Updates...

Hmm... internet still down. And I am connecting internet by using phone line. Back to the future....!!!!

Well, I finally moved in to my own table and space today... nothing so bizzare until I want to stay in the firm a few minutes more. My 'space' is just next to my BIG boss room and infront of the Manager. So, basically... I am not comfortable with my current place. So, everything set. No internet, I only given an email. So, friends can still chat with me through my email. ... thanks to PY who was so nice to chat with me today. Otherwise, I wouldn't have survive. haha..

OK. After I moved in into this litigation department and only then I realise how EVIL those seniors are. Hmm... to be honest, they are worse than my boss... they are too proud of themselve and thinking they know a lot more than me. Well, I believe they are in a way.. definately in banking line... but they shouldn't react in such a way that I am the losser all the time... honestly, I think if I decided to leave this firm one day.. it is because of them... not the banking. They are just worse than 'banking'. ...

Hai... friends are trying to tell me that there's no perfect firm until you make ur own firm. I guess that's true. ... Now, I am regretting to come back to KL... may be being a boss in Tawau and having a relaxing life is good for me? hai...

Don't ask me, I just have this thought in me : "Don't you people bully me, I can just leave this firm and and something else or go back Sabah.". Hai... I keep on thinking.. why no apply to other firm and see whether I can get a better offer? ... since I only need to give 4 days notice...!!!

Hai...

life...

and tomorrow is saturday..and I have to work...

but I am paid very less... how to survive?

....

Internet down!!!

yes.. my internet is down... thanks to Telecom Malaysia/TM Point/ Streamyx..

anyway... no update. works is getting up until i have to work on saturday. hahahahaha...

yup.. u can imagine.. i like the BUSY WORLD...

bye....

Emotional!!!

Indeed, this is what happen to me the whole day....

Most likely it caused by lack of sleep....

Anyway, I guess I was really impatient for the 'incoperative' the whole worship team this evening. Added only 1 member from the other team and the whole group played so terribly.... They started to arrange the instruments and things before I went for my burger... after I done with my burger, they haven't started yet... for no reason... !! There were things went wrong and need to be re-arranged, but... if everyone is cooperative, things won't drag till 11:20pm. I just don't like not organised stuffs... !!!Well, obviously, I am not the 'boss' on all these... hahahaha...

Guess it is time to really concentrate on other things than this...

I am still in the midst of looking up something...

My boss passed me a circular from Bank Negara Malaysia and asked me to call the person to find out something. I was thinking for a few minutes, ... haha.. he is really a nice boss because my previous boss and my master would just throw me the question and said, do research and get back to me by today. hahaha... and I have to find ways to look for the answers... here, bosses are just nice. hahahahaha... so different, isn't it?

However, I was bothered by this question: To have a good boss or to have good colleagues... simply because I don't really like my current colleagues... haha... there's really no perfect firm in the world...

- emotional -

Depress...

Yeah...of no reason, I am feeling a bit depress since morning. However, I went to church (thank God the service was short and nice) as normal and manage to get something settled. 2 really good friends (although we are not very close and only meet every sunday) insisted that I pack my lunch and have it in church so that I won't eat alone at home. So, I did.... Right after that, I went home, was really tired and there, I laid my head to the pillow and slept, thinking a good 2 hours, but unfortunately, there's always someone who love to breaks my plan...and I was waken twice by some really loud noise. I really thought, someone broke in or some door fell... may be I am raised in a very quiet and organise home. No one is allowed to raise our voice and no one can make unnecessary sound because according to the house rules, that's not polite and no manner. Anyway.... a friend called at 6 something asked if I want to join her for dinner. I went as the rest of my housemates gone for dinner without me for an obvious reason (anti social) and that, had made me felt even more depress. Doesn't matter, that's life... and life goes on... During the dinner, I was just telling my friend that I was feeling a bit depress since morning and she suggested we should do something to make me feel happier and there, we decided to watch a movie. It is honestly one of the best I ever watched: Yours, Mine & Ours.. goodness.. I laugh from the beginning of the movie till the end. It's so relaxing and meaningful. hahaha... You must watch it soon.

Well, .... it reminded me of who different I am from the others and how much efforts I probably need to put to make things works. Obviously, I am the guy's family type of person. I like rules and regulations and I like an organised family and life. I was trainned that way at home, I grew up like that and I was with the Girls' Brigade and was the commander and leader for a big group for years. I believe that rules and regulations makes things better. However, unlike my other housemates, they were not exposed to that and obviously, we had very different way of living. I can say, the suffering party would be me and not them. Because the majority of people who grew up from were from the unorganise family. I was just too different from the majority and therefore, I found it so difficult to lives with others. When time goes by, I just found myself being alone most of the time... because I am just a minority...

Most of the time, I honestly found myself 'weird' as how others has described me. If not weird, I am ... just 'one of a kind'. I am not fit in the 'general group' or the 'normal community'. Be it in church or in work or at home (Sunway). I found myself having difficulties in understanding the living standard of others. I am sure if I should just follow whatever others are doing or wearing or what... But whatever others are doing or wearing actually just not my type of tea. I don't hate it, but I just don't like it. But do I need to force myself to follow the 'earth'? Well, I guess... I am just weird... so... don't bother me, leave me... hahahahahahaha....

*********************

These few days, I was thinking over some questions: TIME. I was asking a friend about what happen if she found out that she is going to die soon? What will she do? etc etc and over these few days, I was just thinking about leaving this professions soon and to do what I always want to do. Well, reason is simple... that I can see the meaning of working in this professions. BORING and MEANINGLESS...

That's the thought for today...

- Depressing thought -

Take a guess...

Hmm...well, the Telecom guy didn't come ... now my heart is feeling much better. hahahaha... well? The internet was down for a few hours and now just resumed. I promised to talk online with a friend tonight, but due to some 'urgent' attention needed somewhere else, I ... broke my promise... I am sorry my dear brother.. I mean it. Sorry...

Well...I was wanting to read this book call "Christian Perspectives on the limits of the law" by Paul Beaumont, a Professor of European Union and Private International Law at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Well, some of you might know that I have great interest in European Union and private International Law even during my degree time. During my final year in university, I even requested the university to allow me to take an extra subject, to write a dissertation on this area of law. Well, don't ask me why because I don't really know the reason why I love this area of law. European Union is not so much connected to me actually, but for some reasons, I just love that area of law and I do think, more research can be done on the laws in European Union. Anyway... this book that I wanted to read, is not selling anywhere in Malaysia for an obvious reason. hahaha... I checked online and found that it is not a very cheap book and I can only get it in some country like U.S or U.K. So, yeah... I guess I need to order it and ask someone to bring it back for me. Why someone like me wanted to 'chase' after something like a book across the countries? er... not very sure. hahaha.. may be I should give you a report after I read it? hehe..

Today is a restful day... but I did manage to get around with cell members and enjoy a bit of movies and internet searching.

Tomorrow is sunday... are you going to church?

- thankful -

... very disappointed!!!

I woke up late this morning because I slept very few these few days andI was just tired. Although I woke up, but I refuse to get up from the bed until I noticed that I can't afford to do that anymore. So, on my way to work, I was thinking whether I should go and collect the Practising Certificate first then go to office or I should go to office then walk from the office to the Bar Council (10 minutes walk). By the time I reached either of the destination, I had chosen the later because with that, I don't need to pay RM4 for the parking. hahaha...

Anyway.... I went in to the office and start working until 12:51pm and ONLY THEN, I made my way to the Bar Council. Honestly, ever since I got my Sabah Practising Certificate, I really thought the Kuala Lumpur one should be a BETTER one. However, as I was handled 2 sheets of papers, there and then I realise, ... 'that's it'. That's what we call the Kuala Lumpur's practising Certificate. I was and still very disappointed with it. It took them at least 5 days to get 2 sheets of papers out? I thought they are going to do the nice printing, certificate like kind of practising certificate just like the Sabah one? This is so disappointing... !!! I really question myself why people think Sabah is not good enough? In terms of all that I have experience so far, I think Sabah is the BEST.

***********************

I was quite pissed this afternoon when this chambie came to me TELLING me that what I done was wrong. Well, actually, that's nothing about right or wrong. He is really getting himself into trouble. ... He follow every single precedent given to him. I was not trained that way because that's not the best way and he will not learn for sure if he is just doing that. He told me that this Bankruptcy Notice has a precedent that everyone should follow. Well, to me there is nothing call the standard precedent unless you or your firm made it as one. From all my experience, it told me besides this Banking kind of Bankruptcy Notice, there are other types also and it won't be the same. Of course I didn't tell him. I normally don't tell someone that he is wrong unless he is humble enough to learn. His attitudes just showed me that he know better than me and his arrogant has killed a chance learning from me. So? ... he is lossing and not me. I can just follow whatever his so called precedent. After all, it is easier for me. hahahahaha....

Well, I guess that's what really piss me off in the afternoon. I can foresee that I will get more bullies later when I moved to the litigation department ( most likely next week ). Not only from the chambie, but also from the seniors... Hai... I started to miss where I am sitting now... listening to all the "8 poh" / aunties gossiping... hahaha...

Well... YES.. THE BEST NEWS for today is that my internet connection is resumed. I must take this opportunity to thank my dear friend, Kong Mee Di for her wonderful help and support. She is really good and now I know why she is so confident in building and working up her own business. Because she is really GOOD.

Well, but ... I really do not know what to tell the Telecom guy who is scheduled to be here tomorrow morning. hahaha... shall I just pretend that I am not at home? hahahaha...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

UPDATE: One of the room in my house is rented this evening. Another is available starting monday. Anyone want?

- praying for a better tomorrow -

YePee!!!

Not sure what happen to my shoulder. I am just feeling so painful since last night at 7pm and I couldn’t get into sleep the whole night because of that. I was so tired but I couldn’t even lay my head down to the bed or pillow. This morning, after I brushed my teeth, what I did was to dig out those Chinese medicines (plasters) and pasted 3 pieces around my neck and shoulder. I had a hard time driving my way to work this morning, but thank God, that 3 pieces of medicines did gave some good effect towards it. I was so tired today at work due to lack of sleep and I was ‘unconscious’ during my lunch time and slept for 30 minutes until someone’s SMS woken me up. Hai…

*****************************

When I return to office from breakfast with 2 good friends of mine this morning, one of my colleague passed me a letter from the Bar Council and my Practising Certificate 2006 (PC) is now ready for collection. However, I can only collect it on Monday, Wednesday or Friday and obviously, not today (Thursday). While I was passing all the files to my boss after I have done with it, I met the office manager and I told her about the ‘good’ news. I am sure she told my boss and thereafter I was passed a few files. After lunch, I saw someone move in some table, cupboard, etc. Well, honestly I am not sure it is mine, but I do know, since 2pm just now, I started to check on files and check on the procedures, etc.

At about 3pm, my boss’s secretary passed me a file and I noticed there’s a few mistakes and I was concern, so I checked the files through and found, actually most of it was my careless mistakes except one part which I think is this firm’s ‘style’ of drafting. There and then, it reminded me on an issue which ‘troubles’ me these few months, since I was called to the Bar.

I went back to Tawau, chamber under this law firm call “L”. It’s a new firm and obviously, the boss is not as senior as my KL master, etc…Therefore, I made a lot of comparison and of course ended up as ‘complain’. I thought their drafting ‘style’ is some what, ‘not standard’ and it can be better. Of course, other small thing like the office management, the rules, the way the firms handling things, files and others also made me feel ‘frustration’ and ‘uncomfortable’. To me, I really think it is all because the firm is new and small and especially in Sabah, things can be so ‘flexible’ most of the time. All these, has made me feel ‘unaccommodating’ to it.

When I first came back to KL, I had the mind set that most of the law firms in KL would be the same in terms of pay, how they practice, drafting, managing files, etc. Little do I know that’s not exactly true and if you ask me today about firms and good practices, I can tell you, my master’s firm is the best firm. At least they are ethical, they are generous enough to reward those who work hard, they are willing to teach, they guide you through, the drafting skills and ‘style’ is more high standard and so on. I cannot imagine that my ‘nightmares’ (pupilage) was guided and trained well by those ‘ghost’. Whenever I do a drafting now, I can still ‘hear’ their scream near my ears telling me what to draft, how to draft, why we need to draft in such a way, scolding, teasing, etc. etc. etc.

Indeed, they trained me well and that’s why I failed to see any ‘good’ here in any other law firms I have been. My only worries now is that I will forget the ‘good teachings’ if I stay longer here. L

Isn’t that torturing?

... continue on enforcement of law

To continue my opinion about the law of Malaysia, I came across many news reporting recently about suspects were acquitted by the Judge/Court because the prosecution failed to prove prima facie. This is of course more on the criminal cases. A few things came into my mind pertaining to this issue.

Firstly, the failure of the prosecution to establish prima facie of a case is not the failure of prosecution alone, but it is also the failure of the citizen to co-operate with the prosecution. This issue is quite common in Malaysia but the citizen of Malaysia tend not to bother about it and just love to point their fingers, blaming the prosecution for their ‘failure’. We as Malaysian, failed to do our part. Why? Let me give you a good example. It was one of the mornings last year that my brother’s shoes was stolen and we were all upset about it and wonder when and how did all these happen. Only in the afternoon, my brother’s neighbour told us that she saw 2 man came in by climbing through the fence and within 10 minutes, they were gone with all the shoes. She saw them and she said she saw every moment of that robbery and didn’t make a sound. She admitted it PROUDLY. Let say the police caught the robber do you think she is willing to be the witness? Without the key witness, do you think the prosecution can establish prima facie in that case?

Secondly, it is quite pointless to discuss how to make the existing law better if we can not fully utilize the existing law now. There is no perfect law in the world except God’s. Look at this case; don’t we have a good law with regards to robbery under the Penal Code? But what good it is if the enforcement part or the prosecution part is not done well?

Thirdly, as I kept on reading something about acquittal of cases due to technicality, due to failure to establish prima facie by the prosecution and so on, I started to doubt about the prosecution’s ability although I always thought they are the BEST. I thought they are the BEST because getting in to the AG Chamber, work for the government is so difficult although they keep on telling us that they are lacking of people, etc. etc. But, if you are one of the bumiputra, your chance of getting in is much higher. I always wanted to be part of it but it seems that I am not good enough for them. So, it is quite disappointed to read in the newspaper again this morning about 2 suspects (murderers) were being acquitted. Do you feel comfortable to have so many “ex-suspects” wandering around the streets? Well, the typical Malaysian mentality tells me, you don’t really care. Hahaha…

- my opinion only [strictly without prejudice] -

Abolish Death Penalty?

One of the headlines today in a local newspaper besides “Bird Flue spreads to Penang” is whether the practice of death penalty should be abolished.

This issue of law has always been twisting in my mind for a couple of years now. During my time in England, I ponder over this question seriously because as a Christian, I do not think we have the rights to determine one’s life. I still remember the reason why we need to wear robe, wig and so on as a lawyer in Courts. It is all because as a human being, we shouldn’t judge each others even if they have sin against people and against God. This is biblical. Therefore, I always think what England does is correct in abolishing the death penalty.

However, I found something so different in Malaysia. I was asked to mitigate for accuses (most of them drug addicts and murderer) during my pupillage. Most of the time, I found they were not remorseful. They feel ‘happy’ to be able to be trial in the courts. They don’t feel shameful or they LOVE it. The public awareness or rather, the awareness of the issue of crime or wrongdoing is not among the Malaysian. As one of the accountant said in the newspaper that the most effective way to a crime shouldn’t be “what sorts of punishment” but it should be good education.

If abolishing the death penalty in Malaysia need to be discussed, I shall ask you to join me to think of one question. What should be the heaviest sentence if death penalty is to be abolished? May I just invite you to let your mind wander for a while to the well known Mona Fandey case (the Bomoh & murder case). I am just wondering what sorts of penalty we could impose on her if we abolish the death penalty. Is life imprisonment good enough to bring the awareness to the public? What about if someone waging or attempting to wage war or abetting the waging of war against the Ruler? I am not talking about the context in England, but about Malaysia TODAY.

As I was reading this book which was lent to me by a friend who just came back from England titled: Law: some Christian Perspectives, edited by Jo Cundy, I learned about how much different the Legal Process is between England and Malaysia. I believe there are more people, especially Christian in England who are God-fearing compare to us here in Malaysia. I am not saying we don’t. Some of us do. I know. But some of us do have the typical Malaysian thinking/culture. For example, I found it interesting how ignorance most of the Malaysia are towards the law in Malaysia. To most of the Malaysian, unless we need to deal with it, otherwise, we don’t want to know about it. For example, not many among us know what is entering into contract until the contract is BREACHED and not when the contract is ENTERED. Another good example would be we only interested to find out more about car insurance once we were involved in an accident, despite the fact that we are driving a car for years, since we attained the age of 17. Isn’t this ridiculous? See, that’s what I call a typical Malaysian mentality.

At the same time, if we claim that exercising death penalty is barbaric, inhumane and insufficient deterrent, well, I guess the ‘normal procedure’ is that we, the 3rd world country let the 1st world countries to deal with this issue first. As war is still happening in the world, how many of us can call ourselves not a barbaric and not an inhuman?

Don’t catch me wrong… I am not saying I agree that death penalty should stay. After all, we need not discuss this issue if no one commits a crime. What I am saying is we should think wisely when we decide something (especially the legal body) and be aware that different law imposed to a different country for a different purpose. I let the higher authority to decide on that.

To be very honest, I am not concern about the law in Malaysia. I am more concern on the law enforcement in Malaysia because it seems to me that we do not have enough policemen in this country. Do you not think this is more urgent to attend to then abolish or not abolish the death penalty?

- just my opinion -

Interesting...

It is quite interesting to drives around the city of KL and realise that someone who is driving a car with the disable sticker placed on his/her car crossed your line recklessly and without due care. I wonder for a while if that car really belong to a handicap. ... But I guess even if he/she is not a handicap, we don't want to challenge him/her, right? There and then, this thought of thinking of whether I can sue a handicap for reckless driving in case of an accident caused by the said car. Well, I guess I can under the law. But if you are placed in that position to sue, would you sue?

Placing a sticker... most of the time, people just want some privilege. By placing some sticker, you will be given certain priority. I saw this POLICE sticker placed at my friend's car lately. I was thinking his family must be 'something' because to me, he is from a very good and well known family. He used to told me that he was given privileges a few times because of that sticker. But lately, I realise I can also get one... with just RM3. Since last year, I placed a Bar Council sticker(instead of the Car Plate ) on my windscreen with no particular purpose, but many of my friends did asked me if it has special indication and/or someone like the police man will let me go even thought I was caught? ... I am just so suprise of the thinking most of the Malaysian has..... PRIVILEGES!!!!

Unfortunately, ... as Malaysian, nothing is privilege unless you MAKE it happen. I.e. You have to give yourself some power to 'break' certain rules and go on with life. Once you have successfully challenged everyone, you are privileged. hahaha...

Nothing much happen to me lately except the internet still down and that caused me to realise how much I need an internet for living. hahaha... to be very frank with you, I am now standing outside my house, placed my laptop on a car boot and using my brother's line... this's something I never done before... but.. nice. at least, it is connected. haha..

A lesson!!!

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!!! (Thought she is not reading this, but... it's from my heart)
Yes, just in case you wonder… today is my mom’s big day. hehehe… I called her this morning and she was so shock because she forgot today is her birthday. Hahaha… Happy Birthday Mom!!!

**********************************

I snap a photo of my niece and nephew with my hand phone recently. I placed my niece’s photo as wallpaper in my hand phone. Now, whenever I feel not happy, down, stress or lack of motivation, I will look at my hand phone and the normal effect of it would be, I LAUGH, instead of smile.

Yesterday, after a long and tiring day, I was just sitting in the office, after finished all my tasks and waiting to go home and suddenly, my mind flashed the look of my ‘playful’ and ‘super active’ nephew. Then I suddenly thought of some similarities between hi and me.

At his young age, my nephew love to learn things and he doesn’t hesitate to make mistake or ask. As long as there’s someone there better than him (not sure how he found out the adults are generally better than him), he will just take the opportunity to show you what he knows. He can flip through all his books, reading it to you, showing you what he knows. If he made mistakes, we taught him the correct answer and pronunciation, he will read after you and he will try again and again without hesitation, without shame until he got it installed firmly in his mind. Between him and me, once he did something correctly and he being a ‘good boy’, we will celebrate it by clapping our hands. He enjoys the way of ‘celebration’ at all time.

These, has just thought me a lesson.

A friend who underwent pupilage with me months ago is now in her 6th month of practice and she told me how different things and works are between the two law firms. I totally agree with her because I am now placed in a firm whereby I was sort of being ‘neglected’ and in terms of payment, facilities and people, we enjoy much lesser than what we used to have in our Masters’ firm. However, as I have more working backgrounds than her, I advised her not to determine her ‘happiness’ based on that and at the same time, try her best to gain what she can gain in her present firm. So as me… I am considered ‘totally new’ in this area of litigation (Banking Litigation). Although I did a few matters in banking litigation during my pupilage, but in terms of the whole procedure, I just know NOTHING.

On our first year of practice, I think we should adapt my nephew’s attitudes of learning things. People say children learn thing faster. I think, it is the attitudes that make the children learn faster. There are things that we are not sure of and there are things that we do not know at all (areas of law are so huge) and what we need to do now is really to learn, to make mistakes, get scolded, do lots of research, reading, tried out best, discuss our finding with bosses to climb up to a higher stage. We should ask, make mistakes without hesitation and shame. I am sure, when we manage to achieve something at the end; we will be like our nephew, clap our hands and ‘celebrate’ as well.

What do you think?

- Aim higher -

Frustration continue...

URGENT ATTENTION!!!!

One nice, comfortable, convenient, inexpensive rooms attached to a wash room is available for rental starting 27.03.2006. Rental is RM270.00 per month exclusive of bills. It is located at Bandar Sunway, walking distant to bus stops, shops, The One Academy College, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway University College, Inti College, Subang Jaya, Taylor College, Metropolitan College, Subang Jaya Medical Center (SJMC), Sunway Pyramid, Faith Christian Center (Anglican Church) and eating places. If you are interested, please kindly contact me A.S.A.P. Thank you….

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As I slept early last night (11.30pm, 15.03.2006) and did managed to get my mind and physical relax a bit last night (wash my clothes, watch the series of “LOST”, eat healthy dinner and chat online with friends), I felt so refreshed this morning when I reached office. However, as I was driving to work, I started to feel ‘worry’. Worry about what to do in the office today. Hai… yes, call me a ‘workaholic’, but time is so slow without anything to do in the office. In Tawau, at least I can surf the internet and read some cases online. But in this firm, this is just IMPOSSIBLE.

I walked in to my cubical, sat myself down, made myself a cup of coffee and enjoy my newspaper until 9am. When everyone else around me started to get busy with their works, I then decided to finish with my Bankruptcy law book. Just 5 minutes before I finished with it, my boss passed me 3 files and just before lunch, someone handed me some files for me to attend Auctions this afternoon. When I finished with the Auction, I decided to hang around outside for a while (have my lunch).

I cam back to office, saw one ‘unsolved’ file on my table. I tried my best to call the person in charge in the ROC (Registered of Companies) and asked her about the letter she sent to us, as the petitioner’s solicitor. She keeps on saying that we were at fault, we, as solicitor didn’t even clear about the rules and law on winding-up, etc. etc. Well, from the tone of her voice, I feel that she is a bit bias because we did follow EXACTLY what the Rules or Acts says. I spoke in a way to made her understand that she’s the one at fault for not approving it because we did complied with all the requirements, etc. Honestly, I made her doubt on her ground and she just asked me to re-send my documents to her again before we hang up.

Well, here I am… finished all the works given me.
Time: 3:47PM


**********************

Everyone around me has the thought that I am the “freest” person. Compare to them, I just started a new job and I shouldn’t have much in my hand and I went to work not so early compare to the previous firm and I came home just before 7:30pm everyday. Some of you, after you read my blog also have the same view because I always complain that do not have much to do in the office. Fair enough!

I guess there’s only one thing that could be different between ‘the rest of you’ and me. That’s I handle my own cases and my own time. Occasionally I will feel ‘stuck’ (time) due to something my boss gave me on last minute, etc. But most of the time, I control my work, my workload, my time, my colleagues, my clients, etc. I guess, it is just different kind of stress that I am facing… and this could be something that not many friends of mine understand. Moreover, all of the things that I am dealing with is highly private and confidential, so it is not easy for me to ‘let go’ of my stress.

Anyway, I treat this as one of my training. I am learning not only how to draft papers, do researches, but also handling stress, clients, emotions, physical tiredness and others.

Another point is, I seldom complain on things or even stresses that are placed on me. I just deal with them and won’t try to avoid it. Unlike some, they tried to tell everyone how stress they are and trying to 'slip' out from it. Well, ... may be I just too stupid to share. hahahaha...

- I wonder what I should do in office tomorrow : hai... -

Frustration!!!

First, of course because of the internet connection at home. The line is stupidly DOWN for no reason. And the person told me that I need to be at home and with my PC and modem, etc.. when i call them and only that, they can HELP. If they can, goodness, all these had been fixed ages ago. STUPID!!!!

Secondly, I went over to Bar Council today (14.03.2006)to send in my application for the Practicing Certificate. It was this clerk in the Bar Council that made me think about the NEEDS of a Bar Council. What make me think so? There is something in the Legal Professions Act 1976 that states that the Bar Council can use maximum of 21 days to get a practicing certificate done. But I don’t understand if it is the mentality of the people or is it the West Malaysia culture and that makes the clerk told me that, I can only get my practicing certificate after 21 days. I mean, if you are telling me that a lay person is having that kind of thought, I might be able to understand. But it is the BAR COUNCIL OF MALAYSIA who told me this. I wonder how efficient can the legal body like Bar Council is. Sabah and Sarawak are not under Bar Council and I can honestly said, they are much efficient then the Bar Council of Malaysia. The court only takes about maximum of 1 week to get a practicing certificate done and it took only 3 days to get mine done. If the Bar Council is so relied on the law, then why are they not considering that an advocate and solicitor do need to obtain their Practicing Certificate as soon as possible?

The ‘NOT HAVING A VALID PRACTICING CERTIFICATE’ has caused me so much troubles. Most of the firms I went for interview always asked me if I have a valid practicing certificate. My answer is NO because I AM NOT ATTACH to a firm yet. But the firm is not willing to take someone without a valid practicing certificate because the Bar Council took ages to get a practicing certificate done.

Moreover, if the Bar Council is so called ‘following the rules’ strictly, then I cannot understand on what basis they are to say that we need to follow certain Statutory Declaration. When I apply to the Sabah’s Practicing Certificate, I cannot recall I need any of those application forms, certificate from the KL Bar, a sum of RM660, a copy of the insurance policy, and Statutory Declaration. Is these mean, the advocates and solicitors in Malaya are more DISHONEST? Just to add a single name into an insurance policy and it took you about 1 whole week. In additional to that, the clerk the Bar Council, I mean CLERK keeps on disapproving the Statutory Declaration and that caused many unnecessary troubles and delays. Worse still, they can scold you for asking them how soon the Practicing Certificate can be ready. Tell me, do they have the rights to be rude because they are Bar Council’s clerk and they are the one who process the Practicing Certificate?

To be honest, I think they are just TRYING to make themselves respectful, but in fact, they are just so not efficient and professional. If even Bar Council cannot be good in their works, can we expect the country to be good?

Honestly, before I went back to Sabah, I respected Bar Council as it is. But after I went back to Sabah and was admitted in Sabah, I feel that their existence is just unnecessary and they are making simple thing complicated. Worse still, they are not making things works better.

If you have doubt on what I am saying here, just imagine… how come Sabah is better and not KL? … Don’t tell me because the population in KL is much bigger than Sabah. That’s just an excuse. Efficiency of all the clerks should be questioned.

Some will tell me after reading this that I might be liable for defamation to defame the name of Bar Council. But … I just want to say, this is just my experience and this is the TRUTH and it has caused me much frustration and discomfort and even feel like quitting this ‘unprofessional’ professions.

- frustration -

Contented!!!

YES...it is indeed a contented day today (13.03.2006). Reason? Well... I never stop for a single minute in the office. I saw a few files on my table when I reached office. But I couldn't touch it until I finish my works with the Bar Council and Land office. Hence, I went to Bar Council and Land office A.S.A.P , met my friend for breakfast and went back to office straight away. There were a few matters that I weren't very sure about and I managed to sort them all out. My boss is kind of impress with my knowledge and work performance and told me he knew that Banking law is something that I might feel boring with. But he ensure me that I will learn. He also said I will not do just banking alone. He might need me to assist another partner with the general litigation files. I felt so happy to hear that because banking is really not the ONLY thing that I want to learn now. I do hope I can learn more on the other area of laws as well.

He later gave me more works and believe me, I finished them all except 1 file because I purposely reserve it for myself, for tomorrow morning. hahaha...

OK. I know some of you are saying that I am crazy now. Workaholic and not a normal being. Well, but I must say, I enjoy the work so far... and probably I am learning a lot of new things everyday and that made me feel satisfying and contented. I have wasted many years in getting through the Bars and I think I need to be swift in learning so that I can catch up.

I am starting realise the blessing of God one by one, each day by each day. I praise the Lord. He is good all the time indeed!!!

**********************

My internet still down. Therefore I am not able to upload anything more these few days. My apologise. I promise I will write more when all the internet is available. And I am thinking of NOT putting my 'daily' life and instead, put more on the law or Malaysian current issues more.

What do you think?

- contented -

Awkward feeling...

Hmm.. yes. I had this awkward feeling in me today (10.03.2006). Hmm.. I didn't get any works today and the insurance company only fax in the policy at 5pm. So, I didn't manage to get my application for PC done. Will do that on Monday.

Well.. the awkward feeling arose because I still not very convinced that I should do Banking Litigation now. I really hope to do General Civil Litigation. And I was searching online just now and realise that the firm that I always wanted to get in ("L") is looking for people who has at least 1 year experience. I am not sure what position they are looking for. If they are looking for general civil litigation legal assistant, may be I should just submit my application and see how thing goes? ... But on the other hand, I do not wish to keep on moving for now. May be I need to stick with this firm till end of this year. Hai.. that's why I am feeling so ... out of place today.

I was given the 'procedure' list and I noticed that, that's the only thing that I need to do... NOTHING challenging and nothing so special or need me to put my energy, mind, knowledge and so on in it. All that I learned previously is now = 0. What am I getting myself into? Well, I guess, may be for 1st year, I should just bear with this? ... I am really not sure. I won't be going to higher courts like conducting a trial, do appeal, do injunction and so on. Then? What will I get? If I do banking litigation now, I will need to stay more years here in KL. ... Is this what I want?

I really had this desire to leave this place and get another better place ... hai... I am really not sure now...

As you noticed, it is late now and I am still awake...and I am actually still at my brother's place just to get access to the internet. Well, ... people were here doing some packing and it's just done about 30 minutes ago. ... that's why I stayed up till now.

OK. It is time to sleep... I better go.

- can someone pray for me, please... -

Ops...

Ops.. my mistake. Let me do some correction first. It's suppose to be below 20 km/h. OH NO... what happen to me last night? I was extremely too tired last night and it caused me to be extremely not well and tired today. I didn't know what happen to me that caused me all the pain in my kidney area. It caused me discomfort and pain the whole day and in addition to that, my tiredness had also made me suffered today.

Anyway... I contacted this friend of mine who was with me during pupillege and she thought I am with this "J" firm and when I told her I left the firm because of particular reasons, she said she encounter almost the same thing, but different 'inethical' ways of the firm. There and then, I thank God for guilding me to got out from that firm earlier. Praise the Lord!!!

Well, I think I am a workaholic. Why? Because even if I do not have internet in the office, and do not have my own room, but if I am given works, lot of them and I am contented. Today, I was not given much work to do. I finished everything in split second and the partner realise that I am bored because I keep on playing the game in the computer (my computer screen face out and everyone can see that I am playing games and I don't really care). He can't blame me on that but he did came to talk to me and told me that, he will sort out the files for me to do and have discussion with me on monday. Meanwhile, he is also not sure what to give me. I told him I searched all the books in the cupboard and I couldn't find anything 'constructive' to read and he then went into his room, passed me 3 books that I was looking for. haha.. I guess I solved his and my problem for the time being. hahaha...

I hope some documents from the Insurance company came in tomorrow morning and that I can go to Bar Council to get my application for the Practising Certificate done. If that is happening, then I shall also visit the library and also the Land Office nearby to get something done.

A week is about to pass. I am still not 100% settle in my works and life yet. I am still looking forwards to have more WORKS. haha... So, that's why I said, I think I am a workaholic...

hahaha...

- goodness -

Idea!

When I was on my way back from KL through the Federal Highway this evening after work, I was wondering what caused all the traffic jam. Well, after a few seconds of thought, I guess it is all because all Malaysian do not know one simple theory. That is: When there is a traffic jam, keep your speed limit below 25 km/second. I can't remember how I derive into that calculation, but if everyone is keeping that speed, every car is actually moving. If someone brakes, then all the cars behind will actually stopping and the most behind the car is, the more longer the stop is. That's how traffic jam is caused. But I guess, not many know the theory?

Besides that, of course it is because every car is trying to be selfish and try their ways out and not giving ways to the other cars. And the worse is that the government doesn't really bother about that and still claiming they are improving the road system. I would say... if they can't even 'teach' or 'train' all the drivers to drive well, with good manners and obverving the law, what can they do to improve the road system? Why can't they tighten the law in this area? Or is that because they themselves not very sure that they well keep in the law? ...

Well, I guess today's jam is not a waste after all. My friend called me while I was on my way and I had a good time with her and her husband and she even treated me a good meal. Wonderful isn't it?

When I reached home, internet is still down, we failed to sort that out and my other housemate just gave up on it. hai... But as usual, due to my wireless, I am connecting using others' line. Hmm... met a few lawyers today and we shared about what I am doing now and well, it's encouraging to know that it is not bad actually to start this professions with Banking works. It could be a good grounding. So, yes... I guess I will keep on moving in this area of law and see what I can get in future.

My dearest mom did called to check out things on me. Well, we talked for about 30 minutes and realise that my dad went to see doctor today. Hope he is fine and well. Heard he went to get blood tested the whole day (twice). Hmm... really hope everything is fine. Result not out yet. But mom has 100% confidence that he is doing fine. haha... I really admire my mom's faith in the Lord. I guess she trusted the Lord 100%. Something which I really need to learn.

Anyway... so, tomorrow I will be stuck in traffic again because no one knows the theory? OH NO.....!!!!

- "mau lit"-

What a feeling...

I woke up early today and went all the way to Gombak Land Office. Where is it? Hmm.. it cost me total of RM11.00 just to call people to find my way there. After I got everything done, I went back to my office, done some works and there I go.... have NOTHING to do till 6pm. There is no internet, no games, NOTHING... and I was just sitting there thinking, why am I here for? At about 3 pm, someone called me ... well, a well-known good firm called asking when can I attend an interview. I told them I am already attach to a firm and she was shock and asked how much so fast... and I said, well, it took you weeks to get back to me. haha...

May be I was left with NOTHING to do and that my mind start wander around and thinking of what I want in life. Banking is my last choice to be honest... I never want to do Banking. If you ask my friends, all of them can tell you how much I do not like banking. I can easily pick it up just like that and I just feel that it is nothing to do with "good and professional lawyer". It is just some works that everyone can do. Anyone without any legal knowledge can just pick that up easily. I feel therefore, so discouraged since afternoon...

I went to worship practice and I didn't feel so happy about it. But the worship was great and I manage to submit my petition to the Lord. After the practice, my mom called me and we had rather not a good talk. She encouraged me to continue with my current job and see how God shows me the future later. But I think I was too concern about wanting to know more about the laws and I started to feel that I didn't want to take up Banking litigation only and that caused me failed to came out with an agreement with my mother. I know her intention is good and that she is also worry that I will be jobless again due to all these. I know she cares and she is worry about me. ...

I came back from the worship practice, thinking that the internet will ease my discomfort, but .. my line is down and I was totally in depression. When I finally manage to online, I saw this friend of mine and without hesitation, I told her my problem. Well, I guess she enlighten me by saying that there is no end by entering into Banking litigation now. It is just a stepping stone and I can always do what I want in future. I think she is right. I don't know why I saw all these as some END and not a blessing. Satan has covered by eyes and since when it did that? Well, there and then I remember that one of my friend used to remind ourselves that Satan is the king of liar and it lies without you realise it.

Well, I guess... now, I just have to concentrate on what I should do. Learn as much as I can and move on to other field after that. ...

- down-

First day of work !!!

Well, the firm needed someone URGENTLY and I needed a job URGENTLY... and that ended up that, the firm's manager ran around crazily the whole day. It's a last minute decision and they only know I will join the firm after a weekend and that resulting me, sitting in one of the ex-clerk's place in another department temporary. hahahaha..... YES!!! I didn't have my work station yet. Too bad...!!! But I do have good colleagues around me... 3 of them. haha.. very nice!!! I must tell you, after a one day observation, I found that they knew about the conveyancing matters more than me. hahahaha... most of the time, I couldn't make out the terms they used and what they were calculating and disccused about... and they communicate pretty well with the conveyancing partners... so, that sums up that I am a conveyancing idiot. hahaha...

Thought I am without my own work station, I was given a PC. I reached office at 8 something this morning. ... well, if you remember... I forgot to ask the manager what is the office hour like.. so, I was there rather early this morning. Didn't do much... sit myself down and started to check whether I can online. Too bad... like other law firms, I can't online althought the network is connected. As I am using the clerk's PC, I am still nto sure if I can go online once I got my own PC. Generally, because all litigation lawyers are expected to do research through CLJ ONLINE. So... I am just wondering....!!! Not putting so much hope on it... !!!

Apart from that, I found out that there is a cafe, KIOSK and other stores in that building. So, after all, that's not a very inconvenient place. More over, Public Bank is near, the courts are all nearby. So, it is rather convenient.

In the afternoon, after lunch... I saw someone familiar. She came in to the conveyancing department from the litigation department and wow.. she recognise me of course... and low and behold, she is my CLP mate... she must have been practising more than 4 years now... hahahaha.. and I now became her junior. hahaha... But yes... at least I know someone there.

At about 3:30pm, I received a phone call from this firm ("P") who said he wanted me so much and was suppose to get back to me by last week. Since I didn't hear from them, I decided to accept this firm's offer. Now that I started, they called me wah... Well, too late... althought I think I like the works "P" firm does. But really, ... it's too late. So sad...

I went to do some shopping after work... and it took me 1 1/2 hours to get the shopping done. Came back, ate something and started to feel so dizzy and tired. And ops... I must leave and iron my clothes and get ready for tomorrow.

To be honest, if you ask me how I feel on the first day of work, I shall say: it makes me feel like going back to Tawau, Sabah NOW.

- what a day -

Memories ...

Yes... it is this guitar that reminded me something which I think I will never forget. Time flies... it was about 5 years ago when I first came back from England. I still remember, I do have a few guitar before this, and even during my time in England, I was given 2 guitars for free. I never cease playing guitar in the church, for the Lord ever and I was blessed with so many guitars. However, none of them were with me when I first stepped my feets in Kuala Lumpur in November 2000. As I was staying alone with no one I know in a house (haunted house) at S.E.A Park, I was so lost and there ... my parents suggest I buy myself a guitar. This was after they saw me feeling a bit happier with a guitar that was lent to me by a friend of mine. I hesitated at first because I didn't know where to get one and it might cost a lot. However, my dad and mom insisted that I shall get one for myself and to be honest, I wanted one desperately either. hahaha...

I travelled all the way to this shop near Bukit Bintang and I choose this wonderful guitar. Ibanez. I didn't want a very expensive one and I certainly know that I won't want to plug in to any amplifier, so I choose this one. It is wonderful and if you ask me now if this is worthy, I can tell you it is and I do not regret choosing this one.

This guitar might not be the ONLY one I have for myself, but it is going to be my DEAREST one as it went through hard time with me and it brings joy to me when I was in despair and discouragement. It is my best friend ...

Thanks, my dearest dad and mom... for the most wonderful gift... !!!

- sweet memory -

A "fulfilling" day!!

When I look at my clock, it's 2 something to 3 in the morning when I quickly shut down my computer and went to bed. ... When I was still in the stage of 'sleeping', I was woke up by a phone call, asking me if I can be the driver for the children cell tomorrow. I was woke up by the phone call and I therefore, being submissive and got up.

There and then, I start cleaning my room. This is really something I never done to this room. I basically put everything outside my room and start cleaning and re-arranging all my things. You are not going to believe how much time I spent to get the Hi-Fi set up to my 'satisfactory' level. I want the sound be good (otherwise, I don't need a Hi-Fi) and I set all the 5 speakers to a very good position and I switch that one and continue my room cleaning and re-arranging. It took me about 6 and a half hours for all these. However, it is satisfying !!!

After all these, I sat down and start reading my bible and do my devotion (yes, I should have done it the first thing in the morning, but I didn't). This passage however, struck my heart so deeply... as it reminded me that, if I expect God to guide me, I should first willing to be submissive.

Of all the things that happen to me for the past few months, I keep on asking God to guide my way, guide me to the path He has planned for me, but did I submit myself? I asked myself the question and to be honest, I think I didn't. "WHAT IF" God asked me to go into full time ministry now, am I willing to go NOW? I started to fear... I fear and feel afraid that I am not walking on the path He planned for me. I scare that I am using my own understadig in finding 'the path'. Am I? If I am, I am a doom...!!!

At about 5pm, after all these, I went out with 3 friends for a fellowship. I had the most expensive meal I ever had for the past 5 months. hahaha... but it's a good one!!!

- fulfilling -

Praise the Lord!!!

Praise the Lord, Thank you, God, Praise the Lord.... !!!!

That's what's in my mind this morning while I was woke up by this phone call from this law firm that interviewed me yesterday. They promise to let me know in the morning and I was waiting and because of that, I didn't manage to sleep tight last night. But yes... I received their call this moring at 9:30am. They gave me an offer and they asked me to start work on Monday. So, I am starting my career with this "Y" firm.

I heard of this firm many times, but many times, I said to myself, I might not be able to get in. But who knows, things happen and I am starting to work in this firm on Monday. I hope thing works well from here.

So, immediately after that, I called 2 of the other firms who offered me and thank them for the opportunity given to me. One gave me the impression that they want me desperately because the partner did asked me to re-consider my decision. The other one, which I felt so burden to reject them did blessed me. We even made a joke to say we will meet each other in court sometime soon.

My mom called me about 15 minutes ago just to catch up to see how I made my decision this time. I told her how the interview went, how I came to know the firm (through a case with my previous firm) and what will I get in the firm, etc. She seems happy about my decision and yes, I am excited about it either.

*****************

Trust me, after the previous incident in that "J" firm, in every interview I got (6 in total) thereof, I asked all the firm about if they will ask me to do what "J" firm asked me to do and to my expectation, they all said they won't do that because that's against the law and I can be even sentence to 3 months imprisonment and more so, I will not be able to be lawyer anymore.

Of all that, one conclusion made. I am happy that I left "J" firm because they are a terrible and not an ethical firm. I thank God I didn't start my career in such a firm. So, of all these, although I didn't get what I want in this new job (in terms of salary) and I was unemployed for 3 weeks, I praise the Lord for His protection, His guidance, His love, His blessing and His providence. He is wonderful and awesome!!!

Thank you, Lord for being faithful always!!!!

- glory to the Lord -

Job v Career

What came into my mind when I consider whether to stay in Tawau or KL a few months ago, was the issue of what I want in life now. To be honest, I didn't really know what I want. What exactly was in my mind was to get a job, start earning and get my life going.

Today, I attended 2 interviews. At one of the interview, I was asked by the interviewer of what exactly I am looking for. JOB or CAREER? .... It was not an easy question to answer.

The different between a Job and Career is that, the former doesn't require you to earn more than you know and the later do require one to learn more, get more experience, work harder, have more commitment. So, I guess that's the fear of all employer to have someone just need a JOB. Obviously, I am trying to build my career instead of just working. Hence, I am re-considering whether it is right for me to be in KL. Will that be a waste if I didn't work in KL for life? I am kind of 'wrong' in setting my mind to 'get exposure' in KL. I probably will get the same amount of explosure I can get in Sabah UNLESS I work in a corporate firm or doing a commercial or corporate litigation. As I am focusing to get exposure and go back to Sabah, I am wanting so much to learn certain laws, ie. the Banking, the bankruptcy and other matters. But if I am doing that, What different does it make if I stay in Sabah? haha... I am confused and I am contradicting all my reasonings. ...

I went to this interview with this firm ("Y") and I think they are quite keen to offere me a post. They will call me to confirm tomorrow after talking to the 2 senior partners. I hope this one works but at the same time, I am a bit concern about me not being given opportunity to explose to the other area of law because my main field in this firm is to do banking. Honestly, I don't mind learning banking as a starting. After all, I was given lots of chances to do things other than banking before this (during my pupillege).

Well, is it too early to determine between Job and Career or I was wrong in making decision? ... hmm.....

On the other hand, another thought came into my mind. I am thinking of quiting this professions after a few years. So...? Job or career? hahahah...

- confused -

Different Standard?

To get you all updated, ... the law firm who interviewed me yesterday called this morning to let me know that what I am asking is indeed the market price. But unfortunately, they will only offer me what I am asking for after 3 months of probation. I am happy about it but I am still wanting to go through all the interviews and see if any other firms can give me a better offer. ... After all the nature of the work this firm has is quite limited for me to learn.

**********

I went to an interview this afternoon and the person interviewed me (David) sort of questioned me about my knowledge in law. Wow... it's not easy to answer because I forgot 95% of the English law and he was asking me the difference between the English law and Malaysia law. So, I didn't answer much of his questions.

In almost all the interviews, the interviewers tend to ask me if there is anything different between the 2 different jurisdictions (High court of Malaya and High court in Sabah & Sarawak). It is so difficult to answer but I guess it is the different standard that both of the jurisdictions applied. Sabah tend to be more flexible and among fellow lawyers, they are friendly and willing to share. I am not saying which one is better than the other one. What I am saying is, different lifestyle made different standard. In KL, no doubt, competition is there. More people is rushing for that little piece of cheese and therefore, people tend to be selfish and not willling to share with others. But that's not the case in Sabah. That piece of cheese is still big enough to accomodate the whole Sabah. So, that's no competition and people are nice and willing to share with each other.

In terms of law... hmm... if you are a KL lawyer, you need to put more efforts (more knowledge) to win over a case and earn your living. But if you are a Sabah lawyer, you can just put 1/2 of the efforts you need in KL to win over a case and earn your living. ... So, I call it... "different standard".

So, if you ask me why came back to KL. I shall say, I want to get more explosure... and I want to be in a higher and difficult standard for now. Believe me, some of the 2 years experience lawyer I know are better than 6 years lawyer I knew in Sabah. So, I guess I want to go through a hard time to gain as much as I can before I go back to Sabah one day... (if that's part of plan of God).

- thought -