There's something so rotten about how this country is being governed that it isn't funny anymore. Get this, a noted bigot posts accusatory remarks about a certain individual on a blog reeking of racism. The innocent individual is detained unlawfully, then released after a week when the esteemed crime busters in this country deem that there isn't any evidence to charge the individual. Meanwhile, the bigot is totally absolved of any wrongdoing. Yep, he's neither questioned by the cops, nor officially condemned for his seditious declarations. That, ladies and gentlemen, is Malaysia today. A politician proudly spews out racist remarks and is celebrated by some quarters for speaking the 'truth'. The reporter who exposes his malicious remarks is thrown into detention for, drum roll please, 'reporting racist remarks made by so-and-so'.
Okay, stop hitting your head against the wall. No amount of scalp scratching, head banging or Wikipedia-ing will reveal the slightest bit of logic within the course of events. Yep, brought to you by the same people who 'produced' an interesting play called The Race Relations Act. Go watch it; the acting is wooden, the plot shallow, but it has its moments of comedy. In fact, all it has is its comical nature. A definite shoe-in for the Raspberries.
Alrighty, enough of scum bashing. Had a somewhat refreshing conversation with some jokers a couple of days back on the best destinations for migration. Yes, I know any topic starting with 'Best Destinations' does sound straight out of Forbes or NYT, but it was more than just idle chatter about which place we'd like chill at, definitely. Based on current trends, Australia seems the most plausible of destinations. Geographically near, it has a huge Asian immigrant population, especially in the bigger cities. Was reading an article some time back about how S'poreans are buying property in Perth greedily; many are expected to head there in droves in the near future. New Zealand would be a more sedate option, though peace and quiet are valuable commodities.
Of course, for many, the big daddy of migratory destinations (does such a term even exist?) is UK. I can name a dozen things that make migration there virtually impossible (emphasis is on 'virtually'); though this is tempered by the fact that the UK government seems eager-like to shower PRs and British passports on Nigerians and Somalis. It doesn't help that Malaysians have somewhat of a poor standing in the eyes of UK Immigration, what with the selfish pricks who overstay and work illegally in take-away restaurants or as cockle gatherers. The US, till today, remains the Land of Opportunity. Getting in is more difficult than getting a bus ticket to Penang on the eve of Raya; I'm rather pleased with the analogy, if I may say so myself.
Personally, I've always been more inclined towards continental Europe and Indochina. Germany is a given; I'd also settle for Spain or Denmark or Switzerland. I wouldn't mind Croatia or the Czech Republic either. In my myopic view, Indochina comprises Thailand, Bangkok and Phuket. A good place to migrate to, providing one has a healthy bank balance; make that a very healthy one in order to fully enjoy life with peace of mind i.e. no hassle from authorities. Ideal scenario would be to have a wad of cash, and a job which centres around a laptop and internet connection. Peachy, just peachy.
On another note, I came across an uplifting article in today's Star. Something that makes you want to believe in the good in all of us. Despite the widespread discrimination against dogs here, there exists a group of canine Samaritans who are doing their very best to help man's best friend. I have nothing but respect and admiration for these people; individuals who go beyond the call of duty to help those who can't speak and fend for themselves. If I recall correctly, Gandhi was quoted as saying "the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
I guess that pinpoints exactly how great and morally progressive this nation is, doesn't it?
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