Patriotism

Someone who I didn't even know called my beloved country "Boleh-land" on one of my friend's Facebook account. He mentioned the word on a comment, describing his distaste towards the MACC (Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission) on how they were handling the Teoh Beng Hock case.

Mr R I find it hard to understand why the MACC (as the premier government organisation for Anti-Corruption) would stoop to such lows. But then again this is Boleh (only when gomen say boleh) land.. :)

Monday at 1:20pm ·

Adam Johari somebody questionably died in the MACC compound, can't really say that its credibility isn't compromised.

@Mr R : i don't know you, but i find it insulting when people call my country boleh-land.

Monday at 1:32pm

Yes, that's the kind of person that I am. When it comes to my country I'll shun away from being afraid of speaking out. No takut malu. No trying to figure out a more halus way to make my dissatisfaction less apparent. No sugar-coating needed. I don't hide my feelings in layers of pacifistic disposition.

However, this person was unlike the keyboard warrior cowards out there, and sensing my antipathy in the blunt comment I gave, was kind enough to send me a personal message on FB.

Mr. R

Hi Adam, I don't know you either but apologies for any offense. :)

I call Malaysia, Bolehland as a form of sarcastic recognition of the oft used government catch phrase "Malaysia Boleh" as so do many Malaysians who are dissatisfied or cynical with the government promises and performance to date. Promising the world but failing to deliver anything. Didn't want to post response on N's wall :)

Toodles.

Adam

Hi Mr. R,

I didn't mean to sound offensive, if I did I apologize. It's just I don't like how the word Boleh-land is used to describe Malaysia. To me, Malaysia is our country, a separate entity from the government, and as a citizen I uphold the word Malaysia to its highest decree. It doesn't bother me if people mock the BN government, or Pakatan Rakyat, both of them deserve a thorough trashing from time to time, but I feel a little offended that people would use the general term 'Boleh-land' to describe my home and its people.

When Barack Obama went on TV before becoming president, he didn't wear the American flag pin on his suit, which made people from both sides (right and left) launch a swarm of criticism towards him. Even such a remote matter triggered huge repercussions; now in this case my country is being called 'Boleh-land' which we all know what it means, and I don't think as a citizen that I should just let such mockeries go idly by.

Again, sorry. I'm quite sure that you aren't the kind of person who isn't patriotic or in any way trying to insult our country. I'm just very nit-picky with terms and associations. 

My response was in a gentler form though. With it being Ramadhan, and the fact that this person messaged me personally so that, if we had to go to the mattresses, we could avoid that in my friend's comment section, I felt compelled to write back in a much better demeanor. But let this be a lesson to Malaysians out there: Malaysia is our country. Our Home. If you want to talk about Malaysia you make sure you use her name with respect.

Penat aka Tired

Fasting from 3.30am till 8.30pm is somewhat tiring. Couple that with trying to study everyday just makes it excruciatingly exhausting. On a happier note though, I will be returning from the 5th of September till the 18th of September back to my beloved country, where my blood spills and flows - Malaysia. I haven't been back in two years since I got married. That, and the fact that I have not celebrated Hari Raya (Malaysian Christmas) back home in seven years makes this trip seem ever meaningful.

Can't wait to see everyone back home. Seronoknye! Mark your calendars rakan-rakan.

2nd year

Happy anniversary baby

Tak kenal maka tak cinta

I don't need to see the British version of The Office. There's no rule out there that says that if I enjoy the better version of the two - the American Office - that I would need to see the British version as well so I could at least compare the two.

However, the fact remains, that I am a true gentleman. Such forth, I shall watch the British Office and at least try to 'hear it out'.

Actually, one of my co-workers who is British (hah! she's biased) keeps on saying that the British version is way better. She rallied up all the guys in the office and made them turn against me. When I asked her to give me proof that the British Office is better than the American Office, she said,"I'll prove it!! I... I.... I dunno how to.... Bah.. I'll prooooveeee it!!!". Days went by when I waited for her to show her "proof". "Uuuuuu, you're gonna prove it like a theorem aren't you!?", I taunted.

Today, I heard her usurping support on how the British Office is better than the American Office from the kitchen with the other guys. That sly woman. Rallying her supporters behind my back eh? She should know that I have ears of a jungle cat, and of course, that I sit right beside the kitchen. People who know me know that I love to eavesdrop. After I barged in and accused her of treachery, mutiny, and the like, she took out her blasphemous weapon, which was in the form of DVDs.

So she gave me her British version of The Office DVDs to borrow. Time to watch this measly performance of trying to be funny version of the real one and only The Office.

Drool

Hello lads/chaps/mates. These past few days have been absolutely brilliant with great weather and marvelous food. None of that utter rubbish nonsensical rain that the British are so known for. A few days ago me and me wife.... urghh. Ok, I can't talk like a British person. It pains me to even write those few sentences.

Anyways, a few days ago the wifey and I went to a famous Pakistani restaurant in London. We were going out celebrating our 9 years (yes, you read that right) couple anniversary. After work, I met up with the wife at the Monument Station where we took the tube to get to Aldgate East.

Before I mention the name of the restaurant, I have to thank my buddies Vasan and Sze Yin for introducing this place to me. The restaurant is so famous, that even Tom, Dick and Harry go there. Yes, white people ;)

The name of the restaurant is.....

Tayyabs

If you have been living in London and you love Indian/Pakistani food, then you have to get to know Tayyabs. This place is simply amazing. But don't get swayed by my mere words, let's let some pictures do the talking.

The mixed grill

I find myself to be a little special in Tayyabs, because the best dish that they serve, is not even in the menu! But I know about it! Haha. I'm so in the know *grin*. The mixed grill is the best dish served in this restaurant. It's an assortment of lamb chops, shish kebabs and marinated chicken. If you aren't that interested in the chicken and shish kebabs, then just order the lamb chops. You have to taste the lamb chops. The lamb chops from Tayyabs are heavenly. Sedap nak mampos bak kata Shikin. (Translation: so good that you could die)

Garlic Nan

Mango Lassi (some reviewer online said that the mango lassi is sunshine in a glass)

Karachi chicken

"There's so much food!"

The price of food at Tayyabs is pretty reasonable. It is no where near expensive, nor is it super cheap. Shikin and I usually spend around 12 pounds per person when we go there.

When it comes to Pakistani food, Tayyabs is just at a different level as compared to other restaurants within the same genre. The food here is mind blowing. Even Mat Sallehs know that. As evident by the long queue:

You would think that the queue is only during prime times like lunch and dinner, but you are mistaken. Tayyabs' queue is like this every single day, every single time. If you want to avoid the 1 hour queue, then you should make a phone call reservation of which you will still have to wait, but it'll be around 20 minutes outside the building. There was a time that I went to Tayyabs with Shikin on a whim. "Let's just wing it!", said myself. Yeah, right. Merajuk isteri aku. We waited 45 minutes, then gave up, went to a different place but with Shikin's frown not changed.

I wouldn't recommend Tayyabs as a first time dating place. The queue, the loudness of the people conversing, the very raw engaging food that will have your fingers smelling of spices by the end of the day and so forth just aren't the proper conditions for a date. But if you are looking for the absofuckinglutely best Pakistani food there is with out even the slightest of compromises, this is the place for you.

ps: to my friend Rachel, if you read this, and one day you decide to end your tenure as a vegetarian, I'll get you some of those heavenly lamb chops and we'll pig it out ;)