VOI: January 2003 Archives

It took me a long time to realize how important a good night's rest means to the body and mind. My parents used to force me early each night into the bedroom as a little boy, even when i desperately wanted to continue playing or swirling the house cat by the tail around the room.

As i grew older, i managed to find ways to stay up late. In my teens, i conned my parents into letting me keep a computer in my room. Late night gaming sessions followed. I was an avid reader, literally breathing in books by the dozens. More late nights followed. Even when i was sleepy, i kept myself awake. I don't know why i did that, well not really. It just didn't seem right to sleep when there was so much to do.

Dear Malaysiakini,

Malaysiakini gets raided by the police under controversial circumstances. Uproar from the general public, opposition parties in Malaysia, local and international NGOs. Malaysiakini gets an eviction notice from PC Suria. Further uproar.

Malaysiakini's opponents will be smiling - the country's "only independent online daily" is under tremendous pressure. It lost a substantial chunk of its hardware, it went offline for hours, its senior staff were grilled by the police, its reporters and employees won't be blamed if they are beginning to feel a wee bit insecure knowing that they are being watched, knowing that they are one "seditious" article away from further investigation and possible jail time, fines or both. Now, if only Malaysiakini's eviction goes through and they find themselves on the street, forced to relocate...

Malaysiakini's advocates and supporters are deeply upset. This is the online paper that has broken from the shackles of government regulation. Taking advantage of the loophole that is Internet publishing, its voice can be relied upon to report and comment on issues that would never see the light of printed matter. And now, that freedom is under threat; all that has been worked for could abruptly grind to a halt. A true supporter will not sit idly by. Some have donated computers. Others have donated cash. Others still have donated their support through prayers and a brightly lit candle.

I've been asked to give a speech at a dear friend's wedding in a couple week's time. She and i go way back, so i owe it to her to do my best. Below you'll find the first draft of my speech. Would appreciate any and all feedback you can give me to improve it. Thanks in advance.

-----------

To the bride and groom, parents from both families, guests and friends - Assalamualaikum and a very good evening. My name is Aizuddin Danian and i'm a friend of the family.

We're gathered here tonight to celebrate the creation of a new family. Its been a great event, the food excellent and the company even better. Dinner has been served, the couple are on proud display and its now my turn to say a few words about them both.

I've known [the bride] for a long time, since her very first days as a university student. When we first met, she infected me with a blessing that lasts till today: her youthful exuberance, her positive nature, her sinful laugh, her unending smile. She taught me that life is not much fun if we choose not to look at the sunny side of things. It is this attitude that will serve her well as she faces the future, it is this charm that will add the spark to the marriage.

To be honest, until tonight, i've never met [the groom]. But i think i already know him better than most people here.

One quiet evening years ago, [the bride] told me what she wanted in a husband. He should be patient - she can be such a pest, that he needs to be able to put up with her antics. He should be kind and loving. He should be able to treat her like the Queen she thinks she is [chuckle]. He should be able to respect and love her parents and family as though they were his own. And most of all, he should be wise and unselfish to guide and protect her.

She has chosen [the groom] to be her husband, therefore he must be all these things and more, no doubt.

To you both, [the bride] and [the groom], a request if i may. Love each other and be happy. Do good in this world, do good to each other. Have lots and lots of kids... and be sure to name one after me! [laugh]

It has been my honour and tremendous pleasure to speak here tonight. Thank you, wassalamualaikum.

Dear {a friend},

I'm sorry to hear that your relationship hit a small bump. Its not an unusual thing, really. A loving relationship is about living with that person, good and bad. Realistically, this does take some adjustment - we have to change our perceptions, expectations and conclusions at times in order to accomodate for the uniqueness that is our partner. So what you're going through now... don't take it too badly. Remember, what makes a situation good or bad is not the situation itself but how we react to it.

As i see it from what you've told me, there are issues of trust and consideration at play here. You don't trust him as much as he would like, and he is not as considerate to you as you would like.