Year 2013 didn't started off extremely well.

I have, suffice to say, surrendered to the fact that my life loops around jerking bouts of ups & downs. It's like Karma/Universe bellowing out loud: "Thou shall suffer great disappointment before bestowed commensurate joy!". "Disaster before triumph!". "Celery sticks before pork chops!"

But hell, time will weed this streak of current godforsaken luck away.

In the meantime, these few weeks have been a refreshingly good phase for the soul. And I don't intend for it to end particularly soon. Some of the mini-resolutions which can hopefully commence within these few months:

- Music. Time for a renaissance with the dusty acoustic.
- Meeting new people. Need to get out of the box.
- Travelling.
- Start a new project. One step at a time.

Life for the past 1 year needs a slight rearrangement. And it starts with a more positive outlook in life.

And then I remembered - that every change of direction in the cycle of luck is triggered by a peculiar event.

Maybe this is it.

Or if it isn't, maybe I'll find one on the travelling road.

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The American Experience: A Young Law Student Abroad

This article appeared in the UM Law Faculty's annual magazine, VOX. 

“Eh, remember to show the hot chicks there that Asians are just as good. Oh, and don’t forget our souvenirs, or no notes for you!”

Yes, true to the spirit of the uber cool legal profession, even a law student’ parting words to a friend shall never escape from tongue-in-cheek sexual innuendos and a scheming slice of what we call - a contractual exchange of “consideration”. And so, armed with my mates’ motivating mission for the manhood and the electrifying libido of a young man’s dream to travel the world, this clumsy lad boarded the next flight across the Pacific Ocean to a bizarre land where: everything seems twice as large, cars run on the right lane and millions watch a game called “football” when they obviously use hands.

I was posted to a state named South Dakota, where the only thing significant to the world here would be Mount Rushmore; the famous hill where the faces of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt were carved. (And no, I’ve been there, and there’s no legendary city of gold called Cíbola like you saw on National Treasure, so snap out of it) The other fitting description of the state would be: grassy plains, corn, cows and…more grassy plains. No kidding. Anyway, my designated institution was Augustana College, (fondly known here as “Augie”) a private, liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the sleepy town of Sioux Falls. Yes, I know, even comparing Hitler and Gandhi wouldn’t resonate a larger contrast than Augie and the University of Malaya – the irony of experiencing this in a so-called first-world and liberal nation like the USA was painfully obvious at times.

Because some genius at one point decided that American undergrads couldn’t handle the oh-so-complex dexterity of the law, the next closest major I could register was Government & International Relations. The liberal arts education was a particularly exciting concept for me – the belief that a maximum lateral-based academic exposure, instead of focusing on a few, produced the finest graduates. Yes, I took classes for my major such as American Government, Humans In Conflict and Politics In A Diverse World; but I also gave the cocktail some pizzazz by adding Microeconomics, Psychology and (to my Mum’s bellicose laughter) Social Dancing. Thus, my foray into the (to my Mum’s suspicious dismay) very un-Asian style of education begins.

Even though I had to slog my way through bone-chilling -10 degree Celcius cold from my dorm to classes every day (while looking in astonishment at random white dudes wearing T-shirts and shorts), I was thrilled at the challenge of steep learning curves ahead. I loved the devilishly intellectual plays of Socrates and Greek philosophers of the ancient times. I loved the heroic battles for the freedom of man in the American Revolution. I loved the unorthodox predictions a real-life Sovietologist had on Russia under Putin. At every nook and corner, refreshing perspectives and stunning facts were barraged into what would seem like an increasingly empty vortex of my mind. Yet, in peculiar jolts of connectivity, your brain subsequently form neurotic linkages between the subjects here with the far-reaching realm of the law: price-discrimination control via the Sherman Act in Economics, mental state of criminals in Psychology, separation of church and state in Philosophy, the rule of law post-Arab Spring in International Politics and ground-breaking Supreme Court decisions in American Government. Lessons in Law & Society classes back home come rushing back, as I appreciated the tremendous role a legal education can help you manoeuvre through other complex disciplines – and even guide the mind to new directions.

As nerdy as I might sound, wicked adventures outside the classroom were a norm during my stay. Augie has a very lively performing arts and musical scene for students to chill out. Almost every week, you would either have the Theatre majors tickle you with dark humour at the Edith Mortensen Centre or the Northlanders Jazz Band playing some soulful blues at the community hall. Celebrations here are such a blast too: home-made turkey during Thanksgiving, white-faced vampire at the Halloween Party and snowball skirmishes during Christmas. Sports being a big thing in American college culture, I had the time of my life trying out (and getting my sorry butt kicked) in Dodgeball, Laser Tag, Mud Volleyball, rock climbing and snooker with my American counterparts. As to why I don’t even look a tenth as drop-dead hot as Matt Damon upon coming back, go blame the dining hall staff for that sumptuous orgy of pizza, fries, buffalo wings, milkshakes, spaghetti and other calorie-generous American cuisine has to offer.

Around the globe to good old South Dakota!

On weekends, I volunteered myself to participate in community service. The first place I devoted my time was at the Refugee & Immigration Center of South Dakota Lutheran Social Services. Unknown to many people, thousands of refugees like the Burmese, Bhutanese and Sudanese here were forced to flee their country of origin due to either political persecution or war, leaving their loved ones behind. In a move to ease their transition to a new life in the Midwest of America, I was part of a team that taught them how to operate a laptop, create an email address and speak English. When you take the effort to speak to them personally, their eyes show a sunken acceptance of God’s fate; yet you cannot miss that sparkle which reflects genuine appreciation and a desire for a better tomorrow.

The second place I volunteered was at the Royal C. Johnson Veterans Memorial Medical Center. Here, former American soldiers who had served in World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War undergo medical treatment or seek social support groups. It was truly an honour listening about their combat missions abroad, yet it was also particularly heartbreaking to see some veterans having lost a leg, gasping for air or clinging on to a life-support machine. Yes, the media out there often criticizes American military involvement in many geopolitical combats abroad, but we don’t often remember how thousands of American families are praying every single day for their sons to return safely and the role of past warriors that fought bravely for the free and democratic world we now inherit. It is as raw and real as it gets, and I often felt extremely humbled at the presence of these people who had gone through so much in life.

Ultimately, it was the relationships with new-found friends in America which contributed many happy adjectives inside my daily diary. My friendship family was the Mullins, the father being Professor Michael Mullin of Augie’s History Department. I truly miss his intriguing stories on Western civilization, horse-riding lessons at his farm house from his beautiful wife Carol, as well as talking Mandarin with his daughter Rachel (confusing her with a smattering of Cantonese, Hokkien and Bahasa Malaysia here and there) who recently got back from China. That aside, Augie has an amazing array of 95 international students from more than 30 countries. Being a small and tight-knit campus community, I always manage to have amazing chats with people of diverse origins across the globe. Be it the stories of the Arab Spring from a Jordanian, Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratic struggles from a Burmese or how a German friend’s grandfather killed a hundred Russian conscripts with a machine gun, every conversation was like a missing page of history.

400 years of democracy - Washington DC, the heart of American Government.

And then, there were the travels. A passion of mine, where no amount of words could describe how it shaped me in so many ways. I’ve sung campfire songs in the eerie dark amidst wolf howls at the Black Hills. I’ve participated in ghost-hunting missions at creepy Old Salem with Ms. Dian Shah, with no weapons but the undying belief that even the supernatural fear lawyers. I’ve entered the very first Starbucks in the world in dear old Seattle, realizing that it tastes the same anyway. I’ve biked across the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, and wondered how it would look if painted purple. I’ve drove to Googleplex and Stanford University in Silicon Valley, but smacked my head in regret as the dark eluded me from seeing what I expected to see. I’ve set my foot on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, ecstatic with the handprints of Harry Potter casts yet bewildered as to why they even have a space for Twilight actors. I’ve spent a whole day at Universal Studios, and couldn’t believe it when I passed through the set of Desperate Housewives, War of The Worlds and the Jaws series. I’ve been to Las Vegas, and realised amidst the aura of lust and greed that the title of “Sin City” is merely an understatement. I won’t pretend I hadn’t experienced my fair share of ups and downs. But hey, you’ve got to have both dejection and joy; or you might as well have never travelled at all.

"Life isn't about the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away"

At the end of it all, rather than feeling glorious that half your bucket list has been ticked, the awareness that this huge world has so much to offer really dwarves you to tiny proportions. My time in America has been, more than anything else, a lesson in humility and humanity. Humility because I’ve stepped in awe into the best universities in the world, met the most intelligent professors ever and appreciated the wonders of a capitalistic-driven intensity for innovation in American society. Humanity because I’ve discovered that we all crave for a love and a peaceful world; regardless of whether you are Latino or African, young or old, refugee or non-refugee, handicapped or able-bodied. I’m truly grateful for both the liberal-arts exposure which really does hone the critical mind, as well as valuable life lessons from the school of hard knocks and travels.

Here I am, back in Malaysia, reminiscing of the good old times. It still seems too surreal for me, at times. Out of the blue, I would miss tomato sauce and call the toilet a “restroom”. I still avidly follow the Republican primaries, hoping that Obama trashes whichever Tea Party fanatic that gets chosen anyway. Occasionally in Constitutional and Administrative Law classes, a delusional guy at the back would shamelessly throw an American concept or two in the air. I guess, the United States has indeed occupied a special place in my heart, something which will remain for a very long time.

Oh, my mission? Well, my friends still ask disturbing questions on virginity and sex. But at least I had pre-planned my retaliation - by buying them symbolic purple LGBT shirts and uniforms of Alcatraz Island prisoners, which they’re too self-conscious to wear as souvenirs anyway.

And that’s how lawyers play the game, even when you’re on break for 5 months.

Wei Jiet is a proud recipient of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship 2011-2012, an exchange program funded by the US Department of State for a diverse group of emerging student leaders to undergo a semester or a year of study at a U.S. College or University. He just might be an FBI agent secretly funded by “Western organisations” to infiltrate and topple Malaysia’s government through undemocratic means, as claimed by certain sources recently.

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And so, here I am – back in Muar. The only reason why I’m not doing something “productive” is because I’ve lost my specs. I’m just completely out of mood to do anything now. And I shall never understand why my a simple plastic frame of nerdy lenses ALWAYS gets misplaced somewhere. That, and why teenagers drown themselves in alcohol and take jump shots in the middle of the road at 3am in the morning. (which is actually the reason why I lost my specs again this time)

Oh yeah, where was I? Right…here I am, staring at the dilapidated screen of my lappie. I guess all the countless tumbling knocks it has endured in United Airline flights and gigabits of data I have heartlessly choked it with had taken its inevitable toll. Yes, dilapidated, haggard and worn out. Which actually sounds very much like what I feel like now. Which…is why I’m writing this post.

How long has it actually been? 8, 9 months? It’s scary how long I’ve wandered far away from law school for such a long time. I’m actually glad I took a break and ventured into other spheres like economics, philosophy and politics. Oh, and organizing a Model United Nations for AIC 2012 was quite a blast too – and in a twist of events, to become the Chair too which is a steep learning curve for me. But however confident you feel about yourself after experiencing all these, you still feel intimidated to face the full brunt of legal studies. Especially when you’ve missed the entire first semester of Constitutional, Land and Criminal Law. Especially when you’ve also missed the first week of classes.

Not to mention all the “other” stuffs like adapting in a new apartment, choosing electives and joining competition/organization XXX.

To say I’m not mentally prepared for all this is…kinda grossly overstated. I guess the more suitable and subtle explanation for my conundrum is that I’m in a state of “worried anticipation”. I’m real excited of the things coming ahead, yet I know that somehow it takes a lot of effort and energy to keep up with the pace. Again, I’m tired of making hard decisions in this zero-sum game of choices…of forcing myself to prioritize prospects at the expense of another.

It’s just one of those shitty moments in life where you feel like a 50 something uncle going through a mid-life crisis. And I’m most probably going to regret writing this post, anyway. Doesn’t help that I subconsciously allow those late night card games with the gang, rice wine sessions with the Korean delegates and all the other entertainment in Berjaya Times Square to distract myself from reality.

Don’t worry, this is NOT a post to show how pitiful a guy I am. Like always, I just need time to unearth the optimism, energy and enthusiasm.

Law school’s always been a bitch. You just need to gradually muster enough testosterone to tame her.

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9 Reasons Why Anyone Should Travel

I have to admit this. I wasn’t a particular fan of travelling not long ago. I’m not sure if I was, even during our ambitious Winter Break tour across the United States – the exasperating walks that lasted forever, boring waits at airports and sluggish mornings that shun another full day of tour.

But after a few weeks back home, only did it struck to me how blissful that three weeks has been. Like what the Chinese writer, Lin Yutang said, “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”

I have come to find that, it is indeed true – travelling, with all its ups and downs, makes you see the world out there in all its unimaginable splendour. And through my (ever so clumsy) experiences especially across US of A, I have compiled a total of 9 reasons on why anyone should travel:

1) You will ditch away mighty misconceptions

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

More often than we like to admit, the mass media and Hollywood does plant very convincing stereotypes into our innate beliefs.

The uneducated South Asians that live in squatters. The tightly conservative and narrow-minded Arabs. The glitz and glamour of Los Angeles on the silver screens.

Only when I dared myself to hit the road, have these obnoxious presumptions been turned upside down. Packed like sardines on a 4WD for 5 hours with 6 Pakistanis to Minneapolis, I have come to known them as the smartest (and funniest) intellectuals I’ve ever met; whom I’ve had the honour of calling them my brothers now. Talking with an Omani and Jordanian about the Middle East over lunch, I listen in awe at their brand of Islamic ideology and ever open mindset. Strolling through downtown LA, you will be shocked at the number of homeless people who live in a country calling itself the “Land of Opportunity”.

Be prepared to be challenged, demystified and contradicted. And to be ashamed of yourself. Because you certainly will.

2) You will be more knowledgeable beyond your expectations

“Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.” – The Prophet Muhammad

For every place you set foot on, there’s bound to be a treasure trove of history hidden somewhere. The heritage of Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Indians in the valleys of the Black Hills. The dingy underground street of old Seattle and the Klondike Gold Rush to Alaska. The bloody attempts of America’s worst criminals to escape the infamous Alcatraz Island.

If you do get to study or stay a little longer, the country’s politics, social issues and challenges will inevitably grab your attention. Never have I thought I would one day understand the Democrat-Republican rivalry, economic debates about 21st century capitalism and Stephen Colbert pot-shots on TV. And I was thrilled to bits for attending an LLM class at Duke where Professor Horowitz discussed about constitutional design in Fiji.

Or if you’re a law student (preferably highly naïve and idealistic) that visits Washington DC, there will definitely be an orgy fest of nerdy knowledge seeking– from 1^st Amendment Rights at the Newseum, famous Supreme Court personalities to (if you’re really loose up there)some mind-bending lost symbol hunting around the capitol ala Professor Robert Langdon.

3) You’ll make friends with new people every single day.

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

From the top of my head: Andy from Britain. (oh, how I love his accent!) Demi from Taiwan. Luna and Hun from South Korea. Siang, a Malaysian who just finished his studies at Australia. Lina from Uzbekistan. Fellow UGrader Amy and her “friend” from Minnesota. Jeff from Orange County. The lovely couple of James and Stephanie Szeto from LA. Carlos from Chile. (now where on Earth can you find someone else that raps in Spanish while bathing?) The friendliest Cantonese uncle and auntie from San Francisco. Bryan and his Indonesian mate from Purdue University. And not to mention the many people I met at Augustana College!

Fate brought different people from totally diverse backgrounds together at that exact crossroad in time. If we were late or early for a minute, I wouldn’t have met half the people above – and probably would have met another set of strangers. How cool is that!

4) You’ll treasure the special bond with your travel mates

Having travelled with one of the wackiest companions ever was the highlight of my entire journey. The ever hilarious entrepreneur cum gymnast-pants-wearing Wilson @ “Ah Beh Tu Bah Hoon”, environmental activist cum accent impersonator Floridan hot chick Nasha @ Ah Mei and journalist cum “I’m moving my 3 storey bungalow” baggage carrier fashionista Christine @ CGPS – they all made the journey kicking ass awesome! No way will the journey be the same without them.

It’s not the destination, but the journey with friends that truly matters.

5) You’ll get to savour so many delicious food!

Jesus, where do I start? Wonderful Lebanese dishes in Sioux Falls, fresh Snow Crabs straight from the Pacific Ocean, bone-falling grilled prime ribs in LA, lip-smacking enchiladas and tacos in Olvera Street, dizzyingly unique Irish coffee and clam chowder in sour bread at Fisherman’s Wharf, Japanese buffet at Las Vegas….I swear that you’d gain pounds for sure!

Of if you’re feeling homesick, there’s always Chinatown and our very own Malaysia Kopitiam in Washington DC!

6) You’ll appreciate the different culture, arts, music and way of life

Coming from Asia, I’m always impressed at how Western society appreciates the arts. (or what we Asians generally claim are un-scientific and of no “practical value”) Be it the dramatic personifications of dark humor in the theatre scene or the many weird sculptures dotted along any pathway, there is always something colourfully new to savour at every corner. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend enchanting orchestras, great clubbing spots (without people smoking inside!), museums of modern art, random street musicians and so many more.

Seeing, hearing and touching all these, despite the absence of human interaction, is already enough to offer quite a lavish and unforgettable experience.

7) You’ll be amazed at the architecture and scenery

Mount Rushmore. The Space Needle. The Walk of Fame. Grand Canyon. The United States Congress. Stanford University. Duke University. The Bellagio Las Vegas. Napa Valley. Golden Gate Bridge.

Feast the eyes on nature stripped bare and the technological brilliance of men. Smell the salty sea breeze and grassy gust of the great plains. Hear the cries of seagulls, rattling chains of moving bicycles and enchanting flap of the waves. Feel the rays of the sun and chills of the winter wind.

Truly, there are many things that can never be adequately explained. They must be seen, smelt, heard and felt - in its purest and virgin form. And it is one heck of an euphoric feeling that can never be forgotten.

8) You’ll learn to appreciate the unexpected…and find the thrill of it!

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese

Stopped by a park ranger at the Badlands because we didn’t wear safety belts, and almost forgetting to bring my driving license along which could landed us in real big shit. Reluctantly entered an expensive club, and had the time of my life dancing to the pulsating beats. Driven to the gay district of Castro in the dead of night, and felt like turning up in a different world.

Your travel is never always going to go as planned. And that just might be the best part of it!

9) You’ll be…inspired!

For the linguist, you’d be inspired to speak the language - in my case, French!

For the entrepreneur, you’d be inspired the moment you enter the first Starbucks store in the world at Pike Place Market or the Boeing assembly plant in Everett.

For the historian, you’d be inspired by the Lincoln, World War 2 and Jefferson Memorial in DC.

It all really depends what lenses you use to peek at the amazing kaleidoscope of adventures out there. And the faith to make a change and be reborn as a different person, that comes with it. America, despite the gloomy predictions of its decline, still remains to me as one of the most admirable superpower the world has ever seen – true crusaders of freedom, a capitalist model that bought communism to its knees, a dynamic political scene and a superior legal system which is the envy of the world.

As a 20 year old boy that has idealistic hopes for a better world, you can’t help but feel inspired every single day.

So there you go – 9 out of the, I’m sure, many more reasons why anyone should travel. If you’re genuinely interested in discovering the wonders of the world out there, nothing should stop you. No money? Work, save or find for opportunities – the same way thousands of Malaysians have done. No time? College life is one of the best moments to travel, marriage and work will tie you down one day.

I shall end this post with my favourite quote of all time from the great Mark Twain:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

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The Triangular Theory of Love

Yes, I would like to talk about love today. Actually, I wouldn't have if not for Psychology assignments. That's one of the perks of studying this subject - almost everything is understandable because us humans have experienced these psychological states in life. Here is a sample reflection paper of mine, bearing in mind that this isn't meant to be explanatory (which might disappoint some people) but a narration of original opinions and ideas by the student.

The triangular theory of love by RobertSternberg describes types of love based on three different components: passion,intimacy and commitment.

Passion is a state of intense longing for union withthe other, connected to both romantic and sexual attraction.

Intimacy involvesconnectedness and the bond where partners support, understand and trust eachother.

Lastly, commitment encompasses the decision, not merely a feeling, toremain together.

As the different stages of love shift, so does the emphasison each component. Basically, there can only be consumate love when all 3elements are present.

I would like to give personal insightstowards each component of this triangular theory of love. Firstly, I personallyexperienced strongly believe that passion is an extremely powerful emotion duringthe first stages of love. There is a desperate desire for feelings to bereciprocated and an extreme infatuation towards the other. Sometimes, itreaches a level where you view every action or trait (the giggle, the way shefondles her hair, etc.) as an additional attractive element that makes him/her“special”, however ridiculous they seem to be. (with the benefit of hindsight,of course)

Moreover, I believe males place sexual attraction asa bigger driving factor towards another as compared to mere romantic feelingsat this stage of “passion”. Of course, most guys wouldn’t admit it at thebeginning of the relationship because they would be perceived as “shallow” or“dirty”. As we all know (too well, sometimes), guys possess more uncontrollable sexual drives as compared to the ladies & this will inevitably be reflected too in the courtship process.

It has been theorized that when feelingsare developed quickly, it is also quick to fade away. This may be true for allrelationships, but I have a hypothesis that this doesn’t apply to one: ourfirst love. Many people have testified that it is the first love that draws thestrongest emotion and cuts the deepest wounds in our hearts. I believe thatthat special feeling of experiencing your first love will not fade away formany years, or even for a lifetime. A survey could be carried out among peoplewho have already married to rate each of their past relationships on a scale tofind out which one evokes the strongest memories. (bearing in mind thatpartners might develop jealousy, we do this secretly!)

The stage of intimacy is whererelationships take a different twist. As the fog of infatuation clears out,partners begin to discover each others' weaknesses and even dislike certain traits.It is difficult to forge an understanding of how to proceed with therelationship and I hypothesize that this is the part where most relationshipsbreak down.

One area I’m particularly interested in is how the level ofintimacy changes in long-distance relationships. Will there be a dip due to thephysical distance or does the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” holdtrue in most cases?

Moreover, technological innovations have brought rapidadvances in the field of communications and it is interesting to research howthis can potentially change the nature of long-distance relationships,particularly “intimacy”. While Skype-ing and face-to-face chatting areimportant, it is not an effective medium to gauge the trust of partners. Trust,which is such a crucial part of intimacy, has a bigger connection towardssocial media like Facebook and Twitter, where it gives an avenue for a partnerto keep track on your daily life – thus, being a very effective indicator fortrust.

Yeah, I know, the article sounds very technical and un-lovey dovey, but that's academics for you. Wanna know the raw, hyperbolic, melt-in-the-heart emotions? Talk to the man!

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Day At The NEWSeum

No, this ain't no silly parody of Ben Stiller's "Night at the Museum". (although, I could imagine what awesome fun it would be if the entire Museum of Natural History came to live!) It was the last day of my tour and when TripAdvisor ranks Newseum No.2 for Washington DC's "must-see" list, you couldn't really resist it. As the name of the museum suggests, it is a historical collection of the journalism profession and also an exciting exhibit of cutting-edge communications technology.

A conspicuously modern museum, in all its glory at Pennsylvania Avenue. $20 for admission, but damn well worth it.

The 1st floor houses an array of Pulitzer Prize winning photography. I could stare at a single picture for a few minutes without blinking. It was as if those pictures; those human beings - overflowing with unspeakable, raw emotions; are telling me the story that very moment the photographer snapped his camera. It was moving. It was captivating. There then, I realized what the phrase "A picture paints a thousand words" truly meant.

From left to right: Right-wing activists smashing a folded chair on the head of a left supporter in Thailand; the American troops raising the flag after the brutal battle of Iwo Jima; Prisoners of War arriving home; the first black student to attend a university being ridiculed, which later spawned the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan, at the Brandenburg Gate, said "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!". And indeed, 3 years later, the Berlin Wall that seperated West & East Germany collapsed. Not long after that, the Soviet Union disintegrated, the Cold War ended and the United States became the world's sole superpower left standing. It was a momentous occasion, signalling the triumph of democracy over communism. Some academicians, like Francis Fukuyama, even boldly proclaimed that this is the "end of history" - that democracy and capitalism had won the day. Would this hold true? Well, stay tuned because history is happening right now, even as we speak.

Next stop is the breathtaking 4D movie experience, depicting "some of the most dramatic events in journalism history. You are there, standing with Edward R. Murrow on a London rooftop as he delivers a live radio report during World War II and going undercover with Nellie Bly as she exposes horrendous conditions in a 19th century insane asylum." Besides, there's just so many other things to do - being a reporter while being filmed by cameras, peeking at legendary moderator Tim Russert's office desk and looking at how things work in a tense media room.

There's also the uber cool FBI exhibit. Newspaper reports on the most notorious criminals in American history being pursued by the FBI is just surreal for a Sherlock Holmes fan like me. Of course, the FBI's new focus is on the so-called "war on terror", where the brand new updates and lists of FBI's most wanted targets are displayed for all to see.

One of the more engaging exhibits: the World Press Freedom Index. As seen on the colored world map on the upper right image, green represents countries with a "free press", yellow as "partly free" and red as "not free". North America and Europe seem to have a very independent media, while the rest of Asia don't score that particularly well. Again, Malaysia fails to impress by being categorized as "not free". But then, even American television networks like CNN and Fox News have very obvious political leanings. Another interesting phenomenon: will emerging economic giants like China open up to the idea of a free press? Beijing is trying hard to quell dissent by banning internet materials, but political theory predicts that democratization will be inevitable as a country continues to prosper. Will the Communist Party reform? Interesting times ahead, I would say.

(On a side note, and as the bottom right picture displays: Congrats Malaysia, we won the SEA games Gold medal in football!)

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

                                 ~ First Amendment To The United States Constitution

The First Amendment is arguably one of the most important, enduring and controversial article in the Bill of Rights. The American people, and more crucially the Courts, treasure their freedom & liberty very much. On more extreme forms of freedom of expression, a Nazi Party may march through a largely Jewish neighborhood (Collin v Smith, 1978) and even banning flag burning is unconstitutional. (Texas v Johnson, 1989) I'm not advocating that Malaysia should completely follow the democratic standards of the United States, but both the government and courts should be bold enough to uphold the basic constitutional guarantees for freedom of religion, speech and assembly. Sadly, what we are witnessing now is a flip-flop turn of events - while Mr. Najib recently promised to appeal the UUCA and form a parliamentary committee into free elections, his own government is in motion to pass a ridiculously undemocratic Peaceful Assembly Bill. 

The 9/11 memorial is one of the more touching exhibits you could ever find. This year marks the tenth anniversary that changed America and the world forever. I would never forget the moment when a Malaysian boy like me saw grown men weep before my very eyes, as they rekindle the gruesome memories of that terrible tragedy.

I have learnt so much in the short 4 hours walking around the Newseum. It is a tribute to journalists who have braved bullets and storms to bring us the truth. It is a celebration of democracy, freedom of the press and what it truly means to live in a civil society. And lastly, it is a reminder that the press must always stay above politics, for it serves as a much cherished "fourth branch of government".

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Seksualiti Merdeka - The Missing Link

I've been following keenly on the developments on Seksualiti Merdeka and the kind of reaction vitriol it has generated throughout the Malaysian public. But before I comment further, just to set things straight: frankly, I don't think Malaysians are democratically mature to debate and compromise on this touchy issue. Let's face it: we can't even agree properly on the basic rights concerning race and religion. What makes you think Malaysians are in any level of cool-headedness & open-ness in bringing LGBT rights in the picture?

Oh no, I'm in no way downplaying the discrimination and challenges the LGBT community has to face today, especially in the Asian context. Nevertheless, the "damage" has been done. People have taken sides. Politicians are jumping up and down with hailers in mosque compounds. Groups are using the name of God to legitimize this "holy quest" to purge the land from "abnormal" and "sinful" people.

I find this very disturbing. Why? Amidst the fierce barrage of criticisms by conservatists and solid wall of defense by the liberals, what is the crucial missing link here?

It is the fact that these people demonize the LGBTs without even trying to listen to or have the heart to understand their plight. I'm baffled at how fast & easy people choose a side and start airing profanities against LGBTs. I'm shocked when so-called good Muslim friends start chiding Datuk Ambiga with terms like "dajjal" and "patut dihududkan" on social media, when they obviously have not even tried to comprehend the crux of the issue.

In fact, that's what exactly Seksualiti Merdeka is all about - as a medium to air grievances & finding solutions to tackle this long-standing issue.

Why do people react this way? Just to make it clear once again, I'm NOT saying homosexuality is permissible in the Quran, Holy Bible or other religious scriptures - I am just astounded at the lack of intellectual discussion where people go straight into emotional overdrive. What fuels this repulsive attitude? Why so much hate and anger?

I suspect 2 things: the genuine desire to protect the sanctity of religion (and to heed God's teachings) and the fear of being punished by God if they do not prevent this 'calamity'. As we look through the ages, both religious beliefs (The Spanish Inquisition, the Catholic-Protestant rivalry of medieval England, the bloody crusades that lasted for hundreds of years) and fear (a very important human instinct to protect ourselves) are the easiest way to make people react. Through the waves of propaganda and fear-mongering, it coerces people to pick a side. When they do pick a side, there's the 'good guys' vs 'bad guys' mentality. (you always being the good guy, of course) There's always the bogeyman, the punching bag, the "Zionist laknatullah", the "pondans" to target. What can be more convincing when the world seems to revolve around your group of 'chosen ones' and a higher being has given you the mandate to accomplish certain goals?

And that's where people discard all sense of logic. They enter into a cycle of distrust. They become very emotional, believing that they are standing at the 'right' side and those on the 'other' side are severely mistaken. They see those who they defile as enemies. They do not regard those who they target as human beings. End of story. "What's that you're saying?...bah! Bollocks!" - because, (hey!) God bless these people, they have ALL the answers already! Having derived all these wonderfully concocted conclusions, the last thing on their list is to engage and compromise. Just attack, attack, attack - while closing your ears and shutting your mind to any disagreeing opinions. How convenient indeed!

Last night, I watched a documentary titled "The Anatomy of Hate: A Dialogue for Hope" by Mike Ramsdell. It narrates in emotional detail "some of the most venomous ideologies and violent conflicts of our time including the White Supremacist movement, Christian Fundamentalism as an anti-gay platform, Muslim Extremism, the Palestinian Intifada, Israeli Settlers and Soldiers, and US Forces in Iraq." I find these theories strikingly similar to the Seksualiti Merdeka controversy we are facing in Malaysia. It's deja vu all over again: a deep-rooted belief that what you're doing against another (annihilating them) is 'right' and is the only solution possible. (in Malaysia's case, shutting all programs related to LGBTs and leave them to bury in their own sorrow)

It's a very sad thing to witness.

But do we actually have a silver lining amidst the thundering dark clouds? Yes, I believe so. At the end of the film, I find it amazing that there people who are willing to put hatred aside. They start listening to each other. Several Israeli and Palestinian soldiers dropped arms to form an organization called the Combatants For Peace. US forces reached out to Iraqi troops suspected of killing one of their brethren to fight against a common enemy: al-Qaeda. A white supremacist regrets his actions and realized that he couldn't continue what he was doing anymore. Throughout history, there is always hope that a few brave & wise men who would stand up & say: enough is enough.

After the show, the director sent a compelling message to the audience: the necessity to overcome fear, anger and hatred by starting to LISTEN to what others have to say. Hopefully, when the barriers have broken down, you won't see Israelis as Arab-massacring demons...Palestinians as ruthless suicide bombers that killed your family....or LGBTs as promoters of rampant orgy festivals. You sit down, face them and talk to them. You realize that they are human beings after all, just like you and me - not aliens from another universe - desiring to live in peace & dignity that every common man has the right to demand.

It might be very hard for some who have such strongly-reinforced preconceptions about LGBTs. It requires much intellectual effort to overcome firing emotions. But, I pray, do give it a try. Look. Listen. Talk. Engage. Debate. Agree. Disagree. Disagree vehemently. Find possible solutions or alternatives to address the discrimination without the need to ditch your religious beliefs. All, in a civic manner that is representative of what a true democracy is. If you walk out of the Annexe Gallery insisting that your views are still right, SO BE IT. I have no problems. It is your right to possess that view. But at least you have done your part in forming a bridge to solve the conflict, however shaky it may be.

Then only will I respect you as a Muslim, Christian or Buddhist - whatever your opinions on LGBT may be. But the moment when you start threatening and shouting on a lunatic one-way street, I'm sorry but you don't deserve my respect. Your arrogance is a disgrace to not only your religion, but to all religions - for painting a skewed picture of boiling intolerance and aggression among all faiths of the world. No wonder atheists are laughing their heads off.

I could write forever & ever regarding my encounters with LGBT people and how they are equals just like us -warm a few hearts, maybe. I could provide a psychological and biological explanation to describe why homosexuality is perfectly normal - and get you all intellectually riled up. I could try to throw arguments on the tyranny of majority by Tocqueville and Hamilton, the role of the constitution in protecting minority rights and other legal justification for LGBTs - heck, just because I'm a law student.

But no, I refuse to do so. Because I'm thoroughly disappointed that we as human beings have overlooked the very traits that make us "human" after all - compassion, discourse, rational judgment and love in its purest form. I'm ashamed that Malaysians have reached a stage where emotions and instincts get the better of themselves.

And so, even as we speak, the LGBT debate rages on in the public sphere. I'm waiting for the day that someone will extend an olive branch, even as politicians continue to hijack everything. But more than anything, I hope that there will be a day where Malaysians mature as a democratic society in facing any issue, however controversial it turns out to be.

“Hate is not conquered by hate. Hate is conquered by love. This is a law eternal”

- Quote from the Buddha.

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Duke, Old Salem, UNC and a Long-Lost Academician

I've finally completed one of the more "zesty" targets in my "to-do list" to the United States: visiting Dian Shah, a former academician at UM who's under the BrightSparks program in completion of her SJD in (I quote from her FB page) "Human Rights, Comparative Constitutional Law and Design in Divided Societies" at Duke University. Though we crossed minds for only a semester in her Torts classes, I can firmly say that we miss her personally as much as her jocular Justin Bieber buffoonery.

On a seperate note, I think our batch is pretty lucky to have experienced both Dian's and Zokhri's youthful injection into the classroom atmosphere. Juniors this year: unlucky you! Haha!

Anyway, I arrived at Durham, North Carolina in the evening of October 29. (after a delightfully Dracula-ish Halloween party the night before!) Had dinner at an Indian restaurant with her and 2 graduate students from Taiwan and Palestine. Question: what happens when 4 "self-professed intellectuals" sit together at the dining table? Answer: We enter into geeky talks on constitutional design, first-past-the-post elections, representative democracy and the Palestine-Israel conflict. Scram off "cool" people who'd talk about the Kardashians or Paranormal Activity 3, cuz we had a great time nonetheless! (secretly hoping that I didn't embarrassed myself naked with my limited knowledge on international affairs) And boy oh boy, the conversation would have been spicier than a potful of Chicken Tika Masala if the Israeli prosecutor attended!

The next day, we proceeded to the town of Old Salem, which is still dotted with historical buildings dating back to the early years of the United States. Beyond the ancient brick buildings, something more fascinating lies in the annals of history. The Moravian church community treated the African-American slaves as equals, way long before the Civil Rights movement came into play. Both whites and blacks were buried together in a plot called God's Acre and attended church in unison. Sadly, external pressure forced segregation nonetheless. As I listened to the caretaker's stories at the St. Philips African Moravian Church, I'm deeply moved that, at least some time ago, people were able to see the light - and judge each other not according to the color of their skin, but as equals before God's eyes.


I just adore these dresses worn a long time ago by early settlers. Speaking of which, I'm continuously fascinated in the history of the American Revolution and Civil War. Heck, I even bought a copy of the original American Constitution as a souvenier. And I swear to God, I almost bought a Confederate soldier headgear!

See my lunch above? According to Dian, it's typical Southern cuisine and I find it delicious. (finally, fresh eggs sunny side up!) By the way, people from the Southern states have a peculiar slang compared to the Midwest - hmmm...something like how George Bush utter his words. Typical cowboy-ish material, I would say.

And I love pumpkins, because it's Halloween! And when Halloween arrives, you get to see......


Adorable, chubby and insanely creative kids going trick or treating! The street of Old Salem was full with parents and children participating in this annual tradition. I'm amazed at the extent parents would invest, invent and make-up their kids - it's such a heart-warming family affair. Being a Star Wars fan, I was thrilled to spot several Jedis, Darth Vader and even General Grievous!


I got a day off by myself to walk around the Duke University campus. I just love being in an environment surrounded by ancient monuments, century-old chapels and well-preserved sculptures of the past. I'm in awe at how people hundreds of years ago possess the technology to construct these marvelous architectures. You really have to see it yourself to experience it. And, lucky as I can be, I got to see the "Occupy" movement in the US sweeping to Duke! Now, this is what I call democracy. Even luckier, there was a 31% discount at the gift shop for Halloween!

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens is probably the most beautiful, elaborate and ambitious landscaping project I've ever been to. Of fountains, giant lakes, bridges, the vast biodiversity of fauna and an even richer array of plants - it almost felt like heaven. My grandma would have insisted on building a cottage to live here! It took me almost 2 hours to explore the massive gardens.


Did I mention that Duke has always been among the top teams in NCAA basketball? A trip to their basketball museum and you'd be shocked at the extent the university goes in honoring their players. Looking at the trophies, medals and hall of fame, I thought only professional sports teams would achieve such a feat! And they have this almost fanatical worship to Duke's legendary basketball coach: simply by the name of Coach K. Besides having a basketball court named after him, he's also the United States Olympics basketball coach. What a man!!!

My final day in North Carolina: a stroll up Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina. It has an equally beautiful campus like Duke and you could almost go berserk with the camera. UNC has this fierce MU-MC rivalry with Duke University in basketball. In fact, Michael Jordan was once a UNC college basketball player before going to the Chicago Bulls!

I loved my time at Durham a lot. Between the places I visited, there are always those "little" moments that matter: political discussions over a Thai dinner, sharing law faculty stories in the Mitsubishi Lancer, sitting in a class with Professor Horowitz on Fijian and Northern Ireland elections and not forgetting Eric playing his "toys". (as well as his willingness to accommodate a fellow Malaysian)

And so, before I end, I would just like to clarify that we (or at least, Dian) are not as geeky as I portrayed. There's just so many adventures and passions beyond the classroom that strikes a chord. After all, from Dian's own words: "Most academicians are hippies". And to a certain extent, I find it to be quite true and refreshing indeed.

Here's a toast to her and many more exciting years in academia ahead.




Yours sincerely,



From the ONLY country that celebrates Thanksgiving and treats Halloween so seriously,
The United States of America.

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