Malays or other communities, and establish trusts for that purpose.

Part XII        GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

152. National language

(1) The national language shall be the Malay language and shall be in such script as Parliament may by law provide:

Provided that—

(a)  no person shall be prohibited or prevented from using (otherwise than for official purposes), or from teaching or learning, any other language; and

(b)  nothing in this Clause shall prejudice the right of the Federal Government or of any State Government to preserve and sustain the use and study of the language of any other community in the Federation.

I've tried searching for race in relation to the segregation of race based on the normal Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Others Criteria. Surprisingly, there is nothing in relation to race other than for the segregation of race for the natives of Sabah and Sarawak as well as a general reference to race. Rather, if there is any reference to the usage of race to segregate the Malay, Chinese, Indians or Others; there is only the word community to refer to the other races. Hence, why are we always harping on each other's throats on racism among us? Our constitution does not encourage us to separate ourselves based on race, rather it respects the other communities. Where has this respect gone in this day and age? **Just as a side note, the word community was not amended from race.3. Privileged MalaysiansThe next question that arises is who are the privileged people in Malaysia? Who does the Federal Constitution protects most?

153. Reservation of quotas in respect of services, permits, etc., for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak

(1) It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

(**there's more clauses but it's basically the repetition for different situations for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak only hence I don't want to make this post too long)

161a. Special position of natives of States of Sabah and Sarawak

(5) Article 89 shall not apply to the State of Sabah or Sarawak...

Chapter 4 Land

89. Malay reservations

8. Equality

 (5) This Article does not invalidate or prohibit—

(c) any provision for the protection, well-being or advancement of the aboriginal peoples of the Malay Peninsula (including the reservation of land) or the reservation to aborigines of a reasonable proportion of suitable positions in the public service;

Dun dun dun dun... It is the aborigines! Article 153 states that special reservation the YDPA has to provide for the Malays and natives of the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Then, in Article 161a and Article 8(5), recognition is given to the superior position of the natives of the Borneo states. Then, the next juicy question that arises is...4. Malay LanguageMany people have a misconception that the Malay Language is the National Language. But it really is the other way around. Take a closer look at our Federal Constitution. It took on the Malay Language as the national language not, the Malay language is the national language. Hence, there is a difference. Take for example; Selena continued drinking until she found that that man shall be is the gigolo.Selena continued drinking until she found that that gigolo shall be is the man.

Part XII        GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

152. National language

(1) The national language shall be the Malay language and shall be in such script as Parliament may by law provide:

Provided that—

(a)  no person shall be prohibited or prevented from using (otherwise than for official purposes), or from teaching or learning, any other language; and

(b)  nothing in this Clause shall prejudice the right of the Federal Government or of any State Government to preserve and sustain the use and study of the language of any other community in the Federation.

(6) In this Article,"official purpose" means any purpose of the Government, whether Federal or State, and includes any purpose of a public authority.

5. Secularization of SchoolsIt is clear in Article 152 (b) in FC that (b)  nothing in this Clause shall prejudice the right of the Federal Government or of any State Government to preserve and sustain the use and study of the language of any other community in the Federation. Therefore, it implies that the FC respect community schools and allows the use of another language even if for official purposes. Therefore, the FC acknowledges and respect the non-secular schools as well.6. Power of the YDPA (the King of Kings)How much power does the YDPA in Malaysia has? Do they have any powers at all?

Chapter 3      The Executive

39. Executive authority of Federation

The executive authority of the Federation shall be vested in the YDPA ..

40. Yang di-Pertuan Agong to act on advice

(1) In the exercise of his functions under this Constitution or federal law the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or of a Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet, except as otherwise provided by this Constitution; but shall be entitled, at his request, to any information concerning the government of the Federation which is available to the Cabinet.

(1a) In the exercise of his functions under this Constitution or federal law, where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is to act in accordance with advice, on advice, or after considering advice, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall accept and act in accordance with such advice.

(2) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may act in his discretion in the performance of the following functions, that is to say:

(a) the appointment of a Prime Minister;

(b) the withholding of consent to a request for the dissolution of Parliament;

(c) the requisition of a meeting of the Conference of Rulers concerned solely with the privileges, position, honours and dignities of Their Royal Highnesses, and any action at such a meeting,

and in any other case mentioned in this Constitution.

(3) Federal law may make provision for requiring the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to act after consultation with or on the recommendation of any person or body of persons other than the Cabinet in the exercise of any of his functions other than—

(a) functions exercisable in his discretion;

(b) functions with respect to the exercise of which provision is made in any other Article.

In other words, I believe it means that the YDPA is a living puppet that has to accept whatever the Parliament advices (like the British advisiors ~more like commands)  him though he has executive authority in the country. Poor King... His Royal Highness deserves more respect and power than that! Just a figurehead other than what is provided by A40(2) but subsection (a) is definitely not really under the King's authoritative power to choose, (b) is merely keeping the stability of a current government body that is holding power. Hence, where is his power? Basically, just to hold meetings for the Conference of Rulers. We have a powerless King that has to be the Yes-man for the country.Should it really be like that? The King must surely have more power than being a figurehead. He is the one man every citizen looks at to save the country. After all, there is no King without his nation and there is no nation without their King. If the King lets a group of crazy people lead the people into doom because he can only say YES to all their requests, wouldn't we be putting ourselves in a very risky situation? Therefore, the King should really have the discretion to have the Final Say unless the Conference of Rulers finds that the King is unsuitable due to him being unable to think reasonably.GOSH... This post is bloody long post and the talk barely lasted more than 1 hour and 30 minutes! XD... Oh well, hope you enjoyed it.

Trip to Parliament

After the Enviromental Debate Competition, I went to the Parliament.

Just in case there are a few who are not sure what or where is the Parliament building, I will supply a picture to aid these poor souls...

Has the building's structure rung a bell? It's in Kuala Lumpur by the way and it has really beautiful scenery despite the ugly structure (at least in my opinion, if you look at it from far away).

Right? Anyway, I won't post anything here regarding the trip until my next post, just the experience itself for this one... So... I went there with lots of seniors... XD LOL... I was the only junior but it was fun and there was G-R-E-A-T food... Unfortunately, the gaps between the meals were too short I couldn't stuff everything down my throat...*sniff sniff

A picture we took with the YB Yang di-Pertua Dewan Negara and somebody else...XD

Debat Alam Sekitar 2012/2013

The first thing I had on my planner other than the failed volunteer attempt to volunteer for Standard Charted Run was to be a runner for this Enviromental Debate.

Well, due to that... I had to be there approximately one week early. So I had to check in on the 22nd of June 2012... LOL... Almost one month from now...XD Anyway... back to the point, I was a runner for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students. All of them were bumiputras except for one aborigine. They were really cool and had a really large support group that continually support each other. Fortunately, they were able to make it quite far, up to the semi-finals... It was so hard to show my support to my home university when I was being their runner...TT.TT Sorry UM. Oh well, so how was my experience in this debate?

Well... the first week there was much lazing around in an air-conditioned room since all meetings were postponed so often that I lost track of it. Due to that, I couldn't manage to go to MidValley to watch a movie and kill time... instead... I ended up sleeping like a pig... in an air-conditioned room (it was really cold) and reading storybooks from UM Law Faculty's Library. Then, as the days got closer to the 29th, we shifted the tables and chairs of my faculty into one of the Lecture Halls and the briefings for the competition.

Well, a runner's is really simple for this debate... Making sure my debaters got to their places on time and their tummy wasn't empty...XD... So it was a really easy job and entertaining as well, looking at the debaters from various university debate; albeit in Malay. In short, it was fun!  

Semester Break Posts!!

It's been soooooooooo long since I last posted so ... dun dun dun dun.... I think it is about time I posted again!! Mwahhahahhahaha... The biggest and most important update of all is my brand new spoil... MY CAMERA...*drools... feast your eyes on the box... I'm not showing the real thing cause the colour... the colour of my camera is too neon looking... IT"S NEON PINK!!!!...

*sniff sniff... couldn't be salvaged...TT.TT and I'm using it to take pictures so how am I to take pictures of it? ... LOL