An Encounter with... An Ex-Communist

Name    : Loh Weng

Age        : 70+

Where Are You From?   : Malaysia

Currently Residing In…   : Tanjung Tualang, Perak, Malaysia

What Do You Do For A Living?     : Not working now. Looking after grandchildren.

AEW      : Hello Uncle. Thank you for being willing to participate in this interview. This is a difficult and long-forgotten topic. But I would like to know about your time with the Communist Party of Malaya. Do you remember when you joined the CPM?

LW          : During the Japanese Occupation of then Malaya.

AEW      : What motivated you to join the CPM then?      

LW          : We were anti-Japanese  soldiers and that was what the CPM was fighting against then.

AEW      : Do tell me, what was your actual involvement as a member of the party?    

LW          : To fight against the Japanese soldiers and to ensure the safety of the people. After the Japanese Occupation ended, we were fighting the British instead to gain independence for Malaya. It was funny, because I think when we fought the Japanese, we were fighting together with the British.

AEW      : What was the toughest period you had to go through during the war against communism in then Malaya?  

LW          : It was tough when we had to hide and live in the jungle and all the while, knowing that the that the Special Branch police (the “eyes and ears” of the then government) were harassing members of my family.

AEW      : Were your family involved with the CPM too or was it just you?     

LW          : Only me and one of my brothers.

AEW        : Was it difficult to assimilate back to normal livelihood after the CPM days were over?    

LW          : No. When we gave up, we were given a chance to undergo an assimilation course to readjust back to society and back to our lives.

AEW        : Do you regret that this was part of your life’s history?      

LW          : No. We were fighting for a cause then and if we turned back time, I would still do it again.

AEW      : What are your hopes for Malaysia now?    

LW          : A country whereby there is fairness for everyone.

AEW      : Thank you for your time, Uncle! It was insightful and yes, we all have the same hopes for Malaysia too!

           For those who wish to read up on the CPM's point-of-view on history - AEW recommends reading Chin Peng : My Side Of History.

An Encounter with... Neither-Red, Nor Yellow

Name    : Ithiboon Nukulkarn

Age        : 44

Where Are You From?   : Bangkok, Thailand

Currently Residing In…   : Bangkok

What Do You Do For A Living?     : White collar

AEW   : Thanks so much for doing this. Do you actually consider yourself a ‘Yellow Shirt’ or a ‘Red Shirt’?

IN      :  No. None. I am a Non-Shirt *smiles*

AEW   : Actually, can you enlighten us – on the difference between the “Red Shirts” and the “Yellow Shirts” for those who haven’t been actively following the Thai political scene?  

IN      : From my point-of-view, the Red Shirts are the Pro-Thaksin  – they will try every means to put Thaksin back to power. The Yellow Shirts are against Thaksin – they are adamant in getting Thaksin out of the country. The Reds and the Yellows are extreme ends of each other.

AEW   : Can you briefly sum up for us on what actually led to the political crisis from 2008 – 2010? 

IN      : During Thaksin’s time in power, he reformed the Thai’s cultural and government structure and gave birth to what we call ‘Thaksin-ism’. Some Thais did not agree with that.

AEW    : And what are your thoughts about this political crisis?              

IN       :  It is a tragedy for my country. But it is better for us to hurt now and make it right for the future.

AEW   : Are you alone in your view-point or this is the general feeling of the Thai masses?

IN       :   I think in general, most white collar groups have the same view-point as me.

AEW   : Do you think the Thais are “politically matured”? As in, they know what they want for the government, from the government.     

IN      :  I think no countries in South East Asia have reached political maturity. Definitely not Thailand. Now, this political crisis has happened in Thailand. Who knows where will be next, right?

AEW   : What’s the look of Thai political progression from what you observed?        

IN      :    It is a case study for global politics. I think it is reforming itself to the right way.

AEW   : What are your hopes for Thailand as a country?      

IN      :    All things good. Cross my fingers and God bless Thailand *smiles*

AEW  :  Well, Khun Id, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. We all cross our fingers for Thailand too, ya!

An Encounter with... Guns

Name    : Randy Lee

Age        : Legal

Where Are You From?  : Cameron Highlands

Currently Residing In… : Petaling Jaya

What Do You Do For A Living?   : I could tell you, but then I’d have to shoot you. *Grin*

AEW      : I’ve noted that you’re quite obsessed with guns. Why is that so?     

RL        :  “Obsessed” is a rather strong word. There’s a lot of negative connotations attached to it. Society looks at obsession as an illness. I’m not gun-crazy. I just have a deep respect and admiration for them. It’s perfectly normal for a person to look at guns as an accessory. So what if I’d love to have a personal arsenal in my basement? Doesn’t everybody? I dare you to call me “obsessed” when you’re looking down the barrel of my nickel-plated Glock 19 with laser sight!

            But seriously, why do I like it so much? The precision and science of it all, I guess – the ability and accuracy of hitting your target from a distance. It’s not much different from other sports like archery or even darts, if you think about it really. Apart from that, it’s also the feeling of security it gives you – knowing you have a better chance of fending off any threat or danger. You may raise an eyebrow or two at my remark but let me ask you this (pause for effect) : Don’t you feel a tad safer holding a can of pepper spray in your hand as you walk to your car in a poorly lit and secluded basement car park? It’s the same thing.

AEW      : If you put it that way.... hmmm... yes. Do you think that with all the rage going on  around the world from terrorism to teenage shoot-outs – guns are actually a very 'politically incorrect' thing to be obsessed with?

RL        : I’ve never been a great subscriber to the whole idea of being politically correct. It’s an oxymoron. To be politically correct means to say/do something that is deemed acceptable by the masses even though you may feel differently about it. Wouldn’t that be lying? But getting back to your question, No, I don’t think so. Why? Because guns are not the cause behind all that’s going wrong in the world today. To say that they do would be buying into the idea that if someone is beaten to death by a broomstick, for example, then the broomstick must be the dangerous culprit.

The real debate that’s been going on, and it’s a never-ending one, between gun advocates and the anti-gun supporters is actually, “do guns kill people?” And in my opinion, the simple truth is guns are not the cause of violence. People are. In fact, people have been waging wars with each other long before guns were even invented.

We’ve got to stop being myopic and stop looking at the issue a**-backwards. The problem is not the gun. It’s the person holding it.

AEW      : So you are in actual fact FOR guns, yes? Don’t need to be PC here.    

RL        : I think it’s pretty clear that I’m all for it. Like any other weapon, when used responsibly, guns are a great tool for self-defence. In fact, I think everyone should familiarize themselves with a gun, really. It’s like learning martial arts or even first aid – it’s a skill that may come in useful one day.

AEW       : Ah-ha! So how much do you know about guns?  

RL        : Not as much as people in the gun-loving states of America, but enough to know how to use one if the need ever arises - god bless Wikipedia and the internet! I’ve been to a gun range a few times so I’m comfortable enough with the handling of one effectively. My marksmanship is pretty good - thanks to Medal of Honour and Call of Duty 4.

AEW      : Do you own a gun? *Holds breath*      

RL        : Of course, I do! I have several at home: two water pistols, a staple gun, a glue gun, a Stormtrooper blaster, a Boba Fett blaster, a Han Solo blaster, and a few others I’d rather not mention.

AEW      : *Laughs* You are funny! IF you were given the opportunity to own a gun, how would you react?        

RL        : Am I being drafted? *Looks skeptically*

AEW      : *Laughs*. Ok, that is a funny reaction. You're a funny guy! Getting on with the interview... People who go on a shooting rampage – why do you think that is?

RL       : Let’s be clear about one thing: Guns do not make people go on killing sprees. Emotionally disturbed minds do. Repeat after me: Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.

To me, there’s no difference between an unstable person carrying a gun or brandishing a machete. Both are equally dangerous and lethal. Getting back to your question about why…who the heck knows what triggers a person’s mind to snap? The human mind is the most complex machine in the universe. I think it’s got something to do with the pressures of modern life. If you’ve watched enough episodes of Criminal Minds, you’ll see that most people who go on a rampage, be it a dejected lover, a disgruntled worker, or even an ostracized student, they’re out to seek approval. Well, that’s what Dr. Spencer Reid says anyway.

AEW      : I know we say a lot of things which we don’t mean – like “I’ll shoot you, you moron!”. Do you think you have it in you to go on a trigger-happy rampage or you’ve got your senses in check all the time?     

RL        : It’s one thing to be so full of rage that you feel like killing someone, but you’d have to be in a totally different state of mind to actually do it. If you’ve ever watched Jodie Foster in ‘The Brave One’, you’d understand. I can imagine shooting someone if that person was putting my life in danger but going to town on a whole bunch of random innocent people is a different thing altogether. That’s just insane. So, to answer your question, no I don’t think I have it in me to ever go on a trigger-happy rampage but neither am I adverse to the idea of pulling the trigger in a life-threatening situation. Honestly though, I hope I’ll never have to do that!

AEW : I had fun doing this interview. I like guns, but not obsessed and not totally in the know-how to handle one safely without it shooting at my toe or something like that. Anyway - thank you for sharing your views on this. Very interesting indeed and have fun pulling the trigger - ONLY at the firing-range, yes? *winks*

An Encounter with... A Political Rebel

Name    : David Ho

Age        : 49

Where Are You From?  : Penang, Malaysia

Currently Residing In… : Jakarta, Indonesia

What Do You Do For A Living?   : Brand Communications

AEW      : I am actually personally intrigued by your political viewpoints – particularly those on
  Malaysia’s political scene.  Tell me, are you actually for or against the incumbent party?

DH        : I think it will be too shallow to say whether I am ‘for’ or ‘against’ the incumbent party. We must remember that it is the mandate given by the people during the election. I am ‘for’ any political party/parties or politicians who are honest, accountable and responsible, have high integrity, principled and committed to serve the people instead of serving themselves.

AEW      : Why? I mean, why is this important to you?  

DH        : Looking at the current state of political system which anyone on the streets know is by patronage, and that it has been going on for the past 50 odd years without any meaningful reform nor any will to change for the betterment for all Malaysians, I just got sick and tired of it all. And because of this political patronage, we've got people who are not qualified to be elected and appointed in the positions of power to administer, run and manage the country. And where does all this leads to? Yes, Corruption, Cronyism and Nepotism and these 3 ingredients are going to destroy the country and the people. Some politicians will even blatantly use the name of God, religion and myopic race-based crusade for their own agenda, so you tell me is there any hope?

AEW      : I have been following the political agenda of Malaysia on and off and at the current moment, it all seems very idiotic from where I am at. You're right. It's a little bleak. But do you think your viewpoints regarding the Malaysian politics are very outspoken. Are you not afraid of repercussions?  

DH        : I don’t think I am outspoken and hence not worried about repercussions *smiles*. There are many outspoken Malaysians out there who speak for justice by the rule of law, equal and human rights as well as fair play. Those are the people who inspire me to listen, learn and find out more about what is happening to the country and from there, make my own analysis and conclusions.

AEW      : Do you have any particular strong support for a single Malaysian politician? As in, you are more forgiving towards him or her, could be you are also more understanding towards  his/her standpoints or if he/she screws up publicly.

DH       : Yes I do. There are a few principled politicians whom I think are doing a good job. Whether I am more forgiving or not depend on what sort of screw-ups they made and how he/she engages and handle the ‘screw-up’. We are humans after all, ya! So far, I am happy to say that I am pleased with the performance of the MP in my constituency whom I’ve voted for and it feels good to know that my single vote was not wasted.

AEW     : Do you think the Malaysians have generally matured in terms of the 'political arena' or are we still light years behind?

DH        : I can only speak for myself but having indulged in conversations amongst my families, friends and peers about Malaysian politics, the answer is yes. However, I think the real danger is in the misinformation from the main-stream media and irresponsible politicians creating and sensationalizing “non-issues” about race and religion in the country.

AEW      : Who do you want to win the next GE and why? What are your hopes if they win?

DH       : Given the current 2 party system, I will vote based on the integrity of the candidate chosen by the party from both divide. Of course, the candidate must be inspiring and have a clear and concise political stance while the party that he/she is associated with is serious in their vision and agenda on how they are going to manage the country.

AEW      : In general, what do you hope for Malaysia?

DH        : At the current rate of plundering and mismanagement, is there any hope? But on a more positive note, there will come a time when a great, inspiring and God-fearing leader will emerge from the ruins to help lead the country and this is the only hope for Malaysia.

AEW      : That sounds very positive indeed! Not sure if we'll ever live to see it? But if whatever you hope for actually takes place, will you consider establishing yourself back home?

DH        : Yes and No. Yes, because of sentimental reasons, family ties, reasonable cost of living and retirement. No, have yet to decide until I can see some positive changes.

AEW    : Well, Pak Ho, thank you very much for sharing some of your thoughts about this and may we all wish Malaysia well then!

An Encounter with... Genetically Modified Mosquito

Name    : G. Vinod

Age        : 29

Where Are You From?  : Malaysia          

Currently Residing In… : Kuala Lumpur

What Do You Do For A Living?   : Journalist

AEW      : I read your article about GMM in Free Malaysia Today. What made you write that article?

GV        : I was concerned about the fact that the government was planning to release GMM while the world was still arguing about the safety of genetically modified plants and food products. At that point, that was the first time I heard about GMM and was concerned whether a proper public consult was done before even suggesting its release.

AEW      : Let me get something straight – are you more for proving a point on the government’s ‘mis-handling’ of this project or are you actually really concerned about the consequences of GMM?  

GV        : I would say both. An example of the first point was there were genuine concerns that not much information was provided to the public on the release of GMMs. Plus, no one knew the National Biosafety Board was already conducting closed-door experiments of GMM in 2007 itself. Therefore I can consider that the project itself is relatively shrouded in secrecy. As for the second point, there are concerns that GMM’s progeny may live if there is a presence of tetracycline in the environment where the eggs are laid. Tetracycline, being a common antibiotic used in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and agriculture, is quite prevalent in the environment and we may risk having a GMM’s progeny running loose in our environment!  

AEW      : You did a lot of mosquito research for your article. Was it tedious or just trawling through the net?

GV        : I t was tedious in a sense that I actually had to learn about mosquitoes and what were pros and cons of releasing GMMs. However, quite a number of experts in the field had given me valuable input that had helped me to write the article 

AEW       : Did you also do your homework with Oxitec and NBB?. Was it difficult to get the information you needed?  

GV        : To be honest, I know very little about Oxitec and the NBB. I am still seeking information on them.

AEW      : So, do you think like all things “government-planned”, this was another shoddy and shady job?   

GV        : I believe the proposal is being pushed through by the government for reasons best known to them. Though I appreciate their good intentions in trying to reduce dengue cases in the country, we cannot simply put in a measure affecting public health without deliberating thoroughly. Besides, if we end up having a new breed of mosquito in the environment after the release, how do they plan to get rid of it? What if the new strain transmits a new disease? How do you go about addressing it?  These questions remain unanswered!

AEW      : It is indeed pretty scary to note that the GMMs could actually mutate and thus become HIV carriers. That being the case – do you think the human race would be wiped out or am I watching too many Hollywood B-grades?    

GV       : Even if an HIV-carrying mosquito fails to wipe out the human race, the amount of environmental damages we are doing to the planet and a nuclear war would do the trick.

AEW      : Oh. True that. What had you hoped for your article to achieve, actually?

GV        : I wanted to educate the public on negative aspects of the GMM release as the mainstream media are already highlighting the positive side of it. Let the public digest the facts and make their own decision about the release. In addition, if there are some hidden agenda behind the release, I wanted those in power to realise that there are people scrutinizing them and they cannot simply make decisions without fearing a public uproar.

AEW      : Very brave indeed. Do you think it is achievable and how do you intend to make it achievable?   

GV        : I believe it is achievable and I intend to write about it as often as I can to make it achievable.

AEW    : Well, Vinod - I hope you do make it achievable and let us know whenever your articles are published. We'll help spread the word.  

** Read G.Vinod's article about Genetically Modified Mosquitoes here!

An Encounter with... Christianity

Name    : Alex Foo

Age        : 34

Where Are You From?  : KL

Currently Residing In… :  KL

What Do You Do For A Living?   : I work in the the oil & gas industry

AEW      : You are a Christian. What are your first thoughts when I say that to you?   

AF        : Yup I am a Christian!

AEW      : Do you think you are a religiously “rich”? (You may interpret this any way you wish) And how important is religion to you?

AF        : Not rich… Christianity is not so much of a religion as I view it as a relationship with a good friend.

AEW      : What is the basic foundation of Christianty in which you would hope for the world to know?  

AF        : The Lord is our savior

AEW       : How has your religion inspired you in your life?   

AF        : Uncountable times - especially whenever I feel 'lost'.

AEW      : I often get the feeling that there are some who keep trying to “convert” others to follow the “words of God”. Do you think that might be rather insensitive or to a certain extend, disrespectful in any ways at all?    

AF        : Well, being too pushy is not good. But spreading the word and sharing testimonies are good. Don’t think Christians should force others to be Christians though.

AEW      : I do certainly understand that there is a need to spread the knowledge of Christianity around. But shouldn’t it be enough that people know about it or it should get to a point of converting?

AF        : Yes, there should be more sharing of the word and wonders of the Lord. It's not about getting the point or not. It's about sharing the love of the Lord with others so that they can experience it for themselves.

AEW      : Do you try your best to spread the “words of God” to others?

AF        : I do what I can.

AEW      : While spreading the correct views on Christianity, what are your thoughts about other
  religions?    

AF        : Depending on which religion. While other religions all have their good points, they do not offer promised salvation. So for those who knowingly reject it, all I can do is feel sad for them.

AEW     : Don't feel sad for me. I'm good :) Thanks for your time and your sharing. Appreciate  that!